Corre leader Wade Barrett was interviewed this week by Philadelphia radio host Brian Soscia. You can listen to an audio clip of the interview at MixPhiladelphia.com. Here are some highlights of what the former bare-knuckle boxer said about:

Why “Corre” Has Two R’s: “Corre Spelling: “We sent Heath Slater to the place to register trademarks and Heath isn’t the best at spelling. Then, we were set with Corre with two r’s.”

Nexus’s Debut: “We went through it that day exactly what we were going to do. We didn’t realize the kind of impact it would have,” he said. “We didn’t appreciate how it would look to the fans seeing the ring torn down. We knew it would be big, but we didn’t anticipate the reaction it would get.”

Rumors Of Him vs. Undertaker at WM27: “That’s not the case. I’ve had people Tweeting those rumors. I’ve certainly not heard that (from WWE). At the moment, certainly nothing has been organized,” Barrett said, while also indicating he would gladly accept the match if it were offered to him.”

* Wade Barrett’s MUGSHOT Picture: Arrested For DUI In 2008

(Source: MixPhiladelphia.com)

– John Cena is no longer being advertised for Saturday’s WWE live event from Rochester, Minnesota. Cena had been scheduled to wrestle CM Punk in the main event, but has since been replaced by John Morrison. No word yet on why Cena was pulled, but it’s not the first live event he’s skipped this year.

– Diesel has been added to the WWE Alumni page, including pictures from the former WWE champion’s storied career. It’s interesting to see how his look has evolved from when he debuted in the mid-1990s to his return to WWE at Sunday’s Royal Rumble, over 15 years later. You can check those pictures out here.

– Former Nexus member Skip Sheffield underwent a second surgery several weeks ago, this time to repair a trapped nerve in his injured leg. The trapped nerve went unnoticed during his first surgery and was causing severe discomfort and complications with his physical rehabilitation process. Sheffield is now off crutches and continues to rehab the leg. No word yet on when he’ll be back in action.

— With Shawn Michaels still the only confirmed name for the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011, we can report that hardcore wrestling legend Abdullah The Butcher is also being strongly considered for this year. Triple H noted in recent interview that he suggested Abdullah to WWE management as a possible candidate for this year.

— Former WWE manager Armando Estrada was at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from the Nassau Coliseum Smackdown about a possible return to the company.

— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his ex-wife Dani recently sold their former home in Davie, Florida for a cool $1.2 million. For more in the sale, visit BizJournals.com.

— During an interview with Canadian radio station Fan 590 earlier this week, World Heavyweight champion Edge talked about being very happy with his current role in WWE and had positive things to say about young WWE stars Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison, and Sheamus.

• Recent Picture Of The Rock Looking Absolutely JACKED

(Source: pwinsider.com)

TNA star Kurt Angle was interviewed this week by MMA announcer Mauro Ranallo on The Fight Show satellite radio show on Thursday. You can listen to the full interview at Radio.TheScore.com. Here are some highlights of what Angle said about:

His TNA Contract Expiring: “My contract’s up in August. I’m going to keep the option open. I like TNA. I like being there. I like that the company has built the last four-and-a-half years since I’ve been there. I don’t have any plans of leaving, but I don’t think Kevin Nash and Booker T had plans of jumping either.”

(COMMENT BELOW: Would you like to see Kurt Angle back in WWE? Can he handle the travel schedule?)

Nash & Booker T Jumping Ship: “They were actually, until a couple days before the (Royal) Rumble, signed with TNA. In essence, they asked for their release at the last second and TNA gave them their wish. I’m going to do what’s best for Kurt Angle and they’ve treated me well here.”

TNA’s Current Roster: “ “We have a stacked roster. We can’t put everybody on a TV show. So, you’re not seeing a lot of the talent week after week. I think they’re going to have to be more consistent about keeping the top talent in there.”

Angle also called his on-air storyline with Jeff Jarrett and Karen Angle a “touchy subject” and said his fiance Giovanna and their new baby are “doing fine” after her recent health scare landed her in the hospital and resulted in the baby being born sooner than expected.

• Pictures Of Kurt Angle’s 25-Year-Old Baby Momma Giovanna Yanotti

– Booker T has been confirmed as a trainer for WWE’s new Tough Enough show.

– During an interview with ClubWWI.com, former WWE manager Paul Bearer revealed that he was in talks with TNA about managing Abyss before the character debuted, but Bearer’s health issues during the mid 2000’s prevented it from happening.

– Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman was at last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling’s event in Tampa. FL.

– Dolph Ziggler will be appearing at an upcoming wrestling meet for Kent State University when they take on Ohio University on 2/11. Ziggler, who was a very accomplished amateur wrestler at Kent State, will doing a photo and autograph session after the meet.

(Source: pwinsider.com)

– As TMZ.com has been reporting as of late, former WWE star MVP is set to begin wrestling in Japan in the coming weeks for New Japan Pro Wrestling. There had been some speculation as to whether MVP would be able to use his WWE gimmick in Japan – he Tweeted this week that he will in fact be using the same gimmick.

