As a self-made millionaire, WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield is no stranger to making major financial decisions. Now the former World Champion has arrived in AAA and has big plans for the company thanks to his financial backing.
After appearing at AAA TripleMania in August, JBL shared that he has become one of the main investors in the Mexican promotion. Appearing this past week for AAA, JBL spoke with Dorian Joaquín Roldán Peña, the company’s director general. In the segment, Layfield spoke about bringing AAA to the United States, declaring that it’s where the money is, but said he’d still keep a ‘territory’ in Mexico.
JBL further made his point on Twitter, promising a “global takeover” by AAA and promising to make Mexico great. Alluding to his appearances in various promotions, JBL said he’s not everywhere just yet but plans to be soon enough.
As part of the new ownership team for the most famous wrestling organization in Mexican history, Triple AAA @luchalibreaaa -it’s going to be a global takeover. We are going to make Mexico great. I’m everywhere? Not yet, but I will be. https://t.co/dgz1uv3ITG
As for what John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield does next, right now, it seems only JBL knows. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from JBL and his huge international plans as an investor in Lucha Libre AAA.
Fans were overjoyed this week to learn that WWE Superstar LA Knight recently tied the knot. In a tweet, Knight made it clear that he didn’t get married this week despite what’s being shared online.
If anybody finds pictures from the wedding I’m hearing I was part of this week, I’m excited to see them! I must have blacked out, because i don’t remember any of it. Please send.
Knight is married to fitness instructor Michelle Yavulla and has been since 2018.
JBL Reacts to SmackDown
This week’s episode of SmackDown was the annual Tribute to the Troops show, so it was fitting that JBL was present at the show. It was the former WWE Champion who came up with the idea in 2003. In a tweet, JBL shared his appreciation for being back on SmackDown for one night. W
Seth Rollins has faced plenty of WWE Superstars as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion but hasn’t shown interest in Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Speaking on the SI Media podcast, Rollins explained why he hasn’t had the Tribal Chief in his sights.
“He’s been so absent, I don’t think it’s been a topic of conversation amongst fans, let alone the locker room. I think it’s one of those things where it’s an opportunity, but it’s such a glass-ceiling opportunity. It feels like one of those things where it may never happen.”
Reigns’ next match is expected to happen at the WWE Royal Rumble PLE on January 27.
The days are getting darker. The winds are getting colder and that can only mean one thing.
The Holidays are coming!
Each year, WWE makes sure to air a Holiday episode, complete with Christmas trees and other sights associated with the most wonderful time of the year.
Countless Superstars and personalities have donned the iconic red and white suit of Santa Claus himself, but not all did so with the best of intentions.
Here are five Santas from wrestling who will be getting coal in their stocking this Christmas.
5: Damien Sandow
Damian Sandow’s 2013 ended with him on the naughty list after losing to the World’s Strongest Santa Mick Foley.
For Damien Sandow, 2013 could be best described as a ‘mixed year.’
After winning the SmackDown Money in the Bank contract, Sandow seemed on the cusp of becoming World Heavyweight Champion, but failed in his cash-in attempt on John Cena.
By December, Sandow had fallen down the card dramatically and played the role of ‘evil Santa’ on the December 23, Raw.
Facing off against the World’s Strongest Santa Mark Henry, Sandow had little chance, and what started as a promising year for the intellectual ended on a dud.
4: Bubba Ray Dudley
Tajiri used a festive red mist to defeat Bubba Ray Dudley in a Santa Vs. Santa match in 2001.
For much of the Invasion storyline, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley were key players in the Alliance and would hold the WWF and WCW World Tag Team Titles.
Even after the Alliance was defeated, the Dudleys remained, and Bubba would don the iconic red suit for the Christmas Eve Raw.
Facing off against SanTa-jiri, Bubba earned himself on the naughty list with his heel antics throughout the match.
To their credit, both men would put on an entertaining match despite their costumes, and Bubba even used some Santa-themed taunts to rile the crowd.
In the end, Tajiri’s mist (festive red of course!) would give the Japanese Buzzsaw the win in a highly-entertaining match.
3: Bobby Heenan
Bobby Heenan tried to reveal s hocking secret while dressed as Santa Claus.
Rightly considered one of the greatest heel managers in wrestling history, Bobby Heenan earned himself a spot on the naughty list countless times with his actions.
On Christmas Day in 1989, Heenan took to Prime Time Wrestling for what he called his ‘Santa Claus Shoot,’ in which he declared to the world that Kris Kringle isn’t real.
No doubt breaking the hearts of children watching, Heenan’s rant was cut short by Roddy Piper, who told the kids Santas is real, and pushed and prodded the famed manager.
Heenan, in typical fashion, tried to talk his way out of being beaten up by Piper, and we imagine that The Brain got coal in his stocking the next year.
Of course, this Santa suit wouldn’t be the only costume Heenan would don on-screen, but his other, more iconic outfit, would be that of a weasel.
2: Xanta Claus
Xanta Claus, played by Balls Mahoney, showed that everybody has a price for the Million Dollar Man.
For In Your House 5: Seasons Beatings, Santa Claus took a break from a busy December to appear for the World Wrestling Federation, handing out presents with Savio Vega.
Confronting Million Dollar Men Ted DiBiase in the ring, it seemed the numbers were in the good guys’ favor until the unthinkable happened.
Santa Claus sold out!
Attacking Vega and aligning with DiBiase, the man was now Xanta Claus (hailing from the South Pole,) a pretender to the role who had been paid off by DiBiase.
Xanta’s one and only match would come on the Superstars of Wrestling show on December 19, defeating Scott Taylor, but the character would last a few weeks after Christmas.
Years later, Xanta would return to WWE, but under his more recognizable name as Balls Mahoney, and his actions showed that everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man.
1: John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield
Like Damien Sandow at the start of this list, 2005 was not the best year for John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield.
In April, his ten-month-long reign as WWE Champion ended at the hands of John Cena, ushering in Cena’s rise to the top of wrestling, and the Texan would fail to regain the gold.
That December, JBL donned a camouflaged Santa outfit for that year’s Tribute to the Troops in Baghdad, and berated the troops for the
Complaining about having to use a porta-potty for his rosy backside and the lack of Dom Perignon for his reindeer, and even threatened to cancel Christmas.
JBL’s Santa didn’t stop there, threatening to cancel all holidays (even Bastille Day!) but his plans were thwarted by WWE’s resident Santa, Mick Foley.
Facing off in a match to determine the true Santa of WWE, Foley got the win with a literal bag of tricks and Mr. Socko.
JBL’s berating of the troops was certainly not becoming of Jolly Ol’ St. Nick, and when you consider his actions as a character (and his history of hazing and bullying) JBL has a lifetime spot on the naughty list.
John Bradshaw Layfield believes that WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is the most “compelling character” he’s seen in the past twenty years.
JBL shared his thoughts when he recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump. He immediately praised The Tribal Chief. Accoding to JBL, Reigns has impressed him more than anything else he’s seen in two decades.
“Roman Reigns to me is the most compelling character I’ve seen on television, I think in twenty years, it’s unbelievable how good he is,” JBL stated. “That character, the way it’s just transitioned and become the head of the table, I’m a huge fan.”
He was then asked about Reigns’ recent Champion vs. Champion clash with Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series. JBL shared how their match “lived up to every bit of the hype.”
He noted how meeting and surpassing people’s expectations is “[…] hard to do when you talk about having a true heavyweight matchup like they had. You had two great champions and both of those guys are in the prime of their life.”
Earlier this year, John Bradshaw Layfield was announced as an inductee into the 2020 Hall of Fame. He joined other 2002 inductees, including Batista, the nWo, The British Bulldog, Jushin “Thunder” Liger, and The Bella Twins.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, WWE’s Hall of Fame ceremony was forced to postpone. The 2020 Class will now be inducted during the lead up to 2021’s WrestleMania 37 pay-per-view.
John Bradshaw Layfield is officially heading into the WWE Hall of Fame. News of JBL’s induction was confirmed during last night’s episode of WWE Backstage.
The former Superstar joined WWE back in 1995, wrestling regularly under several gimmicks until his retirement in 2009. His final match took place at Wrestlemania XXV where he lost the Intercontinental Championship to Rey Mysterio in only 21 seconds. Having left in-ring competition, JBL segued into a commentator role with WWE before focusing on his humanitarian work in and out of WWE. He has worked with organisations such as Beyond Rugby Bermuda and Beyond Sport, where he is a Global Ambassador.
JBL won copious amounts of gold during his tenure in WWE. He is a former WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion and United States Champion. During his time in WWE, he also won the Hardcore, European and Tag Team championships. He is one of the few Superstars to not only be a Grand Slam Champion but a Triple Crown winner.
He joins “The Animal” Batista, the Bella Twins, and the nWo (consisting of Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman) as a part of the 2020 Hall of Fame Class. The ceremony will take place during WrestleMania week on April 2 from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
One of JBL’s most notable rivals delivered a special message after the Hall of Fame announcement was confirmed. John Cena congratulated JBL on the accomplishment, stressing how he absolutely earned the recognition for all he has done.
“Hey John, it’s John. Remember that young whippersnapper that you put over at WrestleMania for the strap? I just want to thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. I have great perspective of all the people that have helped me along my journey, and there is no me without you.”
He continued, “We had some wonderful times. I hope that as you get inducted into the Hall of Fame, maybe you can relive some of those times and enjoy some of those memories like I do every single day. I’m just really thankful for what you have done for me. As far as I’m concerned, this is something that you’ve absolutely earned. I never use the word ‘deserve’—you have earned every inch. I hope that you enjoy the Hall of Fame ceremony and all that it encompasses because it is well earned. Thank you, John.”
JBL dropped the WWE Championship to Cena during WrestleMania 21. This was the first time Cena had claimed WWE’s top prize, moving him from the roster’s upper mid-card and firmly placing him into the main event picture.
Former WWE Champion, John “Bradshaw” Layfield says he dealt with memory loss after retiring from wrestling. JBL was on Prime Time with Sean Mooney recently. He talked about his concerns about possibly having CTE, which currently can only be diagnosed posthumously.
The topic of the many unprotected chairshots that used to take place throughout JBL’s career came up. Mooney then asked JBL if he worries about the long term impacts of such blows to the head.
“I figure pretty sure soon I’ll be hunting for the Easter eggs I just hid. I don’t know, I should be the poster child for CTE,” JBL said. “When I first retired, I had short term memory loss, and I started reading about neuroplasticity in the brain, about how the brain can regenerate itself and I don’t know if it can or not.”
JBL then mentioned he does many cognitive strengthening activities to keep his mind active.
“I do all kinds of stuff, I do a mind game every day, I play chess, sudoku, I learn something different, a language, a few words of a different language, I learn something to always stretch the brain and my memory came back completely. Right now it appears to be as normal, if I can be called normal but as normal as I know I am. Right now, I don’t have any effects.”
The oft-outspoken John Bradshaw Layfield has never been one to shy away from controversy or an opportunity to share his opinion, especially on a subject he’s so knowledgeable and passionate about.
Speaking recently with Busted Open Radio, the former WWE Champion offered his thoughts on the issue with modern-day heels in the industry.
JBL believes that it’s “easier now than ever [to be a heel], but the guys have got to stay in character. […] we stayed in character 24/7. People would think you’re a horrible person, but you don’t want to see a guy at the airport, and smile, and be friendly.”
He admits that this outlook – one that happens to be shared by Chris Jericho – is an “old school mentality,” before explaining, “People don’t like it anymore, but it’s what we did and you didn’t want them coming to the arena and saying, ‘Hey, I met that guy – he’s actually a really good guy,’ and tell everyone around him because that’s what they’ll do. You want people to think you’re this bad guy. You live this character 24/7.”
A Social (Media) Issue
Attempting to pinpoint contributing factors to the issue, JBL highlighted social media as a major reason for this break in heel dynamics.
“I would see these guys trying to be heels and right after some dastardly deed on Monday Night RAW or SmackDown, they quote a bible verse and say how great it is to help people on social media,” he said.
“You’re killing yourself because these same people who follow you on social media are the same ones that watch you on Monday Night RAW and SmackDown, and they’re the ones out there saying, ‘you know, he’s really a good guy; I like him; he’s a good heel.’ If somebody tells you, ‘you’re a good heel,’ you have failed miserably. If you’re selling t-shirts as a heel, you’re selling them, then you’ve failed miserably. If you have a heel section, then you’ve failed miserably.”
What do you make of JBL’s thoughts? Is there a problem with modern-day heels? Is social media to blame?
– In this edition of The JBL & Cole Show, Michelle Beadle stops by, fans find out how Michael Cole got a black eye, and Cody Rhodes leads the WWE roster in the first ever JBL & Cole Show World Championship Bowling Tournament.
– The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the entertainment abilities of The Prime Time Players were recognized with the “Best Use Of The WWE App” Award.
“We take pride in being one of the most entertaining tag teams and personalities collectively and individually that this company has to offer. Our job is to bring it,” remarked Darren Young. “The PTP didn’t land on the WWE App, the WWE App landed on The PTP.”
– Kofi Kingston says he doesn’t care what people think about his in-ring performances.
The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the seven-time mid-level champion was voted by fans as “Most Underrated.” Kingston, however, doesn’t care for the moniker.
“I don’t really care what people think about me,” Kingston remarked to WWE Magazine about being called underrated. “I think if someone’s underrated, that they’re under appreciated. I’m fully confident in my abilities, I know every night, in my mind, that I’m going to have a good match. People feel underrated when they think they’re not getting the credit they deserve. That’s why I don’t care that much about what people think.”
– Bill Apter recently caught up with “Dangerous” Danny Davis, who famously portrayed a crooked referee for the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s. During the interview, Davis reveals that he now resides in Massachusetts, drives a truck for a living and still even wrestles.
– John “Bradshaw” Layfield mentioned on Twitter that he was doing voice-overs at WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut over the weekend.
– Celebrating birthdays are Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta, who turns 51-year-old, and Jamie Noble, who turns 37. Noble currently works for WWE in a behind-the-scenes capacity.
– It was revealed this week through social media that former WWE Divas Champion Kaitlyn got engaged to bodybuilder boyfriend PJ Braun, who reigns as President of Prime Nutrition and Blackstone Labs. Speaking to WWE.com, the 27-year-old discussed his unexpected wedding proposal and the beginning of this exciting new chapter in her life.
Braun first noticed Kaitlyn when she was competing on the bodybuilding stage years ago, but they did not date until recently.
“We always joked that we would probably end up together someday,” said Kaitlyn, while also noting that their busy schedules and personal lives prevented them from taking things “to the next level.” “We didn’t start dating until this summer, which is funny because he lives in Florida and I was living in Florida for three years. I finally moved back home to Houston, and we started dating shortly after that. We lived a few hours from each other for three years!”
Braun popped the question following Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown taping at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. However, that wasn’t his original strategy.
“He was planning on asking me today [Friday] while we were in New York City, but when he got to Connecticut, he lost the ring in the airport,” Kaitlyn said. “So he sits me down in the big suite after SmackDown and we’re laughing and hanging out [with his family] and he’s telling me this ridiculous story about how he lost it and eventually found it. After that, he knew he had to ask me the very next time he saw me. I had no idea it was coming.”
Kaitlyn also discusses her ring and why her wedding ceremony will be anything but conventional. To read the full article, click here.
– John “Bradshaw” Layfield, who turns 47-years-old today, receives the ultimate happy birthday on the latest edtion of The JBL & Cole Show. Plus, Aksana asks JBL a question, Andy Kaufman stops by to say hello and “#CasualCole” does some green screen improv.
– Ryback appears to be turning babyface after Paul Heyman dismissed Ryback as a potential “Paul Heyman Guy” on Raw on Monday. We can now confirm that WWE creative plans call for Ryback to feud with Brock Lesnar, with a match likely taking place at January’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The storyline will be that Paul Heyman will enlist Lesnar to destroy Ryback, since he blames Ryback for CM Punk putting him in a wheelchair.
Meanwhile, while WWE officials would like to have Ryback face Goldberg at WrestleMania XXX, sources within the organization don’t expect the former World Heavyweight Champion to come on board since he would almost certainly be asked to job. Goldberg stated in an interview earlier this year that he would not return to the company to lose.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show features never before seen bloopers, outtakes, and footage from the show. Renee Young hosts.
– While shooting footage for The JBL & Cole Show, Michael Cole suffered a black eye. The injury occurred while the WWE announcer played rugby at Huddersfield Stadium in West Yorkshire, England with professional player Eorl Crabtree. John “Bradshaw” Layfield posted this image on Twitter of Cole’s accident.
– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch recorded this message today promoting her upcoming appearance at the Classic Grand Rock Club in Glasgow, Scotland taking place this Thursday. The event will feature a Q&A session and meet and greet. Event details are available here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCNRQax5PzE
– WWE Superstar JTG reunited with his former partner in crime, Shad Gaspard, this weekend in Venice Beach, California.
– With John Cena capturing the World Heavyweight Championship from Alberto Del Rio at Hell in Cell, it will once again be portrayed as equal to the WWE Championship. According to F4WOnline.com today, Cena and Randy Orton are expected to remain as champions through at least Elimination Chamber, and will be portrayed as equals.
– In this edition of The JBL & Cole Show, Renee Young takes fans on wild ride through some of the best, funniest and most outrageous moments from the past 49 episodes of the show.
– 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.
– 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.”
– Ken Shamrock revealed on Twitter last night that he would be open to returning to WWE.
A fan remarked to Shamrock that he would love to see him back in the organization. Shamrock responded, “@VinceMcMahon is the man who can set it up brother @WWE.” The 49-year-old was then asked if he would like to return, and replied, “yes.”
– WWE highlights CM Punk’s devastating GTS in this 30 Second Fury video.
– The official website of WWE 2K14 has added profiles on John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Zack Ryder. Layfield has a game rating of 89 while Ryder comes up at 85.
– Former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley announced on Twitter Friday afternoon that he will be attending tonight’s WWE live event in Denver, Colorado.
#Raw is in Denver tonight and Guess who's going?!? #yessir
Lashley parted ways with WWE on February 4, 2008 after being asked to be released from his contract and now competes as a mixed martial arts fighter while occasionally wrestling at independent events. Regarding the nature of his departure from Vince McMahon’s organization, it was widely rumored that Lashley had had problems with the head writer of SmackDown at the time, Michael Hayes. Lashley’s former girlfriend, Kristal Marshall, alleged in a 2009 interview that Hayes, who was suspended from WWE in 2008 after reportedly using a racial slur to Mark Henry, had said several blatantly racist remarks to Lashley, and that this was the main reason he decided to bolt from the company.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show is now online and features Rob Van Dam. The synopsis reads, “In this edition of The JBL & Cole Show, RVD blesses us with some narration skills, Cole & Renee continue their tour of the WWE Performance Center, William Regal joins the cleaning crew, and JBL FINALLY makes it to Orlando on time….maybe.”
– Monday’s Christmas-themed episode of Raw featuring John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight and a Santa Claus injury angle drew a 2.2 cable rating, which marks as the show’s lowest rating of 2012 and in over 15 years. The last episode to draw a figure that low was the September 8, 1997 show, which featured Triple H vs. Savio Vega vs. The Patriot in the main event.
As reported earlier, Raw averaged 3.167 million viewers over the course of two hours, down from 4.23 million the week before for a show that drew a 2.9 cable rating. Hour one drew 2.94 million viewers, hour two drew 3.271 million viewers, and hour three drew 3.219 million viewers.
– This week’s The JBL & Cole Show, is now online, which features appearances from multiple guest stars. The synopsis reads, “Okay, so JBL doesn’t actually fire Michael Cole (we think), but this week’s episode is jam-packed with hilarity and guest stars. No. 1 ranked tennis player John Isner talks greatest Superstars of all time, The Great Khali learns to Tweet, Yoshi Tatsu learns to TOUT, and – oh, yeah! – “Mean” Gene makes a special appearance. All this and more on the latest episode of “The JBL & Cole Show!”
– Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez are signing autographs today at The Boost Mobile on 5718 W Fullerton in Chicago, Illinois 60639 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
– The official website of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, are now advertising The New Age Outlaws, “Road Dogg” Jesse James and “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn, for next Wednesday’s Raw live event. As reported earlier, the five-time WWE Tag Team Champions will also appear at Thursday’s Raw live event at Madison Square Garden and Friday’s show in Uniondale, New York.
– This week’s The JBL and Cole Show features John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Micheal Cole outside of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, before Sunday WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event. The synopsis reads, “Outside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, “The Wrestling God” and one of WWE’s most outspoken announcers visit with Alex Levine from The Gaslight Anthem to join The Prime Time Players, Alicia Fox and WWE fans in a “Millions of Dollars” chant. Watch the latest episode of the hilarious “JBL & Cole Show”!”
– Promoting his Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank contract against John Cena tomorrow night at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Dolph Ziggler went on Twitter to taunt his opponent
“studying ladder matches & killing it at the gym -somewhere @JohnCena studies a cue cards poorly crafted reference to my junk,” wrote Ziggler.
– This week on “The JBL & Cole Show,” multi-platinum rapper Flo Rida drops by to talk about the genesis of his name, The Rock and his stirring WrestleMania XXVIII performance.
– WWE will present the final performance of The Rolling Stones’ 50th anniversary shows, exclusively on pay-per-view tonight, at 9 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Details on the event are available here.
– Jey and Jimmy Uso have their sights set on making history in WWE. Saturday on Twitter, the twin duo vowed, “We will be the first brothers to hold separate titles and Tag titles at the same time!! Mark our words!!! #HISTORY #USOOO.”
– WWE will tape its annual Tribute to the Troops event tonight in Norfolk, Virginia at the Norfolk Scope Arena. Free tickets are available for active members of the military.
– On the latest episode of the “JBL and Michael Cole Show,” John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Michael Cole disown professional sports. The synopsis reads, “Watch the latest episode of the hilarious, new “JBL & Cole Show,” as “The Wrestling God” and one of the most outspoken announcers in WWE history lay down their views on the worst owners in professional sports and the Tout of the week – featuring a certain cowboy-hat-wearing former WWE Champion!”
– Despite Comcast listing a rerun of NCIS: Los Angeles for this Monday night on the USA Network at 8:00 p.m., Raw will remain three hours in its regular time slot.
WWE officials confirmed to F4WOnline.com Wednesday night that Raw will remain a three-hour show airing from 8:00 to 11:05 p.m. The cause of this miscommunication is currently unknown.
– Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis announced on Twitter Wednesday night that she is engaged to be married to Ring of Honor wrestler Mike Bennett. She tweeted a photo of her engagement ring.
After parting ways with WWE in 2010, Kanellis largely kept away from the professional wrestling industry until meeting Bennett through Twitter last year. She regularly accompanies him to independent events as his valet and now holds the position of creative director of Crossfire Wrestling in Nashville, Tennessee.
– Today marks as the 63rd birthday of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler. Also sharing birthdays with “The King” are fellow WWE broadcaster John “Bradshaw” Layfield, who turns 46-years-old, and WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund, who turns 70.
– In this edition of “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown World Heavyweight Champion Big Show has some words of warning for Sheamus for their Chairs Match at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Plus, Rosa Mendes “scouts” Alberto Del Rio.
– SmackDown color commentator John “Bradshaw” Layfield announced via Twitter that he will debut a new show on WWE.com next week: “Looking forward to The JBL Show debut next week! @wwe .com will carry it. @MichaelCole may also appear some. #dollarwithadime.”
– In the United Kingdom, The Miz is currently featured in a television commercial for Smyths Toys.
– John “Bradshaw” Layfield posted a new video on YouTube discussing his decision to make a full-time return to the WWE announce booth for SmackDown. The former WWE Champion takes some light-hearted jabs at fellow announcers, says he sees Wade Barrett as a future World Heavyweight Champion and after witnessing Fandango in dark matches, believes the character has potential to be “pure money.”
– The official WWE website has posted highlights of this week’s episode of WWE Superstars from the United Kingdom, which features Justin Gabriel vs. Tensai and Jimmy Uso vs. Jinder Mahal. The full episode is available on WWEOnHulu.com.
– Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
