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Rey Mysterio Determined To Come Back Strong, WWE Relying Heavily On Randy Orton, Battleground

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– Following a lengthy string of injuries, Rey Mysterio is nearly recovered as he is hopeful to return to the squared circle by the end of October. The former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion is said to be determined to return strong and prove he is still as good as he was in 2007 and 2008.

– Whether he’s WWE Champion or not, Randy Orton is figured heavily into creative’s storyline plans through WrestleMania XXX.

– This Sunday, Dolph Ziggler takes on Damien Sandow in the free WWE Battleground Kickoff when it streams live at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. The official YouTube account of WWE released the following video hyping the encounter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkLX4t34jJI

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Update On Vince McMahon’s Return To Television, Big E’ Recent Struggles

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– With Monday’s Raw drawing one of its worst ratings figures since 1997 (a 2.68 cable rating, with an average of 3.58 million viewers over the course of the show), there are people within WWE speculating that Vince McMahon will resurface on television sooner rather than later. As of one week ago, creative plans called for the Chairman to return sometime in November.

However, in recent days, there has been talk that his return may be pushed forward, perhaps as early as this Monday’s episode of Raw.

– Since breaking up with AJ Lee following SummerSlam, Big E Langston has largely floundered in WWE. In large part, this is being attributed to the absence of John Cena, who is considered his number-one supporter in the organization.

– WWE Hall of Famers Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk are returning to Japan. Dory revealed this bit of news on Twitter, but did not elaborate further.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Stephanie McMahon Sells Even More WWE Stock, WWE Looking To Hire New V.P.

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-Stephanie McMahon is at it again. McMahon converted 505,000 shares of Class B stock into Class A stock, and then sold approximately 47,000 shares. For more information, visit ir.corporate.wwe.com.

-WWE is looking to hire a Vice President of Digital Video Strategy. For more information on the position and the requirements, visit careers-wwecorp.icims.com.

-WWE is also looking to hire a Creative Director of Network Promotions, who will be responsible for, among other duties, “Definition and creation of the new WWE Network’s brand identity, positioning, and promotions.” For more information on this position, visit careers-wwecorp.icims.com.

VINCE MCMAHON On Raw THIS MONDAY + Dusty PISSES OFF Stephanie At RAW [>>]

Jim Ross Blog: Rhodes Family, Bryan, Battleground, RAW Announcers, Autobiography

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The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On the Rhodes Family storyline: “Loved the Rhodes Family in ring interaction Monday night and am amazed at how it is to still easy to create a meaningful, personal issue if it is largely based on logical and common sense.”

“This vehicle will hopefully elevate Cody Rhodes to the next level when all is said and done and I expect Sunday’s tag bout vs. The Shield to be really good. If it isn’t, then all involved have missed a great opportunity. The table is set.”

On wanting Daniel Bryan to win at WWE Battleground: “I saw an online poll where 70+% of those voting hope that Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Title Sunday. I’d agree. The underdog can only remain an unsuccessful underdog for so long until the fan base begins to slowly migrate away and to someone who they feel can achieve the success the fans crave.”

“No one in the biz is better at this time, bell to bell, than Daniel Bryan plus his promo work has greatly improved over his tenure in WWE. Bryan’s time is now, to steal a phrase from John Cena.”

On Sunday’s WWE Battleground PPV: “Perhaps Sunday will be a PPV that WWE performers will enhance their own professional sense of urgency and raise their games no matter their role or the time in which they have to appear on the main stage. I’d like to see more talents take a firmer grasp on the ownership of their own personas and, please, don’t tell me that has every thing to do with their ‘push.’ It doesn’t.”

“WWE Battleground Sunday on PPV is a crucial event for WWE to build momentum and to forward some very crucial storylines. Next up then is the Survivor Series and then it will be Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 30 before you know it. It’s crunch time for game planning.”

On the current WWE RAW announce team: “I have great admiration for the RAW announce team, they are all men that I respect and consider to be friends. Michael Cole does what few men, if any, in the lead role could do in today’s world of sports entertainment. Cole’s responsibility to decimate info and the amount of info is startling. Could JBL be more of an antagonist? John could for my taste but John is a great addition to the broadcast team with his intelligent and topical references. The King is The King….a WWE HOFer. However, when these men are encouraged to talk about matters that are unrelated to any significant to what I’m seeing on the screen it becomes a disconnect for me. If I am watching the TV and my eyes are processing what I am seeing but audibly I am hearing another story then which source of info do I process and retain?”

“I know times have changed since my ‘heyday’ but I feel, rightly or wrongly, that some fundamental matters don’t change. When the video and the audio combine to create that memorable ‘tag team,’ then a sports entertainment/pro wrestling broadcast creates ‘moments’ and lasting memories. Actually that goes for any entity including NFL and UFC.”

On Joey Styles’ appearance on the Steve Austin podcast: “The Steve Austin podcast with Joey Styles is very good. I’d strongly suggest that you check it out. Steve’s podcasts are one of the highlights of my week. If you haven’t checked them out you’re missing out on some great stuff. Joe was really entertaining on part one of his time with Austin. Steve’s interview skills are evolving excellently.”

On writing an autobiography: “Beginning to go through years and years of notes, especially from my time with Bill Watts and in WWE as I casually prepare to think ‘autobiography.’ This book getting done is largely dependent on the ‘Deal’ and me having the final say on the edit. I never realized that I had SO many notes from meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc so I assume that me being a ‘data hoarder’ isn’t such a bad thing now. Many yellow, legal pads to sift through.”

Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.

Update On JR’s Future In Wrestling, Undertaker’s Return & TONS MORE [>>]

Sean Waltman Reaches Out To Lamar Odom About His Drug Addiction

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Former WWE Superstar Sean “X-Pac” Waltman recently reached out to NBA star Lamar Odom regarding a TMZ report where the basketball player claimed he could beat addiction without the assistance of rehab.

Waltman took to Twitter to share his feelings on the subject:

https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/385680504449957888

https://twitter.com/therealxpac/status/385682707327778817

https://twitter.com/therealxpac/status/385684648904630272

Dusty PISSES Stephanie Off At RAW (Full Story) + UNDERTAKER WWE Return Update [>>]

Mark Henry Update: WWE Return Pushed Back Again, Injury Update & More

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There is still no definite word as to when WWE Superstar Mark Henry will be making his return to WWE television.

As noted in the past, Henry suffered a hamstring injury while doing a run-in at a non-televised WWE live event in Boston. After an initial exam revealed that Henry’s injuries weren’t serious, and that he was cleared to return, a follow-up exam revealed more problems.

As of right now, Henry is scheduled for an additional exam at the end of October to see how his injury is progressing.

HUGE Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + MAJOR WWE Battleground *SPOILERS*

[Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

Stacy Keibler Considering A WWE Return?, Updates To WWE 2K14 Roster

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-Take this for what it’s worth, especially considering the source, but The National Enquirer recently ran a story that claimed former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler would consider a return to WWE if the financial offer was right. The story notes that Keibler misses the spotlight now that she and her former A-list celebrity boyfriend, George Clooney, are no longer an item.

-WWE has made some updates and adjustments to the official roster for the new WWE 2K14 video game. Fans interested in checking that out can do so online at WWE.2K.com.

MORE On Stacy Keibler/WWE Return + Dusty PISSES OFF Steph At RAW [>>]

Dusty Rhodes Upsets Stephanie McMahon During Recent WWE RAW Appearances

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WWE Hall Of Famer Dusty Rhodes is famous for going to the ring and cutting promos completely on his own, without the use of a pre-written script by the WWE creative team. Apparently, this style has caused some friction backstage recently.

