Alexa Bliss is on WWE's radar, she is reportedly doing really well and impressed WWE officials and is likely a talent that will be called up to the main roster next year. Sasha Banks is also impressing despite being a little stiff in the ring which they are trying to break her out of but her overall attitude is said to be excellent. Ric Flair's daughter Charlotte is finding her way well and knows how to carry herself as a champion.
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October 28, 2014
NXT Divas Impressing
Battle Royal On WWE NXT
A tag team battle royal to crown new #1 contenders to Sin Cara and Kalisto has been announced for this week's NXT.
More Details Behind Undertaker’s New Role in NXT & WWE Developmental
We reported last week that The Undertaker would be working behind the scenes with the NXT brand in a limited capacity.
PWInsider.com has come out with some new information on the current deal in place. According to their report, Undertaker will be making occasional appearances at the Performance Center in Florida, and will have the freedom to choose his own dates, around his schedule. His job will essentially be to offer help to the developmental talent, answer questions, and teach them what will be expected of them if/when they are brought up to the main WWE roster.
Former NFL Player, Former MMA Fighter, Indy Wrestlers & More at Recent WWE Tryout Camp, WWE Posts Footage of Tryout Hopefuls
WWE.com has posted a new article covering the recent WWE tryout camp held at the Performance Center in Orlando.
The listed participants included were indy wrestler Rich Swann, strongman Michael Fierro, bodybuilder Justin Whitley, former NFL player Jason Shirley, Northern Iowa University wrestler Blayne Beale-McDonald, and former MMA fighter Sione Finau.
Finau was actually scheduled to face Batista in an MMA fight at one point, but the bout never took place. The recent tryout camp will be also covered in an upcoming Muscle & Fitness feature.
WWE has posted the following video, featuring an inside look at an actual WWE tryout at the Performance Center:
October 27, 2014
Randy Orton To Star In WWE Studios ‘The Condemned 2′
According to a report today by Variety, WWE Studios will be producing a sequel to the 2007 film "The Condemned," which starred "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Randy Orton stars in the latest installment, which is called "The Condemned 2: Desert Prey." Lionsgate will again co-produce and distribute the film, which begins production in New Mexico later this year.
"We are excited to be reteaming with the WWE on 'The Condemned 2,' after such a positive experience on the original film," said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and motion picture group president Steve Beeks. "The combination of their brand marketing capabilities, creativity and deep lineup of dynamic onscreen talent result in a powerful partnership."
According to the article, the film "follows a former bounty hunter who finds himself on the run as part of a revamped Condemned tournament, in which convicts are forced to fight each other to the death as part of a game that's broadcast to the public."
Roel Reine ("Death Race: Inferno," "The Scorpion 3") will direct the movie from a script by Alan McElroy ("The Marine 4?). Orton reunites with Reine on "The Condemned" sequel after having previously worked together on "12 Rounds 2: Reloaded."
October 26, 2014
Triple H Is Focused On The Future
Triple H spent the entire day last Wednesday scouting talent at the Performance Center. It was out of the ordinary for Triple H to dedicate an entire day to up and coming talent, however, he considers it essential that the WWE NXT staff spot star power early on so they can give such talent special attention.
October 25, 2014
Rumor Mill - WWE Reportedly Dropping Elimination Chamber
According to Reddit user MetsFan4Ever, a former WWE employee who has broken several WWE stories in the past, WWE is planning to drop the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. He wrote the following on Friday:
"Word going around backstage this past Tuesday at the SmackDown tapings are that the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view will be no more. The early lead names going around to replace the Elimination Chamber name will be either WWE Fast Lane or WWE Fast Track."
"The reason is because there is only one WWE / World Champion right now. So they want to stay with the Rumble winner receiving the shot and have no Chamber even with the title holder in the match."
He noted that he expects the Elimination Chamber match to be kept around as a match for certain pay-per-views that call for it.
WWE Issues Statement On Billy Jack Haynes Lawsuit
In regards to the lawsuit filed against by WWE by former wrestler Billy Jack Haynes, WWE issued the following statement this afternoon:
"Billy Jack Haynes performed for WWE from 1986-1988. His filed lawsuit alleges that WWE concealed medical information and evidence on concussions during that time, which is impossible since the condition now called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) had not even been discovered. WWE was well ahead of sports organizations in implementing concussion management procedures and policies as a precautionary measure as the science and research on this issue emerged. Current WWE procedures include ImPACT testing for brain function, annual educational seminars and the strict prohibition of deliberate and direct shots to the head. Additionally, WWE has committed significant funding for concussion research conducted by the Sports Legacy Institute (SLI), leaders in concussion research, and WWE Executive Vice President Paul Levesque sits on SLI's Board."
Billy Jack Haynes wrestles WWE into federal court
Billy Jack Haynes wants to give World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.’s head-smacking, money-making “soap opera” a federal court body slam because of what he says is the international sports giant’s disregard for wrestlers’ safety.
Billy Jack — 61-year-old Gaston resident William Albert Haynes III — is suing WWE in federal court for “egregious mistreatment of its wrestlers for its own benefit, as well as its concealment and denial of medical research and evidence concerning traumatic brain injuries suffered by WWE wrestlers,” according to the 42-page lawsuit filed Thursday, Oct. 23, in Portland’s U.S. District Court.
Haynes is also asking the court to grant class-action status for what his lawyers say could be 500 people who suffered injuries while wrestling or performing in the WWE ring.
“Under the guise of providing ‘entertainment,’ WWE has, for decades, subjected its wrestlers to extreme physical brutality that it knew, or should have known, caused long-term irreversible bodily damage, including brain damage,” according to the lawsuit filed by Portland attorneys Steve D. Larson and Joshua L. Ross of the firm Stoll Stoll Bernie Lokting & Schlachter. “For most of its history, WWE has engaged in a campaign of misinformation and deception to prevent its wrestlers from understanding the true nature and consequences of the injuries they have sustained. WWE’s representations, actions, and inactions have caused its wrestlers to suffer from death, long-term debilitating injuries, lost profits, premature retirement, medical expenses, and other losses as alleged herein.”
WWE officials have not commented on the merits of the lawsuit. No court date has been set for the case.
Chris Jericho Talks About What Match He Can’t Watch Anymore
“What was voted the best match in Raw history by a lot of people, Jericho and Benoit vs. Triple H and Austin, so famous for being the night H tore his quad during the match, the crowd going bananas and the first time anybody had vanquished the evil Steve Austin and Triple H. It was a huge night in WWE history, a huge moment in the history of the Tag Team Championships and a huge moment in the history of my career, and I can’t ever see that match really. I can’t watch that match. I think I’ve watched it once and it’s good, it’s a great classic five star match, but it’s always tainted when I see Chris Benoit.”
October 24, 2014
Rumor Mill - Details On The Undertaker’s New Role With WWE
PWInsider reports that The Undertaker has taken on a new role with WWE. He was at last night’s NXT taping at the Performance Center and told people that he will be working with developmental talent as an “advisor.”
He will apparently be in Orlando from time to time to help and give advice.
AJ Lee Talks Potentially Working With Stephanie McMahon On TV
Yeah. I mean, I think there’s no one who could match the promos we could put on together. I think that’s why people might be into it. Because it’d be two alpha females. And we do talk a big game. We’re good at that. As far as a match goes, that’s been done. So I don’t know how much we’d be into re-doing something. It’d have to be very different and very unique. It’d have to make its own mark on our industry and add to the history. But I think the girls [Steph and Brie] did such a good job that I wouldn’t want to mess with that. Because that was their own special moment that they had at SummerSlam. But I also think that getting into a war with her would be amazing. I think people are looking forward to that. And the tiny interactions that we have had, so far, have been some of the most fun I’ve ever had.
October 23, 2014
Mia Yim Will Wrestle Charlotte On The December 4th Episode of WWE NXT
Top indie women's wrestler, Mia Yim worked tonight's NXT taping. She will wrestle NXT Women's Champion Charlotte in a non-title match on the December 4th episode.
Controversial WWE Employee Leaves The Company
WWE posted a job listing today for a new Social Media Manager. This was the job held by Cody Barbierri, the employee who had an altercation with Alberto Del Rio, leading to Del Rio's WWE release.
PWInsider has confirmed that Barbierri left WWE earlier this month. The details of his departure are not known yet. Barbierri worked with WWE since September 2012 and is now working as an independent social media consultant.
New Name and Main Event Revealed for Next Live WWE NXT Takeover Special
As noted, the next live WWE NXT Takeover special on the WWE Network will take place on December 11th from Full Sail University.
NXT General Manager William Regal announced at tonight's tapings that the name will be NXT Takeover: Our Evolution.
The main event will see Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville going at it for the NXT Title.
Rey Mysterio-WWE Update
Kris Zellner, in his Lucha Report yesterday, noted that former WWE announcer Hugo Savinovich had publicly stated that Rey Mysterio was done with WWE and would be signing a deal with AAA as soon as it was worked out.
WWE sources confirmed this morning that as of 10/23, Mysterio is still contracted to WWE.
October 22, 2014
Stephanie McMahon comments on her SummerSlam match with Brie Bella and her relationship with her daughters
During an interview with Yahoo Sports blog The Turnstile, Stephanie McMahon offers a nice story about how she handled her recent SummerSlam match with Brie Bella and her relationship with her young daughters:
I brought my daughters actually to Staples Center to watch me live in the ring - to watch their mother compete in the ring. It was a very proud moment for me. I worked incredibly hard for it and I wanted them to be a part of that experience. They supported me in my training all along and it took a lot of extra time for me to really get into shape to be able to compete in the ring.
I did explain to my daughters, but I've been explaining all along because as you know, I'm married to Triple H, who in my opinion is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. And in order to watch their dad compete against the likes of Brock Lesnar or The Undertaker, I would always explain to them exactly what was happening in the ring, how we make things look like they hurt when they don't, and the story that we're telling. They're involved and aware of what's going to happen, but at the same time just like our fans who know the difference between storytelling and reality, they still allow themselves to get swept up in the story and have an awesome time. When I came back from the ring and I walked backstage, I ran into my children and my mother, who were all clapping and chanting, "You still got it." It was something I will never forget.
October 21, 2014
John Cena Preparing To Produce His Own Unscripted TV Series, Is WWE Involved?
Variety reports that John Cena will be teaming with Leftfield Pictures, producers of Pawn Stars, to develop unscripted TV series that focus mostly on unknown individuals from all walks of life, each with a compelling story to tell.
Cena told Variety:
"For someone like me that's surrounded by so many interesting characters, you know when you brush up against someone who can hold a room. There are so many people out there who can hold someone's attention."
Cena could end up on screen somehow but Cena being on TV is not a requirement to get a new series launched.
As part of the development deal, Cena and Leftfield already have several ideas in the works but will not be revealing the concepts yet.
Any series Cena creates with Leftfield will be produced independently outside of Cena's WWE contract but WWE has an option to participate in projects if it helps any of the concepts
WWE Corporate Updates "Talent Wellness" Section, Includes Domestic Violence Policy
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon stated in an interview with Yahoo! Sports changes to the pro wrestling company’s domestic violence policy:
“We have a zero tolerance policy for domestic abuse. Upon arrest for such misconduct, our superstars are immediately suspended and should there be a conviction, that superstar or diva would be terminated.”
The new policy comes on the heels of changes made within the NFL after Ray Rice was caught on video knocking out his then-fiancee Janay Palmer in an elevator. According to a WWE statement sent to The Washington Post, that is one of the major reasons for the policy change.
“We have watched and learned from what has unfolded in the NFL, and we felt it was important to establish a zero tolerance policy for domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse,” the statement reads. The company says the policy will apply to all WWE corporate employees, as well, and not just those in the ring.
“We are in the midst of updating our employee code of conduct to reflect the same zero tolerance policy,” the WWE said.
The update policy can be read here - WWE Talent Programs and Policies.
October 20, 2014
Justin Roberts’ Replacement Announced, New Smackdown Ring Announcer
Joey Styles tweeted out early today that a the new RAW and Smackdown ring announcers have been named. Veteran RAW ring announcer Lilian Garcia, who has been the most recent Smackdown ring announcer, will take over for Justin Roberts, and Eden Stiles will be the new Smackdown ring announcer. Both will start their new roles this week; Garcia moves back to RAW after long time RAW ring announcer Justin Roberts departed the company last week.
Two New Total Divas Cast Members Announced
WWE and E! have announced two new Total Divas cast members, WWE Divas Paige and Alicia Fox, are set to join the show for its new season in January.
The new episodes will begin airing on Sunday, January 4th at 10 pm EST, before it returns to its normal 9 pm EST time slot the following week, January 11th.
Daniel Bryan update, still not regaining strength in his arm
The latest on Daniel Bryan is that his right arm has still not regained strength and recent discussion backstage within WWE was that he may need to get Tommy John surgery to reconstruct his ulnar ligament, a surgery that many major league baseball players end up having to get. Bryan continues to have issues in both his neck and elbow. That surgery would keep him out of action for a full year. It would appear any plans WWE has had for Bryan regarding the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania are now off the table.
October 19, 2014
October 16, 2014
Rumor Mill - WWE NXT Takeover To Be Featured During WrestleMania 31 Weekend?
WWE could be bringing the live NXT special "Takeover" to WrestleMania 31 weekend in the San Francisco area according to a report by PWInsider.com.
Triple H recently noted during a conference call that a live NXT special would air every four months, with the next being on December 11th and the following expected to be in March.
WWE could run the event at WrestleMania Axxess although logistically this might not work and a local venue might be a better option.
Rumor Mill - Roberts's WWE Replacement Reportedly Named
PWInsider.com is reporting that Eden, the wife of current WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes/"Stardust," may be the replacement for recently released WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts on Raw, according to word coming out of WWE this week. The decision involving Eden was reportedly finalized sometime this week, but plans are always subject to change.
As of late, Eden has been taking part in "second-screen" backstage segments with Tom Phillips on the WWE App.
There had been speculation from fans that Lilian Garcia would be replacing Roberts; however, word is that she will remain on SmackDown and at WWE live events. Byron Saxton will fill in for Garcia at live events when she is not present.
JBL Blasts Reports Of Alleged "Fight" Between Justin Roberts And Michael Cole
WWE announcer John "Bradshaw" Layfield has taken to his official Facebook page to blast reports of a fight that was alleged to have taken place between fellow announcer Michael Cole and recently-released WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts during this week's edition of Raw:
I saw on the Internet that Michael Cole and Justin Roberts got into a fight at ringside-during a live Raw. Do you realize how preposterous this is? Michael has ZERO break during the three hours (King and I barely have enough to tweet!), we go straight to WWE App during commercials (which Maggle is so helpful in showing everyone how to download) and back to TV action. This 'fight' never happened and couldn't have happened due to lack of time. I have no idea how these things start-but happy that people care enough to write about what we do and what goes on, sometimes though the 'news' is wrong as in this case.
I wish Justin the best obviously and I know nothing of his departure other than what was announced-but wanted to clear this up as the Internet was buying this for fact for some reason.
I do want to wish Maggle a happy birthday (yesterday) I do think Maggle is the best play by play guy WWE has ever had, and before all of you hop on the JR or Gorilla bandwagon-I mean no insult to either of those guys, both all time greats. I have worked with Michael since my broadcast start and have never seen anyone better-that is obviously subject to my opinion. The stuff he has to do with all the social media, app, network, etc makes his job the hardest play by play in the world imo and as much as I love getting him on air, I think he is great at it.
Kane Comments On Triple H's Leadership In WWE
"He’s done a tremendous job with the Performance Center in Orlando, and with NXT. They have a great product, the guys that are coming out of there are really great. I was just thinking about that the other day, you could always tell there was something special about him. Certainly he knows the wrestling business like no one else, he’s got a fabulous mind. When you’re talking about people I’ve worked with who have influenced me as far as character development, he’s one of them. I don’t know which is more surprising, the fact that he’s in the role that he’s in, or that I’m still here in WWE 20 years later."
October 15, 2014
How Much WWE Stock Do Vince, Stephanie and Shane Own?
Back in February, it was reported that Stephanie McMahon owned 661,678 shares of WWE stock while Shane McMahon owned 1,541,224 shares.
However, those numbers aren't correct as Vince McMahon set up two trusts for Stephanie, one in 2004 and one in 2008. As of the weekend, Stephanie owned 2,511,071 shares of company stock, which is worth $34,050,122. As of the weekend, Shane owned 1,541,204 shares worth $20,898,726 and Vince owned 39,272,641 shares worth $532,537,010.
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
