– Wade Barrett turns 32-years-old on Friday. WWE aired a vignette on Raw promoting his televised return, and he proclaimed that he had to go back to his roots in underground fighting to rediscover himself. He returned to action in a dark match Tuesday prior to the evening’s SmackDown taping and is currently overseas with the SmackDown brand for their weekend tour of Asia. He is expected to return to WWE programming following SummerSlam.
Also celebrating birthdays Friday are Amish Roadkill, who turns 36-years-old and Fred Ottman (a/k/a Tugboat and Typhoon), who turns 56.
– Ezekiel Jackson was asked on Twitter whether he would consider changing or tweaking his finishing maneuver, the Torture Rack. He responded, “it aint broke y fix it?”
– WWE.com has published a list counting down the top 20 Superstar summers of all-time based on a “single championship triumph, major upset or spontaneous decision.” The list is as follows:
20. The Nexus (2010)
19. Ultimate Warrior (1988)
18. John “Bradshaw” Layfield (2004)
17. John Cena (2006)
16. The Undertaker (1998)
15. Hulk Hogan (1989)
14. Kurt Angle (2003)
13. Mankind (1996)
12. Batista (2005)
11. Shawn Michaels (1996)
10. Triple H (2003)
9. Bret “Hit Man” Hart (1997)
8. Edge & Christian (2000)
7. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (1998)
6. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (1991)
5. Randy Orton (2009)
4. The Rock (2000)
3. British Bulldog (1992)
2. Brock Lesnar (2002)
1. CM Punk (2011).
Comment below and tell us what you think of the list.
– The Wrestling Observer has compiled data on the most popular or most talked about professional wrestling performers in the first six months of 2012, based on Google activity and searches, and among female wrestling talent, AJ garnered the most interest in the United States by a considerable margin. She is trailed by Eve Torres, Velvet Sky, Vickie Guerrero, Beth Phoenix, Mickie James and Gail Kim. No other female talents gained substantial interest.
Though not foolproof, the rankings are a good gauge of how “over” somebody legitimately is with the general public, as well as whether WWE and TNA Wrestling’s promotional efforts are working.
– WWE will hold a Raw live event in Hartford, Connecticut at XL Center on Saturday, October 21, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
– Ezekiel Jackson, who WWE has not utilized in recent weeks, stated on Twitter that he will be returning to the ring “soon.”
– WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
– Tensai made a racial remark in his first Tout video post. Noting he was traveling with his personal chauffeur Sakamoto to Indianapolis—the site of tonight’s SmackDown taping—following Raw, he remarks it’s “very, very dangerous” to drive with a Japanese person. He then slaps Sakamoto as he’s driving and orders him “to open his eyes.”
– WWE.com has uploaded a playlist of The Road Warriors’ greatest moments. Highlights include defeating The Nasty Boys to win the WWF Tag Team Championship, clashing with The Midnight Express in the dangerous Scaffold Match, a WarGames Match against The Four Horsemen at The Great American Bash in 1987, a match against Harlem Heat in 1996 and more.
– Ezekiel Jackson, who has sparingly appeared at WWE events in recent weeks, noted on Twitter that he will not be on hand for tonight’s SmackDown taping in Indianapolis, Indiana.
– Alicia Fox paid a visit to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health on Tuesday prior to SmackDown. The WWE Diva sent out a Tout noting her appearance.
Ezekiel Jackson was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in San Diego, California, but not used.
Once a protected figure in WWE’s midcard scene, the Guyanese wrestler’s role in the company has been greatly curtailed in recent weeks. He has only competed in three televised matches through June and July, all of which he lost. He also no longer appears on house shows after a lengthy stretch of being regularly used. Despite his wrestling struggles, he maintains a positive attitude.
Jackson tweeted this week, “I’ve crossed the 200k followers threshold… thanks for following me here on twitter and my life and career.. “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. — AYN RAND.”
– This week on WWE Inbox, Alicia Fox, Darren Young, Dolph Ziggler, Ezekiel Jackson and Titus O’Neil reveal what they would be doing if they weren’t affiliated with WWE. The WWE Superstars also discuss their favorite WrestleMania.
– WWE.com announced Wednesday details for SummerSlam Axxess taking place Saturday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Nokia Plaza at L.A. LIVE. Among those scheduled for VIP appearances include CM Punk, Sheamus, Triple H, Randy Orton, John Cena and Rey Mysterio, who has not returned to television following the expiration of his 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program.
