Six of the ten departments within WWE registered a loss of revenue compared to the same quarter last year while the remaining four departments generated an increase.
In the good department, Pay-per-view went up to $16.3 million versus $15.8 million as last year thanks to SummerSlam; TV revenues were $34 million, on par with the figure of last year; Venue merchandise increased from $3.6 million of last year to $4.5 million; and WWE.COM was up from $3.7 million to $4.8 million.
Over in the not so good section, live event revenues totaled $22.8 million compared to $23 million in the prior year quarter; Home video decreased from $8.3 million from last year to $6.4 million; Licensing also took a hit with revenues of $7.1 million versus $9 million last year; Magazine publishing continued its downward spiral from $1.9 million to $1.6 million; WWEShop.com revenues declined to $2.7 million from $3.2 million; and WWE Studios did $1.9 million in revenue compared to last year’s $3.7 million.
John Cena returned to action last night in Strasbourg, France, for his first match since his elbow surgery in September. He wrestled – and defeated – Dolph Ziggler with their match taking place in the middle of the card.
Cena underwent surgery on September 18 and was estimated to return in time to fight CM Punk at Hell In A Cell however his recovery went a bit slower than expected and Cena had to be pulled from the match and was replaced by Ryback.
WE today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Revenues totaled $104.2 million as compared to $108.5 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $5.0 million as compared to $15.9 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $3.5 million as compared to $10.6 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding items that impacted comparability on a year-over-year basis, Adjusted Operating income was $7.1 million as compared to $21.0 million in the prior year quarter, and Adjusted Net income was $5.0 million as compared to $14.1 million.
“In the third quarter, we continued to make important progress on our key strategic initiatives, expanding our content and distribution and enhancing our brand strength,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The production and licensing of new programs, including a third hour of Raw, the WWE Main Event and WWE Saturday Morning Slam, as well as the development of online distribution on Hulu Plus exemplify our achievement of these goals. The performance of our new programs, which have attracted an average audience 14% to 50% higher than the viewership of the programs they replaced, demonstrate our ability to build consumer interest, which forms the foundation of our proposed WWE Network.”
Smackdown ring announcer Lilian Garcia recorded a Tout video message to the WWE fans, thanking them for their love and support following her accident last Friday where she was struck by a car in Los Angeles.
“You guys have been amazing during this time. I have the best medical care so I’m doing my best to hurry up and come back! Love you,” Garcia said in her message, sporting a neck brace while sitting on a sofa.
Garcia also thanked her fans on Twitter for the supportive tweets that keep pouring in. You can see her Tout at http://www.tout.com/m/qr37lz.
WWE Superstars, Divas, and crew will start a painful 11-day, 20-event European tour today which will take them to 10 different countries.
The RAW brand will have a total of 11 shows across five countries while the Smackdown brand will do 9 shows across seven countries. Both RAW and Smackdown will have tapings in Birmingham, England at the LG Arena on November 5 and 6 respectively.
RAW will have events on October 31 in Strasbourg, France; November 1 in Nantes, France; November 2 in Newcastle, England; November 3 in Manchester, England; November 4 in Nottingham, England; November 5 in Birmingham, England; November 6 in Glasgow, Scotland; November 7 in Belfast, Ireland; November 8 in Dublin, Ireland; November 9 in Cardiff, Wales; and November 10 in Minehead, England.
Smackdown will have shows on November 1 in Lyon, France; November 2 in Hamburg, Germany; November 3 in Leipzig, Germany; November 4 in London, England; November 6 in Birmingham, England; November 7 in Brussels, Belgium; November 8 in Zurich, Switzerland; November 9 in Malaga, Spain; and November 10 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Everyone will be back in the United States in time for the live RAW in Columbus, Ohio, on November 12.
UFC fighter Stephan Bonnar announced yesterday that he is retiring from mixed martial arts at age 35, saying in a message on Facebook that all he ever wanted was to bring some fun to fans.
Bonnar is credited – along with his opponent at the time Forrest Griffin – for putting UFC back on the map years ago with the first edition of The Ultimate Fighter. Bonnar and Griffin went all-out for three rounds, holding nothing back and beating each other for fifteen minutes in one of the most amazing UFC matches ever. Despite Griffin winning the fight and the UFC contract, Bonnar was also signed to a deal.
Bonnar departs the UFC with an MMA record of 17-8 and his last fight was a defeat against arguably the best MMA fighter on the planet – Anderson Silva. The two fought earlier in October in Brazil in a light heavyweight match after the main event for UFC 153 went up in smoke due to injuries. Both Silva and Bonnar stepped up on short notice to fight each other and Silva finished off Bonnar late in the first round.
Bloomberg is reporting that the United States Marine Corps is opposing the WWE trademark application to register “Marine: Homefront” for their upcoming WWE Studios movie.
WWE filed three applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a variety of uses, including Halloween costumes, other clothing, downloadable ring tones, refrigerator magnets, sunglasses, video and computer games and entertainment services.
The Office of Counsel for the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps filed a request to oppose registration of the marks. The Patent Office gave the Marine Corps until December 12 to file its opposition.
The Miz will be starring in the third installment of The Marine franchise after John Cena and Ted DiBiase filled the boots in the first two movies.
On November 9, WWE will be hosting a WrestleMania Kickoff Party at the Citi Pond at Bryant Park in New York City located at 99 W 40th Street.
Fans who will be attending the free party will be able to purchase tickets for next year’s WrestleMania which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The event will run from 7PM till 10PM and several WWE Superstars, Divas, and Legends, will be available to meet with the fans.
The park has been closed due to the Hurricane and is scheduled to be reopened on November 6.
Monday Night RAW this week pulled a 2.94 composite rating with an average viewership of 4,102,000, an increase of over 450,000 viewers from last week.
Hour one did 4,306,000 viewers, hour two did 4,217,000, and hour three did 3,783,000 in total, once again dragging down the overall number. Between hour two and hour three, WWE lost 434,000 viewers which is not something good especially with the hype of the Survivor Series team being announced in the final segment. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
It is a big day for WWE gamers today as WWE ’13, the newest video game from THQ, was released in stores nationwide for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii.
The biggest sell of the game this year is the first single player campaign based on the Attitude Era which replaces the Road to WrestleMania campaign which was found in earlier games.
“WWE ’13 delivers an unparalleled experience unlike any to date in the franchise through its diverse, extensive feature set and relentless pursuit of authenticity,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President, Global Brand Management, THQ. “The incredible offerings in ‘Attitude Era’ Mode, traditional match play and the franchise’s unrivaled Creation Suite, combined with the largest roster ever delivered in a WWE videogame, are certain to have significant appeal to a wide array of consumers.”
Beth Phoenix made her last WWE appearance on RAW as the former Women’s and Divas champion wrapped up her duties after handing in her notice last month.
Phoenix was “fired” from the show by Vickie Guerrero for losing her match against AJ even though Guerrero eventually restarted the match and Phoenix won a couple of seconds later.
Beth Phoenix joined WWE in 2004 and was assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling under a developmental deal and then made her WWE television debut in May 2006, aligning herself with Trish Stratus.
During her time in WWE, she won the Women’s title on three different occasions and the Divas title once along with being awarded a Slammy Award for the Diva of the Year in 2008.
October is breast cancer awareness month and WWE took an extra step to help out by teaming with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation by dishing out merchandise, spots during WWE television, logos on the entrance ramp, pink ropes, etc etc, however the big contribution was delivered yesterday on RAW.
With all WWE Superstars and Divas at the top of the ramp, WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon introduced Dorothy Jones, Vice President of Marketing for Susan G. Komen, along with John Cena, who were in the ring. Cena thanked the WWE fans for buying the Rise Above Cancer merchandise which all profit went to the foundation.
The former WWE champion then presented a large check of a whooping $1 million to the foundation much to the surprise of Jones and Eric Brinker, the son of founder and CEO of the foundation who was also present in the ring.
“Women everywhere will benefit from this extraordinary partnership, which has helped to reach millions of people, while raising funds for Komen’s cutting-edge global research program,” Jones said in a press release. “We are so grateful for WWE, and especially to John Cena and the WWE Superstars and Divas, for their enthusiastic support and friendship.”
It was announced on RAW that WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler will be making his return to WWE television in two weeks time for the RAW in Columbus, Ohio.
Lawler suffered a heart attack on the September 10 episode of Monday Night RAW live in Montreal, just around thirty minutes after he was involved in a tag team match. Lawler passed out while on commentary and WWE medics and EMTs rushed to saved his life. Lawler was eventually brought back to life backstage after he was shocked seven times with a defibrillator and WWE medic Mike Sampson was credited with saving his life after performing CPR immediately after the heart attack at ringside.
Earlier this month, The King made an appearance at the Smackdown tapings in his home town of Memphis, Tennessee, however his return was not shown on television and it was only for the fans inside the arena. WWE.COM later uploaded the video of the Memphis crowd welcoming back the wrestling legend.
Ever since Lawler has been out of action, Jim Ross has been filling his seat helping Michael Cole while occasionally being also joined by former WWE champion John “Bradshaw” Layfield at the commentary table.
The first traditional Survivor Series match was announced yesterday on RAW with the fan favorite five on five match making a return to the second oldest WWE pay-per-view.
Team CM Punk will be taking on Team Foley on the show and the participants were picked and announced in the final segment of yesterday’s RAW.
Joining CM Punk at the Survivor Series are The Miz, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, and Alberto Del Rio. Mick Foley followed with his team which included Kofi Kingston, Kane, Daniel Bryan, and Randy Orton.
However, Foley had one more surprise for CM Punk, the announcement that he would not be wrestling at the Survivor Series and that Ryback would be the fifth and final person on his team.
From the “hub” (shout-out to NASCAR, there!) of one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time, comes tonight’s Monday Night Raw. It is 24 hours removed from Hell In The Cell, and I have NO idea what happened in the most intriguing matches with the World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship, respectively. (Although, personally I am hoping either Big Show or Dolph Ziggler managed to walk out with the World Championship – but which one? And that WWE Creative craftily kept both kept Ryback’s streak alive as well as C.M. Punk’s WWE Title reign)
So, why waste time?
Read on to find out the many scenarios which could’ve been played out last night and are sure to continue here in Charlotte, North Carolina, including a possible local new General Manager?!
Monday Night Raw for October 29th, 2012 – “Feed Me More!”
Introduction Segment: Recap
Still images from Hell In The Cell are shown, which depict referee Brad Maddox low-blowing Ryback as he was going to Shell-Shock WWE Champion C.M. Punk. This led to Punk rolling up Ryback and Maddox fast-counting him down, therefore Punk kept his championship. Post-match, Ryback had chased Punk up to the top of the cell and did “Shell-Shock” him on the steel grates. (Ok, that was a creative way to keep both Punk’s title reign and Ryback still strong.)
Segment #1: Arena Promo
Justin Roberts welcomes the 344-day WWE Champion to the arena, and he hobbles out (ribs taped, ta-boot) with Paul Heyman and his WWE Title. C.M. Punk boasts how he proved that Ryback was not unbeatable and that everyone was wrong about the beast. Punk also runs down a list of other notable wrestlers he has defeated, including Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and of course, John Cena.
“The Second-City Saint” now claims that he had nothing to do with referee Maddox’s betrayal of Ryback and that said referee instead went “rogue” and is incompetent, especially since he was hired by former General Manager A.J. Lee. Punk says that he is now done with Ryback and it is time to move on, there will be no rematch.
And move on he will, as a familiar foe interrupts C.M. Mick Foley marches down to the ring and has words with the WWE Champion. Punk wonders why Foley is here, to embarrass or judge him? Foley screams that he gave Punk a choice to live up to the “legacy and tradition of Hell In The Cell, and you blew it!” Punk basically calls Mick a hypocrite, since originally he was the one that broke it by jumping off cages and using barbed wire matches.
Punk then shows off his WWE Championship, telling Foley that that is tradition, for 344 days. He then challenges Mick to a “traditional” Survivor Series 5-man tag-team match. Mick quickly accepts and before they can continue, “Feed Me” blares over the speakers.
Ryback hurries to the ring, where Punk quickly escapes to through the crowd to the back with Paul Heyman and his WWE Title. Ryback gets the crowd to chant “feed me more” with Mick still in the squared circle.
Commercials.
Match #1: Ryback VS. J.T.G.
(As always, I think you know how this goes, especially with a seriously ticked off Ryback). After a bunch of power moves, including a fall-a-way slam and the clothesline, Ryback yells “finish him” as he polishes off J.T.G. quickly with the Shell Shock marching Samoan Drop.
Winner via Pinfall: Ryback
Post-match, Josh Matthews asks Ryback about the situation. Ryback tells us that “revenge is a confession of pain. I am not hurt, I am hungry. And when I feast again, it will be on C.M. Punk! Feed me Punk…”
Later tonight, we will here from the FORMER World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus! (Yea, love that title-change. Fresh start now for the picture.)
Up next, Randy Orton will meet Wade Barrett
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Match #2: Single – Randy Orton VS. Wade Barrett
Double-elbow-collar tie-up begins this contest and neither man get an advantage. Orton sends Barrett off the ropes and hits a dropkick to put him outside. Barrett counters and starts to attack Randy’s weakened arm, until Orton reverses and slams Barrett’s head against the announce table and rolling him back in the ring. Barrett misses a big boot and gets dumped again to the floor.
Commercials.
Back live, Barrett has a reverse armbar locked on Randy, then delivers a knee-to-the-gut and takes control. Wade chokes Orton on the ropes with his knee, then nails Orton with a few knees to his head and a big boot. 1 – 2 – Orton kicks out! Wade clamps on another arm lock, but Orton reverses into an armdrag, and hits a couple clotheslines and a powerslam!
Momentum is back on “The Viper’s” side. Slingshot DDT and Randy is “in the zone.” Pounding the mat, Orton measures and goes for the R.K.O, but Wade counters and slams Orton down with a spinning-side-slam. Barrett gears up for his spinning elbow, but Randy ducks and drives Wade down with the R.K.O. for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Randy Orton
Segment #2: Office Promo
A.J. Lee is sitting down, when Vickie Guerrero walks in. The current Managing Supervisor wants A.J. to explain her affair with John Cena, to which A.J. retorts and insists that never happened. Guerrero informs her that the WWE Board Of Directors want to find out if A.J. can succeed as a performer again. Vickie’s first question is for A.J. to consider her biggest weakness, which apparently is becoming too emotionally attached “to my job.” Guerrero tells A.J. to give her one good reasons why a contract should be given when she gets back.
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Match #3: Tag-Team – “The Primetime Players” (Darren Young and Titus O’Neil) VS. “Team Hell-No” (Kane and Daniel Bryan) (Tag-Team Champions) (Non-Title)
Young and Bryan start out with a quick lockup. Bryan counters a kick and drives Darren down with a dragon-screw. He kicks away until Kane tags himself in. Young jaw-breaks Kane on the ropes, but to not much affect as Kane hits an uppercut and a corner-running-clothesline. Daniel returns the favour and tags in himself again, then runs at Young with a front dropkick. He warns Kane that he will not be going out of this match, but turns around into a shoulder-block from Titus.
Scoop slam and a powerslam by O’Neil for a two-count. He switches now with Darren, and he comes in to drop an elbow on Bryan’s back, then two submissions. Bryan elbows his way out of a waistlock, and runs off the ropes with an elbow clothesline, before he tags in Kane himself.
Kane runs in the corner with a couple of clotheslines and a sidewalk slam. Kane now ascends the top-rope and nails his flying clothesline on the way to the end. Soon after, Kane Chokeslams Young and dumps O’Neil to the outside. Bryan tags himself in and grapples the “No-Lock” (Crossface) submission for the tap-out!
Winners via Pinfall: “Team Hell-No” (Kane and Daniel Bryan) (Tag-Team Champions)
Vickie Guerrero is out next.
Commercials.
Segment #3: Arena Promo
Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero walks out and proclaims that this is a new era full of integrity and credibility. She says that there is proof of an inappropriate relationship between John Cena and A.J. Lee. She then brings out John Cena (who is all too happy for being accused of an affair). Cena demands to see so-called “evidence,” which is footage from Raw, where Cena asks her out on a date. Cena disputes this as a “joke.”
Next is a hug between A.J. and John from last week, and Cena says that he was consoling a friend after she lost her job, because of Guerrero. Another controversial image is that of Cena and Lee at dinner, which Cena explains as a “business dinner,” talking about his injury and when he can return. The last video is John and A.J. getting into an elevator together.
Cena calls this a mere coincidence and after a bit of back-and-forth banter between him and Vickie, they are interrupted by Dolph Ziggler! “Mr. Money In The Bank” berates Cena shortly, until the “Dr. Of Thug-A-Nomics” pulls him to his face and threatens to never mention his name and A.J. in the same sentence again. Cena pushes Dolph down and walks off.
Up next is a Champion VS. Champion bout.
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Match #4: Single – United States Champion Antonio Cesaro VS. Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston (Non-Title)
Prior to the bout, Cesaro rips on America’s “fat children.” Lockup and hip-toss by Cesaro, followed by a toss out of the corner. Kofi counters and hits a forearm and upside-down kick. Cesaro cuts off Kingston from the top with a fall-away slam, and then takes control with a scoop slam and double-stomp. Kofi battles out of a submission and front-dropkicks Cesaro to the outside, then he uses the steel steps to leap off with a flying forearm.
Kofi chucks Antonio over the announce table onto Miz (who was commentating), and then Miz angrily pulls Kofi off the apron and begins to attack.
Winner via Disqualification: Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston
The beatdown continues until R-Truth runs out and saves his former tag-team partner.
Commercials.
Segment #4: Office Promo
With A.J. again, Vickie comes in and taunts her about the relationship with John Cena. She refuses to take the job offer if it means that she has to lie, hurt John, or “shred her dignity,” still seemly denying the affair. Vickie reconsiders and tells A.J. she’s hired, only if she promises to never touch her again. And her first match is against Beth Phoenix.
Segment #5: Video Promo
It’s time for “Behind The Music” with 3.M.B. – 3-Man-Band. This was bad and them trying to put themselves over as a “legitimate” band. Enough said.
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Match #5: Tag-Team – Santino Marella and “Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder VS. 3.M.B. (Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal)
Jinder and Ryder begin, with Ryder hitting a second rope missile dropkick, then the Broski Boot. Mahal counters and jawbreaks Ryder off the ropes then tags in Slater. He controls, stomping away. High-knee now buy Jinder, then a grounding rear chinlock from Heath.
Zack moves out of a leaping forearm and manages to tag Marella. This breaks down, with Jinder and Ryder taking each other out, while Santino puts on and signals for the Cobra. He hits McIntyre (on the apron), but turns around into a twisting leg-neckbreaker for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pinfall: 3.M.B. (Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal)
Later tonight, C.M Punk’s and Mick Foley’s teams will be known, while after the break, it will be A.J. Lee taking on Beth Phoenix.
Commercials.
Match #6: Single – A.J. VS. “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix
Beth intimidates and pushes A.J. around until the former General Manager goes wild and jumps all over Phoenix. She punches away until Beth flips her over and begins to dominate. She throws A.J. to the outside then runs her into the ring apron. 1 – 2 – A.J. kicks out! Out of nowhere, A.J. counters into a small package for the sudden victory!
Winner via Pinfall: A.J.
Post-match, Vickie appears on stage and demands more from her. Beth attacks A.J. from behind, then the match is restarted on Guerrero’s orders.
Match #7: Single – A.J. VS. “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix
“The Glamazon” quickly picks A.J. up and plants her with the Glam-Slam for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix
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Segment #6: Arena Promo
Former World Heavyweight Champion, “Great White” Sheamus is out now. Despite an absent championship, Sheamus still has a smile on his face because “Big Show was the better man.” Sheamus admits it took two K.O. punches to knock him out, and he says that “last night was the greatest fight of my entire life.” Sheamus is happy because he pushes a 7-foot giant to the limit and put on a show for the crowd. However, while Show had won the battle, the war is far from over. Sheamus wants another fight, and this time it will be “an all out war.” Sheamus declares that when that war is over, he will be standing “with a smile on my face and the World Heavyweight Championship around my waist.”
His former challenger and new champion The Big Show comes out, all smiles too. He claims that Sheamus is hiding the truth, that he gave Show everything he had and still came up short. Show says that he has no limits and their is no stopping him. He compares this war between them to Custer and his last stand, with Sheamus playing the role of Custer. “You can’t beat me, and you will never take this championship from me.”
Sheamus quickly picks up Show and drops him with the White Noise before exiting, while Big collects himself and his title, staring fiercely back.
Commercials.
Segment #7: Backstage Promo
John Cena is giving A.J. some props, to which Vickie overheard. Beth Phoenix walks up and thanks her for restarting the match, but Guerrero abruptly decides to fire her since she didn’t do the job the first time.
Match #8: Tag-Team – Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara VS. “Team Rhodes Scholars” (Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes)
Mysterio (donned in Skeleton attire appropriate for upcoming Halloween) and Cody start out with back and forth, until Rey low-dropkicks him down. Cody switches with Sandow, as does Rey with Sin Cara. Damien grasps a hammer lock, which Cara turns into a jumping snapmare. Sandow tags Cody again, and so does Sin with Mysterio, who double-team with kicks. Cody punches Rey in the gut and head, then tags in Sandow.
Mysterio drop-toeholds Rhodes into the middle turnbuckle, then tags in Cara to help him double-team a jumping seated-senton. Mysterio shoots Sin to the apron, where he hits a springboard moonsault on Rhodes, while Rey-Rey flips over the ropes with another senton on Sandow.
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Back live, Damien is controlling Sin Cara, then tags in Rhodes again. Huge stalling standing suplex by Cody for a near-fall. He and Sandow switch in and out again, until Cara reverses an Alabama Slam by Cody into a sunset flip for two. Sin drives Cody down with a headscissors/arm-slam combo, then manages to get the hot-tag to Mysterio, who flies off the top rope with a seated senton!
Flying headscissors, but he is cut-off the apron by Sandow and he is quickly tagged in. Russian legsweep and the “elbow of distain” is dropped on Mysterio for two! Cody comes back in and stomps on Mysterio in the corner. Mysterio counters a suplex attempt by Damien into an inside cradle for another near-fall!
Cody back in and beats down Mysterio. Double-suplex attempt by Rhodes and Sandow, but Mysterio reverses into a double-DDT. Rey-Rey crawls over to Cara and slaps hands! Springboard crossbody by Sin Cara and an elbow to the face, enziguri on Sandow for two!
Cara hits a hurricanrana on Cody, setting him up for the 6-1-9, but Rhodes escapes, only to duck a baseball slide and throw Mysterio into the steel stairs. Cara falls on Cody with a twisting plancha, but soon misses a senton bomb on Sandow. The “Intellectual Saviour” picks up Cara and drops him with the neckbreaker for the final 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pinfall: “Team Rhodes Scholars” (Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes)
(Awesome match!)
Segment #8: Backstage Promo
Mick Foley is plugging the new WWE ’13 videogame with Kaitlyn, telling her (and us) that you can “kick C.M. Punk’s butt will all three faces of Foley!” Paul Heyman interjects and questions Mick’s priorities, as to why he’s talking about a game and not assembling his Survivor Series team. Foley counters, saying that superstars have lined up to help him out. Paul says that Foley is a target, and WWE Champion C.M. Punk “who’s mission now is to personally victimize you at Survivor Series and remind you once again that he is the best in the world.”
Commercials.
Segment #9: Arena Promo
Following a sincere video montage promoting Breast Cancer Awareness, Mr. Vince McMahon with many other WWE wrestlers and superstars are on the ramp. He introduces lead campaigner John Cena, along with Dorothy (Vice-President of Marketing for Susan G. Komen For The Cure) and Eric (the nephew of Susan G. Komen). Cena puts over this campaign and the WWE superstars for “backing this cause, every WWE employee and every single WWE Superstar agreed that we should all join and help the fight.”
Cena puts over the WWE Universe (fans) for also joining the fight, by purchasing the gear and allowing the check of $1,000,000 (one million) dollars to be donated to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure foundation. (Way to go!)
Dorothy is very grateful to all involved, and Cena replies with the same thanks to them, as well as all Breast Cancer survivors in the arena tonight.
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Match #9: Single – Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) VS. Justin Gabriel
Del Rio aggressive, kicking away at Gabriel into the corner, then a suplex. Gabriel ducks and baseball slides under Alberto, then flips him over via a monkey flip. Justin counters with a corner headscissors, but gets kicked in the head and his arm tied up in the rope/dropped on by Del Rio. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker from Alberto for a near-fall. Big back drop for another two-count, and then a huge stomp to Gabriel’s head. Justin eventually boots Del Rio out of the corner and hits a spin kick, followed by a springboard moonsault.
Gabriel misses a corner splash and gets taken down with a running enziguri, then quickly gives up to Del Rio’s Cross Armbreaker!
Winner via Submission: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
Up next, it’s pick ’em time!
Commercials.
Segment #10: Arena Promo
Paul Heyman is in the ring and introduces the man on the cover of the WWE ’13 video game and who is “unquestionably the best in the world” WWE Champion C.M. Punk. He saunters out, now attired in a hoodie and his WWE Title around the waist.
Pyro blows above the ring and a giant banner of the X-Box version of WWE ’13 flows out of the structure. Paul Heyman begins to announce their picks for Survivor Series.
The first is The Miz, followed by “Team Rhodes Scholars” (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow). The last is Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
C.M. Punk now takes the mike, and says that Survivor Series will be a celebration of one year of him being WWE Champion. Punk wants to take a “delusional, completely out of his mind, disrespectful, so-called ‘legend’ Mick Foley and put him out of his misery.” Punk claims that Foley’s wanting for spotlight is gone, and he will teach Mick Foley “how to survive.”
Mick Foley now walks out with microphone in hand and contests Punk’s “survival comment.” Foley calls it “weaseling” instead, and has a problem referring to Punk as a “man.” Foley announces his team to face-off now, starting with the Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston.
Next are the Tag-Team Champions, “Team Hell-No,” followed by Randy Orton. Punk is impressed by Foley’s team, but assumes that Mick is wrestling too, and he says his team will take everyone else out first then pick apart the “Hardcore Legend.” However, Punk assumed wrong, because Foley informs him that he will not be competing, instead will be, of course, Ryback!
“Feed me more” plays as the man himself approaches the ring. Suddenly, the two teams engage in a brawl, except for C.M Punk who manages to escape again tonight to the safety of the stage with Paul Heyman and WWE Championship. Punk is clutching the title as Ryback stares him down, with Team Foley striking first in dominance as Raw goes off the air.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Tonight’s Raw was very good follow-up to the Pay-Per-View and great build already to Survivor Series. Analysis:
Excellence: The awesome way the kept the WWE Championship on Punk without hurting Ryback’s credibility. That was creative and something newer in the last few years. Well-done! Opening promo – that was a nice surprise to have Mick back and pick up his feud with C.M. Punk. Great that they made the match at S.S. already, again giving plenty of build time and now a guarantee that Punk will continue to be champion, and Ryback will still be very strong.
The subtle (I didn’t pick up on it) that all of the team members for both sides were in competition or made significant enough appearances to look strong, and they all won their matches. (Nice foreshadowing!)
Promo between Sheamus and Big Show (plus Show as new World Heavyweight Champion!). Very serious and straight-to-the-point of two guys just fighting over a championship and to prove who is the better/stronger individual continually. Simple formula and it works, plus Show and Sheamus really do have nice chemistry both on mike and in ring together.
Excellent, excellent match between “Team Rhodes Scholars” and Mysterio/Cara. That was a fantastic wrestling bout, mixing the two styles of high-flying with classic heel tag-team work and moves. I now wish it was Mysterio/Cara on Team Foley instead of “Team Hell-No.” Oh well, still beautiful technicians all of them!
For the sincere and genuine, “excellence” goes to WWE’s work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research. No matter what anyone says about WWE, when it comes to charity, they are top-notch as always, and this is another shining example of them giving back to the community in a positive light. Kudos!