• More On MVP Wrestling In Japan

– John Cena wrote the following on Twitter regarding Elimination Chamber and Jerry Lawler:

“CeNation. Very happy for king. I figured Sheamus and I will settle any differences in the chamber. I hate the chamber.even more than sheamus.”

– THQ revealed this week during their quarterly investor meeting that SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 shipped 2.7 million units during the holiday quarter, which is a strong number but down from previous years.

– Former WWE Diva Maria Kenellis has been teasing on Twitter that she’s working on a new project. The new project is an organic perfume line called Signature Creme. It will be available later this month. She did a photo shoot for the line yesterday.

• Recent Modeling Pictures of MARIA (So Hot)

WWE Diva Beth Phoenix was interviewed recently by Slam Wrestling.

• Check Out: Pictures of a Young (Pre-WWE) Beth Phoenix

Here are some highlights of what she said about:

Attending a WWE tryout years ago with Gail Kim & Traci Brooks:

“Gail Kim was signed that day and became women’s champion just a couple of months later. It was crazy how much talent came out of that area, and still is successful to this day, Gail being a WWE diva as well, a former TNA champion, women’s champion.“

Her relationship with Natalya:

“One really important thing for me while I was injured was Natalya. Natalya and I are very close, and have been for many, many years, and been there for each other through the thick and thin, the ups and downs of our jobs. She was a wonderful, positive influence on my life. She was going through a lot too with LayCool on television. We were kind of each other’s rock during the rough times. Even the Hitman [Bret Hart] has gone out of his way and given me a lot of encouragement. That meant a lot to me, because he was one of my childhood heroes. It was wonderful to have them motivating me along when the going got tough. That’s why me being able to come back at Survivor Series and share in her title victory meant a lot to me because it was a long road for both of us to get there.”

Awesome Kong in WWE:

“There’s been a lot of chatter around about her being signed by WWE. I think a lot of people, their first inclination is to think that it would be quite a clash to see us in the ring together. If we get that opportunity, it will be amazing. I look forward to it. She and I have never wrestled each other, not even on the independent scene or anything. I think it will be quite the spectacle to have Awesome Kong and Beth Phoenix in the same ring at the same time. Hopefully we’ll get to see that in the near future.

WWE’s Divas division:

“With our company, we have a moniker with the divas: Smart, Sexy and Powerful. Our company is really big on us not just being beautiful, not just being about our looks, but also presenting our girls as role models. Most of our divas are greatly educated and would be happy to talk to you about current events and important issues. I think that we all work hard to be something that little girls want to emulate — not just Barbie dolls, we’re more than that.”

WWE star Kevin Nash appeared on Tha O Show with Big Daddy Donnie this week and this to say about the following topics:

The huge reaction he got at the Royal Rumble:

“I wanted to take a steal chair and just sit in the middle of the aisle and take it all in because I said it’s going to be all down hill from here. It couldn’t have been more special. Thank god I was wearing a condom.”

His business relationship with Dixie Carter:

“If I had have walked into an office and went to Dixie and said this is what I want to do and this is what will make me happy, Dixie would have signed off on it in 30 seconds.”

Dixie’s reaction to him in the Royal Rumble:

“She was out of the country. I guarantee you she was happy for my response and happy I was happy.”

Triple H not working the Rumble:

“Paul had no desire at that point [to get in the ring]. He is working in the office and walking around with a clipboard. Vince and Steph feel the company needs his mind more than his body right now. Whenever he comes back though, it’s a game changer. When I found out he [HHH] wasn’t working, I asked if it was the buddysystem [not wanting to steal a pop from Booker T or Nash] and that’s how I took it.”

Whether he has one last run left:

“It’s up to creative. Every guy in the business thinks they have one last run, and the truth is, they do – if creative is in compliance with that. I told them I’d go as hard as I can for as long as I can until I break down.”

His current status:

“I could go back to TNA and wrestle for them tomorrow, they just can’t put me in a video game – oh wait, they don’t have one. They couldn’t do a doll, well they could. They could do a doll [like they did before] with a likeness that Vince owns. They [TNA] put out a doll of me with long brown hair. My contract with them said they would market my TNA likeness. I asked Terry Taylor to show me a picture of when I ever worked in TNA with long brown hair. Jakks said, ‘Sorry it was a dye problem from China.’ You have to look at the doll. Jakks had a 2003 Ruthless Aggression Diesel doll and they slapped a Nash logo on it with the same Diesel head, and it was just bogus man.”

His new WWE Legends deal:

“It has verbiage that says you are subject to wrestle. I looked at it as, I’m making a 5 year commitment that I’m not going anywhere else, and if I do they can’t market any part of me.”

Here is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on SyFy:

* WWE’s new SmackDown announcer is revealed

* Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater vs. WWE Tag Team Champions Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella in a non-title match.

* Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Wade Barrett vs. Big Show in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Edge and Kelly Kelly vs. Dolph Ziggler, Layla and Michelle McCool with the World Title on the line.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

WWE SmackDown on Syfy

– Thanks to Red for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from Tuesday’s tapings in Long Island, New York:

* Booker T comes out first in his new WWE role as announcer with Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero open the show, talking about tonight’s match where the World Title will be on the line. Kelly Kelly came out and slapped Ziggler. Michelle McCool and Layla then come out, Edge comes out and cleans house.

* Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater beat WWE Tag Team Champions Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella in a non-title match.

* Drew McIntyre beats Kofi Kingston in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Alberto Del Rio came on the big screen, distracting Kofi, allowing Drew to get the win.

* Rey Mysterio beats Jack Swagger in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Backstage segment with Edge talking to Kelly Kelly about their match.

* Hornswoggle, Rosa Mendes and Ricardo Rodriguez all come out. Rodriguez announces Alberto Del Rio and out he comes to celebrate. Hornswoggle ends up hitting Del Rio but gets attacked. Kofi Kingston comes to make the save but Del Rio applies his armbar finisher.

* Hornswoggle, Rosa Mendes and Ricardo Rodriguez all come out. Rodriguez announces Alberto Del Rio and out he comes to celebrate. Hornswoggle ends up hitting Del Rio but gets attacked. Kofi Kingston comes to make the save but Del Rio applies his armbar finisher.

* Kane wins a squash against Chavo Guerrero to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.

* Wade Barrett defeats Big Show to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. The Corre comes out to help Barrett when the referee goes down. After the match, Show tries to fight back but Ezekiel Jackson slams him.

* Edge and Kelly defeat Dolph Ziggler, Layla and Michelle McCool with the World Title on the line. Kelly pinned Layla. Vickie Guerrero comes out after the match and fires Kelly. Dolph vs. Edge with Vickie as referee is announced for next week for the belt.

Here are some highlights of what The Corre leader Wade Barrett talked about during a recent interview with Postcrescent.com:

Unscripted Promos: “A lot of the times we’re shoved out in front of the camera and I may be out there talking for 10 minutes straight or doing it back and forth with someone for 10 or 15 minutes. A lot of times you are having to ad-lib.”

“There’s no way anybody can memorize all the stuff we have to come out and say. Generally, I’ll have an idea of what’ I’m gonna say, but in terms of crowd interaction and things like that, sometimes the crowd will be chanting stuff at me, so I’ll want to say something in response to that. Sometimes whoever I’m talking with might throw me a curveball – like John Cena’s very good at ad-libbing. He used to throw a lot of curveballs at me when I was out there talking with him, so I have to be very much reactive to what’s going on around me.”

The Most Painful Move He’s Felt In WWE: “That would probably have to be Justin Gabriel’s 450 splash. It’s a spectacular looking move, but the velocity of him spinning around combined with the fact that he’s jumping 10-feet in the air or whatever it is, makes for a very heavy impact. That’s definitely one of the most painful moves I’ve ever had to take.”

Is It Easier To Be A Face Or Heel?: “I think it purely depends on the individual. I know I’ve always felt more comfortable being an antagonist and on the few occasions in my career when I’ve tried to go out and be the fan favorite, back in my days in the U.K., I just never did a good job with it. I was always very bad at getting the fans to get behind me and cheer for me and clap for me, so I knew very early in my career that I would be a better antagonist than protagonist. … Some guys are better fit for certain roles and I think I’m a better fit as a heel.”

• WADE BARRETT’s MUGSHOT Picture (DUI)

The USA Network issued the following press release on Thursday:

USA’S EXCITING SPRING LINE-UP BRINGS REALITY, DRAMA AND A PREQUEL

TOUGH ENOUGH and Burn Notice: THE FALL OF SAM AXE Premiere in April, Followed by

The Tenth and Final Season of LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and the Fourth Season of IN PLAIN SIGHT in May

Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to survive the winter? Spring ahead with the return of USA’s fan-favorite dramas LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and IN PLAIN SIGHT and uncover the secrets of Burn Notice‘s Sam Axe before his mojito-filled Miami life. Don’t miss USA’s smoking hot spring line-up.

WWE TOUGH ENOUGH

Do you have what it takes to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva? A diverse group of men and women 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 prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE. Hosted by WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin®, each episode will feature a current WWE Superstar, who will introduce the contenders to a quality that they must possess to make it to the top of the sports entertainment world. Along the way, 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.

Premieres Monday, April 4 at 11/10c on USA Network immediately following WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and then will move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

It was reported Sunday that Rey Mysterio is working through an injury to his rotator cuff. He suffered the injury while working the SmackDown brand’s most recent tour overseas. Doctors advised him not to fly due to an inner ear infection he was suffering from at the time but company officials asked him to work the tour anyway, assuring him that wouldn’t have to work any matches. However, he was asked to wrestle while on tour, and complied, only to suffer an injury to his rotator cuff. There was much acrimony over the circumstances that led to the injury, to the point that creative had no ideas for him when his feud with Alberto Del Rio conclude.

