– WWE confirmed on RAW that WrestleMania 28 will feature a 12-man “Team Laurinaitis vs. Team Long” tag match., with the winning GM getting control of both RAW and SmackDown. On Monday’s RAW, several participants for the match were revealed:
Team Laurinaitis: David Otunga (Captain), Mark Henry
Team Long: Santino Marella (Captain), R-Truth, Kofi Kignston
– It was also announced on RAW that TV personality Maria Menounos is scheduled to be a part of WrestleMania 28 with the Divas. Menounos is scheduled to begin the new season with Dancing with the Stars next Monday night.
Divas Champion Beth Phoenix mentioned on RAW that she might show up to confront Menounos on her TV show Extra.
– WWE planned to announce Mil Mascaras as the latest Hall of Fame inductee on RAW, but the announcement video was not shown due to time constraints. Here’s the video announcing the Mexican legend’s induction:
Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:
The Undertaker wrestling Triple H for the third time at WrestleMania: “Concerned that Taker vs. HHH is their 3rd Wrestlemania bout? Heck, no. Their history is a vital part of the fabric of WWE, their first match was 11 years ago, and the way the match ended last year with Undertaker being carted out of ‘his event’ adds to the drama. These two, great professionals will make it a daunting task for any one to follow them assuming that they don’t go on last which would surprise me. The mere fact that it is quite likely that HHH vs. Taker will NEVER happen again is enough for this fan to want to see WM28.”
Chris Jericho facing CM Punk at WrestleMania XXVIII: “They have many similar traits that I like and respect. I appreciate each man’s journey to the big dance. I respect that even though many ‘experts’ said that neither would ever ‘make it’ that each persevered and have earned star status. However, at the end of the day, their match isn’t, in my view, about who is the best in the world but rather who will leave Miami as the #1 man in WWE, the WWE Champion.”
Will any WCW fixtures such as Sting and Diamond Dallas Page ever get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?: “I’d say that there is a good chance that happens. More and more talents who earned their proverbial stripes outside WWE will be inducted in years to come.”
Who’s the best WWE Diva?: “Assuming this is referring to wresting and if so I’d suggest that would be Beth Phoenix. Like many fans, I’d love to see Beth face @Kharma but I have no idea if that will be at WM28 and could be saved for after April 1 when it would possibly get more focus. Obviously, the talents would love for it to be as a part of WrestleMania and I can’t blame them for that.”
Natalya’s flatulence based persona: “Thoughts on Natalya’s flatulence, TV persona? Likely not something that I would have thought of but I can’t recall any time that Ms Neidhart has been in more discussions or the subject of more questions that she is now. Hopefully, this new found notoriety will lead to bigger and better things for her. She has lots of talent.”
Ross also weighs in on best ‘Bounty’ pro wrestling storylines, if he likes Twitter, WWE’s ongoing General Manager storyline and more. His post is available here.
As previously reported, the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on March 31st (the night before WrestleMania) – but will not air on the USA Network until Monday, April 2nd, as a 1-hour lead-in to RAW.
As of this week, the plan is for the televised ceremony to feature the inductions of Edge and the Four Horsemen only.
It is still expected that former WWE champion Yokozuna will be announced as on of the final members of the Class of 2012. The deceased Samoan/sumo warrior will be inducted by his cousin, The Rock.
Edge is scheduled to be inducted last by Christian.
The Horsemen will be inducted by Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Dusty Rhodes
There was a push include Dusty on the Horsemen induction because he had some legendary wars with the Horsemen back in the 1980s.
Because Hall of Fame speeches tend to run long, both Edge and the Horsemen have been given a 10 minute time limit on their speeches.
– WWE RAW Supershow on Monday, April 23rd, 2012 will be a 3-hour episode, airing from 8 to 11 PM on the USA Network.
– The 2012 WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony on will air prior to RAW the night after WrestleMania on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 8 PM on the USA Network.
– Lucha Libre USA Masked Warriors hits the road this March, with live events in Nevada in California:
March 23 – Reno, NV – Reno Events Center:
March 25 – Stockton, CA – Stockton Arena:
March 30 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion:
Check out Ticketmaster.com for ticket information. More dates will be announced soon.
(Credit to Devin Cutting of prowrestlingevents.tk)
As reported earlier this week, WWE is expected to hold off until after Elimination Chamber before announcing the final members of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012.
WrestleZone.com broke the news last month that former WWE champion Yokozuna will be inducted this year.
Ron “DAMN!” Simmons, recognized as the first African American World champion (WCW), is also scheduled to join the Hall this year.
With those names set, here is the updated roster for this year’s class, including the inductors:
– The Four Horsemen (To be inducted by Triple H & Shawn Michaels)
– Edge (To be inducted by Christian)
– Mike Tyson (To be inducted by Steve Austin)
– Mil Mascaras (To be inducted by his nephew, Alberto Del Rio)
– Ron Simmons (To be inducted by JBL)
– Yokozuna (To be inducted by The Rock)
The 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place the night before WrestleMania on Saturday, March 31st from Miami, FL.
– WWE will present another live SmackDown show on SyFy on Tuesday, February 21st from Rockford, IL. WWE will kick off the full-force build to WrestleMania that week with 7 hours of live programming between Elimination Chamber, RAW and SmackDown.
– If it is announced that basketball legend Shaquille O’NealI will be appearing at WrestleMania, the big man would appear on the March 5th RAW Supershow from Boston. The Rock is already confirmed for that show..
– The 2012 WWE Hall of Fame announcements for Ron Simmons and the late Yokozuna will likely be held off WWE TV until after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that former WWE superstar Edge and legendary stable The Four Horsemen will be part of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012.
Edge’s induction corresponds with the releases of his WWE Studios film, Breaking The Rules and a DVD set on his career.
The Four Horsemen as a group will be inducted into the 2012 Hall of Fame class from Miami, Florida. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard and Barry Windham will be inducted as the group. No word yet if Flair will be there for the induction.
As we’ve been reporting in recent months, there are plans for WWE to build a physical Hall of Fame building some time in 2012, similar to baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
WWE is currently looking at sites in both the North East as well as Florida and hopes to jumpstart the project in 2012. Aside from highlighting the careers of past superstars, divas and company officials who have been inducted in previous years, the building would also showcase historic company memorabilia.
WWE has warehouses full of of company memorabilia (various props, ring aprons, event banners, etc.) and the company is currently on the hunt to purchase other historic items which they do not currently own.
The WWE website ran an article this week speculating which items from past WrestleMania events should be on display at the Hall of Fame building, including Rowdy Roddy Piper’s boxing gloves from WrestleMania 2, [what’s left of] the battle royal trophy Bret Hart destroyed at WrestleMania 4, the zipline Shawn Michaels used at WrestleMania 12 and more.
We want to know – would you visit a WWE Hall of Fame? If you did not live near it – would you be willing to travel to the Hall of Fame? Hit up the Comments below and let us know.
On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that next week’s special 3-hour episode will be “WWE All Star Night” – featuring appearances from WWE legends.
The show, which will will take place from Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum , will feature talent from both RAW and SmackDown, as well as a special appearance from WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
WWE’s “All Star Night” is designed to promote the WWE All Stars videogame, which was released back in March prior to WrestleMania XXVII.
— As of Monday morning, fourth row ringside tickets were available for next week’s SmackDown taping at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. This comes on the heels of WWE canceling this past weekend’s SmackDown live events due to poor ticket sales.
— The movie 12-24, which stars former WCW talent Rob Kellum (a/k/a The Maestro), won the award for Best Feature over the weekend at the Pittsburgh Horror Film Festival in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
— WWE Hall of Famer Sunny has been announced for the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center 5555 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois. The event takes place August 11th – 14th.
WWE has released the following backstage videos featuring the Class of 2011 members talking about joining wrestling’s most prestigious Hall of Fame.
SEScoops.com was at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and have posted a batch of 25 exclusive photos from the historic event – including a surprise reunion from the Kliq – Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman. Check those pictures out here.
Wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino spoke to Atlanta’s Creative Loafing publication this week and was asked once again why he will not accept a WWE invitation to join the Hall of Fame.
“First of all, when they started all this garbage with the nudity and these girls always having accidents where a bra will fall off or whatever, then the vulgarity and the Kiss My Butt Club, and the profanity that they use and stuff like that, I find all that appalling and I was very, very outspoken. Then the drug use, of course, was the most appalling for me. So what kind of a person would I be to accept that ridiculous Hall of Fame after being as outspoken as I was? I think it would be very hypocritical on my part and I would never accept that because I don’t believe in it.”
He did however, leave a faint possibility of him working with WWE again as part of the Hall of Fame:
“I guess one should never say never, but I would have to see an awful lot of change before I would even think of it. A lot more than what I’m seeing now.”
Considering how far WWE has come toning down their product as part of the current “PG era,” one has to wonder how much more change Sammartino is looking for before he’s willing to consider entering the Hall of Fame.
It was announced on Monday’s RAW that the “Original WWE Diva” Tammy “Sunny” Sytch will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011.
Sunny had rumored for this year’s Hall of Fame for several weeks and has denied those reports all along, up until this past weekend.
Already announced for this year’s show are Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Bullet Bob Armstrong and of course, the Shawn Michaels.
What do you guys think about how this year’s Hall of Fame Class is shaping up? Who else should be added in the coming weeks? COMMENT BELOW and let us know.
Warning: The following contains a minor spoiler for Monday’s episode of WWE RAW:
B.G. James, best known as former New Age Outlaw member “Road Dogg” Jesse James, tweeted the following (@BGRoadDoggJames) on Monday about his father, wrestling legend “Bullet” Bob Armstrong:
“Look for Bob Armstrong package on Raw tonight. Fifty years in the business.”
Armstrong will join Shawn Michaels and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan as part of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011.
Armstrong has been rumored for the Hall of Fame for weeks and his inclusion this year was considered a lock once his son Scott Armstrong was recently rehired as a WWE referee.
– Aside from Shawn Michaels and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, other names The Road Warriors – Hawk and Animal, Abdullah The Butcher, Sunny and Bullet Bob Armstrong. Armstrong going into the Hall this year is the reason that WWE hired referee Scott Armstrong back over the weekend.
– Steve Austin wrote the following on Twitter last night about Tough Enough:
“it was a rough day at Tough Enough…lots of stuff going on…trainers are working hard with every one…it has been a lot of fun.”
– Several readers in the California area sent in word that a promo aired on RAW last night during a commercial saying that Sheamus and Triple H will wrestle in two weeks.
On RAW, it was announced that Hacksaw Jim Duggan will be joining Shawn Michaels in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011. Duggan tweeted the following on Monday night:
“I MADE IT TOUGH GUYS! WWE HALL OF FAME HERE I COME! HooOoOo! USA! USA! (thumbs up, waving American flag, stomping around, tongue out, wink)”
“Cracking a bottle of lake water in celebration! Thanks to all you tough guys! USA! USA! USA! (kisses 2×4)”
“Really happy my #1 tough guy “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase is going to be inducting this tough guy into The Hall of Fame! (thumbs up)”
Several friends of Hacksaw’s friends also tweeted about his induction:
Howard Finkel: “Congrats to my buddy Hacksaw Jim Dugaan on his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, Class of 2011!!”
The Honky Tonk Man: “Congrats to Hacksaw Jim Duggan going into the WWE HOF. HTM Team”
Charlie Haas: “Congrats Hackksaw. Well deserved. A class act.”
Congrats to Hacksaw Jim Duggan … Now, can we get a “USA! USA!” chant up in here?
– At Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Trish Stratus made a surprise return to WWE, where it was announced she’ll be joining Booker T as one of the trainers on the new season of Tough Enough. Later in the show, Trish came to the aid of Kelly Kelly, who was getting beat down by LayCool.
With Trish back in the mix and aligning herself with Kelly Kelly, there is talk that Trish and Kelly will team up to wrestle LayCool at WrestleMania 27.
– Speaking of Trish, she wrote the following on Twitter last night about her WWE return:
“OMG I’m trending! Everyone must want to find out what not to wear when u kick ass. I had so much fun delivering Stratusfaction-I missed all of u guys! Can’t tell u how much ur support means to me!!”
– Another name for the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame is expected to be announced on tonight’s RAW. Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, The Road Warriors, Abdullah The Butcher, Lex Luger and Arn Anderson are all names that have been discussed for this year’s class.
– The fourth coach for WWE’s new Tough Enough season is expected to be Bill DeMott, best known as Hugh Morris in WCW. DeMott was a trainer on Season 3 of Tough Enough and has been in touch with WWE officials in recent weeks.
It’s also been reported that each episode of Tough Enough will feature an appearance from a current WWE Superstar or Diva.
– Steve Austin met with officials from WWE and Tough Enough yesterday in Venice, California. Austin wrote on Twitter:
“Had a great meeting with Tough Enough and WWE folks today…this show is going to be very cool and and thats the bottom line…”
– Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston has been discussed for WWE’s next pay-per-view event, Elimination Chamber.
– THQ had WWE All Stars setup backstage in the locker room at Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble. WWE talent and management were said to be very impressed with the game, which hits stores in the United States on March 28th, the Tuesday before WrestleMAnia.
– There are very limited tickets left for the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta during WrestleMania 27 weekend.
– Speaking of the Hall of Fame, we’ve heard that former WCW champion Lex Luger has been in talks with WWE about being involved in WrestleMania weekend, likely the Hall of Fame ceremony.
With Shawn Michaels locked in as the first member of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011, several other big names have been considered – and many of them have strong ties to WCW.
Among those considered for this year’s ceremony include Arn Anderson, Dean Malenko, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, Madusa and The Honky Tonk Man, who turned it down last year because he had a prior commitment that paid better.
Vince McMahon reportedly wants to induct former rival Ted Turner, but most within WWE do not expect Turner to accept the invitation.
WWE officials will make a push for Sting to be inducted if he doesn’t re-sign with TNA, but he’s expected to stay with TNA for another year.
As previously reported, Bill Goldberg’s name has also come up – for the Hall of Fame and a possible match.
— Shawn Michaels was announced tonight on Raw by Jerry “The King” Lawler as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2011. He took to Twitter to comment on the honor, writing: “Surprise! Surprise! Seriously, thanks to all of u for making my career such a joy. I will carry those moments w/me all my life. Thx 4 sharing it w/me.”
The term “HBK HBK HBK” topped Twitter’s worldwide trend list shortly after the announcement. “Shawn Michaels” and “Sweet Chin Music” also trended.
— F4WOnline.com reports that tonight’s WWE Hall of Fame inductee announcement is one of “three big ones” that have been finalized.
— To update The Undertaker’s health situation, the dead man began physical therapy following recent rotator cuff surgery. He was backstage at the TLC pay-per-view last month and was said to be in good spirits and good physical shape.
WWE and The Undertaker remains optimistic about his chances of working WrestleMania 27, although him being healthy by then is a “best case” scenario. As has been discussed before, the possibility exists of the Undertaker working in a tag match if he’s not able to wrestle singles.
— Last week’s episode of WWE Smackdown on SyFy drew a 1.95 cable rating and averaged 2,845,000 viewers for the 2-hour broadcast.. That is the show’s best rating since moving to Syfy.
– Former WCW World Television Champion Arn Anderson is now considered a lock to be inducted individually into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class WrestleMania weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE officials previously contemplated inducting him into the Hall as part of a group with the Four Horsemen, but the idea is now considered dead.