Home Blog Page 2932

Laurinaitis Ridiculed On “Are You Serious?”, Steiner Turns 50

5

– Road Dogg and Josh Mathews introduce a new batch of clips “that will make you laugh, cry, or both” on this week’s episode of “Are You Serious?,” including highlights ridiculing John Laurinaitis’ past as a member of the Dynamic Dudes. Also featured are clips of “Mean” Gene Okerlund hosting “The Mating Game,” Kwee Wee and the World Bodybuilding Federation.

– Dustin Rhodes, formerly known as Goldust in WWE, has launched an official website at dustinrhodes.lockerdome.com. He is holding a contest for autographed action figures and books.

– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner celebrates a milestone birthday Sunday as he turns 50 years old.

Steve Austin and Mike Tyson Summerslam Function Appearance

12

Jim Ross announced in his latest blog that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Mike Tyson are scheduled to attend this year’s Summerslam weekend function in Los Angeles. Ross wrote the following.

Smackdown Media Score Down, JBL on The Rock at WM29

24

– Friday’s WWE Smackdown social media score only reached 48,547, which was down nearly 50 percent compared to last week’s 2012-high. Smackdown still managed to rank #2 on cable TV for the third consecutive week.

– JBL recently made a comment on a story that he read about The Rock possibly not being able to appear at next year’s WrestleMania 29 event. Here is what JBL wrote.

“FYI I believe Rock will be at Mania, just saw an interesting news story on it and posted it at layfieldReport.com Hope you enjoy!!”

Will Sable Ever Return To WWE?, J.R. Not Planning To “Shoot”

23

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Sable was backstage at Monday’s Raw 1,000 as she accompanied husband Brock Lesnar to the show. She has accompanied him to shows before to keep him company since he detests being away from his family, even for a short while.

Fans have speculated that with Lesnar’s renewed partnership with WWE, the legendary Diva could return to television as well. That, however, is believed to be highly unlikely. According to people close to the couple, she has absolutely no desire to return to the spotlight and is very content on being a homebody.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who has witnessed many noteworthy events over the course of his 38-year wrestling career, was asked on Twitter whether he ever sees himself taking part in a “shoot” interview—tell-all interviews where one discusses their career and gives their opinion on other wrestlers and specific events in their past. He responded, “Nope.”

Ross also responded “no thanks” regarding whether he would be interested in overseeing TNA Wrestling.

– Tickets went on sale today for Raw on October 22, 2012 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is the first time Raw has been held at the venue since April 19, 2010.

Doane On Cena’s Divorce Settlement; AJ-Bryan-Sheen Storyline

34

– It was reported last week that John Cena and ex-wife Elizabeth Huberdeau had reached a settlement in their divorce proceedings. When news of the divorce broke in May, an inside source told The Miami Herald that it would “dwarf the Hogan divorce in nastiness,” with Huberdeau’s attorney Raymond Rafool stating to TMZ.com the following month that she was convinced the WWE Superstar was unfaithful during their marriage and would prove it in court. But in a sharp turn, Rafool stated that all matters in the divorce were settled and resolved amicably. Former WWE performer Kenn Doane, who has claimed that Cena had an affair with his then-girlfriend/fiancée Mickie James in 2007, weighed in on the divorce settlement via Twitter.

“If I knew I wasn’t going to win in court, I would settle too. His only option. Keeps him a babyface without the world knowing he cheated,” he wrote. “He and his lawyer knew if it went to court then his name gets dragged through mud. Settle an walk away. #smartchoice.”

Doane, however, added, “Honestly I am glad it ended peacefully. Court always sucks.”

– WWE.com has published an article asking who Daniel Bryan should be worried about more as SummerSlam approaches: AJ or Charlie Sheen? AJ ditched Bryan at the altar to assume the Raw General Manager position while the award-winning actor has issued an open challenge to him at the Los Angeles pay-per-view event.

Impact Viewership Up, Hebner Makes Inappropriate Tweet

22

– TNA star Eric Young appeared on CNN’s “Starting Point” to promote his new show on Animal Planet, “Off The Hook: Extreme Catches,” which premiers on Monday, July 30th at 9pm (EST). Young did not mention TNA by name, but spoke about wrestling, extreme fishing and more. A few clips from Off The Hook were shown, including one of him shopping for pantie hose, which he stuffs with bait when hunting for sharks.

– Thursday’s TNA Impact Wrestling did 1,578,000 viewers, up from last week’s 1,316,000 viewers. Preliminary data shows that the show drew around a 1.1 cable rating. The final number will be released by Monday.

– TNA senior official Earl Hebner tweeted inappropriate message on Thursday night to a user he is following:

“I Will take ur blow j when u are ready 2 give it 2 me.”

The tweet was deleted immediately, however it was re-tweeted by several people on Twitter. The message was likely meant to be a direct message and not meant to be public.

* Find Out Which Former WWE Superstars Are Part Of ACES & EIGHTS

JR Blog: Rock’s Rumble Opponent, Dream Matches, Favorite Diva

25

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section of his website, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

The differences with wrestling companies: Leadership, resources, infrastructure, networks, upper management.

Who should wrestle The Rock at the 2013 Royal Rumble: CM Punk.

Should MMA be an Olympic sport: Personally, I’d love it.

His personal dream match: Undertaker vs Lesnar for one. Rock vs HBK. Cena vs Austin. Rock vs Undertaker.

Thoughts on the Undertaker and Kane reunion on Raw 1000th: Enjoyed the nostalgia…likely a one off deal I’m guessing.

Thoughts on the current WWE product: I’d personally enjoy seeing more athletic skills featured, more physicality and drama.

Favorite WWE Diva: Actually several that I like specifically the ones w/ solid, in ring skills.

Chances of Mae Young’s son, the hand, becoming WWE champion by the end of 2012? About as good as your’s or mine…highly unlikely.

Type of match which are hardest to call: Royal Rumble was the most challenging bout to call or a cold bout between two guys phoning it in.

Jerry Lawler Recalls Infamous Andy Kaufman Storyline

10

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler recently spoke to WWE.com about his legendary feud with the late comedian Andy Kaufman:

Why The Incident Is Still Talked About 30 Year Later:

“It was the first time something like that had happened. I don’t know if I should tell this or not, but one night I was flying back on the plane with Vince McMahon. And he said, “You know, King, I’ve never told you this before, but I was so jealous when you got Andy Kaufman and did all that stuff with him down there in Memphis. Because he was from New York, and I thought we could have done all that stuff up here.” But he also said, “But I’ll be honest with you. There’s no way on Earth we could have done it as well as you guys did it.”

How The Angle Would Have Been Different In The WWE:

“It would have been a first. Vince loves firsts. To this day, you hear on Monday Night Raw that you’re going to see something for the first time ever. That’s big. And this was the first time any big deal Hollywood star was involved to that extent in wrestling. Vince realized, everybody realized, because it got so much national exposure. Everything back then was still regionalized. Cable TV hadn’t hit yet. The country was divided up into wrestling territories because of TV coverage. Once Vince saw you could use a Hollywood star to get that nationwide exposure, here comes Cyndi Lauper with Captain Lou and Wendi Richter, and then Mr. T gets brought in. The ball got rolling, and it hasn’t stopped to this day. Just in the past year, Hugh Jackman was in there punching Dolph Ziggler.”

Andy Kaufman Paving The Way For Celebrities In Wrestling:

“I really feel, in my heart of hearts, that he was responsible for that. I certainly believe that Andy Kaufman deserves a spot in the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, we would not be where we are today without his involvement. I really feel that way. Even at Raw 1,000, we had Charlie Sheen challenging Daniel Bryan to a match. It’s Andy Kaufman revisited as recently as last night.”

Updated Standings For TNA’s Bound For Glory Series

6

Dixie Carter tweeted that two Bound For Glory Series matches took place at Friday night’s TNA live event from Dayton, Ohio. Rob Van Dam pinned Kurt Angle and Magnus pinned Jeff Hardy. Both winners were awarded 7 points each. RVD’s win moved him up to fifth place (now tied with Hardy).

The current Bound for Glory standings are as follows:

(1) Samoa Joe: 47 points (5-3)

(2) James Storm: 45 points (4-1-2)

(3) Kurt Angle: 34 points (4-4)

(4) Mr. Anderson: 30 points (4-3-1)

(5t) Rob Van Dam: 28 points (4-3)
(5t) Jeff Hardy: 28 points (4-4)

(7) Daniels: 26 points (4-3)

(8) Magnus: 21 points (3-4)

(9) A.J. Styles: 16 points (2-3-1)

(10t) The Pope: 7 points (1-5)
(10t) Bully Ray: 7 points (1-4)

(12) Robbie E.: 5 points (1-8)

Upcoming Bound for Glory series matches include:

Kurt Angle vs. Magnus (7/28 live event)
A.J. Styles vs. RVD (7/28 live event)
Mr. Anderson vs. Magnus (7/29 live event)
James Storm vs. Kurt Angle (8/3 iMPACT!)

<a href=”https://www.sescoops.com”><b>* Find Out Which Former WWE Superstars Are Part Of ACES & EIGHTS</b></a>

No New SmackDown GM, Cesaro Wants US Title Shot & More

21

– Following Vince McMahon’s announcement on RAW that AJ Lee is the new RAW General Manager, no new GM was announced on Friday’s SmackDown. WWE.com has an article up speculating whether the show even needs a GM.

– Following Antonio Cesaro’s victory over WWE United States Champion Santino Marella (non-title match) on this week’s SmackDown, the Swiss superstar says he now wants a title shot:

“After my victory over @milanmiracle on tonight’s #smackdown I demand to be named the #1 contender for the US Championship”

– Several developmental wrestlers have tweeted that Thursday’s NXT tapings from Full Sail University had an amazing atmosphere.

Seth Rollins tweeted the following about the historic show, which saw the crowning of NXT’s first-ever NXT champion:

“Response has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who has my back. We’re in this together. #futureisnow”

* Picture of the NEW NXT Champion – With The New Title Belt

Cena’s Latest Tout, RVD Compares TNA To WWE, Santino

11

– During a recent interview with the Phoenix New Times, TNA star Rob Van Dam compared WWE to TNA:

“In Total Nonstop Action, individual wrestlers have a lot more freedom to artistically express themselves versus WWE. When we have our matches, they are known to be more athletic, more competitive in nature, and that’s what wrestling fans really appreciate. And the fact there’s more of a focus on wrestling in Total Nonstop Action over the other major company on TV. Whereas WWE has been known to feature more of the 400-pound giants that aren’t necessarily going to (perform) quite as impressively.”

– WWE United States champion Santino Marella is back with Episode 26 of his Foreign Exchange Youtube show:

– Here’s John Cena’s latest Tout, promoting his appearance in the kids movie “Fred 3,” which airs tonight on Nickelodeon:

Del Rio #1 Contender, Nash Talks NWO-Punk, Backstage Fallout

25

– Alberto Del Rio is the new #1 contender to Sheamus’ World Heavyweight Championship. He won a Fatal 4 Way match on SmackDown that also involved Kane, Daniel Bryan and Rey Mysterio. The match will likely take place at SummerSlam and there’s been talk of a third man being added to the match.

– Kevin Nash continues to rant about an NWO reformation taking place involving WWE Champion CM Punk:

“CM Punk can pick who he wants if not me I’m cool with that .just think the brand is so strong an he can continue it with his skill and edge”

– Here is the latest episode of WWE Backsage Fallout featuring backstage interviews from Friday’s SmackDown:

* News On LESNAR vs. TRIPLE H Storyline Plans & Dean Ambrose’s WWE Debut

Jericho Explains Why He Wore A Ziggler T-Shirt, No New SD GM

42

– Alberto Del Rio, Aksana, Antonio Cesaro and other Superstars discuss last night’s SmackDown events in Backstage Fallout. Chris Jericho also explains why he wore a Dolph Ziggler T-Shirt while attacking “The Showoff.”

“Pink. Very summery, with kind of some pastel blues, is it teal? Is that what you call that? I saw the front, it says “It’s not showing off if you back it up.” And that’s pretty much the epitome of what Chris Jericho does every single night,” he says. “So I don’t know if this is a shirt for Dolph Ziggler. It’s definitely not the shirt of someone who’s “losing his touch,” now is it Mr. Ziggy? So uh, come to think of it, I don’t really like this anymore, it’s cheap fabric, pink’s not really my color, so I’ll just give this to you. See ya next week Dolph!”

– Days after AJ was named the new General Manager of Raw, no new GM was slated for SmackDown. WWE.com has an article asking whether the blue brand needs a resident General Manager.

– Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion will be launching a professional wrestling school in Poughkeepsie, New York. Dreamer, Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins will be the instructors. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

Dean Ambrose Listed In New WWE Program, Chris Jericho Update

38

– WWE brass had planned for developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose to be a member of the main roster by now as he is listed as a Superstar in the newly released WWE Souvenir Program sold exclusively at live events. He is pictured appearing menacingly in traditional wrestling trunks and billed at 6’4″, 250 pounds and hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio. He has competed in numerous non-televised matches for WWE since late last year, but not since June 16.

– Though Chris Jericho will never say anything publicly about his comings and goings with WWE, with him not advertised for televised events following SummerSlam on August 19, many employees believe he’ll be leaving the company shortly, at least temporarily.

– Former WCW announcer “Stagger” Lee Marshall is organizing a reunion of broadcasters at radio station KRIZ in Phoenix, Arizona in February. In addition to radio announcing, he is the voice of Tony the Tiger in Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes commercials.

– Celebrating birthdays Friday are Greg Gagne (64) and Manny Fernandez (58).

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

How Old Are Triple H and Dolph Ziggler?, Update On Great Khali

21

– Both Triple H and Dolph Ziggler celebrate birthdays Friday. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events and part-time wrestler turns 43-years-old while “The Showoff” turns 32.

– The Great Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh, is underwent surgery Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to remove a pituitary gland tumor that’s caused his enormous size, which is the same condition that Andre the Giant had. The story was featured on the front page of Yahoo.com Friday morning, which also notes that he is recovering well and expected to be released over the weekend.

– Trish Stratus, who appeared in a backstage segment on Raw 1,000, is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.

Vickie Praises Chavo’s TNA Debut, Chyna Omitted By WWE, Lilian

22

– Hailing from one of the more storied and successful families in the pro wrestling history, Chavo Guerrero, Jr. made his TNA Impact Wrestling debut on Thursday. After lauding the Guerrero family legacy and proclaiming that it was his time to shine in TNA, he was attacked by Gunner and Kid Kash, who took exception to his remarks. Guerrero’s aunt Vickie, who appears for WWE as the mouthpiece of Dolph Ziggler, congratulated her nephew’s debut for the Nashville-based wrestling promotion.

“I am proud of @mexwarrior with his debut on TNA!! A true professional Miss him and his family xxoo,” she wrote on Twitter.

Don’t expect Vickie to ever join Chavo in TNA. She stated last year in a Twitter message that she would never turn her back on her WWE family: “I would never go to TNA…no disrespect to anybody…WWE is my family…period.”

– WWE.com has released a poll asking fans to choose their favorite all-time team of D-Generation X—Shawn Michaels and Triple H or Triple H, X-Pac, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn. Chyna, who partnered with both D-X gangs, was omitted from the poll.

SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia has posted a new photo shoot on her official website, LilianGarcia.com. The website also features her WWE theme song, which is solely played off-camera at events.

Legend Thinks Velvet Sky Would Be A Valuable Addition To WWE

24

Velvet Sky’s departure from TNA Impact Wrestling this week has sparked rumors and speculation that the colorful grappler could eventually wind up in WWE as a ‘Diva’. Though it is publicly unknown how WWE brass perceive the ten-year veteran wrestler, Sky has at least one backer in the sports entertainment organization in “Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley, who feels she would fit in nicely with their array of female talent.

When asked via Twitter whether the former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion would make for a great addition to WWE’s Divas division, he responded, “I think @VelVelHoller would be a valuable addition to the @WWE Divas roster. Hope it happens.”

Sky acknowledged Foley’s remarks, writing, “Thank you Mick!”

While working her way up the wrestling ranks, Sky, who was then known as Talia, appeared for WWE as an extra and enhancement wrestler in 2005 and 2006. She also auditioned for the 2007 Diva Search, but did not make the final cut. She opened up on the setback earlier this month during an interview with The Post and Courier.

“The only thing I’m going to say about that is the only reason I did that is because there were powers at be within that organization that told me they wanted to see me do it. Some higher-up people in the organization came to me and told me that they would like to see me do it,” Sky said.

“It’s not a way that I wanted to break into wrestling. But if someone is basically telling you that they want to see you do this, then you do it. You bite the bullet and you do it.

“Everything happens for a reason, and it just wasn’t my time then. I’m glad I didn’t get through.”

ICP Releases “Chris Benoit” Music Video, Update On Major Gunns

50

– Insane Clown Posse has released a music video for their “Chris Benoit” single for their upcoming “Mighty Death Pop” album.

– Tylene Buck, who appeared as valet/wrestler Major Gunns for World Championship Wrestling in 2000 and 2001, is doing nude webcam shows. She appears under the name Tyler Buck and is promoting herself as a former WCW star. Though she is 40-years-old, she lists herself as 27.

– Shannon Moore turns 33-years old Friday while Matt Borne, the original Doink the Clown, turns 55.

Guerrero Reacts To Attack On Impact, Referee Posts Sexual Tweet

33

– Chavo Guerrero spoke out after being attacked by Gunner and Kid Kash on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast on Spike TV.

http://youtu.be/BEC3KojwTz0

– Impact Wrestling senior official Earl Hebner posted an inappropriate message on his Twitter account Thursday night—likely meant as a private message to a user he is following.

The message stated, “I Will take ur blow j when u are ready 2 give it 2 me.”

Though the post was hastily deleted, it was noted by multiple users on the website.

– Despite her departure from TNA Wrestling in April, Traci Brooks is still featured on the company website’s Knockouts page.

WWE Considering Weekly “Legends” Segment, Divas Seg Nixed

54

– With the ratings success of the weekly “Legends” segments on Raw, WWE’s booking committee are considering making the feature a regularity by having one former Superstar brought back on every show.

– A third segment involving WWE Divas was scripted for Raw 1,000 but nixed due to many of the show’s early segments running long. The Wrestling Observer believes Kelly Kelly, who has been absent since May, was slated to appear.

– WWE will hold Raw on Monday, October 8 at the Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento, California. Ticketmaster.com will hold a pre-sale for the event Monday, August 6 at 10:00 A.M. PDT. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, August 10 at 10:00 A.M. PDT.

– Southeastern independent wrestler Scottie Wrenn was hospitalized last week due to a possible heart attack and may require stents.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Impact Preview – Kurt Angle vs. James Storm, Knockouts In Action

11

Don’t miss TNA IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday night LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV! If you can’t watch Thursday, don’t forget to set your DVR to record it! It’s two hours of Total Nonstop Action featuring your favorite wrestling superstars – including “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, “The Icon” Sting, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, “Cowboy” James Storm, the lovely and lethal Knockouts, the high-flying X Division athletes and many more! TNA IMPACT WRESTLING takes place from the Impact Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida! IMPACT WRESTLING is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling, airing in over 120 countries worldwide!

Preview Thursday’s huge LIVE broadcast as the road to the August 12 “Hardcore Justice” Pay-Per-View event continues:

-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

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

Khali Has Tumor Removed, Mick Foley Interviewed

23

According to TribLive News, The Great Khali had to have a tumor removed from his pituitary gland at UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here’s an excerpt from the article.

The tumor removed during a four-hour procedure on Wednesday led to the growth spurt that caused Singh to achieve a height of 7 feet, 1 inch and a weight of 347 pounds, according to UPMC neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon, who led the surgical team.

Maroon said Thursday the tumor causes a condition called acromegaly, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Khali is expected to recover within two to three months.

– Arda Ocal from TheScore sat down with Mick Foley after his appearance at Raw 1000th. Here are some highlights from the interview.

On RAW 1000: “I personally got a kick out of it. I had said previously that I would have liked to do something more substantial (at RAW 1000) like cut a serious promo, but there will be time – I can do that 2 months from now, for example. Looking at the legends dressing room, 2 things were noticeable – how fortunate we were to be among those selected to take part in RAW 1000, and this one is very telling, it was a locker room full of legends and they’re talking about Heath Slater and how much they enjoyed their interaction with him”

On playing at ‘Just for Laughs’ and how important that is: “Montreal, because there’s so many indsutry people there, it can be a tough crowd. They’re not necessarily going to laugh at everything, but they’ll take it in and I’m hoping that some of my fans will attend and make it an exciting atmosphere”

Announced an all-but-confirmed WWE involved comedy show to happen immediately after Summerslam in Los Angeles at another venue in the city: “I guess I can announce it here right? Big show, in the United States, California…Post SummerSlam comedy show at The Improv in Hollywood. It’s a done deal, I just have to figure out who’s on it. The woman at The Improv is asking if I want her to book other comics, and I’m like ‘Give me a few days, because if I can get the WWE stamp of approval, I’d love to have Santino host it, I’d love to have William Regal share some stories, I’d love to have J.R. share some stories and then I’ll do my thing. And then at the end we all come out, and it doesn’t matter how good or bad any of us do individually, I think people are going to love that atmosphere and they get the guys they like doing what they like them to see.”

On the WWE Hall of Fame and when he’d like to go in: “I do hope it’s this year. It would mean a lot to me honestly. One of the most telling moments of my relationship with WWE is when I got the phone call asking if I’d mind if they mentioned my book on their show when I was working with another company. When I heard the book being mentioned, every reservation I had or any semblance of bitterness vanished you know. I used to go around, not making a big deal out of [the WWE Hall of Fame]. Its like being in a relationship, if you give too much of yourself you risk being hurt. So if I said ‘Oh of course I’d love to be in the Hall of Fame’ I’d be letting them have that and make my career seem less important if I didn’t get it.”

On who he’d like to induct him: “I think who it would come down to is one of two people, Terry Funk or Jim Ross. It would hurt me to not have one of them there, because Terry, he was a mentor and wrestler. And J.R. put his reputation, possibly his job on the line to bring me in because Vince was not sold believe it or not on Mick Foley, he was not a Mick Foley fan when I came into the company and it took quite a while for him to become one.”

*SPOILERS* 3 Weeks Of NXT Results From Full Sail University

6

WWE taped 3 weeks of WWE NXT on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Credit to PWInsider.com & Andres Santiago for these results:

Dark Match
– Bo Dallas vs Dean Ambrose
Dallas won with a rollup.

Episode 1

The taping itself started with a video from Dusty Rhodes hyping up the championship match.

– Derek Bateman vs Antonio Cesaro (w/ Aksana)
Cesaro won with the Neutralizer.
During the match there was a few “Shave Your Legs” chants directed at Cesaro.

– Tamina Snuka vs Sofia Cortez
Snuka won with the Superfly Splash.
After the match, Raquel Diaz attacked Tamina and drew an L on her forehead with lipstick.

– Kassius Ohno vs Jake Carter
Ohno won with the Rolling Elbow.
After the match, Ohno continued attacking Carter until Richie Steamboat came out for the save.

– Michael McGillicutty and Johnny Curtis vs Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel
Gabriel got the pin after hitting a double team powerbomb / neckbreaker on Curtis.

Byron Saxton had an interview segment in the ring with Seth Rollins and “The Punjabi Nightmare” Jinder Mahal. Rollins cut a promo about how hard his life was growing up and how wrestling saved him. That was why his dream is to one day be a champion in the WWE. Mahal started cutting his promo in Punjabi, before speaking in English. He said Rollins was a born loser, but winning the NXT Championship is Mahal’s birthright. They then brawled until Rollins drove Mahal off.

Episode 2

– Jason Jordan and Mike Dalton vs Hunico and Camacho
Hunico won with the Angle Slam on Dalton.

The Usos cut a promo challenging The Ascension to a fight. The Ascension jumped them from behind and left after hitting Total Elimination on both Jimmy and Jay.

– Big E Langston vs Jake Donovan
Langston killed Donovan and quickly beat him with the Big End.

– Gold Rush Tournament Finals to crown the first NXT Champion – Seth Rollins vs Jinder Mahal
Rollins won with the Black Out.

Before the match, Howard Finkel did the ring announcing, the whole roster came out on stage to watch, and Dusty Rhodes brought the belt into the ring.

After the match, Rhodes presented Rollins with the belt and HHH came down to congratulate him as well. All the babyfaces then came down to join Rollins’ celebration.

Mid-Taping Dark Match
Brodus Clay squashed an unnamed jobber.
After the match Clay danced with Cameron, Naomi and some kids from the crowd.

Episode 3

– Richie Steamboat vs Kassius Ohno
Steamboat won via DQ after Ohno kept poking him in the eyes.

After the match, Ohno attacked Steamboat and hit the rolling elbow to the back of the head. Once Ohno left, Ricky Steamboat came out to check on Richie. He also berated the refs for letting that happen.

– Audrey Marie vs Paige
Paige won with the Knight Light.

– Percy Watson vs Leo Kruger

*Spoiler* First-Ever NXT Champion Crowned (Picture)

37

At Thursday night’s WWE NXT tapings from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Floroda, Seth Rollins defeated Jinder Mahal to become the first ever NXT Champion.

After the match, Triple H and Dusty Rhodes came to the ring and raised Seth’s arm in victory. He was awarded the new NXT Championship belt.

WWE taped 3 NXT shows at this week’s tapings.

Check out this picture of Seth Rollins with the NXT Championship:

 

List of Wrestling Books Due for Release, Honky Tonk Man

13

Here is an updated list of wrestling related books due out for the rest of 2012.

* 7/31 WWE My Favorite Match by Jon Robinson

* 8/31 Rastlin: A Southern Survey by David McClister and David Lewis

* 9/1 Booker T: From Prison to Promise: Life Before the Squared Circle by Booker T Huffman and Andrew William Wright

* 9/1 Red Headed Geek: My Short and Painful Career as a Rasslin’ Manager by Billy C. Wirtz

* 9/3 WWE Encyclopedia Second Edition by Brian Shields and Kevin Sullivan.

* 9/27 WWE General Manager’s Handbook by Jake Black

* 10/1 Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons by Steven Johnson, Greg Oliver and Mike Mooneyham featuring a foreword by JJ Dillon.

* 10/1 A Battle Royal in the Sky: The Life and Death of Wrestling’s 100 Greatest Gods and Gimmicks by Rich Tarantino and Jon Chattman

* 12/1 Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story by Jimmy Snuka and Jon Chattman with forewords by Mick Foley and Roddy Piper

Books that are due to be releeased in 2013.

* 2/1/13 The 50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot by Larry Matysik

* 2/1/13 Harley Race King of the Ring (paperback) by Harley Race and Gerry Tritz

* 2/1/13 Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling by Pat Laprade and Bertrand Hebert

– WWE.com has added the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all-time, The Honky Tonk Man, to its Alumni section: “The Honky Tonk Man tried to make the WWE Universe twist and shout with his unique brand of rock ‘n’ roll. Don’t be cruel, grab yourself a “Hunka Hunka Honky Love” and check out his new WWE Alumni profile, with exclusive photos and videos!