Randy Orton will act as tag team partner for Sin Cara in Puerto Rico next weekend. SmackDown spoilers: The show opens with Randy Orton and Sheamus talking about the Royal Rumble. * Heath Slater vs The Miz * Epico, Primo & Rosa Mendes vs Great Khali, Hornswaggle & Natalya * IC Title match Wade Barrett defends vs Kofi Kingston * Layla vs Tamina Snuka * Antonio Cesaro & Big Show vs Randy Orton & Sheamus
Tonight's Raw teaser from WWE:
* What will AJ and Ziggler have to say with their toast? * Are CM Punk’s days as WWE Champion numbered? * Is Sheamus poised to recapture the World Title? * Does Kaitlyn deserve another match with Divas Champion Eve Torres? * Besides new Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett, who else will close out 2012 with a bang?
Injury updates:
Curt Hawkins:... “Did some @DDPYoga this weekend for the first time since my injury. Felt great. I’m at the end of my recovery for certain.” Evan Bourne... “If you didn’t know, the Royal Rumble is my personal favorite PPV/match! But no matter how hard I train, my foot will not be ring ready by RR”
Alberto no show?:
Alberto Del Rio was booked to face the Big Show at last nights SmackDown taping, but he did not appear at the show.
Stars of 2013:
WWE has listed 10 stars they say you should watch out for in 2013, they are... 10 Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow. 9 Kaitlyn. 8 Antonio Cesaro. 7 Tyson Kidd. 6 Wade Barrett. 5 Ryback. 4 The Shield. 3 AJ Lee. 2 CM Punk. 1 Dolph Ziggler.
* Champions Choice night, all titles will be on the line. * Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow vs John Cena & The Miz * Antonio Cesaro chooses to defend his US Title vs Sgt. Slaughter * Kane & Daniel Bryan defend the Tag Titles vs 3MB (During the build up for this match, the Titan-Tron went dark, meaning the crowd missed seeing Kane and D-Bry pick 3MB as their opponents). * CM Punk comes to the ring to announce he can't wrestle, he is overruled by Vince McMahon, who makes a TLC match for January 7, he says if he won't take the match, Paul Heyman will be forced to wrestle Ryback instead. * Dolph Ziggler vs Sheamus * Eve chooses to defend he Diva's belt vs Mae Young, but Kaitlyn enters and beats her up. * Big Show chooses to defend his World Title vs Ricardo Rodriguez. * Kofi Kingston picks Wade Barrett as his IC Title challenger. * Ryback vs The Shield * AJ hosts a New Years Eve Party in the ring to end the show. (John Cena announced during this segment that he will enter the Royal Rumble match next month), Sin Cara was at Raw, but was not cleared to wrestle.
Michelle McCool reveals feud with Beth Phoenix:
Her problems with Beth started with a botched move during a match between the two... ''For the most part of both of our careers, we were on different brands. She was on RAW for most of the time and I was on SmackDown. Never any ill words towards each other — from what I know. We did have the chance to face off pretty early on in my career [SmackDown, Champion vs. Champion] and that was the first time I had gotten in the ring with her. So she gives me her Glam Slam and I take it straight on my face because my arms didn’t come unhooked.” At the time, I was like, Oh, man. I’ve never seen that happen before. How did she not get my arms unhooked?” I didn’t understand, but figured it must have just been a mistake. I never said anything, but I did have a concussion from that. But I’ll never give anybody any credit for hurting me — that’s just my stubbornness, it has nothing to do with WWE. I’ve just always been that way. At the time, I just thought she didn’t even know she did it.'' “Come to find out, and it wasn’t even that long ago, I remember getting the WWE magazine in the mail and flipping through the pages. Sure enough, she’s doing an interview in the magazine talking about when she gave me the Glam Slam and saying how bad my head hit the mat, how she didn’t unhook my arms and oops! I’m just like: “Wow. Years later, the truth comes out.” She knew that she did that, it definitely sounded like she knew she did it at the time. I was just like: “Dang! What did I ever do to her?” What was that? Was that my “I didn’t come in the ranks” welcome to the rings match — what? I didn’t care. I just blew it off.” On backstage tensions... “It seemed like we were on the same page — pitching stuff, throwing ideas off one another in the locker room, but then come to find out… that wasn’t the case behind-the-scenes. We didn’t understand why stuff would keep getting shot down. Steph, agents and writers would come to us and say: “we’re no longer doing this,” or “this hits too close to home.” Whatever. There was definitely some stuff being said on the other end and that made it a struggle. She could have just been at a different place in her life, we all go through tough times or confusing times — I just don’t really know what her case was. I’m sure people will start hating me for my own opinion, but that wasn’t a fun LayCool storyline for us. We had some good matches and I’m always going to do business, but I think I had a different experience with her than most people who wrestle with her or against her.” She ended by wishing her well for her future outside of the ring, but did have a final dig... “Everyone always used to ask when I was going to wrestle her or I want to see you in a one-on-one match with her. I think one of the most consistent answers for any of the girls when they’re asked “who do you want to wrestle” is Beth Phoenix — but that was never really the case for me, as far as an opponent or dream opponent. For me, that was always Molly Holly, Lita and Awesome Kong/Kharma. Personally, Beth was never the answer for me.”
WWE school:
WWE are to start a beginners class for hopeful wrestlers at the cost of $1500, the course will be 2 days a week for 3 months, starting on January 7.
WWE injury:
Ted DiBiase was unable to compete this weekend due to a finger injury, Jamie Noble wrestled Fandangoo in his place.
John Cena signs new star:
Knox pro student (Rikishi and Gangrel's school) Alex Jones was hired to a WWE deal by John Cena, after Cena met him at a gym.
Velvet Sky in car wreck:
TNA star Velvet Sky missed a TV taping yesterday after crashing her car in a blizzard... "As I write this I'm on the side of the highway where I was en route to Poughkeepsie's house show until my truck spun out and ended up in a ditch due to the blizzard that's going on right now. Sorry to the fans that were wanting to see me tonight, but I won't be at the Impact show. I'm ok, just really shaken up from the accident, and I'm sitting in wait for a tow truck to rescue me. All those traveling tonight in the CT/NY area and beyond, plz be careful. I have seen so many accidents today already and the roads are dangerous tonight. God Bless those traveling."
Jericho vs The Shield:
Chris Jericho and Seth Rollins are having a Twitter spat at the minute, WWE use this method to start story lines, Maybe Jericho is coming back for Mania after all???.
Flair to Japan:
Reid, Son of Ric Flair has signed on to wrestle for AJPW in Japan next year.
Ivelisse Velez, who wrestled on NXT as Sofia Cortez has signed on to make her MMA debut.
JoMo to wrestle legend:
John Morrison will wrestle Jushin Thunder Liger on April 5th next year in New York.
Raw:
Raw will be taped tonight, to air on New Years Eve.
Injury returns:
Randy Orton and Sin Cara are expected back tonight, Rey Mysterio is no closer to returning from what WWE call personal issues, rumours are he is injured again.
In 1988 a WWE TV Special aired, and 20 men competed in the first ever Royal Rumble match, the following year the event became an annual PPV. WWE have talked to some of the stars that competed in that very first match, legends like Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Jake The Snake Roberts, Bret Hitman Hart, Tito Santana, and Hillbilly Jim remember the creation of the match, why the match is so special, tactics to succeed, favourite memories and more. This is a great read.
WWE reunion Christmas:
John Cena and Daniel Bryan spent Christmas at the parental home of their girlfriends The Bella Twins. (Picture).
LeBron James loves Ric Flair:
He told a newspaper... “I mean, when I was a kid, I loved wrestling,” James told South Florida Sun Sentinel. “He was one of the guys I loved, too. “I think he’s probably one of the creators of what we call swag these days, with the Rolexes and the stretch limos, and all the girls and all that stuff. He’s like the creator of swag, Ric Flair definitely kept me watching TV.”
WWE Hall Of Fame news:
WWE want to mark Madison Square Garden as part of the Hall Of Fame ceremony next year, 3 names have today emerged as under consideration for induction. * The Rock - Who debuted at the arena in 1996 * The Nasty Boys - Who were billed as from New York during their WCW days * Harlem Heat - Who were also billed from the city, Booker T says he does not want to go in until he is 60, so this may be a bit of a swerve to get him in now. WWE are still working on Bruno Sammartino and have also not given up on inducting Owen Hart. Up to date list of HOF candidates.
WWE relax on Chris Benoit:
Fans and Wrestling insiders are said to be baffled by WWE's stance of Chris Benoit, despite being blackballed from the company's history following the circumstances of his death, he has been given a large biog in their new Encyclopedia book.
Retirements end:
WWE Alum Jamie Noble wrestled Fandangoo yesterday, and Ex-ECW man Chris Chetti has also confirmed he will wrestle for the first time since 2005.
Ryback attacked by fan:
At last nights Raw show a female fan jumped onto the roof of his car and was trying to get into his vehicle, she failed and he was unhurt.
TNA Impact preview:
- Also on the huge broadcast, there will be a Steel Cage Match as Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe join forces to battle The Aces & Eights! There will be no escape and no surrender when the cage door slams shut on Joe, Angle and the Aces! - Is Thursday's IMPACT the beginning of the end of the Aces' reign of terror with Sting's return and the big Steel Cage Match? Don't miss this all-important IMPACT that kicks off the New Year! - The 2012 Wrestler of the Year will be revealed as well. Who will win between finalists James Storm, Bobby Roode, Austin Aries, Jeff Hardy, and Bully Ray? - Plus, after what happened last week, what will happen when Hulk Hogan is face-to-face with Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan? Is the family drama about to reach a boiling point? - Thursday's IMPACT will also feature all of your favorite stars, including Hernandez, James Storm, Matt Morgan, the lovely but lethal Knockouts in action, the high-flying X Division Superstars and many more, plus news on the January 13 Genesis Pay-Per-View event! This is for the first show of 2013, TNA have also returned to the road after the Christmas holidays.
Raw's Christmas fail:
This weeks Raw was the least viewed episode in 15 years.
“Been asked the highlight of my WWE year and without question it was being afforded the opportunity by WWE upper management to broadcast the HIAC bout at WM28 featuring the Undertaker, HHH and @ShawnMichaels, Big time bucket list memory for me and a night that I’ll always fondly remember. I’m hopeful that I can call one bout at WM29 just to be a part of the event. Many of us worked some amazing hours over the years to contribute to building this amazing event. “When I sit back and see where WrestleMania has come since I made my debut in Vegas at WM9, I am honestly amazed. I see continued use of stadiums for future WrestleMania events and hope that I can be a small part of the proceedings for as long as I’m able. It’s our Super Bowl and who wouldn’t want to be associated with the biggest event in our profession? Old players still like to play.”
Stone Cold Steve Austin interview:
On Bret Hart... ''Man, working with Bret Hart was some of the most fun matches I’ve ever had in my life. There was Chicago and WrestleMania 13, over in South Africa, in Germany — and Bret had a pretty good stronghold over in Germany. Man, I loved working with Bret. I’ve got a lot of respect for Bret as a person, and everything he did as a pro wrestler. Hell, I remember one time we were working a show somewhere and Bret was in the main event. [Bret] got a flat tire on his Lincoln Towncar, and I changed his tire while he was in the ring working. Every day you work with Bret, you could learn something. We had 100 percent trust in each other, and 100 percent respect for each other. He’s a badass guy, and I just — every night was a good night with Hart. That’s the damn truth.'' On John Cena... “Yeah, had he been placed in it, and been dealt with accordingly, the John Cena you see now — the face of the franchise, the leader of the pack? Not so much, But I guarantee if you’d have gotten him face to face with ‘Stone Cold’ in an interview, and you know John cuts a good interview himself, if I slapped the s*** out of that son of a b****, I think we’re off and running to make a lot of money. All he needs is to be poked and prodded in the right way. I think John Cena has a hell of a lot of fire and he needs to be in the ring with the right opponent, or the right cat, to bring that out. So in the current environment, you really don’t see that in him. Place [Cena] back 10 years in the ring with ‘Stone Cold’? You’d have rung the cash register, big time.”
Zema Ion:
TNA star Zema Ion has earned his advertising degree from West Virginia University, he has been studying in his spare time for the past six years to complete his education, whilst also living out his dream of pursuing a wrestling career.
Hulk Hogan:
Hogan has confirmed to friends he wants to get back in the ring for another run, citing Ric Flair's appearance on Raw as his motivation. He is not ready yet though, he turned down a big money offer from a Mexican promotion recently.
McCool on Melina:
“Throughout her career, she may have had some run-ins or problems with a lot of people backstage. Personally, I was never one of them. All of the things that she supposedly had done or whatever issues were going on, I was not a part of that. So, I didn’t have a problem with her. That’s not my business — I try to stay out of people’s business, if it doesn’t personally affect me, then I don’t really need to get into the drama!”
Dynamite Kid:
DH Smith visited his late Father The British Bulldog's tag team partner, whilst visiting the UK and family over the Christmas Holidays, Kid told Harry that he will never be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Don't know if he meant he would never accept, or he thinks he will never be asked, but he deserves it IMO. Tickets for next years HOF ceremony go on sale tonight.
WWE Network:
WWE have pulled back from looking for investment in their flagging network idea, and will go it alone.
Orton's health:
Randy Orton is suffering from hypermobile shoulders, a condition that means he can rotate his shoulders further than most people, but leaves him prone to dislocations and leads to osteoarthritis in later life.
WWE sign Rikishi student:
Alexander Jones, from Rikishi's Knox Pro school will join NXT soon.
New Age Outlaws:
The New Age Outlaws won their return match last night beating Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow. Also Fandangoo returned to action with a win.
Paul Bearer's tough Christmas:
Paul Bearer was caught up in a major storm over the holidays, he tweeted... “You don’t know how much I appreciate those that asked about my family and myself after the tornadoes Christmas night. We are fine. Thanks. My thoughts and prayers are with my WWE Family traveling in the horrible weather; everyone traveling for that matter. Be safe and patient. When the tornadoes hit, I was in a local Emergency Room with my Mom, after taking my Dad there by ambulance. He is back at his nursing home.”
R-Truth:
R-Truth is scheduled to return to the road this weekend, after his injury.
WWE have caught up with their former star Scotty 2 Hotty, and in an interview with their website WWE.Com he has revealed he will quit wrestling and begin a new career in the new year, he begins training for a job as a firefighter and EMT in February.
New Age Outlaws reunion:
The legendary multiple time Tag Team Champions will return to a WWE ring together for the first time in over a decade tonight, they will face Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow. What chance a Rumble match???.
Injuries:
Christian may be brought back to TV before the Royal Rumble to establish a story line for him, WWE have not decided if he will be face or heel yet. Mark Henry has told WWE he will continue to rehab his shoulder injury, but he is growing frustrated with the slow progress he is making. He says if he cannot return by WrestleMania 29, he will announce he won't be returning at all. WWE are confident he can get back, and despite negative rumblings in the back, WWE are supporting the former World Champ.
Ryback vs The Rock:
WWE are to tease a Ryback vs The Rock match early next year to gage fans reaction to a possible feud in the road to WrestleMania. In relation to this The Rock is said to have been told he will be the man to end CM Punk's title reign, and he also says he will have no problem dropping the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 29. So it looks like The Rock will be getting the WWE strap after all, beating Punk at the Rumble, then starting a feud going into Elimination Chamber vs Ryback, ending his return vs John Cena at Mania 29.
Sin Cara:
Sources within WWE say the Luchador may return for this Saturday lives in Washington.
THQ:
WWE have set aside a pot of money for THQ to develop and create the next installment of the video game franchise, despite being owed $45 Million by the company. WWE14 will be released in November(ish) 2013.
Big E. Langston:
WWE have confirmed Langston is the NXT Champion on the Developmental groups website, so he will be working both shows for the time being.
There will be no WWE TV on December 28th in Canada, the score will instead show college football.
Michelle McCool interview:
Some more interesting points from the WWE alumni's interview (See yesterday)... On Victoria's last WWE match... “People always ask me what I whispered to her at the end of the match, and I’m always surprised that I didn’t get in trouble if apparently everybody saw me whispering in her ear — which is not a good thing. But, I just remember saying: “Sis, I love you so much and I can’t thank you enough.” That was just truly an honor. She’sdefinitely a legend in the wrestling business — and in her own mind, and she’ll tell you that! Just totally joking, I say that with love. We had a production meeting that day and I just remember getting up and saying: “In the business, you’re lucky, at best, to have a couple of true, good friends. But, for everybody else to like you…that’s unheard of.” That was the case for Lisa: she was friends with everybody. And I’m not just talking about Superstars and Divas, from crew, ring to catering, she knew everybody by name and she was friends with them. That’s just a testimony to her character.” On LayCool... “It all just kind of happened. They randomly put Layla and I together in some match, and we were pretty good friends at this point, but we weren’t near as close as how we ended up before I left. When we went out there on camera, Vince just saw something that he liked. He liked the dynamic of us together and that literally was it. As far as coming up with the name, it was just during the time the media was joining everybody’s names together, like Brangelina. So we thought: why not? We’re just as cool as these other celebrities, or so we thought in our own minds of course, so we said “let’s come up with something!” We spit them in half, came up with a bunch of different combinations and ultimately ended up with LayCool.” On Backstage animosity between Diva's... “It can be a pretty stressful environment backstage, there is a lot of drama that goes on when it comes to the girls working together, especially fighting for storylines. With our character, it was already controversial to begin with, so that was a touchy subject. You never knew what they were going to give us, feelings would get hurt — obviously, we didn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but that was our character on TV.” On Her last match... “My last match; going out against her in the loser leaves. I wouldn’t want to do it, at that time, with anybody else. It was hard! You’re sitting here trying to be serious, but you have all of these emotions inside that are just ready to out. I was thinking: “Man, this is my last match. Here I am with my best friend.” It was tough. But that is definitely a day I’ll neverforget.”
WWE14:
WWE and THQ have confirmed that no matter what happens regarding the future of the video game company, the next installment of their franchise will be released next year, it may be the last time they work together however.
Hey Guys n Gals, first of all Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to you all... Shaggy
WWE's top 50 moments of 2012:
WWE.Com have listed the 50 biggest moments of their year... 50 - Ric Flair's return 49 - 3MB's debut 48 - The Brogue Kick is banned 47 - Be-A-Star's 1st Birthday 46 - Big Show and Sheamus brawl 45 - YouTube PPV pre-show matches begin. 44 - John Cena bt Brock Lesnar 43 - John Cena loses MITB cash in match 42 - Charlie Sheen 41 - Brad Maddox screws Ryback 40 - DX reunites 39 - Edge gets inducted into the Hall Of Fame 38 - AJ becomes Raw GM 37 - Booker T becomes SmackDown GM 36 - Saturday Morning Slam debuts 35 - Chris Jericho's Return 34 - John Laurinaitis bt John Cena 33 - John Laurinaitis is fired as Raw GM 32 - John Cena supports cancer charity 31 - Brock Lesnar breaks Triple H's arm 30 - Mr. McMahon vs CM Punk 29 - CM Punk puts GTS on The Rock, turning heel 28 - Rolling Stones concert 27 - Ryback's first title shot at Hell In A Cell 26 - Sheamus bt Daniel Bryan in 18 seconds 25 - AJ's love triangle 24 - Sheamus wins the Royal Rumble 23 - The Legends vs Heath Slater 22 - Live SmackDown's 21 - AJ turns heel at TLC 20 - Team Hell No win the Tag Titles 19 - Tout 18 - CM Punk's knee surgery 17 - World Title's 10th birthday 16 - WrestleMania 29 announcement 15 - WWE App 14 - WWE visit the troops 13 - Main Event debuts 12 - WWE visit Abu Dhabi and Egypt 11 - Tribute To The Troops 10th birthday 10 - Ryback hits his finish on the top of the cell 9 - Cena grants 300th wish for charity 8 - The Shield debuts 7 - Jerry Lawler's heart attack 6 - AJ / Cena scandal 5 - Raw 1000 4 - Brock Lesnar's return 3 - CM Punk's title reign 2 - The Rock bt John Cena 1 - The Undertaker bt Triple H
Michelle McCool talks feud with Nattie Neidhart:
She also recalls the making of their friendship, and the moment her career almost ended in a ring accident... On internet speculation that she was trying to teach Nattie to wrestle... “Apparently, something got all over the Internet about me trying to teach her how to ‘wrestle’ and all of this other stuff — which was completely false, as many things on the Internet are. But word got around, and there was nobody around the ring at the time, so it was just one of those things where ‘who felt the need to go to the Internet and start this stuff?’ It was just kind of shady. It was just kind of unspoken… there was a little bit of tension there. I don’t know if she thought I did it, or if she did it. A couple weeks went by, we sat down and talked about it and actually became really good friends.” On Working with Nattie... “Obviously, she’s a great worker. That’s beyond words. She’s constantly showing up to the ring — you know when Nattie’s in the building, because she comes running down the ramp, slides in the ring and tries to leg-pick or take them down in some form or fashion. Which is awesome! So, it was pretty late in my career, right before LayCool broke up. She was definitely fun to work with, a total team player. She would come up with stuff she’d want us to use. She’d be like: “Hey! Why don’t you say this about me?!” And we’d be like… really? We did her dad’s goatee thing, and she showed us all of that. She gave us other way on how to impersonate her dad, her or Bret. She was the one feeding us material, just showing us the type of business she’s willing to do. She knows what’s good for the business and knows that it’s just a character on TV. Our program ended at TLC. Fit Finley came up to us and told us we had a table’s match, and we told him to shut up — we didn’t believe it. We were always told that WWE didn’t want the girls to wrestle like the guys, your punches can’t look too good, and you can’t do punches or kicks, all of these guidelines, so we definitely didn’t think we were going to get a Tables match.'' On Her Ring Accident... “We had rehearsal the night before the pay-per-view, put some ideas together, go through some stuff — and oh, my gosh! You can ask Nattie: I’ve never had a near-death experience in my life until that night. It was so super-scary. I remember I was going to pull Nattie up in the corner for my Faith Breaker, off the top turnbuckle. Somehow, I go to pull her up, and we both tumble over the outside. All I’m thinking about is protecting her, but I’m looking down and my head is about to land on the apron and I’m about to break my neck, literally. My toes are curled over the top rope, just so that I can hold onto the both of us… I can see in slow-motion, Randy Orton, who was at ringside, is running over to help. Fit is across the ring and can’t help, and Arn Anderson was there — literally, we almost died. It was absolutely terrifying. But did it stop us from doing it? No. We figured it possibly couldn’t happen twice… right?” Her Friendship with Nattie... “I remember fighting like crazy for Nattie to get the spotlight in that match, because not everybody was fighting for that. I thought: she’s the one that helped us; she’s the one that we were picking on during this whole storyline. She should be the one that pushes us through the table, she should be the one that gets her hand raised — she should be the one that puts LayCool to shame. She deserves this. And it was like, this hard, hard battle. That was her moment and I don’t think it would have been fair for anybody else to take that away from her or for anyone to try and take that away from her.”
Raw teaser:
Raw was taped last Tuesday following the live SmackDown, the WWE have released their weekly teaser... * Who will be next to feel The Shield’s wrath? * What trick does AJ Lee have up her sleeve next? * Will Ryback give CM Punk a taste of what’s to come? * Who might step up and challenge Big Show next? * What will happen when Santa Claus hosts RAW?
Edge talks possible WWE return:
He says he has no plans to return to WWE, but when he heals from his surgery he may consider a non wrestling role... "Raw GM would still involve lotsa travel which at this point still bothers my neck. As I recover more, who knows."
“There is a very likely possibility, I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business there. I would say there is a very realistic chance if it’s up to me barring injury or any unforeseen circumstances, before it is all said and done I will probably show up in a WWE ring again.”
Hulk Hogan wants TNA World title:
Hulk Hogan says he needs one more surgery to repair his damaged body, and then he will come out of retirement and go after the TNA's top title... “Knee surgery I’ve had eight back surgeries, I’ve had knee replacements, I’ve had both hip replacements. I only need one more surgery – to fix my right knee – then I’m going to go for the TNA world title. I want to be 59 years old and be the champion.”
Hall Of Famer changes name:
WWE Hall Of Famer Antonio Inoki has changed his name to Muhamamd Hussain, he announced the change during a wrestling show in Pakistan.
Michelle McCool talks Kelly Kelly:
Mrs. Dead Man Michelle McCool has given her first interview since becoming a Mother, and in it she declared that her fellow WWE Alumus Kelly Kelly is one of ''The most over babyfaces of all time''.
Tommy Dreamer:
Has blogged on his WWE return from last week... “The match itself was good, the fans were surprised and most of all, they were happy. In times of trouble in society, I always say wrestling is a great escape from reality. If you take it from its inner core, it’s good vs. evil, a roller coaster of emotions and one hell of a show. I put smiles on people’s faces and was given an opportunity and created a moment for myself. That really is what it is all about. When I returned to my dressing area and picked up my phone, I had 117 text messages from friends, family, celebrities and sports figures, with nothing but positive comments and congratulations on my WWE return.”
The Miz talks face turn:
“It’s kind of weird because I’ve done nothing different. I’m still the same exact cocky, arrogant, egotistical person I was before, it’s just now maybe the fans are starting to understand me and cheer me because, to me, I’ve never been a bad guy. I’ve always been a good guy. I’ve done what I’ve had to do to win like everybody else in the world, you know, when you want a job or a promotion, you go after it. And that’s what I’m doing, I’m going after what I want. So that’s what I’ve been doing and now I think the fans are actually getting behind it, saying, you know what, I like this guy. I know somebody like him. I’m a guy people can get behind if they understand me and I think they’re starting to understand me.”
Edge reveals he was considering retirement before his injury:
He tweeted, in response to a fan question - Would you still be in WWE if you never got hurt???, with... “might’ve been retired by now anyway”
Sin Cara:
Will be back in time from his knee injury for his WrestleMania feud with Rey Mysterio next year.
Vince McMahon:
The WWE chairman is furious with Video Game maker THQ for going into bankruptcy, costing WWE $45 million if they fail, he is adamant WWE will play an active part in the proceedings against the company, in the hopes they can recover as much of their money as possible. If THQ survive, or not WWE will almost certainly be looking to go with a different company for future games, which would end a 13 year relationship.
Jim Ross on The Undertaker:
He was asked how many WrestleMania matches The Undertaker has left, he replied... "Not an abundance. Count them on one hand."
Legend dies:
Wrestling legend Rip Hawk has died at the age of 82, his profile has been added to R.I.P Dead Wrestlers.
Bruno - HOF:
Bruno Sammartino did not accept the WWE invite to attend the SmackDown live show earlier this week, however, the two sides are still in contact (Via Triple H) and Hall Of Fame induction in 2013 is said to remain a possibility.
The Nominees are... * James Storm * Jeff Hardy * Austin Aries * Bobby Roode * Bully Ray Vote here.
David Otunga gives away tickets:
David is giving away tickets to the WWE house show on Boxing Day from his home town of Chicago, to get one you have to tweet him a Christmas Holiday picture and attach the Hashtag #OtungasTickets. The same day on the Raw tour, which will happen in Detroit, will see an extra appearance by The New Age Outlaws in their WWE ring returns, this will be the first of what is now a 3 date wrestling reunion.
Sin Cara:
Has returned home to Mexico to recover from his knee surgery, he says it went well, and he should be back soon. Today is his 30th Birthday.
Royal Rumble:
WWE have confirmed next year will have 30 Men in the Royal Rumble, initially plans were to revert to 30 for last year for the 25th event, and go back to the 40 Man match that first happened in 2011, but they have decided to stay with the traditional format.
TNA to hold UK tryouts:
During next year's UK Tour TNA are asking British indy stars to go to Nottingham to be assessed by their developmental team, which will include British indy star The Alpha Female.
DiBiase's WWE days numbered?:
After slashing the prices of Ted DiBiase Jr's Merch this week, WWE have now removed it completely. Signs are not looking good for his wrestling fans, he wants a change of career.
Has been pulled from TNA house shows, to give him time to heal his groin injury. He has also today won his court case for fraud against a guy he paid to create an App for his food company.
The Rock:
Will appear on Raw on January 7, and the following nights SmackDown taping's.
Big E. Langston promoted to main roster:
NXT Champion Big E. Langston has been added to the active roster on WWE.Com, confirming his promotion from developmental.
THQ debts:
WWE video game maker THQ, who filed for bankruptcy yesterday, have revealed they owe $45 Million to the WWE.
Orton return:
Randy Orton is penciled in to return to the road on December 30.
Sting:
Was revealed as the man behind the cryptic vignettes on TNA TV last night.
WWE in 2013:
WWE have listed 13 reasons why 2013 will be their best year yet, including... 1. The Road to WrestleMania Leads to New York/New Jersey Starting in Phoenix and ending at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., this year, The Road to WrestleMania will be long but rewarding. WWE brass has been mum on what we can expect at this year’s Show of Shows, but judging from the three men highlighted on the pay-per-view poster, it most certainly will be a special and explosive affair. 2. New Superstars! Members of the WWE Universe with subscriptions to Hulu Plus have access to the brand-new NXT, featuring some of WWE’s youngest, best Superstars. The show is brimming with talent, and we can’t wait to watch these men and women move up to the main roster in the coming months. 4. Anniversaries! Two very special 20-year milestones will be reached this year. In January, Raw turns 20, and after summer, September marks the month Paul Heyman took the reins of ECW. Also, this is the 20th anniversary of The Shockmaster. Judging by the way he works his way through walls, it’s still a relief he’s five more years away from renting cars. 7. Movie Blockbusters Mean New Kofi Gear “Iron Man 3,” “G.I. Joe,” “Wolverine” and a rebooted “Superman” are all releasing in 2013. That’s good news for moviegoers and even better news for Kofi Kingston. The spring-loaded Superstar and comic supergeek will have no shortage of inspiration for his highly detailed superhero-themed ring gear. 8. WWE Insider! Launched in late 2012, WWE Insider offers all the premium photography and Heath Slater jokes you read in our magazine on the iPad, with Android and Kindle devices soon to follow. WWE Magazine turns the big 30 this year, and as a thank-you to readers, WWE Insider will highlight some of the best (and strangest) stories to have appeared in its pages. 13. AJ Lee — Future Divas Champion? The “silver lining” in AJ Lee’s resignation as Raw General Manager isn’t that movie with Bradley Cooper and the girl who played Mystique, it’s that we might be able to see this young Diva evolve into an in-ring star. Is title gold in her future? Probably. To see the full list you will have to wait until the WWE mag is released next month.
New Age Outlaws are back:
The legendary multiple time tag team champions will reunite and return to the ring for two WWE house shows, On December 27 and 28 in New York.
Match pulled:
CM Punk vs Ryback will not happen on Raw, the match will still be advertised and plugged on TV, but WWE do not want to risk his knee injury damaging the road to WrestleMania stories. They also feel they can get some major heel heat for him by constantly screwing Ryback out of his title shot.
Owen Hart to Hall Of Fame:
WWE have reached out and offered to settle Martha Hart's lawsuit against them, in the hopes they can finally put her late husband Owen into the Hall Of Fame next year, Martha has today refused their request, despite being told to expect to lose her case against them when it is heard in court. Big Boss Man is favourite to take his place, WWE have sent out the roster ballots for current stars to nominate who they want to see inducted in 2013.
Nigel McGuiness reveals WWE interest:
"Yeah they were interested for sure but it just kind of fizzled out which often happens. At the same time I had my first tour of Japan coming up so I spoke to WWE and let them know the situation and they said to contact them when I got back but nothing happened after that."
WWE Hall Of Famer on WCW, and quitting WWF:
Tito Santana has discussed his reasons for never joining WCW, and why he left WWF in 1993. "No, no, because going to WCW, I'd have to be away from home and on the road again, Once I left the WWF, I had no desire to be on the road." "[WWF] decided not to go to Spain, Mexico, and South America, and that was the end of Tito Santana. I called the merchandising department. I wanted to know how they were going to merchandise El Matador. They didn't have any merchandise planned. I told my wife that if they weren't going to do anything with me, then I should hang it up."
Shannon Moore to come out of retirement:
He will team with his former TNA partner Jesse Neal on January 19 in NC.
THQ, who have for 13 years made WWE's annual video game has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, WWE have issued a statement on the situation and have offered to help... “WWE is following the developments of THQ’s bankruptcy filing today and proposed sale under Bankruptcy Code Section 363. The Company anticipates actively participating within this proceeding.”
SmackDown SPOILERS!!! (To air on December 28):
* The show starts with a lottery, all the WWE roster's names are placed into a tumbler, the winner is to receive a World Title Match. * The locker room comes out for the drawing, the winner is Santino Marella. * Brodus Clay vs Epico * Backstage segment, Sheamus is coaching Santino on how to perform the Brogue Kick, Santino tries, and pulls his groin. * Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow & Wade Barrett vs Daniel Bryan, Kane & Kofi Kingston * Backstage segment, Booker T announces Santino can't compete and says another name will be picked later. * Teddy Long announces the next name to be drawn is Ricardo Rodriguez, Big Show laughs and KO punches him. * Antonio Cesaro vs Zack Ryder * Dolph Ziggler vs The Miz * Booker T announces Ricardo Rodriguez can't compete tonight. Brad Maddox enters and asks for the match, Booker says he has a different opponent for him. Alberto Del Rio enters, and wants revenge for his friend, Booker offers him the title shot, he accepts. * Brad Maddox vs Sheamus * Prime Time Playaz v The Uso's * Big Show vs Alberto Del Rio (World Title Match)
Another frustrated WWE star emerges:
Michael McGillicutty may be one of the group of stars threatening to quit the promotion next year, he tweeted earlier... “Can someone explain to me why Michael McGillicutty is not on Raw or Smackdown? I can’t…” Related to this, WWE seem to have resigned themselves to losing Ted DiBiase Jr, they have today slashed prices of his merch to $1.99 on their shopping page.
The Rock:
Has announced he is writing a second biog.
WWE alum lands TV gig:
Todd Grisham has landed the anchor spot on Friday Night Fights on ESPN.
JBL angers Scotland:
JBL has been receiving hate mail from fans of Glasgow Rangers Football Club, after he joked about them going into bankruptcy on WWE TV this past week.
Christian:
Word is Christian may be able to return to the ring in mid January, possibly getting back to TV at the Royal Rumble.
WWE not pleased with Bubba Ray Dudley:
Backstage chatter in WWE this week has not been kind to former star Bubba Ray Dudley, (Currently Bully Ray in TNA) after he tweeted negatively about the TLC PPV on Sunday night.
WWE heat over school shooting:
Vince McMahon says he is prepared to face a media backlash from the current anti-violence stance in the press following the slaughter of 26 people, 20 of which were children at a school in McMahon's home state Connecticut. Vince feels it is only a matter of time before WWE's product in the past is blamed for creating a violent streak in fans that watched during the Attitude Era. He has preempted the bad press, by talking about the current WWE, and their new family friendly outlook.
Antonio Cesaro continues to work hurt:
He has been suffering from broken fingers and damaged tendons in his hand for weeks, the problem has not yet resolved itself.
Ric Flair:
Backstage news on Ric Flair's return... Vince McMahon personally arranged the return of Flair to WWE a few weeks ago, but had been holding the appearance back. He was adamant with Ric Flair that he would not breach the retirement stipulation that Flair lost vs Shawn Michaels in 2008, but would, dependent on his health, be allowed to take part in some physical altercations. WWE proposed the angle with CM Punk to him at Raw, but required him to undergo an EKG heart check before they signed off on it. He will return to continue his feud with CM Punk, but there will be no match. Ric was hidden away in a trailer at Raw, and most of the talent did not know he was at the show, until he appeared on TV.
Chris Jericho talking to WWE:
Chris Jericho and the WWE have seemingly resolved their deadlock, and are in talks for Y2J to compete at WrestleMania, no angle, or match has yet been written for him.
Big E. Langston title win to be scrapped?:
Big E. Langston who won the NXT title from Seth Rollins when Rollins moved up to the main roster as part of The Shield may not get his title reign after all. NXT tape weeks in advance, and the title change will not air until a couple of weeks into the new year, WWE have been so impressed with him, they decided to give him a shot on main roster TV to test fans reaction to him, and they feel he has gone down great. They are now deciding whether to add him to the main roster, and to re-tape the title change with someone else from developmental getting the prize.
WrestleMania rewrites:
Major rewrites of WrestleMania 29's creative plans have taken place over the past week, because WWE are so frustrated with the amount of creative leaks revealing their plans, matches may not be changed, but the stories leading up to them will be reworked. One of the new creative plans has leaked already however, Sheamus is penciled in to win the Royal Rumble for the second consecutive year, he will then go on to face Randy Orton for the World Title at Mania.
Story line dropped:
Alberto Del Rio and Rosa Mendes' story has been shelved, WWE don't want to overdo the female targeted stories, in case they drive away the men from watching the show.
Fandango dropped?:
It seems WWE have grown cold on Johnny Curtis' new character, he was to debut at TLC or Raw the night after, he did neither, and there is now no plans on the horizon for him to do so, they have also decided to stop airing vignettes for his character.
WWE to relocate their gym:
Their training facility is currently in Tampa, they want to move to Orlando.
Week off for WWE:
The WWE roster have now been released for a Christmas break, after a grueling week of taping's, they will return to the road next Wednesday. Vickie Guerrero was relieved, tweeting... "Ready for time off....burned out and lack of sleep...so grateful for time to energize. #blessed"
WWE to change:
WWE will stop using Pyro at the start of Raw, they have announced.
WWE Network:
WWE are looking to join with an investment company to help get the WWE Network off the ground, despite Vince McMahon's reluctance to work with outside organizations.
WWE Roster fears:
WWE talent are said to be concerned about the number of stars being brought up from developmental, and the stars of the past that WWE are talking to, in the hopes of bringing them back, Worrying that jobs are going to be in jeopardy. WWE have apparently told them that all roster cuts have been put on hold until the spring (Post WrestleMania), to allay their concerns.
TNA Impact SPOILERS!!!:
- TNA Knockouts Champion Tara defeated Mickie James. - Joey Ryan and Matt Morgan defeated Rob Van Dam and Kenny King. - Kazarian and Daniels are in the ring with a Christmas tree and presents with Santa Claus. They offer Santa a pair of Zubas, and Daniels cut a promo on AJ Styles. James Storm came out, knocked down the tree and nails Santa with the Last Call. Storm then takes the presents and throws them to the crowd. - Kurt Angle calls out Devon, and they square off for the TV title. Devon defeats Angle after Angle is hit with a pipe by one of the members of Aces & 8's. - Jeff Hardy defeated Austin Aries to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. When the referee after Bobby Roode interfered and hit Aries with the Double R Spinebuster while the referee was knocked out. - Hulk Hogan promo citing the success of TNA in 2012. Aces & 8's come out and circle him. The lights go out and the 1.3.13 video airs. Bully Ray then hit the ring to save Hogan. Universal studio's have announced that there will be no TNA taping's in February next year, due to TNA been in the UK and taping shows over here.
Sin Cara goes under the knife:
He is to undergo exploratory surgery on his damaged knee.
Jeff Hardy to stay with TNA:
He said in a podcast interview he is worried he would be lost in the pack in WWE, and that as long as he is a stand out star in TNA, he has no need to move on. He has not yet put pen to paper on a new deal though... "I'll look at the comments on Instagram and there's all this WWE, TNA talk, I get so tired of hearing that as far as where I should be or whatever. Being here is what's cool to me because we have so much room to grow and get better. And really, I feel needed more here. Like if I did ever go back to WWE, I wouldn't feel as needed. I mean, I would stand out but I would just vanish with the other top guys. Being here is just unique because I'm able to be the complete package of 'The Charismatic Enigma,' like with my music coming out and my artwork. There's just so much potential for me overall being more than just a wrestler here in TNA. And that's why I'm going to remain here."
R-Truth:
R-Truth should return late on in January from his TLC injury.
