WWE officials held a state of the business meeting this week in Miami, Florida and it was disclosed to Variety that the organization has plans to launch a one-hour weekly television show on a yet to be announced United States television station. WWE will also produce an hour-long Spanish-language program. Details on both shows were not issued. Additional news from the meeting are as follows:
* WWE announced the following series for the forthcoming WWE Network: WWE Divas Tour Bus, WrestleMania Rewind, The Monday Night War: Raw vs Nitro and WWE Countdown.
* The official cast list for the WWE Network program WWE Legends’ House is “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Mean Gene Okerlund, Pat Patterson, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Tony Atlas.
* WWE would not reveal business plans for the WWE Network nor the potential launch date. “We continue to evaluate the best approach,” said Michelle Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer of WWE.
— WWE Classics On Demand takes a trip back to the ’80s in April with the best moments and matches from the decade. Those highlighted include Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Junkyard Dog, Road Warriors and more.
— WWE.com has published a photo gallery highlighting The Brooklyn Brawler’s career. He currently works for WWE in a behind the scenes capacity.
— Former WWE Women’s and Divas Champion Melina competes for Family Wrestling Entertainment on April 28 at The Hall at St Paul, 59th Street + 9th Ave, New York, New York. Though her opponent has not been announced, former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis currently holds the promotion’s women’s title.
— A jury trial for former WWE talent Travis Tomko (a/k/a Tyson Tomko) has been postponed until May, reports Wrestling Globe.
Tomko was arrested on October 11, 2011 on robbery charges, after allegedly robbing 210 tablets of Oxycodone from a CVS Pharmacy in St. Augustine, Florida. Following the alleged robbery, he went to a nearby Chili’s restaurant, where he injected 178 “crushed up and melted down” pills into his system while spending 30 to 40 minutes in a restroom.
— WWE developmental talent Taylor Rotunda (a/k/a Bo Rotundo) was released from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida today at 12:58 p.m. after posting $500 bond.
He was arrested at 2:36 a.m. in Temple Terrace, Florida and charged with Driving under the influence. Two breathalyzer tests showed blood-alcohol levels of .166 and .178, over double the legal limit in the state of Florida.
— WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has been announced to appear for Fight The World Wrestling on March 16, 2012 in Elmhurst, New York and March 17, 2012 in Ronkonkoma, New York.
— Dusty Rhodes, Iron Sheik, Jimmy Snuka, Sgt. Slaughter and The Honky Tonk Man will not be appearing on WWE Legends’ House. “Hacksaw” Jim Jim Duggan, “Mean” Gene Okerlund and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper have been confirmed to appear on the program. The show began filming last week at the former house of Harpo Marx in Rancho Mirage, California.
WWE officials contemplated having Sheik appear on the reality program due to the perception that he is funny but a doctrine is in place for the show to not appear “sad.”
— CM Punk and John Cena “are neck-and-neck” as the top merchandise sellers in WWE. Punk, however, is ahead in the adult male demographic. Zack Ryder is also among the company’s top merchandise sellers.
— Ring of Honor World Champion Davey Richards will challenge Prince Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on March 10 in Japan.
— CM Punk appears on the latest episode of Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast and confirmed that WWE is working on a DVD about his career that will be released later this year. The podcast is available at www.welovecolt.com.
Chicago Tribune reported in November that WWE was filming a “straight-to-DVD documentary” on Punk at the time.
— After taking a hiatus from Twitter to sell his storyline injuries, Zack Ryder has resurfaced on the micro-blogging website.
“When I’m healed, I’ll take Z012 back into my own hands! I’m not sure if I’ll rise above hate but I will rise above & fist pump Kane’s face!” he wrote.
“Resting & trying to heal up…Kane, we coming for you Broski!”
— WrestlingFigs.com reports that WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper will be appearing at Texas Frightmare Weekend at the Hyatt Regency Hotel DFW Airport adjacent to Terminal C on May 4-6, 2012.
WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper is continuing his campaign to host John Cena and The Rock on Piper’s Pit before their upcoming showdown at WrestleMania 28 on 4/1. Piper tweeted the following on Monday morning:
“Lets help the @WWE help themselves. @WWE needs a Pipers Pit, before WM 29, with The Rock & Cena. @WWE, IT’S ALL IN HOUSE, IT”S PERFECT!”
“Help the @WWE help themselves. Put The Rock & Cena in Pipers Pit before WM 28!! I’ve been to alot of WM’s! WM28. IT’S ALL IN HOUSE!!Perfect!”
“If @WWE has big courage.Put The Rock and Cena in Piper’s Pit at WM28!! Did it with Austin blew the roof off! I’m putting it on the line too!“
“TheRock&@Cena. In Pipers Pit! @WWE,Hot Rod is putting it on the line. These guys are good! WWE would enjoy Hot Rod losing!WWE’s bucket list.“
“For the record. Hot Rod is never cut slack, I’ve had the best in Piper’s Pit, from all forms of ent.I put it on the LINE every Time! NO FEAR”
— “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Jimmy Snuka and Sgt. Slaughter were on the original cast list for WWE Legends’ House, a reality show premiering in 2012 on the WWE Network that will put eight to ten ‘Legends’ under one roof. Production for the show will begin soon in California.
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mean” Gene Okerlund are confirmed for the show. Stephanie McMahon was quoted as saying in Entertainment Weekly that Dusty Rhodes and Iron Sheik would be on it as well.
— During the Friday morning edition of ESPN’s SportsCenter, Robert Flores mentioned the nWo while conducting highlights of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat game. The Heat donned all-black uniforms, which Flores described as “Miami rocking the nWo uniforms, the black and white. For Life.”
— Legendary ring announcer Howard Finkel stated on Twitter that former WWE Superstar Pete Gas has joined the micro-blogging website. His account is located at twitter.com/iampetegas.
– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown and NXT tapings will take place from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas. Confirmed for Friday’s SmackDown are:
No DQ / No Count Out Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Title
Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal
– Brodus Clay, Donny Marlow, Epico, Mason Ryan and AJ Lee have been removed from the FCW website’s roster and are now featured on the main WWE roster. Hunico’s enforcer Marlow, the son of WWE legend Haku, is now known as Comacho.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper noted on Twitter that he’s headed to Hollywood to film “Breaking In” on FOX.
“I am on way to Hollywood to do a show called Breaking in! on Fox! Have not seen show, hear it’s a good one!! Do you know?”
Piper also wrote the following late last night, which fans have speculated was a dig at the WWE Hall of Fame videos from RAW:
“They sure throw out the legends word out and the Icon word. Seems like they call everyone that! But when things get HOT, those legends, gone”
— WWE.com has announced a match pitting World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan against Kofi Kingston for tonight’s Raw SuperShow.
After Kingston questioned Bryan’s victories over Big Show, the SmackDown Superstar challenged the WWE Tag Team Champion to a match. Bryan added, “Obviously non-title, of course.”
Video of the backstage exchange is available here.
— There is a story in the latest issue of the the National Enquirer claiming that Jennifer Hudson wants fiancée David Otunga to quit professional wrestling.
— WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who is confirmed for WWE Network’s upcoming Legends’ House reality series, commented on theD show on Twitter. “LEGENDS HOUSE. BOTTOM LINE, “I SLEEP ALONE!!” he wrote.
— “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who has been confirmed for WWE Network’s upcoming Legends’ House reality series, indicated on Twitter that former Intercontinental Champion The Honky Tonk Man is on the program as well.
“I just spent 3 hrs in the gym. To live in a house with HTM. Serious??? HOW MUCH???” he tweeted Wednesday.
Filming for the program begins next month in Tampa, Florida.
— Former WWE star Chris Masters is featured in the following video message promoting his upcoming appearance for the WWFX Champion Showcase Tour taking place on February 4, 2012 in Manila, Philippines. He will face MVP.
— Chris Jericho’s catch phrase “froot,” which roughly translates to “awesome,” is now featured on UrbanDictionary.com.
— WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper says he has one more big match left in him. Piper tweeted on Wednesday:
“I have not been asked to be in Royal Rumble. I tell u a secret, promise to keep it? I am going to do 1 more balls to wall match!” Piper told a follower on Twitter.”
— Video of Jim Ross calling Tuesday night’s OKC Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA game is now online. JR, who was celebrating his 60th birthday, called part of the game on Fox Sports Oklahoma and spoke about his WWE career, the brutal WWE travel schedule and more. Here it is:
– As WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper alluded to on Twitter on Tuesday night, he has signed on for the WWE Network’s “Legends House” reality show, which begins filming in Tampa, FL next month.
Piper is the first confirmed name for the show, although based on the WWE Network promos that have aired on WWE television, Mene Gene Okerlund also appears to be a cast member.
– WWE returns to Puerto Rico for a live event at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juanon Saturday, March 24th.
