– The official SyFy Network schedule that at one point had WWE SmackDown listed as a Thursday night show, has updated to now list the show as airing on Friday nights.
– WWE posted the following tweet on their official Twitter account to promote tonight’s Divas tag-team match.
The @BellaTwins on opposing teams?! Brie teams w/ @WWEAJLee vs. Nikki & @RealPaigeWWE TONIGHT! http://t.co/ya9EIpSZC3 pic.twitter.com/lTiwu6NTFt
— WWE (@WWE) September 15, 2014
Former WWE Superstar CM Punk appeared at the Riot Fest music event in Chicago on Sunday afternoon. Punk performed on stage with The Bouncing Souls.
As previously reported, WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair has been hospitalized in Georgia for several days due to a series of health issues which resulted in some minor surgeries.
Flair is currently still hospitalized and despite being advertised for this week’s SmackDown taping, he is no longer scheduled to appear. He was also scheduled to appear at Sunday’s Night Of Champions pay-per-view, however that seems to be off as well.
(Credit: F4WOnline.com)
– There will be a RAW pre-show this week on the WWE Network, however there will not be a Backstage Pass post-show after the event. After RAW ends this week on television, the WWE Network will follow it up with episode one of WWE Slam City.
– Speaking of the WWE Network, the WWE Countdown episode that airs this week will look at the top ten moments from Royal Rumble pay-per-views.
– Finally, as noted on Sunday, the Monday Night War episode on the WWE Network this Tuesday will focus on Bret Hart and the Montreal Screwjob. Below is the official synopsis for that show.
“A controversial end to Bret Hart’s WWE career forever changes the fate of Monday Night Raw and Monday Nitro.”
The following are highlights of a new interview with Jack Swagger:
On WrestleMania XXX earlier this year: “It was definitely one of my favorite WrestleManias. I’ve been a part of six. It was a different type of atmosphere there, and it was a very special moment, at least for me. I know a couple of other superstars really enjoyed it as well, and not just Bourbon Street. Going back there, I’m very excited.”
On his babyface turn: “It was one of those organic things that came about, and we started using it to close the promos. Now, it has a whole life of its own. It’s pretty cool. It shows the beauty of the WWE. The WWE Universe is going to like what they like, and they’re going to get behind it.”
Check out the complete interview at NOLA.com.
This week’s TNA Impact Wrestling tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania will be the final live events in the United States for the company. As a result, a number of TNA’s production crew members will be finishing their runs with the promotion at these events.
TNA may end up producing some episodes of Impact Wrestling that will consist of mostly clips, highlights and storyline reviews. They will go that route if they end up not having enough material to air on Spike TV once they’re finished with this week’s tapings in Bethlehem.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
– Although the original belief was that due to his felony conviction, Jeff Hardy would not be allowed into Japan for this year’s TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view. Apparently that is not the case and that if both TNA and Hardy were interested in having him work the Bound For Glory show, he should be able to.
– There’s a belief among some of TNA talent that the company have made an offer to get Bully Ray to return and finish out the tag-team series with The Wolves and The Hardy Boys. As we noted on Sunday, Bully Ray is now being advertised to appear at Bound For Glory.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
In a new article on the WWE website that looks at John Cena’s ten biggest rivals, the company finally acknowledged and confirmed CM Punk’s departure from the promotion. Below is an excerpt from the feature that details the portion related to Punk.
“It takes a bold, bold man to call himself The Best in the World without any hint of showmanship to it. CM Punk was nothing if not bold. The self-appointed heir apparent to Cena as the face of professional wrestling, Punk’s agitation over being passed over festered into an earth-shattering “pipe bomb” that took Cena, the McMahons, and the institution of sports-entertainment itself to task. He then promptly won Cena’s WWE Title and gallivanted off into retirement, but you probably don’t need Wikipedia to know The Straight Edge Superstar couldn’t stay away for long. He eventually came back to further challenge Cena’s dominance and beat him more often than not. These two were having classic matches for years after that initial clash. Perhaps the greatest disappointment in Punk’s untimely departure is knowing they definitely had a few more in them.”
You can check out the complete article at WWE.com.
Last week, WWE removed the remaining CM Punk merchandise from the WWEShop online store. As noted earlier, a search for “CM Punk” now brings up an error message, asking the user if they meant to search for “CM Pink.”
WWE Hall Of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts finally returned to Twitter after dealing with his medical issues that we have been reporting about for the past few weeks. Roberts posted a series of tweets covering his health scare and how he’s feeling now, which you can read below.
Wow, what a scary couple of weeks. So appreciative to be alive & on the mend. Thank u all for the love and support. I will keep you posted.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 11, 2014
Need a bit more time to recover. I will be back to normal & out there thanking all of you for the kindness and support in a couple weeks.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 11, 2014
Pneumonia did some serious damage. Sickest I've ever been. Healing time ??? Just unsure how long. Hospital and dr. super.double icy no joke.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
Will b slow recovery ask need biopsy on lungs and another area. Test next week also. Attitude and attention to detail was the word of day.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
Well a good dog gets a bone every now and then. Received great surptise and moment that has lifted my spirits out of space.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
Great moment all weekend for me as two of my beautiful daughters have come to town with more TLC that I've ever been blessed with. Awesome
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
I can't begin to tell you all I am walking with spring n my steps. God truly blessed me with so much and I now appreciate and treasure all!!
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
The WWE as busy and multi headed hands full took the time and saw to b sure that I had best dr.,nurses,hospital and family had everything
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
I am so sincere and proud to b a part of FAMILY!!!! With all that I have on my plate it becomes so comforting to know WWE has my back!!!
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 13, 2014
227lbs. All the way from 308lbs how sweet is that? Granted pneumonia not a good way to achieve but I'm still taking it.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 15, 2014
Unbielevable weekend having two of my daughters taking care of me. Also took some time to scratch the past and try to soothe the wounds.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 15, 2014
Don't think I can ever get back n ring. I have came a long ways n last two years and know how hard it is to get ready and how easy to lose
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 15, 2014
My heart screams hell yes. The health issues big concern. The fear of doing anything that would cost me the chance to play w grandchdren!!!
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) September 15, 2014
TNA’s Director Of New Media Bill Banks recently noted online that he and the TNA crew have been working on a new show called “TNA Legends.”
Below is a photo of Jeremy Borash on the set of the new show. There is currently no word as to when or where the show will air, however it’s possible that it will be for international markets.
Hosting a new show called "TNA Legends" – look for it later this year! pic.twitter.com/pvnTBdTSTv
— Jeremy Borash (@JeremyBorash) September 14, 2014
The following are highlights of a new Main Event Radio interview with Trish Stratus:
Transitioning from Fitness to Pro Wrestling: “In fitness you’re training for asthetics to look good and to sculpt your body a certain way. In wrestling you’re training to perform. In fitness I was traveling all over the world but in wrestling it was 300 days a year, so it was a little bit of an adjustment. But I loved it, the challenge, taking in new things and taking in a new industry altogether. I’m kind of like a tomboy so a lot of the sports played – varsity hockey and soccer. I was kinda known as the goon on the team so I was used to being rough and able to take it. I used to wrestle with my cousins when I was a kid. When I first started, I had my share of bruises and my moments where I thought this is tougher than I thought but I loved it, embraced it and looked forward to the challenge.”
Working with Test and Albert as “T&A”: “They were awesome. Test, God bless him, was actually a jerk to me. He was pretty mean to me, was giving me tough love at the beginning. He made me prove myself first. Albert was amazing, great friend, and still a great friend. They gave me the opportunity to be by their side. I really got to learn front row. Take it all in, see the reactions, the mannerisms and all these little things that makes a good performance and got to use these things when I got to be on the other side of the ropes.”
Main Eventing an episode of Monday Night Raw: “Completely an honor to be able to have that spot. We both arrived and couldn’t believe it; it was like we’re WHAT tonight! We knew this was our chance to prove that the women could hang with the boys. We worked just as hard as they did, the fans embraced it. We came back to big applause from our co-workers which meant a lot. I’m very blessed to have the career I did and have the people that I worked with to support the career I did. It’s not a one-man show. It takes two to tango and it takes even more to put on a wrestling production. I’m just so grateful for all the people I was surrounded with.”
WWE Hall of Fame Induction: “Just an honor. You’re being recognized by your peers; your colleagues. Going in as the youngest was nice instead of hustling and bustling being an old bird coming up onto the stage. It was nice to be in my prime. And we represented the modern day divas, [Lita] this year and me last. I’m curious to see who they will choose next. A huge honor.”
Thoughts on Total Divas: “I enjoy the show. I think it’s great. I enjoy watching the drama just like you do. It’s a reality show. We are glued to it to watch things unfold. It’s enough of a glimpse into the wrestling world without too much to give our secrets away so I appreciate that.”
If she is pondering an in-ring return: “Every time I have returned it’s been on the basis that the door is never closed. If some awesome opportunity pops up and it sounds fun and challenging and it’s something I haven’t done before. That’s kind of how each thing has happened. I have a great relationship with WWE and we’re always chatting ideas. You never know, retirement is used very loosely in the wrestling world. There are lots of great workers right now. Seeing Brie and Stephanie in there a couple of weeks ago made me kind of excited again. So we’ll see what happens. You know if that Stephanie keeps up her ways there is one woman that I know can put her in her place, just saying…me!”
Check out the complete interview at MainEventRadio.com.
Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana.
With WWE Night of Champions just 6 days away, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar returns. Hell have a face-to-face confrontation with his opponent this Sunday, John Cena.
RAW will also feature a Divas tag title match, with Divas Champion Paige and Nikki Bella vs. AJ Lee and Brie Bella.
Other tops stars appearing on RAW include Roman Reigns, The Wyatt Family, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins and Kane.
The advertised dark match main event will see Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho teaming up against Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.
As always, join us here tonight for our Live Coverage of WWE RAW.
Last week during the NXT Takeover 2 media conference call, WWE COO Triple H explained his vision for the developmental promotion, saying that he wants it to become a third brand on par with RAW and SmackDown.
During the latest WWE.com interview with Michael Cole, Triple H he wants NXT to be more than what ECW was, an alternative to WWE and WCW. He sees NXT having the potential to be like WCW was, “without the eventual going out of business part.”
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair was hospitalized last week, according to a report at OvertimeNation.com.
Flair had been scheduled to appear at NXT Takeover 2, where he was set to introduce Hideo Itami (Kenta), but was pulled from the show due to “personal reasons.”
According to the report, Flair was hospitalized at the Gwinneth Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia last Tuesday (September 9th).
While there is still no confirmation regarding the nature of Flair’s medical issue, there is some speculation that he might have had stomach surgery. Flair is said to have visited Gwinneth Medical Center at least twice since early September.
Flair is still being advertised for Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings, where he is supposed to be the special guest referee for the Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton dark match.
Hopefully it’s nothing serious, check back here for updates on Flair’s condition.
– With the opening weekend of the films, “No Good Deed” and “Dolphin Tale 2,” Batista’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” fell to number three this week, earning a reported $8.04 million this weekend in its seventh week in theaters.
– The “Monday Night War” episode of the WWE Network next week will focus primarily on Bret Hart jumping ship to WCW, the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” and that whole ordeal.
– Luke Harper of The Wyatt Family is reportedly currently working through some type of eye injury. We don’t have a lot of details in terms of the severity of the injury, however when additional information surfaces, we will be sure to update you here on the site.
– Former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio will be working his first official match with the Mexican-based AAA promotion tonight.
(Partial Credit: F4WOnline.com)
In addition to the NXT names we reported earlier today that are scheduled to work next week’s WWE television tapings, which included Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn and Tyler Breeze, former NXT Tag-Team Champions The Ascension are also scheduled to be among the NXT talents traveling with the main roster.
All of those NXT names are set to work the non-televised live events with the main roster next week as well. It’s also believed that all of those NXT talents — including others from time-to-time — will be working a pretty regular road schedule with the main roster, meaning next week will not be a one-time thing.
As we reported earlier today, WWE is looking to use NXT stars on the main roster events as a way to cross-promote both brands in a more legitimate fashion.
As far as the opposite-side of cross-promotion is concerned, as has been the case for a while now, main roster WWE Superstars and Divas will continue appearing on the NXT television and live event shows from time-to-time as well.
(Credit: F4WOnline.com)
We are one week away from the WWE’s next pay-per-view, Night of Champions. The card is essentially set and will feature a total of eight matches, with a rematch between John Cena and Brock Lesnar headlining the event.
With every title on the line, the card should provide fans with an exciting event that features a few surprises. Here are five potential Night of Champions shockers.
– WWE is scheduled to finalize several new developmental talent signings, which includes multiple professional athletes and independent wrestlers, in the near future.
– In the latest edition of Eden’s (aka Brandi Rhodes) video blog, she and husband Cody Rhodes exchange wedding anniversary gifts. You can check that out below.
– JoJo Offerman, who was one of the stars of season one of WWE Total Divas, was the ring announcer for NXT Takeover 2 on Thursday night. She also worked as the ring announcer for the NXT television tapings the following night and sang the national anthem before both of the events.
– As noted, Hideo Itami made his official WWE in-ring debut at the aforementioned NXT TV tapings on Friday. Itami’s first match will air on next Thursday’s edition of NXT TV on the WWE Network. Itami’s first match was against Justin Gabriel. He taped additional matches at the tapings and will be featured in each NXT TV show over the next four weeks.
TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley and Bully Ray are now being advertised for TNA Bound For Glory, which takes place in Tokyo, Japan this year.
With Bully Ray being added to the Bound For Glory advertisements, many are speculating that this is another possible sign that he will be staying with the promotion.
Brock Lesnar is known for being dominant so it comes as no surprise that WWE lacks the level of talent to threaten the Beast’s reign. CM Punk held the WWE title for a record 434 days, but never came across as dominant. Lesnar has done something that Punk and many others haven’t been able to in end the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. Perhaps Lesnar will crush Punk’s title record as well.
It is great to see Lesnar as champion, despite the fact that he will hold the gold for an extended period of time. WWE fans have, at times, criticized the company for having weak champions like The Miz, Great Khali and Jack Swagger. That will never be the case with Lesnar. He is a monster champion and whoever does defeat him, when the time comes, will instantly look like a million bucks.
However, the current roster doesn’t have much in terms of credible contenders. This isn’t a way of already looking for someone to take the title from Lesnar. This is a complaint that there aren’t enough credible challengers to face Lesnar in the next few months. John Cena is the top babyface of the company, but someone who Lesnar recently dominated to win the title.
Who will be next?
Veteran stars like the Big Show, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton aren’t going to have a chance against Lesnar. Show and Jericho haven’t been world champion in years. Orton’s most recent title run was his most boring one. Former world champions Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler are current midcard champions. WWE doesn’t have any other possible veteran challengers for Lesnar.
Daniel Bryan is still out with injury and it’s unclear when he will return. Even when he does, Bryan is not someone who comes across as a threat to Lesnar’s reign. His WrestleMania win kicked off a title reign that fans highly anticipated. However, with his marriage, honeymoon, passing of his father and injury, the title reign lost any steam it had. Bryan’s size doesn’t help threaten Lesnar either.
You may be thinking that Roman Reigns or another young star should be the next challenger to Lesnar’s WWE title. This is not a good idea. Even though Reigns was involved in a fatal four way match for the world title just a few months ago, he was never going to win it. The next generation of top stars like Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and even Bray Wyatt are still climbing the ladder. It’s very possible that all four stars will one day be WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but not anytime before WrestleMania.
Whether or not Reigns or another young star is even ready by April remains to be seen. WWE has pushed too many stars too soon. With so many great new stars coming up the ranks, WWE needs to be careful not too push them right away like they did with Alberto Del Rio and Ryback.
There is no obvious answer for who should challenge Lesnar at Hell in a Cell, Survivor Series, TLC or Royal Rumble. WWE may have to “settle” for Cena to continue to challenge Lesnar, but that will not interest fans. There are only so many times WWE can book the same main event, especially when the result is always the same.
Who do you think should challenge Lesnar in the next few months? Does WWE lack credible challengers to Lesnar’s WWE World Heavyweight Championship? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Seth Guttenplan is a math and computer technology teacher for special education students in New Jersey. In his free time, Seth writes about wrestling. Follow Seth on twitter @sethgutt
– The Winner Twins, who became best-selling authors at the age of 12 when they released “The Strand Prophecy,” have taken the Ice Bucket Challenge and challenged WWE Divas The Bella Twins to douse themselves in ice water to raise awareness for ALS. You can check out the video at Paul Heyman’s HeymanHustle.com site.
– Guam Olympic wrestler Jeff Cobb had a tryout at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando this past week. He told Guampdn.com:
“It was pretty much two-a-day workouts of just killing us and seeing if we were going to quit,” he said via telephone from his home in California. “There was a lot of people that had to sit out for a bit, be it from dizziness, cramping, aches and pains, but everybody made it through the three days, some better than others.
Cobb, 32, said getting a tryout in front of Bill DeMott, Billy Gunn and Dusty Rhodes was right up there with the Olympics as one of the biggest moments of his life.
“(The tryout) was one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life,” he said. “Being able to be there and seeing these guys you see on TV, seeing these legends that are there watching you do your craft and giving me feedback. It’s amazing.
“… The Olympics is one thing and pro wrestling is another thing. Both experiences are my top two so far, personal and professional.”
“… Everything was challenging. I took about five ice baths over the three days. It was great, but I was so beat up and sore.”
Despite rumors to the contrary, Jeff Jarrett was not in Los Angeles last weekend for the AAA Lucha Underground tapings. He was in L.A., however he was there scouting venues for potential Global Force Wrestling television tapings.
Jarrett was also rumored to have met with potential investors. He will be making similar trips to the New York and Dallas markets in the near future as well.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)