– CM Punk is currently being advertised to appear as a guest on “Maron,” an IFC cable show with comedian Mark Maron. The new season of the show is scheduled to premiere in May.
– WWE recently added the following behind-the-scenes look at the WrestleMania XXX “cold-open” to their official YouTube channel.
The following are highlights of a new Chicago Now interview with WWE Hall Of Famer The Iron Sheik:
On Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE: “The Hulk know what best for the business. He know how to make the world news with greatest company in the world WWE. He know I make the Hulkamania that way he never get smart with the legend.”
“My movie show how I make the company biggest company in the world. I love how everybody know I am the real not that Hollywood blonde jabroni Hulk Hogan.”
On Ultimate Warrior’s passing: “He break my heart. He my wrestling brother. I always respect him as performer he one of the best ever. God bless him and forever I be sad.”
On CM Punk leaving WWE: “I don’t know much about it. I know he great worker he respect the business. Sometime the people get burn out but I work in my day 320 day a year.”
Check out the complete interview at ChicagoNow.com.
– The three women who were involved in Triple H’s elaborate entrance for his match against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX last Sunday were Alexis, Charlotte and Sasha Banks, all of whom currently work as NXT Divas.
– As it appeared when watching the show live on Sunday, The Shield vs. New Age Outlaws and Kane match was rushed. Both the ring entrances and the match itself were cut to make time for the rest of the show.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
The deals made to bring “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock in for the WrestleMania XXX opening segment with Hulk Hogan were finalized before the final WrestleMania “go-home” edition of WWE RAW. For reasons that are currently unclear, WWE decided against advertising the return of either guy on television.
Austin’s appearance was promoted the day before the show on the WWE Network, but that is likely because it became a news story when Austin told TMZ that he would be participating in the show. The Rock’s appearance wasn’t mentioned until the night before, but that was only announced via social media.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
While unofficial, the belief is that the spot that resulted in Billy Gunn getting injured at WrestleMania XXX was the finishing sequence, which saw The Shield hit their trademark triple-powerbomb on both he and Road Dogg at the same time. As previously reported, Gunn was coughing up blood after the match as a result of the injuries he sustained.
Based off of things said at Monday’s post-WrestleMania edition of RAW, it appears as though the New Age Outlaws will be off of television for a while, as the six-man tag-team match at WrestleMania XXX was their blow off for their latest run on television.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
While nothing has been officially announced at this point, the plan for the main event angle heading into the upcoming WWE Extreme Rules pay-per-view, which takes place on May 4th at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is The Shield vs. Evolution. The angle was shot for this rumored match during the post-WrestleMania edition of WWE RAW this past Monday night in New Orleans.
The actual match itself is unknown at this point, although it is expected that Ric Flair will not be involved in the Evolution side of things.
The only question coming out of the angle shot at RAW, is whether or not Kane or Triple H will be the third person on the Evolution side, or if both are part of the equation and Daniel Bryan will be added to The Shield team to make it an eight-man tag-team match. Based on the RAW angle, one would assume it is the latter.
Also rumored for Extreme Rules is a rematch between John Cena and Bray Wyatt.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
As noted, Undertaker was legitimately hospitalized with a severe concussion sustained in his WrestleMania XXX match with Brock Lesnar. Undertaker was released on Monday, however, and was actually backstage at RAW. For whatever reason, the decision was made not to use him on the show.
Those who saw Undertaker backstage at RAW noted that he was limping around pretty badly, and appeared to be in rough shape.
Regarding the decision to end Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania, there is said to be a number of people in the company who were very unhappy about that decision, but couldn’t — and won’t — say anything about it publicly.
The decision was reportedly made by Vince McMahon, not Undertaker himself. There are conflicting reports regarding the call. Some “in the know” claim that McMahon had to talk Undertaker into it, while others, also “in the know,” say McMahon made the call and Undertaker simply went with it.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
As previously reported, WWE referee Chad Patton, who served as the in-ring official for the Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania XXX, was not aware that Lesnar was going over in the bout. As noted, he was actually told that Undertaker was supposed to win.
As far as who else in the company knew ahead of time, that is hard to say. We can say for certain that Vince McMahon, Brock Lesnar, Undertaker, Paul Heyman, and likely Triple H and Stephanie McMahon all knew, but beyond that, it”s difficult to say.
On the actual script for the show, no finish was listed for the Lesnar-Undertaker match. However, that wasn’t unusual, as other matches on the card did not have a finish listed on the script as well.
According to reports, none of the agents who worked the show were aware that Undertaker was going to lose.
It should be noted, that despite the claim that not many were aware of the finish, enough people, or the right people, must have known. There were two major online betting websites that had Lesnar an unbelievable underdog, nearly 50-to-1 by some odds, that switched to him being an actual betting favorite when the match hit the ring, indicating that a ton of “smart money” came in once the finish was determined and told to whomever was in the loop to know these kind of things.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Apparently referee Chad Patton, who was the official in the ring for the Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania XXX, was not aware that Lesnar was going over in the bout. In fact, he was informed ahead of time that Undertaker was going to win the match.
The rule given to all WWE officials, which came into play in this match, is that if a wrestler does not kick out at two, you go ahead with the count as if it were a legitimate pin in a legitimate competition.
Another interesting note stemming from what will go down in history as one of the most famous matches of all-time, is that Lesnar privately whispered “thank you” in Undertaker’s ear following the three-count, expressing his gratitude for the honor that “The Dead Man” was bestowing upon him.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
The following are highlights of a new Bad Influence interview on The Kevin Gill Show:
Daniels on positive thought: “You just have to go through life knowing that as long as you put yourself out there 100 percent and do everything you can to be a positive force, to be a commodity to a promoter, work is always going to come your way. My man Mike Moran said “Talent always finds it’s way to the top”. “All you have to do is keep working hard, never burn a bridge, and these opportunities will come.”
Kaz on a TNA star who was released from the company: “If I recall, he was too dumb to even realize he was being fired.”
Christopher Daniels on Indy Promoters: “Independent wrestling shows live or die on the vision of the promoter. Some guys just let the locker room take over, and let the guys do what they want, and as a result you get everybody on the microphone, everybody doing matches longer then they should be, and everybody doing a Wrestlemania main event whether they are the opener or the main event.”
Kaz on Samoa Joe: “To this day, Samoa Joe is a guy a company can be built around.”
Daniels on Samoa Joe: “A unique athlete, it’s funny because he was a book that was judged by his cover, for a very long time and it took a while to get him into TNA and we were always fighting to get him in. Everybody was like “we gotta change his look and blah blah blah” , but finally when they gave him the chance, he showed them that you didn’t need to judge him by the cover because he brings a unique intensity and a unique character to TNA and I think it would be a different TNA without him. He has changed the business”
Check out the complete interview at KevinGillShow.com.
Diamond Dallas Page issued the following statement today regarding his appearance on the controversial Nancy Grace segment on The Ultimate Warrior last night.
“I went on Nancy Grace last night expecting to discuss Warrior the man. Had I known the only topic discussed would be steroids I would not have participated. At the time I was also unaware of the list that was shown to the viewing audience. To imply that all of the wrestlers on that list died from steroids was wrong and for that they owe the families an apology. Again, my only intention was to discuss Warrior the man and share some stories about how dedicated he was to the wrestling business. I am saddened that was not what happened and my thoughts remain with his family.
DDP”
Capitalizing on the comedic attention that the “Shocked Undertaker Guy” photo has been getting on the internet, WWE is continuing to make the fan a star as they have released a new video from last year’s WrestleMania 29 Axxess of the fan meeting Triple H. You can check out that clip above.
WWE released new CM Punk merchandise during WrestleMania XXX weekend in New Orleans. Based on the fact that Punk breached his contract by walking out on WWE, WWE is legally within their rights to unload their existing CM Punk merchandise inventory. However, the legalties of producing new merchandise for Punk and selling it while he is not active in the company becomes a bit tricky.
For whatever this is worth, Steve Austin noted on a recent podcast that he was not paid for the merchandise WWE sold of his when he walked out on the company, however the company did not produce new Austin merchandise while he was on that particular hiatus.
– Despite winning the WWE Divas Championship in her main roster television debut at WWE RAW on Monday, WWE Diva Paige will not be working the WWE live events this weekend. Instead, the new WWE Divas Champion will work her regularly scheduled NXT live events in Florida.
– The following is the latest edition of WWE Inbox, which features WWE Diva Tamina Snuka. The official description for the video reads as follows:
“Second-generation Diva Tamina Snuka hosts this week’s WWE Inbox to answer your questions about The Rock, her Hall of Fame father Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Santino Marella and much, much more! Don’t forget to send all of your questions to @WWEInbox.”
http://youtu.be/MnFvq_UkEnA
– Former WWE Superstars Chris Jericho and Edge will be attending tonight’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Brooklyn, New York.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin interviewed Michael Hayes for the latest edition of his “Steve Austin Show” podcast, which is available today. The interview was conducted while Austin was in New Orleans for WrestleMania XXX.
The official description for the show reads as follows:
SASu – EP106 – Michael “P.S.” Hayes
Michael “Purely Sexy” Hayes met up with Steve in NOLA! Check out the stories about The Fabulous Freebirds, refereeing, what Michael did for Steve’s career, and why you should never call him Dok Hendrix! Plus, Steve remembers the Ultimate Warrior! R.I.P.
You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Kurt Angle has been teasing a TNA return on his official Twitter account recently. The Olympic Gold Medalist posted the following tweets recently.
Hey EC3…
Guess whose knee is feeling a lot better….
See you soon!
You've been warned. @EthanCarterTNA…
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 9, 2014
#IMPACTLive will air tonight at 9/8c on Spike TV. EC3, look over Your shoulder because U never know when I'm coming!
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 10, 2014
– The following is the official preview video for tonight’s edition of TNA Impact Wrestling:
http://youtu.be/c91pStHgdz0
– Below is the latest edition of the Impact Podcast:
http://youtu.be/CJaKHWaaYXs
– Xavier Woods won the annual 2K14 Superstar Challenge at WrestleMania Axxess this year. Below is a video of Woods being presented with a 2K14 Championship Belt and a Playstation 4.
– The following is a preview clip for this week’s edition of WWE Total Divas. The official description for the video reads as follows:
“Naomi’s “Dance All Night” video shoot hits some snags.
While shooting the music video for her single “Dance All Night”, Naomi runs into some problems.
Total Divas airs Sundays at 9pm ET on E!.”
Warrior Entertainment issued the following statement regarding the passing of The Ultimate Warrior:
“Statement from Warrior Entertainment
I am shocked and profoundly saddened by the death of my friend Warrior. He was a great man and leaves behind a legacy that will forever live in the hearts and minds of those who knew him personally,and his legions of Ultimate Warrior fans.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Warriors beautiful family, his wife Dana and their daughters Mattigan and Indiana. No words are strong enough to express my feeling for them at this time.
I was honored to be able to spend the weekend with Warrior and his family at WrestleMania 30 and have never seen a prouder father or more loving family.
Warrior was the happiest I had ever seen him to bring Ultimate Warrior back home to WWE and share that unmistakeable passion and excitement with each and every Ultimate Warrior fan around the world.
I have lost my best friend and my hero but take comfort in knowing his legacy will live forever. I will Always Believe.
Steve Wilton
Warrior Entertainment”
WWE Divas Champion and NXT Women’s Champion Paige did her first #ASKPAIGE Twitter Q&A this week. Here are some highlights:
How does it feel to be champion?
“incredible!! I wasn’t expecting it but you shouldn’t underestimate me. Best day of my life. I’m on cloud 9!!”
Any tips for a future Diva?
“someone once told me to stay humble and hungry and always be willing to work hard.”
How does it feel to make history?
“absolutely incredible.I can’t wrap my head around it. Double champ. And youngest. Can’t get any better.Love life!”
Who was your role model growing up?
“my family, Lita and Bull Nakano”
Is NXT taking over WWE?
“proud to say I come from @WWENXT and proud of what we are accomplishing. Yes we are taking over!”
Which former WWE Diva would you like to face?
“Bull Nakano, Lita, Trish and Mickie James.”
Cody Rhodes is the latest wrestler to chime in on the controversy surrounding Nancy Grace’s Wednesday night TV broadcast looking at the Ultimate Warrior’s death and wrestler deaths related to drugs.
Here’s what Cody said about Grace, who listed Owen Hart, Chris Candido, referees Joey Marella and Mark Curtis as people who died young from drugs (none of them did):
“Why are folks surprised by @NancyGraceHLN ?? She got dumped by a pro-wrestler in the 80s’ and started a life quest to be just awful… …if she was remotely confident in her accusations, she’d interview an active talent, yet she won’t do that because she’d have a… …”Mark Cuban/Skip Bayless” situation, and she would come-off as the ignorant sweathog she actually is.”
In related news, #CancelNancyGrace was trending on Twitter on Thursday.
– The following is a video promo from “The Icon” Sting, where he announces that he is coming to PCW for “Dream Night” on June 21st in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
– The following is an impromptu interview that Scott Hall gave to a wrestling fan during an autograph signing last month. Hall talks about Randy Savage, Owen Hart, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Bob Backlund, WrestleMania 9 and 10 and the WWE Hall Of Fame.
– As previously reported, WWE is breaking up the story line duo of Fandango and Summer Rae. Apparently Summer is in line for a big push now that she has taken off on the Total Divas reality show. Fandango will be paired with Layla, who actually has legitimate dancing credentials, moving forward. The following is one of many in-character comments from Summer on Twitter.
I can't sleep. Can't eat. Can't stop crying. So your just gonna ignore me @WWEFandango?
— Summer Rae WWE (@RealSummerWWE) April 9, 2014
– The following is a video interview with Paul Heyman from The Sam Roberts Show at WrestleMania XXX weekend.
The following are highlights of a new Ring Rust Radio interview with Davey Richards:
On the legacy he wants to leave: “I want to be someone who tried to bring life to pro wrestling. There’s a lot of people who are just out for themselves and their characters and just people I wouldn’t consider good people and it’s good to see good people that work are come out on top like Bryan at WrestleMania or me and Eddie Edwards and there’s a bunch of others. I want to be someone who tried to help other people and who inspired people and things like that. If I can leave that I’m not concerned with how much money I make or how big of a star I become, more or less just someone who people could be inspired and motivated by I guess would be what I would like to leave behind when I’m gone.”
On choosing TNA over WWE: “I never really wanted to go to WWE. The tryout there was awesome. It was really fun and I can’t say enough good things and I learned a lot, but I told a few of the guys during the initial tryout with Eddie that this was not for me just because moving down to Orlando is not what I wanted to do and wrestling is not the only thing I want to do with my life. To give up everything and just live in that world is not my idea of a great life or a perfect life. TNA offered me to be able to wrestle with some of the best wrestlers in the world, I could be on television, I could go and entertain crowds but I could still come home and be Wes. I could be Davey, then I could be Wes. It was just better for me and I couldn’t be happier in TNA it’s been great.”
On Undertaker’s streak ending: “Records are made to be broken, that’s the biggest thing. I mean, when there’s any big change people just crap on it but I read something online that said he chose it and I mean, he looked like an old guy in the ring because the guy’s been around forever and has done everything. He’s made a ton of money, he has the legacy, apparently he’s got an awesome character that will live forever, so I doubt he went home and started crying, I’m sure he’s not at the court house; he’s loving life. I think they could have picked a better guy to end the record but I don’t work there so it doesn’t matter, it’s good for both of them.”
Check out the complete interview at BlogTalkRadio.com.
New WWE Divas Champion Paige spoke with The UK’s Independent this week about her WWE TV debut on Monday’s RAW where she defeated AJ Lee in an impromptu match to capture the WWE Divas championship. Here are some highlights of what she said about:
Her TV WWE Debut: “Oh my gosh, you have no idea. I lost my mind. Firstly just being in the ring with AJ who I’ve always looked up to, she’s an incredible talent and a woman to be around, and then being on Raw is just insane. I’ve been working my whole career to get to this point, it’s been nearly nine years now, and it was just incredible. I couldn’t stop crying, I haven’t stopped talking to my family about it, it’s overwhelming especially getting so much support from the fans and backstage. It’s been magical.”
Holding the WWE Divas Title & NXT Women’s Title: “The longer I can keep both Championships the better, I’m not just going to give up the NXT Women’s Championship, I worked my booty off to get that in the first place. I’m going to try and keep the WWE Divas Championship, I want to try and have a longer streak than AJ Lee’s. I’m going to be defending them both, and retain them constantly.”
WWE sent out the following survey to fans on Wednesday asking who they think should have broken The Undertaker’s WrestleMania winning streak. And yes, they spelled Damien Sandow’s name wrong.
Thanks to SEScoops.com correspondent Noah Mark for sending this in!