WWE and NBC Universal signed a new multi-year deal that will keep Monday Night RAW on USA Network, Smackdown on SyFy and Total Divas on E! for the next few years. The announcement was made yesterday by Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President Talent, Live Events & Creative, from the stage at the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment upfront presentation at the Javitz Center in New York.
“USA Network President Chris McCumber, Syfy President Dave Howe and I are incredibly pleased to renew this strategic partnership with WWE,” said NBCUniversal Cable Chairman Bonnie Hammer. “In today’s TV landscape, live event programming is an extraordinarily valuable asset, and WWE remains the only entertainment franchise that consistently delivers this on a 52-week a year basis. We look forward to bringing WWE’s action-packed and unique brand of drama to the wide audiences across our cable networks for many years to come.”
WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon said that they are proud to continue their long-standing partnership with NBCUniversal. “We are excited about our future as we further the reach and popularity of our live, family-friendly entertainment programming 52 weeks a year.”
In this new deal, WWE will continue to work with Bunim-Murray Productions to produce Total Divas for E! which will go into its third season later this year.
The announcement ends months of speculation as to where WWE TV would land after the current deal was about to expire later this year. Unlike previous years, WWE made it a point that all TV licenses expire at the same time so they can negotiate a better package for all their shows at the same time.
Talks between WWE and NBC Universal came to a halt in February when their exclusive window expired and WWE started talking to other networks. NBC Universal still had the right to match any offer and keep WWE on their network if someone else made a competing bid.
Current WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan underwent successful neck surgery today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under the care of Dr. Joseph Maroon, WWE’s Medical Director.
WWE.COM said in an update that Bryan underwent a procedure known as a cervical foraminotomy to decompress the nerve root. Bryan is already out of surgery and will be released from the hospital in the next few days to start rehab.
According to Houston’s Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine website, the surgery involves an incision down the middle of the back of the neck where the skin and soft tissues are then separated on the side where the spinal nerves are compressed. The inside edge of the facet joint is then shaved to relieve tension and pressure off the nerve root.
For normal people they get back to light work by four weeks and are allowed to drive within two weeks max however people who do heavier work and sports can expect around two to three months out.
The state of the WWE World Heavyweight title will be announced on RAW this Monday and if Bryan will be out for up to three months you can safely say that he would be stripped off his belts.
Variety is reporting that the new TV deal between WWE and NBC Universal is being finalized however as of this morning the new contract has not yet officially been signed but sources close to the talks said it should be imminent.
Unlike other reports, Variety, citing their own sources, say that WWE were indeed be able to double their fees for the shows – RAW, Smackdown, and Total Divas. With so many conflicting information and lack of comment from both WWE and NBC Universal, the real deal still remains in the dark.
Variety adds that one option which kept both sides dealing about was the terms of when episodes of the shows would be available on tablets and smartphones and when they would be able to be rebroadcast on the WWE Network.
Just like yesterday, WWE stocks rose over 3% at time of this writing with investors encouraged by the news.
Brie and Nikki Bella are currently in New York to participate at the NBC Universal Upfronts event which is being held at the Javits Center.
Their appearance, tied to E! and their show Total Divas, will surely confirm rumors that WWE is staying with NBC Universal with their new television deal as it would have made no sense to send anyone to promote a show that would not be airing on NBC Universal properties next season. The current season of Total Divas ends in two weeks.
The current deal expires on October 1 and WWE can move to a new network then although yesterday several analysts basically confirmed that WWE is sticking with NBC Universal in a new deal that is just a few more than the current $140 million deal they have. WWE was hoping to double that amount but it looks like no other network decided to shell out that kind of money because NBC had the right to match any offer and keep WWE on its network even after their exclusive window expired.
One third of The Shield, Roman Reigns, suffered a nasty cut above his right eye last night during his match against Randy Orton inside a steel cage. The match between the two headlined the Glasgow, Scotland, opening show of the WrestleMania Revenge Tour in Europe.
“Good story behind this..” Reigns wrote on his Twitter, also attaching a photo of the injury which you can see at http://pic.twitter.com/0aIdX3IGzq. (Warning: Graphic content) The injury occured during the end of the match when the two collided with each other. The match ended when Reigns speared Orton and covered for the pin following interference from Ryback and Curtis Axel as well as Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.
Considering how bad the cut is it would not be surprising that WWE keeps Reigns out for a few days, if not more.
Rumors of the imminent deal announcement of WWE’s new TV contract sent WWE stocks up over 5% today, hitting $19.90 a piece at one point in late-day trading.
WWE is currently receiving $140 million for TV rights from NBC Universal, a figure which WWE is trying to double under a new deal. However according to several analysts it will be near impossible for WWE to get double and some industry insiders today are reporting that sources close to the negotiations say that the new deal – also with NBC Universal – is only increasing by a few million. This is nowhere near WWE’s expectations and the company was being very bullish about what they could get from a new deal.
WWE was banking on its lucrative television shows in hoping to get more money similar to what other sports leagues such as the NFL, NHL, MLS, and others get for their TV rights. While WWE does pretty good ratings in the important 18-34 demographic, advertisers pay much less to advertise during a wrestling show versus let’s say a football game. Under the current deal, WWE gets no money from advertising and everything goes to NBC Universal.
WWE broke off talks with NBC Universal in February and started negotiating with other television networks after NBCU and WWE did not come to an agreement. NBCU still has the right to match any offer WWE gets to keep the programming on its properties.
W-O reader John Parkin sent in word that WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart is getting his own Simpsons-style action figure next month.
Announced by NECA – The National Entertainment Collectibles Association – two days ago, Bret Hart is joining Penn & Teller, Stephen King, Leonard Nimroy, and R.E.M., as the latest “Simpsonized” versions of celebrity guest stars.
Hart appeared in the episode titled “The Old Man And The Lisa” which originally aired on April 20, 1997, and WWE put Bret and Bart Simpson on the cover of the then WWF Magazine with the two standing side by side and Bart decked out in “Hit Man” gear.
NASHVILLE – Global Force Wrestling will hit the road for its first official talent search and seminar, which will take place on June 1 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
GFW CEO and founder Jeff Jarrett knows well the great tradition of pro wrestling in Canada and the number of top stars the country has produced. He and Owen Hart of the legendary Hart Family were WWE tag team champions, and several Canadian stars made names for themselves while in Jarrett’s TNA promotion.
The seminar also will reunite Jarrett with renowned pro wrestling trainer Scott D’Amore, who will help conduct the event at the North American Sports and Hobby Expo inside the WFCU Centre. D’Amore brought Team Canada to TNA, and he also trained such current indie wrestling superstars as Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Petey Williams, Rhino and Tyson Dux.
“Professional wrestling is part of the DNA of Canada,” Jarrett said. “It felt like a natural not only to have our first official talent search there but to have it under the tutelage of Scott D’Amore, a longtime friend and as knowledgeable as anyone when it comes to discovering and fostering talent.
“Coupled with our partnership with Mexico’s AAA promotion, this is another key step in establishing the reach of Global Force Wrestling.”
Jarrett and D’Amore will evaluate the wrestlers in attendance as they engage in brief matches and cut promos.
“It’s an honor to have Global Force Wrestling bring its first talent search to my hometown,” D’Amore said. “Jeff Jarrett is a third-generation promoter, and he knows what he wants. He’s going to have high expectations. I know he will be relentless in his pursuit in finding the best undiscovered talent in the world.”
Wrestlers interested in attending the seminar should check globalforcewrestling.com/seminar for complete details.
Just like it was a bad week for RAW, it was an even worse week for Total Divas as episode eight of the series drew its lowest rating ever over the two seasons so far.
Titled “Red and Gold” and mainly covering Eva Marie’s and Summer Rae’s fallout, the show drew just 750,000 viewers, down from last week’s 960,000.
Prior to episode 8 of season 2, episode 11 of season 1 was the lowest rated show ever with 920,000 viewers.
Monday Night RAW barely passed the 4 million viewer mark this week getting only an average of 4,006,000 viewers for the three hour show, down over quarter of a million viewers from the previous week.
