– In this week’s episode of WWE Download, Dolph Ziggler looks at the ridiculous things people do when they’re drunk.
– WWE.com has published a photo gallery from Raw 1,000 of alternate camera views.
– Despite WWE’s product generally being geared toward children, the median audience for Raw ranges from 38 to 40, according to the Wrestling Observer.
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita, who returned on Raw 1,000, is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 230)
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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 13 minutes
Solomonster has a FULL review of Raw 1000 from last Monday, a show he feels is being criticized a bit too harshly. Looking at CM Punk’s heel turn, Rock getting a Rumble title shot, the reason for Stone Cold’s absence and how he SHOULD have been booked on the show, an AWFUL wedding payoff and a depressing Undertaker story. Plus, a better choice for who TNA could have picked as Impact’s new GM, Chavo Guerrero’s ridiculous push on TV, Velvet Sky’s departure and is Bully Ray on his way out as well?
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The Great Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh, underwent surgery Wednesday to remove a pituitary gland tumor that’s the cause of his tremendous size. The tumor was discovered through WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, according to a report by ABC News.
A WWE official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press about Singh that WWE identified his acromegaly condition prior to surgery this week. Despite the surgery, he is at greater risk of facing health problems if the tumor came into contact with the nearby optic nerves.
Singh could be healthy enough to return to the ring within months, but if he does, it might be at the risk of internal bleeding at the surgical site caused by physical contact.
In a statement, WWE spokesman Adam Hopkins said that “[a]s part of WWE’s ongoing wellness evaluation, we are happy that The Great Khali had successful pituitary surgery, and we look forward to him returning to the ring in the near future.”
Gabriel Feldman, who directs the sports law program at Tulane Law School, believes WWE could be held liable for failing to address Singh’s acromegaly condition. However, he adds that WWE attorneys “are known for the scrupulousness with which they guard the publicly traded but privately controlled company from liability” and “WWE contracts tend to tilt most of the leverage toward the company.”
“This may be more of a moral problem than a legal problem,” Feldman said.
The full story is available at abcnews.go.com.
In his first match since flooring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson with a clothesline and subsequent Go to Sleep on Raw 1,000, CM Punk appeared as a babyface at Saturday’s SmackDown live event at Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. He retained the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Daniel Bryan and Kane. Attendees largely ignored his apparent heel turn on Monday as he was loudly cheered throughout the match.
Chris Jericho rekindled his partnership with Christian as the duo took on Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler donned a Jericho “WANNA-BEE” T-Shirt, which Jericho ripped off during the contest. The match concluded with Jericho striking Rhodes with the Codebreaker.
Drew McIntyre appeared as a babyface on the show as he rushed the ring to aid Ted DiBiase from an attack courtesy of Camacho and Hunico—after DiBiase defeated Hunico due to interference from Camacho. The third generation wrestler then proposed they have a tag team match, which all agreed to. The match concluded with DiBiase escaping Hunico’s sleeper attempt and hitting him with Dream Street.
Other match results were Kaitlyn over Natalya, Jinder Mahal over Percy Watson, Justin Gabriel over developmental wrestler Leo Kruger and World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus over Alberto Del Rio in a Last Man Standing Match.
(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)
– Chavo Guerrero, who made his TNA Impact Wrestling debut last Thursday, has been added to the roster page on ImpactWrestling.com. The website refers to WWE by name in his bio, “Chavo’s amazing career has included WCW, WWE and now TNA!”
Meanwhile, Ric Flair, Velvet Sky and Matt Morgan remain listed on the roster page even though they are no longer affiliated with the organization. TNA stated in a court filing against WWE that Flair’s contract was terminated in May. Sky stated last week on Twitter that she was granted her release. Morgan fulfilled his contractual obligations and tweeted last week that he would never return to TNA.
– Infrequently seen TNA Knockout Mickie James appears in Bucky Covington’s new music video. TNA Impact Wrestling has released a video going behind-the-scenes of its filming.
http://youtu.be/UbPJDIYXyVI
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, former TNA Knockouts Velvet Sky and Angelina Love will appear at Sideline Sports at the Middletown Market 128 Dolson Ave. Middletown, New York on October 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
– After defeating Magnus to earn seven points in the Bound For Glory Series at TNA Wrestling’s BaseBrawl event in Washington, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Kurt Angle addressed the audience about his failed attempt to make this year’s United States Olympic wrestling team.
http://youtu.be/XuRumAU_UkA
In another Bound For Glory Series match result, Mr. Anderson defeated Magnus today in Akron, Ohio via submission to earn ten additional points, according to TNA Wrestling Dixie Carter’s Twitter account.
– Rarely used TNA wrestler Mark Haskins recently got engaged to fellow British wrestler Vicky Skeeles. Skeeles was briefly under developmental contract to WWE in 2010.
(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Kevin Nash appears in the trailer for The Newest Pledge, a Lionsgate production slated for release on August 28, 2012. In the film, “a hard partying fraternity decides to pledge a baby that they find on their doorstep the morning after their most decadent party of the semester.” Jason Mewes, Mindy Sterling and Andy Milonakis also star.
The film has a second wrestling connection as famous bodybuilder Mike O’Hearn, who has rejected multiple contract offers from top wrestling organizations, appears as a cop. He signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation in 1994, but was forced to renege due to his contract with American Gladiators. He appeared on WCW Monday Nitro in 2000 as part of a brief cross-promotional feud between WCW and Battle Dome. WCW officials wanted to sign him then, but he was unable to due to his commitments with Battle Dome. John Laurinaitis then had a WWE contract for him on the table in 2003 and 2004. He strongly considered the offer, but ultimately rejected it. Additionally, his ex-wife is former WCW valet Midajah and he appeared on the Hulk Hogan-hosted American Gladiators reboot on NBC. Steve Austin also noted last week via Twitter that he was “on the comeback trail” training alongside O’Hearn.
– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner turned 50 years old today.
– Since his heel turn at Raw 1000 CM-Punk hasn’t tweeted. His last tweet as of this article publishing was just before Raw 1000:
Two men enter. One man walks out. Let's go!#RAW1000 pic.twitter.com/Ij0caWML
— player/coach (@CMPunk) July 23, 2012
– John Cena recommended Zach Ryder’s Latest Episode Z! True Long Island Story – Episode #77
Best one in a long time! Must see! RT @ZackRyder: Z! True Long Island Story – Episode #77 http://t.co/moATE0t2 via @youtube WATCH & RT
— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 28, 2012
Rob Van Dam, was in Phoenix last week promoting TNA’s Bound For Glory PPV going on-sale. He was interviewed by The Phoenix New Times, and spoke about being pro-marajuna, differences between wrestling for TNA and WWE and talked about which WWE superstar asked him for permission to use his airbrush artist. View the full article here
Ryback asking him for permission to use his airbrush artist: “Ryback reached out to me and asked for permission to use the same airbrush artist that I use, Joe Holland in Savannah, Georgia,” he said. “The guy’s been making me the same outfits since like 1995 and he doesn’t do a lot work for wrestlers. And I’m all for anyone that can make more business off of things they do for me. Ryback has my blessing [and] I’m flattered that he’s a fan of mine. He’s been very respectful in reaching out to me. I haven’t met the guy but have nothing but respect for him.”
Being a fan of marijuana and a big supporter of medicalization. If he smokes out regularly: Um, that’s more of a personal question than a direct question that my character talks about. It’s not so much part of the show as just [something] connecting me to that culture. A lot of my fans are in that culture and when I’m not wrestling I’m a strong advocate for ending the marijuana prohibition. Not to mention I also help educate people about medicinal marijuana programs. Since you brought it up, I’d love to tell everybody that it’s impossible to overdose from marijuana. Everyone’s brainwashed into thinking it’s a harmful drug but its not. It’s the most resourceful plant that we have on the entire planet. Medicinally, recreationally, materially…it could basically replace so many huge conglomerate and big corporate businesses, which is the reason why its outlawed.
The differences between wrestling for TNA and WWE: “In Total Nonstop Action, individual wrestlers have a lot more freedom to artistically express themselves versus WWE,” Van Dam explained. “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. TNA focuses more on the wrestler’s abilities and skills and gives them a chance to shine out there in front of the fans.
“It’s also more of an up-close-and-personal experience where wrestlers are more accessible and there’s a lot of times spent on meeting the fans. And Bound For Glory will be no different and we’ll be there on October 14 with a big meet-and-greet. The day before that is also something called ‘TNAFan InterAction,’ which all the top stars will be there as well. People can meet and talk to their wrestlers and get their photos taken with ’em.”
WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik recently spoke to NBC’s Matthew Kitchen. Here are some highlights
A signature move and name Jordan Burroughs could use: “‘The Jordan.’ Not like the Michael Jordan but he still the Real American. He can break the pinkie finger like Sheikie. He break people back with his pinkie. Because he a big strong [expletive] for America. I be happy. His name could be “the Real” and his finisher be “the Humble.” Give me a hell yeah!”
Ellis Coleman’s nickname “Flying Squirrel”:“Flying squirrel remind me of Ultimate Warrior because he a little rat when he jump in ring like that idiot Jose Canseco or Mel Gibson. I would never respect the squirrel because the squirrel have no [expletive].”
If he could beat any of the current Team USA members: “In my day I beat living [expletive] out of all Olympian who challenge the legend. I put them in a camel clutch, break they back [two or three expletives], and make them humble. But now I am not in same shape as before so I don’t [expletive] with them.”
How would the Olympics would benefit from adding ropes around the mat: “The rope protect you and you cannot run away like little [expletive] in ring like Jose Canseco.”
If he’s ready for a comeback: “I know if I training I can beat the [expletive] out of anybody who [expletive] with me. I am the real legend not like the jabroni the Tom Cruise.”
The the current American wrestling team:“They all workers but need to pay their due to be legend like Iron Sheik. Buy my [expletive] shirt!! USA #1!”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross updated the blog section ofJRsbarbq.com. The following items are among the highlights. To order J.R.’s BBQ products, visit WWEShop.com.
WWE Raw 1000: “Too many Twitter followers @JRsBBQ had issues with my succinct assignment on Monday night but I had none. Some apparently don’t know what it means to be a team guy and do what is asked. In football vernacular, I got a uniform and ran the plays that were called and was pleased to do so… The reality of the matter is this…it is highly unlikely, thanks Gorilla, that exact collection of performers will EVER be under the same roof again. I look back upon my attendance at RAW1000 as a privilege and am grateful to have had the opportunity to see so many old friends that have meant a great deal to me over my long career. ”
New NXT Divas: “I’ve been impressed with the young ladies in ring skills on NXT including Paige, who’s from England, Puerto Rico’s Sophia, Texas Audrey Marie and Raquel Diaz, the daughter of the late Eddy Guerrero and Vickie Guerrero. Racquel has a big personality and her verbal skills are marketable. Paige and Sophia are particularly physical in the ring. NXT has a really nice group of Divas.”
Would he Induct Mick Foley into the WWE HOF:“@RealMickFoley when asked who would induct him if/when Mick goes into the WWE HOF mentioned Terry Funk and yours truly. While I would love to honor Mick on that special occasion, there is no way that I would ever put myself in the same category with Terry Funk. Terry mentored Mick and treated Mick like a son. While I’d love to induct Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy into the WWE HOF, I think that Terry Funk is the best choice. However, I stand ready if called upon.”
George “The Animal” Steele recently spoke on the Inside The Ropes Podcast about his character, the Montreal Screwjob and more. The Highlights Appear Below Listen to the podcast here
On his promos: “I did my own interviews and I was very articulate in the WWF when I got there but once they called me The Animal, and I was doing an interview with Vince and he said I was making too much sense for an animal so i turned into the ooh ooh aah guy and became the comedy character and it was a great run.”
WrestleMania 2: “I had a great time. It was not as stressful as when I wrestled Bruno because Bruno and I were hardcore. I was a cartoon character with Randy so it was easier. Randy was in all honesty, a very jealous guy about Elizabeth and what you saw was sort of real. So then the further I went on TV to make him jealous and the further I got, the angrier he was.”
WrestleMania 3: “It was about 12 miles from home. The Savage/Steamboat thing was Not my kinda match. i heard them talk that match for three weeks, i was sick of hearing about it. They called the spots, it was a great match but there was no psychology. Andre was a very good friend, Vince and Hogan did not know what Andre would do when he got to the ring if he’d lay down. He sort of kayfabed them. I’m sitting watching, laughing my tail off because I knew what Andre would do. When Hogan slammed Andre, that made him.”
His departure of WWE: “I was deathly ill with Crohn’s Disease. I was in hospital for a month, and I knew it was all over, I couldn’t keep wrestling. I didn’t know I’d have to retire, but once I got to hospital, I knew it was over.”
His Hall of Fame Induction: “It was fine. they brought my family in. After my induction they didn’t do any inductions for years. I got to talking to this guy Tony Mollano who’s responsible for the boxing hall of fame and I told him there wasn’t a physical building, and so we set up the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, New York. It’s a good thing. We’re not in competition with Vince. But we have a building people can come along and take a look at history.”
On the Montreal Screwjob: “To me that’s one of the biggest jokes in wrestling of all time. Lets be honest, who did Bret Hart beat to win the belt? They give him the belt and then he can’t drop the belt in his own country? Give me a frickin break. By Vince doing the double cross Vince became the hottest thing in the business when all he did was take his belt back. He outdid everyone who walked away like Hulk and Bret.”
– Beginning tomorrow night, WWE’s weekly Monday night program will be officially referred to as Raw rather than Raw SuperShow. It was apparently a sudden change as all future Mondays events were labeled Raw SuperShow as recently as last week. WWE.com changed their live events listings to reflect the change.
WWE instituted the Raw SuperShow tag on August 29, 2011 due to the addition of the SmackDown brand roster to the weekly program. SmackDown talent will continue to appear on Raw.
– Kelly Kelly is featured in a new WWE.com Divas photo shoot (view here) that was shot backstage at Raw 1,000, thus confirming she was at the show. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer was unsure last week as to whether she was actually at the event since he received no accounts of her being there.
Kelly’s status with the organization remains in limbo. As of last weekend, she had not informed management of her future plans.
– Jim Ross confirmed a report published here last week that Randy Orton, who was serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Policy, was backstage at Raw 1,000 in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Ross said he “looked good” when he saw him at the show.
Randy Orton’s 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program has ended—suspended effective May 30. He returns imminently as he is scheduled for Monday’s Raw in Cincinnati, Ohio and Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Indianapolis, Indiana.
According to F4WOnline.com, his suspension stemmed from a positive drug test for elevated levels of testosterone. He reportedly told people that he took a tainted supplement containing the testosterone, causing him to fail, and acknowledged that he should have been more careful. WWE chief Vince McMahon was said to have been livid with Orton over the matter, particularly since he was so “outspokenly indifferent.”
Orton’s suspension caused a ripple effect on SmackDown as John Cena, Triple H, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan were shifted to several shows this summer to alleviate the brand’s lack of star power. Punk and Bryan will resume their feud at Raw live events beginning this weekend while Cena will cease making special appearances following SmackDown broadcasts in three weeks. Triple H will continue to make special appearances on SmackDown until further notice.
– 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.
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.
Yes. RT @Squirrelly147: @JRsBBQ Will u be appearing alongside @steveaustinBSR and Mike Tyson 4 WWE '13 roster reveal event Summerslam w'end?
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) July 28, 2012
– 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!!”
– 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.
– 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.
– 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
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.
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.”
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>
– 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”
– 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:
