The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on SyFy show, which was taped Tuesday night from Liverpool, England:
– Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett.
– World champion Mark Henry vs. Daniel Bryan.
– Sheamus vs. Christian.
– Ted DiBiase vs. Jinder Mahal
– Big Show in a three on one handicap match.
– Alicia Fox vs. Tamina.
– Hunico & Epico vs. The Usos.
— WWE.com has announced that Daniel Bryan will face World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry on this week’s episode of SmackDown.
The synopsis reads: “After nearly cashing in last week, Daniel Bryan will face Mark Henry this Friday on SmackDown. Can he survive another encounter with the World Heavyweight Champion?”
— Former WWE Divas Champion Jillian Hall filmed a “shoot” interview last Saturday for RF Video where she discussed her career and what she witnessed backstage while working for WWE.
— Jimmy and Jey Uso discuss their new entrance theme, “So Close Now,” in an article published on WWE.com. David Dallas, the artist who performs The Usos’ new entrance theme, hails from New Zealand but is also of Samoan descent.
The Usos say, “It’s an honor. The Usos are young and rising WWE Superstars, like David Dallas who is a young rising rap artist. We both represent our heritage in two totally different ways.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham, 68, was hospitalized Monday in Phoenix, Arizona for pneumonia. He is on antibiotics and in stable condition.
“Billy had a bad cough last night when I spoke to him,” said his agent Scott Epstein. “He said he also had a low grade fever and was going to go to the ER as a precaution. Valerie (his wife) called me this morning to tell me he was admitted. She will update me later this evening.”
— Matches taped Monday in Liverpool, England for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are as follows:
* Alex Riley vs. Michael McGillicutty
* Curt Hawkins vs. Justin Gabriel
— Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso beat Derrick Bateman and Trent Barreta in a dark match at tonight’s tapings in Liverpool, England.
sources: 1Wrestling.com, ProWrestling.net
— The October 31 episode of the Raw SuperShow garnered a 3.1 cable rating, down two-tenths from 3.31 the week before. Overall viewership was also down, from 4.71 million viewers to 4.49.
For the second consecutive week, Raw’s rating declined during the second hour, from 3.21 to 3.00. Overall viewership decreased by 236,000. The first hour of last week’s show averaged 4.93 million viewers before declining to 4.50 in the second.
— Matches taped tonight in Greenville, South Carolina for this week’s episode of WWE NXT were: Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Johnny Curtis and Tyson Kidd; Kaitlyn vs. Tamina; A.J, Percy Watson and Titus O’Neil vs. Derrick Bateman, JTG and Maxine.
— The October 29 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.69 cable rating with 792,000 viewers.
source: PWInsider.com
— Hindustan Times has an article on The Great Khali stating that he is preparing for a WWE event slated to take place in India early next year.
“Since it is in my country, this will be my first wrestling before my countrymen, I don’t want to be unprepared for the historical event,” Khali said.
WWE.com announced Khali suffered a fractured fibula following a brutal attack by World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry on the September 30 SmackDown. The angle was conducted to remove the former World Heavyweight Champion from television since his contract is set to expire and will likely not be renewed. He is, however, expected to maintain a relationship with WWE.
— Matches taped Monday night in Atlanta, Georgia for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were Drew McIntyre vs. John Morrison and Tyson Kidd vs. Yoshi Tatsu.
Jey and Jimmy Uso beat Primo and Tito Colon in a dark match prior to the event.
source: ProWrestling.net
— 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.
source: ProWrestling.net
WWE has announced that effective immediately, NXT Redemption is moving to Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. ET/1 PT on WWE.com.
WWE.com made the announcement prior to the start of tonight’s regularly scheduled episode, which reads: “WWE Universe, tune in to WWE.com Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET/1 PT for an all-new episode of WWE NXT Redemption! For complete coverage of WWE NXT, including results, photos, video clips and full episodes on demand, visit NXT.WWE.COM any time.”
After WWE made the announcement on Twitter, Derrick Bateman wrote, “Ok. Nevermind. It airs at 4 tomorrow? Glad I know now…… #WALKOUT”
Matches taped tonight in Biloxi, Mississippi for tomorrow’s episode are: Daniel Bryan vs. Heath Slater, JTG vs. Yoshi Tatsu, Derrick Bateman vs. Titus O’Neil, Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso.
Florida’s ABC Action news is reporting that WWE superstar Jimmy Uso was arrested for driving under the influence early Thursday morning in Tampa, FL.
Uso, whose real name is Jonathan Fatu, was pulled over at the corner of Howard Avenue and Platt Street. He was arrested at 3:14 a.m.
According to the arrest report, Fatu’s blood alcohol level (BAC) was .180 – more than twice the legal limit (.08).
Tampa Police say an officer “observed the defendant traveling the wrong way on Howard Avenue in a silver Mustang.”
Here is Jimmy Uso’s mugshot picture from today:
— According to the latest issue of WWE Magazine, John Cena’s next WWE Studios film, The Reunion, will be released in theaters on October 21.
A website for the film, which also stars Ethan Embry and Amy Smart, has been launched at www.thereunion-movie.com.
— The main event of tonight’s episode of WWE NXT on NXT.WWE.com features Jey and Jimmy Uso squaring off against Darren Young and JTG. Also scheduled is Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jinder Mahal and Percy Watson vs. Tyson Kidd.
— WWE is asking fans to vote on the WWE Greatest Matches Facebook page to help program the WWEGreatestMatches.com schedule for the month of January.
source: ProWrestling.net
— Matches scheduled to air on tonight’s episode of SmackDown are as follows:
* Sheamus vs. Heath Slater
* Justin Gabriel vs. Wade Barrett
* A.J. and Kaitlyn vs. Beth Phoenix and Natalya
* Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes
* The Great Khali vs. Jinder Mahal
* Daniel Bryan vs. Sin Cara
* Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso
* Mark Henry defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Christian in a Lumberjack Match
— The Miz announced this afternoon on Twitter that he has launched a YouTube Channel. He posted a video of his first words about being fired by WWE, which was filmed Wednesday during his new Sirius XM Radio show, First and Awesome.
— After R-Truth and The Miz were fired on this week’s episode of WWE Raw SuperShow, WWE.com transferred their respective profiles to the Alumni section.
— WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase stated during an interview with the Poughkeepsie Journal that his son Brett will be released from his developmental contract with WWE at the end of the month. The third generation talent was forced to bow out of competing earlier this year after suffering multiple knee injuries and is now unable to continue working as a referee.
“When he realized he couldn’t wrestle without being in pain, well maybe we can go the referee route. Well, then we have a fourth knee surgery. I got to thinking about that and referees are actually up and down even more than wrestlers. Usually when we go down, we’re going down on our back. When they go down, they go down on their knees,” DiBiase said. “Brett will really officially be released at the end of this month. He’s come home now. He’s in great spirits. He’s sad that it hasn’t worked out for him. But on the same token, he was very frustrated and the frustration’s over. We got closure.”
To read the full interview, click here.
— WWE announced the following on Twitter fifteen minutes prior to tonight’s Raw: “Triple H has invited @RealKevinNash back to @WWE #Raw to discuss “textgate” Who’s telling the truth? Find out LIVE at 9/8 CT @USA_Network!”
— Jey and Jimmy Uso, who are twin brothers, celebrate their twenty-sixth birthday today.
— WWE creative has discussed breaking Jimmy and Jey Uso up.
— Layla appeared to have injured her ankle during the main event of last week’s SmackDown taping as a referee and WWE crew member rushed to check on her while the referee signaled the “X”. Michelle McCool assisted Layla to the back following the bout.
The SmackDown Diva went on Twitter and thanked fans for their concern, but stated that she is fine.
— Former WWE manager Paul Bearer has been announced to appear at WrestleMania Axxess in Atlanta, Georgia. He will also be the Grand Marshall for a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama on February 19.
source: PWInsider.com
— Prior to the match pitting Mark Henry and The Great Khali against Jimmy and Jey Uso on Raw, The brand’s General Manager switched the bout to a dance-off. The World’s Strongest Man and The Punjabi Playboy notched the victory with their unorthodox dance moves.
Former WWE star Rikishi, father of the Uso brothers, took to Twitter to express his unhappiness for the angle.
“My thoughts on my sons’ dance off? Didn’t really need it,” he wrote. “Creative Team WTF!! Its not that hard to figure in talent.”
He added, “Tag Teams in the WWE are not really the focus as we can see. Soon Usos will be in singles.”
— All March on WWE Classics, the legendary career of the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase will be spotlighted. WrestleMania IV, which featured DiBiase vs. Randy Savage, will also be featured.
John Piermarini, a former writer with WWE, recently started a blog recalling numerous behind the scenes stories that occurred during his two year stint with the organization. Highlights include:
* Piermarini says he originally proposed that Mason Ryan fill Sheffield’s powerhouse role in The Nexus shortly after “The Cornfed Meathead” fractured his ankle. Vince McMahon, however, rejected the idea.
* Vince McMahon views Skip Sheffield as a potential number two babyface, behind John Cena. He remains sidelined after suffering a compound fracture of his ankle in August.
* Piermarini says the original concept of the Uso brothers was to present them as the opposite of the stereotypical Samoan wrestler—educated, intelligent and wear boots. “Usos would essentially have been the Russell Simmons of the WWE. That preppy hip-hop style,” he says. Piermarini attributes their lackluster push in the organization to Vince McMahon not understanding hip-hop culture, and thus couldn’t comprehend the appeal of the brothers Uso. He also says they fell victim to bad timing due to The Nexus debuting shortly after them.
— The entire WWE talent roster will be on hand for next Monday’s “Raw 900th Episode Celebration” in Boston, Massachusetts. It should be noted that the episode is scheduled for two hours.
— John Cena appears in a new episode of Hannah Montana Forever, premiering Sunday, September 12 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The WWE Superstar guest stars as himself to provide Miley’s brother Jackson with some real life motivation.
— Jimmy and Jey Uso celebrated birthdays Sunday as the twin sons of WWE alum Rikishi turned 25 years old.
— Eve Torres celebrated her 26th birthday Saturday.
sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com
— Seeing as Chris Benoit took part in the Elimination Chamber Match that took place at the 2005 New Year’s Revolution pay-per-view, he is featured in WWE’s newly released DVD set highlighting the Elimination Chamber, Satan’s Prison: The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber. While he’s shown in the match – the first marketed of him by WWE since his 2007 double murder and suicide – anything remotely complimentary said by the announcers regarding Benoit was edited off the DVD
— WWE newcomers Jey and Jimmy Uso have received much praise amongst company officials, reports www.f4wonline.com. The twin sons of former WWE star Rikishi have quickly risen up the ranks in the company as they were signed to developmental contracts just last January.
— The SmackDown house show on October 16th, 2010 will be held at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Tickets go on sale August 28th, 2010 at noon. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)