– Chas Betts, who was a member of the United States Olympic team in Greco-Roman wrestling in 2012, has signed a contract with WWE. Betts officially begins his formal WWE training on Monday at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

-Brandi Runnels, the real-life wife of one-half of the current WWE Tag-Team Champions, Cody Rhodes, officially starts with WWE on Monday.

Photos From Cody & Brandi’s Wedding Last Month

Runnels, who was previously with WWE as “Eden Stiles” before ultimately quitting, will also report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida on Monday. Runnels will be working under the name “Brandi Rhodes” on her new run with the company.

She tweeted on Friday & Saturday:

Surprise rookie gift from @CodyRhodesWWE. Guess I traded heels for boots. TRAINING begins Monday @WWE @WWEPerformCtr pic.twitter.com/Ua0aFgPvmr

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) November 1, 2013

Overwhelmed and thrilled by the support. Thank you for sharing in my excitement. #RhodesStandard ? pic.twitter.com/2IBU4a1r5t

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) November 2, 2013

Smokin’ Hot Photos Of Cody Rhodes Real-Life Wife, Brandi “Rhodes” Runnels — CLICK HERE!

WWE CEO Vince McMahon tweeted the following photo of himself at the gym at WWE Headquarters:

#Iwillbetrainingherelatertonight @WWE pic.twitter.com/rEkwmZExlm

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) November 1, 2013

-Speaking of McMahon’s official Twitter account, he recently tweeted this one, which contains an update on the WWE App:

Thanks to the F.A.A. the #WWEApp can now fly http://t.co/GwxtzRHKTp

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) November 1, 2013

DIRECT LINK TO ARTICLE: How Much Stephanie McMahon’s New WWE Contract Is Worth

-Both Vince McMahon and WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels visited the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida on Monday. According to reports, McMahon and HBK did not interact or speak with any of the developmental talent.

-Friday’s WWE Hell In A Cell “go-home” edition of SmackDown averaged 2.681 million viewers, which was an increase from the 2.640 million viewers that the show averaged the previous week.

*SPOILER* On VINCE MCMAHON’S Return At Tonight’s WWE RAW [>>]

[Partial Credit: PWInsider.com]

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is being cautious/hesitant when it comes to signing smaller wrestlers and already-established talent from the independent scene.

As it pertains to smaller talent, WWE officials reportedly feel that the company already has enough smaller talent and there is not a strong need to sign smaller wrestlers at this time. WWE is looking to sign larger wrestlers who they feel have more upside and potential to be main eventers.

As for independent wrestlers, WWE is concerned that they will have to spend a lot of time breaking the “bad habits” they learned elsewhere and re-training them to work the WWE style. WWE also does not want to sign indy talent, give them exposure and then have them leave, only to make more money elsewhere as a result of their time in WWE.

Looking at the big picture, WWE is looking to utilize the Performance Center to train new talent from scratch.

In addition to Leah Van Dale, the former New England Patriots and Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and daughter of former WWE wrestler Paul Van Dale, signing a developmental deal with WWE as we reported earlier today, WWE has also signed Dylan Mile.

Mile is a 25-year-old wrestler from Colorado who recently participated in a tryout at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Mile is 6’3” and 285 pounds. Apparently Mile impressed WWE trainers with his agility, including an impressive 37-inch vertical leap.

The signing of Dale and Mile brings up the question as to what is going to happen with Joey Ryan, Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards, all of whom recently participated in a WWE tryout at the Performance Center as well. The latter two are former Ring Of Honor World Champions, neither of which are contractually obligated to the promotion. This would allow both guys to be signed by WWE if the company had interest in them. With WWE signing the aforementioned two talents, one wonders if they have any interest in the former ROH stars.

BIG Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + Dusty PISSES OFF Stephanie At RAW!

[Partial Credit: PWInsider.com]

-WWE has signed the daughter of former pro wrestler Paul Van Dale, Leah Van Damme (Leah Van Dale). Van Dale is a former New England Patriots and Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader. Dale tweeted about being at the WWE Performance Center, writing:

“So pumped to be at the @WWEPerformCtr today! Ready to learn! #wwe #nxt #diva”

-According to reports, there are plans to break up the tag-team of The Real Americans. Apparently WWE feels the “giant swing move” that Antonio Cesaro has been doing lately is a big babyface spot in matches, so they are likely going to be turning Cesaro babyface in the near future.

