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Masters Says Cena Is A Stiff Worker, Whether He Will Join TNA

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Chris Masters appeared on Inside The Ropes radio Thursday night. Highlights are as follows:

How he finds Vince McMahon backstage: “He’s above and beyond everybody. Even The Hulkster. He’s the guy that put this stuff together. They’re an odd family. They are good at business. People who are business savvy tend to come off a little cold. They don’t get too close to the performers. My first meeting with him was very cool. I told him in due time, I could definitely be a huge player for WWE.”

Who came up with Masterpiece gimmick: “Dr Tom Prichard changed my name to Masters. My friend Matt Morgan and I were sitting one day and he said Masterpiece. I brought it to Jim Cornette and he ran with it, WWE ran with it. I joke that I give 10 per cent of my salary to Matt Morgan. I’m just kidding. He always ribs that he’s responsible for it but I tell him he just had one moment of brilliance (laughs).”

On working with John Cena in 2005/06: “That guy had some heavy fists. Carlito and I used to joke around that in tag matches with Cena and HBK, we would literally rush to get to Shawn Michaels, because he wasn’t as heavy with hands and the other guy would be stuck with Cena and you’d be potato’ing each other left and right. I remember at the Elimination Chamber I felt like I was in a real shoot fight. It’s not that he’s bad, he just gets really fired up and he’s got big hands, he doesn’t realise his own strength.”

Thoughts on his TNA dark match and ending up working for Dixie: “I think there’s a good chance I’ll be working them in the future. It’s a different vibe to WWE. I like that Dixie Carter makes herself accessible to the talent. Jason Hervey came up to me after the match with a camera and just let me talk, it wasn’t some writer giving you stuff to say. There was a good reaction from the crowd. All in all it turned out as good as it could go. I’ve planted all the seed I could. It’s up to them if they want to capitalise, if not I’ll just go about my way.”

To hear the rest of the interview where Masters discusses how he broke into wrestling, his first WrestleMania, working a program with HBK, The WWE’s Wellness Policy and the infamous Pec Dance gimmick, head over to www.facebook.com/theinsidenetwork.

Randy Orton To Star In WWE Studios’ Sequel To “12 Rounds”

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WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced Wednesday that Randy Orton will star in 12 Rounds: Reloaded. The direct-to-homevideo title is the sequel to the film John Cena starred in 2009.

According to WWE.com, “Orton will portray an Emergency Medical Technician who finds himself caught in a deadly 12-round game of cat and mouse with a vengeful man tied to the paramedic’s past. With little time to spare and his wife’s life hanging in the balance, the EMT must figure out why he’s been chosen to be the pawn in this maniac’s game before it’s too late.”

12 Rounds: Reloaded was written by David Benullo and will be directed by Roel Reiné (The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption and Death Race: Inferno). Production will begin September 26 in Vancouver. This is WWE Studios’ second film in a three-picture agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

In late March, Orton was set to star in The Marine: Homefront for WWE Studios and Fox, but was replaced by The Miz after the companies were reminded of Orton’s dishonorable discharge from the Marines. Orton has also appeared in WWE Studios’ That’s What I Am.

Pictures Of The Rock’s Girlfriend

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Check out these pictures of The Rock’s smokin’ hot new girlfriend –

Otunga’s WWE Return, Dana White Responds To Vince

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– David Otunga is being advertised for WWE’s upcoming tour of Australia (8/30-9/1), which would be his first appearance since filming the WWE Studios movie “The Hive” with Halle Berry.

John Laurinaitis has also been advertised for your, but was recently removed from the list of superstars on the WWE Live Events Page. Laurinaitis serves as a producer/agent at WWE live events, so he could still appear on the tour.

– UFC President Dana White has responded to Vince McMahon’s recent comments that UFC’s ratings are “abysmal.” During an interview with Ariel Helwani, White says he likes Vince and has a good relationship with him, but Vince says things like that because of the way he is “wired.”

He added that he could say a lot of things about WWE, but doesnt – and says he doesn’t understand why Vince would attack UFC since Vince is so adamant about saying WWE and UFC are totally different products. Here’s video of the interview:

WWE Interviews Olympic Wrestler Jake Hebert

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WWE.com recently interviewed former two-time NCAA wrestling Champion and WWE fan Jake Herbert, who is competing for the gold medal in the 185 lb. weight class at the Olympic Games in London on  August 11th. Here are some highlights:

WWE.com: Has the Warrior influenced your game plan on the mat at all? Have you considered wearing tassels or trying to gorilla press opponents?

[He dressed up as Ultimate Warrior for Halloween a few years ago]

Jake Herbert: (Laughs) That’s how I try to run out there. I try to run out like Ultimate Warrior. I do a lot of pacing, I pump myself up a lot. I like to think when I go on the mat and I wrestle, I block out whatever happens. When I wake up, my hand’s raised, [and] I look all over, there’s blood everywhere and a guy who’s crying, and I’m not responsible for anything. I unleash my inner warrior. (Laughs)

WWE.com: Clearly, you’re a sports-entertainment fan.

Jake Herbert: Huge, yeah.

WWE.com: You practiced judo as a child before finding wrestling. Have you ever considered trying to make the jump to sports-entertainment?

Jake Herbert: I wouldn’t mind it. I was just talking about that to people today. They’re like, “Aren’t you too small?” because I’m only 185 pounds and most of the guys are like 240, 245 pounds. I was just joking with my coach today that maybe I could be like Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart and be one of the managers. I could jump in and wrestle people, which I think would be awesome.

WWE.com: What would your hypothetical finishing maneuver be, if you ever found yourself competing at WrestleMania?

Jake Herbert: I love the Spike Dudley Acid Death Drop. It’s one of my favorite moves, especially with me being a smaller guy compared to all those other guys out there. I think that would have to be one of my finishers. It’d have to be a double, where I hit him and he falls down, I pick him up and do it again. A double dose, if you will.

WWE.com: You went pretty deep in the catalogue with that one. We don’t get too many Olympians referencing Spike Dudley’s finisher by name.

Jake Herbert: He’s one of my favorites. I was a huge fan of D-Generation X and then turned on to ECW. It’s sport entertainment. It’s awesome. I read Kurt Angle’s book, “It’s True, It’s True,” right before the Olympic trials. So that was really cool because it went from his regular wrestling career to his sports-entertainment career.

WWE.com: Did you take any lessons away from the book?

Jake Herbert: He had a lot of injuries and he was really banged up going into the trials, and I was the same way, so I think if he could do it, I can do it to. I want to be just like him. He was one of my heroes growing up.

Sgt. Slaughter Talks Hulk Hogan Feud, GI Joe Movie & More

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In an interview with theScore’s Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) WWE legend and current official WWE Ambassador Sgt. Slaughter reveals that he was originally talked about to play a part in the newest GI Joe movie, along side Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In the interview, Slaughter divulges that the character played by Bruce Willis was originally going to be Sgt. Slaughter, with he as the leading candidate to play the role. Slaughter was featured in an animated GI Joe movie in the 1980s.

Other topics discussed in the interview include how close he was to not portraying an Iraqi Sympathizer in the WWE, the iconic promo where he burns Hulk Hogan’s shirt and how the original idea was to burn the American flag and Slaughter’s reaction, and more.

* News On CM PUNK’s Heel Turn & Next Feud After SummerSlam

Booker T Talks About His New Role, Sandow At Comic Con (Video)

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– Booker T tweeted the following about WWE announcing he is the new General Manager of SmackDown:

Vince McMahon will make the official announcement in the opening segment of tonight’s SmackDown broadcast.

– Tommy Dreamer has announced that the first match for his new House of Hardcore promotion will see former TNA and ROH tag team The Young Bucks vs. former WWE tag team Paul London and Brian Kendrick.

– Hornswoggle will throw out the opening pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers home game vs. the Chicago Cubs on August 22nd at Milwaukee’s Miller Park.

– Damien Sandow is featured in the latest episode of WWE’s Outside the Ring:

* CM Punk’s Next WWE Title Feud, When Dolph Ziggler Will Cash In MITB & More

Impact Post-Game Show (Video), Sting’s Announcement, More

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– Sting appeared on TNA Xplosion to announce that Challenge TV has a contest running called the “Summer Of Sting Competition,” with the winners getting free Sting merchandise. More information is available at Challenge.co.uk.

– TNA Knockout Rosita will be appearing in a new horror movie called Self Storage.

– Here is this week’s Impact Wrestling post show:

* Rumor On Who Will Win TNA’s Bound For Glory Series

SmackDown Preview, Jericho Says He’s Not Retiring

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– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will Vince McMahon’s announcement that Booker T is the new General Manager of the brand. Matches taped for the show include:

* Sheamus vs. Tensai
* Antonio Cesaro vs. Santino Marella (non-title)
* Ryback vs. Jinder Mahal
* R-Truth vs. Darren Young
* Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton
* Chris Jericho, Christian & Kane vs. Daniel Bryan, The Miz & Dolph Ziggler.

– Chris Jericho responded to a several fan questions on Twitter on Thursday night and said he does not see him self retiring any time soon – and that he’d only wrestle for WWE.

He also named Shawn Michaels as his pick for the greatest wrestler of all time.

* Attitude Era Stars Returning To WWE, New Segments Planned For RAW

WWE Considering New Saturday Morning TV Show

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WWE sent out a survey this week regarding a new Saturday morning television show that appears to be in the works:

“Imagine a weekly, half hour WWE television show on Saturday mornings that included highlights of the best action and funniest moments from recent WWE events and from the past. The show would feature fun segments with WWE Superstars both in the ring and behind the scenes to give viewers a chance to get to know them even better. Every episode would also include one action-packed match featuring different WWE Superstars each week.

Based on this description, please rate the following show titles on a scale of 1-5 (5-excellent; 4-good; 3-neutral; 2-fair; 1-poor):

WWE Saturday Morning Slam
WWE Jakked
WWE Amp’d
WWE Supercharge
WWE Turbocharge

TNA Hardcore Justice: Updated Card (New Stipulations)

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After Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, the following is the updates card for TNA’s upcoming Hardcore Justice PPV:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Austin Aries (c) vs. Bobby Roode

TNA X Division Title Match
Zema Ion (c) vs. Kenny King

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Miss Tessmacher (c) vs. Madison Rayne

Bound For Glory Series Ladder Match
Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles vs. Daniels

Bound For Glory Series Tables Match
James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Robbie E

Bound For Glory Series Falls Count Anywhere Match
Magnus vs. Mr. Anderson vs. The Pope vs. Rob Van Dam

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez vs. Gunner and Kid Kash

WWE Network Update, PPV Buys Up, How Much WWE Owns Of Tout

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Here are highlights from WWE Chariman Vince McMahon and George Barrios’ investor conference call from Thursday:

– The company is not yet ready to release additional information regarding the launch of the WWE Network, but will have more details next quarter.

– WWE is currently working on 3 separate business models for the WWE network – basic distribution, a pay TV format (ie. HBO/Showtime) and a third “over-the-top” format.

– Monday Night Wars is expected to be one of the shows on the WWE Network.

– WWE has spent $5 million on production of ‘Legend’s House.’

– Due to the accounting method WWE is using to report its investment in Tout, WWE owns 20% or less than the social media service. The Tout app was downloaded over 30,000 times after the airing of WWE Raw and is now one of the top apps in the Apple App Store.

– WWE PPV revenue jumped approximately 30-35% over last year, partially due more people ordering the HD version of PPVs, which costs $10 more.

– Vince McMahon acknowledged that WWE went too far with “WWE PG” – and says the writing of WWE television has gotten much better in recent months.

– Vince said WWE is using YouTube for the comedy aspects of WWE programming and plans to use television for more drama and storytelling. Vince touted the potential of WWE’s Youtube shows – and WWE’s ability to spin them off into full shows eventually.

– “No Holds Barred” starring Hulk Hogan, which cost less than $100,000, is expected to make $300,000.

– Vince said WWE’s current stock price reflects their financial results of last year. WWE’s social media strength as well as learning from the mistakes of their movie division will help their bottom line and their stock price moving forward.

WWE NXT Report – August 2nd, 2012

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We are live on tape from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are William Regal, Byron Saxton, and Jim Ross.

Dusty Rhodes is in the back and he says that being a champion on any level is a great accomplishment. NXT needs that future and guidance to have someone to move up and gain that elusive dream of being the champion. The first NXT champion is about to be crowned. We are down to eight and we will have a Gold Rush Tournament to determine the first NXT Champion. The eight men in the tournament are Richie Steamboat, Bo Dallas, Leo Kruger, Seth Rollins, Michael McGillicutty, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, and Justin Gabriel.

Dusty says that the tournament begins right now.

We see the NXT Title belt on the stage.

We see footage from two weeks ago when the men in our first match met in the ring and we saw Leo Kruger get the win.

Match Number One: Richie Steamboat versus Leo Kruger in a Gold Rush Tournament Quarterfinal Match

Steamboat with a rollup at the start of the match followed by a leg sweep and lateral press for a near fall. They lock up and Steamboat backs Kruger into the corner but Kruger slaps Steamboat and then Kruger runs to the floor. Steamboat follows after him and Kruger with a forearm to Steamboat. Kruger tries for the sleeper but Steamboat avoids the hold. Steamboat with chops to Kruger and Leo goes to the floor.

Kruger teases returning to the ring but he goes back to the floor. Steamboat with punches and forearms in the corner. Steamboat sends Kruger into the turnbuckles and then he chops Kruger. Steamboat with an Irish whip but Kruger has the referee get in the way and Kruger claims to have injured his knee.

Steamboat gets suckered into the trap and Kruger with a forearm to Steamboat. Kruger with a forearm to the back and he slams Steamboat’s head into the mat. Krugerwith a suplex and he stands over Steamboat and poses followed by a knee drop for a near fall. Kruger with a cravate followed by a snap mare and then Kruger starts to work on the neck.

Steamboat with punches and chops but Kruger with a spinebuster and he gets a near fall. Kruger waits for Steamboat to get up and he tries for the sleeper but Steamboat with a snap mare. Kruger punches Steamboat to stop Steamboat’s momentum. Kruger punches Steamboat in the ribs followed by an Irish whip. Steamboat with kicks to the head.

Steamboat with chops that echo throughout the building. Kruger with a knee to stop Steamboat. Steamboat with clotheslines followed by a back body drop. Steamboat with a flying back elbow into the corner and then he goes up top for a missile drop kick and he connects. Steamboat gets a two count.

Kruger applies the sleeper but Steamboat briefly gets to the ropes. Kruger is able to get Steamboat into the center of the ring and Kruger gets Steamboat onto the mat. Steamboat gets enough strength to get back to his feet and he escapes by getting to the ropes. Kruger with knees to the back. Steamboat avoids the sleeper and hits the wrap around clothesline for the three count.

Winner: Richie Steamboat

We see the brackets for the tournament and Steamboat advances to face the winner of Bo Dallas and Jinder Mahal. The other tournament match we will see tonight is Seth Rollins versus Drew McIntyre. The winner of that match will face the winner of Justin Gabriel versus Michael McGillicutty.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Two: Big E. Langston versus Adam Mercer

They lock up and Langston with knees to the midsection and Mercer goes down. Langston with a back breaker and he holds on to Mercer for another back breaker. Langston hits a third back breaker. Langston sends Mercer into the corner and connects with shoulders in the corner. Langston with a running shoulder into the corner and Mercer is down again.

Mercer with a jawbreaker or two but he runs into a punch from Langston and then Langston runs over Mercer. The straps are down and it is time for the Big Ending and Langston gets the three count.

Winner: Big E. Langston

We go to commercial.

We are back and Raquel Diaz says that Audrey Marie doesn’t know how to work a ramp. She tells Audrey to look. Raquel says that she looks extraordinarily beautiful tonight is because the Exfoliating Ugliness Tour starts tonight.

Match Number Three: Audrey Marie versus Raquel Diaz

They lock up and Audrey with a side head lock. Raquel with a forearm to the ribs but Audrey holds on to the side head lock. Raquel with a hot shot to Audrey and she gets a near fall. Raquel with a half nelson and chin lock on Audrey and she gets another near fall. Raquel runs her boots across Audrey’s face. Audrey gets a near fall.

Raquel slams Audrey’s head into the mat. Audrey with a jackknife cover but Raquel bridges. Raquel gets Audrey on her shoulders for the Gory Special followed by the Gory Bomb for the three count.

Winner: Raquel Diaz

After the match, Raquel gets some lipstick and puts an ‘L’ on Audrey’s forehead.

