– It was announced last week that Curtis Axel would defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Big E Langston tonight in the WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff, which streams live at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. However, it now appears that the match has been nixed, as the match is no longer advertised on the Hell in a Cell page on WWE.com, not to mention that the page previewing the match, has been deleted.
No match is being advertised for the WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff, with the following stated: “Find out who will be the next WWE Champion and watch John Cena’s in-ring return when WWE Hell in a Cell airs live on pay-per-view tonight at 8 ET/5 PT, and don’t forget to check out the Kickoff, which streams live at 7:30 ET/4:30 PT!”
– Konnan, who is always vocal about WWE on his podcast and on Twitter, feels a number of WWE Superstars should be removed from television—due to poor performance and/or lack of marketability. In response to a fan on Twitter asking him which two talents should be written off television, he responded with eight, including reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel, all three members of 3MB, and three WWE Divas.
“Brad Maddox, JoJo, Rosa, 3MB, Axel, Aksana, would write dem off,” said Konnan.
Konnan, however, is high on two wrestlers he feels are underutilized. In response to a question asking who should be pushed, he stated, “Ziggler and Cesaro.”
– Tonight at WWE Hell in a Cell, Cody Rhodes and Goldust will defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against the team of Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, as well as Jey and Jimmy Uso. Rollins vows to reclaim the gold.
“Tonight is for reclamation. @WWEUsos & the #RhodesDynasty may be bonded by blood, but talent outperforms tradition. Believe that. #HIAC,” he wrote on Twitter.
– At the conclusion of this morning’s edition of WWE Saturday Morning Slam on The CW, John Cena appeared in the backstage area and announced that he would making his in-ring debut on next week’s show. After issuing an open challenge to anyone in WWE, 3MB showed up. Heath Slater said the kids are going to be so happy to see John, and that he has accepted his challenge.
– Nicole and Brianna, formerly known as The Bella Twins, appear for Connecticut Wrestling Entertainment on Saturday, December 15 at the Bethany Town Hall in Bethany, Connecticut as they demonstrate their managerial duties for the fans in attendance. Prior to the show, the former WWE Divas Champions will appear at Ken’s Cards in Berlin, Connecticut. The following video message was released promoting their CTWE appearance.
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart will appear at Sound of Heaven 30 Eastern Ave. Dee Park, New York, tomorrow from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
– Promoting his ongoing Fozzy tour of the United Kingdom, Chris Jericho spoke to Staffordshire University broadcast journalism student Will Piper of the Staffordshire Newsletter. When asked about a potential return to WWE, the six-time world champion replied, “I’m not quite done with wrestling yet. Never say never.”
On performing before a sold-out crowd Tuesday night at “The Underground,” Jericho said, “Stoke was great last night, it was awesome to start the tour with a sold out show. I always get nervous, but it’s good to have that nervous energy. Stoke’s a great city and I’m glad to be back, it was a good show and thanks to everyone for coming out.” The full interview is available here.
– NXT will be holding its first live events outside of Florida next March. The shows take place on March 8 at the Rainwater Center in Valdosta, Georgia and March 9 at the Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.
– 3MB members Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater are scheduled for an autograph signing at tomorrow’s NXT live event at Largo Minregg Hall 6340 126th Ave N, Largo, Florida. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
– WWE.com has an article up article looking at whether Ryback is ready for Survivor Series & his Triple Threat WWE title match against CM Punk and John Cena.
– Heath Slater noted on Twitter that his new finishing move is called the Smash Hit.
– Jim Ross has once again shot down the rumor of Steve Austin wrestling at WrestleMania 29, telling a fan on Friday, “Not likely.”
– Damien Sandow spoke with Brian Soscia of BeneathTheMat.com to hype Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. Sandow also gave an update on the health status of his tag team partner, Cody Rhodes:
– There is said to be interest on WWE’s part in signing independent wrestler Ricky Reyes, whose multiple tryouts with company officials have been well received. The word among WWE cirles is that William Regal and Triple H were both complimentary of his work and that creative writers were discussing potential character ideas for him a few weeks ago.
– In a change to Sunday’s Survivor Series Pre-Show contest, the official WWE website announced Thursday that Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd will square off against two members of 3MB. Gabriel and Kidd replace Santino Marella and Zack Ryder in the bout. Slater remarked on the change via Twitter, stating, “Looks like our opponents have changed. No worries, #3MB is ready for anyone. Prepare for your face to be melted.”
– Two dark matches were held before Thursday’s set of WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Layla beat Alicia Fox and Fandango defeated Garrett Dylan.
– Sin Cara appears at HH Gregg 8921 US 31 S., Indianapolis, Indiana, tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Call 317-888-2192 for more information.
– In a change to Sunday’s Survivor Series Pre-Show contest, the official WWE website announced Thursday that Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd will square off against two members of 3MB. Gabriel and Kidd replace Santino Marella and Zack Ryder in the bout.
– Smith Hart, brother of Bret Hart, offered his predictions for WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2013 via Twitter. He believes Mick Foley, Bob Backlund, Carlos Colon, The Honky Tonk Man and Lawrence Taylor will be enshrined.
– Some Target department stores are selling WWE’s 2008 DVD release on Edge, Edge – A Decade of Decadence, as well as the 2008 DVD release on The Rock, The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment, for $5.00 each.
– In an update on WWE’s plans for its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 6, 2013 at Madison Square Garden, Mick Foley is internally considered a lock to be enshrined and there has been a push for Owen Hart to be honored since his star rose with his classic match against Bret Hart at the venue at WrestleMania X.
Despite the push for Owen, the enshrinement is unlikely to materialize because his widow will not allow it, according to brother Smith Hart.
“Because she blames the wrestling business in its entirety for his death,” he stated on Twitter in February. “She is the sole owner of his estate. With Martha, there will never B a way, perhaps his kids may eventually make the choice. But thats at least 20 yrs in future.”
Meanwhile, talk of Ultimate Warrior being inducted into the Hall “has cooled down substantially of late,” according to F4WOnline.com.
– WWE has released 3MB’s entrance video.
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Jimmy Hart appears at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S. 12th St. Allentown, Pennsylvania on December 2, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 610-798-9900 or e-mail prowrestling1@aol.com.
– On this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for Raw, Rey Mysterio addresses his and Sin Cara’s loss to Team Rhodes Scholars in the No. 1 Tag Team Title No. 1 Contenders’ Tournament to earn a title opportunity against Team Hell No at WWE Hell in a Cell this Sunday. Also, Alberto Del Rio reveals what he has planned for Randy Orton at Hell in a Cell and Dolph Ziggler offers his thoughts on Vickie Guerrero.
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Sable, 45, is now a grandmother. Her daughter, who is in her early 20’s, gave birth to a child in September, reports RenaLesnar.net.
– Heath Slater is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
Gene Snitsky, who has not appeared for WWE since being released from his contract in December 2008, continues to campaign online for his job back with the sports-entertainment organization.
The 42-year-old wrestler was backstage at Saturday’s Raw live event in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he tweeted a photo of himself with Tensai and stated, “Possible new tag team in #wwe? What ya think?” He added to a fan who wants to see the behemoths team up, “Would love to make it happen!!!! Let #wwe know how u feel.”
Unlike Tensai, Snitsky is not fond of two of his WWE colleagues. He pondered Friday to his Twitter followers, “How does drew McIntyre still have a job? Just wondering….”
A fan then wrote to Snitsky wondering why McIntyre’s 3MB partner, Heath Slater, is also employed by WWE, and the former Superstar responded, “ya him too…. Fukn horrible.”
Snitsky continued railing the Scottish grappler by ridiculing for him for his various persona changes over the years: “heez been repackaged so many times I lost count! Ask @CharlieHaas about him!!!” He added that Haas’ view on McIntyre rhymes with “bits.”
Snitsky then reminisced about the fellow former WWE Superstar purposely clocking McIntyre during a match. He wrote to a follower, “You should hear @CharlieHaas story about the time he punched him in the face during their match! Lmfao.”
Snitsky did not see McIntyre at the show to ask himself why he still has a job, but noted that the WWE Superstar already knows how he feels about him.
– This week’s SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout” has 3MB sounding off. Plus, Antonio Cesaro responds to his latest win over an American challenger, Ted DiBiase. Theodore Long also addresses an iPad Eve left behind, which is suggested to feature classified information.
– The official Twitter feed of WWE announced Friday that Sin Cara is on the micro-blogging website at twitter.com/TheSinCaraWWE. WWE also released a Tout video of the masked grappler holding a piece of paper featuring the URL. He has had the account since September, but it was not confirmed until now.
– One of the most controversial wrestlers of all-time, Scott Hall, turns 54-years-old Saturday.
– In this Raw edition of “Backstage Fallout,” Santino Marella and Zack Ryder call out 3MB, while Sheamus looks ahead to his fight against Big Show at Hell in a Cell.
– Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and former WWE Superstar Vader noted on Twitter Monday that he was at WWE’s television studio in Stamford, Connecticut filming content.
“Just finished up a very long hard week. Left WWE recording studio did some good work a little rusty on the promos thxs to Kieran from WWE,” he wrote.
– Ryback is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– The new stable of Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal are now known as “The Band.” This is the same name that Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman and Bubba The Lovesponge used in TNA back in 2010.
– CNN and Yahoo! are among the mainstream media outlets that picked up the story of CM Punk attacking a fan on Monday’s RAW.
– WWE is now officially advertising Jerry Lawler for Tuesday’s Smackdown taping from Memphis, Tennessee.
– WWE tried out a new announcer at Thursday’s NXT tapings from Full Sail University: Tom Hannifan.
Tony Luftman, who worked last month’s NXT TV taping, also called some of the action.
– NXT returns to Full Sail University on November 15. Jim Ross noted on Twitter that William Regal will be at next month’s show after missing Thursday’s taping.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler appeared on WREG-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, Friday promoting an independent show he was appearing at in South Haven, Mississippi. During the appearance, Lawler stated that had he suffered his recent heart attack anywhere but where he was—at a WWE event near paramedics—he would likely have died.
Lawler intends to return to the ring and plans to make his WWE return at the October 16 SmackDown taping in Memphis, Tennessee.
Video of his appearance is available here.
– This week’s episode of WWE Superstars is now online via WWE.com, featuring a Raw rematch between Kofi Kingston and Dolph Ziggler. Also see Yoshi Tatsu battle Heath Slater, Layla take on Divas Champion Eve, and Ted DiBiase competes against Michael McGillicutty.
– WWE Hall of Famer Edge joins Jack Encarnacao on The Mouthpiece Wrestling Show at 10:00 a.m. Saturday on NBC Sports Radio 1510 AM in Boston, Massachusetts. He will talk about his life after WWE, who the smoothest person he’s ever wrestled, how different his character would be coming up in WWE today, and more.
– The new stable that formed on Friday’s SmackDown featuring Jinder Mahal, Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre are calling themselves “Encore” and have been tweeting that they are getting ready to take over WWE.
– WWE is advertising John Cena, Sheamus, Kane & Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk, Big Show, Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio as the main event for the October 22nd RAW from East Rutherford, New Jersey. Cena will still be recovering from elbow surgery and won’t be wrestling.
This is believed to be the final show for Beth Phoenix, who is finishing up with WWE soon.
– WWE.com has a new storyline article up looking at who may have attacked Kaitlyn at Night of Champions. Eve Torres, Layla, Vickie Guerrero and Natalya are listed as possible suspects.
– Several fans who attended last night’s WWE live event from White Plains, New York sent in word that the Divas title match between Eve Torres and Layla (with Aksana as guest referee) was excellent and one of the highlights of the show.
– As reported Wednesday, SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia suggested on Twitter that Michelle McCool and The Undertaker had a baby this week, tweeting, “Congrats @McCoolMichelleL & Taker! Soooooo happy 2 hear about ur new bundle of joy!!! #BestWishes!” The Undertaker’s eldest son, Gunner, stated Tuesday afternoon on Twitter that the baby is a girl and her name is Kaia Faith Calaway. The new child is Undertaker’s fourth and McCool’s first.
