Home Blog Page 3197

“The Language Of WWE” – List Of Banned & Allowed Terms

89

As part of WWE’s recent “rebranding” effort (dropping “World Wrestling Entertainment” as the official company name, banning the word “wrestling”) – a document that was distributed internally has leaked out titled “The Language of WWE.” According to the Figure 4 Wrestling Newsletter, he document was sent to employees who do international voice-overs for WWE programming outside of the United States.

The sheet includes a list of words and phrases that have now been deemed “Incorrect Terminology” – along with what they consider the “Correct Terminology” to be used on their televised shows. From “The Language of WWE” –

“World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is a publicly traded entertainment company (NYSE: WWE) that creates and delivers a weekly action soap opera to its passionate fans.

WWE has been a recognized leader in entertainment for more than 25 years and has developed into one of the most popular and sophisticated forms of global entertainment today.

As a global entertainment brand, the language that we use when communicating on WWE is critical.

Please ensure that you are familiar and employing the below, effective immediately. “

Here are some of the terms that are banned and the alternatives that WWE wants used:

* “Wrestling” or “catch” is banned. Some European countries still use the term “catch” to describe pro wrestling and “catchers” to describe wrestlers.

* The following phrases are incorrect: “Wrestling is broadcast in 145 countries,” or “Catch is broadcast in 145 countries.” The correct terminology is: “WWE is broadcast in 145 countries.”

* Even the word “Sports” is no longer allowed. Instead, WWE is to be referred to as “Entertainment” or an “Action Soap Opera.” Seriously.

WWE gives these examples: “WWE is exciting entertainment” or “WWE is an exciting action soap opera”

* “Athletes” or “Sportsmen” are not allowed either. WWE gives the following example to use: “WWE Superstars are entertainers with tremendous athletic prowess.”

* The terms “fight” and “fighting” are not allowed. Matches must be referred to as “matches,” “bouts,” and “action.”

“The Language of WWE” concludes with the following “Key Soundbytes” to be used:

* “WWE is pure entertainment”

* “WWE is an action soap opera”

* “WWE Superstars are entertainers with tremendous athletic prowess”

COMMENT BELOW and tell us what YOU think about WWE distancing itself from anything having to do with “wrestling” and sports?

Is WWE right to ban this terminology and instead present themselves as an “exciting action soap opera” ?

Edge’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction, WWE Highlights The 90s

10

— Many within WWE feel that WrestleMania will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2013 and both Edge and Trish Stratus will be inducted into the Hall of Fame that year.

— The theme for WWE Classics On Demand programming during the month of May is the ’90s. A video teaser has been released with The Rock, Shawn Michaels, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and the nWo prominently highlighted. The promo indicates that WWE Classics On Demand will count down the greatest matches of the ’90s.

— The latest episode of Legends of Wrestling premieres today on WWE Classics On Demand. The episode examines the effect Canada has had on on professional wrestling. Panelists include Bret Hart, Jim Ross, Michael Hayes and Pat Patterson.

— Former WWE star Mo of Men on a Mission fame celebrates his 47th birthday today.

source: f4wonline.com

Kim Denies Retirement Rumors, Match Taped For “Superstars”

9

— Gail Kim responded to speculation online that she may retire in the near future.

“Retiring? haha why would I do that?” she wrote on Twitter. “I can still go with the best and still look good :))))hehe can’t get rid of me that easily! Haters u wish!”

Kim also commented on former TNA rival Awesome Kong joining the promotion.

She wrote, “Looks like my old friend is coming :) I’m ready 4 round 2. Anytime. Anywhere. We have some unfinished business….”

— Chris Masters vs. Curt Hawkins was taped last night in Albany, New York for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars.

Though WWE Superstars was canceled by WGN America, the show will continue to air internationally. It is unclear whether WWE will feature the program online as no announcement has been made.

— Trent Barreta beat Johnny Curtis in a dark match prior to last night’s television taping.

source: PWInsider.com

Bill DeMott Says TE Contestants Didn’t Deserve To Be At ‘Mania

12

Monday Night Mayhem with Bill DeMott
Hosts: The Big Mosh and “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent
Report by Paterson from N.J.
Airs every Monday at 6:00 P.M. (CT)
Show available at MondayNightMayhem.com.

Why he made the decision to return to the WWE as a trainer for Tough Enough: “It’s very simple. I was sitting home, and my phone rang. I looked at the area code. It was 203, and I said ‘Damn what did I do now?’ Anytime I see those three numbers for Connecticut, the first thing I think is ‘What did I do?’ It was John Gaburick, my friend for years and who ran the Tough Enough’s in years past. Before he could get the sentence out of his mouth, I said I was in. He didn’t have to explain anything, or after the hereafters, and who was apart of it. Before I knew it was ‘Stone Cold’ (Steve Austin), Trish (Stratus), and Booker (T) I was in, because I take great pride in associating myself with the Tough Enough brand.”

How the Tough Enough contestants took to WrestleMania weekend and the overall experience of WrestleMania XXVII: “I don’t think they got it, and there’s a part of me that says they did not deserve to be there. I don’t mean it disrespectfully. I understand Raw and premiere the kids there, but WrestleMania? You have to earn that spot. There’s cats on the roster that weren’t at WrestleMania, so I don’t think they understood it. I just thought they were like ‘Wow, we’re at WrestleMania, and there’s cameras ollowing us, and we’re it right now.’ I guess that’s my crossover with Reality TV right now. I’m always going to protect the business.”

How many of the Tough Enough contestants (besides the winner) he believes have the potential to perform in the WWE: “If I gave my honest opinion, which I pretty much do 99 percent of the time, there might be three that have potential to go to the farm system. The finale will be live, so everybody will see who the two or three are. I think for reality TV, a lot of people are picking their favorite talent and putting their money on them. I think every week someone is going to be shocked at what happens.”

Whether or not there have been discussions of a return to the ring or the announcer’s table after the season finale of WWE Tough Enough airs: “There’s been some very interesting conversations since returning from L.A. and shooting the first nine weeks of the series. I think people are going to be very surprised if they see me back in anything other than Tough Enough. I like Tough Enough to be my baby and be there as long as they’ll have me, and I feel like even after the training stuff is done in producing and bringing the show further and further. But I think people are going to be surprised at my role, whether it be a new role or an old role with WWE. I have to say, don’t cash me out of making an in-ring appearance or two.”

VIDEO Of Edge’s Post-SmackDown Farewell Speech

19

Following Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Albany, New York, Edge came down to the ring one final time and did a “five second pose” with Christian in front of the live crowd. (SPOILERS)

The entire WWE roster (including Triple H) came out from the back and paid tribute to the Rated R Superstar, who wrestled his final match at WrestleMania 27 and is being forced into retirement due to injury.

Edge gave a long farewell speech, thanking everyone he could think of – including Christian, Lita, Kane and Vickie Guerrero.

According to a few live reports that were sent in from fans who were at the show, Edge’s farewell address was emotional and classy.

A much-deserved “Hall of Fame” chant broke out, which Edge seemed to really appreciate.

Check out this video of what happened after Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings:

Awesome Kong’s Debut, WWE Overseas Tour Begins Today

5

– WWE kicks off another overseas tour today – with the RAW and SmackDown crews heading to Europe for the annual WrestleMania Revenge Tour. The first show is tonight in Glasgow, Scottland and there will be a total of 22 live events on the tour, which concludes on April 24th.

As we reported here last week, WWE is expected to cut a bunch of superstars from the main roster as soon as the tour is over.

Stan sent in word that Monday’s episode of RAW featured 32 minutes and 19 seconds of “in-ring action” (what’s wrestling?) – which is up from the previous week’s 30 minutes and 11 seconds.

– On Monday’s episode of RAW, WWE aired the first teaser promo hyping the upcoming debut of Awesome Kong. The teaser video, which you can view below, has labeled on the WWE website with the caption:

“A twisted new force is coming to WWE.”

Kong has not said much on Twitter since the promo aired .. She did however tweet on Monday night, “T minus” ..

VIDEO: Edge’s Farewell Speech Airing On Friday

5

The Rated R superstar Edge gave another farewell speech during Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, which will air Friday night on SyFy. Check out this video shot by an SEScoops fan of Edge’s farewell speech:

Pictures: Farewell Celebration For Edge After SmackDown

8

Following Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Albany, New York, Edge came down to the ring one final time and did a “five second pose” with Christian in front of the live crowd. (SPOILERS)

The entire WWE roster (including Triple H) came out from the back and paid tribute to the Rated R Superstar, who wrestled his final match at WrestleMania 27 and is being forced into retirement due to injury. You can see pictures of the WWE roster paying tribute to Edge after SmackDown here:

Edge gave a long farewell speech, thanking everyone he could think of – including Christian, Lita, Kane and Vickie Guerrero.

According to a few live reports that were sent in from fans who were at the show, Edge’s farewell address was emotional and classy.

A much-deserved “Hall of Fame” chant broke out, which Edge seemed to really appreciate.

WWE cameras were filming the farewell address, so that footage will likely be posted online this week or could even be used for a future WWE DVD release.

UPDATE: Here is a more detailed recap of Edge’s post-SmackDown farewell speech, sent in by reader Eric Sturrock:

After Smackdown, went off the air, we were left with Edge and Christian in the ring.

Christian talks about the two of them together over the years. They say its time for a everyone with flash photography to get a 5 second pose for the final time ever. They do one towards the camera and then opposite camera and Edge is joking around doing karate moves.

Every single person backstage comes out on the stage. All the Superstars, Refs, etc. And they are all clapping. Edge gets emotional and looks back at them and walks around the ring. Edge goes to talk but can’t. Big Show, Rey Mysterio, and Chavo Guerrero come down to the ring and hug him and talk. Triple H’s music starts to play and HHH comes down to the ring. HHH gives Edge a big hug and they talk to each other. Edge is crying. I really hope WWE releases this on DVD or somewhere else as they have two cameramen in the ring recording plus the two cameras in the crowd.

Everyone is clapping and chanting “Edge” The Superstars in the ring leave back to the stage. Edge goes to follow but HHH tells him to stay in the ring. The tron shows Edge’s mom crying in the front row. Everyone on the stage leaves. Edge says he is really surprised and he did not know that was going to happen.

Edge says he has a lot of people he wants to thank. Edge thanks all the superstars backstage, the guys who set up and tear down the ring. Edge thanks the ring bell guy and everyone else ringside. He thanks the people who build the Titantron, he thanks the people who make the “Rated R Superstar” graphic on the tron. He thanks everyone in catering; he thanks the writers Brian Gerwertz and Michael Hayes. Edge says his career would not be where it is today if not for Hayes.

Edge says he wants to thank Vince not Mr. McMahon. He said Vince was the one person who believed in him and Edge knows he did not let him down. Edge thanks Christian as for all the years they were together because of the WWE. He says they reached their dream at Wrestlemania 16 when they stood on the ladders holding the tag titles in the air together.

Edge thanks Lita for all the fun they had together, Edge says for everyone to get their minds out of the gutter. He laughs and says, “OK we did it.”

Edge says he wants to thank Vickie Guerrero. Crowd boos. Edge laughs and says see she is doing great. Edge says Vickie is such a nice person and helped him in his career.

Edge says he does not want to ruin this person’s reputation but wants to thank Kane. Edge says Kane was a very close friend to him and was always there for him.

A fan yells to hug his Mom. Edge says he will hug his mom in a second. Edge talks to Booker and thanks him for everything.

Edge says he can’t do any more Edgaroonis as the last one he did gave him mat burn on his face. Booker T laughs.

Fans chants “Hall of Fame”. Edge says he hopes to be there someday.

Edge thanks all of his fans for all they have done. Edge says that we won’t see him for a long long time as he is going to take a lot of time to do things. He talks about mountains with his dogs and surfing in Nicaragua.

Edge puts the microphone down and goes outside the ring. Edge goes all around the ring shaking hands and signing autographs for people.

Either Michael Cole or Josh Matthews, when on the stage leaving bow down to Edge. Edge goes up to a guy who looks like him (Brother or Cousin?) and the hugs then and his Mom. Edge walks up the ramp and poses and walks backstage.

Kurt Angle Says He Is Re-Signing With TNA

25

TNA star Kurt Angle announced on his Twitter page that he is signing a new deal with TNA Wrestling.

“To all my Fans and Friends, I’m signing a new deal with TNA. We are working out the Kinks but I’m staying. So please tune in every Thurs night. I gave it much thought, TNA is the underdog. I feel I can help them go to the next level. WWE is the top company. But being the Face of TNA is great. TNA has so much potential. I believe in TNA. I Love Dixie Carter and I am staying. TNA wants to help me into Movies and Anglefoods. TNA is IT”

There had been speculation as to whether Kurt Angle would return to WWE once his TNA contract expired this summer, but Angle’s announcement puts that talk to rest.

* Pictures of KURT ANGLE’s 24-Year-Old Fiance – She’s a Model

(Source: Twitter.com/anglefoods1)

Chris Jericho Advances To Week 5 On DWTS

5

On Wednesday’s Dancing With The Stars results show, Chris Jericho & his partner Cheryl Burke were announced as safe from elimination this week. They now move onto week 5 of the competition and will dance again on Monday night.

The duo scored 23 points out of 30 this week after dancing the Paso.

Check Out: VIDEO: Chris Jericho on Dancing with the Stars (Week 4)

*Spoiler* Updated Card For WWE Extreme Rules (5/1)

27

SESCOOPS will be doing LIVE COVERAGE of EXTREME RULES

Following Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings (set to air this Friday), here’s the updated card for Extreme Rules:

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship
The Miz (c) vs. John Cena vs. R-Truth

Ladder Match for the Vacant World Heavyweight Title
Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio

Tag Team Match
Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross vs. Michael Cole and Jack Swagger

WWE RAW & Tough Enough Ratings For Monday Night

8

The ratings are in for Monday’s episodes of WWE RAW and WWE Tough Enough – and both shows are down from the prior week’s post-WrestleMania shows.

– Monday’s WWE RAW drew a 3.45 rating, down 10% from last week’s 3.82.

This week’s 2-hour broadcast averaged 5.45 million viewers, down only 3% from last week’s 5.60 million viewers.

This week’s first hour drew a 3.37 rating (5.34 million viewers) and the second hour drew a 3.52 (5.56 million viewers).

– Monday’s episode of Tough Enough in the new 8pm timeslot (before RAW) drew a 1.81 rating, down 27% from last week’s premier, which drew a 2.51.

This week’s viewership was 2.79 million viewers, down 16% from last week’s 3.33 million viewers.

Overall, not a bad showing this week for for WWE. A slight drop from the post-WrestleMania shows was expected, but the numbers held on pretty strong.

(Source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Hulk Hogan Getting Back In Shape, Possible Return This Year

32

Since undergoing a number of back surgeries in the past year, TNA star Hulk Hogan is getting back in very good physical shape. . He  has been working out a lot and it appears the procedures have been a huge success in terms of reducing the level of pain he has been dealing with on a daily basis.

While there is no confirmation just yet, it is possible that Hogan will be returning to the ring later this year. TNA has been hinting at an Anderson vs. Hogan feud.

Hogan has also been involved in the Bischoff-Hervey Productions project, Hulk Hogan’s Micro Championship Wrestling. The show will air on TruTv, and while it was thought that Hogan would simply lend his name to the show, that has since changed. The show was initially supposed to be a reality TV project about the wrestlers, but Hogan was not happy with the quality of the product. The series has been changed and it now features Hogan’s attempts to improve and fix the product, including legitimately letting talents go. The new version is said to be very different, and much better than the original plan.

Hogan’s involvement in the Micro Championship Wrestling company has garnered them some mainstream media attention.

(Partial source: PWInsider.com)

New Details On Edge’s Retirement & Future Plans

26

As we confirmed here on Monday night, Edge is in fact retiring from the squared circle and has almost certainly wrestled his last WWE match ever. Edge has stated publicly in recent interviews that he planned to retire in two years, but had told others in WWE that he felt like he could go for another five years. Now that we know how bad his neck really is after last week’s MRI (with doctors saying they could never medically clear him to wrestle again), it’s frightening to think that Edge had a ladder match coming up in a few weeks and almost certainly would have done even more damage to his neck in the coming months and years.

With reality setting in that Edge’s in-ring career is over, it’s time to start looking ahead. It’s said that Edge has some writing projects that he will be working on and his next set of life goals do not have much to do with wrestling. The feeling in WWE that Edge will always remain on good terms with the company, but he probably won’t be working full time behind-the-scenes as an agent. This is despite many of his peers saying on Twitter that Edge has a great mind for the business and could still contribute without stepping foot in a ring.

Regarding Edge and the World Heavyweight Title, there was some confusion at RAW last night as to why WWE didn’t put Alberto Del Rio over at WrestleMania 27 if they knew there was even a small chance that Edge would be leaving soon.

While WWE’s announcement notes that Edge got his MRI results the Monday after WrestleMania, sources indicate that he’s been feeling more intense pain for a few weeks now but didn’t think he would be forced to retire. Had WWE known Edge would have to retire soon, more emphasis would have been put on “his final WrestleMania match.”

Like Edge said on RAW.. It’s very unfortunate that his still-promising career has been cut short, but we cannot overlook the fact that he could have been left paralyzed if he kept wrestling. He’s not walking away on his terms entirely – but he had one hell of a career and dodged a bullet by leaving before it was too late.

Sin Cara’s Botched Spots, Edge’s Title Belt, Extreme Rules

30

– Vince McMahon was said to be furious about Sin Cara’s botched entrance on RAW last week, when he barely cleared the top rope after jumping off a trampoline at ringside. (VIDEO)

Last night on RAW, there was another big botched spot with Sin Cara that took place when he had Primo in the corner and both men were standing on the top turnbuckle. Sin Cara was setting up for a C4 suplex, but Primo fell before the move could be executed and Sin Cara was thrown to the floor outside. Sin Cara got back in the ring, kicked Primo in the head and hit the impressive top rope move – but many WWE stars were watching the match backstage and were joking around that “that was it” for Sin Cara and Primo would probably get released for blowing that big spot.

– The feeling at RAW last night was that John Morrison would have got R-Truth’s spot in the WWE Title Triple Threat at Extreme Rules if it weren’t for the heat on him right now for his actions towards Trish Stratus.

– With Edge set to surrender his World Heavyweight title on SmackDown, the future of the championship belt is currently up in the air. One idea discussed for tonight’s SmackDown tapings is for Edge have Christian to take his place against Alberto Del Rio in the Ladder Match, with the winner being crowned the new champion.

— CM Punk missed last night’s Monday Night Raw taping in Bridgeport, Connecticut. While the reason has yet to be disclosed, the matter was resolved with company officials ahead of time.

— Former WWE talent Tony Anthony (a/k/a T.L. Hopper) celebrates his 51st birthday today.

– There has been talk of putting The Corre in a multi-man match at Extreme Rules with Wade Barrett’s Intercontinental Title on the line and Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater’s Tag Team Titles on the line.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

VIDEOS: John Cena Pays Tribute To Edge After RAW

21

After Raw went off the air, Randy Orton gave the RKO to Alex Riley. John Cena then gave the Attitude Adjustment to The Miz.

Both Cena and Orton paid their respects to Edge, who announced earlier in the show that he would never compete again due to a serious spinal condition. Cena referred to him by his real name, Adam Copeland. Cena recalled Edge winning the WWE Championship from him in the Elimination Chamber and that people thought he would never amount to more than a tag team champion.

Cena mentioned that when Edge said he was leaving due to medical reasons, he wasn’t joking. Cena asked for one more send-off from the audience so Edge could hear them backstage.

Cena placed the microphone in the center of the ring and the crowd gave Edge a standing ovation. Both Cena and Orton left the ringside area to conclude the event.

Check out these videos of what happened after RAW:

Bret Hart Explains Why He Was Disappointed With WM27

8

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart recently spoke with SunSport and shared his thoughts on WrestleMania 27. The Hitman said overall, he was disappointed with the show and despite all the buildup, found it “anti-climactic.” Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The Rock’s Involvement:

“I was hoping The Rock would be a little more interesting than he was. I would have had him involved in the John Cena v Miz match right off the bat. My initial thinking about two months ago was that Rock was going to be working with Cena and somehow Miz would be involved, and it would be a triple threat type of match. I thought Rock needed to be in the match, not just talking about it. Don’t get me wrong — Rock is a great talent. Just looking at him, I think he is ready to get back in the ring. I’m sure he could have wrestled at WrestleMania and he should have done so. The excitement going in to WrestleMania this year was all tied in with Rock and when he didn’t actually do anything but stand around and be a mouthpiece all night, that didn’t really work. To me as a fan, if I want to see him be a mouthpiece then I’ll watch one of his movies. I wanted to see him do some wrestling. I guess I just expected a little bit more.”

Sheamus-Bryan Getteing Bumped & Cole vs. Lawler:

“I also had to scratch my head and wonder how the WWE could pull the Sheamus v Daniel Bryan match and let Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole go for 30 minutes. It just seemed really crazy to me. My biggest disappointment was that two of the best wrestlers in the company, Bryan and Sheamus, didn’t get a chance to show what they can do on a WrestleMania. I thought Lawler v Cole was built up really well, with most fans wanting to get their hands round Cole’s neck by the time WrestleMania came. But I don’t know why they went so long. It’s not a match that needs to go very long. Michael Cole clearly can’t actually do anything. That’s the part I don’t get. It should have been about four or five minutes long max. Sadly going so long, meant they really took all the light away from the other wrestlers that earned it through the year.”

CM Punk vs. Randy Orton:

“He (CM Punk) has got a really good ring presence. Better than anyone else, CM Punk understands his wrestling persona. He’s very serious about that character, and I like that passion that he has. It comes across in how he is day-to-day, just being around him. He’s a very committed, serious professional. His match with Orton, I thought, was really credible. To put together the match the way they did I thought it complemented both wrestlers, and they really told a good story. I liked the story, I liked the finish. It had a lot of twists and turns, you weren’t quite sure what was going to occur. I found myself going along with it all the way through and not knowing what was going to happen next — and to me that is a good wrestling match.”

To read more on what Bret Hart thought about WrestleMania 27, check out his interview over at SunSport.

Eddie Edwards To Defend ROH Title Against Chris Hero On 5/7

1

Ring Of Honor sent out the following today:

On the heels of a week of phone calls, e-mails, and meetings with Shane Hagadorn, ROH officials have finalized the paperwork for Eddie Edwards’ next World Title defense on May 7th when Ring of Honor returns to The Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto. His opponent: “That Young Knockout Kid” Chris Hero!

As one of only two men who have pinned Eddie Edwards since his “Survival of the Fittest 2010” win, Chris Hero has not challenged for the World Title since “Bitter Friends, Stiffer Enemies 2” in April 2010 when he fought Tyler Black. Now, with the fire of recently losing the World Tag Titles in his heart, Hero comes after Edwards with a vengeance.

“Hagadorn did his job well.” stated Hero, “And soon it will be time for me to do mine. Eddie Edwards, you felt the force of my elbows in Plymouth and you know what it feels like to be rendered unconscious by me! Hold that title tight for the little time you have left with it, because in Toronto…the city where I beat Lance Storm, the city where Claudio and I slaughtered The Briscoes… in Toronto I will bring your championship dreams to a brutal conclusion!”

“Chris Hero thinks he knows me.” stated Eddie Edwards, “He thinks he has my number after pinning me in Plymouth. Watch the tape Chris, and look at what it took to put me down that night. Look at my fight with Roderick and look at what he put me through, but look at who took the belt home that night. Chris, this championship is everything to me, and there is nothing you can possibly do that will put me down for the count.”

May 7, 2011 in Toronto, ON, Canada; Eddie Edwards vs. Chris Hero, ROH World Title on the line! Ring of Honor is coming off a huge weekend in Atlanta and we’re going to carry that momentum into a weekend of “Revolution”! Join us in Dearborn & Toronto and revolt against the norm as ROH creates an uprising in true pro wrestling. Get your tickets now at this link!

HBK, Bret, Matt Hardy, Jericho & More Salute Edge (Updated)

35

The wrestling world is still reeling from the announcement that WWE superstar Edge is being forced into retirement due to ongoing issues with his neck. Here is what some of Edge’s peers are saying about the end of his storied career:

Christian: “I’ve shed my tears..And from here on out I choose 2celebrate 1 of the greatest careers in WWE history..Cant wait2 induct u in the HOF #Edge.”

Bret Hart: “I remember training w/both Edge & Christian in a ring @ my house back in ’97 & he’ll always be one of my guys. Such an abrupt end to a great career saddens the entire wrestling world. Cheers to the rated-R Superstar.”

Shawn Michaels: “Have had contact w/Edge & he is looking 4ward 2what the future holds. It will b great, good things happen 2 good people & he is just that.”

Kurt Angle: “It’s sad to see my friend Edge Retire from WWE. Edge was one of the Best. Your Fans will miss You dearly. I know I will. Luv u Edge!!!!”

Jim Ross: “Edge will always be one of my favorites. I’m so grateful I was in a role to help him launch his wwe dream. Dreams do come true. Edge=HOF!”

“Gonna miss Edge. Have 2 think WWE will utilize Edge’s mind & teaching abilities. Great integrity.”

Matt Hardy: “Heard Adam is retiring because of physical issues that won’t allow him to safely continue wrestling. He’ll be missed, we’ve certainly had our fair share of issues.. Both good and bad. But I tip my hat to Edge who is one of the greatest I’ve ever been in the ring with. Adam resides in NC now-sure I’ll run into him down the road. Glad that him & I are in a good place. We came in as friends, & went out that way.”

Chris Jericho: “Edge is a great performer and 1 of my favorite opponents. He’s also got an incredible MIND for the business. Congrats on an amazing career”

Samoa Joe: “A Little late but I just heard about Edge’s Retirement. Good People, GREAT wrestler, and will sorely be missed in the ring.”

Tommy Dreamer: “My motto has always been I wrestle every single match like it is my last, cause 1 day I know it will b. Thanks Edge 4 everything u hav done”

Charlie Haas: “EDGE will be missed. It was an honor to share the ring with him, and compete against him. Truly one of the best. Stay in touch Edger”

Hulk Hogan: “if any of the guys like me,Flair,Hardy,Andre,AA,Blanchard,orndoff,Henning would have listened to doctors we would have quit15yrsago, but I don’t know Edges working environment because they are a media company not a wrestling company. HH wrestlers work hurt!”

“What about Foley!   I bet EDGE still wants to keep wrestling,he’s one of the boys big time!!!   HH”

“my take is with a unfixable neck injury it’s over ,but he’s one of the boys and it will be hard to keep him down,he’s 4life HH”

“I’m not saying anything bad about Edge but he’s a real wrestler,Stone Cold and Cena had neck surgery and u couldn’t stop em,Or Edge it’s in Edges blood,he lives for this business he’s a real wrestler,he a lifer,he’s one of the real boys,he’s hard to hold down,that’s all. HH”

Kevin Nash: “the loss of Edge is a sad day 4 the WWE great in ring,but such a special guy out,he still has years left to give.”

Taz: “Edge, 1 of the GREAT guys in the biz. Awesone talent & awesome guy! I live the numbness in arms due to neck issues also, scary.Be well bro.”

Kelly Kelly: “Thank you Adam for everything.. you’ve been such a great friend your an amazing person, n inspiration and I had the honor of working with u!”

Joey Styles: “In wrestling you make many acquaintances and few friends. Edge is a friend. My friend, seeing you was always a pleasure and never a chore.”

Eric Bischoff: “Best of luck to Edge. Class guy and a great talent. He will find success in anything he pursues.”

Wade Barrett: “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Edge. A great career and a great human being.”

Gail Kim: “Thank u Edge for everything u have given to the business and ur friendship. We r sad 2 c u go but grateful 4 ur health.also can’t wait 2 c christian induct u to the HOF”

Howard Finkel: “Thank you Edge for everything that you gave and meant to this industry, and personally speaking, thank you for your friendship!”

Yoshi Tatsu: “I can’t believe it. I’m very sad. But thank you very much Edge.”

Eve Torres: “An emotional night for sure. #ThankYouEdge. One of the most creative, hard working, passionate, & helpful men in the WWE. We’ll miss you!”

Vickie Guerrero: “I’m so sad to see Edge leave…I’m honored I got to learn so much from him. He will be missed.”

Natalya Neidhart: “My thoughts are with Edge, and thank you so much for the wonderful memories. You’re a real, true friend and ill never forget it.”

Michelle McCool: “Didn’t catch raw but heard about most important part. I love you Edger! Thank you all you’ve given to a biz I have always loved! Mad respect. Goes out to all you’ve done not only for your fans, but for us as well. I am so blessed to call u a friend! Thx for always helping me!”

VIDEO: Edge’s Retirement Speech From RAW

3

The Rated R superstar Edge announces that injuries are forcing him into retirement:

The Miz Interview: WM28, The Rock, Fans Liking Him

6

WWE Champion The Miz spoke with The Miami Herald this week and had this to say about the following topics:

Fans’ reaction to him: “The fans always cheer me at events like Axxess or the press conferences. Then at live events they boo me, but show me the respect I deserve. They didn’t do that three years ago, when they literally hated me and couldn’t stand me. They changed the channel, when I was on TV. Now I think I’m starting to earn their respect, which is good.”

The Rock: “The Rock was my favorite growing up. He has always been my favorite. I was able to get in there and upstage him and literally show him that I’m better. It’s like when you see an icon or someone you idolize when you are younger. Then you are in the ring with him and are able to show him up. To show everyone you are better than your idol, there is nothing better than that.”

WrestleMania 28 in Miami: “I will still be the main event. I plan on still being the WWE champion. I plan on being the longest reigning WWE champion of all time. It’s just the type of person I am. I am always aiming to be number one and the best. So I will be the champion, the main event and everything everyone else isn’t.”

Laurinaitis Open To Joining WWE If The NFL Lockout Continues

5

St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis indicated to TheLantern.com that he would consider joining WWE if the ongoing NFL lockout continues, which has lasted more than a month.

“I should take up pro wrestling,” Laurinaitis said. “It’d be a natural transition. I might have to try to get in the ring a little bit, take on John Cena or Randy Orton.”

“I’d consider it,” Laurinaitis added. “You don’t want to mess around and get hurt. But if it’s just a few run-downs here and there or something, I’d maybe at least get some of the training done.”

Laurinaitis is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal and nephew of WWE executive John Laurinaitis.

The article is available here.

Latest “Tough Enough” Elimination, Maryse To Answer DiBiase

5

— Matt Capiccioni (a/k/a Matt Cross) was eliminated from last night’s episode of WWE Tough Enough because Steve Austin didn’t like the fact that Capiccioni had been on the independent wrestling scene for nine years and hadn’t “broke free from the pack.” This, as well as his general reluctance to take risks, led to him being cut.

— WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of WWE NXT: “On WWE NXT, host Maryse was told by her boyfriend, Ted DiBiase, that she must pick him or the show. Is the beautiful and witty Diva’s Tuesday night fun over?”

— Edge is advertised to surrender the World Heavyweight Championship at tonight’s WWE SmackDown taping in Albany, New York. In a trivia note, Edge will be vacating the title in the same building he won his first WWE Championship, which took place in 2006 at WWE New Year’s Revolution. After John Cena won the Elimination Chamber Match, he cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase and subsequently won the strap.

Update On World Heavyweight Title, Christian On Edge, More

19

— It was announced during a commercial on Raw that Edge would surrender the World Heavyweight Championship this Friday on SmackDown.

— Christian and Natalya commented on Edge announcing his retirement tonight on Raw. Both wrote on Twitter:

Christian: “I’ve shed my tears..And from here on out I choose 2celebrate 1 of the greatest careers in WWE history..Cant wait2 induct u in the HOF #Edge”

Natalya: “My thoughts are with Edge, and thank you so much for the wonderful memories. You’re a real, true friend and ill never forget it.”

— Adam Copeland, Awesome Kong, Brie Bella, Edge, Jack Swagger and Mason Ryan, among other WWE terms, were trending tonight on Twitter.

WWE’s Official Statement On Edge’s Retirement: He’s Done

23

Here is WWE’s official announcement on Adam “Edge” Copeland being forced into retirement due to injuries:

Less than a week after his successful title defense against Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania XXVII, World Heavyweight Champion Edge has been forced to retire from in-ring competition due to injury. The unexpected news brings to an end a storied WWE career spanning 13 years and consisting of 11 World Title reigns.

The Rated-R Superstar had been suffering numbness and uncontrollable trembling in his arms and hands. This is not the first time Edge has experienced these symptoms of nueropraxia. An MRI in Atlanta last Monday was sent to Dr. Joseph Maroon, a renowned neurosurgeon and professor of neurosurgery at The Pittsburgh School of Medicine. After careful examination of the MRI, it was determined that Edge would never be cleared to compete again, and thus, he is forced to retire.

In 2003, Edge underwent a two level spinal fusion of the discs between his C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae. After being cleared to compete, The Rated-R Superstar returned to the ring, resulting in stenosis of the spine, or a narrowing of the spinal column, above and below the fused discs. This narrowing resulted in less and less of the vital fluid needed to protect the spinal cord. Medical professionals cannot clear Edge to compete ever again in WWE since doing so could result in paralysis or even death.

This is what’s being said about Edge on Twitter: