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Undertaker Appears For Crowd Before RAW, DiBiase Falls At RAW & More

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The following is a live report of what happened before Monday’s WWE Old School RAW went on the air, courtesy of reader Ryan Berglund.

– Before the show went live, the Undertaker’s theme song played and the crowd went crazy. The Undertaker appeared for a moment as the lights turned on. The lights flicked back on and off and he was gone.

* Pictures of The UNDERTAKER’s Return from RAW

– Sgt. Slaughter, Dusty Rhodes, and Jim Duggan all signed autographs during the commercial break after they were beat up by Jack Swagger.

– Ted DiBiase slipped and fell during his ring entrance before the tag team match between Team Hell No and Prime Time Players.

What Happened After RAW With The Shield, Dark Match (Video)

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The following is a live report of what happened after Monday’s WWE Old School RAW went off the air, courtesy of reader Ryan Berglund.

After RAW:

The Shield came out and surrounded the ring while Big Show was inside. They attacked him three-on-one until Show fought back. He had Ambrose and Rollins set for a double chokeslam, but Reigns speared him. They impressively triple-powerbombed Show. Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback then came out and cleared The Shield for the advertised post-main event.

WWE has published this video of The Shield eating down the Big Show after RAW:

Bonus Dark Match:

John Cena, Ryback & Sheamus defeated The Shield via DQ in a six-man tag match. Sheamus took a beating early on. Hot-tog to Cena, who had Ambrose up for the AA, but he took a spear from Reigns. Cena then took the a three-on-one beating until he avoided a spear from Reigns and tagged in Ryback. Ryback took out all of them one-by-one, then Reigns broke up an attempted Shell Shock. Rollins then pulled out a chair and hit Ryback and Sheamus, causing the DQ.

After the match, The Shield’s assault continued until Cena made the save and they all hit their finishers to send the crowd home happy.

* Pictures of The UNDERTAKER’s Return from RAW

Undertaker vs. CM Punk Set For WM29, Triple H Challenges Lesnar & More

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– The following matches were taped before RAW for this week’s episode of Superstars:

* Team Rhodes Scholars vs. The Usos.

* Layla vs. Tamina Snuka.

– The Undertaker returned to WWE on Monday’s Old School RAW at the start of the show. The Undertaker signaled that he would be at WrestleMania 29. Later in the show, a 4-way match would be held to determine his opponent.

* Pictures of The UNDERTAKER’s WWE Return on RAW

– CM Punk defeated Sheamus, Big Show and Randy Orton to earn a match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29. Undertaker came out after Punk’s win and had a staredown with Punk.

– Also on RAW, Triple H challenged Brock Lesnar to a match at WrestleMania 29.

WWE Old School RAW Results

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Old School WWE RAW opens up with the vintage RAW intro and graphics. We’re live from Buffalo, New York as the gong hits and The Undertaker’s entrance begins.

Taker comes out to the old-school stage on the set and makes flames rise. There’s a WrestleMania 29 logo up on the big screen after his video plays. Taker makes the flames rise as we cut to an opening video for tonight’s old-school themed RAW. The video is narrated by Mean Gene Okerlund.

– Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcome us to RAW as the old school pyro goes off above the ring. Even Cole and Lawler are all old school looking at ringside tonight. They talk about The Undertaker and out comes CM Punk with Paul Heyman to the ring.

Punk says he should be main eventing WrestleMania 29. Punk says he should be defending the WWE Title but he’s not because of the fans. Punk says the fans screwed him. Punk says what the world just saw gives him a purpose. Punk says he’s going to beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Punk says fans like The Streak so much but roll their eyes when he mentions his lengthy title reign. Punk says he has a new number – 20 and 1. Punk says he will beat The Streak, deal with it. Randy Orton’s music hits and out he comes.

Orton says he’s already beat Punk at WrestleMania. Orton says 8 years ago, he came close to beating Taker at WrestleMania but he was a rookie then. Orton says now he’s the most dangerous man in the locker room. Orton asks the fans who should face Taker at WrestleMania – Orton or Punk. The fans pop for Orton. Out comes Big Show next. Big Show says he also faced Taker at WrestleMania but back then he didn’t’ have the knockout punch he has now. Show says if you’re going to beat The Streak, you need to be more than a Viper and more than Straight-Edge. You need to be a giant. Big Show says he’s going to knock Taker’s streak right into oblivion. Sheamus comes out next to the biggest pop yet.

Sheamus says he’s the only one who has never faced Taker. He says it’s going to take a Brogue Kick to defeat Taker. Sheamus says with the luck of the Irish on your side, it’s possible. Vickie Guerrero comes out next to boos from the crowd. Vickie says the one to end The Streak will be the greatest of all-time. Vickie announces a Fatal 4 Way for tonight. The winner will face The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29.

– Announced for later tonight is a point-counterpoint segment with The Rock and John Cena. Also, Triple H will address Brock Lesnar. We see Ryback heading to the ring before going to commercial.

Ryback vs. Antonio Cesaro

Back from the break and WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro is in the ring. Out next comes Ryback.

Cesaro strikes first with kicks and punches. Ryback knocks him down with a shoulder. Ryback with chops in the corner now. Ryback takes Cesaro up and catches him in a big powerslam. Cesaro rolls to the floor to regroup. Ryback suplexes Cesaro back into the ring and holds him high in the air before dropping him. Ryback with a 2 count. Cesaro unloads in the corner again. Ryback dumps him to the apron but Cesaro drops Ryback over the top rope. Cesaro goes to the top but Ryback presses him high in the air and slams him on his face. Ryback sends Cesaro over the top rope and back to the floor.

