This week’s installment of the Z! True Long Island story is now online. Episode 50 features cameos from Dolph Ziggler, who vows to become WWE champion at the Royal Rumble, Ryder’s former tag partner, Curt Hawkins and more.
Video: Zack Ryder’s Z! True Long Island Story (Ep. 50)
Otunga Returns To The Courtroom, WWE’s Writing Staff
– WWE superstar David Otunga dusted off the old Harvard Law degree on Thursday and returned to the court room as a defense attorney. According to TMZ.com, Otunga represented a man who believes he was wrongfully terminated and denied unemployment benefits. This was the man’s appeal to the NY State Department of Labor. The judge heard from witnesses and then arguments from both sides, and Otunga told TMZ that he, “smoked the witness during cross examination.” Otunga’s client won the appeal and will now get unemployment benefits.
Otunga was quoted saying that he keeps his legal skills sharp and:
“If the outcome of the case is any indication of how I’ll do in the Royal Rumble this weekend, then it looks like I’ll be the winner.”
– Stephanie McMahon recently told Entertainment Weekly that WWE has 16 writers, plus Vince McMahon – who has final say on everything.
“Vince is very open to listening and discussing different ideas, but once he makes his final decision, he’s the boss.”
She added that she has a one-on-one meeting with Vince each week.
She also stated that WWE is looking at ways to develop new programming for their original content partnership with YouTube.
Former WWE Star To Be Fedor Emelianenko’s Next Opponent?
M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan recently stated that Monaco, which is a city-state surrounded by both France and Italy, is targeted to host Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko’s next fight.
They have discussed former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley as a possible opponent, but the promotion is leaning towards a “European fighter” to meet Emelianenko.
“But this is all in the works right now, and nothing is confirmed,” Kogan stated.
Major Twist Planned For The Royal Rumble Match
This Sunday night, WWE presents the Royal Rumble live on pay-per-view. The show will feature two big title matches and John Cena squaring off with the demonic Kane, but the real focus is of course, the beloved 30-man battle royal.
According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is said to be a “major twist” planned for the 30-man Royal Rumble match this year. The twist is said to have something to do with this year’s unique stipulation, where “every superstar is eligible” for the match.
A example of the type of “twist” could take place – the 1994 Royal Rumble finish is a good example, where Bret Hart and Lex Luger were both eliminated at the same time and declared co-winners.
A bit of fantasy booking here – a possible scenario could be that towards the end of the Rumble, when it’s down to the final entrant, the ring is completely emptied – making whoever comes out as #30 the automatic winner. Since all WWE superstars are eligible, it would be a very suspenseful minute or two from the time when the ring is empty until the “automatic winner” #30 is revealed.
Comment below and share your own fantasy booking scenarios for who could win the 2012 Royal Rumble.
WWE Network Update, Update On 3-Hour RAWs
– WWE is currently planning to launch the WWE Network around November of this year. The company recently created a new batch of commercials to promote the launch, which are scheduled to begin airing in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania 28.
With the huge media attention that will surround WWE’s biggest pay-per-view of the year, it’s possible WWE will announce a hard launch date at WrestleMania.
– The USA Network has updated its TV schedule through March 2012 and as of now, there is no three-hour RAW leading to WrestleMania 28. It was previously reported that the final RAW before WrestleMania 28 (the March 26th Supershow from Atlanta, featuring The Rock) would be a 3-hour show. Instead, WWE will be taping both RAW and SmackDown matches that night, since the WWE crew will be headed to Miami the day after RAW to WrestleMania 28 festivities.
It’s worth noting is that the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is not scheduled to air the night before WrestleMania, when the actual ceremony takes place.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Chael Sonnen Talks Vince McMahon & CM Punk
UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, who has a big fight this Saturday night against Michael Bisping at UFC On FOX 2, claims that Vince McMahon ‘had his reasons’ for not allowing CM Punk to accompany him to the octagon for his fight.
The event takes place the night before the Royal Rumble from Punk’s home town of Chicago. Punk was originally going to be in Sonnen’s corner for the fight, but WWE CEO Vince McMahon vetoed Punk from appearing and told him that appearing at the UFC show was prohibited.
Sonnen told MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani that he will meet up with Punk after the fight for dinner.
Sonnen said he is disappointed about the situation, but said he understands Vince’s decision.
Sonnen also shot down rumors that he will use CM Punk’s theme song “Cult of Personality” when he walks to the octagon.
Triple H’s Return To TV, Dreamer Saves Punk, Legends House,
– The Game is expected to return to RAW on a regular basis until WrestleMania to add some extra star power to the shows.
It was announced on RAW that Triple H is scheduled to for next week’s show, where he’ll decide if John Laurinaitis is fit to be the Interim RAW General Manager. He is also being advertised for the March 12th RAW Supershow from Cleveland, the same show that The Rock is scheduled for.
The latest talk behind the scenes is that Triple H vs. The Undertaker is still planned for WrestleMania, their third encounter at the big event.
– ECW original Tommy Dreamer says he saved CM Punk’s job with WWE twice. Dreamer tells RadarOnline.com:
“He [CM Punk] had little-to-no chance of ever making it in the WWE — he wasn’t their type of guy. I saved his job two times when he was about to be let go — I was saying, ‘Ya gotta keep this kid, ya gotta keep this kid.”
– In the unlikely event that the WWE Network launch is significantly delayed beyond the fall, it’s possible that WWE could shop the “Legends House” reality show around to other networks.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Rock Hypes New Movie (Video), Nash Won’t Be At The Rumble
– Kevin Nash wrote the following on Twitter last night and says he won’t be at the Royal Rumble:
“Under no circumstances will I be at the Royal Rumble, unless of course, I’m going over. Oh, and I need to be #30.”
– During an interview this week with MTV to promote his new movie “Journey 2,” The Rock said he is currently in talks to co-star in another project, “Pain and Gain.” Mark Wahlberg and director Michael Bay (“Transformers”) are also attached to the project. Here’s video of The Rock discussing Pain and Gain with MTV:
Cena’s Angry Face, Foley Bumped, DiBiase & McIntyre Updates
– On Monday’s RAW, John Cena made an “angry face” at the camera after Zack Ryder was taken away in an ambulance. WWE is teasing that Cena is finally giving in to the dark side “embracing the hate.”
It’s highly unlikely that John Cena will never undergo a complete heel turn, but his recent storyline with Kane has allowed an emotionally battered Cena to show a darker side.
A possible scenario that’s been discussed for Sunday’s match between Cena and Kane is that Cena will snap on Kane and his anger will explode to the point where he gets himself disqualified.
– Ted DiBiase is backstage for tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings in Tucson, Arizona and sporting a brace on his wrist.
DiBiase has reportedly been trying to downplay his wrist injury to those within WWE.
– Mick Foley’s appearance on the ABC show Wife Swap will be postponed due to President Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight. The episode will air next Tuesday at 9pm EST.
– There is some confusion as to Drew McIntyre’s future on the SmackDown brand. McIntyre was fired by Teddy Long during last wek’s show, but appeared as one of the lumberjacks during the main event.
(Partial credit: pwinsider.com, f4wonline.com)
Zack Ryder & Randy Orton Updates, Truth’s Little Jimmy Shirt
– The WWE’s website posted the following storyline update on Zack Ryder’s condition, noting that he suffered a herniated disc during Kane’s attack on him from RAW:
“Zack Ryder remains hospitalized after being chokeslammed by Kane through the stage on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. Upon further examination by WWE medical personnel, the former United States Champion has suffered a herniated disc as a result of the fall.”
– After Randy Orton returned to action on Sunday’s WWE live event, the talk at RAW was that Orton is returning to action from injury sooner than he should.
– WWE has released the new “Little Jimmy” t-shirt R-Truth was wearing on RAW. Truth also hinted on Twitter that he’ll be getting new theme music soon featuring .. Little Jimmy.
Daniel Bryan Honored With PETA2 Award
The following press release was sent out today:
DANIEL BRYAN TRIUMPHS OVER TOUGH COMPETITION TO NAIL PETA2 AWARD
WWE Superstar Credits Veggie Power With Keeping Him on Top in the Ring
Los Angeles — WWE superstar wrestler and World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan can now add Most Animal-Friendly Athlete to his impressive list of titles. Bryan—who credits going vegan with giving him remarkable strength and endurance and is known for his punishing style and incapacitating submission maneuvers—captured the Libby Award from peta2, PETA’s youth division. The sixth annual Libby Awards (“Libby” is for “liberation”) honor animal-friendly people, organizations, businesses, and products.
Bryan also shot a pro-vegan ad for peta2, in which he talked about why going vegan was one of the smartest decisions he’s ever made:
“My vegetarian diet allows me to lead a healthier lifestyle, reduce my carbon footprint, and save the lives of more than 100 animals every year,” says Bryan. “I’m stronger and healthier than ever, and I feel good about doing something positive for myself, animals, and the planet.”
Why have Bryan and millions of other people slammed meat to the mat? Health is one reason: The American Dietetic Association found that vegetarians have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than meat-eaters do. Also, in addition to producing vast quantities of greenhouse gases, raising animals for food is a leading cause of water pollution and land degradation. And billions of animals are raised in filthy, abusive conditions and slaughtered in terror every year.
The other nominated athletes were Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, Strikeforce mixed martial arts champ Jake Shields, and Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee.
For more information about the winners, please visit peta2.com/Libbys.
Winners were chosen by peta2 based on equal consideration of three factors: the number of votes received, the quality of the animal-friendly product or the nominees’ enthusiasm for being animal-friendly, and feedback from the nominees’ fans.
Rock Confirmed For Another RAW, Del Rio-Rumble, Twitter
– The Rock is being advertised for the March 12th RAW Supershow from Cleveland, Ohio. This is the second upcoming RAW that The Rock is officially being advertised for. The Rock will also be appearing on the final RAW prior to WrestleMania 28, from Atlanta. Expect to see regular appearances from The Rock on WWE television in the weeks leading up to his match with John Cena WrestleMania 28.
– Do not expect to see Alberto Del Rio at Sunday’s Royal Rumble – that is, if his personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez is to be trusted. Rodriguez tweeted on Tuesday:
“If Mr Del Rio wasn’t hurt he could easily win the Royal Rumble again this year. He did win the biggest Royal Rumble match ever after all! :)”
– Fans may have noticed that Monday’s RAW did not feature any Twitter mentions or on-screen graphics promoting trending topics. WWE sources have indicated this was no coincidence, as the company is said to be re-evaluating its affiliation with the social networking service.
Rey Mysterio Injury Update, Diva Gets WWE Tryout
– Earlier this week, Rey Mysterio posted a video to Youtube updating fans on his health status and said he hopes to be healthy in time for WrestleMania 28.
While everyone is hoping that Mysterio will be back in time for WWE’s biggest event of the year, the latest talk within the locker room is that Mysterio will be kept off television until after Mania.
– Independent women’s wrestler Buggy Nova received a tryout match (against AJ Lee) at last week’s RAW tapings from Anaheim, California. She was also backstage at last week’s SmackDown tapings from Las Vegas.
As noted yesterday, independent wrestler Lizzy Valentine recently filmed a commercial with WWE Superstar Sheamus. Buggy Nova also appeared in the commercial.
(Source: PWInsider.com)
Triple H On RAW Next Week, Ryer’s Broken Back & More
– Triple H will return on next week’s RAW Supershow. He will be there to give a “formal job evaluation” to Interim RAW General Manager John Laurinaitis and determine whether Laurinaitis will keep his job or not.
– After Kane chokeslammed Zack Ryder through the stage on RAW and the former United States Champion was taken away in an ambulance, the storyline is that Ryder has suffered a broken back. Expect Ryder to miss a few weeks of television due to the storyline injury.
– Matches taped for this week’s WWE Superstars prior to RAW were were Kofi Kingston vs. Michael McGillicutty and Brie Bella vs. WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix.
JR Blog: His Car Accident, Punk vs. Ziggler, Undertaker
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entierty at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
His Weekend Car Accident: “Saturday I was coming home from watching the Oklahoma women defeat Texas in Big 12 Womens Basketball when I was involved in a car accident. A fellow made a left turn right in front of me while crossing into my lane as he was coming from the opposite direction and we pretty much hit head on.
“Luckily, no one was seriously injured as best I know. I have been very sore the past couple of days and may go see our family doctor just to make sure every thing is o.k. but I certainly caught a break as this could have been a tragic situation.”
“Wearing one’s seat belt and having the benefit of an air bag certainly saved my bacon as I had no time to brake and hit the other vehicle, a pick up truck, with a stiff shot.”
“It looks as if my Cadillac Escalade is totaled and I assume the same for the other vehicle. My vehicle was a 2004 with only about 60,000 miles on it so to be able to replace it in the state that we maintained it will be likely impossible. My truck was in pristine condition with low mileage and replacing it with the same isn’t going to be easy.”
CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler This Sunday: “I’d love to see Punk and Ziggler compete for 30 minutes or more at the Royal Rumble. This would hopefully be a one on one contest would be a defining moment for both men at WWE PPV events and add much needed anticipation and impetus for Wrestlemania 28 no matter who the two, young stars face in Miami.”
Undertaker At The Rumble? “Will Undertaker be back for the Rumble?” I’d say no. The Rumble always seems to bring with it a few surprises but ‘Taker coming back, unadvertised, would floor me. I do expect to see the Undertaker before Wrestlemania but not at the Royal Rumble but I’ve been wrong before. Quite honestly, ‘The Streak’ at Wrestlemanis is arguably bigger than any Title match that could take place in Miami.
Whether He’ll Be On Legends House: “Were you approached to be in WWE Network’s Legends House?” No. I’m not sure how good a fit I would be as there are many more personality driven individuals who will thrive in that environment. I’m looking forward to the show whenever the WWE Network launches. BTW WWE Network is on Twitter @WWENetwork so hit them with questions and suggestions.
What Happened After RAW: Punk vs. Ziggler, Cena-Kane
After last night’s WWE RAW Supershow in Phoenix, John Laurinaitis made a WWE Title match between CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler. Punk got the pinfall victory after hitting Ziggler with the Go To Sleep.
While the WWE Champion was celebrating, Kane came out to confront CM Punk, but John Cena made the save. Kane and Cena fought until Kane chokeslammed him. Kane left but came back to receive an Attitude Adjustment to end the show.
Foley & Jericho In The Rumble, Miz Entering at #1
– WWE announced on RAW that for the first time ever, every Superstar will be eligible to be in this year’s 30-man Royal Rumble main event – including WWE Champion CM Punk.
– Chris Jericho and Mick Foley have been confirmed as participants in the Royal Rumble match.
Jericho finally spoke on RAW and said that “the world as we know it will end” on Sunday at the Rumble, playing off the cryptic videos that hyped his surprise return on January 2nd.
– After losing to R-Truth on tonight’s RAW Supershow, The Miz earned the #1 spot in this Sunday’s 30-man Royal Rumble main event.
Royal Rumble News: Rumored Winner, Surprise Entrants
WWE’s 25th anniversary Royal Rumble is just days away – and we’ve got an insider scoop on possible surprise appearances.
According to a source in WWE, employees at WWE headquarters were recently polled an asked what former WWE superstars they think would make a big impact at the Rumble like Kevin Nash (as Diesel) did last year.
Surprisingly, most of the names brought up were legends, including Hall of Famers Ricky Steamboat and Dusty Rhodes. Hacksaw “Jim” Duggan is also a possible legend that could enter the Rumble. Duggan has a biography coming out in the coming months and WWE plans to reintroduce him on television in the coming weeks to promote the upcoming release.
As far as who could win the Rumble, three names we’ve heard from reliable sources are Chris Jericho, Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler.
Carano A Box Office Success, Anderson Silva’s Next Fight & More
— MMA star Gina Carano recently made her big movie debut in “Haywire,” which took in an estimated amount of around 9 million dollars for just the first weekend. Reviews for the movie and Carano’s acting have been very positive. Roger Ebert said this about Gina Carano:
“Her range is suggested by having placed No. 5 on a Most Influential Women list on Yahoo! and No. 16 on Maxim’s Hot 100. On the basis of “Haywire,” I expect her to become a considerable box-office success, because the fact is, within a limited range, she’s good. In the movie’s first scene, she walks into a little cafe in upstate New York, sits down, sips a little tea and had me hooked. She has the no-nonsense beauty of a Noomi Rapace, Linda Fiorentino or Michelle Monaghan.”
— UFC President Dana White has reacted to Chael Sonnen’s recent comments about a possible rematch bout with Anderson Silva not happening, even if Sonnen gets past Michael Bisping in their upcoming fight at UFC On FOX 2 next Saturday. White stated over the weekend:
“I, 100 percent, right here and now, guarantee you that if Chael Sonnen wins that fight [against Michael Bisping at UFC On FOX 2], Anderson Silva will fight Chael Sonnen this summer.”
- Visit FightScoops.com For TONS More MMA News (Our New Site)
Evan Bourne Reportedly Done With WWE
Former WWE tag team champion Evan Bourne is currently serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of the company’s Wellness Policy.
While Bourne would be cleared to return to action in March, a report on PWinsider.com suggests that Bourne could be done with the company for good.
No official decision has been made yet, but “a number of WWE sources” have indicated that Bourne will not be brought back.
Bourne’s first violation of the Wellness Policy was reportedly a result of him using synthetic marijuana (“spice”), which is a banned substance in WWE.
Bourne’s latest violation is said to be a result of something “completely unrelated” to his first situation.
Exclusive: CM Punk vs John Laurinaitis “Will Happen” in 2012
According to a trusted source in the company, WWE Champion CM Punk will have a match this year against John Laurinaitis, and Vince McMahon is counting on it being “a very big deal.”
We were exclusive told “The Punk vs Laurinaitis match will happen in 2012, no doubt about it,” and that “if Jericho didn’t sign with WWE, Vince was actually considering holding off Punk vs Laurinaitis for Wrestlemania!
“We were also told the idea of a Punk vs Laurinaitis match became a definite once WWE determined Kevin Nash’s in-ring career had to end, and Punk was left without a weekly adversary on tv.
“Despite some reports, Vince (McMahon) likes Punk’s work, and think he’s breaking through and slowly attracting a new audience,” we were told. “Vince feels that if built properly, Punk vs Laurinaitis can really be a springboard to Punk becoming a major drawing card this year.”
Maryse On Why She Left WWE, Valentine Works With WWE
— Speaking to TVA Sports, Maryse Ouellet says her departure from WWE last October was triggered by the organization offering her a long term contract and her desire to move on.
“They wanted me to sign a new five-year contract and it’s not what I wanted,” the former WWE Divas Champion says. “I had other plans in mind.”
Ouellet’s plans include the forthcoming launch of her line of clothing and accessories, House of Maryse.
“I love fashion, I love trends. I propose to women swimwear, lingerie, jewelry, handbags and sunglasses, among others. I hope to officially start the project next summer,” she says.
Ouellet also discusses who she encountered during her WWE tenure, the numerous injuries she suffered and more. The full interview, which is in French, is available here.
— WWE filmed a commercial starring Sheamus last Wednesday which independent wrestler Lizzy Valentine appeared in as well. Valentine has worked with WWE in the past as she provided voice-over and motion capture to the SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 video game.
Update On MVP’s WWE Future, Bret Hart At FCW This Week
– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart tweeted on Monday that he’s headed to WWE developmental tomorrow to evaluate talent for WWE:
“Excited 2 fly down 2 Tampa tomorrow. Checking out the crew at FCW”
– Former WWE wrestler MVP has responded to an incorrect report on another website stating that he has a 1-year contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling:
“Hey Bleacher Report, I don’t have a “contract” with NJPW. I’m a free agent. Not sure who 1st reported I “signed a 1 year contract”. Wrong.”
“I’m a free agent with NJPW. I can leave when I choose to. However for the foreseeable future, I choose not to.”
Regarding a possible return to WWE, MVP says it could happen in the future, but for now, he’s enjoying working in Japan:
“I’ve NEVER ruled out a return to the WWE. But for the time being, NJPW is my home and I’m VERY happy there. We’ll see what the future holds.”
“It’s very humbling to read all the tweets telling me I’m missed or asking me to return. The WWE universe always shows me love. Thank you!”
When asked whether it was possible we could see him appear at the Royal Rumble this Sunday as a surprise entrant, he said it isn’t happening – and also set the record straight on whether we could see him in TNA:
“I can ASSURE you I WON’T be in the Royal Rumble. And a 99% chance I won’t turn up in TNA. Just killing rumors.”
We want to know – do you want to see MVP back in WWE? Could he make an “Impact” in TNA?
Randy Orton On Who He Wants To Face, Axxess Pre-Sale Issues
— The February 2012 issue of WWE Magazine features an interview with Randy Orton and he is asked how 2012 will fare differently from 2011 for The Viper.
Orton responds, “I’d like to have the opportunity to compete with Alberto Del Rio. I haven’t done that yet. I’d also like to work with Kane now that he’s back in his mask. The last few matches we contested have been kind of odd due to how the WWE Universe percieved our personas at the time. But I know that it would be really interesting for us to go at it now.”
— The official Twitter feed of WWE stated Monday that Ticketmaster is experiencing some technical issues for the WrestleMania Axxess tickets, which on sale this morning via pre-sale.
WWE adds: “Ticketmaster is working hard to resolve them. We will get back to everyone once Ticketmaster is back online.”
— WWE will hold a Raw live event at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, May 6, 2012. The show begins at 5:00 p.m.
source: PWInsider.com
Sound Off 202: Evan Bourne’s Suspension Reeks of Selfishness
DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 202)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!
Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Solomonster is back with some thoughts on the sad state of both Marty Jannetty and Chyna, Evan Bourne’s suspension and selfishness, predictions for the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV and the return of MATCH ANATOMY celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Royal Rumble, including Ric Flair’s victory in the greatest Rumble match of all time!
Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].
Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!
Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster
Friend The Solomonster on Facebook @ facebook.com/thesolomonster
Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.