— The July 4th edition of Monday Night Raw scored a 2.4 cable rating, the program’s lowest rating of 2011. The show drew hours of 2.34 and 2.45, with 3,717,000 viewers overall.

Raw ranked No. 1 overall in total viewers and key adult demographics on cable. The program had not averaged fewer than four million viewers since September 27, 2010.

— The July 2 episode of A.M. Raw did a 0.58 cable rating, with 200,000 viewers.

— Eve Torres has launched her official website, EveTorres.com. She posted a video of herself solving the Rubik’s Cube.

source: PWInsider.com

– WWE Champion John Cena and CM Punk have had a lot of negative things to say about each other in recent weeks leading up to their showdown at Money in the Bank on 7/17, but the two superstars had very nice things to say about one another following a recent match.

After John Cena defeated CM Punk in the main event of the WWE’s recent live event in Brisbane, Australia, Punk grabbed a microphone from ringside and actually put over the WWE champion. Punk says that while The Rock is off filming movies, Cena remains part of the WWE universe and performs in sickness and in health. Punk and Cena shook hands and Punk went to the back.

Cena then grabbed the mic and put over CM Punk also putting over Punk and showing respect. Cena called Punk the best wrestler in WWE today and said their Money in the Bank match will be the match of the year – even bigger than he and The Rock at next year’s WrestleMania.

– The Miami Herald has a story about Melina and John Morrison appearing at this weekend’s FCW events, where they’ll be doing meet and greets prior to Friday and Saturday’s shows.  For more information, visit MiamiHerald.com.

– Steve Austin’s new straight-to-video action movie Tactical Force will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on 8/9.

– Stan sent word that Monday’s RAW featured 30 minutes and 51 seconds of in-ring action, which is down from the previous week.

– Travel packages for next April’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view will not be going on sale next Monday (7/11) as previously announced. Will is expected to announce a new on-sale date in the coming days.

Adelaide Now has an article on The Miz, who recalls a humiliating experience that took place during his early days in WWE.

“Nobody liked me, everyone wanted me fired and was trying to get me fired. I’m in the WWE, and everyone there and the WWE Universe hates me. It made me feel like I was walking on egg shells,” The Miz said of his colleagues.

“I got kicked out of the locker rooms, so I couldn’t find a place to change or shower. I remember one time going down the corridor to go to the (stadium’s public) bathroom and fans going `Oh my god, that’s The Miz’ – thanks, I’m going to the bathroom next to a kid that has my shirt on. It’s kind of belittling and humiliating. But it’s one of those things that made me stronger and made me realise I could take everything that anyone dishes.”

To read the full interview, head over to AdelaideNow.com.au.

— The July 1 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.63 cable rating, the lowest of 2011 and second-lowest on Syfy. Only the New Year’s Eve episode scored a lower rating.

SmackDown averaged 2.33 million viewers, down from 2.40 the previous week. This extends the program’s streak of less than 3.0 million viewers to nine consecutive weeks.

The June 24 SmackDown scored a 1.69 rating, down from a 1.71 rating the prior week. It was tied for the lowest rated episode of the year.

— Paul Bearer stated on his Facebook page that he is heading to WWE’s television studios in Stamford, Connecticut to work on a ‘special project’.

— Steve Austin’s latest direct-to-video film, Tactical Force, will be released on Blu-ray on Tuesday, August 9.

source: PWInsider.com

WWE’s SmackDown crew landed in Capetown, South Africa yesterday – and most of the superstars and divas had their luggage ransacked after a domestic flight from Johannesburg.

World Heavyweight champion RandyOrton wrote tweeted the following on Tuesday night:

“Landed in Capetown a few hours ago. Beautiful here. Too bad over half the roster had various items stolen out of they’re checked luggage.”

John Langford, chief operating officer of Big Concerts – the promoters of WWE’s South African tour – said when the luggage came off the carousel, the WWE bags had been broken into.

“The bags that had locks on them had been targeted,” he said. “They stole everything from watches to GPS [navigators] – things that had financial and sentimental value.”

Langford said this was embarrassing for South Africa as a country and for “[Big Concerts] as the organizers.”

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross jokingly replied to Orton’s tweets about the robbery:

“@RandyOrton Mick Foley once had his bag broken into. After reviewing the contents and feeling sorry for the owner, the theft left cash.”

– The July 1st episode of WWE’s SmackDown scored a 1.63 cable rating with 2,333,000 viewers.

SEScoops has confirmed with several key WWE sources that the new priority for talent executive John Laurinaitis is to re-sign Rey Mysterio, whose contract expires early in 2012.

“Laurinaitis has a lot of egg on his face right now,” we were told, “think about all the talent that has refused to re-sign. Jericho wouldn’t re-sign. MVP wouldn’t re-sign. Punk won’t re-sign. Even undercard wrestlers like Chavo (Guerrero) won’t re-sign right now. Laurinaitis needs a key re-signing to keep his corporate credibility alive right now!”

• Related News: EXCLUSIVE: Major Heat On WWE Exec Over Punk’s Contract

With the serious fallout from CM Punk’s homophobic remarks in Australia, Laurinaitis has targeted keeping Rey Mysterio in the fold as a demonstration to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon he still has the talent under control. “Laurinaitis always had big shoes to fill since he took over from Jim Ross,” we were told, “now he has to produce results. This is going to be very interesting to watch!”

A WWE spokesman noted to GLAAD in their response to CM Punk uttering an anti-gay slur during yesterday’s Raw live event in Australia that the wrestler is legitimately leaving the organization following the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event on July 18.

OpposingViews.com printed the following in their article: “WWE officials also told GLAAD this morning that CM Punk’s contract will expire in a few weeks, he will not be immediately renewed, and he will no longer be with WWE as of July 18. A spokesperson told us “this departure is not part of a storyline. He is contractually leaving the organization.

“A spokesperson for the WWE told us “We are taking this very seriously.”

OpposingViews.com also notes that GLAAD provided training to members of WWE’s editorial staff and writing team in May. The media monitoring organization is also in discussions with WWE to provide similar training seminars to on-camera talent.

The full story can be accessed here.

— Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler is used to people going crazy when they meet her, but the scene outside celebrity hotspot Katsuya was quite chaotic as the paparazzi scrambled to get great close up photos of Stacy as she headed to her car.

Stacy’s hot outfit only made the paparazzi crush even more severe, as everyone was scrambling to get pics of the gorgeous Dancing With The Stars alum. You can see Stacy looking positively gorgeous in her hot outfit here, courtesy of Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle blog.

— TMZ.com is reporting that Scott Hall checked himself in to the Seminole County Jail today to begin his sentence stemming from a 2010 arrest for drunken disorderly conduct at a Florida bar. Hall, who will be staying in the medical unit of the jail due to his bad health, was sentenced to 10 days but will likely only serve 2 days due to time previously served.

Check Out: Scott Hall’s Previous EIGHT Mugshot Pictures

Here is Scott Hall’s new mugshot picture, taken today (July 5th, 2011):

Sources within WWE have exclusively revealed to SEScoops.com that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Triple H are said to be very angry at talent relations executive John Laurinaitis over his failure to re-sign CM Punk. We have been told the heat on Laurinaitis is serious because this is seen as his second serious failure this year, with the failure to keep Chris Jericho on the roster falling on Laurinaitis’ shoulders as well.

One WWE source says “this is the same job JR had for years, and it’s a heat-magnet because you’re trapped between Vince’s expectations and the talents who want to break away from the brutal schedule.”

Another company source told us “Laurinaitis has made millions in salary and stock options. He’s expected to perform for that money, and produce results. Right now, he’s not getting done the job Vince expects of him!”

For much more on CM Punk’s WWE contract status, head over to our CM Punk news page.

The very first legend of the Octagon, Royce Gracie was at the E3 convention representing the UFC brand, when he found out WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly were promoting the new marketing initiative for THQ’s WWE ’12 Video Game, which replaces the Smackdown vs Raw franchise.

The marketing slogan for the new brand is Bigger, Badder, Better …

THQ has taken away the use of the right stick for wrestling moves and have brought back the face buttons as the main focus of the wrestling action. The list of controls:

A-  Grapple
B-  Irish Whip/Pin
X- Striking
Y- Finishers
LB- Action Button
RB- “New” Limb Targeting System
LT- Running
RT- Counters
DPad- Taunts
LS-Move
RS- Switching Opponents Position
LT+RT- Dragging Opponent

For those fans who have been playing the WWE Smackdown vs Raw video games, THQ promises it will be easy to get accustomed to these new controls rather quickly. Of course,if you prefer, you can switch back to last year’s controls, but why not go with innovative and progress?

There’s also the new “Breaking Point” submission system. THQ has created a virtual mini-game in which you and your opponent mash the face buttons or move the joysticks as the word “Breaking Point” fills up. If it fills up, your character will submit. Bye bye playa. Or player!  You will also have the ability to drag your body towards the ropes to try and execute a rope break. Of course, the opponent has until 5 to break.

So far, the new game and branding have been met with stellar reviews. And when the original legend of the Octagon Royce Gracie endorses your product, you know you’re onto something special.

To see the exclusive photo of Royce Gracie meeting with the sensational-looking Kelly Kelly and Alberto Del Rio, CLICK HERE.

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels talks about what he learned from the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage:

Former WWE star MVP has posted Episode 4 of his new YouTube video blog series.

In this episode, Mr. 305 gets a haircut:

Ring of Honorstar Claudio Castagnoli was interviewed by Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas this week for the Right After Wrestling radio show, which you can hear at TheScore.com.

Castagnoli, who recently had a WWE tryout along with his Kings of Wrestling tag team partner Chris Hero, had this to say about the possibility of working for WWE:

“I think I would prefer to go as a package with Chris Hero. But I would be comfortable working there on my own. We have a the unique ability to perform in a singles environment and in a tag environment. I think we definitely have very good chemistry and we have greater potential as a team.”

Many wrestlers who are successful in ROH or TNA never catch on in WWE the way many fans would hope. When asked whether the Kings of Wrestling would do well in WWE, Claudio said:

“I think we could survive in the right circumstances. We have the tools to flourish in any wrestling company. We both have unique abilities to talk. Both Chris (Hero) and I are both really good singles wrestlers and tag wrestlers so I think we bring a lot to the table there. And the next step is to bring in actual teams (into the WWE) and not just two singles-wrestlers coming together. That’s what’s missing – actual teams that look alike and seem to have been a team for a long time.”

Head on over to TheScore.com to listen to the full interview.

— Multiple WWE stars are battling injuries, according to a report on PWInsider.com.

NXT contestant Connor O’Brian is nursing a knee injury as he was icing it a lot at last week’s television tapings.

The Great Khali is also hurt, which has hindered his mobility—moreso.

Kane is dealing with various minor injuries, although he’s not letting it effect his in-ring work.

— Last night on Raw, Zack Ryder appeared on stage following David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty’s victory over Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov. Ryder delivered his trademark catchphrase. Regarding the cryptic appearance, WWE.com wrote: “Speaking of oddballs, The New Nexus’ victory celebration was cut short by Long Island Iced Z himself, Zack Ryder. The self-proclaimed “Internet Champion” left Otunga & McGillicutty with a cryptic warning as only he can deliver: “Woo woo woo, you know it.” Just what are they supposed to know?”

— Jerry Sags of The Nasty Boys turns 47 years old today while Hillbilly Jim turns 59.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update. Ross spoke at length about a number of topics, including Saturday’s UFC 132 pay-per-view You can read the entire blog over at  JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights from JR’s 4th of July update:

WWE’s “Down Under” Tour Completed: WWE Raw talents are finishing up a 5 day tour [on Sunday]. This tour will generate well over $3M in ticket sales revenue notwithstanding what the WWE will garner at their merchandise stands. Two live events had whopping 1.1M gates.

Bret Hart: Happy belated birthday to our good friend and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart whose B-Day was yesterday if I’m not mistaken. @BretHart was a pleasure to see when last we were in Stamford together for the HBK/Hitman DVD. Bret looks great and seems to be very happy. He will always be one of my favorite wrestlers and Bret is often overlooked in how much of a positive influence Hitman had on Steve Austin’s career in WWE. These two had some amazing bouts including one of my all time favorites at WM13.

Shawn Michaels’ Hunting Show: Another emailer took me to task about my opinion on hunting and particularly endorsing Shawn Michaels new adventure/hunting show on the Outdoor Life Network. I assume it’s a generational thing as my Dad used to hunt and we processed and ate everything he harvested over the course of the year from Venison Sausage to quail. Dad’s hunting helped our struggling family with our grocery bill and provided a source of lean, protein to supplement the beef, pork and chicken we raised on our farm. Another issue is the over population of some species. Either hunters are allowed to harvest these animals in a systematic, controlled manner or a respective state’s wildlife department will handle it.

• Check Out: VIDEO From Episode 1 Of HBK’s New Hunting Show

CM Punk has addressed news regarding a homophobic slur he directed to a fan during Monday’s Raw live event in Adelaide, Australia, which was reported by TMZ. Punk posted the following on his Twitter page:

“I’m glad TMZ posted that video because everybody needs to be held accountable for their bullshit, me included. What I said was bullshit.

