– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross says John Cena’s promo with Daniel Bryan from RAW was one of his best in a long time. He tweeted:
“Best @JohnCena promo in a long time. Steeped in truth w/ real, natural passion. #WWERaw”
– WWE Champion John Cena also commented on last night’s RAW and SummerSlam:
“Stage…set. #summerslam it’s on. Tonight was for all those down since say one. #nevergiveup @WWEUniverse @WWE”
– As recently as a few weeks ago, WWE had been planning for Stephanie McMahon and Triple H to turn heel at SummerSlam, but those plans may have changed by now.
– WWEShop.com has released the first t-shirt for The Wyatt Family.
– Speaking of the Wyatt family, Bray Wyatt tweeted after last night’s RAW segment with Kane:
“Sunday, fire in the City of Angels. Burn, Burn, Burn #TheAshesOurNewHome #RAW”
– DirecTV recently interviewed Kaitlyn to promote the WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view:
* Backstage Plans For JOHN CENA vs. DANIEL BRYAN This Sunday & How VINCE & ORTON Will Be Involved
– WWE announced last night that “Gold Rush” by Clinton Sparks featuring 2 Chainz, Macklemore & D.A. is the official theme song for Sunday’s SummerSlam PPV.
– WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler was live tweeting during last night’s RAW and took a shot at Jack Swagger for almost ruining his career.
“Cesaro is all man, swaggs ruined my career jk jk”
hey usos, unless you want a 5 week vaca, dont try and backdrop swaggs….jk jk but seriously, get outta there!!!”
– Here is the latest “Doritos Jacked WWE Fan Correspondent” video from RAW featuring Dolph Ziggler and some of the WWE Divas:
After Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, six-man a dark match main event took place
Daniel Bryan, Mark henry and the Big Show defeated The Shield after Daniel Bryan hit Dean Ambrose with his top-rope headbutt.
It’s worth noting that Big Show wrestled in the jeans and polo shirt that he wore on RAW. According to a fan who was at the show, during the match, a fan asked Big Show where he’s been for the past few months. The giant shrugged and said, “Home.”
* Backstage Plans For JOHN CENA vs. DANIEL BRYAN This Sunday & How VINCE & ORTON Will Be Involved
WWE Raw on the USA Network
Aired live from Sacramento, California at Sleep Train Arena
Results by Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net
[Q1] Raw opened in the midst of Daniel Bryan’s ring entrance. Michael Cole, JBL, and Jerry Lawler checked in on commentary. The live crowd was enthusiastic for the Yes! routine. Footage aired of Bryan shaving Wade Barrett’s beard and their Smackdown match, which set up the rematch for Raw…
1. Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett. Justin Roberts introduced the wrestlers and then announced that Brad Maddox would be the special referee. Bryan targeted Barrett’s knee early and performed a dropkick through the ropes. He followed up with a running knee of the apron, but Barrett moved out of the way and then tagged Bryan with a boot to the face at ringside.
A “Daniel Bryan” chant started as Barrett remained on the offensive. Bryan fired back and clotheslined Barrett to ringside as the setup to his suicide dive. Bryan went to the top rope and performed a missile dropkick. Bryan delivered a series of kicks to Barrett’s chest, but missed the usual kick to the head. Barrett rolled up Bryan for the pin thanks to a fast count from Maddox.
Wade Barrett pinned Daniel Bryan in 5:25.
After the match, Bryan backed Maddox into the corner. Maddox pointed at his referee shirt. Bryan lunged toward him anyway, but Maddox slid underneath the bottom rope and left the ring. Bryan led the crowd in a loud “No!” chant. Cole said it was pretty apparent that somebody has a vendetta against Bryan…
Cole hyped MizTV featuring John Cena and Daniel Bryan for later in the show, and Lawler hyped the C.M. Punk vs. Paul Heyman match. Cole hyped Randy Orton vs. Damien Sandow in a battle of the Money in the Bank contract winners… [C]
Cody Rhodes was on commentary as Damien Sandow made his entrance and handcuffed his new MITB briefcase to the turnbuckle…
[Q2] 2. Randy Orton vs. Damien Sandow. Cody said Sandow’s briefcase looks like chocolate. Lawler raved about the look of the briefcase. Cody and JBL bickered over whether Cody should be upset with Sandow because of the way he won the briefcase. Orton dumped Sandow to ringside to set up the break. [C]
After the break, Sandow grabbed control of the offense while Cody sang the praises of Orton. He did a nice job of saying that people were crazy if they didn’t think Orton would pick the right time to cash in his MITB contract. Lawler asked Rhodes if he would blame Orton for taking advantage of such an opportunity. When Cody said he would not, Lawler pointed out it was the same thing Cody is upset with Sandow for. Cody said it’s about who the better man is and then backtracked and said you don’t do that to your best friend even though Cody said earlier that he would have done the same thing.
[Q3] In the ring, Orton made his comeback, but Sandow held onto the ropes when Orton went for the power slam. Sandow executed a neckbreaker for a good two count. Orton came back with the power slam. Orton set up for the RKO, but Sandow pushed him off. Moments later, Sandow was distracted by Rhodes toying with his briefcase, and Orton hit the RKO for the win…
Randy Orton pinned Damien Sandow in 14:50.
A shot aired of Rob Van Dam doing the splits with his legs on two chairs. The announcers said RVD would be in a 20-man battle royal with the winner getting a shot at the U.S. Championship on Sunday…
Backstage, Dean Ambrose asked what other line of work can you be in where you are lazy and unproductive and you still get brought back to do a job you’re not good at anymore. Seth Rollins said it’s time for the old guard to go. “It is time for a new generation to rise up and we are the emerging leaders of that generation,” Rollins said. “We’re younger, we’re hungrier, we’re just better.”
Roman Reigns said no one can compete with them. He said he’s not going to beg, but if there are two men who want to step up and take the tag titles away they should step up and make their move. Ambrose said no one in the battle royal can beat him because he’s unbeatable. Ambrose said that if Andre the Giant’s ghost isn’t in the battle royal then he’s not losing at SummerSlam… [C]
The announcers hyped the C.M. Punk vs. Brock Lesnar match for SummerSlam, then set up a video package with the comments Lesnar made about Punk on Friday’s Smackdown…
Backstage, Josh Mathews interviewed C.M. Punk and asked why he accepted Heyman’s challenge to a match this close to SummerSlam. Punk recalled Lesnar telling Heyman to say something stupid. Punk said it would appear that Heyman did just that, but he knows it’s all a big chess game for Heyman. “When you come at the king, you best not miss,” Punk said. He added that he has a feeling he will be seeing Lesnar tonight. Punk said when it’s all on the line, the best is the best…
The Great Khali, Natalya, and Hornswoggle made their entrances for a mixed tag match… [C]
[Q4] A spot aired for WrestleMania travel packages… As Big E Langston and A.J. Lee made their entrance, a pop box promo from Langston aired. He said Dolph needed him in his corner, but he never needed Ziggler. “Showoff? Nah, show over,” he concluded…
3. Big E Langston and AJ Lee vs. The Great Khali and Natalya (w/Hornswoggle). Lee slapped Khali across the face knowing that he couldn’t touch her. Natalya grabbed Lee and roughed her up. Lee came back with a cool kick to Natalya’s head. A shot aired of Dolph and Kaitlyn watching the match on a backstage monitor. Cole said Jim Ross is working on a new app. JBL said the app will watch football, drink too much, and eat BBQ sauce.
Natalya applied the Sharpshooter on Lee. AJ tapped out and Natalya released the hold. There was some confusion as apparently the referee was distracted. Natalya went over and held the referee’s hand for a second, presumably expecting him to raise . She reapplied the hold and Lee tapped again to end the match. Langston struck Khali from behind and then threw Hornswoggle down, but Khali recovered and chopped Langston…
The Great Khali and Natalya beat Big E Langston and AJ Lee in 3:45.
A shot aired of Vince McMahon walking backstage… [C]
Vince came to the ring and set up a replay of the Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett finish. Back live, he called out Brad Maddox, who was still wearing his referee gear. Vince asked Maddox why he appointed himself the special referee of the match. Maddox said Bryan’s matches tend to get out of hand and he thought the WWE Universe would appreciate a referee with the guts to make the right decision. Vince said Maddox would surely admit it was a fast count.
[Q5] Maddox said he was excited because it was the first time he has worn a referee shirt in awhile. He said it was not intentional and he did the best he could. Vince said everyone makes a mistake. Maddox said he would like a second chance. He asked Vince to name him the referee for the John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan match at SummerSlam.
Vince asked the fans if they want to see Maddox be the referee. The crowd was against the idea. Vince asked Maddox if he would call it down the middle and get over any preconceived notions about Bryan being a dwarf. Vince made Bryan say he would be impartial. He asked him to cross his heart and give scout’s honor. Vince named Maddox the referee.
Triple H’s music played and he headed to the ring wearing a suit. Vince told Hunter that he didn’t want him out there to air more dirty laundry. Vince told the crowd not to inflate Triple H’s ego more than he already has. Triple H said he couldn’t hear Vince because 15,000 people were chanting his name.
Hunter said that because so much is on the line on Sunday, he agrees that Vince needs someone to call the match down the middle who has the guts to not be intimidated by anyone or anything. “I just don’t think you’re referring to Brad Maddox,” Hunter said. “It seems an awful lot like you’re referring to me.” Hunter kicked Maddox in the gut and gave him the Pedigree. Hunter’s music played as Vince angrily left the ring…
Cole hyped MizTV with Cena and Bryan for later in the show, and Lawler hyped the Punk vs. Lawler match… [C]
A video package focussed on the Kane vs. Bray Wyatt feud…
4. Kane vs. Titus O’Neil (w/Darren Young). Kane put Titus away with a chokeslam in a glorified squash match.
Kane pinned Titus O’Neil in 1:45.
[Q6] After the match, the Wyatt Family made their entrance. Bray Wyatt took his seat in the rocking chair. He blew out the electrical lantern, then Erick Rowan and Luke Harper went after Kane in the ring. However, Kane wasn’t in the ring. Kane was on the ramp behind Wyatt. Kane pumped his arms and the ring post pyro went off. Wyatt laughed while kneeling in front of the ring… [C]
An ad for Total Divas showed Natalya in her lingerie, and one of the Funkadactyls checking out breast implants… Backstage, Josh Mathews interviewed The Bella Twins. Josh aired footage from last week of Natalya slapping Brie across the face. The Bella Twins said they are in control of the Divas division.
Natalya showed up and challenged Brie to a singles match. She said Brie could bring Nikki and “the wannabe Jessica Rabbit” Eva Marie. Natalya said she would be bringing friends of her own. Cameron and Naomi showed up. Brie slapped Natalya, and the Funkadactyls held her back…
Footage aired of Alberto Del Rio attacking Ricardo Rodriguez last week…
5. World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston in a non-title match. A fan held up a sign that read “Ricardo Carried Del Rio.” Funny. At 4:15, Kingston went for the Trouble in Paradise kick, but Del Rio ducked it and performed a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
[Q7] Kingston came back with SOS for a two count. Kingston missed another Trouble in Paradise. He rolled up Del Rio for a good near fall. Kingston followed up with a kick in the corner and then springboarded onto Del Rio, who put his knees up upon impact. Del Rio applied the Cross Arm Breaker for the win…
Alberto Del Rio defeated Kofi Kingston via submission in a non-title match in 6:10.
A shot aired of Mark Henry backstage as Cole spoke of his chances in the 20-man battle royal for a U.S. Title shot… [C]
The announcers spoke about the Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian match and set up a video on Christian’s career…
Backstage, Renee Young interviewed Christian, who said the video reminded him of all the hard work he’s put in, especially with the injuries over the last couple years. He said it’s simple, he beats Del Rio and becomes champion for the third time. He said it will prove what he’s been saying is true, he just needs one more match. Del Rio showed up laughing at Christian and mocked him in Spanish…
Zeb Colter cut a promo as he led Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger to the ring. He said the Golden State looks like a rusted piece of scrap iron laying around in a junkyard. He complained that California has allowed 2.5 million illegal aliens to sneak across the border. He said his idea of a California dream is that an earthquake causes California to float out to the Pacific Ocean. He said there will be 2.5 million reasons why America will be a better place to live. He closed with the We The People line… [C]
[Q8] Cole hyped the SummerSlam press conference for Tuesday. We’ll have live coverage as it airs at 1:00 p.m. CT…
6. The Uso Brothers vs. Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro (w/Zeb Colter). Cole said this was the rubber match since the teams have traded wins. As Cole and Lawler were talking about Colter, JBL quipped that he looked like an uncle he used to have. Funny.
At 4:20, both Jimmy and Jey Uso dove over the top rope onto both opponents on the floor. Back inside the ring, one of the Usos was setting up for a top rope when Cesaro tried to push him off, only to have the other Uso superkick him. One of the Usos rolled up Swagger and got the pin for his team…
The Uso Brothers defeated Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro in 4:50.
Another teaser for MizTV was shown… [C]
[Q9] The Miz introduced Daniel Bryan and John Cena for MizTV. Once they made separate entrances, Miz asked what they thought about Triple H being the special referee. Bryan said he thinks it’s great that someone stood up to Vince and now they can have the match that the fans deserve. Cena, who was booed, said he can’t think of a better person to keep order in the main event.
Miz said it seemed like their friendly rivalry turned personal last week and questioned what his issues are with Bryan. Cena said it’s not like that. He said it’s about the WWE Championship. Cena said Bryan wants to be champion, and he is champion. Cena said he handpicked Bryan because he deserves the opportunity and will put up a hell of a fight.
Miz said “hell of a fight” is John Cena code for “you’re going to lose.” Miz said it’s obvious that Cena doesn’t respect Bryan and wants to ride his wave of popularity. Bryan said it’s obvious that if Miz doesn’t shut his mouth, he would punch him in the face. The live crowd gave that the Yes! treatment.
Bryan addressed Cena by saying that it bothers him that Cena says he will put up a hell of a fight as if that’s the best he can do. Cena tried to speak, but Bryan sternly told him not to interrupt him. Bryan recalled Cena making “explosive remarks” last week that got the fans on their feet. “Whether they were cheering you or booing you, that’s a totally different subject,” Bryan said.
Bryan said Cena grabbed the spotlight when the red light was on last week. He said that’s why he doesn’t watch television. He said Cena and people like him are more style than substance who are in it for the fame and the glory, not in it for the wrestling. More Yes! chants. Bryan pointed to his “The Beard is Here” shirt and said that it’s a parody of Cena’s shirt because he thinks Cena is a parody of wrestling.
Bryan said he’s not in it for the fame or the glory. He said he wants to prove that there’s nobody better than Daniel Bryan. Cena took his shirt off and then stopped and looked down at it for a second.
“You almost got me,” Cena said. “A parody, that’s strong. That’s real strong. Daniel, I’m not a parody, the reason I’m out here, regardless of what you think, is the same reason you are out here. All of this. All of this. And I thought you would be smart enough to understand that.”
Cena pointed to the fans chanting yes and no and said they believe in him. Cena said that when you hear that, it empowers you and gives you emotion. He said it makes you want to get in the ring and put your body on the line to say I believe in you as much as you believe in me.
Cena looked down at his shirt and said that saying it’s just like a t-shirt is like saying the American flag is just cloth. He said he fights for the fans who are loyal to him because they are loyal to him. Cena said Bryan had gall to call him a parody. Cena mentioned “We’ve Cena Nuff” and “Five Moves of Doom” and said Bryan’s not the first guy to say he’s everything that’s wrong.
Cena said he’s shown up everyday for the last 12 years and busted his ass. Cena said he doesn’t do it for people like Bryan who don’t respect him. He said he does it for the kid in the front row and his dad. He brought up a Make-A-Wish kid named Dakota that he met earlier in the day whose father thanked him for the hope and inspiration.
Cena said Bryan should be proud of what he’s done in WWE, but he should also know that he is proud of what he’s done in WWE and what he’s become. Cena said he’s spent the last 12 years wrestling around the world. “Sometimes they cheer, sometimes they boo, but I have stood in for a dozen years in front of some of the most hostile environments.” Cena encouraged Bryan to think of him as a parody and a joke.
“Please think that about me, because that’s what every one of your peers has though about me and I have beaten them all,” he said. Cena mentioned beating Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Batista, Randy Orton, C.M. Punk, and The Rock. Bryan said Cena was talking about those wrestlers like they are so much better than him. “They are!” one guy yelled.
[Q10] Cena said he hopes Bryan is on his way, but right now he doesn’t belong in that class. Cena told Bryan that if he’s good enough to hold the gold on Sunday, then and only then will he earn his respect. Bryan said Cena spelled it out. “You don’t respect me,” Bryan said. “Not only that, you are not treating this like you treated your matches with Shawn Michaels or The Rock because you respected those men.”
Bryan said Cena has held the WWE Championship eleven times. He said there’s no way Cena can understand how badly he wants to hold the title just once. Bryan said that for Cena, it’s just another SummerSlam. “But for me it’s the biggest match of my life,” he said.
Bryan said he learned a custom in Japan to fire someone up and to light that spark from one wrestler to another so that they would bring everything they have to a fight. He said the custom is to slap a wrestler in the face as hard as you can. “You know, I wish so bad that I could do that you right now, but I can’t, because you’re not a wrestler and you don’t deserve it,” he said.
Cena pushed a chair of the set over and called for Bryan to slap him. Cena then slapped Bryan across the face. “Come on,” Cena called. However, Bryan told him that he doesn’t deserve it. Triple H’s music played and he walked to the ring and smiled as he stood between the two. Hunter spoke to Cena, then approached Bryan. Randy Orton’s music played and he walked onto the stage with the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. Orton held up the briefcase as the trio in the ring watched…
Fandango and Summer Rae came out for a dance contest with R-Truth. Fandango ended up taking a cheap shot at Truth, who then cleared him from the ring. Fandango laid on his back on the floor and said, “It’s Fandango.” JBL questioned whether there was a match and then who won the dance contest. Cole said there was no match and that obviously Truth won…
Billy Madison’s Principal’s POV: Everyone watching Raw is now dumber for having watched that. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
A shot aired of Ryback walking backstage. Cole hyped the battle royal and said the winner of it would challenge Dean Ambrose for the U.S. Title in the SummerSlam kickoff match… [C]
[Q11] Backstage, Paul Heyman was taping up his hands while Curtis Axel asked if he was nervous. “I think I’m having second thoughts about this,” Heyman said…
Ring entrances for the battle royal were held. The participants who were given entrances prior to the break were Rob Van Dam, Brodus Clay, Tensai, Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, and Ryback… [C]
7. A 20-man battle royal for a U.S. Title shot. The other participants were Mark Henry, who received a televised entrance, Wade Barrett, Titus O’Neil, Jack Swagger, Antonio Cesaro, R-Truth, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Great Khali, Fandango, Justin Gabriel, Kofi Kingston. Ryback eliminated Gabriel about 30 seconds in, then face-palmed Darren Young over the top rope. Tensai and one of the Uso brothers were out next.
A punch punch here, and a kick kick there. Here a punch. There a kick. Everywhere a punch and kick. R-Truth eliminated Fandango. Fandango then eliminated Truth when he headed back inside the ring. RVD tossed Fandango back to the floor. [C]
[Q12] The match came down to Henry, Ryback, Kofi Kingston, Rob Van Dam, Jack Swagger, Antonio Cesaro, and Wade Barrett. The Real Americans went after Kingston. Kingston had a good showing before being eliminated. RVD and Henry took a beating from two heels each in different corners. The Real Americans tried to pick up Henry, but he overpowered them and eliminated them both at the same time.
Henry clotheslined Barrett and tossed him over the top to eliminate him. Ryback and Henry squared off while RVD was on the ring apron. Henry managed to set Ryback on the ring apron. RVD kicked Ryback, then Henry knocked him to the floor. The match came down to Henry and RVD and the crowd really came to life.
RVD caught Henry with a kick and went to the top rope. Henry bumped into the ropes and RVD fell to the ring apron. Henry charged toward RVD, who held down the ropes, causing Henry to tumble to the floor.
Rob Van Dam won a 20-man battle royal in 14:00 to earn a U.S. Title shot at SummerSlam.
After the match, Henry entered the ring while RVD was celebrating. Henry and RVD bumped fists. Henry started to leave the ring when The Shield’s music played. Henry stuck around while RVD stood in the ring and used his fingers to assess that three men is more than two men. Really. A loud RVD chant broke out.
Big Show’s music played. A trimmer looking Big Show headed to the ring and joined RVD and Henry inside the ring. The Shield ended up bolting rather than enter the ring to face the trio… The announcers hyped Punk vs. Heyman for after the break… [C]
[Overrun] Paul Heyman was introduced for the match with C.M. Punk. Heyman was introduced as being from Scarsdale, New York. He came out wearing dress clothes with his hands taped. He took the mic and said CM Punk’s name a few times. He said Punk’s worshipers were calling for their hero. Heyman said he doesn’t blame Punk for everything that’s happened, he blames every single member of the WWE Universe.
Heyman said Punk used to live for his respect, love, acceptance, adulation, and affirmation. He said Punk now lives for the acceptance of the fans. He said he takes it very personally that the fans took Punk away from him. “So tonight, I take your worship of your hero away from you,” Heyman said. He said all he’s heard all week is that he was setting a trap for Punk.
Heyman mocked the fans by questioning if they figured it all out on their own. “Do you really think that your imaginations compare to mine?” he asked. He said it’s a conspiracy that he didn’t come up with all by himself. Heyman introduced his coconspirator and best friend, Brock Lesnar. Lesnar made his entrance and joined Heyman inside the ring.
Heyman set up a video package that showed Lesnar getting the better of Punk during their past brawls. Both men smiled once the video was finished. “Okay, so now that you know it’s a trap, maybe it’s time we clue you in on what this trap is,” Heyman said. He credited Lesnar for coming up with the idea and said it’s so sinister, insidious, and purely evil. Heyman said he would fight Punk if Punk would fight him and Lesnar in a handicap match.
Heyman said all Punk has to do is play the hero. “But all heroes are stupid, aren’t they?” he asked. He said they have no other option in life, whereas Punk has a choice in that he simply has to disappoint each and every one of the fans so that he can live to fight another day at SummerSlam. Heyman demanded Punk’s answer. “Are you going to be the smart coward or are you going to play the stupid hero?”
A C.M. Punk chant broke out and then his music played. As Lesnar and Heyman looked at the stage, Punk emerged from the other side of the ring and blasted Lesnar with a camera to the head. Lesnar rolled outside the ring as the fans chanted Punk’s name again. Punk performed a suicide dive onto Lesnar.
Punk grabbed a chair and slammed it over the back of Lesnar twice. Heyman called for Brock to get up. Punk went after Lesnar and chased him up the stage. Curtis Axel ran out to intervene, but Punk jabbed him int he gut with the chair and then slammed him into the lighted section of the stage. Punk picked up Axel and gave him the GTS while a dazed Lesnar watched from ringside. The crowd chanted Punk’s name and he held out his arms. “I am the best in the world,” Punk yelled.
-Following Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, where new matches and stipulations were added to WWE SummerSlam, here is a revised look at this Sunday’s pay-per-view lineup:
WWE SummerSlam PPV Kickoff Show
-Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Rob Van Dam [WWE United States Championship]
-An All-Star panel featuring WWE Hall Of Famers Shawn Michaels and Booker T, along with WWE Diva and Total Divas reality show star Natalya.
WWE SummerSlam PPV
-John Cena (c) vs. Daniel Bryan [WWE Tite Match w/ Special Referee: Triple H]
-Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Christian [World Heavyweight Championship]
-Bray Wyatt vs. Kane [Ring Of Fire Match]*
-CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) [The Best vs. The Beast]
-Damien Sandow vs. Cody Rhodes
-Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn vs. Big E. Langston & AJ Lee
-Brie Bella vs. Natalya
* – It was made clear by the RAW commentary team of JBL, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Michael Cole that the “Ring Of Fire” match will end via pinfall or submission. In the past, you must catch your opponent on fire to win. However, that is the difference between an “Inferno Match” and a “Ring Of Fire” match.
-Also, it’s worth noting that Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns issued a challenge to any team to face them for their WWE Tag-Team Championships at SummerSlam. With Big Show returning to in-ring action at Sunday’s live event in Oakland, and returning to WWE television on RAW and facing off with Mark Henry, it’s possible the duo of Show and Henry will respond to the challenge on WWE SmackDown this week.
Make sure to check back here at SESCOOPS.COM on Tuesday evening for live WWE SmackDown spoilers to find out the final touches to this Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view lineup.
It was announced on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW that the winner of a 20-man Battle Royal match would earn the right to challenge WWE United States Champion and leader of The Shield, Dean Ambrose, at Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. Later, it was announced that the title bout would be the featured match on the SummerSlam Kickoff Pre-Show.
Rob Van Dam won the Battle Royal on RAW, which means you can officially pencil in Rob Van Dam vs. Dean Ambrose for the WWE United States Championship this Sunday during the SummerSlam Kickoff pay-per-view pre-show.
Also announced for the Kickoff show, as we reported earlier, is a panel featuring WWE Hall Of Famers Shawn Michaels and Booker T, along with WWE Diva and Total Divas star Natalya, who will also compete against Brie Bella in a Divas match on the show.
It was announced on WWE RAW that Brie Bella would take on Natalya in a Divas singles match at Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. All of the girls from the Total Divas reality show will be at ringside for the match.
Also announced on RAW on Monday night was the addition of Triple H as the special guest referee for the John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan WWE Championship main event.
– The entire cast of Total Divas will be appearing on The Soup on E! this Wednesday to promote Sunday’s Summerslam PPV.
