As noted a few weeks ago, there was talk within WWE of doing a major angle that will “kick off WrestleMania 31 season in a big way” on the first edition of WWE RAW in 2015.
While there aren’t a lot of specific details regarding what the big angle is, at last word the plan was still for something of significance to happen on tonight’s RAW, which takes place from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
– As noted last week, Randy Orton needs to undergo a minor surgical operation for a deviated septum. As a result, Orton has been pulled from tonight’s edition of RAW and is not scheduled to attend any WWE live events until the Royal Rumble.
– Daniel Bryan has been officially added to the advertising for next week’s WWE RAW in New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as next week’s WWE SmackDown television taping in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
– Bully Ray is the latest pro wrestler getting into the online podcast business. As things stand now, there’s no information on what his show will be, just that he’s going to begin doing one in the near future.
– Scott Hall’s son Cody Hall, wearing an old Razor Ramon vest, was announced earlier today as the newest member of The Bullet Club faction in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
– It’s expected that the ratings for this week’s edition of WWE RAW will take a hit in Canada because the World Junior Hockey Championships will take place with China vs. Russia.
When I was a youngster, I remember how I used to have to beg my parents to let me order a WWE pay-per-view every once in a while. The thing is, I didn’t mind doing it because I knew that if I ordered the show, whatever feuds were going on at the time would culminate in the matches on the pay-per-view.
These days? Not so much.
I can’t imagine being a kid now-a-days that has to bug your parents to let you buy a WWE pay-per-view, so that you can see your favorite wrestlers finally blow off their program in a match inside the squared circle, only to come out of the show and realize that the next pay-per-view features the same matches.
Basically, your begging and nagging ways sound something like this. “Mom, dad, PLEASE let me buy SummerSlam! It’s the second biggest WWE show of the year and I just HAVE to see John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar!!”
Let’s say you convinced them. Your begging and nagging worked. They let you buy SummerSlam.
Good stuff right? Wrong.
You come out of SummerSlam and head into the following week of WWE television, only to find out that you didn’t see the culmination of the Cena-Lesnar feud at all.
Not even close.
As it turns out, SummerSlam was only the beginning. You find out that a rematch is going to take place between the two at the next WWE pay-per-view, Night Of Champions.
Now what do you do?!
“Mom, dad PLEASE let me buy Night Of Champions! I just HAVE to see John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar!!”
Their response will probably sound something like this. “But Timmy, you said that last time!”
Poor fella.
Now let’s say you figured out a way to order Night Of Champions. You went to a friend’s house, you found an illegal stream online, you robbed a 7/11. You figured it out somehow, someway. Brock Lesnar disappears afterwards, only to re-appear and begin the build-up to what? You guessed it!
Cena vs. Lesnar III at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view in January.
Do you even bother bugging your folks to let you buy it? Do you even bother going to a friend’s house? Do you even bother risking finding an illegal stream on the internet? Do you even bother risking your butt robbing that 7/11?
At what point do you say enough is enough?
Maybe we’ll find out when the numbers come in for the Rumble, who knows. Be sure to save a couple of bucks, because hell, we might have Cena-Lesnar IV at WWE Fast Lane in February!
Unfortunately, while this isn’t anything new, it seems to be happening more and more lately. The pattern seems to be that wrestler A and wrestler B begin an issue, it boils for four weeks or so and a match takes place at a pay-per-view. Then you turn around and the very next pay-per-view look nearly identical to the previous one.
As I see it, the ONLY silver lining to all of this is this: at least these days when you throw your money down the toilet, you’re only throwing away $9.99 a month!
ZING!
What do you guys think? Let us know by posting your feedback in the “Comments” section below. You can also add me on Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBooneWZR and/or on Twitter @MBoone420.
WWE issued the following on Monday:
‘Total Divas’ named ‘Best Reality Show’ by popsugar.com
“Total Divas” has been named “Best Reality Show” in popsugar.com’s Best of 2014 Awards! E!’s hit reality show starring the Divas won thanks to plenty of support from the WWE Universe, earning the honor by a huge margin — 76 percent of the vote!
Tune in to all-new episodes of “Total Divas” Sunday nights at 9/8 CT on E!.
– The latest edition of WWE Top 10, which you can check out below, looks at the top ten most iconic entrances in history.
http://youtu.be/dpVOhFzE2J8
– Former WWE, WCW and TNA writer Vince Russo is the latest guest on this week’s edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” podcast. The official description of the show reads as follows:
PP-Ep40 – Vince Russo
“Vince Russo! One of the most controversial figures in Professional Wrestling history sits down with Roddy to see if they can get past the bad blood that’s been simmering between the two for well over a decade. No topic is off limits, including the tragic death of Owen Hart. Hot Rod asks Vince tough questions like, why did Owen agree to be lowered into the ring from over a hundred feet in the air when he was afraid of heights? Who’s idea was it for the ill-fated stunt and whether or not Hart’s death could have been avoided.”
You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– NXT star C.J. Parker deleted every tweet on his official Twitter page and noted that he’s going silent on Twitter until he becomes the NXT Champion.
– As noted earlier today, Roman Reigns recently announced that he will be part of the new WWE Immortals mobile game. Reigns joins Brock Lesnar, John Cena and The Rock, all of whom have been previously announced for the show. Since then, The Bella Twins have confirmed their involvement in the game as well, as they tweeted the following photo:
Check us out! #BellaBrawlers in the new #WWE Immortals game launching 1.15.15! http://t.co/o1ACsHYxCR
We are Immortal pic.twitter.com/QrgfXrUi8Z— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) January 5, 2015
Alex Riley returned to in-ring action at the WWE live event in Beaumont, Texas on Sunday night. Riley worked as a heel and lost to Darren Young in singles action.
Meanwhile, Riley has continued his “#FreeRiley” Twitter campaign and is now using “#RileyWalks” hash-tags to continue his social media storyline.
Below are some of Riley’s tweets from before his match on Sunday night.
Let's see who else wants to fight for there life with me? @wwe #FreeRiley #RileyWalks
— Alex Riley (@AlexRileyWWE) January 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/AlexRileyWWE/status/551874830870392832
https://twitter.com/AlexRileyWWE/status/551873302487003137
https://twitter.com/AlexRileyWWE/status/551917477878173696
– WWE Superstar Roman Reigns confirmed today that he will be part of the new WWE Immortals mobile fighting video game. Already announced for the game are John Cena, Brock Lesnar and The Rock.
– Below is a behind-the-scenes video of WWE Diva and Total Divas star Eva Marie’s recent Muscle & Fitness shoot.
http://youtu.be/_iKSw1xs_TQ
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.
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.
No #RAW pre or post show for me tonight. Don't worry though, you can get your Booker T fix on RAW! I'm doing commentary! DIG THAT SUCKAS!
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) January 5, 2015
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)
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
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.
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
So happy that @RichardsWesley and I have resigned with @IMPACTWRESTLING ! Such an exciting time to be a part of this! pic.twitter.com/MpjYadgRgB
— Edward Edwards (@TheEddieEdwards) January 5, 2015
– 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)
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 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.
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.
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.
– 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).
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 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.
Let the hunt… continue!
Proud to announce Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards inking new deals w/ @IMPACTWRESTLING. pic.twitter.com/pDSqecfRVP
— John Gaburick (@JohnGaburick) January 5, 2015
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.
– 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’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.
Stay tune for an insane season of #TotaDivas Thank you all for tuning in! Love you all! #BellaArmy #BellaFam #Nena #Braniel
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) January 5, 2015
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/551950224617259008
Let the good times rollll ?@RealPaigeWWE: .@NatbyNature your royal HIGHness. Fun night with you baeeeeee. ?#TotalDivas
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) January 5, 2015
Family can be so shady!! ?? #TotalDivas
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) January 5, 2015
??I feel so bad for Nikki but I understand the fam bam just trying to look out! It's all because they?? her so much @BellaTwins #TotalDivas
— Eva Marie (@natalieevamarie) January 5, 2015