– After Monday’s episode of WWE RAW from San Antonio, TX went off the air, WWE Champion defeated The Miz in what was described by a live correspondent as a solid match. Cena nailed Miz with the Attitude Adjustment to get the pin.
After the match, Cena brought a member of the United States millitary into the ring with his son and took photos with them.
– Dwayne Johnson officially signed on to star in the movie “The Snitch,” where he will play a father who agrees to go undercover to help police bust a drug gang in exchange for shortening the jail sentence of his son.
– Speaking of The Rock, his latest film Fast Five continues to perform well – taking in another $19.5 million in its third week in theaters. The movie fell only one spot to #3 for the weekend.
The domestic total for Fast Five now $168.8 million and its worldwide total is $440.5 million – making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
To get an idea of profitable a successful movie release can be, Fast Five‘s budget was “only” $125 million .. Not bad for a $440 million return!
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com .. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
The Rock Back On WWE TV: “Yes…I can easily see the Rock back on WWE TV in some form and feel that matter is essential to promote his main event level match at WM28 in Miami vs John Cena. How Rock could NOT make reoccurring appearances on WWE TV and headline WMania is beyond me. However, I don’t see Rock wrestling on free TV before WM28 but that’s simply one man’s opinion.”
Drew McIntyre’s Potential: “What do I think of Drew McIntyre? Lots of potential, nice look, seems to be athletic but it needs to be established as to who the Scot is and what his immediate objectives are.”
TNA Billboards Near WWE Headquarters: “Yes…I heard about TNA putting up billboards in Stamford, Ct which is the world HQ of WWE. Thoughts? A complete waste of money unless obscure mentions such as this one is what TNA is looking for. Silly expenditure of money IMO. One would think that organization would have bigger and more important fish to fry. However, what TNA does isn’t any of my business or concern but the question was asked and has now been addressed. I would guess that many WWE, Stamford based employees learned of TNA for the first time via the local billboards.”
As always, we recommend you check out JR’s site for his amazing line of BBQ products .. His BBQ sauces, ketchups and mustard are out of this world and a staple of the refrigerator at SEScoops’ global headquarters.
– As previously reported, WWE is currently working on how to use The Rock on television in the coming months. While nothing is confirmed just yet, we can confirm that the creative team has a few ideas of what to do with The Rock at SummerSlam and Survivor Series in the fall.
– After Randy Orton captured the World Heavyweight tile last week and ended Christian’s 5-day title reign, WWE is already looking forward to Orton’s next heel challenger. While an extended feud between Orton and Christian was discussed, right now it’s looking like Mark Henry will be the next title challenger. It should be said that Mark Henry as a top heel world title challenger is a scenario that’s been discussed many times in the past, but is not an indication that a title reign is in his future.
– There are currently plans for The Great Khali and his manager Jinder Mahal to form a heel tag team together and feud with WWE tag champions Kane and the Big Show.
– Entertainment magazine Variety is reporting that WWE Studios has changed the name of John Cena’s upcoming movie Blood Brothers. The project will now be known as “Family Reunion.”
– The Rock has been nominated for the “Biggest Ass Kicker Award” at this year’s Spike TV Guys Choice Awards. His most notable challenger for the prize is actor Mark Wahlberg. Voting is currently underway at Spike.com.
– ECW original Nunzio was back working as a WWE referee last night on RAW.
– With the official WrestleMania 27 DVD / Blu-Ray on sale today -it’s worth noting that WWE has edited out the Johnny Cash song “Ain’t No Grave” (Undertaker’s entrance theme) and Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” (one of Triple H’s entrance songs). What’s interesting is that the Nas song “Hate Me Now” remains on the DVD – apparently the licensing rights were not too bad for that song. (Source: WWEDVDNews)
– The official synopsis has been released for WWE’s upcoming DVD/Blu-ray “The 50 Most Shocking, Surprising and Amazing Moments in WWE History” – which is in stores on August 23rd of this year. It will be released via three-discs on DVD and two-discs on Blu-ray. The official synopsis reads like this:
“The 50 Most Shocking, Surprising, Amazing Moments in WWE History counts down the most outrageous moments in the history of WWE. What moments will make the cut, the top 10, and what is the greatest moment of all time? Is it the King of the Ring tournament where Austin 3:16 was born? Mick Foley’s devastating fall of the top of the Hell in a Cell cage? The Montreal Screwjob? The explosion that consumed Mr. McMahon’s limo? This three-disc set is the perfect release for fans that love to debate which moments were their favorites.”
– For those of us still upset that WWE decided to take the WWE Championship off The Miz just 5 months into his first reign – we’ve got some good news about his standing in the company.
Unlike other young WWE stars who were given a top title and then had it taken away quickly (Sheamus, Jack Swagger), John Cena winning the WWE championship is not a sign that they’ve lost faith in The Miz as a main eventer. The company is very pleased with how he carried himself as champion.
In fact, WWE recently informed a number of their business partners that The Miz will remain one of the company’s top superstars in the coming year … and THAT … is awwweeesommme.
– Following the blockbuster success of WrestleMania 27, WWE is looking for The Rock to make more television appearances in the coming months. WWE is looking to have The Rock appear at SummerSlam (possibly as a guest referee in John Cena’s match) – because they’ve seen how much of an impact that The Rock’s involvement has on TV ratings and PPV buyrates.
– THQ announced during their conference call last week that the most recent SmackDown vs. RAW and the new WWE All Stars video games shipped over 4 million units total. By comparison, THQ’s most recent UFC Undisputed game shipped 3 million units.
THQ posted a $44.1 million loss in the fourth quarter of their fiscal year and a total loss of $136.1 million for the whole fiscal year.
– WWE is currently scouting talent in the UK – with an emphasis on big, muscular guys. (Shocker)
– Vince McMahon’s appearance on Monday’s RAW and the special video tribute that aired during The Rock’s birthday celebration were kept secret from The Rock.
– During today’s investor conference call to discuss first -quarter WWE earnings for 2011, Vince McMahon revealed that WWE will soon be unveiling two brand new “live event” TV programs “in the not too distant future”. McMahon also stated that finding a network for those shows “would not be a problem.”
– WWE is currently discussing a summer program between new WWE Champion John Cena and RAW newcomer Alberto Del Rio, with a match between the two stars planned for SummerSlam in Los Angeles.
– Matches booked for upcoming WWE RAW live events include John Cena vs. The Miz, Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio, R-Truth vs. John Morrison and CM Punk vs. Kofi Kingston.
– John Cena and The Rock will be using Twitter over the next 11 months to keep their feud heading into WrestleMania 28 next April.
– According to a WWE source, Sin Cara’s new merchandise is selling better than expected.
— Just days after it was announced that his latest movie Fast Five opened big at the box office, it’s being reported by Deadline.com that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has ended his longtime relationship with his agent Darren Statt and signed with the prestigious William Morrison talent agency.
The Rock recently signed on to play country music singer Charlie Pride in the upcoming movie about Pride’s life and is also going to begin filming the movie “Snitch” later this year.
— Speaking of The Rock, apparently there’s an ugly rumor going around that he is dead. Rock tweeted on Wednesday morning:
“I would love to meet the person who is starting rumors of my death – to show them how a dead foot feels up their ass.”
The ratings are in for Monday’s episodes of WWE RAW and WWE Tough Enough – and the numbers are virtually even with last week. Here’s the breakdown:
– Tough Enough drew a 1.70 rating with an average of 2.44 million viewers. This is still a bit under the 5-week average, which is a 1.86 with 2.64 million viewers.
– Monday’s RAW, which featured a special birthday celebration for The Rock as well as a John Cena vs. Miz WWE title match, drew a 3.45 rating and averaged 5.22 million fans. This is virtually even with last week’s WWE Draft edition of RAW, which did a 3.47 with 5.20 million viewers.
— Kharma is a member of the Raw roster. WWE.com added a profile on the wrestler formerly known as Awesome Kong to the Raw Superstars page today. She is not, however, listed as a WWE Diva.
Kharma made her debut at Extreme Rules, attacking Michelle McCool following the Loser Leaves WWE Match. The following night on Raw, Kharma interrupted a match between Kelly Kelly and Maryse. She gave Maryse a lifting double underhook facebuster, but left the ring without attacking Kelly.
— ESPN.com posted an article concerning last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw. The article notes Miami Heat players Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and other athletes helping Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson celebrate his birthday. The result of the WWE Championship Match between John Cena and The Miz is also mentioned.
SEScoops.com was at Monday’s WWE RAW from Miami and shot this exclusive video of what happened after the show went off the air .. Check out what happens when The Rock is greeted by two young fans wearing John Cena merchandise:
– New World Heavyweight champion Christian’s first title challenger is expected to be Mark Henry.
– WWE will tape this week’s episodes of NXT and SmackDown tonight from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally is Randy Orton and Christian vs. Sheamus and Wade Barrett.
– The Big Show will be making a guest appearance on the USA Network’s hit show, Burn Notice. Show will be playing villain Griffin Black on the fourth episode of the upcoming season.
– The Rock tweeted the following last night after his RAW birthday celebration:
“U have all help make my birthday one of the greatest days of my life.. strong love and thank u.. standing tall tonight and proudly lead America with the Pledge of Allegiance was a dream come true.. ELECTRIFYING.”
– Layla wrote the following on Twitter regarding her win over Michelle McCool at Extreme Rules:
“That was the hardest thing I ever had 2 do @McCoolMichelleL I will always have respect, gratitude & love for U! Our memories will stay with me. forever Flawless love ya.”
– Next week’s episode of Tough Enough will feature a special appearance from John Morrison and a “shocking” double elimination. Here’s the official preview:
“Next Monday, Tough Enough is all new and the contestants are on the ropes — literally! But who’s really hanging by a thread? There’s only one thing more heartbreaking than a dreamer losing the fight, and this is it: Get ready for a shocking double elimination you won’t believe! WWE Superstar John Morrison guest stars.”
The box office numbers are in for Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson’s latest movie FAST FIVE and the fifth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise had a blockbuster opening weekend. By far the best opening weekend of 2011 thus far, FAST FIVE took in $86.2 million dollars (in North America) in its opening weekend. It was also the best opening weekend for the Fast & Furious franchise.
Director Justin Lin, who directed the last three Fast & Furious movies, is already planning a sixth installment, which will see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprise his role as US special agent Hobbs.
“After this big weekend, we’re going forward,” Lin told USA Today on Monday. “It’s pretty much 100%. It’s going to happen. At five, we’re just hitting our stride .. We’re growing. People want to continue this journey.”
After the closing credits of Fast Five, a brief scene aired that revealed details on the plot of Fast Six. The scene featured The Rock with actress Eva Mendes talking about a new case – a robbery involving actress Michelle Rodriguez’s character Letty, who was murdered in 2009’s Fast & Furious – a sign that she’ll be returning “from the dead“ in the next movie.
COMMENT BELOW: Did you see FAST FIVE? If so – what did you think ?
— WWE’s official Twitter page has announced that The Miz will invoke his rematch clause against WWE Champion John Cena tonight on Raw.
— Rap musician Pitbull and the Miami Heat dancers are scheduled to perform on Raw.
There is also a giant birthday cake backstage at Raw reading “Happy Birthday Rock.”
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia appeared on today’s episode of the daytime syndicated medical/talk show The Doctors. A segment aired where Garcia’s husband Chris, who was sitting in the audience, volunteered to get manscaped and waxed. She was shown laughing while the procedure took place.
— WWE pulled the YouTube video of John Cena announcing to the Extreme Rules audience last night that U.S. troops “captured and compromised” Osama bin Laden. His speech will air tonight on Raw, WWE announced via press release.
Former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia and WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young are both scheduled to appear during Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s birthday celebration tonight on Raw.
During a backstage segment at WrestleMania XXVII, Young told Johnson that she wants “The People’s Strudel.” Rock responded by saying she should be craving other peoples’ studels, such as Moses. The segment concluded with the WWE Hall of Famer slapping The Great One on the rear.
Young’s urges towards Johnson infuriated Garcia, who was watching the pay-per-view broadcast at home.
She wrote on Twitter, “Whoa whoa wait!!!! Mae Young is trying to move in on MY people’s Strudel??? NO WAY @TheRock!!!!!”
Garcia was playing off an infamous backstage interview segment years ago in which she admitted to lusting over “The People’s Strudel.”
– Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The Rock returns tonight to celebrate his birthday with his home town fans. What will happen when new WWE champion John Cena and The Rock are on the same show for the first time since making their WrestleMania 28 match official?
SEScoops.com will be on hand for tonight’s RAW and will be posting some exclusive pictures and videos from the show – keep an eye out for those later in the week.
– Get ready for another chapter in the ongoing feud between Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. Current plans call for the two to square off at WWE’s next pay-per-view, Over The Limit, most likely in a singles match.
— WWE’s creative team has scrapped plans to make Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Orlando, Florida a dual-brand event. However, Raw talent may still appear on the show.
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson turns 39 years old today. Tonight on Monday Night Raw at the American Airlines Arena, “The Most Electrifying Man In All of Entertainment” celebrates his birthday with celebrities, the WWE fans and all of WWE’s Superstars and Divas.
As part of The Rock’s birthday celebration, for one full week starting today, he and WWE will donate all proceeds from “Team Bring It” shirts sold at WWEShop.com to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Today would have also marked as former WWE talent Ray “Big Boss Man” Traylor’s 48th birthday. He died of a heart attack at his home in Dallas, Georgia on September 22, 2004.
— John Cena took another shot at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson yesterday on Twitter.
“CeNation. Just heard that yesterday the man who invented the telepromter died at 91,” he wrote. “Somewhere right now the great one is in mourning :)”
— The April 29 episode of SmackDown featured 36 minutes and 31 seconds of in-ring action, up from 31 minutes and 57 seconds the week before.
— WWE developmental talent Jinder Mahal, a wrestler billed from Punjab, India, debuted on last week’s episode of SmackDown. He appeared in a backstage segment with Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh, where The Punjabi Playboy and his manager wish The Master of the 619 good luck on Raw. Mahal greets Khali in their native tongue and walks off.
To translate what was said, reader Ashish noted that Khali and Singh asked Mahal he was there. He that he is a new roster member and plans to be there for a long time. After he walked off, Khali and Singh said it’s good to see him in WWE.
— Mick Foley is scheduled to return to TNA Wrestling programming at next Monday’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida.
He was originally scheduled to appear at the April 20 iMPACT! taping, but it was canceled due to miscommunication. Company officials thought he would unavailable to make the show due to his appearance at the Cauliflower Alley Club Annual Reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada. He flew to Orlando, Florida for the iMPACT! taping, but the script had already been finalized.
Foley indicated last week on Twitter that he would like to appear at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s birthday celebration, which takes place this Monday night on Raw. It is said that TNA officials were okay with him appearing at the event, but WWE declined.
— Kurt Angle has a role in Dylan Dog Dead of Night, which hits theaters tomorrow.
— The Jeff Hardy video package that aired during the UK telecast of TNA Impact on Tuesday was likely used a filler because the program features less commericials and therefore needs additional content to pad out the two hour time slot.
– The Undertaker was backstage at this past Monday’s RAW from Raleigh, NC with Michelle McCool. Sources describe Taker as still hurting and said he gave no indication as to when he would be coming back.
– Sunday’s Extreme Rules PPV is not sold out yet. Ticket sales for The Rock’s return to RAW this Monday (May 2nd) from Miami are also selling slow.
– As noted before, Shawn Michaels has filed trademarks on “Mr. HOF” and “Mr. Hall of Fame”, so it looks like those will be the nicknames WWE uses when talking about him from here on out. Since Shawn retired, WWE has wanted to market him as the greatest wrestler of all-time since he has a very long-term contract with the company.
– Sean Waltman said in an interview this past week that he thinks there’s a very good chance he could appear on WWE TV at some point in the future. Waltman appeared at the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony with Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Kevin Nash.
– The 2012 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view is scheduled for St. Louis, Missouri.
— Chris Jericho, who was eliminated last night from Dancing with the Stars, teased a possible appearance at this Sunday’s WWE Extreme Rules pay-per-view event—which takes place in Tampa, Florida.
He wrote on Twitter, “For the first time in 8 weeks I dont have dance rehearsals. What am I going to do with myself now? Anythin goin on in Tampa this weekend…?”
Jim Ross, who is competing at the event, asked Jericho, “Ever been in a Country Whippin Match? I need a coach or a stunt double. Interested?”
He replied, “No but I have been in a barb wire match, a penalty box match and everything in between. I’ll do it! Plus I even have my own Stetson.”
— Jim Ross, who injured his hand during his match against Michael Cole on Raw, posted the following update today on his official website: “My hand is swollen and sore and I can’t make a fist…yet.”
He is expected to compete in his match on Sunday.
— The latest special edition issue of WWE Magazine is titled “Hardest Hitting Photos Of All-time!” Enclosed with the magazine is a mini-magazine highlighting The Rock’s greatest moments.
– WWE will tape SmackDown and NXT tonight from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. John Cena is scheduled to make an appearance, despite being drafted back to RAW last night. This will be the final WWE show before Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
– WWE recently issued a memo to its talent notifying them about a change to the company’s policy of autographing items for fans. Superstars and divas are now prohibited from signing autographs on clothing, peoples’ skin and money, according to a report on pwinsider.com.
The change comes after a top WWE star recently signed a fans’ expensive leather jacket. The following day, an angry parent called WWE officials and complained that the jacket was ruined, forcing WWE to reimburse the parent for the jacket.
– The Rock just won’t quit … His match with John Cena is still a year away, but that’s not stopping him from talking trash about RAWSmackDown RAW superstar / fruity pebble, John Cena.
The Rock was in Russia earlier this week promoting the international release of his new Fast Five movie and posted a picture of him standing on a purple John Cena t-shirt. The Rock posted the following picture and caption:
Team Bring It Russia – thank u for the incredible love. I will return! (Cena, look closely.. u will ALWAYS be dominated by Team Bring It)”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest movie, Fast Five, is a huge hit in Australia. One out of three people in Australia who went to the movies on Thursday (the day of its premiere) went to see Fast Five, earning $2.4 million. It premieres this Friday in the United States.
— John Miller, who currently appears as a contestant on the Oxygen reality show Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too, stated during an interview with NewsandTribune.com that he will on hand for next week’s WWE television tapings, as well as Extreme Rules.
Miller, who has competed for Ohio Valley Wrestling, wrote the following on Twitter last week regarding his upcoming WWE tour: “11 more days till I go on a 4 day tour with WWE! I’m going to get a job and sign hopefully sign a contract, wish me luck everyone!!! Im booked for WWE Pay Per View in Tampa on May 1st. Then I will be in Miami,Fl May 2nd for Monday Night Raw then May 3rd Orlando for smackdown.”
— Just two days before WWE’s annual Draft, Beth Phoenix is listed under the Raw Superstars folder on WWE.com.
Her profile page’s original URL source, www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/bethphoenix, now redirects to www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/bethphoenix. However, “The Glamazon” is still listed as a member of the SmackDown roster.
It is possible that it is a glitch as her page, as well as Rosa Mendes’, were briefly unavailable this morning.
— An image of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shaking John Cena’s hand a few weeks ago on Raw is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. The cover can be seen at www.pwi-online.com.
— WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas celebrates his 57th birthday today.
— Big Show and Kane grabbed championship glory together for the second time in their careers, triumphing over Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel on SmackDown to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships.
The match concluded with Big Show chokeslamming Slater to the canvas for the victory.
— John Cena celebrates his birthday today as he turns 34 years old. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, his opponent at WrestleMania XXVIII, wished him a happy birthday on Twitter.
He wrote, “Happy Birthday @JohnCena – I’m 5 yrs older than you which means I will always be your daddy bitch!”
— Chris Jericho appears on this Monday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
– There are already plans for a sixth Fast and Furious movie, which will likely see The Rock return to the franchise. Fast Five premiers in theaters next weekend.
– Former WWE announcer and current ESPN news correspondent Jonathan Coachman has contacted The Rock and said that he may be at RAW next Monday (5/2) from Miami.
– In an interesting bit of trivia … the WWE Championship ladder match at at Extreme Rules between Christian and Alberto Del Rio is believed to be only the second time in company history where a match guarantees that someone will become World Champion for the first time. In the rare cases when there’s a vacated title on the line, at least one of the contenders has been WWE champion before. The only other WWE match when two superstars battled for a vacant WWE championship was on March 27th, 1988 – when Randy Savage defeated Ted DiBiase in the title tournament finals at WrestleMania 4.
– Jim Ross’ BBQ sauce business seems to be doing well since WWE’s shop website started carrying the products as Ross noted on Twitter this week that their online business is up almost 200% from last year. WWE’s shop website takes domestic and international orders from fans and then places the order with JR. JR noted that they just received their biggest order ever from WWE’s shop website.
