– Chris Jericho noted on social media recently that his “Talk Is Jericho” podcast has had over 53 million downloads since December 4, 2013.

– The following is the official synopsis for tonight’s edition of WWE Total Divas on E!:

“The future of the Bella Twins is in question after Brie’s admission that she doesn’t use protection; Nattie is forced to work with TJ even though they are separated; and Ariane makes a disastrous attempt to find out why exactly Alicia hates her.”

– Below is a photo of WWE Superstar David Otunga with his fiancee Jennifer Hudson at Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy Awards party on Saturday night.

https://twitter.com/AwardShowUpdate/status/564272279778238464

• VIDEO: Ex-UFC Fighter Dares Young Girl To Punch Him, She Does — And BRUTALLY KOs Him!

– The latest edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” podcast, which is now available, features Luke, one-half of the former WWE tag-team, The Bushwhackers. The official description for the show reads as follows:

PP-Ep44 – Luke Williams of the Bushwhackers

“Luke Williams of the Bushwhackers makes a pilgrimage to Piper’s Pit this week to reconnect with his old friend and fans. Luke and Roddy talk about what it really takes to be part of a successful tag-team, Macho Man Randy Savage, Captain Lou Albano and why Roddy thinks that the next inductees into the Wrestling Hall of Fame should be The Bushwhackers and Cyndi Lauper.”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

– Courtesy of the official WWE Instagram page, below is a photo of WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin backstage at Monday’s WWE RAW in Denver, Colorado.

– Speaking of RAW, below is the complete WWE RAW pre-show, which aired live on the WWE Network prior to this week’s show. This week’s RAW pre-show was hosted by Scott Stanford, Corey Graves and David Otunga.

• PHOTOS: UFC Champ JON JONES Does D-X “Crotch Chop” w/ TRIPLE H & STEPHANIE MCMAHON At The SUPER BOWL!

– Television actor Stephen Amell of “Arrow” fame from the CW channel has expressed interest in securing a guest hosting role for a future WWE RAW episode. Amell is apparently a longtime pro wrestling fan.

– As noted, David Otunga worked his first matches since WrestleMania XXX last year at this past weekend’s WWE live events, teaming with Titus O’Neil to lose to the team of Los Matadores. Otunga is reportedly not booked for this week’s television tapings, however, as he flew home on Monday morning.

• PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee In Their Private Time, Hanging w/ Celebrities, Partying & MORE! [View Here >>]

– AJ Lee is being advertised for the WWE SuperShow on January 24th, which takes place at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ, close to where she grew up.

– David Otunga is scheduled to appear at tonight’s WWE live event from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He’s been doing media appearances for WWE in recent months but hasn’t competed since the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 30. He’s made it clear in various interviews that he plans to continue his pro wrestling career.

– The following is a preview for Sunday’s Total Divas season premiere on E!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqHQIseHQ2c

The following are highlights of an Always A-List website interview with David Otunga:

On if he has left WWE: “No, not yet. I’m still with them. I’m focusing on some other stuff, but I’m looking to get back there. I’d like to win a singles title. But you haven’t seen the last of me.”

On making his stand-up comedy debut at the Chicago Improv last Friday: “I had this opportunity to do this program where I met with this standup comedy coach a couple times. I met with the guy like three times and I got to do my own set. It was pretty crazy man, but it was really fun.

Leading up to it you’re really nervous because it’s just you and a mic – that’s it! Just up there with a mic entertaining people. As soon as I started and I got that first laugh, I was like this is awesome. With WWE, I have so much experience talking in front of crowds. Usually I’m trying to get people to boo me, but here I’m trying to get people to laugh.”

Check out the complete interview at AlwaysAList.com.

– Chris Jericho and his Fozzy guitarist Rich Ward appeared as guests on the latest edition of Adam Carolla’s podcast. You can check that out at AdamCarolla.com.

– David Otunga appeared on Wednesday’s edition of the “General Hospital” soap opera. Otunga played himself in the show and met with a dying female character who wanted to meet her “favorite wrestler.”

– Brock Lesnar has been added to the post-SummerSlam edition of WWE RAW on August 18th in Las Vegas and the September 15th RAW from Lafayette, Louisiana, the “go-home” show before Night of Champions.

– David Otunga will be appearing on this afternoon’s episode of ABC’s General Hospital at 2pm EST. Otunga appears as himself and visits the character Alice, who is a former pro wrestler.

– WWE Hall of Famer Booker T threw out the first pitch at last night’s Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics MLB baseball game:

Now onto more important questions @BookerT5x, what did you think of the spinaroonie???? @WWE @astros pic.twitter.com/0lF67GGDo0

— Houston Astros Orbit (@OrbitAstros) July 30, 2014

The following was issued today:

“CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS: 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES” TO AIR ON FOX SPORTS 1 THIS MONDAY, JUNE 30 AT 7 PM ET

STAMFORD, CONN. and NEW YORK, June 26, 2014 – WWE® and FOX Sports today announced that Celebrating Champions: 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, a one-hour television event chronicling the passion, dedication and determination of America’s most inspiring athletes during the week-long celebration of the 2014 USA Games, will air on FOX Sports 1 this Monday, June 30 at 7 pm ET. The special, produced by WWE, will be hosted by Mike Hill and Molly McGrath of FOX Sports 1’s America’s Pregame. Customers of participating video providers can also watch via FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content through iOS and Android devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.

The one-hour special will highlight six Special Olympics athletes as they travel from their hometowns to the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. Viewers will experience a first-hand account of the excitement and pride each athlete exudes while training for, traveling to, and participating in the Games.

The special will include the following six athletes:

Theo “TC” Bazile, a 40-year-old from Vacherie, Louisiana, is a track and field athlete in sprints and shot put. Theo is very involved his community, where he volunteers at the local nursing home and fire department, sings in his church choir and remains active with his former high school football team.

Erica Bookout is a long-distance runner from Christiansburg, Virginia. The 22-year-old is a Junior at Radford University in Virginia majoring in Special Education. She is also the 2013 Special Olympics Virginia Athlete of the Year.

Andy Miyares, a 31-year-old from Miami, Florida, has competed in multiple sports, but has a passion for swimming and holds numerous records in the sport. He works for Special Olympics Miami-Dade and speaks both Spanish and English. In 2010, Andy was selected to serve a four-year term as one of just 12 Special Olympics International Global Messengers chosen from around the world to represent Special Olympics.

Derrick and Delon Noble, identical twin brothers from Bloomfield, New Jersey, compete in flag football. At 21-years-old, Derrick is the Quarterback and Delon is the Running Back. In addition to playing in the 2014 USA Games, during the last two weeks they’ve attended prom, seen their images on a Times Square billboard to promote the Games and graduated from high school. The twins were also honorary captains at a Rutgers football game last fall.

Scott Rohrer, a 24-year-old from York, South Carolina, is the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games Gold Medal Golfer with record scores for both 18-hole and 54-hole tournaments. Scott was also the 2013 South Carolina Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and he will be playing in Special Olympics World Golf Cup this August in Denmark.

In addition to the athlete profiles, the TV special will include highlights from the 2014 USA Games Opening Ceremony from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, which was hosted by actress and model Brooklyn Decker and Philadelphia 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams. The Ceremony included the traditional parade of athletes, athlete oaths and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. Other celebrities that participated in the Opening Ceremony included WWE Superstars Big Show® and David Otunga®, TV personality Jack Ford, Glee’s Jane Lynch and musical artists Michael DelGuidice & Big Shot.

Also included is coverage of the first-ever Young Athletes Festival, held at the Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex. Children between the ages of two and seven, and their families, were invited to learn more about this program which provides critical early childhood development through the power of play.

