-WWE Hall Of Famer “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair will be making a special appearance at the WWE SummerSlam Axxess festivities in Los Angeles on Saturday at 11:00am local time. For tickets, visit AXS.com.

-Former WWE Superstar Sean “X-Pac” Waltman is the latest to chime in on Twitter regarding Darren Young’s decision to come out of the closet as a homosexual earlier this week. Waltman wrote, “Just want to throw my support out to @DarrenYoungWWE. A credit to the WWE & the human race. God bless.”

-On late Friday evening, the number one trending item overall on Twitter was “Brooke Hogan.” Coming in just behind Brooke at number two, was “#SmackDown.”

-WWE Superstar John Cena recently tweeted about the new “John Cena Fast Lane” App for mobile users. Cena wrote, “Thanks @WWE @WWEUniverse love the #fastlane app! I’m hooked! Download it see what u think. Enjoy!”

WWE SummerSlam Spoilers

Last night, WWE Superstar Darren Young revealed to a TMZ.com reporter that he is gay.

TMZ caught up with John Cena in Los Angeles and asked him about Young’s decision to come out publicly. Cena initially said that there were no openly gay wrestlers in WWE – but when he was told that Darren Young had “come out” earlier that night, he said, “Oh, wonderful.”

“Oh wonderful.

“I know Darren personally. Darren’s a great guy. That’s a very bold move for him. And congratulations for him for actually finally doing it.”

Cena says he’s proud of Young, because his own brother is gay and knows how hard it can be to come out.

As for how WWE will handle the situation – Cena says WWE won’t care one way or another.

“For us, it’s entertainment … and if you’re entertaining you shouldn’t be judged by race, creed, color or sexuality … as long as you’re entertaining.”

The official Xfinity website recently posted an interview with Paul Heyman. While most of the interview is Heyman answering questions completely in-character, below are highlights where Heyman is somewhat candid in his responses.

On the significance of his role in last year’s WrestleMania: “It’s huge. Nothing short of it. And probably even bigger than that adjective. It’s exhilarating for me because you have the most unique, the most gifted athlete in the history of the WWE, or UFC, or college athletics in Brock Lesnar, going against a wrestler who probably has more heart, more determination, and the ability to overcome the odds better than anybody else that I’ve ever come across in my entire career in CM Punk. It’s a fascinating match-up. It won’t be over in 30 seconds. This is going to be an all-night affair. There’s an old expression in the professional wrestling business; “This match will be worth the price of admission.” I humbly suggest that Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk is worth the price of admission alone.”

On Brock Lesnar telling him to ‘say something stupid’ on RAW recently: “He wanted me to say something stupid! Brock Lesnar is a man who thinks in a far different way than your average beast walking down the street. This is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. Brock made his point, he told the world, “I, Brock Lesnar, am better than CM Punk.” So, what else is there for us to say?”

On his thoughts about Daniel Bryan: “I’m not done recruiting Daniel Bryan. I think Daniel Bryan is a fascinating performer who has put on arguably the most consistent string of best matches of the past year. The striking thing about Daniel Bryan is the best is yet to come with him. Daniel Bryan still has more to offer. And having seen footage of him dating back to when he was wrestling in VFW halls and very small arenas and high school gymnasiums, he still has so much more that the WWE Universe hasn’t seen. I’m admittedly, and I will confess to this, a huge fan of Daniel Bryan.”

On his thoughts about John Cena: “I think there’s a streak going involving John Cena that both the WWE Universe and the media have failed to pick up on. The glory days of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin lasted two, maybe two-and-a-half years. That was the peak of his run. He came back as General Manager, but day-to-day, going to every city, main eventing every Pay Per View, the focal point of Monday Night Raw…Steve Austin’s peak was two-and-a-half years. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s peak was along the same lines. John Cena has been the focal point of WWE since 2005. For eight and now going on nine years, John Cena has not only main evented all the Pay Per Views, been the major attraction on Raw. John Cena has gone to every city, main events all the live events, and yet he still makes all these media appearances, he’s done more Make-A-Wish Foundation visits than anybody in history…and he’s a tireless workhorse. And he shows up last Monday with his elbow…looking grotesquely…is that a word? His elbow was so messed up and yet he says, “Wrap me up, I’m going out there to perform because the people are counting on me.” There is a work ethic to John Cena that is to behold.”

