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JR Blog: 3-Hour RAWs, Ziggler As #1 Contender, Vader’s Return

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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 buy Jim Ross’ delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.

Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Dolph Ziggler’s Match On RAW:: “@HeelZiggler aka Dolph Ziggler had a significant night. Opportunity knocks for Ziggler and I hope that he capitalizes on it. I’ve long been an advocate of Ziggler’s and have felt that he’s deserving of main event opportunities. I hope Ziggler and Sheamus, another one of my favorites, blow the PPV up on Sunday. That’s how you don’t get put on ignore…steal the show.”

Vader’s Surprise Return: “Loved the return of Vader on Raw. Leon White aka Vader has lost a bunch of weight after getting north or the 400 pound mark and looked to be 330ish the last time that I saw him which was down in Tampa a few weeks ago. Vader’s son is ‘Jake Carter’ who is one half of the Florida Tag Team Champions along with Cory Graves. ”

3-Hour RAW’s: “Three hour TV shows are daunting and must be approached with extensive, long term planning and preparation. I enjoyed many elements of Monday Night Raw but watching ANY TV show for three hours isn’t easy for me. Hopefully, three hour Monday Night Raw’s will provide more multiple segment wrestling matches and not more talk. Yep, old school guy here…I like the wrestling, drama, athleticism, and personal issues better than most talk.”

“Don’t get me wrong, a focused, passionate, entertaining in ring promo that engages the live audience and takes us fans on a ride and closer to the talent’s intended destination is still money. Unfortunately, an adlibbed, spontaneous promo is becoming a lost art. “

*Spoiler* Stipulation Added To Cena vs. Big Show At No Way Out

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At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, another stipulation was added to the steel cage main event of WWE No Way Out – if John Cena loses, he’s fired. This is in addition to the stipulation that if Big Show loses, John Laurinaitis is fired. With that big stipulation in place, here’s the updated card for Sunday’s WWE No Way Out pay-per-view:

Steel Cage Match (Vince McMahon at Ringside)
Big Show vs. John Cena
If Cena wins, Laurinaitis is fired. If Cena loses, he’s fired.

WWE Title Match
CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane

World Heavyweight Title Match
Sheamus (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Christian (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

Divas Title Match
Layla (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

Pre-Show Match:
Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga

*SPOILERS* for Friday’s SmackDown (Direct Link)

WWE Stars Wary Of Wrestling Ryback, McMahon Knockout Fallout

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– Dave Meltzer stated Tuesday on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE has Ryback continuously facing independent wrestlers at televised events because their contracted talent are wary of wrestling him. Additional details were not disclosed.

– WWE.com has posted a video of Michael McGillicutty, Tyson Kidd, Jack Swagger and Jerry Lawler reacting to Big Show knocking out Vince McMahon during the Chairman’s return to Raw SuperShow.

– Former WWE Diva Michelle McCool is today’s featured star on WWE.com.

— CHIKARA will hold “The Foggiest Notion” event on Saturday, June 23 at Bera Creek Country Club outside London, Ontario, Canada at 7:30 p.m.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

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WWE taped Friday’s SmackDown on Tuesday night from Manchester, New Hampshire. Credit to Jason Dailey and WrestlingINC.com for these spoiler results:

Dark Match:

* A local wrestler defeated Dean Ambrose

SmackDown, Airing Friday:

* Sheamus, CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, AJ Lee and Vickie Guerrero argue in the ring.

* Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler defeated World Champion Sheamus and WWE Champion CM Punk. Kane appeared after the match and chokeslammed the champions.

* Brodus Clay squashed Heath Slater. David Otunga came out after the match and attacked Brodus.

* Beth Phoenix defeated Alicia Fox.

* In-ring segment with John Laurinaitis and Big Show.

* WWE Intercontinental Champion Christian defeated Jack Swagger.

* Triple H came out for an off-camera segment and hit the Pedigree on Swagger. He chased Vickie Guerrero to the back to end the segment.

* Ryback defeated two local wrestlers.

* Damien Sandow defeated Tyson Kidd.

* John Cena comes to the ring and calls out Big Show. John Laurinaitis comes out instead and gets assaulted by Cena to end the show.

Dark Match Main Event

* John Cena defeated Big Show, John Laurinaitis, and David Otunga in a handicap match.

Dean Ambrose Loses Dark Match, NXT & Superstars Matches

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Matches taped Tuesday evening in Manchester, New Hampshire for this week’s episode of WWE NXT are as follows:

* Derrick Bateman and Percy Watson vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks

* Kaitlyn vs. Natalya.

* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty

Justin Gabriel faced Hunico in a match taped for WWE Superstars.

In a battle of WWE developmental wrestlers, Big E Langston faced Dean Ambrose in a pre-taping dark match. Langston, who was billed from Manchester, beat Ambrose. Prior to the match, Ambrose cut a heel promo denouncing the city of Manchester.

(source: PWInsider.com)

WWE’s Original Creative Plans For Orton, WWE Tapings In The UK

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– Had WWE not suspended Randy Orton for his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program, he would have been scripted to defeat Dolph Ziggler at this Sunday’s No Way Out pay-per-view event. The Viper was scheduled to feud with Ziggler and Chris Jericho in the weeks leading up to a SummerSlam showdown with Sheamus.

– WWE will tape Raw SuperShow at the Birmingham LG Arena in Birmingham, England on November 5.

– WWE will tape SmackDown at the Birmingham LG Arena in Birmingham, England on November 6.

– WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario, Canada on September 23. The event begins at 3:00 p.m.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Reason Behind WWE Suspending Jericho, Vader On WWE Website

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– According to a source within WWE, several company employees believe Chris Jericho was suspended for thirty days due to the act of denigrating the Brazilian flag at a Raw live event in São Paulo on May 24 for political reasons. Linda McMahon is campaigning for U.S. Senator of Connecticut and many feel the organization suspended him out of concern over what the Connecticut media would think if they read a story online about their wrestlers defacing an international flag.

– Following his appearance on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, WWE.com had added Vader to their Alumni section.

– WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on September 8. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

– WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ontario on September 9. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Raw Rating Improves With McMahon’s Return, Kane’s Love History

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– The June 11 Raw SuperShow featuring the television return of Vince McMahon’s Mr. McMahon character drew a 3.24 cable rating over the course of three hours and a 3.46 from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.

It is the program’s highest rating since April 30 and highest rating from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. since the night following the Royal Rumble.

Raw averaged 4.62 million viewers over the course of three hours and 4.98 million viewers from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. The first hour drew a 2.73 rating with 3.90 million viewers, then a 3.34 rating with 4.88 million viewers in the second. The final hour drew a 3.55 rating with 5.08 million viewers.

– AJ is not the only WWE Diva to have had their eye on Kane. WWE.com has published an article chronicling The Big Red Monster’s romantic history.

– WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the RBC Centre in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on September 22, 2012. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Raw Backstage Fallout With Ziggler and AJ, Tapings In Canada

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– The Funkadactyls, AJ, Dolph Ziggler and more WWE Superstars share their thoughts on Monday’s Raw SuperShow.

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– A Raw SuperShow will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on Monday, September 10, 2012

A WWE SmackDown taping will be held at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

– The June 9 episode of A.M. Raw on the USA Network garnered a 0.46 cable rating with 550,000 viewers.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Top 5 RAW Moments:”The Show-Off Shows Out”

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WWE RAW (6/11): “The Show-Off Shows Out” by Antoine Hoffman

How does an added hour result in an epic struggle to find top moments from Sports Entertainment’s lead televised product?

Once again, WWE found a way to botch a three-hour time slot.  If last night’s show was any indication of what’s to come starting July 23rd, how will Raw fair at three hours, in successive weeks?

In the midst of the drawn out dialogue, overwhelming love triangles (or squares) & dance segments fueled by buffoonery, one Superstar has put the WWE Universe on notice, making it known he is ready and is “Here To Show The World”.

Without much to work with, here are the Top 5 moments from last night’s show:

CM Punk Admits To “Sexing” & Tells A Funny Vince Story

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WWE Champion C.M. Punk was interviewed on The Bower Show on 97.9 ESPN radio in Hartford, Connecticut on Monday. To listen to the full interview, visit 979espn.com. Here are some highlights of what CM Punk said about:

Punk on Roddy Piper: “He was a really good villain. He made me want to do what I do now.”

Punk on whether a bad personal experience with alcohol or drugs led to him being Straight Edge: “I was born this way. For me it’s not a lifestyle. I think going out and partying and going out and getting drunk every night, that’s a lifestyle. That’s insane. This is who I am and how I’ve always been… I just never saw a reason to drink, I suppose.”

Punk on his favorite Vince McMahon story: “We recently had the Hall of Fame before WrestleMania and Edge was being inducted this year. He told a story and neglected to add that I was apart of, shockingly enough. I had been on the road maybe five-six months, and I got the call spur of the moment, somebody is injured, somebody is suspended, whatever. Okay, cool, I’ll pack my bags. So we went over to Iraq and the sleeping arrangements were hilarious.

“I can’t remember the general’s name, it wasn’t a five-star, because I don’t know if there any current five-star generals, whatever the biggest general is was. He was in our room. It was me, JBL, Undertaker, Edge, and Vince McMahon all bunking. I was on the top bunk and JBL was on the bottom. To the right of me was Vince McMahon and I think let him have his own bunks so there was nobody above or below him. To my left was Undertaker and I think Edge was top bunk…

“There was one giant bed in the room and we gave it to the general, it was his show. It was one of those moments where I’m just laying there awake thinking how bizarre my life is. I’m in a bunk bed with JBL and Vince McMahon is over here. All of a sudden I hear somebody let one off and then you hear (impersonates Vince MaMahon laughing). So then I’m sitting in a bunk bed and Vince McMahon is crapping his pants.”

Punk on whether he has ever “sexted” a photo: Punk laughed loudly. “I’m totally red. Who hasn’t? How’s that for honesty, ESPN. Yeah. I don’t even think it was done in the context you are thinking of. It was a complete goof. I wasn’t trying to be salacious. I wasn’t trying to get in anybody’s pants or anything. It was probably to my girlfriend and was more like an LOL, ha!”

Punk Talks Chris Brown Feud, Miz-Marine Update, Jericho

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– During a TV interview on Monday to promote last night’s RAW, CM Punk was asked about his recent Twitter beef with Chris Brown, where he called out the singer for his “alleged” domestic violence of singer Rihanna. Punk said that he wanted to wrestle a charity match against Brown with the proceeds going to a women’s shelter.

– Today’s wrestling birthdays include WWE referee Jack Doan (40) and ECW original Jerry Lynn (49).

– Chris Jericho’s suspension countdown continues, with 11 days to go until he’s cleared to return to action. Jericho tweeted the following lyrics from the movie Spinal Tap:

“”These go to 11? “Why don’t you just make ten louder and call ten the loudest” “these go to 11?”

– The Miz is currently filming the WWE Studios movie The Marine: Homefront: and is not expected to be back on RAW for the next few weeks. Miz noted on Twitter that he has to wake up at 4AM each day for filming.

Paul Heyman Posts Cryptic Tweet About Him & Brock Lesnar

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Paul Heyman tweeted the following cryptic message on Monday night:

“@WWE #TheBossIsBack Yes, Brock Lesnar and I are indeed back. WHERE? Remains to be seen! Ahem …”

Triple H will be at Sunday’s No Way Out pay-per-view to address “his future, pending lawsuits against WWE and Brock Lesnar.”

WWE sources we’ve spoken to do not expect Brock Lesnar to be at No Way Out, but that could change by Sunday and it’s possible Lesnar’s appearance could be kept a secret until then.

Despite Lesnar’s ongoing issues with WWE, there are still plans for him to wrestle Triple H at SummerSlam on August 19th.

John Cena Divorce Update: Cena’s Wife’s Lawyer Comments

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Florida divorce attorney Raymond Rafool recently spoke to Lawyers.com about his client Liz Huberdeau’s divorce from WWE superstar John Cena. Rafool says the main issue that will determine what Liz receives in a divorce ruling be the judge’s interpretation of their prenuptial agreement, which was signed just 16 days before they married:

“In this case, it appears the preliminary issues will be the interpretation of the prenuptial agreement, the application to the parties’s property, assets and income, whether the agreement itself is enforceable or not, which we always consider, and in the mean time addressing the temporary needs of our client in conjunction with and in spite of certain terms of the premarital agreement.”

When asked what he’s sensing from John Cena, Rafool said:

“What John has on his mind only John knows, so I can’t give you any other reasons. At this time my client is going to maintain everybody’s privacy.”

Video: Vader Returns On RAW, Vader Comments On Comeback

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As seen on RAW last night, 58 year old legend Vader returned to action and defeated Heath Slater. Vader tweeted after RAW (@ItsVaderTime):

“Wow what a fantastic night. I want to thank the @WWE from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank all the fans for the love & Support.”

“#stillgotit??? It’s time it’s time #itsvadertime”

Vader recently lost approximately 60 pounds and is looking to make a comeback.

In case you missed it, check out this video of Vader’s surprise return on RAW:

Ziggler Praised By Heyman & Foley, Del Rio Concussion Update

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– On Monday’s RAW, Dolph Ziggler won a #1 contenders match and will now face Sheamus for the World Heavyweight title at No Way Out. Following Ziggler’s match, Mick Foley tweeted the following endorsement:

“Another excellent match involving @HeelZiggler . I think I detect some type of trend here”

Paul Heyman re-tweeted Foley’s comment and said that he agrees.

– To update Alberto Del Rio’s concussion sustained at last week’s SmackDown tapings, the WWE storyline is that it occurred when the Great Khali chopped his head during their match last week.

As previously reported, he injury actually occurred when Sheamus slammed Del Rio’s head against the metal WWE logo on the stage.

JBL Talks Working With WWE Again, His 7 Summits Adventure

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Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield was at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut on Monday. Bradshaw wrote the following message on Facebook about his visit, WWE sponsoring his upcoming “Seven Summits” mountain climbing adventure (and the danger involved), a possible return to WWE television and more:

“Did hours of TV today for future shows, mainly stuff for Seven Sumits but also some specials/DVD type stuff. For those asking, if I am alive and make this mountain-yes, I would expect to be on WWE TV, but there are NO plans by me or them. It was all focused on this mountain and the tech I need to transmit pics and videos back for the social pages. I do expect to be on WWE TV in the future but no idea the role and they don’t know either. Maybe it is just a cameo or a spot to promote the Seven Summits for Kids-who knows? I know I have a huge mountain waiting on me in Russia that 15-30 people a year die on according to Wikipedia, so my focus is on me getting my old self up and down this mountain and raising money for the kids I work with. Then we will see about WWE and they will have a chance to see what they want me to do.”

JBL recently told Bermuda’s Royal Gazette newspaper that he’s already lost 35 pounds while preparing for the adventure.

* Vickie Guerrero’s HOT Daughter Debuts CRAZY New Look At FCW (Pictures)

No Way Out Spoiler, Vince Breaks From The Script On RAW

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– Local advertisements for next week’s RAW Supershow are stating that John Laurinaitis has a new role – “Assistant to the WWE Board of Directors.” This could be a sign that John Cena will defeat Big Show at No Way Out this Sunday, since Laurinaitis will be fired as General Manager if Big Show does not win the match.

– Injured WWE superstar Mark Henry will be in Harlem, New York today to film footage for WWE’s Outside the Ring Youtube show. He tweeted on Tuesday morning:

“#wwe I will be doing the day in the life today in Harlem. Show called Outside the ring. Starting at 125th Lenox got to get my coffee.”

Henry confirmed that his recent surgery was on his shoulder (not his knee or groin) – and that his recovery is going well.

– On last night’s RAW, Vince McMahon rode John Laurinaitis’ scooter from the ringside area to the entrance ramp – and then pushed it off the stage. According to a report at f4wonline.com, Vince’s spot with the scooter was not in the script and nobody knew he was going to do it in advance.

What Happened After RAW, Loaded SmackDown Main Event

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– After Monday’s RAW went off the air, Vince McMahon “regained consciousnes” from Big Show’s knockout punch and was helped to the back by trainers.

John Cena then wrestled David Otunga, John Laurinaitis and Big Show in a handicap match. After accidentally knocking out McMahon just 20 minutes prior, Show accidentally knocked out David Otunga during the match, which allowed Cena to get the win. Cena then hit the Attitude Adjustment on Laurinaitis to send the fans home happy.

– The main event for Friday’s WWE SmackDown will be WWE Champion CM Punk and World Heavyweight champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler.

Vince McMahon Knockout Update, Eve Addresses Absense

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– John Laurinaitis’ executive assistant Eve Torres addressed her absence from WWE television on Twitter on Monday night:

“I know you all have missed me on Raw, but rest assured I’m handling some very important business. That’s what business women do.”

– Following the Big Show’s knockout punch on Vince McMahon at the end of RAW, the WWE website has an “injury update” on the WWE chairman – and his status for Sunday’s pay-per-view is now up in the air.

The latest storyline development is that McMahon is experiencing “concussion-like symptoms” and might not be able to sit ringside for the John Cena vs. Big Show match at No Way Out. McMahon promised on RAW to fire John Laurinaitis if Big Show can’t defeat John Cena at the event.

After RAW went off the air, McMahon “regained consciousness” and was helped to the back by trainers. 

WWE No Way Out: Main Event Stipulation, Ziggler, Pre-Show

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Vince McMahon will be ringside this Sunday night at WWE No Way Out when Big Show wrestles John Cena in a steel cage match. If Big Show does not win – John Laurinaitis will be fired. Dolph Ziggler also won a #1 contenders match on RAW to replace the injured Alberto Del Rio and face Sheamus for the World Heavyweight championship.

It was also announced on RAW that  Layla will defend the Divas title against Beth Phoenix and Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga will be the pre-show match on Youtube.com, starting 30 minutes prior to the PPV.

With those matches set, here’s the updated card for WWE No Way Out:

Steel Cage Match (Vince McMahon at Ringside)
Big Show vs. John Cena
If Cena wins, Laurinaitis is fired

WWE Title Match
CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane

World Heavyweight Title Match
Sheamus (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Christian (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

Divas Title Match
Layla (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

Pre-Show Match:
Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga

Matches Taped For This Week’s Superstars, Dark Match Results

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Matches taped Monday night in Hartford, Connecticut for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are as follows:

* Zack Ryder vs. Michael McGillicutty

* Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

In a pre-taping dark match, Alex Riley beat Drew McIntyre via roll-up.

Former WCW Champion Appears On Raw, Ryback’s Opponents

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– Vader, a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, made his first WWE appearance in over six years on Raw SuperShow. “The Man They Call Vader” dispatched Heath Slater with a Vader Bomb.

– In a 2-on-1 Handicap Match on Raw SuperShow, Ryback dismantled local competitors Willard Fillmore and Rutherford “P.S.” Hayes. Both Fillmore and Hayes compete for the New England based independent promotion Chaotic Wrestling: Fillmore as “American Sasuke” Mikaze and Hayes as Scotty Slade.

– Tickets for WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view event on September 16, 2012 at the TD Bank Garden in Boston, Massachusetts go on sale on June 23 at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.

– Lance Storm, who recently injured his elbow, tweeted the following Monday night: “Got my elbow X ray results back, fractured bone spur. Will not keep me out, just causes pain. Now the long wait for the ortho appointment.”

Bret Hart Says Ultimate Warrior Was Supposed To Lose To Him

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Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of The Score Television Network once again sat down with WWE Hall of Famer Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. Highlights are as follows:

Wrestlemania VIII with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and winning the Intercontinental Championship: “When I realized I was going to wrestle Roddy Piper, my gut instinct told me that Piper was going to keep the title for a while, and I would sort of be back up to him. It didnt work out like that, and I’m glad it didn’t because I kind of had my heart set on a good healthy long run as the Intercontinental champion. I thought at the time I got the title that I earned it and I wanted to have my chance. When i lost it to “The Mountie” I thought ‘They never gave me my chance.’”

On Piper ‘passing the torch’ to him and other wrestlers not doing the same: “For him to pass the torch down to me, kind of thing, was a pretty big step for me. At that time a lot of wrestlers didn’t want to make that kind of effort for me, and I’m not sure why or what their arguments might have been. So many guys when I look back on my career, like even when I won the World Title I was supposed to go over on ‘Warrior’, i would have gone over on ‘Warrior’ at the ‘Rumble’, never happened. I was supposed to wrestle Jake Roberts first at ‘Survivor Series’, never happened,” … “its too bad in the case of Jake Roberts, he’s a guy that, I had this great career and never wrestled Jake Roberts one time.”

On creating the ladder match and Shawn Michaels stealing the idea: “[Vince] told me to pick anybody I wanted, I said ‘I’ll pick Shawn’ because I was good friends with Shawn back then. I went to Shawn and said ‘We’re going to do a ladder match’ and he didn’t know what it was either. I tried to explain it to him. I knew it was a million dollar idea. Once I showed him how to do it I knew it would be a great idea” … “And then Shawn stole then idea from me. It was the idea that was the the million dollar idea. A lot of guys could have had a great ladder match, a lot of guys have. But it was the idea that I brought forth that they stole from me.”

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Dixie Carter Addresses Restraining Order Filed Against WWE

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TNA Entertainment Releases Statement Regarding Current Litigation

NASHVILLE, Tenn — TNA Entertainment, LLC President Dixie Carter releases a statement in regard to the recent TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) the company filed against WWE in the Davidson County Circuit Court in Nashville, Tennessee.

TNA President Dixie Carter states, “We were not surprised that the Court originally granted a swift temporary restraining order against WWE to prohibit interference with TNA’s contracts and business relationships. I’m pleased that the Court has now replaced that temporary measure with the most recent judicial Order. The Judge’s current Order sends a strong message about the importance of TNA protecting its trade secrets. Obviously, the accuracy of what WWE has represented remains important, so I look forward to the discovery process and what is revealed during litigation. As always, we will vigorously protect TNA and its brand from damage at the hands of any and all sources, no matter who is involved.”