Ryback tangles with Cesaro on the apron and gets knocked off. He stumbles back in the ring and Cesaro covers for a 2 count. Cesaro mounts Ryback and unloads again. Ryback is dazed and confused as we go back to commercial.

Back from the break and Cesaro hits Ryback with knees. Ryback stands up to him and Cesaro smacks him. Ryback knocks Cesaro down and starts making a comeback. Ryback with a big back body drop and a spinebuster. Ryback goes for the Meathook Clothesline but runs into an uppercut. Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer but Ryback catches him with Shellshocked for the win.

Winner: Ryback

– After the match, Ryback is heading to the back when Mark Henry’s music hits. Henry comes out to the entrance way and stares down Ryback. Henry keeps heading to the ring but keeps his eyes on Ryback.

Mark Henry vs. Zack Ryder

Henry hits the ring and out next comes his opponent Zack Ryder. Ryder looks ready to fight and comes in with a mean look on his face. Henry grabs him and throws him into the corner. Ryder comes out fighting but Henry shoves him back. Henry runs into knees and fights back some more. Henry whips him into the corner and nails a big clothesline. Henry yells for Ryder to get up. Henry nails the World’s Strongest Slam for the quick win.

Winner: Mark Henry

– We get hype for tonight’s main event. Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee and Big E Langston are shown walking backstage.

– Another vignette for Fandango before we go back to commercial. This one says he will be debuting tonight on RAW.

Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz

Back from the break and Ziggler is out in the ring with The Miz. Miz has some trouble with the microphone but they get it going. Miz introduces someone to us who represents old-school. Miz calls him his friend and mentor. Out comes Ric Flair to a big pop from the crowd.

Miz and Ziggler lock up and break. They lock up again and Ziggler takes control. Ziggler has words with Flair at ringside. Ziggler beats up on Miz in front of Flair. Miz fights back but Ziggler cuts him off. Ziggler with chops in the corner. Miz drops him with a right hand. Miz makes a comeback and kicks Ziggler out of the ring. Flair dances at ringside. Flair gets up on the apron and Miz tries to do the Flair strut as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Ziggler is in control. Ziggler hits a neckbreaker and covers for a 2 count. Miz fights back and knocks Ziggler into the corner with right hands. Ziggler dumps Miz to the apron but Miz slides under the ropes and rolls him up for a close 2 count. Miz counters and hits the backbreaker neckbreaker combo for 2. Ziggler rolls Miz up out of nowhere for 2. Miz comes back and takes Ziggler’s knee out. Ziggler nails the big jumping DDT for another 2 count.

Ziggler goes for a sleeper but Miz fights him off. Ziggler tries some more and gets it locked. Miz drops Ziggler on his face and hits the running clothesline in the corner. Miz goes to the top and comes off with a big ax handle shot. AJ gets on the apron and distracts the referee while Big E lays out Miz. Flair comes over and throws his coat at Big E’s face. Flair hits Big E with a bunch of chops but it doesn’t phase him. Miz kicks a distracted Big E in the face. Ziggler gets a surprise 2 count on Miz. Miz locks in the Figure Four and Ziggler taps.

Winner: The Miz

– After the match, Flair gets in the ring with Miz to celebrate. They elbow drop an invisible jacket before we get replays.

– Still to come, tonight’s Fatal 4 Way main event. Up next is the point-counterpoint with The Rock and John Cena. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and out comes WWE Champion The Rock. Rock takes the mic and says he needs us to understand something. Rock says he just came in from Panama, where it’s 95 degrees every single day. Rock says he was excited about coming to RAW and tells about when he told a woman at the airport he didn’t need a jacket for cold Buffalo, because of electricity running through him. Rock says he stepped out of the plane onto Buffalo and it was so cold he had ice sickles forming on The People’s Nipples. Rock says the cold air on his face meant one thing, after 10 long years… Finally, The Rock has come back to Buffalo.

John Cena’s music hits and out he comes. Cena says he’s been waiting on this moment for a year and Rock doesn’t even know why. He can’t know why because he’s Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The man who conquered WWE during the Attitude Era, conquered Hollywood and came back to conquer WWE again. Cena says Rock doesn’t fail at anything in life so he doesn’t know what it feels like. Cena said he needed to win that match last year but he failed. Cena says that makes him feel worthless. A loud “Cena sucks” chant breaks out. Cena says it makes you feel weak and like you want to crawl in a hole and go away. Cena says that moment he lost to The Rock sent his life into a tailspin. Professionally and personally, Cena says.

Cena says Rock was responsible for his collapse but will be responsible for his turnaround. Cena points out Rock won the WWE Title on the same night he won the Rumble. Cena says he has a chance to re-write history. Cena gives Rock a 34-day heads up and says he is not throwing this chance away. Rock takes a second but says that fire and that desire… he’s happy to see that out of Cena. Rock says that’s the man who said he would beat CM Punk last week and he did. Rock says there was only one man he wanted to face at WrestleMania – Cena. Rock says he knows what the title and the match means to Cena. Rock says nobody in WWE has the passion and the drive, the will to win, that Cena has… except… The Rock. Rock says as much as it matters to Cena, it matters more to him. Cena quotes Mike Tyson and says in order to be the best that ever lived, you have to beat everyone living. Cena says he has jumped over every roadblock in his career except The Rock. Cena says The Rock’s time is up at WrestleMania and his time is now. Rock says that’s not right. Rock says his time is just getting started. Rock quotes a famous athlete and says winning is about heart, you just have to have it in the right place. Rock says that famous athlete was Lance Armstrong, he was full of crap and so is Cena. The crowd chants for Rock. Cena talks about Rock’s confidence. Cena says history won’t repeat itself in 34 days, he will make history. Cena says he will become the WWE Champion in 34 days and is met with a mixed reaction. Rock says Cena just crystallized everything that is The Rock and John Cena. Rock says Cena thinks he can beat Rock but Rock knows he can beat Cena. That’s the difference between them. Rock says he will beat Cena in front of the world, again, at WrestleMania 29. Rock does a very serious “if you smell…” and has a staredown with Cena as his music plays. The camera shows the WrestleMania 29 banner in the background.

– Still to come, tonight’s Fatal 4 Way main event with Punk vs. Orton vs. Sheamus vs. Big Show with the winner facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29. Back to commercial.

– We get a look back at earlier when The Undertaker opened RAW by coming out to the entrance way.

Jack Swagger vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

We go to the ring and Jack Swagger is in with Zeb Colter. Out comes his opponent, WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He’s accompanied by fellow Legends Dusty Rhodes and Sgt. Slaughter.

Before the bell hits, Swagger rolls to the floor and grabs Duggan’s 2×4. Dusty and Slaughter tell him to put it down and get back in the ring. Swagger brings the 2×4 to the apron and then into the ring. He decks Duggan in the gut and over the back with it. Slaughter comes in and takes a shot as does Dusty. Swagger hits Slaughter in the back with it. Swagger points at the WrestleMania sign and puts the Patriot Lock on Duggan.

– Cole leads us to the trailer for The Marine 3.

– Kane and Daniel Bryan are headed to the ring as we go to commercial.

– Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger are backstage. Zeb says Swagger took out 3 Legends. Josh Matthews asks for comment but Swagger gets attacked from behind by Alberto Del Rio. They brawl and eventually are separated.

Kane and Daniel Bryan vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

We go to the ring and “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase is at ringside with O’Neil and Young. They asked him to be their manager and he’s considering it if they can win. Match starts off with back and forth. Bryan comes in with Young and hits a bunch of kicks. Bryan with a dropkick for a 2 count. Titus tags in and runs over Bryan.

Young tags back in for some double teaming on Bryan. We see DiBiase looking on but he’s not in The Primetime Players’ corner. Kane finally tags in and unloads on Young. Kane with a big boot and a low dropkick. Kane with clotheslines in the corners and a sideslam for 2. Titus breaks it up and throws Bryan to the apron. Bryan dumps Titus to the floor and takes him down with a flying knee. Young and Kane go at it now. Kane catches Young with a chokeslam for the win.

Winners: Kane and Daniel Bryan

– After the match, DiBiase takes a $100 bill and puts it in Young’s mouth. Bryan and Kane go to leave but Bryan sneaks back and takes the money.

– The Honky Tonk Man is shown backstage before we go to commercial.

Tensai and Brodus Clay vs. Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre

Back from the break and out comes Cameron, Naomi, Brodus clay and Sweet T. Out next comes The Honky Tonk Man. 3MB are already in the ring and Heath Slater snatches the mic from Honky before he can speak. Slater rips Honky and tells him to go back to Las Vegas with the rest of the Elvis impersonators. The match starts and Drew unloads on Tensai in the corner. Tensai counters and rolls him up out of nowhere for the quick win.

Winners: Tensai and Brodus Clay

– After the match, Tensai and Clay dance. Honky stops them and has his music played. They all dance until Slater comes back to the ring. Slater yells at Honky but takes a guitar shot to the head. They go back to dancing.

– Up next is Kofi Kingston vs. Fandango. Back to commercial.

– Back from the break and we get some footage from the Dead Man Down premiere.

Kofi Kingston vs. Fandango

Kofi Kingston waits in the ring as Fandango’s music hits. A woman comes out dancing around and then out comes Fandango. He takes the mic and says that was inappropriate. He won’t make his debut until everyone learns to pronounce his name. Justin Roberts tries it again and can’t get it right. Fandango shows him again how it’s done. Roberts tries again and Fandango gets upset. He says tonight was the night that we almost got to see the debut of Fandango.

– Up next, Triple H will address what happened with Brock Lesnar last week. Back to commercial.

– Back from commercial and we get a look at Brock Lesnar attacking Vince McMahon and then the brawl with Triple H on last week’s RAW.

– Triple H makes his way out to the ring to a nice pop from the crowd. Triple H talks about how Brock Lesnar broke his arm at SummerSlam. He talks about he got emotional in the ring and choked up, thinking it was over just days later. Triple H says the second his cast was off, he was back in the gym and training. Triple H says he was doing his day job as WWE COO but training every day. He says he’s in the best shape he’s been in years and had been waiting… waiting for a reason. Triple H says he found himself looking at Vince McMahon after he had hip surgery. He says that’s when he found the reason. HHH says if Lesnar thinks they were done after SummerSlam, he needs to reach and feel the 12 staples in his head to know they were just getting started.

Triple H says it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why he’s here just 4 weeks away from the big dance. Triple H calls Lesnar out and wants to finish what they started at WrestleMania 29. Triple H says the ass-kicker is back, the King of Kings is back, The Game is back. Triple H wonders if Lesnar is going to show up and fight or just sit there and bleed. Triple H tosses the mic and exits the ring as his music plays.

– We get a backstage video from The Shield. Dean Ambrose talks about everyone going for The Undertaker and The Streak. Seth Rollins points out they are undefeated too. Ambrose says the eye of justice is on everybody, even Big Show. Roman Reigns says Show got one lucky shot in. They tease a run-in during tonight’s main event.

Wade Barrett vs. Alberto Del Rio

We go to the ring and WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett is in the ring. Ricardo Rodriguez begins the introduction for World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio and out he comes.

Back and forth to start. Del Rio with multiple shots to the kidney. Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter come out to the entrance way. Del Rio sends Barrett to the floor and brings him back in. Barrett catches Del Rio with Winds of Change for a 2 count. Barrett drops elbows for another pin attempt. Barrett with a headlock now. More offense from Barrett until Del Rio wraps up his arm on the ropes. Del Rio catches a big boot to the head and falls back out to the floor.

Barrett with knees and a big kick to the head. He brings it back in the ring for another 2 count. Barrett goes to the middle rope but misses an elbow drop. Del Rio with a kick to the face and a pair of clotheslines. Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio hits the superkick for a pin attempt. Del Rio sees Zeb and Swagger now. Del Rio misses a move and catches a big kick to the face. Barrett gets countered twice. Del Rio locks in the cross armbreaker for the win.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

– We get a “Political Correctness” video from Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger. Zeb says real Americans refuse to use political correct language. In Jack Swagger’s America, there will always be a group of Americans ready to defend what our forefathers fought for.

The New Age Outlaws vs. Primo and Epico

We go to the ring and out comes “Road Dogg” BG James and Billy Gunn. Dogg has the mic and they do a typical NAO entrance. Gunn does the “two words for ya” and the crowd responds with a big “suck it.” Rosa Mendes is at ringside with Primo and Epico as we get ready. Dogg starts out with Epico and drops knees for a 2 count. Dogg drops Primo but turns around to a dropkick from Epico for a 2 count. They cut Dogg down in their corner and stomp away on him. Primo tags in and they keep the quick tags coming. Primo with a knee to the forehead and a knee drop before tagging Epico back in for some double teaming.

More back and forth. they collide in the middle of the ring and in comes Gunn and Primo. Gunn unloads and takes out Epico. Gunn drops Primo and covers for 2 but it’s broken up. Road Dogg takes Epico to the floor. Gunn with more offense. He hits the Fame-asser on Primo for the win.

Winners: The New Age Outlaws

– We get a look back at earlier tonight where The Rock and John Cena met in the ring.

– Still to come, tonight’s Fatal 4 Way main event. Back to commercial.

– We come back to the arena and there’s a huge birthday cake with the WWE roster standing around it. Mean Gene Okerlund comes out and apparently it’s Mae Young’s 90th birthday. Mean Gene introduces Mae Young and out she comes with the Divas. Everyone sings Happy Birthday to her but CM Punk’s music interrupts. Punk and Heyman come walking through the celebration and make their way to the ring for tonight’s main event.

Fatal 4 Way for a Shot at The Streak: CM Punk vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Big Show

Punk hits the ring and gets hype as we go to commercial.

Back from the commercial and out comes Big Show. Randy Orton is out next followed by Sheamus. The bell rings and Punk immediately goes to the floor to watch with Heyman. Sheamus goes out as does Orton and they surround Punk. He goes in the ring and gets dropped by Show. Sheamus comes in and Show tosses him out the other side. Orton comes on the apron and drops Show over top of it. Show sends Orton back to the floor. Show comes out after him. Show gets shoved into the ring post. Orton comes back in and Sheamus meets him. They go at it now.

Back and forth now. Orton gets caught in a backbreaker for a 2 count. Punk comes in and they catch him, throwing him over the top rope. Show comes in and drops both Orton and Sheamus. We go back to commercial.

Back from the break and Punk is in control. We see Sheamus and Show down on the outside of the ring. Orton comes back control and tosses Punk for a 2 count. Punk dumps Orton to the floor but Sheamus hits a battering ram and comes in for a 2 count. Sheamus hits a bunch of forearm shots to the chest of Punk while on the apron. Show comes in and lays Sheamus out for a close 2 count. Punk breaks the pin and hits Show with knees to the face. Show drops Punk with a knockout punch out of nowhere. Show fights Sheamus off. Sheamus with a few shoulder thrusts and a high knee. Sheamus ducks a knockout punch and takes Show off his feet. Show comes back and drops Sheamus with a headbutt. Show goes for a second rope splash but misses. Sheamus goes for White Noise and gets Big Show up for the move. 2 count for Sheamus.

Sheamus calls for a Brogue Kick but Orton catches him with a powerslam for 2. Show grabs Orton and Sheamus. He shoves Sheamus off and chokeslams Orton. Show blocks a Brogue Kick and chokeslams Sheamus for a 2 count. Sheamus ducks a punch and Brogue Kicks Show out of the ring. Orton nails a RKO on Sheamus. Punk comes in and hits GTS on Orton for the win. CM Punk is going to WrestleMania 29 to face The Undertaker.

Winner: CM Punk

– After the match, The Undertaker’s music hits and out he comes to the entrance way as Punk looks on from the ring. Undertaker makes the flames rise and stares Punk down. RAW goes off the air.

WWE Sends Out Cryptic Text Message Prior To RAW

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With less than an hour to go before tonight’s Old School RAW, WWE sent out a text message to their mobile subscribers as well as a push notification to fans with the WWE mobile app with the message:

“I Have Risen”

Already, Twitter users are speculating what the text could mean, using the hashtag #IHaveRisen. We’ll find out what that means at the top of the hour, but it’s clear that tonight’s show will be newsworthy.

* Several Pictures From INSIDE The Arena At Tonight’s OLD SCHOOL RAW

Old School RAW Pictures

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Check out the following pictures from inside the arena for tonight’s Old School RAW, including the set, the vintage ringside area and the backstage interview area, featuring the classic WWE logo:

[nggallery id=91]

Sid Vicious Hospitalized, Hogan Responds To Hart, Vince McMahon Joins Twitter

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– WWE Chairman Vince McMahon joined Twitter over the weekend and can be followed at @VinceMcMahon. His daughter Stephanie (@StephMcMahon) and son-in-law Triple H (@TripleH) also joined the social media service in the past week.

– Former WWE & WCW Champion Sid Vicious is currently in the hospital, according to his son, independent wrestler Gunnar Eudy. Gunnar noted on Facebook that Sid was just released from the hospital a few days ago following complications with his heart.

– Hulk Hogan has responded to Bret Hart’s recent comments that he and Eric Bischoff are incompetent and are killing TNA. He tweeted:

WWE Old School RAW Preview

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Tonight’s special Old School episode of WWE RAW takes place from the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. While no matches have been announced for the show as of Monday morning, we do know that WWE Champion The Rock and Triple H will be in attendance.

Major *SPOILER* For Old School RAW

WWE Legends scheduled to appear include Ric Flair, The New Age Outlaws, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, Dusty Rhodes and “Mean” Gene Okerlund.

Jim Ross Blogs About Tonight’s Old School RAW

WWE.com’s Five Point Preview for the show is teasing:

* “Old School” Surprises

* Triple H and The Rock’s appearances

* The latest from Zeb Colter

* Will The Shield react to Randy Orton attacking Rollins last week?

* The road to WrestleMania continues for CM Punk

The advertised dark match main event is John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus vs. The Shield.

Picture Of Tonight’s Old School RAW Set, Heyman Teases Big Name Is Backstage

Major *SPOILER* For Old School RAW

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According to sources backstage at the site of tonight’s WWE RAW from Buffalo, New York, The Undertaker is at the building and will be appearing on tonight’s show to begin his WrestleMania program with CM Punk.

In another sign that the Dead Man is returning tonight, the official WWE App currently features the following image under the WWE Active section:

Photo Mar 04, 12 39 24 PM

 

Dolph Ziggler Talks About Cashing In MITB At WM29, AJ & Big E Holding Him Back, His Losing Streak

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WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler was recently interviewed by Chris Van Vliet of Texas CBS affiliate CBS-19. Here are some highlight of what Ziggler said about:

Cashing In Money in the Bank At WrestleMania 29: “Cashing in at WrestleMania has never been done before and no matter what I’ve done in this business, whether I win or lose, I’ve always done things my way and come out in the most entertaining way possible. So I would really like to cash this in at WrestleMania. I’m not even guaranteeing that that’s happening, but it would be so like me to do that… I think on April 8th, I will have something else [other than the Money in the Bank contract] in my hand.”

Losing A Lot Of Matches This Year: “Ever since I was 5 years old and started wrestling, I lost once. And I hated it and never wanted it to happen again. And all through my life, it wasn’t just about being a great wrestler, it was about proving myself… Right now, I am not winning very often and it disappoints me and it disappoints my fans.”

Whether The Attitude Era Will Ever Return: “It can’t. We have a different product now. I grew up in that Attitude Era and I loved it. I used to go to parties on Monday nights with my friends, but it’s a different product now. I enjoy working for this product. Maybe in that environment I might have never been on the roster, I might have never been anything. I might have never been in a match… But I’ve embraced it. I’m someone who would like to be anything but PG because that’s where my head is always at. But I can focus it down and take some discipline and make it for everyone to enjoy and be entertained. We are giving out a family show and a PG product that just opens the doors for everyone.”

If AJ Lee & Big E Langston Are Holding Him Back: “I feel like you can see it that way, or you can try to see it in a positive way. As in two younger talents who haven’t been around as long as I have who can totally benefit from being around with me… It’s almost like teaching these two to be as great as I am, as they are younger in the WWE and building their careers.”

John Cena vs. The Rock Being “Twice in a Lifetime”: I would like to think that maybe things changed and they weren’t planning this. Maybe they were hoping for a triple threat or a different option. And I think there was such crowd involvement last year that maybe they though we deserve to give these fans back another match where 80,000 people can be cheering and booing and the same time. And it is a special thing to see. These two guys are the top guys in the business and you have to go with them. The Rock is a legitimate movie star and he is booked in this match and that’s awesome…. No matter how you see it, I’m looking forward to hearing 80,000 people voicing their opinion whether they want to see it or not.”

The Rock Being WWE Champion: “The Rock having the notoriety that he has brings a crazy amount of eyes who would not normally be on our product. That’s what WWE is about, spreading the word out to everybody. When it comes to WrestleMania… he has the build up, he’s out there promoting movies… so I understand that we are trying to get all eyes on us. So when fans come there, they are there to see The Rock and Cena. They’re there to see the movie star, The Rock. And when they leave, just like my entire philosophy has been my whole life, they go ‘I can’t wait to tune in on Monday to see what that Dolph Ziggler is going to do’.”

Here’s video of the appearance:

Jim Ross Blogs About Tonight’s Old School RAW

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR had to say about tonight’s special “Old School RAW” presentation:

“Starting the show off with Mr. McMahon, Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar and HHH will be hard to top this week but I’m anxious to see how WWE sets the stage for the much anticipated three hour broadcast that will obviously be focused on WM29.

Whoever wrestles in the main event of the evening will have huge shoes to fill following last week’s John Cena vs. CM Punk instant classic.

I always looked at these last few Road to WrestleMania shows like an athlete competing in the playoffs. Nothing but one’s absolute best will do no matter one’s assignment or the segment in which they appear. Every role is important and any one with a “business as usual” mindset needs a heart to heart talk.

I expect Monday’s RAW to have ample amounts of ‘surprise’ elements, particularly with some of the returning old school talents and how they are utilized and a definitive feel as to what we can expect to experience at WM29. In addition, thanks to some of the ‘Legends’ in attendance, I would expect to see some,hopefully, timely humor infused into the show.

What will be the proverbial water cooler talk regarding #Raw come Tuesday morning?”

* Major SPOILER For Tonight’s OLD SCHOOL RAW (Direct Link)

Rey Mysterio Injured & Might Need Surgery, Champions In Enemy Territory & More

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– Rey Mysterio, who has been mostly out of action in recent months dealing with an undisclosed family issue, is injured and might be undergoing another knee surgery soon. He tweeted today:

WWE Classics section has a new feature up looking at “Champions in Enemy Territory,” featuring wrestling champions showing up in other promotions with their title belts. Some of the wrestlers include Taz appearing on WWE television with the ECW Championship, NWA Champion Harley Race competing in WWE, WWE Champion Bob Backlund wrestling NWA Champion Ric Flair in Atlanta and more.

– Here’s video footage of Bruno Sammartino’s acceptance speech at the International Sports Hall Of Fame this past weekend:

International Sports Hall of Fame from Martin Lazzaro on Vimeo.

NXT Star Teasing His RAW Debut Tonight, JBL Checks In From Mt. Death & More

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– WWE tag team champions Kane and Daniel Bryan were in studio this morning at 106.5 WYRK in Buffalo, New York to promote tonight’s RAW. You can see video of the appearance at WYRK.com.

– WWE announcer JBL, who is in the midst of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in South America, has provided updates on his journey via Twitter. On Saturday, he tweeted: “At base camp now 14,300 feet, 13 miles yesterday in 55mph freezing winds and dust to get here. 9 days from summit! Brutal day!” Earlier today, he wrote:

“Successful carry to 16,200 yesterday. Tomorrow we leave for 1st camp and then summit push over next week. Will be -20 real temp on summit day. Will be 6-8 hours of climbing daily from now on and summit day could be 15-18 hours. Ready to climb Mt Death! Actual temp at summit day will be -20 at least, wind chill will be -60 to -80.”

– WWE NXT star Conor O’Brian, who has been wrestling at WWE live events in recent weeks, sounds like he’ll be debuting on RAW tonight. He tweeted today:

“Tonights #Raw there will be reasoning on why some of us chose our path of certainty. #TheAscension #Oldschool #WEWILLRISE”

Bret Hart Urges AJ Styles To Leave “Bush League” TNA & Says Hogan & Bischoff Are Killing The Company

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart made a recent appearance on the UK’s WrestleTalkTV Extra radio show and continued to be very outspoken with his opinions about the current state of the wrestling industry. In particular, Hart had some very harsh words for TNA, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff – and gave some career advice to AJ Styles:

Hogan & Bischoff Killing TNA: “They’re going nowhere, if anything they’re gonna lose a lot of ground. They’re spending a fortune on a guy who’s worthless. And Bischoff’s as worthless as Hogan, the two of them have zero to offer the business. The only thing Hulk Hogan ever knew was how to make Hulk Hogan. He couldn’t tell you how to make AJ Styles or Samoa Joe. What’s Hulk Hogan going to tell Samoa Joe? He doesn’t know anything to even tell him, he’s got zero to offer.”

TNA Salvaging WCW’s “Trash”: “Bischoff knows nothing, he’s an idiot, Vince Russo was a magazine writer that thought he was a wrestling expert that never had a good idea in his life, and Hogan was pretty limited, all he knew how to do was [cup his ear] and do the leg-drop.”

AJ Styles Needing To Leave “Bush-League” TNA: “AJ Styles is a good a wrestler as anyone in the world, he’s really good, he should really be in WWE because he’s spinning his tires in TNA. It’s a shame because WWE’s the big stage. I look at Chris Benoit when he went to WWE; he actually cried on the phone he didn’t want to leave WCW, but I remember telling him on the phone you’re never going to get the break you deserve unless you go to WWE…If AJ Styles really wants to make it he needs to dump that bush-league and get to the big time…I just hope that AJ Styles doesn’t waste his life in TNA.”

Here’s video of the appearance:

The Miz Talks WrestleMania 29, The Marine 3, Being An Ambassador For WWE

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The superstar The Miz recently spoke to LocalBozo.com to promote his new WWE Studios release “The Marine 3: Homefront” and the upcoming WrestleMania 29 pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what The Miz said, followed by audio of the full interview:

Getting Cast In The Marine & How It Compared To Performing Live In Front Of WWE Crowds:

Well you know, coming into The Marine 3: Homefront, I wanted to really show everyone- I didn’t want people to look at the movie and go “Oh that’s The Miz” or “Oh that’s Mike from ‘The Real World’” or “That’s a WWE Superstar.” I wanted them to go “Oh wait, this is something new, this is something different.” So to get ready for this role, I kind of looked at some old school action stars like “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” with Clint Eastwood and “Dirty Harry.” Watching him perform in these kinds of roles, he didn’t say much, but when he did, you were intrigued and he was a show stealer just when he walked in here- just his aura. And then also, I looked to Paul Newman in “Cool Hand Luke,” and how just cool and natural and relaxed he was. And then watching the “Die Hards” with John McClain and the action and the real kind of setting- he’s just like an every guy. And so I wanted to bring that to “The Marine 3: Homefront.” I wanted people to go ‘Wow this is real. It’s gritty. It’s dark.” And hopefully with the success of 1 and 2, I’m hoping to continue it and hopefully exceed it.

The Responsibility Of Being A WWE Ambassador:

Yeah, you know, any time someone wants me to talk about the company that I work for- whether it be MTV, Bunim-Murray, WWE or WWE Studios or Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, I always want to talk about it or brag about it if you will because I’m proud of it. There is nothing wrong with being proud of what you do for a living and if people want to be negative about it, that’s going to happen. It happens all the time- no matter what you do or where you’re from there’s always going to be someone that hates on it. And that’s fine because that’s their freedom of speech and everyone’s going to have an opinion but it’s my job to have thick skin and to say you know what? That’s fine, but I love WWE. I’ve loved every opportunity that they’ve given me. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid to do it. And not only that, but MTV and Bunim-Murray have given me the opportunity to- actually open my eyes with The Real World and allow me to realize that I could pursue my dream because I do really believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for The Real World. So I embrace- you know people sometimes say “Oh you gotta forget about the reality in order to be successful in WWE and in movies,” but I say no. I’m gonna embrace every life thing that’s happened to me because without that, I wouldn’t be where I am today and today I am a happy person.

Where He Fits In At WrestleMania:

You know MetLife Stadium, basically our Super Bowl, our NBA Finals, our World Series- only bigger- and I am ecstatic about it. Right now, I’m not sure exactly where I’m standing in the Wrestlemania [card]. I know I’ll be a part of it, but I don’t have a match yet. So I’m looking for anyone who wants to battle this guy because what I plan on doing is- even though the main event is John Cena versus The Rock for the WWE Championship- I feel like what people are going to be talking about after Wrestlemania will be what The Miz did.

WWE Touts Tonight’s “Old School RAW” Special

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WWE sent out the following material on Monday touting tonight’s Old School RAW:

WWE GOES OLD SCHOOL ON MONDAY NIGHT RAW

STAMFORD, Conn., March 4, 2013 – WWE Superstars from the past and present will reunite live tonight at 8/7C on USA Network as Monday Night Raw goes back in time. Historic WWE theme music, graphics, entrance ramp, ring posts and colors will be part of the same exciting Monday Night Raw that’s been a staple on television for more than 20 years.

WWE Legends including Ric Flair, Mae Young, Honky Tonk Man, Sgt. Slaughter, Million Dollar Man, Dusty Rhodes, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, New Age Outlaws and Mean Gene Okerlund will return.

Monday Night Raw is the longest-running, weekly episodic program in U.S. primetime TV history and is the most-watched, regularly scheduled, year-round program on cable, airing live every Monday night, 52 weeks a year.

CM Punk Visits 77-Year-Old Robery Victim In The Hospital (Video)

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WWE superstar CM Punk met with 77-year-old robbery victim Thomas Dotterer in a Syracuse, New York hospital on Sunday.

Dotterer was scheduled to attend Sunday’s WWE RAW live event, but was unable to leave the hospital due to complications from being shot in the eye back in January.

According to local ABC affiliate WSYR, Dotterer is scheduled to be released from the hospital in a few days.

Here is WSYR’s news report of Punk visiting Dotterer in the hospital:

Update On Schwarzenegger-Sammartino, Lawler Wanting To Wrestle, Foley On Apprentice

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– Bruno Sammartino tweeted over the weekend that a WWE-produced documentary on his career might be in the works. Speaking of Sammartino, one of the reasons Triple H was at this past weekend’s Arnold Classic event was to see if he could get Arnold Schwarzenegger to agree to induct Bruno into the WWE Hall of Fame next month. No word yet on whether Arnold agreed, but Bruno tweeted him after the event that he could see him in “NY or LA soon.”

– Following up on the story that Jerry Lawler wants to return to the ring, Lawler was reportedly telling fans at an independent wrestling show over the weekend that he still wants to wrestle again, but has not been cleared by doctors and WWE is against the idea.

– Mick Foley noted on Twitter that he’s finishing a new kids book this week that will feature WWE tag team champions Kane and Daniel Bryan as two of the main characters.

Speaking of Foley, he made a brief cameo on Sunday night’s “The Apprentice: All Stars” season premiere. Foley showed up as a guest of music star Dee Snyder (Twisted Sister) and donated money to Snyder’s team for the first challenge, which was to see which team could raise more money selling meatballs.

Zack Ryder Talks About His Career Being At A Low Point, Reinventing Himself

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Arda Ocal of the Baltimore Sun recently interviewed WWE Superstar Zack Ryder about a number of topics, including his career being at a low point, his incredible popularity on social media and more. Here are some highlights of what Ryder said about:

The State of His Career: I’m at a low point. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because there’s only one place to go and that’s up. The Z True Long Island Story paved my career, it re-invented Zack Ryder, but that time has come and gone. Last year, 2011, I ended it as the United States Champion. I had my first WrestleMania match at WrestleMania 28. Now this year at WrestleMania 29, not on the show, not really doing much. That’s why I really need this low point to really fuel me to come up with something new. Maybe it won’t be as big or as phenomenal as Z True Long Island Story, but there will be something that just works and clicks to the audience, something that gets me to that next level. So I don’t think that it’s necessarily a bad thing that I’m at a low point; I just think it’s a little break before I get even higher.

How Far He’d Go To Reinvent His Character: I would do whatever it takes. Do a complete 180, but only if it’s still me deep down inside. I’m not going to go out there and pretend to be someone I’m not. The thing that got me here [is], I like to party, pick up chicks, listen to pop music and sing pop music, but there is also a darker side to Zack Ryder, a more serious side to Zack Ryder. Maybe I’ll have to peel some layers to Zack Ryder and go out there and do something different.

Dolph Ziggler I mean, if there’s anyone who deserves to be on TV more than me, it’s Dolph Ziggler. It’s a shame what’s going on with him right now. He’s had the greatest year possible, winning Money in the Bank, stealing the show night after night. Finally, the fans have recognized him. His shirt sells out, he beat John Cena at TLC and he works hard all year, and now it’s the home stretch to WrestleMania and he’s not even on the show yet. He deserves that shot more than anybody, and I hope in the weeks coming he gets his ‘Mania spot.

* VIDEO: Zack Ryder’s Song “Hoeski”

Sunny In State Prison, Linda Running For Congress? WWE Stars At Arnold Clasic

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– Among the WWE stars at this past weekend’s Arnold Classic event were Triple H, Bruno Sammartino, WWE Divas champion Kaitlyn, Aksana, Mark Henry and David Otunga.

– After two failed Senate campaigns, GreenwichTime.com reports that former WWE CEO Linda McMahon is considering another run for public office and and could run for United States Congress in 2014. She recently gave several thousand dollars to the Connecticut Republican Party and will be meeting with state GOP chairman Jerry Labriola Jr. next week.

– Former WWE Diva Tammy Sytch remains in State Prison in Uncasville, Connecticut and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond. She was arraigned on 1/28 for violating a protection order for being in the home of her ex-fiance, independent wrestler Damien Darling. It was the sixth time she was arrested for the same violation in the past 6 months.

* View Sunny’s MUGSHOT Picture

WWE Teasing Undertaker’s Return, Former TNA Knockout At RAW, Bo Dallas & More

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– There is talk that former TNA Knockout Rosita (Thea Trinidad) might be getting a tryout before tonight’s Old School RAW from Buffalo, New York. She was released from TNA earlier this year.

– WWE continues to tease the return of The Undertaker on WWE.com and Facebook, questioning whether the Dead Man will compete at WrestleMania or not.

– Bo Dallas noted on Twitter that he will be at tonight’s RAW.

– Goldust noted on Twitter that he will not be at RAW.

– Aside from the legends already confirmed for tonight’s RAW, other names rumored for the show include Mae Young, Sgt. Slaughter and The Honky Tonk Man.

(Source: f4wonline.com)

More Legends Confirmed For Old School RAW, Rumored Tag Team Match

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– Triple H went on to Twitter Sunday evening hyping Monday’s Old School WWE Raw and confirmed Ric Flair and the New Age Outlaws will be appearing:

There is talk that the New Age Outlaws will be facing Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes.

– WWE tweeted the following photo late Sunday night, hyping WWE Champion The Rock & Triple H for tonight’s Old School RAW:

Trish Stratus Weighs In On The WWE Hall Of Fame’s Classs Of 2013

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Trish Stratus posted a new feature on her official website looking at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame Class, of which she is a part of. Here are some highlights of what she said about her own induction, as well as those of Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Donald Trump and Mick Foley:

Trish Stratus: I’m just so honored to be taking my place alongside WWE’s greatest, as a wrestling fan – I’m kind of blown away! It’s simply amazing.

Bruno Sammartino: WWE.com quoted Trish recently on Bruno’s induction: “A long time coming, without the presence of Sammartino in the Hall of Fame is like the Hockey Hall of Fame with no Wayne Gretzky.”

Donald Trump: It’s great to see someone of his stature who appreciates our product and just ‘gets it’. I was thrilled to learn we will be inducted into the same class.

Bob Backlund: To hold the title as long as Backlund did is an impressive feat with so many great contenders of his day.

Mick Foley: No other Superstar has given more blood, sweat and tears to this industry and for his fans than Mick Foley has.

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview: Best-Of-Three Series and More

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TNA has announced the following for Thursday’s Impact Wrestling:

– It’s the countdown to the Lockdown event! Thursday’s IMPACT is the final battleground before the war in the cage on Sunday – what will happen on Thursday that could potentially alter Lockdown? Tune in and find out!

– Who did Kurt Angle see after he infiltrated the Aces and Eights clubhouse and unmasked the gang’s VP? The Aces attacked Angle before he could show the world – but will Angle reveal his identity on Thursday? What is Angle’s condition after the brawl? Don’t miss it!

– With the Lethal Lockdown teams set, there will be a Best-Of-Three Series between Team TNA and Aces and 8s on Thursday’s IMPACT! Whoever wins determines who has man advantage going into Lethal Lockdown!

– What will be the fate of the Gut Check contestants? This past week, female newcomers Lei’d Tapa and Ivelisse Velez battled for a chance be the next TNA Knockout! Who will the judges pick to join the roster?