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Wade Barrett’s Return, Creative Team Disgruntled & More

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– Wade Barrett is targeting August for his return after recently undergoing shoulder surgery. As we noted a few weeks ago, WWE decided to pull Money in the Bank from the WrestleMania lineup when Barrett got injured, as he was booked to win the match. The latest is that Money in the Bank could take place at SummerSlam, when Barrett would be healthy to return.

– Morale is said to be low among some of the WWE writers after several were not  invited to the WrestleMania 28 after party. Top writers Brian Gewirtz, Ed Koskey and Michael Hayes were there, but most of the creative staff was not. A Twitter account parodying Vince McMahon posted several messages this week posing as Vince and complaining about th writers who were upset about not being invited.

Related News: Twitter Account Parodying Vince McMahon Leaking WWE Info?

– WWE is looking at producing a new one-hour Spanish television show.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

 

WWE Acknowledges Lesnar’s MMA Career, Beulah Profiled

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— WWE.com’s newly posted bio on Brock Lesnar acknowledges his career as a mixed martial artist. However, no mention is made of UFC. The bio reads:

“Possessing the type of staggering strength and scary intensity usually only seen in Superman villains, the 6-foot-3, 266-pound freak of nature from Minneapolis, Minn., has forced his way to the top of every major combat sport. He won the NCAA Division I collegiate wrestling championship as a senior at the University of Minnesota, the WWE Championship within six months of his debut and the heavyweight title in his fourth professional MMA fight. Plain and simple, the man was built to destroy.”

— WWE.com profiles former ECW personality Beulah McGillicutty in the latest edition of “Where Are They Now?” She discusses her time in the “Land of Extreme,” her family and becoming a children’s book author. She also explains why she left the professional wrestling industry in 1998.

“I just felt it was time for me to move on with my life. I was turning 30 and wanted to go back to college and start a family,” Beulah said.

— WWE.com is advertising Mick Foley for the SmackDown brand’s tour of Mexico next month. He is also advertised for the May 23 Smackdown live event at the Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Maxine Looking Forward To Change, Booker T Heading To Brazil

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— With WrestleMania XXVIII in the books, numerous roster changes are expected to commence in the ensuing months. Jim Ross says this is the case as “several” WWE developmental wrestlers will surface on the main roster in the near future. He wrote Thursday on his official website, “Several FCW talents are either being introduced or on the cusp of such on a WWE roster. Expect to see several new personas in the coming weeks on Raw & Smackdown. Congrats to all who’ve earned an opportunity,”

NXT star Maxine is looking forward to the company’s annual post-WrestleMania roster shuffle, which will likely result in numerous longtime wrestlers being let go to make room for the incoming faces. She wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, “Wrestlemania is now over…time for a change out with the old in with the new…hmmm Im sure I should be on that list..”

— WWE.com is advertising Booker T for the Raw brand’s tour of Brazil next month.

— WWE.com is advertising Alberto Del Rio for all SmackDown events in May with the exception of the Mexican tour.

— The advertised main event for the June 16 WWE SuperShow at the Tsongas Center Lowell, Massachusetts is CM Punk, John Cena and Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan, Kane and Mark Henry.

Scott Steiner Continues Trashing TNA Executives On Twitter

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Scott Steiner, who parted ways with TNA Wrestling last week, posted numerous messages on Twitter Thursday slamming his formerly employer’s brain trust, particularly Hulk Hogan. He also alleges that TNA controls Sting’s account on the microblogging site.

* When these assholes got control they tried to takeover everybodys twitter page

* u didnt have twitter they made one up for U…so u people who think yur tweeting sting its not him

* He told me he doesnt watch the show.so hes not tweeting about a show he doesnt watch

* Evrybody refused to sign over twitter so every wk u get an email begging u to twitter what they want

* Got one today,Please tweet this;Hogan take over as GM wonder what he will do…WTF really

* Even if u r not on show Please tweet..so the booking team of pritchard bischoff n hogan wont book U want u to tweet about hogan

* Tweet about yurself hogan nobody else wants to tweet about u u fucking mark

* Im tweeting what they wish they could

* Wondeting what hogans going to do…hmmmm…hes a fn mark so hes going to make a couple of matches that ppl want to see

* Nothing more unprofessional than a heel wanting to be cheered

* So ppl cheer him which pissd everybody off especially sting bcuz he had to wrestle him

* Have the future of wrestling garrett do something bcuz eric told him to in booking meeting….what a fucking joke

* Now hes good but hes going to everything like he did when he was bad bcuz he was first good

* And that produced the worst ratings ever so he went bad which was just as bad as when he was good

* Then his bad wasnt any good bcuz his ratings still sucked so he turnd back to good from bad

* Wtf y’all get his bullshit ….dont forget to say BROTHER ..bcuz its fresh

* Stupid mofo

* Remember deny u had anything to do with the release of the sex tape to try n get more sales

* How kardashian of u….Homomania running wild..his shit writes itself

* His w

* His ex-wife said he was gay right!!!..hhmmm who brought in Orlando Jordan

Twitter Account Parodying Vince McMahon Leaking WWE Info?

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The Wrestling Observer reported Thursday that morale is low among members of WWE’s creative team after many of the were not invited to the annual post-WrestleMania party Sunday night in Miami, Florida. The report says the party snubs “hurt a lot of feelings.” There is an account on Twitter parodying company head Vince McMahon’s real-life demeanor (located at CrankyVince) and several messages were posted Tuesday night foreshadowing the behind the scenes report. The individual behind the account wrote:

“EAVESDROPPING ON WRITERS, WHO ARE B******G ABOUT BEING BARRED FROM POST #WRESTLEMANIA™ COMPANY WIDE PARTY. HMPF, THE VIRGINS ARE A BUZZKILL.”

“OUTSIDE WRITERS ROOM, STILL LISTENING TO THIS FAST-TALKING L.A. RUNT B***H ABOUT NOT BEING WELCOMED AT THE #WRESTLEMANIA AFTER PARTY. F****R.”

“AND F**K THESE DISPOSABLE WRITERS FOR B******G ABOUT MY G*****N #WRESTLEMANIA AFTER PARTY. EAT ME, THEN GO F**K YOURSELVES. F**K YOU.”

“YELLING AT WRITERS: “IF ANOTHER ONE OF YOU SORE P*****S CRIES ABOUT NOT BEING WELCOMED AT THE #WRESTLEMANIA AFTER PARTY I’LL GUT YOU.”

“GETTING OUT OF ORLANDO, FAR AWAY FROM THIS HUMIDITY & P***Y WRITERS & THEIR B******G ABOUT NOT BEING INVITED TO THE WRESTLEMANIA AFTER PARTY.”

Lesnar Advertised For Extreme Rules, Lesnar Farming Video

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– WWE is advertising Brock Lesnar for Monday’s Raw SuperShow (from the Verizon Center in Washington D.C), the April 23rd RAW Supershow from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan as well as Extreme Rules on April 29th from the AllState Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

– The WWE website has posted an article looking at “Five Superstars Bracing For Brock.” The article names Randy Orton, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Big Show and Kane as potential challengers for Lesnar in the coming months.

– Paul Heyman has posted a new video featuring Brock Lesnar, but it’s probably not what you’re expecting. Heyman, who was Brock Lesnar’s on-air manager/agent during Brock’s famous rise up the ladder in 2002, and co-authored Brock’s autobiography last year as well, has posted an exclusive video of Lesnar on The Heyman Hustle website. But it’s not a wrestling video. It’s a farming video. Seriously. One of Lesnar’s biggest sponsors when he fought in UFC was CASE IH farming equipment, coupled with Rocky Mountain Dealerships. Lesnar’s new video, released this week to coincide with his WWE return and destruction of John Cena on Monday Night Raw, really is a farming video. Check it out:

[vsw id=”gAiU97oZnhM” source=”youtube” width=”600″ height=”305″ autoplay=”no”]

Tyson Interested In Wrestling For WWE, Kaitlyn Bleeds On NXT

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– Speaking to Power Slam last month about his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, legendary boxer Mike Tyson says he would be interested in wrestling for WWE. When asked if he still watches wrestling these days, he responded:

“I don’t watch it as much as I used to—but it’s not the same as it was; they don’t have the same guys. But Triple H is coming back, the WWE is coming back, and I’d like to do whatever I can to be a part of that, to help them in any way I can. I would like to be a wrestler.”

