Brock Lesnar is returning to WWE television as soon as Monday’s WWE RAW from Richmond, Virginia.
At Sunday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Washington DC (airing Friday, January 3rd), there was a backstage segment where Renee Young was interviewing Big E Langston and Mark Henry.
Langston talked about Brock Lesnar ‘attacking Mark Henry on RAW’ – something we haven’t seen play out yet on WWE television. Langston was apparently an event that will take place on Monday’s 12/30 show. Also during the interview, Henry said that he’s looking forward to meet Lesnar in the ring.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Brock Lesnar to UFC rumors: “Rumor of the week is Brock Lesnar returning to UFC. I find that one a little far fetched. Diverticulitis isn’t something that is to be taken lightly, of this I know what I speak, and returning to the Octagon under those circumstances makes zero sense to me. Brock has a sweet gig in WWE working a handful of dates a year for which I assume is a healthy, 7 figure income. It’s a part time gig of which Brock is very good at and earning that kind of money is a bird’s nest on the ground. Unless an athlete was broke as hell, and Brock isn’t, there is no legit motivation to return to the Octagon and give it one more shot.”
On a UFC fighter he feels could jump to WWE: “On a side note, Josh Barnett would likely make a viable, pro wrestler, of which he has done in the past, when his UFC days are over for some promotion. He’s the kind of guy a company like WWE could sign, polish him up and vignette him all the way to a major main event position for, at worst, a one off, big money match.”
On WrestleMania weekend plans: “Still haven’t finalized our NOLA date during WM30 week as it seems that many people take something like three weeks off for the holidays in the USA. However, we re close on the NOLA deal so if you’re coming to WM30 please keep our show in mind.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
– WWE Superstar and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar was a top trending topic on Yahoo! on Friday after the rumors of his potential UFC return became a big story on the internet.
– Speaking of Brock Lesnar, WWE talent Paul Heyman recently addressed the Lesnar to UFC rumors in a new tweet posted on his official Twitter account. Heyman responded to an Ariel Helwani tweet promoting his pre-UFC 168 interview with Dana White by tweeting the following:
– MMA journalist Ariel Helwani conducted his normal pre-fight interview with UFC president Dana White on Friday. During the interview, Helwani brought up the Brock Lesnar rumors once again. While White didn’t really offer any additional information, as he refused to comment, he did light up and somewhat tease that there’s something going on with his facial reaction. Helwani brings up the Lesnar rumors near the very end of the interview.
– WWE has recently added a video playlist featuring the best of Batista from the past. Fans interested in checking that out can do so at WWE.com.
– With the latest rumors that Brock Lesnar is interested in fighting for UFC again, we’ve heard from a reliable source that Lesnar has it written into his WWE contract that he is permitted to fight for the MMA promotion. This claim is being denied by multiple executives within WWE, however those close to Lesnar insist it’s true.
– The official WWE website has published a list of the top 10 “mic moments” in 2013. Number one went to Mark Henry’s fake retirement speech. Trailing Henry at number two was AJ Lee’s Diva pipe bomb, while CM Punk’s promo against The Rock rounded out the top three.
– As of today, people within WWE are expecting Brock Lesnar to return to television either the day or week after the Royal Rumble taking place on January 26, 2014. F4WOnline.com reported on Thursday that a match against The Undertaker is currently planned for WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
– Bruce Willis and many other actors, musicians and celebrities join WWE in honoring the men and women of the U.S. Military.
– Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash is scheduled to appear at autograph signing on Saturday, January 4, 2014 for Stateline Pro Wrestling at UAW Local 1268 Union Hall 1100 W Chrystler De. Belvedere, Illinois.
There are some rumors in the MMA world floating around right now that former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar is considering a return to MMA.
Lesnar is rumored to be in attendance at Saturday’s UFC 168 show, which will serve as the final pay-per-view event of 2013 for the promotion. White later denied the rumor during a fight-day interview with Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com When asked about the Lesnar rumors at the UFC 168 pre-fight press conference, and whether or not he is returning to the UFC, company president Dana White smiled and said,
“I honestly don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know.”
Sources close to the situation are claiming that they don’t expect Lesnar is very serious about a return to the UFC.
We should have more on this story following the big event in Las Vegas this Saturday night.
– The official WWE website currently has a poll up asking fans who they would most like to see Batista wrestle when he returns. The options are Randy Orton, John Cena, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose and Big E. Langston. At last check, with nearly 10,000 votes cast, Orton leads the pack with 36 percent. Lesnar is in a close second with 33 percent and Cena comes in third with just 12 percent.
– Former WWE Diva Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria) attended the WWE live event in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday. The following is a photo of she and Natalya backstage at the event:
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has once again updated the Q&A section of his website. The following are some new highlights:
On calling the legendary Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat matches: “It was a honor to call them back when play by play was in fashion. Working w/ Bob Caudle was a privilege. Flair & Steamboat were….legendary. I was at right place at right time.”
On if he feels Tito Santana is underrated: “Tito was a great in ring talent. I don’t know who has underrated him. He was a star.”
On whether or not Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania was the match of the year: “Thanks for your take. I have no dog in this hunt. There weren’t an overabundance of great matches in WWE in 2013 IMO ”
On Jeff Jarrett leaving TNA: “I’m not connected to TNA or Jarrett or to what their relationship together was or has been lately. I don’t know what his departure means to TNA. TNA has many fixable issues. I wish Jeff and his family well.”
On the overrun during WWE RAW on Monday’s: “Enhances the TV ratings minute by minute numbers.”
On a dream match at WrestleMania between Shawn Michaels and Sting: “At the right place at the right time it would have been terrific. A main event. The ship’s sailed on that one or so I think.”
On the possibility of the War Games concept being used by WWE: “Highly unlikely. I don’t see it happening. It wasn’t a WWE creation and the blood is a no-no.”
On Drew McIntyre’s future in WWE: “It’s all about the creative and the production and execution of such. Any one can be made to be relevant in the fictional world of pro wrestling.”
On the importance of Steve Austin during the Attitude Era: “In the Attitude Era, it was Stone Cold who was the straw that stirred the drink. But he was surrounded by some great talents as well.”
On the possibility of Brock Lesnar vs. Batista in 2014: “If both are around with enough TV availabilities I’d say it’s possible. It would be a nice attraction.”
On if the Hardy Boys would ever return to WWE: “I’d say never say never but I’d also guess it would likely be a long shot. Sometimes long shots come through.”
The following are highlights from yet another Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On the possibility of John Cena vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania: “I’d like to think that some day that match will occur at WrestleMania. Time will tell. Don’t see it this year though for some reason.”
On if he’d be willing to call one final match for WWE at WrestleMania XXX: “That isn’t a decision that is up to me. That’s 100% a WWE call.”
On opponents he’d like to of seen “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestle had his career not been cut short due to injury: “Punk, Bryan, HHH, Orton, etc. Lots of likely candidates.”
On why we don’t see Booker T in the ring anymore: “I don’t know but it’s likely a mutual decision or Book may have injury issues to address.”
On if CM Punk should be a babyface, heel or a ‘tweener’: “I’m not a big ‘tweener’ guy.”
On whether or not Paul Heyman’s recent tweet about Randy Orton is a tease for an Orton vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania XXX: “Heyman knows how to play the fanbase. Obviously, Lesnar will be back soon as WM30 approaches but in what role, I don’t know.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a blog update at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
WWE’s TV Negotiations: “Interesting article in ‘Variety’ on the WWE TV situation. The WWE brand is an amazing franchise with loyal fans who will follow their brand to any network much like NASCAR or the NFL, among other franchises. The network in the USA that obtains the TV rights for WWE content will have a proven winner on their hands and that new relationship, if it happens, would start in the all of 2014.”
“It’s essentially impossible to find another sports-entertainment entity WWE’s name identity and that has no off season and produces new, original programming weekly. That’s a great sales pitch in addition to adding to the loyal, fan base.”
WWE’s Tag Team Division Heating Up:“Seeing all the tag team action reminded me of back in the day when Jim Crockett Promotions used to feature ample, tag team wrestling highlighted by the Jim Crockett Memorial Tag Team Tourney. I enjoyed being a part of that process and feel, if presented creatively, that a similar tournament would be a nice, TV attraction. Tournaments are naturally episodic in how they are structured so the ‘story’ of the process is organically in place.”
“Tag Team wrestling allows multiple talents to get viable, TV exposure. Plus it builds upon their individual personalities and encourages talents to creatively mesh with their partner in some shape, form or fashion. If it’s a good presentation, the fans win because the competition is enhanced and the creative directions that a tag team match can take are essentially endless.”
Paul Heyman & Brock Lesnar’s Returns: “I’d also expect Paul Heyman to return to WWE TV soon as the serious build to WM30 begins in earnest, as usual, after the New Year and leading into the Royal Rumble. That means that one can expect to see Brock Lesnar return as well. I’m still of the belief that Lesnar’s TV persona will get significant and much needed exposure in one form or another to make the “Next Big Thing” as valuable an asset as possible for whoever he faces at WM30.”
There’s much more to this blog update, including JR’s thoughts on Monday’s RAW, Roman Reigns’ breakout potential as a singles star, Daniel Bryan’s role at WrestleMania 30. Head over to JRsBarBQ.com to read the full blog entry.
Less than 24 hours after Randy Orton captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view, it appears wrestling’s evil genius is already potting his destruction.
During Monday’s WWE RAW, Paul Heyman tweeted the following, a sign that the two youngest WWE Champions in history could be crossing paths some time soon:
Many were surprised that the CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar match at this year’s SummerSlam wasn’t nominated for the “Match of the Year” in the 2013 WWE Slammy Awards. According to reports, several people within WWE feel that it is easily the best match in the entire company for 2013.
According to one source, the reason Punk vs. Lesnar was not nominated is because Punk “can’t have a better match” with Lesnar than Triple H did, so WWE nominated the Lesnar vs. Triple H match instead, and gave Punk the nomination for his match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 instead.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com.
As a reminder to fans, tickets for JR’s first 2 one-man shows in New York City (3/1/14) are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. JR also announced that he will be starting a podcast soon.
Here are some highlights of what he said about:
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30: “It appears that the smart money, or is it, is on Brock Lesnar facing the Undertaker at WM30. That seems to be the strongest sentiment making the rounds online. For the record, I don’t know as it’s not my hill to die upon these days and I’m merely speculating. On paper, Lesnar vs. The Undertaker is an impressive match IF Lesnar is re-branded/re-energized to the WWE fan base as the indestructible “killer” that he can be.”
JR also stressed the importance of both men appearing on WWE television in the weeks leading up to a potential match, in order to maximize interest and dramatic build. “… having the combatants appear on RAW only sporadically hampers the potential number of PPV buys which one would assume would lessen each man’s potential earnings.”
WWE RAW From Oklahoma: “It’s really strange as to who doesn’t contact their “old friends” when they are in one’s home market ala Monday Night Raw this past week and, conversely, who does reach out from one’s former company.”
“Yep, this rasslin thing is a whacky business. Creatively, many make it much more complicated and harder than it ever needs to be.”
– The official WWE website has added a new article looking at WWE Superstars Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Randy Orton and Batista all passing through Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) on their way to WWE. You can check that out online at WWE.com.
– Speaking of Cena and Orton, both WWE Superstars are interestingly enough not advertised for the WWE SmackDown television tapings on January 14th in Worcester or on January 21st in Grand Rapids. Triple H is advertised for both shows.
– The official WWE website announced Thursday the 2013 Slammy Award nominees for “Superstar of the Year.” They are:
* John Cena
* Randy Orton
* CM Punk
* Daniel Bryan
* Big Show
* Brock Lesnar
The award will be presented by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels.
– Glenn Jacobs, known as “Kane” in WWE, will speak at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge campus in Tennessee on tonight discussing his political views. His lecture is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Additional details are available here.
– Three wrestling legends are celebrating birthdays on Thursday as “Adorable” Adrian Street turns 73; Larry Zybysko turns 62; and the “Dynamite Kid” Tom Billington turns 55.
– Puerto Rican wrestler Sebastian Guerra, who is a 21 year old, 6-foot-5 and 285-pound independent worker, was at the same WWE tryout camp that included Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Joey Ryan and several others a few weeks ago. WWE apparently wants Guerra to gain additional experience and learn the English language better before doing something with him. As a result, Guerra is expected to head to Ohio Valley Wrestling for further training and to attempt to improve his English by living there.
– Current word is that Paul Heyman is not expected back on WWE television for several more weeks. As previously reported, Heyman is expected to be brought back when Brock Lesnar makes his television return to the company.
– Ryback appears to be turning babyface after Paul Heyman dismissed Ryback as a potential “Paul Heyman Guy” on Raw on Monday. We can now confirm that WWE creative plans call for Ryback to feud with Brock Lesnar, with a match likely taking place at January’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The storyline will be that Paul Heyman will enlist Lesnar to destroy Ryback, since he blames Ryback for CM Punk putting him in a wheelchair.
Meanwhile, while WWE officials would like to have Ryback face Goldberg at WrestleMania XXX, sources within the organization don’t expect the former World Heavyweight Champion to come on board since he would almost certainly be asked to job. Goldberg stated in an interview earlier this year that he would not return to the company to lose.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show features never before seen bloopers, outtakes, and footage from the show. Renee Young hosts.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Chris Benoit questions: “Funny how Chris Benoit questions to me run in spurts. I haven’t changed my take on the Benoit into the WWE HOF quandary. Chris doesn’t belong there. End of story. If inducted, it would all be about the last few, horrific hours of Chris’ life and that would not be fair for the family’s that were affected, the other inductees, or the fans. For those fans who loved Chris’ in ring work, and I consider myself one of those, then watch him on You Tube, etc and call it a day. I do not speak for WWE on any topic but I’d be surprised to see Chris any more prominent on WWE content in the future than he is now.”
On Chris Benoit’s son getting into pro wrestling: “As for Chris’s son wanting to get in the pro wrestling business, I have mixed emotions. My gut says stay away, learn a trade, get educated and lead a normal, productive life. One the other hand, I’m not big on telling anyone to not attempt to live their dreams just as I did.”
On Brock Lesnar’s role at WrestleMania XXX: “I look for Lesnar to play a major role in WM30 in New Orleans but in order to max out Brock’s box office appeal his TV persona really needs structured attention and to get ‘hot’ before April. Not overexposed….just get the Hereford Bull hot.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
-The Grantland website has posted their unofficial WWE “mid-season” awards, since we are approximately half-way to WrestleMania XXX. You can check those out online at Grantland.com.
-The official WWE website for Arabia has a featured article up talking about the reports that The Undertaker will be wrestling Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX in 2014. While we recently reported the rumor as well, it is interesting that an official WWE-affiliated website is now spreading the rumor as well. You can check out the article online at Arabia.WWE.com.
– The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar is being planned for WrestleMania XXX. WWE officials remain optimistic that Undertaker will be healthy to compete at next year’s show – and they have a storyline built in, based off their confrontation at a UFC pay-per-view several years ago when Lesnar was UFC Heavyweight champion.
– Former NFL player Shawne Merriman, who had a Twitter beef with CM Punk last year, is training to become a WWE Superstar. Bill DeMott noted on Twitter that Merriman was at the WWE Performance Center training this week – and Merriman himself posted the following on Facebook after his first day at the Performance Center:
A hard days work 1 down 364 to go #PainWhatPain #LightsOut”
UFC president Dana White again answered questions about the highly anticipated fight between Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko that never happened, despite a strong push by everyone involved in 2009.
“Brock wanted that fight. Brock wanted that fight bad,” said White at the UFC 166 pre-fight media scrum on Thursday. “We made every big fight with every fighter since we bought this company. You don’t think we wanted to do Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar? I f’n wanted to make that fight so bad.”
When asked if he regrets never making that fight happen, White noted “It’s not even that I regret it. Dude, when I tell you that we did everything – someday I’ll tell you the story of how much we offered. People will f’n sh*t. It made no sense. It’s one of those type of deals.”
If interested, you can read much more on this story online at MMAFighting.com.
WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar visited Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada earlier this week, according to a new article in The Star Phoenix. Lesnar, who is also a former UFC heavyweight champion, met with the Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
“He told me he’s not ruling out moving here and he just wanted to check out I guess the political situation and the economic situation,” said Wall. “That’s what he told me, and I wasn’t about to challenge him on any of his answers.”
– The latest update on Brock Lesnar’s WWE return is that the former UFC Heavyweight champion will be back in action in time for the 2014 Royal Rumble.
Lesnar will be a big part of the build to WrestleMania XXX. With Ryback officially becoming a “Paul Heyman Guy” and talk that Brock Lesnar will turn babyface at some point, a Ryback vs. Lesnar feud could be in the works.
Comment below and tell us what you think about a Ryback vs. (babyface) Lesnar WrestleMania feud.
– Goldust and Seth Rollins tweeted the following messages about their tag match at Battleground this Sunday:
Rollins: “Met a lifelong goal of stomping The American Dream into the ground on Raw. #WWEBattleground sweetens the pot. Justice is thicker than blood.”
Goldust: “On the horizon!! Retribution! The @WWERomanReigns and @WWERollins go down at #Battleground ! #FamilyStrong @WWE”
– Here is the official entrance video for Los Matadores:
The following are highlights of a new Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On if TNA offered him a job with full control, would he take it?: “No…not at this time. Zero interest. I’m moving onto other things of interest.”
On Bray Wyatt’s promo skills reminding him of Jake “The Snake” Roberts: “Wyatt grew up in the business so I’d assume he studied many. He’s a student of the game.”
On who would win an amateur wrestling match in their prime: Kurt Angle or Brock Lesnar?: “Hard to say, depends on everyone’s health. Both at their best, it’s hard to pick against a Gold Medalist.”
On the possibilities of becoming a mixed-martial-arts announcer: “Time will tell. I’m interested but not sure if any MMA companies are. I’m sure it would be fun if it were to occur. I’m a big, MMA fan especially UFC.”
Check out more JR Q&A at his official website, JRsBarBQ.com.
