– As previously reported, Jersey Shore star Snooki will be hosting Monday’s episode of WWE RAW. John Cena tweeted the following about Snooki coming to RAW:
JohnCena
CeNation. Very excited bout @sn00ki comin 2 raw. Now I can beat up a washed up reality star ( miz). In front of a real one! :)
– SmackDown star Alberto Del Rio revealed in a MyFox Houston interview this week that his current WWE contract is for three years.
– MTV has announced that WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper will be appearing on the new season of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory.
– In a dark match that took place after Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Houston, John Cena, Big Show, Rey Mysterio and Christian beat Alberto Del Rio and The Corre. John Cena got the win for his team.
As reported earlier, former WWE superstar Shelton Benjamin wrestled a tryout match prior to the tapings. To read more on that, check out:
– In response to a fan question on Twitter, RAW superstar Randy Orton had this to say about the John Cena vs. The Rock feud:
RandyOrton
I think the Rock is awesome. But get em in the ring together on live tv? John would OWN him.
– Christian made his return to WWE television this week, defeating newcomer Brodus Clay in a tough match. Despite the satisfaction of finally being back on RAW, the highlight of Christian’s night actually came backstage:
Christian4Peeps
Good 2b back on Raw..but highlight 4me was b4 show meeting Jesus a cool kid who was w/ make-a-wish.His 1st WWE show &Im sure he had a blast
– William Regal, who is now part of the NXT announcing team, had this to say about his first show on Tuesday night:
RealKingRegal
Just finished my announcing debut on NXT.It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I have a long way to go.
— As of this week, creative has not decided on whether to close WrestleMania XXVII with The Undertaker vs. Triple H or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson confronting John Cena—which would indicate that Cena vs. The Miz is the main event. Internally, Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler is considered the third biggest match on the show.
— Going forward, WWE plans on featuring more PG-13 content on Monday Night Raw. However, it’s still considered a PG-rated program and there are no plans on changing that.
— The blonde contestant shown during the Tough Enough trailer that aired during Raw is Juliet The Huntress, a 22-year-old independent wrestler of Puerto Rican descent based out of Chicago, Illinois.
Juliet began her wrestling career in Puerto Rico in 2005, joining World Wrestling Council (WWC) during her rookie year. She later transferred to the International Wrestling Association (IWA), which is owned by former WWE Superstar Savio Vega. After gaining experience in the Caribbean, she headed to the United States in 2008 and has been competing on the Chicago independent circuit ever since. (Thanks to Jeffrey)
Shelton Benjamin worked a dark match prior to tonight’s SmackDown taping in Houston, Texas, beating SmackDown Superstar Curt Hawkins. He received a solid reaction from the hometown crowd.
During Benjamin’s near ten year tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment, he won the Intercontinental Championship three times, the United States Championship once, and the WWE Tag Team Championship on two occasions. Benjamin was released from his contract last April, along with Slam Master J, Kung Fu Naki, Jimmy Wang Yang, Mickie James and Katie Lee Burchill.
Benjamin appeared for Ring of Honor alongside longtime tag partner Charlie Haas following his dismissal from WWE. It is not known at this time if he has re-signed with the organization.
— The March 7 episode of Monday Night Raw continued the program’s streak of strong ratings with a 3.92. The number is up from last week’s 3.82 rating as well as the 3.85 on February 21.
Last night’s show averaged 5.79 million viewers over the course of two hours, up from 5.60 million viewers the week before. However, it is below the February 21 show, which drew 5.86 million viewers.
— During last night’s Raw telecast on Televisa in Mexico, Mason Ryan was constantly referred as “Batista 2” by the announcers.
— The introductory video package showcasing Sin Cara did not air during last night’s Raw telecast on Televisa in Mexico.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Triple H – Taker: “Thought the cold open to the show featuring Undertaker/HHH was on the money and edited well. WWE TV folks do a marvelous job with their video features. IMO the Taker-HHH match could efficiently be promoted via video packages of the two future WWE HOF’ers greatest moments in WWE.”
Brodus Clay: “Keep an eye on Brodus Clay. I think that he can be something special and him manifesting that particular ‘it’ is on him and how well he maximizes his minutes on TV. He’s a big, monster of a man who mentally seems to ‘get it.'”