– Kaitlyn was accidentally bloodied during her match against Natalya on this week’s episode of WWE NXT. She wrote of the mishap on Twitter, “For the record that was NOT my skin hanging off my face in my match with Nattie on NXT.. I wish I was that hardcore. Had a little accident before the match … As we all know.. Graceful is not my middle name.”

The SmackDown Diva enclosed the following photo of her chin following the injury.

– Billy Gunn stated on Twitter that he was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown in Orlando, Florida. He thanked Big Show for inviting him.

*Spoilers* Plans Revealed For This Year’s Lethal Lockdown Match

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The Lethal Lockdown match at TNA Wrestling’s annual Lockdown pay-per-view event on April 15 at Tennessee Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee will pit teams led by Garrett Bischoff and Eric Bischoff, according to pwinsider.com.

The Garett Bischoff led team will consist of Garrett Bischoff, AJ Styles, Austin Aries, Mr. Anderson and Rob Van Dam. Bully Ray, Christopher Daniels, Gunner and Kazarian have been confirmed for Eric Bischoff’s team. The fifth competitor may be Eric Bischoff himself.

The stipulation for the match will be that if Eric Bischoff’s team loses, he will forced to leave TNA.

Jose Canseco Appearing On Impact, Tara Offering Phone Chat

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– Former Major League Baseball player Jose Canseco wrote to TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter Wednesday night on Twitter asking if he could appearing on upcoming shows. She stated on Facebook that he will be appearing on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling:

“Jose Canseco tweeted me this today “@TNADixie Big fan of TNA. would love to work with hogan. Any room for special guests in upcoming programs?” Interesting as he makes tonight’s Impact Wrestling already!! Tune in Spike TV 9 pm ET.”

  • Related: Jose Canseco Agrees To MMA Fight With SHAQ

– Through Dial a Star, Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) is charging $18.00 per minute to accept phone calls from people. Details are available here. A one-hour chat with the TNA Knockout would cost $1,080.00.

– The feature match on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion is Devon vs. Kid Kash.

– ShopTNA.com has released a new Bully Ray T-Shirt.

JR Blog: Calling HIAC Lesnar’s Return, Developmental Talent

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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:

Calling Hell In A Cell at WrestleMania:

“Calling the epic, memorable HIAC match was one of my career highlights.  I’ve been blessed to be a part of many WrestleMania events but WM28 will always hold a special place in my heart.

“Broadcasting with Michael Cole and The King was great. I thought both guys really had a stellar night. I sincerely appreciated Michael Cole’s handshake welcoming me to the announce table. Very classy.”

Its hard to name a more physical, compelling bout than HIAC as HHH and Undertaker brought amazing physicality and immense passion. They beat the heck out of each other and took us all on an unforgettable ride. A truly awesome performance. Shawn Micahels contributions to the bout were huge. HBK is so gifted in any role he’s in and Sunday was no exception. It was the best, guest ref work I can ever recall.”

Brock Lesnar’s Return To WWE:

“Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE is significant to say the least. I’m excited to see where the future takes the former WWE & UFC Champion. In mere minutes, Lesnar became a force to be dealt with in WWE. Interesting days certainly lie a head for the F5 machine.”

Developmental Talent Getting Called Up:

“I covet my time in WWE’s developmental program. Been here all week. Working with the enthusiastic, talented young athletes is so rewarding. Great things are on going on Dale Mabry in Tampa. Tonight is the FCW TV taping and I can’t wait. Several FCW talents are either being introduced or on the cusp of such on a WWE roster. Expect to see several new personas in the coming weeks on RAW & Smackdown. Congrats to all who’ve earned an opportunity.”

As always, you can (and should) purchase Jim Ross’ delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.

TNA Signs New Multi-Year Deal With Spike TV (Press Release)

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TNA and SpikeTV issued the following press release today, announcing a contract renewal that will keep TNA’s flagship Impact Wrestling show on Spike for years to come. According to a TNA source, the contract extension is for 2 years.

SPIKE TV AND TNA ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION TO ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The Highly-Rated “Impact Wrestling” Maintains Its Home On Spike TV On Thursday Nights

New York, NY – April 5, 2012 – Spike TV and TNA Entertainment have agreed upon a multi-year extension on their strategic partnership, maintaining Spike TV as the exclusive U.S. television home of the emerging sports-entertainment property.

The deal was announced today jointly by Kevin Kay, Spike TV President and Dixie Carter, TNA Entertainment President. TNA wrestling debuted on Spike TV in July, 2005. Over the last seven years, the ratings for TNA’s “IMPACT Wrestling” have grown from an average of 700,000 viewers at launch to nearly two million today.

“Dixie Carter and her team at TNA have done a phenomenal job in developing stars for an exciting, high-action brand that resonates with Spike’s audience,” said Kay. “We are excited to further our partnership and will continue to build and invigorate the franchise together.”

“We are thrilled that Spike TV will be IMPACT Wrestling’s home for years to come,” said Carter. “The dedication that Kevin Kay and the network have shown us in building our brand is what makes this announcement even more meaningful for me. And look for some exciting things to happen on IMPACT in the near future.”

TNA’s flagship series, “IMPACT Wrestling,” airs weekly on Spike TV and is one of the network’s top-rated series. The show has evolved into must-see-tv on Thursdays with young men and currently ranks among the top shows on cable in its timeslot with Men 18-34.

The roster features many of the biggest names in wrestling including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Booby Roode, Sting, James Storm, Rob Van Dam the lovely and lethal Knockouts.

Update On The Early Buyrate Figure For WrestleMania 28

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On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Gus Ramsey wrote on Twitter that he heard the preliminary buyrate for WWE WrestleMania 28 came in at 1.9 million buys, which would make it the most profitable WrestleMania event by a longshot.

Ramsey has posted several follow-up tweets regarding the WrestleMania 28 buyrate:

“I trust who I heard it from, but again no confirmation.”

“just something I heard. I’m not a reporter. Just a guy who likes wrestling and knows some people. Could very well be wrong”

“Re: WM28 buy rate. 1- I work at espn, not a reporter. Not the same thing. 2- I heard the number but have no confirmation.”

“haven’t seen anything in writing. so maybe the # is wrong, or I misheard it, but pretty sure that was the # + WWE very happy”

WrestleMania 29 Matches: Early Plans for Lesnar, Rock, Austin

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WrestleMania 29 is still a year away, but the planning for next year’s top show is already well underway.  While things certainly can (and likely will) change in the next year, the current lineup for next year’s WrestleMania is looking like Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. CM Punk and The Undertaker vs. Jonh Cena.

Regarding the Undertaker vs. Cena match, WWE.com has a video up with several superstars talking about the Hell in a Cell match from WrestleMania 28 and how it was truly the “end of an era.” Cena said this about the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak:

“I know he holds the streak near and dear but I don’t see any reason for him to try for 21st. After seeing the last four matches he’s had at WrestleMania, I am certainly not involved with throwing my name in that hat.”

Comment below and tell us how YOU would book WrestleMania 29.

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

Lesnar’s WWE Contract, MTV Wants The Miz, Twitter Storylines

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– Brock Lesnar signed a 1-year contract with WWE over the weekend – and the backstage buzz is that Lesnar received one of the most lucrative contracts in company history. After seeing what a juggernaut Lesnar was in terms of PPV sales for the UFC, WWE is rumored to have guaranteed Lesnar $5 million to work a limited schedule. Based on what we’re hearing, Lesnar is contracted to appear twice a month for the next 12 months.

– The Miz returned to MTV this week, hosting the “Challenge: Battle of the Exes” reunion show. During the episode, the official MTV Twitter account wrote that they would pay anything to get The Miz to come back for another Challenge show. Miz replied:  “ANYTHING???”

– In preparation of the upcoming WWE Network launch, WWE is considering reaching out to former announcers so they don’t put too much strain on current employees.

– WWE is looking to run more storylines on Twitter. The Twitter rants from Epico and Rosa Mendes about being left off WrestleMania 28 were an example of this recent company initiative.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

WWE Offers Maven Rehab, YES! T-Shirts Coming Soon

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– Former WWE superstar Maven Hufffman was arrested on Monday after authorities were informed that the 2001 Tough Enough winner was “doctor shopping” and trying to obtain approximately 1,000 narcotic prescription pills. TMZ.com is reporting that WWE has reached out to Maven and offered to send him to rehab. A WWE rep told TMZ, “WWE is the only entertainment or sports organization that offers its former performers assistance with substance abuse issues.”

– Daniel Bryan announced on Twitter that WWE is capitalizing on the popularity of his “YES!” chant and will be releasing a “YES! YES! YES!” t-shirt as soon as Monday:

“The people have spoken, and @wweshop has listened. The #YesYesYes shirt may be out as soon as monday. Will keep you guys updated.”

Despite the unbelievable popularity of the catch phrase in Miami for WrestleMania and RAW the following night, some believe that the “YES!” chant is not going to remain popular for much longer.

Brock Lesnar Added To Raw Roster, Update On Evan Bourne

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— Brock Lesnar is officially a member of the Raw roster following his shocking return to WWE on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. He is listed as a Raw Superstar on WWE.com, which has also posted an extensive collection of photos and videos from his prior stint with the company.

— Evan Bourne, who sustained a midfoot fracture dislocation in an undisclosed accident last week, tweeted the following update Wednesday: “Followed-up with the surgeon today. X-rays show every bone is back in it’s proper place. Recovery won’t be fast but I’ll heal & fly again!”

— Trish Stratus has been announced to appear on Martin Short’s upcoming special on CBC-TV, I, Martin Short, Goes Home.

— PWInsider.com reports Diana Hart Smith was backstage at WrestleMania XXVIII.

Overeem Fails Pre-Fight Drug Test, Dos Santos Title Fight Off?

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The momentum behind the highly anticipated title-bout between UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos and devastating Dutchman Alistair Overeem ran smack dab into a brick wall this afternoon when the NSAC revealed “The Demolition Man” had shown an elevated level of testosterone in his blood stream and would not be licensed as things currently stand. He will need to appear before the commission and have a “B” sample cleared before being permitted to compete, a decision likely indicating his dance with Dos Santos is officially done for.

Overeem was subjected to random drug testing at a recent press conference promoting UFC 146 where he is/was scheduled to scrap with Dos Santos. All other fighters who submitted samples were cleared.

However, while Overeem’s status is up in the air, at least one heavyweight contender is willing to step in to face “Cigano” on short notice – Frank Mir. Mir is already booked to battle on the May 26 card and viewed as the closest thing to a #1 challenger after Overeem.

“I would be excited if given the opportunity to compete for the UFC’s heavyweight title at UFC 146,” said Mir in a press release from his management team. “I have been fortunate to be able to fight in the UFC for more than a decade, and it is a dream of mine to become the first three-time heavyweight champion in the UFC. Being able to fight Junior Dos Santos would put me one step closer to that dream.”

John Cena To Debut Custom Made Car On Monday’s Raw

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SyFy Kicks Into High Gear When ‘Dream Machines’ Premieres Tuesday, April 10 With Guest Star 50 Cent

NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – Syfy will drive viewers to dream big and build bigger as its latest original reality series Dream Machines premieres on Tuesday, April 10 at 10PM (ET/PT) featuring guest star 50 Cent, immediately following WWE SuperSmackDown Live at 8 PM (ET/PT).

Dream Machines follows Florida-based brothers Marc and Shanon Parker, owners of Parker Brothers’ Concepts, and their crackerjack crew as they take the most imaginative vehicles ever seen in movies, comic books, and TV shows, and engineer them into on-the-road realities. There’s no design challenge too fantastical – or even impossible – for the brothers to take on, and each week they’ll stop at nothing to create these one-of-a-kind “dream machines” for their vast array of celebrity and collector clients.

WWE Superstar John Cena will also guest star in an upcoming episode of Dream Machines enlisting the Parker Brothers to design the “InCENArator,” a vehicle specifically built for the former World Champion. The custom made “InCENArator” will make its television debut on WWE Monday Night Raw on Monday, April 9 at 9PM (ET/PT) on USA Network live from Washington, DC.

WWE SuperSmackDown Live will feature WWE’s biggest Superstars and Divas, including Randy Orton®, Daniel Bryan™, Big Show®, Sheamus™, Mark Henry®, Wade Barrett™, Cody Rhodes™ and Alicia Fox™. The special will encore in Smackdown’s regular time slot on Friday, April 13 at 8PM (ET/PT).

In the premiere episode of Dream Machines, entitled “50 Cent’s Jet Car” – the first of a two part episode – the Parker Brothers have their hands full when rapper, actor and entrepreneur 50 Cent (a.k.a. Curtis Jackson) requests a one-of-a-kind formula one race car inspired by a futuristic space ship. In order to find inspiration for the design, Shanon must get over his fear of flying and challenge Marc to a mid-air dogfight in jet fighters. Back at the shop, design and fabrication collide when Shanon’s creativity conflicts with Marc’s practical ability to build the plans. Just as the car is coming together, a major design change combined with a harrowing new deadline could make the Parker Brothers’ build crash and burn.

Dream Machines is produced by Triage Entertainment with Steve Kroopnick (Iron Chef America) serving as executive producer. Steve Nigg (American Chopper, UFO Hunters) is co-executive producer.

Early WrestleMania 28 Buyrate Said To Be Through The Roof

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Early numbers for the WrestleMania 28 buyrate are coming in and preliminary estimates are showing that this year’s event could be the most-bought pay-per-view in WWE history. With one year to build up the blockbuster dream match between The Rock and John Cena, WWE was looking to surpass the annual benchmark of 1 million buys and had its sights on the record-holding WrestleMania 26 buyrate of approximately 1.25 million buys.

According to ESPN’s Gus Ramsey, WWE looks like they might shatter that record. Ramsey tweeted the following on Wednesday:

“… Rock and Brock each sign 1 year deals. WM28 did 1.9M buys. WWE was targeting 1.5M” 

Marines Thank WWE, A-Rod In Awe Of Cena, After SmackDown

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ortonmarine

– Following up on the story of Randy Orton being pulled from the WWE Studios film The Marine 3 .. TMZ.com spoke with Cpl. Mike Vinn, who served with Orton when he went AWOL and was dishonorably discharged:

“On behalf of all the Marines from Aco 1/4 98-02, that were outraged to hear about Randy Orton portraying a Marine in the next movie “Marine: Homefront”, I’d like to thank the WWE for pulling Orton from the role when they heard about his disloyal service to the United States Marine Corps. It shows respect for not only the unit I had served in, but for every person that has ever defended this nation. Thank you WWE.”

– Yahoo! Sports has an article up looking at New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez attending WrestleMania 28 over the weekend with girlfriend Torrie Wilson and A-Rod being “in awe” when he met his wrestling hero – John Cena. During Cena’s ring entrance, he greeted Rodriguez & Wilson at ringside and told A-Rod to deliver a special message to his Yankees teammate Derek Jeter – Cena wore Jeter’s Nike sneakers during his main event match with The Rock.

– After Tuesday’s Smackdown TV taping concluded, the dark match main event was an 8-man tag match featuring many of WWE’s top stars. John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus & Big Show defeated Kane, Daniel Bryan (YES!), Mark Henry & Cody Rhodes after the faces hit all their finishers. The match was described as “very fun” for both the wrestlers and the live crowd.

Former WWE Star Maven Arrested On Drug Charges

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Former WWE performer Maven Huffman was arrested in Florida on Monday on charges of doctor shopping (using multiple doctors) to obtain prescriptions to controlled substances, according a report on TMZ.com. This practice is against state law.

Authorities allege that Huffman was using three Florida doctors to obtain prescriptions to Oxycodone and Hydrocone, drawing an estimated 1,000 pills.

Huffman, who is 35 years old, was released on $2,000 bond. He faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted of doctor shopping.

Huffman competed in the first season of WWE’s Tough Enough reality series, which he co-won with Nidia Guenard. He competed for the organization from 2001 to 2005, which included three reigns as Hardcore Champion. Following his departure from WWE, he became a guest expert on the Home Shopping Network.

Triple H On Whether He Prefers Being A Wrestler Or An Executive

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The interview recaps from WrestleMania weekend are still trickling in. Just hours before his match against the Undertaker at WrestleMania 28, Triple H spoke to The Houston Chronicle and had this to say about the following topics:

WWE Being in a “Good Place”:

“We’ve grown and matured as a company. This Wrestlemania will be the biggest single night in our industry’s history, but we’re just scratching the surface of where we’re going. We’re into movies, publishing and creating our own television network later this year.”

Which Job He Prefers: Wrestler Or WWE Executive:

“I’ve always had a fascination with business. I’ve been involved with the creative side practically since the day I started with the company in 1995. That’s the part I love most, creating the stories, coming up with the spark of an idea and seeing our talent go out there and execute it. Being allowed to be creative in your work is a wonderful gift. It’s a cliché, I know, but we put smiles on people’s faces every day. That’s the fun of our business. When you go to a WWE event, and you perform, and you see the smile you put on a kid’s face … that’s an incredible feeling.”

“You’d have to be a professional athlete or entertainer to get that. I do miss the pain. Every year, I know I’ll feel like a bus hit me the day after Wrestlemania. And the second day I’ll feel like the bus backed over me again. It’s a badge of courage almost. To an athlete, it becomes a point of pride, how beat up you feel the next day. It means you left everything on the playing field.”

Brock Lesnar’s Return Match, Paul Heyman Joining Him In WWE?

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Brock Lesnar will be returning to a WWE ring much sooner than some fans may be expecting. Lesnar signed with WWE over the weekend and could wrestle his first match as soon as Extreme Rules later this month or Over The Limit in May. As we’ve been reporting, Lesnar has signed a 1-year deal with limited appearances – which will culminate in a match at next year’s WrestleMania 29.

During Lesnar’s first run with the company a decade ago, Paul Heyman served as Lesnar’s mouthpiece, accurately touting him as the “Next big Thing.” According to WWE sources, there are currently no plans to bring Heyman in with Lesnar. Heyman has is a very busy man with a number of ongoing projects through his Looking For Larry agency based out of New York City.

That’s not to say that there aren’t people that want Heyman back on WWE television.  WWE (and TNA) has reached out to him in recent years, but the two sides could never reach an agreement. Anything is possible, but for now, WWE is moving forward with Brock Lesnar under the assumption that Paul Heyman will not be on board.

Batista Announcement, Bret Hart Stands Up For Daniel Bryan

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– Former WWE superstar Batista says his manager has some big announcements about him coming very soon:

“Follow my manager @JohnnyRyanJr he’s going to be making some announcements about me VERY soon. #staytuned any guesses?!?!”

– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart wrote the following on Twitter about Daniel Bryan’s 18-second loss at WrestleMania 28:

“Very glad the fans were vocal in their displeasure of one of the best wrestlers on the roster being jobbed out in 18 seconds.”

– How over is Daniel Bryan’s “YES!” chant? Believe it or not, the “YES!” was heard at Tuesday night’s Miami Heat basketball game from the American Airlines Arena, the venue that hosted RAW the night before.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results (3/6)

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WWE taped this week’s Smackdown from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Credit to Wrestling News World for these results:

* David Otunga opens the show by introducing the new Smackdown General Manager, John Laurinaitis, who now has music and a TitanTron. He says everyone is excited for his debut on Smackdown and talks about how exciting it will be. He asks Teddy Long to come out. Teddy says that the benefit of him being without a job is that he can tell Johnny to go to hell. He says that he could not just walk away from Smackdown, despite not working there anymore. He calls it the best job of his life and thanks the WWE Universe. He says he hopes they’ve had as much fun as he has had. Teddy goes to leave but Laurinaitis stops him and says that Teddy rudely interrupted him. He offers Teddy a job. Teddy says that he needs a job, but not one from him. He says that Johnny can take his job and shove it. Laurinaitis says to think of Teddy’s grandchildren. Otunga says he looked at the paperwork and WWE granted college funds to his grandchildren, and that the funds go to the Smackdown General Manager. Johnny says that if Teddy takes the job, all he has to do is say that Johnny is better than him. Teddy says that Johnny is better than him. Laurinaitis says to say it louder, then tells him to go backstage and do his job. Teddy asks what it is, and Laurinaitis says that he hasn’t figured it out yet.

* Laurinaitis sends Teddy to the back and announces that, in the interest of People Power, Kane vs. Randy Orton tonight will be a no disqualification match. In addition, he announces R-Truth vs. Mark Henry & David Otunga in a handicap match, which will be next.

* David Otunga & Mark Henry b. R-Truth after Henry hit the World’s Strongest Slam and Otunga got the pin.

* Randy Orton b. Kane in a no disqualification match after Orton countered the chokeslam by pushing Kane into an exposed turnbuckle. Orton then hit an RKO to win, in what was described as a very good match.

* Barry Stevens, a local talent from Queens, New York, is introduced to the crowd. Some of the lower-card Smackdown talent are shown laughing at him. Ryback‘s music hits. Skip Sheffield has returned.

* Ryback b. Barry Stevens in a squash, with a high-angle fisherman’s suplex.

* Daniel Bryan & AJ come to the ring. Bryan says that if there was one good thing this week, it was that it allowed him to think about how everything was going so right, and how it has gone so wrong. He says “The truth is…” before pausing. AJ takes the mic and calls him a great wrestler and a great person and says that she isn’t the only one who thinks that. She points out all the “YES” signs and how his name is chanted when he’s not in the ring and how we are all here to support him. Bryan says it feels like everyone is mocking him. He says that if people were supporting him, they wouldn’t cheer “YES” for The Rock. He calls the people sheep. He says it makes it worse that AJ cost him the title. He says he beat two giants in a cage and he overcame 5 people in the Elimination Chamber, but her kiss flushed it all down the toilet. He says that AJ doesn’t get to rewrite this story, and it is all her fault. He says that it was his first WrestleMania and he walked in as World Heavyweight Champion. Her clinginess cost him the greatest night of his life. He will never let her ruin his life like that again.

* Bryan says he has a rematch clause with Sheamus and he will do it the right way: alone. He tells her to get into her SUV and go eat some cheeseburgers as he gets rid of the dead weight. He says they are through and that was the last kiss that she’ll ever get from him. She tries to reason with him but he tells her to get out and turns his back on her as she goes to the back crying.

* Big Show b. Heath Slater in a non-title squash. Cody Rhodes was on commentary. Cody was about to enter the ring, but decided against it. Show hit Slater with the WMD and Cody retreated.

* Backstage, John Laurinaitis is talking to The Bella Twins. Sheamus walks in and asks what Laurinaitis wanted to talk to him about. Laurinaitis calls out Sheamus for being disrespectful to people like Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio by kicking them when they weren’t ready. He says that when he wrestles Del Rio, they need to come face-to-face first. Sheamus says that Laurinaitis is right and tells him a story about a bully he knew, which Laurinaitis was not happy with.

* Nikki Bella b. Beth Phoenix in a non-title match after Kelly Kelly distracted Beth at ringside. Nikki capitalized and hit an X-Factor to win.

* Damien Sandow, an FCW talent, appeared via the TitanTron and cut a promo talking about people’s moral quality and calling them out on it.

* The Three Stooges are announced as the guest hosts for next week’s Raw Supershow.

* Alberto Del Rio b. Sheamus by disqualification to earn a future title shot. Ricardo Rodriguez got onto the apron and Sheamus pulled the ropes, sending him into the ring. Del Rio got a chair and tried to use it, but Sheamus stopped him. The referee turned around, saw Sheamus holding the chair, and disqualified him. Sheamus then hit the referee with a Brogue Kick and stared at Del Rio and Rodriguez, who had retreated up the ramp, to end the show.