– Former WWE talent Bobby Lashley and Harry Smith are advertised to appear at the Fighting Back – Wrestling With Cancer show taking place Friday, Aug. 17 at Tudor Hall 3750 North Bowesville Rd. Ottawa, Ontario.
– Former WWE announcer Jack Korpela issued a survey to his Twitter followers asking which current WWE or TNA Wrestling Superstar has the most potential to be a major “crossover” star. When a person named CM Punk, he responded, “CM Punk has the in ring talent and great mic skills. Could use a few more pounds of muscle though.”
Another person vouched for Punk’s potential. Korpela reiterated, “He’s damn good. Needs to improve physique though. Hogan, Rock, Austin all looked the part.”
When a person named Dolph Ziggler, Korpela said his height works against him. He wrote, “Is an amazing talent. Great physique, charisma and mic skills. Only thing working against him is he isn’t tall.” However, he then clarified, “Ziggler has it all and he CAN make it. All I’m saying is it’s harder for the smaller guys to get over.”
– Ezekiel Jackson was backstage at last Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Columbia, South Carolina, but not used. He also did not participate in this weekend’s SmackDown live event tour. He stated on Twitter that he will be attending tomorrow’s SmackDown taping in Manchester, New Hampshire.
– Vince McMahon was reportedly encouraged by YouTube viewing numbers for the United States Championship Match between Santino Marella and The Miz before Extreme Rules. He felt with more promotion the numbers could be even higher.
– Ezekiel Jackson responded to a Twitter user relaying an online rumor that misbehavior backstage resulted in WWE abandoning plans to push the SmackDown Superstar again. He wrote, “Wow, and u witnessed this? Or rumours?”
– The May 5 episode of A.M. Raw garnered a 0.61 cable rating, with 723,000 viewers.
(Sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider)
Ezekiel Jackson, who prides himself in being “The Personification of Domination,” has struggled mightily since dropping the WWE Intercontinental Championship to Cody Rhodes in August. Once a protected figure in WWE’s midcard scene, the Guyanese grappler has been relegated to WWE Superstars and non-televised bouts since dropping the strap—the majority of which he has lost. After being left off SmackDown again last week, the WWE Superstar posted a candid YouTube video acknowledging his recent struggles. However, he vows to turn things around with a “new and improved Ezekiel Jackson.”
“So I just watched SmackDown and realized that, another week, no Ezekiel Jackson. It’s been eight months since I lost my title to Cody Rhodes and since then it’s been more of a downward spiral than anything. Had a few disappointments, more than I expect from myself. I haven’t been The Personification of Domination. I think that’s going to change. It’s definitely going to change,” he says.
“Beginning this week I’m going to invite you guys on a journey. Follow me, see what I’m about to do. I’m going to change everything about me, starting from the inside. I heard a quote by Deion Sanders and it said, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” The pay I’m looking for is one of the major championships of the WWE. The feel I want is just that elation from the crowd when they see the new and improved Ezekiel Jackson.”
— Ezekiel Jackson beat Hunico via Torture Rack in the first match held Thursday night at WrestleMania Axxess in Miami, Florida. In a battle of WWE developmental wrestlers, Seth Rollins defeated Dean Ambrose in the second bout. Rollins obtained the victory in the seven-minute match following a foot stomp to Ambrose’s head.
— Alicia Fox, David Otunga, Lilian Garcia, Rey Mysterio and The Miz joined “American Idol’s” James Durbin, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and the Miami Dolphins’ Twan Russell and “T.D.” at Miami’s Hialeah Gardens and JFK Middle Schools Thursday to spread the word of anti-bullying and tolerance.
The Miz discussed the barrage of insults he gets over social media every day, and how he uses positivity to counter it. “Every time you have a negative thought or are going to post a negative tweet ,” the former WWE Champion said. “I challenge you to do something positive, say something positive. I guarantee you and that person will feel great about themselves.”
WWE.com has published articles from both events here and here.
— WWE posted this photo Wednesday of Rey Mysterio meeting media in Miami, Florida. The account tweeted, “Rey Mysterio talks to Telemundo @holtzchildren @jhsmiami about meeting the kids at the hospital.”
Mysterio stated in recent months that he hoped to return from injury in time for WrestleMania XXVIII, but a match did not come to fruition.
— WWE.com has published an article officially announcing Randy Orton’s starring role in The Marine: Homefront, the third installment of WWE Studios’ Marine franchise. Fans will be able to get a first look at production of the film during this weekend’s WrestleMania Axxess in Miami, where fans can audition for a small role in the screenplay.
Production for the straight-to-video release begins June 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Orton plays a Marine who must rescue his kidnapped daughter.
— Numerous WWE stars were on hand for Lilian Garcia’s concert Wednesday evening at the Gibson Miami Showroom including Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Vickie Guerrero, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel, Maxine, Titus O’Neil, Aksana and John Laurinaitis.
– To follow up on CM Punk and singer Chris Brown exchanging insults on Twitter over the weekend, Punk re-tweeted a comment from a fan that stated Punk and Brown should compete in an MMA fight with 5 minute rounds.
– The segment on Monday’s RAW between The Undertaker and Triple H ran 8-9 minutes longer than it was scheduled for, which led to WWE taking time away from the Divas tag match and John Cena’s ring entrance.
– Ezekiel Jackson was recently considered for another push, but it appears those plans have been nixed. After losing clean to David Otunga on RAW, Jackson has lost 5 straight televised matches and has yet to win a televised match this year.
— Accounts of Husky Harris competing at Sunday’s SmackDown live event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are incorrect as it was WWE developmental wrestler Calvin Raines who partnered with Drew McIntyre in a tag team match against Ezekiel Jackson and Trent Barreta.
Jackson was asked on Twitter who his opponent at the event was and he replied Calvin Raines.
— Dennis Haskins, who was known as Mr. Belding on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, Saved by the Bell and Saved by the Bell: The New Class, will appear on AfterBuzzTV.com’s post-show for Raw tonight alongside former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis. The program airs at www.ustream.tv/afterbuzztv immediately following Raw.
Haskins, who is now 61 years old, is pushing a petition on Twitter for the Mr. Belding character to be instated as the General Manager and/or principal of Raw.
— WWE will hold a Raw live event at the EA Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky on Saturday, March 24, 2012.
— Next Friday on the first SmackDown of 2012, World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan will put his title on the line against Big Show and Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his coveted gold against Booker T.
— Following an unsuccessful stint on Raw, Drew McIntyre returned to Smackdown on Friday’s show. His resolve and worth was called into question by Teddy Long in a backstage segment as the General Manager matched him up against Ezekiel Jackson. If McIntyre couldn’t win, Long said he’d have to start thinking about letting him go. While McIntyre argued with the referee about having his feet on the second rope during an attempted pinfall, Jackson swooped in and grabbed him by the tights to roll him up for the win.
After the match, McIntyre demanded that Long not count the match as a loss, claiming the referee was biased. Long would retort that he disliked losers, but especially ones who make excuses.
— Shelly Martinez posted a video fulfilling Dolph Ziggler’s request to the “Blue Meanie Dance.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel handled ring announcing duties at this week’s Raw live events.
— The following matches were taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for this week’s episode of NXT Redemption:
* Johnny Curtis vs. Yoshi Tatsu
* Jimmy Uso vs. JTG
* Percy Watson and Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young and Tyler Reks
— The following matches were taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Jinder Mahal vs. Trent Barreta
* Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyson Kidd
— A Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza employee told an attendee at tonight’s WWE television tapings that the event drew 4,000 fans. This is approximately half the venue’s capacity.
— Cody Rhodes is advertised to defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Booker T at the December 29 SmackDown live event at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York.
It had been rumored in recent weeks that the six-time world champion would be returning to the squared circle for a program with Rhodes.
— During filming for their “Day in the Life” for WWE.com, Beth Phoenix and Natalya become stranded when Eve steals their car. A story and video footage of the angle can be accessed here.
— Ezekiel Jackson beat a local competitor in a dark match prior to tonight’s television tapings in Greenville, South Carolina.
— The official website of Florida Championship Wrestling has added Jake Carter to their roster page. He is Jesse White, son of former WWE star Vader. He signed a developmental contract with WWE in April following a tryout at the organization’s developmental facility in Tampa, Florida.
White, 25, originally committed to the University of Oklahoma and was touted for the National Football League, but retired following a hip injury. He then followed his dad’s footsteps to the world of professional wrestling.
— Theodore Long kicked off Friday’s SmackDown by announcing that the first match of the night would feature 41 Superstars in the largest Battle Royal in WWE history. Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis then revealed the winner would earn a title match against the champion of his choosing.
Randy Orton won the 41-Man No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal, last eliminating The Miz. Battle Royal elimination order is as follows: 1. Cody Rhodes, 2. Johnny Curtis, 3. JTG, 4. Michael McGillicutty, 5. Derrick Bateman, 6. Yoshi Tatsu, 7. Titus O’Neil, 8. Matt Striker, 9. William Regal, 10. Percy Watson, 11. John Morrison, 12. Dolph Ziggler, 13. Trent Barreta, 14. Jey Uso, 15. Ted DiBiase, 16. Tyson Kidd, 17. Daniel Bryan, 18. Tyler Reks, 19. Curt Hawkins, 20. Drew McIntrye, 21. Justin Gabriel, 22. Mason Ryan, 23. Primo, 24. Santino Marella, 25. Alex Riley, 26. Kofi Kingston, 27. Zack Ryder, 28. David Otunga, 29. Jimmy Uso, 30. Ezekiel Jackson, 31. Heath Slater, 32. Sin Cara (Negro), 33. Christian, 34. R-Truth , 35. CM Punk, 36. Sheamus, 37. Wade Barrett, 38. Jack Swagger, 39. Jinder Mahal, 40. The Miz.
— Matches taped tonight in Dallas, Texas for this week’s episode of NXT: Redemption are as follows: A.J. vs. Maxine, Derrick Bateman vs. Percy Watson, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks.
A match pitting former Corre teammates Ezekiel Jackson and Heath Slater was taped for WWE Superstars. Matches taped last night in Oklahoma City were Alex Riley vs. Drew McIntyre and JTG vs. Santino Marella.
— Want to have a cyber friend date with Shelly Martinez? Have something you been wanting to ask? Just want to get to know her in a more personal way? Buy some time and have her all to yourself!
Shelly is offering cyber friend dates through ShellyMartinez.org, which allows people to purchase time with the former WWE Diva. Those who book cyber friend dates for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for next week get a two-for-one special: Shelly and Amber O’Neal.
— Matches taped tonight in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are as follows:
* Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyson Kidd
* Brodus Clay vs. Mike Palmer
— WWE developmental wrestler Percy Watson appears on tonight’s episode of NXT: Redemption as he partners with Titus O’Neil in a tag team match against Derrick Bateman and Tyson Kidd. The NXT Season 2 contestant returned to WWE programming on last week’s episode of WWE Superstars as he and O’Neil lost a tag team match to Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks.
Other matches slated for NXT include:
* A.J. vs. Maxine
* Darren Young and JTG vs. Matt Striker and William Regal
— Cody Rhodes captured the Intercontinental Championship from Ezekiel Jackson last night on SmackDown.
After numerous head butts with his protective face mask and a key distraction by his associate Ted DiBiase, Rhodes executed a springboard kick on Ezekiel Jackson. The second generation wrestler then finished off Jackson with the Cross Rhodes to capture his first singles title in WWE.
— The Sin Cara character returned to WWE programming last night on SmackDown with developmental talent Hunico donning the mask. Hunico carries more body fat than the original Sin Cara, who was suspended last month due to a violation of WWE’s drug testing policy.
The SmackDown broadcast team made note of the noticeable physique change, with Josh Mathews saying it appeared Sin Cara put on some weight during his hiatus. The character was temporarily written off television via an injury angle at Money in the Bank.
— Johnny Curtis – winner of WWE NXT season four – was squashed by Mark Henry in his debut match on SmackDown.
— WWE.com has announced that Ezekiel Jackson will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Cody Rhodes on this week’s episode of SmackDown.
The synopsis reads: “After competing in a brutal Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Cody Rhodes takes on Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson for his title this week on SmackDown. Can Rhodes seize the opportunity, or will the “Personification of Domination” prevail?”
— Randy Orton will participate in a live radio interview with the 93X Half-Assed Morning Show Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. CT. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion will be promoting the evening’s SmackDown taping at the Target Center. Fans can listen live at 93x.com.
“The Viper” made several controversial remarks during a radio interview last month as he candidly discussed his past drug abuse, knocked the actresses who have portrayed his wife on television, claimed The Rock needs a teleprompter to cut his promos and besmirched Divas Champion Kelly Kelly.
