Maxim Magazine is running an online poll asking fans which of 5 women they want to see featured on an upcoming cover. The choices are:
– WWE Diva AJ Lee
– Actress Summer Glau (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”)
– UFC fighter Miesha Tate
– Actress Kate Beckinsale (“Underworld)
– Actress Nina Dobrev (“Vampire Diaries”)
With over 15,000 votes cast, AJ Lee is in first place with 79% of the votes.
To vote, visit Maxim.com.
As previously reported, WWE Hall Of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper is teasing something for this Monday on his official Twitter account. Since his first tweet, Piper has posted another one regarding the Monday tease. The following is his latest tweet:
@RyanClarkWZR HAA!! I never lie to you Ryan! Monday could be a rough day for all..including myself! No more teasing, don’t want to hecks it!
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) January 11, 2014
Speaking of Piper, he has also been tweeting about the rumors that he will be competing against fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania XXX. The following are those tweets, both of which Piper posted today:
Dare you to put Hogan vs Piper! Separate the men from the Boys!
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) January 11, 2014
If I did WMXXX with Hogan, I’d train my ass off!, and from bell to bell I’d fight with everything I got! I’d WIN!
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) January 11, 2014
WWE has added the complete WWE Network announcement from Wednesday, which took place at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of the annual International CES Convention, to their official YouTube channel.
The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “In a groundbreaking announcement, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon heralded the launch of WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, which will feature all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events – including WrestleMania – for only $9.99 per month.”
http://youtu.be/lpFVDEbhyJg
– WWE has sold over 9,000 tickets already for the upcoming WWE RAW show in February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
– The New York Daily News is covering the story about WWE Hall Of Famer “Nature Boy” Ric Flair receiving death threats due to the controversy over his San Francisco 49ers speech, and their upcoming NFL playoff game against his hometown Carolina Panthers. You can check out their coverage online at NYDailyNews.com.
– Sports Illustrated released their list of the 50 greatest athletes of all-time. It should be noted that not one single professional wrestler, past or present, was featured on the list. The only mixed-martial arts athlete that was included on the list was UFC Hall Of Famer Royce Gracie.
– Two days after the WWE Network announcement was made in Las Vegas, “#WWENetwork” continues to be one of the top trending topics on Twitter.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper recently posted the following cryptic tweet on his official Twitter account:
I know something you don't know!! It happens Monday!! YOU WILL LOVE IT!! Hot Rod won't!! #HINT
— Rowdy Roddy Piper (@R_Roddy_Piper) January 10, 2014
TNA Impact Wrestling from this week (January 9th) delivered a final cable rating of 1.14, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 1.14 final draw marks an increase of 26 percent compared to the 0.91 rating that the show drew last week against the college football Sugar Bowl game.
As previously noted, Thursday’s Impact Wrestling averaged 1.393 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 1.393 million viewers marks an increase from the 1.1 million viewers that the show averaged the previous week.
It should be mentioned that Thursday’s Impact Wrestling drew the highest cable rating for the show dating back nearly six months, when the “Destination X” special edition of the program delivered a 1.18 cable rating in July of 2013.
On cable television on Thursday night, Impact Wrestling ranked number 41 in overall viewers, number 24 in males 18-34 and number 22 in males 18-49.
The Thursday, January 9, 2014 edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV averaged 1.393 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.
The 1.393 million viewers marks an increase from the 1.1 million viewers that the show averaged the previous week.
We should have the final cable rating for Thursday’s Impact Wrestling later Friday evening or early Saturday morning.
The following are highlights from a recent Shining Wizard Podcast interview with Ring Of Honor star Roderick Strong:
On how he got into the business: “I started wrestling because of my dad being trained by Jim The Anvil Neidhart. I was only 12 at the time so obviously I was a huge wrestling fan and I was just in awe. I would go to practice every day and sit and watch until 1 day Jim asked me if I wanted to jump in the ring. Jim would let me get in the ring at the end of every practice and eventually I met Harry Smith and me and him would wrestle matches every other practice. It was a very cool childhood memory that is very unique when it comes to starting.”
On respect in the locker room: “I was an athlete my whole life. I mean I played football and in football there is a level of respect that you learn and how you treat people, and you have an understanding of your position. Nobody really gave me a hard time for not shaking everybody’s hands. As I got older I learned that it was a respect thing. And that’s true for life. I don’t judge somebody the first few times I meet them and they don’t shake my hand. It’s when it becomes repetitive, you’re kinda like” I’ve seen you for 3 months.” But, getting mad about that kind of stuff is a little elementary for me.”
On who he credits for his first big break: “My first travel break was Jersey All Pro Wrestling, but I guess my first real break was with Ring Of Honor. I had the opportunity to do a dark match, and that was Dan Maff that actually did that for me.”
On wrestlers he started out with getting their big break: “Nowadays you think about people that are going but to me it’s all about timing. For certain people, the timing was right, but I had more to accomplish on the independent level and to help make Ring Of Honor the best company it could be. I’m happy for all my friends that are doing well.”
On being the face of Ring Of Honor: “You always think you’re ready. Just having that opportunity is awesome. To me, the biggest thing I find funny is that people tend to write that I only won the world title because Tyler Black was leaving. Adam Pearce said that was never the case. He said that was always going to be my belt which to me, means the world.”
On ROH and TNA’s past working relationship: “I know nothing. I just know that after that Rob Feinstein incident, TNA wanted nothing to do with Ring Of Honor because of the bad publicity it was getting at the time.”
On what he feels ROH’s peak was: “I still don’t think ROH has reached its peak. I was a part of Generation Next and that was the hottest thing going on the independents for quite some time and to me that was a great time in my life. I think there’s been some awesome times. I think there have been some transitional times and that happens with every company.”
On the direction of Daniel Bryan in WWE: “I think it’s great. Brian is the type of guy that needs to be challenged. He’s really smart and he’s an amazing wrestler. This gives him the opportunity to branch the character out in and put it in a different light. And then when he becomes a babyface again or whatever the heck he was or is now, he’ll be ten times more over than he is now because the people are emotionally invested in him. They want to see him be their Daniel Bryan, not this guy. The minute he becomes their Daniel Bryan again, he’s more over than ever.”
On EVOLVE Wrestling and working with new talent: “Me, Gabe and Sal have a lot of history from ROH and I’ve always maintained a relationship with them. The opportunity came for me to work these shows and I like those guys and bringing my brand to them would help elevate them. They would put me against guys I don’t get to work with very often and that would give me a chance to up my game. I look forward to wrestling, and the fresh match ups gives me an opportunity to either step up my game or give these guys a chance to up their game. It gives me an opportunity to be a better performer and I’m always excited to wrestle different people…and the same people. I love to wrestle.”
Check out the complete interview online at ShiningWizards.com.
Check out these photos from WWE Diva’s music video shoot for her new single, “Dance All Night.” The shoot took place on 1/10 from Drynk in Tampa and also featured Jimmy Uso and friends:
WWE issued the following press release on Friday:
WWE PARTNERS WITH CTH IN THAILAND
BANGKOK, Thailand, January 10, 2014 – WWE (NYSE:WWE) and CTH announced yesterday a new, five-year exclusive television distribution agreement that will make CTH the home of all WWE programming in Thailand.
“I am delighted to welcome WWE to the CTH family,” said Kittsanan Ngamphathipong, Chief Executive Officer, CTH. “With the addition of WWE to the CTH line-up, we look forward to delivering priceless experiences to our audiences and growing our subscribers exponentially. Connecting two powerful brands like WWE and CTH is exciting, and we look forward to building the relationship.”
“We are enthusiastic to partner with CTH on our largest and most expansive TV rights deal in Thailand,” said Gerrit Meier, EVP International, WWE. “CTH is a leader in providing multi-platform content, and we are confident that WWE on CTH’s Sports Spirit channel will engage the WWE Universe and grow CTH’s audience significantly.”
Starting January 25, full length versions of WWE’s flagship shows Raw®, SmackDown® and WWE Main Event™, as well as WWE Superstars™, WWE NXT™, WWE Afterburn™, WWE Bottomline™, WWE Experience™, WWE Vintage Collection™, This Week in WWE™ and all WWE Pay-Per-View specials will be available daily via the CTH Sports Spirit channel.
TNA president Dixie Carter announced on her official Twitter account on Friday afternoon that the company is looking for new talent.
Dixie posted the following tweet:
Out with the old… In with the new… I am personally looking at every potential new talent to create the #Genesis of the future of TNA.
— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) January 10, 2014
– WWE Diva Naomi is in Tampa, Florida today filming the music video for her single, “Dance All Night.” The music video is being filmed at the Drynk night club, and will likely feature Noami’s fiancee and WWE Superstar Jimmy Uso.
– WWE announcer JBL appeared on the FOX Business “Varney & Co.” program this morning to promote the WWE Network. You can watch footage of his appearance online at FOXBusiness.com.
