WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio was not at RAW last night (or at WWE’s weekend live events) due to issues with his work visa that have prevented him from entering the United States.
Del Rio had been scheduled to wrestle Sin Cara in a non-title match at tonight’s Super SmackDown special, but that match will likely not happen.
WWE had a video package ready to go on RAW to hype Del Rio’s match with Sin Cara, but decided against airing the footage due to this issue.
Del Rio’s name was also removed from an updated press release sent out on Tuesday hyping the live SmackDown special.
Del Rio is still being advertised for this weekend’s live events, so WWE is confident the matter will be resolved this week.
WWE issued the following press release on Tuesday morning:
WWE® Elects Stuart U. Goldfarb to Board of Directors
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–WWE (NYSE:WWE) today announced that Stuart U. Goldfarb has been elected to its Board of Directors. Goldfarb will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee.
Since June 2011, Goldfarb has been President and Chief Executive Officer at Atrinsic, Inc., a marketer of direct-to-consumer subscription products and an Internet search marketing agency. From 2001 to 2009, he served as President and CEO of Direct Brands, Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew to be the world’s largest direct marketer of music, DVDs and books, with household brands such as Columbia House, BMG Music, Doubleday Book Club and many more. Prior to that, Goldfarb was President and CEO of bol.com, Bertelsmann’s premier online international retailer of books and music. He has served as Vice Chairman of Value Vision International, a cable TV home shopping and e-commerce company, as well as held various executive level positions at NBC.
“Stuart is a great addition to our Board of Directors,” stated Vincent K. McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, WWE. “He brings broad marketing and operational experience across a wide range of distribution platforms, including cable television and the Internet. His proven international experience and overall business perspective will be very valuable to the WWE Board.”
Goldfarb also sits on the Board of Directors of Atrinsic and Vitacost.com. He graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law.
Former WWE diva Melina recently did a photo shoot for SNAPS Photography, and several images from the shoot are now online. Check out Melina Perez looking hot as ever:
On Monday’s RAW, we saw Kevin Nash challenge CM Punk to a match at Night of Champions, only to have the match changed to Triple H vs. CM Punk at the end of the show.
Company officials did plan for Nash to wrestle at Night of Champions, however those plans were scrapped after Nash’s recent visit to Pittsburgh for his physicals. While details are still sketchy, something about what the doctors observed made WWE decide against having him work a full match, even with a seasoned performer like Punk, who could take the majority of the bumps.
It’s expected that Kevin Nash will remain part of WWE storylines, perhaps as an enforcer/bodyguard for Triple H, but don’t expect to see him working singles matches any time soon.
The decision for Triple H to wrestle at Night of Champions wasn’t made until Monday afternoon.
Had Nash been medically cleared to wrestle at Night of Champions, the plan was for CM Punk to win their match.
The Miz, R-Truth, Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler ran down to ringside and started beating down John Cena and Sheamus.
World heavyweight champion Randy Orton made the save, cleaned house and joined Cena and Sheamus to celebrate as the heels ran to the back and ended the show.
The advertised triple threat dark match main event between Del Rio, John Cena and CM Punk did not take place.
— WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H announced on Raw that Superstars from SmackDown will be joining Monday nights for the foreseeable future. The “new concept,” as described by Michael Cole, will be known as Raw SuperShow. According to PWInsider.com, the initiative has several wrestlers worried about their futures since it means less television time for those not in the upper crust.
— Brie Bella snapped WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly fifteen-match winning streak Monday night on Raw. The Jacksonville native had not lost since May 22, 2011, at Over the Limit. Brie’s victory also snapped her nine-match losing streak.
— WWE’s 2002 DVD titles on Triple H, Triple H: The Game and Triple H: That Damn Good, are being packaged together for release in Europe next month.
— Tyler Reks was backstage at Monday’s Raw in Tulsa, Oklahoma but not used. He wrote of his absence from the show: “Oh I’m here at the BOK Center…waiting patiently for an opportunity.”
— Following the Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly match on Raw, The Score in Canada accidentally cut to a feed of Eastbound and Down. During the brief cutaway, four seconds of bare-breasted women aired. The Score then briefly cut to a Steve Austin music video featuring “Somewhere Down in Texas” by George Strait before returning to the broadcast with the Alex Riley highlight video.
— Tonight’s episode of WWE NXT will highlight past contestants who have gone on to superstardom including A.J., Alex Riley, Brodus Clay, Daniel Bryan, Justin Gabriel, Kaitlyn and Wade Barrett. The synopsis of tonight’s episode reads: “WWE NXT is WWE’s launching pad to Superstardom. Six NXT Graduates have gone on to win WWE Championships, including Wade Barrett and Daniel Bryan. After Tuesday’s LIVE SuperSmackDown, tune in to NXT.WWE.COM at 10 ET/7 PT for the NXT Graduates special!”
— Chris Masters is advertised to appear at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet 13963 Alondra Blvd. Santa Fe Springs, California (Space H-5) on Saturday, September 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
During a commercial break at Monday’s RAW, Zack Ryder came out and confronted World Heavyweight champion Randy Orton .. It didn’t go so well for Mr. Long Island Iced Z.
Ryder came out with a camera filming for his YouTube show. Ryder told Orton about how popular his show is, but he still can’t get on RAW each week. Ryder tried to get footage of Orton for his show and be his “R-K-Broski of the Week” – but Orton was not interested.
Ryder got too close to Orton, who laid out the Long Island bro with an RKO.
The following matches have been announced for Tuesday night’s Super SmackDown live special on SyFy:
* World Heavyweight champion Randy Orton vs. Christian in a Steel Cage Match
* John Cena vs. Wade Barrett
* CM Punk vs. The Great Khali
WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio had been booked to wrestle Sin Cara in a non-title match, however Del Rio has been experiencing difficulties with his work via and will be likely be unable to appear tonight.
– In what appears to be WWE’s brand split coming to an end, WWE’s Chief Operating Officer Triple H announced on RAW that “for the foreseeable future” the stars of Smackdown will be appearing every week on Raw.
With Tuesday’s Super SmackDown special featuring RAW superstars as well – it appears we might be seeing an end to separate talent rosters for RAW and SmackDown.
– At the conclusion of Monday’s RAW, WWE COO Triple H announced that the CM Punk vs. Kevin Nash at Night of Champions (made earlier in the show) was canceled – and he would be taking Nash’s spot! It will be Triple H vs. CM Punk at Night of Champions!
– WWE has launched a new page on Twitter, twitter.com/wweinsider, a “behind-the-scenes reporter for WWE.com and WWE Magazine, reporting LIVE from Monday Night Raw and PPV events.”
WWE Signature, Cold Open, No Pyro, and out comes WWE COO Triple H. Triple states it’s his job to make sure he gives what the WWE Universe wants. He announces that starting tonight and for the “Foreseeable future” WWE Superstars from Raw and Smackdown will join forces for a WWE Raw Supershow! Triple H accuses Kevin Nash of lying. Triple H Calls out Kevn Nash. Out comes CM PUNK!
CM Punk congratulats Triple H on his amazing performance. He demands the truth, he wants Triple H To admit he’s in cahoots with Kevin Nash. Kevin Nash comes out to NWO Music (Instrumental only no “New World Order”). He admits he lied about last week’s car accident, to get Triple H out of the building. Kevin Nash questions Triple H’s manhood for not defending his own wife. Triple H states he cannot trust Kevin anymore, and demands he leaves.
Kevin Nash restates he did not lie about the text message he received at Summer Slam, he then announced he’s been signed to a “in this economy very lucrative WWE Contract” He tells Triple H he can sit back at home and get paid. CM Punk interrupts Triple H and Kevin Nash with a hilarious vomiting noise and gesture, for a good 2 minutes. CM Punk accuses Triple H & Kevin Nash of “Acting”, and states that “The Kliq is back, no wait that’s the sound of the remote clicking when Kevin Nash is on television, or the sound of Kevin Nash’s Knees”
The match is made at Kevin Nash vs CM Punk at Night Of Champions, “Why not after all Kevin Nash is a Champion Ass Kisser” says CM Punk, CM Punk then says Triple H should ask his wife since he doesn’t wear the pants in the family, he wears her “Panties” Triple H makes the match, and has “Two Word for both of them” (Crowd Chants “Suck It)
Out Comes The World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton to the Stage as he gets ready for Dolph Zigler…..and we cut to break!
Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler (Non-Title)
Out is Dolph Zigler with a quick tie up to begin the match, Dolph Zigler gets a few shots in within 2 minutes Vicky is on the apron distracting Randy Orton. Commentary are discussing Vicky’s idea to have additional WWE Superstars under her management. Dolph hits a “Zig Zag” to Randy Orton on the area floor. Randy Orton gets in just before the 10 Count, and we go to break!
We’re back as Dolph Ziggler goes for a near-fall on Randy Orton. Jack Swagger is shown watching the match from the locker room area. WWE SuperSmackdown promoted for tomorrow. Randy Orton gains the upper hand, and starts with close lines and power slams. The Viper is getting mad!
Randy orton with a big belly to belly suplex followed by a huge head bash into the turnbuckle. The WWE Universe is screaming for a RKO. Randy Orton goes for a punt. Dolph Zigler hits a huge boot the the face for a near fall. Randy Orton nails a “Vintage Orton” DDT. The Viper is coiled. Dolph Ziggler jumps on top of randy orton with a sleeper, that Randy Orton quickly turns into an RKO. The Cover One, Two Three!
Winner: Randy Orton – Via RKO
Footage from Last week’s attack from WWE Champion Alberto De Rio on to John Cena is shown. Josh Matthews is backstage with John Cena. When asked what his thoughts were on the “savage attack from last week” John Cena had nothing to say and walked towards the ring. We go to Break
Out Comes John Cena, He says Alberto Del Rio’s words are that he is a man of class, however his actions are that of “Duchebaggery” Cena wants to “Kick his teeth so far down his throat that his mouth becomes is anus” Cena states “You Want Some? Come Get Some!” Out comes Mark Henry! We see footage from the last Friday Night Smackdown, where Mark Henry Layed out Shameus. Mark Henry states he has been taking out WWE Superstars left and right. He says John Cena will soon join “The Hall Of Pain” Out comes Christian!
Christinan comes out and says he will defeat Randy Orton tomorrow night on Smackdown. He hates people like Cena, who whines and whines and cries week after week. John Cena Says “You want some come get some, if not get lost!” Christian and Mark Henry prepare to take on John Cena. Out runs Sheamus! Christian leaves Mark Henry in the ring. Cena and Sheamus stare down Mark Henry…. Who backs away and leaves.
Backstage we see John Laurinaitis make the match John Cena and Sheamus vs Mark Henry and Christian. Triple H comes in and says John Laurinaitis can’t make that match, because he already did, he then threatens him and reminds him he works for Triple H.
The Miz Vs CM Punk
CM Punk already in the ring, out comes The Miz, who cuts a promo stating that he was “speaking his mind before CM Punk was dropping pipe bombs” He wants attention and tonight he will get it. Match begins, and even battle between both Superstars to kick things off. CM Punk gets dropped while on the top rope, and lands awkwardly. Michael Cole is bringing up the point that The Miz doesn’t want to be lost in the shuffle, he main evented this years Wrestlemania. Both Superstars are even matched trading blows, and headlock and rest holds.
Back from break CM Punk gets the advantage, attempts to hit the Go To Sleep, Miz Counters. Top rope spot: Miz Attempts to Suplex CM Punk from the top rope. CM Punk pushes Miz down to deliver a Macho Man Elbow. Out comes R Truth! R Truth comes and attacks CM Punk, Bell Rings. CM Punk fights off both man and delivers a GTS to R Truth. Kevin Nash comes out! Miz comes back in the ring and attacks CM Punk, R Truth recovers from the GTS and attacks CM Punk as well. Kevin Nash picks the bones and delivers a Power Slam to CM Punk. NWO Music plays (Instrumental only no “New World Order”)
Winner: (BY DQ) CM Punk
Sin Cara vs Jack Swagger
We cannot verify if that is Místico under the Sin Cara Mask. Lights dim to “Sin Cara Lighting” A few quick moves to begin the match, Jack Swagger already runs out to the floor. Quick moves off the ropes as Sin Cara gets the upper hand. Out mid-way at the entrance is Vickie Guerrero. Dolph Ziggler quickly comes out to protest Vickie’s attendance. Dolph Ziggler goes towards the ring and distracts Jack Swagger. Sin Cara picks up the victory.
Winner: Sin Cara
Sin Cara Botches: 0
WWE Tag Team Championship
Air Boom (Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston) vs David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty
Commentators announce the new tag team champions team name Air Boom. Bourne and Mcgillicutty begin the match, quick tags back and forth between the heels, cutting off Bourne. Bourne gets Kofi Kingston in the match. Kofi Kingston with a high fly jump from the top rope for a near fall. Otunga interferes, Evan Bourne gets him out of the ring, Kofi grabs the pin.
Winners: Air Boom
The heels go to Jerry Lawler and complain about his commentary. David Otunga stares down Jerry The King Lawler.
Kelly Kelly vs Bre Bella (Non-Title)
Kelly Kelly is accompanied by Eve Tores. Bre is accompanied by Nikki. Match begins. Backstage Beth Phoenix and Natalia (Overly madeup) are watching the match and talking about how they should be in the ring. Eve gets involved on the outside after Bre gets thrown outside. Nikki switches out with Bre (Twin Magic) to beat the Diva’s Champion.
Winner: Bre Bella
Alex Riley promo, followed by a Night Of Champions plug for CM Punk vs Kevin Nash. Debut of Inside out Trailer staring Triple H.
Mark Henry & Christian vs Shameus & John Cena
Shameus ribs are all taped up selling injury from “The Worlds Strongest Slam” from Friday. Christian starts for the heel team. Christian takes a few shots and tags in Mark Henry. Shameus gets good offence going and pounds Mark Henry down. Mark Henry catches Shameus with several rest holds. Christian comes back in and continues the punishment onto Shameus. John Cena has yet to appear. Pace is slowed down Christian and Mark Henry working well together. Christian goes to the middle rope and gets caught by Shameus. Hot tag to John Cena. Cena with the 5 moves of doom “You Can’t See Me” on to Chrisitan AA attempt, countered by Christian. Christian thrown into the ropes. Cena with a “Warrior Splash” Cena goes for the AA again, Christian wiggles out, Cena locks in the STF, Mark Henry interferes. Sheamus attacks Mark Henry, both superstars head to the floor. Christian hits a spear for a near fall Christian attempts the Kill switch. Shameus comes in and kicks Christian. Cena hits the AA. Good guys win!
Winners: Shameus & John Cena
Backstage, Triple H watches. CM Punk enters. Triple H tells CM Punk he talked to the Board of Directed. CM Punk cracks jokes about Triple H resigning, or getting a divorce. Triple H informs CM Punk the match between Him and Kevin Nash has been canceled. Instead CM Punk will go against……Triple H! Commentators are in shock, crowd isn’t aware, as Cena & Sheamus celebrate in the ring, the show ends.
— John Cena is pictured in WWE’s advertisement for tomorrow night’s SuperSmackDown special on Syfy.
Some cable outlets are advertising a match between Cena and CM Punk for the live broadcast. WWE has not announced the match yet.
The synopsis for the event, which will feature talent from Raw and SmackDown, reads:
“The astonishing Sin Cara challenges WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio and Christian battles Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship inside a steel cage.”
— The Miz announced on Twitter that he will debut a new T-shirt on tonight’s episode of Raw.
“Debuting the new Miz T-shirt tonight,” he wrote. “Buy it if your at the arena or go to wweshop.com. Cheap plug 2 of the night.”
— WWE stock closed at 9.59 today, up 0.53 from Friday.
— Beer Money, Inc. member James Storm announced today on his Twitter account that he suffered a partially separated shoulder two weeks ago during the TNA World Tag Team Championship Match on Impact Wrestling.
“Confirmed today that the cowboy has a partial separation in my shoulder which occured during the M.A match 2 weeks ago,” he wrote. “Been working through the pain hoping it would just go away but just to much to bear. Have to take it easy or could be out 4-6 weeks. Damn my luck.”
— TNA Wrestling has announced the match line-up for this weekend’s live event tour in Burton, Ohio and Woodstock, Virginia.
Title matches scheduled include Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles for the World Heavyweight Championship, Mexican America vs. Devon and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero for the World Tag Team Championship, Winter vs. Mickie James for the Women’s Knockout Championship, and Eric Young vs. Jeff Jarrett for the Television Championship. Also scheduled is Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson and Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley vs. Robbie E.
– Rey Mysterio begins physical therapy and rehab next week after undergoing his latest knee surgery last Friday. He tweeted on Monday afternoon:
“Had my first check-up; knee was drained & needs 2 B stable, won’t start therapy until nxt week! Have to ice & rest..”
As we’ve been reporting, Mysterio is expected to be out of action until early 2012, with WWE hoping he’ll be healthy in time for WrestleMania in April.
– WWE’s writing staff is said to be extremely stressed out as of late. There is a ton of pressure from management to make Tuesday’s live SmackDown special a ratings success, since WWE reportedly wants to move SmackDown to Tuesday nights permanently.
– The release of Paul Heyman’s autobiography has been delayed once again. Due to scheduling conflicts this fall that would have prevented Heyman from doing a proper promotional tour, the book will now come out in early 2012.
– The current word in WWE is that Kevin Nash has been brought in for a short run – not a full-fledged return. Nash has a WWE Legends deal and is still able to take independent bookings as long as it does not conflict with anything wWE has planned for him. Nash is said to be very happy working a program with CM Punk.
– Officials from the Dragon Gate USA promotion recently confirmed that WWE has expressed interest in signing several of their contracted wrestlers. DGUSA has stated that it will allow any of its wrestlers out of their contracts in the event that WWE wants to sign them. No word yet on which DGUSA stars WWE is interested in, but this does jive with our recent report that WWE is looking to bring in a number of cruiserweight-sized wrestlers.
– WWE Studios’ Inside Out with Triple H will premiere on DirecTV Cinema on September 10th.
— WWE has released the cover of the October 2011 issue of WWE Magazine featuring a menacing looking CM Punk. The magazine appears to be going in a sensationalist direction as it advertises an “uncensored” and “shocking” interview with Punk which they were “told not to print,” as well as his WWE contract “revealed.” This direction is further emphasized with headlines reading “Insane Locker Room Rumors – Fights! Firings! Freakouts!” and “The Biggest Screw-up In Wrestling History!”
— Rey Mysterio posted an update on his health today after undergoing knee surgery three days ago. The procedure included a repair to two major ligaments in his knee and bone spurs removed.
He wrote on Twitter, “Had my first check-up; knee was drained & needs 2 B stable, won’t start therapy until nxt week! Have to ice & rest…”
Mysterio blew out his knee while attempting a baseball slide during a match against Alberto Del Rio on the August 15 episode of Raw. There is talk that he may not be able to return to action until WrestleMania XXVIII.
— Christian and Natalya are advertised to appear at Toys R Us 3150 Argentia Rd, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on Monday, September 12 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Call 905-785-3335 for more information.
Third generation WWE superstar Michael McGillicutty, grandson of Larry “The Axe” Hennig and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, has been answering fan questions on Twitter over the past few days about why he does not wrestle as his real name, Joe Hennig.With such a prestigious family linage, it does seem somewhat baffling that he’s been stuck with the ring name “Michael McGuillicutty.”
Over the weekend, McGuillicutty re-tweeted a post from a fan that stated,
“Joe Hennig > Michael McGillicutty, RT if you agree, the Hennig name should still be remembered!”
He later followed up with the following messages – which seem to indicate that the former WWE tag champion might soon be returning to his roots and changing his ring name:
“For everyone tweeting about my name: The Hennig name will be remembered no matter what my name is.”
“Just get ready to witness the next generation and see why we ARE the greatest wrestling family of all time!”
“@xxDuke4Everxx: Just remember to never forget where you came from and who you are :)” NEVER
McGuillicutty also told fans to check out an unofficial fan site dedicated to him at Joe-Hennig.com.
SEScoops.com will be doing LIVE COVERAGE of tonight’s RAW! Just like we do with WWE pay-per-views, we’ll be providing detailed real-time results of WWE RAW during the entire 2+ hour broadcast. If you’re unable to watch RAW live tonight, BE HERE at 9pm (EST) for our live coverage of the event!
Tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW takes place from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After last week’s RAW dipped below the 3.0 ratings mark, you can bet WWE management will be watching this week’s viewership numbers.
Much of the advertising leading into tonight’s RAW has focused on the Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena WWE title feud and their upcoming match at Night of Champions. The WWE website’s preview for RAW reads:
“After becoming No. 1 contender to Alberto Del Rio’s WWE Title, John Cena was savagely attacked by The Mexican Aristocrat. How will Cena retaliate against his Night of Champions opponent?”
World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Christian and Sin Cara have all been announced for RAW.
The dark match main event that will take place after RAW is scheduled to be a triple threat match between Alberto Del Rio, John Cena and CM Punk.
During a recent interview with Go Triad News, TNA star Hulk Hogan made a pretty baffling claim about TNA’s television product.
Hogan, who is known for his over-the-top exaggerated tales (slamming 900 pound big nasty giants, etc.) – had this to say about what sets TNA apart from WWE:
“We’ve got a lot of young guys who are pushing hard. And we’re trying to take our own course of destiny and make wrestling matter again.”
“We’re not really focused on skits and entertainment and backstage antics. We’re more focused on keeping the action as much as we can in the ring.”
DISCUSSION: Comment below and tell us whether you think Hulk is maybe kind of sort of out of touch with reality on this one.
Tara published a blog on her official website responding to last week’s report of there being a sizable pay discrepancy amongst the female performers of TNA Wrestling.
Power Slam magazine, the source of the story, said Mickie James and Christy Hemme are the highest-paid female talent in TNA with each earning more than $100,000 per year. Meanwhile, the rest of organization’s female talent earn far less: $600 per appearance at most. Tara says she knows for certain that the article contained multiple inaccuracies.
“With regards to what is said in the wrestling gossip sites, I’m not going to bash them. Sometimes they are accurate, and I wonder how that info got out. But sometimes, and on stuff I know for certain, it can be inaccurate. Again, I don’t know how people get their information. But a perfect example is a couple days ago there was someone talking about the pay for the Knockouts. I know for certain that there were multiple inaccuracies in that article,” Tara wrote.
“Did someone plant the story to cause tension in our locker room, which is especially stress-free these days? Or did someone just mistakenly get some information wrong? Who knows, but that’s my “don’t believe everything you read” speech. If you want to know ask me. I respond to as much as I can on Twitter. What’s my favorite color? Red. How old is my dog Sophie? Three. How much do I get paid as a Knockout? None of your damn business.”
Tara also commented on Matt Hardy, who was arrested nine days ago in Moore County, North Carolina for driving while intoxicated, after crashing into a tree. His contract with TNA was immediately terminated and he was later charged with reckless driving. Hardy was rushed to an emergency room on Wednesday, after falling down in his house.
“A lot of people have asked me about Matt Hardy. Was he really fired? Is his odd behavior for real? I don’t have an inside scoop. But what I can tell you from a dozen years in the wrestling business is that I never know what is real and what is part of a storyline,” she wrote. “Matt always set a new standard as a wrestler, and was a great co-worker and friend. Could this be a storyline? Yes. Could this also be someone who has given 100% to his fans for years and years, and is emotionally drained and just needs some personal time to get his head straight and recharge his batteries? Absolutely. If it is the latter, I know he would be surrounded by friends and family, and we’d see him back somewhere soon, better than ever.”
In regards to Grantland.com’s unflattering article on Ric Flair chronicling the wrestling legend’s string of legal woes, she wrote: “I also saw a lot of comments on the article about Ric Flair. Again, I don’t know how much of that is accurate. I do think that there are a lot of people that if you take their life, and put it under a microscope, and then list all the mistakes that they have made, it would be unflattering. By the same token, and especially with Ric Flair, if you would have listed all the nice things he did, and all the people he helped, and all the young people he guided in this business, and the wrestlers that he sacrificed for so that they could look that much better, you would have had an article ten times as long. The Ric Flair that I have known and worked with in both WWE and TNA/Impact has always been a gentleman and a locker room leader. Let he who is without sin…”
Tara also commented on the departure of a trusted company employee. Her full post can be accessed here.
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:
Rey Mysterio’s Recent Knee Surgery: “Get well wishes to Rey Mysterio who had knee surgery in San Diego this past Friday. Rey had ACL and MCL issues addressed and will be out of action for several months. This is the same knee that Rey has had multiple surgeries so his rehabilitation work will be even more magnified and important.”
Ric Flair’s Personal Issues: “Many have asked me via Twitter @JRsBBQ and in the Q&A Section of this site to comment on the ESPN/Grantland article regarding Ric Flair’s personal finances and other personal issues. Ric has been a friend for well over three decades and I was uncomfortable reading the piece. Ric has always enjoyed life to its fullest, and beyond, which, last I looked, wasn’t a crime. Lots of famous athletes and entertainers have had financial hurdles to overcome. If Ric has the issues that Grantland outlined, I wish Naitch well and he has my support.”
Samoa Joe: “Several people have asked me about Samoa Joe. I personally like Joe’s work and feel that his best days lie ahead. I do not know Joe. I’ve never conversed with him that I can recall. Bottom line is 1. he has a contract where he now works and 2. I am not involved in talent acquisition for WWE.”
Scott Hall Announcing: “Could Scott Hall fit in the announce booth as a color commentator? It’s not an easy transition for many former wrestlers to make the move from the ring to the announce table so it wouldn’t be automatic. However, Scott is a bright guy who is glib and he knows the genre well. If he put in the work that it would take to be an asset who’s to say that Scott Hall wouldn’t be a good broadcaster? I do know that it takes great focus, commitment and study to be as good as one needs to be in today’s world. I don’t know if Scott has an interest in this matter but it was a question from a Twitter follower.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson went on Twitter over the weekend and spoke about his return to WWE, his feud with John Cena, appearing at Survivor Series in November and more. Here are some highlights of what The Rock said about:
His Return To WWE & His Feud With John Cena –
“A few years ago when Cena – inexplicably – started talking trash publicly, I knew then I could turn this into a…massive main event. One that could elevate the WWE to unprecedented heights. The timing had to be right though.”
“Wrestlemania 27: for me and the fans – the time was right. The build to Wrestlemania 28 will be like nothing the world…has ever seen before. The match itself will be historic.”
Why He’s Not Interested In The WWE Championship –
“I didn’t come back to the WWE to become champion again. I came back for these reasons: entertain the fans like no one else can. Elevate the WWE to new heights never seen before…Challenge and mentor some of the younger talent. Give the millions what they want which is to kick John Cena’s f’n ass.”
What He Meant When He Said He Would “Never Leave WWE Again” –
“I never meant to mislead or confuse the fans and I apologize if I did. The overall goal was to make…huge impact and elevate Wrestlemania. Shoot my movie commitments, then return again as soon as I wrap the film…and help elevate the WWE and the overall business of professional wrestling. Survivor Series, Mania etc.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart stated in an interview with The Cardboard Connection that he is looking to write a follow-up to his memoir, Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling. However, he says it could “take years” for the book to come out. “I’m just waiting as my life continues to unfold,” Hart said.
Hart was also asked to name his favorite wrestling performers in the industry today and the first names out of his mouth were The Bella Twins, Brie and Nikki. “They’re getting better and better,” Hart said. “I like Daniel Bryan. I love his style. I love his incorporation of actual wrestling holds and submissions and his style. I’m a big fan of Cena. I’m a big fan of [Randy] Orton.”
— The Miami Heraldreports that WWE will be hosting its WrestleMania XXVIII ticket kickoff party in early November in Miami, home to the 2012 version of the mega event. Further details were not disclosed.
— Former WWE stars Vladimir Kozlov and Jillian Hall have been announced for Legends of the Ring XIII, which takes place Saturday, October 8 at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe, New Jersey.
— Former WWE Diva Terri Runnels was accompanied by two large bodyguards for her appearance at Saturday’s sparsely attended K&S Wrestlefest event in Essington, Pennsylvania. It marks as her first public appearance since she filed a lawsuit against her former partner Jerome “New Jack” Young, accusing him of libel for what she calls a series of slurs he’s stated online about their sex life and her appetite for drugs and alcohol.
— WWE returns to the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 28, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Preview IMPACT WRESTLING On Thursday At 9/8c on SpikeTV
Don’t miss Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, as IMPACT WRESTLING goes on the road from Huntsville, Alabama. Can’t watch IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday night? Make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the action.
Here is a preview of Thursday’s broadcast:
Sting has challenged both Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan to settle their longtime rivalries – but the maniacal Icon also has his eyes set on the World Heavyweight Championship against titleholder Kurt Angle! Don’t miss the epic battle this Thursday on SpikeTV at 9/8c as Sting battles Kurt Angle for the gold! Hulk Hogan will serve as special enforcer for the World Title bout!
– The huge broadcast will also feature news on the return of “The Charismatic Engima” Jeff Hardy to IMPACT WRESTLING!
– Christopher Daniels gets his wish for a rematch against his best friend AJ Styles! Fellow Fortune members and X Division pioneers clash on IMPACT WRESTLING on Thursday.
– Mickie James is determined to regain the Knockouts Championship – but the bitter cold of Winter stands in her way on a hot day in Alabama! It will be Mickie James vs. Winter for the women’s title this Thursday!
– What will be the fallout from Samoa Joe injuring Bound For Glory Series points leader Crimson? We’ll get an update on Crimson’s condition on Thursday, as the “Final Four” contenders in the Bound For Glory Series will be determined!
– And more news on the “No Surrender” Pay-Per-View event on Sunday, Sept. 11.
