— Kaval noted on Twitter that he underwent an MRI on his left ankle today.
He wrote, “Thanks to all for the best wishes. Left ankle MRI today, awaiting results. Stay tuned.”
— Several other WWE stars are said to be working through injuries. One wrestler noted that a lot of guys need time off, and there isn’t a Christmas break as in years to past to rest. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— Former WWE Diva Jillian Hall confirmed on Twitter that she has opened a Facebook account. Her page can be accessed here. The account notes that she is ‘considering’ accepting independent bookings via [email protected].
— Many within WWE feel Batista isn’t coming back anytime soon since there has been no contact anyone is aware and the expectation is when he returns stateside. from filming Scorpion King 3 that he’ll be signing with Strikeforce.
Likewise, Chris Jericho is another name many within the company believe isn’t coming back anytime soon. It is unlikely at this point that he will be participating in a match at WrestleMania XXVII.
— Since last week’s Raw where Brock Lesnar’s name was mentioned multiple times during the broadcast, Vince McMahon has been telling creative team members and at least one top star that he believes there is still a good chance the former WWE Champion will appear at WrestleMania XXVII. Nonetheless, most feel there is no chance of it happening.
Many within WWE have speculated that Michael Hayes’ role as the head writer of SmackDown is in jeopardy. His right hand man Chris DeJoseph was recently let go and the program has garnered dismal ratings since moving to Syfy.
In recent years, non-main event talent preferred SmackDown to Raw because there was more room for career growth. Currently, WWE’s Friday night brand features veterans garnering most of the spotlight with only a few exceptions.
One WWE source said that while Hayes received much praise for pushing younger talent, his focus is generally on the veterans. Writers who have worked under him are the real reason young talent are showcased on SmackDown.
— WWE Studios’ The Chaperone starring Triple H is slated for a brief theatrical release in February before its released on DVD and Blu-ray.
— The 2010 Survivor Series DVD features footage of The Miz winning the WWE Championship from Randy Orton the day after the pay-per-view event. The Blu-ray version will also include the previous week’s “Old School” episode of Raw in its entirety.
— All January, WWE Classics on Demand celebrate the most memorable “Fantastic Firsts” in sports-entertainment history.
TNA star Taz has announced that he is opening a new “finishing camp” aimed at helping aspiring pro wrestlers get signed with one of the major organizations.
Taz makes it very clear on TeamTaz13.com that the “Team Taz Finishing Camp” is NOT a wrestling school and is NOT for beginners. The 6-week course is for experienced aspiring wrestlers with at least 2 years of experience who are not yet ready for “prime time.” Taz and his team of coaches will work hands on with the students to put the finishing touches on their in-ring skils, mic work and more.
Here is the official mission statement for the Team Taz Finishing Camp:
My goal with this concept is to assist fellow wrestlers in learning the nuances they might be missing that is preventing them from grabbing & holding the attention of one of the Major Pro Wrestling companies.
I have been fortunate for over 20 years to have worked on both sides of the camera with ALL the power players who drive today’s Sports Entertainment industry. This is why I am in a unique position to instruct on what you might need.
I am looking to work with the people who are “right there” but struggling with how tough it is to “make it”, I BEEN there! I cannot guarantee you stardom but I can guarantee you my true dedication and knowledge of the industry and what those in power positions are looking for in their talents. Our mission is to make you a POLISHED talent in all aspects primed for the success you have earned at the NEXT LEVEL!
For more on the Team Taz Finishing School, visit TeamTaz13.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
The Miz Hosting TMZ TV: “WWE Champ The Miz gets a shot on TMZ later today (Wednesday) which he will no doubt knock it out of the park. Miz was tremendous on the Food Network cooking show, ‘Dinner Impossible,’ that we did a year ago at Summer Slam. He stole that show with ease and will like do the same on TMZ TV later today. Miz is a work in progress and it should be encouraging for WWE fans of just how good Miz can become in time if he stays healthy and focused on becoming the best antagonist in the biz.”
Goldust’s Injury: “Sorry to hear of Goldust’s rotator cuff injury that will apparently require surgery. This is usually a 5-6 month recovery period. Don’t forget about Goldust’s biography that would make a good stocking stuffer and should be interesting reading. He’s had a helluva life for such a young man. Hate to see anyone hurt, especially someone who has worked so hard to become relevant again. Last time I saw Goldust he was in, without question, the best physical shape of his life. Some day Goldust will likely be a great coach/teacher of the biz.”
Rey Mysterio’s Popularity: “An emailer asked me why Rey Mysterio has become so popular while many of his fellow Lucha Libra stars did not become bigger in the USA. Firstly, Rey has ‘it’ and ‘it’ can’t be manufactured. Rey also throughly understands all the ins and outs of the biz after starting in it when he was 14 or 15 years old. Rey also understands that ‘less is more’ and that doing 2-3 spectacular maneuvers in a match or a sequence is always better than doing a half dozen or more of them in such quick fashion that the majority of the eye opening maneuvers can’t be processed or remembered minutes after they are completed.”
Credit to Mike Jenkins & pwinsider.com for this live report:
– The show opened with Tara singing her entrance music and Generation Me having her back. Mickie James came out and got in Tara’s face. Gen Me then grabbed Tara which brought out Eric Young. It set up Mickie vs. Tara in a cage for later tonight.
– Eric Bischoff was pissed at AJ Styles for losing the TV Title to Douglas Williams. Rhino chose the wrong time to come in and ask for a new contract because he was told no and beaten up by Fortune.
– Fortune, Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett and Abyss were in the ring when EB called out Matt Morgan. Morgan came out and was told next week it will be him vs. Mr. Anderson and the winner gets a title shot at Jeff Hardy. Morgan said that Anderson has not been cleared to wrestle. EB said if he doesn’t wrestle, he is fired. People groaned because they know no one important gets fired for real in wrestling.
– Brother Ray brought out a guy he called Devon and did a promo saying he was Team 3D and he could team with anyone and still be as good as they were. Good promo.
– Ray was proven incorrect as he and his imposter lost to Ink Inc when the imposter was pinned.
– The Motor City Machineguns beat EB’s security team after Beer Money came out and attacked the champs.
– Angelina Love and Velvet Sky beat Sarita in Daffney in the first match of the Knockouts tag title tournament.
– Douglas Williams beat Abyss to retain the TV Title. Afterwards, AJ Styles attacked the champ and left him laying.
– In the main event, Mickie James beat Tara inside the cage.
— WWE officials paid a visit to the company’s Tampa based developmental facility this week interviewing contracted talent about participating in the revival of Tough Enough on the USA Network. Previous seasons of the program solely featured unsigned talent.
The casting process is expected to conclude next month with the series likely debuting in the spring.
— Natalya noted on Twitter that a Santa’s Little Helper Match will take place at Tribute to the Troops, which is being taped this Saturday in Fort Hood, Texas.
She wrote, “Looking for a santas helper outfit for tribute to the troops- but santa’s helpers aren’t as built in the front and the back as this one!”
— The NFL’s Tennessee Titans are preparing to oppose WWE’s registration of the trademark ‘Titantron’.
— Current creative plans call for Melina to turn heel and feud with Divas Champion Natalya. It’s expected to be a slow turn. The idea was first conceived a few weeks ago and it said that Melina garnered heat because she was negative about going bad.
Meanwhile, a renewed on-screen relationship with John Morrison which was recently teased on Monday Night Raw is considered a dead idea.
— Creative has devised long-term storyline plans for Randy Orton, The Miz, Sheamus, Edge, John Cena and The Nexus through February.
— The pre-sale code for the Jan. 31 Monday Night Raw taping at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is ORTON. Tickets for the pre-sale are on sale now through Friday morning via Ticketmaster.com.
sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com
— Discussions between Bill Goldberg and WWE officials regarding induction into next year’s Hall of Fame class in Atlanta, Georgia are said to be cold at this point. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— Today is WWE play-by-play commentator Michael Cole’s birthday, who turns 42 years old.
— WWE Monday Night Raw on Feb. 28, 2011 will be held at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. Tickets go on sale Dec. 18, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— Tentative plans call for Triple H to return next month at the Royal Rumble for a match with Sheamus.
— It is said that Wes Brisco and Xavier Woods were tapped to be called up to the main roster fairly soon before Brisco tore his ACL at a FCW live event last month in Punta Gorda.
— According to video game industry sources, sales for Smackdown vs Raw 2011 are at the same level as last year, which would be considered a major positive considering that sales throughout the industry are down. It’s also a positive because sales for the game were down the past two years.
— According to sources within TNA Wrestling, Taylor Wilde is through with the company. However, officials are open to bringing her back in the future.
— Ric Flair didn’t appear at Sunday’s Final Resolution pay-per-view because TNA Wrestling were already over his allotted dates for the year and didn’t feel it was necessary that he work the event.
— Mick Foley appears on Last Call with Carson Daly this Friday night on NBC. The show airs at 1:35 a.m.
— Tara, who tore a ligament in her elbow during a Steel Cage Match against Mickie James at Monday’s iMPACT! taping, noted last night on Twitter that no surgery will be required.
— Ric Flair will be on hand for tomorrow’s Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colt game at LP Field in Nashville as an Honorary 12th Titan. Before the game airs on television, “The Nature Boy” will get nearly 70,000 fans amped by raising a #12 Titans flag to salute those attending the game.
— Numerous Jersey All Pro Wrestling officials are on hand for this week’s iMPACT! tapings in Orlando. TNA Wrestling coordinates live events with JAPW officials when they hold shows in New Jersey.
— While Samoa Joe is free and clear from all contractual obligations with TNA Wrestling, he is available to appear at this week’s television tapings if officials choose to use him. Both sides remain in negotiations for a new contract.
— Many backstage are impressed with Tara and Mickie James working through injuries at this week’s television tapings. Tara tore a ligament in her elbow, while James hurt her knee Monday.
— TNA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy returns to Superior Court of Moore County in North Carolina today to face multiple drug trafficking charges.
The charges against him are as follows: conspiracy to traffic in Opium, trafficking in Opium by possession, two counts of possession with Intent to Distribute, felony possession of cocaine, felony maintaining a controlled substance in a vehicle/dwelling/place and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
— Beginning tomorrow night on iMPACT!, Jeff Jarrett will hold an open challenge where he’ll pay money to anyone who can “make him tap.” Though plants were used, some fans in attendance believed the challenge to be legit and thus security had their hands full trying to keep them from hopping the rail.
– WWE Champion The Miz is hosting today’s episode of the syndicated entertainment gossip program TMZ on TV. Check your local listings for time and channel.
– Chris Jericho will be signing copies of Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps on the day of its release, Feb. 16, at Borders Books on Broadway in New York City. A book signing is also set for Borders in Torrace, California on Feb. 22. Additional dates will be announced.
– Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Kids Magazine.
In recent weeks we’ve been covering the story that WWE is testing a new masked character for John Cena, his “Mexican cousin,” Juan Cena. Juan Cena has been competing at live WWE events, wrestling in main events against The Miz, Wade Barrett and Kane.
This past weekend, Juan Cena wrestled at live events in Kentucky and Tennesse, challenging Kane in the main events .. Both matches ended with Nexus storming the ring, attacking Cena and removing his mask – only to have Cena fight back and send Nexus running.
From what we’ve heard, WWE is still testing out the character and there are no immediate plans to introduce him as an on-air character. However, fans who attend live events in the coming months have a good chance of seeing Juan Cena.
SEScoops.com reader Rusty Richardson sent some new pictures of Juan Cena from this past weekend .. Check ’em out below:
WWE taped Friday’s episode of Smackdown from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. Credit to Wrestling News World for this detailed report:
* The show opens with World Heavyweight Champion Kane begging Edge to surrender Paul Bearer. Edge is shown on the big screen and tricks him with another dummy version of Bearer.
* They plug the main event of World Heavyweight Champion Kane & Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge & Rey Mysterio.
* Jack Swagger b. Kaval when Kaval submitted in the ankle lock. Kaval may have suffered a legitimate leg injury in the bout. After the match, Swagger says he was cheated last week by Kofi Kingston.
* Hornswoggle b. Jack Swagger’s eagle mascot. The match saw Hornswoggle throw brad crumbs on the mat to distract the eagle. He landed a Tadpole Splash and got the pinfall victory.
* A segment is taped where Chavo Guerrero and a partner of his choosing challenge Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov for the WWE Tag Team Championship later tonight.
* Kofi Kingston b. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler via disqualification when Jack Swagger pulled Kofi out of the ring and locked him in the ankle lock.
* Chris Masters comes out for the Masterlock Challenge against “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Cody makes Masters put on hand sanitizer and file his nails. He tries to leave when Masters grabs his face but Masters put him in the Masterlock.
* WWE Tag Team Champions Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov b. Chavo Guerrero & Drew McIntyre. Santino connected with the cobra on Chavo and followed it with the pinfall victory. After the match, Drew McIntyre hits Chavo with a DDT.
* WWE Divas Champion Natalya w/Beth Phoenix b. Layla w/Michelle McCool after making her tap in the Sharpshooter.
* World Heavyweight Champion Kane didn’t come out for the main event so Teddy Long came out and made the match Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio & Edge in a handicap match. Kane came out mid-way through the match and Edge met him at the ramp and they fought to the back. Kane is shown on the big screen chasing after Edge. Kane pushes a ladder off a cliff thinking it’s another Paul Bearer dummy but it’s actually Paul Bearer. Rey ended up beating Alberto Del Rio to end the show.
Once again, Helms has gone on Twitter and essentially called Michaels a hypocrite for claiming to be a devout Christian while still “murdering animals” and hanging their heads on his wall (ie. hunting). Helms wrote:
“I think I might go murder some animals for fun and hang their heads on my wall cuz that’s what Jesus would do. Right @ShawnMichaels_ ?”
Once again, HBK was prompted by his Twitter followers to respond to Helms’ remarks. Like last time, Michaels takes a cool, laid back approach and signs off with another smiley face..
“Jus got bak. Wow u guys r fired up! Sorry u have 2 deal w/it. Don’t worry, I don’t. Comes w/the territory. have zero desire 2 do the internet stuff other than corresponding w/u. U can make ur own decisions & I will respect them. May I now return to having fun w/ u all please. Life is 2 short 4 me 2 go thru High school again:-) “
Our readers have been very vocal about this topic on the SEScoops comments section … Comment below and let us know what you think about the situation – does Helms have a point attacking HBK – or is he way out of line by judging his religious faith?
Warning: The following contains a minor *Spoiler* for Friday’s SmackDown
At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, it was announced that the Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio match at the upcoming Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view will be a Chairs match.
With that match set, here’s the updated card:
Tables Match for the WWE Title
The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton
TLC Match for the World Heavyweight Title
Kane (c) vs. Edge
Chairs Match:
Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio
WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event takes place in less than two weeks on Sunday, December 19th.
COMMENT BELOW: What do you guys think – are you excited for this show? Is WWE going to close out 2010 with a bang – or is this just another 2nd tier gimmick show?
— Goldust announced on his Twitter account this evening that he will be sidelined for “five to six months” after undergoing shoulder surgery Friday.
— Two additional matches were taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars tonight at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio: Tyler Reks vs. JTG; Trent Barreta vs. Curt Hawkins.
Matches taped last night at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky were Eve vs. Alicia Fox and Zack Ryder vs. Ezekiel Jackson.
— Today is former WWE Diva Sunny’s birthday, who turns 38 years old. Today would have also marked as “Ravishing” Rick Rude’s 52nd birthday.
— The Dec. 6 episode of Monday Night Raw drew a 3.1 cable rating, drawing 4,800,000 viewers over the course of two hours. The show did hours of 3.0 and 3.29.
Last week’s King of the Ring themed show garnered a 3.4 cable rating during its regular time slot.
— WWE developmental wrestler Seth Rollins (a/k/a Tyler Black) worked a dark match prior to tonight’s SmackDown taping in Dayton, Ohio. He lost to Cody Rhodes.
— Tonight’s NXT main event will feature Alberto Del Rio and Conor O’Brian vs. Daniel Bryan and Derrick Bateman.
— The latest word on Triple H is that he is not expected to return to WWE programming until January at the earliest.
He has been sidelined since April due a torn biceps tendon.
— The Dec. 4 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.31 cable rating, with 363,000 viewers.
— Former WWE Diva Serena is advertised to return to Ring of Honor on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the company’s Final Battle 2010 internet pay-per-view event. She will be teaming with Sara Del Rey against Awesome Kong and Daizee Haze in a tag match.
— Goldust announced on Twitter that he will be undergoing surgery to repair his injured shoulder. He wrote:
“Unfortunately, I have to have surgery…out for some time.”
— USA Network president and WWE ally Bonnie Hammer took the number three spot in The Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment Power 100 list, beating out Oprah Winfrey, who took 4th. You can check that list out at HollywoodReporter.com.
— Former WrestleMania celebrity and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been charged with criminal battery after poking his finger on a man’s face, according to TMZ.com. Security officer Shayne Smith alleges that he got into a verbal dispute with Floyd Mayweather, who got physical with him and left a bruise on his cheek.
“The willful and unlawful use of force and violence upon Smith caused redness and discoloration to the area which was battered by Mayweather,” reads the complaint. For more details, visit TMZ.com.
— Former WWE developmental star Flash Flanagan played the role of the waiter in the John Cena and Nexus hotel scene on Monday’s RAW. He currently works on the indy scene.
