-The man who portrayed the fireman during the “Ring Of Fire” match between Kane and Bray Wyatt at SummerSlam on Sunday night was independent wrestler Xtain Cole. As noted yesterday, Cole was also the man who portrayed the bully victim of Ryback on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW.
-WWE Hall Of Famer Tammy Sytch will be making an appearance at the Pro Wrestling World establishment in the Merchants Square Mall at 1901 S. 12th St. in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The former “Sunny” will be appearing on Saturday, August 24th from noon until 3pm ET. signing autographs and photographs at $15 a pop. Autograph and photo combos will be available at $25.
According to one source, The Wyatt Family is currently considered a pet project of Triple H in WWE these days. The general consensus within WWE is that HHH is grooming the Wyatt Family for a big push, even more so than the one they are currently riding.
One report claims HHH is specifically grooming them for the spot that was one designated for The Shield. Apparently The Shield is about to be bumped down a notch or two in favor of the Wyatt’s.
Past pet projects of Hunter’s included Kharma and Sin Cara. The general feeling there is both of those projects bombed, so “The Game” is expected to go all out when it comes to getting the Wyatt’s over in a major way.
The official Xfinity website recently posted an interview with Paul Heyman. While most of the interview is Heyman answering questions completely in-character, below are highlights where Heyman is somewhat candid in his responses.
On the significance of his role in last year’s WrestleMania: “It’s huge. Nothing short of it. And probably even bigger than that adjective. It’s exhilarating for me because you have the most unique, the most gifted athlete in the history of the WWE, or UFC, or college athletics in Brock Lesnar, going against a wrestler who probably has more heart, more determination, and the ability to overcome the odds better than anybody else that I’ve ever come across in my entire career in CM Punk. It’s a fascinating match-up. It won’t be over in 30 seconds. This is going to be an all-night affair. There’s an old expression in the professional wrestling business; “This match will be worth the price of admission.” I humbly suggest that Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk is worth the price of admission alone.”
On Brock Lesnar telling him to ‘say something stupid’ on RAW recently: “He wanted me to say something stupid! Brock Lesnar is a man who thinks in a far different way than your average beast walking down the street. This is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. Brock made his point, he told the world, “I, Brock Lesnar, am better than CM Punk.” So, what else is there for us to say?”
On his thoughts about Daniel Bryan: “I’m not done recruiting Daniel Bryan. I think Daniel Bryan is a fascinating performer who has put on arguably the most consistent string of best matches of the past year. The striking thing about Daniel Bryan is the best is yet to come with him. Daniel Bryan still has more to offer. And having seen footage of him dating back to when he was wrestling in VFW halls and very small arenas and high school gymnasiums, he still has so much more that the WWE Universe hasn’t seen. I’m admittedly, and I will confess to this, a huge fan of Daniel Bryan.”
On his thoughts about John Cena: “I think there’s a streak going involving John Cena that both the WWE Universe and the media have failed to pick up on. The glory days of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin lasted two, maybe two-and-a-half years. That was the peak of his run. He came back as General Manager, but day-to-day, going to every city, main eventing every Pay Per View, the focal point of Monday Night Raw…Steve Austin’s peak was two-and-a-half years. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s peak was along the same lines. John Cena has been the focal point of WWE since 2005. For eight and now going on nine years, John Cena has not only main evented all the Pay Per Views, been the major attraction on Raw. John Cena has gone to every city, main events all the live events, and yet he still makes all these media appearances, he’s done more Make-A-Wish Foundation visits than anybody in history…and he’s a tireless workhorse. And he shows up last Monday with his elbow…looking grotesquely…is that a word? His elbow was so messed up and yet he says, “Wrap me up, I’m going out there to perform because the people are counting on me.” There is a work ethic to John Cena that is to behold.”
