The WWE RAW crew will be touring overseas next week, so next week’s show was taped after this week’s show went off the air.
The following matches were taped for Monday’s 8/2 episode of WWE RAW, the final show before SummerSlam:
* Edge vs. Wade Barrett
* Natalya, Gail Kim and Eve vs. Alicia Fox, Tamina and Jillian Hall
* Goldust vs. Sheamus
* John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
* Ted DiBiase vs. The Great Khali
* The Miz vs. Randy Orton
Dawn Marie Damatta, who performed for World Wrestling Entertainment from 2002 to 2005, admitted to the Connecticut Post that she used steroids during the course of her tenure in the organization.
“I chose to take that shortcut,” the former WWE Diva said. “Did Vince (McMahon) tell me to take that shortcut? No. Did WWE? No. Why did I do it? Because I thought that’s what I needed to do in order to keep up … There was no testing policy.”
Damatta feels one only needs to take a look at the physiques of present day WWE talent to know that steroid use is not as prevalent as it was in the past. She also believes the company’s drug testing policy has reduced the abuse of drugs such as painkillers, therefore saving lives. However, she feels Linda and Vince McMahon could do more to assist former talent.
“Wrestlers are taken as children, thrown into this industry and then we’re dumped back out as adults. There’s no learning in the world. We’re on the road, traveling, hustling, getting beat up,” Damatta said. “Where do I go? What do I put on a resume?”
The story on steroids in WWE and Damatta can be read here.
(source: www.prowrestling.net)
— TNA Wrestling will hold what has been dubbed a “special” edition of iMPACT! sometime next month, to be taped the night following Hardcore Justice. No date for the special has been set. Furthermore, it remains unclear at this time whether the special will air in TNA’s regular Thursday night time slot.
— Former ROH Champion Xavier is backstage at today’s iMPACT! tapings in Orlando, Florida and scheduled to work a tryout match.
— Both Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are backstage at today’s iMPACT! taping in Orlando, Florida. Bischoff, who previously said they would return this week, are taking part in their usual backstage duties.
– WWE will be taking two episodes of RAW tonight from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, because of the RAW crew will be overseas next week for the company’s latest international tour.
No matches have been announced for the show, but John Cena and Randy Orton vs. Sheamus and Nexus is being advertised locally as the dark match main event.
– Bret Hart was married this weekend to his girlfriend Stephanie Washington in Calgary. The couple was scheduled to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. It’s unknown yet if Bret will be on RAW tonight to tape two weeks worth of TV to promote his SummerSlam match.
– A young fan threw his drink at Chris Jericho during a match against Evan Bourne at the WWE live event this weekend in Shreveport, Louisiana. Jericho stopped the match, grabbed a microphone and demanded that the kid be removed from the arena. Security escorted the fan and his father out of the building.
source: PWInsider.com
— During last Friday’s SmackDown broadcast on The Score in Canada, a SummerSlam commercial was shown featuring The Undertaker. Triple H, who is also out nursing an injury, was not.
Undertaker was originally scheduled to return at the event, but it now appears as though he will not return in a wrestling capacity until Night of Champions in September.
— WWE has apparently placed a ban on talent wrestling with gloves on. Dolph Ziggler revealed this tidbit today on Twitter when was asked why he no longer wears gloves when he competes.
He said, “DZBabe, I don’t wear gloves anymore! They have been banned from ringside! Hopefully we can atleast High-5!”
It should be noted, however, that both Rey Mysterio and MVP donned gloves on last week’s shows.
— Last Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.65 cable rating, down from the previous week’s 0.74. Overall, the show drew 648,000 viewers. The midnight replay drew a 0.26 rating, with 248,000 viewers.
– CM Punk recently underwent minor surgery on his elbow to repair floating particles in his elbow, which was causing it to lock up. He’s expected to be kept out of the ring for 2-4 more weeks.
– WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin will be appearing on the NBC show “Chuck” again next season, eprising his role as secret agent Hugo Panzer. The announcement was made over the weekend at Comic-Copn in San Diego. Austin made his first (and quite entertaining) guest appearance on the show last season.
– There is no word yet on who the new WWE SmackDown! Diva is, but the rumors are that it’s AJ Lee, a developmental talent. WWE was planning to air her first promo video on last week’s SmackDown! but it was cut due to time constraints.
– World Heavyweight champion Kane appeared on Judge Napolitano’sFOX Business Channel show last night. Kane brought the World Heavyweight title with him, which the host referred to as a “belt buckle.” A variety of political topics were discussed, with Kane, an outspoken liberal, hitting the usual liberal talking points.
As previously reported, WWE legend The Undertaker and WWE diva Michelle McCool were married at the end of June at a private ceremony in Houston, Texas. The two have been romantically linked since 2007. The wedding marks the third time down the aisle for the Undertaker and the second for McCool.
There’s been a number of reports circulating that WWE was very unhappy that pictures from the wedding leaked online. Staugustine.com recently interviewed Michelle McCool, who would not comment on the situation. The article states:
“Recently the Internet buzzed with leaked information to her marriage to another WWE superstar. The Diva chose not to discuss those details.”
In case you missed it last month, here’s a picture of the Undertaker and Michelle McCool being getting married:
— In a match pitting a former WWE Women’s Champion against a former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion, it has been announced that Mickie James will square off against Awesome Kong on Oct. 1 at Northeast Wrestling’s 15th Anniversary event in Waterbury, Connecticut. This would be their first-ever meeting.
Also scheduled to take place is a match fit for an episode of Monday Night Raw in 2005, Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin. For more information on the event, visit northeastwrestling.com. Bryan Danielson is also scheduled to appear.
— A photo has surfaced of actor Sylvester Stallone placing a headlock on Steve Austin at San Diego Comic-Con International. The photo can be viewed here.
Stallone and Austin were promoting The Expendables, an upcoming film they are both starring in, when the snapshot occurred.
— In today’s birthdays, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Tommy Rich turns 54 while Ring of Honor wrestler Roderick Strong turns exactly half that.
Since opening an account on Twitter last week, Randy Orton has made numerous comments of note. For starters, he was asked to give his thoughts on Bryan Danielson as a performer as well as his sudden firing from World Wrestling Entertainment.
“I understand why it happened. But he def deserves to be there, I’m sure he’ll b back,” Orton responded. “Very talented in my opinion.”
Orton also continues to bring up former WWE performer Ken Anderson’s name, whom he recently ranted about on a message board post in regards to claims concerning his dismissal from the company last year. He laughed at a fan noting he already had more Twitter followers than Anderson and threatened to send the former WWE star after an Orton poser if he didn’t shut down his account. However, it would appear that Orton has since had a change of heart in regards to the current TNA star as he now feels that last year’s incident was a misunderstanding.
In response to a question this morning asking if he would ever make peace with Anderson, he wrote, “I think what happened is a misunderstanding and at this point there is peace. Hell……we used to ride together.”
Finally, Orton revealed that he will have a new shirt out within thirty days.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with some commentary on the following topics:
TNA’s Hard Justice PPV: “We’re getting lots of questions on the revisited, ECW TV storyline being used by TNA. For the record, I hope that all wrestling organizations do well as the individuals who comprise the various company’s rosters are largely passionate fans living out their dreams. I’m not a ‘dream squasher.’ Do I think that this matter will be successful? I don’t know. It might be o.k. for a one off sort of deal for a company that needs a ‘hit.’ Time will answer the ‘will it be successful question’ which is somewhere subjective in itself as what is the true definition of ‘success’ in wrestling? It varies by company, that’s for sure.”
