– In addition to the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal being announced for WrestleMania XXX, the long-rumored match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt was announced as well. Cena officially challenged Wyatt in the opening segment of Monday’s RAW.
– Another match that was further set up for WrestleMania XXX is the match between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. Undertaker appeared on the show, but was quickly interupted by Paul Heyman. Heyman told Undertaker not to accept the match with Lesnar at WrestleMania, or his streak would come to an end. Undertaker told Heyman that if Lesnar accepts, at WrestleMania he will “Rest In Peace.”
As previously reported, the current plan in WWE is to promote John Cena and Daniel Bryan as the number one and number two babyfaces in the company coming out of WrestleMania XXX. Apparently another guy that is in store for a big push is Cesaro, who is a guy that the company has been planning on getting behind lately.
Other names that are set to receive a push after WrestleMania this year are Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar, Batista and Randy Orton.
John Cena suffers knee injury at the hands of The Wyatt Family
GREEN BAY, Wisc. — John Cena’s knee was left battered and bruised after a vicious attack on Raw at the hands of all three members of The Wyatt Family. Following the brutal beatdown, the 14-time World Champion was taken to the locker room to be evaluated by WWE trainers.
At this time, WWE medical staff is unsure of the exact nature of the injury. After initial examination, they felt some instability and swelling in Cena’s knee, and recommended that the Cenation leader get an MRI. Initially, Cena refused further treatment.
On Raw Backstage Pass on WWE Network, ringside physician Dr. Chris Amann explained that John Cena felt something shift or give in his knee during the confrontation. While he refused treatment at first, Cena was transported to a local medical facility for more evaluation. Cena is still refusing to have an MRI done on his knee.
Bray Wyatt, pleased with the carnage caused by his monstrous family, ominously tweeted later in the night, “The golden calf has been sent out to pasture …Can you still see him?”
One of the ideas currently floating around WWE creative right now is for The Wyatt Family to somehow cost John Cena the victory in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match this Sunday.
As previously reported, the plan for Cena’s match at WrestleMania XXX is for him to face Bray Wyatt in a singles match. The feeling is that something needs to be done to bring back the focus on the Wyatt vs. Cena feud, which was started at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view in January.
The following are highlights from a new website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Antonio Cesaro: “Cesaro is a star who’s underutilized and is a stalwart in the locker room. Fans like him out of respect for his in ring work. Flip a switch on him and it’s done.”
On Justin Gabriel: “Not sure why Justin Gabriel hasn’t made more of an impact. Something is missing from the equation.”
On the possibility of Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns headlining a future WrestleMania: “Sure, it’s possible. Time will tell. All must remain healthy and avoid issues.”
On whether or not Hulk Hogan has one match left in him: “If true, it’s a great idea but I don’t need to see Hulk attempt to wrestle.”
On MVP working in TNA: “He’s a positive, fresh face that should help TNA if they plan long term, utilize MVP’s skills and lessen Dixie’s presence on their show. ”
On the WWE Network: “I’m WAY out of the WWE Network loop. I’m not aware of how they will deal with the many issues that are likely to pop up for the start up. I’m hopeful that the Network is successful for many reasons even though some fans will find things wrong with it just because that’s their usual MO.”
On Kurt Angle returning to WWE: “Lots of things have to happen for Angle to return to WWE including extensive medical, etc testing. His in ring days are very limited.”
Check out more from JR’s latest website Q&A update at JRsBarBQ.com.
– The dark match main event at the WWE SmackDown television taping on Tuesday night in Des Moines, Iowa featured Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt in one-on-one action. Bryan would go on to win the match via disqualification when Erick Rowan and Luke Harper interfered. The Usos would then come out to make the save for Bryan and “send the fans home happy.”
– The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s new “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, which as reported recently will be expanding to two shows per week, is now online. As noted, Jericho’s guest this week is Chavo Guerrero. Part one of their two-part interview is available right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Cody Rhodes’ wife Brandi Rhodes is currently using the name “Eden” in WWE NXT. Rhodes has been handling a lot of the ring announcing at recent NXT live events. When Rhodes was signed to WWE a couple of years back, she was using the name Eden Stiles.
– For those wondering, Bray Wyatt reportedly writes his own promos. The process features Bray writing his own material, but then clearing with the WWE creative team who then add their own edits and then approve it.
As noted, there have been a number of creative meetings in the past week regarding booking the card for WrestleMania XXX. At this point, the only match that is considered a lock is John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt.
According to one source, there is a lot of back-and-forth discussion regarding Brock Lesnar’s match on the show. The original plan was for Lesnar to face The Undertaker, however some are of the belief that there is something to the tease between Lesnar and Batista on RAW recently.
Additionally, there is a lot of talk about how to use Daniel Bryan on the show. Originally, Bryan was to work with Sheamus at WrestleMania. After the crowd hijacking at the Royal Rumble, there continues to be talk of featuring Bryan in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.
– As previously reported, Daniel Bryan was taken off of his scheduled appearances at WWE live events this weekend due to the concussion he suffered at RAW on Monday. As noted, Big Show served as Bryan’s replacement in singles matches against Bray Wyatt. As a result, Kane, who was originally slated to compete against Big Show on the opposing WWE live event tour, ended up working as somewhat of a babyface against Luke Harper and Erick Rowan in two-on-one handicap matches.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Pat Patterson celebrates his 73rd birthday today. Patterson was born on January 19, 1940. Also celebrating a birthday today was current WWE Superstar R-Truth, who turned 42. Truth was born on January 19, 1971.
Daniel Bryan did not appear at Saturday night’s WWE live event from Hammond, Indiana, despite being advertised. It was announced at the beginning of the show that Bryan would be not be able to appear and refunds were offered to fans who wanted to leave.
Big Show replaced Daniel Bryan in a match against Bray Wyatt in one of the top matches on the card.
SEScoops.com was the first site to break the news that Bryan suffered a concussion during the steel cage main event of last week’s RAW.
WWE has confirmed the news of Bryan’s concussion to multiple independent wrestling news sites, but has yet to make an announcement of the concussion on the company website.
Bryan is still advertised for Sunday’s live event from Kalamazoo, Michigan, but will not appear.
There are reports that the concussion he suffered on RAW was so bad that he will not be competing at the Royal Rumble.
– The Mass Relevance website has a featured story up on the WWE Network announcement from Wednesday night in Las Vegas. The article claims WWE blind sided everyone with the announcement of a WWE Network. You can check out the story online at MassRelevance.com.
– Speaking of WWE Network coverage, former WWE Superstar and ECW original Lance Storm has posted a new blog about the WWE Network at his official website. You can check that out at StormWrestling.com.
– According to reports from the WWE live event in Glens Falls, New York on Saturday night, Daniel Bryan was introduced as “Daniel Wyatt” for his steel cage match against Bray Wyatt on the show.
There were conflicting reports from last weekend, some of which claimed Bryan was introduced as Daniel Wyatt, while others noted he was called Daniel Bryan.
– It was revealed during Old School RAW on Monday night that on next week’s edition of WWE RAW there will be a tag-team match that features Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt vs. The Usos.
– Former WWE Superstar and UFC Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock recently tweeted the following to Vince McMahon:
It was announced during Old School RAW in Baltimore on Monday during a backstage segment that Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt will be teaming up to compete in a tag-team match on next week’s edition of WWE RAW.
Also on RAW, two Royal Rumble participants have been confirmed. As we previously reported, Michael Cole announced on commentary that Batista has officially entered himself into the 2014 Royal Rumble match. Additionally, Alberto Del Rio officially entered the match. Del Rio announced his participation in the Rumble during an in-ring interview he did after defeating Sin Cara in singles action.
– As previously reported, Daniel Bryan debuted a new look this past weekend at the WWE live events. As noted, Bryan, who was scheduled to face Bray Wyatt in a Steel Cage match on the show, essentially let Wyatt beat him down and then embraced with him after the match. Additionally, it appears as though Bryan is going to go under the name Daniel Wyatt from now on. Bryan was introduced as Daniel Wyatt during his work this weekend.
– WWE has added a new “Where Are They Now?” photo gallery to their official website. The official company Twitter account tweeted the following about it on Monday:
Check out this photo gallery of @WWE Superstars & Divas and ask, "Where Are They Now?" because we have the answers! http://t.co/KjHmod2gFZ
– With The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar currently planned for WrestleMania XXX, it’s worth noting that The Undertaker has specifically asked to work with Daniel Bryan in a match at the show. Whether or not WWE runs with that idea remains to be seen, but obviously if Taker himself is requesting it, it will carry a lot of weight during the decision-making process.
– Rey Mysterio’s leg is said to be getting stronger and he is reportedly trying to work his way back into top ring shape.
– According to one source, John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt is still being discussed as a potential top match for WrestleMania XXX.
– Above is the latest Backstage Fallout video from Monday’s RAW, featuring CM Punk, Big E Langston, Brodus Clay and Curtis Axel giving their thoughts on Daniel Bryan joining The Wyatt Family.
– Bray Wyatt and Dolph Ziggler also tweeted the following after Bryan joined the Wyatt Family on RAW
– Among the WWE legends returning next week for Old School RAW is former tag team champion Mike “IRS” Rotunda, father of Bray Wyatt. This will be the first time they’ve appeared on a WWE broadcast together – it should be interesting to see if they have any interaction on the show.
The final WWE RAW show of 2013 ended with Daniel Bryan joining The Wyatt Family. The RAW main event featured Daniel Bryan facing Luke Harper first. If Bryan defeated Harper, then he had to beat Erick Rowan. If he defeated them both, then he could get his hands on Bray Wyatt. Bryan ended up beating them both. When Bray’s turn to face Bryan came up, he stopped himself from attacking Bryan. Bryan ended up telling Bray he was right. He said fans chanted “Yes!” in every building he went to, and “they” still didn’t care. Bray then hit Bryan with his Sister Abigail finisher, but the two still ended up leaving together. Bryan stopped at the top of the stage to think over his decision, but ultimately decided to do it anyway.
Also on RAW on Monday night, both Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman returned. The two returned as part of Triple H’s “blockbuster announcement.” They announced their intentions on becoming the WWE World Heavyweight Champion by defeating whoever wins the Royal Rumble main event between John Cena and Randy Orton. This led to Mark Henry coming out, only to get beat up by Lesnar. Lesnar speared Henry through the barricade on the floor and then hit him with an F-5 on the floor.
– Apparently the rumored WrestleMania XXX match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt will not necessarily serve as the actual main event for the show. It is a planned match as of this past Tuesday, but it may not be the actual main event.
– The official WWE website currently features a new video playlist that contains all of Triple H’s 13 World Title victories. You can check that out at WWE.com.
– Should the legendary Hulk Hogan be unable to compete alongside John Cena at WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, one scenario being discussed for the WrestleMania 30 main event would be John Cena facing Bray Wyatt.
WWE chief Vince McMahon recently stated to the writers and producers that “Cena is the main event until his time is clearly up. That man feeds us!”
– It was announced at tonight’s WWE live event at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois that Raw will be held at the venue on Monday, March 3, 2014. A Ticketmaster.com pre-sale is underway now through January 2, 2014 with WWERAW as the password.
– The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and Goldust was honored with the “You Still Got It” Award for his extraordinary comeback at the age of 44.
“I’ve been busting my butt in the gym and staying focused, because that’s what it’s about,” he remarked. “I know that I can still go with the youngest and best Superstars on the roster right now. The Royal Rumble was very special. And nothing touched it until my brother and I became Tag Team Champions. I’ve been wrestling for 25 years and that might be the biggest moment of my career.”
In pro wrestling, the mindset of a fan is: “what’s next?” A great match or moment happens at a pay-per-view and immediately afterwards the question becomes, “how do they follow this up on RAW tomorrow?” So while 2013 had its’ share of good moments and bad, as we near the end of the year, the question inevitably becomes, “what’s next?”
If you read the headlines here on the website on a regular basis, when it comes to WWE, it appears as if 2014 will be a year where some new blood breaks through at the top level. Where guys who are just getting started in WWE break through to that next level and become legitimate WWE Superstars. Where guys who aren’t quite there just yet, but are so close, finally reach that level. They become main event players. Who will these people be? Well, in WWE, you never really know, but let’s take a look at five guys who seem to be well on their way.
As Santa Claus fills up the gas tank in his mighty sleigh, as the New Year looms right around the corner, we’re going to take a look at three Superstars currently in WWE that will likely come into their own and reach the top of the profession within the year. It’s time to take a look at the “Top 5 Superstars To Look Out For In 2014.”
#5. Damien Sandow
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross wrote about this guy recently. WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley talks about him on a regular basis. WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has said if this guy shows a little bit more of a mean streak, he’ll be well on his way, and Damien Sandow has been doing exactly that in recent weeks. He’s a talented performer who is stuck in a pretty lame gimmick, yet he somehow makes it work. He’s entertaining, period. If the guy gets some real opportunities in 2014, which I feel he will, he could legitimately break through to the next level. Will he become the face of WWE in 2014? Doubtful. Will he ever be the face of WWE? Probably not. But will he be stuck on pay-per-view Kickoff Show matches that serve little to no purpose? I don’t think so. I think by this time next year, Damien Sandow will be a legitimate Superstar. He may not headline many shows, but I think this is one of the few guys on the current WWE roster with the talent and potential to perform at a higher level than that in which he currently resides. I think Damien Sandow is somebody to look out for in 2014.
#4. Big E. Langston
Big E. Langston is a different situation altogether. While he may not shock and awe wrestling fans with his match quality, or his promo ability for that matter, he has that certain something that WWE looks for. I wouldn’t necessarily call it an “it factor” as much as I would the ability to lift a lot of heavy weights. Vince McMahon, and to a lesser extent Triple H, both of whom have a strong passion for bodybuilding, (remember the WBF, everybody?) seem to have set their sights on Langston as a future Superstar in WWE. There may be a whole heap of performers on the current WWE roster that are more deserving of some big opportunities, but from all accounts, it appears as if 2014 will be a big year for the muscled-up Tampa native. Big E. Langston is somebody to look out for in 2014.
Daniel Bryan, winning three Slammy Awards competing in a match, appearing in the Championship Ascension Ceremony, was without question the star of the show. His hometown crowd chanting YES! YES! YES! and DANIEL BRYAN! throughout the beginning of the Championship Ascension Ceremony. Going back earlier in the night to his first Slammy win for Superstar Of The Year. On stage The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. He announces the Superstar of the year is Daniel Bryan. We were all expecting fireworks to occur during that interaction. HBK even exited stage right a perfect set-up for a “surprise” superkick from out of nowhere! But there was no Sweet Chin Music. Just a humble acceptance speech by Bryan for his Slammy Award which he refereed to as The “HB Swizzle” award, Michaels naming it that just before presenting the award. Bryan did mention if it wasn’t for Shawn he wouldn’t be in the WWE. Likewise if it wasn’t for his interference at Hell-In-A-Cell he would be the WWE Champion. Although there was no physical interaction here, that wouldn’t be the last time these two interacted on the show.
See this is why I can’t shake off fighting the Daniel Bryan cause, he belongs in the main event. Heck this article uses his YES! and NO! and lord help us all if Daniel Bryan ever appears in a “NO!” portion of this article. Some people might say, he was in his hometown and had an extra kick of support. There may be a bit of truth to that, but I feel that there are just some hot wrestling towns. Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and apparently Seattle. After what transpired later in the show who knows what will happen the next few months. I’m excited! YES!
Championship Ascension Ceremony
John Cena showing why he is in fact the face of WWE.
Former World Heavyweight and WWE Champions appeared all in the ring for the Championship Ascension Ceremony. As I said earlier the crowd was going crazy for Daniel Bryan. While Triple H was talking up the match, and the championship, the Seattle crowd chanted YES and Daniel Bryan to the point where Triple H gave them what seemed like at least a minute of chanting and Yessing and clapping. This crowd was on fire for Daniel Bryan. Triple H introduced both Orton and Cena. The crowd did not want to hear what Orton had to say. There were boos and boring chants. Then Cena took the mic. More boos and cheering mix. Then Cena begins to speak and prove why he is the face of the WWE. These days with everything being very planned and scripted, Cena played to the crowd and included Daniel Bryan in the conversation, he compared Randy Orton’s rise to success to Daniel Bryan’s. The idea was Bryan didn’t have a father and grandfather to get him in to the WWE, he did it by working. Cena turned practically the entire crowd around and behind him., shouting out his past opponents, HBK, CM Punk, and putting over that the only fair shot Daniel Bryan had was the one with him. Brilliant, this is why he is where he is. The end was something I haven’t seen in the WWE in a long time. It was an awesome chain of events excuited perfectly. Cena and Orton shake hands as the World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship are hoisted up. Orton gets in a cheap shot, the two are down on the mat fighting. Orton and Cena get pulled apart to their corners. CM Punk gets shoved by Orton causing CM Punk to start attacking Orton. Triple H throws down CM Punk, who retaliates with a knockdown of his on on The Game. HBK Superkicks CM Punk, setting up Daniel Bryan to
The Authority and John Cena look over A fallen Randy Orton. A great segment to end raw.
WWE Reminding us what they are capable of, a Powerful and compelling end to Raw.
deliver his running Knee on HBK. Orton tries to RKO Bryan but instead gets shoved into Stephanie McMahon knocking her down. Triple H runs to Stephanie’s aid, and then gets up and pedigrees Randy. The show closes with The Authority and John Cena looking disappointed over Randy Orton on the mat. What a great segment. This is what WWE used to do on a regular basis. Twists and turns, these chain-reaction action segments. YES!
Quick Mentions
Dean Ambrose vs CM Punk – Ambrose vs CM punk was a Pay-Per-View quality match with a great dissension in the ranks tease when Dean Ambrose wanted Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to head to the back so he could finish the job by himself. Punk gets the win shortly after that exchange, although Punk loses out to the numbers game and gets a great spear from Reigns. YES!
The Wyatts – With a chip on my shoulder because of Daniel Bryan’s demotion, I don’t think I appreciated Bray Wyatt’s amazing performances over the last few weeks. They are great, and compelling. YES!
Hit up Page 2 below for the “NO!” of this week’s WWE RAW:
– As seen on Monday’s Raw in Manchester, England, the show concluded with The Shield battling The Wyatt Family in a short-lived brawl before both parties turned their attention to the babyfaces. Despite what we saw on Monday, they are not expected to begin a full program together yet.
On this week’s SmackDown, video package aired highlighting the heated conclusion of Raw and the brawl is not shown. According to F4WOnline.com today, people within WWE feel it was a seed being planted that that will be touched again early next year. Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer stated in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that creative had suggested they fight at WrestleMania XXX.
– As reported earlier today, WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee collapsed during her match at tonight’s WWE live event in London, England. The official WWE website has published a brief article on the unfortunate event, which at this time solely mentions the company’s official statement to the media on her status:
“Tonight in London, WWE Diva AJ Lee briefly fainted during a match with Brie Bella due to dehydration. She is currently being evaluated by WWE medical staff.”
TMZ.com is also covering the story, which adds that Lee walked to the backstage area on her own power.