Hour one did 3,810,000 viewers, then went up to 4,251,000 in the second hour before going back down to 3,957,000 in the third and final hour. This was the least watched RAW since the December 23, 2013 edition. (Ratings credit: PWinsider.com)
The state of the WWE World Heavyweight title will be addressed on Monday Night RAW next week which airs on tape delay from London, England.
Daniel Bryan is not making the trip as he is scheduled to undergo neck surgery tomorrow, surgery which he himself announced to be having this week on RAW. This will be the second time since WrestleMania that the WWE champ will not appearing on the company’s flagship show.
Bryan was given time off to go on his honeymoon the week after Mania and then returned the following week in only the opening segment before leaving the show due to his father’s death.
No exact time frame was given for his return although some suggested he could be back for the Money In The Bank pay-per-view.
Two more talent from TNA Wrestling have left the company after their contracts were not renewed. These are Kazarian and Hernandez.
Kazarian joined TNA in 2003 where he wrestled there till 2005 before he joined WWE for a short period prior to going back to TNA in 2006. He has remained with the company since then, also wrestling under a mask as Suicide. He has won the TNA X division title five times and the TNA Tag Team titles twice during his time there.
Hernandez also made his TNA debut in 2003, staying there for a year before leaving and returning again in the beginning of 2006 as part of LAX. Just like Kazarian, he remained with the company since returning in 2006. In TNA, Hernandez won the NWA Tag Team titles twice and the TNA Tag Team titles five times.
WWE kicks off its yearly WrestleMania Revenge Tour in Europe tomorrow, visiting a total of 11 countries for 20 shows in 11 days.
The tour starts on May 14 in Glasgow, Scotland, at the SSE Hydro. On May 15, WWE visits the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England, and the Palalottomatica in Rome, Italy. On May 16 it’s one show at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England, and in Turin, Italy, at the Palaolimpico. On the 17th it’s off to the Nottingham Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England, and the Olympiahalle Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria. On May 18 it’s one show at the NIA Arena in Birmingham, England, and one in Cardiff, Wales, at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena.
The next week starts with RAW tapings at The O2 Arena in London, England, on May 19, and then Smackdown tapings on the 20th also at The O2 Arena. Another show will be held on the 20th at the Sheffield Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England.
On May 21 there’s a show at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and another at the Puebco Pavele Arena in Orchles, France. On May 22 it’s off to The O2 Arena in Dublin, Ireland, and at the Country Hall Liege in Liege, Belgium. On Friday, May 23, WWE goes to Germany at the Koenlg-Pilsner Arena in Oberhausen, and then another show in France at Zenith de Strasbourg in Strasbourg. On May 24, the final day of the tour, there’s a show at the Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and one at The O2 World Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
On Sunday all WWE Superstars, Divas, and crew head back home with a flight to Knoxville, Tennessee, in preparation for Monday’s RAW.
After being demolished by Evolution last week on both Raw and Smackdown, how will The Shield rebound tonight?
Kane seemed to spook the living daylights out of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan and his wife, Brie Bella. Will Bryan gain a measure of revenge, and what match between these two will this lead to next?
Adam Rose debuted … and well, that was it. I was expecting a lot more from him, so hopefully they have him step-it-up tonight.
The Wyatt Family continue to make havoc for John Cena and his young fans. What is their next move to get inside the mind of the “Cenation?”
Speaking of rebounding, let’s hope Raw overall is much better than last week! To find out, read on below!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for May 12th, 2014 – “Believe In Retribution”
Introduction Segment: Video Recap
A montage of the above mentioned Shield’s destruction is aired.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
The Shield are already in the ring as Michael Cole welcomes us to Raw. Dean Ambrose has the microphone first, and claims that last week’s butt-kicking was something we won’t see very often. Ambrose says that they don’t stay down and “want Evolution!” Seth Rollins declares “we are not running from Evolution; we are running TO Evolution! And if they accept our challenge for a rematch, we will run THROUGH Evolution!” Rollins puts the other trio as good, being three former World Champions, but proclaims that they “were good.” “You can’t evolve into what it takes to beat The Shield.” Reigns takes the stick and glares harshly into the camera. “A week ago, you victimised my brothers. A week ago, you ambushed me, you bloodied me, you R.K.O.-ed me, you Pedigreed me, and you triple-powerbombed me. And all of that made me realize, is that all you got? Because if it is, you have a serious problem.” Roman threatens that The Shield and him will “teach them to believe in The Shield,” and “believe in me.”
A limousine is shown on the Titantron arriving to the building and out walks Triple H. The Shield immediately hall to the back, where we see HHH signing papers with Randy Orton and Batista. They walk through the garage and are jumped by “The Hounds Of Justice.” Agents and referees break up the brawl, separating the two factions.
Back in the arena, Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and John “Bradshaw” Layfield are shown, as Cole announces a Six-Man Tag-Team match, featuring John Cena and Tag-Team Champions The Usos taking on The Wyatt Family. (Which we just saw on Smackdown!)
Rob Van Dam makes his entrance for the first match after the break.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – Rob Van Dam VS. Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
Prior to this contest, Zeb Colter cuts a promo on his Deportation List. He reminds us of how Adam Rose debuted and interrupted him last week. Colter incorrectly calls Rose an Englishman (he’s South African), then threatens Rose to “keep your distance.”
Before this gets started, the party approaches the stage and out dances Adam Rose. Swagger tries to take a shot, but Adam backs off the ropes onto his posse and is body-surfed around the ring. Jack is too distracted, so he eats a kick from Van Dam, followed by a Five-Star Frogsplash for the quick victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Rob Van Dam
Post-match, Rose and his party-people exit, along with Van Dam who seems pleased with them.
Segment #3: Video Promo
Clips and an interview with Divas Champion Paige is aired, to help continue to put her over on international television.
She is in a match after the break!
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Segment #4: Video Promo
Another “Bo-Lieve” inspiration airs, comparing a bird with trust.
Match #2: Single – Alicia Fox VS. Divas Champion Paige (Non-Title)
Before this gets underway, Alicia has some words for Paige. She puts down the newcomer, then quickly slaps her. Fox is all over Paige early with kicks and knees, before the bell even rings. Alicia gives Paige a vicious backbreaker, sending her to the floor and ramming her against the apron.
Fox gets a near-fall after a Northern-Light Suplex, then clamps on a grounding rear chinlock. Paige is slammed to the canvas, then spun around with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. 1 – 2 – Paige gets her shoulder up! Fox now stretches the Divas Champ in a surfboard submission, then plants her facedown.
Paige battles out and suddenly hits the Paige-Turner for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Divas Champion Paige
Post-match, Alicia goes crazy, dismantling the announce table and pouring water all over herself. She slaps a ringside man, then steals J.B.L.’s hat and walks to the back with it!
Video recap of Kane psychologically torturing WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella is shown, and he will be out next to talk to the fans.
Commercials.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan has called his journey over the last 10 months an “uphill battle.” He lists the various people that have tried to stand in his way, but also cites the fans as well as himself as the real people who “beat the odds.”
Daniel starts talking about how he has “paid that price with my body,” and stunningly, Bryan announces that he has to have neck surgery this week, and is not sure how long he will be out of action. Daniel is determined to make a return from it, and leads the crowd in a “yes, yes, yes” chant.
(This is a shock – for real, or storyline?)
Segment #6: Video Recap
Mixed footage from Extreme Rules, plus both John Cena’s and Bray Wyatt’s recent promos, is shown to remind us of their ongoing rivalry.
Up next, these guys will tangle in Six-Man action!
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Match #3: Six-Man Tag-Team – John Cena and Tag-Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) VS. The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Erik Rowan, and Luke Harper) (Non-Title)
Luke and Jey begin with Harper backing Jey into the corner. He whips him hard into the opposite one, but Jey counters with a big boot and roll-up for two! Jey slaps away, then leaps off the ropes with a clothesline. Harper comes back with a running dropkick, then switches with Rowan. He catches Jey in a scoop-slam, then tags in Bray who stomps away. Harper back in and elbows Jey in the corner. Jey ducks a running clothesline and gets the hot-tag to his brother, who is all over Luke.
Jimmy takes down Harper with a Samoan Drop, then hurls off the turnbuckle with a corkscrew senton. Wyatt distracts Jimmy, allowing Harper to capitalize with a big boot. Bray back in to work over Jimmy. Luke is switched in and alligator-rolls Jummy around the ring, then tags in Rowan who drops a knee and backbreaker.
Jimmy tries a comeback against Bray, but is overtaken quickly with a splash. Jimmy manages a jumping calf-kick off the ropes, allowing himself the hot-tag to John Cena! He comes in and takes out Rowan, then punches Luke down. Cena attempts an A.A. on Erik, but Rowan wiggles out of it and is tossed over the top rope. Harper slams Cena face-first, but is taken down with a soaring crossbody by Jey, who gets slammed by Bray. Jimmy comes in and gives Wyatt an Enziguri-like move, until Rowan takes him out.
Cena comes in and traps Erik in the S.T.F., but Bray breaks it up with a running senton. He sets up Cena for Sister Abigail, but is super-kicked twice by the Usos. The brothers follow up with another double-superkick on Harper, then hurdle themselves over the ropes onto Bray and Luke!
In the ring, Cena finishes this off with the Attitude Adjustment on Rowan!
Winners via Pinfall: John Cena and Tag-Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)
Post-match, Bray has the mike and calls for John. “I wanted to say ‘thank you.’ Thank you. John Cena, for helping me realize FINALLY what I must do. Thank you, John. And follow the buzzards!”
Commercials.
Segment #7: Arena Promo
Evolution make their entrance, then Randy Orton talks first. He just wants to go at it with The Shield, no holds barred. “It is time to put ‘The Hounds Of Justice’ to sleep.” Batista yells he has “had enough.” Triple H concurs, and gives The Shield a rematch at Payback on June 1. He warns, “we will take you apart, one-by-one.” HHH threatens each member of The Shield, particular Roman Reigns. “Roman Reigns, you will fail to adapt, and at Payback, you will…”
Suddenly, The Shield attack Evolution from behind and engage in another fist-a-cuffs. Evolution retreats to the stage, where Batista challenges Reigns to a match tonight!
Ads.
Match #4: Single – Nikki Bella VS. Natalya
Elbow/collar tie-up, with Natalya flipping Nikkie over with a fireman’s carry. Nikki flips over Natalya back, then catches a kick. Natalya rolls through and locks on a bow-and-arrow/deathlock submission. She knees Nikki repeatedly in the corner, but Bella comes back with a springboard knee! 1 – 2 – Natalya kicks out!
They slap each other until Natalya catches Nikki in an abdominal stretch. Nikki elbows out and turns it around on her. Natalya gets out of it and tosses Nikki into the ropes, but Nikki tripes her up into the ropes and smashes her head against the mat. They shove each other back an forth, then trade roll-ups/pin combos for two a piece. Nikki reverses a victory roll try from Natalya into a pin and the win!
Winner via Pinfall: Nikki Bella
Post-match, Natalya confronts the other Divas (Eva Marie, Brie, and The Funakadactyls) on their “grading” of this match.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – Curtis Axel (with Ryback) VS. United States Champion Sheamus (Non-Title)
Lockup to begin, with Sheamus taking Axel down with a side headlock. Sheamus dominates for a bit, but Axel fires back with a dropkick. He yanks Sheamus off the top rope, and drops him with a neckbreaker t of the corner. 1 – 2 – Sheamus gets the shoulder up!
Axel tries for the Perfect Plex, but is eventually caught in the Cloverleaf submission and taps!
Winner via Submission: United States Champion Sheamus
Post-match, Ryback quickly assaults Sheamus, but the Irishman gets back up and answers the call.
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Match #6: Single – Ryback VS. United States Champion Sheamus (Non-Title)
Ryback is in control as we come back, and dominates early for a while. He scoop-slams Sheamus but misses a splash. Sheamus slugs away in the corner and hops out of a powerbomb attempt. He nails Ryback with a shoulder-ram and running knee, then hits him with the “10 Beats Of The Bowron” against he ropes!
Ryback catches Sheamus off a Battering Ram attempt, and drives him down with a modified jawbreaker. Ryback winds up for the Meathook Clothesline, but Sheamus counters into his White Noise Drop! 1 – 2 – kickout! Sheamus is shoved into the corner and driven down with a spinebuster for two!
Sheamus elbows and boots out of the corner, then gives Ryback a running powerslam and gets a near-fall! Sheamus gears up, pounding his chest, but is distracted by Curtis and turns around into a Meathook Clothesline. Ryback picks him up in the Shellshock position, but Sheamsu drops out of it and nails the Brogue Kick, subsequently covering for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: United States Champion Sheamus
Commercials.
Segment #8: Arena Promo
Principal Owner Stephanie McMahon is out and talks about WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan. She says his impending neck surgery depicts her theory that he is not an “A+ Player.” She put him down for not being able to live up to expectation, and requests him to meet her in the ring.
Bryan obliges, with help from Kane, who has assaulted and dragged him to the stage. An out-cold WWE World Heavyweight Champion lay on the metal as medical technicians, referees, agents, and Brie Bella stretcher him. Stephanie walks up and asks about his condition.
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Segment #9: Backstage Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan is being placed in a ambulance, while Stephanie McMahon repeats that she is “so sorry.” Brie stares her down, shoves her, and orders her to “stay away,” before getting into the ambulance.
Match #7: Single – “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler VS. Fandango (with Layla)
Elbow/collar tie-up and waistlock by Fandango gains the quick advantage, but Dolph comes back with a shoulder block off the ropes. Fandango armdrags Ziggler a couple of times, then poses to taunt Dolph. He tosses Ziggler over the ropes and dances more in the ring. Fandango delivers an uppercut and chokes Dolph on the middle rope, then hits a quick snap-suplex for two. He wears Ziggler down with a grounding rear chinlock, but Dolph fights out of it with a jawbreaker.
Dolph splashes Fandango in the corner, then follows with ten-punches and a neckbreaker. He misses the Fameasser and is planted with a turn-around suplex! 1 – 2 – Ziggler kicks out! Fandango ascends the turnbuckle but misses, with Ziggler following up with the Fameasser for a close-call!
Layla hops the apron and argues with Dolph, allowing Fandango to hit him with a spinning heel kick. 1 – 2 – Ziggler gets the shoulder up! Layla gets tripped up in the apron curtain (not sure if for real or planned), and Ziggler capitalizes with the Zig-Zag neckbreaker drop to take this one!
Winner via Pinfall: “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler
Post-match, Fandango praises Layla for being with him. “Because no woman has made me feel the way you make me feel. When you’re in my arms, it feels like the world disappears then reappears. Dolph may have won, but you, you have won something much more valuable – my heart. Layla, I love you.” The two make-out to solidify their romance.
Commercials.
Segment #10: Arena Promo
WWE Hall-Of-Famer “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is now out. He quickly plugs Legends House and the WWE Network, before being cut-off by the “Ravishing Russian,” Lana.
She rips Duggan for symbolizing America. “Just like England, your empire crumbles and you’re the laughing stock of the world.” Loud “U.S.A.” chants drown out Lana for a bit, then goes back to worshipping Alexander Rusev and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Duggan gets a another loud “U.S.A.” chant going, then Lana brings out “The Super Athlete.” He marches down to the ring while Lana gives Duggan once chance “to beg for mercy.” She orders Alexander to “crush,” but Big E. runs out for the save. Rusev quickly gets the better of the former Intercontinental Champion booting him out of the ring. Duggan helps collect Big E. on the floor as Rusev and Lana stand tall in the ring.
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Match #7: Single – Damien Sandow VS. Cody Rhodes (with Goldust)
Prior to the bout, Sandow tries to cut a promo like C.M. Punk and vent his frustration, but is soon stopped by The Rhodes Brother’s music.
The bell rings and Cody trips up Sandow out of a waistlock. He gets a one-count out of a corner sunset-flip, but is tripped up. Damien pounds away on Cody with stomps and brings him over with a snap suplex. He presses Cody against the middle rope with a running hip, then drops the Elbow Of Distain, but Rhodes moves.
Sandow catches him and hammers away against the apron, but Cody punches out of a headlock. He hits a springboard front-dropkick, then kicks Damien in the gut. Cody sets up for CrossRhodes, but Damien snapmares him over to counter.
Cody takes a quick way out by giving Sandow a poke in the eye, as Goldust distracted the referee. Rhodes hits the Disaster Kick and 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Cody Rhodes (with Goldust)
Up next, it’s the main event!
Commercials.
Segment #11: Video Promo
“Your actions don’t surprise me anymore, John,” Bray begins. “You’re so human, and all humans are flawed. It is their ignorance, and their greed, and their lust for power, that prevents them from thriving in this paradise like they’re supposed to. They’ve become parasites. You’re no different, John. You’re just like them, you’re all the same. Your boundless narcissism keeps leading you right to me, John; and where will this fairytale of ours end? Will your mighty hero return home with the head of the beast, and so that he hang it on his mantle and brag to all his friends about how brave he fought? Or is this the time, John, the beast was waiting for you? Last week you said John, that you would ‘never give up,’ even if it meant that you would be the ‘last man standing.’ I like that very much, because at Payback, I’d really like to put your little theory to the test. Because where mountains crumble, I will stand. Where oceans boil, there I will stand. And when everything burns down around you, John, there I will be standing. How far will you go to take this devil down? He’s got the whole world in his hands, he’s got the whole world in his hands. Burn.”
Roman Reigns makes his entrance with his Shield partners for his match, next!
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It is announced that John Cena will answer Bray’s challenge this week on Smackdown!
Match #8: Single – Roman Reigns (with The Shield partners Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins) VS. Batista (with Evolution partners Randy Orton and Triple H)
Batista tries to take down Reigns by the legs right away, but he doesn’t go down. Batista shoves Roman into the corner and shoulder-rams him repeatedly, but Reigns turns it around and does the same. It spills to the outside, where the ram each other off the barricade; then Roman slams Batista’s head on the steel steps.
Reigns already goes for the Superman Punch, but misses and eats top turnbuckle. Batista clotheslines Roman in the corner, then throws him shoulder-first into the ring post. Reigns comes back with a harsh clothesline out of the corner, then both Orton and Triple H hop the apron. Batista and Reigns slug it out, with Roman getting the better.
Reigns wants to dropkick Batista on the outside but HHH and Orton block him, until Ambrose and Rollins give them suicide dives! Reigns manages the dropkick, but is pulled out and setup for the Pedigree. Rollins dives over to save him, and Charles Robinson, the referee, calls for the bell.
Winner: No Contest due to Referee Stoppage
Post-match, The Shield begin to surround Evolution until Stephanie appears on stage and has a bunch of the roster run out. They all beat down The Shield, particularly Reigns.
They hold him up as Triple H takes a swing with a chair, but Roman breaks through and Spears “The Game!” Rollins and Ambrose fire back too with chairs, front-DDTing Fandango on a chair, and Rollins Curb-Stomps Axel on the chair! Roman nails the Superman Punch on Slater, then Spears Ryback! The Shield surround him and triple-powerbomb Ryback!
Evolution look on from the aisle, as The Shield taunt them to come get them to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was a much better Raw, all-around. Truly enjoyed more than last week, with only a few quirks to put in the negative column. Onto the analysis:
Excellence: Hotter start than last week, and love the no-nonsense attitude of both The Shield and Evolution. This is starting to remind me of the old WCW vs. NWO feud of the 90s, only a bit better because it’s just really 6 main guys involved, not every single employee World Championship Wrestling had to offer!
Glad to see both Tag-Team Champions The Usos and Divas Champion Paige back. As champions, they should be on every show; whether it’s a match or promo, make an appearance to put yourself over as a titleholder. Decent match too with Alicia that Paige had, and loved the Six-Man between Wyatts/Usos/Cena.
Liked both Lana’s promo and the entire segment with Rusev/Duggan/Big E. this could be a good first real feud for Alexander, and Big E. matches (yes, pun-intended) up well!
Great physical back-and-forth (surprisingly too!) between Ryback and U.S. Champ Sheamus. I’d be fine if these two engage in a feud for the Championship. Same with Sandow/Rhodes (although, that should be a one-off – it was just a good match), and even Fandango/Ziggler.
As always, Bray Wyatt can do no wrong when giving a speech. Here’s to another superb oratory!
Bogus: Was disappointed again by Adam Rose. Not into his feud with Colter/Swagger, and so far, he is not living up to the hype. The man can wrestle great; he should’ve been doing that the last two weeks.
Where was Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett? For my reasons on why he should be on Raw, see commentary above on Divas Champ Paige and Tag-Team Champs The Usos.
Nikki/Natalya was just filler, and I don’t really care. Brie should not have been out there with the other Divas; that was after her husband’s shocking news, so she should’ve been kept to the back to play up her support. It seemed like nothing is wrong when she was at ringside for a meaningless Divas match.
Didn’t really get the post-match interaction between Fandango/Layla – also seemed pointless.
Uncertain: WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Bryan. I hope his neck surgery is just a storyline, but if it is for real, best wishes and blessings to him on a speedy recovery. Hopefully it is not extremely serious, and perhaps he can be back as quick as Kurt Angle was in 2003.
All in all, an improvement from seven days ago, so let’s keep it up! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
Current WWE World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan is undergoing neck surgery this Thursday and will be out of action for a couple of weeks.
Bryan announced the news during a segment on RAW last night and said that he would be back, with no mention on the state of the WWE World Heavyweight title.
The surgery is not major to keep him out for months and the belief is Bryan will be ready to go by the time Money In The Bank is on pay-per-view, with some even suggesting he’ll be good for the upcoming Payback pay-per-view, although that is pretty close since it is only two weeks away.
Bryan has had some rough times ever since becoming champion at WrestleMania XXX, first finding out that his father passed away when he was on his honeymoon and then his 8 year old friend Connor Michalek passed away from cancer two weeks later, and now getting news that he needs neck surgery.
This surgery will keep the champ out of the big European tour which kicks off tomorrow.
Variety is reporting that WWE Superstar Batista and former UFC champion Georges St. Pierre have been cast in the reboot of the 1989 movie Kickboxer.
The production house behind the movie will be shopping for a distributor at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. Stephen Fung will be directing the movie with Ted Field serving as producer.
The original movie had Jean-Claude Van Damme in the leading role and made over $14.5 million dollars off a $1.5 million budget.
NBC Universal will hold its upfront presentations tomorrow, Monday, May 12, and it might give a glimpse if WWE is featured in their upcoming plans or if they decided to pass on on WWE programming.
Unlike previous years, NBC will present their portfolio for all their TV properties at once, with an event held at the Javits Center in New York City.
Usually WWE always has a presence at these upfronts, sending their Superstars and Divas to mingle with other celebrities to promote WWE programming, all of which currently air on NBC Universal properties.
WWE is currently in negotiations for a renewal of all their shows and talks between the two companies ended at the end of February, with NBC still having the right to match any offer before WWE moves to a different network.
If no WWE presence is at the upfronts event it might mean that WWE is moving to a new network although nothing is for sure until WWE makes the announcement which is expected to be this month.
If WWE moves, the change will not happen until October 1.
Episode eight of Total Divas airs tonight on E! and is titled “Red And Gold.”
Tonight’s show will tackle problems between Eva Marie and Summer Rae, who are big friends, but somehow end up fighting after they are paired up in the ring. The preview also suggests that Ariane does something surprising for fame.
After this episode, only three more remain with the big finale about WrestleMania and the Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella wedding.
Jim Ross announced that he will be doing boxing commentary for Fox Sports 1 on Memorial Day.
The May 26 event will be a Golden Boy Promotions special saluting the men and women of the Armed Forces with a Golden Boy Live! show at Fort Bliss’ Stout Fitness Center in El Paso, Texas.
The show will be headlined by Nicaragua’s Rene Alvarado defending his WBC Silver Featherweight Title against Texas native Rocky Juarez.
Ross already has a working relationship with FoxSports.com where he writes stories for the website.
Just like his Steve Austin and Jim Cornette surprises at his Ringside shows in New Orleans, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross pulled another surprise from his bag of tricks at his Ringside show in Toronto yesterday.
Toronto’s own and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus joined Ross for a segment of his speaking event much to the enjoyment of the crowd. The show was held at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall.
On her Twitter Stratus also posted a photo of Ross, herself, and former WWE Canada President Carl DeMarco, who for 15 years worked for WWE and was very instrumental when it came to WWE doing business in Canada and other countries.