Paul Heyman: “Paul Heyman will not be a part of this presentation which does it no favors. Heyman was the strategic mastermind behind the original ECW that grew to have a passionate, cult following and lasted much longer than many ‘experts’ predicted when ECW started up primarily due to Heyman’s leadership and creative vision along with a locker room full of passionate athletes who were in their prime and loved kicking ass.”
Joey Styles: “No, Joey Styles has no interest in broadcasting again in WWE on a full time basis, or so he has said to many, and has expressed his happiness in working to build WWE.com to an even bigger brand. Joey and I hope to broadcast one match together some day in the future for WWEClassics.com or WWE 24/7 On Demand.”
The following was released this morning by WWE and 7-Eleven:
DALLAS & STAMFORD, Conn., Jul 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — After success with its World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.(R) (WWE) promotion last year, 7-Eleven, Inc. roars back into the ring this summer as a sponsor of SummerSlam(R), WWE’s biggest pay-per-view event of the summer. The convenience retailer has beefed up this year’s promotion, running now through Aug. 31, with double the variety of cups and double the WWE Superstars. In addition, the updated program features new products and online elements, including the opportunity to become a masked WWE Superstar.
WWE Superstars John Cena(R), Triple H(R), Rey Mysterio(R) and Undertaker(R) show off their best moves on four collectible, lenticular Slurpee(R) cups while Big Show(R), Kofi Kingston(R), Edge(R), Randy Orton(R), and WWE Diva Eve(TM) appear on five collectible Super Big Gulp(R) fountain drink cups. For more fan fun, 7-Eleven offers four collectible straws featuring the likenesses of the Superstars and product displays of WWE Magazine and DVDs.
John Cena also has created a limited-edition cup for 7-Eleven’s cause-marketing campaign, Coffee Cup with a Cause. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Cena cups between July 16 and Aug. 31 will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 7-Eleven has guaranteed a minimum donation of $250,000 to the charity.
“7-Eleven fans love WWE, and vice versa. It’s a demographic match made in heaven,” said Rita Bargerhuff, 7-Eleven vice president and chief marketing officer. “Our WWE campaign last year was centered on Big Gulp drinks. This year, we’ve taken the promotion to a new level, both in-store and online, and we think this year’s rematch of the two brands will be bigger and better.”
“Our continuing partnership with 7-Eleven has been a fantastic experience for WWE, our Superstars and fans,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE’s executive vice president of Marketing. “WWE is thrilled that 7-Eleven is able to help us celebrate SummerSlam by providing our fans with limited edition cups featuring their favorite Superstars and Divas.”
The collectible Slurpee cups come with codes that can be redeemed for Slurpee Nation(TM) reward points at slurpee.com. Fans can go to slurpee.com/rewards to redeem these points for exclusive in-game prizes in THQ’s popular video game “SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2010,” or to enter 7-Eleven’s augmented reality that allows WWE fans to try on virtual masks like those worn by WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio. A web-cam is required for fans to try on Rey’s masks. Users can choose any or all of the four featured masks, take multiple screen shots and upload images to Facebook. Rey Mysterio appears in a 7-Eleven commercial that airs on USA and Syfy during WWE programming and at various WWE live events across the country.
The featured Slurpee flavor during the six-week promotion is Barq’s Root Beer. Other products participating in the promotion are Slim Jim, the official meat snack of WWE, and 7-Select(TM) Crunch Cheese Curls.
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was married over the weekend to his fiance Stephanie Washington. This is the third time down the aisle for Bret.
Stephanie Washington is a 27 year old woman from San Francisco, California who is now going to school up in Calgary. They began dating earlier this year.
The couple is expected to spend their honeymoon in Hawaii. Since WWE will be taping the next 2 weeks of RAW shows tonight (due to the upcoming international tour), it’s likely that Bret and Stephanie will not leave for Hawaii until later this week at the earliest.