Sunny In The Hall Of Fame: “Congrats to Sunny on being named to the 2011 WWE HOF class. She really started it all with the risqué, Diva personification and portrayed a very effective ‘bad girl.’ One might say that the forecast for Atlanta the first weekend of April are for ‘Sunny days.'”
Stone Cold Returns to RAW: ” The Dallas/WWE fans definitely came to see Stone Cold Steve Austin. Although Austin did not have that much to say nor did he overstay his welcome by any stretch, Austin stole the show Monday night and seemed to be having a great time interacting with the fans and even the cameramen. Austin’s fans long ago made a strong emotional bond with the Texas Rattlesnake that will seemingly last forever. @steveaustinBSR, on Twitter, can still command an audience as good as any WWE performer today or any previous generation.”
Michael Cole: “Michael Cole had the tables turned on him with Austin becoming the special referee for Cole’s WM27 match w/ Jerry Lawler. It will be interesting to see how ‘Cole sore’ reacts this Friday night on Smackdown and again next Monday from St. Louis on Raw. Cole draws as much villain angst as anyone on the Raw roster and his match with the King is one of the most talked about bouts that we will see in Atlanta. I think that Lawler ought to make Cole wear a diaper when, not if, the King gets his hand raised at Jerry’s first ever Wrestlemania match.”
Women’s wrestling news site Diva-Dirt.com is reporting that World Wrestling Entertainment has signed 22-year-old Australian women’s wrestler Tenille Tayla to a developmental deal.
Tayla began training in Canada back in 2008 with former WWE star Lance Storm. No word yet on when she will begin working at Florida Championship Wrestling, but it should be in the next few weeks.
Tyla has worked for SHIMMER and will be appearing on the new World of Hurt Canadian reality TV show that will follow students from Lance Storm’s wrestling school. The show debuts on May 1st on Canada’s cable channel The Cave.
According to WWE sources, the company is actively looking to sign several new young divas to developmental contracts.
On the February 18 episode of SmackDown, Vickie Guerrero fired Edge, claiming that he had attacked SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long several weeks prior, and awarded Dolph Ziggler the World Heavyweight Championship during a coronation ceremony later that night. Long returned during the ceremony however, and Guerrero revealed Ziggler as the attacker after being accused of orchestrating the attack by Long. Long rehired Edge and gave him his rematch, in which Edge regained the championship. Ziggler’s first World Championship reign lasted 11 minutes and 23 seconds, the shortest in history behind Jeff Hardy. After the match, Long fired Ziggler from the brand.
In an exclusive interview with DolphZiggler.com, “Heel” comments on his brief run as World Heavyweight Champion. They ask if it is better to have won and lost the title than to have never won it at all.
“Well, from an independent booking standpoint, it helps to say: “Former World Heavyweight Champion” (A la’ David Arquette and Vince Russo) otherwise, it’s painful to me,” he responded. “I work so damn hard every day of my life and always have, and as much as I would have loved to sneak in the backdoor (like a real HEEL would), I almost don’t count it. I will get a legitimate title run, just not sure where though.”
Last night on Monday Night Raw, Ziggler was introduced as the newest member of the Raw roster, as he defeated John Morrison in a singles match. He revealed what he did during his time away from the ring.
“Since being fired, I have been enjoying the beautiful weather of Bikini Bottom; relaxing my body, stealing the show at the Playboy Mansion party and have recently just flew my parents in to check out my new house in Hollywood, AZ,” he said. “I had a very hectic schedule with SmackDown, and I loved it. But, I’m resting my body and enjoying life while I figure out what the next step is.”
Ziggler also comments on his appearance on MTV’s Silent Library, which WWE Diva had the best Playboy pictorial, what it takes to get a follow from him on Twitter, and for the first time ever, reveals his workout secrets.
Sunny was announced last night on Raw as the latest inductee for WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Sunny, who’s real name is Tammy Sytch, commented on the announcement on her Facebook account.
“Thank you to everyone for the congratulatory messages…..It means the world to me,” she wrote. I couldn’t be happier or prouder to be given this amazing opportunity. Thanks to the WWE for thinking that highly of me. And to my facebook family, sorry I had to lie to you all this whole time, lololol. :)”
Sytch persistently denied online reports that she would be announced for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, saying as late as yesterday that she was appearing for Ring of Honor during WrestleMania weekend. Sytch revealed today that she kept the news secret since January 10.
Her inductor, however, was not announced. She speculated that all of the current WWE Divas will pay tribute to her by inducting her together.
Posted March 8th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Sunny.
Here are some post-RAW tweets from The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Trish Stratus and Sunny:
TheRock
Wow can The People’s Champ and THE MILLIONS recover from that devastating Dr.Seuss “final KO blow”? CENA = HOT SHAVED BARNEY ANUS GARBAGE..
TheRock
The Miz…you want my attention…well now you got it…champ.
steveaustinBSR
Drank a few cold ones…time to hit the hay. Fly back to L.A. tomorrow for TE. Opened one can of Whoop Ass…I have 5 left….WrestleMania.
trishstratuscom
Guess what’ll be the 1st thing in my suitcase when i pack 4 #raw? Do u think @excusemewwe would like sum stratusfaction or a chick kick? ~T
Sunnywwe
Thanks to everyone for the congratulatory comments….HOF 2011 will be amazing!!
trishstratuscom
Happy to hear about @sunnywwe being inducted into #WWE #HOF- congrats! ~T
– With The Undertaker and Triple H headed for a showdown at WrestleMania in just over 3 weeks, we’ve got an interesting backstage news item to pass along regarding the match. As most are aware of, Triple H has already tried to end “The Streak” – ten years ago at WrestleMania 17 back in 2001.
According to a WWE Source, company officials have ordered that the WrestleMania 17 match not be acknowledged at all, because there’s a feeling it will take away from the marketability of the match and fan perception that Triple H actually can end the streak.
– There is a rumor that the 2012 version of WWE’s SmackDown vs. RAW video game will feature a mode where you can have your newly created Superstar compete in NXT challenges and matches.
–WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross had this to say about Jersey Shore star Snooki hosting RAW next week:
“Lots of old school wrestling fans are squealing like a pig stuck under a gate w/ the announcement that Jersey Shore’s Snooki will be the guest host of an upcoming Monday Night Raw. Obviously, WWE is simply trying to get her appearance noticed in outside media outlets which is timely with WM27 getting closer. It’s a PR move folks so I wouldn’t make any more of it than that. Snooki’s time on MNR likely will be of the ‘cup of coffee’ variety but will also get TMZ-like exposure that reaches non wrestling fans. “
Credit to reader Joshua Rollins for this live report after Monday’s RAW went off the air:
After Raw went off the air, Michael Cole came out in a referee shirt while The Miz was on the ramp and John Cena was in the ring. He said he was going to referee the main event, and if Cena and Orton don’t follow his rules, the Raw GM has given him the right to suspend both men through WrestleMania.
For the bonus main event of Miz & C.M. Punk vs. Orton & Cena, Punk came out first. Then, Miz came back out. Then, Orton came out and Punk put on Cena’s “Via Satellite” t-shirt and Cena’s hat.
Bonus Dark Match: John Cena & Randy Orton beat WWE champion The Miz & C.M. Punk with Michael Cole as special referee. Punk had funny body language the entire match. About five minutes into the match, all of the Superstars were on the mat. King then came into the ring and ripped the ref shirt off Cole, who ran to the back. King then put on the shirt. By this time, all four men were up. Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment on Miz at the same time Orton dropped Punk with the RKO. Double three count. Cena and Orton won.
— In honor of Women’s History Month, WWE is honoring those who inspire females across the globe. WWE.com’s feature features the Divas revealing who inspired them outside the ring, past Divas such as Candice Michelle and Dawn Marie discussing their legacies, art submissions, and more.
— The much anticipated DVD and Blu-ray release of WWE Studios’ The Chaperone starring Triple H is available beginning today via Walmart.com.
— An introductory video package showcasing Sin Cara’s mask and unprecedented aerial ability aired during Raw. WWE developmental wrestler Peter Orlov appeared as his stand-in opponent in the video, which was filmed two weeks ago in Los Angeles, California. Check it out:
— Lance Hoyt (a/k/a Vance Archer), who was released by WWE on November 19, 2010, was backstage at last night’s Raw taping in Dallas, Texas. It is likely that he was visiting friends considering he lives near the American Airlines Center.
— Former WWE talent Gregory Helms’ appearance on Lizard Lick Towing on TruTV replays Tuesday night at 11:00 p.m. EST.
— WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan has launched an official website via www.HacksawJimDuggan.net
— Sunny was announced on Raw as the latest inductee to be announced for WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011 (presented by THQ’s WWE All Stars, in stores March 29). WWE.com added a profile on Sunny. Her induction video is available here.
— Former WWE developmental talent Christina Crawford (a/k/a Caylee Turner) could be seen in the Tough Enough trailer that aired during tonight’s Raw. Crawford, who is the younger sister of WWE Diva Alicia Fox, was removed from the Florida Championship Wrestling roster last month.
California based independent wrestler “Big Nasty” Jason Watts is also a Tough Enough contestant as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is shown asking him a question.
— The T-shirt “Stone Cold” Steve Austin donned tonight on Raw is available on WWEShop.com.
— Bret Hart recently filmed episodes of WWE’s round table discussion program Legends of Wrestling. Jim Ross noted today on Twitter that an episode will soon air on WWE Classics On Demand.
– On Monday’s episode of RAW, it was announced that next week, Vickie Guerrero will have to wrestle former WWE diva Trish Stratus. If Vickie wins, she can join the RAW roster along with Dolph Ziggler, who was added this week.
– RAW star Sheamus appeared to suffer an ankle injury on Monday’s RAW during his match with Daniel Bryan. We haven’t received word yet whether the injury was legit, but he appeared to be in a lot of pain and pounded the announcing table in frustration after getting counted out due to the injury. Sheamus acknowledged his recent losing streak and challenged Daniel Bryan to a match next week where if he doesn’t win the United States championship, he’ll quit.
– Despite Brie Bella becoming the new #1 contender to the WWE Divas Title on last week’s RAW, it was her sister Nikki Bella who got the title shot this week. Champion Eve Torres retained the title, despite the Bellas attempting their “Twin Magic” switch.
– Nexus member David Otunga is banned from CM’s Punk’s corner at WrestleMania after losing to Randy Orton on RAW. After the match, Orton delivered a punt kick to Otunga’s skull, effectively writing him out of WWE storylines for the near future.
It was announced on Monday’s RAW that the “Original WWE Diva” Tammy “Sunny” Sytch will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011.
Sunny had rumored for this year’s Hall of Fame for several weeks and has denied those reports all along, up until this past weekend.
Already announced for this year’s show are Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Bullet Bob Armstrong and of course, the Shawn Michaels.
What do you guys think about how this year’s Hall of Fame Class is shaping up? Who else should be added in the coming weeks? COMMENT BELOW and let us know.
— Entertainment Weekly has released the first teaser clip of WWE’s Tough Enough, which centers on “Stone Cold” Steve Austin showing the wrestler wannabes “who’s the boss.”
Tough Enough premieres April 4 on the USA Network following Monday Night Raw.
— Former WWE Diva Sunny is expected to be announced as the next inductee into WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011 tonight on Monday Night Raw. She said yesterday on Facebook that she will be at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar (located on 2241 U.S. 1 North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902) tonight to watch the show because “there’s supposed to be something big happening.” Minutes later, she shot down speculation that it pertains to WWE.
“Listen, I’ve told you all….I have NOT been contacted by the WWE for anything,” she wrote. “I’m scheduled to appear for ROH wrestling in Atlanta…get over it already.”
She later backtracked amidst numerous congratulatory messages, writing, “Ok..thank you…but everyone needs to stop. Nothing is official until it’s official… keep that in mind.”
— The March 4 episode of WWE SmackDown scored slightly below a 2.0 cable rating, down from the prior week’s record 2.3 rating on Syfy.
The show prior to the record rating drew slightly above 2.0. Friday’s number is in line with the show’s average in 2011, which is slightly below 2.0.
— World Wrestling Entertainment has released its 2010 annual report and it reports that approximately one million less copies of WWE Magazine were sold as compared to the prior year (from 4,026,300 to 3,068,000). Furthermore, publishing revenues declined $2.5 million in 2010 as compared to 2009 due to a 24% decrease.
— The WWE website has posted new studio photos of Beth Phoenix.
Earlier today, video footage was posted online of police officers arresting former WWE star Shad Gaspard over the weekend for an incident that started off as a jaywalking offense and quickly turned into Shad allegedly resisting arrest.
Sgt. Rich Weiner of the Columbus Police Department told TMZ that according to the police report, Gaspard was observed by an officer walking in the roadway and obstructing traffic. He says Gaspard ignored an officer’s request to get out of the street and refused to provide the officer with ID when asked several times.
Sgt. Weiner says the officer tried arresting Gaspard, but he “broke free from the officers as they attempted to take him into custody.”
Sgt. Weiner says the video of Shad on the ground being man-handled by several police officers does not show the events which led to him “being put on the ground and being placed in handcuffs.”
Happy Monday everybody … The road to WrestleMania continues tonight with a stop at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas for Monday Night RAW.
In recent weeks we’ve seen the WWE television returns of The Rock, Triple H, The Undertaker and Trish Stratus. Tonight’s RAW will see the return of arguably the greatest WWE champion of all time – Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Austin tweeted on Monday morning that he’s arrived in Dallas and brought a few cans of whoop ass with him .. What will Austin do when he returns to RAW? We’ll find out tonight.
WWE has also confirmed appearances from Triple H, The Undertaker and Royal Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio.
Last week, it was confirmed that Michael Cole will wrestle Jerry “The King” Lawler at WrestleMania 27. Cole will have Jack Swagger in his corner and will reveal the match’s special guest referee tonight on RAW. Cole teased last week that the referee is “awesome” – take that for what you will.
John Cena has promised his “final knockout” on The Rock tonight – but the People’s Champ unfortunately will not be at RAW. The Rock tweeted over the weekend that he won’t be able to appear on RAW due to his film schedule, but he’ll be watching Cena’s response as well as Steve Austin’s return.
The dark match main event advertised locally is John Cena and Randy Orton vs. The Miz and CM Punk with Michael Cole as referee.
Footage had been posted online of former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard’s weekend arrest for jaywalking, courtesy of TMZ.com.
Shad tells TMZ he feels he’s the victim of racial profiling and can be heard saying in the video, “Why am I being arrested? Because I’m big and I’m black?”
At least 3 witnesses have stated that Shad was treated unfairly and the police officers used unnecessary force.
Shad claims during his ride to the police station, he heard the arresting officer saying, “He’s just one more …”
He added, “I don’t know exactly what to do yet, but I will fight this as much as possible. I’m not doing it for the money, I have the means, I’m doing this so cops don’t think they can do this to someone else … it’s not right.”
WWE issued the following press release on Monday announcing “Jersey Shore” star Snooki will be hosting next week’s episode of RAW from St. Louis:
She is a New York Times best selling author, a reality star on cable’s highest rated series Jersey Shore* and currently graces the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, but will she get Raw next Monday?
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi will bring the party to Monday Night Raw at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo. on Monday, March 14 as the guest star. Raw will air live from St. Louis at 9/8c on USA Network.
A native of Poughkeepsie, NY, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is a reality television star who comes from a close-knit Italian family. Fun, outgoing, spontaneous, loving and loud are just a few words that describe this veterinary tech major, whose hobbies include cheerleading, shopping, tanning, working out, and of course always looking good. Nicole broke into the spotlight with her trademark pouf on MTV’s Jersey Shore in December 2009. She helped make Jersey Shore one of the highest rated shows in MTV history. For everyone who loves MTV’s hit reality show, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s sweet, funny, and sexy novel, A Shore Thing, perfectly captures the heat, the energy, the fun, and the drama of Jersey Shore. For more information on Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi log onto http://www.snookienicole.com/ or follow her on twitter at http://twitter.com/sn00ki.
Posted March 7th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Snooki.
Former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia, who is currently working on her second music album, recently spoke with the Miami Herald. Here are some highlights of what she said about:
Returning To WWE One Day: “I say, ‘Never say never,’. Look at The Rock now. It is something that I’m definitely tied to. Once you are in the WWE for a length of time, it’s a family base. You are tied in, no matter if you leave and take a break. Sometimes you come back; so you never know.”
The Rock’s WWE return: “I really didn’t think he would come back. I really thought with his movie career and all. I don’t blame him, though. It had been seven years. When he was making movies, he didn’t have that experience being with the fans and feeling that electricity from the fans. He thrives on that. It was having that experience again. People were tweeting me telling me how much they missed the interviews with me and The Rock. It was just such great chemistry that he and I had with those interviews. As soon as I saw him on TV again, it brought back memories of those days. It was just really cool.”
