– WWE tag team champion Seth Rollins of The Shield turns 26 years old today. He was born on this date back in 1986.
– It appears that Sin Cara’s Intercontinental championship match against Wade Barrett will not be happening, as advertised. After returning to action from his latest hiatus, Sin Cara was scheduled to wrestle Wade Barrett for the gold on last week’s episode of WWE Main Event. The match never happened – and after Monday’s RAW, it looks like Sin Cara is already out of the title picture in favor of The Miz and Fandango.
– WWE NXT Diva Summer Rae once again appeared as Fandango’s dancing partner on RAW. She was acknowledged by name for the first time since debuting, so it looks like she’s joining the main roster.
– Friday’s WWE SmackDown will feature The Shield member Dean Ambrose vs. Kane, Ambrose’s second singles match in WWE after facing the Undertaker last week. Ambrose has long been pegged as the Shield member with the most breakout potential, so it’s interesting to see what he can do on his own.
– Speaking of Rollins, he tweeted this late Monday night after RAW:
Tearing down that wall. Brick by brick by brick. We don't need no thought control. #BelieveInTheShield#raw
After tonight’s WWE RAW in Lafayette ended, Cody Rhodes came to the ring to look at the new WWE Title belt.
The Rock picked on Cody’s mustache and asked several fans at ringside if he should get a look at a Rock Bottom. Cody gets back on the mic and says he made a mistake.
Cody ended up taking a Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow. The Rock grabbed the new WWE Championship belt and celebrated with it to end the show.
Nash defeated Bob Backlund to capture the WWE Championship in a record 8 seconds at Madison Square Garden back in 1994. Here’s video of the title change:
– Former WWE superstar and UFC Hall of Famer Dan “The Beast” Severn announced over the weekend that he has officially retired as an active pro wrestler. Severn, a former NWA World Champion, will continue to make appearances at wrestling shows and conventions, but his days in the ring are over. He feuded with Owen Hart and Ken Shamrock during WWE’s Attitude Era.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper announced that Diamond Dallas Page will be appearing on his ROD-POD podcast tonight at 8pm (PST).
– Daniel Bryan noted on Twitter that his New Year’s Resolutions include: “1) grow my beard all year 2) become The Dazzler 3) continue dominating The Ryback.”
– The Shield’s Seth Rollins finally got a chance to watch their debut match at last month’s WWE TLC pay-per-view from Brooklyn, NY:
Former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho and The Shield member Seth Rollins engaged in some good old fashioned Twitter on Saturday. Here’s a summary of their exchange
Seth Rollins:#justicelives in our hearts. And we will not be held down another second. Believe in righteousness. Believe in hope. #believeintheshield
Chris Jericho @WWERollins What the hell are you talking about junior? #flashinthepan
Seth Rollins: @IAmJericho Not just talking, but actualizing. Changing the game that left you in the dust, senior. #believeintheshield #justicelives
Chris Jericho @WWERollins Learn how to cut a decent promo first, then come back and see me Henry.
Seth Rollins: @IAmJericho Ohhhh I’m the wannabe rock star now? I thought you had that role on lock Moongoose McCatchphrase.
Chris Jericho @WWERollins Wannabe rock star…debatable. Actual 6 time WORLD Champion…undeniable. Wannabe NWO…@TheShieldWWE
– Injured WWE Champion CM Punk has not been on the road with WWE this week for the holiday live events tour. Punk noted on Twitter that he was at a concert last night at not at WWE’s live event from Madison Square Garden.
– The dark main event after Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from North Charleston saw Sheamus defeat Big Show by disqualification.
– There were reports on several other sites that independent wrestler Don “D.C.” Drake had passed away. These reports are incorrect and Drake is alive.
– NXT Champion and The Shield member Seth Rollins tweeted this on Wednesday:
Headed back to Tampa with the wrongs firmly on the right track. #WWETLC is just the beginning. We're takin' over this town. #CFH
– Chris Jericho’s metal band Fozzy will be performing tonight in Manchester, UK tonight. For more information, visit FozzyRock.com.
– Speaking of Jericho, he was recently interviewed by Wrestling Voice Radio:
During Fozzy’s European Tour in late 2012, frontman Chris Jericho sat down with Wrestling Voice Radio’s Duane Doogan to discuss a host of subjects from the band’s latest album, to touring, to his current WWE status and more.
Dr. Tom Prichard joined the VOC Wrestling Nation recently to give his thoughts on the debut of Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns, working with the trio down at FCW, his new wrestling project, and the overall state of the wrestling business. The VOC Wrestling Nation is the flagship program of the VOC Nation Radio Network, and can be heard every Wednesday at 5PM ET worldwide at VOCNation.com. Here are some highlights from the chat with Dr. Tom:
On Rollins, Ambrose and Reigns’ WWE debut: “I don’t know if you can find anything in wrestling that hasn’t been done before, but I look at it the other way. At least these guys finally had the opportunity not to just show up, but to make an impact on a (top) guy like Ryback, who is making an impact right now.”
On the WWE product: “WWE is in a transitional period. The powers that be (HHH) know that they need new blood. The lifeblood of the business is getting new talent and putting them in the mix.”
On Roman Reigns: “Out of the three, Roman Reigns is the greenest, yet he still has talent and untapped potential and charisma to be a major star. Reigns is Sika’s son, so he has the bloodline. He played football in the past, and has overcome a number of personal challenges in his life that none of us can ever imagine.”
On which of Rollins, Ambrose, or Reigns has the most star potential: “The dark horse is Roman Reigns. As far as charisma and working ability, Ambrose is at the top of the list. Rollins has the passion and the attitude that can put you over the top. You have three guys that have their own individual “it factors”. All three guys are smart. Ambrose is crazy like a fox. Rollins is wild like a maverick, but finally understands that there are rules that you need to play by; he has his beliefs, and he won’t sacrifice what he believes in, but he’s finally figured out (how to work the system).”
On his departure from WWE developmental: “When anyone new comes in, they want their team. When Bill DeMott came back, I knew that the writing was on the wall. Canyon Cemen, who took over Ty Bailey’s place, is very new to the business and really knows nothing. I was very honest with him when I probably shouldn’t have been. I told him that he came across like an a—hole in his initial meeting with the talent, and the writing was on the wall from there. I understand how it works. HHH wants his own people. If they can’t produce stars, but proof will be in the ratings.”
On how to be successful in wrestling: “It’s more how you handle yourself backstage than anything. If you show up at the arena at 12:30, you have 9 hours before showtime where the (powers that be) can see you and judge you. Someone much wiser than I told me on a plane ride not too long ago, that you have to understand who you can be honest with and who you can’t.”
On his new wrestling school: “We have a new wrestling project coming to Knoxville called Next Level Wrestling. It’s going to start in January. January 3rd is the open house for Next Level Training (the wrestling school).” VOCNation.com will have all of the information regarding the project as it develops.
At Tuesday night’s WWE Main Event tapings from Grand Rapid, Michigan, the group of rouge group of Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns struck once again.
During the opening contest between Tyson Kidd and Santino Marella, the “NXT 3” hit the ring and got to work. They threw Santino Marella out of the ring and delivered a 3-man powerbomb on Tyson Kidd before exiting through the crowd.
WWE.com is now covering the the story – and we’ve got video footage of their latest attack.
As we reported on Tuesday night, Michael Cole will interview all three men next week on WWE RAW.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about last night’s Survivor Series PPV:
CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Ryback “Biggest match of the night as far as the promotion was concerned was the WWE Title Bout featuring @CMPunk, @JohnCena, and @Ryback22. It seemed that this match accomplished several things including getting Punk to becoming a 365 day WWE Champion and on an apparent, collision course to meet the @TheRock at the Royal Rumble, or so it seems. That could always change between now and then considering that WWE could shock us with a TLC PPV ending that would surprise.”
Big Show vs. Sheamus “@WWESheamus vs. @WWETheBigShow was the closest thing to an old school match on the PPV. I love their pacing as I’m not into today’s, microwave, move a second mind set on which some fans embrace. Sheamus’ chair shot attack on Show was memorable and straight from Idaho. I’m a fan of this rivalry.”
The Debuts Of Rollins, Abrose & Reigns: “The inclusion of the NXT talents into the equation intrigues me and I’m anxious to see how these three, talented young men evolve on WWE programming over the next several weeks. @WWERollins, @TheDeanAmbrose, and @RomanReigns all have something viable to contribute but, as usual, it will depend on how they continue to invest in their game and maximize their ‘playing time.’ Bottom line, WWE has brought three, potentially viable talents into the mix in an impactful manner which I find refreshing.”
“I’ve seen all three of these young, NXT talents enough to know that their in ring skills are, by and large, solid and that they all possess the necessary personalities to contribute to WWE for years to come. This trio’s introduction was one of the brightest aspects of the Survivor Series for me.”
WWE.com has an article up looking at the trio of NXT stars that attacked Ryback at Survivor Series: NXT Champion Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. Here’s what they wrote about each man:
Seth Rollins: “Seth Rollins is the first ever WWE NXT Champion, having won a tournament to crown the inaugural titleholder. This native of Davenport, Iowa, came into NXT with a sterling reputation from his work on the independent circuit and immediately made an impact in WWE’s developmental system. Perhaps the word best used to describe Rollins would be “chaotic.” His in-ring style is calculated, yet frantic. Employing a combination of high-risk maneuvers and devastating strikes, Rollins’ offense is spectacular and elicits show-closing ovations.”
Roman Reigns: “Like his fellow WWE NXT standouts, Roman Reigns is a fierce competitor and an exceptional athlete. Inside the ring, Reigns is a heavy hitter, and he is just as aggressive outside the ring. The powerhouse always acts with a sense of purpose, depicting power and commanding respect. Put simply, Roman Reigns views himself as the most valuable commodity in NXT.”
Dean Ambrose: “Dean Ambrose is every bit as effective as Rollins, but there’s something slightly off about this dangerous competitor. From the moment he marched onto the scene, WWE NXT fans were unable to take their eyes off Ambrose. Fearless, wild and always unpredictable, the iconoclast more than lived up to his reputation as a world-class competitor and infamous troublemaker.”
“In October last year, Ambrose created quite a stir when WWE champion CM Punk appeared at NXT for an autograph signing. Ambrose decided to verbally assault Punk on the microphone, resulting in a raucous and unforgettable scene when The Straight Edge Savior challenged Ambrose that evening. The 30-minute showdown between the two physical competitors blew away the lucky fans who witnessed it.”
WWE NXT Champion Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose were the men who attacked Ryback and allowed CM Punk to retain the WWE Championship at Survivor Series.
All 3 men were identified by Michael Cole and are expected to appear on tonight’s RAW.
In case you missed it – here’s a video clip of the appearance:
– Former WWE diva Kharma returned to the ring last night at the SHINE 5 iPPV event. Wrestling as Amazing Kong, she teamed with former WWE diva Jazz and defeated teh team of Mercedes Mertinez and Rain.
– It’s been reported over the past week that WWE is looking to call up several divas from developmental to add some depth to the women’s division. According to a reliable source, there are also plans for NXT Champion Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose to make their long awaited debuts on the main roster very soon.
– Following the “evidence” that Vickie Guerrero has produced in recent weeks regarding AJ Lee and John Cena’s alleged affair, AJ says she has some evidence of her own against Vickie and will present it at Survivor Series:
– Lilian Garcia, who continues to recuperate after being struck by a car Oct. 27 in Los Angeles, California, resulting in multiple contusions and lacerations on the left side of her body, stated on Twitter Friday that she will live tweet during Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view event.
“Miss u all so much that I plan 2 tweet Live on Sunday night as I watch @WWE #SurvivorSeries!” she wrote. “So join me & tweet along!! #ItsADate ;)”
– Seth Rollins may have tweaked his knee at Thursday’s WWE NXT tapings at Full Sail University. He wrote, “Sick night at @fullsail. Defending my title feels pretty damn good. My knee? It’ll be fine. @NXTWrestling has some of the best fans.”
– This week’s edition of “Z! True Long Island Story” is a best of show. Here is the synopsis: “You begged for more of the best webisodes of “Z! True Long Island Story,” so here they are! Check out this edition on YouTube for all of the clips Zack personally picked for his Broskis.
– WWE held its first live event on Thursday night from Cairo, Egypt, with World Heavyweight champion Sheamus and Zack Ryder defeating Big Show and Alberto Del Rio in the main event.
Also on the card, NXT Champion Seth Rollins successfully defended his title against Jinder Mahal. Later in the show, Rollins did a run-in where he saved R-Truth saved Kofi Kingston from a beatdown by The Miz and Cody Rhodes.
WWE.com has published a photo gallery from the Cairo show.
– WWE developmental Diva Anya did some commentary work at Thursday night’s NXT live event in Tampa.
– The Undertaker has still not given WWE notice as to whether he’ll be wrestling at WrestleMania 29. Even if he decides against a match at WrestleMania, WWE is still hopeful they can get him to wrestle at the Royal Rumble.
WWE NXT star Kassius Ohno (formerly Chris Hero) tweeted the following messages on Tuesday night about Friday’s night’s NXT match between NXT Champion Seth Rollins and WWE superstar Cody Rhodes:
So there's this whole #RollinsVsRhodes thing. Friday in Ft. Pierce, Cody's coming to NXT to wrestle Seth, which is cool, don't get me wrong
– Several WWE superstars have been using the hashtag #RollinsvsRhodes to give their predictions for the upcoming match between NXT Champion Seth Rollins and WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes. The match takes place at the upcoming NXT live event on September 14th from Ft. Pierce, Florida. Here are some highlights of what the following superstars have said:
Daniel Bryan: “I love good wrestling… which means I can’t wait to see my old rival @WWERollins square off against @CodyRhodesWWE on NXT #RollinsVSRhodes”
Ted DiBiase: “Heard about #RollinsVSRhodes coming up. Should be a great match up, however, my bets are on Rhodes.”
NXT Star Big E. Langston: “#RollinsVsRhodes 9/14. Should be held in the yard at Ft. Leavenworth w/ each combatant in prison garb a la “Life,” but Ft. Pierce will do.”
Tyson Kidd: “Looks like poor @CodyRhodesWWE can’t handle others like @WWERollins making a buzz. Maybe Blackout time?? #rhodesvsrollins”
– To commemorate 10 years since WWE re-introduced the World Heavyweight championship, the WWE website has ranked the Top 15 WWE World Heavyweight Champions of All Time.
15. Goldberg
14. Daniel Bryan
13. Randy Orton
12. Kane
11. CM Punk
10. Chris Jericho
9. John Cena
8. Mark Henry
7. Rey Mysterio
6. Sheamus
5. Booker T
4. The Undertaker
3. Edge
2. Batista
1. Triple H
– Late night television host Jimmy Fallon’s production company, Holiday Road, recently pitched a pro wrestling-themed sitcom to NBC. The show, tentatively called Slammed, is written by one of Fallon’s writers and takes place behind-the-scenes at a pro wrestling promotion.
– NXT Champion Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes have been feuding via social media this week. After Rollins took offense to The Miz calling Cody the “Future of WWE” on RAW, the second generation superstar issued a challenge to Rollins at the upcoming NXT show from Fort Pierce, Florida on Friday, September 14th.
Seth Rollins has accepted the challenge in this Tout video:
– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has been announced for Monday’s RAW from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada for “Pat Patterson Appreciation Night.” The Bell Centre is the site of the infamous Montreal Screwjob that drove Bret Hart away from WWE for over a decade.
– Damien Sandow will be appearing at this Friday’s WWE NXT show from Orlando, FL at the Armory.
– Cody Rhodes is firing back at NXT Champion Seth Rollins for taking issue with The Miz declaring Rhodes the “Future of WWE” on Monday’s RAW. Cody has now issued the following video response and says he is open to wrestling Rollins at the September 14th NXT live event, which both wrestlers will be attending:
– Chris Jericho is now blogging updates from his current tour with Fozzy at MetalHammer.co.uk. His latest entry, titled, “Hammer Is Jericho Blog 2: Sin And Bones Uncovered (AKA Wait. Wait. I Never Had A Chance To Love You),” is now online.
– WWE NXT Champion Seth Rollins is taking issue with The Miz referring to Cody Rhodes as the “Future of WWE” on Monday’s RAW. Rollins tweeted on Monday night, teasing a confrontation with Rhode at NXT’s upcoming live event from Ft. Pierce, Florida:
WWE NXT returns to Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida tonight for another round of tapings.
SEScoops.com will be attending the tapings and will have complete results and pictures online later tonight!
WWE Champion CM Punk and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will be in attendance for the show. JR mentioned on Twitter that he would love to do commentary with Punk for some of tonight’s matches.
CM Punk tweeted the following about tonight’s tapings, teasing some sort of interaction with NXT Champion Seth Rollins:
“Who’s going to @wwenxt tonight @FullSail ?? I’ll be there. So will @wwerollins hmmmmm”
Rollins, formerly Tyler Black in Ring of Honor, tweeted the following on Wednesday night:
“Tomorrow night @WWENXT descends upon @fullsail once again. @CMPunk will be in the house. So will I. Imagine that…”
Rollins was asked this week what it feels like to be the first-ever champion of NXT. He replied:
“Easily the greatest moment of my career. “Surreal” doesn’t do it justice.”