– This week’s episode of WWE Superstars is highlighted by Sin Cara squaring off against Michael McGillicutty, footage of which is available below. The masked wrestler returned to action last week after being sidelined since March due to a concussion suffered in a match with Jack Swagger. He made his televised return on Wednesday’s broadcast of WWE Main Event, defeating Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett in a non-title match.
Also on the show, Alex Riley goes up against Cody Rhodes. A clip from the match is available here.
– Amit Swami, who manages The Great Khali when the WWE Superstar returns to his native India, was arrested Friday for allegedly attacking a shopkeeper in Rewari.
Ajay Kumar filed complaint that Swami and other individuals barged into his shop Thursday evening, dragged him outside, and assaulted him. Swami claims that his family members had asked him to settle their domestic dispute as Kumar had been troubling them.
– Former WCW competitor Alex Wright turns 38-years-old today. Today, He is the owner of a wrestling promotion in his native Germany, New European Championship Wrestling, and still occasionally competes.
– The official WWE website has published an article ranking the 15 greatest ring entrances in sports-entertainment history.
“What’s more impressive, pulling up in an expensive sports car or walking through hellfire?” WWE states. “A calm walk through darkness or a mad dash to the ring?”
The list ranks 15. Ultimate Warrior, 14. Goldust, 13. Alberto Del Rio, 12. Glacier, 11. The Sandman, 10. The Rock, 9. Rey Mysterio, 8. Gangrel, 7. Goldberg, 6. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, 5. Hulk Hogan, 4. Kane, 3. Chris Jericho, 2. Triple H, 1. The Undertaker.
– Matches taped Monday in Birmingham, England for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were Jimmy Uso vs. Jinder Mahal and Justin Gabriel vs. Tensai.
In a pre-taping dark match result, Tyson Kidd defeated Michael McGillicutty.
– WWE developmental Briley Pierce turned 28-years-old Sunday. He is the younger brother of WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler.
– Mason Ryan, who has not appeared on WWE programming since May, resurfaces on this week’s edition of Santino Marella’s Foreign Exchange. Plus, Marella recruits Yoshi Tatsu and Johnny Curtis to devise “the perfect plan” to finally touch Michael McGillicutty’s beard.
– Via Twitter, John “Bradshaw” Layfield denied an online report that he will commentate Monday’s Raw at East Rutherford, New Jersey. He subsequently noted on Facebook that he will call the following night’s SmackDown taping in Providence, Rhode Island.
– The official WWE website has published new photos of Cameron and Naomi, The Funkadactyls.
– In the latest issue of WWE Magazine, cover-dated November 2012, WWE Superstars were asked what they are thankful for. In Ryback’s case it is WWE giving him a second opportunity.
“I’m thankful for WWE not giving up on my career, and instead offering me another opportunity to live my dream,” said Ryback. “They could have wished me luck in my future endeavors, but they didn’t. Instead, they gave me a second chance at life.”
Ryback’s current WWE run is actually his second with the organization. He was released from his first developmental contract, which he earned after competing on Tough Enough 4, in January 2007. He regrouped a year and a half later and resurfaced at WWE’s former developmental league, Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was re-signed to a developmental contract shortly thereafter and has been with the sports-entertainment company ever since.
– Two matches are featured on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars as Kaitlyn takes on Beth Phoenix and Michael McGillicutty goes one-on-one with Tensai. Highlights from the episode have been posted on WWE.com. The full episode is available on Hulu Plus.
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Amy “Lita” Dumas appears at Ken’s Cards & Collectibles 27 Mill Street Berlin, Ct. on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
– Rey Mysterio is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Delayed one week due to Rey Mysterio having the flu, Mysterio and Sin Cara will face Team Rhodes Scholars next Monday on Raw in the Tag Team Tournament Final. The winners will then face WWE Tag Team Champions Kane and Daniel Bryan at Hell in a Cell.
– During a backstage segment on Raw, Daniel Bryan challenged Kane to take on Big Show on next week’s show since he found it humorous that he was chokeslammed by The World’s Largest Athlete.
– One match was taped Monday in Nashville, Tennessee for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars as Kaitlyn faced off against Beth Phoenix.
In a pre-taping dark match, Tensai defeated Michael McGillicutty. According to a correspondent, Tensai drew a lot of heat as well as ‘Albert’ chants during his entrance, but the audience became quiet once the match took place.
– Layla and R-Truth appear at the Verizon Wireless Store 1947 Mount Zion Rd. Morrow, Georgia on Saturday, Oct. 27 beginning at 3:00 p.m. Call 770-210-4019 for more information.
