WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is no longer under contract with WWE, however, he’s going to be working with the company on yet another project later this week.
After Jim Ross revealed over the weekend that he’ll be part of WWE’s upcoming Paul Heyman DVD, WrestleZone.com is reporting that JR will be at the WWE Performance Center this Friday to host a “wrap up” panel with the cast of Legends House.
The show is expected to air on the WWE Network as part of the Legends House original series.
TNA has posted the following on their official website, announcing a new fifth match for their upcoming “Genesis” show:
TNA TO BROADCAST GENESIS ON SPIKE TV LIVE FROM HUNTSVILLE, AL., THURSDAY, JAN. 16
TNA is kicking off the new year with a new beginning as for the first time ever, the Genesis Pay-Per-View event will be broadcast free on SPIKE TV live from Huntsville, Ala. Fans will be part of four hours of history-making television as the Superstars of IMPACT WRESTLING bring the hard-hitting, high-flying action of Genesis to two epic IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE! broadcasts scheduled for Jan. 16, and Jan. 23, at 9 p.m. ET, on SPIKE TV.
TNA’s “Genesis” will be a special two-week event on SpikeTV, airing on Thursday, January 16 and Thursday, January 23! Both “Genesis” episodes will feature your favorite TNA superstars competing in high-stakes matches! Featured matches over the two weeks – and more to be announced – include the following:
– “The Icon” Sting vs. Ethan Carter III
– Cage Match: Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
– Bully Ray vs Mr. Anderson
– Knockouts Title: Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne
– Briefcase Match: “Cowboy” James Storm vs. Gunner
2014 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee The Ultimate Warrior was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard blog. Hare are some highlights:
How much of an impact did headlining WrestleMania have on your career?
“Back at the beginning of my career, I had to make all these sacrifices—sleeping in a car on nights where I’d wrestle in front of 20,000 people—because I wasn’t making any money. Then for two years leading up to WrestleMania, I would hear all the background chatter of how popular the character was becoming. Merchandising and licensing are huge in our business, and back then they actually had a guy, Jimmy, who would set up a table and sell merch before the matches. One day Jimmy took me aside and told me how I wasselling more merchandise than Hogan. “Don’t tell anyone I told you this,” he said. [Laughs]
At that time the typical storyline for WrestleMania was that one of Hogan’s friends would turn on him and set up a good guy-vs-bad guy scenario. But if WWE had done that with Ultimate Warrior, they would have been slicing their wrists, because merchandising was getting ready to go through the roof. So instead it became the Hulkamaniacs versus the Warriors. It was an incredible match—all the excitement, all the drama of the false finishes, and then the first time Hogan lost clean, and that really meant something. Of course, everything is choreographed, but that speaks even more strongly about what type of impact The Ultimate Warrior was going to have on the business.”
Is that your favorite match of your career?
“I have a lot of great memories, including my match against Randy [Savage] in WrestleMania VII. A lot of people say they enjoyed that more than the Hogan match. The Hogan match had so much meaning that it’s impossible not to list among my favorites, but I had all kinds of incredible matches against guys like Rick Rude and André the Giant. I had an incredible run against André all over the world, body slamming him.”
Man, André the Giant. What was he like?
“André either really cared about you, or he hated you. He liked me, I know he really did. Randy worked with him right before I did, but they killed that program because André didn’t like Randy. But André liked me. Hogan always talks about slamming him the one time at WrestleMania, but I travelled to hundreds of places and slammed André all over the place, and I just couldn’t believe that he’d let me do that. I was the last guy to really work with André before he passed away, and he was unbelievably gracious toward me. I’ll never forget what he did for my character. During one match at Madison Square Garden he told me to put him in a bear hug. So I did, and he squealed like a f—ing pig, man. That’s how you sell the power, and he did that for me to convince the people that The Ultimate Warrior was that powerful. Then he told me to slam him. He was a really great guy.”
It’s incredible that Sting is still wrestling. Do you think you still have one big match left in you? Maybe a Royal Rumble run out?
“The 90s version of The Ultimate Warrior, that beast? No. [Laughs] But I’m still very intense, I’m still in great shape, and the way the business is today, I think something could be arranged. But that 90s version of The Ultimate Warrior can’t be done. He’s my muse. I wake up every morning and I’m inspired by him, but trying to go back and bring him back 25 years later, there’s just no way.”
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:
Monday’s RAW: “Enjoyed Monday Night RAW from Providence as it had several moments that stood out to me within the marathon, three hour broadcast. Thought that having more in ring product and keeping the stars in front of the live audience was a good thing. The show had a great deal of wrestling which I like. Obviously , some of the in ring content was better than others but that’s nothing new.”
Ultimate Warrior In The WWE Hall of Fame: “The Warrior package was slick as no one really touches WWE TV production on matters such as this. The decision to roll Warrior out first for the upcoming Hall of Fame class was strategic as it certainly has fans talking … The Ultimate Warrior was one of WWE’s all time most polarizing performers who was a massive star while being one of the most unique TV personas ever in WWE.”
Daniel Bryan Turning On Bray Wyatt: “The show closing moments involving Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt was reminiscent of the Attitude Era as it relates to raw passion and the fans totally buying into the production. I said it last night on Twitter @JRsBBQ that Daniel Bryan was the hottest commodity in WWE today….by far. The connection that he’s made with the audience, which more often than not, can’t be manufactured is priceless.
Daniel Bryan sitting on top of the cage and the sold out crowd chanting Yes! Yes! Yes! was Austin-esque in my eyes. The closing moments of RAW is what one always looks to achieve when formatting a TV show. That special moment that becomes a ‘moment.’
Daniel Bryan is a legit bookers dream. Highly skilled and can make anyone that he competes with appear better, no locker room issues or bad, personal habits and he’s respectful and reliable. The perfect pro. Good role model for any young talent wanting to succeed.”
– WWE Superstar John Cena is scheduled to appear on the “Watch What Happens Live” show on the Bravo network on Wednesday, January 15th at 11pm. The show will replay again early Thursday morning at 2:30am, and again at 8:00am on Thursday.
– The MLive website ran a featured piece on WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley’s upcoming comedy show in Detroit, Michigan. You can check the article out at MLive.com.
The following was published on the official NBA website:
Cavs to Host WWE Night at The Q
It will be a tag-team of fun and excitement when the squared circle of World Wrestling Entertainment meets the hardwood court as the Cleveland Cavaliers host “WWE Night” on January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. The slammin’ night of fun tips off as the Cavs face the Chicago Bulls, and will feature appearances by WWE Superstars, WWE prizes for fans to win and decades of WWE-themed excitement that wrestling fans of all ages will enjoy.
WWE Superstars and Cleveland natives, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz, will bring the face-and-heel drama of the WWE to the Cavaliers’ game entertainment festivities. Whether on the court or around the concourse, the wrestlers will give fans a taste of what they can expect when WWE RAW returns to The Q for a LIVE show on Monday, January 27th.
Cavs mascots Moondog and Sir C.C. will also be in on the action with WWE-inspired costumes and their usual antics. Fans are encouraged to join in the fun and dress as their all-time favorite WWE character or sport WWE gear to the game, and use the hashtag #WWENight to be part of the conversation online. For tickets to “WWE Night,” fans can click here, call 1-800-820-2237, or visit any Northeast Ohio Discount Drug mart location or the Quicken Loans Arena Ticket Office.
WWE RAW in Cleveland
WWE RAW is headed back to Cleveland for another spectacular televised event on Monday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m. This will be wrestling fans’ chance to see the fallout the night after the annual Royal Rumble pay-per-view event! The night’s MASSIVE MAIN EVENT will be a must-see as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is on the line when John Cena battles Randy Orton with special guest referee, Hall of Famer, Jerry Lawler! Plus, The McMahons, Triple H, CM Punk, The Shield & The Wyatt Family, LIVE!
WWE Ultimate Fan Package
Starting at $54, the biggest WWE fans in Northeast Ohio can take advantage of the WWE Ultimate Fan Package, which includes a ticket to both the Cavs’ “WWE Night” on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m., and WWE Raw on Monday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase a WWE Ultimate Fan Package, visit www.cavs.com/wwe.
As noted, WWE scheduled a conference call with Vince McMahon and George Barrios on Tuesday to reveal some information regarding the WWE Network. While there wasn’t a lot of significant news coming out of the call, a few things were revealed. Below are some brief highlights:
– They noted during the call that there are 88 million homes in the United States that have broadband capability.
– Sign-ups for the WWE Network will begin at 9:00am on February 24th with programming beginning approximately 14 hours later.
– WWE is predicting 2-3 million subscribers in the United States by the end of 2015 and an additional 750,000-1.5 million subscribers internationally.
– The company is in talks with USA Network and they believe the network will lead to an increase in both RAW and SmackDown television ratings.
– WWE expects a studio talk show to debut on the network in a few months.
TNA star Samoa Joe recently appeared on the MLW Radio podcast. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Whether TNA wrestlers are worried or hoping that recent departures mean a better spot for them:
“I think a little bit of both. I mean with guys like AJ gone, he was like the team captain. When you think of Impact Wrestling, you think of AJ Styles.”
Working with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan:
“Um I think Bischoff is still around, I think it’s just a production capacity. I think with Hogan, some people think he had more clout than he did. I think they really wanted him to do a bit more but I think he just didn’t want to really do more at this time. As far as Hogan as a person, cool cat. As far as working with him, I wouldn’t know. I never worked with them. I never see them, I never talk to them. When they just asked me ‘This is what we need from you’ I did it and that was that.”
The infamous kidnapping angle and Vince Russo:
“You want me to break the silence on that? I don’t like getting in verbal spats with people who I don’t think are worth my time or my effort and a dude in particular is Vince Russo. This cat, I don’t have a problem with Vince Russo. When he left I just told him, it is what it is. He always had 22 million reasons for making the decisions that he made. But when Hogan and Bischoff came in they said, ‘Oh we have this great idea. We are going to do this thing and take you off of TV and re-brand you. Do all this other stuff. We do this kidnapping thing and you come back as a psychopath.’ I was cool with it.
I sat at home for 3 months on a bitching ass vacation. I had one of the best vacations in the history of vacations. Paid vacation. Getting ready so I call them back week after week, ‘What do you guys need me to do’. They would say ‘We are still coming up with something’. Vince Russo with his infinite ridiculousness just said, we are short on babyfaces. So I get a call saying, ‘Joe we need to bring you back to TV.’
So I asked him, how is it that you are going to bring me back. He said, I don’t know how just yet but we need to bring you in. So the dude couldn’t write his way out of a kidnapping. The only reason why I bring this up is because he has the audacity to blame all of his silliness on other people. And by the way wrestlers, pro wrestlers all over the world and people in the business, stop whoring yourself out to shoot interviews. This man couldn’t write his way out of a kidnapping. That’s how much respect he had for the product, how much respect he had for the fans and that is indicative of his style of what he did. He was the head writer at the time and this is the way he felt that was admissible. Now I know this little bitch is going to go back on a shoot and talk all of this shit.”
His TNA future:
“I think with TNA now, especially with the inner office changes. I think hopefully I will be on top. I told them already. I said, ‘Look, you guys have tried to do things in different ways.’ I told them at the beginning of last year. ‘You guys have been using me in a utilitarian way for the past 2 or 3 years. I’m cool with it. I know this is a team effort but I’m ready to run with it and produce for you if you give me the opportunity.’ I’ve told John Gaburick the same thing. ‘You guys have been using me in a utilitarian way for the past 2 or 3 years. I’m ready to get shit done. If you want to run with me, It’s going to be this year.’ The ball is in their hands and we will just see what happens.”
Busted Open satellite radio show with Roman Reigns
Host: Dave Lagreca, Doug Mortman, and Mike Riker
Airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Sirius 92 and XM 92 from 2-4 ET
On being the only member of The Shield to beat CM Punk; if there are any cracks in The Shield: The match as far as me beating CM Punk that’s– that’s something everybody’s going to have to get used to. Me taking down a lot of the top superstars, on my own. As far as cracks in The Shield–you know I don’t see it as a “weak link” type thing. I think the match up, you know like; it’s a very similar match up between Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and CM Punk. They’re all very technical-sound wrestlers. I bring something a bit different to the table. I’m a heavy hitting brawler. CM Punk tried to go toe-to-toe with me in that regard and it failed for him.
On if he looks at himself as a standout member of The Shield since being voted Most Improved Wrester by the Busted Open Nation: I don’t look at it too much–read into that type of stuff too much but I do agree with it; you know what I’m saying? When you wrestle as much we do; we like to consider ourselves the backbone of the company. Without us, all these dates that we’re able to do; they’re just not going to be possible. We’re the guys that do the dirty work. We’re there every single day. We don’t miss a show. There’s no weekends off for us. So I think that’s a huge contribution to my improvement. Anytime you can work on your craft; week in and week out; and focus on it, you’re gonna get better at anything. So for me, it was just apart of the process. Traveling with Seth and Dean, wrestling everyday with those guys; your grandma could get better at wrestling if she was able to do that.
On what would be his focus if he were to find himself next to his partners in the Royal Rumble: Oh that’s simple. We’re all in there together. Nothing changes for us. It’s business as usual. We’re gonna eliminate everybody and we’re going to do it with the most efficient teamwork possible. And then once we get to where it’s us three we’re gonna have to figure that out then. The gloves may come off or maybe we’ll make a stand. Maybe we’ll do something no one’s ever done before. We walk out of that sucker; who knows? That’s gonna have to be up to everybody to tune in and pay attention. Cause we’re gonna put on a good show.
On what is his goal for 2014: I think just to stay on the track that I’m on. Continue to dominate in these singles opportunities I get. And then when the right opportunity presents itself, I’d like to capture a singles title. There’s plenty of room in The Shield for another singles title; if not two more. I know Seth is thinking the exact same thing. And that’s what makes us money is we’re all on the same page as far as where we’re trying to go. If you’re not trying to climb to the top; if you’re not on that ladder; you’re in trouble, man. You might as well just stay over there by the water cooler and watch us dominate. So if we can get a couple of singles titles along with that US title; that’ll be key for us in 2014.
His thoughts on the WWE Network: I mean just groundbreaking stuff. This is something for a damn near century we’ve been working towards. Since pro wrestling started and then evolved into Sports Entertainment. This is kind of what we’ve been pushing towards for years and years now. For the WWE, that was really the next step; to broadcast and advertise under our own name. So it’s a big, big moment for our company. And I’m sure nothing but the best is lined up in our future.
His thoughts on possibly being the “face” of the company in 2014: I don’t know about the “face” of the company. That’s kind of being used right now. I’d like to come up with something a little more fresh. You know Randy Orton is doing that whole “face” of the company thing. I think I’m better than him so if we can get a one upper situation, that’s—maybe the “backbone” of the company. Maybe the “balls” of the company. Something cool like that, you know? I don’t know about the “face” of the company. Maybe the “man” of the company. That sounds about right.
– Tonight’s WWE Main Event and SmackDown tapings will take place from the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. The New Age Outlaws vs. Cody Rhodes and Goldust in a non-title match has been announced for SmackDown.
Check back later tonight for live results of both shows.
– Last Friday’s SmackDown drew a 1.96 rating and averaged 2,816,000 viewers.
– Brie Bella tweeted the following after her fiance Daniel Bryan left The Wyatt Family on last night’s RAW:
I told you @WWEUniverse you can always trust my future husband @WWEDanielBryan he has & will always be true to himself! Yes! Yes! Yes! #RAW
— The Bella Twins (@nicoleandbri) January 14, 2014
– Today marks 212 days that AJ Lee has held the WWE Divas Championship. She will pass Maryse’s reign of 216 later this week.
– Vince McMahon and George Barrios will host a conference call this morning at 11am EST to discuss the WWE Network. Check back later for our full report of the call.
-Fandango has been added to the 2014 WWE Royal Rumble match. Here’s an updated list of the confirm entrants:
– CM Punk
– Batista
– Big E Langston
– Cody Rhodes
– Goldust
– Rey Mysterio
– Alberto Del Rio
– Kofi Kingston
– The Miz
– R-Truth
– Xavier Woods
– Chris Jericho revealed on Instagram that his band Fozzy will begin recording their next album this Thursday and said the band will be back on touring very soon.
“Trust me when I tell you the songs we’ve written for this album are like nothing we’ve ever done before …and are going to BLOW YOU AWAY!! So excited!! Stay tuned for more info about the album and upcoming live dates…. #2014 #theyearofthefozz #lightsgoout #doyouwannastartawar #fozzy”
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross answered a “Q&A” question on his website about the possibility of SmackDown going live:
“I don’t know. It could happen very easily of the network on which it aired wanted to move it to Tuesday. For it to be live on Friday night it would be challenging at best but I assume doable if necessary.””
– Mark Henry tweeted the following while watching Monday night’s RAW from home. WWE kept Henry off TV to sell the attack from Brock Lesnar. He wrote:
It's been a long time since I watched raw at home. Great show!!! I'm sitting here with this sling on my arm pissed. pic.twitter.com/Hp1bAPbB8T
— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) January 14, 2014
All the fans thanks for the love.You haters go jump off something high!The swelling is gone down so I will live!Ass will be kicked for this.
— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) January 14, 2014
– TNA President Dixie Carter announced on Monday night that Lockdown will take place on March 9th from the BankUnited Center in Miami, Florida. She tweeted:
BREAKING: Excited #Lockdown will be taking place on March 9th from Miami, FL. 1st time to bring cameras there. Tickets on sale 1/24
— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) January 14, 2014
– TNA star Mr. Anderson announced on Monday night that his wife gave birth to twins. He posted on Instagram:
“Prescott Liberty Anderson (she’s on the left) Pearce Remington Anderson (he’s on the right)”
TNA released Jay Bradley and Wes Brisco on Monday.
Bradley was released almost a year to the day since he made his TNA debut as a contestant on Gut Check.
Wes Brisco, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco, had been written off television during the final days of Aces & Eights.
With Dixie Carter announcing on Twitter that the company will be bringing in some fresh faces soon, it’s not surprising that the company is also releasing people to make room for the new talent.
After Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, it was time for the dark match between WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena.
Lilian Garcia said that because John Cena had left the arena to tend to his father, Orton wins the match via forfeit.
John Cena then ran out from the back, hit the ring and chased off Orton.
Cena took a microphone and as Orton stood on the stage. Cena said that his dad told him Orton hits like a girl. He challenged Orton to wrestle him, but Orton went to the back. Cena then talked about how great the crowd was and introduced the New England Patriots to end the show.
Celestin Bonin, AKA Kaitlyn, talks about why she left the WWE, what’s next for her, and sends a message to her fans
– In addition to the previously reported names added to the Royal Rumble on RAW this past Monday night, it was also revealed during the show that CM Punk will be an official entrant in the match.
– One of the main events for this week’s SmackDown was revealed during WWE RAW on Monday night. In a non-title match, Attitude Era greats The New Age Outlaws will square off against the WWE Tag-Team Champions Goldust and Cody Rhodes.
WWE RAW opens with a video package showing Bray Wyatt talking about being excited that Daniel Bryan admitted that he needs him. He says he no longer hears you guys, he only hears Bray’s truth.
The Usos vs. Bray Wyatt & Daniel Bryan
From there, we shoot live to the arena in Providence, Rhode Island, the site of tonight’s RAW show. Michael Cole welcomes us to the event as The Uso’s music is playing and they are already in the ring. The Wyatt Family appear out of nowhere already at ringside, with Bray Wyatt rocking in his chair as Bryan, Erick Harper and Luke Rowan are standing next to him. We go live inside the ring and Bryan starts things off with Uso. Bryan and Uso battle for a few seconds until Bryan gets control of the offense and then tags Bray into the match. Bray picks up where Bryan left off and punishes Uso a bit before quickly tagging Bryan back into the match. The crowd is chanting “Daniel Bryan” loudly as he continues to pound away at the grounded Uso. Bryan and Bray are utilizing quick-tags as Bryan tags Bray back into the match. The duo are keeping Uso in their corner for the most part so far, and Uso has been on the receiving end of a one-sided beatdown throughout this match thus far. Uso finally makes a bit of a comeback and blasts Bryan with a big kick, allowing him to make the tag to his brother. Uso hits a Samoan drop on Bryan and plays to the crowd before smashing Bryan butt-first in the corner. Bray tries to interfere but Uso throws Bray and Bryan out to the floor. Both Usos hit a double-dive over the top and splash onto Bray and Bryan on the floor. Both Uso’s roll Bray and Bryan back into the ring and ascend to the top rope. Before they can hit their finisher, Harper and Rowan hit the ring and the referee calls for the bell. Bray and Bryan are disqualified.
Winners via DQ: The Usos
After The Match
After the match, Harper and Rowan continue to beat up The Usos, however The Usos manage to nail Bryan with a superkick and avoid any further punishment. They slide out the back door and walk up the ramp as Rowan and Harper stare them down from inside the ring. Their music stops and Bryan is shown looking angry as Bray yells at him to get up. Bray leans into Bryan, whispers something in his ear and smiles. Bryan drops to his knees and extends his arms out to each side, purposely allowing Bray to hit him with his Sister Abagail finishing move. Bray yells “I do this for all of us.” Rowan and Harper roll Bryan out to the floor as Michael Cole points out on commentary that Daniel Bryan sacrificed himself. The Wyatt Family music hits as Harper and Rowan carry Bryan up the aisle, with Bray leading the way.
– We head to commercial with a graphic that says “John Cena in action next.” Michael Cole points out that Cena will have his first match in 2014 next. By the way, there is no WWE Network countdown clock as promised yet.
Damien Sandow vs. John Cena
When we return from commercial, Damien Sandow is in the middle of making his entrance to the ring. After his entrance, John Cena’s music hits and the crowd erupts with their typical mixed-bag reaction. Lilian Garcia introduces Cena as he runs down the aisle and slides into the ring. Michael Cole excitedly mentions again that this is the first television match for John Cena in 2014. Cena has Hulk Hogan-colored boxers sticking up out of his shorts, by the way. Cena and Sandow trade holds early on, neither man establishing dominance in the match just yet. Finally, Sandow begins to control the offense as Michael Cole takes us to a mid-match commercial. When we return from commercial, Cena is in the middle of a comeback. Cena blasts Sandow with a few high-impact moves and then calls for his finisher. Sandow cuts him off and avoids it. Cena reverses a Sandow hold into an STF attempt, but Sandow avoids it. Sandow slaps Cena in what JBL is calling “The Royal Arch” which is basically a modified Sharpshooter. Cena launches Sandow high into the air and catches him coming down with a big neckbreaker. Cena goes to the middle-rope and nails Sandow with a tornado-DDT for a near fall. Cena hoists Sandow up for the A.A. but Sandow slips out the back door and rolls Cena up for a near fall. Seconds later, Sandow rolls Cena up for another near fall. A loud “let’s go Cena / Cena sucks” dueling chant breaks out as Cena locks Sandow into the STF. Sandow makes it to the bottom rope to break the hold. The announcers have been going out of their way to point out the fact that Cena is having trouble beating Sandow. Sandow slaps Cena in his own STF submission hold but Cena uses his freakish strength to stand up, while still in the hold, and shuffle him over into an A.A. Cena pins Sandow, 1-2-3. Cena wins.
Winner: John Cena
Where’s Waldo? Check out this photo of Zack Ryder’s triumphant return at Monday’s RAW:
“@SantinoSacc: @ZackRyder I spotted u in the corner http://t.co/HkwbFPO3C6” LOL X 100
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 14, 2014
– Paul Heyman’s Heyman Hustle site has released the first teaser video for the upcoming WWE DVD on Heyman’s career.
Jim Ross revealed over the weekend that he will be working with WWE on the project:
“Been asked by WWE to be a part of the upcoming Paul Heyman DVD of which I’m anxious to participate. Once details are worked out we will schedule a time for me to head to WWE HQ and tell a few…dozen Heyman stories.”
– CM Punk tweeted the following about WWE’s announcement that The Ultimate Warrior is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame:
.@UltimateWarrior in the hall of fame. Overdue. Randy Savage next please.
— player/coach (@CMPunk) January 14, 2014
Who inducts the @UltimateWarrior into the hall of fame? That's a tall order.
— player/coach (@CMPunk) January 14, 2014
THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR™ TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE WWE® HALL OF FAME
STAMFORD, Conn., January 13, 2014 – WWE (NYSE:WWE) announced today that The Ultimate Warrior will return to WWE after an 18 year absence and be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at New Orleans Arena, as a part of the WrestleMania® 30 festivities.
“The Ultimate Warrior was the most intense, colorful, competitive and outspoken Superstar in sports entertainment history, and his contributions to WWE were extraordinary,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “We are thrilled to induct The Ultimate Warrior into the WWE Hall of Fame.”
The Ultimate Warrior was one of the most iconic and exciting Superstars in WWE history. When the distinctive ring entrance music of Warrior hit, he would burst out of the dressing room and sprint towards the ring, causing a frenzy of excitement amongst WWE fans. Inside the squared circle, Warrior was responsible for many of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
In 1988 at the inaugural SummerSlam®, he defeated the Honkytonk Man™ in record time to win his first of two Intercontinental Championships. In 1990, Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan™ to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania® VI in one of the most exciting matches in WrestleMania history. Warrior would continue to captivate audiences around the world with epic encounters against WWE Legends such as Undertaker® and Randy Savage™. After a storied career that also saw him compete in WCW®, Warrior stepped away from the ring in 1998. Last year, he was featured in the WWE 2K14 video game as a downloadable character, giving the next generation of WWE fans a chance to “feel the power of the Ultimate Warrior.”
Additional WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014 inductees will be announced over the coming weeks.
Tickets for the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at New Orleans Arena go on sale this Saturday, January 18 at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.
WrestleMania 30 takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, April 6 live on WWE Network. For more information on how to get WWE Network click here. WrestleMania 30 will also be available on pay-per-view. Check with your cable, satellite or telco provider for availability.
In addition to and Batista and Alberto Del Rio, WWE has announced 7 more entrants for the 2014 Royal Rumble:
– Big E Langston
– Cody Rhodes
– Goldust
– Kofi Kingston
– The Miz
– Xavier Woods
– R-Truth
The Royal Rumble takes place on Sunday, January 26th from Pittsburgh, PA.
NXT Diva Emma made her WWE RAW television debut on Monday’s WWE RAW. Prior to the Cameron and Naomi vs. AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka match, she was briefly shown in the crowd and was acknowledged by JBL on commentary.
Emma is the current #1 contender to NXT Women’s Champion Paige and worked this past weekend’s WWE live events, teaming with Natalya.
Here’s a photo of Emma in the crowd from RAW:
It was officially announced on Monday’s RAW that the Ultimate Warrior is the first member of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014.
This will be Warrior’s first WWE appearance in 18 years.
Shortly after the announcement, “Ultimate Warrior” was trending on Twitter at #1 worldwide.
WWE has added a new playlist of The Ultimate Warrior’s career highlights on Youtube.
The 2014 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place on Saturday night, April 5th from the New Orleans Arena.
Prior to Monday’s RAW from Providence, Rhode Island, the following matches were taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Xavier Woods defeated Brodus Clay
* The Primetime Players defeated 3MB’s Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre