Vince McMahon allegedly had no appreciation for the talent of Christian Cage while in WWE, but someone who does is his current boss Tony Khan.
Cage trended on social media on Thursday night after former WWE commentator Todd Grisham shared an antedote that Vince McMahon once gave him on the headset to hype Christian to the ring. Cage was set to go against then ECW Champion Jack Swagger, but Grisham very much undersold the surprise that was Christian Cage.
Cage did have a World Heavyweight Title reign while in WWE, but the veteran could still that in AEW. The company’s ‘Father Figure’ has a World Title contract he can cash in at anytime.
As it stands now, Jon Moxley will challenge Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship this Saturday night at WrestleDream, but one of wrestling’s top heels isn’t beyond inserting himself into the equation. Cage has tried to do so previously against Danielson, but was thwarted by Claudio Castagnoli and PAC.
Former WWE announcer turned ESPN broadcaster Todd Grisham has signed with UFC and will make his MMA commentary debut at FS1’s Fight Night event on 1/15.
Grisham’s hire comes after long-time UFC announcer Mike Goldberg left last month.
Grisham has changed his Twitter handle to @GrishamMMA and wrote the following on his upcoming year:
Just changed my twitter handle to @GrishamMMA. 2017 is going to be a great year!
– This week’s SmackDown will feature an 8-man tag match with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Cesaro and Randy Orton squaring off against Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Kevin Owens and Sheamus. As always, join us here tonight for Live Coverage of the SmackDown tapings.
– Jonathan Coachman tweeted the following after WWE confirmed that ESPN’s SportsCenter will be covering SummerSlam live from Brooklyn this Sunday.
Honestly overwhelmed at the news of us coming to @wwe Summerslam. Will be a blast. Check out twitter,espn/wwe.com, and tv. Have a blast.
The other former WWE announcer turned ESPN anchor, Todd Grisham, told fans on Twitter that he unfortunately won’t be joining The Coach at the Barclays Center:
To those asking, no I won't be at Summerslam. Once again @TheCoachESPN has to hog all the spotlight.
– Former WWE announcer and ESPN host Todd Grisham celebrates his 38th birthday today. Grisham was born on January 9, 1976.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley joked on Twitter that the content during his comedy shows scheduled for this weekend may not make WWE too happy. Foley tweeted:
I'm pretty sure this week's shows are going to get me fired from @WWE. Should be fun!
– WWE has added the following video to their official YouTube channel featuring bloopers from the shoot of the WWE Royal Rumble 2014 commercial. The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “Randy Orton, Goldust and other WWE Superstars come unhinged in these outtakes from the 2014 Royal Rumble speed dating commercial.”
– Some WWE RAW delayed-viewership data from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE RAW on 11/19 had 336,000 homes watching via DVR or tape delay, while the following week (11/26) had 292,000 homes watching delayed.
– WWE Attitude Era superstar Steve Blackman now has a profile on the Alumni section of WWE.com.
– As part of WWE Week on the USA Network, WWE World Heavyweight champion Big Show will be guest starring on tonight’s episode of Burn Notice.
– ESPN has announced that former WWE announcer Todd Grisham has signed on to be the studio host of ESPN’s new Friday Night Fights series, debuting January 4th.
On Tuesday night, ESPN broadcasters (and former WWE stars) Jonathan Coachman and Todd Grisham hosted SportsCenter together for the first time ever. Credit to SEScoops.com reader Eric Sturrock for sending along this recap:
Todd Grisham and The Coach hosted ESPNEWS Sportscenter together for the first time together. They started the show off with Grisham saying “Welcome to Sportscenter alongside The Coach I’m…..” Coach cut him off “Does it really matter who you are?”
Their first story together was about WR Mike Wallace showing up to the Pittsburgh Steelers, They talked about his money showing up. Coach: “His millions..” Grisham: “And millions….” Coach: “And Millions.”
Later, they joked about who would read one story, then when they did a live cut in to tennis they sarcastically joked about how exciting it was. At the end of the show Coach told a story about two tennis players who are dating eating snowcones, Todd said “Interesting story.” Coach: “Well, that’s what I get paid for.”
Grisham tweeted this picture of the two of them together:
– On SuperSmackDown LIVE: The Great American Bash, a fight between Damien Sandow and Zack Ryder left Eve—wearing a white dress—completely covered in punch. Backstage Fallout caught up with Eve to get her reaction to the party mishap. Tyler Reks also reacts to whether he feels guilty for Ryback’s massacre of Curt Hawkins. Also offering comments on SmackDown events are Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter.
– Lilian Garcia will sing the National Anthem on Sept. 30 prior to the NFL game between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
– Former WWE announcer Todd Grisham is in Las Vegas, Nevada covering UFC 148</em. and will be interviewing company president Dana White for MMA Live on ESPN.
– Following his appearance on Raw SuperShow, Diamond Dallas Page has been added to the Alumni section on WWE.com.
— Former WWE announcer Todd Grisham, who now works as television anchor for ESPN, opened Wednesday night’s Highlight Express program on ESPNews by alerting viewers that he has a “yet to be passed kidney stone.”
“I’m not joking,” Grisham adds. The clip is available here.
— The March 26, 2012 Raw Supershow will be held at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.
— Former WWE star Luke Gallows stated Thursday on Twitter that he’s undergoing surgery on his broken nose today.
“Ready for surgery on my broken nose….Ill release my “Brother Rating” afterward….regardless, Ill rock SC this wknd!” he wrote.
– To update the story of a potential Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust ‘Brother vs. Brother’ match, WWE officials are said to open to the idea, although it might not happen at WrestleMania, as Goldust is pushing on Twitter.
– WWE officials have discussed putting Kaitlyn in a heel Divas stable with Divas Champion Beth Phoenix and Natalya.
– Former WWE announcer Todd Grisham will be hosting an American Kennel Club special on ABC in January.
– WWE shipped 265,000 DVD units in October 2011, up 6% from October 2010. The top shipped WWE DVD’s for the year so far are:
WrestleMania 27 (232,000 units)
Best of WCW Nitro (138,000)
History of WrestleMania (120,000 units)
DX One Last Stand (109,000 units)
Randy Orton’s DVD (102,000 units)
– “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s new action movie, which is currently shooting in Vancouver and co-stars Steven Seagal, will be titled, “Maximum Conviction.” Austin and Segal will play soldiers guarding female prisoners from mercenaries that are trying to kill them.
Check out these pictures of Stone Cold Steve Austin & Steven Seagal on the set of “Maximum Conviction” –
Former WWE announcer Todd Grisham, who recently debuted as a commentator for ESPN, made some racially-insensitive comments over the weekend on Twitter and followed up with an apology.
While talking about college football game over the weekend between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Tech, Grisham referred to the “trail of tears” while talking about the Sooners’ loss.
The “trail of tears” historically refers to the American Cherokee Indian tribe being forcibly removed from their land back in 1830, where thousands died.
Grisham received a lot of negative feedback from other Twitter followers – and responded by saying, “The historical reference didn’t even cross my mind.”
He added that his great grandmother was a “full-blooded Cherokiee” and said he’s proud of his Native American heritage.
— CM Punk is en route to the United States after attending the Australian version of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Friday. Therefore, he isn’t scheduled for this weekend’s Raw live event tour.
The former WWE Champion was nominated for the “Best Baddie” award but lost to Australian radio and television personality Kyle Sandilands.
— Todd Grisham’s profile on WWE.com has been transferred from the SmackDown Superstars section to the Alumni section, thus finalizing his departure from the organization.
It was disclosed on the August 23, 2011 episode of NXT that Grisham, who handled play-by-play duties for the program, would be leaving WWE to pursue new interests—a job with ESPN.
— The October 7, 2011 episode of WWE Vintage Collection on Sky Sports featured the following matches: Barbarian vs. Meng (WCW Road Wild 1998), Doom vs. The Fabulous Freebirds (WCW Wrestle War 1991), Ron Simmons vs. Butch Reed (WCW SuperBrawl), Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels (In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies).
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can check out over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Matt Hardy: “What are my thoughts on the controversy surrounding Matt Hardy? (Been asked this one a ton the past couple of days.) We brought Matt and Jeff to the WWE and they had some amazing outings over the years as many remember. They were, generally, excellent to work with and I like them a great deal on a personal basis. However, I am not in touch with either, only know what I read about them, and can only hope that whatever issues they may have or have had are put behind them much sooner than later. I wish them only good health and happiness.”
WWE Rebuilding The Tag Team Division: “Are tag teams making a come back in WWE? I can only say that I hope so and if last week’s Raw is any indication it would seem that there is a good chance the tag team scene is going to receive added exposure and the chance to develop. There are many younger fans today who have never experienced quality, tag team wrestling done on a major scale as was done in WWE in generations past. Some fans actually are bigger fans of tag team wrestling than one on one bout.”
Todd Grisham Leaving WWE For ESPN: “Thoughts on Todd Grisham going to ESPN? I think it is a good move for all involved. Todd will fit well at ESPN with former WWE alums Jonathan Coachman and Max Bretos. Grish knows sports, especially soccer, and is very comfortable doing studio work. He’s a good human being and a talented guy who I know will do wonderful work in Bristol.”
Ultimate Warrior In The Hall Of Fame: “Will the Warrior ever go in the WWE Hall of Fame? Please Lord let’s not start a trend here….I really don’t know. Does Warrior deserve recognition? Based on many others who are in the WWE HOF I’d say of course. Would Warrior’s live acceptance speech be memorable? Oh, yeah.”
Ross also spoke about whether Brock Lesnarwill ever wrestle for WWE again, Dr Death Steve Williams’ WWE run and more. As always, head over to JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ delicious line of BBQ products.
ESPN commentator and former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman wrote the following on Twitter about Todd Grisham following in his footsteps and leaving WWE for ESPN:
“Imagine getting 2 dream jobs in one lifetime.And then your best friend works with you at both.It’s about to happen with @todd_grisham at espn.
can’t tell you how excited I am for this.One thing about WWE I will always say.Vince and Kevin Dunn treat you like a grown man.That is fact.
Many wonder why?Family and travel.After so many years it gets to be to much.you have to make choice.Only place I would have left for-ESPN.
Trust me.Grish will have to earn spot like anyone else.No free rides at the worldwide leader.Top of the food chain-fight for your meal.”
— WWE Champion CM Punk spoke directly to the WWE Universe at SummerSlam Axxess Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, California as he answered questions from fans during a promo. Todd Grisham also asked him the following question: “How can you speak your mind the way you do and still have a job at WWE?”
Punk replied, “That answer is very simple. I really don’t care if I get fired.” He continued, “If (WWE) decide to bench me and sit me at home, or fire me or suspend me, I really don’t care. Maybe that’s a horrible attitude to have in some peoples’ minds, but that’s the honest to God’s truth. That’s why I can get away with doing and saying what I want.”
— Chris Masters, David Hart Smith, Joey Mercury, Melina and Vladimir Kozlov have been added to WWE.com’s Alumni section. Mercury remains under contract to WWE after disappearing from television last summer as he works as trainer in Florida Championship Wrestling.
– Tonight’s episode of ROH on HDNet will feature the ROH TV debuts of former WWE stars Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. Here’s a spoiler-free preview for the show:
* Eddie Edwards vs. Mark Briscoe for the ROH TV Title.
* Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin vs. The Bravado Brothers
* Claudio Castagnoli vs. Homicide.
* Mike Mondo vs. Grizzly Redwood
– WWE announcer Todd Grisham posted a picture of himself with a mustache on Twitter and asked his followers, “To ‘stache or not to ‘stache? That is the question.” You can see the picture of Grisham with a mustache here. To answer his question – NOT to ‘stache!
– Happy Birthday to WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who turns 59 today. He was born on January 3, 1952. Ross wrote on his Twitter (@JRsBarBQ) that he attended the college football Fiesta Bowl over the weekend and saw his Oklahoma Sooners defeat the Connecticut Huskies. He wrote:
“Finally…a BCS Bowl win…and an apple pie from Joey Styles! Life is good in Soonerland. No sleep tonite.”
— The Undertaker has began physical therapy for his shoulder and is said to be doing all he can to be healthy enough to compete at WrestleMania XXVII.
— Todd Grisham was officially removed from the SmackDown announce team last week in favor of Josh Matthews. The move isn’t considered a surprise as Vince McMahon has been unhappy with his work in recent weeks. It was suggested to Grisham that he apply for a full-time position with the Fox Soccer Channel — his other job — because it would come across better that he ask to work full-time and give up wrestling while still on the air than after.
WWE.com has transferred John Cena’s profile from the Alumni section to the Raw Superstars section after he was rehired by Wade Barrett on Monday’s Raw.
Scott Stanford, who handles play-by-play commentary for Raw brand matches on WWE Superstars, has been added to the Raw Superstars page.
Josh Mathews has been added to the SmackDown Superstars section. He replaced Todd Grisham as the play-by-play commentator for SmackDown on last week’s broadcast.
The NXT Superstars section now lists Todd Grisham as an on-air talent for the brand. He nows calls NXT alongside Josh Mathews.
Ashley Valence, who has not appeared on NXT since Season 2, has been removed from the NXT Superstars section. She conducted the ring announcing for last week’s episode of WWE Superstars, but was not used this week. She notably announced Zack Ryder as “Ezekiel Jackson” during the Dec. 6 taping, which was dubbed for the taped broadcast.
Jack Swagger’s “Soaring Eagle” is considered an official WWE Superstar as the mascot is today’s “Superstar of the Day.”
— WWE officials have discussed modifying the announce team for pay-per-view events, which could begin as soon as TLC.
Internally, Todd Grisham is not getting high marks for his work, which is why Michael Cole was moved to SmackDown. Meanwhile, both Cole and Jerry Lawler reportedly dislike working with Matt Striker. Cole took off his headset during the Survivor Series broadcast to yell at Striker for talking too much.
Punk may end up with the spot for pay-per-view events, but the team would therefore solely consist of Raw announcers and the company doesn’t want SmackDown to come off as a secondary brand.
— NXT season four contestant Conor O’Brian can be reached on Twitter via twitter.com/ConorOBrian.
— A pre-sale is being held tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. for the SmackDown matinee event taking place on Sunday Feb. 6, 2011 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA via www.comcasttix.com. The passcode is EDGEPHILA.
— Though Matt Hardy claimed in a video blog entry late last night that he was still in the U.K. in spite of online reports of him being sent home following an apparent backstage incident the day before, he did not work the final event of the European tour, which took place in Skegness, England. He did not offer a response to that portion of the report. Additionally, in his video he blamed “a stooging punk” for the story hitting the net.
In regard to his health, Hardy said he has never felt better. He claimed to have dropped over twenty pounds since changing his diet to eliminate red meat. Apparently, he managed to drop seven additional pounds during the international tour as he wrote on Twitter Thursday night that he was planning a YouTube entry concerning his recent health breakthroughs as he had dropped thirteen pounds at the time.
“Definitely gonna do a YT entry soon about my recent health breakthroughs concerning my digestive process,” Hardy wrote. “In 3 weeks, I’ve dropped 13 lbs.”
Check out the video here:
— Big Show appeared on Sky Sports News last week to promote WWE Studios’ upcoming comedy film, Knucklehead. He also discussed his size, a potential career in boxing, and said UK citizens have a better sense of humor than Americans.
— NXT Season 2 contestant Titus O’Neil was on the Florida Gator sidelines during their game against South Florida on Saturday. Meanwhile, Todd Grisham was spotted at yesterday’s Pittsburgh Steelers game. (Source: prowrestling.net)
— WWE has signed Ohio Valley Wrestling’s Brent “Beef” Wellington to a developmental contract, reports f4wonline.com. The announcement was made by Wellington during Wednesday night’s OVW television taping. He was then jumped by Austin Aries.
— As reported earlier, Mattel announced yesterday during San Diego Comic-Con International that Randy Savage had been signed by the company to take part in their “WWE Defining Moments” action figure line. Video has since surfaced of Savage cutting a classic “Macho Man” promo hyping the acting figure, which can be viewed here (starting at the 2:00 mark). He said Mattel is making more figures of himself from different eras of his career and vowed “2011 will be the Macho Man’s year.”
— Congratulations to SmackDown announcer Todd Grisham, who is getting married next weekend in Pennsylvania. Grisham will miss the Tuesday’s taping in Columbia, SC as he and his new bride will be on their honeymoon!
— — Ring announcer Justin Roberts’ profile has been moved from the SmackDown section to the Raw section. Roberts took over the ring announcing duties for Monday Night Raw last week as a result of Lilian Garcia’s departure from the company.
— After suffering a knee injury at a live event last month, WWE Diva Kelly Kelly posted a message on Twitter.com/realkellykelly saying that he’s returned to the gym. She returned to action this past Monday on Raw.
— Former WWE superstar Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson is the new World Champion for the Nu Wrestling Evolution promotion. He won the title at a live event in Malta on October 2nd, after defeating former WWE superstar Chuck Palumbo & Tiny Iron in a three way match. Here’s Ken Anderson celebrating his big win:
