30/4/2018

Batista makes history:

Batista's new film has taken the most money on it's launch in cinema history.

Ring return:

Muhammad Hassan ended 13 years away from wrestling in New York this past weekend.

Mojo vs Fans:

Mojo Rawley has been getting railed on social media after complaining about his travel schedule with WWE, he did not enjoy the criticism and has been mocking the sad, poor, no hope, terrible jobbed losers that called him out.

UK star signs:

Danny Burch has officially re-signed with WWE NXT. He was released a couple of years ago but never really left and was returned to the NXT roster last summer. He now is back on the books too.

Raw tease:

• Monster Among 49 Men makes history
• Brock Lesnar bests Roman Reigns in controversial Steel Cage Match
• The Era of Wokenness begins
• Who will dare step to Ronda Rousey?
• The Architect leaves Saudi Arabia with the Intercontinental Championship

Why WWE aren't wrestling:

Stephanie McMahon has revealed why WWE stars are now sports entertainers, not wrestlers...

"Advertisers either had an adverse reaction to the words 'professional wrestling,' or they simply didn't understand what it was. So, how could we create a term or a label that potential partners could understand? How could we describe the WWE was based on larger-than-life characters enthralled in relatable storylines? That was when we coined the term 'sports entertainment'."

Predator stops Paige:

Paige's movie has been pushed back to next year because they did not want to compete with a new 'Predator' film.

Split on TV:

John Cena and Nikki Bella filmed their break up for their reality show, then filmed a reunion within a week. They will now get together to film another break up episode to catch up with their recent separation.

Aggressive security:

Saudi fans have complained to WWE about having fan signs removed at the Network special.

Saudi prince wanted miracle:

The Saudi prince asked for a number of wrestlers to be brought to the Kingdom for the recent special. He got his wish with Undertaker, but, WWE had a tougher time getting Ultimate Warrior and Yokozuna, mostly because they are both dead. Vince personally arranged for a real sumo wrestler called Hiroki Sumi to compete, as he resembled the HOF'er.

Women paid anyway:

WWE are paying the female talent for working the Saudi special, even though they couldn't. The company received a huge payday for the event and felt the women deserved a share of the purse.

He has a shirt!:

WWE have made a shirt for Nicholas (Photo). Eurgh!.

Mauro featured:

Mauro Ranallo has made a film for mental health awareness week.

Rock casts Cena:

The Rock has cast John Cena in a new movie he is producing.

29/4/2018

Harper says WWE stopped him retiring:

"My wife was 8 months pregnant and I was just coming back from Japan and I said, 'Honey, I'm done, this is it, I'm just going to go get another real job and we'll make do here. And that's the day WWE called saying, 'Hey, can you come for a tryout?'"

Titus O'Neil:

On his 41st birthday, Titus O'Neil is acting as an ambassador for 'Pay It Forward' day, where people are encouraged to do random acts of kindness for strangers.

Graves snaps at KSA:

Corey Graves threw a less than subtle dig at Saudi Arabia after returning home from the Network special...

"A drink to remember that no matter how bad WE think we have it, at least our women have rights and we all have freedom of expression. #ifyougetityougetit"

Charges dropped:

Jake The Snake has dropped criminal charges against DH Smith after an alleged assault. Bret Hart arranged for the two men to talk their heat out over the phone, they did so this weekend, DH's agreement to release a public apology met with Jake's meeting his part of the deal and the matter is now finished. Harry had thrown a hot cup of coffee in Jake's face over Mania weekend due to a long history of Jake verbally demeaning DH's dad The British Bulldog.

WWE to KSA 2:

Saudi officials claim WWE will be back in the Kingdom in November for another show.

Alum warning:

Jack Swagger is warning fans not to believe a ''Conman'' who is advertising him for a shows.

28/4/2018

WWE cultural beatdown:

WWE gave a list of do not do's to all staff and crew to avoid cultural offense during their trip to Saudi, including banning Finn Balor from wearing his rainbow coloured attire and leaving Sami Zayn at home because he is Syrian and the Saudi's do not get on with them.

WWE defended leaving Sami at home...

"WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world."

WWE did not get away scott free, they were forced to apologise for showing a backlash promo featuring some of the women that had been left at home. Saudi state TV cut the feed to the event and replaced it with a graphic blasting the ''Indecent'' women. More worryingly for WWE's 10 year plan in KSA both AP and BBC have reported on the incident, maximising their embarrassment with mainstream media coverage.

Record event:

Daniel Bryan had the longest time in a Rumble, Mike Kanellis the shortest and Braun Strowman scored most eliminations in a single match with 13 at the GRR last night.

Batista's WWE ultimatum:

"I told them next year would be my last year. I'm turning 50 next year. I'd be willing to ... I feel great. Physically, I'm in great shape. I've never let up on that. But I just don't want to be the old guy in the ring and I don't want to overstay my welcome. I just want to end my career the right way and next year will be the last opportunity, so if we can't make something happen by next year, then I'm just gonna officially hang it up. I'm doing okay for myself, so I don't need to be there. I just, I love it there. Even thought the fans totally crapped on me the last time I was there, I would still go back in a heartbeat and love to entertain them, and I would have fun doing it, man. I'd be happy to be there. But, I just don't get it, man. I don't get that company. I just don't understand."

Backlash:

AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura is booked for the World.

27/4/2018 **

WWE heat over new show:

WWE have been getting blasted all week for the new PPV Greatest Royal Rumble. They have been criticised for accepting vast amounts of money from the controversial regime that runs the country, for glorifying the regime, for ignoring the countries alleged oppression of women, including having their own female talent banned from making the trip for the event and telling any women that wanted to attend that they had to be accompanied by a man. Top stars have also been criticised, Forbes went so far as to say WWE are on their knees to the kingdom, for doing media praising the country, papering over the human rights issues that are prevalent in the nation. They also had talent pop for the nation during the show and aired a promotional VT for the governing regime.

Results...

1. John Cena bt Triple H.
2. Cedric Alexander bt Kalisto.
3. Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt bt Sheamus & Cesaro to win the Raw Tag.
4. Jeff Hardy bt Jinder Mahal.
5. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan bt Jey & Jimmy Uso.
6. Seth Rollins bt The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe.
7. AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a DCO.
8. The Undertaker bt Rusev.
9. Brock Lesnar bt Roman Reigns.
10. Braun Strowman won the Royal Rumble.

Notes...

• A prayer break was held during the show, but the usual 1 hour sabbatical was cut to 15 minutes.
• Old boy Shaun Daivari appeared.
• Big Show and Sami Zayn did not take their announced spots in the Rumble.
• A new title and trophy were presented as the prizes for the GRR.

Old boy returns:

Tony Schiavone has signed for MLW. His first wrestling job since the death of WCW.

Impact star leaves:

Braxton Sutter says he is gone from Impact.

*********************************************************************************

26/4/2018

Injury:

Zack Ryder does not need surgery on his knee injury.

HHH wants the world:

Triple H has unveiled his global localisation plan. He wants to bring the whole world under the WWE developmental banner via NXT off shoots. He told media today he wants to bring back the old territorial system but on a global scale and bring the best wrestling in the world home to WWE. It is a grand plan that WWE toyed with a decade ago but balked at due to the scale of the task, Hunter is adamant it can be done under his leadership.

Saudi UK exclusive:

The GRR will be released on DVD in the UK.

Retirement over:

Rich Swann is taking indie bookings again.

Not likely:

Cody Rhodes says it is ''Unlikely'' that we will see him in a WWE ring again.

HOF'er rejects big money offer:

Shawn Michaels has refused to fly to Saudi for the GRR. He has a commitment with his children that he refused to put aside for the event. His friend X-Pac said WWE were offering big bucks to get him onboad.

Cena is sad:

John Cena made his first public appearance since splitting with Nikki Bella but did not enjoy it...

"I'm not doing well. I love Nicole, and we're not together."

GRR SPOILERS!!!:

Hornswoggle and Shawn Daivari are in Jeddah with WWE for surprise spots in the Rumble match.

25/4/2018

Chyna crisis:

A bitter feud has sprung up over the remains of Chyna. Her former manager launched a go-fund me campaign to raise funds to have the 25% of her ashes he has in his possession interred in a celebrity resting place where he planned to charge fans to go to see them, problem being he was not supposed to have them. Her mother granted him permission to scatter all but 25% of Joanie's remains in the sea, the 25% was kept by mum. He did not scatter all of the ashes it seems, and alleges he kept some for himself, to use as he saw fit. Chyna's mum blasted the callous act of selling her daughter's remains on the internet and urged her fans not to donate to his campaign...

