– Metallica may appear at SummerSlam on August 19; the legendary heavy metal group is in negotiations with WWE to perform at the pay-per-view event.
Metallica’s The Memory Remains was used by WWE as one of the official WrestleMania XXVIII theme songs to promote the “End of an Era” Hell in a Cell match between Triple H and The Undertaker.
– WWE Divas Champion Layla celebrates her birthday today, however, it is not her thirty-fourth as numerous websites list. She stated yesterday on Twitter that she actually turns thirty-five years old today.
– Vickie Guerrero, who will reign as Interim General Manager on Raw SuperShow and SmackDown this week, tweeted the following: “Ready for my week to have control of Raw and Smackdown…..my office better be ready for occupancy.”
– Booker T is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
– Sean Waltman, who appeared as 1-2-3 Kid and X-Pac for WWE, says he has not been contacted to appear on the historic 1000th episode of Raw taking place July 23. He tweeted on Tuesday:
The official website of the Scottrade Center is advertising the return of D-Generation X for the event. Waltman is a former ‘D-X’ member.
– WWE Divas Champion Layla appeared on Monday’s Raw SuperShow with a new entrance theme, “Insatiable” performed by Patsy Grime and composed by Jim Johnston. The theme is recycled; it was previously used by former WWE Diva Tiffany in 2009 and 2010. Is was included in the 2010 compilation album WWE The Music: A New Day, Vol. 10.
– Alien Opponent, starring WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as an ‘alien hunting priest’ character, is now available on Netflix’s online video streaming service.
WWE.com has an interview up with Divas Champion Layla, who talks about being a cheerleader for the NBA’s Miami Heat back before becoming a WWE diva. ESPN’s website has also picked up the story.
Layla was a dancer for the Miami Heat back in 2006 when they last won the NBA championship. Regarding her decision to leave the Heat and try out for the WWE Diva Search competition, she said, “It literally happened within the span of a week.”
Layla received a championship ring when the Miami Heat won the NBA championship back in 2006. “I still have my championship ring, which I’m very proud of,” she said. “I keep it in its box. I hardly show it to anyone; it’s really sacred to me.””
She also revealed that her favorite Heat player was Shaquille O’Neal.
Check out this video of Layla as a Miami Heat dancer:
Posted June 13th, 2012 in News, WWE. Tagged: Layla.
– CM Punk retrained the WWE Championship at Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view in a match with Daniel Bryan that was far and away the best on the show. Punk’s title reign continues – but WWE officials almost decided to put the title on Daniel Bryan.
The topic of Bryan winning the WWE Title was being discussed a lot over the past few weeks. Apparently the talks got “pretty serious” but the decision was made in the past week to have Punk retain.
With the rave reviews that Punk vs. Bryan received, expect to see more matches between these two in the coming months. In his latest blog, Jim Ross called their match one of the best bouts he’s seen in years and floated the idea of them competing in a 30 or 60 minute Iron Man Match.
– Speaking of Daniel Bryan, he turns 31 years old today. YES! Today’s other wrestling birthdays include Husky Harris (25), former TNA Knockout Traci Brooks (37) & former WCW star Scott Putski (46).
– There was a lot of talk backstage at WWE’s Over the Limit pay-per-view about the quality of the Divas Title match with Layla and Beth Phoenix. The feeling was that Layla’s performance was a sign that her knee isn’t 100%.
— As noted earlier, Lilian Garcia had a rough night last night at Over the Limit as she mishandled no less than three ring introductions and was involved in a heated argument with ring announcer Justin Roberts in front of the live audience. PWInsider.com reports there is a lot of heat on Garcia backstage for her multiple gaffes.
— In addition to Kelly Kelly, Layla has made Maxim’s Hot 100, which is known as “the definitive list of the world’s most beautiful women.” She debuts on the chart at #95, besting Dominique Storelli, Poppy Montgomery, Anahí, Kat Dennings and Nadia G. To view the complete list, click here.
— In a battle of former WWE Superstars, Matt Hardy challenges Eric Escobar for the PRWA Heavyweight Championship this Saturday at Lajas Coliseum in Lajas, Puerto Rico.
– Today would have been the 45th birthday of Chris Benoit and the 48th birthday of Nancy “Woman” Benoit.
– WWE Divas Champion Layla got so many write-in votes for Maxim’s annual Hot 100 list that she might make the list. Maxim wrote about Layla:
“This British-born dancer, model and WWE Diva could easily knock any of us off of our feet. We feel a little light-headed just thinking about it.”
– After failing to capture the World Heavyweight championship in the fatal fourway match at WWE Over The Limit, Chris Jericho has now lost 5 consecutive PPV matches since returning in January.
