According to one source, the plan as recently as this past week was for Daniel Bryan not to win the WWE Championship from Randy Orton at this Sunday’s WWE Night Of Champions pay-per-view.
As is always the case when it comes to WWE, especially top pay-per-view programs, those plans could change a million times between now and Sunday. However, with Bryan finally gaining a small measure of revenge on Orton to close out this past week’s RAW, it’s likely that the original plan of Orton retaining his WWE Championship at the pay-per-view this Sunday is still set in place.
Local advertisements currently running in Boston for November’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view focus on the CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman feud, as well as the Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton feud.
With Daniel Bryan’s ongoing feud with Triple H and Randy Orton, it seems logical that we’ll see a Team Bryan vs. a “Corporation” Team.
Whether this is a case of early advertisements still floating out there, or if this is an indication that both top programs will continue after the upcoming Night Of Champions pay-per-view, remains to be seen.
WWE Survivor Series takes place on Sunday, November 24th from Boston’s TD Garden arena.
– Wrestling legend Kevin Nash recently commented on Daniel Bryan’s current WWE storyline with Triple H and the McMahon Family, throwing a jab at Bryan while commending him for being “fantastic” and part of the company’s hottest ongoing storyline. Nash tweeted this week:
“What’s really amazing is the hottest angle The vanilla midget angle.Bryan is fantastic and the WWE corp. Against him is must watch”
Nash has a long history of controversial comments about smaller wrestlers being featured as main event acts, including CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.
-Speaking of Daniel Bryan, the WWE Superstar has finally surpassed the one-million follower mark on Twitter. Fans interested in following Bryan on Twitter can do so @WWEDanielBryan.
The following are highlights from a recent interview with former TNA Impact Wrestling star Christian York:
On his TNA release: “It was the same time everyone else was getting released, they just called, I guess it was like July 2nd or 3rd or something, said ‘they gotta give you your release.’ I hadn’t heard back from them at all in a while, in May whenever I worked for them last, it was just, they had to let me go. They had to make budget cuts. When they have nothing that they can do for ya, they can’t fit you into the stories, you’re just sitting at home collecting a paycheck they’re gonna have to make a budget cut. That was just the way it was.”
“I don’t know if I’d say I didn’t get a fair shake, I don’t think I got to live up to the potential that I think I have. I think maybe in the beginning they were just testing the waters with me to see if I could get over. I really have no idea because I never got any feedback. I thought I was having some good matches with people, especially with Jeff and Bobby Roode, had some good stuff. Then all of the sudden you don’t show up for TV anymore, you’re just sitting at home collecting a paycheck. I was doing house shows and stuff but that was it. I was just grateful that they gave me a shot.”
On the state of TNA: “To be honest, I think the company’s just trying to get through, so you have to make changes. WWE has to make changes with what they want to do the day of the show. You can’t just say this is how it’s going to be and six months from now this is how we’re going to get there, because things change. Guys get injuries, it’s ever changing. The guys sitting at home, everybody has the answers, right? The ones that don’t do it, everybody has the answers, and everybody thinks it’s easy, but it’s not. To try and run a company, that’s trying to do something that big, that’s not an easy thing to do. You have a lot of outside things going on, it’s not just about wrestling.”
On Daniel Bryan: “I think he’s an inspiration for anybody trying to get there. I mean he’s what, 5’8′ and he doesn’t fit the mold like you said but I think pound for pound he’s the best wrestler in the world. He’s the best worker in the world. You can have him do anything and he’s gonna make it work.”
On Bobby Roode: “The guy I like, I like Bobby Roode. I think Bobby Roode is an awesome talent. I really do. I think he can have a good match with anybody and he gets the job done.”
On Bray Wyatt: “When the buzz started going around about it, I guess when he first started doing the gimmick, I checked it out on You Tube that was before he hit the big stage, it was just the FCW, NXT or whatever. I saw his promos and said, ‘This is cool. I like this. This is definitely fresh.’ But I’ve been a fan of that guy’s work. I was a fan of him as when he was Husky Harris. I enjoy seeing a big guy like him, his build, his weight, that can just move like a freight train. But i think the character’s awesome. I hope there’s a lot of longevity in that.”
SESCOOPS.COM reader Phil Johnson sent along the following:
Former ECW Champion Justin Credible has posted a new blog at PWMania.com. This week Credible talks on Monday’s WWE Raw, Triple H & Randy Orton, among other topics. Former ECW star Tony DeVito is this week’s special guest on Justin Credible’s Pro Wrestling 101 video series. Here is an extract from “The Justin Credible Report:
“WWE Raw continues to establish HHH, and Randy Orton as the top heels in the company. I liked the opening segment with HHH and Steph really cementing their roles as heels. HHH then set up Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show for the main event. Fast forward the Shield triple powerbomb Bryan while Show watched. HHH then ordered Show to knock out Bryan, and after much deliberation he did. Fans reacted with a “you sold out” chant, and Show left with HHH, and Steph. Then we saw the 7ft Big Show cry like a little bitch. All jabs aside I liked it, and Show did a very good job selling his emotions”
SESCOOPS.COM reader Kevin Gill sent along the following:
International superstar Vampiro joins WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and former WWE/WCW/ECW/TNA stars The Insane Clown Posse to take on pop culture tonight at 11/10c on Fuse TV!
In addition to the Viral Video, Photog Flava, and Forgotten Freshness features on the show, comedian Big Jay Oakerson stops by to drop some comedic gems on videos by Katy Perry and others.
Tune in to witness a unique brand of insightful pop culture commentary that only a lifetime in the wrestling and music industry industry can provide.
WWE Superstar Mark Henry suffered an injury during the WWE live event in Boston on Saturday night. The injury, which was to Henry’s hamstring, occurred when Henry did a run-in at the conclusion of the Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan WWE Championship main event.
After doing his run-in as scheduled, Henry was seen taking his time getting back up. The veteran WWE Superstar seemed to be in pretty bad pain when heading to the back.
WWE.com released the following statement regarding Henry’s injury and current physical condition:
Mark Henry suffered a right hamstring injury at a live event in Boston on Saturday, August 31. This occurred as Henry ran in during the last match of the night. Medical imaging will be obtained to determine the severity of the injury.
Henry will undergo an MRI later today to determine the extent of the injury.
We will update everyone on this story as soon as more information becomes available.
The following are highlights from a recent WWE.com interview with WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin:
On if he sees himself in Daniel Bryan: “No, I didn’t see too much ‘Stone Cold’ in [Daniel Bryan], but I saw a young man who could work his ass off in the ring, who had a lot of fire and passion for the business. With that being said, he’s dealing with a very worthwhile adversary in Triple H, a guy with physicality and intelligence on top of that, and of course, he’s got some advice coming from Vince.
“Vince is the ultimate third-generation promoter. He’s been there and done that in every situation that’s ever been done in the history of sports-entertainment. Triple H is gonna lean on him for some resources. Young Daniel Bryan must stay the course and maintain his intensity.”
On Daniel Bryan’s battle with authority and Triple H/The McMahon’s: “It’s a complete parallel, and obviously a decade removed with two cats in these different roles … but it’s a complete parallel with what went on between myself and Vince. Still, he isn’t expecting Bryan to break out a beer hose so much as use his unique opportunity to cement his place as a top-tier performer against the most powerful of enemies.
“I know what [Triple H’s] mentality is, and he’s been hanging around Vince for so long. Right now, he’s playing the ultimate game with young Daniel Bryan … I look for similarities in situations and setups, but also for [Daniel Bryan] to push the envelope and come out of the box strong.”
On his thoughts on Triple H’s rise through the ranks in WWE: “Man, I’ll tell you what: Back in the day when we were having heated battles in the ring, all over the world, and hell no, I didn’t see it coming. But just goes to show they didn’t call him The Game for nothing. He’s a smart S.O.B.
“I think the guy loves the business enough that he didn’t want just any hand in it, he wanted to be at the top and planned his ascent accordingly. I think he was looking way farther down the road than a lot of guys do.”
On advice for Daniel Bryan: “If I could offer any advice to Daniel Bryan, I would tell him to be aggressive. Trust your gut instincts. The best defense is a good offense, and always be on the attack. But, sometimes, lay in wait. I think Triple H’s ego may mirror Vince’s ego. Sometimes, as cerebral as he is, his ego may get the best of him and you’ll be able to spring an attack on him.
“With all these corporate shenanigans going on, he has to stay true to himself. Whether he gets the title back or overthrows the regime, that’ll come out in the wash. He must remember to stay focused about who Daniel Bryan is: A fiery competitor who loves the business and continues to make a name for himself; the guy who [supposedly] didn’t have the ‘It’ factor, wasn’t big enough, wasn’t good-looking enough. … He’s gotta stay the course and prove that — yes — he’s all that and more.”
Check out the complete interview online at WWE.com.
WWE RAW emanates live from Des Moines, Iowa tonight for the Labor Day edition of the show.
The main focus of tonight’s show will be on the Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton feud, with all of the outside involvement from Triple H, as well as Vince and Stephanie McMahon. Also, heavy focus will remain on the storyline involving CM Punk and Curtis Axel/Paul Heyman.
There will be more follow-up on the World Heavyweight Championship program, which features champion Alberto Del Rio and his former manager Ricardo Rodriguez, who is now with Del Rio’s opposition, Rob Van Dam. They will continue the build to their title bout at the upcoming Night Of Champions pay-per-view.
The full talent roster advertised for tonight’s show in Des Moines is as follows: Orton, Bryan, Punk, Heyman, Axel, HHH, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Del Rio, Van Dam, Rodriguez, Mark Henry, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Wade Barrett, AJ Lee, Kaitlyn, The Shield and The Wyatt Family.
The scheduled dark match main event for tonight’s show is The Shield vs. Rob Van Dam, Mark Henry and The Big Show. With Henry being injured, plans for that match may be off the table.
– The official WWE website was taken offline for approximately an hour today, at approximately 1:00 p.m. A user behind a Twitter account that promotes hacking (named Anonymous Indonesia, located at AnonNewsIndo) is claiming to have gotten the website taken offline.
This individual wrote, “World Wrestling Entertainment Down https://www.wwe.com/ Time To HELP SYRIA By #Fr0styFr0ze #OpSyria #Anonymous.”
– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans whether a member of the WWE roster should have assisted Daniel Bryan in his Gauntlet Match against The Shield (earlier in the show, Triple H vowed to Brad Maddox that he would terminate any individual who assisted Bryan during the match or after the match).
– Dolph Ziggler combating Big E Langston on last week’s episode of SmackDown is featured in this week’s “SmackDown Slam of the Week.”
SESCOOPS.COM reader Aaron Carnevale from Monday Night Mayhem sent along the following highlights from Mick Foley’s recent appearance on their radio show:
How his “Tales From Wrestling Past LIVE” differs from a typical “stand-up comedy”: “Well there are all kinds of comedians. Most people associate comedy with jokes, and I don’t really do many set-up punch line jokes. I try to take people on a journey, where they are laughing most of the time and intently listening some of the time. I also reserve the right to say stuff that is ridiculous.”
The WWE’s reaction to his comedy shows and the possibilities of making “Tales From Wrestling Past LIVE” part of a WWE Pay-Per-View weekend (the night before or right after the PPV): “They are giving a lot of positive feedback. I think this is the year that they (WWE) will see that they don’t need to take a giant leap into this form of entertainment. They just need to take a side-step, and they are there. I have been a little disappointed that WWE hasn’t embraced it yet, but I really believe in a year’s time they will make it part of SummerSlam Axxess.”
Why he enjoys “being on the outside, looking in” and his thoughts on the current WWE landscape with Daniel Bryan and CM Punk at the helm: “One of the fun parts of being on the outside looking in is I find out things when everyone else will. I think Daniel Bryan isn’t only responding with the best wrestling of his career, but he is also reaching emotional depths that he wasn’t reaching a few short years ago. I’m also a big fan of Punk’s storyline (with Paul Heyman) right now.”
On Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, new matches, with some interesting stipulations, were added to the WWE Night Of Champions pay-per-view, scheduled September 15, 2013, which will be headlined by Daniel Bryan challenging “the face of WWE”, Randy Orton, for his WWE Championship.
WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam, through the help of a quick distraction by his new manager, Ricardo Rodriguez, defeated Alberto Del Rio to earn a World Heavyweight Championship match against the champion at the pay-per-view in three weeks.
Also added to Night Of Champions on RAW was a Handicap Elimination match featuring CM Punk against both Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman. It was noted that if Heyman doesn’t fight, he will have to leave WWE.
Here is an updated look at the official WWE Night Of Champions pay-per-view lineup thus far:
WWE Championship
-Randy Orton (c) vs. Daniel Bryan
World Heavyweight Championship
-Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Rob Van Dam (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
Handicap Elimination Match
-CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel & Paul Heyman
Stay tuned to SESCOOPS.COM for continued updates on the WWE Night Of Champions pay-per-view.
