WWE
– According to the Wrestling Observer, after Big Show’s heel turn against John Cena at Sunday’s Over The Limit PPV, a steel cage match between Cena and Big Show at No Way Out next month is expected to be made.
– Chris Jericho recently spoke to The Sun about his current WWE run, touring with Fozzy this summer and more. Here are some highlights of what Jericho said about:
His Feud With WWE Champion CM Punk: “It was a blast. It was the reason I came back. I went to meet with Vince in August to discuss working Wrestlemania with Punk. I knew we could do something with the ‘best in the world’ thing, and it amped up really well with the alcohol thing. It’s all about the storyline to get you to the match and I thought both matches were great. All that I care about is that I walked out of both of them feeling very vindicated and very happy with both. They were both excellent matches to add to my résumé.”
The Little Girl In His “End Of The World” Promo Videos: “[Fans] were looking too deep into it — WAY too deep. It was just supposed to be a creepy thing. My idea was that it was the Mayan calendar in 2012 saying it’s the end of the world and I was going back and it’s the ‘end of the world as you know it’. It’s the end of the way that you used to live and it’s a new world. The girl we just put in because she was creepy looking. There was never supposed to be a girl coming in with me — there wasn’t a change of plan. It was exactly what it was intended to be — a cryptic little cool thing that led to me coming back and doing what I did.”
Not Saying A Word When He Returned To WWE In January: “That part was Vince’s idea. He was the one that suggested that and I thought it was great. I like to do something different that people don’t expect. That’s what I’ve always been about, in everything I do.”
– According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia had another mishap Sunday at Over the Limit, as she mishandled at least three ring introductions and was involved in a heated argument with a co-worker in front of fans. During ring introductions for the participants in the Fatal 4-Way Match for the World Heavyweight Championship, Garcia incorrectly announced Sheamus’ billed weight as 227 pounds, rather than 267 pounds. In another glaring miscue, Garcia announced Hunico as a match participant seconds after Hunico proclaimed Camacho as wrestling. Broadcaster Michael Cole took the opportunity to once again denounce her ring announcing ability, say he wasn’t surprised by the mistake considering the source. Garcia also drew the ire of fellow ring announcer Justin Roberts for mishandling ring introductions for the Intercontinental Championship Match between Cody Rhodes and Christian. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer explains in today’s edition of Observer Radio:
“Something happened between Lilian Garcia and Justin Roberts where Lilian stormed off—live crowd could see it. And it had something to do with her botching something. It was the ring announcement of the Cody Rhodes/Christian match and they were arguing and she stormed off, I know that.”
Garcia acknowledged her announcing slip-ups during a recent interview with The Sam Roberts Show. She stated that while she receives feedback regarding her gaffes from peers, they don’t make fun of her.
– Today would have been the 45th birthday of Chris Benoit and the 48th birthday of Nancy “Woman” Benoit.
– WWE Diva Kelly Kelly has WWE Diva has made Maxim Magazine’s Hot 100 list. She ranked #38 this year, way up from #82 last year.
– After failing to capture the World Heavyweight championship in the fatal fourway match at WWE Over The Limit, Chris Jericho has now lost 5 consecutive PPV matches since returning in January. The WWE website had an article up last week speculating whether Jericho would stick around if he did not win the title last night. Jericho is expected to finish up with WWE soon to begin touring with his metal band, Fozzy.
– WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler “downloads” and dissects dance fail videos in Episode 17 of WWE Download:
NFL
– Texans’ WR Andre Johnson (left knee) said Monday that he underwent arthroscopic surgery in early May. Johnson says he experienced no pain before or after the surgery. He’s sitting out OTAs, but expects to be ready for training camp. Johnson, 30, had ankle surgery last offseason, and hamstring surgery during the year.
– According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs are expected to release TE Kellen Winslow and sign TE Dallas Clark “probably sooner than later.” Per beat writer Stephen Holder, “odds are good” that Winslow won’t be traded, but rather released. The Bears are tentatively expected to have interest in Winslow.
– MLive.com reports that Lions’ WR Titus Young has been barred from team OTAs after getting into a fight with FS Louis Delmas last week. Per beat writer Anwar Richardson, Young is not allowed back at Lions Park “until the team decides to have him back.” Delmas is being allowed to attend OTAs, which could mean the altercation was started by Young.
NBA
– Heat’ F Chris Bosh (abdominal strain) has been ruled out for Games 5 and 6 against the Pacers, and head coach Erik Spoelstra said “it’s too early to say” if Bosh would even be ready for a possible Game 7. Bosh’s absence has left a gaping hole down low for Miami.
– Thunder’ G Russell Westbrook (hip) and F Kendrick Perkins (hip) are both “full go” for Monday’s Game 5 against the Lakers. Neither was expected to be in jeopardy of missing the game. Westbrook is coming off of a 37-point performance in the Game 4 victory.
– Celtics’ G Avery Bradley (shoulder) is not participating in practice on Monday. Bradley was the only player missing from shootaround and is still considered a game-time call for Game 5. If he does play, he’ll be at less than 100%.
NHL
– The Hurricanes have signed D Jamie McBain to a 2-year/$3.6M extension worth $1.7M and $1.8M annually. The impending UFA led all Hurricanes defencemen with 19 assists and 27 points last season, his third in the NHL.
MLB
– Blue Jays’ RHP Jesse Litsch (right shoulder) told Sportsnet’s Barry Davis that his shoulder infection has become “career threatening.” The infection developed around Litsch’s surgical wound in March and has only gotten worse despite a second procedure to correct it. He’s on the 60-day DL and remains out indefinitely. The 27-year-old has a 4.16 ERA in 88 career appearances.
– White Sox’ manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that 2B Orlando Hudson will play primarily at third base. Hudson signed with the ChiSox on Saturday and is expected to join up with the team Tuesday. “(Third base is) probably more of where he would play with Gordon (Beckham) being at second. He might be able to fill in there later, give (Beckham) a day off here or there.”