Despite a court order to take down the Hulk Hogan sex tape and anything else associated with it from Gawker.com, John Cook, the editor at Gawker.com said that they will not take down all of the Hogan sex tape post.
“The order to remove the purely editorial work of a Gawker staffer describing what he had seen—no matter how frivolous or dumb or salacious—is plainly unconstitutional,” Cook wrote on the website. “The order to take down the video was mistaken, but it’s a far different thing than barring a reporter from writing true things about what he’d watched.”
The report in question is a 1,400-narrative of the video written by a former Gawker editor as well as the 466 comments that users submitted in reply to the post.
Cook said that they are appealing the decision, and they have removed the video itself, however, to remove the text “is grossly unconstitutional” and they would not be taking it down.
You can read the full transcript of the hearing and Gawker’s side of the story at http://bit.ly/17nbJLN
The number one contender for the UFC Light Heavyweight title Chael Sonnen revealed in an interview with MMAFighting.com that CM Punk will be at UFC 159 tomorrow night in New Jersey.
“He will be here Saturday. He will be in the locker room. I don’t believe he’s be part of the walk-out…he’s welcome to,” Sonnen told Ariel Helwani.
Sonnen said that Punk will be there for “encouragement” and added that Dana White gave the former WWE champion “one of the best seats in the house,” sitting cage side.
Punk was going to walk out with Sonnen at the UFC on FOX show back in January 2012 however Vince McMahon pulled Punk from doing the appearance.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Hulk Hogan finally scored one – partial – victory in his lawsuit against Gawker over the publishing of his sex tape.
A judge at a hearing yesterday in a Florida state court has granted the Hulkster’s request for a temporary restraining order against Gawker, and now the website has to pull the video from the page as well as hand over all versions and copies of the full-length sex tape and all other clips, photos, and transcripts they have in possession.
Hogan filed the $100 million lawsuit in October of last year but so far has lost every battle round in court against the website after a previous judge pointed to the First Amendment, saying that Gawker’s publishing of the video was “in conjunction with the news reporting function.”
Initially Hogan filed a federal lawsuit but then dropped it to re-file it in state court, with Judge Pamela Campbell of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, agreeing with the former WWE and WCW champion.
The lawsuit is far from over however at least Hogan’s bare butt will not be online anymore, at least not on Gawker’s website.
TNA has hired WWE veteran Rafael Morffi who will be helping out with the TNA live events following the departure of two key officials from the company.
The news was delivered by Eric Bischoff, who welcomed Morffi with a message on his Twitter account.
“Big welcome to Rafael Morffi to the team. Worked with him at WWE while I was there and looking forward to working with him again!”
Morffi worked for WWE for 12 years and served as Senior Director of Live Event Marketing, in charge of overall local marketing and ticket sales campaign for all WWE live events worldwide. He also managed all promotions of WWE live events in the NY Tri-State area and helped promote WWE’s first live events in China and Brazil.
He left WWE in August 2012 and since his departure he has been the project advisor for the major advocacy campaign “Bring MLS to Queens.”
TNA has launched the Knockouts stand alone website today featuring nine of the sexiest and talented females in professional wrestling.
The “dare to be” inspired website showcases Christy Hemme, Taryn Terrell, Miss Tessmacher, Gail Kim, Tara, Mickie James, ODB, SoCal Val, and Velvet Sky, with some pretty smoking hot photo galleries and information on the Knockouts.
The world premiere of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 movie was held yesterday at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, and former WWE champion CM Punk was one of the guests invited.
Punk – accompanied by his beautiful girlfriend and former WWE Diva Lita – joined Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Kingsley, Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Don Cheadle, and other Hollywood big shots on the red carpet.
You can check out two photos of the two at the premiere below. Hey, you don’t often see Lita in a dress and high heels!
WWE issued a press release today announcing that WrestleMania 29 grossed in excess of $72 million, the highest grossing event in WWE history.
The press release also revealed that the show will once again exceed 1 million global pay-per-view buys although it’s not expected to surpass last year’s show. WrestleMania 29 will make more pay-per-view revenue however as it cost $5 more than last year.
80,676 fans from all 50 states and 34 countries jam-packed the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on April 7 for WrestleMania, making it the second highest attended WrestleMania in history behind WrestleMania III.
Michael Bay said he was joking when he said that Dwayne Johnson needs to grow up and stop wrestling 300lbs men.
“Wrestling fans, it was a joke,” Bay said referring to the comments he said on Entertainment Tonight. “The most important person to see the on-air joke was Dwayne.”
Bay said that he loves watching The Rock wrestle and he hopes the former WWE champion wrestles for 10 more years.
“I joked on air because Dwayne was not at our LA premiere due to his injury,” the Pain & Gain director added.
Earlier in the day, The Rock responded to Bay’s joke about stopping wrestling 300lbs men on Twitter.
“I agree. I’ll switch to women,” Rock said.
You can see the video of Michael Bay making the comments about The Rock needing to grow up below.
TNA Wrestling announced that IMPACT will be coming to Hulk Hogan’s home town of Tampa, Florida, for two tapings on Thursday, May 23.
IMPACT will be airing live from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa and the announcement was made by USF’s newest head football coach Willie Taggart and the General Manager of the USF Sun Dome Trent Merritt at the Hogan’s Beach restaurant. TNA Superstar Magnus was also at the press conference along with the Hulkster.
“I’m thrilled to help bring IMPACT WRESTLING to my home town,” said Hogan. “You’re going to see the very best in wrestling, right here in Tampa.”
At the end of the press conference, Hogan presented Taggart with a TNA replica championship belt. Aces & Eights also showed up to spoil the party, arriving and leaving in jet skis and beating some people up.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at the USF Sun Dome box office and online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Monday Night RAW this week, which was taped and aired on delay from London, England, drew 4,400,000 viewers with a 3.1 rating.
Hour one drew 4,190,000 viewers, hour two did 4,650,000 viewers, and hour three did 4,360,000 viewers. The show overall did around 250,000 viewers more than the previous week. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
John Cena celebrated his birthday with a non-televised live event in Nottingham, England, yesterday, however some of the WWE Superstars had a surprise for him after the show was over.
After the last match and with Cena in the ring, Tons of Funk, Zack Ryder, R-Truth, Michael McGillicutty, Daniel Bryan, AJ, Tamina, Kaithlyn and referee Mike Chioda came down the ramp followed by Naomi and Cameron with a cake.
Cena smelled what was coming and told everyone to stop however Sweet T got the crowd to sing happy birthday to Cena and with everyone in the ring, Cena turned the cake on the Funkadactyls who were holding it.
Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes interrupted the party, slamming down the city of Notthingham and Cena as well. Cena put over the crowd and said he wants to go on a high note and asked Sandow for a simple handshake.
Sandow said since it’s his birthday, he will give him the honor and after the two shook hands, Cena dropped Sandow on the cake and then slammed Cody’s face in the cake as well.
R-Truth then held up the tray which carried the cake and Cena rammed both Sandow’s and Cody’s head in it to wrap up the show.
Just a basic take on a few things. Hit me up on Twitter @TheVertebreaker or georgebrazzel@gmail.com to share your opinions.
After watching WWE RAW last night, I kept asking myself certain questions… questions that, on the whole, were easy for me to answer.
I asked myself, and I quote: “How can we have RAW in the UK, and have Undertaker, Layla, and William (Steven, thanks King) Regal lose?” Well, I’d love to say “shock value”, but we all know that WWE Creative is and has been lacking in that department for awhile now.
Short and sweet: AJ is still the “it girl” of the moment (sorry Nikki, a.k.a. the bigger one), The Shield have to maintain credibility, and the Fandango push must go on.
That being said, there was an even easier question that came to mind last night, and this one I’m going to get some evil tweets about, I’m sure.
“Who would I want to back me up in a fight… Ryback or Foley?” Short answer – FOLEY.
I know, he had a chair… shows he’s not a total moron. In my opinion, and that’s what this is, Foley has few limits. Is he super strong? No. Incredible high flying ability and in-ring prowess? No. Ability to banter well with heels? Oh yeah, in spades dude. But that aside, he’s a genuine tough guy. He’s not the product of any fluff push to superstardom. He’s the real deal.
Ryback has had how many title shots in the past year? I’m going with too many. Hell, Ryback rivals John Cena in title shots lately. I’d love to see Foley ref the match at Extreme Rules between the two, which may be where this is heading (wink wink).
I am a bit bias when it comes to Foley. I’ve met him a few times out in public, and he always takes time out for the fans. Also, many moons ago, he had a gym down here in the Panhandle, and I was a proud member. That, and his wife looks amazing. Not sure what Ryback’s “lady” looks like, but I bet she’s inflatable. Lots of patches as well.
This brings me to John Cena… Super Cena, as is the latest.
Just about every guy between ages 18-34 wants Cena dethroned and flogged. Me, being somewhat over 34, have a different view.
I’ve addressed this before, and my views haven’t really changed. John Cena IS the WWE Superman It’s meant to be this way. In this age of PG television and astronomical t-shirt sales, why would WWE ever change him? Hell, my son conned me into buying that damn spinner U.S. Title belt a ways back. Hundreds of dollars for a piece of Cena nostalgia. He’s got cred with the kids.
All I want to say about this is that when I was growing up, I had Hogan. I wouldn’t change that for anything. I would love to think that my son looks up to a persona like Cena’s, as compared to some alternatives out there.
That being said, the flip side. Cena gets on my last freaking nerve sometimes. Always running his mouth about what the right thing to do is. I don’t blame guys for wanting to see him get the piss kicked out of him from time to time. He’s politically correct, he’s banging one of the Bellas, and he’s got the only gold in WWE that means anything.
When you got it all, damn near everyone wants you to fall on your ass. So, let the kids have their hero, and I’ll just blast him under my breath I guess. If he’s truly the next Hulkster, he’ll turn on the fans soon, start a cool faction that can’t stay heel, and retire out a face. Begs me to wonder, who would be his Kevin Nash?
Back to inflatable for a second, because it’s what I know. I love the ladies in the business. Some of them are so talented, and very unappreciated.
It’s nice to see Mickie James getting another shot at the Knockouts Title. TNA has some beautiful women on its roster, and they can take some bumps. I love the “Rear View”, by the way WWE. Solid move.
It just seems to me like TNA actually puts, I don’t know, THOUGHT into what it’s women’s title is. Now, I think Kaitlyn is cool, but AJ has draw right now. In TNA; Mickie, Tessmacher, Gail Kim, Velvet… they all can get over with the fans, and actually get a reaaction. The Divas have that with AJ and the Bellas. They need to use it more.
Random Thoughts:
Divas are getting their own “reality” show on E. I’m not sure if I should get excited about this or not. I love me some Divas, but this sounds like a financial trainwreck.
I agree with the point made in a previous column that the internet ruins the surprise of the prerecorded shows. Sucks really. Then again, most sites warn you of the spoiler posts, so just don’t read them.
Alberto del Rio seems nice, but I’d rather see him as a mid-carder. Maybe have him feuding with guys like Wade Barrett and Big E. Si?
I’m already missing CM Punk. in a big way. Please come back soon.
The Rock IS going to have surgery now. Not sure what the truth is behind the whole “rewrite” after he supposedly just bailed on RAW. Rock, please don’t come back soon. WWE can use that cash to pay the lower half of it’s Smackdown roster… for the next several years.
I am one of “those guys”. I miss the Attitude Era, in a big way. I want chairshots to the head, wardrobe malfunctions, and swearing on live TV. Good times, my friends…
WWE Network… debuts when now?
JBL likes to use the word IMPACT lately, a lot. Dixie thanks you.
My Ryback, I did make some rude comments about you, and maybe your choice in mating partners. I also gave away my general location. I will keep a folding chair by my front door. Have a nice day!
Hollywood director Michael Bay – the man behind films such as the Transformers franchise, Bad Boys, The Rock, and the new movie Pain & Gain – has told Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to “grow up” and forget WWE.
Johnson missed the Los Angeles premiere of his Pain & Gain movie due to the surgery he underwent to fix his abdominal tear and hernia, injuries he picked up at WrestleMania 29 in his match against John Cena.
“He was pushing it too hard,” said Michael Bay. “He needs to grow up and stop wrestling 300lbs men!”
Pain & Gain opens in theaters nationwide this week.
Raw is overseas tonight, as it emanates from London, England! What will go down in the historical royal country? I can definitely guarantee you an appearance from The Undertaker, as “The Deadman” will team up with Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell-No” to face The Shield! Also, what will the fallout be from Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns’ attack on WWE Champion John Cena, while Ryback stood at the ramp and did nothing last week?
Is Triple H going to respond to Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman’s challenge for Extreme Rules? And, what lies in store for World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, knowing he will now defend his championship in triple-threat match against Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger at Extreme Rules?
All this and much more, I’m sure, so read on!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for April 22nd, 2013 – “Hardcore Encouragement”
Introduction Segment: Recap and Arena Promo
The usual video recalling recent events on Raw that I mentioned in my preview air, then it cuts to Paul Heyman in the ring right off the bat.
He puts over Brock Lesnar annihilating 3.M.B. and then laying the match out for Extreme Rules. Heyman shows the footage. Paul E. teases Triple H’s response to their challenge, and then announces that “The Game” is not here this evening.
“I, much like every member of the WWE Universe, have been let down by Triple H.” He then reads an email from “The Cerebral Assassin” verbatim: “Paul, I’ve never run from a fight in my life. But due to my current injuries, I will give you my answer next week.”
Heyman calls him a “gutless coward” for not appearing live, despite himself offering to shake his hand and admire HHH. However, as always, this must be a lie, because “Time To Play The Game” blares the speakers of the 02 Arena, and Triple H walks out to a stunned Heyman!
Paul tries to fake him out, but HHH declares that he did what Heyman does best – lied! HHH accepts the Steel Cage match at Extreme Rules, then drops Heyman with a Pedigree!
Later tonight, Chris Jericho will take on World Heavyweight Champion “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler! (Sweet!)
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – R-Truth VS. Antonio Cesaro
Prior to the contest, R-Truth raps his way to the ring while Cesaro “yodels” down the ramp. Clips of Antonio losing the United States Championship to Kofi Kingston is shown. An elbow/collar tie-up begins as Cesaro forces Truth into the corner and kicks away. He nails an uppercut and harsh clothesline. (Note: And the fun begins – the crowd starts chanting “ole, ole, ole, ole!”)
Truth battles out of a grounding rear chinlock and rolls up Antonio quickly, the soon after plants him with a front-suplex facebuster. 1 – 2 – kickout by Cesaro! Truth split-ducks another clothesline and hits the Jumping Flatliner for the quick victory!
Winner via Pinfall: R-Truth
Segment #2: Arrival
Outside, a helicopter is landing and it is revealed to be “The Shield.” Rollins, Ambrose, and Reigns enter a jeep-like vehicle and drive off, presumably to the arena.
Brodus Clay, Sweet T., Naomi, and Cameron dance on out and perform for the fans now.
Ads.
Match #2: Single – “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay (with Sweet T. and “The Funkadactyls” Naomi and Cameron) VS. “The Intellectual Saviour of the Masses” Damien Sandow (with “Team Rhodes Scholars” partner Cody Rhodes)
Damien tries to clasp a standing headlock on, but Brodus shoves him into the corner. Sandow reacts with a quick punch and kicks in the corner, but Clay comes back again with headbutts and a large scoop slam.
He runs at Sandow in the corner but is cut off with a double-boot. Damien manages to bring Brodus down with a reverse facebuster, then delivers repeated knees to his head. He drops the “Elbow of Distain” for a two-count, then clamps on a grounding rear chinlock. Brodus pushes him back into the corner and clubs away. He whips Sandow into the opposite corner and follows with a splash. Cody distracts Brodus, allowing Damien to roll him up from behind for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: “The Intellectual Saviour Of The Masses” Damien Sandow (with “Team Rhodes Scholars” partner Cody Rhodes)
Michael Cole, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and Jerry “The King” Lawler discuss Dolph Ziggler’s World Heavyweight Title win two weeks ago in New Jersey, complete with replays.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
The World Heavyweight Champion and A.J. are ogling the World Title, when Supervising Manager Vickie Guerrero and her assistant Brad Maddox interrupt. She announces (and laughs along with) that if Ziggler loses to Chris Jericho tonight, then the triple-threat match at Extreme Rules will turn into a Fatal-4-Way for the Heavyweight Championship!
Commercials.
Cole, Lawler, and Bradshaw talk about C.M. Punk’s promo and subsequent walk out, also with footage.
Segment #4: Video Promo
The Shield declares that while The Undertaker had been the “judge, jury, and executioner” of the WWE for the last 20 years, tonight Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns will stop him. “The Shield is the wall. We are the ‘judge, jury, and executioner.’ We make the rules, we hand out the sentences,” proclaims Dean Ambrose. “You, your brother, and your little buddy Daniel Bryan, at your expense, we make our greatest statement. We own the night!” threatens Rollins. “For the first time in his entire ghoulish existence, The Undertaker will know what justice tastes like,” says Ambrose. “Believe in ‘The Shield,'” finishes off Reigns.
Ads.
Match #3: Chris Jericho VS. World Heavyweight Champion “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler (with A.J. and Big E. Langston)
(Note: Jericho made his entrance before the break) Lockup to begin the bout and Jericho takes Ziggler down with an armdrag. They measure up again and Jericho attempts a quick roll up. Side headlock takedown again by “Y2J,” but Dolph fights out and pushes down with a wristlock.
Jericho reverses that back into another headlock takedown, but Ziggler counters with a leg scissors, which Jericho uses the ropes to get out of and front dropkick him!
Off the ropes, Jericho comes with a shoulder block, but misses a clothesline as Ziggler goes to the outside and kisses A.J. for a break. Jericho takes advantage, nailing him with a baseball slide dropkick!
Commercials.
Back live, the World Heavyweight Champion is now in control with a neckbreaker for two! He jumps on Jericho with a high elbow drop for another two-count, and dives out of the way as Jericho ran at him in the corner. Jericho flips over the ropes and settles on the floor mats.
Ziggler rolls him in and covers for a near fall! Dolph “shows off” a bit then stiff-kicks him i
in the head. Jericho reverses another neckbreaker attempt into a backslide for two, but gets taken down with another clothesline. Dolph clutches a half-camel clutch, which “Y2J” hammers out of, but gets caught in the sleeper. Jericho is still standing and reverses with backdrop.
Chris gains some momentum after a missed splash by Ziggler. He hits a couple shoulder blocks, then flies off the ropes with a one-arm axe-handle! “The Ayatollah Of Rock N’ Rollah” attempts the Walls Of Jericho, but Ziggler flips him around, only to get an enziguri instead! 1 – 2 – Dolph kicks out!
Jericho nails a boot and the running bulldog, but gets a right hand courtesy of Big E. as he went for the Lionsault. Ziggler takes control again, hammering him into the corner. He trips up Jericho into a pinning combination, but still only receives two! Dolph clamps on the sleeper again and this time, Jericho drops to his knees.
He rises again though, and drops backward to break the submission. Ziggler ducks a clothesline and brings “Y2J” down with a Jumping DDT! 1 – 2 – Jericho kicks out!
(Note: As both men are down, a “wave” begins through the fans). Jericho plays to the crowd, but gets knees-to-the-gut from Dolph after another attempted Lionsault. Dolph takes advantage with the Fameasser, but still only gets a near fall! They trade counters back and forth, and Jericho eventually superplexes Dolph off the top rope! 1 – 2 – Ziggler kicks out! Codebreaker out of nowhere! 1 – 2 – Ziggler places his foot on the ropes!
A.J. distracts referee Mike Chioda again, but Jericho counters Langston’s second interference with a springboard dropkick. He grapples Ziggler into the Walls Of Jericho, but Fandango’s music and video play (much to the pleasure of the fans), and Ziggler capitalizes, crawling to the ropes. Dolph kicks Jericho in the knee and drives him down with the Zig-Zag for the long-earned triumph!
Winner via Pinfall: World Heavyweight Champion “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler (with Big E. Langston and A.J.)
After replays of Ryback leaving WWE Champion John Cena to receive a beat down from “The Shield,” it is announced that Cena and Ryback will face off for the title at Extreme Rules.
Segment #5: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews interviews Mick Foley, new WWE Hall Of Famer. He questions Foley on the differences between “The Attitude Era” and today’s WWE. Mick says that while most of the names have changed, the nature has not. (I disagree)
He says that is the same with Ryback and Cena. “It is not in man’s nature to look in the mirror and blame himself for his own shortcomings.” He says that “there will be no time for excuses in four weeks, when John Cena faces Ryback on my favourite night of the year, Extreme Rules!”
Ads.
Match #4: Single – Cody Rhodes (with “Team Rhodes Scholars” partner “The Intellectual Saviour Of The Masses” Damien Sandow) VS. Sweet T. (with “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay and “The Funkadactyls” Naomi and Cameron)
Cody tries a standing side headlock but gets whipped into the ropes by Sweet T. Rhodes ducks a quick punch and delivers one of his own. He tries again, but gets a jab this time, then picked up upside down via a butterfly suplex from T.
Rhodes comes back with a couple of kicks and neckbreaker for two, then clamps on a grounding facelock. He pounds away, then hits the Disaster Kick for a close two! Rhodes angrily stomps and goes back to the grounding facelock. Sweet moves out of the corner and Cody runs into the post. T. begins to dominate and brings him out of the corner with a monkey flip! He follows up with a Sandman-like rolling senton!
Damien hops on the apron, but Brodus cuts him off, and Sweet T. double-chokeslams Cody, then drops on him with another senton for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: VS. Sweet T. (with “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay and “The Funkadactyls” Naomi and Cameron)
Post-match, all the faces dance to please the crowd.
Segment #6: Locker Room Promo
Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell No” talk about tonight’s six-man tag-team bout. Daniel is worried about The Undertaker not showing up, and wants to go over their match. He even gives Kane diagrams! “The Big Red Machine” warns him that this won’t be a good idea and “The Phenom” will not take kindly to being bossed around. Suddenly, they both go flying and three pairs of black pants and boots appear on camera and walk off, presumably being The Shield.
Commercials.
Segment #7: Video Recap
Cole, Lawler, and Bradshaw use footage to replay what happened on Smackdown between Sheamus, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, and The Big Show. (You can read that fine report on this fine website!)
Segment #8: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews questions Ryback on his intentions regarding WWE Champion John Cena. “How does it feel John? Overwhelmed, helpless, maybe even violated?” states Ryback. The “new man-beast” says that Mick Foley may have been right about his comments earlier, but instead of looking into a mirror of shortcomings, Ryback will be looking into a mirror of the WWE Champion. He challenges Foley to face him in the ring to discuss this further. “Ryback rules!” he declares and walks off.
Ads.
Match #5: Single – Big E. Langston VS. “Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder
(Note: Big E. made his entrance prior to the break.) In short, Langston dominated and hit “The Big Ending” shoulder facebuster for the W!
Winner via Pinfall: Big E. Langston
Up next, the 6-Man Tag-Team!
Commercials.
Match #6: 6-Man Tag-Team – The Undertaker and Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell No” (Daniel Bryan and Kane) VS. The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose) (Non-Title)
Undertaker is the only one in the ring when The Shield arrive and begin to attack “The Deadman.” Kane’s pyro suddenly blows and “Team Hell No” run out to make the save.
Ads.
Back live, the bout is on! Daniel and Ambrose begin, with a vicious Bryan delivering kicks and knees to Dean. He drags him to his corner with a surfboard stretch, then stags in Kane who delivers a legdrop. Kane holds Ambrose in a wristlock then tags in his “brother.” The Undertaker comes in to a huge pop and chant, then goes to work on Ambrose. He ascends the turnbuckle for “old school” but is cut off by Dean. He tries again and this time is good to go! 1 – 2 – Dean kicks out!
Kane is back in, and wrestles with Reigns. He gets stomped away in the corner and dropkicked by Bryan. He trades for Kane again, who runs with an elbow drop and clutches a grounding rear chinlock. Reigns ducks a clothesline and fires back with a jumping forearm. Rollins is in, and “The Shield” take control with all three members. The Undertaker is itching to get back in.
However, it is Bryan that gets the switch after Kane counters with a backdrop and uppercuts a diving Rollins. Bryan is fired up with repeated kicks and a running forearm. He kicks away again and covers for a near fall!
Bryan hurls Seth over the top and follows through with a suicide dive to the floor! He takes it back into the ring and off the top rope with a front dropkick, but misses the subsequent running front dropkick!
Commercials.
Reigns is back in, as we are live again, and Roman takes control back for “The Shield.” The dangerous trio dominate, with Bryan getting wrapped in a deathlock submission, then hit with a diving legdrop by Roman Reigns. Bryan musters the energy to move from a corner splash, then crawls and jumps his way to slap hands with ‘Taker.
The Undertaker unloads on all three members, and takes Dean down with snake eyes, the big boot, and a legdrop. 1 – 2 – Ambrose kicks out! He goes to Chokeslam both Rollins and Dean, but Reigns runs in with a spear! 1 – 2 – Undertaker kicks out, to Roman’s great shock!
‘Taker switches back to Kane, who drops Seth with a sidewalk slam, then flies off the top rope with a clothesline. Kane signals for the Chokeslam, but Rollins hops out and nails an almost-Pele Kick!
He tags in Ambrose, who jumps off the top rope but lands in the Chokeslam from Kane. Bryan is tagged in and goes for the flying headbutt, but Reigns cuts him off. The Undertaker and Kane brawl with Reigns and Rollins on the outside, and Dean moves out of the way of the diving headbutt by Bryan. He locks Daniel into a pin for the 1, 2, and 3!
Winners via Pinfall: The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns)
Post-mach, The Shield quickly high-tail it through the crowd as a frustrated ‘Taker, Kane, and Bryan look on.
Later tonight, Mick Foley has confirmed he will confront Ryback.
Ads.
Segment #9: Locker Room Promo
Mick Foley is in a locker room, alongside WWE Champion John Cena. Foley already knows what Cena is going to do – convince him NOT to go out there and face off against Ryback. This is correct, but Mick declines the concerns and asks Cena to respect his decision. Cena does, but gives “The Hardcore Legend” a little backup – a steel chair!
Commercials.
Match #7: Single – Fandango (with Dancer) VS. William Regal
(Note: Fandango and Dancer made their entrance prior to the break). Fandango taunts Regal with some dancing to begin, then William mimics him right back. Regal takes it to Fandango with a hard left hand and backdrop. He flips Fandango over the ropes, but the flamboyant one comes back with a kick to the gut and begins to take control. Regal punches back again, until he gets a kick in the head and sweeping flatliner for the loss.
Winner via Pinfall: Fandango
Post-match, after pronouncing his own name, Fandango saunters up the ramp, but is surprisingly attacked by Chris Jericho, who chucks him off the stage. Jericho offers his hand to the Dancer and the two dance, much to Fandango’s dismay.
Ads.
Match #8: Battle Royal for the #1 Contender’s Spot to the Divas Championship – A.J. VS. Aksana VS. Naomi VS. Tamina Snuka VS. Layla
In short, A.J. is knocked out with a superkick from Tamina after she jumped on Snuka and tried to kiss her. Aksana and Naomi are eliminated and it is left to Layla, an out-cold A.J., and Tamina. Layla front-dropkicks Tamina through the ropes and goes to pick up a dead-weighted A.J. She suddenly “wakes up” and A.J. forcefully kicks out Layla to become the #1 Contender.
Winner via Elimination: A.J.
Up next, Mick Foley will have a “chat” with Ryback!
Commercials.
Segment #10: Arena Promo
After being introduced as the first inductee of the 2013 Hall Of Fame class, Mick Foley takes the microphone and says he did not come with the intention of a confrontation, but he did anyway. He calls out Ryback to have the face-to-face talk.
Immediately, Ryback answers and asks how the chair Mick is holding thanks to WWE Champion John Cena help him out. Mick said he should’ve actually been offended at being given the chair, since he’s “The Hardcore Legend.” “No matter how bad the pain, whether it was a tooth stuck up my nose, or an ear being ripped off the side of my skull, I found a way to get back up.”
While is day has come an gone, Mick says he will still go down, even though he may not get back up. Mick airs the footage of Ryback leaving Cena to be assaulted by “The Shield.” Ryback says that he loved what happened last week. Foley asks him what happened to the guy that showed no fear and took the WWE “by storm.” Ryback warns Mick that he “better be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it.”
Foley gets intense. He says that throughout his career he did the best he could, no matter how many times he went down, and still became WWE Champion with “heart and guts and pride.” He questions if Ryback wants win WWE Championship just by standing back and letting Cena get bombarded. He tells Ryback that he needs to “wake up.”
Ryback cuts him off and orders him to “shut up!” He tears apart Foley, insinuating that all he does is relive his “glory days” and “sell some more DVDs.” Ryback says that “this is a results-oriented business and I get what I want. I wanted to send a message to ‘Super Cena’ and I sent it. I wanted a WWE Title match. Guess what Mick? I got it! I want to be WWE Champion, and at Extreme Rules, I will be.”
He berates Foley for lecturing him on how to “be a man,” while he holds a weapon. “So I’m going to ask you one more time, you fat, pathetic, lazy, bastard. How does John Cena giving you that steel chair help you standing in the ring with Ryback?” Mick asks Ryback to tell him, then gets in position with the chair.
Ryback orders him to look into his eyes and Foley gets right up in them. Ryback grabs and hurls the chair to the floor and before they can get into it, Cena runs out and gets in between. Foley exits the ring and Cena is ready to go against Ryback.
They’re back! “The Shield” return through the crowd, but Cena steps onto the apron, then walks off this time. Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns envelope the squared circle and quickly decide to pound away.
Cena runs in though and makes the save with the steel chair! He puts The Shield back through the fans and stares down Ryback in the ring. He drops the foreign object and gives Ryback an Attitude Adjustment when Ryback took his eye off him. Cena poses then walks to the back. Ryback is back up and smiles at Cena in the ring as the WWE Champion salutes from the ramp to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Overall, this was another great show. Feuds were continued nicely and the show flowed pretty smooth. Nothing really lagged, even though there were matches that could’ve done without. And as always, any show from outside the U.S. is usually pretty darn good. Onto the analysis:
Excellence: Paul Heyman – being able to turn a flat opening segment into one of intrigue. He put the “umph” back into the promo, as it really, just began without any hype beforehand! Also, I actually was surprised that Triple H showed up – I must admit, I thought really would wait until next week. Nice twist.
Love the entrance of The Shield in the helicopter and jeep. Another way it shows how they are “outsiders” (pardon the pun/past reference!). Their video promo was superb too, declaring “war” on the one man who no one has stopped – The Undertaker. I am really liking this feud and I hope it continues for a long while. The 6-man match was great too and glad “The Shield” won.
Fantastic match between World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho. Plus, love the fact that Ziggler got the win for two reasons. 1 – legitimate victory now as World Champion. 2. a nice twist than the predictable, as when Jericho was announced as having to win the match to be in the Fatal-4-Way, that is usually an automatic. Also, still loving the feud and antics between Jericho and Fandango. Fandango also had a nice match with William Regal, even though it was short.
Very predictable, but glad A.J. won the #1 Contender slot for the Divas title – now they need to make her win (which is probably in the cards)and have her and Dolph as the “power couple.”
Awesome promo, as always, with Mick Foley. Great way to enhance the heel side of Ryback, and he too stepped up his oratory skills tonight, both on his own earlier with Josh Matthews and at the end with Foley. I am a little confused as to why “The Shield’ is attacking both Cena and Ryback, since right now they are involved with The Undertaker/Kane/Bryan, but at least they’re using that side distraction well as fuel for Cena/Ryback. Another feud I hope lasts more than one showdown.
Once again, the fans. They really put some excitement into the entire show, especially with Fandango and Mick Foley/Ryback – helped truly make him more of a bad guy!
Bogus: The opening – just nothing there, no video, pyro, hype, whatever. Immediately cut to Paul Heyman in the ring. R-Truth/Cesaro and Big E. Langston/Ryder were write-offs. Furthermore, Langston should’ve NOT followed Ziggler in match sequence, because Ziggler is the CHAMPION! Don’t care about the “Tons Of Funk” and “Team Rhodes Scholars” feud – Rhodes and Sandow are above this and should be next in line for the Tag-Team Championships. Where was Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett – especially in his home country?
After tonight, still looking forward to the buildup for Extreme Rules and next week’s Raw. That is a good thing, so keep it up! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
The Shield, Fandango, and NXT Diva Summer Rae who was Fandango’s dance partner on RAW pulled double duty that night as they all performed in Cardiff earlier that evening.
Cardiff is around 150 miles away from London so the arrival in helicopter was not just for show, but the actual mode of transportation that the five took to make it in time.
Both Fandango and Summer Rae were in the same copter but were not visible on camera to give the effect that The Shield was arriving in style.
In Cardiff during the non-televised event, The Shield opened the show and lost to Sheamus and the New Age Outlaws, while Fandango defeated Ted DiBiase in the second match before bolting out of Wales.
Former nWo member and Intercontinental champion Scott Hall has appeared in another DDP video to update on his condition, this time shot at the hospital after he underwent hip surgery.
The video shows Hall being attended to by nurses as he lays in a hospital bed after the surgery is done. Hall once again thanks the fans who donated the $80,000 to help him in his recovery.
Hall is then shown interacting with hospital stuff doing his usual nWo and Scott Hall hand gestures as he starts walking. Hall says he’s been clean and sober for over 80 days.
“This is gonna be…I didn’t believe it, now I believe it. This is gonna be amazing,” Hall said.
Hall underwent hip surgery on April 9 and is now back with DDP and Jake “The Snake” Roberts to continue his rehab process.
The Bella Twins took the night off from RAW in London and attended the 2013 E! Upfront event which was held at The Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center in New York yesterday.
Brie and Nikki Bella will be part of the upcoming Total Divas reality TV show which will start airing on E! in July along with Natalya, Cameron, Naomi, and two new Divas – Jo-Jo Offerman and Eva Marie.
You can see two photos of the sexy twins at the black and white carpet arrivals below.
Undisputed Welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre has had one of the most astonishing careers in the history of mixed martial arts and has accumulated an impressive 24-2 professional record. The champ has now ventured into writing to give everyone an unparalleled look into his life and the sport of mixed martial arts through his eyes.
St-Pierre got the idea for this book when he found out he was going to need surgery to repair his anterior crucial ligament injury. This book would highlight what is to be the new GSP; an accumulation of three decades of constant hard work, training and learning from everyone and everything around him. This is the foundation for making him the best all-around fighters ever and not just a specialist in one discipline. GSP doesn’t do this alone much like his life up to this point the had help writing this book from Justin Kingsley. The book has personal insight contributed by the closest people to St-Pierre including: his mother, Kristof Midoux, John Danaher, Firas Zahabi and Rodolphe Beaulieu.
St-Pierre takes us through his life from overcoming being a bullied child through his fight with Carlos Condit.
The fight with Condit was his first return to the Octagon after his surgery and recovery which kept him out of effective martial arts training and the cage for 19 months. While he does not go into all of the fights he has had he talks about some of the more defining moments in what has made him one of the greatest fighters of all time. As for his physical skill set he discusses what may be considered unorthodox training such as gymnastics and fencing techniques have improved his strength and footwork. He also talks about the mental aspects as much as the physical.
Examples include fear, visualization, and how the people around you can both hinder and help you to achieve your goals. Both the physical and mental perspectives that he discusses are not limited to just fighters but can help in recreational activities such as golf and tennis for example. Along with just being able to be a more fulfilled feeling person by keeping moving and addressing your weaknesses.
The book is broken down into five books and five different periods of GSP’s life.
Each book is titled for its contributor such as Book 1: Mother which primarily focuses on the early Georges through childhood from his and his mothers perspective. Book 2: Mentor is his early days and first martial arts training with Kristoff Midoux. They share their insight on the tough times that they went through together and how that bond has held them deeply indebted to one another to this day. John Danaher takes over the contributor role in Book 3: Master. Danaher was GSP’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches and pulls no punches about him not being the most gifted athlete he has had but through hard work and dedication has become one of the most intelligent fighters to date. Book 4: Maven with Firas Zahabi who became his current head coach after he lost his championship to Matt Serra. Zahabi and St-Pierre go into how they continue to adapt his training techniques to keep his skill set, body and mind from becoming stagnant. The final book is about Georges and his friend for the last dozen years and half of his management team Rodolphe Beaulieu. In Book 5: Conscience the two go into what GSP faces as he goes through training camps and all the things that must happen to keep him focused on the upcoming fight. St-Pierre also goes into how lonely it can be during those periods but it is something he has to accept to accomplish the task at hand.
The Way of the Fight also gives a great understanding to fight fans who may think that a fight is boring because it doesn’t end with a knock out. Fights that go the distance can give better insight into the fighter and how versed a fighter they really are physically and intelligently. It takes a great deal of hard work and planning to be able to dominant a fight by managing risks and keeping their opponent from implementing their strengths and game plan.
The Way of the Fight is being released by HarperCollins Publishers and hits shelves today in hardcover format and contains 240 pages. This is a must read for anyone interested in mixed martial arts, personal growth or are a Georges St-Pierre fan.
WWE today announced the appointment of Michael Pine as Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Partnership Marketing.
Prior to joining WWE, Pine held senior level sales positions at Turner Broadcasting, UFC, World Triathlon Corporation, and most recently IMG. He will report directly to WWE Chief Marketing Officer, Michelle D. Wilson.
As head of WWE’s Global Sales & Partnership Marketing division, Pine will be a key member of the company’s senior management team. He will be responsible for providing strategic vision for WWE’s sales operation and ensuring revenue growth is aligned with company objectives and values.
PWInsider.com is reporting that WWE Diva Rosa Mendes was sent home from the European tour, a week before the tour was supposed to wrap up.
Unconfirmed rumors online say that Mendes was having alcohol issues while touring with the rest of the crew and while WWE didn’t confirm the reason why she was sent packing, a statement issued to PWInsider said that she “left the international tour for personal reasons.”
On her Twitter in a message posted today, Mendes wrote, “Just wanted to let all my #Mendesluverz that I’m okay. I had to take care of some personal matters. Thank you for all your support. Love you.”
