WWE
– WWE and THQ announced the complete roster for the upcoming WWE ’13 video game. Here are the lists for the “Modern Era” and “Attitude Era” superstars and divas, courtesy of IGN.com:
Modern Era WWE:
Modern Era:
Alberto Del Rio
Big Show
Booker T
Brock Lesnar
Brodus Clay
CM Punk
Chris Jericho
Christian
Cody Rhodes
Daniel Bryan
David Otunga
Dolph Ziggler
Edge
The Great Khali
Heath Slater
Hunico
Jack Swagger
JBL
John Cena (Doctor Of Thugganomics)
John Laurinaitis
Justin Gabriel
Kane
Kevin Nash
Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry
The Miz
Primo
Randy Orton
John Cena
Rey Mysterio
The Rock
R-Truth
Santino Marella
Sheamus
Sin Cara
Epico
Ted DiBiase
Triple H
The Undertaker
Jinder Mahal
Wade Barrett
Zack Ryder
Alicia Fox
Beth Phoenix
Brie Bella
Eve
Kelly Kelly
Kharma
Nikki Bella
LitaAttitude Era:
Road Warrior Animal
Big Boss Man
Billy Gunn
Bradshaw (APA)
Bret Hart
British Bulldog
Cactus Jack
Chris Jericho (Y2J)
Christian (Edge & Christian)
Dude Love
Eddie Guerrero
Edge (Edge & Christian)
Faarooq (APA)
The Godfather
Road Warrior Hawk
Hunter Heart Helmsley
Kane
Ken Shamrock
Mankind
Mark Henry (Nation of Domination)
Mr. McMahon
“The Big Show” Paul Wight
Road Dogg Jesse James
The Rock
Shane McMahon
Shawn Michaels (D-Generation X)
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Triple H (D-Generation X)
The Undertaker (The Lord of Darkness)
Vader
X-Pac
Lita (Attitude Era)
Stephanie McMahon (The Billion Dollar Princess)
Trish StratusDownloadable Characters:
Mike Tyson
AJ Lee
Damien Sandow
– Next year’s WWE SummerSlam will once again take place from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. There was talk at WWE headquarters on Friday that Madison Square Garden could host the event, but the ongoing renovations that prevented NYC from hosting the show this year will be continuing through next summer.
– WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson is backstage at tonight’s SummerSlam pay-per-view event at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. He has been in Los Angeles the past few days to promote THQ’s upcoming WWE ’13 video game, which features the legendary boxer as a playable wrestler.
– The official website of WWE Corporate has updated Stephanie McMahon’s bio and it is noted that as Executive Vice President of Creative, her duties have expanded to overseeing the creative development of all WWE print, digital and social media content, in addition to the writing process for television and pay-per-view programming. She is also listed as a member of the Board of Directors for the social media company, Tout, Inc., which WWE has invested in. Also, she is being referred again by her maiden name Stephanie McMahon, rather than Stephanie McMahon Levesque.
– At today’s SummerSlam Axxess event at the Nokia Plaza at L.A. LIVE, a fan brought a sign reading “BE A STAR” and featuring a printed screenshot of WWE chief Vince McMahon distorting his face in a backstage segment on Raw two months ago to ridicule Jim Ross’ facial paralysis—it was confiscated by security. The Wrestling Observer reported then that there was concern among WWE higher-ups over McMahon’s mean-spirited portrayal of Ross as it could blow up in the organization’s face if media outlets and Linda McMahon’s U.S. Senate competition caught wind of it. The Creative Coalition, which formed a multi-platform, nationwide anti-bullying alliance with WWE, “be a STAR,” would appear hypocritical by conducting business with an organization that practices what they preach against.
– Speaking to ESPN Deportes Los Angeles, SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia explains why has repeatedly declined WWE management’s requests to wrestle over the years.
“I like it when I participate in angles, because it is something that does not occur all the time. What I like about it is that people do not expect it. If you do so all the time, it would not be something special. To call me a wrestler, I would have to learn more than just basic things. That would be disrespectful to those who are wrestling, that are practicing every day in developmental. Being a wrestler is a full-time job. I like participating in angles, but I’m not a wrestler.”
