The June 8th edition of WWE RAW did a 2.59 rating with 3.66 million viewers, down from last week.
RAW was ranked #2 on cable for the night behind Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on the NBC Sports Network.
Here’s the hourly breakdown:
NXT Diva Alexa Bliss recently spoke with 614Columbus.com to promote this week’s NXT live event in her hometown. Below are some highlights from the interview.
On what she’s learned about wrestling that she didn’t know before entering the business: “When I watching wrestling, I watched it for more of the moves and to see the drama of the show, but when you actually start wrestling, there’s so much that goes into it. It’s an artform. It’s a lifestyle, it’s an art that you have to master and there’s just so much to learn. You can do it for years and years and years, and still learn new things every single day. It’s seriously one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever participated in…[getting started] I had no idea what to expect. It was like, ‘Whoa, this is all happening so fast.’ I get down here. My first day, I watch practice. My second day, I learn how to do bumps [Ed. note: falling correctly to limit injuries]. I just remembered watching wrestling thinking, ‘I wonder if that ring really is as hard as it looks.’ It is. [laughs] It really is. It’s not soft. I remember taking bumps and being like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I called my mom. I was laying on a bed of ice telling her how much pain I was in. I was just like, ‘My body is not prepared for this, and she’s like, ‘Well, you wanted to be a Diva!’ [laughs].”
On saying she emulates Rey Mysterio and who else she has studied: “Trish Stratus for sure. I really liked watching her. Me and my family loved the Hardyz and Lita. I tried to have a little bit of snappiness to my moves like Lita did, but mostly, I really liked watching Rey and how he moved because of his size. I knew if I ever wanted to do this, I was probably not going to be the tallest gal or the biggest one in the ring. I really looked up to Trish because she was also a smaller framed girl. I believe my size actually helps me because I like to go for the element of surprise [Laughs] where people don’t expect much of me because of my size and stature. I like to shock people as well with the over-the-top personality.”
On why she chose pro wrestling instead of a sports or entertainment field: “It was because I felt like I was kind of at home. [Wrestling] was something that me and my family always got together and bonded over, so when the opportunity came, I was like, ‘That’s what I should be doing.’ If any other opportunity like acting comes along, that’s great, but as soon as I saw this opportunity, I was like, ‘That’s what I’m meant to do.’ All of my cheerleading and gymnastics and bodybuilding and training prep have prepared me for what I truly believe in my heart was this.”
Check out the complete interview at 614Columbus.com.
Big Show has been working with the Special Olympics as of late and will serve as a WWE Goodwill Ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles in July. He has also been acting as co-captain of the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America.
The WWE Superstar recently posted a new blog on HuffingtonPost.com, where he talks about working with the group and how it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in his life.
Below is an excerpt from the blog, which you can check out in full by clicking here.
“Throughout my 20-year career in WWE, I’ve worked with an incredible group of athletes that travel the world, headline major events and have tens of thousands of fans cheer (and sometimes boo) them. Their charisma, athleticism, larger-than-life personalities and ability to connect with an audience is incredible. But as great as they are, none can compare to another group of athletes that I’ve been working with lately, whose boundless energy, passion and dedication to training cannot be matched. These athletes are the true superstars.
WWE has supported Special Olympics for decades. I recently got involved and was immediately drawn to and inspired by the Special Olympics athletes. Over the past two years, I have participated in the Opening Ceremonies for Special Olympics USA Games, attended the Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games and made various appearances in support of local Special Olympics programs around the world. But no matter how much I could ever give, I get so much more in return from the athletes.
At every event, it is a joy to see their enthusiasm, courage, determination and sportsmanship as they are an inspiration to me and to all of the WWE Superstars and Divas. They motivate us to work harder and above all, to have fun while doing so. To be able to work with individuals who inspire everyone by their dedication and perseverance is an amazing testament to the human spirit. They have big dreams and I am honored to, in a small way, help those dreams become a reality.”
– Rey Mysterio’s next match in the United States will be on Saturday, August 22nd. Mysterio will be working the Pro Wrestling Syndicate event in Sayreville, New Jersey. Mysterio will team with Habib from The Car Wash to take on the team of Matt Macintosh and The Amazing Red. Mysterio will also be taking part in a Meet & Greet with Mick Foley as well.
