Paul Heyman tweeted the following late Sunday night, teasing something “extreme” on RAW:
#2EXTREME4WWE I like the adjective #EXTREME. So does my client. Hint hint for tomorrow's @WWE #RAW
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) May 6, 2013
Based on the cryptic tweet, Heyman could be talking about Brock Lesnar, an early return for CM Punk, or someone else entirely.
Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 12 minutes
Solomonster talks about SIX really good matches on WWE television alone this week and praises the talent coming off an exhausting European tour, pitching an idea for Money in the Bank involving The Shield, the death of the brand extension later this month, early name for the 2014 Hall of Fame, defending the “Make a Wish” segment with John Cena on Raw, the blunt truth about Alberto Del Rio, TNA goes back to the well with Sting as #1 contender, the one name (other than AJ Styles) that would make sense to challenge Bully for the title, and revisiting the Beer Drinking Championship! To view the Layfield Report column referenced on this week’s show, click here!
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This week on The Breakdown, Steve takes us into his thoughts on the world of the megastars of pro wrestling
Q: I want your opinion on WWE doing these crappy short matches on Smackdown. With the Barrett vs. Regal match [in the UK], I was hoping [it would go] at least ten minutes or more. As for the main event, that should have gone longer then it did. I know Undertaker is old and broken down, but I have seen Jon Moxley on the indies in 20-plus minute matches. – Steve from New Jersey
A: Completely agree that WWE dropped the ball on that Barrett vs. Regal match. Especially with Smackdown typically being a more wrestling-heavy show, there was no reason they could not have given those two 10-12 minutes to work together. As for Undertaker, while I do agree his match with Ambrose was quite short, there’s no way Taker should be wrestling 20 minute matches on Smackdown. Save those for PPV.
Q: Who do you think was the worst babyface in WWE and the greatest babyface in WWE? I am not talking about finance wise, I am talking about entertainment wise. – Danish Tanweer
A: Hulk Hogan managed to be both one of the best and worst babyfaces of all time. The fact that half of his promos made absolutely no sense made them very entertaining, and there’s no arguing the length of time he spent on top, yet he would eye gouge and back rake his opponents in every match! Need further proof of what a horrible babyface this guy was? He intentionally drove a wedge between his “best friend” and his wife, he once beat up a hapless mortician, stole his urn and threw ashes in someone’s face, then threw a hissy fit when Sid Justice dumped him out of the Royal Rumble, a match advertised as being every man for himself. And what does this “Real American” role model do in response? He assists the heel in pulling Justice out of the ring! Hogan never really turned heel in 1996, he just changed his wardrobe.
Q: What happened to Christian? Will he be back anytime soon? – Andrew
A: According to WWE physician Michael Sampson, whom I had a chance to speak with at Fan Axxess over WrestleMania weekend, Christian is ready to return. It’s really up to WWE creative at this point when they have a role for him.
Q: Do you think a John Cena heel turn would have the same impact that Hogan’s did when he went from red and yellow to Hollywood Hogan? – Dennis from Tennessee
A: No I don’t. One of the key elements of the Hogan turn that worked to his advantage was the association with Hall and Nash as “outsiders” from the WWF. Hogan had a powerful supporting cast. What would Cena have? Not saying it wouldn’t be refreshing to see he and, say, CM Punk switch sides, but I don’t see it having the same impact the Hogan turn and nWo angle had.
Q: I was wondering if you knew what happened between WWE and Bobby Lashley? When he was released, it surprised me since before that he was in the WWE Championship picture having matches with John Cena. Just wondering if you knew why he got released and if you think there is a chance he could return? – Cameron from Chandler, AZ
A: I don’t believe he was released so much as he wanted out of the company and they acquiesced. You don’t just release a guy who, less than a year earlier, is slotted into one of the biggest attractions in WrestleMania history. Reportedly, it stemmed from things that happened or were said involving his girlfriend Kristal Marshall and head writer Michael Hayes. And yes, there is always a chance he can return. He has not closed that door.
Q: What were your thoughts of Heidenreich? Do you think he had potential? – Zack Holker
A: Yes, he had great potential. As a poet. Maybe a prison inmate. As a wrestler, not so much.
– Investment site SeekingAlpha.com has published a full transcript of Thursday’s WWE investor conference call.
– After a few days off following a grueling European tour and this week’s TV tapings, WWE is back on the road tonight with a RAW-brand live event at the Covelli Center in Youngston, Ohio. Here are the top matches for tonight:
* WWE Champion John Cena and Sheamus vs. Ryback and Mark Henry
* Tag Team Champions Team Hell No vs. The Shield
* US Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Antonio Cesaro
TNA sent out the following press release for tonight’s “One Night Only” Joker’s Wild pay-per-view:
24 OF THE BRIGHTEST NAMES IN WRESTLING COMPETE FOR $100,000 IN ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY: JOKER’S WILD’ PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT PREMIERING MAY 3
LUCK OF THE DRAW REIGNS SUPREME IN TNA’s MOST UNIQUE PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT EVER, FEATURING RANDOM TAG TEAMS AND 12-MAN GAUNTLET MATCH
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2, 2013) – Two dozen of the brightest names in wrestling count on a whole lot of fight and a little bit of luck as they compete for a $100,000 grand prize in “TNA Wrestling Presents ONE NIGHT ONLY: JOKER’S WILD,” a Pay-Per-View event hosted by Jeremy Borash and Christy Hemme that premieres Friday, May 3 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on cable and satellite television systems across the country.
The “Joker’s Wild” lineup features a who’s who of TNA Wrestling’s past, present and future. Former TNA World Heavyweight Champions such as “The Cowboy” JAMES STORM, “The IT Factor” BOBBY ROODE, “The Samoan Submission Machine” SAMOA JOE, MR. ANDERSON and ROB VAN DAM jump into the fray alongside ring veterans CHRISTOPHER DANIELS, CHAVO GUERRERO, JR., DEVON, AL SNOW and DOUG WILLIAMS, as well as talented newcomers like GUNNER, CRIMSON, JOEY RYAN and many more.
The “Joker’s Wild” format pairs TNA Superstars in randomly drawn tag teams, facing off with another team in a series of six matches. The winning teams from those six matches will then be entered in a 12-man Gauntlet Match, with the last man standing taking home $100,000!
What will the luck of the draw reveal as the impromptu tag teams are announced? Will former rivals be forced to co-exist in pursuit of the night’s final goal? Will superstars with dramatically different ring styles have to find a way to advance? And, will long-held allegiances be completely forgotten in the frenzy of the Gauntlet Match to capture the $100,000 grand prize?
All of these questions and more will be answered at “TNA Wrestling Presents ONE NIGHT ONLY: JOKER’S WILD.” This Pay-Per-View event is available for purchase throughout the month of May for $14.95. Contact your cable or satellite television provider for complete details.
The complete roster for “ONE NIGHT ONLY: JOKER’S WILD” includes JAMES STORM, CHRISTIAN YORK, GUNNER, CRIMSON, JESSIE GODDERZ, MR. ANDERSON, DOUG WILLIAMS, KID KASH, CHRISTOPHER DANIELS, SAMOA JOE, CHAVO GUERRERO, JR., ROB VAN DAM, ROBBIE E, ZEMA ION, JOSEPH PARK, HERNANDEZ, ALEX SILVA, DEVON, D.O.C., ROB TERRY, MATT MORGAN, JOEY RYAN, AL SNOW and BOBBY ROODE.
Comedienne Amy Schumer was on Conan O’Brian’s late night TBS show this week to promote her new sketch show on Comedy Central. During the interview, she spoke about her past relationship with WWE World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler, specifically, their sex life:
“We were very different sexually, like he was very active in bed, he was like moving around,” Schumer noted. “He was in such good shape. When you’re naked with someone, you wanna be the one brining the thunder. I wanna be able to whisper things like, ‘You’re welcome’ or like, ‘you owe me for this.'”
Ziggler was never mentioned by name on the Conan interview, but a photo was shown of him on screen.
Schumer made very similar comments on The Howard Stern Show last summer, when she said “the sex was too athletic… Always. [But] the first time, I was like, ‘Oh, this is cool. Nobody’s ever ragdolled me.’ He was spinning me like a Globetrotter.”
Check out these photos of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on the set of The Fast and the Furious 6, in theaters May 24, 2013.
WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross tweeted the following about Thursday’s night’s WWE NXT tapings from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida:
Big night so far 4 Wyatt Family including @WWEBrayWyatt. They can be special. Announce teams doing much better. Must be the coaching. :)
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 3, 2013
Sami Zayn just had an awesome match w/ @AntonioCesaro here @WWENXT. Superb by both. Raw quality. #wwe
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 3, 2013
@iLikeSamiZayn had a memorable @WWENXT debut tonight. Great, young talent. Superb fundamental skills. Has paid his dues. #wwe
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 3, 2013
@JohnCena & @TheDamienSandow entertaining as hell on 'Damien Sandow Show' here @WWENXT tonight. #betterthandancing #tugofwar
Sandow sings— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 3, 2013
He also re-tweeted the following message from a fan who was in attendance:
Probably the most fun I've ever had at @WWENXT taping tonight! Thx to @JRsBBQ & @MichaelCole as always. Can't wait til the May 23rd show!
— Tom Hannifan (@TomHannifan) May 3, 2013
– MMA fighter & TNA star King Mo made his pro wrestling debut on Wednesday night at Ohio Valley Wrestling. defeating Austin Bradley via an arm submission in the main event. Mo reportedly used a variety of MMA holds throughout the match.
– The Ryback vs. Daniel Bryan match that will air on tonight’s SmackDown is getting rave reviews from people who have seen it, with many saying that it’s Ryback’s best match to date.
– Here are some attendance figures from WWE’s recent European tour, courtesy of the Wrestling Observer:
WWE taped four more weeks of NXT on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Here are spoilers:
* A Tag Team Title matchis announced. Adrian Neville and Bo Dallas will be defending the titles. Bo is filling in for the injured Oliver Grey. They will defend against The Wyatt Family.
* Damien Sandow beat Baron Corbin.
* Paige beat Bayley. Summer Rae attacked Paige after the match.
* Sakamoto vs. Briley Pierce ended in a no contest when Conor O’Brian attacked them both.
* Kassius Ohno beat Camacho. Ohno tried to make amends with William Regal after the match but was attacked by the Wyatt Family.
* The Wyatt Family with Bray Wyatt beat Adrian Neville and Bo Dallas to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
* Summer Rae defeated Natalya.
* Conor O’Brian defeated Briley Pierce and Sakamoto in a Handicap Match.
* NXT Champion Big E Langston defeated Damien Sandow.
* Sami Zayn, the former El Generico, defeated Curt Hawkins.
* Antonio Cesaro defeated Yoshi Tatsu.
* Cesaro challenged anyone in the back for a match. Sami Zayn answered the challenge.
* Sami Zayn defeated Antonio Cesaro.
* Mason Ryan defeated Enzo Amore.
* Bray Wyatt defeated Corey Graves.
* Dusty Rhodes announces that beginning at the next tapings on May 23rd, a tournament to determine the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion will begin.
* Emma defeated Audrey Marie.
* Big E Langston defeated Derrick Bateman.
* Bo Dallas won a 20-man battle royal to become the new #1 contender for the NXT Title.
– TNA World Heavyweight champion Bully Ray will defend against Sting at the upcoming Slamiversary pay-per-view on Sunday, June 2nd. Sting defeated Matt Morgan in the main event of Thursday’s Impact to earn the title shot. Morgan passed out while locked in the Scorpion Death Lock, which led to referee Earl Hebner calling the match.
– Former X Division wrestler Suicide will be returning to Impact Wrestling on Thursday, May 23rd and will attempt to earn a shot at Kenny King’s X Division Championship. Suicide, a character spawned from a TNA video game, was previously portrayed by tag team partners Christopher Daniels and Kazarian.
The following is scheduled for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy:
*Kane vs. Dean Ambrose.
* Ryback vs. Daniel Bryan
* Arm Wrestling Challenge: Mark Henry vs. Sheamus
* Randy Orton vs. Damien Sandow.
* Fandango vs. Zack Ryder.
* Zeb Colter vs. Ricardo Rodriguez.
Also appearing are Alberto Del Rio, Teddy Long, Jack Swagger and more.
With the recent speculation that The Shield might have a fourth member, NXT star Sami Zayn (formerly known as El Generico) made an interesting tweet early Thursday morning that could be a hint that he’s affiliated with the group.
Here’s Zayn’s response to a tweet by Shield member Seth Rollins
@WWERollins I believe in the Shield.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) May 2, 2013
Comment Below and tell us if you think The Shield needs a 4th member – and if so, who it should be.
– A profile for former WWE Superstar MVP has been added to WWE.com. It’s worth noting that he’s listed as a “Superstar” and not “Alumni.” His entrance theme has also been added to the company’s official YouTube channel
– WWE CEO Vince McMahon tweeted the following Happy Birthday message to The Rock, who turn 41 years old today:
Happy Birthday to @TheRock who went out on his shield a hero @WrestleMania
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) May 2, 2013
* Pictures of THE ROCK & His Beautiful Girlfriend LAUREN HASHIAN On The Red Carpet
WWE superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has signed on to star in and Executive Produce a new drama/comedy series for HBO.
The untitled 30-minute weekly series will chronicle the lives of athletes living in Miami, something The Rock can relate to.
The Rock’s “Pain & Gain” co-star Mark Wahlberg and his ex-wife/manager Dani Johnson will also serve co-Executive Producers Steve Levinson (“Entourage”) will write the pilot episode.
For more on the story, visit Deadline.com.
As part of WWE’s first quarter earnings report earlier today, the company released updated pay-per-view buyrate figures for the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber:
– The Royal Rumble drew 512,000 total buys, up from 443,000 buys in 2012 and 446,000 buys in 2011.
– Elimination Chamber did 213,000 buys, up from 178,000 buys in 2012 and 199,000 buys in 2011.
The big difference maker was The Rock wrestling CM Punk on both shows.
Overall, WWE PPV revenues were up 15% percent (to $37.5 million from $32.5 million) compared to Q1 2012.
[punkshirt]- We reported last week that UFC Legend Mark Coleman made a scene at a recent UFC live event (4/13) when producers decided to show WWE superstar CM Punk on camera in stead of him. Coleman was reportedly telling people that he wanted fight Punk. He has since contacted the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and apologized for his conduct at the show. Coleman said he was only trying to “work on his image” and was joking around. He added he has nothing but respect for CM Punk and said Punk is his favorite WWE superstar.
– Following up on the news that WWE is working a new 1-hour weekly NXT TV show, SyFy is reportedly interested in picking up the series this fall.
There has also beentalk of featuring more NXT matches at WWE Live Events to give the developmental talents experience of working in front of larger crowds.
– WWE superstar The Rock turns 41 years old today. Speaking of The Rock, he tweeted the following about WrestleMania 29 being the highest-grossing event in WWE history:
Record is set: WRESTLEMANIA 29 is the highest grossing event in WWE history. Was my honor to be the main event & @WWE Champion. THANK YOU!!
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 2, 2013
– Michael Cole noted on Wednesday’s Main Event broadcast that WWE Champion John Cena will give fans an update on his injury status this Monday night on RAW.
– Wrestling legend Vader missed an independent show in Canada over the weekend after being denied entry into the country due to a past DUI charge.
– Former Tough Enough winner Andy Leavine (and partner Samson Walker) recently won the WWC Tag Team Titles in Puerto Rico.
[cenachampshirt]- WWE Champion John Cena will be attending tonight’s WWE NXT tapings from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida and recorded the above video hyping the appearance.
WWE legend The Honky Tonk Man is teasing on Twitter that he could be at tonight’s NXT tapings.
– Starting this Monday night – WWE RAW will begin airing live in Canada on The Score. Up until now, RAW aired on a 15 minute delay due to a sports update that ran at the top of the 8:00pm hour.
– Hulk Hogan is still interested in wrestling again – with a match against Bully Ray at Bound For Glory being discussed in recent weeks.
– The April 26th TNA live event from Erie, Pennsylvania drew 950 fans. The April 25th Impact Wrestling tapings in Indiana, PA drew 3,300 fans.
– As we reported last week, TNA has hired former WWE Live Events employee Rafael Morfii. Morfii is seen as a big acquisition for TNA, since he was highly regarding for his work in WWE.
It was believed that Morfii was let go by because Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are looking to bring in more of “their own” people.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
WWE executive Stephanie McMahon recently interviewed by bodybuilding website RXMuscle.com and says she’s in the best shape of her life. Aside from her own hard work, Stephanie credits progress to the help of renowned strength and conditioning coach Joe DeFranco and nutritionist Dave Palumbo.
“Literally the day I came home from the hospital after having my second daughter I started on [Dave Palumbo’s] nutrition program. I gained 80lb with my first pregnancy and that was such a struggle to get the weight off. I gained another 60 pounds during the next pregnancy. I knew I had to work my butt off to get back in shape.”
“I can honestly tell you, at 36 years old and after having 3 kids, I’m in the best shape of my life. And the best part is that I keep getting stronger.”
Stephanie explains that gaining a lot of weight during her pregnancies, she’s no stranger to exercise:
“I’ve done all kinds of training in my life. I started working out when I was 12 years old learning from my dad and brother. I’ve done the typical bodybuilding split with Chest/Shoulders/Triceps on day 1, Back and Biceps on Day 2, and Legs on Day 3. But I was just doing too much and found myself overtraining. I’ve been working with Joe [DeFranco] for about 18 months. He comes out to the house and puts me through a fast paced functional workout. He likes to have me train in positions with different kinds of weight loads that keep me off balance, forcing me to really use my core.” McMahon said.
DeFrankco, who trains Stephanie twice a week and also works with Triple H, said this about Stephanie’s progress:
“Steph’s body has gone through a major transformation since we started training together. Old wrestling injuries, childhood dance, and being a mother of three created some negative adaptations in her body, which resulted in shoulder, hip, knee and ankle problems. Because of this, my top priority was to get her body functioning and feeling better. To accomplish this, I started training her like an athlete. The goal was to get her body working as a whole, as opposed to separate parts. The program I designed for Steph, coupled with her consistent hard work and attention to detail, have been a recipe for success. She can now train without limitations, while also being stronger and leaner!”
The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:
* Matt Morgan vs. Sting: Winner challenges Bully Ray for the TNA World championship at Slammiversary.
* Kurt Angle vs. D’Lo Brown (I Quit Match).
* Chris Sabin vs. Zema Ion vs. Sonjay Dutt
* Rob Terry vs. Jessie Godderz, Joey Ryan and Robbie E (Handicap Match).
* Mickie James and Taryn Terrell vs. Tara and Gail Kim.
– WWE.com has an article up looking at the numerous injuries WWE Champion John Cena has overcome throughout his career.
– John Cena spoke to Columbus Ohio’s NBC 4 affiliate this week about the Make-A-Wish wishes he granted on Monday’s RAW as part of World Wish Day. Cena, who has granted more wishes than any other celebrity, said:
“We’re just in so many places, so often, that we can grant as many wishes as we can. I’m certainly more than willing to donate my time to Make-A-Wish.”
