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*Spoiler* Big Name Scheduled For RAW

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Sting is currently in Des Moines, Iowa and is scheduled to appear live on tonight’s episode of WWE RAW.

As of this writing, WWE has not announced Sting will be at the show.

The former WCW Champion will be there to hype his WrestleMania match with Triple H, which takes place in less than two weeks from Santa Clara, California.

Check back throughout the day for more updated headed into tonight’s RAW.

WWE RAW Preview For Tonight (3/16)

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Here’s a preview for tonight’s WWE RAW from Des Moines, Iowa at the Wells Fargo Arena:

– Will Seth Rollins agree to fight Randy Orton at WrestleMania after Orton’s brutal beat down last week?

– Is there a rift between Lana and Rusev after Lana agreed for Rusev to fight John Cena at WrestleMania?

– Which challengers will be named for Kidd and Cesaro’s tag team championships?

– How will Roman Reigns be tested this week?

The advertised dark match main event will see Cena, Reigns, Bryan and Ambrose vs. Rollins, Wyatt, Kane & Big Show in an 8-man tag match.

As always, join us here tonight for live coverage of WWE RAW.

WWE Teasing Hall Of Fame Announcement For Monday, Hulk Hogan Talks Kevin Owens, Injuries & More

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– Hulk Hogan participated in a Q&A session today on Facebook from South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. Highlights are as follows:

Did you get injuries for your career? which is the most serious one?

“it has to be around about 80 injuries…the back had to be one of the worst.”

What was more fun? Being the all american hero with the (then) wwf? Or one of the best heels ever with the nwo and wcw?

“There was nothing like the 80s. That red and yellow. #Hulkamania running wild was unbelievable.”

What has been the best WWE experience of your life?

“Has to be when I came back home. It was when I was in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The audience was electric it felt like 100 jet planes. So loud HH.”

Besides travel and wear and tear on your body, what would you say has been the hardest part of being a professional wrestler?

“The hardest thing is taking everything in your life and making that second. Work has to be first.”

Are you a fan of NXT, and if so, who impresses you most down there?

“In a huge fan of NXT. Kevin Owens is the guy right now who made me believe again. When Kevin came in and stepped up, it made me say WOW. HH.”

– According to WWE.com, the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2015 is expected to be named on Monday.

“The gossip going around WWE is that a former World Champion will be taking his place in sports-entertainment immortality,” WWE states. “Who will be joining “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rikishi, The Bushwhackers, Alundra Blayze and Warrior Award recipient Connor Michalek in the Hall’s Class of 2015 on the eve of WrestleMania 31? Could it be a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion from the company’s early years? Is it an Attitude Era icon? Is it even a WWE competitor, or will it be a WCW or ECW icon joining the Hall?”

Spoiler: TNA Reveals Plans For Special Edition Of Impact Wrestling

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It was revealed during Saturday’s set of TNA Impact Wrestling television tapings, which will air on the April 17th edition of the show, that an upcoming special edition of Impact Wrestling will take place called “TKO: Total Knockouts.”

While not confirmed, it’s believed that the TKO special will be taped this weekend and will feature a TNA Knockouts Championship match between Awesome Kong and Taryn Terrell. It will also feature a number one contendership match between Gail Kim, Brooke Tessmacher, Angelina Love and Madison Rayne.

Additionally, new Knockouts are scheduled to make their TNA debut.

Bo Dallas & Tyler Breeze Get New Tag-Team Name, Jey Uso Misses WWE Live Event

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– Jey Uso did not work the WWE live event on Saturday night in Seattle, Washington. Instead, Jimmy Uso appeared by himself, defeating The Miz in singles competition.

– Bo Dallas and Tyler Breeze have been working as a tag-team at recent WWE live events. At Saturday’s live event in Seattle, the two lost to The Lucha Dragons in tag-team action, however before the match, Dallas cut a promo, telling everyone that they were witnessing history as he and Breeze teamed up, and are now known as “Bo-Breeze.”

Below are photos of Bo-Breeze at last night’s show.

https://twitter.com/lunaticfr1nge/status/577015404196859904

Spoiler: Update On TNA’s Plans For The World Tag-Team Titles

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As reported earlier this weekend, due to Eddie Edwards’ broken heel injury, The Wolves were forced to vacate the TNA World Tag-Team Championships at Friday’s set of Impact Wrestling television tapings. It was revealed during Saturday’s set of tapings that a tournament will take place to crown new tag-team champions.

Our live correspondent at the Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando last night wasn’t clear if the matches that took place on the show were first round matches or tournament qualifying matches, however here are the teams that are involved as of right now:

James Storm and Khoya
Ethan Carter III and Bram
Austin Aries and Bobby Roode
Tigre Uno and Jay Rios
Robbie E and Jessie Godderz
Rockstar Spud and Mr. Anderson
Kenny King and Low Ki

*Spoilers* TNA Impact Wrestling Taping Results For April 10th & April 17th

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TNA taped the April 10th and April 17th editions of Impact Wrestling in Orlando, Florida this past Saturday night. Below are spoiler results of both shows, courtesy of F4WOnline.com.

– Kurt Angle and Bobby Lashley argued about the finish of their match (presumably on 4/3). Eric Young came out and said he deserved a title shot for beating Bobby Roode. Lashley went to spear Young but took out Angle instead. So this led to a three-way for the title.

– They announced a tag team title tournament for the vacant belts.

– James Storm said that all the members of Revolution would fight for the chance to be his partner.

– Khoya won three-way over Manik and Abyss. Not sure what happened to Sanada.

– Drew Galloway’s new group is called The Rising. They gave Shaun Ricker the name Eli and gave Tevita Fifita (Camacho) the name Myka. This led to another brawl with the BDC.

– Galloway & Eli & Myka b MVP & Kenny King & Low Ki via DQ when a masked man interfered. He turned out to be Homicide. Homicide still needs surgery on his rotator cuff so this isn’t necessariiy a long-term thing.

– Davey Richards b DJ Zema Ion

– Kurt Angle won three-way over Bobby Lashley and Eric Young to retain the title

– Awesome Kong b Gail Kim

– EC3 & Bram b Tigre Uno & ?

– Austin Aries & Bobby Roode b Jessie Godderz & Robbie E in the tag team tournament

– They announced Angle vs. Young as the next TNA title match, maybe taped tomorrow

– Low Ki & Kenny King b Ken Anderson & Rockstar Spud in the tag team tournament

Jim Ross Blog: Impact Wrestling Thoughts, Reigns vs. Lesnar, Melina & More

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WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has updated the blog section of his official website. Below are some highlights.

On Friday’s edition of Impact Wrestling: “Thought Impact Wrestling Friday night was one of their best TV shows in a good while and arguably the best wrestling show of the TV week. If TNA simply keeps their talk managed and succinct while focusing on what their talents do best and that’s wrestle they are going to be line over the long haul IMO. It’s not that their talents can’t promo but today’s audiences generally don’t want to have to listen to the ‘never ending promos’ that are over scripted and over thought. Kudos to Rockstar Spud & EC3 on a compelling performance.”

On Melina’s appearance on the Ross Report: “We are getting some amazing feedback on our Ross Report Podcast with @RealMelina this week especially from women. I hope that you will check it out as Melina is brutally honest and opens her heart for all to hear. Download for free at podcastone.com and iTunes or listen to it right here on the home page of our site.”

On Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31: “I think fans should give Roman Reigns an opportunity to prove himself on the big stage at WrestleMania vs. Brock Lesnar. Wouldn’t shock me to see Lesnar win the match even though Reigns is the favorite because of the unknown status of Lesnar’s WWE contractual arrangement.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com.

Johnny Mundo On Rey Mysterio To Lucha Underground, Joey Mercury/WWE, Alberto El Patron

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Johnny Mundo (formerly known as John Morrison) recently appeared on the Pro Wrestling Experience podcast to talk about a number of Lucha Underground related topics. Below are highlights from the interview.

On his experience at Lucha Underground: “Loving it. It’s a combination of lucha libre mix-in with American style pro wrestling and gridy action films. Three things that I like Action, Wrestling and Storytelling. The roster is like the best roster in the world as far as talent goes and everybody backstage is getting along well for a start up federation and it’s seems to continue to find it’s identity each week. Its exciting to be there, the show are great and continuing to improve and the roster is coming to it’s own and we’re continuing to define what Lucha Underground is each week!”

On his thoughts about Rey Mysterio joining AAA and possibly joining Lucha Underground: “I hope he comes to Lucha Underground for selfish reasons because I want to wrestle him. Rey is at a point in his career where he’s done everything and the next thing Rey does is going to be because he wants to do it and hopefully it is with Lucha Underground. I loved hanging out with him and wrestling him and the fans do as well so I think that would be really rad.”

On Alberto El Patron: “I had a bunch of matches with him when we were in WWE, but a lot of them were short tv matches. I’m really looking forward to having a ppv style produced match with him. He’s super talented and super nice guy. Had alot of fun with him on some Florida tours. When he and I get in the ring together we’re going to show what we can do.”

On his former tag team partner Joey Mercury being part of major storylines in the WWE right now: “Couldn’t be happier for him. When I was watching him in the ring with Jon Stewart the other night I was falling out laughing it was awesome. I couldn’t be happier for Joey that guy eat, sleeps and breathes wrestling. He was a genius in psychology when I met him 12 years ago and he’s been improving his game ever since then.”

On who he had the most chemistry in the ring with during his time in WWE: “CM Punk, The Miz, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler”

On his favorite WrestleMania Match: “WrestleMania 24’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match absolutely for the fact that it was first time I had a spotlight on myself on such a grand stage, but also getting to be in the ring with such incredible talent in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, so yea that’s the one for me.”

Check out the complete interview at Speaker.com.

WrestleMania I-X: The Top 10 Matches From The First Decade

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WrestleMania is now only a few weeks away, and to say that the build has been abysmal so far would be a bit of an understatement. Instead of criticizing the company for its incompetence, let’s relive the glory days together.

Over the course of the next week or so, we are going to be looking at the ten best matches from each decade of WrestleMania. Today we start by looking at the first ten WrestleMania events.

10. The British Bulldogs vs. The Dream Team (Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (WrestleMania II)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2cyy4p_wwf-wrestlemania-ii-the-british-bulldogs-vs-the-dream-team_sport

This took place at one of the absolute worst WrestleManias of all-time, and was one of the few (if not the only) highlights of the night. Davey Boy put in most of the work for his team, showcasing his power throughout the contest.

There were multiple near-falls in this contest, with the Bulldog attempting Perfect-Plex that registered a two-count at one point. It appeared The Dream Team had the victory at one point, but Valentine foolishly pulled the Dynamite Kid’s head from the mat, and would lose mere seconds later after having his head smashed into the turnbuckle. Overall, there weren’t a ton of memorable tag matches during the first decade of WrestleMania, but this is definitely a highlight, and one that usually doesn’t get much credit.

9. Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. Rick Martel (WrestleMania VII)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2hsfmz_wwf-wrestlemania-vii-jake-roberts-vs-rick-martel_sport

Let me start by saying this match was pretty cheesy. We all knew the two competitors could see each other through the bags they were sporting. With that said, they employed decent in-ring psychology and told a solid story, and it was even unintentionally humorous at times. (I mean how could one not laugh at Martel delivering an elbow to the canvas after The Snake was long gone, or the two running past one another in the most obvious manner?)

Roberts finally tracked down “The Model” and picked up the win after hitting his signature DDT. Most importantly, this was one of the first gimmick matches to be featured at WrestleMania and would lay the groundwork for the next generation, which would deviate away from the traditional wrestling style that had characterized the first six WrestleManias. For that reason alone, I feel that it deserves to be included on the list.

8. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (WrestleMania III)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1u6x5h_wwf-wrestlemania-iii-hulk-hogan-vs-andre-the-giant_sport

The action in this one was basically garbage. One of the main selling points involved fans hoping to see Hogan slam Andre for the first time, even though he and others had already done so in the past. And on top of that, it was the main event of the biggest show of the year and only lasted a little over ten minutes. Don’t get me wrong, the feud leading into the event was money, but the match itself was rather meh.

Even though the action didn’t live up to the hype, this was the most important match in the company’s history at the time, and one would be hard-pressed to find one since that had more impact. These guys worked a lengthy feud leading into the event and had millions of eyes watching a product that wasn’t even putting on pay-per-view events just a few years prior. Not only did they have millions of eyes watching at home, they also drew a record 93,173 fans to check it out on in person.

Hogan did slam Andre and followed it up with his Leg Drop for the win. The action wasn’t memorable, but without this match, there’s a good chance the WWE would never have become the global juggernaut it is today, so for that reason alone, it has to be included in a list such as this one.

7. Ultimate Warrior vs. Randy Savage (WrestleMania VII)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2hsck9_wwf-wrestlemania-vii-randy-savage-vs-the-ultimate-warrior_sport

After Savage lost his title to Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania V, he had tried on numerous occasions to win it back. Hogan passed the torch to Warrior at WrestleMania VI, and the “Macho King” set his sights on the newly crowed champ. After Warrior refused to grant him a title shot (instead granting one to Sergeant Slaughter), Savage interfered in the contest, hitting Warrior with his scepter and costing him the title.

This led to a feud between the two heading into WrestleMania VII, with Savage putting his career on the line. Sensational Sherri accompanied the “Macho King” to the ring but his former girlfriend Miss Elizabeth was also in attendance. After hitting a remarkable five flying elbows drops, Savage was still unable to diminish the power of the Warrior, eventually taking three shoulder block tackles that each sent Savage to the floor. Warrior would stand over the fallen King and pick up the victory, forcing Savage to “retire.”

Some of the most memorable action actually took place following the match, however, as Sherri attacked Savage, leading to a memorable reconciliation between Miss Elizabeth and Savage, with Savage once again becoming a fan favorite after holding the ropes for Elizabeth. Awesome match. Awesome story. Awesome Wrestlemania moment.

6. Bret Hart vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (WrestleMania VIII)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2gs2s7_wwf-wrestlemania-viii-bret-hart-vs-roddy-piper_sport

Widely considered to be one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history, Hart and Piper battled for the Intercontinental Championship back in the days when the title was actually worth a damn.

Hart could make anyone look good, and Piper was an above average worker in his own right, so there was little chance of this contest being anything other than a stone cold classic. It really felt personal too, with stiff action that was a borderline street fight at times. The “Hit Man” bladed during the match and was covered in blood by the end of this brutal affair.

After the referee was driven into the turnbuckle and knocked out for a few minutes, Piper considered using the ring bell as a weapon, but had a change of heart and chose not to. The “Hot Rod” instead attempted to put Hart away with his signature sleeper, but Hart countered the move by propelling himself off of the turnbuckle and countering into one of the most beautiful pinning combinations fans will ever see. Piper embraced Hart and helped him to the back after the contest, earning the respect and admiration of basically everyone in attendance.

Lucha Underground Report and Analysis: The Hunt Inside The Steel Cage

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Lucha Libre is intertwined with Mexico’s legendary history. Its following has made it the most popular sport (for lack of a better word) after soccer in a country of almost 150 million people, and an integral part of pop culture, mass media and entertainment in general.

In the early 1900’s, Mexico was in the middle of a Revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. During war time two Italian businessmen, Giovanni Reselevich y Antonio Fournier began promoting fights, in which opponents fought each other hand to hand, without weapons or protection. These fights were known as Lucha Libre, or ‘free fight’, and were notorious for their lack of regulations and violence inflicted upon the luchadores, or fighters.

While common belief is that this fighting style was originally introduced by the French during the invasion of 1863, it wasn’t until this time when Reselevich and Fournier where developing a cross-town rivalry between their respective promotions, that Lucha Libre began to develop large followings throughout many parts of the country. Lucha Libre was a lot different from what we see today and from what I’ve read there was nothing predetermined about it.

In 1929, Salvador Lutteroth González was working in the United States where he began attending professional wrestling matches in El Paso, Texas.  It was there that he became fascinated with the sport, especially the colorful personalities of the wrestlers, and decided to bring the sport to his home country of Mexico.

In 1933, together with partner Francisco Ahumada, González founded the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL) in Mexico City.  After struggling and being turned down by larger arenas, the EMLL presented its first card in Arena Modelo, which had previously been scheduled for demolition, and had already been partially dismanteled.  Instead, the 5,000 seat arena became the first home of modern Lucha Libre, and within a year, the EMLL was selling out events and looking for larger venues

The EMLL, now called the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) is the longest running active professional promotion company in the world.  Its current home is the 16,000 seat Arena Mexico in Mexico City, considered the Mecca of professional wrestling in Mexico.

Enter Los Enmascarados. The use of mascaras, or Lucha Libre masks, had been a part of Lucha Libre since its inception, however, it wasn’t popularized until the introduction of Santo, El Enmascarado de Plata, or “Saint, the Silver Masked Man”. Santo made his debut in summer 1942, and quickly captured the public’s fascination with his fighting ability and mysterious secret identity. Santo is probably, and some would say absolutely, the greatest luchador of all time. He became so big he actually ascended to the top of film industry in Mexico, similar to what the Rock was able to accomplish here in the United States. Other contemporaries of great popularity include Blue Demon, Dr. Wagner, Solitario, Mil Máscaras, Rolando Vera, Anibal, Ray Mendoza, Rayo de Jalisco, and many more throughout the decades. A popular and important part of a Mexican wrestler’s persona has always been his or her mascara, or lucha libre mask. The masks play an important part of the storyline, as well as the legacy of the wrestler, and can also provide some anonymity in a country enthralled by the sport.

A lot of critics have been hard on Lucha Underground for having “too many” masked fighters and some even believe this is hurting the product as it will prevent the show from crossing over to American mainstream prominence. While I think this is true and in the past I’ve suggested they spend quality time creating more characters like Cage, Angélico and Johnny Mundo, by the same token I think it’s imperative we understand and respect the difference in culture and the importance of masks in Mexico’s storied wrestling history.

We must keep in mind Lucha Libre is and will always be different from what we’re used to here in the United States. It is unique from professional wrestling promotions in the United States and Europe in that the wrestlers usually have smaller physiques and the moves preformed are more aerial in nature, as opposed to the power moves popular in the US. The light weight division, or peso semicompleto, for example, is the most popular in Mexico and features technical and acrobatic skills unparalleled to anything seen in other countries around the world. This is wrestling at its finest. Welcome to Lucha Underground.

We get a video package hyping tonight’s show and new waterfront shots bring us into the arena where Amandititita is performing live. Pentagon comes out while the fans chant his “Zero Fear” slogan in Spanish. This character is super over so let’s hope he can do something of more significance in the future that doesn’t simply involve squashing jobbers.

Penragon Jr. vs. Argenis

The not so very eloquent Vampiro loves Pentagon’s “aggressivity”. Last week he said “luchaness”, I can only wonder what he’ll say next week. Pentagon catches him off a moonsault, but eats a DDT out of trying to do a tilt-a-whirl gutbuster. He gets sent out and hit with an Asai moonsault. Argenis moves to avoid attack and they wind up on top with a double-standing hurricanrana off the top by Argenis. Gorilla press leads to a slam right into the buckle for a sick head landing. I’ve never seen anything like that, it looked as if his neck snapped. Pentagon racks him and does it again but this time inverted. Argenis is one tough fighter. Josh Barnett is shown in the crowd while Striker plugs NJPW World Pro Wrestling and Pentagon hits a sloppy clothesline to Argenis on the apron, sending him down which leads to a somersault flip dive. Running package piledriver hits, leading to the double armbar and of course, he gets his arm snapped back. That piledriver is one heck of a move. I know they’re dangerous and that’s why we don’t see them in WWE, but isn’t the art of wrestling executing a dangerous move safely? That’s why we call it selling. Good match, a little different from the squash matches we’ve been treated to, which is good. This guy will eventually need a feud so it’ll be interesting to see who his nemesis will be. Should be an outstanding rivalry.

There’s a Miami Vice marathon all day Sunday. Catrina tells Fenix he may be a man with a thousand lives but that Mil Muertes isn’t going to stop until he takes every single one of them. Catrina says that the only way to survive is to bury Mil.

We see more shots of Konnan in the rain – he is welding a bada** new cane and beating the heck out of things with it. He promises revenge as he draws a line through the rain and we cut away. I loved the production. He is seen welding a cane the way one would weld a sword. Very creative and a stunning visual to behold. My favorite part of Lucha Underground continues to be the cinematography.

Angelico vs Ivelisse with Son of Havoc as special referee.

I always enjoy these two when they go to work. They have great chemistry together and their matches are comical yet physical. I thought the part where Ivelisse locked a knee bar was great. Ivelisse has an extensive MMA background and it shows in the ring. Angelico is an experienced worker who has been all over the world and one of my favorites currently on the Lucha roster. This was a solid back and forth match until the jealous Son of Havoc started getting involved. His jealousy is highly entertaining. Then again if I had a girl like ivelisse my jealousy would be highly entertaining too. I enjoyed the ending sequence as she slaps Havoc and Angelico wants to join in on the action so he attempts to kick Havoc but he ducks and hits Ivie with a hook kick instead. Angelico then pins Ivelisse with an Edge style humping like pin that leads to Havoc to fast count in order to get Angelico off her. Fun match, I enjoyed it a lot.

Backstage Mil Muertes is seen putting on his mask and Catrina arrives basically to play mind games with him. Next week he faces Fenix in a grave match. Should be interesting. I’m liking the gimmick matches and I’m really looking forward to the grave match. Considering the arena isn’t so big their creative forces will definitely be on display next week.

Mick Foley Talks Jon Stewart’s Recent RAW Appearance, Roman Reigns, WrestleMania 31

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WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley recently spoke with Scott Fishman of The Miami Herald. Below are highlights of the interview.

On Roman Reigns going to WrestleMania 31: “Even though I was pulling for Daniel Bryan to win the Rumble, as soon as I found out it was going to be Roman Reigns I thought there would be some good possibilities and stories that could go on to make it really interesting. If I was commissioner still I would try to do my best to put the matches and the guys in them over as much as I could. That was always my goal with whatever I did. If there was or is a change of re-balancing of power in the future, I hope they would go with someone who could give the show a different feel. I think those shifts are really important every once in a while.”

On the WWE Intercontinental Championship ladder match at WrestleMania 31: “My oldest son [Dewey] and I were talking about how the championship and how it has become a hot commodity because I think there is an understating that these guys are going to put on a match that is going to be hard for anyone to top. That’s what you need to make a great card. If that’s anything but a classic, I’d be personally disappointed. I’m looking forward to that one. I want to see Sting and Triple H like anyone else. I’m going to go out on a limb here to say there better be a spot for AxelMania because it’s running wild. I’m telling you right now. A pairing of AxelMania down the road with Damien Sandow or Mizdow could be the Mega Powers for the new generation.”

On Jon Stewart’s recent appearance on WWE RAW: “I thought he was great. He is such an incredibly important person in our culture, yet not every one of our fans is familiar with him. They know when someone knows their stuff. The idea that someone who talks to Presidents and world leaders knows every intricate detail of our WWE storylines is really impressive. I thought it was a really good appearance. I thought Seth Rollins was excellent. I thought the low blow coming from a collegiate soccer player was appropriate. I think Jon’s kids will remember his appearance on Raw as being more important than his conversations with presidents.”

Check out the complete interview at MiamiHerald.com.

Brad Maddox Making WWE Return This Weekend, Paul Heyman Promoting WM31 Around-The-Clock

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– WWE performer Brad Maddox is scheduled to return on the road with WWE at tonight’s live event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Maddox was also backstage at the WWE SmackDown television taping in Atlanta, Georgia a few weeks ago, but hasn’t been a regular on television since May of 2014.

– Paul Heyman posted the following tweets on his official Twitter account late Friday night regarding promoting this year’s WrestleMania pay-per-view.

Backstage Update On Bill DeMott Controversy, Some Stories Were Exaggerated?

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While many of the accusations that have come out against Bill DeMott took place in early 2013, some of the stories reportedly date back to his first run as developmental coach, which ended in 2007.

Issues with DeMott in the past is one of the reasons WWE had cameras installed in the WWE Performance Center, and are also why all practices are filmed.

WWE reportedly wanted proof to defend themselves in case any lawsuits came up in the future. As noted recently, WWE is expecting lawsuits to be filed as part of the recent DeMott controversy.

The issues surrounding DeMott were well known within the company, so much so that many were said to be surprised that he still had a job. There was said to be a feeling that the controversy was a time-bomb that could go off at any point.

Additionally, there’s a feeling that some of the stories that came out about DeMott in recent weeks were exaggerated by those who were telling them.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE SummerSlam 2015 Sells Out Immediately, The Rock To Host SNL During WM31 Weekend

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– Tickets to the public for this year’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view, which takes place on August 23rd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, sold out immediately this morning. Virtually all of the tickets had arleady been sold via pre-sale before today.

– Part-time WWE performer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson landed a role as host of Saturday Night Live for the March 28th edition of the show, which is the Saturday before WrestleMania 31. The Rock tweeted the following about hosting SNL for the fourth time.

WWE Signs Three Top Executives To New Contracts, Details On Their New Deals

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According to a new SEC filing, WWE has signed George Barrios, Kevin Dunn and Michelle Wilson to new deals this week that will see the three top company executives earn 174,095 shares of WWE stock each, as long as they stay with the company through July 2018, and as long as the company reaches certain financial goals.

The 174,095 shares of WWE stock is worth approximately three million dollars.

The new deal also gives each executive a one-year non-compete clause in their new deals, if they do decide to leave the company.

*Spoilers* TNA Impact Wrestling Taping Results For March 27th & April 3rd

Matt Boone
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TNA taped the March 27th and April 3rd editions of Impact Wrestling in Orlando, Florida this past Friday night. Below are spoiler results of both shows.

– James Storm opened the taping, cutting a promo inside a steel cage. Storm spoke about “ending Jeff Hardy tonight.” Hardy ended up coming out and the two exchanged words. This led to Manik coming out and attacking Hardy. Abyss also came out, but ended up getting taken out with a steel chair.

– Kurt Angle came out for a promo segment. Tyrus and EC3 end up coming out to interrupt him. Bobby Roode also came out and demanded to be in the World title picture. Eric Young then came out, as did Austin Aries, who brought his Feast or Fired briefcase with him and said he’s going to win the title soon. Angle says he’ll face everyone. Bobby Lashley comes out and he’s pissed. Tyrus, EC3 and Young attack Lashley and Aries until Mr. Anderson comes out to make the save.

– EC3, Tyrus and Eric Young def. Bobby Roode, Mr. Anderson and Austin Aries in six-man tag-team action.

– Awesome Kong def. Brooke Tessmacher in Knockouts action. After the match, Kong tries to continue her attack until Taryn Terrell comes out to make the save. They end up brawling, leading to Kong putting Terrell through a table.

– Bram comes out for a promo, but is interrupted by Mickie James and Magnus. Magnus and Bram end up brawling. Bram low-blows Magnus and tries to kiss Mickie, but ends up getting beaten down.

– Rockstar Spud def. Low Ki and Drew Galloway to retain the X-Division title. The BDC came out durnig the match. MVP cut a promo on Galloway. The former Camacho and Shaun Ricker end up coming to help Galloway. They end up calling themselves, “The Rising.”

– Gail Kim def. Angelina Love in Knockouts action.

– Eric Young def. Bobby Roode in singles action.

– The Wolves come out for a promo segment. They announce that due to Eddie Edwards’ injury, they are vacating the TNA tag-team titles.

– Magnus def. Bram in a Falls Count Anywhere match. James Storm interfered during the match.

– Kurt Angle def. Bobby Lashley to retain the TNA World title. The finish of this match looks to be leading to a rematch, as Lashley got his shoulder up during the pin.

– Jeff Hardy def. James Storm in a steel cage match with a lot of weapons involved to close out the taping.

Spoiler: Title Change At Impact Wrestling Taping, MVP Re-Signs With TNA

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– With Eddie Edwards currently suffering from an injury, The Wolves have vacated the TNA World Tag-Team Championships. The titles were vacated at the Impact Wrestling tapings on Friday night in Orlando, Florida.

As things stand now, the new TNA World Tag-Team Champions are expected to be decided by the end of the weekend.

– TNA executive John Gaburick announced the re-signing of MVP to the promotion. MVP joins a number of other talents who have re-signed with the company this week.

Below is Gaburick’s announcement of MVP’s re-signing.

Final WWE SmackDown Rating Drops This Week

Matt Boone
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The Thursday, March 12th edition of WWE SmackDown scored a final cable rating of 1.83, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 1.83 final draw marks a decrease compared to last week’s show, which finished with a 1.94 rating.

Thursday’s SmackDown averaged 2.573 million viewers, which was also down from the previous week’s show, which pulled in an average of 2.694 million viewers.

SmackDown finished number two this week on cable television for Thursday night.

Shawn Michaels Talks About Nearly Signing With WCW In The 1990s, His New Book & More

Matt Boone
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WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels recently appeared on the Bell 2 Bell radio show to promote his new autobiography. Below are highlights from the interview.

On his new book and the differences between it and his last book: “Well, the first book was more part of the WWE marketing machine. It wasn’t something that I wanted, but was more something that WWE wanted me to do, focusing on Wrestling and what I wanted to do. Yes, it is wrestling related, but it does focus on my faith more. Faith and my family are the two biggest aspects of my life, so I’m genuinely interested in talking about it.

On how close he came to signing with WCW in the nineties: “There were certainly times that I wanted to, but I was still under contract. Hall and Nash were different, they gave their notice and weren’t in breech of contract when they went over, that’s how they were allowed to go. Years later, when my contract was up, however, I did consider it, and thought about it, but it was after the back injury, so I wouldn’t have been much use to them anyway. But I decided to stay, and it’s safe to say, I wouldn’t be chatting to you today if I had indeed went over.”

Check out the complete interview at Bell2Bell.Podomatic.com.

Possible Spoiler: WWE Planning Special Ring Entrance For Sting At WrestleMania 31?

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As noted on Thursday, WWE has hired a local casting agency in the Bay Area of San Francisco in an attempt to find males to work as “marching Russian soliders” for a special Rusev ring entrance at WrestleMania 31.

Additionally, we can confirm that the company is also looking to hire some extras to play the part of scarecrows at WrestleMania.

While it’s not confirmed at this point, early speculation is that the “scarecrows” would likely be used for a special ring entrance for Sting or Bray Wyatt, with Sting being the more likely of the two.

Roman Reigns Talks Critics, Whether He Deserves His Spot In WWE, Scripted Promos, WrestleMania

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Roman Reigns called into Elvis Duran and the Morning Show’s The Josh Podcast and discussed his WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at Wrestlemania 31, his critics, scripted promos, keeping ‘The Shield’s’ entrance and more.

On the WWE Championship going on last at WrestleMania:

“I haven’t talked much about that. My assumption is the championship match should always be last, that’s what we’re fighting for, that’s the biggest prize, as awesome as rivalries are. The WWE Championship, if you have that around your waist you are the man, you are on top of the mountain, you’re receiving the biggest paychecks, you’re going to have the best life, you’re going to create the best future for you and your family. So for me, I think the ultimate prize being the WWE Championship, it should always be on last, not just cause I’m fighting for it.”

On butting heads with hardcore fans:

“I don’t think I’m head butting with them, I feel like they are head butting me. I don’t do anything but go out there and bust my ass every single week…Even when I was with the Shield, I’ve always had the critics and I think a lot of it goes with the background of me not having that independent experience, especially being paired up with guys like Seth and Dean because those guys are journeymen. The things they had to do are second to none.”

On “deserving” his spot:

“We have a very strong hardcore fan base and they go in a bit deeper than just what the storyline is. One thing that kind of confuses me is that it is a performance, it is a show, there is a storyline. When people start doing the “He deserves this, He deserves that”, really did Brad Pitt deserved to be Achilles in Troy? It’s a weird world that we live in; it’s very real but very scripted at the same time. It’s a fine line and in my opinion that’s what makes it so neat.”

On scripted promos handcuffing talent:

“I don’t think handcuffing is the right term. I look at it as a challenge. Obviously as a performer, I would love to go out there and go off of impulse, just go off into the arena and feel what’s going, but it is a show, it is a performance, and there is a lot that goes into this machine… For me, I know for a fact I haven’t told my full story. There is still so much more about me that I want to show the world.”

On keeping The Shield’s stairway entrance:

“The entrance itself it’s just such a unique thing, somebody had to keep that because it’s part of the show now and I get Tweets and all kinds of social media stuff, “what area are you coming down.” People want those seats now. It’s upped the value of that seating almost to where it’s like a front row situation. Those fans that are on that stairwell that I’m coming down are right on top of me, you get to see me, you can smell me, and people are touching me. You get a very good feel of what I’m like up close and personal. I think that was one thing WWE wanted to do was keep that moment for the crowd.”

To listen to the podcast, click here.

TNA Announces Two Former Champions, X-Division Star Have Re-Signed With The Company

Matt Boone
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Following several TNA talents re-signing with the promotion, TNA executive John Gaburick has announced three more contract extensions.

Gaburick noted on Twitter that former TNA Champion Bobby Roode, former TNA Knockouts Champion Taryn Terrell and Tigre Uno have all signed deals to remain with the company.

Below are the announcements made by Gaburick on social media.

Bill DeMott Denies Being Racist & Homophobic, Responds To Tom Prichard’s Rant & More

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Former WWE NXT head trainer Bill DeMott has been speaking out on Twitter about his departure from WWE and all of the allegations being made against him.

In response to Dr. Tom Prichard releasing a scathing rant about him earlier this week and refuting WWE’s claims that they conducted a “thorough investigation,” Demott wrote:

Orlando reporter Matt Grant reached out to DeMott asking for a comment/interview regarding the allegations, but he declined.

Vince Russo sent him an encouraging message:

He also denied the “jelly donut stinkface” incident and denied being racist or homophobic:

Son Of Havoc On Working With Ivelisse Velez On Tough Enough, Lucha Underground & More

Matt Boone
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Son Of Havoc recently appeared on Ring Rust Radio to talk about a number of Lucha Underground related topics. Below are highlights of the interview, which you can listen to in full via the YouTube player embedded above.

On the Lucha Underground locker room compared to others he has worked in: “I think everyone is really on the same page, which is quite rare. The locker room is like a cohesive unit. There’s no cliques, there’s no certain guys hanging out in certain areas, there’s not the ex-WWE guys. It’s all people on the same page realizing what they are a part of and realizing we have the chance to create something new and different in the wrestling space which hasn’t been done in God knows how many years. Everyone is really excited and motivated to work together. Hopefully that cohesive unite we have become will continue on because the effects from it can be seen on the show. Everything really is running so well and we are being treated so well.”

On what sets Lucha Underground apart from the other top American promotions: “I think Lucha Underground is an evolution of our business. It’s the difference between us as kids and or our parents watching the Brady Bunch vs. Breaking Bad. The way things are shot, the angles used, the actors, and there is just more expected from today’s audience. They are smarter than they have been treated in the past. It’s not just here is something in front of you, now there is little hints and things you have to decipher. Now we see as entertainment has evolved, audiences can keep up with this kind of thing. Lucha Underground is that type of evolution in the wrestling business. If you’re flipping through the channels and come across it on a cinematic vignettes, the in-ring action, costuming, you will see it’s so fresh and unique. I am so happy to be a part of it because I have clamored for change as so many of us have been forever. Now to be a part of that change, it’s just really so exciting and different. I think a lot of times wrestling falls into that category of old boys club. The mentality of this is how it’s been done and how it’s going to be done. Now with a new fresh set of eyes, everything is being looked at as fresh and new and that’s coming across in the content.”

On fans giving him support and appreciating his in-ring abilities: “It’s very nice to say the least. I’ve been in the business for 14 years and always felt that with the right matching I had a lot to offer. I feel like in Lucha Underground is the first time I have been given the ball. It wasn’t necessarily being given the ball as much as me smelling that the ball was near me, seeking it down, grabbing it, and then running. I think I have a lot to offer and Lucha Underground is the perfect platform to show that. Lucha Underground really listens to the talent and the people behind the stage, the fans, they are a lot more interactive then people realize. As the fans got behind me, they saw that I had so much to offer. At first I was being offered as this powerful guy but then surprised them with my unique move set and moves that really took people aback. I absolutely love having the fans at my back. That’s the real beauty of this industry is that it’s an art that’s evolving right before your eyes. If I go to a basketball game and yell for LeBron to shoot a 3 and he does, I want him to do it again so I chant for it again, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Where in wrestling, stuff like that can happen. In Lucha Underground, I have been told specifically we love you, be you. As a wrestler that’s all we can ask for you know? I am being given all the opportunity I have ever wanted, in front of a rabid and involved crowd. The fans aren’t just fans there. There are intricately linked and involved with us. We feed off their energy and they feed off of ours. The Temple has become a cool place and awesome environment.”

On who made the call for him to play a masked character: “They have their vision for people and characters, and with my background they felt I would be able to adapt to that style. Wrestling with a mask is very difficult. For the audience not clued in on exactly what it’s like, sight, hearing, and breathing is all an issue. It is insanely hot when you are shooting a show with the lights involved as well. I haven’t even wore tights before this gimmick. I always thought that its 2015, there’s no reason to wear tights anymore. Now with Lucha, I’m wearing tights and leather boots for the first time ever. I know Prince Puma is in the same situation right now with wearing the mask and boots. It’s definitely a different world and hopefully this helps to see how it really can be.”

On working with Ivellise in Lucha Underground and their Tough Enough history: “I think we work so well together because we have known each other for years even before Tough Enough. We had this weird trajectory of two people living in this weird circumstance of Tough Enough to now seeing each other again here it’s a weird story of how our careers intertwined. We are both just really excited for this opportunity and showcase we have been given. We both have this environment now that we can really show case what we do. We both have an appreciation for lucha libre, the business, and respect for those who came before us. We are two people at similar parts of our lives and careers and we are just excited to be on TV. With Lucha Underground we have so much free reign. We are included in the creative process, everything and everyone is taken seriously. No ideas are shot down or laughed at. Being on TV helps and gives us the opportunity to tell stories that you can’t do on the indie circuit where we do a show once a month. It’s easier when you don’t have to follow on a website and you can watch it every week and it’s in your face.”

On how much competition is there backstage to one up the next person and how do you when to draw the line: “As of now, the environment backstage is really unique. There is a monitor in the back that everybody can watch and we all root for each other. Us as the workers watching it makes us feel like reborn fans. When I’m in the back watching Johnny, I can’t wait to see what he does next. He is so motivated to push the envelope and do things that in the past we would have held back on doing. Now he does this crazy stuff where I’m left saying, “what?! That was crazy”! Everyone is pushing the envelope to help the show grow and then helps us to grow as individuals. It’s fun to sit there and watch and wonder what’s going on or what’s going to happen next. Being able to watch as a fan and not just a chore is fun to me. We are just riding this wave right now and where we are all supporting each other. I’ll come to the back and everyone is hugging and cheering and I’m doing that for them as well. It’s a really neat time for the company as a whole.”

On what working for WWE did for his psyche and drive in the wrestling industry: “All that can really be said at the end of the day was Tough Enough was a TV show. Take that for what it is. I don’t hold any ill will towards Stone Cold Steve Austin and I actually stay in touch with him to this day. I did American Ninja Warrior last year and talked to him right before I went on. We talked about wrestling, Cesaro, the Shield, I mean if you want to talk about someone who loves wrestling its Cesaro. It was a good experience overall. I never thought coming out of it I would ever meet Stone Cold or if I did it would have just been in the back. I’m sure part of his contract wasn’t to pick one of the talents or two and keep in touch with them indefinitely. Ultimately I’m thankful for the people I have met along the ride and now that it’s come around again full circle.”

On men wrestling against women in Lucha Underground: “I think it will continue to grow. I didn’t realize how groundbreaking it was or could be. I never thought that it was weird or different. When the show aired I saw the people’s reaction to it and how they were blown away. I always loved ECW and how crazy they were and I never thought of Miss Congeniality or Lita if they were to wrestle a guy. When I saw a lot of the feedback about it I was honored to be a part of it. Sexy Star is a bad ass. She is in incredible shape so when she was in there I said let’s see what she has. She has hitting me and she was beating the crap out of me. Take this from a guy who has been in the gym since he was ten years old and prides himself on his physical ability, she is legitimately tough. I believe the UFC at one time was on record as saying they were not interested in women’s fighting and that it won’t happen. Now you look at them and that whole division is taking off. Then they thought about revisiting it, do we need them to just be eye candy, do we delegate them to fight one another, or can we see what they are really capable of and mix it up with the men? I know for a fact Ivelisse sure does. Why should they hold them back from doing that? Moving forward, I think we have given a platform to that and we will see more of that.”

On how did his Son of Havoc name come about: “That was given to me and I think it fits. I like to bring the chaos and destruction to the ring. I’m something different, I’m the aerial executioner, the crazy look, black attire, Ivelisse, I think were bad ass and it all works together.”

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