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WWE SmackDown Preview For Tonight (No Spoilers)

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Here is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on SyFy:

* WWE’s new SmackDown announcer is revealed

* Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater vs. WWE Tag Team Champions Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella in a non-title match.

* Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Wade Barrett vs. Big Show in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Edge and Kelly Kelly vs. Dolph Ziggler, Layla and Michelle McCool with the World Title on the line.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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WWE SmackDown on Syfy

– Thanks to Red for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from Tuesday’s tapings in Long Island, New York:

* Booker T comes out first in his new WWE role as announcer with Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero open the show, talking about tonight’s match where the World Title will be on the line. Kelly Kelly came out and slapped Ziggler. Michelle McCool and Layla then come out, Edge comes out and cleans house.

* Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater beat WWE Tag Team Champions Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella in a non-title match.

* Drew McIntyre beats Kofi Kingston in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Alberto Del Rio came on the big screen, distracting Kofi, allowing Drew to get the win.

* Rey Mysterio beats Jack Swagger in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

* Backstage segment with Edge talking to Kelly Kelly about their match.

* Hornswoggle, Rosa Mendes and Ricardo Rodriguez all come out. Rodriguez announces Alberto Del Rio and out he comes to celebrate. Hornswoggle ends up hitting Del Rio but gets attacked. Kofi Kingston comes to make the save but Del Rio applies his armbar finisher.

* Hornswoggle, Rosa Mendes and Ricardo Rodriguez all come out. Rodriguez announces Alberto Del Rio and out he comes to celebrate. Hornswoggle ends up hitting Del Rio but gets attacked. Kofi Kingston comes to make the save but Del Rio applies his armbar finisher.

* Kane wins a squash against Chavo Guerrero to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.

* Wade Barrett defeats Big Show to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. The Corre comes out to help Barrett when the referee goes down. After the match, Show tries to fight back but Ezekiel Jackson slams him.

* Edge and Kelly defeat Dolph Ziggler, Layla and Michelle McCool with the World Title on the line. Kelly pinned Layla. Vickie Guerrero comes out after the match and fires Kelly. Dolph vs. Edge with Vickie as referee is announced for next week for the belt.

Wade Barrett Talks Being Face vs. Heel, Unscripted Promos

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Here are some highlights of what The Corre leader Wade Barrett talked about during a recent interview with Postcrescent.com:

Unscripted Promos: “A lot of the times we’re shoved out in front of the camera and I may be out there talking for 10 minutes straight or doing it back and forth with someone for 10 or 15 minutes. A lot of times you are having to ad-lib.”

“There’s no way anybody can memorize all the stuff we have to come out and say. Generally, I’ll have an idea of what’ I’m gonna say, but in terms of crowd interaction and things like that, sometimes the crowd will be chanting stuff at me, so I’ll want to say something in response to that. Sometimes whoever I’m talking with might throw me a curveball – like John Cena’s very good at ad-libbing. He used to throw a lot of curveballs at me when I was out there talking with him, so I have to be very much reactive to what’s going on around me.”

The Most Painful Move He’s Felt In WWE: “That would probably have to be Justin Gabriel’s 450 splash. It’s a spectacular looking move, but the velocity of him spinning around combined with the fact that he’s jumping 10-feet in the air or whatever it is, makes for a very heavy impact. That’s definitely one of the most painful moves I’ve ever had to take.”

Is It Easier To Be A Face Or Heel?: “I think it purely depends on the individual. I know I’ve always felt more comfortable being an antagonist and on the few occasions in my career when I’ve tried to go out and be the fan favorite, back in my days in the U.K., I just never did a good job with it. I was always very bad at getting the fans to get behind me and cheer for me and clap for me, so I knew very early in my career that I would be a better antagonist than protagonist. … Some guys are better fit for certain roles and I think I’m a better fit as a heel.”

USA Network Touts The Return Of Tough Enough

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The USA Network issued the following press release on Thursday:

USA’S EXCITING SPRING LINE-UP BRINGS REALITY, DRAMA AND A PREQUEL

TOUGH ENOUGH and Burn Notice: THE FALL OF SAM AXE Premiere in April, Followed by

The Tenth and Final Season of LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and the Fourth Season of IN PLAIN SIGHT in May

Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to survive the winter? Spring ahead with the return of USA’s fan-favorite dramas LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and IN PLAIN SIGHT and uncover the secrets of Burn Notice‘s Sam Axe before his mojito-filled Miami life. Don’t miss USA’s smoking hot spring line-up.

WWE TOUGH ENOUGH

Do you have what it takes to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva? A diverse group of men and women will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE. Hosted by WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin®, each episode will feature a current WWE Superstar, who will introduce the contenders to a quality that they must possess to make it to the top of the sports entertainment world. Along the way, viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization.

Premieres Monday, April 4 at 11/10c on USA Network immediately following WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and then will move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

CM Punk Interview: The Miz, Breaking Into Wrestling, MMA

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Nexus leader CM Punk was interviewed on Thursday morning on Minneapolis, MN’s 93X Half-Assed Morning Show to hope Friday’s live event in the area. You can listen to the interview by clicking here (MP3).

Here are some highlights of what was talked about:

— The hosts asked Punk about his former “Chick Magnet” gimmick (the “CM” in CM Punk). He said when he was younger, he and his friends would watch WWE pay-per-views and would then hold backyard wrestling events. “That’s actually how I got into wrestling, Punk said. “I didn’t know of any wrestling schools or being trained or anything like that… It was the equivalent of me wanting to host a radio show and talking into tape recorder or something like that. I just went out and did it.”

– Punk said that breaking into the wrestling business was not easy. When he first started wrestling, he would wrestle for free at bars in front of two people. “That’s what you do to pay your dues,” Punk said.

— Punk put over the Miz saying he’s a buddy, come a long way, but he’s holding something that belongs to him and there’s a lot of other people that want that title right now. He also mentioned Santino as being a great comedy act and an example of what makes wrestling a different brand of entertainment.

— Punk was asked about the popularity of MMA and whether it takes away from WWE’s business, to which Punk argued that pro wrestling will always be popular.

— Punk and the hosts talked about how WWE storylines have always been great. Punk joked that he wouldn’t go that far, which got which got some laughs.

— Punk said he stole his GTS finisher from Japanese wrestler KENTA.

— He’s a huge fan of Japanese wrestling and a lot of his style is based on what he has learned from them.

(Source: 93x.com)

Reason For WWE Allowing Mysterio To Handpick Current Feud

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It was reported Sunday that Rey Mysterio is working through an injury to his rotator cuff. He suffered the injury while working the SmackDown brand’s most recent tour overseas. Doctors advised him not to fly due to an inner ear infection he was suffering from at the time but company officials asked him to work the tour anyway, assuring him that wouldn’t have to work any matches. However, he was asked to wrestle while on tour, and complied, only to suffer an injury to his rotator cuff. There was much acrimony over the circumstances that led to the injury, to the point that creative had no ideas for him when his feud with Alberto Del Rio conclude.

Company officials tried make things up to Mysterio by allowing him to handpick his next opponent, which turned out to be “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Current plans call for the storyline to continue through WrestleMania, with a likely encounter between the two.

Due to the injury, officials are limiting his in-ring work at television and pay-per-view events, as well as house shows. He’s contained in tag matches when he does work non-televised events. Mysterio is said to be hopeful that he can avoid surgery through rehabilitation.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Story On Alberto Del Rio Almost Quitting WWE Last Year

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— Alberto Del Rio is riding a tidal wave of momentum after winning the 2011 Royal Rumble last weekend, but his meteoric rise to a World Title Match at WrestleMania XXVII is a story that almost didn’t happen.

According to sources within Florida Championship Wrestling, he indicated to WWE officials approximately a year ago that he was not pleased with being situated in the developmental promotion (which had reached several months by that point) and would be quitting the promotion to return to Mexico where he could earn a higher salary. When he signed a contract with WWE in June 2009, he was assured that he wouldn’t stay in developmental for long. Officials tried to pacify him by allowing him to work live events with the main roster, and in part due to discussions at the time of his uncle, Mil Mascaras, being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. His performances caught the eye of top officials and he was ultimately called up to the main roster in June.

Similarly, Colt Cabana said during a recent Art of Wrestling podcast that when he was training in WWE’s developmental system a few years ago with The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie threatened to quit WWE if they weren’t immediately brought on the road with the main roster.

Cabana stated, “They called up the office and said: ‘Hey, if we don’t go on the road we’re quitting’. And the next day, they’re on the road.”

He added that he probably would have been fired if he made the same demand.

“I don’t wanna do that,” Cabana said. “If I call up and say, ‘Put me on the road or I’m quitting’, I’m gone.”

The Bella Twins were promotional models John Laurinaitis offered developmental contracts to a year after their participation in the 2006 Diva Search. They have stated in interviews that they weren’t wrestling fans growing up, with Brie once remarking “that she was hired to do this diva thing.” Upon their contract agreement with WWE, they botched the organization’s name, referring to it as ‘Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment’ on their MySpace page.

(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

AAO Card, Former WWE Star Knocks TNA, Suicide’s Return

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– The following matches are advertised TNA Against All Odds next Sunday 2/13:

  • Last Knockout Standing Match for the TNA Knockouts Title: Mickie James vs. Madison Ryane vs. Mickie James
  • Street Fight: Bully Ray vs. Brother Devon
  • Samoa Joe vs. D’Angelo Dinero.

– Former WWE star Ken Doane (Kenny Dykstra) took a few shots at TNA on Twitter this week for the company’s “They” storyline:

“how did TNA know “THEY” were coming? think tna thought “THEY” would be in the WWE Rumble? LOL! Dont know why tna promos always have to remind us of wwe. wwe never reminds us of tna. Maybe tna’s version of “they” was the SQUAD! oh wait we pitched that to them and they didnt like it.”

– Christopher Daniels is back in TNA working at the masked wrestler Suicide. Daniels is still under contract to Ring of Honor, but both sides worked out a deal that Daniels can work for TNA as long as he wears a mask. Daniels will be working for both companies for the foreseeable future.

TNA is planning on beefing up the X Division over the next few months and they know a veteran performer and former division champion like Daniels will help with that.

Kurt Angle’s Contract TNA Expiring This Summer (Details)

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TNA star Kurt Angle appeared on Canada’s The Fight Show on Thursday afternoon and revealed that his current deal with TNA expires in August.

This is consistent with Kevin Nash’s recent comments on ESPN radio earlier this week. Nash was asked whether he and Booker T returning to WWE could result in a new incarnation of the Main Event Mafia. Nash joked we could see it happen this summer, since Kurt Angle could be a free agent by then.

At this point, there have been no indications that WWE is interested in bringing Kurt Angle back. Angle has had favorable things to say about WWE in recent months, but he was having trouble keeping up with the WWE lifestyle back when he left several years ago and that would likely still be a big concern.

Former WWE Writer Talks About Sting At WrestleMania

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Former WWE writer Dave Lagana has updated his blog at iwantwrestling.com with some thoughts about the recent buzz about Sting possibly heading to WWE. Lagana hypes the idea of a potential Sting vs. Undertaker dream match and reveals that Sting was actually very close to signing with WWE to wrestle at WrestleMania 18. Here are some highlights of what Lagana wrote about:

“Wrestlemania 27 is in Atlanta, GA; the former home of Ted Turner’s WCW.  Could Sting be another name to go along with Shawn Michaels into the Hall of Fame?  Is there money in Sting wrestling at Wrestlemania for the very first time?  Is Sting vs. Undertaker the kind of attraction that will excite fans just like the idea of Lesnar vs. Undertaker?”

“Sting at Wrestlemania almost happened nine years ago.   Wrestlemania 18 will always be remembered for the memorable Hogan vs. Rock battle in Toronto.  That event also featured Triple H winning the undisputed World Title from Chris Jericho and Steve Austin facing NWO Scott Hall (w/Kevin Nash).  Sting was approached that year to make his WWE debut and wrestle on the big event.  Once he was introduced to the brand, it was pitched that at Wrestlemania 18 Sting would face Kurt Angle.  If you remember, Kurt was eventually thrown into a match with Kane with little setup.  The deal apparently fell apart as Sting wasn’t willing to work the full WWE schedule.  Now nine years later, we might finally get to see Sting in WWE.”

I’m the biggest proponent of pushing new talent in high profile positions.  I see Wade Barrett as one of the shining stars of WWE in 2010.  The table is set very nicely for new talents to be featured in main events of Wrestlemania this year with Alberto Del Rio and Miz.  But what is lacking that “big fight dream match” to attracts casual fans.  Last year we had Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart and Undertaker vs. HBK “Streak vs. Career”; previous years featured Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show, and Trump vs. McMahon.   Based on the buzz off this simple 45-second video, the fans are voicing their opinion on what they want out of Wrestlemania 27.  I don’t have any answers but we will all find out on 2/21/11.  Ask yourself – is Sting vs. Undertaker the dream match you want for this year’s Wrestlemania?”

So – is this a match you guys wanna see? COMMENT BELOW and tell us what you think.

Update On WWE Signing Mistico, Nash Gives Dixie Carter Advice

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Mistico Signs With WWE

– As previously reported, WWE has finally signed Mexican lucha libre star after several years of on-and-off talks. According to SuperLuchas.net, the huge push that WWE is giving Alberto Del Rio was one of the major factors that led Mistico to pull the trigger on joining WWE. Mistico has said publicly that he wishes he would have signed with WWE when he first had a chance to back in 2007.

Mistico, one of the top babyface stars in Mexico, is eager to make a name for himself in WWE, which will give his character the most exposure its ever received by a long shot. WWE has been expanding its presence in Mexico in recent years and especially with Rey Mysterio’s career winding down in the next year or two, the time was right for both sides to make a deal.

– Kevin Nash has been very active on Twitter this week, answering lots of questions about why he decided to leave TNA for good and re-sign with World Wrestling Entertainment. On Wednesday night, Nash offered some advice to TNA President Dixie Carter, writing:

“My 1st priority is WWE. Whatever they need and want me to do, I will. Vince brought me back. Boston crowd showed me the love. I bleed WWE!

I’m not kissing Vince’s ass. I’m thanking him for letting me go out the way I feel I deserve to. Ever have a dream come true? I just did.

When wcw took over the WWE for the short time we did, it’s bc Ted Turner paid HUGE $ for talent. Wanna put tna on the map, Mrs. Carter? Set aside $50m. Start with Cena and work backwards. Don’t walk into a Mercedes showroom and ask what new AMG S-63 I can buy for $25K.”

Austin Meets With WWE, Del Rio’s Next Feud, WWE All Stars

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– Steve Austin met with officials from WWE and Tough Enough yesterday in Venice, California. Austin wrote on Twitter:

“Had a great meeting with Tough Enough and WWE folks today…this show is going to be very cool and and thats the bottom line…”

– Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston has been discussed for WWE’s next pay-per-view event, Elimination Chamber.

– THQ had WWE All Stars setup backstage in the locker room at Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble. WWE talent and management were said to be very impressed with the game, which hits stores in the United States on March 28th, the Tuesday before WrestleMAnia.

– There are very limited tickets left for the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta during WrestleMania 27 weekend.

– Speaking of the Hall of Fame, we’ve heard that former WCW champion Lex Luger has been in talks with WWE about being involved in WrestleMania weekend, likely the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Jeff Jarrett Talks iMPACT! & PPVs On The Road, Karen & More

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Busted Open with Jeff Jarrett
Hosts: Dave LaGreca and Doug Mortman
Mondays and Wednesdays from 2-4 PM ET
Sirius 125, XM 241

Here are some highlights of what Jeff Jarrett said about:

If there are more plans for TNA to take Impact and PPV’s on the road: “There absolutely are. The touring business is a very very tough business first and foremost. Me growing up here in Nashville certainly around the music business, there’s a lot of hard work that goes in to taking a show on the road….It is a tough road. In 2009, I think we ran 50 events, 2010 we ran about 80 or so and 2011 I think we’re going to have over 100 on the books.”

The Impact Zone and how it plays on TV: “To me, the Impact Zone is an intimate setting. Is it what the wrestling fan is accustomed to back from the 90’s with the Monday Night Wars so to speak were going on when both the shows were in arenas, but the reality is that we are not in that era anymore and WWE is not selling the tickets that they did in the 90’s and the touring business and the country as a whole is in a recession.”

Working with his wife and Kurt Angle in this current storyline: “I have to tell you that you are probably using the incorrect word when you call it a storyline, because that kind of tells you it’s scripted….you just tune in and it’s as uncomfortable as one could imagine. It’s real, its damn real as Kurt would say.”

Other topics covered include the growth of TNA as a wrestling promotion, being able to draw larger crowds when the show goes on the road, if they consider themselves to be in competition with the WWE or an alternative, his thoughts on the possibility of Sting signing with WWE and more.

Visit BustedOpen.net for more information.

Kevin Nash Bogs About Why He’s Ending His Career In WWE

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WWE superstar Kevin Nash created a new blog on Tumblr.com this week and posted his first entry today. Nash, who returned to WWE as Diesel at the Royal Rumble and signed a legends contract this week, spoke at length about his decision to leave TNA and finish his career in WWE.

Here’s Nash’s first blog:

“I finally moved on to you……

The most significant aspect of anyone’s life is the relationships that they build. Sometimes in personal growth and closure, these relationships are strained, if not broken. In this past week, I had to break relationships in order to receive closure in others. I would first off thank Jeff Jarrett for inviting me back into the wrestling world upon my completion of ‘The Longest Yard’. Alot of people don’t realize what a close relationship Jeff and I have. In the dog days of the WWF, I’m sure we traveled more than a million miles together. What he went through with the loss of his wife Jill and the happiness he’s now found, while trying to keep TNA together, was amazing to witness. What Bob Carter did to make sure this dream stayed alive, I can only say Sir you have my utmost respect. To Serge and Dixie, who I consider my friends, I wish them continued success. And now the hardest part. To the Boyz, that means you too Knockouts, we’ve laughed, cried and bitched all along knowing how lucky we were to be pro-wrestlers. So few people get to truly go to work and do what they love. Me leaving TNA was a decision my wife and I made. For 23 years my wife has put up with this shit of ME making decisions of everyday life. 14 of those have affected my son. After 3 yrs of self doubt and thoughts of quitting the business, I met Vince McMahon and within 24 hrs of helping Shawn Michaels win the ICC, I MEANT something. And I haven’t looked back. The glass is way less than half full. My wife and I had a long discussion and I told her how important it was for me to end my career where I began. I think it took her 2 seconds to agree. I don’t know how many of you have seen Vanilla Sky. Don’t know if Boston was real or lucid dream. When they chanted Diesel, it sure as hell felt real for ME! You make decisions in life, sometimes never getting proof that it was the right decision. The crowd in Boston on Sunday night assured me that I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. I can’t thank the WWE enough for making it happen for me. My true friends at TNA text and called with their love and support w/in hours. Don’t think it will ever be forgotten. Didn’t realize how much I missed Diesel.”

2/21/11: Looking At 10 Possible Candidates And Their Odds

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Who’s The Big Surprise On 2.21.11?

10 POSSIBLE CANDIDATES AND THEIR BETTING ODDS
by The Solomonster ([email protected])
Podcast | Twitter | Facebook

WARNING: Potential spoiler included below.

Welcome to WrestleMania season, traditionally the most exciting period for wrestling fans as WWE builds to its annual crescendo and inducts a few more legendary names into the Hall of Fame that exists within the walls of Vince McMahon’s mind. Even non-WWE fans can find what to get excited about as promotions like TNA, ROH and Dragon Gate USA often schedule big events in or around the host city for WrestleMania to take advantage of all the fans traveling in from various places. Bottom line, it’s fun for the fans.

You know what’s just as much fun? Playing the guessing game! So when WWE decided to air a rather cryptic vignette not once, but twice during Raw on Monday night touting an appearance by a mysterious, cloaked figure on 2.21.11, the internet practically exploded in its pants with theories about who this person could be. Is it the return of an injured superstar? The arrival of someone new? Surely, whoever it is, it must be a big name since this is all happening in the midst of WrestleMania season? Whoever it turns out to be, there are several names that are being bandied about, so I thought it would be fun to list the most obvious (and maybe not so obvious) ones here and their chances of actually showing up on Raw in Fresno.

The Undertaker

The Phenom

Some might say all of this speculation became a moot point once the Save Mart Center website decided to post a spoiler touting “THE RETURN OF THE UNDERTAKER” for the 2/21 Raw show. This, they say, is PROOF that the video is referring to an Undertaker return. I’m not so sure. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Undertaker won’t be on the show, but who says one has to do with the other? That being said, you have to believe there’s a strong chance that it is a promo for the dead man, getting him back into the mix in time to start a WrestleMania program, but with who? It’s hardly a lock that Taker will even be able to wrestle on the show, and even if he does, all signs have been pointing towards a Smackdown opponent with either Wade Barrett, Ezekiel Jackson or Kane being his most likely adversary. In any event, the cowboy boots and long, black trenchcoat have me thinking the reaper of wayward souls is on his way back from the grave to begin his march to 19-0. Odds: 2-to-1

Sting

The Icon

Easily the favorite amongst fans online. In fact, many have already convinced themselves that an Undertaker vs. Sting dream match is inevitable for this year’s WrestleMania. Forget the fact that Undertaker hasn’t even returned to television yet, or that there has not been a SINGLE confirmation of Sting signing a deal with the company (a company, mind you, that he has never worked for). And before people start throwing a small item in a New York Daily News report in my face that said Sting had signed a one-year deal with WWE, let’s get real. If this news is true, you’ll hear it first on sites like this one, not in the freaking DAILY NEWS. That being said, Sting has reportedly not re-signed with TNA, which has been his home since 2003. At 51-years old, he’s not getting any younger. Kevin Nash recently said Sting would be a fool to not accept a WWE deal if one were offered, and it’s no secret that signing him is one of the goals the company had in mind for 2011. WrestleMania is in Atlanta this year, the former home of WCW where he made a name for himself. Why not sign a short-term contract, get a Mania payday, maybe a Hall of Fame nod and a 3-disc DVD treatment? Odds: 5-to-1

Triple H

The King of Kings

I never thought I’d say this, but I miss The Game. He’s been out of action since last April, close to a year now, after being “taken out” by Sheamus. Since that time, Triple H has filmed two movies, suffered and rehabbed from a torn biceps, and has taken a more active role in backstage affairs as Vince McMahon’s right-hand man. In recent interviews, he has talked about no longer working a full schedule and being more of a special attraction, but that he fully expects to be part of this year’s WrestleMania card. I was shocked to not see him as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, which begs the obvious question – at what point in the next 30 or so days does he make his triumphant return? You know it’s coming. But could it really be him in that video? I mean, since when does Triple H wear black boots and a trenchcoat? But what if it’s all a red herring just to throw us off? Or better yet, what if he’s trying to reinvent himself? Wouldn’t seem to make much sense for a man who now admits his time as a performer is limited, but stranger things have happened. Anything would beat that awful getup he had at the Mania show in 2006. Odds: 20-to-1

Chris Jericho

The best in the world at what he does

Ever since Randy Orton punted him in the skull back in October, Chris Jericho has not been seen on WWE television. I suppose, if we kayfabe it, he’s either in a coma or recovering from a pretty serious concussion. In reality, his contract expired and Jericho chose to focus on his music career and a sequel to his successful first book, due out this month. He’s given interviews stating pretty directly that he would not be at WrestleMania and had no imminent plans to return to WWE. Yet in his most recent interview, he says a new deal with WWE is “90% done”, though he still gave no indication that he might be coming back anytime soon. Add to that the fact that Jericho has talked about having to reinvent himself over time in order to freshen up his character. That’s why he started wearing suits on TV at a time when almost nobody else was doing that. Perhaps he feels it’s time for yet another change in wardrobe? Remember, if anyone knows how to spike fan interest through the use of viral videos and such, it’s Jericho. The millennium countdown for his 1999 debut is one of the all-time great wrestling debuts, and he followed it up with the SAVE.US.222 campaign when he last returned to the company in 2007. Odds: 50-to-1

Awesome Kong

Bubba the Love Sponge’s favorite diva

The former TNA Knockouts champion recently signed a contract with WWE and has yet to make her television debut. She was backstage at the Royal Rumble, but was not used. Rumors have her linked with the Bella Twins as part of their ongoing angle with Gail Kim and Daniel Bryan, potentially reigniting her feud with Kim from their days in the Impact Zone. If so, then 2.21.11 is unlikely to have anything to do with her. However, it would be the single best way to get her over as a big deal to an audience that has never seen a female superstar receive such treatment in advance of their debut. That fact alone makes me even more skeptical that it’s her. Still, she’s a new star under contract that is set to debut any week, so there is at least a chance, however slim it may be. Odds: 100-to-1

Skip Sheffield

The Cornfed Meathead

I have high hopes for Mr. Sheffield. Anyone who has listened to my podcast on this very site (cheap plug) knows that I see him as a potential breakout star and apparently, I’m not alone. A former WWE writer who recently blogged some intimate details about the creative process (and then promptly pulled that blog) revealed that Vince McMahon himself sees Sheffield as a potential #2 babyface at some point, behind only John Cena. The guy was a goofball on the first season of NXT, but during his time in Nexus before he suffered a broken ankle this past August, he showed a certain intensity and aptitude for being a giant ass-kicker that reminded me a bit of Brock Lesnar or Bill Goldberg. The point is, if he can stay healthy, he will be given opportunities because of his size that not many others are afforded. As such, his recovery time was listed at around 6 months and, wouldn’t you know it, it’s right about that time. If they’re going to push him, then this would be one hell of a way to make a splash. I don’t see this happening, but it has to at least be considered given that he’s due back at anytime and WWE recognizes the need to get more young guys over. Odds: 250-to-1

Tyler Black, errr…Seth Rollins

Former ROH World Champion

There once was a pretty damn good wrestler with a great look called Tyler Black. He even held the ROH World Heavyweight Title for a time. Then, he signed a WWE contract and was promptly sent down to Florida Championship Wrestling because, as with everyone else who they send down there, he doesn’t “know how to work” and had to be taught the WWE style. Not only that, but they gave him a new name, too – Seth Rollins. In reality, it could’ve been far worse (*cough*Eli Cottonwood*cough*), but I digress. With the youth movement in WWE in full effect, you have to expect that we will be seeing Mr. Rollins on TV sooner rather than later. If we pick apart the 2.21.11 video, there are noticeable similarities to the early Tyler Black character in ROH, who was part of a dark faction led by Jimmy Jacobs called The Age of the Fall. To take that one step further, ROH even used cryptic messages to hype the arrival of AOTF with the code name “Project 161” (corresponding with the promotion’s 161st show, which is where he debuted). Just an interesting little fact to keep in mind, though I doubt WWE is even aware of this. Odds: 500-to-1

”Macho Man” Randy Savage

Future WWE Hall of Famer

I know what you’re thinking. Solomonster, are you pouring vodka shots through your eyeballs again? No, I actually gave that up, but hear me out on this one. Think back to the last time we saw Randy Savage on TV with a major promotion and you’d have to go all the way back to TNA in 2004. Do you remember what Savage was wearing? That’s right, a long, black trenchcoat and black boots. Add to that, while Savage has been persona-non-grata with Vince McMahon ever since his departure, within the last 18 months, we have seen the release of a Macho Man DVD set, his first action figure in more than a decade, and now his inclusion in the next WWE video game. While Mattel and THQ may have had more to do with those last two things, it appears the door may be creaking open a bit for an eventual return. Plus, let’s be honest, Vinnie Mac needs more big names for the Hall of Fame. Now, fantasy aside, would Vince not only welcome the nearly 60-year old Savage back with open arms, but actually bring him in with vignettes normally reserved for newer, younger stars? Probably not, but then again, 61-year old Jerry Lawler is getting a title shot at their next PPV, so anything’s possible. Odds: 1000-to-1

The Man in Black from Halloween 5 & 6

What a stupid storyline in an otherwise fine movie series

I’m a big horror movie fan and I LOVED the original Halloween films (yes, even the third one). In part five, we were introduced to a mysterious stranger dressed in all black who, at the end of the movie, breaks Michael Myers out of a police station. In part six, we discover this so-called “Man in Black” to be Dr. Wynn, a character from the original Halloween, who is part of a some weird cult hell-bent on stealing Michael’s DNA in an effort to harness his evil powers and introduce them into fetuses during in-vitro fertilization. Cool, eh? Anyway, I really just wanted to find a way to talk about this insanely stupid storyline and given that the “Man in Black” apparently uses the same tailor as the mystery man in the 2.21.11 teaser, I figured why not. Hell, he could very well be a candidate, were it not for the fact that Michael slaughtered him and his entire group in part six. Odds: TNA will turn a profit first

Vince McMahon

The Greater Power returns!

Has anyone given thought to the idea that perhaps this is all just an elaborate way to re-introduce Mister McMahon to our TV screens? The last we saw of him, he was assaulted and left for dead by Nexus v1.0 (not counting the stupid election skit, which was supposedly a dream anyway). He was also once part of an angle that was dragged out for several weeks with a reveal that included him hiding under a dark cloak before being exposed as the so-called “Greater Power” on Raw in 1999. Swap out that cloak for a trenchcoat and voila, it’s the Attitude Era all over again! Okay, maybe not. Odds: 5000-to-1

Who do YOU think will be the person revealed on 2.21.11? Let your voices be heard in the comments section below!

[email protected]

WWE Video Game Scrapped, Heyman & MVP In NYC & More

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— Paul Heyman and former WWE star MVP recently met together in New York City. TMZ.com cameras caught up with them, ran the footage of the meeting on their Wednesday episode and mentioned how MVP will be wrestling in Japan soon.

— Prior to Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Long Island, New York, local indy wrestler Max Bauer received a tryout against Percy Watson. Bauer has been on WWE’s radar for a while and was recently the champion of North Eastern promotion NECW.

— WWE’s video game publishing partner THQ held its quarterly earnings conference call today and announced that the planned online WWE video game has been dropped. According to Reuters.com, THQ’s earnings were down 11% from the same quarter last year.

* Screenshots of HOGAN, WARRIOR & SAVAGE In The New WWE All Stars Game

(Partial Soure: PWInsider.com)

Abyss’ Return, X-Division Getting A Push, New Talent

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– The Monster Abyss will be out of action until the February 24th TNA iMPACT in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’s being kept off TV to sell injuries from Crimson stabbing in the back with Janice.

– A number of European wrestlers recently received tryouts with TNA during the company’s tour last month. TNA was most impressed with Mark Hawkins and he’s seen as the first person TNA would offer a job to if they hire anybody from this round of evaluations.

– Also on the European tour, Knockout Madison Rayne got sick and was unable to work the show in Manchester. Instead of the scheduled Rayne and Tara vs. Mickie James and Angelina Love match, they went with Love vs. Mickie with Tara as referee.

– TNA recently announced that it switched the dates for the Destination X and Victory Road pay-per-view events. The reason for the change is the company wants to build up the X-Division and that will take more than a month or two, when Destination X was previously scheduled for. The X Division pay-per-view is now scheduled for July.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Matt Hardy Wants Lita In TNA, More Impact Rating Details

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— According to SuperLuchas.net, Matt Hardy is reportedly trying to persuade TNA Wrestling officials to hire former WWE Diva Amy “Lita” Dumas so he can work a storyline with her.

During an interview last October, Dumas expressed interest in returning to the squared circle “for fun,” albeit not on a full-time basis. She was also broached on the subject of Hardy, to which she snarked, “Oh my god, what happened to that guy?” Dumas added that she feels he has maturity issues, but also acknowledged his professionalism during their 2005 feud.

— Last Thursday’s episode of TNA iMPACT! scored a 1.28 cable rating, the program’s highest mark since October 14. TNA averaged 1.93 million viewers over the course of two hours, which is the third largest average audience in the program’s history.

The program got off to a strong start as the opening segment setting up the main event drew a 1.41. Viewership increased for the beginning of the Knockouts Elimination Match featuring Sarita, Madison Rayne and Tara against Mickie James and The Beautiful People, gaining 15,000 viewers to draw a 1.42 rating. However, the second half of the 13 minute match following the commercial break lost 195,000 viewers. Amazing Red vs. Max Buck vs. Chis Sabin lost 90,000 viewers. Jeff Hardy and Mr. Anderson’s verbal confrontation, and Velvet Sky’s promo, kept the rating even. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero’s promo lost 120,000 viewers and was the lowest rated segment of the show. Mr. Anderson vs. Matt Hardy gained 60,000 viewers. The main event featuring Kurt Angle and Crimson vs. Beer Money, Inc., Kazarian, Rob Terry, Gunner and Murphy gained 210,000 viewers to draw a 1.33 rating. It was the most watched main event in several weeks.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Rikishi Unhappy With Dance Skit, WWE Spotlighting DiBiase

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— Prior to the match pitting Mark Henry and The Great Khali against Jimmy and Jey Uso on Raw, The brand’s General Manager switched the bout to a dance-off. The World’s Strongest Man and The Punjabi Playboy notched the victory with their unorthodox dance moves.

Former WWE star Rikishi, father of the Uso brothers, took to Twitter to express his unhappiness for the angle.

“My thoughts on my sons’ dance off? Didn’t really need it,” he wrote. “Creative Team WTF!! Its not that hard to figure in talent.”

He added, “Tag Teams in the WWE are not really the focus as we can see. Soon Usos will be in singles.”

— All March on WWE Classics, the legendary career of the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase will be spotlighted. WrestleMania IV, which featured DiBiase vs. Randy Savage, will also be featured.

News On Savage Appearing In WWE Game, Rhodes’ Nose Injury

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— While it was THQ’s call to feature Randy Savage in the WWE All-Stars video game, WWE has to approve any character they want in the game. The video game company approached Savage on their own, as well as Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior, and had Vince McMahon approve all three character proposals.

As the game’s promotional tagline “Two Generations. One Ring.” implies, the game features current and former WWE Superstar competing in fast-paced wrestling matches.

— “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, who is being portrayed on television as though he suffered a broken nose due to Rey Mysterio, has been wearing a band-aid in public to sell the storyline injury.

— Jennifer Hudson, fiancé of David Otunga, was backstage at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in Boston.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

TNA Star’s Return Confirmed, Jimmy Hart Removed, Mickie

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— TNA Knockout Mickie James will be the opening musical act at The National in Richmond, Virginia tomorrow night for a concert featuring Randy Houser. For ticket details click here.

The recently relaunched MickieJames.com now features a fan club via paid membership. A brand new T-shirt and her debut album Strangers & Angels are also available on the website.

— Suicide has been quietly added to TNAWrestling.com’s roster page. The masked grappler returned to action Monday after a four month hiatus, defeating Brian Kendrick in a match taped for TNA Xplosion.

Due to the roster addition, Jimmy Hart was removed from the roster page for the second time in two weeks. The WWE Hall of Famer was added back to the page late last week when Kevin Nash’s bio was removed.

Latest Report On Sting, Hall of Famer In Line For Book & DVD

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— Sources within World Wrestling Entertainment do not believe Steve Borden (a/k/a Sting )has signed with the organization. That, however, doesn’t mean Borden won’t join WWE at some point, but it does not appear that he is currently signed.

Borden is still listed on the TNA Wrestling website roster page, however, those in the know are not aware of him re-signing with the company. Thus, it is believed that he is a free agent.

— WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine said during an interview published in the latest issue of Inside Wrestling that he recently reached a new merchandising agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment. He noted that WWE plans on releasing a book and DVD chronicling his lengthy wrestling career, as well as a Mattel action figure.

— WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan appears from 11:00 to noon on Monday, February 21 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

(source: prowrestling.net)

Nash Puts Over McMahon Big, Says He’ll Retire As Diesel

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Following his surprise return to WWE at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, we reported earlier this week that Kevin Nash has signed a new “Legends” contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.

The former WWE and WCW champion went on Twitter on Tuesday night and explained the reason he’s decided to finish his career off in WWE – as Diesel. He also had some major praise for WWE chairman Vince McMahon, saying Vince is the man who was instrumental in making him the household name that he is today. Nash wrote:

“To explain why I want to retire as Diesel: Vince McMahon was the 1st person to ever see anything in me and believe in me. He gave me my 1st push and made me a star. Without Vince there is no Diesel. Without Diesel Kevin Nash is a mediocre basketball player from the University of Tennessee.”

Nash acknowledged the staggering crowd reaction he received at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, saying that it was bigger than any pop he’s received in a long, long time.

“The biggest pop I’ve received since ’97 happened Sunday night. Diesel’s back, where he belongs. Circle of Life.”

Kevin Steen Says Watching TNA Has Made Him Nauseous

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Former Ring of Honor wrestler Kevin Steen spoke to Power Slam about his future without ROH, whether he’s received any interest from WWE or TNA, his longtime feud with El Generico, TNA’s television product, and more.

Regarding interest from the two major promotions, Steen says WWE has never shown any interest in his services while he heard that TNA might have been interested in using him a few years ago but was never contacted. He questions why WWE would be interested in him when he’s the complete opposite of what they look for in a wrestler, noting that he doesn’t look like the typical athlete.

The interviewer then says it’s hard for him to imagine TNA doing much with Steen on the chance he was hired. He feels the former ROH star would likely be ‘just another mid-card guy, lost in the weekly blur of multi-man segments and short matches.’

Steen responds, “This won’t look good now that I’m a free agent and I’m looking to make a living off wrestling…

“I’ve watched episodes of TNA iMPACT! and TNA pay-per-views. This is not a knock on the wrestlers because the wrestlers are the only thing that make [TNA] watchable, guys like The Young Bucks and The [Motor City] Machine Guns and Samoa Joe and AJ Styles and others. But I would watch an episode, and I would have to pause it because my head was spinning and I felt a little nauseous just from seeing so many things happening, one after another. The matches have so little time, so they would have to do so much stuff in, like, three minutes.

“I’ve literally gotten physically nauseous from watching TNA.”

WWE Signs New TV Deal In Japan, Hall In Court, Chyna

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– WWE announced on Wednesday that it has signed a new 5-year agreement with its current television partner in Japan, the J Sports Broadcasting Corporation. . J Sports will continue to exclusively carry WWE pay-per-views as well as RAW, SmackDown, NXT and Superstars. For more on this story, visit Corporate.WWE.com.

– Speaking of WWE and Japan, former WWE Diva China told TMZ.com this week that she’s currently enrolled in language classes at UCLA in California. Her goal is to teach English to children in Japan. She told TMZ, “I love TV but I’m ready to move on,” she said. “I’m glad I’ve finally figured out what I want to do.”

– Scott Hall appeared in a Florida courtroom this week to answer charges related to a probation violation stemming from his September 2010 arrest for public intoxication and resisting arrest charges. As we’ve seen with Jeff Hardy’s pending drug charges, Hall received a continuance until March 7th. The judge is allowing Hall to travel to Texas for his latest rehab stint, but he has been ordered to keep in contact with his probation officer and attorney.

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