– WWE has changed their scheduled lineup for their post-Christmas event in Madison Square Garden. The new main event will feature John Cena vs. Randy Orton in what is being billed as a “title unification match.” Also added to the show is a WWE Tag-Team Championship match featuring Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. The Usos vs. The Real Americans.
– Jim Cornette has announced a tour of the United Kingdom in February of 2014. The dates and venues are as follows:
2/18 in Manchester at the Comedy Store
2/19 in Birmingham at the Glee Club
2/22 in Nottingham for a fans dinner at Restaurant 88
2/23 in Dagenham for a booking and managing seminar
2/23 in London at the Leicester Square Theater
2/25 in Cardiff, Wales at the Glee Club
WWE Superstar The Miz spoke to This Is Infamous this week to promote his new movie, Christmas Bounty. During the interview, The Miz spoke about
John Morrison “Saving” His WWE Career: “If Miz and Morrison never happened, I truly believe that I would have been fired within a year. I think being with Morrison really gave me the opportunity to take risks. It gave me the opportunity to really stand tall in our realm. When we created a thing called The Dirt Sheet, which… Back then, YouTube was just getting going with its popularity. WWE now has its own YouTube channel. It didn’t have its own YouTube Channel. It didn’t have those internet shows. We were the first. So we kind of became originals and we were doing those sorts of things that were going against the grain because we wanted to get noticed. I think Morrison pushed me and I pushed Morrison to really do the best that we possibly can. We brought the best out of each other, is what I thought.”
Fighting The Perception of What Makes A WWE Superstar: “You have to work hard, dedicate yourself, and don’t let people tell you that you can’t do it. Because that’s exactly what people are going to do. It’s your job to go against the grain. It’s your job to fight and claw and scratch to that top, and if people are telling you no, it’s your job to say yes. That’s why I always have these shirts that say “Haters Love Me,” and “Haters Want It,” because you’re going to get hated on by everyone and everything. Whether it’s backstage, in the WWE Universe, or even corporate. It’s your job to rise above it and figure out a way to make yourself noticed. And that’s exactly what people like Daniel Bryan and CM Punk have done.”
Daniel Bryan’s Rise To The Top Of WWE: “I knew that Daniel Bryan was going to have a struggle, because he doesn’t really have that size that WWE normally looks for. I mean even me: I’m 6’1 and 220 pounds and I had to struggle and fight and claw because I wasn’t the stereotypical 6’6? and 250 pounds of pure solid ripped muscle. That’s basically the quintessential star in the WWE now. Daniel Bryan had an uphill battle, but he definitely went strong and he dedicated himself, and this guy is now the most anticipated person whenever we come to a show. He’s the person that people want to see. You’ll see them chanting “Yes,” and you’ll see them chanting “No.” It’s kind of insane how great he’s become, and it’s all after his hard work.”
– WWE has provided a storyline update on Daniel Bryan after he was abducted by the Wyatt Family last night on RAW.
WWE.com reports that the Wyatt Family threw Daniel Bryan into the trunk of their car and drove away from the Nassau Coliseum. Daniel Bryan’s fiance Brie Bella was asked about the situation and she was upset, saying that she has not heard from him since.
– The following matches might take place on this week’s episode of WWE Main Event:
WWE RAW on Monday night scored a final cable rating of 2.93, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 2.93 final rating marks an increase from the 2.73 number that the show drew the previous week.
As noted earlier, Monday’s RAW averaged 4.135 million viewers, which was also up from the 3.802 million viewers that the show drew the previous week.
The first hour of RAW on Monday night averaged 4.318 million viewers. The second hour drew 4.292 million viewers. The third and final hour of the show averaged 3.796 million viewers.
As far as competition is concerned, the NFL “Monday Night Football” game on ESPN averaged 13.159 million viewers, which was a slight decrease from the 15.772 million viewers that the game drew the week before.
– The Daily Mail in the United Kingdom picked up the story of One Direction member Liam Payne wrestling TNA star Kurt Angle at the “1D Day” event in Los Angeles, California this past weekend. Angle noted that Payne was “more skilled than he had anticipated” in their mock wrestling match.
