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WWE Tells Comic Book Company To Remove CM Punk From All Stories

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The producers of the Paper Cutz comics have been informed by WWE officials that CM Punk is to be removed from all future re-prints of the graphic novels that they have released with WWE Superstars and storylines.

The issues of the comic that include Punk are currently out of print, however they would still be available at some stores. WWE informed Paper Cutz that Punk has to be edited out of the stories that he’s in for any future re-prints.

WWE does not legally own the rights to use Punk’s name and image. There is no word regarding who will be replacing Punk in the Paper Cutz comics.

Booker T Comments On Replacing Jerry Lawler On Tonight’s WWE RAW

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As noted earlier today, WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry Lawler, who was recently hospitalized with diverticulitis, will not be appearing on tonight’s edition of WWE RAW.

Booker T, who will be replacing Lawler on commentary for the show, posted the following on his official Twitter account on Monday afternoon.

Jerry Lawler Being Replaced On Commentary For Tonight’s WWE RAW

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WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry Lawler will not be at tonight’s edition of WWE RAW, which emanates from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Lawler, who was recently hospitalized with diverticulitis, will be replaced by Booker T, who will join Michael Cole and JBL for commentary on the show.

(Credit: F4WOnline.com)

List Of WWE DVD & Blu-ray Titles Scheduled To Be Released This Year

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The following is the official list of WWE DVDs and Blu-rays scheduled to be released in 2015:

January 12th – Best PPV Matches of 2014 DVD (European exclusive)

January 13th – TLC 2014 DVD

February 3rd – Best of RAW and SmackDown 2014 DVD

February 17th – The Destruction of The Shield DVD and Blu-ray

February 24th – Royal Rumble 2015 DVD and Blu-ray

March 10th – The Road Is Jericho: Epic Stories & Rare Matches from Y2J DVD and Blu-ray

March 17th – The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age SmackDown DVD and Blu-ray

April 14th – The Ultimate Warrior: Always Believe DVD and Blu-ray

April 21st – Fast Lane 2015 DVD

April 28th – ECW Unreleased Volume 3 DVD and Blu-ray

June 30th – Monday Night War Volume 1: Shots Fired DVD and Blu-ray

Details On This Week’s Monday Night War & WWE Countdown Shows On WWE Network

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New on the WWE Network this week will be the latest episode in the ongoing “Monday Night War” documentary series. This week’s episode will focus on WCW’s troubles. The official synopsis for the episode reads as follows:

“Backstage politics, corporate mergers, and questionable decisions would doom sports entertainment’s former powerhouse.”

This week’s Monday Night War show will premiere on the WWE Network on Tuesday.

Also new on the WWE Network this week is a new episode of “WWE Countdown.” The show will count down the top ten crybabies of all-time and will premiere on the WWE Network tonight immediately following WWE RAW.

Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards Comment On Re-Signing With TNA

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As noted earlier today, TNA has officially announced the re-signing of “The Wolves” tag-team, which consists of Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards.

Below are comments Richards and Edwards made after the announcement was made.

https://twitter.com/RichardsWesley/status/552150339924008960

Reaction To Del Rio’s ROH Debut, Former TNA Knockout To Feud With Former WWE Diva

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– As reported recently, Alberto Del Rio (aka Alberto El Patron) made his Ring Of Honor debut at the ROH television taping this past weekend in Nashville, Tennessee. ROH officials were said to be thrilled with their dealings with him, as he was described as beyond easy to work with and seemed very excited to be there.

– Former TNA Knockout ODB will be working a program with former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis in an upcoming Ring Of Honor storyline.

(Credit: PWInsider.com)

Details On New WrestleMania Pinball Game With Hulk Hogan Autographed Limited Edition

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The following press release was issued today:

Stern Pinball Is Ready to Rumble

World’s Leading Maker of Arcade-Quality Pinball Games Introduces WWE Wrestlemania Pinball at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan to autograph Limited Edition Versions

MELROSE PARK, IL – January 5, 2015 – Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games, introduced today the new WWE Wrestlemania pinball machine at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2015) in Las Vegas, Nevada. WWE Wrestlemania will be available in both Pro and Limited Edition models.

