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RVD Returns To Saints Row Video Game, Trainer Gone From Developmental & More

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– Rob Van Dam revealed on Twitter that he just wrapped up some voice-over work for the upcoming “Saints Row 4” video game. He is reprising his role as Bobby from the 3rd installment of the series.

– Billy Kidman is no longer working as a trainer at WWE developmental. Kidman has been working as a producer at WWE live events, working with talent on the pacing of their matches and interview segments.

– The Miami Marlins will host “Legends of Wrestling” night on August 24th when they play the Colorado Rockies. Wrestlers in attendance will include Bill Goldberg (throwing out the opening pitch), Bret Hart, Mr. Anderson, Wes Brisco, Garrett Bischoff, the Nasty Boys, Brutus Beefcake, Jimmy Hart, Koko B. Ware, Lanny Poffo, Jim Neidhart, Harry Smith and more.

WWE Interested In Matt Morgan, Ask Steve Austin Anything, Sheamus-Warrior

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– WWE is reportedly interested in former TNA star Matt Morgan, according to PWInsider.com. Morgan worked for the company (developmental and main roster) from 2002-2005.

  • Comment Below and tell us if YOU think WWE should sign Matt Morgan.

– WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be doing an Ask Me Anything (“AMA”) chat on Reddit.com today at 1pm EST.

– Sheamus tweeted the following about Vince McMahon welcoming The Ultimate Warrior back to WWE on Twitter yesterday:

https://twitter.com/WWESheamus/status/357990568472743938

TNA Impact Preview For Next Week: Ultimate X Title Match, Styles vs. Hardy

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Next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling was taped on Thursday night from Louisville, Kentucky. Here’s a quick preview for the show:

– AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy takes place in the main event

– TNA Knockouts Champion Mickie James defends against Gail Kim

– Ultimate X For the Vacant X Division Championship: Manik vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Greg Marasciulo (formerly Trent Barreta)

– Bound For Glory Series Match: Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe

* SPOILERS For Next Week’s IMPACT WRESTLING

WWE SmackDown Preview: Randy Orton, RVD, Daniel Bryan & The Shield In Action

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The following is a preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown:

– A power struggle over who should be the General Manager of SmackDown, with an appearance from Vince McMahon. OK.

– Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger

– Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns vs. The Usos

– Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett

– The Miz hosts Miz TV with special guest Paul Heyman

– IC Champion Curtis Axel vs. Chris Jericho

– Damien Sandow addresses Cody Rhodes attacking him.

– Rob Van Dam vs. Darren Young.

– Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match

* SPOILERS For Tonight’s WWE SMACKDOWN – Who Is The New SmackDown General Manager?

Chris Sabin Crowned New TNA World Heavyweight Champion

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Chris Sabin defeated Bully Ray to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion at the TNA Destination X themed edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV on Thursday evening.

Ray worked over Sabin’s surgically repaired knee throughout the match. The Aces & 8’s came down to interfere, but the new Main Event Mafia also ran down to even up the odds.

With both factions ringside, the referee was bumped after Sabin hit a top-rope missile droplock. Ray is handed a hammer and both factions end up brawling. Ray misses with the hammer and goes for a power bomb, but Sabin takes the hammer and uses it on Ray to pick up the pinfall victory.

Sabin tweeted the following on Friday:

More MAJOR TNA Roster Cuts Coming! [YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHO ..]

(Spoilers) TNA Impact Wrestling Taping Results For 7/25/2013

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The following spoiler results come from Brandon Cayton and PWInsider.com:

Explosion:

Eric Young defeated Wes Brisco.

Impact for 7/25/13:

Hernandez vs. Mr. Anderson: Anderson wins with the Mic Check.

Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship: Manik vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Greg M. – Manik wins in a really fun match. Crowd was behind Manik for most of the match.

Main Event Mafia came out for a promo. They say they are not done with Aces and Eights. They bring out Chris Sabin, who addressed the crowd. He challenged the winner of the Ultimate X match “later tonight” to a match next week in a champion vs. champion match. Bully Ray came out with his attorney to say they are filing a lawsuit if the title isn’t returned to him.

Velvet Sky came out to cut a promo on Mickie James. Mike Johnson doesn’t get her but we sure did. She is staying out for…

Mickie James vs. Gail Kim for the Knockouts Championship: The crowd was behind ODB as she officiated the match. The finish came when Mickie went outside and Gail slapped ODB, only to get rolled up by Mickie when she came back in. After the match, Gail got in ODB’s face and Brooke Hogan came out to remind Gail that ODB is still an active competitor.

Bound for Glory series match: Christopher Daniels beat Samoa Joe after Mr. Anderson came down and distracted Joe.

AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy is the main event. Huge pop for Hardy when he comes out. Excellent back and forth match that saw AJ Styles win by submission.

Overall this was a fun show. There was a lot of action and it went by quickly. This was the first show I’ve been to since they came to St. Louis for Lockdown a few years ago.

More SHOCKING TNA Roster Cuts Coming Soon! **DETAILS HERE**

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results (7/19)

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The following results are from Zack Zimmerman and ProWrestling.net:

WWE SmackDown

The building is packed. It’s not sold out, but like 7/8 full.

The show opened with Teddy Long in the ring. He announced that Vince McMahon was in the building to give him a job evaluation. He asked if the crowd thought he should be the permanent GM. The crowd responded positively. He said this would be the best Smackdown ever.

Booker T’s music hit and he made his return. Booker T thanked Teddy but said he would be resuming the general manager duties. Enter Vince McMahon, who said there can be only one. He asked what they have to offer. Teddy announced Curtis Axel vs. Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Title. Booker announced Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton.

Enter Brad Maddox, who said he already thought of those matches, and announced the Smackdown return of Rob Van Dam. Big pop. Vince teased all three and announced that the new Smackdown general manager is Vickie Guerrero. Big heat and “No!” chants followed. Vickie cut a promo about how she’s back and she hates all of us. Nuclear heat.

1. Dolph Ziggler beat Jack Swagger (w/Antonio Cesaro and Zeb Colter). Ziggler won after hitting the Zig-Zag in about four minutes. Cesaro and Zeb were sent backstage after Cesaro pulled Ziggler off the apron into his uppercut. Post match, Ziggler cut a quick promo about dumping AJ. He said he should’ve done it sooner.

AJ was watching backstage with Big E and went nuts. She beat up a chair and even attacked Big E. Eventually, he hugged her and they had a moment. They were about to kiss when Langston pulled away and kissed her on the forehead.

There was a non-televised entrance for The Shield. The Uso’s microphones didn’t work for their entrance. It was really staticky. Is that a word? it is now.

2. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns vs. The Usos never started because Dean Ambrose ran in. Mark Henry made the save to a huge pop. Babyface turn. The Shield retreated back up the stands and the babyfaces held the ring.

3. Daniel Bryan beat Wade Barrett via LeBell Lock in about 5:00. Unbelievable reaction for Bryan. Huge pop, arena-wide “Yes!” and “Daniel Bryan” chants. No need for audio sweetener with this great crowd tonight.

Miz TV with Paul Heyman. Epic non-response for Miz’s entrance. Great heat on Paul. Paul put over Brock Lesnar and offered Punk a piece of advise: “Stay down.” Paul threatened that if Punk ever showed his face again, he would be be victimized by Brock Lesnar. More brilliance from Heyman. Miz was lame, then he left.

On his way up the ramp, Heyman interrupted Miz leaving and brought out Curtis Axel. He and Miz exchanged looks but passed each other on the stage.

4. Curtis Axel (w/ Paul Heyman) pinned Chris Jericho in about 10 minutes to retain the Intercontinental Title. Decent back and forth match that Axel won with his hangman’s facebuster. The crowd went bonkers for Jericho’s offense (the pop on The Walls being applied won’t be sweetened. Unreal). There seemed to be no connection between Axel and the crowd. Post-match, Ryback came to the ring and hit Jericho with the Meat Hook and Shellshocked.

Damien Sandow came to the ring. He said he didn’t screw Cody, so he couldn’t understand why Cody attacked him Monday. However, he wasn’t going to spew angry rhetoric at Cody, because that’s what makes him different from us. He said he and Cody were still best friends, and he invited Cody to join him in the ring.

Cody entered and Sandow said he forgave Cody. He offered Cody a “metaphorical olive branch” in the form of the offer to be the “guardian of the case. Cody, you earned this.” Sandow said. Cody attacked Sandow, but Sandow quickly escaped and ran to the back. Unimpressive reactions for Cody.

5. Rob Van Dam beat Darren Young (w/Titus O’Neil). RVD won with the Five Star Frog Splash in about five minutes. A showcase match for RVD, who used all of his standard spots.

Backstage, Vickie Guerrero had security remove Teddy Long from the building.

