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Aries Hints Retirement Following WWE Snub, Punk Lands Cover

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— Austin Aries, the only two-time ROH World Champion, hinted yesterday on Twitter that his wrestling career may be coming to an end following a recent setback.

“Apparently not big, young, or tough enough,” he wrote. “While it’s been amazing, the AA chapter of my life may be coming to an end very soon.”

Aries, who is 32 years old and billed at five foot nine, was among the most notable wrestlers bypassed for Tough Enough.

— CM Punk is featured on the cover of the March 2011 issue of WWE Magazine, with the headline reading “FEAR ME!” Enclosed is an interview with the Straight Edge Superstar, who explains why he has yet to have his definitive WrestleMania moment.

— The first digital issue of WWE Magazine will be launched in January.

Jerry Lawler Talks About His Mother Passing, The Miz & more

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He’s been a guest on ClubWWI.com twice before and now, as he embarks on the biggest match of his WWE career Sunday against The Miz at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Jerry “The King” Lawler returns for an all new interview with James Guttman to address many topics he hasn’t yet had the chance to.

The King covers a ton of subjects including his upcoming Legends Reunion tag match with son Brian Christopher against Bill and Jamie Dundee on March 2nd in Evansville, Indiana as well as his big PPV bout and moments he missed on Monday’s Raw.

As many fans know, Jerry was absent for Raw this past Monday due to the death of his mother Hazel. James Guttman asks the King about his mom and the tremendous outpouring of support from WWE and the wrestling community as a whole during this tough time. Lawler speaks out on it:

“It has been an extremely tough week and I want to thank – if any of your listeners were some of the thousands, literally thousands, – I was amazed at the emails, texts, facebook friends and that sort of response from so many people with their condolences and sympathies and that sort of stuff. It meant a tremendous amount to me.”

James mentions how many thought WWE’s handling of the situation was classy and Jerry agrees. He speaks about the support they showed. Guttman brings up how even Michael Cole and The Miz were respectful in their mentions on Monday and didn’t use the sad event to “get heat” as some in wrestling do. The King again agrees, but points out to ClubWWI.com listeners that the reigning WWE Champion wasn’t thinking straight when he issued a warning to how the King handles his grief.

“(Miz) didn’t want me to use the passing of my mother as an excuse to lose at The Elimination Chamber. In reality, if the young man were in his right mind, he’d know I would not use that as an excuse but as motivation to make my mom proud of me.”

Guttman points out how the match against Miz on Sunday has an extra level of intrigue surrounding it. With the long running knowledge that Jerry “The King” Lawler has yet to wrestle in a match at WrestleMania, despite his near 20 year run with the company, the chances that he could do so as the incoming WWE Champion is the stuff legends are made of. Could he enter the show with the belt and what would that mean to him? As the ClubWWI.com interview continues, Lawler gives his thoughts.

“It couldn’t unfold any better. If that were the case, if I were to win Sunday and be in WrestleMania as the WWE Champion, it’s like a dream come true. To me, that would be better than a Rocky movie. It would be absolutely amazing. We’ll have to see how that unfolds. That’s what I have the opportunity to do and – gosh – you couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.”

Jerry goes on to discuss his respect for the Miz as a performer and how’s grown since his debut. Of course, he still has to beat him up on Sunday. The same can be said for Michael Cole. Since becoming WWE’s resident evil announcer, Cole has gotten under the skin of countless fans. James brings up a possible Cole-Lawler match down the line and asks the King what he thinks about it. Turns out that ClubWWI.com members aren’t the only ones wondering about it. Everyone is:

“I’ll I can tell you is that the majority of comments and emails and communications with all the fans, that seems to be the one thing that everybody wants. Michael Cole has got everybody just completely ticked off. They want to see him get his and it seems they want me to be the one to do it. It’s amazing because almost every correspondence I got about my mom from wrestling fans, they’d say something like, ‘Dear Jerry, we’re really sorry and send our condolences on the loss of your mom and hope everything works out and please, by the way, punch Michael Cole in the mouth.’ Who knows? I think that might be an interesting match.”

Reviews Are In For “The Chaperone,” Opening Today

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The Chaperone (2/18)

Triple H’s new movie “The Chaperone,” produced by WWE Studios, hits theaters today on a limited release. The film will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on Tuesday, March 8th. First reviews are coming in, with most critics giving it unfavorable reviews. RottenTomatoes.com, which aggregates critic reviews, currently gives the movie a rating of 21% off reviews.

Here’s a sample of what some mainstream publications are saying about The Chaperone:

Variety: “Presumably there’s an audience out there for old-fashioned, poorly written, unevenly thesped, family-friendly tales of redemption starring beefy wrestlers and a bunch of kids, but it’s difficult to imagine who.”

Hollywood Reporter: “This lame WWE produced family comedy isn’t likely to turn wrestling star Paul “Triple H” Levesque into a household name.”

Los Angeles Times: “Like last year’s “Legendary” and “Knucklehead,” which didn’t exactly slam moviegoers to the mat with their entertainment chops, this haphazardly clichéd comedy-drama about redemption similarly suffers.”

New York Post: “Stephen Herek’s “The Chaperone” is dreadful enough to make you wish Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was still making family movies. Wrestling champ Paul “Triple H” Levesque is a fairly painless screen presence, but his taste in scripts may be even worse than former WWE colleague Johnson’s.”

Roger Moore: “As funny as these guys can be when they work themselves into a purple-faced rage yelling at the TV camera, none of the current generation of wrestler-actors seem to have the charisma or comic gifts of a Hulk Hogan or Dwayne Johnson.”

Filmcritic.com: “If WWE is going to continue to insist on placing its stars in ill-fitting projects like this, the least it could do is spring for some livelier material.”

New York Observer: “As long as the poker-faced “Triple H” is the centerpiece, The Chaperone is not without moments of genuine sweetness. Best of all, he is the most unpretentious and least flamboyant human juggernaut to ever hit the screen.”

MAILBAG: Was Sting The Cloaked Figure In The 2.21.11 Video?

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SEScoops Mailbag for February 18th

(submit YOUR questions to [email protected])

Q: I was wondering where was the Mr. McMahon’s dead storyline leading to before it was nixed due to the Benoit tragedy? – Joe

A: I believe it was to be revealed that Linda McMahon was behind the whole thing, although that may not have ended up being the final plot twist. It was an absurd storyline, especially when you’re doing it with someone as visible as the chairman of the company. Suspension of disbelief can only be stretched so far.

Q: Will there ever be another diva in WWE that could become as popular as the likes of Trish Stratus, Lita, or Mickie James? What can WWE do to get fans interested in women’s wrestling once again? Will the same fate that [befell] the cruiserweight division also happen to the women’s division? – Jaleesa B.

A: Absolutely, there will come a day where a new diva fills that role. Unfortunately for WWE, that sometimes works against them as these women get so big (not literally, although that wouldn’t be good either) and their heads expand so much, it usually results in them leaving the company. Sunny, Sable and Chyna immediately spring to mind. Stacy Keibler was given permission to do “Dancing With The Stars” and never returned. Mickie James was fired due to problems behind the scenes. As for getting fans more interested, they need to treat the division as more than just a joke. 30-second matches every week that mean nothing is not going to accomplish that. Bringing in women who actually know how to wrestle would be a start. Building one or two storylines with real depth would be another (see the great Trish/Mickie feud from 2006). It’s a crime that Sara Del Ray hasn’t been given a chance by either of the two big promotions. Well, she did have a dark match with TNA some time back and was told that she doesn’t have the “look” to be a Knockout.

Q: What is currently going on with JBL? I’d really like for him to come back. Do you know what he is up to? – Dayron

A: JBL does a great deal of travel for leisure these days. He’s also an avid golfer and if the posts on his Twitter page are any indication, he’s pretty good at it. He also has his own radio show and I believe is still overseeing Layfield Energy products, so he keeps himself rather busy. He seems to have left the wrestling business behind and I say good for him. If you really miss him that much, just watch Smackdown on Friday nights, play some Mariachi music in the background and enjoy the greatness that is Alberto Del Rio.

Q: During the infamous streak, was Goldberg’s house show victories counted in the streak number? – Big Mike

A: In theory, yes. WCW greatly exaggerated the number of victories to the point of hilarity. If you were to go back and add up the numbers, I believe the number of wins during that period did not even match up with the number of shows he was wrestling on. For some, it killed the aura of the streak, though I think that was only for those of us to paid attention to details like that. Judging by the crowd reactions at most arenas (especially when he won the title from Hogan), it didn’t really matter.

Q: After watching the Smackdown 10 Year Anniversary DVD, I was wondering [when] Brock Lesnar superplexed Big Show and the ring collapsed, was that real or was the ring rigged to do that? – Kevin

A: The ring was rigged to collapse like that. To this day, it’s one of the most visually awesome stunts I’ve ever seen in wrestling and the crowd went bananas for it. Looking back, if I had to nitpick, it was pretty stupid for those guys to lay there and play dead with paramedics rushing to the ring for what was essentially a basic superplex spot. You just know that if this was Onita in FMW back in the day, there would have been C-4 explosives in the middle of that ring. At least that would have made sense.

Q: I recall the biggest failure in WrestleMania history, Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at WrestleMania XX. What the Hell happened to that match? I mean, they were hyping that match since Survivor Series in the previous year. It was 10 minutes of Annoying Staredown, 5 minutes of Boring Bullfight and just an F-5 & a Jackhammer in the end, and Brock was done. Even Goldberg’s entrance was longer than the match itself. This match could have been perhaps the best match in WrestleMania history. We all know that both were leaving the company, but was it necessary for Stone Cold to give them each a stunner in the end, giving them the worst farewell ever and making them look like fools? – Cyber Criminal

A: You answered your own question. A majority of the fans at MSG that night were aware that both men were leaving the company and they resented them for it. If that match was held at almost any other building, perhaps the reaction would have been different. Both men were clearly caught off guard by the reaction and it had a negative effect on their match. As for Stone Cold, I had no problem whatsoever with him laying both men out after the match. The company invested a LOT in Lesnar in the short time he was with WWE and he was essentially throwing it all away to go play football, which is all well and good if that’s what he really wanted to do, but if you’re not going to be around anymore and the crowd just crapped all over your match, then why not give them something to cheer about? Same with Goldberg, who was also leaving and had no reason to be protected. Now if WWE was having Austin come out and give stunners every week to Dolph Ziggler, a young guy they are supposedly trying to get over, then I would have a problem with it. But here? Nothing wrong with it. In fact, I almost wish he had picked them both up and given each another stunner just for shits and giggles.

Q: With the great return of The Rock, is he going to be used on TV and house shows leading up to WrestleMania? I would think it would definitely increase ticket sales if fans knew they were going to have an opportunity to see The Rock one last time. – Joe

A: I’d be shocked if he did any house shows. Even for TV, if he appears again live in the ring, I’d have to think it would only be once more before WrestleMania. The problem is that as great as Rock may be, once he starts showing up on a regular basis, he loses some of his luster and if you’re banking on him to mean extra buys for the PPV, then you’re basically shooting yourself in the foot.

Q: WOW, seeing the Rock return brought tears to my eyes and chills up and down my spine. I then watched WrestleMania X8 with Rock v. Hollywood Hogan. That crowd in Toronto was unbelievable. My question is if WWE puts on the Undertaker v. Sting match, will it match the crowd excitement from that iconic Mania match? – Terrell from Virginia

A: I think the only match that could possibly garner that sort of crowd reaction in 2011 would be Rock vs. John Cena, which is not going to happen. Undertaker and Sting would have great appeal for many fans, don’t get me wrong, but neither man is Rock or Hulk Hogan. Those two names are on a whole different level than everyone else, along with maybe Steve Austin, and it would be unfair to compare anyone else’s reaction to theirs. Plus, Hogan nostalgia always get a big pop and there are far more WWE fans who are likely to know Hogan than Sting.

Q: Do you think John Morrison will win the Elimination Chamber to get the final push he needs to win the WWE championship against Miz at WrestleMania? – Sean P.

A: I won’t say that Morrison can’t win the Chamber because I could see them doing that just to swerve everyone. Having said that, I feel comfortable saying that there is a ZERO percent chance of Morrison fighting Miz for the title at Mania. There’s simply no way they would put two young guys like that in the title match on their biggest show of the year, especially with one half of their other big championship match already featuring a name that has never main-evented the show before. I’d have Morrison win in “Money in the Bank”, if they decide to still do it at Mania, and announce it in advance when he’s ready to cash in his shot. No more of this back-door bullshit.

Q: In the latest 2.21.11 promo, we finally see Undertaker in the house, although can it be that the person in the cloak outside can be someone else like Sting? Maybe this promo isn’t just for Taker, maybe it’s a promo for a feud? – Boabel

A: Sorry to disappoint, but it’s not Sting. It’s actually Diamond Dallas Page, who is once again stalking The Undertaker. Poor guy didn’t learn the first time, I guess. I only hope their Mania match is as epic as their “fight” at the King of the Ring in 2001.

Keep those questions coming to [email protected] and remember to include your name!

Jericho’s Relationship With Vince, Tough Enough News

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– During his media rounds this week to promote his new Undisputed biography, Chris Jericho spoke to Boston’s 100.7 WXLXon Thursday about his relationship with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Here’s what Jericho said about Vince:

“One of the things I like about the book is the thread of the relationship between Vince and Chris. It did not start of good. Over the years, there were ups and downs. Here we are in 2011 and I was just texting Vince this morning. We have laughs about things that have nothing to do with wrestling. We have deep respect for each other, but it took a long time to get to that point.”

– Filming has begun for the upcoming season of WWE Tough Enough, which premieres the night after WrestleMania. The contestants are already living at the Tough Enough house Simi Valley, California. Tough Enough host “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is not living at the house with the contestants.

Filming will take place for roughly seven weeks, until the end of March. Most of the men and women contestants have independent wrestling experience. As WWE confirmed this week, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih will be among the contestants.

* Picture of MISS USA – Rima Fakih (Direct Link)

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer)

Bobby Lashley’s Next MMA Fight Announced (3/25)

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Former WWE and TNA wrestler Bobby Lashley will return to the MMA cage on March 25th, but it won’t be for the Strikeforce promotion. Lashley (5-1) has signed with Titan Fighting Championship for a fight against James Jack (5-4-1) on Mar. 25 that will be televised on HDNet.

This is Lashley’s first fight since suffering his first career loss against relatively unknown fighter Chad Griggs at Strikeforce: Houston last August.

“Anyone who is writing Bobby off is making a huge mistake,” Titan CEO Joe Kelly said in a statement on Friday as part of Lashley’s announced return fight. “I believe that Titan Fighting will be the perfect platform for Bobby to prove his critics wrong.”

There had been talk of Bobby Lashley fighting fellow former WWE star Dave Bautista, but is appears Lashley is looking to get a win under his belt before entering a high-profile fight like that. No word in recent weeks regarding Bautista’s MMA training.

* VIDEO of BATISTA’s MMA Training: Holy Hell

Chris Jericho Says HBK Is The Best Wrestler Of All Time

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In his recent interview with UK Sun’s Rob McNichol, Chris Jericho says Shawn Michaels is the greatest performer to ever grace a wrestling ring — bar none. Chris Jericho said:

“The best way to put it is that Shawn IS the Hall of Fame.”

“There’s nobody that has ever been in the business that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame more than Shawn Michaels. That includes Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin or anybody else.”

“Shawn is the epitome of what the Hall of Fame is because to me he is the best performer of all time. He is not even close to anybody else.”

“You can debate it with me until the cows come home — you can say all you want. You can give me all the facts and figures, it’s not going to change my mind.”

“I’m so excited that he is in the Hall of Fame, but it’s essential that he be in there. If he wasn’t it would be a waste of time.”

To listen to it in full via podcast, click here.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

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WWE SmackDown on Syfy

Reader Reginald Murphy attended Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from San Diego, California and sent in these results for Friday’s SyFy broadcast:

* Rey Mysterio, Edge, John Morrison, R-Truth, Randy Orton and John Cena beat CM Punk, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, Kane and Drew McIntyre in the opener. The faces all hit their finishers and Edge pinned Ziggler for the win.

* Vickie Guerrero came out and said she will prove Edge assaulted Teddy Long and says Dolph’s coronation as champion will be later tonight.

* Maryse and Layla vs. Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix is up next. McCool comes out limping with a cast on her right foot to do commentary. Maryse and Layla got the win after McCool interfered. She was selling the foot injury but definitely appeared to be legitimately injured.

* The Miz beats Kofi Kingston when Alberto Del Rio comes out and interferes.

* Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov beat Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater by DQ to retain the tag team titles. The Corre interfered to cause the DQ. Big Show came out and made the save.

* Teddy Long returned during the Dolph Ziggler World Title coronation ceremony. Teddy books Edge vs. Ziggler for the World Title now.

* Edge defeated Dolph Ziggler to become the “new” World Heavyweight Champion. Teddy fires Dolph after the match, leaving a spot open in the Elimination Chamber. Edge celebrated in the ring while confetti dropped and the crowd sang goodbye to Ziggler.

WWE SmackDown Preview For Tonight: 600th Episode

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The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown:

* Rey Mysterio, Edge, John Morrison, R-Truth, Randy Orton and John Cena vs. CM Punk, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, Kane and Drew McIntyre.

* Vickie Guerrero says she’s got evidence that Dolph Ziggler is the new World Heavyweight champion and will will host Dolph Ziggler’s World Title coronation ceremony.

* Maryse and Layla vs. Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix.

* The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston.

* Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.

* Edge is in action.

*SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

WWE Announces Miss USA Will Compete On TOUGH ENOUGH

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Miss USA Rima Fakih

The USA Network issued a press release today announcing that Miss USA Rima Fakih, a former RAW Guest Host, will be a contestant on the upcoming season of WWE’s Tough Enough:

IS MISS USA™ “TOUGH ENOUGH®?”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – February 17, 2010 USA Network and WWE® announced today that Miss USA™, Rima Fakih will be one of the aspiring contestants on USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH®. Fakih will be squaring off against a tough group of challengers vying for an once-in-a-lifetime shot to become a WWE Superstar or Diva. The series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, the day after WrestleMania® XXVII and immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®. It moves to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to battle for a title in an entirely different competition,” said Fakih. “Miss USA is an incredible honor that’s provided invaluable experience which will undoubtedly help me as I push my performance and athletic skills to the limit. I look forward to learning if I have the mettle to make it in WWE.”

The casting announcement follows the recent appointment of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin® as series host and WWE Legend Booker T™ as a trainer. WWE TOUGH ENOUGH contestants will be a diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Southern California.

Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The company’s previous reality credits include “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “World’s Strictest Parents.” Producing for Shed Media US are Nick Emmerson, Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

JR Blog: The Rock’s Post-WM27 Plans, Lawler’s WWE Title Shot

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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what Jim Ross spoke about:

Jerry Lawler’s WWE Title Shot on Sunday: “Jerry is genuinely excited about being in the main event of a WWE PPV which will be this Sunday in Oakland at the Elimination Chamber vs. the Miz for the WWE Title. Personally, I feel that Jerry needs to get away his recent heartaches and get back on the road that he is so comfortable with and, more importantly, get back in the ring which is like a second home for him. King is much more refined and skilled than is the younger, less experienced albeit talented Miz which may bode well for the #1 challenger for the WWE title come Sunday. I would not miss this PPV for the world because I believe that shocks and surprises from WWE will abound over the next few weeks leading into WM27 and no one can argue that Jerry Lawler upsetting Miz to win the WWE title wouldn’t be a HUGE shocker.”

The Rock’s WWE Plans After WM27: “I have no idea what Rock’s plans are as they relate to WWE after WM27. I haven’t given it much thought but many fans are seemingly obsessed in knowing what the Rock’s plans are for the future. I don’t see Rock emotionally ever leaving the WWE Universe but I also don’t see him appearing as a ‘regular’ on WWE programming in the future either which is why this Wrestlemania event is so intriguing and is such a must see pay per view. We are attending the event AND buying and taping the PPV.”

WWE All Stars: “The new, THQ produced WWE All Star Video game is getting more and more play as the anticipation builds to it’s release the Tuesday of WM27 week. There will be a tie in with JR’s Family BBQ on this exciting new game so please watch for details. ”

* New WWE ALL STARS Screenshots: Eddie Guerrero, Jake Roberts, Ultimate Warrior & MORE

Del Rio Not Happy About Mistico, Wrestling Buddies, Hall & Nash

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Hulk Hogan Wrestling Buddy

– One of our WWE sources is under the impression that Royal Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio is not very happy that there’s another Mexican wrestling star, Mistico, coming to WWE. Del Rio knows that Rey Mysterio’s in-ring career will not last forever and apparently does not want competition in being seen as WWE’s top Mexican performer.

– WWF Wrestling Buddies, the early 1990s pillow toys most of us have given a few off-the-couch elbow drops to, were ranked as one of the 100 Best Toys of all-time by Time Magazine.

– Kevin Nash is starring in a new DVD movie called Monster Brawl which also stars former WWE star Kurrgan, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart and UFC referee Herb Dean.

– Scott Hall wrote on Twitter that he and fellow Kliq member Sean Waltman will be filming a shoot interview next week.

– The Cartoon Network’s animated show MAD will air a WWE parody called “WWER” tonight. The sketch will feature a hybrid world of WWE and the old NBC show ER and will feature parodies of  Triple H, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and WWE divas.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Cover Art Released For Brock Lesnar’s Upcoming Autobiography

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The cover art has been released for Brock Lesnar’s upcoming autobiography, Death Clutch, due out on April 19th. Related: Jim Ross Talks About Brock Lesnar’s New Book

New Characters Announced For WWE ALL STARS (Screenshots)

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On Thursday morning, video game website IGN.com revealed several new playable characters for the upcoming WWE All Stars video game, in stores at the end of next month.

More new characters will be announced next Thursday. For a complete list of the characters arleady announced for the game, visit WWEAllStars.com

Here are the newly announced names for the game:

Legends

– Eddie Guerrero
– Jake “The Snake” Roberts
– “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
– Sgt. Slaughter

Superstars:

– Edge
– Jack Swagger
– Kane

Downloadable Charactrs:

– Dusty Rhodes
– Cody Rhodes
– Hawk
– Animal

Check out these new screenshots of the new playable characters, courtesy of IGN.com:

Jericho’s Book Makes NY Times Best Sellers List, VIDEO Inteview

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– Chris Jericho announced yesterday on Twitter that his second memoir, Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps, will debut on the New York Times Best Seller List at #25. He said that the book’s placement on the list is based on pre-sale orders.

– Chris Jericho was appeared on Fox News’ “Red Eye” show this week to promote his new book and we’ve got video of the appearance below. Jericho spoke about a number of topics, including which celebrity he’s met that was the biggest jerk. Check it out:

Update On The Planned Main Event For WrestleMania 27

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With WrestleMania 27 just over 7 weeks away, we’ve got an update on the match WWE plans to headline the event – and it doesn’t involve anybody who has been on WWE television in the past several months.

As of this week, the main event of WrestleMania 27 is expected to be The Undertaker vs. Triple H, with Shawn Michaels acting as the special guest referee.

There has been some on-and-off discussion as to whether the match will have a “Career vs. Streak” stipulation.

Triple H, who is currently 41 years old and has been talking about retiring from the ring to focus on his movie career and WWE office job, is considered the heir apparent to Vince McMahon’s throne atop World Wrestling Entertainment. With the number of series muscle tears he’s sustained in recent years, the possibility of Triple H putting his career on the line does make for a good stipulation.

With the Undertaker advertised for Monday’s “2/21/11” episode of WWE RAW from Fresno, California, Triple H’s return to television will be coming up very soon in order to get this feud started.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Triple H Talks About His Movie Career, Still Loving WrestleMania

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WWE star Triple H was interviewed by movie blog Comingsoon.net to promote his new WWE Studios film The Chaperone. Here are some highlights of what Triple H said about:

His Next WWE Movie, “Inside Out”: HHH: Well, yeah, it’s almost a “Coen Brothers”-esque kind of slice of life type movie. Michael Rapaport’s in it and Parker Posey and Bruce Dern. It was a lot of fun. A completely different movie and completely different genre of film and different people to work with. Working with kids and Yeardley and even Annabeth Gish and Kevin Corrigan, it was laughing all the time. I mean, it was just funny all the time. I laughed all the time with Michael Rapaport too, but that was just more serious. When Bruce was there, he’s such a great actor and it’s very serious. I mean, Parker, she’s a phenomenal actress.

Any More Challenges Left For Him In Wrestling? “You know, from that standpoint, it’s not a challenge anymore. I just read an interview with The Rock the other day where he said why he went into Hollywood. He’d done everything he wanted to accomplish in the WWE. I kind of feel like I’ve done that, but I still just enjoy the process. It’s not for me about the challenge of, “Can I do this anymore?” It’s more now about the challenge of like, just going out there, and we’ll do WrestleMania and there’ll be 75,000 people, and if you can’t get a rush outta that, something’s wrong with you, you know? So, to me, that’s just fun.”

Whether WrestleMania Still Gives Him A Rush After All These Years: Oh my God, yeah. It’s still a rush, and the adrenaline, and it’s performing. I mean, you can do fifty movies. If you still enjoy making movies, you enjoy making movies. I enjoy being in the ring and performing in front of fans. When I get the opportunity to do it, I have a lot of fun doing it. If I get the opportunity to do the right movie, I’ll have a lot of fun doing that. To me, at this point, I’ve got three kids and they come first, then everything else is just what I feel like I want to do, and what will I enjoy?

Does He Consider Himself A Role Model: “I like that we have the influence to make people happy, Make a Wish kids, or any kid, or something like that, “to put smiles on their faces,” as Vince always says. That’s what we’re looking for. I don’t like when people say, “Well, you’re a role model” perse, because I feel like parents should be the role models and should tell kids what’s right and wrong, not a character on television. While I still see that and take that seriously, I think there’s a lot of things that happen now in the media where they tear people down for the smallest thing and say what horrible role models they are when nobody would’ve ever known about that if the media didn’t put it out there, so who’s the bad role model? Guys get in trouble now for doing things that every person in the world does, not that it’s the right thing to do. It’s just people make mistakes. They make bad decisions, and everybody does, and all the people that are throwing accusations at ‘em all have skeletons in their closet, and things they wish, “God, I wish I never did that.” That’s the way it is. But the media puts it out there to the point where you can’t… so this Miley Cyrus thing in a way. Is Miley Cyrus a role model? Yeah, I suppose, but she’s also a person, and she’s also a kid, and she’s living her life, and she’s gonna make mistakes like every single person in the world does when they’re 21 years old. You make mistakes and you hope you don’t make too bad a one, but her mistakes unfortunately are shown on “TMZ” and in front of the world. Then they say how horrible of a role model she is when that kinda stuff happens to everybody else, too. To me, I don’t know who’s more to blame, her or the people that are putting it out there like, “Look, this is your hero? Look at what she really is!” To me, it’s almost worse.”

Chris Jericho Talks About WM27, Returning To WWE, TNA & More

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Busted Open radio show highlights
Guest: Chris Jericho
Hosts: Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca
Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Jericho’s interview promoting the book release of “Undisputed” was recorded on Wednesday morning and will air in its entirety on Wednesday afternoon at 3:05 p.m. EST on Sirius 125, XM 241.

WrestleMania needing a big angle: “Absolutely, but what’s wrong with that? I mean, last week I listened to your guys’s show and you guys were complaining as critics do that WrestleMania had no jump to it. Vince McMahon is a genius. You can say what you want and whatever you want to say. He will always pull stuff out his ass. You wait and see what he comes up with at WrestleMania. You think “The Rock” is the last thing is going to be the big selling point. No way! I’m sure he’s got two or three other things up his sleeve for this WrestleMania… There’s still five weeks until WrestleMania.”

TNA: “When I worked for WAR in Japan, the company was half the size of new Japan, but for me, WAR was the best company in the world, and if anybody talked badly about my company, I’ll fight you. And if we had any kind of interaction with New Japan, I wasn’t trying to work for New Japan, I didn’t give a s— about working for New Japan, all I cared about was working for WAR, and flying the banner as high as I could… I don’t care if TNA is the worst company in the world, I don’t care. Once you sign a contract for there, you work for Dixie Carter, and you do the best you can to make people believe it’s the best company in the world, and if all you’re doing is b—— about WWE, then go f—— work for WWE, or act like a hasbeen that used to work there. TNA should be the best place in the world to work, and if you don’t believe that, the fans won’t believe it, they’re not gonna buy your product, they’re not gonna believe your product, and they’re not gonna watch your product.”

A WWE return: “Now that’s the thing people ask me ‘When are you coming back to wrestling? When are you going to do this? When are you going to do that?’ I got asked today ‘Are you? – the rumor is you’re the new singer of Velvet Revolver?’ Even if I was the lead singer of Velvet Revolver, even if I was coming out of the Chamber why would I tell you a-holes?”

Pictures Of Isis The Amazon’s TNA Debut & MAJOR Heat On Her

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Isis the Amazon, the 6-foot-9 wrestling diva who was to have appeared as the protégé of Vickie Guerrero on the third season of WWE’s NXT, wrestled a dark match against Florida independent women’s wrestler Leva Bates prior to Tuesday night’s TNA Impact taping in Orlando, Florida.

Though her in-ring abilities are considered horrible, the feeling is that she will be offered at least a short-term role with TNA Wrestling. However, the Pro Wrestling Torch reports today that the organization’s female performers, the TNA Knockouts, collectively made it clear backstage at this week’s television tapings that they would not work with her if she is signed.

Company sources indicate Isis garnered major heat amongst the locker room due how she carried herself at the tapings, as if she is already a “big star” in the wrestling industry.

“I’ve never seen a guy or a girl rub the locker room this much the wrong way,” said a TNA employee.

Check out these pictures from Isis the Amazon’s TNA debut:

(Source: pwtorch.com)

WM27 Ticket Sales, SmackDown Tapings News, ECW

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– WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta is still not sold out. WWE officials are expecting a lot of tickets to sell this week following the news that The Rock will be guest hosting the event.

– After Tuesday night’s SmackDown tapings in San Diego, Edge cut a promo and put over the city and it’s fans. Edge spoke fondly about wrestling the late Eddie Guerrero on a SmackDown show from San Diego years ago.

– The official theme song for Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is Ignition by TobyMac. His song Showstopper was previously used by WWE as the theme for the 2010 Fatal 4 Way pay-per-view.

– It was one year ago today that WWE aired the final episode of ECW on SyFy. The final chapter of the ECW legacy saw Ezekiel Jackson defeat Christian to become the final ECW champion. The belt was retired after Jackson’s win.

– Former WWE star Chris Nowinski is scheduled to give a speech entitled “The Concussion Crisis: How One Leader Can Make a Difference” at the Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 22nd.

Jeff Hardy’s Case Delayed Again, UFC Star At iMPACT!, Isis-MTV

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– TNA star Jeff Hardy’s pending court case was delayed once again on Wednesday morning. Hardy was not there in person. Hardy’s attorney James Van Camp represents another client in a murder trial and was not able to appear today, which led to the continuance. The next court date is scheduled for Wednesday March 16, three days after TNA Victory Road and the two nights of iMPACT! tapings that follow.

– Former WWE developmental Aloisa, best known on the indy scene as the 6-foot-9 wrestler Isis The Amazon, was recently approached by MTV about filming a reality show on her unique life. (Source: Diva Dirt)

Isis The Amazon received a TNA tryout in Orlando and it’s said there’s a good chance she’ll be offered a spot on the TNA roster.

– Dixie Carter wrote on Twitter this week that she and a number of TNA stars took part in a film shoot that involved “lots of flames” and was “lots of fun.”

– UFC star Tom Lawlor was in attendance for Monday’s TNA iMPACT tapings from Orlando.

– The pre-sale for TNA’s Lockdown pay-per-view at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 17th begins this morning at 10am. The pre-sale password is “Lockdown.”

NXT Season 4 & 5 News, Husky Harris Back To FCW & More

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– Dolph Ziggler mentioned Ring of Honor during commentary on last night’s WWE NXT. After Daniel Bryan shook hands with his Rookie Derrick Bateman before their singles match, Ziggler referred to ROH’s Code of Honor pre-match handshake, saying, “It’s not ROH, you don’t have to shake hands.”

– The next NXT elimination will take place on Tuesday, February 22nd. After next week, there will be only two Rookies remaining, with the winner being determined on the March 1st finale.

— With NXT Season 4 wrapping up in less than 2 weeks, we’re alrady looking ahead to NXT Season 5 – set to premiere the week after Season 4’s finale. NXT Season 5 begins on March 8th and we reported last week that there’s been talk of a “father-son” theme featuring WWE legends mentoring their sons.

– Former NXT and Nexus member Michael Tarver was seen backstage on RAW once again this week, in the segment where The Miz was walking to the ring for his match with Daniel Bryan. Tarver was seen playing on his cellphone and looking at The Miz.

This marks the fourth time Tarver has appeared (and was barely acknowledged) on WWE television in the past several weeks.

– Fellow former NXT and Nexus member Husky Harris has been out of action for several weeks following a skull punt by Randy Orton. It’s interesting to note that his profile page has been added back to the Florida Championship Wrestling website, a sign that he won’t be back on WWE television any time soon.

WWE officials were said to be impressed with the young star’s in-ring work, but they feel his look needs work.

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

Pictures Of Lillian Garcia At The Grammy Awards

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– Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night television show on Monday night. She served as a correspondent of the Kimmel show and was interviewing celebrities on the red carpet of last weekend’s Grammy Awards. Her name was shown onscreen as “Lilah Garcia.”

Speaking of Lilian Garcia, she will be appearing at the upcoming Miami Comic Con event on February 26th-27th from the Miami Airport Convention Center. Other wrestling stars appearing at that show include Kevin Nash, Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle and TNA knockout Cookie.

Check out these pictures of Lilian Garcia on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards:

VIDEO Of The Rock’s WWE Return From RAW

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Here’s a recap of our coverage of The Rock’s return to WWE:

WWE has added video footage of The Rock’s return to RAW on the “WWE Fan Nation” Youtube channel .. In case you missed it or if you just want to relive the experience again – here’s The Rock’s return to Monday Night RAW after 7 years:

*SPOILERS* TNA iMAPCT! Tapings Results For 2/24

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Credit to reader Eric for sending in the following TNA iMPACT! tapings results from Tuesday night, set to air on Thursday, February 24th:

* Gunner and Murphy defeat Eric Young and Orlando Jordan with Beer Money on commentary.

* Brother Devon comes out and talks about Brother Ray’s attack on his kids at Against All Odds. We see Ray backstage. He taunts Devon for the attack and rips them. Ray is getting ready to powerbomb someone through a table backstage but Tommy Dreamer makes the save. They fight out to the ring. Devon accidently punches Dreamer as security breaks everything up.

* Mr. Anderson comes out and sits in a chair, saying he’s calling the shots now. Anderson wants his world title rematch. Rob Van Dam comes out and they go back and forth on the mic before getting into a fist fight.

* Immortal comes out and Bischoff makes it RVD vs. Anderson for the main event. Jeff Jarrett whispers to Bischoff and he makes it RVD vs. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle.

* Crimson defeats Magnus.

* Scott Steiner vs. Rob Terry in a posedown is up next. Terry comes out with workout equipment. Terry cuts a promo on Steiner. Steiner comes out in a suit and they talk trash. Terry attacks Steiner from behind and chokes him with a tension band. Security breaks it up.

* Ric Flair comes out and tells AJ Styles to come get on his hands and knees to apologize. AJ comes out and says he’s been avoiding Flair because he wants to beat him up. Flair goes to hit AJ but it’s blocked. AJ attacks Flair until Hernandez makes the save. AJ eliminates him. AJ low blows Flair and kicks Hernandez. Flair is bleeding bad here. Hernandez launches AJ back into the ring. AJ comes back and takes out Hernandez on the floor. AJ goes for a Styles Clash on Flair but Hernandez makes the save. Fortune comes down to help Styles. Hernandez goes to retreat but is attacked by Matt Morgan.

* Madison Rayne comes out for a non-title match and says she will knock out who ever is put in front of her. ODB comes out to answer Madison’s challenge in her TNA return. Madison gets the win with her finisher.

* Mr. Anderson defeats Kurt Angle and Rob Van Dam in a solid main event. The match is interrupted by Karen and Jeff Jarrett, distracting Angle. Anderson hits the Mic Check for the win.

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