– In a new WWE-produced video looking at Money In The Bank match statistics, similar to those that are done for Royal Rumble statistics, word was brought down from above not to mention or acknowledge CM Punk. Many found this interesting, as Punk has not only won the match,but cashed in to win the championship on multiple occasions.

– WWE recently added the following video preview of the new “Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Paul Heyman” DVD to their official YouTube channel.

UFC 175: In-Depth Look At Saturday’s PPV Featuring RONDA ROUSEY & More!

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The official Forbes website has a new article up today looking at whether or not John Cena as WWE World Heavyweight Champion is really what is “best for business.”

The article looks at some of WWE’s revenue figures drawn by WWE’s top three earners of the past five years — Cena, Randy Orton and CM Punk with various charts and graphs.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

“As shown in the graph, over the last five years Cena has only been champion during one period of rising revenue, in late 2009. Since then he’s held the belt at length four different times, and during all of them WWE’s quarterly revenue has been on the decline. What’s more, the company’s income tends to rebound shortly after those title runs come to an end.

And curiously enough, in-story COO Triple-H’s repetitive claims that Orton ought to be the face of the company appear to ring true. When Orton wears the championship belt, WWE’s revenues tend to climb. Then again, company performance was all over the place during CM Punk’s 434-day reign, and that may be the only proof we need that WWE’s in-ring champion doesn’t actually have much impact on the company’s revenue.

To reiterate, this is obviously far from a scientific study. WWE’s total revenues include segments like DVD sales and WWE Studios, which have little to do with the ongoing in-ring action. Plus this study only looks at the revenue side; perhaps a further analysis would show that WWE’s profits surge under Cena’s title reigns. But a brief look at the numbers suggests that, popular as he is, Cena being the WWE champion isn’t necessarily the best thing for business. And who knows, maybe that means Cena’s latest title run has more to do with in-ring story telling than cashing in on young fans, and maybe, just maybe, that means he’ll do something interesting for once.”

Check outt the complete article at Forbes.com.

There is said to be a feeling within WWE right now that the company is no longer viewing Daniel Bryan as someone that should be used in the main event picture right away. When it was announced that he would be making his first appearance since getting stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Money In The Bank Kickoff Show, many felt that if it were someone like John Cena, Batista or Triple H, it would never happen on a pre-show.

As unfortunate as it sounds, there is also said to be a feeling from the higher-ups in the company that Bryan got injured when they needed him, so they’re hesitant to rely on him to run with the ball in the future.

Many still point to the fact that prior to CM Punk walking out on WWE, as he was supposed to work with Triple H at WrestleMania XXX, that Bryan was only going to be working with Sheamus at the biggest show of the year, despite his growing connection to the WWE Universe with the “Yes! Movement.”

The following are highlights of a new USA Today “For The Win” interview with Mick Foley:

Do you miss performing in the ring, or does this show fill the void for you?

Mick Foley: That’s exactly what it does. I love it because performing on stage gives me a chance to feel all the things that I felt when I was in the ring… without the late-night emergency room visits. It’s the great upside without the physical beating that I used to take.

It’s a little bit like cutting a promo, isn’t it?

Yeah, yeah, I’m afraid there’s going to be a flood of guys going ‘wait a second! We’ve got stories too!’ There are times actually when I’ll go into promo mode. I’ll tell a story and the story will include a promo, and people really enjoy it because I had three distinct characters as a wrestler [Dude Love, Cactus Jack and Mankind]. They enjoy the idea that I can go into vintage 1997 Mankind, and it takes them back to their childhood when I terrified them.

Speaking of the late-night trips to the hospital, how do you feel, health-wise? Do you have any regrets about how hardcore your career was?

I’ll just coin the phrase from We’re the Millers. No regrets. R-A-G-R-E-T-S. If I said I regretted any of it, then I’d have to say I regretted all of it because the things I did made me who I was. I guess I could go and section off a certain time period where I wished I had the wisdom to call it quits earlier than I did. I wished I had resisted the urge to return, long after mother nature and father time rang their warning bell.

Which match do you consider your finest?

My finest match is probably in 2004 against Randy Orton at Backlash. It was a personal triumph for me, I had come back after four years out of the ring and I kind of let myself down. I had the perfect opportunity [before Backlash] in Madison Square Garden teaming up with The Rock against Evolution, and I just kind of dropped the ball. I didn’t give the performance that I should have, and the next month I came back and redeemed myself. It was a match of personal redemption. It’s not one that I talk about very often on stage, but that’s my personal favorite.

If you could book a match to headline WrestleMania, with any two wrestlers past and present, who would you choose?

I would like to see that Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Hulk Hogan match. I’d like to see CM Punk and Stone Cold. I guess I’m saying I’d like to see Stone Cold make a return one last time. I’d like to see me and Hulk Hogan, just so I could say I did it.

Speaking of CM Punk, you two have a history. Do you think he’ll come back?

There’s no telling. He marches to the beat of his own drummer. I will say he doesn’t respond to me. I used to be able to reach out to him. I think he’s just cut off all communication with people from the business, and if he comes back, it’ll be on his own terms, and I respect that.

Who are your favorite wrestlers in the WWE right now? Is there anyone that reminds you of Mick Foley?

There are a few people. Bray Wyatt reminds me of myself. He’s one of my favorite guys. He’s really a mesmerizing interview, and he makes great use of his physical talents. He definitely makes the most out of his unusual frame. Love to hear him cut a promo. I love CM Punk’s work on the microphone and in the ring. Daniel Bryan has just been a phenomenon, I hope he heals up and comes back at 100%. Dolph Ziggler, he’s unheralded, hopefully he’ll get another run. There’s so many good wrestlers on the rise. I just saw an NXT match between Natalya Neidhart and Ric Flair’s daughter Charlotte that was just off the charts.

What’s the biggest problem WWE faces right now?

I think the biggest problem is letting the rest of the world catch up to them from a technological standpoint. This Network is so vastly different from anything that’s been attempted on such a major scale that not everyone has caught on. Like, I’m 49 and I have to have my 11-year-old get me on the Network. I can’t those two extra steps involved with an Xbox or a PlayStation. I patience will definitely be a virtue. There was a lot of stock speculation, as soon as I saw that drop I put my money where my mouth is and I bought a lot of stock. I’m bullish on WWE, so I may not agree with everything I see on TV but it’s a great company.

Any predictions for Money in the Bank next week?

I think if Bray Wyatt wins we’re looking at a brave new world in WWE, and I hope that happens. I’m picking either Cesaro or Bray Wyatt, and each of them would take WWE in a unique direction.

Check out the complete interview at USAToday.com.

The following are highlights of a new Digital Spy interview with Alberto Del Rio:

How much do you enjoy a ladder match compared to other matches? “No – I don’t really enjoy them because they’re painful! But it’s part of the game, and in this case, if you want to be WWE World Heavyweight Champion you have to accept the challenge and prepare yourself and your body for a lot of pain on Sunday.”

Roman Reigns is going to be there – what did you think about the break-up of The Shield? “I don’t really think about The Shield, but I can tell you something – Roman Reigns is a great competitor. He’s strong, fast. I would say he is the new rising star for the WWE.

“He’s going to a great competitor that night, but unfortunately he’s going to be in the ring with Alberto Del Rio, so I don’t think he’s going to win the title.”

There’s been a lot of mumbling about the return of Brock Lesnar – if you win on Sunday, how would you feel if Brock goes after you? “We all know who Brock Lesnar is and how dangerous he can be, but he’s no different to any other competitor in WWE.

“All the people, all the wrestlers in WWE are great fighters, great wrestlers, so it doesn’t really matter who you need to face when you’re the champion. That’s the reason someone is the champion… to face everybody in the world.”

It was another Heyman Guy, CM Punk, who took the title from you at Survivor Series in 2011 – do you think he’ll come back to the company any time soon? “Yeah, of course. He’ll be back soon. I don’t know when, but he’ll back.”

A lot of people were recently released from the company including some great guys. You’ve been around a long time now – is it harder than ever to stay successful? “It’s always hard. Wrestling is no different from any other job – you need to bring your best every single day because there’s people behind you trying to take your job. You can see that everywhere, not only in wrestling.

“That’s the reason you have to be in shape all the time, you have to try to bring something different every time you’re in the ring and you need to make yourself and your opponent good every single time, so you can keep up with the game.”

When you one day retire, what do you want the legacy of Alberto Del Rio to be? “Everybody knows I’m a hard worker and they know that regardless of if you like me or not, I’m going to bring the best matches every single night, because I have pride for this business, I love this business.

“It was passed to me by my grandfather and my father. That will be my legacy: somebody who gave everything in the ring every single night.”

Check out the complete interview at DigitalSpy.com.

Paul Heyman, “The One Behind The One In 21-1″, appeared with WWE Hall of Famer Adam “Edge” Copeland on this week’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. During the interview, Heyman spoke at length about why he thinks CM Punk decided to leave WWE.

“He was unhappy. He had enough. He couldn’t take it anymore. A year before he walked these was daily conversations of, ‘I don’t think I’m going to be able to take this. I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to be here. I don’t know how much longer it’s going to be before I just decide to go home.’ I’m surprised it lasted that long.”

Heyman says that Punk was no longer able to “find the passion” that he needed to keep up with the grind of being a WWE Superstar – which is what ultimately led to his departure.

“Every day with him was an exercise in him finding the balance to simply continue on and find the passion he needed that he to do it. And I think what happened was he walked in the day after the Royal Rumble and he couldn’t find that passion. He couldn’t convince himself or persuade himself, ‘OK, whether I’m happy or not this is about the performance, my legacy. It’s about I take pride in what I do. And whether I’m happy or unhappy when I go out there I’m going to be the best CM Punk I can be.’ And I think somewhere during that day he couldn’t find that.”

Check out the complete interview below:

• Shocking *SPOILER* — WWE Reveals SummerSlam MAIN EVENT, SPOILING MITB Outcome!!

– One of the major backstage stories that’s been brewing since the launch of the WWE Network earlier this year has been how WWE will be handling “PPV bonuses” for talent, since the PPV revenue stream is being phased out.

As of last week, WWE management has still not addressed the issue. A lot the wrestlers have been frustrated without knowing how they will be paid for pay-per-view events, including CM Punk, before he left.

– Regarding the ongoing WWE budget cuts, there will be even more staff and developmental cuts between now and the next investors call this fall.

WWE is also cutting the budgets on several planned projects. There had been plans to expand certain departments in the company and hire more employees, however, all of that is on hold for now.

As reported last week, WWE is scaling back the money spent on wrestler entrances and buses and trucks for the production crew.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

There are a lot of rumors going around on the internet regarding AJ Lee as of late. There are multiple sources that claim the longest reigning Divas Champion in WWE history may be pregnant.

As noted recently, Lee and CM Punk officially got married last Friday, with friends of theirs claiming that they “loved the idea of having their wedding on Friday the 13th.”

If it’s true that AJ is pregnant, which we are trying to verify, then it’s very likely that we won’t be seeing her anymore this year, if ever again.

WWE recently issued the following WWE Network show and theme week concepts to members of their “Fan Council”:

-Divas Week

-Screwjob Week

-The Worst of WWE Week

-ECW Week

-Randy Savage

-C.M. Punk (a week of programming including the “meteoric rise, surprising success, and near instantaneous disappearance from the WWE”)

-SummerSlam Week

-Old School Week

-Best of The Slammy Awards

-Sting (“New interviews unveil the mystery behind the often made-up man…”)

-The Real McMahon: The Definitive Interview

-Stone Cold Week: The Definitive Interview

-Steve Austin (Austin hosts a week of programming)

-The Kliq (including a reunion panel with all five members)

-Monday Night War Week

-Stone Cold Week: The Austin Podcast (televised recording of Austin’s podcast)

The following is the official synopsis for CM Punk’s appearance on IFC’s “Maron” show, which airs on Thursday night at 10pm EST.

“When CM Punk stops by the garage this week, he and Marc find out there’s a lot in common between wrestling and comedy. Both professions beat people up – mainly themselves! Marc reveals his wrestling name would be “The Self Hater” for his self-destructive ways and CM declares he’s “Captain Body Dysmorphia” for how he keeps his body on point for the sport.”

You can check out a video preview of the show above.

If video fails, visit bcove.me.

– Former WWE Divas Kelly Kelly and Candice Michelle were in California over the weekend for the star-studded House of Hardcore wrestling show and participated in an autograph signing with fans. You can view photos of the gorgeous duo here.

– WWE 2K15 Executive Producer Mark Little spoke to Polygon.com last week and was asked whether former WWE Superstar CM Punk would be included in the game:

Polygon: “Sure, but, I mean, the folks we’re seeing every night, we’re going to see in here. With the exception of maybe CM Punk.”

Little: [pause] “Talkin’ about rosters later.”

Polygon: “Oh. Oh … Oh? Is this a work?”

Little: “I work on the WWE now; you shouldn’t know what to expect.”

Pre-Order WWE 2K15 NOW From Amazon.com

Former WWE Superstar CM Punk and WWE Diva AJ Lee are now married.

The two began dating in the Fall of 2013 and were engaged back in April. AJ was seen wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring on the March 31st episode of WWE RAW (Photo).

The new Mr. and Mrs. Brooks attended at a Chicago Cubs game on May 17th, where Punk confirmed they were engaged and would be getting married in June.

AJ Lee recently moved to Chicago and is taking time off from WWE for her wedding and honeymoon. She’s expected to return to action this summer.

Candid Photos of AJ LEE From WWE Live Events

The following are highlights of a new interview with Elijah Burke:

On his WWE departure and a return: “No main reason for departure except with all of the creative changes, writers switching from brand to brand, I kinda got lost in the shuffle. “Black Thursday” came and almost 15 wrestlers got let go. It was their call, I wasn’t in any program or being used as I was in a rebuilding faze. I look forward to returning to the WWE when the time is right for both parties, and hopefully that will be sooner than later.”

On Vince McMahon: “Vince is great. He was one cool cat! Never had a bad experience with him. Anytime you can walk up to boss and say, What’s up dawg and give some him some dap, that should let you know what type of man he is. As a matter of fact, when he came out on ECW with the doorag on after Wrestlemania 23…. Take a wild guess who that doorag belonged to???”

On CM Punk’s comments about him: “Never heard them… People mentioned it to me via social media, but I have no thoughts on it. EVERY thought that I ever had about Phil, he knows them because I told him to his face, and I’d like to think that he’d do the same, but I have no thoughts or comments about what was or may have been said. What would that say about me to say something behind Phil’s back or in an interview where he can’t respond for himself?? I mean, what type of person would do such a thing?? Not I, not Pope.”

On TNA: “I enjoyed my time with TNA as they gave me the ball and allowed me to run with it. What was really awesome was that Pope was NEVER scripted as Vince Russo allowed Pope to be Pope and would literally say, “Nobody knows what Pope would do except you.” I enjoyed working with him and others in TNA.”

Check out the complete interview at PWMania.com.

– WWE is holding a tryout camp for potential future Divas at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week. The word going around is that most of the women trying out are models that have been specifically recruited, and are not experienced female wrestlers.

– WWE recently pinned an article regarding Superstars who quit to the official Facebook page of CM Punk. In the latest subtle social media jab, WWE has used Punk’s Facebook page to promote an article regarding Superstars who “sold out.” The title of the post reads, “SUPERSTARS WHO SOLD OUT and broke our hearts in the process!!!!”

– With WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan currently out of action recovering from his recent neck surgery, Vince McMahon has personally been booking his storyline, including the recent angle with Stephanie and Brie and Bryan having to surrender the title at Money in the Bank if he can’t compete. As of this weekend, with Money in the Bank just three weeks away, Bryan’s status for the show remains very uncertain.

– Former “Power Rangers” star & MMA Fighter Jason David Frank continues to mock former WWE Superstar CM Punk with his new “Best in the World” t-shirt. Frank, who has challenged Punk to an MMA fight, released the following shirt this week:

When it comes to Batista’s latest run, one could argue that management hit him with a bait and switch. He was promised that he would win the Royal Rumble and go on to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Instead, he was practically booed out of the building after winning the Royal Rumble and ended up tapping out to the Yes Lock at WrestleMania to allow Daniel Bryan to win the championship.

As most probably know by now, Batista “quit” on this past week’s Raw, as he will be taking a few months off to promote his new movie Guardians of the Galaxy. Upon return after a several year hiatus, Batista represented what many feel is wrong with the current state of the WWE.

Batista did not win a title after returning, but he was involved in a memorable feud between Evolution and the Shield.

Instead of relying on the guys that work day in and day out to headline the biggest pay-per-views of the year, the WWE has instead relied upon part-time superstars such as the Rock and Brock Lesnar to headline their biggest events. The reliance on part-time superstars is one of the reasons a certain someone (*cough* CM Punk *cough*) decided to pack his bags and head home.

However, despite all of the criticism Batista has received since returning, one has to wonder if he earned the respect of fans. In my opinion, I think it is fair to say that he did just that.

In the end, Batista was promised the world but was basically handed a half-empty bag of peanuts. Following the Royal Rumble, which featured an extremely hostile Pittsburgh crowd, it became apparent that Batista’s wishes would not be granted. The company was quickly forced to turn him heel, which messed with the dynamics of the WrestleMania main event, which featured a heel champion in the form of Randy Orton.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley noted on his official Twitter account that he felt Batista “channeled CM Punk” for his farewell promo on RAW. Foley tweeted the following:

I think @DaveBautista channeled a little @CMPunk for his farewell promo. #RAW

— Mick Foley (@realmickfoley) June 3, 2014

– The following is a video of the segment from RAW where Stephanie McMahon makes an announcement regarding the status of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Daniel Bryan and the Money In The Bank main event.

– After WWE Payback went off the air, The Shield celebrated as Dean Ambrose threw chairs into the ring. All 3 members of The Shield then posed on top of the announcers table.

– CM Punk and AJ Lee were shown in the front row for Sunday’s Chicago Blackhawks vs. LA Kings game, which also took place in Chicago. Punk was tweeting throughout the game, which saw LA defeat Chicago in overtime to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Punk made up with Kings mascot Bailey after the game and tweeted:

Congrats to the western conference @LAKings Amazing hockey team. Amazing series. #lakvschi #BecauseItsTheCup

— player/coach (@CMPunk) June 2, 2014

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross spoke to ChicagoNow.com this week to promote his “RINGSIDE: An Evening With Jim Ross” one-man show on Saturday afternoon from Chicago’s House of Blues. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

If Wrestlers Should Use Social Media: “Well whatever they do, I think they should be consistent with it. If you want some privacy with your real life, then yes stay in character. Whatever you decide to do I think you shouldn’t insult the audience either personally or intellectually. I think the wrestling fans on the internet today know wrestling is entertainment. I love Twitter because I get to interact with the people. That’s why I love doing these shows so much because there are so many fans out there and I get to find out what’s on their mind.”

If He Will Ever Do Wrestling Announcing Again: “It’s foolish to close any door. I’m not looking to do anymore pro wrestling broadcasting, but if the right opportunity arises then I will listen. I’m not soliciting companies but I will always keep my ears open. It would be stupid for me to say it’s over. I have my Podcast that is doing a lot of great things and I’m writing for FOX. So I’m staying busy but again I’m a wrestling fan, but as an entrepreneur. I am willing to try MMA or football if it’s the right opportunity.”

If CM Punk Could Appear At His One Man Show In Chicago: “There are no plans for CM Punk to be at my show but stranger things have happened. I honestly don’t know but he knows how I think of him. I hold him as high regard as a performer and more importantly as a man.”

For tickets to Saturday night’s “An Evening With Jim Ross” from Chicago, visit HouseOfBlues.com.

Former WWE Superstar CM Punk recently spoke to RedEyeChicago.com and made his first public comments about his status with WWE since leaving the company earlier this year.

While most of the interview focused on Punk’s love for Chicago’s sports teams (specifically the Cubs and Blackshawks) and his recent charity work, he did comment on his status as a pro wrestler.

When asked how it feels to be retired at 35, he replied, “It feels good.”

Back in February during a WWE Investor conference call, Vince McMahon commented on Punk’s status with the company, stating, “CM Punk is taking a sabbatical. Let’s just put it that way.” It appears Punk sees things a little differently.

CM Punk’s Ex-Girlfriend Says She Fears For His Safety

Sports reporter Michelle Beadle was Jim Ross’ guest on this week’s Ross Report podcast at PodcastOne.com and spoke about her infamous backstage incident with AJ Lee at last year’s Tribute to the Troops tapings.

Michelle said that she considered Phil a friend but apparently she was wrong. She saw him backstage at Tribute to the Troops and affectionately said “What up F*** face?” She noted that Punk was alone at the time and she was with members of WWE PR at the time. Then the next thing she knows, AJ Lee confronted her and started yelling in her face, which she thought was a rib. She looked at Punk to get his reaction of what was happening, but he kept his back to her. WWE apologized to her for AJ’s behavior. A few days later, she saw websites writing about the altercation.

Michelle Beadle Says CM Punk Suffers From “Crazy Girlfriend Neutering”

While she and CM Punk used to go out to dinner and text each other, they stopped being friends that day.

“Phil was one of those cool guys that didn’t fall into a certain role and kind of did what he wanted but to watch all of that happen and have someone tattle on me and have their girlfriend get in my face is a little pathetic. It’s ok, i’ve moved on.”

JR asked her if she was surprised at CM Punk’s decision to leave WWE. She said she’s not shocked he left, but it’s more shocking that he has not yet returned. She expected him to appear at WrestleMania and as a WWE fan, she misses his TV character.

Other topics discussed include her job at ESPN, how she became a wrestling fan and more. She also revealed that she’s had talks with WWE about joining the company. You can listen to the full interview below:

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

WWE’s Stock: “Seems like many members of the IWC have become stock analysts. Where were you when I was evaluating my portfolio? I am NOT a stock analyst but I do honestly feel that WWE stock will eventually, and that’s sooner than later, be a solid, long term investment for those who partake in the market. ”

15-Year Anniversary Of Owen Hart’s Death: “Hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since the most impactful day of my career occurred when Owen Hart fell to his death at the Over the Edge PPV WWE produced in Kansas City. There isn’t a day that seemingly goes by that I don’t think about Owen and that tragic accident in some way. I will never be able to write an autobiography without talking about that night and I dread going back and watching it to be able to better write about it. I have yet to see a single second of footage from that event to this very day. Hopefully, Owen will take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame some day and I can only hope that I am around to see it happen.”

CM Punk’s Legacy “I was asked today by the Chicago Tribune if @CMPunk deserved to be in the top 25 of the all time great wrestlers. I said that all these “All Time Top” whatever lists are overly subjective but my list would be the talents who I would want in my company if I owned a wrestling organization. By the way, that will never, EVER, happen. Nonetheless, I’d absolutely want Punk on my team so therefore under my criteria he’s a top 25 guy. He’s too versatile, too skilled, an excellent hero or villain, can talk, has a great work ethic and is one of the smarter minds I’ve been around.

I was also asked if CM Punk abruptly leaving WWE would adversely affect his legacy. My answer, a simple “Hell, no.”

The third installment of Mick Foley on Global Force Wrestling’s “The Journey” web-series, which features the WWE Hall Of Famer reflecting back on his work with CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Colt Cabana and others during his Ring Of Honor appearances, is now available.

Watch part three of Mick Foley on “The Journey” above.

The following are highlights of a recent website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On how being as PG product impacts WWE: “Being PG or TV14 makes no difference if the roster isn’t performing at their highest level from top to bottom . Success is determined by the talent and not the TV rating.”

On Rosa Mendes joining Total Divas cast: “Perhaps she will add a spark to the show and will certainly be a new face. I’m guessing that this will be a good fit for her.”

On nationalistic story lines: “Politically charged, nationalistic storylines have to be cautiously crafted depending on today’s situation. In today’s PC world, they are especially sensitive.”

On if he considers CM Punk a “quitter”: “I do NOT consider CM Punk a quitter whatsoever and those that do I feel sorry for. I can’t speak for either party but I’d never say never in the pro wrestling biz.”

Check out more JR Q&A updates at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

Global Force Wrestling has released the latest installment of their “The Journey” video series, featuring Part 2 of their interview with hardcore legend Mick Foley. Foley talks about the state of independent wrestling, breaking into the business and CM Punk’s decision to leave WWE. He included the caption:

“The first part got some great feedback, and I think this one will too. As long as we live in a world where Dolph Ziggler can’t get a push, there need to be options for aspiring wrestlers.”

Foley later wrote the following on Twitter regarding Dolph Ziggler:

“The purpose of my post. I’m not to suggest that @HeelZiggler join @GFWWrestling – just using him as an example of how subjective @WWE decisions can be. I do agree that #DolphZiggler is a terrible ring name. A couple years ago, I sent a very detailed e-mail to the powers that be with a suggestion of how he could get out of the name, and simultaneously garner some mainstream media attention…but never heard back from those in charge”