– Wade Barrett was advertised to face Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus in the main event at Saturday’s SmackDown live event at Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines, Iowa but the match was changed to a 2-out-of-3 Falls bout between Sheamus and Del Rio. Barrett instead faced Tyson Kidd, who he defeated.
– Sunday would have would have marked as the 59th birthday of Rocco Rock and 51st of Bam Bam Bigelow. Rock died on September 21, 2002 at the age of 49, reportedly due to a heart attack, while Bigelow died on January 19, 2007 at the age of 45. Autopsy results showed that Bigelow’s death was due to multiple drugs found in his system including toxic levels of cocaine and an anti-anxiety drug. He was also suffering from a heart problem, specifically arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
– Finlay is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com. He returned to the sports-entertainment organization in June in a behind-the-scenes capacity.
– Triple H is said to be a strong supporter of Damien Sandow, with WWE’s most intellectual superstar in line for a major push this year.
– NXT starBray Wyatt (formerly Husky Harris) noted on Twitter that he will be returning “very soon” after missing several months of action due to injury.
– After asking fans for suggestions of what they should name their new tag team, Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd posted a video on Tout on Tuesday saying that they’re considering the name “International Airstrike.”
It would appear that WWE has parted ways with developmental wrestler DT Porter as he is no longer listed on the roster page of FCWWrestling.info. He rarely appeared on Florida Championship Wrestling cards after joining the developmental promotion last year.
In May, Porter, whose real name is Brian McGhee, posted a message on Facebook crying for help due to alleged mistreatment from camp officials. He then claimed that his account was hacked. The “help” statement read:
“Guys, I don’t know how much longer I can handle this. Every day is a constant struggle to keep my sanity. I love wrestling and it’s all I ever wanted to do. Already going crazy since I’ve been for like ten months now, but it gets worse. Every day a trainer goes out of his way to rib or disrespect me in front of the boys because I’ve been out so long. I can’t clear myself. I wanna wrestle more than anything, but I don’t even know who I am anymore. It’s so fucking hard. I just feel it just building inside of me and I don’t know how much longer I can contain it. I have daydreams of just fucking everyone up on some real shit. I’m not a kid. I’m a fucking man. But what do you do when the people in charge of helping you get to the main roster are the ones making your life the hardest. I’ve been drinking almost every day. It’s to the point to where I keep Vodka and Gin in my trunk. Help me!”
He later deleted the Facebook message and claimed he was hacked.
– Three matches were taped Tuesday night in Indianapolis, Indiana for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars: Tyson Kidd vs. Heath Slater, WWE Divas Champion Layla vs. Natalya and Justin Gabriel vs. Cody Rhodes.
In a pre-taping dark match, Brodus Clay squashed a local wrestler whose name was not announced.
– WWE will hold a SmackDown taping in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the Consol Energy Center on December 18.
– Trish Stratus will appear at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival on August 11 in Bowmanville, Ontario. The festival boasts a star-studded line-up of over thirty country music artists including Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Alabama, and Big and Rich. Additional details are available here.
– Kelly Kelly returns to WWE this week after being granted time off the road in late May.
She tweeted Sunday, “On the road again. Can’t wait to see everyone at the #raw1000.”
Kelly, who had been on the road on a weekly basis since joining WWE in 2006, was reportedly granted a break to spend time with her family and boyfriend. She last competed on television on the May 21 Raw SuperShow, losing to Beth Phoenix.
– WWE and Party City hosted a pizza party for Make-A-Wish kids on July 15 before Money in the Bank in Phoenix, Arizona. At the Party City celebration, Alex Riley, William Regal and Tyson Kidd met Dylan, Max and Joshua, who are all WWE Circle of Champions honorees from Make-A-Wish. Party City will host a donation drive in stores where WWE fans can donate $1 to Make-A-Wish through Aug. 18. (Article)’
– Former WWE Superstars John Morrison and Melina appear at the Steel City Con this Saturday and Sunday. The event is being held at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
– Former WWE superstar Dave Batista is at Comic Con in San Diego today along with Wu Tang Clan rapper RZA to promote their new “Man With The Iron Fists” movie.
– WWE.com has a new article up titled, “Bank on the Kid” looking at Tyson Kidd’s involvement in the SmackDown brand’s Money in the Bank match this Sunday.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross revealed that the NXT Championship Tournament begins at tonight’s tapings from Full Sail University:
Its going to be an exciting nite @ Full Sail University tonite. NXT Championship Tourney begins! Join us!!
– WWE announced Wednesday that it will report its 2012 second quarter results on August 2, 2012. Company’s Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon, and senior management will host a conference call beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results.
– WWE has uploaded a compilation video of Raw openings from 2002 to 2006. The program’s theme song then was “Across The Nation” by The Union Underground.
– Tensai’s victory over Christian and Tyson Kidd in a tag team match on Raw SuperShow was his first win on the program since April 23.
As we’ve been reporting, wWE officials are planning a big payoff to the Heath Slater – Legends angle, expected to take place at RAW’s 1,000th episode.
– There is a lot of excitement behind the scenes in WWE surrounding Tyson Kidd’s push and his involvement in Sunday’s Money in the Bank match. Kidd, widely considered to be one of the most underutilized members of the roster, is determined to steal the show.
With just days to go until Money in the Bank, there was actually some concern that Tensai’s recent attack of Kidd would result in him being taken out of the match.
– Episode 24 of WWE Inbox is now online, with Jack Swagger, Alicia Fox and other Superstars answering Twitter questions from fans, including any weird talents they may have.
– Moments before Raw SuperShow went on the air, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted that he will be appearing on the historic 1,000th episode of Raw on July 23 at 8/7 CT on USA Network:
RAW's 1000th episode. The People's Champ returns.. As promised, my goal: THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP. #RELENTLESS
– WWE is said to have big plans for Tyson Kidd, with him qualifying for the SmackDown brand’s Money in the Bank match just the beginning.
– There had been online reports that the SmackDown brand’s Money in the Bank match would feature nine participants, but the updated preview on the WWE website says the match is finalized at seven (Christian, Santino Marella, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes, Tyson Kidd, Tensai and Damien Sandow). The preview reads:
“The competitors in the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match have been decided, and the field is an exciting one featuring a diverse mix of styles … With seven qualifiers official, the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the year.”
– Following Ryback’s win over Curt Hawkins on Tuesday’s live SmackDown, both Hawkins and his tag partner Tyler Reks sound like they’re not done with WWE’s most dominant superstar.
Well that meathead @Ryback22 clearly cheated tonight… Good news is I have an in with the SmackDown GM next week, we go way back.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com.
Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Tyson Kidd Qualifying For MITB: “Happy to see Tyson Kidd’s success on Smackdown Friday night. Tyson has seemingly found his personality, so to speak, to go along with his significant in ring skills. I love his in ring persona, which will/should only get bigger and better, and the skill set that the Calgary Kid brings to the table. A recent NXT bout vs. Michael McGillicutty gave me all that I needed to see on both young athletes who have wrestling DNA running in their veins. ”
The New WWE General Manager: “Who do I want to see as the new GM of Raw and/or Smackdown? I’ve got no dog in the hunt but I know that isn’t a role that I would embrace or with which I would be be good.”
Breakout Performer Of The Year: “Who is the break out performer in WWE so far in 2012? Is there really any debate? It has to be AJ who has taken the opportunities provided her, the creative input she’s received and has made her role bigger than I’m sure many perceived that it would ever become. Obviously, AJ waited for her opportunity and maximized her minutes no matter how few or how insignificant that they may have seemed at the time.”
As always, you can buy JR’s delicious line of BBQ proudcts at WWEShop.com.
– On Friday’s SmackDown, Christian, Tensai, Damien Sandow, Santino Marella and Tyson Kidd qualified for the SmackDown brand’s Money in the Bank match. Next week’s SmackDown will have more qualifying matches – and there are rumored to be upto 9 superstars competing in the match.
– Tyson Kidd tweeted the following message after qualifying for Monday in the Bank on SmackDown:
Time to start that money in the bank style training. Biggest opportunity in my entire career. Let's do this#workhorse
– Former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro has been announced to appear at her first wrestling show since 2009 for Pro Wrestling Syndicate on September 14 in Rahway, New Jersey. Also scheduled is Kevin Matthews defending the PWS title against Sami Callihan in a falls count anywhere match, Anthony Nese vs. Matt Hardy for the Tri State title; Demolition vs. Warlord and Barbarian.
– Cross-promoting World Wrestling Fan Xperience’s Champions Showcase Tour event on October 13, 2012 at the MegaSport Arena in Moscow, Russia (information available at wwfxperience.com), former WWE stars Daivari, Jillian Hall and Vladimir Kozlov presented FHM Russia’s 100 Sexiest Women In The World 2012 award to Tulisa Contostavlos. Click here for photos from the event.
– Lance Storm was asked on Twitter who he thinks should get a better push in WWE. He responded, “Tyson Kidd for starters.”
– Former WWE star Bam Neely turns 37 years old on Sunday. He is retired from wrestling and now works as a night club bouncer in Tampa, Florida.
— WWE.com issued a poll Monday asking fans to name WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. Voting options include Air Truth, Ka-Boom, R-Boom, Truth in Paradise and Air Jimmy
— Today would have been Owen Hart’s forty-seventh birthday. He died on May 23, 1999 when an equipment malfunction occurred during his entrance from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at the World Wrestling Federation’s Over the Edge pay-per-view event. Two WWE Superstars with ties to the late wrestler are remembering him on his birthday.
Natalya wrote on Twitter, “Remembering Owen Hart today on his 47th birthday. We are all just waiting today for some crazy prank from Heaven:) (Photo)
Tyson Kidd added, “I watched@BretHart vs @ShawnMichaels at WrestleMania 12 (my favorite match) thanks to Owen Hart flying me in as a guest of his #owenmemories.”
— Former WWE stars The Gymini and Bam Neely now work as bouncers at the Space Odyssey night club in Tampa, Florida. All three individuals no longer wrestle.
— Actor Dennis Haskins of Saved by the Bell fame attended Sunday’s Raw live event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He took a bow after being introduced to the audience.
— Matt Hardy appears for Xcite Wrestling on July 21 at the American Legion in Binghamton, New York. (Event details)
– SmackDown newcomer Damien Sandow is overseas with WWE this week and is headed to London for Tuesday’sSmackDown from the O2 Arena. It’s possible he will make his TV debut this week, or he could just work a pre-show dark match.
– William Regal has been teaming with Tyson Kidd on the current WWE tour. The duo has defeated Hunico and Camacho at the past few live events. Prior to their matches, Regal has introduced Kidd “the most underrated wrestler with WWE.”
– Fans of former WWE superstar MVP shouldn’t get their hopes up about him ever returning to the company. While he’s been open about the possibility of returning one day, he changed his tune over the weekend. When asked by a fan on Twitter if he’ll ever return to WWE, he responded, “Never again.”
Rikishi fired off a series of messages on his Twitter account Tuesday evening criticizing WWE for not utilizing him on the “Blast from the Past” edition of SuperSmackDown Live. His sons, Jey and Jimmy Uso, competed against Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd on the live broadcast and he strongly feels he should have accompanied them for their match. The former WWE Superstar wrote:
* I wanted to be there with my sons @WWEUSOS but you know the deal. #NoDeal I want what I want @WWE!!! Sry fans maybe next time on @TERRITORYLEAGUE
* U can’t play this . I put in my time to call my own shots in this business.. find another SUCKER !!! You loss I WIN …
* Dnt be scared to put me on TV . I won’t steal the show. But you know I’m damn sho gonna give the ppl what they wanna see.POP GOES THE CROWD
* You say #blastfromthepast . I say #blastmyazz .. I’m too legit to quit !!! Dancin off u can’t touch this !! Ppls request ,, #kidgames
* The ppl are NOT stupid !! I see all ur tweets… I’m not a greedy man . I’m a fair man !! But I’m NOT dumb either. POP GOES THE CROWD!!
Rikishi also retweeted a message from wrestler cousin Black Pearl ripping his sons’ segment on the show: “Boring ass segment with no pop.. should of paid @TheREALRIKISHI what he deserves.. #epicfail cover up.”
Justin Gabriel stated Monday afternoon Twitter that he suffered an elbow injury during the Triple Threat Tag Team Championship Match at WrestleMania XXVIII and therefore will be sidelined for six weeks.
“Just had X-rays and MRI on elbow,” Gabriel wrote. “Good news: no surgery needed. Bad news: out for six weeks.”
The WWE Tag Team Champions stood tall against their challengers was Primo and Epico defeated The Usos and the pairing of Tyson Kidd and Gabriel.
WWE announced Friday evening that the WWE Tag Team Championship will be on the line when champions Epico and Primo defend the straps against both The Usos and the new tandem of Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd in a WWE Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Match prior to Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVIII pay-per-view broadcast. The match will stream live on WWE.com and YouTube at 6:30 ET/3:30 PT.
Gabriel and Kidd joined forces following a hard-fought battle on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars. Kidd approached Gabriel in the locker room about forming a partnership, stating, “We can go out there and we can tear the house down every single night; we’re two of the most under-utilized Superstars here in WWE. But that just be getting around spinning our tails. So I was thinking, how about you and I form a tag team and we go after those tag team titles?”
WWE.com has published an article previewing the match. Rosa Mendes will accompany Epico and Primo for the bout.
— After a hard-fought battle on WWE Superstars, Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd met in the locker room and discussed forming a tag team together. Kidd reasoned, “We can go out there and we can tear the house down every single night; we’re two of the most under-utilized Superstars here in WWE. But that just be getting around spinning our tails. So I was thinking, how about you and I form a tag team and we go after those tag team titles?”
WWE.com asks, “Should WWE Tag Team Champions Primo & Epico be worried?” Video of their encounter is available on WWE.com.
— A person who works for WWE’s public relations division revealed which Miami, Florida hotel the company is staying at for WrestleMania XXVIII on Twitter as she posted a photo of the issued WrestleMania hotel room key with the location noted—InterContinental Miami. However, security is high at the hotel as non-guests are not permitted in the building.
— WWE Champion CM Punk stated Friday on Twitter that footage was being shot at Sun Life Stadium for his upcoming DVD set. He wrote, “At sun life stadium with LF checking things out. Filming more DVD silliness. LF in the house! So stoked.”
— WWE developmental wrestler Seth Rollins defeated Drew McIntyre at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in East Lansing, Michigan. He previously toured with the main roster in late December as he beat Tyson Kidd in singles matches at three consecutive SmackDown live events.
— Mick Foley commented on the reaction to his public concern for WWE’s on-screen treatment of Eve.
“Not everyone agreed with my comments, but from time to time I feel like a should add my voice to certain subjects,” he tweeted.
Foley wrote this week that WWE is sending a “mixed message” with the name-calling toward Eve since it contradicts their anti-bullying campaign ‘be a STAR’ and John Cena’s motto to “Rise Above Hate.”
— Matches taped tonight at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma for this week’s episode of WWE NXT Redemption are as follows:
* Derrick Bateman vs. Heath Slater
* Darren Young vs. Percy Watson
* Trent Barreta vs. Tyson Kidd
* Kaitlyn vs. Maxine
* Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks vs. Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso
— Brodus Clay squashed WWE developmental wrestler Damien Sandow in a dark match at tonight’s SmackDown SuperShow taping in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sandow was accompanied by Abraham Washington.
— The February 4 episode of A.M. Raw garnered a 0.59 cable rating, with 723,000 viewers.
— Paul Bearer released the following statement on Facebook regarding Kamala after the wrestling legend had his foot amputated last month.
“Just spoke with my longtime friend Kamala [James Harris]. I managed him in 1978 when he first started. He seems to be hanging in there after his foot amputation, due to high blood pressure, not diabetes as reported. Please keep him in your prayers.”
— Several top developmental performers in Florida Championship Wrestling will receive tryouts at WWE live events over the next few weeks. Damien Sandow competed at Friday and Saturday’s SmackDown live events, losing to Tyson Kidd.
— Shelly Martinez will be hosting a live game show next week at Tranzit Nite Club in Hollywood, California. Details are available here.
— The following matches were taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for this week’s episode of NXT Redemption:
* Johnny Curtis vs. Yoshi Tatsu
* Jimmy Uso vs. JTG
* Percy Watson and Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young and Tyler Reks
— The following matches were taped Tuesday night in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Jinder Mahal vs. Trent Barreta
* Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyson Kidd
— A Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza employee told an attendee at tonight’s WWE television tapings that the event drew 4,000 fans. This is approximately half the venue’s capacity.