WWE News

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Shawn Michaels' Birthday, WWE Superstars Mistake, 50 Cent/The Undertaker


- Wrestling News World reader Giuseppe sent word that today is Shawn Michaels' 44th birthday.

- WNW reader Andy sent the following… On the official WWE website in the Superstars section it advertises the following for Thursday's show: Also, Evan Bourne faces off against The Brian Kendrick. This is incorrect because Evan Bourne vs Jamie Noble was taped for Superstars. It looks like WWE had plans for Bourne vs Kendrick this week, but that changed for whatever reason.

- WNW reader Jonathan Hebert sent the following… Rapper 50 Cent recently released a mixtape titled "The Undertaker" an I'm sure most wrestling fans would agree the cover (which you can view here) looks familiar.

 

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Entourage Star To Host Raw On August 3rd


WWE issued the following press release today:

Shaq and Jeremy Piven Tapped as Next Hosts of WWE's Monday Night Raw(R)

STAMFORD, Conn., Jul 22, 2009 -- WWE's Monday Night Raw(R) on USA Network continues its weekly celebrity guest host series with NBA All-Star Shaquille O'Neal and Emmy Award-winning actor and Entourage star, Jeremy Piven.

Shaq will host Raw live from the Verizon Center in the nation's capital on Monday, July 27th and Piven, August 3rd from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

Each week celebrities from the world of sports, television, music and film take control of the most-watched regularly scheduled program on cable television by arranging matches, dictating stipulations and managing the entire RAW roster of WWE Superstars and Divas for the evening. Actor/writer/producer Seth Green and Rock N Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top were the first two guest hosts of Monday Night Raw, which airs live episodes each week at 9:00 PM ET on USA Network.

In addition to his role as Ari Gold in Entourage, Piven will be starring in the upcoming comedy film, The Goods: Live Hard. Sell Hard debuting in theaters August 14th.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) can be found at http://wwe.com and http://corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

 

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This Week's ECW Rating Is In


According to data compiled by Nielson Media Research, this week's edition of ECW on SyFy (07/21) drew a 1.2 cable rating. This is slightly down from last week's 1.3.

 

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Billy Kidman On Twitter, Hulk Hogan Note, WWE In France Update


- WNW reader Giuseppe sent the following… I was Channel surfing when i heard Hulk Hogan's Music "Voodo Child(Slight Return)" Promoting a Movie on MuchMoreMusic but i couldn't catch the name of it.

- WNW reader Justin sent the following… Former WWE Superstar and current FCW trainer Billy Kidman has opened an official Twitter site (www.twitter.com/kidmanfcw) It has been confirmed by FCW and WWE is following it. Just wanted to let everyone know.

- WNW reader Jeremy Chevallier (THTG) of FNLUTTE.com & SCNewsletter.fr.nf sent the following… WWE will present a RAW house show at the Zenith of Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France on April 14th, 2010 during the WrestleMania Revenge Tour. Tickets will go on sale on September 16th, 2009 at 10 AM. The next day, April 15th, 2010, RAW will be in Lievin, France, for a second house show. Tickets will also go on sale on September 16th, 2009 at 10 AM.

 

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Saturday's House Show Note, More On Monday's Raw, WWE Superstars At Comic Con


- WNW reader Christian sent the following… Hey guys, I'm down in Wildwood NJ right now where they are holding a house show Saturday night, which I will be attending. I wanted to pass along that there is a recording playing outside the convention center promoting the event. The only thing is they are promoting John Cena vs the Big Show as a World Heavyweight Championship match.

- Ted DiBiase and Hurricane Helms will be appearing a Comic Con today at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California from noon - 5 p.m. PT.

- The first hour of this week’s Raw drew 5,036,000 viewers while the second drew 5,275,000 viewers. As reported earlier this show did a 3.5 cable rating.

 

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Another Match Added To Night Of Champions (Spoiler)


While it wasn't written in this week's taping results, Michelle McCool will defend the WWE Women's Championship against Melina at Sunday's WWE Night of Champions pay-per-view.

 

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Another Match Added To Night Of Champions (Spoiler)


While it wasn't written in this week's taping results, Michelle McCool will defend the WWE Women's Championship against Melina at Sunday's WWE Night of Champions pay-per-view.

 

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HBK Being Advertised For SummerSlam, Victory Road A Success?, Jeremy Piven/Shaq Update


- WNW reader Richelle sent the following… Hey WNW! Was checking out perezhilton.com and he comments on the two upcoming Raw celebrity guest hosts Jeremy Piven and Shaq. Here is what he wrote: The Pivert better lay off the fish for good, because he's just signed up for hosting duties for WWE’s Monday Night Raw alongside Shaquille O’Neal.According to the WWE, "each week 'celebrities' from the world of sports, television, music and film take control of the most-watched regularly scheduled program on cable television" which includes the likes of Seth Green and ZZ Top.What's that smell?Is that the smell of desperation?Shaq is too cool for this shiz!!!It's just perfect for JP, though!

- Wrestling News World reader Sean Spencer sent word that The Scottish Sun has a positive review online of Sunday’s TNA Victory Road pay-per-view. The article is quoted as saying, “Nice work TNA, keep it up.” You can read it at this link.

- Several Candian Wrestling News World readers sent word that the magazine "Movie Entertainment" is advertising the following Superstars as appearing: Chris Jericho, John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, CM Punk, and Shawn Michaels.

 

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Former WWE Developmental Worker Suddenly Passes Away


Wrestling News World has learned that former WWE developmental worker Damien Steele has passed away. Apparently Steele told friends yesterday he wasn't feeling well and was experiencing flu-like symptoms. He was found dead shortly after. His body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Steele had currently been working with Georgia Championship Wrestling and was featured on an episode of SmackDown in 2006.

On behalf of myself and the entire Wrestling News World team, our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Damien's friends and family.

 

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WWE Hall Of Famer Pleads Not Guilty To Criminal Charges


"Rowdy" Roddy Piper pleaded not guilty today in a Los Angeles courtroom to charges that he's facing from a DUI arrest earlier this month in Hollywood. As we mentioned on the site yesterday, If convicted, Piper could face a maximum of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Celebrity-Gossip website TMZ is reporting that the case will be back in court next month.

 

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JBL Says He's Not In Talks With TNA, Former Diva Search Girl Working With Trump, More


- WNW reader Dante sent the following... Former diva search girl Jessica Hatch (she trained with Booker T for a while) is posting videos online for a company called ACN. They have Donald Trump on board endorsing the company. I think he may own the company. You can check out one of the videos at this link.

- WNW reader Joey Masters sent the following... JBL has just confirmed on his Twitter that he is not in talks with TNA. The Tweet reads: "No talks of TNA and no regrets on my career-internet rumors are completely bogus. I am happy playing golf and being retired."

 

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Scotty 2 Hotty Back With WWE?, JR's Night Of Champions Predictions
Written by Richard Gray on Jul 24, 2009 - 12:46:12 PM

- WNW live events correspondent Devin Cutting sent this in... Scotty 2 Hotty will be signing autographs at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis, Florida on July 25th, 2009 prior to the Florida Championship Wrestling event. The FCW website has Scotty listed as a "WWE Superstar", not as a former WWE superstar or a WWE legend. Go to http://www.fcwwrestling.info for information about FCW and http://prowrestlingevents.tk or http://prowrestlingevents.webs.com for information about upcoming wrestling shows worldwide.

- Jim Ross has a new blog on the WWE Universe website where he gives his Night of Champions predictions. Click here to read it.

 

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JR: Jerry Brisco Health Update, HBK's Return, Lashley vs. Fedor, Austin/Taxes, More


Jim Ross has a new blog entry available on his official website. Below are the highlights:

- Spoke with Jerry Brisco Tuesday afternoon while "in hurry up and wait mode" in Richmond. Jerry's doctors are extremely happy with the HOF'er's progress and expect him to make a full recovery from heart surgery after a few months rest. Having three months off sounds pretty intriguing to me but having to have heart surgery to facilitate such hopefully isn't in my cards. Jerry's speech and strength are making a big comeback!

- Shawn Michaels celebrates birthday # 44 Wednesday and our very best wishes go out to HBK. There is rampant speculation that Shawn will return to WWE in time to compete at Summerslam but I have yet to hear that confirmed. HBK returning at Summerslam would be my guess but I just can't be sure at this time. Michaels is still, arguably, the best in ring performer in the business today.

- Here's hoping Bobby Lashley isn't coerced into fighting Fedor in a couple of weeks as a last minute replacement. Lashley is still learning his new vocation and to fight one of the most dominate MMA fighters ever with little time to train and having inadequate, overall preparation for Fedor would not be smart, no matter the pay day. A Lashley loss would be predictable and a Lashley upset would be tainted because Lashley would have been a last minute substitute that Fedor would have had "little time" for which to prepare. Bobby is steering a smart, deliberate course in MMA that he should remain on for the next several months.

- Much has been made of the Steve Austin tax matter resulting from the sale of some property. Knowing Steve as well as I do, and we have not discussed this particular matter, I would assume that this is merely a clerical error and someone on the accounting or Realtor end dropped the ball. Austin is one of the most obsessed individuals I know regarding saving money and taking care of his business the right way. Austin "got it" when I used to preach to the wrestlers about saving their money, preparing for their future, getting professional financial planning and income tax help and not living beyond their means IE pay one's bills and don't buy too much bling. Trust me, Steve Austin won't have any issues taking care of this $22K matter that I suspect simply fell through the cracks. I can tell you from personal experience and from dealing with accountants that things like this have happened to many of us and more often than not, if one is diligent in this area, these matters are simply oversights. Austin shares my philosophy and that is to NEVER "mess" with Uncle Sam and the IRS.

- Helluva coup for Raw to nab Shaquille O'Neal as guest host this Monday night in Washington D.C., the day after Night of Champions in Philly. Shaq should be tremendous as his personality, like the rest of him, is huge. Shaq has been a long time fan and he once told me that he DVR'ed Raw every week so that he could keep up with what was happening especially during his NBA season. Shaq has an upcoming reality show that ABC is going to air this summer which will likely get some "stretch" come Monday night. The big fellow is a legit good dude let me assure you. Could we see Shaq in the ring Monday night? I don't know but I do suspect that the Cleveland Cavaliers would likely not be overwhelmed. I suggest the Cavs send King James to D.C. to chaperon. LeBron is a big wrestling fan too. Nice tag team.

Click here to read JR's latest in its entirety.

 

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Final Lineup For WWE Night Of Champions


WWE will hold their Night of Champions pay-per-view tomorrow night from the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Below is the final lineup for the show:

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship
- Randy Orton (c) vs. Triple H vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship Match
- CM Punk (c) vs. Jeff Hardy

ECW Championship Match
- Tommy Dreamer (c) vs. Christian

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
- Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE United States Championship
- Kofi Kingston (c) vs. MVP vs. The Miz vs. Carlito vs. Jack Swagger vs. Big Show

Unified WWE Tag Team Championship Match
- Chris Jericho & A Mystery Partner (c) vs. Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes

WWE Women's Championship Match
- Michelle McCool (c) vs. Melina

WWE Divas Championship Match
- Maryse (c) vs. Mickie James

Be sure and join us here at WrestlingNewsWorld.com for my live coverage with Richard Reacts analysis.

 

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WWE Supershow House Show Results (7/24/09) - Salisbury, Maryland


Wrestling News World reader Brandon Owen sent in the following report:

I just left the WWE Supershow in Salisbury, Maryland. Overall it was a good show. Below are quick results:

* Drew McIntyre b. Jimmy Wang Yang with a double arm DDT

* MVP b. Carlito after a Playmaker

* IC Champ Rey Mysterio b. Dolph Ziggler after 619 and WC Pop

* ECW Champion Tommy Dreamer b. Christian, Vladimir Kozlov, & William Regal after pinning Regal

* The Miz b. Primo after Carlito interfered

* WWE Divas Champ Maryse b. Mickie James

* World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk b. Jeff Hardy with a GTS

* John Cena b. Big Show in a no disqualification match.

 

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Advertised Matches For Tonight's WWE House Show, Jeff Hardy Advertised, Notes From SmackDown


- WNW reader Christian sent this in... A free newspaper that promote events in Wildwood called Free Time has listed the card for tonight's show. They have the main event listed as John Cena and Rey Mysterio vs Big Show and CM Punk. The other matches listed are Tommy Dreamer vs Christian vs Jack Swagger in a triple threat match for the ECW Championship and MVP vs the Miz. They are advertising Ricky Steamboat as appearing. This is a different lineup than the one being advertised at the convention center, the paper was printed yesterday so it will be interesting to see what card takes place. I will be at the show and will send it a report either late Saturday or early Sunday.

- WNW reader Magz sent this in... I'm watching Smackdown in the UK on SS3 right now and just before the break they advertised the Smackdown TV event in November with Jeff Hardy being one of the WWE Superstars who would be there. Note from Richard: Despite being advertised, Hardy has yet to sign a contract extension with WWE.

- WNW reader Anthony sent this in... For those that missed SmackDown last night: Maria accompanied Dolph Ziggler to the ring this week continuing their on screen relationship. Punk's heel turn continued as he delivered a very heavy attack on the WWE Universe and Jeff Hardy. However in his match later in the night there were still some cheers. Melina did announce that she will indeed revoke her rematch clause this Sunday.

 

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Second Report: WWE Supershow House Show Results (7/25/09) - Wilwood, New Jersey


Wrestling News World reader Steven Klenk sent in the following:

I attended the WWE Supershow in Wildwood, NJ. Almost a sell-out crowd. Below are the matches and my thoughts about them in order.

Christian vs. William Regal
Result: Christian wins
Thoughts: Good match. Got the crowd going

Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Wang Yang
Result: McIntyre wins

Divas title: Maryse vs. Mickie James
Result: Maryse retains

Intercontinental title: Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler
Result: Mysterio retains title via 619
Thoughts: Big pop for Rey. Solid match as well.

ECW title: Tommy Dreamer vs. Vladimir Kozlov
Result: Dreamer retains

World Heavyweight title: CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy
Result: Punk retains via GTS
Thoughts: Punk high-fives the fans; Hardy gets a big pop. Overall, quick match.

No DQ Match: John Cena vs. Big Show
Result: Cena wins via Attitude Adjustment (F.U.)
Thoughts: For a No DQ match, this one was the best I've seen in a while.

Show Thoughts: The whole show was great, and the crowd loved it.

 

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Summary Of WWE Vintage Collection On 7/25


The July 25th, 2009 edition of WWE Vintage Collection on The Score featured these matches:

* The Great Sasuke vs. Taka Michinoku from WWF In Your House - Canadian Stampede
* Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. from WCW Halloween Havoc 1997
* Tajiri vs. X-Pac from WWF Summerslam 2001

Go to http://prowrestlingevents.tk for info about upcoming wrestling shows worldwide.

 

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WWE Night Of Champions Dark Match Result

Cryme Tyme beat The Hart Dynasty prior to tonight's WWE Night of Champions pay-per-view from the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thanks to Wrestling News World readers Katie and Liz for sending us text-message updates tonight.

 

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WWE Night Of Champions News & Notes


- It was announced prior to tonight's pay-per-view that SmackDown/ECW will return to the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia on November 17th. (Thanks to WNW reader Katie.)

- Big Show's submission finisher is now called the Colossal Clutch. Show, who was revealed as Chris Jericho's mystery tag team partner, is also wearing a new blue singlet as his ring gear.

- 17,774 was the announced attendance for tonight's show.