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Gabe Sapolsky Comments On CM Punk’s Departure From WWE

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Gabe Sapolsky has chimed in on the news of CM Punk departing WWE this week. Sapolsky, who worked closely with Punk in Ring of Honor, posted this message on Facebook in response to fans telling him they want to see Punk in DGUSA or EVOLVE:

“CM Punk and I were close at one time, but have not spoken in months. There was no falling out or heat to my knowledge, it’s just how things go with both of us leading very different lives now. In other words, I have no inside track or info, just a take on things. I have already received many messages with fans asking for Punk in DGUSA and EVOLVE, especially with the shows coming up in New Orleans on April 3rd, 4th and 5th as part of the WWNLive Experience. However, knowing Punk I would be shocked if he ever did an independent wrestling show again. There’s probably a better chance HHH shows up at a non-WWE event. Punk has given himself 110% to the business over the last few years. His scheduled amazed me because there was no way any human should have had to endure it. He gave his heart, soul and body to WWE and every wrestling fan. My take on all this is it is best now to just leave Punk alone. Let him recharge, refresh and get his life back. He mentally and physically needs it. If and when he’s ready to do something, I’m sure he will. Just leave him alone and let him be.”

TNA Posts “Best Of CM Punk In TNA” Video Playlist

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http://youtu.be/iyq-kFVp0QE

http://youtu.be/_lYKFOCjPlM

Dolph Ziggler, Mick Foley & Kevin Nash Comment On CM Punk Quitting WWE

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Mick Foley, Kevin Nash and Dolph Ziggler each commented on CM Punk’s decision to leave WWE this week.

Foley also said he’ll be writing a Facebook blog about the subject this week, so stay tuned for that.

WWE Signs New 5-Year TV Deal With The UK’s Sky TV

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WWE has signed a new 5-year contract with the UK’s BSkyB (Sky Sports) that will keep RAW and SmackDown on the network through 2019, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The deal includes all 12 monthly PPV shows, which Sky will sell as PPV events on Sky Box Office. WWE Main Event will also premiere on Sky Sports soon.

The financial terms were not revealed, but it’s believed that WWE will be getting at least 3-times as much as the previous contract. 

WWE executive Gerrit Meier that BSkyB was not concerned about the WWE Network cannibalizing their TV audience, but actually sees the Network as “extremely complimentary” to the shows BSkyB is paying for. “We have partners that see it similarly. They see it as a major boost to the brand, the fan engagement, and to their own viewership,” Meier said.

The report noted that WWE also signed a five-year deal with Cable Thai Holdings in Thailand.

The news comes in the midst of WWE’s ongoing TV negotiations with NBC Universal, with WWE looking for a similar deal in the United States.

Detailed Backstage Update On CM Punk’s WWE Departure

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Despite the fact that CM Punk is still included in the advertisements for WWE’s “Elimination Chamber” pay-per-view, and may continue to appear on some official WWE advertisements for upcoming live events in the future, the word within the company is that those will eventually be pulled.

In the past week, two different key people within WWE with knowledge of Punk’s situation, have noted that he was “as good as gone” from the company once his WWE deal expired in July. One person even claimed that Punk wouldn’t even last until the duration of his contract.

As far as the meeting between Punk and Vince McMahon backstage at RAW on Monday before he ultimately left and went home, one source noted that the meeting didn’t even take place until approximately 7:30pm.

The reason the Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio match went so long this past Monday night on RAW was because it took place during the period that Punk was originally scheduled to have a segment, and because he left, the two had to have their match go a second segment to cover the time.

Apparently there has been a working assumption within WWE creative for multiple weeks now that Punk was going to be leaving when his contract expired in July, and that he would not be signing a new deal at that time.

As things stand right now, Sheamus is scheduled to replace Punk on the bookings he had advertised for the SmackDown television tapings.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Note On WWE Network/Hulu Plus Deal, Next WWE Tryout Camp, More

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    – The next tryout camp in WWE is scheduled to take place at the Performance Center in Orlando in March. The company has already reportedly contacted the talent that they are interested in to come in for the tryout.

    – According to one source, WWE will continue their deal with Hulu Plus that calls for the company to stream RAW, SmackDown and Main Event, even though the intention within WWE is to offer the same service with their new WWE Network.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • News On Brock Lesnar’s Next WWE Match, Recent WWE Attendance Figures

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    – For those wondering, the word going around is that Brock Lesnar is not scheduled to wrestle another match for WWE until WrestleMania XXX in April, where he is scheduled to face The Undertaker.

    – The following are some recent WWE attendance figures:

    The WWE live event from State College, Pennsylvania drew approximately 3,500 fans.
    The WWE live event from Canton, Ohio drew approximately 2,500 fans.
    The WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania drew approximately 15,715 fans.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Backstage WWE Contract Updates On Batista And Ric Flair

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    – As previously reported, WWE Superstar Batista signed a two-year contract with WWE. While Batista isn’t under the same type of “special deal” that a Brock Lesnar or a Rock would be under, he is going to be taking an approved hiatus due to some film promotional commitments that he is scheduled to be a part of at different times.

    – Speaking of WWE contracts, it’s quite possible that “Nature Boy” Ric Flair is back under a WWE deal. Speculation pointing to this comes from the fact that Flair was in talks with an independent wrestling promoter to work some local events, but told them that he would need to get it approved by WWE.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Latest On Japanese Star KENTA Possibly Coming To WWE

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    According to Daily Sports in Japan, WWE has offered a contract to the Pro Wrestling NOAH-based Japanese star KENTA. While the report claims that the NOAH promotion will be doing a “farewell show” for KENTA, some claim that those reports are premature.

    As previously reported, KENTA was confirmed to be at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this past week for an official WWE tryout.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Backstage News On WWE Changing Plans For “Extreme Rules” For Daniel Bryan

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    According to one source, it should be noted that Seattle, Washington was not the original plan for the upcoming WWE Extreme Rules pay-per-view. WWE changing the location for the show, which is scheduled for May 4th, is most likely a sign that they are going to be building that show around Daniel Bryan.

    According to reports, the call was made to switch the location to Seattle two weeks ago.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Backstage Update: Hulk Hogan’s Possible WrestleMania XXX Role Revealed

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    As of this past weekend, the current plan for Hulk Hogan as it relates to WrestleMania XXX is for him to be the “host” of the show, much like The Rock was a couple of years ago.

    As noted, Hogan was examined by WWE doctors and as a result, the call was made not to allow him to be involved in any sort of physical capacity.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • WWE Holding All-Day Creative Meetings On Thursday & Friday

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    WWE is in the midst of one of the most eventful weeks in years – and the company’s existing storyline plans through WrestleMania could be scrapped entirely by Friday night.

    WWE has called for all-day creative meetings on Thursday and Friday, according to a report by Wade Keller of PWTorch.com. A source says that “nothing is sacred” in terms of long-standing booking plans plans and “everything will be reevaluated.”

    The roller coaster ride began on Sunday night when it became apparent to fans that Daniel Bryan would not be part of the Royal Rumble match. The strong negative reaction to Batista winning the Rumble, Daniel Bryan’s continuing popularity growth and the shocking departure of CM Punk from the company are all being cited as reasons for the shakeup.

    We’ll have more details on this story later in the week, but it appears that things are going to get even more interesting by the time the week is over.

    Update On Matt Hardy/Reby Sky Situation, TMZ Covers Bella’s On The Beach

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    – TMZ added a new article on their sports website with photos of WWE Divas The Bella Twins on the beach from Monday in Los Angeles. You can check out the article, and the photos, at TMZ.com.

    – Speaking of TMZ, the celebrity-gossip website has another pro wrestling-related article claiming Reby Sky is “standing by her husband” despite the domestic assault incident that gained media attention on Wednesday. You can check that article out at TMZ.com as well.

  • CM Punk RETURNING To ROH?! Latest On Sting To WWE + SHOCKING WMXXX Updates

    • CM Punk Says He Doesn’t Think WWE Should Sign Sting & Talks About His Health Problems

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    As previously reported, CM Punk held a Q&A session at the Wizard World “Portland Comic Con” event on Friday. Here are the highlights:

    – Punk said he doesn’t think Sting should come to WWE because he doesn’t have “anything left in the tank.” He thinks Sting would take another spot away from WWE’s younger superstars who are trying to make it to the main event level.

    – Punk said Batista is his friend, but he doesn’t feel the time is right for him to return, for the same reason Sting shouldn’t be brought in. Punk said it’s Daniel Bryan’s time and Bryan should be in the main event of WrestleMania.

    – He has been frustrated with WWE’s direction for a while and feels that the writers aren’t in touch with what fans want.

    – He has been saving a lot of money and he would be fine if he wasn’t receiving a paycheck from WWE anymore.

    – He’s entertained the idea of fighting for UFC, but he doesn’t know if his body could handle it at this time.

    – Punk said his health has been bad for months, especially September through November of last year. At that time, he was getting weekly MRI’s and blood work done, but doctors can’t figure out what’s wrong. He started eating meat again and is starting to feel better, but isn’t close to 100%.

    Ryback Comments On CM Punk’s WWE Departure, Heyman On Lesnar’s Fine

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    – WWE Superstar Ryback tweeted the following on Monday regarding CM Punk’s departure from WWE:

    – Paul Heyman posted the following tweets on Monday regarding WWE’s storyline fine to Brock Lesnar:

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • Backstage Update On Monday’s RAW Being Re-Written Several Times

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    As previously reported, WWE RAW was re-written a number of times this past Monday night. According to a new PWInsider.com article, the RAW script for Monday was re-written at least 10 or 11 times in the afternoon and evening alone.

    The report claims the last re-write came at approximately 6pm after Vince McMahon and CM Punk had the meeting that led to Punk’s departure from the company.

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • CM Punk Refused Concussion Storyline After Heated Exchange Backstage At RAW

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    ESPN Cleveland reporter Casey Kulas reported today that he heard from sources backstage at Monday’s WWE RAW show in Cleveland, Ohio that there was a heated argument backstage between WWE executives and CM Punk. Kulas says that WWE wanted Punk to do a promo on RAW telling fans that he was taking time off because he suffered a concussion (he didn’t), but he refused.

    Major Update On Why CM Punk Quit WWE

    https://twitter.com/CaseyKulas/statuses/428557574636830720

    https://twitter.com/CaseyKulas/statuses/428558805681836032

    Another Source Claims Sting Has Officially Signed With WWE

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    For whatever this is worth, SportsRants.com writer Anthony DiMoro is reporting that Sting has officially signed a deal to debut with World Wrestling Entertainment. As noted previously, RF Video’s Rob Feinstein has also claimed to have knowledge that Sting has signed with WWE.

    DiMoro wrote the following about Sting and WWE:

    “I have heard it from a good source that Sting and WWE have actually agreed to a deal, including a WWE Hall of Fame induction. The Hall of Fame induction may not come in 2014, but possibly 2015 as WWE may want to feature Sting and get the fanbase familiar with him on WWE Television over the next year so that his induction is even more special. I anticipate a career DVD will also be in the mix later this year as well as a heavy presence of Sting on WWE Network.”

    For more info, visit SportsRants.com.

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • *Spoiler* Huge Match Announced For WWE Elimination Chamber

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    Triple H announced at tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings that The Shield will face The Wyatt Family at next month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

    With that match set, here’s the updated card for WWE Elimination Chamber on February 27th.

    Elimination Chamber for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
    Randy Orton (c) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena vs. Sheamus vs. 2 Wrestlers TBA

    The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family

    *Spoilers* All 6 Elimination Chamber Participants Revealed

    Update On CM Punk Quitting WWE

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    As previously reported, CM Punk reportedly quit WWE on Monday after a meeting with Vince McMahon held prior to RAW from in Cleveland, Ohio.

    WWE has since “unfollowed” CM Punk on Twitter and removed the “CM Punk: Best In The World” documentary from Netflix.

    We noted that part of the reason for Punk’s departure was frustration over part-time wrestlers coming in and leap-frogging full-time talent and securing the main event positions in the company, especially for top events such as Batista and the upcoming WrestleMania XXX show.

    According to various fan reports from Punk’s Q&A session at the Wizard World Comic Con event from Portland, Oregon last Friday, Punk said that even though he is friends with Batista, this is Daniel Bryan’s year and it’s ridiculous Bryan is not going to be part of the WrestleMania main event.

    Punk also spoke about his in-ring work being reduced to “two moves per match” and commented, “I show up. Someone tells me what to do and I just go out do it and leave.”

    During an interview with Ariel Helwani last week (view here), Punk said that his WWE contract expires this summer and noted that he probably wouldn’t even be a pro wrestling fan anymore if he wasn’t a WWE Superstar himself.

    CM Punk has been the #1 worldwide trend on Twitter for most of the day. WWE has yet to acknowledge the situation.

    HHH & Michael Cole Interview: Roberts/HOF, Lesnar’s Demands, Steel Cage Match

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    WWE has added the latest sit-down interview between Triple H and Michael Cole. In the interview, “The Game” discusses a number of current WWE-related topics.

    HHH spoke about Paul Heyman’s demands from Monday’s RAW that his “client” Brock Lesnar be given a title shot or number one contender match. Triple H noted Lesnar must earn his shot like everyone else.

    Hunter announced Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs. The New Age Outlaws in a steel cage match for next Monday’s RAW, a match that we already reported earlier today.

    Triple H also spoke about Jake “The Snake” Roberts being announced as a 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame inductee. HHH called Roberts one of his personal all-time favorites.

    You can watch the latest HHH and Cole interview online at WWE.com.

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • Update On Rock’s New TNT Show, JTG Comments On Punk & Hardy/Sky Stories

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    – Part-time WWE Superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently posted the following update on his Instagram account regarding his new TNT television project called “Wake Up Call.”

    “Putting the final touches on our new TNT show, WAKE UP CALL. Helping families thru tough times with love, new opportunities & a few ass kickings. Excited for the show… and I get to drive my personal pick up truck! #EverybodyWins #TimeForYourWakeUpCallPeople #LetsShoot”

    – WWE Superstar JTG recently commented on today’s CM Punk and Matt Hardy/Reby Sky stories. Former WWE Diva Lita, who both Punk and Hardy previously dated, is referenced in the tweet. JTG wrote:

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • WWE Promotes Summer Rae On Total Divas (Video), Saudi Arabia Tour Changes

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    – WWE has rescheduled their originally scheduled tour dates in Saudi Arabia from February 13th, 14th and 15th to April 17th, 18th and 19th. The reason for the change was because the Al Janadriyah Heritage & Cultural Festival will be held in the same venue in February. Ticketmaster is offering new tickets for the same seats on the new dates, or refunds for anyone who had already purchased tickets.

    – WWE added a video to their YouTube channel to promote the addition of Summer Rae to the next season of their “Total Divas” reality show. The video, which you can see below, is accompanied by the following description: “Summer Rae shares the exciting news that she will be joining the cast of “Total Divas” for the upcoming second season. “Total Divas” returns in March!”

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • WWE Awards $125,000 In Anti-Bullying Grants, Stephanie McMahon Comments

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    WWE announced today that along with the Creative Coalition, they will be awarding grants totaling $125,000 to five qualified non-profit public charities that develop and implement anti-bullying campaigns and programs.

    “WWE is proud to implement its first-ever Be a STAR grant program, and offer five distinguished and deserving non-profits support for their anti-bullying programs,” noted Stephanie McMahon. “Due to the overwhelming response from many deserving organizations, we decided to award an additional grant for a total of $125,000. Our hope is that these five grants will provide the additional resources needed to help combat bullying in their communities.”

    The five grantees of the first Be A STAR grant program include The Armory Foundation in New York City, Blue Star Families, Inc. in Falls Church, VA, DoSomething.org in New York City, the East LA Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles and National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    • Latest Backstage News Regarding Jeff Jarrett’s New Pro Wrestling Promotion

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    According to one source, Jeff Jarrett won’t be hinting at or officially launching his new pro wrestling project until the hype from WrestleMania XXX dies down.

    Jarrett has reportedly been acting very coy with people who have asked him about it, but has also been involved in a number of meetings regarding the project. Additionally, Jarrett and others have been scouting potential talent.

    As noted in the past, the belief remains that country music star Toby Keith is involved in some form or fashion.

  • CM Punk To TNA?!, Daniel Bryan Upset With WWE, & Sting/WWE Update

    (Credit: PWInsider.com)

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