WWE’s latest key performance indicators packet confirms yet another disappointing buyrate for the company.
According to the WWE document, August’s Summerslam PPV garnered approximately 350,000 buys, which represents a decline from last year’s already-disappointing performance.
A few months ago, Vince McMahon predicted that Summerslam would be the start of WWE’s PPV turnaround and there was hope that the Nexus push would move numbers.
Here is a look at recent Summerslam buyrates:
Summerslam 2006: 529k buys (61% Domestic – 11/1/07 8-K form) = 322k domestic
Summerslam 2007: 537k buys (66% Domestic – 11/1/07 8-K form) = 354k domestic
Summerslam 2008: 477k buys ($39.95) @ 66% domestic = 315k domestic ($12.6MM domestic PPV revenue split)
Summerslam 2009: 369k buys ($39.95) @ 63% domestic = 232k domestic ($9.3MM domestic PPV revenue split)
Summerslam 2010: 350k buys ($44.95) @ 56% domestic = 196k domestic ($8.8MM domestic PPV revenue split)
Friday, October 1, 2010
UPDATE ON CHRISTIANS INJURY
WWE star Christian underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. The surgery was conducted by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
“I’ve never had surgery before, so I’ve never been put under anesthesia,” Christian told the WWE website. “They told me that they were about to put the anesthesia in my IV. I expected to go under gradually … and the next thing I remember was opening my eyes and Dr. Andrews telling me that the surgery was finished. It was so weird. It was the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
HELL IN A CELL PPV CARD UPDATED
Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Title
Sheamus vs. Randy Orton
Hell in a Cell Match for the World Title
The Undertaker with Paul Bearer vs. Kane
Submissions Count Anywhere Match for the WWE US Title
John Morrison vs. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan
John Cena vs. Wade Barrett
If Cena loses, he must join Nexus. If Barrett loses, Nexus must no longer exist.
Divas Title Match
Michelle McCool vs Natalya
Sheamus vs. Randy Orton
Hell in a Cell Match for the World Title
The Undertaker with Paul Bearer vs. Kane
Submissions Count Anywhere Match for the WWE US Title
John Morrison vs. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan
John Cena vs. Wade Barrett
If Cena loses, he must join Nexus. If Barrett loses, Nexus must no longer exist.
Divas Title Match
Michelle McCool vs Natalya
RANDY ORTON HAPPY BEING A FACE
Regarding rumors of Randy Orton being unhappy with his babyface character, “The Viper” said it’s ‘bs.’
“Whatever u read saying I’m unhappy as a face is bs,” he wrote to a fan. “Haven’t felt that way since I turned.”
“Whatever u read saying I’m unhappy as a face is bs,” he wrote to a fan. “Haven’t felt that way since I turned.”
FORMER DIVA LAUREN JONES COMING BACK?
Former WWE performer Lauren Jones noted on her Twitter account this afternoon that she is meeting with WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis (a/k/a Johnny Ace); likely regarding a possible return to the organization.
“Oh yeah, I forgot 2mention 2 all the amazing WWE fans out there!” she wrote. “I am meeting with talent development & Johny Ace 2 see what MIGHT b next..!”
Though she is long removed from World Wrestling Entertainment, Jones has kept in touch with Laurinaitis over the years and thus a possible return to the organization was never out of the question.
Since parting ways with WWE in June 2005, Jones has immersed herself in numerous endeavors including the launch of a successful wedding shoe line, her own network television show, the release of a workout DVD, radio hosting, and various other media platforms. She was also featured in a scene in the summer blockbuster The Expendables as Mickey Rourke’s character’s girlfriend.
NEWS ON THIS WEEKS SMACKDOWN DEBUT ON SYFY
A match pitting CM Punk against The Undertaker has been announced for Friday’s live SmackDown debut on Syfy. Also announced for the show is Alberto Del vs. Rey Mysterio and appearances by John Cena and The Nexus.
CHRISTIAN VS ALBERTO DEL RIO AT WRESTLEMANIA?
WWE had to end the Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio feud early because of Christian’s injury. Christian is expected to return around the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania and a match with Del Rio at WrestleMania has been discussed, depending on what happens with Del Rio in the next few months.
CURRENT STATUS OF MATT HARDY IN WWE
Regarding Matt Hardy’s present status with World Wrestling Entertainment, both sides remain at a strong stalemate.
Company officials want Hardy to address his issues, but he doesn’t want to. Furthermore, they are unwilling to release him at this time because they don’t want him joining rival promotion TNA Wrestling.
One company source indicated that the touring schedule has been hectic as of late and when things settle down following Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, Hardy’s situation will likely be addressed.
Company officials want Hardy to address his issues, but he doesn’t want to. Furthermore, they are unwilling to release him at this time because they don’t want him joining rival promotion TNA Wrestling.
One company source indicated that the touring schedule has been hectic as of late and when things settle down following Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, Hardy’s situation will likely be addressed.
GUEST HOSTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, PEE-WEE HERMAN TO HOST RAW
WWE has announced that Pee-Wee Herman will guest star on RAW on November 1st. Here is the updated list of upcoming RAW guest hosts:
October 4th: Johnny Knoxville
October 11th: Danny McBride
October 18th: Bobb’e J. Thompson
October 25th: Toby Keith
November 1st: Pee-Wee Herman
October 11th: Danny McBride
October 18th: Bobb’e J. Thompson
October 25th: Toby Keith
November 1st: Pee-Wee Herman
LOW SALES OF NEXUS TSHIRTS
World Wrestling Entertainment’s symbolic Nexus T-shirt has been a huge flop in terms of sales.According to a company source, Vince McMahon was ‘mortified’ when he was shown the latest merchandising report on Nexus shirts.
KAVAL VS REY MYSTERIO??
WWE has discussed turning Kaval heel and having him feud with Rey Mysterio early next year. When the NXT season two winner was initially signed, Mysterio was one of the people pushing for a program with him. However, injuries to both wrestlers derailed potential plans
KAITLYN BLOODIED AT NXT
Rookie Diva Kaitlyn was accidentally bloodied at some point during Tuesday’s episode of NXT. Seeing as it was a taped show, WWE managed to edit around it. Post-match, Michelle McCool delivered a very stiff kick to Kaitlyn’s head, although it is believed that she didn’t cause her to bleed.
BENDING THE RULES STARRING EDGE
NOLA.com notes that WWE has finished shooting for their new movie Bending the Rules, an action comedy that stars Edge and actor Jamie Kennedy. WWE has been filming movies in New Orleans for a year now but is done for the time being.
MATCH PULLED FROM HELL IN A CELL
Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio singles match was being advertised by the arena earlier this week but has since been pulled, obviously due to Christian’s injury.
DIVAS MATCH AT HELL IN A CELL PPV
The American Airlines Center website is advertising Michelle McCool vs. Natalya for the Unified Divas Title at Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. Natalya won a battle royal on RAW this week to become the new #1 contender but the match wasn’t officially announced on RAW.
WORLD TITLES GOING TO BE UNIFIED AT WRESTLEMANIA
Vince McMahon has gone back and forth on the time frame for unifying the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Championship, reports the Pro Wrestling Torch. At times he has wanted the unification to take place within 30 days, but company officials have urged him to wait until WrestleMania XXVII.
Many within the company feel they need to place the titles on the proper people and position them strongly in order to make the unification match a major event.
Though McMahon has come off adamant about unifying the titles, no one has ruled out the possibility of the WWE Chairman having a change of heart.
Many within the company feel they need to place the titles on the proper people and position them strongly in order to make the unification match a major event.
Though McMahon has come off adamant about unifying the titles, no one has ruled out the possibility of the WWE Chairman having a change of heart.
RAW RESULT 9/27
We begin with the Miz telling us that he did not tap out at Night of Champions and Daniel Bryan did not beat him. However, on Raw, Miz beat up Daniel Bryan thanks to his new manservant Alex Riley holding Bryan so he could not fight back.
We are live on tape from Indianapolis, Indiana and your announcers are Michael ‘Even on tape, I am the same’ Cole and Jerry ‘Is Smackdown moving to another network’ Lawler.
Miz comes out and he is accompanied by his boy wonder, Alex Riley. Miz says that Daniel Bryan has challenged him and Alex Riley to a tag team match tonight. Miz asks Daniel if he learned his lesson last week. He thought Daniel was the smart one. Bryan is the person who wins the lottery and then thinks he will win every time he plays. Miz says that it is Monday night and every Monday night, Daniel Bryan gets embarrassed by the Miz. On tonight’s episode, he brings a tag team partner with him. Miz says that He is the Miz . . . but he is interrupted by Daniel Bryan’s music.
Miz wants to know who Daniel’s tag team partner is. Miz tries to tell us how awesome he is a second time but he is interrupted by Daniel’s tag team partner.
Match Number One: The Miz and Alex Riley versus Daniel Bryan and John Morrison
Bryan goes after Miz on the apron and then he kicks Riley a few times. Bryan with a clothesline and then he goes for Miz again but Miz goes to the floor. Bryan with a kick to the chest and a near fall. Morrison tags in and Riley kicks and punches him. Morrison with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Morrison sends Riley into the turnbuckles. Morrison with a kick but Riley with a hot shot to Morrison. Riley sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and then he tags in Miz. Miz kicks Morrison and chokes him in the corner. Riley chokes Morrison while Miz talks to the referee. Miz slingshots Morrison into the bottom rope and then he connects with a knee and he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Morrison counters with a lateral press for a near fall.
Miz with kicks to Morrison and Riley is tagged back in. Riley sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and he kicks Morrison. Riley with a sit out Michinoku Driver for a near fall and then he knocks Bryan off the apron. Riley kicks Morrison and Miz tags back in. Miz stares at Bryan and then he hits the Miz Clothesline into the corner and gets a near fall. Miz with a knee to the back and then he puts Morrison in a surfboard. Morrison with a snap mare and then he tries to tag in Bryan but Miz holds Morrison off. Morrison tries again but Miz grabs the leg. Morrison with a drop kick and Bryan is tagged in.
Bryan with a drop kick to Riley followed by a kick to Miz. Bryan with a German suplex followed by a running drop kick into the corner but he can only get a two count. Bryan tries for the LeBell Lock but Miz stays on his feet. Miz sends Bryan into Morrison and then Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale as Bryan staggers back into the center of the ring after the collision to get the three count.
Winners: Miz and Alex Riley
After the match, Miz kicks Bryan in the ribs and Morrison makes the save. Morrison takes Miz to the floor and then Bryan with a suicide dive onto Morrison and Miz. Bryan attacks Miz and Morrison goes after Bryan. Bryan fights Morrison and sends him into the announcer cubicle. Morrison with a flying clothesline to Miz and Bryan and then . . .
Michael Cole’s pen pal emerges and he has decided that on Sunday at Hell in a Cell, Daniel Bryan will defend the United States Title for the first time. It will be against John Morrison and the Miz. It will be in a match that he just invented. It will be a Triple Threat Submissions Count Anywhere Match.
Divas are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and before our Divas Battle Royal starts, the Divas Champions Michelle McCool and Layla come to the ring and join Cole and Lawler.
Match Number Two: Divas Battle Royal for the Number One Contender Spot
Tamina tries to eliminate Natalya but Melina makes the save. Gail and Eve go after Alicia. Tamina gets Melina up and she is eliminated. Tamina is sent to the apron but Maryse sends Gail to the apron as well. Gail returns to the ring and she goes after Maryse. Tamina kicks Gail but Gail tries for a rana but Tamina holds on and drops Gail on the top rope and eliminates her. Eve and Tamina battle while Maryse is close to being eliminated. Tamina is eliminated by Eve. Tamina tries to eliminate Eve but Maryse pulls her in and the referee pulls Tamina away.
The Bellas send Jillian into Alicia and then they send them to the apron. The Bellas try for a double baseball slide and go to the floor to eliminate themselves. Maryse is eliminated by Eve. Alicia kicks Eve to the apron and the floor. We are down to Alicia, Natalya, and Jillian. They hit a double suplex on Natalya. Natalya holds on to the ropes and she stays on the apron. Jillian kicks Alicia but Alicia eliminates her. Alicia kicks Natalya on the apron but Alicia cannot eliminate her. Natalya with a back body drop to eliminate Alicia.
Winner: Natalya
After the match, Michelle and Layla act afraid of Natalya in the ring.
We see all of the media that John Cena did for Legendary.
Tonight, the Cutting Edge will have a special guest, the computer that the General Messenger uses.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Last week’s mixed tag match and the message on the TitanTron for Ted DiBiase or Maryse.
Maryse is in the back and she talk about how Eve cost her the battle royal. Ted blames Maryse for the loss last week. Maryse and Ted argue and there is a knock on the door. Ted opens the door and nobody is there, but there is a note on the floor. Maryse open the envelope and she read it in French. Ted tells her to read it in English. Next week, you will be mine. Maryse leave in anger.
