Today's News

Jericho talks preferring lives:

''It's improv. It's a little more fan interactive. With the TV shows, everything is meticulously timed. There is five minutes for this and 12 minutes for that. At the live show, you work until you're done. You're allowed to finish the match. The differences in TV and the live events are massive in some ways and small in others. True wrestling fans know there are pros and cons to both. There is more wrestling and less talking sometimes at the live events. The live events are always so stress-free. You can do whatever you want. They don't have specific storylines you are beholden to. There's a lot of TV that has to be perfectly timed to be watched by 5 million people. In the live event, it's just for the people in the crowd. We stress the fun.''

He also discussed fan interactions...

''It's always interesting when people come to signings, and there will be someone at the front of the line and they'll ask me to sign their arm. Then I swear, 20 to 30 minutes later, that same guy is back in line with my signature tattooed on them, asking me to take a picture with them and the new tattoo. Those things ... it's an honor. That's a true fan. They'll get tattoos of Fozzy lyrics, the Fozzy F or our "anarchist" logo. That stuff puts a lot of pressure on you, because if you ever make a wrong decision, you know you'll have let that person down.''

Owens no show:

NXT champ Kevin Owens missed an advertised meet and greet appearance this weekend.

RVD takes swipe at WWE:

Rob Van Dam replied to a fan comment on Twitter. He was asked when he was coming back to WWE, and replied he would, but then questioned that, if the same writers would be there.

Co-Pro announcement:

Wrestle-1's Jimmy Suzuki is on his way to the USA for a joint announcement with TNA.

Wade Barrett talks career frustrations:

"I am always down for being on WrestleMania. It is kind of a tough spot to get on to as we have a lot of legends that comeback for matches and it is sometimes very difficult to get on the card. But I would love to have a match. I think my ideal WrestleMania match would be me against Sheamus in a retirement match. I would get him out of the WWE for good so we would never have to look at his stupid face again."

Photo:

Yoshi Tatsu posts an injury update following his broken neck, suffered in a match vs AJ Styles. He has had the ''Halo'' (A frame drilled into his skull in four places, to keep his head still) removed, but is suffering bleeding from the now open wounds in his scalp.

Flair talks lack of appearances with WWE:

"I appear on WWE programming about eight or nine times a year now," Flair said. "I think I could offer more and I think the management would like to use me more but it is about the offers that have to follow me that they have to consider as well. I can be a very tough act to follow. I can still be active and will be for many more years to come, but they also have to take into account the other superstars at the same time."

He has also agreed to host a weekly podcast.

WWE vs NXT:

The regular gripes from main roster talent about the improved production value of NXT specials has reared it's head again, but FW4 say, NXT have issues too...

"The top NXT performers are frustrated they aren't on the main roster making money. Then they will get more frustrated when they realize their dream. WWE guys are frustrated they aren't having the matches guys in NXT are when they know if they can perform before 400 fans in longer matches they can tear the house down."

Sasha Banks talks wrestling vs music:

NXT Women's champ Sasha Banks says she always wanted to be a wrestler, and never considered following her cousin Snoop Dogg into music...

"Simple. It's all I ever wanted to do. I was meant to be in WWE. Growing up, I knew kids who wanted to be doctors and lawyers. Because Snoop Dogg is my cousin, I was pressured into pursuing music and acting but I never had those kinds of dreams. I only dreamt of being a sports entertainer. It was and is the greatest form of entertainment in my mind."

Goldberg confirms interest:

Goldberg says he is interested in an MMA fight with Glory...

"I'm seriously considering it. I don't have anything to lose, I'm just competitive. I like to train 3-4 days a week, it's just a matter of who I do it with, so we'll see".

Pro Wrestling Hall Of Fame:

This years class has been named as...

• Mr Perfect
• Rick Martel
• Pedro Morales
• Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts)
• Vivian Vachon
• Jumbo Tsuruta
• Big Jim Crockett
• The Great Gama
• Joe Malcewicz
• Whipper Billy Watson

The induction ceremony will be on May 15 and 16.

Today's News

Injury:

Xavier Woods is back in action, after an ankle injury.

TNA returns:

Crimson and Sonjay Dutt worked this weeks TNA TV's.

Hall Of Famer defends Reigns:

Ric Flair says fans should not compare Roman Reigns to The Rock...

"I don't pay a lot of attention to him talking on the mic but I think he's okay. Fans look at Roman and they want him to sound like The Rock and that isn't going to happen. The Rock didn't become The Rock overnight either though. It took him a few years as well to nail down who he was and what he was about."

WWE star joins dancing contest:

Kane will take part in a charity dancing with the stars local event in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 12. All funds raised will go to a local children's hospital.

John Cena:

John Cena will appear on popular US TV show, Parks & Recreation on Tuesday.

WWE top 10:

Bromances...

Hall Of Fame:

WWE are working on finalising this years class, Kevin Nash and Ivan Koloff have reportedly been approached, to gage their interest, Koloff is expected to accept, Nash's decision is not yet certain.

UFC star makes debut:

Matt Riddle had his first wrestling match in Glasgow, Scotland last week.

Today's News

Damien Sandow talks WWE status:

"I saw that period as a great time in my career. If you look at the talent roster, microphone time is very precious. I don't think I'll be doing this for the rest of my career, but I have a live mic in the ring. It's not competing for the WWE Title, but as a performer it's memorable. It builds stock. If I didn't have that, I wouldn't have what I do now. I was dressing up as a geographically relevant person (each week). The Miz thing was supposed to be a one time thing. That led to two weeks, then three weeks. I had built some trust and (wanted to) see how far I could push this".

WWE alum makes return:

Rhyno was back in a WWE ring last night. He worked the NXT tapings, scoring a victory, and received a huge pop from the Full Sail crowd. Brian Kendrick also wrestled for an episode to air later this month.

TNA have responded to Rhyno's WWE return by moving him to their alumni page, Homicide has also been moved over.

Also on NXT, Mick Foley's children were in the crowd, but despite taking them to and from the event, dad did not go inside the building.

CM Punk:

CM Punk will be interviewed about leaving WWE, and joining UFC, on local TV in Milwaukee tonight.

RVD:

Rob Van Dam has wrapped filming his new movie.

Emotional return:

Alex Riley received such a warm reception for a match last night that he began to cry, as the match was coming to an end.

Shawn Michaels on training Bryan:

"It was him, (Brian) Kendrick and Lance Cade. You could see that (they) would be three guys that were willing to pay the price and wait and starve. I remember telling (Bryan) and Kendrick that (Lance) is bigger, he's going to get the first look. Eventually talent makes its way to the top. They were there all the time. They came hungry and stayed hungry." 

Today's News

NXT:

Kevin Owens and Sasha Banks won their respective gender titles at the NXT special last night, and Finn Balor earned a shot at Owens newly won belt.

WWE searching:

WWE are on the look out for a 6 foot+ bi-lingual hispanic star, who already has the physique they like, as they will fast track the wrestler to the main roster.

Hall Of Famer working on new signing:

Gerald Brisco is arranging meetings for the WrestleMania weekend, between UFC star Chael Sonnen, and Kevin Dunn. The plan is for him to join the announce team, but he would likely be put through wrestling training, so they have the option to put him in the ring now and again.

Stinger ringer:

The man that portrayed Sting on Raw this week was indy star Cody Hawk.

Injury:

Bray Wyatt suffered a bust nose this week, but has not missed any ring time.

WWE Network:

WWE have announced they now have 1.4 million subscribers, and will extend the Network to the Middle East and Africa, as well as giving Canadian fans, who subscribe via Rogers, a free trial of the channel.

JR's new venture:

Jim Ross is in talks to call the Daytona 500 motor race.

TNA:

TNA are in talks with AAA, hoping to secure a new talent exchange deal.

WWE business:

Blackrock, an investment firm have bought 1,789,853 WWE shares, making them WWE's second largest external shareholder, behind Morgan Stanley.

Sami Zayn:

Sami Zayn is now in Abu Dhabi, for the Middle East tour.

Batista:

Batista is rumoured to be involved in a new Highlander movie.

He also appears in some behind the scenes footage of the new James Bond movie, currently shooting in Austria.

Worst PPV ever:

WWE TLC suffered the worst buy rate in WWE history, beating December To Dismember from 2006, with 39,000 buyers.

Today's News

Rhodes feud on?:

Dusty Rhodes will be on Raw next week, he says he will deal with the issues between his sons. Will this lead to the brother vs brother WrestleMania match, with dad as referee???.

WWE star censored:

Darren Young removed his comment about the current WWE tour to Abu Dhabi, seemingly at the request of the WWE office, as he tweeted that his freedom of speech had been taken away from him. He also said no-one in WWE supports him, and that he feels alone.

WWE responded with a press release, saying they left him behind for his own safety...

"WWE does not discriminate against individuals regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we continue to proudly support Fred Rosser (aka WWE Superstar Darren Young) for being open about his sexuality. Unfortunately, WWE cannot change cultures and laws around the world, and thus we did not send Fred Rosser to the United Arab Emirates for our upcoming events for his own protection. WWE also fully supports Fred Rosser's right to express his views on personal social media accounts rather than WWE's corporate platforms."

SmackDown SPOILERS!!!:

This weeks show featured longer matches than normal, as so many stars are in Abu Dhabi for the tour, including one bout that went on for 45 minutes.

• Bray Wyatt vs R-Truth.
• Paige vs Summer Rae.
• Adam Rose vs Fandango.
• Tag Team Turmoil match.

Book that:

Dusty Rhodes gave Triple H a very special gift today, his booking diary for the 1986 Great American Bash.

Hall Of Fame leak:

Another planned Hall Of Famer has been named. Reports in Japan suggest Japanese icon Genichiro Tenryu will go into the Hall, possibly as early as this year. He plans to retire this year, after a great career, highlighted by three PPV appearances for WWE in the early 90's.

NXT:

Tonight's NXT special will be aired on the Network as always, here is the card...

• Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (C), for the NXT Title.
• Bayley vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte (C), Fatal 4-way for NXT Womens Title.
• Sin Cara and Kalisto vs. Murphy and Blake (C), for the NXT Tag Titles.
• Adrian Neville vs. Finn Balor, for a shot at the NXT Title.
• Baron Corbin vs. Bull Dempsey, no DQ match.
• Hideo Itami vs. Tyler Breeze

DDP:

Diamond Dallas Page had his surgery early this morning.

Before he had the op, he discussed this years Royal Rumble...

"We stayed on this bus. Bubba [Ray Dudley] was losing his mind. He was stuck on this bus for seven hours. He said, 'It's like going to jail. I can't take this.' It was so worth it. For me, I never had the exit from wrestling I should have. Walking away, being on top. I had such a great run. I retired and then went to TNA to show I could still go. Though TNA is not WWE, so getting to come back two months from 59 and go out there and move in that ring and hitting the Diamond Cutter out of nowhere like I was doing it every night. People were like, 'Man, you didn't miss a beat.' I was more worried about going from the top rope to the floor because my knees can't take that kind of impact anymore. The way I got thrown out I caught myself and made it to the floor. I thought, 'Thank God! I blew the roof off, and it's over.'"

Zayn does not want Mania match:

Sami Zayn feels the NXT title should not be defended at WrestleMania...

"Part of NXT's appeal to me especially amongst people like yourself, like you're saying lifelong wrestling fans who are sort of like discovering NXT and being like 'Wait, this is the kind of wrestling I used to like' or 'I like this.' It's succinct. It's an hour-long, you've got some great wrestlers, and you've got great storytelling, and it's simple and it's gritty. While at the same time, it's so funny people forget it's PG, it's a PG product, but it's so real and gritty and people almost lose sight of that. The whole point I'm trying to get at is, it's sort of carved out its own little niche within this giant wrestling company that is the WWE. We've almost carved out our own underground following, it almost has a cult following, which is so strange to say because it's part of the world's biggest wrestling company. So, I think if you were to have an NXT World Championship Match at WrestleMania while obviously for me personally I would be a huge thrill, I don't think you can necessarily capture the magic of what NXT is and really harness it and put it on full display for the world to understand it, on such a grand scale like that. When you take the product out of its environment and throw it on a grand stage I think it would lose something there."

WWE interview:

Shawn Michaels has discussed the lost years of his career with WWE. He discusses getting clean, his non wrestling roles, how he spent his time away from WWE between 1998 and 2002, and much more.

TNA star saves life:

Davey Richards saved the life of a woman on a flight from the UK to America. Richards, a trained paramedic, volunteered his services after the flight crew requested help for a lady suffering heart problems. He has been commended by the airline, and made this statement...

"I feel it's my personal duty to put good in the world. Whether inspiring people to chase their dreams and keep fighting as one half of the Wolves or helping people in their time of need. I want to be there to help and lead by example."

Former star makes serious allegations against WWE exec:

Chyna today accused Triple H of assaulting her during the closing days of their relationship...

"So I think Hunter's plan was to get me to leave the relationship first and then that way he can start dating Stephanie and like everything would be cool. So I would ask Hunter time and time again, I figured it was better just to address the problem and ask him honestly and I would have to believe his answer, so we got into a heated argument, we were not getting along, I told him 'I know something's going on. Don't tell me something's not going on.' He swiped my hand, I swiped his hand, he hit me. I went back like Jerry Springer and then I was like OK that's the deal breaker for me, the relationship is now over, so now I have to leave. After that, I know that he was crying and I know that he felt bad that he hit me, and my first initial reaction was to get up, and like I don't know, I was just in shock and it felt like a Jerry Springer moment, it was very surreal, and I just couldn't believe that he hit me. But he knows that like I don't stand for physical violence, albeit we'll get to that after with Sean [Waltman], so I knew at that point I had to leave, but I needed some sort of closure so when he was gone I started looking all over the house, and I looked into his, long story short, I looked into his briefcase and I found a love letter from Stephanie that had [been] dated a year back, so the whole time they were doing the storyline basically they were together."

Triple H has released a statement denying the authenticity of her claims...

"The false statements and reckless allegations made by Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) on a recent podcast about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. While Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims."

This comes in the wake of Triple H firmly closing the door on Hall Of Fame induction for Chyna, during a recent interview.

WWE sex scandal:

WWE have reportedly decided to take action against Seth Rollins after all. They are furious with the vast amount of mainstream media attention yesterdays controversy has garnered, and feel they have to show they are taking action.

This comes from the WWE leaker, who also says it was Seth himself that accidentally posted the naked picture of his NXT star friend, which was spotted by his now former fiance, who responded by posting the explicit nudes of him as revenge.

In another twist, Rollins partner in the photos is also engaged, to a musician.

Triple H fought against any punishment for Seth, but Vince has demanded he be fined, although the company have denied that. 

He may also lose his planned WWE title reign. The long term plan was for him to hold the case until June, and then win the title, but this new backstage report suggests those plans have been shelved, and he will now not get hold of the belt ''Any time soon''.

In another move to counter any future embarrassment, WWE have instructed their talent to remove any risque material from their mobile devices.

Cena vs Marky Mark:

John Cena appears in a new movie trailer, he responds to a fan comment in a movie theater. The fan says he looks like Marky Mark Wahlberg, to which Cena says...

"Mark Wahlberg is like 150 pounds. I look like Mark Wahlberg ate Mark Wahlberg!"

Natalya Neidhart remembers Owen Hart, talks HOF induction:

Nattie Neidhart says she hopes her dad is inducted with his long time partner Bret Hart, and then discussed her uncle's chances of going in...

"It's not hard for me to talk about Owen. Owen is a very special topic because he wasn't just your ordinary person. He really went above and beyond, going out of his way to touch peoples lives. When he had a day or two off at home he'd visit children's hospitals, people never knew that. There wasn't Instagram or Twitter or anything that he could post on and it wasn't even something WWE set up. One day I do think that the WWE will have Owen in the Hall of Fame, and when they do it's going to be big and its going to be really, really special. I hear all sorts of people saying, including my cousins Georgia and Harry, their dad is the British Bulldog, they are always like, 'we want our dad to get in the Hall of Fame', with the WWE they do have a rhyme and a reason for the things they do. The WWE isn't going anywhere, it's going to be around for a long, long, long time. When they pick people to go into the Hall of Fame its a very selective process. I think you're going to see both Owen Hart and the British Bulldog in the Hall of Fame, but its going to be at the right time. I know that when both of them do eventually get inducted it will be really special, we can celebrate as a family. I have complete faith that they will both get in there."

WWE star nominated:

Scott Stanford has been nominated for an Emmy, in the news anchor category, for his work in New York, the show he hosts has a further two nods, meaning he could win three awards.

Today's News

Hall Of Fame:

Rikishi is the newest WWE Hall Of Famer, his sons The Uso's, who will have the honour of inducting him, spoilt the announcement before Raw last night, prompting WWE to confirm the news on their website, they then aired this video package during Raw...

Rikishi tweeted of his pride...

''I'm honored to be inducted into the #HOF by the #WWE & included with such great company! #SamoanDynasty''.

A future announcement has also been leaked. Former Tag champ, and WCW legend Larry Zbyszko, joins the late Crippler Ray Stevens on the shortlist awaiting official conformation.

UK legend dies:

Drew McDonald died aged 60, after losing his battle with cancer. He may not be very well known to many, but he had a hand in training many stars that have gone on to become well known in their own right, including Chris Benoit, William Regal, Finlay and Robbie Brookside. He was also instrumental in getting Paige her WWE job, and Paige showed her gratitude to him, writing his name on her forearms for her Raw match last night, she said she wanted to make sure people knew his name.

WWE also released a statement of condolence.

WWE star involved in heated incident:

A radio DJ has accused Big Show of a verbal assault on him before Raw last night. DJ Quicksilver who also works as a security official in Columbus, Ohio, saw the Big Show's tour bus parked on the lot he was employed to preside over. He went and knocked on the door to ask the occupants to move on, not knowing who was inside. He dealt with Big Show's manager cordially, but then Big Show came out himself, and was furious about been awoken by the incident, he allegedly yelled, threatened and swore at the radio star, and accused him of damaging the bus by knocking on it.

Sting:

Sting has accepted Triple H's challenge for Fast Lane. He was not at Raw last night, WWE had a number of people dressed as Sting, but the real guy was not one of them.

DDP kills rumours:

Diamond Dallas Page has slammed reports that he blames his Royal Rumble appearance for his throat injury, he said he made no such claims, and does not blame WWE for his health problems in any way, as he had been suffering with his throat before that night.

Seth Rollins:

Nude pictures of Seth Rollins and an NXT Diva have been leaked online. A picture from Seth's phone of Zahra Schreiber sans clothes, was posted to his social media during Raw last night. After Seth deleted that image, two pictures of him in the nude were also posted. It seems his fiance Leighla Schultz was responsible for the hack, as she has tweeted her admission to posting the images.

This could have caused Seth problems, this is a clear breach of the new WWE morals clause, and WWE have proudly announced the strict consequences for breaking the new rules, but have decided he is not to blame for the incident, or the vast amount of re-tweets of the pictures since, so will not punish him, they have actually demanded that no WWE talent make any reference to the incident, especially in the public domain, as it would be insensitive to Rollins. WWE have disconnected his social media accounts from his WWE profile, as the image appeared on their site, via the Twitter feature. Rollins has tweeted an apology...

''I would like to apologize to all the WWE fans and my family and friends for private photographs that were distributed without my consent.''

I am obviously not going to post the pictures here, but if you want to see them, here are the links of Seth, and Zahra.

Injury:

WWE are reporting John Cena suffered a scratched cornea on Raw.

Miz vs Flair:

The Miz took a swipe at Charlotte on Twitter yesterday. She said she wanted to put the Figure 4 on Miz for claiming he invented it, he spat back that she needs to get out of developmental first.

Sami Zayn:

WWE have admitted that Sami Zayn is NOT in Abu Dhabi. They used photo's of him on their Arabic website to promote this weeks tour, but the pictures are not new, they have been held in stock, and were released over the weekend by the Arabic WWE site, claiming he was in the country for the shoot. However, US fans noted Sami was working live events over the weekend, in the US. He is expected to join the tour after the NXT special on Wednesday, but is not there yet.

Sgt. Slaughter remembers slamming Andre:

"Back then, I was pretty good shape. I hit him with a clothesline into the ropes and he came right back at me, and I just barely got him up and I slammed him. I covered him, and he pushed right out at one. I looked down at him and he was laughing at it. I don't think anyone every slammed him before. He got right back up and took a shot at me, and I ducked. I picked him up and I slammed him for the second time. Of course, he kicked out again and he beat me."

Money In The Bank:

WWE have announced that MITB this year will be in Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on June 14.

WWE star slams tour:

Darren Young is not happy about WWE's trip to Abu Dhabi this week, he tweeted...

''Why do we bring the best entertainment into a country like abu dhabi and they look down upon women and gays? I get it! #MillionsofDollars''.

Today's News

Chyna:

Chyna, who announced her engagement earlier this week, now says she is considering 3 different proposals, one from a man in Japan.

Jake The Snake talks in ring goals:

"Bray Wyatt is my man. He is a freak of nature. I see a lot of me in him. I wish I had an opportunity to work with the guy. Maybe I will. I'm not done yet….I would like to get a hold of Dean Ambrose again. I would love to get a hold of Randy Orton. I could take Randy Orton to another level."

Rey Mysterio:

Rey Mysterio and his uncle Rey Sr. have spent today getting new tattoo's together.

Top NXT star missing next tapings:

Sami Zayn will miss a few weeks of NXT TV, he is currently on a promotional trip to Abu Dhabi, meaning he will not be present for this weeks block of shows being taped.

DDP health update:

Diamond Dallas Page has been allowed to go home, with strict proviso's from his doctor to restrict use of his vocal chords. He will however be back on Wednesday, and will have surgery on Thursday or Friday of this week.

Here is where DDP mentions the surgery in his latest update...

''I go back in to see the Dr. Carothers on Wednesday and most likely will have the operation on Thursday or Friday and get these nodules removed and whatever else has to be done once he gets in there.''

Raw:

Official tease...

• How will The Authority stack the deck against Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns?
• Will Gold & Stardust go supernova?
• What lunacy awaits Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett?
• Will Paige get some payback against The Bella Twins?
• Should John Cena fear Rusev?

Another Hall Of Famer will also be confirmed, speculation is, that man would be Crippler Ray Stevens.

Sting is also rumoured to be involved in the episode, and Sheamus may make his TV return.

Mania main event changed?:

Backstage reports coming out of WWE say Vince McMahon has changed his mind and WWE will now go with a triple threat match at WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Bryan vs Roman Reigns, for the WWE title.

Vince was adamant he would not cave in to fan calls for Bryan again, but has been convinced by his inner circle that it is the best course of action.