– Following Randy Orton’s relatively lackluster 2012 that saw him win no major championships and put his career at risk with a second drug testing violation, “The Viper” returned to form in 2013 with multiple title reigns and becoming the “Face of WWE.” The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion was voted by fans as “Best Return To Form.” This is being attributed to Orton showcasing his “remorseless, sadistic side,” which he enjoys.
“Being a bad guy is just more fun,” remarked Orton. “Otherwise you worry too much about what the fans think of you. It’s a worry I don’t like to have. I’d rather be myself and explore different ways I can make people feel uneasy even just by walking by and glaring at them.”
– WWE NXT’s final event last Thursday at its former base in Tampa, Florida, the NXT Arena (formerly known as the FCW Arena), featured the return of Brandi Rhodes (née Reed, formerly known in WWE as Eden Stiles) and the first live appearance of Sarah Backman (a 22-year-old former World Arm Wrestling Champion from Sweden). The newcomers and other female talent appeared as “Santa’s Helpers” during a skit featuring “Santa,” Eugene and Aiden English.
Rhodes, who is the wife of Cody Rhodes, re-joined WWE this fall after leaving the promotion two years ago. Both she and Backman began wrestling training at the WWE Performance Center in November.
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita, professionally known as Amy Dumas, has been announced to appear at the Alamo City Comic Con taking place September 26-28, 2014 at Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, Texas 78205.