''As CHYNA's mother and sole beneficiary, technically and legally, I own these ashes that Anthony is talking about. And he has no right to even have them let alone decide how to dispose of them. I allowed him to keep 3/4 of them initially with the understanding and agreement on his part that all 3/4 of them would be scattered in the Pacific ocean. He was NOT supposed to keep any of them back. Obviously that didn't happen. I have had enough dealings with Anthony Anzaldo to know that he could care less about Chyna's fans. His sole interest is in himself, making money off of others, and making himself look good. Beware of giving his campaign any money. Obviously I will be contacting go fund me and an attorney, if I need to, to shut this down. PLEASE don't donate to this Go Fund me. IT IS A SCAM. Anthony was supposed to scatter all of the ashes that he had of my daughter's in the Pacific Ocean. Obviously he lied about that. Technically and legally, any of the ashes he has now belong to me, as my daughter's sole beneficiary. This is nothing more than a scam to get your money from you. I can tell you story after story about Anthony and my dealings with him and how he treated me and my attorneys. STAY AWAY FROM THIS GUY. He is a snake. He never really cared about CHYNA. Only what he could make off her - and now even in her death. I know for a fact that she fired him before her death. Save your money. Donate to a reputable animal rescue which Chyna would love.''

He did not take kindly to her attacking his ambition of collecting $25,000 for the project, and spat venom at Chyna's mother in response...

''This is not a scam. This is very real. This is both for Chyna and her fans. Her Mother, who didn't see her for 30 years, is hateful for reasons beyond me. I will not engage, but I can assure everyone that I have the legal right to do with what I wish with the 1/4 remains that I have a permit to own authorized by the State Of California. 1/2 of her remains were spread in the Pacific Ocean and 1/4 his with her Mother. Those are the facts. Chyna would love to be visited by her fans next to one of her idols, don't let the haters be the gate keepers.''

Chyna's mum then made serious accusations against her manager, including claiming to have an E-Mail from Joanie telling a friend she had fired the manager before the end of her life, that she had the cremation receipt and certificate and there was no permission from the state for him to own any portion of her ashes, a contract between her and the manager regarding Joanie's final arrangements, which she allowed him to take care of, but under strict conditions which were signed by a notary (She claims he broke the agreement) and that he stole and sold Chyna's personal items, including a cello, which was left to her.

She then announced she was making a police report about his actions, which made him sh!t the bed because his next response was to shut down the campaign. He did though again attack mum and says he will keep the ashes and find another way of using them...

"I am going to shut down this page tomorrow and my YouTube post. The negative energy around all of this is ridiculous. I will get the funds privately and put Chyna at the Hollywood Cemetery without all of this, I just thought it would be great if it were done by the fans, but once again "The Wicked Witch Of The East" and all her goodies step in to make noise...funny how she will be laid to rest just a few feet from Judy Garland. What I will say is that I have every legal and moral right to do what I am doing and once again, we put 50% of Chyna's ashes in the Pacific Ocean, 1/4 went to her Mother and 1/4 went to me and that is what is in the urn, I have the permit to prove it. I also listed where all of the funds were going, all costs are verifiable. A few bad apples...."

X-Pac then chimed in with an interesting claim. He says the ashes were scattered into the sea and nothing was left, meaning either he sifted some of the ashes away secretly or is pretending to own ashes he does not possess.

I want your body:

Randy Orton's tattoo artist has filed copyright claims to the art on his body as part of her suing WWE for using the images on their games and TV. She only filed in March, even though she has been after WWE since 2009. Her suit against WWE claims Randy Orton does not own any of the art and had no right to give permission to use the images in media.

Impact SPOILERS!!!:

Austin Aries has regained the World, Su Yung won the Knockouts and DJ Z and Andrew Everett the Tag titles at the tapings last night.

Backlash:

Daniel Bryan vs Big Cass is booked.

Bliss benched:

Alexa missed the recent tour because she has had breast augmentation surgery (According to the Meltzer).

