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SD Scores Its Lowest Rating On Syfy, Possible Raw Match, More

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— The October 29 episode of SmackDown scored a 1.65 cable rating, setting a record low mark for the series on Syfy. The Oct. 22 episode was the series’ previous low, with a 1.70 rating.

Smackdown averaged 2,444,000 viewers over the course of two hours, setting a low mark on Syfy. Viewership was down ten percent compared to the previous week’s 2,662,000 number.

— The advertised dark match main event for the November 22 Monday Night Raw taping is a Fatal Four Way Match with Randy Orton defending the WWE Championship against John Cena, Wade Barrett and Sheamus.

— A match pitting Rey Mysterio against The Miz was originally scheduled for tonight’s Raw broadcast, but is considered doubtful after Mysterio missed weekend live events due to an inner ear imbalance—which is causing him dizziness and nausea.

(sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, pwinsider.com, f4wonline.com)

WWE Threatened By The U.S. Department Of Justice

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WWE issued the following press release on Monday:

STAMFORD, Conn., November 1, 2010 – Not so coincidently after President Obama’s visit to Connecticut this past weekend and on the eve of the midterm elections, WWE is being threatened by the U.S. Department of Justice of the Obama Administration with potential criminal activity for distributing WWE t-shirts near select polling stations tomorrow on Election Day.

“This is clearly heavy-handed bullying from big government and would appear to be desperate political activity in closely contested elections in Connecticut,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO World Wrestling Entertainment. “This is consistent with some Attorney Generals’ tactics that threaten litigation for political gain.”

Under this ambiguous threat of legal action by the U.S. Department of Justice, WWE has reluctantly decided not to give away WWE merchandise near select polling stations tomorrow.

The controversy began with Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz’s directive stating “if poll workers feel like the wearing of WWE paraphernalia is in any way interfering with the voting process, they can ask the individual to cover it up or come back with something else on.” The directive was ultimately overturned by a Federal Judge last week. Subsequently, to celebrate the victory of restoring voters’ rights, WWE had planned to give away WWE merchandise at select polls to anyone regardless of political affiliation or whether they intended to vote.

Stephanie & Triple H Campaign For Linda (Video)

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WWE star Triple H and his wife Stephanie McMahon-Leveque attended a political rally for Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign in Danbury, Connecticut over the weekend:

Linda McMahon Tightens The Gap Before Tuesday’s Election Day

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According to the Wall Street Journal, the final Quinnipiac University poll prior to Tuesday’s Election Day shows signs of momentum for Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon.

Linda McMahon trails Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has narrowed the gap from last week and is now down just nine percentage points in the race for Connecticut’s open Senate seat. Last week a Quinnipiac found a 12-point lead for Blumenthal.

Check Out: Stephanie & Triple H Campaign For Linda (Video)

Douglas Schwartz, Quinnipiac’s poll director, said McMahon’s surge “may be too little, too late.” McMahon has spent more than $40 million of her personal fortune during the campaign flooded the airwaves with television ads attacking Blumenthal.

Despite the 9-point gap, Schwartz stresses that it’s still too close to count McMahon out. Independent voters have been unpredictable this election season and could swing the race either way.

Update: The final Rasmussen poll before Election Day has Linda McMahon down 46% to 53%. Like the Quinnipiac poll, Linda was trailing by double digits last week.  Linda appeared on FOX & Friends on Monday morning and said that her campaign’s internal polls have them going into tomorrow’s election in a “dead heat.”

Two TNA Contracts Set To Expire, Knockout Working At Hooters

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— Hernandez’ contract with TNA Wrestling expires this month. He has been appearing for the Mexican based AAA promotion since the spring.

Rhino’s contract expires shortly as well.

— Regarding attendance for TNA Wrestling’s recent live event tour of Michigan, crowds were 700 on Oct. 21 in Grand Rapids, 500 on Oct. 22 in Cadillac, 800 on Oct. 23 in Saginaw, and 700 on Oct. 24 in Port Huron.

— Brooke Adams, who performs as Miss Tessmacher, moonlights as a waitress at a Hooters restaurant just outside her hometown of Houston, Texas.

She recently participated in the Hooters Texas Swimsuit Pageant Finals to determine the seven Texas girls moving on to the 2010 International Hooters Swimsuit Pageant Girls competition, but failed to make the cut.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

THQ & WWE Announce New Integrated Marketing Deal

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WWE and video game publisher THQ sent out the following press release on Monday:

THQ and WWE(R) Announce Integrated Marketing Agreement

THQ Expects to Reach More WWE Fans by Aligning Marketing with WWE’s Full Range of Products and Events Throughout the Year

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Nov 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — THQ Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment today announced a new, comprehensive marketing agreement. THQ-developed, WWE-branded video games will be integrated into domestic and international events, pay-per-view and television sponsorships, magazines, WWE.com, WWE DVDs, and more. In addition, for the first time, THQ will host interactive gaming kiosks at 40 WWE live events. This significantly expands THQ’s previous marketing efforts concentrated around the launch of individual WWE video games.

“This strategic marketing agreement reflects the benefits of working more closely with WWE to maximize the interactive entertainment experience for fans of this leading sports entertainment brand,” said THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell. “We expect to increase awareness of our games through this new integrated program. Beyond that, we are expanding our WWE video game offerings with social applications and brand extensions to help WWE fans enjoy different interactive experiences throughout the year.”

THQ Marketing Agreement Key Features:

THQ video game kiosks featuring WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011 and WWE(R) All Stars(TM) hosted at 40 WWE live events from Tuesday, October 26, 2010 through Saturday, April 16, 2011. High profile sponsorship of WWE pay-per-views and television programming, with greater in-program integration of THQ video games. Significantly increased online presence, including year-round participation on WWE.com. Integration of video game launches with WWE international events. Cross-promotion in 15-20 WWE DVDs.

“We are pleased to move our partnership forward in a broader, more comprehensive way,” said WWE Chie Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith. “Working together, we plan to give our fans more access to all of the great interactive entertainment being created by THQ, as well as develop robust promotions to increase awareness of all WWE platforms.”

In addition to working more closely with WWE from a marketing perspective, THQ is developing an array of products built around the WWE brand. This suite of products includes social media, iPhone and iPad applications, console brand extensions, and a powerful community site. The goal is to enable WWE video game fans to stay connected all year long.

Big Update On Gina Carano’s Future In MMA

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Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker tells Sherdog.com that he does not believe Gina Carno’s (7-1) loss to Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (10-1) in August 2009 will be her last time in the cage:

“I know Gina is not going to go out the way that it went down. Her whole thing now is just timing and scheduling. She’s got the movie coming out in April, I believe, and she’s got some more stuff on her plate … I know, just like Cung [Le] or other people that have [been] part of the film business … they’re still a fighter by heart, believe me, and they have that desire to compete. I think Gina will be the same. It’s just a matter of time. I believe she will fight in 2011.”

Early RAW Preview, Giuliani Endorses Linda, New Talent

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– Tonight’s episode of WWE’s Monday Night RAW will take place from the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York. Comedian Pee-Wee Herman will be the show’s guest star. As of last week, there were plans to incorporate characters from “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” into the show .. Pee-Wee is the last celebrity on WWE’s schedule of RAW guest stars.

No matches have been announced as of Monday morning, but last week WWE teased Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz  for tonight.

Local advertisements are promoting that WWE Champion Randy Orton will defend against John Cena, Sheamus and Wade Barrett in a fatal fourway match as the dark match main event.

– Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has endorsed Linda McMahon’s Unites States Senate campaign. At a campaign rally in Windsor, Connecticut last Friday, Giuliani said that McMahon is the right person for the job.

– WWE developmental talent Brodius Clay worked the house shows over the weekend for the Smackdown brand and is expected to be on the road with WWE this week. (Source: pwinsider.com)

Triple H Still Injured, New “Old School” WWE Merchandise

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– WWE has released new line of “old school” merchandise on the WWE Shop website. There are a bunch of new t-shirts and hats now available that feature classic WWE logos from the 1980’s & 1990’s, including the old WWF block logo, WrestleMania, Survivor Series, RAW is WAR, SummerSlam, WCW and more. You can check those out at WWEShop.com.

– It was announced at Sunday’s WWE live event from the TD Garden in Boston, MA that tickets for the 2011 Royal Rumble will go on sale this coming Saturday.

– As you’ve probably read by now, WWE star Triple H returned to action over the weekend at WWE’s Fan Appreciation event in Connecitcut. Despite the 1-night return, Triple H is not fully healed following his recent biceps surgery and the match with Alberto Del Rio was described as “safe.” The Game wrestled in a t-shirt and jeans and looks like he’s dropped some muscle mass.

– There is talk that WWE will be releasing a “Best of WCW Monday Nitro” DVD set this May, which would be patterned after the “Best of Raw” seasons format. A DVD set on Bill Goldberg is also in the works.

– Michelle McCool, Layla, MVP, Kofi Kingston and Hornswoggle will be appearing at a Toys for Tots event tomorrow at Tommy K Vitamins in Stamford, Connecticut from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fans are required to donate money or a toy to receive autographs.

Rey Mysterio Dealing With Ear Injury, Rumble Tickets On Sale

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— Rey Mysterio was originally scheduled to face Alberto Del Rio at Saturday’s WWE Fan Appreciation Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut, but Triple H worked the bout instead. The SmackDown Superstar missed the event because he is dealing with an inner ear injury that is preventing him from taking bumps.

— It was announced at WWE’s Fan Appreciation Supershow that tickets for the Royal Rumble go on sale this Saturday. The event takes place on January 30, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

— Today is Tyler Reks’ birthday. He turns 32 years old.

Matt Hardy’s Latest YouTube Video: Randy Orton & The IWC

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Former WWE star Matt Hardy is back with another YouTube video. In Episode 109, Hardy responds to a recent reference by Randy Orton about his fondness of … grapes.

Hardy talks about Randy Orton’s comment and his relationship with Randy Orton, gives an explanation of his “Matt” & “Matthew” personas, rants about the Internet wrestling community and more.

Here’s the video:

E#109 My Thoughts On Randy Orton
“Several people have asked me what I think about Randy Orton after Randy answered a question from one of his Twitter followers.. Well, here’s my thoughts. Enjoy.”

Triple H Returns At WWE’s Fan Appreciation Night

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Triple H made his in-ring return at Saturday’s Fan Appreciation Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut.

Alberto Del Rio informed the crowd that his scheduled opponent, Rey Mysterio, was not on hand for the event, and that he won by forefit. Just as the referee was going to raise the SmackDown star’s hand, Triple H’s music cued. The Game, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, entered the ring, and Del Rio told him he’d fight him at another time. Del Rio tried to run away, but The Game gave chase, dragging him back to ringside.

The match concluded in short order as the multi-time champion hit Del Rio with the facebreaker knee smash, spinebuster and Pedigree for the three count. Then, when Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, tried to save his boss, “The King of Kings” delivered a second Pedigree.

Check out these pictures and videos of Triple H’s return:

Venis’ WWE Return This Week, Kingston PPV Special, More

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— It has been confirmed that Sean Morley (a/k/a Val Venis) is returning to World Wrestling Entertainment, and it may occur as early as tonight’s Raw. The former Intercontinental Champion was spotted at a hotel in New York yesterday with other WWE talent.

— A pay-per-view special entitled WWE Presents: Kofi Kingston – Boom! is advertised to begin airing on Saturday, Dec. 4. It has a two hour runtime.

— WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event is being presented by THQ’s SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. The event takes place on December 19, 2010 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

CM Punk Needs Surgery & Will Miss Upto 3 Months

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: After suffering a hip injury at the WWE Bragging Rights pay-per-view, RAW superstar CM Punk underwent an MRI last week and it was determined that he will likely require surgery and will be out of action for up to 3 months.

The belief is that Punk could have probably delayed surgery and worked through the injury, but the injury would eventually get worse and surgery is inevitable. Similar to The Undertaker’s injury situation, undergoing surgery now will allow him to return in time for the start of WrestleMania season in January.

Read More: The Latest On Undertaker’s Shoulder Injury & WM27 Opponent

WWE does not want to lose yet another top character, so creative has been told to write storylines for Punk that will keep him on television without him having to wrestle.

(Partial source: PWInsider.com)

PPV Poster For WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs (12/19)

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WWE Champion Randy Orton is featured on the official promotional poster for WWE’s final pay-per-view of the year, Tables, Ladders & Chairs.

WWE TLC takes place on Sunday, December 19th from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

goodbye

PPV Poster For TNA’s Final Resolution On 12/5

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Pay-per-view provider iNDEMAND has released the officail official promotional poster and synopsis for TNA’s Final Resolution pay-per-view, which takes place on Sunday, December 5th from the iMPACT Zone in Orlando.

Synopsis: “It has been a year of triumphs and tribulations. On December 5th, see all of your favorite stars, including; Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Abyss, Samoa Joe, Mr. Anderson, Mick Foley, Sting and Hulk Hogan. Don’t miss “TNA: Final Resolution” only on Pay-Per-View!”

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ROH On HDNet Preview For Monday Night (Videos)

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Tune into ROH on HDNet on Monday,  November 1st at 8 & 11pm for another great hour of professional wrestling. This week’s episode will feature:

Main Event – STEEL CAGE MATCH
El Generico & Colt Cabana vs. Kevin Steen & Steve Corino

World TV Title Match
Eddie Edwards (Champion) vs. Rhett Titus (Challenger)

Women of Honor Match
Rachel Summerlyn vs. Sara Del Rey

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

Venis Returning To WWE, Triple H & Stephanie Rally For Linda

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— Sean Morley (a/k/a Val Venis) is telling people he has re-signed with World Wrestling Entertainment.

— Triple H and Stephanie McMahon appeared at the Danbury Get Out The Vote Rally yesterday in Danbury, Connecticut to support Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign. The former WWE CEO was also on hand for the event.

— The Bella Twins hosted Nickelback’s pool party concert yesterday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

source: f4wonline.com

Sound Off 132: Who’s The Best Opponent For Taker at Mania?

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solomonster
Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 132)

*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes

It’s the 2010 Halloween Edition of the Sound Off!! Solomonster has a funny Halloween costume tale to share, then gives his thoughts on who the best opponent for Undertaker would be at WrestleMania, giving TNA props for doing the right thing, some harsh words for Michael Benoit, Guerrero’s daughter headed to FCW, Regal re-signs, WWE releasing “Old School” merchandise and is it time for Undertaker to revert back to his biker gimmick?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

Friend The Solomonster on Facebook @ facebook.com/thesolomonster

Jericho Return Update, Saturn Appearance Announced, More

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— Chris Jericho took part in an interview with Norwich Evening News 24 to discuss the latest news concerning Fozzy. Regarding a possible return to World Wrestling Entertainment, it could take place as early as the holiday season.

— Former WWE star Perry Saturn has been announced to appear at K&S Promotions’ “Season’s Greetings” event on Saturday, December 11. The event is being held at the Ramada Hotel in Essington, PA. Visit kandswrestlefest.com for more information.

— WWE returns to the Four States Entertainment Center in Texarkana, Arkansas on January 17th, 2011 at 7 PM. Tickets go on sale December 4th, 2010 at 10 AM.

Urijah Faber Talks About The WEC-UFC Merger (VIDEO)

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UFC newcomer and WEC veteran Urijah Faber (23-4) talks about the news that WEC is being absorbed into the UFC at the end of the year:

MMA Fighter Jessica Rakoczy Fails Drug Test

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One-time Bellator Fighting Championships veteran and former pro boxer Jessica Rakoczy failed a post-fight drug test by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This is the first time a female MMA fighter has failed a test in Nevada – and her fighting license could be suspended as a result.

Rakoczy tested positive for Oxymorphone and Oxycodone following her October 9th victory over Jennifer Scott on the Xplosion show.

(Source: MMAJunkie.com)

Edge Receives Title Shot, Frustration Over “Stand Up” Campaign

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— Edge defeated Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio last night on SmackDown to earn a shot at Kane’s World Heavyweight Championship at the Survivor Series.

One other match has been announced in Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, with John Cena as the special guest referee.

— Speaking of Edge, he celebrates his 37th birthday today – October 30th.

— There is frustration among some in WWE with the “Stand Up” initiative being Vince McMahon’s top priority. They feel his mindset won’t change following next Tuesday’s election, whether Linda McMahon wins her Senate campaign or not. (source: www.f4wonline.com)

Melina Denies Problems, Parker Explains Why He Left WWE, More

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— Melina posted a video entry on YouTube entitled “I’m OK!!!” in response to fan concerns of her lack of tweeting as of late as well as recent online rumors. It was reported earlier this week by www.f4wonline.com that she has heat with company officials and was soundly defeated on Monday’s Raw as a result.

“It’s easier to make up stuff or to say things and to kind of believe in the the worst than to just accept things the way they are,” she said in response to ‘rumors going around’. “Things just happen the way they do and you just got to take it with stride. You know, you can’t win them all and things can’t be perfect and awesome all the time. But, you can make the situation the best that you can.”

The multi-time champion also shows off a very large bag of Skittles sent to her by the confectionery company and discusses her Halloween costume.

— Adam Atherton, who performed as Rudy Parker in WWE’s developmental promotion Florida Championship, wrote on his Facebook page that he asked to be released from his contract earlier this month because he was denied a raise by organization officials and was therefore unable to afford to pay back his student loans.

— This week’s episode of WWE Superstars scored a 0.53 cable rating, with 528,000 viewers. The midnight replay drew a 0.2 cable rating, with 163,000 viewers. (source: www.pwinsider.com)

More Details On WEC Getting Absorbed Into UFC

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UFC issued the following press release on Friday:

UFC ALSO ANNOUNCES DEAL WITH VERSUS TO AIR FOUR FIGHTS IN 2011

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – In a media conference call today, Ultimate Fighting Championship® President Dana White announced the UFC is adding two new championship divisions at bantamweight (135lbs.) and featherweight (145lbs.), while also announcing a new television deal with the VERSUS Network to air four UFC fights in 2011.

“As the UFC continues to evolve and grow globally, we want to be able to give fans title fights in every weight division,” said White. “This is a big day for the sport and the athletes who will have the opportunity to fight on the biggest stage in the world.”

The two new divisions feature WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo who will now be recognized as the reigning UFC featherweight champion, and WEC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. White confirmed that the winner of the Dec. 16 lightweight title fight between WEC champion Ben Henderson and top contender Anthony Pettis live on VERSUS will take on the winner of the UFC 125 main event title bout between champion Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard. This upcoming fight will serve as a UFC lightweight title unification bout to be held next year.

White also stated the UFC is expanding its presence on the VERSUS Network in 2011, and will increase its number of UFC events from two to four per year. Versus is scheduled to air the two remaining live WEC events in 2010 on Nov. 11 and Dec. 16. The Nov. 11 event in Las Vegas will feature “The California Kid” Urijah Faber’s debut at bantamweight as he takes on Takeya Mizugaki, while the Dec. 16 event in Glendale, Ariz. will feature Henderson-Pettis and a bantamweight title clash between Dominick Cruz and challenger Scott Jorgensen with the winner becoming the new UFC bantamweight champion.

“We have a great relationship with the VERSUS network, and we look forward to working with them to give UFC fans even more free fights in 2011,” said White.