With WWE announcing Brock Lesnar’s WWE SummerSlam opponent on this week’s SmackDown, the speculation going around is that Lesnar will be facing Randy Orton at the show. Orton is scheduled to visit the WWE Performance Center next week to train as he anticipates being medically cleared to return to the ring. He’s been out since December 2015 with shoulder surgery.
Meanwhile, International sportsbooks are taking bets on who Lesnar’s SummerSlam opponent will be – and Orton is nowhere close to being the most favored pick. Courtesy of Wweleaks.org and betting site 32red.com, Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns are Lesnar’s most likely opponents. The next tier of possible opponents based on betting odds include Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton.
Lesnar returns to UFC this Saturday night at UFC 200 in a fight that could very well result in injuries that would prevent him from competing at SummerSlam. WWE is taking a major gamble by having Lesnar fight at UFC 200 and they’ve compounded the situation by announcing Lesnar’s SummerSlam match before that show. The upside is that UFC will likely hype Lesnar’s SummerSlam match at UFC 200, which could result in some UFC fans subscribing to the WWE Network.
– Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return to WWE television on the WWE Draft edition of SmackDown on Tuesday, July 19th. This is earlier than he was originally booked to return. Lesnar returns to UFC just 10 days prior at UFC 200 on 7/9.
– Despite the fact that WWE is advertising Randy Orton for live events in August, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that his shoulder is still not 100%.
– WWE has uploaded this video looking at 7 forgotten finishers. “Do you know what move The Rock did before the People’s Elbow? Or what preceded The Undertaker’s Tombstone? We reveal the signature moves used by seven WWE Superstars during the first days of their career.”
– Randy Orton is being advertised for another WWE live event in mid-August, a virtual guarantee that he’ll be back on television prior to SummerSlam on 8/21. Raziel Cano, the marketing director for the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, tweeted the following lineup for WWE’s 8/13 live event from the venue:
– NXT star Billie Kay tweeted the following about her WWE debut, which took place at Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings from Miami, FL and will air Thursday night on USA:
– Last night at WWE Money in the Bank, Alberto Del Rio appeared to injure his left knee during the closing moments of the MITB ladder match. Del Rio was immediately checked out by medical personnel at ringside and was eventually helped backstage by two referees. PWInsider reports that Del Rio was hospitalized after the PPV. No word yet on the extent of his injury, but Del Rio did make it to Phoenix, Arizona for tonight’s RAW.
– Randy Orton is now being advertised for WWE live events in August, so he’ll be back in time for SummerSlam. Orton has been out of action since undergoing shoulder surgery back in February.
WWE has confirmed that Randy Orton will appear on USA Netowrk’s new original show, Shooter show. Orton will have a guest starring role playing James Richards, a former Navy SEAL and leader of a militia group.The cast also features Ryan Phillippe, Omar Epps, Shantel VanSanten and Cynthia Addai-Robinson.
The series is based on the best-selling novel “Point of Impact” by Stephen Hunter and a 2007 film adaptation starring Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg joins Emmy Award winner Stephen Levinsion as executive producers on “Shooter.”
The show premieres on the USA Network on Tuesday, July 19th.
– AJ Styles reacts to the announcement for his Money In the Bank PPV match against John Cena in this video. Styles says it won’t be a dream match for Cena because of what AJ will do toh im and no one can stop him with The Club at his side:
– Daniel Bryan and WWE writer Brian “Road Dogg” James also tweeted interesting reactions to the WWE brand split and Smackdown going live. Bryan says he can’t wait to see the changes but would rather be involved.
Big news today out of the @WWE today. Lets take the next step in the evolution together @WWEUniverse#OUDK
After arguably the worst string of injuries in WWE history, several of WWE’s top names are gearing up to get back in the during. During today’s WWE Q1 earnings conference call, Vince McMahon painted an optimistic outlook regarding the company’s future, in part due to the imminent returns of John Cena, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton. A couple new details courtesy of PWInsider:
– It’s expected that the other returns will take place after John Cena’s big homecoming on the Memorial Day edition of RAW in less than two weeks.
– Bray Wyatt is still recovering from his right calf injury and likely won’t be wrestling for some time after he’s back on TV.
– Seth Rollins is scheduled to be back in early June after “Temple” finishes filming.
Vince McMahon noted that 13 wrestlers have recently been called up to the main roster and additional talent called up soon, so it will be interesting to see how this “new era” looks come June.
– Shinsuke Nakamura’s new WWE t-shirt sold out immediately when released in Japan on May 2nd.
