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WWE Network Survey Reveals New Details About PPV Format

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A survey sent out to DirecTV subscribers this week reveals new details about the upcoming WWE Network.

The survey states that WWE Network will be available for a monthly fee and 11 of WWE’s 12 annual pay-per-view events will be available for viewing to subscribers. WrestleMania would be the only pay-per-view event not offered as part of the WWE Network package. Individual WWE pay-per-views will still be available for purchase for fans who do not subscribe to the network.

DirecTV also requested viewer feedback on potential original WWE programming, including shows about the Monday Night Wars, classic matches, games shows and documentaries.

DirecTV asked fans what they thought  about different monthly price points for the network, including $29.99, $24.99, $19.99, $16.99 and $12.99. DirecTV customers were also asked if they would still order Wrestlemania on PPV if they subscribed to the WWE Network, which would not carry WrestleMania.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is expected to discuss the new developments regarding the WWE Network during WWE’s next quarterly financial report on February 28.

TNA Impact Rating Drops, Kevin Nash Knocks The Aces & Eights Storyline

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– Thursday’s TNA Impact Wrestling drew a 1.0 rating with 1,412,000 viewers, down from 1,580,000 the week before.

– Kevin Nash recently tweeted the following about the Aces and 8s storyline:

“Taz has an iron clad contract,that allows him to interact in felony acts and keep his job.Why don’t they raise 4 fingers on each hand? Ouch!”

“That’s all I wanted to comment about, story line is getting weak buy adding sub mid card players, history always repeats itself.”

“I love watching pro wrestling, not trying to s–t on the product.Just feel the show should revolve around Angle.who would kill the crew”

* WWE Booking Venues To Prevent TNA From Holding IMPACT Shows There

WWE Superstars & Divas Comment On Bruno’s Sammartino’s HOF Induction

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WWE.com has a new article up with quotes from various WWE stars talking about Bruno Sammartino’s upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Here are some highlights of what the following Superstars and Divas said:

Shawn Michaels: “As a Hall of Famer, I feel that, respectfully, the Hall of Fame takes on a legitimacy [with Bruno] that, could be argued, was not there before. The entrance of Bruno Sammartino is an example of the exclusivity, prestige and honor that should be the hallmark of any Hall of Fame.”

Tommy Dreamer: “It’s great that Bruno is being inducted into the Hall of Fame; it’s long overdue. To see him change his attitude about WWE is awesome. I credit Triple H with reintroducing Bruno to today’s WWE. I’m really glad he’s back as part of the WWE family.”

Joey Styles: “As an Italian-American whose family is also from the Abruzzi region of Italy, Bruno Sammartino was and is an inspiration. The haunting story of his childhood in German-occupied Italy during World War II is even more amazing than his wrestling career. Back in high school, my paesans and I had a very bare bones gym above my friend’s garage that was adorned with posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, Lee Haney and, the only non-bodybuilder who inspired us to load more weight on the bar, Bruno!”

Trish Stratus: “Bruno being inducted is long overdue. It’s like how the Hockey Hall of Fame would be incomplete without Wayne Gretzky; Bruno being inducted makes the WWE Hall of Fame complete. I’m absolutely honored that I’m going to be inducted in the same class as one of our industry’s greats.”

JBL: “I don’t know what has happened in the past between him and sports-entertainment, but Bruno Sammartino belongs in the Hall of Fame. He sold out the Garden 187 nights. Most people go their entire career without 187 appearances in the Garden. Phenomenal record, what Bruno Sammartino did.”

Bruno Sammartino Projects In The Works, Rhodes Scholars Reuniting & More

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– Cody Rhodes tweeted that he and his former tag team partner Damien Sandow will be reuniting this weekend for WWE’s live events from Missouri:

https://twitter.com/CodyRhodesWWE/status/299641107111878658

The former Rhodes Scholars will be wrestling WWE legends the New Age Outlaws. As far as we can tell, the team is not reuniting on a full-time basis but will still wrestle together occasionally.

– Chris Jericho will be appearing at WWE Elimination Chamber, despite the fact that he does not have a match announced yet.

– The Bruno Sammartino documentary that’s been in the works for quite some time is nearly completed and is being shopped around to several TV networks, including CBS and HBO.

There is also a feature film about Sammartino’s life being developed, with WWE writer Paul Guay (“Lair Lair) having penned the script. WWE Studios is of course interested in picking up the movie and there are reported other movie studies showing interest in the project.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Hulk Hogan Makes Some Newsworthy Remarks About Dixie Carter & The TNA Roster

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During a recent interview with the UK’s Daily Star newspaper, Hulk Hogan made some interesting comments about Dixie Carter’s role as the leader of TNA Wrestling and her vision for the company’s direction.

“It’s either hold ’em or fold ’em. You’re either in the wrestling business or not. Is Dixie Carter really in the wrestling business, or this is just a hobby? You either make the move or you don’t. You’re at that point now. It’s the same place we were with WCW – you either run with the big dogs or be a little dog and stay on the porch. The destiny of this company is in her hands. It can stay TNA, a powerful little company, or she can make the decision to move on to greatness.”

Hogan says that TNA made some good decisions recently by cutting back on their number of pay-per-view  events and finally taking Impact on the road.

“To limit to four major PPVs will give us a chance to make the wrestlers more important to give the fans a chance to choose who they love. I think it gives you a chance to sink your teeth into the characters and the company.”

Hulk Hogan says that many of the wrestlers currently on the roster would be “bagging groceries” back when he was headlining shows (awesome), but the business has changed and he admits it’s for the better:

“Twenty years ago most of the wrestlers who are in this business now wouldn’t even be here. They’d be bagging groceries somewhere. When I was wrestling I was a medium sized guy. King Kong Bundy was 450 and John Studd was 400 and Earthquake was 400 and Andre was 550 and I was 330, Don Muracco was 300lbs.”

The business has changed and it’s for the better. It’s more exciting because the guys can do more moves and are more athletic than we were.”

TNA Announces 4 “Main Event Quality” Matches For Next Week’s Impact

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TNA has announced four “main-event quality” matches for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling:

* Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

* TNA’s new tag team champions Austin Aries & Bobby Roode facing each other

* X Division Champion Rob Van Dam vs. James Storm

* Christopher Daniels vs. Magnus

Impact General Manager Hulk Hogan will be evaluating the matches to determine who will challenge TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy in the main event of March’s Lockdown pay-per-view. The show was taped last month from the Wembley Arena in London, England.

* SPOILERS For Next Week’s IMPACT WRESTLING From London

WWE Releases Graphic Photo Of Vince McMahon’s Hip Surgery

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WWE has provided an update on Vince McMahon following his recent hip surgery. The WWE website reports:

“Mr. McMahon is currently recovering at home. Members of the McMahon family refused to comment, but speculation from Mr. McMahon’s medical team indicates things bode well for his recovery time.”

As previously reported, Vince McMahon has needed hip surgery for several months and Brock Lesnar’s recent attack on McMahon was done to incorporate his very real procedure with a WWE storyline meant to build up to a Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania.

WWE also provided the following [graphic] photo of McMahon’s hip during surgery:

Brock Lesnar Added To Another RAW, Chris Jericho Talks Robot Combat League

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– WWE is now advertising Brock Lesnar for the March 18 edition of Raw in Pittsburgh, PA. With that appearance set, Brock Lesnar is now advertised to appear at the following four RAW shows leading up to WrestleMania 29:

* February 25 from Dallas, Texas
* March 11th from Indianapolis, Indiana
* March 18th from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* April 1st from Washington, DC

– Syfy has posted the following preview video for Chris Jericho’s new Robot Combat League show, which premieres Tuesday, February 26th at 10pm:

Movie Poster For WWE Studios’ “The Call,” WWE Returning To South Africa This Summer

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– WWE’s SmackDown brand will be touring South Africa this summer, with five shows running from July 30th – August 3rd. The following dates have been announced:

* 7/30 at the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town, Western Cape

* 7/31 at the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town, Western Cape

* 8/1 at the Westridge Stadium in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

* 8/2 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, Gauteng

* 8/3 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, Gauteng

Superstars advertised to appear include Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Sheamus, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow and of course, South Africa’s own Justin Gabriel.

– The following poster has been released for the upcoming WWE Studios movie “The Call” starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin and featuring David Otunga:

BCSHvBFCQAAGfS8

WrestleMania XXX News: More From New Orleans, Roman Numerals Returning

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WWE will be announcing the location for next year’s big WrestleMania XXX event later this month. As we’ve been reporting, the event is expected to take place from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, which just hosted the NFL Super Bowl last weekend.

The venue has not been confirmed by WWE yet, but several fans have sent in word that local radio stations in New Orleans are already talking about it.

BenzInsider.com has has published an article looking at the possibility of New Orleans hosting WrestleMania in 2014, noting that one of the big considerations for WWE management is a tax credit that has been offered by the city. This tax credit is also the reason WWE Studios films a lot of their movies from the city.

There has been some internal debate in WWE whether to promote the show as “WrestleMania 30” or “WrestleMania XXX.” Despite the connotations that “XXX” carries, it appears WWE will be reverting back to roman numerals for the 30th WrestleMania.

WWE SmackDown Preview: Big Show vs. Kane, Orton vs. Henry & More

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The following matches will take place on tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy:

* Big Show vs. Kane.

* Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry.

* WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro vs. Sin Cara.

* Jack Swagger vs. Justin Gabriel.

* Cody Rhodes vs. Kofi Kingston.

* Great Khali vs. Titus O’Neil.

* WWE SmackDown SPOILERS For Tonight

3-Hour RAW Statistics, WWE Keeping Talent Busy During WM29 Weekend & More

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– WWEShop.com is running a sale on limited edition t-shirts.

– With other wrestling promotions (including TNA) running shows in the New York area over WrestleMania 29 weekend, WWE is making a concerted effort to keep their talent busy and away from TNA stars.

– F4wonline.com has released some interesting statistics regarding RAW’s expansion to 3 hours last summer. The extra hour of RAW has resuted in 33% more matches per show and matches going 33% longer. The amount of in-ring wrestling per show has doubled to 78%.

Wrestlers who have benefited from the additional TV time include John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Sheamus, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Primo and Epico.

Wrestlers who have had less television time since RAW’s expansion are Zack Ryder, Tensai, David Otunga, The Great Khali and Santino Marella.

* Plans For Dolph Ziggler Cashing In MITB, Big Babyface Turn Coming Before WM29

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

CM Punk Tops ESPN Power Rankings & Reaches Out To Robbery Victim

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– ESPN has updated their weekly WWE Power Rankings. Here are the top 5:

1) CM Punk
2) Brock Lesnar
3) Alberto Del Rio
4) Mark Henry
5) Chris Jericho

– Wade Barrett will be appearing in Baltimore, MD tomorrow night at the Motor Trend International Auto Show at the Baltimore Convention Center (7-9pm).

– TMZ picked up on the story of CM Punk reaching out to the 77 year old robbery victim who was shot in the face but said The Rock beating CM Punk at the Royal Rumble was the worst part of his week. Punk is arranging for the man to receive ringside seats and a backstage pass to the next WWE live event from Syracuse, NY.

More Details On Bruno Sammartino’s WWE Negotiations

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More details are coming out regarding Bruno Sammartino’s decision to finally make peace with WWE and agree to join their Hall of Fame. Aside from Sammartino’s talks with Triple H regarding the various changes that have taken place both behind the scenes (WWE’s Wellness policy, far less drug use than in previous eras) and on television (less profanity & sexual content), a big component of the deal was money. Sammartino reportedly gave Triple H a price that he was looking for and told several friends that he did not expect Vince McMahon to agree.

Sammartino said during the negotiations that if the deal didn’t come together this year, he would never consider joining the Hall of Fame again. He even told his sons that they should never sign off on him being inducted after he passes away, if they were not able to reach a deal this year. Despite the high asking price, said to be approximately what a WWE main eventer would get for WrestleMania, Vince McMahon gave the okay.

Sammartino’s deal with WWE is for more than just a Hall of Fame induction. He is now part of the extended WWE family and will be taking part in future DVD projects, icnluding the 50th anniversary History of WWE release scheduled for late this year. There will also likely be a Bruno Sammartino DVD release and he is expected to take part in a documentary and do commentary over some of his classic matches. It’s also possible he will appear on the WWE Legends Round Table show on 24/7 Classics on Demand and could even appear on a future episode of RAW.

* EXCLUSIVE News On Last Weekend’s NXT Tryouts Not Reported Anywhere Else

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Jim Ross Blog: Would Bruno Be A Main Eventer Today, Undertaker NXT Tryouts

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Undertaker’s Status for WM29: “Will the Undertaker wrestle at WM29? I honestly and truly have no idea. However, I don’t believe all that I read online from those who are speculating multiple tales regarding the subject. Do I think that the Undertaker is done? No. Absolutely not.”

Would Bruno Sammartino Be A Star In Today’s Era?: “Would Bruno Sammartino have made it in today’s wrestling business? Absolutely. Bruno had ‘it.’ ‘It’ cannot be taught or feigned. Bruno knew how to connect with the paying customers. He was believable. Just because Bruno never did a hurricanrana or a tope doesn’t mean he would not have done well. It’s all about talent and television and how the talents are perceived on TV. That means it takes a partnership between the two entities with the talent being the key component.”

Last Weekend’s NXT Tryouts: “Why don’t I give more details on the NXT tryouts WWE held last week? Just being professional. I know who I voted for but I don’t know the final tally of voting so I don’t know who’s going to be offered. The camp started slowly with a long, arduous Friday but picked up very nicely on Saturday and Sunday.”

* EXCLUSIVE News On Last Weekend’s NXT Tryouts Not Reported Anywhere Else

The Rock Congratulates Bruno, New Clip From Steve Austin’s “The Package”

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– WWE champion The Rock tweeted the following message on Thursday regarding Bruno Sammartino’s 2013 WWE Hall of Fame induction:

– Check out the following clip from Steve Austin’s new action movie, “The Package,” which will be out on DVD & Blu-Ray on February 19th.

Directed by Jesse V. Johnson and written by Derek Kolstad, THE PACKAGE features Austin as Tommy Wick, a nightclub bouncer and enforcer for Seattle crime boss Big Doug (Eric Keenleyside, Dreamcatcher, Firewall). When Big Doug instructs Tommy to hand-deliver a secret package to the mysterious international crime lord “The German,” (Lundgren), he does so with the hopes that Big Doug will forgive the debt Tommy’s brother Eddie (Lochlyn Munroe, White Chicks, Freddy vs. Jason) owes.

Word of the clandestine delivery spreads and soon “the package” — and those who carry it — becomes the target of rival gang leader Anthony (Michael Daingerfield, The Messengers). Anthony will stop at nothing to ensure its capture. Facing incredible odds, Tommy races against the ticking clock — and a small army of hit men, mercenaries, assassins and sadists — to complete delivery. But does The German have other ideas about what to do with the package?

Jeff Hardy Added To WWE.com Alumni, Impat Zone Lease Expiring & More

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– WWE has added TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy to the Alumni section of WWE.com. Not surprisingly, there is no mention of TNA on Jeff’s bio. Jeff Hardy’s TNA contract expires at the end of the month.

– TNA has announced that it is suspending online voting for Gutcheck due to voting issues.

– TNA was talking about running an event from a military base on February 28th (very similar to Tribute to the Troops), but those plans fell through.

– TNA is terminating its lease with Universal for the Impact Zone at the end of March. The plan is to tape most of the One Night Only themed taped PPVs before the lease expires. As previously reported, TNA will be holding double “One Night Only” tapings on 3/17, 3/23 and 3/24.

* SPOILERS For Tonight’s IMPACT WRESTLING From The UK

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Early SummerSlam Plans, WWE To Report Q4 2012 Results, Christian & R-Truth’s Returns

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– With WrestleMania 29 still two months away, WWE is already in the early planning stages for SummerSlam 2013, which will once again take place from Los Angeles. WWE is interested in booking The Rock and Brock Lesnar at the show, as they are two of its top stars with mainstream appeal. There is also a push to get the local Hollywood community involved in event, so expect a lot of celebrities to show up during the week-long Axxess events leading up to the PPV.

– WWE announced on Thursday that it will report its 2012 fourth quarter results on February 28, 2013, before the opening of the market. The Company’s Chairman and CEO, Vincent K. McMahon, and senior management will host a conference call beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results.

– R-Truth and Christian are expected to return within the next two weeks.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

More Details On The Settled TNA vs. WWE Lawsuit, El Generico

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– Regarding the recently settled TNA vs. WWE lawsuit, TNA simply dropped their case and there was no financial settlement between the two parties. Both sides paid their own legal fees and TNA had to pick up the court costs associated with the case.

– The TNA lawsuit was the reason WWE held off on signing indy worker El Generico. WWE was looking to sign him last June, but had to put those plans on hold when they found out he had previously wrestled two tryout matches for TNA.

Even though Generico was never under contract with TNA, WWE wanted to be extra careful and stay away from a wrestler that TNA had looked at until the lawsuit was settled. It’s believed that WWE reached out to Generico around the same time that they contacted Ric Flair, who had the same issue with the TNA lawsuit.

Generico is now training at WWE developmental in Tampa and it’s expected that he will eventually debut with a different gimimck.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

The Rock’s Super Bowl Success, Plans For Main Event, RAW DVR Numbers

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– WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made his mark at the NFL Super Bowl, with several commercials airing during the broadcast for his upcoming movies, as well as his “Got Milk?” ad. According to research agency Zimmerman Advertising, The Rock starred in two of the 5 most effective ads that aired during the Super Bowl. A 30-second spot during this year’s big NFL game cost between $3.5-4 million.

– WWE’s 12/31 New Year’s Eve edition of RAW had around 430,000 homes watching on DVR, a whopping 16.3% of the audience. This is the highest DVR viewership % for RAW on record. The next week, 1/7, had 304,000 homes (9.1%) watching via DVR.

– Despite the fact that WWE pulled the plug on the recent Intercontinental Cup tournament that was scheduled to take place on Main Event, there is talk of having the Wednesday night show focus on the IC title, much like RAW is based around the WWE title and SmackDown is based on the World Heavyweight title.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Goldust Stars In New Music Video, Support Vince McMahon, Kidd’s Recovery

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– WWEShop.com is running a promotion this month where you can get 15% off orders of $50+ with code FEB15.

– WWE is asking people to send Vince McMahon well wishes on Twitter at the hashtag #GetWellChairman!

– Tyson Kidd noted on Twitter that his doctor told him that his recovery from his knee injury will be 15% surgery and 85% therapy.

– Goldust stars in the new music video from Black Moth Super Rainbow, titled, “Hairspray Heart”, which you can view below:

Former WWE Star Snitsky Starring In Movie, Latest WWE Inbox

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– Former WWE superstar Snitsky is starring in a new movie titled “Manhunt” about a former wrestling champion. Here’s the synopsis:

“After a family tragedy and a major injury in the ring, Buck (Snitsky) decides to return to ‘Bro’s Weekend’ with his three best friends and try to put some perspective into his life. Buck learns a little too late that the weekend will take place on a Wildlife Preserve that has been closed for 40 years (a densely forested no-man’s land of no laws, no rangers, and no rules).

“Unfortunately for Buck, he finds out that on the preserve lives a wild man, a feral and inbred killer whose one pleasure is to hunt the humans that dare to trespass onto his domain. It will be up to Buck to find the fighter within himself if he is to survive the weekend, and if he is to win the ultimate wrestler versus psycho killer mountain man winner-takes-all.”

– Here’s the latest episode of WWE Inbox:

This week on “WWE Inbox,” Cody Rhodes and his fellow Superstars talk about submission moves that can make a grown man cry. Plus, who has the worst fashion sense in WWE?

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview For Tonight

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The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s Impact Wrestling on Spike TV:

– The HUGE main event of IMPACT features “The Icon” Sting teaming up with Bully Ray to battle The Aces and 8s in a Tables Match! IMPACT General Manager Hulk Hogan reinstated Bully Ray from his suspension so he could get payback on the Aces and his former friend turned bitter enemy, Devon! Bully Ray gets his opportunity for revenge on Thursday in a bout that he and Devon mastered during their historic career as a tag team – the chaotic Tables Match!

– Two championships will be on the line on Thursday’s broadcast! First, Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez defend the World Tag Team Championship against Bobby Roode and Austin Aries!

– Plus, Rob Van Dam will defend the X Division Championship in a three-way match against Kenny King and Zema Ion!

– Will Garett Bischoff and Wes Brisco have hell to pay at the hands of Kurt Angle after they betrayed him and joined The Aces and 8s?

– The lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts will be in action on IMPACT as Knockouts Champion, Tara, battles her former tag team partner – now current rival – Miss Tessmacher!

– Thursday on SpikeTV will also feature the IMPACT debut of British newcomer “Rockstar Spud”, who won the UK “British Boot Camp” television series to earn a spot on the IMPACT WRESTLING roster!

* SPOILERS For Tonight’s IMPACT WRESTLING From The UK

The Rock Touts Raw Ratings Surge, WWE Brings Its Anti-bullying Message To Atlanta, Bruno Sammartino

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– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson touted the ratings success of Raw since becoming WWE Champion at Royal Rumble.

He tweeted Wednesday, “People’s Era – highest #RAW ratings in over a year. @WWE Universe’s powerful voice. #WeBringIt.”

Last week’s post-Royal Rumble show drew a 3.68 cable rating and averaged 5.02 million viewers over the course of three hours. Not including the heavily promoted 1,000th episode of Raw, the numbers are the show’s highest marks since the night after WrestleMania XXVII in 2011. This week’s show also drew high viewership with a 3.56 cable rating and 4.81 million viewers.

– Prior to Raw Monday in Atlanta, Georgia, WWE held a ‘be a STAR’ anti-bullying rally at Hope-Hill Elementary School. Stephanie McMahon, Kofi Kingston, Layla and Hornswoggle appeared. WWE has released footage from the event.

– The longest-running WWE Champion of all-time, Bruno Sammartino, who was announced on Monday as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame, is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.

What Hurts WWE Superstars Most On “Inbox”, Former Diva Removed From Alumni Page, Eve Torres In Phoenix, Arizona

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– This week on WWE Inbox, Cody Rhodes and others talk about submission moves that can make a grown man cry. Plus, Superstars weigh in on who has the worst fashion sense in WWE.

– The official WWE website recently removed Dawn Marie from its Alumni page.

– Former WWE Diva Eve Torres announced on Twitter that she will appear on 12 News Phoenix Arizona Thursday at 4:00 p.m. She is in Phoenix this week teaching Gracie Survival Tactics to law enforcement.

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