Regarding MVP’s release from World Wrestling Entertainment last week, he asked for it and it was granted by John Laurinaitis.

He had been unhappy for some time and asked friends more than a month ago regarding work outside the United States. While it was his call to part ways with the company, others noted that his prospects as a headliner were over. He was openly frustrated with newer talent being pushed ahead of him and was outspoken about it, similar to Matt Hardy and Chavo Guerrero. He had recently suggested changing his character to a rapper, but R-Truth already had the role tabbed.

He’s a big a fan of Japanese wrestling and is particularly hopeful to work for New Japan Wrestling. He is also interested in working with AAA.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Rey Mysterio has largely recovered from a recent ear infection, but is dealing with another ailment involving his shoulder.

The multi-time champion paid a visit to Dr. James Andrews last week, who diagnosed the injury as a tear. However, Andrews didn’t feel that surgery was required. Mysterio was instead told to rehabilitate and take several weeks off. He still worked last weekend’s live events, as well as Tuesday’s SmackDown taping, but was protected via tag matches.

Original plans for his match with Alberto Del Rio at TLC called for it to be a Tables Match, but has since been changed to a non-stipulated bout due to the injury.

— Goldust underwent surgery on his shoulder today. He will be sidelined for five to six months.

— Maria Kanellis announced on her Twitter account that she has signed on to appear in two horror films. The former WWE Diva has kept herself busy with music, acting and modeling since parting ways with the organization in February

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— NXT Season 1 contestant and original Nexus member Michael Tarver returned to the ring at last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping in Tampa, Florida. He had been sidelined since early October due to a groin injury.

Tarver entered the ring through the audience and soundly defeated Donny Marlow. He did not offer any insight on his future plans.

— The TicketMaster.com pre-sale code for the WWE SmackDown live event on Feb. 26 in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center is EDGEFTW. The online pre-sale is currently ongoing and will end tonight at 10 p.m.

— Today is JTG’s birthday. He turns 26 years old.

UFC President Dana White recently spoke to Fanhouse.com’s Ariel Helwani about the changes of Brock Lesnar working at WrestleMania, The Undertaker’s face-to-face confrontation with Brock Lesnar following his last fight and his relationship with WWE chairman Vince McMahon.

Regarding the Undertaker – Lesnar confrontation, Dana White said:

“It’s funny you are asking me that because Undertaker called me to apologize for that.”

• View Here: Lesnar & Undertaker Have Staredown At UFC 121 (VIDEO)

White mentioned that he has a “great relationship” with Vince McMahon and gets along well with many of the past and present WWE guys.

White was asked about whether he would allow Brock Lesnar to work with WWE, as has been rumored for next year’s WrestleMania. White’s response is not going to make any WWE fans happy:

“No… No. He is under contract with us … I don’t want to blur those lines. First of all, him coming over and making the choice to leave the WWE and come over here, we gave him that shot. It was a big risk on our part. The guy was 1-0 but he’s done incredibly well. What the guy’s been able to accomplish with no experience in such a short amount of time, I don’t want him going to WWE and blurring the lines of what’s real and what’s not. I think it happens to us sometimes now.”

• Related News: Vince McMahon Still Hopeful He Can Get For Brock For WrestleMania
  

You can check out the full interview here.

Joey Styles has shared some of his thoughts on this week’s NXT Season 4 premire. He wrote on Twitter:

“Actually, my favorite thing about NXT now is that Cole is not on headsets insulting and undermining the entire show and its concept.

Mexican aristocrat, Alberto Del Rio and “The Rat” Conor O’Brian may be the oddest WWE Pro and NXT Rookie pairing in the show’s history.

While these challenges are fun to watch and are for immunity points, climbing a ladder has nothing to do with being a WWE Superstar.

If a Rookie has wrestling ability and charisma, he won’t need immunity points to escape elimination. I want to see Byron Saxton wrestle.

Derrick Bateman was the best wrestling Rookie tonight. He will benefit greatly from Daniel Bryan’s tutelage. Solid season premier for NXT.”

— Reportedly, all of the names announced during the last wave of talent departures were releases by WWE with the exception of Shad Gaspard, who wanted to part ways with the organization in order to pursue acting. Jillian Hall also claimed she asked to be released, and that she had asked several times before. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— New names advertised to appear at Tribute to the Troops are Triple H and The Bella Twins, according to Hood Happenings Magazine, the official magazine of the Fort Hood, Texas military base. Also advertised to appear are John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Mark Henry, Edge and Vince McMahon. (Thanks to SPC McClouston, Patrick)

— The pre-sale code for the Apr. 4 Monday Night Raw taping at The Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia is CHAMP. The sale begins tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com.

— Kaval noted on Twitter that he underwent an MRI on his left ankle today.

He wrote, “Thanks to all for the best wishes. Left ankle MRI today, awaiting results. Stay tuned.”

— Several other WWE stars are said to be working through injuries. One wrestler noted that a lot of guys need time off, and there isn’t a Christmas break as in years to past to rest. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Former WWE Diva Jillian Hall confirmed on Twitter that she has opened a Facebook account. Her page can be accessed here. The account notes that she is ‘considering’ accepting independent bookings via jillianhalluv2@yahoo.com.

— Many within WWE feel Batista isn’t coming back anytime soon since there has been no contact anyone is aware and the expectation is when he returns stateside. from filming Scorpion King 3 that he’ll be signing with Strikeforce.

Likewise, Chris Jericho is another name many within the company believe isn’t coming back anytime soon. It is unlikely at this point that he will be participating in a match at WrestleMania XXVII.

— Since last week’s Raw where Brock Lesnar’s name was mentioned multiple times during the broadcast, Vince McMahon has been telling creative team members and at least one top star that he believes there is still a good chance the former WWE Champion will appear at WrestleMania XXVII. Nonetheless, most feel there is no chance of it happening.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Many within WWE have speculated that Michael Hayes’ role as the head writer of SmackDown is in jeopardy. His right hand man Chris DeJoseph was recently let go and the program has garnered dismal ratings since moving to Syfy.

In recent years, non-main event talent preferred SmackDown to Raw because there was more room for career growth. Currently, WWE’s Friday night brand features veterans garnering most of the spotlight with only a few exceptions.

One WWE source said that while Hayes received much praise for pushing younger talent, his focus is generally on the veterans. Writers who have worked under him are the real reason young talent are showcased on SmackDown.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— WWE Studios’ The Chaperone starring Triple H is slated for a brief theatrical release in February before its released on DVD and Blu-ray.

— The 2010 Survivor Series DVD features footage of The Miz winning the WWE Championship from Randy Orton the day after the pay-per-view event. The Blu-ray version will also include the previous week’s “Old School” episode of Raw in its entirety.

— All January, WWE Classics on Demand celebrate the most memorable “Fantastic Firsts” in sports-entertainment history.

source: PWInsider.com

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

The Miz Hosting TMZ TV: “WWE Champ The Miz gets a shot on TMZ later today (Wednesday) which he will no doubt knock it out of the park. Miz was tremendous on the Food Network cooking show, ‘Dinner Impossible,’ that we did a year ago at Summer Slam. He stole that show with ease and will like do the same on TMZ TV later today. Miz is a work in progress and it should be encouraging for WWE fans of just how good Miz can become in time if he stays healthy and focused on becoming the best antagonist in the biz.”

• Read More About: The Miz

Goldust’s Injury: “Sorry to hear of Goldust’s rotator cuff injury that will apparently require surgery. This is usually a 5-6 month recovery period. Don’t forget about Goldust’s biography that would make a good stocking stuffer and should be interesting reading. He’s had a helluva life for such a young man. Hate to see anyone hurt, especially someone who has worked so hard to become relevant again. Last time I saw Goldust he was in, without question, the best physical shape of his life. Some day Goldust will likely be a great coach/teacher of the biz.”

• Read More About: Goldust

Rey Mysterio’s Popularity: “An emailer asked me why Rey Mysterio has become so popular while many of his fellow Lucha Libra stars did not become bigger in the USA. Firstly, Rey has ‘it’ and ‘it’ can’t be manufactured. Rey also throughly understands all the ins and outs of the biz after starting in it when he was 14 or 15 years old. Rey also understands that ‘less is more’ and that doing 2-3 spectacular maneuvers in a match or a sequence is always better than doing a half dozen or more of them in such quick fashion that the majority of the eye opening maneuvers can’t be processed or remembered minutes after they are completed.”

• Related News: Batista Feels WWE Is Wasting Rey Mysterio’s Talent
  

— WWE officials paid a visit to the company’s Tampa based developmental facility this week interviewing contracted talent about participating in the revival of Tough Enough on the USA Network. Previous seasons of the program solely featured unsigned talent.

The casting process is expected to conclude next month with the series likely debuting in the spring.

— Natalya noted on Twitter that a Santa’s Little Helper Match will take place at Tribute to the Troops, which is being taped this Saturday in Fort Hood, Texas.

She wrote, “Looking for a santas helper outfit for tribute to the troops- but santa’s helpers aren’t as built in the front and the back as this one!”

— The NFL’s Tennessee Titans are preparing to oppose WWE’s registration of the trademark ‘Titantron’.

source: PWInsider.com

— Current creative plans call for Melina to turn heel and feud with Divas Champion Natalya. It’s expected to be a slow turn. The idea was first conceived a few weeks ago and it said that Melina garnered heat because she was negative about going bad.

Meanwhile, a renewed on-screen relationship with John Morrison which was recently teased on Monday Night Raw is considered a dead idea.

— Creative has devised long-term storyline plans for Randy Orton, The Miz, Sheamus, Edge, John Cena and The Nexus through February.

— The pre-sale code for the Jan. 31 Monday Night Raw taping at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is ORTON. Tickets for the pre-sale are on sale now through Friday morning via Ticketmaster.com.

sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com

— Discussions between Bill Goldberg and WWE officials regarding induction into next year’s Hall of Fame class in Atlanta, Georgia are said to be cold at this point. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Today is WWE play-by-play commentator Michael Cole’s birthday, who turns 42 years old.

— WWE Monday Night Raw on Feb. 28, 2011 will be held at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. Tickets go on sale Dec. 18, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— Tentative plans call for Triple H to return next month at the Royal Rumble for a match with Sheamus.

— It is said that Wes Brisco and Xavier Woods were tapped to be called up to the main roster fairly soon before Brisco tore his ACL at a FCW live event last month in Punta Gorda.

— According to video game industry sources, sales for Smackdown vs Raw 2011 are at the same level as last year, which would be considered a major positive considering that sales throughout the industry are down. It’s also a positive because sales for the game were down the past two years.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– WWE Champion The Miz is hosting today’s episode of the syndicated entertainment gossip program TMZ on TV. Check your local listings for time and channel.

– Chris Jericho will be signing copies of Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps on the day of its release, Feb. 16, at Borders Books on Broadway in New York City. A book signing is also set for Borders in Torrace, California on Feb. 22. Additional dates will be announced.

– Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Kids Magazine.

In recent weeks we’ve been covering the story that WWE is testing a new masked character for John Cena, his “Mexican cousin,” Juan Cena. Juan Cena has been competing at live WWE events, wrestling in main events against The Miz, Wade Barrett and Kane.

This past weekend, Juan Cena wrestled at live events in Kentucky and Tennesse, challenging Kane in the main events .. Both matches ended with Nexus storming the ring, attacking Cena and removing his mask – only to have Cena fight back and send Nexus running.

From what we’ve heard, WWE is still testing out the character and there are no immediate plans to introduce him as an on-air character. However, fans who attend live events in the coming months have a good chance of seeing Juan Cena.

SEScoops.com reader Rusty Richardson sent some new pictures of Juan Cena from this past weekend .. Check ’em out below:

WWE SmackDown on Syfy

WWE taped Friday’s episode of Smackdown from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. Credit to Wrestling News World for this detailed report:

* The show opens with World Heavyweight Champion Kane begging Edge to surrender Paul Bearer. Edge is shown on the big screen and tricks him with another dummy version of Bearer.

* They plug the main event of World Heavyweight Champion Kane & Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge & Rey Mysterio.

* Jack Swagger b. Kaval when Kaval submitted in the ankle lock. Kaval may have suffered a legitimate leg injury in the bout. After the match, Swagger says he was cheated last week by Kofi Kingston.

* Hornswoggle b. Jack Swagger’s eagle mascot. The match saw Hornswoggle throw brad crumbs on the mat to distract the eagle. He landed a Tadpole Splash and got the pinfall victory.

* A segment is taped where Chavo Guerrero and a partner of his choosing challenge Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov for the WWE Tag Team Championship later tonight.

* Kofi Kingston b. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler via disqualification when Jack Swagger pulled Kofi out of the ring and locked him in the ankle lock.

* Chris Masters comes out for the Masterlock Challenge against “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Cody makes Masters put on hand sanitizer and file his nails. He tries to leave when Masters grabs his face but Masters put him in the Masterlock.

* WWE Tag Team Champions Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov b. Chavo Guerrero & Drew McIntyre. Santino connected with the cobra on Chavo and followed it with the pinfall victory. After the match, Drew McIntyre hits Chavo with a DDT.

* WWE Divas Champion Natalya w/Beth Phoenix b. Layla w/Michelle McCool after making her tap in the Sharpshooter.

* World Heavyweight Champion Kane didn’t come out for the main event so Teddy Long came out and made the match Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio & Edge in a handicap match. Kane came out mid-way through the match and Edge met him at the ramp and they fought to the back. Kane is shown on the big screen chasing after Edge. Kane pushes a ladder off a cliff thinking it’s another Paul Bearer dummy but it’s actually Paul Bearer. Rey ended up beating Alberto Del Rio to end the show.

… and the war of words between former WWE superstars Shane Helms and Shawn Michaels continues.

If you haven’t been following this story, you can catch up here:

• Shane Helms Launches Scathing Attack Against Shawn Michaels
• Update: Shawn Michaels Responds To Shane Helms’ Attack
• Jim Ross Comments On Helms-Michaels

Once again, Helms has gone on Twitter and essentially called Michaels a hypocrite for claiming to be a devout Christian while still “murdering animals” and hanging their heads on his wall (ie. hunting). Helms wrote:

“I think I might go murder some animals for fun and hang their heads on my wall cuz that’s what Jesus would do. Right @ShawnMichaels_ ?”

Check Out: Pictures of Shawn Michaels Hunting: See All The Animals He Killed

Once again, HBK was prompted by his Twitter followers to respond to Helms’ remarks. Like last time, Michaels takes a cool, laid back approach and signs off with another smiley face..

“Jus got bak. Wow u guys r fired up! Sorry u have 2 deal w/it. Don’t worry, I don’t. Comes w/the territory. have zero desire 2 do the internet stuff other than corresponding w/u. U can make ur own decisions & I will respect them. May I now return to having fun w/ u all please. Life is 2 short 4 me 2 go thru High school again:-) “

Our readers have been very vocal about this topic on the SEScoops comments section … Comment below and let us know what you think about the situation – does Helms have a point attacking HBK – or is he way out of line by judging his religious faith?

Warning: The following contains a minor *Spoiler* for Friday’s SmackDown

At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, it was announced that the Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio match at the upcoming Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view will be a Chairs match.

With that match set, here’s the updated card:

Tables Match for the WWE Title
The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton

TLC Match for the World Heavyweight Title
Kane (c) vs. Edge

Chairs Match:
Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio

WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event takes place in less than two weeks on Sunday, December 19th.

• COMMENT BELOW: What do you guys think – are you excited for this show? Is WWE going to close out 2010 with a bang – or is this just another 2nd tier gimmick show?

— Goldust announced on his Twitter account this evening that he will be sidelined for “five to six months” after undergoing shoulder surgery Friday.

— Two additional matches were taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars tonight at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio: Tyler Reks vs. JTG; Trent Barreta vs. Curt Hawkins.

Matches taped last night at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky were Eve vs. Alicia Fox and Zack Ryder vs. Ezekiel Jackson.

— Today is former WWE Diva Sunny’s birthday, who turns 38 years old. Today would have also marked as “Ravishing” Rick Rude’s 52nd birthday.

source: PWInsider.com

— The Dec. 6 episode of Monday Night Raw drew a 3.1 cable rating, drawing 4,800,000 viewers over the course of two hours. The show did hours of 3.0 and 3.29.

Last week’s King of the Ring themed show garnered a 3.4 cable rating during its regular time slot.

— WWE developmental wrestler Seth Rollins (a/k/a Tyler Black) worked a dark match prior to tonight’s SmackDown taping in Dayton, Ohio. He lost to Cody Rhodes.

— Tonight’s NXT main event will feature Alberto Del Rio and Conor O’Brian vs. Daniel Bryan and Derrick Bateman.

source: PWInsider.com

— The latest word on Triple H is that he is not expected to return to WWE programming until January at the earliest.

He has been sidelined since April due a torn biceps tendon.

— The Dec. 4 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.31 cable rating, with 363,000 viewers.

— Former WWE Diva Serena is advertised to return to Ring of Honor on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the company’s Final Battle 2010 internet pay-per-view event. She will be teaming with Sara Del Rey against Awesome Kong and Daizee Haze in a tag match.

sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com

— Goldust announced on Twitter that he will be undergoing surgery to repair his injured shoulder. He wrote:

“Unfortunately, I have to have surgery…out for some time.”

— USA Network president and WWE ally Bonnie Hammer took the number three spot in The Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment Power 100 list, beating out Oprah Winfrey, who took 4th. You can check that list out at HollywoodReporter.com.

— Former WrestleMania celebrity and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been charged with criminal battery after poking his finger on a man’s face, according to TMZ.com. Security officer Shayne Smith alleges that he got into a verbal dispute with Floyd Mayweather, who got physical with him and left a bruise on his cheek.

“The willful and unlawful use of force and violence upon Smith caused redness and discoloration to the area which was battered by Mayweather,” reads the complaint. For more details, visit TMZ.com.

— Former WWE developmental star Flash Flanagan played the role of the waiter in the John Cena and Nexus hotel scene on Monday’s RAW. He currently works on the indy scene.

— WWE officials are looking to hold a fifth season of NXT, which is why the company’s top developmental talent were held off the new season premiering tonight on WWE.com. Officials are hopeful that the program will find a home on U.S. television.

— WWE returns to the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on July 6, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale January 28, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— According to WWEDVDNews.com, a “Best of SmackDown” 2010/2011 DVD set is scheduled to be released in late 2011.

A DVD and Blu-ray set examining the rivalry between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock is also on tap for the end of next year.

source: f4wonline.com