– Amidst speculation concerning Nikki Bella’s noticeably enlarged chest in a series of recently published Twitter photos, the former WWE Diva jokingly admitted to undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
Love how "Nikki's" my boobs are trending worldwide! Ha what can I say… I wanted my own set of #TwinMagic ;) haha Besos! Nikki
Nikki and her sister Brie walked the red carpet at Wednesday’s ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.
– Rey Mysterio is scheduled to embark on a media blitz of the Philippines on July 27 and 28.
– Steve Austin is not pleased with the Viacom-DirecTV dispute since his reality series, Redneck Island, airs on Viacom-owned station CMT. He tweeted, “Well I’ll be damned…I just figgered out the DIRECTV/VIACOM thing.”
– Following a lengthy absence due to injury and a 60-day suspension from his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, Rey Mysterio is advertised for next Tuesday’s SmackDown taping at the Valley View Casino in San Diego, California.
– Continuing WWE’s parade of Legends to promote the 1000th episode of Raw on July 23, two-time WWE Champion Bob Backlund appeared on Monday’s show as he trapped Heath Slater in his trademark Crossface Chickenwing. It was his first appearance on WWE programming since the 15th anniversary episode of Raw on December 10, 2007.
– The Ticketmaster.com pre-sale code for SummerSlam Axxess on Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Nokia Plaza at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles is WWESTAPLES. The pre-sale is already ongoing and will conclude on Friday. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday.
– Vickie Guerrero offered her thoughts on Monday’s Raw via Twitter: “Great night tonight! @HEELZiggler shined with perfection! I cant wait to bring home the briefcase from Money in the Bank on Sunday.”
– As we’ve reported, Rey Mysterio has been cleared to return from his 60-day suspension for the past two weeks, but has not yet returned to WWE television. Mysterio was told at one point that he would return on this past week’s RAW, but those plans were scrapped and it’s believed that he’ll be brought back for the 1,000th episode of RAW.
– Dolph Ziggler’s younger brother, Briley Pierce, is currently at Florida Championship Wrestling working as a TV interviewer.
– WWE plans for the Undertaker wrestle once or twice this year, with one of those matches taking place at Survivor Series. Some people in WWE expect he’ll be at RAW’s 1,000th episode as well.
– This week on WWE Inbox, Alicia Fox, Darren Young, Dolph Ziggler, Ezekiel Jackson and Titus O’Neil reveal what they would be doing if they weren’t affiliated with WWE. The WWE Superstars also discuss their favorite WrestleMania.
– WWE.com announced Wednesday details for SummerSlam Axxess taking place Saturday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 19 at the Nokia Plaza at L.A. LIVE. Among those scheduled for VIP appearances include CM Punk, Sheamus, Triple H, Randy Orton, John Cena and Rey Mysterio, who has not returned to television following the expiration of his 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program.
– Former WWE talent Bobby Lashley and Harry Smith are advertised to appear at the Fighting Back – Wrestling With Cancer show taking place Friday, Aug. 17 at Tudor Hall 3750 North Bowesville Rd. Ottawa, Ontario.
– Rey Mysterio was backstage at Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Laredo, Texas but not used. His television return, as well as Mark Henry’s, is scheduled to take place on the historic 1000th episode of Raw on July 23.
Henry, who has been sidelined since May due to shoulder surgery, tweeted an update on his health Tuesday morning: “Twitter family I’m good! Healing at a fast rate. Not out of the woods yet!”
– WWE.com is conducting a poll asking fans what is the most shocking thing AJ has done recently. The options are A) Shoving CM Punk through a table B) Kissing Kane C) Wearing Kane’s mask D) Kissing CM Punk.
– Former WWE Women’s and Divas Champion Melina is today’s spotlighted Superstar on WWE.com. She continues to compete independently following her release from the sports entertainment promotion last year.
– Rey Mysterio was reportedly backstage at Monday’s RAW from Laredo, Texas, but did not appear on television. After serving a 60 day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy, he has been cleared to return to action for the past two weeks. He has yet to appear at any WWE events since his suspension ended and is not advertised for any upcoming shows.
– AW tweeted the following after RAW about having his Prime Time Players team walk out on yet another match:
– Rey Mysterio’s 60-day suspension ends today and is able to return to action this week. He is expected to return to television next week.
– Carl Dantes sent in the following preview for Tuesday’s night’s Season 2 premiere of Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures hunting show:
Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures begins its second season this June 26, 2012 on The Outdoor Channel every Tuesdays at 11:30pm eastern (8:30 pm pacific), Wednesdays at 8:00am eastern (5:00am pacific) and Saturdays at 7:00pm eastern (4:00pm pacific) Ch-606 on DirectTV, Ch-396 on Dish Network, Ch-406 on XFINITY TV.
The premiere episode will feature hosts Shawn and Keith stalk the world’s largest land animal with a crossbow in this African adventure. They are hunting for elephant in Zimbabwe, Africa. See just how dangerous it can be when they have a close encounter with a big elephant.
– Vince McMahon issued a directive to WWE scouts recruiting athletes as prospective talent; they must meet a size requirement of 6’2″ and 240 pounds. The WWE chief is concerned that many of his top-tier talents are approximately 200 pounds, thus small by his standards. His remark to Daniel Bryan on last week’s episode of Raw Supershow where nobody would believe him to be a WWE Superstar if he was spotted in a grocery store was based on his frustration with his roster’s lack of sufficient size. McMahon believes many of his top stars are not reaching the masses because they don’t possess ‘the Superstar look.’
– WWE creative writer Michael Hayes has replaced John Laurinaitis as the matchmaker for live event shows.
– Rey Mysterio’s sixty-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program expires on Monday. WWE has yet to advertise Mysterio for any upcoming events.
– The late Earthquake is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com. He died on June 7, 2006 at the age of 42 following a lengthy battle with bladder cancer.
– Though Rey Mysterio’s current suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program expires in less than two weeks, he is not advertised for any WWE live events.
– John Cena has been announced to appear at the Chicago Comic Con Wizard World Convention taking place Thursday, August 9 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. He will be signing autographs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. WWE Champion CM Punk will appear at the convention on Saturday, August 12 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Other wrestling stars appearing that weekend include Booker T (Saturday), John Morrison, Kevin Nash, Lita, Maryse and Melina.
– Kharma, who has not appeared in a WWE ring since the Royal Rumble, was asked a fan on Twitter whether he’s training for a WWE return. She replied, “Yes, very hard.” and posted the below picture of her training. The tweet and her picture have since been deleted.
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.
– Rey Mysterio’s WWE contract has been extended by approximately 10-11 months to make up for the time he has missed due to various injuries, including his knee injury last summer. Mysterio is still serving out the remainder of his 60-day suspension as a result of his second violation of the company Wellness Policy.
– WWE is advertising the following matches for the upcoming Supershow live event from Lowell, Massachusetts on 6/16: John Cena & Randy Orton vs. Big Show & Chris Jericho, CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane in a Street Fight and Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio.
– Mick Foley worked another SmackDown live this week from Poughkeepsie, New York and served as the special ringside enforcer for Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Alberto Del Rio World Heavyweight title match. Sheamus retained the title and Ricardo Rodriguez got a mouthful of Mr. Socko after the match.
This week on MLW’s Konnan Show presented by Masked Republic’s LuchaShop.com, Konnan had a lot to say about Rey Mysterio’s recent suspension for violating WWE’s drug testing policy.
“Rey Mysterio, I can guarantee you categorically, he doesn’t do any drugs. He’s a guy that really lives up to his role model image. He’s got two little kids that he really wants to be an example for. He’s even told me, ‘Dude, please do not come to my house high.’ He really wants to be a good role model. He’s not on the juice or anything.”
“What can Rey really be on? It can’t be the juice and he definitely doesn’t do any hard drugs. He was taking a dietary supplement because he has a problem with his love handles. It was something that would burn fat and I think just like anything that’s fat burning it probably had some sort of amphetamine in it. So that’s where we’re at right now. He’s actually still going back and forth with WWE on that.”
“It kind of pisses me off because they know who is on what and they’ve given other guys passes. I won’t get into names or details because Rey will catch heat, but this is my opinion. They know he’s not on anything.”
Konnan also revealed that WWE plans to delay the expiration date of Mysterio’s contract to make up for time lost due to injury. MLW’s Konnan Show with Konnan and Mister Saint Laurent is available for FREE on MLW.com, iTunes (search: KONNAN SHOW) and syndicated by Stitcher.com.
— WWE Classics On Demand will highlight the best of World Championship Wrestling throughout the month of June. WWE’s YouTube account posted a video teaser this week for “WCW Invasion” that has since been deleted.
— In honor of Cinco de Mayo, WWE.com remembers several unique luchadors from World Championship Wrestling: Rey Mysterio, Psicosis, Super Calo, Ciclope, Villano IV, Villano V, Chavo Guerrero, Juventud Guerrera, La Parka and Eddie Guerrero. (10 Unique Lucha Legends)
— WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch and Rhino are advertised to appear for Utah based professional wrestling promotion Wrestling Alliance of the Rockies on Sunday, May 27. (Event details)
— Hiroshi Hase turns 51 years old on Saturday while Don Kernodle turns 62.
As previously reported, Rey Mysterio tested positive for amphetamines back on February 13th when WWE RAW was in San Diego, but his 60-day suspension was not announced until April 26th. Mysterio was in disbelief when he was informed of the Wellness Violation and was told to submit all the medications and supplements he was taking at the time for evaluation.
One of the theories going around is that one of the weight-loss dietary supplements Mysterio was taking to get back into ring shape might have contained traces of amphetamines.
Shortly after the drug test, there was talk within WWE of frustration with him to the point it was said he would not be getting any kind of push upon returning. Writers were told in early March not to waste time coming up with angles or storylines for his return but no reasons were given. A very small circle of people in the company would have known about the failure from February 13th until April 26th as doctors evaluated the violation.
Mysterio, who is currently signed to a long-term contract with WWE, won’t be eligible to return until June 25th. Since he was not working on the road, the two month suspension would likely cost him around $166,667 in salary. He also missed another lucrative WrestleMania payday.
– As you can imagine, there is major heat on Rey Mysterio right now for his latest Wellness Policy violation. People are in disbelief that Mysterio is getting paid big money to sit at home while recovering from his latest injury – yet he reportedly came up positive for a narcotic drug.
Some people think that Kevin Nash’s recent tweet about a friend being released from WWE was referencing Rey Mysterio, but at this time, there has been no official announcement about him being released. He is currently serving a 60 day suspension and will be cleared to return to the ring at the end of May.
– A major error occurred on Monday’s RAW. Chris Jericho was supposed to defeat Big Show by count out in the Beat the Clock Challenge match, but the referee messed up the count. While Jericho was going to win by 1 second, the plan all along was for Daniel Bryan to win the series and challenge CM Punk for the WWE Title.
– As noted several months ago here on the website, Jim Neidhart had a hearing on April 12th and was sent to jail, where he has remained since then. Neidhart will soon be heading to the Salvation Army in Tampa, FL for a substance abuse in-house rehab program.
— Rey Mysterio’s scheduled appearance at the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con on Sunday, June 3 has been cancelled. The WWE Superstar is currently serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program.
— Scotty Riggs, who held the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Marcus “Buff” Bagwell, stated the following Tuesday on Facebook after his former tag team partner was involved in a serious car accident last week while traveling near his hometown of Marietta, Georgia: “FLOCK U” … KEEP MARK (Bagwell) IN YOUR POSITIVE ENEGRY & PRAYERS … HE’S COME A MILLION MILES BUT HAS A MILLION MORE TO GO!!! … I’LL BE CALLING HIM AGAIN LATER THIS WEEK!!”
Bagwell has made major progress since the accident as he was discharged from intensive care days after requiring a breathing tube.
— Wednesday marks as the nine-year anniversary of the passing of Miss Elizabeth. The wrestling trailblazer died on May 1, 2003 in the Marietta, Georgia home she shared with Lex Luger as a result of a drug and alcohol overdose.
WWE announced last week that Rey Mysterio has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company Wellness Policy, but the failed drug test actually took place back on February 13th. According to reliable sources and other reputable news sites, Mysterio reportedly tested positive for amphetamines.
Rey showed up to the RAW Supershow on February 13th in San Diego and was informed that he had to take a drug test immediately. When he was informed about the failed drug test for amphetamines, Mysterio was shocked and denied using the drug – swearing that he’s been living a clean lifestyle.
Rey believes he failed the test because of a medication he took that caused the positive for amphetamines. WWE did not buy his story as they went public with the failure last week.
WWE has announced that Rey Mysterio has been suspended for 60 days.
“STAMFORD, Conn. – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Oscar Gutierrez (Rey Mysterio) for 60 days effective Thursday, April 26 for his second violation of the company’s policy.”
Mysterio recently stated on Twitter that he was planning to return form injury in May, but now he’s looking at a late-June/early-July return at the earliest.
As per the terms of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, he will be released if he fails another drug test.
– Christian will be returning to SmackDown at Tuesday’ tapings from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Christian returned to the ring at the European tour that just finished.
– Rey Mysterio and Kelly Kelly were at the Sarasota Film Festival in Florida this weekend, for the premiere of the WWE Studios film, “The Day.” The movie was screened twice this weekend but received no awards.
Rey Mystrio Reveals When He Can Wrestle Again
– Linda McMahon will release her 2011 income tax return soon after her campaign initially turned down a request from opponent Chris Shays. McMahon filed for an extension on her tax return this past week but “intends to make it public once the paperwork is complete.”
— Following CM Punk’s victory over Chris Jericho at Sunday’s Raw live event in Nottingham, England, the Straight Edge Superstar, John Cena, Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger appeared ringside to celebrate Vickie Guerrero’s birthday—she turns 44 years old on Monday. After Cena led the Capital FM Arena audience in singing “Happy Birthday To You” to Guerrero, Punk snuck up on the birthday girl by smashing her in the face with a chocolate cake. She then broke kayfabe by posing in the center of the ring with Punk and Cena.
Guerrero was taken by surprise by the moment. She wrote on Twitter, “My birthday is tomorrow the 16th!!!! The RAW crew surprised me tonight at show! It was so much fun! I showered the cake out of my hair and down my back….that was the sweetest shower ever!!!!”
— Rey Mysterio, who has been sidelined since August due to injury, is heading to Japan next month to promote the SmackDown brand’s upcoming tour of Tokyo. WWE will hold shows at Sumo Hall on August 9 and 10.
— WWE will hold two shows in Germany this November: at the O2 World Arena in Hamburg on November 2 and Arena Leipzig in Leipzig on November 3.
– Rey Mysterio says he’s trying to return to the ring within the next few weeks. He wrote on Twitter Sunday night:
“I really miss performing for all of u & thank u 4 all the LUV,i am pushing myself to come back from my injury by May! Almost their!1 LUV!”
– Despite losing his job as the General Manager of SmackDown, Teddy Long will remain on WWE television as the new lackey to RAW & SmackDown GM John Laurinaitis.
– With development of the upcoming WWE ’13 video game well underway, THQ is reportedly revamping the Create a Superstar mode. WWE ’13 will allow players to create 64 wrestlers, up from 32 in last year’s game.
Speaking of THQ, video game blog JoyStiq.com has an article up looking at the recent financial troubles the company has been dealing with. Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of video game publisher Take Two, predicts THQ might not be in business by the end of the year:
“THQ has had some good games, but their quality levels aren’t even remotely … the quality hasn’t measured up. THQ won’t be around in six months.”
– The Rock will have several backstage segments at WrestleMania. We noted a few weeks back that officials were giving limited time to the undercard matches so CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho, Hell in a Cell and The Rock vs. John Cena will have as much time as needed.
– After it rained throughout the day in Miami on Saturday, there is now just a 20% chance of rain for Sunday afternoon/evening for WrestleMania. The Weather Channel is calling for just a 10% chance of rain and through the event, the average temperature is 77°.
– According to ESPN.com, Rey Mysterio’s group won the scramble-format competition for the WrestleMania 28 ProAm Golf Tournament earlier this week, at 17-under. The Miz’s group placed fourth at -13 while Sgt. Slaughter’s group and Zack Ryder’s group finished -14. ESPN noted that Mysterio played the tournament without his mask on except when the cameras were on him.
— Ezekiel Jackson beat Hunico via Torture Rack in the first match held Thursday night at WrestleMania Axxess in Miami, Florida. In a battle of WWE developmental wrestlers, Seth Rollins defeated Dean Ambrose in the second bout. Rollins obtained the victory in the seven-minute match following a foot stomp to Ambrose’s head.
— Alicia Fox, David Otunga, Lilian Garcia, Rey Mysterio and The Miz joined “American Idol’s” James Durbin, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and the Miami Dolphins’ Twan Russell and “T.D.” at Miami’s Hialeah Gardens and JFK Middle Schools Thursday to spread the word of anti-bullying and tolerance.
The Miz discussed the barrage of insults he gets over social media every day, and how he uses positivity to counter it. “Every time you have a negative thought or are going to post a negative tweet ,” the former WWE Champion said. “I challenge you to do something positive, say something positive. I guarantee you and that person will feel great about themselves.”
WWE.com has published articles from both events here and here.
— 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.
— WWE Champion CM Punk revealed his favorite WrestleMania match during an interview with Marvel.com promoting WrestleMania XXVIII.
“WrestleMania 13, right in my backyard of Chicago. Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin,” he said. “I can remember every punch thrown, every bodyslam and every submission move. It’s just one of those perfect matches that told a story. There’s just so many to choose from, but this match is the one that sticks out the most.”
The Straight Edge Superstar also discusses his impending WrestleMania match with Chris Jericho, belief in Captain America, his kinship to Tony Stark and more.
— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia has joined The Creative Coalition and WWE’s “Be a STAR” campaign as she, American Idol contestant James Durbin, Alicia Fox, David Otunga, The Miz, Rey Mysterio and Dolphins’ mascot T.D. will encourage students at two Miami-Dade schools this week to take a against bullying by showing tolerance and respect.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita will participate in a meet and greet for FWE Wrestling on April 28 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Legged Dog Studios 80 Greenwich Street New York City.