— Vince McMahon opened tonight’s Raw to announce that on next week’s show, the host of WrestleMania XXVII will be revealed.

McMahon’s announcement wasn’t written into the script for tonight’s Raw. It was merely labeled as a McMahon segment.

— Michael Cole noted over commentary tonight on Raw that Natalya will receive a shot at Eve’s Divas Championship on next week’s show.

The third-generation wrestler lost the title in a Fatal 4-Way Match at the Royal Rumble without being pinned.

source: PWInsider.com

— Matches taped tonight at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:

* Alicia Fox vs. Natalya

* Jimmy and Jey Uso vs. The Great Khali in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match

— Percy Watson beat Zack Ryder in a dark match to tonight’s Raw taping. Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Nunzio was the referee.

— In celebration of Black History Month, SmackDown Superstar Ezekiel Jackson talks about the respect he has for one of the trailblazers of professional wrestling, Ron Simmons. The first African-American World Heavyweight Champion also weighs in on his accomplishments. (Video)

source: PWInsider.com

— The February 4 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.94 cable rating, slightly down from the previous week’s 1.96 number. The show garnered 3,218,000 viewers over the course of two hours, which was up from approximately 3 million viewers.

— After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers last night at Super Bowl XLV, Green Bay Packers quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers simultaneously held the Lombardi Trophy and WWE World Heavyweight Championship during his victory celebration. A person claiming to have given Rodgers the WWE belt is a host for SportsTownChicago.com. He discussed the situation today in an interview, which can be accessed here.

— Bruno Sammartino and WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton have been confirmed for WrestleReunion’s event at the Downtown Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia on April 3, 2011.

source: prowrestling.net

— Dolph Ziggler is scheduled for appearances this Thursday and Friday at the Water Street Tavern in Kent, Ohio (located on 132 South Water Street).

— “Stone Cold” Steve Austin shared his thoughts with WWE.com on being tapped as the host of WWE Tough Enough – premiering on USA Network April 4, the night after WrestleMania XXVII.

Austin explained what he’s looking for from the Tough Enough contestants.

“The name of the show is Tough Enough, but along with being “tough enough” to take the bumps, bruises and travel, you’ve got to know how to wrestle, how to talk and how to be charismatic,” he said. “This show will be “tough enough,” as the name implies, and it will be physical. I am looking extremely forward to putting these young men and women through their paces. I will make sure they’re busting their asses in the ring with the trainers, and with me.”

When asked to give his thoughts on a contestant disrespecting him, he replied, “I wouldn’t stand for that B.S. I paid my dues. I know more about WWE than anything else in my life. It’s just not gonna happen.”

He also commented on how becoming a WWE Superstar is different than when he broke into the wrestling business and his initial training in the wrestling industry, among other topics. To read the interview, click here.

View pre-WWE photos of The Undertaker ->

— Earlier today, WWE announced on Twitter that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon would be appearing on tonight’s episode of RAW.

WWE’s announcement earlier regarding Vince McMahon appearing on RAW also includes a note about RAW emanating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin just 24 hours after the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl, suggesting McMahon will talk about that.

UPDATE: It’s been announced that the WWE CEO will be kicking off tonight’s show.

— With all the media attention that Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers has been getting for wearing a replica World Heavyweight title belt after being awarded the Super Bowl trophy, WWE has invited the Packers quarterback to tomorrow’s SmackDown tapings:

“WWE has invited Aaron Rodgers and the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers to Tuesday’s SmackDown in Green Bay. Stand by for more details.”

– According to WWE’s official Twitter page, Vince McMahon will be appearing on tonight’s episode of WWE RAW. McMahon has been out of action since suffering a beating at the hands of Nexus several months back.

• Possibly Related: Major Angle To Begin Very Soon

– WWE employee Bret Hart (not the Hall of Fame wrestler), who has worked in the live events department for many years, issued his resignation from the company today.

Many were surprised by his decision to leave and are speculating who else may follow Donna Goldsmith out of the company after WWE reveals its latest financial results on Thursday morning.

WWE stock has taken quite a beating in recent weeks since and more people (talent and office employees) are expected to leave the company in the coming weeks to cut costs.

— WWE returns to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 26, 2011 as a SmackDown taping will be held at the Wells Fargo Center.

— Former WWE talent Maven Huffman hosted the Home Shopping Network’s Super Bowl merchandise show last night following the championship game.

— The 400th issue of Super Luchas magazine in Mexico features a shot of Alberto Del Rio’s reaction to winning the Royal Rumble.

— Paul Bearer appears live tonight on SIRIUS Channel 98 tonight at 11:05 p.m. EST for Right After Wrestling, hosted by Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas. The former WWE manager will discuss his future in the wrestling industry.

— Edge’s mother was in attendance at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Toronto, Ontario. The reigning World Heavyweight Champion announced to the audience that his wrestling career is coming to an end.

Chris Jericho was recently interviewed by Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com. Here are some highlights of what Jericho said about:

The Future Of The Industry:

“It’s a very star-driven business. It always has been and always will be and there’s always transition phases. They kind of got painted into the corner over the years when Vince took over the territories and had all the best of the best but he didn’t like small guys. So there were a lot of small guys who were doing more high-impact work that had to go to other places. Maybe Stampede (Wrestling) or Japan or Mexico or England or Germany. And there’s a whole generation of guys who did that that ended off with guys in my generation. And then when those guys were all done, then where do you find guys? Then suddenly, instead of guys with nine years experience before they go to the WWE like me, you have guys with two years experience or one year experience or no experience. You can’t teach experience. That’s the difference. So the business has changed.”

“I’m not one of those guys who sits back and goes ‘it was a lot better in my day,’ it’s just the way it is. I think the bell curve of a five-star match even five years ago will change to where a five-star match now or a year from now or five years from now might have only been a three-star match a couple of years ago because the experience level has gone down. The quality will go down. There’s always going to be somebody that’s better than the last. There’s always going to be that next Cena that just connects like Rock or (Steve) Austin connected. Or like Jericho connected. Not that I’m at the level of those two guys, but you know what I mean. There’s always going to be somebody that figures out what to do. And there’s going to be natural athletes.”

How Much Longer Vince McMahon Will Remain In Charge:

“Well, I think what Vince is going to do right now is give up some of the legwork, watching ‘Raw’ from gorilla and all that sort of stuff. But Vince will always have the last word until the day he dies. I guarantee that. He’s not the type of person that’s going to be able to go and sit at home and watch the show without having the final say. He’ll be more influenced by certain people. He’ll give up some of the lighter work I’m sure. Vince McMahon is a genius. He is a bona fide genius and his specialty is the wrestling business. And when the day comes when Vince does not have the final say and doesn’t have any answers as to what is going on, which will be the day he dies, that’s when I think the business is going to be in a little bit of trouble because he’s a visionary. You can copy those visions but you can’t have them on your own and not just anybody can do that. You can’t just appoint someone and say ‘you’re the next guy that’s a genius.’ Vince is one of a kind and that’s why he’s killed every other promotion and that’s why everything he does wrestling-wise turns to gold.”

“I think the key to the WWE’s ebb and flow is Vince, and when Vince is gone it will be very, very interesting to see what happens.”

Will Stephanie & Triple H Change Things When They Take Over?

“I don’t think so. Obviously, they’ve been taught by Vince and been groomed by Vince since they were very young, especially Stephanie but Hunter too. He came there in 1995 or whatever it is. But I think you’ll see when that happens that Shawn Michaels will have more influence, Undertaker, guys like that, even myself. I could work in the WWE until I’m 65 years old if I want to. I have never been asked but I think I could. I think I have the kind of reputation. Guys like Edge as well. But once again, it gets diluted. Vince is the boss. Not Stephanie. Not Triple H. It’s not Undertaker. Not Shawn Michaels. When Vince goes, then let’s talk to Stephanie and then let’s talk with Triple H. Then suddenly you have two bosses. Or maybe John Laurinaitis is involved and it becomes more of a committee thing.”

“Vince is the boss, and when you have one boss that everyone trusts … Sure, he’s crazy. We’re all crazy. There’s days when he comes up with ideas that are horrible. But he’s still Vince and his track record speaks for itself and you have to trust everything that he goes for because most of the time his instincts are right. And everyone knows who to go to when you have a question. Even if he says no to something when you know it will work, if he says no then you’re done. That’s it. So when he leaves, I think the power will be spread out a little more. I think that would be a big difference.”

— During an interview with Diva-Fiva.com, former WWE Diva Tammy “Sunny” Sytch was asked to give her opinion on the numerous talent couple relationships in WWE today.

“I’m not in the best position to judge but maybe it’s a little out of control now,” she said. “But then again, since you’re with these people all the time, it’s quite understandable. Especially since it’s hard dating someone who’s not on the road with you.”

Regarding a return to WWE, she indicated that she’d like to, but on her terms.

“Of course!” she said in response to whether she’d be interested. “I’m not sure that I’d want to go on the road full-time again. Maybe just TV and pay-per-views.”

— Silvervision announced plans to re-release Rebellion 2001 and Insurrextion 2002 in March via the “Tagged Classics” series. The two-pack will exclusively be available in Europe.

WWE® LEGEND BOOKER T JOINS “WWE® TOUGH ENOUGH” AS TRAINER

WWE® Legend and former World Heavyweight Champion Booker T joins USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH as a trainer. Booker T will train and counsel the contestants competing to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The appointment of Booker T follows the recent casting announcement of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as series host.

The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

Booker T has entertained audiences across the globe and squared off against the biggest luminaries in the WWE Universe including WWE Superstars John Cena, Rey Mysterio and Big Show.

Recognized as one of the most athletic and charismatic figures in WWE history, Booker T will share his extensive knowledge and ring experience with aspiring contestants vying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Joining a team of celebrity trainers to be announced shortly, Booker T will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, 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.

— In another sign that Triple H will be returning to WWE in the near future, the latest issue of WWE Magazine (now on sale) features Triple H on the cover with the headline, “He’s Back!”

As reported over the weekend, Triple H is being advertised for the March 28th episode of WWE RAW from Chicago (the final RAW before WrestleMania). The arena website is reporting that he’ll be teaming with John Cena, Edge and Randy Orton against Wade Barrett, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and CM Punk in what is likely the dark match main event.

— After Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl game, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was announced as the game’s Most Valuable Player and was presented with a replica WWE world heavyweight title belt. WWE is getting some mentions in the mainstream media today, with Rodgers wearing the WWE title belt on his shoulder as he raised the Super Bowl championship trophy above his head.

WWE.com has posted an article about the Rodgers wearing the title belt, including a link to where fans can purchase their own replica, which runs around $250..

— Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings take place from Green Bay, home of the Super Bowl champion Packers.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

The Wrestling Press recently spoke to Bret Hart in an hour long interview, where the WWE Hall of Famer spoke indepth about his tell-all book Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, his return to World Wrestling Entertainment last year after a long absence, his relationship with Vince McMahon, winning the United States Championship last May, and much more.

In regards to his return last year, he admits to worrying that WWE wouldn’t give his legacy or fans the justice it deserves.

“I thought maybe when I come back that I would look at it and think I should have left it, why did I do it?” he said in reference to the ‘Montreal Screwjob’. “For example if (Shawn Michaels) had been pompous to me or had blew me off then it would have bothered me a lot and then it could have ended up with round two. But Shawn was really sincere and very grateful for being able to bury the hatchet with me.

“For me that was real and (Vince McMahon) was real too me too, and I think in the end [my return] turned out to be a better idea than we thought it would be.

“I never had much in the ways of regret. WWE didn’t have to hire me if they didn’t like what I wrote about them in the book, but they accepted that I was honest and true.

“I always thought that the only thing stopping me from going back was my pride, and the main reason why I did return was that I needed a goal and to do something different. I like to think I am pretty secure in my life and my savings so that was never a deciding factor. It’s been great rubbing shoulders with the likes of Randy Orton and all of these young guys. I didn’t want to ride off into the sunset as an angry, bitter, damn you all to hell kind of guy, which I thought I was coming across as. In hindsight now that it is done, I have said what I have said and we should all move on. I don’t hate the company. I don’t hate Vince McMahon, I don’t blame him for Owen’s death, none of it. I wanted to take a negative and turn it into a positive and peace is always better than war.”

He also discussed the contrasts between the WWE locker room of his day and today.

“They are completely different, the wrestlers of today,” he said. “I don’t even know if I could hang around with them they are so boring. They are like a bunch from a choir, they play video games and listen to their headphones, drink energy drinks and keep themselves to themselves. There is no beer drinking, no hell raising at all.”

You can read the interactive version (including video) here or download the PDF here.

Former WWE champion and Hollywood megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be starring in the upcoming “Fast Five” movie, the fifth installment in the “Fast and Furious” series.

• Picture: The Rock Looking JACKED While Filming “Fast Five” In Hawaii

The Great One was featured in a commercial for the movie that aired during the Super Bowl on Sunday night .. Check it out below in case you missed it:

– Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will take place from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. No matches have been announced but WWE is teasing CM Punk’s “consequences” for Randy Orton after he punt kicked Husky Harris last week.

• Related News: Husky Harris In The WWE Dog House: Update On His Future

Additionally, we’ll see more build to WWE’s upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, which is less than 3 weeks away on Sunday, February 20th.

The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally for tonight is John Cena and Randy Orton vs. The Miz and CM Punk with Michael Cole as the guest referee.

– Over the weekend, Chris Jericho talked some trash on Twitter about UFC fighters, saying:

“Ok guess I’m the only “old school pro wrestler” to say it…screw UFC fighters. U could NEVER do what me and my brothers do.”

After getting a lot of feedback from MMA enthusiasts, Jericho has since followed up with the following, indicating that his comments may have been inspired by a few cocktails:

“Dear UFC fighters, My apologies…(gulp). #Drunkichostrikesagain”

• Chris Jericho Says A Deal Is 90% In Place For Him To Return To WWE

— In addition to World Heavyweight Champion Edge, the SmackDown brand’s Elimination Chamber Match at WWE’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event will include Rey Mysterio, Kane, Wade Barrett and Drew McIntyre – all of whom claimed their opportunity in a series of Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches on SmackDown. “Acting” SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero used her authority to automatically insert her boyfriend, Dolph Ziggler, into the bout.

— Following wins against Dolph Ziggler last week at the Royal Rumble and SmackDown, Edge will put his World Heavyweight Champion on the line for a third time against him this week on SmackDown. “Acting” SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero will serve as the special guest referee.

— Goldust stated on Twitter that his signing tour for his autobiography, Cross Rhodes: Goldust, Out of the Darkness, was postponed due to injury. However, he seemed optimistic about it taking place in the future. He said he hopes to return to the squared circle by June.

— John Cena missed last night’s Raw live event in Rochester, Minnesota so he could attend Gillette’s Super Bowl weekend promotional activities in Dallas, Texas. He was not expected to appear at this afternoon’s WWE Supershow in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but did, working the opening match against CM Punk. He then flew back to Dallas. He will be on hand for tomorrow’s Raw in Milwaukee.

— Evan Bourne was in Las Vegas, Nevada yesterday looking for tickets to the evening’s UFC 126 event, which was sold out. It is unknown whether he attended the show.

— WWE.com has posted Super Bowl themed photos of The Bella Twins.

source: f4wonline.com

WWE Divas Kelly Kelly and The Bella Twins attended a Super Bowl party hosted by ESPN this weekend.

ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT VIP Party was held at a private ranch in Fort Worth, Texas and was attended by a number of celebrities, including Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, Nelly, Reggie Bush, Nick Jonas and more.

Check out these pictures of the WWE divas at ESPN’s Super Bowl party:

– Paul Heyman wrote the following on Twitter on Saturday night during UFC 126 regarding Vince McMahon and Brock Lesnar:

“It’s funny. Vince McMahon hated when I called Brock Lesnar “The Next Big Thing!” HATED IT. WANTED ME TO STOP CALLING BROCK THAT NAME! I’ll tell that whole story … and a lot more … in the book this year. Brock comments on it in his book, too. It was a real war to get Vince to let me keep calling Brock “The Next Big Thing!””

– Chris Jericho wrote the following on Twitter last night  during the show – which is sure to get a rise out of MMA enthusiasts:

“Ok guess I’m the only “old school pro wrestler” to say it…screw UFC fighters. U could NEVER do what me and my brothers do.”

– Jim Ross was also tweeting during the UFC 126 pay-per-view, writing the following about Anderson Silva’s knockout win over Vitor Belfort in the first round of the main event:

“Good God Almighty what a front kick by Anderson Silva! He’s money. What a post fight promo. Everyone knows Anderson speaks some English. :)”

• Check Out: UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort Results

Footage has been posted online of Georgia Dome employees testing the pyrotechnics in preparation for April’s WrestleMania 27 event:

— Following a successful World Heavyweight Title defense over Dolph Ziggler Saturday night in Toronto, Ontario, Edge announced to the audience, “I might only have a couple more of these visits left in me, and I want to end my career in Toronto. Maybe if Mania is here.”

— Jim Ross followed up on comments made last week regarding rumors of Sting wrestling The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVII, saying he doesn’t see the former wrestling champion appearing “in WWE any time soon.”

He wrote in the Q&A section of his official website: “Will Sting ever come to WWE? Does a 51-year-old guy want to engage in an ambitious, road schedule or any schedule? Could a deal be done and all the pieces be put in place before WM27? Is Sting even remotely interested in re-entering the squared circle on any level? I don’t know the answers to these questions nor, would I suggest, does anyone but Sting himself.”

— Percy Watson is once again traveling with the SmackDown crew this week. He participated in a battle royal Saturday night at the Richo Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario, which was ultimately won by Kane.

source: PWInsider.com

— Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer stated during yesterday’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that there has been absolutely no contact between Steve “Sting” Borden and World Wrestling Entertainment officials.

— John Morrison noted today on Twitter that he plans on releasing his own workout DVD, Out of Your Mind Fitness. The Raw Superstar said he will be filming it soon.

— Kent State alum Dolph Ziggler appears next Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Kent State University at the Mac Center in Kent, Ohio. He will be participating in an autograph signing following the wrestling meet.

source: f4wonline.com

— After Kelly Kelly speared Layla to help Edge preserve his World Championship against Dolph Ziggler last night on SmackDown, “acting” SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero fired the blonde bombshell from WWE. Her bio page has been moved to the Alumni section.

— WWE.com has added Booker T to the SmackDown roster page.

After making a surprise return at the Royal Rumble, the six-time World Champion was introduced as SmackDown’s newest commentator on last night’s show.

— Beth Phoenix teased the following yesterday on Twitter: “Great things are on the horizon for The Glamazon….keep your eyes peeled….soon. Very soon!”

— NXT Season 3 contestant AJ appeared as the host of last night’s Raw live event in Minneapolis. According to a fan in attendance at the event, “She wore a skirt that was a half-inch away from WWE moving from PG into R rated territory.”

The New Jersey native has been appearing in Florida Championship Wrestling as a heel since the conclusion of the show.

— CM Punk responded to Jim Ross dubbing him this week the best wrestling villain, writing on Twitter: “When somebody I respect offers me glowing compliments, it’s better than any payday. Harley Race, Pat Patterson, Blackjack Lanza and now Jim Ross say I’m the best villain? Who am I to argue?”

— The February 5 episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America drew a 0.73 cable rating, with 839,000 viewers. Viewership was up from last week’s episode, which was a 0.64 cable rating with 755,000 viewers.

The midnight replay garnered a 0.23 cable rating, with 261,000 viewers.

sources: prowrestling.net, pwinsider.com

Finlay, Joey Mercury and Paul Bearer have been removed from the SmackDown roster page on WWE.com.

Finlay, a one-time United States Champion, had appeared sparingly in the squared circle since the beginning of last year. Vince McMahon reportedly decreed removing Finlay as an active performer in the spring due to his age — now 51. He does, however, remain with the organization as a producer.

Bearer was written off television on the December 10 episode of SmackDown as the show concluded with Kane pushing a set of ladders over a railing, sending the longtime manager to the concrete floor below, thus injuring him. Bearer noted in a blog post days later that his original WWE contract was a short-term deal, but that it still had a “couple of months remaining.” He has not indicated whether he has parted ways with the organization.

Mercury’s tenure with the Straight Edge Society came to a halt in August as he underwent surgery on a torn pectoral muscle. He later began working as a trainer in Florida Championship Wrestling while recuperating from his surgery.

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

CM Punk’s Character: “Is there a better wrestling villain on TV these days than CM Punk? Arguable question but for my sauce, Punk is right there at the top of the heap with a handful of his peers.”

Steve Austin Hosting Tough Enough: “Steve Austin is very excited about hosting the new season of Tough Enough. It will be interesting to see how much star power and expertise is put in place when the training staff is announced. My instincts say that Austin will have a strong team to help him with the trainees. This will be a great opportunity for Stone Cold to be Stone Cold and to re-engage his many fans on a weekly TV series of which I have great expectations for and will be watching and DVR’ing every week. I do not know the status of Tough Enough airing outside the USA for those that are asking.”

Sting: “The Sting stories that have been on line regarding him coming to WWE have taken a life of their own. Will Sting ever come to WWE? Does a 51 year old guy want to engage in an ambitious,  road schedule or any schedule? Could a deal be done and all the pieces be put in place before WM27? Is Sting even remotely interested in re-entering the squared circle on any level? I don’t know the answers to these questions nor, would I suggest, does anyone but Sting himself. Agreed, any thing is possible but what is feasible, doable, etc are questions that none of us can answer. I have seen Sting once in approximately 15 years and that was for about 5 minutes in Charlotte last year at the annual fan convention. I do know that he is a great human being after being around him for over two decades beginning when he came to work for Bill Watts as one half of the Bladerunner tag team with Warrior. They were known as Sting and Rock as I recall when they began their careers with the large Cowboy. Some of my best memories of calling wrestling bouts involved Sting back in the day in UWF and in WCW.”