– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be airing part one of his two-part interview with WWE music composer Jim Johnston on his “Steve Austin Show” podcast next week. Austin is also scheduled to interview comedian Gabriel Iglesias next week.

– TNA founder Jeff Jarrett recently posted the following tweet about “The Icon” Sting:

Stinger… Timeline filled up… A true class act and an one-of-a-kind MAN… Many, many thanks to you… @Sting #Icon #grateful #class

— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) January 24, 2014

– The 2014 WWE “Extreme Rules” pay-per-view will take place at the Key Arena on May 4th in Seattle, Washington.

– The official WWE website has a new “Where Are They Now?” feature on former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky. You can check that out at WWE.com.

– The latest “Steve Austin Show” has been added online, which features Austin’s interview with Diamond Dallas Page. You can check that out at PodcastOne.com.

The following are highlights from a recent Jim Ross online Q&A update:

On if he feels Roman Reigns will ever work with his cousins The Usos: “I assume that any thing is possible down the road. It likely wouldn’t be often or remotely on a regular basis.”

On if it’s fair to compare today’s era against the Attitude Era: “”Fair?” It’s merely speculation and not a decree of fact. Today’s roster has some intriguing, underdeveloped pieces who need to continue to evolve plus have others added to the mix to ever approach the Attitude Era roster. I hope that they do.”

On why WWE didn’t do Hulk Hogan vs. Steve Austin in 2002: “Nothing serious that I recall. Rock was a better fit for Hogan at WM18.”

On if WWE talents had more creative freedom back in the late 90s and early 2000s: “Yes, somewhat. Those that could assemble their thoughts in a good way were provided some creative flexibility. Needs to get back to that.”

On if he feels Daniel Bryan will be in the Royal Rumble, and if so, should he win: “Your guess is as good as mine. He’s facing Bray Wyatt at the Rumble but that doesn’t mean that any of those talents in one on one matches can’t be in the Rumble match too. Tune in and see….that’s what I’m doing.”

Check out more JR Q&A updates online at JRsBarBQ.com.

– The New Jersey website has an interview up with WWE Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund where he discusses the Richard Sherman promo from Sunday, among other topics. You can check that out at NJ.com.

– The Temple News website has a new interview up with wrestling journalist Bill Apter. You can check that one out at Temple-News.com.

– Part two of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s interview with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper is available on his latest “Steve Austin Show” podcast. You can check that out at PodcastOne.com.

The following are highlights from a recent website Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On if he wears his WWE Hall Of Fame ring often: “Yes, I’m proud of my WWE HOF ring and wear it often.”

On if there’s a chance WWE will invite Richard Sherman to WrestleMania XXX: “A chance? I assume so. However, I am not in the WWE loop any longer anddon’t have any idea as to what WM30 plans are. I do know I will do my one man show in NOLA on Thurs April 3 at the House of Blues.”

On how The Rock is as a person: “Great guy. Highly motivated…positive…goal oriented…ambitious. Has always been good to me and visa versa.”

On which version of John Cena he most enjoys: “I am a fan of today’s John Cena.”

On who had the more successful era financially: Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin: “Hard one to quantify but both men were giants within the business in different eras and with different criteria.”

On if he expects TNA to survive the next three-to-five years: “I certainly hope so. I don’t know their financial business.”

Check out more JR Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle website has published exclusive photos of Steve Austin at the WWE Network announcement from Las Vegas.

– WWE.com has published a photo gallery of “The Animal” Batista like you’ve never seen him before.

– NXT star Enzo Amore returns to action this weekend after recovering from a recent leg injury. He tweeted:

@WWENXT @WWE I should letchu know ahead I'm coming back on my worst behavior #NXT #CertifiedG

— Enzo Amore (@WWEAaLLday21) January 19, 2014

– WWE Hall Of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase Sr. has officially pulled out of his booking at the Mid South Wrestling fan fest, which is set to take place during WrestleMania weekend. The reason DiBiase canceled the booking is because WWE has booked him for their WrestleMania weekend festivities. A replacement for DiBiase at the Mid South fan fest is expected to be announced in the near future.

– Speaking of WrestleMania weekend cancellations, The Young Bucks have pulled out of their scheduled appearance in New Orleans during that weekend as well.

– The Philly.com website has a new story up regarding advice WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin gave NFL player DeSean Jackson when he was robbed of $250,000 in cash. You can check that story out online at Philly.com.

WWE Hall of Fame “Stone Cold” Steve Austin commented on the possibility of appearing at WrestleMania XXX on the latest episode of his Steve Austin Show podcast.

Austin said that he’d like to be in New Orleans for WrestleMania weekend, mainly to conduct some face to face interviews with the WWE Superstars and Hall of Fame legends who will be in town.

As for appearing the WrestleMania XXX show in a “formal capacity,” Austin said, “I am not committed to anything of that nature yet.”

To listen to the Steve Austin Show, visit PodcastOne.com.

The official YouTube channel for Ringside Collectibles has added the following video interviews with John Cena and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin discussing the WWE Network:

John Cena

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin

• NEWS: Jim Ross BACK With WWE + Daniel Bryan OUT For HOW Long Due To Injury?

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

His personal opinion of Hulk Hogan:

“I’m not that close to Hogan and never have been. He’s a businessman. End of story.”

What Jake Roberts was like to deal with in WCW?:

“Great mind, challenging at times and he and Watts never seemed to get along.”

If he thinks Steve Austin will wrestling again, and The Rock wrestling someone other then Brock Lesnar or John Cena:

“No…on both fronts.”

Was the heat between The Rock & John Cena legit?

“I wasn’t there but likely it was two jocks enjoining each other in oneupsmanship.”

Do announcers get payoffs for big pay-per-view events like WrestleMania?

“Generally no. Occasionally, yes , in the past. I’m out of the loop.”

What do you think of Ryback’s recent twitter comments?

“Sorry but I haven’t read them but he’s got people talking so they must have worked.”

WWE posted the following video on their official YouTube channel featuring interviews with John Cena, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels following the big WWE Network announcement on Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “Three of the biggest Superstars who helped pave the way for WWE Network answer questions about the launch of WWE Network.”

– On Monday’s Old School RAW, we saw Brock Lesnar dispose of Mark Henry once again before getting into a confrontation with the Big Show.

While at first it looked like WWE was setting up a program between Henry and Lesnar, Monday’s segment was done to put Lesnar over by “sacrifice” Henry en route to Lesnar’s feud with Big Show. There are no plans for a Lesnar vs. Henry match.

– Steve Austin noted on Twitter that while in Las Vegas for WWE’s major announcement tonight, he will try to interview Triple H for his Steve Austin show podcast.

#steveaustinshow headed to Las Vegas for #WWE announcement. Will try to catch up w @TripleH if time permits. #audiowhoopass

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 8, 2014

Here are some highlights from Jim Ross’ latest Q&A from JRsBarBQ.com:

How Important Was Steve Austin’s “Austin 3:16” Speech?:

“If you are still talking about it then it must have been a key moment and I feel that it was.”

Who Was a Bigger Star: Hogan or Austin?

“Hogan had a longer run and I think that Austin drew more money. Another very subjective question. Austin was ‘the man’ when WWE was in a major fight for survival.”

Did He Enjoy Being Drafted To SmackDown?

“It was ok but not something that I wanted to do.”

In A Perfect World, Who Would He Have As Champions In WWE?

“These are so subjective that there really are no right or wrong answers. Just for an opinion today, that could change tomorrow…Daniel Bryan as WWE Champ…AJ as Divas champion..Rhodes Brothers are tag champs…Cesaro as IC Champ…Ambrose as US Champ.”

Will WWE Stop Using Hell In A Cell & Elimination Chamber, Since They Have Been Toned Down In Recent Years?

“Who knows but without the graphic use of blood the structures lose a little mystique even though I don’t condone the use of blood in today’s marketplace.”

Would WWE Ever Sponsor A College Football Bowl Game?

“Interesting but I don’t see it. WWE decision makers not the biggest main stream sports fans out there. They are immersed in their own genre and specifically their own brand.”

WWE will be releasing a RAW “The Best of RAW: After The Show” DVD/Blue-Ray set on April 22nd.

Here’s the official synopsis, courtesy of WrestlingDVDNews.com:

“For 52 weeks a year, the WWE Universe is glued to their seats for 3 hours of pulse pounding action on Monday Night Raw. But what happens after the cameras stop rolling? Now, in this new DVD/Blu-ray set, The Best of Raw: After the Show, fans get a unique perspective of WWE’s flagship show, with never-before seen footage of Raw’s aftermath. Traditionally, Raw has continued on into the night purely for the enjoyment of the live audience. Now, no one is left in the dark as all the top Superstars in Raw history are presented in rare form.

Get a heavy dose of WWE’s most colorful Superstars- The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, DX, John Cena – and more, showing off their larger than life personalities, often times shedding their on camera personas for the sake of pure fun. From Austin beer bashes, birthday celebrations, humorous improv, crowd interaction, and dark matches sure to please the hardcore fan, these are the moments that can only happen in WWE.”

WWE sent out a “Fan Council” survey on Thursday asking for feedback about several current and past Superstars. The talented listed includes:

– Hulk Hogan
– Ultimate Warrior
– Steve Austin
– The Rock
– Ric Flair
– John Cena
– The Undertaker
– CM Punk
– Triple H

Question 1 For each talent you select:

Poor | Fair | Good | Very Good | One of my Favorites | Never Heard

Question 2 For each talent you select (You can select more than one for each):

Outdated | Cool | Athletic | Legendary | Heroic | Inappropriate | Over-Exposed | Entertaining

Question 3 Now, we are going to randomly assign you 3 Superstars. Please tell us how you would like to see the below Superstars involved with WWE in the future (You can select more than one for each):

1. Wrestling regularly on Raw/SmackDown
2. As a regular commentator on Raw/SmackDown
3. Starring on a WWE reality show Starring on a WWE highlights show
4. Wrestling at WrestleMania or SummerSlam
5. Involved in the Raw/SmackDown storylines
6. Involved in the WrestleMania or SummerSlam storylines
7. Do not want him involved with WWE in future?

Question 4: In your household, how many kids ages 4 or older are fans of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)?

Comment Below and tell us how you think the Legends & Superstars listed should be used – if at all.

(Thanks to SEScoops correspondent Noah Mark for sending in this info)

– WWEShop.com is selling a new “F5 Beast” t-shirt for Brock Lesnar (link) and a Goldust & Cody Rhodes “Brotherhood” t-shirt (link).

– The latest “Steve Austin Show: Unleashed!” is now online, with Stone Cold motivating his listeners to accomplish their new year’s resolution goals. Listen now at PodcastOne.com.

– WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino is Colt Cabana’s guest on this week’s Art of Wrestling podcast.

– Chris Jericho’s new “Talk Is Jericho” online show is officially the number one ranked podcast on the latest iTunes U.S. charts. Additionally, Jericho’s podcast is number two on the iTunes U.K. chart. Coming in at number six on the iTunes U.S. chart is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s “The Steve Austin Show.” You can check out the complete list at Apple.com.

– Following Brock Lesnar’s WWE return at the New Year’s edition of RAW this past Monday night, WWE is already selling new Lesnar t-shirts on their official WWE Shop website. You can check out all of the current Lesnar merchandise WWE is selling at Shop.WWE.com.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com and responded to a fan asking about why Steve Austin doesn’t make more appearances for WWE:

“One has to be booked and have something specific planned to do. A talent just doesn’t show up and go into business for himself. If WWE wants Austin to return they have to work out something that both parties like. Simple.”

Speaking of Steve Austin, WWE is interested in him making a special appearance at WrestleMania 30, but he won’t be wrestling on the show. While Austin has teased a potential match with CM Punk, he made it clear to WWE that he has no plans to get back in the ring any time soon, if ever.

– The latest edition of The Michael Cole & John Layfield radio show, which features the RAW commentators looking back at 2013 and looking ahead to 2014, can be heard at this link.

– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently posted the following on Twitter:

Got a New Years Resolution? Send it to questions@steveaustinshow.com. I will be recording some "motivational" promos for #SASUNLEASHED

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) December 30, 2013

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has once again updated the Q&A section of his website. The following are some new highlights:

On calling the legendary Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat matches: “It was a honor to call them back when play by play was in fashion. Working w/ Bob Caudle was a privilege. Flair & Steamboat were….legendary. I was at right place at right time.”

On if he feels Tito Santana is underrated: “Tito was a great in ring talent. I don’t know who has underrated him. He was a star.”

On whether or not Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania was the match of the year: “Thanks for your take. I have no dog in this hunt. There weren’t an overabundance of great matches in WWE in 2013 IMO ”

On Jeff Jarrett leaving TNA: “I’m not connected to TNA or Jarrett or to what their relationship together was or has been lately. I don’t know what his departure means to TNA. TNA has many fixable issues. I wish Jeff and his family well.”

On the overrun during WWE RAW on Monday’s: “Enhances the TV ratings minute by minute numbers.”

On a dream match at WrestleMania between Shawn Michaels and Sting: “At the right place at the right time it would have been terrific. A main event. The ship’s sailed on that one or so I think.”

On the possibility of the War Games concept being used by WWE: “Highly unlikely. I don’t see it happening. It wasn’t a WWE creation and the blood is a no-no.”

On Drew McIntyre’s future in WWE: “It’s all about the creative and the production and execution of such. Any one can be made to be relevant in the fictional world of pro wrestling.”

On the importance of Steve Austin during the Attitude Era: “In the Attitude Era, it was Stone Cold who was the straw that stirred the drink. But he was surrounded by some great talents as well.”

On the possibility of Brock Lesnar vs. Batista in 2014: “If both are around with enough TV availabilities I’d say it’s possible. It would be a nice attraction.”

On if the Hardy Boys would ever return to WWE: “I’d say never say never but I’d also guess it would likely be a long shot. Sometimes long shots come through.”

Check out more JR Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of the late Chris Benoit being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Regarding the subject, Austin said on a recent podcast, “Well first and foremost, what I think about Chris Benoit is that guy was one of the most nicest guys I ever met in my life. He’s one of the most talented, hard working cats I’d ever seen in the squared circle. Anybody who knew Chris would tell you those exact two things. That guy loved the damn wrestling business, he was born to be a wrestler and was absolutely phenomenal. Drawing a lot of his influence from The Dynamite Kid, he blazed a path as the Pegasus Kid and his legacy as The Crippler Chris Benoit was just one hellacious career.”

Austin continued, “One night, Chris ended up killing his wife and his kid. That is an act so terrible and horrible I can’t even comprehend or guess as to what happened in that house. That will always overshadow any accomplishment Chris had in the ring. He’ll never be in the Hall of Fame, it will just never happen. His career will speak for itself but his record as a human being, his first and foremost, and those actions will never be forgotten. That’s my feelings on that, we don’t even need to talk about the Hall of Fame. Speaking for myself, Chris Benoit as the person I knew, loved him. Chris Benoit as a wrestler, loved him. Chris Benoit as the person who did what he did, unforgivable. Bottom line.”

You can listen to Steve Austin’s podcasts online at PodcastOne.com.

– Film crews for Shawn Michaels’ reality show, “MacMillan River Adventures” will be filming at the WWE Hall Of Famer’s ranch this weekend.

– Speaking of WWE Hall Of Famers, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair will be filming a role for an unknown movie in Hollywood within the next two weeks.

– Part one of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s interview with legendary pro wrestling manager Jim Cornette is now online. Apparently Austin and Cornette recorded an interview originally, but only managed to record Cornette’s half of the conversation. Part one of Cornette on the “Steve Austin Show” is their second attempt at recording the interview. Fans interested can check it out online at PodcastOne.com.

– PodcastOne issued a press release this week stating that the Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show” podcast was named the best new podcast in the “Sports/Recent Debuts” category by the iTunes editorial team:

The editorial team of iTunes has selected … PodcastOne’s Steve Austin Show as the Top Pick in the Sports/Recent Debuts category. Chairman Norm Pattiz said: 

“We thank the editorial team at iTunes for selecting these programs. We will proudly display the ‘iTunes Best of 2013’ badge prominently when presenting and promoting these programs. Our lineup of the best-of-the-best in podcasting is validated with recognition like this.”

– Chris Jericho noted on Twitter that his new “Talk is Jericho” podcast has received over 600,000 downloads since its premiere two weeks ago.

Wow, just found out @TalkIsJericho has had over 600,000 downloads in only two weeks!! Thanks to everyone who's listened so far!! @PodcastOne

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) December 19, 2013

– WWE superstar Kane was a guest on The Alex Jones Show this week talking politics. You can listen to an .MP3 of the podcast at Infowars.com.

Photos of the NXT DIVAS Dressed Up As Christmas Elves

The following are highlights from yet another Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On the possibility of John Cena vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania: “I’d like to think that some day that match will occur at WrestleMania. Time will tell. Don’t see it this year though for some reason.”

On if he’d be willing to call one final match for WWE at WrestleMania XXX: “That isn’t a decision that is up to me. That’s 100% a WWE call.”

On opponents he’d like to of seen “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestle had his career not been cut short due to injury: “Punk, Bryan, HHH, Orton, etc. Lots of likely candidates.”

On why we don’t see Booker T in the ring anymore: “I don’t know but it’s likely a mutual decision or Book may have injury issues to address.”

On if CM Punk should be a babyface, heel or a ‘tweener’: “I’m not a big ‘tweener’ guy.”

On whether or not Paul Heyman’s recent tweet about Randy Orton is a tease for an Orton vs. Brock Lesnar match at WrestleMania XXX: “Heyman knows how to play the fanbase. Obviously, Lesnar will be back soon as WM30 approaches but in what role, I don’t know.”

Check out more JR Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

CMT issued the following press release on Wednesday:

CMT Greenlights Production on Seven New Series

Dog and Beth: On the Hunt, Guntucky Renewed for Second Seasons

Seven new unscripted series will be premiering on CMT in 2014, network executives announced Wednesday (Dec. 18). The schedule also includes the premiere of the previously-announced Party Down South on Jan. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The seven new series scheduled for production and premiere in 2014 include: My Big Redneck Family, Tattoo Titans, Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Ranch, Death Valley, FNA USA, Tobacco Wars and My Dysfunctional Family.

Additionally, Dog and Beth: On the Hunt, the highest-rated CMT series this past year, has been renewed for 11 one-hour episodes. Guntucky has been renewed for eight one-hour episodes. Both series are expected to run in the second quarter of 2014.

My Big Redneck Family, premiering Jan. 18 for 13 half-hour episodes, marks the return of the Clampet family. This time, they’ll be hanging out in their hometown of Shreveport, La. The comedy follows the family’s everyday routines and parenting misadventures. From Jared’s awkward introduction to the world of temporary employment, to Doug’s relentless pursuit of intimacy with Wendy, it’s clear that the vacation is over, but their real life comedy has just begun.

Tattoo Titans, television’s first ever self-contained tattoo competition series, inks up in early 2014 when four of the country’s best tattoo artists face off each week for a chance at $10,000 in cold hard cash. Three rounds, 10 hours, no compromises. Which artist can sling the best ink to take down the rest of the competition? The series will premiere in February for eight one-hour episodes.

Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Ranch, premiering in June for 10 one-hour episodes, is described as the “ultimate badass competition show” as Austin brings eight elite athletes to his Broken Skull Ranch in Texas to test their strength, stamina and endurance. In each episode, contestants go head-to-head until the last man standing earns the right to take on the toughest obstacle course in America, the “Skullbuster,” and the chance to win $10,000.

Death Valley, a new docu-series, follows five residents in the California desert who brave the elements — and the perils of a lawless environment — in order to live their lives on their own terms. It premieres in the summer/fall of 2014 with eight one-hour episodes.

FNA USA counts down the Top 20 riotous reasons America is the most badass, Olympic medal-winning, dictator-toppling, hot dog-eating superpower in the world. Based on the premise that Americans work hard and play harder than anyone else, FNA USA celebrates everything from six-packed babes to six packs of beer. It premieres in April with six one-hour episodes.

Tobacco Wars is set in the high-stakes world of Kentucky’s dark fire tobacco industry, following the families of two fifth-generation tobacco men. In dark fire country, carefully guarded farming know-how and family traditions are passed down, and freedom is as essential as the air they breathe. It’s a high-stress world, but these folks blow off steam with ease, living their country life to the fullest with endless wagering and outrageous country-boy hijinks. Five one-hour episodes premiere in the spring/summer of 2014.

My Dysfunctional Family centers on commando-turned-family-fixer Dave Vitalli, who pulls no punches as he comes to the aid of teenagers and parents in distress. Armed with lie detectors and years of experience navigating his way through warzones, Dave’s presence provides a wakeup call for the badly-behaving teens. Mom and Dad beware, however, as his no-holds-barred approach will put their behavior under as much scrutiny as their teen’s. No wonder Vitalli is dubbed the “Teen Whisperer.”

In 2013, CMT launched more original shows than ever before, including such current series as Orange County Choppers, a second season of Swamp Pawn, a fourth season of Sweet Home Alabama and the previously-announced Win, Lose or Pawn, a game show premiering this month.