Heyman on tour:

Paul Heyman is going to Saudi. He did not fly out with the rest of the crew yesterday, but will fly out before Friday for the Network special.

NXT promotion:

Percy Watson has joined 205 Live.

SD guest:

Elijah Burke was backstage at SD last night.

Bruno snubbed show:

Bruno Sammartino refused to join the cast of 'Soprano's' because he heard swearing would be featured on the show.

Gronk:

Gronk is not coming to WWE. He is staying in NFL for another year.

New star:

Bobby Lashley has joined the official WWE roster.

**Archer**

24/4/2018

JR pops for Ronda:

"I thought Ronda Rousey's debut was the most impressive thing I've seen in pro wrestling in my 40 year career."

Alum at Impact:

Rich Swann was backstage at Impact last night.

Concerns for Enzo:

Enzo Amore posted a picture of his discarded trainers with the caption ''It's been real'' and a tag for WWE. This has led to some worries about his mental state as he battles a rape accusation.

Ryder out of GRR:

Zack Ryder injured his knee last night and missed the flight to Saudi for the Network special.

SD teaser:

• Daniel Bryan to appear on "Miz TV"
• Jimmy Uso takes on Rowan of The Bludgeon Brothers
• Charlotte Flair and Carmella sign the contract for their SmackDown Women's Title rematch at WWE Backlash
• Asuka to make SmackDown LIVE in-ring debut tonight in tag bout with Becky Lynch against The IIconics

Backlash:

Carmella vs Charlotte Flair (Blue Women's) will be confirmed tonight.

Heyman leaving Brock:

Paul Heyman is not going to Saudi to manage Brock this week.

Wrestlers acting:

Samoa Joe has joined a star studded cast for an animated 'Transformers' film and Rock will reprise his role in a sequel of his 'Jumanji' film.

23/4/2018

Happy St. Georges day, to my fellow dragon slayers...

Impact:

Impact have unveiled new championship belts. Pentagon Jr (World) and Eli Drake & Scott Steiner (Tag) won the new belts on the night of their debuts.

Raw tease:

• The Conqueror cometh
• Superstar Shake-up aftermath
• Will Stephanie McMahon continue to overrule Kurt Angle's decisions?
• Could we soon have "Woken" Raw Tag Team Champions?

MMA star uses the 'F' word:

Chael Sonnen says CM Punk is right to stick at MMA and not returning to ''Fake wrestling''...

"I've always liked the CM Punk story, and I've always thought the story was mistold. It was always kind of a perception that you were getting a big-named guy coming over, who was going to suck all the air out of the room. Just because he's a big-named guy, he doesn't deserve it. In CM Punk's case, he was willing to put it on the line. He committed fully and immersed himself to this goal in the sport of MMA. And that was a pretty cool and brave thing to do. He went out there, way over his head, and tried. And when it didn't go his way, he said 'I want to try again.' He didn't go back to the fake wrestling; he didn't go do any of that stuff. He could have. He said 'I want to try that again,' continued to immerse himself, continued to sacrifice, and now he's gonna take off his shirt in his hometown and walk out there. That is the story. It's not the other way around that this big star came over and he's leaving with all the money and all the attention and filling up the main card, taking spots and opportunities away from other people. It's not that."

New baby:

It is not just the royal family celebrating today. The Rock has become a third time dad.

Rock talk:

The Rock has confirmed he was in talks about teaming with Ronda Rousey at Mania, but his film commitments forced an end to his interest...

"We were really excited about it on the phone. We couldn't make it work this time because I was in Shanghai, but who knows down the line."

Injury:

Goldberg has refused Booker T's challenge because he has two torn rotator cuffs.

22/4/2018

WWE to NFL:

Vic Joseph will work with Sirius to cover NFL. He also works for NXT.

Women's Tag titles:

It appears SmackDown will be getting the Women's Tag titles when they arrive.

WWE go to the movies:

Dolph Ziggler & Renee Young have interviewed Batista and his 'Avengers' co-stars to promote their new film.

PWG:

Walter won the PWG title last night.

Saudi special:

WWE have been holding tryouts in Saudi Arabia as they prepare for Friday's Network special. They told the trainees one will be picked to participate in the Rumble match, to represent the Kingdom. 

