WWE
– WWE.com has addressed the online rumors that Florida Championship Wrestling is shutting down, vehemently denying the “erroneous” report by an “unreliable online news source.” The WWE website reached out to WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Paul Levesque (Triple H) to address this issue:
“It is absolutely not true. FCW is not closing. I don’t know how the rumor started but I believe it’s a situation where the ‘dirt sheets’ want to believe they have the scoop on everything. If anything, we are in the process of ramping up our entire developmental system. It’s the lifeblood of our company. It’s what feeds our future and in no way are we going to close it down.”
Triple H acknowledged that there are plans to overhaul the developmental system and revealed that there is a “major announcement” coming shortly after WrestleMania regarding the future of WWE developmental:
“WWE’s developmental system is being revamped, not shut down. If anything, it’s going to get bigger and better than ever. WWE Developmental cultivates the future talent of WWE. By no means is it going to get smaller or shut down.”
According to the PWInsider, things are said to be “business as usual” today. That said, there is still a feeling that a major shakeup is in store for WWE’s developmental territory.
Jesse Kage, a Tampa-based radio DJ that hosts the Kage Kult Show on 98Rock in Tampa. Kage, who has worked directly with FCW head trainer Steve Keirn, says he texted Keirn regarding the rumor and was told:
“Rasslin’ rumor, not true.”
WWE creative team member Kevin Eck has responded to the “FCW shutting down” rumors on Twitter. He wrote:
“WWE is severing ties with FCW?”
“Good lord. Dirt sheets are wrong…AGAIN.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about what went down at Monday’s RAW:
CM Punk & Chris Jericho: “The Punk/Jericho interaction was compelling and furthered the two, talented performer’s personal issue. Let’s not lose track that this is for the WWE Title which is the Promised Land for any WWE Superstar. The personal issue aspect of this pairing makes this match even more anticipated in my view. A potential show stealer without question.”
Cody Rhodes: “The evolution of IC Champion Cody Rhodes continues at a rapid and productive pace. Rhodes has the skills to be a top star for years to come and his WM28 bout with the Big Show increased my interest thanks to what they did Monday night.”
Sheamus & Daniel Bryan: “While Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan may be overlooked by a handful of fans, I have always looked forward to their WM28 bout knowing how both athletes are wired and what WM28 means to each of them personally and professionally. I’m very proud of both men and hope that they tear the house down April 1.”
The Rock: “Only one man’s opinion, but I thought that Rock’s promo in front of the Rocky statue was the Great One’s best verbal presentation yet in regard to the Rock vs. Cena bout at WM28. Loved the old school references along with Rock’s entertaining and compelling delivery. Really memorable.”
Taker, Triple H & HBK: “Have to be honest, I got goose bumps on all three entrances of HBK, Undertaker and HHH. The HIAC match with Taker’s ‘Streak’ in jeopardy is something that has many talking. The emotional investment of 19 years of greatness by Undertaker at WrestleMania events has built an amazing foundation. The match provokes many more questions than answers. Obviously, where Shawn Michaels stands as the referee of record is one question of prominence.”
– Ted DiBiase posted the following blog early Tuesday morning discussing his recent injuries and shoulder surgery:
It’s 4:55 am and I can’t sleep. My back is killing me from having my leg propped up all day and night. This cast is really starting to get on my nerves because they have my foot angled in and down, to take pressure off the ligament that was torn. On top of that, now I am about to head to the hospital for a much needed shoulder surgery. I’m probably looking at 2 months of pain, rehab and boredom. Not really looking forward to this experience, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
I try to remain positive during tough times and trials. I think we all know that life is not always a bed of roses, doesn’t matter who you are. However, I think you find out who you are in the trials of life. It’s easy to remain positive and upbeat when things are going your way. When you’re able to pay the bills, health is in check and your closest friends and family are well and happy, it’s easy to remain grateful and upbeat. It is also easier to give, and live with integrity and character. When things are going your way, you might even find some time to focus on someone else, someone who’s in need or less fortunate.
But, who are you when things are bad or just not going your way? When everything seems to be falling apart and your world is crashing in and around you, do you lay there and just give up? Do you just mail it in and say I can’t do it anymore?
I hope you realize that each trial in your life creates opportunity! It’s an opportunity to show your friends, your family and the world that what looks bad on the outside is NOT what defines you on the inside!
Here is my challenge to those of you who have suffered or are suffering, who are down or just struggling right now: Take your focus off yourself. Find and help someone who is worse off than you. It may be a complete stranger. Share your story with someone who is going through the same thing! It’s always easier when you’re not alone. Smile, even though it may hurt; you will bring joy to others in ways you’ll never know. Don’t give up… With each new day comes hope!
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” 2 Cor. 4:17
– Ted DiBiase
– Evan Bourne was not backstage at Monday’s RAW and is not scheduled to appear he was not at TV last night and is not scheduled for tonight’s Smackdown taping. His 60-day suspension for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy for a second time is completed and he’s now free to return to action.
– WWE issued a press release on Tuesday officially announcing that hip hop stars Flo Rida and Machine Gun Kelly will perform at WrestleMania 28.. The press release states that Flo Rida will perform two songs and MGK will perform “Invincible” for John Cena’s entrance.
– Mark Henry tweeted the following message after his loss to John Cena on Monday’s RAW:
“To the twitter world I fell short tonight but I will get another chance to induct John Cena in the hall of pain. The rock should look out!”
NHL
– Predators’ F Alexander Radulov appears ready to rejoin the team. The 25-year-old posted a Twitter picture of himself on a plane along with a message saying he’s flying to Nashville via New York. It appears to be the final step in his long-awaited return to the Predators, who have maintained that they won’t officially welcome him back until he reports to the team. Radulov spent two seasons with the Predators before bolting to the newly formed KHL in 2008 even though he had one year remaining on his entry-level contract with Nashville. The NHL has already ruled that Radulov can return to the Predators without being subjected to waivers. The Predators host Edmonton on Tuesday night. The team’s next game will be played Thursday in Pittsburgh.
MLB
– Mets’ manager Terry Collins hopes to have 3B David Wright (abdominal strain) in the lineup as soon as this weekend. Wright received a cortisone shot eight days ago, took swings off a tee and soft tosses as recently as Sunday. As of right now, he’s not ready to face live pitching. Collins estimates that he’ll begin playing in games by early next week at the latest, which gives him a shot to be ready for Opening Day.
– The Royals have acquired C Humberto Quintero and OF Jason Bourgeois from the Astros for LHP Kevin Chapman and a PTBNL. Quintero will enter a timeshare with Brayan Pena until Salvador Perez (knee surgery) returns. The 32-year-old owns a .234/.268/.321 batting line and a .589 OPS.
– The Padres have signed C Nick Hundley to a 3-year/$9M contract extension with a $5M club option for 2015. The new deal will cover all three of his arbitration seasons and potentially his first year of free agency. The 28-year-old was limited to just 82 games last season due to injury, but batted .288/.347/.477 with nine home runs, 29 RBI and an .824 OPS.
NFL
– The Florida Times-Union confirms the Jaguars have had internal talks regarding Broncos’ QB Tim Tebow, but have yet to formally discuss a trade. Owner Shad Khan has stated there is a “100%” chance Tebow would have been drafted by the Jaguars had he been the owner in 2010, but GM Gene Smith reportedly wants no part of TebowMania. Stay tuned.
– The Lions have re-signed MLB Stephen Tulloch to a 5-year contract. Tulloch led the team in tackles in 2011. The Lions now have 21-of-22 starters returning from last year’s improving playoff team.
NBA
– Free agent G Derek Fisher is in “advanced negotiations” with the Thunder, sources tell ESPN.com. Fisher will clear waivers on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET and will become a UFA. According to ESPN, the Thunder have made a “strong recruitment effort” to sign Fisher. If signed, play backup point guard, but his role will be more a mentor and coach than anything else.
– Jazz’ G Josh Howard (left knee) underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed a chip in the cartilage, and will require season-ending surgery. It’s the same knee where Howard tore his ACL in 2010. Howard’s first season in Utah ends with averages of 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
TNA
– According to the PWInsider, there are several TNA contracts set to expire, including Austin Aries.
– Bruce Prichard is not at television this week and is reportedly taking time off to deal with a personal issue.