Founding Partner WWE has helped promote the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games through its global platforms, including TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media, all of which increased the exposure of Special Olympics and reached a larger and more diverse audience. The partnership was announced in 2013 during WrestleMania® 29 in front of more than 80,000 fans at a sold-out MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and millions more watching around the world. Over the past year, WWE has hosted Special Olympics athletes at its weekly live events, including WrestleMania® 30 in New Orleans, where the athletes got a chance to meet WWE Superstars and Divas, sit ringside and be recognized on TV for their accomplishments. WWE Superstars and Divas also served as honorary coaches for Special Olympics Unified Sports competitions around the country. WWE is the Official Production Partner of the 2014 USA Games, which included producing Celebrating Champions, producing the official sizzle reel and PSA, filming and serving as a production consultant for the Opening Ceremony, and creating daily electronic press kits for national media to help enhance coverage of the Games. In addition, WWE Superstars and Divas participated in various events at the Games, including daily autograph signings and medal presentations, while WWE employees served as volunteers.

21st Century Fox announced its Founding Partnership with the 2014 USA Games in November 2013. The network serves as the Official Presenting Media Sponsor and provided broad exposure for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games across its U.S. channels, which include FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, 28 local stations and FOX Sports 1. As Presenting Media Sponsor of the 2014 USA Games, 21st Century Fox committed to media exposure across its cable and broadcast networks as well as its local stations, most notably WNYW and WWOR in New York and WTXF in Philadelphia. In addition, 21st Century Fox provided exposure via live and recorded segments on FOX News Channel; FOX Sports 1, including a preview segment that ran the week before Super Bowl XLVIII; a PSA created by YES Network featuring New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter; and, on FOX Television Stations across the country, more than 50 athlete profiles, a 30-minute Games special, and the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games PSAs which have aired thousands of times, among many other efforts. On site at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, Mike Hill and Molly McGrath, hosts of AMERICA’S PREGAME on FOX Sports 1, hosted the Closing Ceremony, capping a great week of events. Cleatus and five FOX Sports Girls from across the country – Sara (Ohio), Kendall (North), Katie (Midwest), Chyna (Wisconsin) and Morgan (South) – came out to interact with athletes and fans at the 21st Century Fox tent in Corporate Park.

David Otunga could be returning to WWE soon and his fiancé Jennifer Hudson is not happy about it, according to the latest issue of Star Magazine.  The article notes that she is “fuming” that Otunga wants to wrestle again and is concerned he won’t be spending enough time with their son David Daniel.

“The will-they-or-won’t-they debate about Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga’s wedding just took a turn for the worse,” Star Magazine writes.

The couple is “constantly arguing” and Hudson does not think being a pro wrestler is a good career move for him.

“Jen knows that it’s his passion, but she doesn’t want him away from home for long periods of time, and there’s always the chance that he could get hurt,” according to a source close to Jennifer.

– As previously reported, long-time WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia recorded an in-studio interview for an upcoming “Steve Austin Show” podcast. Her interview on the show is set to air on next Thursday’s “Unleashed” podcast.

– Speaking of podcasts, WWE Diva Natalya’s appearance on Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” show is now available. You can listen to that interview at PodcastOne.com.

– WWE Superstar David Otunga recently spoke to TheYBF.com about being one of a few African American stars in WWE. “It feels really good to be one of the WWE’s African American superstars and to know there are little kids looking up to me. So it’s very cool to represent for everybody.”

Check out the complete interview at TheYBF.com.

– MercuryNews.com has an article about WrestleMania 31 coming to the Bay Area in 2015. WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon was quoted in the article, and promised that the event will set a “new standard” by being “the most interactive experience in WrestleMania history.”

Levi’s Stadium, which is still under construction, will be one of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the world and will allow fans to connect to a high-speed WiFi network. WWE plans to make fan participation a huge part of the show and will be encouraging fans in attendance to post content to social media services like Twitter, Facebook, Tout and Instagram.

– According to a source in WWE, voting for the “Superstar of the Year” Slammy Award (won by Daniel Bryan) was extremely close. As noted earlier, voting was 100% legitimate.

– WWE Superstar David Otunga recently appeared on the Steve Harvey Show to promote his new Muscle & Fitness magazine cover. Footage of the segment can be seen at SteveHarveyTV.com.

• WWE RAW Script LEAKS Online – and VIDEO of The Complete “Attitude Era” Episode

– With WWE’s announcement this week that the Classics On Demand service will be ending in January, people in the company are under the impression that the WWE Network will finally launch before WrestleMania XXX.

WWE Statement On Cancellation Of Classics On Demand, WWE Network Mentioned

The rumored launch date is February 24th.

– On Monday’s RAW, WWE scripted Randy Orton to say that he “can’t beat Big Show on his own” as a way to sell the possibility that Big Show has a strong chance of winning the WWE Championship this Sunday at Survivor Series.

– David Otunga made the media rounds on Tuesday to promote his new Muscle & Fitness cover. He tweeted this photo after filming the Steve Harvey show:

– MLB star Josh Reddick is currently backstage at WWE RAW hanging out with friends. Reddick has been teasing a “beard-off” with Daniel Bryan on tonight’s show.

Update: Photo of Josh Reddick and Daniel Bryan Backstage at RAW

– There has been some discussion of “The Road Dogg” Jesse James making an appearance on tonight’s country-themed edition of RAW.

– WWE Superstar David Otunga will be on ESPN Chat on Tuesday afternoon discussing WWE and his recent cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine. For more information, visit ESPN.com.

• Triple H Flips The Hell Out Backstage At RAW – Find Out What Happened![Credit: PWInsider.com]

– WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley did a comedy show last night at the Performing Arts Center in Smithtown, New York. The show was mostly Foley telling stories from his career, which Foley says raised $1,500 for the Holiday Magic charity.

WWE cameras were on hand to record the sold out show, with WWE looking to air the show on the WWE Network, when it eventually launches. Foley noted several times that he wasn’t sure how WWE would edit the show, since there was some non-PG material.

Joey Styles was at the show and introduced Foley at the beginning. Brodus Clay and former WWE talent Pete Gas of the Mean Street Posse were in attendance at the taping. Former WWE writer Jen Bloodsworth opened for Foley.

The show also featured balloon version of Mick Foley, The Rock, Vince McMahon and of course, Santa Claus:

https://twitter.com/MrPoppinTwist/status/402402589578653696/photo/1

– The latest issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine featuring WWE Superstar David Otunga on the cover hits newsstands today.

Today my @muscle_fitness cover officially hits newsstands! #OtungaMFCover #DreamsComeTrue pic.twitter.com/CuxQbEpUfe

— David Otunga (@DavidOtunga) November 18, 2013

– In spite of a lengthy absence from the squared circle, David Otunga is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Muscle & Fitness.

Check out @WWE Superstar @DavidOtunga on the cover of this month’s @Muscle_Fitness! #brainsandbrawn pic.twitter.com/rvZNdSbfrp

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 13, 2013

The Harvard-educated attorney, who has not competed on television since the March 18 edition of Raw, resurfaced last month in an interview for WWE.com as he weighed in on Big Show’s counter-lawsuit against The Authority.

– CM Punk saved a message on Twitter from an upset fan about being snubbed by him on Wednesday in Nottingham, England outside the Nottingham Capital FM Arena. Writing to AJ Lee (and not Punk), the message states, “Wish I could of said hello to you today. My mum asked cm punk nicely and he made me and my mum cry. I don’t like him anymore.”

The fan is claiming that as fans were snapping photos of Punk outside the venue, her mother asked Punk permission to do so as well. Punk gave an angry response, as the fan claims he shouted at both of them.

Last week on Twitter, former WWE star Bob “Hardcore” Holly criticized Punk for not being friendlier to fans.

@carlaking900 @CMPunk Yea i will NEVER understand , u all made him who he is, he didnt do it by himself, if not for u, they wouldnt be paid

— Bob Holly (@TheBobHolly) November 5, 2013

– Friday would have marked as the sixty-first birthday of “Macho Man” Randy Savage. The legendary wrestler died of cardiac arrhythmia while driving with his wife in Seminole, Florida on May 20, 2011.

The official YouTube account of WWE 2K14 has released clips previewing the entrances and finishing maneuvers of Cody Rhodes, David Otunga and Yokozuna.

Cody Rhodes

David Otunga

Yokozuna

The video game will be released on Oct. 29 in North America and Nov. 1 in Europe.

-WWE Hall Of Famer Bob Backlund was on the WWE live event loop this weekend, taking photos with fans and signing autographs in the lobby for $30 a piece.

-According to reports, with the reduced financial earnings outlook, there is talk of WWE cutting back on live events, such as taking managers and off the shows to save some money.

-Over the next week, 2K Sports will reveal the 45 matches for their “30 Years Of WrestleMania” mode in the new WWE 2K14 video game.

-According to one source, WWE Superstar David Otunga and his family were spotted at the Disney On Ice show in Chicago this weekend.

WWE Night Of Champions Results

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

-WWE Superstar John Cena recently tweeted his tribute to those effected by the tragedies of 9/11, arguably the worst day in United States history, which took place 12 years ago today. Cena wrote:

On this day, loved ones were lost, heroes were found, and an entire nation filled with mourning and courage stood united. 9/11 #neverforget

-WWE Superstar Zack Ryder tweeted this one:

Never forget…

-WWE Superstar David Otunga tweeted:

It’s been 12 years since the WTC tragedy. R.I.P. to all those who lost their lives in the towers and valiantly trying to save others.

-WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross tweeted:

This date September 11 will always have a special place in my heart. Thoughts & prayers go out to all affected by the tragedy of 911.

-WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel tweeted:

I stop to remember and reflect on the events of 12 yrs ago on this date. We’ll never forget those victims, and continue to stand strong!

-WWE personality Zeb Colter tweeted:

Today is 9/11. Please remember those we lost 12 years ago. Sad day for all Americans…#WeThePeople

24WRESTLING.COM

– In the latest edition of Behind the Match, Kaitlyn reveals her strategy in the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Divas Championship at last year’s Hell in Cell pay-per-view event.

– David Otunga appeared on Between the Ropes to promote the release of The Call—the highest-grossing WWE Studios film of all-time—on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download. The WWE Superstar discussed acting alongside Halle Berry, the sports-entertainment organization’s ongoing youth movement, former tag team partner Curtis Axel, finding a colorful coffee thermos and the clothes to match it, the George Zimmerman court case and more. To listen to the interview, click here.

– Former WWE talent Serena Deeb turns 27-years-old on Saturday. She is now recovered from a serious concussion suffered in late-2011 and has resumed competing for various independent organization.

WWE Superstar David Otunga was recently interviewed by BodyBuilding.com and spoke about what he was doing before he joined WWE.

“I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from University of Illinois, and following that I managed a cognitive neuroscience lab at Columbia University. After that I went to Harvard for law school … and then reality TV came calling, so I starred in VH1’s “I Love NY 2.”

Otunga also spoke on growing up very different than the way he is now.

“I didn’t always look like I do today. Growing up as a kid in Elgin, IL I was short, chubby, I had thick glasses and – to make things worse – I did pretty well in school … Kids used to make fun of my all the time … Everyone just seemed so athletic and so buff, and I just wasn’t … Around my Freshman year I decided to start taking the gym seriously.”

While on the road with WWE, Otunga still finds time to work out at least five times every week.

“Luckily, I’m able to find a gym everywhere we go – that’s my first priority. As soon as I land and get off the plane, the first thing I do is go to the gym … Wednesday’s I’m super tired because I always take the first flight home, but this is my toughest work out. The next day is Thursday, which is usually a chest day. The next day is Friday, which I usually fly back out on the road to do live events. The first thing I’ll do is I find a gym … then I have the show that night, and then we drive to the next city. Which takes us to Saturday; sleep for a few hours, wake up, and then find the gym. Hammer that out, have the show that night, and then drive to the next city.”

– Steve Austin’s latest podcast is online, featuring an interview with Shawn Michaels. [Listen Here]

– David Otunga has been appearing on the HLN Network doing commentary on the ongoing Jodi Arias trial.

– Shawn Michaels will be doing a signing and Q&A Session in Waynesboro, VA on 8/31 promoted. For more information, visit Top Rope Wrestling.

– WWE Champion The Rock will be appearing on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 21st to promote “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” and WrestleMania 29. Based on what we’ve seen at his recent media appearances, expect him to have the new WWE Championship belt in tow for the appearance.

– Michael Cole has announced that he will be a special guest DJ on E Street Radio’s Sirius XM show during WrestleMania 29 week. More details to come.

– As noted yesterday afternoon, WWE Superstar David Otunga appeared on the BET show 106 & Park to promote his new WWE Studios film, The Call. Here’s footage of the appearance:

– Monday’s Raw saw the return of The Bella Twins to WWE, who appeared in a backstage segment with Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow and Kaitlyn. The twin duo had been in contract negotiations with officials from the sports-entertainment organization for approximately two months, with offers triggered by the feeling of lacking depth among the Divas ranks and talent in developmental not being ready to be promoted. Contract offers have also been made to Maryse Ouellet and the former Kelly Kelly, Barbie Blank. Both starlets rejected the company’s overtures, but are believed to still be in negotiations.

• Discussion – What former Divas should WWE bring back? Comment below.

– Promoting Friday’s theater release of WWE Studios’ The Call starring Halle Berry, David Otunga spoke to Arda Ocal of The Baltimore Sun. The WWE Superstar, who plays young gun police officer Jake Devans in the flick, discussed Berry’s sense of humor, loving acting, whether he wants to continue acting, initial impressions from the locker room concerning his Harvard Law degree, head honcho Vince McMahon “hating lawyers,” and more. Regarding his experience filming the movie, Otunga states:

“We shot for a little under two months. The days were great, you get there and they just call you in when you have to do a scene so you get a lot of down time. But you’re in a trailer for a long time, your scenes are laid out for you so you know your lines already, which is a new thing going in for me. In WWE we’re sometimes handed something at the last minute, like ‘here you go to pages’ or ‘oh we’re changing our minds,’ so with this we had the scenes for months. I was comfortable so when it was time to do our scenes they would come and take you to set, we’d knock it out and when you were done you got to go home. It’s easy.”

The full interview is available here.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Former WWE/WCW champion Bill Goldberg has shot down an unfounded Twitter rumor that he has signed a four-year deal with WWE that begins after WrestleMania 29.

No he hasn't RT @WWEnews_25_8: @Goldberg has signed a 4 year contract starting from the 8th of April 2013 until Wrestlemania XXXIII

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) March 13, 2013

– WWE Superstar David Otunga was on the BET show 106 and Park this afternoon.

– Former WWE Diva Eve Torres is selling her first pair of ring-worn “BeliEVE” gold boots. She’s also selling several apparel items that she’s worn on WWE television, which you can view here.

– 2013 WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund visited WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT today. Triple H tweeted on Wednesday afternoon:

Never know when a legend will walk into your office……today, Bob Backlund#HOF2013 pic.twitter.com/zq7tFZ0jhs

— Triple H (@TripleH) March 13, 2013

– WWE superstar David Otunga will be on The Wendy Williams Show on Thursday morning to promote his new movie with Halle Berry, The Call.

– WWEShop.com has released a new gold version of the John Cena “10 Years Strong” t-shirt. Cena wore it during the dark main event at last night’s RAW and is wearing it in the Tout video below: