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Jushin Thunder Liger Officially Announced For ROH Event During WrestleMania Weekend

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ROH issued the following …

NEW JAPAN’S JUSHIN LIGER HEADS TO SILICON VALLEY FOR SUPERCARD OF HONOR IX

Ring of Honor is proud to announce the legendary New Japan Pro Wrestling superstar Jushin “Thunder” Liger will be returning for Supercard of Honor on Friday March 27, 2015 at the Sports House in Redwood City, CA.

Liger is an international superstar with a list of legendary accomplishments throughout the world. He is a former 11 time IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion, 6 time IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, WCW Light heavyweight Champion and has held numerous championships on nearly every continent in the world.

He made his Ring of Honor debut in November 2004 and has faced some of the greats in ROH, such as Bryan Danielson, Austin Aries and most recently battled former ROH World Champion Adam Cole at ROH’s War of The Wolds in May of 2014.

Jushin “Thunder” Liger is returning to ROH with a lot of fan fare. The names lining up to take on the legend is hungry and vast. As always, stay tuned to www.rohwrestling.com for updates and announcements.

Ring of Honor: Supercard of Honor IX will feature the likes of: The Briscoes, reDRagon, Jay Lethal, Matt Sydal, ACH and all the elite ROH wrestlers in what will be a stacked card full of must-see encounters.

“What better place to host Supercard of Honor IX than Silicon Valley,” COO of Ring of Honor Joe Koff said. “ROH was built by a loyal and passionate online fan base that has helped make it into the global phenomenon it is today. It’s rather apropos that an area known for innovation is the location for Supercard of Honor, given how innovative our product is.”

Tickets for this event are SOLD OUT! If you don’t have a ticket, you will be able to see this entire event through the Ring of Honor’s Video On Demand.

A complete list of ROH wrestlers and a full card will be available exclusively at http://www.ROHWrestling.com.

The Sports House is located at 3151 Edison Way, Redwood City, CA 94063.

Grado Launches Social Media Campaign To Try And Use A Madonna Song For His Entrance

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TNA performer Grado (aka Graene Stevely) has launched a social media campaign with the goal of convincing pop artist Madonna to allow him to use her song, “Like A Prayer” for his pro wrestling ring entrance.

“This Friday on American telly I was getting the go-ahead for my match with Al Snow from The Hydro [in Glasgow] to be shown in full, with the “Like A Prayer” entrance — I was over the moon,” wrote Grado on his official Facebook page.

Grado noted that he received an email stating that the song was “denied on behalf of Madonna.” He would follow that up by launching the aforementioned social media campaign called the “#SayYesMadonna” campaign.

For more on the story, which has been generating a lot of buzz in the U.K., visit BBC.co.uk.

Big Daddy V’s Widow Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against WWE

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Cassandra Frazier, widow of the late Nelson Frazier Jr., (Big Daddy V, Viscera) has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against WWE on the one-year anniversary of his passing.

The lawsuit states that WWE did not warn its’ performers about concussions or head injuries, and states that the company allowed Frazier to wrestle with pneumonia despite the fact that he suffered from diabetes, an enlarged heart and obesity.

Frazier’s lawsuit plays on similar themes of other lawsuits filed against WWE by the likes of Billy Jack Haynes and Big Vito LoGrasso.

WWE has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

Ethan Carter III Talks WWE vs. TNA, Meeting Vince McMahon & More

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TNA wrestler Ethan Carter III recently spoke with Glenn Moore and Steve Guy on the “This Is Awesome Wrestling Show” to talk about WWE vs. TNA and other topics.

Below are highlights from the interview:

On the freedom he has in TNA compared to WWE: “Doing things like indies or any sort of outside appearances, stuff of that nature, what’s cool about TNA you can build yourself as a brand and they allow it. You’re not their property as much as your own businessman. I can get gigs. I can be doing a TV commercial where I’m cleaning a toilet, and they would be totally cool with it and think that’s fun. As opposed, elsewhere (WWE), where I can use my celebrity to do something great and they shoot it down because they don’t profit off it. TNA is awesome.”

On being able to work indy promotions, as well as TNA: “Indies are cool, because there are fans that love wrestling. It’s always fun and it’s a different environment. I don’t want to say that wrestling on TV isn’t fun, because I’m a dude on TV and I’m having fun every time I wrestle on TV because I always win.

There’s a little more freedom to experiment in matches you’re doing on the indies. I think it’s cool because you get to satisfy your career and your need to be on TV with TNA, plus on the weekend if you want to go out there and do something, that’s cool too. I could go put a wig on and wrestle as Elvis Carter the Third, and that would be funny.”

On meeting Vince McMahon for the first time: “Well, this is ironic, Vince McMahon loved me and he loved my crazy hair. And we did some awful cologne commercial; that was the Mark Henry Cologne. He produced and wrote every bit of that segment. And he laughed hysterically when we were doing it. So, he thought it was awesome. Then, I was never on Raw again. So I guess it wasn’t that good. But I have nothing but respect and the guy was cool. He was always a straight shooter. I can’t say that about everyone in that company, but Vince will always tell you like it is.”

On the difference between working in WWE and TNA: “It’s a little more relaxed. No walking on eggshells. There’s not the constant fear of people going to stab you in the back for their personal gain, because for some reason, that’s the atmosphere that is bred in WWE sometimes.

It’s relaxed, it’s cool. They were very welcoming, especially being a new guy, which is hard coming in as a new person. Everyone was nothing but cool to me. I have great friends in WWE, still do, but TNA is more of a brotherness. ”

Check out the complete interview at Libsyn.com.

Vince McMahon Talks About WWE After He’s Gone, His Favorite Superstar

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The latest issue of Muscle & Fitness Magazine with Vince McMahon on the cover featured a lengthy interview with the WWE Chairman & CEO.

When asked about the future of WWE if he retires or goes up to that “big ring in the sky,” Vince said WWE will be fine (what else would he say?) despite the fact that “no one person” can do everything he does.

“Our future from a corporate standpoint is extremely strong because we have so many talented executives, and they all bring different strengths to the table. Steph and Paul will certainly have significant roles going forward. I think when I kick, the organization is going to change, and I think for the better, because there’s no one person who can do all that I can do because of my background. There’s no one individual who’s going to take my place.”

McMahon said his favorite WWE Superstar is The Undertaker:

“…because of his loyalty, his longevity, and his extraordinary commitment to his character. We have lots of fun creating fun. [Superstars] try to crack each other up from time to time, and we all have tried to get Undertaker to break character, and we can’t do it. He is such a professional and an extraordinary human being behind the character. He’s committed to his craft and has worked through his injuries.”

Other topics discussed are his Mr. McMahon character and his workout regimen. The new issue of Muscle & Fitness is on newsstands now.

Kevin Owens Interview, The Rock Presenting At Academy Awards & More

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WWE.com has published a new interview with NXT Champion Kevin Owens. He spoke about a number of topics, including how he got into wrestling, the adversity he faced on his road to NXT and how it felt to win the NXT Championship.

When asked what the future holds for him in NXT, he said:

“Whatever I want. Bálor, Breeze, Itami, Corbin, Parker, English, Dillinger, Cassady, Amore, Kalisto, just to name a few … that’s potentially a lot of good fights coming my way. And I look forward to each and every single one of them.”

– WWE has still not picked a venue to host this year’s Summerslam. With New Jersey’s IZOD Center shutting down and WWE’s marketing focusing on the show taking place from the “NY/NJ” area, SummerSlam will probably take place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY or the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

– NXT Diva Dana Brooke will make her TV debut on an episode in April against Blue Pants. Brooke has been working live events for a few months now and received “you can’t wrestle” chants at last night’s NXT TV tapings. (Results)

– The Rock announced on Twitter that he will be presenting at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Scott Hall Training Young Talent, WWE’s Abu Dhabi Tour A Big Success & More

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– The Miz and his wife Maryse attended the Hot Tub Time Machine 2 premiere in Hollywood, California last night. They tweeted this photo from the red carpet:

On the red carpet #HotTubTimeMachine2 Premiere w/ @therealmaryseouellet

A photo posted by @mikethemiz on

– WWE’s recent tour of Abu Dhabi was very profitable for the company. While attendance ranged from 4,500-5000 per show, WWE was able to charge higher than average ticket prices due to the region’s affluence. The tour was organized by the local government.

– WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall attended the I Believe In Wrestling’s Team Vision Dojo quarterly review last night in Orlando, Florida. Hall and Larry Zbyszko are senior advisers to the facility.

The dojo tweeted these photos of Hall working with the talent:

WWE NXT Spoiler Results: 3/18 – 4/15

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WWE taped several weeks of NXT TV on Wednesday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Here are the spoiler results:

– NXT General Manager William Regal announces that we’ll see Sami Zayn vs. Rhino, Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor and Hideo Itami vs. Tyler Breeze in a 2 of 3 Falls Match tonight.

– The Vaudevillians defeated Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder in a dark match.

Airing March 18th:

– Finn Balor defeated Tye Dillinger with a stomp. Tyler Breeze appears on the big screen and cuts a promo on Balor after the match.

– Becky Lynch won a #1 Contender’s match against Bayley and Charlotte after pinning Bayley while Charlotte had Bayley in a Figure Four.

– Hideo Itami defeated CJ Parker.

– Rhino squashed an unknown wrestler. Fans chanted “you still got it, never lost it!” at him.

– Kevin Owens defeatd Alex Riley with a powerbomb. Owens beats up Riley after the match until Sami Zayn makes the save. They brawl and Sami hits a big top rope dive. Sami stands tall to end the episode.

Airing April 1st:

– Jason Jordan defeated Tye Dillinger.

– Bayley defeated Emma with a roll up pin. Emma was acting “off” and not as bubbly as usual.

– Blake and Murphy defeated Sin Cara and Kalisto.

– Sami Zayn cuts an in-ring promo about Kevin Owens. Sami has a plan. He’s going to use his rematch and kick Owens’ ass.

– Rhino squashed another unknown wrestler with a Gore. He cut a promo and said he’s coming for the NXT Title.

– Tyler Breeze defeated Hideo Itami in a 2 of 3 Falls Match is next. Hideo wins the first fall after a kick. Breeze wins the second fall after Beauty Shot and using the referee as a distraction. Tyler then wins the final fall with a Beauty Shot. The last fall was said to be very good.

Airing April 8th:

– Solomon Crowe defeated CJ Parker by submission.

– Baron Corbin defeated an unknown wrestler as fans counted to 29.

– Big Cass and Enzo Amore defeated Shoot Nation’s Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton. Blake and Murphy came out during the match to hit on Carmella and gave her flowers.

– Dana Brooke made her debut and defeated Blue Pants. Dana won with a fireman’s carry into a front slam.

– Sami Zayn defeated Rhino with a Helluva Kick in what was said to be an amazing match.

Airing April 15th:

– NXT Champion Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss by submission.

– NXT Champion Kevin Owens defeated Finn Balor with a powerbomb after a long, grueling match. There were said to be some amazing spots in this match. This was the end of the tapings.

Opening Betting Odds For WWE Fastlane

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Online betting site 5dimes has released the opening betting lines for Sunday’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view. The odds typically have a high level of accuracy in predicting match results, subject to change once the ‘late money’ comes in in the days leading up to the show.

– Roman Reigns is a -475 favorite of Daniel Bryan.

– John Cena and US Champion Rusev are essentially even, a sign that WWE could be booking some sort of a non-finish.

– Dean Ambrose -280 favorite over IC Champion Bad News Barrett.

– Tag Team Champions The Usos are -210 favorites over Tyson Kidd & Cesaro.

– Divas Champion Nikki Bella is a -185 favorite over Paige.

We’ll post an update if the betting lines change significantly before Sunday.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Taping Results For This Week

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The following is a preview for Thursday’s episode of WWE SmackDown:

  • Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler
  • Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
  • Ryback vs. Kane
  • IC Bad News Barrett vs. R-Truth
  • The Ascension vs. Big E & Xavier Woods
  • Roman Reigns vs. Luke Harper
  • Big Show vs. Erick Rowan.
  • Paige vs. Cameron.
  • Jimmy Uso vs. Tyson Kidd.

Hit up Page 2 below for Spoiler Results:

WWE Pairing Zahra Schreiber With Baron Corbin?, Reigns/RAW Note, WWE Attendance

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– Toronto Blue Jays MLB players Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez were among those that Roman Reigns was taking pictures with in the crowd during Daniel Bryan’s match on this past Monday’s RAW.

– There’s talk within WWE right now of pairing NXT Diva Zahra Schreiber with Baron Corbin because they both have a lot of tattoos. Zahra is the same NXT Diva who was involved in the Seth Rollins nude photo controversy last week.

– Below are some recent WWE attendance figures:

February 12th in Abu Dhabi drew 5,000 fans
February 13th in Abu Dhabi drew 4,700 fans
February 14th in Abu Dhabi drew 4,500 fans
February 14th in Tampa drew 7,000 fans
February 15th in Ft. Myers drew 4,500 fans
February 13th in Ft. Pierce for NXT drew 530 fans
February 16th in Orlando for RAW drew a sellout of just over 12,000 fans
February 17th in Ft. Lauderdale for SmackDown drew 8,000 fans

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Sting Working With WWE This Week, Lesnar Staying With WWE?, RVD

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– Sting is in Orlando, Florida this week for WWE business-related reasons. It’s believed that he is working on his segment with Triple H scheduled for this Sunday’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view.

– There continues to be an expectation among many within WWE that Brock Lesnar will actually end up staying with the company after his current contract expires following this year’s WrestleMania.

– Hollymood Entertainment has just released another new trailer for the marijuana documentary featuring Rob Van Dam. The documentary is titled, “The Emperor, The President & The King” and is scheduled to be released late in 2015. You can watch the new trailer below, and can subscribe to the Hollymood Entertainment Youtube channel at Youtube.com/slowdive626.

(Partial Credit: PWInsider.com)

Rhyno Makes NXT Debut, William Regal Discusses His Return To WWE

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As seen on tonight’s edition of NXT on the WWE Network, former WWE Superstar Rhyno made his return to the company, squashing Elias Samson in a singles match. Rhyno also worked a backstage segment with Finn Balor and taped some work for future episodes of NXT.

It’s also worth pointing out that WWE’s official Twitter account linked to Rhyno’s Twitter account and while he hasn’t posted a new tweet since December of 2014, the most recent tweet on his page is a TNA Impact Wrestling logo.

In the above video, NXT General Manager William Regal discusses Rhyno’s NXT debut.

Kid Kash Announces Plans To Retire This Year

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Former WWE, TNA and ECW star Kid Kash, who has also dabbled in MMA in recent years, announced his plans to retire at the end of this year.

Kash posted the following tweets regarding his retirement:

Sean Waltman Reveals What Chyna Once Told Him About Triple H Assaulting Her

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As noted earlier this month, former WWE Diva Joanie “Chyna” Laurer accused Triple H of assaulting her during their relationship while talking to Vince Russo for a podcast interview. HHH subsequently issued a statement denying the claims by Laurer.

Former WWE Superstar Sean Waltman (X-Pac) who is good friends with HHH and also dated Laurer in the past recently noted that Chyna once told him a similar story about HHH abusing her while they were dating, but claimed she later admitted that all HHH did was push her out of the way once.

Waltman also said he didn’t want to be involved in a public back-and-forth issue with Chyna, but mentioned that she has said a lot of things about him in the past that weren’t true either, including a lie about being raped in college, a story that she once told and later admitted to him wasn’t true.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Backstage News On A Possible Legendary Faction Being Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame

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Take this for what you will, but WWE executive Michael Hayes recently asked fans online if The Fabulous Freebirds go into the WWE Hall Of Fame, do they think Jimmy Garvin should be inducted with them.

The original Freebirds group was a trio that features Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts. A later version of the group was a straight tag-team act with just Hayes and Garvin.

The Freebirds have been rumored to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in the past, particularly last year when WrestleMania was in New Orleans, as the Freebirds were big in that market during the territory days.

Now, however, the latest rumor is that The Freebirds will be inducted next year since WrestleMania 32 will be in Dallas, and The Freebirds’ most epic feud was arguably their Texas-based rivalry with The Von Erich’s.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Chris Jericho’s WWE Deal To Expire Soon, Pat Patterson Begins Book On His Life

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– Part-time WWE performer Chris Jericho has only two weeks left on his current WWE contract, a deal that has him working strictly non-televised live events. Jericho’s last date with the company is a February 28th live event in Toronto. After that, he is scheduled to head to the United Kingdom for a “Fozzy” tour.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Pat Patterson is finally working on his autobiography. There’s not a lot of information regarding the project at this point in terms of a name or potential release time frame, other than the fact that he’s finally started writing it.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE RAW Viewership For Monday (2/16)

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Monday’s episode of WWE RAW did a 3.0 rating and averaged 3,997,000 viewers, up from last week’s 2.75 rating with 3,658,000 viewers.

Once again, RAW lost viewership each hour throughout the show. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Hour 1: 4,138,000
  • Hour 2: 4,026,000
  • Hour 3: 3,828,000

Mick Foley Talks About Samoa Joe Possibly Joining WWE

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Add WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley to the list of people pushing for WWE to sign Samoa Joe, who parted ways with TNA this week. Foley posted the following message on Facebook earlier today:

SAMOA JOE IN WWE?

I’d love to see it. A proven commodity given a new surrounding, and possibly a new look could be good for both Joe and ?#?WWE?. I remember running into Triple H and Stephanie McMahon – WWE in an airport in 2004, and mentioning I was on the way to a ?#?RingOfHonor? show. Triple H went out of his way to say that he’d heard that Samoa Joe was a “hell of a worker”. Hopefully Joe will get a chance to show WWE just how impressive he can be in person.

Do you see Joe fitting in with WWE? If so, how? Maybe as a potential Paul Heyman guy?

As noted earlier, Paul Heyman also took notice of Joe’s announcement on Twitter –

Steve Austin Says WWE Should Sign Samoa Joe

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WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin thinks WWE should reach out to Samoa Joe, who announced on Tuesday that he’s leaving TNA Wrestling.

In response to a fan question on Wednesday, Austin tweeted:

As noted earlier, there is some interest in WWE to bring Joe in for a tryout in the next few weeks. Click here to read more on that story – and what led Joe to leave TNA after 9 years.

NXT Tag-Team Coming To Main WWE Roster?, Total Divas Draws Lowest Number Of 2015

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– Sunday’s edition of WWE Total Divas drew 914,000 viewers on E!, the lowest number the show has drawn thus far this year. By comparison, the previous week’s show averaged 1.08 million viewers. This coming Sunday’s show will look to bounce back, but will have to do so while running against the live WWE Fastlane event on pay-per-view.

– It looks as though former NXT Tag-Team Champions The Lucha Dragons could be headed to the main WWE roster soon. The duo, which consists of Sin Cara and Kalisto, worked the WWE Main Event taping on Tuesday night, defeating the team of Curtis Axel and Heath Slater.

Bray Wyatt Talks About His Recent Promos, Says Fans Aren’t Picking Up On Certain “Clues”

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WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt appeared on the Gater 98.7 radio show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Tuesday to discuss his recent cryptic promos on WWE television.

The host asked Wyatt outright if his promos of late have been about The Undertaker. Wyatt responded by saying sometimes things are better left unsaid.

Wyatt explained that he likes to surround himself with mystery and encourages fans to “dive a little deeper” into some of the “clues” he’s been leaving behind in his promos.

Wyatt continued, pointing out that there is a lot more to the promos than what people may think, and even said he’s surprised and a little sad that fans haven’t picked up on some of the clues he’s given.

You can listen to the complete audio above.

Christopher Daniels Talks About Being Gone From TNA, How Much Longer He’ll Wrestle

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Former TNA performer Christopher Daniels recently spoke with Vaughn Johnson of Philly.com about a number of topics. Below are highlights from the interview.

On how things have gone for him now that he’s over a year removed from being in TNA: “Well, I feel like we were very lucky that I think the last year, year-and-a-half in TNA, I think people were sort of disappointed in how we were used. So when we left TNA, there was a good demand for us as a team … not just in Ring of Honor, but on the independent scene and overseas. I feel like we’ve been very lucky and will continue to be lucky that Frankie and I have had the opportunity to wrestle a lot of great team out on the independent scene and in Ring of Honor. It’s cool that we can sort of bring our act together around the world, around the United States to a lot of the independent companies and continue to do what we love to do.”

On his thoughts of wrestling promotions on television in the U.S.: “I think it’s a great time to be a wrestling fan to have all of these different alternatives to WWE, and not to say that WWE is bad in any way. WWE is what it is. It’s the model of professional wrestling. There’s a lot of great stuff happening on WWE television right now, but there are a lot of alternatives as well like TNA, Ring of Honor, Lucha Underground coming into play in the last year and New Japan finally getting their foot in the door here in the United States. I’ve had the opportunity to watch a couple of episodes of that television show and I think it’s just a matter of time with WrestleKingdom 9 being broadcast on pay-per-view here in the States, and that television show, that New Japan is going to make a move to try to do more things in the United States whether it’s doing more crossover dates with Ring of Honor or doing something on their own.”

On how wrestlers feel about the current state of the business: “I think that a lot of the guys that are at the independent level are a lot of the guys looking to branch out on television and there’s a lot of opportunity for them with Lucha Underground, with TNA moving to Destination America, with Ring of Honor still going strong on Sinclair’s syndicated stations. There’s a lot of opportunity to break out and get on television in one or more of these companies.

Then you can’t forget that the strides that NXT has taken to become not just the feeder system for the WWE, but it’s own brand. I know that they just had their third or fourth special recently and there’s not a bad word about NXT going around anywhere. Everybody’s thrilled about the guys that are in NXT, the action that they see and the type of show that NXT is, and that also being an alternative to the things that you see on WWE.”

On how much longer he thinks he’ll wrestle: “As long as I want. Right now, I don’t see an end yet. That’s crazy to say, but if someone told me that I would be wrestling four days a week for the foreseeable future, I ‘d be fine with that. I actually challenge people to try and get me to the point where I’m too beat up to wrestle or I’m too tired to wrestle. I want to wrestle. Right now, I feel good. I’m always actively looking for bookings and trying to continue to get better and do more and try to expand my repertoire and just continue to make this career what it is. I’m not looking to retire anytime soon and I’m challenging promotions out there to try to work me to death. I dare you.”

Check out the complete interview at Philly.com.

Video: HHH Talks To Michael Cole About Sting, Bryan vs. Reigns, Ric Flair & More

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The latest weekly sit-down interview between Michael Cole and Triple H is now available.

On this week’s interview, the focus was this Sunday’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view event. Cole asked HHH about some of the top matches. Regarding the Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns main event, “The Game” pointed out that the leader of the “Yes! Movement” might be the best wrestler in WWE right now, however he questioned if that will be enough to overcome Reigns’ brute strength and power.

Regarding Sting, HHH said he first wanted to apologize to Ric Flair for pushing him down on Monday’s RAW. He blamed it on passion and Sting and said what Sting is trying to do will only get done over Triple H’s “dead body.”

You can check out the complete Cole and HHH interview above.

Ryback Talks Working With John Cena & Paul Heyman, The Nexus, His Time In WWE

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WWE Superstar Ryback recently spoke with Jim Varsallone of The Miami Herald about a number of topics. Below are highlights from the interview.

On the Nexus’ debut in 2010: “We were pretty much told that if we don’t nail this thing, we’re probably going to be fired or definitely not going to be given the opportunity they were going to give us. So we were all on the same page that night…We all knew we had to work together that night, and we were all in position to do that, because if we were going to make this thing work, we had to work together. When you’re out there with seven other guys, working together, it kind of makes it a little bit easier. It wasn’t solely just on one of us. So that definitely helped, but to say nerves didn’t exist would be crazy. We definitely were all nervous before we went out there. That was the first night of the beginning of my WWE career, so to speak, as far as being in the big leagues. That night in Miami we were given a huge opportunity to sink or swim, and a group of us went out there, and we tore everything up.”

On working with John Cena: “Working with John has been a great experience. He’s been on top in WWE for a very long time, and he’s done extremely well for himself. He has set the bar very high. John’s been able to [be on top] for an extended period of time, which is a rarity in this business. So being in the ring with John was a great learning tool for me to see where I had to be, what areas I had to improve for me to go where I wanted to go with Ryback.”

On working with Paul Heyman: “Being with Paul Heyman, if you look back at the wrestling footage throughout the years, he’s been around for a very long time, and he’s been around a lot of the greats. So for Paul to want to align himself with me and be with me was a great compliment to me. It was a lot of fun. At that stage of my career and where I was at, I always liked being out there by myself to speak and say what I want to say and not have a mouthpiece, but it was a great learning experience for me, seeing how Paul approached promos and how he spoke to people and controlled the crowd, because he is truly very gifted in that aspect.”

On his time in WWE: “In anything in life, there’s going to be ups and downs, but my time in WWE thus far has been amazing. Each and everyday I get to show up to my job. I love it. I’m very thankful. Everyday is a different opportunity, a different challenge, and I love that.”

Check out the complete interview at MiamiHerald.com.