After the news broke this weekend that Brock Lesnar was in negotiations to return to WWE, the former UFC Heavyweight champion returned home on Monday’s RAW from Miami, FL. Check out this video of Brock Lesnar returning to WWE after 8 long years:
Scott Steiner Continues Ripping TNA Creative On Twitter
In a move that could mark the end of Scott Steiner’s two decade plus reign as a mainstream wrestler, the multi-time champion was released from his contract with TNA Wrestling last week. “Big Poppa Pump” slammed the organization’s creative direction Monday afternoon on his Twitter account in response to the termination.
“Can somebody send tna’s booking team of pritchard hogan (and) bischoff video’s from ring ka king..booking hogan in a sex tape wont help ratings..what an embarassment to TNA (and) spike tv. Brother…” he wrote via text.
The former World Heavyweight Champion continued his verbal onslaught of his former employer and its creative figure heads late into the night with the following messages:
* Read my tweats people, I am not blasting TNA if I do I will let you know.
* Right now im trying to save tna bcuz its the titanic and its sinking fast bcuz hogan n bischoff r doing the same bullshit they did to de …
* It took them 1 1/2 months to drive tna to its lowest ratings ever…the best way to save it is to jump off and be the voice for the guys …
* Bitter????I have nothing to be bitter about! I have a contract extension signed by tna officials that under the circumstances i would no …
* Official that under the circumstances i would not sign
* Same bullshit they did to destoy wcw
* That cant say anything
source: PWInsider.com
Details On WWE’s Contract With Brock Lesnar
Monday’s Raw SuperShow saw the shocking return of Brock Lesnar to WWE as he dropped John Cena with a devastating F5. According to multiple sources within the organization, the recently retired mixed martial artist signed a one-year contract with WWE. He will be competing at WrestleMania XXIX at MetLife Stadium.
Lesner has agreed to make a minimum of two appearances per month for WWE over the course of the next year, plus an additional number of appearances in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XXIX. Sources within the company believe the final amount will be approximately 30 to 35.
source: PWInsider.com
J.R. Addresses Lesnar’s Return To WWE – Why Is He Back?
John Cena called The Rock out to the ring at the conclusion of Monday’s Raw SuperShow, but was instead greeted with a brutal F5 courtesy of Brock Lesnar. WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross went on Twitter to address the recently-retired mixed martial artist’s shocking return to sports entertainment.
“Why’s Brock Lesnar back? I’d suggest 2 earn BIG money. He’s done w/ UFC & still young. He’s a complex, supreme athlete. Interesting times,” he wrote.
Ross continued, “I don’t know of Lesnar’s contractual matters w/ WWE. None of our business. I did his 1st few deals. Let’s not over think this. Brock’s back!”
Ross also responded to a remark stating that he once said that Lesnar would never return to WWE, writing, “Never full time IMO. But enough to matter.”
Brock Lesnar Returns To WWE On RAW, F5’s Cena
John Cena called The Rock out to the ring on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, but what he got instead was something entirely different: Brock Lesnar.
VIDEO: BROCK LESNAR Returns To RAW & Destroys CENA
Lesnar’s theme music hit to a thunderous applause. Cena stared toward the entrance ramp as Lesnar slowly emerged through the backstage area and appeared on stage. He bounced around and flexed his chest muscles before pacing the stage while Cena smirked. Lesnar continued to walk around the stage before slowly making his way toward the ring. Lesnar paced around the ring, then slowly made his way into the ring as Cena applauded.
Lesnar came face-to-face with Cena and extended his hand, but suddenly hoisted Cena up on his shoulders. Lesnar turned around and hit Cena with the F5. Michael Cole declared that Brock is back and that the landscape of Monday Night Raw has changed.
Cena Nowhere To Be Found At Raw, Gunn Meets Ziggler, More
— The official Twitter feed of the WWE Insider says John Cena is nowhere to be found at tonight’s Raw SuperShow in Miami, Florida.
The account stated Monday evening, “We haven’t heard from @JohnCena since his loss to @TheRock at #WrestleMania, and he’s nowhere to be found at #Raw.”
— Former WWE Superstar Billy Gunn was backstage at WrestleMania XXVIII as he posted a photo online of himself with the WWE Superstar most often compared to him, Dolph Ziggler.
Gunn is very high on the “Show Off.” He said of the Raw wrestler last November in an interview: “I think he’s got great potential, and I think he’s one of there best talents WWE has. A little bit longer and he will be a big star, I think he is extremely talented.”
— Low Ki, formerly known as Kaval in WWE, will compete on an upcoming New Japan Pro Wrestling tour.
Gabriel Out For Six Weeks After Suffering Injury At ‘Mania
Justin Gabriel stated Monday afternoon Twitter that he suffered an elbow injury during the Triple Threat Tag Team Championship Match at WrestleMania XXVIII and therefore will be sidelined for six weeks.
“Just had X-rays and MRI on elbow,” Gabriel wrote. “Good news: no surgery needed. Bad news: out for six weeks.”
The WWE Tag Team Champions stood tall against their challengers was Primo and Epico defeated The Usos and the pairing of Tyson Kidd and Gabriel.
Daniel Bryan Names His Best Match In WWE, Torrie On TMZ
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine asks Daniel Bryan to give his opinion on his best work in a WWE ring so far. He says it’s a match that took place on WWE Superstars last year.
“My favorite match was probably my bout against William Regal on the November 10, 2011, Superstars in England,” Bryan said. “Whenever I get to wrestle someone who has taught me as much as Regal has is great for me, and to do it in his home country added something special to the match.”
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— A number of celebrities were on hand for WrestleMania XXVIII including New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson. TMZ.com has published an article noting the couple’s appearance. TMZ says Wilson introduced A-Rod to such WWE Superstars as Big Show, John Cena and Rey Mysterio.
— WrestleMania related searches did not fare relatively well on Google.com. The term WrestleMania hovered between No. 10 and No. 20 last night and until this afternoon. No wrestler cracked the top 20.
source: F4WOnline.com
Scott Steiner Rips Hulk Hogan On Twitter, Knockouts Updates
— After parting ways with TNA Wrestling last week, “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner slammed the organization’s creative heads Monday afternoon on Twitter.
“Can somebody send tna’s booking team of pritchard hogan (and) bischoff video’s from ring ka king..booking hogan in a sex tape wont help ratings..what an embarassment to TNA (and) spike tv. Brother…” he wrote via text.
Steiner continues
— After being excluded from the last set of Impact Wrestling tapings, Angelina Love stated today on Twitter that she will appear on this week’s shows. She has not appeared for TNA since February 27.
To correct an earlier report, Sarita will be on hand for this week’s show (according to her official Facebook page). She is being erroneously advertised for a CMLL event tonight in Puebla, Mexico.
— Christy Hemme will perform with her band at House of Blues Orlando on Saturday. Details are available here.
Sheamus World Title News, Heat On Rock For Not Attending HOF
– Following his World Heavyweight championship win at WrestleMania 28, WWE officials are reportedly planning a lengthy title run for Sheamus.
– Christian is in line for a World Heavyweight title shot after Team Laurinaitis was victorious over Team Long at WrestleMania. Christian was pulled from the match due to injury, it remains to be seen if he will still get the title shot.
– WrestleMania 28’s Trendrr.tv Social Media Activity score was 1,419,160 – the most social television show on Sunday night by far. To give you an idea of why WWE was touting WrestleMania as the “Social Media Event Of The Year” – January’s Royal Rumble scored a 230,974 social media score.
– There was heat on The Rock among some of the Legends and talents in Miami this week for not attending the Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday night. No word yet on why he didn’t attend.
– There was a push in Miami this weekend for WWE to begin pushing some of the younger talents on the Road to WrestleMania 29 next April.
(Source: F4Wonline.com)
Backstage Pictures From WrestleMania 28 In Miami
Check out these pictures from backstage at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami from Sunday – the day of WrestleMania 28:
Legends Impressed With Punk, Celebs At WrestleMania, Slim Jim
– Aside from the expected legends and here’s a list of former WWE personalities and celebrities who were at Wrestlemania 28 in Miami:
Maria Kanellis, Jimmy Wang Yang, Eden Stiles, Maryse, Lita, Torrie Wilson and New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, NFL legend Warren Sapp, Chili of TLC, the cast of USA Network’s Psych, American Idol’s James Durbin, rapper Timbaland, actor Andy Garcia, and MMA fighters Rashad Evans and Cole Miller.
Steve Austin and JBL were not in attendance for WrestleMania. JBL flew back to Texas after inducting Ron Simmons into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
– WWE announced during WrestleMania that Slim Jim is donating half a million dollars of their product to the troops. WWE ran a promotion at the end of 2011 where Slim Jim would donate a a Slim Jim snack to the troops for every 2 Slim Jims purchased by fans.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper was impressed with WWE Champion CM Punk’s at WrestleMania. Piper tweeted:
“Like to thank@CMPUNK for the respect and more the talent he has.The Sky is CM’s limit. I’m very impressed with the performer & more the Man!”
Punk received supportive comments from Bret Hart and Ultimate Warrior during WrestleMania weekend, so it’s clear many legends approve of Punk being a worthy holder of the coveted WWE Championship.
Latest Episode Of WWE Download, ‘Mania’s Latino Moments
— In this week’s edition of WWE Download, Dolph Ziggler dives into some physical conditioning fail videos, including one featuring a guy who should’ve consulted a trainer, his doctor… anyone, before getting on a weight machine:
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— Fox News Latino has published an article looking at the moments involving Latinos last night at WrestleMania XXVIII. The article mentions Mil Mascaras’ induction into the WWE Hall of Fame and Eve’s role in the Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny match.
— Ten time world boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya voiced his approval of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson defeating John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII, tweeting Monday, “”I knew @TheRock would win.” #GoldenBoyPromotions #TeamBringIt.” Johnson wrote in response, “Thank U champ!”
Jab Taken At TNA Employee During ‘Mania, Nash’s Top Three
– During Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVIII pay-per-view broadcast, Jerry “The King” Lawler referenced TNA Wrestling Senior Vice President of Programming and Talent Relations Bruce Prichard’s former WWE character Brother Love while expressing his disdain for John Laurinaitis’ white suit. Lawler said:
“That suit is so ugly, it would give Brother Love a heart attack.”
Prichard recently suffered a pair of ‘small’ heart attacks, causing him to miss the last set of Impact Wrestling tapings.
– Former WWE Superstar Kevin Nash ranked the top three matches at WrestleMania XXVIII via Twitter.
1. The Undertaker vs. Triple H – “End of an Era” Hell in a Cell Match
2. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho – WWE Championship Match
3. John Cena vs. The Rock
Nash also refuted Michael Cole’s claim that Sheamus’ defeat of Daniel Bryan was the quickest world title change in WWE history at 18 seconds. “Hey Cole Diesel-Backland 8 seconds,” he said in reference to defeating Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship in 8 seconds in November 1994.
Austin & HBK Loved HIAC, WM28 Pyro, Looking Ahead To 29
– Steve Austin wrote the following about the Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania 28:
“Well that was damn sure worth $65 bucks. Great F’n story. Brutality personified. HBK tremendous addition to drama. Hats off to Taker/HHH.”
– Shawn Michaels thanked WWE for his role at WrestleMania 28 last night. He wrote:
“There are no words to express how honored I was to be a part of that match!! Thank you @WWE for allowing me to be a part of #WrestleMania !!”
– WWE reportedly spent over a half-million dollars on the pyro for WrestleMania 28.
– Several WWE mid-card wrestlers were tweeting about looking ahead to WrestleMania 29 next year:
Curt Hawkins: “An incredible night. So glad to be apart of the show but I need to be out there in that ring. A whole new year begins now. #WrestleMania”
Mason Ryan: “As hungry as I was before….I’m even hungrier now, I need, and will be at next years #Wrestlemania”
Kofi Kingston: “Wow, what a show! And just like that, we are on the Road to #Wrestlemania 29!”
Ezekiel Jackson: “#Wrestlemania 28 was an awesome spectacle. next year we’re going to the city that never sleeps…domination is going Home”
RAW Preview: 10-Man Tag, Rock, Rumored Announcement, HOF
WWE will air the 2012 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony tonight on the USA Network. The 1-hour special begins at 8pm EST as a lead-in to RAW and will feature the inductions of Mike Tyson, The Four Horsemen and Edge.
Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and will feature the fallout from WrestleMania 28.
The Rock, John Cena, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Big Show, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Christian and Zack Ryder are among the WWE superstars advertised to appear.
WWE is promoting tonight as the beginning of the “Team Johnny Era” after John Laurinaitis’ team won at WrestleMania.
It is believed that WWE will make some sort of announcement related to next year’s WrestleMania 29 event.
WWE is advertising a 10-man match for tonight featuring John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Big Show and Sheamus vs. Kane, Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho.
JR Comments On Rock-Cena, Daniel Bryan To Address Title Loss
— Friday’s WWE SmackDown will feature Daniel Bryan reacting to his 18-second World Heavyweight title loss to Sheamus at WrestleMania. The WWE Website has this preview up for Friday’s show:
“With his history-making feat, Sheamus becomes a three-time World Champion, while Daniel Bryan leaves WrestleMania with egg on his face. How will the submission specialist react to falling to the Irish Superstar in such a hasty fashion? Find out Friday on SmackDown on Syfy at 8/7 CT.”
– Speaking of the new World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, he is now on Twitter @WWESheamus.
– Jim Ross returned to the WWE announcers table last night and called Hell in a Cell between Triple H and The Undertaker. Ross wrote the following about the John Cena vs. The Rock main event:
“@TheRock and @JohnCena working their asses off. I’m calling it in my head. Is that sick or what?”
According to a WWE source, Ross called the the Hell in a Cell match because The Undertaker made the request several weeks ago.
Mania After Party, Menounos Denies Having Accident, Natayla
– WWE held a WrestleMania 28 after party last night. Some of the WWE talents arrived an hour late after the bus they were traveling on took them the wrong way.
– Some fans were under the impression that Maria Menounos had an “accident” during the divas tag match at WrestleMania. Maria set the record straight on Twitter, saying it was just makeup on her butt:
“Just won my match at #Wrestlemania with @realkellykelly.amazing experience.and ps-that was eve’s makeup on my pants-let’s not get cray cray”
– WWE diva Natalya was asked on Twitter if she was upset that Beth Phoenix didn’t pick her as her tag team partner at WrestleMania. She replied:
“I’m confused. Not sure what to think-”
There has been talk of officially splitting up Beth & Natalya and having them feud in the weeks after WrestleMania.
Laurinaitis In Control, Big Show Grand Slam, Eve Heel Turn
– We received emails from many fans who were at WrestleMania 28 that their views were obstructed by the giant palm trees that were used around the ring.
– With Team Laurinaitis’ win at WrestleMania 28, John Laurinaitis is now in control of both RAW and SmackDown. WWE is hyping that the “Team Johnny Era” will begin on tonight’s RAW Supershow.
Team Laurinaitis won after Zack Ryder was distracted by Eve Torres and received a Skull Crushing Finale from The Miz. After the match, Eve Torres turned on Zack and kicked him in the junk, apparently completing her heel turn. Ryder tweeted after the match:
“@EveMarieTorres ruined my #WrestleMania moment. I got a low blowski from a hoeski.”
– Big Show is now a Grand Slam Champion after capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 28. Big Show has held the WWE title, the World Heavyweight title, the WWE tag titles, the defunct WWE Hardcore title and now the Intercontinental title.There have been eleven other Grand Slam Champions in WWE history. For more on and the other superstars who have reached this, visit Wikipeida.com.
Jericho Says The Better Man Won At WM28, Time To Move On
After failing to capture the WWE Championship from CM Punk at WrestleMania 28 in an epic 30+ minute battle, Jericho posted the following on Twitter on Monday morning:
“Feel like I got run over by a truck…and in a way I did. The better man won last night. I guess its time for me to move on.”
When Jericho first returned to WWE, there were online reports that he would be leaving shortly after WrestleMania. More recently, we reported here on SEScoops that Jericho will be sticking around for several more months, so him “moving on” is likely not his departure from WWE – and probably moving on from his feud with Punk.
Details On Daniel Bryan Quickly Dropping The World Title
As Daniel Bryan went to kiss his girlfriend AJ at WrestleMania XXVIII, he ignored the fact that the bell had already rung to start his World Heavyweight Championship Match against Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior immediately Brogue Kicked him for the victory.
WWE creative had planned for the match to set a new record for the shortest match in WrestleMania history but it ultimately was not at as it last 18 seconds (Chavo Guerrero vs. Kane at WrestleMania XXIV stands as the shortest match in WrestleMania history at 8 seconds). The quick match result was planned had been planned for weeks but there were people in WWE lobbying to have it changed.
WWE.com says Bryan will react to the defeat on Friday’s SmackDown. The synopsis reads: “With his history-making feat, Sheamus becomes a three-time World Champion, while Daniel Bryan leaves WrestleMania with egg on his face. How will the submission specialist react to falling to the Irish Superstar in such a hasty fashion? Find out Friday on SmackDown on Syfy at 8/7 CT.”
source: F4WOnline.com
WWE Extreme Rules Promo Video, AJ On Daniel Bryan’s Loss
— WWE has released the promotional video for Extreme Rules, which takes place April 29, 2012 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
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— As Daniel Bryan went to kiss his girlfriend AJ at WrestleMania XXVIII, he ignored the fact that the bell had already rung to start his World Heavyweight Championship Match against Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior immediately Brogue Kicked him for the victory. A.J. addressed the blunder via Twitter, writing, “I have a feeling I’m sleeping on the couch tonight…”
She continued, “Despite Danny’s loss, this was the best night of my life. Wanted to walk down that ramp my whole life. Also happy I didn’t trip.”
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina will appear for Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors Live on Friday, April 13 at Pico Rivera Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. Event information is available here.
Numerous WWE Superstars React To WrestleMania XXVIII
Numerous WWE Superstars offered their take on tonight’s WrestleMania XXVIII pay-per-view event through Twitter.
Epico: “There it is! I walked in to #wrestlemania as tag team champion and I leave as tag team champion!!!”
Howard Finkel: “Another W’Mania in the books! Kudos 2 R superstars 4 their efforts, and kudos to all of u who watched 2nite! And for me: 28 in a row! YES!!!”
Joey Styles: “Congratulations to @TheRock for winning his “Once in a Lifetime” #WrestleMania match with @JohnCena. 78,000 people exploded in Miami.”
Michael McGillicutty: “I’m done sitting on the sidelines! I need to be involved with #WrestleMania. Let’s do this! #EndofanEra”
Natalya: “Well @TheRock has nice taste In submissions! #sharpshooter #WrestleMania”
Randy Orton: “Gonna be hard to top HHH/Taker……#WrestleMania28”
Santino Marella: “Rock just beat cena, I’m speechless for once in my life”
Vickie Guerrero: “Wrestlemania was incredible!!! Everyone worked hard and gave their heart! Thank you fellow superstars, production, and crew!!!”
Zack Ryder: “@EveMarieTorres ruined my #WrestleMania moment. I got a low blowski from a hoeski.”
Win A Trip To Next Year’s WrestleMania, Big Show Joins Club
— WWE announced Sunday night the WrestleMania XXIX – 100 Trip Giveaway Sweepstakes where they are offering 1 of 100 trips to WrestleMania XXIX at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for you and a guest.
The contest is open to legal residents of 50 United States (D.C.) and Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 and older. Each prize consists of a trip for two to WrestleMania XXIX consisting of airfare, hotel and tickets to the event.
The entry form is available here.
— Big Show is now a Grand Slam Champion after capturing the Intercontinental Championship from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XXVIII. The term is used to describe a wrestler who has won a Tag Team Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, either the European or Hardcore Championship, and either the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship. There have been eleven other Grand Slam Champions in WWE history.
— Jack Evans, who performs for the Mexican-based promotion Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, turns 30 years old Monday.
WrestleMania 28 Higheset Grossing Event In WWE History
WWE sent out the following press release after WrestleMania touting the event’s unbelievable success:
MIAMI, Apr 01, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — WWE® WWE +0.34% announced tonight that WrestleMania XXVIII set three records. With a sellout crowd of 78,363 fans from all 50 states and 36 countries, the annual pop culture extravaganza became Sun Life Stadium’s largest attended event and highest grossing entertainment event in history. Grossing $8.9 million, it was also the highest grossing live event in WWE history. The event was broadcast around the world on pay-per-view in more than 105 countries and 20 languages.
The previous Sun Life Stadium attendance record was 77,912 for the BCS National Championship in 2005. Its highest grossing entertainment event was U2 on June 29, 2011, grossing more than $7.5 million. WrestleMania XXVIII surpassed the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania in Houston, which grossed $7.2 million. This marks the third consecutive year WrestleMania broke the gross entertainment event record of the host venue.
“WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami-Dade County was an incredible event for WWE. WWE would like to thank our loyal fans, as well as the public and private sector partners for their tireless efforts to help make WrestleMania Week such a success,” said John P. Saboor, Senior Vice President of Special Events, WWE. “We now look forward to building on these achievements as we head to MetLife Stadium for WrestleMania XXIX next year.”
WrestleMania XXIX will take place on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Ticket information will be announced later this year.