– In this Raw edition of “Backstage Fallout,” Santino Marella and Zack Ryder call out 3MB, while Sheamus looks ahead to his fight against Big Show at Hell in a Cell.
– Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and former WWE Superstar Vader noted on Twitter Monday that he was at WWE’s television studio in Stamford, Connecticut filming content.
“Just finished up a very long hard week. Left WWE recording studio did some good work a little rusty on the promos thxs to Kieran from WWE,” he wrote.
– Ryback is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– After weeks of watching Johnny Curtis and Yoshi Tatsu battle it out to become the first Foreign Exchange international correspondent, Santino Marella makes his decision on this week’s webisode. (Watch)
– USA Today has published an article on Tout, an online social networking service and microblogging service WWE has invested in. Traffic to the website has exponentially grown in recent months, and is now being used by various non-WWE celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kelly Ripa, Jeff Probst and United States Presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
Stephanie McMahon, who serves as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, touted the application.
“Video expression is the next evolution from text,” said McMahon. “TV producers are so engaged because you can put the Touts anywhere and really drive traffic to our channels.”
– Santino Marella suffered a knee injury at Friday’s Raw live event in St. Joseph, Missouri, leading to a brief stoppage of his match against Tensai. He was examined by a medical trainer before resuming the bout and picking up the victory.
WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose competed at the event, losing to Michael McGillicutty.
– WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who as reported earlier this month is in the process of divorcing his fourth wife, is now dating his former valet from World Championship Wrestling, Wendy Barlow, better known as “Fifi the Maid.”
– Pro Wrestling Syndicate has announced that “The Original Gangsta” New Jack will debut for the promotion next April in Rahway, New Jersey during WrestleMania weekend.
– Pro Wrestling Blitz on Saturday, October 27 at St Joe’s Park Joliet, Illinois will be headlined by Billy Gunn vs. Jay Bradley.
– This week’s episode of Foreign Exchange continues the competition between Johnny Curtis and Yoshi Tatsu to determine Santino Marella’s international correspondent. The two infrequently seen WWE Superstars duel in a donut-eating contest, an interview contest and a finger-slapping contest. Aksana and Alicia Fox also appear. (Watch)
– Gimmick matches from the World Wrestling Federation in the mid-’90s are highlighted on this week’s episode of WWE Vintage Collection on The Score: Earthquake vs. Yokozuna (Sumo Match, WWF Monday Night Raw – May 16, 1994), Henry O. Godwinn vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Hog Pen Match, WWF In Your House: Seasons Beatings – December 17, 1995), Howard Finkel vs. Harvey Wippleman (Tuxedo Match, WWF Monday Night Raw – January 9, 1995), “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith vs. Ahmed Johnson (Arm Wrestling Match, WWF Monday Night Raw – April 8, 1996), Goldust vs. The Undertaker (Casket Match, WWF In Your House: Beware of Dog – May 28, 1996).
– The Sandman is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Per a huge announcement by SmackDown General Manager Booker T, Kane and Daniel Bryan will defend the WWE Tag Team Championship on Oct. 28 at Hell in a Cell against the winners of an eight-team tournament.
The bracket revealed on SmackDown showed the following first-round match-ups: Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow) vs. Jimmy and Jey Uso; Santino Marella and Zack Ryder vs. Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd; Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O’Neil); and Epico and Primo vs. Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara.
– This week on “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown, The Miz addressed the chaos on “Miz TV,” which resulted in the show’s host being punched in the face by World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus. Wade Barrett also boasted about his dominance after defeating Zack Ryder. Plus, Big Show talks about becoming the No. 1 contender to World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus at Hell in a Cell. (Watch)
– During an interview with WWE Magazine, Santino Marella revealed that even he though he previously said he was content with his standing in WWE, he now aspires to win a World Title.