— WWE will be holding a SmackDown live event at the Bilbao Arena in Bilbao, Spain on Thursday, November 3, 2011.
— Sin Cara suffered his first WWE loss last night on SmackDown as he was downed by Christian following the spear. Sin Cara picked up thirteen consecutive victories on television and pay-per-view prior to the loss.
— The Great Khali’s brother Ranjin Singh revealed on SmackDown that Jinder Mahal is their brother-in-law.
— Cody Rhodes pinned Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson in a non-title match on SmackDown, ending his ten match winning streak on television and pay-per-view.
— Wade Barrett lost to Kane last night on SmackDown, extending his losing streak to twelve consecutive losses on television and pay-per-view.
— Ted DiBiase lost to Daniel Bryan last night on SmackDown, extending his losing streak to seven consecutive losses on television.
— WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of SmackDown: “The relentless brutality of Mark Henry comes face-to-face with World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton tonight on SmackDown. Has The World’s Strongest Man become something that even The Viper can’t stop?”
Other matches taking place include Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase, Sin Cara vs. Christian, Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes and Kane vs. Wade Barrett.
— Dolph Ziggler took to Twitter to comment on online reports that he took adult film star BiBi Jones on a date after meeting her at a Britney Spears concert last week.
He wrote, “Wow! To anyone it may concern: no, i am NOT dating anyone! and YES I do frequently listen to Britney Spears!”
— Yoshi Tatsu celebrates his 34th birthday today. In yesterday’s birthdays, Alicia Fox turned 25, Cody Rhodes turned 26 and WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk turned 67.
It was announced at tonight’s SmackDown taping in Nashville, Tennessee that Randy Orton will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Christian at WWE Over the Limit on May 22.
Later during the show, Wade Barrett challenged Ezekiel Jackson to an Intercontinental Championship Match at the event.
The announced card is as follows:
“I Quit” Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena (c) vs. The Miz
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Randy Orton (c) vs. Christian
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole (Jerry Lawler will give up his WWE Hall of Fame ring to Michael Cole in the event of a loss.)
Intercontinental Championship Match
Wade Barrett (c) vs. Ezekiel Jackson
— After getting beat down by the Corre on last week’s episode of SmackDown, Ezekiel Jackson worked as a babyface at Saturday night’s SmackDown live event in Pensacola, Florida, teaming with WWE Tag Team Champion Kane. The oversized duo defeated Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.
It appears that WWE is going through with the babyface turn that’s been rumored for Ezekiel Jackson for the past several weeks. As we’ve been reporting, the SmackDown brand is light on babyface talent, so Jackson breaking off from the Corre appears to be an effort to remedy that situation.
— Rosa Mendes, who has been portrayed as a babyface character in recent months, was reverted back to the dark side. She appeared as a heel character against babyface Natalya at last night’s SmackDown live event in Pensacola, Florida. The third generation wrestler beat Mendes via Sharpshooter.
Mendes’ sudden turn can be attributed to the shortage of heel Divas on SmackDown. Layla established herself as a babyface on Friday’s episode of SmackDown, leaving Alicia Fox as the lone heel on the brand. However, Fox suffered a shoulder injury at the television taping after taking a clothesline from Kharma and therefore is out of action. Meanwhile, Kharma is working this weekend’s Raw live event tour. This leaves Mendes as the lone active heel Diva on SmackDown.
— WWE launched a program between Sin Cara and Chavo Guerrero on Friday’s episode of SmackDown as the third generation wrestler shook Cara’s hand following his victory over Tyson Kidd. In their first match together, Cara beat Guerrero at last night’s SmackDown live event in Pensacola, Florida.
— The title for WWE’s upcoming DVD release on Rey Mysterio is Rey Mysterio: The Life of a Masked Man. It is scheduled for release on July 12. The synopsis is as follows:
“For the first time ever, Rey Mysterio sits down and reviews his historic career, reflecting on his greatest matches and moments. This all-new interview features exclusive and candid comments from the Ultimate Underdog on his Sports Entertainment path through ECW, WCW, and WWE; his rivalries with Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, CM Punk; his thoughts on battling men almost twice his size, and his emotional Cruiserweight, Intercontinental, and World Championship runs.”
— Big Show appears on Supah Ninjas tonight at 8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon.
— WWE has a live event scheduled for Stockton, California on Sunday, August 7.
— Ezekiel Jackson celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday.