Company officials tried make things up to Mysterio by allowing him to handpick his next opponent, which turned out to be “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Current plans call for the storyline to continue through WrestleMania, with a likely encounter between the two.

Due to the injury, officials are limiting his in-ring work at television and pay-per-view events, as well as house shows. He’s contained in tag matches when he does work non-televised events. Mysterio is said to be hopeful that he can avoid surgery through rehabilitation.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Alberto Del Rio is riding a tidal wave of momentum after winning the 2011 Royal Rumble last weekend, but his meteoric rise to a World Title Match at WrestleMania XXVII is a story that almost didn’t happen.

According to sources within Florida Championship Wrestling, he indicated to WWE officials approximately a year ago that he was not pleased with being situated in the developmental promotion (which had reached several months by that point) and would be quitting the promotion to return to Mexico where he could earn a higher salary. When he signed a contract with WWE in June 2009, he was assured that he wouldn’t stay in developmental for long. Officials tried to pacify him by allowing him to work live events with the main roster, and in part due to discussions at the time of his uncle, Mil Mascaras, being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. His performances caught the eye of top officials and he was ultimately called up to the main roster in June.

Similarly, Colt Cabana said during a recent Art of Wrestling podcast that when he was training in WWE’s developmental system a few years ago with The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie threatened to quit WWE if they weren’t immediately brought on the road with the main roster.

Cabana stated, “They called up the office and said: ‘Hey, if we don’t go on the road we’re quitting’. And the next day, they’re on the road.”

He added that he probably would have been fired if he made the same demand.

“I don’t wanna do that,” Cabana said. “If I call up and say, ‘Put me on the road or I’m quitting’, I’m gone.”

The Bella Twins were promotional models John Laurinaitis offered developmental contracts to a year after their participation in the 2006 Diva Search. They have stated in interviews that they weren’t wrestling fans growing up, with Brie once remarking “that she was hired to do this diva thing.” Upon their contract agreement with WWE, they botched the organization’s name, referring to it as ‘Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment’ on their MySpace page.

(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Former WWE writer Dave Lagana has updated his blog at iwantwrestling.com with some thoughts about the recent buzz about Sting possibly heading to WWE. Lagana hypes the idea of a potential Sting vs. Undertaker dream match and reveals that Sting was actually very close to signing with WWE to wrestle at WrestleMania 18. Here are some highlights of what Lagana wrote about:

“Wrestlemania 27 is in Atlanta, GA; the former home of Ted Turner’s WCW.  Could Sting be another name to go along with Shawn Michaels into the Hall of Fame?  Is there money in Sting wrestling at Wrestlemania for the very first time?  Is Sting vs. Undertaker the kind of attraction that will excite fans just like the idea of Lesnar vs. Undertaker?”

“Sting at Wrestlemania almost happened nine years ago.   Wrestlemania 18 will always be remembered for the memorable Hogan vs. Rock battle in Toronto.  That event also featured Triple H winning the undisputed World Title from Chris Jericho and Steve Austin facing NWO Scott Hall (w/Kevin Nash).  Sting was approached that year to make his WWE debut and wrestle on the big event.  Once he was introduced to the brand, it was pitched that at Wrestlemania 18 Sting would face Kurt Angle.  If you remember, Kurt was eventually thrown into a match with Kane with little setup.  The deal apparently fell apart as Sting wasn’t willing to work the full WWE schedule.  Now nine years later, we might finally get to see Sting in WWE.”

I’m the biggest proponent of pushing new talent in high profile positions.  I see Wade Barrett as one of the shining stars of WWE in 2010.  The table is set very nicely for new talents to be featured in main events of Wrestlemania this year with Alberto Del Rio and Miz.  But what is lacking that “big fight dream match” to attracts casual fans.  Last year we had Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart and Undertaker vs. HBK “Streak vs. Career”; previous years featured Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show, and Trump vs. McMahon.   Based on the buzz off this simple 45-second video, the fans are voicing their opinion on what they want out of Wrestlemania 27.  I don’t have any answers but we will all find out on 2/21/11.  Ask yourself – is Sting vs. Undertaker the dream match you want for this year’s Wrestlemania?”

So – is this a match you guys wanna see? COMMENT BELOW and tell us what you think.

Mistico Signs With WWE

– As previously reported, WWE has finally signed Mexican lucha libre star after several years of on-and-off talks. According to SuperLuchas.net, the huge push that WWE is giving Alberto Del Rio was one of the major factors that led Mistico to pull the trigger on joining WWE. Mistico has said publicly that he wishes he would have signed with WWE when he first had a chance to back in 2007.

Mistico, one of the top babyface stars in Mexico, is eager to make a name for himself in WWE, which will give his character the most exposure its ever received by a long shot. WWE has been expanding its presence in Mexico in recent years and especially with Rey Mysterio’s career winding down in the next year or two, the time was right for both sides to make a deal.

– Kevin Nash has been very active on Twitter this week, answering lots of questions about why he decided to leave TNA for good and re-sign with World Wrestling Entertainment. On Wednesday night, Nash offered some advice to TNA President Dixie Carter, writing:

“My 1st priority is WWE. Whatever they need and want me to do, I will. Vince brought me back. Boston crowd showed me the love. I bleed WWE!

I’m not kissing Vince’s ass. I’m thanking him for letting me go out the way I feel I deserve to. Ever have a dream come true? I just did.

When wcw took over the WWE for the short time we did, it’s bc Ted Turner paid HUGE $ for talent. Wanna put tna on the map, Mrs. Carter? Set aside $50m. Start with Cena and work backwards. Don’t walk into a Mercedes showroom and ask what new AMG S-63 I can buy for $25K.”

– Steve Austin met with officials from WWE and Tough Enough yesterday in Venice, California. Austin wrote on Twitter:

“Had a great meeting with Tough Enough and WWE folks today…this show is going to be very cool and and thats the bottom line…”

– Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston has been discussed for WWE’s next pay-per-view event, Elimination Chamber.

– THQ had WWE All Stars setup backstage in the locker room at Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble. WWE talent and management were said to be very impressed with the game, which hits stores in the United States on March 28th, the Tuesday before WrestleMAnia.

– There are very limited tickets left for the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta during WrestleMania 27 weekend.

– Speaking of the Hall of Fame, we’ve heard that former WCW champion Lex Luger has been in talks with WWE about being involved in WrestleMania weekend, likely the Hall of Fame ceremony.

WWE superstar Kevin Nash created a new blog on Tumblr.com this week and posted his first entry today. Nash, who returned to WWE as Diesel at the Royal Rumble and signed a legends contract this week, spoke at length about his decision to leave TNA and finish his career in WWE.

• Check Out:  Video Of Diesel’s WWE Return At The Royal Rumble

Here’s Nash’s first blog:

“I finally moved on to you……

The most significant aspect of anyone’s life is the relationships that they build. Sometimes in personal growth and closure, these relationships are strained, if not broken. In this past week, I had to break relationships in order to receive closure in others. I would first off thank Jeff Jarrett for inviting me back into the wrestling world upon my completion of ‘The Longest Yard’. Alot of people don’t realize what a close relationship Jeff and I have. In the dog days of the WWF, I’m sure we traveled more than a million miles together. What he went through with the loss of his wife Jill and the happiness he’s now found, while trying to keep TNA together, was amazing to witness. What Bob Carter did to make sure this dream stayed alive, I can only say Sir you have my utmost respect. To Serge and Dixie, who I consider my friends, I wish them continued success. And now the hardest part. To the Boyz, that means you too Knockouts, we’ve laughed, cried and bitched all along knowing how lucky we were to be pro-wrestlers. So few people get to truly go to work and do what they love. Me leaving TNA was a decision my wife and I made. For 23 years my wife has put up with this shit of ME making decisions of everyday life. 14 of those have affected my son. After 3 yrs of self doubt and thoughts of quitting the business, I met Vince McMahon and within 24 hrs of helping Shawn Michaels win the ICC, I MEANT something. And I haven’t looked back. The glass is way less than half full. My wife and I had a long discussion and I told her how important it was for me to end my career where I began. I think it took her 2 seconds to agree. I don’t know how many of you have seen Vanilla Sky. Don’t know if Boston was real or lucid dream. When they chanted Diesel, it sure as hell felt real for ME! You make decisions in life, sometimes never getting proof that it was the right decision. The crowd in Boston on Sunday night assured me that I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. I can’t thank the WWE enough for making it happen for me. My true friends at TNA text and called with their love and support w/in hours. Don’t think it will ever be forgotten. Didn’t realize how much I missed Diesel.”

Who’s The Big Surprise On 2.21.11?

10 POSSIBLE CANDIDATES AND THEIR BETTING ODDS
by The Solomonster (thesolomonster@gmail.com)
Podcast | Twitter | Facebook

WARNING: Potential spoiler included below.

Welcome to WrestleMania season, traditionally the most exciting period for wrestling fans as WWE builds to its annual crescendo and inducts a few more legendary names into the Hall of Fame that exists within the walls of Vince McMahon’s mind. Even non-WWE fans can find what to get excited about as promotions like TNA, ROH and Dragon Gate USA often schedule big events in or around the host city for WrestleMania to take advantage of all the fans traveling in from various places. Bottom line, it’s fun for the fans.

You know what’s just as much fun? Playing the guessing game! So when WWE decided to air a rather cryptic vignette not once, but twice during Raw on Monday night touting an appearance by a mysterious, cloaked figure on 2.21.11, the internet practically exploded in its pants with theories about who this person could be. Is it the return of an injured superstar? The arrival of someone new? Surely, whoever it is, it must be a big name since this is all happening in the midst of WrestleMania season? Whoever it turns out to be, there are several names that are being bandied about, so I thought it would be fun to list the most obvious (and maybe not so obvious) ones here and their chances of actually showing up on Raw in Fresno.

The Undertaker

The Phenom

Some might say all of this speculation became a moot point once the Save Mart Center website decided to post a spoiler touting “THE RETURN OF THE UNDERTAKER” for the 2/21 Raw show. This, they say, is PROOF that the video is referring to an Undertaker return. I’m not so sure. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Undertaker won’t be on the show, but who says one has to do with the other? That being said, you have to believe there’s a strong chance that it is a promo for the dead man, getting him back into the mix in time to start a WrestleMania program, but with who? It’s hardly a lock that Taker will even be able to wrestle on the show, and even if he does, all signs have been pointing towards a Smackdown opponent with either Wade Barrett, Ezekiel Jackson or Kane being his most likely adversary. In any event, the cowboy boots and long, black trenchcoat have me thinking the reaper of wayward souls is on his way back from the grave to begin his march to 19-0. Odds: 2-to-1

Sting

The Icon

Easily the favorite amongst fans online. In fact, many have already convinced themselves that an Undertaker vs. Sting dream match is inevitable for this year’s WrestleMania. Forget the fact that Undertaker hasn’t even returned to television yet, or that there has not been a SINGLE confirmation of Sting signing a deal with the company (a company, mind you, that he has never worked for). And before people start throwing a small item in a New York Daily News report in my face that said Sting had signed a one-year deal with WWE, let’s get real. If this news is true, you’ll hear it first on sites like this one, not in the freaking DAILY NEWS. That being said, Sting has reportedly not re-signed with TNA, which has been his home since 2003. At 51-years old, he’s not getting any younger. Kevin Nash recently said Sting would be a fool to not accept a WWE deal if one were offered, and it’s no secret that signing him is one of the goals the company had in mind for 2011. WrestleMania is in Atlanta this year, the former home of WCW where he made a name for himself. Why not sign a short-term contract, get a Mania payday, maybe a Hall of Fame nod and a 3-disc DVD treatment? Odds: 5-to-1

Triple H

The King of Kings

I never thought I’d say this, but I miss The Game. He’s been out of action since last April, close to a year now, after being “taken out” by Sheamus. Since that time, Triple H has filmed two movies, suffered and rehabbed from a torn biceps, and has taken a more active role in backstage affairs as Vince McMahon’s right-hand man. In recent interviews, he has talked about no longer working a full schedule and being more of a special attraction, but that he fully expects to be part of this year’s WrestleMania card. I was shocked to not see him as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, which begs the obvious question – at what point in the next 30 or so days does he make his triumphant return? You know it’s coming. But could it really be him in that video? I mean, since when does Triple H wear black boots and a trenchcoat? But what if it’s all a red herring just to throw us off? Or better yet, what if he’s trying to reinvent himself? Wouldn’t seem to make much sense for a man who now admits his time as a performer is limited, but stranger things have happened. Anything would beat that awful getup he had at the Mania show in 2006. Odds: 20-to-1

Chris Jericho

The best in the world at what he does

Ever since Randy Orton punted him in the skull back in October, Chris Jericho has not been seen on WWE television. I suppose, if we kayfabe it, he’s either in a coma or recovering from a pretty serious concussion. In reality, his contract expired and Jericho chose to focus on his music career and a sequel to his successful first book, due out this month. He’s given interviews stating pretty directly that he would not be at WrestleMania and had no imminent plans to return to WWE. Yet in his most recent interview, he says a new deal with WWE is “90% done”, though he still gave no indication that he might be coming back anytime soon. Add to that the fact that Jericho has talked about having to reinvent himself over time in order to freshen up his character. That’s why he started wearing suits on TV at a time when almost nobody else was doing that. Perhaps he feels it’s time for yet another change in wardrobe? Remember, if anyone knows how to spike fan interest through the use of viral videos and such, it’s Jericho. The millennium countdown for his 1999 debut is one of the all-time great wrestling debuts, and he followed it up with the SAVE.US.222 campaign when he last returned to the company in 2007. Odds: 50-to-1

Awesome Kong

Bubba the Love Sponge’s favorite diva

The former TNA Knockouts champion recently signed a contract with WWE and has yet to make her television debut. She was backstage at the Royal Rumble, but was not used. Rumors have her linked with the Bella Twins as part of their ongoing angle with Gail Kim and Daniel Bryan, potentially reigniting her feud with Kim from their days in the Impact Zone. If so, then 2.21.11 is unlikely to have anything to do with her. However, it would be the single best way to get her over as a big deal to an audience that has never seen a female superstar receive such treatment in advance of their debut. That fact alone makes me even more skeptical that it’s her. Still, she’s a new star under contract that is set to debut any week, so there is at least a chance, however slim it may be. Odds: 100-to-1

Skip Sheffield

The Cornfed Meathead

I have high hopes for Mr. Sheffield. Anyone who has listened to my podcast on this very site (cheap plug) knows that I see him as a potential breakout star and apparently, I’m not alone. A former WWE writer who recently blogged some intimate details about the creative process (and then promptly pulled that blog) revealed that Vince McMahon himself sees Sheffield as a potential #2 babyface at some point, behind only John Cena. The guy was a goofball on the first season of NXT, but during his time in Nexus before he suffered a broken ankle this past August, he showed a certain intensity and aptitude for being a giant ass-kicker that reminded me a bit of Brock Lesnar or Bill Goldberg. The point is, if he can stay healthy, he will be given opportunities because of his size that not many others are afforded. As such, his recovery time was listed at around 6 months and, wouldn’t you know it, it’s right about that time. If they’re going to push him, then this would be one hell of a way to make a splash. I don’t see this happening, but it has to at least be considered given that he’s due back at anytime and WWE recognizes the need to get more young guys over. Odds: 250-to-1

Tyler Black, errr…Seth Rollins

Former ROH World Champion

There once was a pretty damn good wrestler with a great look called Tyler Black. He even held the ROH World Heavyweight Title for a time. Then, he signed a WWE contract and was promptly sent down to Florida Championship Wrestling because, as with everyone else who they send down there, he doesn’t “know how to work” and had to be taught the WWE style. Not only that, but they gave him a new name, too – Seth Rollins. In reality, it could’ve been far worse (*cough*Eli Cottonwood*cough*), but I digress. With the youth movement in WWE in full effect, you have to expect that we will be seeing Mr. Rollins on TV sooner rather than later. If we pick apart the 2.21.11 video, there are noticeable similarities to the early Tyler Black character in ROH, who was part of a dark faction led by Jimmy Jacobs called The Age of the Fall. To take that one step further, ROH even used cryptic messages to hype the arrival of AOTF with the code name “Project 161” (corresponding with the promotion’s 161st show, which is where he debuted). Just an interesting little fact to keep in mind, though I doubt WWE is even aware of this. Odds: 500-to-1

”Macho Man” Randy Savage

Future WWE Hall of Famer

I know what you’re thinking. Solomonster, are you pouring vodka shots through your eyeballs again? No, I actually gave that up, but hear me out on this one. Think back to the last time we saw Randy Savage on TV with a major promotion and you’d have to go all the way back to TNA in 2004. Do you remember what Savage was wearing? That’s right, a long, black trenchcoat and black boots. Add to that, while Savage has been persona-non-grata with Vince McMahon ever since his departure, within the last 18 months, we have seen the release of a Macho Man DVD set, his first action figure in more than a decade, and now his inclusion in the next WWE video game. While Mattel and THQ may have had more to do with those last two things, it appears the door may be creaking open a bit for an eventual return. Plus, let’s be honest, Vinnie Mac needs more big names for the Hall of Fame. Now, fantasy aside, would Vince not only welcome the nearly 60-year old Savage back with open arms, but actually bring him in with vignettes normally reserved for newer, younger stars? Probably not, but then again, 61-year old Jerry Lawler is getting a title shot at their next PPV, so anything’s possible. Odds: 1000-to-1

The Man in Black from Halloween 5 & 6

What a stupid storyline in an otherwise fine movie series

I’m a big horror movie fan and I LOVED the original Halloween films (yes, even the third one). In part five, we were introduced to a mysterious stranger dressed in all black who, at the end of the movie, breaks Michael Myers out of a police station. In part six, we discover this so-called “Man in Black” to be Dr. Wynn, a character from the original Halloween, who is part of a some weird cult hell-bent on stealing Michael’s DNA in an effort to harness his evil powers and introduce them into fetuses during in-vitro fertilization. Cool, eh? Anyway, I really just wanted to find a way to talk about this insanely stupid storyline and given that the “Man in Black” apparently uses the same tailor as the mystery man in the 2.21.11 teaser, I figured why not. Hell, he could very well be a candidate, were it not for the fact that Michael slaughtered him and his entire group in part six. Odds: TNA will turn a profit first

Vince McMahon

The Greater Power returns!

Has anyone given thought to the idea that perhaps this is all just an elaborate way to re-introduce Mister McMahon to our TV screens? The last we saw of him, he was assaulted and left for dead by Nexus v1.0 (not counting the stupid election skit, which was supposedly a dream anyway). He was also once part of an angle that was dragged out for several weeks with a reveal that included him hiding under a dark cloak before being exposed as the so-called “Greater Power” on Raw in 1999. Swap out that cloak for a trenchcoat and voila, it’s the Attitude Era all over again! Okay, maybe not. Odds: 5000-to-1

Who do YOU think will be the person revealed on 2.21.11? Let your voices be heard in the comments section below!

thesolomonster@gmail.com

— Paul Heyman and former WWE star MVP recently met together in New York City. TMZ.com cameras caught up with them, ran the footage of the meeting on their Wednesday episode and mentioned how MVP will be wrestling in Japan soon.

— Prior to Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Long Island, New York, local indy wrestler Max Bauer received a tryout against Percy Watson. Bauer has been on WWE’s radar for a while and was recently the champion of North Eastern promotion NECW.

— WWE’s video game publishing partner THQ held its quarterly earnings conference call today and announced that the planned online WWE video game has been dropped. According to Reuters.com, THQ’s earnings were down 11% from the same quarter last year.

* Screenshots of HOGAN, WARRIOR & SAVAGE In The New WWE All Stars Game

(Partial Soure: PWInsider.com)

— Prior to the match pitting Mark Henry and The Great Khali against Jimmy and Jey Uso on Raw, The brand’s General Manager switched the bout to a dance-off. The World’s Strongest Man and The Punjabi Playboy notched the victory with their unorthodox dance moves.

Former WWE star Rikishi, father of the Uso brothers, took to Twitter to express his unhappiness for the angle.

“My thoughts on my sons’ dance off? Didn’t really need it,” he wrote. “Creative Team WTF!! Its not that hard to figure in talent.”

He added, “Tag Teams in the WWE are not really the focus as we can see. Soon Usos will be in singles.”

— All March on WWE Classics, the legendary career of the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase will be spotlighted. WrestleMania IV, which featured DiBiase vs. Randy Savage, will also be featured.

— While it was THQ’s call to feature Randy Savage in the WWE All-Stars video game, WWE has to approve any character they want in the game. The video game company approached Savage on their own, as well as Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, and had Vince McMahon approve all three character proposals.

As the game’s promotional tagline “Two Generations. One Ring.” implies, the game features current and former WWE Superstar competing in fast-paced wrestling matches.

— “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, who is being portrayed on television as though he suffered a broken nose due to Rey Mysterio, has been wearing a band-aid in public to sell the storyline injury.

— Jennifer Hudson, fiancé of David Otunga, was backstage at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in Boston.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Sources within World Wrestling Entertainment do not believe Steve Borden (a/k/a Sting )has signed with the organization. That, however, doesn’t mean Borden won’t join WWE at some point, but it does not appear that he is currently signed.

Borden is still listed on the TNA Wrestling website roster page, however, those in the know are not aware of him re-signing with the company. Thus, it is believed that he is a free agent.

— WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine said during an interview published in the latest issue of Inside Wrestling that he recently reached a new merchandising agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment. He noted that WWE plans on releasing a book and DVD chronicling his lengthy wrestling career, as well as a Mattel action figure.

— WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan appears from 11:00 to noon on Monday, February 21 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

(source: prowrestling.net)

Following his surprise return to WWE at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, we reported earlier this week that Kevin Nash has signed a new “Legends” contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.

The former WWE and WCW champion went on Twitter on Tuesday night and explained the reason he’s decided to finish his career off in WWE – as Diesel. He also had some major praise for WWE chairman Vince McMahon, saying Vince is the man who was instrumental in making him the household name that he is today. Nash wrote:

“To explain why I want to retire as Diesel: Vince McMahon was the 1st person to ever see anything in me and believe in me. He gave me my 1st push and made me a star. Without Vince there is no Diesel. Without Diesel Kevin Nash is a mediocre basketball player from the University of Tennessee.”

Nash acknowledged the staggering crowd reaction he received at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, saying that it was bigger than any pop he’s received in a long, long time.

“The biggest pop I’ve received since ’97 happened Sunday night. Diesel’s back, where he belongs. Circle of Life.”

• Check Out: Video Of Diesel’s WWE Return At The Royal Rumble

– WWE announced on Wednesday that it has signed a new 5-year agreement with its current television partner in Japan, the J Sports Broadcasting Corporation. . J Sports will continue to exclusively carry WWE pay-per-views as well as RAW, SmackDown, NXT and Superstars. For more on this story, visit Corporate.WWE.com.

– Speaking of WWE and Japan, former WWE Diva China told TMZ.com this week that she’s currently enrolled in language classes at UCLA in California. Her goal is to teach English to children in Japan. She told TMZ, “I love TV but I’m ready to move on,” she said. “I’m glad I’ve finally figured out what I want to do.”

– Scott Hall appeared in a Florida courtroom this week to answer charges related to a probation violation stemming from his September 2010 arrest for public intoxication and resisting arrest charges. As we’ve seen with Jeff Hardy’s pending drug charges, Hall received a continuance until March 7th. The judge is allowing Hall to travel to Texas for his latest rehab stint, but he has been ordered to keep in contact with his probation officer and attorney.

• View SCOTT HALL’s Epic Mugshot Picture