Bill Kerner, Director of Design for Mattel’s WWE toy line, spoke with Slam Wrestling at last week’s 2011 Toy Fair in New York City. Here are some highlights of what Kerner spoke about:

What WWE’s Youth Movement Means To Mattel:

“It’s important to get the young guys. The ideal thing would be to have on Tuesday morning the hottest thing from Monday night. That’s the Holy Grail. The Nexus for example, and we will do most of the Nexus guys in their original outfits with their bands and stuff, the shame is that it will be after the fact. They’ll be doing different things. The challenge for us is to be able to react to that quickly and be able to get them in a reasonable amount of time. We’re always trying to institute new characters quicker. We’re working on getting things into the system in maybe 90 to a 100 days. And I know that may sound like a lot of time, but it isn’t for a toy company. It normally takes 60 to 70 weeks.”

WWE Keeping Them Informed About Future Storylines:

“We’re working with the WWE on that. They’re giving us more up-front information which is very difficult for them to do because sometimes they don’t know until the night it happens.”

Will We See A Michael Cole Action Figure?

“It’s funny you mention Michael. We’ve had a lot of discussions about him. We’re trying to figure out how we’re going to work announcers and referees in. It’s harder to justify those one-use characters. But I think we have some really good opportunities to work those guys into the line. ”

WWE Legends They Will Work With:

“We’ve done a deal with Bret Hart so we’re going to be doing Bret. We’re trying to go back even further; we’ve been talking to Gorgeous George’s estate. Andre (the Giant) is on the list, he’s coming. You may see him in September of 2011. ”

Their Experiences Working With Randy Savage & Ultimate Warrior

“Macho Man and Warrior … you have to nurture those guys. But, we’ve really established good relationships with them, they like working with us. Macho Man has been terrific. We were so worried about him because he was kind of jaded when he came out of the business. He was a little afraid to get back into it. And, he’s been great. I think he’s going to be doing more stuff. I think you might even see him more out there in the WWE world. I’m not going to speak for him, but he seems to be getting back into it a little bit.”

Will We Ever See A WWE Bruno Sammartino Action Figure?

“I want to do Bruno. Him and Mr. McMahon haven’t always been on the best of terms. We’ll bring him up and he’ll say, “No, no, not yet. Come back to me in a couple of months.” But we are talking to him (Bruno) and I think we will see him sometime in 2012. Cause you’ve got to do Bruno.

Some guys we’re going to bring out and do because they have to be done. I’m a designer, we need to keep the vision alive.”

“We have to show the collector world that we’re serious about this, and we’re going to do all the key people that should be done. We’ll get Bruno done and I think there are a lot of other guys that the fans are going to be surprised that we’re going to go after in 2011 and 2012.”

WWE Studios’ The Chaperone starring Triple H drew virtually no business during its ‘limited engagement’ this weekend.

BoxOfficeMojo.com’s chart listing the top grossing films for the weekend of February 18-20, with the bottom movie making $1,670 in one theater, did not rank the The Chaperone.

Furthermore, the bottom five movies played in less theaters than the WWE produced film — ten.

The Chaperone will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 8.

• Check Out: Reviews Are In For “The Chaperone” Starring Triple H
  

TNA Knockout Mickie James wrote on Twitter this week about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s long awaited return to World Wrestling Entertainment on Monday’s RAW. James wrote on Twitter:

“Finally getting a chance to catch up on @TheRock’s charismatic return… Literally got chills… & remembered why I do… What I do!”

The Rock thanked Mickie James for her comments, adding that he likes her country music. He wrote on Twitter.com/TheRock:

“Thank u MJ..we’re blessed to be able to perform..keep kickin ass and being diverse in your career…I dig your music… I always admire diversity..takes guts..especially in country..if u sing jamey johnson for me I’ll come get that tooth..:)”

• LISTEN HERE: Mickie James’ First Country Music Song

– Kevin Nash praised Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to Raw last Monday, writing on Twitter:

“Rock was amazing on Monday!!! Welcome back. True class putting over Austin. Great show Monday. Cena got my respect when he went an hour with HBK. Is Rock Cena not maln event at Mania? Rock cut a money promo, trashed his money opponent.”

— Regarding DVR usage of Monday Night Raw, the January 24 episode was viewed in 209,000 homes via tape delay–a 94.0% live vs. 6% tape breakdown, or the difference between a 3.29 and 3.50 cable rating.

