WWE is now advertising CM Punk for upcoming live events and pay-per-views, including SummerSlam. Punk is being billed as "Sports Entertainment's most controversial Superstar."

Punk vs. John Cena and Punk vs. Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio are some of the live event matches Punk is booked for. The three-way is advertised for the RAW show on September 3rd in Trenton, New Jersey.

Cena vs. Punk vs. Del Rio vs. The Miz in a Fatal Four Way is advertised for the WWE Supershow on September 17th in Youngstown, Ohio.

Labels: Alberto Del Rio, cm punk, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:48 PM | Permalink | Comments

John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler vs. Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz in a Canadian Street Fight are matches advertised for WWE's tour of Canada from September 9th until the 11th. Rey Mysterio and CM Punk are not advertised for the shows.

Labels: dolph ziggler, Evan Bourne, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

Plans for Monday's RAW have Jim Ross, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler calling the whole show. Ross is back full-time and will be calling pay-per-views and upcoming international tours where WWE will be taping shows. Unless things change, RAW will continue with a three-man commentary team.

Labels: jim ross, michael cole

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments

Ultimate Warrior revealed his thoughts regarding WWE Superstars John Cena and CM Punk on his Facebook page.

Warrior said of Cena: "I don't know John. Or any of the other guys. It's been a long time since I was in the business and none of them were there when I was, except for a few, like Undertaker. I don't watch TV or PPV's and I don't visit wrestling newssites. However, I was told by the top decision maker in the business, "nobody wants to go for the brass ring anymore, except this John Cena kid...I think, anyway." I've heard from other reliable sources that John is a hard worker.

"I know from my OWN experience that self-discipline, stamina and hard work goes a long way with a decision maker who can go longer and harder than 99% of talent he's seen come and go throughout the years."

Warrior remarked the following regarding Punk, who he has exchanged multiple messages with on Twitter: "From what I have heard, he's got a good ear to his gut instincts and follows the music of his OWN muse. A man's entire destiny depends on how much he will trust these two virtues. Doesn't matter if wants to rule a wrestling ring or the world. If he will fight and bleed for them and guard them from falling prey to ANY other human being's advice, he could write himself a damn good-sized ticket, especially with today's culture being what it is.

"About Punk and the others, I say it is their time and let them have it.

"If a Superstar from yesteryear can't contribute in a way that allows the new crop of talented guys to shine and have their day in the spotlight, contribute in a way to let them Feel their Power, then they should pack their gear bag and go fucking home. Pack your gear bag and go the fuck home."

Labels: cm punk, john cena, ultimate warrior

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: cm punk, john cena, RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE’s website is teasing that Triple H has signed CM Punk to a new WWE deal after the challenge at Comic-Con over the weekend and then Punk’s return on RAW last night. They also note that Triple H finally gave Zack Ryder his long-awaited opportunity last night, something else that Punk mentioned when he crashed Comic-Con.

Labels: cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE is going with the idea that long-term booking works better and will be booking more angles ahead of time and going backwards.

WrestleMania 28 has been a hot topic for months now and the way they have been building up Mark Henry as of late has to do with a possible match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania next year. Some are against the idea with the feeling that Taker shouldn’t waste one of his remaining WrestleMania matches on a guy like Henry, but the match has been discussed.

Daniel Bryan cashing in Money in the Bank and John Cena vs. The Rock is also on tap for Miami next year. Another top match that has been discussed is Triple H vs. CM Punk.

Regarding Bryan cashing in at WrestleMania 28, one source doesn’t expect that storyline to last through the end of this year.

Labels: Daniel Bryan, john cena, mark henry, the rock, undertaker, wrestlemania 28

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

There will be a Divas Battle Royal on next week's RAW where the winner will face Kelly Kelly for the Divas Title at SummerSlam. Word going around is that it will be Kelly vs. Eve Torres at next month's pay-per-view from Los Angeles.

John Morrison vs. R-Truth is also booked for SummerSlam with CM Punk vs. John Cena in a WWE Title vs. WWE Title match. We should know more on the SummerSlam card after tonight's SmackDown tapings.

Labels: 2011 summerslam, cm punk, john cena, kelly kelly

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

Some of the CM Punk and WWE storyline is expected to play out in other outlets beside WWE TV. Word is that the idea for now is to try a unique balancing act with Punk to be kept in the news with the WWE Title while WWE acts like he doesn’t exist. WWE has been calling in favors to try and get Punk booked on things like late night talk shows where they can continue the storyline.

WWE talents have been told not to mention Punk’s name in interviews for now, as well as on Twitter and Facebook. On Monday’s RAW, John Cena was scripted to slip-up and mention Punk’s name. Also before RAW hit the air, Justin Roberts announced that WWE management has banned the fans from chanting Punk’s name – which just led to them chanting it, as seen on TV.

Labels: cm punk, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

IGN.com reports that this afternoon at the San Diego Comic-Con, WWE Champion CM Punk disrupted a panel with Triple H, Rey Mysterio, and Bret Hart, who were promoting Mattel's "Past, Present, Future" line of WWE action figures.

Punk brought his bullhorn with him, and took the microphone during the Q&A session, relaying his disgust that Raw was trying to crown a new champion, and dared Mysterio, or anyone else, to face him in Chicago if they wish to be the real champion.

Punk also demanded to know from Hunter why Zack Ryder wasn't on TV. Hunter calmly explained that there's a new regime in charge, and that Punk should give him a call. Punk's parting shot was to tell Triple H that Stephanie already has his number.

Labels: cm punk, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:18 PM | Permalink | Comments

For those still wondering, the end of RAW last night with Triple H and Vince McMahon was part of the storylines with a little bit of real life thrown in there as Triple H has been groomed for a year now to take over Vince’s duties.

WWE’s website is teasing that the company’s latest evolution captained by Triple H begins next week on RAW with the crowning of a new WWE Champion.

Labels: triple h, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

Word going around yesterday and at last night’s RAW was that WWE will not be bringing Sin Cara back after he failed a Wellness test. As noted before, it’s believed that Cara actually failed the test in mid-June but was just suspended yesterday. There is a lot of heat on Cara for the suspension because he’s been promoted as Triple H’s first major international hire.

Labels: Sin Cara

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

The Rock wrote the following on Twitter last night after RAW, responding to John Cena’s apology tweet from earlier in the afternoon:

“Cena – get back on your tour bus, call up your favorite yum rocket, take your apology and stick it straight up your phony ass.”

Labels: john cena, the rock, wrestlemania 28

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

While many people are speculating that CM Punk has either signed a new contract with WWE or extended his current deal, there is no official word on his status. Only a select few know his current WWE status.

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, cm punk

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE announced Monday morning that Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde, who performs as Sin Cara, has been suspended for 30 days due to his first violation of the organization’s Talent Wellness Program.

Sin Cara’s suspension is due to a drug test failure which WWE was notified of weeks ago. A reporter for PWInsider.com says he learned of Sin Cara’s drug test failure on June 20 but was unable to find a corroborating source at the time. The WWE Superstar reportedly tested positive for anabolic steroids in early June.

F4WOnline.com adds that he may not be brought back when his suspension is lifted.

Sin Cara was written off television during last night’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. During the SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Sheamus viciously powerbombed the masked grappler from the ring apron through a steel ladder. He was subsequently stretchered to the back by paramedics. To explain his absence from television, WWE.com announced this afternoon that he suffered a posterior fractured rib and will be sidelined for at least four weeks.

Labels: Sin Cara

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments

According to a high level production source on site in Chicago on Sunday, Vince McMahon arrived at the arena with an extension to CM Punk's contract in hand.

The WWE Chairman seems determined to keep Punk in the company, and part of the plan is for Punk to headline SummerSlam, either against Cena in a rematch, or against the Money In The Bank winner in some sort of stipulation match.

"Everything is up in the air," the source said. "Whatever deal Punk cuts will determine the future of the WWE Title!"

Labels: 2011 summerslam, cm punk, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:29 AM | Permalink | Comments

According to several sources who were backstage at Sunday's WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view, the WWE locker room was not told about the finish to the John Cena vs. CM Punk main event match in advnace - but according to one wrestler backstage “it was a total sellout at the monitor!”

We were told, “Even the producers (formerly agents) were sitting on the edge of their seats, which is why Vince McMahon only had John Laurinaitis go out to the ring with him. He didn’t want anyone else to know the finish of the match.”

According to another source, Alberto Del Rio was briefed personally by Vince once Punk and Cena were already in the ring.

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, cm punk, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

The Bella Twins lashed out at fans on Twitter criticizing Brie's largely panned performance at Money in the Bank. The twin duo, who share an account, fired back at fans who posted negative remarks concerning the WWE Divas Championship bout by saying they have no room to talk.

A Bella wrote, "I think it's funny when people have to RT something a lot when they don't even have the skill to back it up... #Desperate&Sad."

Minutes later, a fan suggested that Brie learn how to wrestle and could do so by studying footage of the TNA Knockouts. The fan wrote, "I'm actually shocked your match went like 5 mins haha!!! But seriously, learn to work. Watch TNA Knockouts and take notes!!!"

One of the Bellas snarked, "they have the worst matches ever." She added, "Show up to a live event and your mouth will shut up... Like we're in charge of time."

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, bella twins

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:26 AM | Permalink | Comments

Paul Heyman finally spoke on CM Punk and his RAW promo from a few weeks back. Heyman wrote:

“It’s been 20 days since @CMPunk turned the wrestling world and WWE Universe completely upside down w/ his performance. It’s not what @CMPunk said, it’s the realism with which his promo was delivered. HE felt it. So did millions of fans, too. @CMPunk is not the voice of the voiceless, he’s the voice of today’s generation! @CMPunk is cool and bad ass, yet he’s a man of principle. He translates to grownups and kids alike. I’M A @CMPunk GUY!”

Labels: cm punk, paul heyman

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:25 AM | Permalink | Comments

Alberto Del Rio earned a future WWE Title shot while Daniel Bryan earned a World Heavyweight Title shot by winning the RAW and SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder matches tonight.

While Del Rio attempted to cash in on CM Punk, the bell never rang and his shot is still intact.

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, Daniel Bryan

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

After Money in the Bank went off the air, Vince McMahon stood there shocked before finally walking off. He stopped to wait on John Laurinaitis. Officials helped Laurinaitis to the back but Vince laid him out with a right hand and walked off.

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

Following the Rocks long video bashing John Cena, the WWE Champ responded to The Rock Wednesday afternoon with the following statement on Twitter:

“CeNation. Just saw Dwayne’s statement. Via satellite of course. Sad, really. It was like an episode of mad money.”

“I wonder if GLAAD will be offended by Dwayne’s comments.”

“Either way..looks like I have really made him mad. But, certainly not mad enough to show up and do anything. Maybe he can send a stuntman.”

“Dwayne. I am a WWE employee, and a proud one. The difference between us is you left for ‘greener pastures’. For me…this is what I love.”

“I have never begged for anyones admiration or acceptance, u don’t believe me..watch MITB. Its not about that. Its about showing up.”

Id rather wrestle a thousand ‘punks’ than one ‘rock’. Because I can see his passion. Wish I could see yours…yer just never there. :)

“Until april 1st. Keep on bringing it my man. You’re doing great. Your friend John Cena”

Labels: john cena, the rock, wrestlemania 28

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

There was a lot of heat from management and other wrestlers regarding Randy Orton’s recent interview where he bashed Kelly Kelly. It was noted by a source that any mid-card wrestler who said even part of what Orton did would be buried big time but Orton was able to get away with it because he’s one of the “golden boys.”

Labels: kelly kelly, randy orton

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE has made the decision to start very soon on construction for a physical Hall of Fame. Officials are still looking for a city to house the Hall of Fame and carry the financial burden of running it but Orlando, Florida is a possibility. WWE is in the process of purchasing legendary memorabilia for displays in the new Hall of Fame building.

Labels: 2009 WWE Hall of Fame

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: john cena, the rock, wrestlemania 28

Posted by Matt Loede at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter about last night’s RAW: “That was one of the best Monday Night Raw’s in years. Amazing mic work, gr8 ending, bodacious build 4 Sun’s PPV. Bravo. 1 irony of the strong attitudinal Raw w/ edgy elements, reality feel was that its still rated PG. Good PG works.”

Labels: jim ross, RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments

Drew McIntyre got up and walked away on his own after taking the nasty fall with Big Show and Mark Henry off the stage on last night’s RAW. While Show and Henry fell on the protected area, Drew apparently fell to the concrete and hit a lighting stand on the way down.

Labels: Drew McIntyre

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments

WWEDVDNews reports that the new Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart DVD is a part of a new series called “WWE’s Greatest Rivalries”, which will also include a Steve Austin vs. The Rock set.

The working title for the two-disc Blu-ray and three-disc DVD is simply Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart, and will be released on October 25th in North America. Here’s the synopsis:

“For more than a decade, Bret “Hit Man” Hart and Shawn Michaels engaged in perhaps the most storied rivalry in the history of sports entertainment, from their teams (the Hart Foundation and the Rockers), through battles for the Intercontinental Championship and the richest prize in the business, the WWE Championship.

Their enmity spilled out of the ring, and led to the most infamous incident in the history of professional wrestling, The Montreal Screwjob. More than a decade later, the two men buried the hatchet as both are now WWE Hall of Famers.

Now, for the first time ever, the two sit down together and rehash their intertwined destinies in Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart. These new, never-before-aired, interviews will shed new light and insight on controversies fans have speculated about for years.”

Labels: bret hart, shawn michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: 2011 money in the bank, cm punk, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

The WWE RAW crew has returned to the United States after wrapping their Australian and New Zealand tour. CM Punk has resumed tweeting now that he’s back home. Punk responded to ESPN’s Jim Rome offering him some air-time to finish his rant from RAW two weeks ago. Punk wrote:

“Okay, so I missed some stuff. Mike Rome? Let’s do this.”

Punk later corrected the name, Jim Rome and said “somebody get me on ESPN.”

Labels: cm punk

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE’s SmackDown brand kicked off their South African tour today with a show in Cape Town that saw hometown star Justin Gabriel as a babyface. Gabriel wrestled Sin Cara to a no contest due to interference from Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. This led to Cara and Gabriel defeating the two.

Labels: justin gabriel, Ted DiBiase

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Randy Orton reported on his Twitter account that the bags of several WWE talents were stolen from their checked luggage in South Africa. Several bags that had locks on them had the locks cut.

Orton said that his bags were not stolen from, and did not specify which of the other talents were robbed.

Labels: randy orton

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

After WWE Champion John Cena defeated CM Punk in the main event of WWE's live event in Brisbane, Australia, Punk got on the microphone and started putting Cena over. He did so by pointing out that, while Rock is off making movies, Cena is performing for WWE "in sickness and in health" and devoting himself to the business. Cena and Punk shook hands and Punk left.

After that, Cena referred to Punk as "the best wrestler in WWE right now", and promised that their match at Money in the Bank will be match of the year, even bigger than Cena's match with Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII next year.

Labels: cm punk, john cena

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

Colt Cabana spoke with Mike Mooneyham of The Post & Courier this weekend about CM Punk’s promo on last Monday’s RAW. Here are some quotes from the article:

“He’s worn my shirt before doing commentary. He doesn’t care anymore, and he’s looking out for his buddies.”

“He mentioned Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar — two guys Vince knows very well. He also mentioned a little-known wrestler from Chicago named Colt Cabana. Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar weren’t trending on Twitter worldwide, but Colt Cabana was. Hopefully this promo was revolutionary in terms of maybe making them recognize that his real feelings will bring them so much attention. Hopefully that will open some eyes and open some doors for wrestlers like myself and Zack Ryder to get a better opportunity using real-life situations.”

“There were a lot of ‘thank you’s’ from those guys in the back. Everyone wants to say it, but no one has the gall to. But Punk is Punk, and that’s what has made him so amazing over the years. He had a live mic, and he was able to do it.”

“We said that wrestling needs some kind of spark. And you never know where it’s going to come from. Thank God it was from an unscripted promo. It wasn’t from some writer telling Punk what to do. It was unscripted, live television, and I hope this has the ability to turn wrestling around if done right. I hope they go the right way with it.”

Labels: cm punk, Colt Cabana

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross is back with a 4th of July blog over on his website, jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights from this entry:

- Speaking of Australia, WWE Raw talents are finishing up a 5 day tour there today. This tour will generate well over $3M in ticket sales revenue notwithstanding what the WWE will garner at their merchandise stands. Two live events had whopping 1.1M gates.

- Happy belated birthday to our good friend and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart whose B-Day was yesterday if I’m not mistaken. @BretHart was a pleasure to see when last we were in Stamford together for the HBK/Hitman DVD. Bret looks great and seems to be very happy. He will always be one of my favorite wrestlers and Bret is often overlooked in how much of a positive influence Hitman had on Steve Austin’s career in WWE. These two had some amazing bouts including one of my all time favorites at WM13.

- Another emailer took me to task about my opinion on hunting and particularly endorsing Shawn Michaels new adventure/hunting show on the Outdoor Life Network. I assume it’s a generational thing as my Dad used to hunt and we processed and ate everything he harvested over the course of the year from Venison Sausage to quail. Dad’s hunting helped our struggling family with our grocery bill and provided a source of lean, protein to supplement the beef, pork and chicken we raised on our farm. Another issue is the over population of some species. Either hunters are allowed to harvest these animals in a systematic, controlled manner or a respective state’s wildlife department will handle it.

@shawnmichaels- _ can be followed on Twitter and I hope that fans support his show and stay tuned for more great things coming from Shawn as he begins ‘phase two’ of his professional career now that his in ring wrestling days have ended.

Labels: bret hart, jim ross, Kevin Nash. Shawn Michaels

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments

The Great Khali and Kane are said to be banged up and hurting a lot lately. Khali’s mobility as of late has been bad while Kane is hurting but not letting it effect his in-ring work. NXT Rookie Conor O’Brian, before being eliminated, was nursing a knee injury. He had ice on his knee a lot at last week’s WWE TV tapings.

Labels: kane, the great khali

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments