Does WWE Need Blood?

The icon of WWE's PG-era made some surprising remarks regarding the state of the company in an interview with Rolling Stone. 15-time WWE champion John Cena, who debuted a year after the Attitude Era is considered to have ended at WrestleMania X-Seven, said that he misses the days when blood often stained the mat after matches and wrestlers were free to use salty language on air.

Via Rolling Stone:

"I'd much rather it be a program geared toward me, whether that's TV-14 or sometimes even more graphic than that, which is what I like. For one thing, profanity brought fire out of people with personalities that backed the language. It's very difficult to say, 'Oh, you're being poopy,' especially when they're meant to be fighting words. And now, if someone starts to bleed, the referee intervenes to stop the bleeding. But before, you'd just let it fly. Blood is one of the things that made fights cool. Like, you knew it had gotten serious. I understand why we don't do it anymore. Vince has been a coach to me, a father figure, a boss and a friend, and his goal and my goal are the same: to make the company be as big as it can be. But, yeah, the blood is one thing I miss."

You may have forgotten, but Cena took part in one of the bloodiest matches in WWE history. Cena faced current commentator John Bradshaw Layfield in the main event of Judgment Day in 2005, in an "I Quit" match. JBL hits Cena with an unprotected chair shot to the head early on, which busts open Cena's head and causes blood to stream down his body. Over the next 14 minutes, Cena lost an incredible amount of blood and finished the match looking like Carrie. It's gruesome to the point of being distracting and hard to watch.

Does WWE need to gear weekly programming to adults, or is the current family-friendly product best for business? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. WWE can't pull off a revert back to the Attitude Era, nor should it attempt to...More?

source: foxsports.com

Two Stars Qualify For WWE Global Cruiserweight Series

WWE announced the following:

Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallagher qualify for WWE Global Cruiserweight Series at PROGRESS Wrestling

LONDON – Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallagher, two of the United Kingdom's brightest stars, earned their way into the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series by winning qualifying matches at a PROGRESS Wrestling event, WWE.com has confirmed.

Sabre, often described as one of the best unsigned wrestlers in the world, defeated up-and-comer Flash Morgan Webster to cement his place in this summer's highly anticipated tournament.

Gallagher, a technician with experience in mixed martial arts, bested hard-hitting "Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne in the second qualifying match to earn a coveted spot in the GCS.

The Global Cruiserweight Series, featuring 32 of the world's best competitors under 205 pounds battling for supremacy, begins Wednesday, July 13, at 9/8 C, only on WWE Network.

Maryland Championship Wrestling Becomes MCW Pro Wrestling

Maryland Championship Wrestling is excited to become MCW Pro Wrestling. This change recognizes success in providing events throughout not only Maryland, but Delaware, Pennsylvania, and abroad, as well as the growth of an online platform via an on-demand subscription video network at MCWRageTV.com.

Maryland remains the home of MCW Pro Wrestling. MCW Pro Wrestling continues to influence the larger world of professional wrestling through developing professional wrestling stars, like World Wrestling Entertainment developmental talent Patrick Clark and recent Ring of Honor star Lio Rush, and top-quality wrestling events.

"We are extremely excited to launch a new era in MCW and to present a logo that accurately reflects our position in the marketplace and where we will be heading the future," said MCW Pro Wrestling co-owner Dan McDevitt.

In the last year alone, MCW Pro Wrestling has showcased legends of professional wrestling, including Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, the late Rowdy Roddy Piper, Mick Foley, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Billy Gunn, X-Pac, Chyna, and more, as well as provided a platform for internationally televised stars like Lucha Underground's Shane Strickland aka Killshot, Ring of Honor's Delirious and Jason Kincaid, and many young, developing stars of the future.

More?

Linda McMahon Talks Watching Shane McMahon's HIAC Jump With Shane's Wife, Their Reactions, More

Linda McMahon spoke with 105.3 THE FAN Dallas/Ft. Worth about a number of topics including Shane McMahon's bump from the top of the cell in his Hell In A Cell match against The Undertaker at WWE WrestleMania 32. Linda called Shane her "crazy son" when discussing Shane's dive from the top of the cell onto a table at WrestleMania 32. McMahon added, "he was a little bit stiff the next day, but he was fine."

"If I had to sign off on that, he wouldn't have gotten permission to have done it," Linda said. "I was standing next to Marissa [Mazzola-McMahon], his wife, as he's climbing up the cage and I know he's going to jump off and I'm just telling you, my nerves were just wrapped so tight. And as he jumps, we both grab each other. And when he hits and I know he has to hit the mark just right. That was an incredible, incredible stunt."

Chyna's Friend On Finding Her Dead At Home, Cameras Were Rolling, Chyna's Brain Being Donated, More

Chyna's manager and best friend Anthony Anzaldo told The New York Daily News that they are looking to donate Chyna's brain to Dr. Bennet Omalu, who was played by actor Will Smith in the "Concussion" movie. Anzaldo said lawyers reached out to him long before Chyna passed away on Wednesday to gauge her interest in joining a brain injury lawsuit against WWE. Chyna's camp didn't want any part in the suit but were intrigued by the science.

"When she died, they called me again and asked, 'Can we have her brain,'" Anzaldo said. "My hope is that we can do it. I'm in the process of getting the permission to speak on behalf of family to tell the coroner it's okay to release it."

"I've been told (Dr. Omalu) is calling the medical examiner to let them know the plan, so they'll be cautious with her brain. We're not interested in the lawsuit at all," Anzaldo said. "We're just looking for (the researchers) to give us everything they can get."

Anzaldo also said he was the one to find Chyna's body at her Redondo Beach apartment on Wednesday. He was actually filming the "Reconstruction of Chyna" documentary when he walked in to check on her, unaware what had happened. It was reported before that a friend of Chyna's found her after after checking on her when she went several days without answering her phone.

"Me walking in was shot. I would never show me finding her, but you might hear me," he said.

Anzaldo also said he found Chyna in her bed with two prescription bottles in the same room — one for Ambien, one for an anti-anxiety medication similar to Xanax. He said there was nothing illegal as she was prescribed those medications and there was no alcohol. He also said there were no signs of foul play, no vomit and no blood, that she was just lying in bed peacefully. Anzaldo said they are waiting on toxicology results but he doesn't believe her death was intentional.

He said he is comfortable with releasing the documentary because of how passionate she was about it. They are planning a large memorial service and looking to spread some of her ashes in the Pacific Ocean. The rest of her ashes will be interred at a place fans can visit, possibly in her hometown of Rochester, NY.

Triple H, Stephanie & Linda at the USO's 75th Anniversary Gala

Triple H On NXT at Download, "mixing fanbases" and Black Sabbath

The WWE legend chats to Hammer about NXT's special showing at Donington this June

WWE's Triple H has exclaimed his excitement about NXT's upcoming shows at Download Festival in June, as well as revealing that he's working to make sure he can get to Donington himself to catch some metal legends.

The Executive Vice President of WWE - who founded NXT as a developmental division for the company - revealed to Hammer last year that we could see the brand make its way to UK festivals, and with its appearance at Download officially confirmed, the 14-time world champion says that the NXT superstars are as excited as he is.

"Our NXT guys are excited to be able to go and watch some of the bands," he laughs. "[When we did Aftershock Festival in the States] it was great to see the crossover, because the bands would get done playing, and the first thing they'd want to do would be to go over and see the NXT matches."

Triple H also feels that NXT's showing at Download could help further strengthen the bond between two fanbases that have a long history together.

"If there are some fans of NXT that are like, 'I used to listen to Iron Maiden when I was a kid, now I'm gonna go see this NXT show at Download!', they're connecting there. While they're there, they're gonna see Sabbath and think, 'That was amazing!', or they're gonna see some younger bands. That's a huge connection point on both sides. There's also a lot of people that watch the [NXT TV] show, and if they see us playing Sleeping With Sirens or whatever, and they like the song, and that turns them onto that genre of music, then that's awesome, and vice versa. I think it's a great opportunity for both sides. To be able to mix fanbases and turn other people onto what you do, that's a great, great partnership."

But the question remains...will Trips himself make it to Donington this summer?

"Yeah, so I'm hoping!" he replies. "I'm trying to rearrange my schedule – I've got a tight schedule that weekend, and I'm trying to make it in. I will make it in for one of the days, I'm 99% sure. They're doing some stuff for Lemmy that I'd really like to be a part of, but I'm trying to coordinate all of it. For me - and maybe [WWE] doesn't feel quite this way - but for me personally, I put seeing Sabbath on the top of my list of things to do that weekend!"

Watch NXT superstars including Bayley, American Alpha, Asuka and more at Download Festival from June 10-12. NXT also hits the following UK dates this June:

Monday, 13 June: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland.

Tuesday, 14 June: SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Wednesday, 15 June: Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Thursday, 16 June: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth.

Friday, 17 June: Plymouth Pavilion, Plymouth

source: metal hammer

The XFL, a football oddity, played its first -- and last -- championship game 15 years ago

In the world of sports, athletes often dedicate their entire lives to reaching the pinnacle of their profession, but for many, life at the top can be short-lived. Sometimes all a player gets to experience at the highest level is one minute on the court, one trip to the plate, one shot on goal or one checkered flag, but more often than not, that fleeting moment in the spotlight is a story all its own. This is One and Done, a FOX Sports series profiling athletes, their paths to success and the stories behind some of sports' most ephemeral brushes with glory.

When WWE chairman Vince McMahon announced the formation of a pro football league in February 2000, the decision was panned as a gimmick and a questionable concept, at best. And when that league later folded in May 2001 after losing a reported $50 million in its controversial debut season, the news came as little surprise to the many who anticipated its failure.

But for those who competed in the XFL during its first and only year in existence, the experience was unlike any other, and though the league is still something of a punchline even to this day, it was an adventure ex-players like Ron Carpenter won't soon forget...More?

source: foxsports.com

WWE Announces Global Cruiserweight Series Qualifying Match For Revolution Pro Wrestling

WWE announced the following today:

Revolution Pro Wrestling to host WWE Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying match on May 1

The race to earn a spot in this summer's hottest tournament just got a little more exciting, as Revolution Pro Wrestling in the United Kingdom has announced the participants in its qualifying match for the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. The bout is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 1, at The Cockpit in London.

Previously confirmed participant Noam Dar of Scotland enters the GCS in the qualifying round. The Israeli-Scottish competitor has made a name for himself as one of the most adaptable wrestlers in the world. Among the U.K.'s premier technical wrestlers, the 22-year-old Dar has shown he can hang with the world's best in the squared circle, having taken on the likes of AJ Styles, former NXT Champion Finn Bálor, and Austin Aries.

Dar's opponent in the qualifying match is Josh Bodom. Regarded as one of the hottest prospects in British wrestling, Bodom has made a name for himself against Superstars like Bálor and another GCS competitor, Tommaso Ciampa. He'll certainly look to ruin Dar's summer and put himself on the biggest stage possible by earning a spot in the Global Cruiserweight Series.

The all-important qualifying match takes place at Revolution Pro Wrestling's Live at The Cockpit 8 event on Sunday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. GMT at The Cockpit in London. For complete information on how you can see this Global Cruiserweight Series qualifier live and in-person, visit RevolutionProWrestling.com. For more information on Revolution Pro Wrestling, follow them on Twitter @RevProUK and like their Facebook page.

WWE Announces Title Change At WWE NXT Live Event

Samoa Joe defeated Finn Balor to become the new WWE NXT Champion at tonight's live event in Lowell, MA. It appeared Balor was injured right before the finish but that could just be an angle.

WWE announced the following:

LOWELL, Mass. — Samoa Joe defeated Finn Bálor to capture the NXT Championship at a Live Event Thursday night in Lowell, Massachusetts, WWE.com has confirmed.

Joe's victory put an end to Bálor's record-breaking reign as NXT Champion. The Demon won the title on July 4, 2015, and held it for 292 days, surpassing the mark set by Neville in 2014.

Now that Samoa Joe has finally snared NXT's top prize, what will the destroyer have in store for anyone who dares to step up and challenge him? How will Finn Bálor handle this setback?

The Latest Regarding The Passing Of Chyna

There are no signs Chyna intended to die, based on what police found inside her apartment -- and she'd been deceased for at least a day TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us there was no suicide note left in her Redondo Beach, CA home. We're also told it appears the WWE legend had passed away a "day or two" prior to Wednesday evening ... when a friend found her body. The last known contact she had with anyone happened on Sunday evening.

As we first reported, there were no illegal drugs, but officers did find legal prescription bottles. Our sources described the number of bottles as 3 or 4 ... "nothing out of the ordinary." Also, the bottles were not emptied.

We're told several neighbors told investigators they suspected "overdose" as the cause of death since she'd seemed "under the influence" lately.

source: tmz.com

WWE And Connor's Cure Win Awards

WWE was named the winner of three awards at the fifth annual Cynopsis Sports Media Awards: WWE Network for Over-The-Top Content Service, WWE App for Best Mobile App and Connor's Cure for Pro Social Campaign.

For the second consecutive year, WWE Network received the award for best Over-The-Top Content Service, beating MLB.TV, MLS LIVE, UFC and PGA. WWE Network is the fastest-growing digital subscription service that includes all live pay-per-views, original programming and a massive video-on-demand library with more than 5,000 hours.

WWE App won the award for Best Mobile App beating NBC Sports, Bleacher Report and Bellator MMA. Currently, the WWE App has been downloaded more than 27 million times in 220 countries.

Connor's Cure won the award for Pro-Social Campaign beating espnW, Litton Entertainment and Whistle Sports. Connor's Cure started as a fund within the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research, and continues to expand, most recently through a multi-year national partnership with The V Foundation for Cancer Research. To date, Connor's Cure has raised $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world.

The Cynopsis Sports Media Awards recognizes the best work in the sports industry from the past year with categories spanning television, radio, digital, and marketing.

Triple H Talks About Chyna Passing Away And A Possible WWE Hall Of Fame Induction

Triple H spoke with The Mirror while on the current UK tour and provided these comments on Joanie "Chyna" Laurer passing away at the age of 45 on Wednesday:

"It is obviously tragic and clearly my well-wishes go out to her friends and family. Brilliance sometimes, and that ability to push barriers and boundaries and be a pioneer, is often connected closely with other things that aren't so positive sometimes, and demons, and unfortunately that is the case.

"Man, [she was] just a great person, an amazing talent, a ground breaking pioneer, that was never afraid to go out on a limb and blaze her own trail through life. She never took, and when you're choosing a path [you can say] 'hey here is a path let's go down that one' or you can blaze your own path and burn it up and create something for others to follow, and that's what she did, and that star shone bright, but unfortunately burned out way too fast."

He also commented on a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction for the former Intercontinental Champion:

"You know it's not my decision, but I definitely think, as I have said before, that what she did in her life certainly warrants it. There was never anybody like her before her, and there will never be anybody like her after. It's certainly warranted and I'm sure at some point when the time is right, hopefully, that could happen."

Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2016

Note On Chyna's Condition Before Her Death

TMZ reported that police are investigating Chyna's death as a possible overdose. Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio today that friends of Chyna's had been discussing a possible intervention recently.

Chyna Passes Away

WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away.

A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed "The Ninth Wonder of the World" a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship.

Upon hearing the sad news, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following:

I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 21, 2016

WWE extends its condolences to Laurer's family, friends and fans.

Q&A: Inside Nicholls & Veryzer’s plan to ignite a tag team revolution in NXT

Triple H In Newcastle, England

Triple H returned to the ring at tonight's WWE live event in Newcastle, England. He lost to Dean Ambrose in the main event, described by our correspondent as the match of the night. After briefly appearing at the USO Metro-DC Awards Dinner in Washington, DC last night, Triple H flew to Newcastle, England overnight and then wrestled at around 4pm EST today. He will wrestle in Brussels, Paris and Malaga, before returning to the United States this weekend for Monday's RAW in Connecticut.

Viktor Joins The Social Outcasts

It looks like Viktor of The Ascension is replacing Adam Rose on the current WWE European tour. Viktor came out with Curtis Axel at today's WWE live event in Belfast and was wearing a "Social Outcasts" t-shirt. Axel lost to Goldust and the two beat him down after the match until R-Truth made the save.

As noted, Rose and Viktor's partner Konnor have been suspended for 60 days after their second violation of the WWE Wellness Policy. Fellow "Outcasts" Bo Dallas and Heath Slater are working the other part of the tour.

Adam Rose Statement On His WWE Suspension

As noted, Adam Rose was suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the WWE Wellness Policy, along with Konnor. He posted the following on Twitter today:

I was not going to respond to my suspension but I feel I have to. I have two sons that will one day read that news about there daddy and a sister that died from complications related to a life long battle with heroin.

So I feel the absolute need and right to respond and let the truth be known.

I am pretty sure this response will meet nowhere near the publicity that my suspension did and that this response is tantamount to career suicide.
But I feel for my sons my sister and rest of my family... you the Wwe universe have the right to the know the truth over my suspension and what it was for.

I will also quote my Dr in my response as he was as shocked and appalled by this suspension.

I can say right now I did not do anything knowingly wrong and was taking prescribed medication that my Dr and I followed all the correct protocol on.

My actual response and Doctors response will be coming soon. So before you judge, know the facts.

My family and I are still collecting ourselves from this blow. I have zero anger or animosity against the WWE. But feel the administrators over the WWE Welnness policy were just simply not right in taking this action.

But I feel facts are the facts and my family and I will will be the ones putting our lives back together after this mess.

My response will be up soon along with my Doctors.

Total Divas Season 5 Finale Recap

Backstage Talk On TNA Possibly Owing Aroluxe A Payment, More On Dixie Carter, Panda Energy

As noted, major changes with TNA are expected to happen within the next few weeks as the company is essentially out of money and Dixie Carter has been negotiating with potential investors and partners.

We noted earlier that Dixie has been talking with Aroluxe Marketing, which former wrestlers The Harris Twins are involved with. Aroluxe has been working TNA production since January but they have also put money into the recent set of Impact Wrestling tapings, and possibly this week's tapings. PWInsider reports that their production deal sees Aroluxe cover everything needed for the tapings and then TNA reimburses them, and pays them for their services.

There's a story going around among the TNA wrestlers that a payment is due to Aroluxe this week. One version going around says the payment is due today while another says it's Wednesday. The story also says that based on terms of the deal, Aroluxe is able to claim majority ownership of TNA if the payment is not made. This would leave Dixie as a minority owner, something she's been trying to avoid during negotiations. PWInsider noted that they weren't able to confirm this part of the story but it's going around a large part of the roster.

PWInsider also confirmed that multiple parties are interested in a deal with Dixie. She's previously turned down all offers but with the company facing serious money problems, she may be forced to make a deal now. We've noted how Aroluxe are the favorites and The Harris Twins have been seen at TNA headquarters having meetings with various departments in preparation for a potential takeover if the sale goes through.

TNA's former parent company Panda Energy has no say in the matters as they haven't had any ownership for some time. Panda quit putting money into the company as far back as 4-5 years ago and removed themselves from TNA operations. Dixie has been the only TNA stockholder since she bought Jeff Jarrett's shares last year.

What Company Is TNA Negotiating With?, Backstage Updates On Dixie Carter And TNA Negotiations

The group that's a favorite to take control of TNA is Aroluxe Marketing, which former wrestlers Ron and Don Harris are involved with as main officers, according to Wrestling Observer Radio. The Harris Twins, who have worked for WWE, ECW, WCW and TNA, have been helping with TNA production for several months now.

Aroluxe is actually helping to fund TNA as they put up money for the last set of Impact Wrestling tapings, and probably will do the same for the tapings that begin later this week.

It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Dixie Carter has other deals she's working on but word is that the other people she's talking with don't like her terms. Dixie reportedly wants to retain control of the company with 51% of ownership. Dixie is trying to make money on the deal and still own a majority of the company, which is going to be hard to do.

As noted, the feeling is something has to happen soon as the company is essentially out of money.

'Total Bellas' coming to E!, new 'Total Divas' cast announced

E! has announced the new series “Total Bellas” with Nikki and Brie Bella, a spinoff of the network’s hit series “Total Divas.” The six, one-hour episodes will give viewers exclusive access into the lives of The Bella Twins and their significant others, John Cena and Daniel Bryan, as the WWE Superstars move in together and enter a new chapter of their lives, both professionally and personally.

After Nikki goes through delicate surgery on her neck and spine, her sister and brother-in-law move into the house she shares with Cena in order to care for her and keep her company during her long and protracted recovery. The Bella Twins will continue to appear on “Total Divas,” which concludes its fifth season tomorrow night at 9 p.m. ET.

“We are excited to build on one of our most successful franchises with this new series that goes exclusively inside the world of WWE fan favorites The Bella Twins,” said Jeff Olde, EVP, Programming and Development, E! “Nikki and Brie Bella have an undeniable charm and wit that matches their irrefutable beauty, and we are thrilled to get an intimate look into what it’s like to be in a relationship with some of the hottest sports entertainers in the world.”

Additionally, E!, WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions’ hit series “Total Divas” will return for its sixth season this fall. Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Eva Marie, Naomi, Natalya and Paige will continue to give viewers an inside glimpse at balancing life in the spotlight and the non-stop action of their professional careers with the drama of their everyday lives.

In addition, Season 6 will introduce "Total Divas" fans to Lana, Renee Young, and Maryse, a former two-time WWE Divas Champion and wife of Mike “The Miz” Mizanin.

Carmella Reveals Her Future With WWE Following Enzo Amore And Colin Cassady's Move To Main Roster

WWE NXT Diva Carmella has conducted an interview with WWE.com, in which she has revealed that she will not be a part of the main roster move of Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. She has stated that instead, she will look to pursue a singles career in NXT and also wants to become the NXT Women's Champion.

"My entire NXT career has been alongside Cass & Enzo. Of course, it would have been nice to be out there and relish in the moment of their debut on the night after WrestleMania with them. But, I’m here to be a Superstar and an in-ring performer. I’ve been training for over two years in the ring now. A lot of the fans don’t necessarily get to see what I can do, because they’ve seen me as the hype girl for Cass & Enzo. I’m here to compete at a higher level. I want to be NXT Women’s Champion. Unfortunately, I can’t do everything. I can’t be with them and take over the NXT Women’s division at the same time. Of course, it’s a little sad to not be with them, but it’s a super-exciting time for me to break out on my own."

Carmella also stated that fans can expect to see a change to her current television persona:

"They’ll see a big change in me. My focus is just on me and on becoming NXT Women’s Champion. I don’t have to worry about what my boys are doing now. I support them and I’m so excited to see their success. But now, everyone gets to see Carmella and who she really is. I’m not just the hype girl."

Click here to check out the entire WWE.com interview with Carmella.

WWE Suspends Two Talents for Wellness Policy Violations

WWE has announced the following:

WWE suspends Raymond Leppan and Ryan Parmeter

STAMFORD, Conn. – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Raymond Leppan (Adam Rose) and Ryan Parmeter (Konnor) each for 60 days effective immediately for a second violation of the company’s policy

Alicia Fox Makes History In Dubai

Alicia Fox became the first female performer in WWE history to appear in front of a crowd in the United Arab Emirates as she kicked off the WWE live event in Dubai yesterday. She tweeted the following and as you can see, her attire was pretty conservative:

Such an honor to kick off the show in #dubai last night! Ready for round 2!? WWE WOMEN MAKING HISTORY @natbynature pic.twitter.com/QvRJijUaql

— Miss Foxy (@AliciaFoxy) April 15, 2016

Mick Foley Clarifies His Son’s Comments About Triple H

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley’s son Mickey recently implied on a live stream that Triple H does not like him. Below is Mick’s response dispelling any kind of ill will:

THIS MAN DOES NOT HATE ME

Despite what you may have heard, I really don't believe Triple H dislikes me, as my son Mickey implied on his live stream - from which point the story took on a life of its own. Keep in mind, that my son Mickey is on the autism spectrum and while he is a bright and beautiful child, he doesn't always speak with the same type of filter that most of us naturally have – and as a result, he is much more likely to say exactly what comes into his mind.

Sure, it created something of an awkward position for me – but nothing that is said or done will ever take away from the bond Triple H and I share; the bond of great matches as we were moving up the card in 1997 and 1998, and when we were on top of the card, on top of the cell – and figuratively, on top of the world in 2000. Rumors will come and go. But memories like the ones Triple H and I created will last a lifetime.

Evolve’s Gabe Sapolsky discusses Paul Heyman, Daniel Bryan, WWE

WWE Global Cruiserweight Series Qualifying Matches Announced For EVOLVE And PROGRESS Wrestling

WWE made the following announcements today:

PROGRESS Wrestling's Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches announced

The worldwide race to earn a spot in the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series is heating up, as U.K. independent promotion PROGRESS Wrestling has announced the participants in the qualifying matches they're playing host to ahead of this summer's tournament.

On Sunday, April 24 in Camden Town, London, PROGRESS will present two matches with the incredible opportunity to compete in the GCS on the line. In the first qualifier, international star and technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr. will begin his journey in the GCS when he takes on up-and-coming highflier Flash Morgan Webster, who will surely be out to play spoiler and catapult himself into the spotlight. The second bout sees world-traveled grappler Jack Gallagher square off against the hard-hitting "Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne.

These matches take place at PROGRESS Chapter 29: Practically PROGRESS in Every Way on Sunday, April 24 at 8 p.m. local time at the sold-out Electric Ballroom in Camden Town, London, England. Check back with WWE.com to find out which of PROGRESS' grapplers will advance to the prestigious tournament. For more information on PROGRESS Wrestling, visit PROGRESSWrestling.com, and follow them on Twitter @ThisIs_Progress.

Also:

Two WWE Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches take place at EVOLVE Wrestling on May 7

As the July 13 premiere of WWE's Global Cruiserweight Series on WWE Network draws near, the world's best competitors are going above and beyond to stand out in hopes of receiving an invite to this summer's historic tournament.

On Saturday, May 7, in Queens, N.Y., EVOLVE Wrestling plays host to two qualifying matches, giving four competitors the opportunity of a lifetime. Two of EVOLVE's most prominent mat technicians, reigning EVOLVE Tag Team Champions Drew Gulak and Tracy Williams, will square off against each other in the first qualifier. The second match is a battle to determine whether a rookie's pure determination can overcome experience, as up-and-comer Fred Yehi battles 15-year veteran TJ Perkins.

Don't miss your chance to see these all-important qualifying matches for what is sure to be one of the most talked-about wrestling events of the summer. The Global Cruiserweight Series qualifying matches take place at EVOLVE 61 on Saturday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET, at La Boom in Queens, N.Y. For complete ticket information, visit EVOLVEWrestling.com.

The winners from these matches will join the following talents in the tournament:

-Rich Swann
-Johnny Gargano
-Tommaso Ciampa
-Noam Dar
-Akira Tozawa
-Ho Ho Lun
-Lince Dorado

Triple H And Shane McMahon Confirmed For Upcoming WWE Events

WWE announced this afternoon that former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H and Shane McMahon will both be making appearances during their tour of Europe.

Triple H is set to appear at Newcastle, U.K. (April 20), Brussels (April 21), Paris (April 22), and Malaga, Spain (April 23), while Shane McMahon will make a special appearance at the April 19 London Smackdown taping. Triple H hasn't appeared on-screen for WWE since WrestleMania 32.

WWE Announces Upcoming NXT TV Tapings And Next NXT TakeOver Event Date

WWE announced that they'd set dates for upcoming television tapings as well as the next NXT TakeOver: Live special, both from Full Sail University.

NXT will return to Full Sail for television tapings on May 19 and June 9th, with the NXT TakeOver special, which hasn't been named, going down on Wednesday, June 8. This will be the first special event from Full Sail since October's NXT TakeOver: Respect.

Enzo Amore And Colin Cassady On Their In-Ring Debuts, WWE Tag Team Contenders Tournament Update

As seen on last night's WWE SmackDown, Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady made their in-ring main roster debuts last night and defeated The Ascension in the Tag Team Contenders Tournament. In this Fallout video above, Cass talks about going for the WWE Tag Team Titles while Enzo talks about Rich Brennan's bad breath.

Last night's show also saw The Vaudevillains defeat Goldust and R-Truth to advance in the tournament.

Confirmed second round matches include Enzo and Cass vs. The Dudley Boyz and The Vaudevillains vs. The Usos. It looks like the new #1 contenders will face WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day at the May 1st Payback pay-per-view.