– Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts is upset with his former employer having his demo reel removed from YouTube. This was due to the video featuring copyrighted WWE footage, which the company gave him permission to use.
“At the end of my 12 year relationship, there were a lot of things about work that made it hard to want to get on those planes. But on the night that we didn’t renew my contract- I left the building and they told me the door was always open. I chose to walk the opposite direction and move on. I left out the negativity in my heart and wrote a positive goodbye and was on my way into the next chapter,” Roberts wrote on Instagram.
“The company sent me footage and I put together a reel featuring much of that footage since that’s where I was, almost daily for over a decade. My reel was out there and maybe I’d go where the wind blew, but today they pulled that reel off of YouTube. Despite countless hours of their copyrighted YouTube footage uploaded by others, my 5 min reel of my work is pulled. Maybe their legal department isn’t busy enough?”
The video has since been restored.
– In this week’s “WWE Top 10” video, The Undertaker’s “Ghastliest Mind Games” are counted down.
– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans which movie franchise The Rock should save besides “Dredd.”
– Regarding former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts’ release from the company, one source close to the situation claims that Roberts was willing to continue working for the company based off of his old deal while they worked on reaching a new agreement. WWE, however, reportedly chose to go the other route and simply release him.
– Below are some recent WWE attendance figures:
October 17th in Montreal drew 3,900 fans
October 18th in Mexico City drew 13,500 fans
October 18th in Quebec City drew 3,000 fans
October 19th in Monterrey drew 6,500 fans
October 19th in Topeka, KS drew 2,500 fans
October 20th in Kansas City for RAW drew 10,000 fans
October 21st in Wichita, KS for SmackDown drew 3,500 fans
Recently released WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts told TMZ that he is planning on writing a book about his life.
Those close to the longtime WWE ring announcer say he will be writing a lot about his struggle to break into the business of professional wrestling. He apparently wants the book to be part inspirational and part instructional.
Roberts has yet to lock down an official publisher for the project at this point, however he has plans to meet with potential suitors once the book is complete.
JBL posted the following on Facebook in response to reports that Justin Roberts’ WWE release was related to an alleged argument with Michael Cole from Monday’s RAW:
“I saw on the Internet that Michael Cole and Justin Roberts got into a fight at ringside-during a live Raw. Do you realize how preposterous this is? Michael has ZERO break during the three hours (King and I barely have enough to tweet!), we go straight to WWE App during commercials (which Maggle is so helpful in showing everyone how to download) and back to TV action. This ‘fight’ never happened and couldn’t have happened due to lack of time. I have no idea how these things start-but happy that people care enough to write about what we do and what goes on, sometimes though the ‘news’ is wrong as in this case.
I wish Justin the best obviously and I know nothing of his departure other than what was announced-but wanted to clear this up as the Internet was buying this for fact for some reason.
I do want to wish Maggle a happy birthday (yesterday) I do think Maggle is the best play by play guy WWE has ever had, and before all of you hop on the JR or Gorilla bandwagon-I mean no insult to either of those guys, both all time greats. I have worked with Michael since my broadcast start and have never seen anyone better-that is obviously subject to my opinion. The stuff he has to do with all the social media, app, network, etc makes his job the hardest play by play in the world imo and as much as I love getting him on air, I think he is great at it.
Now, I just hope this monster hurricane somehow misses Bermuda!!”
Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts, who was released from the company this past Monday, posted the following statement on Instagram regarding his release:
“It might sound cliche, but I am truly overwhelmed & humbled by the messages I’ve received. As a kid who grew up loving & living for professional wrestling, I was able to chase, catch & live an impossible dream. I was a part of events I couldn’t fathom with the heroes I idolized from both WWF & various childhood favorite television shows (Hello Betty White). For a guy in a supporting ambience role–usually unnamed & unseen–I am blown away by the amount of people who apparently not only noticed, but also enjoyed my work.
Announcing was my dream, until I realized the absolute best part was using my position to help others. It brought me so much joy to bring a smile to a fellow fan’s face. The Superstars I’ve announced & traveled with over the past 12 years are not only extremely talented to work year round and on the fly, but they are also the most unselfish people I’ve ever met. I couldn’t help others without their support. Not one Superstar or Diva ever once hesitated when I asked them to meet a fan..or autograph..or call..or do whatever was needed.
After reading through all of your messages, I just want to say this: Please do not be angry & Please do not be sad. I lived my dream! I’m glad that maybe now someone else will have a spot to live theirs. Many thanks to everyone I have worked with in WWE. Sue, the company gem & my guardian angel. The producers who have taught me so much and constantly let me pick their brains. The referees (They make it look easy. NOT an easy job). Security. Props. Audio. Lighting. PR. Cameras. Travel. TR. Catering. Production. PA’s.
