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Match Announced For SummerSlam, Diva Debuts On SmackDown

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— WWE.com has announced that Sheamus will battle Mark Henry at SummerSlam.

The synopsis reads: “Announced exclusively on WWE.com, Mark Henry and Sheamus will collide at SummerSlam in a rivalry that has quickly grown more intense than the summer sun itself. Will the fight of The Celtic Warrior be enough to defeat the meanest “Fella” in the land?”

— WWE developmental talent Aksana debuted on tonight’s episode of SmackDown in a backstage segment with Theodore Long.

Catsuit clad and with dark hair, the NXT Season 3 contestant tried to seduce the SmackDown General Manager into giving her his phone number. Long gave Aksana his card and wrote his personal number on the back. She said, “I can’t wait to do business with you.”

— CM Punk is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Power Slam.

Matt Hardy Suspension Update, New TNA PPV Match

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— ImpactWrestling.com has announced a TNA Knockouts Championship Match for Hardcore Justice. Miss Tessmacher and Tara will defend the straps against Sarita and Rosita, the previous title holders.

Sarita, who announced four weeks ago via Facebook that she had suffered facial paralysis, continued to wear a protective mask at this past weekend’s TNA Wrestling live events in Texas. Her condition, however, has improved in the meantime.

— Matt Hardy, who has been inactive from TNA Wrestling since May 30, posted a status update on Twitter:

“To all of the promoters that have contacted me about working for them, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve kinda got everything on hold for now. I would greatly appreciate your patience in me taking bookings for now, thanks!”

Company officials reportedly suspended Hardy in June due to continuously arriving late to events and posting online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt’s girlfriend) with a taser.

Impact Rating Takes A Hit, Amazing Red Removed From Roster

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— The August 4, 2011 episode of Impact Wrestling scored a 1.14 cable rating, down from 1.20 the prior week and 1.26 on July 21.

Impact averaged 1,436,000 viewers over the course of two hours, down 22 percent from 1,794,000 on July 21.

It’s worth noting that the season premiere of Jersey Shore on MTV drew 8.8 million viewers.

— Amazing Red’s profile has been removed from ImpactWrestling.com’s roster page, thus confirming his departure from TNA Wrestling. The former X Division cited creative differences for his departure from the organization Thursday on Twitter.

Sangriento, a masked character Red portrayed, is still listed on the roster page.

source: PWInsider.com

Chris Masters Comments On His WWE Release

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Chris “Masters” Mordetzky was one of the five (so far) WWE talents released earlier today, along with Melina, Gail Kim, Vladamir Kozlov and DH Smith.

Masters issued the following statement this afternoon on Twitter (@WWEMasterP):

“Obviously, I’m surprised by the move. But I’m optimistic. I’m going to move forward and see what lies ahead. I still love this business and I’m not going to give up because of this small set back. I want to explore and see what options I have for the future.”

Masters is already taking independent bookings and can be reached at [email protected].

Melina Comments On Her WWE Release

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Melina wrote the following about her WWE release on Twitter today:

“Feel free to Tweet, write, call @WWE about how u feel about anything. You deserve to be heard regarding any matter. Strength in numbers. I love you all so dearly and reading all of your tweets. Seeing the trend… I know w/out a doubt, I’m a lucky woman! In the next few days you will see many updates on the matter, so keep checking www.RealMelina.com I will definitely Blog & Vlog about it. I’ve been through quite a bit of stuff in my life. I Overcame each time. I’ll never give up. Not now. I’ll Always fight & #StayStrong “

Melina also sent a Tweet to John Morrison in response to his heartfelt reaction to her release:

“@TheRealMorrison U just made me cry. I love you so much. I’m very proud of what u have accomplished & to have u as the love of my life.”

John Morrison Comments On Melina’s Departure From WWE

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John Morrison issued the following statement via Twitter concerning Melina, his girlfriend, who was released this afternoon from her contract with WWE.

He wrote, “I’ve always believed that Melina is the most talented Diva ever employed by World Wrestling Entertainment. (not to mention the hottest!) Her face conveys emotion. Vince McMahon likes to say “Television is a feeling” and I agree with him. That’s what Sports Entertainment is all about. Melina’s presence on Television, aside from the obvious (she be sexy!) is raw emotion- joy, rage, surprise, disgust… her passion just pours out of her

“Melina’s presence on Monday Night Raw will be missed by the WWE universe… and especially by me.

“I think this is the end of a chapter in the book of @RealMelina – I met Melina on my audition for Tough Enough 3, I never forgot the smile, and hug she gave me when I made the show and she got cut and told to go home. I’ve stood next to her with Joey while MNM was yelled at; told we’d never make it, we were worthless. I’ve seen her come back from 2 career threatening injuries. She is one of a kind, and talented enough to do whatever she wants. I’m proud to be her man. I love her, and will support whatever she chooses to do next.

“#staystrong #thankyoumelina.”

Gail Kim Says She Has Quit WWE

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Gail Kim announced this afternoon on Twitter that she has quit WWE.

She wrote, “Hey I just wanted every1 to know that I officially quit WWE on monday. So thank u wwe fans! This won’t be the last u see of me. Love u guys.”

She is, however, still listed as a member of the Raw roster on WWE.com.

Amidst the chaos of the opening moments of the No. 1 Contender’s Diva Battle Royal on Monday’s Raw, Kim eliminated herself from the contest by hastily sliding under the bottom rope after striking Alicia Fox. She was then asked to comment on her peculiar action and admitted to leaving the match on purpose. Her reason behind the move was that she “was just checking to see if anyone was paying attention.” She added that no one backstage noticed, calling it “sad,” yet also “very amusing.”

Kim then denied speculation that she was trying to get fired by WWE, writing, “Nooooo I’m not doing my best to get fired. Wrestling websites who like to make up news with their wild imagination…haha don’t believe it.”

WWE Releases Melina

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WWE announced this afternoon that Melina has been released from her contract.

Their statement reads, “WWE has come to terms on the release of Melina Perez as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Melina the best in all her future endeavors.”

Melina announced Tuesday on Twitter that she would be on hand for this weekend’s live event tour, calling it a “Christmas miracle.” She then stated the following day that she had been pulled from the events.

Furthermore, WWE.com published new photos of Melina this morning.

WWE Releases David Hart Smith

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WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith.

Their statement reads: “WWE has come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes David the best in all of his future endeavors.”

The third generation wrestler’s prospects with the entertainment empire became grim following the dissolution of the Hart Dynasty late last year; his final match occurred on the April 28, 2011 episode of WWE Superstars. Even further, Smith had not competed in a match on Monday Night Raw in eight months. He last appeared on the program on December 6, 2010, which saw him lose to former tag team partner Tyson Kidd in a blow off match. He was then laid out by Kidd’s short-lived bodyguard Jackson Andrews.

His mother, Diana Smith, stated in April that David had plans to cross over to mixed martial arts.

WWE Announces Release Of Raw Superstar

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WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of Chris Masters.

Chris Masters released

WWE has come to terms on the release of Chris Masters as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Chris the best in all of his future endeavors.

WWE Releases Raw Superstar

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WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of Vladimir Kozlov.

Vladimir Kozlov released

WWE has come to terms on the release of Vladimir Kozlov as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes Vladimir the best in all of his future endeavors.

Cara Returning To TV Next Week, Punk Appearing At Hot Topic

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— Tonight’s episode of SmackDown, which has already aired overseas, features a vignette advertising Sin Cara for next week’s show.

WWE announced on July 18, 2011 that Sin Cara had been suspended 30 days for his first violation of the organization’s Talent Wellness Program. He is scheduled to return Tuesday in Sacramento, California, which would indicate that WWE ended his suspension prematurely.

— WWE Champion CM Punk is advertised to appear at Hot Topic on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California next Friday at 5:00 p.m. Those who purchase a CM Punk T-Shirt receive a wristband that guarantees the opportunity to meet the Raw Superstar.

— Kofi Kingston is advertised to appear at the Maverick Store in West Valley, Utah today at 2:00 p.m. The store is located at 3112 South Redwood Road West Valley, Utah 84119.

— Stan Lane turns 58 years old today.

source: PWInsider.com

Update On Stacy Keibler Dating Hollywood Star Geoge Clooney

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This article is an update to:

US Magazine has provided new details on former WWE diva Stacy Keibler being romantically linked to Hollywood megastar George Clooney.

Just over a month following his announced split from Elisabetta Canalis, George Clooney is now dating actress Stacy Keibler, multiple sources confirm to Us Weekly.

According to US, “It’s more than just a fling .. They’re basically exclusive at this point. They like each other’s sense of humor. Obviously they’re both physically attracted to one another.”

Keibler, 31, and Cooney, 50, have reportedly known each other for over 4 years and recently “reached out to one another through a mutual friend.”

Since recently linking up, Keibler and Clooney  have been spending time together in London and at one of Clooney’s homes in Italy.

Despite the celebrity gossip blogs covering the story extensively this week, the couple is hoping to keep their romance very private and do not plan to make any public appearances

FCW Talent React To Jeremiah Riggs’ Scathing Remarks

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Tough Enough contestant Jeremiah Riggs blasted WWE’s developmental system and talent scouting in a lengthy diatribe this week after being informed that WWE would not be using him.

Speaking to AroundTheOctagon.com about his recent tryout at WWE’s developmental camp, Riggs said Florida Championship Wrestling is full of “clones” who are “are all the same – long hair, pony tail, boring as can be.”

Riggs called FCW “all politics,” where the developmental wrestlers try to “kiss ass” to get ahead. “People are real phony there including the trainers,” he claimed. Riggs also railed Tough Enough peers Andy Leavine and Luke Robinson, saying he had more talent and potential than both.

Since the release of the article, numerous developmental wrestlers have said off the record that Riggs was one of the most disliked individuals to have tried out for WWE in years. They feel Riggs carried himself as if he “was doing everyone a favor” by going to FCW, which upset his peers. Developmental talent Seth Rollins added on Twitter that Riggs was “ten words away from a beatdown.”

Riggs, meanwhile, has given his side of the story in a new interview with IWantWrestling.com.

source: PWInsider.com

Final Card For Sunday’s TNA HardCORE Justice Pay-Per-View

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Following Thursday’s episode of TNA Impact Wrestling, here’s the final card for Sunday’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Sting (c) vs. Kurt Angle

TNA Tag Team Title Match
Ber Money (c) vs. Mexican America

TNA X Division Title Match
Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Mickie James (c) vs. Winte

Bound For Glory Series Match
Crimson vs. Rob Van Dam

Bound For Glory Series Match
The Pope vs. Brother Devon

AJ Styles, Kazarian and Daniels vs. Gunner, Abyss and Scott Steiner

Mr. Anderson vs. Bully Ray

Triple H Talks About Wrestling Again, His Role As COO, Vince

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The WWE website is featuring an in-character sit-down video interview with WWE COO Triple H, which you can view here.

The Game spoke about his recent rise to power, Vince McMahon being forced out of his job and his own future inside the squared circle.

Triple H said nothing can compare to Vince – who is a visionary and is the man responsible for the WWE Universe as we know it today.

“Nothing can be compared to what Vince McMahon did for this industry. He created it from the ground up with his bare hands,” Hunter said. “I’m just hoping to carry on that legacy and do just as good of job he did for the fans of the WWE Universe everywhere.”

Triple H said he’s a huge fan of professional wrestling and he tries to listen to the fans and give them what they want. He doesn’t work for the talent – he works for the WWE Universe.

Vince taught him that nobody is bigger than WWE. Vince has always lived by the “law of the jungle” – eventually the top lion grows old and gets eaten.

When asked whether his days competing are over, he said:

“Never say never in WWE. I don’t know. If I put myself in the seats of the WWE Universe and the right guy comes along at the right time and it’s the right challenge, would I want to see it? I think there’s your answer.”

Cena vs. Rock News, Edge On SyFy Tonight, Maryse-Kids Choice

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– There is reportedly a WWE executive who is pushing hard for WWE to scrap the planed John Cena vs. The Rock match at WrestleMania 28 next year. While most people feel that the match will take place, the person in question is a high ranking official with a lot of influence with Vince McMahon.

– Speaking of The Rock, he took part in a photo shoot for WWE yesterday. No word yet on what it was for.

– Edge will be appearing on SyFy’s Haven tonight after SmackDown airs.

– WWE Diva Maryse will also be at this weekend’s Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles. She will be joining John Cena and The Miz at the show, who will be presenting an award together.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE SmackDown Preview For Tonight

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Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on SyFy, taped Tuesday night from Lexington, Kentucky:

– Sheamus vs. The Great Khali

– Natalya vs. AJ Lee

– Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd

– Zack Ryder vs. Ezekiel Jackson

– Mark Henry vs. Vladimir Kozlov

– The Usos & Trent Baretta vs. JTG, Michael McGillicutty & David Otunga

– Randy Orton & John Morrison vs. R-Truth & Christian

We’ll also get a new SummerSlam match announced.

SPOILERS For Tonight’s Episode of WWE SmackDown

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

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WWE SmackDown on Syfy

Here are detailed spoiler results for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on SyFy, taped Tuesday night from Lexington, Kentucky. Credit to Wrestling News World for this recap:

* It’s announced that Sheamus will face Mark Henry at SummerSlam but tonight he’ll face The Great Khali.

* Sheamus b. The Great Khali

* Natalya b. AJ and continues the assault after the match.

* Debuting new music, Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd. Winner via LeBell Lock, Daniel Bryan.

* Zack Ryder comes out with WWE Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson. Ryder gets on the mic and Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase interrupt. Teddy Long ends up coming out and informs Ryder he will face Jackson up next.

* WWE Intercontinental Champion Ezekiel Jackson b. Zack Ryder.

* Triple H comes out and ends up giving Zack Ryder the Pedigree off-camera. VIDEO:

* Mark Henry b. Vladimir Kozlov. Henry goes ballastic after the match which brings Sheamus out for the save.

* WWE Tag Team Champions David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty & JTG b. The Usos & Trent Baretta

* World Heavyweight Champion Christian & R-Truth b. Randy Orton & John Morrison when Christian pinned Orton.

X Division Wrestler Says He Is Leaving TNA Wrestling

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Amazing Red announced this afternoon on his Twitter account that he has parted ways with TNA Wrestling. He cites creative differences for his departure from the organization.

Red wrote, “Heys Guyz, I just wanted to let Ya kno 1st…TNA & I parted ways do to the “creative has nothing for you” line, so we r gonna future endeavor each other right now.

“Thanks to my @ImpactWrestling famo & fans… Now “On to the Next one” (Jay-Z).”

Red, however, is still listed as a member of the TNA Wrestling roster on the organization’s official website.

Max Buck, who too parted ways with TNA, reacted to Red’s announcement with the following: “Within a year, you’ve now lost (Jay Lethal), (Jeremy Buck), (Max Buck), & (Amazing Red). C’mon now.”

Red wrote in the response, “Weird huh, (X-Division run).”

Red had been appearing as Sangriento as well as himself in recent months.

Foley To Work WrestleMania? Backstage News On Punk’s Promos

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– As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, it appears that hardcore legend Mick Foley is on his way back to WWE.  According to a reliable source in WWE, Foley is interested in working a match at next year’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view from Miami. When Foley was granted his release from TNA, part of the agreement was that he could not appear on WWE TV until his contract would have expired, which is in September.

– WWE’s website has posted a series of in-character video interviews with John Cena and CM Punk to promote their upcoming WWE Title unification match at the SummerSlam pay-per-view.

In one of the videos, Punk talks about some of the changes he wants to see in WWE now that he’s decided to return to the company – including seeing people like Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler and the WWE divas getting more television time.

– Speaking of Punk, we’ve got some backstage news on his recent promo work. WWE management is breaking from the norm once again with Punk – giving him the basic framework for his promos – but not over-scripting them as they do with most of the WWE talent. Prior to Monday’s RAW, punk was practicing his return promo in the back and going over it with a few other wrestlers.

– Jack Swagger’s wife and former WWE developmental Diva Catalina White is pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Check Out: Pictures of Catalina White – Jack Swagger’s Wife

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Mickie James Looking To Have Fans Fund Her New Music Album

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Mickie James announced Thursday plans to record a second country music album; providing she raises enough money from fans to fund the project.

Through Kickstarter.com, the TNA Women’s Knockout Champion is seeking $5,000 in contributions by September 2, 2011 to begin work on the project. She wrote, “I’m getting ready to go into the studio to record a new project, and I wanted to find a way to offer you a chance to not just pre-order the CD, but to have an exclusive chance to get some other goodies that have never been available (and won’t be available again!).”

Those who pledge $10 receive a copy of the album and MP3.

Those who pledge $25 receive an autographed album and their name in the album’s “thank you’s.”

Those who pledge $50 receive access to an exclusive web concert.

Those who pledge $75 receive a personalized video message from James.

Those who pledge $100 receive a one-of-kind T-shirt painted by James.

Those who pledge $200 have their name listed as an Executive Producer in the new album.

Those who pledge $2,500 receive a 30-minute acoustic concert at their home. However, they will also have to provide James with two plane tickets, a rental car and two hotel rooms.

Those who pledge $10,000 receive all of the above, plus a co-starring role in James’ music video.

Her campaign can be accessed here, which also features a video of James discussing the project. The TNA Knockout has so far raised $1,610.

Update On The Undertaker, ‘Mania Headliners At Teen Choice

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— A photo surfaced online last month showing what appeared to be The Undertaker with a shaved head. There was speculation as to whether or not the image was legit but a WWE source says the SmackDown Superstar did indeed shave his head.

— John Cena and The Miz are scheduled to present awards at this Sunday’s Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is up for the award of Choice Movie: Action Actor, will also be on hand for the event.

— Shawn Michaels is in Africa filming episodes of Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures. The episodes are scheduled to air in the fall.

— A WWE live event scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas will be a Supershow featuring talent from Raw and SmackDown. Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 27, 2011.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Jeremiah Riggs Continues To Trash WWE Developmental

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Tough Enough contestant Jeremiah Riggs appeared on Hit The Ropes Radio (interview available at HitTheRopes.com, beginning in the second hour). He discussed his time on the USA Network reality series, as well as his recent stop in Florida Championship Wrestling. Interview highlights are as follows:

On the promo he cut in FCW that led to an issue with Dusty Rhodes: “I don’t know the whole system on how, I guess, things work around here. If you give somebody a microphone and you tell them they’ve got one minute, go have fun, hey this is your time, do what you need to do. And you’ve got a guy who goes out there, bar none…there’s nothing about Jeremiah Riggs that is like anybody else. I don’t have to be the next Stone Cold, I don’t need to be the next Triple H, I don’t need to do anything but be the one and only up-and-coming, Jerry Riggs.

“That’s the only thing I care about. So after I do what I do, we’re having a daggone good time. I might have dropped an F-bomb but hey, I didn’t see a big deal in that and I didn’t do it again once I was told not to do it. Man, I’m having fun. Even after the altercation with me and Dusty, or whatever he wanted to do, I sat down on the chair, put my hat on my knee and started laughing and said ‘Guys, I’m just having fun.’ I don’t want ya’ to think that I’m being pissy but hey, man, don’t someone just going to run over me. I even told them, ‘It ain’t no disrespect.’ It ain‘t nothing like that. I’m just saying. It would have been better if I had some guidelines.”

On phoniness in FCW: “Sometimes locker rooms are just like beauty parlors. It’s nothing but a bunch of drama and a bunch gossip. I like to consider myself away from that stuff. That’s like after the promo stuff. Don’t shake my hand and then whenever something goes down walk past me like, ‘I don’t know that dude.’ That’s phony. That’s being fake to me.”

On having the opportunity to do Tough Enough and wrestling thus far: “I enjoyed the opportunity. I am very pleased to be apart of what I been apart of. Never dreamed in a million years I would have been apart of anything like that. And I pride myself on that. Like I said, we’ll see what happens. I’m not promising anything. I’m not writing books and stuff about it but we’ll see what happens down the road. I’m not a fortune teller.”

Other Interview Topics

* Says he’ll give Seth Rollins his two minutes of radio time before responding to Rollins’ claim that he was “10 words from getting his ass kicked.”

* Names his favorite wrestlers growing up.

* Speaks of his time in the military, doing a tour in Afghanistan.

* Mentions whether or not he would go to TNA if they came to him.

* Talks of how injuries played a part in Tough Enough and thinks they should separate the ladies from the guys.

Wrestler Removed From Raw Roster, HHH Scheduled For Fallon

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— Husky Harris has been removed from WWE.com’s Raw Superstars page. He is, however, still under contract to WWE as he is still listed as a member of Florida Championship Wrestling.

Harris last appeared on WWE programming on the January 31, 2011 episode of Raw as he and Michael McGillicutty unsuccessfully challenged Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Following the bout, Randy Orton attacked both individuals for costing him the opportunity to recapture the WWE Championship in an earlier match, and punted Harris in the head. This was a scripted injury to write the second generation wrestler off television and demote him to developmental.

Harris resurfaced in FCW as the hockey mask-wearing character Axl Mulligan but has since appeared as himself.

— Triple H will be a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Friday night. Tune in to NBC at 12:35/11:35 CT to see “The Game” on the hit talk show.

— WWE producer Dean Malenko turns 51 years old today.