Here’s a picture of Bret Hart and his lovely new wife Stephanie Washington from earlier this year:
– TNA star Jeff Hardy was injured at Friday night’s TNA Live Event from Bloomington, Illinois. Hardy suffered a hand injury during a Monster’s Ball match with Abyss, but was able to finish the match. He wrestled the next night, but was said to be noticeably protecting the injured hand during his match. Hardy is not expected to miss any ring time.
– Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler was one of the many wrestling personalities who appeared at the popular Comic-Con event in San Diego over the weekend, which is “the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world.” Keibler noted on her Twitter page that she got to hang out with TNA star Samoa Joe and former WWE superstar Gregory “Hurricane” Helms at the show and posted this picture of them together:
TNA Wrestling will tape the next two episodes of iMPACT tonight and tomorrow night at the iMPACT Zone in Orlando, Florida.
The following has been confirmed for tonight’s tapings, set to air this Thursday night on Spike TV:
* Steel Cage Match: Beer Money vs. The Motor City Machineguns
* Ric Flair will reveal the newest member of his “Fortune” stable
* Tommy Dreamer and the ECW Originals will have an announcement
– We’ve got an update on the former ECW stars that will be appearing at TNA’s upcoming “Hardcore Justice” pay-per-view, which will be a [another[ special “farewell ECW” show.
At this time, the wrestlers confirmed to appear are Jerry Lynn (who announced on his website that he’ll be fighting TNA Champion Rob Van Dam in the main event), 2 Cold Scorpio, Sandman, Sabu, Johnny Swinger and Bill Alphonso.
It’s confirmed that Lance Storm, Tajiri, Super Crazy and Amish Roadkill will not be appearing.
Former ECW stars who are currently working in TNA scheduled to appear include Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Team 3D, Mick Foley, Raven, Rhino, Stevie Richards, Al Snow, and Simon Diamond.
Stars from the original ECW that are still active in wrestling include Shane Douglas, Terry Funk, Justin Credible, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney, The Blue Meanie, CW Anderson, Danny Doring, Kid Kash, Guido, Spike Dudley and Steve Corino.
– TNA President Dixie Carter wrote the following on Twitter over the weekend regarding the PPV:
“HardCORE Justice pay-per-view card looks amazing. Not sure who Tommy is going to announce. Stay tuned.â€
An organization called the “Mothers Opposing McMahon†(MOM), which opposes Linda McMahon’s campaign to become a United States Senator this November, is now attacking the former WWE CEO over the “Eugene” character that the company featured from 2007-2009.
The MOM organization has posted a video on Youtube, which you can view here, that quotes Linda McMahon talking about the unique brand of entertainment that WWE delivers – followed by WWE television footage of Vince and Shane McMahon sliming and then beating down the mentally challenged wrestler.
The video caption slams the McMahons for featuring “a character with developmental disabilities [who is] is violently beaten, humiliated, and verbally abused by Vince and Shane McMahon. The MOM organization claims to be “a grassroots group of Connecticut women working to build opposition to Linda McMahon’s Senate candidacy based on McMahon’s record as CEO of the WWE, where she marketed to kids graphic sex, brutal violence, and the degrading, abusive treatment of women to make herself millions of dollars in profits.”
While the MOM organization has their hands full trashing Linda McMahon, another organization – the Fans United against Mothers Opposing McMahon (FU-MOM), is firing back at defending McMahon.
Thomas Gidlow sent in the following:
I have started a new Facebook page called Fans United against Mothers Opposing McMahon (FU-MOM). We are dedicated to debunk the myths and half truths that the mainstream media uses to portray the wrestling industry, in particular the WWE. We have singled out “M.O.M†but we are also going to go after anyone that uses stereotypes, 15-year old information, independent wrestling as a means to portray the entire industry, and anyone else that has no idea what they are talking about.
We do not endorse Linda McMahon’s campaign or anyone else’s in Connecticut or anywhere else. We are not representatives or affiliates of either political party or any campaign. We are simply fed up with the lies and deceit used to depict the WWE and we’re doing something about it.
