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Main event for the next NXT Takeover in June announced

The main event for the next NXT Takeover will be Samoa Joe defending the NXT title against former champion Finn Balor. This was announced during last night’s NXT episode on the WWE Network by General Manager William Regal.

Joe vs Balor is the third consecutive NXT Takeover main event, with the two already wrestling at NXT Takeover: London and NXT Takeover: Dallas. On both occasions, Finn Balor came out victorious retaining the NXT title but Samoa Joe won the title during a non-televised live event last month.

The upcoming Takeover show still has no name announced and it’s only a couple of weeks away. The show takes place from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida on June 8 live on the WWE Network. The following Takeover event will be in Brooklyn during SummerSlam weekend on August 20.

Adam Rose appears in front of judge, wife begs for mercy

WWE Superstar Adam Rose appeared in front of a judge this morning in Florida wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and had an unlikely supporter pleading on his behalf – his wife.

TMZ.COM reports that the wife begged the judge to go easy on her husband despite the domestic violence charge. She said that the two have a special needs son and requires the attention of both of his parents.

His wife Cassandra said that he didn’t hurt her and there were no bruises on her and police even took photos “for no reason.”

The judge originally wanted to put a restraining order on him which would have meant Rose would not be allowed to be anywhere near his wife however he took under the consideration the statements from his wife and agreed to let him off on a $1,000 bond. The judge ordered him to not have violent contact with her again and told him he needs to attend counseling once a week until he’s due back in court in June where he then has to present evidence of his improvement.

As of this moment Rose is still in jail according to online records however he is expected out later today. You can see the video of his wife pleading with the judge and the judge issuing the sentence below.

ESPN working on XFL documentary for 30 For 30

During his appearance on The Ross Report with Jim Ross, ESPN sportscaster and former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman announced that ESPN is working on an XFL documentary for their 30 For 30 series.

This year is the 15th anniversary of the XFL, a professional football league started by WWE and NBC which aired when NFL was off the air. The XFL aired on NBC, TNN, and UPN back in the day during weekends with WWE staff pulling double – and sometimes triple – duties working the XFL and then Raw and Smackdown during the week.

Coachman said that he had an in-depth interview with ESPN that will be part of the documentary. Coach, along with Ross, were joined by 13 other announcers who covered all the games including Jesse Ventura, Jerry Lawler, Mike Adamle, and Dick Butkus.

The XFL only stayed on for one season and the 50/50 partnership between WWE and NBC ended with almost $40 million in losses. Later Vince McMahon admitted that the league was pretty much a colossal failure.

Lilian Garcia explains why she missed Payback and Raw

There were rumors floating around that Lilian Garcia was released from the WWE due to her absence from the Payback pay-per-view and the following Raw on Monday night however today Garcia put those rumors away by tweeting why she has not been on TV.

The WWE ring announcer said that she has been dealing with an emergency involving a sick family member and that’s why she wasn’t on WWE TV and why she has been silent on social media since April 29.

She said that since the situation improved she is looking forward to be back to work on Monday.

Impact rating for 05/10/2016

This week’s Impact on POP did a total of 280,000 viewers, down 23,000 viewers from last week’s show. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)

WWE suspends Adam Rose indefinitely, more details about his arrest

WWE has suspended Adam Rose indefinitely following his arrest this morning stemming from an argument with his wife.

“WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, and per our policy, Raymond Leppan has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest,” a statement on WWE.COM, which also listed his counts – a felony and misdemeanor.

Meanwhile, TMZ adds to the story that Rose was thrown in jail after he allegedly grabbed his wife by her face during an argument at their home. The report said that he pulled his wife toward him and screamed at her and then listed the reason for the argument as martial problems.

His wife Cassandra called 911 during the incident to report her husband to the authorities however he took the phone away from her, which added the tampering with a witness charge along with the domestic violence.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office website says that he’s still in jail and held without bail until he is arraigned in court.

Salaries of the McMahons and Triple H revealed in latest WWE government filings

Triple H has signed a new WWE performer deal dated May 9, 2016 according to the latest FORM 10-Q report filed by the company with the United States Federal Securities and Exchange Commission. The new deal is for three years and is an addition to his corporate duties. His minimum guarantee is $1,000,000 however last year he made $3,112,624, adding an extra $337,000 to his 2014 total. His wife Stephanie received a salary of $1,738,950 in 2015.

Both Triple H and Stephanie are now members of the Board of Directors which has a total of 10 members including Vince McMahon as Chairman. Other members include Stuart U. Goldfarb, Co-Founder & Partner of Melo7 Tech Partners, LLC; Patricia A. Gottesman, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Hexagon; Laureen Ong, former President of Travel Channel; Joseph H. Perkins, former President of Communications Consultants, Inc.; Robyn W. Peterson, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product for Mashable; Frank A. Riddick III, Chief Executive Officer of Shale-Inland Group LLC; and Jeffrey R. Speed, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Six Flags, Inc.

Meanwhile, Vince McMahon has an agreement with WWE that ends on December 31, 2016, however that automatically extends for successive one-year periods. Vince is entitled to salary in the initial annual amount of $1,100,000 however the Compensation Committee increased his salary for 2016 to $1,325,000. He is also entitled to participate in the Company’s incentive bonus plan with an annual target bonus of 100% of salary.

The recently-returned Shane McMahon is nowhere listed in the corporate area which pretty much confirms that his role in the company so far is strictly as an on-air character.

Brooklyn Brawler released from WWE

PWInsider.com is reporting that Steve Lombardi, better known to fans as the Brooklyn Brawler, was released from the WWE last week after 33 years of service to the company.

In his three plus decades with the WWE, Lombardi had several roles, first wrestling as the Brooklyn Brawler, then as Kamala’s handler Kim Chee under a mask, replaced the original Doink The Clown for a while, and also played the gimmick of baseball player MVP.

After he retired from in-ring competition, Lombardi transitioned to a role backstage, doing basically everything and also served as a producer/agent. He never won any titles while in the WWE but his contributions backstage certainly were more important to the company than his in-ring career.

Adam Rose arrested in Florida and charged with two counts

Adam Rose, the WWE Superstar who is currently serving a 60 day suspension for failing the Wellness Program policy, is now facing more trouble after he was arrested this morning at 1:30 in Florida.

Rose was booked two hours later at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and charged with two counts, for tampering with a witness and battery domestic violence. The arrest was listed at his house located at 18004 Sparrows Nest Drive. He is currently being held in jail without bond.

In the Sheriff’s report it was listed that he’s a sports entertainer working for WWE. We will post more information about the arrest as soon as it comes in. You can see the mug shot posted by the Sheriff’s Office below.

adamrosemugshot

Top WWE Superstars returning within 30 days

During the conference call held to talk about the Q1 2016 financial results on Tuesday, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon announced that four of the most popular WWE Superstars would be making their way back to the active roster within the next 30 days.

McMahon said that Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, John Cena and Seth Rollins are all scheduled to return imminently following injuries that kept them out for a long time. Wyatt was the last one added to that list after he got injured during the first leg of the WWE European tour in April.

John Cena has already been announced to return on the Memorial Day edition of Monday Night Raw later this month while Seth Rollins has been filming a WWE Studios movie, completely recovered from the horrendous leg injury he suffered in the last quarter of 2015. Orton has also been out for several months due to a shoulder injury.

McMahon said that with the NXT call-ups and the returning Superstars making their way back they will have the biggest roster ever.

Raw rating for 05/09/2016

It seems that anything WWE tries is not bringing in new – or even old – viewers back as this week’s Raw once again went down in the ratings, getting only 3,238,000 viewers, a decrease of around 200,000 viewers from last week’s post-Payback episode.

Hour one did 3,345,000 viewers, followed by 3,356,000 in the second hour, and then down to 3,013,000 in the third and final hour. The NBA playoffs was the most watched show on cable during prime time with Raw getting 3rd, 4th, and 5th places. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)

Andre The Giant biographical film announced

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that an Andre The Giant biopic is being developed by Lion Forge Comics and producers Scott Steindorff and Dylan Russell. The announcement came from the filmmakers themselves yesterday.

The movie is based on the authorized graphic novel biography Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven, which was written by Brandon Easton and illustrated by Denis Medri. The film will chronicle Andre Roussimoff’s journey from French farm boy to his glory days as a professional wrestler while also exploring the physical and emotional challenges he faced.

“Andre the Giant rode the wave of the rise of wrestling in America, while suffering from the painful health condition of gigantism,” Steindorff said in the announcement. “There’s an Elephant Man story here.”

Roussimoff’s daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, will consult on the film, and David Steward II and Carl Reed will produce alongside Steindorff and Russell.

WWE revenues by business segment for Q1 2016

With WrestleMania falling in the second quarter of 2016, some comparisons were off this year since last year WrestleMania fell in the first quarter. Despite this, six of the nine core WWE businesses registered an increase when compared to the prior year quarter.

Those departments which outperformed last year’s results include: WWE Network revenue increased 34% to $38.2 million from $28.6 million in the prior year quarter; Television revenue went up 4% to $60.7 million; Digital Media did $5.4 million, up from 4.3 million; Licensing had a 27% increase to $21 million from $16.5 million; WWEShop went up to $6.8 million from $5.3 million; and WWE Studios registered $2.0 million in revenue vs $1.5 million last year.

The three which didn’t do so well are: Live events went down to $25.3 million from $39.3 million; Home entertainment had $3.3 million compared to $4.7 million last year; and venue merchandise dropped from $8.4 million to $5.5 million.

New $100,000 goal for Owens/Breeze GoFundMe campaign for Fort McCurray

WWE Superstars Kevin Owens and Tyler Breeze have upped the ante on their GoFundMe campaign in benefit of the victims of the fire at Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada.

After reaching the original $30,000 goal in two days, the new goal is a whopping $100,000 and over 1,300 wrestling fans have donated almost $40,000 already in total.

“Today, we are raising the goal to $100,000. After seeing how generous everyone has been, we truly believe we can hit that goal and bring much needed help to the people affected by the fire,” Owens wrote on GoFundMe.com. “Tyler and I are kicking off this next round by donating $500 each today. Once again, anything helps. If you can’t donate, sharing this on your social media is also greatly appreciated.”

The duo promised a video for a donation of $100 and a Twitter follow for anyone who donates. Donations will be accepted until May 22, the day of WWE Extreme Rules. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/22vqm7w.

Latest update on WWE Network total subscribers

In its latest press release announcing their financial results, WWE touted the WWE Network total subscribers, which by the end of the first quarter reached 1.47 million total subscribers. That number includes the free trials.

The day after WrestleMania 32, WWE announced a total of 1.82 million subscribers, so around 350,000 free sign-ups happened in the weekend prior to WrestleMania. It will be interesting to see how many of those 350,000 stick around once the free month is over. The 1.82 million subscribers count represents a 39% increase from March 30, 2015, the day after WrestleMania 31.

During the first quarter of 2016, the WWE Network was made available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. International subscribers as of the day after WrestleMania 32 amounted to 434,000, which is a 72,000 increase from quarter-end.

WWE continues to offer the free month for new subscribers and there seems to be no plans to discontinue the promotion leading to another big pay-per-view, SummerSlam. Recently WWE started enforcing the password-sharing policy which prevents more than one concurrent stream from playing in hopes of attracting more subscribers.

WWE reports Q1 2016 financial results

WWE today announced financial results for its first quarter 2016. For the quarter, the Company reported Net income of $13.9 million as compared to Net income of $9.8 million in the prior year quarter.

“Our strong performance in the first quarter reflected the successful execution of our content strategy,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “The sustained year-over-year growth of WWE Network, the global consumption of our video content across all platforms, and the recent record breaking attraction of WrestleMania demonstrate the increasing strength of our brands. We believe we can continue to leverage these strengths to drive long-term growth.”

George Barrios, Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, added “Our earnings growth was driven primarily by the increased monetization of our network and television content as well as higher licensing revenue from our franchise video game. Over the next year, we will continue to focus on producing engaging content across all platforms, investing in emerging markets, and deploying technology across the enterprise to drive our long-term growth.”

To view the full press release go to http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/file.aspx?iid=4121687&fid=1500085235.

Monday Night Raw TV report for 05/09/2016

Monday Night Raw TV Report for May 9th, 2016

Introduction Segment: Video Promo and Welcoming

A recap of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and The Usos’ feud with A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows is shown. The regular Raw video then plays, and the pyro goes off in the arena of Omaha, Nebraska. We are greeted by Michael Cole, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and Byron Saxton. They announce that Reigns and The Usos will go against A.J., Anderson, and Gallows in a Six-Man Elimination Tag-Team!

Segment #2: Arena Promo

Chris Jericho is out says that Dean Ambrose was supposed to be his guest on the “Highlight Reel,” but Ambrose is still recuperating from Jericho’s attack last week on Raw. “Y2J” brags about it until Colin Cassidy interrupts.

He makes fun of Jericho’s “gift of himself,” and then declares that “the new era” involves him, and they “fight” in it. Big Cass walks up to Jericho and measures against him, saying he is ready to go. Jericho backs away until Cassidy calls him “S-A-W-F-T!” Jericho hops back on the apron, but is booted in the face (an actually great connection too!)

Later tonight, Women’s Champion Charlotte will take on Paige; up next Dolph Ziggler meets Baron Corbin.

Commercials.

Segment #3: Backstage Promo

Chris Jericho is walking through the halls and sees Stephanie McMahon. He is enraged about Shane McMahon and his “new era,” and wants Stephanie to do something about him. Stephanie agrees with Jericho, but she actually likes it! She books Jericho facing Colin tonight as punishment for pitting sister against brother!

Match #1: Single – Dolph Ziggler VS. Baron Corbin

They start off with a wasitlock by Dolph, but Baron comes back, putting Dolph to the outside. He goes for a big boot, but Ziggler moves and Corbin tumbles over the corner barricade to the floor!

Ads.

Baron is in control now and works Ziggler over for a while. Dolph catches with a Famasser but Baron kicks out and spins Ziggler around with a HUGE backdrop! Dolph rolls-up Baron for a near-fall, but Baron snake-eyes him on the top turnbuckle, then plants him with his End of Days swinging-flatliner; he covers for the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: Baron Corbin

Commercials.

Segment #4: Office Promo

Women’s Champion Charlotte and her father, Ric Flair, walk into Shane’s office. They both suck-up to him and want him to overrule Stephanie’s stipulation that Ric is barred from the ring at Extreme Rules; Shane denies that request and even makes Ric stay away tonight!

Segment #5: Backstage Promo

Jojo questions A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows on their Six-Man Elimination Tag. Before she talks anymore, A.J. interrupts. He says he “took the high road” last week when he refused to whack Roman Reigns with a chair, but Reigns did not return the favor, instead powerboming Styles through the commentator’s table. Styles promises to still win the WWE World Heavyweight Champion on his own, but he announces that for tonight “The Club is back!”

Ads.

Match #2: Single – R-Truth (with Tyler Breeze) VS. Fandango (with Goldust)

Truth picks this one up after Breeze and Goldust jaw on opposite sides of the ring, distracting Fandango.

Winner via Pinfall: R-Truth (with Tyler Breeze)

Segment #6: Office Promo

Intercontinental Champion The Miz, Maryse, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Cesaro are all debating the title-picture with Shane and Stephanie. Owens, Zayn, and Cesaro make their cases for being a #1 Contender; Sami proposes that he wrestles Miz tonight and if he wins, then there will be a Fatal-4-Way at Extreme Rules. The McMahons likes the idea, much to Miz’s protest.

Commercials.

Match #3: Single – Women’s Champion Charlotte VS. Paige (Non-Title)

(Note: Natalya is on commentary)

A lockup begins then Charlotte dominates for a long while. Paige turns Charlotte into a roll-up for two, and gains momentum with a few kicks and a couple of knees-to-the-face! She hits another kick-to-the-face, but is elbowed and chopped out of the corner.

The Women’s Champion climbs the turnbuckle, but Paige blocks and suplexes off! 1 – 2 – Charlotte raises her shoulder! Charlotte catches Paige with a couple more pinning-combinations and a kick, then goes for the Paige-Tap-Out, but Charlotte crawls to the bottom rope!

Charlotte trips Paige into the middle turnbuckle and tries to pin, using the ropes for leverage, but Natalya calls attention to that. Charlotte turns into a fall-away slam for two! Ric Flair suddenly walks out and faces off with Natalya. Shane McMahon makes his way with referees, who force Ric to the back. This distracts Charlotte, who is rolled-up by Paige for the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winner via Pinfall: Paige

Ads.

Match #4: Single – Sami Zayn VS. Intercontinental Champion The Miz (with Maryse) (Non-Title)

(Note: If Sami wins, there will be a Fatal-4-Way at Extreme rules for the Intercontinental Championship between Miz, Sami, Owens, and Cesaro.)

An even start between the two, then Sami gets the better for a bit. He goes for a dive-to-the-outside, but Maryse moves The Miz. Sami makes up for it with a moonsault off the corner barrier, then Zayn chucks him into two corner barriers! He drops Miz on the barricade, and then Maryse yells at Sami!

Commercials.

Zayn is still in control, punching Miz in the corner. He goes for another move in the corner, but Miz tosses him up, with Sami landing on the steel steps. The referee begins the ten-count, but Sami just gets back in! Miz smacks Zayn in the face with his knee for a near-fall, then mudhole-stomps him in the corner. Miz clotheslines Sami in the corner then dives off the top with a double-axe-handle. He tries his Skull-Krushing Finale, but Zayn works his way out. Miz DDT’s for a couple of close-ones!

Sami commences a comeback with a Michinoku Driver. He scoop-slams Miz then leaps off the top turnbuckle, but Miz moves. The IC Champ clamps on a Figure-Four Leglock, and Sami struggles, but is able to clutch the rope for a break! Sami sunset-flip over, but Miz grabs the ropes in a pin; the referee stops the count, and Miz argues, then runs into an exploder-suplex! Zayn gears up and hits the Helluva Kick to finish! The IC Championship match at Extreme Rules is now a Fatal 4 Way!

Winner via Pinfall: Sami Zayn

Segment #7: Backstage Promo

Rene Young interviews Becky Lynch on Emma tactics to win on Raw last week. Young says that Emma says that the eye poke “was an accident.” Becky denies this, and threatens “an Irish lass-kicking” is in store. Emma walks up and wants Lynch to say that she is “inferior.” Becky is suddenly attacked, introducing Emma’s NXT Tag Team partner, Dana Brooke!

Ads.

Segment #8: Video Promo

The same video of Darren Young asking Hall of Famer Bob Backlund to be his “life coach” from Smackdown! airs, and Bob said yes.

Segment #9: Video Promo

Tag-Team Champions The New Day (Xavier Woods, Big E., and Kofi Kingston), Dolph Ziggler, and Sasha Banks are featured in an ad for Pizza Hut.

Segment #10: Office Promo

Zack Ryder is lobbying Shane for an IC Title shot, since he never got his rematch after losing the championship the Raw after WrestleMania. Kevin Owens detests this, but Shane makes another bout – if Ryder wins over Owens tonight, then Ryder will replace Kevin in the Fatal-Four-Way at Extreme Rules.

Segment #11: Office Promo

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, and Jimmy and Jey Uso are asked about their main-event against The Club. They say that they are “family.” Roman vows that all three will take out Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and then he will take out Styles!

The Lucha Dragons make their entrance, as Sin Cara faces Rusev, next!

Commercials.

Match #5: Single – Sin Cara (with Lucha Dragons partner United States Champion Kalisto) VS. Rusev (with Lana)

An elbow-collar tie-up begins, then Rusev knees Cara repeatedly in the corner. He gutwrench-suplexes Sin a couple times, and wears him down, then tosses him with a fall-away slam! Rusev whips Cara into the corner, but is double-booted and dropped with a Tornado-DDT!

Cara makes a comeback with a springboard-tornado-elbow, then a springboard-moonsault. He follows with a dive-through-the-ropes, and ascends then turnbuckle. He soars with a senton-dive, but Rusev moves and kicks Cara hard in the chin! Both Kalisto and Lana distract the referee, and the U.S. Champ kicks Rusev on the apron; Sin takes this with a roll-up!

Winner via Pinfall: Sin Cara (with Lucha Dragons partner United States Champion Kalisto)

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Segment #12: Video Promo

The Shining Stars – Epico and Primo – are coming next week.

Match #6: Six-Man Tag-Team Elimination – Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and A.J. Styles VS. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns

Anderson and Jey start, with Karl punching the Uso fiercely. Jey hits back with a smacking-dropkick, then tags in Reigns. Jimmy tags himself in and the cousins triple-team Karl. Jimmy is in, but put in The Club’s corner. Karl punches Jimmy and elbows Roman off the apron, then goes for a knee-drop but misses. Jimmy makes the hot-tag to his brother, and Jey is all over Anderson until Luke hits Jey from the outside and Karl rolls him for the pin; Jey is out!

Gallows and Roman go at it now, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion knocks around Luke, Karl, and A.J.! Jimmy is controlling Gallows with kicks and a corner-rear-splash, but turns around into a huge boot! Luke tags Karl, who taunts Jimmy, but is caught in a small-package for the 1 – 2 – 3; Karl is eliminated!

Commercials.

During the break, Jimmy was ejected after a Phenomenal Forearm from Styles! It is down to A.J. and Gallows against the WWE World Heavyweight Champion! Roman is worked over a little, but manages a Superman Punch on Luke to send him away!

A.J. is immediately attacking Reigns with numerous punches and then a Pele Kick! He rockets over the ropes to the floor with a springboard-forearm. Styles rips apart the announce table, but Roman hurls A.J. into the ring apron and then over the announce table! He drags Styles, but Karl hits Reigns in the back with a chair, causing a dq!

Winners via Disqualification: The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns

Post-match, they all brawl until Roman clears with a Spears on Anderson and Gallows. He turns around into an enziguri though, and A.J. stands over a chair, wanting to give Roman the Styles Clash on the object. Reigns fights out of it, and they stare-down. Roman challenges him by dropping the chair right in front of him, but Styles kicks it back. (the fans are chanting for both men!) He springboards over Roman as Reigns picked up the chair. They stare-down again, as A.J. yaks at Roman!

Ads.

Match #7: Single – Zack Ryder VS. Kevin Owens

Owens governs right away for a bit, then tries a powerbomb on the outside, but Ryder stops it. Zack hits a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle, but is clotheslined harshly in the back-of-the-head. Kevin sets up for a possible Pop-Up Powerbomb, but Ryder jackknife covers for a near-fall! Owens tries a Cannonball-Splash in the corner, but Zack moves. “Long Island Iced-Z” tries a Broski Kick, but Kevin goes to the outside.

Zack gets Owens back in the ring and soars off the top turnbuckle with an elbow drop for a close one! Ryder hears up for the RoughRyder, but Owens counters and drapes Ryder on the top rope. He finishes with the Pop-Up Powerbomb!

(Note: Kevin Owens keeps his spot in the I.C. Title Fatal-4-Way at Extreme Rules.)

Winner via Pinfall: Kevin Owens

Segment #13: Backstage Promo

Rene Young questions Colin Cassidy on his match with Jericho; he says that it is “the biggest match in my career,” and dedicates it to his Tag-Team partner, Enzo Amore.

Commercials.

The New Day make their entrance and make fun of The Vaudevillian’s name. Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and Big E. say they have the power of the Booty-O behind them.

The Dudleyz enter and will be facing them next!

Ads.

Match #8: Tag-Team – Tag-Team Champions The New Day (Big E. and Kofi Kingston) (with New Day and Tag-Team Champion partner Xavier Woods) VS. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba-Ray and D-Von)

The Dudleyz control most of this bout, and The Vaudevillians assault Xavier on the floor! D-Von clotheslines Kofi viciously for the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winners via Pinfall: The Dudleyz

Post-match, Aiden English and Simon Gotch continue the attack and walk back up the aisle.

Commercials.

It is announced that Sami Zayn and Cesaro will face Kevin Owens and Intercontinental Champion The Miz; also WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will take on Luke Gallows

Match #9: Single – Colin Cassidy VS. Chris Jericho

As Jericho makes his entrance with the lights out, he is attacked! The mysterious figure puts on “Y2J’s” jacket, gets in the ring, and is revealed to be Dean Ambrose! “The Lunatic Fringe” takes off the attire and rips it. Jericho runs in for the attack, but is stopped on the outside by Cassidy, who throws him back in the ring! Dean Dirty Deeds DDT’s Chris, then cuts his jacket and walks off.

Winner: No Contest due to No Official Start

Segment #14: Office Promo

Stephanie and Shane are watching, giving each other props on the show. Shane gets a phone-call, and Steph holds the picture of Vince and him, smiling. Back in the ring, Jericho yells at Ambrose’s vandalism while Dean is on the stage to close the show.

End of Raw.

The artist formerly known as Cameron issues long statement after WWE dismissal

Ariane Andrew, who performed in the WWE as Cameron before receiving the pink slip last Friday, posted a lengthy message to her fans today.

The former Funkadactyl thanked all the WWE employees behind the scenes, the trainers, coaches at the Performance Center, the Superstars and to Vince McMahon and his family, “for giving me an opportunity to live out a dream and experience some of the most incredible things.”

She said the past few years have been like a roller coaster for her but despite everything, she feels blessed. She pointed out that all good things come to an end and not every story has a fairy tale ending. “Friday was a bittersweet day for me as I received my release. As I think back on all the memories I am filled with a cluster of various emotions; sadness, frustration, happiness, and everything in between.”

Andrew said that she wanted to make an impact not only as a confident and successful African American female but as a role model for young females and underdogs around the world.

“Whether I continue my pro wrestling career or build on my other projects I will always give it my all and I will also lean on your love and support. I won’t say goodbye…I’ll simply say thank you and I will see you again soon,” she concluded.

You can read her full statement at http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1soloim.

GoFundMe campaign by Breeze and Owens reaches $30,000 goal

The GoFundMe.com campaign set up by Kevin Owens and Tyler Breeze in benefit of the victims of the fire at Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada has surpassed the $30,000 goal.

“This is really amazing. In just 24 hours, we are almost at our original goal. Thank you all! Tyler and I are absolutely blown away by everyone’s generosity,” Owens wrote just before the $30,000 mark was hit.

As of this writing, over $32,000 were donated with all money going to the Canadian Red Cross which is helping those in need in the area.

“We will be following everyone who included their Twitter handle and sending out the videos within a few weeks…sorry, we’re really busy! But it will happen, we promise,” Owens added. The duo promised a video for a donation of $100 and a Twitter follow for anyone who donates.

Donations will be accepted until May 22, the day of WWE Extreme Rules. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/22vqm7w.

Ryback merchandise moved for clearance on WWE Shop

If this is a sign of what is coming next remains to be seen but WWE Shop has moved all Ryback merchandise in the sale section, with all his t-shirts, apparel, and other accessories and toys marked down for clearance.

Ryback only has 16 products on WWE Shop and in his statement last week he said that being booked the way he was had an effect on his merchandise, thus making less money than usual.

Meanwhile WWE Shop is running a 30% off on select t-shirts using the code TSHIRT30 before checking out. T-shirts include those of Cesaro, WrestleMania 32, Sami Zayn, Triple H, The Rock, Shinsuke Nakamura, NXT, Kevin Owens, Sting, and many others. You can order at http://w-o.it/wweshopcom.