– Tuesday night’s Tribute to the Troops special on USA drew a 1.93 rating with 2.77 million viewers. Unlike RAW’s recent trend of losing viewership throughout the show, Tribute to the Troops started off with 2.75 million viewers in the first hour and rose to 2.78 million in hour two.
By comparison, last year’s Troops special – which aired on a Wednesday night, did a 2.0 rating with 3.01 million viewers.
– WWE announced a new executive hire on Wednesday. Andrew Judelson will be WWE’s new Executive Vice President of Sales & Partnership Marketing, effective January 2, 2012. Judelson, previously a senior executive from Sports Illustrated Group, the NHL and most recently U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), will be “a key member of WWE’s senior management team and responsible for all sales and key marketing partnerships for the company including talent endorsement deals.”
To read the full press release, head over to MarketWatch.com.
— Velvet Sky has dismissed a report attributed to Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer that much of Karen Jarrett’s degrading on-air dialogue toward the Knockouts Division starlet is based on how certain company officials legitimately perceive her.
She tweeted Tuesday in response to a fan, “LOL that RUMOR is so far from the truth. Don’t believe everything you read people…”
The TNA Knockout then stated Wednesday to her followers, “A grown man + rumors = Wrong, Epic Fail, Try again and THANKS FOR PLAYING! Try reporting something with truth to it. Must be a slow week.”
— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter is conducting a survey regarding the location for next year’s Lockdown pay-per-view event.
She tweeted, “Doing site surveys now for a location for Lockdown 2012. Where do you want to see it take place?”
— Time‘s “Person of the Year 2011” features a brief biography on Randy Savage. Savage, who passed away on May 20, was included in their “Fond Farewells” section of notable deaths in 2011.
— Regarding WWE discontinuing Classics on Demand in order to bolster the strength of the WWE Network when it debuts in April, although subscribers to the video on demand service are receiving postcards informing them that the service will be discontinued on January 1, 2012, some cable operators are telling customers asking about its status that it will not be discontinued until March 31, 2012.
— WWE will hold a Raw live event at the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
— PWInsider.com confirms Jesse Neal has parted ways with TNA Wrestling. He worked one final match for the organization at Monday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.
The founding member of Ink Inc. decided to leave TNA Wrestling after declining their request to relocate to Louisville, Kentucky to work out of developmental league Ohio Valley Wrestling.
— Matches taped Monday and Tuesday in Orlando, Florida for upcoming episodes of TNA Xplosion are as follows: Christopher Daniels vs. Devon; Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe; Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe.
— To celebrate TNA Wrestling’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, Challenge have teamed up with the wrestling organization to run a competition which includes a first place prize of dinner with Velvet Sky. Details are available here.
— The Wrestling Observer reports that much of Karen Jarrett’s demeaning on-air dialogue designating Velvet Sky as a promiscuous woman is based on how certain TNA Wrestling officials legitimately view the Knockouts Division star.
— Former WWE talent Maria Kanellis is advertised to face Tara in her return to the squared circle on February 25, 2012 for New York City based promotion Family Wrestling Entertainment.
Kanellis tweeted, “I’m so excited. Ive always admired (Tara). She has taught me so much!!”
— Christopher Daniels, D’Angelo Dinero, Doug Williams and SoCal Val filmed an upcoming edition of TNA Spin Cycle Tuesday in Orlando, Florida.
Solomonster checks in with a review of last night’s three hour SLAMMY AWARDS edition of Monday Night Raw, featuring the return of Masked Kane, a tease for Undertaker’s opponent at WrestleMania, an award for TRENDING ON TWITTER (I kid you not), a rant on commercials during the main event, exploding pipebombs and more. Plus, we now have a date of death for WWE Classics On Demand, why it’s happening and why it’s still very depressing.
This bonus show won’t be a weekly thing, so enjoy them while you can.
– John Morrison is reportedly asking $5,000 to make appearances at indy shows and autograph signings. Morrison has been approached by several top indy promoters and turned down solid offers that were less than $5k.
– The Newman Times-Herald is reporting that former WWE star Finlay’s son David is planning to get into pro wrestling once he graduates from high school. David is currently a standout high school wrestler and plans to train in Japan.
– New Jersey independent wrestler Dante Dash has been added to the WWE developmental roster on FCW’s website. You can check out his bio here.
– 80’s musician Stan Bush, who performs the song “The Touch” that was featured in CM Punk’s John Laurinaitis video tribute, tweeted the following about his song being used on RAW:
“@CMPunk Thanks for spinning The Touch on Raw! It’s the tune that never dies! #YouveGotThePower”
“The pro-wrestling world has been pretty kind to me in 2011! First it was @CHIKARApro now it’s @WWE – “The Touch” and wrestling work pretty well together!”
“Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad they played it – even for Johnny Ace!”
– After Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Raleigh concluded, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and Heath Slater beat down Randy Orton until Big Show made the save. Orton put Slater through a table to end the show.
– Chris Jericho was asked on Twitter about online reports that he’s returning to WWE to feud with CM Punk. Jericho, who is rumored to be returning to WWE in several weeks, called the reports “bogus, weak journalism.”
– WWE Games noted on Twitter that data from the new WWE ’12 video shows that CM Punk is the most-played superstar in the game.
– WWE officials Trish Stratus to appear at Monday’s Slammy RAW to present the Divalicious Slammy along with Lita. Trish turned down the offer because she would have to spend two full days traveling from/to Canada for a 5-minute television appearance. WWE was understanding about the situation and there’s no heat on Trish for declining the offer.
– Monday’s special 3-hour Slammy RAW drew a 2.84 rating. The final 2 hours (RAW’s usual timeslot) did a 2.98 – virtually even with last week’s 2.97. Continuing the trend of losing viewership in the final hour of the show, hour 3 did a lower rating than hour 2 this week.
– As we’ve seen in recent weeks, Monday’s RAW was re-written several times throughout the day. Triple H, who returned to RAW, won a Slammy and cut a promo on The Undertaker setting up a possible WrestleMania 28 rematch, wasn’t even booked to appear on RAW just a few hours before the show went on the air.
– Evan Bourne beat Tyson Kidd in the dark match prior to Tuesday’s NXT, Superstars and SmackDown tapings.
– John Cena is being advertised for Sunday’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view, but nothing has been announced for him as of Wednesday morning. There has been talk backstage this week that Cena could be added to as a special referee for the United States Title Match between Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder.
There’s also the longshot chance that Cena gets added to the triple threat main event between Punk, Miz and Del Rio.
TNA taped the December 22nd episode of Impact Wrestling on Monday and Tuesday night from Orlando. Here are full spoilers, thanks to Eric:
(Taped Monday)
* Special referee Madison Rayne comes out and brings Tara and Miss Tessmacher to the ring. Madison sets up Tara vs. Tessmacher for tonight.
* Miss Tessmacher and Tara wrestle a long, drawn out match with Madison as the referee. They turn on her, lay her out and do the Tim Tebow pose in the ring.
* Eric Young and ODB beat Shannon Moore and Anarquia in the Wild Card Tag Team Tournament. Young and ODB got the win after Moore walked out on his partner.
(Taped Tuesday)
* Kaz and AJ Styles beat Daniels and Rob Van Dam in the Wild Card Tournament.
* Tony Nese beat Zema Ion in match #2 of their Best of 3 Series.
* James Storm comes out to run down Kurt Angle. Angle appears on video dressed like a cowboy and is looking for Storm in his hometown.
* Bobby Roode comes out with Bully Ray. Roode cuts a promo on Sting when Jeff Hardy interrupts. Hardy says he’s taking the World Title at Genesis and that’s that. Roode and Ray vs. Hardy and a partner of his choice is announced for tonight. Sting comes out with his paint on and he’s Hardy’s partner.
* We see Kurt Angle the cowboy again and he’s beating up people in a bar, wanting his rematch with Storm.
* Sting and Jeff Hardy won a Street Fight over Bobby Roode and Bully Ray.
The following announcement was sent out on Tuesday:
WWE(R) Raw(R) World Tour Comes to Abu Dhabi for First Time
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Dec 13, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — WWE announced today that it will bring the WWE Raw World Tour for the first time to the Zayed Sports City, International Tennis Complex in Abu Dhabi from Thursday, February 9 through Saturday, February 11, 2012. This marks the second time within a year that WWE is bringing its World Tour to the Middle East.
WWE currently has a strong TV presence in Abu Dhabi reaching more than 20 million households across the region with its flagship weekly shows, WWE Raw(R) and WWE SmackDown(R). WWE Raw is broadcast on MBC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, with WWE SmackDown seen on Orbit Showtime Network.
“WWE is the biggest name in family entertainment today,” said Patrick Talty, General Manager of the Zayed Sports City. “Their Superstars are some of the most talented performers in the world. The fans will not be disappointed when they get to experience all the WWE excitement live and in person. We are proud to be hosting their inaugural trip to Abu Dhabi.”
“Hosting three live events in Abu Dhabi for the first time is a testament to the growing demand for the WWE brand in this region,” said Dominic Hayes, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, WWE International. “As part of our continued international expansion, we are very excited to bring our unique form of live, action-packed entertainment and the biggest WWE Superstars to our passionate fan base in the Middle East.”
Tickets are on sale from Thursday December 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm and can be purchased from www.zsc.ae
— Jim Ross stated on Twitter that he assumes Amy “Lita” Dumas’ appearance on Monday’s Raw SuperShow was a one-time occurrence but that she’s opening to “doing more.” He also added details regarding her arrest Friday.
“Her recent traffic arrest was speeding,” he wrote. “License wasn’t suspended. Computer glitch.”
AugustaCrime.com lists Dumas’ as awaiting trial on charges of speeding in excess of maximum limits and driving with a suspended license. She was released on $2,200 bond. Her court date is not listed.
— A.J. stated on Twitter that WWE developmental wrestler Naomi was traveling with her to WWE shows this week.
— WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas appears at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame 30 East Main St. Amsterdam, New York on January 14, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WrestleMania 28 is now just 3 1/2 months away – and the top matches for WWE’s biggest show of the year are starting to take shape.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the main event of WrestleMania 28 be The Rock vs. John Cena.
We noted yesterday that WWE officials are currently planning a WWE Championship match between CM Punk and the returning Chris Jericho.
On Monday’s RAW, Triple H returned and cut a promo on The Undertaker, the man he’s already faced twice at WrestleMania. According to sources within WWE, the current plan is for Triple H to get yet another shot at ending the streak, as Triple H vs. Undertaker 3 is currently scheduled for WrestleMania.
Hit up the comments below and tell us what you think about the current card for WrestleMania 28.
At the end of Monday’s RAW Supershow, WWE superstar Kane returned after several months off television. The Big Red Machine returned with a totally new look – wearing a silver “Iron Man” style mask over a traditional “Kane” Mask.
Kane chokeslammed John Cena and left him laying as RAW went off the air.
– After Monday’s RAW went off the air, Kane left the ring and headed up the ramp, as did Mark Henry and eventually, John Cena. Cena sold the Kane chokeslam for a while. Once those three left the ringside area, the bell rang and we got the advertised dark match main event between WWE Champion CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio. The match lasted about fie minutes, with Punk winning after the GTS on TheMiz. Punk celebrated after the match and shook hands with the fans and the show ended.
– With WWE’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view just 5 days away, it’s worth noting that John Cena is still not booked for a match. Cena has wrestled in 11 out of 12 PPVs this year so far.
– Former WWE superstar MVP has posted episode #8 of his Youtube video show, which you can view below. This week’s show featuresformer WWE star Lance Hoyt breakdancing in Japan.
Our friends at Off The Top Wrestling Shirts have released a limited edition Kamala shirt. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt will go to help Kamala with his medical bills. It’s a great cause and a pretty badass t-shirt design.
NOW YOU CAN BE JUST LIKE THE UGANDAN GIANT WITH THE KAMALA SHIRT FROM OFF THE TOP WRESTLING SHIRTS
Off The Top Wrestling Shirts is proud to officially release The Kamala Shirt. The dark brown t-shirt features Kamala’s infamous moon and stars on the front. $5 from each Kamala Shirt sold will go directly to WWE Legend James “Kamala” Harris to help with costs from his recent hospitalization.
“Hi wrestling fans, this is Kamala. I’m still in contact with you as you all know. I will be seeing you all again in the very near future,” said The Ugandan Giant, who had his foot amputated recently. “To make sure I’m with you, here I am on a t-shirt.”
The special edition Kamala Shirt starts at just $20 with $5 from each shirt sold going directly to James “Kamala” Harris.
Off The Top Wrestling Shirts screen prints its own shirts from the Northeast United States. We pride ourselves on providing wrestling shirts for fans, made by fans. The Kamala Shirt is the first in a line of benefit shirts for the Legends of Wrestling that we grew up with and still follow today.
The Kamala Shirt and our entire line of wrestling shirts can be found at OTTwrestlingshirts.com.
— The I.P.A. Network is now accepting autograph signing bookings for former WWE star John Morrison. Contact Steve Woolf at [email protected] (951) 780-9611.
— Tough Enough contestant Rima Fakih appears on MTV’s MADE Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
— At the conclusion of the 2011 Slammy Awards, Kane reemerged, once again masked. The Big Red Monster locked his hand around the neck of John Cena and left him laying with a devastating chokeslam.
One reason for Kane resurfacing with a mask is because WWE officials are looking to set a new Guinness World Record for the “largest gathering of people wearing costume masks” at WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami, Florida. Original plans called for the record attempt to take place during a Rey Mysterio vs. Sin Cara match, but with both superstars currently injured, Kane is WWE’s next best bet.
The current record was set May 10, 2011 during a Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim when roughly 25,000 fans donned red Lucha masks during a designated ten minute time period.
Credit to TNAInsider.com for the following spoilers for Thursday’s Impact Wrestling:
* TNA Champion Bobby Roode vs. AJ Styles in a match with a five minute time limit went to a draw. Crowd chanted for five more minutes. Sting came out (wearing a cowboy style jacket) to the stage. He adds five more minutes and says the first fall wins. Roode wins within the first minute with a single leg crab on AJ’s bad leg to retain the World Title.
* For the Wild Card Tag Tournament, Abyss & Scott Steiner defeated Hernandez & Rob Terry w/Rosita & Sarita after Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam on Rob Terry and tagged in Steiner to make the cover for the victory.
* Kurt Angle comes to the ring and calls out Sting. Sting comes out and Kurt talks about how ever since Sting got put in power, life has not been good for Kurt, such as Sting being the reason he lost the title. He demands a rematch with James Storm, which Sting does not grant because Storm beat Angle fair and square. Sting tries to leave but Angle threatens to go to Storm’s house if Sting does not do give him a rematch and Angle leaves.
* Zema Ion defeated Anthony Nese via a 450 Splash.
* Jesse Neal vs. Gunner w/Ric Flair went to a no contest when Gunner shoved the referee. He then piledrove Jesse on the floor and Jesse needed to be stretchered out.
* Jeff Hardy came out for an interview. He spoke of how he was still in pain from Sunday and how he will win the TNA Championship at Genesis. Bully Ray came out and reminded Jeff that he will be facing him in the main event tonight and insulted Hardy before going to the back.
* In the Wild Card Tournament, Samoa Joe & Magnus defeated Robbie E & Douglas Williams when Joe pinned Doug with the muscle buster.
* Madison Rayne defeated Traci Brooks.
* Devon came out and called out The Pope, who entered with Devon’s children. Devon told him that this stuff with Pope is over and how he does not want to put his children in harm’s way anymore. He puts his arms around his kids and goes to leave, but Pope takes the mic and says how Devon’s kids want to be like him, before complimenting himself like how Pope usually does. After a bit more pandering, Devon lays him out with a punch, and goes to leave with the kids again. Pope kicks Devon low, and Devon falls to the ground as his kids stare at him. Pope puts the boots to him, one of the kids puts on Pope’s glasses and they leave together.
* Jeff Hardy defeated Bully Ray with a Twist of Fate. TNA Champion Bobby Roode, who was on commentary for the match, ran down to the ring and jumped Hardy. Ray and Roode set up a table in the ring and Roode powerbombed Hardy through it. Sting came down to yell at Roode and Ray. Roode said something in Sting’s face, Sting attempted to hit Roode and Ray, but Roode and Ray got the upperhand. Ray put the title around Roode’s waist and they posed.
At Monday’s RAW, it was announced that the WWE Championship will be hanging above the ring in the Triple Threat main event of Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view.
Here is the updated card for Sunday:
TLC Match For The WWE Championship:
CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio * WWE title will be hanging above the ring
World Heavyweight Title Match:
Mark Henry vs. Big Show
Tables Match: Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
Ladder Match With Sledge Hammer Hanging Above The Ring:
Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
Intercontinental Title Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T
United States Championship Match:
Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder
WWE: Tables, Ladders & Chairs takes place on Sunday, December 18th, 2011.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who had a rap battle against Michael Cole on Monday’s Slammy RAW, tweeted the following about forgetting some of his lines during the segment:
“I apologize 4 the worst segment of tv I’ve ever killed. Had a rap thought, lost it. Won a Slammy!:)
“@JerryLawler …. sorry I embarrassed the team. huge brain fart! Cole’s face made me go blank. rap career dead!! #sauceit!”
“Michael Cole ur damn fool. King beat u like Gov Mule. I should call Raw ur not in my class. U kissed kings feet now u can kiss my ass! Whew.
— ImpactWrestling.com has announced Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray for Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast.
The synopsis reads: “After beating Jeff Jarrett in the Steel Cage match at Sunday’s Pay-Per-View, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy is the NEW #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. He’ll get his shot at the upcoming “Genesis” event in January. However, Hardy won’t get any rest on Thursday, as he’ll face Bully Ray in one-on-one action!”
— Sarita survived a powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake that shook Mexico on Saturday.
The TNA Knockout wrote Sunday on Facebook, “I survived yesterday’s earthquake in Mexico City (6.7!) and made it safely into Orlando today. Hug somebody you love.”
— Eric Bischoff is scheduled for this week’s Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida night after missing Final Resolution due to business matters.
— Brooke Tessmacher participated in filming for a reality show pilot this past weekend in Dallas, Texas.
“Super long day shooting for the show. Not as easy as it looks!!!” she tweeted.
— Impact Wrestling is auctioning off the shirts the Knockouts wore for the holiday video promoting ShopTNA.com—Angelina Love, Brooke Tessmacher, Christy Hemme, Karen Jarrett, Madison Rayne, Mickie James, ODB, Rosita, Sarita, Tara, Traci Brooks, Velvet Sky and Winter.