– For whatever reason, Adam Rose has deleted his tweets regarding his 60-day suspension from WWE, including his initial reaction to the Wellness policy violation as well as the doctor’s note he posted this week, which explained that he’s been legally prescribed Adderall to treat his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
– Seth Rollins is getting close to being medically cleared to return to WWE. The former WWE World Heavyweight champion underwent reconstructive surgery back in November to repair ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus tears in his right knee. The injury was sustained during a match against Kane at a WWE live event from in Dublin, Ireland. You can see footage of the incident here.
Randy Orton’s recovery from shoulder surgery, however, going slower than expected. He’s recovering and could be at the WWE Performance Center to train for a ring return as soon as mid-June.
Randy Orton was in the house at Saturday night’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. On the pre-show, Orton said that he’s scheduled to return to action in 2 to 4 months. He explained that he wants to get back as soon as possible.
Orton has been out of action since last November with a shoulder injury. He’s scheduled to be part of the Middle East Film and Comic Con in Dubai, UAE from April 7th to April 9th.
Yesterday, we reported on how Chris Smith at Forbes had put together a list of WWE’s highest paid wrestlers. While lists of this kind have gone around for years, they’re usually of some nebulous origin or an incredibly unreliable source like CelebrityNetWorth. This is different, however: Not only is it from Forbes, the magazine of record for finance, but it’s also an actual Forbes staff writer as opposed to their larger contributor network. Nothing against them, but they weren’t hired with the financial angle in mind. Since it’s a Forbes article from a Forbes staffer, the list is being taken a lot more seriously than these things usually are.
In his article, Smith claims that “Over the last year we’ve pored over court documents, SEC filings and WWE’s booking contracts and spent hours speaking with industry sources, allowing us to construct the first ever FORBES list of WWE’s Highest-Paid Wrestlers.” Let’s take a look at the list again:
John Cena: 9.5 million
Brock Lesnar: 6.0 million
Triple H: 2.8 million
Randy Orton: 2.7 million
Seth Rollins: 2.4 million
Roman Reigns: 2.1 million
Undertaker: 2.0 million
Big Show: 1.5 million
Kane: 1.3 million
Dean Ambrose: 1.1 million
So, what do we know about the numbers on Smith’s list for Forbes?
The only one whose pay would come up in SEC filing is Triple H, since he’s an executive officer of WWE under his real name of Paul Levesque. This does appear to be correct: If you don’t include stock awards, and Smith didn’t, he made $2,812,629 in 2015. That’s broken down as $573,269 in salary for his executive role, $526,000 in incentive plan compensation, and $1,713,360 for his pay as talent, $1 million of which is his contracted downside guarantee. There’s a note that “Mr. Levesque has out-earned this minimum guarantee in each of the past several years.”
Randy Orton and John Cena both had divorces, though only Orton’s finances went public as a result. TMZ reported that at the time of the July 2013 divorce, Orton was making $291,666 a month, or just $8 short of $3.5 million in a year. It’s not clear if that was his total 2012 pay or what, as the belief is that WWE’s downside guarantees never top $1 million. Cena did have his annual earnings pegged as about $10 million by Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer in January, while Meltzer has also reported Brock Lesnar’s pay in the past because he gets a flat fee per appearance. In the past, Meltzer has said something to the effect of how these days, it’s understood that The Undertaker’s $1 million guarantee is considered his WrestleMania payoff. With additional appearances headlining SummerSlam and Hell in a Cell last year, $2 million sounds reasonable.
It gets hazier after that as you move further down the line.
In a deposition that I cited in my January article for SBNation about Big Show’s flirtation with boxing, Big Show said that when he returned to WWE in 2008, he asked for $1.25 million and a $250,000 signing bonus…but that was eight years ago and it’s not clear in the public filings if he even got what he wanted. A deposition with his wife, who apparently handles their finances, had her testifying that she didn’t think he made any bonuses on top of his base salary. That would be unusual for a full time WWE performer, but it could also have to do with confusion over the nature of WWE contracts. WWE pay works two ways: You can just take your per-event pay and royalties as they come, or you can take your downside guarantee as a salary and get a balloon payment at the end of the year for what goes over the guarantee. Since he has little merchandise, $1.5 million doesn’t sound outrageously low, though.
Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Kane, and Dean Ambrose all have little to no information out there about their pay. Kane recently put his home up on the market and it was huge, sprawling property with a house customized to his specific needs as a very tall man, but because he’s based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the price was dramatically less than you’d think, coming in under $1 million. The rest seem realistic enough.
What do you think of the list? Let us know in the comments.
– The latest word on Randy Orton is that he’s on track for a WWE return in late April or early May. Orton is scheduled for a VIP WrestleMania Axxess on Sunday, April 3 in Dallas, and then is scheduled for the Middle East Film & Comic Con in Dubai from April 7th to April 9th.
– Former WWE star Chris Nowinski was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown TV taping visiting friends. Thursday’s episode of SmackDown was taped on Tuesday in Boston, MA at the TD Garden arena.
WWE superstar Randy Orton posted a message to social media on Friday addressing his health, specifically reports that he would be having surgery on his shoulder and neck.
Orton’s shoulder had been bothering him for several months last year and it was dislocated back in October. He underwent an MRI and it was determined surgery was required. During his time away from WWE TV, he got married in Las Vegas to his fiancée Kim.
After a month went by without any confirmation that Orton had gone under the knife to repair his shoulder, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Orton might also need neck surgery. The Viper denies needing neck surgery and says he’s recovering ahead of schedule.
“I see many of you think I need neck surgery. I heard weeks ago that Meltzer stated it as a fact. I don’t keep up with gossip, so I didn’t think anything of it. As far as my shoulder, I was cut on 12/8. Things are ahead of schedule and I’m pumped to get back to work. As far as my neck, and I’m only debunking this ‘fact’ for the sincerely concerned fans, I DONT need neck surgery. Remember, unless you hear about it on WWE.com, you really should take everything you read online concerning pro wrestling with a grain of salt.”
At the time of his shoulder surgery, WWE.com reported that he would be out of action for 4-6 months. Surgery on December 8th indicates that he still might not be ready to return by WrestleMania 32.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair is currently scheduled to make his WWE television appearance at the December 28th edition of WWE RAW at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Additionally, “The Nature Boy” is scheduled to appear at the next WWE live event at Madison Square Garden in New York on December 26th. It is believed that Flair will continue to be included in the ongoing storyline involving his daughter, WWE Divas Champion Charlotte.
– Speaking of Flair, the two-time WWE Hall Of Famer noted during the latest edition of his “WOOOOO! Nation” podcast that Randy Orton is out “indefinitely” from WWE right now.
As noted, Orton’s shoulder surgery was going to keep him on the sidelines until after WrestleMania 32 in April. Since then, it has been revealed that he needs a second operation to clean out bone chips in his neck after he heals up from his shoulder surgery.
The neck injury could keep him on the shelf for another three-to-six months, and as we reported via the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last week, there is a chance that Orton’s neck is worse than WWE currently believes. If that turns out to be the case, he will have to get fusion surgery, which could keep him out of action for well over a year.
– In the “holiday spirit” department, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, along with longtime top WWE Superstar and the star of the new FOX reality show “American Grit,” John Cena, posted the following Thanksgiving messages on Twitter today.
Today is the day to truly remember what we’re thankful for in life. Happy Thanksgiving to the WWE Universe.
– In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, WWE.com is running a poll today asking fans which WWE Superstar they are the most thankful for. The options include Roman Reigns, John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Charlotte, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, The New Day, Dolph Ziggler, Paige, The Dudley Boyz, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, The Usos, Kane, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Ryback, Natalya and “Other.” Leading the pack with 17 percent is The Undertaker, followed by Roman Reigns (14%), Dean Ambrose (12%), John Cena (10%), Cesaro (7%) and The New Day (7%).
– SEScoops.com would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
The situation with Randy Orton’s injuries are said to be much worse than originally expected, and depending on the condition of his neck, could be a disaster in terms of how long he will be on the sidelines.
According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Orton’s shoulder injury is serious enough that it will most likely keep him out of action until after WrestleMania 32 in April. As soon as he recovers from the shoulder operation, he is going to have surgery on his neck.
WWE expects Orton’s neck surgery won’t be as serious as the shoulder operation. The second surgery he will be getting after his shoulder operation will be to clean out bone chips in his neck.
It’s worth pointing out that it’s possible, but unlikely, that the neck damage Orton is dealing with is worse than WWE thinks right now and if that’s the case, he’ll have to get fusion surgery. If he were forced to get the fusion surgery, he would be out of action for well over a year. Right now, however, WWE is under the impression that Orton will not have to take that route.
Orton’s WWE return looks to be, at best, three-to-six months after his neck operation. The neck surgery will take place once doctors feel he has sufficiently recovered from the shoulder surgery.
– As noted recently, independent wrestling star Drew Gulak, when asked in a recent interview if he was headed to WWE, replied, “I am not allowed to speak on that issue. If I was allowed to, it would be in great detail. But I can’t really elaborate on my business with WWE, or if there has been any business with WWE.”
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE wants everyone who is talking with them about coming in to keep quiet, as they want to be the ones to announce new talent signings first.
– As reported this past weekend, Randy Orton married his girlfriend Kimberly Marie Kessler in a ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14th. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that those close to the situation claim Orton’s shoulder injury is “really serious.”
– WWE posted the above video of Maria Menounos interviewing The Miz and Paige to promote their new WWE Studios film, “Santa’s Little Helper” on E! News.
– The latest edition of Jim Ross’ “Ross Report” podcast, which features interviews with Jim Cornette and Magnum T.A., is now available. You can download the show today at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE confirmed the fact that Randy Orton got married this past weekend on their official website. They wrote the following about “The Viper” getting hitched in Las Vegas on Saturday:
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton married fiancée Kim this weekend. The newlyweds recently appeared together on Unfiltered with Renee Young, available now on demand, only on WWE Network. Join the rest of the WWE Universe in congratulating Randy Orton and his new bride on this exciting new chapter in their lives! Send your congrats to The Viper on Twitter by tweeting @RandyOrton.
Randy Orton married his fiancée Kim on Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the second marriage for Orton, who is currently out of action with a shoulder injury.
Here’s a photo of the newly married couple from the wedding:
WWE veteran Randy Orton is getting married to his fiance Kim this weekend. The wedding will take place on Saturday, November 14th in Las Vegas and is Orton’s second time down the aisle. scheduled to get married on November 14th in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be Orton’s second marriage.
Orton is currently out of action due to a shoulder injury and is going to find out soon if he will need surgery.
Here are some tweets from Randy Orton, Kim and Orton’s mother as they get ready to head off to the destination wedding.
– Randy Orton underwent an MRI over the past week to diagnose the extent of his latest shoulder injury. According to the Wrestling Observer, the MRI revealed that Orton is suffering from a dislocated shoulder, a Bankart lesion in his shoulder, stretched ligaments and a partially torn rotator cuff.
Orton would still have a chance to be back for WrestleMania if he has the surgery soon. If he delays the surgery and attempts to rehab the injury without fully addressing the situation, he could miss returning in time for WrestleMania and would be at higher risk for future shoulder dislocations.
– The new main event for WWE’s post-Christmas live event from Madison Square Garden (12/26) will see John Cena vs. United States Champion Alberto Del Rio. Also added to the card, Kevin Owens will defend the Intercontinental championship against Dean Ambrose.
– Triple H has announced that the official theme song for NXT Takeover: London on December 16th will be “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead.
– The actual numbers for the recent WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California were 14,184, which was a sellout, and a $1,324,625 gate. That is a great number for a WWE “B” pay-per-view, but with ticket prices being raised, the gates across the board have been up even with similar attendance.
– Speaking of attendance, with John Cena and Randy Orton out, from a talent name and depth standpoint, this week’s European tour is the weakest WWE European tour on record, but the brand should draw since the spring tour was up from past years and that lineup wasn’t loaded with name talent either.
– Former WCW announcer Tony Schiavone and wrestling reporter and historian Mike Mooneyham are the guests on the two newest episodes of Ric Flair’s “WOOOO! Nation” podcast. You can download both shows at Play.it.
Crave Online recently spoke with actor Eric Roberts, who co-stars in The Condemned 2 alongside WWE Superstar Randy Orton. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.
On Randy Orton being a “natural” at acting:
Randy Orton is a natural. He’s big and tall with lots of presence. He’s really sweet. I was like ‘Wow! That’s really nice.’ He comes across with such strong presence and he’s such a big guy and he comes across like he could be a problem walking in the room but he’s the sweetest man you’ve ever met. He’s humble too.
On his character Frank, who is the father of Orton’s character:
He’s old school. Old school has his rules and rules are made to be broken. That’s pretty much the long and short of it. He thinks you have to do things a certain way and his way is not up to date. It’s a father and son coming of age kind of thing.
WWE confirmed on Monday that Randy Orton is dealing with another shoulder injury. Surgery and recovery time could keep The Viper out of action until WrestleMania. Dr. Steve Daquino told WWE.com:
“Randy has suffered from a dislocated shoulder. He’s had chronic problems with his shoulder, and a recent MRI that was done found he has a Bankart lesion in his shoulder, some stretched ligaments and a partially torn rotator cuff.”
“At this point it’s a matter of when he dislocates the shoulder again, and not if. Surgery seems imminent, and recovery time for such a surgery would be four to six months.”