We’re going to be providing videos, links, discussion, and more for anyone who feels as we do. We will also not hide from debate like many other organizations (such as M.O.M) do and we will be glad to talk to everyone and anyone across the ideological spectrum.
Our Facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-United-against-Mothers-Opposing-McMahon/140270009330160
Our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to dispel the misreporting of Linda McMahon’s tenure with the WWE, as well as the misreporting of the WWE in general, using the facts as they are – not by using slanderous rhetoric based on assumptions and myths. We are dedicated to reporting and posting information that is nothing but the truth. If you want shotty reporting and information based on ten years ago, then watch the mainstream media or join “Mothers Opposing McMahonâ€. We only deal with the facts here.
— The official website of Great Championship Wrestling, www.gcwaction.com, has announced that Johnny Swinger, a mainstay in the promotion, will make his return to TNA Wrestling at Hard Justice.
Swinger previously worked for the organization when it emanated from the Asylum in Nashville, Tennessee, most notably as Simon Diamond’s tag team partner. The two are expected to reunite at the pay-per-view.
— Former ECW star Michael Depoli (a/k/a Amish Roadkill) has declined TNA Wrestling’s offer to appear at next month’s Hard Justice pay-per-view event, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch.
His reason for declining their invite is that he considers himself retired from professional wrestling and simply has no interest in returning.
— Michelle McCool says it’s hard for her to see the celebrity others see in her. Though she is former middle school teacher turned wrestling star, in her eyes, the important stuff has stuck around: Family, friends, passions and herself.
“I’m still the same person,” she told the St. Augustine Record in an interview. “I just happen to be on TV now.”
She wants her fans to know that even though she plays a villain on television, she’s just a regular girl.
“I’m real,” she said. “I’m genuine.”
Though the newspaper’s article largely focuses on McCool’s life outside the ring, she would not comment on her private life. Recently, the internet was abuzz over her marriage to a fellow WWE Superstar who shall remain nameless. She declined to discuss those details with the St. Augustine Record.
She would, however, discuss her foray into the world of professional wrestling, her athletic background, and biggest supporters, among other wholesome topics. The entire article can be read here.
— WWE is holding a contest with JCPenney where one lucky winner will win a trip for two to Miami, Florida to attend this year’s Survivor Series. Legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia, and who are eighteen years of age or older, may enter the contest at www.wwesummerheat.com. The promotion concludes at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 18, 2010.
— Convenience Store News has a story on 7-Eleven being a top sponsor for WWE’s SummerSlam, noting its summer promotion featuring WWE Superstars such as John Cena, Triple H, The Undertaker and Eve on various cups. Additional SummerSlam sponsors include Slim Jim, Army National Guard, Mars’ Twix, Mattel, Topps, THQ and Syfy.
— Seven wrestlers released by World Wrestling Entertainment on April 22, 2010 are now free to join TNA Wrestling (or any wrestling promotion for that matter) as their respective 90-day no-compete clauses have expired. Among those let go that fateful day were Mickie James, Shelton Benjamin, Katie Lea Burchill, Jimmy Wang Yang, Slam Master J, Kung Fu Naki and Mike Knox.
The contractual clause was put in place to prohibit wrestlers from immediately competing with nationally televised promotions following their release.
— It was announced during Friday’s episode of SmackDown that Layla would be defending her Women’s Championship against Tiffany on this week’s show.
— World Heavyweight Champion Kane tops WWE.com’s latest POWER 25 chart. He is trailed by Sheamus and Randy Orton, among others.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— Those within TNA suggest Desmond Wolfe is currently in the doghouse. The British wrestling star has developed a reputation for being difficult to work with, which has affected his push in the organization.
Company officials are also down on Matt Morgan, who has been discussed as being part of Ric Flair’s Fortune group. Hernandez’ two botched Border toss attempts during their Steel Cage bout at Victory Road were blamed on “The Blueprint” since Hernandez is a favorite among management.
— Company officials are said to be very high on The Motor City Machine Guns and Beer Money, Inc. following their stellar tag team bout at Victory Road.
— Former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Steve Corino, who declined appearing at ECW reunion shows in the past, says he has not been contacted to appear at Hardcore Justice.
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Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 118)
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Solomonster is back with thoughts on Money in the Bank and Kane’s title win, Bret Hart’s big return to Raw, a rare thumbs up for Michael Cole, Tommy Dreamer’s big speech on Impact, Randy Savage resurfaces and some personal words to conclude.
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(sources: PWInsider.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— Lance Storm, who has been highly critical of TNA Wrestling’s creative process in recent years, posted a blog on his official website saying he declined their offer to appear at next month’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view event.
“I was asked if I would be interested in taking part in the TNA: One Last Stand PPV. I think it was big of them to extend me the offer, considering my general opinion of the TNA product, and want to I thank them for that, but I will not be taking part,” Storm wrote.
He continued, “I feel it would be hypocritical of me to work the show, considering my out outspoken views of the TNA product. I have a great deal of respect for the boys who will be working the show as well as the great workers on the TNA roster, but I have no desire to be a part of the TNA creative process. As for ECW, One Night Stand in 2005 was my farewell and am content in letting sleeping dogs lie.”
— Former ECW talent Yoshihiro Tajiri and Super Crazy are booked to appear at an event in Japan on August 8 and thus will not be appearing at Hardcore Justice.
— Reid Fliehr, son of Ric, will be visiting Orlando later this month and is expected to begin wrestling training with Terry Taylor. He has yet to sign a contract with the organization.
— It was announced yesterday during San Diego Comic-Con International that Steve Austin’s Hugo Panzer character would make another guest appearance on the NBC action-comedy television show Chuck this season. He was last seen in the episode “Chuck vs. First Class” where he combats Chuck inside an airplane.
— RingsideCollectibles.net has released a high quality video of the “Macho Man” Randy Savage WWE Mattel action figure announcement at San Diego Comic-Con International. Also released is complete video of WWE writers Ed Koskey and Brian Gewirtz answering questions concerning the company’s creative process alongside Eve Torres and The Miz. Finally, several photos of Mattel’s WWE action figure line on display at Comic-Con can be viewed here.
— SmackDown star Shad Gaspard has released the synopsis and cover art of the crime/action adventure graphic novel Assassin & Son: Path of Vengeance, created and written by himself and former WWE performer Marc Caponi (a/k/a Muhammad Hassan). For details on the novel, click here.
— Jim Ross announced on his official website that Ricky Steamboat has been released from the hospital. The WWE Hall of Famer is convalescing at a relative’s home in Florida and slated to return to Florida Championship Wrestling to continue training developmental talent in a month or so.
— While squashing the unidentified member of The Straight Edge Society on last night’s episode of SmackDown, Big Show unmasked him, revealing former Tag Team Champion Joey Mercury. Mercury re-signed with WWE earlier this year and had been working as the masked man of CM Punk’s group since April.
— Radio advertisements in San Antonio, Texas are advertising Monday’s Raw main event as Sheamus and Nexus vs. John Cena and Randy Orton in a Handicap Match.
— WWE has signed Ohio Valley Wrestling’s Brent “Beef” Wellington to a developmental contract, reports f4wonline.com. The announcement was made by Wellington during Wednesday night’s OVW television taping. He was then jumped by Austin Aries.
— Three more WWE stars have joined Twitter in MVP, William Regal and Todd Grisham.
— As reported earlier, Mattel announced yesterday during San Diego Comic-Con International that Randy Savage had been signed by the company to take part in their “WWE Defining Moments” action figure line. Video has since surfaced of Savage cutting a classic “Macho Man” promo hyping the acting figure, which can be viewed here (starting at the 2:00 mark). He said Mattel is making more figures of himself from different eras of his career and vowed “2011 will be the Macho Man’s year.”