Bogus: Wade Barrett jobbing – I understand that Randy needed to win, but they could’ve “fed” him someone different. Wade’s character needs another rebuild, as he’s kind of tanked since coming back, unfortunately.
Most of the Vickie/A.J. segments – the first couple were ok, but then it got too “shoved down the throat.” If this storyline is going to continue, they have to spread them out over the WEEKS, not ONE SHOW!
I know she’s leaving, but I didn’t like the way Beth got “fired.” It was kind of lame and she should’ve had a greater send-off, especially for all she’s done in the Divas division.
3.M.B. – enough said!
Alberto Del Rio – his act is getting stale. Especially the routine of losing a pay-per-view match, then coming on Raw the next night and “aggressively” putting down a rising star/wins (Justin Gabriel tonight). Then he engages in the same feuds and promos. He needs to go a way for a while and come back refreshed.
In general, great Raw and looking forward to the feud of Ryback/Foley/Punk and their teams for the next few weeks, as well as Show/Sheamus, in particular.
As always, until next week, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
WWE closed its corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, today as the state – and much of the east coast – is bracing for Hurricane Sandy to smash through anything in its way.
The company also has an office in New York which presumably is closed as well as the city that never sleeps is on the way to be deserted.
RAW and Smackdown superstars are set to go on a European tour after the television tapings and with this weather it will be a tricky touch-and-go as airports are also closed. The tour starts on Wednesday for the RAW brand and Thursday for the Smackdown brand so the crew might have to be moved to an operational airport if the planned point of departure will be closed.
WWE will be returning to Atlanta for Monday Night RAW on February 4, 2013.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on December 15 however fans online can get their hands on the tickets during a pre-sale which started yesterday night and will run through Friday, November 2, till 10PM.
You can get tickets for this RAW at Ticketmaster.com using the pre-sale code WWERAW.
Smackdown ring announcer and WWE Diva Lilian Garcia was released from hospital today according to a story on WWE.COM.
“Lilian has been released from the LA hospital, but is still under medical watch due to her body injuries,” her husband Chris said. “The love, support and prayers from our immediate family, our friends and the WWE family and Universe is extremely heartfelt and strengthening during this unfortunate time.”
Garcia is not expected to be back on the job till she’s 100%. She was struck by a car on Friday in Los Angeles and had been in the hospital ever since.
The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that the lawsuit filed by Hulk Hogan against Bubba “The Love Sponge” over the sex tape release has been settled.
Details on the settlement remain unknown however the popular DJ issued a statement to the media with a public apology and retraction to his comments from a few weeks ago.
“After further investigation, I am now convinced that Hulk Hogan was unaware of the presence of the recording device in my bedroom. I am convinced he had no knowledge that he was being taped. Additionally, I am certain that he had no role in the release of the video,” Bubba said.
During an appearance on the Howard Stern show, Bubba claimed that Hogan knew he was being filmed and blamed him for the release of the tape.
“It is my belief that Terry is not involved, and has not ever been involved, in trying to release the video, or exploit it, or otherwise gain from the video’s release in any way.”
Bubba continued saying that the things he said about Hulk and his kids were not true and he was deeply sorry for his reaction and additional pain that he caused to his family.
“I am committed to helping Hulk and his attorneys find whoever is responsible for the release of the tape and holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement says.
Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker Media is still proceeding as planned.
For a total of 343 days, CM Punk has been the WWE Champion. He has taken on John Cena, Big Show, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Chris Jericho, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, and R-Truth. It was back on November 20, 2011 when he won the championship.
Tonight, CM Punk faces he biggest threat, the undefeated Ryback.
Also tonight, Sheamus takes on a very mad and determined Big Show for the first time ever while Big Show still trying to overcome the loss of Championship many months ago.
Tonight, WWE’s Hell in the Cell is live from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
There are 6 matches scheduled for the event tonight.
Hell in the Cell opens with one heck of a Primo show. Entrance contains the words Hell In The Cell that is burning from a fire pits directly below it. Large Fireballs fire from the pit.
Play by Play tonight will be given by Michael Cole, Jim Ross, and JBL.
Our 1st Match is Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio.
Randy starts of real fast to take Del Rio to the outside. Randy introduces Del Rio’s head to the announce table then returns him to the inside of the ring. A quick distraction from Ricardo allows Del Rio to take out Randy for a quick 2 count. Del Rio then begins to work the left arm/shoulder area.
Del Rio continues to work the shoulder and mocks Randy’s signature pose. A quick counter from Randy allows a quick pin attempt but Del Rio goes right back to work on the arm.
Randy is able to change the momentum for only a few seconds but gets caught again but uses the rope to break Cross arm Breaker. Randy again tries to get back into the match and is able to hit his signature DDT from the ropes then signals that he is going for the RKO.
Randy is still favors the arm but Del Rio hits a back stabber and pin attempt at 2. Randy hits a quick power slam and 2 count pin attempt. He then begins to beat down Del Rio in the corner. Randy gets Del Rio to the top rope but falls to the mat then Del Rio jumps from the middle rope and lands directly on the chest of Randy feet first. Pin attempt at 2.
Del Rio then climbs to the top rope but jumps down like he forgot to do something but Randy reminds him fir a drop kick. Another distraction from Ricardo allows Del Rio to apply the Cross arm breaker in the middle of the ring. Randy is bale to counter into a pin attempt but gets a very close 3, then as Del Rio jumps from the second rope to kick Randy in the head, Randy ducks and all of a sudden, nails the RKO for a 3 count.
Winner of the Match – Randy Orton via pinfall.
We break to Josh Matthews talking with Vicki. She states she has evidence of AJ and John Cena.
Our 2nd Match is Team Hell No vs. Team Rhodes Scholars in a Tag Team match for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
We start with Daniel kick the crap out of Sandow then quick tag gets Kane in the match. Cody is then tagged in and Kane takes him into the ring the hard way. Both Kane and Daniel continue to tag multiple times and keep Cody busy.
Cody finally gets tagged out and Sandow takes out the Big Red Machine and now its Team Rhodes Scholars to take the punishment to Kane in their corner.
Daniel is finally able to get into the match and takes out both Rhodes and Sandow but just as fast, a distraction from Rhodes allows Sandow to take down Daniel outside of the ring. Now, again, Team Rhodes Scholars work on Daniel this time in the corner. Multiple pin attempts from Rhodes and Sandow only muster a 2 count.
Sandow now trying to keep Daniel on the mat but Daniel is able to fight back which allows him to have time to tag in Kane. He comes in and begins to take out both Rhodes and Sandow. Side walk slam from Kane allows a 2 count then Kane climbs the ropes but gets caught by Rhodes. Kane is able to throw Rhodes off the top rope then clothesline from Rhodes from the top rope. Daniel then tags himself into the match and flies from the top rope on the chest of Rhodes. He then attempts a pin count but Kane pulls Daniel off, then outside of the ring, Daniel misses a flying knee and nails Kane in the face.
Now Kane and Daniel fight outside of the ring and both Rhodes and Sandow slide feet first into both men outside. Cody and Daniel gets back into the ring and then Cody nails Cross Rhodes on Daniel then Kane breaks the pin attempt. Kane is mad right now and continues to beat the hell out of Team Rhodes Scholars and ignores the ref counts and finds that he just got DQ’ed.
Winner of the Match – Team Rhodes Scholars via Disqualification. Team Hell No retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Our 3rd Match is Kofi Kingston(c) vs. The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship.
Both men begin to work and show each others finishers really fast and then show how fast to avoid each finishers. Miz begins to work Kofi but Kofi turns it around and throws Miz to the outside of the ring. Kofi avoids being thrown into the stairs but doesn’t miss the kick to the head from Miz.
Both men get back into the ring and Miz works the ground game but Kofi gets out of it but a big tug of the hair takes down Kofi again. High running clothesline from Miz then allows him to take down Kofi from the top rope. Miz continues to wear down Kofi but a huge clothesline from Kofi takes down Miz.
Now Kofi picking up the pace and working Miz with a Boom drop then attempts to hit Trouble in Paradise but Miz runs away. A quick SOS from Kofi gets him a long 2 count. Miz then able to take out the leg of Kofi and now works it in the corner, using the ropes. Now, Miz is striping the knee pad and all the protective wrapping around the left leg of Kofi. Now, Miz has Kofi in a submission hold and Kofi tries to reach the ropes but gets dragged back into the middle of the ring.
A quick counter from Kofi gets a 2 count then Miz nails a DDT for a 2 count. As Miz is not looking, Kofi nails the Trouble in Paradise and is finally able to pin Miz for 3.
Winner of the Match – Kofi Kingston via Pinfall to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Our 4th Match is Antonio Cesaro(c) vs. Justin Gabriel for the United States Championship.
Antonio controls the match from start but Justin does get few shots in. Antonio claims that no American will beat him but, Justin is from South America, we will see. He then keeps Justin to the mat for a while, working the neck then picks up Justin and drops him on the tope rope.
Antonio continues to keep working Justin on the mat, jumping on his chest twice and works the arm again. A quick counter allows Justin to use his speed against Antonio. Antonio is then able to counter with a huge clothesline. While working in the corner, Justin hits a reverse DDT for a 2 count.
Antonio rolls to the outside of the ring and as Justin tries to fly to the outside, he gets caught bad outside by Antonio.
As Antonio gets Justin back into the ring, he hits the Neutralizer then pins for 3.
Winner of the Match – Antonio Cesaro via pinfall to retain the the United States Championship.
Our 5th Match is Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara vs. The Primetime Players
Darren starts off against Sin Cara with showing his speed to take him out then a quick tag allows Mysterio to attempt a pinfall count of 2. Darren counters the 619 and allows Titus to get tagged in and just uses his size and power to hurt Mysterio.
The Primetime players then work like a perfect tag team and keep Mysterio in their corner but Mysterio does get away long enough to allow Sin Cara to get back into the action and uses his speed against Titus but the overall power of Titus allows him to take control again. Darren then takes over and keeps Sin Cara on the mat.
Sin Cara is trying to get Mysterio tagged in but everytime he tries either Darren or Titus stop him. They are toying and just working Sin Cara to the mat, keeping him isolated to their side of the mat. Just one mistake allows Sin Cara to nail a DDT and is able to reach Mysterio and he just goes every where hitting everything called The Primetime Players with a tilt a world DDT to Darren.
With Mysterio in charge, Sin Cara takes out Titus on the outside then Mysterio is able to hit the 619 on Darren then he flies from the top rope, nailing Darren and gets the 3 count pinfall.
Winner of the Match – Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara via pinfall.
Our 6th Match is Sheamus vs. Big Show for the WWE world Heavyweight Championship.
Both tough, huge guys will try to show each others power but Big Show just shows more power by throwing him to the mat then giving Sheamus a big bear hug. He then works Sheamus in the corner with a huge slap to the chest.
Sheamus is able to attempt to take control of the match but Big Show rolls to the outside of the ring and takes the entire 10 count to take his time. Sheamus then attempts to work the mid section of Big Show but Show just lifts Sheamus up and throws him to the outside of the ring. Now Big Show taking control and working Sheamus on the outside, then throwing him to the retaining wall real hard.
Now Big Show gets Sheamus back into the ring and Sheamus does try to fight back but a huge sidewalk slam from Big Show slows him down. Sheamus in real pain right now as the Big Show delivers a head butt then on the outside, Sheamus tries to start a fight that he loses with Big Show as Show throws Sheamus right over the announce table.
With the Champion back into the ring, Big Show drops a big slam to the mat but Sheamus again tries to fight back. All he gets in return is he gets thrown right back to the outside. Sheamus from the outside, flies back into the ring and is able to take Big Show Down but a kick to the head takes him down. Big Show able to achieve a 2 count pin attempt.
As Sheamus tried to punch and claw his way out of trouble, Big Show applies a Big Show style bear hug. Show breaks the hold and signals for the chokeslam, but a counter DDT allows Sheamus to attempt a pinfall. As Sheamus tried to club the chest of Big Show, he gets caught and Big Show tries to hit the chokeslam. He is not able as Sheamus breaks the hold but just as fast, Big Show chokeslams Sheamus but only musts a 2 count.
A missed elbow drop allows Sheamus to try and get Big Show to submit but fails badly as he gets thrown outside. Back, inside the ring, Sheamus trying to take Big Show down and finally does with a double fist to the head of Big Show. Sheamus then lifts, HUGE POWER SHOWING, and nails White Noise but Big Show kicks out. Sheamus gets caught trying to hit the Brogue Kick and Big Show hits the WMD. Sheamus KICKS OUT AT 2. Big Show is ready again to hit WMD but misses and Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick but Big Show KICKS OUT AT 2.
Both men don’t know what to do, showing frustration, Sheamus signals Brogue Kick again and his just gets kocked the fudge out!!! Pin attempt by Big Show finally gets the 3 count! AWESOME MATCH!!!
Winner of the Match – Big Show via pinfall and NEW WWE Heavyweight Champion!
Oh Yea, Ron Simmons makes a quick cameo, using just one word during a backstage segment then we break to Vince on the phone then enters CM Punk, asking to cancel his match tonight. Vince just tells him to suck it up and prove he is the best in the world.
Our 7th Match is Eve(c) vs. Layla vs. Kaitlyn in a Triple Threat match for the Divas Championship.
Eve don’t wanna be here but both Layla and Kaitlyn work on Eve then just as fast, they begin to fight each other. Multiple counters allow Layla and Kaitlyn trade pin attempts but Eve introduces herself again, takes out Layla and work the ankle of Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn’s ankle is still healing from the injury sustain from an attack from a few months ago.
Man, I miss Lita and Trish!
Layla returns and begins to work on Eve and gets a 2 count. Both Eve and Layla somehow end up doing the splits in the middle of the ring and Kaitlyn then takes both women and clock each other in the head.
Kaitlyn works Layla but then Eve returns and all three are trying to take each other out with Kaitlyn getting the upper hand. A huge slam by Kaitlyn allows her to pin but Eve breaks a pin attempt by Kaitlyn and pins Layla for 3.
Winner of the Match – Eve via pinfall to retain the Divas Championship.
A quick backstage interview with Big Show making the sound, NEw Champion sounds so good right now. He then dares anyone to try and take the Championship from him. Doctors are then show, working on Sheamus.
Our 8th Match is CM Punk(c) vs. Ryback in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Championship.
As with all the other matches, The Champions are the first to enter the ring. A handshake and hug separate CM Punk and Paul as he enters the Hell in the Cell!
The Cage is locked and here we go. Cm Punk, leaves the ring fast to gather his thoughts. Punk is really working the heel as he keeps avoiding any contact with Ryback. Punk gets on check to the chest and Ryback just slams him knees him in the head. Ryback then proceeds to hurt Punk in the corner but Punk able to counter but then just gets tossed to the outside of the ring.
Punk then trying to rip open the door and finds Ryback waiting and he throws Punk into the sides of the Cell. The chant of Goldberg rains from the crowd as Punk crawls under the ring. Punk then uses a Fire Extinguisher to the face of Ryback then spears him into the side of the cell. Punk grabs a chair but Ryback kicks it right into Punks face. He then throws Punk into the ring and then just lifts him up and drops him to the mat hard.
Ryback misses a shot at Punk in the corner then hit flying closeline to take down Ryback. Punk continues to climb and jump from the top rope but after 3 attempts, gets caught and slammed into the corner hard. Punk hits a dropkick then as Ryback is on the outside of the ring, Punk flies over the ropes and take out Ryback. Ryback misses a shoulder take down and nails the stairs on the outside. Now, back in the ring, Punk works the nack and shoulder of Ryback.
Ryback just stands up and shows his power and slams Punk to the mat. Ryback misses a spear in the corner which allows him to hit the flying knee in the corner, then hits a closeline. Punk to the top rope and nails the flying elbow then he grabs a Kindo Stick and unloads on Ryback with shot after shot. Ryback gets mad and just grabs the stick and it does hurt him. Ryback with multiple clotheslines then back body drop, then a spine buster. Ryback hits the closeline then attempts Shell Shock. The Ref then stops Ryback, then he low blows Ryback. The Ref has low blowed Ryback. Punk rolls up Ryback for the quickest 3 count ever.
Winner of the Match – CM Punk via pinfall.
Punk is trying to leave the ring but cannot; the door wasn’t opened in time. Ryback grabs the ref, takes him out then goes after Punk. He catches Punk and takes him out then looks back at the Ref. Now, in the ring, he clotheslines the ref then lifts and throws him into the Cell wall from the ring.
As Punk tried to leave through the now open door, Ryback catches him but then Punk starts to crawl up the cage, Ryback goes after him too. On top of the cage, Ryback goes after Punk, and goes for Shell Shock on top of the Cell. The cage holds and Punk is down, now Ryback stands on the chest of Punk to end the PPV.
Next PPV will be Survivor Series on November 18th! See you then. I do want to say, sorry to all the readers for missing the last 2 out of 3 PPVs. Things have return to normal again.