– Speaking of JBL, the latest edition of The JBL & Cole Show (episode number 59) has been added to the official WWE YouTube channel. The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “The JBL & Cole Show goes OLD SCHOOL with visits from Rowdy Roddy Piper, The Godfather, Mean Gene and more!”
Batista and Alberto Del Rio have been exchanging some tweets this week, with Batista warning Del Rio not to “turn a work into a shoot.”
During Monday’s Old School RAW, Alberto Del Rio defeated Sin Cara and cut a promo announcing himself as an entrant into the 2014 Royal Rumble. Baitsta then tweeted:
So I hear Alberto Del Rio is talking trash. Just one question… Who the hell is Alberto Del Rio?!!!
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) January 7, 2014
Del Rio responded:
Really batista hahahahah
— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) January 8, 2014
I'm the one wining all the major titles while u were getting ur ass kick by your plumber (Vince lucero)
See u at the rumble— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) January 8, 2014
Vince Lucero was the MMA fighter Batista defeated in his first and only professional MMA bout, back in October 2012. Del Rio continued:
Like we say in #Mexico
U can buy muscles but U can't buy Huevos cabron— Alberto El Patron (@PrideOfMexico) January 8, 2014
Batista then tweeted:
“Seems 2 me that some C level stars in a B level star era have bought into their own hype. Don’t turn a work into a shoot. #realitycheck”
The tweet was later deleted. According to a source in WWE, Batista deleted tweet was a big topic of discussion among the wrestlers this week. With Batista expected to be featured in a main event program when he returns to WWE on the January 20th episode of RAW from Dayton, Ohio, the feeling is that his tweet about this being a “B level star era” is a sign that he’s bringing a big ego with him.
WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T recently added a new video to the official YouTube channel for his “Reality Of Wrestling” independent promotion. The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “Booker T and Sharmell with a statement on Reality of Wrestling’s plans for 2014.”
The official WWE website recently added the following update on the condition of WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler following his concussion at the WWE television taping this past Monday night in Baltimore, Maryland:
UPDATE 1/9/14: Dr. Amann followed up with WWE.com on Thursday after Ziggler had taken his tests. “Dolph was evaluated by a neuropsychologist today and he had ImPACT testing performed as well as balance testing,” he said. “Fortunately all of those tests appear to be equivocal to baseline and within normal limits. His symptoms have improved significantly since the injury on Monday, so our plan right now is to have him continue to rest, and when he is asymptomatic have him start doing some light cardiovascular exercise, and if that goes OK, we will proceed with our exertional protocol.”
For more information, visit WWE.com.
As previously reported, WWE Diva Kaitlyn officially parted ways with the company earlier this week. As noted, the departure came as a result of Kaitlyn growing tired of WWE not doing anything with her.
According to one source, Kaitlyn had requested her release from the company several months ago, but WWE management told her to hang in there because they had some plans in mind for her. When nothing ever came to fruition, Kaitlyn apparently had enough and just wanted out.
The word right now is Kaitlyn is not looking to wrestle on the independent wrestling scene, but is open to doing personal appearances and things of that nature.
(Credit: PWInsider.com)
– The official WWE website has added a video playlist of WWE legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts’ “most venomous deeds.” Fans interested in checking that out can do so at WWE.com.
– WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes’ wife, Brandi Rhodes, did the ring announcing at Thursday night’s WWE NXT television taping at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Rhodes re-tweeted the following photo of herself in action:
“@onesoulwarrior: @TheBrandiRhodes is live and working the mic! Sweet! #nxtfslive pic.twitter.com/BnsECEJ6VG”
— Brandi Runnels (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 10, 2014
As previously reported, WWE legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts would be holding a live “Google Hangout” session following the latest edition of his “Snake Radio” program.
For those interested, you can watch Roberts’ full “Google Hangout” session below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sRRYaEU_9I&feature=share
The following are highlights from a recent interview with WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose:
On what it’s like working for WWE: “It’s been a whirlwind from the day [The Shield] started on television. We come through the crowd and feel that energy night after night. We’ve worked with all the top stars – John Cena, Undertaker, The Rock, (WWE World Heavyweight Champion) Randy Orton, etc. It’s surreal to be a part of this. You get to travel the world on someone else’s dime and you’re never really home. If you like being at home, WWE is not for you!”
On what he feels are some of the biggest misconceptions about wrestling: “[The] biggest misconception is it’s fake, it doesn’t hurt and everything is scripted in and out of the ring – those are the big ones. Not everything is scripted. Things change on the fly and you have to react to think on your feet. You only get one chance to get it right since it’s live. Nothing about it is fake. It all hurts. I feel the toll of what all I’ve put my body through year after year, but hopefully I’ll come out on the better end of it.”
On why people should come to a WWE event: “The cool thing about a WWE live event as opposed to TV is the energy is totally different. You’re closer to the action and you’re part of the energy of the crowd, free to cheer or boo or do whatever you want to do. You should kick yourself if you don’t see it firsthand. It’s an unforgettable experience.”
Check out the complete interview online at DaytonCityPaper.com.
Ryback spoke with The570.com this week to promote tonight’s WWE live event from Wilkes-Barre, PA. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
If he could wrestle any WWE Legend from the past, who would it be?
“That’s a tough one. I grew up watching Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Razor Ramon and The British Bulldog (Davey Boy Smith) — if I could step into the ring with anyone of those four, it would be an absolute honor. They were heroes of mine when I was a kid.”
Who is his dream tag team partner?
“Another tough one. A guy like Brock Lesnar. I believe we are very similar breeds as far as style and intensity. I think if you tagged us together, that’s an unstoppable force that would never be beaten.”
What’s a hobby of his that might be surprising to fans?
“I am a big reader. I’m very big on the Law of Attraction, positivity and books such as The Secret. We have a very busy WWE schedule with a lot of traveling and long drives at night, but I set a goal for myself to read at least 20 books. Considering our schedule, it’s not the easiest thing to do, but I enjoy reading.”
Where he sees himself in 5 years:
“I see myself here in the WWE, hopefully leading the pack of a whole new generation of young, hungry talent traveling around the world entertaining the world like the WWE can. Id like to have some movies under my belt, work with sponsorships, charities and get my name out there. I’m excited for the future. There are big things in store for Ryback in the next five years.”
– Ring Of Honor announced that former TNA star AJ Styles will be appearing at the company’s television taping on April 19th in Baltimore, Maryland. The event will take place at their new location, the William J. Myers Pavilion. Tickets are already available for the taping. For more information, visit ROHWrestling.com.
– Diamond Dallas Page added a new video to his official YouTube channel. The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “DDP Appears on the Fox 25 Morning news in Boston with his buddy Gene Lavanchy!”
– WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T teased a “big announcement” . The announcement, involves his “Reality Of Wrestling” promotion. To find out what the announcement is, check out the following Booker T tweet:
Go to http://t.co/klyT1BQ6uM NOW!!!! My big announcement is up! It is going to be a BIG year for @BTROWrestling!!!! #DigIt
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) January 10, 2014
– WWE has added a job listing for a “Network Coordinator” who will be responsible for making sure the WWE Network stream will be issue-free. For more information, visit Careers-WWECorp.icims.com.
– WWE is working on a new “Greatest Wrestling Factions” DVD set, which is scheduled to be released in May. The DVD will likely play off of a list on the official WWE website that counted down the top factions in wrestling history.
– As previously reported, WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston was off of WWE television this week due to a promotional tour of Saudi Arabia. WWE will make their live event debut in Saudi Arabia in the middle of February.
Speaking of Kingston, you can check out an interview with the WWE Superstar via the Saudi Gazette online at SaudiGazette.com.
WWE CEO Vince McMahon stated in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times that he turned down an offer for a commercial cable network and a pay channel model, similar to HBO.
WWE apparently had a deal on the table with major distributors that would have generated a reported 20 cents per month, per subscriber, had they gone that route. “I said, much to the chagrin of my staff, I’m not going to sign it,” said McMahon in the L.A. Times interview.
McMahon added that the terms pay-television distributors wanted were “too restrictive.”
You can check out the complete Vince McMahon interview with the Los Angeles Times online at LATimes.com.
TNA President Dixie Carter held a company meeting this week at company headquarters in Nashville to address a wide variety of topics, including Jeff Jarrett’s departure, how future Impact Wrestling TV tapings will be handled and more.
As we reported earlier this month, Impact Wrestling is without a home base once again due to all of the sound stages at Universal Studios in Orlando being booked up for the remainder of 2014. During the meeting, Dixie Carter acknowledged that TNA still does not know where they’ll be holding Impact tapings after March. While they are still in talks with Universal Orlando about working out some sort of deal, the company is looking at other locations for future tapings.
Regarding Jeff Jarrett’s surprise departure from the company, Dixie Carter was very vague and simply called it a “business decision.” It’s believed that when Toby Keith’s negotiations to buy TNA broke down, Jarrett decided it was time to leave.
In related news, TNA is looking to hold the upcoming Lockdown pay-per-view from the Miami, Florida area.
(Information from PWInsider was used in this report)