Here are some highlights of what various WWE personalities wrote about Sunday’s Vengeance pay-per-view on Twitter:
Vickie Guerrero: “At the end of the night, at least I still have some Gold….great job @HEELZiggler for US Champion”
Natalya: “I guess I’ll be watching @TheBethPhoenix backstage – I’m so mad. Kelly is such a whiner. Thanks for ruining my night @RealKellyKelly”
Zack Ryder: “Sorry Broskis…”
Jim Ross: “Amazing impact! San Antonio crowd came alive. Show & Henry both down. So is the ring. Looks like Henry-Show might be a no decision. Chaos..”
“ADR beats Cena to retain WWE Title…w/ help from Miz & Truth. Very physically intense match. Two Sore dudes tomorrow”
“Nasty crash by HHH thx to super sized power bomb from @RealKevinNash. Cringe worthy.”
“US Title means less when commentary veers off course. Could someone be feeding Cole those untimely, lame JR jokes? Nah.”
— The November 2011 issue of Maxim features an article on CM Punk (who dubs him wrestling’s “next megastar”) and it is publicly acknowledged for the first time that Beth Phoenix is his girlfriend. “The Glamazon” is quoted in the piece as she recalls the reaction backstage to his scathing on-air speech on the June 27 Raw concerning the way in which WWE is run and its owner, Vince McMahon.
“I was in the dressing room,” recalls Phoenix, “and everyone sprinted over to see what would happen when he came backstage. Would he get fired on the spot? Would there be some sort of fight?”
Punk entered a side door backstage, coming up behind the mob of wrestlers and personnel. They formed a circle around him. “Then, legit, everyone began to hug me,” Punk recalls. “I’m talking cameramen, guys who work the boom backstage, everyone.”
— Bobby Lashley is advertised for a special appearance at Family Wrestling Entertainment’s November 5 event at The Hall at St. Paul on 59th and 9th in Manhattan. He will also be participating in a meet and greet prior to the show. Visit www.fwewrestling.com for more information.
Last week’s post-Bound For Glory edition of TNA Impact Wrestling (10/20) did a 1.35 cable rating with 2,019,000 viewers.
That show, headlined by James Storm defeating Kurt Angle to capture the TNA World title, was the second most-watched episode of Impact this year (the after Sting’s return earlier this year).
Melina, who has remained mum on the subject of TNA Wrestling since parting ways with WWE in August, was asked at the pre-launch party for Saints Row: The Third if she has plans to join the promotion (video available here).
She discreetly replied, “Oh, I’m still… still deciding.”
Melina was also asked if she’ll be appearing on Dancing with the Stars. She said “you never know” and explained, “I’d love to do any opportunity that presents itself, I would love to do that. I’m also interested in like Cirque du Soleil too, so I’m kind of like, you know, the sky’s the limit right now! There’s so many opportunities and it’s just (laughs) overwhelming!”
Melina stated in a 2007 interview with The Sun that she watches TNA.
“I still watch all the wrestling I can – whether it’s TNA, Japanese or Lucha Libre – because that’s my art,” she said.
The day after WWE announced they had come to terms on the release of Melina, and Gail Kim revealed on Twitter that she had quit the promotion, Mickie James was asked during an interview promoting Hardcore Justice about the possibility of her former Diva colleagues coming to TNA.
“I’d love to work with Gail,” James said. “I didn’t really get a chance to work with her. We had, like, maybe one or two matches but we were always on the side usually, so that would be really exciting. I was kinda looking forward to doing more with her and I didn’t get a chance.”
Solomonster raves about CM Punk and Dean Ambrose in FCW, then dives right into a very noteworthy week for Impact Wrestling including a horrible end to Bound for Glory, the Hogan vs. Sting “Philly Miracle”, a 40-minute opening segment on Impact and James Storm wins the World title. Plus, WWE Vengeance predictions (yay, another PPV this weekend), Raw in Mexico disappoints, Mick Foley’s return, great tag match on ROH TV, thoughts on the Scott Hall ESPN piece and a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT concerning the next Sound Off! You don’t wanna miss this!
— After parting ways with WWE and the professional wrestling industry three years ago, Cherry now works at SeaWorld.
She wrote on Twitter, “So the most asked question is what have I been doing since wrestling…..I’m a tour guide at Sea World!!!! Love u @NatbyNature and @KiddWWE.”
— Darren Young, who is currently serving a thirty-day suspension due to his first violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, made a surprise appearance at Saturday’s Independent Wrestling Federation event in Woodland Park, New Jersey. On behalf of “the boys in the back,” the IWF graduate presented promotion head Kevin Knight with a plaque recognizing his fifteen years of service to the professional wrestling industry.
“The nicest thing anyone ever did for me was Darren Young flying in for tonight’s IWF event and come to the ring to surprise me and the fans,” Knight wrote on Facebook. “The man who trained me 15 1/2 years ago Rik Ratchet was there. Original IWF Commissioner AJ Sparxx & Biggie Biggs on the card! ALL FOR THE FANS!”
— ODB, who has not competed on television since being awarded a TNA contract by Knockouts VP Karen Jarrett on the September 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, stated on Twitter that she’s looking to make a change.
She wrote, “Im thinkn i need a change and its up to me to make this happen.”
ODB has also repeatedly stated in recent weeks that she’s trying her best to lose excess weight.
— Hulk Hogan has teamed up with Sports Nutritional Innovations, Inc. to bring consumers a new online nutrition store, HoganNutrition.com. The site features thousands of nutritional supplements
“I am extremely excited to partner with SNI to help people get the nutritional products and supplements they need to get in shape and build muscle,” Hogan said. “It will not only help people take their vitamins everyday, but give them an easy and affordable way to do so.”
Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, as the road continues to the November 13 “Turning Point” Pay-Per-View event!
Here is a preview of Thursday’s broadcast:
– NEW World Heavyweight Champion James Storm will appear on the huge broadcast! Just one week after the TNA Original captured one of the biggest prizes in pro wrestling, Storm will address the fans on his future as champion!
– In addition, the new GM “General Menace” of Impact Wrestling “The Icon” Sting will be in attendance this Thursday. Sting has promised to have a new #1 Contender for Storm’s World Title by the end of the broadcast. Who will get the next shot at the gold?
– Also on Thursday night, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy makes his in-ring wrestling return against Bully Ray! Can Hardy capitalize on his second chance – or will Bully Ray ruin Hardy’s return? Tune in and find out!
– Gail Kim also makes her return to action on IMPACT WRESTLING, facing Tara in a Knockouts match! The question is, will Knockouts Champion Velvet Sky be waiting to get revenge on Gail for attacking her last week? Or, will Knockouts VP Karen Jarrett continue to make Velvet’s life a living hell?
– Plus, the Television Championship will be on the line as Eric Young defends against Robbie E….in addition, Christopher Daniels battles Rob Van Dam….and more!
Also appearing on Thursday night – Jeff and Karen Jarrett, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Eric Bischoff and many more!
— WWE developmental wrestler Tito Colon was brought on the road this weekend for an evaluation. At last night’s WWE Supershow in Corpus Christi, Texas, he partnered with Primo, his real-life cousin, and lost to Jey and Jimmy Uso.
Prior to Carlito’s dismissal from WWE, creative plans were in place for Tito to be promoted to the main roster and form a three-man stable.
— Zack Ryder announced on Twitter that he is holding a Broski Halloween Costume Contest. He wrote, “Tweet me a pic of your Zack Ryder costume by 11/1. Winner will received package of signed ZR merchandise! 4 Runner ups will receive signed Zack Ryder 8×10. Happy HalloWOOWOOWOOeen!”
— Bill DeMott and Alicia Fox were at Florida Championship Wrestling’s headquarters in Tampa last week mentoring WWE’s female developmental talent.
— John Cena stated on Twitter that he will be on hand for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Houston, Texas.
— WWE Network’s planned reality series that will follow the Divas on a private tour bus will be titled WWE Divas Heels on Wheels. The program is described as “a reality show that welcomes you aboard the private Divas tour bus as it travels from venue to venue. Cameras will roll 24/7, capturing the unscripted bonds, battles, and behind-the-scenes drama that only our WWE Divas can deliver when their public and private lives merge on the open road.”
— Zack Ryder stated on Twitter that WWEShop.com will no longer sell the “Take Care, Spike Your Hair” T-Shirt.
— WWE Hall of Famer Pedro Morales turned 69 years old on Saturday.
Jim Ross answered a series of fan questions Saturday on Twitter including whether he’d ever consider joining TNA Wrestling, why Chris Benoit and Owen Hart have not been enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame, why SmackDown isn’t live, and more.
Matt Hardy returning to WWE: “Matt Hardy should get clean and sober & not worry about wrestling until his life isn’t an embarrassment & being put at risk.”
Why SmackDown isn’t live on a weekly basis: “Smackdown isn’t live because of exorbitant, increased tv production costs of keeping production crew on road all week.”
If reports of him penning an autobiography are true: “Not true..more Internet dirt. I’m not in process of writing a book. ‘maybe’ some day.”
If he’d ever join TNA Wrestling: “I’m a WWE guy plus TNA has excellent announcers & they don’t need my services.”
Why Owen Hart is not in the WWE Hall of Fame: “Owen Hart has not been inducted because of potential legal issues w/ his estate, etc.”
Why Chris Benoit is not in the WWE Hall of Fame: “Why #ChrisBenoit not yet inducted to #HOF?…. You can’t be serious.”
The fan replied, “Benoit was a GREAT wrestler, you’ve got to give him credit for that.”
Ross responded, “No one ever said Benoit wasn’t a great wrestler did they? The last few days of his life precludes his HOF status.”
— Nigel McGuinness, who formerly competed as Desmond Wolfe for TNA Wrestling, will return to the ring on November 12, 2011 for Heartland Wrestling Association at the Great Miami Event Center in Hamilton, Ohio.
It will be his first wrestling appearance by McGuinness since the summer of 2010, when he was sidelined with an undisclosed health issue. Following his release from TNA, he returned to Ring of Honor as a color commentator.
— Marty Jannetty, 51, has landed a job with CHIKARA as both a trainer and wrestler. He debuts next Saturday against Tursas in Reading, Pennsylvania.
— WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham is advertised to appear The Whole Scoop 1149 North Railroad Staten Island, New York on November 13 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Visit www.sportsfanpromotions.com for more information.
— Jim Ross tweeted an update on Gerald Brisco’s health Friday after the WWE Hall of Famer suffered a “mild stroke” on Wednesday as he was being driven to the airport to scout amateur wrestlers for WWE at the Pan American Games.
Ross wrote, “Jerry Brisco is home from a Tampa hospital. Feeling better. Still has more tests to under go. My friend’s a fighter.”
— Michelle McCool will be chatting with fans on November 18, 2011—seven years to the day of her WWE debut. The chat will take place on MichelleMcCool.net.
“In our first-ever live chat with Michelle, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the former WWE Diva; whether it is asking follow-up questions from her two-part audio exclusive with us, sharing random observations that have always been on your mind, to just sharing your day, this is your opportunity to express yourself, and even get an instant reply!”
Heath Miller, who WWE suspended Monday for 30 days due to his first violation of their Talent Wellness Program, issued a statement Friday concerning the event. “Mr. Excitement” wrote:
“As most of you already know, I am going to be out of the WWE spotlight for the next few weeks. Of course everyone is going to form thier own opinions on why that is but I don’t feel the need to explain myself to all the SLATER HATERS out there running thier mouths. There R plenty going to focus all my efforts on being the best Superstar I can be – MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY… TO MYSELF, MY FRIENDS, FAMILY AND TRUE FANS.
“I am truly sorry to have disappointed you. I made a simple mistake… everyone does once in a while. But trust me when I say I will NOT be making this one again. I PROMISE upon my return you will see a more determined, fearless, confident and improved person. Im going to be THE MAN I WANT TO BE. So let the countdown start…”
CM Punk is in “top consideration” for the WWE Championship Match at WrestleMania XXVIII since company officials are leaning against the title being on the line in the match pitting John Cena against The Rock.
The heavily hyped bout is not expected to be for the title because WWE brass feel the finish would be too obvious since fans don’t expect The Rock to leave WrestleMania as champion.
Cena will reportedly be removed from the title picture following Sunday’s Vengeance pay-per-view, which would indicate that Alberto Del Rio will retain the title in their Last Standing Match. Cena will begin building towards his partnership with The Rock at Survivor Series while Del Rio is expected to enter a program with Punk.
— NBC announced their lineup of holiday programming for 2011 and it’s noted that WWE’s annual Tribute the Troops special will air Saturday, December 17 from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. EST.
The press release states: “The network will once again honor the United States armed forces as World Wrestling Entertainment in conjunction with NBC, will air the fourth annual holiday special ‘WWE Tribute to the Troops.'”
— Big Show is currently in Japan promoting WWE’s upcoming Raw live events at the Yokohama Arena. He participated in an interview with wwe.co.jp and discussed his return to the ring, whether he prefers competing as a singles wrestler or in a tag team, his favorite Japanese food, and more.
— WWE Hall of Famers Pat Patterson and Tito Santana have been added to K & S Wrestlefest, which takes place Saturday, December 3 at the Ramada Philadelphia Airport 76 Industrial Hwy. Essington, Pennsylvania.
As we’ve been reporting here on the site – former WWE diva Stacy Keibler is dating Hollywood megastar George Clooney. After keeping their romantic relationship private for several weeks – the couple is now making public appearances together.
Keibler joined George Clooney on the red carpet at the Paris premiere of his new film “The Ides of March” earlier this week (10/19) .. and suffered a good-old-fashioned wardrobe malfunction.
Check out these pictures of Stacy Keibler and her new beau, George Clooney, at a movie premiere in Paris from earlier this week:
— Gail Kim, who returned to TNA Wrestling on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling as a heel aligned with Knockouts VP Karen Jarrett and Madison Rayne, commented on the event.
She wrote on Twitter, “Thanks every1 4 getting me trending worldwide!@karenjarrett I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship :)))
“@MRayneTNA can’t forget the other piece of the puzzle some1 said the “A”team sounds about right.”
— The following matches were taped Tuesday and Wednesday in Orlando, Florida for upcoming episodes of TNA Xplosion: Jesse Sorensen vs. Robbie E, Brooke Tessmacher vs. Madison Rayne, Eric Young vs. Rob Terry, Gunner vs. Kazarian.
— Both James Storm and Gail Kim trended Thursday night on Twitter.
Former WWE and TNA star Travis Tomko posted bail on Thursday and was finally released from jail, according to the St. Augustine Record. He’ll be headed to WWE-sponsored drug rehab immediately.
Tomko’s attorney James McCune told the newspaper:
“He’s very grateful for all the support he’s received from his friends, family and fans around the world. Mr. Tomko realizes he is struggling with an addiction and with the support of his family and the WWE, he is voluntarily checking himself into an undisclosed treatment facility to receive the help he needs for a successful recovery.”
Tomko was arrested earlier this month after robbing a CVS pharmacy of oxycodone pills and getting caught in the bathroom of a Chili’s restaurant injecting over a hundred melted-down pills.
For much more on Tomko’s arrest, check out our Tomko News Page.
Earlier this week, we reported that Chris Jericho is telling friends and former colleagues that he’s in talks with WWE officials about returning to the organization in time to set up a match at next year’s WrestleMania 28.
WWE’s first-ever Undisputed champion has acknowledged the report – and wrote the following on Twitter on Thursday night:
“After discussing this with my colleagues,my response to today’s rumor is: a) false b) true c) maybe d) all of the above e) none of the above”
Several weeks ago, we heard from a reliable WWE source that a Chris Jericho vs. The Miz match is being discussed for WrestleMania .. There’s no doubt WWE could use as much star power as they can get headed into WrestleMania – and with Jericho reportedly interested in returning to WWE at some point – a WrestleMania showdown with The Miz sounds pretty damn good to us.
The Hollywood Reporter calls The Reunion a “lame action-comedy” that’s best suited for late night cable television, when viewers are half asleep and zoned out. They suggest that Cena, who already has a few movies under his belt (The Marine, 12 Rounds), is probably best off spending his time in the wrestling ring and not on the movie set. From the Hollywood Reporter review:
“Latest effort from WWE Studios is pinned to the mat.”
“There’s one thing to be said about WWE Studios — they’re consistent. Every one of their movies designed to showcase their stable of popular wrestling stars has been a critical and commercial disaster. The latest example is The Reunion, a lame action-comedy that seems ready made for undiscerning late-night cable viewing. This John Cena starrer receiving a token theatrical release provides further evidence that perhaps films are not the company’s forte.”
“But mainly the proceedings revolve around the expected action sequences, leavened by attempts at comedy, that fall flat in both areas. Needless to say, Cena is an imposing physical specimen, but after this and such previous efforts as 12 Rounds and The Marine it may be time for him to concentrate on the ring.”
Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel’s Roger Moore has reviewed WWE Studios’ The Reunion with John Cena and has some negative things to say about WWE’s latest effort. Moore gave the movie one star (out of 4) and had the following to say:
“Now Mike Pavone’s last picture for WWE comes out, “The Reunion,” a split personality action comedy that fails to please either impulse. The action is wan, the laughs hard to come by. They spent the money, as they often did under Pavone, on surrounding a wrestling star with decent actors (Amy Smart, Ethan Embry, Michael Rispoli). But an incoherent script gives them too little to do.”
“Wrestler John Cena has become a comfortable screen presence, within a certain range. He’s OK as a cop on disciplinary leave forced to form a sort of bounty hunters business with his siblings in order for them all to receive an inheritance.”
“Coming at the end of a string of flops, “The Reunion” makes one wonder about the motives and business model for this whole enterprise.”
On Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, James Storm defeated Kurt Angle in under two minutes to capture the TNA World championship. TNA has posted the following video to YouTube of James Storms’ title win ..Hey Kurt Angle – Sorry ’bout your damn luck!
COMMENT BELOW: We want to know – what do you think about James Storm winning the TNA World title? After Bobby Roode came up short on Sunday’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view – does TNA’s booking make sense now?
WWE taped Friday’s episode of SmackDown on Sunday night from Mexico City, Mexico. Credit to SEScoops.com reader [Little] Jimi for this report:
* WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio opens up the show and talks about it being a historic SmackDown. Del Rio isn’t up to wrestling tonight. Teddy Long comes out and announces Big Show vs. Del Rio for tonight.
* Mark Henry defeated John Morrison with the World’s Strongest Slam.
* Teddy Long announces Sheamus vs. Christian and Zack Ryder vs. Dolph Ziggler for the United States Title at Vengeance. The Tag Team Title match must have changed.
* Wade Barrett defeated Daniel Bryan in a great match.
* Sheamus and Zack Ryder beat Christian and Dolph Ziggler in an excellent tag match. Ryder and Sheamus were both over big time.
* Cody Rhodes comes out with his baggers to cut a promo on Randy Orton and their match at Vengeance. Randy Orton comes out and ends up hitting the RKO on one of Cody’s workers.
* Sin Cara Blue defeated Sin Cara Black in a Mask vs. Mask match. The original Sin Cara used the La Mistica for the win in a great match. Both were over with the crowd. After the match, Black Cara’s mask had to be removed by force. Another report suggests that Blue Cara won by submission.
* Mil Mascaras came out to a big ovation. Triple H was joined by Carlos Cabrera in the ring to announce Mascaras for the 2012 Hall of Fame. This appeared to be an off-camera segment.
* WWE Divas Champion Natalya and Beth Phoenix come out to talk about Vengeance. Beth’s opponent Eve Torres comes out. Eve ends up hitting Beth before fleeing the ring.
* Big Show defeated Alberto Del Rio by DQ in the main event after Ricardo Rodriguez interfered. Mark Henry came out pissed but Big Show stopped him from entering the ring and they stared each other down to end the show.
* Dark Match Main Event: Alberto Del Rio and Randy Orton go at it until Cody Rhodes interfered. Blue Sin Cara ran out and saved Randy Orton and the two celebrated to end the show.
— WWE has applied for registrations on two trademarks, Ryback and Avalanche.
The registration of the Ryback trademark suggests that Skip Sheffield will be repackaged with a new character upon his return from injury. Prior to assuming the cowboy persona in WWE’s developmental system, he appeared as Ryback, an indestructible “Terminator” style character billed from “The Future.”
— Shelly Martinez is advertised to appear at Super Megafest, which takes place November 19 and 20 at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts. She will also be appearing at an afterparty on November 19 at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Boston. Click here for event details.
— Tough Enough winner Daniel Puder is promoting an anti-bullying event. The event takes place Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Burbank, California at the AMC-16 at the Burbank Promenade.
— Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling saw Dixie Carter return as President of the company and place Sting in charge of the program. In his first duty, he attempted give Bobby Roode a rematch against World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle but a clause in the contract only allowed one match between the two–the match already held at Bound For Glory. James Storm asked and received a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship later in the show. He defeated Angle in a minute-and-a-half to win the belt for the first time.
— Gail Kim returned to TNA Wrestling as a heel aligned with Vice President of the Knockouts Division, Karen Jarrett.
Velvet Sky came to the ring to thank the fans after capturing the Women’s Knockout Championship at Bound for Glory. The Knockouts VP interrupted Velvet and vowed to strip of her newly won title. After being distracted by Madison Rayne, the new champion was attacked from behind by a returning Gail Kim.
— No matches were announced for Turning Point, which takes place Nov. 13.
