Former WWE wrestler Batista is joining the cast for the next installment of the “Chronicles Of Riddick” series, titled, “Riddick”. Batista plays a bounty hunter trying to track down Vin Diesel’s Riddick character. Batista, who has gotten a lot of buzz regarding his new look in the film, which you can see below. Riddick hits theaters in the United States on September 6, 2013.
Impact Wrestling Preview: Bound For Glory Series Returns
The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s Impact Wrestling:
– The Bound for Glory Series returns, and one former Gut Check winner will get the chance to fight for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
* Jay Bradley vs. Christian York
* Christopher Daniels vs. Hernandez
* X-Division Championship: Kenny King (c) vs. Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams
* Joseph Park vs. D’Lo Brown
There will also be a contract signing between Sting and Bully Ray for their match at Slammiversary, with a major stipulation to be added to the contest.
* SPOILERS For Tonight’s IMPACT WRESTLING
*Spoilers* TNA Impact Wrestling Results For Tonight (5/16)
The following are spoiler results for next week’s May 16th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling:
(1) Bound for Glory Qualifyer
Jay Bradley def. Christian York. Bradley is former WWE Superstar Ryan Braddock, and he won the match with a running lariat called the Boom Stick.
-Hulk Hogan called down Abyss to discuss his return, but was instead joined by Joseph Park. The Aces & Eights got involved, which set up a match between Park and D’Lo Brown later on.
(2) X-Division Championship
Kenny King def. Petey Williams & Chris Sabin
(3) Hernandez def. Christopher Daniels
(4) Joseph Park def. D’Lo Brown. They did the whole angle where Park bled in the match, hit the Black Hole Slam and picked up the win.
-Bully Ray and Sting came down, alone, for a contract signing. Sting asked the champion for a No Holds Barred match at Slammiversary for the title, and Bully agreed on one condition – should The Icon lose the match, he will never again compete for the World Title while under contract to TNA Wrestling. Sting agreed to the stipulation, and the two ended up brawling. Sting stood tall to end the taping.
Cody Rhodes Says He’d Shave His Mustache As Part Of A Match Stipulation
Cody Rhodes spoke with Pitch.com. Here are some highlights from the interview.
Shaving his mustache as a match stipulation: “I know that you can’t shave anything – your head, your facial hair. You can’t do anything like that in sports entertainment unless it’s public. I’m pretty confident you’ll see the mustache on the line somewhere down the line. Extreme Rules would be a wonderful venue for it. I don’t know if the WWE Universe would be very stoked about a mustache being on the line when the title of the pay-per-view is Extreme Rules. But I guess I extremely want to keep it.”
People staring at Daniel Bryan: “Man, from when he showed up clean-cut, all-American guy to this now, it’s ridiculous. I was on a plane with him a few days ago, and people are always staring at him. In this case, they’re just looking at how this man with this legitimate cavemanlike beard is sitting up in first class. I want to know his story.”
Being afraid of Morgan Freeman: “That was such a bizarre thing. I did an interview in London, and that’s where the challenge was laid out. A young man asked me who was a celebrity that I’d like mixing it up with, and I tried to give him an answer other than an action star. Now look what I’ve gotten myself into. Now I’m going to see Morgan Freeman somewhere down the line, and he’s going to end up cold-cocking me in the face, and I’m going to feel horrible.”
Austin Aries “Severely” Fined For His Conduct On Impact Last Week
TMZ.com reports that TNA star Austin Aries has been hit was a “severe” fine as a result of his actions last week on Impact Wrestling.
After TNA announcer Christy Hemme botched her duties and announced Aries & Bobby Roode as Christopher Daniels & Kazarian, Aries got in her face, cornered her in the ring, stood on the ropes and “shoved his man bits” (TMZ’s words) into her face. The incident was unscripted and led to at least one journalist contacting Spike TV and asking what actions they would be taking against Aries.