21/4/2018

Foley reveals 20 year old secret:

"I told Mr. McMahon two of the biggest lies of my life that day. I told him I had been on top of the cell earlier that afternoon, and I told him that I felt completely comfortable up there. Had I gone up there for a walk-through, there would be no twentieth anniversary because I would have realized that getting thrown off was a terrible idea."

Scott Steiner announces worst career moment:

"Going to the WWE in '93. It was the worst mistake I've ever made. He was going to jail, or everybody thought he was going to jail. He thought he was going to jail. It was probably the worst time to be up there, and that was the first glimpse I got of Vince McMahon being a liar."

CM Punk:

CM Punk is on the poster of the UFC show he is booked to fight on in June.

WOS:

It's only a full year late but ITV will finally tape the first series of World Of Sport next month.

Mania spat leads to match challenge:

Booker T has called Goldberg out fro the Saudi special. He revealed a backstage argument they had at Mania as the reason...

"I had an issue with Goldberg just a couple weeks ago because I was riding my hoverboard at WrestleMania. Goldberg, he was talking about how I wasn't in shape because I was riding the hoverboard. I said, 'Look Goldberg, I work out at the gym. You feel me? I work out on the gym on a regular basis.'"

Rock's good deed:

The Rock is getting huge props for responding to a school girls prom invitation to him. He could not make her dream come true by attending so recorded her a personal message and rented out a movie theatre for her and her school chums to watch his new movie on him.

WWE celeb dies:

News is breaking of the death of one time Raw guest host Verne 'Mini Me' Troyer. He was 49. He played the role of Raw host in 2009 and admitted to being hungry to get another go at it, even teasing getting in the ring next time.

**Verne Troyer**

20/4/2018

Big signing:

John 'Big' Gaburick is back working with WWE after 4/5 years with TNA.

Celeb remembers Bruno:

Musician Bruno Mars, who was given the Bruno name in tribute to WWE HOF'er Bruno Sammartino, has commented on the wrestlers passing...

''Sending love and prayers to Bruno Sammartino’s family. He was such a gentleman when I met him & really meant a lot to my father & I. RIP''

Jericho talks losing Taker match:

"For me, at this point, whether they want me to be part of the Royal Rumble or work against Undertaker or work against Funaki in a Lingerie Match, whatever they want me to do there I will. That's the good thing about my legacy and where I am at this point of my career. I can be the opening match or the main event, whatever it is, it's going to be good. Things changed, which is part of the world of WWE, happens all the time. For me, until I actually walk into the ring, sometimes you never know what is going to happen. Things get changed during the show sometimes. I think fans sometimes get a little to excited about certain things that happened and didn't happen."

WWE vs Fan:

WWE have filed a restraining order against a fan that has targeted their PC with years of harassment.

Hogan honoured:

Hulk Hogan will follow Triple H into the BGCA HOF this year, along with snowboarding icon Shaun White.

Heat on WWE:

WWE are in the middle of a ticketing fiasco for their Saudi special. WWE hoped to sell out the venue, and have made tickets available for as little as $2.70 but the release date to buy them has been pushed back and back for a month. The seating is also an issue, front row tickets are only available to one dignitary and his entourage. General tickets are also an issue as there are only two options, single male or family. The single male tickets sold in no time leaving only family tickets, but, to have a family ticket you must include at least one female in your party. That was fine until a last minute change swapping the single male and family areas. The family seats were moved forward to be closer to the ring and the single males were sent to the gods (High and back from the ring). Problem being, more single males had tickets than seats available and they cannot mix with the family seating, which is now massively under ticketed. So men are going to be turned away for an event they have tickets for, even though the arena will have huge amounts of empty seats.

Vader:

Vader has returned to hospital after developing pneumonia.

WWE promote Impact:

WWE are advertising the Impact streaming service as part of their deal to include footage on a new Hardyz DVD. Impact's logo will appear on screen during footage they own and this disclaimer...

"To watch all the Hardys' Impact Wrestling matches in their entirety, download the Global Wrestling Network app. Available on all your favorite streaming devices!"

...will air at the beginning and end of the production.

WrestleMania 35:

WWE have listed their top 5 ambitions for next years Mania...

• Goldberg vs Braun Strowman
• Daniel Bryan getting a WWE championship shot
• Paul Heyman to be inducted into the HOF
• Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair
• Batista's return

Coach benched:

Booker T will replace Coach on Raw comms tonight. Coach seemingly found out from a troll on Twitter mocking his demotion, but he was trolling the troller. He says he will be back the week after next and is going to be working for the Golf channel next week.

Luger talks jumping ship:

"I was in a tag match with Davey Boy Smith taking on Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon at a house show the previous day. I would have handled the situation a lot differently today, but my contract was up so legally. Sting and Eric Bischoff had talked to me and decided to bring me in, but under one condition was that I couldn't tell Vince McMahon. I had a great relationship with Vince McMahon. We were friends, so I was very uncomfortable with it even back then, but I decided that it was a good opportunity, and was a way to feed my family. To make a long story short, I left and Vince and Linda [McMahon] were watching at home and were both like, 'you have got to be kidding me!' They were shocked just as much as the fans. They had to pull me out of their TV shows that they already taped, because WWF had pre-taped their shows. So, they had to pull me out of their TV shows and they had no ideas I was going to walk out there at the Mall of America. That was a shock to everybody; for sure."

Nikki Cross:

Sanity fans have been asking why the female member of the group will not step up with the guys to SmackDown. WWE have her scheduled for a big summer feud over the NXT Women's title, as none of the current NXT women are ready. 3 top women stepped up since Mania leaving them short of established female talent, Nikki is an established gimmick there and was therefore the obvious choice to be Shayna Baszler's next rival. She may join her guys later in the year.

Nikita returns:

British wrestler Nikita AKA Katie Lea Burchill is returning to Impact this summer.

19/4/2018

Wrestling on TV:

'Glow' will be back on Netflix on June 29.

Jessie Godderz has landed a role on a new Amazon show.

Realest G goes incognito:

Enzo Amore has wiped his Instagram of posts, bar one tweet talking about the importance of privacy.

ROH fight:

More has emerged on the recent locker room fight in ROH. An extra sat in Christopher Daniels seat and when asked to move mouthed off, Flip Gordon dealt with his show of dis-respect in short order.

Death:

NWA legend Paul Jones has passed aged 75.

Old boy's new job:

Colin Delaney has opened a comic book coffee shop and cereal bar in New York.

Gail Kim calls Steph out:

"WWE always thinks in a business mindset. For them, they are thinking, 'ok this woman's revolution is becoming hot, Ronda Rousey, this 'Me Too' movement'; so of course to be honest I'm going to say this, because I've said it on Twitter, Stephanie could have been fighting for us a long time ago. She was there every single time I worked there and she had zero interest in fighting for the women back then. So, for them, everything is business motivated. So, them having this women's revolution, and it's from the fans as well… the fans did demand it through social media and Vince heard it and made it happen. And I think finally the girls are getting treated the way they want to get treated."

Beer King:

The King Jerry Lawler has had a beer named after him, despite him being a tee-totaller.

Bella split denial:

A friend of the Bella sisters says Brie is ready to ''Kill'' John Cena for the split with her sister, Brie says that is ''False''...

"On one level, Brie wants to kill him, sure. No one should be allowed to hurt her sister like this. But honestly, on another level, there's relief. "Nikki was bending over backward to accommodate this guy and everyone, especially Brie, was worried that she was sacrificing way, way too much — most of all, motherhood. She will be such an amazing mom someday, and she loves Brie's baby so much. So of course that's what Brie wanted for Nikki. To have to hear her trying to convince herself and everyone else that she would be fine just giving it up, it was so hard. Brie never bought it. There's some relief that at least Nikki can go forward and find someone who will really give her everything she's dreamed of. Because that guy isn't John. Never was."

18/4/2018

SD shakeup:

Jeff Hardy (And his newly won US title), Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Samoa Joe, Eric Young, Killian Dain, Alexander Wolfe, Big Cass, Asuka, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Cesaro, Sheamus, R-Truth, Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega have joined team blue. Nikki Cross will not step up with her Sanity partners.

Cody:

Cody Rhodes has launched an Instagram profile.

Alum quits:

Brodus Clay has left Impact after falling out with their creative team.

HOF'er dies:

Arguably the greatest wrestling star ever, Bruno Sammartino, is dead. He passed away at his home today aged 82. He will be forever remembered for his two iconic World title reigns and also had his WrestleMania moment as part of the Mania 2 battle royal. He finally accepted induction into the WWE HOF in 2013 after years of holding out due to a dispute with Vince McMahon.

Tat's not right:

Randy Orton's tattoo artist is suing WWE for using her work on their programming and video games. A dispute that has lasted since 2009, when WWE offered her $450 for the rights to his ink, which she refused, is finally to be heard in court. She wants financial recompense for the tribal tat on his upper back, skull sleeve, doves, bible verse and a rose art.

So who owns the art?, the artist, or the canvas. Could be an interesting case, I am covered in ink, don't want someone claiming ownership of my bod! Lot's of inked celeb's may keep an eye on it, could open floodgates.

Ric Flair:

Ric Flair rapped on 'Jimmy Fallon' last night.

Orlando want Mania:

Camping World Stadium are preparing a bid to get WrestleMania back in Florida. They only hosted the grand-daddy of them all last year.

Rousey savaged by HOF'er:

Superstar Billy Graham has savaged Ronda Rousey's WrestleMania debut. Rousey, who had won over even some of her staunchest critics with her debut match, did not impress Superstar, who has re-named her Ronda Lousey...

"First off, to the fan who wrote, 'I find Ronda's use of Piper's gimmick nauseating,' You my brother are dead on my man!!! I find it a total insult and absolutely reveals that she does not have an original thought in her head. D**n, can't she be an original at anything? This shows you how shallow she is and by the way, I am a fan of females being in the main event. WHAT??? Miss Lousy was going to make H tap out??? This would have been received as well as a cement truck full of pig sh*t being dumped on the mania 34 fans. God folks, what is the WWE thinking??? Rousey is not a god of some kind but a mere female x UFC failure that got her flat a** kicked twice on the way out. Now this is nauseating. I demand that you fans respond to this crap the WWE is trying to lay on you by even thinking about her making HHH tap out, god this makes me sick."

He then called her a jobber.

He can't be that big a fan of Roddy, or has no respect for the man, or he would know that Piper gave the 'Rowdy' name to her before his death personally.

Greatest Rumble:

Mark Henry and Great Khali have appeared on a promotional poster for next weeks Saudi special. Along with Rey Mysterio and 59 active stars, only 50 of which will be in the over the top match.

Impact UK:

Impact have signed a TV deal with 5 Spike.

17/4/2018

Rusev reinstated:

WWE have reinstated Rusev into the casket match vs Undertaker in Saudi next week. He had been pulled after offending someone in the office during an interview with TMZ, leading to him removing all mention of WWE from his online profile and hinting at moving away. He has been accused of sulking and having a childish tantrum to get his own way by some on social media, but has gotten the dream match back. How his replacement Chris Jericho feels is not yet known.

Award revealed:

WWE have revealed a trophy will be presented to the winner of the 50 man Royal Rumble. Kane has withdrawn from the trip to focus on his political campaign.

Superstar shakeup:

Jinder Mahal, Sunil Singh, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Fandango, Tyler Breeze, Natalya, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Bobby Roode, Zack Ryder, Baron Corbin, Mojo Rawley, Mike Kanellis, Chad Gable, Konnor and Viktor have gone to team red in the post Mania shakeup.

The Miz is going the other way to team blue. Jeff Hardy is expected to be on the move too. The blue trades will be confirmed tonight.

Samir Singh, Maryse and Maria Kanellis will likely swap shows when they return to TV.

New champion:

Jinder Mahal did not enjoy his Raw debut for long, he dropped his US title in his first match on the red show to Jeff Hardy.

Nikki nuked relationship:

A friend of the Bella sisters has declared it was Nikki who killed her relationship with John Cena after growing tired of his attitude toward their future...

"John acted more and more like he was doing her a favor by somehow conceding to go ahead and marry her. Nikki doesn't need a pity proposal, a pity wedding, a pity husband. She's a phenomenal, tremendous woman. When Cena proposed, he convinced Nikki that he was a changed man. And if he can change his mind about never wanting to get married, why wouldn't he change his mind about not wanting kids? They have had an on and off relationship for years. It's no secret that they didn't see eye to eye on a lot of things, but, when you're in love, you turn a blind eye. And that's what Nikki did. When Nikki changed her stance about wanting kids, everyone knew that wasn't her. You can't take motherhood away from a woman."

SD teaser:

• The Superstar Shake-up continues
• Will Shinsuke Nakamura continue to antagonize AJ Styles?
• Princess Mella's reign begins
• Are The Usos ready for a bludgeoning?
•  The Miz returns to Team Blue

Austin unhappy with Nicholas:

Stone Cold felt WWE did the BAR wrong...

"Braun Strowman is over like rover, a lot of potential, a lot of momentum, a lot of great storylines for him. But the fact that he goes out there in the crowd and picks some kid, it's almost like a disservice to Cesaro and Sheamus who've been working their a**es off. Two physical specimens, have really gotten some chemistry together as a team. Not to be taken lightly. Braun's a big guy, but you know, Cesaro's one of the strongest guys in the locker room. Sheamus is a brute. They can't monetize this person who was picked from the crowd. And, I don't know, I wasn't really down with it, and that's with respect to a d**n good tag team like The Bar. And then Strowman picks someone, I just, man you're walking a fine line with him, because you have this brute force killer who's legitimately one of the biggest, strongest men in the world. It didn't do much for me."

Jeff no show:

Jeff Hardy did not attend court to answer for DUI on Monday, his next hearing is scheduled to be in May, during the UK tour.

16/4/2018

Rock show:

The Rock surprised fans watching his 'Rampage' movie in LA theatres with a personal appearance last night.

Alum released:

Vader has left hospital after heart surgery.

Bella breakup:

John Cena and Nikki Bella have ended their 6 year relationship just weeks before their wedding. They famously got engaged at WrestleMania last year, but the fairtytale engagement, will not now, it seems, lead into the fairytale wedding. They were set to wed om May 5 in Mexico.

A Bella friend has blamed the Dr. of Thuganomics for killing it...

"She never gave him an ultimatum. He talked a really good game about having changed, about having his priorities straight, about knowing what's important, and that it was her. But as the day got closer, it was like he just went back to who he's always been — which is someone who puts himself first, always. He's an incredibly dedicated, driven, ambitious guy. And for the longest time he said he didn't think he had room in his life for a spouse or kids. It seems like in the end that was still the truth. But in that case, he never should've proposed, let alone in front of millions of people. Now she's heartbroken." 

Bret Hart names worst match:

"Going into WrestleMania, I knew from my own experience with Bob Backlund, I think I had an 'I Quit' match with him at WrestleMania 11, which was probably my worst pay-per-view match I ever had, no offense to Bob, it wasn't Bob's fault either. Submission matches are a death sentence. You take out half of the fun of false finishes with pinfalls. I mean, that's why more spots you can do. It cuts your match in half as far as what you can do."

Raw tease:

• Both brands get shaken up
• Who will battle Cesaro & Sheamus at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble on April 27?
• Bayley and Sasha Banks settle their differences
• Will Ronda Rousey face repercussions after attacking Stephanie McMahon again?
• Will Roman Reigns get his hands on Samoa Joe?
• What "unfinished business" does Bobby Lashley have in WWE?

Brother Love talks WWE Network podcast:

"No, nothing's off limits. That being said, let me say this. We've had three things that we've said from the very beginning, we're not talking about that. We're not going to talk about Chris Benoit's murder-suicide, the ring boy scandal or Owen Hart's death. Can we talk about Chris Benoit's matches? Yes. Am I going to say 'Hulk Hogan' and tell everybody how much I loved him as a kid? Absolutely. Are we going to address the rumor and innuendo about Macho Man? You're damn right we are. Is Chyna off limits? Nope, I'm going to bring her up early and often. A lot of those things that people think we're going to shy away from, we're not going to. That's part of the fabric of the podcast and what made it successful, and they know that."

Mojo on stage:

Mojo Rawley danced on stage for Flo Rida last night.

Angle worked hurt:

Kurt Angle pulled his quad in the build up to Mania and worked the match in pain, but did not want to let anyone down.

Injury:

Cass is rumoured to be coming back on Raw tonight.