– The following matches were taped prior to RAW for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Kaitlyn vs. Tamina
* Zack Ryder vs Heath Slater
– WWE Hall of Famers Shawn Michaels and Booker T and Total Divas star Natalya will be hosting the SummerSlam kickoff show this Sunday.
* Backstage News On How VINCE McMAHON Will Screw Daniel Bryan This Sunday At SummerSlam
-According to reports, the elbow injury that current WWE Champion John Cena showed off on RAW a few weeks ago is worse than the company, and Cena himself, is leading fans to believe. While the exact severity of the injury is unclear, it is apparently a pretty serious injury.
-On a recent edition of the Conan O’Brien show, WWE Superstars The Wyatt Family were the focus of a comedy skit. The joke was something along the lines of ZZ Top doing something with pro wrestling and ducks.
-Apparently every show on the upcoming Jim Ross speaking tour in the United Kingdom is sold out, with the only exception being the show scheduled in Manchester.
HUGE Update On John Cena’s Injury, Kurt Angle’s Rehab Status + MORE!
[Credit: F4WOnline.com]
– WWE WrestleMania 29 has been nominated for two SportsTravel awards, in the “Best Professional Sporting Event” and “Sports Event of the Year” categories. Voting is underway here.
The SportsTravel Awards will be presented at the TEAMS ’13 Conference & Expo, November 4–7, in Salt Lake City.
– WWE announcer Michael Cole will be joining JBL as they attempt to climb Middle Palisades Mountain later this week. In a blog at Layfieldreport.com, Cole says that he will have a “big announcement” if he successfully completes the climb.
* Backstage News On How VINCE McMAHON Will Screw Daniel Bryan This Sunday At SummerSlam
-WWE announced that Total Divas star Jo Jo Offerman will be signing the National Anthem at this Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. “I really feel so so blessed. I actually want to scream!” JoJo told WWE.com. “I feel blessed to even be considered to sing the National Anthem, especially for such a big event like SummerSlam.” For more information, visit WWE.com.
-Speaking of Total Divas, the phrase “Total Divas” trended worldwide on Twitter throughout Sunday night and into early Monday morning.
-WWE Champion John Cena officially signed up for an Instagram account. Cena told his fans on Twitter on Sunday night that he would be joining the social media platform, and on Monday posted his first photo. Cena tweeted, “Just posted a photo http://instagram.com/p/c7f42MmKNu/
Huge *SPOILERS* For This Season Of Total Divas + NEW SummerSlam Matches!
WWE officially filed a document with the SEC on Monday to announce their plans to finance a new corporate jet.
According to the document, which was filed on August 7th, WWE has created a subsidiary, “WWE Jet Services, Inc.” to enter into a Loan & Aircraft Security Agreement with RBS Asset Finance for a $31.56 million loan.
The plan calls for quarterly payments of $405,458 until the seven-year loan expires on August 7, 2020.
The agreement includes notes about WWE’s use of the corporate jet. For example, WWE is not permitted to use the jet as a taxi service, or fly the jet in restricted airspace.
It was also revealed that the primary hangar location will be the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.
Listed as the executor of the agreement on behalf of “WWE Jet Services, Inc.” is WWE CFO George Barrios.
WWE is listed as the corporate guarantor of the loan.
You can read the document filed with the SEC online at IR.Corporate.WWE.com.
-Lex Luger’s new autobiography, “Wrestling With The Devil,” will be released on Tuesday. The forward for the book is written by Luger’s long time friend and fellow wrestler, Steve Borden, aka “Sting.”
-Recently released TNA Impact Wrestling star Jesse Sorensen posted a new tweet on his official Twitter account on Monday updating fans on the status of his neck. Sorensen wrote, “Just received amazing news from the MRI my neck is 100% & is not at risk of being re injured! Time to make this dream really come true!”
SESCOOPS.COM reader Marc Kruskol from MJK Public Relations sent along the following:
Christopher Daniels was interviewed by Greg Bicouvaris / “Sports Scene” on 1490 AM and 102.1TheGame.com in Virginia Beach, VA. You can listen here (at 41:40): http://stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=100&c=845&f=1727941
SESCOOPS.COM reader Dory Funk sent along the following:
On the set of !BANG! TV, Dory Funk Jr. and Jerry Brisco pull out the Record Book to help decide, “Who is the best team in professional wrestling, The Funks or the Briscos?”
The record book includes famous matches from around the world including St. Louis, Greensboro North Carolina, Japan, Puerto Rico, Tampa Florida, Oklahoma and The Great State of Texas.
Both agree Funk vs Brisco were the hottest brother combination in wrestling but the conversation turns competitive regarding, “Who is Best.”
Watch Dory Funk and Jerry Brisco “Who is Best?” below:
Tammy Sytch recently posted a series of tweets updating fans on the drama surrounding her personal life as of late.
In response to a fan mocking Sytch for her legal situation and the drama stemming from her relationship to independent pro wrestler Damien Darling, Sytch wrote, “[I’m] not ashamed to have gone to jail. when you beat the ass of the fiancee who cheats, you earn the ass kicking. I did my time…not ashamed in the least bit. It was a great learning experience and I am grateful for going through it. I learned about life, and had the time to pen my book, will be huge!”
Sytch continued to respond to fans. This time, Sytch talked about her case, where she was arrested multiple times for violating an order of protection against Darling. Sytch wrote, “The judge was on my side. thats why I wasn’t convicted or sentenced. I was there awaiting trial..and when the judge saw it my way, I was released. No parole, no probation, because she knew I wasn’t wrong. Maybe you should learn your facts before you talk about them. Court continuances and attorney changes are the only reasons I was there for 4 months. This was the same judge that [Darling] begged to have the protective order lifted in front of just 20 short days before my arrest that put me in jail. She knew he was full of sh** with the call on the PFA. Go to law school, do some research, then talk to me…until then…buh bye.”
After the fan kept at it, pointing out how many times Sytch had been arrested in recent months, Sytch replied by saying, “Read the book dear. I know you will. enjoy..ill sign you a copy :) and yes it was 6 times, love it. Read the book. Get the facts. Who calls the cops over an argument 20 days after proposing marriage? Not normal, stable people. Only the kind that I dealt with can you say “bi-polar”? an adult who cant have an adult argument is a straight up pu**y, when they have to get the cops involved,. Its fine tho, it really is. Karma is a mother f**king bitch. buh bye now.”
At this point, Darling was brought into the mix. Darling wrote, “Mental illness isn’t anyone’s fault, treatment however should be sort for, that is your responsibility. Get well.”
Darling then directed a comment towards Sytch herself, disagreeing with her side of the story. Darling wrote, “Her account of what happened is sooo inaccurate and out there, I’m actually worried about her….not worried worried, but like damn girl pull it together.”
It wasn’t over yet. Sytch responded to Darling’s comment, making accusations about supposed drug use and remarks about Darling’s current girlfriend. Darling responded to that by saying, “Enough! Not every relationship has to end in wars like your relationships Tammy.”
Next up was Sytch posting alleged text messages that supposedly proved Darling was still trying to be a part of Sytch’s life. This led to Sytch and Darling’s current girlfriend arguing back and forth. Sytch concluded by saying to Darling’s current girlfriend, “I’m done. I dont fight with words. Show up at one of my shows, then we’ll discuss it.”
Darling posted one final comment as well, in response to fans who were knocking Sytch on the social media platform. Darling concluded by saying, “You’re not going to get any hateful comments from me, I really wish Tammy well. Shes not right.”
Follow Tammy “Sunny” Sytch on Twitter @WWEHOFerSunny.
Follow independent pro wrestler Damien Darling on Twitter @DamienDarling.
After a few changes to the scheduled TNA Hardcore Justice edition of Impact Wrestling, scheduled to air live this Thursday night on Spike TV, here is a revised look at the official lineup for the show.
TNA Hardcore Justice
-Chris Sabin (c) vs. Bully Ray [TNA World Title Steel Cage Match]
-Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles vs. Austin Aries vs. Kazarian [Ladder Match For 20 BFG Series Points]
-Magnus vs. Samoa Joe vs. Bobby Roode vs. Mr. Anderson [Tables Match For 20 BFG Series Points]
-Mickie James & Gail Kim vs. Velvet Sky & ODB [TNA Knockouts Tornado Tag-Team Match]
As noted earlier, the scheduled main event featuring five members of the Main Event Mafia group challenging five members of the Aces & 8’s group, where the man to take the pin in the match must leave TNA for good, has been moved to the August 22nd edition of Impact Wrestling. The 8/22 show will be taped immediately following the live airing of the Hardcore Justice themed show this Thursday night.
TNA president Dixie Carter revealed in a new tweet posted on her official Twitter account on Monday the postponement of the scheduled main event for the Hardcore Justice edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV this Thursday.
Originally scheduled was a five-on-five main event, featuring five members of the Main Event Mafia group challenging five members of the Aces & 8’s. The stipulation was whoever took the pinfall in the match would be forced to leave TNA for good.
Carter noted that “after meeting with Hulk Hogan,” the match has been postponed until the August 22nd edition of Impact Wrestling.
The 8/22 edition of Impact Wrestling will be taped following the live airing of the Hardcore Justice themed show on Thursday.
Dixie’s official tweet read:
“After meeting with @HulkHogan, due to circumstances beyond our control – @TheAcesAnd8s vs. Mafia 5 on 5 match is delayed until 8/22 Impact.”
The following are highlights from a recent WWE.com interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels. The interview focuses on HBK’s former student, Daniel Bryan.
On whether or not he saw Daniel Bryan having a future in WWE due to his size: “I always tried to be honest with him. I knew he was talented. And I knew he was going to face the same uphill battle that every guy his size does, myself included, and it was simply a matter of if he had the patience and the ability to adjust in areas where other people thought he needed to adjust — as far as personality, character, things of that nature.
“I saw him as a young man who had a very good blueprint for how he wanted to work out his career as far as the order in which he wanted to progress, which was learning his in-ring skills and honing them to a point where he felt very secure in his ability and could then build on that incredibly solid foundation. And he was always very open and excited. It certainly wasn’t very tough to get him to go to Japan the first time. When that opportunity came, he was still at our school. I knew he was one of the guys that we wanted to send and he was thrilled about it and he fell in love with it. I think that was one of his building blocks, certainly, in establishing the phenomenal in-ring ability that he has today.”
On his work prior to WWE in Japan and Ring Of Honor: “Well, I kept up a little bit with the things in Japan. I would get updates on him from guys I corresponded with, and then certainly when I came back to work in WWE on a full-time basis, I always heard things through the grapevine. Then, obviously, he came in on a number of occasions for tryouts. And through, again, other guys in the locker room, I always heard how he was progressing in Ring of Honor.
