— WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has filed trademarks on the terms “Mr. Hall of Fame” and “Mr. HOF”.
— The following matches were taped tonight in Raleigh, North Carolina for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* David Hart Smith vs. Zack Ryder
* Gail Kim and Natalya vs. Alicia Fox and Melina
— JTG beat Tyson Kidd in a dark match prior to tonight’s Raw taping in Raleigh, North Carolina.
sources: PWInsider.com, ProWrestling.net
– Teenage independent wrestlers Zak and Britani Knight are getting tryouts with WWE at the SmackDown tapings from London today. They are brother and sister and their parents have been involved in the UK wrestling scene for years. This will be the second evaluation for Britani, who had a tryout with WWE back in November of 2010.
– WWE announced today in a press release that they will reveal their 2011 first quarter financial results on May 5th. Vince McMahon will host a conference call that morning at 11am.
– After yesterday’s RAW tapings from London, John Cena and Randy Orton beat CM Punk and The Miz in the dark main event. A fan who was at the show said that Punk and The Miz goofed off for most of the match, with Punk hiding in the Cole Mine and doing a splash ala Earthquake.
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels is now available through Encore Sports for acting, commercials, print ads, endorsements, licensing deals, autograph signings, public speaking, corporate events or other appearances. For serious business inquiries, e-mail Luke Munson at lmunson@encoresports.com.
– WWE Hall of Famer Sunny has changed her Twitter name to @WWEHOFerSunny.
– WWE’s shop website has released a new Tough Enough Shielded t-shirt and new Bring It elbow pads for The Rock.
– WWE is holding an event on November 11th, 2011 at the O2 Arena in London, England. Tickets go on sale April 20th, 2011. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
It’s worth noting that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Shawn Michaels, who long harbored animosity towards each other, crossed paths during WrestleMania weekend. WWE.com published a photo of Johnson and Michaels sharing a laugh shortly after HBK had appeared on stage at WrestleMania XXVII to commemorate his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. According to F4WOnline.com, their past animosity was actually settled in 2008 when Johnson inducted his father, Rocky Johnson, and grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Johnson’s issues with Michaels dated back to when he was a teenager. He long harbored animosity towards Michaels because he felt he was disrespectful to his maternal grandmother (Lia Maivia) at a wrestling show she was coordinating for Polynesian Pacific Pro Wrestling. His disrespect towards her incensed Johnson, and nearly led to an altercation.
Their issues persisted several years later when Johnson was a rookie starting out in WWE. Bret Hart wrote in his 2007 autobiography, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, that Michaels and Triple H disliked Johnson “intensely.” Both resented him because he was talented and Hart, a political foe, had taken a shine to him. Many believe they were out to sabotage Johnson so that Hunter would ascend to the top before him, since they were both viewed as the future of the company at the time.
Michaels and Hunter conspired to obstruct Johnson’s push in March 1997, who was the Intercontinental Champion at the time. Michaels suggested to Vince McMahon that Johnson lose the title to Hart on an episode of Raw. Meanwhile, Hunter insisted to Hart that he beat Johnson. Their suggestion would serve two purposes — sabotage Johnson’s push and take Hart out of the world title scene. Hart, however, refused to beat Johnson. Hart felt it wouldn’t build heat for his newly launched heel turn, not to mention that it would undermine Johnson. Instead, Hart insisted on a DQ finish, which infuriated Michaels and Hunter.
By 1999, Johnson had ascended to the top of WWE, going beyond nearly wrestler, including Hunter. Meanwhile, a back injury had forced Michaels to retire and he was relegated to sporadic appearances. Nonetheless, Michaels attempted to politically undermine Johnson by lobbying to McMahon that he be replaced by Hunter in the main event at WrestleMania XV. His suggestion fell on deaf ears.
Johnson stated years later in a 2005 interview with WWE.com that he never had interest in working with Michaels — when asked if he would have liked to.
– Shawn Michaels revealed on Twitter that Triple H’s Hall of Fame gift to him this past weekend was an engraved sterling silver, pearl handled, Colt .45 revolver.
– During HBK’s Hall of Fame speech, he said there was one person he wanted to thank, but that he wasn’t able to say that peson’s name. Many speculated this person was Ric Flair (who was in attendence at the ceremony), but Michaels wrote on Twitter this week that the mystery man was actually Vince McMahon. He tweeted:
“There seems 2b confusion on the “who” I couldn’t mention during my speech. It was Vince. He doesn’t want focus on him. U wanna c the real Vince watch the HOF ring presentation on the WWE Diary w/me. The rest is gimmick, don’t believe what u read. It sounds like a schill but its fact. But of course that’s jus 1 guys opinion that actually knows him…for 20+ yrs. Whadda I know.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross appeared on Monday’s RAW, calling the first few matches of the show before Michael Cole covered him in his own JR’s BBQ barbecue sauce (that was weird to type!). Ross wrote on Twitter that he didn’t find out that he’d be calling the first part of RAW until 6pm on Monday, just three hours before RAW went live.