Hemme tweeted afterwards that Aries’ conduct was “unacceptable.” Aries has since apologized to Hemme privately and a source told TMZ that she was satisfied with his apology.
* VIDEO Of The Incident: See What AUSTIN ARIES Did To CHRISTY HEMME
First Trailer For “Riddick” Featuring Batista
The first trailer has been released for the upcoming film, “Riddick,” which stars Vin Diesel and features former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista playing the character Diaz. The movie is scheduled to be released in theaters this September.
Highlights From Today’s TNA Press Conference From Las Vegas
Here are some highlights from TNA’s press conference they had earlier today in Las Vegas, which was held to promote the June 29th Impact Wrestling tapings from the city:
– TNA will tape two Impact episodes of Impact Wrestling from Las Vegas on Saturday, June 29. The first episode will feature a special Fourth of July patriotic theme.
– Vegas native Kenny King was there and says Dixie Carter told him she booked the Vegas show for him.
– Hogan talked about some of his favorite matches of all time, and said that his match against Sting at WCW Starcade ’97 was at the top of his list. He also joked that he’d like to forget his Halloween Havoc ’98 match against Ultimate Warrior.
– Hogan said it was Dixie Carter’s idea to bring Brooke Hogan into TNA.
Overall, it was a well-received event and everybody there seemed excited that TNA is coming to Vegas this summer. You can view photos from the press conference here.
*SPOILERS* For Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING On Spike TV
Jim Ross Blog: Hog Hunting With Shawn Michaels, Extreme Rules
[jrshop]WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this update, Jim Ross talked about hunting at Shawn Michaels’ Texas farm earlier this week, Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, Extreme Rules and shares memories of his dear friend, the late “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, who would have celebrated a birthday earlier this week.
JR says he had an amazing time hunting hogs on Shawn Michael’s farm earlier this week. The hunt will be televised later this year on HBK’s MacMillan River Adventures hunting show.
“To show you how fortunate that I was, with my first shot at a live animal I scored the hit that we were looking for and the arrow hit the 300 pound hog right behind the shoulder which is actually where I was aiming. The arrow went through the animal and it and its cohorts ran for the brush and for cover. I did not think that I had hit the animal but we found the bloody arrow which traveled through the hog.”
“The search by foot began through cactus and mesquite trees until we finally found the animal who had expired. These hogs are of the Russian Boar species and are destructive and non productive on Texas, among other state’s, ranches. The animals are given to the Texas Food Bank for processing and the meat is then provided to needy families. None of the meat goes to waste and if a land owner doesn’t manage these herds of feral hogs the state will come in and do it for the landowners.”
For Extreme Rules, JR predicts that the Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar steel cage match will close the show. “The physicality in this contest will be prominent and I expect a no frills, in your face, main event.” He also speculated that Pau Heyman could play a hand in the result of this contest. As for the overall show, he said:
“I’m thinking that WWE’s Extreme Rules will be somewhat of a “sleeper” PPV and that it will exceed the expectations of many who seemingly have gotten more into the card the past couple of weeks after recovering from their WrestleMania 29 hangovers … Extreme Rules is certainly not a one dimensional PPV and I’m anxious to watch it.”
The Rock Tweets New ‘Fast 6’ Promo Picture, WWE Inbox Goes Extreme (Video)
– The Rock tweeted the following promo picture for the new “Fast & Furious 6” movie:
"Think of how gracious I've been by letting you talk this long unslapped" ~#HobbsTheBeast #FAST6 pic.twitter.com/eu1qxIbr6H
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 14, 2013
– Here’s the latest edition of WWE Inbox, with Inbox going “Extreme” –
In honor of the Extreme Rules PPV, WWE Inbox goes Extreme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=e4OFbuWqdcA
Jake Roberts Announces He’ll “Definitely” Be In The 2014 WWE Royal Rumble
[wweshop]FOX Sports South has posted a new article looking at DDP’s work helping Jake “The Snake” Roberts resurrect his health and career.
“’This is it. If you don’t get it done, you’re going to die,’” Roberts told himself before moving into DDP’s Accountability crib. “I mean, when you want to die, you can shut yourself down to that point. There’s no doubt in my mind I could do that to myself to die. Give up.”
The big news from the interview was Jake Roberts announcing he’ll be in the 2014 Royal Rumble:
“I’m announcing that right now. I’ll be in the Royal Rumble next year, count on it… I worked too hard in this business to go out that way. So I guess we’re going to have to take a victory lap. I’m definitely coming back.”
DDP, one of Jake’s strongest supporters, says Jake is constantly surprised at his progress.
“Every day, this guy is getting stronger and stronger,” Page said. “He’s like, ‘How is that happening?’
* SCOTT HALL Down 30+ Pounds Since Working With DDP (PHOTO)
TNA Press Conference In Vegas Today, Storm Undergoing MRI & More
– James Storm is undergoing an MRI today to determine the extent of his groin injury.
– TNA is holding a press conference today in Las Vegas at 1PM (EST) / 10AM (CT) to promote the June 29th Impact Wrestling tapings from the city. Hulk Hogan, Jeremy Borash, Bob Ryder and others in attendance. TNA’s website will have coverage of the event.
– TNA is not holding any live events this weekend.
*SPOILERS* For Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING On Spike TV
Rumored Match For SummerSlam, RVD Returning to The Ring, World Heavyweight Title Picture
[wweshop]- Rob Van Dam will return to the ring on June 21st against Tommy Dreamer with Family Wrestling Entertainment’s show in Corona, New York at the ELMCOR Center. RVD is a free agent after leaving TNA earlier this year.
The FWE show will also feature John Morrison vs. Carlito, a 30-Man Rumble, Paul London vs. Akio (Jimmy Wang Yang), Petey Williams vs. Brian Kendrick and more.
– The winner of the Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio #1 Contender’s match at Extreme Rules will be getting his title shot against Dolph Ziggler on an upcoming RAW or SmackDown – not a PPV. WWE already has plans in place for the next few pay-per-views and the company plans to get back on track once Ziggler is healthy to wrestle again.
– There is talk of Big E Langston wrestling Mark Henry in a “Battle of the Strongmen” at SummerSlam.
* PAUL HEYMAN Scouting A Third Person To Manage?! Who Could It Be [>]
(Partial Source: F4Wonline.com)
Evan Bourne’s WWE Return, New Tag Team Discussed, Austin/Nash & More
[wweshop]- After recently returning to the ring at an NXT live event, WWE officials have decided that Evan Bourne is not yet ready to be wrestling full-time. When he does return – there’s been talk of pairing him with Sin Cara as a new tag team.
– Steve Austin has published part 2 of his podcast with Kevin Nash at podcastone.com.
– A new JBL & Michael Cole radio show has been added to LayfieldReport.com, with discussion about the Benghazi & IRS scandals, OJ Simpson and much more.
(Partial Source: F4wonline.com)
Undertaker & Jake Roberts In The WWE HOF? Christian’s Return & More
[wweshop]- With the late Paul Bearer considered to be a lock for next year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, there is already speculation that The Undertaker will be inducted along with him. Going back several years, the plan has always been for them to be inducted together. According to f4wonline.com, Jake “The Snake” Roberts is also a potential inductee for next year.
– The latest on Christian’s return is that he’ll be back soon after Extreme Rules. He’s been medically cleared to wrestle for months now, but his return has been delayed due to the creative team not having anything for him.
* PAUL HEYMAN Scouting A Third Person To Manage?! Who Could It Be [>]
(Partial source: F4Wonline.com)
Triple H Tops ESPN’s WWE Power Rankings, Former NXT Star Speaks Out
[wweshop]- Triple H topped this week’s ESPN.com WWE Power Rankings, stating, “New era, same old attitude. Triple H added a much-needed jolt to the arena thanks to his promo and beatdown on Brock Lesnar inside the steel cage.” Here’s the full Top 10:
1. Triple H
2. The Shield
3. Daniel Bryan
4. Dolph Ziggler
5. John Cena
6. Ryback
7. Sheamus
8. Randy Orton
9. Kofi Kingston
10. Chris Jericho.
– Former NFL player and WWE developmental wrestler Brandon “TAC” Carter recently spoke to LubbockOnline.com about what pushed him out of wrestling:
“I went down there and got a few concussions and ended up getting pneumonia. I ended up in the hospital in December. I woke up and nobody was there. Then I realized I didn’t have any friends or family there, so I came back here to Lubbock to be with family.”
Carter currently works as a personal trainer in Lubbock, Texas.
* PAUL HEYMAN Scouting A Third Person To Manage?! Who Could It Be [>]
Update On Sami Callihan To WWE, The Ascension Reforming In NXT
[wweshop]- As we’ve reported, top independent wrestler Sami Callihan has been undergoing WWE medical tests and is expected to sign with the company soon. Callihan has been pulled from this month’s Big Japan Pro Wrestling’s Strong Style Tournament, another sign that his days on the indy scene are winding down.
– WWE NXT star Judas Devlin is apparently the new second member of The Ascension with Conor O’Brian. The two teamed up at a NXT live event last week to defeat Alexander Rusev and Aiden English. O’Brian and Devlin used the same double team finisher that O’Brian and Kenneth Cameron used to use before Cameron was released from WWE.
Former Ascension member Kenneth Cameron was released last year after he was arrested late on Thanksgiving Eve on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and disorderly intoxication. He had been arrested previously for DUI.
Hall & Nash Speaking Tour, WWE App Sees Record Activity During RAW
– Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are currently planning to do an Outsiders speaking tour. Nash tweeted the following this week about the project:
For some reason people think were only going to hit the large markets.@SCOTTHALLNWO and I want to see every fan on the planet. NWO 4 Life!
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) May 11, 2013
– Today’s wrestling birthdays include WWE Hall of Famer Ron Simmons (55) and Hall of Famer Kevin von Erich (56).
– WWE reportedly had record-setting activity on the WWE mobile app during Monday’s RAW when fans were encouraged to vote on Big E Langston’s opponent.
* PAUL HEYMAN Scouting A Third Person To Manage?! Who Could It Be [>]
WWE & Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment Extend Home Video Licensing Partnership
[wweshop]WWE & Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment Extend Home Video Licensing Partnership
STAMFORD, Conn. and NEW YORK May 14, 2013 – WWE (NYSE:WWE) and Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment (GVE), a leading distributor of entertainment and lifestyle media, today announced a multi-year extension for home video distribution of WWE programming.
The new agreement will continue to give GVE distribution rights to release 12 WWE pay-per-view events each year, including WrestleMania® and SummerSlam®, as well as a robust catalog of collectible titles throughout the U.S. on physical and digital platforms.
“WWE has been a true partner for us in every sense of the word,” said Bill Sondheim, President of Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment. “Their dedicated fan base continues to power our promotions year after year, and this deal helps to energize our retail partners and further fuel our growth. We are excited to continue building exciting cross-promotional and merchandising opportunities with our physical and on-line retailers and key WWE partners.”
“GVE has helped us offer a vast array of programming to our passionate fan base across multiple formats,” said Casey Collins, Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, WWE. “We are pleased to extend the partnership and continue to offer WWE enthusiasts a wide array of home entertainment programming.”
Dixie Carter Issues Stern Message Regarding Austin Aries’ ‘Inappropriate Behavior’ On Impact
TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter addressed Austin Aries’ lewd behavior towards ring announcer Christy Hemme on last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling with a stern statement via Twitter this afternoon.
“TNA has ZERO tolerance for inappropriate behavior,” she wrote. “The incident with Austin Aries was taken very seriously and handled immediately.”
David Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Communications for Spike TV, stated this week to Mark Madden of Wrestlezone.com that action would be taken against Aries for his public form of sexual harassment towards the veteran Knockout.
“We have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment,” said Schwarz. “We discussed [the incident] with our partner. [Aries is] being disciplined. I’m trying to get more information on what action is being taken. Dixie Carter took this very personally. He will be disciplined. Again, we have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
“I’m not sure specifically how [the discipline] will be handled. To what extent, I don’t know. This is certainly something we don’t condone and don’t tolerate. Such behavior is not welcome.”
In response to whether Aries’ discipline should be made public since Hemme was harassed on national television, Schwarz responded, “I think that a statement of some sort will be coming. That’s being worked out. But immediate action will be taken.”
On the show, Hemme mistakenly introduced Aries and tag team partner Bobby Roode as their opponents for the evening, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian. This led Aries to corner Hemme in the ring as he intimidated her into correctly introducing him before climbing onto a mid-level turnbuckle and shoving his groin near her face.
Following the event, Hemme voiced her displeasure with Aries’ actions via Twitter, deeming it “unacceptable.” Late Saturday night, Aries appeared to address the incident though the social networking outlet, writing, “Pretty nuts, some of the junk people get the balls to say over the net, knowing they couldn’t to your face…Eh, anyway, time to sack out.”
Raw Bounces Back From Year-Low Viewership, Seven Surprising Hardcore Combatants
[wweshop]- Monday’s Raw bounced back from year-low viewership the week before as the program averaged 4.05 million viewers.
Raw averaged 3.79 million viewers, 4.1 million viewers in the second and 4.25 million viewers in the third.
Last week’s show garnered a 2.9 cable rating and averaged 3.917 million viewers. Two weeks ago, the program drew 4.285 million viewers.
– The official WWE website has published an article recalling seven matches featuring competitors that are not known as hardcore brawlers. This list includes Ric Flair challenging ECW Champion Big Show in an Extreme Rules Match in July 2006, Bret Hart battling Terry Funk in a Hardcore Match in World Championship Wrestling, Trish Stratus defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Victoria in a Hardcore Match at Survivor Series 2002, Rey Mysterio clashing with Psicosis in a Mexican Death Match in Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1995, Kofi Kingston squaring off against Shelton Benjamin in an Extreme Rules Match, Crash Holly defending the WWF Hardcore Championship against Dean Malenko, and Eric Bischoff battling Terry Funk for the WCW Hardcore Championship.
– This week’s WWE en Espanol is now, which promotes Extreme Rules.
(source: tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)
MVP Compares WWE To Japan, Takes A Shot At Great Khali
Former WWE Superstar MVP, who has been rumored to be in talks with WWE for several months now, tweeted the following on Tuesday regarding the differences between WWE and Japan:
Being a WWE fan doesn't make u a PRO WRESTLING fan. There r AMAZING wrestlers in Mexico, Japan, Europe you've never heard of but would love!
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 14, 2013
WWE is the biggest promotion in the world. The best production. Some awesome talent. But pro wrestling is bigger than WWE. I had a blast…
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 14, 2013
…working there. I also had a blast working in Japan. Different psychology, different styles. It all comes down to personal preference.
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 14, 2013
Khali was World Heavy Weight champion. That's usually reserved for the best. Is he among the best? Remember it's ENTERTAINMENT.
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 14, 2013
Antonio Cesaro Labeled “Boring” By Officials, Y2J’s Dance Rehearsal With Edyta Sliwinska, More
[cesaroshirt]- After holding the United States Championship for 240 days through last month when he was upended by Kofi Kingston, Antonio Cesaro’s standing in WWE has been greatly curtailed as the Swiss grappler has lost the majority of his televised matches. For those wondering whether his demotion is as a result of “heat” backstage, it is not. Rather, top WWE officials simply feel he lacks personality.
While addressing Cesaro’s current placement in WWE, Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio Monday night that company brass believe that the former Ring of Honor standout is “boring,” resulting in his slide down the card. Some in WWE, however, are not in favor of the demotion, and believe Cesaro should be a headliner.
While Cesaro engaged in a match with Kingston two weeks on WWE Main Event that was well-received by management, it failed to alter his standing in the organization. Meltzer noted, “They don’t see him any higher than they did two weeks ago. There was lip service paid there for a week or two, but it’s over now.”
– The official WWE website has posted photos of Chris Jericho’s rehearsal with partner Edyta Sliwinska prior to his Dance-Off with Fandango on Monday’s Raw.
– This week’s “WWE Raw Slam of the Week” is now online, with Randy Orton adding Damien Sandow to his lengthy list of victims.
MVP Says He Wants To Face Some TNA Wrestlers, Preview Thursday’s Impact, Taryn Terrell
– MVP, who is currently a free agent after parting ways with New Japan Pro Wrestling in February, addressed his future in the professional wrestling industry on Twitter on Tuesday.
When asked what’s next for him after leaving NJPW, MVP responded, “Thinking about it. WWE, TNA, retirement?
“I’ve never worked with Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Mr. Anderson/Kennedy, Bobby Roode and so forth. I’ve often wondered what that would be like.”
“The beautiful thing for me is that my future is wide open wherever I end up. Living life on my terms is an amazing feeling. Live for YOU!”
MVP later clarified his remark regarding the possibility of joining TNA Wrestling: “To be clear, I didn’t say I WANT TO GO TO TNA. I just said they had some guys that are tremendously talented that are on my wish list.”
– TNA Wrestling released the following video previewing Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast on SpikeTV, which is centered on Abyss returning last week to help TNA in the war against Aces and Eights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5nZ0hKEsR8
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, fans will have the opportunity to meet Taryn Terrell as she will be signing autographs at the Middletown Market 128 Dolson Ave. Middletown, New York, on Saturday, June 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Joseph Park Weighs In On The Return Of Abyss, TNA Promotes Impact’s Time Slot Change, More
– Last Thursday on Impact Wrestling, Abyss returned to TNA as he joined Sting and Kurt Angle as their partner in the main event six-man tag team match against Aces & Eights members Bully Ray, Devon and Mr. Anderson. The masked wrestler chokeslammed Anderson through a table before hitting the Black Hole Slam on Devon to secure the victory. Yesterday on Twitter, Joseph Park addressed his brother’s return.
“I can’t wait to get to @IMPACTWRESTLING this Thursday and see my brother Abyss. It’s been awhile. Still can’t believe I missed him last week,” Park wrote.
“I miss one week due to @REALBully5150 and @TestifyDevon acts upon me and I miss my brother. I was shocked to see him. TNA has its monster back and just in time to defeat @TheAcesAnd8s. I knew he would come back. I feel better and healed up. I’ll be at @IMPACTWRESTLING Thurs.”
– As previously announced, on May 30, Impact Wrestling returns to its former time slot as it will resume airing at 9:00 p.m. TNA Wrestling released the following video Monday promoting the time change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XseCq_8sa2A
– This Saturday, Miss Tessmacher and Robbie E appear at the Sci-Fi Valley Con at the Jaffa Shrine Center 2200 Broad Ave. Altoona, Pennsylvania, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Event Information)
Fandango & Summer Rae Mock Chris Jericho, MVP’s New Rap Song
Fandango and Summer Rae tweeted the following after the events that transpired during the dance-off on RAW:
Lesson learned, @IAmJericho… #RAW
— Dango (@DirtyDangoCurty) May 14, 2013
Oppppps! I forgot about my ankle :( … Oh well :) #sorryjericho #raw
— Summer Rae (@DanielleMoinet) May 14, 2013
– Former WWE superstar MVP has released a new rap song, “Time Of My Life” –