Triple H appeared on an Atlanta radio station Friday promoting WrestleMania XXVII and when asked whether he would miss the event, he said no. He stated that he has been rehabbing his injured biceps and is close to returning. He noted that he felt good when he faced Alberto Del Rio at WWE’s recent Fan Appreciation event.
Triple H refuted recent reports that his wife, Stephanie, couldn’t vote in the state of Connecticut because she wasn’t registered. He did say, however, that they initially went to the wrong polling place.
He also discussed his recent promotion as senior adviser to Vince McMahon, saying his colleagues are starting to get used to him in the role because they feel he understands them and can convey their concerns.
The host suggested that Abdullah the Butcher be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and Triple H said he proposed the idea last week.
— Bret Hart noted on his Facebook account Friday that his ring jacket and sunglasses were stolen at Thursday’s SmackDown live event in Nuremberg, Germany.
“Just a quick update for everyone. The tour’s going well but, unfortunately, somebody stole my ring jacket and sunglasses at the Nurnberg, Germany show last night. Any help would be appreciated. May they wear it in shame knowing they stole it!”
— As of Thursday afternoon, the first four rows on all four sides of the ring for WrestleMania XXVII at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia were sold out, including all of the $1,000 seats.
— During commentary on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars, Michael Cole pondered if “Vince” would be commentating during the “Old School” episode of Raw. Josh Matthews said “the guy’s in a coma,” to which Cole replied, “Oh well then. His commentary won’t be any worse than it was 20 years ago.”
— Today marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of former WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero, who was found dead in a hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Shawn Michaels was named the number one Superstar in World Wrestling Entertainment’s forthcoming DVD set counting down the top 50 Superstars of all time, WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time.
The DVD’s complete 1 to 50 ranking is as follows:
1. Shawn Michaels
2. The Undertaker
3. Steve Austin
4. Bret Hart
5. The Rock
6. Harley Race
7. Ricky Steamboat
8. Andre the Giant
9. Rey Mysterio
10. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
11. Eddie Guerrero
12. Triple H
13. Gorgeous George
14. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
15. “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig
16. John Cena
17. Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair (tied)
19. Edge
20. Jerry “The King” Lawler
21. Lou Thesz
22. Terry Funk
23. Hulk Hogan
24. Bruno Sammartino
25. Chris Jericho
26. Ted DiBiase
27. Fabulous Moolah
28. Classy Freddie Blassie
29. Randy Orton
30. Pat Patterson
31. The Iron Sheik
32. Jimmy Snuka
33. Mick Foley
34. Kurt Angle
35. Buddy Rogers
36. Gorilla Monsoon
37. Junkyard Dog
38. “Superstar” Billy Graham
39. Jake “The Snake” Roberts
40. Big Show
41. Jack Brisco
42. Sgt. Slaughter
43. Kane
44. Nick Bockwinkel
45. Jeff Hardy
46. Dory Funk Jr.
47. Bob Backlund
48. Rick Rude
49. Batista
50. Killer Kowalski
— WWE officials are planning Monday’s “Old School” themed Raw on the assumption that Jerry Lawler will not be available.
— Matches advertised to take place on tonight’s episode of SmackDown are Big Show vs. Kane, David Otunga vs. Edge, and Dolph Ziggler defending the Intercontinental Championship against MVP. The show will also feature Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio and Natalya vs. Layla.
— WWE’s production staff has ceased production on additional “Stand Up For WWE” promotional videos.
— Shawn Michaels was asked to fly out to Atlanta, Georgia to promote the first day of WrestleMania XXVII ticket sales because most of the company’s major names are currently touring in Europe. Two names not on the ongoing tour are Triple H and The Undertaker, however the latter is recovering from rotator cuff surgery. (source: f4wonline.com)
— Mae Young has been confirmed to appear at Monday’s “Old School” episode of Raw.
— WWE returns to the Salzburg Arena in Salzburg, Austria on Apr. 20, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale Nov. 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Thanks to Cliff for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from today’s show in England:
* SmackDown starts with Edge talking about Survivor Series. Nexus, without Wade Barrett, comes out and surrounds the ring. Vickie Guerrero comes out and makes Edge shake David Otunga’s hand. Edge then spears Otunga.
* Alberto Del Rio beat Kofi Kingston by submission.Of course Rey Mysterio came out and hit Del Rio with the 619 afterward.
* Natalya beat Layla in a non-title match with the Sharpshooter.
* Backstage promo with Kane talking about Big Show.
* David Otunga beat Edge in a Lumberjack match. Everyone fought at ringside, Kane came down and chokeslammed Edge. Otunga pinned Edge for the win.
* Dolph Ziggler defeated MVP to retain the Intercontinental title.
* Kane found an urn on the ground backstage, but no Paul Bearer.
* Cody Rhodes came out and cut a promo.
* Big Show beat Kane in a non-title match with a chokeslam. Edge distracted Kane after he brought out Paul Bearer tied up.
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion The Honky Tonk Man issued the following statement via his webmaster yesterday evening concerning next week’s “Old School” episode of Monday Night Raw, which he had been tentatively scheduled to attend:
“HTM and WWE could not come to terms for the Old School RAW show upcoming. HTM informed WWE yesterday that he no longer had a desire to participate on the event.”
A follow-up message was issued on The Honky Tonk Man’s Facebook account announcing that details concerning his dealings with WWE officials will be posted on his official website, www.honkytonkman.net.
“HTM will tell all on www.honkytonkman.net why he and WWE could not come to terms. A story no one wants to miss. We will expose the behind scenes of the things that really happened with e-mails to prove it. You will get an inside look into the way WWE deals with some people. $350 grand to someone for 2 mins. who never worked in pro wrestling but yet a 4 hr. plane ride in a shitty middle seat to a legend. We will have it all.”
Below is the synopsis for WWE’s upcoming three-disc DVD set on Big Show, The Big Show: A Giant’s World, which is set for release on Feb. 22, 2011:
Big Show lays claim to the title of “World’s Largest Athlete” and anyone that doubts it may be on the receiving end of his devastating knockout punch. The 7-foot giant has been a staple of the Sports Entertainment scene since his WCW debut in the 90s, and h as battled some of the all-time greats, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena, and more.
He’s also cast his enormous shadow in the worlds of television and movies with roles on Royal Pains, Saturday Night Live, The Waterboy, MacGruber, and Knucklehead.
Now for the first time ever, Big Show’s mammoth career will be highlighted in a DVD set. This 3-disc release will include a never-before-seen documentary on the life and times of Big Show featuring new candid interviews where Show discusses how a giant lives in an average-sized world, his sports entertainment career, and more.
– The Undertaker underwent shoulder surgery in the past week to repair his torn rotator cuff. Obviously the hope is that he’s healthy in time for WrestleMania, but it’s not guaranteed and it will depend on how his recovery goes.
– CM Punk, who injured his lower back at WWE’s Bragging Rights pay-per-view, opted not to have surgery because a doctor told him he’d be able to rehab what’s believed to be a torn muscle tendon. Punk will be out of action until at least January, but will be healthy in time for WrestleMania season.
– Sheamus has a real nasty bruise on one of his legs and was seen limping around backstage at television this past week. He’s not expected to miss any ring time.
— TNA Superstar Kurt Angle said “anything is possible” today on his Facebook account in regards to a possible return to WWE.
“A lot of you want me back in WWE. I appreciate your kind words. I love TNA but anything is possible,” he wrote. “Dixie Carter has been wonderful to me. She cares about my well being. That means more to me than anything. So I would never count out WWE, but TNA is my loyalty right now.”
— The seating chart for WrestleMania XXVII has been released online. To view it, click here.
The event is being held on April 3, 2011 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
— The Nov. 6 episode of A.M. Raw drew a 0.52 cable rating, with 646,000 viewers. The rating is way down from the previous week’s 1.04 figure.
— Divas Champion Michelle McCool was given off from WWE’s ongoing tour of Europe to tend to The Undertaker after undergoing rotator cuff surgery this past week.
— There has been much talk amongst WWE officials in recent weeks to induct Theodore Long into next year’s Hall of Fame class since it’s taking place in his home city of Atlanta, Georgia. Matt Striker is often mentioning the SmackDown General Manager over commentary in conjunction with it.
— There has been a change in WWE’s creative process as it’s said that they “want to push the envelope” on company programming. It is also said that they want the commentators making more inside jokes.
Shawn Michaels said on his Twitter account this afternoon that he is flying out to Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow to promote WrestleMania XXVII alongside Triple H.
“I was gonna tell ya tomorrow on the way. But someone blabbed. Yes, HHH and I are going to Atlanta to promote Wrestlemania, tomorrow and Friday,” he wrote.
He then noted why he’s promoting the upcoming event and for fans to not get their hopes up on him returning to the ring.
“Easy on the hoping. It’s very simple. They asked and I said yes. I will always help the WWE when I can. It will always be home to me.”
Tickets for WrestleMania XXVVII go on sale this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. via the Georgia Dome box office, Ticketmaster, and by phone (800-745-3000).
— Shawn Michaels, who was featured in a promotional commercial Monday promoting next week’s “Old School” episode of Raw, responded to those who asked if he would be appearing on the show.
“For those asking, I will not be at the old school RAW as best I know,” he wrote on Twitter. “Do I already qualify as “Old School?” If so…SWEET!!!”
— There was a late push to amplify Bragging Rights because members of creative felt it was a flat show going in. Vince McMahon, however, made the decision to keep the script intact and not enhance it.
— Today is injured WWE star Skip Sheffield’s birthday. He turns 29 years old.
William Regal announced to the crowd at today’s Raw live event in London, England that the ongoing British tour would be his last because he is retiring soon.
Having started his career wrestling on the carnival circuit in England at the age of 15, he competed across the globe before joining World Championship Wrestling in 1993. After parting ways with the organization in 2000, he joined World Wrestling Entertainment, where he became commissioner. He has been with the company since then.
Throughout his 27-year career, Regal has won more than 60 titles worldwide, including 15 in WWE and 4 in WCW.
He recently signed a 42 month contract renewal with WWE, which puts him under contract until 2014.
Update: A video has surfaced online of William Regal’s retirement speech from this week’s RAW live event from London.. Check it out:
– Monday’s Last night’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW drw a 3.1 cable rating, down from last week’s 3.1, and had 4.5 million viewers, down from 4.8 million last week. The show was taped on Monday afternoon from Manchester, England.
– WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel will serve as the ring announcer for next week’s 3-hour “Old School” RAW from Hershey, PA. Mean Gene Okerlund will also be on hand conducting interviews.
The following names from the past have been confirmed for the show:
– Rowdy Roddy Piper
– Jimmy Snuka
– Dusty Rhodes
– Ted DiBiase
– Arn Anderson
– The Iron Sheik
– “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan
– Sgt. Slaughter
– Nikolai Volkoff
– Irwin R Shyster
Matt Hardy is back with another YouTube video .. The former WWE superstar has begun a new series where he’ll give his candid thoughts on the state of the wrestling industry. Here’s what he posted on YouTube:
This is Part 1 of “My Take On The State Of The Business.”
I discuss what I think is good and bad in the pro wrestling business, what the wrestling business could do to become hot again, as well as why it’s in its current state. Please comment and give me your opinions and feedback.. I look forward to reading your comments! Thanks, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts.
Triple H participated in a radio interview two weeks ago promoting WWE’s Fan Appreciation Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut.
Regarding the injury that currently has him sidelined, he tore his biceps while filming a movie for WWE Studios. He said it was an old injury that was aggravated. He added that he is currently rehabilitating from the injury and that he has not been cleared to return to the wrestling ring.
In regards to his recent promotion with WWE, he jokingly said his official title is “Señor Advisor.” He said he works with the Spanish announce team and therefore is the “Señor Advisor.”
Commenting on his wife, Stephanie, he said he didn’t really get to know her until they participated in the storyline where they were married.
He concluded the interview by saying that he has shot two movies that will be released in the future.
The interview can be listened here. He also discusses Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign and his three daughters.
THE MOST PATRIOTIC SHOW OF THE YEAR, “WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS®,” COMES TO NBC SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18TH AT 9 PM ET
Starring WWE® Superstars and Divas, Miss USA®, Rima Fakih, and The View’s Sherri Shepherd
NEW YORK, NY – November 9, 2010 – World Wrestling Entertainment®, in conjunction with NBC, will honor the United States Armed Forces with its third annual telecast of its holiday special, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.” This year, top WWE Superstars and Divas will travel to Fort Hood, Texas to entertain the nearly 350,000 military personnel, family members, and civilians that make up the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services. Thousands of men and women from Fort Hood have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The hour-long special will air Saturday, December 18 (9-10 p.m. ET / 8-9 p.m. CT) on NBC.
“WWE Tribute to the Troops” will chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families this holiday season, culminating with a special live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel. In the grand tradition of Bob Hope, this year’s show will feature appearances by The View’s Sherri Shepherd and Miss USA, Rima Fakih, and performances by special musical guests and a comedian to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
In keeping with the spirit of “Tribute to the Troops” of bringing a little piece of Americana to our men and women overseas, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon along with WWE Superstars Kelly Kelly®, Big Show®, and Eve™ will also head to Afghanistan on a goodwill tour in early December. This tour will be highlighted on the special.
This trip marks the eighth consecutive year that WWE will bring its one of a kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.
— The latest report on Jerry Lawler’s health is that his left leg is swollen from the knee down to the foot. The cause of the matter is not known, but those close to him believe he has incurred a staph infection. The WWE Hall of Famer’s doctor advised him not to attend Raw since it would have been a ten hour flight to England and the change in air pressure could have possibly cause blood clots.
— Former WWE announcer Jim Ross announced the second quarter broadcast of the Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game Sunday night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the Boston Celtics Radio Network. Sean Grande, the radio voice of the Celtics, is a huge wrestling fan and asked who Ross would put on his ‘Mount Rushmore’ of wrestling. He said Lou Thesz, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin and Bruno Sammartino. Grande seemed surprised he didn’t mention Ric Flair, and Ross said that he figured as Mount Rushmore he had to limit it to four.
— The WWE SmackDown taping on Jan. 25, 2011 will be held at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tickets go on sale Dec. 11, 2010.
WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin spoke with CraveOnline.com to promote his new latest movie, Hunt to Kill.
Regarding rumors that he is hosting an episode of Raw next month, he says he has no knowledge of the matter.
“Man, I haven’t talked with anybody about that,” he replied. “I mean, I’ve been hearing rumors all of a sudden that I’m supposed to appear on Raw or something or other, or a Wrestlemania XXVII thing, and I don’t know anything about it. I haven’t talked with anybody from the WWE. On the 10th of November I’m fixed to head to Vancouver to start another movie, so I don’t think it’s going to happen, and I haven’t had talks of anything happening either.
“Stone Cold” praised TNA Wrestling’s pseudo shoot program, ReACTION, noting his enjoyment for its rawness.
“I watch their Reaction show, and I like the shoot style promos they do on that show. It’s different, it’s not so pre-fabricated, you know, they’re shoot promos and I enjoy that. They feel raw, they feel real.
“Well you know, it goes back to what it was before. That’s the ability to learn to cut a promo and you’re coming from your heart, your guts, your brain. There’s that story you’ve got to tell, but promos have to be real, they can’t be fabricated. You have to believe in them. When you’re not trying to memorize something, you can believe what you’re saying. That’s the fashion that I cut mine as Stone Cold. I believed every word I said 110%. That’s just the way it was.”
Former WWE talent Serena Deeb joined Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas Monday night for an interview on Right After Wrestling. Highlights:
What Serena has been doing since her WWE release. (0:42)
Will Serena keep her hair short going forward. (1:56)
Her reaction to being asked to shave her head by WWE. (3:13)
Her love of traveling and wanting to wrestle in Japan, as well as getting the famous “Ribera” jacket. (8:22)
Have other companies approached her with interest after her “90 day no compete” clause is up? (12:20)
Her new schedule and how its improved her family life. (13:28)
What is the best way to get a response from Serena on Twitter? (14:41)
When asked whether she had to maintain a straight edge lifestyle while on the road, and whether she was asked to, she replied with the following:
“They were big on that (living a straight edge lifestyle outside the ring) and understandably so. It was a really hot angle and an important stable in the company so they definitely wanted that image to be maintained outside of the ring as well. It was more or less implied, never really said. It was just one of those implications.”
“WWE as a company is such a global phenomenon and there is so much media attention surrounding the company. We all know the media is always looking for ways to bash pro wrestling. I think it’s one of those things that they want the employees to maintain a professional image in the public because it’s such a huge company, it’s the messiah of pro wrestling.”
– Also on RAW, a few changes were announced to two of the top matches at Survivor Series. Randy Orton’s WWE title defense against Wade Barrett with John Cena will be a “pinfall or submission only” match – which means no disqualifications. The Divas Title match will now be a handicap match, with both Lay-Cool members defending against Natalya.
– On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Superfly Jimmy Snuka, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Nikolai Volkoff and Iron Sheik will appearing on next week’s 3-hour “Old School” edition of WWE RAW. “Mean” Gene Okerlund will also be on hand to conduct interviews.
— Randy Orton pinned Wade Barrett in a three way dark match after RAW with Sheamus after Barrett brought the belt in and went for Orton. Orton ducked and hit Sheamus. Orton took the belt and hit Barrett and pinned him.
– SmackDown star Rey Mysterio returned to the ring on Monday’s live event from Newcastle, England. Mysterio and Edge defeated Alberto Del Rio and Cody Rhodes in tag team action. Rey was on the sidelines for a few weeks due to an inner ear infection but is now healthy and is expected at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings.
– On Monday’s RAW, two matches were announced for Smackdown this Friday:
* World Heavyweight Champion Kane vs. Big Show
* Edge vs. David Otunga in a Lumberjack match. If David Otunga loses, he’s out of Nexus.
— Word amongst those in WWE is that Jerry Lawler was unable to appear in Manchester, England for today’s Monday Night Raw taping due to an injury that prevented him from making the trip overseas.
A company source believes the WWE Hall of Famer suffered a knee injury.
Michael Cole and Josh Matthews called the show that will air tonight.
— Two matches were taped today in Manchester, England for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars: Ezekiel Jackson vs. Primo (with AJ), and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Zack Ryder.
— The Nov. 5 episode of WWE SmackDown drew a 1.82 cable rating, with 2,772,000 viewers. It is the second highest rating for the program since moving to Syfy.
— According to WWEDVDNews.com, WWE has plans to release a multi-disc DVD set on Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase next year. The title is currently in production.
— Today is Raw Superstar Ted DiBiase’s birthday. He turns 28 years old.