Video: Jeff Jarrett issues first comments since leaving TNA

Rumor Mill - How WWE Might Try to Counter Punk Chants In Chicago, Latest Reaction to Punk Leaving, More

After a week where the CM Punk talk has started to die down, people within WWE are looking ahead to the March 3rd RAW from Chicago. There is a lot of concern about how that show will play out. With The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan scheduled to return at the February 24th RAW, they could be brought to the Chicago RAW as a way to counter the Punk chants.

There was less concern this past week because while there were Punk chants at live events, they didn't pick up or last that long. The feeling is that with nothing major happening with the Los Angeles crowd at RAW on Monday, it's pretty much a done situation with the possible exception of Chicago.

Going into the Los Angeles RAW this week, officials feared fans would hijack the show and ruin the John Cena vs. Randy Orton main event. The idea was to bring Daniel Bryan out twice, including right before the main event, have him go over strong and get the chants out of the way.

There remains mixed feelings within the company regarding Punk's status. Virtually nobody agrees with him when it comes to walking out 30 minutes before a live TV shoot. Many have sympathy for some of his concerns but they argue that Punk was legitimately the #2 guy in the company for a while. On a related note, it's acknowledged that Punk was very popular but the belief is that he was not a ticket seller to live events and only on occasion was he a difference maker in pay-per-view business. At the same time, Punk was the #2 merchandise seller.

This Day In Wrestling History - HBK Loses His Smile

On a special Thursday edition of RAW, Shawn Michaels forfeits the WWF(E) Title in a move that many felt he did in order to avoid losing to Bret "Hitman" Hart at WrestleMania 13. In his promo, Michaels said he needed to go home to quote "find his smile."
February 13, 1997

Triple H Talks About the WWE Hall of Fame Airing on The Network, Batista, Lita and More

In the newest interview with Michael Cole and Triple H. Here are some highlights:

* Michael Cole apologized for his actions during last week's interview, for overstepping his bounds. Triple H said the apology is accepted but unnecessary because Cole was just doing his job - asking tough questions. Triple H asked Cole not to push him on questions Cole knows he cannot answer.

* Triple H said he's excited for Lita and proud of her. He called her a trailblazer. He announces the WWE Network will show the Hall of Fame ceremony, in its entirety, live that Saturday night before WrestleMania XXX.

* Regarding Batista getting upset on RAW in the backstage segment, Triple H said he's not sure if Batista is upset at management, he's just a hothead. Triple H said it's up to Batista to prove that he's the same Animal he was four years ago.

* Triple H is not disappointed in Randy Orton for his recent losses to the Elimination Chamber opponents. Triple H thinks Cesaro may be Orton's toughest opponent yet. Triple H said Cesaro is the guy nobody will be expecting and is good enough to walk out the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

* Triple H said he would indeed consider the winner of the Chamber to be the face of WWE.

WWE debuts "30 Years fo Wrestlemania" podcast

WWE has partnered with PodcastOne to debut a new "30 Years of Wrestlemania" podcast hosted by Renee Young. Episode #1 features Shawn Michaels as the guest.

To check out the podcast, click here.

Jingle All The Way 2 and The Marine 4 to Start Production from WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment today announced the next two films that will begin production as part of their continued collaboration. This March, cameras will start rolling on JINGLE ALL THE WAY 2, the sequel to the 1996 hit comedy JINGLE ALL THE WAY. Starring Larry the Cable Guy (Tooth Fairy 2, Cars) and featuring WWE Superstar “Santino Marella®” the film is directed by Alex Zamm (Tooth Fairy 2, Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts) and will release this 2014 holiday season.

Also announced is the fourth installment of THE MARINE franchise, the eighth collaboration between WWE Studios and Twentieth Century Fox including the theatrical releases of THE MARINE and 12 ROUNDS. Shooting this April, THE MARINE 4 will star WWE Superstar Mike “The Miz®” Mizanin, who will be the first WWE Superstar to reprise his role in THE MARINE franchise, and will also feature “Summer Rae™,” the first WWE Diva to be featured in a WWE Studios production...More?

Roman Reigns Talks Working With The Rock, Triple H, How He's Related To Rock And Usos

Reigns was asked about The Shield hitting The Rock with a triple power bomb through a table at last year's Royal Rumble. Reigns said that it was cool, even though it was in the dark (the lights went out for the attack). He called the Rock "a really cool dude" and said that he enjoyed hanging out with him earlier in the day before the show.

Reigns was asked about people thinking that he's the next big thing. Reigns said his goal it to be the top guy, and that should be everybody's. He said that everybody in The Shield wants to be the top guy, and noted how close they have all become. He said that they are always going to be a good team.

He credited Triple H for giving him a lot of advice, and called him a great resource. He also named Road Dogg, Michael Hayes and Jamie Noble as guys who have helped him. He said that the one person who has helped him the most is Joey Mercury, and that he's a "great help" anytime he's around.

Reigns was asked about his family and he said that he learns a lot from them. He noted that he's been close with The Usos since he was four years old. He was asked how he's related to some of the other members of his legendary family, and he replied:

Rikishi: First cousin.

The Usos: Second cousins.

The Rock Second cousin.

Umaga: First cousin.

Yokozuna: First cousin.

The Next Inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Is...

Lita

Hulk Hogan Officially Booked to Return to WWE RAW This Month with Another Hall of Famer

PWInsider reports that Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart are both now officially booked for the February 24th WWE RAW from Green Bay, Wisconsin. This is the same night the WWE Network launches.

Hogan has had an agreement to return to WWE for some time following his TNA departure. Hogan was originally slated to return during the WWE Network announcement in Las Vegas but the company changed those plans the night before.

As noted, The Undertaker will also be on that RAW. Other top stars are expected to appear.

New WWE Logo Update

PWInsider reports that WWE will begin using a new company logo once the Network launches later this month. It is the same logo we've seen on Network material and the new WWE jet that Stephanie McMahon posted a photo of last week, which you can check out below:

This Day In Wrestling History - Curt "Mr. Perfect" Henning Passes Away

Curtis Michael "Curt" Hennig
March 28, 1958 – February 10, 2003

WWE Hall of Fame Profile

Men's Health Magazine Looks at Tough Women's Wrestlers

Men's Health has an article up on women's wrestlers who can kick ass. They list Aksana, Cheerleader Melissa, The Bella Twins, Gail Kim, AJ Lee, Taryn Terrell, Thea Trinidad (Rosita) and Rosa Mendes. Click here.