WWE Wrestlemania calls players into the ring as WWE superstars embarking on a quest to become the WWE worldwide heavyweight champion. Players train their wrestlers and then compete in a series of matches leading them on the road to Wrestlemania.

The WWE Pro and the Limited Edition machines feature an innovative upper pinball playfield wrestling ring. With the flipper buttons, players control two “Slammer” slingshot-style kickers in the ropes of the ring. Completing the three drop target bank starts a wrestling match. Players rack up points and pin opponents in the ring by shooting into a kick out hole. Keeping the ball in the ring and hitting as many targets as possible will advance players through the match. Multiple ramps guide the ball throughout gameplay, while brilliant lightshows highlight the all LED playfield. Ten licensed songs include intro music for wrestlers that players choose. WWE announcers Jerry “the King” Lawlor and Michael Cole add play by play excitement.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan will individually autograph each of the numbered WWE Legends of Wrestlemania Limited Edition (LE) machines on a bottom arch mounted gold plaque. With only 400 autographs available, this collectible must be limited to that number of games. The LE game art features classic WWE stars, of course including Hulk Hogan. Actual WWE wrestling action is projected on the LE’s replica “Titantron” playfield level 5.7 inch LCD directly above the ring. The ball is always wild when it comes into contact with the LE’s exclusive “Chaos” spinning DISC while a third “Wham! Arm” flipper allows players to knock the ball off a wire ramp.

“The WWE franchise features unique characters and fantastic action sequences that are captured in these pinball machines. WWE Wrestlemania pinball games will appeal to a very large and diverse group of both WWE and pinball fans,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball. “This game is unique with an innovative wrestling ring and other features that will captivate pinball players of all skill levels.”

WWE Wrestlemania is the first pinball machine to feature Stern’s recently announced SPIKETM electronics hardware system. The new technology reduces product complexity and simplifies

manufacturing, resulting in more reliable and easier-to-service games. SPIKETM is both modular and scalable, accommodating and supporting future designs. Players will quickly appreciate higher quality sound, enhanced illumination effects and a more engaging overall game experience.

At the CES 2015 Stern will also be showing its Star Trek, The Walking Dead, and Ford Mustang pinball machines.

Pricing and Availability:

WWE Wrestlemania Pro Model: $5,495 (MSRP)

The Time Is Now To Embrace Attitude

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The WWE is always harping on about the Attitude Era. If they’re not plugging their “critically acclaimed” Monday Night War series, they are gloating about past successes while subtly bashing a long-dead company. However, despite the company’s love of the Attitude Era, there’s a considerable lack of attitude anywhere within the company.

When the company first announced the WWE Network, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to cash in on nostalgic fans eager to relive the glory days. After all, those kids that grew up in the 90s watching Austin and the Rock were now adults with college degrees and full-time jobs, so it seemed like a no brainer to try to reel in old fans that departed over the past decade.

Cena is still the top guy in the company, but at age 37, it's obvious his days are numbered.
Cena is still the top guy in the company, but at age 37, it’s obvious his days are numbered.

During the lead-up to the Network launch, it was promised that every pay-per-view and episode of Raw would be available within a few months of launch. Nearly a year later, the Attitude Era is practically nonexistent. Sure, the pay-per-views are all there, but the most controversial and memorable moments of that era typically occurred on Raw.

By even the most conservative estimates, the Attitude Era started in 1997 (some would say it started at the 1996 King of the Ring, but I won’t go back that far). As of today, there are 20 episodes in total from the years 1997 through 2001, including the episode where Vince McMahon purchased WCW, which essentially marked the end of the era. A lot of the most controversial and memorable moments are also conveniently missing, such as Brian Pillman pulling a gun on Austin, the infamous Bret screwed Bret promo, and Bret Hart’s profanity-laced tirade in March of 1997.