WWE RAW emanates from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona tonight for the first full-show without the John Cena.
Expect heavy focus tonight on the build to the Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan WWE Championship match at the upcoming WWE Night Of Champions pay-per-view in September.
Confirmed for the show tonight is a non-title match between WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel, with his manager Paul Heyman, against CM Punk. Regarding the title, there are rumors that the Axel-Punk match will indeed be for the I-C Championship.
Also on tonight’s show is the latest drama from the McMahon Family Takeover, as Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are all advertised to appear this week.
Additional talent advertised to appear in Phoenix tonight includes Alberto Del Rio, Rob Van Dam, The Shield, Mark Henry, Big Show, Ryback, The Wyatt Family, Dolph Ziggler, Big E. Langston, AJ Lee and Kaitlyn.
Advertised for the live crowd in Phoenix as the dark match main event tonight is both Punk vs. Axel and Heyman in a Handicap Match, as well as The Shield vs. Henry, Show and Van Dam in a Six-Man Tag Match.
-The main event of the WWE live event in Fresno, California on Friday featured Randy Orton defending the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan. The finish saw Orton nearly tapping to the “Yes! Lock” submission hold by Bryan until The Shield did a run-in, causing a disqualification. This led to Big Show and Mark Henry coming in to make the save, while Orton scurried off and escaped up the aisle while all three members of The Shield ate the finishing moves of Show and Henry. With John Cena on the shelf for the remainder of 2013, this will likely be the main event finish on the “A” live events from WWE going forward.
-Speaking of the WWE live event in Fresno, WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio made an appearance, as advertised, and announced during the show that he would be back to in-ring action in September.
-WWE has recently updated their advertising for upcoming live events now that John Cena will no longer be able to appear on them. The biggest shuffle is Daniel Bryan being moved from the “B” shows to the “A” shows, in place of Cena as the singles headliner.
-Speaking of Cena, while publicly the statement from both he and the WWE side is that they are expecting him back by WrestleMania, apparently the expectation is that he will be back in time for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. That would be just under five months after his surgery, which is pushing the recovery process slightly. As noted, especially with Cena, returning sooner than scheduled when dealing with injuries is not out of the ordinary.
-WWE CEO Vince McMahon celebrates his 68th birthday this Saturday. McMahon was born on August 24, 1945.
-ESPN personality and former WWE broadcaster Jonathan Coachman appeared on the “Mike and Mike” show this morning on ESPN Radio answering questions from Twitter regarding WWE.
-As noted on a recent edition of WWE RAW, WWE Superstar John Cena referenced in a promo the fact that he was advised by doctors to skip the scheduled Daniel Bryan match at SummerSlam because of the severity of his elbow/triceps injury. That was a legitimate point made by Cena. It was Cena himself who insisted on risking further injury be competing in one final match, as advertised, before taking a lengthy hiatus to heal his arm.
Additionally, Cena’s rehab will reportedly be the focus of several upcoming episodes of the WWE reality show, “Total Divas.”
-The WWE live event on Friday, August 16th in Portland, Oregon drew approximately 6,500 fans for a live gate of $220,000.
The following are highlights from a recent Q&A with WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On rumors that he was drunk at the WWE 2K14 symposium: “I wasn’t but thanks for asking.”
On Daniel Bryan not holding the WWE Championship for any real length of time: “I think Bryan is more popular today than he ever has been. I’ll enjoy the chase.”
On whether or not Bill Watts ever owned a part of Georgia Championship Wrestling, and talent-sharing in those days: “WATTS at one time owned a piece of Georgia. Talent trades were not unusual in those days either way. JYD & others wrestled in Atlanta.”
On what The Undertaker’s reaction was following the infamous Hell In A Cell match at King Of The Ring 1998: “That was 15 years ago. I really don’t recall. He was likely spent.”
On chances of a Steve Austin vs. CM Punk match in WWE: “Seems like that ship has sailed but I’m merely guessing. I’d love to see it.”
On politics in WWE: “I think politics are overrated and discussed usually on hearsay & by disgruntled individuals. Cream always rises to the top w/ few exceptions.”
On the subject of wrestling newsletters back in the day: “Newsletters weren’t a big topic of open discussion back in the day. Most guys tried to distance themselves from wrestling while traveling.”
