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(Spoilers) WWE NXT TV Taping Results For Next Four Shows

Matt Boone
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WWE filmed matches for the next four weeks of NXT television on Thursday night, August 22nd at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Below are results for each show.

September 2nd:

-The Ascension attacked Corey Graves in a backstage segment.

-Tyler Breeze defeated CJ Parker

-Emma defeated Summer Rae. After the match, Rae attacked Emma.

-Scott Dawson defeated Enzo Amore. Dawson picked up the victory following interference from Alexander Rusev.

-Sami Zayn cut a promo about wanting a title shot against Bo Dallas. This leads to Dallas coming out and saying he can’t wrestle because he was injured by Zayn at the SummerSlam Axxess show. This leads to Zeb Colter, along with Jack Swagger, coming out. Swagger beats him down to end the segment.

-Adrian Neville defeated Conor O’Brian. After the match, Rick Victor did a run-in and The Ascension beat down Neville. Corey Graves comes out to make the save. The show ends with Victor and O’Brian on top.

September 9th:

-Bayley and Charlotte defeated Alicia Fox and Aksana

-Corey Graves defeated Rick Victor

-Alexander Rusev defeated Mason Ryan via Submission

-Jack Swagger defeated Sami Zayn via Submission after interference by Bo Dallas. After the match, Dallas came back out on the stage and had a staredown with Zayn.

September 16th:

-Enzo Amore and Colin Cassidy defeated Scott Dawson and Alexander Rusev via Disqualification.

-Bo Dallas had an in-ring speaking segment

-Paige defeated Sasha Banks. After the match, Sasha beat down Paige.

-Xavier Woods defeated Leo Kruger

September 23rd:

-Sami Zayn defeated Curt Hawkins

-Aiden English defeated QT Marshall

-Corey Graves, Adrian Neville, Xavier Woods and CJ Parker defeated The Ascension, Leo Kruger and Tyler Breeze after Breeze was pinned after all of his partners walked out on him at the same time.

24WRESTLING.COM – WWE NEWS

Photo Of John Cena’s Elbow After Surgery, Stars You Didn’t Know Were In WWE

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– WWE.com has a new feature looking at “14 Superstars You Didn’t Know Were In WWE,” including Crowbar, Public Enemy, Baron Von Raschke, Great Sasuke & more.

– Following his successful triceps surgery this week, WWE Superstar John Cena tweeted a photo of his elbow, which previously had a huge lump on it (click to enlarge):

BSW1RDDIYAA pC0

Charlotte Talks About Her Goals In NXT, Ric Flair Being There for Her Debut Match

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WWE.com has published part two of their interview with NXT Diva Charlotte, daughter of Ric Flair. Here are some highlights:

WWE.COM: Did your father ever suggest the possibility of you following in his footsteps?

CHARLOTTE: It was something he always said I would be phenomenal at, but not something he pushed. Dad always pushed me to pursue college sports and a degree. He said wrestling would always be there. When I finally told my dad I wanted to give it a go, he said, “OK, kid, let’s get you in ring shape.” I’ll never forget the first day I hit the ropes with my dad and little brother. He’s always believed in me, no matter what I wanted to do.

WWE.COM: Describe the experience of being able to pave your own legacy.

CHARLOTTE: I am not the same person I was a year ago because I have learned so much in WWE’s developmental system. Words cannot explain what we do. It is the toughest obstacle that I have ever tackled. Not only do you have to be an athlete, but you have to be an entertainer as well. I’ve always been a natural performer, but being an entertainer was foreign to me. I try to incorporate some of my dad’s signature moves in with mine just because it is sentimental to me. Yes, I am my own person, but I will never want to go through my career without a part of him with me.

WWE.COM: Speaking of which, your father was on hand for your debut match at NXT. What did that mean to you?

CHARLOTTE: Surreal is the only word I can think of. … My dad will be proud of me no matter how grand the stage is. Having him there was so special, but some of the most joyful moments that night were getting to introduce him to all the talent, coaches and staff that I work with. I was proud to show Dad that I was doing well in a business where he is idolized as one of the greatest of all time. The entire night was unforgettable to me. Obviously doing the “Flair Strut” at the end was pretty amazing, too!

WWE.COM: As we stand here today, what is your current goal?

CHARLOTTE: To be the next NXT Women’s Champion.

* PHOTOS of NXT Diva CHARLOTTE Before She Was Signed To WWE

Hulk Hogan Jobs In Arm-Wrestling Match With Mayor, Updated BFG Series Standings

Matt Boone
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-Following this week’s TNA Impact Wrestling broadcast, here are your updated TNA Bound For Glory Series standings:

–Magnus (39 points)
–Bobby Roode (34 points)
–Christopher Daniels (30 points)
–Austin Aries (28 points)
–Samoa Joe (26 points)
–Jeff Hardy (24 points)
–Mr. Anderson (24 points)
–AJ Styles (22 points)
–Kazarian (22 points)
–Joseph Park (17 points)
–Hernandez (7 points)
–Jay Bradley (0 points)

-Hulk Hogan did a job in Toronto today, taking a dive in a publicity arm-wrestling match with Mayor Rob Ford that was set up to promote Hogan’s “Uncensored” Fan Expo in the area this weekend.

CTV in Canada covered the happening, and put a piece up on their website about it, along with a video of the big showdown. You can check that out online at CTVNews.ca.

REPORT: Hulk Hogan Leaving TNA To Appear At WrestleMania XXX? [READ MORE >>]

Former TNA Impact Wrestling Star Devon Comments On Leaving The Company

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Former TNA Impact Wrestling star Devon commented on leaving the company following his loss in the Aces & 8’s vs. Main Event Mafia match on this week’s Impact Wrestling broadcast on Spike TV.

Devon wrote:

“Thank you to all the fans in TNA for 8 great years. whether you love me or hate me I had a blast. U guys rock!!! O TESTIFY!!! GOOD BYE!!!”

“Thank you to my bros in aces and eights we kicked ass for year and a half we road together and we will ride again. aces and eights for life. I would like to thank the TNA wrestlers for 8 great years. You guys are truly my family.”

REPORT: Devon Already In Negotiations To Return To WWE? [READ MORE >>]

Bella Twins Film “Psych”, Nikki Bella Injury Update, Interview With Ric Flair’s Daughter

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-The Bella Twins filmed their scheduled appearance for the USA Network series “Psych” in Vancouver this past Wednesday and Thursday. Their episode will air on the next season of the show.

-Speaking of the Bella Twins, Nikki Bella recently noted that she is continuing to receive physical therapy on her shin as it heals. There is still no definite word on when she’ll be able to return to in-ring action.

-The official WWE website has added part two of their interview with Ric Flair’s daughter, NXT Diva Charlotte. You can check that out online at WWE.com.

WWE News.

Non-Spoiler SmackDown Preview For Tonight, Details On WWE Weekend Tours

Matt Boone
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-The following is a non-spoiler match listing for tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown:

–Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett [Steel Cage Match]
–Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian [WWE Championship]
–Curtis Axel vs. Cody Rhodes [WWE Intercontinental Championship]
–Mark Henry & Big Show vs. 3MB
–Darren Young vs. Antonio Cesaro
–Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E. Langston

-The WWE crew hits the road this weekend for a normal live event schedule, following a lighter load due to SummerSlam last week. There will be tour simaltaneous tours, one which begins tonight in Fresno, CA., continues on Saturday at the Valley View Casino near San Diego, CA., and wraps up in Ontario, CA. on Sunday. The crew advertised for those three shows are: The Shield, The Wyatt Family, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger, Fandango, R-Truth and The Usos.

-The other will be in New Mexico this weekend, performing live shows in Las Cruces on Saturday and Rio Rancho on Sunday. The advertised crew for those shows includes: CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, Curtis Axel, Christian, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Big E. Langston, AJ Lee, Kaitlyn and Paul Heyman.

WWE News

Tara Says She’ll Never Return To TNA, Talks About Her Departure, WWE & More

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The following are highlights from a recent interview with Lisa Marie Varon, who portrayed Knockout “Tara” in TNA Impact Wrestling and Diva “Victoria” in WWE.

How is the restaurant business going?

LMV: Awesome and chaotic. As with any new business, we’re still doing some fining tuning. But our staff is really coming together. We have received a great response from the community and are building up a solid customer base.

Tell me a little about the restaurant?

LMV: We are wrestling themed. We have a bunch of framed wrestling memorabilia, and we show as much wrestling as possible on our TVs. (WWE, TNA, Ring of Honor, Shimmer, lots of Indy stuff, you name it). We serve a great variety of brick oven pizza as well as about a dozen different stuffed burgers. We like to say that its all your guilty pleasures under one roof.

Let people know about your wrestling viewing parties at the restaurant and do you do them for other sports?

LMV: We show wrestling 7 days a week. Our WWE PPVs are insane! For Summerslam we had about five times as many people show up as we had room for. That was unfortunate. But it is an amazing environment to watch a PPV. The electricity and excitement is amazing! We also show Chicago sports and other major sporting events.

What did you learn most from your previous restaurant in Louisville?

LMV: That was more food focused. We definitely feel like we came in with a good foundation in that respect. Only now we have added an amazing experience to that. I’m so pleased with the way everything is going!

What are your thoughts regarding wrestling right now, how much do you want to do, do you want to continue full-time, part-time, interested in WWE this stage, going back to TNA at some point?

LMV: I like the direction that the Divas are heading. I also think there are a lot of talented females on the indy scene that could shine in TNA. I’m not sure that I understand what direction they are heading. They say never say never in this business. But I’m comfortable saying I will never return to TNA. I feel like I am still in peak physical condition. I still am able to have great matches. I would like to continue to wrestle, but my plate is full right now. We are looking at more locations for the restaurant. We are looking to expand our brand. I have an offer on the table outside of wrestling that I’m considering. There is also a group that has approached me about starting a wrestling organization. I am blessed to be in the position that I am in right now. I’m considering my next move, and for the time being, I won’t be taking any more Indy appearances outside of those I’ve already committed to.

Is it difficult being around good food all the time to maintain dietary discipline? Is not being on TV most weeks going to relax your diet or is it a thing that has nothing to do with being a wrestling performer?

LMV: I don’t have a super strict diet. I eat cheeseburgers 5 days a week. But i also eat lots of fruits and vegetables and lean meats. I ‘cheat’ in moderation. Plus I train like an elite athlete, so that allows me to indulge on the food side. I love to eat, and Chicago is a foodie town. I will continue to train like I have been. I never know what I’ll feel like doing next, and I want to be prepared for it.

On leaving TNA, did you have advanced warning or was it a surprise and how was it handled?

LMV: It was a surprise to me. I went to TNA because I wanted to work with some of the great female wrestlers that i hadn’t faced like Kong, ODB, and Sarita. TNA has definitely shifted their focus as far as the women’s division. It was really my love of wrestling that kept me going. I didn’t think it was the right fit for me anymore. My contract was up in a month or two. They knew I wasn’t going to re-sign. First, they had the travel guy call me and tell me I was released. Then Dixie called me later that day and said that it was a financial thing, and they knew I was ready to jump ship anyway. I think the classy thing to do would have been to give me the opportunity to quit rather than getting released. But at the end of the day, everyone got what they wanted.

Best and worst things about TNA right now?

LMV: I dont want to mention worst things, but the best is that I think women like Brooke and Taryn have really blossomed as wrestlers.

Thoughts on the Gail Kim and Taryn Terrell matches, Mickie James new TV character?

LMV: Gail is always a fantastic performer, and those matches really highlight how far Taryn has progressed. Mickie is an amazing talent, and shines in anything she does.

How was working with Jessie Godderz and Robbie E?

LMV: So much fun! Did you need to ask? We had an amazing time. Those are two young charismatic guys who both can have long successful wrestling careers.

WWE News

Lex Luger On Sting Possibly Joining WWE, Watch “Total Divas” Bonus Footage

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– Promoting his recently released autobiography Wrestling with the Devil: The True Story of a World Champion Professional Wrestler – His Reign, Ruin, and Redemption, Lex Luger spoke to Buffalo-based publication Queen City Sports about growing up in Buffalo, his accomplished wrestling career and current life. During the interview, the two-time WCW World Heavyweight Championship was asked if he could ever see his close friend Sting working for WWE in the future.

“As a friend I support whatever he does. As a fan I’d love to see him wrestle in the WWE someday,” said Luger. “Even if it’s just for one Wrestlemania. Him versus the Undertaker. Retire him and have him go into the Hall of Fame that same weekend. Man I’d love to see him and the Undertaker or somebody like that. I think the fans would love to see that.”

To read the interview, click here.

– The official YouTube account of WWE has released this unseen Total Divas clip of Brie and Nikki Bella sharing health and fitness tips in an interview with Self magazine.

Preview Next Week’s Impact – Four Matches Announced, Hulk Hogan Returns, AJ Styles Speaks

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Officially announced for next week’s live episode of Impact Wrestling in Cleveland, Ohio, are four “Bound For Glory Series” matches, the return of Hulk Hogan, and AJ Styles addressing his actions in recent months. Here is the official preview for the show:

Next Thursday on IMPACT: “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan returns | LIVE from Cleveland, OH

Preview Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c – LIVE from Cleveland, Ohio at the Wolstein Center! Make sure to set your DVR so you don’t miss any of the action!

– Thursday’s major IMPACT will feature the return of “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, who no doubt plans to deal with new World Heavyweight Champion Bully Ray and the Aces and Eights! After what Bully Ray did this past week, will all hell break loose when Hogan and Bully Ray come face to face? Don’t miss it on IMPACT!

– The Main Event Mafia will also be on IMPACT! This past week they scored a major victory over The Aces and Eights, and also eliminated Aces member Devon from TNA! With the Aces on the defensive, will The Mafia continue their assault on Thursday as the war for power continues between the two groups?

– Plus, will we hear from AJ Styles, who surprised everyone by stepping up and siding with the Mafia this past week to battle The Aces? What changed AJ’s attitude? After months of walking his own path, will AJ explain his actions? Don’t miss it!

FOUR HUGE “Bound For Glory Series” bouts are scheduled for Thursday as the road to the final four begins! Who will ultimately win a shot at the World Title at October’s “Bound For Glory” epic event? BFG Series matches on Thursday are:

– “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs. Magnus of the Main Event Mafia
– AJ Styles vs. Bobby Roode
– Austin Aries vs. Christopher Daniels
– Hernandez vs. Kazarian

All this and much more on Thursday’s LIVE IMPACT from Cleveland, Ohio on SpikeTV at 9/8c

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

Wrestler Officially Gone From TNA, Knockout Returns To Impact, Hulk Hogan Returning Next Week

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– Devon is officially gone from TNA Wrestling as Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling concluded with the accomplished tag team wrestler being forced out of the organization. He was pinned in a 10-man tag team match between the Main Event Mafia and Aces and Eights carrying a stipulation that the wrestler who took the fall would be prohibited from appearing on television.

Following the show, Devon wrote on Twitter: “I would like to thank the TNA wrestlers for 8 great years. You guys are truly my family.”

– Brooke Tessmacher was re-introduced on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling as the girlfriend of TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bully Ray. Ray teased Brooke Hogan appearing, but Tessmacher instead appeared on-stage and subsequently made out with Ray.

The official YouTube account of TNA Wrestling has released this video of Ray and Tessmacher touting their relationship.

– TNA Wrestling has announced that General Manager Hulk Hogan will return to television on next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling emanating from Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The storyline explanation for his absence from television in recent weeks is that he was immersed in meetings regarding legal matters.

Bill Goldberg Responds To WrestleMania 30 Rumor, Rare Interview With John Tenta, Classics On Demand

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– Former World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg responded to an online rumor attributed to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this week claiming that he is currently in negotiations with WWE to appear at WrestleMania XXX in April.

When asked via Twitter whether the rumor is legitimate, he simply wrote “nope.”

– SLAM! Wrestling has a never-before-published article from 1988 on the late John Tenta (a/k/a Earthquake) where he discussed leaving behind a sumo wrestling career in Japan to pursue professional wrestling.

While competing in North America, the behemoth wrestler generally weighed well over 400 pounds—he was billed at 468 in the World Wrestling Federation. In the article, Tenta revealed that his ideal weight was well below that number.

“My ideal weight is 350 to 360 pounds,” said Tenta in 1988. “When I feel the pounds packing on I go training on the hills. Right now my weight is about 390 so when I go back to Japan I’ll train and lose that weight again. It’s funny but in training for pro wrestling we eat the same stuff as I did in sumo, but now I like it.”

– This week’s WWE Classics On Demand updates are as follows: Elimination Chamber (2013), ECW Unreleased, Vol. 1 (Part 5 and 6), World Wrestling Federation action from the Spectrum in Philadelphia (April 30, 1983), WWWF Championship Wrestling (December 31, 1977), ECW Hardcore TV (October 9, 1998), WWF Prime Time Wrestling (November 27, 1989).

Knockout Announces Her Departure From TNA, Preview “Knockouts Knockdown” Pay-Per-View

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– SoCal Val is the latest talent to part ways with TNA Wrestling as the tenured Knockout announced her departure from the organization on Thursday evening.

“Thank u #ImpactWrestling ,the lockerroom & esp the fans for 9 wonderful years. No longer w the company. Really excited 2 see what’s NEXT!” wrote Val.

Though not a wrestler, Val was otherwise a jill all of trades for the company as she appeared as an interviewer, ring announcer, ringside attendant and filled out other odd jobs at various points.

– The official YouTube account of TNA Wrestling has released the following video previewing its One Night Only: Knockouts Knockdown pay-per-view event premiering Friday, September 6.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evgFI6weeRw[/youtube]

Here is the synopsis for the event: “TNA WRESTLING PRESENTS ONE NIGHT ONLY: KNOCKOUTS KNOCKDOWN. Join TNA WRESTLING for one special event, spotlighting the most athletic and beautiful women in professional wrestling, including GAIL KIM, ALYSSA FLASH, IVELIEZE, LEI D TAPA, TARA, MIA YIM, MISS TESSMACHER, SANTANA, ODB, TRINITY, TARYN TERRELL, JACKIE MOORE, HANNAH BLOSSOM, SOJO, TAELER HENDRIX, VELVET SKY, JILLIAN HALL, MICKIE JAMES, SERENA. The winner of each individual match will advance on to one final match of the evening! A gauntlet match where the last two women standing will battle to see who is truly “The Queen of the Knockouts”. TNA WRESTLING PRESENTS ONE NIGHT ONLY: KNOCKOUTS KNOCKDOWN. Premiering Friday, September 6th on Pay Per View.”

John Cena’s Status For WrestleMania 30, Money In The Bank Buyrate

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– WWE Money in the Bank 2013 drew 192,000 buys, with 146,000 coming domestically and 46,000 coming internationally.

By comparison, the show did 188,000 buys in 2012 and 195,000 buys on 2011.

– WWE Superstar John Cena spoke with WWE.com after undergoing surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn triceps.

“I plan on using the next couple months to rehab and get healthy as I can, as quickly as I can, Cena said. “My goal is to return to WWE healthy and strong, and since my expected time away is only six months, this shouldn’t affect WrestleMania.”

Cena talked about this being an exciting time in WWE.

“WWE has never been and never will be dependent on one man, with the exception of Mr. McMahon,” he said. “In the coming weeks, WWE will be filled with exciting programming as always, and I’ll have the best seat in the house! Let’s see who captivates the WWE Universe.”

* PHOTO of JOHN CENA After His Surgery

Jim Ross Q&A: Austin vs. Punk In WWE, Owen Hart In WWE HOF?, Politics In WWE

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The following are highlights from a recent Q&A with WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On rumors that he was drunk at the WWE 2K14 symposium: “I wasn’t but thanks for asking.”

On Daniel Bryan not holding the WWE Championship for any real length of time: “I think Bryan is more popular today than he ever has been. I’ll enjoy the chase.”

On whether or not Bill Watts ever owned a part of Georgia Championship Wrestling, and talent-sharing in those days: “WATTS at one time owned a piece of Georgia. Talent trades were not unusual in those days either way. JYD & others wrestled in Atlanta.”

On what The Undertaker’s reaction was following the infamous Hell In A Cell match at King Of The Ring 1998: “That was 15 years ago. I really don’t recall. He was likely spent.”

On chances of a Steve Austin vs. CM Punk match in WWE: “Seems like that ship has sailed but I’m merely guessing. I’d love to see it.”

On politics in WWE: “I think politics are overrated and discussed usually on hearsay & by disgruntled individuals. Cream always rises to the top w/ few exceptions.”

On the subject of wrestling newsletters back in the day: “Newsletters weren’t a big topic of open discussion back in the day. Most guys tried to distance themselves from wrestling while traveling.”

On who will replace John Cena as the face of WWE and if a “streak” storyline would work: “I’d say Daniel Bryan is next man up. Don’t see Streak launching a new face of WWE.”

On if Owen Hart will ever be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame: “Likely so. Don’t know when.”

On the career of “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin: “Ronnie was a tough, highly skilled, intelligent in ring talent. Also a pilot. I thought the sharpshooter was a Japanese submission.”

On past WWE Divas in the new WWE 2K14 video game: “I’m not aware of the Diva involvement. Sorry.”

Check out more of JR’s Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.

Possible 2014 WWE HOF *SPOILERS* + Austin vs. Punk HAPPENING At WMXXX? […]

Wade Barrett Speaks On Being A Babyface, Being Involved In Creative Process In WWE

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The following are interview highlights with WWE Superstar Wade Barrett:

On being a babyface: “I’ve spent 99 percent of my career being the bad guy, and I’ve always kind of enjoyed that. Sometimes it goes well, and you are at the peak and the highlight of the show. Other times you’re more of a background character. I have an open mind, and I don’t know where I’ll be further down the road.”

On being a part of the creative process: “You have some influence. If you’re an actor in a film, you can use some leeway and exert some creative influence, but you’re controlled by writers. With our story lines, we get our kind of creative influence on them. That’s something I enjoy, twisting things my way.”

On earning a degree in marine biology: “I was 17, 18 years old. I was done with my high-school education and I had gotten very good grades. I didn’t yet have a plan for what I was going to do with my life. I was young and immature and physically I wasn’t built like I am now. I thought I would develop my personality and my mind. I chose a subject that was seen as a good degree, and I chose a respected university (University of Liverpool). It wasn’t some master plan I had to be a biologist, but I thought it would be worthwhile.”

Check out the complete interview online at AZCentral.com.

WWE News

HHH Interview: His Role In WWE, Stephanie’s Role, Physical HOF Building, Internet Perception

Matt Boone
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The following are highlights from a recent Grantland.com interview with WWE’s Triple H:

On his role as head of talent relations for WWE: “Everything that has to do with talent, from the legends to the developmental system, to the live events and all of its operations and the towns we book, to where the pay-per-views are, all of it. Obviously I have a massive team that does all that, but they report to me.

“I started in the office full-time a few years ago. Vince had been bugging me for a while, saying ‘When are you going to stop messing around in the ring and come get a real job?’ So one time when I was injured, I shadowed him in the office for three months. I did everything he did. When I finally started full-time, he was like, ‘Take a few months. I want you to dig into everything. Have meetings with finance, dig into every part of this company and see what you think needs work.’

“And the thing I came back to him with was we have this huge global marketing juggernaut, but we’re a victim of our own success. We’ve shut down all the other territories. There’s almost no place for guys to go learn, and when they do, they’re learning how to work in a junior high in front of 50 people. It’s a completely different thing than working in front of 10,000 or a million on TV with a camera in your face.

“So I started this little division called talent development. It was basically to build a bridge between creative and the developmental wrestlers. Now, other than Vince saying, “OK, you can have that amount of money,” he doesn’t have anything to do with it. Honest to god, he hasn’t even seen the Performance Center yet. He’s supposed to go next week.

On Stephanie McMahon’s role in WWE: “Technically, creative reports to Steph, but Steph is kind of the aggregator. Her office does everything from the magazine to digital to the shows, so it’s funny when people will say, ‘Oh, Steph and the creatives.’ She really doesn’t have anything to do with the day-to-day. I mean, she’ll weigh in on something if Vince asks or if the writers ask her what she thinks before they bring something to Vince.”

On a physical WWE Hall Of Fame building: “Halls of fame are not a lucrative business. But here’s the bigger reason: If and when the time is right to do a Hall of Fame, it’s not just going to be a place where you walk in and say, “Oh, look, there’s a pair of trunks.” If we do it, it’ll be an immersive experience. With technology the way it is, a 4-D experience, whether it’s a ride, or, picture this: You walk into a locker room, lights go down, smoke comes out, and Andre the Giant walks out in a hologram and stands there and talks to you. That’s what it has to be. But is the Hall of Fame the priority? Absolutely not. It’s out there someplace in the stratosphere. But if we do it, it takes a lot of research because we want to do it right.”

On what is written about him on the internet: “I wish I had the brainpower and the wherewithal and the drive to be as maniacal and devious as people f—-ing think I am. I’d be f—ing Darth Vader. I’d run the Empire, and I guess maybe that’s how some people see it, right? They’d say ‘Oh, he went in there and he buried this guy,’ and it’s like, f—, I had nothing to do with that. I didn’t even know he was coming in until I saw him that day.”

Check out the complete interview online at Grantland.com.

24WRESTLING.COM

Hulk Hogan Arm-Wrestling Stunt, AJ Styles’ Book, Next TNA “One Night Only” PPV

Matt Boone
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-TNA Impact Wrestling star Hulk Hogan will be performing a public arm-wrestling match with Mayor Rob Ford as part of a promotional stunt to hype his upcoming “Hulk Hogan Uncensored” stage show in Toronto.

-TNA Impact Wrestling star AJ Styles’ autobiography is scheduled to be released in October.

-The “One Night Only” pay-per-view for TNA Impact Wrestling in September will be “Knockouts Knockdown,” and will feature the following lineup:

–Gail Kim vs. Alissa Flash
–Lei’D Tapa vs. Ivelisse Velez
–Tara vs. Mia Yim
–Miss Tessmacher vs. Santana Garrett
–ODB vs. Trinity
–Jackie Moore vs. Taryn Terrell
–Hannah Blossom vs. Sojournor Bolt vs. Taeler Hendrix
–Velvet Sky vs. Jillian Hall
–Mickie James vs. Serena Deeb
–Gauntlet Match featuring the winners

Additionally, TNA Impact Wrestling will present “Unfinished Business” on pay-per-view, which will be based off of the events of the last “Slammiversary.”

REPORT: WWE Enters Contract Negotiations With AJ Styles [READ MORE >>]

Part One Of “Steve Austin Show” With Ric Flair, IWGP Jr. Tag-Titles To Be Defended In ROH

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-Part one of the episode of the “Steve Austin Show” everyone has been waiting for is finally available, for free, online. The first installment of a three-hour interview between WWE Hall Of Famers “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair can be heard at PodcastOne.com.

-ROH recently announced that the IWGP Jr. Tag-Team Titles from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) will be defended at their “Death Before Dishonor” event on September 20th in Philadelphia.

ROH issued the following:

HISTORY IN THE MAKING…
The IWGP Jr. Tag Titles To Be Defended In Philly!

It has been over a year since the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Titles were defended in the United States, coincidentally by The Forever Hooligans during their very first reign as champions. In fact, in the 15 year history of the championships, a Stateside defense is something that has only happened on four occasions. That will change on September 20th when Ring of Honor comes to Philadelphia for “Death Before Dishonor XI”!

On that night, in a bout officially sanctioned by New Japan Pro Wrestling, the current IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions The Forever Hooligans (Alex Koslov & Rocky Romero) will make their third title defense against The American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards)!

“It is an honor to have this IWGP championship match taking place during our Philadelphia event.” said ROH Match Maker Nigel McGuinness, “It will already be an historic night as we crown a brand new World Champion and now, with the addition of this New Japan sanctioned bout, September 20, 2013 will be a night that wrestling fans around the world will remember forever. These are two of the finest tag teams in the world today and if their previous encounters are any indication, this contest could be a show-stealer!”

The history of these two units is well known. From Rocky & Davey’s championships days together in ROH as part of The No Remorse Corps to their days teaming in New Japan where they also claimed the IWGP Jr. Tag Titles to the athletic rivalry that has sprung up in 2013 between The Wolves and The Hooligans, these four men have proven time and again that tag team wrestling is alive and well in both ROH and NJPW.

Now, in a rivalry that has been dominated by The Wolves and has already seen the ROH World Tag Team Titles change hands back at “All Star Extravaganza V”, Davey, Eddie, Rocky, and Alex will collide one more time on 9/20 and the prestigious IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Titles will be on the line! Plus, win or lose, The Hooligans will also be in action on 9/21 as part of the “Ring of Honor Wrestling” TV Tapings!

“Death Before Dishonor XI” weekend will go down in history as one of the most important in ROH history and with addition of this IWGP Jr. Tag Title match, it just became even more important! Do not miss out as history is made in Philadelphia! Tickets on-sale now!!!

24WRESTLING.COM

Chris Jericho Talks Favorite Opponent, Stars WWE Are Currently Pushing & More

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The following are highlights from a recent Maxim interview with former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho:

You’ve always been fond of bringing comedy into the wrestling ring. If you had to choose between comedy, wrestling, and your band, Fozzy, how tough is that call to make?

If I had to drop one of them, I don’t know if I could do the other two, because they’re all kind of intertwined. It’s all show business, it’s all part of being a showman in the year 2013. You’re always going to have the sticklers and the haters that are like, “Yo, you’re a wrestler, you can’t do anything else.” And those are the people that, if that’s the way you feel, then fine, go f*ck yourself – if you don’t like it, step aside and let the people that do like it get a better seat.

As far as your wrestling career goes, who is the best opponent you’ve ever worked with?

Probably Shawn Michaels. I think he’s probably the best total package wrestler of all time – he could do it all, and was a big influence of mine when I was first starting. That storyline, the feud I had with him in 2008, that was one of the best programs not just in my career, but in the entire history in of the WWE. It’s always cool when you start out as a fan and then become an ally where you’re working together. It’s the same with music – Fozzy toured with Metallica, and it was like, “Here I am with the band that influenced me to get into music.”

Some WWE fans have complained in recent years that the company seems to really push huge guys that can’t actually wrestle all that well, at the expense of experienced all-rounders, like yourself. What’s your take on that?

I don’t see it that way. Wrestling is all about new talent and new turnaround of the stars. I could be the main event guy there for 20 years, but there’s going to have to be other guys that come into that picture or else it’s pretty boring and business will go really bad. There’s only so much Jericho or so much HHH or so much Rock people can take. So you try different guys – some of them are bigger and don’t really have the talent, they have more of the look. Some guys are small and go against the traditional WWE superstar, but yet are so damn good they make it to the top – I’m talking about guys like Eddie Guerrero, or even Shawn Michaels or Daniel Bryan right now. You have guys who would never be the typical WWE superstar, but because they were so damn good, they would rise to the top of the mountain. You have to realize that if you have 60 guys on the roster, the WWE is going to try and get every one of those 60 guys to world championship level. Some of them will make it, the majority won’t, but until you try, you just never know. Everyone’s got to get a full chance, if not, why are they even there on the payroll?

Check out the complete interview online at Maxim.com.

UPDATE: When Will Chris Jericho Return To WWE Again? [FIND OUT HERE >>]

Detailed Update On The Possibility Of AJ Styles Leaving TNA In The Near Future

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As noted earlier today, there is a rumor circulating that AJ Styles could potentially be leaving TNA Impact Wrestling in the near future. The rumor stems from the fact that Styles’ contract with the company is set to expire next month.

Normally, especially in WWE, high-profile talents are re-signed to new deals before the expiration of their existing contracts. There have been cases in the past where TNA has allowed a top stars’ contract to expire before attempting to lock them up in a new deal. Examples of that situation include Bobby Roode, Devon, and most notably, Samoa Joe.

What is interesting in this case is the fact that AJ Styles, more than pretty much anyone in the company, is viewed as a “TNA guy.” Having worked for the company since its’ inception in 2002, Styles has remained loyal to the company, despite past offers from WWE and other high-dollar offers around the globe.

It’s also interesting to note that TNA has allegedly put forth very little effort into locking Styles up into a new deal. In doing so, the company is putting itself in a position that would potentially allow WWE to enter the picture and scoop up Styles before TNA finalizes a new agreement.

As we reported earlier today, a post appeared on the official Facebook page of Styles, which poses the question, “Where do fans want AJ Styles to be? TNA? WWE? ROH? Japan? Lots of options. Tough decisions.”

We will post an update on this situation as soon as more information becomes available.

REPORT: WWE Entering Contract Negotiations With AJ Styles [READ MORE >>]

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

WWE To Invest In Upcoming Marvel Comics Live Touring Project

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WWE are among a number of investors in a new Marvel Universe touring attraction that will feature the popular characters from the Marvel Comic line that will launch in 2014. WWE executive Basil DeVito sits on the Board of Directors for Hero Ventures, the parent company behind the touring company.

WWE has yet to publicly comment on its’ planned participation in the upcoming tour. However, the official press release for the venture can be read below.

“The Marvel Experience” Takes Fans Into Interactive World of Superheroes

Hero Ventures, a Los Angeles based entertainment company, announced today that it is teaming up with Marvel Entertainment to create “The Marvel Experience,” an innovative, traveling experience, featuring dozens of Marvel’s iconic Super Heroes. This attraction will appeal to a multi-generational audience and will leverage state-of-the-art interactive and multimedia technology, including a 4D motion ride and original 3D animated features, allowing fans to be a part of the action. The tour comes to life in 2014.

Founded by sports and entertainment industry entrepreneurs Rick Licht and Doug Schaer, Hero Ventures is dedicated to producing unique themed entertainment experiences. Solidifying the management team are Michael Cohl, former Live Nation Chairman and legendary live event impresario, along with his Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark co-producer and PRG founder Jeremiah “Jere” Harris, who will serve as lead producers. The team is rounded out by co-founding partner Jason Rosen.

Initial “A” round investors include Oscar winning film producer and co-owner of the NFL’s New York Giants, Steve Tisch; Roy P. Disney and Shamrock Holdings; Guess Jeans co-Founders Maurice & Paul Marciano; WWE®; Vista Equity Partners President Brian Sheth; Ross Hilton Kemper and Enlight Media, among others. In addition, Tisch, Shamrock’s Stanley Gold, Maurice Marciano, WWE’s Basil V. DeVito, Jr. and Enlight’s David B. Miller will serve alongside Licht, Schaer, Cohl and Harris on Hero Ventures Board of Directors.

The Marvel Experience is a “first-person” Super Hero adventure in which audiences step into the Marvel Universe to become a part of the story and the action. Innovative tour elements include a one-of-a-kind, traveling dome complex the size of two football fields developed exclusively by Hero Ventures.

In addition to the 4D motion ride and 3D animated features, other components will include digitally projected animation, motion-comic origin stories, virtual reality and holographic simulations, original merchandise and integrated social media touch points all carefully woven into the rich narrative story line.

“Hero Ventures is developing a themed entertainment concept that we expect will be a transformative, traveling destination that will deliver to fans and families an exciting, groundbreaking and unique experience,” says Marvel’s VP of Business Development, Sean Haran.

The characters and stories of the Marvel Universe are beloved around the world by ages young and old as seen with the recent global box office records for Marvel’s The Avengers and Marvel’s Iron Man 3.

“The dynamic creative elements we’re developing are going to enable anyone to feel like a Super Hero like Spider-Man or Captain America,” says Hero Ventures’ CEO Rick Licht. “We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership with Marvel. Kids and adults are going to be absolutely inspired, empowered and thrilled from start to finish, with an immersive experience that is not just memorable, but unforgettable!”

Among the creative visionaries behind this $30+ million production is an elite team of creative award winners of Oscars, Emmys, CLIOS, THEOS and other technical and animation awards to their collective credit.

“The Marvel Universe just keeps getting hotter, as seen by the massive world-wide box office and merchandise success of their characters,” says Michael Cohl. “We can’t wait to bring our Marvel vision to life in this first-of-its-kind event.”

The law firm of Sklar Kirsh served as corporate counsel for Hero Ventures.

ABOUT HERO VENTURES
Hero Ventures, LLC develops and produces live entertainment experiences that delight and surprise consumers through innovative technology. The Company has brought together the best creative and business minds in animation, interactive technology and the live event space to create unparalleled productions to share in new and unprecedented ways with audiences around the world. For more information visit www.hero-ventures.com.

ABOUT MARVEL
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

24WRESTLING.COM

WWE To Create Stars During Cena’s Absence, SummerSlam Tweet Count, Bret Hart PPV

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-With John Cena on the shelf recovering from surgery for at least the remainder of 2013, WWE has apparently informed their talent that now is the time to step up and work as hard as possible to help the company. It was basically outright explained to talent that if there was ever an opportunity to make yourself a star, now is that time.

-According to statistics released by The Los Angeles Times, this past week WWE SummerSlam generated 323,969 tweets on Twitter. The show that produced the most tweets this past week was VH-1’s “Lop & Hip-Hop: Atlanta,” which generated 729,782 posts on Twitter.

-WWE will be presenting their “Bret Hart: Dungeon Collection” DVD multi-disc set on InDemand pay-per-view in September.

UPDATE: More Details On Post-Cena WWE Locker Room Speech

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

WWE Signs Interesting New Talent, New NXT Stars, Cesaro/Zayn Match Feedback

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-WWE has signed Morkeith Brown to a developmental contract. Brown, 28, was a college football player at Temple University in Philadelphia. Apparently Brown had an offer to go to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, but opted instead to take the WWE deal. In addition to Brown’s decorated football career, he served in the Army for 14 months in Afghanistan.

-WWE has added the following wrestlers to the official WWE NXT roster section on the company website: Bayley, Sami Zayn, Conor O’Brian, Lexi Kaufman and Luther Ward.

-Speaking of NXT, this week’s edition of the show features a “Best Of Three Falls” match between Antonio Cesaro and Sami Zayn. Based on feedback, the match is said to be one of the best television matches from WWE this year.

24WRESTLING.COM – WWE News and Results

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

Detailed Update On CM Punk’s Outburst At RAW, Backstage Reaction & More

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As we reported earlier this week, the rant CM Punk made towards the fan in the front row on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW was completely unscripted, and was a legitimate emotional reaction on the part of Punk himself.

According to fans at the event, while the individual who received Punk’s verbal venom on Monday was being obnoxious in his heckling of the WWE Superstar, he didn’t seem to say or do anything over the top to warrant such a visceral response.

The word going around backstage at RAW on Monday was that Punk was said to be in a particularly bad mood, which isn’t completely out of the ordinary, as Punk has a reputation of being grumpy at times.

It should be noted that while WWE doesn’t necessarily condone such behavior from babyfaces specifically, there was said to be no heat on Punk for the outburst. In fact, the general consensus was that due to the response elicited from the crowd, and the fact that Paul Heyman was quick enough on his feet to use the situation during his speaking points, it actually added to the segment and the eventual showdown with Curtis Axel later on.

24WRESTLING.COM – WWE News and Results

[Credit: PWInsider.com]

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