Despite WWE being her ‘dream job’, Garcia decided to part ways with the sports-entertainment organization in 2009. She explains,
“I decided to leave the company because I considered it a closed chapter in my life. I wasn’t tired of wrestling. In fact, during my absence, I kept watching WWE programs. But the reason for my departure was that I was going to get married. And I was also somewhat tired, since I was there ten years without taking a break. People don’t know what those in wrestling sacrifice. We are working 52 weeks of the year, we never stop. And I didn’t want to start my marriage all the time on the road without my husband. So I decided to leave. And a week later I got married.”
However, it was not long before she felt the wrestling bug again.
“The following year (2010), in Los Angeles, I was invited to the SummerSlam party, and saw everyone. And in talking with my former boss, I realized how much I missed this world, and I decided it was time to come back.”
– WWE Smackdown General Manager Booker T spoke with Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald this week. Here are some highlights of what Booker said about:
Grading His Performance As An Announcer: “I give myself a C, maybe a C+, maybe. That job is a job you’ve got to learn on the job and literally study on a weekly basis. You’ve literally got to stay in tune to what’s going on in life as well, just to stay fresh.
“Being a commentator is something I jumped into headfirst, not knowing exactly what I was getting myself into. I looked at it as a learning experience. I never tried to put myself over Michael Cole or Josh Mathews or tried to make myself the voice of Smackdown or anything like that.”
Finding Out He Would Be SmackDown’s New GM: “Vince McMahon gave me the news, and my initial thoughts were ‘OK.’ More than anything it was a great honor to be named general manager of Smackdown by Vince McMahon, a guy who I respect so much, a guy I learned from, a guy who’s mentored me so many years. It was a great, great day for me. It really was.”
What He Can Learn From Previous General Managers:“I can learn a lot from John Laurinaitis. He was a stern G.M. He made some crazy, stupid decisions, but sometimes he made some really good decisions. He went out and upheld the position as far as being real serious about it.
“Vickie Guerrero, she went out and entertained to the utmost. That’s what this job is going to entail. I have to go out and entertain the fans. I got to give them the best show on Friday night I possibly can give ‘em. Everybody knows the personality of Booker T. Everybody knows I’m a little offbeat sometimes. It’s going to be great. Friday Night SmackDown, you can look forward to some highly entertaining content.”
– Vickie Guerrero was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times this week to promote tonight’s WWE SummerSlam PPV. Here are some highlights from the interview:
Q: How did you come up with the whole “Excuse me” line?
Guerrero: I came up with “Excuse me” when I was doing a promo on stage and I forgot my lines, so all I could think of to say was “Excuse me.” And the more I said it, the more upset the crowd got with me. The next night I tried “Excuse me” again, and that’s how it started happening.
Q: People love to boo you. Are you surprised by how much they boo you?
Guerrero: No, I love when they boo me. I love it. I love when I get them mad because if I don’t, then I’m not doing my job.
Q: Do you ever think people will one day cheer you?
Guerrero: I don’t want to be cheered. I’m a bad guy, so the boos and the mean faces and the yelling is something I look forward to every night.
Q: You have two daughters. If they wanted to join WWE, would you be happy with that?
Guerrero: My oldest daughter, Shaul, she’s 21 and she’s in WWE right now. She’s training to be with us on the road. And my youngest, Sherilyn, is 17 and she wants to study marine biology, so she won’t be with the company for a while.
Q: What do you think your late husband, the great Eddie Guerrero, would say to you if he could talk about your great success in WWE?
Guerrero: I’m hoping he would be proud of me, and I’m sure we’d laugh a lot. Watching him through the years, I learned a lot of the little smirks and the mean faces that he had so I learned a lot from him and hopefully I am making him proud.
– WWE pays tribute to “Macho Man” Randy Savage all September on WWE Classics On Demand with “Macho Madness.” WWE has released a video teaser with the following synopsis: “All September, it’s “Macho Madness” on WWE Classics On Demand. From iconic matches to unforgettable interviews, relive all the pomp and circumstance from the legendary career of “Macho Man” Randy Savage.”
– John Cena tweeted that he’s going to reveal details of his nutrition and supplement routine soon
Im often asked about nutrition and how I use supplements, it is very basic and i will have some specific info for you guys soon….
– Universal Pictures has released a second trailer for Dave Bautista’s upcoming movie, “Man With The Iron Fists” movie (due out November 2) starring former WWE star Dave Bautista. The trailer focuses on Batista’s character, “Brass Body”:
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his predictions for tonight’s WWE SummerSlam PPV:
Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H: “Really anxious for HHH-Lesnar. Very personal issue. Won’t be a pretty match..nothing fancy. I see physicality, aggression & a battle of wills. HHH might be the best game planner ever. He’ll need it. Don’t think Brock will make same mistakes he did vs Cena. Show ender? TBD.”
CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. The Big Show: “Triple Threat bouts unpredictable and not a favorite of most wrestlers. I see Punk winning no matter the perceived, over hyped odds.”
Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler: “Breakout opportunity for Dolph Ziggler. It’s his time to step up. Love to see Ziggler vs Jericho on first. Sets a great tone.”
Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz: “IC Title needs focus. Miz vs Mysterio can start that trend. Another godd opening, PPV bout. Miz fighting to get to Rey’s level.”
Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio: “Don’t see ADR beating Sheamus for WHC and this match seems to have taken a back seat. The 2 talents can change that assumed perception. An upset’s possible.”
Kane vs. Daniel Bryan: “Dont count out Daniel Brysn vs Kane. I like this bout. Should be a sleeper.”
– Just days after WWE launched its official mobile app for Apple iOS & Google Android devices, MediaPost.com is reporting that the USA Network is developing a new app for WWE RAW that will allow for “live syncing between a mobile device and the broadcast.” WWE aims to make RAW even more interactive, which would allow viewers to “participate in polls and access supplemental content” while watching the show. The app is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
– The latest episode of Santino’s Foreign Exchange is now online:
– Road Dogg and Josh Mathews have more clips on “Are You Serious?,” including a clip of Heidenreich sharing a very personal poem with Michael Cole. Also featured are The Demon vs. Vampiro in a Graveyard Match and “Maniac” Mike Davis competing in the world’s first (and last) bungee jump match for the Global Wrestling Federation in 1992.
– Arda Ocal of theScore is at SummerSlam Axxess this weekend and got exclusive video interviews with a number of WWE Superstars and Divas. Here are a few more clips he sent in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v38L9BmCXgM&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwWuDw3XIMg&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR5o_SM-Sag&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT0Jsrwt0Pg&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFZI7gRrdt8&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgioLYa2Vmg&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzj-_nC9uy0&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WCkYpL57ys&feature=player_embedded
NFL
– According to CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora, Seahawks’ QB Tarvaris Jackson would be willing to “alter” his $4M salary to facilitate a trade. The Seahawks are reportedly asking for a 5th-round pick that upgrades to a 4th-rounder based on performance, but are unlikely to get that much. Early reports suggest the Packers and Eagles could be interested. ESPN’s John Clayton reiterated Sunday that Jackson is sure to be released or traded before Week 1. ”Most likely he will be released or traded after the fourth preseason game.” It makes more sense for teams to wait for him to be released than to acquire him via trade.
– Browns’ coach Pat Shurmur said Sunday that RB Trent Richardson (left knee scope) has made “good progress” from an August 9 scope and “might be ahead of schedule.” The Browns expect Richardson to be “back out there soon.” He remains unlikely to play in any preseason games, and as a result, could see fewer snaps to begin the regular season.
– Packers’ WR Greg Jennings (concussion) has resumed practicing at camp. He missed 15 days and two preseason games as a result.
– Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones does not expect WR Miles Austin (hamstring) to return to practice this week. Austin will miss his third consecutive preseason game and will likely be inactive for the remainder of the preseason. The Cowboys are also not putting a timetable on Austin’s return.
– Team sources tell CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora that Seahawks’ WR Terrell Owens is “hardly assured” of making the roster. Owens was targeted on five of QB Matt Flynn’s seven incompletions Saturday night, including a drop on a perfectly thrown 46-yard throw in the end zone. Coach Pete Carroll considers the drops “most understandable” due to “just two weeks of practice.” He adds that T.O. has been “very much on point” and has caught a lot of deep balls in camp. “I know that he can make those plays for us, and it’s unfortunate we didn’t get it right off the bat.”
– Saints’ OLB Chris Chamberlain (torn ACL) suffered the injury in Friday’s loss to the Jaguars, and is done for the season. Chamberlain, 26, was in the mix to begin the year as the starting strong-side linebacker. The four-year veteran started 13 games for the Rams last season, recording 81 tackles and two sacks.
– Raiders’ DT Tommy Kelly had some choice words for Cardinals’ QB Kevin Kolb after sacking him in the endzone for a safety in Oakland’s 31-27 loss on Friday.
“He is skittish. He is scared back there. Anytime anybody gets close to him, he starts looking at the refs. As a defensive lineman, you love a quarterback like that. He ain’t even trying to look at the routes no more. He is paying attention to us and you ain’t going to get nothing done like that.”
Kolb responded, telling AZCardinals.com,
“Scared? Scared of what? Taking a hit? I have never been afraid of anyone on the field and that will never change. That includes Number 93 (Kelly).
“There’s a fine line between holding in the pocket and trying to escape to make a play. Tommy Kelly is too clueless to know the difference. I don’t mind people criticizing my play. Don’t ever question my toughness.”
– Chargers’ WR Vincent Brown (broken left ankle) suffered the injury in Saturday’s preseason game and is expected to miss “at least” 8 weeks, according to beat writer Kevin Acee.
– 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said after Saturday night’s preseason game that RB Brandon Jacobs’ (left knee) injury is not season ending. Harbaugh says the patellar tendon and ACL are both intact, and the injury is “not the you-don’t-come-back-from variety.” He admits that Jacobs will miss “some time,” but appears to have avoided a severe tear or rupture. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that X-rays were negative, but Jacobs will have a Sunday MRI.
MLB
– The Red Sox have scheduled a meeting Monday to make a decision on whether or not OF Carl Crawford (left elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery. Crawford, doctors and front office and coaching staff members are expected to be at the meeting. Crawford reportedly would like to go under the knife ASAP in order to give him the most time to recover for Opening Day in 2013–the Sox, however, would like him to play out the remainder of the season, or until they throw in the towel. Boston sits 6.5 games behind the Orioles for the second wild card spot with 41 games left.
– According to the AP, an associate of suspended Giants’ OF Melky Cabrera purchased a website and attempted to create evidence to support a claim that the outfielder inadvertently took the substance that caused a positive drug test, the New York Daily News reported Sunday. Baseball officials uncovered the scheme as Cabrera prepared his case to challenge the test. Cabrera’s grievance then was dropped, and Major League Baseball announced a 50-game suspension Wednesday. A team of six-to-seven investigators from MLB spent several weeks working to uncover the plan, a baseball official familiar with the probe said Sunday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because MLB didn’t authorize anyone to discuss the matter publicly. It’s the first such case MLB has had and officials hope that uncovering the scheme will discourage similar attempts. The person said Juan Nunez, who works with Cabrera’s agents, purchased an existing website and attempted to alter it in a manner that would allow Cabrera to claim the positive test was caused by a substance obtained through the website. The News reported Nunez paid $10K for the website.
– Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that the Red Sox are “very interested” in re-signing OF Cody Ross. Ross signed a 1-year/$3M contract in January, and has hit .272/.337/.517 with 18 homers over 327 at-bats. The 31-year-old reportedly likes Boston and would willing to re-sign.
– A decision on Mets’ LHP Johan Santana is expected on Monday, and he remains a shut-down candidate. The Mets are already going with a six-man rotation, in large part to give Santana an extra day of rest. He has a 8.27 ERA since his no-hitter, and has allowed at least six runs in each of his last five starts. Manager Terry Collins said, “(General manager) Sandy (Alderson) and I will discuss the options. Look at the pros and the cons of what it’s all about. There’s some things we have to concern ourselves with to make sure next year he’s healthy.”
