-WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler will be the next guest on the “Steve Austin Show” podcast. The latest edition of the show, which features Shane “Hurricane” Helms and was released today, can be accessed online at PodcastOne.com.
-WWE Superstar William Regal will be holding “An Audience With A Wrestling Villain 2” on Monday, November 11th at The Frog & Bucket Comedy Club on Oldham Street in Manchester at 11:00PM. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ErosComedy.
-30 Rock star Judah Friedlander has signed on to pen the introduction to the Headlocked comic book, which features contributions from pro wrestling stars such as Jerry “The King” Lawler, Rob Van Dam, Shane “Hurricane” Helms, Ken Anderson, Christopher Daniels, Beth Phoenix and others. For more information, visit Kickstarter.com.
-Former WWE Diva Beth Phoenix, current TNA Impact Wrestling star Mr. Anderson, as well as WWE Hall Of Famer and current weekly RAW color-commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler are all involved in a Kickstarter campaign to fund a new comic book project titled, “Headlocked: The Last Territory.”
The official Kickstarter page for the project lists the following synopsis:
What is Headlocked?
In one sentence, it’s a wrestling cable drama in a comic book!
Headlocked is a coming-of-age story chronicling a college theater major’s quest to become a professional wrestler. It begins from the moment he unexpectedly falls in love with wrestling and follows his journey through the insanity of the wrestling business as he chases his dream of making it to the bright lights and the big stage of the WFW.
On a deeper level, Headlocked is an examination of wrestling as an art form. Our main character, Mike Hartmann, is a college theater major that drops out of school to try and break into the wrestling business. So the reader will learn more about the craft of wrestling through the eyes of a performance artist.
To further our theme of wrestling as art, we use wrestlers to contribute to the book artistically. Our interior artist, Michel Mulipola, is a wrestler from New Zealand. And our cover artist, you might have heard of him….
WWE Hall of Famer, Jerry “The King” Lawler!
If you read further, you’ll see we have a metric ton of awesome guest contributors from the world of comics and wrestling lined up to help make this even better!
Check out the official Kickstarter page for more information on the comic book and to donate to the project.
-A fan recently asked former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho for his thoughts on the current number one contender to the WWE Championship, Daniel Bryan, on his official Twitter page (@IAmJericho). Jericho’s response was simple, but encouraging. “Amazing,” exclaimed Jericho. “Next WWE champ.”
Daniel Bryan challenges John Cena for the WWE Championship at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view on Sunday, August 18th.
– The official WWE website has released a poll asking fans which former Diva they would most like to see return to the organization.
With over 9,000 votes cast, Kelly Kelly is coming out on top with a figure of 23%. She is trailed by Lita (17%), Trish Stratus (13%), Eve (11%), Melina (8%), Beth Phoenix (6%), Victoria (6%), Michelle McCool (5%), Stacy Keibler (4%), Torrie Wilson (4%) and Maxine (2%).
– Former rivals Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Triple H exchanged messages on Twitter on Saturday.
After “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment” wrote, “From shootin FAST 5 to WRESTLEMANIA, to me being a brown neck livin’ in a redneck trailer park. Great to be back Atlanta!” WWE’s Chief Operating Officer responded, “Congrats Rock! No one works harder! #inspiration #passion #7Bucks.” Enclosed was a Forbes graphic of Johnson acknowledging the story of only having had seven dollars to his name following the unceremonious conclusion of his football career in 1995.
Wishing “The Game” well on his 44th birthday, Johnson wrote back, “Thank U Trip! Happy Birthday bud!”
– CM Punk is featured on the cover of the latest issue of the United Kingdom-based magazine PowerSlam (see here). Also featured is an interview with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross where he responds to a question about all of those “embarrassing scenarios and on-air digs and ridicule from Vince McMahon and others” in WWE over the years.
– Chris Jericho is currently on hiatus from WWE, but is scheduled to appear on Monday’s WWE RAW from the UK, since he’s overseas with his band Fozzy. The former WWE Heavyweight Champion is currently working on setting up a tour of the United States this summer. Jericho’s schedule over the next few months will focus mostly on Fozzy with intermittent WWE dates.
