Today's News

WWE vs NXT:

WWE have put their roster on notice to be at their very best this Sunday. This comes in the wake of the NXT Takeover special. The NXT show was so well received that WWE officials are now concerned they may struggle to live up to it with this Sunday's main roster special, Payback. They have promised Payback will be a really good show, and have told all talent involved in the special to raise their games.

Payback:

Final Card...

Cesaro vs. Sheamus (C) (WWE United States Title)

Rob Van Dam vs. Bad News Barrett (C) (WWE Intercontinental Title)

Alicia Fox vs. Paige (C) (WWE Divas Title)

The Shield vs. Evolution

Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena

Rusev vs. Big E

El Torito vs. Hornswoggle (Pre Show)

Ric Flair says he will be in attendance.

WWE Top 10:

Last Man Standing matches.

Ric Flair:

One potential stumbling block has arisen in the WWE return of Ric Flair. WWE do not allow their talent to use blood thinners, something Flair has needed recently due to the blood clot in his leg. Flair has declared himself fit, but has delayed his WWE medical a couple of times, and has still not been assessed by the WWE docs.

Retirement:

El Dandy had his last match earlier this month. He was best known for his time with WCW.

New team:

NXT stars Aiden English and Simon Gotch will be known as the Vaudevillains.

WWE snub indy great:

WWE decided not to sign indy star Ricochet because he was popular with the NXT roster, before he had his tryout. When he arrived at the PC for his trial, many of the developmental stars treated him like he was a big deal, and were very excited at the idea of working with him. This apparently put some noses out of place with the officials, and despite being very impressive both in the ring and on the mic, made the decision to turn him away. The official reason was they had a lot of small guys, and high flyers, and did not need or want any more, however an insider has now said WWE were not happy with his special reception from the roster, as they thought of him as just another guy coming for a try out for a developmental deal.

Jamie Noble tried, but ultimately failed to change their minds.

Cesaro:

WWE nixed a planned feud and IC Title run for Cesaro earlier this month. They decided it would ''Hurt'' him to go against Wade Barrett, and to hold the IC gold, so put him with Sheamus for the US Title instead.

Jim Ross talks his wrestling future:

"I'm not looking to do anymore pro wrestling broadcasting, but if the right opportunity arises then I will listen. I'm not soliciting companies but I will always keep my ears open. It would be stupid for me to say it's over. I have my Podcast that is doing a lot of great things and I'm writing for FOX. So I'm staying busy but again I'm a wrestling fan, but as an entrepreneur. I am willing to try MMA or football if it's the right opportunity.''

Wade Barrett talks the lack of ''Reality'' on Total Diva's:

"I think for the most part it's genuine characters and genuine personalities. As with any TV show their aim is to make it entertaining. So, certain scenarios might be set up where they're put into a very strict environment and seeing how they respond. It's not like they have lines like a movie… it's a lot of improv."

TNA stars on TV:

Robbie E. and Brooke Tessmacher have landed a spot on ''The Amazing Race''. The show started taping in New York this morning and will see them, and their rivals travel the world, competing in various challenges along the way. The CBS show is in it's 25th series.

Top guys coming to WWE:

Three top names from the indy's and internationally will begin their WWE careers in August. Kenta, Prince Devitt, and Kevin Steen will join up with WWE, following their medical, drugs tests, and potential visa issues for the Japanese, are sorted out.