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Rey Mysterio Interview: Life On The Road, His Masks, Bullying (Video)

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Rey Mysterio was interviewed by FOX affiliate KTBC-TV out of Austin, Texas this week to promote Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings.

During the interview, Mysterio discusses WWE’s recent tour of Asia, wrestling since he was 14 years old, keeping up his intensity and desire to wrestle over the years and much more.

Mysterio revealed that he currently owns around 500 wrestling masks. Mysterio and the interviewer talk about growing up watching WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras as kids and the strong Hispanic community in Austin, Texas.

Mysterio also talked about signing autographs for fans and WWE’s anti-bullying campaign.

Here is video from the appearance:

Eric Bischoff’s “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago” Show Picked Up By TruTV

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It was announced this week that the TruTV cable network has picked up “Hardcore Pawn: Chicago,” the latest series from TNA executive Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey’s production company.

Here is the official synopsis of the show, courtesy of TVBytheNumbers.com:

Hardcore Pawn: Chicago takes viewers behind the scenes at “the baddest pawn shop in Chicago.” One of the city’s largest and oldest establishments in the pawn and gold-buying business, Royal Pawn Shop is owned by Randy and Wayne Cohen, two brothers who d on’t always see eye to eye, except when it comes to finding the best deals for the business. These over-the-top siblings will wheel and deal with just about anyone, from a sweet kindergarten teacher to an intimidating mob boss.

The show will debut on TruTV later this year.

Hogan Returns To Impact Next Week, New Knockouts Champion, Former WWE Diva Debuts In TNA (Video)

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– Hulk Hogan will return to Impact Wrestling next Thursday night. Hogan will appear in the opening segment of the show, as TNA’s top babyfaces will call out the rouge Aces & Eights group for a potential fight.

– Miss Tessmacher regained the TNA Knockouts championship on Impact, defeating Madison Rayne four days after dropping the title to her at Hardcore Justice.

– Former WWE diva Tiffany (Taryn Terrell) made her TNA debut as the special guest referee for the TNA Knockouts title match. After Earl Hebner used some questionable officiating to help Rayne win the title on Sunday night, Taryn Terrell officiated the title change on Thurday night. Here is video from her TNA debut:

CM Punk Says AW’s Firing Was Justified (Video)

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TMZ caught up with WWE Champion CM Punk this week and asked him what he thinks about WWE firing “Abraham Johnson.” Punk laughed and corrected the camera guy, telling him that it was Abraham Washington that was fired (oops).

Punk said he doesn’t like seeing anybody getting fired, but rape jokes aren’t funny and understands why WWE let him go.

Tensai Compares Today’s WWE Locker Room To His Previous Run

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WWE superstar Tensai is interviewed in the september issue of WWE Magazine and spoke about how today’s WWE locker room is different from his previous run with the company (1999-2004):

“I don’t know if they’re tougher, because when I was years ago, there were a lot of men on the roster. When I came back, there were a lot of young faces, a lot of kids. The talent that walks in the locker room is amazing now, but in terms of toughness…well, this is a tough business.”

“The current roster is a bunch of tough guys, and I give them a lot of credit. It’s a man’s game. I hit people hard and they hit me back harder. Let’s just say I’ve had a couple of fights.”

WWE Party In LA Tonight, Morrison Doing Comedy This Wekeend In LA & More

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– WWE will be holding a private party in LA tonight to kick off SummerSlam Axxess. WWE diva Kelly Kelly noted on Twitter that she’ll be attending.

– Ken Shamrock has been added to the Alumni section of WWE.com. Shamrock is expected to be a playable character in the upcoming WWE ’13 video game.

– Josh Tariff sent along the following:

Saturday, August 18th at IO West (6366 Hollywood Blvd), John Morrison will be appearing in another edition of the show ‘Cut That Promo’ hosted by ‘Professional Wrestling’s Voice of Choice’ Christian Rosenberg. This is a comedy show where John will share some stories about being on the road with WWE as well as improvisors trying to show Christian and John that they have what it takes to be known as the ‘superstar of tomorrow’. The show will take place on Saturday at 11:30 and tickets are $5. You can preorder tickets at West.IoImprov.com.

WWE Developmental Wrestler Posts Cry For Help Before Getting Released

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It would appear that WWE has parted ways with developmental wrestler DT Porter as he is no longer listed on the roster page of FCWWrestling.info. He rarely appeared on Florida Championship Wrestling cards after joining the developmental promotion last year.

In May, Porter, whose real name is Brian McGhee, posted a message on Facebook crying for help due to alleged mistreatment from camp officials. He then claimed that his account was hacked. The “help” statement read:

“Guys, I don’t know how much longer I can handle this. Every day is a constant struggle to keep my sanity. I love wrestling and it’s all I ever wanted to do. Already going crazy since I’ve been for like ten months now, but it gets worse. Every day a trainer goes out of his way to rib or disrespect me in front of the boys because I’ve been out so long. I can’t clear myself. I wanna wrestle more than anything, but I don’t even know who I am anymore. It’s so fucking hard. I just feel it just building inside of me and I don’t know how much longer I can contain it. I have daydreams of just fucking everyone up on some real shit. I’m not a kid. I’m a fucking man. But what do you do when the people in charge of helping you get to the main roster are the ones making your life the hardest. I’ve been drinking almost every day. It’s to the point to where I keep Vodka and Gin in my trunk. Help me!”

He later deleted the Facebook message and claimed he was hacked.

Gail Kim Talks About Retirement, Leaving WWE, Working Heel

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TNA Knockout Gail Kim recently spoke to SpencerDailyReporter.com to promote this weekend’s TNA house show tour in Iowa. says she’s been “feeling the groove” since returning to TNA last year. Here are some highlights of what Gail Kim said about:

Retirement: “I would love to leave wrestling at some point on a good note. Everybody wants to go out on top. Most of all, whatever I do next, I want to be passionate about. Because I’ve had wrestling so long, I know how happy you can be doing what you love. I’m looking forward to a future with my husband and what it holds.”

Recent Pictures of Gail Kim & Her Celebrity Chef Husband

Working As Heel: “I’m looking forward to being the heel. I change my wrestling moves. When I’m a heel, I’m more technical and use submissions. When I’m a baby-face, I’m more of a high flyer.”

She also talked about “feeling the groove” since returning to TNA last year and how hard it was WWE “sitting back and watch everybody in the ring doing what I love to do.”

Regal Teasing Ambrose’s Debut, Japanese Promotions Want To Work With WWE & More

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– During last week’s WWE live events tour of Asia, Japanese wrestling promoters approached John Laurinaitis about their local promotions serving as a Japanese WWE developmental system. The idea is that WWE would send wrestlers to Japan to work a full-time schedule and sign local Japanese wrestlers to appear on WWE television.

– Another note from WWE’s live events in Japan last week, some fans were unhappy that WWE did not deliver on all the matches that were advertised. In particular, Japanese fans were really loooking forward to the advertised Daniel Bryan vs. Rey Mysterio match, which never took place. While live event cards are always “subject to change,” Japanese wrestling fans are apparently not used to companies changing advertised lineups.

– WWE NXT is holding a show tonight at the Tampa Arena in Tampa, Florida. 8 Matches are scheduled for the show, which starts at 7pm.

– William Regal is teasing that developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose’s WWE debut could be imminent. When asked by a fan on Twitter who Ambrose is, Regal replied:

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Big Johnny’s Return To TV, JR Attending Foley Comedy Show, Austin, Punk & JR At THQ

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– As previously reported, WWE is currently working on ways to bring John Laurinaitis back to television as a regular on-air character. Aside from possibly serving as a manager to Jack Swagger, another idea being discussed is for Laurinaitis to return to a position of authority, such as an “Executive Vice President”

– Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he and his wife are planning on attending Mick Foley’s comedy show on Sunday night in Los Angeles (after SummerSlam) at the LA Improv.

