The following are highlights of the latest blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Roman Reigns as a main eventer for WWE: “Was asked today by Jason Powell for Pro Wrestling.net audio if I thought Roman Reigns was ready to be the man in WWE and become WWE World Champion. I don’t think Reigns is ready today but it’s not game day just yet but I do applaud WWE for attempting to add more ‘new’ into the upper card mix and taking a calculated risk on Reigns to be one of their centerpieces. Time will tell and I assure one and all that no one knows today. I’m optimistic.”
On Dixie Carter appearing on The Ross Report: “I’m going to have TNA/Impact Wrestling head honcho Dixie Carter on my podcast that will drop on Tuesday January 6 at 9:30 pm ET on podcastone.com. Indeed, Dixie Carter will be my first podcast guest of 2015 and I can’t wait. Dixie will have a great deal to discuss as her Impact Wrestling brand is moving networks in a few weeks and making some internal changes that the fans will see on their first broadcast on Destination America.”
On Josh Mathews joining the TNA broadcast team: “Congrats to Josh Mathews on replacing Mike Tenay on the broadcast team and who will join forces with Taz on the Impact TV show. Josh will bring a different approach and feel to the show but has big shoes to fill as it relates to Mike Tenay stepping away to fulfill another role or two in the company. Mike will also maintain his TV presence. Josh and Taz should be fun to listen to as they develop their chemistry. I wish both friends well.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
Josh Mathews To Join Impact Wrestling Announce Team
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 18, 2014) – TNA, today, announced seasoned broadcaster Josh Mathews will join Taz to form the new IMPACT WRESTLING announce team. With Mathews doing play-by-play and Taz color-commentary, the new IMPACT WRESTLING announce team will debut during the LIVE broadcast of IMPACT WRESTLING on Destination America from New York City on Wednesday, January 7 at 9/8c.
“Josh Mathews is a dynamic talent who brings great energy and experience to commentating,” said John Gaburick, TNA’s Executive Vice President of Television. “I’ve had the pleasure to work with Josh for many years and know he, alongside Taz, will captivate fans and enhance the viewing experience.”
Raised in Indiana, Mathews moved to New York as a teenager to pursue his professional wrestling career and quickly established himself as a leading voice in sports entertainment and professional wrestling.
“I was amped up when I heard the news Mathews would be joining me to announce IMPACT WRESTLING on Destination America,” said Taz. “Our goal is to be the best announce team in wrestling today, combining Mathews’ work ethic and experience with mine alongside the best roster in wrestling. I am looking forward to sitting next to my friend and new announce partner on January 7 in New York City.”
“I’m elated to join TNA and be the new voice of IMPACT WRESTLING alongside my friend and three-time World Champion Taz,” said Mathews. “I’d like to thank Dixie Carter and John Gaburick for this incredible opportunity. Mike Tenay is a legend in this business and I am humbled to build on the body of work he has established over the past 12 years on IMPACT. To have my voice attached to the amazing athletes who do what they do better than anyone in the world is a dream come true.”
IMPACT WRESTLING debuts on Destination America with a special LIVE broadcast on Wednesday, January 7 from 9-11 PM ET, televised from New York City’s legendary Manhattan Center. IMPACT WRESTLING will move to its permanent time slot on Fridays from 9-11 PM ET beginning January 16 on Destination America. And, IMPACT WRESTLING: UNLOCKED with Mike Tenay premieres in its permanent time slot on Saturdays from 10 AM-Noon ET beginning January 17.
As we have noted in the past, when TNA makes the move from Spike TV to Destination America in January, it is expected that former WWE announcer Josh Mathews will be replacing Mike Tenay as the play-by-play man for Impact Wrestling.
This news has since been pretty much confirmed on Twitter by both Mathews and Taz. Below are some of the recent tweets about the subject.
As reported earlier this week, longtime TNA announcer Mike Tenay is expected to be replaced by former WWE broadcast team member Josh Mathews once the company officially launches on Destination America in January.
Internally, the move has been expected for a while, as Tenay lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has to be flown to TNA events while Mathews is based out of TNA Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.
For those wondering, Tenay is expected to remain employed by TNA and will be used on television in a different capacity.
Regarding TNA’s new television deal with Destination America, it is said that TNA now has less money to work with in their company budget and some additional cost-cutting measures are expected to be taking place in the near future.
As we have noted in the past, TNA is planning on a complete and total overhaul for the company when they officially relaunch their promotion during their Impact Wrestling television debut on their new cable home — Destination America — in January.
One of the major changes in terms of television presentation is the way the company plans to handle their announce team.
It’s believed that the longtime commentary team of Mike Tenay and Taz will cease to exist when TNA launches of Destination America, as one source claims the “new and improved” TNA will be going with a two-man announcing team that will consist of Taz and former WWE announcer Josh Mathews.
As far as Mike Tenay is concerned, it is believed that he will still remain in an on-air role in some capacity.
– Regarding TNA live events, there is said to be a feeling among many in the company that they simply can’t support TNA financially like they need it to, so the schedule will likely remain light for the time being.
– As far as TNA’s deal with Destination America is concerned, there are plans for a big “reboot” for the promotion once they premiere on the new network in January. They are also planning on overhauling their official TNA website, a project that former WWE announcer Josh Mathews is said to be the lead on.
Former WWE announcer Josh Mathews has been working out of TNA headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee recently and noted via social media that he is working on a new YouTube program with TNA performer Rockstar Spud.
“I’m With Spud” will be released on YouTube every Wednesday with Spud giving his thoughts on that night’s Impact Wrestling show.
Regarding Mathews’ actual status with TNA, there is no word yet on when he will make his debut on TNA television.
– The official Twitter account of TNA is now following recently released WWE announcer Josh Mathews. As noted in the past, Mathews was backstage at the recent TNA tapings in New York City immediately after his WWE release. Mathews has a long-standing relationship with former WWE executive John Gaburick, who is now in charge of TNA’s talent department.
– Triple H posted the following photo on his official Twitter account of Vince McMahon watching the action at last night’s WWE live event in Madison Square Garden:
In another cost-cutting move, WWE changed the pre-and-post shows for RAW from being filmed live in the arena to a studio setting. The SmackDown pre-and-post shows were canceled.
Additionally, WWE did not hold a post-show or press conference after Money In The Bank this past Sunday, as they went from the conclusion of the live broadcast directly into a replay of the pay-per-view.
As a result of Josh Mathews’ WWE release, Renee Young will now be hosting the RAW and PPV pre-and-post shows on the WWE Network.
It was revealed during Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, which was the “go-home” show for this Sunday’s WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view that Daniel Bryan will appear on the “Kickoff Show” to address being stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
In addition to that, it was recently announced that Bryan will be answering questions from fans during the pre-show as well. Fans interested in submitting questions for the leader of the “Yes! Movement” can do so on Twitter with the hashtag: #WWEKICKOFF.
Speaking of the “Kickoff Show” for this Sunday’s pay-per-view, the expert panel for the evening will include Renee Young, Booker T, Alex Riley and Christian. As noted earlier today, Josh Mathews, who generally hosts these panels, was released from the company.
STAMFORD, Conn., April 21, 2014 – WWE Network will premiere the Best of Hall of Fame, a series of four special presentations showcasing some of the most memorable inductions in WWE Hall of Fame history. The one-hour specials begin tomorrow night at 10 pm ET and will be hosted by WWE’s Josh Mathews.
Episodes (10 pm ET, Tuesday through Friday) include:
Tuesday, April 22 – Hulk Hogan inducted by Sylvester Stallone, Trish Stratus inducted by Stephanie McMahon and Bobby Heenan inducted by Jack Lanza
Wednesday, April 23 – Pete Rose inducted by Kane and Ric Flair inducted by Triple H
Thursday, April 24 – Gene Okerlund inducted by Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels inducted by Triple H
Friday, April 25 – Jerry Lawler inducted by William Shatner and Bruno Sammartino inducted by Arnold Schwarzenegger
There will be no new episode of WWE Countdown this Tuesday night on the WWE Network. Instead, WWE will premiere the “Best Of WWE Hall Of Fame” series that we reported about this past weekend.
Episode one of “Best Of WWE Hall Of Fame” will debut on Tuesday night at 10pm EST., and will look at the past WWE Hall Of Fame inductions of Hulk Hogan, Trish Stratus and Bobby Heenan.
On Wednesday night at 10pm EST., episode two of “Best Of WWE Hall Of Fame” will air, and will look back at the WWE Hall Of Fame inductions of Ric Flair and Pete Rose.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan was at WWE’s studios in Stamford earlier this week filming several hours of interviews for future WWE projects.
– The Ultimate Warrior Legends Roundtable that aired on the WWE Network this weekend, which featured Josh Mathews, Booker T, Sgt. Slaughter and Ted DiBiase, was filmed on Thursday.
– WWE Network will be debuting a new series called “Best of WWE Hall Of Fame” next week. The series will look back at some of the different WWE Hall Of Fame inductions over the years.
The following are highlights of the latest Jim Ross blog:
On Alex Riley’s commentary style: “Impressed with Alex Riley on the pre game and post game ‘panel’ on the WWE Network. Alex comes by his talking skills naturally and seemingly has a long, productive future in his current role. I enjoyed working with Alex in NXT and feel he’s a potential star on the Network.”
On Josh Mathews: “Host Josh Mathews also seemed more comfortable in his host role on the panel but the panelists talking over each other endlessly needs to lessen. I think that these pre and post game shows have unlimited potential. I like the casting of Mathews in this new role.”
On TNA’s upcoming “Lockdown” pay-per-view: “TNA has a PPV this Sunday emanating from South Florida called Lockdown. It troubles me that Kurt Angle is once again being saddled up and ridden into a mid card match at this stage of his game. Just an observation and not attacking TNA Impact who I hope continues to develop their own identity and they play to their strengths which is bell to bell physicality and aggressive storytelling.”
– Apparently the trio of Josh Mathews, Alex Riley and Booker T will be the regular WWE pre-show and post-show panelists every week for RAW. Each week the group will be joined by a special guest, such as “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, who served as the guest on the panel this past Monday night.
– In the latest SEC filing, WWE revealed that they currently have 133 wrestlers on their main and developmental rosters. Additionally, WWE has 762 corporate employees.
The official WWE website has added a video interview from backstage at Old School RAW. The interview features Josh Mathews interviewing Jerry Lawler live and in-person about the rumors of his health. The article notes the following:
JERRY LAWLER GIVES A HEALTH UPDATE: WWE APP EXCLUSIVE, JAN. 6, 2014 (2:00)
Jerry Lawler addresses the rumors that circulated about his health and gives a update on his well being. To get a first look at more exclusives like this, check out the official WWE App!
It was announced during the TLC “go-home” edition of WWE RAW on Monday night, which was also the Slammy Awards special, that Fandango will be facing Dolph Ziggler in the TLC Kickoff Show match.
Also announced for the TLC Kickoff Show is the “expert panel.” For the final WWE pay-per-view of 2013, WWE Hall Of Famers Mick Foley and Booker T will join WWE Superstar The Miz to hype up the TLC pay-per-view.
WWE has added the complete Survivor Series “Kickoff Show” that aired prior to the pay-per-view on Sunday night to their official YouTube channel.
Fans interested can check out the pre-show special, which featured the Hall Of Fame panel consisting of Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Mick Foley and Booker T, as well as the “Kickoff Show” match between The Miz and Kofi Kingston.
Watch the full WWE Survivor Series Kickoff Show below:
The special one-year anniversary edition of The JBL & Cole Show has been added to the official YouTube channel of WWE.
The show this week features a number of guest appearances, including Dolph Ziggler, Santino Marella, Josh Mathews, Road Dogg, Damien Sandow, Renee Young, Hornswoggle, Big E. Langston, John Cena, Daniel Bryan and John Cone.
You can check out episode 52 of The JBL & Cole Show below:
– A YouTube user has recently uploaded some leaked behind-the-scenes WWE footage. Below are the videos. The first video features Josh Mathews, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz and Big E. Langston preparing for a segment on the WWE App.
http://youtu.be/Z4fvuREjf70
– The second video features WWE announcers Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler and JBL preparing for the WWE RAW broadcast from Greenville, South Carolina.
The WWE Hell In A Cell Kickoff Show will feature the usual “expert panel,” as they have done with all past pay-per-view Kickoff Shows. Tonight’s panel will feature Josh Mathews along with R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler and Kaitlyn.
As noted earlier today, the match on the Kickoff Show has been changed. Due to an injury, WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel will no longer defend his title against Big E. Langston as originally planned. Instead, “Mr. Money In The Bank” Damien Sandow will take on Kofi Kingston in singles action, as we reported earlier Sunday afternoon.
Make sure to check back here at SESCOOPS.COM later tonight for the best WWE Hell In A Cell live results coverage on the internet. In addition to our usual live results, we will be providing live images from inside the arena during the show tonight as well. Check back here later this evening for the most complete Hell In A Cell coverage on the entire web. Everything officially gets started at approximately 7:15pm E.T. / 4:15pm P.T.
As noted, WWE experienced a major pay-per-view problem on Sunday night in the form of a power outage inside the First Niagra Center in Buffalo, New York just prior to the start of the WWE Championship main event between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton.
As we reported earlier, the power went out in the arena, which caused all forms of pay-per-view, including the internet pay-per-view, to immediately lose the live feed. For a few minutes, all viewers could see on their screens was a default “Please Stand By” technical difficulties message.
The following are some Twitter comments from WWE and WWE Superstars on the power outage:
Official WWE Twitter Page:
We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our #WWEBattleground broadcast. Please stand by for further updates.
Our #WWEBattleground broadcast was disrupted by a power outage in the Buffalo area. We apologize for the interruption.
Brad Maddox:
That power outage was not my fault. Completely unavoidable. No worries we’re back
Josh Mathews:
We are back. Yes! Yes! Yes! @WWE #WWEBattleground
Lilian Garcia:
Power restored & @WWE Championship match is in full swing! Who do U think will b new champ @WWEDanielBryan or @RandyOrton? #WWEBattleground
– This week’s “Are You Serious? webisode is highlighted by Kane being featured in the “Fail of the Week” moment. The synopsis reads: “What happened in a 2003 steel cage match the leaves Kane in shock and disbelief? You have to see the “Fail of the Week” moment on “Are You Serious?” with Road Dogg and Josh Mathews now!”
– WWE Champion CM Punk did not appear at Saturday’s Raw live event in Roanoke, Virginia due to appearance at the New Orleans Comic Con. Ryback instead faced and defeated Jack Swagger, with John Cena defeating Dolph Ziggler in the main event.
– The Nickeledeon comedy film Fred 3: Camp Fred, featuring John Cena in the role of the title character’s father, will be released on DVD this Tuesday.
– On Wednesday, a video surfaced on YouTube featuring “hidden camera” footage of Rosa Mendes purportedly changing her clothes in a locker room. The video, which was created and labeled “The Brad Maddox Experience” by a scam artist, was quickly removed, with the WWE Diva angrily tweeting Brad Maddox under the belief that he made the video.
“Nice move to get more followers. You are a nobody and you will always be a nobody!” she wrote to the aspiring WWE star. “If ur going make a fake video find someone hotter!! I look nothing like that!! You are such loser! You burned bridges with the wrong Diva!”
Maddox addressed the matter on Saturday via Twitter, writing, “Dear Morons, Stop tweeting me crap about a youtube video put up by a mark. It is clearly and obviously not me. You are stupid. Love, Brad.”
– The following video was issued of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin congratulating WWE Games on two million Facebook likes.
– WWE announcer Josh Mathews turns 32-years-old on Sunday.