The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On his RINGSIDE live show and a surprise guest at his show in NYC: “The VIP tickets for next Saturday March 1 RINGSIDE: An Evening with Jim Ross are sold out for the 8 pm show and there are only about a dozen left for the early show at the Gramercy Theater. Tickets are still available nonetheless for both shows at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Hope to see you in NYC on Saturday March 1.”
“We might have some ‘surprise’ guests pay us a visit at one of both of the NYC shows.”
On Diamond Dallas Page’s appearance on ABC’s “Shark Tank” show: “Great PR Friday night for DDP on ABC’s Shark Tank. No deal made but a helluva segment on prime time, national TV for the hardworking Diamond Dallas Page…if that is his real name. DDP Yoga is magic. DDP will be guesting soon on the Ross Report Podcast as will Jake Roberts.”
On the relationship between New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring Of Honor (ROH): “Interested in the New Japan relationship with ROH. ‘Curious’ may be a more accurate description. Hope the joint effort works well for all involved.”
On Hulk Hogan’s WWE return: “As I wrote in this space many, many weeks ago, it’s a smart move by WWE to come to an arrangement with @HulkHogan for WM30 and beyond, I assume. I’m unaware of any details but I see Hulk as a great PR vehicle for the WWE Network and to appear a selected events. I do not see Hogan needing to wrestle to add value to WWE efforts.”
– Since the announcement of Hulk Hogan’s return was made official by WWE earlier this week, Hogan has been a top trending topic on Yahoo, Twitter and Facebook.
– Celebrity-gossip website TMZ added an article with coverage of The Miz and Maryse’s wedding, which took place earlier this week in the Bahamas. The article also contains several photos from the wedding ceremony.
According to one source, there is talk among the WWE creative team of making Hulk Hogan an on-screen authority figure for the company. Apparently there is a possibility that Hogan will become the new “General Manager” of RAW.
At one point, there was talk of Sting becoming the new GM, but apparently he has still not signed with the company, and due to his questionable status, the talk has switched to Hogan possibly becoming the GM.
– Hulk Hogan has been added to the roster page on the official WWE website.
– WWE RAW and SmackDown replays will not be made available on the WWE Network. According to the WWE Network FAQ, only the “best of RAW and SmackDown from 2012 and 2013” will be available.
– The following is a promo from The Wyatt Family, where they send a final message to The Shield before their match at this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view:
The Associated Press has published an article about Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE, including quotes from Hogan and WWE COO Triple H.
Hogan returns to WWE on Monday’s episode of RAW and will be the guest host of WrestleMania XXX on April 6th from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Hogan said:
“I definitely want to stay here in the WWE. I just can’t see myself ever being anywhere else. This is home. It always has been home. In the twilight of my career, what a great way to be part of the final hurrah for Hulk Hogan and all the Hulkamaniacs.”
“It looks like this was always the direction I was going to go in. It’s like I drifted apart from home base for a while. But this time, everything seems to be a perfect fit.”
Despite his triumphant return to WWE, Hogan denies that he’ll be getting back in the ring at WWE’s biggest show of the year.
“Right now, it’s not in the plans. But like they say in the WWE, never say never.”
WWE COO Triple H also commented on Hogan’s return, stating:
“It’s time for him to come home.”
Hogan and Triple H met at a charity event late last year, which started to lay the groundwork for The Hulkster’s return. Despite his time away from WWE, Triple H said it was inevitable that he’d come home once again:
“I don’t think there’s ever been a doubt that Hulk Hogan was, in some way, a WWE commodity.”
– The WWE Network has been added to Playstation 3, Playstation 4 and Roku devices. Of course, the service doesn’t go live until Monday, but you can download the dedicated apps on those devices now.
Here’s the official WWE Network app download page on Roku.com.
The WWE Network is still not available for Apple TV. It’s expected Apple TV will get the App, however there’s been no official word from WWE on the issue.
– Hulk Hogan has issued another statement regarding his WWE return. He tweeted on Saturday morning:
Well I guess it's that time again, I hope they are ready, this is gonna be the best run ever,it's great to finally be home,WWE4LIFE.ThankuHH
The following are highlights of a new Digital Spy interview with Big E.:
On his upcoming match at the Elimination Chamber PPV: “The Intercontinental Championship means a lot to me. I spent years training to get to this spot and it’s right before WrestleMania. I have every intention to walk into WrestleMania as Intercontinental Champion. I have a lot of respect for Jack Swagger and what he does and for being the former world champion, but I’ve trained too long far too hard to get to this point and just give it up.”
On who he’d like to work with at WrestleMania XXX: “I work with a lot of challengers. I guess if I had to pick a dream opponent – he’s not even really with the company right now – but I was such a massive Goldberg fan as a kid. It would really be a dream if he could somehow come back. To have a title match with Goldberg would be a dream fulfilled.”
On Hulk Hogan’s WWE return: “I think it’d be great for us. Hulk Hogan still has that aura, even though he’s obviously older now, and probably not quite in his prime. But I think he’d be great for us because I know people in their 40s and 50s who remember watching Hulk Hogan as a kid.
“People who may not watch wrestling now, if they heard Hulk Hogan was coming back they might tune in. That buzz that he creates, the buzz of Hulk Hogan, I think would be good for business, so I’d definitely look forward to it.”
On if he’d be surprised if CM Punk returned before WrestleMania XXX: “I think it’d be great. Obviously I’m not really aware of what’s going, but I think there’s a lot of people who desperately want him back, a lot of fans who would be excited to have him back.
“If that were to be the case, if he did return, I think there’d be a huge buzz around it. I think it would definitely be a positive thing. Like I said, I’m not sure particularly what’s going on, if there’s a chance or even a possibility or if it’s imminent. But I know if he did return there’d be a lot of buzz and a lot of happy fans as well.”
It’s official. WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is back – and will be the host of WrestleMania XXX. Hogan will make his long-awaited return to WWE on Monday’s RAW and will also appear on WWE RAW Backstage Pass, airing live on the WWE Network immediately following RAW.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon commented on Hogan’s return:
“We are thrilled that Hulk Hogan has returned home to WWE. It’s fitting to have him help us celebrate 30 years of WrestleMania and usher in a new era with the launch of WWE Network.”
Hulk Hogan told WWE.com:
“Words cannot express how excited I am to be back in the WWE family. I only have one question for the WWE Universe: Whatcha you gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild as the host of WrestleMania 30?”
One of the possible reasons WWE didn’t promote the big RAW show next Monday night was due to the fact that the company was focusing their promotional efforts on this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber and the launch of the WWE Network after next week’s RAW.
Apparently the feeling in the company was that they didn’t want to overshadow the Chamber PPV and Network launch with a RAW show, which was previously reported, is expected to feature the returns of both Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker. The show may also feature the announcement of Hogan as the host of WrestleMania XXX.
The following are highlights from a recent Busted Open Radio Show interview with TNA star Ethan Carter III:
On his transition with Hulk Hogan and Sting leaving TNA: “I’ve been ready for a very long time to either sink or swim with an opportunity and I’ve been given it here in TNA. Transition wise, I’ve said before it’s not so much of a transition because at the end of the day, there’s a red light with millions of people behind it that you are paid to entertain one way or another and something I’ve always loved and something I have the chance to do now, so I’m doing it. Transition regardless, we’re in a ring, there’s a camera on us, and there’s people in the stands… so let’s do it.”
On the biggest driving factor in getting him to TNA: “Honestly I think more people over there watched my stuff on NXT originally and knew I had talent and ability. I had a chance to really shine out on the grand stage. So there’s a couple people who brought me over and I was just looking for the opportunity to prove myself, prove people wrong, take the ball and run with it. Big John Gaburick came over from WWE and brought me over. He put a lot of faith in me and hopefully I’m returning the favor and faith to him.”
On Samoa Joe’s recent speech to the talent: “Samoa Joe is a guy I looked up to while I was an indie guy. He made a strong name for himself in Ring of Honor and then was in TNA and had an incredible undefeated streak going and was at the top of the mountain for a very long time, so that’s a guy we look up to and is a locker room leader who can fire you up because he’s a fiery guy.”
On if he had any hesitation in going from WWE to TNA: “Not one hesitation what so ever because one place has given me a golden opportunity to shine and I’ve taken that as far as I possibly can. It feels good to be in TNA right now because it’s an atmosphere where everyone has their eye on the prize. Everyone’s focused on one goal and that’s to continue to move forwards and to drive and succeed with each other.”
On what happened with NXT and WWE: “I have multiple opinions. I think injury at an inopportune time and the regime change. Like in any business, if you’re not somebody’s guy, then you’re not the guy. That’s fine because I was born to make somebody some money. I’m very happy in TNA. Once I hit the top of the main event, I will never be leaving TNA.”
– As previously reported, Stephanie McMahon took part in a shoot for Prevention Magazine. You can check out a video of Stephanie doing “The 4-Minute Workout” above, or at Prevention.com.
– The big WWE RAW show in Green Bay, Wisconsin on February 24th, which is the post-Elimination Chamber edition of the show on the night that the WWE Network launches, has been officially sold out since this past Tuesday. As noted, WWE legends The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan are both expected to make their long-awaited WWE returns on the show.
According to a new article in the New York Daily News, Gawker.com has filed papers demanding emails from Hulk Hogan’s lawyer and publicist regarding the recent sex tape scandal.
The website is seeking emails, specifically in regards to Hogan’s October 2012 media tour, which included a controversial appearance on the Howard Stern Show, where discussion of Hogan’s affairs took place.
Gawker.com had previously requested the material, however Hogan’s lawyers refused. It appears now that they are attempting to prove that there was a conscious effort on Hogan’s part to get word out about the sex tape.
The following are highlights from a recent Jim Ross website Q&A update:
On rumors that Hulk Hogan failed to pass a WWE medical: “I’m not a big, rumor guy. Surprised that you are. I’ve endorsed Hogan to be a part of WM30 for months and never once have I said that he needed to wrestle to be an asset to the event. Hogan has horrific back problems so why put him in any risk unnecessarily? That wold make no sense.”
On why we don’t see Undertaker much outside of WWE: “He likes his privacy and is serious about protecting the overall mystique of his TV persona.”
On who should induct Ultimate Warrior and rumors of him wrestling Ryback at WrestleMania XXX: “I have no idea who will induct Warrior at the WWE HOF and haven’t thought that much about it. I also have no idea why so many think that Warrior is wrestling Ryback at WM30? Has that match been officially announced or is it more speculation?”
On the idea that Bad News Barrett’s bad news at RAW in Chicago should be that CM Punk isn’t there: “That’s been suggested by others. It might work. Or Punk might be back.”
Check out more from JR’s website Q&A update at JRsBarBQ.com.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of Hulk Hogan and Sting appearing at WrestleMania XXX. JR recently tweeted:
Think it would be cool for both @HulkHogan & @Sting to appear at WM30. I'd do all I could to make that happen. Endless creative. WM30=EPIC #
– WWE Diva Summer Rae recently commented on her official Twitter account about being the first WWE Diva to be cast in a WWE Studios film project. Summer tweeted the following:
I am so humbled to be the first ever @wwe diva featured in a @WWEStudios production, Marine 4! I cant tell you how excited I am! @FoxHomeEnt
WWE has begun looking ahead to the March 3rd RAW show in Chicago, Illinois, the hometown of CM Punk. There is said to be a considerable amount of concern within the company as to how the crowd will react at that show. With both Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker returning to RAW the week prior in Green Bay, there is some talk of bringing those two into the Chicago RAW as well, as a way to combat the Punk chants.
Despite the concern, there is said to be less than originally feared after Monday’s show in Los Angeles. Since the chants haven’t been too passionate or long-lasting, especially at the L.A. show, WWE feels that it may not be a situation that gets out of control like the recent Daniel Bryan hijacking fiasco.
Regarding the L.A. RAW, WWE feared fans would hijack the Randy Orton vs. John Cena main event, so they had Daniel Bryan go out twice. The idea was to bring Bryan out early, and again before the main event, as to let the fans get the chanting out of their system before the main event began.
The following are highlights from a new website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Antonio Cesaro: “Cesaro is a star who’s underutilized and is a stalwart in the locker room. Fans like him out of respect for his in ring work. Flip a switch on him and it’s done.”
On Justin Gabriel: “Not sure why Justin Gabriel hasn’t made more of an impact. Something is missing from the equation.”
On the possibility of Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns headlining a future WrestleMania: “Sure, it’s possible. Time will tell. All must remain healthy and avoid issues.”
On whether or not Hulk Hogan has one match left in him: “If true, it’s a great idea but I don’t need to see Hulk attempt to wrestle.”
On MVP working in TNA: “He’s a positive, fresh face that should help TNA if they plan long term, utilize MVP’s skills and lessen Dixie’s presence on their show. ”
On the WWE Network: “I’m WAY out of the WWE Network loop. I’m not aware of how they will deal with the many issues that are likely to pop up for the start up. I’m hopeful that the Network is successful for many reasons even though some fans will find things wrong with it just because that’s their usual MO.”
On Kurt Angle returning to WWE: “Lots of things have to happen for Angle to return to WWE including extensive medical, etc testing. His in ring days are very limited.”
Check out more from JR’s latest website Q&A update at JRsBarBQ.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan will be returning to WWE television in two weeks on the February 24th edition of Monday Night RAW from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
This will be the night after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and the night that the WWE Network launches.
Hogan reached a deal with WWE to return shortly after he left TNA a few months ago. Initially, there was talk of Hogan appearing at the WWE Network announcement from CES in Las Vegas last month, but the decision was made to hold off on Hogan’s return until the WWE Network launch day. This will mark Hogan’s first WWE television appearance since 2007.
We’re told that longtime Hogan ally Jimmy Hart will also be in attendance at the show to promote ‘Legends House.’
As reported over the weekend, the 2/24 episode of RAW will also feature the long awaited return of The Undertaker.
Comment Below and tell us how you want to see Hulk Hogan used on WWE TV (if at all).
New TNA star MVP recently appeared on the v2 Wrestling Podcast. The following are some highlights from the interview:
On his goals in TNA: “WWE is a spectacular company, and their market saturation and visibility is monstrous, but the most prosperous time during the history of wrestling was during the Monday Night Wars when WWF was going head-to-head with WCW. You had 12 million people a week tuning in to watch wrestling, and the fans benefited as well as the wrestlers. TNA is a smaller company and doesn’t have the outreach and audience that WWE does, but I’d like to try, along with some of the other guys, to move the needle a little bit, and try to create something where fans can go ‘Hey, this is really cool, there’s something going on over here that we can watch as well,’ because I firmly believe that there’s room for two big dogs in the yard.”
On the TNA departures of Hulk Hogan and Sting: “While it’s sad to see them go, it’s also tremendously exciting to see that void filled by new stars who are stepping up and working hard to try to become legends in their own right.”
On Chris Benoit: “When I got signed, we travelled together, we trained together, and he was hugely responsible for my success. Of course, you can’t condone what he did, but I tell people all the time, there’s an issue with mental illness. There’s a stigma attached to it. If someone has cancer, we feel sorry for them, but if somebody has a mental breakdown, we don’t feel the same way. All those negative connotations make people sometimes not want to get help if there’s something going wrong. What Chris did was horrible, it was tragic, but I knew him personally, and I knew that he loved his wife and child, and I had been to that home and I had interacted with them personally.”
On WWE airing Benoit footage on the WWE Network: “I think that’s a good thing, because regardless of what happened out of the ring, he is without question one of the best in-ring technicians that ever existed. So, if you’re a fan of wrestling then you have to be a fan of Chris Benoit the wrestler, and maybe not so much Chris Benoit the tragic murderer.”
Check out the complete MVP interview at v2Journal.com.
A number of celebrity and entertainment gossip websites continue to include Hulk Hogan on their rumored list of contestants for the upcoming season of Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” reality television show.
– ECW original Rhino recently spoke to veteran pro wrestling journalist Bill Apter about a number of topics, including Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania XXX. You can watch their discussion below:
– WWE referee Justin King is reportedly no longer with the company.
– The following are some recent WWE attendance figures:
January 31st live event in Miami, Florida drew approximately 6,000 fans
February 1st live event in Orlando, Florida drew approximately 6,500 fans
February 2nd live event in Kansas City, Missouri drew approximately 4,000 fans
February 2nd live event in Lakeland, Florida drew approximately 3,000 fans
February 4th WWE SmackDown show in Des Moines, Iowa drew approximately 4,500 fans
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan made a cameo during a 1980’s themed Superbowl Commercial for Radio Shack. Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter is also in the commercial, along with Jason (Friday the 13th), Chucky (Child’s Play), Dee Snyder (Twisted Sister), Alf, The California Raisons, Kid & Play, Olympian Mary Lou Retton and more.
The 80s called … they want their store back. 80s celebrities invade a RadioShack to take back their old stuff and make room for the RadioShack of the future.
As of this past weekend, the current plan for Hulk Hogan as it relates to WrestleMania XXX is for him to be the “host” of the show, much like The Rock was a couple of years ago.
As noted, Hogan was examined by WWE doctors and as a result, the call was made not to allow him to be involved in any sort of physical capacity.
The following are highlights of a recent interview with Kurt Angle from The Sun newspaper in the UK:
On his desire to return to WWE: “I can’t say when. My (TNA) contract is up in September and I’ve left my options open. I’m very happy in TNA. Dixie Carter has treated me very well and always been there for me. But, I can’t lie to myself anymore. I can’t lie to TNA or WWE. Yeah, there is that desire to go back. I just don’t know when. It could be this year. It could be next year. I don’t know when.”
“It’s not a bad thing to stay in TNA at all. I just have some unfinished business in WWE. Whether it’s this year or three years from now.”
On Hulk Hogan: “Hulk Hogan’s a good friend of mine. It was disappointing, but we had to make a company decision. It was, ‘Do we keep Hulk Hogan on without the physicality of wrestling?’ Because it seemed like Hogan wasn’t going to wrestle anymore. And, ‘Will he benefit the company?’ I believe he was benefiting the company,”
“I think that any amount of money he wanted was worth getting him, but the company at the same time had to make a business decision and decide if they wanted to keep him and pay him the big money or if they wanted to get rid of him and find some younger talent.”
On Sting’s departure from TNA: “Sting is the cornerstone of the company. Kurt Angle is not. A.J. Styles is not, as much as people want to say is the Face of the Company or Kurt Angle has helped the company more than anyone. Sting has always been our cornerstone and the man. He’s your go-to guy. To lose him is about as bad as it can get.”