“But honestly, I was never really concerned about checking up on him. In my opinion, I knew it was only a matter of time. Every time he came in for a tryout, so to speak, I would ask him how it went and then I would sort of say, ’It’s really up to you whenever you want to leave what you’re doing and come here. And when you come here, it will still be an uphill battle.’ Not to imply in any way, shape or form that I called him years ago and I take any credit for anything, because I don’t.”
Check out the complete interview online at WWE.com.
You can officially pencil in a Tables Match for the Hardcore Justice edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV this Thursday night.
The match will feature Main Event Mafia members Samoa Joe and Magnus taking on the duo of Aces & 8’s member Mr. Anderson and E.G.O. member Bobby Roode. 20 points in the Bound For Glory Series tournament will be at stake.
This means Joe, Magnus and Anderson will be working double-duty on the show, as they are all scheduled to take part in the five-on-five main event, where the wrestler who gets pinned must leave TNA Impact Wrestling for good.
As noted earlier, 2K Sports announced that WWE2K14 will feature a “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode. With that announcement, several new playable characters were revealed for the game.
Here’s an updated look at the WWE 2K14 roster:
* Andre The Giant
* Dolph Ziggler
* Hulk Hogan
* Hollywood Hulk Hogan
* JBL
* John Cena
* “Macho Man” Randy Savage
* The Rock
* The Rock (Retro)
* Ryback
* Shawn Michaels
* “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
* The Ultimate Warrior
* Undertaker
* Undertaker (American Badass)
-While details aren’t exactly clear at this point, the reason John Cena missed the WWE live event in Oakland, California on Sunday night was because of transportation issues.
As noted, the fans in Oakland were offered refunds due to Cena’s absence.
-Due to the fact that WWE Divas will be part of the already scheduled mixed-tag match for the SummerSlam pay-per-view (Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn vs. Big E. Langston & AJ Lee), it is likely that the Maria Menounos and Natalya vs. Brie Bella and a mystery partner (or Nikki Bella, if she is cleared in time) match will be on the PPV kick-off show.
There is a good chance that the Menounos match will be mentioned on RAW at some point tonight.
[Credit: F4WOnline.com]
– WWE has announced that there will be a SummerSlam press conference on Tuesday at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California. The event will take place at 11 a.m. (local time) and will be streamed live on WWE.com.
The event will be hosted by Michael Cole and will include appearances by Alberto Del Rio, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, John Cena, Daniel Bryan, and C.M. Punk.
– Following the Big Show’s return to action at Sunday’s WWE live event form Oakland, California, it’s expected that Big Show & Mark Henry will face The Shield at Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view.
* BIG News Headed Into Tonight’s RAW, Plans for THE SHIELD vs. The WYATT FAMILY
Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.
The only match confirmed for tonight’s show will see CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman. Punk’s SummerSlam opponent, Brock Lesnar, is scheduled to appear as well.
WWE.com’s 5-point preview is focusing on the following items:
* Expect Heyman to throw some kind of curveball to weaken Punk further before he steps into the ring with Lesnar on Sunday.
* Can Kane rediscover his old, sadistic ways in time for Sunday’s Ring of Fire match against Bray Waytt? And even if so, will it be too little, too late?
* Without a match at SummerSlam, The Shield could strike tonight.
* The next chapter in the ongoing John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan feud – and how Randy Orton and Vince McMahon will be involved.
* Triple H will continue to keep Vince McMahon out of the WWE Title match at SummerSlam.
The advertised dark match main event for the live crowd will see John Cena and CM Punk teaming up against The Shield.
* BIG News Headed Into Tonight’s RAW, Plans for THE SHIELD vs. The WYATT FAMILY
WWE Tag Team champion Roman Reigns of The Shield recently spoke with Triblive.com to promote Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
His Wrestling Heritage (The Rock, Yokozuna, Umaga & More):
“I come from very strong family. My heritage is strong within this business. I was gifted with a certain set of genetics. I’m athletic. I like to think I’m not a bad looking guy. One of the jokes we always talk about, as long as I can put a little oil on my arms, wet my hair and I’ll be alright.”
The Shield’s Debut in WWE Last Year:
“’It was pretty much unexpected. I heard some rumors we would possibly do something at Hell in a Cell. That kind of folded. We waited a few weeks to get to Survivor Series. Once we got the green light, we just kicked the door down.”
Working With Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.
“’Being paired up with them has been an awesome experience. For me, I don’t even feel like I’m scratching the surface yet. I’m just now starting to let my hair down,’ said Reigns. “
WWE Superstar CM Punk did a Q&A session with fans at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con event over the weekend. Here’s a recap:
– CM Punk brought out over a dozen pizza pies for the audience.
– Punk hyped his match with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam and said he’s not scared of “The Beast.” After he’s done with Lesnar and Heyman – he plans on going after the WWE Championship again.
– When asked who he wants to feud with, he named United States Champion Dean Ambrose. He also put over the other members of The Shield as well as Antonio Cesaro.
– When asked if he has any interest in wrestling an Ultimate X match in TNA, he said no.
– When asked about his favorite favorite horror movies, he named Halloween and The Marine 3.
