– On Monday’s RAW, John Cena made an “angry face” at the camera after Zack Ryder was taken away in an ambulance. WWE is teasing that Cena is finally giving in to the dark side “embracing the hate.”
It’s highly unlikely that John Cena will never undergo a complete heel turn, but his recent storyline with Kane has allowed an emotionally battered Cena to show a darker side.
A possible scenario that’s been discussed for Sunday’s match between Cena and Kane is that Cena will snap on Kane and his anger will explode to the point where he gets himself disqualified.
– Ted DiBiase is backstage for tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings in Tucson, Arizona and sporting a brace on his wrist.
DiBiase has reportedly been trying to downplay his wrist injury to those within WWE.
– Mick Foley’s appearance on the ABC show Wife Swap will be postponed due to President Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight. The episode will air next Tuesday at 9pm EST.
– There is some confusion as to Drew McIntyre’s future on the SmackDown brand. McIntyre was fired by Teddy Long during last wek’s show, but appeared as one of the lumberjacks during the main event.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Can Mick Foley Still Wrestle?: ” I don’t think that Mick will return as a full-time or likely not even a part time wrestler. If we saw Mrs. Foley’s baby boy once or twice a year in his wrestling gear, I’d suggest that would be enough. There are so many positive things that Mick can do for WWE other than just wrestle.”
Legends House: “I see ‘trainwreck’ written all over this show especially when one considers the fact that the people chosen will be in the same house, isolated apparently from their loved ones, for likely 4-6 weeks. Being a reality show fan, I see amazing potential in this concept.”
Working With Joey Styles: “Will @JoeyStyles and JR ever call a match together?’ Likely not on weekly TV, but perhaps we might get to do something together on the WWE Network. We’ve discussed working together at some point when the platform and the time is right.”
Evan Bourne’s Wellness Policy Violation: “Obviously unfortunate for the talent. Two strikes are never good but I want to make it clear that I know zero details.. Nonetheless, this matter is being taken seriously as it should be and is terribly perplexing why a talent would travel the same road again.”
– Hardcore legend Mick Foley wrote the following on Twitter regarding his surprise appearance on Monday’s RAW:
“Very cool to be out there again, exchanging words and blows. Hope to see everyone in the #WWE Universe again soon.”
Foley announced on RAW that he plans to enter Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view so his youngest children can see him wrestle again. Foley stated that he plans to compete “at least one more time” – leaving the door open for another high profile match, possibly at WrestleMania 28.
– The All Pro Wrestling promotion has confirmed our report from Monday about WWE signing Jody Kristofferson to a developmental deal. Kristofferson, the son of country music legend Kris Kristofferson, wrestled his final match for California’s APW promotion over the weekend and won APW Universal Heavyweight Championship in his final appearance. Kristofferson’s family, including his famous father Kris, were all in attendance for the event.
As noted before, Kristofferson is expected to start with FCW next month.
Here is the press release from APW announcing Kristofferson has signed with WWE:
COUNTRY LEGENDS SON SIGNS WWE DEVELOPMENTAL DEAL
Hayward, CA – At last night’s All Pro Wrestling TV Tapings, “Big Country” Jody Kristofferson defeated Jeckles to become APW Universal Heavyweight Champion.
Following a celebration in the ring with fellow wrestlers, colleagues and family including his father country music legend & Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson. An emotional Jody announced to the fans in attendance that he had signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Ent.
Jody Kristofferson graduated the APW Boot Camp in 2009 after completing a two year training course.
Fellow successful graduates of the APW Boot Camp include: Michael Modest (WCW / Noah), Bison Smith (ROH / Noah), Spike Dudley (ECW / WWE), Crash Holly (WWE), Vic Grimes (WWE / ECW), The Great Khali (WWE), Brent Albright (WWE), Cheerleader Melissa (TNA), Kafu (WWE) and Sara Del Ray (ROH).
APW’s weekly “Gym Wars” TV series can be seen world wide on their website at www.allprowrestling.net or www.youtube.com/allprowrestling
– On this day back in 1993, WWE Monday Night RAW debuted on the USA Network. The one-hour show featured The Undertaker defeating Damien Demento in the main event.
– Mick Foley’s appearance on Celebrity Wife Swap will air on Tuesday, January 24th at 9pm EST on ABC.
– Bret Hart congratulated Edge on his WWE Hall of Fame induction and says he hopes to be there for the ceremony. The Hitman wrote:
“Congrats to the inductees so far to the WWE HOF, esp. Edge. He’ll always be one of my crew & I hope 2 be there 2 shake his hand that night”
– Goldust noted on Twitter yesterday that WWE is seriously considering a match between he and brother Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 28.
– Former WWE star David Hart Smith appeared on the Major League Wrestling podcast this week and had the following to say about his time with the company:
“We had a good title run with Tyson Kidd. I was kind of disheartened that more didn’t happen with my time in the company. I felt that i certainly had enough talent… It’s not exactly in my short-term plans to go back there. We’ll put the bookmark in this chapter read on and maybe go back to it sometime. It was definitely hot/cold with the company. When it was good it was good, and when it was bad it was like WWE isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
— WWE.com reported Thursday that company physician Dr. Michael Sampson examined Randy Orton and said he suffered a herniated disc on the L4-L5 level on the left side, which has resulted in pain and weakness down his leg.
“He’s going to need some time off for rehab, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy,” said Dr. Sampson.
F4WOnline.com reports that his injury is legitimate. Orton had been complaining of the injury for two weeks which is why his physical workload was reduced prior to the injury angle shot at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Indianapolis, Indiana. WWE.com says the injury could keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
— WWE.com has posted an article reflecting on the numerous comebacks to take place in 2011. Booker T, Kevin Nash, Triple H, Trish Stratus, the “Classic” Intercontinental Championship, Mick Foley, masked Kane and The Rock are highlighted.
– Mick Foley is currently booked for the RAW brand’s live events this week on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. After Friday, Foley has several bookings in place for independent shows and an upcoming UK comedy tour, but no other WWE appearances scheduled at this time.
– There will be an online ticket pre-sale tomorrow (Tuesday) for Extreme Rules 2012, which takes place on Sunday, April 22nd from Chicago. The pre-sale code will be announced at tonight’s RAW from Chicago.
– After getting several days off to rest up and celebrate the holidays, the WWE crew returns to action tonight for a live RAW from Chicago, Illinois. Here’s a look at the upcoming week’s live events for RAW and SmackDown:
Tuesday:
– RAW: New York, NY @ MSG
– SmackDown (TV Taping): Indianapolis, IN
Wednesday:
– RAW: Pittsburgh, PA
– SmackDown: Detroit, MI
Thursday
– RAW: Washington, D.C.
– SmackDown: Buffalo, NY
Friday:
– RAW: Hartford, CT
– SmackDown: East Rutherford, NJ
— Alberto Del Rio has been removed from WWELiveTour.com’s talent line-up for Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Chicago, Illinois and the entire Raw Holiday Tour. He was advertised for three-way bouts for the WWE Championship with CM Punk and The Miz.
Del Rio suffered a groin injury during the main event of Monday’s Raw SuperShow and is being given time off to recover. He is not expected to be sidelined for too long.
— FoxNews.com has published photos of wrestling stars before they were famous including The Undertaker’s high school yearbook photo. Others highlighted include The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Bill Goldberg, John Cena, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Jesse Ventura, Randy Orton, Vince McMahon, Randy Savage and Stephanie McMahon.
— Maria Kanellis said on Afterbuzz she will be wrestling Jillian Hall at an independent event next year. Kanellis is advertised to face Tara in her return to the squared circle on February 25, 2012 for New York City based promotion Family Wrestling Entertainment.
New York City DJ Peter Rosenberg is back with another exclusive interview .. Last week, Rosenberg interviewed WWE legend Mick Foley, who talked about his career, his friendship with Owen Hart, Mark Henry’s resurgence, the possibility of another match, and Punk vs Austin. Check it out here:
– In a sign of just how popular WWE Champion CM Punk was this summer, Business Insider has released their list of this year’s “20 Most Valuable Players in Sports” and named Punk as #16. They wrote:
“16. C.M. Punk — There was a brief stretch this summer where pro wrestling was relevant, and that’s all because of Punk. His feud with WWE felt so real that he put the entire sport back in the spotlight”
– There’s been talk this weekend of a tag team title match being added to Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view, with Epico and Primo possibly getting a shot at Air Boom.
– Hardcore legend Mick Foley is now being advertised for WWE’s RAW live events after the holidays in New York City, Washington, DC and Hartford, CT.
— Kane is advertised to face John Cena at the December 30, 2011 Raw live event in Hartford, Connecticut. He has also been announced for Raw live events taking place in New York City, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. later this month.
— Zack Ryder is advertised to appear at Mick Foley’s comedy show tonight in Long Island, New York from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The pre-show meet and greet with Ryder at McGuires Comedy Club will include a raffle for two tickets to WWE’s Saturday live event in Long Island, where Foley is advertised as special referee for the main event. Foley’s comedy performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Details are available here.
— Frank and Son Collectibles in City of Industry, California holds an autograph session this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Candice Michelle, Maria Kanellis, Melina Perez, Torrie Wilson and Traci Brooks.
Returning to WWE after a more than two-year hiatus, Lilian Garcia appeared on Friday’s episode of SmackDown as the program’s new ring announcer.
Tony Chimel introduced Garcia to the live audience at the start of the broadcast, who was already standing in the ring. As Garcia talked about how great it was to be back, she was interrupted by Cody Rhodes, who was standing on the announce table. Rhodes said no one cares she is back since no one noticed she had left. Garcia danced with Hornswoggle later during the show, which gave commentator Michael Cole the opportunity to air a crass backstage joke.
He cracked, “I wish these two would stop horsing around!”
The reference stems from those in WWE’s “inner circle”—Vince McMahon, Triple H, television producer Kevin Dunn and the since departed John “Bradshaw” Layfield—often joking that Garcia has a horse-shaped face. The crass joke was passed around backstage years ago and ultimately acknowledged on television by Layfield and Hunter to amuse company employees. Though Garcia has publicly taken the joke in stride, Mick Foley took offense to Hunter demeaning the “Decade Diva” during an episode of Raw last year in which she had filled in for regular ring announcer Justin Roberts.
He wrote online after watching on television Triple H tell Garcia she can always return to WWE to “horse around,” “Why does someone like Triple H, one of the most talented, well paid guys in the business, do something so shallow and mean? Why would a multi-millionaire, with millions of fans around the world, feel the need (several times over the years) to say something that is only meant to hurt? I don’t get it. I don’t get why it’s done, I don’t get why it’s condoned, I don’t get what possible satisfaction anyone involved gets from demeaning someone like Lillian Garcia. I just don’t get it.”
The latest reference was likely directed by Triple H, who filled in for McMahon at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping since the WWE CEO was off visiting U.S. Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. Cole is the mouthpiece of the program director, as he is fed lines via headset. It was not the only mean-spirited remark on Friday’s show as Cole made light of Jim Ross suffering from Bell’s palsy after Josh Mathews said Cole speaks out of both sides of his mouth.
Cole quipped, “Actually, there is nothing wrong with my mouth, unlike J.R.’s.”
— Former WWE Diva Cherry stated on Twitter that she will be on hand for today’s Raw SuperShow in Tampa, Florida. She wrote:
“Raw in Tampa this Monday! So excited to see all my friends again! Although I still see them all the time anyway! I smell a party!”
Cherry also revealed that she met with Beth Phoenix yesterday.
We haven’t heard anything about Cherry returning to WWE, but we’ll post an update on this if it becomes available.
— WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes is on Twitter @DustyWWE. The account has been confirmed by his son, Goldust.
— Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis appears at Terryville Middle School, 21 North Main Street, Terryville, Connecticut this Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an autograph signing. Mick Foley, Tommy Dreamer, Luke Robinson and Robbie E will also be on hand for the event.
Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of The Score Television Network and #AftermathBlog had a chance to sit down and interview the hardcore legend and three-time WWE Champion, Mick Foley. Highlights:
His new career as a stand up comedian, and is his aspiration that it turns into something more, or were these tours it all along: “I’ll tell you were I didn’t want to lead, its me sitting on my couch 10 years from now saying I could have done that comedy if I just give it a try. I’ve done it a little bit a few years ago, but I got a little disheartened. I realized it would take alot of work, much more work I’d be willing to put in to really become good. I don’t know where it’s suppose to lead anywhere besides me to be able to speak about things that seem fun to me.”
On his latest book “Countdown To Lockdown” being plugged by WWE, and whether that started the train of thought of him wanting to return to the WWE: “I got a 203 area code phone call. It was WWE asking me if I mind if they mention my book on the air, and the other question was if you would like to do an interview with Joey Styles, and I was like yeah. So Joey called me up, and Ive known Joey for ages, and we have always gotten along very well, and he was like is this for real? Like, they have never done this to anybody, and what it did was it just instantly erased all the little grudges that I thought I had.”
Foley addresses the possibility of having “one more match” left in him, how his son has been asking him about it, and how he is physically capable of having a “decent” match (perhaps not an epic encounter), but he would need lead time to physically prepare. He also said that he likely doesn’t have one more book left in him, but he (jokingly) has the desire to be the leader in writer forewords for books.
Part two of Arda’s interview with Mick Foley will be released on Tuesday.
– Interim RAW General Manager John Laurinaitis was scouting talent for WWE this past Saturday night at the High Velocity Wrestling show in Henderson, NC.
– Hardcore legend Mick Foley will be returning to Long Island, New York for the December 17th Supershow. Foley will be the special referee for CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio. Mark Henry vs. Big Show is also being advertised.
– On Monday’s RAW, we saw the latest video promo hyping Kane’s upcoming return to WWE.
— WWE.com has announced that Monday’s Raw SuperShow will kick off with a special presentation of WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s interview segment Piper’s Pit.
The WWE Hall of Famer’s guest will be John Cena.
— Mick Foley appears with TNA star Robbie E for an autograph signing at Terryville Middle School, 21 North Main Street, Terryville, Connecticut on Friday, December 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. E-mail newwrestling@yahoo.com for more information.
— Los Angeles Times published a photo of former WWE ring announcer Lauren Mayhew performing at Confidential, a new upscale lounge in Beverly Hills.
– The script for Monday’s RAW from Hershey, PA was rewritten several times – which the reason that Brodus Clay and advertised guest host Jonah Hill did not appear on the show. Jonah Hill was never scheduled to appear at RAW in person. He filmed several taped segments for the show – but after all the rewrites, it was decided that his segments no longer fit with the show and the decision was made to not air them.
Jim Ross was reportedly backstage at RAW and originally booked to work an angle – but the segment was scrapped.
– Regarding Mick Foley’s status within WWE, creative team member Brian Gewirtz is a big supporter and feels Foley is creative and a good performer. On the other side of the coin, it’s said that Triple H always buries Foley, arguing that he doesn’t seem like a tough guy and fans don’t take him serious in the ring.
Foley performed a standup comedy show in New York City immediately after WWE Survivor Series last weekend – with Zack Ryder, John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler among the WWE superstars who attended.
– WWE has been holding announcer tryouts in recent weeks, with several former superstars being considered for the open spots.
– As noted before, WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has signed a deal with Total Gym to star in a workout DVD. If the first DVD does well, they plan to do a series starring The Heartbreak Kid.
— Mick Foley will host next Tuesday’s live WWE SmackDown episode on Syfy. The official website of the Time Warner Cable Arena website is billing the episode as a “Smackdown Live Holiday Special.”
The website is also advertising a Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship between Mark Henry and Randy Orton. Booker T will be the special guest referee. This will likely be a post-broadcast dark match.
— Epico, who has been competing on SmackDown since debuting on the November 4, 2011 episode, is now listed a member of the Raw roster on WWE.com. Epico and Primo beat Percy Watson and Titus O’Neil in a dark match at last night’s Raw SuperShow in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The two cousins were accompanied by SmackDown Diva Rosa Mendes.
— Arn Anderson has been added to K & S Wrestlefest, which takes place Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Ramada Philadelphia Airport 76 Industrial Hwy. Essington, Pennsylvania.
— Regarding John Morrison’s contract status with WWE, his original deal has expired. He agreed to an extension through the end of November. His last announced appearance takes place at next Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Columbia, South Carolina.
Dave Meltzer indicated during Sunday’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio that Morrison’s feelings towards WWE are somber. “His heart is broken,” said Meltzer.
— Among those in attendance at the Survivor Series were Michelle Beadle of SportsNation, Judah Friedlander of 30 Rock, mixed martial arts writer Ariel Helwani, This Is Hell lead singer Travis Reilly and This Is Hell guitarist Rick Jimenez. Mick Foley was backstage at the event.
— Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart appears at The Whole Scoop 1149 North Railroad Staten Island, New York on Saturday, December 17 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Call 347-992-0038 for more information.
– Mick Foley has addressed the Rock Bottom he took from The Rock on Monday’s RAW.
Foley tweeted on Tuesday afternoon:
“Why did (The Rock) layeth the smacketh down on my candy ass? I just wanted a hug. I bet he’s feeling quite a bit of remorse right now,” Foley tweeted.
Following Mick Foley’s return to WWE RAW on Monday, THQ announced that Mrs. Foley’s baby boy will be a downloadable character in the upcoming WWE ’12 video game.
Hardcore legend Mick Foley has been doing standup around the country and recently performed a bit talking about his hardcore match with Edge at WrestleMania 22. Check it out:
Mick Foley appeared for WWE once again on the current European tour – with an appearance at the live event from Newcastle.
Check out this video footage of Foley and John Cena – with Cena ripping into his Survivor Series partner and WrestleMania 28 opponent – The Rock. Below that – a promo from Mick Foley.
— Mick Foley, who is presently in Europe, will not be appearing on WWE television this week. The Hardcore Legend has been announced for tonight’s SmackDown live event in Birmingham, England, and tomorrow night’s Raw live event in Manchester.
Though it would appear Foley’s television return is being held off for next week’s three-hour Raw SuperShow in Boston, Massachusetts, he said in an interview that he hasn’t heard about his status for the event.
— Friday’s episode of SmackDown saw Ted DiBiase put Tyson Kidd away via Dream Street. Prior to the match, the third generation wrestler had not garnered a singles victory on United States television since the May 20 episode of SmackDown.
— WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine appears at The Whole Scoop 1149 North Railroad Staten Island, New York next Sunday from noon to 2:00 p.m. Visit www.sportsfanpromotions.com for more information.
— Shawn Michaels and Triple H appeared on CBS Miami’s morning show Friday promoting the on-sale date for Wrestlemania XXVIII tickets. The Heartbreak Kid was asked if he’s coming out of retirement for event, to which he jokingly replied, “No. All right, next question!”
He continued, “In this line of work, everyone says, ‘Never say never,’ so I’m not saying never, but never. My home will always be with WWE and I always tell everyone all they need to do is shine the bat signal and I’ll be there.”
— WWE.com published a photo gallery of last Wednesday’s Raw live event in Dublin, Ireland and Mick Foley, who appeared at the event, is not featured in any of the images.
Foley cut a promo and was confronted by The Miz and R-Truth, which led to him officiating a match later in the evening between Awesome Truth and John Cena and John Morrison.