In contrast, there are 45 episodes from 1993 alone, and it’s not like the company is uploading the episodes in order because they also uploaded the entire year of 2012 and random episodes from various years. It undoubtedly takes time to convert old episodes of Raw into a format that is suitable for widescreen televisions, but it seems like there is really no rush to upload the content.

Instead of creating the same episode of Monday Night War 20 times, they should instead show the stories that inspired the mind-numbingly boring series. While uploading the content, the company should also take a moment to revisit the past, because there are a lot of similarities between today’s product and the era that immediately preceded the Attitude Era, which I refer to as the In Your House Era.

The Bella Twins Reveal What They Would Be Doing If They Weren’t WWE Divas

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WWE Divas The Bella Twins recently spoke with CelebDirtyLaundry.com to promote the return of Total Divas. During the discussion, The Bella Twins revealed what they would be doing if they weren’t WWE Divas.

Nikki Bella: “I’d likely be in the movie business…action movies, or TV. I’m a real estate agent, so if I did that, I’d want to sell ocean front properties.”

Brie Bella: “I would have joined the Peace Corps, traveled the world. I actually planned to join when I was 18. I am just a hippie at heart. I’d be doing something to help save the planet.”

Check out the complete interview at CelebDirtyLaundry.com.

List Of Pro Wrestlers Who Died In 2014, New Shane “Hurricane” Helms Video Interview

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– Mike Mooneyham of the Post & Courier has a new article up looking at pro wrestlers who passed away in 2014. He listed the following wrestlers in the article, which you can check out at .

Don Chuy, Jan. 6, age 72; Mae Young, Jan. 14, 90; George Scott, Jan. 20, 84; Gloria Barattini, Jan. 27, 84; Vic Rositanni, Feb. 6, 74; Ryu Nakata, Feb. 15, 51; Viscera (Nelson Frazier Jr.), Feb. 18, 43; Billy Robinson, March 3, 74; Jerry Kozak, March 5, 79; Lorenzo Parente, March 15, 78; The Ultimate Warrior (Jim Hellwig), April 8, 54; Lee Marshall, April 26, 67; Joe Turner, May 1, 74; Larry Nelson (Larry Shipley), June 23; Ken Lucas, Aug. 1, 73; Ted Heath, Aug. 17, 80; Bonnie Watson, Aug. 21, 82; Don Green, Aug. 29, 84; Sean O’Haire (Sean Haire), Sept. 8, 43; Rikki Starr (Bernard Herman), Sept. 20, 83; Don Manoukian, Sept. 23, 80; Cowboy Bob Kelly, Oct. 12, 78; Dr. Ken Ramey, Oct. 16, 84; Ox Baker (Doug Baker), Oct. 20, 80; Johnny Angel (Johnny Lee Clary), Oct. 21, 55; Bob Geigel, Oct. 30, 90; Brad Batten, Nov. 18, 56; Rodger Kent (Rodger Vogel), Nov. 24, 90; The Mighty Wilbur (Randall Lee Buchanan), Nov. 26, 57; Jimmy Del Ray/Jimmy Backlund (David Ferrier), Dec. 6, 52.

– Below is a new video interview with former WWE Superstar Shane Helms (aka The Hurricane).

  • PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee Together In Las Vegas This Past Weekend
  • Stephanie McMahon Speaks On Her Character, WWE Network & More

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    The following are highlights of a new U.K. Sun interview with Stephanie McMahon:

    On the WWE Network:“I think the beauty of the WWE Network is that there really is something for everyone. We have the most passionate fans in the world. The Network, as well as all of our programming is designed to give them a creative experience worthy of that passion.”

    On her character: “I portray a villain in a storyline, because WWE is a live action adventure soap opera. WWE is entertainment, not reality. I am not the evil authority-abusing character as seen on TV – although maybe some people think I am. As well as being the Chief Brand Officer of WWE. I am a working mom to three daughters, I am a wife and I even have my own workout DVD geared towards women of all fitness levels!”

    Check out the complete interview at TheSun.co.uk.

    TNA Announces Re-Signing Of The Wolves

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    TNA announced on Monday the re-signing of The Wolves, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards.

    Below is the official announcement, courtesy of TNA executive John Gaburick’s Twitter account.

    Wrestling Related Reality Show Gets Premiere Date On WGN America, Bischoff Note

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    The reality show “Wrestling with Death” is scheduled to premiere on WGN America on January 13th. The show focuses on the Latham family of Osceola, Arkansas who are morticians by day and pro wrestlers by night.

    Also launching on WGN America is a non-wrestling show called “Outlaw Country,” which is produced by Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey and premieres on February 24th.

    For more information on the shows, visit BroadcastingCable.com.

    Note On WWE SmackDown Name Change, Alicia Fox Talks Joining Total Divas

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    – With WWE switching SmackDown to Thursday nights, the show will no longer be referred to, or listed as “WWE Thursday Night SmackDown” in any cable systems. Instead, the show will simply be called “WWE SmackDown.” The change officially went into effect on some cable systems this past Friday night.

    – WWE Diva Alicia Fox recently spoke to E! Online about joining the cast of Total Divas alongside Paige and Rosa Mendes. Below is an excerpt from the interview.

    “It feels amazing. I feel so lucky because it’s just so cool hanging out with Paige and Rosa is amazing. We’re mixing some things up, it just feels really quite cool. I’m a good bit nervous because I’ve worked with some the girls quite a while, so I’ve got some really good relationships with the girls. But nervous, of course! Excited nervous! Between Paige, Rosa and I, whenever we have a disagreement we call it ‘going to the hood.’ We’ve gone there before and some things may be shown on Total Divas. We’re all pretty independent, spicy women so even within a group of friends there will be tears.”

    You can check out the complete interview at EOnline.com.

    Renee Young Gets New Co-Host, WWE Divas Comment On Return Of Total Divas

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    Renee Young’s new co-host for the weekly “After Total Divas” show is now WWE Diva Summer Rae. Rae joins Young now that Alicia Fox is part of the cast.

    Above is this week’s “After Total Divas” episode. Below are some Twitter comments on the show from various cast members.

    https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/551950224617259008

    Big Things Planned For Roman Reigns At Royal Rumble, Al Bundy Challenges CM Punk

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    – Kane recently spoke to the folks at Caller.com to promote tonight’s WWE RAW show. He also spoke about the 2015 Royal Rumble during the interview and noted that Roman Reigns is poised for “big things” in the 30-man over-the-top battle royal match. You can check out the interview at Caller.com.

    – Sitcom star Ed O’Neill, best known for his role as “Al Bundy” on the series “Married with Children,” continues to playfully “challenge” CM Punk to be his first opponent in the UFC. O’Neill, who is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, recently tweeted the following to Punk.

    https://twitter.com/RealEdOneill/status/551477868233232386

    Sami Zayn To Remain In NXT For Another Year?, Cameron’s “Bye Bye” Music Video

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    – NXT officials are looking at doing a lengthy singles program between NXT Champion Sami Zayn and new NXT Superstar Kevin Owens. Depending on how long they keep the feud going, Zayn could end up staying in NXT for another year.

    – Below is the official music video for the single “Bye Bye” by WWE Diva and Total Divas star Cameron (aka Arianne).

    http://youtu.be/s3uyMQuYhfg

    WWE To Announce Royal Rumble Entrants Tonight, Matt Hardy Launches Video Blog

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    – WWE will officially begin announcing some additional entrants for the 2015 Royal Rumble match on tonight’s edition of RAW. As things stand now, Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns are the only two participants confirmed thus far.

    – Matt Hardy has launched a new online video blog called “Thoughts from the Throne.” Below is the first installment.

    Update On Changes To WWE’s Plans For WrestleMania Due To Daniel Bryan’s Return

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    As noted last week, there has been some talk within WWE regarding some recent creative changes in plans and matches for WrestleMania 31 season. It’s said to be clear at this point that at least some suggestions were made about some of the plans for WrestleMania.

    After the news came out that certain top WWE officials knew that Daniel Bryan would be back for the Royal Rumble, that is likely when some of the rumored changes were made.

    Now that Bryan is going to be factored back into storylines, it will obviously lead to some creative changes in original plans. When there was doubt as to whether or not Bryan would be back in time, he was not factored into future plans.

    Seth Rollins Misses WWE Live Event On Sunday Night, Apologizes To Fans

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    Bad News Barrett noted prior to the main event at the WWE live event on Sunday night in Hidalgo, Texas that Seth Rollins was unable to make it and would not be performing on the show. Barrett would go on to lose to John Cena in a replacement main event “Street Fight” on the show.

    Rollins later apologized to the fans in Hidalgo for his absence, noting that travel issues prevented him from appearing as advertised.

    Vickie Guerrero Gets A New Boyfriend, WWE On Bringing Back Retired Titles

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    – The official WWE website currently features a poll asking fans which retired championship should be brought back. The options included the Cruiserweight Championship, the Hardcore Championship, the Light Heavyweight Championship or the Women’s Championship. In a landslide, the Hardcore Championship is winning with 48 percent of the vote. The next closest is the Cruiserweight Championship with 23 percent. You can cast your vote now at WWE.com.

    – Former WWE performer Vickie Guerrero noted on social media recently that she will be graduating in August and that she has found love in her post-WWE life.

    Natalya Reveals Her Best Career Moment, Favorite Diva Of All Time & More

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    The following are highlights of a new U.K. Reveal interview with WWE Diva and Total Divas star Natalya:

    On her favorite career moment: “I went to Rwanda a few years ago with Nothing But Nets and we visited refugee camps. I had the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world and change peoples’ lives in a way I would have never thought. I loved winning the Divas Championship, I love doing Total Divas, but getting to make a difference like that is by far the best thing I’ve done in WWE.”

    On her favorite Diva besides herself: “Miss Elizabeth would be my favorite Diva of all-time.”

    On her favorite photo: “It’s a picture of my dad (Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) and I with my cat walking down the aisle at my wedding.”

    Check out the complete interview at Reveal.co.uk.

    Jeff Jarrett Talks About Plans For The Official Launch Of Global Force Wrestling

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    Global Force Wrestling founder Jeff Jarrett recently spoke to Brian Fritz of SportingNews.com about the rollout of his new promotion.

    Below is an excerpt from the interview.

    “It’s live event programming or it can be live event programming and in today’s world that’s very important. Global Force is doing the rollout and we’re strategically looking at the distribution models because brand awareness is everything and the wrestling business is very healthy and Global Force is ready to do the rollout in 2015.

    Timing is everything but brand awareness is at the very top. You have to very strategically roll out. In business, the bottom line is all that really matters. So when you put the pieces together of talent, of live event shows, of sponsorships, of distribution, legal and finance go with all of that but brand awareness sits on top of all of that. First impression is a last impression, so I think to roll it out strategically, you got to do it the right way. Patience is not in my DNA but thus far I’ve had some good patience and I’m taking it step by step.”

    Check out the complete interview at SportingNews.com.

    WWE RAW Preview: The Authority, Ambulance Match & More

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    Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the American Bank Center Corpus Christi, Texas.

    Triple H and Stephanie McMahon of The Authority will return tonight after being brought back to power at the conclusion of last week’s show.

    Dean Ambrose will challenge Bray Wyatt in an Ambulance Match in what’s being advertised as the blowoff match in their ongoing feud.

    RAW will also feature more hype for the Royal Rumble, although WWE World Heavyweight Champion is not advertised to appear.

    The advertised dark match main event will see John Cena and Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt in tag team action.

    As always, join us here tonight for Live Coverage of WWE RAW.