Jim Ross has posted a new blog over at JRsBarBQ.com. He talks about Jeremy Piven hosting next week's Raw, WWE's partnership with 7-Eleven to promote SummerSlam, the new DX book and more. Here's what JR said about:

Shaq Hosting Raw: It was good seeing Shaq Monday while in D.C. taping the lone, SD bout for WWE Superstars, that was excellent BTW. Shaq was his regular, friendly self who had a legit fun time at Raw and enjoyed being around the talent. I was pleasantly surprised at how lean Big Shaq was which must mean that he is eagerly anticipating his season coming up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Big Fellow really looked in excellent, physical condition. Shaq is a natural born performer and a true fan of WWE which all seemed to come through clearly to me on the Monday evening telecast.

Jeremy Piven Hosting Raw: "Entourage's Jeremy Piven will have his hands full following Shaq's act this Monday when Piven Guest Hosts Raw from the Mohegan Sun Casino which is one of my favorite spots to visit when on the road. I don't plan on being there this Monday but that always could change I have grown to know. However, I will be in Long Island for SD on Tuesday night and the Nassau Coliseum is a big time arena that is "in the shadow of New York City" or so I've been told and prompted to say on air many times."

Fedor Negotiating with UFC: "The UFC and Fedor Emelianenko are still apparently negotiating for the much hyped, superman/heavyweight MMA fighter to sign with UFC. It's obviously a negotiation that UFC must undergo but signing Fedor definitely isn't a "must sign." The deal must be good for the UFC. This deal should be for a minimum of three fights and without destroying UFC's business model that so many have worked tirelessly to build. Fedor is not bigger than MMA and when, not if, Emelianenko is defeated he ceases to be bullet proof. Yes, I've been around a few monstrous, ticket and PPV selling attractions in my career and I realize that a potential Fedor-Brock fight is huge money but so is their return. What if Emelianenko-Lesnar was an Ali-Frazier thing, don't say that's impossible, and it took three battles to settle the score? That's sort of hard to accomplish with only a "one fight deal ... UFC has all the leverage, as I see it, in these negotiations and crafting of a fair and mutually rewarding deal for both entities should be UFC's only goal."

Labels: jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

The current idea with the storyline between Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov on ECW is to make them a team and tag title contenders to Chris Jericho and Big Show.

Labels: Ezekiel Jackson, Vladimir Kozlov

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments

Contrary to belief, Scotty 2 Hotty has not been re-signed by WWE. He is simply making an appearance at the Florida Championship Wrestling show and has not been offered a deal yet.

Labels: Scotty 2 Hotty

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments

From WWE.com: World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Raw Superstar Brian Kendrick as of today, July 30, 2009. WWE wishes Brian the best in all future endeavors.

Labels: Brian Kendrick, london and kendrick, RAW, WWE

Posted by Tymo55 at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments

The specific details on the changed Rey Mysterio/Dolph Ziggler match finish have not yet emerged, but the decision was definitely political in nature. All that is known is that Ziggler was scheduled to win the Intercontinental Championship as of Sunday afternoon, but WWE ultimately decided to keep the belt on Mysterio. Mysterio had been promised a significant championship run when he made rumblings of leaving the company earlier this summer, but the exact nature regarding if and how that played into the decision is not clear.

Labels: 2009 Night of Champions, dolph ziggler, rey mysterio

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE has come under fire in recent months for airing full-length promo videos on pay-per-view, even when their broadcast results in key matches being cut short. The internal perspective on the matter is that WWE’s production team works very hard in developing the spots, and executive producer Kevin Dunn will consequently take every opportunity to give his department its due and show appreciation for their work. As the Wrestling Observer says, because the people “who make the calls as the show go on are the people who put together the video packages,” they will be the last things cut when WWE is short on time.

Labels: Kevin Dunn

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

World Wrestling Entertainment® announced today its partnership with two national, blue-chip brands, 7-Eleven and Pepsi Max, as sponsors of the 2009 SummerSlam® pay-per-view on Sunday, August 23, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. As presenting partner of SummerSlam, 7-Eleven will conduct a nationwide storefront branding campaign in August promoting SummerSlam and featuring WWE® Superstars John Cena®, Triple H®, Edge®, Undertaker® and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly™ on five collectible Super Big Gulp beverage cups.

Kicking off at midnight on July 31 and running throughout August, more than 5,400 7-Eleven locations nationwide will feature WWE and SummerSlam-branded products such as the "SuperSlam Sub” and the "3-Count Meal Deal,” store-front and window signs, various food and beverage dispensers, and point-of-sale displays. A WWE-produced television ad featuring WWE Diva Kelly Kelly will debut on Monday Night Raw® and also air on various sports programs. 7-Eleven also will run corresponding digital and print media campaigns on WWE’s website, WWE.com, which generates more than 14 million monthly unique visitors worldwide and in WWE Magazine, read by more than 4.6 million readers each month.

As a participating partner, Pepsi Max will also play an integral role in this year’s SummerSlam activities. On August 22-23, the Pepsi Max FANtasy tour truck will stop at SummerSlam Axxess, WWE’s fan festival in the Nokia Plaza at LA Live, and visitors will be treated to free samples of Pepsi Max. In addition, Pepsi Max will promote an online sweepstakes, hosted on WWE.com, where fans can register to win a trip to WrestleMania® XXVI in Glendale, Arizona.

"WWE’s new partnership with both 7-Eleven and Pepsi Max demonstrates the power of the WWE brand as an exciting entertainment property that offers ‘one-stop shopping’ access to fully integrated campaigns that efficiently reach our millions of fans,” said Brian Kalinowski, Executive Vice President, Digital Media, WWE. "WWE is looking forward to celebrating our second largest pay-per-view of the year, SummerSlam, with 7-Eleven and Pepsi Max.”

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

Former WWE star Elijah Burke recently signed with TNA and will make his debut soon under a new ring name. He had a tryout match with TNA a few months ago with former WWE developmental wrestler Shawn Spears, and both received rave reviews by officials.

Burke was released by WWE in October 2008.

Labels: Elijah Burke

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hulk and Linda Hogan settled their divorce today in Clearwater, Florida. The opposing lawyers actually hugged after the hearing and Linda was quoted as saying, “The war is over. I still love him. He’s the father of my children.” The terms of the divorce have not been made public. The Hulkster, who kissed Linda on the cheek when he entered the courtroom, says he isn’t sure if he will still live in the area now that everything is over.

Labels: hulk hogan, linda hogan

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:54 PM | Permalink | Comments

Here are more notes from the end of last night’s RAW and Triple H’s birthday celebration from F4Wonline and Ron:

Unannounced dark main event: HHH/Cena beat Randy Orton/Big Show in two minutes. Orton tagged in Show and walked out with his belt. After suplexing Show, Cena gave Show the FU, then HHH gave Show the pedigree for the pin. afterwards was a 15 minute bithday celebration for HHH which involved the entire locker room including Vince and Batista.

After the unannounced main event, HHH grabbed the house mic noticing a flurry of activity around ringside, and said he knew that there was a setup underway for his birthday. He jumped into the crowd and started running away into the crowd and into the back area. The entire locker room emptied out throughout the arena floor, attempting to catch HHH and force him back into the ring area. Eventually Vince McMahon came out and threatened to sing Happy Birthday until HHH came out. HHH’s music played, and he peered out from around the back area, covered in cake already. He walked towards ringside, and thanked the crowd while wrestlers surrounded him, all holding mini cakes to smash in his face.

HHH joked that his only concern was that Mark Henry would eat him once he was covered in cake. As predicted, the entire roster started throwing cake at HHH, and HHH grabbed a hold of Vince and rolled around on the mat with him, getting him smothered with cake as well. Batista’s music played, and Batista came down as the last person from backstage, cake in hand. Big Show held HHH back while Batista went to throw the cake in his face, but HHH ducked and Batista’s cake smashed into Big Show’s face. The entire roster was running around ringside throwing cake at each other (and all over the fans), having a great time. The entire ceremony lasted about 15 minutes.

Labels: batista, john cena, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

It’s believed that a rookie named Kidman has taken over the role of timing WWE programming since Gerald Brisco has been dealing with his strokes and heart surgery. Coincidentally, the last two WWE pay-per-views since the new guy took over have had bad timing issues. One former WWE worker said, “He screws up and midjudges and gives girls extra time, then realizes he paced wrong and the main event ends up short. Brisco’s job is very tough and very important.”

Labels: Gerald Brisco

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:52 PM | Permalink | Comments

World Wrestling Entertainment's European DVD distributor Silvervision released the following details on the forthcoming 3 DVD set devoted to Batista, "I Walk Alone", which can now be pre-ordered in the PWInsider Superstore. The DVD will feature the following:

DVD ONE

Batista profile documentary with the following chapters:

• Moving Around

• High School

• Bouncer

• Meets Angie

• Career Decision

• Wild Samoan Training Center

• Leviathan

• Deacon Batista

• Evolution

• Winning the Game

• Family Issues

• Welcome to SmackDown

• Tribute to Eddie

• Philippines Star

• Relinquishes the Championship

• The Royal Treatment

• Phenomenal Experience

• On the Edge of Greatness

• Show Stopping Moment

• Celebrity Unleashed

• Batista – The Animal

Bonus Features

• Hot Bread and Butter

• Batista’s Rough Neighborhood

• The Biggest Lifeguard at the Pool

• Leviathan: Demon of the Ohio River

• The Animal’s New Suit

• Dave Meets Alonzo Mourning

• Respect for Eddie

• A Gift for Chavo

• Eddie’s Advice

• Batista’s Lunchbox Collection

DVD TWO:

OVW Heavyweight Championship Match
Leviathan vs. “The Machine” Doug Basham
Ohio Valley Wrestling – November 28, 2001

Batista vs. Kane
Armageddon – December 15, 2002

Batista vs. Shawn Michaels
Armageddon – December 14, 2003

World Tag Team Championship Tables Match
Batista & Ric Flair vs. The Dudley Boyz
Royal Rumble – January 25, 2004

Batista vs. Chris Jericho
Vengeance – July 11, 2004

30-Man Royal Rumble Match
Royal Rumble – January 30, 2005

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Batista vs. Triple H
WrestleMania 21 – April 3, 2005

Hell in a Cell Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. Triple H
Vengeance – June 26, 2005

No Holds Barred Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. JBL
SummerSlam – August 21, 2005

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Batista vs. Eddie Guerrero
No Mercy – October 9, 2005

DVD THREE:

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Batista vs. King Booker
Survivor Series – November 26, 2006

Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. King Booker vs. Finlay
Smackdown! – December 1, 2006

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Batista vs. The Undertaker
WrestleMania 23 – April 1, 2007

Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. Edge
One Night Stand – June 3, 2007

World Heavyweight Championship w/ Special Referee “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Batista vs. The Undertaker
Cyber Sunday – October 28, 2007

6-Man Tag Team Match
Batista, Triple H & Ric Flair vs. Randy Orton, Edge, & Umaga
Raw – December 10, 2007

Batista vs. John Cena
SummerSlam – August 17, 2008

Batista vs. Randy Orton
Armageddon – December 14, 2008

Labels: batista

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

From: PWInsider

The word going around at the PPV last night is that Jeff Hardy has agreed to stay on with WWE through SummerSlam. I don't have that 100% confirmed but that is the rumor that was making the rounds.

Also, apparently Vince McMahon was not very happy about the opener and how it went over as he was seen throwing down his headsets at the end of the bout. Wow, who would have thought that putting Big Show in the spot of mystery partner wouldn't have gotten the fans fired up?

Labels: jeff hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

John Bradshaw Layfield has posted a blog entry on the WWE Universe site denying Internet reports saying he's in negotiations with TNA Wrestling. He said he has "never had talks with TNA" about joining the promotion not to mention that he will "always be a WWE guy."

"I have not had talks with TNA about joining TNA," Layfield wrote. "I wish TNA the very best and Dixie Carter has been nothing but great to me as a fellow supporter of the troops where I have met her a couple of times as my role of emcee with The American Freedom Foundation, a fundraiser for our wounded heroes-perhaps this is where the misinformation came from, or from our connection in Nashville since we both have homes there and business. Mrs. Carter has never approached me about joining TNA, nor has anyone else from the company."

It was also reported that Layfield was unhappy with how his last stint in WWE went and that they didn't offer him another position following WrestleMania 25.

"The talks of me being unhappy with not being offered a non wrestling position are not true, at the time I left it was understood I was looking forward to being home after a long and happy career," Layfield wrote. "My relationship with WWE is as good as ever, as far as I am concerned."

Labels: John Bradshaw Layfield

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog this weekend on jrsbarbq.com. Here are the highlights:

- Favorite Boston wrestling memory…Austin vs. HBK with Mike Tyson involved. Plus working one event at the old Boston Garden and making that trip with the late Gorilla Monsoon. When thinking of Monsoon, I have wonderful memories of a great man. The wrestling business in general needs more people with Gorilla’s character, respect and integrity.

- I don’t know why I should have vilified Maria on Friday Night Smackdown as some have suggested via their emails. What has she done wrong? Date an arrogant wrestler? Wow, she would be the first to ever do that, right?

- Another person wanted to know why I wasn’t harder on C.M. Punk via our commentary over the promo Punk did Friday night on Smackdown. Honestly, Punk’s remarks were filled with truths. Certainly one can make an argument that Punk’s delivery was a little pompous but that’s a subjective opinion too. I can assure you that Punk means what he says about abstinence from smoking, recreational drug use, and drinking alcohol. I sure as hell can’t argue his basic points.

Labels: c.m. punk, jim ross, maria

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Chris Jericho posted a statement on his Twitter page teasing who his tag-team partner will be for the Night of Champions PPV.

"I'm not gonna say who my partner is going to be tomorrow....but he is EVIL...."

Labels: 2009 Night of Champions

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some of the highlights:

- HBO Entourage star Jeremy Priven, who plays one of the most unlikeable albeit entertaining characters on TV, will be the guest host on Raw on a broadcast emanating from the Mohegan Sun Casino on August 3. I hope Priven is as close to his Entourage character on Raw as possible because he is a captivating villain that audiences love to detest. I assume Priven, who is obviously very talented, is simply a great actor because if Entourage’s “Ari Gold” is an extension of Priven’s true personality then the guy is a legit tool. Of course, not that there’s any thing wrong with that.

- Many of my friends are asking me if I think that Shaquille O’Neal will become physically involved in the action this Monday night on Raw as “Shaq Daddy” aka “The Diesel” hosts Raw. First of all I have no clue on this and on many other things in life for the record. However, I sort of doubt it while at the same time it wouldn’t surprise me if Shaq did a little something along the lines of physicality short of having an actual match which I do not see occurring. Shaq is a UFC aficionado and is going to be in good shape so who knows? Another reason to tune into a “Vintage” Monday Night Raw that I hope to watch from the comfort of my Baltimore hotel room.

- I’ve been impressed with the progress thus far of Sheamus and of Drew McIntyre on the limited times that I have seen them in WWE rings. Ireland’s Sheamus can be seen on ECW now and is a big, rugged kid who feels like a classic antagonist. His work ethic seems sound and let’s hope that he continues to thirst for knowledge and stays in a positive frame of mine as his long journey is really just beginning. Same for Scotland’s McIntyre who has yet to officially debut on WWE TV but he, too, has potential. This is also where I generally say that potential won’t buy the groceries over the long haul. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

- The apparent issues that exist between Ric Flair and Bret Hart are unfortunate. I respect both men a great deal and loved both of their in ring work over the years and wish that this matter, that seems to rear its head periodically, would not have been made so public over the years.

- Expect the WWE Title Bout to close Night of Champions Sunday which makes sense to me. That’s what I would suggest to close the show if asked. With all due respect to the other bouts booked on Sunday, I have to prepare myself that the World Title Bout and the IC Title Bout are the biggest bouts on the show and those matches will receive most of my prep time. No, I did not just dis the Women’s Title Bout but they are usually never in the ring too long nor are they positioned much more than bridges to other bouts, unfortunately. That certainly doesn’t mean I won’t do all I can to enhance what I see between Melina and Michelle McCool. I do think that they will be physical.

Labels: bret hart, jim ross, michelle mccool, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:29 AM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: 2009 SummerSlam

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here is the complete card for this Sunday’s WWE Night of Champions pay-per-view:

WWE Championship Match
Randy Orton (c) vs. John Cena vs. Triple H

World Heavyweight Championship Match
CM Punk (c) vs. Jeff Hardy

ECW Championship Match
Tommy Dreamer (c) vs. Christian

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

WWE United States Championship Match
Kofi Kingston (c) vs. MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Big Show vs. Carlito vs. The Miz

Unified Tag Team Championship Match
Chris Jericho (c) A Mystery Partner & vs. Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes

Divas Championship Match
Maryse (c) vs. Mickie James

WWE Women’s Championship Match
Michelle McCool (c) vs. Melina

Labels: 2009 Night of Champions, michelle mccool, randy orton

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

Aerosmith's "You Gotta Move" will be the Summerslam theme song, according to blabbermouth.net.

As I noted yesterday, the Los Angeles PPV is close to sold out, so if you are planning to attend, now is the time to get the tickets. WWE is running an AXXESS event in Los Angeles as part of the weekend as well.

Labels: 2009 SummerSlam

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog on jrsbarbq.com from yesterday. Some of the highlights…

- Spoke with Jerry Brisco Tuesday afternoon while “in hurry up and wait mode” in Richmond. Jerry’s doctors are extremely happy with the HOF’er’s progress and expect him to make a full recovery from heart surgery after a few months rest. Having three months off sounds pretty intriguing to me but having to have heart surgery to facilitate such hopefully isn’t in my cards. Jerry’s speech and strength are making a big comeback!

- Shawn Michaels celebrates birthday # 44 Wednesday and our very best wishes go out to HBK. There is rampant speculation that Shawn will return to WWE in time to compete at Summerslam but I have yet to hear that confirmed. HBK returning at Summerslam would be my guess but I just can’t be sure at this time. Michaels is still, arguably, the best in ring performer in the business today.

- Much has been made of the Steve Austin tax matter resulting from the sale of some property. Knowing Steve as well as I do, and we have not discussed this particular matter, I would assume that this is merely a clerical error and someone on the accounting or Realtor end dropped the ball. Austin is one of the most obsessed individuals I know regarding saving money and taking care of his business the right way. Austin “got it” when I used to preach to the wrestlers about saving their money, preparing for their future, getting professional financial planning and income tax help and not living beyond their means IE pay one’s bills and don’t buy too much bling. Trust me, Steve Austin won’t have any issues taking care of this $22K matter that I suspect simply fell through the cracks. I can tell you from personal experience and from dealing with accountants that things like this have happened to many of us and more often than not, if one is diligent in this area, these matters are simply oversights. Austin shares my philosophy and that is to NEVER “mess” with Uncle Sam and the IRS.

- Helluva coup for Raw to nab Shaquille O’Neal as guest host this Monday night in Washington D.C., the day after Night of Champions in Philly. Shaq should be tremendous as his personality, like the rest of him, is huge. Shaq has been a long time fan and he once told me that he DVR’ed Raw every week so that he could keep up with what was happening especially during his NBA season. Shaq has an upcoming reality show that ABC is going to air this summer which will likely get some “stretch” come Monday night. The big fellow is a legit good dude let me assure you. Could we see Shaq in the ring Monday night? I don’t know but I do suspect that the Cleveland Cavaliers would likely not be overwhelmed. I suggest the Cavs send King James to D.C. to chaperon. LeBron is a big wrestling fan too. Nice tag team.

Labels: jim ross, shaquille O'Neal, shawn michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

Source: PWInsider

WWE recently sent out a survey regarding DVD buying habits of their fans and to gauge how many fans might be interested in downloading WWE media via online systems such as PS3. WWE is looking at producing some of the following DVD’s in the future:

Talent Profiles:
*Chris Jericho
*CM Punk
*Ricky Steamboat
*Randy Orton
*Goldberg
*Sting
*Brock Lesnar
*John Morrison

Compilation Titles:
*Clash of the Champions.
*Best of the Elimination Chamber
*Compilation of Giants and Monsters.
*Wargames
*Best of Monday Night Raw: 1993
*In Your House
*”Craziest” WWE Moments

MORE BIG SUMMERSLAM

Labels: brock lesner, chris jericho, goldberg, sting

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

The August issue of Movie Entertainment magazine in Canada has an advertisement for this year’s WWE SummerSlam PPV which lists the following talent for the show:

Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Edge, Chris Jericho, John Cena, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, Triple H and CM Punk

While the advertisement is likely dated because it features Edge, who is now injured, WWE is absolutely advertising Shawn Michaels for SummerSlam.

Labels: chris jericho, jeff hardy, shawn michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Early talk coming out of WWE this weekend is that the tentative main event for WWE’s SummerSlam pay-per-view in August will be Triple H vs. John Cena but that can and probably will change.

Labels: 2009 SummerSlam, john cena, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: 2009 Night of Champions, john cena, randy orton, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE’s creative team was said to be in a nightmare this past week. They were working on some long-term big storyline ideas but they fell through.

Hulk Hogan has actually been brought up as a possible RAW guest host in the future but Vince McMahon shoots his name down every time it’s mentioned for the role. Vince is looking at a Kristin Prouty for a lot of input on the angle. Kristin works in WWE’s Entertainment Relations and was responsible for bringing in Seth Green and opening up conversations with other celebrities.

Labels: hulk hogan, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

With rumors of Kurt Angle returning to WWE circulating the internet, ProWrestling.net confirms reports that there was some talk of it within WWE. However, when re-signing Kurt was pitched to Vince McMahon by the WWE creative team, Vince shot the idea down quickly. Vince said he feels Angle was not a “channel changer” and also cited his prescription pill issues. Prior to pitching it to McMahon, the creative team was split on the issue.

Several months ago, a WWE source said that the company would be interested in using Angle on a limited schedule similar to Shawn Michaels and Undertaker, however that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. The main concern is whether he would adhere to the Wellness Policy.

There are conflicting reports regarding Angle’s current TNA contract. Some say it expires in September, while others are under the impression that there’s another year left on the deal.

Labels: kurt angle, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE has some big plans already lined up for Shawn Michaels return, which is now expected to happen this summer, just in time for SummerSlam. HBK is set to return to TV in time for SummerSlam and a DX reunion with Triple H is planned.

It is also confirmed that the WWE Armageddon pay-per-view will be held on December 13th in HBK’s hometown of San Antonio, Texas at the AT&T Center. There’s also already talk of having Randy Orton defend the WWE Title against Shawn in his hometown at Armageddon, should Orton still be WWE Champion in December.

Labels: shawn michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross has a new blog entry available on his official website. Below are the highlights:

- It looks as if as many as one dozen candidates may run for Mayor of Memphis including several professional politicos. The African American vote in Memphis will be critical for Jerry Lawler and his opponents. From what I read in the Memphis media, some of the black candidates may divide a large segment of Memphis voters which might enhance the King's chances of winning the election. Nonetheless it will be a daunting challenge for any candidate to win the October special election without an established, clear cut favorite and, unfortunately, it may be the candidate who spends the most money on TV and radio ads that "buys" their way into running the city of Memphis. The current Mayor is leaving office but will enjoy, from what I understand, an approximate $90K annual pension of which the Mayor of Memphis earns after one term in office or so it was told to me. The King has tremendous name identity in his home town but his path to City Hall won't be easy and is going to require using a great deal of "shoe leather" and pressing the flesh and spending virtually every waking minute working on his campaign. I haven't talked to Jerry in a couple of weeks but likely will soon, in Philly at the Night of Champions, and will be interested in seeing how his campaign is going.

- I got a nice email from "Hitman" Bret Hart a day or so ago and he is moving around very well with his new knee that replaced the original equipment several weeks ago. Bret is spending time in Calgary this summer and we were hoping to get together when WWE is in Alberta in a few weeks but that looks iffy due to our respective schedules. Bret and I stay in somewhat regular contact and I know he's been keeping an eye on the Hart Dynasty which are now appearing regularly on Friday Night Smackdown.

- I have recorded an United Way commercial with such luminaries as OU Head Football Coach Bob Stoops, OU Head Women's Hoops Coach Sherri Coale, Heisman Trophy winners Steve Owens, Billy Sims, and Jason White. I'm not sure how I made the cut on this one but I am proud to be associated with all these folks and even prouder to help the United Way. When the commercial is done we hope to get a copy to air here on our site. It is important for all of us to give back to our communities especially in today's challenging times. When I think about kids who don't have enough food to eat it makes me want to do more.

- Got somewhat of a break this week as I found out late Friday afternoon that the Smackdown announce team wasn't needed in Raleigh Monday to tape a Superstars' match. We will record ours on Tuesday prior to taping Friday Night Smackdown in Richmond, Virginia. I do plan on getting to Richmond, which was a vital part of the old Jim Crockett Promotions NWA territory back in the day, so I can watch my friends Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top fame "host" Monday Night Raw.

- I'm beginning to like the guest host business for Raw more and feel like there are many WWE HOF'ers, for example, who can talk and who would be great "one off" hosts of WWE's top television priority, the home of the "A Listers," Monday Night Raw. Certainly celeb's who have projects to promote are viable candidates and especially those that are fans of the genre such as Seth Green last week in Orlando and ZZ Top coming up this Monday from North Carolina State University.

Labels: jerry lawler, jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

Reports from WWE's house show event in South Carolina confirm that a fan charged after Chris Jericho prior to his match with Ricky Steamboat.

As Jericho was cutting a heel promo on the crowd, a fan rushed the ring, presumably to attack the wrestler. According to live reports, the fan made it farther than expected but got caught on the ropes trying to enter the ring and was, at that point, escorted by event staff.

PWInsider.com reports that while the fan was handcuffed backstage, he actually called out to some of the wrestlers in search of autographs.

Chris Jericho noted on his Twitter, "A fan hit the ring during my promo before my match in Greenville...things did not turn out well for him."

Labels: chris jericho, ricky steamboat

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

MyNetworkTV sent the following memo to it's e-mailing list subscribers:

Jeff Hardy Battles CM Punk This Week on MyNetworkTV‏

WWE Friday Night SmackDown (HD)
Friday, July 24th at 8/7c

CM Punk's barrage of personal attacks have only served to frustrate Jeff Hardy. Now, just days before the Night of Champions match, the enigmatic superstar makes a pledge to beat CM Punk. Will Jeff Hardy make good on his promise or will CM Punk ultimately put his championship dreams to sleep? Find out on an all new Friday Night SmackDown.

Labels: c.m. punk, jeff hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments

As announced this past Friday evening on WWE.com, World Wrestling Entertainment released former Women's Champion Candice Michelle (Candice Michelle Beckman-Ehrlich), 30, from her contract. Her sudden release from WWE wasn't seen as a surprise internally.

It is believed that Michelle's less than stellar appearance at the television tapings in Los Angeles a few weeks ago ultimately sealed her fate with company officials. She had not been seen since WrestleMania, but when she arrived at the shows in Los Angeles, she didn't look "Diva like," and there were those who felt she was ready to leave the company and move on. As it turns out, WWE beat her to the punch by releasing her a few weeks later.

She told officials she was just about ready to return from her latest injury, but they gave very little leeway because she is a woman and there is a weight issue. The impression on her was always that she wasn't someone with a naturally thin body, and that she had to work very hard to look the way she did, and when you get older, fighting those genetics gets much harder. In a company where the women are primarily there for their looks, some felt she didn't have that look anymore, so they decided to let her go.

Labels: candice michelle

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

ChangeTheRecord.net recently conducted an interview with Amy "Lita" Dumas to promote The Luchagors' upcoming tour of the UK, the pros and cons of the band's front woman being a former WWE Diva, her band's next album, and more.

During the course of the interview, Dumas is asked if she was invited to take part in the 25-Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25 and/or why she turned it down. Here is what was said:

Faye: Were you invited to take part in the 25-Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25, this year? If so, why did you turn it down?

Amy: Did you see that match?!

Faye: Yeah, it was so bad!

Amy: Right, that’s why I turned it down. [laughs] I did watch it, though. I was dying laughing, I was in stitches, rolling on the couch, thinking, “Thank God, I’m not there, because that is nothing I need to be a part of.” No, first of all, let me tell you this, because Kid Rock was playing for like forever, right? I was like, “Get out of the way, what is this guy doing?! Come on! I didn’t know this guy still sang!” and then, these girls started coming out and I’m thinking they’re like his hoes, his hired dancers, about to break out into some choreographed Beyoncé-shit, but then I realized and was like, “Oh my God!” I can only imagine them being like, “So, what we’re wanting you to do is: grab Kid Rock’s leg, start grinding up on it, then go into the ring and do a drop toehold.” I’d be like, “Absolutely not, under no circumstances.” So, yeah, that is why I did not do that match.

Labels: Amy "Lita" Dumas

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

Based on information recently released by WWE, the approximate paid attendance for WrestleMania 25 earlier this year in Houston was 70,400, which would make it the third largest in the history of pro wrestling behind the record setting 1992 SummerSlam at Wembley Stadium with 78,927 paid and the 1987 WrestleMania 3 at the Pontiac Silverdome with 75,700 paid. WrestleMania 23 at Ford Field in Detroit had 66,670 paid.

Labels: wrestlemania 25

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

A member of the WWE SmackDown creative team pitched an angle for the Dolph Ziggler and Maria storyline which would have had Ziggler blackmailing Maria with video footage. It would have been heavily implied that the footage was a sex tape, although they never would have come right out and said it.

The proposed angle called for Ziggler threatening that he would show it to her family and friends, but not any of the fans. The angle was rejected.

Labels: dolph ziggler, maria

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Internally, it is believed that Tony Atlas is on his way out of WWE. Many feel he was solely brought back a year ago as a favor because he was dealing with some financial issues. There is hope that the WWE Hall of Famer saved the money he made during his latest run, not to mention use the television exposure he received over the past year to generate more bookings on the independent circuit.

Labels: tony atlas

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

According to one source, head SmackDown writer Michael Hayes has a reputation for changing house show lineups for the sake of changing them. Similarly, fellow writer Brian Gewirtz doesn’t enjoy putting together the lineups for Raw brand house shows, so he’s handed off the duty to Ed Koskey, although he signs off on them. All of the tweaks to house show lineups reportedly upset Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis. It is his responsibility to put together house show cards, but he has been forced to work in conjunction with the creative team.S

Labels: John Laurinaitis, Michael Hayes

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

In case you have noticed, Mike Knox has not appeared on television since the May 29th, 2009 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, which saw him to lose to The Great Khali and R-Truth in a tag match after Dolph Ziggler walked out on him. His status in WWE remains unclear, but some reports have circulated online saying he is in the doghouse and perhaps even in line to be let go.

Labels: mike knox, r-truth

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:20 PM | Permalink | Comments

As seen on ECW this week, Ezekiel Jackson made his debut on the brand, defeating local competitor Jack Meridol. Jackson had not appeared on television since the April 3, 2009 episode of SmackDown, which saw him lose to Jeff Hardy. Jackson was drafted to the ECW brand two weeks later as part of the 2009 Supplemental Draft, therefore breaking up the team of himself and The Brian Kendrick. Without debuting for the brand, however, Jackson returned to Florida Championship Wrestling for further training, where he largely squashed wrestlers.

Labels: Ezekiel Jackson

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:25 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE has announced that actor and producer Seth Green will be the special guest host for this coming Monday night’s RAW from Orlando, Florida. Green is the co-creator of hit TV show Robot Chicken and has starred in such movies as Austin Powers, Can’t Hardly Wait and The Italian Job, among many others.

Labels: RAW, Seth Green

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

Edge was injured during a match with Jeff Hardy over the weekend at a WWE Live Event in San Diego. Edge was running towards Jeff when he tore his Achilles tendon.

WWE has confirmed on their website the torn Achilles tendon injury. Edge arrived at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama earlier today to have surgery to repair the torn tendon in his left ankle. Edge’s surgery began at 10 a.m. EST this morning.

WWE has confirmed that Edge’s surgery was a success this afternoon, but have not provided an update on his return. Early estimates predicted that Edge may be out of action for the remainder of 2009 and put his return at January 2010.

Labels: edge

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

The always insane Ultimate Warrior (or Warrior), took some massive shots at the death of Michael Jackson from this past week. The following is from his blog on the subject:

I imagine all the crying about the death of this recent drug-soused entertainment freak has most to do with the unfortunate inconvenience that the other drug-soused entertainment freaks now face. They will have to look for another local, safe and reputable babysitter. No longer will they be able to drop their kids off down the street at Jacko’s to be watched for the afternoon and spend some play time with his own kids.

I hate the paparazzi, and think they should all be shot for the obsessive invasion of privacy. But I’m really going miss ALL those TMZ and Entertainment Tonight video clips of Jacko’s and other celebrity kids playing together. You ever see any of those? Weren’t they great? Didn’t they make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside? Worked for me. Every time I caught one it made me believe maybe he wasn’t a pedophile. After all, famous and rich entertainers, with all kinds of money to go to any expense to have things accurately checked out for themselves, wouldn’t let their own little babies near a pedophile…would they?!

Well, you gotta give him credit for one thing. He spent all his money (and then some) before he died. And that’s not an easy thing to calculate. Go ahead, ask your financial planner if he has a plan to pull it off. For all the horrific mismanagement of millions and millions and millions of dollars, here at the end, Jacko did a pretty damn good job at balancing the books in his favor. Sorry, at my new age and with the way the Obama economic plan is going, I couldn’t help but recognize this stunner.

Your Founding Father of Intense Sarcasm…

Always Believe, Warrior

Labels: michael jackson, ultimate warrior

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:04 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with another blog on jrsbarbq.com. Some of the highlights:

- ECW is going to be a mix of a handful of vets mixxing it up w/ several rookies. WWE has many, talented youngsters who will make ECW their home for the foreseeable future.This show will showcase their ever improving skills.w/ some talents winning, some losing and all of them improving. That’s the goal. Got a feeling this show will be feast or famine w/ no lack of effort. Sheamus, the Keltic Warrior is a keeper. Kovlov had a good nite. There is something good in the future for the Russian. Abraham Washington’s “talk” show will be challenging at first but the young man can talk. Patience for these young kids will be needed by all involved but they’ll succeed with hard work and the leadership of the vets.ECW will be unpredictable without question. I expect Christian, Dreamer & Regal to be viable vets on Tues nite.

- SD did well in the draft. It was easy to see it in tonight’s locker room. The Hart Dynasty adds ready to rock youth and heritage. Finley adds a veteran who can have a good match w/ most anyone as he did w/ Ricky Ortiz who learned from the Quiet Man.” Friday Night SD is wrestling heavy. Fit-Ortiz, Ziggler-Truth, Rey vs Kane, a diva tag that had the time to evolve,and the reluctant duo of Jeff Hardy & CM Punk vs Team Ego of Jericho & Edge.Once I slipped up and said “Edge & Christian.” Opps…my bad or wishful thinking. The finish at the end of the show provided two surprises that you should watch Friday night.

- Plus there is one more night to go Wednesday in Bakersfield. This may be the most interesting night of the week as it relates to fatige and unpredictability. Jericho challenges Mysterio Wed nite for the IC Title. Let’s hope that they can recreate their magic at The Bash. Wed’s content will be voicedover next week in Stamford. We’re all out here working hard with many new elements which keeps everyone on their toes & to be honest some of it will be great and some will be fodder for the critics.

Labels: chris jericho, edge, jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

From: Wrestling Observer

Last night’s episode of ECW saw the debuts of four wrestlers in Yoshi Tatsu (Naofumi Yamamoto), Abraham Washington (Brian Jossie), Sheamus (Stephen Farrelly) and Tyler Reks (Gabriel Tuft). However, both wrestlers and fans alike shouldn’t get too comfortable quite yet as the four newcomers were considered in the eyes of creative as not full-fledged ECW wrestlers, but rather, wrestlers being looked at for possible spots on ECW. At this point, none are considered to be official members of the ECW roster.

Keep your eyes peeled on ECW over the next few weeks as more developmental wrestlers will be tested out for possible spots on the roster. Given the limited amount of roster spots in ECW and extraordinary number of wrestlers in developmental, unfortunately, not everyone will make it. Given WWE’s lack of patience for young stars, it’s definitely a “sink or swim” situation.

Labels: abraham washington, ecw, sheamus, tyler reks

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE’s website has the full details on the 15 Superstar trade that was approved by Donald Trump. Here are the full roster changes:

New Members of RAW: Evan Bourne, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger, Gail Kim, Alicia Fox

New Members of Smackdown: Matt Hardy, Finlay, Tyson Kidd, Natalya, David Hart Smith

New Members of ECW: Shelton Benjamin, Goldust, William Regal, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella

The decision to implement the fifteen-Superstar WWE roster trade was reportedly made sometime in the past week. One of the trade’s biggest implications concerned the ECW Championship. The original plan called for Jack Swagger to win the title at The Bash in the Championship Scramble. Instead, WWE opted to move Swagger to RAW, where he will feud with fresh babyfaces.

Labels: ecw, gail kim, jack swagger, mark henry, matt hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments

According to twnpnews.com:

Tony Atlas' future with WWE is very much in doubt following the transfer of his associate, Mark Henry, to the Raw brand this past Monday.

Company officials plan on pushing the "World's Strongest Man" as a top babyface, which as a result, has left Atlas to fend for himself as he is not being brought alongside him.

The WWE Hall of Famer's contract is coming due in a few weeks and it remains uncertain whether it will be renewed.

Labels: mark henry, tony atlas

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments