– After a 2 week hiatus, WWE has decided to bring back their weekly Superstars online show in the United States. This week’s “return” episode will be posted to Youtube this afternoon at 4pm (EST).
The following matches have been taped for today’s WWE.com Superstars broadcast:
AJ vs. Tamina.
Ted DiBiase vs. Tyson Kidd.
Alex Riley vs. JTG.
Michael McGuillicuty vs. Percy Watson.
– There is some concern among WWE officials regarding Rey Mysterio using his own doctors in San Diego for his operations and not Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama, who is considered the best in the business.
– There was only one house show over the weekend – a RAW and SmackDown supershow that took place from Mobile, Alabama on 10/1. That event only drew 3,200 paying fans and a gate of $92,000, which is a disappointing turnout considering superstars from both brands (including John Cena) were in attendance.
The following statement was posted on the WWE website on Wednesday announcing that the WWE superstars will be working this weekend’s scheduled live events – on one condition ..
Superstars agree to participate in weekend live events
Attention, WWE Universe: WWE Superstars have agreed to participate in WWE live events this weekend, so long as the Chief Operating Officer, Triple H, is not in the building. Triple H has agreed to these terms, and all shows will continue as scheduled.
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler is the latest performer to discuss the walkout stryline from Monday’s RAW. Lalwer posted the following video and description to YouTube on Wednesday:
“Just wanted to take a minute to explain why I did what I did on Raw, and to tell you that I had no idea my actions would lead to a walkout.”
– WWE’s next pay-per-view event Vengeance is just weeks away on Sunday 10/23 – and WWE is planning to use next week’s RAW and SmackDown to do the major set up for the event.
WWE will be in Mexico for the RAW and SmackDown tapings the week before Vengeance and those shows are being looked at as “special” international TV tapings and not the usual “go-home” shows before a PPV.
Both RAW and SmackDown talent are expected to appear on both shows heading into Vengeance.
– WWE will be doing their annual Tribute To The Troops special once again and this year’s taping has been scheduled for Sunday, December 11th, 2011 at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
– As WWE heads to Asia in the coming months for a live tour, the company is looking to run live events in China, but the government approval process is very strict.
UFC has had similar difficulties dealing with Chinese authorities and expecting to finally hold an event from China in 2012.
– Monday’s RAW featured a chance in format from the typical weekly broadcasts. Instead of opening with the long interview segment that would set up the main angle for the rest of the show, WWE opened with Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre – and held off on the long interview until the end of the second quarter hour.
The reasoning behind this change is that WWE is looking compete with their stiff competition from NFL’s Monday Night Football and the MLB baseball playoffs. WWE tried to keep viewers tuned in longer at the start of the show because they were coming off Hell in a Cell the night before and they knew fans would be tuning in for the first big in-ring segment. By putting the first storyline segment in the second quarter hour, their hope was that viewers would stay tuned in through the Orton-McIntyre match and beyond.
– Carly Thornton, a well-known fitness model form the UK, will be getting a WWE tryout when WWE is overseas in November.
Thornton does not have any experience in the wrestling industry, but she has been working in the UK as a presenter on the Active Channel and endorses several bodybuilding supplements. She is said to be quite attractive and resembles former WWE ring announcer Jamie Keyes.
— WWE’s Hell in a Cell event took place this past weekend and we’ve already got some early data on how the show did on pay-per-view. Expectations within WWE were that the show would do worse than last year – and early trending numbers indicate a 20% drop from Night of Champions.
Live attendance at the show saw only 7,500 paid fans (9,400 in total) with a live gate of $475,000, which is lower than most WWE pay-per-view events.
— The Top 20 most popular WWE personalities on Facebook in twitter, in Order, are John Cena, The Rock, Mysterio, Undertaker, Triple H, Randy Orton, Edge, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Kelly Kelly, Kane, John Morrison, big Show, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, Great Khali, Chris Jericho, Maryse and Bret Hart.
It’s worth noting that CM Punk doesn’t have a Facebook page, which strongly affects his ranking on the list.
Diva Dirt reports that WWE has signed 27 year old Canadian women’s wrestler Kira Forster to a developmental deal. She has wrestled in Canada under the name Taya Valkyrie and is expected to report to FCW to begin training in the next few months.
Taya, who has also done fitness work and some modeling, has trained under former WWE Superstar Lance Storm and appeared on his World of Hurt reality show in Canada. She is the third women’s wrestler from the Storm Wrestling Academy to be signed this year. It’s believed she was the women’s wrestler that Lance recommended WWE agents take a look at, at the recent WWE tapings in Canada.
WWE also signed Storm students Irena Janjic, who is wrestling in FCW as Leah West and Tenille Taylor, who is expected to report to FCW in a few months after recovering from shoulder surgery.
Check out these pictures of newly signed WWE diva Kira Forster:
– WWE.com has an article up that questions whether Triple H was “set up to fail” as WWE’s Chief Operating Officer, considering his close ties to the anti-authority DX stable. The article hints at how Shawn Michaels could be involved in the walk-out storyline, since Michaels is scheduled to appear at next week’s SmackDown taping as part of an advertised “DX reunion.’
– TheStreet.com has an article up looking at the current state of WWE’s stock, which has taken a beating this year ever since WWE cut its dividend in the Spring. Mark Travis, portfolio manager for the Intrepid Small Cap Fund, sounds optimistic about the stock’s outlook:
“You have a clean balance sheet and $170 million in cash. The perception is that WWE wrestling events are suffering due to a weakened consumer, and while there may be some truth to that, you also have the TV contracts which mitigate the ticket sale volatility.”
– The official website of Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena, the venue hosting Monday’s RAW Supershow, has posted the following preview for next week:
“The Game is not fit to lead the company and must, essentially, either appoint a new COO or resign from his post.
“After one of the most historic RAWs in recent history, will the fallout continue from disgruntled WWE Superstars John Cena, CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Oklahoma’s own Jim Ross and more on Monday night at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena?”
Ric Flair and Mick Foley appeared on television this morning in Charlotte, North Carolina to promote tonight’s Shane Helms benefit comedy show. Check out this video of the two legends from this morning and below that is a press release with details regarding the show:
The following press release was issued regarding a fundraiser being held on behalf of former WWE talent Shane Helms this Wednesday at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, North Carolina
Don’t miss out on Mick Foley’s Hurricane Assist Comedy show. The show is a Fundraiser for a great cause. And with the purchase of a ticket you get to see Mick Foley’s stand-up comedy performance along with comedian J Derrell, and get to participate in a FREE meet and greet with the legendary “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, The Rated R Superstar Edge, TNA star Gunner, LLUSA stars Reby Sky and Jayme Jameson, WCW star Lodi, Female Indy Sensation Amber O’Neal, the list keeps growing!!
Former WWE and TNA star Mick Foley asked for fan help with ticket sales for the Shane Helms fundraising event that will be held at the Charlotte Comedy Zone in Charlotte, N.C. on October 5.
“I originally saw this as a way for the wrestling community to help out one of our own during a time of need,” Foley said. “But a few weeks ago, Shane told me that he would like to take whatever money is raised and use it to produce an effective Public Service Announcement, which will likely help others avoid the pain and suffering, and loss of income that Shane had had to endure.
“He admitted that having his livelihood taken away from him has been, and will continue to be a financial strain, but really felt strongly about using whatever funds were raised to help others.”
WWE took their live events website (www.wwelivetour.com) offline Wednesday afternoon after numerous nude images were published in the photo gallery.
The website features an unmoderated section where fans are allowed to upload photos taken at live events. A nude photo of former WWE Diva Tiffany from her Playboy modeling days was uploaded to the website this morning, garnering attention online. Users then started to bombard the section with several tawdry images (including a graphic still of Chyna’s s genitalia from her 2004 adult film 1 Night in China), causing WWE to hastily take the website offline.
