Total Divas Recap 02/02/16

WWE Diva Natalya: 'NXT has given hope to women on the main roster'

Digital Spy recently interviewed Natalya to promote the current season of Total Divas, which airs every Tuesday at 9pm on E!. Below are a few highlights:

Possibly headlining a WWE pay-per-view:

"Especially with the direction the Divas are going in, and how much they've been investing in the Divas lately with the whole Divas Revolution and all, I could totally see myself and Charlotte having a main event match. WWE is really starting to take notice of the women - much as a trend that the rest of society is taking notice of what Ronda Rousey has done."

The evolution of women's wrestling:

"You look at Bayley and Sasha at TakeOver: Brooklyn and the Iron Man Match [at TakeOver: Respect]. I've told both girls that both those matches were so good because it got you emotionally. It wasn't just about Bayley or Sasha doing cool moves. They made you care, they made you feel something. When people make you feel something, you don't forget it. That's why I have to say that NXT has really helped give the girls some hope. Now we're being allowed to do the same thing on the main roster. A lot of us - from myself, to the Bella Twins, to Alicia Fox, Paige, Naomi, Tamina - we all want to have the same opportunities that the NXT girls have. The fact that Triple H has spearheaded it is cool."

Natalya also discussed how WWE has changed for women since she started, Triple H helping make change, wanting to regain the WWE Divas Championship and more. You can read the full interview by clicking here.

Stephanie McMahon Interview on GMA: WWE Girlpower Success

The Authority Gets DVD Cover

WWE Hall of Famer Hospitalized, Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas Leave WWE Raw Tonight to Be at His Side

According to PWInsider.com, WWE Hall of Famer Robert “Blackjack Mulligan” Windham has been hospitalized in Florida, and his son-in-law Mike Rotunda, along with his grandsons Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas, have left WWE Raw in Alabama to be with him.

Mulligan’s condition is unknown at this time, but it’s obviously serious enough that Wyatt and Dallas left Raw to be with their ailing grandfather. Mulligan was previously hospitalized in 2015 after suffering a heart attack.

Triple H On Losing To The Warrior At WrestleMania, Stephanie McMahon On Having A Mania Connection

Triple H on losing to The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania 12:

"A lot of people bring it up to me as if it was a sore spot in my career. It's not. It's actually something I'm really proud of. Who can say that, in their first WrestleMania ever, they got to step in the ring with one of the biggest icons in the business?"

Stephanie on her WrestleMania connection:

"It is an unbelievable feeling of connection. Having my children being a part of it is special. Because I remember how I felt when I was their age, sitting in the stands watching the show, knowing my family was such a big part of it, cheering and booing and having the greatest time. Just like everyone else."

WWE legend Bret Hart reveals prostate cancer, promises to fight

Legendary professional wrestler Bret Hart, 58, announced Monday that he is battling prostate cancer and set to undergo surgery "with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all."

Hart, a seven-time world champion who was one of the most popular superstars in then-WWF from 1984-97, shared his health status via a long Facebook post in which he vowed to defeat cancer and "beat the odds" a second time following a stroke he suffered in 2002:

It is with great remorse that I feel compelled to speak truthfully to my friends, family and my millions of fans around the world. In the past few years, I've spent more than enough time paying the price for all those years trying to be the best there ever was as a professional wrestler. I executed excellently and my proudest claim was that I never seriously hurt or injured another wrestler in my 23 year career. I've paid a price for all that "fake" wrestling. Aside from a devastating career-ending concussion and numerous surgeries when I was younger, in recent years I've had two knee replacements, two hernia operations, surgery on my right elbow, and, just a few months ago, I underwent a four-corner fusion of my right wrist that even now makes it most difficult to write or type.

Mark Helprin wrote: "We are all perfect clocks that Divinity has set to ticking when, even before birth, the heart explodes into a lifelong dance." I've had a great lifelong dance and I'm a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle. With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer. In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.

My fans have always looked upon me as a hero and I've always done my best to live up to that in and out of the ring. I beat the odds when I suffered my stroke in 2002, but it is now yet again, that I draw upon the many adults and young children I've met throughout my life who courageously fought and usually lost in their battles against this deadly disease. One year ago, I watched a brave young man named Whesley fight brain cancer to the end. If I can find even an ounce of his courage to stand unafraid and face the tough road ahead of me, I will march toward this destiny with his spirit chanting in my ear.

I make a solemn vow to all of those that once believed in me, the dead and the living, that I will wage my fearsome fight against cancer with one shield and one sword carrying my determination and my fury for life, emboldened by all the love that's kept me going this long already. Love is my weapon and I've got much of it around me all the time, for which I'm truly blessed and eternally grateful. My children, grandchildren, and my loving wife Steph have been and will constantly be at my side. I refuse to lose, I will never give in or give up, and I will win this battle or die trying.

Most important of all, I hope I can take the fight to prostate cancer. To be a leader in awareness and to set the example for men everywhere who find themselves in my very same shoes, that prostate cancer can be beaten.

B x

TNA confirms Awesome Kong's backstage incident with Reby Sky

Awesome Kong was sent home yesterday from the TNA tapings in the U.K. after a backstage incident involving Reby Hardy, the wife of Matt Hardy.

TNA confirmed the incident with a statement by John Gaburick, stating, "Prior to the Impact Wrestling TV tapings at the Manchester Arena, Kia Stevens (Awesome Kong) was involved in an incident involving Rebecca Hardy (Reby Sky). Subsequently, Kia was removed from the tour and returned to the United States. The matter is being reviewed to determine if additional disciplinary action will be taken."

WWE Issues Statement Responding to Accusations of Sexism

Following WWE programming last week, two story line points emerged which caused some stir on the internet and on social media, and lead to accusations of sexism towards women on WWE TV.

One of the story line points in question was when Ric Flair, at last Sunday’s Royal Rumble, forcibly kissed Becky Lynch during her match to distract her from Charlotte, an act which was mostly lauded by the announce team as a joke. The second story line was on WWE Raw this past week when The Rock delivered a speech to Lana describing an apparent sexual encounter the two had last year.

The story lines prompted writer Alex Groot to pen an editorial over at Vocativ.com, called “WWE’s Looming Sexism Problem”. The following is an article excerpt:

Sadly, such treatment is nothing new for Lana, real name C.J. Perry, who was once positioned in storyline as a strong, confident manager and mouthpiece for Rusev, the “Bulgarian Brute” who tore through much of the roster upon his arrival. But before long, John Cena was calling her a “ho” and suggesting she performed favors to procure matches, rival Ryback was taunting her about “going all the way” with a fellow competitor, and lead commentator Michael Cole led off an interview by probing into her sexual history.

What do all these characters have in common? They were positioned as babyfaces in their storylines, the good guys that fans were expected to support and cheer for. That, for far too long, has been the strange ethos of the WWE, where women are objects, crude name calling is to be cheered, and slut-shaming is righteous. Indeed, it is no secret that the company has a checkered, problematic past, not only with women, but with race, homophobia, and taking care of its own employees. The empire Vince McMahon built has a rather retrograde history, much like that of American professional wrestling, more broadly.

WWE issued an official statement to Vocativ, responding to the article, and it reads as follows:

“WWE programming, which features fictional characters that cover a range of personalities similar to movies and television shows, tells stories of good versus evil. In addition, as our on-going storylines develop, we will continue to position women as both strong competitors and compelling individuals.”

More Backstage News on the Awesome Kong – Reby Sky Incident at the TNA Tapings, Details on Issues Dating Back to 2013

As noted, TNA Knockout Awesome Kong was sent home from last night’s TV tapings in The UK following an incident with Reby Sky, the wife of Matt Hardy.

We also noted that Kong and Sky have had beef with each other dating back to 2013, following comments made on social media and in a shoot interview.

According to PWInsider.com, the incident last night between Kong and Sky stemmed from Kong getting upset that Sky was using the same locker room as the rest of the Knockouts. Sky had previously dressed separately from the rest of the Knockouts at the last set of Impact Wrestling tapings in Bethlehem, PA. Sky dressing with the other Knockouts tonight prompted Kong to throw Sky’s bag out of the dressing room, and Sky then left, likely to go speak to a TNA official.

When Sky returned to the dressing room to get her belongings, Awesome Kong reportedly went after her for “not apologizing”. As we reported, two different versions of what happened took place, with one version of the story claiming Kong unsuccessfully made a run at Sky, and the other claiming Kong grabbed Sky by the neck and assaulted her, causing Pat Kenney to intervene.

What could make matters worse for Kong, and her future in TNA, is that Reby Sky and Matt Hardy’s son Maxel was nearby during the incident, and Kong had been released from TNA once before back in 2010 after she assaulted Bubba the Love Sponge.

With regards to 2013, when the beef between Sky and Kong began, it all started when Reby Sky spoke out on Twitter about Sid Vicious no-showing an indy event. Sky’s comments lead to Kong ripping her and calling her a “ho” and a “peon” during a “YouShoot” interview, in a segment called “The Ho Bag.” Sky addressed Kong’s “YouShoot” remarks by Tweeting the following:

“Not aware of this, if it is true. Doesn’t make much sense, as I don’t know her on a really personal level & we have been nothing but nice to each other in passing at shows. We’ve actually texted back & forth a few times, so if she now has a problem with me, I can only attribute it to one thing/person. Fake as f–k to be nice to my face & talk s–t to a camera if its true, but no shocker there. That’s 99% of the women in this business anyway. Next.”

Sky also had the following to say in a September, 2013 Tweet aimed at Kong:

“I will NEVER respect a no-show; someone who scams promoters and f***s fans and people who actually show up to work. F*** outta here. That being said, go back to smiling to my face at shows and talking shit online [Kharma], you FAKEASS bitch.”

While not confirmed, it’s possible the above comments made by Sky are what Kong was claiming Sky did “not apologize” for at the Impact tapings tonight.

Stephanie McMahon Talks About Her Daughter's Reaction To Triple H Winning The Title At The Royal Rumble

During an interview with the Miami Herald to promote WWE's partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and their Be a STAR program, Stephanie McMahon talked about her daughter's reaction to her Dad winning at the the Royal Rumble:

“I actually have video of my daughter [Aurora] because we didn’t tell her it was gonna happen,” McMahon said with a smile. “Like everybody else, she had no idea Triple H, my husband, was going to be in the Royal Rumble, let alone win it.

“So I have this awesome video of her, and she was just beyond thrilled and wrote him one of the most beautiful notes that I have ever seen.

“It’s just amazing...What a wonderful life.”

Top TNA Knockout Reportedly Sent Home From UK Tour Following Incident with Matt Hardy’s Wife

According to PWInsider.com, TNA Knockout Awesome Kong was sent home from TNA’s current UK tour following a locker room incident with Matt Hardy’s wife, Reby Sky.

Sources reportedly informed PWInsider that Awesome Kong was not happy with Reby Sky dressing in the same locker room as the rest of the Knockouts, so she threw Sky’s bag out of the locker room.

The report added that different sources claimed two somewhat different versions of the story. One being that Kong unsuccessfully made a run at Sky, and the other is that Kong grabbed Sky by the neck before being restrained by Pat Kenney.

Following the incident, Kong was subsequently sent home and her long-term future in TNA is said to be in question, as Reby and Matt’s son Maxel was near the incident when it took place.

Rumble experience like no other

Are you ready to rumble?

Famous words, to say the least. And words that were proposed to me as I boarded a plane recently bound for Orlando, Fla., where World Wrestling Entertainment was hosting its annual Royal Rumble, one of its marquee events and the one that officially kicks off WrestleMania season.

Yes, yes, I thought, I am ready to rumble.

I was, after all, part of a small contingent of international media afforded the opportunity to experience the Rumble weekend, along with a tour of the WWE's state-of-the-art Performance Center, where it trains its future talent and nurtures its current crop of stars, among other things. The weekend was to see us get a private tour of the facility, attend the television tapings for the company's hottest wrestling product, NXT, and then attend the Royal Rumble.

To say I was excited would be akin to calling Wayne Gretzky a decent hockey player.

So after boarding my plane in Ottawa, I was off.

Friday brought with it the busiest day of the weekend, with the media gathering Friday morning at the hotel to set off to for the Performance Center, where we would get a personalized tour led by the centre's head coach Matt Bloom. Bloom, for the wrestling aficianados out there, is a nearly lifelong wrestling talent himself, having portrayed the likes of A-Train, Albert of Test & Albert (T&A in the edgier Attitude Era) and most recently Tensai. Bloom is a hulking man, standing well over six feet tall and owning the room like few others. But he's also eloquent, friendly and well spoken.

He greeted us upon our arrival. What followed was a total tour of the facility, complete with a green screen room for promos, a fitness centre devised by WWE legend and current executive Paul (Triple H) Levesque, seven rings, a staffed medical facility and live camera feeds into the offices of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Levesque...More?

source: thewhig.com

The Hits, Hype & Hopes of the WWE

Dean Muhtadi sat down in one of the folding chairs he helped assemble, stared at the canvas of the wrestling ring he helped put together and began to vent.

About the two-hour drive spent on desolate Florida highways in the August heat. About the tweet he sent to his 56,000 followers to let them know he would be performing tonight. About the text message he just sent his mother, telling her to turn around and drive home.

It was three hours before about 500 fans would come into Building B of the Citrus Springs Community Center, and a sheet of paper taped to the metal post behind the turnbuckle listed the competitors in eight matches. “Mojo Rawley,” Muhtadi’s in-ring character, would not be performing tonight. For Muhtadi, it was another reminder of the precarious path to pro-wrestling stardom.

Muhtadi, 29, turned down a contract with the National Football League and a six-figure job on Wall Street three years ago, and here he was, in a room normally reserved for wedding receptions and Zumba classes, eating his fourth meal of Boston Market chicken in four days. More than 80 miles from the closest major city, he was, in every way, far from where he wanted to be.

“It’s infuriating,” Muhtadi said. “Hopefully I’ll have the big payoff, but the reality is it’s not for a lot of guys. I’ve had a lot of friends come and go.”

As he watched the show unfold on a monitor backstage, he grimaced when a camera panned to one young fan wearing a T-shirt with Mojo Rawley’s catchphrase, “I don’t get hyped! I stay hyped!”

“It’s like twisting a knife in,” Muhtadi said.

At NXT, World Wrestling Entertainment’s developmental arm, bursting onto the scene as a superstar is about much more than body slams and biceps. The wrestler must achieve an all-encompassing lifestyle change to manipulate a global audience into believing characters and story lines that they know are created and decided by writers and executives backstage.

In NXT, WWE executive vice president for talent, live events and creative Paul Levesque centralized the training under one roof outside Orlando. The WWE Performance Center opened in 2013 and features rings, a mock entrance ramp and announcer table, green-screen rooms for filming vignettes and daily instruction from wrestlers-turned-coaches.

Elias Samson (L) practices kicking Dean Muhtadi (LR who wrestles under the name Mojo Rawley, during practice in Orlando, Florida in August, 2015 where World Wrestling Entertainment has its development facility for male and female wrestlers not on the organization's primary roster, called the Performance Center. (Andrew Innerarity for The Washington Post)

“Every single superstar that has come before you, as successful as they were, they did not have the tools that you have to get the job done,” Levesque tells new wrestlers...More?

source: washingtonpost.com

TOOL Guitarist Adam Jones Calls WWE's Triple H His Yoda

It's no secret that Tool guitarist Adam Jones is a big fan of WWE. He famously performed the Star Spangled Banner on guitar at SummerSlam a few years ago, and even proposed to his now-wife at a Royal Rumble event shortly after. But it turns out, the relationship between Jones and WWE goes much deeper.

Jones attended a taping of the highly popular NXT series in Orlando yesterday, and posted some kind words about the current WWE world champion, and COO of the company, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, calling Triple H a true inspiration:

“Tonight’s #NXT taping was EPIC. Want to thank EVERYONE involved. I’m totally floating above the ground. And here’s the deal – I can’t begin to tell you how much I admire this guy* Very inspiring friend, leader & entertainer (on stage & behind the scenes). Over the years He has shared advice & wisdom that has benefitted our business & made me a better person.

Another Hero that keeps that fire burning inside me. ~He’s kind of a big muscle’tastic version of #Yoda . bless you #TripleH”

Personally, I think it's really cool how Jones has been embraced by WWE, as the dude is a true talent and I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the conversations between these two guys. Maybe Triple H can inspire Adam to finish his new record? Last we heard, he had ideas for 20 songs. Tool are currently rapping up a string of arena tour dates.

source: metalinjection.net

WWE Studios Acquires Rights To New Sundance Thriller

WWE issued the following today:

WWE® STUDIOS AND BLUMHOUSE PRODUCTIONS JOIN FORCES AGAIN TO ACQUIRE WORLDWIDE RIGHTS TO SUNDANCE THRILLER SLEIGHT

Park City, UT (January 28th, 2016) - WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today that they have acquired all worldwide rights to the Sundance film SLEIGHT. BH Tilt, a division of Blumhouse run by John Hegeman, will oversee the release and marketing of the film. WWE Studios will leverage WWE®'s extensive platforms from weekly TV shows, including WWE's flagship programs, Monday Night Raw® and SmackDown®, digital, social media and WWE Network, to market the film.

SLEIGHT, which premiered as part of the festival's NEXT section, is a dramatic thriller that blends science fiction and street magic in a tale set in Los Angeles. The film is JD Dillard's directorial debut, written by Dillard and Alex Theurer, co-starring Jacob Latimore (Maze Runner), Dulé Hill (Ballers), and Seychelle Gabriel (Falling Skies). The film is produced by Diablo Entertainment's Eric B.Fleischman formerly of Blumhouse, Sean Tabibian and Alex Theurer.

"SLEIGHT is a smart, fresh and ambitious movie that was different from anything else we saw at the festival," said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President. "We are thrilled to be working again with Jason and the team at Blumhouse, and now John and BH Tilt, to bring JD Dillard's compelling first feature to audiences worldwide."

"We love low budget filmmaking because it allows directors to take creative risks and that is exactly what JD Dillard did with SLEIGHT, a truly original and unique movie," said Blumhouse Founder and CEO Jason Blum. "We are excited to once again collaborate with Michael and WWE Studios, and to have BH Tilt continue to take advantage of the evolution in digital marketing."

Bradley Buchanan handled negotiations on behalf of WWE Studios, and CAA brokered the deal on behalf of Diablo and newly-signed clients Dillard and Theurer.

Shinsuke Nakamura is coming to NXT TakeOver: Dallas

Yes, the rumors are true. Shinsuke Nakamura is coming to WWE NXT.

At Wednesday night’s NXT taping at Full Sail University in Orlando, Fla., a video announcing the arrival of the Japanese standout at TakeOver: Dallas, which takes place during WrestleMania 32 Week, played for the live crowd, sending shockwaves through the arena and, moments later, the social media world.

Nakamura, a 14-year veteran of the squared circle, has been a leading star in the New Japan promotion since 2002. Renowned for his striking and submission ability, as well as his unorthodox charisma, Nakamura’s devastating Bomaye knee strike has felled many opponents and his smash mouth style has earned him the nickname The King of Strong Style. A three-time IWGP Champion — the same title once held by the likes of Vader, The Great Muta and AJ Styles — Nakamura is the youngest competitor to win that championship, capturing it for the first time at 23. He has taken on a who’s who of the best grapplers in the world in his career, facing the likes of Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Hideo Itami, WWE Performance Center Head Coach Matt Bloom and The Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar.

Rumors of Nakamura coming to WWE first started in early January, along with gossip about AJ Styles and Bullet Club members Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows returning to America. Reports about Styles became truth during the 2016 Royal Rumble Match when The Phenomenal One entered at No. 3. Now, The King of Strong Style has decreed that he will be stepping between the yellow ropes in the not-so-distant future.

What does Shinsuke Nakamura have planned for NXT and The Superstars of Tomorrow at TakeOver: Dallas? Find out by tuning into NXT, every Wednesday at 8/7 C, only on WWE Network!

Triple H Sets New WWE Royal Rumble Record

New WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H set a record with his Royal Rumble win on Sunday - longest time between Royal Rumble match victories. Before Sunday's 2016 Rumble win, Triple H's last Rumble win came in 2002.

Former WWE Ref Gives His Observations on his HHH’s Rise to Power

Jimmy Korderas, former WWE referee of 20 years, writes a blog every Wednesday for CSRWrestling.com. Today’s blog gives insight to the evolution of The Game Triple H. Here’s a sample:

The Royal Rumble is in the books and once again it is “time to play the game”. HHH is not only the COO of the company; he is your new WWE World’s Heavyweight Champion. This has wrestling fans almost as divided as the American electorate. (Yes, a Canadian taking a jab at US politics) This direction attained two goals. It generated heat from the target audience, casual fans while the hardcore faithful will be pissed off that the boss, literally made himself the champ. Mission accomplished!

That is not what I want talk about. Today’s blog is not whether or not this was a good decision. My friend and colleague Justin LaBar covered that in a recent article. Instead, I would like to give you my observations on his HHH’s rise to power in the WWE.

From his introduction into the WWE, you could sense that HHH was a deeply focused individual. He poured everything he had into making the most of the blue blood character Hunter Hurst Helmsley. He was and still is a student of the game. He took every opportunity to absorb as much knowledge as he could from legends like Gerald Brisco, Pat Patterson and a slew of others. He was the proverbial sponge taking everything in and constantly learning.

One difference between HHH and the majority (if not all) the rest of the roster at that time was that he was never the “partier”. This is not a knock on the roster back then or Hunter but the “Rock Star” lifestyle was prevalent in the 80s and into the 90s. On a recent episode of Legends with JBL, RoadDogg credited Edge and Christian with starting a shift in that dynamic. I would say that HHH was the guy of that era that made it OK to just hang out, or as the other Kliq members often referred to him as, “their designated driver.”

For the rest of Triple H from 1996 on, how he inserted Jimmy into a storyline and more—click here to read.

WWN Live Issues Backstage Details on Triple H Appearing at EVOLVE

WWN Live has issued the following:

January 27th: Paul “Triple H” Levesque is always making moves. The night before he won the WWE World Heavyweight Title for the 14th time, he decided to stop by EVOLVE 54. We have the full story on this historic visit. William Regal informed Gabe Sapolsky at about 12:30pm on Saturday that Levesque would stop by EVOLVE 54 that evening. Levesque arrived at 7:57pm, just before the card was set to begin. Sapolsky and WWN CEO Sal Hamaoui greeted him. Levesque positioned himself right in the middle of the locker room and was approachable to all of the roster and staff. He even asked to meet a few particular wrestlers. Levesque and Sapolsky were seen in a lengthy conversation. Levesque then took some time to watch EVOLVE action. The entire experience was very positive for Triple H and EVOLVE. We want to give him our deepest thank you for attending EVOLVE 54. When EVOLVE officials woke up last Saturday they never dreamed that the WWE EVP of Talent, Live Events and Creative would attend the event. It ended up being an unprecedented night. We are in uncharted waters and there is no telling what will happen next. Join us on this roller coaster ride as we head to EVOLVE back in the Northeast in March and in Dallas on April 1st-3rd.

Stephanie McMahon Recognized as a “Wonder Woman” by Multichannel News for 2016

The 18th annual Wonder Women celebration, honoring female executives at the forefront of cable television and communications, will be held at The Hilton New York on March 10, 2016.

The gala luncheon, co-hosted by the New York chapter of Women in Cable Telecommunications and featuring prominent TV personalities as presenters, has honored more than 200 women over the years, highlighting their accomplishments in the workplace and beyond. All honorees have paved the way for younger generations of women in a multi-faceted career sector.

This year’s Wonder Women class will speak about how they have excelled in their careers, the mentors and family members who’ve helped them and the value they place on helping others to achieve success, as well.

The class of 2016 will be profiled in the Jan. 25 edition of Multichannel News. A separate class of Women to Watch will also presented in that issue of the magazine and at the March 10th luncheon.

Linda McMahon received the same recognition for her role as CEO of WWE in 2007.