– WWE is billing Kevin Owens’ (aka Kevin Steen’s) television debut at the December 11th “Takeover: R Evolution” special as a “date of reckoning” for NXT.
– The mini wrestlers who played “The Mini Lucha Dragons” on this week’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network were El Torito and Blixx from Hulk Hogan’s former “Micro Championship Wrestling” show.
– Due to the fact that next year’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event is being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there is said to be some talk within the company of using an ECW Original or two as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match itself.
– WWE Diva Paige recently quoted WWE Hall Of Fame Jake “The Snake” Roberts on Twitter with the following line:
“People like me, we just don’t play.”
Once told by a fan about this, Roberts replied by saying:
“She’s top talent. Honored.”
(Partial Credit: PWInsider.com)
– Regarding TNA live events, there is said to be a feeling among many in the company that they simply can’t support TNA financially like they need it to, so the schedule will likely remain light for the time being.
– As far as TNA’s deal with Destination America is concerned, there are plans for a big “reboot” for the promotion once they premiere on the new network in January. They are also planning on overhauling their official TNA website, a project that former WWE announcer Josh Mathews is said to be the lead on.
PHOTOS: Cute UFC Women’s Fighter Releases SERIES Of Very EXPLICIT (NSFW) Pictures >>
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
It is said that the negotiations between Spike TV and TNA ended around two or three weeks ago. The two sides were in talks for TNA to sign a “lesser deal” that would see TNA get paid a smaller rights fee.
It’s also said that despite the fact that TNA failed to hit the two million viewer mark for Impact Wrestling that was agreed upon during their original contract signed back in 2010, Spike TV still had interest in maintaining the relationship.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
– The latest edition of the WWE Network original series, “WWE Rivalries,” which airs next Tuesday night, the focus will be on the Triple H and Shawn Michaels feud. The official description for the show reads as follows:
“Personal issues sever bond between Shawn Michaels and Triple H, manifesting themselves into one of WWE’s most captivating rivalries.”
– The newest “Monday Night War” documentary series, which will air on Tuesday night on the WWE Network, will focus on the impact that celebrities had on the WWE vs. WCW battle for supremecy. The official description for that one reads:
“WWE and WCW each work celebrities into their product, as The Monday Night War becomes water cooler conversation.”
– In the latest edition of “WWE Top 10,” which you can view below, WWE takes a look back at the top ten most shocking moments in the history of Survivor Series.
– In the newest Eden video blog, which is available below, the NXT Diva answers questions from the WWE Universe.
– Chris Jericho’s guest on next week’s edition of his “Talk Is Jericho” podcast will be none other than “Mr. Money In The Bank” himself, Seth Rollins.
– Below is the official trailer for WWE’s upcoming “True Giants” DVD and Blu-ray special, which is scheduled for a December 9th release.
http://youtu.be/WBYCq_w2ZZY
– The recent “Journey to SummerSlam” special that aired on the WWE Network focusing on Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins embarking on their first post-Shield journeys, is scheduled to be extended and released as a DVD/Blu-ray project next year.
– There’s been some talk recently that Finn Balor and Hideo Itami will be making a run as NXT Tag-Team Champions before having singles runs in NXT. While there is no word regarding when the two will be called up to the main roster, it is believed that part of Balor’s deal when he signed with WWE was that he would not stay in the developmental system for too long.
During a recent interview with BANG Showbiz, WWE Superstar Sheamus, once asked about the popularity of the Total Divas reality show, said he he feels there should be a similar show for the WWE Superstars.
Below is an excerpt from the interview:
“I think there should be a new reality show for the guys, I think it would be interesting. It should definitely happen now we have the WWE Network. The bigger the Network grows the more content they are going to need and a reality show would definitely take off, especially if it had all the behind-the-scenes stuff.
Fans want to know more and more about what happens away from the ring, and they want to know about the Superstars as people and what they are all about. The fans are hungry for that knowledge. If it happened, I believe it would be a very successful show.”
Check out the complete interview at NorfolkNews.com.
The following are highlights of a new Telegraph interview with Kane:
On WWE’s up and coming talent: “I think the upcoming talent is great. For awhile I was very worried about the future of WWE because I worried about where the stars would come from. But WWE has done a fabulous job in partnering with Full Sail University, for WWE’s training facility. Some of the guys are second and third generations, but the thing about WWE’s training, is they learn our system before going on the roster, it’s more seamless. WWE’s future is bright.”
On working with The Soska Twins on See No Evil 2: “It was really great; they are rising stars in the horror genre. What’s cool about ‘See No Evil 2’ is the way it’s shot. It’s not a typical horror movie, it’s ‘art-house horror,’ very cool.”
On possibly bringing his mask back: “At some point, we will see that again. In WWE never say never, but certainly I like what I’m doing now — Kane is Kane.”
Check out the complete interview at Telegraph.com.
The following are highlights of a new Journey Of A Front Man interview with CM Punk:
On how CM Punk became part of the AP Music Awards: “How CM Punk became a part of the APMAs: Well I think it’s pretty obvious throughout my career that I am a huge wrestling dork and any opportunity I ever could have to involve wrestlers in any project I’m working on, I’ll take advantage of it. I met Phil in 2008 when we did the first Golden Gods Awards. I reached out to the WWE to involve some of the talent. This is a really funny story, I was at an AC/DC concert and I had really good seats through work, but the whole row behind me was empty. Halfway through the show, I was wondering who was not showing up to an AC/DC concert at the Garden? And all of a sudden, this security guard came down and was like, “Alright, the row is clear. Bring ‘em in.” And it was Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, John Cena, John Laurinaitis, Bruce Pritchard, a couple other wrestlers and all these hot chicks. I was like, “What the hell’s going on here?” I turned around and Vince McMahon was right behind me and I was like, “Oh, Vince McMahon, I can’t believe I have a better seat than you. Come on, take my seat.” And he was like, “Come on kid, turn around. Come on, come on.” I told him I wanted him to take my seat. He told me he to turn around and enjoy the show. So I got the vibe that he was basically telling me to F off. I then turned my attention to Shane McMahon and we started talking. I told him how I had interviewed for the WWE earlier and I had passed on the job, since my current employer said if I stayed, I could do this awards show idea. He gave me his card and said to stay in touch. When the Golden Gods was launching and he put me in touch with WWE public relations. I knew Jericho was a music fan, but he was unavailable at the time. So I said, “Listen, there’s this guy, CM Punk. I have Killswitch Engage booked for my awards show and they do his entrance theme. Maybe he could come out and introduce the band onstage?” They agreed, so we got CM Punk to appear at the first Golden Gods Awards. He did a great job. I reminded him of the story that I thought him being straight edge was just a gimmick for television, like Big Boss Man being a cop and I offered him a bunch of drink tickets and he was like, “Are you kidding me?” I was like, “Oh, you’re really straight edge?” And he goes, “Yeah, I’m really fuckin’ straight edge.” (laughs) I told him I was so sorry. He forgave me. So we then were launching the AP Awards. I know Chris Jericho loves metal, but the punk stuff isn’t really his bag. I just reconnected with CM Punk and the WWE and invited him to partake. It was obviously tricky because at the time I started talking to him, he was still wrestling in WWE. And by the time the awards show came, he had gone AWOL. No one really knew what was going on. I had to basically keep his involvement secret until his contract ended. And that contract didn’t end until three or four days before the awards show, so we didn’t announce his involvement until the very end. When we did, it was his first real public appearance since he left WWE. I knew it was going to be a big deal. He had gone to some ballgames and he was on Talking Dead, but this was his first big appearance. He’s just such a cool guy. He’s a legit fan of the music and scene, so I knew he would not only be wonderful as host on the carpet, but a great presenter as well. It was cool working with him and the bands loved that he was there. I’d love to work with him again for sure.”
On his relationship with CM Punk: “As you can imagine, once word got out before the show, you would’ve thought I was his agent or manager. No one knew how to even get a hold of him. I got a movie offer for him. I got a commercial offer. I got labels wanting him to put out a record. It was insane. We’re trying to do an awards show here with 75 different participating bands and he easily got fifty percent of all press and interview requests. MMA folks were calling me. TNA called me. I found myself becoming very protective of him because he’s not a character, he really is that guy. I gave him my word that I would be professional and I would protect him and make the experience comfortable. I found myself fending off all these swarming flies, so to speak. Of course, every interviewer wants to ask him that one burning question. I didn’t want him to have to deal with that. I just isolated him until the show. But at that point, I couldn’t block all the wrestling questions. That night, he was being interviewed and he replied by saying, “I will never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever wrestle.” To be honest with you, I know this sounds crazy, but I never asked him what was happening. Even as the biggest mark in the world, I didn’t ask one wrestling question. I didn’t want to be “that guy.” He was getting married in the middle of the process too and I was like, “Oh, congratulations to you and your wife!” To me, I wanted to be professional and not like an idiot fanboy. When I interviewed for WWE years ago, I thought they might not hire me because I was a wrestling fan. So I just played dumb. They told me, “This guy Undertaker, he has a brother.” And I was like, “This Undertaker guy has a brother? Oh my god, that’s crazy!” But probably by the third interview, I snapped. I said, “I can’t do this anymore! Of course I know who Kane is!” They asked why I was lying to them. I told him that if they knew I was a fan, they wouldn’t take me seriously. I want to them to hire me because I’m the right guy for the job, not because I know what’s in the urn and about Paul Bearer and all that. I want to earn their respect separately based on merit before they find out I own wrestling figures.”
Check out the complete interview at JourneyOfAFrontMan.com.
Wrestling icon Sting is scheduled to make his highly anticipated WWE television debut at Sunday’s Survivor Series.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon tweeted on Saturday:
This will be a #SurvivorSeries you'll never forget. pic.twitter.com/X9nlJv895H
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) November 21, 2014
While it’s still unknown exactly what Sting’s role will be at Survivor Series, we’ve heard that he is not scheduled to appear at this week’s WWE RAW and SmackDown shows.
(Source: PWinsider.com)
– NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte is scheduled for the WWE RAW show in Greenville, South Carolina on December 8th and the WWE SmackDown television taping in Columbus, Georgia on December 9th.
– This week’s edition of “The JBL Show” (no longer called “The JBL (Not Cole) Show”) features the final part of their two-year anniversary celebration. You can check out the episode below.
– ECW originals Stevie RIchards and The Blue Meanie were at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut this week to film material for the upcoming “ECW Unreleased” DVD, as well as future WWE Network programming.
– The WWE Shop website once again has CM Punk merchandise available. As of right now, a special edition baseball t-shirt, wrist sleeves, a women’s “Best in the World” t-shirt, texting gloves and a pendant are the CM Punk items that are available.
The stakes have been raised at this year’s Survivor Series, as the Authority will attempt to retain power, while members of Team Cena fight to retain their jobs. The card appears to be set and will feature a total of six matches, with two championships on the line.
This event has been marketed as free, so it’s unclear whether the company will play it safe and phone in the results. If they decide to surprise fans, however, here are five ways they could potentially do so.
– Destination America executives were at TNA Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee recently to discuss ways that TNA can be integrated into their network, as well as other ideas that would benefit both sides.
– As noted recently, TNA may be taping some episodes of Impact Wrestling in the Midwest in December. The tapings may actually take place in Michigan. TNA officials are currently working out the details before deciding on taping in December or January.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
As noted earlier today, former WWE Tag-Team Champions The Usos teased that they would be featured in a special on the WWE Network after Monday’s post-Survivor Series edition of RAW.
The Usos wrote the following: “Check out a lil preview on the app for The Usos special!! Tune in Nov. 24 after Raw!! #USOOO.”
We can now report that the special will be called “10 Hours to Houston” and will be a thirty-minute special that features The Usos.
WWE SmackDown was taped in Houston, Texas back on October 28th, so it’s likely that the special was filmed during that week.
The Wednesday, November 19th edition of Lucha Underground on the El Rey Network produced approximately 16,000 viewers, which was down from the 17,000 viewers who tuned into the show the previous week.
Of the 16,000 viewers who tuned in this past Wednesday night, only 5,000 viewers fall into the coveted 18-49 demographic.
To date, the best numbers for an episode of Lucha Underground was for the second episode, which averaged roughly 29,000 viewers.
TNA issued the following regarding their special online, Thanksgiving-edition of Impact Wrestling next week:
Thanksgiving’s Nonstop Action: “Thanksgiving Throwdown” To Air on YouTube This Wednesday
Thanksgiving is here! A time to stuff your face with delicious food, spend time with family and friends, and shop til’ you drop.
Since IMPACT is taking a week off of Spike (returning December 3), TNA is sharing an online exclusive of the best Turkey Bowl matches of all time when “Thanksgiving Throwdown” premieres on YouTube this Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 9/8c.
“Thanksgiving Throwdown” is hosted by everyone’s favorite turkey, Jeremy Borash, and gives you the best Turkey Bowl matches in TNA history. Relive the hilarious moments when grown men must put on the famous TNA turkey suit.
Also, ShopTNA is starting Black Friday early for fans who watch the show. Get an exclusive offer revealed during the “Thanksgiving Throwdown” YouTube broadcast. One lucky fan that places an order at ShopTNA through Black Friday will win a World Heavyweight Championship replica belt.
So gather the family and watch TNA’s “Thanksgiving Throwdown” premiering Wednesday at 9/8c exclusively on YouTube with on-demand replays available through midnight on Black Friday.
And be sure to watch IMPACT as we return to Spike December 3.
The following are highlights of a new Reno Gazette-Journal interview with Roman Reigns:
On those who call him a “mini-John Cena”: Last time I checked, I’m 6’3″ 265 pounds, which is bigger than John Cena. Last time I checked, my hair is long and jet black, and last time I checked John Cena’s isn’t. I’m way better looking and I’m way more athletic than he is so for anybody to compare me to him is completely asinine.”
On fans comparing the success of the former Shield members: “This is what everybody needs to understand, we’re all doing awesome. I mean, we’re all in that very top ring, we’re all top competitors and we’re all the future of the WWE. For any fan to complain that one of us is doing better than the other … is just complete B.S.”
– WWE Superstars The Usos teased that they will be featured in a new WWE Network special after this coming Monday’s edition of RAW. The Usos wrote the following: “Check out a lil preview on the app for The Usos special!! Tune in Nov. 24 after Raw!! #USOOO”
– The new “Shoot Nation” heel faction in NXT has a new member, as Tucker Knight is now part of the group. Knight was an amateur wrestler at Arizona State University. With his inclusion, the group now consists of Chad Gable, Angelo Dawkins, Jason Jordan, Sawyer Fulton and Knight.
– WWE is asking fans to record brief messages thanking the U.S. Troops for their service, some of which will be selected and used during the company’s upcoming “Tribute To The Troops” special in December. For more information, click here.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley posted the following on Facebook about wanting to return to WWE television as a General Manager.
“Everywhere I go these days, I am asked about the rumor that I will be the next GM of WWE Monday Night Raw. Yes, I’ve heard the rumor – but the runor’s only out there because I started it by writing last week that I would probably do it if asked. But as far as I know, that’s ALL there is to it, BUT, if the authority loses this Sunday at #SurvivorSeries, it does seem like there will be a shift in power – and possibly a new GM.”
– The latest edition of Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show” podcast, which features an interview with veteran pro wrestling journalist Bill Apter, is now online. The official description for the show reads as follows:
SASu – EP170 – Bill Apter of Pro Wrestling Illustrated
“Bill Apter, formerly of Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine, talks to the “1990 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie Of The Year” (that’s Steve Austin in case you’re wondering) about Buddy Rogers, the death of the territories, the Von Erich family legacy, Gary Hart, Eddie Graham finishes, the Andy Kaufman-Jerry Lawler feud, Hulk Hogan in Rocky III, and the MRI machine that almost got the best of our favorite G.I.A.N.T. (global icon and national treasure).”
– The official WWE Survivor Series poster is featured on the latest edition of WWE’s “Canvas 2 Canvas” web show, which you can see below.
Resistance Pro Wrestling owners Gabriel Baron and Jacques Baron issued the following statement, addressing the departure of Billy Corgan from the promotion:
RESISTANCE Pro Fans and Friends,
As many of you may have heard, Billy Corgan has left his role as Creative Director for RESISTANCE Pro. Owners Gabriel and Jacques Baron – as well as the staff and roster of RESISTANCE Pro – will be eternally in his debt for everything he did during his time with us. He opened up doors and offered opportunities to us that would otherwise had been unobtainable for an independent professional wrestling promotion. His creative outlook and noble dedication to charity have inspired us since day one, and we will continue to keep those lessons near and dear to our hearts. There would not have been a RESISTANCE Pro without him guiding it since its inception back in 2011, and we will always respect and be in his debt for that.
RESISTANCE Pro has always been a professional wrestling company and that is what we will continue to be. Our sense of community is the heart of the company that keeps us moving forward into 2015. The New Year offers many new possibilities, change, and a challenge to ourselves that only we can meet. On January 17, 2015 we present our first show of 2015 – ANIMALS – in this new era of RESISTANCE Pro. It’s a fundraiser for the South Suburban Humane Society – a charitable cause that does amazing work in our community. We ask that longtime fans of R-Pro join us that evening to celebrate our past and the curious give us the opportunity to entertain you with an exciting new product. Our goal is to entertain and have fun while doing some good. Let’s make that happen – together.
Happy Holidays and thank you for your support,
Gabriel Baron
Jacques BaronOwners
RESISTANCE Pro, LLC.
