— During a phone interview with WWE.com Thursday, Shawn Michaels lost his composure when faced with pointed questions pertaining to Triple H and The Undertaker’s Hell in a Cell Match at WrestleMania XXVIII.
After being asked “If Triple H wins at WrestleMania, will he be better than you?” Michaels grew increasingly incensed in his response, saying he is the best in-ring performer ever and that he cannot help that the spotlight falls on him whenever he shows up. Before hanging up, he tells the WWE.com interviewer to leave him alone in his retired life.
— Thanks to interference from Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks drew a victory over Mason Ryan on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars. It is his first televised singles victory since the March 17, 2011 WWE Superstars, where he beat JTG.
Other matches featured include Alex Riley vs. Michael McGillicutty and Jinder Mahal vs. Justin Gabriel. The episode is available here.
— WWE developmental wrestler Corey Graves (a/k/a Sterling James Keenan) turns 28 years old Friday.
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at BrokenSkullRanch.com. In this entry, Austin talks about filming scenes for his latest movie this week, future acting projects and more. Austin also talks about hunting and wanting to get out there with fellow WWE legend and avid hunter, Shawn Michaels:
“Shawn Michaels and I have been trying to get together for a hunt for the last year and this could be the opportunity to get it done. Shawn has really taken to the outdoor world like a duck on a Junebug. Shawn’s show, MacMillan River Adventures has been a hit and when I spoke with Shawn in Las Vegas at the SHOT SHOW he was up for several awards. Shawn’s success is not a surprise to me. He’s extremely dedicated and motivated to be the best he can be at any endeavor he takes on in life.”
Austin’s praise for Shawn Michaels didn’t stop there. Austin, who is considered one of the greatest of all time and has certainly wrestled other top superstars who could make a good case for that high honor, continued with this:
“He is the greatest in ring performer I have ever seen. The fact that his talent and commitment transferred over from the squared circle to the world of hunting does not surprise me. Shawn has segued from being the “Show Stopper” to the “Game Stopper”. I’m proud of him and his success.
– 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.
— During tonight’s Raw SuperShow broadcast in the Philadelphia area, WWE advertised The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels for the March 19 Raw emanating from the Wells Fargo Center. The advertised main event is WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler.
The Undertaker is also advertised to appear on the following Raw shows: February 20; March 5; March 12. Michaels is scheduled for the March 5 and March 12 shows.
Nikki and Brie write, “On Valentine’s Day we will pick the best poem and the winner will receive our silver sparkly bikini’s that we are wearing on the front of our website. Please submit to nicoleandbrianna@gmail.com.”
— Shawn Michaels returns to Raw tonight as a guest of Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis, and according to “Mr. Excitement” via WWE.com, the WWE Hall of Famer is coming with a message for Triple H.
WWE.com states in an article: “Although the WWE Universe remains in the dark as far as what Michaels will tell The Game, the timing of his arrival is conspicuous, coming as Triple H wards off The Undertaker’s challenge for a WrestleMania rematch. Given the volumes of history shared by these three Superstars, it would make sense for The Showstopper’s words of advice to pertain to his friend’s involvement with The Phenom, and his legendary WrestleMania Streak.”
— GulfNews.com has published an article on WWE’s debut at the United Arab Emirates last week. The company plans to tour the country once per year going forward.
— The February 21 WWE SuperSmackDown Live special will air live in Canada on The Score at 8:00 p.m.
– Monday’s RAW will feature a rare appearance from WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. In a sign that WWE really is going all-out to jumpstart the road to WrestleMania, HBK is now being advertised for the already-loaded March 12th RAW from Cleveland, Ohio.
The official website of Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena is advertising John Cena, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Triple H for 3/12.
– WWE has released an updated schedule for the relaunched YouTube channel:
Tuesdays – RAW “Backstage Fallout” & Dolph Ziggler’s “WWE Download”
Wednesdays – “WWE Inbox”
Thursdays – “Outside the Ring”
Fridays – Zack Ryder’s YouTube show & Smackdown “Backstage Fallout”
Saturdays – “Santino’s Foreign Exchange”
Sundays – “Are You Serious?” with Josh Mathews & Road Dogg
The “Superstar Toyz” show does not yet have a regular air date.
— Following strong sales for the The Very Best of WCW Monday Nitro DVD last year, WWE has plans to release another video set highlighting the best of World Championship Wrestling later this year.
Amazon.com is currently taking pre-orders for a WCW Clash of the Champions DVD from WWE on May 22, 2012. Run time is listed at 540 minutes.
Clash of the Champions were a series of professional wrestling television specials aired by WCW from 1988 to 1997. The specials were supercards intended to feature pay-per-view caliber matches, similar to the World Wrestling Federation’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
— Friday marks the nine year anniversary of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. Shawn Michaels went on Twitter to remember the legendary wrestler he worked at length with.
“I’d like to honor the memory of Curt Hennig, unbelievably gifted, great teacher and one of the funniest, most joyful guys to be around. Mr.P!!” Michaels wrote.
At the suggestion of Hennig, Michaels adopted “The Heartbreak Kid” nickname upon turning heel in 1992.
— Updated advertising for the March 12 Raw SuperShow at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio confirms a bout pitting The Undertaker and Triple H at WrestleMania. The description on the official website of the Quicken Loans Arena says, “What will HBK have to say about the confrontation between his long-time friend (Triple H) and WrestleMania foe (The Undertaker)?”
— Former WWE performer Dave Bautista (a/k/a Batista) will be playing the role of Diaz in the upcoming Chronicles of Riddick 2 movie starring Vin Diesel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He will appear in “9/10ths of the film” once filming and editing is complete.
— Christian wrote the following on Twitter about an individual claiming to be Edge for a scheduled appearance in New York later this year:
“If ur planning on going 2 meet Edge @ autograph session @ Omega Sports, Queensbury, NY Apr 21 he WON’T be there..Unfortunately owner of store was fooled by someone claiming to represent Edge.. Hopefully something like this doesn’t happen again.”
— The official website of the Quicken Loans Arena is now advertising The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels for the Raw SuperShow taking place at the venue on March 12, 2012.
The Rock and Triple H were previously announced for the event. A double main event is also scheduled: John Cena vs. Kane and CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship.
— WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham has been released from the hospital after being admitted on Sunday for pneumonia and leg infection. He is on heavy antibiotics right now. Graham believes he caught a virus at a wrestling convention last week in Los Angeles, California.
— Wednesday would have marked as the 54th birthday of WWE Hall of Famer “Sensational” Sherri Martel. She died on the morning of June 15, 2007 at her mother’s residence in McCalla, Alabama. The toxicology report stated that Martel died of an accidental overdose with multiple drugs in her system, including a lethal concentration of oxycodone.
– The dark match that took place after Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Tulsa, Oklahoma saw Randy Orton defeat Wade Barrett in a Street Fight. During the match, Daniel Bryan came down to double team Orton. Big Show made the save which allowed Orton to get the win on Barrett. Orton ended the event by hitting the RKO on Big Show.
– Dolph Ziggler’s new “It’s Not Showing Off” t-shirt is now on sale at the WWEShop website.
– Shawn Michaels was asked on Twitter if he knows of any WWE superstars that WWE could give a career boost toby having them end The Undertaker’s streak. Michaels, who tried twice to end the streak, responded, “I do not.”
– SEScoops.com reader Andy Ravens sent along the following video clip from the opening of Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings.
— Eve Torres was rushed to the backstage area immediately after she tagged out of the ring during the Eight Divas Tag Team Match on tonight’s Raw SuperShow. Torres was hit hard by a Beth Phoenix clothesline. She was severely bleeding from her nose and it is said that she suffered a broken nose.
— The official website of Florida Championship Wrestling has added Summer Rae to their Divas roster page. Summer Raw is Danielle Moinet, a 28-year-old model and former American football player who played with the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League. Since debuting in the developmental promotion late last year, she has been trying to assume Maxine’s position as General Manager of FCW.
— Shawn Michaels stated the following on Twitter Monday: “FYI, I’ll be signing at the Big Game Forever booth (booth 140) Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City, on Saturday Feb. 11, at 10:00am.”
– NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is still expected to wrestle the Big Show at WrestleMania 28. WWE is planning to hold a press conference in Miami to announce Shaq’s involvement at WrestleMania and Shaq is scheduled to appear on WWE television shortly after Elimination Chamber.
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels is scheduled to make an appearance at the February 13th RAW Super show from San Diego, CA. HBK has been rumored to be the special guest referee for the Triple H vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania.
– Booker T was back in action this weekend at the SmackDown live event from Spokane, Washington. He lost to Cody Rhodes, but Hornswoggle helped him get revenge after the match. Booker T and Hornswoggle did spin-a-roonie’s to celebrate.
– The Great Khali also returned to live event action at the SmackDown show from Spokane, defeating Jinder Mahal.
— WWELiveTour.com is advertising Shawn Michaels for the February 13, 2012 Raw SuperShow at Valley View Casino in San Diego, California.
It will mark as his first appearance on the program since the June 27, 2011 show.
— Many of WWE Hall of Famer Edge’s greatest matches are currently available for $1.99 via Comcast On Demand. The offering includes: Edge vs. John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam (July 3, 2006 Raw), Edge and Hulk Hogan vs. Billy and Chuck(July 4, 2002 SmackDown), Edge vs. Kurt Angle (Judgment Day 2002) Edge vs. Batista (Vengeance 2007), Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio (Wrestlemania XXVII), Edge vs Eddie Guerrero (Unforgiven 2002), Edge vs. Rob Van Dam (February 19, 2007 Raw), Edge vs Rey Mysterio (Royal Rumble 2008), Edge vs. Lance Storm (SummerSlam 2001), Edge vs. Test (Survivor Series 2001).
— The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, have been announced for the annual NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest weekend. The event takes place August 2-5, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Chyna rambled at length on Twitter on Wednesday, incoherently posting over 200 messages throughout the day. She discussed her issues with Vince McMahon and Triple H, early wrestler deaths, her belief that her influence in the wrestling industry is overlooked, as well as accusations of drug and alcohol use. A Twitter user wrote to former D-Generation X mate Shawn Michaels of her diatribe: “need to pray for Chyna, the girl is losing her mind HBK.” He responded, “Already have. More never hurts.”
Chyna responded, “Ha ha ha Pray? No my mind is just fine thank you. Real good! Better than ever now. And yes livid!”
— WWE.com has yet to post this week’s episode of WWE NXT Redemption. Advertised for the show is Alicia Fox squaring off with her former NXT Rookie, Maxine.
— “Mr. Puroresu” Genichiro Tenryu turns 62 years old Thursday.
— Kofi Kingston partnered with Mason Ryan against WWE Tag Team Champions Epico and Primo at Friday’s Raw live event in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ryan took the pinfall following the Backstabber.
WWE announced Tuesday that Kingston’s “Air Boom” partner Evan Bourne would be suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program.
— Maryse Ouellet is selling clothes she worn during her time in WWE on eBay. To visit her page, click here.
— Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures won an award won an award for Best Conservation at Thursday night’s Golden Moose Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards show will air on the Outdoor Channel in February.
— WWE will hold a SmackDown taping on April 10, 2012 at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia.
— The official website of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia is advertising The Rock for the March 26, 2012 Raw SuperShow.
This will be the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.
— It was rumored at last night’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California that Shawn Michaels and Triple H would together induct The Four Horsemen—Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard—into the WWE Hall of Fame. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent lobbied for the Horsemen to be inducted into the Hall.
Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio is internally expected to induct his uncle, Mil Mascaras.
— Ken Shamrock and Sid Vicious have been announced for Wrestlereunion, which takes place January 27-29, 2012 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty Used To Visit The Same Barber
— Marty Jannetty, who noted on his personal Facebook account late last week that he had been drinking Jack Daniel’s for 48 consecutive hours, posted a status update rambling on longtime friend and former tag team partner, Shawn Michaels. The former WWE Superstar wrote:
“o hell yes, Imma ax this now.. Shawn, my good friend, what up bee otch??… I gotta book coming out..well not yet..there”s a few moral issues.., you may wanta contact me first, cause Im telling bout my life, you being a part of it, well hell..call me…but in truth, I’d rather you not, the book will be soooo much better if I dont fall for your shit.. but If you say “DONT SAY THAT” …I’ll remember what yo religious fake ass said about me in your bullshit book..Anyone wanting to see real, will..I aint protecting yo ass…”
Jannetty still remains active with the professional wrestling industry as it was announced in October that he had signed with CHIKARA as a trainer and wrestler.
— John Morrison is scheduled to appear for British Championship Wrestling via I.P.A. Network on December 7-9, 2012. Additional details have not been disclosed.
– The official theme song for WrestleMania 28 will be “Invincible” by Machine Gun Kelly.
– Former American Idol competitor James Durbin attended Sunday’s WWE live event from Oakland.
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels noted on his Twitter page that he will be in Las Vegas this week for the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Tradeshow) convention this week. When asked whether he’ll attend Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Vegas, Michaels said:
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels answered fan questions on Twitter over the weekend about Ric flair appearing at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Flair, who will be inducted for a second time as part of the legendary Four Horsemen stable, is currently under contract with TNA, which led some to question whether Flair would appear in person.
Regarding wether TNA would allow Flair to appear, Michaels wrote:
“Allow? He attended last year.”
Another fan asked Shawn about his epic matches against the Undertaker at WrestleMania – and when he decided he wanted to challenge the Dead Man. Michaels responded:
“Never, folks did that for me. I just agree.”
– Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield was asked over the weekend whether we’ll see him back in WWE at any point:
“For those asking about a comeback-who wants to see a comeback of a guy who can talk circles around the kids and is in best shape of his life”
– WWE announced on last week’s Superstars that wrestlers who compete in singles matches at the Royal Rumble will still be eligible for the 30-man battle royal.
– WWE has signed independent wrestler Jody Kristofferson to a developmental deal, according to f4wonline.com. Jody is the son of actor and musician Kris Kristofferson.
Kristofferson impressed Triple H months ago at a tryout, even more when he found out who his father was. Jody finished up with California’s APW promotion over the weekend and will likely start with FCW next month.
— Edge stated during an interview with Aftermath on The Score Monday night that if the choice is his, Christian will induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE announced during the first hour of Monday’s Raw SuperShow that Edge would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania XXVIII.
Meanwhile, Christian and Shawn Michaels went on Twitter to congratulate Edge for his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“A gigantic, enormous congratulations to Edge on his Hall of Fame induction. Unbelievably well deserved & I could not be happier for him!!!” wrote Michaels, a fellow WWE Hall of Famer.
Christian added, “Edge… Hall Of Fame… No one deserves it more #YouThinkYouKnowMe.”
— Following Monday’s Raw SuperShow broadcast, Dolph Ziggler cut a promo in which he claimed to have beaten John Cena. Kane then appeared, prompting Ziggler to run off. CM Punk then appeared, but was attacked by Ziggler, Kane and Jack Swagger. Big Show came out to rescue Punk, and was followed by John Cena. Big Show, Punk and Cena all took turns hitting their respective finishers on Swagger.
— This week’s WWE Classics of Demands updates are as follows: Legends of Wrestling: Renegades and Outlaws, ECW (January 6, 1998), WWF Prime Time Wrestling (July 3, 1989), World Class Championship Wrestling (February 11, 1984).
— In today’s birthdays, Buff Bagwell turns 42 years old, Brian Christopher turns 40 and Colonel DeBeers turns 67.
— John Morrison answered numerous fan questions for the fansite Starship-Pained.com including a query regarding life after WWE.
“I feel like I got off an express train walked to my car, and sped away. I’m still busy as all hell, but now, I’m the one driving,” he said.
He was also asked, “What do you think will help you get to the next level when you return to WWE?”
Morrison said, “JoMo needs to cut promos.”
— Popthecrowd.com has compiled a list of the top 25 most followed professional wrestling personalities on Twitter. The Rock heads the list with over 1.8 million followers. He is trailed by John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, The Miz, Shawn Michaels, Zack Ryder and Kelly Kelly.
— Greg “The Hammer” Valentine is scheduled to appear at WrestleReunion in Los Angeles, California later this month and he will be dying his hair jet black for the occasion. The WWE Hall of Famer will appear alongside The Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Hart for a special “Rhythm and Blues” photo op.
– In a new rap song featuring 50 Cent, Young Jeezy and T.I., 50 cent is the latest hip hop star to reference pro wrestling in his rhymes. 50 gives WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels a shoutout with the line, “I be on that elite sh*t, that HBK Heartbreak Kid freak sh*t.”
You can listen to the song at DefSounds.com, the HBK line comes when there’s 2:35 left in the song, about 40 seconds in.
– The Miz and Eve Torres will be appearing at tonight’s Anaheim Ducks NHL game at the Honda Center. They will be promoting the 1/16 RAW from the same venue and will be signing autographs during the second intermission.
– Beth Phoenix has responded to E! television host Chelsea Handler’s negative comments about women’s wrestling on her Tuesday night “Chelsea Lately” show. Beth tweeted:
“@chelseahandler made some off color comments about Women’s Wrestling last night…Being WWE’s Diva’s Champ I can tell you with confidence that if @chelseahandler has any question about what a “women’s wrestler” can do or how well we entertain, Id be happy to show her…”
“@chelseahandler please allow me to invite you to see a WWE event, live first hand 2/24 at the Staples Center. Of course, the invitation to @chelseahandler extends to the ring…any time …any place…if you would like to see what the Champ is made of.”
WWE legend Shawn Michaels has posted a new 13-minute video answering fan questions. Regarding his WWE contract status, Michaels said:
“I have a contract with WWE. It’s not a Legends contract, it’s not a wrestling contract. It’s just something special they gave me. That’s one of the ways I make a living,” Michaels said. “I will never end up going anywhere else. I won’t be wrestling somewhere else and I won’t be showing up on someone else’s TV show.”
Michaels added he’s open to a behind-the-scenes role with WWE in the future:
“I’m always hoping to come back and maybe do a semi-regular role behind-the-scenes. But, that’s all stuff that’s hard for me to say when that’s going to happen.”
– William Regal tweeted the following on Monday night regarding his reported retirement:
“I’m slowly plotting my WWE appearance.Im taking my time but it will all be worth it in the end.When i only have so much time left to compete then you chose you spots wisely and make people take notice”
– Shawn Michaels’ new eBook titled “Diary of a Heartbreak Kid: Shawn Michaels’ Journey into the WWE Hall of Fame” has officially been released through Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross tweeted the following on Monday night regarding Steve Austin wrestling one more match:
“@steveaustinBSR says maybe 1 more match..TBD. Best bet, as merely a guess, 2013 at Wrestlemania. Perhaps only my wishful thinking.”
– Shawn Michaels is scheduled to be the special referee for the Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania. Since Triple H and Shawn Michaels have both failed twice at ending the streak, it lends something to the idea that they could work together to screw Undertaker.
Triple H might put his career on the line against the streak. The Undertaker vs. TripleH match will be promoted as the #2 match on the card, behind Cena vs. Rock.
– John Cena recently mentioned that his match vs. The Rock at WrestleMania would be even bigger if it was for the WWE championship. At the time he made the comments, WWE was strongly considered putting the title on Cena heading into WrestleMania.
The WWE title being on the line would make the match seem bigger and elevate the status of the WWE title. Additionally, if the title wasn’t on the line in this match, it doesn’t look great that the WWE title match would be billed as the #3 match on the show. That said, WWE is firmly behind Punk as champion and the Rock vs. Cena is already guaranteed to be a huge draw without the belt on the line.
– As for current WWE champion CM Punk, the latest news on his WrestleMania opponent is that he’ll be wrestling Chris Jericho, who is expected to return in early 2012. While all indications have been that Jericho will be returning on January 2nd, there’s a strong chance WWE will try to throw off all the online reports and have somebody else be the person behind the cryptic promos we’ve been seeing on RAW in recent weeks.