You can check out the complete article online at DailyMail.co.uk.
– The following are highlights from a v2 Wrestling interview with TNA Knockout Brooke Tessmacher:
On playing heel instead of babyface: “I think it’s just more rewarding to get out there and feel the hate from the crowd that means you’re doing your job. It’s so much more fun to be over the top and annoying and mean, and to play dirty”
On winning the TNA Knockouts Title: “It was something I never saw coming. I never thought I’d be good enough to hold the title and be looked at as the champion of this company… I’ll always remember that, and I remember that feeling of, ‘Now I’m finally somebody, now I’ve made a point that I’m not just some dancing chick.'”
WWE RAW opens with Justin Roberts introducing the WWE Champion Randy Orton. Michael Cole, JBL and Jerry Lawler talk about the controversial finish to Survivor Series as well as Michael Strahan guest-hosting tonight’s RAW. The Wyatt Family vs. CM Punk and Daniel Bryan is announced as a handicap match for later tonight.
Orton starts by saying he’s owed an apology from everyone for thinking he wouldn’t show up here tonight as the WWE Champion. Orton says The Authority agreed to join him out at ringside tonight. With that said, out comes Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
Triple H starts off by congratulating Orton on his victory at Survivor Series. He says they couldn’t be any more pleased with his win over Big Show. HHH says when Orton first came into the company he knew he had the potential to be one of the greatest Superstars in the history of WWE. Stephanie says they gave him exactly what he needed last week – motivation. She says it’s always nice when she and Triple H are always right. Orton says he’s not shocked to hear Stephanie make this all about her. Orton says he didn’t need their help and they interfered right when he was about to win without help. HHH says they promised there wouldn’t be any physical interference. He says Orton may have trouble remembering because he was unconscious at the time and the reason they came out was because they thought there was about to be a new WWE Champion. Orton says he took everything Big Show had to offer, unlike someone he knows (referring to Triple H). Orton says he is the greatest Superstar in the 50 years this company has been around. He says no one can take that away from him. With that said, John Cena’s music hits.
The World Heavyweight Champion John Cena makes his way to the ring. Cena says, “how you doing, I’m John Cena — World Heavyweight Champion.” He almost calls Orton a giant piece of…but Stephanie cuts him off before he can say sh*t. Cena addresses the “Daniel Bryan” and “Yes” chants by saying the fans are sick of the administrative b.s. Cena says he asked one question that he found interesting — who is the champion. He says he sees two champions in the ring right now. He says they should cut through the administrative b.s. and make just one champion. Cena officially challenges Orton to unify the titles. Stephanie says they’ve actually been talking about this for a while now. Orton says he knew that’s what they were talking to Cena about at Survivor Series. Triple H tells Orton to grow up. He says a minute ago he was bragging about how good he is and now he’s crying about it. HHH says they’re going to do something epic. In three weeks at the WWE TLC pay-per-view, they are going to hang the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships above the ring and they’re going to make history. HHH says it will be Randy Orton going one-on-one against John Cena in a tables, ladders and chairs match. Both guys hold their titles up as HHH’s music hits. The Authority leave the ring while Cena and Orton stare each other down a little bit longer.
As we head to commercial, Michael Cole announces a six-man tag-team match that will take place after the break. It will be Rey Mysterio, Goldust and Cody Rhodes against all three members of The Shield.
Rey Mysterio, Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. The Shield
As we return from commercial The Shield are already making their entrance into the ring. Michael Cole talks about tieing the record at Survivor Series for the most eliminations by an individual in a traditional Survivor Series elimination match. He’s only the second person in hsitory to eliminate four people in one match in the history of the pay-per-view. Goldust’s music hits and out he comes with his brother Cody Rhodes. As they enter the ring, Rey Mysterio’s music hits and out comes Mr. 6-1-9.
The bell rings and all three members of The Shield attack the babyfaces. When the smoke clears, Seth Rollins is beating up Goldust as the two legal men in the ring. Rollins quickly tags Dean Ambrose in and Ambrose continues the beatdown. Ambrose tags Rollins back in just seconds later. Rollins stomps Goldust a few times and tags Ambrose right back in. Ambrose chokes Goldust with the middle rope. Goldust catches Ambrose’s legs and launches Ambrose over the top. Goldust hits hit drop-down uppercut on Ambrose. Ambrose tags in Rollins and within seconds Goldust launches Rollins over the top as well. Rollins tags in Roman Reigns and Reigns blasts Goldust with a clothesline to prevent him from making the tag. We head to a mid-match commercial on that note.
When we return from commercial, Goldust is fighting back at Ambrose but Ambrose cuts him off and tags in Reigns. Goldust hits a double-DDT on both guys and starts crawling to his corner. Rollins is tagged back in and he tries to stop Goldust from making the tag. Goldust makes the tag to Mysterio anyways, who Cole points out is competing in his first match on RAW since February. Mysterio is beating up all three members of The Shield. Mysterio sets Rollins up for the 6-1-9 but Rollins avoids it and smashes into Mysterio. Both guys are down. Both guys make the tag. Rhodes and Ambrose are now the legal men in the match. Rhodes hits an Alabama slam on Rollins for a near fall. Rhodes tags back in Mysterio. Mysterio immediately sets Rollins back up for the 6-1-9. As he goes to hit Rollins with it, Reigns comes out of nowhere and spears Mysterio. Reigns sidewalk slams Goldust but Rhodes knocks Reigns out of the ring. Rhodes goes for his finisher on Rollins, but Ambrose, who was apparently the legal man, catches Rhodes from behind with the face-plant. 1-2-3. The Shield wins.
Winners: The Shield
Michael Cole runs down Michael Strahan’s credentials and accomplishments as we head to commercial. Our guest host, Michael Strahan is coming up on RAW after the break.
Before we head to commercial, Jerry Lawler reveals that the fans get to vote on the stipulation in a match on RAW tonight between Dolph Ziggler and Damien Sandow. The options are: a “Strong Island Street Fight” (not a typo), a “Long Island Lumberjack Match” and a “Hamptons Hardcore Match.” We head to commercial.
MizTV with Michael Strahan and Titus O’Neil
When we return from commercial, The Miz is standing in the ring for a MizTV segment. The Miz welcomes his guest tonight, the guest-host for WWE RAW this week — Michael Strahan. Instead of Strahan, out comes Titus O’Neil with a painted gap between his teeth to mock Strahan. Miz tells “Michael” that he’s never looked so good. O’Neil talks with a lisp to mock Strahan even further. O’Neil says it’s an honor to stand next to a former WrestleMania main eventer. Miz asks O’Neil “what’s with the gap?” talking about his teeth. He says he should pawn his Super Bowl ring and get his teeth fix. O’Neil says the gap is distinctive. Miz says the gap is bigger than the gap between the New York Giants and the playoffs. The crowd boo’s Miz and Miz says “ooh The Miz is a bad guy…it was just a joke everybody!” O’Neil wants to welcome Titus O’Neil.
Michael Strahan comes out smiling and pointing to the gap between his teeth. Strahan comes to the ring. He and O’Neil playfully bump chests. I guess O’Neil was doing that as a tribute to him? Strahan says he has to say than you to Titus and The Miz. Strahan says their jokes were weak. He says the towel boy makes better jokes. He says O’Neil’s “suit game” is strong but his “gap game” is weak. Strahan says the WWE is all about fun and asks the fans if they’re ready to have some fun tonight. Strahan thanks everyone for letting him be the honorary guest host. He says tonight we’re going to have a double tag-team main event. In one corner we’re going to have the WWE Champion Randy Orton and his partner Alberto Del Rio. Strahan says in the other corner will be Big Show and the World Heavyweight Champion John Cena. He’s holding his words to emphasize them “John Cenaaaaaaaaa” etc. Painful to listen to.
The Miz puts over himself as a wrestler. He asks Michael Strahan if he can “hack it” in the ring. Strahan says Kelly Ripa is tougher than him. Miz says he’s the most must-see Superstar in WWE history, he’s not sipping coffee next to Kelly Ripa every morning. The two keep arguing and Titus O’Neil cuts them off. O’Neil says he understands Strahan is a good athlete but this is not football. He says if Miz hits him with even a simple move than Strahan might not make it to work with Kelly Ripa tomorrow. Miz asks if Strahan thinks he can handle a simple hip-toss. Strahan says let’s try a simple hip-toss then. O’Neil clears away some of the MizTV set. Strahan and Miz keep talking over each other. This is brutal. O’Neil says he’s available if Strahan is can’t make it to work tomorrow.
O’Neil goes to hip-toss Strahan but Strahan blocks it. Miz mocks O’Neil a bit so he takes his sport coat off and he’s serious about it now. Miz asks the fans if they think he can do it. O’Neil tries again but Strahan blocks it once more. Miz says he’s afraid to take a hip-toss he understands. Now Miz is going to do something and O’Neil is standing back. Miz goes to hip-toss Strahan but Strahan reverses it and hip-tosses Miz. Miz is on the ground smiling. All the guys are talking over each other again. Jeez. O’Neil grabs Strahan and does the “millions of dollas” dance until Strahan, out of nowhere, hip-tosses O’Neil too. O’Neil gets up and smiles. All three guys do the “millions of dollars” dance. Michael Cole is shouting to the ring inviting Strahan to come do commentary all night with them. Strahan doesn’t hear it. I believe the segment is over, and thank god for that. I forgot how atrocious these celebrity guest host segments can be. We head to commercial after they plug the fans ability to vote for the Ziggler-Sandow match tonight.
It was announced on Monday’s WWE RAW from Long Island, New York that the main event of next month’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view will feature a historic Champion vs. Champion match.
WWE Champion Randy Orton will face World Heavyweight champion John Cena in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs match.
Although John Cena was pushing for both titles to be unified, and Stephanie McMahon did say that she and Triple H have considered the idea before – at this time, it does not appear that the two titles will be unified. WWE.com’s official preview for Champion vs. Champion match reads:
“Who will be left standing with both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships when the dust settles?”
Already, our Twitter follows are suggesting that the match will end with John Cena grabbing the WWE Championship and Randy Orton grabbing the World Heavyweight title – with the two superstars essentially swapping titles. Comment below and tell us how you think this one will pan out.
WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs takes place on Sunday, December 15.
– Last Friday’s “go home” edition of WWE SmackDown scored a 2.15 rating with 3.106 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode of SmackDown since February. The rating was up 13% while viewership was up 16%. SmackDown ranked #2 on cable for the evening (behind “Gold Rush” on Discovery) and was #1 in the coveted M18-34 demographic. Overall, encouraging news for fan interest in Survivor Series.
– In an update for tonight’s WWE RAW, WWE is now teasing a follow-up on John Cena and Randy Orton’s “champion vs. champion” confrontation at the end of last night’s Survivor Series pay-per-view.
WWE is also teasing involvement by Mr. McMahon, who made a surprise appearance in front of the clive crowd in Boston after Survivor Series went off the air.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On overall Survivor Series thoughts: “I watched WWE Survivor Series Sunday night from Boston. No, I don’t get them for free and never have but who’s complaining? I get asked this question every PPV weekend. I pay my way and don’t condone people stealing including PPV’s from any company.”
On Roman Reigns: “Highlight of the PPV for me was the spotlight placed on Roman Reigns who pinned four members of the opposition with the same move, a nice, snug clothesline. Reigns has “it” and has always been high on everyone’s list of hopeful, future WWE main eventers. The son of WWE Hall of Famer Wild Samoan Sika has transformed his former nose tackle body into a more healthy, appealing and more marketable one since signing with WWE’s developmental program. Soon…I expect that the other two Shield members will also be more in the spotlight as both Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose are also marketably skilled and have excellent futures, as well.”
On Big E. Langston: “Bothers me to read some tweets @JRsBBQ regarding Big E Langston who I got to know well in NXT and who I feel has a very significant upside. ‘E’ is another talented, educated, dependable athlete who is so much more than a former power lifter. The former state high school wrestling champion and D1 football lineman at Iowa has great feet and agility plus he’s another student of the game and takes his preparation and in ring progress seriously.”
On the WWE and World titles possibly being unified: “Not sure what to make of a title unification match, if that’s where WWE is headed, with Cena and Orton. A unique way to end the show that certainly presented more questions and speculation than answers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’d expect that particular matter to be at the center of attention on RAW Monday night.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
– Former WWE Superstar Christopher Nowinski will be appearing on “Katie” on Tuesday to discuss traumatic head injuries and his research with The Sports Legacy Institute into CTE.
– The following is the official preview for next Sunday night’s edition of WWE Total Divas: “Ariane encourages Vincent to audition for WWE. Nikki has a difficult time getting used to living with John. Trinity’s relationship with Jon takes a turn when her dad moves in.”
– WWE will be taking part in another “Google Hangout” session on Tuesday at 1pm E.T. to promote Tuesday evening’s premiere of “Christmas Bounty” on ABC Family.
– WWE Superstar John Cena addressed a potential feud over who is “the face of WWE” with Randy Orton in a recent tweet posted on his official Twitter account on Monday. Cena tweeted the following:
– Speaking of Cena, WWE has added some Tout video clips of his appearance on Monday morning’s edition of “LIVE! With Kelly & Michael.” You can check those out here and here.
LOS ANGELES – E! announced today that the network has picked up a second season of WWE’s smash-hit reality program, “Total Divas”!
“Total Divas” – E!’s strongest new original series in 2013 in total viewers – is scheduled to return in early 2014 for a second season which will feature The Bella Twins’ 30th birthday, Brie’s journey to the altar with Daniel Bryan and much more.
The fan favorite reality series pulls back the curtain on WWE and takes viewers inside the lives of WWE’s Divas, both inside and outside the ring. Produced by WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions, the series, which premiered July 28, follows the Divas as they struggle with the challenges of life in the spotlight, a grueling work and travel schedule and the intense competition for a top spot in WWE.
Season one, which currently ranks as cable’s top-rated reality series in its Sunday time slot in key demographics, follows the private and often complicated lives of some of WWE’s most popular Divas, including Nikki & Brie Bella, Natalya, Cameron & Naomi and Divas-in-training Eva Marie and JoJo.
Along with “Total Divas,” E! also renewed “Hello Ross” and “Eric & Jessie: Game On.” “We are excited to bring back this diverse trio of successful series for second seasons,” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Programming & Development, E! “Each of these series feature compelling personalities that offer unique stories and points of view from the world of pop culture. It’s exciting to have this strong line-up of returning series in addition to our other popular core franchises to help propel us into 2014.”
– WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has officially invited Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to appear on his Steve Austin Show podcast. First, Austin tweeted:
Fixing to talk to my buddy Brian Knobs of the Nasty Boys for #steveaustinshow Unleashed. Should be highly entertaining. Coming soon.
– Antonio Cesaro has once again acknowledged fans who hold up “Cesaro Section” signs at WWE TV tapings. Regarding last night’s Survivor Series, he tweeted:
The following are highlights from a recent More Like Radio interview with former WWE writer Alex Greenfield:
On Daniel Bryan’s recent WWE push: “It’s flashback city for me because i feel like it’s exactly what Vince did to us with Rey you know? During my run, well David Lagana first and then my run as lead writer on Smackdown you know, we were all super excited A. to be done with the exploiting Eddie thing and B. to make Rey, make him our champion, make him a giant killer. Vince was like ‘Goddamn, pal, he’s gonna change things.’ Our Latino demographics were going up, our minority demographics were going up like we were gaining audience when Raw was losing audience and it was on Rey’s back and then once he got there (Alex impersonates Vince) ‘Well nobody’s gonna believe he can beat Mark Henry, lets have Mark Henry just kill him and we’ll find some la la ending.’ He just cut Rey out at the legs during that World Title run and we’ve talked about my screaming fights with Vince and it was more of that. He just couldn’t see the little guy beating the big guy. It just didn’t work for Vince McMahon and it’s super frustrating and i feel like that’s what happened with Daniel Bryan.”
On TNA creative team member Dave Lagana: “I tend to watch TNA only when somebody tells me theres this great thing. Like I haven’t really been keyed in since the original Angle/Samoa Joe deal which is years ago at this point. There’s certainly been really good angles. I love what Dave (Lagana) did on Ring Ka King, which I just thought was so bizarre the indian sub show they did. I thought it was so bizarre and fun with the Bollywood wrestling. I was super into that and Dave was the creative mastermind behind that. I just find it difficult to get into TNA, like I was super into Mickie James’s evolution into a heel and sort of the build of her, and then she left and I sort of dropped away at that point. But like Aces & Eights, Hogan and Bischoff, like none of it resonated with me so I can’t say I watch very often at all. I like Dave a lot and I think he does good work it’s just that TNA for whatever reason, the mix of talent or the type of stories that are dictated to tell just don’t grab me.”
– WWE Superstar Sheamus tweeted a photo himself at the TD Garden in Boston on Sunday night for WWE Survivor Series. Sheamus told his fellow WWE Superstars to “take note.” You can check out the tweet below:
Boston TD Garden. A reminder I was great once & shall be great again. Take note @wwe roster. Sheamus' in da house. pic.twitter.com/hT8OEypdnh
– WWE superstar Mark Henry returned to action at last night’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view, defeating Ryback in his “open challenge” match.
In what could be a hint at the next WWE title feud, Henry is currently scheduled to wrestle Randy Orton at WWE live events in December. WWE’s preview for tonight’s RAW questions who Mark Henry will set his sights on next after disposing of Ryback at Survivor Series.
There was a pretty big error during the conclusion of the Divas Elimination Match at Sunday’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view involving both the commentary team and the ring announcer.
Near the end of the match, the Survivor Series broadcast team of Michael Cole, JBL and Jerry “The King” Lawler consistently referred to Natalya as the only member of her team remaining in the match. Nikki Bella, who was outside the ring selling, was actually still active in the match. Natalya ended up putting AJ Lee in the Sharpshooter to gain the win for her team, and was announced as the “sole survivor” of Team Natalya.
After the match, Lilian Garcia announced Natalya as the sole survivor, as did the announce team, when in fact Nikki was a survivor as well. Later in the show, Michael Cole acknowledged the fact that they had made the mistake, and informed fans that both Natalya and Nikki Bella survived in their match.
The following press release was sent out today announcing WWE Studio’s involvement in a new thriller movie titled, “Incarnate” co-starring Mark Henry:
WWE® Studios and Blumhouse Productions Form Partnership for the Thriller “INCARNATE”
WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today a partnership on INCARNATE, the micro-budget thriller from Blumhouse directed by Brad Peyton (JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND), scripted by Ronnie Christensen (DARK TIDE) and starring Aaron Eckhart. WWE Superstar® Mark Henry has been cast in a cameo role, and WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach for the film.
Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, Insidious, The Purge and Sinister franchises) is producing the film for Blumhouse which is co-financing the production with IM Global. Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President, is Executive Producing alongside Couper Samuelson, Michael Seitzman, Trevor Engelson, Stuart Ford and Charles Layton. Universal Pictures will distribute the film in the U.S. and Blumhouse International is overseeing foreign rights.
INCARNATE stars Aaron Eckhart as an unconventional exorcist who taps into the subconscious of a nine-year old boy played by David Mazouz who is possessed by a powerful, ancient demon. The film is currently shooting.
“WWE Studios is thrilled to partner again with Blumhouse on INCARNATE,” said Michael Luisi, President of WWE Studios.
Jason Blum said: “WWE has a tremendous brand and we are excited to work with them on INCARNATE.”
Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios.
– Former manager of Alberto Del Rio and Rob Van Dam, Ricardo Rodriguez, worked at last night’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view. Rodriguez handled the Spanish commentary for the pay-per-view broadcast.
– Former WWE RAW General Manager on-air and former Senior Vice President of Talent Relations behind-the-scenes, John Laurinaitis, made a small cameo during the Survivor Series pay-per-view on Sunday night. During a backstage segment that featured Santino Marella and R-Truth playing with WWE action figures, Laurinaitis, along with Los Matadores and Fandango, popped in briefly.
One half of WWE’s tag team champions, Cody Rhodes, was interviewed by Ben Morse of Marvel.com this week to promote Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Cody said about:
Teaming With His Brother: : I talked to some people this morning who talked to me last year around WrestleMania and I think they’re as shocked as I am to say, as it is for me to hear, to be one half of the Tag Team Champions with [my] brother Goldust. He’s 44-years old and in the best shape of his career. He didn’t even work for WWE when we started heading in this direction so it’s been a wave of surprise after surprise. It’s excellent. It’s a very happy time in my career and I’m not easily satisfied with what I do. I’m always trying to climb that ladder and this is one of the few times that I’ve looked around, surveyed the landscape, and been pretty happy.
How Long He Plans To Remain A Tag Team Wrestler: “I was talking with Christian, of all people, the other day. I guess he’s been a Tag Team champion like 10 times. Edge was a Tag Team Champion [like] 12 times. I’m at five now and I feel it’s pretty early in my career. I was actually pretty relieved when I heard Edge’s statistics specifically, because I don’t want to be considered a tag team guy. But I do have lots of time left in my career and if there was ever a tag team I want to be remembered for, it would be the one I’m currently in with my own brother …. I’m currently not, to answer your question, itching to get back into the singles world.
Survivor Series: “I’ve been a survivor twice. Both times I ended up like taking a bullet at the end of the match, one for Wade Barrett and one for Randy Orton. So this is a match I think I’ve got good experience in. It’s the match that’s the cornerstone of the pay-per-view. I think some people still remember the Thanksgiving classic that is the Survivor Series with these awesome pairings and “Mean” Gene [Okerlund] would interview all these colorful characters together. That still exists.”
“It’s still the beating heart of that Survivor Series match. You have the polar opposites of the Shield and the Real Americans on one side. You have a character as ridiculous as Goldust, myself, you have the Usos who are also two brothers and you have Rey Mysterio. That’s what I like, the collection. I’ll tell you flat out, it’ll steal the show. There are excellent matches on there, Alberto [Del Rio] and [John] Cena, there’s Randy [Orton] and Big Show. But no match is going to come close to this and those guys can deal with that. It’s the Survivor Series match. I’m very excited about it.”
At last night’s WWE NXT tapings from Winter Park, Florida, former Ring of Honor tag team champions Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards made their NXT in-ring debuts as the American Pitbulls.
Rob Feinstein, the original owner of Ring of Honor has revealed the details behind Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards’ unique relationship with WWE.
In a Facebook post, Feinstein revealed that The Pitbulls are NOT signed to a WWE contract, but will be working in NXT at and the Performance Center. After a few months, WWE will give them a chance on Smackdown to see if they can get over. If they do, they’ll get signed. Feinstein wrote:
“Here is the deal with them. I knew about this about a month ago but out of respect to all parties involved I felt it was not in my best interest to say anything….They have not been hired by the WWE. In fact Joey Matthews and Steven Regal had to push for them to get looked at because HHH does not want anymore “top Indy” guys and actually said he already has “so and so”, who I will not name and his stance was why would I need another two that are already like him when we already have a few of that kind of person.
“HHH feels that guys from ROH and PWG are hard to transform because they have their set ways and its harder for them to break them down and remold which I understand. So the deal with them is that they are not under contract. They reported to NXT this week and actually have a few other dates that they are still going to work for since they are prior bookings. They are also going to keep them as a tag team and after a few months I have been told they are going to Smackdown as a tag team to see if they get over….If they do get over they will get offered a contract.”
Richards and Edwards are still scheduled to work for Ring of Honor’s Final Battle event on December 14th, where they are rumored to be facing Roderick Strong and Jay Lethal.