– The following matches will be included in WWE’s new “The Kliq Rules” DVD and Blu-ray set, which is scheduled to come out on July 28th.
Shawn Michaels and Diesel vs. The 123 Kid and Razor Ramon, WWF Action Zone 10/30/1994
The Bad Guys vs. The Teamsters, Survivor Series 1994 Elimination Match
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and X-Pac vs. Kane, The Rock and Hulk Hogan, SmackDown 3/28/2002
– E! released the following new promotional videos for the return of WWE Total Divas. The new season of the show is scheduled to begin on July 7th.
https://youtu.be/dMCv7R2c1tA
https://youtu.be/inWzWoZCYaA
Ring Of Honor star Frankie Kazarian recently spoke with Marc Madison of News Hub for an interview. Below are some of the highlights.
On his WWE run: “My time in the WWE was less than a year and all that had to do with me. I didn’t mature enough as a wrestler or a man to be there. It was the first time that wrestling became a business and not something I loved because I saw the business side of it. Now I realize that what it is and not then. I was like wow, the WWE is a giant machine that is the biggest company in the world and always will be. I just wasn’t ready to be there on a mental level personally or professionally.”
On Tough Enough: “Part of it pains me to see guys coming on and cutting their promos and saying I love this business and I would do anything to be in this business – then why haven’t you done that yet? It always kind of bugs me to see that. There are a lot of us that took the road and did the Indies and went to Japan and Mexico and busted our ass just for a chance to get looked at somewhere and all of a sudden a game show comes along where people can submit their tapes. I’m not going to fault anyone for getting a spot the way they get a spot. If you love this business and your willing to work hard then more power to you.”
On marrying former TNA Knockout Traci Brooks: “It’s great having somebody that has been there and done that. That knows what I’m going through. Being a wrestler’s wife is probably the hardest thing to do on this planet. I can’t imagine regular quote unquote women having to endure and put up with what we put them through but being somebody that did a lot in the business she understands what I go through. So it makes my job a lot easier and she’s very knowledgeable in terms of if I need to talk to somebody about something she’s there it makes my life a lot easier it probably makes her life miserable, so I’m sorry. I don’t she’d entertain the idea of coming back. She probably did more in this business than she ever thought she’d do. She had a very very successful career just being a farm girl from St. Mary’s, Ontario. She achieved a lot and she still has friends in the business. Her days in the ring are probably done but who knows if she might pop up on an appearance here or there. She has no regrets she has her career and she will always love the business but there is a time when you move on. She’s happy with that. She’s just happy to ride off into the sunset.”
Check out the complete interview at The-NewsHub.com.
Brian Knobbs, one-half of the legendary Nasty Boys tag-team, recently appeared as a guest on The Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast. Below are some highlights from the interview.
On who was a favorite tag team of the Nasty Boys to work against: “We had some of our best matches with The Rockers. We liked each other and trusted each other, they are the ones that innovated the different maneuvers that you didn’t see before like the double leap frogs, double drop downs, double hip toss, double elbow/pop up a lot of double stuff put together and that was all done by Shawn (Michaels) and Marty (Jannety). We were more of the brawlers. But we worked so fantastic together. I remember a match against them that still holds up in my head and it’s on one of the Coliseum Videos from the WWF. Nasty Boys against The Rockers at the Royal Albert Hall in England. We were the tag champs at the time and what a great match we had, we just clicked and you could see that. When you are in with a group where you are learning from them or and maybe a little older then you in the ring and you get along then you can see the work that happens in the ring and how smooth it works and how good everything looks.”
On working with Jimmy Hart as the Nasty Boys manager: “I consider him to be our true manager. He is the one that took us to the top and he is definitely one of the best managers out there. From Capt. Lou Albano to Bobby “The Brain” Heenan you’ve got a lot of different managers out there, but Jimmy Hart is the hardest working man in show business and he still looks fantastic. He is still out there doing his thing and he loves this business and was a true manager for us when we first broke into the business. When we got to WWE, he said that he would ride with us and get a room together and help us out. After 10 days we landed in Tampa and he said “Nasty Boys, I love you but you guys can handle it from here”, he lasted 10 days with the Nasty Boys and we weren’t rooming or riding together anymore. But those were the crazy days, what can I say?”
On the origin of the Nasty Boys look: “When we were in Memphis, we came out in black ladies rain coats that looked like leather and had these spandex gold tights and long boots and Jerry Lawler said “if you are supposed to be Nasty Boys you don’t look like you are from the streets.” So me and Sags went out and really became the first ones who decided to cover up their bodies. Our arms looked great but everything else didn’t look that great so we could cover everything else and if our arms got any smaller we would have just worn long sleeve sweatshirts. We started to cover up and added the splash with the Nasty Boys logo and actually the only thing I didn’t like was that he (Lawler) painted our face and that was the Road Warriors trademark so we got rid of that right before we left Memphis.”
On today’s wrestling scene: “I still love the wrestling business, but the only thing I dislike is there are not too many places for the younger guys to go work. When we were growing up if you were good enough there were other places you could go work to become the very best at what you do and work on your craft. Today, I think that is missing in the wrestling business but everything changes and you have to go with the flow.”
On possibly being inducted into the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame: “That would be the final liner in the Nasty Boys legacy to get actually inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. That would put the ultimate stamp on our careers and we are getting older, me and Sags are both 52 and that would be the honor of all honors to get inducted. So I hope people are out their rooting for us because it would be our highest honor.”
Check out the complete interview at Podomatic.com.
– The final 40 contestants for the new season of WWE Tough Enough are flying to Orlando today to begin filming at the WWE Performance Center. Talents were informed that the cameras will be rolling as soon as they arrive. The filming that is going on today will be included in the WWE Network special that will air on the show next week.
– WWE is scheduled to return to New Orleans, the site of last night’s edition of RAW, for another RAW show on January 11, 2016. A pre-sale for tickets is going on right now with the password: WWERAW.
– Following last night’s RAW angle where Rusev caused Lana to suffer an ankle injury, Rusev has taken to social media to taunt and threaten Lana. Check out Rusev’s tweet from Tuesday morning below.
Watch your step @LanaWWE !!!! Hahahahahahahahaa
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) June 9, 2015
WWE Hall Of Famer Dusty Rhodes recently appeared on The Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast to talk about a number of subjects. Below are some highlights from the interview.
On the creation of the Florida Wrestling Wall of Fame at the JCC and Federation in Tampa, Florida: “It’s amazing. There are so many people that have unfortunately passed on that when you go back and look at in Florida, the wall may simply not be enough. This tribute may have to go all the way around the building. They have some great designs for it and it’s costing a lot of money. So we need the money, we need the backing, we need the focus, we need all these things to make this come true. For me it all started in Florida with The Great Malenko and Eddie Graham. It all started there. Entertainment, show business. Maybe this wall of memories can really stay up for a long time and I will be honored to be on it.”
On performing at the Fort Hesterly Armory in Tampa: “Whatever they were, the mood we were in changed the course of not only the whole state but you wanted to play The Garden, The Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis for (Sam) Muchnick, you wanted to go see Paul Boesch because he had the best pay-offs in the industry in addition to the Armory. Which actually wasn’t a great pay-off but they didn’t know it then, I would have done it for nothing.”
On becoming “The American Dream”: “When I became “The American Dream” they needed a hero down here. I had no money. I couldn’t buy a car without being tied under but I had to have a Cadillac with blue stars on the hood no matter what it cost because just driving in it will set how they look at me and perceive this guy, they’ll know. The first time a truck was ever driven into a building it wasn’t a beer truck. It was my truck, in the Fort Hesterly Armory through the side door with Willie Nelson blaring on the radio, making an entrance.”
On taking the job as booker for Eddie Graham: “I was called in one day in Tampa and Eddie (Graham) said go get an assistant (which ended up being Jerry Brisco) because we are going to make you the booker. What I learned about booking talent was with Eddie allowing me to have the open door to say I’m turning this over to you, take off with it. I used it as a motivation when I was booking. People always say, well Dusty always booked himself on top. I put myself on top because the seats are 17 1/2 inches apart and I’m selling out 12,000 seat arenas. That’s why I was on top. If you don’t have an ego and you don’t have a goal, you ain’t worth a damn.”
On what he teaches in NXT and his connection to his students: “Given the talent right now, I teach all my kids in my communications classes down in NXT that us giving them the opportunity to be free and do things on their own and what will fit their own body of work, it is the best thing they can do. In the last 2 ½ years you can see that in the kids that have made it up to RAW and Smackdown. These 70 or 80 kids that we have down here now in NXT look at me at 69 years old and say you are the coolest 69 year old guy they’ve ever met. It’s because I’ve changed with the times and I haven’t just stayed stuck in one hour Broadways with Bob Orton Sr. and Eddie Graham.”
On his matches with Ric Flair and the NWA title chase: “All of us together being able to make something really special. With “Naitch” it was easy because he had already crossed that threshold of the entertainment being brought into our industry. But we also could go 7 nights in a row. At the Great American Bash tour we went 7 in a row for one hour a night and made a story that you could understand and that made the people almost in a riot. My chase was the best. I learned from Eddie one night at the Armory that he didn’t even need to make me the NWA Champion because my chase is what’s best and eventually that became me getting short spurts with the title, but that’s all you needed. To walk out as the prestigious NWA Champion it was amazing.”
Check out the complete interview at Podomatic.com.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has once again addressed the possibility of returning to the ring at WrestleMania 32 for a match against Brock Lesnar.
On the latest installment of the Steve Austin Show at PodcastOne.com, Austin addressed his segment with Paul Heyman at the conclusion of last week’s Stone Cold Podcast on the WWE Network.
Austin said that he didn’t know what Heyman was going to say so he went into promo mode because it was right for the “Stone Cold” character. He clarified that he did not mean to raise expectations regarding a potential showdown with Lesnar and did not intend to set up a match between them.
Austin said that he and Lesnar are on different paths right now and made it clear that he was not attempting to jumpstart a Wrestlemania feud.
As seen on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, the team of Luke Harper and Erick Rowan used the Dudley Death Drop (3D) finishing move to defeat Los Matadores in tag-team action during the show. The two have actually been using the finisher made famous by Team 3D (The Dudley Boyz) for a few weeks now.
After RAW, Bully Ray took to Twitter to call out WWE for having the team use the move he helped make famous. This led to a reply from Harper.
You can check out the Twitter exchange between Bully Ray and Harper below.
https://twitter.com/LukeHarperWWE/status/608119068328001537
Lets see if the BRASS who pull you and your partners strings has the BALLS to make it happen. #3D https://t.co/4MT2kiMmB2
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) June 9, 2015
Director Erik Angra has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a documentary on former WWE performer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer.
The fundraising campaign is seeking $10,000 to produce “The Reconstruction Of Chyna,” and has raised $315 with nine backers as of this writing. The page notes that Laurer will be reconnecting with friends, family and fans this summer.
The official description for the campaign reads as follows:
At the height of the WWE’s “Attitude” era CHYNA was a top-tier figure in a male dominated sport. Winning the world title, the Intercontinental Title twice, and being the number one contender for the heavyweight crown.
Eventually she was crushed by her fiance Triple H’s infidelities with the boss’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon. He would go on to marry her and become the heir to the WWE Throne.
Chyna would be ostracized from the WWE, cut off from all royalty checks and spiral into pornography and reality shows to survive.
After hitting rock bottom as an alcoholic, she ended up on her feet in Japan. Teaching foreign language for three and a half years while meditating, doing yoga, and getting her life together. Now she comes back to the country that made her a goddess amongst men to redeem herself and reclaim her identity.
Our documentary will follow Chyna across the country as she rediscovers herself with old friends, celebrities and fans before arriving in LA to start her life again.
This film will be an inspiration to women everywhere. Chyna is a living example of a strong feminist who rose to stardom in a male dominated sport despite all odds.
– The “Stone Cold Podcast” with Steve Austin and Paul Heyman that aired on the WWE Network last Monday night is the latest edition of the regular weekly “Steve Austin Show,” which is available now. You can download the show at PodcastOne.com.
– Now that WWE has selected the 40 contestants for the new season of Tough Enough, the company has started sending letters from Triple H to applicants who failed to make the cut. In the email, HHH hints at more new seasons of Tough Enough coming in the future. Below is a copy of an email sent to Frederick Casden, who tried out for Tough Enough but didn’t get selected.
Dear Frederick,
Thank you for your video submission for WWE Tough Enough. As you can imagine, we received thousands of entries, and the competition was fierce. Unfortunately, you were not selected as one of the finalists, but please consider once again submitting a video for future seasons of WWE Tough Enough.
We thank you for your passion and wish you much success in the future.
Sincerely,
Paul “Triple H” Levesque
WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative
Former WWE Champions Hulk Hogan and CM Punk have been exchanging trash talk on Twitter since Monday night. Punk and Hogan are supporting opposing teams in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, with Punk’s Chicago Blackhawks taking on Hogan’s Tampa Bay Lightning.
Punk took offense to comments Hogan made about the Blackhawks, calling Hogan a hack and saying, “Shut the f*ck up or I’ll wreck you.”
Here’s their latest exchange:
Like I said the Blackhawks are in a whole lot of trouble,they should take their puck"punk" and go home,CM can show them the way brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) June 9, 2015
You mispronounced the team captains name and didn't even know the coaches name. You're a hack.Shut the fuck up or I'll wreck you @HulkHogan
— player/coach (@CMPunk) June 9, 2015
Punk then cut this promo on Hogan, calling him a piece of garbage and saying the Tampa Bay Lightning should be ashamed to be associated with him:
On Monday, WWE confirmed two new title matches for this Sunday’s WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view event.
Below is the current official lineup for WWE Money In The Bank 2015:
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
(Ladder Match)
– Seth Rollins (c) vs. Dean Ambrose
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
– Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton vs. Neville vs. Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Kane
WWE Intercontinental Championship
– Ryback (c) vs. Big Show
WWE Divas Championship
– Nikki Bella vs. Paige
WWE Tag-Team Championship
– The New Day (c) vs. The Prime Time Players
– John Cena vs. Kevin Owens
WWE Money In The Bank Kickoff Show
– R-Truth vs. King Barrett
WWE Money In The Bank is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2015 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com for live results of the event!
WWE Hall Of Famer Scott Hall announced on social media on Monday that he will be entering a detox facility to help with issues he’s been dealing with lately.
The news comes shortly after Hall was escorted out of an independent wrestling event in New Jersey due to being too intoxicated to perform.
Hall tweeted the following today:
https://twitter.com/SCOTTHALLNWO/status/608061395696033793
WWE announced the 40 finalists for the new season of WWE Tough Enough. The contestants have been invited to a mini-camp on Wednesday, June 10th at the WWE Performance Center.
The group of 40 will be narrowed down to 13 finalists who will then compete on the show. The journey of the final 40 will air as a WWE Network special on Tuesday, June 16th at 8pm EST.
The 40 contestants who qualified for this season of WWE Tough Enough are:
Adam Ohriner, Long Island, N.Y.
Alexander Frekey, Dallas
Alexander Galizia, Springfield, Mass.
Amanda Saccomanno, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
Ashley Urbanski, Oakland, Calif.
Ava Knight-Salicka, Las Vegas
Carly Marshall, Los Angeles
Chelsea Green, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Danielle Kamela, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Daria Berenato, Los Angeles
David Michael Barnes, Mandan, N.J.
Dianna Dahlgren, Spokane, Wash.
Don Arner, Pittsburgh
Gabi Castrovinci, Southington, Conn.
Giorgia Piscina, Brisbane, Australia
Hank Avery Jr., Macon, Ga.
Jason Vazquez, Oak Lawn, Ill.
Jeremiah Kingdom, Los Angeles
Joshua Bredl, Thornton, Colo.
Kahlil Bell, San Jose, Calif.
Kevin Penczek, Belle, W.V.
Krishany San Jorge, Puerto Rico
LaRayia Gaston, Los Angeles
Lorenzo Davis II, Los Angeles
Mada Abdel Hamid, Los Angeles
Michael Mio, Staten Island, N.Y.
Mike Hayes, Louisville, Ken.
Nehemiah Kingdom, Los Angeles
Nicholas Cuffari, Lakewood, Okla.
Patrick Clark, Washington, D.C.
Philip Guilford, Atlantic City, N.J.
Sada Bettencourt, San Jose, Calif.
Samantha Sage, Los Angeles
Sara Lee, Hope, Mich.
Stephen Tezanos-Pinto, Sacramento, Calif.
Tanner Saraceno, Boiling Springs, S.C.
Tommaso Giannuzzi, Germany
Vinny Tortorella, Staten Island, N.Y.
Zach Boss, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe, Bayou Bluff, La.
WWE taped the following matches for this week’s edition of WWE Superstars on Monday prior to WWE RAW.
– Paige def. Layla in Divas action in the first of two matches taped for the show. The finish saw Paige score the pinfall after hitting Layla with her “Ram-Paige” finisher. Jimmy Uso was on commentary during this match.
– The Ascension def. The Lucha Dragons in tag-team action in the second of two matches. The crowd chanted “Lucha! Lucha!” a lot during the match. In the end, Kalisto scored the pin on Konnor, giving The Lucha Dragons the victory.
John Cena & Kevin Owens Kick Off RAW
This week’s show opens up with John Cena coming out and making his way to the ring. We shoot to the announce table where Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton are introducing us to tonight’s show. They say Booker T is busy with Tough Enough.
Cena’s music fades out and the fans start boo’ing and cheering. Cena starts by saying “The Champ Is Here.” Cena talks about this Sunday’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view. He brings up Kevin Owens and their rematch this Sunday.
Cena says his time is not over, he’s just getting started. He talks about fighting for good things. The fans break out into “Let’s Go Cena!” and “Cena Sucks!” dueling chants. Cena promises that his match this Sunday will be as good as their match at Elimination Chamber and also says he’s going to remind everyone that he’s the standard bearer.
Before he can continue, Kevin Owens’ music hits and out comes the NXT Champion to the top of the stage with a microphone. Owens says Cena is delusional if he thinks he’s going to beat him at Money In The Bank. He says he’s delusional if he thinks people want to see him come out and open RAW. He says he’s been opening RAW for ten years and the fans are tired of it.
Owens says they should give the fans something different tonight. He says instead of a U.S. Open Title Challenge, there should be an NXT Open Title Challenge. Cena says that’s a hell of an idea. He says he accepts. Owens tells Cena he’s once again being delusional.
He says he and Cena are fighting this Sunday, so no, Cena can’t fight him tonight. The fans boo. Cena mocks Owens for not wanting to fight him right now. Cena says when he holds an open challenge, it’s for anyone — no one is off limits, including Kevin Owens.
NXT Championship
– Kevin Owens (c) vs. Neville
Cena says the John Cena U.S. Open Challenge starts right now. He says it right in Owens’ face. He then says “you want some? come get some.” He drops the mic.
Owens says we should do this. Owens says he’s going to ignore all of that and he’s going to let whichever WWE Superstar who walks down the ramp to choose which title they want to fight for. They both wait.
Finally, Neville’s music hits and “The Man That Gravity Forgot” makes his way out. The announcers hype up wondering which title Neville will choose to fight for tonight.
Neville says he’s answered Cena’s U.S. Open Challenge before. He turns his attention to Owens and says just because he’s NXT Champion, he thinks he can disrespect anyone. He tells Owens he’s not worthy of the NXT title. He says as a proud former NXT Champion, he wants to beat Kevin Owens for the NXT Championship.
His music hits again as Cena leaves the scene. The announcers inform us that Cena is joining them on commentary and that Owens vs. Neville for the NXT title is up next. We head to our first commercial break of the evening.
When we return from the break, we see Neville and Owens squared off in the ring waiting for the bell to ring. We shoot to Cena, who is with the announce team on commentary for this one. Lilian Garcia does the formal introductions for this title match.
As soon as the bell rings, Owens runs away and goes outside the ring. Neville comes out after him, so Owens runs around the ring and runs back in the ring. Once back in the ring, Neville hits one move so Owens runs outside the ring again. Neville comes flying through the ropes and crashes onto Owens on the ground.
Neville rolls Owens back inside the ring and goes back to work on him. The finish comes when Neville goes for the Red Arrow three times, but Owens ultimately avoids it and hits the Pop-Up Powerbomb on him for the 1-2-3.
After the match, Cena stands up at the announce table and he and Owens have a staredown. Owens sits on the middle rope and invites Cena to come into the ring. Cena finally does, so Owens backs down and leaves as fans boo. We head to another break.
Winner and STILL NXT Champion: Kevin Owens
– The Rock was presented with the “Hero Award” at Spike’s “Guys Choice Awards” this past weekend. Rock posted the following on his official Instagram page.
“It was a night… As part of my acceptance speech for the HERO AWARD, I surprised our U.S. Military by announcing that our production company (7Bucks Prods) will team with SPIKE to produce and deliver on next VETERAN’S DAY 2016 a grand scale, star studded (Hollywood, music and sports) epic variety show called #RockTheTroops to entertain U.S. troops who are stationed overseas. Upon hearing this news during my speech, the troops were ecstatic. So was I. Now what made this moment even more epic, was as a 100% total surprise to me.. this award was handed to me personally by a man I’ve never met, yet who I’ve always considered to be one of greatest inspirations and heroes… Mr. Clint Eastwood. #IconicMoment #ThankYouSir #ANightOfSurprises #ANightOfGratitude #ANightFun #GuysChoiceAwards #HeroAward #RockTheTroops #VeteransDay2016.”
https://instagram.com/p/3pCEuyIhxg
– Below is a preview for the new WWE Network show “The List,” which premieres tonight after WWE RAW.
United States Champion John Cena suffered a busted nose at last night’s WWE live event from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
During his match with Wade Barrett, Cena started bleeding heavily from his nose.
Cena cut a promo after the match and told the crowd that his nose was broken.
SEScoops reader Jess McDonald was there in person and wrote:
“After the match, he made a joke about how he never thought he would break his nose on his own maneuver. He said a few more words about the crowd being great and walked off with the towel against his nose.”
John Cena faces Kevin Owens this Sunday at WWE Money in the Bank.
– Chris Jericho announced on Twitter that former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott will be appearing on this week’s episode of Talk is Jericho to discuss his departure from WWE. The show drops this Friday.
This wk on #TIJ:
Wed- @MarkTremonti talks new album @alterbridge & #Creed
Fri- @BillDeMott talks resigning from @wwe http://t.co/2R3OnCmGx4— Talk Is Jericho (@TalkIsJericho) June 8, 2015
– Former WWE Diva Chyna has launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance a new documentary about her life titled, “The Reconstruction of Chyna.” She’s seeking $10,000 and as of this writing, has raised $185 with 29 days to go.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/792672781/the-reconstruction-of-chyna
Former WWE writer Vince Russo has issued a lengthy response to Jim Ross’ recent rant about the state of the pro wrestling industry. Here’s what Russo wrote:
I GUESS IF JR SAYS IT IT’S OK
Early this morning I read a blog posted by JR about the state of the wrestling business today. Man, did his views sound hauntingly familiar.
While both JR and I grew up wrestling fans, our backgrounds and experiences are vastly different being that we were raised in completely different parts of the country and influenced by regional wrestling and the personalities that represented that region. However, regardless of the differences in both our personalities and philosophies on the wrestling business, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that JR and I are sitting on almost the exact same page when it comes to the reasons behind the declining state of professional wrestling today. In his blog on his own site, JR sited many of the same things that I have been saying regarding the industry for the past year since I became active on social media.
However, regardless that JR and I share the same sediments, here’s the thing that is most fascinating to me. For whatever reason, when JR has something negative to say regarding today’s wrestling business, it is listened to with open ears, accepted and respected. Me, on the other hand, when I poise those same feelings, the haters come flying from the rafters ready to attack me, my wife, my kids and the family dog. I am met with so much hate and venom when it comes to my take on wrestling today, that you would think that I’m actually looking forward to seeing the total demise of a business I’ve enjoyed for over 40 years, opposed to actually trying to help find and offer the solutions to save it.
So why is that? Why can JR say the same exact things that I’m saying, but yet his criticisms are welcomed, while mind are ripped apart by those who read them? Why? The more, and more I look at my position in professional wrestling, the more and more it becomes obvious to me why the wrestling media has made me the most “controversial man” in sports entertainment history.
1. People absolutely just hate me having no idea who I am. They’ve never met me, never spoken to me, and surely have no clue of what I’m all about.
2. People hate the character that they saw in WCW in 2000, and have convinced themselves that that REALLY is Vince Russo, rather then somebody who was just embellishing what people outside of New York wanted to believe New Yorkers were “really” like.
3. People from New York are stereotyped, and there is a prejudice cast upon them if they happened to grow up in that part of the country.
Outside of those three things . . . what else can it be? A man from Oklahoma, who started working for the WWE about the same time I did, is revered over his comments concerning today’s wrestling, while I am crucified for those same sediments? Why? Because he wears a cowboy hat, and I say “Bro”? Because he comes from more of the south while I come from Brooklyn? Tell me, please.
The bottom line is this, no matter where Jim Ross comes from, or where Vince Russo comes from, we have both had ties with the WWE since 1993. We were both there for its biggest period in the history of professional wrestling, and we both follow it today at perhaps it’s lowest. From either one of our perspectives, we can tell you what the problem is, why it exists and what is needed to fix it. Regardless of who we are, and what we might represent to different people–we’ve both been there, done that, and are in a position to give an educated opinion based on our backgrounds.
In other words, whether you’re from New York, or Oklahoma, it doesn’t matter. Anybody, with any kind of experience in the wrestling business can surely tell you . . . Stamford . . . you’ve got a problem.
Vince
There is renewed buzz regarding WWE constructing a physical Hall of Fame building in Orlando, Florida.
Universal Studios in Orlando announced this week that NBA City at Universal City Walk is shutting down after they chose to not renew the NBA’s lease a few months ago. NBA City will be closing down in August and there are already plans underway to add some new attractions to City Walk.
According to theme park website BehindTheThrills.com, Universal is looking to add a Cheesecake Factory restaurant, a restaurant with a “movie set” theme as well as a WWE Hall of Fame themed restaurant.
With WWE establishing such a strong presence in the Orlando area with the Performance Center and Full Sail University serving as the home of NXT, it should be interesting to see if this report pans out.
– WWE has announced that NXT Diva Becky Lynch will be returning to action on this week’s edition of NXT television on the WWE Network. Lynch last worked at the NXT Takeover: Unstoppable special, losing to NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks.
– Legendary pro wrestling personality Jim Cornette is the guest on the latest edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” podcast. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– As noted earlier today, WWE touted the fact that they have surpassed the half a billion follower mark on social media. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has commented on the milestone, as you can see in the following tweet he posted earlier today.
"You can't see me," but thanks to the half a billion people who can see @WWE. pic.twitter.com/kOBE30eCX7
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) June 8, 2015
WWE issued a press release today touting the fact that they have surpassed the half-billion follower mark on social media.
Below is the release WWE issued on Monday:
WWE Surpasses Half a Billion Social Media Followers
June 08, 2015
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced it has eclipsed half a billion fans through its global social media platforms, further cementing its position as one of the most-followed brands in the world.
WWE’s flagship Facebook page has more fans than the NFL, ESPN, Marvel, Google and UFC, and WWE Superstar John Cena is the No.1 most followed active American athlete on Facebook with more than 36 million likes. On Twitter, @WWE has more followers than MLB, Disney, Sony and Pepsi and according to Klout, is the No. 1 most influential brand on Twitter. On Instagram, WWE’s fastest-growing platform, @WWE has more followers than ESPN, HBO, NHL and Gatorade. With nearly 5 billion video views on YouTube in the past year alone, WWE is the No. 1 Sports channel ahead of the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, ESPN and NASCAR.
WWE’s Social Media Snapshot:
* Facebook: 354 million total likes, including 98 million new likes, an increase of 38 percent year-over year.
* Twitter: 108 million total followers, including 18 million new followers, an increase of 20 percent year-over-year.
* Instagram: 26 million total followers, including 25 million new followers, an increase of 2,955 percent year-over-year.
* YouTube: 6.2 million total subscribers, including 2.8 million new subscribers, an increase of 82 percent year-over-year.
Earlier this year, WWE won awards for Overall Social Media Excellence and Social Media Dream Team at the 2015 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards and 2015 Cablefax Digital Awards, respectively. WWE’s 12 social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Periscope, Google+, Vine, Foursquare, Tumblr, Pheed and Pinterest.