– There is reportedly an adult video website that is advertising a movie featuring former WWE Diva Beth Phoenix. There are also edited photos of the former WWE Divas floating around as well that have contributed to the buzz. As far as we can tell, there is no validity to the rumors.
Monday Night Mayhem
Hosted By The Big Mosh & Todd Vincent
Former three-time WWE Women’s Champion and former WWE Divas Champion, “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix, was the featured guest on this week’s edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.
“The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix Discusses Why She Believes Why The Time Was Right For Her To Retire From The WWE, What She Is Planning On Doing While She Is Away From The Business, Why She Would Be Interested In Being Selected To Induct Trish Stratus Into The WWE Hall Of Fame, How Molly Holly Helped To Get Her First Break Into The Industry, Being Influenced By Chyna, What WrestleMania Means To Her, Her Favorite Match(es) & Moments In Her WWE Career, Her Memories Of Working With Santino Marella, Why The Rumored Program With Kharma Never Materialized In The WWE, Whether Or Not She Sees A Possible WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Becoming A Reality For Her Some Day, The Current State Of Women’s Wrestling And Why “Right Now Is The Best Time To Be A Diva,” Why She Always Wears The Heart Of Buffalo On Her Sleeve Wherever She Goes, Being Selected As The First Inductee Into The MNM Hall Of Fame’s “Class Of 2013,” Plus Much More.
Beth Phoenix/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (.MP3)
Interview highlights courtesy of Kahlil “Paterson” Thomas:
Why she believes that the time was right for her to retire from the WWE:
“I entered a different season in my life. I’m 32. I started wrestling when I was 19 years old, and I spent my entire adult life on the road chasing this dream, and I loved it. I absolutely loved everything I did with WWE, and I had a wonderful career with them. It’s time to check other things and experience other parts of life that you can’t when you’re ‘married to the business,’ and that’s literally what you have to do to be successful. I did so much in the way of my dream, and I certainly left no stone unturned. To chase other dreams, I kind of had to make that really tough decision to move on to the next phase of my life.”
Her favorite matches and favorite moment in her WWE career:
“My favorite match would be a tie, with my match with Nattie (her last televised WWE match in her hometown of Buffalo on the September 28th edition of SmackDown) and my match with Candice at Unforgiven (2007), which was my first match for the WWE Divas Championship. My favorite moment would probably be my entrance in the Royal Rumble. It’s no secret that I’ve been influenced by Chyna. Her moment in the Royal Rumble was groundbreaking, and to be able to be the next girl to do was mind-blowing. I don’t think my heart was beating the whole time I was in the ring.”
Her thoughts on the current state of women’s wrestling and why she believes “right now is the best time to be a WWE Diva”:
“Wrestling goes through seasons. Some things become trends for a while or other things become a trend or the style. When women’s wrestling got really hot, it was in a mature era where the girls could be more sexual and then be tough at the same time., so there was a lot of attention on it. It’s hard to call attention to something when you don’t have the same tools that you did. It takes a while to condition people to a different product, as opposed to what they’re used to seeing. I think right now is the best time to be a Diva. What it is about is finding out what they don’t and making yourself a commodity in that area. I think eventually you will see the standouts come to the forefront.”
Whether or not she sees a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction becoming a reality for her some day:
“I think there is a long, long line of ladies and gentlemen for that matter that needs to go in there long before I’m even on the radar. It would be amazing. Would I be thrilled and would it be the most amazing thank you anyone can get? It would be amazing, but it’s not something I need in my life to feel like my career had ended or anything. I don’t need to get that awesome recognition, because I had so many great moments while I was there.”
