UPDATE ON DANIEL BRYAN RELEASE

Word is that someone outside of WWE with a lot of power made a complaint to Vince McMahon about Bryan choking Justin Roberts with his own tie on RAW because a scene like that was too violent for WWE. The belief among some if that in that incident, Bryan broke a company protocol that was put in place after the Chris Benoit tragedy that no talents were to use ropes or other objects to choke opponents. Obviously this has been done other times since the Benoit tragedy but the feeling is that it was this particular angle with Bryan and Roberts that got someone powerful enough to complain.

The footage of Bryan choking Roberts was edited off replays as was the footage of him spitting on John Cena. As of late last night, the footage of Bryan choking Roberts was still on WWE’s YouTube page but it has since been removed.

Who exactly made the complaint isn’t known yet but it had to be someone with a lot of influence to get a name like Danielson released. There’s speculation that it could be anyone from Mattel to people in Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign. Vince McMahon called WWE’s partnership with Mattel a game-changer and it’s possible that we’re really seeing Mattel’s influence now. It’s important to note that Mattel making the complaint is not confirmed.

WWE COMING BACK TO JAPAN

WWE returns to Tokyo, Japan on August 20th and 21st for shows at Budokan Hall. The top two stars being advertised are John Cena and Yoshi Tatsu, followed by Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Ted DiBiase, Sheamus, Maryse, The Bella Twins, William Regal, Mark Henry, The Miz, John Morrison, Zack Ryder and The Hart Dynasty. Big Show and Rey Mysterio are being advertised as special guests from SmackDown.

WWE GOING FOR AGE

One of the reasons that Windham Rotunda, known as Husky Harris on NXT, was given a shot on season 2 and not his brother, Bo Rotunda in FCW, is because WWE doesn’t want anyone under 21 years of age on the main roster. Bo is 20 years old while Husky is 23.

LOW SELLING DVD OF WM 26

 Early numbers are in for the WrestleMania 26 DVD and they don’t look good. After its first two weeks on the market, the DVD sold only 24,810 units. WrestleMania 25 on DVD sold 106,427 in its first two weeks. Previous WrestleMania DVD’s have sold 150,000 to 200,000 units in their first two weeks out.

FIRST EVER FCW WOMENS CHAPION CROWNED

WWE developmental Diva Naomi Night defeated SmackDown’s Serena in the finals of the FCW Women’s Title tournament this past week to crown the first-ever FCW Women’s Champion. Naomi is a former dancer for the NBA’s Orlando Magic. It’s said that her in-ring skills have been improving lately.

RAMPAGE ON BACKSTAGE, WHY LUCKY CANNON RENAMED

UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was very popular backstage at RAW last week once everyone saw how much he was into being around the talents.


As noted before, NXT season 2 Rookie Lucky Cannon was formerly known as Johnny Prime in WWE developmental. Apparently he was given the Lucky Cannon name because WWE didn’t want anymore John’s on the roster.

FAVORITE ON NXT 2, WHO'S WEARING THE NXT BAND

 NXT season 1 Rookie Justin Gabriel wrestled at the FCW tapings this past Thursday as a babyface and did not wear his NXT black armband. David Otunga wrestled on the same show and was wearing his armband.


Early word on the favorite to be the top star of the new NXT season is Alex Riley, the current FCW Heavyweight Champion. Riley is being mentored by The Miz.

MORE ON DANIEL BRYAN,HIS FUTURE

Despite what’s being reported, there are still some wrestlers and employees within WWE who think the Daniel Bryan release is an angle. However, all indications are that he has indeed been released.

Officials told everyone in the company from marketing people to doctors about his departure. Bryan Danielson is already seeking work on the independent scene. The final decision to release Bryan was made early Friday and he was informed shortly before WWE announced it on their website.

WWE gave him the impression that they would work together in the future but gave him no timetable on a return. Most within the company are feeling bad for Danielson because he was basically a scapegoat in the whole situation.

Danielson’s last match with WWE was on Wednesday night at the FCW event in Florida where he took part in a continuation of the NXT invasion. Obviously the invasion angle will be hurt now with his departure as he was considered the most well-rounded star of the group.