Home Blog Page 2588

WWE RAW Reaction (12/30): The “YES!” & The “NO!”

5

Happy New Year everyone! Noah Mark is back with his the latest installment of “The YES! & The NO! of WWE RAW.” Comment below and tell us if you agree with this week’s picks.

Complete WWE RAW Results (12/30)


WWE RAW (12/30)

Alright everyone, I’ve been sitting on writing this article to give all of us enough time to digest what we saw on Monday. I didn’t want to make a knee jerk reaction to what I saw. So hopefully here is my calm observation.

Daniel Bryan Takes On Luke Harper - YES!
Daniel Bryan Takes On Luke Harper – YES!

Daniel Bryan Joins The Wyatts: Daniel Bryan is an incredible wrestler, he’s got a likable personality, and he’s good on the mic. Shawn Michaels definitely taught him well, but Bryan has that extra ingredient needed to make a star, that unteachable “it” factor. You either have it, or you don’t. Bryan has it, and it has developed over the years to something a massive audience can get behind. We are in in a time where WWE has failed to match the caliber star power and top new talents of the decades before it. So partly due to John Cena’s injury Daniel Bryan is given the ball. The crowds love him, and are behind him. Daniel Bryan headlines Summer Slam with Cena, followed by the next 3 Pay-Per-Views with Orton. The Pay-Per-View buy rates  were down from the previous year. It shouldn’t rest squarely on Bryan’s shoulders, there is an incredible short shelf on top stars, with practically all of them on John Cena’s level either retired or part time. Look at Survivor Series, headlined by Big Show vs Randy Orton, drawing one if not the lowest Survivor Series buy rates in the PPV’s history. I could argue that Daniel Bryan in the main event SAVED the prior three pay-per-views from a similar dismal buy rate.

Erick Rowan vs Daniel Bryan - YES!
Erick Rowan vs Daniel Bryan – YES!

Nonetheless, back down Daniel Bryan goes on the card, he becomes the scapegoat, pun intended! Bryan’s been in a feud with the Wyatts  since the end of October. My anger and frustration has clouded my appreciation for the Wyatts, and this story line. So let me look at it just from the perspective of the story line alone. The Wyatts have a great persona, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan can hang with the likes of just about anyone in the ring. I feel Bray Wyatt is the weakest wrestler out of the group, but wrestling isn’t the most important talent needed for this, Bray could easily fit in a horror movie, he looks the part and is competent enough. So after two months of mostly Daniel Bryan getting the short end of the stick, on this past Monday’s Raw Bryan is given a chance to go one on one with Bray Wyatt. All Bryan must do is defeat Luke Harper and Derrek Rowen.

Daniel Bryan Joins the Wyatt Family. YES!
Daniel Bryan Joins the Wyatt Family. YES!

After the two matches Bray comes in the ring, the match starts, Erick and Luke join in on the attack. Bray tells Bryan he’s afraid this is where their story ends. He says he has no mercy left to give. He says this is his fault. Bryan says you’re right, you were right all along and joins the Wyatts. (View Full Details here)  So within the story line itself. I’m okay with this, in fact I’m totally fine with this scenario, provided Daniel Bryan is out of this “spell” by The Royal Rumble. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, in this day in age, with people wanting instant gratification, binge-watching full seasons of TV shows in a sitting, I can’t wait 16 weeks for WrestleMania XXX for Daniel Bryan to come out of his spell. Doing so may inflict permanent damage on his popularity. So if Daniel Bryan is “following the buzzards” for four weeks, I’m on board. YES!

 

CM Punk takes on Seth Rollins on an "Off Night" - NO!
CM Punk takes on Seth Rollins on an “Off Night” – NO!

CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: Everyone has an off night,  Seth Rollins and CM Punk didn’t work. there were a few botches, CM Punk tried to cover by turning a move off the ropes into a small package, but it was sloppy. I would imagine most of the heat goes on Seth Rollins, but it takes two to tango. CM Punk on Twitter knew it was a stinker NO!

 

View Page 2 to find out more items and our Overall Raw Rating

Backstage Update On Concern In WWE Over Lesnar vs. Taker At WMXXX

50

As previously reported, WWE was originally planning on a Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The idea came about when Show was feuding with The Authority.

Apparently the plan was for Big Show to go through Randy Orton and The Authority, although he would never win the title, yet he would come out of the program as a solid main eventer. This would set up Show looking strong, making Lesnar look strong for a match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX when he beat Show at the Rumble.

Speaking of Taker vs. Lesnar, there appears to be some concern over a few different issues. One is the physical style that Lesnar has in recent years. Lesnar’s rough style, mixed with the bad physical shape Taker is in, is causing some concern.

Another issue is that many, if not all of Taker’s opponents the last several years have secretly worked out their match with extensive practice before it actually took place. There is some concern within WWE as to whether or not Lesnar would be willing to put in that amount of time preparing for the match.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Update On WWE’s Plans For Hulk Hogan & Roddy Piper At WrestleMania XXX

40

At this point, most in WWE feel that Hulk Hogan will be involved at WrestleMania XXX in some form or fashion.

WWE is considering a number of ideas on how to use Hogan at the big event. One idea has Hogan teaming with John Cena in a tag-team match against The Real Americans.

WWE officials are also discussing bringing in “Rowdy” Roddy Piper for WrestleMania XXX. Ideas involving Piper include Cena and Hogan against Piper and another heel in a tag-team match, Hogan and Piper together against The Real Americans, or a “Legends Match” featuring Hogan vs. Piper one-on-one.

(Credit: PWInsider.com)

Update On CM Punk Showing Frustration & His Future With WWE

52

– Regarding CM Punk’s recent tweets, where he seems to be giving the impression that he is frustrated and tired of traveling, the feeling within WWE is that Punk always talks about leaving when he gets frustrated. Regardless, WWE doesn’t seem to think Punk is leaving the company at any point in the near future.

CM Punk Says His Match On RAW Was “Garbage” & He’s “Sick Of Traveling”

– The following are some recent WWE attendance figures:

December 26th event in Chicago drew 10,000 fans
December 27th event in Hartford drew 7,000 fans
December 27th event in Indianapolis drew 5,500 fans
December 28th event in Newark drew 8,000 fans
December 28th event in Detroit drew 6,500 fans
December 29th event in Hershey drew 4,900 fans
December 29th event in Washington, D.C. drew 9,000 fans
December 30th event in Toronto drew 7,000 fans
December 30th event in Richmond drew 8,000 fans

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Backstage News On Why HHH Isn’t Signing Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards

28

According to reports, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards will not be returning at the next set of WWE NXT television tapings, nor will they be offered a contract by WWE.

Apparently Triple H didn’t want to sign the two after their recent WWE tryout due to their size. The feeling within WWE right now is that the company has enough talent that isn’t very big, but can “go” in the ring. Because of this mindset, the company was looking for guys who fit a different description in the most recent tryout camp.

TNA Interested In Signing Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards

A lot of people reportedly went to bat for Richards and Edwards, saying that not only should WWE sign them, but should immediately push them to the main roster. Ultimately, WWE decided not to sign the two.

Undertaker Asks To Work With Top Star At WMXX, Mysterio Update, Cena/Wyatt

83

– With The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar currently planned for WrestleMania XXX, it’s worth noting that The Undertaker has specifically asked to work with Daniel Bryan in a match at the show. Whether or not WWE runs with that idea remains to be seen, but obviously if Taker himself is requesting it, it will carry a lot of weight during the decision-making process.

– Rey Mysterio’s leg is said to be getting stronger and he is reportedly trying to work his way back into top ring shape.

– According to one source, John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt is still being discussed as a potential top match for WrestleMania XXX.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Update On Ultimate Warrior In WWE HOF, Chris Jericho/WWE Return Rumors

6

– People who are considered to be “in the know,” who were aware of Chris Jericho’s previous WWE returns, say they have heard nothing about Jericho returning any time in the near future. Basically, Jericho seems to be telling the truth when he says he has no plans to return to the company at any point in the forseeable future.

– WWE legend The Ultimate Warrior is expected to have some type of role at WrestleMania XXX. Many expect Warrior’s role to be an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame.

  • Ultimate Warrior/WMXXX Update, News On Royal Rumble Surprises & More

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Backstage News On Old School RAW, Update On Mae Young’s Condition

    11

    – A lot of people in WWE apparently feel the company is being hypocrites by inviting Ric Flair to the Old School RAW show next week, and not Jim Ross. You may recall, JR was basically forced out of WWE due to his inability to “handle” Flair during the infamous WWE 2K14 symposium, yet the company invited Flair to Old School RAW, and as of Wednesday, had not extended an invitation to “Good Ole’ JR” to appear.

    – Speaking of Old School RAW, as previously reported, WWE Hall Of Famer Mae Young was invited by the company to appear being being hospitalized recently. We noted earlier that Young is out of the hospital and back home. Her condition is described as “stable” and she is able to speak again, although her voice apparently sounds weak and tired.

  • News On Who Will Be At Old School RAW + Royal Rumble Surprises

    (Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE’s Major Announcement Coming Next Week, Royal Rumble Note

    2

    – WWE will make their “groundbreaking announcement” next Wednesday, January 8th at the International CES at the Wynn Hotel, which is expected to be the official announcement of the WWE Network. Vince McMahon will be on hand to make the announcement, along with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena and others.

    – The 2014 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view is slated for both a DVD and Blu-ray release in February.

    Jim Ross Teases “Major Sports” Business Opportunity, JR/Sugar Bowl Note

    4

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently tweeted the following regarding a potential future business opportunity:

    – JR also tweeted this one about his whereabouts tonight:

  • Jim Ross To Work For UFC?, News On Major Royal Rumble Surprises & More
  • Lawler Parties With Hogan & Hart (Photo), Rock Having $4.5 Million Home Built

    4

    – According to The South Florida Business Journal, former WWE Superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is having a $4.5 million home built in Broward County, Florida. Check out the full story online at BizJournals.com.

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler noted on Twitter recently that he spent his New Year’s Eve at Hogan’s Beach in Florida. Lawler tweeted the following photo of himself with Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart:

  • More Rare WWE Photos, Update On Rock’s WWE Return, Royal Rumble Surprise News!
  • Sting Talks Dixie Carter/Hardy Storyline, Kurt Angle Hypes “Big Announcement”

    4

    – TNA star Sting recently posted the following tweet. Before any rumors get started, Sting is referring to the the TNA storyline regarding Jeff Hardy, not Jeff Jarrett.

    – TNA star Kurt Angle hyped tonight’s Impact Wrestling with the following tweet:

  • Update On Sting To WWE, Kurt Angle Talks WWE Return, + TNA Sale Update!
  • Kurt Angle Speaks On A Possible WWE Return, His Drug Addiction, Personal Issues

    29

    During a recent interview with WEEI.com, TNA star Kurt Angle revealed he will be a free agent next summer and also opened up about his drug addition and divorce. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    On a possible return to WWE: “I can’t say I’ll never go back. My contract is up in eight months, so we’ll see.”

    On going for an Olympic Gold Medal contributing to his drug addiction: “I realize now I can’t. There’s nothing I can do that will top that. Nothing. Not pro wrestling, not acting, not getting into MMA. Nothing will give me that feeling. I need to stop competing with myself. I tend to try to outdo myself quite a bit. But if I don’t do that, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. I like to challenge myself all the time.”

    On his divorce and other personal issues: “The divorce and my personal issues have been a blessing. Now my life is in a much better place. I’m clean and sober, and I don’t want to go back.”

    Check out the complete interview online at WEEI.com.

    Chris Jericho & VH-1 Host Talk About Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, More

    1

    VH-1’s “That Metal Show” co-host Eddie Trunk was the guest on the latest edition of Chris Jericho’s new “Talk Is Jericho” podcast. During the interview, the two spoke a lot about the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

    “The president of the Hall of Fame came into my radio show to try to, kinda, discuss it with me and calm me down a little bit so I know that for a fact, it resonated,” Trunk said during the interview.

    To listen to the complete interview, visit PodcastOne.com/Talk-Is-Jericho.

    As noted previously, Jericho’s next guest on “Talk Is Jericho” will be WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart.

  • Huge Surprises For The 2014 WWE Royal Rumble Match Revealed
  • Former WWE Creative Writer Reveals Top Wrestling Pet Peeves Of 2013

    5

    SESCOOPS.COM reader Phil Johnson sent along the following:

    Former WWE Creative Writer Andrew Goldstein, has joined PWMania.com and will be publishing weekly columns on pro wrestling and more. In Goldstein’s debut column, he explains his Top eight wrestling pet peeves of 2013. Here is an excerpt from his article:

    “#8 – Legal Storylines:

    We get it, lawyers are the most hated people on the planet so it should stand to reason that if a heel threatens a babyface with a flimsy lawsuit or trots out his two-bit lawyer (David Otunga, in most cases) to back-up his dastardly cause with some threatening legal mumbo-jumbo – such acts of extreme cowardice should garner that heel, nuclear heat. Furthermore, taking legal action in a wrestling storyline should be the ultimate show of gutlessness by a bad guy – The most chicken-shit weapon in a chicken-shit heel’s arsenal. Problem is, true, ticket-selling, seat-filling, holy sh*t moment inducing heat happens when a heel operates above the law, not when he hides behind it.

    The most chicken-shit heel of all time, Ric Flair never had to threaten Dusty Rhodes with an injunction prohibiting him from using his “Bionic Elbow”, instead, he simply had his Horsemen slam the American Dream’s arm in the door of his Mercedes in the Crockett parking lot.

    For the kids reading, HHH shouldn’t have had to sue the Big Show to get him to stop interrupting his main events with WMD’s. Wouldn’t it have been more compelling if he enlisted the Shield or the Wyatt’s or hell, even 3MB to break the giant’s frying pan of a hand instead? (Sorry, I got carried away with that last one)

    Bottom line is, wrestling used to be an outlaw sport conducted in the Wild West. Now, too often it resembles just another legal drama on USA. Sure, lawsuits and injunctions and holding titles in abeyance help move storylines along on paper, but in a wrestling ring they just get in the way.”

    You can read Andrew Goldstein’s column, “Goldstein on Rasslin” in its entirety at PWMania.com.

  • Huge Surprises For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match Revealed
  • Mae Young Back Home, Trish Stratus & Lita Doing Internet Q&A, More

    5

    – Former WWE Divas Trish Stratus and Lita will be doing a Q&A with fans through Trish’s official website in the near future. Fans interested in submitting questions for the Q&A can do so at TrishStratus.com.

    – As we noted recently, WWE Hall Of Famer Mae Young was hospitalized. Young has since been sent home and is able to speak again. She is, however, still under hospice care.

  • Huge Update On WWE’s Planned Surprises For The 2014 Royal Rumble!
  • Video: Highlights From The Wedding Of Matt Hardy & Reby Sky

    10

    Former WWE Superstar Matt Hardy recently added a five minute highlight video from his recent wedding to Reby Sky. The video is accompanied by the following description:

    “Reby and I invite you to relive all of the great moments of our wedding day, as well as the actually ceremony and reception. It was a magical day that we wanted to share with all of you, ENJOY!”

    Dixie Carter Hypes TNA’s 2014, TNA Asks Fans Who Will Have Best Year, More

    6

    – The official TNA website is currently running a poll asking fans to vote on who they feel will have the most success in TNA in 2014. The options are Lei’D Tapa, Ethan Carter III, Samuel Shaw, Norv Fernum and Dewey Barnes. At least check, EC3 was leading the poll by a wide margin. You can vote now at ImpactWrestling.com.

    – TNA president Dixie Carter hyped her company’s potential for 2014 in a recent Twitter post. Carter tweeted the following:

  • Major Update On TNA’s Future — Latest Backstage News On The TNA Sale
  • ESPN References Hulk Hogan In NFL Playoffs Article, Former WWE Stars/FSOW

    0

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan was referenced by the official ESPN website after he released a seemingly random promotional video hyping the NFL’s New England Patriots prior to the NFL playoffs. Check out the article online at ESPN.com.

    – Future Stars Of Wrestling has announced a host of former WWE Superstars appearing at their 2014 kick-off show on Saturday in Nevada. Among the former WWE Superstars appearing on the card are Matt Hardy, The Godfather, Shelly Martinez, Sinn Bodhi and more. For more information on the event, visit FutureStarsOfWrestling.com.

  • Latest Backstage News On WWE’s Plans For Hulk Hogan At WrestleMania XXX
  • Photos Of Every WWE Diva In History, Note On Rose Bowl Game, More

    5

    – Michigan State won the College Football Rose Bowl game on Wednesday. During their post-game celebration in the locker room, the whole team did Daniel Bryan’s “Yes!” chant together. (Thanks to Mario Castrodale for sending that along)

    – WWE has added a new photo gallery on their official website containing pictures of every WWE Diva in history. The company tweeted the following about the new gallery:

  • Tons Of WWE Diva Photos, Behind-The-Scenes Pics & More! **CLICK HERE**
  • Press Release: Official Launch Of John Cena’s New Weight Loss Program

    10

    The following was issued today:

    IT’S CHANGE TIME! JOHN CENA LAUNCHES 10 WEEKS BODYCHANGE

    World Renowned Pro-Wrestling Champion Becomes Your Personal Coach To Help You Lose Weight, Get Fit, and Look Sexy.

    NEW YORK, N.Y. – January 2, 2013: Today, WWE Superstar, John Cena, unveils a groundbreaking weight loss program for the U.S. with which users have already lost a total of over 4.2 million pounds around the world. Built on the three key pillars of NUTRITION, EXERCISE, and, most importantly, MOTIVATION, 10 Weeks BodyChange is a simple, effective, and natural way to shed the extra pounds and kick start a healthier lifestyle in the new year.

    In this innovative 10-week program, Cena takes a personal approach, showing up at each “BodyChanger’s” house several times a week via online videos. Not only will the wrestling legend and fitness buff lead and teach users through preparing healthy recipe options, but he will also guide them step-by-step through each workout, providing the ultimate motivation day after day.

    “After my father was diagnosed with multiple health issues due to being overweight, I was motivated to create an easy and effective regimen that would help him lose weight without compromising his lifestyle completely,” says Cena. “That’s when I discovered a program in Europe that has already helped thousands of people lose weight in a fast and healthy way. I brought this proven formula to the U.S. and combined it with my experience as a professional athlete and knowledge from my degree in Movement Studies Exercise Science. The result was the 10 Weeks BodyChange program. It helped my dad lose 46 pounds, and now I am excited to share it with other people who want to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s Change Time!”

    Subscribing to the nutrition plan is the cornerstone to 10 Weeks BodyChange. According to Cena, it is crucial to losing weight, but that doesn’t mean starving yourself and counting calories every day. As part of the program, Cena will share the proprietary nutrition plan he developed along with advice from expert nutritionists which users will follow for six days a week to help them lose weight. And for one day a week, all “BodyChangers” are encouraged to indulge in a “Load Day” and eat and drink whatever they like to help prevent any cravings.

    10 Weeks BodyChange is NOT about lifting lots of weights or spending hours in the gym. The workout sessions are twice a week for 20 minutes each. Led by Cena as their personal coach, each is an efficient, full-body workout that focuses on weight loss. Appropriate for all fitness levels, the moves start low-impact and then become progressively more challenging through the 10 weeks to really drive results.

    Staying motivated is often the biggest challenge in successfully losing weight. The unique advantage of 10 Weeks BodyChange, is that users receives the content in their email on a weekly basis so that it is easy to stay motivated and engaged. Unlike with a DVD program, users do not get lost with vast amounts of content but wait in anticipation for each week’s new content. And with Cena as their personal coach every step of the way, the users have a very intimate and motivating experience. He actually participates in every cooking and workout video, so the user is never doing it alone. Each member also has access to BodyChange’s SuccessTool, where progress can be tracked throughout the 10 weeks.

    10 Weeks BodyChange has already launched in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and Brazil. To learn more about the program, members can sign up for free at www.changetime.com. A complete personalized platform for 10 weeks costs $99 and arrives instantly through individuals’ online accounts.

  • Updated Plans For WMXXX Revealed + News On Royal Rumble Surprises [>>]
  • RVD Wrestling Again, John Morrison Q&A, News On James Avery, More

    6

    – James Avery, who was most known for his role as “Uncle Phil” on “The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air,” passed away at age 65 on Wednesday. Avery also worked as the voice for the late WWE Hall Of Famer Junkyard Dog on the old Hulk Hogan’s Rock & Wrestling cartoon.

    – There is a new Q&A with former WWE Superstar John Morrison up at John-Morrison.net.

    – Former WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam will be working at Booker T’s upcoming “Reality Of Wrestling” event on January 11th in Houston, Texas.

  • Update On RVD’s Possible WWE Return, Royal Rumble Surprises & More
  • Daniels Video Interview, TNA Hypes In-Ring Debut At Impact, James Storm

    11

    – TNA star Christopher Daniels recently appeared on Up At Noon With Greg Miller to talk about working as a pro wrestler, being in the buisness for 20 years and more. You can check out the video of the appearance online at IGN.com.

    – TNA hyped the in-ring debut of Sam Shaw at tonight’s Impact Wrestling on Twitter. The official TNA Twitter account tweeted the following on Thursday afternoon:

    – Speaking of tonight’s Impact Wrestling, TNA star James Storm will be handling the “InterActive Second Screen Experience” duties for the show this week. TNA tweeted the following:

  • Huge Update On The Future Of TNA — New Backstage News On The Sale Rumors
  • Ric Flair Speaks On His Kids In Wrestling, Cody Rhodes On Dusty Rhodes, More

    0

    WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair and WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes recently spoke to the Tampa Tribune about second generation wrestlers. The following are some highlights:

    Ric Flair on pushing his children away from pro wrestling: “I never pushed any of my kids into it. I pushed them away from it because I know how difficult it is.”

    Flair on his son David Flair’s wrestling career: “It just wasn’t for him. One thing about this business is that you better love it because it is hard. He is happier now than he ever was when he was part of it.”

    Cody Rhodes on people wanting him to be like Dusty Rhodes: “A lot of people preferred me to pander to those fans. They wanted me to dye my hair blonde like my dad, do his moves like the jab and the elbow, and talk like him.”

    Check out the complete interview online at TBO.com.

  • Update On Ric Flair At RAW Next Week + Updated Plans For WMXXX Revealed
  • Joey Styles Offers Advice On How To Get Hired By WWE, Aspiring Announcers

    2

    The following are highlights from a recent Temple-News interview with WWE’s Joey Styles:

    On college students who want to work for WWE: “Call the H.R. department of the company you desire to work at, and tell them what you can do and that you’re willing to work for free. WWE has unpaid interns every single summer and winter break, and I know at least three who graduated and became employees. It’s definitely about making connections to be where you want to be, but you make your own luck. Don’t wait for your break, make it.”

    On those who aspire to be wrestling announcers: “You have to know the product backwards and forwards, intern somewhere in the broadcasting profession, and get experience on the air. Just keep in mind you’re talking about an industry where there is only one company where you can make a living at calling wrestling matches, so you should probably widen your potential employers and fields you want to go in.”

    Check out the complete interview online at Temple-News.com.

  • Backstage News On Major SURPRISES At The Royal Rumble PPV — CLICK HERE!