Much more is contained in Beth Phoenix’s exclusive interview with Monday Night Mayhem, including her candid thoughts on what is she planning on doing while she is away from the business, why she would be interested in being the one selected to induct Trish Stratus into the WWE Hall of Fame, what WrestleMania means to her, why the rumored program with Kharma never materialized in the WWE, her memories of working with Santino Marella,how Molly Holly helped get her first break into the industry, why she always wears the heart of Buffalo on her sleeve wherever she goes, her reaction to being chosen as the first inductee into the Monday Night Mayhem Hall of Fame’s “Class of 2013,” plus so much more! Follow “The Glamazon” right now on Twitter (@TheBethPhoenix).
– There was some concern in WWE that CM Punk might have been injured on RAW during his no disqualification match against Kane. At one point in the match, Punk took a bad bump and cameras quickly cut away, while referee Mike Chioda threw up the “X” symbol. A trainer came down to look at Punk, but Punk ended up finishing the match. Between this and the recent incident at a WWE live event where The Miz dropped Punk on his head during a botched stalled suplex, the road to WrestleMania has been a bumpy one for Punk, to say the least.
– WWE legend Goldust commented on his WrestleMania 29 status on Thursday:
“Looks like i will be watching #WM29 this year from the comfort of my home. #newkidsontheblock ! Hope they know the opportunity they have!!!”
Goldust has been pushing for years to get a WrestleMania match against his younger brother, Cody. After his surprise return at the Royal Rumble, it looked like he might have finally gotten his wish, but .. there’s always next year. He mentioned that, he “might have to hit up Booker T for a reunion against Rhodes Scholars.”
– As previously reported, WWE has been reaching out to former Divas in hopes of getting them to return to the company. Aside from Kelly Kelly and Maryse, they also reportedly reached out to Beth Phoenix.
Arda Ocal of The Score Television Network, Baltimore Sun and Layfield Report spoke with former WWE Diva Beth Phoenix. Highlights:
Has she had the itch to return to professional wrestling yet? “I never wanted to be that person who said, I’ll never come back, I’m retired, I’m done and then in a couple of years get the itch. I haven’t said I’ll never ever be back because I don’t know what opportunity will come up that I’ll find to be really awesome.”
The number of divas that have left the WWE in the past year. Is it a coincidence? “I think it just timed out that way because lots of times with the girls there is a window of opportunity and a lot of the girls that left kind of came in at the same time. The women’s division there are so few of us, you can only see me wrestle Kelly so many times.”
In her opinion, what made Trish Stratus an icon?
“Sometimes people like to remember the controversy, that’s what stands out, but I think I would rather look at the content of someone’s career. She always welcomed whatever kind of physicality that needed to take place in the ring. She was tough as nails, she never complained and worked for what she had and you have to respect that.”
Phoenix discusses the state of the Divas division, highlights of her career, favorite matches, returning to her high school in Elmira, New York for a charity basketball event, life post-professional wrestling, boyfriend Adam “Edge” Copeland’s transition to retirement, Trish Stratus being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and more.
– Trish Stratus issued the following statement to WWE.com regarding her 2013 Hall of Fame induction:
“I still can’t believe it. I’m just so honored to be taking my place alongside WWE’s greatest, as a wrestling fan – I’m kind of blown away! It’s simply amazing.”
– Cody Rhodes picked this week’s WWE Classics Five-Star Match of the Week. He selected Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich for the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the WCCW David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions event (May 6th, 1984). Here’s what Cody said about the match:
“Fritz Von Erich actually said that David Von Erich himself was really close to being NWA World Heavyweight Champion. David’s untimely death put Kerry Von Erich [in the title picture], but Kerry would’ve become the most popular of the Von Erichs regardless of what happened just off sheer look alone. Nobody looked more like a star than Kerry Von Erich. Arnold Schwarzenegger wouldn’t take a picture with him because of that. What I remember about that match was not just Texas Stadium in Dallas being outdoors and the huge amount of people there. But the end of the match came with a simple backslide. It was a really, really beautiful thing.”
MichelleMcCool.net has published another piece of their recent interview with McCool, including her thoughts on former WWE diva Beth Phoenix:
Never a Dream Match: “Everyone always used to ask when I was going to wrestle her or I want to see you in a one-on-one match with her. I think one of the most consistent answers for any of the girls when they’re asked “who do you want to wrestle” is Beth Phoenix — but that was never really the case for me, as far as an opponent or dream opponent. For me, that was always Molly Holly, Lita and Awesome Kong/Kharma. Personally, Beth was never the answer for me.”
Finisher Gone Wrong: For the most part of both of our careers, we were on different brands. She was on RAW for most of the time and I was on SmackDown. Never any ill words towards each other — from what I know. We did have the chance to face off pretty early on in my career [SmackDown, Champion vs. Champion] and that was the first time I had gotten in the ring with her. So she gives me her Glam Slam and I take it straight on my face because my arms didn’t come unhooked.”
Botch Phoenix?: “At the time, I was like: “Oh, man. I’ve never seen that happen before. How did she not get my arms unhooked?” I didn’t understand, but figured it must have just been a mistake. I never said anything, but I did have a concussion from that. But I’ll never give anybody any credit for hurting me — that’s just my stubbornness, it has nothing to do with WWE. I’ve just always been that way. At the time, I just thought she didn’t even know she did it.”
Truth Revealed: “Come to find out, and it wasn’t even that long ago, I remember getting the WWE magazine in the mail and flipping through the pages. Sure enough, she’s doing an interview in the magazine talking about when she gave me the Glam Slam and saying how bad my head hit the mat, how she didn’t unhook my arms and oops! I’m just like: “Wow. Years later, the truth comes out.” She knew that she did that, it definitely sounded like she knew she did it at the time. I was just like: “Dang! What did I ever do to her?” What was that? Was that my “I didn’t come in the ranks” welcome to the rings match — what? I didn’t care. I just blew it off.”
Difficult Times: “So she comes to SmackDown and LayCool was well-established by that time. WWE put us in a program with Beth and LayCool was just doing their usual LayCool stuff: Glam-A-Man, The Manazon… just LayCool being stupid LayCool. Kind of like when nobody thought Mickie was actually fat, nobody thought Beth was actually a man. It was just our stupid gimmick, and I use the term stupid affectionately.
Working With Beth: “It was definitely bumpy, to say the least. It was never easy. I understand that it can’t be easy on the other side of the LayCool gimmick, no matter how tough the exterior is. It was just definitely a struggle. Being a Diva in a man’s world, you’re constantly in an uphill battle; pitching ideas, trying to get TV time, trying to get in-ring time, the whole nine yards.”
Behind Closed Doors: “It seemed like we were on the same page — pitching stuff, throwing ideas off one another in the locker room, but then come to find out… that wasn’t the case behind-the-scenes. We didn’t understand why stuff would keep getting shot down. Steph, agents and writers would come to us and say: “we’re no longer doing this,” or “this hits too close to home.” Whatever. There was definitely some stuff being said on the other end and that made it a struggle. She could have just been at a different place in her life, we all go through tough times or confusing times — I just don’t really know what her case was. I’m sure people will start hating me for my own opinion, but that wasn’t a fun LayCool storyline for us. We had some good matches and I’m always going to do business, but I think I had a different experience with her than most people who wrestle with her or against her.”
Business Is Business: “I hope she’s completely happy now, she’s done some great things — but like I said: she was never a dream opponent for me, and that’s all I really have to say about that. Wish her nothing but the best, hope she’s in a good place and enjoying life. Sadly, my most memorable thing with her is that I’m probably the only person in Glam Slam history to not have had their arms unhooked… ouch.”
– The official WWE website has published an article examining the state of the Divas division following multiple talent departures over the past year.
“Some of the WWE Universe might say the Divas division has been diminished, having lost a whole half-dozen of its best and brightest over the past twelve months. And it’s true: at least in terms of depth, fate carved quite the swath through WWE’s women’s division in 2012, but the depletion has also initiated a new era of opportunity for the remaining Divas. In one turn around the sun, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix, Maxine, Kharma and The Bella Twins have all left WWE, with no small amount of shock,” author Anthony Benigno writes.
“At first glance, that’s a sudden, dark cloud hanging over one of WWE’s most time-honored divisions. But the whole process has turned out to be something along the lines of an evolution for the Divas. True, the abrupt change in the Divas’ landscape has been jarring for the WWE Universe. But the transformation seems to us a breath of fresh air, a chance at a fresh start, and an opportunity to redefine the very definition of a WWE Diva.”
– Zack Ryder is giving away four copies of WWE ’13 this week. Check out this webisode of Z! True Long Island Story for your chance to get your hands on one. Plus, find out which pop star is his “Broski of the Week.”
– Former World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston is doing media appearances today in the Lafayette, Louisiana area to promote tonight’s WWE RAW.
– Last week, we reported that former WWE superstar John Morrison will be acting in the holiday play “A Christmas Carol” at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Los Angeles, California. To clarify that report, Morrison (and many other guest stars) will be doing a one-shot appearance and will not be a regular member of the cast for the production’s entire run.
– Here is the latest video from Diamond Dallas Page and Jake Roberts, with Jake preparing to visit Las Vegas for Thanksgiving weekend:
– Elizabeth Carolan, better known as former WWE diva Beth Phoenix, celebrated her 32nd birthday on Saturday. She was born on November 24, 1980.
– Ticketmaster.com still has several front row seats available ($400+) for next month’s WWE TLC event. This will be WWE’s first-ever event from the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
– WWE made the following announcement on Facebook about next summer’s live tour of Australia:
The RAW World Tour comes to Australia this July with 5 stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, November 28 at 9:00am local time on http://Ticketek.com.
– WWE posted the following video with Steve Austin congratulating WWE Games for two million fans on Facebook:
– This week’s edition of “Santino’s Foreign Exchange” is now online. Here is the synopsis: “It’s Thanksgiving, Santino style! To cap off a “very American year” for the former U.S. Champion, Santino and crew head out to find the perfect holiday meal … and you won’t believe what’s – or is that, WHO’S – for dinner.”
– Friday’s SmackDown broadcast on Syfy concluded with John Cena emerging from the backstage area to lock Dolph Ziggler into the STF on the ramp. Following the episode, AJ Lee remarked on Twitter, “Yay for Cena beating up Dolph. I love when Cena ends up on top. *…waits for the Internet to explode…*
– Former WWE Women’s and Divas Champion Beth Phoenix turns 32-years-old on Saturday.
– Former WWE diva Beth Phoenix is now working with RetroWrestling.com to sell autographed pictures and merchandise beginning in January 2013, including action figures, glossy photos and event programs. For an extra £5, they will include a picture of Beth Phoenix holding the item that was personally signed for you. For more information, including a video of Beth Phoenix (with a cameo by Adam “Edge” Copeland), visit RetroWrestling.com.
– The WWE Studios movie “The Day” will be available on DVD on November 27th. Here’s the official trailer:
– Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly noted on Twitter that Facebook recently banned one of the pictures from her new calendar, which you can buy at her official website. Here’s the picture that was “too hot” for Facebook:
– People close to former WWE diva Beth Phoenix are saying that even though she left WWE on good terms, it’s unlikely that she’ll be back with the company in 2013.
– The official seating chart for WrestleMania 29 has been released, which you can view at Ticketmaster.com. The ticket prices start at $35 and go up to $2,000 (not including fees).
– Several weeks ago, there were online reports that a certain top WWE superstar read Vince McMahon the riot act backstage, explaining that the current WWE product is not up to par and Vince is out of touch with what fans want these days. It appears that the locker room leader who confronted Vince is none other than John Cena.
– John Cena competed in his first match since he underwent surgery on Sept. 18 to remove bone chips from his elbow at Wednesday’s Raw live event in Strasbourg, France. He beat Dolph Ziggler.
In other match results, Brodus Clay and Santino Marella beat Epico and Primo, Michael McGillicutty beat Tensai, Antonio Cesaro successfully defended the WWE United States Championship against Zack Ryder, Team Hell No beat Rhodes Scholars to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship, and Ryback beat WWE Champion CM Punk via disqualification. AJ Lee also beat Eve and Layla to win the WWE Divas Championship, but Raw Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero appeared and reversed the decision.
– Howard Finkel, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Vader, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Katie Lea, Daffney and Jimmy Hart have been announced to appear at the Rhode Island Comic Con taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Rhode Island Convention Center 1 Sabin St. Providence, Rhode Island.
– The official WWE website has published a video playlist of “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix’s most memorable moments following her departure from the organization on Monday.
– Yonjo Quiroa, one of the men who was arrested earlier this year for illegally streaming WWE & TNA pay-per-views online, has been deported. Prior to getting kicked out of the country, Quiroa was detained for 9 months and had to give up $13,000 that he “earned” from distributing the streams.
– WWE Hall of Famer Edge was backstage at Monday’s WWE RAW from Charlotte, visiting girlfriend Beth Phoenix on her final night with the company. Beth tweeted a picture of her and Edge together backstage, which you can view here.
– WWE is holding a “WrestleMania Kickoff Party” in New York City’s Bryant Park on Friday, November 9th. Advertised to appear are Bret Hart, Mick Foley, Booker T, Mark Henry, Sgt. Slaughter, Booker T, Alicia Fox and Aksana.
After being fired by Vickie Guerrero on Monday’s RAW, WWE.com cameras caught up with Beth Phoenix to get her reaction.
Beth said if this really is the end of her WWE career, she’s very thankful that the WWE Universe supported her so much throughout the years. She had a chance to live out a childhood dream and is proud of everything she accomplished in the ring. Beth doesn’t know what’s next but promised that we haven’t seen the last of her.
Eve Torres, Matt Striker and Joey Styles are among the WWE personalities to comment on Beth’s departure on Twitter:
Eve Torres: “5 years ago today I won the Diva Search, and a diva was born… Today we lost one of the best, but her hard work will live on through everyone she touched! #ThankYouBethPhoenix @TheBethPhoenix”
Matt Striker: “Beth Phoenix has always been a friend. She has epitomized the class n grace of womems wrestling. All aspiring “divas” should look up to her”
Joey Styles: “Thank you to @TheBethPhoenix, in my opinion, the most all around talented Woman wrestler/Diva in @WWE history”
– In this SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout,” Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston explains why he won’t lose his title to The Miz this Sunday, while Kaitlyn shares her “extraordinary” gameplan to winning the Triple Threat Match at Hell in a Cell.
– Beth Phoenix, whose WWE run is reporting drawing near, tweeted Tuesday that she will be on hand for Monday’s Raw in Charlotte, North Carolina.
– John “Bradshaw” Layfield is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Zack Ryder will be signing copies of WWE DVDs at the FYE store in Levittown, New York on December 28 at 3:00 p.m.
– As reported this week, Gail Kim has earned the number one position in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s fifth annual “PWI Female 50” list, which ranks the top 50 women’s wrestlers in North America from September 1, 2011, through August 30, 2012. She succeeds Madison Eagles, who ranked No. 1 in last year’s list.
The top 10 has been released, which ranks: 1. Gail Kim. 2. Beth Phoenix. 3. Cheerleader Melissa. 4. Sara Del Rey. 5. Jessicka Havok 6. Layla. 7. Miss Tessmacher. 8. Saraya Knight. 9. Mercedes Martinez. 10. Tara. The full list is available at PWI-Online.com.
Kim remarked on the achievement via Twitter, writing to PWI, “Thanks so much for recognizing all female talent. I appreciate the recognition of hard work and feel flattered for the honor!”
– Independent wrestler Reby Sky is today’s “Lovely Lady Of The Day” on the official website of Sports Illustrated, SportsIllustrated.CNN.com. Jimmy Traina says of the Queens, New York native, “Reby Sky has been in Hot Clicks before because of her New York Giants fandom. She’s now a pro wrestler and dating former WWE superstar Matt Hardy.”
Sky competed at Friday’s SHINE Wrestling internet pay-per-view in Ybor City, Florida, where she defeated Kellie Skater after performing the Twist of Fate.
– Japanese wrestler Tiger Mask IV turns 42-years-old Saturday. He currently works for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
– In the latest issue of WWE Magazine, cover-dated November 2012, WWE Superstars were asked what they are thankful for. In Ryback’s case it is WWE giving him a second opportunity.
“I’m thankful for WWE not giving up on my career, and instead offering me another opportunity to live my dream,” said Ryback. “They could have wished me luck in my future endeavors, but they didn’t. Instead, they gave me a second chance at life.”
Ryback’s current WWE run is actually his second with the organization. He was released from his first developmental contract, which he earned after competing on Tough Enough 4, in January 2007. He regrouped a year and a half later and resurfaced at WWE’s former developmental league, Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was re-signed to a developmental contract shortly thereafter and has been with the sports-entertainment company ever since.
– Two matches are featured on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars as Kaitlyn takes on Beth Phoenix and Michael McGillicutty goes one-on-one with Tensai. Highlights from the episode have been posted on WWE.com. The full episode is available on Hulu Plus.
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Amy “Lita” Dumas appears at Ken’s Cards & Collectibles 27 Mill Street Berlin, Ct. on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
– Rey Mysterio is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Delayed one week due to Rey Mysterio having the flu, Mysterio and Sin Cara will face Team Rhodes Scholars next Monday on Raw in the Tag Team Tournament Final. The winners will then face WWE Tag Team Champions Kane and Daniel Bryan at Hell in a Cell.
– During a backstage segment on Raw, Daniel Bryan challenged Kane to take on Big Show on next week’s show since he found it humorous that he was chokeslammed by The World’s Largest Athlete.
– One match was taped Monday in Nashville, Tennessee for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars as Kaitlyn faced off against Beth Phoenix.
In a pre-taping dark match, Tensai defeated Michael McGillicutty. According to a correspondent, Tensai drew a lot of heat as well as ‘Albert’ chants during his entrance, but the audience became quiet once the match took place.
– Layla and R-Truth appear at the Verizon Wireless Store 1947 Mount Zion Rd. Morrow, Georgia on Saturday, Oct. 27 beginning at 3:00 p.m. Call 770-210-4019 for more information.
– Adam Copeland stated during a radio interview in his native Ontario, Canada that he is no longer permitted to use the “Edge” name for public appearances since he is no longer affiliated with WWE.
“For me, Edge was just a character. I never introduced myself as (Edge). I never really worried about what people can advertise me as. It doesn’t really matter to me. I’ve always just introduced myself as Adam Copeland. I never really thought too much about it”, Copeland said in the interview.
“I think if I would have wrestled another five or seven years, I would have regrets. At this point, the rest of my body feels great. Once I get the surgery and they take the pressure off of my spinal cord, I’m going to feel like a million bucks. I feel better than most wrestlers my age; most of those guys are walking like Boris Karloff, while I’m able to run laps! I kind of look at it and go, ‘Yeah, I think this happened for a reason.’ From a physical standpoint, this is the healthiest I’ve ever felt.”
Visit FightingSpiritMagazine.co.uk for more information.
– Beth Phoenix, who is expected to part ways with WWE this month after giving notice, is no longer advertised for any upcoming events on the company website (with the exception of the Royal Rumble, which was posted months ago and has not been changed).
– John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of the newsstand magazine Inside Wrestling.
– On Monday’s RAW, Sheamus took a nasty bump when Big Show tossed him over the top rope and Sheamus’ head bounced off the floor at ringside. There was some concern backstage at RAW regarding the spot, but Sheamus wrestled at Tuesday’s WWE tapings from San Joe, California so it appears he’s fine. In case you missed it – here’s the bump:
– Beth Phoenix says she will be attending this week’s Comic-Con event in New York City. A fan tweeted, “So, who’s going to #NYCC this weekend?” Phoenix replied, “ME!!!!”
– WWE announcer JBL will doing commentary on Friday’s SmackDown with Josh Matthews (no Michael Cole). JBL posted this video on Tout: