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Triple H & Bruno Sammartino Featured In Part Two Of Five-Part MSG Series

Matt Boone
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WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino and current WWE executive Triple H will be featured in part two of “The Garden Transformed: Year Three,” a five-part series airing on MSG. The episode featuring Sammartino and HHH is scheduled to air on Saturday at 10:30pm E.T.

“Even around the world, this is how they know me,” said Sammartino. “In Argentina, in Brazil, I remember going to Australia, all the trips I did in Japan, you know how they’d advertise me? ‘From Madison Square Garden, Bruno Sammartino.’”

For more information, visit Newsday.com.

(Thanks to Joshua Stewart from Newsday for passing along the link.)

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW

    • “Rowdy” Roddy Piper Confirmed For Ring Of Honor TV Taping On January 4th

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    Ring Of Honor issued the following on Monday:

    AN APPEARANCE BY A LEGEND & TWO BIG MATCHES SIGNED FOR NASHVILLE!
    SATURDAY, JAN 4TH, 2014 – NASHVILLE FAIRGROUNDS

    Ring of Honor’s first television taping of 2014 is less than two weeks away! On Saturday, January 4th, all the stars of ROH will be in Nashville. This event will host the first rounds of the 2014 Top Prospect Tournament. We can now confirm an appearance by a LEGEND and two more giant matches for
    Nashville!

    ROWDY RODDY PIPER will make a very special appearance Saturday, January 4th for the fans in Nashville. This will be a rare chance to meet a Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer. Autographs will be available for a fee.

    “Mr Wrestling” Kevin Steen vs. Chris Hero

    Finally, we know Chris Hero’s first opponent as he returns to ROH – Kevin Steen! While Hero has already been announced as part of a major tag team match at Wrestling’s Finest in Pittsburgh, Nashville will host his very first match back in Ring of Honor. At Final Battle, Kevin Steen defeated Michael Bennett in a brutal brawl that destroyed the ringside area. While an incredibly talented wrestler in his own right, in recent years former ROH Champion Steen has tended toward ring apron power bombs and steel chairs over trading holds with his opponents. Nashville is going to see a huge styles clash as he welcomes the technically savvy Chris Hero back to ROH.

    Chris Hero has made clear he has his sights set on Adam Cole and the ROH World Championship. His return matches to Ring of Honor will be his chance to prove he is still one of the best wrestlers on the planet, and Hero knows all eyes are on him. A collision with Kevin Steen could derail the comeback before it’s even started – or it could be the catalyst that sends Chris Hero barreling straight toward Adam Cole and Matt Hardy.

    ROH World TV Championship
    ROH World TV Champion “Sicilian Psychopath” Tommaso Ciampa vs Silas Young

    At Final Battle 2013, Tommaso Ciampa finally captured what has eluded him his entire Ring of Honor career: the ROH World TV Championship. He defeated longest reigning champion Matt Taven and destroyed the HOT at the same time. Ciampa has persevered a through horrifying injury and rehabilitation to begin 2014 more motivated and dominant than ever before. In Nashville, he makes his very first TV Title defense against Silas Young!

    Nigel McGuinness is awarding Silas Young a TV Title opportunity after his Final Battle strap match victory against Mark Briscoe. Young has been building momentum in ROH and no doubt sees a title victory as a fitting way to kick off the year. Meanwhile, now that he finally holds ROH gold, there is no way Ciampa is losing his title without an all out war to defeat him. Be there in Nashville to see a huge match between two of the most intense, hardest hitting athletes in Ring of Honor!

    Tickets to this television taping are available HERE. Keep checking rohwrestling.com for updated information on our first show of 2014!

    2014 TOP PROSPECT TOURNAMENT

    Participant #1 – Cory Hollis
    Participant #2 – Raymond Rowe
    Participant #3 – “The Benchmark” Bill Daly
    Participant #4 – Cheeseburger
    Participant #5 – Andrew Everett
    Participant #6 – The Romantic Touch
    Participant #7 – Kongo
    Participant #8 – Hanson

    SIGNED TO APPEAR

    – ROH World Champion: Adam Cole
    – ROH World Tag Team Champions: reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish)
    – Jay Briscoe
    – Mark Briscoe
    – “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin
    – Jay Lethal
    – Michael Bennett with Maria Kanellis
    – Matt Taven
    – Roderick Strong
    – Cedric Alexander
    – Caprice Coleman
    – Plus More

    “Ring of Honor Wrestling” TV Taping
    Saturday, January 4, 2014
    Bell time – 7:00 pm CST

    Tennessee State Fairgrounds/Expo
    625 Smith Avenue
    Nashville, TN 37203

    Click HERE To Purchase Tickets

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match

    • TNA Issues Statement Regarding Jeff Jarrett’s Departure

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    The official TNA website issued the following statement this afternoon regarding Jeff Jarrett’s tweet from earlier today that he has resigned from the company:

    TNA Entertainment, LLC announced today that it has accepted Mr. Jeff Jarrett’s resignation from the company effective January 6th, 2014.

    Dixie Carter, President, commented “On behalf of TNA, we would like to thank Jeff for his contributions to the Company. We wish him the very best and look forward to his continued participation as an investor in TNA Wrestling.” 

    Jeff Jarrett Announces He’s Leaving TNA & Reactions From TNA Stars

    Matt Striker Speaks On Time In WWE, Situation With Justin Credible, Future Plans

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    SESCOOPS.COM reader Pro Wrestling Society sent along the following highlights of a False Finish Radio interview with former WWE Superstar and announcer Matt Striker:

    False Finish: I know you carry a William Regal figure, why?

    MS: My time in WWE, Regal was a mentor and a friend and he had been one of my favorite wrestlers and he need up cooler then i ever thought he would be. The figure reminds me to be as much like regal as possible. He is such a gentleman and he is so humble yet so tough. It reminds me that you need to be a professional.

    False Finish: Talking about the world of sport wrestling, do you think it has a place in USA?

    MS: Hell yeah, back in the day when it was all about the Beatles, the sex pistols came around and boom we got punk. There is a place for everything if it is real and people subscribe it. Hell if there is a place for Miley Cyrus, there is a place for anything

    False Finish: I heard you say on Pro Wrestling 101 that you think of a wrestling ring as a tic-tac-toe board, Can you explain this?

    MS: I draw nine squares in the ring, so when i fall if I can get back to one of the squares then I know Im in proper position. If someone has to move me to a spot for a move, first he is an idiot and second I’m not doing my job. When you pull back the curtain it is a dance, and I want to be the best dance partner possible.

    False Finish: When you debuted in WWE it was against Kurt Angle. What was that like?

    MS: I thought it was a one shot deal, I’m big on faith and I looked up to the heavens and as weird as it sounds, something was carrying me that night. Iwas in the palm of something much greater than me, and that is why that night went as great as it was. It was not human done, it was divine intervention. I never knew it would be a 9 year career.

    False Finish: How is championship wrestling in Hollywood treating you?

    MS: I’ve known of them from before I went to WWE. You see the same going up as you do going down, I never burn bridges. They reached out and said they shoot twice a month in California and asked me to come down and I was sold. There is a lot I love about Cali. It has a great locker room. There are some great wrestlers you need to see like Scorpio Sky, Joey Ryan, Adam Pearce is out there…It is great to be able to see them and work in commentary and production and see guys reach their goals.

    False Finish: What are your thoughts on Justin Credible?

    MS: I respect him, people on the internet talked about the altercation we had in the locker room. We havent seen each other since. I’m not gonna come out and trash the guy. If he throws first let’s do it but I wont throw the first punch.

    False Finish: What are you doing now besides commentating? What are your plans?

    MS: Plans? I’m happy to wrestle and do the seminars. People from all across the world send me clips and I critique and send them back. I’ve been doing acting and stunt work. I just auditioned for and cast in the new Star Trek Equinox. Even if I’m Dead Klingon Number 3, it’s a way for me to be creative.

    False Finish: When you were commentating take us through a day to prepare for something like Raw.

    MS: The prep is ongoing. Josh and I were boys, and we would just talk and try to tie pop culture into wrestling. I like to challenge myself to come up with the coolest ways to make guys interesting. The shows are the same every week. I wanted new facts and I would dive all in to the matches and try to make it entertaining.

    Word association:

    William Regal: Professional.

    Carlito: Body guy.

    Little Guido: He was one of the first main guys I wrestled and he took me under his wing.

    Tommy Dreamer: Friend, when I had nothing and no one would talk to me, Tommy stepped in and he was a brother and a father figure.

    Baseball: Its f*cking awesome

    ECW: Revolutionary, it changed the business. And it could never go back.

    CZW: Great place, I like DJ Hyde, it gives the fans the alternative. Not everyone likes hip hop or pop people need an alternative.

    Kofi: He needs to break out, I want to see that nasty side I don’t want to see the boom kick every night I want to see some growth.

    Vince McMahon: The Don, a lot of people give him a hard time, but who loves wrestling more than Vince… is nobody, he speaks about it every day and everyone in the WWE owes a debt to Vince.

    Big Daddy V: Girthy, DDD cup, he was always good to me I used to have to oil his back. He was a sweetheart.

    Michael Cole: Cole is a story-teller, he knows what Vince wants and he does what is needed and he does his job and helps others.

    Check out the complete interview online at BlogTalkRadio.com.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match

    • Final SmackDown Rating For Friday Lowest In All Of December

    Matt Boone
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    The Friday, December 20th edition of WWE SmackDown scored a final cable rating of 1.91, according to Nielsen Media Research.

    The 1.91 final draw marks a decrease from the previous week’s rating, which came in at a 1.94.

    The number marks the lowest rating for SmackDown in the month of December.

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW

    • TNA Wrestling Confirms Sting For Two Additional Shows In January

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    The following is from ImpactWrestling.com, the official website of TNA Wrestling:

    Sting added to the Jan 10 event in Bristol, TN and Jan 11 event in McMinnville, TN

    Multi-time World Heavyweight Champion “The Icon” Sting has been added to the January 10 live event in Bristol, Tennessee and the January 11 live event in McMinnville, Tennessee! Don’t miss your chance to experience TNA Wrestling LIVE On Tour when it comes to your area!

    January 10: Bristol, Tennessee
    Vance Middle School, 815 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, TN at 7:30 p.m.

    Tickets are on sale at Vance Middle School, Little Italy Pizza and Evermore Comics and Games in Kingsport, online at www.ShopTNA.com/tickets or by phone at 888-786-2TNA (2862)

    Appearing in action will be: “The Icon” Sting, Bully Ray, Samoa Joe, Magnus, Mr. Anderson, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Gunner, The Bro Mans, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries and Gail Kim!

    Event Details: Tickets start at $15 | Fans who purchase a $50 will meet select IMPACT WRESTLING Superstars at an early-entry autograph session at 5:30 p.m.

    January 11: McMinnville, Tennessee
    McMinnville Civic Center, 500 Garfield Street, McMinnville, TN at 7:30 p.m.

    Tickets are on sale by phone at 888-786-2TNA (2862) or online at www.ShopTNA.com/tickets

    Appearing in action will be: “The Icon” Sting, Bully Ray, Samoa Joe, Magnus, Mr. Anderson, Bobby Roode, James Storm, Gunner, The Bro Mans, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries and Gail Kim!

    Event Details: Tickets start at $15 | Fans who purchase a $50 ticket will meet select IMPACT WRESTLING Superstars at an early-entry autograph session at 5:30 p.m.

  • Backstage Update On WWE Attempting To Lure Sting Away From TNA

    • Details Released On TNA’s International PPV Taping In London On February 1st

    Matt Boone
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    The following is from the official website of Wembley Arena:

    TNA IMPACT WRESTLING will tape its first ever international Pay-Per-View events in the UK, as part of the TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour – which comes to Wembley Arena on February 1st.

    TNA also today announces NINE more wrestlers for the MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour – Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle, TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp winner Rockstar Spud, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Brooke, ODB, Knux, Robbie E and Jessie Godderz.

    They will join Bully Ray, Magnus, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries, Manik, James Storm, Gunner and Gail Kim on all four shows.

    Kurt Angle said: “I absolutely love coming to the UK, as does everyone on the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING roster, so am delighted to be returning in 2014.

    To coincide with this announcement, TNA is releasing a special Family Package ticket offer for the MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour.

    Running through until the end of November, those purchasing four tickets across any price band will receive a 20 per cent discount – meaning a family of four can experience TNA IMPACT WRESTLING live from just £72, plus booking fee. Of the four people attending, a maximum of two can be adults (over 16). ID may be checked on arrival to confirm those entering on child tickets are under 16.

    For more information, visit WembleyArena.co.uk.

  • Backstage Update On WWE Attempting To Lure Sting Away From TNA

    • Former WWE Superstar Recalls Rib Involving Randy Orton And The Police

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    SESCOOPS.COM reader Phil Johnson sent along the following:

    Former WWE Superstar Mark Jindrak, who is now known as Marco Corleone, has published a new column at PWMania.com. Jindrak goes in depth and talks about why he got pulled from Evolution and replaced by Batista, recalling times when he and Randy Orton were acting immature including photos from a prank that went wrong involving himself, Orton and the cops. Jindrak also recalls when Vince McMahon told him that he was being pulled from Evolution. Here is an excerpt from his article:

    “Randy and I, with the help of Maven, pulled off a great joke on this night [2003 Raw event]. However it went a bit rockier than we expected. We were the last wrestlers in the place. There was probably 5-6 police officers outside to keep the crowd in check. There was one officer that was inside that we conversed with and saw that he was cool. So we asked him if he would step in and just break us up if we started a fake fight outside. He agreed and we set a whole plan up for when we got outside. Outside we started arguing back and forth until it turned to shoving. It was only supposed to be shoving but with the passion that Orton and I had for a great “rib”, turned to some pretty stiff forearms and punches.

    The cop that was supposed to break us up, got thrown off to the side during the struggle which brought in the other police officers that were unaware it was a joke. When they tried to restrain us, we thought they were going along with us as well. So it really turned to mayhem when we threw them off us too. Maven was trying to stop us but he got wrapped up in the craziness as well. Finally they grabbed us and we all got on the same page. They put Randy in the cop car and told Maven and I to meet them at the gas station down the road. So we did and that capped off our joke. I think the best thing about the fight was our jumpsuits. A day before, we wrestled in Springfield, Massachusetts, home of the basketball hall of fame. Therefore we got a great price on some badass NBA Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics velour jumpsuits. Haha”

    “On June 23, 2003, after Raw finished in Madison Square Garden, Vince McMahon wanted to see me in his office backstage. He had told me that he thought it would be in my best interest if they held me out of the group. He told me they had plans of putting me in a tag team with Garrison Cade. He thought I would be best suited as a babyface at this time starting out. I was upset being pulled from this group, but immaturity didn’t let it hit home too much. I figured I’m just going in a different direction, cool. In all actuality Vince was letting me down easy and I appreciate it years later. Then again, I didn’t even realize I just lost out on making millions and millions of dollars and many championship opportunities.”

    You can read Mark Jindrak’s column, “Marco in Mexico with Mark Jindrak” in its entirety at PWMania.com.

  • NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW

    • Randy Orton Says Being A Bad Guy “Is More Fun”, New Female Talent Appear At NXT Show, Lita Appearance

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    – Following Randy Orton’s relatively lackluster 2012 that saw him win no major championships and put his career at risk with a second drug testing violation, “The Viper” returned to form in 2013 with multiple title reigns and becoming the “Face of WWE.” The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion was voted by fans as “Best Return To Form.” This is being attributed to Orton showcasing his “remorseless, sadistic side,” which he enjoys.

    “Being a bad guy is just more fun,” remarked Orton. “Otherwise you worry too much about what the fans think of you. It’s a worry I don’t like to have. I’d rather be myself and explore different ways I can make people feel uneasy even just by walking by and glaring at them.”

    – WWE NXT’s final event last Thursday at its former base in Tampa, Florida, the NXT Arena (formerly known as the FCW Arena), featured the return of Brandi Rhodes (née Reed, formerly known in WWE as Eden Stiles) and the first live appearance of Sarah Backman (a 22-year-old former World Arm Wrestling Champion from Sweden). The newcomers and other female talent appeared as “Santa’s Helpers” during a skit featuring “Santa,” Eugene and Aiden English.

    Rhodes, who is the wife of Cody Rhodes, re-joined WWE this fall after leaving the promotion two years ago. Both she and Backman began wrestling training at the WWE Performance Center in November.

    – Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita, professionally known as Amy Dumas, has been announced to appear at the Alamo City Comic Con taking place September 26-28, 2014 at Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, Texas 78205.

    Jeff Jarrett Announces He’s Done With TNA

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    TNA founder Jeff Jarrett just tweeted the following, announcing that he is done with TNA:

    The news is surprising, since Jarrett had been taking on a larger role behind the scenes in recent months as the head of TNA’s creative team. He also has a minority stake in TNA.

    Jarrett hasn’t been used on-screen in TNA since 2011 when he lost a #1 Contenders Steel Cage Match to Jeff Hardy and was “fired” in storylines. He continued to work behind the scenes, overseeing TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion in India but more recently working as a backstage agent, and negotiating the deals for AJ Styles to “defend” the title in Japan and Mexico.

    TNA Issues Statement Regarding Jeff Jarrett’s Departure

    Here are some reactions from various TNA stars:

    https://twitter.com/JeremyBorash/status/415225645581742081

    https://twitter.com/showtimeey/status/415214999682826240

    https://twitter.com/showtimeey/status/415215115856654336

    Davey Richards Update: Teases That He’s “Heading To Orlando”

    Matt Boone
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    Former Ring Of Honor standout Davey Richards had a big “farewell ceremony” this past weekend during the Pro Wrestling Guerilla event. During the ceremony, Richards made a few references to him “heading to Orlando.”

    Richards is scheduled to work for the EVOLVE Wrestling promotion in Orlando next month, according to a recent video he posted on his official Facebook account. To check out the video, visit Facebook.com.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match

    • TNA Running Four Events, Taping Two PPVs This Weekend; Full Details

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    TNA will be running four live events this weekend, two of which will be taped for future “One Night Only” pay-per-views in 2014. Here is the official TNA schedule for this weekend:

    December 27th at Licouras Center in Philadelphia

    – Magnus (c) vs. Samoa Joe (TNA World Title)
    – Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson (Steel Cage Match)
    – Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
    – The BroMans (c) vs. Eric Young & Joseph Park (TNA World Tag-Team Titles)
    – Chris Sabin (c) vs. Austin Aries (TNA X-Division Title)
    – Velvet Sky vs. Lei’D Tapa
    – Ethan Carter III appearance

    December 28th at the NYCB Theater in Westbury, Long Island

    – Magnus (c) vs. Samoa Joe (TNA World Title)
    – Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson (Steel Cage Match)
    – Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
    – The BroMans (c) vs. Eric Young & Joseph Park (TNA World Tag-Team Titles)
    – Chris Sabin (c) vs. Austin Aries (TNA X-Division Title)
    – Velvet Sky vs. Lei’D Tapa
    – Ethan Carter III appearance

    December 30th “Hardcore Justice” PPV Taping at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass.

    – Lethal Lockdown: Team Angle vs. Team Roode
    – TNA X-Division Xscape: Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin
    – Full Metal Mayhem: Abyss & Eric Young vs. Daniels & Kazarian
    – Street Fight: Lei’D Tapa vs. Velvet Sky
    – Tables Match: Tommy Dreamer vs. Ethan Carter III
    – Stretcher Match: Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson

    December 30th “#OldSchool” PPV Taping at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

    – Monster’s Ball: Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss
    – Last Man Standing: Bobby Roode vs. James Storm
    – Fall’s Count Anywhere: Bully Ray vs. Tommy Dreamer
    – Also appearing: Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Mr. Anderson, Bad Influence, The BroMans, Eric Young, Chris Sabin, Velvet Sky and Lei’D Tapa

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match

    • Kofi Kingston Responds To Being Called Underrated, “Dangerous” Danny Davis Speaks Out (Video), JBL

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    – Kofi Kingston says he doesn’t care what people think about his in-ring performances.

    The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the seven-time mid-level champion was voted by fans as “Most Underrated.” Kingston, however, doesn’t care for the moniker.

    “I don’t really care what people think about me,” Kingston remarked to WWE Magazine about being called underrated. “I think if someone’s underrated, that they’re under appreciated. I’m fully confident in my abilities, I know every night, in my mind, that I’m going to have a good match. People feel underrated when they think they’re not getting the credit they deserve. That’s why I don’t care that much about what people think.”

    – Bill Apter recently caught up with “Dangerous” Danny Davis, who famously portrayed a crooked referee for the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s. During the interview, Davis reveals that he now resides in Massachusetts, drives a truck for a living and still even wrestles.

    – John “Bradshaw” Layfield mentioned on Twitter that he was doing voice-overs at WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut over the weekend.

    – Celebrating birthdays are Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta, who turns 51-year-old, and Jamie Noble, who turns 37. Noble currently works for WWE in a behind-the-scenes capacity.

    Top 5 Superstars To Look Out For In 2014

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    In pro wrestling, the mindset of a fan is: “what’s next?” A great match or moment happens at a pay-per-view and immediately afterwards the question becomes, “how do they follow this up on RAW tomorrow?” So while 2013 had its’ share of good moments and bad, as we near the end of the year, the question inevitably becomes, “what’s next?”

    If you read the headlines here on the website on a regular basis, when it comes to WWE, it appears as if 2014 will be a year where some new blood breaks through at the top level. Where guys who are just getting started in WWE break through to that next level and become legitimate WWE Superstars. Where guys who aren’t quite there just yet, but are so close, finally reach that level. They become main event players. Who will these people be? Well, in WWE, you never really know, but let’s take a look at five guys who seem to be well on their way.

    As Santa Claus fills up the gas tank in his mighty sleigh, as the New Year looms right around the corner, we’re going to take a look at three Superstars currently in WWE that will likely come into their own and reach the top of the profession within the year. It’s time to take a look at the “Top 5 Superstars To Look Out For In 2014.”

    #5. Damien Sandow

    WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross wrote about this guy recently. WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley talks about him on a regular basis. WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has said if this guy shows a little bit more of a mean streak, he’ll be well on his way, and Damien Sandow has been doing exactly that in recent weeks. He’s a talented performer who is stuck in a pretty lame gimmick, yet he somehow makes it work. He’s entertaining, period. If the guy gets some real opportunities in 2014, which I feel he will, he could legitimately break through to the next level. Will he become the face of WWE in 2014? Doubtful. Will he ever be the face of WWE? Probably not. But will he be stuck on pay-per-view Kickoff Show matches that serve little to no purpose? I don’t think so. I think by this time next year, Damien Sandow will be a legitimate Superstar. He may not headline many shows, but I think this is one of the few guys on the current WWE roster with the talent and potential to perform at a higher level than that in which he currently resides. I think Damien Sandow is somebody to look out for in 2014.

    #4. Big E. Langston

    Big E. Langston is a different situation altogether. While he may not shock and awe wrestling fans with his match quality, or his promo ability for that matter, he has that certain something that WWE looks for. I wouldn’t necessarily call it an “it factor” as much as I would the ability to lift a lot of heavy weights. Vince McMahon, and to a lesser extent Triple H, both of whom have a strong passion for bodybuilding, (remember the WBF, everybody?) seem to have set their sights on Langston as a future Superstar in WWE. There may be a whole heap of performers on the current WWE roster that are more deserving of some big opportunities, but from all accounts, it appears as if 2014 will be a big year for the muscled-up Tampa native. Big E. Langston is somebody to look out for in 2014.

    Chris Jericho Interviewed By WWE.com, Best Of RAW “Off The Air” DVD

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    – WrestlingDVDNews.com has confirmed that WWE will be releasing a unique DVD project in 2014 looking at the best moments that took place after WWE RAW went off the air. Here’s a brief synopsis for “Best of RAW: Not on RAW” –

    “Never before released moments after RAW has gone off the air and the cameras keep rolling. Stone Cold singing to the fans, Vince doing a Spinnarooni, dark matches Cena vs. Edge, etc.

    The 3-disc DVD set will be released in April and will feature segments and matches from the 20 year history of WWE RAW.

    – WWE.com has published an exclusive interview with none other than Chris Jericho, who talks about WWE unifying the top titles, Randy Orton and his podcast and potential return to the ring. Here’s what Jericho said about the possibility of returning to WWE during WrestleMania season:

    “I don’t really have the itch. I’m super busy with all the stuff I’m doing, between Fozzy tours, we’re getting ready to record a new record, the podcast, “But I’m Chris Jericho,” which is another big hit. I’m also finishing my third book. There’s a lot of stuff going on. Having said that, I’d be open to it, but I haven’t had any conversations or anything like that. It’s WrestleMania. Anybody that’s been in WWE wants to be involved. If I’m there, it’ll be awesome and I’ll do everything I can to have the best match on the show. If I’m not, I’ll have a great time watching it, I’m sure.”

    Jericho & Sheamus Advertised For Pittsburgh Appearance During Royal Rumble Weekend

    Undertaker Agrees To Work WrestleMania, More On Batista’s Return

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    – We spoke to a couple WWE sources over the weekend that informed us The Undertaker has agreed to wrestle at WrestleMania XXX. WWE had been optimistic that he’d be wrestling on the anniversary show, but the official word came within the past week. With WrestleMania just over 3 months away, there is still so opponent locked in to challenge his streak.

    – With his return to WWE imminent, Batista has been packing on a lot of muscle lately. As we’ve been reporting, the original plan for Batista was for him to make a surprise return at the Royal Rumble, with Dave Melzter reporting that Batista could very well win the Rumble and challenge Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
     The deal was brokered by Triple H and even though he isn’t getting as sweet of a deal as Brock Lesnar, he is getting a very lucrative that include appearances at PPV’s, RAW & SmackDown tapings as well as WWE live events. This is said to be a ‘close to full time’ short-term that will keep him part of WWE storylines beyond WrestleMania XXX.

    Magnus Ends Britain’s 108 Year Wait For A Wrestling World Champion – Press Release

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    As seen on Thursday’s “Final Resolution” edition of Impact Wrestling, Magnus defeated Jeff Hardy in a tournament final to capture the vacated TNA World Heavyweight Championship. TNA Wrestling has issued a press release touting the victory and him becoming the first-ever British grappler to win a world championship for a major American wrestling organization.

    Magnus ends Britain’s 108 year wait for a wrestling World Champion

    London (Monday December 23, 2013): TNA IMPACT WRESTLING star Magnus has become the first ever Brit to win the World Heavyweight Championship for a major American wrestling organisation, ending a wait of more than 108 years.

    Magnus (former TV Gladiator Nick Aldis from King’s Lynn, Norfolk) beat Jeff Hardy for the vacant TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a gripping tournament final.

    His victory was broadcast to millions of people in more than 120 countries, including on Challenge TV in the UK and Ireland on Sunday December 22, 2013.

    Magnus will bring his newly-won championship home when he visits five arenas around Britain and Ireland on the TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour in January/February 2014.

    He said: “It is truly an honour and a privilege to be the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. I’m looking forward to bringing the title belt back to where it all started for me. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing.

    “It’s also important to represent all the people in the UK wrestling business that helped me get to this point, and hopefully show the young British talent that there is no glass ceiling; you can be a top guy!”

    Magnus’ title win ends one the longest waits in British sporting history, which began when Russian George Hackenschmidt beat American Tom Jenkins on May 4, 1905 to become wrestling’s first widely regarded World Heavyweight Champion.

    The victory puts Magnus alongside Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins (109 years), boxing’s former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis (100 years), Wimbledon men’s singles victor Andy Murray (77 years) and 1980 men’s 100 metres Olympic Gold Medallist Alan Wells (56 years).

    Wrestling historian and author John Lister said: “While the likes of the legendary British Bulldog, William Regal, Wade Barrett and Doug Williams have all had great success in America, they’ve fallen short in their challenges for the World Heavyweight Championship.

    “It’s a great achievement for Magnus to become the No1 wrestler in a globally televised promotion and also shows how important the British audience is to TNA.

    “For decades it seemed impossible that we would ever see a British man win Wimbledon, hold a World Heavyweight Championship for a major wrestling company or lift the World Cup again. With two down in the same year, perhaps it’s an omen for next summer in Rio!”

    As well as a successful career inside the wrestling ring, Magnus has also found fame in a variety of different fields – including as Oblivion on Sky One’s Gladiators, the co-host of hit Challenge TV series UK’s Strongest Man, a popular Christmas pantomime regular at the Norwich Theatre Royal and a columnist for Fighting Spirit Magazine.

    Fans can see Magnus as part of the huge TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour, which will also feature global wrestling stars Kurt Angle, Bully Ray, Mr Anderson, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, Austin Aries, James Storm, Gunner, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Rockstar Spud, Ethan Carter III, Robbie E. Jessie Godderz, Zema Ion, Joseph Park, Eric Young, Chris Sabin, Sam Shaw, Gail Kim, ODB, Velvet Sky, Lei’d Tapa and Madison Rayne.

    Ticket are on sale now via www.gigsandtours.com/go/tnafan, www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.facebook.com/tnawrestlinguk. Full details of the UK and Ireland events are:

    Wednesday 29 January 2014 – Dublin National Stadium 0818 719 300
    Thursday 30 January 2014 – Glasgow The SSE Hydro 0844 811 0051
    Friday 31 January 2014 – Manchester Phones 4u Arena 0844 847 8000
    Saturday 01 February 2014 – London Wembley Arena 0844 815 0815
    Sunday 02 February 2014 – Birmingham NIA 0844 338 8000

    TNA IMPACT WRESTLING is broadcast every Sunday night at 9pm on Challenge TV and is the UK’s most watched wrestling show.

    Batista’s Role When He Returns To WWE, Jim Ross On Bryan vs. Punk & More

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    – WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently commented on the possibility of Daniel Bryan vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 30. He wrote at JRsBarBQ.com:

    “On the surface, yes, but it’s all about the presentation and the reason for them wrestling. It’s unlikely to occur but I have no idea of the WM30 card.”

    – With the news of Batista returning to WWE leaking online this past weekend, Dave Meltzer is speculating that WWE could have Batista is returning before the Royal Rumble, win the Rumble match and go on to face Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight championship at WrestleMania XXX.

    We’ve heard that Batista will be involved in a program with Triple H and Randy Orton upon his return, playing off their past as part of the Evolution faction.

    – Here’s the latest installment of WWE Backstage Fallout featuring behind-the-scenes interviews from Friday’s SmackDown:

    New ‘Fast 7’ Release Date, MVP Talks About Benoit Blacking Out While Training

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    – Deadline.com reports that The Rock’s movie ‘Fast & Furious 7’ has been given a new release date of April 10, 2015. The rescheduling was a result of the tragic death of Paul Walker – and Universal has strongly implied that the scenes shot by Walker before his passing will remain in the movie.

    The strategic scheduling of this movie starring The Rock taking place less than a week after WrestleMania 31 could be a sign that there will be some promotional tie-ins with WWE.

    – Former WWE Superstar MVP spoke with WrestletalkTV and spoke about Chris Benoit “blacking out” during training sessions, touring with Mark Henry and more.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ha6WHqsOgBk

    *Spoilers* Christmas WWE RAW Results (12/23)

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    WWE RAW Results (12/23/13)

    WWE taped the 12/13 Christmas edition of WWE RAW on Tuesday night from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. Here are the results:

    – JBL and Michael Cole are doing commentary. Jerry Lawler is not at ringside.

    – The Authority opens the show and hands out Santa Claus hats to the crowd.

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    WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton comes out and is given the night off.

    – Natalya, The Bella Twins, Eva Marie, Cameron and Naomi defeated AJ Lee, Tamina Snuka, Aksana, Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes and one other Diva in a 12 Divas Jingle Bells match. Natalya got the win for her team by making Aksana submit to the Sharpshooter.

    – Sin Cara defeated Curtis Axel.

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    – Up next, Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs. The Wyatt Family in a Christmas 6 Man Tag Team Match:

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    – The Wyatt Family defeated Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes and Goldust when Bray Wyatt hit Sister Abagail  on Cody. The Wyatts dominated early until Cody got a hot tag and unloaded on the Wyatts. Goldust tagged in and the Wyatts beat him up for a few minutes.

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    Bryan finally got a hot tag and cleared the ring. The crowd was very into this match with a loud “This is awesome” during Bryan’s offense.

    After the mach, everybody brawled until the Wyatt Family laid out Daniel Bryan. The lights went out and when they went back on, Daniel Bryan was knocked out in the ring and the Wyatt Family was standing by the ramp.

    – Up next, Rene Young hosts a singing carol contest. 3MB’s Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre are out first, followed by Santino, Great Khali, R-Truth, Xavier Woods and the Funkadactyls.

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    – Fandango defeated Dolph Ziggler in Christmas Gift on a Pole Match to earn a shot at Big E Langston’s Intercontinental Championship on the first RAW of 2014.

    – The Usos defeated The Prime Time Players. Before the match, Darren Young was cutting a promo and said that they were in Houston, Texas (they’re in Austin). The crowd chanted “This is Austin” and “Houston Sucks.”

    – “Good Santa” Mark Henry defeated “Bad Santa” Damien Sandow in the battle to save Christmas. Christmas trees and presents were set up around the ring for the match. Both men were dressed as Santa Claus during the match. They opened a present in the ring and it was a toilet. Both men brawled around the ring and up to the ramp. Sandow destroyed part of the set and knocked over a Christmas tree.

    – Los Matadores defeated The Real Americans.

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    – Ryback defeated Kofi Kingston.

    – We get a special Happy New Year message from ‘Baby New Year’ ….

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    – John Cena, CM Punk & Big E Langston defeated The Shield by disqualification. The finish came when Rollins & Reigns attacked Big E after he hit the Big Ending on Ambrose.

    Preview For Tonight’s Christmas Edition Of WWE RAW

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    The following is a spoiler-free preview for next week’s Christmas edition of WWE RAW:

    * 12-Diva Jingle Bells match

    * Sin Cara vs. Curtis Axel

    * Bryan, Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs. The Wyatt Family

    * Christmas Carol singing contest

    * Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango in a Christmas Gift on a Pole match – winner challenges Big E Langston for the Intercontinental Championship on the first RAW of 2014.

    * The Real American vs. Los Matadores

    * Ryback vs. Kofi Kingston

    * John Cena, CM Punk & Big E Langston vs. The Shield

    PHOTOS & VIDEO From Tuesday’s Night’s WWE RAW Tapings

    Batista Still Being Advertised For WWE Show, Tag Match Edited Off SmackDown, Eddie Edwards

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    – Though UNLVTickets.com’s advertisement promoting an appearance by Batista for WWE’s upcoming live event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 16, 2014 was removed, there are still some radio ads in the area saying he’ll be at the show.

    – A Six-Man Tag Team Match pitting Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes and Goldust against The Wyatt Family that was taped Wednesday night in San Antonio, Texas was edited off Friday’s SmackDown broadcast on Syfy.

    – Eddie Edwards, who is currently working for WWE on a trial basis in Orlando, Florida, said at last night’s Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show in Reseda, California said that it would be his farewell show. Edwards, however, did not reveal his future plans.

    – Independent wrestler Slyk Wagner Brown now runs a wrestling school in Waterbury, Connecticut. Those interested in visiting the school can contact him at [email protected]. He says he trained Eddie Edwards and former TNA Knockout Roxxi.

    (source: F4WOnline.com)

    WWE Stars Share Their Travel Horror Stories, Update On WWE’s Upcoming Music DVD, Total Divas Marathon

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    – The official WWE website caught up with WWE Superstars to find out their worst travel stories, including The Miz’s ride through a blizzard, Cody Rhodes’ messy trip with Randy Orton, and The Brooklyn Brawler’s confrontation with an unruly passenger. Natalya remembered Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallaj”kull wreaking havoc on the final legs of the two-week post-WrestleMania XXVI tour in 2010.

    “My travel day from hell was on an International Tour when we got stuck over in Europe,” Natalya recalls. “We were heading to Switzerland but we couldn’t get out because there was a volcano. There was ash in the air and they wouldn’t let planes fly out of most of Europe. We got stuck there for a week. We couldn’t do anything until the ash cleared. Every airport, practically, in Europe was shut down. So we had to stay there and just hang out for a week. And we nearly missed Monday Night Raw, which is unheard of. They were saying that the ash wouldn’t clear and it could take up to a month to clear. When we finally, finally, finally made it home, I literally kissed the ground of the JFK airport.”

    The full article is available here.

    – As reported recently, WWE has plans to release a single-disc DVD highlighting the promotion’s greatest music. The video now has a name as according to WrestlingDVDNews.com, it will be called Signature Sounds: The Music of WWE.

    Featuring twenty-five tracks and interviews with WWE composer Jim Johnston, it is scheduled for release on March 18, 2014. The synopsis is as follows: “Music has been integral in WWE history, especially anthems for all the greatest WWE Superstars. Since Sgt. Slaughter first made his entrance to the Marine Corp hymn in the early 80?s music themes have become synonymous with the Superstars themselves. Just hearing the first few notes brings the crowd to their feet. They are the songs that let the WWE Universe know that business is about to pick up. Now, get behind the music and learn the inside story behind the timeless anthems of WWE and the Superstars.”

    – E! Canada will be airing marathons of Total Divas on December 26 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

    Jim Ross Q&A: Batista’s WWE Return, The Way WWE Uses Damien Sandow, More

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    The following are highlights from yet another Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

    On if Shawn Michaels decided to wrestle again, should he face The Rock: “I simply don’t feel HBK is returning to the ring. I believe him when he says he’s done.”

    On the chemistry he had with Paul Heyman in the announcing booth: “It was awesome. Two complete opposites who were quickly able to refine our act. Paul’s very talented.”

    On rumors of Batista returning to WWE: “If Batista returns he’s obviously main event bound. Wouldn’t surprise me.”

    On the way WWE is using Damien Sandow: “I can’t answer your question as I’m not involved with WWE Creative. However, I like Sandow’s persona. I think he’s getting ample TV time and it’s up to him to maximize his minutes, no matter if one thinks they are for better or for worse. That’s what pros do. If he steers the course, more often than not, he will come out the other side whole. Legit talents who persevere generally prevail.”

    Check out the complete Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match

    • Samoa Joe & ROH Talk About Whether Or Not He Is Welcome Back

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    Top TNA star Samoa Joe recently tweeted about the news he heard that claimed he would no longer be welcomed back by Ring Of Honor. Joe tweeted:

    Ring Of Honor responded to those tweets with the following tweets of their own:

  • Details On WWE’s Planned SURPRISE ENTRANTS For The 2014 Royal Rumble Match
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