On recent editions of WWE RAW, Dusty was cutting promos without a script, and even cut Stephanie McMahon off a few times, to the displeasure of the bosses daughter.

Additionally, Dusty did the dreaded “face-palm” to Stephanie during a recent promo, which was also something that was not scripted. Stephanie apparently had no idea it was coming, and was not happy about it at all.

HUGE Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + MAJOR WWE Battleground *SPOILERS*

[Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

More Details On John Cena Appearing At Wizard World Comic-Con In November

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Wizard World recently issued the following:

Stan Lee, Norman Reedus, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, William Shatner, Scott Bakula Among Top Celebrity Guests at Wizard World Austin Comic Con, November 22-24

Stan Lee, Norman Reedus, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, William Shatner and Scott Bakula are among the top celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Austin Comic Con, Nov. 22-24 at Austin Convention Center. Bruce Campbell, Erica Durance, Jewel Staite, Ralph Macchio, and top comics creators also highlight the pop culture festival.

Austin, TX, October 03, 2013 –(PR.com)– Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee, Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” WWE® Superstar John Cena® and “Star Trek” captains William Shatner and Scott Bakula are among the top celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Austin Comic Con, November 22-24 at the Austin Convention Center Center. The standout roster will also include Bruce Campbell of Evil Dead, Erica Durance of “Smallville” and “Saving Hope,” Jewel Staite of “Firefly,” The Karate Kid Ralph Macchio and many others. It is the eighth and final event in the 2013 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

Lee and Shatner will both appear on Friday evening, Nov. 22, and all day Saturday, Nov. 23. Reedus, Bakula, Durance and Staite are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24. Campbell and Cena will be on site on Saturday only, and Macchio will attend all three days.

Additionally, all full price attendees will receive a free copy of the Exclusive Variant Cover of The Walking Dead #1 comic, available only at Wizard World Austin Comic Con.

Superstar comics creators scheduled to attend include Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Greg Capullo (“Batman,” “Spawn”), Mark Bagley (“Fantastic Four,” “Utimate Spider-Man”), Kenneth Rocafort (“Superman,” “Action Comics”), Barry Kitson (“Thor,” “Iron Man,), Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Green Lantern”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), “Zombie King” Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Daredevil”).

Other celebrities on the Austin Comic Con roster include Ian Ziering (Sharknado, “Beverly Hills, 90210”), WWE® Divas The Bella Twins™, Michael Rooker, Laurie Holden and Chandler Riggs (“The Walking Dead”), Kelly Hu (“Arrow,” “The Vampire Diaries”), Spencer Locke (Resident Evil: Afterlife, Monster House), James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica”) and many others.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Austin Comic Con show hours are Friday, Nov. 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place all three days at the event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Sunday, Nov. 24, is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Austin Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Cosplay Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World Austin Comic Con, visit https://wizardworld.com/home-tx.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

UPDATE On John Cena RETURNING To WWE SOONER Than Expected [READ >>]

New Jesse Ventura Interview, WWE Encyclopedia Author Speaks Out, Lex Luger

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-The Mattel company recently announced that they will be releasing a new Lex Luger action figure. The official website of Mattel is seeking feedback on which era of Luger’s career they should feature. For more information, visit WrestlingFigs.com.

-Brian Shield, the author of the WWE Encyclopedia who is holding a “History of WWE Event” in the near future, discussed both projects in a recent promotional interview with Newsday. Fans interested in checking out that interview can do so online at Newsday.com.

-Speaking of Newsday and wrestling, WWE Hall Of Famer continued his media tour by speaking with the publication as well. You can check out the Jessue Ventura interview with Newsday online at Newsday.com.

Dusty Rhodes PISSES Stephanie McMahon Off On RAW Recently [FULL STORY >>]

More Details On Talent Recently Signed By WWE, Another Edwards/Richards Update

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In addition to Leah Van Dale, the former New England Patriots and Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and daughter of former WWE wrestler Paul Van Dale, signing a developmental deal with WWE as we reported earlier today, WWE has also signed Dylan Mile.