A brief graphic hyped that Big Show would be making his return to Raw this Monday.

6. Randy Orton pinned Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match. Orton went over clean after an RKO in about 10 minutes. What you’d expect from these two. I still don’t like how frequently champions lose non-title matches. This was the end of Smackdown.

Dark Main Event

1. Daniel Bryan, Rob Van Dam, and Randy Orton beat The Shield in a six-man tag. The babyface trio went over in about seven minutes when Rollins tapped out to the LeBell Lock.

Very Weird Plans For The Wyatt Family, Huge SummerSlam *SPOILERS*

Vince McMahon Personally Welcomes Ultimate Warrior Back To WWE

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Vince McMahon himself took to Twitter to personally welcome, of all people, The Ultimate Warrior “back to WWE.”

McMahon then linked an article on the official company website which promoted Warrior’s return in the new WWE 2K14 video game.

Vince McMahon’s tweet read as follows:

Latest Update On Ultimate Warrior In WWE Hall Of Fame

Jim Ross Comments On Tara Returning To WWE, MVP Confirms Eye Injury

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– Former WWE Superstar MVP has confirmed that he did in fact recently suffer an injury to his eye. He tweeted on Thursday afternoon:

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has commented on the possibility of former TNA Knockout Tara (Lisa Marie Varon) returning to WWE, now that she’s a free agent. Jim Ross wrote the following, via the Q&A section of his JRsBarBQ.com website:

“I do not know the creative plans that are on going in WWE. Nor do I want to know. I like watching the broadcasts w/ no inside knowledge. With that said, I have no idea if WWE is interested in Lisa. She’s a talented women and will be just fine nonetheless.”

 

Photo: TNA’s New X Division Championship Title Belt

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TNA President Dixie Carter has revealed the new X Division championship belt, which will debut at tonight’s “Destination X” edition of Impact Wrestling:

Impact Wrestling Preview: Destination X Returns

new-x-division-title

 

Sandow’s Briefcase Plans, Jericho/WMXXX Surprise?, Bryan vs. Axel Expected

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-WWE Superstar Damien Sandow, who is now referring to himself as “Sir Money In The Bank,” spoke with The Austin Chronicle recently about his plans on cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase. “I will wait for the perfect moment, and I assure you that once I get the title, I plan on retiring with it,” said Sandow. “If I revealed my strategy, that wouldn’t be very smart, would it?”

-As previously reported, Chris Jericho finished up his current run with WWE at the latest SmackDown taping. Jericho will now go back on tour with his rock band Fozzy. According to one source, Jericho will be gone from WWE for at least several months, and his return may come as another WrestleMania XXX surprise.

-At one point, the plan was for Daniel Bryan vs. Curtis Axel to take place at SummerSlam. Instead, the two will likely compete in an upcoming RAW or SmackDown match in the next few weeks.

Tons Of Backstage News & Spoilers For This Year’s WWE SummerSlam PPV

[Credit: F4WOnline.com]

Wyatt Family’s Main Event Debut Video, Trish Stratus “Baby Bump” Photo, More

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-The following is a video of The Wyatt Family’s WWE Main Event debut from Wednesday night:

-WWE Divas and Total Divas personalities The Bella Twins will be appearing at the NBC Experience Store in New York City on July 26th from 2pm until 4pm.

-WWE Hall Of Fame Diva Trish Stratus recently did a question and answer on her website with fans. Stratus, who is due to give birth in September, also posted her first “baby bump” photo.

Update On The Direction Of The Wyatt Family In WWE

TNA’s New X-Division Title Belt, Video Of Mickie James Performing & More

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– Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter account that TNA will be debuting a new X Division belt tonight. She said she will post a picture of it later today.

– Samoa Joe has been doing media appearances today in Louisville, KY to promote tonight’s “Destination X” edition of Impact Wrestling. He appeared on WDRB-TV’s morning show (video) and WHAS-TV’s Great Day Live.

– TNA has released the following footage of Mickie James performing country music live in Nashville last week:

Batista’s Future With WWE, Accountability Crib Cooking Show, DDP Video

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– The latest on former WWE Superstar Batista’s future with the company is there are no plans for him to return any time soon. Earlier this week, Batista (via Twitter) shot down rumors that he’s in talks with Triple H about an upcoming return. A source close to him says that acting is by far his top priority right now and he will not put any movie projects on hold to do another WWE run.

That said, he is open to the idea of returning to WWE if it works with his schedule – and the earliest he could be back is WrestleMania XXX season.

– Scott Hall teased on Twitter this week, “Crib Cooking TV coming soon.” He’s been tweeting pictures of himself, Jake Roberts and other people cooking in their Accountability Crib, along with photographers filming the cooking.

– WWE’s 7/13 live event from Trenton, New Jersey drew 5,500 and a gate of $195,000. The July 11th NXT TV tapings from Winter Park, Florida had a full house with 400 fans, which was likely helped by the Grand Opening of WWE’s new Performance Center.

– Here is video of Diamond Dallas Page meeting with the American Red Cross to help the Oklahoma Tornado victims:

 

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Rumored Finish For Cena vs. Bryan At SummerSlam, Orton Cashing In Soon?

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WWE’s creative team has been working on the finish for the main event of SummerSlam, featuring John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship.

More Rumored Matches For WWE SummerSlam 2013

One scenario that’s being discussed is for Daniel Bryan to defeat John Cena for the title – only for Randy Orton to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and defeat Bryan on the spot. This would give Daniel Bryan his big “feel good” win – allow Randy Orton to finally turn heel in dramatic fashion – and set up Daniel Bryan to chase a heel Randy Orton for the WWE Championship.

It’s being speculated that WWE.com’s announcement that Orton suffered a spinal injury at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings was done to get Orton off TV for several weeks – and make it even more of a surprise when he returns & cashes in.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Steve Austin’s Rumored WrestleMania XXX Opponent, Undertaker’s Status

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– The Undertaker had been rumored for a possible match at this year’s SummerSlam, but those plans are now off. The Undertaker is currently recovering from recent shoulder surgery and at this point, it’s doubtful whether he’ll be healthy in time for WrestleMania XXX next April.

– Speaking of WrestleMania XXX, speculation continues that WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will return for one more match at the event.  In the event that WWE and Steve Austin can reach a deal for him to appear – the current plan is for Steve Austin to wrestle his former tag team championship partner (and heated adversary): Triple H.

A Steve Austin vs. Triple H feud would be an extension of the storied Austin vs. McMahon Family feud and would involve Triple H turning heel.

  • COMMENT BELOW and tell is if you like the idea of Steve Austin vs Triple H at WrestleMania XXX, or if you’d rather see Austin wrestle CM Punk (or someone else).

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

First Photo Of Trish Stratus Pregnant

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Trish-Stratus-Pregnant

Check out this first photo of Trish Stratus pregnant.. She’s due to deliver her first child in September.

Rumored Matches For WWE SummerSlam 2013

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On Monday’s RAW, it was confirmed that WWE Champion John Cena will defend against Daniel Bryan in the main event of next month’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. Here’s a look at the other top matches scheduled for the show:

  • CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E Langston
  • Bray Wyatt vs. Kane
  • Damien Sandow vs. Cody Rhodes (MITB Briefcase On The Line)
  • Divas Match

As for The Shield, two rumored matches for them include Ambrose, Rollins & Reigns vs. Mark Henry & The Usos or Rollins & Reigns defending the tag titles against the Real Americans (Swagger & Cesaro).

Mark Henry Interview: His WWE Future, State Of The Locker Room & More

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New York City radio DJ Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97 has once again landed an exclusive interview with WWE Superstar Mark Henry – and as always, it’s chock full of exclusives.  Among the topics discussed include:

– His future plans in WWE

– The current state of the WWE locker room

– His relationships with Owen Hart & Yokozuna

– His own history in the business & being sent to Calgary as “punishment” and a learning experience

– His pick for the #1 wrestler of all time (not Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan or The Rock)

John Cena Wants Sumo Wrestling Re-Match (Video), Ryback’s Crazy Diet

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– During a recent interview with FOX Sports Australia to promote WWE’s upcoming “down under” tour, Ryback revealed that he eats 8-10 meals per day:

“Chicken, brown rice – I’m big on complex carbohydrates. I’m pretty bland in what I eat, I’ll eat the same things over and over again – chicken, turkey, tuna salmon and protein shakes. I try to eat well every meal. Every meal I try to better myself that’s the goal and I try and stay away from foods that are not going to benefit me. I have to constantly feed myself because of the schedule I’m on and now how much physical activity I’m doing whether I’m in the weight room, doing cardio vascular conditioning or flexibility program, I’m constantly doing something so I have to keep my calories in me so I have my size and strength and power in me when I get into the ring. You have to feed the machine … I actually feel like I have gotten in better shape since I have been on the road.”

– After wrestling TV host Michael Strahan in a sumo wrestling challenge earlier this week (VIDEO), WWE Champion John Cena says he wants a rematch:

“WWE Champ John Cena lost his “sumo” wrestling match to Michael Strahan on the Monday, July 15, 2013, “LIVE with Kelly and Michael”! But Cena’s not taking it lying down! He’s officially challenged Michael to a rematch — and says Michael better not hide behind Kelly Ripa this time!”

Bella Twins At The ESPY Awards, MITB Live Attendance, MVP’s Eye Injury

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– WWE Superstar MVP appears to have suffered an eye injury. He was scheduled to wrestle at an indy show promoted by Booker T over the weekend – but showed up with an eye patch and was unable to compete.

– Sunday’s WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view from Philadelphia drew a legitimate sellout of 15,000 fans, with more than 13,000 paid. This was one of WWE’s biggest PPV crowds of the year, which was helped out by the size of the arena. The attendance announced by WWE during the PPV broadcast was 18,137.

– WWE Divas the Bella Twins continue to do the media rounds this week to promote the premiere of Total Divas on E! They were at ESPN’s ESPYS awards last night and will be doing appearances on NFL AM, KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles and E!’s Fashion Police today also.

Here’s video of the Bella Twins on the red carpet from Wednesday’s ESPY awards:

* The Latest On VINCE Thinking Daniel Bryan Is Too Small To Be WWE Champion

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Hulk Hogan Paid Late By TNA, Talent Unhappy & Sending Out Feelers To WWE

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As we’ve been reporting, there have been a lot of issues behind the scenes in TNA in recent weeks. The company has been falling behind making payments to wrestlers, office workers and vendors and several top wrestlers and creative team members leaving.

According to the Wrestling Observer – even Hulk Hogan has been subject to late payments.

As you can imagine, morale in TNA has taken a big hit, with several TNA wrestlers reportedly sending out feelers to WWE officials, through their friends in WWE.

Regarding DOC’s release, there had been plans for him to turn babyface and feud with Mr. Anderson.

* HOGAN & BISCHOFF Leaving TNA? Find Out How TNA Will Cut MAJOR Costs Soon

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The Rock Touts The Hero’s Success, MITB DVD Art, Mashable-WWE News

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– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted about the success of his show, The Hero, on TNT:

– Social Media news website Mashable.com recently ranked “Top 10 Most Controversial Topics on Wikipedia” – with the “List of WWE Personnel” page coming in at #4.

– Here’s the official DVD cover art for WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view, courtesy of WrestlingDVDNews.com:

mitb2013dvd1

* Rumored SUMMERSLAM Matches & Storyline Plans for The Shield & Wyatt Family

D’Lo Brown Comments On His Release From TNA Wrestling

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D’Lo Brown has confirmed his release from TNA with the following statement via his Twitter account:

“I guess it’s time to address the rumors surrounding me over the last few days. It is true that my employment with TNA has come to an end. I consider myself fortunate to have worked so closely with some of the best up and coming talent in the business. I also had the privilege to work closely with some of the greatest this industry has produced.”

“I can tell you this for sure I will miss sharing a locker room with some of the most genuine men and women (you know who you are) that I have ever been around.”

“I want to say thank you to the many fans that have shown support for me over the years.”

“I will keep everyone updated on what my future plans are.”

“In the meantime all booking inquires should be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].”

“Recognize”
“#YNWA”

 

Saturday Morning Slam Returning, 9/17 SmackDown Taping Moved To New City

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– WWE Saturday Morning Slam will be returning soon, according to WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. Foley tweeted that WWE will resume taping the children’s show in a few weeks – and that he’ll be back as the General Manager.

– WWE NXT will be holding a live event tonight from the Tampa Arena in Tampa, Florida, with WWE Diva Rosa Mendes advertised to appear.

– Due to a scheduling conflict, the planned WWE SmackDown tapings on September 17th at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh has been cancelled. That night’s SmackDown will now tape from the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. WWE returns to the Consol Energy Center on October 7th for a live RAW taping. Here’s the official statement from the arena:

“All tickets purchased for the September 17 WWE Smackdown Event will be honored on Monday, October 7. Fans that cannot attend the rescheduled date should go to their point of purchase for refunds. World Wrestling Entertainment would like to thank all of our fans that have purchased tickets for this event.”