“There are only four individual titles on the main roster of WWE, and to be one of four champions on a roster of many is pretty prestigious. I’ll continue to keep training and then hopefully one day will win the World Heavyweight Title or the WWE Championship,” Marella said. “The fans have always expressed their desire for me to enjoy success against the top guys. It was nice seeing them react to me at Elimination Chamber and to know that they still hope I do well.”
When asked which wrestlers backstage don’t understand his jokes, he revealed Cody Rhodes and The Miz.
“But that’s because they can’t laugh at themselves,” Marella said. “They’ll laugh at someone else, but when it comes to themselves—they take things way too seriously.”
– In the opening match of Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Sarnia, Ontario. Tyson Kidd picked up an upset victory over Dolph Ziggler The Canadian grappler noted of the experience via Twitter: “Sarnia definitely saw some firsts tonight! You had to be there to really experience it #WWESarnia.”
– On this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown, Santino Marella exuberantly celebrates his victory over the man who took the United States Championship from him, Antonio Cesaro. Plus, Layla explains why she changed her approach in the ring.
http://youtu.be/V-9nFOg_Jym5E
– After undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow Tuesday, John Cena appeared at Thursday’s WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The 12-time world champion apologized for being unable to compete at the event, but promised to do so when he physically able.
Cena weighed in on the event via Twitter Friday, writing, “#NXT was pretty damn impressive. @fullsail is an outstanding campus, the show is OVERloaded with talent.”
He also remarked on his rehabilitation progress thus far: “Day 3 of rehab, arm looks like old banana.”
Speaking of Cena, he is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Cody Rhodes, who has become obsessed with unmasking Sin Cara on WWE programming, rattled a top ten list of celebrities he thinks should put a mask on to WWE.com.
On actor Jonah Hill, he states, “We live in a day and age where you no longer have to be talented, or even good-looking, to be in films. These days, Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill … We can identify with them because they don’t take care of themselves and they’re kind of funny, I think — or is that quirky? Either way, I enjoy nothing they do.”
Rhodes also takes aim at ESPN commentator Skip Bayless: “Another person in dire need of a mask. After watching [Dallas Mavericks owner] Mark Cuban rip [ESPN commentator] Skip Bayless from head to toe over stats that Skip Bayless should have known, I lost my interest in Skip Bayless’ show and started to trust [ESPN commentator] Stephen A. Smith, which I never thought would happen in a million years.”
The SmackDown star thinks Ang from the VH1 reality series Mob Wives is in dire need of a mask as well: “For obvious reasons, I will plead the fifth on why Big Ang needs to wear a mask. All you need to do is Google ‘Big Ang,’ and you’ll find two excessive reasons for a mask.”
– Santino Marella is searching for his first international correspondent for “Santino’s Foreign Exchange’s.” He conducts his search with a number of WWE Superstars.
– Jim Ross, who many perceive has been subject to on-air ridicule by WWE brass, addressed fan concern regarding bullying on company programming in a Twitter post Thursday. He wrote, “Find it amazing that some fans cannot separate a fictitious, pro wrestling villain w/ real, every day life bullying. @WWE=entertainment, FYI.”
Vickie Guerrero, whose physical appearance has been subject to ridicule on WWE programming on numerous occasions, re-tweeted the message in agreement. Though Guerrero publicly takes the on-air derision in stride, broadcaster Jerry Lawler was issued a directive by management to cease all negative remarks concerning her appearance last year after the sports-entertainment organization’s anti-bullying campaign came under fire from an affiliate.
– This week on Santino’s Foreign Exchange, Santino Marella and The Cobra have a falling out after the Superstar catches his lil buddy touching Michael McGillicutty’s beard. Find out whether the two ever make up or if this the end for the dynamic duo.
– WWE.com updated its roster page this week to reflect recent storyline developments.
Eve and Curt Hawkins are now official members of the SmackDown roster. On last week’s episode of SmackDown, Eve defeated Kaitlyn to become the SmackDown Assistant General Manager to Booker T. Hawkins appeared on the show with Tyler Reks as they debuted male stripper characters. Reks was briefly listed on the page before he was granted his contract release on Tuesday.
AJ Lee is officially a member of the Raw roster after being named Raw General Manager by WWE chief Vince McMahon on Raw 1,000. Despite controlling the program, she continued to be listed as a SmackDown Diva.
– This week’s episode of WWE Superstars is headlined by Justin Gabriel vs. Cody Rhodes. Also featured are Yoshi Tatsu vs. Damien Sandow, Santino Marella vs. Jack Swagger and Alex Riley vs. Drew McIntyre. (Watch)
– Jim Ross, who will commentate matches at tonight’s WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, tweeted prior to the event, “I have plenty of time 4 any NXT talent who wants to be great. To be physical & smart. To work diligently to improve. To the others, nothing.”
– Charlie Sheen, who had been speculated to appear at SummerSlam Sunday, attended a family party that. While at the get-together, Sheen was asked about working the pay-per-view event and joked that it would cost WWE a ton of money to get him. Multiple WWE sources report that company officials are interested in collaborating with Sheen at a future pay-per-view event, possibly WrestleMania XXIX.
– Santino Marella is expected to receive a WWE United States Championship rematch against Antonio Cesaro at Night of Champions. Other matches expected for the event include CM Punk vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship, Kaitlyn vs. Layla for the WWE Divas Championship and a Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth, Jey and Jimmy Uso, Epico and Primo, and The Prime Time Players.
– After Linda McMahon’s U.S. Senate opponent Chris Murphy purchased advertising time on the USA Network scrutinizing the former WWE CEO during Monday’s Raw airing in Connecticut, the sports-entertainment organization released the following statement to CourantBlogs.com: “It is apparent that the same people who have consistently denigrated and mischaracterized WWE and our family-friendly entertainment for political gain have officially changed their point of view about our content. For the second week in a row, Mr. Murphy’s campaign continues to run advertising in our programming with his new ad airing yesterday at 10:30 p.m. on USA during Monday Night Raw. While the past political rhetoric has been unjust, it pleases us to know that Mr. Murphy recognizes that WWE’s TV programming is a highly effective way to reach families and voters in Connecticut.”
– Antonio Cesaro knocked off Santino Marella in the SummerSlam 2012 Pre-Show to capture the WWE United States Championship. The match concluded with Aksana distracting Marella, opening Cesaro to plant the Raw Superstar with the Neutralizer.
Marella’s loss concludes his five-and-a-half-month championship reign that started on the March 5 episode of Raw.
– Lilian Garcia’s new, extended play (EP) album, “My Time,” is now out on iTunes. The six track follow-up to her 2007 premiere album, “¡Quiero Vivir,” is primarily English based, with five of the songs being produced by Grammy-Nominated Producer Oh, Hush! and one by Grammy-Award winners George Noriega and Tim Mitchell. Among the tracks is remake of Coldplay’s “Fix You.”
– WWE developmental wrestler Byron Saxton turns 31-years-old on Monday.
Deadline.com has announced a partnership between Warner Bros. Home Video and WWE Studios to co-produce a Scooby-Doo animated feature that will find Scooby and the gang solving a mystery at WrestleMania.
WWE Superstars Triple H, John Cena, Kane, The Miz, Brodus Clay, Santino Marella, Sin Cara, AJ Lee and chief Vince McMahon are slated to appear in animated format and provide voiceovers for the film.
WWE.com summarizes the film’s plot: “When Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to WrestleMania, the entire gang travels in the Mystery Machine to WWE City to attend the epic event. However, when a mysterious ghostly bear appears and threatens to ruin the show, Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred work with WWE Superstars to solve the case.”
Warner Bros Home Entertainment will distribute the film via Blu-ray, DVD, VOD and digital download while WWE will use its considerable resources to promote the title, said WWE Studios President Michael Luisi.
After weeks of battling the Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in singles matches, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil will receive their chance at the WWE Tag Team Championship this Sunday at SummerSlam.
It was also announced during Raw that Santino Marella will defend the United States Championship against Antonio Cesaro in a YouTube exclusive pre-show leading up to the pay-per-view broadcast. The announced card is as follows:
* Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
* WWE Champion CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Big Show
* Kane vs. Daniel Bryan
* Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler
* WWE United States Champion Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro
* WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. The Prime Time Players
* WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio
– Rarely seen WWE Superstar JTG posted a series of cryptic messages on Twitter suggesting that he is unhappy with his standing in the sports entertainment organization. The Cryme Tyme founder wrote Sunday evening, “Make decisions based on your worth, not your circumstance!” I wish some one told me this 2 years ago.”
He continued Monday night, “The camels back just BROKE ! I had enought of this.
“As a pro athlete,Im tired of me and my lockerroom brothers being taken advantage of . Fans have no idea what we go through.#itsanillusion
“Yea I said it.
“Nobody wants to speak up, everybodys afraid of losing their job or getting taken off TV.”
– Two Raw brand matches were taped Monday night at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* WWE United States Champion Santino Marella vs. Michael McGillicutty in a non-title match
– On this week’s “Santino’s Foreign Exchange,” Santino catches up with Superstars and Divas backstage to find out their favorite memories of the epic Raw 1,000.
– Jim Powers, who appeared for the World Wrestling Federation from 1984 to 1994, underwent successful hip replacement surgery Thursday and has been transferred to a physical therapy facility so that he can recovery. The surgery was caused by years of abuse he put his body through while working as a professional wrestler.
– WWE will hold a Raw live event in Yakima, Washington at Yakima Valley SunDome on Saturday, October 6. Tickets for the event go on sale next Saturday at 10:00 a.m. via ticketswest.rdln.com.
– Randy Orton returned to action Monday night on Raw after serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program.
Heath Slater called out any current WWE Superstar in the back to answer his challenge, and The Viper responded by pummeling The One-Man Band all over the ring. After blasting Slater with a powerslam and a DDT off the second rope, Orton nailed him with the RKO to gain the pinfall victory.
– It was announced during Raw that World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus will defend his belt against Alberto Del Rio at SummerSlam. As the No. 1 contender to the title, Alberto Del Rio declared following his victory over Santino Marella that he would not compete again until his SummerSlam bout.
– WWE has released this week’s episode of “Santino’s Foreign Exchange.” Here is the synopsis: “Santino Marella is up to his old tricks. What’s on his scheming mind now? Plus, William Regal returns to “Santino’s Foreign Exchange.” Subscribe to see the clips that didn’t make it in the original interview, only on WWE on YouTube!”
– WWE developmental wrestler Roman Leakee competed at Friday’s Raw live event in Jackson, Mississippi. He interrupted Curt Hawkins’ heelish spiel and promptly defeated him.
Leakee is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sika of “The Wild Samoans” and brother of former WWE Superstar Rosey. A former defensive standout for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and a Team captain, Leakee was also a first team All ACC selection at defensive tackle.
– There was a rope break at Friday’s Raw live event in Jackson, Mississippi during the United States Championship Match between Santino Marella and The Miz. Eight minutes into the ten minute match, Marella hit the ropes, causing the the top rope to collapse.
– John Cena is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
– This week on Santino’s Foreign Exchange, Santino interrupts Damien Sandow’s breathing exercises to ask him a very important question. Also featured is The Great Khali drinking tea and Michael McGillicutty eating a bowl of Fruity Pebbles™.
– Former WWE wrestler Shane “The Hurricane” Helms is now a father. His son, Sebastian Gregory Helms, was born Friday. He wrote on Twitter, “Emotionally and physically spent. Good night everyone. Thx for all the love and positivity. It is returned!! Bless you all.”
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Sable is today’s featured star on WWE.com.
— Sin Cara competed in his first match of 2012 at Saturday’s WWE Supershow in Florence, South Carolina, defeating Hunico in the opening match. He had been sidelined since Survivor Series due to a patellar tendon rupture.
— The following matches are advertised for WWE’s post-SummerSlam tour of Australia taking place August 30 through September 1: John Cena vs. Lord Tensai and John Laurinaitis, WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan and United States Champion Santino Marella vs. David Otunga.
— Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Randy Savage. The legendary wrestler died after suffering a sudden, massive heart attack while driving with his wife in Seminole, Florida. He became unresponsive and lost control of his Jeep Wrangler, crashing into a tree.
— WWE Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes revealed on Twitter that he will partner with Daniel Bryan tonight on Raw SuperShow in a tag team match against WWE Champion CM Punk and United States Champion Santino Marella.
— Syfy will air SmackDown live on Tuesday, July 3; the event takes place at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Ticketmaster.com is holding a pre-sale this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. with the password SMACK.
— Monday’s broadcast of Inside Edition featured a piece on Jennifer Hudson and fiancée David Otunga visiting Six Flags in Illinois 24 hours after the songstress’ former brother-in-law was convicted Thursday of murdering her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.
— Former WCW and WWE talent Robert Fuller (a/k/a Col. Robert Parker, Tennessee Lee) turns 61 years old on Monday.
— WWE Superstar and host, Santino Marella shares with Michael McGillicutty and the WWE Universe just how dirty he will get to prove he’s a diligent worker.
— WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose faced Zack Ryder at Friday’s Raw live event in Glens Falls, New York. Ambrose was disqualified after he removed the turnbuckle pad and whipped Ryder into it.
— Former WWE Superstar Billy Kidman turned 38 years old on Friday. He is currently a producer on WWE’s Raw brand.
— WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth are advertised to appear at Aaron’s Rental & Sales in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
— WWE’s European DVD distributor Silvervision announced via Facebook that anyone who ordered the following pre-order titles will be refunded in full due to production errors: The Best of WCW Clash of the Champions DVD, The Best of WCW Clash of the Champions Blu-ray, The Biggest Matches in ECW History DVD, The Biggest Matches in ECW History Blu-ray, WrestleMania XXVIII DVD, WrestleMania XXVIII Blu-ray.
— Sheamus appears at Saturday’s Market in Middletown, Pennsylvania today from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Santino Marella is also appearing at Bryant and Stratton College in Syracuse, New York beginning at 2:00 p.m.
— WWE Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston missed this past weekend’s WWE live events due to filming an appearance for Syfy program Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files. United States Champion Santino Marella fill in as R-Truth’s partner in tag team matches.
— Paul Heyaman’s Heyman Hustle site has an exclusive photo gallery up of Brooke Adams and Lisa Marie Varon, which you can check out here.
— From Miss Elizabeth to Sensational Sherri, WWE.com pays tribute to the trailblazing ladies of the 1980s who proved that WWE wasn’t always a man’s world. (Full Story)
— WWE will hold a Supershow on July 8, 2012 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Bell time is 3:00 p.m.
— Hornswoggle accompanied Brodus Clay and his dancers at Sunday’s Raw live event at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
— Hornswoggle is promoting WWE’s anti-bullying campaign today in Greensboro, North Carolina. He tweeted, “Headed to a Greensboro Be A Star Rally. I always look forward to these as they hit close to home with me when I was younger being bullied.”
— A Kevin Nash autograph signing in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Saturday drew over 200 people.
— WWEShop.com has released numerous WrestleMania XXVIII DVD and Blu-ray packages which include programs, T-Shirts and lanyards.
WWE holds their fourth annual Extreme Rules pay-per-view event tonight at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The following seven matches have been announced for the show:
* John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules Match)
* World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)
* WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Chicago Street Fight)
* Randy Orton vs. Kane (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
* Intercontinental Champion Big Show vs. Cody Rhodes
* United States Champion Santino Marella vs. The Miz