On who will replace John Cena as the face of WWE and if a “streak” storyline would work: “I’d say Daniel Bryan is next man up. Don’t see Streak launching a new face of WWE.”
On if Owen Hart will ever be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame: “Likely so. Don’t know when.”
On the career of “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin: “Ronnie was a tough, highly skilled, intelligent in ring talent. Also a pilot. I thought the sharpshooter was a Japanese submission.”
On past WWE Divas in the new WWE 2K14 video game: “I’m not aware of the Diva involvement. Sorry.”
Check out more of JR’s Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.
-Celebrity-gossip website TMZ has picked up the story of John Cena undergoing elbow surgery, which as noted, will likely keep Cena on the shelf for at least the remainder of 2013. Nothing really new to report from the article, but you can check it out if you’d like at TMZ.com.
-WWE Superstar William Regal recently took the time to post a congratulatory message to Daniel Bryan on his official Twitter account. Regal wrote:
“I’m going to get soppy for a moment. People keep asking me if I was proud of D Bryan on Sunday. As incredibly proud as I was of him I was equally as proud after the first week I trained with him in 2000. I know he looks up to me but I equally look up to him. Top man.”
-WWE is advertising a main event of Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at the upcoming live event in Montreal on September 6th. The semi-main event of the card features CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel in a no disqualification match. Also advertised to appear are Rob Van Dam, Big Show, Mark Henry and The Shield.
SESCOOPS.COM reader Phil Johnson sent along the following:
-Former ECW Champion Justin Credible has posted a new blog. This week Credible talks on Darren Young “coming out,” Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam, Monday’s Raw, being 9 months sober, among other topics. Jason Knight is this week’s special guest on Justin Credible’s Pro Wrestling 101 video series. Here is an extract from “The Justin Credible Report:”
“What a week for the WWE. Summer Slam is in the books, and there is so much to talk about. First leading into the PPV in LA, Darren Young comes out to TMZ that he is gay.
As you know WWE got a ton of free mainstream press heading into their second biggest PPV of the year. I’m happy for Darren, and I applaud his courage. On the other hand, there is no way that this was just a spur of the moment statement. I have been told that this was carefully thought out, and Darren and the WWE had this planned the whole time. There is just no way that Darren was conveniently asked that specific question and he just happened to decide now is as good a time as any to come out.”
You can read “The Justin Credible Report” in its entirety at PWMania.com.
Regarding the conclusion to the main event at SummerSlam, many backstage within WWE felt it was a fantastic way to finish the match. Others disagreed, feeling that Daniel Bryan should have won clean and have his moment. The general consensus is with that type of finish, Bryan is continued to fill the “underdog” position in the company, which they feel gives the fans a chance to really rally behind him even more as he continues his chase.
In addition to that, many felt it was somewhat awkward that Bryan wouldn’t kick out of the pin attempt by Randy Orton, considering how much time had passed between Triple H’s pedigree and Orton’s actual pin.
A few people also pointed out how ridiculous it is that a somewhat retired in-ring competitor such as Triple H, would have such a devastating finishing move that it basically out-did annything John Cena attempted in the match, in terms of getting the pinfall on Bryan.
-According to reports, there is talk of an angle being shot during the SummerSlam Axxess match between Maria Menounos & Natalya vs. Brie Bella & Eva Marie that will lead to something in some form or fashion on the main SummerSlam pay-per-view.
-Sources are reporting that while Randy Orton may not cash in (although he very well could) he is expected to be involved in the finish of the John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan WWE Championship main event at SummerSlam on Sunday.
-While this comes as no surprise to anyone, there is expected to be some sort of storyline shot in the finish of the Cena-Bryan match, involving Triple H and/or the McMahon’s, that will lead to a major storyline going forward.
As is the case with all major WWE shows, due to last minute changes by the creative team, all of this is obviously subject to change.
-Daniel Bryan, Rob Van Dam and Randy Orton vs. The Shield is currently the advertised dark match main event for the upcoming WWE SmackDown television taping on September 17th in Cincinnati, Ohio.
-Former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas will make his professional wrestling in-ring debut for Smash Wrestling at The E-Zone in Toronto on Saturday, August 17th. The card Korderas debuts on will also include Brian Kendrick, Paul London, Matt Cross, Johnny Gargano, Player Uno, LuFisto, Gregory Inn and Tyson Dux.
-Currently injured WWE Superstar Sheamus will be appearing at the Wizard World Ohio Comic Con from September 20th through September 22nd in Columbus, Ohio at the Convention Center.
-Former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be appearing at the Montreal Comic Con at the Palais de Congres on September 14th. Also that night, his rock-and-roll band Fozzy will perform at the Corona Theater in Montreal.
The following are highlights from the latest online Jim Ross Q&A:
On if he would’ve taken a job with WWE if offered one in 1985 or 1986: “WWE was always my goal and if I handled it professionally, and I would, Bill would have been fine with it.”
On the infamous “Brawl For All” in WWE: “I did think that Doc [Dr. Death Steve Williams] would win it. He might have if he hadn’t torn his hamstring off the bone. The winner of the Brawl for it All was always going to fight Butterbean as best that I recall. It simply wasn’t something that was thought of by the creative team at the last minute. I haven’t read Bob’s book yet but he has the right to tell his story as he remembers it and based on what he knew at the time. Bob was/is a tough guy. Much respect to him.”
On whether or not we’ll ever see a Jim Ross DVD set: “I’d be up for doing one but that’s a WWE call all the way. Not sure it would sell.”
On who has benefitted the most from working with Paul Heyman in WWE: “Better question is who hasn’t benefited from working with Paul Heyman? I’d suggest Brock Lesnar has benefited the most considering Brock’s schedule.”
On if WWE stars are responsible for carrying around their title belts: “Champions are resonsible for the upkeep of their titles but spares are available if one is misplaced. Smart wrestlers never check the titles on planes.”
On if we’ll ever see Kevin Nash and/or JBL wrestle in the WWE in the future: “Not too likely.”
On if we’ll ever see another 60-minute Iron Man Match in WWE, specifically between CM Punk and Daniel Bryan: “If anyone could pull of a 60 minute Iron Man match it wuld be Punk vs. Bryan for sure. Cesaro, too. If it happens it would be great but those are few and far between.”
Check out the complete Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.
The official Xfinity website recently posted an interview with Paul Heyman. While most of the interview is Heyman answering questions completely in-character, below are highlights where Heyman is somewhat candid in his responses.
On the significance of his role in last year’s WrestleMania: “It’s huge. Nothing short of it. And probably even bigger than that adjective. It’s exhilarating for me because you have the most unique, the most gifted athlete in the history of the WWE, or UFC, or college athletics in Brock Lesnar, going against a wrestler who probably has more heart, more determination, and the ability to overcome the odds better than anybody else that I’ve ever come across in my entire career in CM Punk. It’s a fascinating match-up. It won’t be over in 30 seconds. This is going to be an all-night affair. There’s an old expression in the professional wrestling business; “This match will be worth the price of admission.” I humbly suggest that Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk is worth the price of admission alone.”
On Brock Lesnar telling him to ‘say something stupid’ on RAW recently: “He wanted me to say something stupid! Brock Lesnar is a man who thinks in a far different way than your average beast walking down the street. This is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. Brock made his point, he told the world, “I, Brock Lesnar, am better than CM Punk.” So, what else is there for us to say?”
On his thoughts about Daniel Bryan: “I’m not done recruiting Daniel Bryan. I think Daniel Bryan is a fascinating performer who has put on arguably the most consistent string of best matches of the past year. The striking thing about Daniel Bryan is the best is yet to come with him. Daniel Bryan still has more to offer. And having seen footage of him dating back to when he was wrestling in VFW halls and very small arenas and high school gymnasiums, he still has so much more that the WWE Universe hasn’t seen. I’m admittedly, and I will confess to this, a huge fan of Daniel Bryan.”
On his thoughts about John Cena: “I think there’s a streak going involving John Cena that both the WWE Universe and the media have failed to pick up on. The glory days of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin lasted two, maybe two-and-a-half years. That was the peak of his run. He came back as General Manager, but day-to-day, going to every city, main eventing every Pay Per View, the focal point of Monday Night Raw…Steve Austin’s peak was two-and-a-half years. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s peak was along the same lines. John Cena has been the focal point of WWE since 2005. For eight and now going on nine years, John Cena has not only main evented all the Pay Per Views, been the major attraction on Raw. John Cena has gone to every city, main events all the live events, and yet he still makes all these media appearances, he’s done more Make-A-Wish Foundation visits than anybody in history…and he’s a tireless workhorse. And he shows up last Monday with his elbow…looking grotesquely…is that a word? His elbow was so messed up and yet he says, “Wrap me up, I’m going out there to perform because the people are counting on me.” There is a work ethic to John Cena that is to behold.”
On his thoughts about Bray Wyatt: “It’s an emotional presentation, and it sets him apart from everyone else which means that Bray Wyatt will stand out. Whether it’s in WWE or UFC or Major League Baseball or the NBA or the NFL or television or movies…any genre that is star-driven has the need for unique personalities. And Bray Wyatt is as unique as they come.”
On how TNA Impact Wrestling handled Rob Van Dam: “I don’t mind getting into detail. I think TNA squandered the opportunity of exploiting the talents of Rob Van Dam. And I don’t think that’s a mistake the WWE is going to repeat.”
Check out the complete interview online at Xfinity.com.
The following are highlights from a recent interview with Triple H from NBC Sports Radio out of Los Angeles:
On Daniel Bryan’s popularity: “I think this is a moment in time – is the torch being passed? Or, is this the moment where John Cena continues to cement himself as the face of WWE for this generation?
“I think with Daniel Bryan, there’s an honesty there. Daniel is what he is – a frumpy-looking, long-haired, bearded guy who doesn’t really apologize for how he looks, but he’s that good in the ring. Historically, when you look back at the business, when you got past the flamboyant Hogan/Macho Man Era, you had the Bret Hart technician, a lot less hype and personality and charisma (who let the in-ring speak). And there’s kind of those shifts back-and-forth… Maybe that’s what it is – I do think Daniel is the cross-over of so many of those factors that make a Superstar big. He’s got charisma, he’s got personality, he’s different, he’s his own man. He’s just Daniel Bryan. And he’s damn good and damn exciting at what he does”
On Hulk Hogan in the WWE 2K14 video game and his place in WWE history: “Hulk Hogan will forever be the face of a generation of WWE Superstars. I don’t know that there’s a more recognizable guy – there’s Rock, there’s Hogan, there’s Cena, and there’s these recognizable characters that become household names. And Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest of all-time – a true legend in our business. No matter what, he will always have that place in the WWE Universe. Always.”
WWE Superstar and the man who will challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam this Sunday on pay-per-view, Daniel Bryan, recently spoke with Zap2It.com about a number of topics. Below are highlights from the discussion.
On future stars in WWE currently working in the developmental system: “You know, it’s hard for me to say because I haven’t seen all those guys. Someone I have a soft spot in my heart for is Sami Zayn. He wrestled as El Generico in the independents. In the ring he’s just phenomenal. I saw a couple of his matches with Antonio Cesaro and it’s some of the best wrestling this year, as far as I’m concerned, even compared to the stuff you see on WWE TV. If he can get the personality to match his wrestling skills, I haven’t seen any of his interviews, but he has loads of personality as a human being and I can only imagine if he’s able to transfer that onto television he should be a big star, I’d hope. But you never know, because size might hold him back for a little bit, but talent always shines through.”
On the current WWE roster featuring smaller wrestlers such as himself: “Yeah and part of that is because fans no longer accept the slow-paced wrestling matches. Most of the big guys can’t wrestle the action-packed matches. That’s what makes somebody like Big Show so incredibly special. You see him and he’s seven feet tall and between 450 and 500 pounds. Yet, when I was wrestling him I’d dropkick him in the knee and he’d flip all the way around. He’s an incredibly agile guy, and he’s been wrestling since 1995. The same goes for Kane, who goes to the top rope. If you’re a big guy and you can’t move well, you’re not going to last long in the modern WWE system.”
On whether or not he’s doing anything different to prepare for his match with John Cena at SummerSlam: “No, actually. One of the things that’s the hardest about big matches like this is to try to not do anything differently. People often think ‘Oh, I gotta amp up my training,’ A lot of times that leads to injuries and the last thing you want to do is get injured right before a big match. So for me, it’s just a matter of doing the same thing. More than anything else, it’s just mentally preparing. With nerves and the position we’re being put in, the thing that gets me more tired than anything is being nervous. I don’t ever get tired when I’m wrestling, except for when I have a lot of nerves. I’d like to think at SummerSlam I’ll be very relaxed, because these are the kinds of moments you want to be relaxed for so you can enjoy it and soak it all in and just have a great time going out there and doing what you love to do.”
Check out the complete interview online at Zap2It.com.