HUGE Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + WWE Battleground PPV *SPOILERS*

[Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

-The latest Mark Trail comic strip, which was released today, featured a character named Dusty Rhodes.

-WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio posted the following on his official Twitter account today, revealing that he is currently training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida:

Very anxious and excited to get back in the ring! 619? pic.twitter.com/9Yp8ByS2Ju

— ?Rey Mysterio? (@reymysterio) September 30, 2013

SESCOOPS.COM reader Kevinadman sent along the following:

TV Wrestling Star Kevin Nash At Brick Elks Lodge This Sat. 10/5

He’s a former WWE & WCW World Heavyweight Champion… a member of some of the biggest groups in pro wrestling such as The New World Order and The Clique… set a record for the fastest World Heavyweight Title victory (seven seconds)… he’s the seven-foot “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, and he will make his first ever Jersey Shore appearance for popular pro wrestling promotion Funkdafied Wrestling Federation this Saturday night October 5th at 7:35pm when FWF returns to their favorite Jersey Shore venue, the Brick, NJ Elks Lodge (2491 Hooper Avenue, just south of Route 70 and the Brick Plaza, minutes from the Parkway).

Plus this show will feature an FWF Heavyweight Championship match made at the last Ocean County show, as “Bounty Hunter” Johnny Ringo will finally get the opportunity he demanded, as he will face popular champion The Atomic Dog. And in another championship match coming out of the last Ocean County show, the veteran duo of Right To Party (Mike Dennis & “The Love Machine” Nicky Oceans) will once again challenge FWF Tag-Team Champions The 2 Rude Dudes (“Corrupted” Corey Havoc & “Rampage” Rogers).

There will also be appearances by FWF Cruiserweight Champion Fast Eddie, Team R.I.O.T. (Big Jeff Noyze & Vinny Cenzo), T.N.T, Lightning Bolt Johnson, “Mr. Entertainment” J.D. Smoothie, Slayer, “The White Urkel” B. Fehrm, Jersey Shore lunatic Slayer, “Ice-Fire” Steve Zapf, “Big 80’s” Donnie Victory, managers Captain Johnny Kool and Savannah, and more.

Tickets are priced at only $21 for adults and $19 for kids & seniors, and are available on-line at
www.funkdafiedwrestling.com
or by calling the FWF Box Office at (732) 725-1704
All major charge cards are accepted, and group rates are available. Remaining seats, if any, will go on sale at the door one hour before bell time.

Latest On Undertaker’s WWE Return, John Cena Returning Sooner Than Planned + MORE!

The following are highlights from a recent interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T:

On WrestleMania compared to other events: “WrestleMania is the biggest deal of them all [major sporting events.] I mean its the spectacle of a lifetime. If you ever have the chance to be a part of it. I mean you guys got to experience the SuperBowl and now you’re going to be able to experience WrestleMania. It’s going to be awesome. Compared [to the SuperBowl] as far as what’s the biggest. Let me tell you WrestleMania is the biggest spectacle that I’ve ever seen and been a part of.”

On the new WWE Performance Center: “I haven’t had a chance to get there as often as I need to. I have my own facility in Houston. I’m trying to filter the wrestling business. You know, more and more students are trying to get it from all different perspectives. But I’ll tell you the training center is something that we’ve needed for quite some time just so the avid fan always wonders ‘How do I get into this business?’ And for us to promote it! Now, we have our own form of something that you can come down and be a part of, try to get into this business. You know there are a lot of kids out there that I feel like we might be losing. We need to advertise a little more and show these guys that you can have a great career in professional wrestling, and the longevity is great as well.”

On The Ultimate Warrior in the WWE Hall Of Fame: “Everybody’s wondering if the Ultimate Warrior is going to go in [the Hall of Fame,] that’s one thing… Ultimate Warrior is probably the one guy that people have been wondering for many, many years, just like Bruno Sammartino. It would be great to take his place in immortality. He deserves it. Hew was great for what he did for the time in wrestling… Back in the day, those guys really were trailblazers, they were one of the reasons that I wanted to be one of those guys.”

On his prediction for the WrestleMania 40 main event: “Dean Ambrose versus Dolph Ziggler.”

Check out the complete interview online at NOLADefender.com

Several KEY Segments For RAW Tonight REVEALED In GREAT DETAIL — Click Here!

As previously reported, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool, along with The Undertaker, were recently working out at the new WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. According to one source, McCool looked to be in great shape, so much so that many felt she looked better than when she was actually wrestling actively in WWE.

Reports claim McCool was in serious discussions about a year ago with WWE regarding a comeback. The feeling from her side is that now would be a good time to return because she could make it back on television in time to set up a program that would lead to a big payoff at WrestleMania XXX in 2014.

Huge Early *SPOILERS* For WrestleMania XXX — Click HERE!

[Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

-WWE NXT Divas Paige and Summer Rae recently commented on Twitter about The Undertaker and Michelle McCool being at the WWE Performance Center this week. Below are their comments:

Paige:

“Feel so lucky to be at the @WWEPerformCtr we get awesome guests like @McCoolMichelleL who took the time to help us so much!!! Thanks again!!”

Summer Rae:

“The #NXT divas were SO busy last night at the tv tapings! Things are heating up down there. If you’re not watching then you’re MISSING out! And wow, wow! What a privilege to have @McCoolMichelleL & #TheUndertaker stop by the #NXT tv tapings! Thank you for taking time! #rolemodel”

-Speaking of Twitter, the new Los Matadores duo continue to hype their forthcoming WWE television debut. Their latest tweet reads:

“The day is getting closer…… Los matadores are making their way to the new world!!! #SmackDown #WWEOlé @WWE”

The Latest On WHO The Undertaker Will Wrestle At WrestleMania XXX!

-As previously noted, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool was training at the WWE Performance Center this week. According to a source who works tat the Performance Center, WWE legend The Undertaker was also there this week, working out at the state-of-the-art facility.

Undertaker vs. ??? At WrestleMania XXX [FIND OUT WHO HERE >>]

-There is currently a pre-sale for tickets to the WWE RAW show on October 28th in Orlando, Florida at Ticketmaster.com. The pre-sale password for tickets is: WJRR.

-Apparently WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino will be doing some stuff with WWE this weekend, as he will be in town, as previously reported, for the Feast Of San Gennaro.

[Credit: F4WOnline.com]

-As noted, the E! cable channel picked up additional episodes of the WWE Total Divas reality show. Those episodes will begin airing as part of the extended season one on November 17th. It should be noted that the new episodes beginning on 11/17 will air one hour earlier, at 9:00pm ET, instead of the current 10:00pm ET timeslot.

-The following are some recent WWE attendance figures:

–September 6th in Montreal drew 6,000 fans for $300,000
–September 7th in East Rutherford, NJ drew 7,700 fans for $360,000
–September 7th in Windsor drew 3,300 fans for $130,000
–September 8th in Brooklyn drew 7,000 fans for $380,000
–September 8th in Hamilton drew 3,600 fans for $130,000

-Former WWE Diva Michelle McCool recently tweeted about her work at the WWE Performance Center. McCool wrote:

“Still in awe of @WWEPerformCtr …thinking about how bright the future is for the divas! #talentknockingatthedoor Thank y’all for having me!”

WWE NEWS

[Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

-WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley recently posted a blog on his official Facebook page where he shared his thoughts on the Goldust vs. Randy Orton match from Monday’s Night Of Champions “go-home” edition of WWE RAW in Toronto.

Foley wrote:

“Like many of you, I have found myself completely caught up in the trials and tribulations of the Rhodes family. From Cody’s heartfelt exit from WWE, to older brother Dustin’s ability to turn back the hands of time to participate in an outstanding, emotional match with Randy Orton, to the bitter disappointment displayed with his agonizingly painful post-match walk down the hallway: this Rhodes family saga has quickly catapulted from mid-card curiosity to must-see real life drama. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this scenario so captivating.”

-As noted previously, the daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero, Shaul Guerrero, is training at the WWE Performance Center for a return to the ring. Shaul recently brought back her old Raquel Diaz character to NXT and Twitter.

Diaz wrote:

“Hello Raquetts! Thanks so much for all the love and support. Lets just say I’m coming back ULTRA fab, ULTRA sheek, the ULTRA DIVA #LoveIt”

WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS SPOILERS FOR THIS SUNDAY

-WWE Diva, Total Divas reality star and Funkadactyl member Cameron was at the WWE Performance Center this weekend. According to reports, Cameron was training and working on her in-ring work at the facility.

-NJ.com has a featured article up on their website today regarding several WWE Divas visiting the New Jersey City National Guard Armory. You can check that piece out online at NJ.com.

-The Windsor Star has a featured article up on their website about the WWE live event this weekend in their city. You can check that out online at WindsorStar.com. For those interested, results from the WWE live event in Windsor is on the main page.

Huge WWE Total Divas *SPOILERS* For Season 2! **CLICK HERE**

We’ve got an update on the recent tryout camp held at the WWE Performance Center last weekend.

In total, there were about 30 athletes that attended the camp, mostly comprised of independent wrestlers. Overall – the camp was considered a success, with WWE officials being impressed with the attitudes and work ethic of almost everyone.

According to multiple sources, the standouts were Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards. However, it should be noted that anybody who WWE does want to sign would first have to undergo medical testing and would not be signed for several months.

Other independent wrestlers in attendance were Joey Ryan, Tony DelFonzo, Sean Burke and Todd Hanson.

The WWE staffers evaluating the talent included Bill DeMott, Jim Ross, William Regal, Terry Taylor, Norman Smiley and Joey Mercury.

Jim Ross tweeted the following last week about the camp:

“Appreciate all the hard work at just completed tryout camp @WWE Performance Center past few days. WWE staff super. Good luck to all.”

“Great having some ex-military men in the latest @WWE tryout camp. It’s always uplifting to hear their stories. Real heroes.”

* ROSA MENDES Shows Off Her New Look – She’s Blonde Again!

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE sent out the following press release today:

David Bailey Named General Manager of WWE(R) Performance Center

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 04, 2013–
WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced the appointment of David Bailey as General Manager of the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL. Bailey, who previously served as General Manager of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Blue Unit at Feld Entertainment, will report directly to WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Relations and Development, Jane Geddes.

As General Manager of the Performance Center, Bailey will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 26,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, and will work with WWE senior executives to manage the development of the NXT Superstars training at the Center. In addition, Bailey will work with WWE executives to enhance WWE’s relationship with Full Sail University as well as other key partners in the Central Florida region.

While at Feld, Bailey managed more than 350 people including staff, crew and performers, and acted as a conduit between the unit, talent directors, production management and executive management. In addition, Bailey was responsible for overseeing all the operational aspects of the show as well as animal welfare, budgets, and unit movement from city to city.

Prior to Feld, Bailey held management positions at Kohler Company and Siemens VDO. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Technology from Athens State University and will reside in the Orlando area.

With 26,000 square-feet, seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program and cutting-edge edit and production facilities, the Performance Center gives WWE the ability to train more potential performers than ever before through a comprehensive program including in-ring training, physical preparedness and character development. The center is the training ground for talent that includes former professional and collegiate athletes, Olympians and entertainers, and offers a best-in-class sports medicine program creating a central location for all WWE talent to receive the best care both in and out of the ring.

The following are highlights from a new Jim Ross blog:

On his UK speaking tour: “Our UK Tour was a huge success. My thanks to all who attended and supported our inaugural journey especially PSI Events & @americansoda. We sold out Cardiff, London, and Glasgow while Manchester had the largest crowd vs Man U vs Chelsea in football just down the street. The Q&A’S with the fans were a blast. I had so much fun meeting the fans one on one even though our unique accents were both humorous & challenging to understand at times. :) Travel was challenging and aggressive. As a great man once told me, “Sleep is our enemy” so I think we defeated our enemy on this trip. No sleep but a lifetime of memories. Lots of plans to do more Evening With…shows on the drawing board but time will tell. Stay tuned.”

On Monday’s edition of WWE RAW: “Stayed up LATE to watch RAW but it was worth it. Bravo to @CMPunk, @heymanhustle, & AJ Lee among many for a fun show. Raw has momentum and with so many new talents and issues evolving, the future is exciting.”

On upcoming tryout at WWE Performance Center: “Working a tryout camp Thursday & Friday at WWE Performance Center. Always looking for the next star. Good luck to all. Effort is your key. Be passionate. It’s your Wrestlemania.”

Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

WWE NEWS

– Brock Lesnar is not expected back on WWE television until late December or early January, in time for the Royal Rumble. At one point, Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk was discussed for October’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, but no word lately on whether that match is still going to happen.

– With Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards attending WWE’s upcoming training camp at the new Performance Center, it appears both men have finished up with Ring of Honor.

– Former WWE star Rikishi was backstage at Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings from Las Vegas, visiting his sons The Usos. Here’s a photo from Instagram of Rikishi with the Greak Hali:

(Source: PWInsider)

-According to recent reports, the reason WWE Superstar The Big Show has not made his return to WWE yet is because he has been finishing up the final stages of rehab, following the recent hip procedure he underwent.

As noted in the AP report that surfaced yesterday, Big Show has been rehabbing at the new WWE Performance Center.

-The ECW documentary, “Barbed Wire City” will be on sale this week on Video Downloads, lowering the price to just $9.99. For more information on the documentary, visit BarbedWireCity,.com.

Big Show’s WWE Return Date, HUGE SummerSlam *SPOILERS* + MORE!

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

-The following is the official preview for this Sunday’s edition of WWE Total Divas:

“Naomi and Jon Uso come face-to-face in the ring. JoJo ends up giving her boyfriend an ultimatum. Nikki disagrees with Brie’s decision to move to Phoenix.”

Speaking of this Sunday’s edition of Total Divas, which is the third episode of the new weekly reality series from WWE and the E! network, the website TVLine.com has a clip of the upcoming show on their website.

-The Associated Press is currently running a feature-piece on the new WWE Performance Center. You can check that out online at USNews.com.

-The pre-sale password for the upcoming WWE live event in Denver, Colorado on September 27th is WWEFAN. The pre-sale password for the company’s WWE RAW taping in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 7th is RAWTV.

Major SPOILER On Kane vs. Bray Wyatt ‘Ring Of Fire’ Match At SummerSlam!!

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com. As always, you can buy JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

If It’s Time For 3MB To Break Up:

“At least 3MB is getting them on TV which is vital. All three members have potential but potential won’t buy the groceries forever.”

If WWE Will Ever Release A DVD On Sting’s Career:

“Seems like a lock to me.”

His Favorite WWE Era:

“I live in the now. Whatever ‘generation’ now is would be my answer. I have never not enjoyed being in the business. ”

His Thoughts On Brutus Beefcake’s Career:

“Why? Seriously, why? I wasn’t around him that much. He was a solid hand. Being friends with Hogan helped him greatly. I’m not the guy to ask because I never really worked with Beefcake.”

If The WWE Performance Center Will Hold Open Tryouts:

“Nothing is planned as best that I know at this time. When will a NFL team have open tryouts at their facilities for potential football players? Same deal.”

Why There Is So Much Hate Towards Chris Benoit When His Autopsy Showed He Had Extensive Brain Damage:

“We don’t know what happened that fateful day, conclusively. or what mental state Chris was in or why he was in it, either. I don’t ‘hate’ Chris and most of his friends do not either. It’s a topic that you or I cannot solve to everyone’s satisfaction. I’m really tired of addressing it.”

– During an interview with the Calgary Herald, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart commented on Monday night being “Bret Hart Appreciation Night”:

“It’s a big honor,” Hart admitted. “I’ve always felt special in this town as I have felt about Calgary, too. I’ve always loved it here. I never left. People always think I left and I was living in the States for a long time … But home has always been Calgary.”

Video: Bret Hart Appreciation Celebration From After RAW

– According to a source in WWE, the Grand Opening of the company’s new Performance Center in Orlando is now July 8th, a week later than originally planned.

Photos from the New WWE Performance Center

– ECW original Lance Storm, who was at Monday’s WWE RAW from Montreal, also attended Tuesday’s SmackDown & Main Event tapings from Edmonton. Storm was backstage visiting friends and brought several graduates from his Storm Wrestling Academy with him.

– WWEDVDNews.com has released the official cover art for WWE’s upcoming “ECW Unreleased Vol. 2” DVD/Blu-ray, which hits stores across the United States on July 30th: