— John Cena is being advertised to appear at several upcoming SmackDown live events.
— JTG filled in for R-Truth as Johnny Curtis’ WWE Pro on last night’s episode of NXT. The Raw Superstar wrote last night on Twitter that he is “back in action,” after being sidelined since last week due to a health scare.
— The Dec. 18 episode of A.M. Raw. scored a 0.23 cable rating, with 282,000 viewers.
— It was announced during last night’s episode of NXT that the first elimination of Season Four would occur on the Jan. 4 show.
— Derrick Bateman scored three immunity points via last night’s NXT Rookie Challenges; Wheelbarrow Race and WWE Trivia. He is trailed by Johnny Curtis (2), Byron Saxton (1), Jacob Novak (1), Brodus Clay (0), Conor O’Brian (0).
— Brodus Clay, Byron Saxton, Jacob Novak and Johnny Curtis all have win/loss records of 1-1 following last night’s episode of NXT. Conor O’Brian is 1-0 while Derrick Bateman 0-2.
— It was announced during last night’s episode of NXT that the first elimination of Season Four would occur on the Jan. 4 show.
Following John Morrison’s win over Sheamus in the #1 Contender’s match at Sunday’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view, the main event of January’s Royal Rumble event is expected to be Morrison challenging The Miz for the WWE Championship.
Many within WWE saw his match against Sheamus at TLC as a star-making breakout performance. Some compared it to the TLC match that put the Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian “on the map” as top-tier performers. Despite his impressive performance, it really does come down to how WWE management pushes him and it’s not a sure thing that he will be treated as a main eventer in the long term.
On Tuesday’s special live edition of SmackDown, we saw a continuation of the Edge vs. Kane feud, so it appears that will be the likely World Heavyweight title match at the Rumble.
WWE has yet to announce anything for the Rumble on January 30th. However, they have added a basic preview for the 30-Man Royal Rumble match on the company website.
WWE Diva Melina has been getting a lot of feedback from her fans on Twitter, asking why she slapped Natalya on RAW and turned heel. First, she wrote:
“People are asking me why I slapped Natalya. That pink frilly dress was offending my eyes. I was about to slap myself but better her than me!”
After some of her fans still seemed really upset that she betrayed them and turned heel, she wrote the following to clarify the situation:
“U guys r all great. U crack me up. This will b fun. 4 the 5 people who believe what they see on the show is real, don’t trip sweeties. Im gonna goof on Twitter to joke but know that I’m still me & I’m not my character on tv. But let’s have fun with this. I love my girls on the show and am happy for their success & opportunities. Those people who were concerned are so cute & sweet. Thanks for tweeting.
For the rest that are Being supportive of me whether I’m a heel or face! You guys are amazing and I love you with all my heart. I was afraid more people would be hating. You guys are the best!!! That love & encouragement is the best Xmas gift I can possibly get.”
– Most of Tuesday night’s live WWE SmackDown broadcast was re-written Tuesday morning. There was a full show scripted over the weekend, but Vince McMahon and the WWE creative team decided to rewrite a lot of things to reflect what occured on Monday’s RAW the night before. (Source: f4online)
– The dark match before last night’s SmackDown & NXT tapings from San Antonio, Texas saw Trent Baretta defeat Abraham Washington. Washington cut a heel promo before the match and got a modest reaction from the crowd.
– In a dark match that took place after last night’s NXT tapings, World Heavyweight Champion Edge defeat Kane in a quick match after hitting Kane with a spear.
— Shawn Michaels was backstage at tonight’s SmackDown taping, which took place in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. He wrote on Twitter:
“Great to see everybody today. Great show & all had a blast. Fun just to be a spectator. Merry Christmas to the WWE family.”
— A tag team match pitting World Heavyweight Champion Edge and Rey Mysterio against Kane and Alberto Del Rio was announced for next week’s episode of SmackDown, which takes place on New Year’s Eve.
— For the second consecutive night, the term “Vickie” was a trending topic on Twitter.
— As we saw on Monday’s RAW and Tuesday’s live SmackDown, WWE has begun a new feud between John Cena and CM Punk. Original creative plans called for the Cena/Punk angle that kicked off on last night’s Raw to begin next month, but was bumped forward because the “Straight Edge” wrestler returns to action this weekend. The current plan is for the feud to continue through the Royal Rumble, with CM Punk getting the best of Cena, with the feud culminating at WrestleMania XXVII in April.
— Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman commented last night during Raw that Michael Cole’s heelish persona isn’t really an act. He wrote on Twitter:
“Cole was such a whiney, smug, aloof person when I was there. I can only imagine how he is now.”
— Former WWE Diva Savannah is accepting appearance bookings and inquiries via [email protected].
(source: f4wonline.com)
— Triple H will reportedly be more involved behind the scenes at television tapings in the coming weeks, a role took on during the company’s tour of Europe last month. The backstage environment was said to be far less stressful with him in charge than Vince McMahon. (source: f4wonline.com)
— Ted DiBiase, Maryse and Brodus Clay vs. Chris Masters, Byron Saxton and a mystery Diva has been announced for tonight’s episode of NXT. The Rookie Challenge will be a Wheelbarrow Race.
— John Cena is featured on the cover of the January 2011 issue of WWE Magazine, with the headline reading: “John Cena’s Biggest Year Ever?”
— WWE.com has announced that Rey Mysterio and Kofi Kingston will face Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger in a tag team match on tonight’s live SmackDown on the USA Network.
— Last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw scored a 3.27 cable rating, up from a 3.05 rating for the three-hour Slammy Awards show. It is also up from the 3.20 rating the show drew in its regular time slot.
— The term ‘Vickie’ was a trending worldwide topic last night during Raw.
— Former WWE Tag Team Champions Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas announced during intermission of Ring of Honor’s Final Battle iPPV that they had signed full-time deals with the organization. They said their goal is to become the ROH World Tag Team Champions.
— Triple H is being advertised to appear at several upcoming Raw tapings. However, he was advertised for last night’s show in Austin, Texas, but did not appear.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Chyna has landed a role as a defense attorney in the independent film Code of Death. Filming begins in the spring.
— A radio advertisement for the Feb. 5 SmackDown live event at the Richo Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario is advertising The Nexus vs. Big Show in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match (Thanks to Matthew)
— Casting for the Tough Enough revival on the USA Network will begin shortly after New Year’s Day.
— WWE returns to the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut on Mar. 18, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. for a Raw live event. Tickets go on sale Jan. 14, 2011 at noon via Ticketmaster.com.
— Today is Raw Superstar Primo’s birthday. He turns 28 years old.
source: PWInsider.com
Lance Hoyt (a/k/a Vance Archer), who was released by World Wrestling Entertainment on Nov. 19 alongside alongside Luke Gallows, Tiffany, Caylen Croft, Jillian Hall and Shad Gaspard, feels the company made a mistake by cutting him loose. Hoyt told Slam Wrestling during a recent interview:
“For me it was a budgetary decision that was what was told to m.” he said. “I was obviously disappointed and felt WWE was making a mistake.
“They dropped the ball by releasing me; I only regret not pushing the right people harder for more.”
In the meantime, Hoyt will continue to hone his craft on the independent scene until he can return to a major promotion. He still believes he can be a major force in WWE if given the opportunity to shine.
“I simply believe that I am that star that WWE is looking for,” he said. “But in this business you have to be put in the right spotlight for that to be recognized. Give me that spotlight and you won’t be able to look away.
“I will get back [to WWE] and I will be a star. It’s never a good feeling when leaving your dream job. But I will be back.”
Wednesday night on the USA Network, WWE presents Tribute To The Troops, a 2-hour special that was filmed earlier this month from Fort Hood, Texas. (Spoilers).
Since the entire WWE crew did not make it over to the Middle East this year, the company sent over a few Divas along with the Big Show and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to spread some holiday cheer to the United States troops stationed in Afghanistan.
Check out these pictures from that trip:
Check out this promotional footage of Diddy hanging out with Big Show at WWE’s Tribute To The Troops event, taped earlier this month from Fort Hood, Texas:
— WWE has announced that a new scoring system will be used on NXT as some of the Rookie Challenges will be worth more immunity points than others. WWE says the challenges will be selected randomly and surprise the rookies and viewers.
— Melina, who posted a photo of herself with short hair over the weekend on Twitter, apologized to fans about not keeping the look going forward.
She wrote, “You guys r getting me all hyped up 4this new year! I’m feeling GREAT! I’m sorry about the hair! I truly do luv short hair though! One day!”
— WWE’s arcade-style video WWE All Stars will be released on Mar. 29, five days before WrestleMania XXVII.
– WWE Week on the USA Network continues tonight – with a live episode of SmackDown taking place from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
SmackDown has a special start time of 9pm EST and will feature the following matches:
Non-Title Match:
WWE Chanpion The Miz vs. Randy Orton
Handicap Match:
John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero
Tonight’s NXT will start an hour later than usual (11PM EST) and will air on WWE.com.
– Last Friday’s episode of WWE Smackdown drew a 1.72 cable rating, virtually even with what the show did the previous week.
– WWE diva Melina, who turned heel last night on RAW and became the #1 contender for the women’s championship, wrote the following on Twitter:
“Hee hee hee. I love you guys. It’s time for a change people. It’s ON in the women’s division. Hope everyone is in for the ride!”
Here are the quick results from last night’s ROH on HDNet:
-Jim Cornette announces the HOLIDAY GAUNTLET. Out of a hat with 16 of the top names in ROH, they chose 8. Similar to a Royal Rumble, those 8 individuals would compete in the order in which their names were drawn with the winner getting $10,000.
Briscoe draws number 1, Corino draws number 2
-Briscoe def. Corino with a rollup at 5:41. Afterwards, the referee asks for the Code of Honor to be followed and instead of shaking Jay’s hand, Corino cheap shots him. A fine heel.
Christopher Daniels draws number 3
-Daniels def. Briscoe by pinfall after countering the Jay Driller and countering with the Angels Wings at 12:45.
Rhett Titus draws number 4
-Daniels def. Titus by pinfall with the Best Moonsault Ever at 19:04.
Davey Richards draws number 5
-Richards def. Daniels by pinfall after an overhead German suplex and Buzzsaw kick at 26:06.
Claudio Castagnoli draws number 6
-Richards def. Castagnoli by pinfall after countering a Ricola Bomb into a sunset flip at 32:04.
Chris Hero draws number 7
-Richards def. Hero by pinfall after Hero tried to use the loaded elbow pad and Davey countered into a small package at 39:12. After the match, Richards goes after Shane Hagadorn and gets clocked by Hero with the elbow pad for good measure.
ROH champion Roderick Strong draws number 8
-Strong def. Richards via pinfall with the running forearm and the Sick Kick at 43:45.
Technically, only one match this week and on a roughly hour-long show, it goes nearly 45 minutes. If you’re a wrestling fan, that’s awesome. If you’re a member of the CeNation, this probably wasn’t the show for you.
-Next week’s ROH on HDNet will be a Best of 2010 clip show.
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 said about:
CM Punk vs. John Cena: “The issue that started tonight between John Cena and C.M. Punk has my curiosity. I think that these two will have some stellar bou”ts when they finally wrestle. Punk is very hungry to re-establish himself as a dominate, singles performer. Punk and Cena can also carry the verbal load of this main event level issue.”
John Morrison: “The evolution of John Morrison continues. As many have pointed out over time and of which I agree, John has some young HBK tendencies/mannerisms but his biggest step, in this fan’s eye, is recently demonstrating more physical toughness in the ring. It reminds of when HBK added another layer to his body of work many years ago on PPV against Mick Foley aka Mankind in what was essentially a physical war. Some ‘experts’ on Twitter feel that Morrison’s verbal skills are an issue but I don’t.”
Booker T: “It seemed to me that Booker T was in excellent shape when we spoke on Sunday afternoon in Houston. That statement will likely fuel ample speculation and I’m not saying that Booker wants to or ever will step back in the ring but, as always, one never says never in this biz. With two beautiful twin children just coming into this world, I don’t ever see Booker T going back on the road full time. Nonetheless it was great seeing him and his lovely wife Sharmell. Ol Book did quite well in the wife department, much like yours truly, as he ‘out punted his coverage.'”
— Two matches have been announced for tonight’s live SmackDown on the USA Network:
* John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero in a Handicap Match
* The Miz vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match
— John Cena and John Morrison faced WWE Champion The Miz and Sheamus in a dark match following Monday’s live Raw broadcast. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on Sheamus while Morrison hit Starship Pain on The Miz. The referee simultaneously counted to three.
— The Dec. 17 episode of SmackDown scored a 1.76 cable rating, with 2,621,000 viewers. The previous week’s show drew a 1.77, with 2,635,000 viewers.
— Melina earned No. 1 contender status to the Divas Championship as a result of her victory over Alicia Fox and Eve in a Triple Threat Match on Raw. Melina then slapped Natalya, who had congratulated her.
— David Hart Smith vs. Zack Ryder and The Usos vs. Yoshi Tatsu and Darren Young were taped Monday night in Austin, Texas for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars.
— WWE developmental wrestler Percy Watson beat Primo in a dark match prior to Monday’s Raw taping.
— Former WWE Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion Paul London pulled no punches in a lengthy interview published in the latest issue of Power Slam as he candidly discussed his five-year run with World Wrestling Entertainment (which he calls “The Entertainers”), the wide array of characters he came into contact there, and much more.
Regarding a possible return to the organization that ultimately did not live up to his expectations, he said wouldn’t go back for all the money in the world.
“I think it should be changed to Take A Squat On WWE,” he responded regarding the organization’s Stand Up for WWE campaign. “It’s a joke. It’s a nasty place. I wouldn’t go back there for a gazillion dollars. Not for all the money in the world.”
London added, “It’s ass-backwards there. If you’re a better human being, you get pushed to the bottom. If you’re a piece of garbage and treat the fans with no respect and walk right by them, you get a push.”
— Ring of Honor reportedly garnered 1,750 orders for Saturday’s Final Battle iPPV, which includes replay orders. The previous record was between 1,500 and 1,600. (source: PWInsider.com)
— As reported earlier, some Smackdown performers have been called to appear at tonight’s Raw and vice versa for this week since the two shows will air on consecutive days on the USA Network. Expect more brand crossover in the months going forward as according to current creative plans, the separation of brands will be on the back burner through WrestleMania. (source: f4wonline.com)
— Catalina White, a former WWE developmental talent, revealed on her Twitter account that she married Jack Swagger over the weekend.
— WWE returns to the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana on Mar. 5, 2011. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
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Solomonster previews TLC, discusses ROH Final Battle, rips on the Slammy Awards and who REALLY should have been Superstar of the Year, Juan Cena released, Jeff Hardy wrestling under the influence, Perry Saturn resurfaces, Batista’s daughter sucks (literally) and is it a BELT or a TITLE? Download. Right. Now.
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— The conclusion to last night’s Divas Tag Team Tables Match between Michelle McCool & Layla and Beth Phoenix & Natalya reportedly went as planned as the table used in the bout was tested beforehand to make sure that it would not break when the Divas Champion shoved Lay-Cool off the turnbuckle. Natalya then splashed them to break the table, giving her and Phoenix the win.
— WWE’s next special edition magazine will be a “Year in Photos” issue, featuring hundreds of photos from the past year.
— Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez worked under under a mask at Friday’s Florida Championship Wrestling Christmas Supershow in Fort Myers, Florida, losing to Richie Steamboat. He performed as Chimaera, a character he portrayed on the independent circuit before joining WWE.
source: f4wonline.com
