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Updated Card For WrestleMania 28 (New Match)

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WrestleMania 28: 4/1/12

It was announced on Friday’s SmackDown that Randy Orton will face Kane at WrestleMania. There were also some changes made to Team Laurinaitis vs. Team Long 12-man tag match.

Here is the updated announced card for WrestleMania 28 on April 1st, 2012:

One Year In The Making
The Rock vs. John Cena

WWE Championship Match:
CM Punk (c) vs. Chris Jericho

World Heavyweight Title Match:
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Sheamus

Hell in a Cell – “The Streak” On The Line:
Triple H vs. The Undertaker
* Special Referee: Shawn Michaels

Team Long vs. Team Laurinaitis:
Santino Marella, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth & 3 More TBA
vs. David Otunga, Mark Henry, Christian & 3 More TBA
* Winning GM controls both RAW & SmackDown

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Cody Rhodes vs. Big Show

Randy Orton vs. Kane

Divas Tag Team Match:
Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos vs. Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres

Video: Christian Returns To WWE TV At Smackdown

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Christian returned to WWE television on Friday’s SmackDown, hosting John Laurinaitis and Teddy Long on the Peep Show:

Here’s video of this week’s entire SmackDown show:

Matt Morgan On How WWE Creative Has Changed Since He Left

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TNA star Matt Morgan spoke to IGN.com this week to promote tonight’s Victory Road 2012 pay-per-view. Among the topics discussed were his tag title match at the show, his involvement with TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion and the changes to WWE’s creative process since he left the company back in 2005.

Morgan, who was saddled with a stuttering gimmick during his brief WWE run, had this to say about what’s changed in WWE since he left:

“I’ve got a lot of close friends who still work there who I regularly talk to on a weekly basis that tell me that it has changed over there,” Morgan said. “That some of these guys, the younger ones, are getting a little more creative freedom when it comes to promos or character ideas. Or things of that nature. So it’s not like it was when I was there when there was just like a freakin’ Great Wall of China of defense when trying to pitch an idea. Now they’re a little bit less reluctant and a little bit more open to hearing some of the ideas from the younger, newer guys. And I think you’re seeing that on television with certain guys.”

Morgan singled out former WWE champion The Miz as somebody who has made the most of the this new found freedom:

“I think someone like The Miz, who you saw bust his butt over the years, I have no doubt of my mind that that guy put a hundred percent of his energy and mind into those promos and ideas of his. And character development and things like that. And I think that’s what’s made him so successful over the past year.”

John Cena Posts Workout Videos & Trash Talks Rock

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John Cena posted a bunch of videos of him training for WrestleMania 28 and fired off some non-PG tweets at The Rock.:

“As smart as @therock may be… He dont know squat!  500lbs for 5 #WM28”

Making sure im clean for @therock at #WM28 315 pound clean at end of day

This is why @therock thinks i got #ladyparts cause he heard i had a strong #snatch 225lb #WM28

Cena then turned his attention to The Rock’s comments on RAW that he got .. “intimate” with Cena’s mom:

“This is best moment of my day.  All of @therock material. #cenation #fruitypebbles #cenasmom love u moms”

“Oh and @therock my mom is sweet but tough and says if yer starving for #sex that bad.. Then go f#ck yourself :) #WM28 #mymomwouldwhipya”

JR Blog: FCW Talent Getting Called Up, WM28 Feuds

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, JR spoke about his visit to WWE developmental this week, WWE’s top feuds continuing to simmer as the Road To WrestleMania continues and much more. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

FCW Talent Getting Called Up After WrestleMania: “I’d expect that WWE will ‘call up’ several deserving talents sometime after WM28 and it will be interesting to see how these talents are introduced to the mass, TV audience and how said talents respond to their new found opportunities and the pressure that they will discover at the next level.”

“Several talents are fundamentally ready for the chance of a lifetime but none are as good as they should aspire to be. Comfort zones are the kiss of death and striving each day to get better at what ever one does is not optional but a requirement in my perspective. Those that approach their professions in such a manner greatly enhance their chances of success. Only time will tell but I’m optimistic that WWE fans will embrace several new, FCW trained talents in the coming months.”

The Rock & John Cena’s Feud: “As a result of @TheRock personal barrage on @JohnCena, Cena has become much more edgy which I have enjoyed. Both Cena and Rock are from the competitive and physical world of college football and I think those deep roots will manifest itself into a physically demanding main event at WM28. I hope that WWE saves all the physical interaction between the two stars until April 1 and, to my way of thinking, I can’t see why WWE would risk putting either man at a physical risk prior to what is expected to be the highest grossing WrestleMania event of all time. Just one man’s take.”

Chris Jericho & CM Punk’s Feud: “@IAmJericho personal assault on @CMPunk using the father of Punk as ammo has upset many fans. Certainly those who have had alcoholism touch their lives are sensitive that this delicate matter is being utilized on an entertainment show but one can’t argue that the matter isn’t reality based or that it isn’t combustible. I said long ago that Punk vs. Jericho for the coveted WWE Title is a potential show stealer as far as a traditional wrestling match is concerned at WM28 and by adding the latest, personal ingredient to the equation this bout becomes even more eagerly anticipated. I expect greatness in this bout considering the two performers and hope that they let it naturally flow and don’t overcomplicate the process.”

Latest On A-Train Returning To WWE, To Feud With Top Star?

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Matthew Bloom, who previously wrestled as Prince Albert, Albert and A-Train for WWE, denied on Twitter on Saturday that he has signed a contract to return to the promotion after WrestleMania XXVIII as he will be appearing for New Japan Pro Wrestling on their next tour. He also said that he does not know how the rumor got started, calling it “comical.” Regarding the rumor, four WWE sources have said within the past week that he is returning to the organization, with one saying it has been assumed for two months that is was happening. Furthermore, numerous WWE performers were talking about his pending return at Friday’s live event in Montreal, Quebec, Canada after being informed by management of the news.

A source close to creative says he is set for “a big push” upon his return to WWE programming in April as a villainous henchman for Raw Interim General Manager and Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis. F4WOnline.com reported that there has been talk of Bloom feuding with John Cena since the Raw Superstar does not have a post-WrestleMania XXVIII program in place at the moment. However, the note of Bloom possibly feuding with Cena has since been deleted.

Bloom, who will turn 40 years old in November, previously competed for WWE from 1999 to 2004 as a mid-card wrestler. He tore his rotator cuff in June 2004 and was released from his contract before returning from the injury. He would go on to achieve greater success in Japan as Giant Bernard in a tag team partnership with Karl Anderson.

sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com

Flight Issues For WWE Talent, High Opinion On Menounos, More

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— WWE talents’ scheduled flight today at 9:30 a.m. from Montreal, Quebec, Canada to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s WWE live event at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in nearby Providence was delayed for several hours due to bad fog conditions and other weather related issues. The flight took off in the early afternoon so they will be able to make it to the show on time.

Eve commented on the matter on Twitter, writing, “Meanwhile…. we had another terrrrrible travel day, courtesy of Air Canada! Fun times.”

— Following a run-in on the set of Extra this week, Maria Menounos is teaming up with Kelly Kelly to take on Beth Phoenix and Eve at WrestleMania XXVIII. The television hostess is held in high regard in WWE as it was noted to F4WOnline.com that many people in the organization deemed her better looking than nearly all of the Divas after seeing her in person backstage at past shows.

— Vickie Guerrero, who largely only appears at televised events, is working this weekend’s live event tour.

source: F4WOnline.com

Daniel Bryan Blogs On How AJ Can Make Herself A Better Diva

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World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan has posted a blog entry on his official Facebook page listing nine things AJ can do to make herself a better WWE Diva.

1. Be taller. Not sure how? How about trading in those Chuck Taylors for a nice pair of heels?

2. Adopt a strict vegan lifestyle to stay mentally and physically fit. Maybe if you stop eating eggs, you’ll stop walking on eggshells all the time.

3. Highlight your beauty through silence. Be seen but not heard.

4. Focus on inspiring others as a role model, exhibiting real beauty on the inside and outside … like me.

5. How about trading in those skulls you wear on your clothes for the butterfly of the Divas Title?

6. Remember that “gamer” really means “loser couch potato”.

7. Only champions have enough discipline to not get fat from eating vegan animal crackers. Please stop asking me to share and buy a second box.

8. Just consider that Pokemon is a silly children’s game and will prevent people from taking you seriously.

9. To create a constant glow, fill yourself with the blissful reality that you are dating the World Heavyweight Champion.

Bernard Denies Signing With WWE, Miz Bounced From Power 25

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— Matthew Bloom (a/k/a Albert, A-Train) has denied online reports stating he has signed a contract to return to WWE.

“Haha! False. Wife just had a baby. I’ll be on next tour,” he wrote Saturday on Twitter referring to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s next tour where he competes as Giant Bernard. When asked how the rumor started, he replied, “Not sure but it’s comical.”

Both F4WOnline.com and PWInsider.com reported this morning that Bloom would resurface next month as a heel.

— Joey Styles noted on Twitter that for the first time in years, The Miz did not make WWE.com’s Power 25 Rankings ranking the top 25 Superstars in WWE. The former WWE Champion has lost ten consecutive televised singles bouts and eighteen altogether.

— WrestlingFigs.com reports the wrestler formerly known as Tugboat and Typhoon will appear at Downsview Park Farmers and Merchant Market 40 Carl Hall Rd. Toronto, Ontario, on Saturday, March 31 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Call 226-600-4351 or 416-638-2525 for more information.

WWE Takes A Trip Back To The ’80s, Brooklyn Brawler, Melina

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— WWE Classics On Demand takes a trip back to the ’80s in April with the best moments and matches from the decade. Those highlighted include Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Junkyard Dog, Road Warriors and more.

To see the teaser video, click here.

— WWE.com has published a photo gallery highlighting The Brooklyn Brawler’s career. He currently works for WWE in a behind the scenes capacity.

— Former WWE Women’s and Divas Champion Melina competes for Family Wrestling Entertainment on April 28 at The Hall at St Paul, 59th Street + 9th Ave, New York, New York. Though her opponent has not been announced, former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis currently holds the promotion’s women’s title.

WWE Signs Former IC Champion, Returning After WrestleMania

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WWE has reportedly signed Matthew Bloom, 39, to a contract to return to the organization as a performer. He previously worked for WWE from 1999 to 2004 as Albert and A-Train, which included a brief reign as Intercontinental Champion.

Bloom has achieved great success in Japan since parting ways with WWE, having won the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Karl Anderson on two occasions (they hold the record for the longest reign and the most defenses). They were also Tag Team Champions in Pro Wrestling NOAH.

He is scheduled to return as a henchman in April for Raw Interim General Manager and WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis.

sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com

RAW Preview For Tonight (Non Spoiler)

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WWE taped tonight’s RAW Supershow this afternoon from the O2 Arena in London, England. Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s show:

* CM Punk vs. Mark Henry in a No Count Out, No DQ Match for the WWE Title

* Santino Marella vs. David Otunga for the WWE United States Title

* Kane vs. Zack Ryder

* Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan

* Brodus Clay vs. Dolph Ziggler

* The Great Khali and Big Show vs. Epico and Primo

* John Cena vs. a mystery opponent in an Extreme Rules Match

WWE is also advertising that Brock Lesnar will have words for John Cena tonight.

* FULL SPOILERS For Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow

Video: Bret Hart Talks HOF Speech, Andre-WM2, Who He Injured

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart spoke with Arda Ocal of The Score this week. Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

His speech he gave when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2006. Why did he dislike his speech so much, what does he think he could have done to make the speech better: “I hated it. I wasn’t out of my shell yet as far as public speaking. I was really nervous to get up and address all the things that happened with my brother Owen, me and Vince McMahon, so many things I had to talk about for the first time in front of a large crowd. I wished that I could have gone up and did it and done it over again like a second try. I just kinda rambled. I wish I could do it over again”

His appearance at Wrestlemania 2 in 1986 where he participated in the 20 Man Over The Rope Battle Royal, this marked the first time he appeared at a Wrestlemania. What was the atmosphere like at Wrestlemania 2, also speaking about Andre The Giant’s dislike of the NFL Football Players that participated in the match as well: “It was interesting. They always had something different then each one. The 3 cities, and the wrestlers watching the Pay Per View, I was in Chicago. What I always remember most was Andre and the battle royal. He (Andre The Giant ) really hated the football players. He didn’t like any of them. He kinda made a point of being more friendlier with guys like me and Jim “The Anvil”. He was always doing what he could to make us look good, which worked out of us”

The one and only guy he seriously injured in pro wrestling and how it happened: “At Survivor Series 1995, I took out the Spanish announcer (as he fell into their table), I blew [one of the Spanish announcer’s] knee out with my head. They should have took him away in a ambulance, he was all messed up, in great pain. I feel terrible about it. I hurt that poor Spanish commentator. I always felt really bad about it he was a really nice guy. I think I really messed his knee up.”

Morrison ‘Funny Or Die’ Video, Legends House, Punk DVD

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– During a recent appearance on The Wedge music show in Canada, CM Punk revealed that the band Rancid would be providing some music for his upcoming WWE DVD. Punk has stated in the past that he wants his video to be different from other WWE releases, and that he wanted good music on it.

– Roddy Piper is back on Twitter, so filming for WWE Legends House seems to be done.

– Aside from Yokozuna, there is expected to be one more name announced for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame. As of last week, Yokozuna was expected to be the final name announced.

– Former WWE superstar John Morrison has a cameo in a new video on comedy website Funny or Die. “Comedians and musicians audition to honor 30 years of Weird Al in a Broadway style cabaret review. Things get weird.”

JR & Regal Call FCW TV, Ryder Surprise On RAW & More

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– Jim Ross and William Regal did commentary at Thursday night’s Florida Championship Wrestling TV taping from Orlando. Regal tweeted this about the experience:

“A huge honour for me tonight getting to announce with JR Jim Ross at FCW.He was the first person to interview me on USA TV 19 years ago.”

– Zack Ryder tweeted the following regarding this Monday’s RAW Supershow from Philadelphia:

“I got something Zacktastic planned for my Broskis in Philadelphia this Monday! I’ll keep you posted…

– Chris Jericho recently tweeted that WWE won’t be releasing a new t-shirt for him. Knowing Jericho’s affinity for working fans online, that probably means WWE has a whole line of Jericho shirts coming out.

Updated Card For Victory Road, Contract Signing Video

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Following Impact, here’s the final card for Sunday’s Victory Road pay-per-view:

No Holds Barred Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Sting

TNA Tag Team Title Match
Samoa Joe & Magnus (c) vs. Crimson & Matt Morgan

TNA X Division Title Match
Austin Aries (c) vs. Zema Ion

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Gail Kim (c) vs. Madison Rayne

TV Title Open Challenge with Robbie E.

Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

Bully Ray vs. James Storm

AJ Styles & Mr. Anderson vs. Daniels & Kazarian

Here is the final segment from Thursday’s Impact, featuring the contract signing between Bobby Roode and Sting:

Video Of Divas On EXTRA, Beth & Eve Hype WM28 Match

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WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres have been going back and forth on Twitter regarding their match with Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos at WrestleMania 28.

Eve Torres tweeted the following:

“Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. @TheBethPhoenix & I invited ourselves to @ExtraTV tonight. #WhatEveWantsEveGets. At #WrestleMania28 there will be no security guards to hold us back from ruining @MariaMenounos & @RealKellyKelly. #WhatEveWantsEveGets”

Beth Phoenix had this to say:

“There. Now that @EveMarieTorres and I have your attention…as I was saying…it’s time for the entire world to listen…. … @mariamenounos you put Barbie dolls like @RealKellyKelly on a pedestal & push me aside…and you do it with a gleaming white smile… At #WrestleMania28 @EveMarieTorres and I will even send u an autograph @mariamenounos…after I send u to the hospital. #GlamaMania”

Here is a video of their appearance on Extra TV:

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Latest Z! True Long Island Story, JR On Punk-Jericho & More

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WrestlingFigs.com reports former WWE Superstar Virgil appears today through Sunday at WonderCon 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center 800 West Katella Ave. Anaheim, California.

– WWE.com has published a photo gallery highlighting masked wrestlers from throughout history. Besides Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio, those featured include Avatar, Battle Kat, CM Punk, Dos Caras, El Santo, Golga, Great Sasuke, Jushin Liger, Kim Chee, La Parka, Max Moon, Mil Mascaras, Mr. America, Mr. Wrestling II, Psicosis, The Destroyer, The Patriot, Tiger Mask and Ultimo Dragon.

– Jim Ross was asked on Twitter if the feud between CM Punk and Chris Jericho feud is getting personal following Jericho’s harsh words on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. He responded“That’s what sells.”

— WWE has posted the fifty-eighth episode of Z! True Long Island Story starring Zack Ryder. Dolph Ziggler appears and comments on not having a match at WrestleMania XXVIII. Meanwhile, Ryder urges his Twitter followers to write to SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long about being on his team at WrestleMania XXVIII. He also reveals being stood up by Eve on Monday night.

Triple H’s In-Ring Return, WWE Rebooting ‘Leprechaun’ Movie

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– WWE Studios and Lionsgate are teaming to reboot the horror franchise “Leprechaun,” according to Variety.com. WWE and Lionsgate are sharing production costs and will work together to market this film, which is currently set for a 2013 release. At this time, there are no actors, writers or directors attached to the film. Could we see Hornswoggle as the new Leprechaun?!

– Triple H returns to action this Sunday at WWE’s live event from Madison Square Garden. Here’s the card for Sunday’s MSG show:

  • Triple H, CM Punk & Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler & Cody Rhodes
  • John Cena vs. Kane – Last Man Standing Match
  • Daniel Bryan vs. The Big Show vs. Mark Henry in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
  • The Miz vs. R-Truth

– Mark Henry was in attendance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin, Texas this week. Fuse TV filed a report on the event and mentioned Henry, stating the following:

“A friend was eating lunch when WWE wrestler Mark Henry started talking to him and subsequently recommended Bacon, an Austin restaurant where nearly every item has its titular food. Music-related? Not really. But there is no weirder and more appropriately Austin moment than that.”

The New York Times has published an article looking at 1990s WWE performer Damien Demento. Demento, real name Phillip Thies, has launched an art show titled Karnal, featuring paintings and sculptures. The exhibit, which is housed at the Tachi Gallery in New York City, runs through April 14.

Jericho Jokes About WM28 Match Order, Rock-Cena Trade Insuts

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– Chris Jericho responded to a fan on Twitter this week and said the wrestler(s) he wanted to wrestle but never got a chance to were Owen Hart and Bret Hart. Jericho also joked about online reports saying his match will open WrestleMania 28, writing:

“Thats BS. Its gonna be the dark match…”

– Following The Rock’s concert on RAW (VIDEO), a fan asked him on Twitter about “keeping kayfabe” when Cena has not been. The fan told Rock that he’s still owning Cena, despite Rock working within the “limitations” of keeping things kayfabe. Rock replied with the following:

”Breaking kayfabe” is easy, cheap and never entertaining. Boys who are desperate do it all the time.”

John Cena replied with the following:

“Agreed @therock People should stick to the difficult stuff like mom jokes, sexuality, and making light of someones appearance. #WM28?

SmackDown Preview: Peep Show With Long & Laurinaitis

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The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy show:

– Christian hosts The Peep Show with John Laurinaitis and Teddy Long.

– Chris Jericho vs. Sheamus.

– WWE Intercontinental Cody Rhodes vs. The Great Khali.

– Kofi Kingston vs. David Otunga.

– AJ vs. Brie Bella.

– Big Show vs. Drew McIntyre.

– Mark Henry vs. Yoshi Tatsu.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

Big Show Says There Is No Bullying In WWE, Lilian Performing

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— Big Show and David Otunga, along with WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, spoke out against bullying at a be a STAR Alliance rally Thursday in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The trio rallied a group of 850 students at Luis Munoz Marin School as Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and State Representative Andres Ayala Jr. presented McMahon with a citation for the organization’s fight against bullying.

“Kids define themselves. Other people’s hurtful words don’t define them,” said the wife of WWE Superstar Triple H. She then encouraged the students to help stop bullying and learn to show tolerance and respect for each other.

When asked if there is any bullying in WWE, Big Show replied no! “We don’t tolerate bullying in WWE!” the SmackDown Superstar stated.

The full story, with photos, is available here.

— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be performing at the Key Club in West Hollywood, California (located on 9039 Sunset Boulevard) this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at liliangarcia.eventbrite.com.

— Sid Vicious appears for Canadian Wrestling’s Elite on April 19 at Cowboy’s Roadhouse in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The former WWE Champion will partner with Nate Hardy in a tag team match against The Axe and Zack Mercury. (Event Details)

Video Of Lilian’s Wardrobe Malfunction, Madusa At WrestleMania?

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— WWE released footage Thursday night of SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia’s wardrobe mishap at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Columbus, Ohio—her shoe strap broke as she made her ring entrance. The video features audio of WWE announcer Michael Cole crowing hysterically at Garcia’s plight.

— Madusa, who formerly competed as Alundra Blayze for WWE, pondered Thursday night on Facebook whether she should attend WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami, Florida. She tweeted:

“Many celebs showing up for Wrestle Mania….I wonder if I should…………”

— Former WWE Superstar John Morrison appears at The Wrestling Guy?Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet/Space H5 13963 Alondra Blvd Santa Fe Springs, California 90670 on April 15 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

HBK Discusses The Tension Between The Rock & John Cena

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WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels says The Rock and John Cena’s feud getting personal is a good thing for business and something that wrestling has been missing for a while.

Michaels called in to ESPN Radio on Thursday to promote WrestleMania. Around the 31-minute mark, he said this about Rock and Cena having legitimate heat:

“Sometimes I feel like the WWE has lost that in a lot of respects. John and Rock have brought back what somebody like me used to do on a regular basis back in the day. I think it’s refreshing. It’s good, it’s good for business, and good for them to bring out the best in each other. There’s nothing wrong with making it personal… that’s better business whether people like it or not.”

When asked about a possible return to the ring, Michaels says he’s retired and is not tempted to wrestle again.

Divas Tag Match Announced for WrestleMania

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WWE’s divas visited Maria Menounos on the set of the Extra TV show today – and we’ve got a new Divas tag match at WrestleMania.

WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix will team with Eve Torres to take on the team of Kelly Kelly and Extra’s Maria Menounos.

Menounos has appeared on WWE television a number of times and has had extensive in-ring training.