The website remains down as of this post; it instead redirects to WWE.com.
– There has been talk within WWE of doing more angles that cater to issues internet fans talk about on sites like SEScoops.com.
– Recent WWE SmackDown television tapings have been drawing alarmingly small crowds – and several readers who were at Tuesday’s taping from Biloxi, MS said this show was no different – with about half the arena tarped off.
With SmackDown television tapings and live events failing to draw large audiences, there has been talk of extending the Triple H – COO storyline to SmackDown and having more RAW stars appear on the show each week, putting yet another nail in the coffin of the brand split.
– WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who recently underwent emergency neck surgery, was forced to pull out of a live appearance in Orlando this weekend. He wrote on Twitter:
“Standing up to the plate. My neck needs 1 more week to heal, it’ll be stronger than before. I feel terrible, Can’t do Orlando this weeked.”
– The WWE NXT timeslot move was made to provide additional time to edit and work on the broadcast.
– Maryse is featured on the cover of the new Sessions Magazine. The issue also includes a 10-page feature on the WWE Diva.
WWE officials are very high on Sheamus right now, with the former WWE champion scheduled to get a monster push this fall leading into 2012. Longterm booking on the SmackDown brand have Sheamus, Randy Orton and Mark Henry as the centerpiece talents of SmackDown.
Vice McMahon has been a strong backer of Sheamus over the years and has renewed faith in the Celtic Warrior since his recent babyface turn. Sheamus’ work doing public appearances (especially with the Be A Star campaign) has helped his perception with management.
Although WrestleMania 28 is stil several months away and plans can change several times before the, WWE is looking for Sheamus to challenge SmackDown’s dominant monster Mark Henry for World Heavyweight championship at WrestleMania.
– After announcing that Hulk Hogan would be returning to the ring at Bound For Glory and wrestling his longtime rival Sting, there were plans for Ric Flair to be added to the match, making it a 3-way match. Considering Hulk Hogan’s lack of mobility and the history between all three men, TNA officials were hoping that adding Flair to the match would take pressure off Hogan and Sting and allow for more low-impact gimmick spots to be used in the match.
When Flair got injured during his match with Sting on Impact several weeks ago, plans to include Flair in the Hogan-Sting match were dropped and the no-DQ stipulation was added to Hogan-Sting.
– As reported here on the site yesterday, Hulk Hogan has signed a new deal with TNA just days before his previous deal was set to expire. A TNA source has confirmed to us that it’s virtually guaranteed Eric Bischoff will be renewing his deal as well.
– Hogan is in Los Angeles this week filming new commercials for Rent-A-Center with NFL Legend Troy Aikman.
– According to sources close to Chris Jericho, the former WWE superstar has been talking to friends lately about returning to the company. There’s no word yet on exactly when he’ll be back, but many people in WWE expect Jericho will be back in early 2012 in time for the build to WrestleMania 28. When Jericho does return, he will most likely be working a reduced schedule.
– CM Punk noted on Twitter that he’s headed down under to Australia this week for the Nickelodeon’s Australian Kid’s Choice Awards, which tapes this Friday. Punk is nominated for the “Baddest Baddie” award.
– Natalya wrote on Twitter that she and Beth Phoenix are working on a a new double-team move called “The Drop of Doom.” She teased, “Coming soon to an arena near you” and posted an image of her and Beth’s action figures performing the move, which you can see here.
WWE star Rey Mysterio, who recently underwent two knee surgeries to repair his MCL, posted a video to YouTube on Tuesday updating fans on his condition.
Mysterio is is already walking on crutches, has begun physical therapy and is expected to be out of action until 2012.
In the video, Rey talks about his recent surgeries, shows off his new scars and reveals that he’ll be getting some new tattoo work next week.
Regal wrote the following on Twitter on Tuesday night:
“Some people have asked about the walkout on Raw.My personal reasons for my action was that I think HHH has enough on his plate being the COO.I know exactly what it takes to be in charge of Raw and it comes at a dear price(or it did with me).HHH is in charge of the WWE.He needs to concentrate on the company as a whole and put a suitable candidate in charge of the Raw brand.
Although we haven’t had much to do with each other(apart from the odd scuffle)18 years ago myself and HHH where very close. We choose separate paths but my heart went out to him last night as for whatever has happened in our respective lives,we where once friends.
I don’t agree with the superstars on any of there reasons for walking out on HHH.I just want him to share some of his burden. And I hope this message gets to him and he respects my view.”
WWE.com announced Sunday that The Great Khali suffered a fractured fibula following a brutal attack by World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry on SmackDown Friday night. The angle was orchestrated to remove the “The Punjabi Playboy” from television since his contract is set to expire and will likely not be renewed.
Many employees feel that the one-time World Heavyweight Champion will head back to India to focus on acting. There is talk, however, that he will maintain a relationship with WWE to work on film projects and other endeavors.
WWE has announced that effective immediately, NXT Redemption is moving to Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. ET/1 PT on WWE.com.
WWE.com made the announcement prior to the start of tonight’s regularly scheduled episode, which reads: “WWE Universe, tune in to WWE.com Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET/1 PT for an all-new episode of WWE NXT Redemption! For complete coverage of WWE NXT, including results, photos, video clips and full episodes on demand, visit NXT.WWE.COM any time.”
After WWE made the announcement on Twitter, Derrick Bateman wrote, “Ok. Nevermind. It airs at 4 tomorrow? Glad I know now…… #WALKOUT”
Matches taped tonight in Biloxi, Mississippi for tomorrow’s episode are: Daniel Bryan vs. Heath Slater, JTG vs. Yoshi Tatsu, Derrick Bateman vs. Titus O’Neil, Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso.
CM Punk wrote the following on Twitter about the walkout angle that took place at the end of Monday’s RAW:
“I think a lot of people are missing the point. Fans and coworkers alike. Walking out is a p***y move. There’s a huge difference in what I did. I want change, and I can’t change s*** from my couch. I’m in the fox hole. I’m getting it done. I stayed to fight and I’m fighting for change. You can protest, violently or peacefully without actually showing up. Walking out isn’t a solution at least not one that I’ve ever seen work. Hold ’em up. Make them change. Don’t just walk out, or lay down. Fight.”
“This goes for fans as well. Bored? Don’t like @johncena? Want more @ZackRyder? Show up and be heard. Don’t be a p***y and just tweet about it. Actions speaks louder than words. Except mine. My words are pretty awesome. No think about all that, and hopefully you’ll get it. Too many tweets from me. Misspellings abound. You CAN’T protest without showing up. I am not Gandhi. I will kick your face. Don’t like HHH as COO? Punch him in the face. I did. It’s wrestling, not the NBA. Next high kick to Johnny “Funkhauser” Ace won’t be an accident.”
– The ratings are in for Monday’s post-Hell in a Cell RAW Supershow – and WWE is back above the 3.0 mark. The 10/3 edition of RAW drew a 3.05 cable rating, with 4,270,000 viewers. The show did hours of 2.95 and 3.14.
– The Rock is being advertised on the radio for the next 3-hour WWE RAW Supershow on November 14th from Boston. This will be the go-home show before Survivor Series.
– WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio is backstage at tonight’s Smackdown tapings from Biloxi, MS and is scheduled to appear on Smackdown. No word yet on what he’ll be doing.
Although it appears that CM Punk’s push has been cooled off in recent weeks, sources say that the straight edge superstar is in line for yet another strong push later this year that will likely include another WWE title run as well as a possible starring role in a WWE Studios movie.
CM Punk took somewhat of a backseat to John Cena and Alberto Del Rio heading into Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, but with the title off Cena (who is expected to resume his feud with The Rock headed into Survivor Series), CM Punk will once again be placed back in the WWE title hunt and will begin chasing Alberto Del Rio for the title.
Coming of his surge in popularity earlier this summer, CM Punk has becoming one of the top merchandise movers in the entire company. WWE is looking to capitalize on Punk’s popularity by releasing additional merchandise (including an autobiography) and are considering CM Punk as a leading man for an upcoming WWE Studios movie.
Overall, WWE officials are said to be very high on Punk right now, with Punk expected to be one of the centerpieces of Monday Night RAW heading into 2012. Despite many questioning whether WWE lost faith on CM Punk, the company is going “all in” on him in the coming months.
Mick Foley is auctioning off tickets to the Survivor Series in New York City and lunch with the Hardcore Legend himself, with proceeds going to Hurricane Irene victims.
His latest blog has now been posted on RealMickFoley.com. Here’s an excerpt:
“Yes, I am setting up a pretty decent auction, with 100% (minus mailing costs) going to help out Vermonters suffering in the wake of flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. This might not be my very best stuff, like the Cactus Jack leopard boots and Hell in a Cell shirt, since that type of auction reminds me of Daffy Duck playing the harp, having emerged the victor in the big bump contest with Bugs Bunny – acknowledging Bugs’s accolades; sadly saying “I know, I know, but I can only do it once” on his way up to heaven. Still, this is going to be a good auction; it’s going to raise some money for some people who really need it, and it’s going to show the wrestling community in a favorable light – which is always important to me. With the exception of a couple of big items, like the Survivor Series vacation package, most of these items should come in under the $100 mark, making them a possibility for far more fans. Wait, check that – the historic Foley Juggalos ICP jersey I wore for this past Gathering might bring in some serious cash. One might have to be a Big Money Hustla just to get his/her hands on it! Yeah, I know, that was weak.”
For all of Mick’s latest blogs, videos, events, and more – visit RealMickFoley.com. You can also follow Mick Foley on Twitter @RealMickFoley.
EXCLUSIVE: Which Big Names are Planned for the Huge Survivor Series Match This Year?
It’s already been announced that The Rock will be making his in-ring return to WWE at Survivor Series for the first time since WrestleMania 20 – as he teams with his scheduled WrestleMania 28 opponent John Cena.
According to a reliable source who has provided us with several accurate scoops in previous months, Rock and Cena will be teaming together as part of a blockbuster main event match at Survivor Series that will see a “Team WWE” vs. “Team Anti-WWE.”
The anti-WWE team is not fully known at this time but will feature “future endeavored” superstars such as Kevin Nash, The Miz and R-Truth. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has also been rumored to be a member of the Anti-WWE team.
Team WWE would feature The Rock, John Cena, Triple H and at least one more “mega star” – with The Undertaker and even “Stone Cold” Steve Austin discussed as possible participants.
While Steve Austin coming out of retirement for this match is a long shot, Austin’s involvement would take the star power and signifcance of this match to unprecedented heights.
Our source was quoted as saying, “The Rock and Cena feud has been featured on screen and on twitter. Stone Cold and Punk rivalry has been acknowledged as well, it would be a great fit they get everyone together.”
The source did say they feel if Austin was to be on this team with Punk at Survivor Series, the chances of him performing in a big singles match at WrestleMania 28 would e significantly. Austin has never ruled out getting in the ring again but wants things to be the right situation. The Undertaker would be the more likely option as most in the company are expecting him to come back sometime in the next couple months to get ready for WrestleMania.
– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown and NXT tapings will take place from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi.
WWE announced on RAW that the Big Show will return to SmackDown this week and will confront World Heavyweight champion Mark Henry.
The dark match main event being advertised for the tapings is Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton in a Lumberjack Match.
For fans attending tonight’s taping, WWE sponsor The National Guard will have the Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 NASCAR car in the parking lot on display.
– WWE returns to Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum on Saturday, December 17th. A ticket pre-sale begins this Wednesday morning. The pre-sale code is WWERYDER.
– Former WWE divas Lilian Garcia and Maria Kanellis took part in a post-RAW video show on Monday night along with former WWE creative team member Dave Lagana. You can watch their video show here:
