The ratings are in for Monday’s “RAW Roulette” show ..
RAW a drew a 3.1 rating and averaged 4,943,000 viewers for the two-hour broadcast.
The show did hourly ratings of of 3.1 and 3.16 – and the two hours of RAW were ranked the #1 and #2 overall blocks of television on all of cable for the night.
Among males 18-49, Raw scored a 2.42 rating – which is the best number RAW has drawn in that demographic in several months.
(Sources: pwtorch.com, pwinsider.com)
Hulk Hogan has responded to his ex-wife Linda’s claims on the Today show that he was physically abusive towards her during their marriage – completely denying the claims and calling her “delusional.”
Hogan called into the Bubba The Love Sponge satellite radio show on Tuesday morning and gave his side of the story. Hogan said Linda told NBC host Matt Lauer a “cold, blatant lie” and explained that he has no reason to respond to Linda.
Hulk told Buba that Linda is “still riding on the Hulk Hogan name” and is just trying to exploit his popularity – like the Ultimate Warrior and the Iron Shiek. “They all belong together.”
You can listen to audio from the interview segment here, courtesy of Bubba The Love Sponge:
The WWE website announced on Monday night after RAW that CM Punk was suspended indefinitely and “Effectively Terminated.”
The company website posted the following storyline update on Tuesday afternoon regarding Punk’s status with the company:
“UPDATE: As of Tuesday, June 28, WWE and CM Punk have reached an agreement that Punk will fulfill his non-televised live event obligations for the remainder of his contract, through July 17. Furthermore, both sides have mutually agreed not to disparage one another.”
Related News:
Former WWE star Sean Waltman posts a video talking about Monday’s episode of RAW, including CM Punk’s shoot promo:
— Gunner stated on his Twitter account that he will face AJ Styles this Thursday on Impact Wrestling in a “Bound For Glory Series” match. He also said Samoa Joe will face Devon in the BFG Series.
— Bob Ryder, Director of Talent Bookings and Travel for TNA Wrestling, refuted online reports via Twitter that Homicide and Jack Evans were backstage at yesterday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.
— TNA Wrestling performer Brooke Adams (a/k/a Miss Tessmacher) competed in the 15th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant last Saturday in Miami, Florida. Representing the Hooters restaurant in Kirby, Texas, she was one of 100 contestants. She did not finish in the top ten.
— Kurt Angle will be on hand for an autograph signing this Saturday at the Wrestling Universe 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, New York. Visit WrestlingUniverseOnline.com for more information.
Check out these videos from Monday’s memorable episode of WWE RAW, courtesy of the WWE Youtube channel.
As per the storyline that CM Punk was suspended for his promo at the end of RAW, WWE did not post a video of Punk’s promo to the WWE Youtube channel. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check out video of Punk’s epic RAW promo here.
Shawn Michaels’ return to Raw is interrupted
Sin Cara vs. Evan Bourne – Raw Roulette No Count-out
Kane vs. CM Punk – Raw Roulette Mystery Opponent Match
Rey Mysterio & Alex Riley vs. The Miz & Jack Swagger
Alberto Del Rio spins the Raw Roulette wheel
Sweet Chin Music befalls Drew McIntyre
Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler
Kelly Kelly vs. Nikki Bella – Raw Roulette Submission
Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio – Raw Roulette Steel Cage
John Cena vs. R-Truth – Raw Roulette Tables Match
Ring of Honor star Colt Cabana is back with another installment of his new “Creative Has Nothing For You” video series.
For those who missed the first episode (view here), the show features Colt Cabana and comedian Marty DeRosa “dueling it out in these comical sketches celebrating the relationship between wrestlers and writers.”
This week – Colt is told to wear a mask in the ring because he looks “too Jewish.’ Check out Episode 2 here:
Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife Linda appeared on NBC’s Today show this morning and was interviewed by Matt Lauer to promote her new tell-all book, “Wrestling With The Hulk.”
The most newsworthy part of the interview is Linda claiming that Hulk was physically violent with her during their marriage, a claim we haven’t heard from her before.
Here’s a recap of her appearance, courtesy of SEScoops.com reader Mark Christie, as well as a video clip of the appearance:
– Matt Lauer started off by saying that they reached out to Hulk Hogan, but he had no comment. Linda was asked about her statements that drugs were rampant in the wrestling world during Hulk’s career. She said that drugs were always around the house, from painkillers to steroids. According to Linda, Hogan would often become violent, throwing chairs, smashing doors, and choking her.
– Linda stated that “Hogan Knows Best” was good for the family in that it brought them together during tough times. Their marriage ended shortly after the series was finished.
– * Pictures of LINDA HOGAN & Her 21-Year-Old Boyfriend
– Lauer then asked her about Nick Hogan’s role in the accident that seriously injured John Graziano. Linda actually said that the eight months that Nick received was too harsh of a sentence. Ugh! Lauer then concluded the interview by plugging the book.
– Overall, Linda came across as very self absorbed. She took no responsibility for her divorce, placing all the blame on Hogan. Watching her saying that Nick’s sentence was too harsh was truly nauseating. It seems that in her eyes, Nick is the golden child who can do no wrong. She showed no concern for Graziano, or his family.?Hopefully, her book will be in the dollar bin soon.
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– REMINDER: WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels’ new outdoor lifestyle TV show, “Shawn Michaels Macmillan River Adventures” premieres tonight at 11:30pm EST on the Outdoor Channel.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper wrote on Twitter that he’s considering taking Drew McIntyre under his wing. Piper got good feedback about the idea and said he’s going to consider it.
– Michael Cole said on RAW that Mason Ryan was injured over the weekend. We haven’t heard anything about Ryan being injured, but he didn’t wrestle on this weekend’s live events, so we’ll ask around about this.
– Former WWE Superstar JBL wrote on Twitter that he’s currently involved in helping troubled youth in Bermuda:
“Helping some great folks put a program together for gangs here in Bermuda-giving kids an alternative. Most exciting thing I have ever done!”
– WWE will tape tonight’s NXT and Friday’s episode of SmackDown from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
– Diamond Dallas Page wrote the following on Twitter last night his appearance on Monday’s RAW:
“I had Great time promoting the “Very Best of Nitro” on Raw! I hear the WCW DVD is kicking Ass sakes vice … That all because of U Guys Bang”
– CM Punk’s superstar profile has been removed from the WWE website.
– MVP will be filming a music video tomorrow for his single “Holla 2 The World.”
Last week on RAW, CM Punk announced that he is leaving WWE when his contract expires next month, the day after WWE’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view. Punk vowed to capture John Cena’s WWE title at MITB and leave the company as champion.
Punk made headlines last week by a statement he posted on Twitter, which was identical to a blog post he made back in 2005 when he was on his way out of Ring of Honor. He wrote last week:
“I knew I was gone at the beginning of the year. I just woke up one day and I knew. That’s the way I work a lot of the time. I think it’s creepy too, but it’s really helpful. I knew I’d be history by July. Come say goodbye on July 17th. I promise to go out with a bang. Trust me. XxX”
Over the weekend, Punk continued to shed light on how his decision to leave WWE is affecting him. He tweeted:
“It’s scary, doing something your whole life, and looking at a calendar to see you have just 23 more days of doing it.”
“Punk also Re-Tweeted one of Chavo Guerrero’s about his WWE release being legitimate.
Following Monday’s RAW and the RAW tapings that took place after the show (airing next Monday night), we’ve got an updated card for WWE’s upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view on Sunday, July 17th.
After this week’s RAW went off the air, it was announced that CM Punk has been suspended from WWE and will not be participating in the WWE championship match at MITB. At the start of RAW, a #1 contender’s match was held to determine who would challenge Cena instead of Punk. Del Rio won the match, however, it was announced later in the tapings by Vince McMahon that Punk was re-instated – and will in fact challenge John Cena for the title on his last night in WWE. If Cena is unable to retrain the title, Vince McMahon said he will be fired.
All that said – here’s the updated card coming out of Monday’s RAW taping for next week:
WWE Title Match
John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
* If Punk wins, John Cena is fired.
RAW Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston vs. R-Truth vs. Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger vs. Alex Rile
SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Participants TBA
WWE Divas Title Match
Kelly Kelly (c) vs. Brie Bella
Credit to Rob for sending in the following TNA Impact Wrestling spoilers from Monday night, set to air this Thursday on Spike:
* Samoa Joe beat Devon in what was a Bound For Glory Series match
* Segment with Mr. Anderson and Hulk Hogan. Sting interrupts, hit Hogan with the bat and played the Joker role.
* The returning Low-Ki beat Jimmy Wang Yang and Matt Bentley in a three-way.
* The British Invasion turn face on Mexican America and a match is announced for next week between the two teams.
* Six Knockouts Elimination Tag match ends when Mickie wins for her team of Miss Tessmacher and Tara against Angelina Love, Winter and Madison Rayne.
* AJ Styles and Daniels sign their contract for Destination X. Jerry Lynn came out which brought out Rob Van Dam. A four-way is announced for next week.
* Sting beat Scott Steiner. Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson attacked Sting after the match. This brought out Hulk Hogan to join in. Kurt Angle made the save to end the show.
Batista took to Twitter last to comment on Finlay’s departure from WWE earlier this year.
“So I’m going to say this because I said I would elaborate later….and I’m sure I’ll get some grief over it but I don’t realy care. and this is completely the opinion of an outsider looking in,” Batista wrote.
“I only know what I’ve been told about Fit Finlay’s release and I dont know exactly what happened…but no one in this world could convince me that Fit, the honorable man that he is, did anything that would warrant him losing his livelihood. I wouldn’t have made it to the top without fit, and I wouldn’t have made it through alot of the longass unbearable tours either.
“I seriously think that there’s a huge void in the WWE without him. He isn’t replaceable.”
Finlay was fired from his producer’s after authorizing the interruption of the American national anthem by The Miz during a live event.
Batista was also asked to comment on Melina, his former associate. He wrote, “beautiful, talented, hope she gets out of wrestling asap.”
WWE is taped next week’s July 4th episode RAW this Monday from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Credit to to readers Neil and Erica for the following results:
* The Money in the Bank briefcase is suspended above the ring
* Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. R-Truth is announced for tonight in a #1 contender’s match for the WWE Title at Money in the Bank. Alex Riley vs. The Miz is also announced.
* John Cena comes out and says Punk has been stripped of the match at MITB. Cena says they are going to act as if Punk never existed in WWE. Cena isn’t happy with what happened but says Punk has a right to say what he wants. Cena wants answers from Vince McMahon and wants them tonight and he wants Punk at the pay-per-view.
* Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres beat The Bella Twins.
* R-Truth is backstage upset about having to compete in a #1 contender’s match tonight. Alberto Del Rio appears and tells Truth that it’s his destiny.
* David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty beat Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov. Zack Ryder appeared on the stage after the match, did the “woo woo you know it” and left.
* Backstage interview with The Miz upset about not being in the #1 contender’s match tonight.
* Jack Swagger beat Sgt. Slaughter. Swagger put the ankle lock on after the match until Evan Bourne made the save. Slaughter led us in the Pledge of Allegiance for the 4th of July.
* Alberto Del Rio beat R-Truth and Rey Mysterio by making Rey submit to become the new #1 contender to the WWE Title.
* Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler are having a Fourth of July party in the ring since he is the United States Champion. Vickie wants everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Dolph but they don’t so Vickie sings to Dolph.
* Dolph says that he is the best superstar and he is in his prime. Dolph says that as long as he is the United States Champion, it is the only title that matters.
* Kofi Kingston comes out to the ring and he says that without Vickie in his corner, Dolph cannot beat him. Dolph tells Kofi that he is at a higher level than Kofi and that Kofi should leave his party. Vickie gets pushed into the birthday cake and then Kofi and Dolph brawl.
* Alex Riley beat The Miz with a roll up. After the match, Miz got mad and attacked Riley, beat him down and hit him with the ring steps. Miz then threw Riley into the announcer’s table, kicked him in the face and left.
* Vince McMahon comes out and talks about CM Punk, saying he deserved to be suspended. John Cena comes out and asks Vince if Punk got under his skin. Cena wants answers. Vince couldn’t risk Punk taking the WWE Title to another company. Vince told Cena to not be like Hulk Hogan and be a man. Vince says it doesn’t matter what anyone wants, CM Punk is gone.
Cena says if he can’t wrestle Punk, then he’s gone and hands Vince the belt. Vince stops him and says here Cena is walking out on him like everyone else has. Vince reinstates Punk but if Cena loses at Money in the Bank, he’s fired.
* Check out this video of the closing segment of RAW, courtesy of SEScoops.com reader Dilhan .. The video is not the best quality, but it’s better than nothing, right? Right?
The following comes from WWE.com:
“Monday Night Raw’s abrupt conclusion last night was not due to technical difficulties. The decision to suddenly end the broadcast in that manner was made by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, who gave this quote to WWE.com:
“CM Punk was suspended indefinitely for his unprofessional conduct as soon as Raw went off the air.”
With his WWE contract expiring on July 17, one can only assume that this suspension effectively terminates CM Punk’s tenure with WWE.”
COMMENT BELOW & tell us what you think about CM Punk’s shoot promo that ended Monday’s RAW and resulted in him being suspended by WWE.
Updates:
– After Monday’s RAW from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas went off the air, Michael Cole announced that WWE has suspended CM Punk indefinitely.
– WWE will be taping next week’s episode of RAW tonight as well – stay tuned for those spoilers.
– The participants of the RAW brand’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match for the upcoming PPV have been announced. They are: The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne, Alex Riley and Jack Swagger.
The main event of Money In The Bank will see WWE Champion John Cena defend against CM Punk in his last day as a WWE superstar.
We want to know what YOU thought about Monday’s episode of WWE RAW.
COMMENT BELOW and give us your feedback on RAW Roulette
— WWE.com officially announced Monday that Kelly Kelly will be defending the Divas Championship against Brie Bella next month at Money in the Bank.
Brie is enacting her rematch clause for the event after losing the strap last week to Kelly. The blonde grappler then beat Nikki in a Raw Roulette Submission Match last night.
— Bret Hart is advertised to appear at the July 24 SmackDown live event scheduled for the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. The WWE Hall of Famer will be the Special Guest Referee for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match between Randy Orton and Christian.
— Former WWE Tag Team Champion Heidenreich celebrates his 42nd birthday today.
– The word at the courthouse in Moore County, North Carolina today was that Jeff Hardy’s court case would be pushed back until Thursday of this week, due to other cases on today’s docket. We’re still waiting on official word.
– TNA will be taping two episodes of Impact Wrestling this week from the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida with the final build for the Destination X pay-per-view.
SEScoops.com can confirm that Jack Evans, Homicide, Low-Ki, Matt Bentley and Jimmy Wang Yang are all backstage at tonight’s Impact Wrestling taping. Scheduled for tonight’s taping:
* A face-to-face confrontation between Sting and Hulk Hogan.
* A 3-way X-Division match.
*AJ Styles vs. Gunner.
* Samoa Joe vs. Devon.
* An elimination match between Mickie James & Tara & Miss Tessmacher vs. Angelina Love & Winter & Madison Rayne.
— Retired WWE Diva Michelle McCool posted a list for MichelleMcCool.net counting down the top 10 things that she won’t miss while traveling on the road—many of which concerning hearsay.
* “The GLAMOROUS life of traveling: You know, lost baggage, delayed flights, traveling 27 hours straight in the same clothes without showering while on EVERY form of transportation imaginable, all due to volcanic ash… I get it! It happens!”
* “Someone telling me something “they know” about me, me confirming that it’s not true… only for them to tell me it is! OK… you’re right!”
* “Oh… hearing that “YOU’RE ONLY ON TV BECAUSE… (insert 8,672 + infinity other things that you’d like to now)!!!””
Click here to view the complete list including the number one thing that will not be missed while traveling on the road.
— The June 24 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.72 cable rating, up from a year low 1.71 the previous week.
SmackDown averaged 2.397 million viewers, down from 2.71 the previous week. This extends the program’s streak of less than 3.0 million viewers to eight consecutive weeks.
It was the least watched episode of 2011.
source: PWInsider.com
Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will take place from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and will feature a special RAW Roulette Theme, where match stipulations will be chosen by spinning a roulette wheel.
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels will be appearing on tonight’s show – and there’s been talk that HBK will be the person in charge of spinning the wheel throughout the evening.
One match confirmed for RAW is Sin Cara vs. Evan Bourne, which was supposed to take place on last week’s “Power to the People” RAW but did not due to technical difficulties with the voting.
WWE will also be taping next week’s episode of RAW tonight after RAW goes off the air. This double taping is a result of the WWE crew leaving for the upcoming Australian tour later this week.
The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally is John Cena, Rey Mysterio and the Big Show vs. CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and R-Truth.
Here’s a look at the RAW Roulette wheel that will be used tonight:
– Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson announced on Twitter on Monday that he’s signed on to appear in the next “G.I. Joe” movie. Rock posted a picture of himself with the G.I. Joe logo and the caption, “It’s official: Call the Pentagon, get me my big ass gun – Rocks a JOE! “
– Diamond Dallas Page revealed on Twitter that he’s backstage in Las Vegas for tonight’s WWE RAW. Page posted a picture of himself and several WWE crew members in front of a steel cage – a strong indication that we’ll see a cage match on tonight’s show. DDP is expected to make a cameo on tonight’s show to promote the new Best of WCW Nitro DVD set.
– Former ROH champion Tyler Black (now Seth Rollins in FCW) recently had this to say on Twitter about wrestling in the rain at a recent FCW show and his upcoming WWE TV debut:
“Wrestled in the pouring rain for the first time in my near 7 year career. It was awesome. Kind of made me realize I’ve been having a lot of fun in FCW. But at the same time I can’t wait to get on the road and take WWE…and the world..by storm. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be and in my heart of hearts I feel that my time is near.”
In his latest online video show, TNA star Matt Hardy gets his long hair shaved off by his girlfriend, Reby Sky. The video description reads:
“Reby shows a true act of love as she not only trims Matt’s hair, but she trims Matt’s terrifying “fly-hairs” on Matt’s back! And Matt raps about the experience, enjoy!”
.. and here’s the video:
Matt posted another video of himself and Reby Sky visiting Shane Helms, who is still recovering from his recent motorcycle accident that resulted in several surgeries:
