WWE News Alert 1/1/18 – Elias Covers Hotline Bling, Championship Match Ends Due to Referee Stoppage, Rusev Day Shirt Sells Out

WWE News and Rumors for January 1, 2018

WWE held a live event on New Year’s Eve in Toronto, the hometown of musical artist Drake. The audience on hand was treated to an acoustic rendition of Drake’s hit “Hotline Bling” by none other than Elias, who continues to display his vast musical range. Although 2018 will be a a breakout year for Elias, the performance was followed by a chokeslam from Kane.

Also in Toronto, the main event for the Intercontinental Championship ended abruptly as the champion Roman Reigns busted his challenger Samoa Joe open above the eye before the referee stopped the match due to the laceration.

Braun Strowman was sent home from the WWE Holiday Tour due to illness an misses several events. Strowman shouldn’t miss much time and had been wrestling Kane on this tour.

Chris Jericho had been on Podcast One for the past four years with his podcast Talk is Jericho. In addition Jericho formed “The Jericho Network” within Podcast One that brought other shows to the platform including The Raven Effect, Keeping it 100 and Killing The Town. Jericho is leaving Podcast One and bringing his show and entire Jericho Network of shows to a new platform, Westwood One.

For the first time ever on Smackdown Live the week will feature AJ Styles vs Sami Zayn in what should be a PPV Quality match on free TV. This is, however, a non-title match, so the WWE Championship is not on the line.

Rusev Day is an absolute phenomenon! To close out 2017, the Happy Rusev Day shirts are completely sold out and expected to be back in stock any minute. Get yours at WWE Shop.

WWE News Today – Eva Marie’s Replacement for Total Divas, Hulk Hogan Overseas Tour and WWE Return, Tommaso Ciampa Injury

WWE News and Rumors for May 19, 2017

  • An NXT live event in Highland Heights, KY featured a tag team match of DIY vs Sanity that resulting in a no contest. This result was because the match had to be stopped after Tommaso Ciampa injured his leg with a dive off the apron. Ciampa needed to be helped to the back and will likely miss the NXT TakeOver special this weekend.
  • Eva Marie being severed from WWE has caused the need to replace her on Total Divas. The front runners at this time are Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch.
  • Congratulations to Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan who have welcomed their first child into the world, daughter Birdie Joe.
  • John Cena on the Playback Podcast mentioned that Southpaw Regional Wrestling will return in some form after heavily praising the promotion. Cena plays the role of Lance Catermaran on the show, a role he plans to reprise and admitted it was inspired by Gordon Solie.
  • Legendary wrestling manager Jimmy Hart was recently a guest on Cerrito & 5 Starr, where he talked extensively about Hulk Hogan’s future. Hart used the cliché “never say never” style answer about if Hulk will ever return to the WWE and also revealed plans for a Hulk Hogan overseas tour based on the high demand from fans around the world.
  • The Smackdown intro video has been changed as both John Cena and Nikki Bella have been removed from the opening. Superstar Shakeup acquisitions have been added including Jonder Mahal, Charlotte Flair, Shinsuke Nakamura, Lana, Kevin Owens and The New Day.
  • Another Smackdown note about the preshow dark match saw Tye Dillenger defeat Aiden English. This match also be happening for the preshow of this Sunday’s Backlash PPV.

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WWE News Today 5/10/17 – Braun Strowman Injury, Batista Return, R-Truth Hosts Game Show

WWE News and Rumors for May 10, 2017

  • New Details on Braun Strowman’s elbow surgery suggest he will miss the next two Raw PPVs. Strowman had been penciled in to face Roman Reigns in June at Extreme Rules and then Brock Lesnar in July at the Inaugural Great Balls of Fire PPV. Originally the timetable for return was 2 months, but now there is less clarity on a return date.
  • On Talk is Jericho, Batista revealed that he has contacted WWE several times about returning to face Triple H. He is only interested in this match, however WWE.com conducted a poll on who Batista’s opponent should be upon a potential return. Brock Lesnar is leading by a wide margin, with Triple H being the runner up.
  • After Smackdown and 205 Live, there was a dark match in the arena with Shinsuke Nakamura defeating Dolph Ziggler with the Kinshasha.
  • Jim Ross will be calling matches on episodes of the WWE UK Show on the WWE Network. He will be partnered with Nigel McGuinness
  • Jerry Lawler is offering franchise opportunities for his BBQ restaurant. Lawler has been in the restaurant business before, however the latest venture just opened up recently. This comes after the WWE ceased using Jerry as a full time commentator.
  • Emma has left the WWE European Tour with a shoulder injury of which the severity is at this time unknown. After a shaky return recently, Emma is finally gaining steam but this injury could sidetrack this momentum.
  • Due to an arm injury, Ember Moon is unable to challenge Asuka for the NXT Championship as planned for NXT Takeover: Chicago. Asuka will now defend in a Triple Threat Match against Nikki Cross and Ruby Riot.
  • Cody Rhodes will reprise his role on the next episode of Arrow. Cody, as Stardust, had a SummerSlam match and ongoing feud with the Stephen Amell when still under contract with WWE.
  • The WWE Network secretly filmed what will be the Network’s first game show, hosted by R-Truth. It is set to debut later this year.

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undertaker 2017

WWE News Today – Undertaker Spotted in NY, Goldburger, Brock Lesnar Return

WWE News and Rumors May 4, 2017

  • Monday after Raw went off the air, the live audience witnessed Finn Balor, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins playfully goad The Miz into delivering his famous catch phrase “I’m the Miz and I am Awesome”. The Miz was willing to do this, however Dean, Finn and Seth decided to give him their finishers. At one point in the post dark segment, Bray Wyatt, who was still under the ring, scurried to the locker room, which caused the audience to burst into joyful laughter.
  • On Smackdown Tuesday, before the show went to live broadcast, there was a dark match seeing Luke Harper defeat Viktor of the Ascension.
  • WWE has changed the name of a PPV that was to be called Bad Blood, a returning name that was used years ago, to Great Balls of Fire. While this has been met with a magnitude of criticism, this event will also feature the return of WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. The event will take place July 9 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas and will air live on the WWE Network.
  • While Brock Lesnar’s first challenger is unknown, the rumors currently three possible opponents. Finn Balor, the first Universal Champion is one of these possiblities. The other two ideas would be Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman.
  • The first ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins has now abbreviated his ring name to simply TJP.
  • Adam Cole’s ROH contract has expired and while he will continue to wrestle there for now, he is more in demand now than at any point in his career. Both NJPW and WWE are interested and chances are good he will reach an agreement with WWE as it is the most sensible progression for him.
  • The Undertaker and wife Michele McCool were spotted and photographed in Manhattan yesterday entering a hospital. We know Taker was planning to undergo much needed hip surgery that has been delayed so he can continue to wrestle. While the surgery has not been confirmed it is the most likely explanation.
  • Goldberg is doing a “meet, greet and eat” at the Sugar Factor in Las Vegas May 20. This will include a limited edition “Gold-Burger”, which is as massive as it is extravagant.
  • Shawn Michaels will co-star in “Pure Country: Pure Heart” with legendary country music singer Willie Neslon. Like Shawn’s last smash hit, “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” this is being produced by WWE Studios. This is a music driven story and will be released August 1, 2017 on DVD, Blue Ray and On Demand.

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ken shamrock 2017

WWE News Today 5/1/17 – Jeff Hardy Gets Tooth Knocked Out, Ken Shamrock vs Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre

WWE News and Rumors for May 1, 2017

  • During last night’s WWE Payback event, Jeff Hardy had a tooth knocked out after a kick from Sheamus. The Hardyz were still able o win the match, retaining the Raw Tag Team Championships. Brian the Guppy posted a clip of this on twitter.
  • Ken Shamrock recently did an interview with Hannibal TV where he claimed that in his prime he could beat Brock Lesnar is a legit fight. He attributes this to Lesnar’s limited fighting skills and inability to be an effective striker. Also in the interview he stated that he should get another chance in WWE because he brought in all the moves that the talent is currently using. Wrestling INC provided a partial transcript of the interview.
  • Billy Corgan has purchased the National Wrestling Alliance. This includes the name and all related trademarks including the NWA classic World Championship Title. This was reported by PWInsider.
  • Drew McIntyre finished up all of his independent commitments outside the WWE and is now set to be there full time in NXT.
  • Sean Waltman was unable to make an independent wrestling event overseas this past weekend leading many to fear the worst. Those close to X-Pac, namely Kevin Nash, say he’s great and that there is nothing to worry about.

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dean ambrose wwe

WWE News Today 4/27/17 – Dean Ambrose a Lazy Wrestler?, NXT Releases, Jerry Lawler Payback Return

WWE News and Rumors for April 27, 2017

  • There have been rumors that there is frustration with Dean Ambrose for becoming lazy since being elevated to main event status. It’s worth mentioning that last year Ambrose once again wrestled the most matches out of anyone else on the roster.
  • Early gambling odds on Money in the Bank projected Baron Corbin as the favorite to win the MitB briefcase. Wagering has closed and bet are no longer being taken by Grosvenor Casinos.
  • Another NXT release, this time Andrea Ocampo, also known as Andrea D’marco and was working as a ring announcer for the brand.
  • There had been some false reports that Tough Enough winner Josh Brendl, who wrestles as Bronson Matthews, had also been released but he is still under contract.
  • Jerry Lawler revealed that his WWE return will be this Sunday as part of the Payback pre-show and also on Raw Talk immediately following the PPV on the WWE Network.
  • There have been rumblings that the House of Horror match at Payback will be partially pre-taped before cutting to the live action match.

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vnce mcmahon movie wwe studios

WWE News Today 4/25/17 – Vince McMahon Movie, Lana Dances, Shaq on Why He Didn’t Do Wrestlemania

 

WWE News Today April 25, 2017

  • A biopic on Vince McMahon and his conquering of the pro wrestling industry is in the works by Sony Tristar. The title will be “Pandamonium” and WWE Studios is involved with President Michael Liusi being one of the producers. This is going to be a really interesting film. Is Vince willing to have his life over-sensationalized to drive box office numbers?
  • Lana tested out a new gimmick at an NXT Live event in Crystal River, FL. This gimmick involved her dancing and it is believed she will be doing something like this when she debuts for the Smackdown Brand. Furthermore, it looks as if WWE will break up the act of Rusev and Lana, possible stemming from Rusev getting an unauthorized haircut.
  • Roman Reigns was backstage for Raw Monday Night in Kansas City but was obviously not used in any way on the show itself.
  • WWE has parted ways with Chris Atkins. Atkins had been working for NXT, but was seldom used on live events. The release of this Australian bodybuilder was originally reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet.
  • Crazzy Steve has decided to part ways with Impact Wrestling and has been offered a contract by WWE. He would most likely debut in NXT. Gunner is also looking to be NXT bound provided he can pass the WWE’s physical.
  • WWE has announced that it will be holding tryouts in Dubai April 26-29. 40 men and women in total will be part of this tryout, intended to recruit premiere talent from the Middle East and India in the WWE’s commitment to presenting the most talented athletes in the world.
  • Shaq recently revealed details of why he didn’t have a match at Wrestlemania 33 with The Big Show. At one point in the talks, WWE wanted this to be a six man match and after Shaq refused WWE canceled. Shaq then made other plans and the WWE tried to reopen the talks after this, but Shaq said “They messed it up”.

WWE News Today 4/21/17 – Where Have Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Been? Vader Faints in Japan, Paige Return

  • Triple H and Stephanie are currently on vacation in the Caribbean and have posted photos on instagram. It is being said that the reason Stephanie was put through a table at Wrestlemania is so she could have time off for this vacation.
  • Vader fainted after a match in Japan during a ceremony for Tatsumi Fujinami. This was the aftermath of a 6-man tag team match involving Vader and Fujinami at Korakuen Hall. Vader was able to regain consciousness and leave on his own. He later claimed it had nothing to do with his heart and that it was something involving his head.
  • Roman Reigns is off for the weekend events for the Raw Brand but is being advertised for WWE Raw this Monday Night at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.
  • There are high hopes at the top of the WWE management totem poll for Baron Corbin. Even with the rise in interest for Braun Strowman, Corbin is considered to have more potential of the two. Baron is now being groomed for a WWE Championship match later this year. This is said to be a driving force behind why Jinder Mahal was put in the title picture in order to buy time for Corbin to be as prepared as possible for the opportunity. A major overhaul in his gimmick could be underway including new entrance music.
  • Even with the plans for Corbin to be elevated to the WWE Championship picture, expect AJ Styles to get a title opportunity against Randy Orton before then on the Smackdown Brand.
  • Paige’s neck has healed up but the Wrestling Observer reports that WWE has no plans for her to return at this point.
  • The Bollywood Boyz have been renamed the Singh Brothers to serve in a factor headed by #1 Contender to the WWE Championship Jinder Mahal.

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roman reings vs braun strowman

WWE News Today – Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman in an Ambulance Match, “Broken” Hardys Gimmick in WWE

WWE News and Rumors April 20, 2017

  • Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman at Payback is likely to be made into an ambulance match. This would play off Braun toppling over an ambulance with Reigns inside on a recent episode on Raw.
  • WWE has plans to use the Broken Hardys gimmick in their product and are working with Impact Wrestling to work out an agreement where this may become a reality.
  • John Cena posted a clip on twitter of himself doing crossfit, to which Seth Rollins responded “I knew I’d sucker ya in!” Rollins is an avid cross fitter.
  • At last night’s NXT Tapings at Full Sail, Ember Moon may have been injured after crashing shoulder first into the barricade. This was during a battle royal that will air next month.
  • After Smackdown went off the air Tuesday night in Louisville, KY, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Dolph Ziggler.
  • Mike and Maria Bennett will join Smackdown, having been backstage for the past few weeks. This will be Maria’s return as she has previously been in WWE as Maria Kanellis. Mike Bennett will make his debut and it looks like NXT will be bypassed for a fast track to the main roster.
  • Shelton Benjamin clears up falsehoods by stating that he is a free agent and not under contract with WWE, though he acknowledged this could change. Shelton was set to return to the point of getting vignettes on Smackdown, but an injury prevented both a return and a contact.
  • Revival member, Dash Wilder is out with a broken jaw for 8 weeks. This is an in ring injury that happened while tagging with partner Scott Dawson to take on Shinsuke Nakamura and Hideo Itami at an NXT event in Spartanburg, SC. The injury required Wilder to have his jaw wired shut.
  • Simon Gotch will now be known as Simon Grimm on the independents as WWE owns the rights to the “Simon Gotch” name.

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roman reigns returns

WWE News Today 4/16/17 – Roman Reigns Returns Already, Charlotte Flair vs Nikki Bella, Finn Balor Status

WWE News and Rumors April 15, 2017

  • Charlotte Flair responded to Nikki Bella’s thinly veiled challenge. Nikki had originally mentioned being able to have a match with Flair who recently was moved to Smackdown.

  • Due to an injury, Finn Balor has been removed from this weekend’s Raw live events. Balor is also not being advertised for Raw this Monday in Columbus, OH. Finn is next advertised this Friday in Rapid City, South Dakota, although there is no guarantee he will be cleared to appear by that time.
  • Roman Reigns returned to action in Providence, RI Friday Night though he didn’t wrestle a match. Instead, after Braun Strowman hit the ring and taunted the audience that Roman wouldn’t be wrestling him that not, as Reigns was not medically cleared. Roman then showed up and after a brawl performed a Superman Punch and a Spear through a table.
  • Now available at WWE Shop are commemorative plaques celebrating this year’s Wrestlemania moments including the [clink id=”62″ target=”_blank”]Undertaker’s Final Match[/clink], [clink id=”65″ target=”_blank”]John Cena proposing to Nikki Bella[/clink] and of course the victories. These come with an actual piece of canvas used at Wrestlemania that these moments occurred in. Each piece is limited to 250 pieces and is $64.99. A non limited version without the canvas is being offered at $29.99. Current best sellers in order are [clink id=”62″ target=”_blank”]Undertaker Retiring[/clink], [clink id=”63″ target=”_blank”]Bayley retaining the Raw Women’s Title[/clink] and [clink id=”64″ target=”_blank”]Mojo Rawley winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal[/clink].
  • Jim Ross’ current WWE deal involves 40 appearances over a 2 year deal. We will being seeing a lot of Ross, mostly on PPV events.
  • Brock Lesnar is expected to be more active as Universal Champion than he has been over the past few years, but is currently not expected to appear at Payback.

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