– Goldust is campaigning on social media for his brother Stardust to get a shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship if Daniel Bryan is unable to compete at WWE Extreme Rules tonight. Goldust tweeted the following on Saturday:
https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/592084508360441857
– WWE re-tweeted the following Tough Enough audition videos:
Corey Graves’ new WWE Network show Culture Shock premieres tonight immediately following NXT. On this week’s show, Graves will tour the headquarters of Marvel Entertainment. (more…)
– “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” regular “Cousin Sal” is the guest on this week’s edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit,” which you can download for free right now at PodcastOne.com.
– TNA star Bobby Roode will be the guest on the latest edition of “The Ross Report” podcast with WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross. The show drops Tuesday night at approximately 9pm EST.
– WWE has added the “True Giants” documentary from 2014 to the “Beyond The Ring” section of the WWE Network. The documentary is now available for on demand viewing. The official description for the shows reads: “The bigger they are, the harder they brawl! True Giants is an in-depth look at sports entertainment’s most successful gargantuan Superstars.”
– WWE has added a new video to their official YouTube channel which features The Miz responding to Triple H’s Tough Enough announcement from earlier today. In the video, which you can check out below, Miz talks about being the most successful Tough Enough contestant of all-time.
After having Triple H release a video announcing the return of WWE Tough Enough, WWE has issued a press release to further promote the return of the program.
Below is a press release issued by WWE on Monday:
ARE YOU “TOUGH ENOUGH®?”
STAMFORD, Conn., April 20, 2015 – Beginning today, WWE® invites anyone from around the world who believes they have what it takes to be the next WWE Superstar or Diva, to submit a video at WWEToughEnough.com to be considered for the upcoming reality competition series, WWE Tough Enough. The series premieres on Tuesday, June 23 at 8/7c on USA Network in a reimagined format with live elements.
“WWE Tough Enough is an opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a WWE Superstar or Diva,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “WWE Superstars and Divas are dynamic entertainers who possess a unique combination of athleticism and charisma. We can’t wait to see who will emerge from this competition to earn a place alongside our elite performers.”
This season of WWE Tough Enough will combine the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama as 10 men and five women vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a WWE Superstar or Diva. By the end of the season, one man and one woman will be crowned “Tough Enough” and will each earn a WWE contract.
Triple H announced on Monday afternoon that the casting is officially open for the new season of WWE Tough Enough.
Talents looking to apply to be a part of the cast can visit WWEToughEnough.com.
“The Game” confirmed that there will be ten men and five women selected to be part of the cast of the new season, which begins airing on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. The “WWE Universe” will choose the winner at the end of the season.
The official WWE Tough Enough states the following:
Are you tough enough?
Show us why you have what it takesWWE’s groundbreaking reality show returns to USA Network on June 23 in search of the next Superstar or Diva. Will it be you?
If you’ve got the grit, the guts, the skills, the look – if you’re “tough enough” – submit your video application now. Then share it across Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or your social platform of choice using #ToughEnough. Make yourself stand out.
To apply, visit WWEToughEnough.com.
After missing RAW last week while he and Stephanie McMahon “were on vacation” (in the storylines), WWE was originally planning on having Triple H return at this past Monday’s RAW in London, England. For whatever reason, the company decided against having “The Game” make his return appearance at the show.
WWE opted instead to hold back on Triple H’s return, as they decided to have him make his first appearance back at next week’s RAW instead.
As noted, Triple H is scheduled to make an announcement on RAW next Monday in Albany, New York regarding the return of WWE’s popular reality show, “Tough Enough.”
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
WWE officials have begun the process of recruiting talents for the returning season of their old reality show, “Tough Enough,” which begins airing on the USA Network in June.
As things stand now, WWE is planning on using a mix of legitimate pro wrestlers and aspiring pro wrestlers on the newest season of the show.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, you can expect a number of recognizable names from the independent pro wrestling scene on the cast. WWE is also reportedly in negotiations with some other talents that die-hard fans may have heard of.
One European wrestler that was invited to a WWE tryout in London this week saw his tryout get canceled, as WWE opted instead to have the talent apply to be part of the Tough Enough cast.
Another un-named independent talent has been telling friends that he has “all-but-been-promised” a spot in the final cast for the show.
WWE is reportedly working with other reality show casting companies that have worked on major hit-shows in the past to help with the recruiting process. One company in particular was brought on board specifically to try and cast some college and professional sports athletes.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Jim Ross recently updated the blog on his official website to share his thoughts on Monday’s RAW in London, among other topics. Below are some highlights:
WWE Network airing one of his one-man shows: “We are in talks with WWE to tape a version of our RINGSIDE w/ Jim Ross show for airing on the WWE Network at some point in the future. Details are still being discussed but this could happen much sooner than later. If all the details get finalized we would likely tape the show in Orlando at the NXT Arena. Fingers crossed for this project which I hope will lead to more opportunities to contribute to @WWENetwork.”
Crowd chants at RAW: “Thought some of the insider oriented crowd chants were distracting and unnecessary. I wonder if it’s truly the fan’s expressing their feelings or simply trying to gain attention on TV? Or perhaps a little of both?”
Roman Reigns: “Roman Reigns seems to be on a more acceptable pace to become accepted by the fans who have demonstrated that they are not fans of a systematic and structured game plan to establish new, fan favorites. I like Reigns and have every confidence in him becoming a top level main eventer in WWE for years to come. The process simply takes time and careful planning and execution.”
Tough Enough: “Curious to see what the skinny is on Tough Enough returning to TV. Anxious to see the cast including the coaches. TE is a solid concept but the cast of characters that interact each week make or break the show. That’s the reality TV business in a nutshell.”
Seth Rollins: “WWE Champion Seth Rollins had a really good night in London and is improving in his role every week or so it seems to me. Smart creative to have such a talented albeit beatable WWE Champion who is surrounded by ‘protection.’ J&J Security are underrated, entertaining and add a great deal to Rollins’ presentation.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com.
– On next week’s edition of WWE RAW, which emanates from the Times Union Center in Albany, New York, Triple H will be making an announcement regarding the return of WWE Tough Enough.
– Actors James Phelps and Matthew Lewis were in attendance at Monday’s edition of WWE RAW at the O2 Arena in London, England. The official E! U.K. Twitter account posted the following photo of the two:
It's the #HarryPotter boys! Here's @James_Phelps and @Mattdavelewis at #WWELondon pic.twitter.com/lkNXdiKAih
— E! UK & IRELAND (@EOnlineUK) April 13, 2015
We can now confirm the fact that the new season of WWE Tough Enough will have a more current and up-to-date feel with the new episodes that are scheduled to begin airing in June. Originally, WWE wanted to tape Tough Enough two months in advance, however the decision was made to tape the shows and air them within a few days of the taping.
Additionally, it’s now confirmed that the show will feature a lot of live elements. Fan voting is said to be a possibility, however live segments on USA Network, social media and the WWE Network are expected as well.
Although it’s been rumored that Chris Jericho will be replacing Steve Austin as the host of the show, Jericho himself stated this past week that he’s had no discussions about being part of the new Tough Enough. Then again, Jericho has a history of throwing fans off his scent when he has something planned, so you never know.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– WWE announced on Tuesday that the new season of Tough Enough will premiere on the USA Network on Tuesday, June 23rd. WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin noted on his Steve Austin Show podcast that he won’t be involved in the show because production took place later than expected and he was already committed to film the new season of Broken Skull Challenge on CMT.
It’s rumored that Chris Jericho will be hosting the new season and some of the trainers from the WWE Performance Center will serve as coaches.
– WWE.com has published a feature looking at this week’s European tour, with quotes from WWE Champion Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Finn Balor and Neville. Finn Balor talked about returning to Dublin, Ireland to perform with WWE:
“When I was 9, 10 years old, I was watching WWE in Dublin, in that same building. To be returning with WWE and actually be performing in Dublin city, in there, really is a dream come true.”
Speaking of Finn Balor, he wrestled a dark match prior to Tuesday’s Main Event and SmackDown tapings from Dallas, Texas. He defeated defeated Xavier Woods in what was described as a great match.
https://twitter.com/xrocknrolla/status/585715118610243585
In his latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com, Jim Ross wrote about SmackDown moving to the USA Network next year, the return of Tough Enough, Jericho’s interview with John Cena after RAW and more. Here are some highlights:
SmackDown & Tough Enough: “Smart move by WWE/USA Network to move Smackdown to USA in 2016 as that move should significantly increase viewership for the Smackdown brand. USA will apparently also be airing Tough Enough which will premier on Tuesday June 23 at 8/7 central time. I haven’t heard who will be hosting the reality show or who will comprise the coaching staff. The concept of Tough Enough is potentially compelling but it all hinges on the cast of characters that the viewers are exposed to each week in hopes that fans will invest emotionally them and in the process. Curious as to how the cast was selected and by who as that’s always the key to the show’s success in my view. Hopefully some “wrestling people” were involved in the process because viewers do like the reality show/soap opera aspect of the process but they also want to see athletes compete who have a legit chance to be stars in the ring also.”
Chris Jericho’s Interview With John Cena: “Watched the Jericho/Cena post RAW interview last night from start to finish. It had a ‘feel good’ undertone and covered a wide variety of topics that Cena addressed without reservation from my perspective. Nice to see John give props to our recruiting class that I sent to OVW in Louisville to be coached up by Danny Davis, Jim Cornette and company. That was a helluva group that included Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Dave Batista and arguably the best natural athlete in the camp in Shelton Benjamin.
Cena came off as he is just a regular guy who has an insatiable work ethic and he is legit/honest in his love for the business as John being a lifelong fan totally jumped off the page at me when I decided to sign Cena out of UPW back in the day after his try out match with Samoa Joe of which I watched. Funny note…when John was the ‘Prototype’ he reminded me of a young Sting.”
As noted earlier as part of the Tough Enough premiere date announcement (6/23), WWE SmackDown is moving to the USA Network in the first quarter of 2016. While WWE’s official press release made no mention of SmackDown going live each week, Variety.com writes:
“USA Network is doubling down on WWE, bringing ‘SmackDown’ over from Syfy next year as part of an effort to hike the volume of live programming on NBCUniversal’s flagship entertainment cabler.”
Variety.com also revealed that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his manager Dany Garcia have signed on to develop and executive produce an unscripted television series for USA through their 7 Bucks Productions.
WWE has announced that the new season of Tough Enough will premiere on the USA Network on Tuesday, June 23rd at 8/7 C.
Additionally, WWE SmackDown will be moving to USA in early 2016, which is sure to help the show’s already strong viewership and will have a positive effect on WWE’s ad sales.
“WWE consistently delivers one of the largest and most socially engaged live audiences in entertainment and we’re excited to expand our long-standing relationship and be the true cable home for the WWE fan,” USA Network President Chris McCumber said.
WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said:
“WWE is proud to have SmackDown join Raw as part of our expanded partnership with USA Network,” WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon said. “The combination of the No. 1 cable network and two ratings juggernauts provides a destination for our viewers and an extraordinary platform for our partners.”
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has addressed several rumors about his relationship with WWE in the latest “Steve Austin Show” at PodcastOne.com. There have been a lot of reports regarding Austin’s status with the company, why he didn’t appear at WrestleMania weekend, the reason he’s not involved in the new season of Tough Enough and more. Here’s what he said:
– He was never supposed to be on The Undertaker’s flight to WrestleMania weekend. He’s not even sure exactly where Taker lives these days, but at no point was Austin supposed to travel with him.
– There were no creative discussions for him to participate at WrestleMania. He didn’t turn down any ideas, he just wasn’t booked to be there. He watched the entire event from home.
– He denies that he has heat with WWE for turning down Tough Enough. He had been in talks with WWE for quite some time to be one of the coaches for the show. They were supposed to start filming in February and March. Because it’s such a big production, things got delayed. By the time WWE was ready to start filming, he had already committed to CMT for a new season of Broken Skull Challenge. Participating in Tough Enough would have been an “absolute blast” because that was his first TV hosting gig. It was a scheduling conflict and nothing more.
– As for his Steve Austin Podcast on the WWE Network, Austin said the reason another installment hasn’t been booked is because the two sides couldn’t agree on a deal. There is no truth to the reports that Vince McMahon was unhappy with the questions he asked during their interview. There was an offer on the table but they couldn’t get a deal done. He’s on great terms with WWE and is completely open to working with the company again.
There is no animosity from any standpoint between him and WWE.
WWE was said to be shocked when Steve Austin didn’t show up for WrestleMania 31 in Santa Clara, California this past weekend, as he was scheduled to arrive from Texas on the same flight as The Undertaker, and they even had someone waiting at the airport to pick him up.
WWE was apparently still under the impression that Austin would show up at some point, as they had a room with his name on it backstage at Levi’s Stadium until mid-week.
The issue appears to be between Austin and Vince McMahon, and is a big enough issue that one source said they’ve never seen McMahon so angry before, which is saying a lot.
Apparently the rift between the two has something to do with Austin’s podcast on the WWE Network, with Vince not liking some aspects of it. This is likely the reason why WWE Network is now carrying Chris Jericho’s podcast instead.
Additionally, it’s said that Austin turned down an offer from WWE to be part of the returning “Tough Enough” reality show.
It’s believed that Austin will be addressing his issues with WWE in the near future.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
– While no new content is airing on the WWE Network tonight, WWE has added the 2011 season of Tough Enough to the archive section.
– Speaking of the WWE Network, the next “Beyond The Ring” special will be the documentary from WWE’s “Best Of Saturday Night’s Main Event” DVD from 2009. The special will be added this Friday.
– SEScoops.com reader Ranjit sent along the following photos of Sting, The Undertaker and Michelle McCool at the airport from earlier today.
– UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey, along with the rest of the Four Horsewomen, are in attendance for WrestleMania 31 tonight. For a photo of the four with WWE Diva Natalya, and notes on their possible involvement on the show tonight, click here.
– Sting recently spoke with the folks at ATHLEAN-X about his workout and training advice. Check out the video below to see Sting, without his face-paint, talking about his workout.
– Variety’s Marc Graser attended the WWE Business Partner Summit on Saturday. Graser posted the following tweets on his official Twitter account about some new WWE programming, as well as the return of Tough Enough.
#WWE to announce 8 new series for the #WWENetwork on Monday, including "Divas Search" and an animated show with Seth Green.
— Marc Graser (@marcgraser) March 28, 2015
#WWE's Tough Enough coming back with a new format on USA Network in June.
— Marc Graser (@marcgraser) March 28, 2015
– The new season of WWE Tough Enough on the USA Network will feature several NXT wrestlers who have not yet appeared on TV, according to verified WWE insider ‘MetsFan4Ever.
During a recent WWE tryout camp at the Performance Center, several executives from the USA Network were in attendance scouting potential Tough Enough cast members. It’s believed that third-generation wrestler Tessa Blanchard was one of the people the USA Network was interested in.
– Vince McMahon and several other top WWE officials flew out to Denver, Colorado (site of tonight’s RAW) on Sunday morning due to the snow storm that hit the Northeast last night and today. Many flights out of the Northeast were cancelled today, so this proved to be a smart move from Vince & company.
– The Authority has announced on Twitter that Triple H will kick off tonight’s RAW with his big announcement about the Royal Rumble controversy.
Per the Office of The Authority: @WWE COO @TripleH will make his announcement at the beginning of #Raw this evening.
— The Authority (@WWEsAuthority) February 2, 2015
– Sunday’s episode of WWE Total Divas, which went up against the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, drew 1.207 million viewers. This is down from the previous week’s 1.253 million viewers.
– As of last week, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has not been contacted about being involved with the new season of WWE Tough Enough on the USA Network. Former coach Bill DeMott and other NXT coaches from the WWE Performance Center will be part on the show.
– WWE Diva Lana will be appearing in an upcoming issue of Maxim Magazine. She posted these teaser photos on Instagram:
Here are the latest details regarding WWE Tough Enough returning to the USA Network later this year:
– The current plan is for the contestants will be living in a house together. As part of the show’s new format, the show will resemble American Idol, with fan voting and live segments to announce who has been eliminated.
– NXT trainer Bill DeMott is expected to return as a judge.
– A lot of the show will be taped at the WWE Performance Center, with appearances from WWE and NXT talent.
– The winner of the season will be awarded a WWE contract and will most likely begin training in Orlando.
(Information from PWInsider.com was used in this report)
As reported recently, WWE Tough Enough will be returning soon to the USA Network. The belief is that the new season will begin airing after WrestleMania 31. It’s also believed that the show will be taped at the WWE Performance Center in Florida.
Before the plans for a Tough Enough return were nixed last summer, WWE’s idea was to have only developmental talent on the show, however based on the recent casting call that was issued, pro wrestling experience does not seem to be a necessary requirement to apply.
It was noted that the new season of Tough Enough will have some format changes as compared to past seasons of the show. All we know about the changes thus far is that the new season will have some live, interactive elements to it.
There’s no word yet as to who the coaches will be for the show. Bill DeMott noted on social media recently that he will be on the show, but other than him, no names are floating around yet.
WWE wanted Steve Austin to return to host the show when they were planning to film it in 2014, however his name has not yet been attached to the new season.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
The following casting call was sent out earlier this week for the upcoming season of WWE Tough Enough on the USA Network.
No word yet on who the coaches will be.
WWE and the USA Network are bringing back the hit reality competition show Tough Enough! One competitor will earn a WWE contract and be the next WWE Superstar!!!
If you believe you have what it takes to not only earn the contract, but excel in World Wrestling Entertainment… Apply now.
Casting Producers are searching the world to find extraordinary men and women to be the next WWE Superstar with the following qualities:
Show Information:
WWE Tough Enough, is a professional wrestling reality television program produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and MTV wherein participants underwent professional wrestling training and competed for a contract with WWE. There were two winners per season for the first three seasons, all of which aired on MTV. A fourth competition was held in 2004, with only a single winner, but was integrated into UPN’s SmackDown!. In October 2010, it was announced that The USA Network will be reviving Tough Enough for a fifth season. It will be paired with WWE Raw. No premiere date scheduled.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Road Warrior Animal, who was recently part of a promo that garnered a lot of heat on The Ascension, was front row at the WWE live event on Friday night in St. Louis, Missouri.
– Bill DeMott wrote the following on Twitter regarding the confirmed return of the WWE Tough Enough reality show, which he served as head coach for in the past:
So excited to hear @WWEToughEnough has been announced. You know that I'm preparing.#RUToughEnough
— Bill DeMott (@BillDeMott) January 16, 2015