– The Undertaker was not at RAW, despite being advertised. Divas Champion AJ Lee was backstage, but did not appear on television.
– NXT stars Aiden English and CJ Parker were also backstage at RAW.
– Security was on high alert at Monday’s WWE RAW from the Allstate Arena in Chicago. While the #HijackRAW movement did not have much of an impact on the broadcast, arena staff was very thorough checking people for weapons when they entered the building and were on the lookout for ‘offensive’ signs.
We have not heard anything about fans being ejected due to their signs, but the building staff took extra precautions due to the #HijackRAW social media campaign.
Aside from those measures, the booking of the show was also done with awareness of the rowdy Chicago crowd that was ultimately not going to get CM Punk. Paul Heyman’s show-opening “pipe bomb”, the The Uso’s tag title win, Dolph Ziggler getting a win and Daniel Bryan standing up to the Authority and getting physical with Triple H were all instances of WWE playing to the crowd more than usual to offset the frustration of Punk not being there.
WWE legend The Undertaker has reportedly been added to Monday’s WWE RAW, which emanates from All State Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
Also scheduled for Monday’s RAW is a main event featuring The Wyatt Family vs. The Shield, Brock Lesnar’s reaction to last week’s attack by The Undertaker, celebrity guest host Aaron Paul and more.
As previously reported, CM Punk has also been rumored to make his return on the show. That, however, is not confirmed at this point.
– The official events page on WWE.com for this Monday’s RAW in Chicago, Illinois features both The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar pictured under the “Included Superstars” section.
As previously reported, Lesnar has been announced for Monday’s RAW in a segment where he will respond to the actions of Undertaker from last Monday’s RAW in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
– NXT Tag-Team Champions The Ascension recently received new entrance music. The name of the new theme song is “Rebellion.” You can check it out on iTunes at Apple.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about Monday’s RAW:
Fans Rejecting Batista: “Getting way too much negative feedback here about how Batista is positioned as if it is Dave’s fault. It’s really no one’s ‘fault’ as sometimes talents are simply miscast … I have always thought that Batista, because of the Daniel Bryan phenomenon, was a better fit to be a villian but that’s easy to say now. I expect that to occur later this week on Smackdown.”
Daniel Bryan’s Role At WrestleMania: “Daniel Bryan wants HHH at WM30 but will that keep or make Bryan’s fans happy? Likely not. WWE has a golden opportunity to provide Bryan and his fans a ‘magical moment’ in the Mercedes Benz Super Dome come WM30. Time will tell if that happens. It seems too obvious that it should happen for it to not occur.”
Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar “The rumblings of Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar at WM30 was made official on RAW or that’s what I got out of it. I think that these two will exceed most fan’s expectations at WM30. Not sure I can tell you why but it’s merely a gut feeling that I have. I think that they keep it basic, physical and at an old school pace which isn’t plodding but one that fans can process and ‘feel’ what they are seeing.”
There’s much more to this blog, including JR’s thoughts on The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family, Hulk Hogan’s return, the WWE Network and next week’s RAW from Chicago.
Hulk Hogan Opens Up RAW The big announcement earlier this week was of course the return of the Hulk Hogan, and how he will be The Host of WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans. What can be said about Hulk Hogan? He’s the Babe Ruth of wrestling, and icon and legend. He deserved to be in WWE in come capacity, and why on earth he was in TNA for as long as he was, I’ll never know. Wade Barrett took a verbal shot at hogan at The Elimination Chamber Pay Per Vew, and was no were to be seen on this show, so I can only wonder, if he will fill the role of Hogan’s Punching bag at WrestleMania XXX, time will tell. YES!
Alberto Del Rio vs. BOOtista / Randy Orton Interrupts. WWE is now starting to acknowledge that BOOtista is getting booed out of the building. Well it’s about time! How long can you go jamming someone down the audience’s throats that is clearly not connecting positively with the fans? Let me make myself clear, I don’t hate Batista, I hate the idea that WWE felt they needed Batista to fill some gap at WrestleMania XXX, and injected him into the Main Event, in spite of an organic rise of Daniel Bryan. Clearly a large portion, and not a vocal minority is in agreement with this sentiment. Batista is already starting to
BOOTista is going to WrestleMania XXX #DealWithIT NO!
lean towards heel tendencies, making a crying face, after his entrance, and his #DealWithIt catch phrase, is quite antagonizing. So Big Dave loses to Del Rio after Randy Orton distracts him. Orton acknowledges the recent crowd reception Batista is receiving. Batista responds while sweaty and slobbering all over, that the fans have a choice, and he’s okay with their choice. I’m just turned off to this story. I’d be happier if Batista went full on Heel and Batista Bombed the crap out of Daniel Bryan, get him in this story, because this is boring me, and even if they inject Daniel Bryan into the Main event, I’m not sure I can take 5 weeks of build up to Orton vs Batista. NO!
WWE Intercontinental Championship Big E. (c) vs. Cesaro The match was good, Ceasaro is definitely getting a face turn soon, and rightly so, there is a big drop off on faces, and I would argue to you he already is a face, based on the crowd reaction he’s getting, and his Ceasaro Swing. Looks like Jack Swaggar is going to be Cesaro’s opponent, eventually. YES!
John Cena Injured during his interaction with The Wyatts NO!
John Cena Addresses The Wyatt Family Thirty days after John Cena was screwed out of the WWE Championship at The Royal Rumble, and one night after he was screwed again from The Wyatts, John Cena finally decides to address the situation. He must have had that on his iPhone to-do list and kept forgetting to take care of this task. You know if the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is the most prized possession in sports entertainment, and they were combined because of your challenge to Randy Orton in December, you’d figure John Cena would have had have a bit more fire, than to wait 30 days. Bray Wyatt vs John Cena, has the potential to be a good story, and maybe even a good match, although Erick Rowan, may have changed the whole situation, because Cena appeared to be legitimately injured. Time will tell. I wouldn’t be terribly upset with a plan B of The Shield vs The Wyatts at WrestleMania. YES!
Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Christian NO!
Christian vs. Sheamus Match was okay, nothing special in my opinion, but I must admit, it was just a match, and I was quite bored from it. Heavy rumor is Heel Sheamus vs Cesaro WrestleMania, I think that would be a good match. NO!
View Page 2 to find out more YES and NO from WWE RAW and our Overall Raw Rating
The Undertaker will put his streak on the line once again when he faces Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX.
Undertaker returned to WWE at the conclusion of Monday’s RAW and confronted Lesnar, who was awarded an open contract to fight anybody at WrestleMania. Brock Lesnar signed the contract first and then gave Taker the pen. Paul Heyman told The Undertaker that to sign the contract if he wants the match. Undertaker took the pen and stabbed Lesnar’s hand with it, grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him right through the table that was set up in the ring. The crowd broke into a “holy sh*t” chant and Michael Cole said, “I take that as a yes.”
WrestleMania XXX takes place on Sunday, April 6th from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from New Orleans, Louisiana.
A new photo has surfaced online of WWE legend The Undertaker. At 48 years old, he’s definitely starting to show his age – and appears to be sporting a new neck tattoo.
The Dead Man has already signed on to defend his streak at WrestleMania XXX and will be returning to WWE very soon.
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan will be returning to WWE television in two weeks on the February 24th edition of Monday Night RAW from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
This will be the night after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and the night that the WWE Network launches.
Hogan reached a deal with WWE to return shortly after he left TNA a few months ago. Initially, there was talk of Hogan appearing at the WWE Network announcement from CES in Las Vegas last month, but the decision was made to hold off on Hogan’s return until the WWE Network launch day. This will mark Hogan’s first WWE television appearance since 2007.
We’re told that longtime Hogan ally Jimmy Hart will also be in attendance at the show to promote ‘Legends House.’
As reported over the weekend, the 2/24 episode of RAW will also feature the long awaited return of The Undertaker.
Comment Below and tell us how you want to see Hulk Hogan used on WWE TV (if at all).
The appearance will be used to kick off The Undertaker’s WrestleMania XXX feud.
The Undertaker’s has not appeared on television since last April, when The Shield powerbombed him through a table after his match against Dean Ambrose on SmackDown.
Throughout WWE’s 50+ year history, there have been countless superstars who have used finishing/signature moves in order to win matches and wow audiences across the globe. Some finishers build anticipation and take a few seconds to set up, while others can be executed in less than a second and performed at any moment. Although some finisher’s don’t always get the job done the first time around, there is no arguing that these maneuvers get the WWE Universe on their feet and adds drama two each and every match.
Every professional wrestling fan has a favorite superstar and finishing move, so, we’ll be taking a look at the top seven most devastating finishers in WWE today. Of course, everybody has a different opinion or preference, but with this list I have tried my very best to be as unbiased as possible.
Please keep in mind that this article isn’t listing the best or most popular finishing moves, but instead, the most devastating and realistic looking finishers on WWE TV today.
7. SISTER ABIGAIL: BRAY WYATT
http://youtu.be/9opYIQnlTKo
So vicious!
Fandango used it for a couple of weeks, but now Bray Wyatt is the only superstar on the WWE roster using a Swinging Revere STO, or, better known as Sister Abigail as a finishing maneuver. I’d imagine that the ever so gentle kiss on the head confuses and disorientates his opponents and just as they realize what’s going on…BAM! In the face, in the faacceee!
Slamming your opponents face into the mat has never looked so vicious.
6. BROGUE KICK: SHEAMUS
Thank you Dolph
Isn’t it great to see Sheamus back in the WWE? I know he could get pretty annoying before he suffered that injury, but his return has freshened things up a bit and judging from what I’ve seen, the Great White hasn’t missed a beat.
I feel that the Brogue Kick is an underrated finisher. Sure, it can be viewed as a simple kick to the face, but the force and power that the Irishman puts into it is undeniable. The only person we’ve seen kick out of the Brogue Kick is Big Show and, well, he’s a giant. It’s a beautiful sight, when Sheamus call for the kick, lines up in the corner and nails a squiggly legged Dolph Ziggler in the head.
5. NEUTRALIZER: ANTONIO CESARO
See ya later Khali
Let’s face it; Antonio Cesaro has an awesome move-set and an excellent signature and finishing maneuver. Cesaro can hit the Neutralizer on just about anybody, including 400lbs. monsters like Brodus Clay.
The Neutralizer looks extremely painful and I sometimes cringe whenever I see Cesaro perform the maneuver. This finisher is very similar to Triple H’s Pedigree, but looks a hell of a lot more devastating considering Cesaro is putting all of his weight onto his opponent’s back, crushing their face and belly into the mat with no remorse.
4. BUSAIKU KNEE: DANIEL BRYAN
Goodnight Cena
At SummerSlam 2013, Daniel Bryan debuted his Busaiku Knee finishing maneuver by hitting the running knee onto John Cena and winning his first WWE Championship. Ever since, the crowd anticipates that vital moment when Bryan points his fingers up in the air and when the YES chants start ringing, you know its game over.
The Busaiku Knee fits Daniel Bryan’s personality and move-set and it is a move that fans have rarely seen in the WWE. Aside from Triple H selling the finisher terribly at Hell in a Cell 2013, the running (sprinting, really) knee looks legitimately painful and extremely realistic, which is a rarity in today’s WWE.
3. RKO: RANDY ORTON
http://youtu.be/GXf4Xe2unpI
High stakes, high rewards
The magic behind the RKO is that Randy Orton can execute the move from virtually, cue Michael Cole, out of nowhere! There have been a lot of RKO’s performed by the Viper throughout his WWE career and every single one looks hellacious. Well, except for this one.
For the most part, Orton flawlessly jumps in the air towards his opponent, grabs their head in a three-quarter face lock while parallel to the ground and then slams their face into the mat. To me, the most vicious and brutal looking finishers involve injuring the head/face/neck area and that’s why you are seeing many of them on this list.
2 GTS: CM PUNK
http://youtu.be/RwmcWvNW338
Double GTS!
If I could sum up CM Punk’s GTS (Go to Sleep) in one word, that word would be beautiful. There is such elegance about the GTS and it’s very hard to describe into words how great it looks. It’s unique and the move was never done in the WWE before Punk was signed.
“Borrowed” from Kenta Kobayashi, the GTS is a Fireman’s Carry dropped into a knee lift where Punk’s knee viciously connects with his opponents head. The only problem I have with the maneuver is that Punk isn’t able to perform it on everybody and he has quite a bit of trouble performing the move on bigger superstars like Kane or The Undertaker. Regardless, the GTS is one of the best finishing moves in WWE today.
1. TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER: The Undertaker
R.I.P
The Tombstone Piledriver is arguably the greatest finishing move in professional wrestling history. Just like the Deadman’s entrance, time seems to stop when Taker is in position to execute the move. It is, without a doubt, in the “greatest of all time” category with the likes of the Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stunner and Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music
A few years ago, the WWE banned chair shots to the head and Piledrivers. Both of those actions are extremely dangerous to perform and have caused severe injuries to unfortunate superstars. However, like The Undertaker, the Tombstone Piledriver is one of a kind and is a maneuver that we may never see again once the Phenom has retired.
Agree or disagree with my picks? Feel free to make like Tom and Cruise to the comments section. Let me know your thoughts on the most devastating finishing moves in WWE today.
Well now, it’s been one hell of a week The WWE held all-day Creative meetings on Thursday and Friday, Sting may have actually signed a contract with the world’s number one wrestling promotion, Jimmy Snuka may be in big, big trouble and most importantly, Summer Rae is going to be on the new season of Total Divas!
If I could be serious for a moment, the biggest and most shocking bit of news that has been floating around the internet is that CM Punk has officially quit WWE, and there are no clear signs of the Straight-Edge superstar returning anytime soon.
However, there has been signs of Punk being openly frustrated with the WWE product and the direction that the company has been going in for a few years now. Punk is famous for being rebellious. Whether it’s dropping Pipe Bombs, disrespecting authority figures or punching fans in the face – when this guy is in the news, wrestling fans tend to take the time and read about what the hell is going on with the longest reigning WWE champion this generation has ever seen.
CM Punk announcing his demands to Vinny Mac
I’m no expert, Punk’s WWE contract expires this July and if he really quit the company, he would be breaching his contract and would owe a lot of money. Although Punk is well-off financially and has saved enough in order to retire, it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for him to quit and lose the cash. He’s a smart guy and loves wrestling too much. Don’t you think he could endure another five-six months of shitty booking, have one or two great matches, let his contract run out and ride off into the sunset?
There are many speculative reasons as to why Punk has left the company and so far, there have been no definitive answers. There have been theories, but no cold hard concrete answers. Is Punk sick of the WWE’s creative direction? Is he tired of part-timers coming in and being rewarded with guaranteed success? Is he so damn sick of being so damn sick? Or, perhaps, Punk and Vince McMahon are holding in a big secret and this is just an elaborate work? Let’s take a look at this compelling news and try to get to the bottom of this mystery.
PART-TIMERS STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT
In multiple interviews, Punk has expressed his annoyance when it comes to part-timers coming back to the WWE. In a recent interviewwith Ariel Helwani, Punk was asked to give his thoughts on Batista returning to the WWE. He said that he had a big gripe with The Rock coming back just to headline WrestleMania and that the Batista situation is different since he signed a two-year contract and is going to be a full-time guy. Punk also stated that he doesn’t like part-time superstars (lifers) coming back for one or two matches because there is the possibility of those part-timers taking a full-timers spot – after those current crop of WWE superstars have spent years of hard work and dedication to get where they are today.
The face/heel of WWE…Batista!
Punk seemed cool about Batista in the interview, but I’m sure, at that point in time, he had no idea that the Animal was booked to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania over “more deserving superstars” such as Daniel Bryan. Right? Do you think top superstars know the outcomes of matches they aren’t a part of? I’m interested to know because I figure guys like Cena and Punk get the scoop on everything that is going on in the WWE world.
Also, last week at a Q&A session that took place at the Wizard World Portland Comic Con event, Punk said that he doesn’t think Sting should come to WWE because he doesn’t have anything left in the tank and that he would take another spot away from WWE’s younger superstars who are trying to make it to the main event level.
Part-time superstars who come back to the WWE and take younger wrestlers’ spot is just one of the many things that grinds CM Punk’s gears.
CREATIVE’S LACK OF DIRECTION
From what I’ve read and and learned from watching the CM Punk: Best in the WorldDVD, Punk is a guy who is in love with the professional wrestling business and wants the industry to be competitive, entertaining and successful for a very long time. He’s pitched plenty of ideas to WWE’s Creative Team and will tell WWE officials exactly what he thinks if they have a storyline idea that he doesn’t like.
In his documentary and in interviews, Punk has vocalized his thoughts on The Miz headlining WrestleMania 27 against John Cena instead of him. Punk stated that Cena was the best good guy and that he was the best bad guy and it didn’t make sense for Miz to headline the event.
The Pipe Bomb heard around the world
Recently, at the Wizard World Comic Con event, Punk said that he has been frustrated with WWE’s direction for quite a while and feels that the writers aren’t in touch with what the fans want. This is clearly evident from the reaction Batista received from the Pittsburgh crowd during and after last Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV event. Punk also gave his opinion that last year was his year to main event Mania and now things have changed. He said that this is Daniel Bryan’s year and he wishes that he could see Daniel Bryan main event the biggest show of the year.
Word on the street is that Punk walked out on Vince McMahon and said that he was going home last Monday night on Raw after a backstage dispute. ESPN Cleveland reported Casey Kulas said that he heard from sources backstage that Punk was involved in a heated argument because WWE wanted Punk to work a promo telling fans that he was taking time off due to a concussion, even though the Second City Saint hadn’t suffered one. Punk refused, said that he wasn’t going to tell the fans that bullshit and got on a plane back to Chicago.
CM PUNK QUTTING IS HALF WORK HALF TRUTH
While it’s clear that Punk is frustrated with what’s going on in WWE, perhaps he just needs some time off to rest and recover from lingering injuries. At the Comic Con event, Punk said that his health has been bad for months, especially September through November of last year. At that time, he was getting weekly MRI’s and blood work done, but doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. He is starting to feel better, but still isn’t close to being 100%. Punk was given two months off after his match with the Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 and said that that was nowhere near enough time to recover.
CM Punk taunting the Deadman
Punk is currently 35 years old and has performed in three of the best matches of 2013:
Each match received a 4.5 match star rating from Dave Meltzer, which is no easy task. The Best in the World also performed in a perfect, five star rated match when he brilliantly wrestled John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011 in his hometown of Chicago. The last five star rated WWE match before MITB 2011 was at the WWF In Your House 18: Badd Blood PPV which pitted Shawn Michaels against The Undertaker in the very first Hell in a Cell match.
Punk is incredibly consistent in the ring and on the microphone and is a invaluable asset to WWE. Sure, he can be whiny every now and then when he doesn’t get his way, but I truly believe that Punk wants what is best for the WWE and its Universe and right now, things seem to be too chaotic and unsettling for him. He is taking a rightful and vengeful stand.
I’m sure we will all find out more about the CM Punk situation in the next few days. To me, Punk is very tired, restless, irritable, unhappy and wants to get away from the world for a while. Phil Brooks has given his heart and soul to the WWE for nearly a decade. His main goal is to headline WrestleMania and last year, he was the longest reigning WWE champion since the 80’sstill took a backseat to The Rock and John Cena. I mean come on, he went into Mania as the WWE champion and still wasn’t involved in the main event. What else does this guy have to do besides being incredibly over and having fantastic matches each and every night?
From what we’ve learned, CM Punk is a goal-oriented individual that has accomplished every goal in his professional wrestling career, except for one – headline WrestleMania. Perhaps knowing that he wasn’t going to be in the main event of Mania 31 made his choice to leave the company that much simpler?
What are your thoughts on the CM Punk situation? Do you believe that Punk is gone for good or is this just a work in order for him to take some well-deserved time off? Do you think Punk owes the WWE Universe an explanation? Also, remember, CM Punk is still scheduled to compete at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Sound off in the comments section below.
– With WrestleMania XXX just 3 months away, WWE has still not finalized who will be challenging the Undertaker’s streak this year. Brock Lesnar has long been the front runner to face the Dead Man, however, there is one big obstacle that might prevent the match from happening.
Not many people know this, but over the past few years, The Undertaker has rehearsed his WrestleMania matches with his opponents. Shawn Michaels, Triple H and CM Punk have all spend considerable time with the Undertaker planning out their matches in the weeks leading up to their matches at WrestleMania. Due to the nature of Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract, he is only required to travel a certain number of times per year for WWE. Training with The Undertaker to prepare for a WrestleMania match would exceed the terms of his agreement with WWE.
It’s possible WWE could negotiate with Lesnar and convince him to do what’s necessary to make The Undertaker comfortable with a match – but this is the reason John Cena and Daniel Bryan are still being considered as his possible opponents this year.
– WWE legend the Ultimate Warrior in currently talks with Vince McMahon about a WWE Hall of Fame induction and an appearance at WrestleMania XXX. Warrior is speaking strictly with Vince, having no contact with Triple H or anybody else in the company.
As previously reported, WWE will be releasing a new Ultimate Warrior DVD the week of WrestleMania, so a few TV appearances in April would help with the promotion of that project.
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):
Wrestling regularly on Raw/SmackDown
As a regular commentator on Raw/SmackDown
Starring on a WWE reality show Starring on a WWE highlights show
Wrestling at WrestleMania or SummerSlam
Involved in the Raw/SmackDown storylines
Involved in the WrestleMania or SummerSlam storylines
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)
– With The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar currently planned for WrestleMania XXX, it’s worth noting that The Undertaker has specifically asked to work with Daniel Bryan in a match at the show. Whether or not WWE runs with that idea remains to be seen, but obviously if Taker himself is requesting it, it will carry a lot of weight during the decision-making process.
– Rey Mysterio’s leg is said to be getting stronger and he is reportedly trying to work his way back into top ring shape.
– According to one source, John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt is still being discussed as a potential top match for WrestleMania XXX.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently shared his thoughts regarding the rumors of Shawn Michaels coming out of retirement to wrestle another match, and whether or not that would offend The Undertaker, who “sent him into retirement” by beating him at WrestleMania. JR noted, “I don’t think HBK is returning to the ring as a wrestler. If he did it would be at WrestleMania and I’d like to see him wrestle Daniel Bryan or CM Punk. Taker wouldn’t be offended whatsoever.”
– Stephanie McMahon recently tweeted the following photo from the WWE Holiday party that was held in Stamford, Connecticut on Wednesday night.
Thanks to the @WWE families who came to the holiday party to celebrate! And thank u to those who made it happen! pic.twitter.com/ZYXNhXdVBX
Many were surprised that the CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar match at this year’s SummerSlam wasn’t nominated for the “Match of the Year” in the 2013 WWE Slammy Awards. According to reports, several people within WWE feel that it is easily the best match in the entire company for 2013.
According to one source, the reason Punk vs. Lesnar was not nominated is because Punk “can’t have a better match” with Lesnar than Triple H did, so WWE nominated the Lesnar vs. Triple H match instead, and gave Punk the nomination for his match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 instead.
The following are highlights from a Baltimore Sun interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Sgt. Slaughter:
On the way WWE is treating Daniel Bryan: “I don’t think he’s being treated fairly. [The people at WWE] are making him work awfully hard to be successful and he’s not letting them down. He’s working harder than ever. He’s like a giant slayer. He takes on the biggest and the best. Kind of like Dolph Ziggler — he’s another talent I thought he wasn’t being used right, and I brought it up in several production meetings that they shouldn’t do his character as they were.”
On Randy Orton’s rise through the ranks: “…A guy like Randy Orton, there wasn’t much to teach him inside the ring. I wrestled his grandfather and his father. All the teaching for him was done outside the ring. He was a tough nut to crack. He had a mind of his own, and still does. He’s another talent that exceeds and has so much ability.”
On helping name The Undertaker in WWE: “We would have meetings after shows to talk about what happened and plan things out creatively. The topic turned to Mark [Calloway] and Vince [McMahon] said he had an idea for a character name and he brought up the name Paul Bearer. The next day I went to Vince and I said I didn’t really care for that name for Mark in particular. I thought he looked different than that, and Vince said ‘like an Undertaker?’ and I said yeah! Maybe we should do Paul Bearer as his manager.”
Check out the complete interview online at BaltimoreSun.com.
Former WWE writer Scott Keith has updated his blog at RSPWFAQ.net and answered an interesting question about whether today’s current legends would be able to become top stars if they were just entering the business in 2013. As much as WWE has done to develop talent through the NXT and the new Performance Center, Keith’s answer exposes the huge flaws that still exist in the process. He was asked:
Given today’s environment in WWE’s creative and corporate structure, do you think many of today’s legends would even make it to the top if starting today? How many would be buried for trying to get themselves over or having more fan support than they should have? Do you think any would still get over regardless, such as The Rock?
Basically, how do you think many of wrestling’s (or at least WWE’s) legends would be treated today if they were just starting? I shudder to think of how, say, The Undertaker would handle starting today.
Keith replied:
“The ropewalk spot wouldn’t be approved in developmental, he’d get shit for not having a good body, they’d make him do goofy promos because he couldn’t talk without a manager and they’d want to rib him, and then he’d get saddled with a Rhinestone Cowboy gimmick because he’s from Texas and acts like a tough guy. Think I’m close there?”
What do you think about Scott Keith’s response? Comment below if you think he’s right – and what that says about the state of WWE, talent development and the company’s ability to build new stars.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On The Undertaker’s last match: “When Taker decides to hang up his boots and perform a his last WrestleMania that decision should become the focal, promotional point of that particular WrestleMania event. Nothing could be booked that would be bigger or more memorable. I still think that is should happen in Cowboy’s Stadium aka Jerry’s World in Arlington, Texas with 100,000 strong in attendance but only when Taker is ready.”
On a WrestleMania event in London: “Apparently John Cena made a comment about WWE hosting a WrestleMania in London some day. I’d assume that Cena was speculating while interacting with the fans in attendance at a live, WWE event as I’ve never heard any serious talk about WWE holding their biggest, annual event in London or any where else that it can’t be live in North America on a Sunday night at 7 pm eastern time. Could it happen? Any thing can happen in WWE if they choose to pull the trigger. Will it happen? I have serious doubts.”
On controversial UFC 167 main event on Saturday night: “Unfortunate decision Saturday night in the main event at UFC 167, at least in my uneducated and arguably biased opinion as Johny Hendricks got hosed in his split decision loss to George St. Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Title. This are major issues the state of Nevada has to address as inconsistent judging and embarrassing finishes can drive away PPV customers which can cost the UFC big money if the paying customers become overly frustrated with PPV events.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
David Benoit Getting Into Pro Wrestling: “I don’t speak for WWE. Just expressed my personal opinion. Not sure the kid finds happiness in his dad’s old business plus over 90% of those that try out for wwe don’t make it no matter their name. I’d say same to my kids.”
Is Great Khali A Hall of Famer?“Strictly as a guess, I’d say not likely.”
Not Wanting to Run His Own Wrestling Promotion: “To invest my money and my time in a wrestling promotion isn’t something that I would ever consider. The lack of talent that’s available…TV production costs…dwenling crowds…the baby sitting that’s involved, etc isn’t something that interests me whatsoever. Plus, small promotions are challenged to even break even financially and I’m not a break even guy.”
WhoThe Undertaker Final Opponent Should Be: “Brock…Cena…Rock would be on my short list.”
His Favorite William Regal moment: “My favorite Regal moment was being able to help him salvage his career because of personal demons.”
– Russ Bacon, who worked in WWE’s production department for nearly twenty years as a director and producer, has left the company. WWE employees were shocked at his departure – it’s not clear at this point if he quit or was let go by management.
– WWE.com is running a poll asking fans to pick The Undertaker’s greatest WrestleMania opponent. Shawn Michaels is currently in the lead (58%), followed by Kane (39%), Triple H (2%) and Batista (1%).
– WWE has published the following video of the “Top 10 Bad Guys Gone Good” – including Andre The Giant, The Undertaker, The Rock, Randy Orton and Steve Austin:
The following are highlights from the latest online Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On if Brandi Runnels will be brought in immediately to the Rhodes Family storyline: “I don’t know if any of that is even true and if it is what the motive may be. However, in my opinion, for one family to be completely dependent on the wrestling biz for their livelihood isn’t wise in today’s world.”
On AJ Lee competing in the 2014 WWE Royal Rumble match: “Women should not compete w/ men in pro wrestling in any physical manner.”
On the most agile and exciting “big men” in pro wrestling history: “Young Andre, Vader, Don Leo Jonathan, Bigelow, among others I’ve naturally overlooked.”
On how many more matches The Undertaker has left in him: “No way of knowing. I assume Taker takes it a year at a time.”
You can check out more Q&A updates from Jim Ross at his official website, JRsBarBQ.com.
– Speaking to Rodolfo Roman, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio revealed that his dream WrestleMania match would be against The Undertaker. The Mexican grappler also promised a victory over John Cena tonight at Hell in a Cell. Here Del Rio discuss this, and mixed martial arts below:
– As reported on Thursday, TNT is continuing its relationship with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as the cable network has ordered Wake Up Call to series. The former WWE Champion addressed the series in a message on Twitter on Saturday.
“Excited to partner w/ TNT again to create cool positive programming. #WakeUpCall #InspirationAndAssKickins,” he wrote.
The synopsis for the series is as follows: Wake Up Call will feature Johnson lending a helping hand to everyday people who are facing enormous challenges in their lives, whether they be dead-beat dads, sports teams that don’t gel, or business owners struggling to survive. Johnson will bring his own brand of motivation to each group of people, from 4 a.m. wake-up calls, to emotional reunions and goal setting.
– “The Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan turned 64-years-old on Saturday.
-The Grantland website has posted their unofficial WWE “mid-season” awards, since we are approximately half-way to WrestleMania XXX. You can check those out online at Grantland.com.
-The official WWE website for Arabia has a featured article up talking about the reports that The Undertaker will be wrestling Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX in 2014. While we recently reported the rumor as well, it is interesting that an official WWE-affiliated website is now spreading the rumor as well. You can check out the article online at Arabia.WWE.com.