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Scotty Riggs Discusses WWE Not Acknowledging Chris Benoit

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Speaking to The Fight Club Chicago, former WCW and ECW star Scotty Riggs weighed in on the Chris Benoit double murder and suicide and why he believes that Vince McMahon feels Benoit is a blackeye to WWE.

“I still believe that what happened, the tragedy with Chris and Nancy and Daniel… I knew them well,” said Riggs. ” “[I] Used to eat dinner with Chris and he would get on his cell phone and he would be on the phone with Nancy and he would give me the phone and I’m like what and he goes, ‘Nancy wants to say hello to you. She loves you.’

“I had a great relationship with the family. So whatever happened in that period of time, I still don’t think it’s the Chris Benoit that all of us knew. It might have been that physical person, but the mental person… whatever was going on with him mentally, I just don’t think that was him.

“Verne Gagne a lot of people knew him from AWA and this wrestling historian, basically is in a retirement home. Killed a roommate, something of the sort. Never got the publicity because he wasn’t high profile at that time. But he had no recollection of it. Didn’t remember doing it and they basically gave him a free get go. Basically did the same thing, took another persons life. Whether it’s your family or whether its a person or anything of that sort. Scott Hall, he’s had his demons, found out what he did early before he started wrestling when he took a life, but how it affects you. You see how it’s affecting him, his demons and his life now.

“But with Chris, no one ever saw what was happening in his mind. You saw glimpses of things that maybe might make you question, but no red flags that would make you think he’d do that. So for people who really, really respect him as a wrestler… The fans will never forget Chris Benoit. Wrestlers who knew Chris Benoit as Chris and as a guy who was there as a friend will never forget him and so he’ll be remembered.

“I think WWE, Vince McMahon will never acknowledge him because of there quote, unquote family PG status right now. They just won’t do it. To them its a black eye. Vince, he’ll deny everything and he’ll just sweep it under the rug and only let the good be seen. He’ll get rid of the bad, pretend it didn’t exist. He does that with everything and everybody and always has. It’s unfortunate.”

Riggs also discussed Eric Bischoff, the New World Order, WWE and more in the interview. It is available here.

Chris Jericho Says Music Is His Number One Priority, Countdown

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Chris Jericho revealed in an interview with Fighting Spirit Magazine that Fozzy is his top priority since he’s done everything he can possibly do in professional wrestling.

“When I was a kid I had two dreams, I wanted to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band and I wanted to be a wrestler, and I’m very fortunate that I got to do both at the highest level. At this point in time, 100 percent of my focus is on the band, and the mass of momentum that we’ve got over the last couple of years from touring and playing, and the reputation we’ve earned. I wanted to make the most of it, and take Fozzy to the next level,” he says in the interview.

“I’ve done everything I could possibly do in wrestling. It’s been great, but now Fozzy is kind of growing to be at the level where I am in wrestling, and Fozzy is what I wanna do. Wrestling will always be there, and if I decide to go back, it’s great. But after all these years of hard work with the band, to get some of this momentum behind us is a very rare thing.”

Three days remain on Jericho’s thirty-day WWE suspension due to denigrating the Brazilian flag at a WWE live event in São Paulo on May 24; he is scheduled to return on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. He referenced the lyrics to a 3 Count song in his latest suspension countdown message on Twitter: “Get up on your feet Put your hands together Sing along with 3 Count We’ll party up forever…”

Vince McMahon Sets Size Requirement, John Laurinaitis Replaced

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– Vince McMahon issued a directive to WWE scouts recruiting athletes as prospective talent; they must meet a size requirement of 6’2″ and 240 pounds. The WWE chief is concerned that many of his top-tier talents are approximately 200 pounds, thus small by his standards. His remark to Daniel Bryan on last week’s episode of Raw Supershow where nobody would believe him to be a WWE Superstar if he was spotted in a grocery store was based on his frustration with his roster’s lack of sufficient size. McMahon believes many of his top stars are not reaching the masses because they don’t possess ‘the Superstar look.’

– WWE creative writer Michael Hayes has replaced John Laurinaitis as the matchmaker for live event shows.

– Rey Mysterio’s sixty-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program expires on Monday. WWE has yet to advertise Mysterio for any upcoming events.

– The late Earthquake is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com. He died on June 7, 2006 at the age of 42 following a lengthy battle with bladder cancer.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Evan Bourne Advertised For FCW Event, Canyon Ceman Update

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– At Wednesday’s Florida Championship Wrestling event at the Orlando Armory in Orlando, Florida, posters were placed advertising Evan Bourne for their next event at the venue on July 25. He is advertised for a meet and greet.

Bourne is recovering from a serious car accident in March, where he broke his foot in four places and dislocated it in five. He issued an update on his health last week via Twitter: “More xrays taken today! My bones look good in the right light. Physical therapy starts next week….finally!”

– Canyon Ceman, who serves as Senior Director of Talent Development for WWE, was offered advice on succeeding in his executive role by veterans of the professional wrestling industry. They have advised him to learn from their experience, the Wrestling Observer reports.

Ceman, a noted volleyball player and former volleyball executive, was hired in March to recruit talent for WWE. While some have questioned his ability to recruit talent since he comes from a non-wrestling background, top-tier organization officials are high on Ceman as they feel his sports management knowledge is superb.

– Dennis Haskins, who portrayed Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell, is advertised for Pro Wrestling Syndicate’s September 14 event taking place at the Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, New Jersey. He will appear as commissioner at the event, which will be broadcast online.

John Cena Grants His 300th Make-A-Wish (Video)

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John Cena made a surprise appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America morning show this morning to celebrate granting his 300th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an unprecedented accomplishment.

He appeared alongside Jonathan Littman, a seven year old boy he met on Monday night at WWE’s RAW Supershow taping from Long Island, NY. Littman was being interviewed about Make-A-Wish when Cena made a surprise appearance.

“Jonathan Littman is a tremendous young man and such an inspiration. Of all the tough guys I tangle with in the WWE ring, I’ve never encountered more bravery or toughness than I see in each wish kid I meet. Wishing is powerful stuff.”

Cena invited Littman and his parents to the 1,000th RAW in St. Louis next month.

Here’s video of Cena’s appearance:

video platform video management video solutions video player

JR Blog: Heyman On RAW, Lesnar vs. Triple H, Next RAW GM

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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. As always, you can check out JR’s delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.

Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Paul Heyman On RAW: “Heyman is a natural born antagonist and when he speaks he isn’t ‘acting’ but simply being himself. I’ve personally been in too many non televised arguments with Paul to know of what I speak. Heyman has ‘it’ and always has plus it’s obvious that the native New Yorker hasn’t lost a step in his self imposed, long sabbatical from the biz over the past several years.”

“Paul Heyman is the best, antagonist, promo talent in WWE hands down.”

Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar: “A few weeks ago when HHH had his physical encounter with Brock Lesnar, I ‘felt’ that any bout between the two would be special. Specifically after the ‘Cerebral Assassin’ (Great handle…wonder where that came from?) fired up on Lesnar for a brief but impactful interlude of hammering right hands. That exchange struck a chord with me and flipped the switch for my motor to engage.”

“IF Lesnar vs. HHH happens at Summerslam, and I hope that it will, it will be a stellar attraction that will be fresh and not too likely to ever happen again. The bell to bell of this potential main event really has my interest and I’m intrigued to see how this matter plays out between now and August 19.”

Mike Tyson In WWE ’13: “Mike Tyson being a playable character in WWE13 is a significant development for THQ and WWE. Iron Mike’s involvement in the video game should be an outstanding, new, unique feature as the Attitude Era is represented strongly on this upcoming game that I assume will be released this fall perhaps in October.”

First Screenshots Of MIKE TYSON In WWE ’13

The Next Permanent RAW GM: “Just asking but could the new RAW/Smackdown GM be announced at the premier of the weekly three hour Monday Night Raws, episode 1000, in St. Louis on July 23? This isn’t a ‘spoiler’ even though some knuckleheads will think it’s such but merely a question. Doesn’t seem like a bad idea.”

Rumor On The Next RAW General Manager

TNA Takes Legal Action Against Scott Steiner Over Twitter Rants

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Total Nonstop Action Entertainment has taken legal action against former wrestler Scott Steiner following weeks of “disparaging remarks” online about the organization, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff and other employees, according to Nashville’s City Paper. TNA filed a verified complaint Monday in Nashville Chancery Court asking for an injunction to stop Steiner’s “disparaging remarks” on Twitter.

Read Here: All Of Scott Steiner’s CRAZY Twitter Rants

The Nashville based wrestling organization claims that Steiner’s remarks breach a contract he signed in December 2010. It specifically stipulates that he is “forbidden from making public statements, including messages online, concerning TNA or any of its employees without prior approval.” City Paper, however, does not disclose whether the stipulation stands following his departure from the organization in March 2012.

“In blatant disregard of the parties’ Agreement, Steiner has engaged in a concerted effort to disparage TNA, its wrestlers, and other talent and cast them in a negative light,” the lawsuit states.

TNA formally demanded that Steiner stop posting disparaging remarks on Twitter on May 10. He responded five days later through the social media website: “Havent tweeted lately bcuz I got a letter from a lawyer representing hogan n [Bischoff] basically saying… They take my tweets seriously and if threats continue they will take to law enforcement….really hogan my.. Tweets scare you,Ive said worse in interviews on tv,LOL.”

TNA’s lawsuit asks for injunctive relief due to Steiner’s breach of contract. No hearing on the matter has been set since TNA hasn’t filed an order for injunction,

It was also disclosed in the filing that Steiner was paid $2,500 per pay-per-view performance during his time with TNA.

Additional details on the matter are available here.

Exclusive Interview With Former WWE Superstar Kenn Doane

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Former WWE superstar Kenn Doane spoke with SEScoops.com and spoke about a number of controversial topics, including John Cena being the “Tiger Woods” of WWE and breaking up his engagement to Mickie James (which led to the demise of Doane & James’ WWE careers), Cena trying to get Randy Orton fired from WWE, his experience in the Spirit Squad, how WWE has changed since he left in 2008 and much more.

Note From Kenn: “First and foremost before reading this interview if your going to say “Your a cheerleader” or make comments of how I got beat in matches then your probably too uneducated and immature to continue so please hit the back button located at the top left of your webpage now. And now lets begin…”

When you were in the Spirit Squad, was there a feeling like this would brand you with a ‘stench’ that would be impossible to shake, or were you just happy to work with DX and Vince McMahon so early in your WWE career?

“We always knew going into it that groups don’t last forever and the best way possible to get out of that ‘stench’ so to say would be simply to fight each other or go back down to developmental and be repackaged. Fortunately Dolph had that opportunity, the other 3 got fired and I got brought back the following week as Dykstra. Spirit Squad was basically a group designed to bring back DX and that’s it. We came in as badass cheerleaders that took advantage of a 5-2 ratio and beat up every tag team they put in our way. Except when it came to DX, no 5 grown men could ever beat 2 not those 2 lol. This is where haters will say “duh haha you got superkicked and pedigreed.” But I’ma let them in on a secret. ITS FUCKING FAKE! I knew what was going to happen and I did because that was my job. That is equal to me saying haha you just got a stack of papers at your desk and now have to work more.”

“People don’t understand that this is a job. Nobody is really the champion of anything. It is a simple show that you watch and enjoy. If you were in a movie with Sly Stallone and beat his ass but then at the end he killed you would you be mad? Absolutely not you would tell everyone to go watch it. We make short action movies where in the end one loses and the other wins. So if you think otherwise then you didn’t read my disclaimer at the beginning and you can hit the back button now.”

What are your thoughts on fellow Spirit Squad alum Dolph Ziggler’s breakout potential?

“I think it’s great and I am a HUGE Dolph supporter. I text him sometimes before big matches telling him I may do a shoot run in and help him win because he deserves it. I think if THEY let him above the glass ceiling he will be a big player when it comes to the future. We already know Cody Rhodes will get through the glass ceiling eventually for sure. His damn father is a writer. Nothing against Cody he is a great talent just saying it how it is. And as for THEY i mean the politicians in the top spots. Guys like… like…. whats his name??? (haters and nerds get ready here it comes) John Cena that’s it. This man seems afraid of losing his spot and I never understood it because they are very high on him as we can all see but I guess when your at the top you must be afraid of falling sometimes. John is greedy in the ring and he is allowed to be. Very rarely do we see top babyfaces selling for anyone anymore. I think this is part of whats missing in wrestling today. I remember Bret Hart would sell for anyone at any level in every match, the reason being is if your babyface isn’t in danger then why do we care to cheer for them? Steamboat did the same thing. But guys feel it makes them weak to sell now when in reality it makes people interested. If we watched UFC and nobody got hurt we wouldn’t watch right? (a verbal yes will do fine here)

Based on what you’ve seen on television and heard from friends still working for the company, what has changed most in WWE since you left in 2008?

“Everybody walks on egg shells backstage. Nobody gets an opinion and everyone is afraid to speak up. That is what i noticed the times i went back there after my release. The new guys are like little kids that got scolded by their mothers and are on strike 2 when they didn’t do anything to begin with. and most are ass kissers which only gets them faster out the door. Nobody has a chance to become anything unless WWE wants them to be. It seems no fun, nobody really jokes or plays around like they used too. I remember bringing heely’s backstage [the sneakers with wheels in the heels], following week everyone had them, we would have races and such but now they all seem afraid to have fun or afraid to smile. their like pawns waiting to get picked up and moved to a certain spot. Silly if you ask me.”

Can you shed more light on your recent comments that John Cena wanted Randy Orton fired when you were in WWE?

“It was the same night when Cena tried toughening up Carlito (which was absolutely stupid of Cena) he was pretty much bullying him because we all know if Carlito hit Cena and hurt him he would be fired plain and simple. But regardless once John calmed down I asked him what that was all about he ranted and other crap saying people need to hold their own weight around here and some how he got to Randy being suspended saying he is trying for Randy’s release to send a message to everyone that they can all be fired just as easily. As for now I don’t know if John is trying for Randy’s release or not but if I had to guess I would say it is due to the fact that he told me he was before. This assumption could be wrong (meaning this could be false and not the truth) however John telling me in the past he did want Randy fired is true (that’s true because he told me, see how that works haters?).”

Based on your recent tweets about your former relationship with Mickie James, it’s clear that behind-the-scenes romance often winds up affecting WWE storylines. What is WWE’s attitude towards wrestlers dating divas?

“It depends on who you are, top guy like Cena can do what he wants but most of the time they try to fuck with it like put you on separate shows and make one date another on TV. I think its a little sick joke but who knows really. I mean look at past relationships usually their on separate shows.”

Since a return to WWE does not seem likely at this point due to your issues with the company’s top star, are you interested in working for Impact Wrestling? (Turns into a tangent about his relationship with Mickie James, her cheating on him with Cena, Cena’s “rats” and clearing his reputation)

“This is where its going to get interesting i may stray from this question until the end but i will answer you.”

Punk Talks Match Placement, #SnowAngeling Going Viral & More

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– Former TNA star Amazing Red’s WWE tryout match prior to Sunday’s WWE No Way Out pay-per-view went well and a WWE source believes he’ll be hired as part of WWE’s upcoming Cruiserweights project that’s been discussed for the WWE Network.

– WWE Champion CM Punk tweeted the following message in response to fans complaining about his WWE title matches not being featured last on WWE pay-per-views:

– Ever since CM Punk did “snow angels” with Jimmy Fallon on Monday night on Fallon’s late night NBC show, #SnowAngeling has been trending on Twitter this week and WWE has been encouraging fans to send in photos of themselves doing snow angels anywhere they can.

VIDEO: Watch CM Punk & Jimmy Fallon Do Snow Angels Together

WWE is reportedly trying to get #SnowAngeling to go viral, similar to NFL quarterback Tim Tebow’s “Tebowing” pose. WWE tried something similar earlier this year, telling fans to send in pictures of them doing Daniel Bryan’s “YES!” pose.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Eve Returning to RAW Next Week & Comments On Her NBC Show

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– It was announced on Tuesday that WWE Diva Eve Torres is currently filming a new reality show for NBC called Stars Earn Stripes, where celebrities go through boot camp training to raise money for military charities

Eve Appearing On New NBC Reality Show (Press Release)

Eve posted the following on her official website about her involvement in the show:

“I am absolutely THRILLED to be a part of the Stars Earn Stripes Cast! I will be working with our nation’s most elite heroes and competing to raise money for military and first responder charities. Not to mention… I will be shooting some MAJOR weapons! The two hour season premiere will air on NBC Monday, August 13th at 8/7c. Stay tuned!”

– Speaking of Eve, she’ll be returning to WWE’s RAW Supershow next Monday night.

Cena’s Wife Claims He Was Cheating On Her, Could Affect Prenup

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John Cena’s estranged wife Liz Huberdeau claims Cena was cheating on her, which could affect their prenuptial agreement and the terms of their pending divorce.

Liz’s divorce attorney Raymond Rafool tells TMZ.com they’ve been contacted by several people since news of their divorce went public stating that John Cena has been cheating on her. If the allegations are true, this could be grounds for Liz to challenge their prenuptial agreement. Rafool told TMZ:

“We’re definitely following up on every lead relative to his being unfaithful before AND after the separation.”

Ratings For Monday’s RAW & Steve Austin’s Redneck Island Show

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– Monday’s RAW Supershow drew a 3.4 cable rating with 4,963,000 viewers. The show did hourly ratings of 3.38 and 3.43.

WWE certainly benefited from not having competition from an NBA Finals game and it appears fans were interested in the fallout from WWE No Way Out. Factor in an approximate 10% increase in viewership from people who DVR’d RAW and WWE is comfortably out of the danger zone it was flirting with a month ago.

– The 6/16 WWE AM RAW scored a 0.52 rating with 594,000 viewers.

– The June 16th episode of Steve Austin’s Redneck Island reality show on CMT scored a 0.37 cable rating with 551,000 viewers. The midnight replay did 0.14 rating with 203,000 viewers.

What Happened After SmackDown, Triple H Appears Off Camera

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– Triple H appeared off-camera at Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings in Baltimore, Maryland. After Jack Swagger cut a cocky heel promo in the ring, Triple H’s music hit and he came to the ring and Pedigreed Swagger before leaving.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

– The dark main event that took place at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings saw John Cena defeat Big Show and David Otunga in a Handicap Match (Cena pinned Otunga).

After the match ended, John Laurinaitis hit the ring and tried hitting Cena with a steel chair. Cena ducked and laid Laurinaitis out with an Attitude Adjustment to end the show.

Foley & Ambrose Make Peace, Jim Ross On NXT Not Airing Online

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– FCW trainer Bill DeMott wrote on Twitter that WWE Diva Tamina Snuka has “big things coming her way.”

– Jim Ross was asked if he’s OK with WWE’s re-branded NXT show not airing online. He said:

– This week’s WWE Interim General Manager Mick Foley tweeted the following message after last night’s SmackDown tapings, stating that he finally had a chance to speak with Dean Ambrose face to face:

https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/215238362037104640

Ambrose did not reply to Foley directly, but tweeted the following Tuesday night:

https://twitter.com/thedeanambrose/status/215296275455803393

Orton Pulled From Live Event, 3-Hour RAW Fomat, Cena

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– According to WWE sources, the current plan for when RAW expands to three hours each week starting July 23rd is for WWE to use use the entire show (as well as Twitter) to hype big matches/segments that would take place at the top of each hour. WWE would spend the first 50 minutes of RAW hyping the start of the 9-9:15pm quarter hour, the next hour hyping the start of the 10-10:15pm quarter hour and the final hour hyping the show’s final segment.

– Suspended WWE superstar Randy Orton has been pulled from an upcoming advertised appearance. Orton was scheduled to wrestle Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio at a 3-way match at the July 24th SmackDown live event from Kansas City. On Tuesday afternoon, Orton’s name was removed from the card and now the match is just Sheamus vs. Del Rio.

– The WWE website has an article up asking if John Cena has redeemed himself following his disappointing loss to The Rock at WrestleMania 28. The article looks at Cena’s big win over Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules, his win over Big Show at No Way Out and his disposal of John Laurinaitis on Monday’s RAW as signs that he’s climbing his way back to the top.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

*Spoiler* Next Week’s RAW & Smackdown Interim GM Revealed

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It was announced on RAW that until WWE’s Board of Director appoints new General Managers to run RAW and SmackDown, each week’s shows will feature an interim General Manager. The eligible participants are people who have previously worked as General Managers. Monday’s RAW and this week’s SmackDown are hosted by Mick Foley.

At Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, Vickie Guerrero was named the Interim GM for next week’s RAW and SmackDown.

Other names that could serve as Interim GMs in the coming weeks include Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, William Regal, Jonathan Coachman and Mike Adamle.

SummerSlam PPV Poster Featuring Brock Lesnar

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Check out the SummerSlam PPV poster that Triple H showed off on RAW featuring Brock Lesnar:

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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WWE taped this week’s SmackDown from Baltimore, Maryland. Credit to readers Joe and Micah for these live results:

Dark Match:

* Damien Sandow defeated Percy Watson.

* Sin Cara beat Antonio Cesaro by count out when Cesaro walked out.

SmackDown, Airing Friday:

* Teddy Long kicks off SmackDown and is all smiles with John Laurinaitis gone. Big Show comes out and is met by Brodus Clay. They brawl until David Otunga makes the save for Show. Big Show hits the WMD on Clay and stares down Otunga. Show left by himself. There was tons of heel heat or Big Show in this segment.

* Ryback won another squash. His opponents were Jared Walker and Frank Valencia, and they cut a promo before the match.

* Mick Foley is backstage in his General Manager role. Vickie Guerrero reveals she will be the GM of RAW and SmackDown next week. It’s announced The Great Khali will be her assistant and we get some comedy.

* Daniel Bryan does a “Memorable Moment” video for the 1,000th RAW.

* Alberto Del Rio defeated Christian in a non-title match. Cody Rhodes came out after the match and laid Christian out.

* Kane defeated Daniel Bryan in a good back and forth match with AJ Lee out as the guest timekeeper. AJ rings the bell as Kane is in the Yes Lock. The referee says the match is not over and Kane chokeslams Bryan for the win. AJ skips away smiling.

* Mick Foley comes out to the ring but is interrupted by Heath Slater running his mouth. This leads to Slater vs. Zack Ryder.

* Zack Ryder beat Heath Slater.

* The Usos vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil is next. The Primetime Players get the win after a distraction from AW.

* Backstage segment with Mick Foley and Zack Ryder celebrating. They run into Damien Sandow and have words.

* AW is backstage celebrating with Young and O’Neil when they are attacked by Epico and Primo.

* Santino Marella comes out looking for the best fan signs in the crowd. A woman comes into the ring wearing a Santino t-shirt. She’s obviously a plant as she reveals a Cobra on her hand. Their Cobras kiss then they kiss and Santino passes out. Santino has found a new love.

* Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler is up next.

Details On Cena and Orton’s Past Animosity, Doane To “Tell All”

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Fueling rumors that WWE may part ways with Randy Orton as a result of his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program, former WWE talent Kenn Doane (a/k/a Kenny Dykstra) stated recently on Twitter that he believes John Cena is among those within the sports entertainment organization lobbying for the SmackDown wrestler’s termination. Doane’s belief is based on Cena admitting to him in 2006 that he wanted Orton fired following his first Wellness Program infraction.

One WWE source said while the wrestling stars’ relationship may currently be more amicable, Cena ‘hated’ Orton then due to the third-generation wrestler constantly “calling out Cena for what he was.”

Younger talents believed then that as Cena gained more political clout, he assumed a ‘hard-ass coach role’ in the vein of John “Bradshaw” Layfield. Orton too had leverage and stood up for himself against Cena.

Meanwhile, Doane plans to air more of Cena’s dirty laundry in a tell-all interview with SEScoops after divulging details of his past relationship with Mickie James via Twitter. While promoting the upcoming interview on the microblogging website, he mentioned Cena’s wife Elizabeth Huberdeau, who is embroiled in a divorce battle with the WWE megastar.

Doane wrote, “This week- interview w @sescoops no holds bar tell all. Not gonna wanna miss this. My new friend Elizabeth might wanna tune in too….”

Alberto Del Rio Reportedly Threatened To Quit WWE Last Week

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WWE cracked down on two Twitter accounts that had been snarking the organization and its employees last week as both @WWE_Creative and @CrankyVince were suspended on Thursday. While the account mocking WWE’s creative direction returned online following some profile tweaks (now located @WWECreative_ish), the McMahon parody remains down.

The @CrankyVince account spoofed McMahon’s demeanor and mindset with random musings depicting the WWE Chairman as an eccentric, sex-crazed, drug-addled egomaniac. It had drawn alarming concern from organization officials since last year, which due to the sensitive nature of the tweets, believed it was being handled by an employee within close proximity of McMahon. The account would divulge legitimate company information, which is a breach of Twitter’s Terms of Service. According to F4WOnline.com, the McMahon mockery account is reportedly administered by an assortment of current WWE employees. The publication, however, would not disclose specific names.

Before its suspension, @CrankyVince had endorsed an alternative account (located @PremiumVince). The account has posted several messages in Cranky Vince’s trademark tone since the suspension of the premiere account.

The @CrankyVince account was coincidentally shut down the day it released a message stating that Alberto Del Rio wanted to quit WWE.

“WHAT? DEL RIO WANTS TO QUIT? TELL THAT POMPOUS ASS: NO. THEN, TELL HIM TO GO FUCK HIMSELF. THEN, FUCK YOU,” the tweet read.

F4WOnline.com reports that Del Rio clashed with upper-level management that day and threatened to quit WWE. One company source says Del Rio was frustrated with his standing and contemplating a departure. A second source said the incident ‘wasn’t that big a deal’ and that both sides were wrangling over a contract matter. A third source believes the spat was a combination of both accounts.

Del Rio has leverage; he has no issues with income and could return to Mexico as a heralded former WWE Superstar and son of noted luchador Dos Caras. A company employee expressed skepticism Monday night that Del Rio had legitimately suffered a concussion, noting that he was “too injured” to work the No Way Out pay-per-view event on Sunday but healthy enough to work Raw. The employee believes the concussion was a cover excuse for issues that materialized between Del Rio and officials, necessitating his removal from the title match against Sheamus.

Updates On The WWE Network & WWE’s Relationship With Twitter

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– WWE is reportedly paying a lot of money to Twitter, believed to be in the ‘six figure’ range, to be a part of the new features introduced by the social media service last week. WWE will be one of a few select partners that will be able to integrate, audio, video and visual media within tweets.

A well placed source in WWE says that another benefit of WWE’s close working relationship with Twitter is that they’ll be able to better protect their intellectual properties and crack down on parody accounts.

– With the WWE Network launch still a few months away, the latest word out of WWE is that the company is considering making it a paid premium channel, similar to HBO or Showtime, where subscribers pay a monthly fee. This model is not confirmed, but the feeling is that it would be easier to get the channel picked up by cable providers. Instead of companies like Comcast and Time Warner having to pay WWE rights fees to carry the channel, WWE could instantly begin making money from subscriber fees.

* Details On MAJOR Surprises Planned For WWE’s 1,000th RAW Celebration

(Source: PWInsider.com)

X-Pac’s Status For 1000th Raw, Layla Recycles Former Diva’s Song

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– Sean Waltman, who appeared as 1-2-3 Kid and X-Pac for WWE, says he has not been contacted to appear on the historic 1000th episode of Raw taking place July 23. He tweeted on Tuesday:

https://twitter.com/therealxpac/status/215102686532603904

The official website of the Scottrade Center is advertising the return of D-Generation X for the event. Waltman is a former ‘D-X’ member.

– WWE Divas Champion Layla appeared on Monday’s Raw SuperShow with a new entrance theme, “Insatiable” performed by Patsy Grime and composed by Jim Johnston. The theme is recycled; it was previously used by former WWE Diva Tiffany in 2009 and 2010. Is was included in the 2010 compilation album WWE The Music: A New Day, Vol. 10.

– Alien Opponent, starring WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as an ‘alien hunting priest’ character, is now available on Netflix’s online video streaming service.

Laurinaitis Advertised For Monday’s Raw, SmackDown In Louisiana

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– John Cena’s Steel Cage Match victory over Big Show at No Way Out carried the stipulation that John Laurinaitis would be terminated as WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Raw and SmackDown General Manager if The World’s Largest Athlete couldn’t pick up the victory. The former ‘Giant’ lost, and Laurinaitis was subsequently fired by Mr. McMahon. He was then given a ‘painful farewell’ by Cena on Raw SuperShow after Big Show and David Otunga both abandoned him in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match. Despite Sunday and Monday’s events, Laurinaitis is advertised for next Monday’s Raw SuperShow at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The official website of the venue announced: “Mr. McMahon fired Raw and SmackDown General Manager John Laurinaitis at No Way Out, but per The WWE Board of Directors, John Laurinaitis must fulfill his contractual obligations and still team with Big Show to battle John Cena in Fort Wayne!”

– WWE will hold a SmackDown taping on Tuesday, November 27 at Century Link Center in Bossier City, Louisiana.

– Brock Lesnar is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

Eve Appearing On New NBC Reality Show (Press Release)

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WWE diva Eve Torres, who has been off television for the past few weeks, will be taking part in the new “Stars Earn Stripes” reality TV show on NBC. The show will feature celebrities going through boot camp training to earn money for their respective charity. Eve’s charity will be supporting the United States troops through the USO, a charity that WWE has worked with for years.

Here’s the official press release:

NBC ANNOUNCES CELEBRITY CAST AND HOSTS OF NEW SERIES ‘Stars Earn Stripes,’ AN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED NEW COMPETITION HONORING AMERICA’S ARMED FORCES

Hosts General Wesley Clark (ret.) and Samantha Harris Join Celebrity Cast Including Laila Ali, Dean Cain, Terry Crews, Nick Lachey, Todd Palin, Dolvett Quince, Picabo Street and Eve Torres in the Action-Packed Competition Show

“Stars Earn Stripes” Premieres Monday, August 13 (8 – 10 p.m. ET)

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – June 19, 2012 – NBC announced the celebrity cast and hosts of its new alternative series “Stars Earn Stripes” – a fierce and emotionally charged new competition show honoring America’s armed forces. The cast includes four-time undefeated world boxing champion Laila Ali, actor Dean Cain (“Out of Time,” Five Days of War”), actor and former National Football League player Terry Crews (“The Expendables 2,” “The Newsroom”), multi-platinum recording artist, actor, producer and television personality Nick Lachey (NBC’s “The Sing-Off”), Alaska businessman Todd Palin, Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street, “The Biggest Loser” trainer Dolvett Quince and WWE Diva, Eve Torres.

The series will be hosted by General Wesley Clark (ret.) – the former Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO and former presidential candidate – and television personality Samantha Harris (“Entertainment Tonight,” “Dancing with the Stars”). “Stars Earn Stripes” will debut with a special two-hour episode on Monday, August 13 (8-10 p.m. ET) and will air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.

The eight competitors will gather at a remote training facility where they will tackle complicated and difficult missions that are inspired by real military exercises. Each will be paired with an “operative” who is a member or a former member of our armed forces or law enforcement agencies. The operative will coach and guide their celebrity teammate on their training and each of their missions and will compete along-side them. From helicopter drops to long range weapons fire – the competitors will be tested physically and emotionally as they play to win and to earn a cash prize for military, veterans and first-responder based charities. Each week one of the teams will be eliminated.

The announcement was made by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

“We are honored to have a much-decorated and beloved military figure such as General Clark joining ‘Stars Earn Stripes.’ The general’s legendary record in the U.S. armed forces commands respect as he brings so much practical knowledge that will infuse the show with priceless insight,” said Telegdy. “Our cast is ready to be put to the test – using the same physical and mental challenges that prepare our nation’s bravest men and women to defend our nation – and their arduous journey will make for riveting television.”

“I am thrilled to join ‘Stars Earn Stripes’ as host and look forward to watching the celebrity cast members test themselves as they step up to take on these tough challenges,” said Clark. “This new series pays tribute to members of our dedicated armed forces and civil law enforcement and I know that the winnings, which will be donated to first-responder charity and veterans’ groups, will make a difference and send an important message.”

The charitable organizations that the contestants are playing for include The Following: Laila Ali – Military Child Education Coalition (http://www.militarychild.org), Dean Cain – Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), Terry Crews – The Pat Tillman Foundation (http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org), Nick Lachey – The Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation (www.bohmf.org), Todd Palin – Armed Services YMCA Alaska (http://www.asymcaofalaska.com), Dolvett Quince – Got your 6 (www.gotyour6.org), Picabo Street – Hiring Our Heroes (www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes) and Eve Torres – USO (www.uso.org).

From executive producers Dick Wolf (“Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU”), Mark Burnett (“The Voice,” “Survivor”) and David A. Hurwitz (“Fear Factor”), this extraordinary show will donate money raised through the competition to veterans’ charities. Committed to hiring recent vets onto the crew, “Stars Earn Stripes” hopes to inspire other employers throughout the country to make similar commitments to our returning heroes, not to mention proving how impossible their service missions really are.

The series is a production of Universal Television, One Three Television, LLC, Wolf Reality, LLC and Bill’s Market & Television Productions.

* News On The New RAW General Manager & What WWE Has Planned For Triple H vs. Lesnar

Lesnar’s RAW Return Announced, Jericho’s Schedule, Laurinaitis

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– Brock Lesnar is being advertised for August 13th WWE RAW Supershow, the week before SummerSlam. This is the only upcoming show that Lesnar is currently advertised for, so it’s likely that Paul Heyman will continue to appear on WWE television as his representative.

Even though Paul Heyman rejected Triple H’s challenge to Lesnar for a match at SummerSlam, the match will indeed headline WWE’s “biggest party of the summer.

Details On What WWE Has Planned For Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H (Vince!)

– WWE is still advertising John Laurinaitis for future WWE live events through the summer, despite him getting fired by Vince McMahon at No Way Out.

– Chris Jericho will return to WWE television next week on RAW and is advertised for all upcoming RAW shows through Summerslam.

Jericho’s metal band Fozzy will be featured on the upcoming Rockstar Uproar Tour, which runs from August 15th through September 30th. One of the dates on that tour is August 19th (the night of Summerslam). Fozzy is not performing that night, which will allow Jericho to appear at SummerSlam. He’s not listed at any WWE events after SummerSlam.

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