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Spoilers For Tonight’s Debut Episode Of WWE Main Event

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Michael Cole and The Miz were on commentary. They introduced the show and spoke about the lineup.

C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman were interviewed by Matt Striker in the backstage area.

Sheamus did a backstage interview.

1. C.M. Punk defeated Sheamus in a champion vs. champion match. Good back and forth match. Sheamus missed the Brogue Kick and hit his head on the turnbuckle. Punk got the pin. After the match, Sheamus cut a promo in which he said he was going to face Punk again and would hit the Brogue Kick on him.

2. Santino Marella and Zack Ryder defeated Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel in a first-round tag team tournament match. A decent match that saw Kid and Gabriel work over Santino the majority of the time.

The main event for next week’s show was announced as Randy Orton vs. Big Show.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

Lilian Garcia Grilled During Radio Interview – Vince’s Sexual Exploits, WWE and Steroids, Unfunny WWE Comedy

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Promoting her new music album, SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia appeared Monday night on The Nick and Artie Show, a sports/entertainment talk show hosted by comedian Nick DiPaolo and former Howard Stern Show comedian Artie Lange. The hosts did not take it easy on the WWE Diva and songstress as she was grilled throughout the interview with questions regarding Vince McMahon’s alleged sexual exploits, WWE wrestlers using steroids, and WWE’s futile attempts at comedy, among other topics. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

– Artie asks Lilian whether she slept with any wrestlers before she got married, and if WWE chief Vince McMahon ever made a pass at her. She says “no,” adding that she “has really good friends.” Artie says she has morals, but then ponders how she could get a job working for Vince McMahon by having morals.

“He’s awesome,” Lilian says of the Chairman of the Board. “This is my eleventh year working with the company. I’ve been the longest-running Diva there. I would not have stayed or come back—’cause I was gone for two-and-half-years—and I came back. I would not have come back if it was a bad organization. It’s been amazing. It’s a great organization.”

– Artie says he hates today’s wrestlers because “they’re all in too good shape.” He prefers “big goofy-looking guys” like King Kong Bundy over muscular John Cena-types. Nick says “they’re all juicing.” In response, Lilian notes that all of the WWE wrestlers get drug-tested. “Fitness has come a long way. If you look at anybody years ago, fitness has come a long way,” she adds.

Artie asks Lilian whether she has ever used steroids since she’s muscular. She replies “no,” adding that she works out and is a jump rope enthusiast.

– Artie asks Lilian whether she ever saw Vince McMahon force himself on a girl during a “SmackDown Christmas party.”

“First of all, we don’t have SmackDown Christmas parties, so, no (laughs),” Lilian responds.

Artie then asks Lilian whether “she accidentally got in the wrong door and saw Vince McMahon date-raping a girl.” She responds, “Are you just jealous of him?” Artie says “in some ways,” and notes that he has “heard stories about him.” He says he’s heard stories about Vince having “steroid-rage” and being a “date-raper.” Lilian smiles and says Vince is “an amazing man.”

– Following a commercial break, Artie takes issue with WWE’s attempts at comedy. An audio clip of a verbal exchange between Lilian and Tazz from over ten years ago is played, with Tazz first asking Lilian her name. After she states her name, he points to his “nose,” and asks her what is in his hand— “nothing.” Tazz breaks out laughing and says, “Exactly, Lilian knows nothing.” Artie says the dialogue must have been so embarrassing for her, deeming it “unfunny” and “terrible.”

Lilian says “it’s supposed to be a simple ha-ha.” Artie responds, “It’s not even that, it’s not even close. It’s not even in the ha-ha neighborhood. It makes all of you look terrible. You’re a good-looking woman. You’re talented. Don’t be involved with that. Next time you say to Vince, “I can’t do the joke.” You have to stand up for yourself. You don’t want that on tape.”

“It’s okay,” Lilian responds.

For part one of the interview, click here. For part two of the interview, click here.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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Big Show came out and talked about knocking out Sheamus and then a video package aired. Sheamus came out and said may the best man win, then offered his hand. Show declined a handshake and left the ring. Video footage of Show losing his World Title was shown. Show came to the the ring to shake hands, but Sheamus left instead.

1. The Prime Time Players defeated Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in a first-round tag tournament match. A decent match. R-Truth was beatdown throughout the match.