Sunny’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame has been nixed from tonight’s broadcast on the USA Network in favor of Drew Carey’s since a promotional deal is in place to push his new series on GSN. The comedian’s acceptance speech was significantly edited and all boos directed at him were edited out.
A highlight reel showcasing Sunny, Abdullah the Butcher and Bob Armstrong will air.
The special will open up with Dusty Rhodes inducting The Road Warriors and Paul Ellering into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The broadcast will close with the Hall of Fame induction of Shawn Michaels. His speech was heavily edited as it lasts approximately four minutes. Triple H’s crack on Michaels “refusing to join the Hulk Hogan hair club,” however, remains intact.
TNA Wrestling talent Ric Flair, who attended the event, is not shown during the broadcast.
source: PWInsider.com
At this morning’s WrestleMania Axxess Q&A session, Shawn Michaels teased involving himself in The Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania XXVII tomorrow.
When asked about Triple H ending “The Streak,” Michaels said, “I’m not sure I can let him do what I couldn’t.”
He then commented on whether he plans to interfere in the match, saying, “I’ll do everything I can not to stick my nose in. Maybe.”
He added, “Do you ever find that you’re meanest to the people you love the most? If I ruined his chances of ending The Streak, I’m sure he’d beat the tar out of me at that moment, but I’m sure he’d forgive me eventually.”
Michaels’ role in the match has not been announced by WWE.
source: Pro Wrestling Torch
— TNA Wrestling Superstar Ric Flair is staying at WWE’s hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. It is said that he will be attending tonight’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony, to witness Shawn Michaels’ enshrinement.
— Jim Ross told fans at Friday’s WrestleMania Axxess event that he would be calling some matches at WrestleMania XXVII.
— Former ECW talent The Sandman, Tod Gordon and Gary Wolfe (a/k/a Pitbull #1) are hosting a WrestleMania party at The Penthouse Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday.
— WWE Hall of Famer Wendi Richter made a surprise appearance at Friday’s WrestleMania Axxess event.
source: PWInsider.com
Shawn Michaels and Sunny will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday night and spoke to Brian Fritz of the Between The Ropes blog to discuss what entering the Hall of Fame means to them. Check out the videos below:
Shawn Michaels:
Sunny:
— Marty Jannetty, who rose to fame as the tag team partner of Shawn Michaels, was asked if he would be attending his former colleague’s WWE Hall of Fame induction on Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
He responded, “I want to be there but the cab ride from where I am is over 22 dollars and 23 cents, give or stank a dolla.”
— Last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping was cancelled due to a power outage as a result of tropical storm. The event will take place next Thursday.
— Triple H is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Power Slam.
— Seven-time WWE Champion Randy Orton celebrates his birthday today as he turns 31 years old.
source: f4wonline.com
It was revealed at today’s WrestleMania XXVII press conference in New York’s Hard Rock Café that Triple H would be inducting Shawn Michaels into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
Triple H was introduced by Stephanie McMahon, the event’s presenter. He kissed her upon his entrance and announced that he would be inducting Michaels, his friend, into the WWE Hall of Fame. He then vowed to end The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak on Sunday.
Michaels said recently in interviews that he narrowed the list down to two candidates to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The WWE Hall of Fame Induction ceremony airs this Monday prior to Raw on the USA Network.
source: PWInsider.com
— Shawn Michaels is scheduled to appear ringside during The Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania XXVII.
— “WrestleMania Week” kicked off today in Atlanta, Georgia as Turner Field hosted “WWE Night.” WWE talent John Morrison, Mark Henry, Eve and Melina participated in an autograph signing prior to an Atlanta Braves spring training game.
Morrison was named honorary team captain while Henry tossed the “first pitch of the year.” The Divas exclaimed “Play ball!” to start the game.
The signing drew approximately 100 fans.
— Kevin Nash announced on his Twitter account that he will be on hand for this weekend’s WrestleMania Axxess festivities at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He appears at the event Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.
sources: F4WOnline.com, Pro Wrestling Torch
— Michael Cole announced on Raw that Shawn Michaels, Sunny and The Road Warriors would be the three Hall of Famers to featured during the WWE 2011 Hall of Fame Induction broadcast on the USA Network. It airs next Monday at 8:00 p.m. before Raw.
— Matches taped Monday night in Rosemont, Illinois for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* Divas Champion Eve, Gail Kim and Natalya vs. Brie Bella, Melina and Nikki Bella
* Curt Hawkins vs. Trent Barreta
— Mark Henry beat Ted DiBiase in a dark match prior to Raw.
source: PWInsider.com
The Score Television Network’s Arda Ocal & Renee Paquette interviewed future WWE Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels. Highlights:
Was WrestleMania 14 being the “toughest day at the office” in his career? (2:00)
“Yeah. Yeah it was. I wasn’t in a good place physically, obviously. But also mentally. It was just bad, all around. It was the culmination of a lot of things – a lot of bad things. And I would love to tell everybody that I was faking – and fooling – everybody, but it was a pretty rough day at the office, to say the least. And I guess, because I was in such a horrible place at that time, I never really envisioned people really grasping the fact that – ‘holy cow man, I don’t care if I don’t like him, that dude is beating the heck out of himself and he’s not in any shape to be doing it’. Over time, people now get it. But when you’re doing it, you don’t realize that people are sort of uncomfortable watching you while you’re doing it.”
How he felt emotionally & physically after WrestleMania 14 (3:45)
His thoughts on Triple H vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 27 (5:45)
How he would feel if Triple H is the one to break the streak (7:40)
What he felt when wrestling Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 22 (9:10)
“What I really enjoyed about that WrestleMania is that I didn’t feel the pressure as I did in every other one. Because that one wasn’t so much – ‘hey, Shawn Michaels has got to be Mr. WrestleMania and steal the show’ – because I was in there with Vince McMahon, I don’t think people expect a phenomenal wrestling match. Just from a pressure standpoint, that being off my shoulders allowed me the fact the enjoy that I was out there with my boss and I get to beat the heck out of him.”
What he thinks of Vince McMahon, as a performer (10:00)
What was bigger for his career: the infamous barbershop incident or the creation of DX? (11:40)
Why a charity raffle draw to be HBK’s guest at WrestleMania 27
The full interview is available here.
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Former WWE Superstar “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels stepped inside the WTR Squared Circle this past Wednesday to talk about his his charity auction for how you can win a chance to Meet Shawn Michaels and see him get inducted in to the WWE Hall of Fame, along with more memories from his WWE Career.
On deciding who will induct him in to the WWE Hall of Fame.
“Its one of things where I find myself debating whether I make it different or do what I want to do or do I make it interesting or do I make it controversial, its hard for me to get out of the performance mode, they keep telling me its about you just enjoy it, its just hard not to feel like people are expecting something. Its hard for me not to think that I have to do something and I have had a tough time narrowing down whether I am just going to enjoy it or make it a performance.”
On how Shawn Michaels & Chris Jericho came up with the aftermath of their Wrestlemania 19 Match Up.
“I always likened it to Godfather 2 when Michael Corleone kisses Fredo and says I knew it was you. We thought about numermous different things and I said how about nothing works better than a swift kick to the nuts.”
On working with Chris Jericho
“One of the sheer joys he and I had, we both love sitting around with each other and coming up with things to make things just a little better and really get in to the creative process.”
* Pictures of SHAWN MICHAELS Hunting: See What He Killed! (Bears, Birds & More)
— Former World Wrestling Entertainment Diva, Playboy cover model and Celebrity Apprentice contestant Maria Kanellis proudly announced today the release of her signature perfume line, Maria Kanellis Signature Perfumes.
The perfume comes in three unique scents; Sandalwood, Mimosa and Ylang Ylang.
The perfume is available for purchase here.
— Shawn Michaels appears live tonight on In Your Head at 8:00 p.m. EST. He will discuss his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, his retirement match last year at WrestleMania XXVI, his ongoing Wrestlemania raffle, and much more. The interview is available at InYourHeadOnline.com.
— A Raw live event is scheduled for Saturday, May 28 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
source: PWInsider.com
— WWE’s Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view event has been renamed Capitol Punishment, according to the official website of Cineplex Odeon Theatres.
The event takes place on June 19, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
— WWE is promoting Shawn Michaels’ raffle designed to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Operation Homefront, and Cross Trail Outfitters. The raffle’s lucky Grand Prize winner will be his special guest at WrestleMania XXVII. (Article link)
— WWE will be holding a Supershow at the Sundome in Yakima, Washington on May 21, 2011, the day before Over The Limit. it begins 5:00 p.m.
— Shawn Michaels revealed on his Twitter account that he’s backstage at tonight’s SmackDown taping in Kansas City, Missouri.
He wrote, “At SmackDown with friends. They r having a great time. It is awesome to see the crew. Everybody looks ready for WrestleMania.”
— Drew McIntyre lost to WWE developmental wrestler Percy Watson in a dark match prior to tonight’s SmackDown taping.
A steel cage is hanging above the ring at the event.
— Hispanic Business has a story on Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s involvement with WWE.
source: PWInsider.com
— Abdullah the Butcher was originally scheduled to be announced as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011 tonight on Monday Night Raw, but said plans were changed last week due to WWE officials reaching an agreement with Drew Carey. The organization issued a press release today touting the celebrity’s induction into the Hall.
Speaking of the Hall of Fame, Sunny is being pushed as the “Original Diva.”
— Former WWE talent Gregory Helms commented on the story of being cited by police for allegedly engaging in a fight at a bar last night in Smithfield, North Carolina.
“Can’t let Jeff have all the heat! LOL But I didn’t get arrested at all. Got a citation for defending my woman. No regrets, no apologies.” He later wrote, “All u dirtsheets, why don’t u just ask me what happened instead of stretching the truth? I’m super easy to get hold of.”
— Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appears as a guest star on tonight’s episode of Raw. The best-selling author has been well-received amongst the WWE talent as a few them have been getting photos taken with her backstage at tonight’s show in St. Louis.
— A Shawn Michaels autograph session promoted by Northeast Wrestling in Middletown, New York on Saturday is believed to have drawn 2,000 to 2,500 fans
sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com
WWE’s website has officially announced that The Undertaker will put his streak on the line at WrestleMania 27 against Triple H.
At this time, there is no stipulation mentioned, just that the match will take place.
We’ve reported in recent weeks that there’s been talk of Triple H putting his career on the line against the Undertaker’s streak.
Addtionally, there’s been talk that former WWE star Shawn Michaels will be added to the match as a guest referee or enforcer. Michaels was interviewed last week by WDFN.com and had this to say about the rumors that he’ll be part of the Undertaker vs. Triple H match:
“I’ve heard all the rumors. As of right now, I’m doing one thing and one thing only at WrestleMania, and that’s the Hall of Fame. I don’t think The Undertaker and Triple H need Shawn Michaels to deliver a spectacular match or make this incredibly interesting. Those two can do that on their own. Right now, as far as I’m concerned, I’m going to be there watching it like everyone else.”
– Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
With today’s date being 2/21/11, expect to see the culmination of WWE’s 2/21/11 teaser videos on RAW. The arena website has been advertising an appearance from The Undertaker, so don’t be surprised if those cryptic videos were for his return.
The dark match main event for RAW will be John Cena and Randy Orton teaming up against WWE Champion The Miz and Nexus leader CM Punk, with Michael Cole as referee.
– Ted DiBBiase and his younger brother Brett will be appearing at the 3/16 FCW show from the Charlotte Harbor Event Center. The DiBiase brothers will be greeting fans and signing autographs before the show.
– Future WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels will be appearing at the Detroit Autorama in Detroit, Michigan on 2/27 from 1-4pm.
– Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler was at Sunday’s NBA All Star game and was seen mingling with various NBA stars on the court after the game was over. Check out this picture of Keibler chilling with Lebron James:
– Shawn Michaels was interviewed at the first annual fund raising dinner for The Outdoor Adventure Foundation, Texas Chapter, yesterday. Here’s what he told Amarillo.com about his future in wrestling:
“I’m not going to wrestle again. The only way a 185-pound guy made it in that business is to do something nobody else ever did. The best thing I can do is to stay retired, because nobody ever stays retired. I’ll still be part of the company. You never really get out of the WWE unless you’re wearing concrete shoes at the bottom of the Hudson River, but no more active wrestling.”
– WWE went to great lengths on Monday to keep The Rock’s return a surprise. People working in WWE production were told that Justin Bieber would be announced as the WrestleMania 27 guest host – and the episode of RAW was even titled “Leave it to Bieber” on the episode script.
– Actress Ariel Winter, who appeared on RAW last Monday and stars in The Chaperone, told Star Magazine that she did her own stunts in the movie. Regarding Triple H, she said:
“I had an amazing bond with Triple H, he’s like my second Dad.”
(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)
In his recent interview with UK Sun’s Rob McNichol, Chris Jericho says Shawn Michaels is the greatest performer to ever grace a wrestling ring — bar none. Chris Jericho said:
“The best way to put it is that Shawn IS the Hall of Fame.”
“There’s nobody that has ever been in the business that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame more than Shawn Michaels. That includes Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin or anybody else.”
“Shawn is the epitome of what the Hall of Fame is because to me he is the best performer of all time. He is not even close to anybody else.”
“You can debate it with me until the cows come home — you can say all you want. You can give me all the facts and figures, it’s not going to change my mind.”
“I’m so excited that he is in the Hall of Fame, but it’s essential that he be in there. If he wasn’t it would be a waste of time.”
To listen to it in full via podcast, click here.
– As we saw on RAW, Nexus leader CM Punk suffered a bloody nose during the segment where Nexus was beating down Randy Orton. Orton broke away from Nexus, lunged at Punk and inadvertently headbutted him in the face, injuring his nose and drawing blood. A few hours after RAW, Punk posted on Twitter regarding the injury:
“Just sneezed and now my pillow case is red. Lovely.”
– WWE congratulated John Cena on Twitter yesterday for becoming the first Superstar to reach 300,000 followers on Twitter.
– R-Truth apologized to the fans of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for mistakenly referring to the city as Green Bay on RAW. Truth wrote @RonKillings:
“I want to apologize to Milwaukee Wisconsin for MY screw up..no excuses,the truth is not perfect,again Milwaukee Im sorry.”
– Jim Ross speculated this week that Triple H will be the one to induct Shawn Michaels into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
In related news, the next member of this year’s class is expected to be announced on next week’s RAW from Anaheim, California.
Monday Night Mayhem with Shane Helms
Hosts: The Big Mosh and “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent
Report by Paterson from N.J.
Airs every Monday at 6:00 P.M. (CT)
Show available at MondayNightMayhem.com.
His reasons for choosing to sign with Lucha Libre USA and not pursuing TNA or Ring of Honor more actively: “I just think it’s something different. I never did the Lucha Libre style, and I think I have more to offer those guys. I think it’s a challenge for me now. Once I left the WWE, if you count WCW, you’re talking about a 12-year TV career. The only time I had off is if I was hurt. I wasn’t really sure if I was going to sign another TV contract, because I didn’t know if I wanted to. I started working the indies, and working with a lot of talented people, and it kind of lit the fire under me again. There’s alot of people in TNA who want me there, and I have lot of friends down there, but Lucha Libre USA came at me with a great offer, so I think I made the right choice.”
Why, despite fan reaction, it was not a surprise for him to not join TNA, the importance of standing out on his own, and not going somewhere “because I’m someone’s friend”: “I had calls from certain people, but I hadn’t really decided. Even when the Lucha Libre offer came up, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do anything. I think TNA will always be an option, and it would great to work Matt, Jeff, and Shannon again, but I see those guys all the time anyway. I don’t want to go there just because I’m someone’s friend. That’s never been my deal, and I’ve always done my own thing anyway. I know it was a surprise to some people, but I think for people who really know me, it wasn’t that big of a surprise.”
Why he chose to echo his recent sentiments and feelings on Shawn Michaels, the reaction he has received from those within the wrestling community/his fans, and why “there will be more stories like that coming out” Shane’s explanation on the comments he made Shawn Michaels: “He tried to undercut me a couple times, and this was supposedly after his ‘salvation,’ when he’s supposed to be such a good guy. He’s undercut a lot of people, Ken Kennedy being one, that he really went out his way to bury for absolutely no reason. When you’re out there hurting somebody’s career and hurting somebody’s family, and then you go out on the stage and pray, that just rubs me wrong. I’m not getting anything out of telling the truth. I might have lost some fans just because I told the truth, but I think in the end there will be more people that will eventually, when they into a level of comfort that I’m at now, there will be more stories like that coming out.”
More is contained in Shane’s exclusive interview with The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network, including his candid thoughts and comments on if could ever foresee a return to World Wrestling Entertainment, where The Hurricane/Paul Burchill feud was headed on ECW on Syfy prior to his release, what he feels he brings to the table in his new home of Lucha Libre USA, the future of the cruiserweight style of wrestling, being one of the originators of social networking amongst those in the wrestling community, what led him to launch “Highway 2 Helms,” plus so much more! Mayhem Nation: Check out what’s next for the two-time World Tag Team Champion by visiting his official website (located at www.ShaneHelms.com) and by following The Hurricane on Twitter (at www.Twitter.com/ShaneHelms). In addition, be sure to tune in each and every Wednesday night (at 7PM ET/6PM CT) for all-new episodes of “Highway 2 Helms” on www.GeekWeek.com.