– The Rockies have placed OF Carlos Gonzalez (personal) on the bereavement list. CarGo has been excused from the team due to a death in the family. It’s not known when he will be back.
– The Astros have fired manager Brad Mills, hitting coach Mike Barnett and first base coach Bobby Meacham. In less than three years on the job, Mills finished with 106 losses in 2011 and fell to 39-82 in 2012.
– The Pirates have placed OF Starling Marte (right oblique strain) on the 15-day DL. He suffered the injury during Saturday’s game. Marte had four homeruns and four steals in his first 23 contests.
NBA
– The Hornets have signed head coach Monty Williams to a 4-year contract extension through 2016. New Orleans had a 21-45 record during the 2011-12 season, but have made exponential strides this summer.
NHL
– The Red Wings will not host their annual NHL Prospects Tournament at the Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, Michigan. The eight teams that were scheduled to participate include the Red Wings, Sabres, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Stars, Wild, Rangers and Blues. Red Wings’ GM Ken Holland said,
“The Red Wings, the staff at Centre ICE Arena and the countless volunteers throughout the Traverse City area have worked hand-in-hand to develop one of the most popular and professionally operated prospects tournaments in all of hockey. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the collective bargaining agreement and the advance commitments required from the various parties including hotels, airlines, teams, players and their families, etc. we have determined that it is in everyone’s best interest to cancel this year’s tournament. The Red Wings and the seven other NHL teams that were scheduled to participate are committed to returning to Traverse City in 2013 and continuing with this tremendous tournament.”
– Wild’ F Dany Heatley has reportedly filed an $11M lawsuit against his former agent. According to the Globe and Mail, Heatley filed a lawsuit against Stacey McAlpine and McAlpine’s parents last week in Calgary. The suit reportedly alleges that Heatley did not receive the financial returns on real estate deals that were promised to him and that McAlpine made withdrawals of over $4 million from Heatley’s bank account without the player’s permission. The defence has not yet filed any statements in the case and no allegations have been proven in court.
TNA
– Following up on the recent report by SuperLuchas.net that former TNA star Alex Shelley has signed with WWE, F4WOnline is reporting that as of Saturday afternoon, Shelley has not signed a WWE deal. There might be more to the conflicting reports, so we will continue to follow this story as it develops. Shelley is currently to wrestle for New Japan Pro Wrestling next month and has been tweeting about how excited he is to wrestle in Japan. He is also graduating from college this month. WWE is aggressively scouting new talent and is holding a big 3-day tryout camp in Los Angeles this week.
– In the early hours of Sunday morning, TNA star Kurt Angle’s Twitter account posted a message that has a lot of people talking:
“If Tna Uses Me as the top Guy I Will Stay. I Love Tna. If Not, I Will Make A Business Decision.”
After other websites picked up the story and reported “Angle is leaving TNA,” the Olympic gold medalist followed up with this update:
“I’m not Considering leaving Tna. My Business Decision would Be a Different Contractual Agreement With Tna.”
Angle stated during an interview last year with MovieLine.com promoting his appearance in the movie Warrior that he is under cotract to TNA through 2015.
– According to F4WOnline, TNA Wrestling is expected to conclude AJ Styles’ storyline with Claire Lynch next week on Impact Wrestling with a paternity test segment. Lynch, who is portrayed by actress Julia Reilly, is believed to have parted ways with the promotion.
– During an interview Gerweck.net last week, Rob Van Dam stated that a Knockout who recently departed TNA Wrestling would be returning to the organization. When asked his thoughts on Velvet Sky, Angelina Love and Winter, he replied, “One of the names you mentioned is going to be coming back I believe. Or so I’ve been told.”
– Taryn Terrell, who appeared as Tiffany in WWE, made her TNA Wrestling debut Thursday on Impact Wrestling being introduced by the Vice President of the Knockouts Division, Brooke Hogan, as the special guest referee for the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship match between Madison Rayne and Miss Tessmacher. It will be Terrell’s role going forward as Brian Hebner and Brian Stiffler both noted on Twitter that she is the organization’s newest referee.