The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy:
Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal
Justin Gabriel vs. Heath Slater
Cody Rhodes vs. Ezekiel Jackson
Drew McIntyre vs. Ted DiBiase
David Otunga vs. Santino Marella
Brodus Clay vs. Tyson Kidd
Tamina vs. Natalya
Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan (No DQ, No Count Out match for the World Heavyweight Title)
— Lanny Poffo appeared on a podcast hosted by Steve Wilton and commented on the possibility of Randy Savage being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Poffo said he did not hear from WWE after his brother passed away last May and that he has not heard from them regarding enshrinement into the Hall.
Lanny claimed last year during an interview that Randy would have only accepted enshrinement into the WWE Hall of Fame if the Poffo family (Angelo, Lanny and Randy) went in together like the Von Erichs. Randy pulled a similar power play in 1995 as Angelo was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame as a favor from management. Legendary wrestling announcer Gordon Solie objected to Poffo’s induction because he did not consider him to be a notable wrestler.
— Former WWE performer Shelly Martinez appears with her sister Danielle on this Saturday’s episode of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. The reality program, which features Millan working with “problem dogs,” airs at 8:00 p.m. on Nat Geo WILD.
— Dan Severn and WWE Hall of Famer Ivan Putski have been announced for WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— Ric Flair told fans during an autograph appearance Thursday at a Walmart in Burlington, North Carolina that he will be “on stage” for WWE’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony WrestleMania weekend (March 31, 2012). Flair, who is under contract to TNA Wrestling, was advertised by WWE this week as one of the Four Horsemen to be inducted at the ceremony.
— Former WWE talent Jacques Rougeau has plans to release his autobiography in English next month. The book was originally released in French last month.
— Chris Masters, who considered Ultimate Warrior his favorite wrestler as a child, says he would like to see him face Kevin Nash in a mixed martial arts match.
“Id love to see warrior Vs. Nash mma style.How old are they again?Warrior practically needed a cain to get to the ring in Barcelona,” he tweeted.
(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)
Christopher Shays, a former member of the United States House of Representative who is running as a Republican against Linda McMahon in the 2012 United States Senate election in Connecticut, took the former WWE CEO to task over the numerous WWE performers to pass away before the age of 50: who McMahon made part of her campaign narrative of corporate success and economic prosperity.
“Let’s think about it. She’s got over 41 people 50 years and younger who’ve died in her jobs. That’s quite a job record that she’s created,” Shays said Wednesday.
In response, McMahon campaign spokeswoman Erin Isaac released a statement saying that the two-time Senate contender is focused on finding solutions for unemployment. No mention was made of WWE or the numerous wrestling deaths.
“Nearly 160,000 people woke up in Connecticut without a job this morning,” Isaac wrote. “Linda spent her day talking with folks about her plan to put them back to work. This positive message and Linda’s proven record of job creation are exactly why she is endorsed by more than 1,800 hardworking families and small business owners and nearly 130 grassroots leaders across the state, including 20 Republican State Central Committee members and 60 Republican Town Committee chairs.”
More details on the story are available at CTPost.com.
— On Monday’s Raw, Eve made her way to the ring ready to battle Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, but instead of The Glamazon’s entrance theme playing, the arena went red and Kane’s music played. United States Champion Zack Ryder ran to the ring to try and help her escape to his car, which suspiciously had a flat tire. The segment lost 544,000 viewers to score a 2.39 cable rating. F4WOnline.com adds that it marks as the lowest-rated quarter hour for a non-holiday episode of Raw “in perhaps a decade.”
— Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler is scheduled to be a guest on Friday’s edition of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The talk show program airs at 12:35 a.m. Eastern/11:35 p.m. Central on NBC.
— WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase appears alongside Mickie James at Frank & Son Collectible Show 16549 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California on January 14 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
source: F4WOnline.com
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Edge In The Hall of Fame: “Is Edge going into the WWE HOF ‘too early?’ Not in my view. I don’t know that a waiting period even exists, I’d suggest there is none, for going into the WWE HOF after retirement. It certainly didn’t apply to the King and I who both went in the HOF in 2007 while both still active. Edge is extremely deserving and when one examines his total body of work, it is incredible.”
Brodus Clay’s Debut: “Thought on Brodus Clay’s Raw debut? It certainly wasn’t what many fans obviously thought it was going to be. I think much too much has been made of it from a negative point of view. It was only week one and we were exposed to the new, updated ring persona for what, 6-8 minutes? I’m not smart enough to stamp something yeah or nay after 6-8 minutes but I do like Clay’s physicality and big man athleticism. How he is ‘gift wrapped’ is subjective but what he does bell to bell is always what counts most in my eyes. I’d suggest fans exhale and see how the persona evolves before continuing all the knee jerking. For the record, I am a fan of Brodus Clay.”
Flair At The Hall of Fame: “Do I think that Ric Flair will attend the WWE HOF Ceremony to join the Horsemen? Absolutely. I’d bet on it. This is merely my personal opinion but knowing Naitch as well and for as long as I have, I don’t see him missing this night no matter if he works elsewhere or not.”
Undertaker At WrestleMania: “I still feel Taker will defend his Streak at Wrestlemania in Miami. I still feel that the Streak will be next to impossible to end. I don’t know when Taker will return to WWE TV but I’d merely suggest 4-6 weeks before WM28 would be a viable window…but I do not know. I also don’t know who will face the Deadman but remain steadfast that The Streak is as big an element as any thing that can or will be booked at WM28 so one could assume that the opponent will be significant.”
Speaking to The Sun, Diamond Dallas Page says he has no regrets over the failed 2001 angle that saw him play a stalker who creepily tracked The Undertaker’s wife.
“It’s amazing to me how many people it bothered. They knew that I was a top guy and they didn’t use me correctly, but I agreed to it originally and that was a mistake,” Page says.
“Vince and Shane McMahon told me coming in that they had this great idea and I was going to be working with their number one babyface. I didn’t really like it because it was about me stalking someone else’s wife. I would look across the table at Kim [Page’s ex-wife, who posed for Playboy] and nobody could compare. It was ridiculous, it took out the believability factor.”
He continues, “I get fans telling me they were upset with how WWE treated me but I say, ‘Dude, let it go!’ I already achieved everything I ever dreamed of.”
After retiring from the squared circle, Page developed the wildly successful Yoga for Regular Guys Workout. The three-time World Heavyweight Champion says he recently cut a marketing and distribution deal with Warner Brothers that “would blow your mind.”
“But I’m only smart enough to cut that deal because I dropped the ball with WWE when I came in,” Page adds. “I dropped it, I don’t blame Vince. I’ve got a lot of respect for Vince and everything he has done for the business.
“There are so many guys that have negative, bad feelings after they retire. You’ve heard them. I’m not living that as I lived a dream on so many different levels.”
The full-length interview is available here.
— Former WWE announcer Todd Grisham, who now works as television anchor for ESPN, opened Wednesday night’s Highlight Express program on ESPNews by alerting viewers that he has a “yet to be passed kidney stone.”
“I’m not joking,” Grisham adds. The clip is available here.
— The March 26, 2012 Raw Supershow will be held at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.
— Former WWE star Luke Gallows stated Thursday on Twitter that he’s undergoing surgery on his broken nose today.
“Ready for surgery on my broken nose….Ill release my “Brother Rating” afterward….regardless, Ill rock SC this wknd!” he wrote.
— Triple H attended New York Giants’ practice Wednesday as they prepared for their NFL Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. According to PopTheCrowd.com, Triple H was in town with WWE officials to finalize a deal to bring WrestleMania 29 or WrestleMania 30 to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
— CM Punk has been announced to appear at Wizard World’s Philadelphia Comic Con on June 2, 2012 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Former WWE Diva Melina, WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Gail Kim are also scheduled to appear at the event.
— The 16th annual ECWA Super 8 tournament takes place on April 7, 2012 at the Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club in Newark, Delaware. Tommaso Ciampa won last year’s event.
TNA taped the January 26th episode of Impact Wrestling on Tuesday night from Orlando. Here are the spoiler results, courtesy of reader Eric:
* Tara beat Mickie James and Velvet Sky in a three-way to become the #1 contender to the Knockouts Title.
* Alex Shelley beat Zema Ion.
* We go backstage where Jeff Hardy and Bully Ray are fighting. Bobby Roode pulls up in his truck and attacks Hardy. James Storm appears and goes at it with Roode. Sting runs everyone off.
* Eric Young and ODB beat Angelina Love and Winter.
* Sting, James Storm and Jeff Hardy come to the ring as does Roode and Ray. A brawl breaks out. Sting announces Ray & Roode vs. Storm & Hardy in a Tables Match for tonight.
* Matt Morgan beat Samoa Joe. Magnus and Joe attacked the champions after the match.
* AJ Styles comes out but is interrupted by Daniels and Kazarian. AJ vs. Kaz is made for Against All Odds.
* Jeff Hardy and James Storm beat Bully Ray and Bobby Roode in a tables tag team match. Ray attacked Storm and Hardy with a steel chair after the match and brought a table in. Impact ended with Ray putting Hardy through the table from the top rope.
Speaking to TMZ, Hulk Hogan says he plans to shave off his trademark facial hair and skullet for a film role.
“I’m getting ready to go on some auditions. I’m getting ready to shave my head and my mustache. So that should be scary,” he told a TMZ cameraman who was waiting outside his Florida residence Wednesday.
The wrestling legend also said he feels better after undergoing dental surgery Tuesday night, which resulted in doctors removing a metal tack from his mouth and cleaning up the surrounding infection. In October he went in for dental surgery to get implants. The doctor performed a sinus graft, placing a donor bone in the mouth to support the implant. The TMZ cameraman asked Hogan where he got the donor bone.
“I think I got it from some dead… you know one of my dead ex-wrestling… aww I shouldn’t say it,” Hogan jokes.
The video and story is available here.
– Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal made headlines several weeks ago when he revealed during a radio appearance that he was in talks with WWE to wrestle the Big Show at WrestleMania. The latest is that Shaq is very close to signing or has already signed a deal for WrestleMania 28. WWE creative has been told to come up with ideas for him.
– WWE’s new developmental diva Britani Knight, wrestling at Florida Championship Wrestling under the new ring name as Saraya, may be held off the WWE main roster for some time because of her age.
WWE has had an unofficial policy of late to not put anyone on the main roster until they turn 21 – and Knight is currently 19 years old. The “Over 21” policy is one of the reasons why Bo Rotundo, who recently turned 21, wasn’t featured on the earlier seasons of NXT.
– Here are some recent WWE attendance figures:
* December 12th Slammys RAW from Norfolk, VA drew 6,369 fans for $202,240
* RAW on January 6th in Jackson, MS drew 7,000 fans for $200,000.
* RAW on January 7th in Tyler, TX drew 4,500 fans for $120,000.
* RAW on January 8th in San Angelo, TX drew 4,500 fans for $140,000.
* SmackDown on January 7th in Montgomery, AL drew 3,500 fans for $110,000.
* SmackDown on January 8th in Baton Rouge, LA drew 3,500 fans for $120,000.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– As we reported earlier this week, the launch of the WWE Network has been delayed several months. The talk in WWE this week is that nobody knows the launch date yet, but it will be some time in the fall.
Vince McMahon is looking to get more Legends involved with the Network and has reportedly reached out to people who in the past he wouldn’t have. A reality show, presumably Legends House, will begin filming soon and will go for 21 weeks, including post-production. The house will be in the Palm Springs area and 10 episodes will be shot.
– To follow up on our report from last week about there being major heat on Evan Bourne for leaking details about R-Truth’s suspension, we’re now being told the heat on Bourne is unrelated to the R-Truth situation.
Regarding last week’s story, one source is saying it was actually Evan Bourne who went to Triple H and apologized for failing the drug test – not Triple H confronting Bourne.
– Jim Ross was asked on Twitter this week whether The Rock will be done as an in-ring performer after WrestleMania 28. JR said it’s “absolutely” realistic that The Rock will be done after his match with John Cena.
– Matches booked but not yet announced for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view include: John Cena vs. Kane and a triple threat match between Daniel Bryan, Big Show and Mark Henry for the World Heavyweight title.
Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust was also discussed for the Rumble, but it’s still up in the air as to whether WWE will go through with this one.
– A new video on Scott Hall’s YouTube channel features a message about Hall’s status in rehab:
“Quick update on Scott Hall, he’s doing very well in rehab and will be evaluated for his release soon. WWE has been monitoring his stay so you may see him on another channel soon.”
(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– While this is most likely a long shot, Japan’s Inoki Genome Federation are trying to put together a pro wrestling match between Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko. Don’t hold your breath on this one.
– We’ve got an update on who is being discussed to win the Royal Rumble. While Randy Orton was considered the front runner to win the event in his home town of St. Louis, more recently, talk has shifted to Chris Jericho winning the Rumble.
Chris Jericho will likely be wrestling CM Punk for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 28. WWE creative recently proposed the idea of Jericho remaining silent until after he wins the Royal Rumble. Jericho would give his big victory speech on RAW the next night and issue his formal challenge to Punk.
– Google and Twitter have been at odds this week over a new Google feature where the search engine displays results from its own Google + social networking service above search results of Twitter.
Twitter reps have used search results for “@WWE” to show their concern for Google’s new feature.
(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
History will be made during WrestleMania weekend, as Ric Flair becomes the first wrestler to ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice. Flair, who was inducted by himself back in 2008, will join the Hall once again as a member of the Four Horsemen. With Flair currently under contract with TNA, the question is whether he will be able to attend WWE’s ceremony in person to accept his second ring.
Not only will Flair be the first time a wrestler is inducted twice, but it will also be the first time WWE has ever inducted somebody under contract to a rival promotion. Triple H reportedly called Ric Flair on prior to Monday’s RAW to inform him of the Horsemen induction.
Flair was at the TNA Impact tapings in Orlando when he got the call. TNA management was not aware of Flair’s induction prior to the news being announced on RAW. Most people within WWE are expecting Ric Flair to show up at the WWE Hall of Fame this year, regardless if TNA lets him or not.
Flair and Vince McMahon are said to be on good terms and the possibility of the Horsemen being inducted has likely been discussed between the two in previous conversations. The fact that Flair was featured in the video package on RAW as well as the press released that was issued this week has led some to believe WWE that Flair has already agreed to appear.
WWE wants Flair to be there and likely wants him to be involved in the Network when it launches.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
With the announcement that Edge will be leading the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, some see that as a sign WrestleMania 29 will be headed to Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas – not Toronto, as previously rumored.
One scenario that was discussed would be for Edge and Trish Stratus being inducted in Toronto next year, but with Edge’s induction taking place this April, Texas could host WrestleMania 29. We’ll find out in just a few months, as WWE typically makes the announcement at WrestleMania.
If WrestleMania 29 does take place from Dallas, Texas, the stage appears to be set for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to make his in-ring return in front of his home town crowd.
A special appearance from Brock Lesnar and perhaps The Undertaker’s retirement would also go a long way helping WWE sell out the massive Cowboys Stadium.
Austin, Lesnar and The Undertaker’s final match could help WWE draw their biggest live crowd in company history, with Cowboys Stadium holding upto 100,000 fans for boxing events.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— Mike Tyson has been announced as a vendor guest for WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California. The WrestleMania XIV celebrity will be doing photo-ops for $99. Autograph prices have yet to be announced.
— The Yakima Herald-Republic has published an article promoting this Friday’s Raw live event at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Washington. It is titled “It’s not fake, it’s scripted.”
T.J. Tranchell writes, “This is a good time to have the “wrestling’s fake” conversation. I don’t disagree with the idea; I disagree with the semantics. People get seriously injured. Owen Hart died. Let’s change the wording. Wrestling isn’t fake, it’s scripted. In general, the outcomes are predetermined. You don’t bet on professional wrestling the way you’d bet on a boxing match.”
— Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the February 2012 issue of WWE Magazine. The headline reads “THE VIPER TARGETS WRESTLEMANIA.” Also featured is Triple H’s guide to the Elimination Chamber and a poster featuring The Rock.
— ImpactWrestling has announced that Jeff Hardy will be getting another shot at Bobby Roode’s World Heavyweight Championship this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a rematch from Sunday’s Genesis pay-per-view.
In another Genesis rematch, “Cowboy” James Storm will square off against Kurt Angle in a match to determine the #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.
Matt Morgan and Crimson are advertised to compete this Thursday against Rob Terry and Television Champion Robbie E.
— Sarita stated Wednesday on Facebook that she will be wrestling at this Friday’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event at Arena Mexico. The TNA Knockout has not competed since taking a scary fall during a two out of three falls tag team match at the same venue on November 22, 2011. She slipped on the top rope while attempting to dive and fell flat on her face onto the wooden floor. She was placed on a stretcher while the match continued and subsequently hospitalized.
Lex Luger appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Whether he was contacted by WWE about the Hall of Fame: “I heard from a buddy of mine this morning, I didn’t see it, that they were going to do something with the Hall of Fame and the Four Horsemen and it looked like they were going to plug Barry Windham in there. I know the original group was with Ole (Anderson). So I always thought it would have been Ric (Flair), Arn (Anderson), Tully (Blanchard), and Ole with JJ (Dillon) which was the original group. Barry Windham obviously is a wonderful choice. I know he has some health struggles. What an honor that would be and maybe a real boost to both Barry and his father who also has some health issues. I think that would be very cool at the Hall of Fame to see Barry get inducted.”
Barry Windham being picked for the Horsemen for the Hall of Fame and not him: “I think Barry Windham would be a splendid choice for getting inducted. What a great honor for him. I think it would be a great time in Barry’s life right now from what I hear, for him to receive that. I’m going to be down in South Beach for Wrestlemania. I wouldn’t miss it. I will be in the audience cheering on the guys who gets selected as the Four Horsemen. Im just thrilled that I was a part of it at all. I think Barry is a great pick.”
Whether he feels slighted: “I’ll be totally honest, I really don’t. My career in retrospect and you guys know the place I’m in, in my life right now and to be mentioned in the same breath with the famed Four Horsemen. To be a part of that in the time I was. I think Barry is a wonderful selection. I’ll be there to give him a standing ovation and cheer him on. I am happy I was ever a part of that group so I don’t feel slighted at all. They give careful thought I’m sure when they do this. I think Barry would be a great addition. If they are not going to go with Ole then Barry is a great choice. Guys it would really be a toss up after Ole, and WWE for whatever reason is very careful with their selection and give a lot of thought to it like I said. It really could be any of us and if Barry is the selection. I love Barry. He is a great talent and I am all for it, I really am.”
– The Rock announced on Twitter that he is shooting a video package that will be used in the opening of Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers:
“Shooting the #ElectrifyingIntro for @NFLonFOX Packers/Giants this Sunday. #RoadToTheLombardi”
– ESPN.com has picked up the story of John Cena working with Post Cereals to appear on the box of Fruity Pebbles. Cena is quoted in the article, saying:
“It’s great when you can take a negative like the Rock’s comments and turn it into a chance to be a box of cereal. Only in the WWE can that happen.”
– Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the new Scorpion King 3 DVD co-starring former WWE star Batista:
– Former WWF champion Yokozuna will be announced for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame class, according to a report on Wrestlezone.com. Yokozuna, who passed away back in 2000 at age 34, was related to WrestleMania main eventer The Rock.
– There continues to be a lot of talk about WWE holding WrestleMania 29 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
– Former WWE/WCW wrestler Diamond Dallas Page says his DDP Yoga program helped Chris Jericho get into the physical shape required for him to make a return to WWE.
DDP told Steven Muehlhausen of The Fight Club Chicago radio show this week:
“Jericho gave a testimony saying, ‘DDP Yoga changed my life,’ after one of our workouts. [Doctors] said Chris Jericho had a herniated L4 and he was done and he came back with my workout… He did not think he was going to be able to come back. Within two weeks, he was already feeling, ‘Wait a minute, I think I’m gonna be able to do this.'”
DDP says Jericho is now “completely pain free” and several other members of the WWE locker room (including Santino) want to try his yoga program. He also mentioned that he recently signed a WWE Legends contract.
– Brodus Clay was interviewed backstage after RAW after making his debut as the Funkasaurus. Clay says despite his fun-loving demeanor and sweet ass dance moves, rest assured – the WWE locker room should take him seriously and if you have any questions about that, ask [what’s left of] Curt Hawkins. The video can be seen at WWE.com.
– WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is ironically featured in a new political ad attacking Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. McMahon, a staunch Republican, is featured in an ad by the Democratic National Committee mocking Mitt Romney’s gaffe from this week where he said he likes firing people. Not only are the McMahons both Republicans, but Linda publicly endorsed Mitt Romney for President and Vince McMahon donated $2,500 to Romney’s campaign back in November.
Footage of various television shows and movies are shown with people saying “You’re Fired” and Vince McMahon appears at the end, check it out here:
– On this day back in 1993, WWE Monday Night RAW debuted on the USA Network. The one-hour show featured The Undertaker defeating Damien Demento in the main event.
– Mick Foley’s appearance on Celebrity Wife Swap will air on Tuesday, January 24th at 9pm EST on ABC.
– Bret Hart congratulated Edge on his WWE Hall of Fame induction and says he hopes to be there for the ceremony. The Hitman wrote:
“Congrats to the inductees so far to the WWE HOF, esp. Edge. He’ll always be one of my crew & I hope 2 be there 2 shake his hand that night”
– Goldust noted on Twitter yesterday that WWE is seriously considering a match between he and brother Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 28.
– Former WWE star David Hart Smith appeared on the Major League Wrestling podcast this week and had the following to say about his time with the company:
“We had a good title run with Tyson Kidd. I was kind of disheartened that more didn’t happen with my time in the company. I felt that i certainly had enough talent… It’s not exactly in my short-term plans to go back there. We’ll put the bookmark in this chapter read on and maybe go back to it sometime. It was definitely hot/cold with the company. When it was good it was good, and when it was bad it was like WWE isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
