— The official website of the Target Center is advertising a Buried Alive Match between The Undertaker and World Heavyweight Champion Kane at Bragging Rights.
— FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion Mason Ryan made his WWE in-ring debut at last night’s Raw live event in Anaheim, California. He beat Zack Ryder in the second match on the card.
— The Miz celebrated his birthday yesterday as he turned 30 years old.
– Reader Bradley Webber sent in word that a new trailer for the upcoming film entitled “Lemmy” has been posted on the Download Festival Facebook page. Triple H is listed as one of the stars slated to be featured in the film. Lemmy is the lead signer of the heavy metal band called Motorhead who sings Triple H’s theme song. You can view the video here.
– Paul Bearer announced on his Twitter account that is going to be a grandfather — again.
“Just found out before I took off from DFW that I’m going to be a grandpa again,” he wrote. “My oldest son and his wife are pregnant.”
He then noted that his first grandchild passed away, and that he has two granddaughters, 2 1/2 and 6.
– Rey Mysterio is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Kids Magazine.
— A match pitting CM Punk against The Undertaker has been announced for Friday’s live SmackDown debut on Syfy.
Also announced for the show is Alberto Del vs. Rey Mysterio and appearances by John Cena and The Nexus.
— The following two matches have been announced for tomorrow night’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America:
* Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger
* The Bella Twins (with Jamie) vs. Jillian & Alicia Fox (with Maxine)
— For those unaware, Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, has long had an account on Twitter. His Twitter handle is located at RRWWE.
He was recently added to the SmackDown roster page on WWE.com and is thus considered a full fledged WWE Superstar.
— WWE has discussed tying the 20th anniversary of the debut of The Undertaker character with November’s Survivor Series. One of the ideas being discussed is a Buried Alive Match between The Undertaker and Kane.
There has been talk of it being Undertaker’s final run with the company and they wanted him to conclude his career with his longtime manager, Paul Bearer, by his side.
— Regarding WWE’s overall reaction to less than stellar television ratings in recent weeks, many are not worried. However, a number of people are butting heads over the company’s creative direction through the end of the year, as well as what to do with certain characters.
— While nobody expects Nexus to be disbanded, it has been noted that the faction’s merchandise sales have been poor. WWE officials expected the group to get over as anti-heroes, but its merchandise has failed to significantly move.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— World Wrestling Entertainment has begun work on a DVD project highlighting Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler’s legendary career, reports PWInsider.com. It is scheduled for release in 2011.
— Only two matches are advertised for tonight’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America: Goldust (with Aksana) vs. William Regal, JTG vs. Primo (with AJ).
— The Undertaker is featured on the cover of the November 2010 issue of WWE Magazine.
In an interview with Moviefone.com to promote his new movie “Legendary,” RAW superstar John Cena commented on a potential showdown with The Undertaker at WrestleMania next year.
Moviefone asked Cena in an interview, “What’s the next challenge for you: winning an Oscar or trying to end the Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak?” Cena said he wants to challenge the Undertaker at WrestleMania and be the man to end the infamous streak.
Cena was asked about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s success in Hollywood and whether we’d ever see him back in WWE.
“I think Dwayne has done such an awesome job being a successful actor,” Cena said. “The only problem is he left us; he’s no longer doing activity with WWE. I think the way WWE Studios is going now – they’re going away from action, doing more drama, possibly more comedy – it will open a lot of people’s eyes. Because a lot of people see big guy, big frame: action superstar. We’ve proven, especially with ‘Legendary,’ that that is not always the case.”
Cena also said Vince McMahon would make a good leading man in movies, among other things. Visit Moviefone.com for the full interivew.
— The promotional poster for WWE’s Hell in the Cell pay-per-view event has been released and it features a drawing of The Undertaker. The poster is available here.
The second annual Hell in the Cell will take place on October 3, 2010 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
— The WWE Supershow in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on October 17th, 2010 has been canceled. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— WWE has signed UK wrestler Martin Stone to a developmental contract, reports PWInsider.com.
We’ve got an update on the Undertaker following his return to WWEÂ at Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view.
Many readers who saw the Undertaker’s return at SummerSlam noted that the Dead Man seemed to be out of shape and less muscular than the last time we saw him. SEScoops can confirm that the Undertaker received medical clearance to get back in the gym just a few weeks ago, which explains that. Taker has been nursing a broken orbital bone, among other injuries. He was still experiencing vision problems as recently as last month but is expected to fully recover from the vision problems. He also suffered a concussion in the match where Rey Mysterio broke his orbital bone.
Undertaker will be feuding with Kane over the World Heavyweight title over the next few months, with current plans calling for matches at Night of Champions in September as well as Hell in a Cell in October. The first Undertaker vs. Kane match (of this chapter of their feud) has been booked for WWE’s return to Madision Square Garden on September 25th.
Here’s the updated card for the 9/25 MSG show:
Other names scheduled include Alberto Del Rio, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Drew McIntyre and Teddy Long.
– Monday’s episode of WWE RAW scored a 3.3 cable rating and averaged 4,660,000 for the 2-hour taped broadcast. The show did hours of 3.17 and 3.39.
– There is talk of having the Undertaker wrestle Kane at Night of Champions on September 19th and then a rematch at October’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. The Undertaker has been out of action for several weeks and is expected to appear at SummerSlam next weekend.
– Randy Orton posted a message on Twitter last night saying that he may be appearing on an upcoming episode of the TLC reality TV show “LA Ink” and get a tattoo from Ms. Kat Von D.
– This week’s Friday Night SmackDown will be pre-empted until 11pm in New York City due to the Yankees game.
Credit to f4wonline.com for some of the info used in this report
source: PWInsider.com
— During last Friday’s SmackDown broadcast on The Score in Canada, a SummerSlam commercial was shown featuring The Undertaker. Triple H, who is also out nursing an injury, was not.
Undertaker was originally scheduled to return at the event, but it now appears as though he will not return in a wrestling capacity until Night of Champions in September.
— WWE has apparently placed a ban on talent wrestling with gloves on. Dolph Ziggler revealed this tidbit today on Twitter when was asked why he no longer wears gloves when he competes.
He said, “DZBabe, I don’t wear gloves anymore! They have been banned from ringside! Hopefully we can atleast High-5!”
It should be noted, however, that both Rey Mysterio and MVP donned gloves on last week’s shows.
— Last Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.65 cable rating, down from the previous week’s 0.74. Overall, the show drew 648,000 viewers. The midnight replay drew a 0.26 rating, with 248,000 viewers.
As previously reported, WWE legend The Undertaker and WWE diva Michelle McCool were married at the end of June at a private ceremony in Houston, Texas. The two have been romantically linked since 2007. The wedding marks the third time down the aisle for the Undertaker and the second for McCool.
There’s been a number of reports circulating that WWE was very unhappy that pictures from the wedding leaked online. Staugustine.com recently interviewed Michelle McCool, who would not comment on the situation. The article states:
“Recently the Internet buzzed with leaked information to her marriage to another WWE superstar. The Diva chose not to discuss those details.”
In case you missed it last month, here’s a picture of the Undertaker and Michelle McCool being getting married:
(sources: www.f4wonline.com, PWInsider.com)
— It is not a guarantee that Undertaker will be healthy enough to return for SummerSlam as originally planned. Next week’s television tapings will determine whether or not he’ll be able to return in time for the event.
— Several WWE stars encountered travel issues when trying to arrive to Tuesday night’s SmackDown taping in Louisville, Kentucky. The issues dealt with the local airport.
— Michael McGroto wrote the following concerning a sign he brought to Tuesday’s SmackDown television taping in Louisville, Kentucky stating “Michelle McTaker”: “Just wanted to pass along the word about the Smackdown taping last night in Louisville that my “Michelle McTaker” sign had been confiscated by the WWE during the Layla/Baretta vs. Masters/Kelly Kelly match despite being held up several times throughout the night. Many of the superstars that were in the ring waiting for their match to begin or were on stage for NXT noticed my sign and either laughed or shrugged their shoulders nervously. Just shows the power of the WWE to hide relationships and the amount of power the Undertaker has backstage with the rest of the guys.”
Michelle McCool married fellow WWE performer Mark Calaway (a/k/a The Undertaker) on June 26, 2010 in Austin, Texas.
(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com)
— Current plans call for SummerSlam to be built around the in-ring returns of Triple H and The Undertaker. Triple H would face Sheamus in a grudge match while Undertaker would face the perpetrator of placing him “in a vegetative state.”
Additionally, a six-person tag match pitting David Hart Smith, Tyson Kidd and Natalya against Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Tamina is penciled in for the event.
— Monday’s episode of Raw scored a 3.35 cable rating with 4.78 million viewers. The overall rating was up from last week’s 3.28 number. The first hour drew a 3.21 rating and the second hour grew to a 3.49.
— Internally, many people are high on NXT Rookie Husky Harris — though most think his ring name is horrible. He is being compared to a young Dusty Rhodes, in the sense that he has a terrible looking physique but is quick and athletic. Like Rhodes, he is regarded as having the “it factor,” not to mention charisma. The son of Mike Rotundo is considered by many as the standout performer of the second season of NXT and has several supporters within the organization.
— Abraham Washington is under consideration for the Raw General Manager position. He was reportedly slated for the role a few months ago before it was assigned to Bret Hart.
— To correct an earlier report, Mark Calaway (a/k/a The Undertaker) and Michelle McCool’s wedding actually took place in Austin, Texas, where the two reside. It was originally reported that the wedding took place in Houston.
— WWE’s forthcoming DVD set highlighting Friday Night SmackDown! in 2010 is scheduled for release on October 25, 2010, according to WWE Magazine’s “Best of WWE” Special Issue.
— As reported earlier, WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat was hospitalized Wednesday night after suffering a brain aneurysm. He is reportedly in stable condition. His son, WWE developmental wrestler Richie Steamboat, recently opened an account on Twitter and has posted numerous messages concerning his father’s health.
He wrote yesterday afternoon, “Please keep my dad in your thoughts & prayers. The issues are worse than expected but he could be worse. God will help him through it!!!” Then added today, “Thanks again everyone for the prayers & msgs. Dad is fine right now. God & you guys have helped us & things will get better as time passes.”
— Today is WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart’s birthday. He turns 53 years old.
— WWE canceled it entire Fourth of July weekend tour due to poor ticket sales and a result, performers and personnel have a rare weekend off. The events have been rescheduled for December.
— The search term “WWE Undertaker Marries” was among AOL.com’s “Top Searches” today.
– In regards to Undertaker’s “vegetative state” storyline, current plans call for Kane to be revealed as the culprit. A casket match between Taker and Kane is tentatively set for SummerSlam, reports f4wonline.com.
– Indian wrestler Tiger Raj Singh is now training in WWE developmental and is using the name Jinder Mahal.
– WWE Divas Layla and Vickie Guerrero both commented on TNA on Twitter yesterday.
Layla wrote: “Cuz all of the tweets about this subject For the Record I do Not watch TNA So copy cat thing… kinda NOT!! This is All I will say Done!!”
Vickie wrote: “TNA – no way will I watch or support it…enough said!”
– The Undertaker underwent surgery this past week on his damaged orbital bone. As we reported earlier this week, the Undertaker is expected to be off television until SummerSlam. When he returns, there are plans for a program with World Heavyweight champion Jack Swagger – a sign that Swagger’s title is safe for now.
– Attendance figures are in for WWE’s recent European tour are in and the numbers are not good. This tour averaged 6,600 paid fans per show while last year’s tour averaged 8,100 paid fans per show – a decline of 18.5%. Considering the fact that WWE has relied on the strength of its international business when business has been down in the United States, this is something to be concerned about.
– Chris Jericho’s new gig as a game show host for ABC network’s “Downfall” show has been a major topic of discussion backstage in WWE for the past 2 weeks. The company was unable to talk Jericho out of doing the show. Jericho is under contract with WWE until this Fall and his new gig has caused many to fear he’ll get others in the entertainment business that would cause him to take another hiatus from WWE.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
– After the Undertaker suffered a broken orbital bone during his match with Rey Mysterio on the May 28th edition of WWE SmackDown, WWE ran a storyline on last week’s show to explain the Dead Man’s absence from television.
Teddy Long opened the show to announce The Undertaker was found by Kane in a vegetative state over the weekend. Druids come out signing and walking with a casket to the ring. Kane came out and said The Undertaker is gone from WWE. He vows to find out who did this to his brother and says he will hunt them down and make them pay. Later in the show, Rey Mysterio won a battle royal to earn the Undertaker’s vacated spot in the World Heavyweight title match at Fatal 4 Way later this month.
The Undertaker is expected to be out for several months due to this injury. The latest talk is that SummerSlam is an optimistic return date for the Undertaker’s return, but other plans will be made in case he needs more time off.
— SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long announced last night on Friday Night SmackDown that over the Memorial Day weekend, The Undertaker was found by his brother Kane “in a vegetative state,” following a vicious assault of unknown origins. The storyline sparked much curiosity regarding the health of The Undertaker as according to www.India-Server.com, thousands of wrestling fans are searching online to find out whether he has really died.
The website added: “Till now no official statement has been issued by the wrestler’s family or the World Wrestling Entertainment. The fans of Undertaker are praying for his well being.”
— Chris Jericho wrote on his Twitter account last night that he would be missing the evening’s house show in Asheville, North Carolina. While he didn’t give a reason for missing the event, he apologized for the no-show and promise to make it up to the people of Asheville in the future.
— Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Magazine, which you can view here.
(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— The woman who accused former WWE General Counsel head Jared Bartie of sexual harassment was Vice President of the company’s Sales/Marketing division. She too is no longer with WWE after allegedly being caught giving a oral sex to a man in talent brand management at the company’s Stamford headquarters during office hours. That man who was caught receiving oral sex, was also fired. He was said to be a favorite among many in WWE and was on the “fast track” for corporate advancement before the incident occurred.
— As reported earlier, Undertaker suffered a broken orbital bone, broken nose and a concussion after taking a seated senton from Rey Mysterio during a match taped last week for Friday Night SmackDown. It was not the first time in which he broke his orbital bone as he suffered the same injury while working a match with Mabel (a/k/a Viscera) in 1995. The injury forced him to don a grey mask for a few weeks while he recovered.
— This past weekend’s WWE shows drew above average attendance. Raw on 5/28 in New Orleans, LA drew 6,000 fans for a gate of $225,000. Raw on 5/29 in Monroe, LA did 4,600 and $130,000. The 5/30 show in Memphis, TN did 6,500 and $195,000. SmackDown on 5/29 in Las Cruces, NM drew 7,700 and $250,000. The following night’s show in Rio Rancho, NM drew 5,600 and $175,000.
(source: www.f4wonline.com)
Undertaker suffered a broken orbital bone, a broken nose and a concussion in his match last Tuesday against Rey Mysterio, which aired on Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
It is believed Undertaker suffered injury while taking the seated senton move by Mysterio during the match.
He has been recommended to take time off due to the injury, which would take him past the Fatal 4-Way event. It’s being said that it’s a 50/50 chance as to whether he would be able to wrestle on the show.
Due to the lack of depth on the SmackDown brand, Rey Mysterio has been called back to action to fill Undertaker’s scheduled position on live events and television. He was set to take time off from the road for a scheduled vacation. No decision has been made regarding the World Heavyweight Championship bout at Fatal 4-Way, but logic would have Mysterio as the replacement if Undertaker can’t wrestle.
— Undertaker suffered a busted nose at this week’s SmackDown television taping in Cleveland, in due part to Rey Mysterio’s “619” maneuver. He bled for a few minutes before the dark match concluded. Unlike two instances at Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view, no trainer was sent out to stop the bleeding.
Many within WWE feel the company’s stance on blood is a direct result of Linda McMahon campaigning for office. One of the main reasons the company has prohibited blood from appearing on television is due agreements that have been made to attract high-level sponsors such as Coca-Cola. The feeling is the rule would only change in case WWE’s popularity tapers. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer believes WWE’s PG stance will remain in effect until either their licensing agreement with Mattel expires, which is years from now, or another wrestling company, such as TNA Wrestling, diminishes their popularity.
— WWE referee Justin King is off crutches after a “freak” non-wrestling accident in January left him with multiple fractures in his leg. However, he has not fully recovered as he was dealing with a noticeable limp at Thursday’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping.
— Though Hornswoggle is portrayed as child-like on WWE programming, he’s very much an adult. Today is his birthday as he turns 24 years old.
– WWE has confirmed that Undertaker will make his return this Friday night on SmackDown.
– Bret Hart vacated the United States Championship on RAW in order to assume his new role as Raw General Manager. Hart then made the decision to pit R-Truth against The Miz. Ultimately, Truth trumped The Miz to capture the first “major title” of his WWE career — he previously won the Hardcore Championship on two occasions.
– The two WWE Superstars matches were taped before Raw were Yoshi Tatsu vs. Primo and Zack Ryder vs. Evan Bourne.
– WWE has registered a trademark for the upcoming film That’s What I Am.
Other trademarks registered include the term “Famous & Flawless” for Team Lay-Cool as well as all eight NXT Rookie names.
— In an update on Shawn Michaels, he has told friends he’s enjoying retirement. He has yet to show any signs indicating he is yearning to return to the ring, or television for that matter. (source: Pro Wrestling Torch)
— Every year at San Diego Comic-Con International, toy manufacturers release collectibles available only to the extravaganza. This year, Mattel will release their first-ever WWE figure to a single event — a special version of Undertaker as he appeared at last year’s WrestleMania. Click here for more information on this limited edition action figure.
— Jim Ross — who is still employed to WWE — has posted a blog on the WWE Universe site asking fans to ponder questions regarding Daniel Bryan, Michael Cole, Bret Hart and more.
Here is the synopsis for WWE’s upcoming DVD set on Undertaker, Undertaker’s Deadliest. This title is scheduled for release on Tuesday, Jun. 8.
He’s the most ominous presence in the history of Sports Entertainment, known for his remarkable WrestleMania streak and taking the souls of scores of superstars. Now the Undertaker’s most dangerous conflicts are collected in one 3-disc DVD set, Undertaker’s Deadliest Matches. This set includes Casket Matches, Buried Alive Matches, Hell in a Cell, Last Ride Matches, Body Bag Matches, Boiler Room Brawls, Concrete Crypt Matches and numerous other brutal bouts.
Disc 1
“Two Decades of Destructionâ€
Body Bag Match
Undertaker vs Ultimate Warrior
Madison Square Garden – July 1, 1991
“Custom Made Coffinâ€
Coffin Match
Undertaker vs Kamala
Survivor Series – November 25, 1992
“Grim Reaperâ€
Casket Match
Undertaker vs Kama
SummerSlam – August 27, 1995
“Shadow of Deathâ€
Casket Match
Undertaker vs King Mabel
In Your House – December 17, 1995
“Deranged and Sadisticâ€
Undertaker vs Mankind
King of the Ring – June 23, 1996
“No Boundariesâ€
Boiler Room Brawl
Undertaker vs Mankind
SummerSlam – August 18, 1996
“Chilling Numbersâ€
Buried Alive Match
Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
Rock Bottom – December 13, 1998
“Internal Firesâ€
Inferno Match
Undertaker vs Kane
Raw – February 22, 1999
Disc 2
“An Imposing Forceâ€
Undertaker vs Big Show
Raw – May 3, 1999
“What Lies Beneathâ€
WWE Championship Match
Undertaker vs Big Show
Raw – June 4, 1999
“A Long and Complex Historyâ€
Concrete Crypt Match
Undertaker vs The Dudley Boys
The Great American Bash – June 27, 2004
“Devils and Wicked Menâ€
Casket Match
Undertaker vs Heidenreich
Royal Rumble – January 30, 2005
“Like Father, like Sonâ€
1st Ever Handicap Casket Match
Undertaker vs Randy Orton & Cowboy Bob Orton
No Mercy – October 9, 2005
“The Devil’s Playgroundâ€
Hell in a Cell
Undertaker vs Randy Orton
Armageddon – December 18, 2005
“Last Judgmentâ€
Last Man Standing Match
Undertaker vs Great Khali
Smackdown – August 18, 2006
Disc 3
“First Bloodâ€
First Blood Match
Undertaker vs Mr Kennedy
Survivor Series – November 26, 2006
“Last Rideâ€
Last Ride Match
Undertaker vs Mr Kennedy
Armageddon – December 17, 2006
“Powers Lie Withinâ€
Last Man Standing Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Undertaker vs Batista
Backlash – April 29, 2007
“Revengeâ€
Undertaker vs Big Daddy V
Smackdown – January 25, 2008
“Ring of Fireâ€
Hell in a Cell
Undertaker vs Edge
SummerSlam – August 17, 2008
“State of Mindâ€
Steel Cage Match
Undertaker vs Big Show
Smackdown – December 5, 2008
Legacy of the Phenom