The following is a list of the current merchandise sellers at the arenas in WWE.
1. John Cena
2. Daniel Bryan
3. CM Punk (down on the list because he’s been off TV and hasn’t been at the arenas)
4. Batista
5. Sheamus
6. Hulk Hogan
7. Randy Orton
8. Brock Lesnar
On the official WWE website, the list of top merchandise sellers is as follows:
1. John Cena
2. CM Punk
3. Daniel Bryan
4. Hulk Hogan
5. The Shield
6. Steve Austin
7. Brock Lesnar
8. Undertaker
9. Randy Orton
Notably absent from the list are Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio, both of whom have been among the top merchandise movers, especially Mysterio, who has been in the top tier list for several years.
The situation with the original Sin Cara at the Juan de la Barrera Gym show last week is that there are issues with him appearing on television for another promotion due to his 90 day non-compete with WWE. While WWE doesn’t have an issue with him working independent shows, he can’t appear on television until the non-compete expires.
Additionally, he is still insistent that after May, he will be able to use the Sin Cara name on television. His claim is that his lawyers are working out that as part of his deal, which many find interesting due to the fact that WWE is still using the character name, which they own the intellectual property rights to.
– As previously reported, there is a movement on Twitter to encourage fans to “hijack” WWE events, including Monday’s RAW in Chicago, Illinois. Apparently WWE is well aware of the movement, and is preparing accordingly.
– WWE debuted new Sin Cara and Cesaro t-shirts this weekend. Both are available right now at WWEShop.com.
– Speaking of movements, the anti-Batista chant movement has continued this weekend. Apparently during Mason Ryan’s match at the NXT taping on Friday night, fans were chanting “better than Batista” at him. Later in the show, during Bo Dallas’s match, fans chanted “worse than Batista” at him.
According to the original Sin Cara, the reason he appeared as a dark silhouette at the AAA television taping on Friday night is because WWE reportedly threatened AAA with legal action if they were to use the Sin Cara name on their show.
Sin Cara is claiming, however, that he will be able to legally use the name by this coming May.
Luis Urive, better known as the original Sin Cara in WWE, will be debuting for Mexico’s AAA promotion this weekend in a Rey de Reyes qualifying match. He will compete in a four-way against Pyscho Clown, Psicosis and AAA Champion El Texano Jr.
Speaking of Urive, there are many people questioning why he would continue to use the Sin Cara name, as most view it as an association with being a failure in WWE. He can’t go back to using his old Mistico character, as CMLL owns the name and has given it to another wrestler.
As far as the name Sin Cara, WWE believes they own the name, however Urive insists that he has the legal rights to it.
Regarding WWE’s top merchandise movers, John Cena is still far and away the number one guy in terms of overall sales. Interestingly enough, CM Punk is said to be a clear-cut number two when it comes to merchandise sales, and is number one when it comes to sales on the WWE Shop website. Daniel Bryan is reportedly the number four guy in terms of merchandise.
Two names that aren’t active on a regular basis — one of which is completely inactive — that are pretty high up on the WWE merchandise sales list are Sin Cara and The Ultimate Warrior. Both of their merchandise is reportedly selling well recently, both at live events and online.
The following press release was sent out announcing that the Original Sin Cara has signed with the World Wrestling League Mexican lucha libre promotion:
SIN CARA ARRIVES TO WWL!
The World Wrestling League has announced today that former WWE performer “Sin Cara” has just signed with the promotion. WWL’s president Richard Negrin stated that “it is an honor and a priviledge to present our newest World Wrestling League’s talent, one of the most exciting Mexican “lucha libre” performers around the world: the original SIN CARA! Welcome to your home, the WWL.
– On Monday’s RAW, JBL had a line on commentary where he called East Carolina University the “Harvard of the South.” The remark was a nod to Vince and Linda McMahon, who both attended the school.
– Despite Sin Cara’s renewed push on WWE television, f4wonline.com reports that WWE has essentially given up on the character. The reason Sin Cara remains on television is due to strong merchandise sales and the character appearing in WWE’s upcoming Scooby Doo animated movie.
– William Regal tweeted the following about Antonio Cesaro on Monday night:
I've said it before and know(because he made mincemeat out of me)@AntonioCesaro is 10 times the man and wrestler I've ever been.
– Prior to Monday’s WWE RAW, WWE taped the following matches from Cleveland, Ohio for this week’s episode of Superstars:
Natalya vs. Summer Rae
Los Matadores vs. Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre
– WWE has launched a new Twitter account for Sin Cara at @SinCaraWWE. The account is not yet “Verified” but is followed by the official WWE Twitter account and is posted on WWE.com.
It’s worth noting that the ‘original’ Sin Cara is still using the verified @TheSinCaraWWE account and his account description still reads, “WWE Superstar.”
The original Sin Cara was interviewed on Mexican Lucha Libre show Tercera Caída on Thursday and spoke about his return to Mexico. The hosts talked about him no longer being with WWE and he confirmed that he is now an independent wrestler. He then claimed that he owns the rights to the Sin Cara name, gimmick and mask – not WWE.
“I am the owner of the persona of Sin Cara. I say it openly because it’s all on my side, in my favor. I think that it’s best left to lawyers because I am the owner of the persona I am the owner of the [character’s] image and I have proof.”
This seems highly unlikely, knowing WWE’s track record of wanting to own gimmicks they create – and the continued use of ‘Sin Cara’ on WWE television. The hosts acknowledged this, but the original Sin Cara was adamant and said he has proof.
“That depends on how the wrestler work their deals. I’m not here to talk bad about anyone. I’ve always been a person that goes the route of peace. I’m not going to fight with anyone or any company. I’m not saying that because I’m scared to fight a big company. No, Why would I? Everyone knows that the original Mistico went on to be [the original] Sin Cara in the WWE. So that we would not have any legal issues with CMLL, I automatically changed my name and my persona and continued on with my registered persona.”
The original Sin Cara is being advertised for a Baja Stars Wrestling show on March 1st in Tijuana, which would be after his contract with WWE expires. His brother, however, claims that the booking is not official.
Sin Cara himself did confirm that he will be wrestling at the one-year anniversary celebration of his Sin Cara Gym in Mexico City on February 1st.
Once Sin Cara is done with WWE, he is expected to return to AAA in Mexico, since CMLL has its’ own Mistico character and the two separated on bad terms.
– 106.7 The Fan in Washington D.C. ran a featured item about WWE Superstars reacting to Richard Sherman’s promo after the Seattle Seahawks victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. You can check that out at CBSLocal.com.
– The original Sin Cara’s big announcement that he promised last week was that he will be making his return to the ring on February 1st at the first anniversary of his Sin Cara Gym in Mexico City, where he will be promoting a card to celebrate.
– There is a lot of heat on Ryback backstage in WWE. Ryback has ‘earned’ a reputation for being reckless in the ring – and he displayed that once again last night when he gave Dolph Ziggler a concussion. The two wrestled in a match that was taped for this week’s episode of Superstars. Ziggler went down hard after a stiff clothesline by Ryback and his concussion is being as “not a mild one.”
– The WWE contract of the original Sin Cara (formerly Mistico) is expiring soon and he’s not expected to be offered a new deal.
– Ranjin Singh made a return to WWE television on Monday’s Old School RAW, managing his former client, the Great Khali. Singh’s return was a one time deal and he’s not back with the company full time.
– Cody Rhodes appeared to injure his ankle on RAW, but he’s scheduled to wrestle at tonight’s SmackDown tapings.
– Brock Lesnar is also fine after his altercation with the Big Show on RAW. Lesnar was limping as he and Paul Heyman retreated from ringside, but he was just selling.
– The former Sterling James Keenan, WWE developmental wrestler Corey Graves, teased an appearance in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match since it will emanate from his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsyvlvania.
– Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde, who originally portrayed Sin Cara, turns 31-years-old on Sunday. Also celebrating a birthday today is former WWE performer Drew Hankinson (formerly known as Festus and Luke Gallows), who turns 30.
– WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has been announced to appear at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo taking place April 25-27, 2014 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
– WWE has signed a business deal with Flair to distribute The Bridge Direct’s WWE construction sets in the UK and Ireland.
Casey Collins, Executive Vice president of Consumer Products for WWE, said, “We are proud to be working with The Bridge Direct and GP Flair to launch this new chapter for WWE merchandising. We have had tremendous success by teaming with The Bridge in the US and have the perfect distribution channel with Flair to reach millions of WWE fans in the UK and Ireland.”
– Sin Cara’s victory over Drew McIntyre on this week’s episode of SmackDown is highlighted in the SmackDown Slam of the Week.
“Sin Cara’s definitely improved. It’s like we got a new Sin Cara,” John “Bradshaw” Layfield” remarked on commentary. “Sin Cara’s been on a roll!”
– One half of Los Matadores, Diego, turns 31-years-old on Saturday. Also celebrating a birthday is former WWE and WCW competitor “The Patriot” Del Wilkes, who turns 52.
– The final WWE NXT live event of 2013 was held Friday night in Orlando, Florida. The next show will take place on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 in Largo, Florida at Minnreg Hall. (Event Information)
– The dark match main event that took place after Thursday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Corpus Christi, Texas saw John Cena defeat Randy Orton by disqualification.
The WWE World Heavyweight championship was on the line. During the match, Orton did Hulk Hogan’s “listen to the crowd” pose, yet another reference to Hogan at the tapings. The finish came when Orton hit Cena with the WWE title. After the match, Cena gave Orton an Attitude Adjustment to end the show.
– Despite the fact that he’s been replaced by Hunico on WWE television, the original Sin Cara has been tweeting photos of himself from his gym in Mexico wearing his WWE Sin Cara mask.
– In addition to their match at the upcoming WWE TLC pay-per-view this Sunday, CM Punk vs. The Shield in a three-on-one handicap match is also being promoted for the WWE live event on December 27th in Indianapolis, Indiana.
– After working under the mask as Sin Cara on WWE RAW last week, WWE Superstar Hunico was back to working under his normal gimmick at the non-televised WWE live events this past weekend.
– The Spaceship News website in Australia recently interviewed former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho. The interview, which mostly focuses on his rock and roll band “Fozzy”, can be read online at SpaceshipNews.com.au.
– Celebrating birthdays today are WWE United States Champion Dean Ambrose (28), WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch (41), and former WWE Superstar Curtis Hughes (49). Plus, today would have marked as the fifty-fifth birthday of WWE Hall of Famer “Ravishing” Rick Rude; he died at the age of 40 on April 20, 1999 due to heart failure.
Sytch, who is currently undergoing treatment for cervical cancer, remarked the following on Facebook on Friday, “Well, the day turned out not as I had planned… The easiest part should have been getting my epidural, but instead, I almost passed out in the table. My pre-op appt and pre-op testing went smoother and faster than I was imaging. That shot hurt like s**t this morning!!!”
– This week’s “Raw Slam of the Week” features the return of Sin Cara, while the tandem of Big Show and Rey Mysterio are highlighted in the “SmackDown Slam of the Week.”
– Zeb Colter’s insults are in the running for “Insult of the Year” at this Monday’s 2013 Slammy Awards (with Stephanie McMahon insults Big Show AJ Lee goes off on Total Divas and Paul Heyman’s insults toward CM Punk). Colter responded to his nomination on Twitter, stating, “When did speaking the truth become an insult? #Slammy Insult of the year #RAW.”
– WWE Superstar Sin Cara’s contract is reportedly set to expire in January. WWE has the option to renew it if they choose to, but as noted recently, the original Sin Cara may be done with WWE as the company had Hunico work under the mask this past Monday night on RAW.
– WWE has signed Jasper Orton, the 18-year-old cousin of WWE Superstar Randy Orton, to a developmental deal with the company. Jasper just recently graduated high school and is currently out of action with a torn meniscus. Jasper is also from St. Louis.
– As seen Monday night on Raw, the Sin Cara character returned to WWE airwaves with a victory over former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio. The character, however, was portrayed by Jorge “Hunico” Arias, as opposed to the original performer (Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde, who indicated via Twitter immediately following the bout that he was in Mexico). A WWE spokesperson addressed the status of the character in a message to wrestling news outlets on Thursday.
“The original performer behind the Sin Cara mask remains under contract to WWE. WWE will continue to invest in the character and retain it as part of WWE programming.”
So, as we reported, the “Sin Cara” character will in fact live on – but we’re still hearing that Luis Alvirde (formerly Mistico) will not be brought back to television.
– WWE Studios and ABC Family’s television movie, Christmas Bounty starring The Miz is now available on DVD and Blu-ray after it aired last week during ABC Family’s “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas” programming event. The former WWE Champion appeared in KTLA in Los Angeles, California this morning to discuss the flick. It can be accessed here.
– Colt Cabana speaks to Brian Cage in the latest addition of Art of Wrestling. The synopsis for the podcast states, “PWG and Independent powerhouse. Its mainly meant because of his bodybuilding physic. Cage and Cabana go back to WWE developmental. Brian Cage really really wanted to be friends with Kanyon. He did it. They talk about it.” It can be accessed here.
On Monday’s RAW, WWE superstar Hunico wrestled as Sin Cara, while the original Sin Cara (Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde) was in Mexico. According to a report by PWInsider, Alvirde was informed on Monday that he won’t be brought back to television.
Hunico will be working as Sin Cara in the coming weeks – but there’s also talk of WWE bringing somebody up from NXT to play the character.
Despite the fact that Alvirde is getting the blame for why “Sin Cara” has been a flop so far, WWE still sells a ton of Sin Cara merchandise and they are hopeful that recasting the role will give it a better chance of succeeding.
On Monday’s RAW, “Sin Cara” returned and scored an upset win over former World Heavyweight champion Alberto Del Rio.
Some fans may have noticed that Sin Cara was sporting a new sleeve tattoo. The man formerly known as Mistico (Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde) did not get a new tattoo – it was actually WWE superstar Hunico who wrestled as Sin Cara on RAW.
According to WWE sources, the original Sin Cara (formerly Mistico) is not expected to be brought back. His character is considered by most to be a huge flop, due to his sloppy ring work and multiple injuries.
Here’s a photo of Hunico as Sin Cara from RAW:
In a pretty funny social media ‘botch’ – the official Twitter account of Sin Cara “checked in” at a restaurant located in Mexico – while “Sin Cara” was wrestling on RAW –
Over the weekend, it was reported that a Rey Mysterio vs. Sin Cara match is being considered for WrestleMania XXX. If the match does take place, it very well could be Hunico getting the WrestleMania payday.
– WWE officials are once again interested in having Rey Mysterio face Sin Cara at WrestleMania XXX, with hopes of breaking the world record for the most people wearing a mask in one area.
Though Sin Cara has not appeared on WWE programming since August, his merchandise is reporting selling very well.
– This week on “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown, WWE cameras catch up with Zeb Colter following his unpleasant incident on the show. Plus, find out how Titus O’Neil is feeling.
– Despite not working lately, word is that the official Sin Cara WWE t-shirts sold well among kids at the recent WWE European tour.
– Apparently WWE will not be offering former NFL star Shawne Merriman a contract. Merriman, who had a WWE tryout a few weeks ago, reportedly wasn’t that impressive in the ring and apparently got tired very fast.
– As previously reported, WWE and Triple H in particular are starting to focus heavily on their tag-team division. Triple H has reportedly been pushing the idea to have more tag-teams on the main roster as a way to bring up developmental talents who might not have otherwise gotten the call. In fact, WWE is talking about doing a three-day tryout camp next years exclusively for tag-teams.
– Sin Cara checked in today from his gym in Mexico and noted that he was training hard for his upcoming return to WWE. Sin Cara wrestled during last month’s WWE live events tour of Mexico.
– WWE Diva Kaitlyn announced that she will be one of the talents in attendance for the WrestleMania XXX ticket kickoff party on November 15th at Champions Square in New Orleans.
– WWE posted this Mustache Mayhem video to support men’s health in the month of November:
“MOvember is the month of the mustache! WWE is showing support for Men’s Health by celebrating with this Mustache-mania.”