— Big Show suffered a minor injury at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping during an angle involving Ezekiel Jackson. He was supposed to be thrown through a table by the Corre member, but the table didn’t break, resulting in a huge bruise on his forearm. He was scheduled to wrestle in the show’s dark match main event, but didn’t.

— One WrestleMania XXVII match that was changed was Kelly Kelly being replaced by Snooki as the tag team partner of John Morrison and Trish Stratus against Dolph Ziggler and LayCool. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter speculates that Kelly would appear in the babyface corner to counteract Vickie Guerrero in the other corner.

— Advertised for tonight’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America is an Eight-Diva Team Match pitting Divas Champion Eve, Tamina, Natalya and Gail Kim against Melina, Alicia Fox and The Bella Twins. The show will also feature Tyler Reks vs. JTG; Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– Chris Jericho wrote on Twitter this week that former WWE superstar Hakushi, who had a good run in WWE during the mid-1990s and the early Monday Night RAW era, has been affected by the devastating earthquake that hit Japan last week. According to Jericho, Hakushi’s home and restaurant were destroyed:

IAmJericho Former WWE Superstar Jinsei Shinzaki (Hakushi) is livin in his car after his home and restaraunt were destroyed by the earthquake & tsunami

– On Monday’s RAW, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross made a surprise appearance and wound up on the receiving end of an ankle lock submission from Jack Swagger. Ross wrote on Twitter that he suffered a legitimate injury as a result of the attack:

JRsBBQ Ankle & knee have stretched ligaments in ankle & knee. Still sore & swollen but will be ok. X-rays aft swelling goes down. Thnx Swagger/cole

World Wrestling Entertainment has posted a job listing on WWE-Careers.com for Vice President of Talent Relations—a title once held by John Laurinaitis (a/k/a Johnny Ace). The individual would work as an understudy to Laurinaitis, who currently reigns as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations.

The job description reads: “The VP, Talent Relations is responsible for supporting and guiding our most valued asset at WWE — our Superstars and Divas. He/she will liaise between the EVP of Talent Relations, WWE employees, and our talent development system (FCW — Florida Championship Wrestling). The VP, Talent Relations will also develop and maintain best practices for the Talent Relations function at WWE.”

Laurinaitis was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2009 having served as Senior Vice President of Talent Relations since June 2007. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Talent Relations.

source: wwe-careers.com

— Vickie Guerrero revealed on her Twitter account yesterday that she has lost 50 pounds.

“Thanks for the love…I have lost 50 lbs and feel wonderful and strong. I love my trainer! I love the new ME.”

She also addressed TNA Wrestling.

“I would never go to TNA…no disrespect to anybody…WWE is my family…period.”

Guerrero, who rarely appears at house shows, noted that she will be on hand for this weekend’s live Raw events.

— WWE has reportedly signed Ohio based independent wrestler Matt Justice (real name Matthew Hannan) to a developmental contract. Justice participated in Alberto Del Rio mini Royal Rumble Match on the January 28 SmackDown.

— Jim Ross noted on Twitter that Monday’s segment on Raw featuring himself, Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole was the most watched segment of the program, drawing a 4.1 cable rating.

source: PWInsider.com

— The word amongst those in WWE is that former The Price Is Right host Bob Barker will induct Drew Carey, the game show’s current host, into the WWE Hall of Fame.

— Trish Stratus implied on her Twitter account this morning that a huge name appeared on the set of Tough Enough.

“Whew-longest day ever! Flew from STL rite onto set-kids got a surprise guest that blew their minds!” she wrote. “A rock solid day & 2moro we go again!”

— Wrestlers celebrating birthdays today include WWE developmental wrestler Brett DiBiase (23), former WWE star Henry Godwinn (47), and former WWE star Kenny Dykstra (25).

source: PWInsider.com

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

Snooki Wrestling: “While Snooki’s in ring expertise may never be confused with many past or present WWE Divas, the value of having Snooki on the Wrestlemania card has already been established with the massive amount of main stream PR that the ‘Jersey Shore’ personality has garnered. I was amazed at how short Snooki was as she seemed to be cooperative and professional based on my limited observations of her.”

Kurt Angle Back in WWE: “Will Kurt Angle ever return to WWE? How would I or any one other than Kurt and the WWE decision makers know the answer to this? However, I’d suggest that most former WWE talents who had the chance to come back to WWE and earn a good, steady living would all entertain that thought. Angle’s greatest professional moments IMO were in WWE and him being able to finish in WWE might make for some compelling TV. Again, not my call.”

Jeff Hardy’s Recent Issues: “I choose not to respond in detail to recent TNA internal issues as I don’t follow their product closely nor do I know the actual details of what may or may not have occurred over the past few days. However, I do still profess to the philosophy that if one can’t solve a problem one must eliminate it.”

— Rey Mysterio has denied online reports indicating that he requested his release from World Wrestling Entertainment.

“Confirming! Did not ask 4 release!” he wrote on Twitter. “Those that like me, u will have Rey 4 a good time&those that don’t, well life isn’t always sweet, 619 out!”

— It would appear that reigning Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, does not win Tough Enough as she said on her Twitter account yesterday that she was away shooting the USA Network program. Tough Enough trainers Trish Stratus and Bill DeMott have noted on their respective Twitter accounts that filming is currently ongoing for the reality series. Tough Enough contestants are reportedly prohibited from communicating with the outside world throughout the duration of their stay on the show.

— Tyler Reks vs. JTG was taped last night in Kansas City, MO for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America.

source: PWInsider.com

The USA Network has revealed the entire cast of the upcoming season of Tough Enough, which premieres April 4 following Raw.

The cast features nine men and five women, many of whom possessing independent wrestling experience.

A.J. Kirsch: A.J., 27, has been wrestling on the independent circuit for five years. Among his achievements is a one and a half year undefeated All Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship in addition to a tag team victory over the infamous New Age Outlaws.

Andy Leavine: This 6’5″ giant hails from Brooksville, Florida where he had four years of high school varsity wrestling experience with a record of over 90 wins. The 23-year-old former football player has a mere six months of independent wrestling experience. Starting over 40 games as an offensive lineman for Florida International University, Andy holds the school’s power clean record of 365 lbs. After FIU, he was a priority free agent with the Miami Dolphins and attended mini-camps, before hanging up his cleats to pursue his dream to entertain in the ring.

Eric Watts: Eric, 25, hopes to become a WWE Superstar to fulfill his childhood dream. “WWE needs my afro and my tall, dark and handsome good looks,” says the 6’5″ behemoth. Eric hails from Pasadena, California where he spent two years on his High School varsity football team as left tackle, earning All-League Honors. Eric was recruited by colleges for football, but opted not to attend so he could pursue his dream.

Jeremiah Riggs: This 28-year-old truck driver from Vicksburg, Mississippi is a natural athlete who prides himself on taking on new challenges. He was a US Army Ranger with the 1st Battalion and did a tour in Afghanistan in 2004. He has six years of training as an MMA Fighter with a record of seven wins and five losses, fighting with UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator. He is trying to become the first legitimate MMA fighter to crossover into WWE.

Luke Robinson: Luke, 26, is a Personal Trainer from Auburn, Maine with five years of independent circuit experience. For him, WWE combines all his passions rolled into one: performing, marketing, athleticism and traveling. Luke proved his athleticism as captain of his high school’s varsity soccer, hockey and baseball teams, competing all four years, before moving on to getting his BA in Business Administration from University of Southern Maine.

Martin Casaus Martin, 26, is a stockbroker and independent wrestler hailing from West Jordan, Utah. He gained his experience wresting for six and a half years on the independent circuit. He is also co-owner of Ultra Championship Wrestling Zero, a promotion and wrestling school.

Matt Capiccioni: Matt, 30, is an independent wrestler with nine years of independent circuit experience from Brecksville, Ohio. He has wrestled in sixteen countries and hopes to win “WWE Tough Enough” and a WWE contract so he “can have a fun job.” “You can see the world in spandex and smash things,” he explains.

Mickael Zaki: Mickael, 26, is an unemployed WWE hopeful hailing from Jersey City, NJ. He has lived the 9 to 5 lifestyle and hated every second of it. For him, being a WWE Superstar would allow him to escape this fate.

Ryan Howe: This 23-year-old aspiring musician and independent wrestler hails from Hebron, Indiana. He has two years of wrestling experience and hopes to win “WWE Tough Enough” and a WWE contract to make everyone who ever believed in him proud, especially his family, his trainer, Tracy Smothers, and his girlfriend, Tiffany.

Ariane Andrew: The 23-year-old Ariane is the quintessential Valley Girl. What Ariane lacks in wrestling experience she makes up for with bubbly charm. Ariane hopes to become a WWE diva so she can display her alter-ego, a hard-edged girl that doesn’t give a crap.

Christina Crawford: Christina, 22, is a senior at the University of Central Florida studying Interpersonal Communications. She is a member of her college dance team.

Ivelisse Velez: An assistant pet groomer in Chicago, Illinois, the 22-year-old has spent the last six years on the independent circuit and is well known in her native Puerto Rico.

Michelle Deighton: This 25-year-old day care teacher from Terre Haute, Indiana, hopes to become a WWE Diva to fulfill a dream she has had since the age of 14. She loves the road lifestyle, living out of a suitcase and traveling. She has trained on and off in independent wrestling over the past 11 years.

Rima Fakih Rima is Miss USA 2010. The 25-year-old hails from Dearborn, Michigan where she received a BA in Economics and BA in Business Management from University of Michigan. Rima hopes to win “WWE Tough Enough” to prove that it is possible to be both beautiful and tough.

source: usanetwork.com

— Jim Ross has responded to yesterday’s report that current creative plans call for him to announce at least two matches at WrestleMania XXVII.

“I find it interesting that so many websites know my wm27 role, allegedly, and I don’t. ‘Net rumors= news items. Irresponsible ‘reporting’,” he wrote on Twitter. “My role at WM27 is to appear @ Axxess. NOTHING else has been confirmed. ‘Net sites should tell me the outcome of my Drs visit later 2day.”

— Tough Enough contestants Christina Crawford and Andy Leavine were under contract to WWE when they were tapped for the USA Network reality show last month. There has been some grumbling on the set of the two being ‘ringers’ (ie. somebody with experience being placed in a situation with amateurs) due to their recent association with WWE’s developmental system.

(Partial Source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Newly-signed WWE performer Sin Cara is being advertised for an upcoming RAW-brand live event from Winnipeg, Canada on May 27th. Sin Cara is scheduled to team up with Evan Bourne against The Nexus in what is sure to be a high-flying match to showcase what Sin Cara is capable of.

Here is the advertised card for the event, which will be hosted by WWE legend Road Warrior Animal:

WWE Championship Match
John Cena vs. The Miz

Fan’s Choice Match – Submission Match or Falls Count Anywhere
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk

Fatal Four Way Match for the United States Championship
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus vs. John Morrison vs. ?

Unified Diva Championship Match
Eve vs. The Bellas

R-Truth vs. Alex Riley

Special Raw Tag Team Match
Sin Cara & Evan Bourne vs. The NEXUS

Mark Henry vs. Tyson Kidd

The Great Khali vs. Ted DiBiase (w/Maryse)

Percy Watson vs. Zack Ryder

— Shawn Michaels revealed on his Twitter account that he’s backstage at tonight’s SmackDown taping in Kansas City, Missouri.

He wrote, “At SmackDown with friends. They r having a great time. It is awesome to see the crew. Everybody looks ready for WrestleMania.”

— Drew McIntyre lost to WWE developmental wrestler Percy Watson in a dark match prior to tonight’s SmackDown taping.

A steel cage is hanging above the ring at the event.

— Hispanic Business has a story on Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s involvement with WWE.

source: PWInsider.com

— Current plans call for Jim Ross to call at least two matches at WrestleMania XXVII.

— Last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw scored a 3.7 cable rating, down from the previous week’s 3.92. It did hours of 3.55 and 3.74.

While Raw drew its lowest rating since February 14, viewership was higher than the 3.8 the program garnered two weeks ago. Last night’s show drew 5,651,000 viewers over the course of two hours.

— Snooki was well-liked backstage and many couldn’t believe how short she is, which is 4’10”.

sources: f4wonline.com, pwinsider.com

— Abyss is backstage at tonight’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida. He has not appeared for TNA since the January 20 episode of iMPACT! due to a storyline injury.

— Last night on Twitter, Bret Hart gave his take on the difference between TNA Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment.

He wrote, “The main difference between TNA and WWE is the same as the difference between WCW and WWE: Vince McMahon.”

— TNA Wrestling producer Al Snow and Necro Butcher are advertised for the MCW event on March 19 in Alliance, Ohio. For more information on the show, visit MCWpro.com.

source: PWInsider.com

Corre leader Wade Barrett was recently interviewed by Sky Sports to promote WrestleMania 27. Here are some highlights of what Barrett said about:

Whether He’ll Wrestle at WrestleMania 27:

“It’s not officially set-up but in some capacity, I’m definitely going to be performing on the show. I can’t confirm anything. I’ve been feuding with the Big Show for some time now so I’d love to do something with him. I think I’ve got a score to settle with him and hopefully that will be at WrestleMania. But if not, I’ll be involved in some capacity.”

Triple H Saying He’s Got Nothing Left To Do In WWE:

“Yes, I think so. I think a lot of people heard that and maybe were a bit disgruntled by it. Triple H certainly has beaten everybody there is to beat. He really is one of the best in history. But there really are a lot of young lions coming through at the moment. Triple H has certainly never beaten me. We’ve never been in the ring together. I would like to do battle with him one day.”

Keeping In Touch With Chris Jericho, His NXT Season 1 Pro:

“Even though he’s not in the WWE at the moment, who gives me a lot of advice. We’re constantly texting and calling each other,” Barrett said. “As soon as I do something right or do something wrong, he’ll let me know pretty quickly. I’m hopeful that in some point in the future he’ll be back in the WWE.”

To read more from Wade Barrett, including what he thought about Nexus’ memorable debut on RAW last year, visit SkySports.com.

On Monday’s RAW, Trish Stratus returned to action in a match against Vickie Guerrero that resulted in a beatdown from LayCool. Vickie Guerrero proposed a mixed tag team match at WrestleMania, and the match is set – Trish Stratus will team with Jersey Shore star Snooki and John Morrison against LayCool and Dolph Ziggler.

Trish posted a bunch of pictures from her RAW apperance, including pictures of Trish with Snooki and John Cena. Check out these pictures Trish posted on her Twitter page from backstage at Monday’s RAW:

Reality television star Michelle Deighton, 25, has been confirmed as a contestant on Tough Enough. She appeared a contestant on America’s Next Top Model in 2005 and is the wife of Survivor star Jonny Fairplay. Deighton is a trained wrestler who made an appearance on the November 11, 2005 episode of SmackDown.

While Fairplay declined to comment on the matter when reached, he alluded to his wife’s involvement with the show during a video posted on GeekWeek.com. The video features Fairplay, Deighton and Gregory Helms participating in a Ric Flair chop contest and the former TNA Wrestling personality says at one point that she is “tough enough.”

Sources within WWE have confirmed that Deighton is a contestant on the USA Network show.

source: prowrestling.net

— Jim Ross appeared on Raw last night to come to the defense of Jerry Lawler, who was being discredited by his WrestleMania opponent, Michael Cole. A war of words commenced which resulted in Ross challenging Cole to a duel. However, Jack Swagger attacked Ross and slapped an ankle lock on the WWE Hall of Famer before imploring Cole to do it him himself.

Ross commented on his return to Raw, writing on Twitter: “I’m sure u enjoyed Raw more than King & I. Appreciated SO much the reception I received in St. L. My leg is a mess. Swagger’s a beast. Thnx 4 overwhelming support 2nite. Over 108,000 followers. Very Humbling. Felt great being back @ ‘home’ on Raw. Ankle looks nasty 4 real.”

— Kenny Li was removed from the Florida Championship Wrestling website’s roster page, which would indicate that he has been released by his developmental contract with WWE.

— WWE developmental wrestler Peter Orlov has launched a Twitter account.

– R-Truth beat Tyson Kidd in a dark match prior to RAW.

– Matches taped tonight in St. Louis, Missouri for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:

• Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso
• Eve, Gail Kim, Natalya and Tamina vs. Alicia Fox, Brie Bella, Melina and Nikki Bella

– After Monday’s episode of WWE RAW went off the air, Triple H came out and worked the dark match main event.

Triple H teamed with Randy Orton in a match against Nexus leader CM Punk and new United States champion Sheamus. Triple H and Randy Orton got the win in a match that was said to have a lot of exciting moments.

Triple H and Randy Orton celebrated at ringside for a few minute after the match before making their ways up the ramp together and sending the crowd home happy.

The boy who appeared in the segment with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson that kicked off Raw is YouTube sensation MattyBraps. He is eight years old. Check out this video of him rapping:

— World Wrestling Entertainment issued the following press release touting Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s appearance at WrestleMania XXVII, proclaiming “Snooki Mania.” The Jersey Shore star will team up with John Morrison and Trish Stratus to take on Dolph Ziggler and LayCool.

“I’ll be snooking for some action at WrestleMania,” said Polizzi.

— Former WWE Superstar Brian Christopher (also known as Grandmaster Sexay) appeared on tonight’s episode of Raw and accused his father, Jerry Lawler, of being absent from his life growing up. The former Tag Team Champion proclaimed that he was the bigger Superstar of the two and that the reason he didn’t use the Lawler name during his time in WWE was because he was ashamed of him.

Christopher’s appearance was just a one time cameo to build Lawler’s feud with Michael Cole.

— Drew Carey, LayCool, Vickie Guerrero, Brodus Clay and Trish Stratus were all trending worldwide terms on Twitter tonight.

source: PWInsider.com

— The WWE Tag Team Championship will be on the line this Friday on SmackDown as Edge joins forces with Christian to take on Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel. The duo has won the WWE Tag Team Championship on seven occasions.

— No members of Nexus will be in CM Punk’s corner for his match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania XXVII. Just as Michael McGillicutty and David Otunga, “The Viper” punted Ryan in the skull following his victory tonight on Raw, which would indicate that he has been written off television for the time being. The Welsh grappler was stretchered out of the arena during the commercial break.

— Evan Bourne’s family as well as Randy Orton’s daughter and wife all sat ringside at tonight’s Raw taping in St. Louis, Missouri. Bourne, however, did not appear make a live appearance.

source: PWInsider.com

A huge match for WrestleMania 27 was announced on Monday’s episode of WWE RAW ..

After LayCool interfered with Trish Stratus’ match with Vickie Guerrero and helped Vickie earn a spot on the RAW roster, LayCool began attacking Trish .. RAW guest host Snooki came to Trish’s aid, with John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler also getting involved.

After the heels got chased off by Trish, Snooki and Morrison, Vickie Guerrero grabbed a microphone and issued a WrestleMania challenge ..

Vickie challenged Jersey Shore star Snooki, Trish Stratus and John Morrison to face LayCool and Dolph Ziggler at WrestleMania.

Snooki accepted the challenge on behalf of her team and we’ve got another big match added to the WrestleMania card.

– Several cable companies are advertising Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson ‘firing back’ at John Cena on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw. “The Great One” revealed his involvement with tonight’s show on Twitter.

He wrote, “I won’t be live on RAW.. BUT, John Cena and I had a much needed heart to heart talk this weekend at my home. U will see it tonight on RAW…”

— The March 11 episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy scored a 1.93 cable rating, slightly down from the previous week’s 1.97 figure. The show averaged 3,072,000 viewers over the course of two hours.

— WWE.com has added Drew Carey to its Hall of Fame inductees section. The Price Is Right host was announced today via press release as the latest inductee into the Hall.

source: PWInsider.com

— Abdullah the Butcher was originally scheduled to be announced as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011 tonight on Monday Night Raw, but said plans were changed last week due to WWE officials reaching an agreement with Drew Carey. The organization issued a press release today touting the celebrity’s induction into the Hall.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, Sunny is being pushed as the “Original Diva.”

— Former WWE talent Gregory Helms commented on the story of being cited by police for allegedly engaging in a fight at a bar last night in Smithfield, North Carolina.

“Can’t let Jeff have all the heat! LOL But I didn’t get arrested at all. Got a citation for defending my woman. No regrets, no apologies.” He later wrote, “All u dirtsheets, why don’t u just ask me what happened instead of stretching the truth? I’m super easy to get hold of.”

— Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appears as a guest star on tonight’s episode of Raw. The best-selling author has been well-received amongst the WWE talent as a few them have been getting photos taken with her backstage at tonight’s show in St. Louis.

— A Shawn Michaels autograph session promoted by Northeast Wrestling in Middletown, New York on Saturday is believed to have drawn 2,000 to 2,500 fans

sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

— Several cable companies have the following preview listed for tonight’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW:

“Guest star Snooki from the ‘Jersey Shore’; The Rock fires back at John Cena & The Miz.”

– The Rock has made no mention of appearing on tonight’s RAW, but has wished his Twitter followers a happy Pi day:

TheRock Team Bring It – today is “Dominate Pie Day” (or strudel pending your gender or preference..)..nothin’ like warm pie though..

– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart tweeted this about Jeff Hardy’s situation:

HitmanBretSHart Getting asked a lot about Jeff Hardy. Know very little about it. I will say that TNA fans deserve better than what they got last night.

– Trish Stratus tweeted the following on Monday in anticipation for her WWE return tonight on RAW:

trishstratuscom Can’t wait to go cougar hunting… after looking forward to delivering Stratusfaction tonight!!! ~T