Former WWE performer and trainer Bill DeMott recently took part in an interview with PlanetaWrestling where he names his time working with Triple H in NXT as the greatest time in his career. DeMott feels that working with the talent in NXT was his greatest accomplishment.
“There is no denying what [Triple H] and NXT are doing is successful,” DeMott said
Demott was a trainer for the third season of WWE’s Tough Enough reality show back in 2002, and ended up landing head trainer positions at several developmental territories. DeMott was a trainer on Tough Enough during the seasons that brought us John Morrison, The Miz, and Ryback.
“I was so grateful for the first opportunity to coach on Tough Enough, it turned into the biggest part of my career and I was part of the most successful shows WWE ever did,” DeMott said. “I am truly proud of everyone that competed, because win or lose I spent every day with them and know what they went through.”
DeMott was the head coach of NXT while Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Neville were all there, and says they are changing the face of the industry now on the WWE roster. He says he’s particularly proud of those three, and gets a “nervous energy” when he sees how well they’re doing on TV.
DeMott resigned from WWE in March of 2015 following accusations of misconduct and abuse by several ex-trainees. DeMott denies the allegations.
Since 2006
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October 15, 2016
Bill DeMott Speaks On Working With Triple H, Kevin Owens On RAW, Tough Enough
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 10:41 AM
Labels: Adrian Neville, Bill DeMott, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Triple H, WWE, WWE NXT, WWE Tough Enough
October 2, 2016
WWE Releases A Tough Enough Winner
According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, Tough Enough season six winner Sara Lee has reportedly been released by the WWE .
There are currently no details as to why the reported release took place other than that Sara received the news on Friday. Sara did reveal via Facebook that she expecting a child in May 2017 with fellow NXT Superstar Welsey Blake.
Sara Lee was crowned the female winner of season six of WWE’s revised Tough Enough back in August of last year alongside Josh “The Yeti” Bredl.
Aside from a few appearances at NXT Live house show events, Sara never made any appearances on NXT television.
July 28, 2016
WWE Releases Popular Tough Enough Talent
According to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet, “Tough Enough” star ZZ Loupe was released from his WWE contract earlier today.
No word at this point on what caused WWE to release Loupe, but he had recently made his live event debut in a match against Oney Lorcan, and even got the win in the match.
Loupe participated in the last season of “Tough Enough”, and although he was popular amongst fans of the show, he ended up losing the contest to Josh Bredl, who currently competes in WWE NXT under the ring name Bronson Mathews.
October 28, 2015
Tough Enough Competitors Join New Class at The WWE Performance Center
WWE Tough Enough competitors Mada Abdelhamid, Daria Berenato, Patrick Clark, Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe and Amanda Saccomanno have been signed to developmental contracts and are part of a new class of 19 recruits that have begun training at the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in Orlando. The former competitors will join Tough Enough winners Josh Bredl and Sara Lee, who began training at the facility in early September.
WWE Tough Enough, a hard-hitting reality series, searched for the next Superstar and Diva over the course of 10-weeks. Contestants were trained by WWE Legends Booker T™, Billy Gunn™ and Lita™ while judges WWE Superstars Daniel Bryan® and The Miz® and WWE Diva Paige™ helped fans crown one man and one woman “Tough Enough”, with each winning a one-year, $250,000 contract.
“With support from our remarkable coaching staff at the WWE Performance Center, this new class of recruits will be able to develop their skills, in and out of the ring,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “Our unparalleled training facility gives our talent every opportunity to succeed and grow. The sky is the limit for these talented individuals, and I’m pleased to welcome each and every one of them to WWE.”
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 6:35 PM
Labels: Divas, Indy Wrestling, WWE Performance Center, WWE Tough Enough, WWE Womens Division
October 21, 2015
WWE Signs More WWE Tough Enough Competitors
WWE has reportedly signed Tough Enough competitors Mada Abdelhamid and Daria Berenato to developmental deals, according to PWInsider.
Both Mada and Daria started at the WWE Performance Center on Tuesday. This comes after Patrick Clark was also signed in the past week. He reported to work on Monday.
WWE has now signed Mada, Daria, finalists Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe and Amanda Saccomanno, as well as winners Sara Lee and Josh Bredl.
October 20, 2015
Celebrity To Host Breaking Ground, Premiere On Social Media, WWE's Kevin Dunn Comments
The AP reports that actor William Shatner will narrate the 10-episode WWE Breaking Ground series. The premiere will air on WWE's Facebook and YouTube channels this Sunday after Hell In a Cell, then debut on the WWE Network after Monday's RAW.
WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn commented:
"I wouldn't say we're pulling back the curtain at all. We're telling real stories of these real people and the hardships and difficulty of making it to the WWE. I don't think we're giving it away. You're just going to see how this process actually works."
"It's not about NXT. It's about making it to the WWE."
"I think new is always interesting on any level, especially when you have new stars on any TV show."
Dunn also said the return of WWE Tough Enough is uncertain.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 8:28 PM
Labels: Celebrity, Kevin Dunn, WWE Breaking Ground, WWE Network, WWE Tough Enough, WWE YouTube
October 18, 2015
Popular WWE Tough Enough Contestant Reportedly Signs with WWE, Reports to the Performance Center
A source close to Patrick Clark has told the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show that the popular former Tough Enough contestant has signed to a WWE developmental contract and is currently at the performance center. Adding fuel to the speculation, Clark was missing from this weekend’s MCW shows where he was advertised to appear and last night in Delaware, his tag team partner Lio Rush dropped the Maryland Tag Team Championship in a handicap match.
You can listen to The Chad Dukes Wrestling Show on Washington DC’s 106.7 The Fan Wednesday Nights at 7pm and on iTunes, Play.it, and at: http://chaddukeswrestlingshow.com/
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 9:48 AM
Labels: Lita, MCW, MD/DC/VA, WWE, WWE Performance Center, WWE Tough Enough
October 6, 2015
Tough Enough Amanda Gets New WWE Name, Diva Returns To 'Total Divas,' More Details On Next Season
E! issued the following press release regarding the next season of Total Divas. Rosa Mendes will be returning while Tough Enough competitor Amanda will join the cast. It was revealed that Amanda's new WWE name would be Mandy.
E!'S HIT SERIES "TOTAL DIVAS" BEGINS PRODUCTION ON SEASON FIVE, FOLLOWING LAST WEEK'S SEASON HIGH FINALE REACHING 1.6M TOTAL VIEWERS AND 1.0M A18-49
The Bella Twins™, Natalya™, Eva Marie™, Paige™, Rosa Mendes™, and Alicia Fox™ Return In 2016 Along With WWE's Newest Diva Mandy™
LOS ANGELES, CA – October 6, 2015 – Production on season five of E!, WWE® and Bunim-Murray Productions' hit series, "Total Divas," has begun, with the season slated to return in early 2016. The announcement comes on the heels of the show's season four finale on Tuesday, September 29 at 9pm, which marked its highest rated installment of the season with 1.6M Total Viewers and 1.0M Adults 18-49 in L3 ratings.
The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie Bella), Natalya (Nattie), Eva Marie, Paige, Rosa Mendes, and Alicia Fox will continue to give viewers an exclusive inside glimpse at balancing life in the spotlight and the non-stop action of their professional careers with the drama of their personal lives.
In the upcoming season, Mandy, the runner-up on the most recent season of "WWE Tough Enough®" is joining the Divas, bringing her own flavor to the already dynamic group and looking to prove she belongs amongst the veteran Divas. Plus, with Nikki Bella recently losing the championship title, the cast members of "Total Divas" are all vying to claim the title of Divas Champion.
Overall, season four of "Total Divas" remained a powerhouse for E!, reaching 1.5M Total Viewers and 1.0M Adults 18-49 in L3 ratings, solidifying its spot as one of the network's hottest programs.
All-new episodes of "Total Divas" return in early 2016.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 10:03 PM
Labels: Alicia Fox, Bella Twins, Divas, Eva Marie, Mandy Rose, Natalya, Paige, Rosa Mendes, Total Divas, WWE, WWE Tough Enough, WWE Womens Division
September 15, 2015
WWE Signs Another Tough Enough Competitor?
WWE has reportedly signed Tough Enough finalist Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe. He was at the WWE Performance Center working out in the ring on Monday, according to PWInsider. Apparently ZZ has reported to the Performance Center to begin working.
WWE now has all four Tough Enough finalists signed as winners Josh Bredl and Sara Lee reported to work this month and Amanda Saccomanno has been filming Total Divas.
September 10, 2015
‘Tough Enough’ Runner-Up Amanda Joining Cast of ‘Total Divas’
Total Divas will soon see the debut of a new cast member: Tough Enough runner-up Amanda.
PWInsider is reporting that Amanda has officially joined the cast, replacing Naomi, who confirmed her own Total Divas departure on Twitter yesterday.
For a week prior, Amanda was present alongside Total Divas cast members in various social media posts, fueling the speculation:
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 7:41 PM
Labels: Divas, Naomi, Total Divas, WWE Tough Enough, WWE Womens Division
September 9, 2015
WWE Tough Enough Competitor Replacing Naomi On WWE Total Divas?
Naomi indicated on Twitter today that she has been replaced on the next season of WWE Total Divas. This hasn't been confirmed but it appears WWE Tough Enough finalist Amanda Saccomanno could be replacing her. Amanda has been at several recent WWE tapings, as have Total Divas cameras, and there has been talk she was signed by WWE.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 10:54 PM
Labels: Divas, Naomi, Total Divas, WWE Tough Enough, WWE Womens Division
August 25, 2015
WWE Tough Enough Finale Recap
The final four competitors – Josh, Sara, ZZ and Amanda – were overcome with disbelief that the final week of Tough Enough was underway, but also with trepidation as they had to compete in their first televised match. Amanda took the opportunity to try and get into Sara’s head by questioning her personal life. Shaking off Amanda’s assumptions and comments, Sara was poised to prove to everyone she belongs in WWE.
Before their live matches, each contestant sat down with Chris Jericho and discussed what they wanted their ring gear to look like. In addition to their ring gear, Jericho encouraged the final four to flesh out their in-ring personas.
After going over their characters, the contestants learned who they would be facing inside the squared circle. Amanda and Sara would be going toe-to-toe with former Divas Champion Alicia Fox while ZZ and Josh would face Cesaro.
Amanda, taking the ring name Mandy Rose, entered the ring first, showing off her new persona. Mandy Rose then had the opportunity to display everything she’s learned during her tenure at the WWE Performance Center. Facing Alicia is a daunting task, especially for a first live match. The battle went back and forth and Mandy showed strong endurance and ability to keep fighting.
However, Foxy proved that experience is crucial inside the ring and won the match with her patented Scissor Kick.
Miz was a fan of Mandy Rose’s new persona and Paige gave her high marks for her outfit. Although Daniel Bryan felt the match was sloppy, he admired Mandy’s intensity and ability to keep the flow of the math intact.
Next up was Sara Lee, competing as Hope. Taking the microphone, Hope talked a big game – determined to make Alicia a “footnote in Hope’s career.” Hope came out strong against the former Divas Champion, however Fox retaliated aggressively, putting Hope on the defensive. Remaining in the fight, Hope looked like she could pull off an upset, but Alicia took control with an eye poke and executed her Scissor Kick for the win.
Miz loved Hope’s promo and was genuinely impressed with her performance. Paige wasn’t a fan of her entrance but was also impressed with the performance. Bryan reiterated Paige’s point about Hope’s entrance, but he was surprised by the match.
Before the reveal of the female winner, ZZ and Josh competed. First up was ZZ, who entered the ring as The King of the Bayou, donning an alligator head attached to a cape. Before The King could finish his promo, Cesaro made his way to the ring. Cesaro dominated much of the contest, showing off his infamous strength and tossing The King around with ease. The Swiss Superman dominated the bout, and reversed The King’s Gator Grip into a Crossface for the win.
Bryan felt The King of the Bayou did a decent job in his match. However, Paige felt his personality was lacking and Miz didn’t think The King could handle competing in a longer match.
Josh was the final contestant to get in the ring and he, of course, competed as The Yeti. Clearly excited for his match, The Yeti did his best to rile up the audience and get them on his side. As the match got underway, The Yeti tried to match strength with Cesaro, but the King of Swing once again showed why he is pound-for-pound one of the strongest WWE Superstars in history. After an exchange, Cesaro executed The Neutralizer for the win.
Jericho thought The Yeti looked like a star, and Miz agreed, but hated his outfit. Paige and Bryan both felt the match was a bit choppy but strong overall. The general marks on his promo were that it started strong but lost some momentum toward the end.
With the voting closed, Triple H emerged with two WWE contracts each worth $250,000. First the newest WWE Diva was announced and the winner was Sara Lee. Joining Sara was the newest WWE Superstar – Josh.
And with that, history was made and two hard-working competitors have been granted the opportunity of a lifetime.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 9:53 PM
Labels: Alicia Fox, Antonio Cesaro, Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Divas, Paige, The Miz, Triple H, WWE, WWE Tough Enough, WWE Womens Division
August 21, 2015
WWE Donates One Million Dollars to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The WWE Tough Enough finalists, Sheamus, Stephanie McMahon and The Bella Twins also attended John Cena's 500th Make-A-Wish party at Dave & Buster's in New York City today. WWE presented a check for $1 million to Make-A-Wish.
Thank you @DaveandBusters for helping us celebrate @JohnCena 's 500th Wish! @MakeAWish #WWE #Cena500Wishes pic.twitter.com/SCtYdl441E
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) August 21, 2015
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 3:58 PM
Labels: Bella Twins, John Cena, Sheamus, Stephanie McMahon, WWE, WWE Tough Enough
August 18, 2015
Final Four WWE Tough Enough Competitors Revealed For Next Week, Details On The Finale
Tonight's WWE Tough Enough episode featured the final three male competitors up for elimination - Josh Bredl, Tanner Saraceno and Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe. It was Tanner that ended up getting eliminated. Judge Daniel Bryan had a "save" left but did not use it.
Next week's finale will feature the final two women - Sara Lee and Amanda Saccomanno, and the final two men - Josh and ZZ.
WWE announced on tonight's episode of Tough Enough that next week's finale episode will feature live wrestling matches with Sara Lee vs. Amanda Saccomanno and Josh Bredl vs. Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe. Chris Jericho noted that throughout this week the competitors will work on their entrances and their matches before next Tuesday's finale.
August 16, 2015
Paige Talks WWE and the Diva’s Revolution, Triple H’s Influence, Which Diva Does She See Having The Most Promise in WWE?
WWE Diva Paige recently spoke with Doug Mortman and (filling in for Dave LaGreca,) Larry Dallas, of Busted Open interviewed WWE Diva Paige recently.
Paige talks WWE and the recent “Divas Revolution”, Triple H’s influence on the movement, which Diva she sees with the most promise, and much more. You can hear Busted Open on SiriusXM Rush 93 and on the SiriusXM app. Visit BustedOpenNation.com. for all things Busted Open. Here are some highlights from the interview:
On HHH’s influence on the Diva’s Revolution:
Paige: Just seeing him come in and completely take what was then called FCW like under his wing and make it into this huge brand to the point where it sold out in Brooklyn – 15,000 people are coming to watch NXT – that’s MIND BLOWING … and it’s all because of that guy. He really wanted to make it a success and he really did, especially with the Divas. He really did give the Divas a chance in NXT – like me and Emma, the first network show that we did – he really gave us a chance on there and it just progressed. He killed it. He knocked it out of the park with it. We’re all extremely thankful for the opportunity that he gave every single one of us.
On which young Diva Paige sees having the most promise:
Paige: Even though she’s on the opposing team, I would say Sasha Banks. I’m a huge fan of hers. And I’ve always said it. I’ve always said Sasha Banks. She’s just the full package to me. She can promo, she can wrestle, she looks good … she definitely shows the most, I think.
On whether she sees either of the remaining two Divas on Tough Enough becoming a big name in NXT and eventually the main WWE roster:
Paige: As much as I like Sara Lee, and everyone thinks I pick on her, I would have to say Amanda – and it’s not being biased because you know how I’m like with both of them, I’m brutally honest with both of them. Amanda is kind of the full package too – she can talk, she’s really starting to get things in the ring, and she’s really embracing that heel role that she’s got going on. She really doesn’t care what people think of her and that’s cool to me, I like that, she doesn’t care about being liked or not. She’s not afraid of being different, she’s not afraid to be herself. She does great in the ring. She takes control as well, especially with her and Sara’s match she really took control of it. That’s cool. I like that about her.
On the winners of Tough Enough and their eventual transition to the NXT roster:
Paige: (laughs) It’s definitely going to be hard transition for them because they’re going to have to start working extra hard … especially because there are a lot of people on NXT that have worked their whole lives to get where they are. To be honest with you, they DO work hard, but they’re doing it on a reality show and then they get handed the contract at the end of the day. I can see a few jealous people [in NXT] but everyone is cool and cordial and they’ll be fine.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 9:36 AM
Labels: Divas, Emma, FCW, Paige, Sasha Banks, Triple H, WWE, WWE NXT, WWE Tough Enough, WWE Womens Division
August 10, 2015
WWE to “ANSWER THE CALL” for Families of Fallen NYC Heroes
WWE is joining forces with Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes through a global online auction on Charitybuzz.com, featuring unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in support of “Answer The Call,” the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
Fans can now visit www.Charitybuzz.com/WWE through Tuesday, August 25 at 12 noon ET to bid on exclusive experiences with WWE Superstar John Cena®, Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin, talk show hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa and many more. WWE’s support of “Answer The Call” is part of WWE’s community outreach initiatives in celebration of SummerSlam®, which takes place on Sunday, August 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
“We are thrilled to have WWE’s support as they ‘Answer the Call’ for the families of New York City’s fallen first responders,” said Mark Messier, Vice President of Community Affairs for the NY Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. “Our partnership will ensure that we continue to provide a network of support and financial assistance for those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”
“WWE is committed to using the power of our brand to help improve the lives of families around the world,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “We are proud to support ‘Answer The Call’ and the families of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their city.”
Online auction highlights include:
• Mark Messier’s personal New York Rangers tickets and a meet and greet with the Hockey Hall of Famer.
• Meet and greet with John Cena at Monday Night Raw®.
• Take over the court at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
• Backstage tour and meet and greet with Stephanie McMahon at Monday Night Raw.
• Meet and greet with Stone Cold Steve Austin at a live taping of the Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast on WWE® Network.
• Rookie mini-camp at MetLife Stadium for 50 people.
• Suite at a Brooklyn Nets game during the 2015-2016 season and an autographed team photo.
• Meet and greet with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman at a WWE event.
• Meet and greet with Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa and four tickets to LIVE with Kelly & Michael.
• Attend the season finale of WWE Tough Enough and meet Daniel Bryan, Paige, Lita, Booker T and Billy Gunn.
• Two tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers and a mug autographed by Seth Meyers.
For more information or to bid on the full list of auction items, visit www.Charitybuzz.com/WWE. Proceeds will provide assistance to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 6:45 PM
Labels: Billy Gunn, Booker T, Brock Lesnar, Celebrity, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Lita, Paige, Paul Heyman, Sports, Stephanie McMahon, Stone Cold Steve Austin, WWE, WWE Tough Enough
July 29, 2015
New WWE Tough Enough Judge Revealed
The Miz is the new judge on WWE Tough Enough, replacing Hulk Hogan. He joins Paige and Daniel Bryan on the panel. Host Chris Jericho indicated that the third spot could rotate each week.
As noted, Hogan was dropped from the show when WWE terminated his contract due to the racial comments made 8 years ago that was just revealed by The National Enquirer and Radar Online.
July 25, 2015
WWE Hall of Famer Meeting with Vince McMahon to Potentially Replace Hulk Hogan on Tough Enough
There have been many names being discussed by WWE to replace Hulk Hogan on Tough Enough, and those names include Ric Flair, The Miz, Chris Jericho, and the possibility of rotating the coaches as judges.
Wrestlezone.com has learned Hall of Famer Bret Hart is on his way to meet with Vince McMahon about taking over Hogan’s role on the show, and it’s a very strong possibility Hart will end up landing the job.
~ Kayfabe by Kaliqo~ at 4:20 PM
Labels: Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, The Miz, Vince McMahon, WWE Tough Enough
July 24, 2015
Backstage News on Vince McMahon and WWE Tough Enough
WWE Tough Enough is seen as such of a priority right now that Vince McMahon has skipped every SmackDown taping since the show premiered so he can be live in Orlando at Full Sail University, according to PWInsider. Vince is usually at almost every Tuesday night SmackDown taping but he, along with Kevin Dunn, have made Tough Enough a top priority.
WWE Issues Statement About Tough Enough, Starts Removing Some Hulk Hogan WWE Network Shows
CBS-DC is reporting that WWE issued the following statement to their own Chuck Carroll:
WWE and USA Network plan to announce a new judge next Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET during WWE Tough Enough.
Meanwhile, WWE has removed both the Hogan edition of "Beyond the Ring" and the '80s "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" cartoon series from WWE Network. At this point, it looks like that's the only Network content being removed, but it could change.
They likely check off too many boxes as something that would be a bad look in light of Hogan's racist comments. It would be impossible to erase Hulk Hogan of all people from the archives, so removing shows like the Hogan documentary and Hogan-centric retro cartoon are just about the only things they can do on the network.