The WWE website had an article up last week speculating whether Jericho would stick around if he did not win the title last night. Jericho is expected to finish up with WWE soon to begin touring with his metal band, Fozzy.
— In this week’s episode of Z! True Long Island Story, Zack Ryder laments his return to WWE Superstars. Also featured are cameos by Dolph Ziggler and Scott Stanford, the latest dig on Trent Barreta’s disappearance and a segment on Ryder’s new growth chart product line.
— Beth Phoenix competed at Friday’s Raw live event in Glens Falls, New York, losing to WWE Divas Champion Layla. It was her first match since losing the WWE Divas Championship to Nikki Bella on the April 23 Raw SuperShow.
— WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele stated Friday on Twitter that he was released from the hospital following an extensive stay. He added, “Praise the LORD, GOD is so good.”
— Today marks exactly one year since Michelle McCool last appeared for WWE. At Extreme Rules, the multi-time champion lost to Layla in a No Count-Out No Disqualification Loser Leaves WWE Match and was subsequently attacked by a debuting Kharma. McCool addressed her absence from WWE Tuesday on Twitter, as well as former LayCool mate Layla capturing the Divas Championship on Sunday at Extreme Rules.
“Wow, y’all have ever so nicely reminded me that’s it’s been exactly 1 year since I left WWE….time flies when you’re having fun!” she wrote. “And though I didn’t see it, congrats to @mslayel ! Maybe I’ll watch now that my tv will be flawless again! #laycoolforeverflawless.”
— Ticketmaster.com is currently holding a pre-sale for WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, which takes place July 15 at the US Airways Centerin Phoenix, Arizona. The password is WWEMONEY.
— WWE Hall of Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan appears at Fayette County Fair in West Union, Iowa on July 24 and the Jackson County Fair in Maquoketa, Iowa on July 25. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— Layla made her return to in-ring competition at a non-televised Florida Championship Wrestling event on Thursday night. Alongside babyface Audrey Marie, they defeated Paige and Sofia Cortez. She had been sidelined since May due to tears of both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, which required surgery.
Layla received high marks from FCW officials for her performance as she displayed a series of Lucha style moves. She had been working very hard in recent weeks in preparation for her squared circle return.
— Today is The Undertaker’s birthday as he turns 47 years old. While his age has been disputed over the years, FamilyTreeLegends.com says he was born on March 24, 1965. Furthermore, the official website of Stephen Pool Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas says he graduated from the school in 1983.
— Tickets for the 25th Annual SummerSlam, which will be held Aug. 19 at Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center, went on sale Saturday. Also on-sale: Tickets for No Way Out, to be held June 17 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
— Layla made her return to in-ring competition at a non-televised Florida Championship Wrestling event on Thursday night. Alongside babyface Audrey Marie, they defeated Paige and Sofia Cortez.
The final WWE Women’s Champion has been sidelined since May due to tears of both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, which required surgery. She underwent rehabilitation in the meantime.
— WWE Hall of Famer Sunny posted a message on Facebook remembering the late Chris Candido, who would have turned 40 years old on Wednesday. She wrote of her former boyfriend with the following image, “I miss you honey…xoxo.” After several people posted photos and messages remembering Candido on her Facebook wall, she wrote, “ok, enough sadness about CC….lets move on to happier things…Heaven isn’t too far away…closer to it every day….”
Candido died on April 28, 2005 due to a blood clot, a complication from leg surgery three days earlier.
— WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel will appear at WrestleReunion 8 taking place April 13-15 at Doubletree Toronto Airport 655 Dixon Rd. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
–- Drew McIntyre’s current losing streak on SmackDown is expected to culminate with a character makeover. PWInsider.com reports that the Scottish wrestler will become an “arrogant playboy.”
— Layla, who has been sidelined since May 2011 due to tears of both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, stated on Twitter that her knee is stronger than ever. She stated during a recent radio interview that she could return in time for WrestleMania XXVIII.
— Zack Ryder continues to complain on Twitter about John Cena and Eve kissing last Monday on Raw. He wrote, “I’m trying to convince @WWEShop to take “LOYALTY” and “RESPECT” off of @JohnCena’s t-shirts. #broskisbeforehoeskis.”
— Shelly Martinez appears in The Social Rules, a new web series about the do’s and dont’s of dating and relating. In her latest video, she offers advice on breaking up.
— WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia on May 6, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
— Layla is slated to enter the Divas Championship picture upon her return from injury due to the feeling that Beth Phoenix’s feud with Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres has worn out. Natalya is also expected to vy for the title in 2012.
— WWE referee Justin King will undergo undisclosed surgery in a few weeks and is expected to be sidelined for several months. The surgery is not related to any injuries on the job.
— Will hold a Raw SuperShow at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan on April 23, 2012. Tickets go on sale February 25, 2012.
— WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts turns 32 years old Thursday.
— Layla indicated Wednesday her return to the ring is drawing near. She tweeted,
“Who’s ready for wwe to become FLAWLESS again???”
The final WWE Women’s Champion has been sidelined since May due to tears of both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, which required surgery. She has undergone rehabilitation in the meantime.
Meanwhile, retired Diva Michelle McCool said she’s ready for Layla’s return, adding, “Going thru photos…..good times!!! WWE needs some flawless back-FAST!”
— Tammy “Sunny” Sytch is healing slowly after falling down an escalator last month at Newark Liberty Airport, which resulted in a broken nose and cuts to her forehead, wrist and foot. The WWE Hall of Famer stated last week on Facebook that she has been suffering from dizziness not to mention that she acquired a viral infection due to not being given antibiotics while hospitalized. She was sedated Monday to have her teeth fixed and said Tuesday she broke her nose again, albeit due to clumsiness.
– After undergoing knee surgery back in May for a torn ACL and MCL, WWE Diva Layla is almost ready to return to action. Layla took part in a live chat on the WWE website on Monday night and recently won a poll on the site about who should be the next challenger to Beth Phoenix’s Divas title.
– After Cody Rhodes threw a cup of water in Booker T’s face on RAW, Booker wrote the following on Twitter regarding the incident:
“What’s up universe hope all is well, just wanted to speak on that little drama that went down tonight, I’m really not what’s the problem is. Maybe Cody and I can sit down on FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN and talk about it we’ll see stay tuned…”
As we’ve been reporting recently, Booker T has been training for a final run as an active superstar – and will be feuding with Cody.
– Jim Ross feels that the younger WWE talents need to be more aggressive. He tweeted:
“Punk-Ziggler 1 of better matches on Raw in good while. Young, WWE talent needs 2 get HUNGRY/AGGRESSIVE. 2 many young guys on cusp of elevating in WWE aren’t aggressive enuf in their total approach 2 game WWE. Need squeaky wheels.”
SHIMMER Champion Madison Eagles has earned the number one position in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s fourth annual “PWI Female 50” list, which ranks the top 50 women’s wrestlers in North America from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. She succeeds Michelle McCool, who ranked No. 1 in last year’s list.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated attributes their decision to ranking Eagles as the top women’s wrestler in North America with the following: “This year’s list was unlike any other in the four-year history of the “Female 50.” For one thing, there was no obvious frontrunner in either WWE or TNA. Last year’s number one, Michelle McCool, retired after a few lackluster months. The WWE Divas title dropped in prominence and was held for a significant amount of time by Brie Bella who, while improved, doesn’t exactly conjure thoughts of Sensational Sherri or Trish Stratus.”
Mickie James and Madison Rayne were also considered for the top spot, but for a variety of reasons, were ultimately deemed not worthy.
“So we made a bold decision. We looked to the indies. Two possible candidates were SHIMMER champion Madison Eagles and WSU champion Mercedes Martinez. It was a difficult choice to make,” the magazine explains. “Fortunately for us, Martinez and Eagles faced off in March for Eagles’ SHIMMER title. Eagles managed to win a terrific match, which proved to be the deciding factor in our decision.”
PWI also explains how the “Female 50” was determined: “To determine this list, we evaluated each woman’s innate wrestling ability, accomplishments during the past year, physical strength and conditioning, quality of opposition, charisma, and title success.”
Some women’s wrestlers contracted to WWE and TNA, such as Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Tamina and Brooke Tessmacher, were left off the “Female 50” because PWI felt they did not earn a spot over some of the independent talent listed. The magazine explains, “While being on WWE’s or TNA’s global platform helps your chances, it doesn’t mean you get a free passage onto the “Female 50.”
1. Madison Eagles
2. Mercedes Martinez
3. Mickie James
4. Natalya
5. Madison Rayne
6. Cheerleader Melissa
7. Beth Phoenix
8. Tara
9. MsChif
10. Sara Del Rey
11. Eve Torres
12. Angelina Love
13. Layla
14. Sarita
15. Kelly Kelly
16. Serena Deeb
17. Velvet Sky
18. Ayako Hamada
19. LuFisto
20. Winter
21. Brie Bella
22. Angel Orsini
23. Melina
24. Daizee Haze
25. Nikki Roxx
26. Gail Kim
27. Jazz
28. Maryse
29. Christina Von Eerie
30. Portia Perez
31. Rosita
32. ODB
33. Nicole Matthews
34. Rachel Summerlyn
35. Jessicka Havok
36. Brittany Force
37. Kellie Skater
38. Tina San Antonio
39. Melanie Cruise
40. Cherry Bomb
41. Sassy Stephie
42. Tasha Simone
43. Alicia Fox
44. Amber O’Neal
45. Allison Danger
46. Kacee Carlisle
47. Brittany Savage
48. A.J.
49. Melissa Coates
50. Jessica James
— After being chosen to take on WWE Divas Champion Brie Bella last Monday on Raw, Kelly Kelly (53%), who beat out Beth Phoenix (36%) and Eve (11%), took full advantage of her opportunity. Kelly relieved Brie of the title to begin her first championship reign.
Kelly revealed her thoughts on finally winning the strap to WWE.com.
“The biggest compliment for me was the fans voting for me on Raw,” Kelly said. “I feel like the fans have really connected with me for five years. I think some might see me as the underdog – always working hard, but just never getting a chance.”
The fans weren’t the only ones lined up to congratulate Kelly as she was greeted with a warm welcome by her peers upon returning backstage.
“The Divas were standing there by the locker room, waiting and clapping for me,” Kelly revealed. “I’ve never been injured. I’ve worked the live events five years straight with no real off weeks. I’ve worked so hard for this, and I think the other Divas recognized that.”
— Layla, who is expected to be sidelined until next year due to tears of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in her knee, posted an update on her condition yesterday on Twitter.
She wrote, “So I’ve been working hard at rehab shedding some tears also having some laughs! I’m learning to walk all over again but I’m walking. No crutches no knee brace yay!! Only one month after surgery. So it’s time to go to the next challenge Pain :) thnx for all ur support luv ya.”
— Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s executive vice president of Creative Development and Operation and her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque discuss why wrestling has a global appeal with Bloomberg’s Melissa Long in the following video. The full episode airs this Wednesday on Bloomberg Television at 9:00 p.m.
In another video, Stephanie McMahon tries on the mask Triple H wore at WrestleMania XXVII.
— Tyson Kidd appeared as a babyface at last night’s SmackDown live event in Hidalgo, Texas. He defeated Heath Slater, who was accompanied by Justin Gabriel.
— Layla celebrated her 33rd birthday yesterday. She is expected to be sidelined until next year due to tears of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in her knee.
– Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The only advertised item for the Memorial Day edition of Raw is Kharma’s first promo, where she will address her “nervous breakdown” on last week’s show. It is expected to be part of her TV write-off.
While Triple H is being advertised locally for tonight’s RAW, it should be noted that the advertisements were booked months ago and it is unlikely he will be there.
– Tonight’s Tough Enough will feature a guest appearance from former WWE champion The Miz. Here’s the USA Network’s official preview for the episode:
“WWE superstar The Miz gives the contestants a taste of what life as a WWE Superstar means outside the ring. And, back in the gym, the competition heats up when the final three battle it out for the opportunity to compete in the Tough Enough finale. In the end, Stone Cold sends one more person home.”
– WWE diva Layla commented on her surgery last week on Twitter:
“My surgery went well Dr.Dugas is amazing But here comes the pain and the battle We can Do it tho I can’t wait to get back in the gym The journey begins.”
– Jake “The Snake” Roberts celebrates his 56th birthday today. He was born on May 30, 1955.
Former WWE Women’s Champion Layla announced this evening on her Twitter account that she tore both the ACL and MCL in her knee and will undergo surgery tomorrow.
“Well my knee injury is worse than I thought… I tore both my ACL and MCL,” she wrote. “Having surgery tomorrow.”
“I’m ready to heal and be stronger than ever!!!!”
She continued, “Not gonna blame anyone yet for making it worse than after Michelle McCool and my match.
“Just need the time to heal. Thank you all for support always.”
Recovery time for her injury is expected to be approximately six months.
Layla announced on the May 13 episode of SmackDown that during her match with Michelle McCool at Extreme Rules, she sustained a serious knee injury. Following Michael Cole’s interruption, Kharma emerged. Cole proceeded to trip Layla, allowing the monstrous woman to drive her into the mat.
Posted May 25th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Layla.
– New World Heavyweight champion Christian’s first title challenger is expected to be Mark Henry.
– WWE will tape this week’s episodes of NXT and SmackDown tonight from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally is Randy Orton and Christian vs. Sheamus and Wade Barrett.
– The Big Show will be making a guest appearance on the USA Network’s hit show, Burn Notice. Show will be playing villain Griffin Black on the fourth episode of the upcoming season.
– The Rock tweeted the following last night after his RAW birthday celebration:
“U have all help make my birthday one of the greatest days of my life.. strong love and thank u.. standing tall tonight and proudly lead America with the Pledge of Allegiance was a dream come true.. ELECTRIFYING.”
– Layla wrote the following on Twitter regarding her win over Michelle McCool at Extreme Rules:
“That was the hardest thing I ever had 2 do @McCoolMichelleL I will always have respect, gratitude & love for U! Our memories will stay with me. forever Flawless love ya.”
– Next week’s episode of Tough Enough will feature a special appearance from John Morrison and a “shocking” double elimination. Here’s the official preview:
“Next Monday, Tough Enough is all new and the contestants are on the ropes — literally! But who’s really hanging by a thread? There’s only one thing more heartbreaking than a dreamer losing the fight, and this is it: Get ready for a shocking double elimination you won’t believe! WWE Superstar John Morrison guest stars.”
Michelle McCool was written off WWE programming tonight at Extreme Rules as she lost an emotionally-charged Loser Leaves WWE Match to Layla.
After apologizing to the Divas locker room, Layla turned her recent streak of losses around when the Diva Search winner had to fight to stay in WWE. The No-Disqualification, No Count-out Match concluded with Layla countering McCool’s attempt at Faithbreaker with a crucifix pin.
While McCool broke down in tears alone in the ring, the wrestler formerly known as Awesome Kong emerged. Upon entering the ring, Kharma grasped McCool and delivered a implant buster butterfly suplex. Backstage, the Divas echoed concern over Kharma’s debut. Similarly to Hugh Morrus, Kharma switched between maniacal laughter and seriousness.
It is unclear at this time whether McCool is leaving WWE permanently.
A match between Michelle McCool and Layla that airs on tonight’s episode of SmackDown ends in a no contest due to incessant brawling between the former tag team partners. They are eventually separated by officials.
Layla then grabs the microphone and tells McCool she’s sick of her. She challenges her to a match at Extreme Rules, with no disqualification and no count out. McCool says she will only accept the challenge if it’s a Loser Leaves SmackDown Match since she no longer has any use for her.
Though McCool announced the bout as a Loser Leaves SmackDown Match at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Greensboro, North Carolina, “WWE” is overdubbed in placed of “Smackdown” during the telecast, which has already aired in Australia.
Therefore, Michelle McCool vs. Layla at Extreme Rules will be a Loser Leaves WWE Match.
— Layla and Michelle McCool’s speech inducting Sunny into the WWE Hall of Fame received unfavorable reviews from a number of attendees as it was conducted in character. Raw Superstar John Morrison compared their speech to Jersey Shore star The Situation’s universally panned speech during last month’s Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump.
“Lay-Cool’s induction speech at Hall of Fame = the Situation at the Trump roast,” he wrote.
— The Miz says appearing at WrestleMania XXVII is a ‘dream come true’.
“This really is a dream come true,” the WWE Champion told the Toronto Sun in an interview. “As a kid, I watched Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant. It was larger than life. And now, I’m on that same stage.”
He has his sights set high.
“I always say you’re only as good as your last time on TV. If I have an off-day, that’s not good. With wrestlers like (Hogan, Triple H, Flair and Michaels), they didn’t have off-days. I just can’t remember them flubbing anything. All I remember is their iconic status.”
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Chyna stated last week to TMZ.com that she is taking night classes at UCLA and studying to teach English as a second language to children in Japan. She also indicated that she wants to move on from TV.
Chyna clarified on Twitter that she’s “not retiring.” She added, “Working w/ Model House Talents agency. Learning Japanese to teach on the side. All my love. Health, happiness and love.”
— Babyface SmackDown Diva Kaitlyn partnered with Layla against Beth Phoenix and Natalya at SmackDown live events on Saturday and Sunday. Her action, however, was limited in both contests.
Kaitlyn has sparingly appeared on SmackDown since winning NXT season three.
— The Ticketmaster.com pre-sale code for the March 25 Raw live event at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois is sdleil. Tickets officially go on sale this Saturday at 1 p.m.
— WWE creative has discussed breaking Jimmy and Jey Uso up.
— Layla appeared to have injured her ankle during the main event of last week’s SmackDown taping as a referee and WWE crew member rushed to check on her while the referee signaled the “X”. Michelle McCool assisted Layla to the back following the bout.
The SmackDown Diva went on Twitter and thanked fans for their concern, but stated that she is fine.
— Former WWE manager Paul Bearer has been announced to appear at WrestleMania Axxess in Atlanta, Georgia. He will also be the Grand Marshall for a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama on February 19.