– SmackDown Superstar Heath Slater is the proud parent of a baby girl. TNA Wrestling talent Jesse Sorensen ?stated Wednesday on Twitter, “Congratulations to @HeathSlaterOMRB @meanstephiejean on the birth of their beautiful baby girl! #GonnaBeGreatParents.”
– Former WWE Superstar Chuck Palumbo and his band, 3 Spoke Wheel, will perform at Stage Bar (762 5th Avenue, San Diego, California 92101) on Sept. 14. They will also perform at Las Vegas BikeFest on Sept. 27-29. (Details)
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, The Killer Bees, “Jumpin” Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair, will appear at The Big Event 3 on October 6 at the Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia Airport 9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York.
– Three matches were taped Tuesday night in Indianapolis, Indiana for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars: Tyson Kidd vs. Heath Slater, WWE Divas Champion Layla vs. Natalya and Justin Gabriel vs. Cody Rhodes.
In a pre-taping dark match, Brodus Clay squashed a local wrestler whose name was not announced.
– WWE will hold a SmackDown taping in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the Consol Energy Center on December 18.
– Trish Stratus will appear at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival on August 11 in Bowmanville, Ontario. The festival boasts a star-studded line-up of over thirty country music artists including Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Alabama, and Big and Rich. Additional details are available here.
Randy Orton returned to action Monday night on Raw after serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program.
Heath Slater called out any current WWE Superstar in the back to answer his challenge and The Viper responded by pummeling The One-Man Band all over the ring. After blasting Slater with a powerslam and a DDT off the second rope, Orton nailed him with the RKO to gain the pinfall victory. WWE.com spoke to The Legend Killer after defeating The One-Man Band.
“I gotta say, I am very rested due to my 60-day “vacation.” Guys threw me huge party today, a welcome back party. They literally set the stage on fire,” Orton said. “I feel better than ever. I gotta say during my ten, eleven-year career here in the WWE, I haven’t felt this good, as good as I do today, and I think I just proved that out there a little while ago.”
He continues, “I’ve been at home and I’ve been watching and I see Heath Slater, week in, week out calling out these Legends. I used to to do the same thing and I’m thinking to myself, “I’m the Legend Killer, the original Legend Killer.” But he’s not even doing it right, he’s like the reverse Legend Killer. But tonight, I just couldn’t stand back here and let him go on yapping his gums. He got his a** kicked last week in my hometown of St. Louis at the 1000th episode of Raw and you know what? Sorry Heath, but you’re going to get your a** kicked if you flap your gums like that with Randy Orton backstage.”
– After AJ decided not to marry Daniel Bryan on Raw, it was revealed she accepted a proposal from Vince McMahon to become the new permanent Raw General Manager. She stated on Twitter Tuesday evening that she has big things planned.
“Big meetings this week at WWE HQ. Things are about to get VERY interesting. #Raw1001 #businesschucks.”
– Two matches were taped Tuesday night in Kansas City, Missouri for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars: Sin Cara vs. Drew McIntyre and WWE Divas Champion Layla vs. Natalya.
In dark match results, Zack Ryder defeated Heath Slater via Rough Ryder while Jey and Jimmy Uso beat Camacho and Hunico. Both Usos hit Hunico with the Superfly Splash for the pinfall victory.
– Former WWE Superstar Headbanger Mosh weighed in on Monday’s landmark Raw episode via Twitter: “Thought #RAW1000 was pretty good (from what I saw) only thing missing was @steveaustinBSR.”
– Following the likely conclusion of his legends storyline at RAW 1,000, Heath Slater tweeted after RAW that he now has his sights set on Santino Marella’s Uintes States championship.
– Monday’s RAW featured several interactive features (Charlie Sheen via Skype, #AJIDo/#AJIDont, WWE ’13 dream match, etc.) however – what we saw on RAW was not the complete #RAWActive interactive features that are planned.
Monday’s RAW was more a celebration of the first thousand episodes of RAW and less about the new era of RAW, which will be 3-hour shows with fans voting on match stipulations and other storyline developments.
After competing at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in San Diego, California, Road Warrior Animal stopped by the 100.3 KFAN-FM studios for Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio to discuss this coming Monday’s historic 1000th episode of Raw SuperShow and confirmed his and other former WWE Superstars’ involvement on the program.
The WWE Hall of Famer may have spoiled the payoff of Heath Slater’s returning Raw legend angle while addressing rumors of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s involvement with the program—who has not been announced to appear by WWE.
When asked whether The Rattlesnake will encounter Slater on the show, Animal responded, “Austin will definitely give him the stunner, ya know thats coming! Fans get ready, you’re gonna see a stunner!”
Animal, who appeared on Raw in 1997 and 1998, also confirmed that he will be on hand for the festivities: “I will be making an appearance…people will see that my spikes from SmackDown were excellently repainted! Yeah, I’ll be there all painted up, with bells on boys! If it happens it happens, I’m ready!”
On what else to expect for the unprecedented show, he said, “It’s gonna be star studded, on my flight alone is me, DDP and Bret “Hitman” Hart!”
– Brodus Clay, Naomi and Cameron will be appearing at the Cricket store on Veterans Parkway Court in Clarksville, Indiana on July 29th from 3pm until 5pm.
– Paul Heyman is confirmed to appear on this week’s 1,000th RAW episode with Brock Lesnar.
– Fans online aren’t the only ones taking notice of Heath Slater lately. Word is that WWE officials have been impressed with Slater’s recent work with the returning Legends.
– Mick Foley wrapped another comedy show in Long Island last night and this time WWE cameras were rolling. It sounds like WWE may be working with Foley on another project. Foley wrote the following after the show:
As we’ve been reporting, wWE officials are planning a big payoff to the Heath Slater – Legends angle, expected to take place at RAW’s 1,000th episode.
– There is a lot of excitement behind the scenes in WWE surrounding Tyson Kidd’s push and his involvement in Sunday’s Money in the Bank match. Kidd, widely considered to be one of the most underutilized members of the roster, is determined to steal the show.
With just days to go until Money in the Bank, there was actually some concern that Tensai’s recent attack of Kidd would result in him being taken out of the match.
– Episode 24 of WWE Inbox is now online, with Jack Swagger, Alicia Fox and other Superstars answering Twitter questions from fans, including any weird talents they may have.
– Zack Ryder will be filming this week’s episode of “Z! True Long Island Story” from the San Diego Comic Con. Ryder will appearing at the event with other WWE Superstars and the Mattel toy designers.
– WWE Superstar Ezekiel Jackson wrote on Twitter that he is working on being featured more on WWE TV.
– Former WWE Diva Jillian Hall says that Heath Slater is ripping off her singing gimmick. She tweeted this week:
Does it make me a bad person to be annoyed by Heath slater's rip off?? Lol.. And I say that in the nicest possible way :)
– Batista’s recent announcements that he’s appearing in the “Man With the Iron Fist” Tarantino movie and directing a rap music video are not the “major announcement” he and his agent have been hyping on Twitter for months.
Batista says that announcement is still forthcoming and that fans are going to flip out when they find out what the news is:
– Following a lengthy absence due to injury and a 60-day suspension from his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, Rey Mysterio is advertised for next Tuesday’s SmackDown taping at the Valley View Casino in San Diego, California.
– Continuing WWE’s parade of Legends to promote the 1000th episode of Raw on July 23, two-time WWE Champion Bob Backlund appeared on Monday’s show as he trapped Heath Slater in his trademark Crossface Chickenwing. It was his first appearance on WWE programming since the 15th anniversary episode of Raw on December 10, 2007.
– The Ticketmaster.com pre-sale code for SummerSlam Axxess on Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Nokia Plaza at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles is WWESTAPLES. The pre-sale is already ongoing and will conclude on Friday. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday.
– Vickie Guerrero offered her thoughts on Monday’s Raw via Twitter: “Great night tonight! @HEELZiggler shined with perfection! I cant wait to bring home the briefcase from Money in the Bank on Sunday.”