Sheamus comes to the ring and he has something to say fella. Sheamus say that there is a tale you might have heard called the Fiery Red Hand of Ireland. It is about two people who sought the crown of Ireland. The first to touch the crown won the race. The younger of the princes knew that he would lose so he cut off his hand and hurled the hand and he won the kingdom of Ireland. Sheamus says that he is willing to cut off his own hand to win back the WWE Title. Sheamus tells Orton that he has underestimated him so he better check with Triple H because he ended Hunter’s career with his bare hand. He tells Orton that he will have the time of his life fella. Sheamus makes a challenge to anyone. He says that he will prove why he is a future three time WWE Champion, and he will show why he is the fiery red hand of the WWE.
We go to commercial.
We are back and nobody has come out to challenge Sheamus. He says that there is no one to challenge him.
Maybe someone needed to translate the challenge because the Great Khali and he is joined by Runjin Singh.
While Khali comes to the ring, Cole and Lawler mention Mick Foley’s new book.
Match Number Three: Great Khali versus Sheamus
Sheamus pushes Khali and screams. Khali backs Sheamus into the corner and chops him. Sheamus takes Khali to the mat and he punches and kicks him. Sheamus with a kick to the head and Khali goes to the floor. Sheamus attacks and punches Khali on the floor and he follows that with kicks. Sheamus takes the cover off the announce table and he hits Khali with it. Sheamus grabs Cole’s chair and throws it at Khali and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Great Khali by disqualification
Sheamus throws another chair at Khali. Khali misses a chop and hits the ring post. Sheamus with a pump kick to Khali and then he hits a running boot to the head.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that a lot of people are probably going to participate in the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge.
It is time for the Cutting Edge and your host Edge makes his way to the ring and his guest is already in the ring waiting for Edge.
Edge says that we have a first tonight. His guest is the anonymous Raw General Manager. Edge says that despite their acrimonious relationship, he appreciates that the computer is here. Edge wants to know why is he such a spineless coward. The computer asks Edge why is he such a moron. He remains anonymous to protect his identity. If people knew it would change everything. Edge says the voice was horrible. He says that maybe the general manager was Steve Austin, the Rock, or Shawn Michaels. He suggests that maybe it is Lindsay Lohan after a bender because of the decisions he has made. The computer asks why he has to hate. He tried to make peace with him but Edge wants a confrontation. Edge wonders why he is arguing with a computer. Edge says that we have gone from Steve Austin giving Vince McMahon a stunner to. Edge says that he will ask Jericho. The General Manager says that Jericho is bluffing. He tells Edge that he knows his opponent. Edge says that he doesn’t have an opponent and he is sick of talking to an overgrown speak and spell. Edge has a match with John Cena.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Edge versus John Cena
We see Nexus watching from the locker room before Cena connects with a side head lock take down. Edge backs Cena into the corner and Edge with a punch. Edge kicks Cena in the corner and the referee has to pull him out. Cena with a drop toe hold but Edge sends Cena to the floor when Cena tries for the STF. Edge with a baseball slide to Cena. Edge Irish whips Cena into the ring steps and Edge stops the referee’s count by returning to the ring. Edge returns to the ring and gets a near fall. Edge blocks the Attitude Adjustment with an Edge-o-Matic and gets a near fall.
Edge punches Cena and the referee warns him again. Edge with a punch to the head but Cena punches back. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles, but Edge sees the second one coming and avoids it. Edge gets a near fall. Edge punches Cena in the corner followed by a hard Irish whip. Edge tries for a suplex and Cena blocks it. Cena with a suplex of his own. Cena gets Edge up for the Attitude Adjustment but Edge blocks it and hits the Impaler DDT but Cena kicks out. Edge kicks Cena and he gets to his feet. Cena punches Edge and kicks him.
Cena with a leap frog neck breaker. Cena puts Edge on the top turnbuckles and sets for a super Attitude Adjustment but Edge gets to the mat and regains control. Cena with an Irish whip and Cena misses a charge. Edge with a spear for the three count, but Cena’s foot is under the rope.
Winner: Edge
After the match, the General Messenger says that Edge needs to play by the rules. John Cena’s foot was under the ropes. We go to the video tape. The match continues.
Edge punches Cena before the referee restarts the match. Edge tries for a spear but Cena with a drop toe hold and he puts Edge in the STF. Cena pulls Edge into the center of the ring and Edge taps.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Cena leaves the ring. Edge looks at the computer and he goes to the floor. The computer says that Edge lost fair and square. It tells Edge not to look at him like that. It tells Edge to walk away. Edge snarls at the computer as he gets closer. It says that Edge has the crazy eyes. Edge knocks over the computer. The computer tells Cole to stop him. Edge shows that he doesn’t have good computer repair skills as he breaks it and drops an elbow on it after hitting the computer with a chair. Edge rams the computer into his head and he almost bleeds.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back at the way that Edge deals with computer problems. He uses a chair.
Match Number Five: Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater with the rest of Nexus versus Mark Henry and Evan Bourne
Bourne and Slater start things off and they lock up. Slater with a knee and he sends Bourne into the turnbuckles. Gabriel tags in and he connects with a forearm and he gets a near fall. Gabriel tags Slater in and Gabriel with a slam followed by a knee drop from Slater for a near fall. Slater with a kick to the back and then he puts Bourne in a rear chin lock. Bourne with a kick to Slater’s leg. Slater with a punch. He misses a forearm into the corner and Bourne with a knee and he struggles to make the tag. Gabriel and Henry tag in. Henry with a cltoehsline and head butt followed by a punch. Henry sends Gabriel into the corner and then he hits Slater with a shoulder tackle. Henry presses Gabriel and then he tags in Bourne. Bourne goes up top but Slater hits Henry and Gabriel knocks Bourne off the turnbuckles. Gabriel goes up top but he misses the 450 but he does catch Bourne but it is not enough to stop Bourne from going up top for the Shooting Star Press and Bourne shows how it is done. Slater pushes Bourne over and Gabriel gets the three count.
Winners: Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater
After the match, they send Henry into the ring steps. Otunga hits the world’s most dangerous short arm clothesline on Bourne. Tarver gets ready for his attack and he connects with a punch to Bourne. Slater hits Sweetness on Bourne. Barrett gets Bourne up for Wasteland and hits it. Barrett tells Gabriel to go up top and hit the 450 Splash.
Barrett says that from the very beginning, you are either Nexus or Against Us. After Hell in a Cell, John Cena will no longer be against them. Barrett says that they don’t need him. John Cena will serve a purpose for them. He will take them to the upper echelon and he will help them demoralize the whole WWE. Barrett says that they are going take a little trip to show John that they aren’t that bad.
David Otunga says that on Friday they are going to invade Smackdown. Otunga says that they are giving them a fair warning and they are warned.
Michael Tarver says that the bad news is that they are the bad news. He says that no one can stop them.
We go to the back and we see Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre walking. Cody stops at a mirror to make sure that he is truly dashing. We go to commercial.
We are back and Johnny Knoxville will be back next week.
We see highlights from the tag match involving the two teams we are going to see next.
Match Number Six: David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Number One Contender Natalya versus Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Tag Titles
Kidd and Rhodes start things off and they lock up in a Greco Roman knuckle lock. Rhodes with punches to Kidd. Kidd gets sent to the apron but Kidd with a shoulder and then he gets a rollup for a near fall. Rhodes with a springboard spin kick and he tags in McIntyre. They send Kidd into the turnbuckles and Drew kicks Kidd in the head. Rhodes tags in and he kicks Kidd and McIntyre with a forearm. Drew tags back in and Drew with a clothesline after Rhodes Irish whipped him at him. Drew gets a near fall and he sets for a suplex but Kidd with a drop kick.
Smith and Rhodes tag in and Smith with punches and a high knee. Smith with a running clothesline into the corner and he tries for a power slam. Cody escapes the hold but Smith with a version of the Olympic slam for a near fall. Smith sends McIntyre to the floor and then Smith and Kidd try for the Springboard Hart Attack, but Drew pushes Kidd and he hits Smith. Rhodes with Cross Rhodes for the three count.
Winners: Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes
After the match, Smith wants to know why Tyson hit him instead of Rhodes. Smith walks away.
Chris Jericho and Randy Orton are walking in the back because they have a match and it is next.
We are back and John Cena is in the locker room and R Truth enters. They rap and Truth says that no matter what happens on Sunday, he has Cena’s back. Cena says that he is the guy to go to when things are on the line. Cena says that he is not going to be part of the Nexus. He said that he is going to take care of them one by one. Truth says that Cena is one of the most reckless, getting crunk people that he knows. Cena says that since Nexus is going to Smackdown, he might as well be there. If they run into each other, then Hell in a Cell starts early.
It is time to run through the card for Hell in a Cell.
Chris Jericho says that when he wins tonight, he will become the number one contender and he will win the WWE Title. Chris Jericho says that Randy Orton is a tremendous competitor. Randy has changed from when he first started to a demented lunatic in order to become the champion. He says that Orton moves, thinks, and strikes like a snake. Jericho says that much like Randy used to call himself the Legend Killer, Chris says that he will call himself the Viper Killer. Randy will join the list of legends and Hall of Famers he has beaten. Steve Austin, Rock, Triple H, Kane, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, JBL, the Big Show, Edge, Undertaker . . . who he beat twice. The list goes on and on. MVP, CM Punk . . . we go to commercial.
We are back and the Man of 1004 Victims continues with Invaders, Villanos, Juventud Guerrera, Apollo Xantes, Ringo Mendoza Junior, The Great Muta, Masahiro Chono, Funaki, Fuyuki, Jado, Gedo, Yoshi Tatsu, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, Lex Luger, Sting, Ric Flair, Bill Goldberg, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Scott Norton, Buff Bagwell, Flash Flannigan, Flash Funk, Kevin Nash, Diesel, Oz, Scott Hall, Razor Ramon, American Starship Eagle.
Randy Orton interrupts the list because he apparently wants to wrestle his match.
Match Number Seven: Randy Orton versus Chris Jericho
Jericho with a kick and forearm to the head and then he sends Orton into the turnbuckles. Jericho with an Irish whip but Orton with a clothesline out of the corner. Orton punches Jericho and then he drapes Jericho on the apron and connects with a punch and uppercut. Orton with an uppercut but Jericho with a punch. Orton with punches to the back but Jericho with a thumb to the eye. Jericho with kicks and then he punches Orton. Jericho has something to say to Orton but that angers Orton and he punches Jericho. Orton clotheslines Jericho over the top rope to the floor. Jericho sends Orton into the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with a clothesline and then he gives Jericho the Garvin Stomp.
Sheamus comes out to watch the match from the stage and Orton loses his focus on the match. Orton sees Jericho coming but Jericho with an enzuigiri. Jericho catapults Orton into the bottom rope as Sheamus watches . . . fella. Jericho chokes Orton in the ropes. Jericho misses the splash in the ropes and he crotches himself. Orton punches Jericho but Jericho with an Irish whip. Jericho misses a charge into the corner and he hits the ring post with his shoulder. Orton tries for the RKO but Jericho with a back slide for a near fall. Jericho with a drop kick and another near fall. Jericho with a reverse chin lock. Orton with a double sledge to escape the chin lock. Jericho with a drop kick for a near fall. Jericho pulls down the knee pad and then he connects with a knee drop. Jericho with a near fall. Jericho with a reverse chin lock and he puts his knee in Orton’s back. Orton with a belly-to-back suplex on Jericho and both men are down.
Orton with a clothesline or two and then he hits the power slam. Orton with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot and Jericho with a bulldog. Jericho tries for the Lionsault but Jericho lands on his feet when Orton moves. Orton wit ha back breaker and then he tries for the RKO but Jericho avoids the move. Jericho hits the Lionsault and gets a near fall. Jericho tries for the springboard drop kick but Orton moves out of the way. Orton tries for the IEDDT but Jericho escapes it and he puts Orton in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho pulls Orton into the center of the ring because Orton was getting too close to the ropes. Orton rolls through and kicks Jericho to the floor. Orton with the IEDDT to Jericho. Orton summons the power of the Viper with his rhythmic pounding on the mat.
Sheamus enters the ring and the referee calls for the bell. Orton gives Sheamus an IEDDT.
Winner: Randy Orton by disqualification
Orton sets for the field goal kick on Sheamus and Jericho hits the Codebreaker on Orton.
Jericho gets a chair and he waits for Orton to get up. Orton avoids the chair and he hits an RKO on Jericho. Jericho is down in the corner and Orton thinks about it and he lines up for a fifty five yard field goal and it is good.
Sheamus recovers in time to see the carnage in the ring. Sheamus realizes that Orton is crazy . . . fella.
The medical staff checks on Jericho and they get him stretchered out of the ring.
We go to credits.
We are live on tape from Indianapolis, Indiana and your announcers are Michael ‘Even on tape, I am the same’ Cole and Jerry ‘Is Smackdown moving to another network’ Lawler.
Miz comes out and he is accompanied by his boy wonder, Alex Riley. Miz says that Daniel Bryan has challenged him and Alex Riley to a tag team match tonight. Miz asks Daniel if he learned his lesson last week. He thought Daniel was the smart one. Bryan is the person who wins the lottery and then thinks he will win every time he plays. Miz says that it is Monday night and every Monday night, Daniel Bryan gets embarrassed by the Miz. On tonight’s episode, he brings a tag team partner with him. Miz says that He is the Miz . . . but he is interrupted by Daniel Bryan’s music.
Miz wants to know who Daniel’s tag team partner is. Miz tries to tell us how awesome he is a second time but he is interrupted by Daniel’s tag team partner.
Match Number One: The Miz and Alex Riley versus Daniel Bryan and John Morrison
Bryan goes after Miz on the apron and then he kicks Riley a few times. Bryan with a clothesline and then he goes for Miz again but Miz goes to the floor. Bryan with a kick to the chest and a near fall. Morrison tags in and Riley kicks and punches him. Morrison with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Morrison sends Riley into the turnbuckles. Morrison with a kick but Riley with a hot shot to Morrison. Riley sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and then he tags in Miz. Miz kicks Morrison and chokes him in the corner. Riley chokes Morrison while Miz talks to the referee. Miz slingshots Morrison into the bottom rope and then he connects with a knee and he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Morrison counters with a lateral press for a near fall.
Miz with kicks to Morrison and Riley is tagged back in. Riley sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and he kicks Morrison. Riley with a sit out Michinoku Driver for a near fall and then he knocks Bryan off the apron. Riley kicks Morrison and Miz tags back in. Miz stares at Bryan and then he hits the Miz Clothesline into the corner and gets a near fall. Miz with a knee to the back and then he puts Morrison in a surfboard. Morrison with a snap mare and then he tries to tag in Bryan but Miz holds Morrison off. Morrison tries again but Miz grabs the leg. Morrison with a drop kick and Bryan is tagged in.
Bryan with a drop kick to Riley followed by a kick to Miz. Bryan with a German suplex followed by a running drop kick into the corner but he can only get a two count. Bryan tries for the LeBell Lock but Miz stays on his feet. Miz sends Bryan into Morrison and then Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale as Bryan staggers back into the center of the ring after the collision to get the three count.
Winners: Miz and Alex Riley
After the match, Miz kicks Bryan in the ribs and Morrison makes the save. Morrison takes Miz to the floor and then Bryan with a suicide dive onto Morrison and Miz. Bryan attacks Miz and Morrison goes after Bryan. Bryan fights Morrison and sends him into the announcer cubicle. Morrison with a flying clothesline to Miz and Bryan and then . . .
Michael Cole’s pen pal emerges and he has decided that on Sunday at Hell in a Cell, Daniel Bryan will defend the United States Title for the first time. It will be against John Morrison and the Miz. It will be in a match that he just invented. It will be a Triple Threat Submissions Count Anywhere Match.
Divas are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and before our Divas Battle Royal starts, the Divas Champions Michelle McCool and Layla come to the ring and join Cole and Lawler.
Match Number Two: Divas Battle Royal for the Number One Contender Spot
Tamina tries to eliminate Natalya but Melina makes the save. Gail and Eve go after Alicia. Tamina gets Melina up and she is eliminated. Tamina is sent to the apron but Maryse sends Gail to the apron as well. Gail returns to the ring and she goes after Maryse. Tamina kicks Gail but Gail tries for a rana but Tamina holds on and drops Gail on the top rope and eliminates her. Eve and Tamina battle while Maryse is close to being eliminated. Tamina is eliminated by Eve. Tamina tries to eliminate Eve but Maryse pulls her in and the referee pulls Tamina away.
The Bellas send Jillian into Alicia and then they send them to the apron. The Bellas try for a double baseball slide and go to the floor to eliminate themselves. Maryse is eliminated by Eve. Alicia kicks Eve to the apron and the floor. We are down to Alicia, Natalya, and Jillian. They hit a double suplex on Natalya. Natalya holds on to the ropes and she stays on the apron. Jillian kicks Alicia but Alicia eliminates her. Alicia kicks Natalya on the apron but Alicia cannot eliminate her. Natalya with a back body drop to eliminate Alicia.
Winner: Natalya
After the match, Michelle and Layla act afraid of Natalya in the ring.
We see all of the media that John Cena did for Legendary.
Tonight, the Cutting Edge will have a special guest, the computer that the General Messenger uses.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Last week’s mixed tag match and the message on the TitanTron for Ted DiBiase or Maryse.
Maryse is in the back and she talk about how Eve cost her the battle royal. Ted blames Maryse for the loss last week. Maryse and Ted argue and there is a knock on the door. Ted opens the door and nobody is there, but there is a note on the floor. Maryse open the envelope and she read it in French. Ted tells her to read it in English. Next week, you will be mine. Maryse leave in anger.
Sheamus comes to the ring and he has something to say fella. Sheamus say that there is a tale you might have heard called the Fiery Red Hand of Ireland. It is about two people who sought the crown of Ireland. The first to touch the crown won the race. The younger of the princes knew that he would lose so he cut off his hand and hurled the hand and he won the kingdom of Ireland. Sheamus says that he is willing to cut off his own hand to win back the WWE Title. Sheamus tells Orton that he has underestimated him so he better check with Triple H because he ended Hunter’s career with his bare hand. He tells Orton that he will have the time of his life fella. Sheamus makes a challenge to anyone. He says that he will prove why he is a future three time WWE Champion, and he will show why he is the fiery red hand of the WWE.
We go to commercial.
We are back and nobody has come out to challenge Sheamus. He says that there is no one to challenge him.
Maybe someone needed to translate the challenge because the Great Khali and he is joined by Runjin Singh.
While Khali comes to the ring, Cole and Lawler mention Mick Foley’s new book.
Match Number Three: Great Khali versus Sheamus
Sheamus pushes Khali and screams. Khali backs Sheamus into the corner and chops him. Sheamus takes Khali to the mat and he punches and kicks him. Sheamus with a kick to the head and Khali goes to the floor. Sheamus attacks and punches Khali on the floor and he follows that with kicks. Sheamus takes the cover off the announce table and he hits Khali with it. Sheamus grabs Cole’s chair and throws it at Khali and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Great Khali by disqualification
Sheamus throws another chair at Khali. Khali misses a chop and hits the ring post. Sheamus with a pump kick to Khali and then he hits a running boot to the head.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that a lot of people are probably going to participate in the Wrestlemania Reading Challenge.
It is time for the Cutting Edge and your host Edge makes his way to the ring and his guest is already in the ring waiting for Edge.
Edge says that we have a first tonight. His guest is the anonymous Raw General Manager. Edge says that despite their acrimonious relationship, he appreciates that the computer is here. Edge wants to know why is he such a spineless coward. The computer asks Edge why is he such a moron. He remains anonymous to protect his identity. If people knew it would change everything. Edge says the voice was horrible. He says that maybe the general manager was Steve Austin, the Rock, or Shawn Michaels. He suggests that maybe it is Lindsay Lohan after a bender because of the decisions he has made. The computer asks why he has to hate. He tried to make peace with him but Edge wants a confrontation. Edge wonders why he is arguing with a computer. Edge says that we have gone from Steve Austin giving Vince McMahon a stunner to. Edge says that he will ask Jericho. The General Manager says that Jericho is bluffing. He tells Edge that he knows his opponent. Edge says that he doesn’t have an opponent and he is sick of talking to an overgrown speak and spell. Edge has a match with John Cena.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Edge versus John Cena
We see Nexus watching from the locker room before Cena connects with a side head lock take down. Edge backs Cena into the corner and Edge with a punch. Edge kicks Cena in the corner and the referee has to pull him out. Cena with a drop toe hold but Edge sends Cena to the floor when Cena tries for the STF. Edge with a baseball slide to Cena. Edge Irish whips Cena into the ring steps and Edge stops the referee’s count by returning to the ring. Edge returns to the ring and gets a near fall. Edge blocks the Attitude Adjustment with an Edge-o-Matic and gets a near fall.
Edge punches Cena and the referee warns him again. Edge with a punch to the head but Cena punches back. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles, but Edge sees the second one coming and avoids it. Edge gets a near fall. Edge punches Cena in the corner followed by a hard Irish whip. Edge tries for a suplex and Cena blocks it. Cena with a suplex of his own. Cena gets Edge up for the Attitude Adjustment but Edge blocks it and hits the Impaler DDT but Cena kicks out. Edge kicks Cena and he gets to his feet. Cena punches Edge and kicks him.
Cena with a leap frog neck breaker. Cena puts Edge on the top turnbuckles and sets for a super Attitude Adjustment but Edge gets to the mat and regains control. Cena with an Irish whip and Cena misses a charge. Edge with a spear for the three count, but Cena’s foot is under the rope.
Winner: Edge
After the match, the General Messenger says that Edge needs to play by the rules. John Cena’s foot was under the ropes. We go to the video tape. The match continues.
Edge punches Cena before the referee restarts the match. Edge tries for a spear but Cena with a drop toe hold and he puts Edge in the STF. Cena pulls Edge into the center of the ring and Edge taps.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Cena leaves the ring. Edge looks at the computer and he goes to the floor. The computer says that Edge lost fair and square. It tells Edge not to look at him like that. It tells Edge to walk away. Edge snarls at the computer as he gets closer. It says that Edge has the crazy eyes. Edge knocks over the computer. The computer tells Cole to stop him. Edge shows that he doesn’t have good computer repair skills as he breaks it and drops an elbow on it after hitting the computer with a chair. Edge rams the computer into his head and he almost bleeds.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back at the way that Edge deals with computer problems. He uses a chair.
Match Number Five: Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater with the rest of Nexus versus Mark Henry and Evan Bourne
Bourne and Slater start things off and they lock up. Slater with a knee and he sends Bourne into the turnbuckles. Gabriel tags in and he connects with a forearm and he gets a near fall. Gabriel tags Slater in and Gabriel with a slam followed by a knee drop from Slater for a near fall. Slater with a kick to the back and then he puts Bourne in a rear chin lock. Bourne with a kick to Slater’s leg. Slater with a punch. He misses a forearm into the corner and Bourne with a knee and he struggles to make the tag. Gabriel and Henry tag in. Henry with a cltoehsline and head butt followed by a punch. Henry sends Gabriel into the corner and then he hits Slater with a shoulder tackle. Henry presses Gabriel and then he tags in Bourne. Bourne goes up top but Slater hits Henry and Gabriel knocks Bourne off the turnbuckles. Gabriel goes up top but he misses the 450 but he does catch Bourne but it is not enough to stop Bourne from going up top for the Shooting Star Press and Bourne shows how it is done. Slater pushes Bourne over and Gabriel gets the three count.
Winners: Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater
After the match, they send Henry into the ring steps. Otunga hits the world’s most dangerous short arm clothesline on Bourne. Tarver gets ready for his attack and he connects with a punch to Bourne. Slater hits Sweetness on Bourne. Barrett gets Bourne up for Wasteland and hits it. Barrett tells Gabriel to go up top and hit the 450 Splash.
Barrett says that from the very beginning, you are either Nexus or Against Us. After Hell in a Cell, John Cena will no longer be against them. Barrett says that they don’t need him. John Cena will serve a purpose for them. He will take them to the upper echelon and he will help them demoralize the whole WWE. Barrett says that they are going take a little trip to show John that they aren’t that bad.
David Otunga says that on Friday they are going to invade Smackdown. Otunga says that they are giving them a fair warning and they are warned.
Michael Tarver says that the bad news is that they are the bad news. He says that no one can stop them.
We go to the back and we see Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre walking. Cody stops at a mirror to make sure that he is truly dashing. We go to commercial.
We are back and Johnny Knoxville will be back next week.
We see highlights from the tag match involving the two teams we are going to see next.
Match Number Six: David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Number One Contender Natalya versus Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Tag Titles
Kidd and Rhodes start things off and they lock up in a Greco Roman knuckle lock. Rhodes with punches to Kidd. Kidd gets sent to the apron but Kidd with a shoulder and then he gets a rollup for a near fall. Rhodes with a springboard spin kick and he tags in McIntyre. They send Kidd into the turnbuckles and Drew kicks Kidd in the head. Rhodes tags in and he kicks Kidd and McIntyre with a forearm. Drew tags back in and Drew with a clothesline after Rhodes Irish whipped him at him. Drew gets a near fall and he sets for a suplex but Kidd with a drop kick.
Smith and Rhodes tag in and Smith with punches and a high knee. Smith with a running clothesline into the corner and he tries for a power slam. Cody escapes the hold but Smith with a version of the Olympic slam for a near fall. Smith sends McIntyre to the floor and then Smith and Kidd try for the Springboard Hart Attack, but Drew pushes Kidd and he hits Smith. Rhodes with Cross Rhodes for the three count.
Winners: Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes
After the match, Smith wants to know why Tyson hit him instead of Rhodes. Smith walks away.
Chris Jericho and Randy Orton are walking in the back because they have a match and it is next.
We are back and John Cena is in the locker room and R Truth enters. They rap and Truth says that no matter what happens on Sunday, he has Cena’s back. Cena says that he is the guy to go to when things are on the line. Cena says that he is not going to be part of the Nexus. He said that he is going to take care of them one by one. Truth says that Cena is one of the most reckless, getting crunk people that he knows. Cena says that since Nexus is going to Smackdown, he might as well be there. If they run into each other, then Hell in a Cell starts early.
It is time to run through the card for Hell in a Cell.
Chris Jericho says that when he wins tonight, he will become the number one contender and he will win the WWE Title. Chris Jericho says that Randy Orton is a tremendous competitor. Randy has changed from when he first started to a demented lunatic in order to become the champion. He says that Orton moves, thinks, and strikes like a snake. Jericho says that much like Randy used to call himself the Legend Killer, Chris says that he will call himself the Viper Killer. Randy will join the list of legends and Hall of Famers he has beaten. Steve Austin, Rock, Triple H, Kane, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, JBL, the Big Show, Edge, Undertaker . . . who he beat twice. The list goes on and on. MVP, CM Punk . . . we go to commercial.
We are back and the Man of 1004 Victims continues with Invaders, Villanos, Juventud Guerrera, Apollo Xantes, Ringo Mendoza Junior, The Great Muta, Masahiro Chono, Funaki, Fuyuki, Jado, Gedo, Yoshi Tatsu, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, Lex Luger, Sting, Ric Flair, Bill Goldberg, Booker T, Stevie Ray, Scott Norton, Buff Bagwell, Flash Flannigan, Flash Funk, Kevin Nash, Diesel, Oz, Scott Hall, Razor Ramon, American Starship Eagle.
Randy Orton interrupts the list because he apparently wants to wrestle his match.
Match Number Seven: Randy Orton versus Chris Jericho
Jericho with a kick and forearm to the head and then he sends Orton into the turnbuckles. Jericho with an Irish whip but Orton with a clothesline out of the corner. Orton punches Jericho and then he drapes Jericho on the apron and connects with a punch and uppercut. Orton with an uppercut but Jericho with a punch. Orton with punches to the back but Jericho with a thumb to the eye. Jericho with kicks and then he punches Orton. Jericho has something to say to Orton but that angers Orton and he punches Jericho. Orton clotheslines Jericho over the top rope to the floor. Jericho sends Orton into the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with a clothesline and then he gives Jericho the Garvin Stomp.
Sheamus comes out to watch the match from the stage and Orton loses his focus on the match. Orton sees Jericho coming but Jericho with an enzuigiri. Jericho catapults Orton into the bottom rope as Sheamus watches . . . fella. Jericho chokes Orton in the ropes. Jericho misses the splash in the ropes and he crotches himself. Orton punches Jericho but Jericho with an Irish whip. Jericho misses a charge into the corner and he hits the ring post with his shoulder. Orton tries for the RKO but Jericho with a back slide for a near fall. Jericho with a drop kick and another near fall. Jericho with a reverse chin lock. Orton with a double sledge to escape the chin lock. Jericho with a drop kick for a near fall. Jericho pulls down the knee pad and then he connects with a knee drop. Jericho with a near fall. Jericho with a reverse chin lock and he puts his knee in Orton’s back. Orton with a belly-to-back suplex on Jericho and both men are down.
Orton with a clothesline or two and then he hits the power slam. Orton with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot and Jericho with a bulldog. Jericho tries for the Lionsault but Jericho lands on his feet when Orton moves. Orton wit ha back breaker and then he tries for the RKO but Jericho avoids the move. Jericho hits the Lionsault and gets a near fall. Jericho tries for the springboard drop kick but Orton moves out of the way. Orton tries for the IEDDT but Jericho escapes it and he puts Orton in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho pulls Orton into the center of the ring because Orton was getting too close to the ropes. Orton rolls through and kicks Jericho to the floor. Orton with the IEDDT to Jericho. Orton summons the power of the Viper with his rhythmic pounding on the mat.
Sheamus enters the ring and the referee calls for the bell. Orton gives Sheamus an IEDDT.
Winner: Randy Orton by disqualification
Orton sets for the field goal kick on Sheamus and Jericho hits the Codebreaker on Orton.
Jericho gets a chair and he waits for Orton to get up. Orton avoids the chair and he hits an RKO on Jericho. Jericho is down in the corner and Orton thinks about it and he lines up for a fifty five yard field goal and it is good.
Sheamus recovers in time to see the carnage in the ring. Sheamus realizes that Orton is crazy . . . fella.
The medical staff checks on Jericho and they get him stretchered out of the ring.
We go to credits.
PAUL BEARER TALKS ABOUT HIS RETURN TO WWE
Percy “Paul Bearer” Pringle has wrote a new blog on his website regarding his return to WWE on last night’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Here’s part of what he wrote:
Where do I begin my friends? I guess we should go with the “Reader’s Digest” version, since those of you that visit here often know I can ramble on and on. Let’s just cut to the chase. About four months ago I recieved a call from the WWE creative folks asking if I had any interest in returning to the company. Of course this totally caught me off guard.
Just to step back for a moment, many are aware that my wife passed away from three battles with cancer, on January 31, 2009; and my life took some major turns following that tragic life changing event. We were married 30-years.
Since my departure from WWE at the GREAT AMERICAN BASH on June 24, 2004, I had virtually divorced myself from professional wrestling completely and returned fulltime to Funeral Service, which some may not realize that I have a degree in Mortuary Science and I am a legit licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. I managed a small Funeral Home and Crematory here on the Gulf Coast.
In the early Spring of 2010, I decided to test the pro wrestling waters again, and began doing some independent events, autograph signings, etc., around the country to see if the passion was still there for me. Of course it was, and it will always will be. I discovered that doing these events took me away from the loneliness I was experiencing without my wife, Dianna. I was actually having fun again; and these days if it’s not fun, you can leave me out of it.
During the six-years I had been away from WWE it would be a major understatement to say that many things had changed since I signed my first contract there on December 22, 1990. We started negotiations for my return. I still had many doubts if this was what I really wanted to do. Through much prayer, and conversations with my immediate family and close friends, I decided that if all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, that this was meant to be.
I had to fly to Pittsburgh, PA and go through major physical and mental examinations; which to my dismay, all the results came back positive. My final question to myself was… “What would my late wife Dianna want me to do?”. That answer was the easiest of all… she would say, “Get your ass back on the road!”. So….
…here I am. My contract actually became effective on August 1st, and sworn to secrecy, it was extremely hard to keep so many of my contacts from knowing what the future was going to hold in store for me.
Many have asked for the details of my contract, such as it’s length, even monetary details, and the like. Sorry you won’t get that confidential information from me. I will say that a clause in my contract allows for me to continue working independent events, if I desire, and as long as they don’t interfere with my WWE commitments. The bottomline is that I consider myself very lucky, at the tender age of 56, to get another chance at the top of our game. I am truly blessed.
My SMACKDOWN re-debut to the company was set to be taped this past Tuesday evening, in Bloomington, IL. Getting there, staying at a discreet hotel, sneeking into the venue, and hiding out in the dressing area until my time in the event came, is a story onto itself. Most of the wrestlers on the card that night didn’t even know I was there.
A new era has begun in my life. And I have you the fans who made the Percy Pringle / Paul Bearer characters to thank. Notwithstanding, those within WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT who continue to have confidence in my old school abilities. It doesn’t matter if it lasts a week, a month, or five more years. It’s all good.
As always, I do my best to remain accessable to you folks; and I do read and answer all of my email on a timely basis. Unfortunately, you may not get the answers from me that that you may desire. I just tell it like it is with no apologies.
Where do I begin my friends? I guess we should go with the “Reader’s Digest” version, since those of you that visit here often know I can ramble on and on. Let’s just cut to the chase. About four months ago I recieved a call from the WWE creative folks asking if I had any interest in returning to the company. Of course this totally caught me off guard.
Just to step back for a moment, many are aware that my wife passed away from three battles with cancer, on January 31, 2009; and my life took some major turns following that tragic life changing event. We were married 30-years.
Since my departure from WWE at the GREAT AMERICAN BASH on June 24, 2004, I had virtually divorced myself from professional wrestling completely and returned fulltime to Funeral Service, which some may not realize that I have a degree in Mortuary Science and I am a legit licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. I managed a small Funeral Home and Crematory here on the Gulf Coast.
In the early Spring of 2010, I decided to test the pro wrestling waters again, and began doing some independent events, autograph signings, etc., around the country to see if the passion was still there for me. Of course it was, and it will always will be. I discovered that doing these events took me away from the loneliness I was experiencing without my wife, Dianna. I was actually having fun again; and these days if it’s not fun, you can leave me out of it.
During the six-years I had been away from WWE it would be a major understatement to say that many things had changed since I signed my first contract there on December 22, 1990. We started negotiations for my return. I still had many doubts if this was what I really wanted to do. Through much prayer, and conversations with my immediate family and close friends, I decided that if all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, that this was meant to be.
I had to fly to Pittsburgh, PA and go through major physical and mental examinations; which to my dismay, all the results came back positive. My final question to myself was… “What would my late wife Dianna want me to do?”. That answer was the easiest of all… she would say, “Get your ass back on the road!”. So….
…here I am. My contract actually became effective on August 1st, and sworn to secrecy, it was extremely hard to keep so many of my contacts from knowing what the future was going to hold in store for me.
Many have asked for the details of my contract, such as it’s length, even monetary details, and the like. Sorry you won’t get that confidential information from me. I will say that a clause in my contract allows for me to continue working independent events, if I desire, and as long as they don’t interfere with my WWE commitments. The bottomline is that I consider myself very lucky, at the tender age of 56, to get another chance at the top of our game. I am truly blessed.
My SMACKDOWN re-debut to the company was set to be taped this past Tuesday evening, in Bloomington, IL. Getting there, staying at a discreet hotel, sneeking into the venue, and hiding out in the dressing area until my time in the event came, is a story onto itself. Most of the wrestlers on the card that night didn’t even know I was there.
A new era has begun in my life. And I have you the fans who made the Percy Pringle / Paul Bearer characters to thank. Notwithstanding, those within WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT who continue to have confidence in my old school abilities. It doesn’t matter if it lasts a week, a month, or five more years. It’s all good.
As always, I do my best to remain accessable to you folks; and I do read and answer all of my email on a timely basis. Unfortunately, you may not get the answers from me that that you may desire. I just tell it like it is with no apologies.
UPDATE ON TYLER BLACK
Tyler Black worked his final independent date this weekend in Chicago, teaming with Jimmy Jacobs. Black is living in Tampa and has been working out at WWE’s FCW developmental territory. He will now be working exclusively with WWE
JILLIAN LEAVING WWE?
There have been rumors within WWE about RAW Diva Jillian Hall’s future with the company. While her status with the company is in good standing, plans are being made to “retire” Jillian as an on-air performer. She would then work as a trainer to WWE’s female developmental talents in Tampa, Florida. No word yet when these changes will happen with Jillian but that is the plan.
MORE ON JOHN CENA'S HEEL TURN
The possibility of turning John Cena heel has been discussed much more seriously than in the past, according to the Pro Wrestling Torch.
Vince McMahon made it clear when the idea was previously broached that it would not even be considered due to the tremendous amount of revenue Cena draws via merchandise. While there doesn’t appear to be any firm plan in place, McMahon has since changed his tune on the subject as he is now open to listening to suggestions.
Meanwhile, this week’s issue of Figure Four Weekly adds that there is ‘strong talk’ of a turning Cena heel come WrestleMania season.
Vince McMahon made it clear when the idea was previously broached that it would not even be considered due to the tremendous amount of revenue Cena draws via merchandise. While there doesn’t appear to be any firm plan in place, McMahon has since changed his tune on the subject as he is now open to listening to suggestions.
Meanwhile, this week’s issue of Figure Four Weekly adds that there is ‘strong talk’ of a turning Cena heel come WrestleMania season.
WWE SIGNS THE BASHING BULGARIAN MIROSLAV
WWE has signed “The Bashing Bulgarian” Miroslav from the Knox Pro wrestling school in California to a developmental. He is from Bulgaria and was rained by Gangrel and Rikishi. Miroslav is the second WWE signing from Knox as the company previously signed was Alberto Del Rio’s ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez, who is a trained wrestler.
BLOOD BROTHERS STARRING JOHN CENA
John Cena’s next WWE film will be Blood Brothers. The film will be shot in New Mexico (the first film not shot by them in Louisiana in some time) and will tell the story of a trio of brothers who try to free a billionaire from a Mexican prison.
UPDATE ON NEXUS
While nobody expects Nexus to be disbanded, it has been noted that the faction’s merchandise sales have been poor. WWE officials expected the group to get over as anti-heroes, but its merchandise has failed to significantly move.
BURRIED ALIVE MATCH AT SURVIVOR SERIES?
WWE has discussed tying the 20th anniversary of the debut of The Undertaker character with November’s Survivor Series. One of the ideas being discussed is a Buried Alive Match between The Undertaker and Kane. There has been talk of it being Undertaker’s final run with the company and they wanted him to conclude his career with his longtime manager, Paul Bearer, by his side.
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