My eyes and ears at the bell-Mark Yeaton. Everyone I have met along the way. Everyone who has come into my life because of this job & to those who I have never had the opportunity to meet, but have enjoyed my work. I appreciate & am grateful for everyone’s support. To Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & The Authority who gave me this incredible opportunity, I’ve got two words for ya: Thank You. The journey has been incredible & almost unbelievable. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to pen the final chapter of my memoirs.”
– Regarding the WWE release of ring announcer Justin Roberts, it’s said that it was a situation where his contract expired and the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a new deal. WWE somewhat acknowledged this in their announcement of his release, writing: “WWE has chosen to not exercise its option to renew ring announcer Justin Roberts’ contract.”
– Nikki Bella and Brie Bella shot some footage backstage at RAW in Atlanta on Monday night for future WWE.com material that will hype up their stipulation match at the upcoming WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view.
WWE.com surprised the entire wrestling world on Monday night after RAW with a statement announcing that ring announcer Justin Roberts is no longer with the company, effective immediately. Roberts was very well liked by almost everyone backstage and had a great reputation for being friendly and professional.
There have been a lot of reports popping up from fans who were at RAW stating that Justin Roberts was seen yelling at Michael Cole during the Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler match. One fan noted that Roberts flipped off Cole. After RAW concluded, he was informed by Kevin Dunn that he would be released.
Justin Roberts will be a guest on Chris Jericho’s podcast this Friday. It’s likely that the interview was recorded prior to his release.
The following are highlights of the latest Jim Ross blog.
On WWE cutting Justin Roberts: “Shocked to hear of the release of WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts. I admit that I have no information as to why but Justin was always a professional, polite young man who loved his WWE job and did a great job ring announcing. No one will ever top The Fink but Justin carried himself well, had a great appearance, and seemed reliable. I treat people as they treat me and Justin Roberts always treated me respectfully and as a true professional. I’d guess that the Phoenix native won’t have any issues finding work. I wish Justin the best.”
On Charlotte: “Charlotte is certainly ready for prime time and her presence may help lend more credibility to the Divas group than merely being a promotional vehicle for Total Divas on the E Network.”
On WWE Network: “With the WWE Network how easy would it be for WWE Superstars and announcers to organically mention what they’ve watched recently on the WWE Network via Twitter, etc. It would cost nothing and would be a valid testimonial from the WWE stars themselves. Somehow I get the feeling that some on air talents don’t watch as much of the Network as many of us civilians.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published exclusive photos of Dean Ambrose from the recent Ringside Fest event in New York City.
– NXT stars The Ascension are expected to be called up soon and WWE will be releasing Ascension action figures in the coming months.
– As expected, Justin Roberts’ WWE departure is a big shock to the WWE locker room. Roberts was very well liked backstage and many people were in disbelief at the news.
Roberts worked RAW last night and he was reportedly informed of his departure after RAW went off the air.
Following the in-ring debut of Adam Rose’s Bunny on Monday’s RAW, Tyson Kidd tweeted the following, denying that he is the Superstar portraying the bunny:
– On his latest Talk is Jericho podcast, Chris Jericho confirmed that he’ll be finishing up his current WWE run this Sunday when he wrestles Randy Orton at Night of Champions.
– WWE.com is running a poll asking fans to vote about how they would describe John Cena in one word – inspirational, resilient, loyal, unwavering, intense, tireless, tiresome, stubborn, abrasive, naive, verbose or “other.” With over 8,000 votes, 24% have voted for inspirational & loyal. The next closest are “other” with 11% and “tiresome” with 9%.
What word would you use to describe John Cena? Hit up the comments below, this should be interesting.
– After teasing that he is starting a podcast, WWE ring announcer posted the “first episode” on Instagram:
“The time has come! This is not your traditional podcast! Each week I will be welcoming a new guest on my VIDEO podcast that calls Instagram it’s home. #gamechanger Thank you to my 1st guest: @NatalieEvaMarie ..please enjoy!”
– As we reported on Wednesday, WWE Hall Of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan set up an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for an upcoming shoulder surgery. Duggan has since surpassed the $6,500 goal he set for the campaign. As of this writing, Duggan has received $7,614 from fan contributions and has 28 days remaining on the campaign.
If you would like to contribute money to the campaign, visit Indiegogo.com.
– WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts gave WWE agent Fit Finlay a shout-out during Wednesday’s WWE live event in Belfast. Finlay, who was in attendance with his mother and father, received a standing ovation from his hometown fans.
We will have a full report from the WWE live event in Belfast up on the website later today.
-The official WWE website has a new article up that alludes to the possibility that Rob Van Dam may be “taking some time off” from WWE action following his World Heavyweight Championship loss to Alberto Del Rio at WWE Battleground. The WWE.com article states the following:
“Now, with the golden losses beginning to pile up, a source has indicated that the ECW Original is considering taking some time off. While WWE.com cannot confirm or deny this rumor at this time, it will be interesting to see whether further details will come to light tonight on Monday Night Raw.”
Van Dam is working on a 3-month short-term deal and will be taking an unspecified amount of time off before he returns for another 90 days.
-After the WWE Battleground pay-per-view ended on Sunday night, both Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton eventually got back to their feet after being knocked out by Big Show. Bryan hit his running knee finisher on Orton, and that was about it. Justin Roberts thanked everyone for coming, and reminded the fans that WWE will be returning to the First Niagra Center in Buffalo for a live event in January.
-Current WWE Diva and “Total Divas” reality show star Nikki Bella recently noted on her Twitter page that she, and her WWE Champion boyfriend John Cena, celebrated their one-year anniversary as a couple on Friday.
-WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler and ring announcer Justin Roberts were presented with jerseys at the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets Major League Baseball game on Friday.
-Former WWE Superstar Matt Hardy recently cut a promo on Daivari for next week’s Wrestling Cares Association (WCA) event. Hardy posted the video on his official YouTube channel. Check that out below:
– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch will be inducted into the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame this weekend in Fairhaven, Massachussetts, the third Hall of Fame she’ll be a part of.
– WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts is Colt Cabana’s guest on this week’s Art of Wrestling podcast. You can listen to the show here.
– Mick Foley announced on Twitter he will be appearing at the Gamer’s Day 2012 convention at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia on October 18th. Foley will be representing WWE and THQ to promote WWE ’13.
– WWE.com has added a new section for NXT. The section includes coverage for the original WWE NXT incarnation of the brand, as well as the current “WWE developmental version. For the first time, several NXT developmental talents have image galleries on WWE.com, including NXT Champion Seth Rollins, Kassius Ohno, Richie Steamboat, Bray Wyatt, Bo Dallas, Paige and more.
– The new WWE Main Event show that premieres on the Ion network next Wednesday night will feature WWE Divas on a regular basis, according to several TV previews for the show.
– WWE announcer Justin Roberts has acknowledged TMZ.com’s report that he has received two tickets for driving infractions over the past two weeks:
– WWE.com has a new countdown feature up looking at the most controversial match outcomes in history. The Montreal Screwjob not even making the top five makes this list somewhat questionable. Here’s the list:
7. The Miz vs. John Cena – WrestleMania 27
6. The Montreal Screwjob – Survivor Series 1997
5. Earl Hebner costs Hulk Hogan the WWE Title – Saturday Night’s Main Event
4. Sting vs. Sid Vicious – WCW Halloween Havoc 1990
3. Hulk Hogan vs. The Undertaker – Survivor Series 1991
2. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho – RAW April 17th, 2000
1. Hulk Hogan vs. Nick Bockwinkel – AWA Title Match, April 24th, 1983
– WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts received traffic tickets twice in the past two weeks, according to TMZ.com. Both incidents took place while Roberts was en route to a WWE live event. Roberts was fined $52 for making an illegal left turn in Toronto and $160 for speeding (driving 74 MPH in a 55 MPH zone) in Pennsylvania
– Monday’s WWE RAW drew a 2.72 rating, down from a 2.87 rating the week before and the lowest RAW rating of 2012. The show averaged 3.79 million viewers (compared to the 4.05 the week before). By comparison, the NFL’s Monday Night Football game did 16.167 million viewers.
– Two attendees at tonight’s Raw at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York attempted to enter the ring near the conclusion of the match between Ryback and The Miz. Though not shown on camera, ring announcer Justin Roberts took the guy who made it further into the ring down and dragged him out. Both individuals were pinned down hard in front of the announcers’ table until after the finish. Two police officers met security at the barricade and escorted them out of the venue.
– It was announced on Raw tonight that Randy Orton will face Big Show on this Friday’s episode of SmackDown on Syfy. The World’s Largest Athlete resurfaced on Raw on by knocking out both Brodus Clay and Tensai during their match.
The official WWE website reports Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler and ring announcer Justin Roberts were involved in a car accident just outside of downtown San Diego, California on Friday afternoon shortly after 5:00 p.m. PT. The three performers were traveling in a limousine, which was rear-ended as they were transported from Comic-Con: International at the San Diego Convention Center.
All three individuals were reportedly evaluated by paramedics shortly after the accident and no serious injuries have been reported at this time.
WWE.com plans to issue more details as they become available.
– Justin Roberts was conspicuously absent from Monday’s Raw SuperShow as Lilian Garcia instead handled ring announcing duties. It was a one-off appearance.
Garcia stated on Twitter, “Justin was on vacation. He will be back next week. :)”
It was Garcia’s first appearance on the program since 2010.
– Matches taped Tuesday night in Evansville, Indiana for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were:
* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Camacho and Hunico
* Sin Cara vs. Antonio Cesaro (with Aksana)
* Kane vs. Heath Slater
* Epico and Primo (with Rosa Mendes) vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil (with A.W.)
Brodus Clay beat Drew McIntyre in approximately two minutes in a pre-show dark match. McIntyre worked Clay’s injured knee, but Clay prevailed and won with the running splash.