— Via Twitter, Randy Orton is giving away free tickets to WWE’s March 14 Monday Night Raw taping in St. Louis. The Raw Superstar, who has eight security cameras outside of his home, caught a teenager ringing his door bell Friday night before running off. He is offering free tickets to anyone who can identify the trespasser.

Here’s the surveillance picture taken by Randy Orton’s home security system:

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon told the Greenwich Times this week that she is “seriously considering” another run for United States Senate in 2012.

“I’m leaning in that direction,” McMahon told the Greenwich Times this weekend. “I’m seriously considering another run, but I haven’t made up my mind yet … I’m getting a lot of calls, a lot of encouragement from people around the state. I enjoyed my campaign.”

Daniel Kelly, Executive Director of the State Democratic Party, had this to say about Linda running again:

“I think she runs, and, if she runs, her money, I’m sure, makes her a formidable candidate within the Republican primary. But if she gets to the general (election), she’s the same Linda McMahon, and she has the same failed record of laying off employees and paying herself millions, the same record of steroid abuse and degradation of women in the WWE and she spent nearly 50 million in one of the most Republican years ever and came up short.”

Connecticut’s Republican party chairman Christopher Healy, said: “I think she’s doing what anybody would do. I think she’s been evaluating what the campaign was about, what was good, what was bad. I think that’s appropriate for anyone running for statewide office next year. You’ve got to start early.”

When asked about whether she plans to work for WWE again, she shot down the idea. “I have no plans to return to WWE.”

For more on this story, visit Smart-Grid.TCMNet.com.

– Shawn Michaels was interviewed at the first annual fund raising dinner for The Outdoor Adventure Foundation, Texas Chapter, yesterday. Here’s what he told Amarillo.com about his future in wrestling:

“I’m not going to wrestle again. The only way a 185-pound guy made it in that business is to do something nobody else ever did. The best thing I can do is to stay retired, because nobody ever stays retired. I’ll still be part of the company. You never really get out of the WWE unless you’re wearing concrete shoes at the bottom of the Hudson River, but no more active wrestling.”

– WWE went to great lengths on Monday to keep The Rock’s return a surprise. People working in WWE production were told that Justin Bieber would be announced as the WrestleMania 27 guest host – and the episode of RAW was even titled “Leave it to Bieber” on the episode script.

– Actress Ariel Winter, who appeared on RAW last Monday and stars in The Chaperone, told Star Magazine that she did her own stunts in the movie. Regarding Triple H, she said:

“I had an amazing bond with Triple H, he’s like my second Dad.”

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

On Friday’s SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler was awarded the World Heavyweight championship, lost it back immediately to Edge and was subsequently “fired” by the returning Teddy Long and has been removed from tonight’s SmackDown Elimination Chamber match. To play up the angle even further, Dolph’s superstar profile has been removed from the SmackDown roster page on the WWE website.

Following the events that occured on SmackDown, Ziggler went on a Twitter rant, playing up the storyline firing and teasing that “Dixie” will help him make an “impact” and “spike” someone’s ratings.  Here’s what he wrote:

“Historic 600th episode of WWE Smackdown tonight on SyFy! I will address the DOLPHans after, Thanks for your support over the years!

First of all, I can’t believe that I got to live my dream for this many years and actually come to do it pretty damn well! Even though I used to caddy around and actually went through a rigorous gymnastics and cheerleader training I thought we made it work! I got to make a lot of friends and a couple of enemies, but no matter what, every time I stepped through that curtain, especially these ast 2 years, I felt like a champion, I lived to go to work each day and try to steal the show like no one else could!

No matter what happens in the coming weeks and months, I appreciate the fact that my hard work and countless hours studying and learning paid off! I was in the world title picture as a legitimate threat, and appreciate that I got that chance! Most don’t!

I hope this youth movement continues, and I hope its just not to build young guys up and have the mainstays dominate and not pass the torch. There is a ton of hungry young talents and they LOVE their jobs, just like I and did! Hopefully they get their chance! I hope to see zack ryder, trent barretta, curt hawkins and some others get their chance, bc they love what they do, and remind me of why I got into this business! Hopefully Wrestlemania will not be a look back into the attitude era an have all the young guys watching backstage.

