The Gorilla Position

TNA's James Ready To Release Second Country Music CD

2012-02-19T03:17:00.000-05:00

According to WrestleNewz.com, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Knockout and budding country music star Mickie James will release her second CD sometime this spring.

As you may remember, last summer, she gave fans ways to invest in the cost of producing the new CD by winning prizes for their donations and was seeking $5,000, but wound up getting $16,500 from them.

Tara Suffers Possible Knee Injury At WV Live Event

2012-02-19T03:09:00.001-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Tara (real name Lisa Marie Valon) suffered a possible knee injury at a live event Saturday in Beckley, WV while competing against Gail Kim for the TNA Knockouts Championship, according to WrestleNewz.com.

Tara was helped to the back by arena security and paramedics were notified of the alleged injury.

USA Network Announces April Air Dates For WWE HOF Ceremony, Three-Raw Hour

2012-02-19T03:06:00.000-05:00

USA Network announced Saturday they will air the 2012 WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony (which will be hacked apart again) from Miami, FL for WrestleMania 28 April 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern time, prior to Raw SuperShow.

Words of advice? Don't watch this! Wait for the WrestleMania 28 DVD to come out that will include the full and uninterrupted ceremony.

They will also air a three-hour Raw SuperShow from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern time April 23, the getaway show before WWE's Extreme Rules DVD from the Allstate Arena in Rockford, IL April 29.

Could Laurinaitis Run Everything In WWE?

2012-02-19T02:59:00.000-05:00

Saturday, we posted a tweet by WWE's John Laurinaitis, stating on his Twitter account he had a big announcement to make at Sunday's Elimination Chamber that would be viewed as a shocker to all those in attendance at Milwaukee's Bradley Center.

Well, as of Friday and thanks to an idea put in his ear by his legal counsel David Otunga (part WWE superstar, part real-life Harvard Law School grad) Monday on Raw SuperShow, Laurinaitis posted this on Friday:

"EVP of Talent Relations, Interim General Manager of Monday Night Raw AND General Manager of Friday Night SmackDown...sounds nice!"

Oy vey, people!

WWE Issuing Quarterly Dividend To Class A, B Shareholders March 26

2012-02-19T02:52:00.000-05:00

WWE's Board of Directors announced Friday all holders of common Class A and/or Class B stock in the company, as of March 15, will receive a quarterly dividend of 12 cents per share March 26.

Don't spend it all in one place, folks...unless you can do that.

NOW WHAT?!

2012-02-18T18:35:00.002-05:00

WWE executive vice president of talent relations and Raw SuperShow general manager John Laurinaitis posted the following gem on his Twitter account Saturday:

"FYI: I plan to make a HUGE announcement at Elimination Chamber tomorrow. It might stop the show and will certainly be a Game changer."

Expect this to have to do with Triple H and The Undertaker's demand to have a rematch with him at WrestleMania 28 April 1 in Miami.

Kanellis Rips WWE For Natalya's Farting Gimmick On Podcast

2012-02-18T18:31:00.001-05:00

Former WWE Diva and current "First Lady" of Ring Of Honor Wrestling Maria Kanellis, a guest on the podcast Running The Ropes, recently criticized WWE's creative team for coming up with the latest gimmick for WWE Diva Natalya Neidhart, in which she unexpectedly farts.

"I think that it's a complete disrespect to a girl with talent to give her a gimmick that's a farting gimmick. How disrespectful can you be? She's a Neidhart, come on! She's incredible in the ring. It's disrespectful to her, disrespectful to her family and I cannot even believe (WWE) went there. I think it really says something to how WWE feels about their Women's Division," she said.

Did Some T&A Save TNA This Week?

2012-02-18T18:24:00.000-05:00

Thursday's episode of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact Wrestling earned the same rating it received last week -- a 1.06, lowest the show has gotten this year -- but, according to AllWrestling.com, if it wasn't for a segment featuring a Knockouts Number One Contender's Battle Royal that saw one-half of the Knockouts Tag Team champions, Madison Rayne, winning the match and earning a shot at the other half of the team, Gail Kim and her Knockouts Championship, the show would've set a new low for its rating in 2012.

The segment earned a 1.23 rating.

The second-highest rated segment of the night was when two-time Super Bowl-winning running back Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants got involved in a match between TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode and former tag team partner in Beer Money, Jams Storm, at 1.11.

Wins Desperately Needed On Road To I-110

2012-02-18T02:30:00.001-05:00

After starting the year at .500 at 4-4 after Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Genesis pay-per-view, my Road To I-110, my quest to break my record from last year for correctly predicted pay-per-view wresting matches at 109, the wheels have fallen off the proverbial bus after the last two events -- WWE's opening Royal Rumble and TNA's second PPV Against All Odds -- as I've picked only three of 11 total matches correctly.

Now, it's time to get the bus fixed and back on the road and I'm truly in need to some wins, so, with only four matches on the card for WWE's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view Sunday at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, I've taken more time to think over my choices, so here are my picks:

- CM Punk will retain the WWE Championship in his Elimination Chamber Match, but I see Big Show finally getting the chance to hold the World Heavyweight Championship for a lot longer than the 42 seconds he did before in that Elimination Chamber Match.

- John Cena will end his failed and boring feud with Kane in an Ambulance Match. Hopefully, the feud with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson heading into WrestleMania 28 April 1 in Miami will be more enjoyable, if the tweets they've sent each other on Twitter have been any indication.

- Finally, as much as I'd like to see Tamina Snuka become the new Divas Champion Sunday, I've got to go with Beth Phoenix retaining the title just so we can all see a rematch in Miami in April.

That SHOULD be it, but, knowing WWE, they may try to pad the card, and, if they do, I'll post predictions to those matches as they are announced. Otherwise, I'll be back here in the overnight Sunday to update everyone on my progress.

Chelsea Returns To TNA At Impact Wrestling

2012-02-17T14:21:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Knockout Chelsea (real name Alison Skipper) made her return to the company on Thursday's edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike, which was taped Monday in Orlando.

Last seen as the valet for flopped British wrestler Desmond Wolfe (real name Nigel McGuiness), she was featured in a promo segment where Ric Flair and Eric Bischoff celebrated Gunner's victory over Bischoff's son, Garrett, at Sunday's Against All Odds pay-per-view.

Clay Plays Down Extinction Of The Funkasaurus

2012-02-17T14:17:00.001-05:00

After The Wrestling Globe published a report stating WWE has taken Brodus Clay and his current Funkasaurus persona off TV because chairman and CEO Vince McMahon hasn't been happy with his in-ring performance, Clay posted this on Twitter:

"Don't believe the hater hype plant (meant "planet") funk still in orbit ya dig."

Yeah, Brodus, whatever you say.

Sting To Challenge Roode For Title At TNA's Victory Road March 18

2012-02-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling announced Thursday Sting will challenge current World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode for the title at March 18's Victory Road pay-per-view in Orlando.

It was announced on Impact Wrestling Thursday on Spike former tag team partner James Storm will face Roode again for the title at April 15's all-steel-cage-match card Lockdown in Nashville after beating Jeff Hardy in a Number One Contender's Match.

Rock Committed To Next Two The Fast And The Furious Movies

2012-02-17T14:08:00.002-05:00

WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who announced Thursday at a press conference in East Rutherford, NJ he will be part of WWE's WrestleMania 29 April 7, 2013, is also committed to filming the sixth and seventh chapters in The Fast And The Furious movie franchise, according to AllWrestling.com.

The sixth movie films in May in England and Germany and the seventh will be shot immediately after the sixth is complete.

Angle Puts Chances Of Making Olympic Wrestling Team At "Slim To None"

2012-02-17T14:05:00.001-05:00

It's looks like Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar Kurt Angle's planned comeback as a member of the US Olympic team for the 2012 London Olympics is over.

The former 1996 Olympic gold medalist told BBC Sport in an interview his chances of making the team are "slim to none" and said his family had concerns about his health going into the trials.

Rayne Pulling Swerve On Tag Team Partner; Facing Kim For Knockouts Title

2012-02-17T03:40:00.001-05:00

It was announced on Thursday's episode of Impact Wrestling on Spike Madison Rayne, one-half of the current Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Knockouts Tag Team champions with current Knockouts champion Gail Kim, earned the right to face her as the number one contender for her title at an upcoming pay-per-view after winning a battle royal match.

Ohno! Hero Not A Hero In WWE Anymore, Debuts At FCW Taping

2012-02-17T03:35:00.000-05:00

Former Ring Of Honor world tag team champion Chris Hero made his WWE debut Thursday in Tampa at the weekly Florida Championship Wrestling taping, to air locally Saturday, as Kassius Ohno.

Ohno lost his first match with the promotion against former Total Nonstop Action Wrestling tag team champion Consequences Creed, now Xavier Woods, then attacked Woods after the match.

Rock Commits To Involvement In WrestleMania 29

2012-02-17T03:30:00.000-05:00

At a news conference in East Rutherford, NJ Thursday to announce WWE will hold WrestleMania 29 April 7, 2013 at MetLife Stadium, home to the defending NFL champion New York Giants and to the New York Jets, superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson announced he will take part in the event in a yet-to-be-announced capacity (DUH!!!!!!!!), according to several news outlets.

This would be the third straight appearance at their annual extravaganza, following serving as special guest host for WrestleMania 28 and will wrestle John Cena at this year's event April 1 in Miami.

Mr. Blue Light And Mr. Great White

2012-02-16T13:54:00.002-05:00

According to PWInsider.com, WWE superstar Sheamus recently filmed a commercial for K-Mart in Los Angeles, likely tied into a future WWE promotion.

Hence, the headline.

Sorensen Leaves Hospital, Returns To Tampa Home

2012-02-16T13:53:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar Jesse Sorensen, injured in a Number One Contender's Match for the X Division Championship against Zema Ion at Sunday's Against All Odds pay-per-view, has been released from an Orlando hospital after suffering a fractured C1 vertebrae and has returned to his home in Tampa, according to PWInsider.com.

Doctors say Sorensen will need at least a year to complete his rehabilitation.

WWE Guts Consumer Products Division Before Major Toy Fair In NYC

2012-02-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

According to The Wrestling Observer, last Friday, prior to making a presence at the annual International Toy fair in New York City, WWE released three members of their Consumer Products division -- senior vice president Jim Connelly, senior director of global licensing Florence DiGiorgio and senior manager of home entertainment Dean Miller.

WWE spokespeople said the moves were made as part of a reorganization of the department.

Triple H Wants More Bilingual Wrestlers; Coaching R-Truth

2012-02-16T04:23:00.000-05:00

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE chief operating officer Triple H (Yes, it's a real title, folks) is wanting to court more Hispanic viewers to watch their programming, so he is asking wrestlers who speak bilingually to do interviews in English and Spanish, like Puerto Rican-born Diva Rosa Mendes.

Meanwhile, the same outlet reports Triple H has been coaching R-Truth (real name Ron Killings) to cut back on the rap music and dancing and focus more on taking his character's silliness over the top, which is why he is getting a bigger push lately on TV.

Miz To Appear On Cartoon Network Awards Show...And Possibly Win Something?

2012-02-16T04:18:00.000-05:00

WWE superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin will appear at the taping Saturday in Santa Monica, CA for Cartoon Network's second annual Hall of Game Awards, hosted by former NBA superstar and soon-to-be WrestleMania 28 competitor Shaquille O'Neal, which will air Monday night on the channel.

Miz is nominated for best WWE wrestler's ring entrance, along with The Undertaker, Kofi Kingston and John Cena.

Now, you tell me. None of the other nominees have announced their intention to be at the awards show, so I believe Miz will win the award, hmmm?

It's Offcial -- WrestleMania 29 In April 2013 In MetLife Stadium

2012-02-16T02:00:00.000-05:00

NJBiz.com confirmed Wednesday what readers of WrestleZone.com knew January 12, 2012 -- WWE will offificially announce WrestleMania 29 will take place in April 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, home to the NFL's New York Giants, the two-time NFL Super Bowl champions, and the New York Jets, at a press conference Thursday featuring New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Cean To Be A Marine In New WWE Studios, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainmetn

2012-02-16T01:55:00.000-05:00

WWE superstar John Cena is set to reprise the role of John Triton in The Marine: Homefront, the first in a series of three straight-to-DVD films agreed upon in a deal with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and WWE Studios Wednesday, according to Deadline.com.

Cena, who starred in the 2006 original theatrical movie, the most successful WWE Studios project ever, was replaced in 2009 with Ted DeBiase, Jr. in the straight-to-DVD sequel.

It's not known what the other two movies will be, but one of these cinematic accomplishments will feature current WWE Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.

Prepare For WM28 Storylines To Start Monday

2012-02-16T01:50:00.000-05:00

According to F4WOnline.com, once Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view ends Sunday night, except storylines for those to be involved in WWE's WrestleMania 28 in Miami April 1 to take place.

Among those we can expect visits from, besides the obvious of John Cena, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, The Undertaker, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, are Diva Kharma (real name Kia Stevens), who might get the winner of Sunday's Diva Championship Match at Sunday's pay-per-view in Miami, on Raw SuperShow and former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, who is set face Bog Show, on SmackDown.

McMahon Declares "Funkasaurus" Extinct...For Now

2012-02-16T01:44:00.001-05:00

According to The Wrestling Globe, WWE superstar Brodus Clay, who went from a contestant on WWE's former reality competition-now-brand NXT to being Alberto Del Rio's bodyguard to a profiled maniacal heel to a cross between Rikishi and Disco Inferno, is being taken off TV for a while, as ordered by WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, because Clay's ring work isn't at a level McMahon declared acceptable of someone placed on a main roster.

Yo, Vince! What did you expect from Clay?

First you showcase him as a heel, then you underutilize him by making him muscle to Del Rio, then you throw back to Florida Championship Wrestling for more ring work, then you push him in dark matches on main shows, then you...,well, you get the point -- this is all YOUR fault, Vince!

Orton Pulled From Elimination Chamber Match Sunday, Replaced By Marella

2012-02-15T03:10:00.000-05:00

After suffering a concussion when WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan hit Randy Orton with his title during Orton's match with Big Show on Monday's Raw SuperShow from San Diego, WWE medical personnel declared Orton ineligible to compete in Sunday's World Heavyweight Championship at the Elimination Chamber in Milwaukee, replacing him with Santino Marella, who won a battle royal at Tuesday's SmackDown taping in Fresno, CA, to air Friday on SyFy.

The field for the match is now Bryan, Marella, The Great Khali (who replaced an injured Mark Henry), Wade Barrett, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and Show.

Raw Getaway Show Rating Out; Viewership Trend Finally Reversed

2012-02-15T03:03:00.000-05:00

The rating for WWE's final Raw SuperShow from San Diego before this Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in Milwaukee was released Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research -- a 3.0 rating and an average audience of 4.118 million viewers.

However, for the first time this year, viewership in the show's second hour actually rose from 3.932 million in the first hour to 4.305 million.

Bourne Pulled From Raw SuperShow Opening Montage

2012-02-14T18:16:00.001-05:00

WWE finally removed superstar Evan Bourne's image from the opening video montage used for Raw SuperShow, as of Monday's show.

Born Matthew Korklan, Bourne is currently serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE's Wellness Policy and set to return to action March 18, but, usually, a move like this is not a good sign for a wrestler, especially with the face his former Air Boom tag team partner Kofi Kingston is being groomed for another singles push.

Start packing your bags, Evan, because you're soon going to be wished well in your future endeavors.

NOW You've Got Some Competition, Don't You, Glamazon?!

2012-02-14T18:12:00.001-05:00

Current WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, set to defend the title Sunday at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view against Tamina Snuka (and let's thank WWE for FINALLY using her last name...like we didn't know what it was already!), had this to post on her Twitter account about her latest challenge:

"Myself Vs @TaminaSnuka is like Xena vs. Wonder Woman. I might be more excited than the @WWEUniverse for #EliminationChamber #iamthewarrior."

"Been studying Roddy Piper's strategy. Since @TaminaSnuka is channeling her father, Ill be channeling the Hot Rod. #changethequestions."

So, Miss Beth, got a challenger breathing down your neck NOW? Divas Division still BORING, hmmm?

Carter Comments On Departure Of Russo

2012-02-14T18:07:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling president Dixie Carter released a statement Tuesday on her Facebook and Twitter accounts regarding the recent release of former head writer Vince Russo:

"TNA and Vince Russo have officially parted ways as of this week. The separation is amicable and professional. We are glad for the opportunity to have worked together and wish each other nothing but good luck and success in the future."

Tell Us Something We Didn't Already Know, Seth!

2012-02-14T14:07:00.000-05:00

When asked by a follower on his Twitter account when the current season on WWE's now-online show NXT would end, developmental star Seth Rollins posted the show is now "never ending".

NO FRACKIN' KIDDING, SETH?!!!!!

Ross Lays Snide Smackdown To WWE In Twitter Response

2012-02-14T14:05:00.000-05:00

WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross, via his Twitter account Tuesday, took a shot at his company for not doing more to build up their tag team division.

In response to a fan's question as to whether Jimmy and Jey Uso deserve a push in the division, Ross responded "What tag division?"

By the way, Epico and Primo are the current tag team champions...in case you were wondering.

Sorensen To Make Full Recovery From Injury

2012-02-14T14:01:00.002-05:00

According to PWInsider.com, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar Jesse Sorensen is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a fractured C1 vertebrae in a match against Xema Ion at Sunday's Against All Odds pay-per-view in Orlando, according to PWInsider.com.

Rock Turns Down A Movie Offer?!!!

2012-02-14T13:59:00.002-05:00

WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has reportedly turned down the chance to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel to the movie The Tooth Fairy, since he is already committed to working on a sixth movie in The Fast & The Furious franchise, according to PWInsider.com.

Roode Defending TNA Title Against Storm At Lockdown April 15

2012-02-14T13:57:00.002-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode will again defend his title against former Beer Money teammate James Storm at April 15's Lockdown pay-per-view in Nashville, where all matches will be held inside a steel cage, TNA announced Monday.

Henry To Be Inducted Into First International Sports Hall Of Fame Class

2012-02-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry will be part of the first induction class for the International Sports Hall Of Fame March 3 at the annual Arnold Sports Classic in Columbus, OH, joining, among others, event founder Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion Randy Couture.

Another Live SmackDown Set To Air In April On SyFy

2012-02-14T02:23:00.000-05:00

According to the website of Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA, WWE will do a special SuperSmackDown Live show for SyFy April 10, with a rebroadcast during its usual Friday time slot April 13.

Being advertised for the card (which, as always, is subject to change) are World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan defending his title in a No Disqualifcation, No Countout Match against Big Show and Randy Orton facing Wade Barrett in a Street Fight.

Another SuperSmackDown Live is already set for next Tuesday, February 21.

#divaschampionforever? Maybe #divaschampionuntilsunday!

2012-02-14T02:18:00.000-05:00

WWE officially announced Monday on Raw SuperShow Divas Champion Beth Phoenix will defend her title against Tamina Snuka Sunday at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee/

WWE Confirms Undertaker To Only Appear On Raw SuperShow Through WM 28

2012-02-14T02:16:00.000-05:00

According to AllWrestling.com, The Undertaker, set to take on Triple H with Shawn Michaels serving as special guest referee at WrestleMania 28 April 1 in Miami for his possible 20th straight win at the annual major pay-per-view, will only be appearing on Raw SuperShow between the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view this Sunday and April 1, not at any live event or on SmackDown, where his image has been taken off the show's opening montage.

All three principles in that match are confirmed to appear March 5 at Raw SuperShow from TD Garden in Boston, home to John Cena, who will face Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the WM 28 main event.

Johnson is also set to appear on that show, as well.

Carter Details Sorensen's Injury From Against All Odds Match With Ion

2012-02-14T02:10:00.001-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling X Division superstar Jesse Sorensen sustained a C1 vertebrae fracture with spinal cord edema Sunday night in a Number One Contender's Match with Xema Ion for the title, currently held by Austin Aries, during the Against All Odds pay-per-view, according to TNA president Dixie Carter, who posted the news on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.

She also said Sorensen was regaining feeling and movement in his arms and legs and that once he meets with a neurosurgeon, she will provide an update on his prognosis.

Ion botched a moonsault off the top rope and onto the floor during the match and Ion's knees collided with Sorensen's head, causing the neck to snap back. The referee ended the match by throwing up the X sign for medical help.

The Gorilla Position offers best wishes for a speedy recovery to Sorensen.

Jacobs Tapes Segments For Next Two Weeks Of Impact Wrestling

2012-02-14T02:04:00.000-05:00

Two-time Super Bowl-winning New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs attended Monday's taping of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact Wrestling, as reported earlier Monday on Facebook and Twitter by TNA president Dixie Carter, and took part in segments to air on this and next Thursday's shows on Spike.

Jacobs replaced Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who was reported by FOXSports.com this weekend to be making the appearance, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, denied reports any deal was made and that Pierre-Paul was not going to attend because he was "exhausted".

In the segment to air this Thursday, Jacobs gets involved in the aftermath of a Number One Contender's Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, held by Bobby Roode, between James Storm and Bubba Ray, which Storm wins.

After the match ends, Ray continues to beat up on Storm until Jacobs enters the ring and gets in Ray's face. Ray spits beer on him, causing Jacobs to shove him to the mat. Both men then get into a fight, which has to be broken up by TNA security.

In the second segment, to air February 23, Jacobs opens the show by talking about his friend Storm and calls Ray out to the ring to discuss being spat upon, Ray comes out but then tells Jacobs he's not going to waste time on someone who barely got any yardage in Super Bowl 46, then is chased out of the ring by Jacobs.

Borash Fills In For Taz On PPV Due To Death In Family

2012-02-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling ring announcer Jeremy Borash filled in Sunday night for Taz on commentary during their Against All Odds pay-per-view from Orlando, due to the death of his wife's brother, Joe.
On Twitter, Taz posted, "I would've never had a career if it wasn't for him. Gave me the $ to go to wrestling school when I had nothing."

He did not state whether he would be seen at this week's Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, beginning Monday.

The Gorilla Position offers its condolences to Taz and his family on their loss.

Phoenix, Madusa Trade Twitter Jabs Again

2012-02-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

Current WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix took to her Twitter account Monday to profess -- again -- the fact that there is no competition -- past, present or future -- that can beat her for her championship.

"Attitude era to present day, there is no one that can touch me. And I'll continue to prove it. #divaschampionforever", she posted.

However, former World Wrestling Federation Women's Champion Madusa, who has been trying to get Phoenix to put up her title against Madusa's belt, which she still owns, to a match at April 1's WrestleMania 28 in Miami, fired back, "@TheBethPhoenix????? Never underestimate anyone. Color, age or race. Ur ass just has not been beaten by a true champ."

Mysterio, Del Rio To Appear At Raw SuperShow In San Diego

2012-02-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

According to PWInsider.com, WWE superstar Rey Mysterio, out since last August due to knee surgery, could make an appearance at Monday's Raw SuperShow from the Valley View Casino in San Diego, Mysterio's hometown.

Mysterio posted a video last month stating he would be returning in time to compete at WrestleMania 28 April 1 in Miami.

Also, Monday, according to F4WOnline.com, former WWE champion Alberto Del Rio will return, though he is not medically cleared to begin wrestling following an injury he suffered last year.

He had a match with Sheamus at a live event Saturday in San Francisco, but it was changed to an Arm Wrestling Match.

Cena Pays Off Lien On Tampa Home

2012-02-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

According to TMZ.com, WWE superstar John Cena has paid off a $15,214.92 debt owed to a Florida roofing company against his home in Tampa and the lien has been removed by Hillsborough County officials.

Giants Running Back Jacobs To Appear On Impact Wrestling Thursday

2012-02-13T13:48:00.001-05:00

Two-time Super Bowl-winning New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will make an appearance at Monday's taping of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact Wrestling for airing Thursday on Spike, according to TNA president Dixie Carter, who posted the news on her Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Jacobs replaces defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who was reported by FOXSports.com this weekend to be making the appearance, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, denied reports any deal was made and that Pierre-Paul was not going to attend because he was "exhausted".

Ex-TNA Star Okada Becomes New IWGP World Heavyweight Champion At PPV

2012-02-13T03:14:00.003-05:00

Former Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar Kazuchika Okada, last seen playing Okato, the henchman of Samoa Joe, ended the record 13-month reign of Hiroshi Tanahashi as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, defeating at New Japan Pro Wrestling's The New Beginning pay-per-view Sunday from Osaka, Japan, according to WrestleNewz.com.

Also at the pay-per-view, Ring Of Honor stars Davey Richards and Rocky Romero regained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions over former champion Prince Devitt and Ryusake Taguchi.

The Glamazon As The Amazon Princess?!

2012-02-13T03:10:00.000-05:00

Rumors are floating throughout the Internet that current WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix is being considered for the lead role of DC Comics superheroine Wonder Woman in the long-rumored re-launch of the character on the silver screen.

However, according to her Twitter account, when asked by a fan about the legitimacy of the story, Phoenix put up a simple reponse -- #wonderGlam.

You read into that what you want, folks.

Journey 2 Finishes Third In Weekend Box Office

2012-02-13T03:07:00.001-05:00

Despite mediocre (and even a few awful) reviews, WWE superstar/actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest movie, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which opened Friday, beat expectations of making $20 million at the US box office this weekend and finished third with a take of $27.6 million, according to figures released Sunday.

The movie, which cost $79 million to make and is a sequel to 2008's revival of Journey To The Center Of The Earth, has earned over $100 million worldwide, including the US weekend numbers.

The romantic movie The Vow took first place this weekend with $41.7 million, followed by the Denzel Washington thriller Safe House at $39.3 million, Journey 2, and the 3-D re-release of Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace, which took in $23 million.

It was the first time since Christmas weekend 2008 that the top four movies in the country each debuted at over $20 million.

Major Detour Taken On Road To I-110 After Against All Odds PPV

2012-02-13T03:00:00.001-05:00

Sunday night may have been a great night for singer Adele at the Grammy Awards as she picked up all six of the awards she was nominated for, but, for yours truly, Sunday night was less than great as I hit a major pothole on my Road To I-110 as I picked only two out of eight matches correctly at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Against All Odds pay-per-view in Orlando, dropping my record so far for 2012 to 7-12, a winning percentage, if you can call it such, of .368.

Here's the way the night went:

- Xema Ion became the new Number One Contender for the X Division Championship by beating Jesse Sorensen, but it came at a heavy price as Sorenson suffered a serious neck injury and was transported to a local hospital after Ion, taking a bad moonsault off the top rope and onto Sorensen, who was laid out outside the ring, catching Sorensen's head with Ion's knees. (1-0).

- Shannon Moore accepted the open challenge made by TNA Television Champion Robbie E, but, unfortunately, Robbie E's still probably fist-pumping after defeating him to retain the title (1-1).

- Gail Kim retained the TNA Knockouts Championship over Tara (1-2, two-match losing streak).

- Samoa Joe and Magnus, as expected, became the new TNA World Tag Team Champions over Crimson and Matt Morgan (2-2, two-match losing streak snapped).

- Austin Aries retained his TNA X Division Championship by beating Alex Shelley and now will face Ion, possibly at Victory Road March 18 in Orlando (2-3).

- Despite being able to take out Christopher Daniels, who was outside the ring for A.J. Styles' match with former Fortune faction member Kazarian, with a moonsault, Kazarian hit Styles with a Fade To Black finisher to take the win (2-4, two-match losing streak).

- Gunner, with lots of interference from Eric Bischoff, defeated Eric's son Garett, now being trained by Hulk Hogan.

At one point, Gunner hit the younger Bischoff with a knee to the back of his neck and continues to concentrate on the potential injury to the point where Hogan, after demanding referee Earl Hebner check Garett's neck, almost throws in the towel to protect him from further damage, but Bischoff tells Hogan not to, which leads to him turning around from Hogan in the corner and walking right into a DDT from Gunner for the win. (2-5, three-match losing streak)

In the main event, Bobby Roode retained his TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a four-way match against Bully Ray, Jeff Hardy and James Storm, thanks to special enforcer Sting.

Late in the match, Ray accidentally knocks the referee out with a corner splash and Sting attempts to revive him. Though Hardy eventually pins Ray for the title, Sting is still dealing with walking the ref up and, when he does come to, Roode hits Hardy in the face with his knees, followed by Storm striking a Last Call superkick for a possible pin, but Ray pulls the revived ref out of the ring.

Enter Sting finto the ring from the outside now, but not before Storm flies off the top rope to land on Ray outside the ring, but, instead, the ref gets hit again.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Roode spinebusts Ray and Hardy hits Roode with the Twist of Fate finisher. Hardy then goes for a Swanton but misses as Roode conveniently rolls out of the ring, grabs his title and proceeds to use it as a weapon.

Sting takes the belt away from him and the two have a conversation, ending with Roode shoving Sting, spitting on him, then challenging him to hit him.

When Sting starts to hit Roode with the belt he's swinging, Roode ducks and Sting inadvertently clocks Hardy in the head, allowing Roode to cover Hardy for the pin, which Sting must not count, as there is no referee in the ring. (final record of 2-6, ends with four-match losing streak).

Next on the pay-per-view docket (and, thank God, it's soon) is WWE's Elimination Chamber from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee this Sunday.

Man, do I need some wins bad if I want to get back on track to correctly predicting 110 matches in 2012!

TNA Shakeup: Russo Fired, Lagana Promoted, Prichard Retains Job

2012-02-12T18:47:00.001-05:00

In an exclusive report by WrestleZone.com, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling fired head writer Vince Russo several days ago and replaced him with former WWE creative writer Dave Lagana and current senior vice president of programming and talent realtions Bruce "Brother Love" Prichard, who had been serving on the writing team, will return to his first job.

Lagana signed with TNA in October 2011 and had been recently working in India with their subsidiary promotion Ring Ka King.

Lagana posted word about his new job on his Twitter account Sunday, saying "And we are off and running" and "The calm before the storm".

Lagana is reportedly backstage for Sunday's Against All Odds pay-per-view in Orlando, but, naturally, Russo, who also worked in WWE and World Championship Wrestling, is not.

Expect Jeff Jarrett Back On Impact Wrestling Soon

2012-02-12T18:42:00.000-05:00

Despite him and his wife being storyline-fired by Sting in December, expect to see Total Nonstop Action Wrestling founder and superstar Jeff Jarrett to return to Impact Wrestling on Spike in the weeks to come, according to WrestleNewz.com.

Jarrett and wife Karen were fired on Impact Wrestling after Jeff lost a match to Jeff Hardy at the Final Resolution pay-per-view that carried a Loser Leaves TNA stipulation.

In reality, Jeff had been in India, helping launch their subsidiary promotion Ring Ka King, and wife Karen was undergoing foot surgery, but Jarrett's profile has returned to ImpactWrestling.com's roster page.

Giants Superstar Pierre-Paul Pulls Planned Appearance On Impact Wrestling

2012-02-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

After FOXSports.com reported Saturday a deal had been struck between Spike TV and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling to have Super Bowl 46 champion New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul appear in an in-ring segment at Monday's taping of Impact Wrestling, to air Thursday, with Kurt Angle, Pierre-Paul's management company Rosenhaus Sports, told the website Sunday no deal had been reached and that their client was "exhausted" and would not make an appearance.

Lawler Reviving Weekly Talk Show On Memphis TV

2012-02-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

According to MemphiSport.com, WWE Hall of Fame member and Raw SuperShow announcer Jerry "The King" Lawler is reviving his former weekly talk show, The Jerry Lawler Show, on Sunday mornings at 6 a.m. Central time on FOX 13 in Memphis.

The weekly, one-hour show once aired in the 1980's and 1990's on WMC-TV 5, the NBC affiliate in Memphis that also played host to a live Saturday morning wrestling show for decades.

Lawler says the success of the DVD Memphis Heat: The True Story of Memphis Professional Wrestling convinced him to bring the show back and he says it will contain WWE-related content.

Robbie E Issues Open Challenge For Title At AAO; Opening Match Announced

2012-02-12T18:27:00.001-05:00

According to an interview with SoCal Val on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact Wrestling page on Facebook, TNA Television Champion Robbie E has issued an open challenge for anyone interested in taking him on for the title at Sunday's Against All Odds par-per-view in Orlando.

That just means, folks, TNA wants Robbie E to drop the title (THANK GOD!) and, personally, I'll take anyone (Yes, that's right -- ANYONE) who accepts the challenge to become the new champion as an official pick.

Also, according to their Twitter account, the opening match at the pay-per-view will be Zema Ion against Jesse Sorenson in a Number One Contender's Match for the TNA X Division Championship, to be defended Sunday by Austin Aries against former X Division champion Alex Shelley.

Otunga's Fiance To Perform Tribute To Houston At Grammy Awards

2012-02-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

Singer-actress and Weight Watchers spokesperson Jennifer Hudson, fiance of WWE superstar David Otunga, will peform a tribute to late singer Whitney Houston at Sunday's Grammy Awards broadcast from Los Angeles on CBS.

Houston died in her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday afternoon of, as of yet, unknown causes at the age of 48.

But Haven't We ALREADY Learned This News?!

2012-02-12T02:49:00.001-05:00

According to PWInsider.com, WWE will make an announcement this Wednesday concerning the date and site for WrestleMania 29 in 2013, weeks before WrestleMania 28 takes place April 1 at Miami's Sun Life Stadium.

But didn't we already learn EXCLUSIVELY from WrestleZone.com through their highly-reliable yet unnamed WWE sources that it would be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ?!

Well, maybe, we did...and, maybe, WWE has a swerve planned.

Rock's Latest Flick Earns $6.5M On Opening Night

2012-02-12T02:46:00.001-05:00

WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest film, Journey 2:The Mysterious Island, opened Friday night in theaters nationwide and earned a mere $6.5 million, according to WrestleZone.com.

The film is predicted to finish its first US domestic weekend earning over $20 million after already earning over $50 million worldwide.

But, hey, this movie is going up against the 3-D re-release of Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, folks!

Good luck, Rock!

Please, Alberto, Tell Us How You REALLY Feel About The Miz!

2012-02-11T02:45:00.000-05:00

In an interview with a San Francisco FM radio station Friday about WWE live events in the Golden State of California, superstar Alberto Del Rio, returning to the ring after a groin injury to face 2012 Royal Rumble winner Sheamus, was asked if there was any wrestler in the company he truly hated and he wasted no time with an answer.

"The Miz. I hate The Miz. This is not part of the show. I really dislike that guy. I've tried to punch him in the face several times, not in the ring, I mean outside the ring. He's like a little girl. He's always running away from me. There's a big difference between The Miz and I. I'm a real athlete. He's just a loud, stupid little kid. He's one of those guys who was probably bullied when he was in school and that's the reason now that he's so loud and he wants to get attention from everybody," Del Rio said.

Well, don't hold back now, Alberto. Tell him he's fat and ugly and his mother dresses him funny, while you're going down that road.

SyFy Confims Live SmackDown Episode To Air Next Tuesday

2012-02-11T02:41:00.000-05:00

In purely a move for the February sweeps, SyFy, home to WWE's SmackDown Friday nights, confirmed they will air a special live Tuesday night edition of the show, called SuperSmackDown Live, February 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern time from Target Center in Minneapolis, with an encore presentation to air in its usual Friday time slot.

The live show will also take place two days after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI.

London Called, But TNA Fans Must've Let It Go To Voicemail

2012-02-11T02:37:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact Wrestling on Spike, airing the second of two taped episodes Thursday from London, England's Wembley Arena in advance of Sunday's Against All Odds pay-per-view from Orlando, earned its worst rating and audience of the year with a 1.05 rating and an average audience of 1.5 million, well below last week's worst numbers of a 1.16 rating and 1.61 million average audience.

In fact, for the first time this year, the rating for the show's main event match -- a tag team match between Sting and James Storm against TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode and Bully Ray -- was higher (1.12) than for the rest of the show!

TNA, you better hope you get a lot -- and, I mean, A LOT -- of buys for Sunday's pay-per-view.

Could Tajiri Be Making Return To WWE For Rumored All-Cruiserweights Show?

2012-02-10T17:22:00.001-05:00

Former WWE wrestler Tajiri announced he will shut down his wrestling promotion in Japan, SMASH, due to managerial issues, but that news is leading to speculation, according to PWInsider.com, that he may be making a return to the company to take part in a rumored all-cruiserweight show that could air on WWE Network...provided the network ever gets off the ground.

A Little Jealous, Aren't We, Mickie?

2012-02-10T17:19:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Knockout Mickie James posted this comment on her Twitter account Thursday after (obviously) watching Thursday's night Impact Wrestling episode on Spike, the last of two shows taped at London's Wembley Arena during TNA's recent United Kingdom tour, and hearing Hulk Hogan praise rising superstar Garrett Bischoff, real-life son of TNA executive producer/on-screen character Eric Bischoff:

"Ummm...Did my ears just deceive me...Or did the Immortal Hulk Hogan just call Baby Bischoff the future of this business? WTH? FML!"

Ummm, no, your ears didn't deceive you and, yes, he did say that about Bischoff, Mickie.

Are you wearing showing a wee bit of jealousy here, hmmm, Mickie?

Rock's Pre-WrestleMania 28 Tour Schedule Confirmed

2012-02-09T18:58:00.000-05:00

Not that we didn't all know this already, but WWE officially announced on their website Thursday the appearances for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson prior to his WrestleMania 28 match with John Cena.

He will appear on episodes of Raw SuperShow February 27 from the Rose Garden in Portland, OR, March 5 from TD Garden in Boston, March 12 from Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, and March 26 from Philips Arena in Atlanta.

What, Rock? Too busy to take some time to show up for the March 19 episode? Got another flop of a movie to promote?

Undertaker, Triple H, HBK To All Appear On Raw March 12 In Cleveland

2012-02-09T18:53:00.002-05:00

The Undertaker and Triple H, set to face off in a match at WrestleMania 28 April 1 in Miami, and Shawn Michaels, set to be the special guest referee for the match, are all scheduled to appear on the March 12 edition of WWE's Raw SuperShow from Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, according to the arena's website.

Hero's Naturally High Testosterone Levels Delayed WWE Dral

2012-02-09T18:50:00.001-05:00

According to The Wrestling Observer, the reason WWE took so long before actually signing former Ring Of Honor star Chris Hero to a contract was because of concerns over "high testosterone levels" in his body when he underwent drug testing after signing a contract with the company in September 2011.

Hero, formerly one-half of the multi-time ROH World Tag Team Champions The Kings of Wrestling with Claudio Castagnoli (now in WWE's Florida Championship Wrestling as Antonio Cesare), had his deal pulled in December 2011 after the initial tests were completed because WWE was concerned he was taking steroids, but WWE agreed to have him undergo another series of tests last January.

It actually took more than one round of tests, the publication said, before it was proven Hero was not under the influence of steroids and that his body just naturally produces higher testosterone levels than most men.

Kane, Cena Fight At WWE Press Conference In Abu Dhabi

2012-02-09T12:51:00.001-05:00

You can't take some people anywhere, can you?

WWE superstars John Cena and Kane got into a fight at a press conference Thursday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to kick off their first trip to the country, according to WWE.com.

The fight ended rather quickly when Cena drove Kane into a table in front of the gathered media.

WWE Hall Of Famer Graham Out Of Hospital After Sunday Admission

2012-02-09T12:48:00.001-05:00

WWE Hall Of Fame member Superstar Billy Graham was released from a hospital Thursday after being admitted Sunday for pneumonia and a leg infection, according to AllWrestling.com.

Graham contracted a virus while attending a wrestling convention in Los Angeles.

Going Against All Odds To Shake Up TNA

2012-02-09T01:46:00.002-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling holds Against All Odds, their second pay-per-view of 2012, Sunday in Orlando and yours truly is hoping to right my course back onto The Road To I-110 with a seven-match card (that will stay a seven-match card, I hope).

After WWE's royal mess of a Royal Rumble pay-per-view, my year, which started nicely at 4-4 after TNA's Genesis event January 8, fell apart nearly two weeks ago with a 1-2 performance (or lack thereof) to put me at 5-6, just slightly under .500 at .454.

OK, time for the improvement project to begin. Here are my picks for Sunday's pay-per-view:

- With new trainer Hulk Hogan in his corner, look for Garrett Bischoff to defeat Gunner with Garrett's dad Eric in his corner.

- AJ Styles is finally going to get out of the losing funk he seems to be in and, despite the interference of former friend Christopher Daniels, will beat confused foe Kazarian, who seems to have his strings pulled lately by Daniels.

- How TNA can deny the team of Samoa Joe and Magnus a run as the TNA World Tag Team Champions is beyond me, but it's time they become champs Sunday, beating Matt Morgan and Crimson.

- In a Number One Contenders' Match for the X Division Championship, I like the slightly flamboyant (some may say cocky) style of newcomer Zema Ion over Jesse Sorensen, who someone needs to give me a good reason why I should like this guy.

- Speaking of the X Division Championship, it's time for Austin Aries to be knocked down a few pegs and for Motor City Machine Guns member Alex Shelley to get the title back.

- Without whatever protection Karen Jarrett gave Gail Kim and others while she was in charge of the Knockouts Division, I see Tara taking another run at the title.

- Finally, I see former Beer Money member James Storm getting another (and, hopefully, longer) run as TNA World Heavyweight Champion, defeating champion Bobby Roode, Bully Ray and Jeff Hardy in a four-way match with Sting serving as the special guest enforcer.

As always, check back after the pay-per-view and we'll look at how farther I've traveled down my personal road to, hopefully, another record year of making wrestling picks.

Considering The Early (And BAD) Reviews Journey 2 Is Getting, He Might Want To Be A Wrestler Again!

2012-02-08T19:23:00.001-05:00

According to WrestlingNewsSource.com, part-time WWE superstar/part-time actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is being advertised in Miami to make an appearance at Raw SuperShow April 2 from American Airlines Arena, the night after Sun Life Stadium hosts WrestleMania 28.

And, considering how bad the early reviews are for his movie Journey 2, out this Friday, he might need the work until the sequel to G.I. Joe comes out.

The advertised main event match will see John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton and Big Show face Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Kane and Mark Henry.

Beth, You Say You've Beaten Everyone In The Divas Division? WRONG!

2012-02-08T19:18:00.002-05:00

Expect it to be announced Monday on Raw SuperShow, but The Wrestling Observer is reporting WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, who recently claimed in an interview she's bored with being in the Divas division because she's beaten everyone in it, may have to defend her title at next Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in Milwaukee against Tamina...who she hasn't met yet.

Shaq AND The Rock In Boston For Raw SuperShow March 5?

2012-02-08T19:16:00.000-05:00

If plans are worked out as we believe they will be for former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal and WWE superstar Big Show to meet April 1 at WrestleMania 28 at Miami's Sun Life Stadium, The Wrestling Observer is reporting O'Neal may make an appearance March 5 at Raw SuperShow from TD Garden in Boston, which will also serve as a homecoming for John Cena and as one of many appearances Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will make to hype their main event match.

Could Reality Soon Set In For The Miz?

2012-02-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

WWE superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin may want to look into a mirror soon and decide if he really (Really. REALLY!) wants to continue to be a WWE superstar because, according to The Wrestling Observer, his awesomeness he may say he has as a character may be starting to be only in his own head.

Since losing the WWE Championship (and the publicity having that gave him), Miz has gone from being a main event figure back to being the mid-card star he once was, believing many to speculate he doesn't have the hunger to want to move back into the main event picture and it's been showing in his ring and mic work.

Of course, it doesn't help that Miz was recently thrown under the bus by WWE officials who blamed him for the poor buyrate November's Survivor Series got, considering he and former tag team partner R-Truth got main event booking by going up against John Cena and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in Johnson's first match back with the company in seven years, and that after not being there Monday on Raw SuperShow from Oklahoma City to protect R-Truth from possible serious injury (Thank God there was no injury, period), he was ripped in the locker room by Triple H in front of the other wrestlers.

You might say you're awesome, Miz, but if you don't step it up soon, the reality, Mr. Former-MTV-The Real World-Star, will be that you'll be fired.

OK, He's Going To Need A Name Change!

2012-02-08T19:03:00.000-05:00

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE recently signed 21-year-old Andre Tyson to a developmental deal. He has been wrestling in his native United Kingdom as MVK Valkabious.

Trust me on this, folks -- this kid will get a name change before he steps foot in a Florida Championship Wrestling ring because his current ring name is just not marketable.

But Will Viewership Drop Off In The Second Half Hour Like It Does In The US?

2012-02-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

WWE announced Wednesday it has signed a deal with Baltijos TV in Lithuania to air a one-hour version of Raw SuperShow every Friday night at 10:30 p.m. local time.

Let's hope fans there are interested enough to stay and watch it for the full hour, not like fans here in the US.

Didn't We Already KNOW He Was Doing This?

2012-02-08T12:19:00.001-05:00

WWE Hall of Famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper confirmed Wednesday via his Twitter account he is taking part in the new WWE reality show Legends House, which was to air on the new WWE Network, but will wind up having its first season air on SyFy.

"I was told Vince (McMahon) said 'Piper afraid of Legends House.' U DREW 1ST BLOOD! I'M GOING! Remember, I was 1st guy to hit Vince! HERE WE GO!"

Production either has started or will be starting in Rancho Mirage, CA at the former home of Marx Brothers member Harpo Marx.

Has The Funkasauras Been Declared Extinct?

2012-02-08T02:51:00.000-05:00

According to several wrestling news outlets, it looks as if WWE may be pulling the plug on Brodus Clay's days as a disco dancing wrestler who just squashes opponents.

Clay, who fans had to wait forever, it seemed, for him to return to WWE, came back (but no so happily, it has been reported) as a lovable goof, a la Rikishi, instead of the maniacal beast we previously saw him be.

He has not been seen on either Raw SuperShow or SmackDown in the last two weeks and a planned televised match with him squashing Heath Slater, along with a planned after-match storyline involving Drew McIntyre, were both pulled from last Tuesday's taping, which aired Friday on SyFy.

At this Tuesday's SmackDown taping, he wrestled a dark match against Florida Championship Wrestling call-up Damien Sandow, their former FCW 15 Champion.

First Impact Wrestling Episode From London Draws 1.6M For TNA

2012-02-08T02:44:00.000-05:00

The first of two taped episodes of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact Wrestling on Spike TV from London's Wembley Arena this past Thursday, which featured the return of superstar Hulk Hogan as the new trainer for Garrett Bischoff, son of TNA executive producer/annoyance Eric Bischoff, earned a 1.2 rating and an average audience of 1.6 million viewers, according to WrestlingNewsSource.com.

The two shows will lead in to TNA's next pay-per-view, Against All Odds, taking place Sunday in (where else?) Orlando.

Rating From Oklahoma City's Raw SuperShow Out

2012-02-08T02:40:00.001-05:00

Monday's episode of WWE's Raw SuperShow earned a 3.3 rating and an average audience of 4.619 million, according to PWInsider.com.

However, as the case has been nearly every week, 362,000 viewers found something better to watch during the 10 p.m. Eastern time hour of the show.

WWE BOD Decides Laurinaitis Stays In Office

2012-02-07T13:47:00.003-05:00

After making a last-ditch plea to be saved from being fired Monday, the WWE Board of Directors announced Tuesday John Laurinaitis, the company's executive vice president of talent relations, will keep his second job as interim general manager of Raw SuperShow.

And, to that, we have one word to say: DAMN!!!!!!

Cena Disses Rock On Twitter After Wrestling In Raw Dark Match

2012-02-07T13:45:00.001-05:00

After defeating Kane by disqualification in the dark match main event of Monday's Raw SuperShow in Oklahoma City, WWE's John Cena dissed his WrestleMania 28 opponent, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on Twitter.

"Just finished the advertised main event in OKC. Sorry match didn't make RAW..but sometimes...ya just gotta be there. Dwayne u know what im...Actually..sorru. wrong guy. See you soon movie star."

Undertaker Set To Appear At Raw Night After Elimination Chamber

2012-02-07T13:42:00.000-05:00

According to local advertising, The Undertaker will make another appearance at Raw SuperShow February 20 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, the night after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in Milwaukee's Bradley Center, to further the feud he's having with Triple H at WrestleMania 28 in Miami April 1.

Madusa Continues Taunts To Phoenix

2012-02-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

Seeking to hit the snooze bar on the clock radio of life that keeps her 15 minutes of fame going, former World Wrestling Federation Women's Champion Madusa (a/k/a Alundra Blayze, real name Debra Miceli), who threw away her title when she appeared on a 1995 episode of World Championship Wrestling's WCW Monday Nitro, though says she still owns the title, fired off another jab at current WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, who she wants to defend her title against, preferably at WrestleMania 28.

On Twitter Monday, Madusa posted "Bite me, pull my hair, whip me w/the strap, but make damn sure @TheBethPhoenix u fight like a champ and not a p---y diva!"

Beth, please, get it on with her so she can JUST GO AWAY!!!!!!!

Hero Passes Drug Tests, Officially Signs With WWE

2012-02-07T03:59:00.001-05:00

WWE announced Monday, after undergoing -- and passing -- a series of drug tests over the last several months, former Ring Of Honor tag team wrestler Chris Hero has finally sgined a developmental deal, according to PWInsider.com.

Hero, who was part of the multi-time ROH World Tag Team Championship team The Kings of Wrestling with Claudio Castagnoli (now Antonio Cesaro in Florida Championship Wrestling), was set to join WWE with him in December 2011 but the company ordered new medical tests after elevated levels of testosterone were found in Hero's blood stream.

Despite being a tag team, though, WWE reportedly had no plans to use them that way.

Torres Breaks Nose, R-Truth Fine After Raw Mishaps Monday

2012-02-07T03:49:00.001-05:00

WWE Diva Eve Torres suffered a possible broken nose after being hit with a clothesline by Divas Champion Beth Phoenix during an eight-Diva tag team match on Raw SuperShow Monday from Oklahoma City, OK, but R-Truth is doing fine after attempting an over-the-top-rope springboard somersault onto the body of The Miz during the Six-Pack Challenge that included current WWE Champion CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho in a match that determined who the last person would be to enter the WWE Championship Match at next Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, according to sources.

According to WrestlingNewz.com, Torres was immediately taken to WWE medical staff at the arena and was bleeding profusely after being taken out of the match.

After Raw went off the air, though, Phoenix posted this message on her Twitter account: "I don't need anyone. @EveMarieTorres got a booboo. Big deal. #divaschampionforever.

Meanwhile, R-Truth is doing fine, according to former WWE staffer Joey Styles on Twitter, after landing on his back following the move and seeing the head snap back. He was taken away from ringside during a commercial break and announcer Michael Cole said the staff had taken Truth out of the match because he was no longer able to compete.

However, after the show, according to PWInsider.com, Triple H got in Miz's face in the locker room, with others present, and blamed him for failing to absorb the fall of R-Truth.

Laurinaitis' Fate To Bet Announced By WWE At 10 AM Tuesday

2012-02-07T03:36:00.000-05:00

WWE announced Monday during Raw SuperShow the Board of Governors will announce a decision at 10 a.m. Eastern time on the future of current executive vice president of talent relations and show interim general manager John Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis was to be fired by WWE chief operating officer Triple H last week, but the firing got interrupted by the return of The Undertaker.

Jericho To Be Last Entrant For WWE Championship At Elimination Chamber Match

2012-02-07T03:32:00.000-05:00

By way of winning a Six Pack Challenge Monday on WWE's Raw SuperShow, Chris Jericho will be the last of four wrestlers to enter the fray to possibly win the WWE Championship over current champion CM Punk and competitors Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz and R-Truth at next Sunday's Elimination Chamber at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

The match, held inside the massive rounded steel cage, sees two people start off with the other four wrestlers placed in Plexiglass pods to be released individually every five minutes. Wrestlers are eliminated from the match when they are either pinned or have sumbitted and the final man in the ring wins the WWE Championship.

Cena, Kane To End Feud In Ambulance Match At Elimination Chamber PPV

2012-02-07T03:24:00.000-05:00

It was announced Monday by current (for now) WWE executive vice president of talent relations and Raw SuperShow interim general manager John Laurinaitis that John Cena and Kane will end their feud at next Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI in an Ambulance Match.

It will be the first time this match has taken place at a WWE event since the 2003 Survivor Series when Kane defeated Shane McMahon.

In such a match, pinfalls and submissions do not count nor do disqualifications and count-outs; the winner is determined by who can incapacitate their opponent so much, he can be placed in the back of an awaiting ambulance at the arena, the door to the ambulance is closed and the ambulance heads for the nearest medical facility.

WWE Superstars Nominated For Cartoon Network Award

2012-02-07T03:16:00.000-05:00

WWE announced Monday superstars Kofi Kingston, The Miz, John Cena and The Undertaker are the nominees for the first Hero To Rumble Award, to be announced during the second annual Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards February 20, hosted by former NBA star and soon-to-be-WrestleMania 28-opponent-of-Big-Show Shaquille O'Neal.

Cena Accepts Invite From Edwards To Be Honorary Starter For Daytona 500 February 27

2012-02-07T03:10:00.000-05:00

On Monday's episode of Raw SuperShow from the Chesapeake Energy Center in Oklahoma City, OK, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Edwards offered an invitation to WWE superstar John Cena to be the Honorary Starter for the season's first race -- the Daytona 500 -- February 26 of FOX TV.

Of course, Cena accepted the invitation.

Cena, Rock Tweet About Seeing Highlight Videos For WM 28 Match

2012-02-07T03:05:00.000-05:00

The Twitter war between WWE superstars John Cena and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, set to wrestle April 1 at WrestleMania 28 in Miami, got slightly more civilized Monday as both men commented on recent video packages shown on Raw SuperShow to hype their match.

Cena posted, "Saw rock's video. Especially like the quote "when I left WWE...Something u will never hear me say. WM 28! I WILL NOT LOSE! #teamfiltit.

Rock responded, "@WWE Saw the Cena video. You're a good man John -- you'll be even better when you take your Wrestlemania ass kickin like a man. #Team BringIt."

NMR Announces Rating For Friday's SmackDown

2012-02-07T02:59:00.000-05:00

Nielsen Media Research announced Monday that last Friday's episode of WWE's SmackDown earned a 2.15 rating and an average audience of 3.194 million viewers, up slightly from the 2.11 rating the show earned the week before.

Induction Speakers For WWE's 2012 Hall Of Fame Class Named

2012-02-07T02:56:00.000-05:00

According to PWInsider.com, the eventual number of inductees for WWE's 2012 Hall of Fame class will be six and, Monday, it was announced who all the class members will be, plus who will give their induction speeches at the annual ceremony, to take place March 31 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, the night before WrestleMania 28 at Sun Life Stadium, home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

- Stone Cold Steve Austin for Mike Tyson

- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for the late Yokozuna

- John Bradshaw Layfield for Ron Simmons

- Alberto Del Rio for real-life uncle Mil Mascaras

- Christian for Edge

- Triple H and Shawn Michaels for The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Ric Flair, Barry Windham and James J. Dillon)

Shaq Set To Appear On Raw SuperShow Night After Elimination Chamber

2012-02-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

Former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal is set to make an appeance (the first of, probably, many) on WWE's Raw SuperShow the night after their Elimination Chamber pay-per-view to begind setting up his planned WrestleMania 28 feud with a turning-heel Big Show, according to F4WOnline.com.

Could Flair's New Energy Drink Deal Be Enough To Leave TNA?

2012-02-06T18:58:00.001-05:00

Last Friday, it was announced reported Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar Ric Flair had signed a deal with BYB Brands, a subsidiary of Charlotte, NC-based Coca-Cola Consolidated, to promote a new brand of energy and protein shots called Fuel In A Bottle.

Now comes word, according to The Wrestling Observer, that the deal he signed with them is "more lucrative" that his current TNA deal, making some wonder whether he will remain with the organization.

Pope Tweets About Comment Over How Little TNA Uses Him

2012-02-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero took to his Twitter account Monday to comment on a report, possibly in The Wrestling Observer, which recently handed out its annual wrestling awards, that he is the most underused wrestler in TNA.

"Thanks again, but SERIOUSLY, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Pope is underused," he tweeted, but he also hinted he will be back "at some point this year.....Talk about a Turning Point."

HBK To Make WWE Return At Next Monday's Raw SuperShow

2012-02-06T18:50:00.000-05:00

For the first time since his last appearance on an episode June 27, 2011, Shawn Michaels will return to WWE's Raw SuperShow next Monday at Valley View Casino in San Diego, according to WWELiveTour.com.

Expect his appearance to be the first of many as he is scheduled to be the special guest referee when his good friend and De-Generation X stablemate Triple H, now WWE chief operating officer, takes on The Undertaker at WrestleMania 28 April 1 in Miami.

McIntyre Character To Be Re-worked

2012-02-06T13:19:00.001-05:00

Though SmackDown general manager Teddy Long keeps telling superstar Drew McIntyre if he doesn't start winning matches, he's going to be fired, WWE says McIntyre (real name Drew Galloway) isn't going anywhere and will soon see his character reworked to become more of an "arrogant playboy", according to PWInsider.com.

And that's different from the character he playing now HOW?

So The Rock Isn't The Only WWE Star Who Does Movies?!

2012-02-06T13:17:00.003-05:00

According to WrestleZone.com, WWE superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin recently filmed a cameo in the next piece of cinematic achievement from Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, Dog Fight, to be released (and probably avoided like the plague) in August.