Former WWE, WCW, and TNA Superstar Chavo Guerrero will be starring in his own comic book series by Lion Forge Comics, titled Warrior’s Creed.
Warrior’s Creed chronicles the adventures of Chavo Guerrero, a wrestler forced to take his fight outside of the squared circle when the La Iniciativa de Voltan, a.k.a. The Voltan Initiative, look to create an army of unstoppable super criminals using a secret hidden inside the Guerrero family’s DNA. But this secret also holds the key to the Warrior’s Creed, and if unlocked, will also give Chavo Guerrero incredible powers.
Deadpool co-creator Fabian Nicieza will be scripting Warrior’s Creed with artwork by Eddie Nunez. Shannon Eric Denton will be the editor.
Warrior’s Creed will be available for purchase this fall through the Amazon Kindle Bookstore and Comics Plus app for iOS and Android devices. The entire series run will then be available from Lion Forge’s print-partnership with IDW Publishing.
The arrival of Kevin Steen at NXT and eventually in WWE has a lot of fans excited and Steen received two encouraging tweets from two of the biggest Superstars to have ever graced the squared circle – Steve Austin and The Rock.
“Two C words for @FightSteenFight… Congratulations and Cardio. Good luck, kid,” Austin tweeted yesterday. Steen credits Austin for helping him, telling him to keep “running his mouth” when he met him in 2005.
Fellow former WWE champion The Rock also chimed in with his congratulatory message. “@FightSteenFight Welcome to the club homeboy. Very happy for you and your family. #MoveTheCrowd #HaveFun #WellPlacedSunsetFlips”
Monday Night RAW this week with the Hulk Hogan birthday celebration pulled in 4,300,000 viewers, an increase of 300,000 viewers from last week. This was also the go-home edition prior to SummerSlam.
Hour one did 4,082,000 viewers, followed by 4,360,000 in the second, and then 4,458,000 in the third and final hour with the big ending. In the past few weeks the third hour of RAW suffered a significant drop but the star power this week looks like it saved the number from dropping. (Ratings credit: PWInsider.com)
The woman who played the role of Daniel Bryan’s physical therapist last night on Monday Night RAW is Chelsea Green, an independent wrestler who uses the name Jaida.
Green wrestles for ECCW and PWA and trained under former ECW, WCW, and WWE Superstar Lance Storm. Two weeks ago Green wrote on her Twitter that she was leaving the High Impact Canada tour to “work WWE shows” although she never mentioned what her role was going to be. On her Facebook she wrote that she would be working a total of four shows for WWE.
The $19.99 WWE Network price with no commitment has been changed by WWE to just $12.99, a $7 discount from the get-go which looks like it’s going to be remain for the foreseeable future.
“The $12.99 price point is a change from the previously announced $19.99 monthly plan and allows WWE to offer an option with no commitment that we believe better reflects the variety of economies that exist internationally,” the press release said.
WWE also announced that the WWE Network app will be available on Sony internet connected TVs, Blu-ray disc players and Blu-ray home theater systems by today and by this Friday, WWE Network will be available on Samsung smart TV devices, Blu-ray players and home theater systems.
The Hulk Hogan celebration continued on the WWE Network (available for $9.99 just in case you missed it) after RAW went off the air on USA Network.
Heath Slater brought out a cake but as always, a cake in a WWE ring never has a good ending, and predictably, the cake ended up in Titus O’Neil’s face. With the first cake out of the question, another red and yellow cake was brought out with Happy Birthday Hulk Hogan written on it and “9.99” as candles.
Everyone then cleared the ring to leave Hogan posing with confetti falling down to his theme song as the feed also faded to black on the Network. The celebration continued however to those inside the area as Vince McMahon’s “No Chance” theme song interrupted and out came the Chairman!
McMahon hugged Hulk, raised his arm and then quickly left the ring to leave Hogan alone again.
The whole segment – minus McMahon appearing – is available on the WWE Network as part of the RAW Backstage Pass for this week.
Triple H announced on his Twitter that the WWE has signed popular Canadian pro wrestler Kevin Steen to a developmental deal.
The 30 year old from Quebec is trained by former WWE Superstar Jacques Rougeau and has worked for independent organizations such as Combat Zone Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and even Ring of Honor where he was their World champion. He wrestled his last match for ROH this past month.
Steen is expected to report to NXT in Orlando shortly.
All are sure to be “in the house” tonight as it is the last Raw before SummerSlam! Both stars of the main event, WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena and Brock Lesnar, are scheduled to face-off live. Who will get the advantage heading into their second showdown?
Following last week, will The Bella Twins gain some revenge and momentum on The Authority, specifically Stephanie McMahon, after being planted with Pedigrees? Also, who will confront who tonight between Roman Reigns and Randy Orton. Furthermore, Kane handed over his mask again to McMahon; what does this mean for both “The Big Red Machine” and The Authority?
Dolph Ziggler has been building momentum leading to his Intercontinental Championship match with I.C. Champ, The Miz. Can Ziggler continue it tonight, and possibly win the coveted title on Sunday?
Plus, today is Hall Of Famer and Legend Hulk Hogan’s 61st Birthday! The man himself will be a part of Raw to celebrate, along with many surprises. Who is going to show up and wish “The Hulkster” a “Happy Birthday?” ***Cough, Sting, Cough!?***
Finally, as always, my picks for SummerSlam will follow the usual review. Now read on to find out all that goes down tonight in Portland, Oregon!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for August 11th, 2014 – “A Rap, A Poem, and A Birthday Celebration: All On The Way To SummerSlam!”
Introduction Segment: Welcoming and Arena Promo
Michael Cole welcomes us to Raw, where the camera shows an alignment of presents on the stage, all for Hulk Hogan. Next, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman walk out to the ring. Heyman has the microphone and scans the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen …” Paul begins. He declares that on Sunday, he will be the “advocate” for the “reigning and defending WWE World Heavyweight Champion.” Heyman says that Brock asked him to “sell SummerSlam to the Cenation.”
Heyman threatens that “bad things happen to good people when you step into the ring with Brock Lesnar.” He goes to the Titantron, which displays still-footage of Lesnar defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX this year, ending the legendary wrestler’s Wrestlemania-winning streak. Paul E. also recaps Brock’s rookie year, back in 2002, when he … both The Rock and Hulk Hogan in that time frame. Heyman proclaims that after SummerSlam, no one will “see” John Cena (he mocked Cena’s trademark hand signal). Heyman cuts into an incredible rap, quoted verbatim below.
“He’s a fifteen-time champ, and he likes to have his fun. But not at your expense, so let us school you son. No we’re not from West Newbury, no we can’t ‘hip-hop’ like you. My client is the ‘conqueror,’ I’m just Brock’s advocating-Jew. You see, my name is Paul Heyman, and my client is ‘The Beast;’ and on the 17th of August, on your title he shall feast. You don’t like ‘Paul Heyman guys,’ you think their attitudes too smug; you gonna beat Brock’s ass ‘cus you the ‘Doctor of the Thugs.’ I mean you’ve beaten all the best, but now Lesnar’s on your plate. You say ‘your time is now,’ Brock says your calendar’s out of date. So here’s some free advice with SummerSlam drawing near; get it out your damn system when you say ‘the Champ is here.’ Because we’re six days away from the West Coast’s biggest arena, where my client Brock Lesnar will conquer John Cena!”
Heyman finishes by telling us that Brock has declared the WWE ring “his house.”
Later tonight, WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena will retort to Lesnar & Heyman, plus Hulk Hogan’s birthday celebration continues through the night.
Roman Reigns is shown taping up is wrist and will wrestle against a hand-picked opponent by The Authority!
Commercials.
Roman Reigns makes his entrance, then Kane’s music plays, but it won’t be him who Reigns is taking on. Instead, Kane walks out in “Corporate Kane” attire and is back as the Director of Operations for The Authority. He announces that Roman will face two men, Rybaxel.
Match #1: Two-On-One – Roman Reigns VS. Rybaxel (Rybaxel and Curtis Axel)
Reigns and Curtis begin with a test/feel-out. Reigns shoves off Axel, then locks up with him. He clamps on a side headlock, then a shoulder block off the ropes. Curtis tries to intimidate Reigns with words, but Roman just responds with another shove. He tags in Ryback, who engages in an elbow/collar tie-up with Reigns. They shove off each other, then Reigns flat-out clotheslines Ryback down. He hits another one out of the corner, but gets a little distracted by Curtis, allowing Ryback to headbutt him. Reigns controls again with punches in the corner after hitting Axel off the apron, but Ryback counters into a powerbomb.
Ads.
Reigns and Ryback still going at it, with Reigns gaining momentum again. He boots Ryback to the floor, then slaps Curtis around. Ryback grabs him from behind and runs him into the steel ring post. Axel does the same, shoulder-first. They both do it, and get dq’ed.
Winner via Disqualification: Roman Reigns
Post-match, Rybaxel go to beat-on Reigns, but he comes back with a clothesline and Samoan Drop! He clotheslines Ryback over the ropes and gives Axel the running front-dropkick from the floor. He puts Ryback into the ring post, then signals for the Superman Punch. He nails Ryback with it, then Curtis. The fans are calling for the Spear, which Roman obliges to on both members of Rybaxel!
Rene Young is in the ring and asks him about his SummerSlam match with Randy Orton. He in turn questions the crowd on if he is ready, and they agree. “I’ve never stolen anything from Randy Orton, but this Sunday, at SummerSlam, I’m taking everything from him.”
Segment #2: Backstage Promo
Corporate Kane is walking through the halls when “The Viper” Randy Orton walks up. Despite everyone else not being able to get the job done on Reigns, Orton proclaims that he will. Kane informs Randy that The Authority want to make sure he is good-to-go too, so he will take on United States Champion Sheamus. Orton walks away.
Later tonight, Stephanie McMahon will have a confession, and there is an interview by Michael Cole with Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho.
Up next, Rob Van Dam will go against Seth Rollins!
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – Rob Van Dam VS. “Mr. Money In The Bank” Seth Rollins
Van Dam takes control early, hitting a standing moonsault for two. He punches Rollins in the corner, but Seth gets out of it and stomps away. He clutches on a grounding chinlock, then hammers on Rob’s back. He whips him off the ropes, but R.V.D counters with a leg-scissors roll-up. He follows with a baseball slide, then front-suplexes Seth onto the barricade. From the apron, Van Dam leaps with a spinning leg-drop kick, but Seth moved!
Ads.
Rollins now has R.V.D in another grounding chinlock, but Van Dam counters a corner-run with a boot-to-the-face. He follows up with a scoop-slam and the Rolling Thunder somersault splash for two! Van Dam backflips over Seth, but is pushed off a corner monkey-flip try, setting up for Rollins’ Curb Stomp and the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: “Mr. Money In The Bank” Seth Rollins
Post-match, Seth I up on the stage and examines the presents for Hulk Hogan. He’s thinking that Dean Ambrose may be in the big standing-up box, and he’s correct! Ambrose bursts out of the gift and brawls with Rollins, sending him scurrying through the fans. Ambrose grabs a microphone and orders him to “run Seth, run while you still can!”
Next, Stephanie is out to “confess” to Brie Bella.
Commercials.
Segment #3: Arena Promo
Stephanie McMahon saunters out to the squared circle. She says it is her “mission to always do what’s best for the WWE Universe,” which means the wrestlers and fans. She then brings out Megan Miller (thank you Cole for the name recall), who is Daniel Bryan’s physical therapist. She gives her the microphone and wants her to make a confession. Megan puts over Bryan and the fans, but owns up to the fact that she is not able to be his physical therapist anymore because she has been having an extra-marital affair with him.
At this point, Brie Bella marches out and confronts Megan. McMahon intimidates her more, then Brie slaps Megan down. She goes after Stephanie, locking on the Yes Lock. Triple H, Fit Finlay, and Jamie Noble run out to help break it up. Stephanie then announces she wants to get it on and not wait for SummerSlam!
Ads.
Match #3: Single – Cesaro VS. “The Real American” Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
Cesaro goes to takedown Swagger by his legs, but Jack uses his strength to hold up. They continue to trade amateur-wrestling holds, then Swagger catches a leap-frogging Cesaro into a slam. Cesaro turns it around with a gutwrench suplex, then works over Swagger’s taped stomach area. He locks on an abdominal stretch, then gives him a rib-breaker. He hooks an armlock on, but Swagger runs him into the corner to break it.
Cesaro boots him out and drops him with a second-rope axe-handle smash. He goes for another, but Jack catches him and spins him with a belly-to-belly suplex! He gives Cesaro a clothesline, but is turned around and hung on the ropes with a front-suplex. Cesaro boots him to the barricade for a break.
Commercials.
Cesaro goes back to the abdominal stretch, pulling Swagger’s singlet down to expose his damaged ribs. Swagger manages to counter into a sidewalk slam! He hits a boot, then the Swaggerbomb splash out of the corner! 1 – 2 – Cesaro kicks out! (Thanks Cole for the description!) Jack punches in the corner, but Cesaro hits back with a chop, then soars off the middle rope with a mini-senton. He sets up Swagger on the apron, then goes for a suplex inside, but Jack reverses and clotheslines Cesaro into the ring. He whips him off the ropes, but is countered by a flapjack and knee by Cesaro. He then hits an uppercut and gets a near-fall! Cesaro continues to taunt Swagger, but Jack catches him in the Ankle Lock. Cesaro gets to the ropes, but is caught again off the top rope, with Swagger grasping him with the Patriot Lock, forcing Cesaro to give in!
Winner via Submission: “The Real American” Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
Post-match, Colter has the microphone. He basically declares that Swagger will reign supreme over Rusev and Lana. As they ask the crowd for “We The People,” the Russian flag drops from the lighting rig, and Rusev and Lana walk out and wave it.
Up next, Michael Cole has an interview with Jericho and Wyatt!
Ads.
Segment #4: Video Promo
Michael Cole is set to conduct an interview between Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho, but Wyatt orders him to exit. Wyatt takes charge of this, questioning Jericho on his bad dreams, and wanting to please his father. Bray talks about himself now, saying that he has a “reoccurring nightmare.” All he wants to do is “help people who can’t help themselves.” Bray declares he is “not the least bit sorry” for all the people he has hurt since coming to WWE, and reveals he has no conscience. He says some inaudible stuff, then allows Jericho to respond. “Y2J” says he is not a “savior,” but is a “survivor,” after being the WWE for over 15 years. He tells Bray that he “will be the first man in WWE history to leave you speechless and shut you up.”
Divas Champion A.J. Lee makes her entrance and will be wrestling, next!
Commercials.
Match #4: Single – Divas Champion A.J. Lee VS. Eva Marie
(Note: Prior to the bout, footage from the August 1st airing of Smackdown is shown, where Paige pushed A.J. off the stage and “injured” her is shown. This will be in my “Bogus” section.) As A.J. works over Marie, Paige’s music plays and she skips around, distracting A.J., and allowing Eva to roll her up for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Eva Marie
Post-match, Paige apologizes to A.J. with a poem. “Roses are red, woodchips are beige. I’m sorry I pushed you right off this stage. It’s not like I hate you; I like you a bunch. But you just have that face that I want to punch. I’ll see you this Sunday; but this part is vital. I’ll be skipping my way out of SummerSlam with my Divas Title. Love ya.”
A.J. then goes after Eva, slamming her head against the announce table and running her into the ring apron. Lee pounds away with fists of furry, then chucks her into the barricade. A.J. collects her Divas Title and skips around.
Up next, WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena will be out!
Ads.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena makes his entrance. Right off the bat, Cena mocks Paul Heyman’s signature voice and catchphrases. He recaps all that Heyman said, except for winning. “This Sunday, Brock Lesnar WILL NOT WIN!” Cena loudly proclaims that he is not going to lay down for Lesnar. He goes through all the calls the fans give him, both the positive (“Let’s go Cena”) and negative “You can’t wrestle.”), then inquires what fans wonder, and that is “when does John Cena UNLEASH HELL?!” Cena says that will be this Sunday. “You will see a John Cena I’m not proud of,” John says, so that he will keep his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Cena debunks Brock’s statement about the ring being his house, saying that it really belongs to the fans.
He challenges Brock to come out and take him out of “his house.” There is no answer, so Cena eggs him on more. Still no response, so Cena warns Heyman and Lesnar. “This Sunday, I am the one who beats ‘the one!’”
Up next, Brie Bella and Stephanie McMahon will go at it!
Commercials.
Brie Bella makes her way to the ring and awaits Stephanie. She walks out, but not in wrestling attire. Unfortunately for Brie, this will not take place tonight, as Megan Miller has decided to have Brie arrested for her earlier attack. The police come out and take Bella away in handcuffs, as Megan looks on while McMahon mocks her.
Ads.
Match #5: Single – Heath Slater VS. “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler
(Note: Intercontinental Champion The Miz is on commentary.) Dolph and Heath trade waistlocks, and Slater punches Ziggler down. He whips him off the ropes and delivers an elbow, then clenches a side headlock on. Dolph gets out of it, hitting a dropkick and elbow drop. He covers and points to Miz, but Slater kicks out! Heath reverses and rolls up Ziggler for a near-fall! Slater kicks him down again and almost takes this!
He wars Dolph down with another grounding chinlock, but Ziggler counters into a jawbreaker. Dolph comes back, dropping Heath with the Zig-Zag. He can’t go for the immediate pin though, as Miz distracts him and they brawl. Dolph can’t make it back into the ring in time, giving Slater the victory!
Winner via Count-Out: Heath Slater
Post-match, Slater and Ziggler talk it out. They go to shake hands, but Slater goes to kick him. Dolph catches him and takes him down with another Zig-Zag!
Up next, Randy Orton will face United States Champion Sheamus!
Commercials.
It is announced that Intercontinental Champion The Miz will have Roman Reigns on his show, MizTV this week on Smackdown!
Match #6: Single – “The Viper” Randy Orton VS. United States Champion “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus
Lockup and struggle between the two to begin. Orton whips Sheamus into the corner, but the U.S. Champ comes back with a hard clothesline. He punches in the corner, but Orton slides down and pulls him into the turnbuckle. he clotheslines Sheamus in the opposite corner, but is scoop-slammed out of it after. Sheamus rockets off the middle rope with a kneedrop and gets two! Sheamus rips at Randy’s nose as Sheamus begins to work him over. Orton gets his way out of the “10 Beats Of The Bowron (again, thanks Cole!) for a quick break.
Ads.
Orton is in control, but Sheamus comes back with a clothesline that sends Randy to the floor. Orton counters with a backdrop onto the announce table, then rolls Sheamus back into the ring. Sheamus regains momentum with a knee-hit and slam, getting a near-fall! Orton works his way out of a fireman’s carry, then baits Sheamus to the floor. He kicks him, but Sheamus counters and rams Randy off the barricade. Orton quickly counters on the apron and goes for the slingshot-DDT, but Sheamus reverses and hits him with “10 Beats Of The Bowron.”
Orton gets out of the Irish Curse with elbows, then kicks Sheamus and gives him a backbreaker. Orton ties up the Irishman on the ropes and drops him with the slingshot-DDT! Sheamus gains momentum again, going for the Brogue Kick, but Orton counters. He runs but Sheamus boots him back. He turns up into the turnbuckle, and soars with the Battering Ram, but Orton impressively reverses into the R.K.O. and the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: “The Viper” Randy Orton
The last segment of the night, coming up next, will be Hulk Hogan’s Birthday Celebration!
Commercials
Segment #6: Arena Promo
Most of the Roster is on the stage, as “Mean” Gene Okerlund and “The Mouth Of The South” Jimmy Hart are in the ring. “Mean” Gene brings out the birthday boy, who makes his usual entrance to the pleasure of the fans. Gene then shows a video of Hogan’s career (including footage from AWA and WCW), accompanied by legendary singer Bob Dylan’s song “Forever Young.”
Of course, Hogan has the microphone too and is totally amazed at the party planned for him. He cheaply plugs the WWE Network for $9.99 (yes, just like me, now!) and then puts over the celebration and his/WWE fans.
Next, Hall Of Famers a-plenty strut out! First is “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, then “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Following them are Hogan’s main two cohorts from WCW, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall! The former nWo members join the party, donned in their classic nWo t-shirts and walking out to the music. Scott takes a survey, and inquires if the fans like Hogan better in the red and yellow, or black and white. Cheers go for the nWo colors, so Hogan rips his t-shirt and reveals an nWo tank-top underneath. Nash then sings him “Happy Birthday,” but a certain couple interrupt to spoil the fun. Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and he and Heyman walk out with a smile on their faces. Heyman asks “whatcha gonna do?” as Lesnar tells Hogan “party’s over, Grandpa.”
Before he goes further, WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena runs out and faces off with Lesnar. Everyone stares at the stare-down, then Brock and Paul bail, as Cena glares at them to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was on okay Raw; down from the last few weeks in excitement and suspense, because it felt like they were just pushing through to get to SummerSlam. Onto the analysis:
Excellence: Opening promo! Once again, Paul Heyman delivers on the stick and puts over both Brock Lesnar and his match as legit. He makes you believe that Lesnar is truly a bad-boy and only cares about dominance. His rap was stupendous and funny!
Seth Rollins thinking about Dean Ambrose being anywhere and wanting to attack him. This is great continuity/story-telling, showing that Rollins is getting a little scared of Dean and his unpredictability.
Very good matches between Cesaro and Swagger, Dolph/Heath, and Orton/Sheamus! Video conversation between Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho. This is what I’ve wanted from them throughout this feud and felt it was missing; the verbal banter back-and-forth. Still loving A.J./Paige’s feud, and liked the verbal Paige cut on A.J. tonight.
Once again, when John Cena cuts promos like tonight’s, those are the ones I love because is exuberates his passion for this business, and makes you believe he is absolutely legit. He needs to cut many more promos this way.
The Hulk Hogan Birthday Bash was nice, (although Sting appearing would’ve been a truly cool surprise!) and really glad they finished off with Brock/Heyman/Cena, giving one more chance to put over the Pay-Per-View and the main event.
Also, so glad that Brock and Cena have not touched each other, to make us feel the suspense for when they tangle again.
Bogus: Thought that the opening two matches were really just “going through the motions” and nothing more than putting over Reigns and Rollin, respectively, strong for their SummerSlam bouts.
I wish they hadn’t gone the affair route between Bryan and his physical therapist. While they’ll probably spin it that she was paid to say it by The Authority after all. I just think they didn’t need to go here, as the feud was decently hot (no pun intended, looks-wise) already.
I was annoyed they didn’t play off A.J.’s potential “injury” and have her sit-out until SummerSlam. She just came back tonight like nothing happened and continued on her way with a match. It diminished the stage-throwing a lot.
It was odd to see Chris Jericho on the stage during Hogan’s Birthday Bash, since I thought the video between him and Wyatt meant they weren’t in the building. It kind of diminished that a little too. As well, Wyatt should’ve won at Battleground; it has more “umph” to it for Jericho chasing him than Wyatt.
SummerSlam Picks: Bray Wyatt over Chris Jericho; Paige to regain Divas Championship and setup a third bout with A.J.; Rollins wins by nefarious means over Ambrose; The Miz keeps his Intercontinental Championship, also by nefarious means; Bryan comes back and helps Brie win, proving the “affair” was a lie; Reigns wins in a close-one over Orton; Brock Lesnar becomes new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
In non-wrestling news, I would like to give my condolences to the Williams family and friends. Today (August 11th), world-renowned actor/comedian/personality Robin Williams shockingly died. Even though I didn’t ever know/meet him, or like all of his stuff (most of his movies/comedy was great), he was a truly talented man who did bring a lot of joy to those who needed it; whether it was through his movies, comedy acts, or charity. I honestly do not know if he was ever involved in the wrestling business in any way, but he would’ve been a great part of it somehow. I grew up watching him and will miss him. He was a major star and well-known throughout the world, so I believe the majority of people reading my Raw report knew of Robin Williams, which is why I chose to write a condolence piece on/for him/his family/friends. He will be greatly missed by many. May God give love and support to his family and friends at this tragic time.
It’s another big day for WWE as the WWE Network today launches internationally in over 170 countries, bringing the over-the-top streaming service to fans worldwide who have been shut-out from the February 24 launch earlier this year.
Most of the countries that will get the Network today will be able to stream it on their Android and iOS devices, as well as Roku, Xbox and Playstation consoles, and Amazon devices. Each country is different and WWE.COM has a list of how they will receive the Network depending on the availability. The list can be accessed here.
The price is $9.99 a month with a six month commitment and if you don’t want to be tied up for six months you can pay monthly for an increased price of $19.99.
The WWE Network in Canada, also launching today, will be a bit different, with Rogers Communications handling the traditional TV channel for its subscribers with no OTT service available for Canadian fans for now.
The United Kingdom will get its Network on October 1 while other countries such as Italy, UAE, Germany, Japan, India, China, Thailand and Malaysia still don’t have a date for launch, presumably due to television deals currently in place.
While last week’s RAW did not feature any of the two in SummerSlam’s main event, tonight will have both Cena and Lesnar…and Hulk Hogan is in the house too!
The Hulkster turns 61 years old today and will be having his birthday bash live on RAW with a lot of surprises planned. An nWo reunion has already been publicized by Scott Hall with Kevin Nash also set to appear. Other Superstars from the Hogan era were contacted to show up as a surprise tonight in Portland.
Also set for the show are John Cena and Brock Lesnar to continue their build up towards this weekend’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. The go-home edition of a big show always tends to be somewhat explosive and the Brie/Stephanie angle will also advance to the next stage.
2K today announced details of 2K Showcase, the story-driven single-player campaign in WWE 2K15.
Through high quality cinematics and historic WWE footage, players will explore two of the biggest and most notable WWE rivalries: the one between Triple H and Shawn Michaels from 2002 to 2004, as well as John Cena’s and CM Punk’s rivalry from 2011 to 2013.
2K Showcase will tell the epic history of the two rivalries through documentary-style video packages of classic WWE footage, authentic WWE Superstar commentary and cinematic cut scenes. In the 33 available matches across the rivalries, players will be tasked with completing a set of bonus historical objectives that will unlock new WWE Superstars, Championship titles and alternate attire that can be used in all other WWE 2K15game modes.
Additional 2K Showcase rivalries will be made available via downloadable content following the game’s scheduled release on October 28, 2014 in North America and October 31, 2014 internationally.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s mother Ata and his cousin Lina were involved in a head-on car collision with a female drunk driver revealed the former WWE champion in a post on his Facebook.
“They lived. First reaction is to find the person who did this and do unrelenting harm to them,” Johnson wrote. “But then you realize the most important thing is my family lived thru this and we can hug each other that much tighter these days. Hug your own family tighter today and be grateful you can tell them you love them.”
His cousin is Lina Fanene who is currently signed to a WWE developmental deal and is assigned at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. She posted photos on her Twitter acting like a goof while in hospital when Rock went to visit her as well with her niece – Johnson’s daughter.
The accident happened earlier this week and on August 5 she posted a photo in a sling while in a private jet. “Still all smiles! Very grateful to be alive for all the love from my family and friends! Incredibly blessed,” Lina wrote.
Fans who attended the live WWE event yesterday in Abbotsford, British Columbia, were treated to somewhat of a surprise and a rare sight: Dolph Ziggler pinned Randy Orton, clean!
The ending of the match had Orton deliver an RKO on Ziggler after Ziggler tried to hit the Zig Zag but Dolph kicked out of the RKO much to the surprise of the fans.
As Orton complained to the referee and messed with the fans, Ziggler came back to his senses and when Orton tried to punt Dolph’s head, Ziggler moved, hit Orton with a kick to the chin and delivered the Zig Zag followed by a three count.
You can see the finish of the match on video below.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Alberto Del Rio got in trouble after a remark from another WWE employee was deemed racist and he took matters in his own hands as payback.
The story allegedly went that WWE’s social media manager of live events was eating backstage and was told to clean the plate after finishing. In a smart-ass remark, the manager said that it was Del Rio’s job to wipe the plate, a remark which Mexicans would find offensive and even racist.
Del Rio wasn’t present when this happened but word got to the former WWE champion and he wasn’t pleased at all with what was said about him. Del Rio found the guy backstage and told him to apologize for the remark and when he refused to take back what he said, Del Rio slapped him.
Management wasn’t happy with Del Rio’s actions and fired him a few days later. No word if the other employee was punished for his remark.
WWE rarely touches the subject of talent releases on social media past the simple message that is usually posted on WWE.COM however they had another message to Alberto Del Rio following his termination.
“(1/2) @VivaDelRio is responsible for his own actions. If you’re angry at anyone, be angry at Alberto,” read a tweet on the official WWE account. “(2/2) There’s no excuse for a pro athlete not to conduct themselves in a professional manner.”
The tweets, which were also retweeted by Triple H, raised some suspicion that the whole thing is a work/angle but so far there is nothing to suggest that it’s not real.
Wrestling artist Rob Schamberger – whose amazing work is sold on WWEShop.com – will be painting live at the SummerSlam Panel discussions at the Nokia Theatre LA Live during the SummerSlam weekend.
Schamberger will be focusing his work on WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin and fans are encouraged to stop by the theater from August 15-17 to see Schamberger in action, absolutely free of charge. Several of Schamberger’s prints, including a limited edition SummerSlam 2014 print, will be on sale at various merchandise areas inside the theater.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be doing live art in Los Angeles for the SummerSlam Confidential Panels,” Schamberger said in a press release. “LA is known as one of the art capitals of the world, and WWE is known for some of the best fans in the world. I’m doubly excited to paint my “Stone Cold” Steve Austin portrait in front of both.”
Chris Jericho, with the help from WWE, made a friend’s dream come true during the WWE live event in Melbourne, Australia yesterday.
Jericho met Daniel House at a Fozzy concert last year and later him and the band learned that House had a terminal cancer. They found him through social media and kept in touch with him.
When Daniel learned that Jericho and the WWE crew were coming to Australia, he asked for a favor – to propose to his girlfriend in the ring. Jericho ran the idea by Triple H who gave the green light to pull the surprise in front of the WWE fans.
“The best part of all was as soon as he asked the question, 15,000 fans starting chanting ‘Yes!’ which is pretty cool,” Jericho told WWE.COM.
Daniel was given just three months to live last January but he’s still defying the odds. “He became an inspiration. Not only is he a Fozzy fan, but he’s a big WWE fan and a big Chris Jericho fan,” Jericho said.
W-O reader Geoffrey McGee attended the live WWE event in Sydney, Australia, today and sent in the following results:
Rob Van Dam won a battle royal and earned a shot for the Intercontinental title later in the show. Other participants included the Usos, Fandango, Bo Dallas, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, Diego, Erick Rowan, and Luke Harper; Emma and Nikki Bella defeated Layla and Alicia Fox; Sheamus defeated Cesaro; The Usos defeated Erick Rowan and Luke Harper; The Miz defeated Rob Van Dam; Chris Jericho defeated Bray Wyatt; Roman Reigns defeated Kane in a street fight with Ric Flair as the referee.
Surrounded big King Mo, Rhino, Rockstar Spud, and EC3, Dixie Carter still managed to eat the table during last night’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
Bully Ray, Devon, and Tommy Dreamer interrupted Carter’s meltdown in the middle of the ring and Ray called her the most hated woman in pro wrestling history. After King Mo attacked Dreamer, Bully Ray and Devon cleaned house, leaving Carter alone in the ring with them.
The soon-to-be TNA Hall of Famers set up a table in the ring but Spud saved Carter before the rest of the TNA locker room blocked the ramp. Dreamer then picked up Carter and placed her back in the ring as the rest of the locker room surrounded the ring.
With Bully Ray sitting on the turnbuckle, Devon hoisted Carter up and Ray power bombed the TNA President right through the table in the middle of the ring as the fans inside the Manhattan Center exploded with cheers and massive TNA chants. Bully Ray just sat there with that look, a look we’ve seen before when he drove the late great Mae Young through a table years ago in WWE.
It was a great segment for TNA and looked even better on TV. You can see it all below.
Alberto Del Rio got fired from WWE yesterday for his unprofessional conduct after an incident with a WWE employee according to WWE.COM.
“WWE announced the release of Alberto Del Rio due to unprofessional conduct and an altercation with an employee,” read a short statement on the official WWE website. There was no usual good luck in future endeavors message which suggests that what happened was serious enough for the company to part ways on bad terms with Del Rio.
While nothing is confirmed why he was let go, rumors are that the incident happened backstage at Smackdown tapings on Tuesday where Del Rio slapped an employee who works for the social media department at WWE. Again, these are all rumors.
Del Rio signed with the WWE in 2009 and after spending a year at Florida Championship Wrestling he was promoted to the Smackdown brand, making his debut in June 2010. During his time in WWE, Del Rio won the WWE title twice, the World Heavyweight title twice, the Money In The Bank ladder match in 2011 and also was the 2011 Royal Rumble winner.
