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Royal Rumble Buyrate, WWE’s Interest In ROH Talent

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– We reported on Wednesday that WWE is interested in several top talents from Ring of Honor, including the Briscoe Brothers and Adam Cole. It’s believed WWE sent out “feelers” and expressed interest in them, but they are all under contract to ROH and until they become free agents, it’s a non-issue.

– WWE its monthly “end of month” business figures for February this week and one of the more newsworthy items is that the 2012 Royal Rumble drew approximately 438,000 pay-per-view buys.

272,000 of the 438,000 buys were domestic (from the United States, while 166,000 buys were international.

This year’s 428,000 buys is down from 446,000 in 2011 and the 462,000 in 2010.

(Sources: prowrestling.net, Pro Wrestling Torch)

HBK & Rock On RAW, Shaq-WM28 Update, Fozzy

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– Boston’s TD Garden, the site of Monday’s RAW, is advertising The Rock and Shawn Michaels will be appearing in person.

The dark match main event will see CM Punk & John Cena vs. Kane & Chris Jericho.

– As of this week, there is still no word on whether Shaquille O’Neal will be appearing at WrestleMania. Shaq has stated several times that he will be at WrestleMania, even saying back in December that he would be wrestling the Big Show. The WWE website posted an article last week denying that Shaq would be appearing at WrestleMania, which caused even more confusion.

For months, it was rumored that Shaq’s involvement with WWE would kick off next Monday’s RAW from Boston’s TD Garden.  If Shaq doesn’t appear on that show or isn’t referenced in some way, he most likely won’t be a part of WrestleMania and it can be assumed his negotiations with the company fell through .

– Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy has been announced to play the Download Festival, one of the biggest rock festivals in the UK. Other bands announced for the show are Metallica, Tenacious D, Killswitch Engage and Corey Taylor. Fozzy will perform on Saturday, June 9th.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA Impact Wrestling Preview For Tonight

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TNA Impact Wrestling

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling from Orlando, FL:

* TNA Champion Bobby Roode, X-Champion Austin Aries & Bully Ray vs. James Storm & TNA Tag Team champions Samoa Joe & Magnus

* Gauntlet Match: AJ Styles vs. Kazarian and Daniels

* Kurt Angle will explain why he attacked Jeff Hardy.

* ODB vs. Madison Rayne.

* Zema Ion vs. Shannon Moore.

* Mickie James & Velvet Sky vs. Angelina Love & Sarita.

Big Update On Plans For The Hall Of Fame Ceremony

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As previously reported, the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on March 31st (the night before WrestleMania) – but will not air on the USA Network until Monday, April 2nd, as a 1-hour lead-in to RAW.

As of this week, the plan is for the televised ceremony to feature the inductions of Edge and the Four Horsemen only.

It is still expected that former WWE champion Yokozuna will be announced as on of the final members of the Class of 2012. The deceased Samoan/sumo warrior will be inducted by his cousin, The Rock.

Edge is scheduled to be inducted last by Christian.

The Horsemen will be inducted by Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Dusty Rhodes

There was a push include Dusty on the Horsemen induction because he had some legendary wars with the Horsemen back in the 1980s.

Because Hall of Fame speeches tend to run long, both Edge and the Horsemen have been given a 10 minute time limit on their speeches.

(Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Undertaker’s In-Ring Future, WWE Interested In ROH’s Briscoes

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– The Undertaker’s time away from the ring has included surgeries on both his shoulder and hip. He was lighter than ever before when he showed up backstage at last week’s Raw SuperShow, estimated at 275 to 280 pounds. The belief that he would retire following his WrestleMania XXVIII encounter with Triple H is largely gone since it’s not being hinted. Peers expect him to continue wrestling for a few more years if he’s able to compete once annually.

– WWE officials have expressed interest in acquiring Jay and Mark Briscoe, but they are both under contract to Ring of Honor.

– Last Friday’s Raw live event at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California drew 9,000 paying $360,000. Saturday’s Raw show in Ontario, California drew a near sellout with 9,000 paying $275,000. Sunday in Eugene, Oregon drew 5,000 paying $165,000. Smackdown’s tour of Central America opened on Thursday in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with 2,500. Friday in Panama City, Panama drew 4,000. Saturday in Guatemala City, Guatemala drew 2,000.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Kharma Says She’s Returning Soon, Layfield On Potential Return

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— WWE has yet to follow up on Kharma’s appearance last month at the Royal Rumble because she has not fully recovered from giving birth on December 31, 2011 and isn’t ready to work a full-time schedule. Nonetheless, her return to the squared circle is on the horizon.

When asked on Twitter this week what she was doing, she replied, “Working hard to come back at my best.” She was then asked when she would be returning to WWE and said “Soon.”

— Former WWE Champion John “Bradshaw” Layfield wrote the following on Twitter regarding a potential return to WWE: “Sorry, WWE has never asked about coming back more than a one off- happy coaching kids in Bermuda! Gotta make a difference-or try at least!”

— Former WWE stars John Morrison, Maria and Melina have been announced to appear at the Motor City Comic Con taking place May 18-20 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

Jeff Hardy Unable To Work Impact Taping, Velvet Not On DWTS

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— Jeff Hardy was unable to work Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida due to a bout with food poisoning. PWInsider.com reports he is feeling well enough today to appear and work today’s show.

— Velvet Sky’s Twitter campaign to appear on the fourteenth season of Dancing with the Stars failed as she was not among the celebrities announced on Tuesday by ABC.

— A match pitting Velvet Sky against former “Beautiful People” mate Angelina Love was taped Tuesday night in Orlando, Florida for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion.

— Chelsea has been announced to appear at The Big Event 2 taking place March 10, 2012 at LaGuardia Courtyard Marriott 9010 Ditmars Blvd East Elmhurst, New York.

Matches Taped For NXT & WWE Superstars, Dark Match Result

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Matches taped Tuesday night at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington for this week’s episode of NXT Redemption are as follows:

* Darren Young and Titus O’Neil vs. Alex Riley and Percy Watson

* Michael McGuillicuty vs. Tyson Kidd

* Kaitlyn vs. Maxine

Jinder Mahal faced The Great Khali in a match taped for WWE Superstars

Hunico defeated Ted DiBiase in a pre-show dark match.

The lower bowl of the Key Arena was largely full and most of the upper section was tarped off. Attendance was estimated at 9,000.

source: PWInsider.com

WWE Network Update, New Cruiserweight Show, SD Dark Match

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– The latest word internally on the planned WWE Network is that it will launch in November during sweeps. No official launch date has been set, but  the compant definitely wants it to air before the end of the year.

– November is also when WWE plans to debut a new show featuring only Crusierweight wrestlers. Talents who had been in touch with WWE about working the show were told that plans to sign anyone were pushed to the fall. WWE is looking for wrestlers in the 200 lb range.

– The dark match main event at last night’s WWE SmackDown tapings had The Big Show defeating Daniel Bryan by DQ. Cody Rhodes interfered. Sheamus then came out and made the save.

– The Eve Torres segment that you saw on RAW was the exact same segment they did at weekend live events.

(Partial Source: PWinsider.com)

*Spoiler* New Match Added to WrestleMania 28 (Updated Card)

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At Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, it was announced that Cody Rhodes will defend his intercontinental championship against Big Show at WrestleMania 28. This apparently puts an end to the rumored Big Show vs. Shaq and Cody vs. Goldust matches.

With Cody vs. Big Show set, here’s the updated card for WrestleMania 28:

John Cena vs. The Rock

WWE Championship Match:
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho

World Heavyweight Title Match:
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Hell in a Cell:
Triple H vs. The Undertaker

Intercontinental Title Match:
Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show

*Spoilers* Impact Wrestling Taping Results For 3/8

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* Impact opens with Eric Bischoff, Gunner and Ric Flair coming out for a promo, pushing Garett Bischoff and a mystery partner vs. Gunner and a mystery partner. Kurt Angle and says he will team with Gunner tonight because Garett doesn’t respect his father and he will make him tap tonight.

* Eric Young & ODB defeated Gail Kim and Madison Rayne to win the Knockout Tag Team Titles after Madison accidentally nailed Kim. Young proposed to ODB after and she apparently accepted.

* Zema Ion defeated TNA X-Division champion Austin Aries by DQ.

* Bully Ray demanded a TNA title shot and Sting gave it to him.

* Bully Ray vs. Bobby Roode has no winner when James Storm hit the ring to chase off Ray. Storm then turned his attention to Roode, superkicking him and laying him out.

* Crimson and Matt Morgan defeated Robbie E and Robbie T to earn a TNA Tag title shot. They had dissension.

* AJ Styles cut a promo talking about the company’s tenth anniversary. Chris Daniels and Kazarian came out and ripped on Styles. Ken Anderson returned to tease he would team with Styles, I guess, at the next PPV.

* Eric Bischoff came out and told the fans to come back tomorrow to see Garett Bischoff get destroyed. That was it.

source: PWInsider.com

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Taping Results For Friday

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Thanks to Andy and Terra for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from Tuesday’s tapings in Seattle, Washington:

Dark Match:

* Ted DiBiase beat Hunico

SmackDown, Airing Friday:

* Sheamus kicks off the show and comes out to a big pop. He begins to talk about WrestleMania 28 but is interrupted by Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler is pulling double duty this week on both shows. Teddy Long ends up appearing and makes Sheamus vs. Ziggler for right now.

* Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler.

* Segment with John Laurinaitis and Teddy Long. Laurinaitis wants an apology for what happened on RAW. Teddy refuses and makes Mark Henry vs. Big Show for tonight.

* Santino Marella defeated Heath Slater.

* Eve Torres comes out and cuts a promo like she did on RAW. Natalya comes out and farts, which leads to a match.

* Eve beat Natalya in a quick match.

* In-ring segment with Cody Rhodes and Big Show. Teddy Long comes out and makes Show vs. Cody for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 28. Long brings out Mark Henry next.

* Big Show beat Mark Henry with the knockout punch.

* Backstage segment with Laurinaitis, Teddy and David Otunga. Otunga threatens to sue Teddy for pushing Laurinaitis. Otunga vs. Big Show is made for RAW instead.

* Teddy books Drew McIntyre in a match with Justin Gabriel and says if Drew loses, he’s fired.

* Justin Gabriel beat Drew McIntyre with the 450 Splash. This time, Teddy appeared on the big screen and fired Drew. Drew actually cried before leaving.

* Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton fought in the main event until Kane’s pyro went off and he came down the ramp. Orton and Kane brawled as Bryan escaped. Kane got the upperhand in the ring and chokeslammed Orton. Kane took a mic and stood over Orton, welcoming him back.

Rating For Monday’s Raw Goes Down, Theater List For Edge Film

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— Monday’s Raw SuperShow featuring the much anticipated return of The Rock garnered a 3.1 cable rating with 4.65 million viewers. The rating is down from 3.24 the week before.

Viewership was nearly identical to last week’s post-Elimination Chamber program. Raw averaged 4.65 million viewers compared to 4.63 million last week. The first hour averaged 4.70 million viewers before declining to 4.59 million viewers.

— WWE Studios’ Bending the Rules, starring 2012 WWE Hall of Fame inductee, Edge, and Jamie Kennedy – opens in the following theaters for a special, limited engagement on March 9: Hollywood, California (Grauman’s Chinese 7), Aurora, Colorado (Cinema Latino 8), Miami, Florida (Palace 18), Chicago, Illinois (I.C.E. Chatham 14), New York, New York (To Be Announced), East Providence, Rhode Island (East Providence 10), Memphis, Tennessee (Wolfchase Cinema 8), San Antonio, Texas (Santikos Northwest 14), Bremerton, Washington (Olympic Theater 4).

— The February 25 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.46 cable rating with 481,000 viewers.

sources: ProWrestling.net, PWInsider.com

TNA Knockout Has Wardrobe Malfunction, Rosita Praises Sarita

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— TNA Wrestling ring announcer Christy Hemme stated on Twitter that she suffered a wardrobe malfunction at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.

“Dear front row at IMPACT, I publicly apologize for my wardrobe malfunction,” she wrote. “My battery pack was too heavy for the string that held it on!”

— Sarita celebrated her ten-year anniversary in professional wrestling last Wednesday—she competed in her first match on February 22, 2002 in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada. Mexican America mate Rosita went on Twitter to show her appreciation for her tag team partner and friend.

She writes, “Special shout to my cuz, big sister & one of my best friends in the whole world, Sarah Stock aka SARITA in celebrating her 10th year in the wrestling business. She is BY FAR one of the strongest people I have ever known and she will continue to kick ass.”

Rosita continued, “Love you Cuzzo!!! You will never know how much I appreciate you!!”

JBL Defends The Rock Against Backstage Haters

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Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield has updated his Facebook page with a reaction to reports that certain members of the WWE locker room are upset about The Rock taking such a large role at WrestleMania 28. Despite the fact that The Rock is not a full-time member of the WWE roster, JBL says Rock detractors need to wake up and look at the big picture:

“I hear the resentment/jealousy of the Rock backstage and I quite frankly don’t believe it. Four of the world’s biggest superstars in Cena, Rock, Undertaker and Triple H will headline WM-this is huge for WWE and the business-guys should be dying to be on this card and my guess is they are. It’s very simple to those who do have any problem with it, if there is anyone truly that does-replace them and there won’t be a spot for them. Until then just say “thanks!”

JBL also got into former WWE superstars returning to the spotlight – and how they’re able to do so years after their main runs with the company:

“There is a reason why Jericho and others can always come back-they earned that right and they still draw. Shawn Michaels does as well. CM Punk and John Cena earned the right to be on top. If these guys ever quit drawing then they know it’s time to hang it up-that hasn’t happened yet, and I hope it won’t. Piper and Diesel ares guys who still draw interest and create buzz. Shows how great these guys are that they still create interest-it’s Darwinian, once they stop or are replaced then you won’t see them anymore. Batista would draw if he decides to return.”

Video From After RAW Featuring The Rock Cutting A Promo

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JR Blog: Jericho-Punk & Rock-Cena’s RAW Promos

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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. In this entry, JR talks in-depth about Monday’s eventful RAW, last weekend’s UFC pay-per-view from Japan and more. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

CM Punk & Chris Jericho: “As I thought, Jericho/Punk had a spirited verbal exchange and I expect more between now and April 1 in Miami. These two talented wrestlers are out of the box thinkers and who have both traveled somewhat similar routes to earn WWE main event status. Their upcoming bout, for them, arguably means more to each man on a personal level as any one on the card which is saying a great deal.”

“Both Punk and Jericho have been told that they would never make it over the hump to become a bona fide main event star. Those skeptics were dead wrong … This could be the best, pure wrestling match at WM28 and, if not, it will certainly be in the debate.”

The Rock & John Cena: “The big news of the night, which should come as no surprise, was the verbal exchange between @JohnCena and @TheRock. This one got intensely personal which I like as a fan but which I didn’t care for when I was an administrator.”

“Cena seemed to get the verbal nod in Portland and should have the in ring advantage going into WM28 considering that Cena gets more ring time than does the Rock. With that said, Rock is a 3rd generation talent who is amazingly athletic and hates finishing second in anything that he does. What ever is necessary for Rock to eliminate any ‘ring rust’ before WrestleMania will be done by the man who wants to make a lasting impression in his hometown come WM28. Rock certainly didn’t disappoint in his November Survivor Series tag bout and I expect him to play at National Championship level at ‘Mania.”

CM Punk Calls A TNA Star ‘Terrible’, Liger To Wrestle In Canada

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— WWE Champion CM Punk fielded questions from fans during a thirty-minute interview with WISX FM in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last week and was asked who his least favorite opponent in WWE is. The Straight Edge Superstar replies Elijah Burke, who he faced early in his career.

“Good question. I always get who’s your favorite opponent. This is great because I enjoy talking trash. My least favorite opponent; does anyone even remember Elijah Burke?” Punk responds. “Oh, he was terrible. He is absolutely the worst. Absolutely the worst. Talk about a diva. Man oh man, sorry if you liked him.”

Burke now competes for TNA Wrestling as “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero.

— Jushin “Thunder” Liger has been announced to face former ROH World Champion Roderick Strong on Saturday, April 14 at a Pro Wrestling Syndicate event taking place at Doubletree Toronto Airport 655 Dixon Rd. Toronto, Ontario Canada.

— Sheamus is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Power Slam.

Picture: What The Rock’s Promo Notes On His Wrist Said

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The Rock returned to WWE RAW on Monday night and delivered a memorable promo, demonstrating once again his unbreakable connection with the fans and his ability to work up a live crowd like nobody else. John Cena interrupted The Rock’s promo and called attention to the fact that The Rock had written notes on his wrist, perhaps a sign that the Great One isn’t at the top of his game and isn’t as authentic as he wants the people to believe.

Upon close analysis of The Rock’s promo, it appears the notes on his wrist said the following:

  • KRS to KPB
  • Innovator – Camo
  • 2 reasons
  • Call out

In case you missed The Rock and John Cena’s segment from the end of RAW, check it out here:

Gail Kim Says WWE Environment Was Disrespectful To Women

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Gail Kim clarified her exit from WWE last year in an interview with Schema Magazine.

When asked if controversially eliminated herself from the Divas Battle Royal on the August 1, 2011 episode of Monday Night Raw was out of frustration of not being showcased enough on television, she responded, “I’ve talked about this many times up to this point, which I don’t mind but I think the fans and myself have moved on from this topic. To clarify, that was not the reason why, there were many reasons why including some disrespectful situations and the way women were treated; so I decided to move on. I did, and I’m happier than ever and I will never know reasons why so I choose not to worry about that anymore.

“I can only look forward and try to do positive things from now on. Impact Wrestling has been home for me and it’s just been a confidence building, pro female wrestling environment. I feel like I don’t have to limit myself anymore.”

The TNA Women’s Knockout Champion was also asked if was ever given a role in which she felt stereotyped, fetishized or uncomfortable.

She responds, “I don’t think I can remember a time feeling uncomfortable because I was never forced to play the stereotypical role but that may be because I didn’t know how. I can’t speak fluent Korean (I regret quitting Korean school as a child now!) So it was difficult to put me in that role. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when I was asked to do things that were overtly sexual or anything dance related lol! I think I’m sexiest when I’m myself. As for the dancing part, I have 2 left feet!”

Kim also comments on where she sees herself in the entertainment industry within the next ten years, whether there is a difference between wrestling fans in the United States and Canada, who inspired her to become a professional wrestler and more. (Interview link)

Videos: Rock-Cena, Punk-Jericho, Punk vs. Bryan, Cena vs. Miz

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CM Punk and Chris Jericho trade verbal barbs about their WrestleMania showdown

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan: Champion vs. Champion Match

Primo & Epico vs. Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger – WWE Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Match

John Cena vs. The Miz

Eve Blows Off Kelly Kelly

The Rock & John Cena’s Promo:

Austin Aries’ Tweets Turned Into Angle, Against All Odds Buys

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— Austin Aries’ message on Twitter last week dismissing Sting has been turned into an angle. The X Division Champion wrote following Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, “I guess ‘I’m done’ is code for ‘I’m booking myself in another PPV main event.’ Yet the X Division champ can’t sniff a main event… #Shocker.” He then pulled the message and wrote, “Apparently this straw over-stirred the drink.”

TNA staff said Monday they “reached out to Aries” for comment, but he responded “No comment.” Sting wrote Monday, “Tension building. Goal accomplished. #whining ? #winning.”

— Early trending patterns for Against All Odds indicate the pay-per-view event drew 7,000 buys. The main event featured Bobby Roode defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Bully Ray, James Storm and Jeff Hardy in a Four Way match with Sting as Special Guest Ringside Enforcer.

— The Impact Wrestling live event on February 17 in Huntington, West Virginia drew 1,100 fans while the February 18 show in Beckley, West Virginia drew 2,100.

— The March 8, 2012 episode of Impact Wrestling is being taped tonight in Orlando, Florida.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Legends House Video Footage: Cast Members Revealed

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TMZ has published the first video footage of the upcoming WWE Legends House show, confirming several cast members in the process.

In the following video, wrestling legends Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Jimmy Hart, Roddy Piper, Hillbilly Jim, Gene Okerlund, Howard Finkel, Tony Atlas and Pat Patterson are shown taking a Zumba dance class at a studio in Palm Springs, California.

YmYwNTVlMCZvZj*wvideo platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

CM Punk & Jericho Praised, Kofi Kingston’s Staples, Brodus Clay

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– WWE Hall of Famers Jim Ross, Bret Hart and several others had high praise for both CM Punk and Chris Jericho after their promo on RAW. Jim Ross wrote:

“It’s going to be hard for anyone to follow the pure wrestling match that @CMPunk & @IAmJericho will have at WM28 Trust me on that”

Bret Hart, who was referenced by CM Punk during the promo,tweeted:

“That was probably the best promo I’ve seen in months & I’m not saying that bc of the shoutout. Punk & Jericho were on the top of their game”

Chris Jericho also tweeted the following after he attacked CM Punk, gave him the Walls of Jericho and left him for dead at the top of the ramp:

“And THAT is how you prove a point…. @CMPunk #raw”

– Kofi Kingston had staples removed from his head before yesterday’s RAW in Portland. The injury occurred during the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view several weeks ago.

– Brodus Clay was backstage at RAW, although he didn’t appear on television as advertised. No word yet on why Clay was promoted once again without being used, but we’ll be looking into this today.

WWE’s Board Of Directors Announcement Revealed

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WWE’s Board of Directors made the following announcement on the WWE website on Tuesday morning:

“Both Raw and SmackDown are about to get extreme makeovers. In an effort to help determine which General Manager should control both shows, the WWE Board of Directors has decided to switch control of each show next week. SmackDown GM Theodore Long will take control of Monday night’s Raw while Raw GM John Laurinaitis takes the reins of next Friday’s SmackDown.

The decision comes one week after Laurinaitis announced at Elimination Chamber that he will seek control over both shows, bolstered by flattering testimonials by Superstars Mark Henry, Christian and Alberto Del Rio. A perturbed Long made it clear to Laurinaitis that he’s not about to take the threat to his position lying down.”

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