WWE holds their fourth annual Extreme Rules pay-per-view event tonight at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The following seven matches have been announced for the show:

* John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules Match)

* World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)

* WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Chicago Street Fight)

* Randy Orton vs. Kane (Falls Count Anywhere Match)

* Intercontinental Champion Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes

* United States Champion Santino Marella vs. The Miz

* Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Beth Phoenix

– New WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella wrote on Twitter last night that “The Bella Era” has begun and that “Naughty Nikki” has arrived. She also thanked fans for their support:

“Thank you #BellaArmy for your support! Hope I made you proud tonight! I’m DIVAS CHAMPION! Finally! Can’t tell you how I feel right now! #RAW”

Naughty Nikki, huh? It’s got a nice ring to it.

– WWE is now one of the top earners for YouTube. The new partnership between the two companies has been very rewarding for both sides. In an unprecedented move, WWE is now publishing RAW videos on their channel as the show airs on the East Coast – before it airs on the West Coast.

– Jim Ross arrived in Tampa, Florida on Monday night to work with the WWE developmental talents this week. Ross will likely be announcing again at this Thursday’s FCW TV tapings.

— In this week’s episode of Outside The Ring, The Bella Twins go to the Wave House in San Diego, California to catch some waves.

[vsw id=”CB8sAGyB0Ig” source=”youtube” width=”590″ height=”330″ autoplay=”no”]

— WWE.com has added Brodus Clay’s dancers Cameron and Naomi to both the Raw roster and Diva roster pages.

— A WWE SuperShow is scheduled for Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. Bell time is 5:00 p.m.

— WWE conducted an angle at Friday’s SmackDown house show at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Ireland where ring announcer Lilian Garcia nearly came to blows with Natalya during a heated confrontation. Fed up with the third generation wrestler’s shabby treatment of her, Garcia aggressively shoved Natalya’s jacket back at the SmackDown Diva following her loss to AJ.

— Brie and Nikki Bella are scheduled for next week’s television events at The O2 Arena in London, England but not any house shows. As reported earlier, the twin duo is expected to part ways with WWE after their respective contracts expire on April 30.

— WWE will hold a SmackDown house show at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

— Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita turns 37 years old on Saturday.

source: PWInsider.com

— Dolph Ziggler took a passive aggressive shot at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson over The Great One’s limited schedule with WWE via Twitter.

A Twitter user wrote to the WWE Superstar this week, “Couldn’t decide which flexforce WWE figure to buy between your action figure and @therock ‘s.. chose the rock in the end!” Ziggler responded, “Typical, just make sure you only play with it 4-5 times a year….”

— After backing Team Teddy at WrestleMania XXVIII, Nikki Bella was put in a match against Beth Phoenix on Friday’s SmackDown while her sister Brie was given the night off. Kelly Kelly distracted The Glamazon at ringside, causing her to lose concentration. Nikki capitalized on the situation by hitting Phoenix with the Bella Buster for the pinfall victory. The victory ends her six match losing streak in televised singles bouts: she last won a singles match on the November 23, 2010 episode of NXT. It was also her first singles victory on either Raw, SmackDown or a pay-per-view event.

Following SmackDown, Nikki wrote on Twitter, “Johnny @GMSmackDown thought he could get a quick one on me but NOPE! Thanks to my girl @RealKellyKelly!” She added Saturday, “So I’m thinking…. #Nikki4DivasChampion.”

— Two matches are advertised for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy as Alberto Del Rio will face World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus while Randy Orton battles Kane in a WrestleMania XXVIII rematch. If Del Rio can defeat The Celtic Warrior, he will earn a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship.

Other matches airing include R-Truth vs. David Otunga and Mark Henry in a Handicap Match and Divas Champion Beth Phoenix vs. Nikki Bella. Also slated is the SmackDown debut of Ryback, who formerly competed as Skip Sheffield.

— WWEShop.com has released a Daniel Bryan Yes Authentic T-Shirt.

— Christian appears for Florida Championship Wrestling on May 18 at Orlando Armory 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave. Orlando, Florida. Belltime is 7:00 p.m.

— WWE posted this photo Wednesday of Rey Mysterio meeting media in Miami, Florida. The account tweeted, “Rey Mysterio talks to Telemundo @holtzchildren @jhsmiami about meeting the kids at the hospital.”