Puerto Rican wrestling legend Carlos Colon, who has been rumored to be joining the WWE Hall of Fame this year, recently stated in an interview with Norticel that it would be an honor to be inducted and he has considered offering the WWE footage from his WWC promotion for the WWE Network.
– Former WWE star John Morrison will wrestle his first post-WWE match on February 4th in the Philippines for the World Wrestling Fan Xperience promotion. Morrison will be replacing Ken Anderson in a match against Shelton Benjamin.
Other former WWE names announced for the show include Melina, MVP, Chris Masters, Carlito, Rhino, Billy Gunn and Jillian Hall.
– WWE officials are in the process of deciding the finish of the John Cena vs. The Rock match at WrestleMania. As of this weekend, the finish has been narrowed down to two potential scenarios.
For much more on what’s being planned for WrestleMania 28, check out our official WrestleMania news page.
– The Ultimate Warrior took a shot at Kevin Nash this week on his Twitter. When asked by a fan why Warrior doesn’t dye his hair and have another run in WWE like Kevin Nash, Warrior replied:
“I’m not a dickhead who thrives on stealing the limelight from young guys.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper tweeted the following on Tuesday, implying he will be a part of the upcoming Legends House reality show on the WWE Network:
“How can you put 8 seasoned guys living together…lets hear the name of the guy that’s going to control them week 2.5. Not Vince! No Man! Telling you…things are going to get Very Real. Straight fact,I don’t like it..don’t tease me… don’t play with me…I bite, then bury!!!”
— WWE Classics On Demand, WWE’s subscription video on demand television service, is being discontinued.
AT&T U-verse subscribers received postcards today stating the service would be discontinued on January 1, 2012. The postcards read, “the service is being discontinued by WWE.”
WWE.com, however, is running a video preview for January, built around rebellious wrestling personalities such as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Brian Pillman.
WWE Classics On Demand, formerly known as WWE 24/7, launched on November 2, 2004.
— The Great Khali has returned to the United States from India. He was spotted in Houston, Texas, where he resides.
WWE.com announced Khali suffered a fractured fibula following a brutal attack by World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry on the September 30, 2011 episode of SmackDown. The angle was drawn to remove the former World Heavyweight Champion from television since his contract is set to expire and would likely not be renewed. He is, however, expected to maintain a relationship with WWE.
— Evan Bourne’s thirty-day suspension for his first violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program has expired. Therefore, he is now eligible to resume performing for the organization.
WWE announced on November 1, 2011 that the WWE Tag Team Champion had been suspended for thirty days due to his non-compliance with their drug testing policy.
Bourne, who’s real name is Matthew Korklan, was suspended after reportedly testing positive for Spice, a synthetic marijuana brand.
— WWE Classics On Demand pays tribute to rebel wrestlers such as Brian Pillman, Superstar Billy Graham, D-Generation X, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper in January with “Rebel Rumblings.” Click here for a video preview.
— Former WWE Diva Trinity turns 40 years old Thursday. She joined the revived ECW brand in June 2006 but was released a year later.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross believes his longtime friend Steve Austin will compete in one more match – but it won’t be at WrestleMania 28.
“I think he still has the itch to do one more match,” Ross said Wednesday during an appearance on 1560 The Game. “His health is better—there’s certain things he may not be able to do physically —but he’s in great shape.”
“A year ago, I would have said there would be no more Austin matches. I’ve loosened my stance on that a little bit now. I think somewhere down the road—I don’t think it’s WrestleMania 28 because those attractions are pretty well in place with Rock and Cena—it would not surprise me to see Austin back for a farewell, one-time off situation.”
J.R. also talked about John Cena’s appearance on “Piper’s Pit” Monday where WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper grilled Cena on the increasingly hostile reaction from WWE Universe members.
“I’m not sure what they accomplished at the end of the segment, but I listened to every damn word of it,” Ross said. “So, they captivated my attention, but it was like the crazy uncle trying to reason with the defiant nephew about Cena’s reaction to the crowd.”
Ross said he is often asked whether Cena should turn heel. He doesn’t think it’s necessary since Cena is a heel to one group of fans, but garners strong support from another.
— WWE.com has announced that Monday’s Raw SuperShow will kick off with a special presentation of WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s interview segment Piper’s Pit.
The WWE Hall of Famer’s guest will be John Cena.
— Mick Foley appears with TNA star Robbie E for an autograph signing at Terryville Middle School, 21 North Main Street, Terryville, Connecticut on Friday, December 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. E-mail newwrestling@yahoo.com for more information.
— Los Angeles Times published a photo of former WWE ring announcer Lauren Mayhew performing at Confidential, a new upscale lounge in Beverly Hills.
— The Fayetteville Observerreports Matt Hardy remains jailed as of Wednesday in the Moore County Detention Center in Moore County, North Carolina pending one million dollar bond. Hardy, who was arrested Friday evening after being kicked out of rehabilitation center for failing a breathalyzer test, is scheduled for court next Monday in Moore County District Court due to three prior arrests.
— Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis will be hosting Top Rope Promotions’ Spindle City Rumble in New Bedford, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day. Click here for more information.
— The latest issue of Inside Wrestling features a lengthy interview with former WWE Divas Champion Michelle McCool. The magazine is currently on newsstands.
— “Rowdy” Roddy Piper tweeted the following regarding the Penn State rape controversy: “I don’t know the truth on the Penn St. affair. I know this, if someone did that to my boy, I’d kill em, with my bare hands. I know that’s true.”
— WWE officials have discussed bringing in a mini-wrestler to feud with Hornswoggle in 2012. Mascarita Dorado, one of the top mini-wrestlers in Mexico, is under consideration for the role following a strong performance at an evaluation session last month in Mexico City.
— WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper tweeted the following Friday:
“In LA. Things starting to heat up. I have a surprize. It will come out Monday. But that’s just the beginning!! Dieing to get Rowdy. I’m also going to Toronto to do the longest running show in Canada. Dec 1st. Doc told me 6 months to fix neck. Got it done in 2 months.”
— WWE will hold a SmackDown taping on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
— Kelly Kelly and WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter appeared on Miami’s 560 WQAM Sports Radio Friday promoting the on-sale date for Wrestlemania XXVIII tickets. Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, who co-hosts the show, recalled watching Dusty Rhodes when he was growing up in Florida. The segment concluded with Kelly explaining her how ring name was created.
“My first day, my wrestling name was going to be Kelly. Then, I came back the next week and Vince (McMahon) had this wonderful idea, ‘Let’s call her Kelly Kelly. Let’s just give her two first names; we’ve never done that before,” she said. “So, there you go.”
— The legendary career of WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper is highlighted on the latest episode of WWE Vintage Collection. The episode featured clips from the following matches and segments:
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff vs. Hulk Hogan and Mr. (WrestleMania), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton vs. Paul Orndorff and Andre the Giant (WWF live event – August 10th, 1985), Piper’s Pit vs. The Flower Shop (WWF Superstars – September 27th, 1986), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper destroys The Flower Shop (WWF Superstars – October 4th, 1986, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis (WWF live event – February 15th, 1987), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart (WrestleMania VIII), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart (WCW Monday Nitro – February 9th, 1999), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Ric Flair vs. The Spirit Squad (WWE Cyber Sunday – November 5, 2006), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper rescues Bret Hart from The Mountie and Jimmy Hart (WWF live event – January 17th, 1992), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. The Mountie (WWF Royal Rumble – January 19, 1992).
– The Rock is featured on the cover of the December 2011 of WWE Magazine and is depicted appearing angry and ready to fight.
The magazines teases The Rock might have his sights set on championship gold. The headline reads:
“THE ROCK! IS THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP GUNNIN’ FOR THE GOLD?”
– “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who underwent surgery on his neck last month, thinks he may be attempting his recovery too soon by attending today’s Legends of Wrestling taping at WWE’s television studios in Stamford, Connecticut.
The WWE Hall of Famer wrote on Twitter:
“In Stamford. Pushing things a little to hard. What’s new. Doing round table tonight. I will have respect for everybody, but tell the truth!”
Jim Ross stated on Twitter that he will in Stamford, Connecticut next Wednesday to tape episodes of WWE Classics On Demand’s roundtable discussion show, Legends of Wrestling. He will be joined by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Diamond Dallas Page, Michael Hayes and host “Mean” Gene Okerlund.
“One show will address many of the rogues, outlaws, mavericks, etc that have dotted the pro wrestling landscape over the years. Men and women who were strong, independent thinkers and who, at times, were major a pain in the ass for promoters,” Ross added on his official website.
“The second topic is scheduled to be the impact that athletes and celebrities from outside the world of wrestling have played in the business. The celeb card has been played for decades including guys like Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano being special referees. I’ve tried to forget Jay Leno ‘wrestling’ once upon a time but I will have plenty to say about that hideous idea.”