The announcement from Rusev for tonight’s Monday Night Raw came in the form of a video posted on Twitter where he issued a bodyslam challenge.
Yes, a bodyslam challenge. In the video, Rusev rolls in the arena in a brand new Maserati GranTurismo and decked in a suit and tie, he said that if anyone is successful in body slamming him tonight on Raw, he will give the car to the winner.
Will this be the cue to a returning Superstar, or someone new? You can see the video from Rusev below.
The Fabulous Freebirds – the legendary wrestling group featuring Michael “P.S.” Hayes, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy, Buddy “Jack” Roberts, and Jimmy “Jam” Garvin – will finally find their place in the Hall of Fame class of 2016.
The group originally consisted of Hayes, Gordy, and Roberts when the trio teamed up in 1979 and had one of professional wrestling’s most famous feud against the Von Erichs in the Dallas-based World Class Championship Wrestling.
After a very short stint in the then-WWF in 1984, the group had runs in AWA, WCCW, and UWF before Roberts eventually slowed down and called it quits. In 1989, Hayes and Gordy moved to WCW and were joined by Jimmy Garvin. They were last together at Global Wrestling Federation in 1994, ending the group after 15 years.
The group is also remembered for the Freebird Rule, where when holding a tag team title belt, any two of the three members can defend the title. During their illustrious career, the Freebirds won titles everywhere including at Georgia Championship Wrestling, Global Wrestling Federation, Universal Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, and World Class Championship Wrestling.
Two of the members, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts, have since passed away, Gordy at age 40 and Roberts at age 67, leaving Hayes and Garvin as the only living members of the group.
Hayes is currently employed by WWE where he is one of the lead producers and also serves on the creative team.
Monday Night Raw is live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and will feature the first appearance from The Undertaker since the Survivor Series last year.
Taker will presumably answer the challenge from last week’s major announcement where Vince McMahon put him in a Hell In A Cell match against his son Shane at WrestleMania 32. This will be Undertaker’s third Hell In A Cell match at a WrestleMania, having previously wrestled the late Big Boss Man and Triple H. While many associate Hell In A Cell with the Undertaker, his record is not the best, having appeared in 14 HIAC matches but only winning 6.
The number one contender for the Divas title will also be revealed tonight as Sasha Banks – the overwhelming crowd favorite – will take on Becky Lynch with the winner getting a shot against Charlotte at WrestleMania.
In other Raw related news for tonight, Rusev – who lives in Nashville, has promised a big announcement tonight.
In another clear sign that the Bullet Club is arriving in WWE, Finn Balor posted a photo sporting his new t-shirt which reads “Bulletproof Balor Club Worldwide.”
This is the same Balor Club t-shirt that was previously released however has the addition of Bulletproof at the very top. In his photo on Twitter, Balor tagged Gallows and Anderson as well.
Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson have already wrapped up their New Japan Pro Wrestling duties and are believed to make their debut anytime now. They are not expected to start in NXT and will be catapulted straight into the main roster with Balor probably joining as well after WrestleMania weekend is over.
The Raw after Mania episode would be a great day for the group to debut however WWE might pull the trigger early to try and make a more solid WrestleMania card.
For February 29 only, WWE Shop is running a buy one get one free special on t-shirts.
Not all shirts are part of the mix and match offer however several recently released t-shirts including those of Brock Lesnar, Finn Balor, Becky Lynch, John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Paige, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Triple H, and many others are on sale.
Prices range from $21.99 to $24.99 depending on the shirt. WrestleMania 32 merchandise is also available as part of the deal.
In preparing for perhaps his biggest wrestling match of his life, Shane McMahon enlisted the help of Phil Nurse, a legend in the Muay Thai world.
Nurse, who is 52, is a a European Light Welterweight Champion, Double British Champion, and British All Styles Super Light Welterweight Champion in Muay Thai and holds a record of 36-3 in the kickboxing sport and 14-3 in boxing.
He currently owns The Wat gym in Manhattan where he is the senior instructor. Nurse received the title of Ajam from Muay Thai Grandmaster Surachai Sirisute in May of last year.
Nurse is best known for being former MMA champion Georges St-Pierre’s striking coach.
Shane has been posting videos of him training at Nurse’s gym leading up to WrestleMania.
WWE Divas Paige, Brie Bella, and Natalya appeared on E! Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2016 Academy Awards show earlier today.
The three sexy Total Divas stars were decked in long black dresses for the occasion and joined E!’s broadcast to promote their Total Divas show which hasn’t been fairing so well in the ratings lately.
Paige, Brie, and Natalya also had some interaction with Todd Christly and his family from the show Chrisley Knows Best which airs on USA Network.
You can see a photo of the three stunning Divas below.
TNA is releasing a 4 disc DVD on AJ Styles, capitalizing on the popularity that the former TNA champ brought back ever since he made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble last month.
Styles had a very, very successful TNA career with two TNA World Heavyweight title reigns, six X Division titles, two Legends/Global/TV titles, two Tag Team championships, as well as three NWA World Heavyweight titles and four NWA World Tag Team titles when TNA still used the NWA properties.
This four disc DVD set features AJ Styles’ first ever TNA match from June 2002 up until his Bound For Glory 2013 title match against Bully Ray.
There are a total of 35 matches on these discs with opponents such as Kurt Angle, Booker T, Sting, Tommy Dreamer, Christopher Daniels, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, Austin Aries, Sean Waltman, Jeff Jarrett, Abyss, Samoa Joe and many others.
In an interview with ESPN held during the TNA UK tour last month but published yesterday, Kurt Angle revealed that he had a concussion on the first night of TNA’s Maximum Impact tour in Manchester.
Doctors however cleared the former champion to compete over the next two nights and perform his final two matches with the company on a tour that was billed as the Kurt Angle farewell tour.
“I’m healthy, I don’t have any problems. You have injuries, you’re gonna have injuries in wrestling. Everybody does,” Angle told ESPN.
He said that wrestling treated him very well and had a great time in WWE and in TNA however at this point in his life, family is more important to him and that’s why he’s taking a break from professional wrestling at least for a year.
“I’m not gonna say I’m gonna retire. I am pretty much done with TNA. Not sure, maybe down the road, maybe I might come back, but most likely I probably won’t, because there’s a chance that I might not wrestle again. I just wanna get a feeler this year and see what I wanna do and see where I wanna go,” Angle concluded.
You can read the full interview which also talks about wrestling the best wrestler, AJ Styles at http://es.pn/1KVAruX.
Barbie Blank, the artist formerly known as WWE Diva Kelly Kelly, has tied the knot to former Canadian NHL player Sheldon Souray, yesterday in Mexico.
“I couldn’t be happier! Tonight was the most magical, incredible night and I’m officially Mrs. Souray! I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have married my best friend,” Blank told E! News.
She and her husband were part of season one of WAGS on E! which dealt with the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes.
“Barbie came into my life and swept me off my feet! I’m thrilled to have this amazing woman become my wife and looking forward to spending my life with my best friend,” Sheldon said.
Blank wrestled for WWE between 2006 and 2007 and was one of the most popular Divas in the division. She won the Divas title once.
In a post on Twitter, Nikki Bella said that she is healing “like Superwoman” after the latest check-up with Dr. Uribe at Tampa General Hospital.
Nikki underwent surgery on January 27 to repair a broken neck and a herniated disk, the results of continuing use of her finishing move the Rack Attack. It will take around six months before doctors can figure out if Nikki can resume her wrestling career but judging from her tweets, things are looking up for her.
There’s no rehabilitation process per-se for this kind of surgery apart from doing nothing and keeping your neck as straight as possible. Nikki still wears a neck brace during most of the day to limit her neck movement to a minimum.
Just a few days following surgery, Nikki said that she was feeling better every day.
Shane McMahon’s return to the WWE sparked several rumors about him returning full time to the company in an executive role however at this point, Shane is not spilling out any additional information.
McMahon said that his only concentration for now is WrestleMania and his Hell in a Cell match against the Undertaker while a WWE spokesman told the New York Post that Shane is currently strictly an on-screen character only and fans should not read more into it.
When Shane was asked about a corporate return, he didn’t shoot it down, but he didn’t say yes either so his role in the company will probably be more clear after WrestleMania 32 is over.
Prior to his departure from WWE in January 2010, he served as the company’s Executive Vice President of Global Media. After leaving, he went on to become the CEO of You On Demand, China’s first video-on-demand and pay-per-view company. He stepped down from that role in 2013 but remained as Vice Chairman of the board. He has a net worth of $36 million.
Daniel Bryan might be retired but he is sticking around…at least until his contract with WWE runs out.
The former WWE World Heavyweight champion has been added to the WrestleMania Axxess fan-interaction event and will be meeting Premium VIP ticket holders on Sunday, April 3, at 10AM.
Premium VIP tickets for Bryan’s session went on sale today at 11AM EST however someone leaked the password online before the start and tickets were immediately gone. A quick look on Stubhub.com shows that many of those who purchased the Daniel Bryan ticket are reselling them there with prices starting from $400 per ticket.
PWInsider.com is reporting that TNA is looking at several investors who might be interested in coming onboard and strengthen the company’s financial situation.
The company is owned by Dixie Carter’s father, Panda Energy, and now have total control over it after Jeff Jarrett relinquished his part following his shock return last year in exchange for promotion for his Global Force Wrestling organization.
TNA Executive Vice President, Creative & Talent Relations John Gaburick told PWInsider, “TNA has been in in strategic partnership talks with several major global media companies and investment firms about the company’s next phase of growth.”
Gaburick did not disclose any information apart from the fact that several key TNA officials have been in Los Angeles and New York, and said that it’s a very exciting time for TNA.
Shane McMahon appeared via telephone on The Michael Kay Show on the YES Network yesterday to talk about his return.
The host said that he’s been to several sporting events where the crowd was loud however the reaction McMahon got when his music kicked in and he showed up was something extraordinary.
McMahon said he’s still humbled by the reaction and that he got the shakes just being there. “I will never forget it, it was so emotional.” McMahon said he didn’t know what the reaction would be as it’s live television but it was magical.
McMahon talked about a variety of other stuff including his sons watching him wrestle for the first time live in this 20 minute interview and you can see it all below.
HBO is going to get rocked today as all programming on the network will be taken over by Dwayne Johnson.
A marathon of the first season of Ballers will air first, followed by the movie Furious 7, and then the premiere of San Andreas, his biggest solo blockbuster movie ever.
“It is all me, all Dwayne long,” Johnson said in a video promoting the February 27 day. He joked that that was nickname in college…although it’s not important information for this particular day.
Ballers will kick off at 12:30PM on HBO 2 and then Furious 7 picks up at 5:40PM on HBO and then San Andreas at 8PM on HBO as well.
Thursday Night Smackdown! TV Report for February 25th, 2016 – “For The Greater ‘Good?’”
Introduction Segment: Video Promo and Welcoming
Recap of Fastlane’s main-event to determine who faces WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H at WrestleMania is shown; the winner was Roman Reigns.
We go live to Indianapolis, Indiana, where WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H makes his entrance to the ring, which has a table and black carpet on it.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
“The Game” uses the lines from The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy For The Devil” to explain his position and attack on Reigns. He gives Roman props for being “good” in the ring, but HHH says that he is “THE Game,” and “that damn good.”
Commercials.
Match #1: Eight-Man Tag-Team – The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and United States Champion Kalisto), Neville, and Dolph Ziggler VS. The League of Nations (King Barrett, Rusev, Sheamus, and Alberto Del Rio)
Barrett slugs off the apron and all eight men go at it. Dolph is left in the ring, giving Sheamus a leaping-DDT, but turns into a Tornado-Slam from Barrett for two!
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Barrett is still in control over Ziggler, kicking him in the gut in the corner, then tagging in Del Rio. He stomps on Dolph then knocks Kalisto off the apron. Alberto gives Ziggler a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, but only gets two. He switches with Rusev who elbows Dolph and runs him into the corner. Sheamus is in and scoop-slams Ziggler, but “The Show-Off” makes the hot-tag to Neville!
“The Man That Gravity Forgot” is all over The League, then both teams engage in a high-flying brawl until Neville is put to the mat with a Brogue Kick! Sheamus covers for the victory!
Winners via Pinfall: The League of Nations
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens is with Rene Young; she asks him what his announcement is. He decides to let Dean Ambrose have his rematch for the I.C. Title tonight, as Kevin liked his courage to continue to fight Brock Lesnar on Raw. Young informs Owens that Ambrose is not at Smackdown!, so he is ok with having a night off. That is until The Big Show walks up and challenges him to a bout, after Owens jokes about Show’s retirement.
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – D-Von Dudley (with Bubba Ray Dudley) VS. Jimmy Uso (with Jey Uso)
Jimmy starts out fast on D-Von and climbs the turnbuckle, but is distracted when Bubba takes a table from under the ring. it was a ploy that allows D-Von to roll-up Jimmy for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: D-Von Dudley (with Bubba Ray Dudley)
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Segment #4: Video Promo
Shane McMahon’s return on Raw is aired; it is announced that The Undertaker will also be back, next week on Raw.
Segment #5: Locker Room Promo
Chris Jericho and A.J. Styles are conversing; Jericho admits that he was not fond of “The Phenomenal One” at first, but respects him, especially after their series of matches. They discuss what defeating The New Day tonight will mean for them to have an opportunity at the Tag-Team Championships. They still need a third partner though, which is when Mark Henry walks up. “The World’s Strongest Man” agrees to be team up, as long as all is true. A.J. and Jericho concur, so Henry shakes Jericho’s hand and slaps Styles on the shoulder.
The Big Show walks to the ring to face I.C. Champ Kevin Owens.
Commercials.
Match #3: Single – The Big Show VS. Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens (Non-Title)
Kevin tries to punch and kick Show, but the former Giant fends him off and tosses him across the ring. Owens goes back to kicks after dropkicking Big’s knee and giving him a running-senton. Show fights back with fists in the corner, which sends Owens to the floor. Owens comes back with a jawbreaker on the ropes, but gets caught by the throat and chokeslammed!
Show climbs the turnbuckle, but Kevin meets him there and yanks him down onto the top rope. Show collapses to the outside and cannot make it back in the ring.
Winner via Count-Out: Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens
Up next, Becky Lynch will wrestle Natalya!
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Match #4: Single – Natalya VS. Becky Lynch
They slap-hands and Natalya gives Becky a side headlock takedown. Natalya grabs her in a waistlock, then they trade wristlocks. Natalya shoulder-blocks Lynch and covers, but Becky bridges out and hits a dropkick. She follows with a legdrop, but is German-suplexed to the outside.
Naomi and Tamina walk to ringside and interfere, kicking Natalya down.
Winner via Disqualification: Natalya
Post-match, Sasha Banks charges out to save Becky and Natalya. Divas Champion Charlotte walks to the stage with her father, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. She has a microphone and announces that Becky and Sasha will meet on Raw to find out who wrestles Charlotte at WrestleMania for the Divas Championship.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – Heath Slater (with Social Outcast members Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, and “The Radical Mongoose” Adam Rose) VS. R-Truth
Prior to the bout, Goldust walks out and tells Truth that all he is going to be is in his corner. Loud “Golden Truth” chants break out. Goldust walks over and the bell rings. Truth is in control until Slater hits a running knee from the corner.
R hits back a bit later with a leg-lariat and elbow, then front-suplexes him. The rest of The Outcasts distract, but it backfires when Goldust takes advantage and slaps Heath, allowing Truth to backslide Slater to finish!
Winner via Pinfall: R-Truth (with Goldust)
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Tag-Team Champions New Day prance to the ring with their usual antics; they cut a promo about the uncanny new team of Chris Jericho and A.J. Styles, and how they can’t believe they formed up. They imply that it doesn’t matter though, because they are still the “W-W-E World-Tag-Team-Champions” and will remain that way.
Commercials.
Match #6: Six-Man Tag-Team – Tag-Team Champions The New Day (Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and Big E.) VS. Chris Jericho, A.J. Styles, and Mark Henry (Non-Title)
Kofi and Jericho begin, with a shoulder-block by Kofi and dropkick by Jericho. Big E. is in and shoulder-blocks Chris, but Henry is tagged in and faces off with Big. He headbutts, then clotheslines Xavier and Kofi; Jericho and Styles follow with slingshot-planchas, then all three dance in the ring while Woods, Kingston, and E. re-gather on the outside.
Commercials.
Jericho, Styles, and Henry are still in control until Kofi hits a dropkick and Big E. takes over. The Tag Champs mudhole-stomp Jericho in their corner and work him over for a while. Big tries the Big Ending, but Jericho wiggles out of it and makes the hot-tag to Styles!
“The Phenomenal One” hits Xavier multiple times, including a springboard-moonsault-reverse-DDT! Kofi goes for the Trouble-In-Paradise Kick on A.J., but Jericho moves Styles and takes it himself. A.J. eats a hard forearm/elbow by Xavier, but reverses another move and rolls Woods into the Calf-Crusher, forcing him to tap!
Winners via Submission: Chris Jericho, A.J. Styles, and Mark Henry
“Finn 3:16 says…may I have this dance?” And that’s how the saga continued between NXT champ Finn Balor and NXT Women’s champ Bayley at a non-televised NXT live event in Orlando.
Bayley dropped her title and turned around to see what the fans wanted and was met with “Yes!” chants. Balor dropped his title too, the lights were dimmed and Dirty Dancing’s “The Time of my life” song hit the speakers and the two danced….like robots. Bayley then went to the corner and ran towards Balor as he lifted her up just like in the movie before goofing around some more in the ring.
The two have been tearing it up at house shows doing crazy stuff, showcasing genuine friendship. You can see the video below.
This week’s Smackdown drew 2,395,000 viewers, down 63,000 viewers from last week’s 2,458,000 number. CNN took the night with the GOP debate, drawing 13 million viewers. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
A WWE.COM article regarding the upcoming WWE Network special March to WrestleMania revealed that Triple H will be wrestling and defending his WWE World Heavyweight title on the show however the article has since been deleted from the website.
The preview stated, “Just three weeks shy of WrestleMania, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H will defend his illustrious prize for the first time since capturing at the Royal Rumble.”
The article has mysteriously disappeared from the website most likely because it went live before it was supposed to be published.
Others scheduled to appear on the show which takes place from the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Canada, on March 12 include Brock Lesnar, Bray Wyatt, AJ Styles, Sheamus, New Day and more.
