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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)

    • WrestleMania XXX “Kickoff Show” News, WWE Network To Boost TV Ratings?

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    – The current plan for this year’s WrestleMania XXX “Kickoff” pre-show is to have it run for one hour in length, as opposed to the usual 30-minute pay-per-view “Kickoff” specials. With a one hour pre-show, this would mean the event as a whole would run approximately five hours in total.

    – WWE is continuing their effort to convince their television broadcast partners that the WWE Network will raise WWE’s overall popularity, thus increase their television ratings, whether it be the USA Network, Sky TV, or any others.

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • WWE Merchandise Sales Update: Who Are The Company’s Top Movers?

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    Regarding WWE’s top merchandise movers, John Cena is still far and away the number one guy in terms of overall sales. Interestingly enough, CM Punk is said to be a clear-cut number two when it comes to merchandise sales, and is number one when it comes to sales on the WWE Shop website. Daniel Bryan is reportedly the number four guy in terms of merchandise.

    Two names that aren’t active on a regular basis — one of which is completely inactive — that are pretty high up on the WWE merchandise sales list are Sin Cara and The Ultimate Warrior. Both of their merchandise is reportedly selling well recently, both at live events and online.

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Vince Russo Could Cost TNA Their Deal With Wrestle-1 In Japan

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    According to one source, the deal between TNA Wrestling and Keiji Mutoh’s Wrestle-1 promotion in Japan could be in jeopardy if the rumors that Vince Russo have returned to TNA are true.

    Apparently Wrestle-1 wants nothing to do with Russo due to their belief that Russo is racist against Japanese people because of comments he made, as well as the way he booked Japanese talent while working for WCW and TNA.

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Hulk Hogan Rumored For Celebrity Apprentice

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    A number of celebrity and entertainment gossip websites continue to include Hulk Hogan on their rumored list of contestants for the upcoming season of Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” reality television show.

    The rumored list of participants includes:

    • Ving Rhames
    • George Lopez
    • Gordon Ramsey
    • Ludacris
    • Andy Dick
    • Criss Angel
    • Hulk Hogan
    • Scott Disick
    • Monique
    • K Michelle
    • Kenya Moore
    • Lea Michelle
    • Holly Madison
    • Snooki

     

    Recent TNA U.K. Tour Attendance, Kharma Loses Weight & Starts Diet Program

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    – Former TNA Knockout Kharma (Kia Stevens) has apparently lost a ton of weight and has launched a new dieting program. For more information, visit Fit4AllDiet.com.

    – The following are some recent TNA attendance figures:

    January 29th live event in Dublin, Ireland drew approximately 1,000 fans
    January 31st Impact Wrestling taping in Manchester, England drew approximately 2,700 fans
    February 1st Impact Wrestling taping in London, England drew approximately 4,000 fans

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • MVP Working In TNA Without A Contract?, Changes At Impact Wrestling Tapings

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    – According to backstage reports from the recent TNA U.K. tour, changes were being made during the Impact Wrestling television tapings as they were being filmed.

    – As of this past weekend, MVP had yet to sign an official contract with TNA. He did, however, reportedly reach a verbal agreement with the company and has a deal in place. According to some, MVP actually debuted for TNA on television without ever signing a contract.

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Update On Kurt Angle’s Argument With TNA Management, Bad Physical Condition

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    Regarding the rumors of Kurt Angle having a “blow up” backstage with TNA executive “Big” John Gaburick, one person noted that it wasn’t even an argument, and was more along the lines of Angle expressing his confusion over what he felt was senseless booking.

    Speaking of Angle, despite his claims that he is not in “bad shape” recently, it was said that he was looking to be in rough physical shape during the recent U.K. tour and could barely move, however when he got in front of the fans, he ignored it and managed to put on consistently good performances.

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Samoa Joe Gives Emotional Speech To TNA Roster During U.K. Tour

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    The recent TNA U.K. tour is considered to be the most grueling tour in the history of the company, but reportedly the best in terms of locker room morale. The general consensus was that everyone seemed to be happy working in front of larger and more receptive crowds.

    TNA veteran Samoa Joe reportedly gave an emotional speech during one of the bus rides back to the hotel about how this was the company’s toughest touring schedule, but turned out to be a great tour because they had no prima donnas, no complainers and no whiners. Joe spoke about being proud of everyone who was a part of the tour. The wrestlers themselves were apparently chanting Joe’s name by the time the speech was over.

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

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Update On WWE’s New Paul Heyman DVD, Powerlifter To WWE, Oculus

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    – Powerlifter Brian Reid, who has worked on some independent pro wrestling shows, is set to begin training with WWE developmental on February 7th. Reid has worked on the indy scene in California under the name “Brian Tannen.”

    – The WWE Studios film project “Oculus” will be shown at the film festival during the South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin, Texas later this month.

    – Tommy Dreamer is another former WWE Superstar who has been interviewed recently for the new Paul Heyman DVD project that WWE is working on. As previously reported, the Heyman DVD is set to be released later this year.

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

    (Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • Rhino Talks Hulk Hogan/WMXXX, WWE Referee Gone, Recent WWE Attendance

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    – ECW original Rhino recently spoke to veteran pro wrestling journalist Bill Apter about a number of topics, including Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania XXX. You can watch their discussion below:

    – WWE referee Justin King is reportedly no longer with the company.

    – The following are some recent WWE attendance figures:

    January 31st live event in Miami, Florida drew approximately 6,000 fans
    February 1st live event in Orlando, Florida drew approximately 6,500 fans
    February 2nd live event in Kansas City, Missouri drew approximately 4,000 fans
    February 2nd live event in Lakeland, Florida drew approximately 3,000 fans
    February 4th WWE SmackDown show in Des Moines, Iowa drew approximately 4,500 fans

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

    (Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    • RVD Talks WWE Return, Kofi Kingston On His Crazy Royal Rumble Spots

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    – During an interview with New Orleans’ NOLA.com, Kofi Kingston spoke about his crazy spots at the Royal Rumble:

    “The funny thing about it is that a lot of people think that I think about them year-round, and the past three years now, the idea hasn’t come to me until like 12 hours before the event. I don’t put any pressure on myself to come up with anything cool. I approach it like any other match. I don’t know if I’d put one (escape) above another. Like I always say, the greatest trick of all would be to actually win.”

    – Rob Van Dam was asked by a fan on Twitter if he’ll be back in WWE before WrestleMania XXX. He responded:

     

    WWE/Black History Month, Chavo Guerrero Involved In “Big Meetings” In L.A.

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    – The official WWE website has a new article up featuring several NXT stars talking about Black History Month. As seen on RAW this past Monday night, WWE is celebrating Black History Month by honoring an individual talent each week, which started with WWE Hall Of Famer “The Big Cat” Ernie Ladd on Monday.

    You can check out the new article at WWE.com.

    – Chavo Guerrero recently noted on his official Twitter account that he has been in Los Angeles recently taking part in some “big meetings.” Chavo tweeted the following:

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

    • Edge & Beth Phoenix Welcome Their First Child

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    Congratulations are in order for WWE Hall of Famer Edge and his girlfriend, former WWE Divas champion Beth Phoenix, who welcomed the birth of their first child a few weeks ago.

    During an appearance on CBC in Canada, Edge made the announcement and said the birth of his child was the most romantic thing he’s ever experienced.

    You can see video of Edge’s announcement at CBC.ca.

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