Michael Cole Says Corey Graves Is 'The Next Jerry Lawler'

ESPN has a new article online featuring quotes from Michael Cole. In it, he sung the praises of Corey Graves. Below is an excerpt:

"We knew he was gonna be good, I just didn't know he was gonna be this good, this fast," Cole said of Graves. "We gave him a chance and he really worked hard at it. This didn't come to him easy. He put a lot of time in at the Performance Center, and hours and hours of work.

"We put him on Raw, and he took off. He's the new guy, he's the new heel. He's the next JBL, the next Jerry Lawler," Cole continued. "He's got a unique presence, he's got sarcasm and he's got wit, and he also has the experience of being in the ring, being a former NXT tag team champion. He has everything. A good looking young kid - he's the future of what we do here.”

WWE Superstar Announced For Arnold Sports Festival Competition, WWE Experience - Arnold Note

Dana Brooke, under her real name Ashley Sebera, has been announced for the Fitness International competition at The 2017 Arnold Sports Festival on Friday, March 3rd in Columbus, Ohio.

Dana earned her International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness pro card in 2012 and won several National Physique Committee championships before signing with WWE. This isn't her first Arnold competition as she placed 12th at the 2013 European Arnold Classic and placed 13th at the 2015 Arnold Sports Festival.

On a related note, the official Arnold Sports Twitter account noted today that they do not have WWE on the schedule at this time. WWE has had a presence at The Arnold for a few years now and after Triple H appeared with WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this year for a Q&A, it was reported that WWE would continue to work the festival. This year's "WWE Experience" at The Arnold was considered to be a success.

Triple H Talks UK Championship Possibly Leading To Weekly Show

As noted, Triple H last week announced the United Kingdom Championship tournament at London's O2 Arena. ESPN caught up with The Game to discuss the tournament and what's next, below are some highlights:

The goal of the U.K. Championship tournament:

"That's the goal, is to become a weekly show. Hopefully we can make that work out, a weekly show that can feature the best of the U.K. talent and put that out there in a way that gives talent here a clear path into the WWE. Starting here and moving up the line and going through things. I think that's a huge opportunity and will help everybody down the line."

NJPW Owner Talks WWE Global Expansion

Owner of Bushiroad and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Takaaki Kidani recently took to Twitter to talk a little bit about NJPW's strategy towards WWE's ever-growing global presence. Just this past week, WWE announced a brand new UK Championship and tournament that will help build their influence in England and its surrounding areas going forward. Kidani sees WWE is trying to build new global territories as another way to generate revenue and to tour internationally at a lower cost. Here are his tweets translated by Chris Charlton into English.

"WWE strategy 1: raise roughly 2 billion Yen from the network to create a network of global territories and tie up talent. It's very possible WWE purchase a promotion in Japan. WWE are shoring up their network because of cable cutters and prevalence of streaming, meaning declining TV ratings. The cable TV structure as is will collapse in the US within 3-5 years."

Kidani continues about WWE's attempt to cut costs and create new stars:

"There are many reasons for WWE to create local territories. It cuts cost just to send talent on international tours and not the whole infrastructure. WWE are only functionally profitable in the U.S., Canada and U.K. They have TV elsewhere but that's all. By creating territories, they're able to actually create products with awareness of cultural differences and characteristics of markets. WWE have had difficulty in creating new stars. By going to local territories and broadcasting them, they can create network stars. WWE are taking big gambles, in IT for one."

While keeping things vague, Kidani finishes with this bombshell:

"This isn't the platform to discuss NJPW strategy fully, but we will announce something soon. We are entering a phase where you are either with WWE or against them. WWE have a lot of weaknesses and time is not on their side."

Baltimore a pipeline for professional wrestling stardom

Hundreds of wrestlers across the country are wrestling in front of small crowds on cards in high school gymnasiums, flea markets and minor league baseball stadiums in pursuit of the dream of making it as a professional wrestler.

Many of those wrestlers are based in Maryland, a state which that has gained a national reputation for producing some of the top up-and-coming wrestlers in the business today...More?

source: wbaltv.com

Brock Lesnar Suspended And Fined For UFC Drug Test Failures, Fight Result Overturned

Brock Lesnar has been suspended for one year for his two failed drug tests related to his UFC 200 win over Mark Hunt earlier this year, according to MMAFighting.com. The punishment was handed down today by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Lesnar will be able to return to MMA in 2017.

Lesnar also agreed to pay a $250,000 fine as part of a settlement with the Nevada attorney general's office. Lesnar's win over Hunt will be overturned into a No Contest.

As reported a few months back, Lesnar twice tested positive for anti-estrogenic agent Hydroxy-clomiphene in pre-UFC 200 fight drug tests. One test was on the day of the fight, July 9th, and the other was on June 28th.

Lesnar received a then-UFC record $2.5 million purse for the victory.

Triple H Explains How UK Championship Will Work, Talks Lesnar/Goldberg Finish Criticism, Chyna in the HOF, Linda – Trump

As noted, Triple H this morning announced the formation of the WWE U.K. Championship at a press conference in London. Newsweek caught up with The Game after the presser, below are some highlights:

If WWE has discussed Chyna being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017:

"I think it's been brought up. But there's a lot of people in a long line that deserve to be in the Hall of Fame that will be in the Hall of Fame over time. That's a conversation that will happen. We'll see where it goes. But there are a lot of people and you can only put so many people in per year.

"I don't think her passing signifies any change of her accomplishments. Her accomplishments are documented and were massive in our industry. Nothing has changed. She's a part of the Hall of Fame conversation, but she would have been anyway."

Criticism over Goldberg defeating Brock Lesnar in 86 seconds at WWE Survivor Series:

"People never saw it coming. When you shock them, they're angry that you shocked them. When you don't shock them, they say it's too predictable."

If he is hoping that President-elect Donald Trump will make an appearance at WrestleMania 33:

"I have a feeling his schedule might be packed… but who knows? Never say never in the WWE."

Triple H also discussed if Linda McMahon is qualified to be in Trump's cabinet, Sasha Banks and Charlotte headlining the WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view, the new U.K. Championship, if it was the right call to have Lesnar lose to Goldberg and more. You can read the full interview by clicking here.

ROH Officials Not Happy with Nigel McGuinness in WWE

As noted, former Ring of Honor Champion Nigel McGuinness will co-host of the new WWE United Kingdom Title tournament on the WWE Network alongside Michael Cole. He will be calling the matches with Michael Cole. There were rumors that McGuinness would be signing with WWE as a Performance Center coach, but it appears WWE had different plans in mind for the former Champion.

According to PWInsider.com ROH officials were not aware of McGuinness leaving the company until the past weekend and they aren’t happy about him signing with WWE and his new role in the company.

Nigel McGuinness announced as WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament co-host

Plenty of big news came out of today’s press conference at the O2 Arena in London, with one of the most exciting reveals being that famed British grappler Nigel McGuinness will serve as co-host for the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament, live and exclusively on the award-winning WWE Network this January.

Widely considered to be one of the greatest competitors to never have a major run in WWE, McGuinness was a contemporary of Superstars like Daniel Bryan, Cesaro and Samoa Joe, and shared the same global path through the wrestling world as those men. A swaggering London native with peroxide hair and a Johnny Rotten attitude, McGuinness entered the ring to a blistering Oasis anthem and attacked his opponents with the recklessness of a soccer hooligan after a losing game. His series of bouts against Bryan in the mid-2000s were so unrelentingly physical that you watch them and wonder why the cops didn’t intervene mid-match.

Injuries brought an early end to McGuinness’ career, but his influence is present in WWE today, whether you knew it or not. Seth Rollins cites him as a key opponent in his evolution as a ring performer, and the wild rebound lariat Dean Ambrose throws with abandon on SmackDown LIVE is done in tribute to the great McGuinness.

Outside of his in-ring physicality, McGuinness also possessed great intelligence and ring acumen, which he used to his benefit in retirement as he transitioned to the announce booth. He’ll bring those skills to the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament on January 14 & 15, 2017, live on WWE Network, and the WWE Universe will finally be introduced to one of England’s — and sports-entertainment’s — greats.

Triple H announces that WWE will crown the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion live on WWE Network this January

Today in @WWEUK we announce the @WWE UK Championship Tournament to crown the FIRST EVER UK Champion. #GetReady pic.twitter.com/KkZGGp5ERF

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 15, 2016

Photos From WWE Tribute To The Troops Happenings In Virginia And Maryland; Triple H Presents Custom WWE Titles At TTTT

This Championship is in recognition of all you do for our country. Thank you Cmd. Sgt Troxell, @ElaineRogersUSO & Maj. Gen. Becker #Troops pic.twitter.com/ldWkxme1yt

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 14, 2016

This morning was an absolute honor. Thank you to the servicemen and women @ArlingtonNatl. #Troops #HonorThem pic.twitter.com/dCCnIw8dwW

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 13, 2016

#HAPPENINGNOW: @StephMcMahon @TripleH @WWE @USOMetroDC @MDW_USARMY place a wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers @ArlingtonNatl. #HonorThem pic.twitter.com/NjU9wf5gNq

— Arlington Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) December 13, 2016

Trailer Released For ESPN's “This Was The XFL” Documentary

ESPN has released a trailer for the upcoming 30 for 30 documentary “This Was the XFL” which will air on February 2nd at 9 p.m. ET.

XFL was a professional American football league founded by WWE owner Vince McMahon in 1999. It launched in 2001 with eight teams with the intention of being a major professional sports league complement to the offseason of the National Football League. It was unable to find an audience and ceased operation after its debut season in 2001. The XFL was widely viewed as a "colossal failure".

Below is the documentary trailer:

#30for30 returns in February with #ThisWasTheXFL! pic.twitter.com/G1Fd714tLF

— ESPN Films 30 for 30 (@30for30) December 12, 2016

Shane McMahon Reportedly Tried To Return To WWE Years Ago, Triple H And Stephanie McMahon's Reaction

Ian Frisch has a great feature at Vice Sports about WWE business, the inner workings of the company, working for Vince McMahon and more. The article also discussed Shane McMahon's WWE departure and a secret meeting he had with Vince McMahon years later in 2012.

It was noted that Shane left WWE in 2009 because of a real-life power struggle with Vince and Stephanie McMahon, with a senior-level executive saying that there "was always tension between Shane and Stephanie."

It was revealed in the piece that Shane met with Vince at the WWE production office in Stamford, CT, which is separate from WWE headquarters, in March of 2012. At the time, Paul "Triple H" Levesque - who has yet to appear with Shane on WWE television since his return to WWE last February - was working on launching NXT and Vince was reportedly stressed because ratings were down.

"When Stephanie found out Shane was going to be there, she went white in the face," a source told Frisch. "And Paul freaked out."

Shane was at the meeting with his friend James Frey, who was the CEO of Full Fathom Five. Shane said that he wanted to take over creative and the writer's room, while Frey and his Full Fathom Five team would serve as consultants. The meeting was set up through WWE Executive Vice President of Production Kevin Dunn.

"Kevin Dunn is very close to Shane," the source said. "And there's tremendous tension between Kevin, and Paul and Stephanie. They feel like the company is theirs, but they don't have power to control Kevin."

It was noted that Dunn would have had even more influence with Vince if Shane was back with the company in a top position, and Shane would also be back in control of a piece of the family's legacy. Vince ultimately turned down Shane's offer.

Baron Corbin Talks WWE World Title, Using His Physical Tools To Dominate, Triple H And WWE NXT, More

In this week's ESPN "Off The Top Rope" segment with Jonathan Coachman interviews Baron Corbin:

Coach asks about winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32. Corbin says he's walked out of NFL tunnels in front of large crowds but the WrestleMania experience was surreal. Corbin says the walk to the ring was unbelievable and seemed like the longest walk of his life. Corbin has tried explaining the feeling to people but he can't. He says you spend a lifetime chasing that feeling because it was so unreal.

Regarding WWE NXT, Corbin says they started with a small group of guys in Tampa until Triple H got on-board and wanted to take them to another level. Corbin praises Triple H for building the WWE Performance Center and giving talents the tools they need to make it. Corbin says the Superstars took Triple H's efforts to heart and took it as a challenge to really become something special. Corbin say everyone has put in a ton of work and grind non-stop to make NXT what it is today.

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Odell Beckham's Cousin Wants To Join WWE

Odell Beckham's cousin Terron Beckham appears to have diverted his attention from NFL to WWE, after failing to secure a contract with the NY Jets earlier this year.

Terron reportedly impressed coaches but wasn't offered a deal. He has now made contact with WWE about becoming a WWE Superstar.

He recently appeared on TMZ Sports TV Show to talk about possible wrestling names and finishing moves!

WWE Expected To Make Several Talent Acquisitions In Early 2017, Agents Watching Indie IPPV Events

WWE officials are expected to make several talent acquisitions during the first quarter of 2017, according to PWInsider. In addition to a WWE Performance Center tryout scheduled for early February, WWE has talents set to report to the Performance Center on January 3rd.

Among names scheduled to report in January include talents for the rumored all-women's tournament - Heidi Lovelace, Nixon Newell, Evie and Kimber Lee, who lost to Ember Moon on this week's WWE NXT episode.

WWE is said be in signing mode right now and officials are working harder than ever to evaluate talents and watch the indie scene. WWE reportedly has people watching iPPV events and doing complete agent reports on them, similar to reports the company creates for their own live events to track talents and see how they're improving.

WWE Veteran Returning To SmackDown Soon

Former WWE Women's Champion Mickie James has reportedly signed a multi-year deal with the company. She's expected to return to the main roster in January 2017.

Mickie is expected to re-debut on the SmackDown brand. This comes after her strong performance against WWE NXT Women's Champion Asuka at "Takeover: Toronto" last month.

Trump picks wrestling magnate Linda McMahon to lead Small Business Administration

Donald Trump has picked Linda McMahon, co-founder of pro wrestling company WWE, to lead his Small Business Administration, his transition team said Wednesday.

The 68-year-old McMahon was a major Trump backer during his campaign.

Trump said in a statement that McMahon would help to "bring back our jobs and roll back the burdensome regulations that are hurting our middle class." The SBA has an office in every state and helps with financing and training for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

"Our small businesses are the largest source of job creation in our country," McMahon said in a statement. "I am honored to join the incredibly impressive economic team that President-elect Trump has assembled to ensure that we promote our country's small businesses and help them grow and thrive."

McMahon ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate seats in Connecticut twice in 2010 and 2012. She spent nearly $100 million on the two campaigns.

The publicly-traded WWE, which McMahon and husband Vince founded more than 30 years ago, has a market value of about $1.5 billion.

source: cnbc.com

Rumor Mill - WWE NXT Going Live On WWE Network Next Year?

There's been talk of taking WWE NXT live on the WWE Network in 2017, according to Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio.

There are obviously major logistical issues that would come with going live and the costs would be significantly higher than the current tapings model. WWE would have to bring in talents each week for a one-hour live show and NXT airing live or on tape likely won't affect the Network subscriber count.

Jerry Lawler and Lita Removed From Weekly WWE TV Roles, News on Their Statuses with the Company and WWE Pre-Show Plans

According to F4WOnline.com, WWE has confirmed Hall of Famers Lita and Jerry Lawler have been pulled from appearing weekly on WWE pre-shows, and have also been pulled from the PPV pre-show panels.

As for their statuses with WWE, it’s being said Lawler and Lita are no longer under full-time deals with the company and are now under Legends Contracts. The two will likely be brought in for special appearances and WWE Network specials.
Trending Articles

Going forward, the pre-show plans in WWE call for a 10 minute format, as seen last night, with Charly Caruso and Booker T hosting for Raw. No word yet on who will be hosting the Smackdown pre-shows, but we will find out tonight as WWE plans to use the same 10 minute format for Smackdown. There is also no word at this time regarding the status of Scott Stanford, who is no longer part of the Raw pre-show team.