MrErnest878 's WWE, TNA, UFC Blogs

WWE extends TV deal with BSkyB for five more years

2012-02-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE today announced that it has extended its television rights contract with British Sky Broadcasting in the UK for another five years, taking the partnership into its milestone twenty-fifth year. BSkyB is one of the most important partners for WWE outside North America.

The new deal kicks off in January 2010 with the satellite provider airing ten and a half first run hours of WWE shows including RAW, Smackdown, ECW, Bottom Line, AfterBurn, Vintage Collection and This Week in WWE. WWE Experience and WWE Superstars will start airing on Sky1 also in high definition.

Eight of the thirteen pay-per-views including the big four will be airing on Sky Box Office for a fee while the rest will air on Sky Sports.

"The new agreement sees our broadcast partnership with BSkyB reach a history-making 25 years; there is no greater testimony to the mutually beneficial nature of our relationship. It has been pivotal to WWE reaching the new heights of popularity we now enjoy in the UK. We look forward to continuing to grow our brand presence with BSkyB," said Andrew Whitaker, President of Europe, Middle East and Africa for WWE.

Sky Sports Managing Director, Barney Francis, added, "Our relationship with WWE goes back many years, since our network began in 1989. WWE fans have grown up watching all the big events and weekly programmes on Sky. We are delighted to once again extend our relationship and offer our viewers the globally renowned sports entertainment which is WWE for another five years - and all available in high definition."

WWE looking at Brazil and Russia to expand their business

2012-02-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

With international business in Europe, Middle East and Africa slipping and Asia Pacific and Latin America soaring, WWE is looking to tap into the Brazilian and Russian market to strengthen their international presence. Revenue from EMEA fell 15.8% during the last quarter while in Asia it jumped to 83.8% and 82.4% in Latin America.

"We, as a company, really have never been stronger. We've seen strength across the board and our footprint today is considerably more extensive, light years away from where we were in '97" Andrew Whittaker, WWE's president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, told CNBC.com.

"WWE was a cult attraction; that really is no longer the case," Whittaker added.

He revealed that Brazil and Russia are WWE's next target although both territories will be hard to crack.

Michael Pachter, an analyst who covers the stock at Wedbush Morgan Securities said that WWE's best way into Brazil and Russia is to adapt to the local culture and getting some of the country's home-grown talent in the ring.

"We're never happy - that's very much part of the ethos of the company. We never rest on our laurels," Whittaker concluded.

Vodafone and SKY New Zealand launch WWE on Mobile TV

2012-02-26T10:44:00.002-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

If you're a WWE fan, live in New Zealand and use Vodafone as your cellular provider then you'll be happy to know that you can now see WWE on your mobile.

Vodafone and SKY today confirmed the addition of five new Mobile TV channels to their line up including World Wrestling Entertainment, which joins other channels such as Disney, Discovery Channel, MTV, E! and others.

SKY Mobile TV on Vodafone is available for $2.50 a week for all 14 channels available.

It is not clear what kind of shows will be airing on the WWE channel as no schedule was announced.

WWE renews TV deal with Melita Sports in Malta

2012-02-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE and Melita Sports in Malta announced today that they have renewed their TV broadcast agreement for an additional three years.

The new deal includes the addition of WWE Superstars which is added to the line up of RAW, Smackdown and NXT already airing on the cable provider. All WWE pay-per-views air for no extra charge on a tape delay.

"WWE is delighted to be renewing and broadening our agreement with Melita Sports. The new addition of WWE Superstars to the programming schedule means that WWE fans in Malta will now be able to see more original WWE action than ever before," said Dominic Hayes, Vice President and Managing Director of International Television and Digital for WWE.

RAW, Smackdown brands wrap up Mexico tour today

2012-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE wraps up a five day tour of Mexico today which had eight live events visiting Monterrey twice, Aguascalientes, Mexico City twice, Puebla, Queretaro and Leon.

The tour was a very successful one and generated tons of money for the company as they performed in front of sold out crowds most of the time.

Both RAW and Smackdown brands were part of the tour.

Mexico is right now the second highest revenue generator for WWE internationally behind the United Kingdom.

Superstars and crew off to Australia and New Zealand

2012-02-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE Superstars and crew are on the way to the other side of the world to start a six day tour in Australia and New Zealand.

This is a Smackdown tour although there will be some RAW Superstars involved as well.

The tour starts tomorrow with a show in Sydney then on Sunday in Melbourne, Monday in Brisbane, Tuesday to Adelaide, Wednesday in Perth and finally Thursday in Auckland.

Everyone will be back stateside for the weekend to get ready for the next set of RAW and Smackdown tapings.

This coming Monday's RAW was taped this week so it will not be airing live.

Smackdown crew starts a four day tour in the UK

2012-02-26T10:34:00.002-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The Smackdown crew started a four day tour in the United Kingdom today with two live shows in Aberdeen, one in Minehead and one in Skegness.

The Superstars and crew will be departing the UK following the show on Sunday in Skegness to make it in time for the Smackdown tapings on Tuesday.

WWE will be back in the area in November with nine shows in five days as part of the European tour.

Smackdown crew starts Mexico four day tour

2012-02-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The Smackdown crew started a four day tour in Mexico today with four live events planned.

Today the Superstars and Divas will perform in Monterrey at the Arena Monterrey while Mexico City's Palacio De Los Deportes will play host on Friday and Saturday for back-to-back shows and then on Sunday it's off to the Arena VFG in Guadalajara to wrap up the tour.

WWE signs two year deal for RAW in Russia

2012-02-26T10:29:00.002-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE today announced a two year TV distribution deal with 2X2 in Russia to bring RAW on free television to more than 24 million homes in the country starting in February.

"We are delighted to be bringing WWE Raw back to Free TV in Russia and look forward to working with 2X2," said Andrew Whitaker, Executive Vice President of WWE International. "We are confident that this partnership will be the first step in expanding the WWE brand in Russia."

Roman Sarkisov, General Director of 2X2 said that adding RAW to their schedule is perfect for their viewers since the general demographic is young and active who "prefer fresh and entertaining content, instead of traditional TV programs."

WWE signs a three year extension with Sky Deutschland

2012-02-26T10:26:00.002-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE continues to strengthen its overseas footprint with a new three year deal with Sky Deutschland in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the broadcaster starting to air the full length RAW and all 13 WWE pay-per-views.

NXT, Experience and AfterBurn have also been picked up by the digital satellite company which has over 2.5 million subscribers in the region. All shows will start airing in high-def as well, a first for WWE on Sky Deutschland. Pay-per-views will be airing live and in HD on Sky Select.

"This renewal will take WWE's relationship with Sky Deutschland into its thirteenth year and is testament to the ever growing popularity of WWE in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We look forward to expanding the brand by delivering more content to our fans on the different platforms of Sky Deutschland," said Andrew Whitaker, Executive Vice President of International for WWE.

The VP of Sports for Sky Deutschland, Roman Steuer, was equally excited about the deal.

"In the upcoming three years, we will offer our subscribers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland the most extensive and up-to-date WWE coverage in the history of German-language television. The unique mixture of sport and entertainment is representative of Sky's programming diversity and will be an important component of our high-value sports service in the future."

Sky Deutschland to air live RAW and two hour Smackdown

2012-02-26T03:19:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Sky Deutschland announced that WWE Smackdown will be airing in full starting in March instead of the one hour International version to go along with the recently announced new TV deal with WWE which will also see RAW going to the full two hours a well.

The red brand will also get another upgrade apart from the two hour version as Sky plans to air RAW live every week just like Sky in the United Kingdom starting from February. Both shows will air in crystal-clear high-definition.

WWE extends TV agreement in Japan for five more years

2012-02-26T03:17:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE announced in a press release today that it has extended its broadcast agreement with J SPORTS Broadcasting Corporation in Japan for the next five years, with WWE programming available in more than 7.6 million homes across the country.

The new deal also brings the WWE Superstars television show to the schedule along with RAW, Smackdown and NXT. All shows will be broadcast in high-definition.

"J SPORTS has been a trusted partner of WWE since 1998 and, as Japan's biggest sports channel, together we have pushed the WWE brand to new heights in popularity. We look forward to delivering more content to our fans in Japan and continuing our strong relationship with J SPORTS," said Andrew Whitaker, Executive Vice President of International for WWE.

"We are very pleased to reach an agreement with WWE to renew our deal until 2015," said Kazushige Sasajima, President of J SPORTS Broadcasting Corporation. "Our experience working with WWE over the years has been tremendous. Based on this firm and long-term partnership, we very much look forward to contributing to the continued growth of world class sports entertainment in Japan."

WWE announces new TV deal in Brazil, RAW to air on free TV

2012-02-26T02:48:00.002-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE issued a press release announcing a one year deal with Brazil's Esporte Interativo which will air RAW on free TV beginning in March of this year.

RAW will start airing at 10PM from March 2 on the country's biggest sports channel which has more than 33 million television households.

"We are investing in new attractions and planning varied programming. WWE programming was consistently requested among our viewers and we are delighted to be able to deliver WWE Raw to our viewers," said Mauricio Portela, Production Vice President for Esporte Interativo

WWE and theScore in Canada extend deal

2012-02-26T02:43:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE and Canada's Score announced that they have extended their deal with a new multi-year agreement that will keep WWE programming on theScore for the next couple of years.

The new deal also includes new original WWE content to Canadian fans on all media platforms - online, mobile and video on demand.

"This extension gives fans all of the exciting WWE entertainment they could ask for across multiple media platforms," said Benjie Levy, Executive Vice-President & COO, Score Media Inc.

"For years, WWE fans have turned to theScore for exciting WWE content on television, and that content will now be extended to touch fans on every screen."

RAW brand off to Japan tomorrow for two day tour

2012-02-26T02:24:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The RAW brand will be heading to Japan tomorrow for their next International tour although this time around it will be over before they know it.

There are only two events planned for this very short tour, both at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, on Wednesday and Thursday. This is the last overseas tour for this year and the next time they will pack their bags again for a long tour will be right after WrestleMania for the annual WrestleMania Revenge European tour.

WWE brings Smackdown to Portuguese television

2012-02-26T02:20:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE and SIC Radical announced today a new agreement that will bring Smackdown to two million homes in Portugal every Sunday night at 7:45PM.

"We are delighted to maintain this long term relationship with the WWE brand and are especially happy to have WWE SmackDown on our channel," said SIC Radical Channel Director, Pedro Boucherie Mendes.

The channel already airs Experience every Sunday at 8:45PM and the addition of Smackdown will create a two hour block of WWE wrestling on the channel on that night.

"It is testament to the success of our long term partnership with SIC Radical that we are bringing one of our flagship shows to the channel," added Dominic Hayes, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for WWE International.

WWE airs TV in Lithuania

2012-02-26T02:07:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE has signed a new television deal with BALTIJOS TV that will bring RAW to one million households in Lithuania. Under this new agreement, a one-hour international version of the show will be available immediately every Friday at 10:30PM local time.

"We are extremely delighted to partner with WWE," said Liutauras Elkimavicius, CEO of BTV. "Our viewers are very excited to see WWE Raw and we're proud to say that BTV will be the channel to bring it to them."

Dominic Hayes, the Senior Vice President & Managing Director of WWE International, said that this new deal significantly bolsters WWE's presence across the Baltic region and with RAW airing on a free-to-air network will enable WWE to expand the brand and build strong business relationships throughout the country.

Monday Night Raw TV Report for 2/13/12

2012-02-26T01:47:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The only thing known for tonight is the one and only...the return of WWE Hall-Of-Famer "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels! The "show-stopper" will be in town to deliver a message to his best friend WWE C.O.O. Triple H. What will said talk be about? Only one way to find out and that's to read on....you know it!

Monday Night Raw for February 13th, 2012 - "The Inner Battle In All"

Introduction Segment: Recap, Promo, & Welcoming

A video montage of Kane & John Cena's rivalry airs to prologue Raw. An up-close of Kane's monstrous face is then shown, and he is live, promising that tonight two things will happen: John Cena will embrace the hate, and someone will take a ride in an ambulance.

The regular Raw video plays but no pyro blasts. Michael Cole welcomes us to Monday Night Raw from San Diego, California. He also informs us that "he's back!" Vice President Of Talent Relations & Interim General Manager of Raw John Laurinaitis has retained his job, so he will continue his weekly duties on the show. Also, in another return, Cole puts over Shawn Michaels with his many nicknames and says that he is here tonight as well.

Segment #1: Arena Promo

Jerry "The King" Lawler also welcomes us to Raw, and introduces the six participants who will be competing in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match this Sunday. This is debate-style, with every superstar stating why he will win the Elimination Chamber match.

First up is the WWE Champion C.M. Punk. Before he can get a word out though, the Interim G.M. of Raw interrupts and proclaims how great it is to be back as the General Manager of Monday Night Raw. Laurinaitis comes and goes quickly, so it is back to the ring.

Punk begins the proceedings by congratulating John on his employment, but also berates him and ponders how it is that he kept it. Meanwhile, the reason why C.M. will win the match on Sunday is simply because he is the "best wrestler in the world."

Dolph Ziggler then says he is the best wrestler in the world and backs it up every single night.

R-Truth goes on another of his classic rants, saying that if he is "elected" he will trade Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero to Smackdown! for Hornswoggle and a box of spiders. He will also make it legally required to shout "what" in every line of the Pledge Of Allegiance. Truth is also going to gulp down his Grand-Ma-Ma's favorite "Spider Stew" which will help him eliminate everyone in the Elimination Chamber. God Bless "Little Jimmy" & God Bless United States Of America

The Miz demotes all his five opponents.

Kofi Kingston disputes Miz's "afterthought" comment, and instead declares that he might walk in as a "so-called afterthought, but I just might walk out the next WWE Champion."

Lastly, Chris Jericho, is surrounded by "neophytes." The TRUE best in the world at everything he does is the only human being that has been in more Elimination Chamber matches and eliminated more wrestlers. The last time he was in the bout, he walked out as the World Heavyweight Champion. Jericho picks on Punk specifically, and orders him to give the World Title right now, since his master has come to claim what is his.

Punk takes a cheap-shot at "Y2J's" Dancing With The Stars career. Ziggler calls this entire segment a joke, but Truth reiterates with an insult on Dolph.

Lawler then announces that they are all competing in individual matches, starting with Kofi Kingston against Chris Jericho. Jericho shoves Kofi out of the way and walks right over to C.M. Punk. He gets in Punk's face but then turns around into a Trouble In Paradise spin kick. Jericho is laid out.

The other matches are The Miz VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk & Dolph Ziggler taking on R-Truth.

Commercials.

Match #1: Single - Chris Jericho VS. Kofi Kingston

Kofi immediately rushes Jericho into the corner with kicks and continues to do so around the ring. Kingston clotheslines Chris over the ropes and follows up with a suicide dive to the outside! He then slams Jericho's head on the announce table and rolls him back in the ring. Kofi traps Jericho in the corner for an almost 10-punches until Y2J counters with a powerbomb out of the corner.

Jericho clamps on a grounding headlock then holds onto the ropes as Kofi tries a drop kick, but lands flat on his back. Jericho whips Kofi into a corner, but Kingston counters with a springboard cross body for a two-count! Kofi tries another springboard move but literately is caught in a Walls of Jericho submission. Kofi struggles, but manages to get to the ropes for a break. Jericho debates referee Charles "Little Naitch" Robinson, then turns around into another Trouble In Paradise. Kofi slowly crawls over for the cover. 1 - 2 - foot on ropes!

Jericho soon gives a quick thumb-to-the-eye and drives down Kingston with the Codebreaker. 1 - 2 - 3!

Winner via Pinfall: Chris Jericho

Backstage, a first glance at Shawn Michaels is shown. He is walking around and finds his best friend Triple H to embrace in a hug. Up next, Big Show faces Randy Orton coming out of the events from last Friday Night's Smackdown (read the report on wrestling-online.com!)

Ads.

Segment #2: Locker Room Promo

Following the "WWE Rewind" of Kane's attack on Zack Ryder at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View, John Cena is in his locker room, talking to his wheel-chair and back/neck brace bound friend. John asks how he is feeling and Ryder replies by wanting to tell Eve how he really feels. Cena wonders if it is a good idea, since Kane has attacked him every time. So instead, John will go and get Eve to come to Ryder's locker room. The "Long Island Ice-Z" concurs.

Segment #3: Office Promo

John Laurinaitis gloats more about keeping his job, but his legal adviser David Otunga brings him into reality. Otunga says that while the WWE Board of Directors gave John this job, it is still "interim," not "permanent." However, David has an idea to solve this problem, and also make Laurinaitis the permanent G.M. of Smackdown.

Commercials.

Match #2: Single - Big Show VS. Randy Orton

(Note: World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan joins Lawler & Cole by the commentator's table.) Randy goes right after Show with slaps and punches. Big tries to push him off, but Orton plays it smart and dropkicks his knees. Show soon counters with a slap-to-the-chest and a side slam. 1 - 2 - Orton gets the shoulder up! Big tempts the knockout punch but Orton slides out of the ring for a break.

Ads.

Back live, Orton is all over Show's back with a sleeper hold. Show drops to his knees but tosses Orton over his shoulder. Big is fired out and gains momentum with a few clotheslines and a back splash in the corner. "The Apex Predator" counters a running Show with a huge dropkick for a two-count! On the outside, Show drags Orton to the announce table and bashes his head on it. He tosses Orton in the ring and stares down the World Heavyweight Champion. Show turns his attention back to Orton but gets dropkicked on the apron and Randy manages to pull off a HUGE springboard DDT and an R.K.O. - TWICE!

Bryan runs in now and rams his World Title into Orton's head, knocking him out and subsequently does the same to Big Show. Daniel poses with his championship held high.

Winner via Disqualification: Randy Orton

Up next, "H.B.K." returns!

Commercials.

Segment #4: Arena Promo

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is here and throttles on down to the ring with his usual entrance to the smiles of the fans. (Although, the crowd sounded really dead on their reaction). Now the people are alive, with chants of "HBK" beginning. At first, Shawn admits he is nervous because he doesn't do this anymore very often.

He also tells us that he was inquired as to why he shows up around this time of year every time. Duh - it's WrestleMania time! And what is WrestleMania without "Mr. WrestleMania himself." He says that like all of us, he was watching Raw last week and waited for Triple H to accept The Undertaker's challenge for WrestleMania XXVIII. However, much like all of us, Michaels was shocked when he did not.

"Mr. Hall-Of-Famer" (a new moniker he gave himself) then asks his best friend to come on down and confess the words we all want to here. The WWE C.O.O. Triple H answers the call and enters the ring with his buddy. They both please the crowd with DX pose. HHH puts over HBK, then Michaels asks him to challenge 'Taker again.

Triple H declines again but Shawn is still not convinced. "The Game" restates his case from last week, that he does not want to "end" the Undertaker. He has already won the war. He is not "that guy." Shawn questions that statement, saying that Trips has done whatever it takes to win. Shawn also questions whether "The Cerebral Assassin" is also "The Sellout," since marrying Stephanie McMahon, has he become "one of them?"

He denies Michaels' claims, but Shawn replies, even calling Triple H a "coward" since he did not accept 'Taker's challenge. HHH glares at his friend and tries to walk away until Shawn provokes him. HHH gets in his face and yells at him about all the responsibility of taking over the company. He says that years ago, Undertaker was just an opponent, but now with his new business responsibility, HHH sees Undertaker as a "brand," a brand that is good for this business.

Trips reminds Shawn that the two of them and The Undertaker are the end of an era. An era that would do anything in this business to get over and be someone. However, this is now 2012 and it's a different mentality. Trips is not the one to end that era, because The Undertaker is all that's left. He's not going to do it for the people, or the Undertaker himself, or even because Shawn wants to live vicariously through HHH in trying to defeat "The Deadman."

Shawn tells him that it is a nice little speech, but there is a difference. Shawn is at peace with his life, and HHH is not, because he has not defeated The Undertaker. Michaels orders Hunter to look him in the eye and tell him "no." Helmsley disrobes his suit jacket and gets up in Shawn's face. "NO!" he fiercely declares, then Shawn walks past him and out of the arena, again to chants of "HBK."

As Triple H begins to exit, the familiar bell rings and the same video package of highlights of W.M. 27 plays on the 'Tron, with the voice-over of Triple H's speech from last year, and The Undertaker wanting what is his. "Immortality."

(Awesome segment!)

Ads.

Match #3: Single - Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) VS. R-Truth

Ziggler wants a "test of strength" but quickly kicks Truth in the gut and takes him down with a fireman's carry for one. Truth somersaults and splits out of the way into a jumping calf-kick. Truth misses a shoulder-in-the-corner and Dolph rolls him up for two. Ziggler clutches on a rear chinlock to wear R down, but Truth soon fights out of it with right hands.

Dolph comes back with a punch, neckbreaker, and jumping elbow drop. He then begins to do sit-ups to show off, but Truth catches him (awkwardly) in a small-package and receives the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: R-Truth

Segment #5: Locker Room Promo

Zack Ryder is texting on his phone when Santino Marella walks in. Santino "Valentino" Marella offers some tips on love for Ryder, including garlic breath mints. (Pointless).

Commercials.

Match #4: Single - Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) VS. Tamina Snuka

(Note: WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix is on commentary, and it is announced that Tamina will challenge her for the title at Elimination Chamber).

A side headlock is gripped by Brie right away but Tamina wiggles out and delivers a chop to the chest area. Bella counters with a rope-jawbreaker, then dropkicks Tamina. Nikki tries to distract Tamina but she dispatches her quickly and goes to work on Brie. A Samoan Drop followed by a Superfly Splash from the top rope finish this contest.

Winner via Pinfall: Tamina Snuka

Ads.

Segment #6: Backstage Promo

Josh Matthews tries to ask John Cena about his reaction to The Rock, but he hears screaming and runs off. Kane is putting Eve Torres in the ambulance, but is beaten on by Cena. However, Kane gets back and assaults Cena, then drives off with the ambulance. Eve manages to escape just before, into the waiting arms of Cena, which did not please their watcher - Zack Ryder. He rolled in just as Eve and Cena had a mini-make-out session. All three have a bewildered look on their face with silence.

Commercials.

Segment #7: Backstage Promo

Eve tries to explain it being a "heat of the moment" thing between her & Cena, to a seething Ryder. She says that she never thought they were going to be together, just stay friends. Zack angrily rolls off.

Match #5: Single - The Miz VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk (Non-Title)

A lock up and judo-takedown from Punk. Snap suplex for a one-count by the "Second City Saint" and a boot to the mouth as well. Miz rushes Punk into the corner and then chucks him shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Side Russian legsweep from Miz for another one. Miz clamps on an armlock to wear down the WWE Champion.

Punk fights out of it with elbows but gets caught in a neckbreaker position, however he counters with a stiff kick-to-the-head. Both are now punching back and forth, but Miz gets the better with more vicious blows. Punk counters a running Miz with a high calf-kick, then he brings him down with the running knee/bulldog combo. A G.T.S. attempt is foiled by Miz and he runs in the corner with a clothesline.

"The Straight-Edge Superstar" ducks a top-rope move from Miz and twirls him to the mat with a powerslam. Punk climbs the ropes but is cut off by Miz. A superplex attempt is tried but Punk fights off with chops and then flies with an elbow. Another G.T.S. is tried but Miz squirms out for a Skull Krushing Finale attempt, however Punk counters that and manages to grapple Miz with an Anaconda Vice submission. Miz doesn't fight it and taps quickly.

Winner via Submission: WWE Champion C.M. Punk

Backstage, the ambulance is driven back into the garage of the arena.

Ads.

Segment #8: Arena Promo

John Cena is out and sounds somber. He calls the previous moment between him & Eve awkward. (No foolin'!) For what it's worth, he apologizes to Ryder. He then goes on and claims that this was Kane's plan all along, to turn everyone against him. So, now Cena has no choice but to "embrace the hate."

This would've worked if it was anybody else, but as we all know, Cena is not anyone else. Cena says push him enough to his breaking point, then he will snap. Huge "we all hate you" chants envelope the arena. Cena disposes of these thoughts, since he will always be who he is on his own and continue to do what he does. He will adapt, overcome, and win. Cena guarantees that Kane will leave in an ambulance this Sunday, and as for "his good friend Dwayne..." a quick WrestleMania message.

Before that can be delivered, Zack Ryder wheels out and hobbles to the ring on crutches. He pushes the microphone out of Cena's hands and slaps him across the face. Cena responds by taking his chain and shirt off, getting in Ryder's face.

Ryder attempts to slug Cena, but John blocks it and slightly pushes him down. Zack backs out of the ring and tells Cena to "get the hell away from me." Cena is in the ring with a disappointed and despondent look on his face.

On the TitanTron, Kane appears, informing Cena he is in denial. Kane claims that Cena has embraced the hate, by stealing Ryder's supposed girlfriend, something Kane would not even stoop to. This Sunday, Cena will not adapt, he will not overcome, and he will not win. Cena will leave, body and soul, in an ambulance.

Cena turns his back and Kane walks out on the stage, behind Ryder. (You know where this is going). He pushes him wheelchair and all off the stage (and an actually great looking bump). Cena gets ringside agents, medical personnel, and referees to lend aide to his fallen (former) friend. Eve Torres is also out, kneeling beside and looking on.

The show closes with Ryder being loaded onto a stretcher and Eve & Cena in disbelief.

End Of Raw.

Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp

Wow! This was an awesome "go-home" show for Raw before the Pay-Per-View, and definitely leaves me intrigued for next week. It was actually so awesome, to be honest, that I did not find any huge faults to report, and it was all EXCELLENT, so for this week only, no need to dissect the show. All in all, it was beautiful!

On the other hand, since it is the last show before Elimination Chamber, I provide my picks as usual below:

Chris Jericho wins the WWE Championship and sets up a rematch with C.M. Punk for WrestleMania

Tamina receives her first WWE Title after putting down Beth Phoenix for the victory

Cena wins decisively this time and "embraces the hate", totally destroying Kane in the Ambulance match

In a HUGE upset and wild-card, I choose either Wade Barrett or Cody Rhodes to walk out with the World Heavyweight Championship, and Sheamus to face him at WrestleMania. (I figure that the other wrestlers - Bryan, Big Show, & Orton - can have a WrestleMania match on their own/with each other based on the recent storylines).

Alright, let's see how I do by next week and if there are any surprises like I predicated. Overall though again, great show tonight to hype up for Elimination Chamber and next week's Raw. Until then, as always Be Excellent wrestling-online.com readers and wrestling fans!

Smackdown Rating 2/21/12

2012-02-26T01:14:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Tuesday's live edition of Smackdown did only a 1.7 rating and 2,326,000 viewers in total. That is down from Friday's 1.97 and around 600,000 less viewers overall. The previous two live Smackdown shows on SyFy did great ratings however this one sort of bombed. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

Smackdown rating for 02/17/2012

2012-02-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Smackdown last Friday night did a 1.97 rating with 2,953,000 viewers on SyFy. That is down from last week's 2.17 rating and an average of 308,000 viewers less. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

Smackdown Rating 2/3/12

2012-02-26T01:04:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Smackdown last Friday night on SyFy pulled a 2.19 rating with an average of 3,194,000 viewers. That is up from the 2.14 rating of the previous week and 43,000 viewers more overall. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com.

Smackdown rating for 2/10/12

2012-02-26T01:01:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Smackdown last Friday night pulled a 2.17 rating and 3,261,000 viewers, down slightly from the 2.19 rating of the previous week but an additional 67,000 viewers overall. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

New Shawn Michaels 3 disc DVD out tomorrow

2012-02-26T00:57:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Tomorrow WWE will be releasing the new Shawn Michaels DVD titled 'Heartbreak & Triumph'. Running a total of 540 minutes on three DVDs, this video will feature some of HBK's best matches from his long and eventful wrestling career along with the usual documentary-style interviews that WWE produces so well. It has fourteen matches dating back to his AWA days which never appeared on any HBK DVD before. You can purchase it from our Store for $19.99 - 43% savings - with free shipping in the United States.

Shawn Michaels suffers triceps injury at RAW tapings

2012-02-26T00:54:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

With Cena and Orton out, what WWE didn't want was another main eventer on the injured list but more bad news hit WWE yesterday as Shawn Michaels has suffered an arm injury, believed to be a triceps tear according to Mike Johnson at PWInsider.com. The injury happened during the final segment of the RAW tapings yesterday where a contract signing between HBK and Y2J closed the show. The two are scheduled to meet at the upcoming Unforgiven pay-per-view although it's not know what the status will be now that Michaels is injured. While HBK may want to go ahead with the match it really depends on what the doctors say.

WWE acknowledges Shawn Michaels' arm injury

2012-02-26T00:42:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

While Shawn Michaels suffered his triceps injury on Sunday during the RAW tapings, the WWE website did not acknowledge the injury till after RAW aired yesterday night. The former WWE Heavyweight champion is expected to have more medical examinations done on his arm today after it was revealed on Sunday night that he damaged his left triceps. Shawn Michaels is insisting that no matter what he's going ahead with his match against Chris Jericho this Sunday at Unforgiven but if he doesn't get cleared to wrestle by doctors the match will have to be postponed. Jericho vs Michaels - if it happens - is expected to be the main event of Unforgiven.

HBK only suffering from small tear, Unforgiven match to go ahead

2012-02-26T00:38:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I aguilar

WWE received some good news regarding Shawn Michaels' injury as it was revealed that after further examination HBK only suffered a small tear of his left triceps and the planned match against Chris Jericho at this Sunday's Unforgiven will go ahead as planned. Assuming he won't have more damage after the match no surgery will be required. Michaels was pretty sure that he was going to wrestle at Unforgiven despite the injury although doctors could have prevented him if they didn't clear him.

Artwork, match listing for the new Shawn Michaels DVD

2012-02-26T00:31:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Complete match listing and artwork for the upcoming Shawn Michaels triple disc DVD set titled "My Journey" have been released.

The DVD will be out on March 9 and will contain a total of 25 full matches spread over three discs. Notably missing from this release is the usual one hour sit down documentary that are usually found in these type of discs.

Matches from his time in the Rockers, to his first WWE title win and all the way up to the classic match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 are all part of this release.

You can see the full listing and artwork below.

Disc 1

- Shawn Michaels vs. One Man Gang,
- Midnight Rockers vs. 'Playboy' Buddy Rose / 'Pretty Boy' Doug Summers
- Midnight Rockers vs. Nasty Boys
- Rockers vs. Brain Busters
- Rockers vs. Hart Foundation
- Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart
- Shawn Michaels vs. British Bulldog
- Shawn Michaels vs. Sid Vicious
- Shawn Michaels vs. 1-2-3 Kid

Disc 2

- Shawn Michaels vs. Mankind
- Shawn Michaels vs. British Bulldog
- Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker
- Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
- Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair
- Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
- Shawn Michaels vs. Stone Cold
- Shawn Michaels vs. Vader

Disc 3

- Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
- John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton
- Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton
- Shawn Michaels vs. Batista
- Shawn Michaels vs. Edge
- Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
- Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
- Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels to launch official website, Twitter and FB

2012-02-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels taped a video clip announcing his upcoming online presence at theshawnmichaels.com which will be his first and only official page on the Internet.

Several websites including Facebook pages were opened in the past claiming to be associated with HBK and last week even WWE wrote on their website that the Facebook page circulating claiming to be of him and his wife Rebecca is not associated with him.

Michaels said there are two reasons that he's opening a website - to keep in touch with his fans and to eliminate any doubts of the other fake websites including MySpace, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

He also added that all the blogs and tweets and Facebook posts will be done by himself and not anyone else.

"This is authentic, this is real, this is me," he said.

He then closed off the video saying, "I am Shawn Michaels and I approve this ad!" Funny.

Meanwhile WWE.COM confirmed the new - and official - Shawn Michaels Twitter account this morning and added him to the "Alumni" Twitter list on their website.

WWE keeps a list of official accounts for their Superstars and Divas to avoid any fans following fake accounts.

Shawn's new Twitter account is @ShawnMichaels_ and yes that includes the underscore at the end of the name.

You can check out the video below.

Eve Torres suffers broken nose after clothesline

2012-02-26T00:06:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Eve Torres suffered a broken nose on RAW yesterday according to PWInsider.com thanks to a clothesline from the current Divas champion Beth Phoenix.

Torres immediatley grabbed her face after landing and began bleeding which prompted the referee to put his gloves on. Phoenix bodyslammed her and then wasted some time by tagging in one of the Bella Twins as the ref threw the X hand sign, signaling a real injury.

She eventually tagged out after more time wasting from the heels and the match wrapped up soon afterward.

On Twitter, Beth Phoenix taunted her opponent, saying she warned her. "@EveMarieTorres got a booboo. Big deal," she wrote.

Raw Ratings will be rated

2012-02-26T00:03:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

More Raw Ratings will be soon

Raw Rating 2/20/11

2012-02-25T23:58:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Monday Night RAW this week did a 3.2 rating off hours 3.3 and 3.19 with an average of 4,629,000 viewers. That is up from last week's 3.0 and an increase of over half a million viewers. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

Raw Rating 2/13/11

2012-02-25T23:55:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar
Monday Night RAW with the return of Shawn Michaels this week failed to spark any interest in viewership as the show did a 3.0 rating off hours 2.91 and 3.09 and a total of 4,118,000 viewers. That is down 0.3 from last week and a drop of half a million viewers overall. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com

Dwayne Johnson confirmed for Michael Bay's new movie

2012-02-21T00:44:00.000-08:00


Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Dwayne Johnson has officially signed to star in Michael Bay's upcoming new movie titled Pain and Gain along with Mark Wahlberg.

The movie - based on a true story - follows a group of bodybuilders who engaged in a campaign of kidnapping, extortion and murder in Florida. It will be directed by Michael Bay with Donald De Line and Ian Bryce along with Bay himself as producers. Production will start in Spring.