Mile is a 25-year-old wrestler from Colorado who recently participated in a tryout at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Mile is 6’3” and 285 pounds. Apparently Mile impressed WWE trainers with his agility, including an impressive 37-inch vertical leap.

The signing of Dale and Mile brings up the question as to what is going to happen with Joey Ryan, Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards, all of whom recently participated in a WWE tryout at the Performance Center as well. The latter two are former Ring Of Honor World Champions, neither of which are contractually obligated to the promotion. This would allow both guys to be signed by WWE if the company had interest in them. With WWE signing the aforementioned two talents, one wonders if they have any interest in the former ROH stars.

BIG Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + Dusty PISSES OFF Stephanie At RAW!

[Partial Credit: PWInsider.com]

Update On Recent WWE Departure, UFC/WWE Venue Competition, WWE Pre-Sale

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-As noted previously, WWE NXT announcer Tony Dawson has parted ways with the company. The official Twitter page of Dawson has since been deleted, and his official profile page on the WWE NXT roster listing has been removed.

-There is a pre-sale available for tickets to the WWE live event at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California on December 7th. Those interested in participating can do so with the pre-sale code: 2WWELIVE.

-Speaking of the WWE live event in Sacramento, it’s worth noting that the UFC will be running the venue seven days after the WWE show.

Dusty Rhodes PISSES OFF Stephanie McMahon At RAW Recently [FULL STORY >>]

Stephanie Comments On Shane Returning to WWE, RVD’s Recent Beatdown

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– Stephanie McMahon was asked on Twitter what she would do if her brother returned to WWE television. She replied:

Shane McMahon stepped down as the CEO of China’s “YOU On Demand” TV service last month – leading some to believe that he could be returning to WWE to participate in the latest McMahon family saga.

  • Comment Below and tell us if you want to see Shane O Mac back in WWE.

LegalWeek.com has an article up looking at WWE recently hiring Laura Brevetti as Senior Vice President of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors. Brevetti starts with WWE on October 7th and will be replacing Monty Sarhan, who had been with WWE since January 2013.

– Rob Van Dam’s recent beatdown by Randy Orton and The Shield on the September 23rd edition of WWE RAW was done because he has not yet signed a new contract extension with the company. That beatdown was originally slated for Dolph Ziggler, but RVD’s contract situation led to him getting laid out instead.

* News On A BROCK LESNAR vs. RYBACK WrestleMania XXX Feud

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Wade Barrett’s Repackaging, JBL Wants To Lose 38 Pounds, Foley-Comic

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– WWE announcer JBL says he plans to lose 35 pounds by the end of the year, in preparation for his next mountain climb in January. He tweeted on Wednesday night:

On Thursday morning, he tweeted that he’s actually farther away from his target weight than he thought:

– The first edition of WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley’s new WWE comic book, due out in December, will feature John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus, Kane, AJ Lee, Fandango, Summer Rae and of course, Foley himself.

– As previously reported, there is talk of repackaging Wade Barrett when he’s brought back to WWE television. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that officials are considering bringing him back with the “Badnews Barrett” gimmick he’s been using on the JBL & Cole show.

* Rumored WM30 WWE Title Match, Vince/Lesnar’s Returns, SURVIVOR SERIES PPV Poster

New Jim Ross Interview, Cena’s Charity Work, Funk’s Returning To Japan, Jericho

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-The Mace And Crown website recently ran a featured article on the charity work that WWE Superstar John Cena participates in on a regular basis. Fans interested in checking that out can do so online at MaceAndCrown.com.

-The TBN Weekly website ran a “Where Are They Now?” type story on George Scott, the famed pro wrestling star of the 1950s and 1960s who later became one of the most noted bookers in wrestling. You can check that out online at TBNWeekly.com.

