Check out the latest episode of the Z! True Long Island Story, featuring guest appearances by Mr. Belding and Snooki:
WWE Legend Haku’s Son Debuts On Superstars (Video)
Florida Championship Wrestling talent Donny Marlow, son of the legendary Haku/Meng, made his WWE debut on Thursday’s episode of Superstars.
During the show, Hunico came out on the back of a lowrider bicycle, which was driven by Donny Marlow.
In the main event of this week’s show, the team of Primo and Epico (accompanied by Rosa Mendes) defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom in a non-title match.
Neither Hunico or Donny Marlow were ringside for the main event, so at this point it’s still unclear as to whether they will be aligning themselves with the Primo-Epico-Rosa trio.
You can watch Donny Marlow’s WWE debut on this week’s episode of Superstars:
Zack Ryder Interview: His Gimmick, Facing Ziggler at TLC
Zack Ryder was interviewed by CarrollCountyTimes.com this week to hype Sunday’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view. After months of campaigning, Ryder finally gets a shot at Dolph Ziggler’s United States championship – which will cap off one of hell of a year for the Long Island native.
Here are some highlights of what Mr. Long Island Iced Z said about:
Taking Control of His WWE Career: “Earlier this year, probably January or so, I looked myself in the mirror and said this career is not where I want it to be. I had nothing to lose; I was on a path to get released. What were they going to do? Fire me? Not put me on TV? I wasn’t on TV anyway. My life was going to change one way or the other. I knew I was either going to get fired or get noticed. I got noticed.”
His Broski character: “Ninety-nine percent of that character is me. It is me — I’m a big kid living the dream, listening to boy band music, fist pumpin’ in the club, spiking my hair.”
Facing Dolph Ziggler at TLC: “If I won the United States Championship Sunday, it would be a perfect end to a storybook, roller coaster year. Starting from nothing and working my way up to being United States Champion, I don’t think it gets better than that.”
Batista Calls Today’s WWE Product Brutal & Unwatchable
During an interview with the UK’s Daily Star to promote his new Scorpion King 3 DVD, former WWE superstar Batista had some harsh things to say about today’s WWE product.
Batista, who rose to superstardom right before WWE shifted to the current “PG Era” of programming, says today’s superstars are at a serious disadvantage compared to the previous generation of stars like Steve Austin, The Rock and Triple H.
Here are some highlights of what Batista said about:
The current WWE product: “It’s brutal. I can’t watch it. I can’t connect with it. I no longer know this business. I don’t do PG wrestling.”
The Miz and today’s Superstars: “Love me or hate me, when I was there everyone took one look at me and knew I could beat someone up. I don’t think they look at Miz that way. It’s sad. It’s not their fault. These days the guys have their hands tied, they are so limited in what they can do.”
“The difference is that guys like Rock, Austin, Triple H, excuse me, but they had to have the living sh*t beat out of them to get where they are. They went through war and the audience knows it and the audience appreciates it. The guys today will never get to that level. It’s sad, but that’s the reason for it.”
Strong words from the former WWE superstar. Hit up the comments below and tell us what you think about his views on today’s WWE product:
- DISCUSSION: Are this generation’s superstars (CM Punk, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, Jack Swagger) at a serious disadvantage because of the lack of violence, profanity and sexual content on WWE programming – or is it the lack of character development, rewarding storylines and overall bad writing from the creative team?
*SPOILERS* SmackDown Tapnigs Results For Tonight
Credit to SEScoops.com reader Johnny for the following WWE SmackDown spoilers from Tuesday’s tapings in Raleigh, North Carolina:
* Booker T opened the show interviewed by Josh Matthews. Booker T talked about winning the Intercontinental Title at TLC but was interrupted by Cody Rhodes. If Booker interferes in Cody’s match tonight, their TLC match is canceled and Booker may be suspended.
* Cody Rhodes beat Daniel Bryan.
* Alicia Fox beat Natalya.
* Epico and Primo beat The Usos after interference from Rosa Mendes.
* Backstage segment with Mark Henry and Jack Swagger. Henry promises Swagger a title shot if he hurts Big Show.
* Big Show beat Jack Swagger while Mark Henry watched from ringside. Henry hit Swagger and a cameraman with a chair after the match and walked off.
* Backstage segment with Zack Ryder and Randy Orton. Ryder tries to get Orton to fist pump and WWWYKI but he won’t. They will be teaming later tonight.
* Ted DiBiase beat Heath Slater. After the match, Jinder Mahal attacked DiBiase. Teddy Long came out and announced Sheamus vs. Mahal.
* Sheamus beat Jinder Mahal with the Brogue Kick.
* Randy Orton and Zack Ryder beat Dolph Ziggler and Wade Barrett in the main event. Orton got the win on Ziggler with the RKO. Orton and Barrett had a staredown to end the show.
Former Knockout On “Biggest Loser”, Moore Comments On Neal
— Kim Neilson, who appeared for TNA Wrestling from 2002 to 2004 as Desire, is a contestant on the next season of the NBC reality television series The Biggest Loser.
The show features obese people competing to win a cash prize by losing the highest percentage of weight relative to their initial weight. Neilson, a former fitness model who was briefly under developmental contract to WWE in 2002, is vying to shed the tremendous amount of weight she has gained since leaving the professional wrestling industry.
— Shannon Moore addressed the departure of tag team partner Jesse Neal from TNA Wrestling as well as his own future.
He tweeted, “U want my opinion on the rumor my partner is gone. I like Jesse as a friend. This Business is something I made my life about for 19 years. I m not scared to fly solo I wish him the best if it’s true but alot of hope for the new year for me in my eyes. I have the X Championship and the TV Championship in my sights. Alot of hope in my mind!!!!”
Moore added that his knee is “banged up” following this week’s Impact Wrestling tapings.
Kane Officially Changes Brands, Live Q&A With Shawn Michaels
— WWE.com has moved Kane from SmackDown to Raw after advertising the three-time world champion for upcoming Raw live events.
At the conclusion of Monday’s 2011 Slammy Awards, Kane reemerged following a five month absence, once again masked. The Big Red Monster locked his hand around the neck of John Cena and left him laying with a devastating chokeslam.
— The pre-sale password for WWE’s 2012 Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event is CHAMBER. The pre-sale kicks off Friday at 10:00 a.m. via www.ticketmaster.com.
— Shawn Michaels will participate in a live Q&A session Friday at 8:30 p.m. at www.mrahunting.com.
JR Blog: Kane’s Return, FCW’s Top Talent, Lesnar-Overeem
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with his latest blog entry, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Kane’s Return On RAW: “I thought it was an excellent surprise and it made an impact. Where it goes from here is anyone’s guess but getting back a star with Kane’s name identity is viable for WWE. He also looked to be leaner and in great physical condition. I’m still amazed that many fans thought that it really wasn’t Kane but an imposter or a ‘new’ Kane. Some even thought it was the Undertaker dressed in Kane attire.”
Which FCW Stars Should Get called Up: “Who should be called up next to WWE from FCW? That’s hard to say but the cupboards aren’t bare in FCW. Lots of good prospects. It’s perhaps more important for WWE to be ready for the called up young performers as any matter in the equation. Analogy…think NFL Draft but the team selecting the player doesn’t know what position to play the draft pick. What one does from the get go with a new talent is imperative.”
His Announcing Philosphy: “What is my announcing philosophy? Short answer is that embellishing the skills of the in ring talents comes first, why said talents are in a given bout follows, and always avoid using negative/negative analogies to describe the stars. Every performer has to have their redeeming qualities re-enforced no matter their TV persona. It’s a delicate, balancing act for broadcasters. Even villains, once clearly identified as villains, have positive attributes that need underscoring. Plus, the various titles have to be made to be special because they are intended to be and that will never change. Society understands championships. ”
Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem: “Lesnar vs. Overeem prediction for December 30? I can’t pick against Brock so I won’t. I’m a Lesnar fan but I will say that if Lesnar doesn’t destroy Overeem’s vertical base quickly and aggressively, Overeem can and will knock Brock out. The former WWE Champion’s standup/striking defense has to improve. Lesnar needs to dance with what ‘brung him’ and that is wrestling. Take Overeem down and then pound. Overeem’s hand strikes and knees are toxic. Don’t see this fight making it out of round two. Another question mark is if Brock is returning to the Octagon too soon after battling illness? That question will largely be answered on December 30. I am predicting a Lesnar win via stoppage.”
As always – head on over to JRsBarBQ.com to check out Jim Ross’ amazing line of BBQ products. JR’s Chipolte Ketchup, BBQ sauce and Main Event Mustard are a regular fixture of the fridge at SEScoops world headquarters. #Sauceit!
Mark Henry Taken To The Hospital, WWE Hypes Rock vs. Cena
— WWE producer BG James (a/k/a Road Dogg) tweeted on Thursday that World Heavyweight champion Mark Henry was en route to the hospital. He wrote:
“Mark Henry, on his way to hospital.”
After getting a ton of responses from concerned fans, James later clarified that Henry was getting his ankle scoped.
No word yet on when Henry injures his ankle, but at this time, he’s still booked for TLC this Sunday.
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine promotes The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII as both combatants are featured on the cover. The headline reads “WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON: TEAM BRING IT OR TEAM CENATION?”
— Ticketmaster.com’s pre-sale code for the February 13, 2012 Raw SuperShow at Valley View Casino Center is CENA. The pre-sale is ongoing. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Saturday at noon.
Melina Says She’s Has Not Joined TNA, Anderson To Face MVP
— Former WWE performer Melina Perez denied rumors she has joined TNA Wrestling.
She tweeted Wednesday, “Everyone is so funny. I am not in TNA. If I go anywhere I would tell you all first!”
Her message is in response to a masked female combatant appearing at Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.
— Mr. Anderson is advertised face former WWE star MVP at Champions Showcase 2012, which takes place February 4, 2012 in Manila, Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum. More details are available here.
Other advertised talent include Carlito, Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin, Snitsky, Luke Gallows, Shane Helms, Rhino, Daivari, Jimmy Yang, Billy Gunn, April Hunter and Jillian Hall.
— Jesse Neal’s first post-TNA appearance takes place this Saturday in Orlando, Florida for I Believe in Wrestling. He is scheduled to face J.D. Amazing.
Kane vs. John Cena Announced, Ryder Appearing With Foley
— Kane is advertised to face John Cena at the December 30, 2011 Raw live event in Hartford, Connecticut. He has also been announced for Raw live events taking place in New York City, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. later this month.
— Zack Ryder is advertised to appear at Mick Foley’s comedy show tonight in Long Island, New York from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The pre-show meet and greet with Ryder at McGuires Comedy Club will include a raffle for two tickets to WWE’s Saturday live event in Long Island, where Foley is advertised as special referee for the main event. Foley’s comedy performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Details are available here.
— Frank and Son Collectibles in City of Industry, California holds an autograph session this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Candice Michelle, Maria Kanellis, Melina Perez, Torrie Wilson and Traci Brooks.
source: ProWrestling.net
Maria Discusses Unhappiness In WWE, Whether She’d Join TNA
Maria Kanellis appeared on World Wrestling Insanity with James Guttman. Interview available at WorldWrestlingInsanity.com.
Fans who have never heard Maria outside her WWE character are surprised by her intelligence and humor. A completely different person than the ditzy interviewer fans came to expect, Kanellis has always been positive about her time with WWE, but doesn’t sugarcoat anything either. As James Guttman asks during her ClubWWI.com interview, what surprised her the most when transitioning from WWE fan to performer? Maria answers…
“I was surprised by how unhappy people were. It’s the greatest company in the world, but there are so many people within that company that still struggle with their creative abilities not being used. I think you see that in so many people that come out of it. They have motorcycle shops or they have tattoo parlors or they are designers and want to do fashion. Maryse just came out and said she wants to do fashion. Torrie wants to do fashion. Trish has her own yoga studio and her own yoga line. So many of us just feel creatively stifled.”
Maria speaks in-depth about the good and bad from working in WWE. But even the bad points have a silver lining. As many fans know, Kanellis was released just as her stint on Celebrity Apprentice began. James points out how that seems to be something that the company does regularly. Wrestlers join reality shows and just as they’re about to get exposure, they get released. Maria agrees but points out to ClubWWI.com listeners how that too had a silver lining.
“It’s funny. It happened with me. It happened with Ashley. It happened with Stacy. Jericho has left again. It’s just one of those weird things that happened. I think that it’s because WWE thinks that we get a big head about it. It’s not necessarily that we get a big head about it, it’s just we start to learn. We start to learn what’s out there. OK. This or that is going on. I want to fix it. I want to put it in my contract. I want to be able to talk about it. As soon as you start doing that, it was like you lose all leverage.
“Would I have left when I did? Yes. Would I have done it differently? Maybe. I don’t know. I think back on it now and I had a lot going on in my life that didn’t involve WWE. So, I don’t know if I was in the greatest position to make the decision that I did, but I am thankful that I’ve had so much time to see other things and do other things. I’ve had a lot of great opportunities. Plus, and I know like this is so girly, but I wouldn’t have met the guy I’m with now if it wasn’t for me being released. One door opens when another door closes.”
James points out that those who follow Maria on Twitter @marialkanellis and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMariaKanellis) are aware that she’s currently dating Ring of Honor star “The Prodigy” Mike Bennett. JG and Kanellis go on to discuss ROH, their rabid fanbase, her thoughts on the company, attending shows with CM Punk, Sinclair, and more. But, of course, there’s another non-WWE company people probably ask her about a great deal – and Guttman is no exception. TNA? Is that something in the cards for the Slammy Award Winning Diva? Could we see Maria in the Impact Zone anytime soon? As the ClubWWI.com interview continues, Kanellis responds.
“I would say never say never. But, at the same time, I don’t see myself going there. I’m kind of a WWE girl. They brought me in. They are the ones that gave me all the publicity I’ve had so far. Getting on Celebrity Apprentice was from that. Doing Playboy was from that. Doing all the other little shows here and there was from it, so I just don’t see myself going there. But that doesn’t mean it’ll never happen.”
The interview doesn’t end there. James Guttman’s in-depth 45 minute interview with the legendary Maria is just one of hundreds available on ClubWWI.com the moment you join up. From Samoa Joe to Haku, you can hear them all along with thousands of hours of audio from show hosts Paul Roma, Glacier, and World Wrestling Insanity staff.
*SPOILERS* Impact Wrestling Tapings Results For 12/29
TNA taped the December 29th, 2011 Impact Wrestling on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Thanks to Eric for the following spoilers:
Taped Tuesday:
* Gail Kim and Madison Rayne call out Tara and Miss Tessmacher. Madison fires them both but Sting comes out and says Madison has no power. Sting makes Gail vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title tonight.
* Gunner with Ric Flair wrestled Douglas Williams to a no contest. Gunner hit the referee. Gunner DDT’d Williams on the concrete and he was stretchered out.
* Magnus and Samoa Joe beat ODB and Eric Young in the Wild Card Tournament.
* Rob Van Dam beat Kurt Angle by DQ when James Storm interfered.
* Kaz and AJ Styles beat Abyss and Scott Steiner in the Wild Card Tournament. Abyss turned on Steiner and laid him out in the match. Bully Ray came out to talk with Abyss. They will wrestle in Monster’s Ball at Genesis and if Abyss loses, he will re-join Immortal.
* Gail Kim defeated Mickie James to retain the Knockouts Title in a solid, long Knockouts match. While Gail was down on the outside and the referee was checking on her, a masked woman ran in and hit Madison Rayne’s finisher, laying Mickie out. Gail took advantage and got the pin on Mickie. There was lots of chatter in the crowd that Melina was the one who appeared.
Taped Wednesday:
* Bobby Roode did a segment where he attacked an old friend from outside of TNA. Jeff Hardy made the save.
* Zema Ion beat Tony Nese in the third match of the Best of 3 Series. A contract was on a pole and Ion will face Austin Aries for the X Division Title at Genesis.
Steve Austin Talks One More Match, Hero Update, Snukka
– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka is reportedly in need of ankle replacement surgery, which will cost over $20,000. ECW original Dawn Marie is organizing a series of fundraisers to help pay for Snuka’s medical bills.
– To update the status of Chris Hero, there was reportedly an issue that came up when he was undergoing a series of physicals prior to WWE signing him to a developmental deal. He is still expected to join his former tag team partner Claudio Castagnoli at FCW early next year.
As we reported a few days ago, Chris Hero appeared at a Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show over the weekend and told fans it might be the last time they see him in a PWG ring, as he’s got a big announcement he’ll be making shortly.
– Steve Austin continues to keep the possibility open that he’ll wrestle another match. When asked by a fan if he’ll wrestle again, Austin said there’s one major condition that would need to occur in order for him to wrestle again:
“I wouldn’t even consider stepping back in the ring for one more match unless @JRsBBQ was calling it. #bestannouncer.”
(Partial source: f4wonline.com)
JoMo’s Future, Road Dogg’s Role, Lilian’s Music Video
– Essence Magazine just released their Sexiest Men of the Year list. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was listed at #7.
– Following his recent release from WWE last month, it’s come out that John Morrison had been planning to leave the company for several months before his contract expired, going as far back as July. Morrison’s body has been banged up for a long time and still plans to break into acting.
– Road Dogg Jesse James has changed his Twitter handle to @WWERoadDogg. As a WWE producer, he’ll be backstage at all television and pay-per-view shows.
– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia mentioned on Twitter that she will be filming a new music video next week.
(Partial source: f4wonline.com)
New Modeling & Candid Pictures From Maryse Ouellet
While we don’t get to see the lovely Maryse Ouellet on WWE television anymore, her modeling career is still in full effect.
Maryse and her boyfriend The Miz were in Los Angeles at a “NOH8” event earlier this week. Maryse participated on-stage in a photoshoot for the “NOH8” campaign, which aims to bring about equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Check out these recent pictures of the gorgeous French Canadian at the NOH8 event – as well as some behind-the-scenes, candid pictures of Maryse.
Once again … damn you, Miz.
*SPOILERS* Impact Wrestling Results For 1/5
Credit to TNAInsider.com for the following live report from Wednesday’s Impact Wrestling results.
– Zema Ion defeated Anthony Nese in their Best of 3 Series. Ion faces Austin Aries at Genesis for the X Division championship.
January 5th IMPACT Wrestling
– Sting and Jeff Hardy are in the ring. Sting goes on to talk about his past mistakes and his own personal demons. He compares them to what Jeff Hardy recently went through. Bobby Roode, Kurt Angle and Bully Ray interupt. Roode says that sting is showing favoritism to a screw up like Jeff Hardy and that he does not deserve a title shot after what happened. James Storm and Abyss interupt Roode and begin to talk about their respective matches at Genesis. Sting announces a six man tag match between them all.
– Gail Kim and Madison Rayne defeated Mickie James and Traci Brooks
– Gunner and Rob Van Dam wrestled to a No Contest. Gunner and RVD continued to fight. Gunner gets the better of RVD and was about to Piledrive RVD onto the concrete. TNA agents manage to hold back Gunner just in time.
– Zema Ion and Jesse Sorensen defeated Austin Aries and Kid Kash when Sorensen pinned Aries with his Whiplash maneuver.
– Wildcard TagTeam Tournament final: Magnus and Samoa Joe defeated AJ Styles and Kazarian. Magnus pinn styles after Christopher Daniels distracts Kazarian and he misses AJ asking for a tag.
– Jeff Hardy, James Storm and Abyss wrestled Bobby Roode, Bully Ray and Kurt Angle to a no contest. After the match, Roode and Angle held Hardy and Storm in submission moves. Bully Ray choked Abyss with a chain.
Triple H Making Big Changes To WWE Developmental
WWE’s developmental system is on the verge of undergoing some major changes in the coming months – and it all has to do with how WWE calls up their talent to the main roster.
Recruiting talent is not an issue at this point – as Florida Championship Wrestling currently features on of its best rosters ever. Wrestlers such as Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Husky Harris and Percy Watson all have potential to be breakout stars – but WWE has learned the hard way how absolutely crucial first impressions are and what happens when you introduce talent before they’re ready.
Triple H’s latest inititive is not to bring developmental talent to the main roster until the WWE creative team has a character in mind for them and a long-term idea of how to use them.
On many occasions, WWE has called up wrestlers without properly introducing them or having an angle for them. The wrestlers are seen as “filler” and their careers are badly damaged.
It’s been acknowledged that several FCW stars have more potential than guys on the main roster, but WWE does not want to bring the FCW guys up until their characters are more polished.
Because many of FCW’s most promising stars spent years working the independent scene (Rollins, Ambrose), that path is no longer looked down upon the way it was just a few years ago. Maybe that Punk guy had something to do with that.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara’s Returns, Kaitlyn’s Heel Turn
– Rey Mysterio was telling people backstage at Monday’s Slammy Awards that he’s in no rush to return. After his latest knee surgery, he wants to make sure he’s 100% before wrestling again.
While he was hoping to be back in action in time for WrestleMania on April 1st, he’s now shooting for May.
– As for Sin Cara, he’s got about four months before he’s ready to return following his recent knee surgery. He’ planning to compete at WrestleMania and does not want to miss the big payday.
– As we reported last week, Kaityn’s recent heel turn and attack on AJ Lee was edited off the 12/6 episode of SmackDown. The segment was cut due to time constraints. WWE did not follow up on the angle at this week’s tapings, so the heel turn may have been dropped all together.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Nessletter)
TLC Expected To Do Poorly, Kelly Kelly, JR-Cole
– Some people within WWE are predicting the lowest buyrate of the year for Sunday’s WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view.
– As we reported recently, Kelly Kelly has reportedly been trying to get her real name (Barbara Blank) out there, in the event that she does leave WWE down the road. When she recently launched her official website, she had originally bought the domain BarbaraBlank.com, but was told by WWE to use her WWE name and thus, she opened WWEDiveKellyKelly.com.
– Most of Jim Ross and Michael Cole’s interactions on RAW in recent months has been unscripted. JR is from an era where performers had to improvise on the mic, so he and Cole are trusted to work off bullet points instead of a full script.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Del Rio’s Stock Down, Divas Of Doom, Legends House
– Beth Phoenix and Natalya are seen as the only two Divas in the company who can actually work.
– Del Rio’s stock has fallen behind in WWE. While he was pushed as WWE champion just a few months ago, he’s now viewed as upper mid-card at best and not somebody who can be the top heel on RAW.
– The latest word on WWE’s Legends House program on the new WWE Network is that the show will tape from Tampa.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
CM Punk Audio Interview: Rock, Cena, Del Rio & Much More
CM Punk appeared on Baltimore’s 98 Rock this morning and spoke about a wide range of topics. You can listen to audio of Punk’s appearance below:
Here are some highlights of what Punk said about:
Recent Changes in WWE: “I recognize I still have a lot of stuff left to do. People need to get comfortable at the idea that stuff doesn’t happen overnight. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m such a student of the game. I actually care so much, I’m not looking at tomorrow for everything to be different and better, I’m looking 10 years from now.”
Why The Locker Room Should Be Pissed At The Rock: “I don’t know Dwayne personally. I’m glad he’s back. He came back for Survivor Series, some more people watched the show, and they watched me become the man and watched me steal the show. So, it’s a business thing, but whatever industry you’re in, if that happens…I’m pissed off that I’m on the only one pissed off. It’s like, ‘Come on guys, don’t you have any pride in what you do? You’re just gonna let this guy come in [and steal the show]?”
Defending John Cena: “Here’s the thing. I think John Cena is tremendous. I think Cena doesn’t gets the credit for how hard he works. I said it in the promo I cut in Vegas, ‘I don’t dislike you, John, I dislike this idea that you’re the best and you’re afforded all of these opportunities.’…I don’t hate John at all. He’s actually one of my favorites guys to get in the ring with.”
His Relationship Status: Punk is currently single.
The Anonymous RAW GM: Punk said there was a plan for the RAW General Manager to be revealed but wouldn’t say who.
Del Rio Mishandled: Punk said Alberto Del Rio was a victim of the system and should have won the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Punk added that WWE is notorious for “cutting the throat” of some of their younger talents.
His Health: Punk admitted he is beat up but not in “crippling pain.”
You can listen to the full interview here:
VIDEO Of CM Punk Going Skydiving
SFC Joe Jones of the Golden Knights takes C M Punk for a ride from 13,500 feet. It was all part of the WWE Tribute to the troops week. Watch as SFC Jones puts CM Punk in a head lock while in freefall.
Tribute To The Troops Rating, New Executive Hire
– 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.