The official WWE website has announced that a “major announcement” will take place on tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW.
Following SmackDown star Alberto Del Rio’s win at last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, it’s been announced that the SmackDown star will reveal which title he plans to challenge for at WrestleMania 27 in April.
Del Rio has the option of challenging WWE Champion The Miz or World Heavyweight champion Edge.
At Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, former TNA stars Kevin Nash and Booker T made surprise appearances that have caused major rewrites to TNA’s “they” storyline.
It’s been widely speculated that TNA’s recent “they are coming” storyline would culminate in the return of the Main Event Mafia. With Kevin Nash and Booker T being two of the key members of the Mafia, major changes had to be made to the storyline.
A TNA source said, “Big time rewrite mode this week due to their dumb asses writing a plot around guys who are not under contract.”
Before he opted to appear at the Royal Rumble PPV, Kevin Nash had been pencilled in as part of the angle. There was also speculating regarding Booker T because of his past connections to the group, but he had not yet been contacted about participating.
(Source: prowrestling.net)
As we reported earlier this month, former WWE superstar Val Venis (real name Sean Morley) has launched ScriptDanger.com, a site which aims to spread awareness about the dangers of prescription pain medication abuse. Morley was interviewed by FanHouse.com this week and had this to say about the following topics:
Prescription Pain Pill Abuse: “It’s an epidemic across America. I couldn’t stand by and not try to do anything so we decided to put a team together and we came up with ScriptDanger.com where we’re looking into going to the universities, high schools, colleges, into corporations, small businesses, big businesses, sports teams and really push the message that these prescription drugs are not a game and they can not only ultimately destroy your life and your career, it can kill you.”
WWE’s Wellness Policy: “If your family doctor prescribes you pain meds, there’s not much legally WWE can do about it,” he said. “However, with the Wellness Program, they are monitoring the use of pain meds a lot tighter than they ever did before. So, I think it’s a much healthier environment but the truth be told, no matter what the WWE does, if someone has a desire to abuse pain meds, they’re going to do it regardless of what the Wellness Program states or not.”
His Experience Going Through Withdrawls: “I felt like ripping my skin right off my body. It was horrible. My body just started going through these horrendous withdrawals just from three months of clinical use. That surprised me and I was completely taken back that three months of clinical use could have your body addicted that quickly .. I want to say about a week into [the withdrawls], maybe a little less, the cravings for me to go back to my doctor and get a refill just so I could feel normal again were overwhelming. If it wasn’t for my wife basically keeping me on track and forcing me to power my way through it, I’m sure I would have gone back to the doctor to get another prescription in order to just feel normal again.”
Following his surprise return as Diesel at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, former WWE champion Kevin Nash was interviewed by WWE.com. Here are some highlights of what Nash said about:
His WWE Return: “I wish I had a thesaurus, so I could explain it. It’s nice to be in a building with people [laughs]. When you get in this business, you strive to get to WWE, and when it’s time to hang up your boots, you definitely want to end up a Yankee. So, if this was my last one, I couldn’t be happier.”
“[It was] unexplainable to be back, a dream come true, a wonderful night. I was trying to think, What tops this? When I won the WWE Title against Bob [Backlund] at Madison Square Garden, I didn’t really realize what I had. There are definitely more years behind me than ahead of me, so you appreciate these things. It was special tonight. It was probably the best night for me.”
Was The Rumble His Final WWE Match? “I hope not. I know Randy Orton, he’s got pull around here [laughs]. I’d stay as long as they’ll have me, or as long as my body will hold on.
His Confrontation With The Big Show: “A lot of history there, either together or on the opposite side of the ring. I’ve probably had 200 matches with Big Show in my life. He’s still probably the most impressive physical specimen I’ve been in the ring with – by far the strongest, still the measuring stick. I’d like to give him another run for his money.”
The New York Daily News features a profile on Brooklyn native Brandon Silvestry (a/k/a Kaval and Low-Ki) focusing on his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment and “underdog” demeanor.
The article suggests that Silvestry was surprised by WWE notifying him of his release from the organization on December 23, which he dubbed a “Christmas present.
Silverstry, however, has indicated in recent interviews that it was his decision to part ways with the organization.
“It was a mutual parting of the ways,” said a WWE spokesman to the New York Daily News. “There is no bad blood between the WWE and Kaval. The door remains open for him to return.”
Silvestry insists he was released because he wasn’t one of the typical larger-than-life, trash-talking superstars that WWE is known for.
“I’m not 6-foot-2, I’m not 250 pounds. I don’t talk all kinds of trash. I just handle guys in the ring,” he said. “I’m not going to dwell on it. I gotta just plan ahead and move forward.”
To read the story, click here
— The latest issue of Power Slam features a story on Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque’s official promotion to Senior Advisor to Vince McMahon, which has led many to conclude that “The Game” is now more interested in a career behind the scenes than in the squared circle. Though in no way confirmed, the article notes that McMahon is expected to step down from his post as Chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment in 2011 or 2012 and hand over the reigns of the company to Levesque. McMahon, however, would remain with the organization in an advisory role.
– The song used during the WrestleMania XXVII promotional video that aired during last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view broadcast is “Written in the Stars” by Tinie Tempah (featuring Eric Turner). Tempah is a British rapper.
— Former WWE talent Mark ‘Muhammed Hassan’ Copani has launched an account on Twitter. He lists himself as an actor/entertainer.
Thanks to Mike McMahon of Steelcage.net for the following live notes from last night’s WWE Royal Rumble in Boston:
– The Rumble was a really good show that the live audience ate up.
– The crowd was a legit sellout. The only seats tarped off were those behind the set.
– The live crowd was really into the Ziggler-Edge opening bout. I’d say for more than half the match, the majority of the building was standing. Those two obviously put on a helluva show Ziggler, despite being eaten up on Smackdown heading into the event, was really over with the crowd in Boston. A lot of people were chanting “Christian!” on the ref-bump spot that resulted in Edge using the spear.
– The crowd was a little quiet to start Miz-Orton, but I think that’s because everyone was so hot for the Ziggler-Edge match. As we got to the finish, when Nexus came out, the crowd woke up big time and popped huge for the finish.
– The crowd was really disappointed to get Eve as the fourth addition to the Divas’ match. Obviously most thought it was going to be Awesome Kong, and there were even “Kong!” chants before Eve was announced.
– I was surprised how hot the crowd was at the start of the Rumble. Obviously it was going to be a long match before the payoff with the finish. I think having CM Punk come out as entry No. 1 helped in that regard, because the crowd was into him. I liked the Nexus-Corre brawl to start the match. The “smart” fans in the crowd were electric with Bryan-Punk to start.
– Booker T received a HUGE reaction. Kevin Nash had a huge pop as well. Considering the surprises were not really well kept and at least everyone around me knew they were coming, the reaction was enormous for both men. That says a lot to how over they are. Especially in Nash’s case – he’s been off of WWE television for what? Six years?
– Another really good pop for Chavo Guerrero’s three-amigos suplex spot. The crowd was really into that. Popped huge for every attempt. Good to see Chavo get a quality PPV spot, too.
– It was really entertaining to me to watch some of the younger fans (and some of the … well, less intelligent) who were genuinely pissed off that Miz eliminated John Cena. There was one woman in front of me – she was in her 20?s at least, maybe 30?s – screaming at her friend that Miz wasn’t in the Rumble and Cena should NOT have been eliminated. Then went on a tirade about how no referee saw that? Why didn’t they just look at the replay on the screen? … Hey lady, it’s a work. Don’t have a heart attack here.
– I think some in the crowd were disappointed that Triple H didn’t make his return at the Rumble. I wasn’t as surprised. It really didn’t make much sense for Triple H to return unless he was going to win the match. At No. 37, people around me were counting off who still wasn’t in, trying to see if Triple H was a possibility. Poor Kane got a lesser reaction because I think some people were disappointed.
– Del Rio winning the Rumble was expected from me, but got a good pop. I just assumed with his build and promos heading into the match meant he was going to win it. A nice little swerve at the end with Santino, that had some in the crowd wondering what was actually happening … one guy yelled, “What the (expletive) is going on!?!?!”
– After the show went off the air, Del Rio and his ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, walked slowly up the aisle and spent a lot of time right by the stage. The camera man seemed to signal for Rodriguez to keep talking while they recorded. Then at one point, Charles Robinson looked like he gave Rodriguez the wrap-up signal. At one point, Rodriguez was on a long (1-2 minute) filibuster (in Spanish, of course) where all I understood was “Rumble” and “Wrestlemania.” Then the pair walked to the back and Justin Roberts thanked us all for coming.
Sunday’s Royal Rumble match saw the surprise returns of Kevin Nash (as Diesel) and Booker T. Both men looked to be in top physical shape, with Kevin Nash dying his hair and goatee black for the first time in many years to reprise his role as Big Daddy Cool.
As to whether they signed new WWE contracts or the appearances were just a one-night-only deal, it appears we will likely see more of both. Dave Meltzer reports that as of this weekend, Booker T is under some sort of WWE contract with but Kevin Nash is not. The feeling is that WWE may offer more work based on the huge reactions each of them got at the Royal Rumble. Both still have a great deal of star power and both have ties to WCW. Most have probably heard by now that WrestleMania is likely going to feature some sort of WCW tie-in, since WrestleMania is taking place from Atlanta, the former home of the now-defunct promotion.
Kevin Nash has spoken publicly about wanting to attend the upcoming WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Following his appearance in the Rumble match, Nash wrote on Twitter, which seems to imply that there could be more to his WWE return:
“Absolutely the best night of my wrestling career. It’s so nice to be back in WWE family. Thanks Boston for making me feel so special.”
As for Booker T, he may end up doing anything from announcing to managing and working backstage. A role for Booker T on the return of Tough Enough has been brought up.
Rey Mysterio is presently working through a rotator cuff injury. The injury occurred during SmackDown’s most recent overseas tour and company officials have been 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.
Meanwhile, Mysterio handpicked Cody Rhodes to work his current storyline with. Current plans call for the two to face off at WrestleMania XXVII.
Mysterio is said to be hopeful that he can avoid surgery through rehabilitation.
(source: prowrestling.net)
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com In this update, JR had plenty to say about Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as well as the announcement that Steve Austin will be hosting the new season of WWE Tough Enough. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Steve Austin Hosting Tough Enough: “I learned that Steve Austin is excited about hosting Tough Enough and as we all are awaiting to see who his trainers are going to be. Austin should be highly entertaining in this natural, free flowing environment.”
Morrison’s Wall Grab: “John Morrison’s leap of faith to the security wall and show of athleticism will be on many future Royal Rumble highlight packages. I thought Morrison might last a little longer in the RR match but that one interval served Morrison well.”
Dolph Ziggler’s Performance: “Dolph Ziggler reminds me somewhat of the great Pat Patterson of many years gone by not to mention that the athletic Ziggler has some Mr. Perfect traits as well. Ziggler can become very, very good in time especially when he becomes more comfortable on the mic. However with heat seeking missile Vickie Guerrero aligned with Dolph, Ziggler’s need to talk isn’t a priority….yet.”
Booker T & Kevin Nash’s Returns: “Great ovations from where I was sitting at home in my old La-Z-Boy for both Booker T and Kevin Nash. Good to see both men looking physically fit and the Boston crowd ate up both stars surprise appearances. I have no idea if their Royal Rumble appearances were one offs or if they will be hanging around WWE at least on a part time basis. Both have skills that they can add to the mix even if they don’t step back into a wrestling ring.”
CM Punk’s Performance: “CM Punk had a MVP like performance Sunday night and impressed me on numerous exchanges both athletically and with his facial expressions. Looks like Punk vs. Orton is going to be on the WM27 menu unless I’m wrong and, BTW, that happens frequently. Bottom line….good night for Punk.”
Book publisher Medallion Press issued a press release today announcing that former WWE and WCW World champion Booker T has signed a book deal to release an autobiography next year. Here it is:
CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKA?
St. Charles, Illinois—January 31, 2011—Hot on the heels of an appearance on WWE’s Royal Rumble 2011, fan favorite Booker T. has signed a deal to publish an autobiography detailing his tough road from rags to riches. Book publisher Medallion Press, Inc., set to release The Road Warriors: Danger, Death, and the Rush of Wrestling by Joe “Animal” Laurinaitis with Andrew William Wright (March 2011), announced today that Booker T. Huffman—who has held 35 major titles within WWE, WCW, and TNA and is one of the most decorated champions in the history of professional wrestling—has decided it’s time his story be told.
Scheduled to release September 2012, Booker’s raw and honest autobiography From Prison to Promise, also with Andrew William Wright, will detail Huffman’s struggles with family and crime in urban Houston before becoming one of the world’s most recognized and successful athletes.
The youngest of eight children, Booker was born just outside Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 1, 1965. Booker’s father passed away just 10 months later. His mother, knowing her children needed a better environment in which to be raised, packed everything up and moved to Houston, Texas.
“My mother worked hard to provide for us, and I can say without question that although I may have had many wants, I never had any needs,” said Huffman. “Sure, we might’ve been on food stamps, but I always had a warm coat, shoes on my feet, and food on the table.” Then in 1978, when Booker was only 13 years old, his mother passed away at the age of 49, leaving the Huffman siblings to navigate life on their own.
Without parental guidance, Booker’s life spiraled out of control. Gang life eventually consumed him, and he was sentenced to five years in prison for armed robbery on February 14, 1987. It was there, behind bars in Navasota, Texas, that Booker made himself a promise to rise above a life of crime and hopelessness to accomplish greater things, things he would have once thought impossible.
And that’s exactly what Huffman did. Now, for the first time, his inspiring true story will be released to the public for everyone to read and learn from.
“I’m at that point in my life where I feel maybe someone else can benefit from hearing what I’ve been through,” Booker said. “You know, whether their parents passed away at an early age, or they got into some serious trouble with the law, there’s no doubt in my mind people will not only relate to what I went through, but maybe I can even help keep some of them from going down the same path.”
From anonymity to stardom, from rags to riches, this story will remind you that anything is possible when you choose to make a positive impact.
From Prison to Promise by Booker T. Huffman with Andrew William Wright (Medallion Press, September 2012, Hardcover, ISBN 9781605424682, $24.95 U.S./$26.95 CAN) <> About Medallion Press, Inc.:
Medallion Press, Inc. is a genre fiction and nonfiction publisher dedicated to creating the highest quality product, both inside and out.
World Wrestling Entertainment made the following announcement over the weekend:
NEW YORK CITY – USA Network and WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will host USA Network’s upcoming reality series “WWE Tough Enough.” The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10 CT, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE Monday Night Raw, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7 CT, starting on April 11.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has captivated audiences around the world with his magnetic presence and bold, yet charming nature. Austin has done it all in sports-entertainment, winning 17 championships, including the WWE Championship six times. He has an immense and incredibly devoted fan base, and is considered one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with my old friends at WWE on ‘WWE Tough Enough.’ Sports-entertainment has always been an important part of my life, and I look forward to finding the next generation of WWE Superstars,” said Austin.
“Stone Cold” will share his intimate knowledge, experience and flair for the stage as one of the most popular figures in WWE history to a group of individuals looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Austin 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, Calif. 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.
Since leaving the world of sports-entertainment, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has made a name for himself in Hollywood, with roles in such blockbuster hits as The Expendables, staring Sylvester Stallone and The Longest Yard, starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Other film credits include Damage, The Condemned and Hunt to Kill. In addition to film, Austin is a household name from his work on hit television shows such as NBC’s Chuck and CBS’ Nash Bridges.
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 and World’s Strictest Parents. Producing for Shed Media US are Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.
— Three WWE Superstars that were advertised on WWE.com for last night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match were ultimately excluded: Darren Young, David Hart Smith and Primo.
Nine additional slots were opened as a result (there were six open slots before the pay-per-view). The slots were filled by Kevin Nash (referred to as Diesel), Booker T, Alex Riley, Chavo Guerrero, Dolph Ziggler, Hornswoggle, Randy Orton, The Great Khali and Tyler Reks.
— Evan Bourne said on Twitter yesterday that he is still rehabbing his injured shoulder. He is expected to return to the ring by WrestleMania.
— Former WWE star MVP is rumored to appear at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s show on Feb. 20.
Here’s what several past and present WWE superstars are saying about Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view:
Shawn Michaels on Kevin Nash: “Hey I know that guy!!! First guy to get a chant!!!”
Chris Jericho on Kevin Nash: “Great seeing Deisel back in the WWE. Perfect use of him for a “nice surprise””
Chris Jericho on John Morrison: “Morrisons barrier jump spot was incredible! An all-time Rumble highlight”
DDP on the Rumble: “Havent watched WWE in a long time. Just watched Edge and Dolph have a Great match at The Rumble… Looking forward to Miz ORTON”
Eve Torres on winning the Divas Title: “What good is an opportunity if you are not ready for it? Stay ready, keep beliEVEing, your moment may be today! What an unpredictable, crazy, amazing night! Thank you BeliEVErs. We did it!”
Kofi Kingston: “Wow, what a night. The crowd was sick tonight! Best rumble Ive been a part of thus far. The road to wrestlemania has officially begun!”
Val Venis on Albert Del Rio: “I am very happy for Del Rio. He is truly a great performer. Vince is hearing Cha Ching with Del Rio. Or at least he should be hearing that.”
Carlito on Del Rio: “I guess I dont have special powers! Congrats to del rio and the wwe for changing things up!”
Shane Helms on Del Rio: “Del Rio is 1/3 JBL, 1/3 Ricky Ricardo, and 1/3 Ric Flair. Hope to see him go far.”
Jim Ross on Booker T & Kevin Nash: “Thought Booker & Nash both physically looked super 2nite. I hope they stick around WWE. TBD, I suppose.”
CM Punk and John Cena tied for the most eliminations in last night’s Royal Rumble main event with 7 each. Nexus as a group had 10 total eliminations. The following is a list of number of eliminations from last night, with assists included:
* CM Punk – 7
* John Cena – 7
* Michael McGillicutty – 4
* Randy Orton – 3
* Husky Harris – 3
* Daniel Bryan – 2
* Mark Henry – 2
* Rey Mysterio – 2
* Wade Barrett – 2
* Alberto Del Rio – 2
* Mason Ryan – 2
* Big Show – 2
* David Otunga – 2
* Ted DiBiase Jr. – 1
* The Great Khali – 1
* Sheamus – 1
* Kofi Kingston – 1
* Ezekiel Jackson – 1
* Kane – 1
The Miz, who was not an entrant in the match, had one elimination – John Cena.
Here are the times that WWE Superstars lasted in the Royal Rumble match last night. CM Punk lasted the longest at 35 minutes and 22 seconds. R-Truth only lasted 30 seconds. The returning Kevin Nash lasted 2 minutes and 44 seconds while Booker T lasted 1 minute and 8 seconds. The winner Alberto Del Rio was in the match for 12 minutes and 33 seconds.
* CM Punk – 35:22
* John Cena – 33:18
* Wade Barrett – 22:24
* Kofi Kingston – 21:05
* Daniel Bryan – 20:56
* Rey Mysterio Jr. – 19:08
* Sheamus – 18:18
* Husky Harris – 15:59
* Michael McGillicutty – 15:07
* John Morrison – 13:22
* Santino Marella – 12:55
* Alberto Del Rio – 12:33
* Ted Dibiase Jr. – 12:16
* David Otunga – 11:57
* Hornswoggle – 9:39
* Randy Orton – 8:20
* Ezekiel Jackson – 7:14
* Mark Henry – 7:03
* Yoshi Tatsu – 5:35
* Dolph Ziggler – 5:02
* Jack Swagger – 4:51
* Drew McIntyre – 4:46
* Mason Ryan – 4:30
* William Regal – 4:10
* The Big Show – 3:31
* Alex Riley – 3:16
* Diesel – 2:44
* Chavo Guerrero – 2:01
* Chris Masters – 1:57
* Kane – 1:36
* JTG – 1:48
* The Great Khali – 1:16
* Booker T – 1:08
* Justin Gabriel – 0:58
* Heath Slater – 0:57
* Tyson Kidd – 0:52
* Zack Ryder – 0:43
* Vladimir Kozlov – 0:40
* Tyler Reks – 0:34
* R-Truth – 0:30
(Source: PWInsider.com)
Below is the full list of 2011 WWE Royal Rumble entrants and eliminations from tonight’s pay-per-view:
Royal Rumble Entrants:
1. CM Punk
2. Daniel Bryan
3. Justin Gabriel
4. Zack Ryder
5. William Regal
6. Ted DiBiase
7. John Morrison
8. Yoshi Tatsu
9. Husky Harris
10. Chavo Guerrero
11. Mark Henry
12. JTG
13. Michael McGillicutty
14. Chris Masters
15. David Otunga
16. Tyler Reks
17. Kozlov
18. R-Truth
19. Great Khali
20. Mason Ryan
21. Booker T
22. John Cena
23. Hornswoggle
24. Tyson Kidd
25. Heath Slater
26. Kofi Kingston
27. Jack Swagger
28. Sheamus
29. Rey Mysterio
30. Wade Barrett
31. Dolph Ziggler
32. Kevin Nash (Diesel)
33. Drew McIntyre
34. Alex Riley
35. Big Show
36. Ezekiel Jackson
37. Santino
38. Alberto Del Rio
39. Randy Orton
40. Kane
Royal Rumble Eliminations:
1. Gabriel (via Bryan at 2:35)
2. Ryder (via Bryan at 3:45)
3. Regal (via DiBiase at 8:52)
4. Chavo (via Henry at 15:05)
5. Yoshi (via Henry at 15:34)
6. JTG (via McG at 18:00)
7. DiBiase (via Harris & McG at 18:51)
8. Bryan (via Harris at 20:56)
9. Masters (via Punk at 21:11)
10. Morrison (via Nexus at 21:25)
11. Henry (via Nexus at 21:50)
12. Reks (via Nexus at 22:50)
13. Kozlov (via Punk at 24:19)
14. R-Truth (via Punk at 26:10)
15. Husky (via Khali at 27:23)
16. Khali (via Mason at 28:22)
17. Booker (via Mason at 31:00)
18. Ryan (via Cena at 32:35)
19. Otunga (via Cena at 32:40)
20. McGillicutty (via Cena at 32:41)
21. Punk (via Cena at 35:20)
22. Kidd (via Cena at 37:05)
23. Slater (via Cena at 38:42)
24. Hornswoggle (via Sheamus at 43:53)
25. Swagger (via Rey at 45:35)
26. Diesel (via Barrett at 52:22)
27. Ziggler (via Show at 54:52)
28. McIntyre (via Show at 55:18)
29. Show (via Jackson at 55:33)
30. Riley (via ??? at ???)
31. Kingston (via Orton at 60:42)
32. Sheamus (via Orton at 60:48)
33. Jackson (via Kane at 62:35)
34. Kane (via Rey at 63:29)
35. Rey (via Barrett at 63:37)
36. Cena (via Miz at 66:30)
37. Orton (via Barrett at 68:37)
38. Barrett (via Del Rio at 68:39)
39. Santino (via Del Rio at 69:48)
— According to the latest issue of Super Luchas magazine in Mexico, CMLL star Mistico has signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Mistico is pictured on the magazine’s cover and the headline indicates Mistico saying that he has signed with WWE.
Mistico took part in a tryout before company officials last year and impressed.
Since 2006, Místico has been the top babyface in CMLL and the biggest box office draw in Mexico.
— Former WWE talent Kip James (a/k/a Billy Gunn) denied rumors of a possible appearance at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
“No I will NOT be at the Royal Rumble,” James wrote on Twitter. “@DavidHerro didn’t get me booked. #ThanksPal.”
— Awesome Kong teased an appearance at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as she noted the following on Twitter this afternoon.
“My stomach is RUMBLE-ing. Craving sushi so I may SMACK DOWN on some RAW fish.”
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s charge report on Kong last month for driving without a valid license, she resides in Massachusetts, near the site of tonight’s pay-per-view event.
— Maryse requested last week on Twitter ninety second tribute videos of her talking.
“I need a 90 secs video tribute of me talking, in an out of the ring, in commentary, backstages, ects….with other celebs I worked with,” she wrote. “Its a tribute to maryse s french accent…email it to me at maryseouellet500@gmail.com.”
She will post the best videos on her official website and follow the creators on Twitter.
Contrary to Brock Lesnar’s public dismissal last week of the long-standing rumor that he was interested in participating in this year’s WrestleMania event, the latest issue of Power Slam reports that according to multiple sources, he did attempt to persuade UFC officials to allow him to work a storyline with World Wrestling Entertainment that would culminate at the annual wrestling supershow.
The proposed deal stems from his mini-confrontation with The Undertaker following UFC 121 on October 23.
According to the magazine, Lesnar had agreed in principle to a three-appearance deal with WWE: he would have appeared on two episodes of Monday Night Raw in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XXVI, culminating with a final appearance at the April 3 pay-per-view extravaganza in Atlanta, Georgia.
WWE officials are willing to pay Lesnar a seven-figure sum for the three appearances. However, the deal would require approval from UFC because Lesnar is under contract to the mixed martial arts organization.
UFC officials reportedly denied Lesnar’s request to return to WWE.
— It was reported earlier that Batista is in Thailand filming The Man with the Iron Fist, which also stars Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, and mixed martial artist Cung Le. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reports that the former WWE Champion is not slated to return to the United States until March.
— The Bella Twins performed as heels at last night’s WWE Supershow in Springfield, MA. The twin duo lost to Gail Kim and Maryse. Though Kim partnered with heel wrestler Maryse, she maintained her babyface persona during the match while the manager of Ted DiBiase portrayed a tweener. Maryse, however, reverted back to heel following the match by attacking Kim.
— Former WWE talent Nick Dinsmore (a/k/a Eugene) is holding a seminar in London, Kentucky on Feb. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. It costs $50 and is limited to professional wrestlers presently licensed in the state of Kentucky with at least one year of experience. Visit www.ovwrestling.com for more information.
source: F4WOnline.com
Here is the card announced thus far for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Only 34 WWE Superstars have been announced for the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.
WWE Championship Match
The Miz vs. Randy Orton
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Edge (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
2-on-1 Handicap Match for the Divas Championship
Natalya (c) vs. Lay-Cool
40-Man Royal Rumble Match
Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Darren Young, David Hart Smith, David Otunga, Drew McIntyre, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Husky Harris, Jack Swagger, John Cena, John Morrison, JTG, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Mason Ryan, Michael McGillicutty, Primo, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, Santino Marella, Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd, Vladimir Kozlov, Wade Barrett, William Regal, Yoshi Tatsu and Zack Ryder
As reported earlier, Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match. His return to WWE after three years will not be a one night affair.
According to some wrestlers, Booker T is permanently returning to WWE to both wrestle and announce. Additional details, however, have not been disclosed.
The six-time world champion has had his sights set on a commentating position for a number of years. He indicated in an interview last year during Royal Rumble season that if he were to return to WWE, it would likely be as an announcer.
He said, “Going back to the WWE, I know I would have to work a full schedule pretty much 180 days a year. I don’t think that’s something I want to do at this point. A lot of people speculate, but if I was to go back to the WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint, that’s something I always wanted to do. So I look forward if I ever go back to WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint. TNA is better for me as far as scheduling goes, but I don’t think I’ll working that hectic schedule anymore.”
source: PWInsider.com
— Multi-time champion Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in tonight’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.
— “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is expected to appear at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as he is in town for an autograph signing with fellow former WWE talent Carlito.
— Christian was flown into Boston for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. It is presently unclear what his role at the event will be. It should be noted that he isn’t wearing his arm in a sling. He has been sidelined since September due to a torn pectoral muscle.
source: PWInsider.com
— The latest issue of Power Slam reports that Triple H’s return to WWE programming has been postponed on multiple occasions dating back to October.
According to WWE creative team sources, his return was originally scheduled for the Bragging Rights pay-per-view on Oct. 24. It was postponed to shortly before the Survivor Series, and again to the pay-per-view itself. He was then scheduled to return at the King of the Ring edition of Monday Night Raw on Nov. 29, then the week after that. He was also tentatively scheduled for the first Raw of 2011.
The magazine adds that there has been talk of him returning at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
— Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer of WWE, announced this week she would be leaving the organization effective Feb. 28. Many within WWE were shocked by her resignation and it’s been speculated that it is due in part to the company’s disappointing fourth quarter earnings. Goldsmith was regarded as the second most powerful person in the company, since Linda McMahon stepped down from her position as CEO in September 2009 to launch a self-financed Senate campaign.
source: www.f4wonline.com