I love the wrestling business, and maybe its time to take that next step into the danger zone, brazzers are u hiring??? Haha. I’m sure the door is always open, and I know I busted my ass every damn day I worked for this company, and no matter how doughy and truly. Annoying the miz is, he’s obviously onto something (2,000 tries later)! Daniel bryan couldn’t draw a dollar with a green crayon! I love hating on him! He got carried to one of (actually THE best match of the year) and john morrison is nothing but a pretty boy doing ballet.

I will see all of u again, SOMEWHERE! And now its time to make an impact and spike someone else’s ratings! U know me, I’d rather be in Dixie. Thank you dolphans for ur support! And know I loved pissing everyone off and stealing their show! I will truly miss this more than anything ……Its only NATURAL.”

WWE’s public position on Mixed Martial Arts is that MMA is not direct competition to sports entertainment, but a Connecticut lawmaker who is fighting to get the sport legalized in his state says WWE is campaigning against his efforts.

Connecticut state representative Matthew Lesser has introduced legislation for Mixed Martial Arts events to be held in his state, one of only 4 states that currently does not sanction the sport. Lesser argues that MMA is a safe, regulated sport and would bring a great deal of tax revenue to the state government.

While the MMA legalization movement is gaining momentum, Lesser claims that World Wrestling Entertainment is actually lobying against the cause, using it’s influence in the state to squash a potential competitor.

WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman said that WWE is not opposed to the MMA bill or anything else Connecticut wants to do with regards to sports or entertainment.

The General Assembly’s public safety committee is slated to hold a hearing on the bill Tuesday afternoon.

DISCUSSION: What do you think about this? If Lesser’s claims are true, is WWE wrong for lobbying against MMA, when MMA would almost certainly take away from their business? Should MMA be legalized in all 50 states?

(Source: The Hartford Courant)

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:

SmackDown Going Live: “No…I don’t ever see Friday Night Smackdown going live, full time IE weekly. It might happen occasionally but it isn’t cost effective or travel friendly to do live TV on Mondays, Fridays, and some Sundays and still try to do live event touring. Makes no sense.”

The Angle-Jarrett storyline in TNA: “An emailer asked me what I thought about recent TNA storylines involving Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Jarrett and their children. I’m not a regular viewer of TNA first of all but what I have seen of this storyline that’s allegedly based in reality isn’t my cup of tea. I could care less what the adults do in their storyline but having minor children involved doesn’t personally work for me. TNA isn’t my hill to die upon and I harbor no ill will toward them but I find it challenging to believe that some individuals actually think that this is effective, episodic TV.”

Tonight’s Elimination Chamber: “I’m anxiously looking forward to Sunday’s Elimination Chamber PPV from WWE that emanates from Oakland. Obviously, and based on precedent, the Chamber bouts will occupy the majority of the ring time on this event but my focus is on the King vs. Miz bout for the WWE Title. Miz will likely see every trick in the wrestler’s handbook in this one and I don’t expect this title bout to be a marathon. It can’t be a marathon bout if The King Jerry Lawler wants to win the WWE Title IMO. The 61 year old WWE HOF’er, who buried his 90 year old mother on Wednesday, needs to essentially tell us what time it is and not how to make the watch when Jerry looks to make history. Not only would Jerry be the oldest WWE Champion ever, or so I think, he would also be in rarefied air as a WWE Hall of Famer who wins the title after being inducted into the WWE HOF.”

— Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer said yesterday on the f4wonline.com message board that WWE had absolutely no hand in the casting decisions for the revival of Tough Enough. USA Network officials and the show’s production company, Shed Media Us, had full control on that aspect. The goal was to select models for the reality program.

— Rosa Mendes, who has not toured with WWE in three weeks, indicated on her Twitter account that she has been dealing with a personal issue as of late.

She wrote Thursday, “Just finished an amazing photo shoot. I want to thank Scott, Amber and Leslie Homan, for all their hard work today. These past few weeks having been a little tough. This shoot made my day. I want to thank all my friends for their texts and prayers. It means a lot.”

Mendes also stated that she moved to Las Vegas yesterday.

— Austin Aries, the only two-time ROH World Champion, hinted yesterday on Twitter that his wrestling career may be coming to an end following a recent setback.

“Apparently not big, young, or tough enough,” he wrote. “While it’s been amazing, the AA chapter of my life may be coming to an end very soon.”

Aries, who is 32 years old and billed at five foot nine, was among the most notable wrestlers bypassed for Tough Enough.

— CM Punk is featured on the cover of the March 2011 issue of WWE Magazine, with the headline reading “FEAR ME!” Enclosed is an interview with the Straight Edge Superstar, who explains why he has yet to have his definitive WrestleMania moment.

— The first digital issue of WWE Magazine will be launched in January.

He’s been a guest on ClubWWI.com twice before and now, as he embarks on the biggest match of his WWE career Sunday against The Miz at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Jerry “The King” Lawler returns for an all new interview with James Guttman to address many topics he hasn’t yet had the chance to.

The King covers a ton of subjects including his upcoming Legends Reunion tag match with son Brian Christopher against Bill and Jamie Dundee on March 2nd in Evansville, Indiana as well as his big PPV bout and moments he missed on Monday’s Raw.

As many fans know, Jerry was absent for Raw this past Monday due to the death of his mother Hazel. James Guttman asks the King about his mom and the tremendous outpouring of support from WWE and the wrestling community as a whole during this tough time. Lawler speaks out on it:

“It has been an extremely tough week and I want to thank – if any of your listeners were some of the thousands, literally thousands, – I was amazed at the emails, texts, facebook friends and that sort of response from so many people with their condolences and sympathies and that sort of stuff. It meant a tremendous amount to me.”

James mentions how many thought WWE’s handling of the situation was classy and Jerry agrees. He speaks about the support they showed. Guttman brings up how even Michael Cole and The Miz were respectful in their mentions on Monday and didn’t use the sad event to “get heat” as some in wrestling do. The King again agrees, but points out to ClubWWI.com listeners that the reigning WWE Champion wasn’t thinking straight when he issued a warning to how the King handles his grief.

“(Miz) didn’t want me to use the passing of my mother as an excuse to lose at The Elimination Chamber. In reality, if the young man were in his right mind, he’d know I would not use that as an excuse but as motivation to make my mom proud of me.”

Guttman points out how the match against Miz on Sunday has an extra level of intrigue surrounding it. With the long running knowledge that Jerry “The King” Lawler has yet to wrestle in a match at WrestleMania, despite his near 20 year run with the company, the chances that he could do so as the incoming WWE Champion is the stuff legends are made of. Could he enter the show with the belt and what would that mean to him? As the ClubWWI.com interview continues, Lawler gives his thoughts.

“It couldn’t unfold any better. If that were the case, if I were to win Sunday and be in WrestleMania as the WWE Champion, it’s like a dream come true. To me, that would be better than a Rocky movie. It would be absolutely amazing. We’ll have to see how that unfolds. That’s what I have the opportunity to do and – gosh – you couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.”

Jerry goes on to discuss his respect for the Miz as a performer and how’s grown since his debut. Of course, he still has to beat him up on Sunday. The same can be said for Michael Cole. Since becoming WWE’s resident evil announcer, Cole has gotten under the skin of countless fans. James brings up a possible Cole-Lawler match down the line and asks the King what he thinks about it. Turns out that ClubWWI.com members aren’t the only ones wondering about it. Everyone is:

“I’ll I can tell you is that the majority of comments and emails and communications with all the fans, that seems to be the one thing that everybody wants. Michael Cole has got everybody just completely ticked off. They want to see him get his and it seems they want me to be the one to do it. It’s amazing because almost every correspondence I got about my mom from wrestling fans, they’d say something like, ‘Dear Jerry, we’re really sorry and send our condolences on the loss of your mom and hope everything works out and please, by the way, punch Michael Cole in the mouth.’ Who knows? I think that might be an interesting match.”

– During his media rounds this week to promote his new Undisputed biography, Chris Jericho spoke to Boston’s 100.7 WXLXon Thursday about his relationship with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Here’s what Jericho said about Vince:

“One of the things I like about the book is the thread of the relationship between Vince and Chris. It did not start of good. Over the years, there were ups and downs. Here we are in 2011 and I was just texting Vince this morning. We have laughs about things that have nothing to do with wrestling. We have deep respect for each other, but it took a long time to get to that point.”

– Filming has begun for the upcoming season of WWE Tough Enough, which premieres the night after WrestleMania. The contestants are already living at the Tough Enough house Simi Valley, California. Tough Enough host “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is not living at the house with the contestants.

Filming will take place for roughly seven weeks, until the end of March. Most of the men and women contestants have independent wrestling experience. As WWE confirmed this week, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih will be among the contestants.

* Picture of MISS USA – Rima Fakih (Direct Link)

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer)

In his recent interview with UK Sun’s Rob McNichol, Chris Jericho says Shawn Michaels is the greatest performer to ever grace a wrestling ring — bar none. Chris Jericho said:

“The best way to put it is that Shawn IS the Hall of Fame.”

“There’s nobody that has ever been in the business that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame more than Shawn Michaels. That includes Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin or anybody else.”

“Shawn is the epitome of what the Hall of Fame is because to me he is the best performer of all time. He is not even close to anybody else.”

“You can debate it with me until the cows come home — you can say all you want. You can give me all the facts and figures, it’s not going to change my mind.”

“I’m so excited that he is in the Hall of Fame, but it’s essential that he be in there. If he wasn’t it would be a waste of time.”

To listen to it in full via podcast, click here.

WWE SmackDown on Syfy

Reader Reginald Murphy attended Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from San Diego, California and sent in these results for Friday’s SyFy broadcast:

* Rey Mysterio, Edge, John Morrison, R-Truth, Randy Orton and John Cena beat CM Punk, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, Kane and Drew McIntyre in the opener. The faces all hit their finishers and Edge pinned Ziggler for the win.

* Vickie Guerrero came out and said she will prove Edge assaulted Teddy Long and says Dolph’s coronation as champion will be later tonight.

* Maryse and Layla vs. Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix is up next. McCool comes out limping with a cast on her right foot to do commentary. Maryse and Layla got the win after McCool interfered. She was selling the foot injury but definitely appeared to be legitimately injured.

* The Miz beats Kofi Kingston when Alberto Del Rio comes out and interferes.

* Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov beat Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater by DQ to retain the tag team titles. The Corre interfered to cause the DQ. Big Show came out and made the save.

* Teddy Long returned during the Dolph Ziggler World Title coronation ceremony. Teddy books Edge vs. Ziggler for the World Title now.

* Edge defeated Dolph Ziggler to become the “new” World Heavyweight Champion. Teddy fires Dolph after the match, leaving a spot open in the Elimination Chamber. Edge celebrated in the ring while confetti dropped and the crowd sang goodbye to Ziggler.

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown:

* Rey Mysterio, Edge, John Morrison, R-Truth, Randy Orton and John Cena vs. CM Punk, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, Kane and Drew McIntyre.

* Vickie Guerrero says she’s got evidence that Dolph Ziggler is the new World Heavyweight champion and will will host Dolph Ziggler’s World Title coronation ceremony.

* Maryse and Layla vs. Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix.

* The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston.

* Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.

* Edge is in action.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

Miss USA Rima Fakih

The USA Network issued a press release today announcing that Miss USA Rima Fakih, a former RAW Guest Host, will be a contestant on the upcoming season of WWE’s Tough Enough:

IS MISS USA™ “TOUGH ENOUGH®?”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – February 17, 2010 USA Network and WWE® announced today that Miss USA™, Rima Fakih will be one of the aspiring contestants on USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH®. Fakih will be squaring off against a tough group of challengers vying for an once-in-a-lifetime shot to become a WWE Superstar or Diva. The series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, the day after WrestleMania® XXVII and immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®. It moves to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to battle for a title in an entirely different competition,” said Fakih. “Miss USA is an incredible honor that’s provided invaluable experience which will undoubtedly help me as I push my performance and athletic skills to the limit. I look forward to learning if I have the mettle to make it in WWE.”

The casting announcement follows the recent appointment of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin® as series host and WWE Legend Booker T™ as a trainer. WWE TOUGH ENOUGH contestants will be a diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Southern California.

Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The company’s previous reality credits include “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “World’s Strictest Parents.” Producing for Shed Media US are Nick Emmerson, Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what Jim Ross spoke about:

Jerry Lawler’s WWE Title Shot on Sunday: “Jerry is genuinely excited about being in the main event of a WWE PPV which will be this Sunday in Oakland at the Elimination Chamber vs. the Miz for the WWE Title. Personally, I feel that Jerry needs to get away his recent heartaches and get back on the road that he is so comfortable with and, more importantly, get back in the ring which is like a second home for him. King is much more refined and skilled than is the younger, less experienced albeit talented Miz which may bode well for the #1 challenger for the WWE title come Sunday. I would not miss this PPV for the world because I believe that shocks and surprises from WWE will abound over the next few weeks leading into WM27 and no one can argue that Jerry Lawler upsetting Miz to win the WWE title wouldn’t be a HUGE shocker.”

The Rock’s WWE Plans After WM27: “I have no idea what Rock’s plans are as they relate to WWE after WM27. I haven’t given it much thought but many fans are seemingly obsessed in knowing what the Rock’s plans are for the future. I don’t see Rock emotionally ever leaving the WWE Universe but I also don’t see him appearing as a ‘regular’ on WWE programming in the future either which is why this Wrestlemania event is so intriguing and is such a must see pay per view. We are attending the event AND buying and taping the PPV.”

WWE All Stars: “The new, THQ produced WWE All Star Video game is getting more and more play as the anticipation builds to it’s release the Tuesday of WM27 week. There will be a tie in with JR’s Family BBQ on this exciting new game so please watch for details. ”

* New WWE ALL STARS Screenshots: Eddie Guerrero, Jake Roberts, Ultimate Warrior & MORE

Hulk Hogan Wrestling Buddy

– One of our WWE sources is under the impression that Royal Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio is not very happy that there’s another Mexican wrestling star, Mistico, coming to WWE. Del Rio knows that Rey Mysterio’s in-ring career will not last forever and apparently does not want competition in being seen as WWE’s top Mexican performer.

– WWF Wrestling Buddies, the early 1990s pillow toys most of us have given a few off-the-couch elbow drops to, were ranked as one of the 100 Best Toys of all-time by Time Magazine.

– Kevin Nash is starring in a new DVD movie called Monster Brawl which also stars former WWE star Kurrgan, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart and UFC referee Herb Dean.

– Scott Hall wrote on Twitter that he and fellow Kliq member Sean Waltman will be filming a shoot interview next week.

– The Cartoon Network’s animated show MAD will air a WWE parody called “WWER” tonight. The sketch will feature a hybrid world of WWE and the old NBC show ER and will feature parodies of  Triple H, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and WWE divas.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

On Thursday morning, video game website IGN.com revealed several new playable characters for the upcoming WWE All Stars video game, in stores at the end of next month.

More new characters will be announced next Thursday. For a complete list of the characters arleady announced for the game, visit WWEAllStars.com

Here are the newly announced names for the game:

Legends

– Eddie Guerrero
– Jake “The Snake” Roberts
– “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
– Sgt. Slaughter

Superstars:

– Edge
– Jack Swagger
– Kane

Downloadable Charactrs:

– Dusty Rhodes
– Cody Rhodes
– Hawk
– Animal

Check out these new screenshots of the new playable characters, courtesy of IGN.com:

With WrestleMania 27 just over 7 weeks away, we’ve got an update on the match WWE plans to headline the event – and it doesn’t involve anybody who has been on WWE television in the past several months.

As of this week, the main event of WrestleMania 27 is expected to be The Undertaker vs. Triple H, with Shawn Michaels acting as the special guest referee.

There has been some on-and-off discussion as to whether the match will have a “Career vs. Streak” stipulation.

Triple H, who is currently 41 years old and has been talking about retiring from the ring to focus on his movie career and WWE office job, is considered the heir apparent to Vince McMahon’s throne atop World Wrestling Entertainment. With the number of series muscle tears he’s sustained in recent years, the possibility of Triple H putting his career on the line does make for a good stipulation.

With the Undertaker advertised for Monday’s “2/21/11” episode of WWE RAW from Fresno, California, Triple H’s return to television will be coming up very soon in order to get this feud started.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Busted Open radio show highlights
Guest: Chris Jericho
Hosts: Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca
Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Jericho’s interview promoting the book release of “Undisputed” was recorded on Wednesday morning and will air in its entirety on Wednesday afternoon at 3:05 p.m. EST on Sirius 125, XM 241.

WrestleMania needing a big angle: “Absolutely, but what’s wrong with that? I mean, last week I listened to your guys’s show and you guys were complaining as critics do that WrestleMania had no jump to it. Vince McMahon is a genius. You can say what you want and whatever you want to say. He will always pull stuff out his ass. You wait and see what he comes up with at WrestleMania. You think “The Rock” is the last thing is going to be the big selling point. No way! I’m sure he’s got two or three other things up his sleeve for this WrestleMania… There’s still five weeks until WrestleMania.”

TNA: “When I worked for WAR in Japan, the company was half the size of new Japan, but for me, WAR was the best company in the world, and if anybody talked badly about my company, I’ll fight you. And if we had any kind of interaction with New Japan, I wasn’t trying to work for New Japan, I didn’t give a s— about working for New Japan, all I cared about was working for WAR, and flying the banner as high as I could… I don’t care if TNA is the worst company in the world, I don’t care. Once you sign a contract for there, you work for Dixie Carter, and you do the best you can to make people believe it’s the best company in the world, and if all you’re doing is b—— about WWE, then go f—— work for WWE, or act like a hasbeen that used to work there. TNA should be the best place in the world to work, and if you don’t believe that, the fans won’t believe it, they’re not gonna buy your product, they’re not gonna believe your product, and they’re not gonna watch your product.”

A WWE return: “Now that’s the thing people ask me ‘When are you coming back to wrestling? When are you going to do this? When are you going to do that?’ I got asked today ‘Are you? – the rumor is you’re the new singer of Velvet Revolver?’ Even if I was the lead singer of Velvet Revolver, even if I was coming out of the Chamber why would I tell you a-holes?”

– WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta is still not sold out. WWE officials are expecting a lot of tickets to sell this week following the news that The Rock will be guest hosting the event.

– After Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings in San Diego, Edge cut a promo and put over the city and it’s fans. Edge spoke fondly about wrestling the late Eddie Guerrero on a SmackDown show from San Diego years ago.

• Check Out: *SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

– The official theme song for Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is Ignition by TobyMac. His song Showstopper was previously used by WWE as the theme for the 2010 Fatal 4 Way pay-per-view.

– It was one year ago today that WWE aired the final episode of ECW on SyFy. The final chapter of the ECW legacy saw Ezekiel Jackson defeat Christian to become the final ECW champion. The belt was retired after Jackson’s win.

– Former WWE star Chris Nowinski is scheduled to give a speech entitled “The Concussion Crisis: How One Leader Can Make a Difference” at the Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 22nd.

– Dolph Ziggler mentioned Ring of Honor during commentary on last night’s WWE NXT. After Daniel Bryan shook hands with his Rookie Derrick Bateman before their singles match, Ziggler referred to ROH’s Code of Honor pre-match handshake, saying, “It’s not ROH, you don’t have to shake hands.”

– The next NXT elimination will take place on Tuesday, February 22nd. After next week, there will be only two Rookies remaining, with the winner being determined on the March 1st finale.

— With NXT Season 4 wrapping up in less than 2 weeks, we’re alrady looking ahead to NXT Season 5 – set to premiere the week after Season 4’s finale. NXT Season 5 begins on March 8th and we reported last week that there’s been talk of a “father-son” theme featuring WWE legends mentoring their sons.

– Former NXT and Nexus member Michael Tarver was seen backstage on RAW once again this week, in the segment where The Miz was walking to the ring for his match with Daniel Bryan. Tarver was seen playing on his cellphone and looking at The Miz.

This marks the fourth time Tarver has appeared (and was barely acknowledged) on WWE television in the past several weeks.

– Fellow former NXT and Nexus member Husky Harris has been out of action for several weeks following a skull punt by Randy Orton. It’s interesting to note that his profile page has been added back to the Florida Championship Wrestling website, a sign that he won’t be back on WWE television any time soon.

WWE officials were said to be impressed with the young star’s in-ring work, but they feel his look needs work.

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

– Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night television show on Monday night. She served as a correspondent of the Kimmel show and was interviewing celebrities on the red carpet of last weekend’s Grammy Awards. Her name was shown onscreen as “Lilah Garcia.”

Speaking of Lilian Garcia, she will be appearing at the upcoming Miami Comic Con event on February 26th-27th from the Miami Airport Convention Center. Other wrestling stars appearing at that show include Kevin Nash, Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle and TNA knockout Cookie.

Check out these pictures of Lilian Garcia on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards: