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The Rock & Mickie James Trade Comments On Twitter

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TNA Knockout Mickie James wrote on Twitter this week about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s long awaited return to World Wrestling Entertainment on Monday’s RAW. James wrote on Twitter:

“Finally getting a chance to catch up on @TheRock’s charismatic return… Literally got chills… & remembered why I do… What I do!”

The Rock thanked Mickie James for her comments, adding that he likes her country music. He wrote on Twitter.com/TheRock:

“Thank u MJ..we’re blessed to be able to perform..keep kickin ass and being diverse in your career…I dig your music… I always admire diversity..takes guts..especially in country..if u sing jamey johnson for me I’ll come get that tooth..:)”

Nash Comments On Rock’s Return, Help Randy Orton

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– Kevin Nash praised Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return to Raw last Monday, writing on Twitter:

“Rock was amazing on Monday!!! Welcome back. True class putting over Austin. Great show Monday. Cena got my respect when he went an hour with HBK. Is Rock Cena not maln event at Mania? Rock cut a money promo, trashed his money opponent.”

— Regarding DVR usage of Monday Night Raw, the January 24 episode was viewed in 209,000 homes via tape delay–a 94.0% live vs. 6% tape breakdown, or the difference between a 3.29 and 3.50 cable rating.

— Via Twitter, Randy Orton is giving away free tickets to WWE’s March 14 Monday Night Raw taping in St. Louis. The Raw Superstar, who has eight security cameras outside of his home, caught a teenager ringing his door bell Friday night before running off. He is offering free tickets to anyone who can identify the trespasser.

Here’s the surveillance picture taken by Randy Orton’s home security system:

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Linda McMahon Seriously Considering Another Senate Run

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Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon told the Greenwich Times this week that she is “seriously considering” another run for United States Senate in 2012.

“I’m leaning in that direction,” McMahon told the Greenwich Times this weekend. “I’m seriously considering another run, but I haven’t made up my mind yet … I’m getting a lot of calls, a lot of encouragement from people around the state. I enjoyed my campaign.”

Daniel Kelly, Executive Director of the State Democratic Party, had this to say about Linda running again:

“I think she runs, and, if she runs, her money, I’m sure, makes her a formidable candidate within the Republican primary. But if she gets to the general (election), she’s the same Linda McMahon, and she has the same failed record of laying off employees and paying herself millions, the same record of steroid abuse and degradation of women in the WWE and she spent nearly 50 million in one of the most Republican years ever and came up short.”

Connecticut’s Republican party chairman Christopher Healy, said: “I think she’s doing what anybody would do. I think she’s been evaluating what the campaign was about, what was good, what was bad. I think that’s appropriate for anyone running for statewide office next year. You’ve got to start early.”

When asked about whether she plans to work for WWE again, she shot down the idea. “I have no plans to return to WWE.”

For more on this story, visit Smart-Grid.TCMNet.com.

Jericho’s Next Career Move, What Happened After SmackDown

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– WWE has posted footage of what happened after this week’s SmackDown went off the air. where Vickie Guerrero came out and demanded a rematch for Dolph Ziggler, following Dolph’s World Heavyweight Title loss and storyline firing.

Teddy Long came out and ordered Vickie Guerrero out of the building. Ziggler refused to leave the ring so Teddy introduced his special security – Big Show. Show knocked out Ziggler and then carried him away from the ring on his shoulders.

– Radio personality Eddie Trunk, a friend of Chris Jericho’s, said last week that Jericho’s next career move will be shocking. “Congrats to my bud and what he will be announcing he is doing next will be a shocker,” said Trunk. “I’ll leave it at that.”

— Reader Derek Sousa sent this in: The Miz & Alex Riley were on KNBR in San Francisco yesterday morning to promote the Elimination Chamber show. Miz was overall pretty good. They talked about Real World and one of the hosts tried to get on Miz about how there could be a championship in a fake sport with no competition. He also thought Riley was copying Miz, but Riley insisted it was just a coincidence they looked the same. A funny spot was when a host called what he was carrying a belt, and Miz had to explain that it was not a belt. Speaking of which, on Smackdown, Vickie Guerrero did accidentally use the b word, which in WWE, is not bitch.

HBK On His Wrestling Future, The Rock Kept A Secret

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– Shawn Michaels was interviewed at the first annual fund raising dinner for The Outdoor Adventure Foundation, Texas Chapter, yesterday. Here’s what he told Amarillo.com about his future in wrestling:

“I’m not going to wrestle again. The only way a 185-pound guy made it in that business is to do something nobody else ever did. The best thing I can do is to stay retired, because nobody ever stays retired. I’ll still be part of the company. You never really get out of the WWE unless you’re wearing concrete shoes at the bottom of the Hudson River, but no more active wrestling.”

– WWE went to great lengths on Monday to keep The Rock’s return a surprise. People working in WWE production were told that Justin Bieber would be announced as the WrestleMania 27 guest host – and the episode of RAW was even titled “Leave it to Bieber” on the episode script.

– Actress Ariel Winter, who appeared on RAW last Monday and stars in The Chaperone, told Star Magazine that she did her own stunts in the movie. Regarding Triple H, she said:

“I had an amazing bond with Triple H, he’s like my second Dad.”

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Ziggler Goes On Twitter Rant, Claims He’s TNA Bound

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On Friday’s SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler was awarded the World Heavyweight championship, lost it back immediately to Edge and was subsequently “fired” by the returning Teddy Long and has been removed from tonight’s SmackDown Elimination Chamber match. To play up the angle even further, Dolph’s superstar profile has been removed from the SmackDown roster page on the WWE website.

Following the events that occured on SmackDown, Ziggler went on a Twitter rant, playing up the storyline firing and teasing that “Dixie” will help him make an “impact” and “spike” someone’s ratings.  Here’s what he wrote:

“Historic 600th episode of WWE Smackdown tonight on SyFy! I will address the DOLPHans after, Thanks for your support over the years!

First of all, I can’t believe that I got to live my dream for this many years and actually come to do it pretty damn well! Even though I used to caddy around and actually went through a rigorous gymnastics and cheerleader training I thought we made it work! I got to make a lot of friends and a couple of enemies, but no matter what, every time I stepped through that curtain, especially these ast 2 years, I felt like a champion, I lived to go to work each day and try to steal the show like no one else could!

No matter what happens in the coming weeks and months, I appreciate the fact that my hard work and countless hours studying and learning paid off! I was in the world title picture as a legitimate threat, and appreciate that I got that chance! Most don’t!

I hope this youth movement continues, and I hope its just not to build young guys up and have the mainstays dominate and not pass the torch. There is a ton of hungry young talents and they LOVE their jobs, just like I and did! Hopefully they get their chance! I hope to see zack ryder, trent barretta, curt hawkins and some others get their chance, bc they love what they do, and remind me of why I got into this business! Hopefully Wrestlemania will not be a look back into the attitude era an have all the young guys watching backstage.

I love the wrestling business, and maybe its time to take that next step into the danger zone, brazzers are u hiring??? Haha. I’m sure the door is always open, and I know I busted my ass every damn day I worked for this company, and no matter how doughy and truly. Annoying the miz is, he’s obviously onto something (2,000 tries later)! Daniel bryan couldn’t draw a dollar with a green crayon! I love hating on him! He got carried to one of (actually THE best match of the year) and john morrison is nothing but a pretty boy doing ballet.

I will see all of u again, SOMEWHERE! And now its time to make an impact and spike someone else’s ratings! U know me, I’d rather be in Dixie. Thank you dolphans for ur support! And know I loved pissing everyone off and stealing their show! I will truly miss this more than anything ……Its only NATURAL.”

WWE Accused Of Trying To Block MMA Legalization

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WWE’s public position on Mixed Martial Arts is that MMA is not direct competition to sports entertainment, but a Connecticut lawmaker who is fighting to get the sport legalized in his state says WWE is campaigning against his efforts.

Connecticut state representative Matthew Lesser has introduced legislation for Mixed Martial Arts events to be held in his state, one of only 4 states that currently does not sanction the sport. Lesser argues that MMA is a safe, regulated sport and would bring a great deal of tax revenue to the state government.

While the MMA legalization movement is gaining momentum, Lesser claims that World Wrestling Entertainment is actually lobying against the cause, using it’s influence in the state to squash a potential competitor.

WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman said that WWE is not opposed to the MMA bill or anything else Connecticut wants to do with regards to sports or entertainment.

The General Assembly’s public safety committee is slated to hold a hearing on the bill Tuesday afternoon.

DISCUSSION: What do you think about this? If Lesser’s claims are true, is WWE wrong for lobbying against MMA, when MMA would almost certainly take away from their business? Should MMA be legalized in all 50 states?

(Source: The Hartford Courant)

JR Blog: Elimination Chamber. Jarrett-Angle In TNA

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

SmackDown Going Live: “No…I don’t ever see Friday Night Smackdown going live, full time IE weekly. It might happen occasionally but it isn’t cost effective or travel friendly to do live TV on Mondays, Fridays, and some Sundays and still try to do live event touring. Makes no sense.”

The Angle-Jarrett storyline in TNA: “An emailer asked me what I thought about recent TNA storylines involving Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Jarrett and their children. I’m not a regular viewer of TNA first of all but what I have seen of this storyline that’s allegedly based in reality isn’t my cup of tea. I could care less what the adults do in their storyline but having minor children involved doesn’t personally work for me. TNA isn’t my hill to die upon and I harbor no ill will toward them but I find it challenging to believe that some individuals actually think that this is effective, episodic TV.”

Tonight’s Elimination Chamber: “I’m anxiously looking forward to Sunday’s Elimination Chamber PPV from WWE that emanates from Oakland. Obviously, and based on precedent, the Chamber bouts will occupy the majority of the ring time on this event but my focus is on the King vs. Miz bout for the WWE Title. Miz will likely see every trick in the wrestler’s handbook in this one and I don’t expect this title bout to be a marathon. It can’t be a marathon bout if The King Jerry Lawler wants to win the WWE Title IMO. The 61 year old WWE HOF’er, who buried his 90 year old mother on Wednesday, needs to essentially tell us what time it is and not how to make the watch when Jerry looks to make history. Not only would Jerry be the oldest WWE Champion ever, or so I think, he would also be in rarefied air as a WWE Hall of Famer who wins the title after being inducted into the WWE HOF.”

News On “Tough Enough” Casting, Diva Moves To Las Vegas

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— Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer said yesterday on the f4wonline.com message board that WWE had absolutely no hand in the casting decisions for the revival of Tough Enough. USA Network officials and the show’s production company, Shed Media Us, had full control on that aspect. The goal was to select models for the reality program.

— Rosa Mendes, who has not toured with WWE in three weeks, indicated on her Twitter account that she has been dealing with a personal issue as of late.

She wrote Thursday, “Just finished an amazing photo shoot. I want to thank Scott, Amber and Leslie Homan, for all their hard work today. These past few weeks having been a little tough. This shoot made my day. I want to thank all my friends for their texts and prayers. It means a lot.”

Mendes also stated that she moved to Las Vegas yesterday.

iMPACT! Ratings Continue To Sink, Isis Rejected By TNA At First

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– The February 17 episode of TNA iMPACT! scored a 1.13 cable rating, down from 1.20 the previous week and 1.31 on February 3.

The first hour scored a 1.15 before dropping to a 1.11 in the second.

iMPACT! averaged 1.5 million viewers over the course of two hours, down from 1.7 million viewers last week and 1.9 million viewers on January 27 and February 3. It was tied with the January 6 episode for the fewest average viewers of the year.

— Isis the Amazon, the six foot nine woman 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. Company officials were aware of her prior to her involvement with WWE last year, but showed no interest after watching tapes of her wrestling. They reportedly changed their tune on her because she appeared for WWE.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer says she has been wrestling on the independent circuit since 2007, but had never heard of her until a few months prior to her appearance on NXT. He described her wrestling ability as beginner level and exuding no charisma.

TNA Stars Lash Out Against Internet “Dirt Sheets” (Who, Us?)

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Isis the Amazon, who participated in a tryout match for TNA Wrestling earlier this week, posted numerous messages on her Twitter account yesterday dismissing the report that she upset those in the locker room with her conduct backstage.

According to the Pro Wrestling Torch, the organization’s female performers collectively made it clear at this week’s television tapings that they would not work with her if she is signed, citing her poor attitude.

“Heat comes & goes. Even if I had it, why would I care? All that matters is that I give what I do 110% & have a positive attitude,” she wrote in response to a message that she has “heat” amongst the locker room.

She then added, “I don’t ever pay attention to dirt sheets. They’re there b/c average people live average, boring lives & need a target like me for amusement & a cheap laugh. I’m not putting it over & I’m don’t talking about them, IE giving them credit. F*** ’em.”

Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara) spoke out in defense of Isis, saying she didn’t upset the locker room, and that she’s a total sweetheart.

Isis also commented on her wrestling ability drawing unflattering comparisons to The Great Khali. She said that Tommy Dreamer, who also works as a producer, told her she has a lot of potential.

“People can say what they want. When a guy like Tommy Dreamer who had worked closely with the Great Khali comes up to you & tells you that you have mass amounts of potential, I’d focus on that as motivation over some stupid dirt sheet talking s***,” she said. “My name is still coming out their mouths for a f****** reason- NEVER forget that. So long as I’m doing what I need to be doing, everyone else trying to bring me down can “suck it”.

Company sources indicate Isis garnered major heat amongst the locker room due how she carried herself at the events, 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.

Meanwhile, Matt Hardy similarly dismissed a report indicating that he upset his peers by taking credit for the recent TNA Impact ratings surge coinciding with his arrival to the organization.

“GIVE ME THE HEAT!” he wrote Wednesday in response to a headline reading “Backstage Heat On Matt Hardy Over Twitter Comments.”

He then changed his tune on the subject, writing today that only “inaccurate scumsheets” say he’s arrogant with his boastful remarks on Twitter, not his fellow wrestlers.

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:

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