— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s next scheduled live appearance on Raw takes place March 28 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. He is also scheduled to appear on the Raw after WrestleMania on April 4 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

— Bret Hart has changed his Twitter handle to brethart.

— Snooki is expected to receive a huge payday from WWE for her match at WrestleMania XXVII considering she’s receiving $30,000 for appearing at night clubs.

— FOX8 in Australia will air Tough Enough beginning in April. Also, Mark Henry is headed to the country for a promotional tour.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— The word amongst those in WWE is that former The Price Is Right host Bob Barker will induct Drew Carey, the game show’s current host, into the WWE Hall of Fame.

— Trish Stratus implied on her Twitter account this morning that a huge name appeared on the set of Tough Enough.

“Whew-longest day ever! Flew from STL rite onto set-kids got a surprise guest that blew their minds!” she wrote. “A rock solid day & 2moro we go again!”

— Wrestlers celebrating birthdays today include WWE developmental wrestler Brett DiBiase (23), former WWE star Henry Godwinn (47), and former WWE star Kenny Dykstra (25).

source: PWInsider.com

The USA Network has revealed the entire cast of the upcoming season of Tough Enough, which premieres April 4 following Raw.

The cast features nine men and five women, many of whom possessing independent wrestling experience.

A.J. Kirsch: A.J., 27, has been wrestling on the independent circuit for five years. Among his achievements is a one and a half year undefeated All Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship in addition to a tag team victory over the infamous New Age Outlaws.

Andy Leavine: This 6’5″ giant hails from Brooksville, Florida where he had four years of high school varsity wrestling experience with a record of over 90 wins. The 23-year-old former football player has a mere six months of independent wrestling experience. Starting over 40 games as an offensive lineman for Florida International University, Andy holds the school’s power clean record of 365 lbs. After FIU, he was a priority free agent with the Miami Dolphins and attended mini-camps, before hanging up his cleats to pursue his dream to entertain in the ring.

Eric Watts: Eric, 25, hopes to become a WWE Superstar to fulfill his childhood dream. “WWE needs my afro and my tall, dark and handsome good looks,” says the 6’5″ behemoth. Eric hails from Pasadena, California where he spent two years on his High School varsity football team as left tackle, earning All-League Honors. Eric was recruited by colleges for football, but opted not to attend so he could pursue his dream.

Jeremiah Riggs: This 28-year-old truck driver from Vicksburg, Mississippi is a natural athlete who prides himself on taking on new challenges. He was a US Army Ranger with the 1st Battalion and did a tour in Afghanistan in 2004. He has six years of training as an MMA Fighter with a record of seven wins and five losses, fighting with UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator. He is trying to become the first legitimate MMA fighter to crossover into WWE.

Luke Robinson: Luke, 26, is a Personal Trainer from Auburn, Maine with five years of independent circuit experience. For him, WWE combines all his passions rolled into one: performing, marketing, athleticism and traveling. Luke proved his athleticism as captain of his high school’s varsity soccer, hockey and baseball teams, competing all four years, before moving on to getting his BA in Business Administration from University of Southern Maine.

Martin Casaus Martin, 26, is a stockbroker and independent wrestler hailing from West Jordan, Utah. He gained his experience wresting for six and a half years on the independent circuit. He is also co-owner of Ultra Championship Wrestling Zero, a promotion and wrestling school.

Matt Capiccioni: Matt, 30, is an independent wrestler with nine years of independent circuit experience from Brecksville, Ohio. He has wrestled in sixteen countries and hopes to win “WWE Tough Enough” and a WWE contract so he “can have a fun job.” “You can see the world in spandex and smash things,” he explains.

Mickael Zaki: Mickael, 26, is an unemployed WWE hopeful hailing from Jersey City, NJ. He has lived the 9 to 5 lifestyle and hated every second of it. For him, being a WWE Superstar would allow him to escape this fate.

Ryan Howe: This 23-year-old aspiring musician and independent wrestler hails from Hebron, Indiana. He has two years of wrestling experience and hopes to win “WWE Tough Enough” and a WWE contract to make everyone who ever believed in him proud, especially his family, his trainer, Tracy Smothers, and his girlfriend, Tiffany.

Ariane Andrew: The 23-year-old Ariane is the quintessential Valley Girl. What Ariane lacks in wrestling experience she makes up for with bubbly charm. Ariane hopes to become a WWE diva so she can display her alter-ego, a hard-edged girl that doesn’t give a crap.

Christina Crawford: Christina, 22, is a senior at the University of Central Florida studying Interpersonal Communications. She is a member of her college dance team.

Ivelisse Velez: An assistant pet groomer in Chicago, Illinois, the 22-year-old has spent the last six years on the independent circuit and is well known in her native Puerto Rico.

Michelle Deighton: This 25-year-old day care teacher from Terre Haute, Indiana, hopes to become a WWE Diva to fulfill a dream she has had since the age of 14. She loves the road lifestyle, living out of a suitcase and traveling. She has trained on and off in independent wrestling over the past 11 years.

Rima Fakih Rima is Miss USA 2010. The 25-year-old hails from Dearborn, Michigan where she received a BA in Economics and BA in Business Management from University of Michigan. Rima hopes to win “WWE Tough Enough” to prove that it is possible to be both beautiful and tough.

source: usanetwork.com

— Jim Ross has responded to yesterday’s report that current creative plans call for him to announce at least two matches at WrestleMania XXVII.

“I find it interesting that so many websites know my wm27 role, allegedly, and I don’t. ‘Net rumors= news items. Irresponsible ‘reporting’,” he wrote on Twitter. “My role at WM27 is to appear @ Axxess. NOTHING else has been confirmed. ‘Net sites should tell me the outcome of my Drs visit later 2day.”

— Tough Enough contestants Christina Crawford and Andy Leavine were under contract to WWE when they were tapped for the USA Network reality show last month. There has been some grumbling on the set of the two being ‘ringers’ (ie. somebody with experience being placed in a situation with amateurs) due to their recent association with WWE’s developmental system.

(Partial Source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Reality television star Michelle Deighton, 25, has been confirmed as a contestant on Tough Enough. She appeared a contestant on America’s Next Top Model in 2005 and is the wife of Survivor star Jonny Fairplay. Deighton is a trained wrestler who made an appearance on the November 11, 2005 episode of SmackDown.

While Fairplay declined to comment on the matter when reached, he alluded to his wife’s involvement with the show during a video posted on GeekWeek.com. The video features Fairplay, Deighton and Gregory Helms participating in a Ric Flair chop contest and the former TNA Wrestling personality says at one point that she is “tough enough.”

Sources within WWE have confirmed that Deighton is a contestant on the USA Network show.

source: prowrestling.net

— Last week, the Smart Wrestling Fan podcast released the match lineup for WrestleMania XXVII, which was then verified as legitimate by one of our WWE sources: The Undertaker vs. Triple H; The Miz vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship; Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship; Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole with Steve Austin as the Special Guest Referee, Randy Orton vs. CM Punk; Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes, John Morrison, Kelly Kelly and Trish Stratus vs. Dolph Ziggler, Michelle McCool and Layla; The Corre vs. Big Show, Christian, Kane, Kofi Kingston; Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus, and another match featuring the Divas.

While the card appears legitimate, company sources have stated that the match lineup has not been finalized as changes may still be made to matches that have not been announced. The latter four matches have yet to be made official.

— According to sources within WWE, the revival of Tough Enough is being labeled as a reality television show about individuals who want to become WWE Superstars rather than a reality show about professional wrestling. People within WWE who were against the original premise of the show because they felt it exposed the industry are in favor of it being character driven.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— Shelton Benjamin worked a dark match prior to this week’s SmackDown taping in Houston, Texas, beating SmackDown Superstar Curt Hawkins. The feeling is that based on how well he performed and the solid reaction he received from the hometown crowd, he will receive an offer to return to the organization after WrestleMania XXVII.

Follow the match, Benjamin said on Twitter that he ‘may or may not be returning to WWE’.

— A joke going around WWE regarding Vince McMahon’s doctrine that The Undertaker’s match with Triple H at WrestleMania X-Seven never happened, is that the SmackDown star’s undefeated streak should be 17-0.

— According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE developmental wrestler Su Yung (a/k/a Sonia) is among the cast of Tough Enough. However, her profile remains on the official website Florida Championship Wrestling, which would indicate that she is not. Former WWE developmental talent Christina Crawford (a/k/a Caylee Turner) and Andy Leavine (a/k/a Kevin Hackman) are contestants on the show and their respective profiles were removed from the site last month.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

With the debut of WWE Tough Enough just a few weeks away (the night after WrestleMania), we’ve got some new details on the men and women who will be competing on the show.

WWE issued a press release a few weeks ago announcing that there would be 12 contestants, but recent commercials on the USA Network say that there will be 14.

Here are the first 9 confirmed contestants:

Rima Fakih: Current Miss USA and a longtime WWE fan who hosted RAW last year.

Matt Cross: Known on the independents as M-Dogg 20 and has worked for years on the independents for Ring of Honor and others. Debuted in 2001 and worked a tag team match against Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins on a 2010 episode of WWE Superstars.

Christina Crawford: Former FCW Diva and sister of RAW Diva Alicia Fox.

Bobby Robinson: Known on the Maine independent scene as Golden Boy. Word is that he can be seen in the Tough Enough commercial saying he will do whatever it takes to get the contract.

Erik Watts: A California independent wrestler with the nickname Big Nasty.

Juliet The Huntress: 22-year-old independent wrestler based out of Chicago. She’s Puerto Rican and made her pro wrestling debut back in 2005.

Ryan Howe: Known as “The Rock ‘n Rebel” Diamond Steel – He is the guy with long blonde in the Tough Enough promo commercial who Steve Austin says he doesn’t like his hair.

Andy Levine: 23-year-old former lineman for Florida International University and priority agent with the Miami Dolphins. Has wrestled on the independent scene.

Mickael Zaki: 26-year-old from New Jersey (now living in Tampa) with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a degree in criminal justice. He has spent the past two years competing on the independent wrestling circuit.

WWE held a ‘media day’ at the Tough Enough house, with reporters from newspapers, magazines and other media outlets present. IGN’s Matt Fowler noted on Twitter that yoga was being used in the Tough Enough warm up sessions, which is likely inspired by trainer Trish Stratus, who has her own yoga studio in Toronto.

— As of this week, creative has not decided on whether to close WrestleMania XXVII with The Undertaker vs. Triple H or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson confronting John Cena—which would indicate that Cena vs. The Miz is the main event. Internally, Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler is considered the third biggest match on the show.

— Going forward, WWE plans on featuring more PG-13 content on Monday Night Raw. However, it’s still considered a PG-rated program and there are no plans on changing that.

— The blonde contestant shown during the Tough Enough trailer that aired during Raw is Juliet The Huntress, a 22-year-old independent wrestler of Puerto Rican descent based out of Chicago, Illinois.

Juliet began her wrestling career in Puerto Rico in 2005, joining World Wrestling Council (WWC) during her rookie year. She later transferred to the International Wrestling Association (IWA), which is owned by former WWE Superstar Savio Vega. After gaining experience in the Caribbean, she headed to the United States in 2008 and has been competing on the Chicago independent circuit ever since. (Thanks to Jeffrey)

source: f4wonline.com

— Entertainment Weekly has released the first teaser clip of WWE’s Tough Enough, which centers on “Stone Cold” Steve Austin showing the wrestler wannabes “who’s the boss.”

To view the thirty second clip, click here.

Tough Enough premieres April 4 on the USA Network following Monday Night Raw.

— Former WWE Diva Sunny is expected to be announced as the next inductee into WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011 tonight on Monday Night Raw. She said yesterday on Facebook that she will be at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar (located on 2241 U.S. 1 North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902) tonight to watch the show because “there’s supposed to be something big happening.” Minutes later, she shot down speculation that it pertains to WWE.

“Listen, I’ve told you all….I have NOT been contacted by the WWE for anything,” she wrote. “I’m scheduled to appear for ROH wrestling in Atlanta…get over it already.”

She later backtracked amidst numerous congratulatory messages, writing, “Ok..thank you…but everyone needs to stop. Nothing is official until it’s official… keep that in mind.”

source: PWInsider.com

Trish Stratus sent out an email to her “Stratusphere” yoga studio clients regarding her whereabouts. The former WWE Women’s Champion says she has not been at her Toronto based yoga studio as of late because she is in Los Angeles, California filming WWE’s Tough Enough. She will be appearing as the program’s female trainer and mentor. Stratus notably reveals that the show will feature fourteen contestants (the first three seasons featured thirteen) and that she’s on a personal mission to have them and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin give yoga a try.

Here is her message:

Have you noticed something is missing from the studio… me!

Well, you may not have noticed but I have been in Los Angeles filming a new TV show! I have been asked to join host Stone Cold Steve Austin as the female trainer/mentor for 14 contestants all competing for the chance to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. WWE is bringing back the show Tough Enough, which is set to debut Mondays at 8pm EST starting April 4. It has been quite the experience out here, the kids are giving their everything and boy are we dishing it out to them!

For any of you familiar with my former career – the WWE world, I am joined by Booker T and Bill DeMott and we are kicking these kids’ butts into shape – I, of course have been introducing them to yoga! And I have a personal mission to try to get Stone Cold too to give yoga a try! I’ll keep you updated on that.”

Stratus added yesterday on Twitter that she had the Tough Enough contestants do yoga. However, it was not her brand of relaxing “Stratusphere” yoga as she says they were left shaking and sweating.

— Former WWE star Bill DeMott is conducting the majority of the wrestling training to the Tough Enough contestants. As expected, he’s been very hard on them. Some people within WWE are surprised that he was hired for the role because he has a reputation for being tough on wrestling trainees.

Steve Austin has been a regular on the Tough Enough set thus far. Booker T and Trish Stratus, however, have not. One source believes they’ve been on the set roughly once per week.

— WWE Tag Team Champion Justin Gabriel celebrates his 30th birthday today.

— Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho has been announced to appear on an upcoming episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show. His appearance takes place Saturday, April 9.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

– Independent wrestler Matt “M-Dogg” Cross is expected to be a cast member on the new season of WWE Tough Enough, which premires the night after WrestleMania following RAW.

California wrestler “Big Nasty” Jason Watts will also be part of the show, along with Miss USA Rima Fakih.

The four trainers on the show will be Steve Austin, Booker T, Trish Stratus and Bill DeMott.

– Dolph Ziggler continues to sell his storyline “firing” on Twitter, saying that he’s now being represented by the eilte William Morris talent agency and has an “exciting” opportunity planned for when his 90-day no-compete clause expires. Ziggler tweeted on Tuesday:

“Just got my first call for a possible booking, since being fired! Very exciting… My agency is William Morris, no televised bookings until after 5/12/11 Let the countdown begin! 90, 89, 88, 87, 86….”

Give Ziggler and WWE credit, they’re making pretty good use of Twitter and the known 90-day no-compete clause that released talent is bound by to push the storyline that he’s been fired.

– Today marks the one-year anniversary of WWE NXT, whiched debuted on the SyFy channel on 2/23/10. NXT remained on SyFy until September 28th of last year until the show was moved to WWE’s website.

— Michelle McCool indicated on Twitter that she has to wear a walking boot for ‘awhile’. She reportedly suffered a broken toe.

She also commented on working with Trish Stratus at Elimination Chamber, writing: “I can gladly say I took a whoopin’ from @trishstratuscom…doesn’t happen often, BUT at least it came from the best. LayCool shall prevail.”

— Goldust was backstage at last night’s Raw taping in Fresno, California.

— Jim Ross commented on last night’s Raw, writing on Twitter: “Really enjoyed Raw. HHH & Taker sold PPVs w/ their eyes & their earned legacies. Cole was a mega nerd. Sic em King. WM27 feeling special.”

— California based independent wrestler “Big Nasty” Jason Watts is rumored to be a contestant for WWE Tough Enough.

source: f4wonline.com

– At Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Trish Stratus made a surprise return to WWE, where it was announced she’ll be joining Booker T as one of the trainers on the new season of Tough Enough. Later in the show, Trish came to the aid of Kelly Kelly, who was getting beat down by LayCool.

With Trish back in the mix and aligning herself with Kelly Kelly, there is talk that Trish and Kelly will team up to wrestle LayCool at WrestleMania 27.

– Speaking of Trish, she wrote the following on Twitter last night about her WWE return:

“OMG I’m trending! Everyone must want to find out what not to wear when u kick ass. I had so much fun delivering Stratusfaction-I missed all of u guys! Can’t tell u how much ur support means to me!!”

– Another name for the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame is expected to be announced on tonight’s RAW. Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, The Road Warriors, Abdullah The Butcher, Lex Luger and Arn Anderson are all names that have been discussed for this year’s class.

– The fourth coach for WWE’s new Tough Enough season is expected to be Bill DeMott, best known as Hugh Morris in WCW. DeMott was a trainer on Season 3 of Tough Enough and has been in touch with WWE officials in recent weeks.

It’s also been reported that each episode of Tough Enough will feature an appearance from a current WWE Superstar or Diva.

— Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer said yesterday on the f4wonline.com message board that WWE had absolutely no hand in the casting decisions for the revival of Tough Enough. USA Network officials and the show’s production company, Shed Media Us, had full control on that aspect. The goal was to select models for the reality program.

— Rosa Mendes, who has not toured with WWE in three weeks, indicated on her Twitter account that she has been dealing with a personal issue as of late.

She wrote Thursday, “Just finished an amazing photo shoot. I want to thank Scott, Amber and Leslie Homan, for all their hard work today. These past few weeks having been a little tough. This shoot made my day. I want to thank all my friends for their texts and prayers. It means a lot.”

Mendes also stated that she moved to Las Vegas yesterday.

— Austin Aries, the only two-time ROH World Champion, hinted yesterday on Twitter that his wrestling career may be coming to an end following a recent setback.

“Apparently not big, young, or tough enough,” he wrote. “While it’s been amazing, the AA chapter of my life may be coming to an end very soon.”

Aries, who is 32 years old and billed at five foot nine, was among the most notable wrestlers bypassed for Tough Enough.

— CM Punk is featured on the cover of the March 2011 issue of WWE Magazine, with the headline reading “FEAR ME!” Enclosed is an interview with the Straight Edge Superstar, who explains why he has yet to have his definitive WrestleMania moment.

— The first digital issue of WWE Magazine will be launched in January.

– During his media rounds this week to promote his new Undisputed biography, Chris Jericho spoke to Boston’s 100.7 WXLXon Thursday about his relationship with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Here’s what Jericho said about Vince:

“One of the things I like about the book is the thread of the relationship between Vince and Chris. It did not start of good. Over the years, there were ups and downs. Here we are in 2011 and I was just texting Vince this morning. We have laughs about things that have nothing to do with wrestling. We have deep respect for each other, but it took a long time to get to that point.”

– Filming has begun for the upcoming season of WWE Tough Enough, which premieres the night after WrestleMania. The contestants are already living at the Tough Enough house Simi Valley, California. Tough Enough host “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is not living at the house with the contestants.

Filming will take place for roughly seven weeks, until the end of March. Most of the men and women contestants have independent wrestling experience. As WWE confirmed this week, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih will be among the contestants.

* Picture of MISS USA – Rima Fakih (Direct Link)

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer)

Miss USA Rima Fakih

The USA Network issued a press release today announcing that Miss USA Rima Fakih, a former RAW Guest Host, will be a contestant on the upcoming season of WWE’s Tough Enough:

IS MISS USA™ “TOUGH ENOUGH®?”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – February 17, 2010 USA Network and WWE® announced today that Miss USA™, Rima Fakih will be one of the aspiring contestants on USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH®. Fakih will be squaring off against a tough group of challengers vying for an once-in-a-lifetime shot to become a WWE Superstar or Diva. The series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, the day after WrestleMania® XXVII and immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®. It moves to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to battle for a title in an entirely different competition,” said Fakih. “Miss USA is an incredible honor that’s provided invaluable experience which will undoubtedly help me as I push my performance and athletic skills to the limit. I look forward to learning if I have the mettle to make it in WWE.”

The casting announcement follows the recent appointment of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin® as series host and WWE Legend Booker T™ as a trainer. WWE TOUGH ENOUGH contestants will be a diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Southern California.

Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The company’s previous reality credits include “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “World’s Strictest Parents.” Producing for Shed Media US are Nick Emmerson, Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

– There will be a big change to the WWE Hall of Fame this year, as the annual event will not air on USA Network the night before WrestleMania. This year, the show will be taped on Saturday night from Atlanta and will not air until Monday night, as a lead-in to WWE RAW. Both WWE and USA Network expect the show to draw much higher ratings this year on Monday night.

– With the Hall of Fame airing on April 4th, the night after WrestleMania 27, that evening will now feature 4 hours of WWE programming on the USA Netowk.

The 2011 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is currently scheduled to air on Monday, April 4th before the post-WrestleMania RAW at 8pm EST.

The post-WrestleMania edition of Monday Night RAW will then air at 9pm in its regularly scheduled spot.

Following RAW will be the season premiere of WWE Tough Enough at 11pm, completing a four-hour block of WWE TV that night.

– Starting the following Monday (4/11), the previous week’s episode of WWE Tough Enough will air before WWE RAW (at 8pm EST). Following RAW each week, that week’s new episode of Tough Enough will air at 11pm EST.

— Triple H is tapped to return to the squared circle within the next few weeks and considered a lock for WrestleMania XXVII.

His return is being delayed now because creative has no plans for him to win an Elimination Chamber Match and thus felt there was no point in bringing him back.

Regarding his behind the scenes role as Vince McMahon’s Senior Advisor, he has been diligently studying all aspects of World Wrestling Entertainment’s business operations. He’s received much praise for his dedication to learn.

— The Tough Enough revival on USA will feature four trainers; “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Booker T and two yet to be announced names. It said that the two yet to be announced trainers are not active WWE wrestlers.

— Former women’s wrestling champion Madusa turns 47 years old today while Shelly Martinez turns 31.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

WWE® LEGEND BOOKER T JOINS “WWE® TOUGH ENOUGH” AS TRAINER

WWE® Legend and former World Heavyweight Champion Booker T joins USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH as a trainer. Booker T will train and counsel the contestants competing to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The appointment of Booker T follows the recent casting announcement of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as series host.

The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

Booker T has entertained audiences across the globe and squared off against the biggest luminaries in the WWE Universe including WWE Superstars John Cena, Rey Mysterio and Big Show.

Recognized as one of the most athletic and charismatic figures in WWE history, Booker T will share his extensive knowledge and ring experience with aspiring contestants vying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Joining a team of celebrity trainers to be announced shortly, Booker T will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

– Booker T has been confirmed as a trainer for WWE’s new Tough Enough show.

– During an interview with ClubWWI.com, former WWE manager Paul Bearer revealed that he was in talks with TNA about managing Abyss before the character debuted, but Bearer’s health issues during the mid 2000’s prevented it from happening.

– Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman was at last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling’s event in Tampa. FL.

– Dolph Ziggler will be appearing at an upcoming wrestling meet for Kent State University when they take on Ohio University on 2/11. Ziggler, who was a very accomplished amateur wrestler at Kent State, will doing a photo and autograph session after the meet.

(Source: pwinsider.com)

The USA Network issued the following press release on Thursday:

USA’S EXCITING SPRING LINE-UP BRINGS REALITY, DRAMA AND A PREQUEL

TOUGH ENOUGH and Burn Notice: THE FALL OF SAM AXE Premiere in April, Followed by

The Tenth and Final Season of LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and the Fourth Season of IN PLAIN SIGHT in May

Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to survive the winter? Spring ahead with the return of USA’s fan-favorite dramas LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and IN PLAIN SIGHT and uncover the secrets of Burn Notice‘s Sam Axe before his mojito-filled Miami life. Don’t miss USA’s smoking hot spring line-up.

WWE TOUGH ENOUGH

Do you have what it takes to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva? A diverse group of men and women will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE. Hosted by WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin®, each episode will feature a current WWE Superstar, who will introduce the contenders to a quality that they must possess to make it to the top of the sports entertainment world. Along the way, viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization.

Premieres Monday, April 4 at 11/10c on USA Network immediately following WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and then will move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

World Wrestling Entertainment made the following announcement over the weekend:

NEW YORK CITY – USA Network and WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will host USA Network’s upcoming reality series “WWE Tough Enough.” The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10 CT, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE Monday Night Raw, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7 CT, starting on April 11.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has captivated audiences around the world with his magnetic presence and bold, yet charming nature. Austin has done it all in sports-entertainment, winning 17 championships, including the WWE Championship six times. He has an immense and incredibly devoted fan base, and is considered one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with my old friends at WWE on ‘WWE Tough Enough.’ Sports-entertainment has always been an important part of my life, and I look forward to finding the next generation of WWE Superstars,” said Austin.

“Stone Cold” will share his intimate knowledge, experience and flair for the stage as one of the most popular figures in WWE history to a group of individuals looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Austin will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, Calif. Each week, the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports-entertainment organization. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

Since leaving the world of sports-entertainment, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has made a name for himself in Hollywood, with roles in such blockbuster hits as The Expendables, staring Sylvester Stallone and The Longest Yard, starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Other film credits include Damage, The Condemned and Hunt to Kill. In addition to film, Austin is a household name from his work on hit television shows such as NBC’s Chuck and CBS’ Nash Bridges.

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce “WWE Tough Enough.” The company’s previous reality credits include The Real Housewives of New York City, Who Do You Think You Are and World’s Strictest Parents. Producing for Shed Media US are Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.