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:
I want to personally welcome Ultimate Warrior back to @WWE http://t.co/26Z44YD5PK
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 18, 2013
– Former WWE Superstar MVP has confirmed that he did in fact recently suffer an injury to his eye. He tweeted on Thursday afternoon:
Yes it's true. I do have an eye injury. Doctors took care of everything and in a couple weeks I'll be cleared to go. Thanks for the concern!
— MVP (@The305MVP) July 18, 2013
– 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.”
TNA President Dixie Carter has revealed the new X Division championship belt, which will debut at tonight’s “Destination X” edition of Impact Wrestling:
-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]
-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.
– 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:
– 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)
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.
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)
– 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.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Check out this first photo of Trish Stratus pregnant.. She’s due to deliver her first child in September.
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:
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).
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)
– 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!”
– 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)
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)
– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted about the success of his show, The Hero, on TNT:
TNT execs just called thrilled #TheHero is a big success. 3 reasons: Quality show. People overcoming. Rock runs around in tight ass t-shirt.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 17, 2013
– 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:
* Rumored SUMMERSLAM Matches & Storyline Plans for The Shield & Wyatt Family
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”
– 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.”
NA’s IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike TV is LIVE TONIGHT in Louisville, KY at the Broadbent Arena at 7:00 pm. This SPECIAL LIVE IMPACT will feature “Destination X” – that night, the spotlight will be on TNA’s high-flying X Division superstars! TNA brings the Destination X epic event to SpikeTV! Watch TNA’s aerial acrobats pull off some of the most insane moves you will see in professional wrestling! X Division stars from the past and present collide – and Bully Ray will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Chris Sabin! [KBWA-W-4285]
*Times: Doors open: 6:00PM | Showtime: 7:00PM – Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREVIEW: CLICK HERE
Tonight’s live episode of Impact Wrestling will feature a “Destination X” theme – spotlighting the high-flying stars of TNA’s X-Division. The show takes place from the Broadbent Arena in Louisville, KY.
Here is TNA’s official preview for the show:
– On the huge broadcast, Bully Ray of The Aces and Eights will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Chris Sabin! Each year, the X Division champion has the option to cash in their gold for a shot at the World Title – and Sabin is prepared for his chance at making history on Thursday night! On the biggest yearly stage for the X Division, can Sabin beat Bully Ray for the World Title on Thursday night in the main event?
– The battle lines are set between the new Main Event Mafia and the Aces and Eights, and all hell will break loose on Thursday LIVE on IMPACT! The fight is on between the two alliances, and the future of TNA hangs in the balance! The war begins on Thursday night between the Mafia and the Aces.
– The “Bound For Glory Series” continues on Thursday’s special IMPACT, as Austin Aries will battle Bobby Roode in a rematch from the Destination X 2012 event! Former tag team partners will collide with BFG Series points up for grabs.
– Plus, Qualifying Matches will take place on Thursday night as X Division stars from the Past, Present and Future battle to determine a NEW X Division Champion.
All this and much more on Thursday’s special Destination X LIVE IMPACT on SpikeTV at 9/8c.
* HOGAN & BISCHOFF Leaving TNA? Find Out How TNA Will Cut MAJOR Costs Soon
Following up on our reports that TNA is making big changes behind the scenes – we can confirm that both Bruce Prichard and D’Lo Brown are gone from the company
Bruce Prichard has been the Senior Vice President of Talent Relations and Programming since October 2011. D’Lo has been working behind the scenes as an agent since 2009, as one of the top guys with TNA’s developmental and Gut Check programs.
They appeared on Impact Wrestling together as two of the judges in the Gut Check segments, until D’Lo joined forces with the Aces & Eights.
The news comes after several recent high-profile TNA talent departures (including Matt Morgan, Doc, Tara and others) and reports that TNA has been way behind on paying a lot of its people.
COMMENT BELOW and tell us who YOU think TNA should fire as a cost cutting measure.
* HOGAN & BISCHOFF Leaving TNA? Find Out How TNA Will Cut MAJOR Costs Soon
(Source: PWInsider.com)
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Chris Jericho’s Latest WWE Run Ending:
“Future @WWE HOFer Chris Jericho @IAmJericho is apparently done with WWE for the time being to tour with his band Fozzy which was his plan all along. I wish Chris the best in his 2nd passion and look forward to seeing him again in WWE which I do think will happen at a time to be determined in the future. Jericho vs. RVD Monday night was superb.”
Wrestlers Not Saving Money & Planning For Their Futures:
It’s sad to see so many pro athletes end up broke after earning so much money during their younger, playing years. It happens in all walks of life but it seems especially prevalent in sports and entertainment. If someone in WWE Developmental says me that they don’t earn enough money to save any of it, then I often times wonder how prepared for adulthood and a career in sports entertainment that they really are. If for no other reason than to save to pay one’s quarterly taxes, saving money isn’t an option but it’s a requirement from my perspective. #WhatWouldYourDadSay?
A Potential CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan WrestleMania Main Event:
“Amazing that people actually think that I know what will Main Event WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans. Truthfully, I don’t, and equally as truthful if I did I wouldn’t spill the beans. I will say this because I’ve been asked this question a lot lately, IF Daniel Bryan ever faced CM Punk in a WrestleMania main event level bout, I wouldn’t want to be the talents that had to follow it.”
* Rumored SUMMERSLAM Matches & Storyline Plans for The Shield & Wyatt Family
– Former WWE Superstar MVP recently told the UK Sun that he wants to wrestle in the United States again, but time is running out:
“If I did return to wrestling in the States — which I most likely will — the clock is running down. I’m 40 in October. I started training when I was 27 and signed with WWE when I was 31. But I don’t have the wear and tear that most guys my age have, I got some time left.”
– ContactMusic.com recently interviewed actor Kevin James, who spoke about recently reuniting with his high school wrestling partner, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. Here’s what the “Grown Ups 2” star said about Fol
“He was the greatest partner. He was awesome… He’s the nicest guy in the world but also the craziest guy I’ve ever seen in my life. Jumping off the roof of his house.”
– Here’s the latest installment of Daniel Bryan’s Strange Beardfellows, where he opines on The intellectual “Shaver” of the Masses, Damien Sandow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=w-xPYHVHPls
Sheamus was recently interviewed by South Africa’s IOL News. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
His Unique Look: “I was a brand-new kid who no one knew. In the past I had cut my red hair, but I decided to do an image change and let it grow so people would remember me. Also, they saw the pale white skin which became part of my look. My success in a matter of months even had some wrestlers jealous, but I was happy to announce that I was here to stay.”
Defeating John Cena To Win The WWE Championship (2009): “The last thing the fans wanted is you coming from another country and beating their poster boy. They didn’t like me one bit and it didn’t bother me at all. I didn’t move to America to make friends, I came here to work.”
Wrestlers Avoiding Injuries: “The reason why we always say ‘kids should not try this at home or school’ is because we know what we are doing. Although it may not look like it in most cases, we actually do get injured, but in most cases it is not as bad as it would be for an untrained person. This is why we encourage the fans to rather come to see us do it or play the video game and avoid physical contact.”
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has issued his first public comments since a judge issued a warrant for his arrest due to his failure to pay spousal support to his estranged wife, Jackqueline Beems.
Flair told the Charlotte Observer:
“The reason I didn’t pay my ex-wife the 32 grand is because my son died and I was in the hospital for a month,” Flair said. “I was in the hospital for a month with a blood clot. I didn’t go to work for three months.”
Flair’s ex-wife, Jackqueline Beems, turned herself into police earlier this week and was charged with harrassing Flair’s new girlfriend, which is a misdemeanor. [Mugshot] Beems’ lawyer calls the allegations “unfounded and outlandish,” but Ric Flair says:
“My girlfriend Wendy Kidder is the mother of four and she has 50 texts and five phone (voice-)mails from my ex-wife,” he said. “They didn’t give Wendy a warrant for arrest without looking at all of that stuff.”
Here is some additional information regarding several recent TNA releases:
– Former TNA Knockout Tara was released as a cost cutting measure. She was by far the highest paid female wrestler on the roster and the feeling was that TNA would be better off cutting that expense.
– Former Aces & Eights member DOC’s contract negotiations had been underway for a while, but a deal was never finalized. Bruce Prichard, TNA’s head of Creative and Talent Relations, is rumored to be departing as a result of the way DOC’s contract situation was handled.
– As for Rob Van Dam’s release earlier this year, a source in the company says TNA stopped responding to Van Dam’s phone calls and were not using him enough.
More TNA releases, as well as some restructuring of TNA management, are expected in the coming weeks.
* HOGAN & BISCHOFF Leaving TNA? Find Out How TNA Will Cut MAJOR Costs Soon
(Source: PWInsider.com)
