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Cody Rhodes Speaks On Bringing Back Old I-C Title, The Mustache, HHH & More

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The following are highlights of a recent Hartford Courant interview with Cody Rhodes:

CTNow: You’ve been through so many persona changes in a relatively short period of time compared to some other guys. I can think of at least four different versions of you. Was there any one of those personas — “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, Legacy Cody Rhodes or even the one when you first debuted with Bob Holly — that you wish you would have spent more time with, or one that was particularly your favorite? Do you ever miss things, like the mask or the mustache?

CR: I don’t miss the mustache. It was a wonderful talking point at signings, and I felt very much like an ’80s professional wrestler with the mustache. It was like, you’d see me in the airport and know I did something silly. I think if there’s one [character] in particular that I miss — I didn’t realize I was ever going to take the mask off, which was kind of stupid because I was 27 when I had it. You’ve got a lot of career [left]. You haven’t even entered your prime yet. This may not be the endgame, but I really enjoyed being under that thing. There was this side of me that it brought out. There was also this eerie confidence I had with certain elements of my game. I say I miss it, but the truth is that mask is under the ring at every WWE show. I guess it’s a bit of a spoiler, but at some point in my career, I wouldn’t be surprised if I pulled the apron up and then put it on one more time, that’s for sure.

CTNow: There’s a story floating around online about you paying for the Intercontinental title to be brought back in in its old form. At what point did you decide to go through with that, and what point did management start backing you and say that they’ll reimburse you for it?

CR: Sometimes, stuff happens. Sometimes, there’s no plan. Sometimes, you’ve got to be ready for that red light to turn on and have a new look or something about you. I had been going to WWE management about the Intercontinental title for five, six weeks, and I was met kind of roughly individually each time. But to me, it’s because they weren’t my age. It wasn’t because they thought I was stupid. I think it’s initially because they didn’t connect with my generation because they aren’t part of my generation. Three weeks in, I was very confident that I was going to get them to say yes on it out of pestering them alone, so I went ahead and followed through in getting it made for that reason. I wanted them to see it and maybe they could feel it. Sometimes, your passion isn’t always there when your ideas are shared, so I went directly to them with my passion, and the rest is history. At [WWE Hell in a Cell 2011 in] New Orleans, I pulled it out of some velvet bag, and it’s there forever, and I hope it stays the way that it is.

CTNow: Let’s say you get the chance to design your own storyline. What kind of thing would you do? Is there anybody on the roster you’re really itching to work with that you haven’t had much interaction with yet?

CR: That’s a good question because there’s only so many guys who are at the top of their game. For me, I’d probably like to finish something that I left off. [At] Battleground, we got rehired, and we got right into a war with the Shield. Next thing you know, we’re kind of a little new renaissance of tag team wrestling, but it all began with Triple H firing me in the first place. I’ve always had this goal ’cause my father a long time ago gave me this cheesy nickname, the Prince of Pro Wrestling, and I always thought, ‘Well, what would it be like it if you have the Prince of Pro Wrestling versus the King of Kings, and what kind of movie-like-quality dramatics can I provide the audience?’ Before he’s done with the in-ring element of the career — and he’s long from done — I’d like to find myself across the ring from Triple H one more time.

At the root of my professional career with my brother, I think I’m better than Goldust, and in his heart, he thinks he’s better than I am. We love each other, and we’re brothers, and that’s great, but at the root of all that, you kind of want to find out who’s right, and I certainly hope that at some point you get to see that match as well.

Check out the complete interview at Courant.com.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Former WWE Announcer Speaks On WWE’s Top Star, WWE Network & More

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    The following are highlights of a new VOC Nation interview with former WWE backstage interviewer and commentator Ken Resnick:

    On his work after leaving WWE in 1987: “After I left WWF, I was out of wrestling for a bit. I did the LPWA, which was a women’s league that foreshadowed today’s “divas”. It was a little ahead of it’s time; program directors back in that day weren’t warm to the idea of women beating up other women. I also did roller jam for a little while.”

    On being back on TV with the WWE Network Archives: “A lot of people have reached out to me on Facebook, reminding me of things that I had long forgotten. Someone recently reached out to me about work that I did on commentary with Gorilla Monsoon; that was a nice trip for me down memory lane.”

    On whether talent should be paid when they appear in WWE Network archives: “I thought about it just a little. I don’t have a copy anymore of the contract I signed back then, but I’m guessing that residuals aren’t in there because it wasn’t (relevant) back then. I give credit to our former Governor here in Minnesota (Jesse Ventura); he was really the only one who went head to head with Vince and beat him on residuals. At some point maybe that will resurface.”

    On WWE going against the cable companies: “Showing the PPVs on WWE Network means that they aren’t going to have to share the revenue with the cable systems, who typically got fifty percent. They’re going against the grain, challenging cable providers who relied on that revenue stream from WWE; it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.”

    On the differences between WWE and AWA: “Everything we did in the WWF was so focused on promoting the next house show, TV show, or merchandise. Vince was focused on bringing that revenue stream to the forefront (of production). In the AWA, we just went (week to week with no focus on marketing).”

    On the differences between the 1980s and today: “Everything we did, there was so much spontaneity both in the ring and on the microphone. That part of the business is gone. On the other hand, some of the high impact moves that are part of today’s shows, the guys (in the 80s) wouldn’t have had the conditioning to do that.”

    On the current product: “I didn’t like the bit between Triple H and Daniel Bryan, where Hunter was beating him up while he was handcuffed. The crowd was just watching; they weren’t really into it or reacting to it. The people writing aren’t in the business. The whole angle was a direct takeoff from Occupy Wallstreet. I just kind of scratched my head a little bit (at the choice of storyline).”

    On watching the WWE grow: “The WWE has truly gone from a wrestling company to an incredible television production entity, producing 6 new shows a week, 52 weeks a year. That is truly astounding.”

    On the lack of places for talent to work: “Not only is there nowhere else to go, but there’s nowhere else to go where they can come close to making what they make in WWE. Talent in the past had options, and because of that, they had a voice in the direction of their character. Because of the (WWE being a monopoly), the talent has no voice.”

    On the WWE’s top star following Wrestlemania 30: “I would have thought Daniel Bryan, but based on the way they’ve handled him, it doesn’t look like he has the respect within the company that he probably should. If I was going to put money on it, I would say John Cena. I don’t know of anyone else that they’d feel (comfortable) with.”

    Check out the complete interview at VOCNation.com.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Michael Cole Sit-Down Interview With John Cena, New Austin & Cornette Podcasts

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    – The official WWE website has added new sit-down interview with Michael Cole speaking to John Cena. You can check that out at WWE.com.

    – Steve Austin’s 100th episode of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast is now available. You can check that out at PodcastOne.com.

    – Also new in the podcast world is a new episode of Jim Cornette’s “The Jim Cornette Experience,” with his special guest, Lisa Marie Varon (aka Victoria/Tara). You can check that one out at MLW.com.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Jim Ross Blog: WWE Talent Scouting, Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan, WMXXX Pre-Show

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    The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

    On WWE talent scouting: “Big few days in OKC with the NCAA Division 1 National Wrestling Tournament in town which will air on ESPN. Heading up soon to catch up with Jerry Brisco of WWE to watch the kids he’s been recruiting. in the meanwhile, we’re burning daylight…”

    On the WrestleMania XXX pre-show: “Anxious to see how the two hour pre game show for WM30 turns out. I think the pre and post game shows can be a legit asset for WWE if they are smartly produced and the talents step up and deliver provocative content. The upside of these programs are limitless.”

    On the passing of Lorenzo Parente: “One of the great old school wrestling villains passed away this week as Lorenzo Parente who I first saw in the 60’s on Lee Roy McGuirk’s Championship Wrestling was a true wrestling heel who was rugged and believable. Parente had a great series of matches for theh NWA Junior Heavyweight Title vs the Legendary Dan Hodge.”

    On the Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H feud: “The WWE has told a magnificent Daniel Bryan/HHH/WWE Title scenario story. Now the challenge is to get other story lines at or near the same level. The history of any WrestleMania is that most cards are essentially a 2-3 bout show and the best one’s are where a non main line, main event match over delivers and steals the show. Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle is a good example of such. The early Money in the Bank Ladder matches fit that description as well.”

    Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Footage Of Stacy Keibler’s Wedding, CM Punk On WWE Slam City Poster (Photo)

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    – People.com has added video footage of Stacy Keibler’s wedding. You can check that out above, or by going to People.com.

    – The following is a photo of CM Punk’s likeness on the new WWE Slam City promotional poster:

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Top 5 Most Undeserving WWE Champions

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    Last week I threw out the names of five deserving candidates who never had the opportunity to hold the WWE’s top title. I suggested names such as Hennig, Piper, and DiBiase, while readers suggested other wrestlers who were stiffed by the company, including Roberts, Steamboat, and Rude.

    It is now time to look at the other side of the coin and discuss five wrestlers who never should have been anywhere close to the WWE Championship, yet somehow managed to snatch it away from more talented competitors.

    Sycho Sid
    Sycho Sid

    5. Sycho Sid

    Sid isn’t the worst competitor on the list, but there were much more deserving wrestlers who never had the same opportunities. I have always been a Sid fan for one reason. No, not his in-ring work, nor his ability to captivate an audience, but instead for his unintentionally hilarious promos.

    There has never been a wrestler who was worse on the mic than Sid. He compiled a vast collection of hilarious promos throughout his career that are more memorable than his actual matches.

    John Bradshaw Layfield
    JBL

    4. JBL

    I know there are many JBL supporters out there, but I am certainly not one of them. I was never really impressed with his in-ring ability, his promo skills, or his character. The fact that he held onto the belt for a relatively long period of time is surprising to me, even if he was on SmackDown at the time and the title did not mean as much as it does now.

    His recent commentary stint reinforces the fact that he just isn’t very entertaining, and he also seems like he would be a pretty negative person off-camera as well.

    Rey Mysterio
    Rey Mysterio

    3. Rey Mysterio

    Mysterio has held both the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship during his career. At roughly 175 pounds, Mysterio is the lightest competitor to ever hold the crown and many have argued that it is unrealistic to have Mysterio defeat someone as large as the Big Show. I won’t make that argument, but do feel like he should not have held the WWE Championship, mainly because it was a pointless, half-hearted title reign.

    He won the title against the Miz on RAW, only to have John Cena steal the glory moments later and win the championship on the same night.

    TNA Holding A Talent Meeting Today In Nashville

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    The following statement was posted at the TNA website on Thursday, which could very well be part of a storyline:

    “Since Lockdown two weeks ago, Dixie Carter has not been seen in the offices of TNA in Nashville; with most communication with the TNA President being done via email and phone.

    This morning in a memo, written by Dixie’s assistant, staff was informed of a sensitive talent meeting taking place in the office with Dixie this afternoon.

    Dixie’s assistant requested that staff work from the TV Production offices from 12pm to 3pm to allow privacy for the meeting.

    ImpactWrestling.com has not been able to confirm on who this talent is or the subject of the meeting. We will have more details as this story develops throughout the day.”

    Bo Dallas Issues An Open Letter to The WWE Universe

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    Former NXT Champion Bo Dallas has issued the following open letter regarding his recent title loss:

    DEAR NXT UNIVERSE,

    I’d like to apologize to all my Bo-Lievers for what took place on Thursday night, Feb. 27, 2014. In case you missed it, Adrian Neville found a way to defeat yours truly and capture my coveted NXT Championship. I’ve had several weeks to digest the events of this tragic day, and if it weren’t for all my loyal Bo-Lievers, I don’t think I would have made it this far. You have truly been the wind Bo-neath my wings. I will never forget that day as long as I live.

    When I looked up and saw Adrian Neville holding my championship as he stood atop that ladder, I was filled with a flood of emotions. I was sad, heartbroken, alone and empty. I felt like a piece of me had been ripped from my soul and to make matters worse, I looked and saw each and every one of you. I saw children wiping their tears away, I saw husbands consoling their wives, wives consoling their husbands and even production crew members mourning the loss of their one and only true champion. It was in that moment that I realized a hero had fallen and that hero was me.

    You know, they say a man is only as good as his accomplishments, and on Feb. 27, I feel like I failed. I chose to write this letter because I’ve decided I can’t allow myself to be a failure and I won’t allow you to have a failed hero. The desire and fire inside of me has never been stronger. I’ve realized that a true champion fights when the chips are down so you can celebrate when they stand back up. To quote my longtime idol and mentor, John Cena: NEVER GIVE UP. I, BO DALLAS, will never give up.

    Bo-Lievers, on this day, I proclaim to you, you will never see someone fight as hard as I’m gonna fight and you will never see someone push as hard as I’m gonna push to one day once again become your NXT CHAMPION. Because I’m not only doing this for me, I’m doing this for the UNIVERSE.

    I love each and every one of you and I promise to never let you down again.

    Sincerely,

    BO

    P.S. Your Champion FOREVER…

    Video: Autographed Boot Stolen From Hogan’s Beach Shop

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    An autographed wrestling boot was stolen from Hogan’s Beach Shop in Tampa, Florida on Sunday.

    The boot, which was valued at around $5,500, was taken by a woman who had three female accomplices distract the manager of the venue while she stole the memorabilia.

    Police described the woman as “a heavyset female in her 50s.” The boot has still not been recovered.

    WTSB in Tampa, FL, has posted the following security footage of the theft:

    Mick Foley Blogs About The Beating Daniel Bryan Took On RAW

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    Mick Foley posted a new blog on his Facebook page discussing Triple H destroying Daniel Bryan at the end of Monday’s RAW:

    “FOR ME, RAW WAS JUST RIGHT

    Following the brutal beatdown of Daniel Bryan by Triple H on Monday’s RAW, I received many questions on social media, asking if I thought WWE had gone too far, with many pointing out the beating’s resmeblance to the one I took at the hands of The Rock in the 1999 Royal Rumble. No, I don’t think they went too far. I think they went just far enough.

    A few weeks ago, when Daniel Bryan challenged Triple H, and tried to engage the crowd in a “Yes” chant, it seemed half-hearted at best, to the point where I said out loud, in the Foley living room, “he’s trying to sell a match that no one wants to see.” Well, following Monday night, that match has gone from being simply the obstacle Daniel Bryan had to hurdle to get to the main event into a match I now I feel like I need to see.

    Yes, it was brutal, yes it was tough to watch at certain points – but it served notice to all of those who had forgotten, that Triple H was one of the best bad guys of his generation – and Stephanie, with her recent work on the microphone, has become an abslolutely compelling authority figure – as effective as I’ve ever seen her; seemingly channelling her inner Vince. I’ve known Stephanie a long time, and somewhere in the McMahon/Helmsley home, she still has the pot-holder my daughter made for her many, many years, ago. No matter what happens in business, she is someone I will always consider a friend. But man, do I want to see her get what she has coming to her? Maybe a WWE Diva who might happen to have a close connection to Daniel Bryan to smack the taste out of her mouth. Any candidates?

    Imagine me as Goldilocks, surveying the lay of the WWE land, looking at angles from the past – far past, and recent past, trying to figure out which one is the perfect fit when it comes to selling a match – really, truly turning a match into something that the WWE Universe feels they need to see. That Rumble I did with Dwayne The Rock Johnson with the 11 unprotected chairshots? Too much. Most of what we see in the PG era? No matter how good the wrestling (and much of it is really, really good) – it’s just a little too soft. But what I saw on Monday night? As brutal as it may have been, as tough as it may have been to watch, I thought it was just right.”

    Update On The Shield Breaking Up, Five Things To Discover On The WWE Network

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    – Despite the fact that we’ve seen a ‘reunited’ Shield on WWE television over the past several weeks, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that there are still plans to break up the dominant faction.

    The current plan is for Roman Reigns to break off on his own, while Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose would remain as a tag team for the foreseeable future.

    – WWE’s latest Five Things video focuses on Five Things You Will Discover On The WWE Network:

    Bobby Roode Talks Retirement, TNA Co-Existing With WWE & More

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    TNA star Bobby Roode recently did an interview with WhatCulture.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    How Long He Continues to Wrestle:

    “Right now, physically, I feel good. I think I have a lot of years left to serve here, a lot of great years left. So long as I am able to go out there and produce great matches and keep the fans intrigued, and stay healthy, I think I have a lot of years left. Once I’m physically unable to do this any more, I’d like to stay in some sort of role where I can help guys get to certain points in their careers. But for right now, obviously the most important thing for me is my career and to continually get better, and to re-iterate the other question you just asked me, to once again become the World Heavyweight Champion and be the top guy in this company.”

    TNA co-existing with WWE:

    “Oh, definitely I think we can co-exist. I think that competition is very good, I can’t see why WWE or TNA, one or the other, should go away. It’s great for the fans, it’s great for the wrestling business. I think that TNA offers the wrestling world an alternative in a way that they haven’t had in many years. Hopefully, the TNA Impact Wrestling brand can continue to grow, with the changes that we’ve made and the fresh faces we’ve brought in, the future’s looking very good.”

    Who could be a breakout star for TNA this year:

    “I think there’s a couple of different guys that come to mind. Ethan Carter’s a guy that I think has an opportunity to become a huge star here in the next year. Tag team wise, The Wolves are coming up to TNA to become household names, and The Bro-Mans, I think, given the right circumstances, have opportunities to become big stars as well. Time will tell. There’s some new stars and some fresh faces that are going to be starting up here in the next month or so as well, so it’s kinda unpredictable, you know, it’s early right now, but if I had to say, those would probably be the guys.”

    Dish Network Statement Regarding WrestleMania XXX, JR On WM30 Kickoff Show

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    – Dish Network has released the following statement regarding their decision to not carry WrestleMania XXX:

    Please note that WWE is not willing to adjust PPV costs to satellite/cable companies, which is unfair to their customers. DISH needs to re-focus efforts to support partners that better serve DISH customers and other satellite/cable companies, including DirecTV, have also expressed they may no longer provide WWE PPV events in the future.”

    As of this writing, DirecTV is expected to still carry WrestleMania XXX, however there is a lot of speculation that it will be the final WWE pay-per-view they distribute.

    – During his latest batch of Q&A’s at JRsBarBQ.com, Jim Ross said the following about WWE presenting a 2-hour Kickoff Show prior to WrestleMania XXX:

    “Doesn’t bother me. We don’t have to watch it, right? If the pre game show is well produced and the talents step up it might be great.”

    The Rock Appearing On WWE Slam City, WWE Announces Shareholders Meeting

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    – WWE’s Annual Shareholders Meeting will be held on Friday, April 25, 2014 at company headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

    – WWE.com has added a Superstar profile for “The Finisher,” the villain character in the WWE Slam City animated series. The character is loosely based off Mr. McMahon and his finishing move is “firing everyone.”

    – Speaking of WWE Slam City, Stephanie McMahon answered some questions via Twitter regarding the series. She revealed that The Rock will be a character and there will be extensive Slam City merchandise released later this year, including apparel, back to school accessories, books and DVDs.

    Kelly Kelly Talks About Vince McMahon As A Boss, If She’ll Ever Return To WWE

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    Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly recently spoke to Josh Modaberi of Wrestling101.com. Here are some highlights of what she said about:

    Her WWE TV Debut: “It was very nerve wracking, I had only been signed for about a month and I was very new and I didn’t know anything. My first day on television I was so nervous and I was doing the expose thing on ECW, it was just very nerve wracking, the only thing I remember is thinking thank god it’s over after I was done.”

    Vince McMahon As A Boss “He is great, he was very hands on and just helped out with everything. Every week on television he was there during rehearsals, he would help us, telling us exactly what he wanted from the matches. He wanted to be personable to everyone, he is a little intimidating at times as your boss but he was great!”

    If She’ll Ever Return To WWE: “I don’t know to be honest with you, I’m doing some acting at the moment and I’m filming a movie right now. I’m really excited to be on a new adventure but you never know, I’m only 26-years-old so who knows what is going to happen in the future.”

    For more information on Kelly Kelly you can visit her website BarbaraBlank.com you can also follow her on Twitter @TheBarbieBlank.

    Incredible Photos of Kelly Kelly & Maryse Touching Each Other

    Ultimate Warrior At WWE Headquarters, NXT Preview, WWE Network-Xbox 360

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    – 2014 WWE Hall of Fame inductee The Ultimate Warrior was at WWE headquarters on Wednesday. He tweeted:

    – WWE announced on Wednesday that the problems involving the WWE Network on Xbox 360 have been resolved.

    – The following is a preview for tonight’s WWE NXT on the WWE Network:

    • Adam Rose vs. Danny Burch
    • Bayley vs. Sasha Banks
    • Mojo Rawley vs. Sylvester Lefort.
    • Bo Dallas vs. Justin Gabriel.

    (Partial Source: PWinsider.com)

    TNA Impact Wrestling Preview For Tonight

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    TNA Impact Wrestling preview (3/20):

    – World Heavyweight Champion Magnus vs. Samoa Joe

    – Tag Team Champions The BroMans vs. The Wolves vs. Sanada & Tigre Uno

    – Bully Ray responds to Bobby Roode

    – Angelina Love calls out Velvet Sky

    Also appearing are Abyss, Eric Young, Bobby Roode and more.

    *Spoilers* TNA Impact Wrestling Results For Tonight

    Update On WWE Network Live Streaming Issues, More On Dish Network/WMXXX

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    – As far as WWE is concerned, they have not had any issues with live streaming on the WWE Network since the NXT Arrival show. While some have complained about issues, the company has not heard of any significant issues related to their streaming of the recent live editions of WWE Main Event.

    – The following form letter is being sent out to Dish Network subscribers who have been asking about the availability of the WrestleMania XXX pay-per-view this year:

    “Please note that WWE is not willing to adjust PPV costs to satellite/cable companies, which is unfair to their customers. DISH needs to re-focus efforts to support partners that better serve DISH customers and other satellite/cable companies, including DirecTV, have also expressed they may no longer provide WWE PPV events in the future.”

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella Wedding Update: Both To Win Titles At WrestleMania?

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    The wedding between Bryan Danielson (aka Daniel Bryan) and Brianna Garcia-Colace (aka Brie Bella) is scheduled to take place on April 11th, which is just five days at WrestleMania XXX. Their wedding will be shot as the focus of the final episode of season two of WWE’s Total Divas reality show.

    According to one report, there’s a decent possibility that both Bryan and Bella will win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Divas Championship at WrestleMania. The general consensus is that there’s no great reason not to, considering many expect Bryan to win the title anyways, and since the Divas title doesn’t have any real connection in terms of drawing money, it might as well be used as a prop to at least tell a good story.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Backstage News On Who Would Take Over WWE If Vince McMahon Was Gone

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    Despite the rumor that AMC Networks was interested in purchasing controlling interest in WWE, investors don’t believe that Vince McMahon would be willing to sell controlling interest in his company. However, there is apparently some concern over what would take place if something were to happen to McMahon.

    The general feeling is that Stephanie McMahon has taken a step back lately, and that Paul Levesque (Triple H) is not someone who could legitimately take over the role as CEO of a public company. Basically, while HHH has great knowledge of the wrestling business itself, his actual years of experience in management, as well as the non-wrestling obligations that a CEO has to deal with, is not something he has expertise in.

    This would pretty much leave current WWE executives Michelle Wilson and/or George Barrios in the lead. The question on Barrios is his knowledge of the modern media landscape, as well as the wrestling side of things. In the case of Wilson, her knowledge of the wrestling aspect is also a question.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • WWE Looking To Get RAW & SmackDown Replays On The WWE Network

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    WWE executive George Barrios stated at the annual ROTH Conference that one of the key factors in the negotiations for WWE’s new cable television home is the replays for RAW and SmackDown. Barrios noted that the company is wanting to get availability in airing the replays to both shows on their own WWE Network subscription service, something that their deal with NBC Universal currently doesn’t allow (within a 30-day period). Basically put, WWE wants to shorten that window of time.

    Speaking of the WWE Network, the company issued a mass e-mail today informing fans who had ordered the network but canceled their subscription, that they can come back and get another free week if they sign up by Saturday, March 22nd.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Extensive Update On A New Potential Major Offer For WWE’s Television Package

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    There has been a lot of talk in the industry regarding suitors for WWE’s television package, which will include RAW and SmackDown. Outside of the cable networks that we reported on last week, WGN is another station that has expressed legitimate interest in attracting the WWE television package to their channel.

    Currently, WGN is available in 73 million out of the 99 million homes that have access to cable television. One of the key reasons WGN has shown serious interest is because of their belief that adding WWE to their network would expand their cable reach, as well as give them the ability to charge cable systems more for carriage.

    While WGN doesn’t draw the strongest ratings, they do apparently have a considerable amount of money. In fact, in 2008 they were said to be one of the few legitimate bidders for WWE programming besides the USA Network. Additionally, they were one of the highest bidders for “Better Call Saul,” which is the spin-off of the widely popular “Breaking Bad” drama series.

    WGN is currently getting just under ten cents per home per month, but if they could increase to 90 million homes and get to 25 cents per month with the addition of WWE programming, that would take the station from $87.6 million in revenue from carries to $270 million. That, along with ad revenue, could justify the company making an offer of $250 million or greater to WWE, as long as they are willing to overspend to help build the station.

    From the WWE perspective, WGN presents similar issues to those surrounding FOX Sports 1 as a potential option, as the availability of the cable channels are less than some of the other high-profile options currently on the table. WWE would, however, like to get the word out about the interest from WGN, as their high financial offer would likely help to drive up the price that WWE could get in securing a new cable home.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Press Release For Jim Ross’ WrestleMania Weekend “RINGSIDE” Show

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    Tara Curtis sent along the following:

    Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim “J.R.” Ross brings wrestling fans up close and personal for one night only at the House of Blues April 4th, 2014 for RINGSIDE: An Evening With Jim Ross

    New Orleans, LA – March 19, 2014

    Known to sports entertainment fans around the world as the Voice of Professional Wrestling, good ole J.R. has nearly done it all.

    From sports entertainment executive to New York Times Bestselling Author, to concurring the struggle of Bell’s palsy and even playing the role of entrepreneur with his own barbeque sauce brand, Jim Ross has certainly worn many hats. But, come March 1st, 2014, he will do his most famous hat: a 200X Resistol when he takes the stage for a one night only engagement at the House of Blues in New Orleans to share his life story…

    As one of the most influential sports executives of the past 40 years, J.R. has been welcomed into the homes of millions of viewers each and every week. His cool yet dry Southern charm became the soundtrack for some of wrestling’s many memorable clashes and spectacular moments in the sport’s rich history. J.R.’s tales of the road and personal anecdotes feature some of sports entertainment’s most legendary stars.

    After a successful run in the UK, he will bring his one-man show to US soil. J.R. will take center stage in New Orleans for 2 performances for one night only; sharing his stories with wrestling fans in the intimate setting of the House of Blues on April 4th, 2014.

    Tickets are currently on sale on Tickemaster.com and at the House of Blues Box Office. VIP tickets are available for each performance and include a chance to meet the legendary voice of sports entertainment personally.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • WWE Announces Two-Hour Pre-Show For WrestleMania XXX

    Matt Boone
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    WWE.com announced the following today:

    Watch the two-hour WrestleMania 30 Pre-Show on Sunday, April 6!

    Get ready for the biggest WrestleMania in history with the super-sized, two-hour WrestleMania 30 Pre-Show on Sunday, April 6, live from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT!

    The first hour of the WrestleMania 30 Pre-Show will feature analysis of the action-packed card from a star-studded panel of Superstars past and present, along with on-the-scene interviews featuring Superstars preparing to battle on The Grandest Stage of Them All. The first half of the WrestleMania 30 Pre-Show can be viewed on WWE.com, the WWE App, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pheed.

    Then, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, the Pre-Show continues exclusively on WWE Network, where the all-star panel will continue to break down the stacked WrestleMania lineup. In addition, the action will begin with an exclusive Pre-Show Match!

    It all leads up to WrestleMania 30, which blasts off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. WWE’s annual extravaganza, including The Undertaker defending his epic Streak against Brock Lesnar, John Cena battling the eerie Bray Wyatt, and Randy Orton defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Batista and the winner of a showdown between Daniel Bryan and Triple H, can be watched LIVE in its entirety on WWE Network.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…

    • Maria Kanellis Speaks On CM Punk/WWE Situation, Lita, WWE & NXT Divas, More

    Matt Boone
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    The following are highlights from a recent interview with Maria Kanellis:

    On her favorite wrestler growing up: “My favorite female wrestler was Lita. I think it’s incredible to know she’s getting inducted this year. She gave me a strong female role model. My mom was a great woman, but my dad was always the king of the castle, so to speak. Lita was a strong female and did what she pleased and I admired that.”

    On the WWE & NXT Divas: “I think they have great female talents nowadays. AJ and Natalya are great wrestlers. Paige in NXT can hang with any of the guys there. So I don’t think WWE is lacking when it comes to women talents. I hope the girls get more and more time to get into the spotlight because of how good they are becoming.”

    On CM Punk & WWE situation: “I don’t know all of what’s going on in the wrestling world other than ROH because I’ve been so busy with school. What I do know is that Punk has worked incredibly hard to get where he’s at. He’s the example you use when you talk about independent wrestlers who come to WWE. He was the first in that transition. He came from the independents and made a name for himself in WWE. He’s already done the work and doesn’t need to do anything else in his career to solidify the statement he has made. He changed wrestling forever because he showed that some dirty, stinky wrestler from Chicago can become a famous superstar. So whatever he decides is the right decision for him.”

    On her ROH future & WWE: “That’s really up in the air. You never know. There’s some guys whom you never thought would go back to WWE because of what they’ve said in the past or the drama that’s happened. But they end up going back. So, never say never.”

    Check out the complete interview at PWMania.com.

  • Update On The Shield Splitting Up, Sting At WMXXX & Kurt Angle’s WWE Return…
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