– The following are video clips from the wedding of Jimmy Uso and Naomi, which aired as part of this week’s episode of WWE Total Divas.
– After their wedding last week, Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella tweeted the following photo from their honeymoon via Twitter.
Just got back from our off-grid honeymoon… Best two weeks of my life pic.twitter.com/TmqfdaPWbv
— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) April 19, 2014
– WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan was at WWE’s studios in Stamford earlier this week filming several hours of interviews for future WWE projects.
– The Ultimate Warrior Legends Roundtable that aired on the WWE Network this weekend, which featured Josh Mathews, Booker T, Sgt. Slaughter and Ted DiBiase, was filmed on Thursday.
– WWE Network will be debuting a new series called “Best of WWE Hall Of Fame” next week. The series will look back at some of the different WWE Hall Of Fame inductions over the years.
– Apparently many in WWE were said to be “incredibly amused” when TNA put their World Heavyweight Championship on Eric Young as somewhat of a knock-off of Daniel Bryan winning his title at WrestleMania XXX.
– As previously reported, WWE is planning on phasing out the use of the term “pay-per-view” for their big shows, instead referring to them as “special events.” Despite that fact, SummerSlam is still benig billed as a “pay-per-view,” so it’s likely that the “big four” shows will still be dubbed pay-per-views.
– The “Yes! Movement” found its’ way to the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL game recently. After every Penguins goal was scored, the fans in the arena broke into a huge “Yes!” chant. You can check out coverage of this at 961Kiss.com.
– Adam F. Goldberg, creator of the ABC show “The Goldberg’s,” noted recently that he will be dedicating his upcoming pro wrestling-themed edition of the show to the late Ultimate Warrior.
– Speaking of Warrior, there’s a push within WWE to get the recent “Ultimate Legend” documentary that premiered this week on the WWE Network on national television. The most likely scenario would see the documentary air on the USA Network.
WWE performers Eva Marie and Jack Swagger were in attendance at last night’s UFC On FOX show. You can check out photos of them at the event below.
Speaking of Eva attending the UFC, here’s an interview the official UFC website did with her backstage at the show.
The following are highlights of a new interview with Jack Swagger:
On how he signed with WWE: “I got very lucky with how I got signed by the WWE. I had met Jim Ross and Jerry Brisco before I was even in college and they always told me to get your degree first and then we’ll give you a shot if you want to come try your hand with the WWE. I graduated in May 2006, flew out to Atlanta for a week to tryout, and by July 2006 I was signed and training in Atlanta. I took a little bit different path than most WWE superstars have taken. I’m one of the few superstars who have gone through all three of the developmental camps.”
On enjoying wrestling as a kid: “I loved all forms of wrestling growing up. Any type of wrestling I could get my hands on I loved, so professional wrestling went well with me. Jim Ross has a great eye for talent and Jerry Brisco as well. It’s pretty impressive the group of talented guys they’ve brought into this over the years from amateur wrestling. Hopefully when I’m done my name is considered up there with the greats they’ve brought into the WWE.”
Check out the complete interview at NewsOK.com.
– Kurt Angle recently did an interview with TSN out of Canada regarding his future in TNA and whether or not he will return to WWE. You can check that out at TSN.com.
– Speaking of interviews, below is a new one with WWE Hall Of Famer Tony Atlas. Atlas discusses WWE Legends House, Ultimate Warrior and more.
Since the launch of the WWE Network, over 600,000 fans have subscribed to the service. While it’s a bit below the one million subscribers they were hoping for, it’s still an admirable number for a service that is still only available in the United States.
With live access to every pay-per-view and a vault containing every special event in WWE, WCW, and ECW history, it is safe to assume that most fans signed up in order to gain access to the special events, and at the reduced price of only $9.99 per month, who can blame them?
There is a lot more to the WWE Network than just a vault of old events and live access to each month’s pay-per-view, however. There is also a boatload of original content. Here is a list of some of the must-see original content on the Network.
5. Legends of Wrestling: Families – Watching a bunch of old-timers talk about the good old days is usually about as exciting as watching paint dry, but some of these are actually pretty entertaining. One of the best round-table discussions includes a panel consisting of Sergeant Slaughter, Jim Ross, Ted DiBiase, and James J. Dillon. The group discusses the importance and prevalence of families in the WWE. It is interesting to hear DiBiase discuss how having a father in the business influenced him to become a professional wrestler.
4. Journey to WrestleMania: Daniel Bryan – This is obviously one of the newest pieces of original content on the Network. It follows Daniel Bryan on his week leading up to this year’s WrestleMania and provides a number of exclusive interviews leading up to the event. It also discusses his rise to the top after initially being terminated from the company, with commentary from William Regal and Pat Patterson discussing how the company made a mistake in his firing. The most interesting parts of this documentary are the backstage scenes and hearing his fellow wrestlers praise him for his accomplishments.
– CM Punk is featured in the official trailer for season two of the IFC program “Maron.” You can check out the official trailer above or by going to IFC.com.
– WWE added the latest edition of their “SmackDown Fallout” series to their official YouTube channel. The latest episode features Hornswoggle and El Torito talking about their showdown on this week’s SmackDown. You can check out the video below.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
ESPN Wanting To Sign Renee Young: “Where did the info come from that ESPN was interested in Renee Young? Not saying it’s true or not but it certainly made the rounds quickly within the IWC. Renee is a talented, young woman, without question, and I wish her the best no matter what she decides to do long term with her career. Renee has skills, a great look and isn’t a high maintenance talent but is easy to produce.”
Sting’s WWE Status: “Getting tons of questions regarding Sting signing with WWE of which I don’t know the answer and if I did and was asked to keep it confidential I would, for the record. However, I see it as a no brainer for WWE to sign Sting and to begin immediately in monetizing his intellectual property. WWE owns virtually every minute of video tape that Sting has appeared on except his work in TNA. Some of the UWF content and early WCW matches are particularly outstanding. It’s a match made in grappling heaven even if Sting never wrestles in WWE. In my perfect, booking world, which actually doesn’t exist and is an oxymoronic statement, Sting would have one match…a retirement match at WM31 against a suitable villain even though some will lobby for that retirement match opposition to be Undertaker. A smaller, athletic young talent who needs the “rub” would arguably be ideal.”
WWE referee Charles Robinson suffered a gruesome injury to his thumb while setting up the ring prior to WWE’s live event on Friday in Saudi Arabia.
Robinson, who nearly lost his thumb due to the incident, said he was rushing through the process of setting up the ring and paid the price for it. WWE doctor Chris Amann ended up patching up the injury with six stitches.
You can check out a very graphic photo below.
6 stitches today after working on the ring. Such a goof I am. pic.twitter.com/R2vHv2ZfIW
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) April 18, 2014
Former NASCAR driver and current Fox Sports 1 NASCAR correspondent Hermie Sadler has accepted a position on the Global Force Wrestling Board of Directors, according to a report at Newsday.com.
Sadler, who worked as a backstage interviewer for TNA, told Newsday,
“Just trying to get the word out about the brand, and let as many people know that there’s another wrestling promotion that’s coming,. What I’d like to do is kind of like what I did with TNA a long time ago, maybe pick a territory and do some live events,” Sadler said.
Sadler said that Global Force is aiming to start running shows this fall and added, “they’re not going to be like traditional wrestling shows.”
As noted earlier this week, the Global Force logo will be appearing on one of Sadler’s cars at the “Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown” next Thursday at South Boston Speedway in Virginia.
NASCAR's @HermieSadler reps Global Force Wrestling in next week's @dennyhamlin Short Track Showdown. #JoinTheForce pic.twitter.com/haKLtwJtJa
— My World with Jeff Jarrett (@MyWorldPod) April 18, 2014
Two new potential WWE DVD projects were announced today by UK-based retail site, “Zavvi.”
The first is a DVD and Blu-ray release focusing on Sting, with the projected scheduled for a September pre-order.
The second, with the working title “Brothers of Destruction,” is slated to look at the rivalry and history between Undertaker and Kane.
For more information on these potential projects, visit WrestlingDVDNews.com.
As previously reported, WWE referee Chad Patton — who served as the official for the Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania XXX — was not informed ahead of time that Lesnar was going to be defeating Undertaker during the bout. There is, however, some who feel that Undertaker or Lesnar may have tipped him off while they were actually in the ring.
Prior to the match, Patton was pulled aside and told to count to three, as if the match were a shoot, if either guy had their shoulders pinned to the mat. He was told that the only exception would be if Undertaker applied his “Hell’s Gate” submission, to not count Undertaker’s shoulders down while doing that particular move.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, taped Tuesday night in Nashville, Tennessee.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E. vs. Alberto Del Rio
– WWE Divas Champion Paige vs. Aksana
– Hornswoggle vs. El Torito
– Alexander Rusev vs. R-Truth
– Santino Marella vs. Fandango
– Batista vs. Sheamus
You can read a complete spoiler report for the show by clicking the link below.
WWE SmackDown Spoilers (April 18, 2014)
The following are highlights of a new Jim Ross website Q&A update:
On WWE going to Saudi Arabia despite the fact that no women are allowed on the shows: “I think that you are over thinking this matter. Of course it’s all about the money. Whey was it not all about the money? Diversification has zero to do with a country’s laws or customs.”
On how he would book Brock Lesnar now that he has ended Undertaker’s streak: “I am a marketer. If fans get these Q&A’s for free hopefully they will reciprocate by buying some of our family’s products online. Lesnar should become untouchable until he passes the invisible torch at WM31 to the next big thing. I’d not beat Lesnar until WM31 and then only if it made sense and someone was ready to assume that role.”
On the toughest guys in the wrestling business: “The list is endless….so many former NCAA Wrestling Champions along with some legendary street fighters.”
On if he feels UFC guys could transition to WWE: “It’s certainly possible. It’s not an easy transition. More will fail than succeed.”
Check out more JR Q&A updates at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also purchase JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– According to a new TMZ article, WWE talent have been informed to stay away from Nancy Gracie following the controversial way she handled Ultimate Warrior’s recent passing. You can check out the complete article at TMZ.com.
– A fan sent along the following screen capture of the new Ultimate Warrior documentary that aired on the WWE Network on Thursday night. In the scene where Warrior meets with Triple H at WWE Headquarters, you can see on the Royal Rumble poster on the wall in the background that someone put a post-it note over the face of CM Punk. Check it out below.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley noted during a recent podcast appearance that WWE has offered him a legends contract and that he will not be signing it. You can listen to the interview at NYC.Podcast.Play.it.
– Speaking of WWE Hall Of Famers, Scott Hall added the following Ultimate Warrior tribute to the official YouTube channel of Diamond Dallas Page.
– TNA wrestler Manik recently revealed via his ask.fm account what his current salary is working for TNA. Manik stated the following:
“My contract was started midway thru the year last year but altogether with salary+appearances I was on pace for roughly $75,000-$84,000 for a year period. That’s if my schedule is as busy as it was last summer/fall. Also that’s only counting TNA. I’d make a lot more if I kept up with other bookings outside but I just don’t. I’m also guaranteed a huge chunk of that regardless of if I wrestle or not. So it’s pretty ok considering I do what I love.I’m on the low end on the roster too. Most guys do way better than me.”
– TNA president Dixie Carter noted via her official Twitter account that the company is heading to the Sands Casino and Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on June 19th and 20th for live Impact Wrestling television tapings. Carter stated the following:
.@IMPACTWRESTLING is bringing a full house to @Sands_Bethlehem PA June 19 & 20 for Live TV! Stay tuned for on sale dates #TNASands
— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) April 17, 2014
– Writer Desmond Devlin has a new WrestleMania feature in the current issue (#527) of Mad Magazine. In the article, Devlin pokes fun at all of the myths surrounding WrestleMania III. The following is an excerpt from the article:
“When the immortal Hulk Hogan become the first man ever to bodyslam the 7-foot-4, 520 pound Andre the Giant before 93,173 fans to hand the big man the first loss of his career, it set the all-time record for the most lies in a single sentence.”
– Inspired by his grandfather, WWE Hall Of Famer Peter Maivia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently revealed that he wants to play a villain in a James Bond movie. Maivia was a villain in the Bond film “You Only Live Twice” in 1967, where he was involved in a fight scene with Sean Connery.
For more details on this story, check out ContactMusic.com.
The world premiere of “The Sheik” documentary on WWE Hall Of Famer The Iron Sheik will be at the Hot Docs International Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, April 26th at 9pm.
Among those featured in the documentary are Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, Seth Green and a number of other celebrities.
The documentary will also be released for purchase on April 26th at SheikMovie.com.
You can view the official trailer for the documentary above.
Sting was once again featured on the WWE Network in the “Warrior: The Ultimate Legend” documentary, which premiered on Thursday evening. Sting spoke about entering the business with Warrior in the late 1980s, as well as his untimely passing on April 8th.
By the way, if you haven’t seen the documentary, you should absolutely go out of your way to see it. It’s arguably one of the best produced documentaries the company has released in quite a while.
The following are highlights of a recent Baltimore Sun interview with AJ Styles:
On leaving TNA: “I honestly thought I’d be the guy that TNA could say, “This is the first guy that we signed to this company, and he’s retiring from our company.” And, man, what an awesome thing that would have been. So I never imagined I would leave that company, I assumed I’d retire from there. It sucks, but you can’t fix that now. I left the door open…”
On whether or not he thinks TNA is going out of business: “You know, I really don’t know. I know they’ve made a lot of cuts. That must mean they’re not doing so well. Sting gone, Hogan gone, myself gone, and I’m sure we’re going to see more cuts soon. From what I’ve heard and been told, it’s been horribly mismanaged as a company. I don’t know if they’re going out of business. But they’re definitely doing things that make people think they’re going out of business. And I hope they don’t. I hope TNA doesn’t go out of business because I have a lot of good friends that work there and deserve to be in the national spotlight. My hope is that they never go out of business.”
On returning to TNA in the future: “I tried to leave the door open. I haven’t buried the company. Like I said, I have friends there who do well, so I’m not going to do that. But I don’t know if I’ll ever go back, and it’s definitely not going to be any time soon. And from what one of their higher ups said, it will be ‘Only if there’s space available for AJ Styles.’ So I guess there might not be room for me, according to him.”
Check out the complete interview at BaltimoreSun.com.
Dixie Carter recently confirmed via the latest “IMPACT365” video that Rockstar Spud has signed a multi-year deal with TNA. The video can be viewed below.
http://youtu.be/0usz7kFFhwk
John Gaburick also confirmed the signing via Twitter.
Congratulations to @RockstarSpud on his multi-year contract.
See the moment he got it. http://t.co/OuRx29uByc pic.twitter.com/89ajndpPbZ
— John Gaburick (@JohnGaburick) April 17, 2014
During part one of Paul Heyman’s appearance on Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show” podcast on Tuesday, Austin admitted that he would be tempted to make a return to WWE for a match against Brock Lesnar. Heyman joked during the interview that this news would be the headline coming out of the show. Heyman continued to make a push for said-headline in a recent tweet on his official Twitter account. Heyman noted the following:
"@FactsWrestling Stone Cold @SteveAustinBSR admits during podcast w/ Heyman he would be "tempted" by a match w/ Brock Lesnar" @PodcastOne
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) April 17, 2014
Speaking of Heyman on the “Steve Austin Show,” part two was released via the “Steve Austin Unleashed” version of the show on Thursday. The official description for that show reads as follows:
SASu – EP108 – WWE’s Paul Heyman Pt 2
“WWE’s Paul Heyman aka Paul E. Dangerously talks to Steve about the demise of the ECW, the WWE conference call that got him fired, the craziest workers in the business, the Heyman Hustle, think tanks, and Vince McMahon’s sneezing issues.”
You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.