Finn Balor Talks Undertaker And Triple H Helping With His Entrance

"It wasn't until later in my career that I really focused on the importance on making an entrance. I got to give credit to everyone that helped me with the entrance because it wasn't just my ideas. We had a huge team in coming up with the entrance.

"I had a lot of help from Road Dogg and a lot of help from Triple H. I spoke with the legendary Undertaker as well. If you're going to learn about entrances from anyone, you might learn from the Undertaker.

"It's a whole team effort, and not just me coming up with it by myself."

Triple H Requests Song From Motorhead

Lemmy from Motorhead revealed in a recent interview with Metal Hammer magazine that Triple H called him and asked if they would record a cover of the Rolling Stones classic Sympathy For The Devil for him. Motorhead created Triple H's current theme as well as his previous one. Lemmy agreed and it will be released on their new album, Bad Magic, on August 28th. Lemmy didn't specify if Triple H requested the song as a fan, or so that it can be used by WWE in some fashion, like for a pay-per-view theme.

Videos: Triple H Addressing the Tough Enough Casts From 2001 and 2015

Video: Triple H reveals the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough Barracks

In the video above, Triple H gives a tour of the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough barracks, where the 13 finalists will be staying at while the show goes on. He notes they will be there for the next 10-12 weeks.

Triple H commented:

"We could put you in a nice mansion, make it luxurious and all that but it's supposed to be about being Tough Enough so we don't want to pamper people too much. So what we've come up with is the WWE Performance Center Tough Enough barracks."

"This is about kind of making due and I think that in some way through a contest like Tough Enough they're bypassing the kind of paying your dues and to me this is kind of fast-tracking that a little bit. Sleeping in a not so comfortable place, not so comfortable surroundings, seeing if you're Tough Enough and if you really want to do this."

WWE Tough Enough Final 13 Competitors Revelaed

After a grueling, three-day tryout, 13 competitors will now advance to the new season of WWE Tough Enough. These seven men and six women will fight to live out their dream and become the next WWE Superstar or Diva, starting with the show's premiere on Tuesday, June 23, on USA Network:

Alexander Frekey, Dallas, Texas

He once caused an earthquake in a “Planet Fitness” commercial, but does Alexander Frekey have what it takes to be Tough Enough? His day-job title of Regional Sales Director doesn’t exactly inspire fear in the masses, but the towering Frekey isn’t just an unusually big office drone. Having played college basketball before appearing in “John Wick” and NBC’s “The Blacklist,” the tough-guy bonafides of this 6-foot-5 Russian are enviable. Now, in the toughest athletic environment there is, he faces a test that will truly shake him to the core.

Amanda Saccomanno, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

When you’re 5-foot-4 and can lift 225 pounds, you’re bound to turn some heads. Now it’s time to see if this fitness entrepreneur from Yorktown Heights can thrive on WWE’s bright stage. An athletic powerhouse who stays in shape with dance, yoga, Pilates and CrossFit, Saccomanno’s physical prowess could make her a welcome addition to the Divas division. Ironically enough, her childhood nickname was “Hamburgers,” but even that fact may turn out to be appropriate: Underestimate her and she’ll eat you for lunch.

Daria Berenato, Los Angeles

Ever hear of The Jersey Devil? Well that’s Daria Berenato, a 5-foot-7 mixed martial arts fighter nicknamed after the famed beast and looking to make her mark in WWE. Currently a co-host of the YouTube show “UFC AfterBuzz,” Berenato has been training in one form of fighting or another since age 16. Rest assured, if she fights her way to a WWE contract, everyone from the Pine Barrens to Full Sail University will be put on notice.

Dianna Dahlgren, Spokane, Wash.

If you’ve seen the cover of “Oxygen,” “Muscular Development” or “Muscle & Fitness,” at some point you’ve probably seen Dianna Dahlgren. A Monster Energy spokesperson and model, Dahlgren boasts a “shredded” physique that can give most potential Divas a run for their money, not to mention a social media following (290,000-plus followers on Facebook and Instagram) that would make most Superstars jealous. Her love of the extreme led her to WWE. Will we see her on Monday Night Raw next?

Gabi Castrovinci, Southington, Conn.

What’s there to know about Gabi Castrovinci? Born in Brazil, she grew up practicing Jiu-Jitsu and is a professional athlete for World Beauty Fitness & Fashion. An avid surfer and snowboarder, Castrovinci is a self-employed entrepreneur who sells Brazilian leggings online. If she wins Tough Enough, she’ll be trading in Brazilian leggings for Indian Deathlocks in no time.

Giorgia Piscina, Brisbane, Australia

The farthest-flung of WWE Tough Enough’s contestants, Giorgia Piscina comes to the Performance Center on a wing and a dream. An eight-year gymnastics veteran and Bikini Dive competitor for the WBFF, Piscina’s “toughest” moment came when she crossed the finish line on a 400-meter race with a broken ankle. Now facing down her biggest opportunity yet, she’s got plenty to carry her over the finish line, but can she capitalize on the opportunity?

Hank Avery Jr., Macon, Ga.

Looking for a new “Face of WWE”? Well, Hank Avery Jr. was literally a poster boy for Mercer University football from 2012 to 2013. Standing at 6-foot-4 and topping 270 pounds, with a lingering fear of frogs, this gridiron veteran, husband and father makes his living as a pool maintenance manager. But it’s only a matter of time before he’s making a splash on a far bigger stage. Just no frogs, please.

Joshua Bredl, Thornton, Colo.

What do Thor and the Yeti have in common? They’re both nicknames of Josh Bredl, a physical specimen and NFL free agent most recently signed by the Green Bay Packers. One of the top 15 Colorado high school prospects upon his graduation, Bredl recorded 34 tackles and six sacks as a defensive lineman at Colorado State University – Pueblo. Having rampaged his way down to the Performance Center, he now looks to make the big jump into WWE and show the Cheeseheads what they’re missing.

Mada Abdel Hamid, Los Angeles

Ever wonder how Khal Drogo from “Game of Thrones” got so big? That’s because Mada Abdel Hamid trained him. A personal trainer for actor Jason Momoa, Abdel Hamid’s story is almost as fantastical as “Thrones” is: Born in Egypt and fluent in Arabic, he played professional basketball until he fled the country in the midst of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. WWE Tough Enough is merely the latest chapter in a life well lived. If he makes it through, does a chapter at WrestleMania await?

Patrick Clark, Jr., Washington, D.C.

To some, WWE is more than a dream, it is an escape. That’s what it was for Patrick Clark, a 19-year-old wrestling coach from Washington, D.C., who found refuge in sports-entertainment after the death of his father. Clark’s drive led him from 10 years of JROTC to the mats of amateur competition, where he wrestled for Forestville Military Academy from 2011 to 2013. He’s currently a competitor in the Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association, and a coach. Does a jump from the mat to the ring await?

Sara Lee, Hope, Mich.

A pure athlete looking to take her skills to the ring, Sara Lee boasts one of the most unique backgrounds of WWE Tough Enough’s hopefuls. While studying to become an ultrasound technician, Lee is also a power lift competitor who trains six times a week and can squat 230 pounds and bench press 140 pounds. Introduced to WWE by her older brother, she is “in love” with The Bella Twins. Should she prove tough enough, Nikki and Brie might have themselves a new ally … or enemy.

Tanner Saraceno, Boiling Springs, S.C.

Looking for a fighter? Look no further than Tanner Saraceno, a tattooed mixed-martial arts fighter with the beard of a wildman and a resume that would make most opponents shrivel in fear. An 11-year wrestler with high school and college experience, Saraceno was named the team captain and MVP of his college team after walking on as a freshman. His hobbies are oddly tame — cooking and brushing his hair — as is his profession: tree trimmer. Rest assured, however, in WWE Tough Enough, he has one goal with relation to his fellow contestants: chop them down and take the contract for himself.

Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe, Bayou Bluff, La.

Zamariah Loupe wrestles alligators. He’s even got one for a pet, “Mr. Gator,” who he calls his blood brother despite the fact that big bro once bit through Loupe’s hand. The youngest of WWE Tough Enough’s contestants at age 18, Loupe currently plays linebacker for Nicholls University when he’s not wrestling alligators. Loupe’s as charitable as he is unique, passing out Beanie Babies to the children and the elderly in his town while dressed as Santa Claus. WWE Tough Enough would seem like a big step for such a young man, but, again: He wrestles alligators. His fellow humans have their work cut out for them.

Bill DeMott Defends His Training Methods, Says He Wasn't Trying To Break His Students

Former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott was at the center of controversy three months ago, amid accusations of bullying among several former talents. DeMott appeared on this week's Talk Is Jericho to defend his methods of training and said it was to mentally and physically prepare the stars of the future.

"If you can make it in NXT, then you're prepared for what the WWE is. From two hours of sleep and being at media calls at 4AM to driving 500 miles. Some of them drive to Lakeland and want the next day off. You think to yourself, 'we can't let that happen,'" explained DeMott.

DeMott elaborated and stated that the way that he handled training at NXT was all a part of his job. He said that he wasn't trying to break his students, he was trying to give them a taste of what they would later see in WWE.

"You're gonna go from Buffalo to Wilkes-Barre, make the drive, you're going to have a meeting at 6AM, still make your RAW call time, and then sit in front of Stephanie (McMahon), Triple H, Vince, Paul Heyman; the guys that are up there on top that have that work ethic. You're either gonna hang, or you're not. It's not to break you down, it's to prepare you," DeMott said.

DeMott goes on to talk about more aspects of the job and the rest of his career. You can check out the full episode of Talk is Jericho at this link.

Dusty Rhodes Passes Away

WWE is reporting that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69.

Emergency personnel responded to Dusty's home in Orlando, FL at 5:56 AM Wednesday morning after getting a call reporting a 69-year-old male had taken a fall. He was transported to a nearby hospital, but suffered "numerous complications" throughout the night which ultimately proved fatal

Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.

source: wwe.com & tmz.com

More Exclusive Details On WWE Possibly Working With WNW / EVOLVE

As noted earlier, WWE is close to an agreement to work with WWN, the parent company of EVOLVE, Full Impact Pro and the now-defunct Dragon Gate USA. According to a source, the deal is that WWE will pay WWN a certain fee like they did for ECW in the 1990s. They will pay WWN to develop talent and keep them away from ROH and TNA so that NXT can get a look.

We noted earlier that The Wrestling Observer newsletter reported that top WWE officials not happy with ROH recently releasing a Kevin Steen action figure. This deal with WWN is said to be partially due to ROH releasing that item.

WWE Issues Statement On Behalf Of Triple H Regarding Comments Made By Chyna During Radio Appearance

Paul "Triple H" Levesque issued a statement Wednesday night responding to former WWE performer Chyna's claim on the Opie with Jim Norton talk radio show on Sirius Radio and XM Radio that he struck her when the two dated.

Through Joe Villa, WWE Publicity Manager, Levesque said, "The false statements and reckless allegations Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) continues to make about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. As I've said in the past, while Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims."

During an interview in February with former WWE creative writer Vince Russo, Chyna claimed that Levesque assaulted her during an argument where she confronted him with her suspicions that he was having an affair with Stephanie McMahon.

"So I think Hunter's plan was to get me to leave the relationship first and then that way he can start dating Stephanie and like everything would be cool. So I would ask Hunter time and time again, I figured it was better just to address the problem and ask him honestly and I would have to believe his answer, so we got into a heated argument, we were not getting along, I told him 'I know something's going on. Don't tell me something's not going on.' He swiped my hand, I swiped his hand, he hit me. I went back like Jerry Springer and then I was like OK that's the deal breaker for me, the relationship is now over, so now I have to leave. After that, I know that he was crying and I know that he felt bad that he hit me, and my first initial reaction was to get up, and like I don't know, I was just in shock and it felt like a Jerry Springer moment, it was very surreal, and I just couldn't believe that he hit me. But he knows that like I don't stand for physical violence, albeit we'll get to that after with Sean [Waltman], so I knew at that point I had to leave, but I needed some sort of closure so when he was gone I started looking all over the house, and I looked into his, long story short, I looked into his briefcase and I found a love letter from Stephanie that had [been] dated a year back, so the whole time they were doing the storyline basically they were together."

Levesque immediately responded to the allegations, releasing the following statement:

"The false statements and reckless allegations made by Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) on a recent podcast about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. While Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims."

Addressing her November 2001 departure from WWE on Opie with Jim Norton, Chyna said she received a fax message from WWE one day informing her that her services were no longer needed. She said the last thing Vince McMahon said to her was that "blood is thicker than water" and that he would stay in touch with her. Chyna said she was never given a reason why WWE did not renew her contract.

Discussing Triple H's relationship with Stephanie at the time, Chyna said she learned that 'Hunter' was cheating on her when she discovered a love note from Stephanie in his briefcase that was dated a year earlier. The former WWE Diva said she loved 'Hunter' and didn't know that he was having an affair with Stephanie for a year. She said she was forced to leave the relationship "due to the incident that happened." Chyna said she knew that something "wasn't right" and searched the residence they shared for proof of her suspicions. She said she could have dealt with 'Hunter' and Stephanie being together "because you can't stop love," but didn't like being made to feel as if she was crazy. She said 'Hunter' didn't beat her and abuse her, but there was an incident. She felt if 'Hunter' and Stephanie had been honest with her, the end result would have been different, but it instead led to "so much chaos."

Chyna Trying to Reclaim Her Identity, Director Raising Money for Documentary

Director Erik Angra has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a documentary on former WWE star Chyna. They are seeking $10,000 to produce "The Reconstruction of Chyna" and have raised $315 with 9 backers as of this writing. The page notes that Chyna will be reconnecting with friends, family and fans this summer.

The description reads like this:

At the height of the WWE's "Attitude" era CHYNA was a top-tier figure in a male dominated sport. Winning the world title, the Intercontinental Title twice, and being the number one contender for the heavyweight crown.

Eventually she was crushed by her fiance Triple H's infidelities with the boss's daughter, Stephanie McMahon. He would go on to marry her and become the heir to the WWE Throne.

Chyna would be ostracized from the WWE, cut off from all royalty checks and spiral into pornography and reality shows to survive.

After hitting rock bottom as an alcoholic, she ended up on her feet in Japan. Teaching foreign language for three and a half years while meditating, doing yoga, and getting her life together. Now she comes back to the country that made her a goddess amongst men to redeem herself and reclaim her identity.

Our documentary will follow Chyna across the country as she rediscovers herself with old friends, celebrities and fans before arriving in LA to start her life again.

This film will be an inspiration to women everywhere. Chyna is a living example of a strong feminist who rose to stardom in a male dominated sport despite all odds.

Paul Heyman Says There Are Zero Chances of Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 32

Paul Heyman appeared on the latest episode of Chael Sonnen's podcast and admitted that he legitimately caught Steve Austin off-guard when he asked Austin about facing Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 32 during the recent WWE Network podcast.

Heyman said he couldn't sit through an hour-long podcast with Austin, without that question coming up. Heyman said the chances of the match happening are zero and that Austin has a plethora of reasons why it won't happen.

WWE NXT Working with Parent Company of EVOLVE and Full Impact Pro?

There are rumors going around that WWE NXT may be working with WWN, the parent company of EVOLVE, Full Impact Pro and the now-defunct Dragon Gate USA. PWInsider reports that WWE sources indicate there have been talks between the two sides and that WWE started the conversation a week or so ago.