2. Ryback beat Primo. Typical Ryback match. He won with his finisher.

C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler was set up for later in the show.

3. Wade Barrett beat a local wrestler.

4. The Miz defeated Sheamus by DQ. Big Show came out and delivered a knockout punch to Miz for the DQ.

David Otunga came out and talked about how they beat down Randy Orton last week. Alberto Del Rio came out and mocked Orton. Booker T booked them in the following tag match.

5. Kane and Daniel Bryan defeated Alberto Del Rio and David Otunga. Del Rio abandoned Otunga. Team Hell No won with a chokeslam by Kane followed by a top rope head butt from Bryan.

6. Tesai defeated Big Show by DQ. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick on Tensai for the DQ.

7. WWE Champion C.M. Punk defeated Dolph Ziggler.

WWE Teases Match Between Big Show And Ryback, History Of WWE Logos, Bella Twins Appearance

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– As Big Show sets his sights on capturing the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus at WWE Hell in a Cell, the official WWE website offered their suggestions for ten other things that The World’s Largest Athlete should look to conquer. This includes ending Ryback’s undefeated streak.

“Would [Ryback] still be demanding, “Feed me more!” if he was standing across the ring from the towering feast that is Big Show?” wrote Michael Burdick. “If the giant did take him on, rather than screaming “finish it,” Ryback’s undefeated streak might simply be finished.”

Other challenges suggested for Big Show include introducing the WMD to the boxing world, win the annual Royal Rumble Match, wrestle a bear, perform the 450 Splash, capture the WWE Tag Team Championship by himself, win the King of the Ring Tournament, enter a strongman competition, become a manager, and win Nathan’s annual Hot Dog Eating Competition in Brooklyn, New York. The full article is available here.

– The official WWE website has published a photo gallery chronicling the organization’s history of logos.

– The former Bella Twins, Nicole and Brianna, have been announced to appear at “Nuke the Fridge Con 2012,” which takes place Saturday, Nov. 10 at Frank & Son Collectible Show 19649 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California 91748.

RAW Ratings: Lowest Non-Holiday Viewership In 15 Years

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Monday’s WWE RAW drew a 2.5 rating with 3,502,000 viewers – the lowest non-holiday rating in 15 years.

Hourly ratings were: 3,436,000, 3,588,000 and 3,472,000. Once again, RAW lost viewership in the third hour.

Ratings have been declining in recent weeks, it will be interesting to see if WWE continues with the 3-hour weekly format much longer if the trend continues.

COMMENT BELOW and tell us if you think RAW should continue as a 3-hour show, or if 2 hours is more than enough, with so many hours of additional first-run wrestling on television each week.

Former WWE Star Daivari Talks About Taking Down An Attacker On A Train

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Former WWE Superstar Daivari spoke to WWE.com on Wednesday about his his heroic event on a train last week Minneapolis, Minnesota:

“I was just on the train and I was heading to the airport. I’m from Minneapolis, so I was just visiting family. I got on the train and there was this guy saying racial and anti-Semitic stuff really loud, specifically at a few passengers, and you could tell they were really uncomfortable. One guy had actually pushed the emergency call button on the train. And this guy kept going on and on, and nobody was showing up to help.”

“There was one older guy sitting in a chair and he told the guy, Hey, sit down, you’re making the train ride really uncomfortable for everybody. At that point, the guy just got right in front of the older guy and physically threatened him, even threatened to kill him. That’s when everybody started running for the emergency call buttons. They were all hitting the buttons, and we went another stop after that, which was another two minutes. When the doors opened, nobody got on the train, so we knew there were no cops waiting to get on and help.”

“I didn’t know if this guy had a knife in his pocket or a gun in his backpack, so I just went up to him, turned him around, grabbed him in a rear naked choke/sleeper hold and held until I felt his body go limp. I dropped him, locked on a body scissors and held him down until the next stop, which was about 45 seconds down the road. Then I just grabbed him by the seat of his pants and his collar and I threw him off the train. And mind you, from when this started, we probably went half the length of the trip, which was about 20 minutes. It was one thing when he was saying all that racial stuff, but when he started threatening passengers, I didn’t know if it was just a big guy talking tough like he’s at a bar or if he’s got a weapon. By the time I got to the airport, there were still no cops at the train station.”

Christopher Daniels Says Claire Lynch Storyline Concluded As Planned, Discusses Comic Book Characters

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Christopher Daniels was a guest this past weekend on The LAW (www.liveaudiowrestling.com) discussing Bound for Glory (October 14th, 8pm EST on pay-per-view) and also touched on the recent Claire Lynch storyline and his thoughts on “The Amazing Spiderman” and “The Dark Knight Rises” from this past summer. The full interview can be downloaded here. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

The Claire Lynch storyline: “As far as Frankie (Kazarian) and myself, our main goal was to try to come out of it looking like the crap-stirring scumbags that we wanted to play, that we’re trying to be. Every time we went out there with a promo, every time we went out there with a pre-tape or any sort of interaction like that, we were looking to see how quickly we could get people’s ire raised. Whatever the positivity of it in the beginning, and then what some people sort of perceive as missteps in the angle, it didn’t matter to us how that was going. All that mattered to us was that at the end of each segment or the end of each episode of this particular saga, Frankie and I came out looking like the dastardly duo that we are.

“I think that people misunderstand what happened behind the scenes as the reason that it ended. My understanding of it from the beginning was that it was going to end when it ended. All the pertinent players weren’t there when it ended, but that didn’t affect the way it went down. The major parts were myself, Frankie, and AJ, and that was the important stuff. The focus was started there, and it ended there; everything else was just incidental, in my eyes. I was very happy with the way it ended, because in the end AJ got his vindication. Frankie and I, our reputations are what they are, and what we built them up to be, and now we move forward with not just us versus AJ, but us versus the Impact Wrestling locker room.”

The Amazing Spiderman: “Honestly, when I first heard he was cast, I wasn’t very impressed. I saw him in The Social Network, and out of the whole cast of The Social Network he was one of the lower points to me personally. I was gonna see the movie anyway, just because the trailer sort of got me with its look. Going to watch the movie, yeah, he absolutely got it. When people ask me, I tell them there’s regular Marvel universe Spider-man, and then there’s Ultimate Spider-man, and comic fans know what I’m talking about. The Tobey Maguire Spider-man was very much the Marvel comics, the tried and true Spider-man, whereas Andrew Garfield, to me that storyline and the way it was portrayed was more of the Ultimate Spider-man line. I think that the comic fans, the ones that already knew it was gonna be great, understand that reference. I think fans that aren’t fans of the comic books will go and they’ll immediately understand and appreciate the differences between the two films.”

Possible spin-offs with Robin and Catwoman: “I don’t think it’s gonna be a Robin, I think it’s gonna be a Nightwing if they were gonna go to do that at all. I think that Joseph Gordon-Levitt would probably be the most logical, and have Anne Hathaway be not a supporting character, but not be the focus of the movie. That’s just my opinion. Near the end, as you’re watching The Dark Knight Rises, as you realize where they’re sort of going with it, I think there’s a lot of hype, or at least fanbase built-up hype, towards a Nightwing/Robin movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, with the success that he’s had in the last couple years, and the stuff that’s upcoming for him, I think that there’d be a lot of desire to see something like that with Christopher Nolan directing and him starring. That would be a big deal, I think, for DC (Comics). Now that they’ve sort of closed the book on Christian Bale as Batman, it’d be a good evolution of the characters to go that route.”

Video – Ryback botches his finisher on Raw ->

The Latest On John Cena’s Health & WWE Return, More On Foley’s New Book

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– At Monday’s WWE RAW, the feeling backstage was that John Cena has a 50/50 chance of being healthy enough to wrestle at Hell in a Cell later this month. One scenario would be for Cena to wrestle the Hell in a Cell match against CM Punk and then take additional time off following the match to finish healing his elbow.

It’s also possible that WWE will call an audible and have somebody else step up to wrestle Punk, but that decision would need to be made in the next week.

– John Cena is advertised for next week’s RAW from Sacramento. After that, Cena is advertised for the WWE SuperShow event in Jonesboro, Arkansas on October 12 and WWE RAW live events after that date.

– WWE posted the following video of Mick Foley reading passages from his new book that is available now – “A Most MIZerable Christmas.” ( Only $11 at Amazon.com)

Kurt Angle Talks Batista-MMA, King Mo-TNA, Working With UFC, Doing MMA Over Wrestling

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Here are some highlights of what TNA star Kurt Angle said during a recent interview with MMA Uncensored:

King Mo Getting Into Wrestling and Batista Doing MMA: “Well, I think King Mo is a natural because he has a lot of charisma. He’s has to learn the techniques. He’s actually called me probably every other week asking me when will the soreness go away. Pro wrestling is very grueling, you take a lot of punishment.

“But I think Bautista is a special talent. I think he’s a very tough guy, I think he’s going to do very well in MMA. He wasn’t an amateur wrestler like most pro wrestlers that cross over usually were amateurs wrestlers like Brock Lesnar or Bobby Lashley. But, Bautista will do really well. He’s a tough kid, he’s got a great knockout punch. I know that for sure because I was up in WWE and I’ve seen him have a couple of fights. [Laughs.]”

If He Would Have Chosen MMA Over Wrestling If It Was 1999 Again: “Yes, I would have done MMA if I would have known that it would have blown up the way it did. I’d say, in 1999, I joined the WWE and pro wrestling and then went to TNA. If MMA would have blown up, I would have done it. I would have gone full blown into it. But, I was so far into it, main eventing WrestleManias, that there was no way for me to turn back. I do love pro wrestling and being with TNA — I don’t regret it, but it just wasn’t the right time. The money was in pro wrestling at the time.

Dana White Saying  He Agreed To Be On The Ultimate Fighter 10 and Then The Deal Falling Through: “That is true. The hard part about it was that Dana and I never had a problem with money. I met with Dana at different times — two times to be exact — where I went out to Las Vegas and sat down with Dana White. I even took the UFC physical. The problem was the starting date. He wanted me ready in four and a half weeks. I did not think I would be ready at that particular time.

“I didn’t want to go in there half-hearted, I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I wanted 3-6 months but at the time, he couldn’t give me that time. I respect Dana White and his decision and my decision, I hope he can respect that as well.”

Whether or not He and Brock Lesnar Had A Legit Wrestling Match In WWE & Who Won: “A, it is true. What happened was Brock Lesnar came in and he said I was too small and he was too big for me. I kept challenging him every week. Eventually, we got in the ring and we went at it. I’ll just say that I got the better of him but I can tell you that Brock Lesnar is an animal, he’s a beast. At his prime — and I want to say before he got sick — I wanna say he’s one of the baddest guys on the planet.

“He had the strength, the quickness, the finesse. you don’t have a guy that size that can do the things he did. He wasn’t just a great pro wrestler, he was a great MMA fighter. He would have gotten better if he didn’t get sick. I think that the sickness that he had definitely brought him down a couple notches to where he really wasn’t the real Brock Lesnar.

Whether He’d Still Consider Doing An MMA Fight: “I can’t say yes or no. I’m 43. I tried out for the Olympics last year and I kept getting injured. It was one of those things where I was wrestling great, I think I could have made the team but I just kept getting injured. I’m 43-years old, my body is breaking down. The pro wrestling hasn’t helped me.

“It’s probably no, but if the offers good enough, you never know. Kurt Angle might be in the MMA octagon.”

WWE.com Wins Prestigious Award, Ominous Signs For RAW’s Ratings

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– WWE.com a 2012 OMMA Award (Online Marketing, Media, and Advertising) for Web Excellence in the TV Entertainment category. The WWE website was recognized for its new design and the quality of its content. WWE’s press release is at TVByTheNumbers.com.

– Monday’s WWE RAW had a social media score of 249,121, according to Trendrr.tv. This was down another 13% from last wee and the lowest social media score since RAW went to 3 hours every week.

The show ranked #2 on cable behind ESPN’s Monday Night Football game.

– ESPN’s Bill Hofheimer tweeted on Tuesday that Monday’s NFL game between the Cowboys and Bears on ESPN scored a season-high 11.6 cable rating. This is another ominous sign for this week’s RAW rating, which is out later today.

Monday’s RAW Rushed Due To Segment Running Long, Hulu Plus Slams Netflix

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– The opening segment of Monday’s RAW went much longer than it was scripted to go, which led to the whole show being rushed. There were segments cut, the Brodus Clay vs. Antonio Cesaro match and the main event were both shortened and the Jim Ross-CM Punk segment did not begin until around 10:15, when it was supposed to open hour 3.

– The Motley Fool blog has an article up looking at WWE’s new relationship with Hulu Plus, and how the deal represents a huge missed opportunity for Netflix. Author Chad Henage writes:

“I understand that NBCUniversal backs both Hulu and USA Network (which carries WWE RAW). But I honestly can’t believe that Netflix couldn’t find a way to make this deal. An expanded relationship with WWE would’ve been a perfect fit considering that these episodes run year-round, and are televised every Monday and Friday … There is no way to refer to this as anything other than a huge loss for Netflix.”

(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)

Jericho Celebrates Milestone, New NOC PPV DVD Artwork, Keibler-Clooney Update

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Amazon.com has released an updated cover art for the WWE’s Night of Champions DVD (due out 10/16), which now features WWE Champion CM Punk standing above a fallen John Cena at the end of the PPV. The original cover art featured Cena posing.

– Chris Jericho tweeted that he had his first-ever wrestling match 22 years ago today:

– The New York Daily news is reporting that Stacy Keibler’s 1-year relationship with George Clooney is on the rocks and could be over very soon. “They’re barely talking,” a source revealed. “She is worried that he may break up with her any day now.”

Keibler has been in New York City alone for weeks filming “August: Osage County” with Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Juliette Lewis. “George is being really distant and pulling away from her,” said the source. “She wakes up every morning and doesn’t know what’s going to happen.”

Vince McMahon Not Happy With A WWE Announcer, Madusa Praises Molly Holly

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– As reported earlier, Vince McMahon made a surprise live appearance during Monday night’s RAWactive experience. During his brief appearance, the Chairman of the Board took the opportunity to denounce Josh Mathews’ announcing abilities after replacing Jim Ross on the broadcast.

In response to Matt Striker asking him his thoughts on the show, McMahon responded, “I think, generally speaking, everything is pretty good about Raw, except one particular announcer.” Striker then asks, “That Josh Mathews has to go, doesn’t he?” The WWE chief responds, “Yes, he does.”

The official WWE website has posted the video.

– On Facebook, Madusa was asked to give her thoughts on Nora Greenwald, better known as Molly Holly in WWE. Greenwald has stated in interviews that she felt Madusa didn’t personally like her since she was rigorous training her at the WCW Power Plant. Madusa admits to being tough on her then, but that she always liked her.

“I personally have ALWAYS BEEN HER FAN.. have always stuck up for her,” wrote Madusa. “She may not think so or have reservations on some of my tactics training her in wcw or working with her however I truly thought she was the last of the greats…..”

Madusa also responded to the rumor of Beth Phoenix leaving WWE: “If so, it’s a loss to the WWE…”

Vince Unhappy At RAW, Shaul Guerrero’s WWE Status, Backstage Fallout Video

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– WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was said to be in a bad mood at Monday’s WWE RAW from Oklahoma City, unhappy with the creative direction of the show in recent weeks. Another major reason for McMahon’s attitude has been RAW’s depressing ratings, most notably – the ratings of the final hour of the show.

Video Of Vince McMahon’s Speech From Jim Ross Appreciation Night

– Shaul Guerrero’s status is unknown at this time. She was believed to be released by WWE over the weekend and tweeted a message on Monday saying, “Thank you all for your love and support, WWE has been one of the highlights of my life. I learned so much and consider them family.”

PWInsider.com reports that Diaz is still under WWE contract, despite her leaving developmental and stopping her training. WWE officials are hopeful that she just needs time off and will eventually return.

– Here’s the latest episode of Backstage Fallout featuring interviews from Monday’s WWE RAW:

Mickie James To Appear In Music Video With Trish Stratus, Roddy Piper Writes Foreward For Jimmy Snuka Book

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– Mickie James announced Tuesday on Twitter that a music video promoting her forthcoming album will be shot soon. Magnus, her boyfriend, as well former WWE rival Trish Stratus, will be appearing in it.

“So excited!!! I can’t wait!!! Everybody get their knees out! @juddfilms @magnusofficial I hear that @trishstratuscom makes a mean cocktail!” she wrote.

– “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, who infamously struck “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka on the head with a coconut, has written the foreward for the Fijian wrestler’s autobiography. Mick Foley also penned an introduction for the book, which is scheduled for release in a few months.

– Former WWE Superstar Rikishi appears for Dreamwave Wrestling event this Saturday at the LaSalle Knights of Columbus 209 Gooding St. LaSalle, Illinois.

John Cena Surgery Update, Michael Cole Told To Lay Off Jim Ross & More

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– Following Jim Ross’ return to commentary in the wake of Jerry Lawler’s recent heart attack, f4online.com reports that Michael Cole has been instructed to play the role of babyface announcer and lay off the Jim Ross insults.

– David Otunga is doing various media appearances today to promote the new WWE Main Event show on Ion, which premieres Wednesday night.

– John Cena tweeted the following update on Tuesday regarding his recovery from surgery:

MVP Talks About Returning To WWE, Forming A Stable With John Cena & R-Truth

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#AftermathRadio hosts Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) and Jimmy Korderas (@JimmyKorderas) were joined last night by former WWE Superstar MVP (@The305MVP).

Rapper Records “PIPE BOMB” Song Featuring Clips From CM Punk Promo

Topics discussed:

– MVP is considering a return to WWE

– His thoughts having watched RAW for the first time in a long time, particularly thoughts on Tensai and how he wishes North American fans could have seen his time as Giant Bernard in Japan

– An idea he had while in WWE for he, John Cena and R-Truth to form a stable and Vince McMahon’s response

Video (includes topics above) is 2:58 seconds, includes link to full 30 minute interview:

Steve Austin Calls CM Punk A Piece Of Trash, Daivari Chokes Out Crazy Person

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– WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin responded to CM Punk talking about him on Monday’s WWE RAW. Austin, who is currently in Mexico filming Season 2 of his reality show “Redneck Island,” tweeted this after RAW:

– Former WWE Star Shawn Daivari tells TMZ.com that he saved a train full of people in Minneapolis after an unruly passenger began shouting racial slurs and threatened to kill everybody on board. Daivari says multiple people pressed the emergency button on the train, but nothing happened.

Davari told TMZ that he took matters into his own hands by throwing the guy down to the ground, putting him in a rear naked choke hold and threw him off the train at the next top. A witness who was on the train says the man peed his pants while being choked out by Davari.

The Metro Transit Rail told TMZ, “Metro Transit police responded after being alerted by the train operator to a fight on board. The investigation is ongoing.”

 

Mick Foley’s New Book Released, Biggest Lumberjack In WWE History & More

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– Mick Foley’s new book, “A Most Mizerable Christmas,” is in stores today. Amazon.com has the book for just $11.

– Brock Lesnar is today’s Superstar Spotlight on WWE.com.

– WWE Diva Lilian Garcia recorded an episode of The Nick & Artie Show yesterday. It’s now airing on DirecTV’s Audience channel.

– WWE is now advertising the “Biggest Lumberjack Match in WWE History” for the October 22nd RAW taping from the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Also announced for the show are CM Punk vs. John Cena and Sheamus vs. Big Show is now a Last Man Standing match.

Paul Heyman & Others Respond To WWE’s “Paul Heyman Guys” List

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TNA announcer and ECW Original Taz tweeted the following message in response to being left off WWE’s recent “Top 10 Paul Heyman Guys” list that was posted on Monday night:

https://twitter.com/officialtaz/status/252971684456456192

Heyman responded to Taz:

Joey Styles, who was on the list as a Paul Heyman guy, followed up with:

https://twitter.com/joeystyles/status/253151978639740928

Jim Ross Comments On His Appreciation Night, Big WWE Office Departure

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– WWE had a major office departure this week, as Ann Russo-Gordon is no longer with the company. She was in charge of WWE’s Wellness Policy and coordinating rehabilitation treatment for current and former talents. No word yet on why she left but the belief is that she quit.

– Jim Ross tweeted these messages regarding the Jim Ross Appreciation Night celebration that took place after Monday’s RAW went off the air:

WWE.com also has an exclusive video up with Jim Ross talking about what his Appreciation Night means to him. You can view that here.

SmackDown Taping Preview, Big Show Talks About Monday’s Debate, WWE-OKC

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– It was announced at Monday’s RAW that WWE will return to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013 for a SmackDown taping.

– Big Show tweeted this following Monday night’s World Championship Debate with Sheamus and Booker T:

– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings will take place from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

WWE will tape the premiere episode of the new WWE Main Event show prior to SmackDown, including a Champion vs. Champion match featuring CM Punk vs. Sheamus and a Tag Team Tournament match, with Zack Ryder and Santino Marella facing Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd.

For SmackDown, the tournament will continue, with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth facing the Prime Time Players, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.

* News On RYBACK Feuding With CM Punk, CENA Out Longer Than Expected & More

Video Of Vince McMahon’s Speech From Jim Ross Appreciation Night

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WWE Chairman Vince McMahon showed his appreciation for Jim Ross after Monday’s RAW, giving one hell of a speech for his longtime employee. You can see video of the speech at WWE.com.

McMahon said nobody appreciates JR more than he does and said he’s the best play-by-play man in wrestling history – even better than Ross’ idol, Gordon Solie.

He told an incredible story that Jim Ross is so dedicated to his job that one time, he passed a kidney stone at ringside during a WWE pay-per-view.

He is the most dedicated worker in the history of the business. Jim Ross has been one of the He would, and has done anything & everything for WWE over the years. He is a part of Americana.

For all their ups and downs over the years, for all the absurd, embarrassing moments Jim Ross has had to endure at the whims of Vince McMahon, perhaps the most touching moment came when McMahon said, “Jim Ross is an American icon and my friend.”

Bill Watts & Danny Hodge Celebrate Jim Ross, Team Hell No T-Shirt, Punk-Cabana

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– The WWEShop website is selling a new t-shirt for the WWE Tag Team Champions, Team Hell No with the tag line, “Hugging Is All The Rage.” You can buy it here.

– WWE Champion CM Punk will share some of his most entertaining stories Wednesday at the ComedySportz Theatre in Lakeview and then watch as the ComedySportz improv group acts them out. The event will be hosted by fellow wrestler and ComedySportz alum Colt Cabana and will benefit the Sam Thompson Memorial Fund. For more information, visit ChicagoTribune.com.

– WWE Hall of Famer Bill Watts and wrestling legend Danny Hodge were among the people who took part in the Jim Ross Appreciation Night ceremony after Monday’s WWE RAW. WWE cameras caught up with both of them after the show ended, which you can view at WWE.com.

Batista’s New MMA Opponent Officially Announced (Press Release)

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(Los Angeles, CA – October 1, 2012) — Due to an unforeseen incident, Rashid Evans has officially pulled out of the highly anticipated fight with former WWE superstar DAVE BAUTISTA set for October 6th. The scheduled fight will go on as planned with Vince Lucero stepping in to take Evans’ place as Bautista’s debut MMA opponent. The fight remains scheduled for 8 PM ET/5 PM PT at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island with Cesar Gracie as the play by play announcer.

Picture of Batista’s New Opponent For His MMA Debut Saturday Night

The six time WWE World Champion is not going to let this small set back stop him from realizing his long time dream of making the move to Mixed Martial Arts. The Bautista camp is business as usual, continuing with his grueling pre-fight training determined to make Dave’s debut fight a successful one, regardless of who ends up in the opposite corner at the starting bell.

Vince Lucero, a 40 year old MMA veteran has an impressive number of fights behind him with 42 professional bouts and 11 KOs. Fights include two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia, whom he fought less than two years ago, former UFC heavyweight contenders Justin Eilers, Homer Moore and Christian Wellisch, Strikeforce veteran Ruben Villareal and former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) contender Jimmy Ambriz in addition to fighting for the Bellator Fighting Championships in 2011. The sheer experience under Lucero’s belt is sure to make him a formidable opponent for Bautista’s debut fight.

Tickets for this highly anticipated fight are available now at www.ticketmaster.com. The fight is also available on DirecTV Pay Per View (that will include a free 7PM ET preshow) and worldwide live streamed with full screen HD by Vividas starting at 9PM ET at www.bautistamma.com for $29.95. The show, titled “Real Pain,” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports in association with June Entertainment and 4zero1 Entertainment Group. Real Pain features 14 bouts, including four former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) contenders.

Bautista, 43, will also star in the upcoming November 2nd Quentin Tarantino blockbuster, The Man With the Iron Fists as the aptly named Brass Body. Fans can catch full interviews with Bautista, see the undercard lineups, the official The Man with the Iron Fists trailer, and watch the title fight streaming live at www.bautistamma.com.