– Tonight on SmackDown, R-Truth teamed up with The Prime Time Players to defeat The Union Jacks – the wrestlers usually known as 3MB – while The Great Khali beat Hunico and Camacho in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. This week’s “Backstage Fallout” features The Prime Time Players, R-Truth and Khali discussing their victories.
– WWE’s stock price continues to increase as it reached a 52-week high of 13.37 on Friday before closing at 13.32. The stock price improved 12 cents from Thursday.
– As seen on Monday’s Raw in Manchester, England, the show concluded with The Shield battling The Wyatt Family in a short-lived brawl before both parties turned their attention to the babyfaces. Despite what we saw on Monday, they are not expected to begin a full program together yet.
On this week’s SmackDown, video package aired highlighting the heated conclusion of Raw and the brawl is not shown. According to F4WOnline.com today, people within WWE feel it was a seed being planted that that will be touched again early next year. Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer stated in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that creative had suggested they fight at WrestleMania XXX.
– As reported earlier today, WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee collapsed during her match at tonight’s WWE live event in London, England. The official WWE website has published a brief article on the unfortunate event, which at this time solely mentions the company’s official statement to the media on her status:
“Tonight in London, WWE Diva AJ Lee briefly fainted during a match with Brie Bella due to dehydration. She is currently being evaluated by WWE medical staff.”
TMZ.com is also covering the story, which adds that Lee walked to the backstage area on her own power.
– The return of Total Divas Sunday night on E! averaged 1.3 million viewers, according to a press release issued by the cable network. The was in line with the premiere episode in July, which averaged 1.343 million viewers. While the show has yet to be renewed for a second season, many people within the company feel it will be due to Sunday’s figure and kick off during WrestleMania season.
– In this “Rank’d” video, WWE counts down the most outrageous vignettes in company history. “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Dusty Rhodes, Mr. Perfect, The Mountie, Duke “The Dumpster” Droese, Steven Regal and Skinner are featured.
– WWE has launched a Twitter feed for UK fans at wweuk.
– Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling drew a 0.96 cable rating, up from 0.90 last week.
The program averaged 1.139 million viewers over the course of two hours, up 12 percent from 1.019 million viewers last week.
Thus far in 2013, Impact Wrestling has averaged 1.270 million viewers. The program, however, has not topped the yearly average since the most-recent special, No Surrender, on September 12.
– AJ Styles, who is planning to defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at an event presented by Wrestle-1, a promotion in Japan being run by Great Muta, is shown arriving to the country in this “#IMPACT365” video.
Styles is in possession of the belt that he took with him when he left TNA Wrestling, but has been technically stripped of the title.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IohFt0Qqa5Y
– ShopTNA.com has released its 2014 TNA Knockouts Calendar, which features Brooke, Christy Hemme, Gail Kim, Taryn Terrell and Velvet Sky on the cover. Mickie James, who has since parted ways with TNA Wrestling, is also featured in the calendar.
– Former WWE Diva Kelly Kelly appears briefly in the following trailer for season one of “Headshots & Handcuffs,” which you can check out below:
http://youtu.be/5Dnvi0LJw6A
– The official WWE website has added a new video playlist featuring every pay-per-view match between Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair in history. You can check that out online at WWE.com.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently responded to some fans on Twitter who spoke about missing him. JR assured the fans that he will be around in 2014, and to “stay tuned.” You can check out the tweet below:
I'll be around in 2014. Stay tuned. @nickpampenella @ZigglersBetter: @JRsBBQ We miss you, JR.”
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) November 15, 2013
Extreme Rising sent along the following to SESCOOPS.COM on Friday:
Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling is happy to announce that ticket sales for the Saturday, December 28th 2013 event “Unfinished Business” at the Arena (former ECW Arena) 7 W. Ritner Street (corners of Swanson and Ritner) in South Philly are selling extremely well –and quickly we should add. Bell time is at 7pm. www.extremetixs.com THIS EVENT IS A TV TAPING.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Saturday, December 28th 2013 – 7pm Bell time. Doors open 6pm.
Arena (former ECW Arena) 7 W. Ritner Street (Corners of Swanson & Ritner) Philadelphia, PA 19148
#1 – “World Title” – STEVIE RICHARDS will defend the Extreme Rising World Title. His challenger is to be announced.
#2 – “Extreme Lucha Libre: La Familia Warfare” featuring SUPER CRAZY & his nephew PESADILLA vs. DAMIEN 666 & his son BESTIA 666
#3 – “Extreme Rematch” RHINO vs. DEVON STORM
#4 – “Legend vs. Rookie” “The Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal” SABU vs. “The Aerial Ninja” FACADE
More matches to be announced soon…
Also appearing on the card: MATT HARDY W/REBY SKY, BLUE MEANIE, GREEK GOD PAPADON, JOEL GERTNER, and more talent to be announced. Please note that there are a few select talents being booked for the 12/28 event at Arena that will NOT be announced to be utilized as surprise appearances during event.
SESCOOPS.COM reader Marc Kruskol from MJK Public Relations sent along the following:
The Sports Courier’s Fred Richani interviews TNA Impact Wrestling legend “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels! In this half hour interview, Daniels discusses teaming up with Frankie Kazarian as Bad Influence, his career longevity, short-lived WCW stints, greatest matches, dream tag team opponents, the West Coast wrestling scene, the legacy of APW and Roland Alexander, and much more! You are now free to worship him!
You can watch the Daniels interview with The Sports Courier below:
Time Codes:
00:50 Joseph Park, Abyss
01:25 TNA Turning Point – Nov. 21 on Spike TV
02:20 Bad Influence’s success
03:30 Creative freedom
04:55 Eric Young
05:30 BroMans (Robbie E, Jessie Godderz), Dancing
06:06 Death of WCW
06:37 Continuing career after WWE bough WCW, ECW died
08:35 Roland Alexander, APW
10:23 West Coast wrestling scene
11:36 State of independent wrestling
13:02 Promotions using smaller wrestlers, MMA’s influence
16:25 Aging gracefully
18:29 Importance of a publicist
19:32 Appletini, Taz
19:54 Best Moonsault Ever (BME)
20:37 Acting career
21:27 “Fallen Angel” Gloves
21:56 Rear That Makes All The Girls Cheer
22:35 Dream tag team opponents?
23:17 TNA World Heavyweight Championship
24:10 Best match
24:59 AJ Styles, Claire Lynch
25:31 Advice
The big story of the day is that WWE Diva AJ Lee collapsed during a match at WWE’s live event from the O2 Arena in London, England.
AJ was wrestling Brie Bella when she fell to the ground while outside the ring. She was quickly tended to by WWE officials and the match was called off.
WWE has the following statement regarding the situation:
“Tonight in London, WWE Diva AJ Lee briefly fainted during a match with Brie Bella due to dehydration. She is currently being evaluated by WWE medical staff.”
WWE’s VP of Digital Media Content Joey Styles also tweeted the statement:
https://twitter.com/joeystyles/status/401492011246579712
– Ryback appears to be turning babyface after Paul Heyman dismissed Ryback as a potential “Paul Heyman Guy” on Raw on Monday. We can now confirm that WWE creative plans call for Ryback to feud with Brock Lesnar, with a match likely taking place at January’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. The storyline will be that Paul Heyman will enlist Lesnar to destroy Ryback, since he blames Ryback for CM Punk putting him in a wheelchair.
Meanwhile, while WWE officials would like to have Ryback face Goldberg at WrestleMania XXX, sources within the organization don’t expect the former World Heavyweight Champion to come on board since he would almost certainly be asked to job. Goldberg stated in an interview earlier this year that he would not return to the company to lose.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show features never before seen bloopers, outtakes, and footage from the show. Renee Young hosts.
– Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are interested in having Shane McMahon make an appearance at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans, Louisiana, according to F4WOnline.com on Friday. No word yet on whether the former wrestling executive is interested.
McMahon left WWE in 2010 to pursue other opportunities. In July, McMahon voluntarily stepped down as CEO of YOU On Demand, whilst remaining YOD’s principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board.
– In response to news of Mickie James appearing as a guest trainer for WWE’s female developmental talent at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week, Ohio Valley Wrestling trainer Rip Rogers says the fourteen-year veteran, as well as WWE trainer Sara Del Rey, should be teaching them before live audiences.
“Mickie James can wrestle better than most of the guys- divas b in for a rude awakening,” Rogers remarked. “[James and Del Rey] should be on the road wrestling and make the girl wrestle every day in the ring on the road.”
Rogers explains that it’s not beneficial for inexperienced talent to be work with each other. “The only way to get good is have 1000 matches with vets leading u to get better – green leading green does not work,” he said.
– As previously reported, WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan is scheduled to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show, “Where Are They Now?” The show is scheduled to air this Sunday night on the OWN network. Other guests listed for the show include Carrot Top and Chris Judd. You can watch a video preview of Hogan’s appearance online at Oprah.com.
– The following are some dates and information for scheduled WWE DVD releases in the early part of 2014:
January 14th — WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2013
January 28th — Best of RAW & SmackDown 2013
February 11th — Shawn Michaels: Mr. WrestleMania
February 25th — Royal Rumble 2014
WWE Diva AJ Lee apparently collapsed during a her match against Brie Bella at WWE’s live event from the 02 Arena in London, England.
Several fans who were at the show tweeted the she collapsed at ringside during the match, which was eventually called off. WWE officials immediately came to her aid and she was helped to the back.
We’ve heard from several talents who are currently overseas on WWE’s ongoing tour and they’ve described it as nothing short of grueling. Let’s hope this is simply a side effect of exhaustion and not a serious medical issue.
WWE Superstar John Cena addressed his recent match at the WWE live event in Leeds, England on Thursday night. In the tweet, which you can view below, Cena does not bring up anything regarding a possible leg injury, which many believe he may have suffered during the match.
Cena wrote:
Truly amazing night in Leeds. Crowd was absurd! Just awesome! Would like to thank @UniofOxford for allowing me to speak at @UniofOxford 2day
— John Cena (@JohnCena) November 15, 2013
Cena also tweeted this one on Friday afternoon:
About 2 head 2 the O2 in London for a great evening! If U r planning your weekend #wrestlemania30 tix ON SALE tomorrow + #totaldivas on sun
— John Cena (@JohnCena) November 15, 2013
As noted in our complete report from the WWE live event in Leeds, England on Thursday, WWE Superstar and current World Heavyweight Champion John Cena appeared to have suffered a leg injury of some sort during the match.
The following is a recap of the match from our report:
“John Cena def. Alberto Del Rio to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Cena appeared to suffer an injury during the match. He would constantly roll out of the ring to buy time, all the while Del Rio seemed to be stalling for him in the ring. The injury appeared to take place when Cena whipped Del Rio into the corner and seemed to hurt his ankle or Achilles. At one point, Cena fell while attempting to hit his shoulder tackle. The referee threw up the “X” sign and the doctor hit the ring. Also during the match, a fan was ejected for throwing his hat at Cena. Cena reacted to that by cutting a promo about it.”
The following are results from the WWE live event in Leeds, England. The event was held on Thursday, November 14, 2013.
– The Prime Time Players def. Hunico & Camacho in a tag-team opener. The finish came when O’Neil hit his sit-out spinebuster for the pinfall victory.
– Ryback def. Justin Gabriel in the second match on the show. Gabriel actually got a decent amount of cool-looking offense in, but in the end, Ryback got the win with the Shellshock. There were a lot of “Goldberg” and “Feed Me More” chants throughout the match.
– The Bella Twins def. AJ Lee & Tamina Snuka in a Divas tag-team match. Lee was super-over as a babyface. She did a smart move, hwoever, by taking a hot tag, which resulted in a thunderous pop, then immediately tagging back out, as to not give the fans what they wanted. Brie hit the X-Factor on AJ in the end for the pin.
– The Great Khali def. Jinder Mahal in one of the more boring matches of the evening. Khali got the win with his big chop.
– There was a segment with Paul Heyman, Ryback, Curtis Axel and CM Punk. Long-story short, Ryback and Axel ended up abandoning Heyman and Punk beat the crap out of him with a kendo stick until The Wyatt Family’s music hit.
– CM Punk & Daniel Bryan def. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan in tag-team action. Bray Wyatt was at ringside and got involved a few times. The finish came when Punk hit the GTS on Rowan for the 1-2-3. After the match, Punk remained on the ground and many in attendance felt that he suffered some sort of an injury.
–Intermission–
– The Usos def. 3MB. Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre represented 3MB in this one. In the end, The Usos won when Jey Uso hit the super kick and both hit a double Samoan slam for the pinfall victory.
– Curtis Axel def. R-Truth to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. After a back-and-forth match, Axel got the win by using an exposed turnbuckle and hitting his finisher on Truth for the 1-2-3.
– John Cena def. Alberto Del Rio to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Cena appeared to suffer an injury during the match. He would constantly roll out of the ring to buy time, all the while Del Rio seemed to be stalling for him in the ring. The injury appeared to take place when Cena whipped Del Rio into the corner and seemed to hurt his ankle or Achilles. At one point, Cena fell while attempting to hit his shoulder tackle. The referee threw up the “X” sign and the doctor hit the ring. Also during the match, a fan was ejected for throwing his hat at Cena. Cena reacted to that by cutting a promo about it.
In addition to the highlights previously reported from the newest Jim Ross website blog update, the WWE Hall Of Famer also shared some memories of the late Eddie Guerrero. On that subject, JR had the following to say:
“Before Eddie became a born again Christian, there were multiple Eddie’s. There was the ‘good’ Eddie who was soft spoken, caring and a pleasure to be around. There was the ‘troubled’ Eddie who carried massive amounts of guilt around after doing things that he knew were wrong and self destructive. There was the ‘let’s have a few beers Eddie’ who was a happy go lucky, funny guy. Finally, there was the hard liquor drinking, aggressive Eddie who perceived that he was ‘Andre Size’ when he was over served”
Read more from the latest Jim Ross blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
Eddie’s widow Vickie Guerrero tweeted this thank you message to Jim Ross for his blog:
https://twitter.com/excusemewwe/status/401456096360923136
– The following matches have been officially announced for the TNA “Hardcore Justice” show, which takes place on December 29th in Lowell, Massachusetts:
Full Metal Mayhem:
– Abyss & Eric Young vs. Bad Influence
Xscape Match:
– Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe vs. Chris Sabin
– In addition to the “Hardcore Justice” updates, TNA has also announced a new match for their “One Night Only: #Old School” event scheduled for December 30th in Poughkeepsie, New York. In a “Monster’s Ball” match, Abyss will square off against Jeff Hardy.
With that now known, here is an updated look at the official lineup for “#Old School”:
Old School Street-Fight (Falls Count Anywhere):
– Bully Ray vs. Tommy Dreamer
Last Man Standing:
– James Storm vs. Bobby Roode
Monster’s Ball:
– Abyss vs. Jeff Hardy
Former WWE Women’s and Divas Champion Mickie James sparked rumors of a possible return to WWE this week by rekindling her relationship with the sports-entertainment organization. The Virginia-native is training the organization’s developmental female talent at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida for the week, and attended Thursday night’s NXT live event in Tampa. WWE.com caught up with James for an exclusive interview, as she discussed her trip to the Sunshine State, her recent endeavors and whether fans will see her return to the WWE ring.
In response to how her visit to the state-of-the-art facility materialized, James states, “I got a call from Talent Relations, and they asked if I would be interested in coming down, checking it out and working with some of the girls here. Of course, I jumped all over it; I was happy to do it. The place is amazing, it really is mind-blowing. We had all prayed for something like this [when we were] breaking in.”
In addition to teaching the girls how to wrestle, James focused on bringing their personalities out. She explains, “Mostly being vocal in the ring and being vocal while they’re working instead of just thinking about what their moves are and what they need to do in there. Actually being who they are.”
Though she came to Florida to assist WWE’s female developmental talent, James is still interested in returning the company as a performer.
“Of course, I would absolutely love that, but you never know,” James says in response to whether her visit to the WWE Performance Center means she’s coming back. “I’m just trying to take advantage of this opportunity. If I can pass a little knowledge of what I know, then hopefully that will do something, if not for me, then for the future of WWE and women’s wrestling itself.”
Should James return to WWE, she would be most interested in working with three particular Divas: Natalya, AJ Lee and Brie Bella.
“I would love to work with Natalya; we only had a couple matches when I was there. I would love to work with AJ Lee, and I think Brie [Bella] has really come a long way since I was in WWE, so I’d love to do some stuff with her,” remarked James.
James also recalls her career with WWE, including WrestleMania 22 and the “Piggy James” angle, and reveals which Divas at the WWE Performance Center stood out in her eyes. The full interview is available here.
The following press release was sent out today:
IMPACT WRESTLING HEADS TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO FOR SIX INCREDIBLE NIGHTS OF NONSTOP ACTION
LIVE EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR NOV. 21-23 & DEC. 3-5
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov 15, 2013) – The stars of Spike TV’s must-see Thursday night action-packed show, IMPACT WRESTLING, will compete at Universal Studios Soundstage 19 in Orlando, Fla., for six upcoming shows Nov. 21-23, and Dec. 3-5. As the TNA World Heavyweight Championship hangs in the balance, wrestling icons including “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “The IT Factor” Bobby Roode and more will fight to win the TNA World Title Tournament. While general admissions to the events are free, a limited number of VIP packages remain available at ShopTNA. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the events starting at 7 p.m.
Last month TNA announced Universal Studios in Orlando will serve as a primary hub for TNA programming, including the IMPACT WRESTLING weekly broadcast. In addition, the company announced a new 24/7, #IMPACT365 cross-platform programming initiative, “Where Action Never Ends,” giving fans unprecedented access to TNA Superstars and exclusive content via broadcast, social and digital channels.
“Fans in the Orlando area, as well as Universal Studios park patrons from around the world, have an incredible opportunity to be part of these globally televised events as TNA cameras return to Florida,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “TNA has broadcast countless hours of unrivaled and unforgettable professional wrestling from this great location over the last decade, and we are excited to be back as we launch the next evolution of how fans will experience our programming through the #IMPACT365 initiative.”
On Thursday, Nov. 21, TNA will broadcast its “Turning Point” Pay-Per-View event live and free on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET. Two incredible TNA World Title Tournament matches, with stipulations determined through a spin of the Wheel of Dixie, are scheduled for “Turning Point,” including a Falls Count Anywhere match between Magnus and Samoa Joe, and a Bull Rope match between former tag partners “The Cowboy” James Storm and “The IT Factor” Bobby Roode. In addition, a grudge match between former Aces and Eights member Mr. Anderson and President of the Club Bully Ray is on the card.
The VIP Package available at ShopTNA for the Thursday, Nov. 21, “Turning Point” event is $159 and includes early admission to the show, a post show meet-and-greet with select TNA Superstars and entry to an exclusive IMPACT WRESTLING after-party.
For more information about IMPACT WRESTLING and upcoming tour dates, visit www.impactwrestling.com.
* HULK HOGAN Says He Be At WRESTLEMANIA – In The Ring or Sitting Ringside
– A Six-Man Tag Team Match highlights this week’s episode of WWE Superstars as The Usos and The Great Khali square off against The Prime Time Players and The Miz. Plus, The Funkadactyls go up against Alicia Fox and Aksana. Highlights from both matches are available here.
– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans which personality showcased the most infamous gimmick in [wrestling] history. The options are The Gobbledy Gooker, Doink the Clown, The Boogeyman, The Dynamic Dudes, The Red Rooster, The Mountie, Akeem, Disco Inferno, Glacier and Giant Gonzales.
WWE has released the the following artwork to promote WrestleMania XXX, featuring John Cena, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio:
– WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler, who famously feuded with late comedian Andy Kaufman in Memphis, has commented on this week’s news story that Kaufman’s brother (and a woman claiming to be his daughter) said that Andy is actually alive and faked his own back in 1984. Lawler told CNN:
“I would like nothing better than to know that Andy was still alive and been with us all this time. But like anybody else, I really don’t know any more than what I’ve heard. It could be a great hoax in his honor, dreamed up by his friend Bob Zmuda and his brother, Michael. That would be something that would be in keeping with Andy’s tradition, but who’s to say. It could really be legit.”
– CM Punk has been announced for the Wizard World Portland Comic Con from the Oregon Convention Center on January 24th, 2014. He will be appearing from 3:30pm until 7:30pm.
– Chris Jericho will be co-hosting Sunday’s episode of The Wedge on the Much Music channel at 10am EST.
* HULK HOGAN Says He Be At WRESTLEMANIA – In The Ring or Sitting Ringside
TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter’s husband Serg Salinas, who reigns as Vice President of TNA Knockout Music Publishing and TNA Merchandising, posted an image on Twitter Thursday night of himself showing off a Confederate Flag license plate that states “DON’T MESS WITH DIXIE.”
Twitter user Nicole Jensen notified Carter of the image, stating, “Do you find it acceptable that Serg, an employee of yours, is promoting storylines on the confederate flag?” The TNA Wrestling President responded shortly thereafter via direct message, stating, “No way darlin. Wouldn’t allow that.”
Salinas has since deleted the image.
– The official YouTube account of WWE has released a teaser clip previewing next month’s slate of Classics On Demand programming, which features a “Stone Cold Christmas.”
The synopsis reads, “All next month let WWE Classics On Demand warm you with “Season’s Beatings”. Get in the holiday spirit all December, with your favorite festive moments and matches. Highlights include a special “Stone Cold Christmas”, Tribute To The Troops 2012 and unforgettable holiday editions of Monday Night Raw, TNT, Prime Time and more.”
– In a scene that did not air on last Sunday’s return episode of Total Divas, Eva Marie approaches Brie Bella about becoming her new tag team partner after Nikki Bella suffers a leg injury (in June, Nikki suffered a stress fracture in her leg and did not return to action until last month).
Eva, who is “known for her unorthodox career tactics,” sees this as a major opportunity for herself and offers to fill in for Nikki while she recuperates. To watch the clip, featuring Brie’s response, click here.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
David Benoit Getting Into Pro Wrestling: “I don’t speak for WWE. Just expressed my personal opinion. Not sure the kid finds happiness in his dad’s old business plus over 90% of those that try out for wwe don’t make it no matter their name. I’d say same to my kids.”
Is Great Khali A Hall of Famer?“Strictly as a guess, I’d say not likely.”
Not Wanting to Run His Own Wrestling Promotion: “To invest my money and my time in a wrestling promotion isn’t something that I would ever consider. The lack of talent that’s available…TV production costs…dwenling crowds…the baby sitting that’s involved, etc isn’t something that interests me whatsoever. Plus, small promotions are challenged to even break even financially and I’m not a break even guy.”
WhoThe Undertaker Final Opponent Should Be: “Brock…Cena…Rock would be on my short list.”
His Favorite William Regal moment: “My favorite Regal moment was being able to help him salvage his career because of personal demons.”
