— Mason Ryan returned to television at tonight’s WWE Superstars taping in Columbus, Ohio as he competed in a match against JTG. The Welsh grappler resumed competing at live events two weeks ago after being sidelined since late June due to an undisclosed injury.
The taping also saw the return of Tyler Reks and Percy Watson to television. Reks, teaming with Curt Hawkins, squared off against Percy Watson and NXT contestant Titus O’Neil. Reks and Hawkins would later appear on Raw Supershow during a backstage segment with Alberto Del Rio.
— Drew McIntyre beat Primo via Future Shock in a dark match.
— ESPN.com published an article on Mick Foley’s recent stand-up comedy appearance at The Brokerage Comedy Club in Bellmore, New York. ESPN mentioned some of his comedy bits and noted “He started the comedy journey 2 1/2 years ago, but took a long layoff while working for TNA Wrestling. Now a free agent, he’s focused on finding the same confidence in comedy that made him a squared-circle icon.”
WWE began airing advertisements for their upcoming WWE TV Network Monday’s RAW SuperShow on the USA Network.
The company announced the channel as “Coming in 2012” and promoted it as “The Network.”
The advertisement featured vintage WWE footage and highlighted a wide range of WWE-related programming, including decades of classic pay-per-view events.
Recap Promo from last weeks WWE Raw Supershow Featuring Kevin Nash, WWE COO HHH and CM Punk.
Live to the ring (No Pyro) Out comes CM Punk!
Out comes CM Punk. CM Punk states he has the ability to back things up in the ring. He “pisses a lot of people off” Last week he pissed off R Truth, and has a match with him tonight, which normally would be okay, but he wants Kevin Nash. Kevin Nash is very “1996” he believes COO HHH and him are still “Best Buddies”. CM Punk Calls Kevin Nash out!
Out comes Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash comes out, says he doesn’t have to listen to CM Punk, he does whatever he wants! CM Punk says “He has more excuses than nicknames” CM Punk then proceeds to call him “Big Daddy Cool Diesel, Vinnie Vegas, Bearded Giffaffe, Oz, Super Shredder”
CM Punk calls him irrelevant, saying that Nash won his first Championship when Justin Bieber was born, Arsenio hall had a tv show, and CM Punk didn’t even have his drives License. Kevin Nash comes towards the ring, Out Comes Triple H!
Triple H has discovered security footage from the Staple’s Center in Los Angeles, Kevin Nash took Triple H’s phone and used it to text himself the orders to take out CM Punk. Triple H says that CM Punk has done a lot of things, but he’s never lied to him. Triple H then says if he would get rid of anyone it might as well be Kevin Nash! Kevin Nash gets in Triple H’s face and says “What are you going to Do about it?”
Commercial
Back from break, and we see Kevin Nash leaving into a limo, with John Laurinaitis getting in with him.
Match #1 (Non Title Match)
Air Boom vs Jinder Mahal & The Great Khali
Match begins with Evan and Jinder, back and forth for a bit, then the hot tag to Kofi Kingston, Jinder throws Kofi to the ropes, The Great Khali pulls the rope down and attacks. Jinder holds Kofi but he ducks out of the way and The Great Khali chops his Brother In Law! Hot tag to Evan Borne. Shooting Star Press 1 2 3!
Winners: WWE Tag Team Champions: Air Boom!
Backstage we see the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio heading towards the arena.
Later tonight CM Punk vs R Truth
Out now WWE Diva’s Champion Kelly Kelly headed to commentary.
Back from Break
Match #2 (Number One Contenders Match)
Beth Phoenix vs Eve Torres
Also out for commentary Natalya. Both divas are arguing with each other, Michael Cole is fanning the flame. Beth and Eve go back and forth. Finally Phoenix hits her finisher for the win.
Winner: #1 Divas Championship Contender: Beth Phoenix
Aftermath: Kelly Kelly helps Eve and gets attacked by Natalya, leaving both faces down on the ringside floor.
Back From Break
Congratulations to The Rock 1,000,000 Followers on Twitter.
Backstage: Drew Mcintyre talking with Christian, in comes WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio. He tells Christian it’s John Cena’s Fault he’s not World Heavyweight Champion. (Because of last weeks match) Christian says if he takes out John Cena it will be on “His Terms” not because he’s helping Alberto Del Rio. Alberto reminds that if it wasn’t for the John Cena match he could have won the next night on Super Smackdown.
Triple H’s Inside out Promo
Backstage: R Truth getting ready for CM Punk, The Miz is walking alongside him.
Match #3
R Truth VS CM Punk
R Truth Comes Out With A Mic
R Truth asks how is what he does different? He’s been speaking the “Real Truth” his entire life. He guesses he needs to buy a ticket to Night of Champions and stuff his face like the “Rest of you little Jimmies”
Out comes The Miz
Funny play on words with R Truth. Miz says Triple H is in “Way Over his head” he isn’t focusing on the Top Talents of Raw Show. He makes a match between him and R Truth and Air Boom at Night of Champions.
Out Comes CM Punk
Tie-up CM Punk with kicks and a quick take down and 1 count cover. CM Punk with a boot an arm bar moving to a quick headlock. In the corner R Truth gets a couple of shots. CM Punk gets the upper hand with a missile dropkick. CM Punk with a dive from the ropes into R Truth on the floor.
R Truth with a headlock on CM Punk, throws him out to the floor. The Miz attacks CM Punk on the floor. CM Punk back in the ring, R Truth with several boots to CM Punk. CM Punk regroups and gets a few kicks into R Truth. R Truth with a body slam.
CM Punk gets back the upper hand with a huge superplex from the top rope!
In to the ropes CM Punk’s legs gets pulled by The Miz. The Miz attempts to charge the ring, The Ref Kicked out CM Punk. From behind comes R Truth. CM Punk reverses it and hits the GTS for the win.
Winner: CM Punk
Out Comes Triple H, CM Punk already has a microphone and says he still doesn’t buy that him and Kevin Nash aren’t still In on it. Triple H says “You want change Obama?” He announces their match is now a No DQ.
CM Punk says he’ll accept the new stipulation if he accpets his stipualation that “If CM Punk wins HHH will resign as COO of WWE” Triple H Accepts.
Backstage
Wade Barrett, & Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks are talking. In comes Alberto Del Reo, trying to get him to go after Cena after what Cena did on Smackdown. Wade says “You’ll see what I’m going to do”
Match #4
Jerry Lawler and Zach Ryder Vs David Otunga & Michael Mcgillicutty
Jerry Lawler introduces his tag team partner with a long 3 minute promo highlighting the Long Island Iced Z’s show. Zack and David start things off, quick moves and a tag to Otunga. Tag to Jerry Lawler. Zack gets Mcgillicutty to the outside floor by holding the ropes. Zach with a Rough Ryder for a pin over David Otunga!
Winners: Jerry Lawler and Zach Ryder
Backstage: Alberto Del Rio is taking to Dolph Ziggler reminding him that John Cena makes fun of Vickie Guerrero all the time, and that “Maybe she isn’t looking at Jack Swagger to manage, but someone who will fight for her”
World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton: On his way to the ring!
Match #5 (Non Title)
Randy Orton vs Heath Slater
Quick hits and knock downs by Randy Orton to kick things off. Orton with a big knee, in the corner, Heath with an eye gouge and a kick to the head to get the upper hand. Heath Slater with A “Double A Spine Buster” on to Randy Orton. Crowd Chanting “RKO! RKO!” Randy Orton gains the upper hand, with a DDT. Randy Orton with a text book RKO for the win!
Winner: World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton
Backstage: Zack Ryder is telling Cena how he won his match. John Cena congratulates him and heads towards the ring.
Out is John Cena saying that he feels that Alberto Del Rio’s announcer will come out any second as will Alberto del Rio in a “Luxury Rental Car” Out comes Alberto, He warns Cena that he may suffer the same fate as Rey Misterio, he didn’t show up last week so he could protect Cena. Alberto then says he can’t say the same about these guys….
Out comes Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, and Wade Barett attacking Cena. Alex Riliey, John Morrison, & Sheamus make the save.
Smackdown GM Teddy Long comes out and announces the 8 man tag team elimination match, “right now!”
Match #6
Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, and Wade Barett
vs
John Cena. Alex Riliey, John Morrison, & Sheamus
Alex Riley and Wade Barrett kick things off. Wade with hard shots to Riley. Hot tag to John Morrison. Morrison cleans house of all the heels. Dolph Ziggler gets the sleeper on John Morrison, Jack Swagger tags himself in and makes John Morrison tap out with the ankle lock.
John Morrison eliminated by Jack Swagger
Dolph Zigler taking it to Alex Riley, Jack Swagger again tagging himself in, Jack Swagger geting in a few hard shots to Alex Riley. Alex Riley taps out to the ankle lock.
Alex Riley eliminated by Jack Swagger
Sheamus in with Wade Barrett – big boots and knees from Wade Barett, Sheamus gets the upper hand with a top rope shoulder press into Wade Barrett. Sheamus with a huge kick to elimiate Wade barett
Wade Barett eliminated by Sheamus
In comes Christina, with a few blows in before an attempted kill switch. Christian gets a big insulting slap in, Christian and Sheamus brawl to the back and get both eliminated
Sheamus & Christan eliminated due to Double Count Out
Jack Swagger and Dolph Zigler both acting like a team on John Cena. Cena gets the upper hand with a double 5 knuckle shuffle. Cena attempts for the AA on Swagger gets caught by Swagger into a clothesline. Dolph begs to be tagged in, and quickly gets an Attitude Adjustment from John Cena.
Dolph Ziggler Eliminated by John Cena
Jack Swagger immediately gets the Ankle Lock on John Cena. Cena counters into the STF. Jack Swagger taps out!
Winner: John Cena
Aftermath: Alberto Del Rio comes in and attacks John Cena. Cena hits the AA and Alberto Falls out of the ring into the arms of his personal ring announcer.
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine says they have obtained a short list of candidates for induction into next year’s Hall of Fame class and it features past Superstars estranged from WWE.
The Informer wrote in his monthly column: “A trusted source managed to sneak me the short list for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame, and I can tell you that a lot of old wounds are about to be reopened!”
— WWE has released seven-inch refillable lighters featuring six legendary Superstars: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, British Bulldog and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. The lighters, which also include a bottle opener, are available at select convenience stores.
— WWE.com has added Buff Bagwell to its list of WCW Competitors. His picture, however, links a New World Order photo gallery.
Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield has updated his Facebook Discussions blog (link) with some commentary on whether he will ever return to WWE, the chances of him ever appearing for TNA and more.
Here’s what JBL wrote about his future in the wrestling business:
“Will I return to WWE? I doubt it, but you never know. I am not looking for a job and they are not asking me to return so it has not come up. I had to retire due to injuries, and yes, the 23 second match with Rey at Wrestlemania was my idea-at that point in my career due to injuries I could not have had any type of real match.
I was so hurt at that point that I literally couldn’t walk anywhere of distance and didn’t have the ability to work out. I hated being out of shape and realized I was tired of smoke and mirrors to hide my inadequacies-I didn’t want to be one of those old guys who had held on too long and I was in danger of becoming exactly that.”
“Would there be any scenario I would return? Yes. I enjoy commentary and love performing-I am a lifelong wrestling fan who loved the art of the business. I hate travel and as you can see, for me; my life is just what I want right now. But, if the right spot opened up than WWE is my family and I would think strongly about returning. The one return I did in Dallas with Stone Cold and Michael Cole made me remember how much I loved the business.
So, we’ll see-odds are no return, but you never know.
Will I go to TNA? One of my best friends Bruce Prichard is there running talent relations and I have always gotten along great with Eric Bischoff as well as Dixie Carter-all I consider friends. I also have some wonderful friends working there as talent. It would be an enjoyable experience working there and their schedule is very appealing.
However, at the end of the day, I am a WWE guy-and would have a hard time working anywhere else. I had an offer to do radio somewhere other than TRN-who I worked for several years and I turned it down out of loyalty. I do my Internet show but that is with TRN’s blessing. Loyalty to me is always above money.
I’m not saying it’s 100 percent no option, but right now I have no desire to go anywhere other than WWE-even though I am not under contract and may never work there again. Odds are I will do something in the future, but maybe a one off-who knows. Wrestling though is pretty much off the table.”
For the past several years when WWE comes to the WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, WV, John Cena sings the John Denver song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in font of the live crowd.
Cena continued the tradition on Sunday’s live event from Wheeling, WV – and was joined on the microphone by CM Punk.
Watch CM Punk and John Cena team up to sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”:
An article on the WWE website about Beth Phoenix and Natalya Neidhart being the “salvation” to a Divas division overrun by models and bimbos has a lot of people upset – most notably the Bella twins. The article, which can be read here in its entirety, mentioned the Bells by name as WWE divas who ‘diva purists’ can’t believe are being featured on television over more talented in ring performers. The Bellas wrote on Twitter that they woke up to the “embarrassing” article and wanted to share their thoughts with the WWE Universe.
Nikki Bella wrote:
“First off…. Um you want me to slap you with all of my awards and championships I have won? I was a #1 athlete… Which other Diva was?
Secondly, Bri & @RealKellyKelly have been the only entertainment that has happened 2 the Diva’s Division & have worked harder than anyone!
Thirdly, I’ve seen 2 girls the past few weeks try as hard as they can to be “models” while us “models” have busted our butts…..
Oh and good luck with the up and coming Divas…. Sure you’ll make a lot of money with them…. Um actually NOT!
Lastly, @RealKellyKelly & Us are better than anyone in the past so Katie Raymond check your self and come read this article to my face! NB”
Brie Bella wrote:
“Wow, I just woke up to the craziness! The words spoken by Katie are laughable, but I’m a women who will stand for what I believe in…so…
I know what I’ve given to the fans and that’s all what matters. WWE might think your a bunch of puppets that are persuaded by their words..
I know how you all feel :) good and bad, I love it! I mean if WWE cared about Divas why do we have such little time on tv?
Why were divas such as Mickey James, Melina and Gail Kim released. Why aren’t wrestlers like Sara Del Ray hired? All amazing!…….
Kelly Kelly and myself have worked to hard to have an unknown, untalented writer say the things she did. Katie (whoever) Suck it! Love Brie“
Former WWE diva Melina responded to the Bellas’ rant –
“You know I love you but everyone needs to seriously calm down and think before tweeting. This is not worth it.“
The Bellas responded to Melina:
“@RealMelina you know that wasn’t towards you girl :) I know you know that”
Melina replied once again with the following:
“Everyone, these are all good girls. All of them. Yes everyone’s experience level varies but I’m damn proud to step into the ring with them.
Wrestling is not easy on so many levels. It’s not only physical grueling but mentally & emotionally. Against ALL odds you have to overcome.
Through the hardest of times you have to pretend ur ok, pick yourself up & think about others because we are role models. Even when we hurt.
2live our life in wrestling is not easy. Even though it looks like it is… If it does that means we r THAT good. but it isn’t. Far from it.
I love wrestling. No matter what promotion… This is art. This is an extension of me. I may not be in the WWE but my heart is still there.”
CM Punk joined in on the discussion – pointing out that all this buzz about the divas division is not a bad thing –
“So wait. The divas are mad about an in house article on wwe.com that is potentially designed to garner them attention/TV time? Awesome.”
Eve then sounded off, threatening the writer of the article and standing by her style of booty-popping wrestling:
“@WWE I’d love to step into the ring whomever wrote this, & c who needs saving. #Iwillbootypopinyourfacethenmakeyoutap”
“Don’t ever let anyone undermine your hard work, label your character, or set limits to your potential.#BeliEVE!”
“And trust that that’s not taking anything away from @natbynature or @thebethphoenix. Everyone is equally dedicated to taking the Divas division to the next level!”
Kelly Kelly tweeted:
“#divas were just doing what we love, entertaining every week We’ve all worked very hard to get here just wish all this hate would go away”
DISCUSSION: What do you think? Are the Divas of Doom what the divas division needs to get back to basics and emphasize on competition? Are the Bella Twins and Eve wrong to get bent out of shape over the article? Is this all a work? Hit the comments below and tell us what you think about the situation.
TMZ.com reports that Kurt Angle believes he’s been framed in connection with his arrest Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence.
Kurt Angle’s attorney Frank Smith tells TMZ his client was asked to submit to a breathalyzer test and passed. “We understand Kurt will be entering a plea of not guilty in response to any infractions and/or offenses,” he adds.
Sources close to the 2012 Olympic hopeful say the “cops are just trying to make an example of him.”
TMZ notes that someone who is not legally drunk can still be arrested for driving under the influence if drugs or alcohol impair the driver’s ability to navigate the road.
The TNA World Heavyweight Champion was arrested in Virginia and taken to Warren County Jail. He posted $2,000 bond and was released at 3:31 a.m.
— In the October 2011 issue of WWE Magazine, John Cena was asked if has his sights set on breaking Ric Flair’s record number of world title reigns.
Cena, who has amassed eleven world championships over the course of his career, replied, “Not at all. I think one day at a time. In this business, I don’t think about what I’ve done or long-term plans. If you think about what you’ve done, you become complacent. If you think too far ahead, your vision gets a little cloudy. You truly have to think about it one day at a time.”
— Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis has teamed up with AfterBuzzTV.com to host a live aftershow on Raw Supershow.
The show will stream live every Monday night immediately following Raw on the USA Network at ustream.tv/afterbuzztv. The first episode will stream live on Oct. 3.
— Jerry Lawler is advertised to tag team with Dory Funk Jr. and Colby Weston at the Sept. 10 !BANG! TV taping in Ocala, Florida. Lawler will also referee a match between Hollywood Heather and Claudia Reiff.
— WWE developmental wrestler Bo Rotundo was forced to vacate the Florida Heavyweight Championship last Thursday at the FCW Arena due to injury. Fellow FCW star Seth Rollins stated on his Formspring account that Rotundo suffered a lacerated kidney.
“He has a lacerated kidney. Very serious. Could be months before he is well,” he wrote.
— Shelly Martinez posted a video chronicling her recent trip to Philadelphia for the women’s wrestling themed convention “A Hot Summer’s Night.” Cherry, Angel Orsini, Amber O’Neal, Stacy Carter and Sojo Bolt also appear.
— Recently released WWE talent Harry Smith will be a guest tonight live on Wrestling News Live. The former WWE Tag Team Champion and third generation wrestler will discuss his stint in Japan, rumors concerning a possible future in MMA, his time in WWE and his release. The show is live at 11:30 p.m. EST and can be heard at www.snsradionetwork.com.
— WWE.com announced Monday that actor Hugh Jackman will host the September 19 episode of Raw SuperShow, live from Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena
“In two weeks, I’ll be climbing into the ring on Raw to hang with the Superstars and the give the WWE Universe an exclusive first look at my new movie, Real Steel. Don’t miss it,” said Jackman, who stars in the upcoming sci-fi action flick, in theaters October 7.
— Jinder Mahal has launched an account on Twitter.
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia is scheduled to appear at the Frank & Son Collectible Show (16549 San Jose Ave Rowland Heights, California 91748) on Saturday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Solomonster hopes everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend and not doing any…you know, actual labor On a week where we were treated to a Raw Supershow and Super Smackdown (and on a podcast where Super Shredder gets a mention), we bring you Super Sound Off 177! We’ll talk all the big shows of the week, why the CM Punk/Triple H/Kevin Nash storyline makes perfect sense with one glaring exception, which Smackdown superstar deserves a run with the World title, TNA’s decision NOT to put Sting and Ric Flair’s first match in 10 years on PPV, Santino’s car accident, Kurt Angle’s hissy fit and a SUPER MAILBAG! Download this super-duper show right now!
— WWE Raw SuperShow broadcaster Jim Ross took to Twitter to comment on TNA World Heavyweight Kurt Angle’s arrest early this morning in Virginia on charges of driving under the influence.
“Not good for Kurt & hopefully things will work out for him,” Ross said upon learning of the former WWE Superstar’s arrest.
He continued, “We all make mistakes. Unfortunate.”
— Madison Rayne went on Twitter to rest concern over her status with TNA as she has not appeared on IMPACT Wrestling since August 11.
Rayne wrote, “To all who have been asking: I am fine. not injured and still very much/happily employed ;) always have something up my satin glove ;)”
— Friday’s TNA house show at the Great Geauga County Fair in Burton, Ohio drew an estimated attendance of 400 to 500 fans.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested by Virginia State Troopers and taken to Warren County Jail. He posted $2,000 bond and was released at 3:31 a.m.
Angle was previously arrested on March 25, 2011 in Grand Forks, North Dakota and charged with “being in control of a motor vehicle while intoxicated,” after failing a field sobriety test. He later pled guilty to the charges and was on April 20 sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation, a chemical dependency evaluation, a $250 fine, $225 in court fees, and a ten day suspended jail sentence.
Lanny Poffo recently participated in an interview with SLAM! Wrestling to address his late brother, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, as well as his own lengthy career in sports entertainment.
Poffo is asked whether WWE reached out to Randy for induction into their Hall of Fame and what his feelings were on the matter.
“Yes, we talked about it,” Poffo said. “As a matter of fact, what he was, remember when the Von Erichs got into the Hall of Fame? That was the first time he’d mentioned it, and my father was still alive. We celebrated his birthday, and at this point my father was coherent. He says, ‘The Von Erichs are in the Hall of Fame? I’m not going in, ever, into the Hall of Fame unless it’s the Poffos, Lanny, Randy and Angelo.’ That’s what he said. We didn’t cremate him against his wishes and we’re not going to go into the Hall of Fame against his wishes either.”
Poffo also commented on WWE releasing several products featuring Randy.
“I think it’s fantastic,” he said. “Did you see the interview he made for the Mattel dolls? He said, ‘It looks just like me, not now, but then.’ He got a big pop at the ComicCon with his video when he made that self-deprecatory joke. I thought it was phenomenal. He made a joke about himself that he didn’t look like that anymore.”
UAPWM (USA To Africa Pro Wrestling Mission) debuts this October with a tour in Congo, culminating with Rumble in the Jungle II on October 12 in Kinshasa. Shows are currently scheduled for Katanga, Mbujimayk, Goma, Bukavu, Lubumbashi and Kinshasa.
Three of the events will be held at outdoor soccer stadiums while an event at Martyrs Stadium will feature former World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg coming out of retirement. George Foreman, Laila Ali and Jean Claude Van Damme are also scheduled for the event. Contracts have reportedly been offered to other notable wrestling stars.
A pay-per-view broadcast and video release of the show are tentatively scheduled, as well as a feature film, according to a press release issued.
— During last night’s replay airing of SuperSmackDown on Syfy, the commercial preview for this Monday’s episode of Raw on the USA Network officially referred to the program as WWE Raw SuperShow. Various cable providers, however, still have the show listed as Monday Night Raw.
WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H announced on Monday that Superstars from SmackDown will be joining Monday nights for the foreseeable future to create Raw Supershow.
— WWE Classics celebrates the legendary career of The Undertaker throughout the month of October as they present “The Undertaker’s Ball.” It’s a “phenomenal month” of highlights spanning The Deadman’s 20-plus-year career—including his “most terrifying” Casket Matches and his “brutal” Buried Alived bouts.
WWE.com has uploaded a promotional video previewing “The Undertaker’s Ball.”
— Alex Riley and Kaitlyn will be signing autographs next Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Comcast Connecticut Women’s Expo in Hartford, Connecticut. Details are available here.
— Maryse is expected to return to WWE programming as early as next week after undergoing abdominal hernia surgery on August 24.
She provided a status update via Facebook the following morning, writing: “I am home now, and feeling good, still very tired from the anesthesia, but its normal, i will be posting pics of my tummy when they remove the bandages, my doctor did an amazing job and the scar should be very small in my belly button! be sexy.”
The former WWE Divas Champion last competed on the July 25 episode of Raw. She was advertised to compete in the following week’s No. 1 Contender’s Diva Battle Royal, but bowed out after determining days earlier that she would undergoing surgery.
— Michael McGillicutty stated on Twitter that he was pulled from Raw’s tour of Puerto Rico this weekend before he was to have taken his flight.
— A WWE SmackDown taping is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
— Curt Hawkins recently declared on Twitter that he wouldn’t shave his beard until he received a match on Monday Night Raw. The sparingly seen Raw Superstar ended the protest after two weeks. He explained, The whole creepy beard thing wasn’t working out for me as a single man in NYC. Open to suggestions on a new form of protest.”
— Brodus Clay extended his winning streak to five on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars, defeating Brandon James in under one minute. He has been paired with enhancement wrestlers on the WWE.com show since returning to action last month.
— A WWE house show in Wichita Falls, Texas has been moved to Feb. 5, 2012. The original date was Sept. 25, 2011.
— Tyler Reks is scheduled to appear at Hansel Ford in Santa Rosa, California today from noon until 1:00 p.m.
— After missing last week’s WWE live events and this week’s television tapings, Alberto Del Rio’s work visa situation was resolved in time for this weekend’s Raw brand house shows in Puerto Rico. He appeared at Friday’s show in San Juan and defended the WWE Championship twice.
Del Rio beat CM Punk before losing to John Cena in the main event via disqualification. Punk appeared after the match to fend off a chair-wielding Ricardo Rodriguez. Cena then raised Punk’s hand and left. Punk stayed in the ring and posed with the Puerto Rican flag.
— The official WWE website has posted a photo gallery of former WCW Hardcore Champion Norman Smiley. He is currently signed to WWE as a trainer and an on–air authority figure for Florida Championship Wrestling. He worked several non-televised matches for WWE following their acquisition of WCW in 2001, but was never hired as a talent.
— WWE developmental wrestler Percy Watson appeared at Friday’s Raw live event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He lost to Jack Swagger in the third match of the night.
Mick Foley appeared on Monday Night Mayhem, which airs every Monday at 7:00 p.m. via MondayNightMayhem.com. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
How close we were to seeing a match between himself and Hulk Hogan in TNA, whether or not he has any regrets on how his TNA career came to a close, and why he felt that an appearance on WWE television for The Rock’s birthday would have been beneficial for everyone involved: “The match with Hulk Hogan could have happened if I hadn’t tweeted about the Empty Arena Match. “I wouldn’t have sent out that tweet. I put them through quite a bit actually. I didn’t think anything of it when I called Terry Taylor, asking if I could show up on Raw for The Rock’s birthday. Think about that question and what that does to the company. That’s a tough thing to handle. My thing was if I was going to show up and be ‘the network guy’ in three days, why not do it with a higher profile than I’ve had since I’ve been here. Everyone benefits. I wish we could have done business on the way out, so that I could have helped out on the X-Division Pay-Per-View (Destination X). It was very anti-climatic television to just read a note that I was fired two weeks after I started the job.”
Why he has decided to spearhead the effort for a Shane Helms Benefit Show this October in Charlotte and the message they are hoping fans take away from it: “Velvet Sky started raising some money for Shane, because essentially he’s a guy who had his livelihood taken away from him for a year, maybe more. From what I hear, the crash was really horrific. So I asked The Hurricane how he felt about doing a benefit show, a comedy show in Charlotte (at The Comedy Zone), and he said he was for it. I was willing to do it. A few days ago I heard from Shane, and he had what I thought was a great idea that he wanted to take the money we raise that night and make a really good public service announcement that might help other people. I do not want to put words in his mouth, but I think he wants to do something above and beyond helping himself that can help out other people.”
Why a potential return to the WWE is intriguing for him right now at this point in time in his personal and professional career: The charity stuff is emotionally rewarding. It’s not financially rewarding. My wife has made it kind of clear that my days of donated 100% of book sales needs to come to an end. In this economic environment, you really have go out and make some money as long as there is some demand for what you do. I think being with the WWE would help me out in these endeavors I do. I think they did a great job of keeping me relevant for years through the miracle of DVD’s, action figures, and appearances on their show, so I think they can help me in these pursuits. I also think there a lot of ways I can help out, whether it be with younger wrestlers, as an ambassador, or appearing on the TV show once in a while. Without knocking TNA or iMPACT Wrestling, because I did enjoy a lot of my time there, WWE has more ways guys can make a contribution that doesn’t include being a major part of their TV show.”
If the thought of a WWE Hall of Fame induction has gone through his mind since deciding to depart TNA and the perfect time/spot he envisions that moment to happen: “It actually started going through my mind. I wrote about this in the bonus chapter in ‘Countdown to Lockdown.’ I said the moment the WWE mentioned my book on the air, any misgivings or feelings I had just vanished. I started thinking about the (WWE) Hall of Fame and how it would be a big deal to my kids, and if they wanted me to do it, I’ll do it. In a perfect world, I would get inducted in The Garden (MSG) in 2013. I’ll be willing to stay of TV until 2013 just to get inducted there, but what I might do is John Laurinaitis and ask if I could do a house show, just so I could hear my music and get a pop.”