On his thoughts about Bray Wyatt: “It’s an emotional presentation, and it sets him apart from everyone else which means that Bray Wyatt will stand out. Whether it’s in WWE or UFC or Major League Baseball or the NBA or the NFL or television or movies…any genre that is star-driven has the need for unique personalities. And Bray Wyatt is as unique as they come.”
On how TNA Impact Wrestling handled Rob Van Dam: “I don’t mind getting into detail. I think TNA squandered the opportunity of exploiting the talents of Rob Van Dam. And I don’t think that’s a mistake the WWE is going to repeat.”
Check out the complete interview online at Xfinity.com.
-According to reports, the elbow injury that current WWE Champion John Cena showed off on RAW a few weeks ago is worse than the company, and Cena himself, is leading fans to believe. While the exact severity of the injury is unclear, it is apparently a pretty serious injury.
-On a recent edition of the Conan O’Brien show, WWE Superstars The Wyatt Family were the focus of a comedy skit. The joke was something along the lines of ZZ Top doing something with pro wrestling and ducks.
-Apparently every show on the upcoming Jim Ross speaking tour in the United Kingdom is sold out, with the only exception being the show scheduled in Manchester.
-WWE Superstars The Undertaker and Mark Henry appeared at the Press Forward charity event over the weekend in Round Rock, Texas for Agape Christian Ministries. During the event, “The World’s Strongest Man” demonstrated his ridiculous strength by pulling a semi. Video footage of that spectacular feat is available online at YouTube.com.
-WWE has added a number of new items to their WWE Shop website. Among the new items are a new CM Punk hoodie, “The Beast vs. The Best” commemorative SummerSlam t-shirt and a Wyatt Family sheep mask.
-WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan celebrates his 60th birthday today, brother! Hogan was born on August 11, 1953. Hogan tweeted about the milestone birthday, writing: “Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes,it just overwhelming the love you guys have for me I’m truly humbled. Thank you,much love. HH”
-WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently posted a tweet after meeting with the currently injured WWE Superstar Sheamus on Friday. JR stated:
“Had a great talk w/ @WWESheamus today. Helluva man’s man. Would have been a player in any generation. His best days lie a head. #WWE.”
-Speaking of Twitter, the leader of the Wyatt Family, Bray Wyatt, continues to taunt Kane on his official Twitter account. Bray Wyatt tweeted the following recently, in regards to the upcoming “Ring of Fire” match at SummerSlam:
“Be careful monster, if you look into the inferno long enough, it might just stare back……..RUN!! #smackdown”
-WWE Superstar Wade Barrett celebrates his 33rd birthday today. Barrett was born on August 10, 1980.
Since making their frightening debut on the July 8 episode of Raw, the menacing Wyatt Family has had their sights set on Kane, brutally assaulting him on two separate occasions. Now, at SummerSlam on Sunday, Aug. 18, The Devil’s Favorite Demon will get a chance at long-awaited vengeance when he goes one-on-one with Bray Wyatt inside a “Ring of Fire.”
Later on in the article, WWE.com echo’d the confusion many had when the match was alluded to during RAW. The official WWE website continued:
Although it’s unclear exactly what the sermonizing Wyatt meant, it’s apparent the buzzards’ trail is now leading to a massive collision between the deranged newcomer and Kane at The Biggest Party of the Summer. And the much-anticipated battle – which marks Wyatt’s first match in WWE and Kane’s 11th SummerSlam appearance – promises fireworks – or, more appropriately, hellfire.
And finally, while nothing was officially announced on RAW, WWE.com all-but-confirmed a match between the two for SummerSlam. WWE.com closed out their article by writing:
Will Kane get fiery vengeance on his puzzling pursuers? Or, will “The Eater of Worlds” and his followers once again leave The Big Red Monster in a heap? Find out on Sunday, Aug. 18, when SummerSlam airs live on pay-per-view.
WWE heavily alluded to a possible “Ring Of Fire” match between Kane and Bray Wyatt at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view.
During the Wyatt Family segment on RAW, Kane appeared on the titantron just as the segment appeared to be wrapping up. Instead of going to commercial after the sheep mask flashed on the screen, Kane appeared and cut a promo on Bray Wyatt, who was still in the ring with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.
Kane told Wyatt that at SummerSlam, even his family won’t be able to save him from a “ring of fire.” According to one report, it is likely that a Kane vs. Bray Wyatt match will happen at SummerSlam in an “Inferno Match.”
The first ever “Inferno Match” was held at the WWE Unforgiven pay-per-view in 1998, and featured Kane taking on his “brother” The Undertaker in a rematch from their bout at WrestleMania XIV. The match featured the two brothers competing in a ring completely surrounded by fire.
Only four more “Inferno Matches” have taken place since the initial match, all of which featured “The Devil’s Favorite Demon.”
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has once again updated the Q&A section of his official website. Below are highlights:
On Goldberg’s new DVD and a match between he and The Undertaker: “The compliation Goldberg DVD will do good. I’ve not seen it but likely will check it out. Goldberg vs. Taker in their heyday would have been nice. Who wins would have depended on where and when it was but I’d lean toward Taker.”
On whether or not JR will ever start his own podcast: “Likely not. Too much work. :) Not enough money.”
On Bray Wyatt’s in-ring ability: “Many of us have seen him wrestle a great deal in NXT. He’s a keeper.”
On his favorite Mid-South Wrestling angles: “Had many favorites and am looking forward to the Mid South DVD WWE is releasing on Sept 10. Ted [DiBiase] and [Junkyard] Dog were hard to beat.”
On one-legged wrestler Zach Gowen’s WWE run: “He had great heart and passion.”
On Dean Ambrose’s potential when The Shield eventually breaks up: “The goal is always for any entity to have more sizzle and potential when they split and become single stars. Ambrose will be interesting to follow along with Rolins and Reigns.”
On if he feels the U.S. and Intercontinental Titles should be unified: “I don’t see the value in doing so. It’s not hard to make them both mean more.”
Check out more Jim Ross Q&A at his official website, JRsBarBQ.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this installment, JR wrote about Monday’s RAW and the premiere of Total Divas. Here are some highlights:
McMahon Family & Daniel Bryan: The end game for the McMahon Family conflict interests me especially considering that #1 contender for the WWE Title @WWEDanielBryan is in the middle of it. Where is this matter heading? I’m happy that I have no idea. If Daniel Bryan were to win the WWE Title at Summer Slam, how would that affect the ‘family’ dynamic? Hmmm”
Ryback: “Ryback had a good night even in a losing effort in the Tables Match vs. @JohnCena. Ryback seems to really enjoy his antagonist role and it fits him better and better each week. Being a great, wrestling villain is a skill that isn’t easily or quickly acquired. If Ryback had came along in the 70’s or 80’s, some promoter likely would have made him a ‘Russian’ or another non American to capitalize on a Nationalism story.”
The Wyatt Family: “I’d be remiss without noting that The Wyatt Family had a solid night on RAW and that their vignettes introducing them to the WWE Universe were more golden than many perceive. They had an identity before they ever showed up in person on RAW. Reminds me of how Bill Watts established the Rock ‘n Roll Express in the Mid South Territory using music videos before Morton and Gibson physically arrived in the 80’s.”
As always, you can buy JR’s amazing line of BBQ products from WWEShop.com.
-WWE will soon be releasing Wyatt Family sheep masks for sale on the official WWE Shop website, as well as at WWE live events.
-WWE NXT will run the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) arena in Tampa, Florida this Thursday.
-WWE Superstar and the current owner of the WWE Championship Money In The Briefcase, Randy Orton, is on the cover of the newest edition of WWE Magazine.
-The official WWE website has a new Q&A up with “Total Divas” host Eva Marie. You can check that out online at WWE.com.
-The following is a video of The Wyatt Family’s WWE Main Event debut from Wednesday night:
-WWE Divas and Total Divas personalities The Bella Twins will be appearing at the NBC Experience Store in New York City on July 26th from 2pm until 4pm.
-WWE Hall Of Fame Diva Trish Stratus recently did a question and answer on her website with fans. Stratus, who is due to give birth in September, also posted her first “baby bump” photo.
– WWE announced on Monday that Fandango suffered a concussion at last week’s SmackDown tapings and as a result, is not medically cleared to compete at Sunday’s WWE Payback pay-per-view. According to sources in WWE, the concussion is legitimate.
Fandango did not wrestle at this past weekend’s WWE Live Events. Even though he did pass a concussion impact test, WWE is being extra cautious before letting him wrestle again.
– Here is the newest (third) Wyatt Family vignette, which aired during Monday’s RAW:
SEScoops.com correspondent Noah Mark sent in the above video of the Wyatt Family’s appearance at this past weekend’s WWE Live Event from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
According to live reports, the ring entrance for The Wyatt Family at recent WWE Live Events has seen the lights go out in the arena, the Wyatt vignette begins to play, Bray then asks the crowd if they “want to see something scary,” the lights come up and the Family enters, with Erick Rowan wearing the goat mask.
– Season 3 of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Redneck Island will premiere tonight at 9:30pm EST on CMT, immediately following the Country Music Awards. Episode 2 airs on CMT this Saturday night at 9pm EST.
– WWE Diva Rosa Mendes will be returning to the road for WWE next month. After being sent home from WWE’s post-WrestleMania 29 European tour due to conduct issues, she is currently advertised for a personal appearance with Mark Henry at Fry’s Electronics in Austin, Texas on July 22nd at 11am.
– On the latest promo that aired for the Wyatt Family on this past Monday’s RAW [Watch Here], several new NXT stars were shown, including Garrett Dylan and Bayley. It’s unknown whether they were simply “extras” or if they will be joining Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper & Eric Rowan on the main roster.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Former NXT Stars Stepping Up In WWE: “NXT is doing its work as many new faces from developmental are beginning to to occupy key, roster spots on RAW and Smackdown. Some incumbent talents on the main roster who are ‘peculating’ might want to glance over their shoulder. More, outstanding NXT prospects are pushing to be “next” on the call up list. Competition is on going and good for all. It will take time for all the ‘new’ to be facilitated which means that it will take patience of which many fans and some talents don’t have in an abundance. I see much of 1013 being a ‘transition year,’ of sort, which means fresh, new, and exciting times on WWE TV programming.”
Bray Wyatt & Family: “The Bray Wyatt Family vignette was spot on and after seeing them perform as much as I have in NXT I can attest that they will, without question, contribute positively to WWE once they arrive on RAW and/or Smackdown. Wyatt has success and athleticism in his blood and has that rare, second gear that most big men do not possess. I can’t stress how important that is. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan are big, rugged dudes who, at times, remind me of a young Mick Foley or Bruiser Brody inasmuch as they are ‘brawlers’ who move well for being such big men.”
The Shield’s Recent Work: “The Shield continues to evolve and their unit is becoming one of the hottest entities within WWE in years. If they can stay healthy, which there are no guarantees, and continue to evolve and master their craft these three can be big time players in WWE for years to come. Hopefully, they will continue down their current path as I would like to see where that would take the trio at WM30 in New Orleans.”
Daniel Bryan: “For my money, no one on any WWE broadcast over shadows Daniel Bryan who is arguably the best technical wrestler in the business and his consistent performances week after week often times goes unmentioned. Bryan has the same skill set that Bret Hart had back in the day and that is making everyone that he’s in the ring with better. That is a true artform and is one that is battling to make a comeback in today’s world of sports entertainment.”
– For the fans who have sent in emails asking, the official theme song of Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family is “Broken Out In Love” by Mark Crozer and The Rels: