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Colt Cabana Denies CM Punk Rumor, News On Owen Hart & Benoit On The Network

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– Earlier this week, a report at WrestlingINC.com stated that Colt Cabana told a fan in India that ‘CM Punk walking away from WWE is not a work. Punk has been pissed off for a while and he probably won’t be at WrestleMania.’

Cabana is calling BS on the report, tweeting:

 

– Stephanie McMahon was interviewed by Pittsburgh’s KDKA-TV during Royal Rumble weekend and commented on controversial footage airing on the WWE Network, such as the 1999 Over The Edge pay-per-view (when Owen Hart passed away) and Chris Benoit matches.

The Over The Edge pay-per-view will in fact be available on the WWE Network, but all references to Owen Hart will be edited out. As for Chris Benoit matches being included on the Network, she said:

“They are incredible challenging decisions to make. At the end of the day, we try to do what’s right for our fans and we try to give them exactly what they want to see.”

Triple H Talks About NXT, Working With Vince, His Kids

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WWE COO Triple H was interviewed recently by bodybuilding website RX Muscle. The interview mostly focused on NXT. Here are some highlights:

– He talked about being very involved with the WWE Performance Center. NXT is his own pet project and Vince McMahon is relatively hands-off, although Vince does have the final say about what appears on the NXT shows.

– Triple H manages developmental and decides which talents are ready to be brought up to the main roster. Vince then reviews Triple H’s picks and decides how to incorporate them into the main roster.

– Contrary to reports that WWE currently looking for bigger guys, Triple H said they accept small guys, technical guys, high flying guys, big powerful guys, and said that it’s about having a variety of talent.

– He also said that he doesn’t want his kids to be spoiled rich kids and that his oldest daughter attended a recent NXT taping.

Other topics discussed included Vince’s training habits, going two straight days with only 45 minutes of sleep and much more.

Matt & Jeff Hardy Appearing For OMEGA Wrestling Show Next Weekend

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Matt Hardy and friends will be running an OMEGA Championship Wrestling event on Saturday, February 22nd in Smithfield, North Carolina to benefit the Autism Society of NC.

Jeff Hardy, who has been off TNA television, will be making a special appearance at the show.

Other names advertised include Reby Sky, Hurricane Helms, Gunner, CW Anderson, Christian York and others.

Stars of the Lizard Lick Towing reality show will also be appearing.

MATT HARDY & Reby Sky’s Recent MUGSHOTS (Epic)

Former TNA Star Teases Return, Update On Relationship Between TNA & Wrestle-1

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– As noted, TNA founder Jeff Jarrett is the man responsible for establishing the working relationship between TNA and the Wrestle-1 promotion in Japan. Since Jarrett’s departure, word is that “Big” John Gaburick and Bob Ryder are the two that now handle the relationship.

– Former TNA star Kenny King is teasing a return on Twitter. King recently tweeted the following:

Jim Ross Q&A: Steiner Brothers, Batista/Royal Rumble, Undertaker’s Creative Input

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The following are highlights from the latest Q&A update by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On those who say the Steiner Brothers never hurt anyone in the ring: “They were physical guys and the business isn’t ballet. I loved the Steiner Brothers tag team.”

On what it was like to deal with Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie: “Really good men. Wish we had more of them. Solid citizens.”

On how much creative input The Undertaker and Paul Bearer had in their characters: “An ample amount. Always in the loop.”

On if Batista should have been kept as a Royal Rumble surprise entrant: “Key word here is hindsight. That’s the easiest thing in the world to do when it comes to many things including booking ideas. I had no issue on how Batista was handled.”

Check out more JR Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Another BIG WWE Return Coming, STING’s WWE Debut Info + WMXXX Rumors

    • VIDEO: MVP Speaks On His Time In Prison, His Career, Money Management

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    TNA recently added the following “#IMPACT365” videos to their official YouTube channel.

    #IMPACT365: MVP’s advice on money management and investing

    http://youtu.be/a_nFnMvGp70

    #IMPACT365: MVP’s thoughts on Pro Wrestling and his career

    http://youtu.be/MbST80TpLMU

    #IMPACT365: MVP talks about his time in prison and how he dealt with it

    http://youtu.be/jyQc5r6-fG8

    TNA Lockdown Main Event Made Official, TNA “#OldSchool” PPV Note

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    – TNA has officially announced the World Heavyweight Title match between Magnus and Samoa Joe as the main event for their upcoming “Lockdown” pay-per-view.

    – Speaking of TNA pay-per-views, their “One Night Only: #OldSchool” show, which was taped in December, officially begins airing on pay-per-view starting today. Below is the preview for the show:

    http://youtu.be/nY0fzGjVaw0

  • Another BIG WWE Return Coming, STING’s WWE Debut Info + WMXXX Rumors

    • Cody Rhodes Injured Due To Steel Cage Moonsault (Photo), Prince Devitt/WWE Update

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    – The latest on Prince Devitt signing a deal with WWE is that he has not yet decided if that’s where he wants to take his future. Apparently a contract is on the table from WWE, it’s just a matter of whether or not Devitt will sign it. One source noted that a decision will likely be made before the month is over.

    – It looks like Cody Rhodes may have suffered a leg injury of sorts as a result of his moonsault off the top of the steel cage this past Monday night on RAW. Rhodes recently tweeted the following:

    Update On Sting In WWE: WMXXX Status, WWE HOF Induction?, Much More

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    Several sources have noted recently that the feeling within WWE from those high up in management is that the company does not view Sting as a top priority. There are those that are pushing the idea that he is, but apparently these are people that don’t have a lot of pull.

    Even though that is the case, the company does see the potential for a lot of money to be made through Sting with t-shirts, action figures, DVDs and other merchandise opportunities.

    The latest word regarding Sting is that he may appear in some fashion at WrestleMania XXX in April, however he likely won’t be wrestling in any matches on the show. The company isn’t looking to put much stock into Sting as a wrestler, with the feeling that if he can pass the physical, he would still only be a special attraction type performer in the ring.

    With WrestleMania 31 being held in California next year, and with Sting being a California-based guy, there is a possibility that Sting would be a strong candidate for next year’s WWE Hall Of Fame class.

  • Another BIG WWE Return Coming, STING’s WWE Debut Info + WMXXX Rumors

    (Credit: F4WOnline & PWInsider.com)

    • Michael Cole’s Father Passes Away, Bad News Barrett On “The JBL & Cole Show”

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    – Bad News Barrett is featured on the latest edition of The JBL & Cole Show, which is now online. The show, which is the 63rd episode in the series and can be seen below, is accompanied by the following description:

    “After weeks of speculation and endless hours of investigation, Bad News Barrett finally delivers what Cody Rhodes has been waiting for: JBL’s infamous nephew, Clem Layfield.”

    – Speaking of Michael Cole, his father, Thomas Coulthard, passed away last Friday at age 74 after a long battle with cancer. Our condolences go out to Michael Cole and his family for their loss.

    Jim Ross Blog: Ross Report, Edge/Beth Phoenix, WMXXX, CM Punk, More

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

    On his first podcast: “Gearing up to have Steve Austin as my first Ross Report @PodcastOne guest that will drop to the world on Wednesday February 19. We plan on hitting the ground running! Slobber Knocker time and best of all the Ross Report will be FREE at PodcastOne.com and on ITunes. Looking at a variety of ways to make the shows fan friendly and interactive.”

    On Edge and Beth Phoenix having a baby: “Congrats to friends Adam Copeland and his lady Beth on the birth of their baby daughter. I knew of this info a couple of weeks ago but sat on it until the proud Mom and Dad were ready to announce it. Everyone is healthy and happy as another happy citizen resides in Asheville, North Carolina.”

    On WrestleMania XXX: “The speculation of what will or won’t be booked at WM30 is running rampant. I’m pleased that I have no dog in the fight and am more than willing to see how the card shakes out beyond the Elimination Chamber. I have a feeling that the final WM30 might not resemble what many folks think that it will be. I have actually been enjoying following WWE more now than I’m simply a fan who refuses to read spoilers or most other ‘leaks’ from the inside.”

    On CM Punk: “I’ve heard nothing new on the CM Punk front. I’ve not reached to one of my all time favorite wrestles out in respect for his privacy. Let’s not over analyze this matter too. Punk’s burned out, he’s worn out and he’s not likely to return any time soon. However, I’d be remiss to speculate that he’s ‘done’ with the business for good.”

    “So…it’s going to be interesting to see who steps up and wants to earn Punk’s ‘spot.'”

    “Who’s got the courage and confidence to demand that prime, TV time and spotlight? This matter has much more to do with individual talent’s attitude than one might think. The WWE can’t simply wave a magic wand and create a star.”

    Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Another BIG WWE Return Coming, STING’s WWE Debut Info + WMXXX Rumors

    • John Cena Becomes The Most-Liked U.S. Athlete On Facebook

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    WWE® SUPERSTAR JOHN CENA® BECOMES MOST-LIKED U.S. ATHLETE ON FACEBOOK

    Stamford, Conn., February 7, 2014 – WWE Superstar John Cena passed Kobe Bryant to become the most-liked active U.S. athlete on Facebook with more than 18.6 million followers.

    Cena is the No. 7 most-followed athlete in the world on Facebook and has more followers than Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Roger Federer. Cena also has more Facebook followers than Kevin Durant, Michael Phelps and Tony Hawk COMBINED.

    WWE has eclipsed 260 million fans through its global social media networks, further cementing its position as one of the most followed brands in the world. Currently, WWE has more than 172 million Facebook fans and 82 million Twitter followers across all of its networks. WWE’s network of Facebook pages has more followers than the NFL and its 32 teams’ pages combined.

    Last week, WWE announced that the WWE App has surpassed 10 million downloads in 220 countries since it launched in August 2012. WWE App will be a key component in the delivery of WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network that launches on Monday, February 24. Over the past year, the WWE App has been downloaded more than 6 million times with more than 500,000 fans experiencing its second screen capabilities every week during Monday Night Raw®.

    MVP Talks About Working For TNA Without A Contract, Who He Wants To Wrestle

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    TNA “investor” MVP recently spoke to TheAmerican.co.uk about his TNA debut, what TNA stars he wants to work with and more. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    Working For TNA Without a Contract:

    “I still don’t have a signed contract, our lawyers are working out the last little bit of the deal so I’m here on a handshake. But I expressed to the company, when I did make my debut I wanted to do it on the UK tour.”

    What TNA Stars He Wants To Wrestle:

    “I made the stipulation very clear, if I were to come to TNA I would absolutely have to work with Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe and Bobby Roode at some point. Those are the guys that are on my list. Fortunately I had my first match with Bobby Roode the other night at Wembley and we had probably about nine minutes, so it was a chance to test the water, I definitely like his style, I like his work. Kurt Angle is a legitimate legend and Joe and I have been friends for a long time, he is a guy I’ve wanted to face for years going back to the Indys. Those are just a few of the guys I’m looking forward to working with, one of the things that attracted me to TNA is the overall roster – they have top tier talent.”

    His TNA Theme Song, “Return of the Ronin”:

    “For those that don’t know, a Ronin is a Japanese word for masterless samurai and in the wrestling industry that is how I see myself. I serve no master, that is why I have been able to go from WWE to NJPW and TNA.”

    Lesnar Rumored For Elimination Chamber, Punk Not Advertised For Chicago RAW

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    – While Brock Lesnar is not currently advertised for the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 23rd, there is a lot of speculation behind the scenes that Lesnar will be there in some capacity.

    The event takes place from Lesnar’s home town of Minneapolis, Minnesota. With Lesnar declaring himself the #1 contender to the WWE World Heavyweight championship, the rumor is that he will somehow take out one of the Chamber participants.

    – CM Punk is not part of WWE’s advertisements for the upcoming RAW from Chicago on March 3rd. Brock Lesnar and Batista are among the wrestlers who will be appearing.

    Here’s the promotional video for the March 3rd RAW from Chicago:

    Post by Allstate Arena.

    DGUSA Issues Statement Regarding Gabe Sopolsky Being Interviewed By WWE

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    DGUSA has issued the following statement regarding Gabe Sapolsky recently being interviewed by WWE.com for an article about Ring of Honor’s influence on WWE.

    The promotion says this was simply a one-off interview and not a sign that the companies are working together:

    “We would like to thank WWE.com for the article they did yesterday on Ring Of Honor, which includes quotes from DGUSA Vice President Gabe Sapolsky and plugs for DGUSA & EVOLVE. We were as surprised as anyone when WWE called Gabe last week for quotes. WWE.com used most of the material Sapolsky gave them in the 30 minute interview. However, don’t read too much into this. It is just an article at WWE.com to give the site some unique and outside-the-box material. This is not a sign of any type of a working relationship or an “invasion angle.” It is very cool of WWE.com to give a non-WWE entity these props. We really appreciate it and it was very generous of WWE.”

    Rampage Jackson Defends Pro Wrestling, MVP Talks About TNA’s UK Tour

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    – MMA fighter and TNA star Rampage Jackson was interviewed by MMAMania.com. Jackson took issue with people who say pro wrestling is “fake” and said he has a lot of respect for pro wrestlers.

    “I really respect those guys. A lot of people hate on pro wrestling. They say ‘that’s fake.’ It’s not really fake. It’s entertainment. It’s not really fake, but if they want to hate on pro wrestlers and call it fake then they shouldn’t watch any action movies at all. Action movies are the fakest things.”

    He added that he wouldn’t mind getting hit with steel chairs, however he doesn’t plan on doing anything “crazy” like getting put through tables off the top rope.

    – TNA star MVP tweeted the following on Friday morning about TNA’s UK tuor:

     

    WWE Countdown Favorite Manager Poll, WWE Hiring Social Media Producer

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    – WWE.com is running a poll of “Most Magnificent Manager In WWE History” for the new WWE Countdown show on the WWE Network.

    – The Cartoon Network has nominated John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton and The Miz for “Favorite WWE Superstar” in the upcoming Hall of Game Awards, airing on February 17th. You can vote (as many times as you want) at CartoonNetwork.com.

    – WWE is hiring a ‘Live Event Social Media Producer’, who will be responsible for moderating social media content at Live Events, as well as assisting the talent with managing their social media presence. You can view the job listing at here.

    Paul Heyman Gets Coverage On TMZ, WWE Reading Challenge & Be A STAR Events

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    – As noted yesterday, Paul Heyman was featured on this week’s episode of the WWE Inbox Youtube series. One of the questions was whether Heyman cut off his signature ponytail because Triple H ordered him to do so. Heyman denied this and the “news” of Paul Heyman cutting off the ponytail actually got picked up by TMZ.com.

    – WWE is holding a WrestleMania Reading Challenge event today at an elementary school in Oakland, California ahead of tonight’s WWE live event from Oakland.

    – WWE has published a video of the company’s latest Be a STAR anti-bullying rally, which took place from Miami, Florida. Big Show, Alicia Fox & Titus O’Neil were in attendance.

    Matt Striker Speaks On CM Punk/WWE Situation, WWE Network, WrestleMania

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    The following are highlights of a recent VOC Nation interview with Matt Striker:

    On what it took to stay relevant in the WWE for 8 years: “The first thing is to check your ego. Some guys honestly believe that they either really won that match or that they really are the champion. Everyone has a blog now, everyone has a radio show or podcast now; people need to put their ego in check and realize that they’re not that important. The business has gone on before them and it will go on after them. (While everyone was focused on being) the next John Cena, I focused on being the best backstage guy and the best promo guy, and seeing how many hats I could wear.”

    On the CM Punk situation: “I’ve known Punk since I started; he and I are good friends outside of wrestling. There’s no sense in trying to dive into someone’s head…you’re going to be wrong nine times out of ten anyway. Everyone has an opinion, but the only thing anyone knows (for sure) is what they read on the Internet, and none of the Internet pundits are walking around backstage; it’s all second and third hand information. The only person that knows for sure is (CM Punk).”

    On WrestleMania being headlined by part-timers: “The whole view of the WWE is, ‘what is the stock doing today?’ That’s all anyone cares about. The Rock headlining Wrestlemania the last two years was a business decision and was about putting the most amount of money possible in people’s pockets. (Batista being involved) is (best for business). He’s going to be featured in a Marvel movie that’s going to be released right around Wrestlemania. He’s going to put new eyes on the product, which gets them to buy the product and buy the network, and the stock goes up and people make money.”

    On the WWE Network: “I think that the medium that the network is based on is interesting and unproven. Now there’s so much technology that you can watch your computer on your TV. WWE (has the chance) to catch lightning in a bottle. When MTV put on the Real World, everyone said it was a mistake, and now you can’t find a music video on MTV. I think WWE is going to do just fine. The original programming will carry the new viewer, and the classic stuff will carry the people who love wrestling.”

    Check out the complete Matt Striker interview at VOCNation.com.

  • WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns, Wyatt’s Breaking Up? + NEW WWE HOF Inductees …

    • Video: Dana White Talks About CM Punk MMA Rumors

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    UFC President Dana White spoke to FOX Sports 1 this week and commented on the rumors of CM Punk transitioning from WWE to the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

    Around the 5:30 mark, White is asked if CM Punk has asked him about joining the UFC. He says he and Punk have spent “plenty of time together” over the past couple months and the two were together “all night” at last weekend’s UFC 169 live event from Punk’s home town of Chicago.

    Never once has Punk said to him that he wants to fight. The interviewer said, “oh, come on” and Dana White said, “I swear” – joking that he’s got the biggest mouth in the business and would have no problem telling her if he knew anything about Punk wanting to fight MMA.

    Jim Ross Blog: Thoughts On CM Punk Situation, Fans Hijacking WWE Shows

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

    On the current CM Punk situation: “I know no more than any other fan. I know that I do not condone anyone walking away from their job or commitment no matter the situation unless one is completely physically and/or mentally unable to perform. Perhaps that’s the case in Punk’s situation but I don’t know. My guess is there’s nothing regarding this problem that can’t be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction including the most important people of them all in this equation and that’s the fans. Punk worked his entire, adult life building his body of work and embracing a loyal, fan base and those fans deserve to be a part of this particular chapter ending with the approiate closure.”

    “I remain steadfast that at the end of the day the amazingly talented Punk and the WWE belong together.”

    “Just as Steve Austin said on a recent podcast @PodcastOne, don’t leave money laying on the table no matter how much cash one has saved.”

    “Like most things in our lives, it’s all about communication.”

    On fans “hijacking” recent WWE events: “Fans pay their money to come to WWE events and have fun. Yelling, chanting, etc is a part of that process. I still remain firm in my opinion that the loudest chants are reserved for televised evens where the participants feel that they can make a bigger impact and garner more attention. “Hijacking” isn’t so commonplace it seems at non televised, live events. Organic, meaningful chants are not problematic but random, attention seeking chants started by a vocal, defiant minority doesn’t work for me. Just my two cents.”

    On “The Big Cat” Ernie Ladd: “Really loved the Ernie Ladd video that aired this week on WWE programming. The Big Cat taught me so much about the fundamentals of the wrestling business while we were both working for Bill Watts in Mid South. Especially over those all night domino games in my hotel room after our TV meetings every other Tuesday night in Shreveport. Ernie taught me about psychology, in and out of the ring, how to better communicate with athletes, especially black athletes of that era, and life in general.”

    Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

  • WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns, Wyatt’s Breaking Up? + NEW WWE HOF Inductees …

    • TNA Believes Kurt Angle Is Headed To WWE, Bully Ray High On The Wolves

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    – TNA star Kurt Angle’s comments about WWE in interviews that were arranged for him to promote TNA events, as well as his recent tweet about Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton, are seen within TNA as Angle preparing for life elsewhere once his contract with the company expires this coming fall.

    – Apparently Bully Ray is very high on Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards as talents. Ray has reportedly been protective of them when it comes to how they are booked by TNA.

  • WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns, Wyatt’s Breaking Up? + NEW WWE HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Detailed Update On WWE’s Plans For This Year’s Hall Of Fame, Another Big Inductee

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    Regarding the inductees for the 2014 class of the WWE Hall Of Famer, as noted, Paul Bearer is considered a lock. Additionally, there is said to be a third star the caliber of Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Ultimate Warrior that will be going in this year as well.

    There’s no definitive word right now as to whether or not WWE still plans on inducting the WrestleMania I main event match itself, as had been rumored in the past. The company is, however, said to be pushing for Mr. T, who was involved in the match, to accept the induction. Mr. T has turned down a WWE Hall Of Fame induction multiple times in the past.

    Regarding the legendary Danny Hodge being inducted, the feeling is that if it doesn’t happen this year, it probably never will. Hodge was particularly a big star in New Orleans, where the Hall Of Fame ceremony will take place this year, in the 1960s.

    Finally, another semi-big name that WWE is considering for this year’s Hall Of Fame class is Amy “Lita” Dumas.

  • WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns, Wyatt’s Breaking Up? + NEW WWE HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Backstage WWE Update On Sting: Has He Signed?, WMXXX Status, Merchandise

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    As of this past weekend, the latest word is that Sting has not yet signed an actual contract with WWE. Those within WWE continue to believe that the deal is very close to being finalized. Right now, it’s believed that Sting and WWE are working on the merchandising portion of the agreement.

    The idea, which could obviously change between now and then, is that Sting will not be used at WrestleMania XXX in April, but likely will be used at WrestleMania 31 in California next year.

  • WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns, Wyatt’s Breaking Up? + NEW WWE HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Update On The Rock’s WWE Status, Match-Style Being Taught In WWE, More

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    – The basic match-style that is being taught to developmental talent coming up in WWE is for the babyfaces to build towards one comeback spot, set up around their trademark moves, and ultimately finishing with a specific move that they can always use to win.

    – The Rock reportedly informed WWE in August that he would not working WrestleMania XXX this year, but has not yet ruled out the possibility of doing WrestleMania 31 in 2015.

    Additionally, WWE’s merchandise department were recently told not to produce any singular merchandise featuring The Rock. They noted that The Rock could be used in group shots, but nothing individual.

  • WWE’s Plans For Roman Reigns, Wyatt’s Breaking Up? + NEW WWE HOF Inductees …

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

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