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NXT Star Getting Called Up To Main Roster Soon?, Jim Cornette On “Piper’s Pit”

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– There are some rumors going around NXT that Kalisto of the Lucha Dragons may be getting called up to the main WWE roster in the near future. It remains to be seen whether WWE keeps the team together, or if he’s brought in as a singles star.

– Legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette is the guest on the latest edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” podcast. The official description for the show reads as follows:

PP-Ep42 – Jim Cornette

“Yeeee Hawwwww! Jim Cornette crashes into Piper’s Pit like a Level 5 Tornado, tearing apart everything you thought you knew about pro-wrestling. Why did Vince McMahon think Lex Luger was going to be the next Hulk Hogan? Who was tapped to run the WWF when Vince McMahon thought he’d be trading in his designer suits for prison stripes when the wrestling titan was an ass hair away from going to jail? You can only find out by downloading the latest episode of the best wrestling podcast in the whole damned world! Baby Jesus!”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

Dana Warrior Blogs About WWE’s Upcoming “Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe” Project

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Dana Warrior, the widow of WWE Hall Of Famer Ultimate Warrior, recently posted the following blog on Facebook regarding WWE’s upcoming “Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe” DVD and Blu-ray, which is scheduled for an April 14th release.

WARRIORS BELIEVE IN RECORDING GREATNESS….

Warriors I am so happy to tell you I’ve seen the first cut of WWE’s home video production of Ultimate Warrior: ALWAYS BELIEVE, released April 14, 2015. It is a spectacular celebration of his life in and out of the ring. It is real and it is raw. It is heartbreaking but it is beautiful because that is life…and life has edges.

This was not an easy project to see through but one I knew I must. Not just for my husband but for all of YOU! The legion of Warriors who have adopted my husband’s creed and lived it as intensely as he did! You will see the story of his rise in the WWE told through the voices of the incredible roster of talent and WWE executives. You will see sustaining friendships and new ones. You will see truth. You will meet my girls and see what incredible young ladies they have grown into over these ten months since our loss. The edges of life have been particularly sharp to them at such a young age but they’ve been so graceful in the way they have carried on and conducted themselves daily as he would have required: the ultimate warrior girls through and through. I will share the man I knew and loved with you…the one behind the mask who was my husband, best friend, and father to our daughters. I am honest about the struggles and the pain but just as truthful about the joy we shared and the laughs we had because it is all woven into the fabric of our true story. This is indeed a celebration and a culmination of who he was in and out of the ring.

What I have come to realize about the edges I’ve faced is they have cut me out of my comfort zone and pushed me into an arena I never anticipated. What I always loved most was being a wife and mother and suddenly I had to carry the massive mantle of one I supported with absolute love and devotion. Maybe this edge brought me to my best self as I believe it does all of us…it is in the heat of trial and battle we reach deeply within to discover our OWN Ultimate Warriors. My husband did this in his life as you will clearly see on this dvd and by his example we must do it in ours! I was so lucky, like he was, to have all of YOU lift us up and carry on. This project was my thank you. THANK YOU WARRIORS!!!!

I believe in doing what is hard… I believe in the truth… I believe we are all required to turn the sharpest edges of our lives into our greatest sharpening tools…Always!

xo Dana

Special thanks to Steve Wilton who without his part none of this would be possible.

Thank you Victor Lorenzo for your love of this project and Matt Rogers for your care.

Thank you Michelle Greigo for her hair and make up magic and inappropriate HR department.

Ryback Works Angle On Social Media, Booker T Debuts New Radio Show

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– WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T has a new radio show with CBS Houston, which debuted on Saturday night. The show airs on SportsRadio610.com, as well as on radio stations in the local market. The people involved with the show are still working on coming up with a name for the program, which is scheduled to air every Saturday at 7pm local time.

– Ryback is working his “firing” angle on social media, as he posted the following on Friday evening.

https://twitter.com/Ryback22/status/556658899190022144

Former WWE Star In New Will Ferrell Movie, Uhaa Nation/WWE Update

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– Despite agreeing to terms with the WWE, independent wrestling star Uhaa Nation is scheduled to work the next set of WWNLive.com events.

– Former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard, who was part of the “Cryme Tyme” tag-team, has a small role in the new film, “Get Hard,” which features Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart. Gaspard can be seen in the trailer below at approximately the 1:30 mark as the character “Big Ass Julien.”

Chris Jericho Recalls Waiting For Mike Tyson To Punch Him

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Part-time WWE performer Chris Jericho recently spoke to the Las Vegas Review-Journal about working with boxing legend Mike Tyson in WWE in the past.

Jericho described to the publication what it’s like waiting for Tyson to hit him with a worked punch, trusting that he would not take his head off.

“The moment before he swung at me, I told him, ‘Just wait until I put my hands up in the air, and swing,'” said Jericho.

Jericho continued, “He barely grazed me, but I felt a wind go by my face. That’s how fast he swung. It was like a ‘Swoosh!’ Who swings that hard and leaves a vapor trail. Nothing could ever scare me ever again, after standing face-to-face with Mike Tyson, knowing he’s going to swing at me, and giving him 100 percent trust he’s not going to knock me out and kill me.”

Check out the complete interview at ReviewJournal.com.

WWE Announces New Vice President Of Content

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WWE has promoted Lisa Fox Lee to the role of Executive Vice President of Content, a newly position on the company’s senior management team. She will report directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon and will be in charge of overseeing “the strategic development and distribution of WWE programming and content across all platforms.” Here’s the official announcement:

WWE® Promotes Lisa Fox Lee

STAMFORD, CONN. — WWE (NYSE:WWE) has promoted Lisa Fox Lee to Executive Vice President, Content, reporting directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.

In this newly created position, Lee will be a key member of the company’s senior management team and oversee the strategic development and distribution of WWE programming and content across all platforms, including TV, WWE Network, WWE.com, WWE App and social media, where WWE has 450 million global fans and followers. In addition, Lee will oversee WWE’s Creative Writing team with all TV creative continuing to run through Vince McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President, Paul Levesque.

Lee is a seasoned television and media executive who has served in various positions during her 19-year career with WWE, including her most recent title as Senior Vice President, Network Programming. She has also held roles in Television Production, Programming, Business Strategy and Sponsorship Sales.

Update On Dolph Ziggler, Ryback & Erick Rowan, WWE Begins New DVD Partnership, Roman Reigns Poll

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– “Fired” WWE Superstars Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan have been spotted in the Dallas, Texas area—the site of tonight’s Raw—according to PWInsider.com. It was not noted whether they will be appearing on the show.

– WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs … and Stairs, which was released last week on DVD, is the first video title to be released under its home video distribution agreement with Warner Bros. There is a line on the back of the box which reads “Distributed by Warner Home Video.”

– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans how many Superstars Roman Reigns will eliminate in the Royal Rumble. Over 50% fans believe he’ll break his own record with 13 or more.

– While the WWE Network has been available in the United Kingdom and Ireland for several days, today marks as the official launch of the video streaming service.

Beth Phoenix Interview: If She’ll Ever Wrestle Again, Equal Pay For Divas?

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Here are some highlights from former WWE Diva Beth Phoenix’s recent interview with The Star Gazette:

Wrestling Men In WWE:

“I was very blessed. I could wrestle men or women. I was the powerhouse among the girls, so I could blend in and mix it up with the guys. I had no preference as long as there was a good story to tell, female or male, and that the crowd was entertained.”

If The Women In WWE Make As Much As The Men:

“I don’t discuss money, but I will say I made more money than at other things I could qualify for. The key for me is the respect of your peers. I was able to be influential and create a mold. There was no one else who was shaped like me or looked like me. I don’t compare myself to the men.”

Not Getting Along With Everybody Backstage:

“You don’t get along with everybody, but you have to be able to work with everybody. Respect is important, and if you don’t have it you won’t be on the professional level very long. The ring is not the place to take care of disrespect. It’s supposed to be a safe haven where we protect each other. You can disagree with someone and still do business as a professional. I’ve had some differences of opinion with some, and there were some people I liked more than others.”

Injuries She Suffered During Her Career:

“You do your best to minimize injuries. I’ve seen a ring rope snap, when there’s been something wrong with the ring, like when a tear in the canvas would result in a bad fall. I worked in an outdoor arena where it was pouring rain, and we were slipping all over the place. You can’t control all that happens. I broke my jaw, still have two titanium plates and nine screws in there. I’ve had ACL surgery, a concussion, black eyes, a herniated disk, sprained ankles and muscles. I broke my hand once. The WWE has strict policies on injuries. The injuries were terrible, but we signed on for them.”

If She’ll Ever Return to The Ring:

“Never say never. I’m very happy what I’m doing. But I’m still in fighting shape.”

New Clothing Line From The Rock, Ziggler Doing Comedy This Weekend & More

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– Today’s wrestling birthdays include R-Truth (43) and WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson (74).

– “Fired” WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler noted on Twitter that he’s doing more live comedy this weekend:

https://twitter.com/HEELZiggler/status/556879340734906368

– The Rock announced on Twitter that he’s teaming up with the Roots Of Fight clothing brand to release a new line of merchandise this summer.

Updated List Of Entrants For The 2015 WWE Royal Rumble

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It was announced on last week’s episode of WWE Superstars that Justin Gabriel, Fandango and Los Matadores are confirmed entrants for Sunday’s 30-man Royal Rumble match. Here’s an updated list of entrants:

  • Daniel Bryan
  • Roman Reigns
  • Dean Ambrose
  • Rusev
  • Bray Wyatt
  • Big Show
  • Bad News Barrett
  • Kane
  • Goldust
  • Stardust
  • Justin Gabriel
  • Fandango
  • Diego
  • Fernando

Join us here this Sunday for Live Coverage of the 2015 Royal Rumble.

Bret Hart Says Daniel Bryan Reminds Him Of Owen & Talks About His Relationship With Vince

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was interviewed for January’s issue of Total Wrestling Magazine, which you can read for free online at Issuu.com.

The 5-time WWE Champion spoke about his classic match with Davey Boy Smith at SummerSlam 1992, the legendary Hart family dungeon and his brother Owen. Here’s what he makes of the current WWE product and who his favorite superstars are:

“CM Punk, is an exceptional talent who’s really raised the bar in the last few years. I don’t know how many wrestlers in the past few years that I can say that about. In wrestling theres a lot of repeat, not a lot of innovation but Punk raised the bar and Daniel Bryan is a great talent too. He reminds me of Owen, a quiet kid who’s very talented. I love the way he wrestles, he does a lot that Owen did, like the dropkicks off the top, the nip-ups, there’s a lot of little Owen traits in everything Bryan does.”

He also spoke about patching up his relationship with Vince McMahon several years ago.

“He was one of the first people to call me and ask how I was after my stroke, and we cleared a lot of the air, I’m really grateful for that call. I eventually got to beat him at WrestleMania 26 which I think is a better ending for us. I would say he’s on the very best of terms with me now.”

Content Listing For WWE’s New “Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe” DVD

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The Ultimate Warrior’s official Facebook page posted the following content listing for WWE’s upcoming “Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe” DVD and Blu-ray, due outApril 14th:

Matches

Boston, MA – October 10, 1988
Intercontinental Championship
Ultimate Warrior vs. Honky Tonk Man

Madison, WI– June 6, 1989
Ultimate Warrior and King Duggan vs. Ravishing Rick Rude and Andre the Giant

Superstars – May 18, 1991
Ultimate Warrior vs. Smash

Monday Night Raw – April 29, 1996
Ultimate Warrior vs. Isaac Yankem

Meadowlands Arena – May 8, 1989
Intercontinental Championship
Ultimate Warrior vs. Ravishing Rick Rude

Maple Leaf Wrestling – October 29, 1989
Intercontinental Championship
Ultimate Warrior vs. Andre the Giant

Wrestling Challenge – April 28, 1991
Ultimate Warrior vs. Rick The Model Martel

Lexington, KY – May 19, 1992
Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango

SummerSlam Spectacular – August 19, 1992
Ultimate Warrior and Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Nasty Boys

Promos/Interviews

Wrestling Challenge – March 13, 1988
I Live For Anger and Frustration

Wrestling Challenge – August 13, 1989
Mean Gene Interviews Ultimate Warrior About SummerSlam

Superstars – May 23, 1992
The Papa Shango Curse

Monday Nitro – September 21 – 1998
Running to Reappear

Wrestling Challenge – June 25, 1988
I Won’t Let You Down

Superstars – July 16, 1988
Legends Weren’t Built Overnight

All American Wrestling – September 18, 1988
You Can Feel It

Superstars – February 3, 1990
I Speak to You, Hulk Hogan

Superstars – April 14, 1990
The New WWE Champion

Superstars – June 23, 1990
The Brother Love Show Discussing SummerSlam

Superstars – September 19, 1992
The Ultimate Maniacs Are Born

Wrestling Challenge – November 7, 1992
The Ultimate Maniacs Are Out of Control

Monday Nitro – August 24, 1998
One Warrior Nation

Monday Night Raw – April 7, 2014
The Spirit of Ultimate Warrior Will Run Forever

Blu-ray Exclusives

WrestleMania VI – April 1, 1990
Arena Cam
Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan

WCCW – August 22, 1986
Dingo Warrior vs. Rick Rude

Ontario, Canada – June 3, 1992
Ultimate Warrior and Undertaker vs. Papa Shango and Berzerker

Sting Appearing At WrestleMania Axxess, Eva Marie’s WWE Absence

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– Sting has been added to the WrestleMania Axxess lineup. Other top stars doing autograph signings include Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart.

– Eva Marie told E! Online that she could be out of action for 2 to 3 months after undergoing surgery to fix a breast implant leak.

She said, “It really sucks because I’ve worked so hard to get to this point in my career. And taking time off, that’s the last thing that I want.”

WWE RAW Reunion Preview For Tonight

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The following is a preview for tonight’s special “RAW Reunion” show from Dallas, Texas:

– Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Scot Hall and Kevin Nash are the marquee legends who will be in attendance. Sean Waltman, Billy Gunn, Ron Simmons and Jimmy Hart will also be there.

– WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will be there to hype his title defense against John Cena and Seth Rollins at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

– Other top talent appearing on RAW include Royal Rumble favorites Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns, as well as Big Show, Kane, Dean Ambrose, and Bray Wyatt.

The dark match main event will feature John Cena vs. Seth Rollins in “the biggest lumberjack match in the history of Dallas” featuring 30 lumberjacks.

As always, join us here tonight for live coverage of WWE RAW.

Nikki Bella Unable To Wrestle At Sunday Live Event Due To Injury

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Divas Champion Nikki Bella may have suffered an injury to her leg.

According to a few fans on Twitter who attended today’s WWE live event in San Antonio, Texas, Nikki claimed on the mic that she would be unable to wrestle due to a strained hamstring. Brie then took her place in a match against Natalya, and won.

As you can see in this photo, Nikki’s left leg was heavily bandaged.

https://twitter.com/tbhCENA/status/557013009000722432

Nikki is no stranger to leg injuries. She has repeatedly said in interviews that growing up, she planned to play professional soccer until an injury to her right leg during a game in high school ended her chance of a career. In 2013, she fractured the same leg during a match and was sidelined for months.

Details On How Much TNA Offered To Alberto Del Rio, Preview This Friday’s Impact (Video)

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– Following reports that TNA Wrestling was looking to acquire former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio, Lucha Underground announced Sunday the signing of the 38-year-old—he will be wrestling under the name Alberto El Patrón. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported that TNA Wrestling president Dixie Carter had wanted Del Rio to appear on the premiere episode of Impact Wrestling on the network. According to Meltzer, Del Rio declined a favorable contract from the organization.

“They (TNA) offered him $400,000 a year for minimal dates,” Meltzer noted Sunday on the F4WOnline.com message board in a thread about Del Rio joining Lucha Underground. “It says more about the perception in the industry that TNA is a career killer.”

– Here is a video previewing this Friday’s episode of Impact Wrestling on Destination America, which will feature a Feast or Fired match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYcGPmxEnv4

– Velvet Sky will be signing autographs this Saturday at the Ramada Conference Center in Fishkill, New York (located at 542 U.S. 9, Fishkill, New York 12524). Click here for additional information.

WWE MSG Live Event On 2/27 Will Be “Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night”

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WWE’s next live event from Madison Square Garden on February 27th will be “Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night.” This will be Hogan’s first WWE appearance at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” since 2005.

The following matches are being advertised for the show:

  • John Cena and Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt and Rusev
  • Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan vs. Seth Rollins and Kane
  • Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro

Also appearing will be Chris Jericho, Bad News Barrett, Goldust and Stardust, Paige and The Bella Twins. For ticket information, visit TheGarden.com.

Attitude Era Tag Teams Rumored for RAW Reunion

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Monday’s RAW Reunion show will feature appearances from several of the industry’s top legends, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman. There have been reports over the past several days that Attitude Era tag team The Acolytes, JBL and Ron Simmons, will be reuniting for some sort of confrontation with The Ascension.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen JBL criticizing the team on commentary. There’s been talk of The Ascension confronting JBL on RAW, with Ron Simmons coming to the aid of his former partner.

With Billy Gunn advertised for RAW and Road Dogg working as a backstage agent, it’s possible we’ll see them reunite as well. Especially with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Sean Waltman in the house, a DX and nWo reunion on the same show would certainly make for some interesting television.

Daniel Bryan Says He Wants WWE To Bring Back King Of The Ring

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WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan continues to do the media rounds, with two more interviews being published over the weekend.

Bryan spoke to Scott Fishman of the Miami Herald and said he wants to be the top wrestler on SmackDown. He also spoke about WWE management advising him to tone down his in-ring style to prevent future injuries.

“They  have told me, ‘Hey, maybe you shouldn’t be doing the diving headbutt or this or that,” Bryan said. “I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. We are all individual entities. Not to say I ignore their advice, but you also have to know your own body and where you’re at physically. Part of the thing about coming back is it’s a trial-and-error. If I started doing the top-rope dropkick and notice it jarred me, then it may be something I stay away from. I won’t know until I try. I’m not afraid to go out there and give it my all.”

He said that his style will evolve, but not necessarily due to his health. Bryan added that he was not cleared to return to action until the December 29th episode of RAW, when he made the announcement that he’s back.

“I started healing in November, as far as thinking, ‘Wait a second. Things are starting to turn around for the better.’ It was that December episode of Raw I went on to say I was finally able to be cleared by WWE where they said, ‘You’re ready to go.’”

During an interview with Fansided.com, Bryan talked about wanting to be “The Face of SmackDown.”

“I’ve been very open about that with management, and told them, ‘Let me be the face of Smackdown, give me the opportunity to show what I can do and by the end of the year Smackdown will be getting just as many viewers as Raw if not more.’”

As for ways to improve SmackDown, Bryan said he’s been pushing WWE to bring back the King of the Ring tournament as a SmackDown-exclusive event.

“I would like to have the King of the Ring tournament on Smackdown. The King of the Ring tournament is something that the WWE used to do on a usual basis, and they’ve gotten away from it.” He added, “One, I love tournaments. Two, I think if you do the tournament exclusively on Smackdown the fans will get really excited about it and they’ll get geared up for it. Then crowning a King of the Ring champion on Smackdown, I think that would be awesome. That’s one of the many ideas I have for Smackdown in 2015.”

Update On WWE Changing Talent Contracts, Indy Star Getting WWE Tryout

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– As noted earlier, WWE is taking steps to modify their talent contracts in response to the unceremonious departures of CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio. A new stipulation is that talent that is fired for disciplinary reasons will forfeit all merchandise rights and will have a 1-year no-compete clause that prevents them from working for pro wrestling or MMA promotions.

– According to WWE insider ‘MetsFan4Ever,’ indy wrestler Biff Busick will be receiving a WWE tryout in Orlando next week. He has wrestled for Combat Zone Wrestling, Top Rope Promotions and Chaotic Wrestling.

Gabe Sapolsky is said to be furious at the possibility of losing Busic. Sapolsky has typically been very supportive when his talent has signed with WWE.

Former Wrestlers File Class Action Concussion Lawsuit Against WWE

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Former WWE wrestlers “Big” Vito Lograsso and Evan Singleton (Adam Mercer in developmental) have filed a class-action ‘concussion’ lawsuit against WWE, according to f4wonline.com. Filed in the state of Pennsylvania, the men are being represented the attorney who represents former WWE Superstar Billy Jack Haynes, who also has an ongoing suit against the company.

Vito Lograsso claims that he from “serious neurological damage, including severe headaches, memory loss, depression and anxiety, as well as deafness” as a result of his time as a WWE Superstar.

Singleton’s complaint states that after wrestling 15 matches for WWE, he sustained “multiple traumas”  – including a serious head injury after wrestling Eric Rowan. He alleges that WWE cleared him to continue wrestling after “inadequate rest time” and says WWE downplayed his injury to get him back int he ring. He was eventually released from his developmental deal and now suffers from “severe neurological symptoms.”

Alberto El Patron Joins Lucha Underground

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Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio has joined Lucha Underground. Now known as Alberto El Patron, the Mexican grappler made his debut for the promotion at Saturday night’s television tapings from Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The episode will air on the El Rey Network in early February.

The promotion tweeted the announcement on Saturday night:

El Patron is the reigning AAA World Heavyweight Champion and is also currently wrestling for Ring of Honor.

Hit up Page 2 to see a photo of Alberto El Patron’s debut at the Lucha Underground TV tapings.

WrestleMania 31 Preview Highlights Roman Reigns, Waltman Added To RAW Reunion

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– WWE has announced that Sean “X-Pac” Waltman has been added to the list of legend and Hall of Famers appearing on Monday’s RAW Reunion show.

– Courtesy of Reddit user “didntthathurt” of NetworkPlaylists.com, Roman Reigns is featured front and center on the “2015 Preview”  collector’s edition magazine.

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Backstage Rumors On A Possible Debut At The Next NXT Takeover Special

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There are some rumors going around about the possibility of Solomon Crowe finally making his NXT television debut at the next Takeover special in February on the WWE Network.

Apparently the fact that Crowe has been working NXT dark matches for so long has become a running joke among many of the regulars at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, where NXT traditionally holds the majority of their events.

Reason Dolph Ziggler Lost I-C Title, SmackDown Backstage Morale At All-Time High

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Noted Reddit user MetsFan4Ever, who has broken legitimate WWE stories in the past, wrote recently that one of the main reasons why WWE took the Intercontinental Championship off of Dolph Ziggler at this past Monday’s RAW was because he booked an improv comedy gig outside of WWE, instead of going through the company.

The Reddit user also noted that backstage morale at SmackDown is at an all-time high, particularly because of the move to Thursday night’s, as WWE talent apparently feels that the move will bring more exposure to the program and offer a better platform to help sell the WWE Network.