— Retired wrestler Michelle McCool revealed during a Q&A session on Twitter Monday afternoon that she will be attending WrestleMania XXVIII this weekend in Miami, Florida. She noted in a separate answer that she feels great healthwise and her foot injury from last year is 99% healed.
Regarding a possible return to WWE television, the four-time champion stated in two separate responses “time shall tell” and “never know.” She said her dream match is a WrestleMania encounter against Molly Holly.
— GetGlue.com is offering a free sticker of absent WWE star Rey Mysterio to those who check in to their website during tonight’s Raw SuperShow on USA Network. A free Rock-Cena sticker will also be offered during Once in a Lifetime: The Rock vs. John Cena, premiering tonight at 8/7 CT on USA Network. Details are available here.
— WWE.com has published a photo gallery highlighting WrestleMania XXVI, which saw The Undertaker extend his winning streak to 18-0 by defeating Shawn Michaels and ending The Showstopper’s career.
— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia had a wardrobe malfunction at tonight’s SmackDown taping in Columbus, Ohio as the strap of her shoe broke as she made her ring entrance. Despite the untimely mishap, she continued on to the ring to handle ring announcements for the show.
— A match featuring Justin Gabriel vs. Hunico was taped tonight in Columbus, Ohio for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars.
Matches taped Monday night in Cleveland, Ohio were Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks; Beth Phoenix vs. Kelly Kelly.
— Rey Mysterio has been announced to appear at the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con taking place on June 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Other wrestling stars appearing at the event include CM Punk, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, Gail Kim, Melina, John Morrison and Paul Bearer.
— AfterbuzzTV.com will begin airing a SmackDown recap show this Sunday afternoon with former professional wrestler Ric Drasin and Patricia Summerland of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling as hosts. Maria Menounos, who created AfterbuzzTV.com, has trained at Drasin’s wrestling school in Sherman Oaks, California for her WWE matches.
– The “History Lesson” promos featuring The Rock that aired on Monday’s RAW were actually shot on Sunday, according to PWInsider.com. The Rock came arrived in Boston on Saturday and was backstage all day at the TD Garden.
– Rey Mysterio featured on one of the official Wrestlemania t-shirts, another indication he’ll be involved in the event in some capacity.
– Alberto Del Rio and developmental star Dean Ambrose were backstage at Monday’s RAW. Del Rio returned to the ring over the weekend and is ready to return to television whenever the creative team has something for him. Ambrose worked SmackDown’s live events over the weekend and is also waiting to get called to television.
(Props to pwinsider.com for some of the info used in this report)
— Raw Interim General Manager and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis teased at the conclusion of Friday’s SmackDown that Kane would face Aksana, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long’s assistant, in a match on next week’s show. WWE’s Board of Directors announced Tuesday that Laurinaitis will be in charge of SmackDown next week, while Long will control Raw SuperShow.
— WWE is attempting to file a trademark for the term Kayfabe. It is for merchandise use as the organization released a line of T-shirts last week labeled Kayfabe Tees.
— SmackDown Superstar Justin Gabriel turns 31 years old Saturday.
— Rey Mysterio appears at Chicago World of Wheels at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center 9301 W Bryn Mawr Ave. Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
– Last week, the WWEShop website began selling t-shirts with “insider” phrases on them, such as face, heel and jobber. According to sources within WWE, there are many veterans that are not happy with insider terminology being used for commercial purposes, which will likely lead to the shirts being discontinued.
– Rey Mysterio recently did a radio interview and said he still hopes to complete physical therapy on his surgically repaired knee in time for WrestleMania. Mysterio told WDFN radio:
“I’m trying to see if I can make it back by WrestleMania. That’s my main goal right now – make it back by WrestleMania.”
When asked who he’d like to face, Mysterio said he does not have a particular opponent in mind, but he’d like to participate in the Money in the Bank match, if WWE decides to feature that match at WrestleMania. When asked whether he’d wrestle the also-injured Sin Cara, Mysterio said:
“I’m all up for it. As soon as my knee is ready and I can move the way I know I can move, I’m down.”
To listen to the interview, check out WDFN.com, the official site of Detroit’s 1130 AM The Fan radio station.
– Following Rey Mysterio’s visit backstage at last week’s Raw SuperShow in San Diego, California, any mention of his name to WWE brass reportedly resulted in a very negative speech. There has been underlying friction for years between WWE management and Rey Mystero due to several tough contract negotiations and not returning from injuries as early as they’d like. Also, some feel because of his small stature, he’s lucky to be employed to WWE.
– Vickie Guerrero will participate in a live chat with fans on MyVickieGuerrero.com Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. MST.
– Monday’s Raw SuperShow at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota drew just over 9,000 fans.
– Jerry Lawler will face Tommy Dreamer on March 16 in Nashville, Tennessee at 1056 East Trinity Lane. The show also features a match between Doug Gilbert and Larry Zbyszko.
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels appeared on Raw and confronted his best friend Triple H over him rejecting The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania 28 challenge. Michaels read Triple H the riot act, explaining that where he’s from, if a man challenges you and you turn down the challenge, you are a coward. Michaels tweeted the following after RAW:
“Well, that was interesting!! Always a joy, no matter what happens, to get out I’m front of all of you. Tomorrow…back to my tractor:-) Thanks San Diego…and in my best Ron Burgundy voice…”Stay Classy San Diego.”
On Tuesday afternoon, HBK responded to a few more fan tweets regarding RAW. When one fan mentioned HBK’s “air guitar” that he did on RAW during Triple H’s entrance, HBK replied:
“I thought the camera would be on him…DOH!!:-)?
– Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio were backstage at Monday’s RAW from his hometown of San Diego, California. Neither man appeared on camera.
– There are reports going around that WWE has released a few people from the Consumer Products department last Friday. Jim Connely (Senior VP), Florence Digiorgio (VP), and Dean Miller (VP) are among the names that are rumored to be released. We will follow up on this story when new details become available.
— There has been talk of Rey Mysterio appearing on tonight’s Raw SuperShow emanating from the injured wrestler’s hometown of San Diego, California.
The masked star has been sidelined since August due to knee surgery. He posted a video last month saying he plans to return to action in time for WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, 2012.
— Rebecca Reyes (a/k/a Reby Sky), who was charged with reckless driving to endanger and speeding in North Carolina in September, has had her case continued until March 31, 2012.
— Former WWE star Zach Gowen is working on an autobiography with Evan Ginzberg. It will be titled Wrestling Then & Now.
— Chris Jericho’s radio show The Rock of Jericho on XM 164 is now being replayed at Sunday at noon and Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. The show airs weekly at 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
sources: PWInsider.com, Wrestling Globe Newsletter
– Earlier this week, Rey Mysterio posted a video to Youtube updating fans on his health status and said he hopes to be healthy in time for WrestleMania 28.
While everyone is hoping that Mysterio will be back in time for WWE’s biggest event of the year, the latest talk within the locker room is that Mysterio will be kept off television until after Mania.
– Independent women’s wrestler Buggy Nova received a tryout match (against AJ Lee) at last week’s RAW tapings from Anaheim, California. She was also backstage at last week’s SmackDown tapings from Las Vegas.
As noted yesterday, independent wrestler Lizzy Valentine recently filmed a commercial with WWE Superstar Sheamus. Buggy Nova also appeared in the commercial.
In a new video posted to Youtube over the weekend, injured WWE star Rey Mysterio says he plans to return to action in time for WrestleMania 28 on April 1st, earlier than previously expected.
Mysterio tore his ACL back in August 2011 and has been undergoing rehab in recent months. Last week, Mysterio started running in a swimming pool as part of his rehab and he is hoping to jog on a treadmill within the next few weeks.
Mysterio has made several WWE appearances since his injury, taking part in media interviews and presenting an award at the 2011 Slammy Awards.
— Zack Ryder, who lost the United States Championship to Jack Swagger on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, posted a cryptic message on Twitter Wednesday regarding his YouTube series Z! True Long Island Story.
“Workin’ on Episode 51 of Z! TLIS…yes, 49 is the next Episode…#hmmm,” he wrote.
— Lilian Garcia handled ring announcing duties at Tuesday’s WWE NXT and WWE Superstars tapings in Las Vegas, Nevada, replacing Tony Chimel. Chimel replaced Eden Stiles late last month on both programs following her departure from the organization.
— Rey Mysterio is advertised to appear at Indianapolis World of Wheels at the Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 E 38th St. Indianapolis, Indiana on February 11, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
He is also scheduled to appear at Dallas Cavalcade of Customs at Dallas Market Hall 2200 Stemmons Fwy. Dallas, Texas on February 18, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
– The latest issue of WWE Magazine looks back at the slew of grappling greats that debuted ten years ago—John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Brock Lesnar and Batista. In their write-up for Batista, WWE predicts that fans haven’t seen the last of The Animal. WWE states:
“Although he left the company in 2010, many see the departure as a temporary one, and it’s simply a matter of time before The Animal rises again.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross joined the Oklahoma City Thunder broadcast team during the second quarter of tonight’s NBA game between the Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers.
JR changed his signature look as he was shown on television with a grey goatee.
– Ticketmaster.com is holding a pre-sale for the March 20 SmackDown taping at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey from Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. through Friday at 11:59 p.m. The pre-sale code is ROCKWWE.
For the eighteenth year, Power Slam magazine presents The PS 50, which ranks the 50 best-performing wrestlers in the industry. Rankings in The PS 50 are basted on grapplers’ in-ring showings over a 12-month period (December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011).
1. Hiroshi Tanahashi
2. Randy Orton
3. Davey Richards
4. Prince Devitt
5. Shingo Takagi
6. Christian
7. Kurt Angle
8. C.M. Punk
9. Kota Ibush
10. Takashi Sugiura
11. KENTA
12. Go Shiozaki
13. PAC
14. Akira Tozawa
15. Hirooki Goto
16. Eddie Edwards
17. BxB Hulk
18. Tetsuya Naito
19. AJ Styles
20. Shinsuke Nakamura
21. Masaaki Mochizuki
22. Bobby Roode
23. Rey Mysterio
24. Kenny Omega
25. Sheamus
26. Antonio Cesaro
27. CIMA
28. Katsuhiko Nakajima
29. Masato Yoshino
30. Chris Hero
31. Dragon Kid
32. Jay Briscoe
33. Ricochet
34. Mark Briscoe
35. Kevin Steen
36. Yuji Nagata
37. James Storm
38. Dolph Ziggler
39. Daniel Bryan
40. El Generico
41. Alberto Del Rio
42. Ryusuke Taguchi
43. Austin Aries
44. Jeff Jarrett
45. Kofi Kingston
46. Bully Ray
47. Christopher Daniels
48. The Miz
49. John Morrison
50. Kenny King
The WWE website has a new video interview up with Rey Mysterio from Monday’s RAW. He described his recovery from knee surgery and revealed his target date to return to action. Mysterio is currently doing physical therapy and doing everything he can to strengthen his problematic knee:
“Recovery is doing well. Doing my physical therapy three days a week, a little bit at home, and just making sure that my knee gets strong and healthy so I don’t go through these type of incidents anymore.”
As for when he’ll be back in action, Mysterio says he’d like to be back in time for WrestleMania on April 1st, which is earlier than we’ve heard:
“I’m shooting for a date and that would be WrestleMania, I’m hoping. But there’s been a lot of damage to this knee and I wanna make sure that before I step in the ring that I know exactly my knee feels one hundred percent strong, healthy and that once I step in I’m ready to go full blast again for as long as I can go.”
Mysterio also had some strong words for Alberto Del Rio, who put him out of action on television several weeks ago.
– Rey Mysterio was telling people backstage at Monday’s Slammy Awards that he’s in no rush to return. After his latest knee surgery, he wants to make sure he’s 100% before wrestling again.
While he was hoping to be back in action in time for WrestleMania on April 1st, he’s now shooting for May.
– As for Sin Cara, he’s got about four months before he’s ready to return following his recent knee surgery. He’ planning to compete at WrestleMania and does not want to miss the big payday.
– As we reported last week, Kaityn’s recent heel turn and attack on AJ Lee was edited off the 12/6 episode of SmackDown. The segment was cut due to time constraints. WWE did not follow up on the angle at this week’s tapings, so the heel turn may have been dropped all together.
— SmackDown Diva Lilian Garcia has released her first music video, U Drive Me Loca. The video, which was shot in August in Los Angeles, California, features appearances by former WWE Divas Candice Michelle and Torrie Wilson.
— Rey Mysterio, who has been sidelined since August due to knee surgery, is reportedly scheduled for this weekend’s Tribute to the Troops festivities.
— WWE Classics On Demand has not aired advertised shows due to legal reasons, notably two episodes of Prime Time Wrestling from June 1989, a September 10, 1988 house show, as well as events emanating from Madison Square Garden.
– It was reported earlier that WWEShop.com pulled a newly released Sin Cara T-Shirt which featured the shape of a penis embedded in a gold design. No one within WWE knows how the product made its way through several stages before being put on the website. According to people who ordered the T-Shirt during the few hours it was available, they were notified that their order would not be processed and would have the option of receiving credit or a full refund.
– WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young is tentatively scheduled for tonight’s Raw SuperShow in Columbia, South Carolina. She resides in the area and was asked to appear at the show this morning.
– WWE’s video release on Rey Mysterio, Rey Mysterio – The Life of a Masked Man, airs on iN DEMAND pay-per-view next month.
— During Monday’s Raw SuperShow, WWE displayed a graphic pointing to a YouTube page. The page features a cryptic video teasing the return of a familiar wrestler on January 2, 2012—the first Raw of next year. WWE’s latest cryptic tease inevitably led to speculation that absent talent Chris Jericho could be returning to the organization. Jericho, however, has already dismissed the possibility.
When asked by a Twitter user what he’s doing on January 2, 2012, he responded, “Working in Hawaii.”
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported over the weekend that contract negotiations between both parties recently fell through and that a possible return is now considered a “dead issue.”
— WWE has announced that Rey Mysterio will appear at the 52nd Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. His appearance is scheduled for Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. More details are available here.
— The November 19, 2011 episode of A.M. Raw garnered a 0.23 rating with 487,000 viewers.
– Rey Mysterio wrote the following update on Twitter this weekend:
“About to start therapy! Working really hard, main goal is to be back in the ring by WM28 Miami!”
– There were said to be several production related problems at Monday’s RAW tapings in Liverpool. Among the problems were issues with pyrotechnics and time constraints.
The Maxim magazine segment with Kelly Kelly as well as the finish of the main event between John Cena and Zack Ryder vs. The Miz and R-Truth were re-filmed, as well as ringside segments with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.
– Former WWE Diva Maryse’s first post-WWE appearance will be at the 2012 WrestleReunion event in Los Angeles, CA. The convention is being held the weekend of 1/27-1/29 at the LAX Westin Hotel. For more details, visit WrestleReunion.com.
– Former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia recently wrapped a studio session on her new album and will be filming her second music video this Thursday and Friday.
– WWE will return to Newcastle, England on April 20th, 2012. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 19th.
Injured WWE star Rey Mysterio spoke to The Miami Herald this week to promote WrestleMania 28 tickets going on sale this weekend. Here are some highlights of what Mysterio said about:
Hoping to be Back in Time for WrestleMania 28:
“Especially after the injury that I had, I want to make sure to work hard throughout this therapy so I can go ahead and be back by then.”
Mil Mascaras Entering the WWE Hall of Fame Next Year:
“I think he definitely brought something that was very unique to pro wrestling. You had seen masked wrestlers before but nothing like Mil Mascaras. Not only did he revolutionize the sport in the United States but also in Japan and in Mexico. You would never see that man wear the same outfit twice. His style in the ring, his presence, the designs on his masks, everything was so different every time. I believe he did revolution, to a certain degree, the sport in all three countries.”
The Importance of Luchadores Speaking English in the US:
“I think it’s very important. It’s important to understand the culture, to speak the language, to be able to get around and speak to your teammates. It’s important to be able to express yourself in the ring and on the microphone to the WWE Universe. I think it is a big factor in this industry now.”
— Syfy and WWE announced Friday that the next WWE SuperSmackDown Live special will air Tuesday, November 29 at 8PM/ET.
The special, which takes place at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, will re-air in Smackdown‘s regular time slot on Friday, December 2 from 8-10PM (ET/PT).
— Rey Mysterio, who recently underwent two surgical procedures to repair his badly damaged knee, posted an update on his health Friday. He wrote on Twitter:
“Stitches r out & therapy is going well! Slow healing procedure but want to make sure I come back strong!”
– Rey Mysterio tweeted on Thursday that he will not be traveling to Mexico next week’s for WWE’s upcoming tour of Mexico, which will include the first-ever RAW television taping from Mexico. Mysterio, who recently underwent two knee surgeries, wrote (translated):
“Recovery is slow but effective, I am sorry that I will not be with you in Mexico for the recording of Raw.”
– Randy Orton, who was one of the WWE superstars who did not take part in the walkout that took place at the end of Monday’s RAW, tweeted the following on Thursday regarding the angle:
“Many of you have asked me where I stand with HHH’s vote of confidence. Undecided, so I will see all of u live from Oklahoma City for RAW…and someone will be on the receiving end of an RKO.”
– After a 2 week hiatus, WWE has decided to bring back their weekly Superstars online show in the United States. This week’s “return” episode will be posted to Youtube this afternoon at 4pm (EST).
The following matches have been taped for today’s WWE.com Superstars broadcast:
AJ vs. Tamina.
Ted DiBiase vs. Tyson Kidd.
Alex Riley vs. JTG.
Michael McGuillicuty vs. Percy Watson.
– There is some concern among WWE officials regarding Rey Mysterio using his own doctors in San Diego for his operations and not Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama, who is considered the best in the business.
– There was only one house show over the weekend – a RAW and SmackDown supershow that took place from Mobile, Alabama on 10/1. That event only drew 3,200 paying fans and a gate of $92,000, which is a disappointing turnout considering superstars from both brands (including John Cena) were in attendance.
WWE star Rey Mysterio, who recently underwent two knee surgeries to repair his MCL, posted a video to YouTube on Tuesday updating fans on his condition.
Mysterio is is already walking on crutches, has begun physical therapy and is expected to be out of action until 2012.
In the video, Rey talks about his recent surgeries, shows off his new scars and reveals that he’ll be getting some new tattoo work next week.
– Many fans probably realized during the closing segment on RAW that many top babyface stars (John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Mason Ryan, Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly) were not at ringside for the walkout.
According to a WWE source, writers knew that fans would boo the Superstars who walked out on Triple H and did not want to put that negative heat on their top babyfaces.
– Rey Mysterio, who recently underwent another surgery on his PCL, tweeted on Monday that he had his first therapy session yesterday. Mysterio is expected to miss the rest of the year.
