On smart/internet fans: "More power to them but you can take any one of those people and give them the position of booker and they would lose their mind. They don't realize the intricate little things that go into putting stuff together.
"On top of that, we worry about ratings in this company which, to me, is madness at this point. Ratings don't mean anything expect to the sponsors. Which is why we do it because we want to keep sponsors happy. ... I just think everyone loves being negative. 'Ah! Punk came back too soon. They did this,' and it's like, 'Shut up and enjoy it.' Yeah. I know that sometimes it gets really, really bad. You can be vocal about that. But they don't let anything play out. They almost forget that there's going to be a Raw next week."
On his relationship with Triple H: "It's pretty good, I think. [Laughs.] I mean, you know, honestly, I guess I'll never really, truly know. We have a good, open relationship, I guess. We talk. He's very knowledgeable about the business and he's in a spot that he knows about a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff that fascinates me. I pick his brain about that stuff."
On Brodus Clay getting on TV only to be taken off shortly thereafter: "[Triple H] is in a position and now I'm in a position where I can ask him, 'OK. I don't understand why we put a guy like Brodus on TV and then he's off TV for two weeks. Explain that to me, Hunter.' Then he tells me, and I get it.
"We're not just catering to the people that are probably watching this. [Waves to the camera.] We're catering to a much wider audience."
February 23, 2012
Highlights From CM Punk's Interview with Peter Rosenberg at Hot97
Irate HBK: “Am I better than Triple H?”
In an exclusive phone interview with WWE.com Thursday, WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels lost his composure when faced with pointed questions pertaining to Triple H and The Undertaker’s Hell in a Cell Match at WrestleMania.
The conversation with HBK began amicably, as "Mr. WrestleMania" expressed satisfaction that his best friend had finally agreed to The Phenom's WrestleMania challenge. The tone of the interview changed, however, when it turned toward a topic The Deadman had broached during Raw SuperShow Monday night, and HBK was faced with the question, "If Triple H wins at WrestleMania, will he be better than you?" Michaels grew increasingly incensed in his response, culminating in a heated conclusion to the interview. Click here.
This Day in Wrestling History
Ring of Honor makes its debut. The show features Low Ki vs. Bryan Daniels vs. Christopher Daniels in the main event.
February 23, 2002
February 22, 2012
USA Network Planning WWE Special Before WrestleMania
USA will be running a Rock/John Cena special on March 26th at 8 p.m. before Raw to hype their WrestleMania match. It will be a behind-the-scenes look at their rivalry. It will re-air on March 31st.
WWE Says Shaq Not Wrestling at WM28
WWE released a statement Tuesday night saying retired NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is not scheduled for a match at WrestleMania 28. WWE's website incorrectly reported that Shaq told HollywoodLife.com that he would compete in the ring. In the actual article, Shaq said he would be at WrestleMania, but did not say whether he would be wrestling. WWE did not address Shaq's actual claim that he would be at WM28. In prior months, Shaq was rumored to face Big Show in a match.
