— WWELiveTour.com is advertising Brodus Clay for tonight’s Raw SuperShow event at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon.

The Funkasaurus returned to action at this past weekend’s Raw live event tour; he squashed David Otunga in the opening contest of all three shows. The Wrestling Observer reports he was removed from television due to Vince McMahon’s unhappiness with his ring work.

— WWE.com has published an article on actor George Clooney arriving and leaving the 84th Academy Awards show with a “gold, statuesque beauty” in girlfriend and former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler.

WWE.com writes, “The long-legged former Diva dropped jaws and widened eyes on Hollywood’s biggest night. Even as Clooney would briefly leave her side for an interview or to greet fellow stars, the cameras couldn’t keep their lenses off the always-stunning Stacy. During the red carpet events before the 84th Annual Academy Awards show, her gold Marchesa gown drew the praise of fashion critics and established that the former Diva is as stylish as she is gorgeous.”

In stark contrast from a few years ago, WWE has profiled the former grappler numerous times online since her relationship with Clooney became public knowledge last August. During a 2009 interview with Baltimore Sun, Keibler said she offered to guest host the November 30, 2009 Raw emanating from her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, but her request was ignored.

“No one has contacted me,” Keibler said if she heard back from WWE regarding her request. “I actually had my management contact them, and nobody ever got back to us [laughs]. So I guess they’re not interested.”

Verne “Mini-Me” Troyer ended up hosting the show.

— Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina has been announced for The Big Event 2 taking place March 10 at the LaGuardia Courtyard Marriott 9010 Ditmars Blvd East Elmhurst, New York,

WWE announced Thursday financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011. Revenues totaled $112.9 million as compared to $122.5 million in the prior year quarter. Operating loss was $13.1 million as compared to operating income of $14.4 million in the prior year quarter.

WWE reports the revenue decrease was “driven by declines across all of our operating segments.” Revenues from North America decreased by 9%, led by declines in film, television, and WWE.com businesses. Revenues outside North America decreased 5%, primarily due to a decline in licensing business.

“In 2011, we evaluated several paths for creating new programs and distributing all of our content in a way that optimizes its value. Executing this strategy effectively, including the potential creation of a WWE Network, has the power to transform our business,” said Vince McMahon in a press release.

“While we made significant progress toward this objective, our fourth quarter and full year results were impacted primarily by three items: significant non-cash film impairment charges stemming from the weak performance of our movie releases, strategic decisions to withhold several hours of previously licensed television content for distribution on other platforms, and initial start-up operating expenses associated with our emerging content and distribution strategy.

“Regarding the first item, we have taken several measures to improve the profitability of our movie business. And, regarding the other items, we believe that our ongoing investment to expand and maximize the value of our content is the most potent approach for driving our future earnings.”

The full financial report is available here.

— It was reported last week that Brodus Clay was removed from television due to Vince McMahon’s unhappiness with the voluminous grappler’s ring work. To add further detail, the WWE head believes he’s unsafe and reckless in the ring; he doesn’t want him competing until his ring work is brought up to par.

Eyebrows were raised backstage about McMahon pushing forth talent safety since Mark Henry and Cody Rhodes competed on this week’s Raw SuperShow hurt.

Clay dismissed last week’s negative report via Twitter, writing, “Don’t believe the hater hype plant funk still in orbit ya dig!”

— Vince McMahon is looking to tap into digital publishing as he feels it could be a major revenue stream for WWE as early as this year. His belief is based on what colleagues have told him about the Amazon Kindle, an e-book reader.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Jay Bradley, who briefly competed as Ryan Braddock on SmackDown in 2008 and 2009, spoke with Steven Muehlhausen of SportsTownChicago.com about his time with WWE.

On WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis, Bradley said, “John is a master politician. He is a very good, cunning businessman. He runs WWE like it’s his company. Which I think is why Vince has him around for so long. Because he’s good at what he does. He takes the heat off of Vince. I couldn’t answer what he’s doing on TV, but if he’s playing a bit of a jerk, yeah its probably close.”

Bradley was also asked what WWE needs to do to recapture a “boom period.”

“Blow up Vince McMahon’s jet with him in it,” he laughingly says. “The whole upper echelon of WWE, which pretty much dictates this industry, needs to go.”

The former WWE Superstar also discusses joining Chicago based promotion Resistance Pro Wrestling. The entire interview is available here.

WWE has announced that MetLife Stadium will play host to WrestleMania next year.

“For the first time, The Show of Shows is headed to New Jersey, as MetLife Stadium, home to the Super Bowl XLVI Champion New York Giants, as well as the New York Jets, will host WrestleMania XXIX on Sunday, April 7, 2013,” WWE.com states.

WrestleMania Week activities, including WrestleMania Axxess, the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Raw will take place across the New York/New Jersey area in the days leading up to the pay-per-view extravaganza.

An official press conference is scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at MetLife Stadium, where Vince McMahon will be joined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, New York Giants President & CEO John Mara, New York Jets Owner & CEO Woody Johnson, and a slew of WWE Superstars, including John Cena, Triple H and Sheamus. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is scheduled for a “special appearance.”

Sting appeared on 97.9/105.5 KISS-FM on Thursday to promote Impact Wrestling at Wembley Stadium. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Which wrestler he’d like to face that he hasn’t yet: “I’d have to say the top one… Undertaker. I think wrestling fans have wanted to see Sting vs. Undertaker for years. I think between his gimmick and mine, it could be pretty cool. We could do some pretty cool stuff.”

If he has any regrets over not joining WWE: “Yes and no. Who wouldn’t want to say that they’ve done at least one WrestleMania? I’m not going to lie to you, I wish I had done one of those. I’ve had great conversations with him [Vince McMahon] over the years and been real close on three or four different occasions. There was always a need met or desire of mine met with WCW or with TNA, so I stayed.”

When was the last time he almost joined WWE: “Last year… we were very, very close.”

The audio interview is available here.

— Cody Rhodes’ inclusion in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match at Elimination Chamber squashes the proposed bout against Goldust at the pay-per-view event. Though the brother vs. brother bout could still take place at WrestleMania XXVIII, Vince McMahon was against the idea as recently as a few weeks ago.

— GQ has named the WWE Championship one of the best sports trophies of all-time.

They wrote of the title: “When it comes to gaudy title belts, boxing has nothing on professional wrestling. Boxing’s look like something stolen from the uniform closet of a Third World dictator. WWE’s is modeled after the old-school solid-fake-gold title belt that Ric Flair used to rock. Wooo!!!”

— Jerry Lawler appears for Remix Pro Wrestling on April 7 at Marietta Middle School Gym 242 Seventh St. Marietta, Ohio. Visit www.remixprowrestling.com for more information.

• JOHN CENA Getting Special Entrance Music At WrestleMania: LISTEN HERE

(source: F4WOnline.com)

— The Yukes video game company has sold 100% ownership of Japan’s New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion to Bushinroad Group Publishing, card game company). The sale reportedly took place on December 31st and will go into effect this week. It is believed NJPW was sold for approximately $6.5 million (US).

— THQ is set to release Brodus Clay for WWE ’12 via DLC today. The download will be free via THQ.com.

— While doing the media rounds in Mexico last week to promote his new Journey 2 movie, The Rock posed with Mexican wrestler Blue Demon Jr. for a photo, which was picked up by numerous local media outlets.

— The short-sleeve referee shirt worn by John Laurinaitis at the Royal Rumble was a rib by Vince McMahon, who recently poked fun at Laurinaitis for his “flabby, skinny arms.”

– Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reports that Mason Ryan’s sizable push was halted weeks ago due to his inability to connect with the audience. Nonetheless, WWE creative plans on renewing his push in the near future as they feel he has great potential. The Welsh wrestler was ultimately kept off Sunday’s 30-Man Royal Rumble Match because they felt it would have done “nothing positive” for him.

