– The news of Brock Lesnar returning to WWE was a hot topic of disucssion in the crowd at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Miami last night. While there is still no confirmation that Lesnar has signed a 1-year deal with WWE, expectations are high that he will be appearing at RAW tomorrow night.
Full Story:
– Former WWE Superstar MVP noted on Twitter that his upcoming hip-hop mixtape is about 50% done. MVP, who is from Miami, also commented on The Rock’s ties to the city:
“I’ve always been a huge fan of the Rock. 1 of the greatest ever! But Rocky went “to school” in Miami. He’s not FROM Miami! Big difference!”
– Below as a new promotional poster for WWE’s upcoming Over the Limit pay-per-view featuring Randy Orton:
– Jim Ross spoke to both WWE Champion CM Punk and Chris Jericho at last night’s Hall of Fame ceremony. JR wrote on Twitter:
“Talked 2 @CMPunk & @IAmJericho in separate conversations Saturday & i promise u that both are fantastically focused 4 WM28. Scary focused.”
– Batista says today’s a big day for him and he’s ready for the triathlon for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Earlier in the weekend, Batista responded to the buzz from fans that he’s in Miami: “Yup! I’m in #miami BITCH!”
– CM Punk’s guests for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony last night were Rancid singer Lars Frederiksen and former WWE diva Amy “Lita” Dumas. Punk and Lita have been romantically linked.
Former World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page spoke with Newsday.com about CM Punk mocking Chris Jericho for using DDP’s yoga program and saying it’s not “real” yoga. DDP says he’s not offended – CM Punk is right:
“He [Punk] said it’s not real yoga. Well, he’s right, it’s not. So, he [Punk] is saying that, and a lot of people thought it was a slap…. It was just to tick off Jericho for doing that.”
DDP says many of WWE’s top superstars have been using his yoga program, including The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Zack Ryder, Mick Foley, Kane and others. “These guys are out there getting better and getting stronger and healthier. So it [the publicity] is a win, win, win for the company, it’s a win, win, win for everybody.”
Regarding tonight’s WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Chris Jericho:
“Punk’s all wound up … and has 10 years less time in the ring than he [Jericho] has. Everybody’s trying to get this emotional fire up, because you want to see this fight. You want to see this explode. And it’s funny to me. But you don’t know what’s reality and what’s not. That’s where it comes alive. That’s why wrestling works.”
“I just know he [Jericho] wants to blow the roof off the place, but that’s what Punk wants, too. There’s a lot of great matches on this card. They’re all vying for the ‘steal the show’ spot. It’ll be interesting to see. I think this is one of the best WrestleManias. I’m looking forward to it.”
John Cena spoke with Tim Baines of The Toronto Sun this weekend. Here are some highlights of what Cena said about:
His Match With The Rock:
“Often times, when you get a generational clash, one member of the generation is past his prime. Rock is in the best shape of his life. I’m certainly the strongest I’ve ever been. We’re both ready to go. It’s not like you’re getting an old version of something and a current version of something. You’re getting two current versions of something.”
Turning Down Movie Roles:
“I’ve had to pass on a lot of stuff. I don’t want to be an actor, I want to be a WWE champion and I want to be the best that I can be. If a part comes up and I have to make a choice between that and wresting, 10 out of 10 times I stay here.”
WWE’s “Old Days”:
“I honestly like it back then better. Regardless of the creative literature, there is no substitute for pure emotions. That’s why I go out there by the seat of my pants, not afraid to look like an idiot. Under all that, very few people remember the exact words you say, but man, if you’re excited or pissed off, they remember that stuff.”
– The Rock will have several backstage segments at WrestleMania. We noted a few weeks back that officials were giving limited time to the undercard matches so CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho, Hell in a Cell and The Rock vs. John Cena will have as much time as needed.
– After it rained throughout the day in Miami on Saturday, there is now just a 20% chance of rain for Sunday afternoon/evening for WrestleMania. The Weather Channel is calling for just a 10% chance of rain and through the event, the average temperature is 77°.
– According to ESPN.com, Rey Mysterio’s group won the scramble-format competition for the WrestleMania 28 ProAm Golf Tournament earlier this week, at 17-under. The Miz’s group placed fourth at -13 while Sgt. Slaughter’s group and Zack Ryder’s group finished -14. ESPN noted that Mysterio played the tournament without his mask on except when the cameras were on him.
— It was announced at Saturday night’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony that a 10-man tag team match is set for Monday’s RAW. The match will feature WrestleMania opponents against each other.
— WWE has announced that the live episode of WWE SmackDown on Tuesday, April 10th will feature a special “Old School” theme.
The official website of the Hamptons Coliseum is already advertising WWE legends Roddy Piper, Gene Okerlund, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Tony Atlas and Pat Patterson and Hillbilly Jim for the show.
— Dragon Gate USA has announced that next year’s WrestleMania weekend will feature iPPV events from DGUSA, Evolve, Chikara, and CZW. Another iPPV from Ring of Honor next year would mean five iPPV events during WrestleMania 29 weekend.
Brock Lesnar is in Miami and has reportedly signed a 1-year contract with WWE. According to the Wrestling Observer, Lesnar arrived in Miami with a ton of security and an entourage of people surrounding him.
Lesnar’s deal is said to be a reduced schedule, which would allow Lesnar to avoid the hectic travel schedule that was one of the main factors in his decision to leave WWE after WrestleMania 20.
If Brock is signed with WWE, an appearance at WrestleMania 28 a very real possibility.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer stated on the F4WOnline.com message board that both sides have been in talks for a month and that WWE at least initially wanted his return match to take place at SummerSlam on August 19.
Meltzer said The Rock is aware of Lesnar’s negotiations and explaining his response to an Associated Press writer’s question last week regarding a possible confrontation.
“I’m not saying a thing,” said a grinning Johnson with his eyebrow raised after being asked about a possible encounter with Lesnar. “I didn’t say anything.”
SEScoopss at the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremoney (big props to Bryan @Superblade)
The 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will begin soon. The Red Carpet presentation is going on now as Superstars, Divas, Legends and fans are making their way into the arena.
– Sunny, Mae Young, Lita, William Regal, Jim Ross, Haku, Ricky Steamboat, Linda McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Diamond Dallas Page, Dusty Rhodes, Gerald Brisco, Jimmy Hart and Tommy Dreamer have all been spotted. All the WWE Superstars and most of the Divas are also seated.
– Jerry “The King” Lawler comes out to open tonight’s ceremony. He will be the host again this year. The one-hour Hall of Fame special will air on Monday night before RAW hits the air. Lawler talks about the Hall of Fame.
– John Cena is seated with Betty Skaaland. Other names seen include Booker T, Sharmell, Dean Malenko, Maryse, The Miz, Lita, FCW President Steve Keirn, The Iron Sheik, Jamie Noble, Finlay, Bill DeMott and others.
– The first inductee of the night is Ron Simmons. Out comes his former partner JBL to handle the induction and he gets a big ovation from the crowd. JBL puts over Simmons and said Simmons didn’t just break barriers down, he shattered them.
JBL introduces Ron Simmons to a big pop. Simmons is humbled by the induction and talks about his career. Simmons thanks everyone from the bottom of his heart and on behalf of his family. Simmons ends his speech with a big “DAMN!” which gets a huge pop from the audience.
– Alberto Del Rio comes out next to induct his uncle Mil Mascaras. Del Rio comes off as a really great talker. He says Mascaras put Mexican wrestling on the map. Del Rio talks about how Mascaras was a pioneer and the first Mexican wrestler to work Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Del Rio makes the introduction and Mascaras comes out to an ovation from the crowd. He is wearing his black lucha mask and starts getting emotional as he speaks. Mascaras did his induction in English and got an ovation from the crowd.
– The Four Horsemen are up next as Dusty Rhodes makes his way out to do the induction. Dusty talks about how unique the Horsemen were and calls Ric Flair a national treasure. Dusty talks about Flair with a lot of passion.
Dusty goes on to talk about his famous feuds with the Horsemen and calls Arn Anderson the Horsemen’s heartbeat. Dusty puts over the others before introducing The Four Horsemen to a nice ovation.
A big “Thank You Horsemen” chant breaks out and it’s amazing. Flair gets chants to come back and he says “I want to…” Flair gets emotional as he talks about his career and what the Horsemen were. Flair got whooo’s but no TNA chants or mentions. Barry Windham looked great despite his recent health problems.
Tully Blanchard is stylin’ but talks about his father who passed away recently. It changes the look on the others faces. Arn Anderson is up next and our correspondent reports that he gets the biggest pop of anyone so far out of all the inductions. Arn also gives one of the bet speeches so far of the night and puts over JJ Dillon, Bobby Heenan and Paul Ellering as managers.
Arn also puts over CM Punk. The rumors of Arn being a big CM Punk fan are true. He gives high marks to Randy Orton, Big Show, Rey Mysterio and John Cena. Cena’s name looks to get boo’d but Arn calls Cena the best human being that he knows and the crowd approves.
– Triple H and Shawn Michaels are out next to induct Mike Tyson into the Celebrity Wing. Triple H jokes on Shawn Michaels and credits Tyson with helping WWE in the Monday Night Wars. DX are in classic fashion tonight with good stuff. They play into the WrestleMania 28 angle and get a “Shawn is better” chant going.
Mike Tyson is all smiles as he comes out for his induction. Tyson seems to have some nervous energy and talks about some of his favorites. Tyson thanks everyone.
– Yokozuna will be posthumously inducted by The Usos next. Jimmy and Jey Uso talk about how Yokozuna was part of their family and how he was Rodney to them. Rikishi and Yokozuna’s family come out to accept the induction on behalf of the former WWE Champion. The Samoan Dynasty lives on he says.
Edge’s induction is up next. Christian comes out and starts joking about Edge’s new haircut. Christian is all jokes until he gets emotional and calls Edge his best friend. Christian talks about how they came up and Edge wanted to make it big so he could support his mom. Christian introduces his friend after a great speech.
Edge comes out to a huge standing ovation and looks excited to be out. He has a handheld video camera with him filming. Edge thanks the Foo Fighters for the entrance music and tells everyone he will never be on Twitter or Facebook. Edge talks about different wrestlers he came up with.
Edge talks about Bret Hart saw something in him when he was younger and that made him keep going. Edge thanks lots of people from his career including The Dudleys, The Hardys, Owen Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle, Ric Flair and several others. He makes a joke about Hulk Hogan and a sextape. He also thanked his women – Lita and Vickie Guerrero. Our correspondent adds that Edge has the most natural feeling speech of the night with the right mix of comedy. Edge talks about Rhino, Tommy Dreamer, William Regal, Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins and others.
Edge talked about his wife Beth coming into his life and said he loves her. Edge also thanked the best tag team partner he’s ever had – his mother. Edge ends his awesome speech and has Foo Fighters played up again. The crowd wants 5 Second Poses so we get them.
It was reported Friday that Brock Lesnar was in negotiations with WWE officials to make a surprise appearance at Sunday’s WrestleMania XXVIII pay-per-view event at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer stated on the F4WOnline.com message board that both sides have been in talks for a month and that WWE at least initially wanted his return match to take place at SummerSlam on August 19. Furthermore, Meltzer said Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is aware of Lesnar’s negotiations with the organization, thus explaining his response to an Associated Press writer’s question last week regarding a possible confrontation.
“I’m not saying a thing,” said a grinning Johnson with his eyebrow raised after being asked about a possible encounter with Lesnar. “I didn’t say anything.”
WWE officials held a state of the business meeting this week in Miami, Florida and it was disclosed to Variety that the organization has plans to launch a one-hour weekly television show on a yet to be announced United States television station. WWE will also produce an hour-long Spanish-language program. Details on both shows were not issued. Additional news from the meeting are as follows:
* WWE announced the following series for the forthcoming WWE Network: WWE Divas Tour Bus, WrestleMania Rewind, The Monday Night War: Raw vs Nitro and WWE Countdown.
* The official cast list for the WWE Network program WWE Legends’ House is “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Mean Gene Okerlund, Pat Patterson, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Tony Atlas.
* WWE would not reveal business plans for the WWE Network nor the potential launch date. “We continue to evaluate the best approach,” said Michelle Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer of WWE.
— It would appear that Scott Steiner has parted ways with TNA Wrestling as his profile has been deleted from ImpactWrestling.com. This is a general indication that a talent is no longer affiliated with the organization. “Big Poppa Pump” has not appeared for TNA since December.
— TNA Wrestling conducted a fan poll regarding format changes to the international program TNA Xplosion and Jeremy Borash revealed on Twitter that viewers want longer Spin Cycles, more matches and house show footage. Jeremy Borash said he was going to collaborate with Kevin Sullivan, the program’s executive producer, to “make that happen.”
— ShopTNA.com has released new T-Shirts featuring Jeff Hardy, Velvet Sky and one that reads “Wrestling No Season.”
— Sarita, who competes as Dark Angel in Mexico, will compete at a CMLL event tonight in Tlaxcala, Mexico as she teams up with Marcela to take on Amapola and Princesa Sugheit.
— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter congratulated Ric Flair on his record setting second induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, which will take place tonight in Miami, Florida as he is enshrined alongside select members of The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon and Tully Blanchard).
She tweeted Saturday afternoon, “Proud of Ric Flair and his 2nd WWE HOF induction. Have a great weekend buddy!!! WOOOOOO.”
— Sting said the Twitter feedback of Hulk Hogan being named the General Manager of Impact Wrestling on Thursday has been very positive. He added, “Hulkamania! Greatest of all time! Glad to have you back Brother!”
He was also asked Saturday who his favorite WWE wrestler is and simply stated Randy Orton.
— Sarita is not scheduled for Monday and Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida as she will be competing at a CMLL event Monday night in Puebla, Mexico.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper predicted CM Punk to defeat Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 28. Piper tweeted:
“My answer is I think @CMPUNK will win!! Both Punk and @IAMJERICO are great in my humble opinion. I’m a big fan of both men. There real MEN!”
– Word going around WWE’s International Media Day on Friday was that a major match for WrestleMania 29 will be announced at Monday’s post-WrestleMania RAW.
We noted last week that WWE sources indicated that was the plan – use the next year to build to a top match like they did with John Cena vs. The Rock.
– Sunday’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view is still not sold out but a lot of tickets are expected to be sold today and tomorrow at bargain prices.
– No word yet if Steve Austin is planning on flying into Miami today for WrestleMania 28 and the Hall of Fame but he indicated on Twitter late last night that he was still on the West coast.
– WWE Diva AJ Lee won the annual THQ Superstars Challenge on Friday. AJ defeated Mark Henry in the finals to win the trophy. The Superstars and Divas played WWE ’12 this year.
– Last word on Brock Lesnar appearing at WrestleMania 28 was that the two sides were still working on terms of a deal including financial issues and a number of dates that he would be working for WWE. WWE wants Lesnar to have a somewhat regular role.
– Natalya posted a photo of The Rock’s daughter Simone and herself in Miami this weekend. Natalya called her a future WWE Diva.
– TMZ reports that David Otunga met a young refugee from the Haiti earthquake at a WWE anti-bullying campaign event on Friday and after hearing the boy’s tragic story, he’s set up a meet-and-greet backstage at WrestleMania for him and all of the WWE Superstars. At the anti-bullying event, JFK Middle School raffled off a ticket to WrestleMania on Sunday. The young refugee from Haiti won the ticket but Otunga was so moved by his story that he decided the one ticket wasn’t enough. The boy lives with foster parents in the US after being forced to move here two years ago. His mother died in Haiti a few weeks back.
– As we reported Firday, Batista is in Miami this weekend and was reportedly picked up from the airport by a WWE employee. No word yet on talks with WWE but he is scheduled to participate in the Nautica South Beach Triathlon in support of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital on Sunday. Theoretically, he could still make it to WrestleMania in time to appear, if that’s what they’re planning.
Batista was seen hanging out with WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil on Friday night in Miami.
– The latest weather forecast for Sunday’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view is a high of 87°F and a 30% chance of rain. The Weather Channel shows a small chance of isolated thunderstorms around 4-6pm on Sunday night but it looks pretty clear after that.
– 2012 WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson told The Miami Herald that he would have preferred to have legends Bruno Sammartino and “Superstar” Billy Graham induct him into the Hall tonight. Tyson said:
“[WWE] has to do what they have to do, but if it was Bruno Sammartino or Superstar Billy Graham, that would be awesome, because that’s when I started watching it. Billy Graham came and changed the game [charisma], and then Bob Backlund beat Graham, but he didn’t change the game. Then Hulkster changed the game.”
– Earlier this week, Triple H spoke tot he Los Angeles Times and actually had some positive things to say about the Ultimate Warrior and his legacy. Triple H referred to Warrior as a legend and said it was an honor wrestle him at WrestleMania 12, even though he was squashed in about two minutes.
The Ultimate Warrior wrote the following on Twitter in response to Triple H’s comments about him:
“Since 2011, WWE’s tone about UW’s mark in the biz has changed. Something’s going on but your guess is as good as mine.”
Almost 50 Make-A-Wish kids were treated to a private autograph signing with Sheamus, Big Show and WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix on Friday in Miami.
Phoenix spoke to WWE.com about WWE’s involvement with Make-A-Wish:
“It’s an opportunity to give back to these great kids dealing with big problems. This puts it all in perspective – what’s important in life. It’s an honor to be a part of Make-A-Wish.”
Tonight, John Cena will host the annual Make-A-Wish pizza party for the kids and their families at Jungle Island in Miami.
WWE brought in Make-A-Wish kids from the United States, Canada and Ireland this year. All of the kids and their families will also be attending Sunday’s big pay-per-view.
– John Cena spoke with The Associated Press via The Washington Post this week to promote WWE’s anti-bullying campaign. Here’s a quote:
“I’m one of those guys that gets cheered, but also gets booed. Those who don’t like me, severely don’t like me. Usually your first instinct is to lash out at these people. … but I believe you always need to turn a negative into a positive.”
– Kelly Kelly, Big Show and The Miz will be featured on the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards tonight. Kelly is up for an award while Miz and Show will be competing for the first-ever Slime Wrestling Championship.
– 2012 WWE Hall of Famer Edge spoke with Tim Baines of The Ottawa Sun. He talked about John Cena vs. The Rock and watching WrestleMania on Sunday:
“The fact that they’ve been able to have a year build-up is unheard of. It’s almost impossible. You look at Savage vs. Steamboat, Andre vs. Hogan … How do you keep these guys apart for that long. Luckily, with Rock’s schedule, it wasn’t difficult. As a fan, I’m loving it. I’ve been watching Triple H and Undertaker and Rock and Cena. Would it be fun to be in their shoes? Sure. But I will sit up in a box with my family and enjoy the show. There will be no pressure, no dangerous bumps and no mid-air spears from Jeff Hardy. Sure there will be moments that I wish I was in there. I’m sure it was the same with Brett Favre and John Elway where they were watching football and thinking: ‘I wish I had made that play.'”
– Media in Miami are reporting that 30,000 WWE fans from out of town are in the city for WWE’s WrestleMania 28 festivities.
– The Smackdown house show on June 23rd, 2012 will be held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. Tickets go on sale April 28th, 2012. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
– Diamond Dallas Page, Hillbilly Jim, Haku, Ric Flair, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon and Tully Blanchard are the latest WWE legends who have been spotted at WWE’s hotel this weekend.
– WWE Divas Eve Torres and Layla surprised rapper Timbaland and the fans at WrestleMania 28 Axxess with a Flash Mob on Friday night.
The scene included 2012 Hall of Famer Mike Tyson and a group of dancers performing to Timbaland’s song “Break Ya Back.” Seriously.
– TNA announced this weekend that James Storm and Jeff Hardy will be “invading” the 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas this weekend. Storm and Hardy will be participating in other ACM events this weekend. For more info, visit TNAWrestling.com.
– Thursday’s 3/30episode of TNA’s Impact Wrestling drew a 1.04 cable rating with 1,363,000 viewers.
– TNA president Dixie Carter announced this week on Twitter that Sting has signed a new deal with the company. According to a reliable TNA source, it’s actually part of a storyline, playing into the angle that Sting is no longer the General Manager of Impact – and has now signed a “talent” contract. The reality is, Sting is signed with TNA through the end of 2012.
– In part two of CM Punk and Chris Jericho’s WWE.com WrestleMania diaries, Jericho defends his use of DDP Yoga, which Punk said was a joke and “not real yoga” earlier this week:
“All I know is that DDP Yoga works for me. It’s the best training I’ve had in my life and it’s funny how I’ve been wrestling 10 years longer than CM Punk, but he’s the one who’s always walking around with more ice on him than an eskimo in February. I’m pain-free.”
– Zack Ryder was interviewed by the The Miami Herald this week and said this about his “Broski” character:
“This character, if you look at the Internet and the colanders, was way before ‘Jersey Shore’ hit TV. It was probably even before ‘Jersey Shore’ was auditioning or casting for their first season. This wasn’t a ‘Jersey Shore’ rip-off. This was Long Island, where I grew up. I thought it would make me different and stand out. Everyone needs to be different. Maybe I was a little goofy behind the scenes or backstage, but once that bell rang, it was no joke.”
– WWE Superstar David Otunga was interviewed by the The Miami Herald this week and spoke about competing at WrestleMania for the first time this Sunday:
“Being here is a dream come true. Two years ago around this time I was an NXT rookie watching. Last year I missed my WrestleMania moment. This is my first time actually being in a match on this stage, let alone in a featured match with the 12-man tag match with Team Teddy taking on Team Johnny.”
“I’ve grown in every way imaginable from my ring work to character development and everything. The scary thing is I’m just getting started.”
– WWE.com caught up with John Cena this week at AXXESS and asked him whether there will be blood during his match with The Rock at WrestleMania 28. Cena said:
“It won’t be [my blood] because he hits like a sack of sand. He’s too busy having stunt doubles do his work.”