-WWE Hall Of Famer Dory Funk Jr. recently noted on his official Twitter account that he and his brother, fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Terry Funk, will soon be returning to Japan. Funk didn’t, however, elaborate on what exactly that meant.

-An interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross, where he mainly discusses legends of Texas wrestling, is available online at Facebook.com/ihweprowrestling.

-Chris Jericho’s rock-and-roll band “Fozzy” will be performing two shows ths weekend. The first stop for the group will be the House Of Blues on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California on Friday, October 4th. Next up, “Fozzy” will perform at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco, California on Sunday, October 5th.

Dusty Rhodes PISSES OFF Stephanie McMahon At RAW Recently [FULL STORY HERE >>]

WWE Signs Former Lakers Cheerleader, Cesaro Face Turn?, WWE Team Breaking Up

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-WWE has signed the daughter of former pro wrestler Paul Van Dale, Leah Van Damme (Leah Van Dale). Van Dale is a former New England Patriots and Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader. Dale tweeted about being at the WWE Performance Center, writing:

“So pumped to be at the @WWEPerformCtr today! Ready to learn! #wwe #nxt #diva”

-According to reports, there are plans to break up the tag-team of The Real Americans. Apparently WWE feels the “giant swing move” that Antonio Cesaro has been doing lately is a big babyface spot in matches, so they are likely going to be turning Cesaro babyface in the near future.

HUGE Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + WWE Battleground PPV *SPOILERS*

[Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter]

Update On ECW Arena, Maria Kanellis News, Former ECW Star At “Life Is Beautiful”

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-A lot of construction work is still being done to the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia. While the original plan was for the facility to re-open in October, it is looking more likely that it will be closer to January of 2014. Without the ECW Arena, the independent scene in Philadelphia has apparently taken a pretty big hit.

-Former ECW original Lou D’Angeli will be making a speaking appearance at the “Life Is Beautiful Festival” on October 26th in Las Vegas. D’Angeli will be talking about his time in the original ECW on the “Passion Before Paycheck” panel. For more information, visit LifeIsBeautifulFestival.com.

-Former WWE Diva and current Ring Of Honor star Maria Kanellis, along with Mike “The Prodigy” Bennett will be appeearing at the 2014 National Pro Wrestling Day events.

HUGE Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + RVD FINISHED With WWE? [READ >>]

Explanation Behind Cena/Susan G. Komen Ads, WWE/Winter Olympics, Foley’s Schedule

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-The reason John Cena was the most prominently featured WWE Superstar in the new campaign for the Susan G. Komen partnership with WWE this month for “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” is because the promos were filmed back in August.

-A couple weeks ago, WWE filmed some promos in support of the United States in the upcoming winter Olympic Games.

-WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley recently posted the following on his official Facebook page:

FOLEY FALL TOUR ROLLS INTO OCTOBER

After a brief stop in Abu Dhabai, The Foley Fall Tour heads into October with four shows this week in Texas, followed by stops in Ohio, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, New York City, Long Island, Las Vegas, Kentucky and Indiana. Hope you can check out a show or appearance when we roll by your city!

Oct 2 – Houston, TX
Oct 3 – Arlington, TX
Oct 4 – Corpus Christi, TX
Oct 5 – McAllen, TX
Oct 9 – Columbus, OH
Oct 10 – Middle Tennessee State University (students only event)
Oct 11 – NYC, Big Apple Con, 2pm at The Papercutz booth
Oct 12 – Lafayette, LA (autograph signing)
Oct 26 – Tampa, FL
Oct 30 – Orlando, FL
Nov 6 – Charlotte, NC
Nov 7 – Greensboro, NC
Nov 9 – Queens, NY (autograph signing)
Nov 17 – Smithtown, NY (TBD..THIS is going to be BIG)
Nov 20 – Columbia, MO
Nov 21 – St Louis, MO
Dec 4 – Lexington, KY
Dec 5 – Louisville, KY
Dec 7 – Santa Claus, IN (International Fruitcake Eating Competition)
Dec 8 – Bloomington, IN

for tickets and information, please visit RealMickFoley.com.

HUGE Update On Undertaker’s WWE Return + MAJOR WWE Battleground *SPOILERS*

Update On WWE Studios Panel At NY Comic-Con, Two WWE Pre-Sale Passwords

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-The Soska Sisters, who directed “See No Evil 2,” and Zack Lipovsky, who directed “Leprechaun: Origins,” will be joining WWE Superstars Kane and Hornswoggle at the WWE Studios panel at the New York Comic-Con event on October 13th.

-The official pre-sale for the WWE live event in Hershey, Pennsylvania on December 29th begins today. You can participate by using the pre-sale code: WWEHPA.

-An additional WWE pre-sale is ongoing today for the upcoming RAW television taping in Richmond, Virginia on December 30th. You can participate in that one with the pre-sale code: RICHMOND.

New Matches & *SPOILERS* For WWE Battleground + HUGE Update On Vince’s TV Return!

ECW Original Claims To Have No Interest In WWE Or TNA, Talks DDP Yoga & More

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The following are highlights with ECW original Stevie Richards:

On becoming a certified DDP Yoga Instructor: “It’s done me a look of good and in a lot of ways has improved my overall fitness. It lets me help other people, do something very positive and productive, and helps me to monetize something that I’m already doing every day.”

On the benefits of DDP Yoga: “You can get cardio without impact, you can raise your heartrate into the exercise zone in a short period of time. I’ve broken my neck a few times, I’ve needed knee replacements. Because I’ve been doing DDP Yoga for the past few years, it’s prolonged my wrestling career and led to a healthy life.”

On how hard it is for the common person to follow the routine: “One you get immersed in the workout, you’re going to be hooked and you won’t want to put bad things in your body.”

On his future in wrestling: “I have no goals in wrestling. My goal is to continue to be booked, continue to be healthy, and continue to get paid to feed my cats. I have no delusions of grandeur that WWE or TNA is going to call and nor do I think at this point I would even be interested, considering the travel time versus the amount of money I’d make. Waiting for a call (from WWE or TNA) is one of the most poisonous things you can do to yourself because you’re not in control of the situation.”

Check out the complete interview online at VOCNation.com.

New Matches & *SPOILERS* For WWE Battleground + HUGE Update On Vince’s TV Return!

WWE Considering Releasing DVD Titles On Santino, Velocity, Bra & Panties Matches, Slammys & More

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Could DVDs highlighting Bra and Panties matches, Velocity and “The Milan Miracle” be on the horizon? According to WrestlingDVDNews.com, WWE issued a second survey to fans today looking for feedback on the following potential future releases:

* Best of Shotgun Saturday Night

* Best of Velocity

* Best of WWE Superstars

* Best of WWE Saturday Morning Slam

* Thanksgiving Moments

* Best of Bra and Panties

* Top 25 Superstar Entrances

* The Christmas Collection (All of WWE’s best Christmas-themed moments)

* Music of WWE (The best entrance songs)

* Best of the Slammys

* Best of Tribute to the Troops

* Brothers of Destruction

* Top Divas

* Santino Comedy Hour

WWE’s survey last week featured potential titles on “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, the Rhodes Family, Rob Van Dam, “Class of 96” (The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin), Batista, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio and Best of WCW pay-per-view events.

Darren Young Says He Was “Terrified” To Come Out As Gay, Wanted To Take Boyfriend To WWE Events

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As disclosed Wednesday, Darren Young opens up to People in the Oct. 14 issue about his sexuality. Quotes from the article have surfaced online and it is revealed that the WWE Superstar was terrified to come out of the closet.

“I was terrified of losing friends, losing my job, just everything,” Young said. “I had no idea what would happen if I came out.”

Young’s decision to come out was not an easy one. Family and close friends found out two years ago while he was competing on WWE NXT, but he continued to live a troubling “double life.”

Young explained that he was “tired of hiding” and that he “wanted to be able to take [boyfriend of two years Niccolo ‘Nick’ Villa] with me to WWE functions.” He also wanted to be able to go out to dinner without looking over his shoulder, hold hands in public, and do other things heterosexual couples do without hesitation.

Young, who’s real name is Fredrick Douglas Rosser III, went public on Aug. 15 in an impromptu airport interview with a TMZ cameraman. The WWE Superstar, however, immediately second-guessed the decision.

“It was spur of the moment, and I said what I said and I was confident. But when I left, I said to myself, “What the hell did I just do?” Young said. “I went straight to my hotel room and I was sick as a dog, throwing up and crying. I was terrified of how people would perceive me.”

Despite his fears, Young was greeted with support by not only the sports-entertainment organization’s management and fans, but his colleagues as well.

“His sexual orientation never had anything to do with him as a person, and at the end of the day it shouldn’t matter,” said tag team partner Titus O’Nell.

“They all embraced me, and that was just shocking to me. I truly love them,” Young said. “It was such a relief. I’m not hiding anymore and I’m living the dream.”

The issue officially hits newsstands on Friday. Click here for additional details.

Maria Kanellis Says She’s Not A Failure After Leaving WWE, Latest From Trish Stratus

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– Maria Kanellis has published an article on Diva-Dirt.com addressing the topic of life after WWE.

In the article, Kanellis responds to critics who associate her with failure since she has not appeared on national television in over four years. The former Playboy says she is content with current situation.

“I’m now happy to be moving forward with my life but I feel as if WWE fans aren’t ready for me to do so. They want to hear more about the Bella twins debacle. They want me to insult the girls that are on Total Divas. But, the truth is I have a lot more on my plate that what those chicks are up to or the happenings at WWE. Also, I don’t stay angry for that long. It’s bad karma and there are too many beautiful, positive people in my life to worry about the people that hurt me,” wrote Kanellis.

“I don’t know what the answer is to make people understand my main goal in life has nothing to do with twins or to make people understand LIFE is good even without WWE. I will tell you this: when fans tell me I failed, it saddens me. I am sure that so many former WWE wrestlers feel this exact way. Because our lives aren’t over. I’m not dead. And I most certainly am not a failure. What is so great about WWE? The fame? The money? Or the traveling around the world? I guess all of it is great but to me it was just five and a half years. To me it was not the greatest or the worst experience in my life. I’ve lived for 25 and a half years without WWE and I would like to live at least 70 more. So, in the grand scheme of things my time at WWE is just a fabliau in my life and to ruminate on it is to live in verisimilitude.”

To read the full post, click here.

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus and her husband Ron welcomed their son Maximus into the world on Monday—he was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at a weight of 8 pounds, 3 ounces. The 37-year-old released a message on Twitter on Thursday thanking friends and fans for their support.

“Yesterday was an amazing first day at home w/ our new little guy. I can’t even begin to describe how much love my heart is filled w/ for Max,” wrote Stratus on Thursday morning. “And thank u to everyone for all the wishes for us, it’s been overwhelming to see the love from you guys. So much love for Max! #babystratus.”

Update On TNA’s Future, Kurt Angle’s Status For Bound For Glory

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– As of this writing, returning TNA star Kurt Angle is not scheduled to wrestle at Bound For Glory later this month. Angle will still be at the event, as he’s being inducted into TNA’s Hall of Fame that weekend.

– Regarding the future of TNA, the outlook is mixed. While the general feeling is that TNA will continue to exist through 2014 because Spike TV does not want to lose one of their top shows.

There remains a strong possibility that the Carter family will sell the struggling promotion over the next 12 months. In the event that TNA is in fact sold, the company would likely undergo a major transformation.

* Update On HOGAN’s TNA Future, More TNA Talent Cuts Coming Soon

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)