Meltzer adds that Vince McMahon at least initially had an “infatuation” with Ryan, hence his fast track to the main roster last year and subsequent protection on television.

— Lance Storm stated Tuesday on Twitter that he will be attending the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Miami, Florida to see longtime friend Edge’s enshrinement. He added that he does not know yet if he’ll stay for WrestleMania.

— A photo of The Rock face-to-face with John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Wrestler.

– Numerous people within WWE have been saying for months now that Vince McMahon hasn’t been acting like himself. Vince’s behavior was said to be “off” as well at Monday’s RAW – leading many people to speculate that the launch of the WWE Network (and other issues) are taking their toll on him.

– Rapper Tech N9ne was backstage at Monday’s RAW Supershow from Kansas City.

– Monday’s RAW Supershow featured 31 minutes and 57 seconds of in-ring action, down from the previous week. (Credit: Stan)

– Chris Jericho’s second book “Undisputed” will be on sale in paperback form this week.

– Former WWE superstars Sean Waltman and Marty Janetty posted a shoot video online talking about their WWE careers and other memorable moments:

* MIKE TYSON Talks About Fighting An MMA Fight

– WWE superstar David Otunga dusted off the old Harvard Law degree on Thursday and returned to the court room as a defense attorney. According to TMZ.com, Otunga represented a man who believes he was wrongfully terminated and denied unemployment benefits. This was the man’s appeal to the NY State Department of Labor. The judge heard from witnesses and then arguments from both sides, and Otunga told TMZ that he, “smoked the witness during cross examination.” Otunga’s client won the appeal and will now get unemployment benefits.

Otunga was quoted saying that he keeps his legal skills sharp and:

“If the outcome of the case is any indication of how I’ll do in the Royal Rumble this weekend, then it looks like I’ll be the winner.”

– Stephanie McMahon recently told Entertainment Weekly that WWE has 16 writers, plus Vince McMahon – who has final say on everything.

“Vince is very open to listening and discussing different ideas, but once he makes his final decision, he’s the boss.”

She added that she has a one-on-one meeting with Vince each week.

She also stated that WWE is looking at ways to develop new programming for their original content partnership with YouTube.

UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, who has a big fight this Saturday night against Michael Bisping at UFC On FOX 2, claims that Vince McMahon ‘had his reasons’ for not allowing CM Punk to accompany him to the octagon for his fight.

The event takes place the night before the Royal Rumble from Punk’s home town of Chicago. Punk was originally going to be in Sonnen’s corner for the fight, but WWE CEO Vince McMahon vetoed Punk from appearing and told him that appearing at the UFC show was prohibited.

Sonnen told MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani that he will meet up with Punk after the fight for dinner.

Sonnen said he is disappointed about the situation, but said he understands Vince’s decision.

Sonnen also shot down rumors that he will use CM Punk’s theme song “Cult of Personality” when he walks to the octagon.

Chyna posted rambling diatribes Wednesday and Thursday on Twitter accusing Vince McMahon and WWE of trying to ruin her life. She, however, vows to take on her former employer.

Chyna writes, “I’m coming for you Vince…….You won’t leave mw alone, so let’s go. ??? Call me?? Coward. ur so lame. a fan? Of you? ur talent? f u.”

Here is her post in its entirety: “Hey My fans! I love you see you at AVN! Hey Vince! For all your abuse!! You are a loser and always will be. let me show you how

Knock knock who’s scared of a great big bully (that I made since no one else will join) Not me!!! Let’s go Vince! I am not scared of you!

This is me and you. Return my call. Who made ur money u pay people off to? It’s on now, Live free or die hard bitch! I’m a fighter.

you can follow my schedule start trouble sue whatev but not pick up the phone?? If u don’t have ur x pac punks out the window I’m showin up

And the taxes and the money and the radio. It’s 2012 suck dick Vince, who cares..but don’t abuse. U will be accountable,hhh,xpac watch!

I need to fila another official restraining order. Death threats affect my reputation… damn Sorry Buffallo.

Taxes? Witnesses? Trauma, hell just respect, sue me Vince so everyone can figure it out please. And quit using my name. Psycho fuck!

I won’t quit Vince. You won’t…and I’m nothing like you. You’re a punk. I’m good with me. I’ll take whatever punk setup you got. IKEx10

thanks 4 following my schedule so u could mess it all up. Why u scared of me Vince. i could talk, really talk, but it’s me and u…..

Your’e a chump Mother playing with kids and superheroes…U make me ur life now me 2 cause i want nothing to do with you. pig!

HHH and x pac follow me on Twitter?? yeah so then this is why. Back off. Murderers and bullies. If it came time time to pop on ur own/ Ha

Say my name asshole…say it!!! I want @0k for all those that paid it and mine noe too. Shirts doll, freaky chinese sex tapes, Truth baby

So follow this WWE…….I’m not going anywhere, but I will try to make you feel every bit that u put on me and my loved ones. Alive.

It’s CHYNA That’s how much jerko?? No names they make money. …….I call you the punk bitch clique..

can I buy and copywright that??? LOl!!! Really guys??? I’m fightin…. Everyone sits back and let’s that happen? Really?

I’m coming for you Vince…….You won’t leave mw alone, so let’s go. ??? Call me?? Coward. ur so lame. a fan? Of you? ur talent? f u

u wanna rape me and lie and video and laugh and threaten?? Why you so worried? u disrespectful ego psychos. I’m not scared..le’ts go.

I have a lot to say that’s not so funny, you bring it bitch! I’ll explain and we’ll let the judge decide. If I can show up!! you F!!!

Oh and Vince..it’s CHYNA…and for ur death pole between Scott Hall and i..Damn I’m already under cause of u. All the drugs and ur protect

ur protection keeps them alive..with the billions we, meaning me and the fans…and ur talent..ahem I didn’t say men…. you wanna fight.??

If he can and you can than why can’t I tell the truth. They’re threatening my life. What’s the problem??

like they haven’t??? That’s why I am standing up.. I know babe, but it’s not OK and I stand behind that. until he leaves me alone.

Don’t start none won’t be one..Damn really still…Do I look like a b? What do you boys think???? So then don’t treat me like one damnit.

That’s what’s up HHH and X Pac who have been following and then some. Direct threatening me. ENOUGH.

Anybody? Boys? Vince’s peeps?? Anything?? yeah, I thought so…. nobody. Then why r xpac hhh still able to get away with their abuse?

You boys stay at home with your kids and quit worrying about me. Cause i can’t wait to open forum….

U just try me more and my family who I love. I’ve already taken bullets, I’ll go again!!! You punks! Leave me alone!

Goodnight all, positive thoughts. Be strong. Love, trust, loyalty??? Think about it. Stop pushing me. Not funny,

signing out. Now let’s get back to pretty if we can…..”

She continued Thursday, “I guess for life means you live and die there…even if it’s at the very end… Umm I’m not competing w Scott Hall for a Death Poll!.

Does that make money cause if I’m on top two I should be making some bank??? Hello? Anyone? Does Vince have al the lawyers paid? Sorry rude

He is master of manipulating the law..That’s why f it I’m going for it now!! No more abuse!!! And Hey guys be scared for Vince not me.

I do my taxes like a fiend, even though no money, health, work? Now the name again? Really It’s the same bad mo fo Vince Me! Nothing you!!

On Way to AVN’S soon. I have alerted the threat that has happened so many times so I can fight back when he comes this time.

Or whatever sneaky whatever. Tell you what a contract means…Tear it up and do a new one….. I’m covered. Blood sport. Not cool. Boys?

lock up your daughters!!! (cept for me!! I’m single and looking! LOL!) xxx I’ll take whatever Vinny but not without a fight you got??

I love my boys, my family, this is between Vince and his severe abuse to me and still continues. And it’s not OK…. HHH, Stephanie, X PAC!!

in the mean time w out probs please can’t wait to see everyone in Vegas for the AVN’S. Thank you VIVID!!! I’m so proud to be with you

OH Yeah!!! Here I come!!!! I feel strong and happy and now I’m pissed. Move out of my way. U’ll get run over….. Probably for real w Vince.

I’m still 4 life, even for principle, and I loved my family and Vince, I’m not killing myself lately..notice? But it was because of you.

Now come out and explain and you wanna play bully? I don’t work for you, you can ask Mr. Hirsch, oh and get with him on everything . legal.

I can slam some drinks, but when x pac puts ghb in them u don’t get it till years later.. never happen to you right? HHH good friend right?

So let’s have fun at the AVN’s this is huge huge for Vivid and the industry!! So excited. Be safe and be careful. We’re watching. And keep!

Thank you to all for making my dvd w VIVID such a success and a new start for me. The quality is so beautiful. I’m ashamed of DX now…

not my athletic ability and the fans, Oh I weep still, but that whole group os so gross. Would you work for him? that PG? And Public? Woa??

well let it be the hhh xpac and vince and steph show!!!! Save the rest of them the bs!! Let them do it!!! AVN”s Yaaayyy!!!

I got my smile and I’m good with me, no matter what. I know that. Fight big!!!!!!! Plus I have sh 2 do and I’m gettin irritated now!

AVN!!!!!! See you in Vegas all I love you!!!…. xoxo like Ali in his prime.. I guess those words just fly out finally. The truth hurts!!!

I’ll fight you tooth and nail Vince. II made a vow to change my life. That means you now have some answers to give. Mr. great Business boss?

So glad u tried to degrade me and made it through cause i love VIVID!! and wanna wrestle at Bunny Ranch anyone? HHmmmmm??????

Off in a bit. Stand up, fear and money, root of all evil. Kick ass and take names….sometimes you have to, ugh!!

Accidents happen remember..so be careful. (that’s what they tell me) but be safe have fun don’t drink and drive and come to AVN”s!!!!!

and if any of you Mother f ers have anything to say!!! Now’s the time!!! (o ren ishi….and ilegal aliens!!) hee heee see you there! Love

And that is why I am the Queen Of Sports! I saved my life from you and didn’t even touch them, Sean many times. They need to leave me alone

Get your own material and do your own piece of sh show….. Truly admirable!! Yah!!! Just watch the AVN’s No more $ FOR..What r their names?

I forgot, but VH! had to pay Vinny a mint,,, Where’s my dough?? I know that’s my name vince and it’s all me? Wanna get it straight in court?

In the justice system there are consequences for your actions…. just in case you forgot. And you aren’t the justice system too. IRS??

Besides you cheapscate billionaire!! Spend some money would ya?? Charity or somethig??? Court costs?? LOL! Bye all See you at AVN’s”

Chyna also wrote to WWE employee Howard Finkel, “on this date pass to Vinny that he is the worst thing that ever happened to the human spirit.”

– The latest on Randy Orton’s status is that he will be a participant in next week’s Royal Rumble match. Confirmation of Orton’s involvement in the Rumble is expected on Monday’s RAW.

– Just days after Connecticut’s Greenwich Times reported that WWE chairman Vince McMahon was spotted around town driving a new charcoal-colored Bentley, word has come out that Vince McMahon reportedly purchased three new Ferraris in the past week.

– The March 26th episode of RAW, the final show before WrestleMania, is currently scheduled to be a 3-hour show. The hype for WrestleMania will be at a fever pitch, heightened by an in-person appearance that night from The Rock.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Actor Liam Nessen

Actor Liam Neeson was asked during the press junket for The Grey about a rumor that he’s in talks to portray Vince McMahon in the upcoming Chris Benoit biopic Crossface.

The Grey director Joe Carnahan answered first, telling Neeson, “I can’t see you doing that dude.” Neeson added, “No, I never heard of [the movie].”

Neeson added that he has no interest in the role, largely because he knows very little about the WWE CEO, almost nothing about Benoit, and is not a fan of professional wrestling.

Crossface was announced last month. Casting is underway and production is set to begin this fall.

We want to know – who do YOU think should play Vince McMahon in the Chris Benoit movie? Hit up the comments below with your casting choice.

– Brodus Clay was interviewed backstage after RAW after making his debut as the Funkasaurus. Clay says despite his fun-loving demeanor and sweet ass dance moves, rest assured – the WWE locker room should take him seriously and if you have any questions about that, ask [what’s left of] Curt Hawkins. The video can be seen at WWE.com.

– WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is ironically featured in a new political ad attacking Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. McMahon, a staunch Republican, is featured in an ad by the Democratic National Committee mocking Mitt Romney’s gaffe from this week where he said he likes firing people. Not only are the McMahons both Republicans, but Linda publicly endorsed Mitt Romney for President and Vince McMahon donated $2,500 to Romney’s campaign back in November.

Footage of various television shows and movies are shown with people saying “You’re Fired” and Vince McMahon appears at the end, check it out here:

Lilian Garcia At Vince McMahon's Walk of Fame Star (Click To Enlarge)

– While strolling Hollywood Thursday night, SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia came across Vince McMahon’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She tweeted:

“Walking around Hollywood & guess who’s Star I came across?! LOL What a coincidence!”

– The official Twitter feed of WWE Games is teasing big news.

“January is SUCH a big month for @WWEGames. And that’s not just because of #WWE12… #cryptictweet”

– SmackDown announcer Booker T revealed his “Fave Five” Thursday on Twitter, which ranks his five favorite WWE Superstars.

1. Daniel Bryan
2. Sheamus
3. Wade Barrett
4. Zack Ryder
5. Drew McIntyre

Regarding his #5 pick, Booker T wrote, “Drew hasn’t done much yet but 2012 is his year.”

• Which WWE superstars are in YOUR “Fave Five?” Hit up the COMMENTS and rank your top 5 superstars/divas for 2012.

The New York Post has published an interview with TNA Wrestling star Kurt Angle discussing his Olympic aspirations. The interview includes discussion of his professional wrestling career, and he explains how he made the transition between the professional and amateur ranks.

“It was a complete career adaptation. It wasn’t a step above, going from amateur wrestling to pro wrestling, it was going from real wrestling to sports entertainment,” Angle said. “A lot of people put me up there as far as saying he’s one of the best ever. And I’ve only been wrestling for 11 and a half years. I think that Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, guys who have put 30 years into it deserve it. Me getting that praise after only 11 years—it’s not fair.”

Though Kurt Angle has not competed inside a WWE ring in over five years, his impact is still seen today. The Olympic Gold Medalist, however, does not appreciate his moves and style being replicated.

“When Jack Swagger copies my ankle lock and Randy Orton does my Angle Slam, it’s disrespectful,” Angle said. “I didn’t come up with the Ankle Lock, Ken Shamrock came up with the Ankle Lock but I waited until he retired to do the Ankle Lock. That company has no respect for me.”

Despite his displeasure with WWE grapplers using his moves, Angle is grateful that he has been able to parlay Vince McMahon’s vision for him into a successful career in both WWE and TNA Wrerstling.

“I love Vince McMahon. He came up with the Kurt Angle character,” Angle said. “He ran with it and then I was able to run with it. I thank him for the opportunity he gave me. Vince McMahon was one of my best friends, period. Now I’m loyal to Dixie Carter.”

Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s promotion in September 2010 to WWE’s Executive Senior Advisor made official what was already informally apparent: Vince McMahon’s son-in-law will one day run the sports entertainment empire. Speaking to Power Slam, Jim Cornette comments on whether Levesque is qualified to succeed McMahon as head honcho of WWE.

“Nobody’s qualified to replace McMahon,” says Cornette. “Vince is one of a kind, a guy who will never come along again.

“Triple H is a student of the business, but he’s still got his own little quirks. He’s Vince’s son-in-law, and he’s being groomed for the spot because he thinks in large part like Vince McMahon in terms of what a star is supposed to look like: a jacked-up bodybuilder. So, some things are not going to change. He’s probably going to bring a more youthful approach to it, although [Triple H is] in his early 40s. So, he’s not exactly youthful—but Vince is 66.

“So, no: nobody’s qualified to replace Vince. [Triple H] might do an okay job. But, personally, I think when General Patton [Vince] passes on, I think they’re in trouble. [WWE is] always going to exist because they have a lot of money in the bank and they’ve grown into such a global company, but I don’t think there’s going to be any giant ground broken or revolutionary things done after Vince is gone.”

— Participants for WWE’s annual Raw Elimination Chamber Match are tentatively scheduled to include Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk, John Cena, Kane, R-Truth and The Miz. The outcome of the bout is expected to based on whether Cena’s match with The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII will have the WWE Championship on the line.

— When Vince McMahon told Alberto Del Rio to work stiffer and appear more aggressive in the ring, it was indicated that he was due for another WWE Championship reign in 2012.

Del Rio is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after suffering a torn groin during the Six-Man Tag Team Match on the December 19, 2011 Raw SuperShow.

— Darryl McDaniels, founding member of the hip hop group Run–D.M.C., was seated among the audience at Tuesday’s Raw live in New York City. McDaniels has past history with WWE as he performed the “Wrestlemania Rap” at WrestleMania V.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

— Alberto Del Rio has been removed from WWELiveTour.com’s talent line-up for Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Chicago, Illinois and the entire Raw Holiday Tour. He was advertised for three-way bouts for the WWE Championship with CM Punk and The Miz.

Del Rio suffered a groin injury during the main event of Monday’s Raw SuperShow and is being given time off to recover. He is not expected to be sidelined for too long.

— FoxNews.com has published photos of wrestling stars before they were famous including The Undertaker’s high school yearbook photo. Others highlighted include The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Bill Goldberg, John Cena, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Jesse Ventura, Randy Orton, Vince McMahon, Randy Savage and Stephanie McMahon.

— Maria Kanellis said on Afterbuzz she will be wrestling Jillian Hall at an independent event next year. Kanellis is advertised to face Tara in her return to the squared circle on February 25, 2012 for New York City based promotion Family Wrestling Entertainment.

source: F4WOnline.com

– Vince McMahon has been pushing Alberto Del Rio to show more “ruthless aggression” in the ring and work a more physical style.  This is the reason Del Rio has been working stiffer in recent weeks.

RAW is lacking strong heels, with The Miz not being seen as a legitimate tough guy at this point. Vince thinks Del Rio has the size, toughness and gimmick to be a permanent main event heel, but he needs to come across as more dangerous in the ring.

Del Rio recently injured his groin on a recent episode of RAW. He was able to finish his match, but had to be helped out of the ring and was checked out backstage. Despite his pain, the injury is not believed to be serious.

– WWE is in talks with Shed Media, the company behind Tough Enough, to help produce new reality programming for the WWE Network.

With WWE looking to run new reality-based programming, the company is to film television episodes the week that they are set to air on television. This is unlike what most reality shows do (ie. UFC’s Ultimate Fighter), which is to film the entire season before the first episode airs. Filming the whole season at once allows producers to see where storylines are going and produce the show accordingly.

Booking the show on a week-to-week basis will hurt their ability to tell long-term shorelines, which some have joked is similar to how WWE television is written.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– The New York Times has an article up today featuring NBC Universal executive Bonnie Hammer. The report features several quotes from WWE CEO Vince McMahon. When Vince was asked about working alongside Hammer, he said:

“She just came in and rolled up her sleeves. She taught us a lot about network quality writing, story arcs, character development. She really helped the overall brand.”

Hammer told The Times that she thought WWE should be a male soap opera and decided that a heavy sports emphasis of WWE’s programming limited its audience.

– After Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view went off the air, CM Punk continued to celebrate by thrusting his arm into the air from atop the ladder to keep the crowd going. He then took a leisurely lap around ringside to interact with fans. When

Punk passed Lillian Garcia, he applied the open end of his handcuff to her arm (much to her surprise it seemed) and with a huge smile on his face led her into the back. She seemed slightly embarrassed, but amused.

Friday’s episode of SmackDown saw commentator Michael Cole make a crude remark concerning Jim Ross’ long battle with Bell’s palsy. After Josh Mathews said Cole speaks out of both sides of his mouth, the esteemed “Voice of the WWE” quipped, “Actually, there is nothing wrong with my mouth, unlike J.R.’s.”

The WWE Hall of Famer took to Twitter to address Cole’s inappropriate remark.

“Hope Cole never gets ill. Sad commentary,” Ross wrote.

Ross then posted a tweet comparing Cole’s snide comment to Ed Ferrara’s parody of him in World Championship Wrestling as the character Oklahoma, which included a mockery of his modified voice due to Bell’s palsy.

“Pathetic cheap heat by Cole. On par with Ed Ferrara if you ask me. Ron White says “You Can’t Fix Stupid.”

Ross added that Cole’s ad lib was “ill advised” and that there are no announcer ‘scripts.’ A Twitter follower of J.R.’s placed the blame on Vince McMahon for the remark, since the WWE CEO typically feeds lines to Cole via headset to be said on-air. Ross, however, said McMahon was not on hand for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Jacksonville, Florida—he was off visiting U.S. Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. J.R. instead places the blame on a ‘writer.’

“McMahon wasn’t at Smackdown,” Ross wrote. “So we can blame a ‘writer.’ that’s cowardly. Poor attempt to be a villain.”

It was not the only underhanded remark on Friday’s broadcast as Cole aired the long-standing joke among WWE employees that ring announcer Lilian Garcia’s face resembles that of a horse. Garcia has not commented on the matter.

• Details On Michael Cole’s Crass Joke About Lilian Garcia

Returning to WWE after a more than two-year hiatus, Lilian Garcia appeared on Friday’s episode of SmackDown as the program’s new ring announcer.

Tony Chimel introduced Garcia to the live audience at the start of the broadcast, who was already standing in the ring. As Garcia talked about how great it was to be back, she was interrupted by Cody Rhodes, who was standing on the announce table. Rhodes said no one cares she is back since no one noticed she had left. Garcia danced with Hornswoggle later during the show, which gave commentator Michael Cole the opportunity to air a crass backstage joke.

He cracked, “I wish these two would stop horsing around!”

The reference stems from those in WWE’s “inner circle”—Vince McMahon, Triple H, television producer Kevin Dunn and the since departed John “Bradshaw” Layfield—often joking that Garcia has a horse-shaped face. The crass joke was passed around backstage years ago and ultimately acknowledged on television by Layfield and Hunter to amuse company employees. Though Garcia has publicly taken the joke in stride, Mick Foley took offense to Hunter demeaning the “Decade Diva” during an episode of Raw last year in which she had filled in for regular ring announcer Justin Roberts.

He wrote online after watching on television Triple H tell Garcia she can always return to WWE to “horse around,” “Why does someone like Triple H, one of the most talented, well paid guys in the business, do something so shallow and mean? Why would a multi-millionaire, with millions of fans around the world, feel the need (several times over the years) to say something that is only meant to hurt? I don’t get it. I don’t get why it’s done, I don’t get why it’s condoned, I don’t get what possible satisfaction anyone involved gets from demeaning someone like Lillian Garcia. I just don’t get it.”

The latest reference was likely directed by Triple H, who filled in for McMahon at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping since the WWE CEO was off visiting U.S. Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. Cole is the mouthpiece of the program director, as he is fed lines via headset. It was not the only mean-spirited remark on Friday’s show as Cole made light of Jim Ross suffering from Bell’s palsy after Josh Mathews said Cole speaks out of both sides of his mouth.

Cole quipped, “Actually, there is nothing wrong with my mouth, unlike J.R.’s.”