Nikki Bella and John Cena commented on the former's promo being edited down from this week's Smackdown. It was probably a time thing. I'm curious to see what she said about AJ, and if there's more "shooting" to come.
Colt Cabana Tweeted about the recent C.M. Punk podcast. I didn't see it as Cabana trying to get a big name at all; just letting Punk get some closure on a difficult time in his life.
The cover for the DVD of this year's Survivor Series will feature John Cena, The Authority, and Sting. I'm not really surprised at the lack of Dolph, Bray, and Ambrose, but they deserve credit for what they did then.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
NXT R Evolution lineup, More from big Punk interview, Interview with Piper, change to TNA commentary, a look at WWE's business, and Questions on Sting at WM31, WWE airing WCW, Brock's momentum, no-compete clauses, and the Network
Currently set for the next NXT Takeover special, R Evolution:
- NXT Championship vs. NXT Career: Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn
- NXT Women's Championship: Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks
- NXT Tag Team Championship: Lucha Dragons vs. The Vaudevillains
- Finn Balor and Hideo Itami vs. The Ascension
- Kevin Owens debuts.
That's a big lineup! A good deal of talent involved. The name's goofy, though.
The WWE Network is now cleared to be broadcast on other carriers in Canada. That's good! I hope that means results for WWE.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
- NXT Championship vs. NXT Career: Adrian Neville vs. Sami Zayn
- NXT Women's Championship: Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks
- NXT Tag Team Championship: Lucha Dragons vs. The Vaudevillains
- Finn Balor and Hideo Itami vs. The Ascension
- Kevin Owens debuts.
That's a big lineup! A good deal of talent involved. The name's goofy, though.
The WWE Network is now cleared to be broadcast on other carriers in Canada. That's good! I hope that means results for WWE.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Query on Mark Henry shoots, Punk interview really makes waves, and Questions on Gail Kim, Rusev, underrated NXT names, and the anonymous Raw GM
First up, a query:
1. I don't know of any shoot Mark Henry has done on The Rock.
C.M. Punk gave a major interview about the end of his WWE run. Here are some highlights. Where to start?
- I wonder how long Punk intended to disappear for after the Rumble. Not that I blame him, but I suppose he technically did breach his contract by walking out. Honestly, it never should have gotten to that point. There are a lot of red flags here that weren't properly addressed.
- I'm glad Punk told Vince and HHH what a lot of us were feeling. Using Punk to set up HHH vs. Nash in 2011 was all kinds of BS. I liked the idea of elevating Miz and R-Truth as a new nWo, but the focus ended up being on HHH, Nash, Rock, and Cena instead of emerging stars. It was really, really stupid.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. I don't know of any shoot Mark Henry has done on The Rock.
C.M. Punk gave a major interview about the end of his WWE run. Here are some highlights. Where to start?
- I wonder how long Punk intended to disappear for after the Rumble. Not that I blame him, but I suppose he technically did breach his contract by walking out. Honestly, it never should have gotten to that point. There are a lot of red flags here that weren't properly addressed.
- I'm glad Punk told Vince and HHH what a lot of us were feeling. Using Punk to set up HHH vs. Nash in 2011 was all kinds of BS. I liked the idea of elevating Miz and R-Truth as a new nWo, but the focus ended up being on HHH, Nash, Rock, and Cena instead of emerging stars. It was really, really stupid.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Friday, November 28, 2014
BNB update, Foley note, Sheamus update, Bryan semi-update, Interview with Burchill and Questions on the future of TNA, Low Ki, Punk as a non-wrestler, and Angle
Bad News Barrett now has a green card, so he's a legal resident of the U.S.. No more issues on that front. I wonder when he'll be back in the ring?
Mick Foley's One Man Show was not filmed for WWE Network after all. That's a shame. I'm curious as to how well that would do.
Sheamus is back in Ireland, so he's either recovering from surgery or taking time off. No word on when we'll see him again. WWE has a lot of names on the shelf right now, it seems.
Everything else from Wednesday is after the break.
Mick Foley's One Man Show was not filmed for WWE Network after all. That's a shame. I'm curious as to how well that would do.
Sheamus is back in Ireland, so he's either recovering from surgery or taking time off. No word on when we'll see him again. WWE has a lot of names on the shelf right now, it seems.
Everything else from Wednesday is after the break.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Main Event Reax - 11/25/14, what happened after Raw, Raw changes, Larry visits Raw, Interview with King Mo, TNA TV schedule, 2015 TNA tapings set, Raw audience, and Questions on Sin Cara I, Team Cena, HHH, and contract signings
Main Event:
Nice opening promo by Miz. I think he'll make a great foil for Mizdow when the latter inevitably splits from him.
Nice tag match. They're doing a good job setting up the inevitable Miz/Mizdow feud.
I've missed Fandango. I've been a fan since NXT: Redemption (he was a little bland during Season 4).
Nice undercard match between Rose and Fandango. I think both of them are talented, but more experience will help both (particularly Rose).
Silly Thanksgiving segment, but I was OK with it. Tyson's a great character.
Good match between Natalya and Layla. I'd rather see them feuding for the title than the Bellas.
I liked Ambrose vs. Kane well enough. I wasn't a big fan of the ending, but it was fine to give Ambrose a win without hurting the former WWE/World Champion.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Nice opening promo by Miz. I think he'll make a great foil for Mizdow when the latter inevitably splits from him.
Nice tag match. They're doing a good job setting up the inevitable Miz/Mizdow feud.
I've missed Fandango. I've been a fan since NXT: Redemption (he was a little bland during Season 4).
Nice undercard match between Rose and Fandango. I think both of them are talented, but more experience will help both (particularly Rose).
Silly Thanksgiving segment, but I was OK with it. Tyson's a great character.
Good match between Natalya and Layla. I'd rather see them feuding for the title than the Bellas.
I liked Ambrose vs. Kane well enough. I wasn't a big fan of the ending, but it was fine to give Ambrose a win without hurting the former WWE/World Champion.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
NJPW on U.S. TV, assorted WWE press, TNA vs. Puerto Rico, Survivor Series notes, NXT lineup, plans for Sting, AJ Lee update, Interviews with Rollins/Charlotte, Smackdown audience, theme for next week's Raw, and Questions on the future of WWE, a triple cage match, WWE's roster, Cesaro, and Balor vs. Itami
AXS TV, formerly HDNet, will be airing 13 episodes of a series showcasing important recent cards from NJPW. I'm curious to see what this means, if anything, for GFW. It's showing past events instead of ongoing material, so theoretically GFW can still show current events. When the heck are THEY going to have a show? It feels like this was announced forever ago and there still aren't plans for tapings or anything.
WWE didn't do a Fallout for Survivor Series because the PPV ran long. That happens sometimes.
WWE will soon add its YouTube content to the WWE Network. That's a good move.
Apparently a UFC fighter used The Brood's theme Saturday, and another used Badstreet USA. That's awesome!
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
WWE didn't do a Fallout for Survivor Series because the PPV ran long. That happens sometimes.
WWE will soon add its YouTube content to the WWE Network. That's a good move.
Apparently a UFC fighter used The Brood's theme Saturday, and another used Badstreet USA. That's awesome!
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Tributes on the Network, more on Sheamus, return notes, Austin back in WWE, and Questions on turning Cesaro face, Destination America, Rowan as a face, Swagger, and guest hosts
Tribute to the Troops content has been added to WWE Network. That's cool.
Sheamus' recent Twitter war was covered by FOX Sports. I doubt they'll really go at it.
Chris Jericho teased fans with a comeback for Survivor Series. That was never in the plans, as he was part of a Fozzy show that night. The Royal Rumble's coming up soon, though...
There was also some Internet chatter about C.M. Punk coming back at Survivor Series. He's clearly focused on things outside of wrestling at this point, though.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sheamus' recent Twitter war was covered by FOX Sports. I doubt they'll really go at it.
Chris Jericho teased fans with a comeback for Survivor Series. That was never in the plans, as he was part of a Fozzy show that night. The Royal Rumble's coming up soon, though...
There was also some Internet chatter about C.M. Punk coming back at Survivor Series. He's clearly focused on things outside of wrestling at this point, though.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Query on WWE banning wrestling, The Rumble going extreme?, Survivor Series names, part-timer updates, Questions on the reaction to the Streak ending, Low Ki in WWE, Cabana/Hero returning, and gimmick matches
First up, a query:
1. There's definitely been a rumor going around about WWE banning the word "wrestling" (and by extension, "wrestler", etc.) on its programs. I don't know if it's an official policy, but they're definitely "sports entertainment" with "Superstars" and don't see themselves as "rasslin'". Whether that will change under HHH and Stephanie remains to be seen.
There's talk of having at least one ECW cameo for the Royal Rumble in Philadelphia. RVD is the obvious bet, but there's also speculation of Tommy Dreamer and/or the Dudley Boys appearing. Dreamer's a producer for TNA, and Team 3D could be heading back there, too. I wouldn't count on them appearing, as much as some want it.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. There's definitely been a rumor going around about WWE banning the word "wrestling" (and by extension, "wrestler", etc.) on its programs. I don't know if it's an official policy, but they're definitely "sports entertainment" with "Superstars" and don't see themselves as "rasslin'". Whether that will change under HHH and Stephanie remains to be seen.
There's talk of having at least one ECW cameo for the Royal Rumble in Philadelphia. RVD is the obvious bet, but there's also speculation of Tommy Dreamer and/or the Dudley Boys appearing. Dreamer's a producer for TNA, and Team 3D could be heading back there, too. I wouldn't count on them appearing, as much as some want it.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
NXT live event results, NXT back on the main roster?, Punk merch still for sale, TNA-Destination America updates, Thanksgiving-themed Impact, Interviews with Reigns/Kamala/Kane/Sheamus, Sheamus Twitter battle, and Questions on an all elimination-match PPV, the free month of the Network, the Tombstone, and Mount Rushmore
Here are results from a recent NXT house show. I'm curious to see what this Shoot Nation group is all about. I'm also ready to see Kevin Owens work some live events to get his feet wet in the NXT ring. They must have confidence in him to succeed right out of the gate if he's not doing tours.
Update: Here's another NXT live event. No Balor on live events either, interestingly enough.
NXT Women's Champion Charlotte is booked for Raw and Smackdown the week of the next Takeover special, so maybe she'll have a match to promote the brand. I hope so!
WWE is continuing to sell a lot of C.M. Punk merchandise. Either they already had a lot made or the two sides have come to a deal to keep selling merch with the previous designs. Punk remains retired and out of the wrestling bubble.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Update: Here's another NXT live event. No Balor on live events either, interestingly enough.
NXT Women's Champion Charlotte is booked for Raw and Smackdown the week of the next Takeover special, so maybe she'll have a match to promote the brand. I hope so!
WWE is continuing to sell a lot of C.M. Punk merchandise. Either they already had a lot made or the two sides have come to a deal to keep selling merch with the previous designs. Punk remains retired and out of the wrestling bubble.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Friday, November 21, 2014
More on TNA's new TV deal and future including talent contracts, Interviews with Foley/Mickie/Hogan, Sheamus hurt?, Impact audience, Ryder update, and Questions on King of the Mountain, ROH names in WWE, Bellator in TNA, Low Ki in WWE, and venues
TNA is currently setting up its next TV tapings. It's possible they have dates in mid-December in the Midwest , but they could also wait until early January in NYC. The UK tour will also likely feature tapings of Impact. Either way, I doubt we see any new TNA material until 2015.
TNA will have opportunities to expand beyond the two hours of Impact Wrestling, as they will be the centerpiece of Destination America. It might be good to branch out with something new, as it seems like they've hit the ceiling of how many people will watch their wrestling show.
Update: It's entirely possible future One Night Only PPVs will end up on Destination America in the form of monthly specials. If that works better for TNA than the current situation, I say it's worth doing.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
TNA will have opportunities to expand beyond the two hours of Impact Wrestling, as they will be the centerpiece of Destination America. It might be good to branch out with something new, as it seems like they've hit the ceiling of how many people will watch their wrestling show.
Update: It's entirely possible future One Night Only PPVs will end up on Destination America in the form of monthly specials. If that works better for TNA than the current situation, I say it's worth doing.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Puerto Rican name from '80s passes, Smackdown lineup, big WWE distribution deal, ECW Exposed Part 2, Big Cena ad, details on TNA's new TV home, and Questions on replays on the WWE Network, fixing Bo, Rollins cashing in, commitments, and Shahs
Eighties Puerto Rican star Brad Batten has passed away. He was only 56? That's fairly young.
On this week's Smackdown:
- Seth Rollins and Kane vs. Ryback and Big Show
- Luke Harper vs. Cesaro
- Los Maradores vs. The Miz and Damien Mizdow
- The Dean Ambrose Survival Kit
- Triple H and John Cena raise the stakes for Survivor Series
Harper vs. Cesaro should be great!
WWE has made a new distribution agreement with Warner Bros.. That's great!
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
On this week's Smackdown:
- Seth Rollins and Kane vs. Ryback and Big Show
- Luke Harper vs. Cesaro
- Los Maradores vs. The Miz and Damien Mizdow
- The Dean Ambrose Survival Kit
- Triple H and John Cena raise the stakes for Survivor Series
Harper vs. Cesaro should be great!
WWE has made a new distribution agreement with Warner Bros.. That's great!
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Main Event Reax - 11/18/14, Query on big names in TNA, Mero update, Sheamus injury note, Raw audience, Del Rio to TNA?, Authority note, Interviews with Foley/Y2J, new Survivor Series match, and Questions on reliving ECW, Liverpool, the initials WWE, The Authority, and Hunicara
Main Event:
I liked all the pre-match stuff for the opening match. Sometimes it's the little things that make all this matter.
I liked the tag match. WWE's got a pretty good division right now. I think The Ascension and The New Day will make great additions to it, and shake things up for everyone involved.
Good post-match. I like the Dusts as heels for some reason.
I liked Paige vs. Alicia well enough. They did the most with what they had. Where does Paige go from here now that she's not in the title picture?
Pretty weird Rose segment, but I think there's some real potential to him as a heel. Those who've seen him as Leo Kruger know what I'm talking about.
Wow. Good character progression for a match featuring a guy in a bunny costume. Kidd's a great heel, and Rose is growing on me in that regard.
Kidd's an awesome heel, as that post-match showed. I hope he's got a big future.
I enjoyed the Bray Wyatt promo. He brings something different to the table, and I appreciate that.
Nice ending to the show. Swagger's a talented guy for situations like this, and Wyatt's hopefully got a lot of staying power.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
I liked all the pre-match stuff for the opening match. Sometimes it's the little things that make all this matter.
I liked the tag match. WWE's got a pretty good division right now. I think The Ascension and The New Day will make great additions to it, and shake things up for everyone involved.
Good post-match. I like the Dusts as heels for some reason.
I liked Paige vs. Alicia well enough. They did the most with what they had. Where does Paige go from here now that she's not in the title picture?
Pretty weird Rose segment, but I think there's some real potential to him as a heel. Those who've seen him as Leo Kruger know what I'm talking about.
Wow. Good character progression for a match featuring a guy in a bunny costume. Kidd's a great heel, and Rose is growing on me in that regard.
Kidd's an awesome heel, as that post-match showed. I hope he's got a big future.
I enjoyed the Bray Wyatt promo. He brings something different to the table, and I appreciate that.
Nice ending to the show. Swagger's a talented guy for situations like this, and Wyatt's hopefully got a lot of staying power.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Maddox note, NXT lineup, Bryan update, EC3 to miss time, WWE Week on USA Network, Smackdown audience, Brock contract update, Reigns' next opponent, New Day update, WWE looks for more international talent, Rumble return set?, what happened after Raw, more Grumpy Cat, and Questions on TNA going under, the Dudleys, the Wyatts, and Rollins
Brad Maddox is still under contract to WWE. He's just in the Alumni section of WWE.com due to his fictional firing months back. Will he be the new GM figure if/when Team Authority goes down at Survivor Series? It would be poetic justice.
Set for this week's NXT:
- Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
- Baron Corbin vs. Elias Simpson
- Bull Dempsey vs. Steve Cutler
- Tyson Kidd vs. CJ Parker
- Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Mechanics
Honestly, that's not as strong of a lineup with no Zayn, Neville, Itami, or Balor in action. Itami and Balor are on the show, but not in an advertised match. I think there's still some potential there, and everyone involved could use the TV time and experience. That's ultimately what NXT is about.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Set for this week's NXT:
- Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
- Baron Corbin vs. Elias Simpson
- Bull Dempsey vs. Steve Cutler
- Tyson Kidd vs. CJ Parker
- Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Mechanics
Honestly, that's not as strong of a lineup with no Zayn, Neville, Itami, or Balor in action. Itami and Balor are on the show, but not in an advertised match. I think there's still some potential there, and everyone involved could use the TV time and experience. That's ultimately what NXT is about.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Hogan hype, Wolves update, Del Rio/Ricardo appear in U.S., Mero health scare, Punk tweet makes waves, another date for Brock, Flair and Reigns advertised for live event, WWE ad on UFC, TNA TV situation mapped out, and Questions on Survivor Series, TNA commentary, Styles in WWE, midcard titles, and fixing Reigns
Hulk Hogan said he's training for a comeback. Unless he's jobbing to Rusev in 30 seconds, I don't really care to see it. I've had my fill of him in the ring since the matches with Orton and HBK.
Davey Richards' medical issue came from his EMT job, not wrestling. I'd expect Richards vs. Edwards in 2015 for TNA (with them ending up back as a team later in the year as TNA runs out of ideas for them as singles stars).
The former Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez appeared as surprise guests at Tommy Dreamer's HOH iPPV yesterday. I'd love to see them get signed by TNA, but I think Lucha Underground is far more likely.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Davey Richards' medical issue came from his EMT job, not wrestling. I'd expect Richards vs. Edwards in 2015 for TNA (with them ending up back as a team later in the year as TNA runs out of ideas for them as singles stars).
The former Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez appeared as surprise guests at Tommy Dreamer's HOH iPPV yesterday. I'd love to see them get signed by TNA, but I think Lucha Underground is far more likely.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
More exposing of ECW, TNA TV notes, Interview with Beth Phoenix, TNA names at HOH7, and Questions on the build to Survivor Series, acknowledging NXT, different legends, One Night Only buyrates, and a soldier character in WWE
WWE will show a second ECW Exposed special on Tuesday, featuring more material from the interview between Joey Styles and Paul Heyman. I look forward to it.
It's being reported Spike will not be airing Impact Wrestling in 2015. They will air the final currently-taped episode this Wednesday before pre-empting them next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. How Spike handles the show in December remains to be seen, although there are expected to be a number of "best of TNA" episodes aired. There could also be some pre-emptions for the end of December. It's definitely the end of an era for TNA. Will it be the end of TNA period?
Update: TNA is expected to announce a new TV deal this week, possibly following the airing of this week's Impact. They have holds on dates in NYC for January 6, 7, and 8, so that would be when they tape the next episodes. January 1 is a Thursday, so they're either staying on Wednesdays or will need some sort of intro to TNA episode put together for that night. They really dodged a bullet with keeping a TV presence. I'm very curious to see what TNA looks like in 2015. Will they be able to bring back Angle, Gail, Team 3D, etc.?
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
It's being reported Spike will not be airing Impact Wrestling in 2015. They will air the final currently-taped episode this Wednesday before pre-empting them next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. How Spike handles the show in December remains to be seen, although there are expected to be a number of "best of TNA" episodes aired. There could also be some pre-emptions for the end of December. It's definitely the end of an era for TNA. Will it be the end of TNA period?
Update: TNA is expected to announce a new TV deal this week, possibly following the airing of this week's Impact. They have holds on dates in NYC for January 6, 7, and 8, so that would be when they tape the next episodes. January 1 is a Thursday, so they're either staying on Wednesdays or will need some sort of intro to TNA episode put together for that night. They really dodged a bullet with keeping a TV presence. I'm very curious to see what TNA looks like in 2015. Will they be able to bring back Angle, Gail, Team 3D, etc.?
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Assorted WWE press, Wyatts update, Khali note, top TNA name hurt, and Questions on the Network and Sami Zayn
Hulk Hogan was in the San Francisco area doing press for WM31. That's a pretty good use for him.
Update: WWE held a WrestleMania party in the area as the pre-sale for tickets began.
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan continue to work together on WWE live events. I think they'll remain separate on TV; the cards they're currently working could have been booked enough in advance where the producers "have" to use Rowan in some way and that makes the most sense.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Update: WWE held a WrestleMania party in the area as the pre-sale for tickets began.
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan continue to work together on WWE live events. I think they'll remain separate on TV; the cards they're currently working could have been booked enough in advance where the producers "have" to use Rowan in some way and that makes the most sense.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Friday, November 14, 2014
ROH/GFW update, WWE TV update in Spain, Brock appearance set, Foley on the Network, TTTT press, Impact audience, NXT live event notes, former World Champion done with WWE, and Questions on WWE's pushes, beating Rusev, accidental blood, WM30 on the Network, and Justin Gabriel
Ring of Honor talents will indeed be able to work the NJPW PPV on January 4, despite it being distributed by GFW. I'm glad that's going to work out for everyone. I wouldn't assume this is leading to some sort of working agreement between ROH and GFW, but at least the two sides are on friendly terms at the moment.
WWE has announced a two-year extension to their TV contract in Spain. That's good news!
Brock Lesnar is advertised for the February 9 Raw. I imagine he'll be on TV fairly regularly during Mania season.
An upcoming edition of Mick Foley's standup tour is believed to be being taped for the WWE Network. I wonder how well that will do for the company.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
WWE has announced a two-year extension to their TV contract in Spain. That's good news!
Brock Lesnar is advertised for the February 9 Raw. I imagine he'll be on TV fairly regularly during Mania season.
An upcoming edition of Mick Foley's standup tour is believed to be being taped for the WWE Network. I wonder how well that will do for the company.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
WWE touts WM30 success, Vince vs. UK audience, former soccer star at WWE show, Interviews with Hernandez/Edge/Death of WCW author, Bully vs. TNA, live event note, TNA TV update, WWE Network hiccup, and Questions on Rusev vs. Owens, MITB, Brock in the Rumble, Bryan's surgery, and music rights
WWE spotlighted the success of WM30 for New Orleans in a piece promoting WM31. Very impressive numbers. At this point, I think Hogan teasing getting back in the ring might just be a publicity ploy. It's an effective one, though.
Vince McMahon came out during a commercial break at Smackdown to rile up a crowd he felt wasn't reacting enough. The crowds for the current European tour have been pretty "contrarian" in the sense of taking over the show, etc.. It's a shame. I think they do have some legitimate grievances, though, as far as the Network goes.
Former goalkeeper Tim Weise will be part of an upcoming WWE live event in some fashion. He's definitely built. I'm curious as to how he'd do in the Performance Center.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Vince McMahon came out during a commercial break at Smackdown to rile up a crowd he felt wasn't reacting enough. The crowds for the current European tour have been pretty "contrarian" in the sense of taking over the show, etc.. It's a shame. I think they do have some legitimate grievances, though, as far as the Network goes.
Former goalkeeper Tim Weise will be part of an upcoming WWE live event in some fashion. He's definitely built. I'm curious as to how he'd do in the Performance Center.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Query on Luke Hawx, Regal update, more on new WWE stable, NXT lineup, Y2J is back, JR official for NJPW PPV, Raw audience, post-Smackdown dark match, HoFer at WWEPC, Raw cameos, Kamala in the hospital, and Questions on Attitude Era vs. today, WWE shuffling the deck, the Elimination Chamber, other promotions on the Network, and The Rock
First up, a query:
1. I haven't seen anything about Luke Hawx working WWE recently, but he's had some "enhancement roles" over the years there.
William Regal underwent neck fusion surgery fairly recently. That would seem to rule out an in-ring return. I think he's fine in the role he's in now and has more than earned the right to stay out of the ring.
Big E will indeed join Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods under a new gimmick. I'm very glad to see that. They're all talented and can contribute to the main roster well.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. I haven't seen anything about Luke Hawx working WWE recently, but he's had some "enhancement roles" over the years there.
William Regal underwent neck fusion surgery fairly recently. That would seem to rule out an in-ring return. I think he's fine in the role he's in now and has more than earned the right to stay out of the ring.
Big E will indeed join Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods under a new gimmick. I'm very glad to see that. They're all talented and can contribute to the main roster well.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
ECW Exposed and Main Event Reax - 11/11/14
Read on for my thoughts on Monday's ECW Exposed special and last night's Main Event.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Del Rio and WWE settle, Interview with Rollins, Gabriel update, NXT return, title match official for next Sunday, a very grumpy Raw, Punk's new gig, Garcia note, Smackdown audience, Questions on the reigning and defending heavyweight champion of the world, and shaking up Raw
WWE and the former Alberto Del Rio have reached a settlement. The former Del Rio (who's worked as El Patron Alberto and just "Alberto" since his WWE run ended) is now able to take U.S. bookings, while the two sides have agreed not to disparage each other. WWE was attempting to prevent Alberto from wrestling in the States due to breaching his contract, but Alberto got attorneys involved and this is the result. It's entirely possible we see Alberto in Lucha Underground in 2015, and Rey Mysterio could be headed there later in the year, too.
Update: Here's an interview with Alberto. Props to him for being able to forge his own path. I think if there was a solid competitor to WWE in the U.S., a number of talents would jump ship and try to become competition.
Update: WWE issued a statement. I hope both sides put this behind them and grow from here.
Seth Rollins talked about the big feuds he's had and more. I'm glad WWE put The Shield over so strong vs. Evolution, given how HHH and Batista aren't wrestling now. Good piece.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Update: Here's an interview with Alberto. Props to him for being able to forge his own path. I think if there was a solid competitor to WWE in the U.S., a number of talents would jump ship and try to become competition.
Update: WWE issued a statement. I hope both sides put this behind them and grow from here.
Seth Rollins talked about the big feuds he's had and more. I'm glad WWE put The Shield over so strong vs. Evolution, given how HHH and Batista aren't wrestling now. Good piece.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Diva hurt, Ryder update, Cesaro OK, WWE vs. the UK, and Questions on Rusev attacking a soldier, NXT at Mania, Ambrose vs. Rollins, Bram headlining TNA, and Ambrose's finisher
Eva Marie is recovering from an injury. Hopefully the next season of "Total Divas" is about her being sent back to developmental. At least turn her into a manager or something while she still learns the ropes. Maybe Tyson could "cheat on" Natalya and end up with her? Working with those two would be helpful to catch her up as a worker.
Zack Ryder's injury came from his match with Rusev. How's he going to pump his fist with a torn rotator cuff?
Cesaro got his stitches removed recently. It's a shame his career's getting derailed. He had so much momentum after WM30.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Zack Ryder's injury came from his match with Rusev. How's he going to pump his fist with a torn rotator cuff?
Cesaro got his stitches removed recently. It's a shame his career's getting derailed. He had so much momentum after WM30.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Ryder hurt, MMA superkick, Orton update, Interviews with Hogan/Ambrose, Reigns getting coaching, assorted WWE press, WWE tour notes, and Questions on NXT injuries, ECW on the Network, and Memphis
Zack Ryder tweeted about being injured and possibly needing surgery. I wonder what he does when his current contract expires. I wouldn't blame him for searching out other options.
An MMA knockout was compared to Shawn Michaels hitting Sweet Chin Music. Meh. Slow news day, I guess.
Randy Orton has been added back to advertising for WWE's year-end MSG show, where he'll be facing Kane. I can't say I'm really excited for that feud, but I think they can make it work.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
An MMA knockout was compared to Shawn Michaels hitting Sweet Chin Music. Meh. Slow news day, I guess.
Randy Orton has been added back to advertising for WWE's year-end MSG show, where he'll be facing Kane. I can't say I'm really excited for that feud, but I think they can make it work.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Query on a new TNA video game, NXT Title match on live events, NXT live event notes, more Impact speculation, ECW Exposed note, Smackdown moving in Canada as well, and Questions on Matt Striker, ECW Week, another Orton, and Survivor Series
First up, a query:
1. I haven't heard anything about a new TNA video game coming in 2015, or at any time for that matter. TNA is hardly a hot product right now.
Adrian Neville defended the NXT Championship against Sami Zayn as part of the main roster tour of Europe. That's hardly news at this point. I want to see what Neville's got in him as a heel, as his current personality is a bit dry.
Here are results from a recent NXT live event. I'm ready to see what Solomon Crowe brings to the table, after SO many dark matches at NXT tapings, etc. I wonder why Balor and Owens (it's weird using their new names) didn't work the show.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. I haven't heard anything about a new TNA video game coming in 2015, or at any time for that matter. TNA is hardly a hot product right now.
Adrian Neville defended the NXT Championship against Sami Zayn as part of the main roster tour of Europe. That's hardly news at this point. I want to see what Neville's got in him as a heel, as his current personality is a bit dry.
Here are results from a recent NXT live event. I'm ready to see what Solomon Crowe brings to the table, after SO many dark matches at NXT tapings, etc. I wonder why Balor and Owens (it's weird using their new names) didn't work the show.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Interviews with Hall/Sheamus/Malenko/Iron Sheik, Cena correction, NJPW PPV update, when Smackdown will change nights, more on ECW Exposed, Cena press, WWE producer's son wrestling, Impact audience, and Questions on ROH-GFW, LU, older content on the Network, and Sami Zayn
Scott Hall talked about his son training to be in wrestling and more. I really appreciate Hall having his son work other places before coming to NXT, so he has to pay his dues like some of the other talents had to. I definitely think the Freebirds should be in the Hall of Fame. Also, big kudos to the Bad Guy for turning his life around and staying clean. I hope that's a permanent change.
John Cena was filming a cameo for "Parks & Recreation" Monday. Keeping him off WWE TV for any reason is good by me, but I know he has a lot of fans who wanted to see him there.
NJPW's Jan. 4 PPV is slated to go four hours, as is usually the length of the event. I'm curious to see how it will be received in the States.
Update: ROH is not expected to pull talents from that event, which I'm sure a lot of fans are happy about (well, "a lot" by ROH standards).
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
John Cena was filming a cameo for "Parks & Recreation" Monday. Keeping him off WWE TV for any reason is good by me, but I know he has a lot of fans who wanted to see him there.
NJPW's Jan. 4 PPV is slated to go four hours, as is usually the length of the event. I'm curious to see how it will be received in the States.
Update: ROH is not expected to pull talents from that event, which I'm sure a lot of fans are happy about (well, "a lot" by ROH standards).
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Orton update, more on MMA name wrestling, Vince comments on Network in the UK, where Cena was during Raw, live event notes, Impact changes nights in another country, no Impact before Thanksgiving, ECW Week, and Questions on writing for WWE, using Hogan, Show vs. Henry, and Bray in the Cell
WWE has removed Randy Orton from advertising for their year-end tour in order to match the current storyline of him being out indefinitely. He is still scheduled to appear then.
TMZ picked up the story of the former MMA fighter training for wrestling. I wish him luck. It won't be easy.
Vince McMahon apologized for delaying the launch of the WWE Network in the UK. Fans aren't pleased with the delay, to say the least.
John Cena was in Los Angeles Monday night, likely filming something for part of "The Nest". I wonder if he'd ever actually consider "pulling a Rock" and going to Hollywood on a more permanent basis.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
TMZ picked up the story of the former MMA fighter training for wrestling. I wish him luck. It won't be easy.
Vince McMahon apologized for delaying the launch of the WWE Network in the UK. Fans aren't pleased with the delay, to say the least.
John Cena was in Los Angeles Monday night, likely filming something for part of "The Nest". I wonder if he'd ever actually consider "pulling a Rock" and going to Hollywood on a more permanent basis.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Main Event Reax - 11/4/14, Diva travel problems, Cesaro hurt, Raw attendance notes, Mysterio update, when we'll see the former Steen in NXT, Christian update, GFW announces Jan. 4 show, Interview with Balor, who's advertised for WM31?, why no Network in the UK?, Raw audience, and Questions on Ryback vs. Rusev, WWE stock, Orton vs. Lesnar, and stories vs. good matches
Main Event:
Good enough match to start us up. I like these two teams. I hope Stardust has an awesome career ahead of him.
Tyson Kidd's such a hateable guy, and I mean that in praise of his current heel work. Great segment.
Nice match between Gabriel and Axel. I think Axel's kind of refreshed from the last time we saw him. He's a great undercard worker, and that's a fine role for him for now.
Great to see Sami Zayn get a video package. Is this him coming to the main roster for real or just a special occasion? I'm guessing it's something of a tryout for a bigger role.
Good match between Zayn and Tyson. I think it's really time to be thinking of how to use Zayn on the main roster on a regular basis.
I hope Orton's comeback goes off well. He could be a great addition to the face side while remaining an antihero.
Good little match to show what Bray can do. It was fine to set up his match at Survivor Series.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Good enough match to start us up. I like these two teams. I hope Stardust has an awesome career ahead of him.
Tyson Kidd's such a hateable guy, and I mean that in praise of his current heel work. Great segment.
Nice match between Gabriel and Axel. I think Axel's kind of refreshed from the last time we saw him. He's a great undercard worker, and that's a fine role for him for now.
Great to see Sami Zayn get a video package. Is this him coming to the main roster for real or just a special occasion? I'm guessing it's something of a tryout for a bigger role.
Good match between Zayn and Tyson. I think it's really time to be thinking of how to use Zayn on the main roster on a regular basis.
I hope Orton's comeback goes off well. He could be a great addition to the face side while remaining an antihero.
Good little match to show what Bray can do. It was fine to set up his match at Survivor Series.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Live event photos, NXT lineup, former Del Rio to wrestle on U.S. TV in 2015, Interviews with Teddy/Bryan, Dallas injured, Network delayed in the UK, TNA/W1 update, NXT names at Raw, Smackdown audience, latest on Punk merchandise, Cena note, Smackdown main event, what happened after Raw, and Questions on Survivor Series, Network subscriptions, Regal in the HoF, and Rollins' briefcase
Here are some great photos from WWE's recent live event in Syracuse. I wish I had a camera that did that well.
Set for the next edition of NXT:
- Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch vs. Bayley and Charlotte
- Tyson Kidd vs. Dash Wilder
- Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Breeze
- Hideo Itami brings a friend to face the challenge of The Ascension
If you're not watching NXT, start.
The former Alberto Del Rio broke news of going to Lucha Underground in 2015. I've heard rave reviews of the promotion, and the former Del Rio only adds to their prestige. I was hoping to see him in TNA, but it looks like the wrestling landscape could be leaving that company behind in 2015.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Set for the next edition of NXT:
- Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch vs. Bayley and Charlotte
- Tyson Kidd vs. Dash Wilder
- Sami Zayn vs. Tyler Breeze
- Hideo Itami brings a friend to face the challenge of The Ascension
If you're not watching NXT, start.
The former Alberto Del Rio broke news of going to Lucha Underground in 2015. I've heard rave reviews of the promotion, and the former Del Rio only adds to their prestige. I was hoping to see him in TNA, but it looks like the wrestling landscape could be leaving that company behind in 2015.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Query on WWE family trees, live event notes, and Questions on the Network in the UK, Hillbilly Jim, changing ring names, and managers
First up, a query:
1. As for WWE family relations: Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt are brothers; Diego and Fernando are cousins; Goldust and Stardust are half-brothers; The Usos are brothers also related to The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Tamina Snuka; The Bella Twins are sisters.
Adrian Neville retained the NXT Championship against Sami Zayn on a main roster live event this weekend. I assume we'll see both on the main roster by this time next year.
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan teamed up this weekend to beat R-Truth and Mark Henry when Henry abandoned Truth. I wouldn't assume this means Harper and Rowan are sticking together. The producers on-hand were probably just working with who was there.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. As for WWE family relations: Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt are brothers; Diego and Fernando are cousins; Goldust and Stardust are half-brothers; The Usos are brothers also related to The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Tamina Snuka; The Bella Twins are sisters.
Adrian Neville retained the NXT Championship against Sami Zayn on a main roster live event this weekend. I assume we'll see both on the main roster by this time next year.
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan teamed up this weekend to beat R-Truth and Mark Henry when Henry abandoned Truth. I wouldn't assume this means Harper and Rowan are sticking together. The producers on-hand were probably just working with who was there.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Query on Flair vs. Veneno, LU seeking former WWE Champions, TNA/W1 results, Network notes, JR blog, NXT spoiler, Interview with Shamrock, and Questions on gaming the system, TNA contracts, Brad Maddox, news proliferation, and WWE giving away Survivor Series
First up, a query:
1. Ric Flair wrestled Jack Veneno in Puerto Rico during one of his reigns as NWA World Champion. The NWA booked Flair to win, but a decision was made "on the fly" without their approval to have Veneno win the title to avoid a riot from the crowd. The NWA doesn't recognize this title change, and business went on with Flair defending as champion despite that result.
Lucha Underground is interested in bringing in both the former Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio. I think both would be big gets for the company. Hopefully Mysterio will be free from his WWE deal shortly (or at least when the one-year extension expires in Q2 2015).
A number of TNA talents worked a joint show with Wrestle-1 recently. The Great Sanada won a three-way match involving Matt Hardy and Tajiri (pinning Tajiri), while all three members of The Bro-Mans lost a six-man tag to three W1 talents. I'm glad those talents are finding work under the TNA banner.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
1. Ric Flair wrestled Jack Veneno in Puerto Rico during one of his reigns as NWA World Champion. The NWA booked Flair to win, but a decision was made "on the fly" without their approval to have Veneno win the title to avoid a riot from the crowd. The NWA doesn't recognize this title change, and business went on with Flair defending as champion despite that result.
Lucha Underground is interested in bringing in both the former Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio. I think both would be big gets for the company. Hopefully Mysterio will be free from his WWE deal shortly (or at least when the one-year extension expires in Q2 2015).
A number of TNA talents worked a joint show with Wrestle-1 recently. The Great Sanada won a three-way match involving Matt Hardy and Tajiri (pinning Tajiri), while all three members of The Bro-Mans lost a six-man tag to three W1 talents. I'm glad those talents are finding work under the TNA banner.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
WWE statement on recent passing, reaction to WWE earnings, assorted WWE press, TNA TV update, Interviews with Roode/Morrison/Kane, why Orton's not in Europe, Orton on face turn, UFC name talks WWE, Punk update, WWE on lawsuits, why there were so many yeses for Vince, new Survivor Series match, and Questions on burying Cesaro, EVOLVE in China, copyrights, and older content on the Network
WWE issued a statement on the passing of former NWA President Bob Geigel. I'm glad to see WWE acknowledge wrestling's roots in such a way.
WWE's lackluster financial performance was noted by the New York Post. I think it's about time for heads to roll.
WWE has applied for a new trademark on the name Eve Torres, leading to speculation on her returning. She improved a lot in her run. I'd definitely rather see her than some of the current crop.
There will be a second WWE/Scooby Doo movie, which could be pretty fun.
Sheamus filmed an interesting anti-bullying ad. I'm glad he's getting mainstream press.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
WWE's lackluster financial performance was noted by the New York Post. I think it's about time for heads to roll.
WWE has applied for a new trademark on the name Eve Torres, leading to speculation on her returning. She improved a lot in her run. I'd definitely rather see her than some of the current crop.
There will be a second WWE/Scooby Doo movie, which could be pretty fun.
Sheamus filmed an interesting anti-bullying ad. I'm glad he's getting mainstream press.
Everything else from yesterday is after the break.
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