The announcement was made by Paramount Pictures today with a press release which also announced Bay's involvement in the fourth Transformers movie. Rumors are that Bay only agreed to do the Transformers sequel if Paramount agreed to pick up Pain and Gain.

Dwayne Johnson says he can impact the world through politics

2012-02-21T00:35:00.001-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

n an interview with Moviefone.com to promote his Journey 2 movie, Dwayne Johnson talked about maybe one day moving into politics.

"One day, and that day will come, I can impact the world through politics. The great news is that I am American, therefore I can become President," The Rock said, adding that right now the best way to impact the world is through entertainment.

"But don't forget: I am G.I. Joe," he joked, referring to his next movie where he plays the role of Roadblock.

Johnson also talked how he got to know about the death of Osama Bin Laden before the rest of the world population got the news. "I got friends in high places and low places. It was a very interesting day; I'm proud of our country and proud to be American. The individuals who were there were proud to let me know."

He also said that he knew the President was going to talk on live television later in the day and he thought it would be good to send a vague tweet which read, 'I'm damn proud to be an American.'

The Rock appears on The Tonight Show to talk movies and wrestling

2012-02-21T00:29:00.001-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Dwayne Johnson was a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno yesterday promoting his new movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and talk a bit about wrestling as well.

The Rock was his usual fun self, telling stories from his football days, the phone call from his mom which halted the red carpet in Taiwan for a few minutes, and obviously wrestling.

Leno asked Rock if he ever had any wardrobe malfunctions while in the ring and Rock said he was doing his Rock pose on the turnbuckle once during a live show and "one of my boulders had boom, popped out," Rock narrated as the audience laughed, adding that that that is why they call him The Rock.

The Rock also talked about going back to the Survivor Series and trying to sing during a backstage segment, explaining how he couldn't remember the exact words so he had writer Brian Gewirtz write it down on a piece of paper for him. He told Gewirtz to hold the paper up just in case he stumbles on the words again during the live segment and as Rocky started singing and coming up to that particular point, he looked over to Gewirtz who was holding a blank piece of paper...as the words he wrote were on the other side facing away from The Rock.

The Rock stayed there talking to Leno for a total of around 10 minutes and wrapped up his appearance by singing a song to the crowd and showing a clip of the new movie. You can see the whole segment below.

R-Truth denied entry in Canada, misses TV tapings

2012-02-21T00:26:00.000-08:00


Reported by Ernest I Aguilar	- While most Superstars from all three brands were present at yesterday's RAW and Smackdown! television tapings one in particular was missing. And no he didn't call in sick, he was refused entry by Canadian border patrol. PWInsider.com reports that R-Truth was scheduled to join his fellow Superstars but as soon as he arrived in Toronto he was detained and eventually sent back home. No information was given as to why he was not allowed in Canada.

R-Truth crashes hard during RAW however avoids serious injury

2012-02-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

R-Truth was taken out of the six-man tag team main event yesterday on RAW after a botched move, landing right on his back on the hard floor halfway throughout the match.

Truth did a flip dive out of the ring however his former tag team partner, The Miz, failed to catch him to break the fall. WWE officials quickly came out to attend to R-Truth after the scary bump and was helped backstage.

Joey Styles wrote on Twitter that Truth suffered no serious injuries despite his nasty bump.

"Somehow, @RonKillings is OK and has no injuries after flipping over the top rope, missing @MikeTheMiz and hitting the floor," Styles wrote adding that Truth averted a "major injury."

Monday Night Raw TV report for 02/06/2012

2012-02-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

With many developments from last week, some old and some new - including the WWE Championship match announced for Elimination Chamber, and the return of the one and only Undertaker - what will happen tonight as we continue on the Road To WrestleMania?

How will "The Deadman" respond to Triple H's pat on the shoulder and subsequent walk-out? Also, what is the status of Raw General Manager and Vice President Of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis - safe or FIRED!?

And since Raw emanates from Oklahoma, is a Jim Ross sighting on the cards? Speaking of cards, how about some matchups between the Chamber participants? Only one way to find out - read on!

Monday Night Raw for February 06, 2012 - "Challenges, Monsters, & Copycats - Oh My!"

Introduction Segment: Arena Promo

After a video recap of last week's events (which made use of some footage of Undertaker & Triple H's WrestleMania XXVII match), the pyro blasts in the arena and Michael Cole welcomes us. He & Jerry "The King" Lawler run down two main matches - a Six-Pack Challenge with all members of the WWE Championship match to determine who enters the Elimination Chamber last, and Daniel Bryan VS. The Big Show (yet again!).

"It's time to play the game." Triple H now makes his way to the ring and takes a microphone in hand. The Chief Executive Officers says that last week he was just about to fire Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis. "The Game" informs us that "Big Johnny" is up in Stamford, pleading for to keep his employment. HHH says that the Board may make a decision as early as tomorrow, but for now, not to do anything about it.

Triple H moves on and speaks about The Undertaker. He puts over the veteran of 21 and half years, saying that anytime he has faced him or seen "The Deadman," HHH was always in awe & humbled to share the same ring. However, since last WrestleMania when 'Taker had to be carried out on a cart following their contest, HHH does not feel the same way.

He doesn't want to remember The Undertaker as a broken man following a match, but instead as the dominate force he has been in the WWE since 1990. (A video package plays of Undertaker's career highlights). Triple H declares that he wants to recall The Undertaker that way, not the exit he had after last year's WrestleMania. (Highlights of that play too).

The "Cerebral Assassin" declines the challenge for this year's 'Mania, since now HHH knows what he has to do to finish off The Undertaker. He claims he saw The Undertaker's limits last year but does not want to be the guy to push him past. Triple H respects him too much and it is over.

His theme music begins to play and then is abruptly cut off, followed by the lights blackening in the arena. Suddenly, a video is on the Titantron of images over and over again from the results of their match from last year. In the montage, Undertaker is sitting in a chair, proclaiming "this is not over, give me one more chance of immortality."

Commercials.

Match #1: Single - Big Show VS. World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan (with A.J.) (Non-Title)

Big Show backs Daniel into the corner and begins to punch away. Bryan tries to fight back with a few kicks, but Show head butts him down and then gives him a scoop slam. He throws him into the corner and runs into him with a back splash, but as Show ran from the ropes again, Daniel cuts him off at the knee with a low drop kick.

Ads.

Bryan now has Show locked in a half-crab submission, but Big rolls over and kicks him off. Show nails a few clotheslines and then spears him off the running of the ropes. 1 - 2 - Bryan kicks out! The 7-Footer signals for the chokeslam, and gives it a try until Bryan manages to clamp on a guillotine chokehold.

Show simply chucks him off but the World Champ catches his leg and drives it into his shoulder. Stiff kick-to-the-head, 1 - 2 - Show powers out! Bryan goes to the top but hops to the apron instead. For that, he eats a big boot from Show.

On the outside, Daniel is holding his knee and A.J. pleads for him, until Bryan chops his knee from behind. Bryan ducks a running Show, who just about crushes A.J. between him and the steel steps/ring post. Daniel looks on and then decides to get A.J. to safety to the back, receiving a count-out in the process.

Winner via Count-Out: Big Show

Post-match, Bryan claims that the first time Show ran over A.J., it was on purpose, since this time he managed to stop. Daniel claims that protecting A.J. is more important than winning any match, except for the Elimination Chamber, when he will still be the World Heavyweight Champion.

Commercials.

Michael Cole & Jerry Lawler replay a segment from last week - which we didn't see, otherwise I would've been all over it!) This involved a very special person greeting John Cena.

This person is another one of my favourites: NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver Carl Edwards!!! (My favourite driver from the series). He spins into the arena in his Cup Car (sponsored by Fastenal) and then invites Cena to start the NASCAR Daytona 500 on February 26th. Cena of course says yes quickly, and the tow friends make more pleasantries and plug their upcoming events.

Segment #2: Elimination Chamber Montage

A video explaining the aspects of the Elimination Chamber is aired, featuring past Chamber match highlights. (Actually well-done, and much like the Royal Rumble ones, makes it seem very, very important).

Ads.

Segment #3: Arena Promo

The legal adviser David Otunga is in the ring and he has something to say. He puts over John Laurinaitis as the perfect boss and prays that the WWE Board of Directors does the right thing and keep Mr. Laurinaitis in his current position. Speaking of positions, Otunga gets down on one knee and prays, ala Denver Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow (another of my favorite sports star and actually very good man).

Justin Roberts then announces that Triple H has informed him Otunga will be competing in a match right now. His opponent - the 2012 Royal Rumble winner, Sheamus!

Match #2: Single - David Otunga VS. "The Great White" Sheamus

From the get-go, Sheamus dominates this bout until David kicks him in the knee and drives him to the canvas with a DDT. He pushes him into the corner and stomps away. Right after he takes his shirt off, Otunga turns around into a Brogue Kick from Sheamus, which gives the Irishman the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: Sheamus

Commercials.

Segment #4: Arena Promo

Chris Jericho is out in all his lighting glory. He is supposedly going to speak, and he does! "The end of the world as you know it has arrived" proclaims him. He says that by reappearing on Raw, he has made every other performer in this company obsolete, since everybody is just a Chris Jericho wannabe. The end of copy-cats, liars, etc...and he also points to the crowd, telling them their wannabes. He rips on Miz, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, and Dolph Ziggler, saying they stole different aspects of Chris Jericho.

The worst offender according to "Y2J" is WWE C.M. Punk, mainly for telling people that he is "the best in the world." That is something Jericho did first, citing accomplishments such as being the first-ever Undisputed Champion, eliminating 28 others at the Royal Rumble - including home-town hero Randy Orton - and when he had dominated the WWE, winning every championship one can. He has earned his legacy and legend of the right to be called "The Best In The World." Jericho is back to claim what is his.

Before he can continue, the WWE Champion interjects. C.M. Punk has his "pipe-bomb" in hand and meets Chris in the ring. "The Cult Of Personality" says nothing, drops the microphone, holds up his WWE Championship, and leaves to adoration from the fans. Jericho demands him to talk to him but Punk just continues to walk.

Ads.

Match #3: Tag-Team - Wade Barrett & Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. VS. The Great Khali & Randy Orton

Orton & Rhodes start off. Cody kicks away and punches Randy, but Orton reverses an Irish Whip into a high back elbow. Scoop slam from Orton and he tags Khali. Barrett is also in, but The Great dominates and then slaps Orton to trade.

Barrett stiff-kicks "The Viper" in the gut and then delivers a swinging neckbreaker. Wade & Cody double-team Orton in the corner and Rhodes now in. Orton and Rhodes trade blows until Randy reverses a bulldog attempt into a back drop. Quick powerslam from Orton onto Barrett and then he face-plants the Intercontinental Champion with his Slingshot DDT. As Orton is gearing up for a potential R.K.O., Khali blind-tags Randy and soon chops down Cody for the 1 - 2 - 3!

Winners via Pinfall: The Great Khali & Randy Orton

Post-match, Orton is not too pleased with the outcome. They get in each other's faces and Khali tries to chop Orton too, but "The Apex Predator" ducks it and takes down the big man with an R.K.O.

Segment #5: Video Package

Cole & Lawler put over WrestleMania XXVIII and John Cena VS. The Rock. They then air a retrospective on John Cena's controversial career. (Also, very well-put together and emotional).

Commercials.

Match #4: 8-Diva Tag-Team - Tamina, Alicia Fox, Kelly Kelly, & Eve Torres VS. The Bellas (Nikki & Brie), Natalya, & WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix

Eve begins against The Divas Champion. Head lock from Eve, but Phoenix tosses her off the ropes. Torres somersaults over Beth but Beth quickly catches her leg and gives her a hard clothesline. 1 - 2 - Eve kicks out. Big scoop slam by Phoenix and then she harsh-tags a Bella, who turns around into a Samoan Drop courtesy of Tamina. She goes to the top rope and gives the Bella a Superfly Splash (just like her father, Hall-Of-Famer Superfly Jimmy Sunka) for the win!

Winners via Pinfall: Tamina, Alicia Fox, Kelly Kelly, & Eve Torres

Segment #6: Office Promo

Triple H is on his cell-phone when the Interim General Manager of Raw walks in. John Laurinaitis makes nice and then informs HHH that he asked the Board Of Directors to send the other one-and-only Shawn Michaels to Raw next week.

And since he still can for at least another 12 hours or so, he also booked John Cena VS. Kane in an Ambulance Match for Elimination Chamber. HHH makes goes along with the ideas, but insults Laurinaitis and then orders him out of his office.

Ads.

Segment #7: Backstage Promo

Josh Matthews asks John Laurinaitis what his thoughts on the decision by the Board Of Directors will be tomorrow morning. Laurinaitis basically puts himself over and puts Triple H down in short.

Match #5: Six-Pack Challenge - R-Truth VS. Dolph Ziggler VS. Kofi Kingston VS. Chris Jericho VS. The Miz VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk (Non-Title)

All are in the ring and all men except for C.M. Punk go after Jericho right away. They quickly break up into pairs of two and three know. Truth & Kofi are double-teaming Dolph and Miz & Punk are going at it themselves. Punk kicks away at Miz while Jericho climbs back in the ring only to get clobbered by Truth. Punk misses his high knee and flies over the ropes.

Miz is then tossed over and R-Truth follows him with a flip dive. Dolph tries to slingshot Kofi, but Kingston lands on the ropes and launches himself over with a huge splash. Ziggler is the lone man in the ring and shows off with a Ric Flair-esque strut, but he gets nailed by Punk for a quick 1-count.

Commercials.

Back live, R-Truth is being helped to the backstage area now with referees and trainers. We are told because of the rope-flip he took (and landed hard on the floor mats), doctors are not allowing R to continue. (Concussion?)

Meanwhile in the ring, Dolph and Miz and measuring Punk with Ziggler hitting him with a splash in the corner. Miz misses his move in the corner, which allows C.M. to take over and catch both opponents with a neckbreaker/DDT combo. 1 - 2 - Miz kicks out! He clamps on the Anaconda Vice on Ziggler, but Kingston breaks it up. C.M. soon catches Kofi in a position for the G.T.S. but Kofi grasps the ropes for leverage. Punk just tosses Kingston over the ropes and Jericho re-enters.

He and Punk stare down & jaw at each other until both are assaulted by Ziggler & Miz. A double-clothesline takes down both Miz & Jericho. Dolph is up on the top rope but cut off by Punk, who along with Jericho & Miz, bring him down with a Tower Of Doom. Jericho and Miz cover both Ziggler & Punk respectively, and referee Mike Chioda decides to double-count, but only to 2!

Dolph & Punk are dumped out and now a re-energized Miz is all over Jericho. He goes for the S.K.F. but Jericho ducks and Kofi nails Miz with the Trouble-In-Paradise spin kick. Jericho and Kingston now wrestle. Springboard cross body from Kofi and he jumps around all over "Y2J." Roll-up for a near-fall by Kofi. Jericho ducks and hits a back elbow, but misses a Lionsault.

Kofi attempts the T.I.P., but Jericho reverses into a Walls of Jericho until C.M. breaks the submission. He tosses Jericho over the ropes and delivers a G.T.S to Dolph. 1 - 2 - NO, Jericho pulls Punk out and chucks him over the announcer's table. Jericho sneaks in and covers Dolph, complete with foot-on-the-rope, for the W!

Winner via Pinfall: Chris Jericho (he is now the last entrant in the Elimination Chamber)

Post-match, Jericho mocks C.M. Punk by holding his WWE Championship and sitting down in the ring.

Segment #8: Backstage Promo

Eve Torres is backed up against a container in the locker room, crying and panting, while the monster Kane is in front of her. The Big Red Machine tells Eve that he is afraid for her because John Cena has not fully embraced the hate yet. He is also afraid of anyone who gets in his path. But for the first time ever in his life, "I am afraid of me!"

End Of Raw.

Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp

Much better episode this week. A definite up and better way to start off a new month! On to the nitpickings:

Excellence: Opening promo with Triple H - loved the way he put over the Undertaker and I truly felt he was being very sincere with his words. Also, the Undertaker's rebuttal was done very well and different than usual, so this has made me intrigued just a little for this match if it happens.

Big Show/Daniel Bryan - actually a great match and good ending to continue their storyline. I wasn't really sure about him being a heel (especially as the World Champ - always seemed like the underdog face you want to root for) but he knows how to make it work as a cowardly, you-know-what, particularly on the mike.

Chris Jericho & C.M. Punk - looking forward to this showdown. Jericho's explanations made sense and Punk's response was perfect, because he all he had to do was hold his title up and he had the crowd eating from the palm of his hands, as the cliche goes. Quality sign of a very over wrestler, as both these men are.

For the match itself, the Divas 8-tag was actually okay and glad it was Tamina who picked up the win. She should be in the championship hunt for sure, considering she too can actually wrestle!

Loved the John Cena highlight package because that also builds him even more so and gets us believing in him for his match at W.M. XVIII.

Laurinaitis doing what he did was the usual and fine.

The main-event well put together and great ending. Liked that Jericho "retaliated" by mimicking Punk's sit-down move in the ring with the WWE Championship.

Bogus: No J.R. in Oklahoma!?

Sheamus/Otunga match - should've just been a pure squash with no offence from David. Khali/Orton VS. Rhodes/Barrett - could've been saved for Smackdown and leave time for my next point - Jack Swagger.

Why has the United States Champion not been on two consecutive episodes of Raw? Every champion in the company should be on the show for the week, even if it's just a backstage segment, to promote themselves and the title! Otherwise, they'll be forgotten about.

The ending - came out of nowhere and really, it wasn't much to it, so I think it could've been inserted shortly after the Divas tag match instead. The closing of Raw should've been Chris Jericho with the WWE Championship.

As I said above though, an improvement from seven days ago, so keep it up again for next week! Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online.com readers and Wrestling Fans!

Shawn Michaels returns to RAW tonight

2012-02-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Tonight's Monday Night RAW will feature the return of WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels on WWE television for the first time since June of last year.

The former champion will be on hand to insert himself in the Triple H/Undertaker angle which will lead up to WrestleMania. WWE.COM has a blurb saying that according to RAW Interim GM John Laurinaitis, HBK has a message to deliver to his friend and former DX tag team partner Triple H.

This is the first of two appearances scheduled for Shawn Michaels on RAW with the second one being on the March 12 RAW.

Shawn Michaels discusses his future at WWE

2012-02-20T23:37:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels used his YouTube account to announce his long term, no commitment deal with World Wrestling Entertainment and told his fans that if he ever appears in a wrestling ring again - in a non-wrestling role, by the way - it will be a WWE ring.

"I'm happy to announce that Shawn Michaels and WWE have reached a long term agreement that will continue and assure our relationship with one another well into the future," the former champ said in a video taped inside his gym.

HBK explained how WWE always been and continues to be very supportive of him and if or when they ever need him they know all they have to do is pick up the phone and give him a call.

Michaels repeated over again that he is not coming back to in-ring wrestling as he wants to honor his word to the fans and the Undertaker and he and WWE in no way, shape or form discussed anything related to in-ring performances.

He also made it clear that he is not the anonymous RAW General Manager and his job will be to help WWE move forward.

You can see the video below.

Buy tickets for HBK's WrestleMania XXVII raffle

2012-02-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Shawn Michaels has put up a raffle where the grand prize winner will be his special guest at WrestleMania XXVII with all proceedings going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Operation Homefront, and Cross Trail Outfitters.

The full prize includes two seats for WrestleMania and Hall of Fame, private meeting with HBK, three night hotel accommodation at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis and $2,000 allowance for travel and other expenses.

Tickets are just $2.00 each with a minimum purchase of 5 tickets. You can purchase here.

HBK posts photo of himself and Flair in Atlanta

2012-02-20T23:25:00.001-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Shawn Michaels posted a photo of himself and Ric Flair together, which looks like it was taken at the Hyatt where the WWE Superstars are staying for the WrestleMania weekend.

The photo has Shawn wrapping his arm around Flair's shoulders as the Nature Boy is laughing, clearly enjoying himself meeting his old friend. This is Flair's first WWE visit since he left to work for TNA Wrestling in January 2010.

You can see the photo here.

Meanwhile, WWE.COM posted a video of the present Ric Flair gave Shawn Michaels today as part of the HBK Diary they're doing on the website. Flair presented Shawn with a custom made belt buckle and he opened it right in front of everyone.

You can see the video below.

Shawn Michaels advertised for February 13 RAW in San Diego

2012-02-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Shawn Michaels is being advertised for the February 13 Monday Night RAW show in San Diego, California at the Valley View Casino Center.

HBK will be there to be part of the Undertaker/Triple H storyline which kicked off again during last week's show. Triple H is booked for all the upcoming shows being billed as "special appearance" on local advertising and arena websites however The Undertaker is only mentioned to be appearing on the February 20 RAW from the Target Center.

Shawn Michaels last appeared on RAW during the June 27 episode where he superkicked David Otunga, Michael McGillicutty, and Drew McIntyre during two different segments.

HBK watched HHH/ UnderTaker match in Wrestlemania 27

2012-02-20T23:09:00.000-08:00

Shawn Michaels watched the Undertaker vs Triple H match from way up high at the Georgia Dome inside one of the executive boxes which had other WWE Superstars in it.

WWE.COM followed Michaels to the box with a video camera to get his reaction and then he went backstage to greet Triple H which was also filmed amid applause from WWE workers who were there.

"Undertaker/HHH was awesome. Two warhorses showing how it's done. A pleasure to watch," said Michaels on Twitter afterward.

You can watch the interesting video below.

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

WWE announces tour for Australia and New Zealand in July

2012-02-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE announced a new tour in Australia and New Zealand scheduled for July of this year with a total of six live events in as many days.

A combo of Superstars and Divas from both brands will be making the tour and those on it will miss out on their 4th of July celebrations in the United States as they will be working Down Under.

The tour starts on July 1 in Sydney at the Acer Arena and then off to Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena on July 2. Perth is the next stop with a show at the Burswood Dome on July 3 and Adelaide the next day at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and then on July 5 it's Brisbane's turn with a live event at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. On July 6 everyone will be in New Zealand for a show in Auckland at the Vector Arena.

If you're in Australia you can purchase tickets by going to ticketek.com.au and if you're in New Zealand you can go to ticketmaster.co.nz.

Live RAW event results from 02/05 in Wichita Falls, Texas

2012-02-20T22:54:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

W-O reader Dave LaFountain attended the live WWE event in Wichita Falls, Texas, on Sunday and sent in the following results.

Brodus Clay defeated Michael McGillicutty; Ryback defeated Alex Riley; David Otunga defeated Kenneth Cameron; Jack Swagger defeated Kofi Kingston; Beth Phoenix defeated Eve with Santino Marella as the guest referee; John Cena and R-Truth defeated Miz and Kane; CM Punk defeated Dolph Ziggler.

Before the main event, CM Punk threw his shirt into the audience towards a group of children, at which time an adult reached and caught the shirt and walked back to his seat showing off that he caught the shirt. Punk was not happy with this so he left the ring and went back to the souvenir stand and grabbed a shirt and came back and handed it to the child that he first threw it towards.

GI Joe 2 Super Bowl teaser trailer featuring The Rock

2012-02-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

The Rock was prominently featured in the new G.I. Joe: Retaliation teaser that aired yesterday during the Super Bowl game between the Giants and the Patriots on NBC.

Johnson is seen giving a pep talk to his team as his words are heard over the first fifteen seconds of the twice as long teaser. Bruce Willis is also shown in a scene with the former WWE champion in the final part of the teaser.

The movie will be released on June 29 and The Rock plays the role of Roadblock. You can see the teaser at

Sting says he hopes to do WrestleMania one day

2012-02-20T22:36:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest i Aguilar Zevallos

Current TNA World champion Sting talked with Alex Marvez this week about why he opted to re-sign with TNA Wrestling rather than taking the money and go to WWE.

Sting was heavily rumored to be the one in the 2-21-11 vignette that WWE aired for a few weeks on RAW to be the Undertaker's opponent at WrestleMania but eventually Triple H ended up being the other person looking over at Taker in the cabin.

"I'm not going to lie to you, who wouldn't want to say that they did WrestleMania at least one time? It's the ultimate event in wrestling. It's still in the back of my mind that there's a chance of it happening someday, somehow," Sting said.

"I think time may have run out completely now, but who knows? The timing couldn't have been better, but I'm glad it turned out the way it did."

Sting added that he wasn't sure how WWE would treat his character and feared that they would somehow destroy it. He also said that he had "unfinished business" with TNA and that's why he decided to go back as his mission was not yet accomplished in the company.

Sting admits nearly jumping to WWE last year

2012-02-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

his past Thursday, former WCW and TNA champion Sting appeared on 97.9/105.5 KISS-FM's show Big Poppa In The Morning to promote TNA and talked about almost joining WWE last year.

Talking about any regrets about never joining WWE during his long and illustrious career, Sting said that he's not going to lie about it and that he would have loved to be in at least one WrestleMania. "I wish I had done one of those. I've had great conversations with him (referring to Vince McMahon) over the years and been real close on three or four different occasions," Sting said.

Sting added that there's one man he'd love to wrestle but didn't get the opportunity to do so yet and that man is the Undertaker. Last year the big rumor was that Sting would be wrestling the Undertaker at WrestleMania and the resemblance of the vignettes with the trench coat that aired on RAW for weeks fueled that speculation however the vignettes ended up being switched to a return of the Undertaker himself.

But the rumors were not far off as when he was asked when was the last time he nearly joined Vince McMahon's company, Sting said it was last year.

"Last year. It was very, very close."

McMahon's Senate race drags WWE back in negative light

2012-02-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

With Linda McMahon running for Senate once again this year it means that WWE will be more in the news for all the wrong reasons. Two years ago during Linda's first attempt at being elected, her opponents and the media attacked McMahon for her work with the WWE and the way the company showcases women and violence.

This week WWE lashed out at Chris Shays, one of Linda McMahon's opponents for the seat for saying that WWE's content is "akin to soft porn" in a story published by the Associated Press.

Following that article, Journal Inquirer Managing Editor Chris Powell, wrote an editorial also suggesting that WWE is all about porn and mock violence.

"Maybe in time Connecticut will consider the pornography and mock violence of the wrestling business from which McMahon draws her fortune to be as legitimate as any other business," he wrote.

WWE, through its spokesman Robert Zimmerman, fired back telling Powell to get his facts straight and "not distort the truth."

"For future editorials and news stories that may pertain to WWE, we want to reiterate the facts to you so you clearly understand our programming content and the type of entertainment we provide to our more than 300,000 fans in the State of Connecticut," Zimmerman wrote.

McMahon resigned from her position as WWE Chief Executive Officer in 2009 to kick off her political career and in 2010 she won the Republican primary but lost the race to her Democrat opponent by 11% after spending over $50 million of her own money.

Linda McMahon releases first 2012 campaign video

2012-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Linda McMahon released her first video to promote her run for the 2012 Senate election in Connecticut.

This will be McMahon's second shot at the seat after losing the election in 2010 by 11% despite spending $50 million of her own money to fund the campaign.

McMahon's first video concentrates on creating jobs, outlining the problems in her state and has comments from business owners. You can see the video at lindaforsenate2012.com.

Linda McMahon officially announces her second bid for U.S. Senate

2012-02-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zeavllos

Linda McMahon, the former WWE Chief Executive Officer, announced her second bid for U.S. Senate earlier today at the Coil Pro Machinery, manufacturer and designer of custom-built coil processing machines, in Southington, CT in Hartford County.

"As your senator, I will go to Washington with one objective: to get our state and country working again," said McMahon during a brief speech.

McMahon spent $50 million of her own money in her first failed bid, losing by 11% to Democrat Richard Blumenthal.

McMahon - and three other from her own Republican party - will be fighting for the party's endorsement in a battle for the seat that is currently occupied by Senator Joe Lieberman.

According to various reports published last week, McMahon will be accepting donations this time around rather than self-funding the campaign to avoid any criticism that she's trying to "buy" her seat.

Linda McMahon to have second go at U.S. Senate race

2012-02-20T21:51:00.000-08:00


Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

The New York Times in an article published today revealed that Linda McMahon will announce next week her second attempt at being elected as a U.S. Senator.

The former WWE Chief Executive Officer will seek the party nomination next year for the seat being vacated by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman.

Last year McMahon spent $50 million of her own money but ended up losing the race to Democrat Richard Blumenthal by 11%. To kill any criticism over funding, this time McMahon plans to raise money from private donors instead of relying only on her own money.

McMahon left WWE in 2009 to start her political career.

Linda McMahon gives strongest hint of 2012 Senate run

2012-02-20T21:46:00.001-08:00


Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos Linda McMahon, the former WWE Chief Executive Officer, is strongly suggesting that she will give Senate another run next year after party insiders revealed that she hired 30 year old Republican strategist Corry Bliss to run her campaign according to the Greenwich Time newspaper. Contacted by the paper, Bliss admitted that he will be working for McMahon and then said that he's not on her payroll yet because she didn't announce her campaign officially. "I am a political consultant who has talked to her," Bliss said. "She has not made up her mind." Bliss worked on several high-profile races in Virginia and Vermont the paper reports and McMahon has already started making calls within the GOP ranks. McMahon lost the 2010 election by 11 percentage points to Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal after spending $50 million of her own money. The newspaper also says that unlike her first run for office which was entirely self-funded, McMahon is said by GOP insiders to be leaning toward accepting political donations this time.

Brodus Clay match and segment cut off from Smackdown

2012-02-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

A match taped on Tuesday for Smackdown featuring Brodus Clay was edited off yesterday's program which aired on SyFy.

The Funkasaurus match against Heath Slater was the third match on the card and the only thing different from the usual Clay dance and match routine was what happened after the match. Following the ending - which saw Clay defeat Slater - Drew McIntyre ran down to unsuccessfully attack Brodus.

The run-in was supposed to have been the continuation from a previous segment between McIntyre and Teddy Long where Long asked McIntyre to impress him in some other way than trying to win a match.

Nick Diaz tests positive of Marijuana following UFC 143

2012-02-20T21:38:00.002-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar Zevallos

Nick Diaz, who last Saturday fought Carlos Condit for the interim UFC Middlweight title, has tested positive for marijuana metabolites according to Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer.

Diaz is facing months of suspension following this dug test and his planned rematch against Condit is officially out of the plans.

"I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana," UFC President Dana White said in a statement issued to the press. "It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission."

UFC 143 fighter base pay

2012-02-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar Zevallos

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has disclosed the list of base salaries from this last weekends UFC 143. The total pay from the event that saw Carlos Condit become the new Interim Welterweight Champion over Nick Diaz was $880,500.

Nick Diaz took home the biggest pay check for $200,000 while Fabricio Werdum, Josh Koscheck and Carlos Condit each made $100,000 or more. These totals do not include any discretionary bonuses, pay per view shares or sponsorship money that may be paid to the fighters. On the other hand it also does not include any deductions for taxes, insurance or licenses.

UFC 143 base pays are as follows:

Carlos Condit: $110,000 (with a $55,000 win bonus)
def. NicK Diaz: 200,000

Fabricio Werdum: $100,000*
def. Roy Nelson: $20,000*

Josh Koshcheck: $146,000 (with a $73,000 win bonus)
def. Mike Pierce: $20,000

Renan Barao: $22,000 (with a $11,000 win bonus)
def. Scott Jorgenson: $20,500

Ed Herman: $62,000 (with a $31,000 win bonus)
def. Clifford Starks: $8,000

Dustin Poirier: $24,000 (with a $12,000 win bonus)*
def. Max Holloway: $6,000

Edwin Figueroa: $16,000 (with $8,000 win bonus)
def. Alex Caceres: $8,000

Matt Brown: $30,000 (with a $15,000 win bonus)
def. Chris Cope: $8,000

Matt Riddle: $30,000 (with a $15,000 win bonus)
def. Henry Martinez: $6,000

Rafael Natal: $20,000 (with a $10,000 win bonus)
def. Michael Kuiper: $6,000

Stephen Thompson: $12,000 (with a $6,000 win bonus)*
def. Dan Stittgen: $6,000

* Each of these fighters were awarded an additional $65,000. Dustin Poirier for Submission of the Night, Stephen Thompson for Knockout of the Night, Fabricio Werdum and Roy Nelson for putting on the Fight of the Night.

Carlos Condit becomes the new UFC interim Welterweight champion

2012-02-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

Reported Ernest I Aguilar

The UFC is holding their annual Super Bowl weekend event with Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit fighting for the Interim Welterweight Title while Champion Georges St.-Pierre heals a torn ACL. The co-main event is two big men going at it when Roy Big Country Nelson welcomes Fabrico Werdum back to the UFC after a 3 plus year stint away.

UFC PRELIMS ON FACEBOOK

170lbs Welterweight
Dan (The Anvil) Stittgen: 7-1vs Stephen (Wonderboy) Thompson: 5-0
Round 1
Referee: Josh Rosenthall

Wonderboy starts out with various kicking strikes and switching from orthodox and southpaw stances. Stiggen is stuck on the outside by the kicks unable to get in and fire away any strikes or attempt a takedown. Stittgen returns a leg kick or two of his on but Thompson continues to land kicks to the legs and body. Thompson is now mixing in a few head kicks to keep him guessing. Stittgen looks to be stumped by Thompson out there. The Wonderboy lands two quick punches and drills Stittgen on the jaw with a high roundhouse kick to end the fight and keep his record undefeated.

Stephen Thompson wins by KO at 4:13 of Round 1

185 Middleweight
Rafael (Sapo) Natal 13-3-1 vs Michael (Judo) Kuiper 11-0
Referee: Steve Mazzagati

RD 1

Kuiper pressing the action early. Natal dives in for a takedown and lands in full mount. Kuiper escapes to his feet but leaves his head in and Kuiper slaps on a guillotine but Natal is able to escape. They exchange some punches. Natal ducks under and secures the takedown. Kuiper gets up only to be driven back down. Natal keeps working for position but Kuiper wall walks the cage to his feet. Natal doesn't let loose and drags him back down. Natal spends a moment in half guard before Kuiper escapes. Kuiper with a couple punches. Natal gets another takedown. Kuiper escapes and gets into Natal's full mount. Natal with an armbar attempt. Kuiper works free and lands a couple hammer fist. They get to their feet as the round comes to an end.
5 takedowns for Rafael Natal in the round

RD 2

Round starts with some kicks being exchanged. Now punches to the face being exchanged. Natal keeps working for a takedown but has been unsuccessful. Both land hard rights to the face. They tie up on the fence as Natal tries to get the fight back to the ground. Kuiper is able to stay on his feet. They break and Natal starts landing rights on Kuiper's face as he pedals backwards. Kuiper keeps walking forward through them. Natal finally gets a takedown with under 30 seconds in the second rd. Natal in half guard as the round ends.

RD 3

Last round starts as Kuiper pushes forward and hurts him with an upper cut then a left as Natal tries to get up from his knees. Kuiper drills him again. Natal is on his side up against the fence as Kuiper lands punches to the head and body. Natal trying to sweep but is unable to finally he gets Kuiper into his guard and then uses his feet off the fence to get to his stomach then stands up. Natal picks Kuiper up and slams him down. Natal in a side control and landing elbows on Kuipers forehead as he works for the arm. Kuiper trying to blocking Natal from getting the mount. Natal is able to get the mount and straps on an arm triangle choke with just under a minute left. It looks tight but Kuiper is able to keep his arm in the way to keep from having to tap or go to sleep. Time expires with natal holding on to the arm triangle.

The judges score it: 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 for the winner Rafael Natal

UFC PRELIMS ON FX

170 Welerweight
Matthew Riddle: 5-3 vs Henry (Sicario) Martinez: 8-1
Ref: Herb Dean

Herb Dean starts off the two southpaws. Martinez is getting in and out quickly landing overhands and leg kicks on the much taller fighter. Martinez is able to stay just out of reach of Riddles punches and is countering nicely. Riddle comes in with a left and right and eats a nice combo for his efforts. Riddle with a body kick and Martinez drills the outside thigh of Riddle. Riddle with a straight jab and Martinez lands three more head shots. Riddle is leaking blood from the outside of his left eye. Riddle gets the plum clinch and just misses with a big knee as round 1 comes to an end.

RD 2

Leg kicks from each to open the round. Riddle dives in for the takedown but can't get it Riddle charges forward and Martinez lands a nice left. Riddle continues to come forward but whenever he bends over for a takedown Martinez tags the jaw. Martinez attempts a takedown but has to back off when Riddle gets him back in the thai clinch. Riddle lands more shots to the body and legs. Martinez' right side is turning red and Riddle charges in and fires rapid punches as the round comes to an end.

RD 3

Martinez has a little blood now coming from the inside of his left eye. Riddle landing more body kicks and eats a left right combo. Riddle keeps throwing the kicks to keep Martinez out of reach. Martinez is not having the same luck getting inside. Riddle gets a single leg takedown and Martinez defends with the rubber guard. Riddle gets on Martinez back and gets hooks in but is too high and they are back on their feet. Riddle with a semi deflected head kick. Riddle with another takedown. Martinez using the rubber guard as Riddle moves them up against the fence. Riddle now in full guard landing some glancing head shots and elbows. Now Riddle is connecting with so great ground and pound but not enough to end it before the fight comes to a close.

The three judges cage side score the fight: 29-28 Martinez, 29-28 Riddle and 29-28 for Riddle

170 Welterweight
Matt (The Immortal) Brown: 14-11 vs Chris (C-Murder) Cope: 5-3
Rd 1
Ref Kim Winslow

Brown throwing nice combos of punches and kicks to start. Brown keeps pressing forward. Brown clinches and pushes Cope into the fence. Cope does a good job avoiding the takedown and using a winsor to put Brown on the fence. Brown with a knee to the body as they separate. Brown with a takedown but can't keep Cope pinned. Cope spins Browns back to the fence. Cope putting his weight on Brown. Brown reverses and gets a single leg trip and Cope is back up but receives another knee. Back in the middle of the cage and trading punches. Cope with a left right then leg kick combo.

RD 2

Both taking turns trying to come forward trading punches. Brown with a nice four punch combo. Brown with a right to the ear of cope Brown hits him with a left hook to drop him and dives on him and lands some clean punches and hammer fist as Kim Winslow pulls Brown off to end the fight.
Matt "The Immortal" Brown gets the KO win at 1:19 of round 2

135 Bantemweight
Alex (Bruce LeeRoy) Caceres: 6-4 vs Edwin (El Feroz) Figueroa: 8-1
Referee: Herb Dean

RD 1

They are trying to find their range as the fight starts out. Bruce LeeRoy drills Figueroa in the nuts when going for an inside leg kick that stops the fight for over two minutes. Herb Dean issues a strong warning. Joe Rogan then has go into the alternatives for a better cup and who makes them. LeeRoy was able to lands a grazing head kick before he gets dropped from a jumping head kick from Figueroa. Figueroa tries to rain down punches Caceres is then able to pull him into guard and work his way onto his back. Figueroa now having to fight off submission attempts. Caceres doing a great job of maintaining position as Figueroa tries to shake him.

RD 2

Figueroa running forward throwing head kicks and punches. Cacere with a head kick that stuns him. Back and forth kicks and punches from both. Cacere with body kick and slips but bounces back up. Cacere with another shot to the groin that drops Figueroa. Figueroa sits on his butt in the middle of the cage recovering. Figueroa takes almost the whole five minutes to recover. Herb Dean takes away two points from Cacere and starts them again. Cacere with big knee and takes him down. Cacere gets his back and a body triangle while working for a submission. Figueroa doing a good job defending. Cacere turns him into an armbar attempt and locks in a triangle armbar with thirty seconds left. Figueroa scrambles free and tries to rain down punches. Figueroa's nose is bleeding.

RD 3

Both men trying to land kicks. Figueroa rushing forward swinging. Nothing significant lands. Spinning back kick lands for Cacere. Head kick now from Figueroa and a superman punch by Cacere. Cacere knocks him down with a kick and gets his back while Figueroa is standing. Figueroa has him on his back and pressed against the fence defending a choke. Cacere falls off the front but spins back around on to his back again. Figueroa rolls into his guard. Big punches on the ground from Figueroa. Triangle attempt by Cacere. Figueroa spins for knee bar but Cacere gets his back again as the fight comes to an end.

Winner by split decision Edwin Figueroa. Scores come in as
28-27, 27-28 and 28-27

145 Featherweight
Dustin (The Diamond) Poirier: 11-1 vs Max (Blessed) Holloway: 4-0
Referee: Steve Mazzagati

RD 1

Holloway with a front kick out the gate then flying knee that misses a couple quick punches and anotherflying knees. Poirier know coming forward with punches. Holloway comes in with another flying knee but Poirier catches him in the air. Poireir with a big slam and into the full mount lands a few punches. Poirier locks in a deep armbar Holloway rolls and Poirier locks in a triangle and and keep the armbar from the top Position and Holloway is forced to tap. There was no getting out of that. Poirier shows pure dominance on the ground.

MAIN CARD PAY PER VIEW CARD

185 Middleweight
Ed (Short Fuse) Herman: 19-7 vs Clifford Starks: 8-0
Referee: Josh Rosenthal

Both men jumping right in and firing away with a fury. Starks lands a stunning right as Herman lands with an upper cut. Both men continue to exchange shots They clinch against the fence and land dirty boxing shots. Both men viewing for control. Nice exchange of punches as they separate Herman throws two more uppercuts. Herman takes down Starks and fires in short elbows and punches. Starks working to get free and sweeps Herman from his half guard and get him on his back. Herman working for a submission as round ends

RD 2

Herman slips as he kicks Starks left thigh. Starks lands a pair of kicks to Herman's legs as he is down. Herman pops up and Starks ties up Herman on the fence. Starks with some short shots and Herman sweeps his legs out and is now in side control then into full mount. Starks gives up his back and Herman working for a rear naked choke he locks his hands and Starks taps out.
Winner Ed Herman by submission due to a rear naked choke
Great pace lots of with a lot of action

135 Bantamweight
Renan Barao: 29-1 vs. Scott (Young Guns) Jorgenson: 13-4
Referee: Kim Winslow

RD 1

Renan Barao with a thudding head kick Barao with great accuracy early. Jorgenson delivering leg kicks but is eating jabs. Barao with a spinning back kick to Jorgensons head. Jorgenson ties up a body lock but can't get the take down. Barao with continues stiff jabs . Both men swining away. Jogenson tries for another take down. Barao defends well. Barao with nice leg kicks. Jorgenson stiff jabs. Jorgenson ties him up against fence and Barao spins him around. Barao with spinning back kick that grazes Jorgenson. Round ends

RD 2
Both men bouncing around on their toes. Jorgenson shoots a double. He lands knees as they separate and Jorgenson ties him up and pulls Renan onto him and into half guard Barao keeps trying to work positions good grappling going on. Jorgenson holds him place with a single butterfly. Jorgenson turns and gives up his back but is able to get up. Barao hard spinning back kick to the body. Jorgenson with a stiff jab but Barao has been pinpoint with striking. Both men very active.

RD 3

Jorgenson comes out guns blazing. Barao with a body shot. Jorgenson still trying to press forward. Barao countering well. Both men landing jabs. Barao just is looking sharp. Barao attempts a flying knee Jorgen attempts his own neither land both men keep circling and exchanging. 135 pounders are tough Jorgenson now has a little blood from his nose. Powerful leg kicks from Barao. Jorgenson throws a right hook. Renan just keeps landing punches and thudding kicks to Jorgensons legs.
Judges all 3 score it 30-27 for Renan Barao

170 Welterweight
Josh (Kos) Koscheck: 18-5 vs. Mike Pierce: 13-4
Referee: Herb Dean

Both start with low wrestler stances. They tie up and vie for position. Knees from Kos. Peirce pressing Kos against fence and foot stomping. Pierce pressing his weight into him. Pierce nice upper cut. Kos stalks pierce looking to land big blow. They tie up and are in over/under Pierce with knee to break them. They circle throwing lefts Peirce rocks him. Both throwing hard shots Kos head rocks back and Pierce seems unaffected. Kos gains composure. Pierce throws a couple kicks Kos stiff left. Pierce looking for a single leg takedown runs Kos against the fence and has over/under against the fence crowd booing at the end of the round.

RD 2

Low stances again. Right hand by Pierce. Pierce grabs single and puts Kos against fence. Kos smacks the side of his head and Pierce drops the leg Kos reverses Pierce lands an uppercut and stiff right. Solid jabs by Pierce Kos seems frustrated he can't find an opening to land his big overhand right. Pierce bleeding from top of the head. Kos throwing power punches pierce pressing against Kos on fence. Cut was caused by a heads colliding. Kos is warned for open fingers. Kos shoots and gets Pierce on his butt in the last minute. Pierce gets to his feet. Kos stalks forward throwing at his head.

RD 3

Sounds like the crowd is chanting Koscheck sucks. Pierce landing jabs but Kos keeps coming forward. Pierce with a takedown. Kos wall walks and circles his back off the cage. Referee telling them to work. Kos with elbow to his head as they break. Kos with a right Pierce lands an elbow in the tie up. Kos body shots and knees. Pierce taps Koscheck's nose with a jab. Kos tries a take down. Pierce wide stance defends well. Referee seperates the two. Kos pokes in pierce his eye. Last warning from Herb Dean. Kos measuring with left jab now loosening up and firing big looping rights. Kos hits power double leg takedown. Pierce now sitting up. And wall walks Pierce with a big spinning elbow. But Kos leans forward and swings for fences as fight ends.
Audience booing.

Judges have it 29-28 Koscheck, 29-28 Pierce, and 29-28 for Koscheck. Kos acknowledges most hated flips off crowd as they boo and yell at him.

265 Heavyweight
Roy (Big Country) Nelson: 17-6 vs. Fabricio (Vai Cavalo) Werdum: 14-5-1
Referee: Josh Rosenthal

RD 1

Roy bouncing around on the ball of his feet. Werdum misses front kick but hits a knee and nice body shot. Werdum gets his back trying for a rear naked choke. Nelson is able to escape. Well done by Nelson. Werdum has a plum clinch and lands some nasty knees. Big Country with upper cuts. Nelson swings hims around and presses Werdum against the fence. Nelson bleeding pretty good. Nelson holding Werdum tight against the fence and foot stomps. Rosenthal breaks them apart and doctor checks out Nelson's cut. Werdum tries to gain plum clinch. Nelson drills him and Werdum falls back. Nelson starts to follow him to the ground Werdum smiles and almost locks in an armbar Nelson wiggles free and lets him up. Werdum spinning back kick that just misses his face. Cut is above the right eye of Nelson

RD 2

Knee drops Nelson. Werdum tries to tie him up but Nelson gets up and stalks Werdum nasty leg kicks by Werdum. Nelson with an upper cuts as Werdum comes in but is hit by a knee. Leg kicks by Werdum. Nelson throws bomb. Werdum hits him with a jab. Nelson eats a couple more but comes forward. Leg kick and knee behind it by Werdum. They circle the cage Werdum back pedaling and kicks Nelson's legs when he gets too close. Nelson chasing after him throwing over hands that are missing but the first stunned him and has him running back. Werdum back to kicking. Nelson with overhand right as the bell rings.

RD 3

Werdum nice jab. More jabs to keep him at a distance. Werdum tries a takedown but Nelson gets his neck and tries to submit Werdum with guillotine. Can't lock it on taller man. Nelson throws a knee that misses uppercut by Nelson. Werdum lands a left and another knee. Werdum jabbing and front kick to Nelson's face but he continues to rumble forward. Leg kick then roundhouse that misses by Werdum. Nelson won't quit. Fabrico nice combo Roy returns fire Fabricio is on point with the jab. Roy throwing everything into every one of the punches to the end but did not connect.

Unanimous Desicion for Fabrico Werdum 30-27 on all three score cards. Werdum great showing but Nelson would not quit he would get hit and come forward.

170 Welterweight Interm Title
Nick Diaz: 27-7-1 vs. Carlos (Natural Born Killer) Condit: 27-5
Ref: steve mazzagati
Diaz 11 fight win streak condit 12 of last 13 and was the last WEC welterweight champion.

RD 1

Condit looking angry Diaz looking focused pressing heads and being separated. Diaz pressing forward. Condit throwing leg kicks. Diaz goes forward and throws a quick 3 and tries to tie up Condit. Condit fires off to create space. Diaz presses forward walking him down. Condit throwing more power punches head kick by Diaz. Condit trying to keep from getting stuck against fence. Condit getting chants and throws leg kick. Diaz returns fire. Diaz talking as he is trying get to Condit . Diaz now walking forward waving fingers. Condit hit leg kicks and circles. Diaz throwing head kicks that are semi deflected. Condit spinning back fist blocked. Diaz chants. Diaz throwing his arms up and talking to Condit as he presses forward and dodges Condits punch.

RD 2

Condit fires away with everything from kicks flying knees and spinning punches. Diaz does good avoiding. Condit hits a spinning back fist as Diaz ties him up. Diaz yelling "What!" and gives him the Stockton slap. Diaz doing more talking walking with hands down then fires off a triple jab. Diaz throwing combos trying to able to get Condit against the fence. Condit misses front kick trading body shots now. Diaz has him against the fence and lands punches in bunches(10 very quickly) till Condit can escape. Diaz tries to tie him up. Condit throws something then moves. Round ends and Diaz is following Condit to his corner mean mugging him.

RD 3

Diaz kicks two head kicks that miss. Diaz nice left. Condit head kick as Diaz comes forward Condit circles out and a combo by Diaz. Condit fires to get free. Condit leg kick. Diaz two jabs. Condit leg kick as he tries to keep space. Diaz with a body head combo. Diaz starting to talk again and Condit moves in and they trade punches. Flying knee from Condit. Diaz 3 punches and side kick by Condit to make room. Diaz talking Condit slips Diaz comes after him as time runs out in the round.

RD 4

Leg kick checked by Diaz. Condit trying to stick with his plan of not getting trapped and Diaz is trying to pin his back to the fence and deliver his rapid style punches to pick him apart. Diaz trying to take down. Condit pops out and lands a combo. Condit lands a leg kick then an immediate kick to Diaz jaw but Diaz seems unfazed. Condit slips out of a Diaz single leg attempt. Condit quick jab and leg kick then hits a side kick to get free. And clear. Condit is keeping Diaz from getting his combos off.

RD 5

Same thing Diaz chasing him forward and Condit fires off to get free. Condit body front kick. Diaz throws left to the body. Diaz flailing kicks but to no avail Condit with a head kick. Diaz double under hooks against the fence but Condit spins free. Condit connects to Diaz head, Diaz returns his own punches. Diaz gets his back and drags him down to the mat with a minute left. Body triangle. Diaz going for a RNC. Condit defends well. Diaz spins for arm. They are rolling as bell rings to end the fight. Diaz stole that round at the end.

Judges have it scored 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 for new Interim Welterweight Champion The Natural Born Killer Carlos Condit.

Diaz says he is done and doesn't need this shit. He will help his teammates and brother trains but is done if they don't want to fight him. He says Carlos ran from him the whole time and hit him with baby leg kicks and he is out of this shit.

Sub of night: Dustin Poirier
Fight of the night: Werdum vs. Nelson
Ko of the night: Stephen Thompson

All four award winners take home an extra $65K.

What a great night of fights with lots of action heart and fast pace. It would have been nice to see Nick Diaz be able to do what he does best but he was unable to stop Carlos Condit from executing his game plan of sticking and moving. The little weight class guys moved fast and delivered tons of action while the bigger guys showed great resiliency and big shots. Well worth the money I would say. There was 12 good fights broadcast tonight.

ESPN UK showing UFC 143 for free tonight

2012-02-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

Reported Ernest I aguilar Zevallos

Fans in the United Kingdom who subscribe to Sky Digital, Freeview, TopUpTV and BT Vision will be able to enjoy UFC 143 on ESPN UK tonight as the channel is broadcasting free for everyone for this weekend.

The live show will start at 3AM local time with a countdown show kicking off thirty minutes prior. It will broadcast in both standard and high definition for those with HDTV sets.

You can catch ESPN on channel 417 on Sky and channel 34 on Freeview, TopUpTV and BT Vision.

UFC 143: Diaz vs Condit live on pay-per-view tonight

2012-02-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

Live tonight from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, UFC presents UFC 143: Condit vs Diaz on pay-per-view. The full card is as follows:

Preliminary card (airing on Facebook)

Dan Stittgen vs Stephen Thompson; Rafael Natal vs Michael Kuiper

Preliminary card (airing on FX)

Matthew Riddle vs Henry Martinez; Matt Brown vs Chris Cope; Alex Caceres vs Edwin Figueroa; Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway

Main card (airing on pay-per-view)

Ed Herman vs Clifford Starks; Renan Barao vs Scott Jorgensen; Josh Koscheck vs Mike Pierce; Roy Nelson vs Fabricio Werdum; Nick Diaz vs Carlos Condit for the UFC Interim Welterweight title

Impact Wresting Rating 2/9/12

2012-02-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The second IMPACT show from Wembley Arena in London, England, drew a 1.05 rating this past Thursday with an average of 1,500,000 viewers. That is down from the previous week's 1.16 and around 110,000 viewers less in total. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

IMPACT Wrestling rating for 02/02/2012

2012-02-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

IMPACT from London, England, did a 1.15 rating this week with an average of 1,613,000 viewers. That is slightly down from last week's 1.17 but it had an average of 16,000 more viewers. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)

Cena's promo uses MGK's Invincible song at Wrestlemania

2012-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilat

AllHipHop.com is reporting that John Cena will not be using his usual theme song at this year's WrestleMania against The Rock but a song which has been playing as the WrestleMania theme so far.

Performed by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Ester Dean, the song Invincible will also be used by Cena as he walks down the Sun Life Stadium.

"John Cena and myself are both underdogs and the song is about struggle, I think it's so cool they chose it," said MGK.

Smackdown TV report for 02/03/2012

2012-02-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

The Smack is being laid Down for us tonight in Omaha Nebraska. The show begins with Teddy Long in the middle of the ring making an announcement.

Teddy tells us that SmackDown will have a title match at the Elimination Chamber Pay Per View and it will feature current Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, the Big Show, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton.

Teddy is interrupted by Mark Henry. Henry thinks it's unfair that he be forced to fight 5 other men in an Elimination Chamber match; he wants to be take out of the Elimination Chamber(EC) match and given a title match with Daniel Bryan, one on one, tonight.

Teddy seems surprisingly un-intimidated by the World's Strongest Man and does take him out of the EC match, but does NOT give him a one on one title match. Henry is angry at this and grabs Teddy Long angrily. Teddy tells Mark that since he put his hands on him, he's suspended indefinitely. Henry says that since he's suspended anyway, he might as well get his money's worth out of it and grabs Teddy again.

Sheamus (the winner of the Royal Rumble match) comes to Teddy's rescue and Brogue Kicks Mark Henry out of the ring. Teddy asks Sheamus if he has decided who he will face at WrestleMania and Sheamus tells us he's going to wait until after the Elimination Chamber PPV to make up his mind. Sheamus is interrupted by Cody Rhodes.

Cody tells us that no one will remember that Sheamus won the Royal Rumble this year; people are going to remember that Cody lasted longer and eliminated more superstars than anyone this year. Cody claims to have done all the work for Sheamus' big win. Cody also tells us that he is going to win the EC match and go into WrestleMania as the first dual champion since the Ultimate Warrior. Teddy tells Cody that tonight, he will face Sheamus one on one, and that match is next.

Commercial

Match #1: Cody Rhodes versus Sheamus.

The match begins with Sheamus dominating. Sheamus knocks Rhodes down multiple times before trapping him in the ropes and pounding his chest repeatedly. Cody falls to the floor and Sheamus pursues. Cody pushes Sheamus into the steel steps and then hits him with Beautiful Disaster (springboard kick) from the security barrier. Cody rolls Sheamus in and hits him with a punch, a kick, and finally a moonsault.

Cody goes for a cover and gets a two count. Cody lands a kick and then ties up Sheamus' arm and neck. Sheamus powers his way to his feet and frees himself by backing Cody into the corner. Cody takes Sheamus down with a second rope bulldog. The two men exchange punches and Sheamus knocks Cody down with a clothesline. Sheamus charges at Cody but Cody gets his boots up into Sheamus' face.

Sheamus plants Cody on the mat with a front slam and then climbs to the top rope. Cody cuts Sheamus off and tries to set up a superplex but Sheamus pushes him off and hits him with a flying shoulder block. Sheamus picks Cody up but Cody breaks free and tries to hit Sheamus with Beautiful Disaster. Sheamus ducks the kick and then misses Cody with a Brogue kick. Sheamus puts Cody in a Fireman's Carry and finishes him off with a Death Valley Driver.

Commercial

Match #2: Justin Gabriel versus Hunico (with Camacho)

Cody Rhodes is still at ringside, looking defeated. Before the match even begins, Cody runs into the ring and attacks Gabriel from behind. Cody, Hunico, and Camacho triple team Gabriel until the Great Khali comes to the rescue. Camacho gets a big chop, Hunico gets a two handed choke slam, and Cody runs away.

Commercial

When we return, Teddy Ling is berating Drew McIntyre. Teddy tells Drew it's the same thing every week; he tells Drew he better not lose or he may get fired, and Drew loses again. Teddy says Drew has become too predictable; he always loses.

I'm not sure if Teddy realizes he is even more predictable; he threatens to fire Drew every week, and then gives him another chance.

This week, the other chance Teddy offers is for Drew to impress him in some "other way." Teddy doesn't specify what that "other way" may be, but it does sort of make him sound like a gay Herman Cain.

Santino comes in to see Teddy and he seems happy. Santino has a new tag team idea: Santin-HOOO! Santino brings in Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Teddy gives them a match for the tag titles tonight.

What better way to build up the significance of the tag titles than to give random makeshift teams consisting of a comedy act and a bloated has been that was never really that good anyway a title shot on a whim? I like Santino, but giving this silly team a title shot is a roundabout way of telling the Usos and any other tag team still hanging around that they are meaningless.

Aksana enters Teddy's office and exclaims "what a big hard piece of wood!" as she looks down. Apparently Hacksaw left his 2 by 4 in the office. Hacksaw comes back to retrieve it and yells "HO!!" one more time. Aksana asks if he was referring to her.

Commercial

Match #3: Santin-HO versus Epico and Primo.

Santino and Epico start the match off and Santino twists Epico's arm before tagging in Hacksaw. Duggan hits Epico with a couple forearm shots and a trio of ugly clotheslines. Epico responds with a series of kicks before tagging in Primo. Primo lands several punches and puts Duggan in a chin lock.

Duggan fights his way to his feet and slams Primo's face into the turnbuckle before tagging in Santino. Santino lands a punch that knocks Primo down and then puts on the Cobra. Rosa Mendes jumps up to the edge of the ring apron and blows a kiss at Santino and his cobra. Santino acts like he's not going to fall for the distraction, but he hesitates long enough for Primo to hit him with a backstabber for the win.

After the match Hacksaw saves Santino from a double team beating from Epico and Primo.

Commercial

When we return, Michael Cole is in the middle of the ring preparing to interview Daniel Bryan. When Bryan comes out, (screaming 'YES!' with his hands held high) Cole tells him that he always thought he was a nerd that would never make it. But after retaining the title at the Royal Rumble in a steel cage match against the Big Show, he has to admit he was wrong, and extends his hand.

Bryan doesn't accept Cole's hand, and instead tells Cole that this isn't about him, that not everything is about Michael Cole; this is all about Daniel Bryan. Bryan is actually being more of a jerk than Michael Cole right now.

The big difference is when Daniel Bryan acts like a jerk, I'm still entertained. When Michael Cole acts like a jerk I pine away for Taz and Mike Tenay.

Bryan tells us that after defeating 2 monsters (the Big Show and Mark Henry) he now considers himself to be a great champion and a role model. Bryan explains that since he is a Vegan he is healthier than anyone in this building, and they should all therefore follow him and be Vegans to. There is a lot of booing, a "you suck" chant, and I think I may have even caught a "we want bacon" chant. Apparently Veganism is not big in Omaha.

Bryan also tells us that he refuses to stand for prejudice against him. Bryan feels that the Big Show should be taken out of the EC title match. Daniel tells us that the Big Show is a failure that keeps losing against Daniel Bryan and keeps getting rewarded for it with more chances. He also believes Big Show intentionally ran over his 95 lb girlfriend AJ recently.

Bryan tells us that he will go to the WWE board of directors if Teddy Long doesn't take Big Show out of the match, and then Teddy can join John Laurinaitis on the unemployment line.

The Big Show comes to the ring all smiles. Show tells Bryan that he's a pompous, arrogant, and very lucky, little ass. Show says that while Bryan will still be all those things after the EC match, he won't be champ anymore. Bryan promises the Big Show that even if he does lose the title at Elimination Chamber, he won't lose it to the Big Show because the Big Show is a loser.

Bryan repeatedly pokes Big Show in the chest while calling him a loser until finally the Big Show attacks him. Show beats Bryan down, rips off his shirt and chops his chest. Show choke slams Bryan and AJ,(in a neck brace) comes out to save her boyfriend. Big Show cocks his fist to knock Bryan out but AJ grabs his arm and Bryan slides out of the ring.

AJ looks scared but the Big Show lets her leave the ring. Outside the ring, Bryan asks AJ if she's OK and they hug. Bryan tells her she doesn't have to be afraid of him anymore because he will never let anyone hurt her again; a strange thing to say considering she just saved him while he was running away.

In the back, Natalya and Beth Phoenix are preparing for a tag match by doing squats. Natalya farts in the middle of the routine, nearly killing an unsuspecting Santino Marella with the stench of her flatulence. Perhaps she should incorporate that move into her in-ring arsenal, it seems deadly. (But not silent)

Commercial

Match #4: Natalya and Beth Phoenix versus Tamina and Aksana. Natalya and Aksana start things off and Natalya drops Aksana with a bodyslam. Aksana answers with a kick. Natalya plants Aksana face first on the mat and Beth tags herself in. Beth hits Aksana with the Glam Slam for the win and walks away with her Divas title.

Natalya attacks Aksana after the match but Tamina makes the save. Tamina beats Natalya down and then hits her with a Superfly Splash. Beth doesn't come to her partner's aid because she is already long gone. Apparently the Divas of Doom are done. Beth has started really dominating lately, but Natalya keeps losing, and farting.

Commercial

When we return we are shown a long John Cena tribute to hype his match with the Rock at WrestleMania. As most people know by now, Cena does a lot of charitable work and is one of the Make a Wish Foundations most requested entertainers. People that think Cena sucks are factually mistaken.

He's no Kurt Angle or Eddie Guerrero, obviously, but he takes a wicked beating in a lot of his matches and is freakishly strong. I prefer technical masters like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, but as far as powerful, muscular, charismatic guys with movie star looks go, Cena is awesome. He's got the look and the charisma to get by without trying, but he still puts his body on the line month after month and works harder than most wrestlers. So to all the Cena haters out there: let it go, you are wrong.

Matt Striker interviews Randy Orton before his big no DQ match tonight with Wade Barrett. Randy tells us he doesn't blame Wade Barrett for throwing him down a flight of stairs. Randy tells us he would have done the same thing. Randy is angry that Wade has been saying he ended Orton's career. Orton promises to prove him wrong by beating him tonight and by beating him and 4 other superstars at the Elimination Chamber PPV.

Match #5: Randy Orton versus Wade Barrett, no DQ.

Before the match, Daniel Bryan and AJ approach Teddy Long. Bryan says that AJ is terrified of the Big Show. Teddy offers to let them watch the main event with him and they can talk during the match.

Commercial

When we return, the match is underway and the two men exchange several punches. Randy gets the upper hand, landing a European uppercut, a clothesline, and a suplex. Randy throw Wade over the top rope and out onto the floor. Randy pursues and slams Wade into the steel steps and then the security barrier. Orton places Wade's head on the steel steps and stomps on it. Wade gives Barrett a belly to back suplex on the security barrier and then slides a table into the ring.

Commercial

When we return, Orton is attempting a superplex but Barrett blocks it. Barrett headbutts Orton and then pushes him off the top rope and through the table in the middle of the ring. Barrett goes for a cover and gets only 2. Wade focuses his attack on Orton's back, delivering several kicks before whipping him hard into the corner.

Wade exits the ring and pulls Orton's arms and legs back around the steel post, stretching his back. Barrett slams Orton into the edge of the ring and then rolls him back in. Wade chokes Orton on the top rope and then brings several knee strikes up into his face. Wade knocks Orton to the floor and then goes out after him. Orton lands a punch and then throws Barrett over the security barrier into the crowd. Orton pounds on the retreating Barrett, eventually clotheslining Barrett back over the barrier towards the ring again.

Orton jumps off the top of the barrier and hits Barrett with a double axe handle. Wade whips Orton into the steel steps and then rolls him back into the ring. Barrett gets a steel chair and repeatedly pummels Orton with it. Barrett sets Orton up for Wasteland but Orton fights his way out of it. Orton hits Barrett with a scoop powerslam and grabs the chair.

Orton pummels Barrett with a chair and then props the chair up in the corner. Randy whips Barrett head first into the chair and then hits him with a standing drop kick that sends him out to the floor. Randy throws Barrett over the announce table and then throws him back to the ring. Orton brings Barrett back into the ring with a rope hung DDT and gets ready to hit the RKO.

Barrett blocks the RKO and hits Orton with a side slam. Barrett goes for a cover and gets 2. Wade gets the chair and hits Orton in the back, then sets Orton up for a pump handle slam. Orton floats out of the pump handle and hits Barrett with an RKO! Randy positions the chair on the floor and RKO's Barrett again, this time on the steel chair, and then covers him for the win.

In the back, Teddy, Daniel Bryan, and AJ watch Orton celebrate. Teddy tells Bryan he won't have to worry about the Big Show next week, because he'll be facing that man, Randy Orton, instead. Bryan says he's not afraid of giants or snakes.

Bryan tells AJ to stay back here where it's safe and tells her to watch. Daniel Bryan runs out to the ring holding his title high, pointing at the ceiling and screaming "YES!" repeatedly for no apparent reason. Daniel Bryan continues to celebrate wildly and Randy Orton glares at him as SmackDown goes off the air.

UFC Fan Expo annouces in Houston 2011

2012-02-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

For its return to Houston for the first time since 2007, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is bringing some of the sport's most recognizable names to Texas this October. UFC officials announced today over two dozen athletes scheduled to participate in the UFC Fan Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8.

The following fighters will participate in autograph sessions and a variety of other fan activities: UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, former UFC champions Chuck Liddell, Frank Mir, Forrest Griffin, Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, Shane Carwin, and Matt Serra, as well as UFC stars Wanderlei Silva, Urijah Faber, Miguel Torres, Phil Davis, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Clay Guida, Brendan Schaub, Mark Munoz, Donald Cerrone, Jon Fitch, Amir Sadollah, Matt Mitrione, Pat Barry, Jake Shields, Chan Sung Jung, Cole Miller, and Stephan Bonnar.

In addition, STRIKEFORCE lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, top welterweight contender Tyron Woodley and surging middleweight Tim Kennedy will also take part in the festivities.

"We're excited to bring some of the biggest stars in the sport to Houston for the UFC Fan Expo," UFC President Dana White said. "This is our sixth Expo now. For people who have never experienced the Fan Expo before, trust me, this is the ultimate fan experience. You won't be disappointed."

For more information on UFC Fan Expo and to purchase tickets, visit www.ufcfanexpo.com. To subscribe to the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter visit www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com. Don't wait, space is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard VIP packages and general admission tickets are also available online at www.ufcfanexpo.com. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now and save, as ticket pricing will increase at the door.

All the UFC Fan Expo activities will be planned in conjunction with UFC 136: EDGAR vs. MAYNARD 3 event, which takes place at Toyota Center on Saturday, Oct. 8. Headlined by a lightweight title bout between champion Frankie Edgar and challenger Gray Maynard, UFC 136 also features Jose Aldo defending the featherweight crown against the always-dangerous Kenny Florian. Tickets are still available at ToyotaCenterTix.com, by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX, at select Houston area Randalls locations, and the Toyota Center Box Office.. Tickets are subject to applicable service charges and event time and date are subject to change.

Athletes scheduled to attend the UFC Fan Expo are subject to change.

UFC Fan Expo for July at Mandalay Bay

2012-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

Las Vegas, , NV - Feb. 2, 2012) - The Ultimate Fighting Championship presents its seventh UFC Fan Expo event on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. UFC President Dana White made the announcement today during a press conference to promote UFC 143, which takes place this Saturday from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

"We love giving UFC fans ultimate access to our sport and athletes," UFC President Dana White said. "This July, we're putting together our best UFC Fan Expo yet. We're going to have dozens of our fighters in attendance to sign autographs and meet fans, and we're going to have some of the world's top vendors and exhibitors. This is an absolute can't-miss event for UFC fans around the world!"

Tickets for the UFC Fan Expo are on sale NOW at www.ufcfanexpo.com. Tickets for Friday, July 6 are priced at $40, while tickets for Saturday, July 7 are priced at $45. A two-day pass is also available and is priced at $60. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now and save, as ticket pricing will increase at the door. VIP packages for the UFC Fan Expo are also available at www.ufcfanexpo.com.

The UFC Fan Expo in July will feature more than 300,000 gross square feet of activities for UFC fans, including meet and greets and autograph sessions with top UFC and STRIKEFORCE fighters, Q&A sessions with top UFC personalities, as well as grappling tournaments and other special events. More than 150 exhibitors will also be on hand, giving fans the opportunity to purchase and experience some of the best sports and lifestyle products on the market today. This marks the third UFC Fan Expo held in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009, with additional UFC Fan Expos being held in Boston, London, Toronto and Houston.

On top of all the great fan activities, the UFC Fan Expo will be held in conjunction with a major UFC Pay-Per-View event scheduled for July 7 in Las Vegas. Information on the venue and fight card will be announced in the weeks to come.

For more information on UFC Fan Expo and to purchase tickets, visit www.ufcfanexpo.com. To subscribe to the official UFC Fan Expo newsletter visit www.ufcfanexpo.com/newsletter. For companies interested in reserving space at this premier event, contact Brian Bernstein, Sales Executive at 203-840-5474 or email bbernstein@ufcfanexpo.com. Don't wait, space is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

London Impact to air on Spike TV

2012-02-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

Spike TV will air tonight the first of the two IMPACT shows that were taped this past weekend in London, England, at the Wembley Arena in front of a record crowd.

This was the first time that TNA taped IMPACT outside of the United States and the decision to hold it in London was a big home run with thousands of fans turning up to break the attendance record for a TNA show.

The two shows saw the return of Hulk Hogan to the country for the first time in almost two decades as well as what was billed as Sting's last match in the UK.

U.S. government shuts down illegal WWE streaming sites

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

U.S. government law enforcement agencies shut down sixteen websites that streamed live sports illegally including five that carried WWE broadcasts. The government also seized the domains which are sportswwe.net, sportswwe.tv, sportswwe.com, youwwe.com and youwwe.net.

In a story published by Reuters, the man who ran the websites is 28 year old Yonjo Quiroa and he ran them from his home in Comstock Park, Michigan. He is facing one count of criminal infringement of a copyright.

The bust came after a U.S. Department of Homeland Security enforcement agent posing as a WWE representative last week offered to buy various domain names associated with the defendant, and received a response offering to "make a deal."

First look at the WWE Legends House property

2012-02-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

WWE will begin filming the Legends House reality show for their upcoming WWE Network this week as eight WWE Legends will enter a 2-acre mansion in the neighborhood of the Tamarisk Country Club this week in Rancho Mirage, California.

Daniel Watson, General Manager of the McLean Co. Rentals, which manages the property for its owners, said that production crew are expected to stay at the house through March 31. Watson acknowledged that his company was hesitant about asking the owners of the house - which belonged to the late comic actor Harpo Marx - about the possibility of renting it to WWE for the show.

"There was a little hesitancy on our part when we asked the owners of the home because of the wrestling tie, but everyone has been very supportive and excited to see this show happen here," Watson said.

Kelly McLean, Vice President of McLean Co. Rentals, gave The Desert Sun newspaper a first look at the property which consists of eight rooms, six in the main house and two in the casita, and features a pool, Jacuzzi, and volleyball and tennis courts. It was built in 1954.

You can see the video of the house and its surrounding area below.

WWE's YouTube channel relaunched

2012-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

WWE relaunched the YouTube channel today as part of their original content agreement which was announced back in late last year.

The first episodes of two of the original shows announced - WWE Inbox and Santino's Foreign Exchange - have been uploaded and are available for viewing for WWE fans worldwide.

The WWE YouTube page has been redesigned with playlists for WWE Classics, Monday Night RAW, Smackdown and NXT joining the new shows. There are almost 7,000 WWE videos on the YouTube channel which is located at http://www.youtube.com/user/WWEFanNation.

The other seven new shows which will start this week are Outside The Ring, Are You Serious?, WWE Presents, Backstage Fallout, Superstar Toyz, Download and Zack Ryder's Z True Long Island Story.

WWE hires new Senior Vice President of Creative and Development

2012-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

Variety is reporting that WWE has hired former Reveille and Warner Bros. executive Eric Pankowski as the new Senior Vice President of Creative and Development.

His new job will see him tackle all TV creative development, including reality and kids programming and manage WWE's creative writing teams and oversee the sale of programming to networks, studios and other distributors.

"Eric is a creative veteran whose knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset in both the creation of new WWE content as well as enhancing our core product," said Stephanie McMahon, Pankowski's new boss.

Member of WWE Board of Directors resigns

2012-02-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos

In their latest Form 8-K filing, WWE announced that WWE Board of Directors member Michael Solomon resigned as a member of the Board and its Audit and Compensation Committees. Solomon had been a member since August 2001.

His resignation leaves the WWE Board of Directors with nine members - Vince McMahon, David Kenin, Joseph Perkins, Frank Riddick III, Jeffrey Speed, Lowell Weicker Jr., Donna Goldsmith, Kevin Dunn and Basil DeVito.

Only four of these - counting in McMahon - are WWE employees.

WWE Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith leaving

2012-02-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos\

The most powerful woman in WWE, Donna Goldsmith, will be leaving the company on February 28 according to a SEC Filing released yesterday by WWE.

She has been the Chief Operating Officer since November 2008 and prior to that served as the Vice President of Consumer Products for WWE for her initial hiring in July 2000. Before joining WWE, she worked for the NBA.

Goldsmith was one of the most hard working executives in the company and was basically the second in command after Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

The Rock confirmed for two more live RAW shows

2012-02-05T01:15:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

W-O reader 'M L' sent in word that the website for the Rose Garden arena in Portland, Oregon, is advertising The Rock for a live in-person appearance on the February 27 Monday Night RAW.

Besides that, the TD Garden website is also advertising him for the RAW the following week in Boston on March 5.

The Rock is already confirmed to be attending the March 12 show in Cleveland and March 26 show in Atlanta leading up to WrestleMania so he will be appearing live - and not via satellite - in four out of the last five RAW shows before WrestleMania.

Undertaker advertised on video as returning on 2-21-11

2012-02-05T01:04:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I aguilar Zevallos

A video uploaded on Fresno's Save Mart Center YouTube account previews the RAW on February 21 which WWE plugged with a mysterious video yesterday which ended with the numbers 2-21-11, the date of this particular RAW.

The video preview shows that CM Punk will be teaming with The Miz to take on Randy Orton and John Cena in a dark match with Michael Cole as the special guest referee.

However, the most interesting part was what followed. Cue the Undertaker song..."Plus on this night in Fresno," says the voice over..."the Dead Man the Undertaker returns!"

You can check out the video below.

The Undertaker returns after a 10 month absence

2012-02-05T01:01:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar

After an absence of ten long months, the Undertaker returned to the WWE during Monday Night RAW and interrupted Triple H before he could have fired John Laurinaitis.

As Triple H explained to Laurinaitis that he put his personal grudges aside and he's ready to lead RAW again, the Undertaker's theme song hit and fans exploded as the former WWE champion appeared on stage amid the smoke.

The Undertaker did not speak and circled Triple H in the ring and then looked up at the WrestleMania sign hanging from the rafters and did the throat slash sign, obviously wanting another round at WrestleMania.

Triple H patted the Undertaker on his shoulder and left to a chorus of boos from the crowd as Taker stayed in the ring with his theme song in the background.

The two wrestled each other at last year's WrestleMania and the Undertaker came out victorious after he was on the receiving end of three Pedigrees and a Tombstone Piledriver. He extended his Mania record to 19-0 but on that night he had to be stretchered out of the ring despite the win.

The next night on RAW, Triple H mentioned that he was the last man standing despite his loss and would defeat the Undertaker if the two ever crossed paths again.

Dwayne Johnson talks about Fast Six

2012-02-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest i aguilar Zevallos

While doing the media rounds for his new movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Dwayne Johnson told UK-based Digital Spy that he is going to start shooting Fast Six - the sequel to Fast Five - this coming June.

The Rock said that he had a blast creating the character of Hobbs and it was one of the most fun characters he's ever played because he's very close to him. He explained that there's unfinished business in Fast Six as in the last movie he told the character played by Vin Diesel that he has a couple of days to go away and then he's going to hunt him down again.

"So that has to come full circle," Johnson said. While he has to hunt down Diesel in the movie, the end of Fast Five shows that he will have another problem, the character of Michelle Rodriguez, who resurfaces after she was presumably dead.

Asked if his character will "bring it" for the new movie, The Rock said that Hobbs is going to bring it. "Hobbs is gonna rip someone's f**king face off, is what Hobbs is going to do!"

Elimination Chamber 2012 RAW main event set

2012-02-05T00:38:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view had its first main event made official yesterday on RAW with the WWE title up for grabs.

The current WWE champion CM Punk will be defending his gold against Kofi Kingston, The Miz, R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler and the returning Chris Jericho.

A second Elimination Chamber main event featuring the Smackdown brand will be announced later this week.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Road Dogg, part of the surprise entries at the Rumble

2012-02-05T00:34:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

The 2012 Royal Rumble brought in some surprise entrants including three who were announcing the show live on pay-per-view.

Jerry "The King" Lawler was the first of the three announcers who climbed into the ring as entrant number 12 however he was thrown out by Cody Rhodes.

Booker T then removed his headset at the buzzer for number 17 went off but was also eliminated by Cody Rhodes.

With the 20th entry coming up, Michael Cole said he "had a hunch" of who it might be, and indeed he knew. Cole removed his jacket and pants to show off his orange outfit however the arrival of another surprise entry - Kharma - wasn't good news for Cole.

Kharma decked Cole and then he threw himself over the top rope but landed on the apron as he pleaded with her. King and Booker quickly removed their headsets and eliminated Cole by pulling him from the apron.

The other two surprise entries were Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Road Dogg Jesse James.

Duggan - the winner of the first Royal Rumble ever - got a loud pop as he stormed the ring and cleaned house to chants of USA. He got in as the number 19 but once again it was Cody Rhodes who eliminated him.

The former WWE tag team title holder and DX member Road Dogg also got a huge pop as he went to his usual routine with the fans showing their approval by chanting "you still got it." The Dogg - entering at number 23 - however got sent over the top rope by Wade Barrett just before number 27 came out.

WWE announces nine new shows for revamped YouTube channel

2012-02-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar Zevallos

WWE has revealed the names of nine web shows that will be part of the WWE YouTube channel starting February 1. These shows are being produced as WWE is one of the first companies to sign up with the Google company in a new content distribution deal.

The names of the shows are Are You Serious?, Outside The Ring, WWE Presents, Santino's Foreign Exchange, Backstage Fallout, Superstar Toyz, WWE Inbox, Download and Zack Ryder's Z True Long Island Story, which is moving from Ryder's personal YouTube account to the official WWE channel.

The deal was announced back in late October of last year as the company joined other original content channels created by well-known personalities and content producers from the TV, film, music, news, and sports world.

Mike Tyson joins the 2012 class of WWE Hall of Fame

2012-02-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

Reported by Ernest I Aguilar zevallos

There's another celebrity going into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall Of Fame and this one is a legend in another ring - boxing. That's right, "Iron" Mike Tyson is the fifth celebrity to be given the Hall of Fame ring following Drew Carey, Bob Eucker, William "The Refrigerator" Perry, and Pete Rose.

"I am honored to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame," said Tyson, "I was the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, but the most fun I ever had in the ring was with WWE."

Tyson - a longtime wrestling fan - started his connection with WWE in 1998 after a much-hyped confrontation and shuffle with Steve Austin on Monday Night RAW that had WWE on every television news outlet in the nation. He was then announced as the special enforcer for the Austin vs Michaels match at WrestleMania XIV. With weeks leading up to the show, Tyson joined forces with DX however on that WrestleMania night, Tyson delivered the three count that gave Austin the win and then hit a knockout punch to Michaels.

In 2011, Tyson made his WWE return when he guest starred on Monday Night Raw, teaming with Chris Jericho against Shawn Michaels and Triple H.

So far Edge, the Four Horseman, and Mil Mascaras have been announced to be inducted at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony which takes place on Saturday, March 31 at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

Kharma returns to WWE at the Rumble

2012-02-05T00:23:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

Kia Stevens - better known to WWE fans as Kharma and Awesome Kong in TNA - made her WWE return yesterday at the Royal Rumble, becoming the third female to participate in the Royal Rumble along with Chyna and Beth Phoenix.

Entering as number 21, she managed to eliminate Hunico before being eliminated by Dolph Ziggler.

Kharma has been out of action since end of May of last year, just three weeks after making her debut on the Extreme Rules pay-per-view. On that particular RAW, Kharma spoke for the first time and revealed she was pregnant and had to leave the company.

Kharma was signed by the WWE in late 2010 by Triple H, becoming his second signing after Sin Cara. The vignettes promoting her arrival aired for a month before her debut and early departure.

Kharma welcomes a new baby boy

2012-02-05T00:20:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

TMZ.COM is reporting that the returning WWE Diva Kharma gave birth to a baby boy named Jamie on December 31.

The artist formerly known as Awesome Kong in TNA left WWE on maternity leave at the end of May just a couple of weeks after making her debut at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view. On that night on RAW, Kharma spoke for the first time and announced that she's pregnant and then returned last Sunday at the Rumble looking like she's already fine to beat some people up.

She expected to get married to her fiance in June.

Sheamus wins 2012 Royal Rumble. Punk and Bryan retain titles

2012-02-05T00:11:00.000-08:00

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

Since 1988, 24 years of Royal Rumble greatness has occurred with some of the greatest special entries, surprise winners, and the craziest way to start the year. The 25th year of greatness continues tonight. 30 men try to claim the one guaranteed ticket to WrestleMania in Miami, Florida. There is only one Road to WrestleMania, the starting line starts tonight, it's Royal Rumble time.

The Royal Rumble entry number with the most wins is No. 27. Big John Studd (1989), Yokozuna (1993), Bret "Hit Man" Hart (1994) and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (2001) all entered with this very number.

Rey Mysterio has the longest recorded time in the Royal Rumble with 1:02:12 in 2006.

Santino Marella has the shortest recorded time in the ring with just 1.9 seconds in 2009.

Tonight, WWE's 25th Annual Royal Rumble is live from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

There are 4 matches scheduled for the event tonight. I cannot wait, I love the Rumble!

We start with a promo video of multiple superstars stating they all want to be able to say, they won the Royal Rumble. The very large entrance is shown with the huge pyro show with the HD screen in the middle. Two large cylinder shaped LED graphic screens on either side with small LED screens below those.

Play by Play tonight will be given by Michael Cole, Jerry "The King" Lawler, and Booker T.

Our 1st Match is Daniel Bryan(c) vs. Mark Henry vs. Big Show in a Triple Threat Steel Cage match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Triple Threat time, NO friends. Daniel tries to run up the cage wall within 0.5 seconds of the ring of the bell. Bryan is taking out by both men. Big Show works on Henry with multiple runnings of the cage wall. Daniel tries to sneak out but is thrown to the mat by Big Show. Big Show continues to work on Daniel but a dropkick to the knee takes out Bid Show. He then begins to work mark with multiple kicks to the head.

Mark stops Daniel for escaping through the door. Big Show comes in and superkicks Mark to the head. Big Show throws Daniel all over the place; he is flying like a bird. Mark then comes back and takes out Big Show. A missed hit by Mark, a spear from Big Show allows Daniel a quick pin attempt but only gets a 2.

Big Show then tries to chokeslam Daniel. A quick DDT from Daniel allows Bryan to get Big Show to tap. Mark interferes but as Mark tries to slam Daniel, Big Show punches the face off Mark. A pin attempt is broken by Daniel. Daniel tries to escape but is right now caught by Big Show. He is now hanging from the side but one arm. Show has him but Daniel slip to the floor,

WINNER OF THE MATCH is Daniel Bryan via escaping the cage to the floor. He retains his World Heavyweight Championship.

Daniel does his huge celebration as we cut to Sheamus advertising our next PPV, Elimination Chamber. It's not a bad time to show another PPV that's coming up, WrestleMania, and one of the main stars of that card, John Cena. This was a really good showcase of John Cena.

Our 2nd Match is Beth Phoenix, the Bella Twins, and Natalya vs. Kelly Kelly, Alica Fox, Tamina, and Eve Torres.

8 women tag team time, hmmmmmmmm. It's like watching candy. Eve does a nice little dance before taking out Natalya. Tag allows Beth to take out Eve. Beth works Eve more before one of the Bella twins enter. Alicia gets in and both trade shots. Kelly Kelly in and is flying all over the place. Now all the Divas are fighting outside the ring. Kelly Kelly jumps from the top rope and takes out everyone outside the ring.

The fighting has stopped. Beth tags herself in and Glam Slams Kelly Kelly. Pin fall follows for a 3 count.

WINNER OF THE MATCH is Beth Phoenix, the Bella Twins, and Natalya via pinfall.

The events of what happen to Zack Ryder on Raw are shown. Then we cut to Zack entering the arena in a wheel chair. John Laurinaitis walks in to show he got him his own dressing room. Eve then enters and has a few choice words. She then pushes Zack into the room.

Our 3rd Match is John Cena vs. Kane.

John does get a mix reaction from the crowd and also plays to the boos. Both men open up the shots with Kane winning the punching fight but Cena comes back. Now to the outside of the ring (this should have been a no DQ match), Kane pounds down Cena, he then is thrown to the steps. As Kane enters, quick attempt at a slam is countered. Kane then works the head, gets a 2 count pin. Cena fights back but a huge right from Kane knocks him down again. Kick out at 2 for Kane.

Cena again begins to come back with a few punches but is knock down again. Cena tries to hit a bulldog but is thrown to the end of the ring. Cena buys himself some time but is again knocked down with a clothesline. Kane is now trying to choke Cena, but a quick counter tried top Kane. Kane broke the move then hits a sidewalk slam. Kane to the top rope and nails Cena. Chokeslam is missed and hits a few shoulder hits. Kane counters the You Can See Me and deliveries a kick to the head.

Kane props Cena on the top rope, but Kane is knocked down. Cena the flies to the mat with a 5 Knuckle Shuffle. Cena is then kicked out of the ring and both battle up the aisle towards the entrance but the ref has counted them both out.

NO WINNER DUE TO DOUBLE COUNTOUT.

They still continue to fight near the tech area to the backstage. They trade shots but Kane grabs a chair. Shot to the ribs, back, back again, and again but Kane sees Ryder's dressing room, kicks in the door down, Ryder tries to fight but is chocked out by Kane.

He then pushes him to the ring. Ryder then is dumped to the floor and thrown into the ring. Eve then runs to the ring, pleading Kane to stop. Kane ignores the request and laughs as he tombstones Ryder. Cena returns but is chokeslammed. Kane leaves the ring but both Ryder and Cena are still down as medical staff rush the ring.

As they did with Cena, they do a Career promo to the other superstar who will fight John Cena at WrestleMania, The Rock.

Our 4th Match is Drew McIntyre vs. Brodus Clay.

I have a feeling, somebody call Drew's mama. Drew has requested this match so he can be in the Royal Rumble. Brodus does his multiple dances in the ring and controls the match from the start. What the Funk is then hit to end this very quick match.

WINNER OF THE MATCH is Brodus Clay via pinfall.

We find ourselves watching a promo of the shortcomings and power abuse of John Laurinaitis. Judgment Day on Raw for John.

Our 5th Match is CM Punk(c) vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship.

John Laurinaitis, the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and the Interim Raw General Manager, will serve as the special guest referee. John has revealed that he plans to screw Punk his title for disrespecting him for multiple months.

John was also told by the WWE Board of Directors via fax that they are concerned about his statement to screw Punk and his status as Raw General Manager is under review by Triple H. Will this play a role in this match? Will he fly straight?

Both Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger are banned from ringside.

Before the match begins, John now is claiming he will only officiate the match from the outside and allow a WWE ref to do the officiating inside the ring. Also, Vicki is in the corner for Dolph Ziggler.

Wait, nevermind, John is kicking out Vicki from ringside. Punk gets a quick pin attempt then hits a few body shots. Dolph not fazed and shows off a little. Both men trying to watch for one mistake, one wrong move to get started but Punk wins this battle and Dolph is thrown to the outside of the ring. Punk flies through the middle rope to take out Dolph. Dolph back to the ring, Punk to the top rope but is taking out and falls hard to the middle of the ring. Dolph pins for 2.

8 total, quick elbow drops to the chest of Punk. Dolph hits a sleeper hold but is countered but quickly places Punk the Sleeper again. Drop kick from Dolph gets another 2 count, but Dolph gets caught in the air then a huge slam from Punk gets him a 2 count. Punk with a high knee opens a series of moves, then a running knee to the head, and running bulldog to finish.

GTS is stopped but a cross body that rolled to far almost costs Punk with a 2. Punk goes to the top rope and hits a Flying Elbow but musters a 2 count. Another missed GTS takes out the ring ref. Dolph then arm drags but counters, Punk is able to hit the anaconda Vice and Dolph is tapping, no ref.

Punk is mad, and screams at John. Dolph from behind but Punk counters, rolls Dolph and he gets a 4 count. No ref again. John is trying to get the down ref into the ring. Both John and Punk scream at each other. Punk grabs Dolph for the GTS, spins him but Dolph's leg hit John in the head. Dolph gets out of the GTS again but is still rolled up for a pin for 1-2-3 but no ref still. John is steaming that he thinks Punk kicked him in the head.

Now the ring ref is stirring. Dolph hits a quick move and gets the closest 3 in history but no 3 count yet. The crowd is beyond into the match. I think the roof moved due to the sigh that Dolph didn't get a 3 count. Punk throws Dolph into the top ring buckle, Punk is able to hit the GTS. John runs into the ring and helps count CM Punks pin 1-2-3.

WINNER OF THE MATCH is CM Punk via pinfall to retain with WWE Championship.

Promo of the Royal Rumble facts. I love seeing this promo. Brings back memories of watching this awesome PPV when I was a kid.

Time for the Royal Rumble 2012!

The match is based on the traditional battle royal match, in which a set number of participants (30) aim at eliminating their competitors by tossing them over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. The winner of the event is the last participant remaining after all others have been eliminated.

The Royal Rumble contestants do not enter the ring at the same time but instead are assigned entry numbers, usually via a lottery, although they can win guaranteed desirable spots via a number of other means, the most common being winning a match or in one certain case for this year, losing a match. The match begins with the two participants who have drawn entry numbers one and two, with the remaining competitors entering the ring at regular 90 second intervals.

The unlucky man that has been selected 1st entry is The Miz. He was given the #1 entry due to a match loss with R-Truth on Raw (1/23/2012).

#2 entry to the Royal Rumble is Alex Riley.

Both men walk to the center of the ring, both glance at the WrestleMania Sign in the background. Alex is the first to try to throw Miz but Miz takes over. Miz gets thrown over the top rope but catches himself. Alex runs to hit Miz, but Miz drops the top rope. Alex goes over.

Alex Riley is eliminated.

#3 entry to the Royal Rumble is R-Truth.

R-Truth gets busy controlling. Few shots and a slam by Truth. More shots to both with Miz getting tossed over the top rope but catches himself again.

#4 entry to the Royal Rumble is Cody Rhodes

Rhodes comes in and takes out Truth. Both Rhodes and Miz work on Truth. Now all three are fighting each other.

#5 entry to the Royal Rumble is Justin Gabriel.

He comes in and flies into Miz and Cody. Cody is able to take out Justin while Miz and Truth fight in the corner. Cody and Justin are trading chest shots.

#6 entry to the Royal Rumble is Primo.

Primo goes right after Justin and takes him out. Cody and Truth trade shots but Miz grabs Truth and throws him over.

R-Truth is eliminated.

#7 entry to the Royal Rumble is Mick Foley

Foley goes after Primo. Primo is thrown over the top rope.

Primo is eliminated.

Foley takes out Cody and nice DDT. Both Foley and Justin try to take out Cody.

#8 entry to the Royal Rumble is Ricardo, Alberto Del Rio's Ring announcer.

Everyone thought it was Alberto, until the car rolled up. He came into the ring in a POS car with broken out windows with plastic duct tape windows. He is trying to sport the same outfit Alberto wears, but let me tell you, its not working out. He then goes after Cody. Justin dropkicks Ricardo but he then tries to fight Justin. Both Foley and Ricardo throw out Justin.

Justin Gabriel is eliminated.

#9 entry to the Royal Rumble is Santino Marella.

Santino has already broken his in ring time from 2009. He goes right after Ricardo. Both men do some weird move that I cant explain. It looked like they were a wheel. He then throws out Ricardo.

Ricardo is eliminated.

#10 entry to the Royal Rumble is Epico.

Both Foley and Santino are trying to hit the cobra and socko against each other. Epico interferes but is thrown out.

Epico is eliminated.

Santino is thrown from the ring and is out.

Santino Marella is eliminated.

Then Mick is thrown over by Miz

Mick Foley is eliminated.

#11 entry to the Royal Rumble is Kofi Kingston

Kingston flies to the ring, takes out both Cody and Miz. He delivers the Boom Drop to both men. Kofi tries to eliminate Miz but Cody stops him. Cody with a drop kick slows Kofi.

#12 entry to the Royal Rumble is Jerry the King Lawler

He comes from the announce table and just take takes both Miz and Cody. Body slams to each man twice. Flying fist from King hits Miz. Cody comes in and throws King over.

Jerry the King Lawler is eliminated.

#13 entry to the Royal Rumble is Ezekiel Jackson

Jackson just dominates everyone in the ring. Showing his huge power. Everyone is down but Jackson. Sidewalk slam to Kofi. He goes to Cody and pounds him down.

#14 entry to the Royal Rumble is Jinder Mahal.

He slowly makes his way to the ring. Jackson is waiting while everyone else is still down. Mahal then takes out Jackson and Kofi. Miz back to hurt Jackson.

#15 entry to the Royal Rumble is The Great Khali.

Oh yea, the tower is here. He now enters and just hurts everyone. He throws Mahal out, then Jackson.

Jinder Mahal Is eliminated
Ezekiel Jackson is eliminated.

#16 entry to the Royal Rumble is Hunico.

He enters with his trusty bike and goes right after Kofi, then Miz, Then Cody. Khali takes out Hunico with one shot. Kofi back after the Miz. Khali works on Miz but Miz takes out Khali.

#17 entry to the Royal Rumble is Booker T.

He now comes from the announcer table. Hahaha, too funny. He directly goes after Cody, and everyone else. He stops when Khali hits him. Cody smiles as Khali hits Booker, Khali then grabs Cody and hurts him.

Miz tries to throw Kofi but he catches himself, then Miz gets the upper body of Kofi outside. Miz throws Kofi's legs to the outside. Kofi is doing a hand stand outside the ring to save himself. He walked himself, via his hands, to the stairs and re-enters the ring. That was really good but John Morrison still holds the best save.

#18 entry to the Royal Rumble is Dolph Ziggler.

He looks mad as he didn't win the title. Vicki walks him to the ring. Kofi still working with Cody but Dolph goes after Kofi. Booker T tries to throw over Hunico but Hunico crawls back in. Khali after Cody. Miz lays in the corner, waiting for this.

#19 entry to the Royal Rumble is Hacksaw Jim Duggan!

HHHOOOOO! 2x4 in hand!. He goes after Cody, Booker. USA chants from the crowd. Duggan clobbers Cody and Miz. Hunico works on Dolph. A cheap shot from behind by Cody gets Hacksaw over the top rope.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan is eliminated. Dang it!

Multiple men try to push Booker over. Cody runs over and throws Khali and Booker over the rope

The Great Khali is eliminated
Booker T is Eliminated

#20 entry to the Royal Rumble is Michael Cole

Your kidding me, nice. He undressed himself to show his ring attire. He is jumping in the ring celebrating. No action as everyone is pretty much trying to push someone over.

#21 entry to the Royal Rumble is Kharma

She's back! Cole looks scared. She looks right a Cole and takes him out. Cole pleads then jumps himself over the top rope. Booker and King walk over and pull Cole to the ground.

Michael Cole is eliminated.

Kharma then slams Dolph to the mat. She then throws over Hunico, Dolph walks up and throws her over.

Hunico is eliminated
Kharma is eliminated.

#22 entry to the Royal Rumble is Sheamus.

He runs and takes out everyone just as fast. Sheamus grabs Kofi and throws him over the top rope.

Kofi Kingston is eliminated.

#23 entry to the Royal Rumble is Road Dogg!

Oh, You didn't know!! Now it's on!! He goes after Cody, Does his dance and puts a hurt to Cody, then works on Miz. Cody goes after Road Dogg.

#24 entry to the Royal Rumble is Jey Uso.

One half of the tag team comes down and goes after Road Dogg, then a few kicks to Miz. Sheamus goes after Cody. Dolph holds on to the ropes as Dogg tries to push him out.

#25 entry to the Royal Rumble is Jack Swagger, the US champion.

He hits the ring and clotheslines one after another. Then goes after Sheamus, and Jay Uso. Everyone is working on someone right now while Cody just lays back. Cody then turns on Dolph. 7 men in the ring at this time

#26 entry to the Royal Rumble is Wade Barrett.

He takes his time while Sheamus tries to throw Miz over. Wade then turns to Road Dogg, throws him over.

Road Dogg is eliminated.

Sheamus and Wade trade shots in the corners while Miz and Jack fight.

#27 entry to the Royal Rumble is David Otunga.

He goes after Cody, Jack and Miz fight in the corner. Miz relaxing in the middle for now. Miz aims at Uso now.

#28 entry to the Royal Rumble is Randy Orton

He storms the ring and the crowd unplugs for the local boy. He goes right after Wade and everyone else. Cody breaks up Randy's RKO. Dolph tries to interfere but double DDT from the ropes to both him and Cody by Randy Orton. Uso then is thrown over by Randy, then Wade.

Wade Barrett is eliminated.
Jay Uso is eliminated.

#29 entry to the Royal Rumble is Chris Jericho.

Let's see if he stays. He is wrestling now! He goes after David, throws him over.

David Otunga is eliminated

Sheamus and Jack battle, Chris and Cody, Orton and Miz. Orton tries to Thrown over Miz but fails to do so.

#30 entry to the Royal Rumble is Big Show.

Oh Man, the curveball is thrown. He helps eliminate Jack from the floor.

Jack Swagger is eliminated.

Big Show then knocks out Jack. Big show then eliminates both Miz and Cody at once.

The Miz is eliminated.
Cody Rhodes is eliminated.

Big Show then throws over Dolph.

Dolph Ziggler is eliminated.

All remaining men attack Big Show at once but they all lose fast. Sheamus and Randy work together to throw over Big Show but Show counters. Randy then just lifts Big Show over the ropes.

Big Show is eliminated.

Then Jericho runs over, pushes over Randy.

Randy Orton is eliminated.

The remaining two men, Chris Jericho and Sheamus. Both ran at each other with Sheamus winning the hits battle. Jericho tries to jump the middle rope but misses his move. Sheamus almost throws him over.

Missile dropkick from Jericho takes down Sheamus. Irish curse back breaker catches Jericho. As Sheamus tries to Keltic Cross Jericho, He counters. Sheamus holds the bottom rope. He is almost gone but hasn't gotten back in. A battering ram over the top rope into the ring takes out Jericho.

Sheamus tries to throw over but isn't able to get rid of Chris. The walls of Jericho is applied after a quick hit from Jericho. He stand in the middle of the ring, waiting. As Sheamus stirs, Jericho gets thrown over, holds the top rope. He then climbs to the top rope. Sheamus is up there too now. They both fall to the apron. Jericho back in the ring, Sheamus back in. Jericho hits the Code Breaker and both men are down. Jericho tries to pin then remembers cant win that way.

Jericho tries to punch Sheamus but he gets all gets mad. Sheamus catches Jericho and attempts to throw him out again. He catches himself again. But a kick the head knocks out Jericho.

Chris Jericho is Eliminated.

Sheamus has won the 2012 Royal Rumble match.

I could not wait for the PPV. It is my favorite of the year. This was a very good PPV. Some legends returned, I had a hunch about Road Dogg since he was at the Slammy's and signed the Legends contract. Hacksaw was just awesome to see.

I still really wish the Kane/Cena match was no DQ but I don't think this battle is over so I might get my wish. If Kane really wants to have Cena show the "hate", a no DQ match needs to happen.

The Next PPV for the WWE will be the Elimination Chamber on 2/19/2012. See you there, what a great start to the 2012 year.

Now, to make sure next weekend, my teams wins the Superbowl. I ain't saying which team, not gonna say it! HAHA good night readers!