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Dana White Says Brock Lesnar Will Never Fight For UFC Again

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UFC President Dana White says Brock Lesnar will never return to the UFC, despite recent talks about the former Heavyweight MMA champion returning to the Octagon.

White called into the “Dave and Mahoney” show on X107.5 in Las Vegas on Tuesday and confirmed, “He’s done. He called me a couple of days ago. He’s never coming back.”

After two life-threatening bouts with the intestinal disease diverticulitis, White said, “His body can’t take it.”

Lesnar is current under a 1-year contract with WWE that includes a limited number of remaining dates.

“[Brock] said he can wrestle, but he can’t fight,” White said. “He was contemplating coming back.”

* News On BROCK LESNAR’s Rumored WrestleMania 29 Opponent

The Latest On Ric Flair’s WWE Return, Jericho Clarifies Ryback Comments & More

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– There is a lot of talk that WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair’s WWE return could take place as soon as this Monday night, when WWE RAW returns to the heart of Flair Country – Charlotte, North Carolina. The feeling is that he could be brought in as the new RAW General Manager.

– The pre-sale password for the 12/17 WWE RAW show from Philadelphia is JOHNCENA. Tickets are on sale now. The advertised main event is John Cena and Sheamus vs. CM Punk and Big Show.

– Following up on his comments on the Busted Open radio show this week about WWE needing to put the WWE title on Ryback this weekend at Hell in a Cell to make the most out of his current momentum, Chris Jericho tweeted:

(Partial Source: PWInsdier)

WWE Survivor Series Ad Reveals Major Possible *Spoilers*

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Local advertisements for this year’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view reveal what could be major spoilers for WWE’s upcoming storylines.

According to the ads, the main event for WWE Survivor Series will be CM Punk vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship.

The ad also says that there will be a traditional Survivor Series team elimination match – with Ryback and Big Show as team captains.

While WWE’s plans might have changed in the past few weeks since the Survivor Series ads were created, they seem to indicate that CM Punk will retain the WWE Championship this Sunday at Hell in a Cell. Since CM Punk won the WWE title at last year’s Survivor Series, his match with John Cena would take place around the 1-year mark for his title reign.

Survivor Series 2012 takes place on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

CM Punk Talks About Wrestling Ryback At HIAC, Rivalries With John Cena & The Rock

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Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of the Score Television Network and the Baltimore Sun recently spoke with current WWE Champion CM Punk about the upcoming WWE ’13 video game, his ‘Hell in a Cell’ opponent, what he’d still like to accomplish in WWE and more. Here’s what Punk said about:

On his ‘Hell in a Cell’ opponent Ryback and whether he’s surprised to face him:

“Im glad actually. I think you take a look at Ryback and he’s your typical WWE wrestler. He’s what Vince McMahon likes. But conversely, my choice was John Cena or Ryback; Cena’s had shot after shot after shot. To me, the ‘change’ I talked about a year and a half ago was about new people stepping up and getting shots, so I’m excited. Its something new, its something different and I can sink my teeth into it.”

Other topics include:

* Whether the rivalry between himself and John Cena will be the one that sticks out the most in his career.

* A possible match with the Rock at the Royal Rumble and whether it could be the biggest match of his career.

* Early retirement and what he feels he has left to accomplish in WWE

* Being on the cover of WWE ’13

* Which wrestlers he models himself after in the ring

* How he re-invents himself as a Superstar and WWE Champion

Here’s the interview:

* News On A New PAUL HEYMAN GUY Stable Forming Very Soon

Del Rio Teaming With His Brother Friday Night: Memo Montegro Talks Developmental Training, Changing His Style

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WWE developmental wrestler Memo Montegro will be teaming with his older brother, Alberto Del Rio, in a match against Kassius Ohno & Leo Kruger at Friday night’s WWE NXT live event from West Palm Beach, Florida. Montenegro spoke with The Miami Herald to promote the show and said this about:

Being in WWE developmental:

“It’s an incredible experience. In the three, four months I’ve been here, I’ve already learned so much. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned so far. I want to thank Bill DeMott, Norman Smiley, Joe Mercury, Ricky Steamboat, because they really help me and tell me my mistakes to learn from and improve and get better.”

How His Father Dos Cara Feels About Him Changing His In-Ring Style:

“My dad loved it. In Mexico, it’s a good business, but here it’s bigger, and it’s a bigger opportunity for me. My dad said in the future if something happens, ‘you’ll have the background working in the states, and it’ll be easier for you to work in Japan, Europe and even in Mexico.’ My dad likes that I’m following in the steps of my brother. My brother followed in the steps of my dad, and I’m following in the steps of my brother.”

Joining WWE & The Differences Between USA & Mexico’s In-Ring Styles

“I almost started wrestling in Mexico for CMLL, but then I spoke with John Laurinaitis [who was the WWE’s senior vice president of talent relations], and he told me they were going to sign me. There’s a really big difference between the Mexican style and the American style. There’s more psychology in the American style. So to prepare, I also started working with American wrestlers in Mexico. My brother is 6-4, and he weighs more than me, but for me I have good size here in America. I try to mix a little of the Mexican style with the American style. I do high-risk moves and combine it with the American style, so that helps me a lot.”

Press Release For CM Punk’s Involvement On The Avengers vs. X-Men Book

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The following was sent out on Wednesday:

WWE® CHAMPION CM PUNK® PENS INTRODUCTION TO THE LIMITED EDITION AVENGERS VS. X-MEN HARDCOVER

The Hottest Comic Of The Year Is Now The Most Anticipated Collection of 2012

New York, New York, October 24, 2012 – The best-selling comic event of the year, hits store shelves in a limited-edition, oversized collection with the Avengers vs. X-Men Hardcover featuring an introduction from WWE Superstar and Champion, CM Punk! Worlds collide as one of the top performers in WWE provides insight into the new landscape of the Marvel Universe in this one-of-a-kind introduction! Experience the pop culture event like never before as your favorite heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, Cyclops, Magneto and more go head-to-head with the entire Marvel Universe at stake!

“To say I’m flattered to write the intro for the biggest comic book crossover EVER would be…well it wouldn’t be me,” said WWE Champion CM Punk. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s super cool, but it also makes sense. Best superheroes in the world? Check. Best writers in the world (plus Ed Brubaker)? Check. Best artists in the world? Yup, them too. Best wrestler in the world. That’s me! So it’s the best team of all time! We are all the best! Now you will read the best!”

The Avengers vs. X-Men Hardcover features the top talent of the industry including top-selling authors: Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man); Jason Aaron (Wolverine & The X-Men, Wolverine); Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four, Ultimate Comics Ultimates); Ed Brubaker (Captain America, Winter Soldier); Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man, The Mighty Thor) and even more! This unprecedented assembly of acclaimed writers is joined by a cavalcade of the industry’s superstar artists including John Romita Jr (Avengers); Olivier Coipel (The Mighty Thor); Adam Kubert (X-Men: Schism) and others.

“There is no better person who understands the theatrical nuances of a good rivalry than WWE Champion, CM Punk,” said Marvel Editor In Chief, Axel Alonso. “We couldn’t be happier to have him to share his praise of our biggest event yet with his fans, and ours.”

With a limited print run, the Avengers vs. X-Men Hardcover includes a number of bonus features that enahnce the Avengers vs. X-Men experience even further including:

* Exclusive (to the collection) behind the scenes extras utilizing special augmented reality technology with the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma.

* Avengers vs. X-Men Infinite comics in print for the very first time!

* A code for a free digital copy available exclusively through the Marvel Comics app & Marvel Digital Comics Shop!

The Avengers and X-Men have learned that the all-powerful embodiment of both death and rebirth known as the Phoenix Force is on a crash course for Earth…and it needs a new host to unleash its immeasurable power. But what is the shocking decision tied to the Phoenix’s return that will pit the Avengers against the X-Men? And when good friends become bitter enemies, what does this mean for the future of the Marvel Universe?

You’ve heard It’s Coming—and this November witness every punch thrown, every shield slung and every blast blown out in the Avengers vs. X-Men Hardcover!

All your favorite super heroes enter the fight—and only one team will emerge victorious!

For more on Avengers vs. X-Men, please visit http://avx.marvel.com

* UPDATE On CM PUNK’s Upcoming Feud With THE ROCK & His Rumored WM29 Opponent

Previews For This Week’s WWE Main Event, Saturday Morning Slam & SmackDown

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The following matches were taped on Tuesday night from Providence, Rhode Island for this week’s WWE television shows:

WWE Main Event:

* Dolph Ziggler vs. Ryback
* Sin Cara vs. Alberto Del Rio

Saturday Morning Slam:

* R-Truth vs. William Regal
* Zack Ryder vs. Kofi Kingston

SmackDown:

* Kane vs. Cody Rhodes
* Yoshi Tatsu vs. The Miz
* Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton
* Eve Torres and Aksana vs. Layla and Kaitlyn
* Daniel Bryan vs. Damien Sandow

Sami Callihan’s WWE Tryout, JR Working On Mick Foley DVD, Fink Video Interview

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– Dragon Gate USA star Sami Callihan wrestled a dark match prior last night’s WWE television tapings from Providence. Accordign to F4Wonline.com, WWE officials were impressed with his in-ring work and some promo work he did backstage for WWE producers, but there is concern about his size.

– Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he filmed 2 hours of footage on Tuesday morning for WWE’s upcoming DVD set on Mick Foley..

– Here’s another exclusive Arda Ocal video interview from this past weekend’s Legends of the Ring convention. This one features legendary WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel:

Howard talks about working with Tony Schiavone 20+ years ago, his continued love for in-ring announcing today, and what he thinks of the current crop of announcers. He also lists his favourite wrestlers to introduce during his career and is reunited with the old Madison Square Garden hanging double-microphone to deliver one last special announcement.

CM Punk Teasing Super Secret Events, The #AJScandal, Ryback’s First Action Figure

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– WWE is really playing up the removal of AJ Lee as the General Manager of RAW. John Cena has been showing his support for AJ on Twitter all week. WWE is now encouraging fans to show their support for AJ on Twitter and Tout using the hashtag #AJScandal.

– WWE Champion CM Punk has dubbed November “Punktober 2” and told his Twitter followers that he has two “super secret” events planned:

– Speaking of November, WWE announcer Matt Striker is teasing on Twitter that he might celebrate “Mo-vember” by growing out a mustache, which some men do to promote prostate cancer awareness.

– Ryback’s first WWE action figure was shown off this past weekend by Mattel at the Ringside Fest event in New York City. Mattel toy designer Bill Miekina told WWE.com that they have received a lot of positive feedback about Ryback. Here’s the first-ever Ryback action figure:

Halloween Main Event Preview, WWE Signs Booker T Student, Cena On TV Today

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– Next week’s 10/31 Halloween edition of WWE Main Event on Ion will feature Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton vs. Darren Young, Titus O’Neil and Alberto Del Rio.

– WWE has signed one of the wrestlers from Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling promotion in Texas. Denton Blackwell can be found on Twitter at @DentonBlackwell.

– John Cena will be appearing on ABC’s The Chew today at 1PM (EST). The show was filmed on Tuesday morning.

– Here is footage of R-Truth, Alicia Fox and Kofi Kingston at a “be a STAR” rally in Memphis, Tennessee earlier this week:

Goldberg Offended By Ryback Comparisons, Match After SmackDown, Toys

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– The dark main event after Tuesday night’s WWE tapings in Providence, Rhode Island saw Sheamus defeat Big Show in a Last Man Standing match after leveling him with a Brogue Kick.

– Aside from WWE selling the usual merchandise at live events (primarily apparel), WWE is now setting up “toy” booths as they gear up for the holiday season. The new merchandise booths feature Mattel action figures and the WWE ’13 video game.

– As previous reported, Ryback got physical with Paul Heyman after his match with WWE Champion CM Punk at Sunday night’s WWE live event. It appeared that Ryback had trouble executing his finisher once again and simply slammed Heyman down after getting him overhead.

A fan showed a video of the spot to Goldberg on Twitter, who responded, “NOW comparisons offend me.” The video has since been taken down due to copyright request by WWE.

WWE Hell In A Cell 2012: Updated Card For Sunday

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It was announced at Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings in Providence, Rhode Island that Eve Torres will defend her Divas Title at Hell In a Cell against Kaitlyn and Layla in a Triple Threat match.

With that match set, here’s the updated card for WWE Hell in a Cell, which takes place this Sunday from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia:

* WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Ryback

* World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Big Show

* WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No vs. Rhodes Schollars

* Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz

* Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio

* Divas Champion Eve Torres vs. Kaitlyn vs. Layla in a Triple Threat Match

Batista Promoting Iron Fists, Indy Worker Thrown Out Of RAW, Garbiel’s Win

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– Monday’s WWE RAW was the #1 trending TV show on the Get Glue social media site for Monday night. The social media engagement still couldn’t save RAW from it’s lowest non-holiday rating in 15 years.

– Justin Gabriel’s non-title win over US Champion Antonio Cesaro on Monday’s RAW snapped his 12-match (TV/PPV) television losing streak. Gabriel posted a Tout video last night asking Cesaro for a title shot.

– New Jersey-based independent wrestler Starman was at Monday’s RAW from East Rutherford, NJ but was escorted out of the show for being overly disruptive and “trying to get himself over.”

– Batista is in Los Angeles this week to do media work and attend the red carpet premiere for The Man With The Iron Fists movie.

* Listen To The Full MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS Soundtrack – All New WU TANG Music!

(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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JBL made his entrance, raised #hardbodyref Scott Armstong’s hand, and proceeded to beat down Josh Matthews with his hat when Matthews went for a handshake. Hilarious.

Ok, I have never laughed at a wrestling event (other than Chikara) as I am right now. The refs were changing the ropes for Smackdown and were taking FOREVER. A “Put the rope up” chant was started. Then, JBL grabs a mic and absolutely tears into all 4 refs. JBL promo at its best and had probably 10 arena wide “JBL” chants in support. He may be the most over man in the company to these fans here tonight.

Randy Orton made his entrance to open the show. He cut a promo on Alberto Del Rio, who’s music cut Orton off. They had a verbal exchange that ended with Del Rio backing down and the crowd chanting “No cahones”. Wade Barrett came out of nowhere and hit Orton from behind, then went back up the ramp. Backstage, Teddy Long made the main event for tonight: Orton vs. Barrett.

1. Kane defeated Cody Rhodes. Daniel Bryan on commentary for this match. So is Damien Sandow. Should be quite entertaining TV this Friday. Kane beat Cody Rhodes with a chokeslam in about 5 minutes.

Backstage, Booker T and Big Show had a short exchange

2. The Miz defeated Yoshi Tatsu. Miz won with the Skullcrushing Finale. Another 5 minute match, nothing special.

Backstage, Booker T had Eve, Aksana, Kaitlin, and Layla. Aksana said that Eve texted her and told her to attack Kaitlin. Teddy came in and explained how he knew all along. Eve contended that someone stole her iPad, sent the email, and is framing Eve. Booker set up a triple threat match for the Divas title at HIAC: Eve vs. Layla vs. Kaitlin. He also announced a tag match between the 4 for tonight.

3. Wade Barrett defeated Randy Orton. Alberto Del Rio ran down towards the end of the match, distracted Orton, and Barrett hit his Souvenir Elbow for the win.

The HIAC preshow is advertising that Cena will address the WWE universe about the AJ controversy. Backstage, Booker T and Sheamus had a brief exchange.

Kane told Daniel Bryan that he won tonight, so he’s the real tag team champions. Kane and Cody Rhodes are on commentary for the next match. Sandow made his entrance and cut a promo, insulting “YES!” and Bryan’s beard.

4. Damian Sandow defeated Daniel Bryan. Sandow won with his straightjacket neckbreaker. Finish came when action went to ringside. Bryan shoved Cody, Kane went after Sandow, Cody shoved Bryan into the ring post and threw him into the ring for Sandow to finish off.

Twelve security people stood in opposite corners of the ring. Josh Matthews set up the mid ring face to face between the participants in the world title match Sunday. Sheamus was out first, followed by Big Show. The security guards formed a line between the two. Big Show put his KO punch over as more powerful than the Rock Bottom, Stunner, AA, and the Brogue Kick. Show then said that Sheamus can’t even reach his head with a Brogue Kick.

Sheamus cut a Sheamus promo about how his two favorite things are a pint of ale and a good fight. He said he’s excited for the chance to conquer the giant. He then repeated over and over “The time for fighting is now.” He charged through the line of guards and attacked Show. Security intervened, so both men cleared house before Sheamus went for the Brogue on Show, who ducked out of the ring and hit the ramp. Sheamus then kicked one of the guards instead. Show should go off the air here.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

Monday’s Raw Draws Worst Rating In 15 Years, Sami Callihan Competes In Dark Match Before SmackDown Taping

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– Monday’s Raw broadcast drew a 2.48 cable rating, the program’s worst rating for a non-holiday episode since October 27, 1997 (which drew a 2.3). This is below the rating for the Oct. 1, 2012 show, which garnered a 2.54 in comparison.

The three-hour program averaged 3.55 million viewers, beating a year-low of 3.50 million viewers on Oct. 1. Raw drew 3.58 million viewers in the first hour, 3.65 million in the second hour, and 3.43 million in third and final hour.

Viewership for the third hour was a year-low, below 3.47 million viewers on Oct. 1. It was the tenth consecutive week where third hour viewership was below viewership in the second hour.

– Independent wrestling standout Sami Callihan competed in a dark match tonight prior to WWE’s slate of television tapings in Providence, Rhode Island. He was squashed by Johnny Curtis, with his offense being limited to two kicks. Curtis was billed as “Simply” Johnny Curtis, came out to tango entrance music and donned shiny pants. Following his victory, Curtis placed a rose on Callihan’s chest.

The match is Callihan’s first before a WWE audience. He participated in private tryouts before WWE officials prior to television tapings in March.

(sources: F4WOnline.com, TVByTheNumbers.com, ProWrestling.net)

How Will The Rock Electrify At WrestleMania 29?, Molly Holly To Be Honored

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– With Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stating on record that he will be present at WrestleMania 29 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the official WWE website has published an article on their five theories for his participation at the event. One theory includes Johnson challenging The Undertaker’s undefeated streak.

“If a showdown for the WWE Title is out of the cards for The Brahma Bull, there’s no reason he can’t throw the gauntlet down at the feet of The Deadman and attempt to surmount what has become the greatest challenge in WrestleMania history,” the article states. “The Rock and The Phenom have history together (they were even Tag Team Champions for a hot minute), but a collision on The Greatest Stage of Them All would — to use an old expression — certainly put a lot of butts in the seats. Besides, after interring Triple H inside Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania 28, The Demon of Death Valley will be looking for a top-caliber challenger (if he’s looking for a challenger at all), and a high-profile opponent like The People’s Champion certainly fits the mold.”

Other theories including Johnson challenging for or defending the WWE Championship, challenging for the Tag Team Championship, a rematch against John Cena, and a “Rock Concert” with Bruce Springsteen.

– The Cauliflower Alley Club, a non-profit fraternal organization comprising both retired and active professional wrestlers and boxers in North America, has announced former WWE Women’s Champion Molly Holly as their 2013 Women’s Wrestling Honoree. She will receive the award at their next reunion event taking place April 15-17, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Past female grappling honorees include Darling Dagmar, Rockin’ Robin and Awesome Kong.

Now 35-years-old, Molly Holly has mostly kept away from the wrestling scene since parting ways with WWE in 2005. Sans a one-night return at WrestleMania XXV, her wrestling-related appearances have been limited to occasional guest referee roles and autograph signings.

Diamond Dallas Page On Scripting The Best Of Nitro, Working With Randy Savage, Pro Wrestling Then vs. Now

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Former WCW and WWE wrestler Diamond Dallas Page recently sat down with Joe Omega and Frank Manzo of Wrestle Reaction for a long, in-depth interview. Visit WrestleReaction.net for the archive.

Scripting the new “Best Of Nitro” DVD: “The WWE gives me what they’d like to see and I rewrite it the way I want to say it. Because it’s my words, and I want to say them the way I want to say them. I’ll get their points over, but I’m not gonna be somebody else. I’m not going to take written material like they give the performers every night. This is something very close to my heart.”

Working with Randy Savage in WCW: “96 my career and the diamond cutter was starting to take off. So when my whole thing with the NWO started, Randy [Savage] actually went to Bischoff and said “I want to work with him”. I would never have gotten that choice; would never have been able to say that. Our feud was so legendary on so many reasons, because we made it believable.” … “Randy Savage had total creative control of his character, and what happened to his character, just like Hulk did. And if Randy Savage didn’t think I was a top guy, he never would have done it.”

The difference between the late 90’s and now: “[Back in the late 90’s]..you could get away with a lot more stuff. We weren’t G-rated, even though Turner was a family programming…today, the WWE is totally family-based..which is great for the kids. For the older people who really love it, they’re going to love it no matter what, and then the other people who are like ‘Wow, it’s not reality-based enough for me’, they’re gonna stop watching for a while.”

Other topics:

* David Arquette not wanting to win the World Title, and thinking the angle was a joke

* Cody Rhodes eventually turning face, and wanting to work with Randy Orton

* Page’s friendship with Eric Bischoff, and the “haters” having no idea who he really is

You can listen to the interview in its entirety, as well as all the archived Reaction shows at WrestleReaction.net. Wrestle Reaction airs live every Tuesday night, including tonight, from 7-8 EST. Be sure to catch them live and follow them on Twitter @Wrestle_React.

Ryback’s Path Of Destruction (Video), Wildest Divas Matches List & More

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– Last week’s WWE SmackDown averaged 2,933,000 viewers, up from the week before (2,570,000 viewers).

– WWE.com has a feature up looking at the wildest Divas matches of all time. In no particular order, they listed:

* Beth Phoenix vs. Michelle McCool in an Extreme Makeover Match (Extreme Rules 2010)

* Trish Stratus vs. Victoria in a Hardcore Match (Survivor Series 2002)

* Stephanie McMahon vs. Trish Stratus (No Way Out 2001)

* Natalya & Beth Phoenix vs. Lay-Cool in a Tables Match (TLC 2010)

* Jacqueline vs. Lita in a Hardcore Match (RAW 10/9/2000)

* Beth Phoenix vs. Melina in an “I Quit” Match (One Night Stand 2008)

* Victoria vs. Molly Holly in a Hair vs. Title Match (WrestleMania XX)

– WWE has posted the following video looking back at Ryback’s path of destruction:

Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler Speak On Backstage Fallout, Sable Becomes A Grandma, Slater

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– On this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for Raw, Rey Mysterio addresses his and Sin Cara’s loss to Team Rhodes Scholars in the No. 1 Tag Team Title No. 1 Contenders’ Tournament to earn a title opportunity against Team Hell No at WWE Hell in a Cell this Sunday. Also, Alberto Del Rio reveals what he has planned for Randy Orton at Hell in a Cell and Dolph Ziggler offers his thoughts on Vickie Guerrero.

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Sable, 45, is now a grandmother. Her daughter, who is in her early 20’s, gave birth to a child in September, reports RenaLesnar.net.

– Heath Slater is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Chris Jericho On Why Ryback Should Win the WWE Title On Sunday

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Former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho called Dave Lagreca and Mike Riker on Busted Open this week. You can hear Busted Open on Sirius 92, XM 208 and on Sports Zone on the internet. Here’s what Chris Jericho said about:

Chris Jericho on why he thinks Ryback should win on Sunday: “I don’t know anything and I don’t work for the WWE. I haven’t talked to Vince in about a month. But I personally think and this is something that obviously Busted Open Radio has very hardcore wrestling fans who are listening as we all are. The number one thing people bitch about is that there is nothing new and it’s the same old same old with John Cena. This is the chance to create a new guy. This is the chance to make a new star instantly, and I know tradition says you must build a star. There is no tradition in a case like this. The comparisons are to Goldberg. Most of the fans in this day and age have no idea who Goldberg is and don’t care. We do, but in the year 2012 Goldberg was over ten years ago. How did Goldberg get over? …. By beating everybody. There was no loss for Goldberg. As soon as he did lose, that’s when things started going downhill for him. Ryback is not a normal guy. This is not a guy that we see that builds his way to the top and fans get behind him slowly but surely. You want to pick a new guy? Have him beat CM Punk this week. Who gives a sh** about Punk’s title reign? It means nothing. Here is a chance to take a guy who people are getting behind. If he beats Punk at Hell in A Cell and after three hundred and thirty seven days or whatever and Punk is finally beaten, people are going to start to take notice of this guy. Those who don’t watch Raw are going to tune in to see what’s going on. Ryback beats everybody. Ryback faces Rock at Royal Rumble. What happens if a couple of weeks before that something goes on with Ryback and Undertaker got involved in the Rock match? What if Rock wins the title and goes on to face Cena we expected and what if its Ryback vs Undertaker at Wrestlemania? What if Ryback beats Undertaker at Wrestlemania? You have a new star for the next ten years to headline pay-per views and main events.”

Has CM Punk gone as far as he can go as a character? “He has gone as far as he can go. The Rock is the Rock. He comes from a different era. Undertaker, Steve Austin, that comes from a different era. Nobody will ever be a bigger star than those guys, because people in their heads…It’s like the old Batman TV show when we were kids. We thought it was the greatest show ever. You watch it back now and it sucks. But it has a certain place in your head that it will never be replaced. The band KISS in 1978 if you’re old enough to remember was thought of as the greatest band ever, even if they weren’t. Rock is a guy unto his own. Punk is as big of a star as he can be as a heel in WWE. Beating Ryback doesn’t make him a bigger star. It doesn’t.”

Can the injury to John Cena be a blessing in disguise? “It is a blessing in disguise. The biggest breaks I ever got in this business was when someone got hurt, or when someone went to make a movie. I won the undisputed championship because Triple H was hurt and Rock was leaving. Cena got hurt. What do we do? One thing about Vince McMahon is his motto is to take a negative and turn it into a positive. Vince knows how rare it is for someone to get over so quickly. Vince knows Ryback is not a money making star right now. But if he goes into Hell In A Cell and he destroys Punk and beats him, a hundred percent those fans are going to go bananas for Ryback. You have created a new star. Punk can come back the next night and bitch and complain and do what a heel does. Heels aren’t built to win. Heels are built to lose. That’s what heels do. The fact that Punk has held the title for three hundred and thirty seven days, it might mean something to you guys. I can tell you Punk doesn’t care. Punk wants to make money and if that means Punk and Ryback becomes the hottest feud and suddenly something happens where it goes to Ryback and Rock, that’s a match where suddenly you made a new guy. I would love to see Punk and Rock and I’m sure Punk would be disappointed if it didn’t work out. But this is business. If you have a chance to build someone that can put a company on his back, then you do it. The stop and start pushes that the WWE has been doing and infamous for the last ten years has got to stop and this is the perfect time for it.”

Does he think the WWE will pull the trigger and have Ryback become champion? “I do because of the reasons I’ve talked about. I’m not saying I know anything. I could be completely wrong. Maybe there would be a scenario where they can protect Ryback and still have Punk as champ. But for me what I like as a wrestling fan, when I was a kid, what I like as wrestling fan now even after doing it for 22 years is the element of surprise. I hate the same old same old. I worked in WCW for three years when guys were passed over. As hard as it is to believe at this point, Eddie Guerrero was the top heel in the company at certain points, but they never let him beat anybody. Billy Kidman was super popular. Probably one of the top two or three babyfaces in the company at certain points, but they never pushed him over the edge. There are guys for whatever reason, get over, even when they are not supposed to get over. If you take advantage of that and push it over the cliff, people will get behind it especially a guy like Ryback because we haven’t seen anyone like that in a long time. We haven’t seen a powerhouse come in and annihilate people. The last time might have been Batista but Ryback is more Neanderthal, more animalistic, more a beast. Batista is very well spoken. Ryback does remind me of Goldberg and like I said it’s not a copy of Goldberg. It’s like saying Jericho is a copy of Shawn Michaels. There are elements and lots of similarities but it’s a different guy and nobody has seen a guy like this in a long, long time. So I think if they do pull the trigger that it will work huge and it will create a superstar instantly. Someone that will be a money drawer, someone that people will tune in who are not watching now to see.”

 

WM29 Ticket Pre-Sale Code, Cena Honored, Video Of Eve On VH1

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– WWE sent out a press release on Monday night announcing that John Cena was recognized at the Make-A-Wish organization’s Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony in Arizona. Cena was recognized for granting his 300th wish back in June, the first person to ever reach that milestone.

– At Monday’s RAW, WWE announced that WrestleMania 29 tickets will go on pre-sale on November 8th. The pre-sale code is: IZODVIP.

– Here is video of Eve Tores’ appearance on VH1’s The Buzz with Carrie Keagan from Monday:

Preview For Tonight’s WWE Main Event & SmackDown Tapings

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Tonight’s WWE television tapings take place from Providence, Rhode Island.

Scheduled for this week’s WWE Main Event show is Ryback vs. Dolph Ziggler.

There are no matches confirmed for Fridays SmackDown yet, but it’s expected that the show will focus on the World Heavyweight title feud between Sheamus and Big Show as well as Alberto Del Rio’s match with Randy Orto.

Superstars advertised to appear include Sheamus, Randy Orton, Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, Ryback, Dolph Ziggler, Team Hell No, Antonio Cesaro, Sin Cara, General Manager Booker T and more.

The dark match main event will be a World Heavyweight title match between Sheamus and the Big Show.

* Rumored Finish For PUNK vs. RYBACK & A BIG Return Planned For The Royal Rumble

What Happened After Raw Went Off The Air, WWE Falsely Advertises Randy Orton, Mason Ryan Resurfaces, More

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– After Monday’s Raw broadcast at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, went off the air, Sheamus recovered from his pinfall loss to CM Punk to challenge Big Show to a Last Man Standing Match. The World’s Largest Athlete refused to participate in the match, saying it wouldn’t fair for Sheamus and that the audience didn’t deserve to see him wrestle. The two brawled after Sheamus called Big Show “yellow,” with the bout culminating with a Brogue Kick.

– Randy Orton was among the lumberjacks advertised in WWE’s promotional graphic on Raw for the CM Punk vs. Sheamus match, but did not appear. Orton noted on Twitter in the morning that production for 12 Rounds: Reloaded in Vancouver, British Columbia, wrapped up the night before. Orton will be on hand for tonight’s SmackDown taping in Providence, Rhode Island.

Meanwhile, Mason Ryan, who has not appeared on WWE television since May, resurfaced during the match as a lumberjack.

– Betty Skaaland, widow of late WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Skaaland, was seated in the front row at Monday’s Raw. Also in attendance was Jionni Lavalle, boyfriend of WrestleMania celebrity Snooki, and players from the New York Giants and the New York Jets.

(source: PWInsider.com)

WWE Takes Steve Austin’s Recent Twitter Remark To Sheamus Out Of Context During Monday’s Raw

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As Sheamus was making his ring entrance for his match against CM Punk on Raw Monday, WWE broadcaster and mouthpiece Michael Cole acknowledged WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s Twitter remark to the WWE Champion on Saturday by taking it out of context.

“Go get em, kid. Always be a student of the game and keep working hard. Safe travels. #respect from the #BSR,” Austin wrote.

The statement was in response to Sheamus positively acknowledging Austin’s critical remarks regarding his performance level in a recent column for Fighting Spirit Magazine. The SmackDown wrestler tweeted, “Appreciate words from @steveaustinBSR – i strive to get better everyday fella & hard work is something i love.. See me bring Hell in a Cell.”

Cole instead branded the exchange as Austin taking the initiative to give the WWE Champion a ringing endorsement on Twitter, and Sheamus responding to it. The WWE Hall of Famer’s critical column remarks were not acknowledged on-air.

In the column, Austin offered his opinion on WWE’s World Titles and said Sheamus is not ready to be World Heavyweight Champion.

“Sheamus is a big talented dude, no doubt about it. Can he get to where the company wants him to go? That remains to be seen, and there’s a lot of work required from both him and the company in order to jump to that superstar level,” Austin wrote. “He’s doing fine for the amount of time he’s been in the business, and there is no disrespect intended, but there are so many aspects that go towards making a guy draw money with the title.”

AJ Lee Removed As Raw General Manager, Matches Taped For WWE Superstars

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– Following a meeting with the WWE Board of Directors at the company’s headquarters, AJ Lee announced on Raw Monday that she had decided it was best to resign as brand General Manager following accusations she’d been “fraternizing” with an undisclosed Superstar (she denied the accusations).

After rejected Paul Heyman’s plea to become the new General Manager of Raw, Vince McMahon introduced Vickie Guerrero as “Managing Supervisor” of the program. Guerrero then alleged that Lee had an affair with a Superstar, and following more taunts, the two came to blows.

Later in the show, Cena was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Lee, which led to her resigning as Raw General Manager.

– Two matches were taped Monday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:

* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

* Tyson Kidd vs. Jinder Mahal

No pre-taping dark match match was held.