Discovery Communications today announced that it has signed a new multi-year deal with TNA to bring Impact Wrestling to Destination America started in January 2015.
“Our partnership in this uniquely entertaining franchise with TNA IMPACT WRESTLING provides a significant addition to Destination America’s programming strategy,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President of Destination America, Investigation Discovery, American Heroes Channel, Discovery Fit & Health and Discovery Family Channel. “The enduring, cross-generational enthusiasm of pro wrestling is felt by millions of fans around the country, from coast-to-coast and throughout the heartland. We are delighted to bring this beloved American pastime to the one and only network dedicated to celebrating the unique spirit of the U.S., Destination America.”
Mark Etkind, General Manager of Destination America called TNA “the best of all-American entertainment,” saying that the partnership is a perfect fit for their DNA. “Wrestling has created a fiercely loyal, passionate and widespread fan base, and we look forward to being part of the TNA family.”
TNA President Dixie Carter said, “We are very excited about Destination America being the new network for IMPACT WRESTLING and the partnership with Discovery Communications both domestically and across the globe. Their commitment to promote and grow our brand in innovative and compelling ways was instrumental in knowing we had found the right home.”
Carter added that TNA and Discovery will create an experience that takes fans on a new journey that will push the envelope of technology, including where they take their cameras, going deeper into our superstars’ lives and showing the reality of what it takes to create a weekly professional wrestling show.
Monday Night Raw this week drew 3,773,000 viewers, down 158,000 from last week’s taped episode from Liverpool, England.
Hour one did 3,894,000, followed by 3,780,000 in the second hour, and then 3,641,000 for the third and final hour with the big reveal of Team Cena. Not good news going into the Survivor Series for sure! (Ratings credit: PWInsider.com)
Another huge stipulation was added to this Sunday’s Survivor Series main event during yesterday’s Smackdown television tapings.
While The Authority will lose control if they lose to Team Cena, now Team Cena members – Cena himself, Dolph Ziggler, Big Show, Ryback, and Erick Rowan – will all be fired if they do not win the match.
The last time that a traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series match carried such huge stipulations was back in 2001 when Team WWE battle The Alliance with the loser having to disband. On that night, Team WWE, with The Rock, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Kane, and Big Show defeated Steve Austin, Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle, Booker T, and Shane McMahon after Kurt Angle was revealed to be the mole within The Alliance.
TNA’s new television deal will be apparently revealed tonight after TNA President Dixie Carter said the future of the show will be revealed today.
“What is the future of @IMPACTWRESTLING? TODAY it is revealed,” she wrote in a tweet, followed by a link to their new mailing list titled TNA-Lister.
Spike will be airing the final first-run episode of Impact tonight as they wrap up their short extension with TNA which expires at the end of next month.
It’s still not known if they will air the ‘Best Of’ shows that TNA planned to run until the new year. Next week the show is preempted on Thanksgiving Eve. There are no future tapings set although the company is tentatively taping episodes in mid January in New York.
TNA’s new television partner is expected to be Destination America.
WWE today announced a new home video distribution deal with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, a multi-year deal which commences on January 1, 2015.
The deal gives WHBE the U.S. distribution rights for physical and digital formats of WWE documentaries, compilations, and pay-per-view events on DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital download. The deal also includes the back catalogue of WWE releases which explains why Amazon stopped selling most WWE DVDs until new prints under WHBE come out.
“WWE is an iconic brand that has one of the most passionate fan bases in sports and entertainment,” said Jeff Brown, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Television, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “Since WWE titles accounted for all of the Top 10 sports DVDs of 2013 and WrestleMania 29 was the #1 sports title, we’re very excited to expand our distribution in 2015 and beyond.”
WWE’s Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, Casey Collins, said that the company is thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, a brand which has a track record of being a market leader.
“They have already demonstrated success leveraging the WWE brand with the hit Scooby Doo! WrestleMania Mystery, and we look forward to expanding our home video relationship utilizing their expertise.”
WWE’s previous partner for home entertainment was Cinedgm, a company which did not accept the new offer for renewal after they said it was too one-sided.
The 4th match to the Survivor Series card was added on Raw last night, a fatal four way for the WWE Tag Team titles.
The current champions, Goldust and Stardust, will defend the titles against The Usos, Los Matadorers, and The Miz and Damien Mizdow.
Also announced is the return of Bad News Barrett, four months after he suffered a shoulder injury. Barrett will be part of the Kickoff show.
The Kickoff show will also see the return of the “new and improved” Fandango who will be wrestling against a yet to be announced opponent.
Renee Young, Booker T, Alex Riley, and Paul Heyman will be hosting the one hour long Kickoff show on the WWE Network. It will also air on WWE.COM and YouTube.
During a press conference in Las Vegas which involved UFC fighters and UFC President Dana White, the subject of Brock Lesnar came up once again.
“We have a great relationship,” White told the press. “He’s healthy and he’s said he’s interested in fighting again so we’ll see what happens.”
The rumors of Lesnar returning to the UFC picked up steam over the past few months and his current WWE contract runs out at WrestleMania 31.
Lesnar has one of the biggest contracts in WWE history and made millions of money while in the UFC, both for himself and for the company as the largest PPV box office star.
The former UFC Heavyweight champion last fought in the Octagon on December 30, 2011, losing to Alistair Overeem in Las Vegas. After the fight, Lesnar announced his retirement from mixed martial arts and then returned to WWE the night after WrestleMania in 2012 to one of the largest ovations ever in Miami.
Following last night’s Grumpy Cat appearances on Raw, WWE has lined up Larry the Cable Guy as the guest star for the November 24 edition of Monday Night Raw.
Larry the Cable Guy will be there to promote his new movie, Jingle All The Way 2, which comes out on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD, on December 2.
The movie, a collaboration between Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and WWE Studios, also features Santino Marella.
WWE and 2K today announced that WWE 2K15 is available now in North America for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with international releases scheduled for November 21, 2014.
The game for the next generation console systems was pushed back a few weeks and was not released with the game for PS3 and Xbox 360.
“WWE 2K15 for the PlayStation 4 system and Xbox One takes the franchise to a whole new level,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “The next-generation of consoles let us create and deliver gameplay, authenticity and realism previously unseen in a WWE video game, as well as build the foundation for an exciting future. Major gameplay improvements, the historic rivalry experience in 2K Showcase and our first foray into a comprehensive career mode with MyCareermake us pleased to offer fans an impressive WWE video game experience.”
WWE 2K15 was developed by Yuke’s and Visual Concepts.
We are just six nights away from the WWE’s second-longest running pay-per-view, Survivor Series. While there are still some matches all-together to be decided, one match contains the traditional team-vs.-team. However, members on both Team Cena and Team Authority still have yet to be revealed. Who will be the final participants on both sides?
Once again, Bray Wyatt played mind games with Dean Ambrose last week. Will Ambrose get some revenge as they move into their battle at Survivor Series?
There are no championships on the line at Survivor Series; does that change tonight?
All this and more, plus my picks for Survivor Series, so read on!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for November 17th, 2014 – “Standing Tall”
Introduction Segment: Video Promo
Recap from the events last week, where Ryback made the decision to not join either team is shown.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
The Authority’s music kicks off Raw, with the entirety of Team Authority walking out; Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and John “Bradshaw” Layfield welcome us. Triple H is first on the microphone and talks about the stakes that have been raised for their Elimination Match at the PPV. He wonders why we want Team Authority to lose, and thereby have “the inmates run the asylum,” which he compares to World Championship Wrestling – WCW. He announces that there will be a contract signing to make this huge bout “official.”
Stephanie then runs down who is on The Authority’s Team – Kane, Seth Rollins (Captain), Mark Henry, United States Champion Rusev (with Lana), and Luke Harper. She talks about one guy they wanted but did not get, Ryback. “The Big Guy” then walks out and lets The Authority know “Ryback wants what’s best for Ryback.” McMahon tries to convince Ryback that Cena is “jealous” of him and shows footage from about 18 months ago, where Cena was making fun of Ryback on Raw. Back live, Stephanie asks him if he is happy with a complacent Cena, or wants the “respect” of The Authority. Ryback states that he “plays for Team Ryback.”
Triple H is eager to get the night going and makes the first match, with Harper facing Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler.
“The Show-Off” makes his entrance to take on the (former?) Wyatt Family member up next!
Commercials.
Match #1: Single for the Intercontinental Championship – Luke Harper (Challenger) (with Seth Rollins, Joey Mercury, and Jamie Noble) VS. “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler (Champion)
Right before the bell, Seth Rollins, Joey Mercury, Jamie Noble, and Harper himself jump Dolph and beat him down. Rollins, Mercury, and Noble exit and leave the referee to check on Ziggler. The bell does ring, as Dolph orders the referee to do so. Luke measures “The Show-Off” and delivers a big-boot right away. 1 – 2 – Dolph gets the shoulder up. Harper gives him a sit-down powerbomb, but Ziggler still raises his shoulder. Luke dives at Dolph in the corner, but the I.C. Champ moves, sending Harper tumbling to the floor!
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Luke is back in control, grappling Dolph with the Gator Roll grounding headlock. Ziggler counters with a sit-down jawbreaker, then moves as Luke hits the post shoulder-first. Dolph plants him with the Fameasser but only gets a near-fall! He goes to boot Harper, but Luke counters and turns him around with a spinning sidewalk slam! Harper measures up Dolph again, but the Intercontinental Champion nails a superkick for two! Dolph drops out of a powerbomb attempt, but Harper comes back with a discus clothesline and covers for the sudden hard-fought victory!
Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Luke Harper (with Seth Rollins, Joey Mercury, and Jamie Noble)
Post-match, Harper, Mercury, Noble, and Rollins gloat; then Seth drives Dolph to the canvas with the Curb Stomp. They continue to revel over Harper’s victory and an out-cold Dolph.
Commercials.
Segment #3: Video Promo
“The new day is coming,” featuring Kofi Kingston.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
The Miz and Damien Mizdow put over a new idea they have for a movie to Grumpy Cat, an actual cat with a grimace on its face. Yes, I just typed that. Miz and Mizdow read the cat the riot act, but then Miz comes back and tells the cat he’s a “big fan” and has “friended” it on Facebook.
Adam Rose and his Posse make their entrance, as he will be in action next!
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Match #2: Single – Adam Rose (with The Party Posse) VS. Tyson Kidd (with Natalya)
Partway through the match, as Rose is in control, The Bunny tries to sweeten up Natalya. This displeases Adam, who is forced to tap to the Sharpshooter by Kidd.
Winner via Submission: Tyson Kidd (with Natalya)
Post-match, Rose is upset and takes a swing at The Bunny, but The Bunny counters and actually humps Rose from behind. (Yes, I unfortunately just typed that too.) Rose is infuriated as The Bunny walks upstage, making continuous humping motions. (That was pretty risque/tacky/needless)
Commercials.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
Bray Wyatt saunters to the ring. The lights are darkened as he begins. “They have lied to us all right from the beginning. They tried to convince us that love will make us rich; far more rich than any dollar bill ever could. They tried to convince us that love was the most precious gift that we could ever receive. But what they forgot to mention was that everything you love could be ripped away from you at the drop of a hat. As we all know, a man that has nothing to love, a man that has nothing to lose, is the most dangerous man in this world. Poor Dean Ambrose. For people like Dean Ambrose, every waking day is another pathetic attempt to express himself. To share his love, out of obligation, not desire. And a man like Ambrose, he has no choice. He will end up in the same misery day-after-day; he will always be alone. Well if Dean Ambrose takes anything away from this, I pray that he does not mistake my generosity for something malignant. It is true, that at first, I had to get his attention by any means necessary. But I’m promising you Dean, from the bottom of my heart, right here right now, today I come in peace, man. I know that you still feel the torment that you suffer at my hands Dean. But you must understand that that momentary suffering, it was a gift, because I know the pains you have endured in this life time. A mother who drowned herself in her own misery rather than take care of her baby boy. A father who abandoned you; an entire lifetime of isolation, Dean. And I bring these things up to you, because I want you to see the salvation that I can offer. It’s all real, Dean. It’s all real and it’s all my passion Dean. I want you to feel it, I want you to feel how I can save you Dean. I pray that you can understand how our souls are intertwine. Embrace us Dean, embrace us Dean and I can make this all go away.”
Ambrose appears on the Titan Tron and counters Wyatt. He wonders why Wyatt is wanting to “dig up bones from his past.” Dean reveals to Bray that this message is taped, and he is actually in the arena right now! Wyatt looks around and turns into Ambrose who jumps him. They roll around in the ring until Wyatt escapes. Ambrose yells at Bray, “I don’t need any saving!”
Ryback makes his entrance for a match, next!
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Match #3: Single – Ryback VS. Cesaro
This contest starts out pretty even, then Ryback gains domination with a big splash and slam. Cesaro reverses an Irish Whip attempt, and gives Ryback a T-Bone/Exploder Suplex. Ryback counters a run with a Lou Thesz Press and repeatedly rams Cesaro’s head against the canvas. Cesaro counters punches in the corner with a powerbomb, then gives Ryback a double-stomp. Cesaro mount-punches then throws Ryback hard into the corner, and clotheslines him hard over the ropes too.
Commercials.
Cesaro is still in major control, wearing down Ryback with a grounding headlock. He dives off the top rope, but is caught and tossed overhead with a belly-to-belly suplex! Ryback gains momentum and sets up for the Meathook clothesline. Cesaro moves to the apron to avoid, but is chucked back in. Ryback hits a splash off the corner. He tries the Shellshock, but Cesaro drops out and German suplexes Ryback. Ryback elbows Cesaro and runs at him, but Cesaro moves and repeat-German suplexes him three times! Cesaro dives off the turnbuckle with an elbow, but Ryback gets the shoulder up at two! Ryback counters with a military-press/powerslam drop, and runs at Cesaro for the Meathook Clothesline, but Cesaro counters with an uppercut! He nails another one and covers, 1 – 2 – Ryback lifts his shoulder! Ryback reverses The Neutralizer into a Shellshock, but Cesaro wiggles into a pin combo for a near-fall! Ryback ducks and nails the Meathook clothesline, then finishes off Cesaro with the Shellshock and 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Ryback
Segment #6: Backstage Promo
John Cena is interviewed by Rene Young. He states The Authority’s existence is in danger, and wants to see his teammates with him to “take The Authority out of power.” Young questions him about Ryback, and Cena replies, “Ryback’s made it pretty obvious that he’s on ‘Team Ryback.’”
Lana and her charge, the United States Champion Rusev make their grand entrance. Rusev will be wrestling next.
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Match #4: Single – United States Champion Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian,” Lana) VS. ??? (Non-Title)
Prior to the bout, Lana cuts a promo berating the Americans for ogling over photos of “celebrity” Kim Kardashian. Lana says her body does not compare to Kim’s, insinuating it is much better. (I agree!) So, she offers to expose herself, with a topless photo. Of course, (most of) the crowd votes for yes, so Lana puts up the picture on the Titan Tron; however it is of a topless Russian President, Vladimir Putin on horseback. Lana tells us “in your broken, pathetic, American dreams.”
Heath Slater walks out and makes an empty threat, because he is quickly dismantled with a big kick and The Accolade submission by Rusev!
Winner via Submission: United States Champion Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian,” Lana)
Segment #7: Backstage Promo
Miz and Mizdow are pointlessly talking to Grumpy Cat again, when Erik Rowan walks in and takes Miz/Mizdow’s stuffed cat.
Big Show walks down to the ring for some in-ring competition, next!
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – The Big Show VS ???
Stephanie McMahon talks to Show first, and entices him to leave Team Cena by offering him a spot in the 2015 WWE Hall Of Fame. Sheamus walks out to counteract McMahon’s verbal’s, but Stephanie surprises Show and Sheamus by booking them against each other, with the winner receiving a WWE World Heavyweight Championship title shot.
Both men reluctantly do this, starting by tagging each other’s hands. They lock up and are even a few times. Big Show suddenly fires away with slaps and fists, as does Sheamus right back. Show rams Sheamus’ head into the top turnbuckle, then slaps him hard against the corner. He dumps Sheamus to the floor, then hurls him to the timekeeper’s area, by Lillian Garcia, the ring announcer.
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Sheamus is now in control, pounding away on Show with fists. He hits a boot and knee for two! Show counters and scoop-slams Sheamus, then drops a big elbow for another two-count. Show scoop-slams Sheamus again, then clutches on a reverse Indian deathlock. Sheamus makes a mini-comeback, punching away at Show then giving him a running knee. Show counters with a superkick, but misses another big elbow!
Sheamus uses the ropes for a jawbreaker, then rockets off the top rope with a Battering Ram, which is countered by a mid-air Spear from Show! 1 – 2 – Sheamus gets the shoulder up! Show sets up for the chokeslam, but Sheamus hops out of it and drives him down with White Noise. 1 – 2 – Show kicks out! big catches Sheamus out of a Brogue Kick and chokeslams him down! 1 – 2 – Sheamus still gets the shoulder up! Show climbs to the second turnbuckle, but Sheamus meets him and drops backwards with Show on his shoulders!