Mysterio stated in recent months that he hoped to return from injury in time for WrestleMania XXVIII, but a match did not come to fruition.

— WWE.com has published an article officially announcing Randy Orton’s starring role in The Marine: Homefront, the third installment of WWE Studios’ Marine franchise. Fans will be able to get a first look at production of the film during this weekend’s WrestleMania Axxess in Miami, where fans can audition for a small role in the screenplay.

Production for the straight-to-video release begins June 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Orton plays a Marine who must rescue his kidnapped daughter.

— Numerous WWE stars were on hand for Lilian Garcia’s concert Wednesday evening at the Gibson Miami Showroom including Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Vickie Guerrero, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Jinder Mahal, Justin Gabriel, Maxine, Titus O’Neil, Aksana and John Laurinaitis.

— Road Dogg revealed on Twitter that the New Age Outlaws will be featured in THQ’s WWE ’13. When asked about the upcoming video game, which is rumored to focus on “Attitude Era” stars, he responded, “Already did the voiceovers.” He added that Billy Gunn was involved with the process.

— Watch the Photos of a Bella Twin’s wardrobe malfunction of Backstage Fallout, and find out what Sheamus really thinks of his WrestleMania opponent’s girlfriend. Plus, learn the real reason why Eve blew Zack Ryder off. Also featured are The Bella Twins and Jack Swagger.

— WWE is holding a Raw live event tonight at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bell time is 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile, a SmackDown event will be held at the E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

— WWE has announced that they will be offering pay-per-view streaming on the iPhone and iPad beginning with WrestleMania XXVIII.

“Attention, iPad and iPhone users! Coming soon, WWE pay-per-view streaming will be available for purchase online – just in time for WrestleMania XXVIII,” WWE states. “You can reserve your spot now by visiting https://www.wwe.com/ppv or https://www.wwe.com/shows/howtowatch using your Mac or PC. Check back soon for updates on streaming to your iOS device for The Biggest Spectacle of Them All, WrestleMania, on April 1.”

— The Bella Twins and Alicia Fox will appear on the syndicated entertainment news program Extra on Monday. The WWE Divas were filmed last Thursday at The Grove in Los Angeles chatting with Maria Menounos.

— Jerry “The King” Lawler will appear at the Salem Red Sox game taking place on July 28 at LewisGale Field 1004 Texas St. Salem, Virginia.

— WWE creative curtailing Mark Henry’s standing in the company following a huge promotion relates to injuries and perception. Many internally have perceived Henry for numerous years as being injury prone and not tough enough to gut said injuries out.

Meanwhile, Henry is trying to break into acting as he feels his days in wrestling are coming to an end. He also realizes that his acting roles will probably limited to playing a bodyguard or bar bouncer.

— The Bella Twins confirmed on Twitter that they have a page on Facebook. The page is located at www.facebook.com/nicoleandbriannagarcia.

— Carlito and Pimp Fatha (a/k/a The Godfather) headline the Territory League show on March 27 at the Avalon in Hollywood, California.

— Maria Kanellis will appear at WrestleReunion 8, which takes place April 13-15 at the Doubletree Toronto Airport 655 Dixon Rd. Toronto, Ontario Canada.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— During tonight’s Raw SuperShow broadcast in the Philadelphia area, WWE advertised The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels for the March 19 Raw emanating from the Wells Fargo Center. The advertised main event is WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler.

The Undertaker is also advertised to appear on the following Raw shows: February 20; March 5; March 12. Michaels is scheduled for the March 5 and March 12 shows.

— The Bella Twins are holding a contest through their official website on who can serenade them best with a poem.

Nikki and Brie write, “On Valentine’s Day we will pick the best poem and the winner will receive our silver sparkly bikini’s that we are wearing on the front of our website. Please submit to nicoleandbrianna@gmail.com.”

— WWE developmental wrestler Seth Rollins, who was scheduled to work this week’s Raw house show tour, will instead appear on SmackDown events this week.

— WWE officials have given thought to John Laurinaitis competing in a wrestling match in the near future. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations was previously a professional wrestler under the ring name Johnny Ace, and wrestled for such promotions as the National Wrestling Alliance and All Japan Pro Wrestling. He is credited as the inventor of the “Cutter” maneuver, dubbed by Laurinaitis as the “Ace Crusher.”

— Commercials in the Boston, Massachusetts area are advertising John Cena vs. Kane for the March 5, 2012 Raw Supershow at the TD Garden. It was also announced that CM Punk would be defending the WWE Championship.

— The Bella Twins appear at Don Beyer Kia located at 7416 Richmond Highway Alexandria, Virginia 22306 this Thursday beginning at 2:00 p.m.

sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

— Ultimate Warrior is advertised to appear for PCW Wrestling. The event takes place Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Oak Lawn Pavillion 9401 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Lawn, Illinois.

The former WWE Champion will participate in an autograph signing at the event. Event information is available here.

— The Bella Twins have begun selling ring worn wrestling gear through their official website, NicoleandBrianna.com. Many of the items put up for sale last week have already sold out.

— The Miz appears at KMART 250 Floresta Blvd. San Leandro, California on January 15, 2012 starting at 10:00 a.m. Call 510-895-9055 for more information. Wristband Policy is in effect.

Maria Kanellis has responded to a report posted earlier this week regarding her perceived shots at Nikki and Brie Bella’s during AfterBuzzTV.com’s weekly post-show for Raw. The former WWE Diva says she is not taking personal digs at the twin duo, but rather, their villainous television characters.

Kanellis explained on Twitter, “Afterbuzz for Raw is a show about a show. Just like I did Afterbuzz for Dancing with the Stars, Borgias, Project Runway, ect….. We make jokes, poke fun, show respect, educate, and talk about news and gossip. No one forces you to watch. The Bellas play bad girls on tv as such we talk about them as bad girls. It’s a show. But thank you for talking about it so much. All press is good press. And I repeat, wrestlers are the most talented entertainers on the planet.”

Kanellis posted a similar explanation on Facebook, but added that she would never sacrifice her strong moral values in order to “get ahead.”

She wrote, “Afterbuzz for Raw on afterbuzztv.com is a show about a show. We talk about story lines, wrestling, gossip, news, superstars, divas, fashion, and we have guests. Are we funny? Yes. Do we make jokes? Of course. Is there inside info? Sure. Do we get nasty? Sometimes. All of my co-hosts have their own beliefs, style and personality. We have view points that differ. I was given a voice and I have strong beliefs. I don’t believe in authority or following a norm. I have sacrificed a lot because of my strong morals. But one thing I will never sacrifice is my values. I will not get ahead just because I play the game. Even though I know how. I will succeed on merit and talent. Or I will fail and failure is just another step towards success. Passion is my motivation….. Rock it.”

During AfterBuzzTV.com’s post-show for Monday’s Raw SuperShow, former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis took a Triple H-like swipe at former colleagues Nikki and Brie Bella.

Former WWE creative writer Jensen Karp recalled producing a backstage segment involving the word “labiagytis” (on the May 1, 2006 Raw, Candice Michelle asked Vince McMahon in he could cure her labiagytis after he had cured her chest cold). While the program hosts segued to discussion over the Divas tag team match on Raw, Kanellis quipped, “Speaking of labiagytis, The Bellas…”

Kanellis then joked that she was merely kidding, but that she “couldn’t help it.”

This is not Kanellis’ first swipe towards the twin duo on the talk program as she implied on October 10, 2011 that they once shared a hot tub with John Laurinaitis, referring them as “two Divas who look alike.” She took another veiled shot at the Bellas’ promiscuity the following week, which featured Nikki and Brie flirting with WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations in a backstage segment.

While segueing, Kanellis said, “And the Bella Twins were in the back with Johnny, moving on…”

Footage of Kanellis’ latest remark is available here.

— R-Truth, who was written off television last week via Skull Crushing Finale onto the Raw SuperShow stage, posted a message on Twitter regarding his whereabouts.

“Hopefully today I will find out when the Doc will release me to return back to the ring,” he wrote.

He then wrote the following in response to his followers remarks: “I see we got sum smart azz Lil Jimmy’s about..”

— Vince McMahon, Kofi Kingston, Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, among others, will be visiting troops in Afghanistan next week. Footage from the trip will air on WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops special.

— Giant Bernard (a/k/a A-Train), Kensuke Sasaki and Yuji Nagata were among those visiting WWE during their trip to Japan this week.

— SuperLuchas.net reports Sin Cara suffered the patella tendon rupture at Survivor Series as he was jumping over the ring ropes, not when he landed. His tendon snapped as he was gaining momentum to make the jump.

— The official Twitter feed for WWE sent out a tweet reading “Masked Kane” during Raw SuperShow in an attempt to get the term trending. It was in reference to a mid-show vignette teasing the return of Kane with his signature red mask. The video concluded with a shot of the mask being dropped to the ground and covered in fire. “Masked Kane” was shown on the list of terms trending on Twitter during Raw.

— The Score in Canada will be airing SmackDown live on Tuesday, November 29 at 8:00 p.m. As previously announced, SyFy in the United States is also airing SmackDown live that night.

— Triple H was locally advertised for Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but did not appear.

— Brie and Nikki Bella were backstage at Raw SuperShow, but not used. The twin sisters turned 28 years old Monday.

— Despite not appearing on Raw, the official Twitter feed for WWE sent out a tweet at the conclusion of the show to get Brodus Clay trending.

— Former WCW World Tag Team Champion Lash LeRoux turns 35 years old Tuesday. He was under contract to WWE in 2001 and 2002, but was never promoted to the main roster.

source: PWInsider.com

— Sean Waltman stated during a recent interview with the Pro Wrestling Torch that Faby Apache, who performs for Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, is the single best female wrestler he saw when he was in Mexico a few years ago. He recently recommended the veteran wrestler to WWE officials, but they declined.

“She is the best female worker I’ve seen in maybe the last ten years. It’s just that she’s a little bottom heavy like a lot of the girls down in Mexico that doesn’t fit in with the look WWE is looking for with the Divas division, unfortunately. In terms of in-ring talent, she can go with anyone. I put in a word for her, but they weren’t interested in her,” Waltman said.

— Mason Ryan spoke to LocalBozo.com to promote Survivor Series at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He discusses his start in professional wrestling, being discovered by WWE, his anticipation in performing at MSG for the first time, what he’d be doing if he was not wrestling, the energy Mick Foley and The Rock bring to the dressing room, transitioning to a fan favorite, who’s been most instrumental in helping him hone his character and ring work.

— The Bella Twins appear at Alexandria KIA Dealership 7416 Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, Virginia on December 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Call 888-430-7570 for more information.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— As reported recently, WWE creative have brainstormed a program between Booker T and Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Plans are now in place for an angle between the two that would lead to the former World Heavyweight Champion’s return match. That angle may kick off as early as tonight’s SmackDown taping in Houston, Texas, Booker T’s hometown.

Part of the reason WWE is doing the feud is to promote their upcoming The Best of King of the Ring DVD set, which Booker T is hosting.

— Matches taped Monday in Austin, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston vs. JTG and Primo; Eve and Kelly Kelly vs. Brie Bella and Nikki Bella.

— Sin Cara beat Michael McGillicutty in a dark match prior to Monday’s television tapings.

sources: PWInsider.com, ProWrestling.net

— The Bella Twins have published their latest video answering questions from fans, which includes a query regarding their dream match. Brie says her dream match is “to take it to the Divas of Doom,” while Nikki wants to face her sister at WrestleMania.

They also discuss Randy Orton, their favorite rock bands, ring gear and whether they ever get tired of being twins.

— The Midland Rocks has published an interview with Chris Jericho. The Fozzy frontman discusses their 12-date tour of the UK next month, why they frequently tour the UK, living out of a suitcase and more.

— This week’s WWE Classic On Demand updates are as follows: Extreme Championship Wrestling (11/25/97), WWF Prime Time Wrestling (5/22/89), World Class Championship Wrestling (1/21/84) and The Undertaker’s Deadliest Matches (Part 3).

— Eve Torres stated on Twitter that she will debut a new look tonight on Raw.

She wrote, “Debuting a bit of a new look tonight… Let me know what you think!”

Meanwhile, The Bellas Twins debuted new ring gear in a match taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars—against A.J. and Kaitlyn.

Joey Styles said of their garments: “Their outfits were the greatest ring gear in history!”

Also taped tonight for Superstars was John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre.

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

— 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.