While appearing on the Arsenio Hall late night talk show recently, when asked about her relationship with John Cena, Nikki Bella noted that the two were on a break. Additionally, the Total Divas preview for the new season talks about Nikki having to adjust to life while broken up with Cena.
In both cases, this is likely a situation where WWE is playing up the Total Divas storyline, as the two were still together as recently as a few weeks ago.
Season two of Total Divas premieres this Sunday on E!.
– Apparently part of the motivation behind the Daniel Bryan segment at this past Monday’s RAW, as well as the reason the company referred to it as “occupying RAW” instead of “hijacking RAW” was because the company was making fun of how the fans failed at “hijacking” the recent RAW show in Chicago.
– The plan going forward is for WWE to run RAW dark matches (which they haven’t been doing as of late due to the WWE Network) featuring John Cena and Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.
– Independent pro wrestler Steven Walters, who frequently works for Anarchy Wrestling out of Cornelia, Georgia, has signed a developmental deal with WWE. He is expected to start with the company in Orlando in mid-April.
– Chris Harrington recently compiled a list of the 20 wrestlers who have appeared in the most WWE, WCW and ECW pay-per-view matches in history. That list looks as follows:
1. The Undertaker 161
2. HHH 158
3. Big Show 156
4. Kane 155
5. Chris Jericho 149
6. Rey Mysterio 129
7. John Cena 124
8. Edge 123
9. Booker T 119
10. Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels 114
12. Chris Benoit 113
13. Ric Flair 105
14. Christian and Steve Austin 90
16. Dustin Rhodes aka Goldust 90
17. Sting 83 and Lex Luger 83
19. Hulk Hogan and C.M. Punk 82
– John Cena granted another wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation prior to Monday’s RAW from Mephis. Cena met with 11 year old Wish Kid Luis and his family. You can see a photo of them Community.WWE.com.
– The latest plan for Alexander Rusev’s next WWE match is for him to wrestle at either WrestleMania or on RAW the next night, according to a report at PWInsider.com.
– Steve Austin is featured in the latest WWE video blog, where he shows off the trailer he’l be living in while filming his new ‘Broken Skull Challenge’ reality competition show for CMT.
The following is a list of the current merchandise sellers at the arenas in WWE.
1. John Cena
2. Daniel Bryan
3. CM Punk (down on the list because he’s been off TV and hasn’t been at the arenas)
4. Batista
5. Sheamus
6. Hulk Hogan
7. Randy Orton
8. Brock Lesnar
On the official WWE website, the list of top merchandise sellers is as follows:
1. John Cena
2. CM Punk
3. Daniel Bryan
4. Hulk Hogan
5. The Shield
6. Steve Austin
7. Brock Lesnar
8. Undertaker
9. Randy Orton
Notably absent from the list are Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio, both of whom have been among the top merchandise movers, especially Mysterio, who has been in the top tier list for several years.
According to an internal list that was just made in WWE, the company is projecting the following five guys to be the top Superstars, in order, going forward after WrestleMania XXX in April.
1. John Cena
2. Daniel Bryan
3. Randy Orton
4. Sheamus
5. Roman Reigns
Many found it interesting that both Sheamus came in at number two, and that Batista was not on the list at all. In the case of Sheamus, many point to the fact that Triple H has been very high on him for quite a while.
It should be noted, by the way, that this is a list of the guys they feel will be in those positions several months down the line, as opposed to where they are today. Obviously when they get to that point, things will likely have changed many times, but this is the list that the company just recently made.
Hulk Hogan’s WrestleMania XXX Announcement, John Cena & The Wyatt Family Hulk Hogan starts the show announcing an Andre The Giant memorial 30 man Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans. Battle Royals have happened before at WrestleMania, with Andre The Giant winning the first ever Battle Royal at WrestleMania II. At Wrestlemania IV Bret Hart and Bad News Brown, both heels at the time agreed to share the trophy, well for a few moments. And who could forget the 19 man Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven. I don’t think anyone was expecting this, and at first I thought, the idea seemed silly, but this will get alot of talent on the card, and could be interesting to watch.
John Cena came out to have a Raw moment with The Hulkster. Dislike Cena all you want, he has been the top guy in WWE for the last 10 years. Buff Bagwell, made a ridiculous comment, that John Cena isn’t a Stone Cold Steve Austin, or a Rock, and that HE could have been John Cena, if he was pushed like Cena has been. That’s the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Cena is a true star, and any way you slice it this was a Raw moment, to see Cena posing down with the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling.
Bray Wyatt doing his thing as John Cena and the legendary Hulk Hogan YES!
I enjoyed the Wyatt involvement, the challenge was issued by Cena, for a match at WrestleMania, Wyatt would later accept. Prior to the Royal Rumble, when the heavy rumor was John Cena vs Bray Wyatt, I was scratching my head. After months of excellent build up of Bray and the Wyatt Family, I can honestly tell you, I’m excited to see this match, and love the Wyatt Family. YES!
John Cena vs. Erick Rowan Short match, between Cena and Rowan, with Rowan having the upper hand for a good portion of the match, Cena wins with a surprise pin. I’m not sure why he was so shocked. Hulk Hogan in Cena’s corner, makes me wonder if this will foreshadow some physical Hogan involvement in the match at WrestleMania XXX. YES!
The Authority Address Daniel Bryan I’m a huge Vince McMahon fan, I loved watching Vince McMahon verbally and sometimes even physically battle Stone Cold Steve Austin, back in the Attitude Era. Perhaps because I’m so over the last 7 months of beating Daniel Bryan to the ground, I just can’t stand Stephanie McMahon and Triple H as The Authority. When I say that, I don’t mean, “I can’t wait to see Daniel Bryan get his hands on Triple H.” I just can’t stand the way either of them are, at all. Stephanie does all the talking in this segment, demanding Daniel Bryan apologize or face severe consequences. NO!
Cessaro griping a bit too tight for Jack Swagger YES!
Big E. vs. Jack Swagger / Real Americans Break-Up Tease # 395 This match was basically a filler to highlight the inevitable break up of Cesaro and Swagger. It’s a shame that Big E has been pushed to the back in all this, I had high hopes that the Intercontinental Title would finally get more prestige. That being said I am enjoying the break up of The Real Americans, because Cesaro is going to be a break out star. YES!
In-Ring Segment: The Undertaker & Paul Heyman This segment was pure brilliance, Paul Heyman with two amazing weeks in a row of fantastic promos. Playing the Chicago crowd expertly. Tying CM Punk’s departure into not being able to defeat The Undertaker, was a genius concept. I like how the story is now centered around Paul Heyman trying to get his revenge on The Undertaker. This could also set the stage for another CM Punk Undertaker encounter if he ever comes back and returns his ball. I’m cautiously optimistic for the Brock vs Taker match at WrestleMania XXX. YES!
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW
The following are highlights from the latest Jim Ross blog:
On John Cena, Bray Wyatt and Hulk Hogan: “Cena and Hulk worked for me and Hogan’s role at WM30 seems to nicely fit the veteran who WILL get a little physical at WM30….BROTHER!”
“What if I told you that John Cena and Bray Wyatt will arguably steal the show at WM30? Roll your eyes if you want but when you pair two, athletic performers with legit football backgrounds, both offensive linemen, expect their work rate to increase and their match to be a ’10’ on the physicality chart.”
On Daniel Bryan: “Daniel Bryan had another terrific night and WWE is booking DB expertly even though some critics will micro analyze the storyline and find fault with it because that’s simply what they do.”
“As I have said for many weeks, I fully expect Daniel Bryan to have a significant “WrestleMania Moment” in NOLA on April 6.”
“Just waiting on a handful of fans to complain now that the Bryan story is now too “predictable.” Please…stop my pain.”
On the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: “Not totally surprised that WWE is going to have a 30 man battle royal in the name of Andre the Giant as WWE usually adds a multi person match to attempt to get as many talents on WrestleMania as possible. I still remain firm that appearing on WM30 is an earned opportunity and not anyone’s right of passage. With that said, I’m not unhappy that several talents will now get in the game. Good for them and hopefully it doesn’t cause the four hour marathon to be shorted on the time needed for specific main event level bouts.”
On RAW improving: “Without question the bell to bell content of Monday Night RAW has improved significantly over the past few weeks. Yeah, I know that I[m old school and the butt of the occasional joke on RAW but I know what I like and I like physicality, believability and realism….not bad acting or failed attempts at humor.”
– The latest edition of the “30 Years Of WrestleMania” podcast, which features Renee Young interviewing Mick Foley, is now available at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE is advertising a steel cage match between John Cena and Randy Orton, as well as Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio, for the company’s return to Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York on March 22nd.
– The shirt that Jerry “The King” Lawler wore on RAW last night in his hometown of Memphis was said to be a hot topic of discussion backstage during the show. Lawler tweeted the following about the shirt after the show:
My Raw shirt tonight in Memphis was a tribute to Elvis & his gold lame’ suit. From the Graceland gift shop! pic.twitter.com/nuX4aDuhAR
– In addition to the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal being announced for WrestleMania XXX, the long-rumored match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt was announced as well. Cena officially challenged Wyatt in the opening segment of Monday’s RAW.
– Another match that was further set up for WrestleMania XXX is the match between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. Undertaker appeared on the show, but was quickly interupted by Paul Heyman. Heyman told Undertaker not to accept the match with Lesnar at WrestleMania, or his streak would come to an end. Undertaker told Heyman that if Lesnar accepts, at WrestleMania he will “Rest In Peace.”
Shortly after announcing the John Cena vs. Luke Harper main event for tonight’s edition of WWE RAW, the company changed it to the other member of The Wyatt Family.
So instead, Cena will be facing Erick Rowan in one-on-one action on tonight’s RAW in Memphis.
WWE.com confirmed in their “Five-Point Preview” for tonight’s edition of RAW, which emanates from Memphis, that in one of the main events of the evening, John Cena will square off in singles competition with Wyatt Family-member Luke Harper.
As previously reported, The Undertaker will appear on tonight’s show, as well as Hulk Hogan, who is scheduled to make a big announcement related to WrestleMania XXX.
The following are highlights of a recent interview with former WCW star Buff Bagwell:
On John Cena: “I don’t think he’s a Rock, I don’t think he is a Sting, I don’t think he is a Goldberg, I don’t think he is a Stone Cold. But i think he’s bigger than a Buff Bagwell. I really do. Now mainly because of the way they’ve pushed him i give him credit than being bigger than me. When you lay out the facts, no he’s not as big as The Rock, no he’s not as big as Stone Cold, no he’s not as big as these other guys i’m talking about. Then again, you give me the same push i think i would be just as big as John Cena. He’s not that cornerstone guy. He’s not that super mega superstar that The Rock has become. He’s not that super mega superstar Stone Cold had become. He’s just WWE’s number one guy and with a little bit of help, a lot of guys could be that guy. He’s just got the look, he’s got the ability, and he was at the right place at the right time to be their poster child.”
On CM Punk: “He’s too small. That’s why they kept him and The Rock as far apart as they could until they had to wrestle because when you really stand Rock against CM Punk in the ring. They just don’t look like it fits. You’ve got a 260 pound guy in The Rock down to a buck 80-85 CM Punk. Nothing against being a buck 85 but you know TNA’s got a division called the X Division for guys like that. I think that’s a good thing to have, but as far as being the World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk should not be. He’s not big enough, he don’t look the part. He’s heard, i bet if you ask him and he told the truth, he’s heard a million times wow you’re not as big as i thought you were. That’s not good for Pro Wrestling. You’ve gotta be big you know? to make it believable, to make it more realistic. I don’t think he’s that. He just doesn’t carry that kind of power.”
On whether or not he thinks anything can save TNA: “No, I don’t think there is. That’s why i’m not mad they didn’t hire me. Hiring Buff Bagwell isn’t going to save TNA. Hiring The Rock isn’t going to save TNA. So why put out a couple more hundred grand a year when it’s not going to save the company. I understand their position but i still don’t understand keeping the show on television. Either shut it down or do hire a Buff Bagwell that may switch the channels a little more, may make something happen. It may make somebody want to come over. Then you got The Rock and Buff Bagwell, maybe a Goldberg on TNA. Now you’ve got some heavy players. You just can’t have match after match people going who’s this guy here? what’s that guys name? You gotta have name value and they don’t.”
“They (TNA) were at the Gwinett Center here about 6 months ago, and i just drove up there and walked in. They just ate me up and oh god you look great, looks like you haven’t aged a bit, you know all this stuff. Me and Eric did text back and forth and all of sudden guys started getting fired, it was the same ol story, TNA’s going under and it was over again. I just can’t imagine being in the wrestling business you’ve got Buff Bagwell living in Atlanta, you’re running a Gwinett show which is 20 minutes from my house. Why would you not have Buff Bagwell come in and get beat? Put me on TV, beat me, but why not put me on TV? People know me better than they know other guy they’re beating. So why not get a better rating and beat me. I’m not asking to win, I’m asking to be part of the show and help them build a product.”
– WWE has posted several new job openings focusing on social media. For more information, visit Icims.com.
– WWE is at the annual SXSW (South By Southwest) Interactive Festival, which spotlights cutting-edge technologies and digital creativity, and features presentations and panels from the leaders in emerging fields of technology.
John Cena, Stephanie McMahon, Michael Cole and Perkins Miller presented, “Crushing Second Screen: The Ultimate TV Companion.” Stephanie said this to SXSW.com this week about the WWE panel:
“In our session, we will discuss brand and content distribution strategy, and reveal how WWE uses technology, storytelling and innovative product strategies to engage one of the most passionate fan bases in the world, including the first-ever live, 24/7 streaming OTT network.”
Check out this video from the panel, featuring Stephanie McMahon and John Cena talking about WWE’s Authority storyline:
WWE ran an injury angle for John Cena on the February 24the edition of RAW, with Cena being stretchered out of the arena after an attack from the Wyatt Family.
While it was sold as a knee injury in WWE storylines, we reported shortly after that it was actually John Cena’s groin that was injured. On Saturday, John Cena confirmed the groin injury report and also revealed he has fluid built up in his ankle.
Not asking to be saved hombre. I life my life by my code. Rookie mistake giving me 2 weeks to rest. Time to see if this dog is all bark.
As previously reported, the current plan in WWE is to promote John Cena and Daniel Bryan as the number one and number two babyfaces in the company coming out of WrestleMania XXX. Apparently another guy that is in store for a big push is Cesaro, who is a guy that the company has been planning on getting behind lately.
Other names that are set to receive a push after WrestleMania this year are Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar, Batista and Randy Orton.
– According to one source, the three names that were initially listed internally for opponents for Batista at this year’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view were Daniel Bryan, John Cena or CM Punk. With Punk no longer actively working with the company, the latest word is that it will still be either Bryan or Cena facing “The Animal” in the main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
– The latest word going around WWE is that there will not be a “brother vs. brother” match between Goldust and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XXX.
– WWE Diva Cameron will be releasing her first single “Bye Bye” this Friday, March 7th. There will be a release party in Beverly Hills this Friday at the Sofitel Hotel and E! cameras will be on hand filming for Total Divas. To RSVP for the event, e-mail herold.dreams@gmail.com.
They’ll never be another person as great as Paul Heyman. Brilliant performance. YES!
Paul Heyman Opens RAW, Brock Lesnar Attacks Mark Henry Raw kicked off with a bang, CM Punk’s music hit and, naturally the crowd went wild. I’m sure most older WWE fans know this drill all too well. WWE loves pushing buttons (now called trolling). I fully expected to hear CM Punk’s entrance music hit at some point during the broadcast, it was inevitable. However after about 30 seconds, it became clear there was no CM Punk, it was Paul Heyman. Paul comes into the ring, goading the crowd to cant their heads off for the voice of the voiceless. Paul then sat Indian style in the center of the ring, and began to talk about CM Punk, and ultimately said that the fans were to blame for his absence. Paul tied it into CM Punk losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29, and moved towards Brock Lesnar taking on The Deadman in New Orleans. Brock then comes out, followed by Mark Henry who eventually gets an awesome F5 into the announce table. I loved this segment, this was exactly how you capture lighting in a bottle. Paul Heyman was simply brilliant. If I have one criticism on this segment, I would have placed it towards the middle of the program. I think the crowd should have been given a bit of time to try to “HijackRaw” with their CM Punk chants, and then WWE would strike back with their response. YES!
WWE Tag-Team Championships The New Age Outlaws (c) vs. The Usos With a crazy night came this tag team match. I was pretty surprised that The USO’s won the contest and became The WWE Tag Team Champions. For some reason I thought we would have to wait till WrestleMania XXX to see The USO’s win the tag team championship, there is still 4 weeks before WrestleMania so as they say anything can happen. I’m happy for The USO’s they deserve the championship. YES!
The Real Americans Hugging it out… For now.
Big E. vs. Cesaro & Big E. vs. Jack Swagger I’ve been seeing Jack Swagger interrupt many Cesaro matches. Earlier in the night Swagger again caused the DQ by attacking Big E during the match. Later Big E pulls double duty taking on Swagger Cesaro returns the favor. Obviously these two are destined for a breakup, but when? And how does Big E’ Factor into this match. I wouldn’t mind seeing the three of them go at it in a triple Threat Match at WrestleMania, where we can see Cesaro finally turn on Jack Swagger. YES!
The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family What an incredible match these 6 young up and coming SuperStars had at The Elimination Chamber PPV, This match was great too, with Seth Rollins proving he is not the weakest link in The Shield. Flying across the ring! I like Rollins walking out of the match to further the breakup of The Shield. I think The Shield vs The Wyatts much like The Rock vs Triple H will go down in history as two matches that should have taken place on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania. Still an awesome showing and a great way to keep the momentum for Bray Wyatt who got the pinfall. YES!
Renee Young Interviews Batista BOOtista turning full heel on Smackdown! this past Friday night, now on Raw calls the Daniel Bryan #YesMovement the the dumbest thing he’s ever seen in his life. I like heel BOOtista. Well maybe I don’t. I didn’t like WWE trying to keep Batista a face when the crowd would have none of it. There’s your real change! We actually turned him heel. There was no other choice anyway, I don’t want to get my hopes up for the SEVENTH month in a row, but this seems to be heading towards what most of us are hoping to see at WrestleMania XXX.
Santino Marella & Emma vs. Fandango & Summer Rae I’m still not sold on Emma. It must be because of Santino. Or that music just doesn’t feel big enough. Again I get it she was very over in NXT, but that arena holds 500-800 people. (I’ve been to a NXT Taping at Full Sail) Sometimes things don’t play as well on the big stage. I hear that music, and I hear a pin drop. Then again, this might be another Fandango in the making the night after WrestleMania XXX. NO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78HUkVvnLXg
To much talk, Daniel Bryan should have kneed them both. NO!
Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon & Kane Promo So here’s the problem I have with Triple H vs Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX. I don’t want to see it. I want to see Daniel Bryan vs Batista vs Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. I don’t want to see Daniel Bryan face Triple H even for a chance to be in that match. Why? Because I’ve invested wasted seven long months waiting to see the payoff from a story that began at SummerSlam. I attended SummerSlam, Hell-In-A-Cell, Survivor Series, and The Royal Rumble. I don’t want to see Daniel Bryan beat up Triple H the character. Although I might not mind Brian Danielson decking Paul Levesque, for this frustrating half year plus. I’m just not into seeing this match, I’m turned off. 2-4 months ago, I would have been into the idea of this match, and invested in it. Now all I want is for him to win to get put in the championship match at the end of WrestleMania XXX. It’s a shame too, because Triple H vs Daniel Bryan should be a featured marquee match, on it’s own. I just don’t see myself enjoying the match as much as I would if I didn’t have this bad taste in my mouth from the last seven months.
I hate when people compare Daniel Bryan to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Daniel Bryan is mega over right now, but back in the Attitude era Austin, the whole business was over way more. These hijack shows though are starting to offer up more of that attitude era feel, I will say though. The thing is with Stone Cold Steve Austin, he gave his blood his sweat and tears to be WWE Champion. He stopped at nothing and got physical along the way. I was not a fan of Daniel Bryan just standing there, taking abuse from Triple H and Stephanie. I wanted him to beat the crap out of both of them. If I were Daniel Bryan, I’d offer up the stipulation that we all expect to eventually happen. If he can Beat Triple H at WrestleMania, he gets inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match. But I still don’t want to see the match at WrestleMania, too turned off from the last few months. NO!
I’m enjoying this story more and more each week. YES!
John Cena Addresses The Wyatt Family I liked what John Cena had to say to the crowd, the CM Punk chants were beginning to get on my nerves by this point. I’m enjoying Bray Wyatt and what he has to offer, he could be a top Hollywood horror actor. It wouldn’t surprise me if after Mania he stars in a film. YES!
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW
After Monday’s WWE RAW in Chicago, Illinois went off the air, the WWE Network post-show opened with a look at Kane, Triple H and Randy Orton still in the ring standing over a beaten down Daniel Bryan. This led to both John Cena and Big Show coming out to make the save. Cena, of course, came to the ring with a limp, as he is continuing to sell his story line injury.
When the smoke cleared, Orton was left alone in the ring with Bryan, Cena and Big Show. All three guys hit their finishers on Orton and then led to the crowd in a big “Yes!” chant to end the show.
– Cassandra Fraizer, the widow of Big Daddy V/Viscera, has apologized to WWE on Facebook for accusing them of being responsible for her late husband’s death.
– John Cena tweeted the following regarding tonight’s WWE RAW broadcast and the expected crowd chants:
Wanna pre thank the Chicago @WWEUniverse tonight for what I think will be a CANT miss #RAW there’ll b plenty of audience participation!!
– The official General Mills website has added a new blog talking about Stephanie McMahon’s visit to their company’s headquarters last week. McMahon was there as a WWE representative, as part of the partnership they have with GM’s Totino’s brand. She spoke about WWE’s approach to marketing, community outreach and growing their audience.
You can check out the complete blog, which features comments from McMahon, at GeneralMills.com.
– WWE Superstar John Cena posted a new tweet on Sunday afternoon commenting on his injury status. Cena wrote the following:
Body feels like an old rusty pedal bike with a broken wheel. Get the grease gun and some fix a flat..time to get it done #evenstronger
Despite reports to the contrary, including one that we reported here as well, John Cena is not suffering from a groin tear (or groin strain). Apparently Cena is simply continuing to sell the attack from The Wyatt Family from Monday’s RAW.
Additionally, there was no admonition from doctors for Cena not to work this weekend. It is simply a case of Cena selling the attack and a way of explaining how he’s able to work at the weekend live events despite being “hospitalized” on television on Monday.
John Cena returned to the ring at Friday’s WWE live event from North Charleston, South Carolina four days after his knee injury angle on RAW.
With his left knee taped up to sell the from the Wyatt Family, Cena lost to Randy Orton in the steel cage main event of the show. Although the RAW script included a segment for John Cena to be carried from ringside on a stretcher, there are reports that Cena did in fact suffer some sort of minor injury while fighting the Wyatts.
After his match with Randy Orton, Cena apologized to the crowd for not being 100%. Some fans who were at the show tweeted that Cena was not moving around well.
Mike Mooneyham tweeted these photos from the match: