– The Rock is in talks to return to the “Journey” movie franchise, according to TheWrap.com.
Director Brad Peyton and writers Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn have already signed on. New Line Cinema is said to be targeting a 2014 release date for the film.
As of this week, Journey 2 has grossed approximately $79 million domestically and $272 million internationally.
– Speaking of The Rock, we reported earlier this week that he bought a $3.5 million mansion last month located in Southwest Ranches, Florida.
In a strange celebrity connection, The Rock’s new mansion is actually being fixed up by rapper Vanilla Ice as part of his “Vanilla Ice Project” show on the DIY Network show, where he and his team renovate houses.
With just 3 1/2 weeks to go until their epic encounter at WWE’s biggest pay-per-view event of the year, things are heating up fast between The Rock and John Cena. Their interactions are intensifying and the current plan is for Rock and Cena to finally get physical the March 26th RAW Supershow, the final show before WrestleMania 28.
After WrestleMania 28, The Rock will be filming Fast Six, Pain & Gain and Hercules back-to-back, which will keep him very busy until the end of 2012. Rock has several other projects lined up after that (including Ciudad), so it is unlikely we will see him on WWE television on a regular basis.
Vince McMahon stated months ago that Rock had agreed to do participate in multiple pay-per-view events this year and there has been talk of him doing something at SummerSlam. At the WrestleMania 29 press conference, Rock said he will be participating in next year’s show as well.
– WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin has wrapped filming on his new movie Recoil and will begin doing promotional work for the movie today. The straight-to-DVD action film, which was released on Tuesday, can be purchased online at Amazon.com.
– Hornswoggle, who was featured in an angle at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, tweeted the following after the show:
— Regarding the relationship between Dwayne Johnson and John Cena behind the scenes, while the two are cordial with each another, they are not the best of friends. There is genuine tension between both stars, which was said to have intensified in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series.
One former WWE insider who has worked with both Johnson and Cena said of their relationship: “They aren’t buddy-buddy, that’s for sure. I’ve heard they’ve disagreed about a lot of things. They aren’t big fans of one another personally, but they are willing to carry on with business.”
— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced on Twitter that she will be appearing at Planet Hollywood Times Square (1540 Broadway — 45th Street) on Wednesday at noon for a Q&A session with fans.
— Ring of Honor has released a two-disc DVD set highlighting Bryan Danielson’s (a/k/a Daniel Bryan) career with the organization.
– The “History Lesson” promos featuring The Rock that aired on Monday’s RAW were actually shot on Sunday, according to PWInsider.com. The Rock came arrived in Boston on Saturday and was backstage all day at the TD Garden.
– Rey Mysterio featured on one of the official Wrestlemania t-shirts, another indication he’ll be involved in the event in some capacity.
– Alberto Del Rio and developmental star Dean Ambrose were backstage at Monday’s RAW. Del Rio returned to the ring over the weekend and is ready to return to television whenever the creative team has something for him. Ambrose worked SmackDown’s live events over the weekend and is also waiting to get called to television.
(Props to pwinsider.com for some of the info used in this report)
– Jim Ross tweeted the following message about the tremendous amount of pressure put on the shoulders of The Rock and John Cena if they are indeed the last match to go on at WrestleMania:
“Think of the pressure @JohnCena & @TheRock must feel if they are, obviously, called upon to follow everything at WM28 especially HIAC.”
Hit up the comments below and tell us who should go on last at Wrestlemania and how WWE should structure the card’s lineup.
– Zack Ryder mentioned on Twitter that he’s headed to the UK today to do promotional work for WWE.
– The security guards on RAW last night that escorted John Laurinaitis and David Otunga out of the building were independent wrestlers Mark Shurman, Max Bauer, Matt Taven and Andy McKenzie. They train at Boston’s New England Pro Wrestling Academy.
– WWE is heading to Brazil in May with the following live events:
May 23rd: Sao Paulo, Brazil (Ibirapuera Gymnasium)
May 24t: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Maracanazinho Gymnasium)
– According to Joey Styles, the upcoming ECW DVD that is set to be released this summer will NOT feature any content from WWE’s revived version of ECW. Styles Tweeted:
“I’m being asked by many if WWECW will be included on this Summer’s new ECW home video release. The answer is OH MY GOD NO! Original ECW only”
– During one of the “History Lesson” segments that took place on Monday’s RAW, The Rock made fun of John Cena’s WWE merchandise, including a garden gnome dressed up like Cena. For the readers who emailed in asking if such merchandise exists – yes, WWE does sell garden gnomes. The WWE Shop websites has 4 different WWE-themed garden gnomes for sale – but none of them feature John Cena. The ones available for purchase include Hornswoggle, Triple H, Steve Austin, and… ait for it… The Rock. You can view the gnomes at WWEShop.com
– Michael McGillicutty and Curt Hawkins were stopped by police in Rhode Island last night but let go due to their status as WWE Superstars. Hawkins tweeted:
“So @WWEMcGillicutty & I just got pulled over by Rhode Island State Troopers. They recognized us from #NXT …They let us slide.”
– WWE Champion CM Punk appeared on Boston’s WAAF radio station on Monday to promote RAW. During the interview, Punk revealed that he’s pulling for John Cena to defeat The Rock at WrestleMania. Punk talked about his upcoming WWE DVD set – and said it might not get released in September like WWE wants because he has full control over what content goes on the DVD. You can listen to Punk’s radio appearance here:
– The feeling among most people backstage at RAW in Boston last night was that John Cena once again got the upper hand on The Rock, in terms of who was better on the mic.
– Brodus Clay was backstage at last night’s RAW Supershow in Boston but once again, was not used. Clay has been off television for several weeks and returned to action this weekend at the RAW brand’s live events, defeating Michael McGillicutty.
– All episodes from the first season of Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures are now available for “VIP members” on MRAHunting.com.
– To follow up on the news of FCW Diva Irena Janjic (Leah West) moving on after getting released by WWE, Janjic recently returned to Australia where she’s back working for the Impact Pro Wrestling promotion.
— With next week’s Raw SuperShow emanating from the city of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio, a special event will be presented: The Rock in concert and John Cena rapping.
— The Miz lost in short order to Big Show on Monday’s Raw SuperShow via WMD. This extends the former WWE Champion’s losing streak to nine consecutive losses in televised singles matches. He has not won a televised singles match since the December 5, 2011 Raw.
— SportsCenter anchor Robert Flores was in attendance at Monday’s Raw Supershow in Boston, Massachusetts.
— The announced attendance for Monday’s Raw SuperShow at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts was 16,286.
— Dolph Ziggler was asked during an interview with WWE Magazine if there is anyone he loves listening to on the mic. He says The Rock despite not being “a huge fan” of his.
“Though I’m not a huge fan of The Rock, I admit that I am a fan of the fact that he does his own thing. He gets excited on the mic. He yells. He didn’t listen to what people told him to do, and people responded to that. I appreciate someone who stands out and stands up for what he believes in, because that’s what I’m trying to do,” Ziggler says.
“When I finally get the chance to say what I want, to talk about where we’re going from here on out, when my voice, my words, become the measuring stick for WWE, I think that’s the moment that’s going to reinvent our entire business.”
— SLAM! Wrestling has published an article on Marcus “Buff” Bagwell wrestling at the high school he attended, Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia. Along with that special occasion, Bagwell partnered with Scott Steiner in the main event of UCW’s recent Superclash event. The former nWo duo lost to Brodie Chase and Mike Knox in a tag team match.
Though long removed from the national wrestling scene and now 42 years of age, Bagwell still looks as he did during the late 1990s with World Championship Wrestling. The twenty-two year veteran credits his persona as the main reason for his consistent look.
“My name’s the reason,” Bagwell joked. “If you’ve got a name like “Buff” you better look the part.”
His physique has led to an endorsement as he is featured in online advertisements for Force Factor muscle building supplements.
— Talk within WWE is that a stipulation may be added to the Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show match at WrestleMania XXVIII beyond the Intercontinental Championship being on the line.
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has already arrived in Boston, Massachusetts for tomorrow night’s Raw SuperShow at the TD Garden. He is staying at the same hotel as WWE talent.
Johnson posted a photo of himself on Twitter hanging out with a large group of fans.
— The March 3, 2012 episode of WWE Vintage Collection featured the following matches: Buddy Landel vs. Bob “Spark Plug” Holly (WWF Monday Night Raw – December 18, 1995), George “The Animal” Steele vs. Nikolai Volkoff (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – June 23, 1986), Batista vs. Tajiri (WWE Raw – May 10, 2004), “The Natural” Butch Reed vs. Tito Santana (WWF All American Wrestling – December 7, 1986), Cactus Jack vs. Dustin Rhodes (WCW Main Event – March 1, 1992), Bret Hart vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler (WWF Monday Night Raw – March 13, 1995), Harley Race vs. Pedro Morales (WWF live event – December 6th, 1986).
— In response to rumors of backstage jealousy and resentment over Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stealing the spotlight at WrestleMania XXVIII, former WWE Superstar Carlito went on Twitter to defend The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment against “the boys.”
“My opinion on The Rock is that everybody should be thankful that he’s back. Did he come back to save his movie career? Of course, so what? The Rock saved ‘Mania last year and this year too. Do any of u see any other wrestler right now that can sell out ‘Mania?” he wrote.
“The “boys” should be happy that ‘Mania will be a big success and fans shouldn’t even really care as to why Rock is back.”
— Former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page stated during the PWTorch Livecast this week that he was backstage at last week’s Raw live event at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
— Eve’s victory over Natalya on Friday’s SmackDown extends the third generation wrestler’s televised singles match losing streak to twelve consecutive losses. Her last win took place on the August 5, 2011 SmackDown, over A.J.
– Boston’s TD Garden, the site of Monday’s RAW, is advertising The Rock and Shawn Michaels will be appearing in person.
The dark match main event will see CM Punk & John Cena vs. Kane & Chris Jericho.
– As of this week, there is still no word on whether Shaquille O’Neal will be appearing at WrestleMania. Shaq has stated several times that he will be at WrestleMania, even saying back in December that he would be wrestling the Big Show. The WWE website posted an article last week denying that Shaq would be appearing at WrestleMania, which caused even more confusion.
For months, it was rumored that Shaq’s involvement with WWE would kick off next Monday’s RAW from Boston’s TD Garden. If Shaq doesn’t appear on that show or isn’t referenced in some way, he most likely won’t be a part of WrestleMania and it can be assumed his negotiations with the company fell through .
– Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy has been announced to play the Download Festival, one of the biggest rock festivals in the UK. Other bands announced for the show are Metallica, Tenacious D, Killswitch Engage and Corey Taylor. Fozzy will perform on Saturday, June 9th.
— Monday’s Raw SuperShow featuring the much anticipated return of The Rock garnered a 3.1 cable rating with 4.65 million viewers. The rating is down from 3.24 the week before.
Viewership was nearly identical to last week’s post-Elimination Chamber program. Raw averaged 4.65 million viewers compared to 4.63 million last week. The first hour averaged 4.70 million viewers before declining to 4.59 million viewers.
— WWE Studios’ Bending the Rules, starring 2012 WWE Hall of Fame inductee, Edge, and Jamie Kennedy – opens in the following theaters for a special, limited engagement on March 9: Hollywood, California (Grauman’s Chinese 7), Aurora, Colorado (Cinema Latino 8), Miami, Florida (Palace 18), Chicago, Illinois (I.C.E. Chatham 14), New York, New York (To Be Announced), East Providence, Rhode Island (East Providence 10), Memphis, Tennessee (Wolfchase Cinema 8), San Antonio, Texas (Santikos Northwest 14), Bremerton, Washington (Olympic Theater 4).
— The February 25 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.46 cable rating with 481,000 viewers.
Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield has updated his Facebook page with a reaction to reports that certain members of the WWE locker room are upset about The Rock taking such a large role at WrestleMania 28. Despite the fact that The Rock is not a full-time member of the WWE roster, JBL says Rock detractors need to wake up and look at the big picture:
“I hear the resentment/jealousy of the Rock backstage and I quite frankly don’t believe it. Four of the world’s biggest superstars in Cena, Rock, Undertaker and Triple H will headline WM-this is huge for WWE and the business-guys should be dying to be on this card and my guess is they are. It’s very simple to those who do have any problem with it, if there is anyone truly that does-replace them and there won’t be a spot for them. Until then just say “thanks!”
JBL also got into former WWE superstars returning to the spotlight – and how they’re able to do so years after their main runs with the company:
“There is a reason why Jericho and others can always come back-they earned that right and they still draw. Shawn Michaels does as well. CM Punk and John Cena earned the right to be on top. If these guys ever quit drawing then they know it’s time to hang it up-that hasn’t happened yet, and I hope it won’t. Piper and Diesel ares guys who still draw interest and create buzz. Shows how great these guys are that they still create interest-it’s Darwinian, once they stop or are replaced then you won’t see them anymore. Batista would draw if he decides to return.”
The Rock returned to WWE RAW on Monday night and delivered a memorable promo, demonstrating once again his unbreakable connection with the fans and his ability to work up a live crowd like nobody else. John Cena interrupted The Rock’s promo and called attention to the fact that The Rock had written notes on his wrist, perhaps a sign that the Great One isn’t at the top of his game and isn’t as authentic as he wants the people to believe.
Upon close analysis of The Rock’s promo, it appears the notes on his wrist said the following:
KRS to KPB
Innovator – Camo
2 reasons
Call out
In case you missed The Rock and John Cena’s segment from the end of RAW, check it out here:
WWE legend Mick Foley tweeted the following on Monday night regarding The Rock and John Cena’s segment that closed the show:
“That promo felt kind of uncomfortable to watch. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
Former WWE announcer Jack Korpela wrote:
“@TheRock is simply on a different level. Makes @JohnCena and @CMPunk look amateur. What does @wwe have to do to build a new Rock? @TheRock proved again tonight why he is among the top three @wwe superstars ever. @HulkHogan @steveaustinBSR and @therock made this business”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross seems to think there could be legit heat between The Rock and Cena:
“@JohnCena calling @TheRock a “SOB” tonite shocked me & made me uncomfortable. Sounded more personal than in a professional context…IMO.”
“It’s getting personal…@JohnCena & @TheRock…legit. Guaranteed. No BS.”
When asked directly by a fan whether there is legit heat between Rock and Cena, JR replied :
“If there wasn’t before tonight, there certainly seems to be now.”
The Rock tweeted the following after RAW:
“Team Bring It: Tonight we made history. Dominated Twitter. #TheRock #Boots2Asses #CenasMissingBalls.”
He later added:
“Portland, Oregon: THANK YOU for a historic & unforgettable night. An honor to entertain you on RAW. #TeamBringItStrong.”
— John Cena was scheduled to wave the green flag Sunday at the Daytona 500 but the annual race was postponed for the first time in its 54-year history after heavy rain saturated Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event has been rescheduled for Monday at noon.
The official Twitter feed of Daytona International Speedway stated Sunday night that Cena will give the starting command and wave the green flag at the race Monday.
— There is much anticipation within WWE for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s verbal response tomorrow night on Raw to John Cena’s pseudo-shoot speech on last week’s show in which he strongly criticized “The People’s Champion” for bailing on the company for Hollywood aspirations.
— The official Twitter feed of the WWE Universe took a jab at tonight’s 84th Oscar Academy Awards show, writing, “#SlammyAwards > #Oscars.”
— Former WWE Superstar John Morrison will perform improv comedy on March 17 at 8 p.m. for Cut That Promo at iO West at 6366 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.
– Former WWE creative writer Seth Mates reacted on Twitter to the apparent jealousy within WWE circles of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson being successful in Hollywood.
“Talking point: let’s say WWE Films had been a success. Don’t you think VINCE would have done same thing The Rock did – leave for Hollywood”
“Vince has conquered wrestling over and over. If he’d smelled blood in Hollywood, he’d have already handed the keys to the kingdom to HHH and Steph.
“The jealousy towards Rock isn’t for him leaving. It’s that others can’t.”
– The latest episode of WWE Vintage Collection highlights the 2001 Invasion angle—WCW wrestlers attempting to take over the World Wrestling Federation. Matches and segments featured include:
Vince McMahon announces he has purchased WCW (WCW Monday Nitro – March 26, 2001)
Vince McMahon firing Jeff Jarrett (WWF Raw is War – March 26, 2001)
Shane McMahon becomes owner of WCW (WWF Raw is War and WCW Monday Nitro – March 26, 2001)
Survivor Series Elimination Match – The Rock, Chris Jericho, Big Show, Kane and Undertaker vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Shane McMahon, Booker T and Rob Van Dam (WWF Survivor Series 2001).
— During WWE’s press conference to announce that WrestleMania XXIX would be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, April 7, 2013, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson vowed to appear at the event and “electrify MetLife Stadium like never before.”
Sources within WWE have confirmed to the Pro Wrestling Torch that Johnson will be competing at the event.
— John Cena was interviewed by SPEED TV and talked about waving the green flag at today’s Daytona 500, the race field and facing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania XXVIII.
— Former WWE Superstar John Morrison has been announced to appear at the Chicago Comic Con taking place August 9-12, 2012 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. WWE Champion CM Punk and former WWE Diva Maryse will also be appearing at the event.
Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:
Are some WWE Superstars jealous of The Rock’s return to WWE and headlining WrestleMania XXVIII?: “Probably, but I’ve not spoken directly to any that express that sentiment however jealousy isn’t anything new in the genre or in any locker room. For one to think that it isn’t is being naive. @TheRock returning to WWE is about BUSINESS and the bigger the pie the bigger the slice for everyone.”
If he wants to wrestle Michael Cole at WrestleMania XXVIII: “Absolutely, not. And not any where else either. That hand has been played. Time to shuffle the deck and deal new cards. Cole and JR don’t need to be taking valuable TV time that should be used by young talents who are expected to be the stars of the future.”
Whether Owen Hart will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: “My assumption would be yes but not any time soon due to circumstances beyond WWE’s control.”
Whether Jeff Hardy will return to WWE: “My absolute guess would be no. At best, highly unlikely. TNA’s schedule likely fits Jeff best. I still remember his bout on TV vs the Undertaker. Great, WWE TV moment.”
The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania: “I never said Undertaker’s Streak at WrestleMania would end in the ring. I’ve actually said the contrary and that I did not think it would happen. That’s simply my opinion but it can only be determined in the ring. Obviously, the Streak will end some day when Taker retires which I do not expect to be this year. That decision is entirely up to Undertaker and how his body is holding up after years of combat.”
Ross also weighs in on The Rock/Cena rivalry, Undertaker vs. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell Match at WrestleMania XXVIII, WWE developmental talent, Ric Flair and more. His post is available here.