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Linda McMahon’s Campaign Attacked For “Stand Up For WWE”

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The Connecticut Democratic State chairwoman Nancy DiNardo has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission to determine whether Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign is responsible for the new “Stand Up for WWE” campaign. DiNardo issued a statement earlier this week claiming that WWE was unfairly trying to get voters to vote for McMahon. There is a federal election law that prohibits corporations from working directly  with political campaigns.

Related News: Connecticut Democrats Slam WWE For Its “Stand Up” Campaign

McMahon campaign spokesman Ed Patru calls the complaint “utterly baseless” and says the campaign doesn’t coordinate with WWE.

Update: WWE Defends Itself Against “More False Allegations”

Details Behind Hardy’s Release From WWE, Expected To Join TNA

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World Wrestling Entertainment officials had discussed releasing Matt Hardy from his contract weeks before it was officially granted last Friday. There were some in WWE who wanted Hardy gone as soon as he requested his walking papers, but the key factor preventing organization officials from letting him go was the belief that it would keep Jeff Hardy in TNA Wrestling longer than his current deal calls for. The argument was that with Linda McMahon nearing the end of her Senate campaign, WWE shouldn’t employ a wrestler doing anything he could to get fired.

Those close to Hardy say he is definitely headed to TNA Wrestling. While those affiliated with the Orlando based organization have not been directly told he is coming in, most everyone broached on the subject expects it to occur.

There has already been discussion within TNA Wrestling of programming a Hardys vs. Beer Money, Inc. feud with the hope that it would elevate Robert Roode and James Storm. It is said that both Hardy brothers are very much aware of this possible scenario.

Meanwhile, Hardy’s numerous attention seeking videos, such as a recent entry of him eating lunch with an unmasked Rey Mysterio, have not endeared him to the TNA locker room. TNA employees who said they were friends with him in WWE aren’t defending his online behavior.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Update On New Bryan Persona, Nexus Advertised For Superstars

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— There was talk coming out of Raw to continue portraying Daniel Bryan as a “geeky guy” who women find attractive. It would also allow Michael Cole to continue lambasting the United States Champion over commentary

— WWE.com is advertising The Nexus to make their first appearance on WWE Superstars tomorrow night. Also advertised for the show is a match between Darren Young and William Regal. Other matches taped for the broadcast include: Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Masters and MVP; Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jimmy and Jey Uso.

— The “go home” show before WrestleMania XXVII, SmackDown on Apr. 1, will be similar to the past two years and feature cutaways from WrestleMania Axxess.

— There was talk coming out of Raw to continue portraying Daniel Bryan as a “geeky guy” who women find attractive. It would also allow Michael Cole to continue lambasting the United States Champion over commentary

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

WWE Defends Itself Against “More False Allegations”

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World Wrestling Entertainment issued a press release on Wednesday in response to the Democratic Party in Connecticut requesting a federal investigation into whether WWE and Linda McMahon’s campaign worked together in launching the “Stand up for WWE.” There is a federal election law that prohibits corporations from working directly  with political campaigns.

Earlier this week, the Connecticut Democratic Party spokeswoman Kate Hansen said, “Linda McMahon’s $50 million attack machine now has corporate reinforcements, thanks to the ‘Stand up for WWE’ campaign launched by her husband Vince McMahon. No coincidence, it looks a lot like her political campaign… except this one is probably against the law.”

WWE issued the following statement:

WWE DEFENDS ITSELF

STAMFORD, Conn., October 20, 2010 – Due to what the WWE® considers malicious and misleading attacks reported by some members of the media, the company on Monday began a global initiative to defend itself called “Stand Up for WWE” which has resulted in yet more false allegations.

“World Wrestling Entertainment will not be bullied or intimidated by whining allegations intended to censor our freedom of speech,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE.

WWE will fervently fight against any attempt to muzzle or trample its First Amendment rights. Our fans, employees, and performers are united in this grassroots effort to “Stand Up for WWE.”

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Toronto and Mexico City. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

Update On Edge Retirement Report, SmackDown Star Turns 40

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— To follow up on the news that RAW superstar Edge is considering retirement in the near future, the Rated R Superstar recently told the Asheville Citizen-Times that his days in the ring are indeed coming to an end soon. Edge recently purchased a new home in North Carolina, where he plans to settle down after he leaves WWE.

“That’s part of the reason I bought up here. We want to retire and listen to the wind in the trees, and we want to do it fairly soon. I may have two more years. With each injury, it’s harder and harder to come back.”

— Today is Chavo Guerrero’s birthday, who turns 40 years old.

— WWE SmackDown garnered a 8.7 rating in Mexico, topping programming from AAA (4.5) and CMLL (2.6).

Trish Stratus Attends Charity Celebrity Gala (Picture)

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Former WWE Diva Trish Stratus attended the Bell Celebrity Gala last week in Toronto.

The event was to raise money for the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation. $1.16 million was raised.

Here’s a picture of the still stunning Trish Stratus at the gala:

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Jersey Shore’s J-Woww Reportedly Wants To Wrestle Cookie

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TMZ.com has yet another update in the ongoing feud between Jersey Shore star “J-Woww” and TNA Knockout Cookie. After J-Woww’s appearance on last week’s episode of TNA iMPACT! culminated with a catfight between the two women, Cookie continued talking trash to TMZ about the Jersey shore star.

The latest is that TMZ sources close to J-Woww say, “Cookie didn’t even get one good punch in with her .. J-Woww would be down for a rematch with that trash.”

J-Woww reportedly got paid $15,000 for last week’s appearance and the ongoing war of words has received a lot of coverage on TMZ ever since.

No word yet on how close J-Woww is to reaching a deal with TNA to wrestle Cookie, but the TMZ source sounds confident it’s going to happen.

* Pictures of J-Woww’s CATFIGHT From TNA iMPACT!

First Reviews Are In For Big Show’s “Knukclehead” Movie

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The first reviews are coming in for the latest WWE studios   production, “Knucklehead,” starring the Big Show. The movie will have a   limited release this weekend and go straight to DVD on November 9th.

Joshua Rothkopf of Time Out New York called it “A distinctly  shameless   and shoddily made family comedy, this  WWE production for  wrestler  Big  Show turns an already saccharine plot  into a toxic,  fart-laden   piledriver.”

“A  mere plot summary can’t begin to  approximate  the way you’ll feel   manhandled by a stridently wacky  orchestral score  (more syrup for  your  pancakes?) and story elements  seemingly  selected by a brain-dead   Hulkamaniac,” Rothkopf said. “Is it fair to  include both an unattached  blond teacher and a cute orphan with  abandonment issues? Wight himself  is a benign, dopey   presence; you  don’t mind him. But it’s a mistake  for the big lug to   shoot so  broadly for the middle. It takes a special  kind of failure to   make  Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s efforts look like  models of sparkling   wit  and unpredictability.”

In another review, Nick Shager of Slant Magazine asks, “If a WWE-produced film can’t get squared-circle action right, what can be expected of it?”

Check out the “Knucklehead” page at RottenTomatoes.com to see more critic reviews.

NXT Diva Responds To Criticism, WWE Still Hauling “Piggy James”

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— Last night’s match between Maxine and Kaitlyn on NXT is being almost universally panned by both wrestling fans and Joey Styles alike.

“And I thought WWECW was hard to watch. OMG that match stunk on ice,” Styles said of the match on Twitter. “After that match, Mae Young is rolling over in her grave…and she’s still alive!”

Maxine responded to criticism of the match on Twitter, writing, “Yea the match was tough. It’s hard to lead someone with 2 months experience almost impossible.”

Kaitlyn had no prior wrestling experience prior to being signed by WWE in July.

— Though Mickie James has long since departed from World Wrestling Entertainment, the company’s production staff is still hauling around equipment used during the storyline deriding her weight to shows.

Reader Kyle wrote that before Monday’s Raw in Calgary, Alberta, he and his friends observed the WWE production trucks situated around the Saddledome and noticed a cart with a big box labeled “Piggy James.”

Once a storyline has been completed, items used during the storyline are either trashed or dropped off at an undisclosed warehouse near WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

Kevin Nash’s Reason For Leaving TNA, Team 3D Return Criticized

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— Kevin Nash said goodbye to the TNA Wrestling locker room at last week’s set of iMPACT! television tapings. While he’s still listed on the company website, the belief is that he is legitimately leaving the organization because he noted to friends that he was asked to take a pay cut and declined to sign a new contract.

— There was much head shaking over TNA Wrestling re-signing Team 3D to new contracts. While Brother Devon is quite popular in the locker room and Brother Ray is considered good in a backstage role, many feel there is no money to be made in bringing the two back as a tag team, let alone as singles competitors.

“They shouldn’t have been re-signed,” said one company source. “No one (in management) gets its.”

To clarify, a number of people in management didn’t want them re-signed, but TNA president Dixie Carter felt otherwise as it is said that she “really wanted to bring the duo back.”

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Backstage Report On Jwoww, TNA Contract Expiring, Mickie

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— Rhino’s contract with TNA Wrestling will expire at the end of the month. He is still working live events, but it is unknown whether both sides will reach a new deal. The belief is that the EV2 faction is sticking around, and considering that the company is light on former ECW wrestlers, there is a good chance he’ll stay.

— Jenni Farley (a/k/a Jwoww) showed up late in the afternoon for her appearance at the Oct. 11 iMPACT! television taping and spent most of her time situated in the makeup room with her boyfriend. While there has been bickering over her reported $15,000 payoff, no one mentioned anything regarding her demeanor.

— Mickie James’ TNA theme song, which has been described as “Hardcore Country,” was recorded by both the former WWE Women’s Champion and Dixie Carter’s husband Serg Salinas.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

Bret Hart Rips On TNA, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff & Russo

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was interviewed this week by Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com to promote the new SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 video game.

Hart had some pretty harsh words about TNA Wrestling, saying it’s run by people who don’t know anything about the wrestling business and feature dinosaurs on television that take time away from the company’s real stars. Here are some highlights of what Bret said about:

Hogan, Bischoff & Russo Together Again In TNA:

“Well, I’ll be honest. After being in WCW and being around them, you start to realize that these guys — Bischoff in particular — never understood or knew anything about wrestling. They just struck me as guys that didn’t understand wrestling. To see them working with another company now, to me, I think you’ll eventually see that they don’t know anything. They didn’t know anything then and they don’t know anything now. They’re not going to make a difference anywhere they go.”

TNA’s Young Talent Getting Smothered By Dinosaurs:

“Yeah, competition is always good. I have a lot of respect for the young wrestlers there like AJ Styles and Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe, Abyss, different guys. I know they’ve got a lot of talent there and guys that I consider good friends of mine including RVD (Rob Van Dam). I wish them all the best and I hope the younger stars get a chance to show what they’ve got rather than coming back to the old dinosaurs like Hulk Hogan or Eric Bischoff with the same old certain babble that he’s been doing for 10 years when he’ll babble about nothing. He somehow positions himself to be a star on the show and I think there’s real stars that need to get that light and not him.”

Bret Hart Talks About His Future & Appreciation Night (Video)

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WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was interviewed this week by Brian Fritz of AOL Fanhouse.

You can read the entire WWE interview at Fanhouse.com.

Here are some highlights of what Bret Hart said about:

His WWE Future: “I have every intention of working with them for the next couple of years. They’ve been pretty good to me and I’ve been pretty happy with how they’re treating me. We’re kind of just waiting for the next step in the steady progression of Bret “The Hitman” Hart returning to the WWE. I’m not quite sure where they go from here but I still expect to be part of things for quite a while.”

Bret Hart Appreciation Night at MSG: “It’s the biggest thing I’ve done since my comeback. I always wanted to wrestle in Madison Square Garden one more time. I used to tell Vince McMahon long before I ever worked with him again, before I came back to the company and buried the hatchet, but I always told him … He wanted me to do WrestleMania in Toronto for example and I think they wanted me to do something else at one of the other WrestleManias after that, it might have been the one in LA and he called me up to be a part of it and I said nah. I’m really just waiting for you to have something at the Garden. If you ever have anything in New York. I always felt that my strongest U.S., American fan base was in New York and that’s where they kind of loved me the most and I almost felt that I owed it to them to come back one time. When they brought it up to me a few months ago that they were going to do something with me in New York, I thought that’s going to be a magical moment for me that I’ll never forget. And it was great. I loved every bit of it. Even now, I still sort of pinch myself and ask myself if it really happened, did I wrestle in New York. I thought I had pretty good match there too. I thought the whole thing was a very special night for me.”

Here’s a fan-shot video from Bret Hart’s recent return to Madison Square Garden for Bret Hart Appreciation Night:

His Favorite WWE Superstars: “I’ve been really impressed with (John) Morrison who is amazing to me. Kofi (Kingston) is another guy who has some amazing stuff. Some of these guys today can really move like Evan Bourne who really impresses me with his wrestling style. Even Jack Swagger and some of these other bigger guys are quite impressive. I’ve always been a big fan of Rey Mysterio, he’s one of my favorites. I love how he seems to give 100 percent every night and pull off these five-star matches all the time. He’s an innovator that comes up with moves and does things that people have never seen before which is so hard to do in wrestling. Everything has been done or seems like everything has been done before so when somebody comes up with something that is totally new it always impresses me. The girls in wrestling are also quite impressive. The lady wrestlers of today are a billion miles ahead of the lady wrestlers of 20, 30 years ago. They’ve really taken it up a notch. Melina and so many of these young girls are such fantastic performers and hard workers.”

* Picture of BRET HART & His 27-Year-Old Wife (VIEW HERE)

Updates On Daniel Bryan & Kidd, WWE Releasing Divas Calendar

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— Daniel Bryan behaving as a “Ladies’ Man” may be integrated into his on-screen persona. The WWE Divas and Bryan celebrated with dancing following their respective scuffles with Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler.

— Though it was teased last night on Raw that Tyson Kidd could be turning heel following The Hart Dynasty’s latest loss, creative plans as of today were for him to remain babyface.

— The next special edition issue of WWE Magazine will be a 2011 Divas Calendar with the Divas in swimsuits. Among those featured on the cover include Michelle McCool, Eve Torres, Rosa Mendes and Kelly Kelly. The magazine officially hits newssstands next Tuesday.

source: www.f4wonline.com

Connecticut Democrats Slam WWE For Its “Stand Up” Campaign

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Connecticut Democratic State party spokeswoman Kate Hansen attacked WWE on Tuesday for “Stand Up for WWE” campaign that launched The Democratic party, who are currently campaigning against Linda McMahon’s bid for the United States senate, claim the campaign is an “illegal coordination” to get more people to vote for Linda McMahon. Hansen told CQ Politics:

“Linda McMahon’s $50 million attack machine now has corporate reinforcements, thanks to the ‘Stand up for WWE’ campaign launched by her husband Vince McMahon. No coincidence, it looks a lot like her political campaign… except this one is probably against the law.” There is a federal election law that prohibits corporations from working directly  with political campaigns.

Hansen added, “Linda McMahon’s claim that her husband’s aggressive public relations campaign is independent of her own political campaign is unbelievable, particularly after Vince McMahon specifically cites the Senate race as the reason for the offensive.”

WWE Spokesperson Robert Zimmerman defended the company’s intention of the Stand Up campaign, saying,  “It had absolutely nothing to do with the Linda McMahon campaign. It’s trying to correct inaccuracies that have been reported. … The attention that’s been put on WWE by Linda’s opponents have focused media attention on the company.”

Tough Enough Update, Justin Bieber Singing At WrestleMania

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— Yesterday’s media report of Tough Enough being revived is true as those close to the situation indicate it’s a done deal that the reality television show will reemerge on the USA Network. Time slots being discussed include 11:00 p.m. following Raw and Tuesday nights at 10:00 p.m.

— HollywoodLife.com’s report earlier this month of Justin Bieber possibly singing “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania XXVII is true, according to a company source. WWE officials are hopeful the land the singer for the event and are currently negotiating with his representatives.

— WWE aired a video package with R-Truth’s new song last night on Raw in an attempt to get fans familiar with its lyrics so they’ll sing along. They feel it’s not nearly as over as his initial one, but are still trying to get it over.

source: www.f4wonline.com

WWE RAW Rating For Monday’s “Go Home” Show

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The ratings are in for Monday’s WWE RAW, the final show before Sunday’s WWE Bragging Rights pay-per-view.

The 10/18 episode of WWE RAW drew a a 3.09 cable rating and averaged 4.47 million viewers. This is up from last week’s 2.9 and virtually even with RAW’s 10-week average.

The first hour drew a 3.06 rating (with 4.42 million viewers) and the second hour did a 3.12 (4.53 million viewers).

Raw’s viewership was up nearly five percent compared to last week, a modest sign of momentum heading into Bragging Rights.

(Credit to pwtorch.com for the ratings data used in this report)

More On The New “Stand Up For WWE” Campaign (Videos)

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WWE has released a series of videos hyping the new “Stand Up For WWE” WWE is asking its fans to help them combat unfair and biased attacks from “certain politicians and media outlets.” WWE says they’re trying to “correct factual inaccuracies” that have been reported about the company during Linda McMahon’s United States Senate campaign.

Vince McMahon’s Address to the WWE Universe:

Longtime WWE Employees Stand Up For WWE

RAW Celebrity Guest Hosts Stand Up For WWE:

Gregory Helms Comments On Matt Hardy’s Release From WWE

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Former WWE star Gregory “Hurricane” Helms appeared on the Right After Wrestling radio show last night to discuss Matt Hardy’s departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, among other topics.

“Me and Matt (Hardy) talk on a daily basis,” said Helms. “He’s doing really good and he’s in a good spot in his life.

“He was just ready to go, like myself when I left (WWE), I was just ready to go. I didn’t realize how ready I was to leave until about a month after my release. Back to Matt, he’s in a happier place, he’s got a ton of projects on the shelf, me and him will be doing a ton of stuff together as well.”

ALSO DISCUSSED

– His thoughts on TNA’s direction

– Should the WWE bring back the Cruiserweight division

– Will Twitter change the wrestling industry?

– Hurricane suggesting to Zack Ryder that he tweet live in the ring during a match

To listen to the interview, click here.

Why Vince Missed RAW, Hart Dynasty Breakup, Jackson

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– We reported on Monday that WWE chairman Vince McMahon was scheduled to appear on this week’s live RAW. While there were plans for Vince to appear live and promote the company’s new “Stand Up For WWE” campaign, time constraints, prevented this from happening and they just aired a video package.

– It appeared that WWE was originally planning to turn David Hart Smith heel against Tyson Kidd, it now appears that Tyson Kidd is the one going heel.

– As we saw on RAW, Ezekiel Jackson returned to television and was added to Team RAW at Bragging Rights. Mark Henry had been rumored to be the final member of Team RAW, but Henry’s brother has been fighting for his life after suffering a stroke on October 3rd and Henry wasn’t able to guarantee he could be at the PPV on Sunday.

MVP Continues To Vent His Frustrations About WWE

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SmackDown superstar MVP is back on Twitter venting his frustrations about being misused in WWE. The former United States champion says he’s not happy with the way things currently are, but keeps an upbeat attitude and says he’s not leaving the company any time soon.

When a fan asked him last night if he was happy in WWE, MVP responded,

“Not my finest hours but life is all about peaks & valleys! Tomorrow is a new day!”

Another fan asked MVP if he has lost his passion for wrestling. He replied:

“I LOVE wrestling! Not crazy about the “business”.”

MVP later said the following about his relationship with WWE:

“All relationships have ups & downs. You work thru ‘em. I’M NOT LEAVING! Let ‘em speculate on that. I’m pretty candid!”

Bret Hart Appears After RAW, Evan Bourne Injury Update

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– In a dark match that took place after Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, WWE Champion Randy Orton defeated Wade Barrett and Sheamus in a Triple Threat match. WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart came out and sat at ringside for the match. According to a live report sent in from a fan who was there, the crowd went nuts for Bret Hart. Randy Orton pinned Sheamus for the win.

– The WWE website confirmed that Evan Bourne suffered a torn rotator cuff, with the injury being attributed to CM Punk’s attack last week on Raw. It’s noted that the injury will require surgery and he is scheduled to be out of competition for four months.

– WWE Monday Night Raw on January 17, 2011 will be held at the Verizon Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tickets go on sale November 19, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

CM Punk Debuts New Bleached Blonde Hair

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RAW superstar CM Punk bleached his hair over the weekend and wrestled at Saturday’s live event in Kennewick, Washington with the new look.

The blond look didn’t last long – as Punk was back to dark hair on Monday’s RAW.

Here’s a picture of Punk wrestling with blond hair:

SmackDown Main Event, R-Truth’s Criminal Past & More

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– WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. World Heavyweight Champion Kane has been announced for this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.

– Matches taped before RAW tonight for this week’s WWE Superstars were:

  • William Regal vs. Darren Young
  • The Usos vs. Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella.

– RAW superstar R-Truth was not at Monday’s RAW because his criminal record prevents him from entering Canada. WWE aired an R-Truth music video on RAW in his absence. He is still a member of Team RAW and will be at Bragging Rights this weekend.

WWE Ranks The Top 25 Talkers In Wrestling History

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The official WWE website has named “the Top 25 talkers in WWE history.”

Comment below and tell us if you agree with their rankings.. Edge above Jesse Ventura?  CM Punk & JBL above Hulk Hogan?

Here’s the list ..

25. Sheamus
24. Rick Rude
23. Santino Marella
22. The Million Dollar Man
21. The Miz
20. Jesse Ventura
19. Triple H
18. Paul Heyman
17. Edge
16. Mr. McMahon
15. Superstar Billy Graham
14. Mick Foley
13. Hulk Hogan
12. CM Punk
11. Randy Savage
10. JBL
9. Bobby Heenan
8. Dusty Rhodes
7. John Cena
6. Jake Roberts
5. Chris Jericho
4. Ric Flair
3. The Rock
2. Roddy Piper
1. Steve Austin

Click here to check out the WWE website’s feature.

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