SEScoops

Tag: Randy Orton

  • Randy Orton Upsets WWE Officials Again, Kharma’s WWE Return

    – Suspended WWE superstar Randy Orton continues to get heat with WWE officials, with his latest offense being recent comments he made on Twitter.

    Earlier this month, Orton responded to a fan question and said “we can only pray” that he’ll be returning as a heel. WWE is still firmly behind using Orton as a babyface on SmackDown and was not pleased with him venting about being unhappy with his role on television.

    As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, despite the Orton’s recent differences with management, he’ll return to the main even scene due to WWE’s current lack of roster depth.

    – WWE diva Kharma continues to train for her upcoming return and is said to be very close to ring shape.

    There are still plans to bring her back as a babyface and slowly build to a Kharma vs. Beth Phoenix match.

    (Source: f4wonline.com)

  • Randy Orton Advertised For Japan Tour, Mickie On “Crazy Chicks”

    – Randy Orton is advertised for WWE’s upcoming two-event tour of Tokyo, Japan. He will face Alberto Del Rio and Kane in a Triple Threat Match on August 9. The following night, he will team up with Santino Marella and Zack Ryder to take on Epico, Primo, and John Laurinaitis.

    Also announced for the August 9 show is Sheamus vs. Big Show and John Laurinaitis in a Handicap match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Sheamus will defend his title the following night against Alberto Del Rio, Big Show and Kane in a Fatal 4-Way Match.

    – TNA Knockout and former WWE Diva Mickie James was mentioned in WWE.com’s article highlighting the “Craziest Chicks” in the promotion’s history. James acknowledged her former employer’s article via Twitter, writing, “I was crazy b4 crazy was cool! Haha! ;^P.”

    – WWE NXT will continue to air in Australia in its regular Thursday 3:30 p.m. time slot.

    (source: PWInsider.com)

  • Randy Orton’s Return, AJ Meets With Marvel, New JBL Video

    – Despite having two Wellness Policy strikes against him, Randy Orton will be pushed back into a main event spot when he returns from his current suspension.

    Orton has been very vocal about wanting to be a heel, but WWE continues to push him as a babyface because the feeling is that World Heavyweight champion Sheamus is not strong enough yet to carry SmackDown live events as the top good guy.

    Orton is also frustrated over WWE banning his punt kick, which was done to prevent concussions.

    – WWE Diva AJ Lee was at Marvel headquarters yesterday filming an interview with Lorraine Cink for Marvel’s The Watcher series.

    – If elected this November, Linda McMahon would be one of the wealthiest United States Senators. According to financial disclosure reports, Linda and Vince McMahon were together worth between $90 million and $350 million. The McMahons are believed to be much closer to 350 than 90.

    Vince & Linda recently took out a loan of between $5 million and $25 million from Morgan Stanley to build their investment profiles.

    – Former WWE Champion JBL published the following video on Wednesday highlighting his Seven Summits adventure. JBL’s first challenge will be climbing Russia’s Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe.

    (Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Exclusive Interview With Former WWE Superstar Kenn Doane

    Former WWE superstar Kenn Doane spoke with SEScoops.com and spoke about a number of controversial topics, including John Cena being the “Tiger Woods” of WWE and breaking up his engagement to Mickie James (which led to the demise of Doane & James’ WWE careers), Cena trying to get Randy Orton fired from WWE, his experience in the Spirit Squad, how WWE has changed since he left in 2008 and much more.

    Note From Kenn: “First and foremost before reading this interview if your going to say “Your a cheerleader” or make comments of how I got beat in matches then your probably too uneducated and immature to continue so please hit the back button located at the top left of your webpage now. And now lets begin…”

    When you were in the Spirit Squad, was there a feeling like this would brand you with a ‘stench’ that would be impossible to shake, or were you just happy to work with DX and Vince McMahon so early in your WWE career?

    “We always knew going into it that groups don’t last forever and the best way possible to get out of that ‘stench’ so to say would be simply to fight each other or go back down to developmental and be repackaged. Fortunately Dolph had that opportunity, the other 3 got fired and I got brought back the following week as Dykstra. Spirit Squad was basically a group designed to bring back DX and that’s it. We came in as badass cheerleaders that took advantage of a 5-2 ratio and beat up every tag team they put in our way. Except when it came to DX, no 5 grown men could ever beat 2 not those 2 lol. This is where haters will say “duh haha you got superkicked and pedigreed.” But I’ma let them in on a secret. ITS FUCKING FAKE! I knew what was going to happen and I did because that was my job. That is equal to me saying haha you just got a stack of papers at your desk and now have to work more.”

    “People don’t understand that this is a job. Nobody is really the champion of anything. It is a simple show that you watch and enjoy. If you were in a movie with Sly Stallone and beat his ass but then at the end he killed you would you be mad? Absolutely not you would tell everyone to go watch it. We make short action movies where in the end one loses and the other wins. So if you think otherwise then you didn’t read my disclaimer at the beginning and you can hit the back button now.”

    What are your thoughts on fellow Spirit Squad alum Dolph Ziggler’s breakout potential?

    “I think it’s great and I am a HUGE Dolph supporter. I text him sometimes before big matches telling him I may do a shoot run in and help him win because he deserves it. I think if THEY let him above the glass ceiling he will be a big player when it comes to the future. We already know Cody Rhodes will get through the glass ceiling eventually for sure. His damn father is a writer. Nothing against Cody he is a great talent just saying it how it is. And as for THEY i mean the politicians in the top spots. Guys like… like…. whats his name??? (haters and nerds get ready here it comes) John Cena that’s it. This man seems afraid of losing his spot and I never understood it because they are very high on him as we can all see but I guess when your at the top you must be afraid of falling sometimes. John is greedy in the ring and he is allowed to be. Very rarely do we see top babyfaces selling for anyone anymore. I think this is part of whats missing in wrestling today. I remember Bret Hart would sell for anyone at any level in every match, the reason being is if your babyface isn’t in danger then why do we care to cheer for them? Steamboat did the same thing. But guys feel it makes them weak to sell now when in reality it makes people interested. If we watched UFC and nobody got hurt we wouldn’t watch right? (a verbal yes will do fine here)

    Based on what you’ve seen on television and heard from friends still working for the company, what has changed most in WWE since you left in 2008?

    “Everybody walks on egg shells backstage. Nobody gets an opinion and everyone is afraid to speak up. That is what i noticed the times i went back there after my release. The new guys are like little kids that got scolded by their mothers and are on strike 2 when they didn’t do anything to begin with. and most are ass kissers which only gets them faster out the door. Nobody has a chance to become anything unless WWE wants them to be. It seems no fun, nobody really jokes or plays around like they used too. I remember bringing heely’s backstage [the sneakers with wheels in the heels], following week everyone had them, we would have races and such but now they all seem afraid to have fun or afraid to smile. their like pawns waiting to get picked up and moved to a certain spot. Silly if you ask me.”

    Can you shed more light on your recent comments that John Cena wanted Randy Orton fired when you were in WWE?

    “It was the same night when Cena tried toughening up Carlito (which was absolutely stupid of Cena) he was pretty much bullying him because we all know if Carlito hit Cena and hurt him he would be fired plain and simple. But regardless once John calmed down I asked him what that was all about he ranted and other crap saying people need to hold their own weight around here and some how he got to Randy being suspended saying he is trying for Randy’s release to send a message to everyone that they can all be fired just as easily. As for now I don’t know if John is trying for Randy’s release or not but if I had to guess I would say it is due to the fact that he told me he was before. This assumption could be wrong (meaning this could be false and not the truth) however John telling me in the past he did want Randy fired is true (that’s true because he told me, see how that works haters?).”

    Based on your recent tweets about your former relationship with Mickie James, it’s clear that behind-the-scenes romance often winds up affecting WWE storylines. What is WWE’s attitude towards wrestlers dating divas?

    “It depends on who you are, top guy like Cena can do what he wants but most of the time they try to fuck with it like put you on separate shows and make one date another on TV. I think its a little sick joke but who knows really. I mean look at past relationships usually their on separate shows.”

    Since a return to WWE does not seem likely at this point due to your issues with the company’s top star, are you interested in working for Impact Wrestling? (Turns into a tangent about his relationship with Mickie James, her cheating on him with Cena, Cena’s “rats” and clearing his reputation)

    “This is where its going to get interesting i may stray from this question until the end but i will answer you.”

  • Orton Pulled From Live Event, 3-Hour RAW Fomat, Cena

    – According to WWE sources, the current plan for when RAW expands to three hours each week starting July 23rd is for WWE to use use the entire show (as well as Twitter) to hype big matches/segments that would take place at the top of each hour. WWE would spend the first 50 minutes of RAW hyping the start of the 9-9:15pm quarter hour, the next hour hyping the start of the 10-10:15pm quarter hour and the final hour hyping the show’s final segment.

    – Suspended WWE superstar Randy Orton has been pulled from an upcoming advertised appearance. Orton was scheduled to wrestle Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio at a 3-way match at the July 24th SmackDown live event from Kansas City. On Tuesday afternoon, Orton’s name was removed from the card and now the match is just Sheamus vs. Del Rio.

    – The WWE website has an article up asking if John Cena has redeemed himself following his disappointing loss to The Rock at WrestleMania 28. The article looks at Cena’s big win over Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules, his win over Big Show at No Way Out and his disposal of John Laurinaitis on Monday’s RAW as signs that he’s climbing his way back to the top.

    (Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

  • Details On Cena and Orton’s Past Animosity, Doane To “Tell All”

    Fueling rumors that WWE may part ways with Randy Orton as a result of his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program, former WWE talent Kenn Doane (a/k/a Kenny Dykstra) stated recently on Twitter that he believes John Cena is among those within the sports entertainment organization lobbying for the SmackDown wrestler’s termination. Doane’s belief is based on Cena admitting to him in 2006 that he wanted Orton fired following his first Wellness Program infraction.

    One WWE source said while the wrestling stars’ relationship may currently be more amicable, Cena ‘hated’ Orton then due to the third-generation wrestler constantly “calling out Cena for what he was.”

    Younger talents believed then that as Cena gained more political clout, he assumed a ‘hard-ass coach role’ in the vein of John “Bradshaw” Layfield. Orton too had leverage and stood up for himself against Cena.

    Meanwhile, Doane plans to air more of Cena’s dirty laundry in a tell-all interview with SEScoops after divulging details of his past relationship with Mickie James via Twitter. While promoting the upcoming interview on the microblogging website, he mentioned Cena’s wife Elizabeth Huberdeau, who is embroiled in a divorce battle with the WWE megastar.

    Doane wrote, “This week- interview w @sescoops no holds bar tell all. Not gonna wanna miss this. My new friend Elizabeth might wanna tune in too….”

  • What Led To Randy Orton’s Suspension, Rikishi’s Son Training

    – F4WOnline.com reports Randy Orton’s second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program stems from a positive drug test for elevated levels of testosterone. He was telling people that he took a tainted supplement containing the testosterone, causing him to fail. Orton reportedly said he didn’t do it on purpose but acknowledged that he should have been more careful.

    – Tamiko Fatu, the youngest son of former WWE Superstar Rikishi, has been training with his father at the Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy in Sun Valley, California. Tamiko is either 18 or 19 years old and facially resembles his father.

    – The first week of pre-orders for the THQ’s WWE ’13 video game were up 250% compared to WWE ’12.

    – WWE is selling ticket four-packs for this Sunday’s No Way Out pay-per-view event at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The packages are selling for $60.

  • More Heat On Orton For His Attitude Toward Suspension

    Rumors continue to swirl that Randy Orton’s continued employment with WWE is in jeopardy following their announcement May 30 that he was being suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program.

    F4WOnline.com reports Tuesday that Vince McMahon is livid with Orton, particularly since he was so “outspokenly indifferent” to the suspension. Another source says Orton was hastily benched to ensure that he return before SummerSlam on August 19, but “something happened” shortly after the announcement that infuriated the WWE Chairman. This has led to discussions of Orton not being brought back at all after his suspension concludes.

    WWE’s Original Creative Plans For Orton Prior To His Suspension

    Former WCW announcer Mark Madden stated last Thursday via Twitter that WWE is looking to terminate their partnership with Orton since he’s considered difficult to deal with and due to the belief that his value has plateaued.

    There are people within WWE saying Orton’s time away from the squared circle ‘isn’t going to be that big a problem.’ For the first time, officials are openly categorizing CM Punk as the second-ranked babyface rather than the two as equals. Many also feel SmackDown’s babyface side will be sufficient with Sheamus, Christian, Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio returning soon from suspension and the option to turn Daniel Bryan at a moment’s notice. Orton has made and saved a lot of money during his career and resides in an area where he could live comfortably for several years without financial worry. His wife Samantha also comes from a well-to-do family, so not having a steady income is reportedly not a major concern for him.

    There is a ‘small, vocal pocket’ within the sports entertainment organization lobbying for Orton’s termination. Those opposing his return feel his lucrative ten-year contract—signed in January 2010—can no longer be justified if he is brought back in a mid-level role. His second suspension hinders WWE from continuing to feature Orton in headline role since a third drug-testing policy infraction would result in automatic termination, or, as some have stated, a “one-year suspension.”

    In another potential factor, there is concern over the physical state of Orton, who has incurred numerous injuries over his twelve-year career. Some officials believe his body is breaking down and there are questions regarding the state of his neck and spine.

    According to SuperLuchas.net, the nine-time world champion’s suspension stems from a positive drug test for the anabolic steroid Dianabol, which is banned by the United States Congress under its Controlled Substances Act. However, that is not confirmed. F4WOnline.com says Orton claimed to test positive for a tainted supplement.

    All that said … with guys like Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton returning to action in the next two months, the feeling within WWE is that their roster is so limited right now that no matter what Vince McMahon is thinking about a particular talent at the moment, when the day comes that someone is cleared to return, they will be brought back regardless of any concerns or politics.

    (source: F4WOnline.com)

  • WWE’s Original Creative Plans For Orton, WWE Tapings In The UK

    – Had WWE not suspended Randy Orton for his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program, he would have been scripted to defeat Dolph Ziggler at this Sunday’s No Way Out pay-per-view event. The Viper was scheduled to feud with Ziggler and Chris Jericho in the weeks leading up to a SummerSlam showdown with Sheamus.

    – WWE will tape Raw SuperShow at the Birmingham LG Arena in Birmingham, England on November 5.

    – WWE will tape SmackDown at the Birmingham LG Arena in Birmingham, England on November 6.

    – WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario, Canada on September 23. The event begins at 3:00 p.m.

    (source: F4WOnline.com)

  • Former WWE Star Believes John Cena Wants Randy Orton Fired

    Fueling rumors that WWE may part ways with Randy Orton as a result of his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program, former WWE talent Kenn Doane (a/k/a Kenny Dykstra) said on Twitter that he believes John Cena is among those within the sports entertainment organization lobbying for the SmackDown wrestler’s termination. Doane’s belief is based on Cena admitting to him in 2006 that he wanted Orton fired for his first Wellness Program infraction.

    “When I was there and Orton got suspended for the first time, Cena told me he wanted Orton fired. So now I’m sure it’s probably him trying for RKO’s release,” Doane wrote Friday. “Regardless, hopefully he don’t get fired since he has a young child and is the best story teller in WWE. They do still tell stories in the ring right?”

    Cena admitted in WWE’s 2011 Randy Orton video release, The Evolution of a Predator, that he was not fond of the “old Randy.”

    “I always joke around there’s old Randy and then there’s new Randy,” Cena stated. “Old Randy was an asshole.”

    Orton was quietly suspended for thirty days without pay in August 2006, before WWE publicly announced suspensions for Talent Wellness Program violations. He tested positive for an anabolic steroid that he did not have a valid prescription for. Orton missed live events but continued to appear at televised events—including SummerSlam for a match against Hulk Hogan—for the duration of the suspension. He privately claimed he was taking time off from live events to remodel his home, but it was later confirmed that he was, in fact, suspended.

    Cena has expressed strong support for the criminalization of the non-medical use of anabolic steroids by athletes. He has advocated the incarceration of athletes found to be using anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. “They should send the guys to jail,” said Cena during a February 2009 interview with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in response to a question about New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez admitting to using steroids and Major League Baseball’s anti-doping efforts. Cena elaborated on this belief in an interview with the New York Daily News.

    “[Steroids] are the personal choice of the athlete,” said Cena while promoting 12 Rounds. “And [Rodriguez] got defensive, saying he used because he felt he needed to. If there was a set of [legal] stipulations set in place, he may never have even considered it.

    “The government should take the initiative, and if you get caught using drugs, then you should go to jail. A criminal record will hurt your endorsements and long-term contracts.”

    According to SuperLuchas.net, the nine-time world champion’s suspension reportedly stems from a positive drug test for the anabolic steroid Dianabol, which is banned by the United States Congress under its Controlled Substances Act. However, that is not confirmed. The only person in WWE who commented on the matter to Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer believes Orton actually tested positive for a tainted supplement.

  • Former Announcer Says WWE Wants To Get Rid Of Randy Orton

    Fueling rumors that WWE may part ways with Randy Orton as a result of his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program, former WCW announcer Mark Madden stated Thursday on Twitter, “WWE wants to get rid of Orton PERMANENTLY. Character and popularity have plateaued, and he’s a pain to deal with.”

    In response to his statement, a Twitter user asked Madden whether Vince McMahon has suddenly stopped liking money. Madden responded, “Vince thinks everybody is a WWE creation, and therefore disposable, to be replaced by another WWE creation. And you’re overrating Orton.”

    The Wrestling Observer reported Wednesday that there is a ‘small, vocal pocket’ within the sports entertainment organization lobbying for his termination. Vince McMahon is reportedly contemplating the move, but many employees believe he will ultimately retain the nine-time world champion due to the lack of roster depth.

    The Observer added that there are people within WWE saying Orton’s hiatus ‘isn’t going to be that big a problem.’ For the first time, employees are openly categorizing CM Punk as the second-ranked babyface rather than Punk and Orton being on the same level. Many also feel SmackDown’s babyface side will be adequate with Sheamus, Christian, Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio returning soon from suspension and the option to turn Daniel Bryan at a moment’s notice.

  • CM Punk Touring With SmackDown During Randy Orton’s Absence

    With Randy Orton serving a sixty-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, WWE Champion CM Punk is being shifted from Raw live events to SmackDown live events to alleviate the secondary brand’s loss of the “Apex Predator.”

    The changes go into effect on June 23 for the SmackDown show at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois, where Punk, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio are the top WWE Superstars advertised. John Cena and Big Show will headline Raw live events, with John Laurinaitis appearing at select events as an additional headliner. Dolph Ziggler is billed as the third star behind Cena and Show on the Raw tour.

    The change is expected to be temporary since Punk is not advertised for events past July 29. Orton’s suspension concludes July 27 and he is advertised for events beginning in August.

    For SmackDown tapings through late July, Cena and Triple H are being pushed as the main stars in local markets. Cena will only work dark matches while Triple H will make non-televised appearances.

    source: F4WOnline.com

  • Randy Orton Comments On His WWE Suspension

    Suspended WWE superstar Randy Orton has issued his first public statement since his second Wellness Policy violation was announced.

    Orton stated that his suspension ends in 50 days, which would allow him to return to action on Friday, July 27th. Going back 10 days, that would mean Orton’s suspension began on Monday, May 25th – the night he appeared on RAW and laid out The Miz with an RKO. Orton did not appear at WWE’s SmackDown tapings the following night and his suspension was announced on Wednesday 5/27.

    When asked if he will be returning Orton if he will be returning as a heel because of the suspension., Orton said, “we can only pray.”

    Finally, a fan asked Orton why he was suspended. Orton replied:

    “When I’m able to tell you, I will. Until then, don’t believe everything you read!”

    For much more on his latest suspension, check out our Randy Orton news page.

  • Update On Orton’s Suspension, WWE Ranks KOTR Winners

    – Mexico’s SuperLuchas website recently stated that Randy Orton tested positive for the anabolic steroid Dianobol. A new report by F4Wonline.com states that they have been unable to confirm what Orton failed for and stated that it would be surprising if it was true, because Dianobol stays in your system for up to 6 weeks and is easily tested for.

    – WWE has a new article up ranking the top 10 King of the Ring winners. Here’s the top 10:

    10. King Mabel
    9. Kurt Angle
    8. Edge
    7. Brock Lesnar
    6. Harley Race
    5. Bret Hart
    4. Triple H
    3. Booker T
    2. Randy Savage
    1. Steve Austin

    – WWE and Triple H plan to continue the drastic overhaul of Florida Championship Wrestling in the coming months. Many talents were said to be shocked that Tom Prichard was recently fired as head trainer and replaced with Bill DeMott.

  • CM Punk Comments On Randy Orton’s Two Strikes

    — During an interview with TheState.com to promote tonight’s WWE SmackDown taping from Columbia, South Carolina, WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson the show will feature some “major announcements.” He said, “I’m glad Columbia is the site for whatever they have planned. We will give the fans the best possible show possible.”

    – With Randy Orton now having two Wellness Policy strikes against him, there has been a lot of discussion about his future in WWE.

    WWE has typically been reluctant to get behind wrestlers that are one drug test failure away from a mandatory firing, but former WWE writer Seth Mates points out on Twitter that the company actually put the WWE Championship on Jeff Hardy when he had two strikes against him. CM Punk quoted the tweet and responded:

    “@SethMates: Interesting web buzz re: Orton’s future. remember when @JEFFHARDYBRAND had 2 strikes & they put wwe title on him?”
    I recall.

  • Two Former Talents Comment On Whether WWE Would Fire Orton

    Randy Orton’s second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program puts the organization in a quandary since one more infraction would result in automatic termination. However, given the long-held belief that WWE selectively enforces their drug testing policy, there is skepticism as to whether the organization would follow through on cutting ties with the high-ranked wrestler in the event of another drug test failure.

    Dustin Starr, who appeared as referee for Florida Championship Wrestling in 2010, tweeted “WWE would never release Randy Orton” in response to former Intercontinental Champion Lance Storm praising the sports entertainment organization for sticking to their drug testing policy with the 60-day suspension of The Viper. Storm disagreed with his remark.

    “By policy they could rehire after 1 year. He’d be fresh and hot on return,” Storm explained.

    Starr replied, “I don’t know. Seems like a diamond they would not be willing to let go. He’s a golden boy.”

    WWE’s official procedure for handling a third Talent Wellness Program violation reads: “In the event of a third positive test for substances prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana and alcohol, the WWE Talent’s contract with WWE will be terminated and WWE will publicly disclose the WWE Talent’s name and that WWE Talent’s contract was terminated for a third violation of the Policy.

    “Any WWE Talent, who has participated in a drug rehabilitation program as a result of the Policy, must undergo the mandatory unannounced follow-up testing set forth in Section 8 C (1) of the Policy for the remainder of his/her contractual relationship with WWE.

    “Any WWE Talent, who leaves the WWE for any reason with a first or second violation on his/her record, will maintain said violation count on his/her record from the time he/she departs WWE until the time he/she returns, if ever, to the WWE.

    “In addition, a WWE Talent, who is terminated by the WWE for a third violation of the Policy, will be prohibited from returning to the WWE for at least one (1) year. If a WWE Talent, who is terminated for a third violation of the Policy, is permitted by the WWE, in its sole discretion, to return to the WWE, then (1) such WWE Talent must test negative for all prohibited substances under this Policy during the pre-contract screening process; (2) such WWE Talent will return to the WWE with a first and second violation of this Policy against his/her record; and (3) such WWE Talent must undergo the mandatory unannounced follow-up testing set forth in Section 8 C (1) of the Policy for a period of at least one (1) year after execution of his/her new contract with WWE.”

    The nine-time world champion’s suspension reportedly stems from a positive drug test for the anabolic steroid Dianabol, which is banned by the United States Congress under its Controlled Substances Act. He also reportedly tested positive for marijuana, which is subject to a $2,500 fine.

  • Randy Orton’s Future In Jeopardy After Meeting With WWE Officials

    Randy Orton’s future with WWE is uncertain following their announcement Wednesday that he was being suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program. SuperLuchas.net reports the SmackDown wrestler met with Chairman Vince McMahon, Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events Paul Levesque and Executive Vice President of Television Production Kevin Dunn at the organization’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut on Friday to discuss his future with the organization.

    A WWE source described the meeting’s atmosphere as “hostile;” it was determined that a further decision concerning Orton awaits. The report adds there are “several” officials lobbying for his termination as a cost-cutting measure. They feel his lucrative ten-year contract—signed in January 2010—can no longer be justified if he is brought back in a mid-level role. His second suspension hinders WWE from continuing to feature Orton in headline role since a third drug-testing policy infraction would result in automatic termination.

    McMahon is especially infuriated with Orton, who felt he had matured in recent years. The nine-time world champion’s suspension reportedly stems from a positive drug test for the anabolic steroid Dianabol, which is banned by the United States Congress under its Controlled Substances Act. He also reportedly tested positive for marijuana, which is subject to a $2,500 fine.

  • WWE Getting Serious About Drug Testing, Macho Man Interviews

    – With WWE’s sixty-day suspension of Randy Orton for his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program last Wednesday, the sentiment within the organization is that management is getting serious about drug testing since he is a top star. It has been widely speculated in the past that WWE officials selectively enforced drug testing policy violations based on a wrestler’s importance to the organization.

    Since last July, WWE has handed out ten suspensions to nine performers (Andy Leavine, Darren Young, Evan Bourne, Heath Slater, Mike Chioda, R-Truth, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara), the most within a one-year period since WWE began publicly announcing all Talent Wellness Program violations on November 1, 2007. From November 2008 up until the July 2011 announcement of Sin Cara’s suspension, the company had only issued one suspension (to Rey Mysterio).

    – WWE.com has published a playlist of “Macho Man” Randy Savage interviews that make you go “Ooh Yeah!”

    – WrestlingFigs.com says Maria Kanellis will appear at Wrestling Universe 7 Main St. Watertown, Massachusetts on Saturday, July 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Call 617-744-6455 for more information.

  • Rumor On What Caused Randy Orton’s Wellness Violation

    Mexico’s SuperLuchas.net is reporting that Randy Orton violated WWE’s Wellness Policy after he tested positive for the steroid Dianabol.

    The report states that Randy Orton first tested positive for marijuana, which carries a $2,500 fine but does not result in a Wellness Policy violation / suspension from WWE. However, when Orton tested positive for weed, WWE then ordered an additional drug test for other substances, which is when he came up positive for Dianabol as well.

    More Backstage News On Randy Orton’s Suspension

    Dianabol (methandrostenolone) is a steroid that can be ingested orally or injected. The substance was very popular in the bodybuilding community until it was banned by Congress in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

    This report has not yet been independently verified by Rajah.com, so for now, take the Super Luchas Magazine report as a rumor.

  • JR Blog: Orton’s Suspension, Heyman’s Twitter Rant, Lesnar-UFC

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com.  Here are the highlights:

    Randy Orton’s Suspension: “Amazed at the amount of questions we have received on Twitter @JRsBBQ regarding Randy Orton’s 60 suspension from WWE for a 2nd violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy. Not too sure what there is to not understand … Bottom line is that the business as always been about such things as “when one door closes, another door opens” and that “being in the right place at the right time” and both are still valid and viable in today’s ever changing world and that includes sports entertainment.”

    Backstage Reaction To Randy Orton’s 60-Day Suspension

    Paul Heyman’s Twitter Rant: “As @HeymanHustle pointed out on Twitter earlier this week and as I’ve mentioned here many times, talents need to become much more motivated and aggressive in obtaining meaningful exposure and then ‘maximizing their minutes.’ As the old sales cliche goes, one won’t get the order until one asks for it. To add to that cliche with another, one can’t sell goods out of an empty wagon. Translation…do what ever is necessary to professionally and legally get noticed and then be able to back it up once your number is called. There has never been a more opportune time for talents who have the drive, determination, ingenuity, and physical talent to elevate as roster depth at the top of the card is ripe for the pickings.”

    Paul Heyman Rants & Gives Advice To Young Talent

    Brock Lesnar Meeting With UFC Last Weekend: “What would I think of Brock Lesnar attempting to become a ‘two sport’ guy and perform in WWE and fight in UFC at the same time frame? I’d suggest that it would be ill advised and that it can’t be done on the highest level of each genre in an efficient manner. Obviously, a person could do it, theoretically, and enhance his earnings over the short haul but it seems as if it would be too taxing an issue on one’s body to attempt such a feat. I have no idea is that idea is even on Lesnar’s radar but we’ve gotten the question here a great deal. I’m not in touch with Brock and haven’t been for years so my take on the matter is merely one man’s opinion.”

    As always, you can check out JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.

  • Backstage Reaction To Randy Orton’s Latest Suspension

    WWE announced on Wednesday that Randy Orton has been suspended from the company (once again) for 60 days after violating the Wellness Policy for a second time.

    Recap Of Randy Orton’s Past Suspensions

    No word yet on when Orton failed a Wellness test, but there are indications that a few people high up in WWE knew about the situation days before it was announced on the WWE website.

    Following Chris Jericho’s recent suspension, the planned No Way Out match between Orton and Jericho had to be scrapped. With Jericho out of action for 30 days, it was then decided Orton would feud with Dolph Ziggler in the coming weeks. The WWE writing team did not know about Orton’s suspension until it was announced online – which explains why Orton was booked strong on RAW, laying out The Miz with an RKO.

    Orton’s second violation of the Wellness Policy puts him and WWE in a bad spot. Despite his lack of push this year, WWE has built around Orton for years and he is still considered one of the top 3 stars in the company. Now that he’s one violation away from being automatically released (as per the Wellness Policy), WWE will likely be even more hesitant to invest significant resources in his character.

    (Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

  • More On Cena Working SmackDowns, Orton’s Punt Banned

    – When RAW goes to 3-hours every week starting July 23rd, the show will not air live in Canada on The Score. The time slot will be 9pm-midnight, which is late for viewers on a weeknight. The show will replay on Tuesdays from 4-7pm.

    – Randy Orton’s recent Tweet about WWE banning his punt to the skull due to concussion awareness is believed to be legit, with the company looking to prevent injuries as well as potential legal liability from concussions.

    – As previously reported, John Cena will be appearing at most SmackDown tapings through July. Even at SmackDown shows when Cena is not used on television and only wrestles in a dark match main event, the feeling is that Cena helps the shows draw more fans. SmackDown attendance has been struggling for a long time, with the recent Baton Rouge tapings only drawing 2,500 fans.

    (Source: Wrestling Observer Newslteter)

  • Details On Randy Orton’s Past WWE Suspensions

    WWE announced Wednesday that Randy Orton has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program. Though it is his third suspension by the organization, it is only his second suspension to be classified as a Talent Wellness Program infraction.

    Orton was first suspended by the organization on April 3, 2006—for 60 days—for “unprofessional conduct,” which did not count as a Wellness Program violation. He smoked marijuana backstage at the March 28, 2006 SmackDown taping, which company employee Bruce Prichard discovered and reported to management. Orton addressed the matter during an interview published in the September 2006 issue of WWE Magazine.

    When asked why he “always acting like such an ass,” Orton stated, “My problems came to a head when I decided to smoke a joint and someone smelled it and stooged me off. You know who you are, so if you’re reading this, thanks. But I also had a few outbursts of anger on the road. I get loud and verbally abusive. But I’ve nipped that part of me in the bud. I attended an anger management clinic in Atlanta. It cost 15 grand for a four-week stay. I had to live down there on the campus. The first week I was there, I was like, OK, I’ll do what I have to do to get out of here.” But then I started to realize, wow, I was wrong in a lot of these situations. I just got this reputation of being hard to work with, being a dick and everything in the book. But the truth is, I don’t flip out anymore.”

    On August 30, 2007, WWE suspended eleven wrestlers (Booker T, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Edge, Funaki, Gregory Helms, John Morrison, Mr. Kennedy, Umaga and William Regal) based on information provided by the Albany, New York, District Attorney’s Office concerning contracted talent using online pharmaceutical outlet Signature Pharmacy to obtain performance-enhancing drugs and prescription drugs to clients who had not been examined by doctors. Both Sports Illustrated (article) and the Daily News of New York City (article) independently named Orton as a client of the Orlando based pharmacy, which Albany County and Florida law enforcement agencies raided in February 2007. Orton received somatropin, nandrolone, stanozolol between September 2004 and February 2007, which occurred after the “no drugs from online sources” rule was instituted in the Talent Wellness Program. However, he was the lone contracted performer not to be suspended by WWE. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported that WWE took no action against Orton because he had already been suspended in August 2006 (for failing a drug test for a steroid which he not have a prescription for), resulting in double jeopardy. The ruling appeared suspect since Orton continued to receive pharmaceuticals following the suspension. Dr. David L. Black, who administers the program, was asked about the matter on September 25, 2007 during an U.S. Congressional investigation into WWE’s business practices (document).

    Brian Cohen, senior investigator and policy advisor for the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, asked Black, “There is another talent of Randy Orton who had be suspended in 2006, for not having—tested positive without a prescription, and he was mentioned in this article as well, and subsequently went to headline two pay-per-view events, but in the past month. I just wonder if that kind of—I know the policy would be suspended for 60 days; correct? Does that undermine your efforts when you see this happening, when you see a guy who has been in an article last week and then headlines these events?”

    Black replied, “Oh, sure I would agree that that’s not good.”

    WWE attorney Jerry S. McDevitt stated in a December 2010 letter to Concussion Inc author Irvin Muchnick that no action was taken against Orton because he was not on any Signature Pharmacy client list provided to WWE by the Albany, New York District Attorney’s Office. WWE, however, did not threaten Sports Illustrated nor the Daily News with legal action regarding the claim.

  • Breaking News – Randy Orton Suspended For 60 Days

    WWE has announced that Randy Orton has been suspended for 60 days effective Wednesday for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program.

    Randy Orton suspended for 60 days

    STAMFORD, Conn. – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Randy Orton for 60 days effective today for his second violation of the company’s policy.

  • Lilian Garcia Follies Continue, Ex-Diva Appearing In Bubble Wrap

    — From ring announcing gaffes to shoe related mishaps, Lilian Garcia’s second go-round with WWE has been riddled with embarrassing episodes. The follies continued Wednesday night at WWE’s SmackDown live event in Poughkeepsie, New York as the Decade Diva mishandled an important ring introduction and once again had difficulty maintaining her balance.

    In a recurring theme, Garcia erroneously announced the No Holds Barred Match between Randy Orton and Kane as a No Disqualification Match. The SmackDown Diva also had trouble staying on her feet as she nearly tripped while making her entrance around the ring—she was able to prevent herself from falling completely.

    After Garcia tripped while making her ring entrance last month at a SmackDown taping in London, England, WWE Encyclopedia author Kevin Sullivan said based on the sports entertainment organization’s past history, he would not be surprised if she was burdened with a gimmick inspired by her series of mishaps.

    “I don’t know why, but I truly enjoy following Lilian Garcia’s follies on the web. I’m really a good person, but her goofs make me laugh,” he wrote on Twitter after seeing WWE’s video of her tumble. “Some guys are goofy before becoming serious (Angle, Y2J, Double J), while others start serious and turn goofy (Santino, R-Truth, Godfather). I wouldn’t be surprised if WWE gave Lilian Garcia a tripping gimmick.”

    — Former WWE Women’s Champion Stacy “The Kat” Carter has been announced to appear at Legends of the Ring 14 taking place Saturday, June 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey. She will be doing photo-ops with the bubble-wrap bikini she donned for the Miss Royal Rumble Swimsuit Contest at the 2000 Royal Rumble. (Details)

    source: PWInsider.com