– Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez will be teaming together during WWE’s upcoming tour of Puerto Rico. The duo will be facing WWE tag team champions Primo and Epico at the three scheduled shows.
– Zack Ryder noted on Twitter he will be testing out a new format for his Z! True Long Island Story show this week, which premiers on Friday.
– Former WWE superstar Matt Bloom (Albert/A-Train) will be debuting in the coming weeks as Lord Tensai. Upon his return, Tensai is expected to push him into a top feud with either John Cena or Randy Orton, much like we’ve seen with Kane.
– WWE has published the latest episode of WWE Inbox, featuring superstars and divas talking about the Most Annoying Superstar and predictions on who will win at WrestleMania 28 between The Rock and John Cena:
WWE ribbed Lilian Garcia at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Newark, NJ after she made yet another bad error in front of the live crowd.
During the show, Lilian Garcia introduced Zack Ryder last night as “Mr. Long Island Iced Z, Jack Swagger.”
After the SmackDown tapings concluded, John Cena was scheduled to wrestle in the dark match main event steel cage match. Cena brought out ring announcer Tony Chimel and Zack Ryder with him. Cena took the microphone and said he’s going to bring in a ring announcer who is professional.
As Tony Chimel was introducing Zack Ryder, they kept cutting off his microphone as a prank. Cena grabbed the mic and properly introduced “Mr. Long Island Iced Z, Zack Ryder.” The whole thing was apparently done to embarrass Lilian Garcia.
Following all the confusion this week regarding the future of WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, we have an update on FCW and a new developmental program in the works.
WWE plans to open up a new branch of its developmental system in Stanford, Connecticut in the next few months. The project has been described to us as something in between Florida Championship Wrestling and the main roster, where talent that is “almost ready” will work closely with WWE officials to get them ready for their debuts.
Triple H issued a statement to WWE.com on Tuesday saying that WWE is not shutting down its developmental program. In fact, they are getting ready to “ramp up” their process of cultivating new talent – with a major announcement coming shortly after WrestleMania. Triple H told WWE.com:
“WWE’s developmental system is being revamped, not shut down. If anything, it’s going to get bigger and better than ever. By no means is it going to get smaller or shut down.”
WWE already has someone in mind to run the new Stamford-based developmental program, but it has not been made public yet.
As for Florida Championship Wrestling, there are no plans to shut down the school/promotion. WWE is looking for new locations in Florida to film the FCW TV show (including Orlando) and will also look for a new television partner to air the shows.
WWE officials are said to be extremely upset about the reports of FCW shutting down this week.
Angle made a lot of bold statements during his latest rant, but his comments about WWE legends Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels are getting the most attention.
Angle stated that it only took him 1 year to reach the top of WWE – when it took Austin and Michaels 15 years. Angle added, “Could Either of U take Me as a Shoot? Be Honest!” He later clarified, “by the way! I Love Austin and Michaels. Just Joking. U guys are legends!”
He tweeted the following apology on Wednesday afternoon:
“I Do Want to Apologize to Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin for My Comment. Without them I Would Have never had my Opportunity in Pro Wrestling,”
“I don’t get twitter.I Love tweeting What I feel-or responding to idiots. But I’m Supposed to be”Politically Correct” w/ My tweets?Forget It”
Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio with Edge
Hosts: Big D, Crisco, and Road Warrior Animal
Available at KFAN.com.
Edge on his actual retirement plans:
“I was going to get through WrestleMania 27 and then wrestle through the year and call it quits after WrestleMania 28. So I was planning on sticking around for another year.”
Edge on whether it was easy to retire knowing that if he continued it could affect his quality of life:
“I had no choice. The WWE medical staff kept a real close eye on my health and the situation with my neck and we knew it could be anytime now. They wouldn’t clear me to compete so it was pretty easy.”
Edge on who is inducting him into the Hall Of Fame:
“Christian. The WWE asked me the other day and it wouldn’t make sense to have anyone else. I mean if I showed up and Sarge (Sargent Slaughter) was inducting me, I’d be like, ‘I love ya’ Sarge, but why you?”
Edge also confirmed the release of his DVD set the first week of April.
World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan is reportedly dating WWE Diva Brie Bella.
WWE recently kicked off a new feud between the Bella Twins and Bryan’s storyline girlfriend, AJ Lee.
Last week on SmackDown, AJ defeated Nikki Bella after Daniel Bryan stopped Brie from making the twin switch. WWE.com speculated that Bryan got involved in the match and prevented the Bellas from switching because he was still “emotionally scarred” by breaking up with the Bellas, whom he was romantically linked to on-screen last year.
The “love square” (a love triangle with 4 people?) continued at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, with AJ wrestling Brie Bella – and Daniel Bryan getting involved once again.
These pictures of Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella were posted online this week:
Kurt Angle went on another Twitter rant on Wednesday night, making several controversial tweets – many of which have already been deleted from his account. Angle spoke about his Olypmic training, his history of drug abuse, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and more. Here are some of the highlights:
– He told Jim Ross and Chris Jericho, “I plan on retiring in TNA! But what if I wanted main event at WMania One More Time? Fans say yes I’m the Best today! If Wwe never wants Me, their Mistake. What then?”
– Regarding his TNA future, he said, “I will retire in Tna. I Love It Here. But what if I wanted one last WMania? How would the fans respond? I would kick ass”
– Angle spoke about training for the Olympics, saying “Every Wrestler is terrified of me that they will get tired”
– He named CM Punk and Daniel Bryan as WWE stars he’d like to wrestle.
– He became a top star in WWE in 1 year, “but it took Shawn and Austin 15years. Hello?” He says he respects both Austin and Michaels, “But Could Either of U take Me as a Shoot? Be Honest!” He later clarified, “by the way! I Love Austin and Michaels. Just Joking. U guys are legends!”
– When fans began to question Kurt’s state of mind (and his sobriety), he responded, “I have not touched a pill 8 yrs. up urs”
– A fan told him go back to WWE and take Sting with him. Angle replied, “I wish. Sting will stay in tna”
Angle posted several other tweets, using profanity at fans (including … “Your girl sucks. me. lol”), but those have since been deleted.
He told fans that he was not drinking and that his account was not hacked this time.
It’s official – the late Rodney Anoa’i, former WWE champion Yokokuna, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in less than two weeks. The official announcement on the WWE website states:
“One of the largest and most imposing WWE Champions of all time, the mighty Yokozuna will be posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania XXVIII.”
WWE released the following video package highlighting the career of Yokozuna, one of the greatest big men to ever step inside a WWE ring:
– WWE.com has a new video up featuring Chris Jericho, filmed right after Jericho the the world that CM Punk’s sister is a drug addict. Jericho declared war on CM Punk, saying this is real and nothing is off limits. Jericho said everything he’s revealed about Punk’s family is the truth and you’re not crossing the line if you’re speaking the truth.
– Speaking of Jericho, he’s got a busy day on Wednesday. He will be appearing on the Opie & Anthony Show in the morning and Jimmy Fallon’s late night show.
– WWE retuns to the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, New York for a Supershow on June 18th. The pre-sale password is WWELONGISLAND.
– Chris Jericho will be appearing on the Opie & Anthony Show and the Jimmy Fallon show on Wednesday.
– WWE Hall of Famer Sunny was backstage visiting at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Newark, NJ. She will be in attendance for WrestleMania 28.
WWE taped this week’s SmackDown show Tueday night from Newark, NJ. Credit to Prowrestling.net and their readers Nick Hanrahan, K. Greene, and Chris for these results.
Daniel Bryan and A.J. came out to start the show to a lot of boos. Bryan made A.J. tell everyone how much she loves him. It was hard to hear anything because he was being booed so loudly. A.J. added that Bryan is going to make Sheamus tap out at WrestleMania 28.
Shemaus interrupted and called Bryan a coward while saying his speech made him throw up in his mouth. Sheamus said he will kick Bryan’s teeth down his throat and added that he will be called a former World Hvt. Champion.
1. Mark Henry defeated R-Truth. Henry won with the World’s Strongest Slam in three minutes.
A graphic was shown for Big Show vs. Kane for tonight’s show.
A video package revealed Yokozuna as the newest WWE Hall of Fame inductee.
Zack Ryder and The Great Khali were added to Teddy Long’s team at WrestleMania 28.
2. A.J. (w/Daniel Bryan) beat Brie Bella. A.J. received a pop because she’s from Union City, N.J., which is about ten minutes away from Newark. She got the win with a distraction by Bryan followed by a roll up for the pin. Afterward, Bryan entered the ring and celebrated more than A.J.
A No Way Out video package aired to hype the event that will be held in New Jersey.
3. Zack Ryder (w/Hornswoggle) beat Jack Swagger (w/Vickie Guerrero). Lilian Garcia mistakenly introduced Ryder as Swagger. Back and forth action, Ryder got a near fall, and so did Sswagger. Ryder hit the Rough Ryder for the victory after Vickie and Hornswoggle argued on the apron in 3:49.
4. Big Show defeated Kane by DQ when Cody Rhodes interfered. Cody ran in and hit Big Show for the DQ. Show chased him into the crowd. Randy Orton snuck inside the ring and hit the RKO on Kane for a big pop. The match lasted a little over four minutes.
5. Brodus Clay beat Health Slater. Squash match. K Greene asks when we’ll get a real Clay match rather than a squash. Good question. Clay won in 1:25 and then entertained the crowd.
6. The Great Khali defeated Dolph Ziggler via countout in a restarted match. Christian came out to a pop and joined the announcers on commentary. John Laurinaitus rang bell and declared Ziggler winner by submission with no tap (Montreal screwjob style). Teddy restarted the match and counted out Ziggler, declaring Khali the winner. Kofi Kingston and Santino Marella pushed Ziggler back in and Khali chopped him.
7. CM Punk and Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan and The Miz in the main event. Sheamus got the pin over Miz after a Brogue Kick.
Dark Match
John Cena beat Kane in a cage match. Cena came out with Zach Ryder and Tony Chimmel. They clowned and joked around with the crowd about Lilian messing up for a few minutes before re-announcing Zach Ryder. Lilian said she messed up because he is hot. Funny. Kane came out. A lot of brawling and an early escape attempt by Kane. There were “Cena sucks” and “Let’s go Cena” chants the whole match. Cena won with the Attitude Adjustment in three minutes.
– Last night’s WWE RAW Supershow from Philadelphia scored a 3.1 rating with 4,382,000 viewers. The show did hours of 3.14 and 3.06. This week’s show lost 216,000 from hour one to hour two.
– The March 17th episode of WWE’s AM RAW scored a 0.63 rating with 659,000 viewers.
– CM Punk and John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho is being advertised for the May 13th RAW live event in Rochester, New York.
– The Bella Twins were scheduled to make an appearance in Miami today but it was canceled. They are instead heading to Newark, NJ for tonight’s SmackDown tapings.
– WWE Divas AJ and Aksana are doing photoshoots at the tapings in Newark tonight for their Diva of the Month features in the May and June issues of WWE Magazine.
– WWE has posted the following WWE Classics video of Roddy Piper, Diamond Dallas Page, Jim Ross, Michael Hayes and Gene Okerlund discussing The Rock vs. John Cena:
On Monday’s WWE RAW Supershow, we saw the first vignette for Lord Tensai, a new character who is coming soon.
WrestleZone.com is reporting exclusively that former WWE superstar Matt “A-Train” Bloom is currently backstage at tonight’s WWE Smackdown tapings from Newark, NJ.
No word on whether or not WWE plans to use Bloom at tonight’s tapings, but he is backstage, which virtually confirms that he will be playing the character of Lord Tensai.
WWE.com has addressed the online rumors that Florida Championship Wrestling is shutting down, vehemently denying the “erroneous” report by an “unreliable online news source.”
The WWE website reached out to WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Paul Levesque (Triple H) to address this issue:
“It is absolutely not true. FCW is not closing. I don’t know how the rumor started but I believe it’s a situation where the ‘dirt sheets’ want to believe they have the scoop on everything. If anything, we are in the process of ramping up our entire developmental system. It’s the lifeblood of our company. It’s what feeds our future and in no way are we going to close it down.”
Triple H acknowledged that there are plans to overhaul the developmental system and revealed that there is a “major announcement” coming shortly after WrestleMania regarding the future of WWE developmental:
“WWE’s developmental system is being revamped, not shut down. If anything, it’s going to get bigger and better than ever. WWE Developmental cultivates the future talent of WWE. By no means is it going to get smaller or shut down.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about what went down at Monday’s RAW:
CM Punk & Chris Jericho: “The Punk/Jericho interaction was compelling and furthered the two, talented performer’s personal issue. Let’s not lose track that this is for the WWE Title which is the Promised Land for any WWE Superstar. The personal issue aspect of this pairing makes this match even more anticipated in my view. A potential show stealer without question.”
Cody Rhodes: “The evolution of IC Champion Cody Rhodes continues at a rapid and productive pace. Rhodes has the skills to be a top star for years to come and his WM28 bout with the Big Show increased my interest thanks to what they did Monday night.”
Sheamus & Daniel Bryan: “While Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan may be overlooked by a handful of fans, I have always looked forward to their WM28 bout knowing how both athletes are wired and what WM28 means to each of them personally and professionally. I’m very proud of both men and hope that they tear the house down April 1.”
The Rock: “Only one man’s opinion, but I thought that Rock’s promo in front of the Rocky statue was the Great One’s best verbal presentation yet in regard to the Rock vs. Cena bout at WM28. Loved the old school references along with Rock’s entertaining and compelling delivery. Really memorable.”
Taker, Triple H & HBK: “Have to be honest, I got goose bumps on all three entrances of HBK, Undertaker and HHH. The HIAC match with Taker’s ‘Streak’ in jeopardy is something that has many talking. The emotional investment of 19 years of greatness by Undertaker at WrestleMania events has built an amazing foundation. The match provokes many more questions than answers. Obviously, where Shawn Michaels stands as the referee of record is one question of prominence.”
– Mark Henry tweeted the following message after his loss to John Cena on Monday’s RAW:
“To the twitter world I fell short tonight but I will get another chance to induct John Cena in the hall of pain. The rock should look out!”
– WrestleMania 28 celebrity performer Maria Menounos made her debut on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars last night. She scored a 21 with her partner Derek Hough. The first elimination of this season will not take place until next week (3/27), so this essentially guarantees she won’t be appearing on the final RAW before her Divas tag match at WrestleMania.
– Lilian Garcia will hold a launch party for her new single at the Gibson Miami Showroom on March 28th. Lilian will be performing the song “Ur Girl” for the VIP-only crowd.
– During a recent appearance on Philadelphia’s Preston & Steve Show John Cena revealed that his favorite wrestler of all-time is Hulk Hogan.
– Speaking of Cena, WWE is promoting several post-WrestleMania live events with the teaser:
“What will John Cena’s mindset be after the biggest match of his career?”
– According to sources at Florida Championship Wrestling, things are said to be “business as usual” today. That said, there is still a feeling that a major shakeup is in store for WWE’s developmental territory.
– We spoke with Jesse Kage, a Tampa-based radio DJ that hosts the Kage Kult Show on 98Rock in Tampa. Kage, who has worked directly with FCW head trainer Steve Keirn, says he texted Keirn regarding the rumor and was told:
“Rasslin’ rumor, not true.”
– WWE creative team member Kevin Eck has responded to the “FCW shutting down” rumors on Twitter. He wrote:
Ted DiBiase posted the following blog early Tuesday morning discussing his recent injuries and shoulder surgery:
It’s 4:55 am and I can’t sleep. My back is killing me from having my leg propped up all day and night. This cast is really starting to get on my nerves because they have my foot angled in and down, to take pressure off the ligament that was torn. On top of that, now I am about to head to the hospital for a much needed shoulder surgery. I’m probably looking at 2 months of pain, rehab and boredom. Not really looking forward to this experience, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
I try to remain positive during tough times and trials. I think we all know that life is not always a bed of roses, doesn’t matter who you are. However, I think you find out who you are in the trials of life. It’s easy to remain positive and upbeat when things are going your way. When you’re able to pay the bills, health is in check and your closest friends and family are well and happy, it’s easy to remain grateful and upbeat. It is also easier to give, and live with integrity and character. When things are going your way, you might even find some time to focus on someone else, someone who’s in need or less fortunate.
But, who are you when things are bad or just not going your way? When everything seems to be falling apart and your world is crashing in and around you, do you lay there and just give up? Do you just mail it in and say I can’t do it anymore?
I hope you realize that each trial in your life creates opportunity! It’s an opportunity to show your friends, your family and the world that what looks bad on the outside is NOT what defines you on the inside!
Here is my challenge to those of you who have suffered or are suffering, who are down or just struggling right now: Take your focus off yourself. Find and help someone who is worse off than you. It may be a complete stranger. Share your story with someone who is going through the same thing! It’s always easier when you’re not alone. Smile, even though it may hurt; you will bring joy to others in ways you’ll never know. Don’t give up… With each new day comes hope!
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” 2 Cor. 4:17 – Ted DiBiase
– Evan Bourne was not backstage at Monday’s RAW and is not scheduled to appear he was not at TV last night and is not scheduled for tonight’s Smackdown taping. His 60-day suspension for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy for a second time is completed and he’s now free to return to action.
– WWE issued a press release on Tuesday officially announcing that hip hop stars Flo Rida and Machine Gun Kelly will perform at WrestleMania 28.. The press release states that Flo Rida will perform two songs and MGK will perform “Invincible” for John Cena’s entrance. To read the press release, head over to Corporate.WWE.com.
– WWE is holding a pre-sale event for SummerSlam tickets that started today and runs through Friday night. The password for the pre-sale is “SLAM”. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday. WWE SummerSlam takes place on August 25 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
It was reported by f4wonline.com on Monday night that WWE is shutting down it’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling. The news came after the Brighthouse Network, which airs FCW television, confirmed that the show would be ending its run very soon. Now, there are conflicting reports regarding the future of the promotion.
All talents and staff are at FCW’s training school today and as of Tuesday morning and it’s been “business as usual.”
All FCW events currently scheduled for this coming weekend will go on as planned and FCW President Steve Keirn is vehemently denying the rumors of FCW shutting down.
Sources within WWE are saying there are no plans to shutdown FCW, despite the promotion’s television show ending its run on the Brighthouse Network. There have been recent discussions about moving the FCW TV show to another market, possibly in the Orlando area. It has also been speculated that WWE could be moving its developmental talent to Stanford, Connecticut, near company headquarters.
Vince McMahon has reportedly been upset recently over the lack of depth on the WWE roster and the lack of superstars who are over.
WWE executive Ty Bailey, who was released earlier this month, had a major role in WWE’s developmental system.
– After Monday’s RAW from Philadelphia went off the air, there was no dark match main event. The Miz came back out and started ranting about how he’s not on WrestleMania and wants a match. He ran down all the Philly sports teams and got a lot of heat from the crowd. The Rock eventually came out and pointed out members of the Philadelphia Eagles who were sitting in the front row. The Miz told The Rock that he wanted to be in his corner for WrestleMania. The crowd broke out in loud “Rocky” and “People’s Elbow” chants. The Miz offered his hand for a handshake to which The Rock accepted. Rock then hit a Rock Bottom and the People’s Elbow to send the crowd home happy.
– The show-closing segment between The Undertaker, Triple H and Shawn Michaels was originally scheduled to kick off the second hour of RAW, but that was changed on Monday during the day. WWE booked Cena vs. Mark Henry to open the second hour of RAW, with The Rock coming down to confront Cena after the match.
– Despite being advertised for Monday’s RAW, Brodus Clay did not appear on television this week after returning last week from a long absence.
– Following the cat fight that took place on RAW between Vickie Guerrero and Aksana, Vickie tweeted that she’d like to face Aksana next week on RAW. Aksana responded and said she will see Vickie on Friday’s SmackDown.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes wrote the following on Twitter after RAW last night regarding his brutal attack on Big Show this week:
“Cookiecutter WWE thing, gloat or make some vow after the show. Naa, rather say thanks Dad…even the bantamweights, we always loved boxing.”
– World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan recently spoke with TheDailyWorld.com to promote WrestleMania 28. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Winning the World Heavyweight Title:
“It was crazy. I’ve been doing this for 12 years and a lot of people thought I couldn’t succeed at this. It was vindication, that I reached the top. When people are doubting you that much, sometimes you doubt yourself. It was more retrospective — I can’t believe I went through all of that and I’m at this moment.”
Being A Heel Vegan:
“I never thought (being a vegan) would turn me into a bad guy. The way we’ve (incorporated it) it has been kind of fun. It is the personality that makes people hate me — winning my matches by disqualification, cheap ways to win, claiming I’m a role model because I don’t eat meat. It all gets under people’s skins.”
“I’ve always loved being a bad guy; there’s something more fun about it. It always makes me smile. Now, I’ll hear my music and (the crowd) instantly starts booing. I have to keep myself from laughing, because it makes me happy.”
WrestleMania 28:
“I’m not nervous about the match, but I’m excited about the experience. We’re not afraid to hit each other. Some guys like to fight. I like to fight. Sheamus was a bouncer for years. There’s something about being in front of a large crowd and getting hit. It fires you up. We want to steal the show, even with Rock vs. Cena (on the card).”
WWE aired a vignette on Monday’s RAW promoting a new character by the name Lord Tensai.
The identity of this new character has been revealed to be Matthew Bloom, who previously competed for the organization as Prince Albert, Albert and A-Train.
Bloom parted ways with WWE back in 2004 and has been wrestling in Japan ever since, winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Karl Anderson on two occasions as well as the GHC Tag Team Championship in Pro Wrestling NOAH.
News broke this weekend that Bloom had re-signed with WWE, although he denied this on Twitter.
A report by the Wrestling Observer indicates that Lord Tensai will be getting “pushed to the top” upon his debut and might be used as a henchman for John Laurinaitis.
WWE Superstar Yoshi Tatsu tweeted on Mondaay night that the letters seen on Lord Tensai’s body in the teaser video were Japanese. Tatsu added that Tensai means “a natural disaster or an act of God.”
A fan wrote on Twitter last night that the back tattoo on Lord Tensai was common and could be anyone. Matt Bloom replied to the tweet and agreed the back tattoo was too common to make a positive identification.
However, a closer look at the vignette that aired on RAW shows that Albert is indeed returning to WWE.
Credit to SEScoops Facebook page follower Jordan Zelisko for sending in this screen cap – which shows Tensai and Albert have a very similar taste in body art:
Credit to SEScoops.com reader Eric for sending in the following TNA Impact Wrestling spoilers from Monday night’s tapings in Orlando. These will air this Thursday on Spike:
– Dixie Carter opens the show and wants to fire Bobby Roode for his actions after Victory Road. Sting comes out and talks her out of it so James Storm can take care of Roode at Lockdown. Sting steps down as head of the show and suggests that Hulk Hogan run the company.
– James Storm comes out and talks about Roode. A man comes out and says Roode won’t be appearing until Lockdown and isn’t obligated to. Storm vs. Daniels and Kazarian is announced for tonight.
– Eric Young and ODB beat Rosita and Sarita.
– Austin Aries, Tony Nese, Kid Kash and Zema Ion wrestle to a No Contest when Bully Ray clears the ring.
– Samoa Joe and Magnus beat Mexican America. Rosita and Sarita interfered until Repo Games Josh Lewis ran out and stopped them.
– Gunner attacked Garett Bischoff in his 3 Minute Challenge with Kurt Angle. Jeff Hardy made the save.
– James Storm beat Kaz and Daniels in a Handicap Match
– Hulk Hogan returns to end the show. Sting comes out and begs Dixie Carter to let Hogan run the show. Sting says Hogan has changed and should be in charge of TNA.