– Following his in-ring confrontation with CM Punk on Raw tonight, Vince McMahon yelled at a stage manager, according to a live fan account. The WWE CEO’s anger may have stemmed from a fan sign, which was immediately confiscated. The stage manager appeared very flustered following the ordeal.
– WWE developmental wrestler Xavier Woods defeated Michael McGillicutty in a dark match prior to Monday’s Raw broadcast. The former Consequences Creed worked this weekend’s Raw live event tour.
– The following matches aired on the latest episode of WWE Vintage Collection: Judy Bagwell On A Pole Match – Buff Bagwell vs. Kanyon (WCW New Blood Rising – 2000), Loser Wears A Dress Match – Perry Saturn vs. Chris Jericho (WCW Souled Out – 1999), Blindfold Match, Rick Martel vs. Koko B. Ware (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – March 17, 1991, Hair vs. Hair Match – Edge vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Judgment Day – 2002).
– WWE Champion CM Punk and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, which touts a “dream match” scenario. To view the cover, click here.
– As seen Monday on Raw, Wade Barrett complained to program General Manager AJ Lee about not competing on the show. He did wrestle earlier as he faced Tyson Kidd in a match taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars.
In a second match taped for the show, David Otunga took on Michael McGillicutty in a battle of former Nexus members.
– As reported earlier, one of the theme songs for WWE Hell in a Cell is “Sandpaper,” the lead single off of the Chris Jericho–fronted metal band Fozzy’s latest album, “Sin and Bones.” The song’s music video premiered tonight on WWE.com.
– WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia appears on The Nick and Artie Show tonight, which airs at 1:00 a.m. on DirecTV’s Audience Network.
– Mexican professional wrestler and WCW alumnus El Dandy turns 50-years-old on Tuesday.
– Brittney Savage, who has competed for numerous Northeast-based independent wrestling promotions, was among those trying out for WWE at an evaluation session in Tampa, Florida over the weekend. She has appeared for WWE in the past as an enhancement wrestler as she lost to Beth Phoenix on the November 6, 2009 episode of SmackDown. She also competed in a tag team with AJ Lee when the now-popular Diva was an independent wrestler. The Raw General Manager wished Savage well in her tryout, tweeting, “Go kick some ass.”
– THQ has released a 30-second television commercial for WWE ’13, slated for release in North America on Oct. 30. WWE Champion CM Punk is featured in the spot as he proclaims that “The revolution is coming.”
– Santino Marella suffered a knee injury at Friday’s Raw live event in St. Joseph, Missouri, leading to a brief stoppage of his match against Tensai. He was examined by a medical trainer before resuming the bout and picking up the victory.
WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose competed at the event, losing to Michael McGillicutty.
– WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who as reported earlier this month is in the process of divorcing his fourth wife, is now dating his former valet from World Championship Wrestling, Wendy Barlow, better known as “Fifi the Maid.”
– Pro Wrestling Syndicate has announced that “The Original Gangsta” New Jack will debut for the promotion next April in Rahway, New Jersey during WrestleMania weekend.
– Pro Wrestling Blitz on Saturday, October 27 at St Joe’s Park Joliet, Illinois will be headlined by Billy Gunn vs. Jay Bradley.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler appeared on WREG-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, Friday promoting an independent show he was appearing at in South Haven, Mississippi. During the appearance, Lawler stated that had he suffered his recent heart attack anywhere but where he was—at a WWE event near paramedics—he would likely have died.
Lawler intends to return to the ring and plans to make his WWE return at the October 16 SmackDown taping in Memphis, Tennessee.
Video of his appearance is available here.
– This week’s episode of WWE Superstars is now online via WWE.com, featuring a Raw rematch between Kofi Kingston and Dolph Ziggler. Also see Yoshi Tatsu battle Heath Slater, Layla take on Divas Champion Eve, and Ted DiBiase competes against Michael McGillicutty.
– WWE Hall of Famer Edge joins Jack Encarnacao on The Mouthpiece Wrestling Show at 10:00 a.m. Saturday on NBC Sports Radio 1510 AM in Boston, Massachusetts. He will talk about his life after WWE, who the smoothest person he’s ever wrestled, how different his character would be coming up in WWE today, and more.
– At Sunday’s Raw live event in Worcester, Massachusetts, WWE Champion CM Punk made an obscure reference to a TNA Wrestling talent.
The show opened with Punk and Raw General Manager AJ Lee discussing the night’s main event since Punk’s originally scheduled opponent, John Cena, was unable to appear due to injury. During the verbal exchange, Punk referred to Lee as “Allen Jones,” the real name of AJ Styles.
Lee announced Big Show as Punk’s replacement opponent and that it would be a Lumberjack Match. Big Show performed as a babyface and won the match via disqualification after Punk struck him with a chair. Following the match, Punk assaulted Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. As he was celebrating, Big Show struck him with the WMD to end the show on a high note.
– WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose faced Michael McGillicutty at all three Raw live events this weekend. McGillicutty beat Ambrose cleanly in all three bouts.
– The late Big Bossman is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Jim Ross announced on Twitter Sunday evening that he and Michael Cole will call Monday’s Raw at Times Union Center in Albany, New York.
– The official WWE website has an article looking at seven classic factions and reimagining them with current Superstars and Divas. One dream sequence includes John Cena betraying fans to reform the nWo.
Article writer Kevin Powers states, “Who could possibly comprise the modern incarnation of the most notorious faction of all time? It would take a major betrayal of the WWE Universe akin to Hulk Hogan’s original collusion with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The only Superstar capable of such an impactful move would be none other than John Cena.
“When Hogan deceived WCW, he was as polarized as Cena. Some still loved the classic red and yellow, others were tired of it. Judging by Cena’s reactions in various arenas all over the country, the same can be said for his creed of “hustle, loyalty and respect.” The Cenation leader could eventually just have his fill of “Cena sucks” chants, grab a can of black spray-paint and really give the WWE Universe something to “boo” about.”
Powers recreates the New World Order with Randy Orton and Christian in the role of a veteran tandem similar to The Outsiders, Big Show as a returning member, Michael McGillicutty following in the footsteps of alumnus and father Curt Hennig, David Otunga as a legal adviser, and Michael Cole fulfilling Eric Bischoff’s role as a loud and obnoxious mouthpiece.
– Jim Ross, who many perceive has been subject to on-air ridicule by WWE brass, addressed fan concern regarding bullying on company programming in a Twitter post Thursday. He wrote, “Find it amazing that some fans cannot separate a fictitious, pro wrestling villain w/ real, every day life bullying. @WWE=entertainment, FYI.”
Vickie Guerrero, whose physical appearance has been subject to ridicule on WWE programming on numerous occasions, re-tweeted the message in agreement. Though Guerrero publicly takes the on-air derision in stride, broadcaster Jerry Lawler was issued a directive by management to cease all negative remarks concerning her appearance last year after the sports-entertainment organization’s anti-bullying campaign came under fire from an affiliate.
– This week on Santino’s Foreign Exchange, Santino Marella and The Cobra have a falling out after the Superstar catches his lil buddy touching Michael McGillicutty’s beard. Find out whether the two ever make up or if this the end for the dynamic duo.
– As fans lined up outside the American Airlines Center for Raw, a WWE crew member said Daniel Bryan would debut a new T-Shirt this Sunday at SummerSlam. He surveyed fans on four shirt designs and asked them to pick the one they like.
– Two matches were taped Monday night in Dallas, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty
* Alex Riley vs. Drew McIntyre
According to a fan account, Curtis debuted a new look in his match.
No dark match was held before the taping.
– Following her victory over Beth Phoenix and Eve on Raw, Kaitlyn posted a Tout of Layla gearing up the Texas native for her match against Eve on SmackDown. A position in SmackDown General Manager Booker T’s administration will be on the line when they fight.
– Rarely seen WWE Superstar JTG posted a series of cryptic messages on Twitter suggesting that he is unhappy with his standing in the sports entertainment organization. The Cryme Tyme founder wrote Sunday evening, “Make decisions based on your worth, not your circumstance!” I wish some one told me this 2 years ago.”
He continued Monday night, “The camels back just BROKE ! I had enought of this.
“As a pro athlete,Im tired of me and my lockerroom brothers being taken advantage of . Fans have no idea what we go through.#itsanillusion
“Yea I said it.
“Nobody wants to speak up, everybodys afraid of losing their job or getting taken off TV.”
– Two Raw brand matches were taped Monday night at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* WWE United States Champion Santino Marella vs. Michael McGillicutty in a non-title match
Matches taped Tuesday evening in Manchester, New Hampshire for this week’s episode of WWE NXT are as follows:
* Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks
* Kaitlyn vs. Natalya.
* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty
Justin Gabriel faced Hunico in a match taped for WWE Superstars.
In a battle of WWE developmental wrestlers, Big E Langston faced Dean Ambrose in a pre-taping dark match. Langston, who was billed from Manchester, beat Ambrose. Prior to the match, Ambrose cut a heel promo denouncing the city of Manchester.
– This week on Santino’s Foreign Exchange, Santino interrupts Damien Sandow’s breathing exercises to ask him a very important question. Also featured is The Great Khali drinking tea and Michael McGillicutty eating a bowl of Fruity Pebbles™.
– Former WWE wrestler Shane “The Hurricane” Helms is now a father. His son, Sebastian Gregory Helms, was born Friday. He wrote on Twitter, “Emotionally and physically spent. Good night everyone. Thx for all the love and positivity. It is returned!! Bless you all.”
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Sable is today’s featured star on WWE.com.
— WWE Superstar and host, Santino Marella shares with Michael McGillicutty and the WWE Universe just how dirty he will get to prove he’s a diligent worker.
— WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose faced Zack Ryder at Friday’s Raw live event in Glens Falls, New York. Ambrose was disqualified after he removed the turnbuckle pad and whipped Ryder into it.
— Former WWE Superstar Billy Kidman turned 38 years old on Friday. He is currently a producer on WWE’s Raw brand.
— WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth are advertised to appear at Aaron’s Rental & Sales in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
— Beth Phoenix and Sheamus spoke to SportsTownChicago.com last week promoting Extreme Rules. In the ranks of WWE Divas over the years, The Glamazon is asked where she would rank herself.
“I would have to rank myself absolutely number one because I am. I’ve achieved more than any other WWE Diva in the past,” she says. “I’m a four-time champion. The second female to ever compete in the Royal Rumble, amongst many, many other accolades… Diva of the Year. You name it, I’ve done it, so I would put myself number one.”
Sheamus also reveals how he plans to stay on top with his latest title reign.
— Matches taped Monday night in Dayton, Ohio for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were:
* Dolph Ziggler vs. Mason Ryan
* Michael McGillicutty vs. Zack Ryder
WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose beat Alex Riley in a pre-show dark match.
Numerous WWE Superstars offered their take on tonight’s WrestleMania XXVIII pay-per-view event through Twitter.
Epico: “There it is! I walked in to #wrestlemania as tag team champion and I leave as tag team champion!!!”
Howard Finkel: “Another W’Mania in the books! Kudos 2 R superstars 4 their efforts, and kudos to all of u who watched 2nite! And for me: 28 in a row! YES!!!”
Joey Styles: “Congratulations to @TheRock for winning his “Once in a Lifetime” #WrestleMania match with @JohnCena. 78,000 people exploded in Miami.”
Michael McGillicutty: “I’m done sitting on the sidelines! I need to be involved with #WrestleMania. Let’s do this! #EndofanEra”
Natalya: “Well @TheRock has nice taste In submissions! #sharpshooter #WrestleMania”
Randy Orton: “Gonna be hard to top HHH/Taker……#WrestleMania28”
Santino Marella: “Rock just beat cena, I’m speechless for once in my life”
Vickie Guerrero: “Wrestlemania was incredible!!! Everyone worked hard and gave their heart! Thank you fellow superstars, production, and crew!!!”
Zack Ryder: “@EveMarieTorres ruined my #WrestleMania moment. I got a low blowski from a hoeski.”
— WWE aired a vignette on Monday’s Raw Supershow promoting a character by the name Lord Tensai. The person in question is Matthew Bloom, who previously competed for the organization as Prince Albert, Albert and A-Train. Bloom achieved great success in Japan after parting ways with WWE in 2004, having won the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Karl Anderson on two occasions as well as the GHC Tag Team Championship in Pro Wrestling NOAH.
Through Twitter, Bloom denied online reports over the weekend that he had signed a contract to return to WWE.
— Matches taped Monday night in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are as follows:
* Alex Riley and Mason Ryan vs. Epico and Primo (accompanied by Rosa Mendes)
* Natalya and Tamina vs. Beth Phoenix and Eve
Brodus Clay beat Michael McGillicutty in a pre-show dark match. The bout lasted approximately two minutes.
— WWE developmental wrestler Seth Rollins defeated Michael McGillicutty via Curb Stomp in a dark match at Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Cleveland, Ohio. Rollins, who reigns as Florida Heavyweight Champion, also competed at SmackDown live events over the weekend and is slated to be on hand for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Columbus, Ohio.
— The following matches were taped Monday night in Cleveland, Ohio for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks
* Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly
— The WWE SmackDown taping scheduled for May 29, 2012 has been moved to the River Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was originally scheduled to take place at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana.