2013 Slammy Award Winners

WWE Announces Winners of the 2013 WWE.com Slammy Awards

WWE has announced winners of the WWE.com Slammy Awards:

"What a Maneuver!" Award
Running knee strike (Daniel Bryan)
Black Widow (AJ Lee)
Spear (Roman Reigns) (WINNER)
Cesaro Swing (Antonio Cesaro)

Faction of the Year
The Shield (WINNER)
The Wyatt Family
The Real Americans
3MB

"You Still Got It!" (Best Superstar Return)
Rob Van Dam
Goldust (WINNER)
The Bella Twins
Bruno Sammartino
Chris Jericho

Couple of the Year
Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
Fandango & Summer Rae
Tyson Kidd & Natalya
Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella (WINNER)
John Cena & Nikki Bella
Naomi & Jimmy Uso

Tag Team of the Year
The Shield (Rollins & Reigns)
The Prime Time Players
The Usos
Cody Rhodes & Goldust (WINNER)
The Real Americans

Feat of Strength of the Year
Antonio Cesaro swings The Great Khali
Ryback Shell Shocks Mark Henry
The Shield Triple Powerbombs Big Show
Mark Henry pulls two trucks with his bare hands (WINNER)

"Say What?!" Quote of the Year
"Paul, say somethin' stupid." - Brock Lesnar
"Rise above THIS!" - Damien Sandow
"One stipulation: I'm in my boys' corner and I'll be your huckleberry all night long." - Dusty Rhodes (WINNER)
The "Paulcano" eruption

Best Dance Moves
Fandango
R-Truth
Summer Rae
The Funkadactyls (WINNER)
The Great Khali
"Miz-co Inferno"

Favorite Web Show
"WWE Inbox"
"30-Second Fury"
"The JBL & Cole Show" (WINNER)
"WWE Top 10"

Best Crowd of the Year
Raw after WrestleMania 29 (East Rutherford, N.J.) (WINNER)
WWE Payback (Chicago)
SummerSlam (Los Angeles)
Raw in England (London, Apr. 22)

Catchphrase of the Year
"YES! YES! YES!" (WINNER)
"That's What I Do"
"FAAAAAHHNNNN…DAAAAHHHHNNN…GO."
"Follow the Buzzards"
"We the People"
"Believe in The Shield"

Total Divas Recap 12/08/13

AJ Styles Leaving TNA

Unless something changes over the next few days, AJ Styles will be leaving TNA for the first time since the company was founded in 2002 next week.
Styles' current contract extension expires on 12/16, PWInsider.com has confirmed. As of 12/17, he is a free agent and has already begun to accept independent bookings via his long-time agent Bill Behrens at Showbis@aol.com.

As PWInsider.com has reported for months, Styles and TNA have been far apart on money. The two sides did not really begin negotiating until Styles' last long-term deal was close to expiring and signed a two month extension in order to continue working together while they attempted to seal a new deal.

Unfortunately, the two sides just couldn't make a deal happen. We have heard that it was a situation where TNA just wasn't able to offer Styles what he had been earning and he, feeling correctly that he had been a big part of the heart and soul of the company, would not agree to take a lesser deal. The situation put both sides in between a rock and a hard place, leading to the breakdown between sides.

In a lot of ways, Styles' exit has sent a bad signal to other TNA "originals" who have deals coming up as the message being sent is that the company, which has been cutting corners, will play hardball financially even at the cost of losing their own homegrown players. Styles was one of the company's legitimate main eventers who had been been with the company as it evolved and matured, becoming the centerpiece for the X-Division before evolving into a legitimate main eventer. While he wasn't the draw that Sting was during Sting's heyday in WCW, Styles was very similar to Sting in that he was closely branded as a TNA star and as someone who was loyal to the company - just as Sting was when World Championship Wrestling existed.

Styles officially finished up with the company last week at the Impact tapings in Orlando, Florida with appearances for episodes that will air in early 2014.

Styles is already moving forward with outside projects. He has an autobiography set to be released in the first quarter of 2014 and will be making an appearance next year as part of a talking tour in the UK. Initial dates for that tour had been announced but the tour will be pushed back as Diamond Dallas Page had already scheduled a similar tour for the same time period and the decision was made that it wasn't right to compete with something already scheduled.

WrestleMania 32 Location Revealed By NBC Affiliate

According NBC Bay Area, WrestleMania 32 in 2016 is "confirmed" to take place in Dallas, Texas at AT&T Stadium. It was noted in July that WWE met with AT&T Stadium officials.

WWE Working On Theme Music Behind-The-Scenes DVD

WWE is working on a new DVD documentary which will reportedly be called Music of WWE. It will be a behind-the-scenes look at how WWE's legendary musician James Alan Johnston makes custom entrance themes for WWE's Superstars. The following is the synopsis:

"Music has been integral in WWE history, especially anthems for all the greatest WWE Superstars. Since Sgt. Slaughter first made his entrance to the Marine Corp hymn in the early 80′s music themes have become synonymous with the Superstars themselves. Just hearing the first few notes brings the crowd to their feet. They are the songs that let the WWE Universe know that business is about to pick up. Now, get behind the music and learn the inside story behind the timeless anthems of WWE and the superstars."

Lanny Poffo Reveals the Issue Between Randy Savage and Vince McMahon

In 1994, Randy wanted to work with Shawn Michaels. He wanted to have a two-year program with him. They said they were having a youth movement, and that's why he quit. He said, 'I think I'll get a second opinion on that.' He would've lost the match to Shawn Michaels, at WrestleMania, but his goal, and one of the things that bothered him the most, was that he was never able to have a match as good as the one he had with Ricky Steamboat. He felt, even in his advanced years - I guess he was 41 - that he could have a Ricky Steamboat-calibre match with Shawn Michaels.

I don't know if he could or if he couldn't, if he was already too old or whatever, but wouldn't you love to see him try? He would've put him over, in the middle of the ring, and retired to the announce booth… but instead he went to the WCW and guess what he brought with him? 'Snap into a Slim Jim'. And Vince doesn't like to lose even one round.

source: shiningwizards.com

Universal Orlando CityWalk Announcement December 12th 2013

Universal will be making a major announcement next Thursday rumored to be about CityWalk’s future. If you have been following this situation closely you can clearly see they are preparing for a full blown revamp. You will soon notice some of your favorite stores and restaurants either closing or being relocated. So one can only wonder what may be around the corner.

It has long been rumored that the WWE Hall of Fame will eventually make its presence felt at Universal City Walk. The only road block in the way is that rival wrestling organization TNA; TNA tapes shows on site at the “Impact Wrestling Zone” located at soundstage 19. Keep in mind early in 2013, TNA Wrestling officially terminated its lease with Universal Studios to tour nationally. When TNA found its way back to Universal a couple of months ago rather going back to the original Impact Zone, they went to Soundstage 19 which holds smaller crowds. Rumors are if the WWE (Formally World Wrestling Federation) want to be the exclusive GIANT in town, they will have to shoot shows on location. We will see if TNA terminating the building lease with Universal in the past will make it easier for the WWE to negotiate a deal. Universal has been very loyal to TNA over the years, so I guess only time will tell.

source: trips2florida.com

WrestleMania 31 Will Be Held In...

...the San Francisco, CA area, the first time that market has hosted a Wrestlemania.

The show itself will be held at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, the new home for the 49ers, which can hold upwards of 75,000 for an event.

There will be an official announcement this week while the company is taping TV on the West Coast.

source: pwinisder.com

WWE Diva Nattie Neidhart carrying on Hart family’s tradition

The Hitman is a Total Divas fan.

That’s word from Nattie Neidhart, who says that her wrestling legend uncle, Bret (The Hitman) Hart, has given her a thumbs-up for the E! reality show she is starring alongside other female stars of the WWE.

The WWE offered up Neidhart for a phone interview Thursday to help promote their show at the Pacific Coliseum on Saturday. The WWE website lists Randy Orton, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan as being part of the card.

Neidhart, 31, went over several topics in the 30-minute chat, but seemed most keen talking about Divas. It is, of course, one of the new brands that the WWE is trying to push.

Neidhart said she recently spent some time with Uncle Bret and said he told her that he doesn’t miss a show. For what it’s worth, when Hart, 56, came to Nat Bailey Stadium for a Vancouver Canadians promotion a few years back, one of his favourite topics was his niece, who’s the daughter of his former tag-team partner, Jim (The Anvil) Neidhart, 58.

“Bret doesn’t like reality TV normally and he didn’t used to be a fan of women’s wrestling,” said Neidhart, who’s working in the ring these days under the name Natalya.

“When the Hitman tells you it’s cool, you know it’s cool.”

Family isn’t the only wrestling royalty she’s keeping contact with seemingly, either. Neidhart says that when she has days off she frequently visits NXT, which is the WWE’s farm team, as it were, based in Orlando, Fla. She works with the female up-and-comers, but she says she’s also been receiving tutoring from Triple H, the multi-time world champion, on her match storytelling.

Triple H’s real name is Paul Levesque, and he’s one of the WWE executives by day. He’s also married to Stephanie McMahon, daughter of WWE boss Vince McMahon.

“I don’t want to give away too much of what he’s told us,” Neidhart said.

“It has been really eye-opening.”

More?

Bret Hart Wishes He Never Left WWE, Talks Montreal

The Metro website has posted a new Bret Hart interview where he discusses his great rival, greatest achievement, the new WWE 2K14 game, and more.

One of the interesting highlights was Bret's response to how he views The Montreal Screwjob today.

"I’ve calmed down a lot," Bret said. "There were a lot of things I did to escalate that whole thing with Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon. I wouldn’t change anything I did in terms of my own conduct but I regret all of it. I wish I had never left the WWE but I’ve moved on. I went back and shook Shawn’s hand and it was good for everyone to bury the hatchet."

Owner of The Monster Factory Comments on the WWE Performance Center

Danny Cage, co-owner of The Monster Factory wrestling school in New Jersey, recently talked with Temple-News.com about the possibility of working with WWE at some point. The idea would that they could become an extension of the new Performance Center for wrestlers that can't move to Florda, or those that WWE doesn't have room for currently.

Cage said the following:

"I love what they're doing with the Performance Center. When Gerald Brisco came to our place, he suggested we discuss with Triple H and check the center out. We run a very similar program to WWE developmental because they're also looking for the basics rather than the high spots. But there are only so many people they can train at once, and people can't always move to Florida to train. It would be great if they sent people over to us to check out. I can't ever see there being a problem with us finding students because it's for the better of the business."

WWE Issues Statement Regarding The WWE Network

Wrestlezone.com revealed new information obtained through sources within WWE regarding the direction the company is moving in for the long awaited WWE Network.

WWE has issued an official public statement:

“In addition to not being able to confirm timing of WWE Network launch, WWE is still considering all options for distribution, pricing and role of pay-per-view.”

New Details on the WWE Network

Justin LaBar of WrestleZone.com is reporting that WWE has a targeted launch date of February 24th for the WWE Network, which is the day after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. This confirms a previous report from PWInsider.com, but LaBar's sources provided him with a few extra tidbits about the Network:

Initial price point will be in the $10-$12 a month range, with the sign-up being for six months.

You'll be able to watch WrestleMania 30 on the Network, with the plan still being the reported "every non-WrestleMania pay-per-view airing on the Network in the future".

It won't be a channel on television, but an app-like service along the lines of Netflix that you'll be able to watch online and on devices like smart TVs, PS3, PS4, X-Box 360, X-Box one, and so on.

There will be a live, 24/7 stream of content on the Network, which is the thing that will separate it from apps like Netflix, which focuses more on-demand viewing. However, on-demand viewing will still be a part of the Network, as the entire library of Raw and Smackdown episodes, as well as pay-per-views, will be available to watch at launch.

source: wreetlezone.com

Backstage News On Vince And Triple H Making Decisions, Creative News On Daniel Bryan, More

Right now when it comes to power and making decisions within WWE, there are a lot of people involved in the process but the only real key decision makers are Vince McMahon and Triple H.

Regarding everything changing on Mondays, RAW is WWE's big priority and as of late, they don't even start talking about what they are going to do on SmackDown until Monday afternoon. Then around 6pm, Vince will want the writing team to give him a SmackDown main event so it can be promoted on RAW, and then the writers start scrambling for a match. This is why SmackDown and Main Event matches on RAW frequently change.

The reason this week's CM Punk vs. a member of The Shield match was promoted is because as of around 10pm on Monday night, Vince still hadn't made up his mind on which of the three Shield members would best fit as Punk's opponent.

Regarding Daniel Bryan's recent push, it's not that creative didn't want him to get revenge, a WWE Title win or even some kind of symbolic win, it's that nobody else really has that kind of influence except Vince and Triple H.

Update on the WWE Creative Department

In response to a PWInsider.com query on where the WWE Creative team now fits with all the changes to WWE Corporate that were announced yesterday, WWE issued the following response:
"Creative Writing now reports to Paul Levesque, EVP Talent and Live Events.

In addition to Stephanie McMahon’s expanded responsibilities as Chief Brand Officer, she will continue to maintain a presence on TV."

So, Triple H is now directly in charge of the WWE Creative team, although Vince McMahon remains the final say in every aspect of that part of the company

WWE Promotes Key Executives to Lead Future Growth

WWE (NYSE: WWE) is poised for transformative growth in important areas, including the renegotiation of its four largest television rights agreements, the potential launch of a WWE Network, expansion in key international markets, distribution of content on emerging platforms and new strategic partnerships. Michelle D. Wilson, George Barrios and Stephanie McMahon have been promoted to lead WWE in the execution of these strategic growth initiatives.

Michelle D. Wilson, formerly Chief Marketing Officer, has been promoted to Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer and will now oversee all of the company’s revenue lines and assume responsibility for WWE’s $900 million retail consumer products business. Wilson retains her current revenue generating responsibilities for Sponsorship Sales, Pay-Per-View and New Business Development and will continue to oversee all WWE Marketing and Corporate Communications. Wilson is also spearheading the company’s efforts to launch a WWE Network and will continue to report directly to WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon. Casey Collins, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products will report to Wilson.

George Barrios, formerly Chief Financial Officer, has been promoted to Chief Strategy and Financial Officer and will now oversee all of the company’s strategic planning processes and take over management of WWE’s day-to-day Television Operations. He will retain his management of Financial Planning and Investor Relations. With Wilson, Barrios is co-leading WWE’s television rights negotiations and will continue to report directly to WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon. Will Staeger, Executive Vice President, Television Production will report to Barrios.

Stephanie McMahon, formerly Executive Vice President, Creative, has been promoted to Chief Brand Officer and will lead WWE’s efforts to further enhance its brand reputation among key constituencies including advertisers, media, business partners and investors. McMahon will serve as the company’s brand ambassador and work with WWE’s business units to support key growth initiatives. McMahon will also lead WWE’s targeted youth and moms marketing programs and will continue to report directly to WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon.

Kevin Dunn will serve as Executive Producer of all WWE programming, including Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, WWE Main Event and Total Divas and will continue to report to Vince McMahon.

“WWE is entering a new era of unprecedented growth,” said WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vince McMahon. “I am confident that my senior executive team is now organized more effectively to capitalize on the wealth of opportunities.”

Additionally, Perkins Miller, Executive Vice President, Digital Media will report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon, and Eddie Feldmann, Senior Vice President, Creative Writing will report to Paul Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events.

Looks like Triple H may finally get to run the creative department.

The Full List Of WWE Slammy Awards Revealed Including "Hashtag Of The Year"

WWE have updated the full list of Slammy Awards that fans will be able to vote on the WWE app on Monday night.

The full list is:

Superstar of the Year

Match of the Year

Diva of the Year

Insult of the Year

Double-Cross of the Year

"LOL!" Moment of the Year

"This Is Awesome" Moment of the Year

Extreme Moment of the Year

Trending Now (Hashtag) of the Year

Beard of the Year

Fan Participation of the Year

Breakout Star of the Year

Update on the Sin Cara WWE Character

WWE may have parted ways with Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde, the real Sin Cara, on Monday by informing him just a few hours before RAW. We're still waiting on confirmation of his departure.

Hunico will be working as Sin Cara going forward but may not be behind the mask permanently as there's already talk of bringing someone up from NXT to play the character.

WWE chose not to kill off the Sin Cara character completely because his merchandise has done well and there's a feeling that they have built up a character that pays into the colorful personality of WWE. The feeling is that the character didn't fail but the performer who played the character failed.

December 2nd Edition of WWE Raw Draws Lowest Viewership of the Year

The 12/2 edition of WWE Raw had the lowest viewership of any Raw this year. Monday's show drew 3,541,000 viewers overall, which is the lowest dating back to the 2012 Christmas Eve episode. It's the lowest number since October 1st of last year if you take out holiday shows. In comparison, the New Orleans Sants vs Seattle Seahawks dominated ratings on Monday with 15.5 million viewers. To make matters worse, Raw gradually lost viewers as the night went on, starting out with 3,616,000 before dropping to 3,447,000 for the final hour.

Video: Triple H vows The King of Kings will crown The Champion of Champions at WWE TLC

Chris Hero Talks About Getting Released by WWE, Current NXT Stars, the Indies and More

The Masked Man of Grantland.com has a lengthy new article up asking if indie wrestling can survive WWE. It features an interview with Chris Hero, formerly known as WWE NXT star Kassius Ohno. Here are some highlights:

The pressure of going back to the indies: "I'm the prettiest girl at the dance for the moment. I know it's not going to last forever. I have to be on my toes. One very real thing is people asking, "Does he still have it in him? Can he bring to the table what he brought to the table years ago?" It's inspiring for me. I want to show people that I have as much to offer as anyone in the history of wrestling. That sounds a little grandiose, but I feel like I have something different."

Whether WWE prefers homegrown talent to hiring wrestlers with indie buzz: "I don't think they give a shit about buzz. They only care about their own buzz, which makes sense. You can't solely cater to the niche fan base — it's a tricky demographic to deal with. But you can see somebody get over with those fans and think maybe they can do it in WWE, too. And they see someone who has the passion to chase the dream, traveling around the world. If you have passion, if you're a good performer, those are two of the most important things in wrestling, and they're things you can't manufacture. Some people are naturals. Take Big E Langston; he has such a perfect match of athleticism and charisma, and he looks like an action figure."

Being released by WWE: "I'd been employed for 21 months. They knew what I was. They had a certain perception of what I brought to the table, and I guess they thought I wasn't going to be called up anytime soon. They had a pecking order, and certain guys who were going to be the next ones called up, and I wasn't in that group. It was a little vague, but I was told, "This isn't good-bye forever; this is good-bye for now.""

"Getting fired sucks for anybody, even if it's a job you hate. So the gut instinct is to be mad, but none of that will serve me. None of that will put any money in my bank account. It's not hard to be positive because I do what I love. When I was 8 or 9 years old my mom would take me to Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio, to see Ultimate Warrior versus Andre the Giant or to watch Demolition versus the Rockers or to see the very first Survivor Series in Richfield. It would be completely different if I landed on my head and got injured so I couldn't wrestle anymore — that would be hard to deal with. But what was taken from me? A weekly paycheck?"

His fellow developmental wrestlers: "The guys in NXT now — Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville, Tyler Breeze, Scott Dawson — when they get called up, they could set the world on fire just like Daniel Bryan did. But Bryan did more than that — he set the locker room on fire. He was in the ring in the main event every week with so much intensity that everybody else realized they had to step things up. Randy Orton, for instance. He looks like he's wrestling with a new inspiration, and he doesn't need to do that."

WWE Possible WrestleMania XXX Match for Triple H

There has been a lot of changes to WrestleMania XXX plans within the last week. Word now is that they are building to a Triple H vs. CM Punk match either leading up to WrestleMania or at the big event itself.

WWE Is Hosting A 2014 CES Event

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which in recent years has been pursuing technology and social media like never before, is planning some type of event at 2014 International CES, according to a “save the date” that went out to the media Tuesday night.

The invite, featuring the WWE logo, touts an “exclusive event,” hosted by WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, which is set to take place Wednesday night, Jan. 8, at the Wynn Las Vegas, during the 2014 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show.)
It’s unclear if McMahon will be announcing some type of product or initiative at the annual electronics confab, although presumably some wrestling superstars will be present.

WWE has not had any type of major presence at CES in the last several years, although then-WWE superstar The Rock was on hand to help Bill Gates unveil the original Xbox, at CES back in 2001. And of course, WWE has held many memorable events in Las Vegas over the years, including Wrestlemania IX at Caesar’s Palace, in 1993.

Will Big Show vs. Triple H Happen?

WWE has dropped the idea of doing a Big Show vs. Triple H match and are “forgetting” about that feud for now. Show worked last night’s RAW but before that, the plan was for him to stay off WWE TV and make a return at the 2014 Royal Rumble.

Update on Sin Cara’s Future in WWE, Who Will Play Him?, Hunico News, Unhappiness with Mistico

The original Sin Cara, the lucha libre star known as Mistico in Mexico, did NOT work last night's Raw broadcast as Sin Cara, but rather Hunico dawned the mask and was working as the character he has played in WWE in the past.

In an update to this developing story, PWInsider.com reports the decision was made within WWE to move forward with Hunico as Sin Cara, and last night was somewhat of a re-introduction of the character as he got a big win over Alberto Del Rio, and WWE went back to using the old Sin Cara lighting for the bout.

The original Sin Cara, known as Mistico in Mexico, is currently at home in Mexico and the feeling in WWE is that he will not be brought back to the company and not re-signed when his deal expires. This has yet to be confirmed, however.

There has been an unhappiness with Mistico as Cara within WWE, and it established itself right from the get-go when Cara made his WWE debut. The feeling in the company is that he underachieved, did not bring his star power with him to WWE from Mexico, was too hurt too often, and carried himself backstage in WWE as a bigger star than he actually was. Because he was Triple H's first signing, however, there was a lot of pressure on Cara to make an impact in WWE.

In what's a very ironic situation, additionally, there was a story line battle between Hunico and Mistico for the Sin Cara name in WWE, and in real life, Hunico was actually given the name Mistico in Mexico before Mistico was given the name, so the roles have completely reversed in WWE.

Raw Results 12/02/13

Michael Hayes Update

According to prowrestling.net, Michael Hayes returned to work at the WWE Raw show today. Back on October 10th, Hayes took "a leave of absence for personal reasons." Rumor has it that Hayes was in rehab at the insistance of WWE.

Ring Of Honor Issues Statement Regarding Situation Involving Davey Richards

PWInsider.com has posted the following statement sent to them by Ring of Honor regarding the situation involving Davey Richards:

"Originally ROH had planned to announce a tag team match for Final Battle today, featuring Roderick Strong & Jay Lethal vs the American Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, what was to be the final schedule appearance of the Wolves. This match was scheduled after two very competitive singles matches in Dearborn, Michigan, that saw Lethal take on Edwards, and Strong take on Richards; a tag team match. Four of ROH’s best going at it, not for titles, or even bragging rights, but for honor.

Both Richards and Edwards do not have any upcoming ROH appearances following Final Battle because of commitments and endeavors, that will prevent them wrestling full time for ROH.

However, due to recent events, Davey Richards has been removed from the Final Battle match by ROH management due to his unprofessionalism and unreliability with the company.

A mystery tag team partner is being searched for by ROH Matchmaker Nigel McGuinness to take Richard’s spot in the match. Nigel has guaranteed ROHWrestling.com that the replacement will not only meet the expectations of the American Wolves farewell match, but will raise the bar of the show. With so many limitless possibilities, who will Nigel choose for ROH’s biggest show of the year? He promises that the match WILL NOT disappoint. Fans, You can’t miss this one.

What should have been a farewell (for now) to the American Wolves, will now be one for 'Die Hard' Eddie Edwards. Will Final Battle be the last time we see the first man in ROH History to hold the World, TV and Tag Team Championships? Don’t miss your chance to Eddie LIVE at the Hammerstein Ballroom, order your tickets now by clicking here."

WWE proclaims the Shield as 2013 Rookies of the Year

WWE.com has a new article where they proclaim the Shield of Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns the 2013 WWE Rookies of the Year. The Shield were in the running for the award alongside the Wyatt Family, Fandango, Curtis Axel and Big E. Langston.

To read the full article, click here.

Total Divas Recap 12/01/13

More on Davey Richards' Status, Did WWE Tryout Play a Role In His Ring of Honor Departure

As noted, top WWE prospect Davey Richards announced on Facebook that he is done with Ring of Honor and will not be appearing at their December 14th Final Battle event. Word is that the WWE tryout that Richards and partner Eddie Edwards recently participated in has nothing to do with the ROH departure. Edwards is still booked for the event.

The statement from Richards on Facebook was something done on his own and not part of a planned ROH angle. Richards was removed from the last set of ROH shows in Ohio and Michigan after company officials were upset about comments he made in the UK's Total Wrestling Magazine about how the ROH titles were not as important as they once were. Richards was able to get himself back on the dates and made it a point to say in front of the locker room that his comments in the magazine were incorrect and taken out of context.

Richards tweeted this afternoon, making it clear that WWE did not have anything to do with his removal from Final Battle:

"To clarify, it was ROH offices decision to not have me at Finall Battle. Not mine or any other company's."