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Terri Sues New Jack For Libel, To Stop Sale Of Explicit Photos

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The Orlando Sentinal reports that former WWE talent Terri Runnels has 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.

She is also asking the judge to prevent Young from peddling sexually explicit pictures of her.

The suit, filed in state circuit court Monday, seeks unspecified damages. His statements, the suit alleges, are untrue, malicious, outrageous and “exceeded the bounds of civilized society”.

New Jack and Runnels were involved in a romantic relationship for a year and a half but recently broke up. He then began posting comments on Facebook, accusing her of popping pain pills, drinking vodka and cranberry juice at 5:30 “EVERY MORNING!!” according to the suit. He’s also accused her of exposing partners to sexually transmitted diseases.

New Jack said that anything he’s said or written on Facebook about Runnels is true. Someone else runs his Facebook page, he said, and other people may have written things there that are untrue, in particular, allegations about a sexually-transmitted disease.

He admitted offering to sell sexually-explicit photos of Runnels. He’s not done that, he said, but he may have transmitted them at no charge to a friend from his cell phone.

“Sending somebody naked photos, that’s not a crime,” he said.

Runnels’ attorney, Alan Stagmeier fears New Jack would sell the photos before he could get the case in front of Circuit Judge Linda Schoonover, who’s been assigned the case. He’s asking her to issue an injunction, prohibiting New Jack from selling the photos.

Runnels consented to those photos, believing they’d be kept private, according to her suit.

The full article can be accessed here.

Video: Sheamus’ Appearance On Conan O’Brien

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SmackDown star Sheamus appeared on Conan O’Brien’s late night TBS show on Thursday night to promote Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view.

Sheamus demonstrates his Brogue Kick and .. well, you’ll see what happens.

Here’s video footage of the appearance, courtesy of TeamCoco.com:

First Look At Brooke Hogan’s New PETA Campaign

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We’ve got a first look at Brooke Hogan’s new ad campaign for animal rights group PETA – featuring Brooke without any clothes on.

The photo was unveiled on Thursday night in Miami – which also happened to be Hulk Hogan’s birthday.

While we are still waiting on a clear shot of the ad campaign – below is a preview of the Brooke Hogan ad – with daddy Hulk covering up Brooke’s private parts:

Big Update On Sin Cara’s WWE Future: Hunico, Mexican Tour

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Hunico As Sin Cara
(Click To Enlarge)

Tonight on SmackDown, Sin Cara returns to action – but due to the original Sin Cara (Mistico) still being suspended, it will be developmental wrestler Hunico under the mask.

We’ve been reporting in recent weeks that the man who originally portrayed Sin Cara might not be brought back at all – and a new report on Mexican wrestling site Super Luchas indicates that Mistico might in fact be gone from WWE for good.

While there is some belief in WWE that Mistico will be brought back to eventually feud with Hunico, Super Luchas is reporting that Hunico was informed that he will be portraying Sin Cara on WWE’s upcoming tour of Mexico in October.

WWE had major plans for Sin Cara, a beloved hero in Meixco, to headline the upcoming Mexican to – but many are worried that the Mexican fans will see the new Sin Cara as a fraud. Sin Cara was supposed to be one WWE’s showcase talents as the company looks to expand its Mexican business – but that could now be in jeopardy.

People in WWE’s promotional department are still awaiting word from management as to whether Mistico will ever be brought back – and there is some fear that the WWE machine will get behind Sin Cara and Hunico as Sin Cara will be a flop.

(Sources: SuperLuchas.net & f4wonline.com)

WWE SmackDown Preview For Tonight

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The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on SyFy, the final “go-home” show before SummerSlam this weekend:

– Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Title

– Sheamus vs. Christian

– Beth Phoenix and Natalya vs. Kaitlyn and A.J.

– Sin Cara vs. Tyson Kidd.

– Alberto Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan

– Mark Henry vs. Johnny Curtis.

– Randy Orton vs.  The Great Khali

WWE COO Triple H, Teddy Long and Zack Ryder will be in the house.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

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WWE SmackDown on Syfy

WWE taped Friday’s episode of SmackDown on Tuesday night from Sacramento, California:

– Triple H came out and set up Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Title, Alberto Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan, and Great Khali vs. Randy Orton. Christian came out to speak to Hunter.

– Christian threatened that Hunter needed to change his SummerSlam match against Randy Orton or he would sue. Hunter told him he has no respect as the World Hvt. Champion, so the match is still on.

– Sheamus beat Christian by countout. Christian wanted no part of Sheamus, so he got himself intentionally counted out while standing on the top of the entrance ramp.

– Beth Phoenix and Natalya defeated Kaitlyn and A.J. Beth Phoenix pinned A.J. to get the win for her team.

– There was a backstage segment with Teddy Long, Zack Ryder, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Aksana.

– There was also a segment with Mark Henry and Johnny Curtis backstage. They will meet later in the show.

– Sin Cara defeated Tyson Kidd. It didn’t seem like anyone could tell whether Sin Cara was portrayed by the former Mistico or somebody else.

– Alberto Del Rio defeated Daniel Bryan, Bryan missed a top rope move. Del Rio got the win via submission.

– Cody Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson to win the Intercontinental Title. It appeared Dylan Drake of AllProWrestling.com was passing out the paper bags at ringside. Cody got the win with CrossRhodes to become the new champion. I smell a rematch at SummerSlam.

– Backstage, Randy Orton said he will unleash his anger at SummerSlam. He then discussed his match against Great Khali.

– Mark Henry beat Johnny Curtis. Sheamus came out to stop “Shamu” and wanted him to take on the great white tonight instead of at SummerSlam.

– Randy Orton beat The Great Khali. Orton hit the RKO on Khali for the pin. Christian came out afterward and said he’s the best thing going.

Orlando Jordan Discusses TNA Release, Character Development

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Orlando Jordan appeared on World Wrestling Insanity, which is available at ClubWWI.com. Highlights from his interview are as follows:

The one man shock-and-awe of TNA, Orlando Jordan turned heads with each move he made. Debuting with an outrageous entrance, OJ seemed destined for spectacular things. However, as time went on, the spectacle died down and the gimmick followed suit. As Jordan explains to James Guttman, the idea was never to be another version of Goldust. There were many plans he had for his character, but sometimes you have to compromise and, as he tells ClubWWI.com members, sometimes too much compromise can knock a solid idea off course…

“I enjoyed my time there. I was a little bit disappointed with the progression of the character because we started out where I wanted to go – and I laid out how I wanted this character to start and develop – because I believe a character should grow. Every character evolves and I wanted this character to evolve. That was the understanding…When you work for a company, you can’t get everything you want. You have to compromise. And I compromised with the character on what they wanted and that was part of the deal. That was a hard thing. That was a challenge. Trying to do what I wanted and trying to give what I wanted the way I knew it could be delivered and then also what the company wanted to present – that was a challenge there. In the end, I was a little bit disappointed in that area and stuff.”

Orlando goes into detail on the character’s original intention and how it would have helped shatter stereotypes. He also speaks about the shocking nature of it all, the goal TNA had for it, and why it might have been better suited for WWE. In the end, though, there were no hard feelings and OJ had to do what was right for him, as the ClubWWI.com audio show continues, he tells JG the circumstances surrounding his release…

“I’m a professional and I’m a performer. So I’m always willing to do something different and that was the attempt. Like I said, you have to compromise and stuff like that. But when you compromise, you start to lose the direction. That’s where it headed. Eventually, I had to make decisions and if it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted, I had to make decisions…I know they said I was released, but I had made a series of inquires to TNA about things and – I got released on a Monday – that Friday (before), I had actually called the TNA office and said, “Look. I need something to happen and I’m not happy and I need to be able to do more things.” The person I talked to wasn’t really in the position, I don’t think, to do anything. So I left my piece of mind and then I was granted my release on Monday. So that’s what happened. Was I upset? No. Not at all. I was very content with how things went out and we parted on good terms and everything. ”

Although a return to WWE or TNA is always a possibility, don’t worry about Orlando Jordan in the meantime. He’s keeping busy with his brand new training facility, Wildkats Sports Dojo. With a resume that includes top spots in WWE, TNA, and overseas tours, Jordan knows how to get noticed. Now, he’s sharing his secret with wrestling’s future stars and giving back to the business he loves. He tells ClubWWI.com listeners all about it and directs them to Twitter.com/Wildkatsports for all the latest info:

“The new dojo! WildKat Sports Dojo out in New Orleans – particularly Kenner, Louisiana. That is the new training facility that I have opened up along with my partner Luke Hawx, who has been a very successful independent worker in his own right. He’s also a stunt actor and done a lot. Probably done just as much and more known in that area than wrestling, which is crazy because he’s busted his ass in both. So, we have the Wildkat Sports Dojo in Kenner, Louisiana. And it’s going great man. We’ve only been open for a few months but we have some strong, good looking, talented, hard-working guys. We have about ten students training for professional wrestling. Also, the other thing we’re doing in the local area is mixed martial arts, grappling – I have a background in grappling, boxing, bringing specialists from specific martial arts backgrounds by the end of the year. It’s good. Going good. I’m excited, man. I live for training. I’ve done it my whole life.”

WWE Announces “Live Commentary Radio” Broadcasts

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WWE issued the following press release on Thursday – announcing a new company initiative that fans who have attended live WWE events are sure to love. Anybody who has been to a RAW, SmackDown or pay-per-view taping has noticed – the WWE experience is amazing in person, but one important thing is missing – the commentary! Starting this Sunday at SummerSlam, fans who attend WWE broadcasts can pay $15 to purchase a radio that will allow them hear live commentary during the show from the ringside commentary booth.

Here’s the official announcement:

If you’re heading to Summerslam this weekend at Los Angeles’s STAPLES Center, there’s a new way to take part in the excitement. This Sunday, WWE introduces a revolutionary new radio that allows attendees of the Biggest Party of the Summer – and all pay-per-view events – to listen in on ringside commentary live with the WWE Live Commentary Radio.

If you’ve ever been to a WWE live event or any live sporting event, one major difference from watching the event on television is the lack of play-by-play commentary. The WWE Live Commentary Radio is going to change that, allowing fans in attendance to listen to the SummerSlam television broadcast featuring the likes of WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jim Ross, as well as Michael Cole, Booker T and Josh Mathews.

The WWE Live Commentary Radio will be available at merchandise stands on the concourse for $15 each. The radios are yours to keep and can be used as a traditional FM radio once the event has ended, and they can be used at future live events where WWE Commentary Radio is available.

Ultimate Warrior Has a Happy Birthday Message For Hulk Hogan

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Happy Birthday Hulk! Love, Warrior

TNA star Hulk Hogan turns 58 years old today – and we wish the Hulkster a very happy birthday.

One man who doesn’t share the same warm and fuzzy sentiments is the Ultimate Warrior, whose heated rivalry with Hulk Hogan is well documented right here.

Warrior posted the following message on Facebook today – taking several cheap shots at Hogan on his birthday, including one about his daughter Brooke’s recent nude photo shoot.

Hey, Terry. If you want some good creative ideas (we all know you sure as hell need them) be man enough to call and offer to pay instead of trolling around my web presence and stealing them. 

When you try to copy my Warrior attiude it doesn’t work for you. The size of it is too big. When you try to pull it off you look like a x-small boy drowning in his daddy’s XXXL. What’s your “purist Christian wife” going to say when you start dropping F’ bombs like the Warriorman? Probably soemthing like, “Well, honey, it would be kinda nice if some of that was going on around here.”

Just be you. Number One rule of O.W.N.

The fraud you already are is the one we love. All these years you keep going back and forth and all over the map trying to find yourself. Please, no more “new” phony faces.

You’ve finally done it. Your mind is empty and your balls are all shriveled up. You’ve officially turned yourself into a Vagina Man, a real pussy. And now, your daughter has to show hers to get any attention at all.

Here you go, brother, let me throw you a bone…

Linda Hires Campaign Manager, Punk Starring In WWE Novel

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– Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon has hired Corey Bliss a campaign manager – a strong indication that she’ll be running once again for United States Senate next year. Bliss told GreenwichTime.com:

“I am a political consultant who has talked to he. She has not made up her mind.”

– The July 4th episode of WWE RAW was the most DVR’d RAW ever, with 400,000 homes watching the show after the original broadcast – which breaks down to 14.2% of that show’s overall audience. The following week (7/11) had 324,000 homes watching on DVR and the week after that (7/18) had 319,000 homes watching on DVR.

– WWE is releasing two original novels, which will be aimed at younger readers. They will be written by Jeff Gottesfel, and the first is titled “Superfan.” In that book, CM Punk is slated to play a major protagonist.

– The London riots have effected both WWE and TNA as a Sony warehouse that stored millions of DVD’s stocked for Europe was destroyed by a fire.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Sheamus On Conan Tonight, JBL Talks WWE Return, Orndorff

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– Sheamus will be appearing on Conan O’Brien’s late night TBS show tonight to hype Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view.

– Edge’s next appearance on the Syfy channel show Haven airs tomorrow night (Friday).

– JBL recently responded to fans on his Facebook page saying that he has no interest in returning to WWE as a full-time wrestler, but says he would be open to announcing or working as a manager.

He did note, however that WWE has not contacted him about returning.

– We are very very happy to report that wrestling legend Paul Orndorff is cancer free after having a major scare earlier this year.

(Source: f4wonline.com)

Video Interviews With John Morrison And Melina

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The Fight Network recently sat down with John Morrison and his girlfriend, former WWE diva Melina, to promote Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view event:

Melina talks about SummerSlam taking place from Los Angeles again, her Twitter beef with Gail Kim and more:

John Morrison talks at length about his recent neck injury, what he was experiencing before he opted for surgery, his WWE return and more:

Matt Hardy Denies Report He And Jeff Refused Rehab

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We receive a ton of emails from fans about the status of Matt and Jeff Hardy, who have both been off TNA television for several months now. This week Dave Meltzer reported that the reason TNA has yet to bring the Hardys back is because the company wanted both of them to enter rehab treatment – and they refused.

The Meltzer report led many Hardy fans to ask Matt and Jeff on Twitter what the real story is.

Matt Hardy responded to the reports on Wednesday night, tweeting:

“Not the case..at all.”

Hardy also noted that his own wrestling school is in the works.

Matt Hardy was reportedly suspended by TNA back in June after showing up late several times to live TNA events. He tweeted last week that he currently has everything “on hold” and is not yet taking independent bookings.

As for Jeff, he is still making court appearances related to his September 2009 arrest, after police raided his home in Cameron, North Carolina and uncovered a jackpot stash of drugs – including  262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine and items of drug paraphernalia.

Jeff has been charged with felony trafficking in opium, two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling to keep controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

If convicted of all charges (which is unlikely), Jeff Hardy faces upto 14 years in prison.

*SPOILERS* TNA Impact Wrestling Tapings Results For Tonight

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Credit to SEScoops.com reader Eric for the following TNA Impact Wrestling spoilers for this Thursday (8/11), taped on Monday night from Orlando:

* Impact opens with Immortal. Bully Ray calls Abyss soft. He announces a Bound For Glory Series match tonight with him, Scott Steiner and Gunner vs. Crimson in a four-way. Ray and Mr. Anderson start fighting and Anderson gets beat down by Immortal, including Abyss. Anderson was taken away on a stretcher.

* Mickie James beat Madison Rayne in a #1 contender’s match.

* Brian Kendrick beat Robbie E. to retain the X Division Title. Austin Aries was on commentary.

* Beer Money beat AJ Styles & Rob Van Dam plus the team of Brother Devon and The Pope in a BFG Series match. Roode got the points as he pinned Pope. Daniels was on commentary.

* New World Champ Kurt Angle came out to talk about his win over Sting at the PPV. Angle apologized for hitting Sting with the chair. Angle did what he had to do and won’t ever let Dixie Carter get TNA back because she lied to him in the past. Sting met Angle on the ramp but was attacked by Hulk Hogan from behind with a chair. Hogan continued to beat Sting as Angle looked on.

* Miss Tessmacher and Tara beat ODB and Miss Jackie.

* Vignette for new TNA star Jessie Godderz of Big Brother fame, known as Mr. Pec-Tacular. He brags about how good he looks, cuts in front of other wrestlers at catering and flirts with the Knockouts.

* Karen and Jeff Jarrett come out. Jarrett is wearing a sombrero and has his AAA Heavyweight Title. Jarrett brought out two Mexican janitors and insulted them before attacking. They couldn’t speak English back to Jarrett but eventually said “Guerrero” which led to Jarrett attacking them. Hector Guerrero came to the ring from the Spanish announce table to help them as Jarrett left.

* Crimson beat Bully Ray, Scott Steiner and Gunner in a Bound For Glory Series four-way match in the main event. After the match, Kurt Angle came down and attacked Crimson to end the show.

Daniel Bryan Talks About His & CM Punk’s Success In WWE

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During an interview with Brian Fritz of Between the ropes, SmackDown’s Money in the Bank briefcase holder Daniel Bryan spoke about his first year and a half with WWE, CM Punk’s now infamous shoot promo on RAW from a few weeks back and what he and CM Punk’s success means for other stars getting a chance.

Here are some highlights of what Daniel Bryan said about:

How he would describe the first year and a half with the company:

“It’s been a roller coaster ride. I’ve been hired, called a rookie, fired, brought back, brought back, main eventide Summerslam last year, won the U.S. Championship, wasn’t on TV much for a while, got drafted to Smackdown and now I’m Mr. Money in the Bank. (laughs) So, it’s had a lot of ups and downs.”

CM Punk’s infamous promo from a few weeks back:

“I thought it was awesome. And more so what I thought was awesome about it is that he just went out there and he just spoke his mind. That’s the great thing about CM Punk is he doesn’t care if I like his promo, he doesn’t care if the fans like what he says, he does’t care if the WWE office likes what he says. He’s just going to go out there and say what he thinks. And I think that’s what’s made this thing so captivating. That and now there’s two WWE Champions for the first time and they’re facing off in the main event of Summerslam. I think it’s going to be really exciting.”

His and CM Punk’s success and WWE and what it means for other young talent: 

“What I think it says is that there are a lot of guys out there that you wouldn’t necessarily look at and say “hey, this guy would be a great WWE superstar”. But they’ve put in their hard work and they’ve gotten really good at what they do and if you give them an opportunity, they would do really well in the WWE. That’s what it says about both of us. There are a lot of guys out there who maybe because of the way they look or because people don’t think they would be very marketable that WWE may not hire them. But, I think with CM Punk … he’s not the most marketable looking guy out there but he captivates crowds. I’m not to the point where CM Punk is as far as captivating WWE crowds yet but I do a fairly good job considering how little time I’ve been in WWE.”

You can listen to audio of the entire interview here:

JR Blog: Punk vs. Cena, Tag Teams, Cole Managing?

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

John Cena vs. CM Punk at SummerSlam: “What are my thoughts on the Cena/Punk issue? I’ve enjoyed it and feel it has legs beyond Summer Slam. I also know that we’ve gotten tons of feedback from many older fans who have reinvested their TV time into Raw since this matter has begun. Personally, I love reality TV in general and this issue feels extremely reality based to me and, apparently, to many others as well. Throw HHH into the mix as the special referee and one has the ingredients of an unpredictable Summer Slam main event that likely will have many twists and turns. I fully expect a wide variety of emotions to come out of this show.”

WWE’s Tag Team Division: “Can the tag team division in WWE be revived? Absolutely and it could be done in a matter of months. Plus, the tag division doesn’t need a dozen teams but half that number would arguably fit the bill. The duos just have to be made to be relevant and get ample TV time both in the ring and on the mic. For many WWE fans, viable, tag team wrestling would be something new.”

Being Back On The Road With WWE: “How do I like my new travel schedule? No worries whatsoever. I now leave a little earlier for my destination and have ceased taking the ‘first flight’ out’ when returning home. Being around all the WWE personnel on the day of a live show is a blast.”

Michael Cole As A Manager? “Do I think that Michael Cole would make a good manager? He probably would if WWE decided to go that direction with Cole. Cole’s TV persona is easy to dislike and he would likely garner plenty of antagonist attention to whoever he mentored/managed, etc.”

Sound Off 172: Talking Summerslam and Morrison’s Problems

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Solomonster Sounds Off

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It’s a surprise BONUS edition of the Sound Off this week, a rare weekday episode previewing SUMMERSLAM this Sunday, Monday’s go-home edition of Raw, Smackdown spoilers for Friday’s show (including a title change), a new creative hire for WWE and more of your questions in THE MAILBAG! So wipe that smile off your face and get going on this extra 90 minutes of goodness with The Solomonster!

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WWE Magazine Teasing Return Of “Attitude Era” Star Next Year

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— Following a several year hiatus, “The Informer” is once again featured in WWE Magazine. Though the monthly column largely consisted of made-up stories, it would at times correctly predict future storylines. The feature is now branded as “WWE gossip” and appears to be a mashup of kayfabe and legitimate backstage tales. Highlights from the October 2011 edition are as follows:

* “Would a certain A-list Hollywood celeb please stop calling our offices in hopes of landing a Raw guest-star slot? You had your chance already, pal!”

* “I hear a top-level, WWE Hall of Fame-bound Superstar suggested that Natalya use the double sharpshooter at 2010’s WWE TLC.”

* “During a recent photo shoot, a Superstar demanded that the makeup artist stop touching up the Divas and focus her attention on him!”

* “A source tells us that The Rock isn’t the only Attitude Era Superstar planning to step in the ring in 2012. Hint: There’s an “E” in his name.”

— It was reported yesterday that WWE.com’s bio on referee Mike Chioda made mention of deceased wrestler Chris Benoit, who is considered persona non grata within the organization. He recalled November 29, 2004, when he and a fellow official declared contrary decisions in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship; Chioda saw Benoit pinned for the three-count while Edge tapped out simultaneously. The Benoit mention has since been removed.

Meanwhile, WWE.com’s bio on referee Jack Doan says Benoit’s match with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania X-Seven is one of his most memorable moments.

Steve Austin-WM28 News, Update On Releases, Punk-Cena

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– Following the WWE releases of Melina, Vladamir Kozlov and DH Smith last week, the talent is expected to get paid until November and will have no-compete clauses.

– WWE is looking give “Stone Cold” Steve Austin a big role at next year’s WrestleMania – although it still remains unlikely that he will wrestle a match.

– The WWE Championship unification match between CM Punk and John Cena is expected to get a lot of time at Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. With less than a week to go, only four matches have been announced – leading many to see SummerSlam as a “one-match show.”

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Big Update On The Rock Appearing At WWE PPVs

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When WWE announced its second quarter financial results last week, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon announced that The Rock will be appearing at “multiple” pay-per-view events aside from WrestleMania 28.

The Rock announced last month that he’ll be appearing at the 25th anniversary of Survivor Series in November to confront John Cena, who he will wrestle at WrestleMania 28.

Aside from those events – WWE is planning for The Rock to appear at next year’s Royal Rumble and SummerSlam events, as long as his movie schedule allows it.

WWE was very pleased with The Rock’s impact on WrestleMania 27 drawing over $28 million for the company and are hoping to book him on as many big shows as possible over the next year.

Samoa Joe Interested In WWE, WWE Studios Exec Departs

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– Last month Steve Austin made headlines when he said WWE should sign TNA star Samoa Joe when his contract expires later this year. Austin tweeted:

“WWE should sign @SamoaJoe as soon as his TNA contract is up. One of my favorite workers in today’s game. Needs a full green light

It appears that Stone Cold might get his wish – because sources in TNA have informed us that Samoa Joe has been talking seriously about jumping to WWE as soon as he can.

– Mike Pavone, Executive Vice President of WWE Studios, is no longer with the company. According to Variety.com, Pavine is “pursuing other opportunities.” His exit from WWE Studios comes just a week after it was announced that the award winning Randy Orton film “That’s What I Am” movie was a losing proposition for WWE Studios – to the tune of $3.3 million.

– Despite previous reports, Mark Caranno has not been moved from WWE talent development to working directly under Triple H.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Brooke Hogan Poses Nude, Hardy Boyz Refuse Rehab

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– Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke has posed nude for animal activist company PETA, and the “sophisticated” campaign will be unveiled in Miami on Saturday – Hulk’s birthday. A rep of Hogan’s says:

“The photos at the exhibit are very sophisticated and classy and just give the illusion of nude or the perception of nude, but of course, to get these shots, the shoot itself is fully nude.”

– For those wondering about what’s up with Matt and Jeff Hardy – the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that TNA want both men to first enter rehab but they have refused.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Brock Lesnar Talks About His WWE Career

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During a recent interview with The Wrstling Press the only man to ever hold championship gold in both WWE & the UFC – Brock Lesnar, spoke about his time in WWE and how it helped him as a world class MMA fighter. Here are some highlights of what Brock said about:

Being A WWE Wrestler “These guys, they just don’t have another life. When they go home, they really can’t get out of tune with their on-stage persona. There’s really no time. I think the biggest thing is there’s really no downtime for the human body to recover, and more importantly, for their mind to recover where you’re constantly on the road, and in a program where you can’t get outside to take an outside look at what’s going on — guys resort to all kinds of extracurricular activities.”

How His Time In WWE Helped Him In The MMA World: “I’m not stupid — without the WWE, the WWE made me a household name and increased my value tenfold before I even pursued the UFC. Could I be where I am today without the WWE? Probably not. Could I be drawing the same numbers that I’m drawing? Probably not. I brought a lot of fans over, a lot of crossover fans that I brought, just from the general public and WWE fans, I believe.”

Edge Appearing At SummerSlam?; Discusses Retirement, Future

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Edge stated in a new interview promoting his four-episode guest-spot on the Syfy series Haven that he would be appearing at SummerSlam. The former World Heavyweight Champion is scheduled to appear at Summerslam Axxess this weekend, but did not specify whether he would be appearing on the pay-per-view broadcast. Edge told TVDoneWright.com:

“I basically started shooting Haven directly from Extreme Rules when Christian won the title. So it basically took up the entire summer. I have an appearance at Summerslam and after that it’s some serious outdoor time. Kayaking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, dog hiking, and whatever else I can find before winter hits.”

When asked if he intends to return to WWE, even in a non-wrestling capacity, he replied, “I’m sure I’ll make appearances from time to time like (Shawn Michaels) does. I’m not interested in commentating, but maybe at some point something behind the scenes if it didn’t involve the crazy travel. My days of over 200 days a year on the road are over.”

The Rated-R Superstar also says has some WWE appearances scheduled in Paris, France to promote a movie he shot last year for WWE Films, Bending the Rules (to be released in January 2012). He adds, “Beyond that I think it’s time to find out what retirement is really like and catch the Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam on their current tours.”

Edge also comments on watching Christian capture the World Heavyweight Championship, his final match for WWE, Haven, and more. The text interview can been accessed here.

Triple H Wants To Rebuild WWE’s Tag Team Division

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As the head of WWE’s revamped talent development program, Triple H has a lot of influence over which talents are signed and featured on WWE television. It’s been reported that Triple H is serious about introducing new talents through ‘coming soon’ vignettes, as we saw with the first two people signed under Triple H – Sin Cara and Karma.

Now -Triple H is said to have his sights set on a new objective – rebuilding WWE’s  tag team division.

WWE is looking to recruit tag teams from other promotions, including Ring of Honor’s Kings of Wrestling & Brisco Brothers as well as TNA tag team Beer Money, when they become free agents.

Regarding the recent WWE tryouts for the Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli), the latest word is that the KoW will be introduced as a tag team, not singles wrestlers.

(Source: PWInsider.com)