WWE-Universe: 01/20/11

Thursday, January 20, 2011

ALBERTO DEL RIO RUMBLE WINNER? EDGE'S OPPONENT AT WRESTLEMANIA

Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge for the World Heavyweight Title has been at least discussed for WrestleMania 27. Dolph Ziggler, Edge’s Royal Rumble opponent, has also been discussed as a possible opponent for WrestleMania.

SHAWN MICHAELS CUTS HAIR

Shawn Michaels cut his hair at the first-ever “Baldys” event at the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s SHOT convention in Las Vegas yesterday. Money raised from the event is being used to benefit the Arnold S. Leonard Cancer Research Fund.

NEWS ON NEXUS'S NEW MEMBER MASON RYAN

Sources from WWE developmental note that Mason Ryan is a long way from being ready for the big time. It’s said that Ryan is a nice guy who understand his limitations and shortcomings. When he won the FCW Heavyweight Title back last summer, he couldn’t understand why he was being pushed and recognized that most other guys in developmental were better than him

RICARDO RODRIGUEZ DEBUTS IN RING

Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez made his WWE ring debut last night on NXT, defeating Del Rio’s Rookie Conor O’Brian before he was eliminated, in a bit of a comedy match.

As noted before, Rodriguez wrestled under a mask on the independent scene before signing with WWE. He has been training at WWE developmental and has wrestled a few matches there recently.

NEWS ON ROY NELSON

MMA fighter Roy Nelson’s people were in talks with WWE’s John Laurinaitis as recent as a few weeks ago. It’s said that Nelson had no idea of what working for WWE would be like and he just heard the high price tag that Brock Lesnar might get for a return so he became interested. The talks with Laurinaitis stopped after he became unavailable and unresponsive to the inquiries from Nelson’s people.

Vince McMahon has said that he’s not interested in using MMA fighters who have had success in the sport because they can still make money without dealing with WWE’s schedule. Back in 2006, Vince offered Bob Sapp a seven-figure contract and the ECW Title. Sapp turned the offer down, mainly not wanting to deal with WWE’s schedule. The spot was eventually given to Bobby Lashley.

UPDATE ON TRIPLE H AND STEPHANIE MCMAHON

There’s a belief within WWE that Triple H is going to be winding down his in-ring career and focusing more on working in the office. Triple H is reportedly studying the marketing end of the business hard since he already has a pretty good understanding of things like the creative side.

On a related note, it’s said that Stephanie McMahon is traveling less these days as she’s taking care of their three kids at home. Stephanie is still on call but isn’t in the office as much and isn’t attending WWE tapings as much.

It’s said that SmackDown writer Michael Hayes and RAW’s Brian Gewirtz seem to have more creative power with Stephanie not involved as much as in the past.

NEXUS VS THE CORRE

There was talk this week of doing some kind of Nexus vs. The Corre match, presumably at WrestleMania 27. It’s possible that there will be some kind of confrontation between the two groups at the Royal Rumble.

WWE ALL-STAR PHOTOS

Courtesy: WWE All-Star Official website

BOB BARKER COMING AT WRESTLEMANIA

Rick Morris, host of The FDH Lounge on SportsTalkNetwork.com, confirmed on Twitter this morning that Bob Barker of Price is Right fame will be at WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta, Georgia this year.

Barker hosted RAW back in December of 2009 and was one of the most well-received hosts WWE had. Barker won a Slammy Award for Best RAW Host.

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