Briley Pierce is in the back with Paige and he asks Paige about what Raquel did. Paige says that we will see about the Raquel Diaz ugliness tour.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Hunico and Camacho versus Mike Dalton and Jason Jordan

Hunico and Jordan start things off and they lock up. Hunico gets to the ropes and Jordan releases the hold. They lock up again and Jordan with a fireman’s carry followed by a waist lock take down. Dalton tags in and he connects with a double sledge from the turnbuckles followed by a rollup.

Camacho distracts Dalton and Hunico with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Camacho tags in and he kicks Dalton followed by a punch and another kick. Hunico tags back in and he hits a slingshot hesitation kick on Dalton. Dalton punches Hunico but Hunico with a knee. Dalton with a rollup for a near fall.

Hunico with a reverse chin lock and Camacho tags back in. Camacho kicks Dalton and then he hits a butterfly suplex and gets a near fall. Hunico tags back in and Camacho with an elbow to the head. Dalton gets a double spike hip toss but Jordan breaks up the cover. Camacho and Hunico double team Dalton while Jordan takes the referee’s attention away from what happened in the ring.

Hunico chops Dalton and Camacho tags in. Dalton gets tossed into the air but Dalton counters a power bomb by Camacho into a rana and gets the three count.

Winners: Mike Dalton and Jason Jordan

We go to commercial.

We are back and we see footage from last week’s match between the participants in the second quarterfinal match where Drew McIntyre earned the victory over Seth Rollins.

Match Number Five: Seth Rollins versus Drew McIntyre in a Gold Rush Tournament Quarterfinal Match

They lock up and Rollins gets away from Drew. Drew with a forearm to the back and punches. Rollins avoids a slam and Rollins with kicks to the leg. Rollins with forearms in the ropes but the referee stops him. Drew takes care of Rollins and kicks him in the back. Drew with a European uppercut to Rollins followed by a head butt. Rollins with a drop kick to the knees.

Rollins with a head scissors to Drew followed by a single leg drop kick and Drew goes to the floor. Drew ducks down when Seth thinks about a dive to the floor. Drew hides under the ring and Rollins tries to pull him out but Drew pulls Seth into the corner of the ring.

Drew wraps Rollins’ arm in the ropes and then he wrings the arm. Drew with a hammer lock and belly-to-back suplex while keeping the hammer lock applied and Drew gets a near fall. We go to commercial.

We are back and Drew with a kick but Rollins with a kick of his own. Drew with a running forearm to the head and he gets a near fall. Drew kicks and punches Rollins in the corner. Rollins blocks a punch and connects with punches of his own. Rollins has his arm driven into the mat and Drew gets a near fall.

Rollins rolls to the floor but Drew with a chop to the chest and then he drives the arm into the ring apron. Drew punches Seth and Seth punches back but the punches lack the power of Drew’s. Drew with short arm clotheslines in the corner.

Rollins counts a short arm clothesline and then hits a DDT and both men are down. Rollins with chops and kicks to Drew followed by punches and a back heel kick. Rollins with an enzuigiri and then Rollins clotheslines Drew over the top rope to the floor. Rollins with a suicide dive onto Drew.

Seth brings Drew back into the ring and Seth sets for the running forearm into the corner and he connects. Drew hits a devastating lariat but Drew can only get a two count. Drew kicks Rollins in the corner and connects with a head butt. Drew with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Drew goes to the turnbuckles but Drew catches him and hits a tilt-a-whirl back breaker but Rollins kicks out in time.

Drew sets for the Future Shock DDT but Rollins escapes. Drew with shoulders in the corner and he tries for the Future Shock DDT again but Rollins gets his foot in the ropes. Drew puts Rollins on the top turnbuckles and Drew sets for a belly-to-belly superplex but Rollins knocks Drew off the turnbuckles. Rollins goes up top for the Phoenix Splash but he rolls through. Rollins avoids a boot in the corner from McIntyre and Rollins hits Black Out to get the win.

Winner: Seth Rollins

We go to credits.

Source: PWInsider.com

Dawn Responds To Kamala’s Claims, Says He Declined Donation

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Wrestler’s Rescue, a charitable organization founded by former WWE and ECW star Dawn Marie Psaltis Damatta in 2008 to raise money to support the health care needs of retired professional wrestlers, has once come triggered allegations of fraud and embezzlement.

Former WWE Superstar “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala, whose real name is James Harris, released a video message Tuesday condemning Damatta as well as Dan Mirade of Boston-based independent wrestling promotion Millenium Wrestling Federation for raising money on his medical behalf that he has yet to receive. Damatta and her agent responded to his allegations Thursday via Twitter, where both claim Harris received a check in the amount of $500.00 but opted not to accept it.

Michele Mupo, Damatta’s agent, wrote on Twitter, “Kamala returned check issued by Wrestlers Rescue Certified because it wasn’t sent fast enough. Dawn Marie did what she said she would. Check for $500 was sent July 20,2012. Kamala refused it sent it back certified mail. HE LIED to get $$$$ never judge unless U have proof. Kamala returned check issued by Wrestlers Rescue Certified because it wasn’t sent fast enough. Dawn Marie did what she said she would.”

Mupo then tweeted a photo of a copy of the check purportedly sent to Harris on July 20, 2012, and noted, “Kamala is a liar!”

Mupo then tweeted a photo of a certified letter Damatta purportedly received Thursday, noting, “DAWN GOT THIS TODAY KAMALA REFUSED A $500 CHECK. FACT DAWN SENT THE CHECK. FACT KAMALA RECEIVED THE CHECK.”

Damatta added on Twitter, “Received my check from Kamala today certified mail. That means he did receive money from me but opted not to accept it. More news to come.”

Mupo also offered proof that Damatta submitted a Stop Payment request with her bank Thursday for the payment.

Brian Heffron, who worked alongside Damatta in ECW as Blue Meanie, questioned her proof; he stated the day before on Twitter that two years ago, she launched a similar campaign fund purported to assist fellow alumnus Jerry Lynn with back surgery bills but Lynn never received any money.

Heffron wrote in a series of tweets, “To ME the handwriting on Kamala’s check looks like his “handwriting” on the “return envelope”. If he sent it back while put a stop payment on it? Rip it up! Stop payment’s on checks cost at least $35. Why spend $35 that to stop a check in that’s in your hand?

“My friend and tag partner Nova, who RUNS a bank just told me this: “As someone who RUNS BANKS I can say I’ve never seen a voided check like that after a stop is issued, the check is dead and can’t be reversed. None of this makes sense. The guy with no legs turns away money because IT DIDNT GET THERE QUICK ENOUGH? I have an easier time believing that me and meanie are gonna get our ECW PPV checks soon!”

WWE Reports 2012 Second Quarter Results

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STAMFORD, Conn., August 2, 2012 – WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2012. Revenues totaled $141.6 million as compared to $142.6 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $19.6 million as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $11.9 million, or $0.16 per share, as compared to $14.3 million, or $0.19 per share, in the prior year quarter. There were several items that impacted comparability on a year-over-year basis, including expenses incurred in conjunction with our potential network in the current quarter and film impairments in the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of these items, Adjusted Operating income declined 12% to $21.3 million from $24.3 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net income was $13.1 million, or $0.17 per share, as compared to $16.5 million, or $0.22 per share, in the prior year quarter.

“In the second quarter, we made important progress on our key strategic initiatives, expanding our content and distribution and enhancing our brand strength,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The production and licensing of a third hour of Raw and the launch of a new program, WWE Main Event, for ION Television, as well as our exploding social media presence which now reaches over 100 million global fans, exemplify our achievement of these goals. In order to cultivate further the unique passion of our global fans, we continued to integrate social media in our program content and entered a strategic investment agreement with Tout, which enables users to capture and share 15-second videos. Integrating our fans’ voice in our programming enables us to escalate fan interaction, enhance our programming content, and drive the value of our investment.”

“Our results were highlighted by the strong performance of our pay-per-view business, which offset an anticipated decline in video game sales,” added George Barrios, Chief Financial Officer. “Key audience measures, including a 17% increase in pay-per-view buys and the attraction of 6 million viewers to our 1,000th episode of Raw in July demonstrate our staying power and our continuing ability to build consumer interest. Based on our earnings growth in the first half of the year and the recent positive trends in our pay-per-view business, we are raising our financial forecast for the full year. We expect that our 2012 earnings, measured by either earnings per share, or EBITDA, will be roughly 5% to 15% above our 2011 results on an “as reported” basis.”

To view the full press release, click here.

Sid Vicious Appearing On “Big Brother”, Ron Simmons’ Big Moment

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– Tonight on Big Brother, Frank Eudy’s father, former world wrestling champion Sid Vicious, talks about how is son is doing in the game. Here is a sneak peak video clip of Vicious discussing Big Brother which will air during tonight’s broadcast at 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.

– Twenty years ago today, Ron Simmons became the first African American to win a world title in professional wrestling when he defeated Big Van Vader in Baltimore, Maryland. WWE.com relives that historic night with video and a retrospective written by WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross.

– Chris Jericho will tour Europe with his band Fozzy in November and December. He tweeted, “It’s official! @Fozzyrock back in Europe in December! Info to come 7 Cologne 8 Kerkrade 10 Paris 11 Frankfurt 12 Vienna 13 Zurich 15 Munich.” He also noted, “Nov 27-Stoke 28-Man 29-Birmingham 30-Glasgow Dec 1-Leeds 2-Hafan Y Mor 4-Plymouth 5-London 6-Brighton.” Visit FozzyRock.com for more information.

– “Simply Marvelous” Mitch Ryder turns 40-years-old Thursday.

Undertaker Comments On Whether He’ll Be At WM29

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– The Undertaker appeared at a Florida Championship Wrestling event in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday and when a fan noted that like him, he attends WrestleMania every year, the WWE Superstar responded, “Well, don’t make any plans for April…”

The fan was in disbelief over his comment. The Deadman added, “We’ll see what happens.”

According to sources in WWE, the Undertaker will indeed be putting the streak on the line once again at next year’s WrestleMania. Current plans call for the Dead Man to return to WWE television around Survivor Series.

Check out these pictures of The Undertaker’s recent appearance at FCW:

[nggallery id=40]

Punk Working RAW Shows Again, WWE Signs “Russian Bruiser”

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– Diva-Dirt reports that WWE has signed women’s wrestler named Anya. She is known as the “Russian Bruiser” and is on Twitter @russianbruiser.

– Ric Flair’s daughter Ashley is also on Twitter @AshFliehrJohnso.

– WWE Champion CM Punk has been moved back to the RAW roster for WWE’s upcoming live events. Punk had been working SmackDown shows to compensate for the brand’s lack of talent depth, but one of SmackDown’s top draws – Randy Orton, is now back in action.

After the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view, John Cena, CM Punk, Big Show, Rey Mysterio and Daniel Bryan will headline RAW live events, with Sheamus, Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, Cody Rhodes and Sin Cara on the SmackDown shows.

(Source: Wrestling Observer)

Update On Triple H’s Role With Developmental & NXT

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– WWE’s developmental system has improved dramatically since Triple H took over earlier this year. Vince McMahon is almost entirely “hands off” – giving Triple H the chance to carry out his own vision without everything being under Vince’s control.

– The new incarnation of WWE NXT is not airing on local television in Florida because the company feels it will lower the value of the show in the event that they eventually want to sell it as a national show or feature it on the WWE network.

The recent NXT tapings from Full Sail University have been running very smoothly with a strong emphasis on in-ring action. Triple H is not in charge of booking the shows, but he does have a lot of say over the brand’s direction, which is carried out by the producers/agents at NXT.

(Source: Wrestling Observer)

Michael Cole’s Character, Jinder Mahal’s Potential, Jannetty

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– Michael Cole’s heel character has been seriously toned down in recent weeks, which was the call of Vince McMahon. Vince reportedly goes back and forth about whether Cole should be a strong heel or a neutral “voice of WWE,” but it’s clear that he was pushed so strongly as a heel that it wouldn’t be credible for him to work as a babyface anytime soon.

– Marty Jannetty is said to be in bad physical shape these days, with the former WWE superstar needing surgery on both of his ankles.

– WWE officials feel that Jinder Mahal has the potential to be a top heel, which is part of the reason why he’s currently working a feud with Ryback. WWE is looking to strengthen it’s position in India and with the Great Khali’s career winding down, Mahal is seen as a big asset to the company.

(Source: Wrestling Observer)

Rock’s Attitude Backstage At RAW 1,000, WWE Scouting Talent

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– Sources who were backstage at RAW 1,000 report that The Rock was overall very friendly with everybody. Rock caught up with his old friends, shook the hands of some of WWE’s younger talents and stuck around much longer than he has at recent WWE events. He’s gotten heat in the past for leaving WWE shows as soon as his segments were over, usually due to his schedule.

– WWEShop.com is now selling retro t-shirts for former WCW PPVs Starrcade and the Great American Bash, as well as a new Iron Wrath t-shirt for Triple H.

– WWE will be holding another big tryout camp in Southern California two days after SummerSlam.

WWE’s recent emphasis has been to go after Division 1 college athletes, while many people in the company think WWE should be looking at independent wrestling promotions for talent.

(Source: Wrestling Observer)

Updated WM28 Buyrate, HBK’s Hunting Show, Superstars Matches

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– Former WWE star David Hart Smith turns 26 years old today.

– Matches for today’s WWE Superstars include:

* Cody Rhodes vs. Zack Ryder
* Layla vs. Natalya
* Tyson Kidd vs. Heath Slater

– Shawn Michaels noted on Twitter that today marks the first day of filming for Season 3 of his MacMillan River Adventures hunting show.

– According to the latest business figures released by WWE, WrestleMania 28 now looks to have drawn approximately 1,216,000 buys (713,000 domestic, 503,000 international) – up from last month’s estimated 1,114,000 number.

(Source: Wrestling Observer)

Impact Preview: Chavo Debuts, BFG Series Matches & More

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The following is the TNA website’s official preview for tonight’s live episode of Impact Wrestling:

– The broadcast will feature the IMPACT in-ring wrestling debut of Chavo Guerrero!

-Last week accusations flew that James Storm may be involved with Aces and 8s. Could there possibly be any truth to these rumors?

– IMPACT will feature a HUGE Bound For Glory Series main event match as Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle battles “Cowboy” James Storm! The competition for a shot at the World Title at “Bound For Glory” continues with two former World Champions battling on Thursday night on SpikeTV!

– In tag team action, World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries teams with newcomer Kenny King against Bobby Roode and X Division Champion Zema Ion

– TNA Knockouts executive Brooke Hogan makes her return to IMPACT for the first time since the brutal attack by The Aces & 8s gang on her legendary father, “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan

– In Knockouts action, it will be Mickie James vs. Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne vs. Tara in a four-way #1 Contenders match for a shot at the Knockouts Championship

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

Plans For Joey Ryan, Bully Ray’s Future With TNA, Darsow

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– The ongoing TNA storyline with Joey Ryan is leading to an eventual match between Ryan and Gut Check judge Al Snow. Ryan initially had issues with Taz, but the neck problems that forced Taz to retire years ago is what’s preventing him from being the one to wrestle Ryah.

– TNA recently made a strong contract offer to Bully Ray, who is expected to stay on board as a result.

– TNA executive Eric Bischoff is pushing the company to sign former WWE developmental wrestler Dakota Darsow, son of Barry Darsow (Demolition Smash, Repo M

– Here are some recent TNA live event attendance numbers:

7/27 (Dayton, Oh): 850
7/28 (Washington, PA): 700
7/29 (Akron, Ohio): 800

(Source: Wrestling Observer)

JR Blog: Steve Austin’s Health, CM Punk, WWE ’13, NXT & More

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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:

Whehter CM Punk Is A Heel: Depends on who you ask and what side of the aisle one sits. Punk made a great deal of sense on several points he addressed when speaking on Raw Monday night. However, I do see the talented wrestler traveling in the direction of the ‘badlands’ or so it seems. Nice reason to stay tuned.

NXT: Do I consider being on NXT a demotion? Heck no but I do consider the question somewhat of a restaurant quality eye roller. There is nothing more important in WWE than developing new talents.

WWE 13: It’s the best script yet plus King and I got to sit side by side and do some enhanced ad libs for the Attitude Era portion of the video game. Pre orders are rocking and the game goes on sale in October. I’ll be doing some THQ promotion during Summerslam weekend which does NOT mean I’m broadcasting Summerslam.

Steve Austin’s Latest Surgery: Adam Sandler is going to have to shoot around Steve Austin’s bad wheel in Grownups 2 this week. Steve is in Massachusetts now filming with an all star cast and a bum leg. @steveaustinBSR hopes to be fully healed by January.