— According to a promoter who reached out to Melina Perez to book her for an independent wrestling event, the former WWE Diva’s representative is asking for $3,000 per appearance, as well as first class travel and hotel accommodations.
— Japanese based promotion Inoki Genome Federation announced today that recently released WWE talent Harry Smith will appear on their Aug. 27 show.
— Kevin Eck, who announced last Wednesday that he was leaving his job as sports content editor and professional wrestling blogger at The Baltimore Sun to become a member of the WWE creative team, officially starts with the entertainment organization on Aug. 29.
— K-Mart is running a promotion where customers receive a free WWE Fathead with purchase of $30 or more WWE merchandise.
An article was posted Sunday on BleacherReport.com in defense of recently released WWE Diva Melina regarding her history of rumored backstage indiscretions. The author of the article feels people shouldn’t scrutinize the former Women’s Champion so harshly since she’s only human. The author adds further that many of disparaging things written about her online are merely rumors.
Melina wrote in response, “It’s the price of being in the public eye I guess. But I still wish it would stop. It’s refreshing to see people realize that things don’t add up. They don’t because it’s not true. I just want to be able to live a happy life. Have others around me be happy as well.”
“There are always going to be bad things happening. Bullies, rumors and heaven forbid, tragedies but now I can’t be blamed for others… At least not for pushes and stuff. At least there shouldn’t be. I just want a good and happy life with the one I love. That’s all I ever wanted. I still pray for the happily ever after. Always will. I may not get handed the most simple & perfect cards in life but I’ll keep on going… I know it will get better. If only life was as perfect & clean cut like the movies.”
Melina, meanwhile, continues to travel with John Morrison. She was near the venue of tonight’s Raw in San Diego, California and indicated on Twitter that she hung out with a fan before the event.
— WWE Champion CM Punk spoke directly to the WWE Universe at SummerSlam Axxess Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, California as he answered questions from fans during a promo. Todd Grisham also asked him the following question: “How can you speak your mind the way you do and still have a job at WWE?”
Punk replied, “That answer is very simple. I really don’t care if I get fired.” He continued, “If (WWE) decide to bench me and sit me at home, or fire me or suspend me, I really don’t care. Maybe that’s a horrible attitude to have in some peoples’ minds, but that’s the honest to God’s truth. That’s why I can get away with doing and saying what I want.”
— Chris Masters, David Hart Smith, Joey Mercury, Melina and Vladimir Kozlov have been added to WWE.com’s Alumni section. Mercury remains under contract to WWE after disappearing from television last summer as he works as trainer in Florida Championship Wrestling.
As reported Tuesday, WWE barred Melina Perez from attending Monday’s Raw event at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. WWE officials made the decision ban the former Women’s Champion from the arena due to their belief that should she have entered the backstage area, there would have been some major drama in response to her being let go by the organization last Friday. The entire company security team was told she was not to be let inside the venue. Management has taken Perez’ reaction to being released as over the top, according to one source, to the point that she may have burned the bridge in regard to a future return.
Perez going on the road with John Morrison over the weekend was also a major point of contention internally. Company officials are very down on Morrison over the situation, feeling it was a massive breach of etiquette. One writer said, “It would be one thing to come visit a few months down the line but to show up at the next shows after being released, it’s a complete lack of understanding and respect. It sucks you are fired but you don’t come see the boyfriend that dumped you the next day and you don’t go to the office to hang out after getting your pink slip. She did that and made eyes roll. There were some worried she was going to physically cause a problem and with John facilitating that by having her there, well, you saw what happened on Raw.”
The same source indicated that Morrison’s current WWE contract will expire within the next several months. With no long term deal in place and the belief that his loyalty to his longtime girlfriend would supersede his to WWE, it’s easy to see why he has been deemphasized.
-Former WWE diva Melina tweeted over the weekend that she would be traveling with her boyfriend John Morrison for his scheduled appearances at live WWE events. WWE officials reportedly were not pleased with Melina’s decision to show up to this past weekend’s live events after being fired on Friday – and as a result – did not allow her into the building for last night’s RAW in San Jose.
Melina confirmed on Twitter that she showed up to the arena with Morrison – but WWE officials denied her access to the backstage area. After getting shut down by WWE, she decided to hang around outside the arena and met some WWE fans.
When fans asked on Monday night her whether her traveling with Morrison was a sign she was back with the company, she tweeted:
“No. I’m still fired. I had this trip planned prior. I stand by my man. I was told I couldn’t go IN the arena 2 watch. Funny.”
– The complete playable roster (including unlockable characters) for the upcoming WWE ’12 video game will be revealed at at the SummerSlam Fan Axxess event this weekend in Los Angeles.
THQ’s Corey Ledesma tweeted this week that downloadable content will be announced at a later date and there will also be one mystery Superstar that won’t be revealed until September.
– Diana Hart wrote the following on Twitter on Monday night regarding her son Harry Smith’s decision to pursue an MMA career:
“Good nite! I predict Harry Smith(DH) will b the new Brock Lesnar 4 Strikeforce. Onward &Upward.Easy for 6’5? monster w strategy!Can’t wait!”
(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)
Posted August 9th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Melina.
— Gail Kim, who announced last Friday on Twitter that she quit WWE four days earlier, revealed tonight on the microblogging website that WWE is keeping her under contract until it expires to prevent her from competing elsewhere.
She wrote, “This is the current situation 4 every1 who’s asking: I quit last mon. And apparently after a total of 5 yrs of working for a co. where I was not utilized or appreciated,I’m now 4 some reason,valuable enough 2 keep me under the remainder of my contract so I can’t work elsewhere. Controlling? Thoughts?”
Kim was then asked how much longer she will be affiliated with WWE, to which she replied, “Not much longer.”
— Beth Phoenix was apparently scripted to take a shot at recently released WWE Diva Melina during her promo tonight on Raw in which she said she was sick of the Divas division being made a mockery of. “No more booty popping, no more splits, no more stink faces,” Beth said following her victory over Eve.
Melina wrote on Twitter, “PS- Any Diva can try 2 do a split from here on out but what the WWE confirmed is that the SPLITS will always remind the world of me. Thank u.
She continued, “I love the statement peeps! I bet the powers that be were waiting all night 2 hear that line go on air. Hee hee. I find it very flattering!”
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine reveals that WWE Classics on Demand will celebrate the legendary career of The Undertaker throughout the month of October.
The synopsis reads: “MUST-WATCH THIS FALL! And when October rolls around, members of the WWE Universe can get ready to celebrate “Undertaker’s Ball” on WWE Classics on Demand. It’s a phenomenal month of highlights spanning The Deadman’s 20-plus-year career—including his most terrifying Casket Matches and his brutal Buried Alived bouts.”
Elsewhere in the magazine, a possible return is teased for Vengeance, which takes place October 23.
— The I.P.A. Network is now accepting bookings for Gail Kim for wrestling events and autograph signings via Steve Woolf at (951) 780-9611 and celebritysignings@sbcglobal.net. She is not accepting requests for interviews.
I.P.A. is also accepting autograph signing requests for Melina Perez, who was released Friday by WWE. She is not accepting bookings to wrestle, nor requests for interviews.
– Former WWE diva Melina was released from the company on Friday – but was still on the road with boyfriend John Morrison for this weekend’s live events. She tweeted @RealMelina:
“I’m driving w/ @TheRealMorrison on a WWE house show loop. I’m doing fine but i gotta admit I’m going to miss driving these loops with him.”
– Injured WWE Diva Layla started working out again this past weekend for the first time since suffering a torn ACL and MCL back in May, according to f4wonline.com.
– SmackDown’s Money in the Bank briefcase holder Daniel Bryan debuted a new theme song on last week’s show. The theme song is “Freefall” by the band Two Steps From Hell – which is the theme song that was used for last year’s Night of Champions pay-per-view. Here’s audio of “Freefall” –
Melina, who was released from her contract with WWE on Friday, addressed her departure from the organization in a heartfelt podcast, which you can listen to below, courtesy of official website, RealMelina.com:
The five-time champion thanks her fans for their tremendous support and promises that she’ll always be around. The following is a partial transcript of the address:
“Everybody’s been so wonderful, I… oh my goodness it’s overwhelming in a very good way. In a way where I feel so honored and so privileged and so lucky to be able to have people like you. And I consider you all my friends and my family because you have helped me through so much. We have been on a roller coaster ride together and through it all, you have been very supportive and inspiring and encouraging.
“You see me through my injuries, you’ve been around with me when people start rumors and just say the most awful stuff. I understand why people say the things they do, they’re only human. Through it all, I’ve become a stronger person and I like the person that I’ve become.
“I think everything happens for a reason and all of it happened just so then I can experience it and learn to overcome it. But like I said, you’ve seen me through all of that. And you’re going to see me get through this. And I am so thankful to have you guys say all the things that you’ve said. They’re so beautiful. That’s why I say I’m so lucky because you guys are such great people and the things that you’ve written are so encouraging and inspiring and I know that I repeat that a lot but it really is.
“You’re going to see me go through another chapter in my life and I know that it’s going be exciting and there’s going to be so much more. And you know me, I’m always up for adventures, always fighting to do something else and to overcome things. Expect a lot more in the future and expect a lot more from me. You guys will always find me here on RealMelina.com. Find me on Twitter at Realmelina. I will never change, I will not change for a second. I will still be the person you talked to online. I will still have live chats. I’ll probably end up doing more YouTube videos; it won’t be the Zack Long Island Story (laughs), but at least you’re going to see me.
“Everything that you get is always from the heart. So expect a lot more from me because I ain’t going anywhere.”
Posted August 6th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Melina.
Melina wrote the following about her WWE release on Twitter today:
“Feel free to Tweet, write, call @WWE about how u feel about anything. You deserve to be heard regarding any matter. Strength in numbers. I love you all so dearly and reading all of your tweets. Seeing the trend… I know w/out a doubt, I’m a lucky woman! In the next few days you will see many updates on the matter, so keep checking www.RealMelina.com I will definitely Blog & Vlog about it. I’ve been through quite a bit of stuff in my life. I Overcame each time. I’ll never give up. Not now. I’ll Always fight & #StayStrong “
Melina also sent a Tweet to John Morrison in response to his heartfelt reaction to her release:
“@TheRealMorrison U just made me cry. I love you so much. I’m very proud of what u have accomplished & to have u as the love of my life.”
Posted August 5th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Melina.
John Morrison issued the following statement via Twitter concerning Melina, his girlfriend, who was released this afternoon from her contract with WWE.
He wrote, “I’ve always believed that Melina is the most talented Diva ever employed by World Wrestling Entertainment. (not to mention the hottest!) Her face conveys emotion. Vince McMahon likes to say “Television is a feeling” and I agree with him. That’s what Sports Entertainment is all about. Melina’s presence on Television, aside from the obvious (she be sexy!) is raw emotion- joy, rage, surprise, disgust… her passion just pours out of her
“Melina’s presence on Monday Night Raw will be missed by the WWE universe… and especially by me.
“I think this is the end of a chapter in the book of @RealMelina – I met Melina on my audition for Tough Enough 3, I never forgot the smile, and hug she gave me when I made the show and she got cut and told to go home. I’ve stood next to her with Joey while MNM was yelled at; told we’d never make it, we were worthless. I’ve seen her come back from 2 career threatening injuries. She is one of a kind, and talented enough to do whatever she wants. I’m proud to be her man. I love her, and will support whatever she chooses to do next.
WWE announced this afternoon that Melina has been released from her contract.
Their statement reads, “WWE has come to terms on the release of Melina Perez as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Melina the best in all her future endeavors.”
Melina announced Tuesday on Twitter that she would be on hand for this weekend’s live event tour, calling it a “Christmas miracle.” She then stated the following day that she had been pulled from the events.
Furthermore, WWE.com published new photos of Melina this morning.
Posted August 5th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Melina.
Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of the Score Television Network has a fun and light chat with WWE stars John Morrison and Melina. Highlights include:
– John’s injury and his return on RAW
– The famous “Royal Rumble 2011 elimination save” that kept Morrison in the Rumble
– Parkour and how often he thinks about doing it around rooms
– Both share their favourite “Vince McMahon” moment
– Checking out the “Air Guitar Championships” and what song they enjoy rockin’ out to the most (and who would play “pec drums” in their air band)
– Does John ever rock out to his own theme song?
— It was announced tonight on Raw that a #1 Contender’s Diva Battle Royal will be held on next week’s show to determine the #1 contender to the Divas Championship. The winner will face Kelly at SummerSlam.
— The Miz is advertised to appear on MTV’s The Challenge: Rivals After Show this Wednesday night at 11:00 p.m.
– Matches taped tonight in Hampton, Virginia for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are as follows:
* Jack Swagger vs. Alex Riley
* David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty vs. Chris Masters and Santino Marella
Participants are as follows: A.J., Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Brie Bella, Eve, Gail Kim, Kaitlyn, Maryse, Melina, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes and Tamina.
— Dolph Ziggler debuted a remixed version of his theme song, “I Am Perfection,” tonight on Raw prior to his match against Evan Bourne.
Melina has posted a blog on her official website explaining her television character’s motives, which she feels WWE hasn’t suitably developed since she’s sparingly featured on Monday Night Raw.
“It is a mystery on why I turned heel,” Melina wrote. “You have no idea how many people don’t even know if I’m good or bad because they really can’t tell. Without explanation or a story, how is a person to know?”
She continued, “Wrestling is an art. To be able to create magic you gotta develop the character and tell the story through wrestling as well as in promo segments and backstage segments. Since I haven’t wrestled on Raw in months… (note – Melina wrote this days before her match with Kelly Kelly on Raw) I will write the story and see where we can go from there.”
The WWE Diva stresses that her character on television is merely that, as she’s not bad in real life.
“Now I am going to do these write ups in character. I can’t stress enough how this is a character. We are entertainers. I am the same Melina you talk to on Twitter, you see on the videos (except for the message to Gail video…. which I thought would be great character development but everyone went nuts and took it too far) and the same Melina that talks to you in the web chats.”
She continued, “I’m labeling this DIVA Melina to emphasize that this is not the REAL Me. This is the WWE character. The “Diva.” I am going to write a good DIVA Melina Entry soon (in character) but for now let me tell you my view of the character for now.”
Melina goes on to explain why her character went from being bad to being good years ago, and then bad again late last year. She also predicts that her character will take a sinister turn in the ensuing months.
To read Melina’s “character section,” click here.
Posted July 24th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Melina.
— Advertised for tonight’s Raw is CM Punk kicking off the show with a promo.
WWE announced the following on their Twitter page: “Tonight on Raw: The now-reinstated & controversial (C.M. Punk) will have a live microphone in hand at 9:00 p.m. EST on Network when Raw kicks off!”
— The July 8 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.73 cable rating and averaged 2.72 million viewers, improving on year-low ratings and viewership the week before.
The previous week’s show drew a 1.63 cable rating and 2.33 million viwwers. This remains below the program’s 2011 average of a 1.9 rating and 2.9 million viewers.
— John Morrison and Melina returned from their promotional tour of Asia late last week. Morrison appeared at Friday night’s Florida Championship Wrestling live event in Gainesville, Florida without Melina, who was advertised to be there. Morrison signed autographs prior to the show and later took part in an angle.
– WWE Champion John Cena and CM Punk have had a lot of negative things to say about each other in recent weeks leading up to their showdown at Money in the Bank on 7/17, but the two superstars had very nice things to say about one another following a recent match.
After John Cena defeated CM Punk in the main event of the WWE’s recent live event in Brisbane, Australia, Punk grabbed a microphone from ringside and actually put over the WWE champion. Punk says that while The Rock is off filming movies, Cena remains part of the WWE universe and performs in sickness and in health. Punk and Cena shook hands and Punk went to the back.
Cena then grabbed the mic and put over CM Punk also putting over Punk and showing respect. Cena called Punk the best wrestler in WWE today and said their Money in the Bank match will be the match of the year – even bigger than he and The Rock at next year’s WrestleMania.
– The Miami Herald has a story about Melina and John Morrison appearing at this weekend’s FCW events, where they’ll be doing meet and greets prior to Friday and Saturday’s shows. For more information, visit MiamiHerald.com.
– Steve Austin’s new straight-to-video action movie Tactical Force will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on 8/9.
– Stan sent word that Monday’s RAW featured 30 minutes and 51 seconds of in-ring action, which is down from the previous week.
– Travel packages for next April’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view will not be going on sale next Monday (7/11) as previously announced. Will is expected to announce a new on-sale date in the coming days.
Batista took to Twitter last to comment on Finlay’s departure from WWE earlier this year.
“So I’m going to say this because I said I would elaborate later….and I’m sure I’ll get some grief over it but I don’t realy care. and this is completely the opinion of an outsider looking in,” Batista wrote.
“I only know what I’ve been told about Fit Finlay’s release and I dont know exactly what happened…but no one in this world could convince me that Fit, the honorable man that he is, did anything that would warrant him losing his livelihood. I wouldn’t have made it to the top without fit, and I wouldn’t have made it through alot of the longass unbearable tours either.
“I seriously think that there’s a huge void in the WWE without him. He isn’t replaceable.”
Finlay was fired from his producer’s after authorizing the interruption of the American national anthem by The Miz during a live event.
Batista was also asked to comment on Melina, his former associate. He wrote, “beautiful, talented, hope she gets out of wrestling asap.”
If you haven’t been following this story over the past few days – we’ve got a new twitter beef underway in the WWE universe between Melina and Gail Kim.
Earlier this week, Melina wrote on Twitter to Gail Kim:
“@gailkimITSME You’re totally a Horrible Friend! I’m emotional Bcuz you made me this way! I’m a product of my environment BIOTCH! ;)
Gail Kim responded to Melina, writing:
“Good morning..wow a good nights sleep and a direct flight.:) and I’m NOT a horrible friend! @realmelina is emotionally unstable!”
“Haha it seems like from ur comments people, u r falling for @realmelina s “nice” side. Trust me I did too! I guess ull just have to experience her “emotional” side to understand…:(“
Melina responded to Gail Kim’s claim that she is “unstable” by posting a rather bizare video, telling Gail Kim, “I may be that, but at least I’m not a horrible friend! Like you. And believe me, after these two weeks in Asia, if you thought I was crazy before, I’m going to be that much crazier when I get back.” She then says “love you” and blew her a kiss goodbye. The video also features on-screen text that reads “Kung fu time, SKANK!!!” and “B!otch No You Didn’t!!”
Gail Kim has now responded to Melina’s video, writing on Twitter:
“Haha it seems like from ur comments people, u r falling for @realmelina s “nice” side. Trust me I did too! I guess ull just have to experience her “emotional” side to understand…:(
All the negative people out there, its ok I know. Misery loves company. I feel sorry 4 u…but good news, @realmelina would love ur friendship! :)”
Melina posted a bizarre video message this morning in response to Gail Kim writing on Twitter that she’s ’emotionally unstable’.
Kim wrote, “Good morning..wow a good nights sleep and a direct flight.:) and I’m NOT a horrible friend! @realmelina is emotionally unstable!”
Melina says in the video message, “Just came back from doing my last workout before I do the tour off to Asia and I read the tweet that Gail said I was emotionally unstable.
“Gail, I may be that, but at least I’m not a horrible friend! Like you. And believe me, after these two weeks in Asia, if you thought I was crazy before, I’m going to be that much crazier when I get back.” She then says “love you” and blows a kiss goodbye.
The video also features enclosed captions reading “Kung fu time, SKANK!!!” and “B!otch No You Didn’t!!”
— After being chosen to take on WWE Divas Champion Brie Bella last night 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.
An ecstatic Kelly took to Twitter to comment on her title capture. She wrote, “Words can’t describe how happy I am to have won my first divas championship. Thanks to everyone who has supported me I promise to make you proud!”
— Tyson Kidd has launched a Twitter account at twitter.com/KiddWWE. He wrote the following yesterday regarding tonight’s television taping in Hershey, Pennsylvania: “Tomorrow will be the first step in the new phase of Tyson Kidd.”
–- John Morrison and Melina are heading to Singapore today to promote WWE on StarHub TV, the sole cable television operator in the country.
— WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of SmackDown: “Last week, Christian smashed World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton in the head with his World Title. What will the volatile Captain Charisma do tonight on SmackDown on Syfy?”
Here is the match preview for the show:
* Ezekiel Jackson, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater and Wade Barrett
* Jinder Mahal vs. Trent Barreta
* A.J. vs. Tamina
* Daniel Bryan and Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
* Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
— John Morrison and Melina will be in Singapore on June 23 to promote WWE on StarHub TV, the sole cable television operator in the country.
— A SmackDown live event will be held at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington on August 20, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
WWE diva Melina tweeted the following on Saturday regarding her boyfriend John Morrison’s condition after recent neck surgery
“John is doing great. It’s going to be awhile ’till he can wrestle again. Strength in his arm is the same since the day of surgery. He went back to the doctor this week. He’s on his way to recovering. We just (h)ave to (b)e patient. I’m just happy he’s not in pain and that He Is getting better.”
Morrison had surgery in early May day to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve in his neck. His recovery time was slated to 4-6 weeks at that time, so hopefully he’ll be back in action within the next month or two.