On his thoughts about Bray Wyatt: “It’s an emotional presentation, and it sets him apart from everyone else which means that Bray Wyatt will stand out. Whether it’s in WWE or UFC or Major League Baseball or the NBA or the NFL or television or movies…any genre that is star-driven has the need for unique personalities. And Bray Wyatt is as unique as they come.”

On how TNA Impact Wrestling handled Rob Van Dam: “I don’t mind getting into detail. I think TNA squandered the opportunity of exploiting the talents of Rob Van Dam. And I don’t think that’s a mistake the WWE is going to repeat.”

Check out the complete interview online at Xfinity.com.

WWE SummerSlam Spoilers

The following are highlights from a recent interview with Triple H from NBC Sports Radio out of Los Angeles:

On Daniel Bryan’s popularity: “I think this is a moment in time – is the torch being passed? Or, is this the moment where John Cena continues to cement himself as the face of WWE for this generation?

“I think with Daniel Bryan, there’s an honesty there. Daniel is what he is – a frumpy-looking, long-haired, bearded guy who doesn’t really apologize for how he looks, but he’s that good in the ring. Historically, when you look back at the business, when you got past the flamboyant Hogan/Macho Man Era, you had the Bret Hart technician, a lot less hype and personality and charisma (who let the in-ring speak). And there’s kind of those shifts back-and-forth… Maybe that’s what it is – I do think Daniel is the cross-over of so many of those factors that make a Superstar big. He’s got charisma, he’s got personality, he’s different, he’s his own man. He’s just Daniel Bryan. And he’s damn good and damn exciting at what he does”

On Hulk Hogan in the WWE 2K14 video game and his place in WWE history: “Hulk Hogan will forever be the face of a generation of WWE Superstars. I don’t know that there’s a more recognizable guy – there’s Rock, there’s Hogan, there’s Cena, and there’s these recognizable characters that become household names. And Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest of all-time – a true legend in our business. No matter what, he will always have that place in the WWE Universe. Always.”

Check out the complete interview below:

WWE SUMMERSLAM SPOILERS

WWE Superstar and the man who will challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam this Sunday on pay-per-view, Daniel Bryan, recently spoke with Zap2It.com about a number of topics. Below are highlights from the discussion.

On future stars in WWE currently working in the developmental system: “You know, it’s hard for me to say because I haven’t seen all those guys. Someone I have a soft spot in my heart for is Sami Zayn. He wrestled as El Generico in the independents. In the ring he’s just phenomenal. I saw a couple of his matches with Antonio Cesaro and it’s some of the best wrestling this year, as far as I’m concerned, even compared to the stuff you see on WWE TV. If he can get the personality to match his wrestling skills, I haven’t seen any of his interviews, but he has loads of personality as a human being and I can only imagine if he’s able to transfer that onto television he should be a big star, I’d hope. But you never know, because size might hold him back for a little bit, but talent always shines through.”

On the current WWE roster featuring smaller wrestlers such as himself: “Yeah and part of that is because fans no longer accept the slow-paced wrestling matches. Most of the big guys can’t wrestle the action-packed matches. That’s what makes somebody like Big Show so incredibly special. You see him and he’s seven feet tall and between 450 and 500 pounds. Yet, when I was wrestling him I’d dropkick him in the knee and he’d flip all the way around. He’s an incredibly agile guy, and he’s been wrestling since 1995. The same goes for Kane, who goes to the top rope. If you’re a big guy and you can’t move well, you’re not going to last long in the modern WWE system.”

On whether or not he’s doing anything different to prepare for his match with John Cena at SummerSlam: “No, actually. One of the things that’s the hardest about big matches like this is to try to not do anything differently. People often think ‘Oh, I gotta amp up my training,’ A lot of times that leads to injuries and the last thing you want to do is get injured right before a big match. So for me, it’s just a matter of doing the same thing. More than anything else, it’s just mentally preparing. With nerves and the position we’re being put in, the thing that gets me more tired than anything is being nervous. I don’t ever get tired when I’m wrestling, except for when I have a lot of nerves. I’d like to think at SummerSlam I’ll be very relaxed, because these are the kinds of moments you want to be relaxed for so you can enjoy it and soak it all in and just have a great time going out there and doing what you love to do.”

Check out the complete interview online at Zap2It.com.

WWE SUMMERSLAM SPOILERS

WWE has released a new John Cena game on iTunes. The official description from the iTunes website is as follows:

WWE Presents: John Cena’s Fast Lane
By World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Description
You’re a young racer, crushing the quarter-mile, with your sights set on being the best in the world. As it happens, your driving impresses none other than John Cena, WWE Superstar and muscle car enthusiast, who takes you under his wing – passing on knowledge he learned during his years behind the wheel.

You’ll challenge opponents in cities from across the United States, including shadowy figures from Cena’s racing past who are bent on winning by any means necessary. Master the art of shifting and upgrade your whip with powerful add-ons as you drive yourself to victory.

In the end, only one person can truly say, “THE CHAMP IS HERE.” Will it be you?

UPGRADES AND CUSTOMIZATION
Upgrade engines, tires, transmissions and turbo chargers.

Customize your car with NOS, decals, paint, groundFX and rims, then share photos of your ride on Facebook.

Level up to unlock 6 different vehicles, each with its own power profiles, gearbox ratios and ride.

RACING
Face more than 80 different competitors, including 10 challenging “boss” racers.

Before each race, size-up the competition’s ride, then head to the garage to fine-tune your vehicle.

Shift, downshift or dodge to evade road hazards and obstacles in a totally unique racing simulation.

MULTIPLAYER
Coming soon: Connect with friends and crews from around the world to take the race to the virtual blacktop.

WWE SmackDown Spoilers

As we reported yesterday, current WWE Champion John Cena’s elbow injury is worse than is being let on. While the specific severity of the injury is unclear at this point, it is known that his arm is in really bad shape.

According to reports, Cena’s injury is bad enough that last week WWE officials made the decision for him not to wrestle until the SummerSlam pay-per-view this Sunday. Additionally, Cena is reportedly going to be taking time off after the match to have surgery on the arm, which could keep him out of action for a while.

Whether or not this means Daniel Bryan will win the WWE Championship at SummerSlam is anyone’s guess, but odds are pretty likely that he will if Cena won’t be around after the pay-per-view. Then again, Money In The Bank winner Randy Orton could always walk out of the building as WWE Champion as well.

WWE SummerSlam Spoilers

[Credit: F4WOnline.com]

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross says John Cena’s promo with Daniel Bryan from RAW was one of his best in a long time. He tweeted:

“Best @JohnCena promo in a long time. Steeped in truth w/ real, natural passion. #WWERaw”

– WWE Champion John Cena also commented on last night’s RAW and SummerSlam:

“Stage…set. #summerslam it’s on. Tonight was for all those down since say one. #nevergiveup @WWEUniverse @WWE”

It was announced on WWE RAW that Brie Bella would take on Natalya in a Divas singles match at Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. All of the girls from the Total Divas reality show will be at ringside for the match.

Also announced on RAW on Monday night was the addition of Triple H as the special guest referee for the John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan WWE Championship main event.

WWE SummerSlam Spoilers

-According to reports, the elbow injury that current WWE Champion John Cena showed off on RAW a few weeks ago is worse than the company, and Cena himself, is leading fans to believe. While the exact severity of the injury is unclear, it is apparently a pretty serious injury.

-On a recent edition of the Conan O’Brien show, WWE Superstars The Wyatt Family were the focus of a comedy skit. The joke was something along the lines of ZZ Top doing something with pro wrestling and ducks.

-Apparently every show on the upcoming Jim Ross speaking tour in the United Kingdom is sold out, with the only exception being the show scheduled in Manchester.

HUGE Update On John Cena’s Injury, Kurt Angle’s Rehab Status + MORE!

[Credit: F4WOnline.com]

-WWE announced that Total Divas star Jo Jo Offerman will be signing the National Anthem at this Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. “I really feel so so blessed. I actually want to scream!” JoJo told WWE.com. “I feel blessed to even be considered to sing the National Anthem, especially for such a big event like SummerSlam.” For more information, visit WWE.com.

-Speaking of Total Divas, the phrase “Total Divas” trended worldwide on Twitter throughout Sunday night and into early Monday morning.

-WWE Champion John Cena officially signed up for an Instagram account. Cena told his fans on Twitter on Sunday night that he would be joining the social media platform, and on Monday posted his first photo. Cena tweeted, “Just posted a photo http://instagram.com/p/c7f42MmKNu/

Huge *SPOILERS* For This Season Of Total Divas + NEW SummerSlam Matches!

-While details aren’t exactly clear at this point, the reason John Cena missed the WWE live event in Oakland, California on Sunday night was because of transportation issues.

As noted, the fans in Oakland were offered refunds due to Cena’s absence.

-Due to the fact that WWE Divas will be part of the already scheduled mixed-tag match for the SummerSlam pay-per-view (Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn vs. Big E. Langston & AJ Lee), it is likely that the Maria Menounos and Natalya vs. Brie Bella and a mystery partner (or Nikki Bella, if she is cleared in time) match will be on the PPV kick-off show.

There is a good chance that the Menounos match will be mentioned on RAW at some point tonight.

WWE RAW Spoilers

[Credit: F4WOnline.com]

The following are results from the WWE live event in Oakland, California. The event took place on Sunday, August 11, 2013.

-Before the show began, WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts announced to the live crowd that WWE Champion John Cena would not be appearing on the show tonight as scheduled. He then informed the fans that they could receive refunds if they wished. Cena was scheduled to compete in a Champion vs. Champion match on the show against Alberto Del Rio. Due to his absence, WWE RAW GM Brad Maddox came out and announced a Battle Royal to open the show, where the winner would take Cena’s spot in a match against World Heavyweight Champion Del Rio.

-The Big Show won a #1 Contender Battle Royal. The show opened with the Battle Royal for a shot at Del Rio’s World Heavyweight Championship. Big Show made his return, to the surprise of the fans in Oakland. The match also featured Rob Van Dam, The Shield, The Miz, Mark Henry, Ryback, Christian, R-Truth, Justin Gabriel, The Usos and Wade Barrett. It came down to the final four, which were Show, Henry, Barrett and Ryback. In the end, Show eliminated Ryback to win the match.

-Kane defeated Luke Harper via Disqualification when the rest of the Wyatt Family interfered. Kane cleaned house of all Wyatt Family members, but Bray Wyatt had a big smile on his face, seemingly enjoying it.

-Kaitlyn defeated Alicia Fox. Typical Divas match. Nothing out of the ordinary here. This was kept relatively short, with Kaitlyn picking up the victory over Fox via clean pinfall after hitting her with the spear.

-Rob Van Dam defeated Ryback via pinfall. Was said to be a very physical match. Ryback played his heel role well, garnering a lot of heat from the fans in the arena. In the end, Van Dam picked up the clean pinfall victory over Ryback after hitting him with his Five Star Frog Splash finisher.

-Mark Henry & The Usos defeated The Shield via pinfall. The finish came when Henry hit Seth Rollins with the World’s Strongest Slam for the 1-2-3. The crowd seemed to be heavily into The Usos, possibly due to Jimmy Uso’s exposure on Total Divas every Sunday night.

-Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman) defeated The Miz to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Heyman interfered towards the end of the match while Miz had the figure-four leglock applied on Axel. As the referee was checking on Axel, Heyman scraped Miz’s eyes to break the hold. This led to Axel hitting his finisher on Miz for the 1-2-3.

-Big Show defeated Alberto Del Rio via Disqualification. Big Show earned the right to challenge Del Rio by winning the Battle Royal in the beginning of the show. Show won via DQ, but this of course means he did not win the title. Del Rio was DQ’d after bringing a chair into the ring.

-Daniel Bryan defeated Randy Orton in a No-Disqualification Match. The finish here came when Bryan powerslammed Orton through a table. This match went extremely long, as it ran nearly 25 minutes. The crowd loved every minute of it. Was said to be the best match on the card.

WWE SummerSlam Spoilers

-John Cena missed the WWE live event on Sunday in Oakland, California, the only house show on the books for WWE this past weekend. While no reason for his absence was given, WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts did tell the live crowd that refunds would be available for those who requested them. We will have a full live report from the WWE show in Oakland, which also featured the in-ring return of The Big Show, later today.

-WWE Hall Of Famers Dusty Rhodes, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and a special APA reunion are all scheduled as the headline attractions for the Legends Of The Ring convention in Monroe, New Jersey this October. For more information, visit LegendsOfTheRing.com.

SESCOOPS.COM reader Carl Dantes sent along the following:

Meet Shawn Michaels and his MRA team at the Field and Stream Shop Grand Opening in Cranberry Township, PA on Friday August 16th from 3-5pm and Michaels will be signing autographs and taking pictures plus a Q&A session and you could also win a dinner with him & his MRA co-host Keith Mark. Yes, it’s free.

August 16, 2013
3pm-5pm
Field & Stream Shop
1000 Cranberry Square Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066

Also on Saturday August 17th, Michaels will be at the Cabelas in Hamburg PA.

August 17, 2013
10am-12pm
Cabela’s Retail Store
100 Cabela Drive
Hamburg, PA 19526

And on Sunday August 18th Michaels will be at the WWE’s SummerSlam Axxess – tickets available now.

August 18, 2013
1pm-3pm
WWE SummerSlam AXXESS
Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015

[Get general admission tickets]
[Get limited VIP tickets]

WWE SummerSlam Spoilers

The SummerSlam “go-home” edition of WWE RAW emanates from the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California on Monday, August 12th.

The top match confirmed for this week’s show is CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman in a “man-on-man fight,” as the “Evil Genius” himself revealed on last week’s RAW.

WWE will also wrap-up the final hype for the John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan WWE Championship match at SummerSlam. Hyping up the McMahon’s involvement in the match will be Vince McMahon, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, all of whom are advertised to appear on the show.

Also confirmed to appear on the show this week is “The Beast” himself, Brock Lesnar.

The full roster officially being advertised for the show are John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman, Curtis Axel, CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, Christian, The Shield, Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler, Big E. Langston, AJ Lee, Kaitlyn, Mark Henry, Rob Van Dam, Kane, The Wyatt Family and The Miz.

The dark match main event advertised for the live crowd in Sacramento, according to SleepTrainArena.com will be a two-on-one handicap match featuring John Cena and Mark Henry teaming up for the first-time-ever to take on the trio of The Shield.

WWE RAW Spoilers

-TNA Impact Wrestling star Christopher Daniels recently posted a tweet which reveals the name for his new alliance with Kazarian and Bobby Roode. Daniels wrote:

“The Extraordinary Gentleman’s Organization: Membership IS a privilege! @REALBobbyRoode @FrankieKazarian #BFGSeries Finalists!”