Rusev and Mark Henry suddenly make their way to the ring. They completely destroy both Show and Sheamus, with Henry giving Sheamus The World’s Strongest Slam through the announce table, and Rusev clamping on The Accolade to Show.
Commercials.
Match #6: Single – Brie Bella VS. Nikki Bella
(Note: Brie is dressed as Divas Champion A.J. Lee, while the real A.J. is on commentary.) Brie takes this one after a roll-up and distraction from the Divas Champion!
Winner via Pinfall: Brie Bella
Post-match, Nikki tries to assault Brie, but A.J. makes the save. She then drives Brie face-first with a DDT. Lee skips off, happy!
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Segment #8: Video Promo
Another “new day is coming,” this time with Big E.
Segment #9: Locker Room Promo
John Cena walks in on Ryback taping up; he wonders if “The Big Guy” has given another thought to joining his team. Ryback denies him, so Cena tries to convince him more. Ryback says he gets it, and but only wants to be in it for himself. Cena challenges him to do something bold, otherwise he will be stale again.
The Usos emit their usual entrance, and will be involved in tag-team action, next!
Commercials.
Match #7: Eight-Man Tag-Team – The Usos (Jimmy and Jey), and Los Matadores (Diego and Fernando) (with El Torito) VS. Tag-Team Champions Goldust and Stardust, and Miz and Damien Mizdow (Non-Title)
While the fans want Mizdow (who does his own stunts when he is not in the ring), this breaks down a bit with tosses and dives to the outside.
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Goldust and Stardust double-stomp one of the Matadores, then Miz controls one of them while Mizdow mimics Miz. Everyone but Mizdow works over the Matadore, much to the dismay of the fans. (They want Mizdow) Miz eventually tags in Mizdow, to a loud pop, then quickly tags himself back in, to loud boos.
The Usos come in and hits the opposite team off the apron, then everyone comes to nail their finishers. Stardust gets the duke over an Uso!
Winners via Pinfall: Damien Mizdow and The Miz, and Tag-Team Champions Goldust and Stardust
The announcers give an update on Team Cena, in which Sheamus, The Big Show, and Dolph are all out of action. Up next, the contract signing will take place!
Commercials.
Segment #10: Arena Promo
Team Authority is out first, with “The Game” on the microphone. Triple H puts over the high-stakes contest at Survivor Series and declares The Authority will win. He stops slowly, almost choking up. He asks if we “love WWE,” to which there is a loud reaction, but reiterates his and Stephanie’s passion for this business. Both he and Stephanie enforce to the other members of Team Authority that they will win, and want to bring out “what’s left” of Team Cena.
John Cena obliges, but it ends up just being him. Triple H mockingly looks around but Cena insists that “Team Authority will lose.” Cena puts down Team Authority, mocking them and says that he can pick out anyone from the audience and win. After he gives Triple H harsh words, Stephanie slaps Cena. He tells her to leave, because it’s on!
“I’m here to show the world,” blasts the speakers, as Dolph Ziggler makes his way back! The Big Show joins them next, followed up two unexpected of Erik Rowan and Cesaro! However, Cesaro quickly switches to Team Authority. The last man to arrive: “The Big Guy!” Ryback marches out and it’s really on! Both teams brawl, all around, leaving HHH and Ryback for a stare-down. Cena sneaks back in, spins Triple H around, and gives him an Attitude Adjustment through the table! Stephanie slides in and checks on her husband while Rowan, Show, Ryback, Cena, and Ziggler raise each other’s arms and stand tall to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was on okay Raw. I felt it was a bit down form the previous two weeks, and parts of it just moved along, wanting to get to Survivor Series. Other parts were really well done! Onto the analysis:
Excellence: Opening promo set up Raw and Survivor Series very nicely; as usual, it was great mike-work from both Stephanie and Triple H. Ryback has improved on the stick too since turning face, and I like the “tweener” right now, where he is not solidified as heel or face, despite the raucous face-cheers..
As always/as well, loved the promo between Wyatt and Ambrose; both these men are also always awesome with their oratories and tonight was no different. This is my favourite feud right now.
Fantastic, physical, matches between Dolph/Luke, Sheamus/Show, and Ryback/Cesaro.
Ending was suspenseful and awesome, in general. Minus Cena’s routing of making fun of The Authority, the rest of the segment was great, especially the build on who was going to join Team Cena. Very intrigued by Erik Rowan, and both my Dad and I were thinking the last guy was actually going to be Roman Reigns, which was the suspenseful part. Very well done.
Bogus: The match between Harper and Ziggler was good, and both guys are awesome all-around, but I just don’t think it was right to put the I.C. Title on Harper. Storyline-wise, I see can see the “reward” given to Luke for demolishing Ziggler and joining The Authority. However, his seeming split from The Wyatt Family was unexpected/out-of-nowhere and it doesn’t seem like he’s at the single-title stage yet. Same with Erik Rowan; they have seemed to just leave Bray Wyatt/The Wyatt Family without any explanation.
Was really put-off by The Bunny and his “actions” with Adam Rose, as well as his subsequent “taunts.” That was truly out-of-nowhere, and was seriously unnecessary. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see another “public apology” from WWE on another controversial move like that. Just wrestle and end the stupid storyline!
Didn’t like how Cena went back to his childish promo stick, making fun of The Authority like that. Here’s where another classic “passionate” Cena promo would’ve been much more effective.
Not liking/into the Bellas/A.J. feud; bring up another NXT Woman or go back to Paige VS. A.J. Definitely missed Paige tonight!
I miss the traditional Survivor Series matches; the eight-man that was on Raw could’ve been saved for the PPV like that. They also could’ve had a Divas one, instead of the title match this Sunday.
Lastly, Grumpy The Cat’s segments were a waste.
Survivor Series Picks: A.J. to retain Divas Title, Gold/Stardust better keep Tag-Titles, Bray/Dean to no-contest, The Authority wins and keeps their power.
Hopefully, next week’s Raw will be much better. The WWE Landscape is to be changed somehow by then, thanks to Survivor Series! Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
USA Network and WWE today announced ‘WWE Week’ beginning December 15.
The week kicks off with Monday Night Raw in its usual time slot of 8PM for three hours. This particular episode of Raw will air from Detroit, Michigan.
On Tuesday, December 16, WWE will air a special live edition of Smackdown from 8PM till 10PM EST from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show will be live on USA Network only and SyFy will air the replay on Friday in the usual Smackdown time slot.
On Wednesday, December 17, USA will air Tribute To The Troops from the Columbus Civic Center for the military personnel and their families stationed at United States Army post Fort Benning. The 12th annual holiday special will also re-air as a one hour special on NBC on Saturday, December 27, from 8PM to 9PM EST.
Also, during the whole week, Cat Greenleaf of USA Daytime will be welcoming WWE Superstars and Divas every day from 11AM to 3PM on the show. The Miz, Big Show, Titus O’Neil, Brie Bella, and Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon are scheduled to be the guests.
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan was interviewed live on Friday night by Comcast’s SportsNet Bay Area to promote WrestleMania 31 tickets as well as talk about his injury.
When asked when he will be back in the ring, Bryan said he wasn’t actually sure and nobody knows yet as they’re still contemplating if he’s going for the second surgery.
Bryan said that he hopes to be back by January but at the moment there’s no way to know or predict when he will be fit to return to the ring although he’s doing his best to get back healthy.
Daniel Bryan has been out of action since May and defended the WWE World Heavyweight title he won at WrestleMania XXX only once against Kane before he was stripped off the title in July when it was clear that he wouldn’t be able to wrestle due to his neck injury.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that TNA is most likely announcing a new television deal with Destination America this Thursday, after the last first-run Impact airs on Spike TV.
TNA taped enough Impact episodes months in advance to last them till this week and planned to air ‘best of’ episodes till the end of the year. Spike gave TNA a lifeline in September and extended their deal for three more months until TNA found a new television home.
It was reported by reporters who were at Saturday’s Bellator MMA event that Spike officials were telling everyone that they’re done with professional wrestling and will be concentrating more on MMA.
Meltzer adds that the “ongoing negotiations” that both Spike and TNA officials have been putting out was just a cover story as the two sides knew that they would not continue their partnership past 2014.
It’s unclear if the remaining ‘best of’ episodes will air on Spike. As of today, TNA is tentatively having new Impact television tapings at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York in mid-January which means it will be at least two more months before new episodes of Impact will hit your television screen.
Alberto Del Rio showed up at the House of Hardcore event in Philadelphia yesterday along with his former ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez.
Del Rio’s surprise appearance came when Brian Myers, better known to everyone as Curt Hawkins, issued an open challenge. Rodriguez came out to a large ovation from the crowd and “Si, Si, Si” chants.
Rodriguez went in the ring and said he’s not alone, and introduced Alberto Del Rio to a big pop and a hero’s welcome.
Del Rio hugged Rodriguez as the two smiled, looking genuinely happy to be there as fans chanted “Del Rio, Del Rio.”
Del Rio said two months ago he thought he would not be able to wrestle in the United States “for one f**king year!,” referring to his release and legal battle with WWE. Del Rio then started an ECW chant as they were at the old ECW Arena.
The rabid crowd started a “F*ck you Vince” chant as the two laughed in the ring. Del Rio said that both love this business and it was great to be there and thanked his “amigo” Tommy Dreamer for the invitation.
After the show, the two went on Twitter to express their feelings about the show.
“What an honor to have been a part of #HOH at the legendary ECW Arena! Just wow :)” wrote Del Rio. “The ECW Arena was on fire!!! Both myself and Alberto got goosebumps going out there. It’s that feeling we got in the biz for,” added Rodriguez.
Del Rio looked pretty amazing and was fired up to say the least. You can see the whole segment below.
Retired German goalkeeper Tim Wiese appeared at the WWE live event in Frankfurt, Germany, yesterday and was the time keeper for the Usos vs Goldust and Stardust tag team match.
After the match ended, Stardust started taunting Wiese who was sitting at ringside and fans started chanting his name. Eventually the German took off his jacket and tried to get in the ring but was stopped. The Usos then cleared the ring and Wiese joined them for the post-match celebrations, hitting the turnbuckles, posing for photos, and even doing a little dancing.
You can see the video below.
Wiese took on bodybuilding after ending his football career and a few months ago WWE offered him a chance to start training to become a professional wrestler.
He previously had a tryout which Hall of Famer Jim Ross attended and yesterday Ross said that Wiese has a lot of charisma and is hopeful.
The German press was all over him prior to the event as well and he posed for photos with Summer Rae and Alicia Fox.
WWE wraps up its second European tour of the year today with the final two shows, one in Germany, and one in Italy.
This time around WWE Superstars and Divas performed a total of 20 shows in 10 days in 9 different countries – England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France.
The last two shows today are at the Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany, and at the PalaOnda in Bolzano, Italy.
WWE returns to Europe in April 2015 for their post-WrestleMania tour.
WrestleMania 31 tickets officially go on sale to the general public this morning on Ticketmaster.com at 9AM PST. Ticket prices will range from $35 and all the way to $2,000 for ringside seats.
Yesterday, WWE held the WrestleMania On-Sale party at the Intel Plaza at Levi’s Stadium with Daniel Bryan, Bad News Barrett, Booker T, Charlotte, Rosa Mendes, Tyler Breeze, Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart all appearing at the event.
The pre-sale which kicked off on Thursday went very good with Ticketmaster.com struggling to keep up with ticket demand hours after tickets went on sale for those with the promo code.
Following the success of this year’s WWE-Scooby Doo movie, WWE Studios and Warner Bros. are now ready for round two according to Variety.
The new animated movie – produced by WWE Studios and Warner Bros. Animation – will be released in spring of 2016 in time for WrestleMania 32.
While only minor details are out yet, the big news is that Hulk Hogan will be prominently featured in the new cast of characters.
In the last movie, John Cena, Triple H, Kane, the Miz, Brodus Clay, Santino Marella, Sin Cara, AJ Lee, and Vince McMahon were featured as characters with all of them lending their voices.
Apart from this movie, the two studios are working on a Flintstones project, a movie titled ‘The Flintsones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown’ which will be released in Spring 2015.
Former World Heavyweight champion The Great Khali is gone from WWE according to several sources. The big man’s contract expired recently and WWE opted not to renew it.
The former police officer in the Punjab state police signed with WWE in 2006, becoming the first Indian professional wrestler signed by WWE. He made his debut on an episode of Smackdown in April of that year, attacking the Undertaker.
During his six year WWE career, Khali won the World Heavyweight title once – his only title there – after winning a 20-man battle royal for the title during an episode of Smackdown in July 2007.
His reign as a monster, with feuds against Cena, Batista, Triple H, and other big names, came to an end in 2008 when he started doing more comedy stuff.
