WWE.com has announced that former Divas champion Kaitlyn has been released, effective immediately:
“As of Jan. 8, Kaitlyn (Celeste Bonin) will no longer be under contract with WWE. The former Divas Champion has chosen to pursue other endeavors outside the sports-entertainment world.”
“WWE wishes Kaitlyn the best in all her future endeavors.”
Kaitlyn signed a developmental contract with WWE back in 2010 and began training at WWE’s former developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling. She won the all-female Season 3 of NXT and made her main roster debut in December 2010. She won her her first and only WWE Divas Championship on the 20th Anniversary episode of RAW last January.
Triple H’s latest sit down interview with a giddy Michael Cole focuses on tonight’s groundbreaking announcement from the CES convention in Las Vegas.
Triple H would not give any hints about the nature of the announcement, but touted Vince McMahon’s track record of pioneering media industries, including cable television, closed circuit television and pay-per-view.
It’s no secret that tonight’s announcement will be the highly anticipated unveiling of the WWE Network.
WWE will be live streaming the WWE presentation at 9:30pm (Eastern) – make sure to check back at SEScoops.com tonight for our coverage of the big event.
– John Cena told local media in Pennsylvania this week that his father lost 50 pounds using his new ‘My Body Change’ fitness program.
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels is headed to the UK for a “An Evening with Shawn Michaels” tour in April. Tickets for his April 29th show in Manchester, England can be purchased at Eventbrite.co.uk.
– Former WWE Superstar MVP posted the following “lost footage” of an interview he did with Low Ki in Japan last year:
– Regarding rumors of Hulk Hogan being backstage at last night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Philadelphia, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reports that he was not there.
– Chris Jericho’s latest “Talk Is Jericho” podcast with Bret Hart as his guest is now online at PodcastOne.com.
– Ahead of tonight’s groundbreaking WWE Network announcement, WWE.com has published a lengthy feature looking back at the History of WWE.
“It begins with Mr. McMahon’s purchase of his father’s business in 1982, and ends … well, there’s really no telling. This timeline is divided into six action-packed sections, with each one detailing the events of a particular era in the company’s history: The ’80s Boom (’82-’85); The Dawn of WrestleMania (’85-’90); The New Generation (’90-’96); The Attitude Era (’96-’01); The Postwar Era (’01-’05) and The Modern Era (’05-Present).”
The Michigan State Spartans’ football team was honored at halftime of last night’s men’s basketball game, with player Travis Jackson leading the entire Breslin Center arena in a Daniel Bryan “Yes!” chant.
In an interview with Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net, he also revealed that he is leaving professional wrestling after getting an offer from a medical supply company that he couldn’t refuse.
“An opportunity came up within the last 20 days,” Morgan said. “Absolutely zero to do with professional wrestling. I’m actually going to get out of professional wrestling. Going to be a regional manager for a very big-time medical device company.”
Despite his past success in the industry and recent negotiations with WWE and TNA, the decision to take a more traditional job was an easy one to make.
“I’ll be home every single night of the week, every month of the year to put my newborn to bed, be part of his life, and watch him grow,” Morgan said. “This was an opportunity that I could not pass up. Financially-speaking, as well as the most important factor I’m home every single night to be home every night and be a father to my son.”
Morgan said the financial offer from the medical company blew away anything WWE or TNA could offered him. Morgan believes he’s still in his physical prime and let the door open to work occasional independent shows if he “gets the itch” to wrestle again.
– There are some rumors going around that Hulk Hogan was spotted at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo arena on Tuesday afternoon, site of this week’s WWE SmackDown tapings. Brock Koller of Philadelphia’s ABC 6 reportedly contacted a WWE spokesperson about the situation, but they would not provide a statement.
– John Cena is racking up a lot of travel miles this week. After last night’s WWE Old School RAW from Philadelphia, Cena flew to Las Vegas earlier today to promote his new BodyChange fitness program. Cena then flew back to Philadelphia to wrestle in the the dark main event that took place after tonight’s SmackDown tapings Cena defeated Randy Orton by disqualification and Mick Foley did not appear to referee the match, as advertised. Cena then has to fly back to Vegas for Wednesday night’s big WWE Network announcement.
Monday’s “Old School” edition of WWE RAW drew a 3.23 rating, up 9% from last weeks “New Years” show. It was the highest rating since the night after Summerslam back in August, which scored a 3.24 rating.
As previously reported, Old School RAW averaged 4.537 million viewers, up 10% from the week before.
The first hour was the most-watched first hour since March 11, 2013 – even more than the night after WrestleMania 29.
This was also the first time in 14 weeks that the third hour viewership increased from the second hour.
Overall, this is great news for WWE, which is in the midst of contract negotiations with NBC Universal regarding TV rights fees.
At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, it was announced that Brock Lesnar will face Big Show at the Royal Rumble. With that match set, here’s the updated card:
* 30 Man Royal Rumble (Batista, Del Rio & 28 more entrants)
* WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena (Pinfall or Submission only)
– The TNA “One Night Only: #OldSchool” pay-per-view, which was taped at the end of December in Poughkeepsie, New York, will premiere on InDemand on Friday, February 7th.
The official PPV description for “#OldSchool” reads, “TNA goes Old School with classic matches featuring Bully Ray, Tommy Dreamer, Jeff Hardy, Abyss and more! TNA Wrestling presents One Night Only: #OldSchool premiering Friday, February 7 at 8e/7c on Pay Per View.”
– Last Thursday’s TNA Impact Wrestling final rating came in at a 0.91, which was down 14 percent from the final show of 2013. Impact Wrestling averaged 1.1 million viewers, which was also down 19 percent from the previous week. If was the fewest amount of viewers the show has drawn since Thanksgiving in November.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about Monday’s Old School RAW:
Piper’s Pit: “Thought it was one of the better Piper’s Pit segments that we’ve seen over the past few years. Succinct, cut to the chase content, etc. Nice rub for the Shield. Roddy endorsing Punk did nothing but good as well.”
Brock Lesnar’s Segment With Mark Henry & Big Show: “No issues with Lesnar/Henry/Show but for anyone to think that Lesnar is as hot right how as he needs to be isn’t looking at Brock through honest eyes. His absence was long and Brock wasn’t red hot when he left. The former WWE and UFC champion is an amazing talent but he’s got little traction from where I sit and needs to promoted aggressively and soon if he’s expected to sell PPV’s at WM30. The good news is that it can be done.”
Daniel Bryan & The Wyatt Family: “I’m still confused as to where the Daniel Bryan/Wyatt Family storyline is headed. I’m trying to like it as I’m a big fan of all the men involved in the equation but I don’t know much more about their relationship or issues than I knew last week. As a fan, I needed a little more concrete info or a viable tease from these four men than I was provided.”
Jerry Lawler’s Health Scare: “Good to hear that Jerry Lawler is fine after Monday’s health scare. Sounds as if King had a stomach virus or food poisoning but NO heart issues Monday in Baltimore. I hope to have a conversation with King this week if he can work me into his busy schedule. It’s not easy being a combination of a superhero and Larry Flynt. :)”
Jake Roberts’ Surprise Return: “The final surprise of Jake the Snake Roberts was a good surprise. Jake looked good and he was well received. Via @DDPYoga and making smart, personal decisions, Jake has gotten himself healthier and the alternative if he had continued to travel his former road was bleak.”
Former TNA wrestler AJ Styles has officially been added to another Ring Of Honor event. Styles will be appearing at the ROH show on March 22nd at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio.
In addition to the 3/22 date, Styles, as previously reported, will be working ROH shows on February 21st at their “12th Anniversary Event” and on their February 22nd television taping, both of which take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
– There is a lot of heat on Ryback backstage in WWE. Ryback has ‘earned’ a reputation for being reckless in the ring – and he displayed that once again last night when he gave Dolph Ziggler a concussion. The two wrestled in a match that was taped for this week’s episode of Superstars. Ziggler went down hard after a stiff clothesline by Ryback and his concussion is being as “not a mild one.”
– The WWE contract of the original Sin Cara (formerly Mistico) is expiring soon and he’s not expected to be offered a new deal.
– Ranjin Singh made a return to WWE television on Monday’s Old School RAW, managing his former client, the Great Khali. Singh’s return was a one time deal and he’s not back with the company full time.
– Cody Rhodes appeared to injure his ankle on RAW, but he’s scheduled to wrestle at tonight’s SmackDown tapings.
– Brock Lesnar is also fine after his altercation with the Big Show on RAW. Lesnar was limping as he and Paul Heyman retreated from ringside, but he was just selling.
InDemand has released the official PPV poster and synopsis for the 2014 WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The show takes place on Sunday, February 23rd at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnisota.
The synopsis reads, “John Cena, C.M. Punk, Randy Orton, and your favorite WWE Superstars have dreams of WrestleMania, but they must first face the nightmare that is WWE Elimination Chamber. Don’t miss all the action, Sunday, February 23.”
Here’s the official poster, featuring Stephanie McMahon:
This briefly appeared on WWE’s Corporate website, before being pulled
WWE sent out an email blast on Tuesday afternoon titled “WWE Event Reminder: WWE Network Announcement”.
Shortly after the email went out – the link to the “WWE Network Announcement” was taken down.
The confirmed Network announcement is scheduled for the CES event in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.
The full list of individuals scheduled to appear, according to the press release, includes:
– WWE CEO Vince McMahon
– “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
– John Cena
– Shawn Michaels
– Triple H
– Stephanie McMahon
– Executive Michelle Wilson
– Executive Perkins Miller
WWE will broadcast the announcement live on Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. EST on WWE.com, the WWE App, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo!, Google+, Pinterest, and Pheed.
Amazon.com has released the official content listing for the upcoming WWE: Best of Raw & Smackdown 2013 3-disc DVD set, which will be released on January 28th:
Disc 1:
First RAW of the Year
Tables, Ladders, & Chairs Match for the WWE Championship
CM Punk vs. Ryback Raw • January 7, 2013
Last Man Standing Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio Smackdown • January 11, 2013
Setting the Stage
The Rock & CM Punk’s Verbal Battle Smackdown • January 25, 2013
Paul Heyman & Mr. McMahon Confrontation Raw • January 28, 2013
One for the Ages
Winner faces The Rock for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29
John Cena vs. CM Punk Raw • February 25, 2013
The Rock & John Cena – Point/Counter-Point Raw • March 4, 2013
DISC 2:
WrestleMania Season
CM Punk Disrespects The Memory of Paul Bearer Raw • April 1, 2013
Handicap Match
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger & Zeb Colter Raw • April 8, 2013
Kofi Kingston vs. Fandango Raw • April 8, 2013
Sheamus & Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry & Big Show Smackdown • April 19, 2013
Setting the World on Fire
Undertaker, Kane, & Daniel Bryan vs. The Shield Raw • April 22, 2013
Brock Lesnar Destroys Triple H’s Office Raw • May 6, 2013
Curtis Axel vs. Chris Jericho Smackdown • June 7, 2013
Foul Play Was Afoot
Mark Henry’s Retirement Speech Raw • June 17, 2013
Street Fight
Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton Raw • June 24, 2013
Disc 3:
A Piñata and A Mariachi Band
Alberto Del Rio’s Championship Fiesta Smackdown • June 28, 2013
AJ and Kaitlin’s Contract Signing Smackdown • July 12, 2013
The Wyatt Family Makes a Statement RAW • July 15, 2013
Damien Sandow Searches for his Briefcase Smackdown • July 26, 2013
Rob Van Dam vs. Randy Orton Smackdown • August 9, 2013
Two Fan Favorites Face-to-Face
Miz TV with John Cena & Daniel Bryan RAW • August 12, 2013
Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro RAW • September 9, 2013
Big Show faces Off with the Shield Smackdown • September 13, 2013
Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, & Goldust vs. The Shield RAW • October 7, 2013
No Disqualification Match for the World Tag Team Championship
The Shield vs. Cody Rhodes & Goldust RAW • October 14, 2013
John Cena, Cody Rhodes, & Goldust vs. Damien Sandow, Antonio Cesaro, & Jack Swagger Smackdown • November 1, 2013
3-on-2 Handicap Match
CM Punk & Daniel Bryan vs. The Shield RAW • November 11, 2013
Championship Ascension Ceremony RAW • December 9, 2013
WWE executive Stephanie McMahon sold another 69,893 shares of WWE stock last week, grossing over $1.1 million.
In an SEC filing on Monday, WWE disclosed that Stephanie unloaded 69,893 shares of Class A Common Stock last Thursday and Friday through the Stephanie McMahon Levesque Trust U/A Vincent K. McMahon. Here’s the breakdown:
– January 2nd: 28,431 shares sold at an average price of $16.17 per share ($459,729)
– January 3rd: 41,462 shares sold at an average price of $16.00 per share ($663,392)
Total Gross Proceeds: $1,123,121
Stephanie now owns a total to 70,107 remaining shares through the trust.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels and former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be appearing at the 2014 KOI Auto Parts Cavalcade Of Customs in Cincinnati, Ohio from January 10-12 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
– Apparently WWE Hall Of Famer “Nature Boy” Ric Flair upset his hometown NFL team, the Carolina Panthers, with his appearance and speech at the San Francisco 49ers game against the Green Bay Packers this past weekend. Panthers player Steve Smith said of Flair,
“As a guy who actually has a Ric Flair robe I’m real disappointed in seeing that. Real disappointed. I’m not sure if he’ll get the invite here. That Golden Gate Bridge has been burned.”
WWE will tape this week’s Main Event and SmackDown on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
As announced at Old School RAW on Monday night, the main event for this week’s WWE Main Event will be a tag-team match featuring R-Truth & Xavier Woods vs. The Real Americans.
The confirmed main event for this week’s SmackDown, which was also announced at Old School RAW, is a non-title match between WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E. Langston.
Also advertised for the taping in Philadelphia tonight is WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley.
Anyone who is attending tonight’s taping, feel free to submit a live report to be published here on the website.
3-disc DVD set, which will be released on January 28th: