In case you didn't notice, Mickie James was removed from the updated Raw opening this past week even though she is still a member of the Raw brand. The updated opening premiered this past Monday on Raw in light of the numerous draft moves last week. WWE inserted Raw newcomer Matt Hardy in her place. Fellow Diva, WWE Divas Champion Maryse, was also added to the opening.
The wrestlers most likely to be called up to the main WWE roster from Florida Championship Wrestling are DH Smith, Eric Escobar (a.k.a. Eric Perez), Sheamus O'Shaunessy, and Drew McIntyre. We haven't heard anything on anyone else.
Smith is said to be an especially strong mat wrestler who has improved tremendously since the last time he was seen in WWE. WWE's Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis has pegged the second generation wrestler as a blue chip prospect and future main eventer for at least two years now.
Meanwhile, there is ongoing concern on the attitude of Escobar, who has worked some recent WWE house show tours. He's had a reputation for being a headcase since he was teaming with Raw wrestler Primo in developmental, and he still carries that stigma to this day.
Although the talks only appear to be very preliminary, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Kurt Angles name has been brought up within WWE and it appears the company could be making a play to bring him back later this year.
Angle, who turns 41 this December, could be faced with a big decision if he is approached by WWE about a return. His wife Karen was said to be a major force behind him leaving WWE and now she is no longer a factor with the two splitting up recently. The negative is that Angle is still pretty banged up and is much smaller than when he left WWE in 2006.
While many feel his size could work against him, the belief is that WWE would give him an easier schedule and he would make more money. Angle has dropped a ton of weight in the last couple years, and tells friends he is much more comfortable this way. The plus to staying with TNA is that he is always guaranteed a top spot, his size will never be an issue and even if WWE offers him an easier schedule it will never be as easy on him physically as the TNA schedule is. The general opinion on Angle is that the smartest thing he could do is stay in TNA, but Angles career is also coming to a close and the possibility of an increase in pay becomes even more important at that stage of his career.
Matt Hardy & Kane def. Jeff Hardy & CM Punk Big Show def. Undertaker Divas Champion Maryse def. Gail Kim (Divas Championship Match) United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter def. Chavo Guerrero (Non-title) Batista & Shane McMahon def. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
LONDON Just two days before the sting of Backlash strikes the WWE Universe, the anticipation of things to come brought red-hot intensity to SmackDown.
Edge taunts his Backlash opponent John Cena (WATCH | PHOTOS) With absolute resolve, Edge emerged before the WWE Universe to replay the destructive footage of his Monday Night Raw Con-Chair-To on John Cena. The Ultimate Opportunist taunted The Champ, claiming that because he is a desperate man who will stop at nothing to bring their three-year rivalry to an end and get his title back, he will without a doubt be the "Last Man Standing" at Backlash this Sunday. (Match preview)
Batista & Shane McMahon def. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase (WATCH | PHOTOS) Despite Batistas misdirected spear on Monday Night Raw, The Animal roared back, catching Cody Rhodes with a high-impact spinebuster as The Legacy Superstar was leaping from the top rope. Shane McMahon picked up the pin, transferring invaluable momentum away from Legacy as they head into this Sundays pay-per-view. Will McMahon, Batista & WWE Champion Triple H take ultimate retribution and save The King of Kings crown at Backlash? Or will Randy Orton back up his promise of destiny by finally capturing the gold? (Match preview)
Matt Hardy & Kane def. Jeff Hardy & CM Punk (WATCH | PHOTOS) Jeff Hardy was attempting to close the door on his brother Matt with a Twist of Fate when a fallen Kane suddenly climbed back up on the apron. This allowed the elder Hardy to send Jeff running into the hard head of The Big Red Machine, before rolling his brother up for the quick victory. With several recent, sibling rivalry victories to his credit, can Matt make Jeff utter the words I Quit at Backlash? (Match preview)
Big Show def. Undertaker (PHOTOS) Before the drafted Big Show made his departure from SmackDown to Raw, the 7-foot, 485-pound nightmare of distraction dished out two vicious knockout blows on Undertaker that proved so brutal, the referee was forced to stop the match in his favor. After the bell, The Phenom came back for more, knocking The Worlds Largest Athlete from the squared-circle and off to Monday Night Raw.
Divas Champion Maryse def. Gail Kim (Divas Championship Match) (WATCH | PHOTOS) Despite Gail Kims non-title victory over Maryse one week ago, she fell short of the Divas Title. Although the sultry, French champion looked to be walking out on the match prematurely, she quickly turned the tables on Gail, hitting her with the stunning French Kiss for the victory.
United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter def. Chavo Guerrero (Non-title) (PHOTOS) Although The Views Sherri Shepherd has been mentioning MVP on her show (WATCH), The Ballin Superstar was all business when it came to beating Chavo Guerrero with the Playmaker. After the match, recently drafted Dolph Ziggler - who defeated MVP in a non-title match one week ago came forth to proclaim that he will prove triumphant over The Franchise Playa in their United States Championship Match next Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
ECW wrestler DJ Gabriel has posted a blog on his MySpace account (myspace.com/stevelewington) responding to online reports saying he's on the verge of being released from World Wrestling Entertainment in light of Alicia Fox's move to SmackDown in last week's Supplemental Draft.
Gabriel wrote: "Before I begin the blog with updates, I'd like to clear the internet rumor "gossip sites" with their opinions on my future within the WWE.
"I've been notified of numerous "wrestling rumor websites" claiming that I will be released from the company soon with Alicia now on SmackDown. I'd like to make my statement and say I've been in the company for nearly four years, and it has been an honor. And I'd like to state that my tenure within the WWE is at a good pace, and I do believe it will continue that way. These so-called accurate websites are actually wrong most of the time. It is just a rumor mill site, just like TMZ. I give the site publishers credit for actually trying to find out the inside scoop on our company, but it is no use. They thrive for the rumors, and usually post one by one on every site on here. So next time a publisher actually does claim something about me, they can contact me at any time. They can contact me on the MySpace, on the WWE Universe site, or even in person at a live event/airport/etc. I'm giving the publishers the chance to contact me, and I can state that the "facts" they are discussing, are only opinions."
Gabriel also notes he's a bit upset over being left off WWE's ongoing tour of Europe, but hopes to go next time.
Gabriel is hoping to return to television soon. He wrote: "I can tell you that I will hopefully be back on the SciFi network really soon, and if not...thank you for the continued support anyways."
The feeling is that TNA are allowing several stars contracts to expire, including Roxxi, Rhaka Khan, Kip James and Jackie Moore. All four have their contracts coming up and haven't been used on TV for weeks.
Jeff Jarrett recently went on record saying they want to cycle talent every so often to keep the product fresh and these look like the prime candidates not to be re-signed.
The most surprising would be Roxxi, who has been a solid part of the Knockout's division. With Kip James its a case that his contract doesn't warrant his drawing power.
Rhaka Khan has been reportedly hard to deal with and isn't progressing in the ring like the other females. She also no longer has Kurt Angle on her side. And Jackie Moores character seems to have just ran its course.
- Jeff Jarrett opened the show to present Mick Foley with the TNA title. A four-way match for Sacrifice was announced, with Foley defending his newly won belt against three others - the theme being that all four have something to sacrifice.
- Don West interviewed Team 3D. They announce the Team 3D Invitational tournament, in which the winners will receive $100,000, a trophy and a tag team title shot.
- Beer Money beat Lethal Consequences in the quarter-finals of the 3D Invitational. Fun match.
- Promo backstage with Kurt Angle and Scott Steiner. Steiner blames himself for trusting Jeff Jarrett and for the Mafia losing at Lockdown.
- Still backstage, Jarrett says he doesnt care about Steiner or anybody else.
- Sojourner Bolt beat Taylor Wilde in a ladder match to earn a future Womens title shot. Not particularly good.
- Another segment backstage with Jarrett. Slick Johnson tells him his daughter is on the phone and that its important.
- The Beautiful People had an in-ring celebration for Angelinas title win at Lockdown. Velvet brings out some male dancers. This is all interrupted by Awesome Kong. TBP bail, leaving Kong to powerbomb one of the dancers.
- AJ Styles beat Kevin Nash via DQ in a Legends title match after Booker T interfered.
- Eric Young and the debuting Trevor Murdoch (I did not catch what ring name hes using) beat No Limit in the quarter-finals of the 3D Invitational.
- Mick Foley made his way to ringside to do commentary for the main event.
- Jeff Jarrett beat Scott Steiner. Post-match, Steiner and Angle double-teamed Jarrett until Foley made the save and then laid Jarrett out with a chair. Daniels (no Christopher now) and Styles came out to make the save for Jarrett. Jarrett cut a promo on Foley hinting he was going to fire him. The building then went into darkness. When the lights returned, Bobby Lashley appeared at the top of the ramp. Kinda mixed reaction to him. Angle and Steiner clapped to end tonights taping.
The local promoters for the Raw brand's tour of Mexico next month were upset with Rey Mysterio being drafted to SmackDown because they had promoted the tour around him. As a result of the protesting, Mysterio is back on the tour, as is Umaga. It remains unclear whether Umaga is heading back to Raw, as he is advertised to wrestle Mysterio on two shows even though he is a member of SmackDown. Everyone else taking part on the tour besides Mysterio is on Raw.
WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk will be returning to the ring on September 19th for the first time since having knee replacement surgery for the Heavy on Wrestling promotion in Wisconsin. Funks opponent will be Arik Cannon, who appeared on MTVs WSX show. The special referee for the bout will be none other than Ric Flair.
Kane & Big Show def. CM Punk & Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio Finlay & Hornswoggle def. Tyson Kidd & Natalya Edge def. Kofi Kingston
The second episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America featured two explosive matches showcasing Superstars who will compete in just three nights at Backlash, as well as what possibly could be the last match together for the father-and-son team of Finlay & Hornswoggle.
Dont know where to catch WWE Superstars? Find WGN America in your area. Can't see WWE Superstars on WGN America in your area? Stay with WWE.com for full results, photos and video clips of all the action.
Kane & Big Show def. CM Punk & Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio (PHOTOS | WATCH) Three nights earlier on Raw, Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk defeated Kane in singles competition, while Big Show clobbered Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio with a knockout punch to win their match. The Big Red Monster and The Ultimate Underdog got a chance for some retribution on WWE Superstars as all four ring warriors competed in tag team action. The Straightedge Superstar and The Master of the 619 were unable to overcome the massive size advantage possessed by their two 7-foot behemoth opponents as Kane pinned Punk for the win, giving Mr. Money in the Bank a taste of what could happen just days later when the two meet in the ring at Backlash.
Finlay & Hornswoggle def. Tyson Kidd & Natalya (PHOTOS | WATCH) In what was likely their final match together before Hornswoggle leaves for Raw, Finlay and his leprechaun son defeated their recent ECW on Sci Fi rivals, Tyson Kidd & Natalya, on Thursday night in London. The mischievous Hornswoggle mixed things up in the ring, distracting Kidd by juggling tennis balls, then hitting him with a Tadpole Splash as a stunned Natayla looked on. After their victory, Finlay led a sing-a-long with the WWE Universe in the O2 Arena of his sons favorite song, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Then, a grateful Hornswoggle waved goodbye to our fans and shared a few emotional hugs with Finlay before departing for Monday nights.
Edge def. Kofi Kingston (PHOTOS | WATCH) Mere days before he meets World Heavyweight Champion John Cena in a Last Man Standing Match at this Sundays Backlash, Edge went one-on-one with the explosive Kofi Kingston. The Jamaican Superstar may have been seeking a measure of retribution against The Ultimate Opportunist. At Februarys No Way Out, the sadistic Edge savagely attacked Kingston and stole his spot in the Elimination Chamber Match, robbing the high-flyer of his first World Title opportunity. While Kingston utilized his speed and agility in the contest, he ultimately came up short, falling victim to a ferocious spear from The R-Rated Superstar.
Shawn Michaels will be out of action a little while longer since his knees are really banged up. RAW is quite loaded on the face side following Batista's return, so this is probably the best time for him to take some time off. No word yet on how much longer he will be out, but people inside the company speculated he could be out until late July, for the start of the build-up of Summerslam.
Several WWE stars in danger of being released Posted by Sushi X on 04/22/2009 at 05:42 PM
Zack Ryder, who was sent to ECW in the Supplemental Draft last week, is not expected to get much a chance to shine on his new brand, reports the Wrestling Observer. You can add the former WWE Tag Team Champion to the list of those who are likely in danger of being let go in the near future.
Here is our report from last week detailing those expected to be let go:
Expect some talent cuts to be made in the near future now that everyone has been sorted following this week's drafts not to mention a likely lackluster company earnings report on the horizon. Following the aftermath of the two drafts, three wrestlers in particular appear to very much in danger of being "future endeavored" in the near future.
As noted in an earlier report, ECW wrestler DJ Gabriel's future is said to be very much in doubt following the departure of his manager Alicia Fox to SmackDown in the Supplemental Draft. Fox's move to SmackDown may have been the death knell on his character as he was having enough trouble finding television time as it is when he was partnered with her. His push was nixed a while ago after he failed to generate any semblance of a connection with the audience following numerous television matches. Gabriel has not competed in a singles match on ECW on Sci Fi since March 10, 2009.
Another wrestler on the endangered species list comes in the form of SmackDown star Curt Hawkins following his tag partner Zack Ryder's departure to ECW in the Supplemental Draft. Ryder is more regarded by company officials, which is why he got the nod for a fresh new start and possible singles push on ECW. Hawkins is now left to fend for himself on SmackDown and things don't look good for him to say the least.
A third wrestler to watch out for is SmackDown wrestler Jesse following the departure of his trusty tag partner Festus to the Raw brand in the Supplemental Draft. Jesse has yet to even garner a singles win on WWE television, which should be a good indication of his future prospects in the company or lack thereof. Of course, Jesse is the son of legendary wrestler Terry Gordy of the Fabulous Freebirds, who head SmackDown creative team writer and fellow Freebird Michael Hayes fondly remembers. Hayes is perhaps the second generation wrestler's lone saving grace as he has a lot of pull in the company and can put a good word in for him. However, in these trying times when the company is looking to cut costs wherever, Hayes probably won't have enough pull to ultimately save his job. On another note, he was the main person behind Jesse and Festus getting called up to the SmackDown roster in the summer of 2007.
The time frame to look for talent cuts is mid-May as that is when WWE will be releasing their next financial quarterly report. By all indications, this will likely wind up as their worst report in quite some time as pay-per-view buys the company's biggest revenue source have declined at a frightening pace in recent months. The decline was capped off by the worst figure for the Royal Rumble in twelve years, and this year's WrestleMania appears in line to underperform as well as the company opted not to release the direct numbers for the show. This would be the first year WWE has done a post-Wrestlemania business report, bringing up pay-per-view, without mentioning a buys number, which should be a good indication that the number was low enough that they didn't want it out. WWE's cost-cutting measures are at their highest immediately following a financial quarterly report especially when a lackluster report comes into play and it's pretty much a lock that the company will not have much to crow about in the report coming out in a few weeks.
In a cost-cutting measure, World Wrestling Entertainment released "Superstar" Billy Graham, 65, from his $2,000 per month level consulting contract this past week saving $24,000 annually.
The WWE Hall of Famer was given 90 days notice that the company was canceling the contract with one year remaining on it.
The move is said to be similar to what they did with fellow Hall of Famer Afa Anoa'i, Sr. a few weeks ago. The father of former WWE wrestler Manu was told that the company was re-evaluating all deals of that type as a result of the waning economy.
Hornswoggle def. Natalya Evan Bourne def. Paul Burchill Vladimir Kozlov def. local competitor
LONDON The official contract signing for the ECW Championship Match at Backlash turned into a brawl in Great Britain on this weeks ECW on Sci Fi. After Christian and ECW Champion Jack Swagger inked their contract for this Sundays match, The All-American American Gutwrench Powerbombed Captain Charisma, sending a strong statement just days before Backlash. But the Extreme action didnt end there ECW kicked off with an unexpected battle between a Diva and a leprechaun!
Hornswoggle def. Natalya (PHOTOS) While Hornswoggle was offering his thanks to the WWE Universe for supporting him on ECW on Sci Fi before being drafted to Raw, Tyson Kidd and Natalya interrupted. The mischievous leprechaun bit the Diva on the derriere, prompting her to challenge him to a match immediately. Once interim General Manager Tiffany made the match official, Natalya taunted Hornswoggle in the ring. Then, Finlay knocked Kidd off the ring apron, causing a distraction, leading to Hornswoggles victory over the Diva with a schoolboy roll-up.
The lucky leprechaun left the Land of the Extreme with a smile on his face, defeating one of WWEs toughest Divas during his last match before moving to Monday nights. But Natalya & Kidd werent too happy about the matchs result, and demanded Tiffany take action. The interim GM announced Finlay & Hornswoggle vs. Tyson Kidd & Natalya on WWE Superstars Thursday at 8/5 PT.
Evan Bourne def. Paul Burchill (PHOTOS | WATCH) Since returning from injury, Evan Air Bourne has been soaring to new heights on ECW on Sci Fi, this week defeating Paul Burchill. Despite having his devious sister, Katie Lea, at ringside, and dominating the majority of the match, Burchill succumbed to another perfect Shooting Star Press by Bourne. With the WWE Universe behind Bourne, will anyone be able to stop this high-flying Superstar?
Vladimir Kozlov def. local competitor (PHOTOS | WATCH KOZLOV) The Moscow Mauler has arrived in the Land of the Extreme in search of new competition. Since the WWE Draft, Vladimir Kozlov has been steamrolling opponents, quickly and easily defeating another local competitor this week. The Moscow Mauler has been unleashed on Tuesday nights. Who will dare to step up and face Kozlov next?
Official contract signing for the ECW Championship Match at Backlash (PHOTOS | WATCH) Under the watchful eye of interim ECW General Manager Tiffany, No. 1 contender Christian and ECW Champion Jack Swagger signed the contract to face each other this Sunday at Backlash. Swagger taunted a quiet Captain Charisma, saying that while he won the Elimination Chase to Backlash, The All-American American leads a pack of bigger, stronger and faster new Superstars on ECW. But Christian pointed out that while he didnt have much to say to Swagger, he plans to make The All-American American the biggest, strongest, fastest ex-ECW Champion in history this Sunday at Backlash. Then, an angry Swagger threw his ECW Championship at Christian, knocking him over, and Gutwrench Powerbombed him through the table in the ring, turning the Official Contract Signing into an all-out brawl at the close of ECW on Sci Fi.
Jason Powell of Prowrestling.net is reporting that current WWE Women's Champion Melina is gaining quite a bit of heat with backstage officials for displaying what's been reported as an open distaste coming from her recent draft from the Raw brand to Smackdown. The general feeling amongst the other wrestlers in the locker room is that she shouldn't be complaining as everyone in the company is subject to the draft, and more major names than her have moved in past WWE drafts.
It should be noted that Melina has had a history in the WWE locker room of taking her role as a Diva quite literally, and that she has since worked hard to clear her name and past reputation. This recent development obviously does not help her cause.
Jeff Hardy posted the following on his Facebook page:
"Jeffrey Itchweed Nero Hardy says that new contract signing are RUMORS, which means it may not be true, I might sign a new contract soon but the contract doesn't expire till July, so I'll play it day-by-day."
Regarding TNAs usage of the name Cactus Jack, even though WWE has a trademark for the name, Foley can continue to use it because he had used the name prior to WWE and ECW. The Cactus Jack name dates back to working the indies. The reason that doesnt work for the Dudleys, for example, is because that name was given to them by Paul Heyman in ECW, and thus WWE owns it. There are other aspects of the Dudley story, but evidently Team 3D decided against fighting that case in court.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Jeff Hardy's future with WWE could be in doubt.
Hardy's contract is set to expire in the next three months. WWE has been trying to get Hardy to sign a contract extension. Hardy has not signed a deal yet and word going around is that he is burned out from wrestling and might want to move on to other projects.
We will keep you updated as this story progresses.
Ik ben Boon Kenneth, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Sting.
Ik ben een man en woon in Dworp (Belgie) en mijn beroep is .
Ik ben geboren op 05/06/1989 en ben nu dus 34 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
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