– Steve Austin is doing radio appearances this morning to promote his CMT show Redneck Island and will be taking part in a THQ video game shoot later today.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Paul Heyman Rants: Returning To WWE, Lesnar’s WWE Contract, Working With CM Punk

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Paul Heyman posted the following rant on Twitter on Thursday afternoon, setting the record straight on his status with WWE, Brock Lesnar’s contract situation, rumors of him working with WWE Champion CM Punk & more:

“It is amazing how many rumors are flying around. I don’t like to address rumors. It lends credibility to them, and the moment you answer ONE rumor,you immediately call attention to the other rumors (no matter how ridiculous they are) by NOT responding!

We’re going to clear up some issues. Set the record straight. Get some people “on point,” and stir some things up!

Brock’s theory of “let them speculate” seems to be a damn smart one, and I certainly see the merits of that position.

HOWEVER (aha! There is a “but” involved here)… Just to address two items that so many people seem to be giving credence to.

@CMPunk and I have NOT pitched the idea of being aligned to anyone. If we did, you wouldn’t know about it. Did anyone know I was coming back on May 7th as Brock’s representative? NO ONE KNEW! So if @CMPunk and I have … or had .. or will have a plan … I assure you, it would have / will play out in front of your very eyes. @CMPunk doesn’t need an advocate. Nor a spokesman. Nor a representative. That’s not his character. Brock’s character totally different.

The other rumor to address … Whether @WWE is interested in extending my deal, Brock’s deal, etc. Not one single person has hit the nail on Brock’s deal with @WWE … and that’s the way Brock likes it! … and since NO ONE knows what my deal is, it would be impossible for anyone to state with certainty what my situation IS … or ISN’T! And, just for the record, I’m not discussing it.

Here’s my reasoning for it … When I left @WWE in 2006, I thought I was done. Gone. Never to return. I loved working with Brock on his book. Building #Looking4Larry with @MStuart777 has been a total blast! The @HeymanHustle website and digital program has been the cornerstone of our agency, and we love doing it.

This whole deal has been a surprise. A surprise for you. A surprise for my kids. A surprise for the WWE Universe. A surprise for ME, too. Enjoy the ride. Watch it unfold. See what happens. For the first time in forever, we have people GUESSING what comes next. If for no other reason but THAT, there’s nothing 2 discuss. You know there’s a heavily-promoted match this Sunday at @WWE #SummerSlam.

You’ve seen @ShawnMichaels, Stephanie McMahon, all our CHILDREN be a part of this main event. Now it comes down to Brock Lesnar vs HHH. If we’ve sold you on buying the ppv, I bet you get your money’s worth on this match alone. If we haven’t sold you on the ppv yet, then thank you for your time, and I hope something else has captured your attention or imagination.

Brock and I are “all-in” for this Sunday. And just based on what his future holds, HHH is “all-in,” too. This is a match everyone wants you to remember.

So … I’m not addressing any more rumors. I’m not confirming. I’m not denying. I’m focused on this Sunday … … and I’m looking forward to watching Brock and HHH live up to, and indeed EXCEED everyone’s expectations.

Is this hype? Yes. But it’s Hype routed in TRUTH. Is this a rant? A diatribe? A long-winded TwitSpeech? Absolutely! Hope you liked it.”

How Did TNA Wrestling Discover Claire Lynch?, Eric Bischoff Praises Linda McMahon

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– As reported earlier this week, the woman portraying Claire Lynch—purportedly pregnant with AJ Styles’ child—on Impact Wrestling is Julia Reilly, an Orlando, Florida-based actress and model. She is 36-years-old and has 15 years of acting experience. TNA Wrestling held an audition a few months ago for the role and she was chosen because she resides in Orlando, where Impact is taped, which saves them money on airfare.

Reilly also works at Universal Studios Orlando—where Impact is taped—as Olive Oyl by the theme park’s “Popeye” ride. It is something Reilly has tried to conceal—she did not list it in her resume, which she deleted last week after her identity was revealed online.

– TNA Wrestling producer Eric Bischoff congratulated former WWE chief executive Linda McMahon on her triumph in the Connecticut GOP Senate primary on Tuesday.

He wrote on Twitter, “Congratulations to Linda McMahon on her nomination. Smart, strong, experienced. Ct. voters are fortunate to have a legitimate leader.”

Bischoff had also tweeted on last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, writing, “It was a solid show that reached its goal. Looking forward to producing a “big moment” ep soon. Pacing.”

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Looks At Mick Foley’s Comedy Career, Ken Shamrock Profiled By WWE, Kelly Kelly

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– Mick Foley hits the stage of a Long Island comedy club in the latest edition of “Outside The Ring.” The Hardcore Legend talks about nearly quitting the endeavor after hitting some initial snags but he eventually found his niche.

– WWE.com has added “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock to its Alumni page. His ties to mixed martial arts and the UFC are acknowledged in his bio.

– Kelly Kelly, who has sporadically appeared for WWE in recent weeks, noted on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Los Angeles, California.

Picture Of The Rock & Gina Carano Filming Fast 6

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Check out this picture of The Rock tweeted on Thursday of himself with MMA fighter Gina Carano on the set of their new movie, Fast 6.

““Beast & the Beauty”.. Me & my FAST 6 partner in ass kickins (and fun) @ginacarano #BadAssChick”

News On WWE’s 2013 Hall Of Fame Ceremony: Rumored Inductees, Drama With MSG

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It was recently announced that the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 6th from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Despite the fact that WrestleMania 29 is being billed as taking place from “NY/NJ”, WWE has reportedly had some issues regarding holding the HOF ceremony from New York City, due to their agreement with the state of New Jersey regarding where WrestleMania-week events will be held.

It’s no secret that WWE was pushing hard for Bruno Sammartino to be the top name inducted into the Hall of Fame next year, but at this point, there’s virtually no chance of that happening. Other names discussed for next year’s class include Bob Backlund, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash and the Ultimate Warrior.

Tensions between Warrior and WWE have died down lately and the two sides are currently on the best terms that they’ve been on in several years. Getting Warrior to agree to work with WWE again for the first time since 1996 would be seen as a huge deal for WWE, he is notoriously difficult to work with and there is always the risk that they come to an agreement, WWE announces Warrior’s involvement and then the two sides have another falling out.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

More On Talent Meeting Before RAW, Kharma’s Release, Triple H & Tag Teams

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– Following up on the meeting that took place prior to Monday’s RAW, talent was told specifically that any hateful or racial comments would not be tolerated. The company stressed that WWE’s PG programming extends to how talent conducts themselves on social media. As for nobody speaking up when given the chance to vent their frustrations, it’s believed that anybody who does have legitimate concerns would be risking their job by saying anything.

– Prior to her WWE release, Kharma had developed a reputation of being lazy and company officials were losing faith that she would be able to get herself back into ring shape.

TMZ.com recently reported that Kharma is working with a team of professionals to help get her back into ring shape and is planning land a reality TV deal by shopping around footage of her journey.

– WWE employees who have worked closely with Triple H over the years believe that he will continue to focus on building up WWE’s fledgling tag team division, which will likely come at the expense of the Divas division. Triple H has never been a big fan of women’s wrestling and most of new talent WWE has been recruiting have been men.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Another Rumored SummerSlam Match, WWE Pushing For More New Shows & More

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– WWE officials are currently looking for a TV network to air their monthly PPV pre-shows that currently air online.

WWE is also looking to run a 1-hour countdown show prior to next year’s 4-hour WrestleMania 29, similar to the 1-hour pre-shows that air on Spike TV prior to UFC PPVs.

– WWE’s recent DVD release of No Holds Barred made the company approximately $300,000, making it one of the company’s most profitable releases in recent years.

– Aside from the rumored Damien Sandow vs. Brodus Clay match, Cody Rhodes vs. Sin Cara is also expected to be added to Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam PPV.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

JR Blog: Triple H vs. Lesnar, WWE’s Talent Recruiting, Big E. Langston

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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 are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Developmental Star Big E. Langston: “Big E Langston had another solid outing at NXT and has incorporated King Kong Bundy’s 5 count, an idea that I originally provided Bill Watts and Ernie Ladd for Bundy years ago, to his presentation. Big E has cut his weight to around 280 but still looks to be 300 plus. Big, athletic talents have a leg up over smaller, athletic talents and I don’t mean that to start a firestorm but it’s true.”

WWE’s Talent Recruiting: “A couple of the new, former NFL linemen that WWE has signed to begin training have lost well over 100, perhaps closer to 200 combined pounds to get in better condition and to be able to present themselves better on TV.”

“WWE will conduct a closed, invitation only try out camp next Monday-Wednesday in the Los Angeles area that I’m anxious to attend. The recruiting of new, trainees for WWE Development hasn’t been this aggressive in years or so it seems.”

Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar This Sunday: “I expect the WWE Title bout to close the show at SummerSlam but there is no doubt that the HHH-Lesnar encounter has many fans talking. I expect HHH and Brock to be physical, straight forward, and a match that will challenge each man’s will. It’s a distinctly personal issue that features two of the most physically driven men to ever compete in WWE. The Game has plenty of motivation in this personal issue but I wonder if that will be enough to handle Lesnar who has strategically monitored his every step on TV while building viable anticipation for this match and what he plans to do. This one might even be ‘Bowling Shoe Ugly’ in the sense that I don’t think that it will be artistically appealing but it will be intense, guttural, and smash mouth.”

Resentment Towards Brooke Hogan, TNA Signing X Division Talent, Crimson At OVW

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– There is said to be a lot of resentment in TNA towards Brooke Hogan. There was initially some excitement that her “star power” would bring something to Impact, but the feeling is that she’s not good in her current role, she’s not over with the audience and she’s only on television because she’s Hulk Hogan’s daughter.

– TNA is looking to bolster the X Division roster, with the company recently offering deals to Kenny King and Mason Andrews (formerly Scorpio Sky). King has signed with TNA, but there are conflicting reports as to whether Andrews has signed on yet.

– TNA star Crimson made a surprise appearance at last night’s Ohio Valley Wrestling live event, defeating OVW star Randy Royal. Crimson cut a promo after the match saying that capturing the OVW Heavyweight Title is now his #1 priority, so it appears that he’ll be working at TNA developmental for the time being.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Jeff Hardy’s Future In TNA, Al Snow’s Backstage Influence, Aces & Eights

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– Aces and Eights are teasing on Twitter that they’ve been quiet as of late, a sign that we could see them appear on tonight’s Impact.

– TNA agent Al Snow has gained a lot of influence behind the scenes in recent months.

– Jeff Hardy has impressed everybody in TNA with his how he’s turned his life around. After a rocky few years, Jeff Hardy is said to be always clear-headed and a “model employee.” He’s also the company’s top merchandise mover, by a long shot.

Jeff’s TNA contract expires next February. There are independent promoters that are under the impression that Matt and Jeff Hardy will be available for bookings early next year, but there are no other indications that Hardy will leave TNA when his contract expires.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Impact Wrestling Preview: Hardcore Justice Fallout, BFG Series Matches

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

– IMPACT will feature the aftermath of “Hardcore Justice” as the road begins to September’s “No Surrender” event! STILL World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries will be there – but how will Bobby Roode react to what happened in the PPV main event? Also, NEW Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne is scheduled to appear, plus an update on The Aces & 8s and more.

– It’s the final weeks of the annual “Bound For Glory Series”, and the competition reaches a fever pitch as 12 Superstars battle for a shot at the World Championship! Thursday’s IMPACT broadcast features a huge double main event of BFG Series matches as “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy battles Bully Ray, plus AJ Styles goes for revenge against longtime enemy Christopher Daniels!

– Plus, former tag team partners Samoa Joe and Magnus will face off in another Bound For Glory Series bout on the huge LIVE broadcast!

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV

* Update on MATT MORGAN Jumping To WWE & Which WWE Stars Are In ACES & EIGHTS

RAW 1,000 Viewership News, Recent WWE Attendence Figures & More

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– Here are recent WWE attendance figures:

* SmackDown on August 9th in Tokyo drew 5,500 fans ($520,000 gate)

* RAW on August 10th in Tupelo, MS drew 5,200 fans ($160,000 gate)
* SmackDown on August 10th in Tokyo drew 7,000 fans ($640,000 gate)

* RAW on August 11th in Biloxi, MS drew 4,000 fans ($130,000 gate)
* SmackDown on August 11th in Shanghai, China drew 6,500 fans ($600,000 gate)

* RAW on August 12th in Texarkana, AR drew 3,600 fans ($110,000 gate)
* SmackDown on August 12th in Taipei, Taiwan drew 9,000 fans ($750,000 gate)

– WWE.com has an interview up with Michael “PS” Hayes about the song he recently recorded, “Freebird Road”, as a tribute to his late friend, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy. About the song, Hayes said:

“This is one of those things that makes me content with my life. If I never do another thing with my life, I know I’ll be happy that I was able to honor my friend this way.”

– The 1,000th RAW Celebration last month had a higher-than-usual percentage of fans watching the show on DVR/tape delay (11.7% of the total audience).

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Triple H High On Developmental Wrestler, WWE Recruiting Football Players & More

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– With WWE making a strong push to recruit new talent, the company has been putting a lot of focus on scouting college football players. As previously reported, WWE recently signed former NFL players Dean Muhtadi (former Green Bay Packer and Arizona Cardinal) and Brandon Carter (former New Orleans Saint).

– Actor Kris Kristofferson’s son Jody is currently working in WWE developmental with the ring name “Garrett Dylan”. He can be followed on Twitter @WWEGarrettDylan and his NXT profile can be viewed here.

– WWE’s upcoming Series 25 batch of action figures will include Randy Orton, The Miz, Big Show, David Otunga, Eve Torres and Brock Lesnar’s first action figure since he returned to WWE.

– Triple H is said to be a strong supporter of third-generation developmental talent Joe Hennig (Michael McGillicutty) and is pushing for him to be re-packaged soon.

McGillicutty’s grandfather, wrestling legend Larry “The Axe” Hennig, stated in a recent interview that Vince McMahon assured him that Joe would eventually use the Hennig name in WWE.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Nesletter)

Pictures Of AJ Lee & Her Boyfriend Trent Barreta

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Also Check Out:

–  Pictures of AJ LEE Before She Was In WWE
–  Pictures of AJ Lee’s Recent Wardrobe Malfunction

WWE Signs Del Rio’s Little Brother, CM Punk DVD Screening, Superstars

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– At the upcoming screening for CM Punk’s new WWE DVD documentary in Chicago on October 7th, several of the people who were interviewed for the documentary will participate in a panel discussion for the live audience.

– Matches taking place on today’s WWE Superstars show include:

* Damien Sandow vs. Justin Gabriel
* The Usos vs. Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty
* Alex Riley vs. Drew McIntyre.

– WWE has reporetdly signed Guillermo Rodriguez, son of Mexican legend Dos Caras and the younger brother of WWE superstar Alberto Del Rio. Guillermo is already wrestling for WWE NXT as Memo Montenegro and trained in Florida with Pablo Marquez earlier this year.

(Partial source: PWInsider)

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