“I’m embarrassed. I own up to being a total douche in this situation and I offer a sincere apology to anybody I hurt with careless words.”

Meanwhile, a representative for WWE issued the following statement to TMZ: “WWE does not condone this type of language or bias and we reinforce that with our talent who are independent contractors.”

TMZ posted footage of Punk shouting at fans. Midway through the promo, Punk shouted to a fan, “You homo!”

He continued, “I guess you’re right, that’s why I’m picking on you two jerks right now. You have a vagina. You have a vagina. Nice faux hawk, you homo! Yeah, I want you to come over the rail so I can twist you and turn you inside out.”

— WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of Raw, which was taped last Monday: “With the suspension of CM Punk, WWE Champion John Cena’s Money in the Bank opponent will be determined on a Fourth of July edition of Monday Night Raw. Who will prevail in a No. 1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match between Del Rio, Mysterio and R-Truth?”

— After Randy Orton pushed via Twitter for Arn Anderson to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Chris Jericho and William Regal also endorsed the original member of the Four Horsemen for the honor.

— WWE registered the term “CM Punk” for merchandise use on June 22. WWE trademarked Punk’s name for wrestling use in 2009. WWE also recently registered “The Last Outlaw” for wrestling use, which is tied to The Undertaker.

— Both Sid Vicious and Barry Windham turn 51 years old today.

source: PWInsider.com

CM Punk directed a homophobic slur to a fan during Monday’s Raw live event in Adelaide, Australia, TMZ reports.

TMZ posted footage of Punk shouting at fans. Midway through the promo, Punk shouted to a fan, “You homo!”

He continued, “I guess you’re right, that’s why I’m picking on you two jerks right now. You have a vagina. You have a vagina. Nice faux hawk, you homo! Yeah, I want you to come over the rail so I can twist you and turn you inside out.”

TMZ notes that WWE is working with GLAAD and produced a series of anti-bullying commercials following incidents involving Michael Cole and John Cena. The website adds that calls to WWE and GLAAD regarding Punk’s promo were not returned.

— The Sydney Morning Herald has an article on Kofi Kingston, who recalls being a victim of bullying when he was a child.

“When I went to school I was definitely bullied,” Kingston told the children who are part of Underdogs, a Sydney, Australia based anti-bullying support group. “I wasn’t the biggest guy, I grew up in a town [in America] that was affluent – a lot of people had a lot – and while my family wasn’t what you’d call not well off, we didn’t have what others had.

“So, it was tough. For me, growing up was just a matter of dealing with it. You’d try to fight it but there were some days I didn’t want to go to school and come across certain people because I didn’t want the conflict.”

The article on Kingston’s anti-bullying efforts is available here.

— Jim Cornette wrote the following regarding CM Punk mentioning Ring of Honor last Monday on Raw: “@CMPunk Recognizes the best wrestling in the world when he sees it.Thanks Punk. #bitw #ROHbest #findroh.”

— Monday’s issue of The Sporting News has a story on fathers and sons who were pro athletes, and James and Joe Laurinaitis (a/k/a Road Warrior Animal) are mentioned. The WWE Hall of Famer is dressed up like his son in a St. Louis Rams uniform and James is dressed up in a Road Warriors ensemble.

During an interview with The Kingston Wigg Standard, former WWE star Billy Gunn was asked if he’s ever looked back and realized how significant his place in WWE history is.

“No I really don’t,” Gunn said. “I’m extremely glad that I was part of that and that I had a partner and people around me that we could reach that level.

“I guess the only thing I really think of, is that when people look back, or think about me, that I just did the best that I could. It really wasn’t all about me. It was about making other people good, or helping other people, or that at least my work was good and not crappy.”

Gunn also feels he, Road Dogg, and Sean Waltman deserve a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

“I think we do,” said Gunn. “I still think we have a place up there to work, not work wrestling-wise, but work to help the younger guys coming up. Do I think we deserve the hall of fame? Yeah, of course we do.”

Gunn also believes he can bring back an element of fun back to WWE, something he feels is lacking today. The article notes that with the recent returns of 1990s stars such as The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to WWE, Gunn’s return could be inevitable.

“People are not really interested in that show too much,” he said, referring to Monday Night Raw. “I don’t want to say that for a fact, but there are really no stand-out guys. I mean, how long has John Cena been carrying that company? Forever.

“They’re trying to get some of these guys back that the older generation, or the ’90s generation, wants to see. There is really nobody on that show anymore that they want to see who is really a standout. Face it, The Rock, Stone Cold, DX, not only was it the wrestling, but it was the skits, or the attitude and all of that. They were just fun to watch. Not only the wrestling part, but the funny stuff. You never knew what we were going to do. They tuned in every Monday night just to see what kind of silly s–t we were going to pull off.”

Gunn also discussed burning bridges with WWE officials after he was released in November 2004 and said he should have been mad at himself. The full article is available here.

— WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton stated on his Twitter account that he wants Arn Anderson in the WWE Hall of Fame.

“If Arn Anderson isn’t in the HOF next year I’ll go on strike,” he wrote. “Well maybe not go on strike, but damn it, he’s earned it. Anyone else agree? He has tutored me throughout my career and speaking of the punt, his idea 100%.”

Orton has also retweeted posts in favor of Anderson being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

— Jim Ross stated on Twitter that WWE drew $1.1 million gates at this weekend’s live events in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

— WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan appears at the Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus, New Jersey on Saturday, July 16 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Call 347-92-8240 for more information.

— Zack Ryder was announced as the WWE Internet Champion at today’s Raw live event in Melbourne, Australia and had a replica belt with him that he successfully defended against Primo.

— CM Punk’s current storyline was continued at yesterday’s Raw live event in Sydney, Australia. Ring announcer Tony Chimel announced at the start of the show that Punk was suspended by WWE but had agreed to fulfill his contract and appear at the event. Punk trashed the McMahon family, among others, before his mic was cut off. He then lost to Rey Mysterio in the show’s opening match.

— In today’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart turns 54 years old, WWE referee Charles Robinson turns 47, former WWE star Scotty 2 Hotty turns 38 and former WWE Diva Amy Weber turns 41.

— Jerry Lawler is advertised to appear at the Norfolk Tides minor leagus baseball game at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, July 24 at 6:15 p.m.

— Sin Cara suffered his first WWE loss last night on SmackDown as he was downed by Christian following the spear. Sin Cara picked up thirteen consecutive victories on television and pay-per-view prior to the loss.

— The Great Khali’s brother Ranjin Singh revealed on SmackDown that Jinder Mahal is their brother-in-law.

— Cody Rhodes pinned Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson in a non-title match on SmackDown, ending his ten match winning streak on television and pay-per-view.

— Wade Barrett lost to Kane last night on SmackDown, extending his losing streak to twelve consecutive losses on television and pay-per-view.

— Ted DiBiase lost to Daniel Bryan last night on SmackDown, extending his losing streak to seven consecutive losses on television.

— Tough Enough contestant Christina Crawford has apparently re-signed with WWE as she recently resurfaced in Florida Championship Wrestling. She is performing under the name Caylee Turner.

Crawford was released from her WWE developmental contract to participate in reality television program. She was the last female contestant to be eliminated from the show.

— The Bella Twins have launched their official website, NicoleandBrianna.com. The site features exclusive blogs, photos, videos and more.

— Former WWE Superstar Finlay is accepting inquiries for wrestling bookings and personal appearances through Bill Behrens. Booking contact information for Behrens is showbis@aol.com and sbibookings.com.

— WWE returns to The Pit at the University Of New Mexico in Albuquerque on September 25, 2011. Bell time is 5:00 p.m.

WWE Champion John Cena was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune this week to discuss the upcoming Money In The Bank pay-per-view event which takes place from the Windy City on Sunday, July 17th.

With CM Punk’s upcoming departure from WWE, his industry-rattling shoot promo from Monday’s RAW and the disciplinary ramification that followed, the WWE title match between him and Cena is now looking like a must-see match.

Cena tells the Tribune that his match with Punk is still on, but there’s still enough time before the 17th for Punk to do something stupid:

“From what I understand, he’s suspended, but I think the match will happen. (Punk) reached an agreement to not talk badly about WWE. Technically, it’s two weeks before Money in the Bank, so he’s still got two weeks to screw it up for himself.”

Cena also put over the significance and magnitude of MITB, insisting anything can happen:

“WWE has a lot of events, but rarely do you see something this controversial and hostile. I think people will talk about Money in the Bank for years to come. It will be a great moment for Chicago. A guy like CM Punk on live TV, you don’t know what he’ll do. I’m prepared for anything.”

To read the full interview, check out ChicagoTribune.com.