Ric Flair Talks About the WWE RAW Ending with Paige and Charlotte

This week's Monday Night Raw made waves, but perhaps not in the manner in which WWE wanted. The show closed with a controversial angle that saw Paige bring up Charlotte's deceased brother Reid. Many fans, wrestlers, and even Reid's mother thought it was in bad taste.

Ric Flair, Reid's father spoke out on his CBS Radio and Play.it Wooo! Nation podcast, about the controversy and said that he was never approached about his feelings regarding the angle.

Flair also said that his daughter Ashley, better known as Charlotte, was probably too afraid to shoot down the angle because she's not been on the roster very long.

"Obviously I have an opinion, but I'm afraid to voice it because I don't want anything to affect Ashley's career," said Ric. "I know that Hunter and Stephanie and Michael Hayes have her back. I don't think she feels she's comfortable enough to say 'no' to anything yet, she's only been up there three-months"

Flair mentioned that just because Charlotte is the current Divas Title holder, it's still tough for anyone to say no to storyline ideas on the WWE main roster.

"It's a pressure cooker, and a tough spot to be in," Flair explained. "If you're asked to do something, that's pretty much the way things operate up there. Everybody walks on pins and needles. Just because you're the champ, doesn't mean you say no. It's a very sensitive issue, it's very new. I know her mom is on fire. I'm not going out on a limb to say what I think."

Flair very clearly wasn't happy with the angle, and wasn't approached prior or after it happened on television, saying "I never heard a word about it. I started crying when I was watching." He reiterated that Triple H, Stephanie and Michael Hayes wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt Charlotte.

Flair said that even though he wasn't approached, he doesn't think it would have mattered.

"I don't think that it would have made any difference. If they ask you to do something, what is she going to say? 'No, I quit?," Flair said, before asking his co-host what the fans on the internet thought

Flair also mentioned that he'd be in Atlanta for Survivor Series, and that he thinks this situation will be old news be then. You can hear the full, emotional podcast over at the Play.it podcast network this link.

WWE Awards More $10,000 Scholarships To Full Sail Students, Triple H Comments

WWE sent us the following this afternoon:

WWE® AWARDS $180,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Winter Park, Fla. and Stamford, Conn., November 19, 2015 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) is pleased to announce it has awarded four $10,000 scholarships to the following Full Sail University students:

* Joanne Castillo, a Recording Arts student from San Jose, CA.

* Travis Daniels, a Film student from Buford, GA.

* Brandon Mojica, a Sports Marketing & Media student from Bronx, NY.

* Kas Soloman, a Recording Arts student from Gahanna, OH.

WWE has now awarded 18 scholarships to Full Sail University students, for a total of $180,000 since WWE's partnership with Full Sail began in May, 2012. These scholarships are applied toward the recipient's areas of study within the university.

"WWE and Full Sail University have established a partnership built on our mutual desire to nurture and build the next generation of entertainment and media professionals," said Paul "Triple H" Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Creative & Live Events. "We wish all of today's scholarship recipients continued success."

"We are once again proud to stand alongside our valued partners and friends at WWE as we share this incredible announcement of the latest four scholarships awarded to our students," said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. "On behalf of the Full Sail University community, I extend our tremendous thanks to WWE for continuing to recognize the dedication of our students, while congratulating the recent scholarship recipients."

WWE selected Castillo, Daniels, Mojica, and Soloman to receive these scholarships for exhibiting exceptional professionalism, creative talent and maintaining good academic standing, while shadowing professional WWE staff and crew during the production of NXT® events at Full Sail University.

WWE Contacting More Contracted ROH And LUG Wrestlers, Plans For NXT Expansion In 2016

WWE officials are becoming more aggressive when it comes to contacting wrestlers that are currently signed to Ring of Honor and Lucha Underground.

WWE is preparing to do extensive touring with NXT in 2016 and they are trying to add a lot of top indie wrestlers to the roster, talents that previously may not have been signed due to restrictions on size and look.

The plan was described to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter as a show with the WWE branding and WWE production but with ROH-level main event matches.

WWE Announces WWE Week On USA Network With The Slammy Awards, Tribute To The Troops And More

WWE announced the following today:

'WWE Week' kicks off Dec. 20 on USA Network

NEW YORK and STAMFORD, Conn. — USA Network and WWE will kick off the holiday season with an action-packed "WWE Week." The week begins Sunday, Dec. 20, with "Santa's Little Helper," followed by Monday Night Raw and the 2015 WWE Slammy Awards on Monday, Dec. 21, a live SmackDown on Tuesday, Dec. 22, and a two-hour WWE Tribute to the Troops special on Wednesday, Dec. 23. The week will also include a daytime interviews with WWE Superstars and Divas.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air "Santa's Little Helper," an original comedy from WWE Studios and 20th Century Fox. The film follows a fast-talking businessman who is given the opportunity of a lifetime to become Santa Claus' second-in-command. "Santa's Little Helper" is directed by Gil Junger and produced by Richard Lowell and features WWE Superstar The Miz and WWE Diva Paige. AnnaLynne McCord ("90210," "American Heiress") and Eric Keenleyside ("Godzilla," "The Interpreter") star.

On Monday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air Monday Night Raw, live from Minneapolis, featuring the annual fan-voted Slammy Awards — WWE's biggest awards event of the year — honoring the best of the year with its own golden statue. On Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air SmackDown live from Des Moines, Iowa. Both Raw and SmackDown will showcase a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars and Divas, and deliver a shot of adrenaline to viewers with over-the-top action, feats of athleticism and high-octane drama.

On Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 8 p.m. ET, USA Network will air the 13th annual holiday special, WWE Tribute to the Troops. In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports-entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music's most popular acts — performed for our servicemen and women — to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. This year, Grammy Award-winning rock band Train will perform. WWE Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV's most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year. It will chronicle WWE's visit to Florida's Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for military personnel and their families stationed at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. While in town, WWE Superstars and Divas will spend the day giving back to those who serve and their families with visits to each base, a Be a STAR anti-bullying rally and military outreach.

WWE also takes over USA Daytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, through Friday, Dec. 24, as host Cat Greenleaf conducts interviews from her iconic stoop with WWE Superstars and Divas.

TNA Reveals New TV Deal, Timeslot

TNA has announced that Impact Wrestling will debut on POP TV, the former TV Guide Channel, beginning Tuesday, January 5th at 9pm EST. This will be a live episode but they will air every Tuesday night on POP.

Ex-NFL Star Comments On Training With Booker T In Hopes Of Being Signed By WWE

Former NFL star Brennan Williams is currently training with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T at his wrestling school in Houston, Texas. Williams stated a few months ago that he hopes to sign with WWE in 2016.

William recently spoke with Sean Pendergast for the Houston Press about his career. Down below is an excerpt from that interview in which he discusses his wrestling career and training with Booker T.

“I was drafted by the Texans so I could meet Booker T, I signed with Jacksonville so I could have a home in Florida near WWE’s developmental facility and I was signed by the Patriots to get that one week paycheck to pay my rent to train in Houston. That’s honestly how I see it,” Williams said. Williams, who says he watching Raw instead of football when he was called by the Patriots, already has ring entrance music, a gimmick, and his look mapped out.”

WWE Signs Former NJPW And CMLL Star

WWE announced the following today, confirming recent reports that they were close to signing La Sombra:

Manuel Alfonso Andrade Oropeza, of Mexico City, has signed with NXT and WWE, joining the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla.

Formerly known as "La Sombra," Oropeza is a third-generation luchador whose grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all competed in Mexico. Oropeza signed with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in 2007 at age 17, where he trained under El Satanico. While there, he held many titles, including the CMLL Trio and Tag Team titles and the NWA Welterweight and Middleweight titles.

The WWE Performance Center's newest luchador also brings experience from Japan; Oropeza made multiple trips to Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), winning the organization's Intercontinental Championship in 2013.

Details On John Cena's New TV Project With FOX

WWE announced the following today:

John Cena and Fox team up for 'American Grit'

WWE Superstar John Cena is joining forces with Fox and Leftfield Pictures for a brand-new and unique 10-episode reality competition. "American Grit' will split 16 of the country's toughest men and women into four teams as they work together to face a variety of military-grade and survival-themed challenges.

Cena has recruited an elite group of mentors from the nation's most exclusive military units that will push these civilians beyond their limits. These mentors, known as "The Cadre," include Rorke Denver, Noah Galloway, Tawanda "Tee" Hanible and Nick "The Reaper" Irving. These real-life heroes represent diverse backgrounds and top branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and will impart their first-hand knowledge and experiences to enable their teams to leave no one behind.

At the end of each episode, teams will have to overcome "The Circus" – a punishing, endurance-based obstacle course designed to break the weakest competitors. It is the ultimate test of strength, stamina, the human spirit and teamwork, because one team has the chance to win a $1 million dollar prize.

"The U.S Military is the epitome of resolve and dedication, which is why I am so excited to be a part of 'American Grit'," said Cena. "This show will not only be a challenging and fierce competition, but it will give viewers a glimpse into the perseverance and training of the men and women of the Armed Forces."

WWE and Cena have been longtime supporters of the United States Armed Forces. WWE's mission for the military is to support the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad through programs that boost morale for soldiers on the field, offer free entertainment for active military at home, and provide workforce assistance for veterans.

"'American Grit' is a bold, aspirational competition series that aligns with the spirit of the Fox unscripted brand," said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "The team at Leftfield and the incredible John Cena have created a series built on the pillars of determination, dedication and strength that we know will resonate with our audience. John is not only a phenomenal athlete but a motivational force, who inspires fans around the world, and we are thrilled he is leading the charge."

"We are excited to be working with Fox and John Cena on a show that highlights the American spirit of competition, which is epitomized by Cena," said executive producer and CEO, Leftfield Entertainment, Brent Montgomery. "With John as their inspiration, our contestants will show viewers what happens when you swing for the fences with focus, commitment and teamwork."

Rumor Mill - Vince Russo Talks WWE Grooming Triple H Prior to WM 14 Due to Shawn Michaels’ Injury

Vince Russo has posted the latest edition of “Nuclear heat,” which you can watch below. During the video, he discusses having to deal with top stars getting injured and how WWE was grooming Triple H heading into WrestleMania 14, due to the fact that Shawn Michaels would be taking time off due to his back injury…

Heading into WrestleMania [14], we knew that Shawn Michaels was having back issues. We knew that it was only going to be a matter of time before Shawn Michaels was going to be put on the shelf. We didn’t know exactly when, but we knew that the time may come, so we might have to have a backup plan. So, if you go back and you look at all those Attitude Era shows, you will see how slowly but surely, in the background, we were building Triple H. We would give Triple H the mic. Triple H would talk before Shawn spoke. We were getting Triple H over. We were grooming Triple H to take the place of Shawn whenever he was going to leave.

In conjunction with [building Triple H], the New Age Outlaws were coming into their own because we knew we were going to marry the Outlaws to Triple H and Chyna and make them a force in the absence of Shawn Michaels. So, after a couple of weeks when you had DX going strong now, with this new group, all of a sudden, we forgot Shawn Michaels.”

Rumor Mill - “What a show! And what a shocker!” WWE boss Triple H reacts to Ronda Rousey’s shock defeat at UFC 193

RONDA ROUSEY’S defeat has sent reverberations around the world of sports and entertainment - shocking even the man who Rousey hip-tossed across the wrestling ring last summer.

Rousey made a guest appearance at the WWE’s landmark extravaganza WrestleMania, where she teamed up with The Rock to confront Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.

And following Rousey’s shock knockout loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193, the WWE’s executive vice president - real name Paul Levesque - sent a message to UFC president Dana White to express his shock.

Talking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast during the flight home from Melbourne, UFC president White told commentator Rogan about the impact of Rousey’s defeat.

“I have this thing that reality is better than any script you can ever write,” he said.

“It’s so real. Like last night. You put on a fight with the best fighters in the world and reality’s gonna happen. And when you see it, it goes f*****g global and electric like it did last night.

“Even Triple H - your boy Triple H - hit me up last night and said:’WOW!’

“He goes: ‘What a show! And what a shocker!’ That’s what Triple H hit me with last night.

“When you do have that reality, and it goes off like it went off last night, it’s bigger than anything you can ever write.”

source: the sun

ROH Leaving Destination America, New Home Revealed

Ring of Honor announced today that they will be leaving Destination America at the end of this month and debuting on COMET beginning December 2nd. They will still air on all Sinclair Broadcast affiliates and other markets.

Ring of Honor to air nationally on COMET starting December 2nd

#WatchROH every Wednesday at MIDNIGHT EST/11pm CST on COMET

(BALTIMORE, MD) – Ring of Honor ("ROH") is proud to announce that beginning December 2nd, ROH will air its weekly television program nationally on the COMET television channel. Fans will be able to #WatchROH every Wednesday night at midnight for the latest Ring of Honor action.

"Ring of Honor has been enjoying tremendous growth and expansion across the broadcast space, including new local TV deals in strategic markets, and even internationally with L'Equipe 21 in France," said Ring of Honor COO, Joe Koff. "As we continue to push for greater domestic and international distribution, Ring of Honor truly showcases itself as world-class wrestling. Having Ring of Honor on COMET, in addition to the availability in Sinclair markets and independent agreements, means fans across the United States can continue to enjoy ROH television weekly."

Ring of Honor's weekly episodes recently enjoyed great success on Destination America, peaking at 227,000 viewers on a single television airing. ROH's 26-week deal signed in May 2015 with Destination America is set to expire, which will see ROH's final episode air on the channel on November 25th, 2015.

WWE NXT comes to UCF in Orlando for a special WWE Network taping on Jan. 22, 2016

NXT’s Superstars and Divas are set to bring their exciting brand of sports-entertainment to an even bigger stage in Orlando, Fla. On Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, NXT comes to the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida, for a special taping of the weekly WWE Network show that the world is talking about.

Fans have been cramming into Full Sail University for more than three years to catch a glimpse of WWE’s next generation up close. Now, even more members of the WWE Universe will get the chance to see why the future is now at this massive event. Don’t miss your chance to see NXT Champion Finn Bálor, NXT Women’s Champion Bayley, Samoa Joe, Baron Corbin, Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady, and more!

This special event is part of a huge WWE weekend in Orlando, capped off with the 2016 Royal Rumble at the Amway Center on Sunday, Jan. 24. If you’re going to be in town for WWE’s annual over-the-top-rope-extravaganza, make sure you catch the Superstars of Tomorrow in action.