RAW superstar Dolph Ziggler took part in an interview with EcollegeTimes.comthis week. Here are some highlights of what the #1 contender to the WWE championship said about:
What Holding The IC Title Meant To Him: “That was a huge goal that I had set for myself. I had come up short the year before. I though for sure that it was mine and when it didn’t happen I was actually very frustrated. Now, coming back into the picture of the title and then actually getting it … I honestly thought it was long overdue and it was well-deserved and I was very happy to take that and make it [a step] towards becoming the WWE Championship that it once was. I thought I brought some prestige to it.”
Who Will Win Rock vs. Cena: “Both those guys are in awesome shape. Cena is like our franchise guy. He carries the company on his back and he’s out there every single night doing everything he can to give back to the fans. The Rock, he’s awesome at what he does, but he’s kind of moved on and he’s a movie star now, so I’ve gotta go with the hometown guy who is out there in the trenches with us every single weekend as opposed to the guy that comes back a couple times a year.”
His Goals Moving Forward: “Of course, I want to be champion, I want to wrestle a main event at WrestleMania and another very realistic goal of mine far down in my career is that I want to be know as the greatest ever. Not everybody wants that. Some people want to be champion, but in ten years when people say my name, I want them to be saying ‘he was the guy who was the best ever.'”
As we reported earlier, Torrie Wilson was spotted with her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez again night. The former WWE diva and the New York Yankee all-star attended the Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs basketball game. Check out this picture of Torrie and A-Rod courtside at the Heat-Spurs game and a few more recent shots of them together:
— Zack Ryder, who lost the United States Championship to Jack Swagger on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, posted a cryptic message on Twitter Wednesday regarding his YouTube series Z! True Long Island Story.
“Workin’ on Episode 51 of Z! TLIS…yes, 49 is the next Episode…#hmmm,” he wrote.
— Lilian Garcia handled ring announcing duties at Tuesday’s WWE NXT and WWE Superstars tapings in Las Vegas, Nevada, replacing Tony Chimel. Chimel replaced Eden Stiles late last month on both programs following her departure from the organization.
— Rey Mysterio is advertised to appear at Indianapolis World of Wheels at the Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 E 38th St. Indianapolis, Indiana on February 11, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
He is also scheduled to appear at Dallas Cavalcade of Customs at Dallas Market Hall 2200 Stemmons Fwy. Dallas, Texas on February 18, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Shannon Spruill (a/k/a Daffney) says she is proceeding with her workers’ compensation claim against TNA Wrestling stemming from injuries she sustained while working for the organization in 2009 and 2010.
“Great day today. Just wanted to let everybody know that the Workers’ Comp Claim is going well. Although it’s been a long road, I continue to keep my head up. Hoping for some good results,” she tweeted Tuesday.
Spruill stated last March immediately following her departure from TNA Wrestling that she had filed a workers’ compensation claim against the organization. There were issues between Spruill and management regarding her medical expenses being covered after she suffered a concussion taking a bump through a board covered with barbed wire at the October 18, 2009 pay-per-view event Bound for Glory.
Creative writer Vince Russo and former Director of Talent Relations Terry Taylor pressured Spruill into performing the spot, reasoning that it was important for the ongoing feud between Abyss and Mick Foley. Spruill, who was hesitant on the idea, was assured that she would be fine. She suffered a concussion taking the maneuver and was taken to an Orlando, Florida area hospital via ambulance. Spike TV wouldn’t allow TNA to air the spot during the following episode of iMPACT! due to their policy on men-on-women violence.
Spruill’s emergency room visit resulted in a substantial medical bill, which Taylor stalled TNA from paying and ultimately was not. She also claimed she was pressured to continue performing after suffering two additional concussions. She suffered a concussion after being hit on the head with a toolbox by Tara following their match on the February 18, 2010 episode of iMPACT!. On April 20, 2010, she was injured in a dark match against an obese inexperienced worker named Miss Betsy and was taken to an Orlando area hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion, as well as a deeply bruised sternum and a severe stinger.
— According to Amazon.com, the second edition of the WWE Encyclopedia will be released on September 3, 2012. The updated volume will include entries on WWE Superstars that debuted in 2009, 2010 and 2011. It is 400 pages and will be released by Brady Games.
— Jinder Mahal, Johnny Curtis and Ricardo Rodriguez, who now exclusively appear at WWE shows, have been removed from the www.fcwwrestling.info roster page.
— Kofi Kingston appears at Best Buy 7017 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, Missouri on January 28, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call 314-487-4999 for more information.
— Florida Championship Wrestling will hold their next television taping on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the FCW Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Chris Jericho made his return to the G4 television show “Attack of the Show” on Tuesday. Hosts Kevin Pereira and Candace Bailey play a special round of the game “Twitter Twister” with help from their fans and Chris Jericho, as Craig ‘The Twistecutioner” DeSilva:
Speaking of everybody’s favorite Silent Superstar, the “huge announcement” Jericho has been teasing on Twitter in recent weeks has been revealed. Jericho’s rock band Fozzy has signed a new deal with Century Media Records. Here’s the official press release, sent out this afternoon:
FOZZY SIGNS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS
Century Media Records are proud to announce the signing of internationally-renowned metal band Fozzy. The brainchild of Chris Jericho and Rich Ward, Fozzy was formed a decade ago out of a passion for hard rock and heavy metal and has transformed into one of North America’s most electrifying bands.
“We are so excited and honored to be part of the Century Media family,” says Chris Jericho, an entertainment icon who has achieved legendary status as one of the WWE’s most acclaimed superstars, penned two New York Times best-selling autobiographies, and was a finalist on ABC’s hit television show Dancing with the Stars in 2011. “Fozzy finally has a record company with the firepower and worldwide influence we need and deserve to rise to the next level – Century Media is the perfect home for Fozzy, and we are stoked to release the masterpiece album of our career and conquer the world… and elsewhere!”
Chris Jericho will discuss Fozzy’s signing to Century Media Records tomorrow morning at 9am PST (Thursday, January 19, 2011) on the legendary Los Angeles radio station 95.5 KLOS, where he’ll appear live on the Mark and Brian morning show. To listen live on the internet from around the world, click here.
Fozzy – lead singer Chris Jericho, guitarist Rich Ward, drummer Frank Fontsere, bassist Paul DiLeo and guitarist Billy Grey – will release their Century Media debut worldwide in summer 2012. The album will be the follow-up to their acclaimed 2010 release Chasing The Grail, which saw them tour 15 countries around the world and perform in cities from Los Angeles to Lichtenvoorde, including an appearance alongside metal’s Big 4 – Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax – on the Knebworth Sonisphere, and a string of dates on the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival headlined by Avenged Sevenfold.
“There are very few musicians I respect more than Rich Ward, and I couldn’t be prouder of bringing him home to Century Media Records, the label that introduced me to Stuck Mojo in 1995,” says Century Media Records product manager Paul Gargano. “Chris is one of the most captivating entertainers and electrifying frontmen I know, and Fozzy have emerged as one of the best-kept secrets in hard rock and metal over the years – now it’s time to let the secret out…”
“Shortly after my 12th Birthday, while air-guitaring to Iron Maiden, I decided that when I grew up, I wanted to ‘pay my bills’ by playing guitar,” says Ward. “In 1995, Century Media Records allowed this seemingly unreachable goal to become a reality with my band Stuck Mojo. When that relationship came to an end in 2001, I continued making and releasing music with several different bands, through several different record companies. There was only one common thread in all my experiences with these other organizations – I wished they were more like Century Media. The truth is, like any ‘first’ relationship, it’s tough to get a real perspective of how good it really is until you’ve had other relationships to compare it to. After having lots of opportunities to gain some perspective, I am honored to return to Century Media Records as they become the home for Fozzy’s music. I’m so grateful to be able to play music for a living, and it is a privilege to continue my career with the label that gave me my start.”
– The dark main event that took place after Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Las Vegas saw Daniel Bryan defeat Big Show in a Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Title.
Wade Barrett and Heath Slater came out to help Daniel Bryan, which brought out Sheamus to even the odds and help Big Show.
– Torrie Wilson and her boyfriend, New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez were spotted at last night’s Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs basketball game.
– WWE Tough Enough contestants Luke Robinson and Martin Casaus will face each other at the NWA UCW-ZERO 10th Anniversary Show on March 31st.
– WWE Hall of Fame ring announcer Howard Finkel announced that yesterday marked 35 yaers since becoming a ring announcer. Congratulations to the Fink, who, for our money, is the best ring announcer of all time.
– The Memorial Day edition of WWE RAW Supershow (5/28) will take place at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
– WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase turns 58 years old today (Wednesday).
– WWE has released a new promo video hyping the upcoming WWE Network, including “Countdown” and more:
Mr. Anderson, who has not appeared for TNA Wrestling since the November 15, 2011 Impact Wrestling taping, is scheduled to return to the ring at this week’s Impact Wrestling World Tour in Worcester, Plymouth and Lowell, Massachusetts. He will be teaming with Rob Van Dam (who was stretchered backstage two weeks ago at Genesis after taking a DDT onto the concrete floor) at all three shows in matches against Mexican America members Anarquia and Hernandez.
Mexican America members Rosita and Sarita are also advertised to team, which they rarely do at house shows. They will be facing Brooke Tessmacher and ODB at all three events.
Other matches scheduled include:
* “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy vs Christopher Daniels
* Jesse Sorensen vs Kid Kash vs Shannon Moore
* Garett Bischoff vs Television Champion Robbie E (with Rob Terry)
The first review is in for The Rock’s new 3D action adventure movie, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. The Hollywood Reporter gives the movie an overall positive review and gives it a thumbs up as a colorful, family-friendly experience.
While the script is simplified from the original book, “the targeted demographic, however, will gladly hop aboard for a cornball ride through colorful, often glaringly phony sets popping with miniature elephants, gold-spewing volcanoes, and a monster-truck-sized lizard. For the adults, there’s the edifying sight of Michael Caine astride a giant bee,” says the reviewer.
As for The Rock’s performance, “Johnson sets the tone with an affable goofiness, although never ignites the spark that his labored banter with Caine requires.”
Meanwhile, The Rock is currently overseas making various public appearances to promote the film. The Associated Press has published a video report looking at this week’s Journey press conference in Taiwan. The Great One demonstrates two of his best talents – his singing and his ability to pop his pecs. Check it out:
Smackdown wrestler Ted DiBiase tweeted last night that he got food poisoning yesterday in Las Vegas. DiBiase was able to pull himself together enough to work a match at the SmackDown tapings, but he was forced to cancel the pre-SmackDown “DiBiase Posse” party he had organized.
DiBiase tweeted the following:
“Don’t know how I managed to get through the day today. Woke up at 5am with food poison (I’ll spare you details)!! Very sorry to Vegas DPP!!!”
“Some things are out of my control… This morning and throughout the day it was my bowels!! I’ll make it up to you guys next time!! Promise”
He later noted that he thought it was “the Lobster sandwich I had in the mall” when asked.
— Rikishi was in attendance at Tuesday’s WWE television taping at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, in support of sons Jey and Jimmy Uso. He watched the event from a luxury box.
— Former WWE performer Shad Chad Javier Romane Chittick Gaspard (a/k/a Shad) was displeased that a scene he took part in for Tuesday’s episode of The Game on BET was cut.
He tweeted, “Feel like shit right now and almost punched my dog. My Scene from @thegamebet was cut out and i’m pissed off.”
Gaspard, however, cooled off an hour later. He wrote, “Well my scene got cut, but i got the credit on my resume, experience that I needed, & a good friend in @billewoodruff. Still winning!!!”
— WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase turns 58 years old Wednesday.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Can Mick Foley Still Wrestle?: ” I don’t think that Mick will return as a full-time or likely not even a part time wrestler. If we saw Mrs. Foley’s baby boy once or twice a year in his wrestling gear, I’d suggest that would be enough. There are so many positive things that Mick can do for WWE other than just wrestle.”
Legends House: “I see ‘trainwreck’ written all over this show especially when one considers the fact that the people chosen will be in the same house, isolated apparently from their loved ones, for likely 4-6 weeks. Being a reality show fan, I see amazing potential in this concept.”
Working With Joey Styles: “Will @JoeyStyles and JR ever call a match together?’ Likely not on weekly TV, but perhaps we might get to do something together on the WWE Network. We’ve discussed working together at some point when the platform and the time is right.”
Evan Bourne’s Wellness Policy Violation: “Obviously unfortunate for the talent. Two strikes are never good but I want to make it clear that I know zero details.. Nonetheless, this matter is being taken seriously as it should be and is terribly perplexing why a talent would travel the same road again.”
WWE announced Tuesday morning that Matthew Korklan, who performs as Evan Bourne, has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program. The Raw Superstar went on Twitter to apologize to fans for his latest infraction.
“Sorry y’all. Sometimes we become our own worst enemy,” he tweeted Tuesday afternoon.
During Sunday’s Raw Live Event at Oakland’s Oracle Center, Bourne and Kofi Kingston lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to Primo and Epico. The high-flying duo lost to the Tag Team Champions in short order in their rematch on Monday’s Raw SuperShow.
ImpactWrestling.com has removed Jackie Moore, Jesse Neal and Toxxin from their wrestler roster page. This would confirm their respective departures from TNA Wrestling late last year.
Moore stated on November 28, 2011 via Twitter that she parted ways with TNA Wrestling due to her contract expiring. She returned to the company last June alongside ODB under the guise of outsiders, with the duo promising to clean up the Knockouts division. In August, Moore and ODB abandoned their villainous antics in order to gain contracts with the promotion. After several weeks of working as babyfaces, they were signed to contracts by the new head of the Knockouts division, Karen Jarrett. Moore, however, did not appear for TNA again.
Neal made his final TNA appearance on the December 15, 2011 episode of Impact Wrestling, where he was DDT’d onto concrete floor by Gunner and consequently stretchered out of the Impact Wrestling Zone. Neal parted ways with TNA after organization officials asked him to relocate from Florida to Louisville, Kentucky to further his wrestling training in Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was unable to comply with their request because the money they were offering “wasn’t even anything close to live on.”
Toxxin is Neal’s real-life girlfriend, who was brought in September to combat Rosita and Sarita in Ink Inc.’s feud with Mexican America. Neal stated during a podcast interview that Toxxin, who appears as Christina Von Eerie on the independent wrestling circuit, was never under contract to the organization. Her departure was expected after Neal parted ways with TNA.
— The official website of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia is advertising The Rock for the March 26, 2012 Raw SuperShow.
This will be the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.
— It was rumored at last night’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California that Shawn Michaels and Triple H would together induct The Four Horsemen—Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard—into the WWE Hall of Fame. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent lobbied for the Horsemen to be inducted into the Hall.
Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio is internally expected to induct his uncle, Mil Mascaras.
— Ken Shamrock and Sid Vicious have been announced for Wrestlereunion, which takes place January 27-29, 2012 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— WWE officials are hopeful that Christian will be cleared to return from injury in time for the Royal Rumble. He has been sidelined since November 9, 2011 due to an ankle injury.
— With the cancellation of the SmackDown live event originally scheduled for this Sunday in College Station, Texas, some SmackDown talent will instead appear at the Raw live event in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Randy Orton, who was reportedly slated to return at next Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Phoenix, Arizona, has been added to the New Mexico talent line-up.
Other SmackDown talent scheduled for the show include Big Show, Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Mark Henry, Epico, Primo and Rosa Mendes.
— The cable rating for last night’s Raw SuperShow will be delayed until Wednesday due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
Actor Liam Neeson was asked during the press junket for The Grey about a rumor that he’s in talks to portray Vince McMahon in the upcoming Chris Benoit biopic Crossface.
The Grey director Joe Carnahan answered first, telling Neeson, “I can’t see you doing that dude.” Neeson added, “No, I never heard of [the movie].”
Neeson added that he has no interest in the role, largely because he knows very little about the WWE CEO, almost nothing about Benoit, and is not a fan of professional wrestling.
Crossface was announced last month. Casting is underway and production is set to begin this fall.
We want to know – who do YOU think should play Vince McMahon in the Chris Benoit movie? Hit up the comments below with your casting choice.
Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website, www.jrsbarbq.com. Highlights are as follows:
The Royal Rumble Match: “I always thought more could be made, I’m looking at the mirror quite honestly on this one, of the fact that there are only 30 spots available for the Royal Rumble Match. While other attractive matches are generally booked for the PPV, nothing really compares to the Rumble match and what winning it provides the last man standing in the ring.”
Brodus Clay: “Brodus Clay maximized his minutes last week on Raw and Smackdown. I’m told that the reaction that he received on the road this week was positive. The red attire, the dancing and the ladies who accompany him are the ‘sizzle’ in Clay’s TV persona but rest assured that the super heavyweight can deliver the ‘steak’ from bell to bell which is where, over the long haul, he will make his money.”
Sunday’s WWE Tag Team Championship change: “The WWE Tag Titles changed hands at a non televised, live event this weekend in Oakland. That sent a message that “anything can occur at a WWE live event” and that the tag titles perhaps are on the cusp of becoming more meaningful.”
Edge wrestling one more match: “For Edge fans longing for Edge to have the seemingly obligatory “One More Match,” I hope that educated fans realize that medically that would be a major mistake for all involved.”
Ross also comments on Edge and The Four Horsemen entering the WWE Hall of Fame, Ole Anderson’s omission from the Hall, who may win the Royal Rumble and more. His blog can be read here.
– WWE will tape “Sin City SmackDown” tonight from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The show will feature a special SmackDown Roulette theme, with match stipulations beind decided by spinning a gimmicked roulette whee.
Announced for tonight’s tapings are Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett and Mark Henry vs. Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Titl.
WWE will also tape week 46 of NXT tonight with the wedding of Maxine and Johnny Curtis plus a No DQ Match between Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.
– WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix was in town for last night’s RAW Supershow but once again, did not appear on TV.
– In an update on Tyler Reks’ Midcard Mafia video series, Reks has now deleted all the videos from his YouTube page. No word yet on why the videos were pulled or whether there was heat from WWE management over the series, but we’ll post an update when more information is available.
– Ratings for Friday’s SmackDown and Monday’s RAW will be delayed this week due to Monday’s Martin Luther King Day holiday. SmackDown ratings should be available Monday afternoon while RAW ratings will be pushed off to Tuesday.
– Hardcore legend Mick Foley wrote the following on Twitter regarding his surprise appearance on Monday’s RAW:
“Very cool to be out there again, exchanging words and blows. Hope to see everyone in the #WWE Universe again soon.”
Foley announced on RAW that he plans to enter Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view so his youngest children can see him wrestle again. Foley stated that he plans to compete “at least one more time” – leaving the door open for another high profile match, possibly at WrestleMania 28.
– The All Pro Wrestling promotion has confirmed our report from Monday about WWE signing Jody Kristofferson to a developmental deal. Kristofferson, the son of country music legend Kris Kristofferson, wrestled his final match for California’s APW promotion over the weekend and won APW Universal Heavyweight Championship in his final appearance. Kristofferson’s family, including his famous father Kris, were all in attendance for the event.
As noted before, Kristofferson is expected to start with FCW next month.
Here is the press release from APW announcing Kristofferson has signed with WWE:
COUNTRY LEGENDS SON SIGNS WWE DEVELOPMENTAL DEAL
Hayward, CA – At last night’s All Pro Wrestling TV Tapings, “Big Country” Jody Kristofferson defeated Jeckles to become APW Universal Heavyweight Champion.
Following a celebration in the ring with fellow wrestlers, colleagues and family including his father country music legend & Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson. An emotional Jody announced to the fans in attendance that he had signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Ent.
Jody Kristofferson graduated the APW Boot Camp in 2009 after completing a two year training course.
Fellow successful graduates of the APW Boot Camp include: Michael Modest (WCW / Noah), Bison Smith (ROH / Noah), Spike Dudley (ECW / WWE), Crash Holly (WWE), Vic Grimes (WWE / ECW), The Great Khali (WWE), Brent Albright (WWE), Cheerleader Melissa (TNA), Kafu (WWE) and Sara Del Ray (ROH).
APW’s weekly “Gym Wars” TV series can be seen world wide on their website at www.allprowrestling.net or www.youtube.com/allprowrestling
Jack Swagger became the new WWE United States Champion on Monday’s’s RAW Supershow after he defeated a badly injured Zack Ryder, who was selling the attack from Kane last week.
Ryder wrote the following on Twitter last night about his United States Title loss:
“So I’m not the US champ anymore. Sorry to let my Broskis down. I will make no excuses for tonight…I will be United States champion again!”
Swagger stated in a recent interview that 2012 was going to be his year and he had his sights set on the United States championship.
As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, Zack Ryder’s segments on RAW have been drowing very low ratings, which could be the reason WWE decided to take the US title off him.
Either Ryder will be put back in the role of “chasing the title” (which is typically a better ratings draw than a babyface champion) or shuffled around in the mid-card.
— Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton appeared on Monday’s RAW from Anaheim and was the guest ring announcer for the divas tag team match. Hilton posted a bunch of messages on Twitter regarding the appearance, including “Sooo freakin cool!!! Raw!!!!” He also retweeted this image (view here) of himself with Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox.
— Actor Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding) was shown on camera during Monday’s WWE RAW Supershow. He was shown sitting behind Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler’s announcing table. Haskins was backstage during the show visiting friends.
— Chris Jericho noted on Twitter that members of the bands My Chemical Romance and Avenged Sevenfold were at RAW along with legendary record producer Rick Rubin.
— Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler has signed with prestigious William Morris Endeavor, one of the top talent agencies in the world. WME reps such names as Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Russell Brand.
Stacy’s acting work so far includes guest appearances on Chuck, Psych and How I Met Your Mother, as well as a cameo in Bubble Boy.
While Keibler’s relationship with George Clooney is likely a factor that helped her get signed to WME, it’s worth noting that Clooney is signed to a rival talent agency, CAA.
