The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, taped Tuesday night in Nashville, Tennessee.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E. vs. Alberto Del Rio
– WWE Divas Champion Paige vs. Aksana
– Hornswoggle vs. El Torito
– Alexander Rusev vs. R-Truth
– Santino Marella vs. Fandango
– Batista vs. Sheamus
You can read a complete spoiler report for the show by clicking the link below.
WWE SmackDown Spoilers (April 18, 2014)
WWE Studios has released the following movie poster for the upcoming Leprechaun: Origins film starring Hornswoggle. The horror film is scheduled for an August 2014 release.
WWE Superstar Hornswoggle recently spoke to The Northwestern about his role in the “Muppets Most Wanted” film. “It was cool on so many different levels,” said Hornswoggle. “The fanatic in me was just going crazy. I had to pinch myself daily to realize what I was doing.”
Hornswoggle continued, “I never would have thought that in a million years that this would have happened, being in WWE and being in a Muppet film. But for some stroke of luck I guess they both did and I’m loving both of them.”
Check out the complete interview at TheNorthwestern.com.
– Gerald Brisco attended the Big 10 amateur Wrestling championships over the weekend to scout talent for WWE.
– Hornswoggle will be attending tonight’s Muppets movie premiere at the El Capitan in Hollywood, CA. Hornswoggle has a cameo in the film as a Russian prisoner. The Muppets are rumored to be returning to WWE RAW later this month to promote the movie.
– As reported over the weekend, Batista got into a physical altercation with a fan at WWE’s live event from Winnipeg. The fan in question was local DJ Cam Carson, who has since apologized on Twitter. He’s indicated that he ight have had too much to drink prior to the WWE live event, so this appears to be a legitimate issue.
One concerned mother tweeted him, “My children got trampled on tonight because of the incident.” He replied, “I hope the kids are okay. Didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt. My apologies to them.”
Another fan in attendance said his encounter with Batista was the highlight of the night. Carson replied, “Getting some major heat over the incident. Glad you enjoyed it.”
– The WWE Studios film project, “Leprechaun: Origins,” which features Hornswoggle, has been pushed back to an August release date. The film was originally scheduled to come out in March.
– The official WWE website has published a new video playlist featuring a look at Batista sending his opponents through tables over the past several years. You can check that out at WWE.com.
– WWE Superstar Kane will be doing a rare personal appearance at the Mall Of America in Bloomington, Minnesota on Friday, February 21st at noon. Kane will be on hand to promote the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event.
Entertainment news outlet Variety has published a new piece on WWE Studios, which includes details on two new sequel films as well as release dates for several other projects.
The Marine 4: The fourth installment of The Marine franchise will star The Miz and will feature WWE Diva Summer Rae in a supporting role. Will be co-produced with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
Jingle All The Way 2: This is a follow-up to the 1996 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. ‘Jingle 2’ will star Larry The Cable Guy and will also feature Santino Marella. Scheduled for a holiday 2014 home video release, it will be directed by Alex Zamm (“Tooth Fairy 2”) and will also be co-produced with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
Mike Dunn, President of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, said:
“WWE Studios remains a valuable partner and we are pleased to continue to bring these films to their legions of fans across the globe. We’re excited to be launching the fourth installment of the tremendously successful franchise, ‘The Marine,’ and to have Larry the Cable on board for ‘Jingle All the Way 2,’ a perfect star for our first family comedy with WWE Studios.”
Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery: Will be released on home video by Warner Bros. on March 25th.
Leprechaun: Origins” Starring Hornswoggle, will be released by Lionsgate in August.
“See No Evil 2? Starring Kane, will also be released by Lionsgate in October.
The special one-year anniversary edition of The JBL & Cole Show has been added to the official YouTube channel of WWE.
The show this week features a number of guest appearances, including Dolph Ziggler, Santino Marella, Josh Mathews, Road Dogg, Damien Sandow, Renee Young, Hornswoggle, Big E. Langston, John Cena, Daniel Bryan and John Cone.
You can check out episode 52 of The JBL & Cole Show below:
– Chris Jericho revealed on Twitter that his new “Talk is Jericho” will podcast will premiere on December 4th at PodcastOne.com. His first guest will be none other that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who also has a podcast at PodcastOne.
– Speaking of Austin’s podcast, his next guest will be fellow WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes.
– Hornswoggle has a cameo in the new ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ movie and is featured in the movie trailer, which you can view here (around the 1:27 mark):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=enf9eAQ8srw
– Three-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection Shawne Merriman is looking to enter the world of professional wrestling after retiring from the National Football League in March at the age of 28. He participated in a multi-day tryout this week at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and according to sources within the sports-entertainment organization, has not been offered any deal, much less signed to a contract.
Merriman was a first-round pick in 2005 by the San Diego Chargers and named the Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 10 sacks. In 2006, he served a four-game suspension for violating the league’s steroid policy, and still finished the season with 17 sacks.
The once promising pass rusher was never able to match the production of the early years of his career. After totaling 39.5 sacks in his first three seasons while making the Pro Bowl each year, he managed just six sacks from 2008 through 2012. He was looking to revitalize his career as recently as July, as he went on Twitter to make a plea for the Atlanta Falcons to sign him.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show features a Halloween theme as The Bella Twins terrorize Hornswoggle, Renee Young gets possessed, Paul Heyman cackles and more.
(source: PWInsider.com)
-The official WWE website has added a new video feature highlighting the best “firings” laid down by “one of the principle owners of WWE,” Stephanie McMahon. You can check out the feature online at WWE.com.
-As previously reported, WWE Superstar Hornswoggle, who stars in the new WWE Studios film project, “Leprechaun: Origins,” will be taking part at the WWE Studios booth at the upcoming New York Comic Con event. Hornswoggle, who will be flying to New York City on Sunday, tweeted about the upcoming appearance, which you can read below:
Flight to NYC for #NYCC2013 tomorrow for a @WWEStudios panel, can't wait! Hopefully going to do some exploring, any muppet stuff at all?
— Hornswoggle (@wwehornswoggle) October 12, 2013
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– On this week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show, Goldust has a “creepy interaction” with Hornswoggle. Plus, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Michael Cole and Renee Young tour Niagara Falls while discussing some of WWE’s “greatest falls,” and Wade Barrett sends a message to fans.
– The Miz will appear in the ABC Family original action-comedy movie Christmas Bounty, premiering on Tuesday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m., as part of its annual “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas.” The cable network issued a press release Friday offering details on the flick.
It states, “Former bounty hunter turned Elementary school teacher Tory Bell (Raisa) was ready for a new life when she left the family business behind and moved to Manhattan. But when an old enemy is released from jail and vows retribution on Tory and her loved ones, she returns to New Jersey to take care of him once and for all. When Tory’s upper-class fiancé, James, follows her home for Christmas, she tries to keep her bounty hunting ways a secret, but the plan backfires when James unwittingly becomes involved in the Bells’ mission. Further complicating matters, Tory must work closely with her ex-boyfriend, Mike (Mizanin) to bring down their target and keep James out of certain danger. But as Tory becomes further entrenched in her old life, she finds herself torn between whom she once was and her plans for the future. Will Tory choose her new life with James, or will the thrill of bounty hunting and unresolved feelings for Mike prove too powerful to ignore?
“Christmas Bounty” was produced in partnership with WWE Studios and was written by Claudia Grazioso and Andrew Black & Vivian Lee. The movie was executive produced by Michael J. Luisi, co-executive produced by Richard Lowell and Marc Bienstock, and directed by Gil Junger.”
-According to one source, the recent pairing of AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka was inspired by the Shawn Michaels and Diesel combination from the 1990s.
-Vickie Guerrero recently noted on her official Twitter account that she is going back to college to get her medical administration degree.
-The president of WWE Studios, Michael Luisi, has been added to the panel at the upcoming New York Comic Con, which takes place this Sunday and also features WWE Superstars Kane and Hornswoggle.
-Speaking of the New York Comic Con, WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley will be in attendance to sign autographs as part of his promotional work for the new WWE comic book from Papercutz.
Major *SPOILER* For Tonight’s RAW JUST Announced [DETAILS HERE >>]
[Credit: PWInsider.com]
-The Soska Sisters, who directed “See No Evil 2,” and Zack Lipovsky, who directed “Leprechaun: Origins,” will be joining WWE Superstars Kane and Hornswoggle at the WWE Studios panel at the New York Comic-Con event on October 13th.
-The official pre-sale for the WWE live event in Hershey, Pennsylvania on December 29th begins today. You can participate by using the pre-sale code: WWEHPA.
-An additional WWE pre-sale is ongoing today for the upcoming RAW television taping in Richmond, Virginia on December 30th. You can participate in that one with the pre-sale code: RICHMOND.
New Matches & *SPOILERS* For WWE Battleground + HUGE Update On Vince’s TV Return!
– Hornswoggle appears on the latest episode of the YouTube show Wreckless Eating, where he consumes a number of unusual delicacies, snacks and drinks. However, this does not end well as the WWE Superstar vomits during his eating experience. The episode can be seen below (Warning – contains bad language).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIN8SApTcZg
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle turns 35-years-old today. She recently resurfaced on the wrestling scene, having appeared at two independent events since last month (as host of a show in California in August and referee nine days ago in New Jersey).
– Santino Marella has launched an Instagram account.
-According to one report, the recent cyptic tweets that seem to allude to The Undertaker are likely promotion for the new WWE 2K14 video game.
-The WWE Studios project, “Dead Man Down” has sold 107,211 copies on DVD and 64,000 copies on Blu-ray. “The Call” has moved 400,698 DVDs. “12 Rounds: Reloaded,” which stars WWE Superstar Randy Orton, has moved 61,226 copies on DVD (as of late July).
-Tickets to the New York Comic-Con, which will feature appearances by WWE Superstars Kane and Hornswoggle, are officially sold out.
HUGE Update On Undertaker’s Rumored Opponent For WrestleMania XXX [READ >>]
[Credit: PWInsider.com]
-The WWE Studios Film “Leprechaun: Origins,” which stars WWE Superstar Hornswoggle, will be released in theaters on February 28, 2014.
-WWE Studios are currently developing a sequel to “The Call,” which was one of the more successful WWE-related film projects. Fans who watched the initial film are aware of the potential of the sequel, as the final scene in the movie left the window open for such a possibility.
-The WWE Studios project, “See No Evil 2,” which stars WWE Superstar Kane, will officially begin shooting on Monday in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
RAW Spoilers For Monday + New Battleground PPV Matches & Stipulations [>>]
-Recently “retired” WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he is currently finishing up two WWE-related projects. JR wrote:
Finished @toppscards project for @WWE…2days of writing my thoughts on a great array of talents including some first timers.
-Speaking of JR, he also posted this tweet about reuniting with former WWE RAW broadcast partner Jerry “The King” Lawler this Saturday at the Northeast Wrestling show:
Excited to be heading to Fishkill, NY 4 Sat’s Wrestling under the Stars @ Dutchess Std. JR & @JerryLawler signing @ 4pm. @newwrestling1
-And one one final Twitter note, WWE recently teased a big WWE Studios announcement via social media on Friday. That announcement is that WWE Studios will be hosting a Q&A panel for two upcoming films at the New York Comic Con in October. The Q&A panel will be for “See No Evil 2,” which stars WWE Superstar Kane, as well as the new film “Leprechaun: Origins,” which features WWE Superstar Hornswoggle.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 13th at the Javits Center in New York City. For more information, visit Facebook.com.
New Matches & Big *SPOILERS* Revealed For WWE Battleground — Click Here!
-Former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is on the cover of the latest issue of the official WWE Magazine.
-The official website of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns currently features an article on WWE Superstar The Miz, who is from the Cleveland-area. You can check that out online at ClevelandBrowns.com.
-Speaking of The Miz, he will be appearing to sign autographs at the Grand Opening of the Indiana National Guard Storefront in Avon, Indiana. The Miz’s appearance will be at 4pm.
-The Macomb Daily website currently has a featured article up on their website on WWE Superstar and Tons Of Funk member Brodus Clay, as well as WWE Superstar Hornswoggle. Clay and Hornswoggle did a reading to local students on Monday, which is the focus of the article. You can check that out online at MacombDaily.com.
LIVE WWE SmackDown *SPOILER* Play-By-Play Results Coverage TONIGHT — Click Here!
-WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel will be providing live commentary and hosting a live chat for “Total Divas” on WWE.com every Sunday night from 9:45pm E.T. until 11:15pm E.T.
-WWE Superstar Hornswoggle recently noted on his official Twitter page that he has completed filming the new WWE Studios movie project, “Leprechaun.” Hornswoggle wrote:
“Well that’s a wrap! Thank you to @WWEStudios @WWE and EVERYONE that worked on Leprechaun: Origins! I can’t wait for@you guys to see it!!!”
-WWE Superstar The Rock was recently asked by a wrestling fan on Twitter if Ted Turner and WCW ever attempted to lure him away from WWE during the heated “Monday Night Wars” in the 1990s. Rock replied to the fan with the following comment:
“Yup in the beginning. Offered 2xs my WWE salary. No thank you. My goal was to ‘move the crowd’ first. Money would come later.”
Latest On When Rock Will Return To WWE Again + Total Divas Spoilers!
-WWE Studios’ “Leprechaun” movie starring Hornswoggle finishes filming this weekend. “Leprechaun” is currently slated for a March 2014 release.
-Michael Cole and Alex Riley were the announcers for next week’s edition of WWE SmackDown, which was taped on Thursday evening in Houston, Texas. If interested, you can check out our full WWE SmackDown Spoiler Results from the show.
-WWE Diva Natalya was recently interviewed by FOX News to promote the debut of “Total Divas” on E! this Sunday. Natalya, who is currently married to WWE Superstar Tyson Kidd, will be featured on the show. You can check out the interview online at FOXNews.com.
Total Divas *SPOILERS* For Sunday + Cena/Bryan SSlam Plans LEAK Online!
-WWE Superstar CM Punk has been added to the WWE SmackDown television tapings on July 25th from Houston, Texas. As noted previously, returning WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam has also been added to the 7/25 lineup in Houston.
-WWE Superstar Tyson Kidd noted on Twitter recently that he’s been training with former TNA wrestler Johnny Devine. Kidd wrote:
“Had a great leg workout with @DungeonDevine Some new tricks were learnt today, as well as some successful box jumps”
Devine later responded to Kidd’s tweet, writing:
“@KiddWWE you’re going to blow minds when u return. #workhorse #racehorse #mymoneysonkidd”
-WWE Superstar Hornswoggle noted on Twitter that today is the first day of filming for the new WWE Studios film, “Leprechaun.” Hornswoggle tweeted:
“First day of shooting @WWEStudios Leprechaun! I couldn’t be more excited about this project!”
HUGE Change In Plans For Punk/Lesnar Feud, WEIRD Wyatt Family *SPOILER* For MITB …
Hornswoggle was interviewed by Brian Soscia and his radio show. Here are some highlights from the interview.
What drew him into wrestling: “Ultimate Warrior. Everything about him. The entrance, the face paint, just his look, everything. I was the biggest Ultimate Warrior fan. [when Warrior beat Hogan] He won, that was the biggest night of my life. [when Warrior came back and saved Hogan] Saved Hogan, Wrestlemania 8. And then he had that match with Triple H at Wrestlemania 12. That didn’t turn out so well [for Triple H]. That’s like the last guy on my list that I need to meet. I heard he’s around. They always say don’t meet your heroes because you’ll be let down. I don’t want to be let down.”
If he is offended by the term midget wrestler: “That’s fully what I am. If you put little person wrestler on a poster, people are going to say oh is that kids? Is that weird, odd people? You put midget wrestling they know what it is. I am technically not a midget. I’m a dwarf, or a little person, but I consider myself a midget. I just don’t care enough to, I’m not going to waste anger on the word midget.”
If he still collects wrestling merchandise: “I still 100 percent [collect]. Me and Hawkins and Ryder have the collection wars and figure wars about who got what. I still have never owned the Legion of Doom Hasbro’s.”
Who would be on Hornswoggle’s wrestling Mt. Rushmore: “Cena, HBK, Taker and yeah, I want to say Bret Hart or Hogan but I can’t [decide]. It’s a legacy here, but I think Hogan because it would be the eras.”
Hornswoggle won the 2013 2K Sports Superstar Challenge at WrestleMania 29 Axxess, defeating Big E Langston in the tournament finals. The two played WWE ’13 on the Xbox platform.
Hornswoggle won the tournament that included The Usos, Damien Sandow, Langston, Kaitlyn, Rosa Mendes, JTG, Kofi Kingston, Tyson Kidd, Epico, Hunico, Sin Cara, Alex Riley, Primo and Zack Ryder.
Here is Hornswoggle with his trophy:
– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson touted the ratings success of Raw since becoming WWE Champion at Royal Rumble.
He tweeted Wednesday, “People’s Era – highest #RAW ratings in over a year. @WWE Universe’s powerful voice. #WeBringIt.”
Last week’s post-Royal Rumble show drew a 3.68 cable rating and averaged 5.02 million viewers over the course of three hours. Not including the heavily promoted 1,000th episode of Raw, the numbers are the show’s highest marks since the night after WrestleMania XXVII in 2011. This week’s show also drew high viewership with a 3.56 cable rating and 4.81 million viewers.
– Prior to Raw Monday in Atlanta, Georgia, WWE held a ‘be a STAR’ anti-bullying rally at Hope-Hill Elementary School. Stephanie McMahon, Kofi Kingston, Layla and Hornswoggle appeared. WWE has released footage from the event.
– The longest-running WWE Champion of all-time, Bruno Sammartino, who was announced on Monday as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame, is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
– WWE contacted Rikishi to participate in Sunday’s 30-Man Royal Rumble Match but the veteran wrestler is unable to appear due to a prior commitment, Jerry “The King” Lawler revealed in an interview with New York Post promoting WrestleMania Axxess.
“I do know that they had contacted Rikishi, but he had a prior commitment that he could not get out of. My son Brian told me that it was just a commitment he literally could not get out of even though he really wanted to [be in the Rumble],” Lawler said.
Lawler also hinted that former stars could resurface as surprise entrants.
“The Royal Rumble has become our next biggest and most fan-favorite pay-per-view. It’s so unpredictable. I know for a fact, I don’t know who it will be, but there’s always some surprise entrants. There will be some people that you didn’t have a clue they were going to be involved in the Rumble.”
To read the full interview, click here.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show features appearances by Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels, who have some kind words for JBL. Plus, Hornswoggle faces off with Daniel Bryan and his “magician’s assistant” in the “SUPERStar Search.”
– Darren Young is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.