– The Chargers have agreed to terms with DE/OLB Dwight Freeney on a 2-year contract. Freeney, 33, recorded 12 tackles and five sacks in the Colts’ 3-4 defence last season.

– Bucs’ head coach Greg Schiano told the National Football Post that he believes 3rd-round pick QB Mike Glennon was the best quarterback in the draft, and is “not against” him beating out QB Josh Freeman for the starting job. “It’s not like we’re looking to find a starter. But competition is competition. Mike Glennon is a fierce competitor.” Schiano also compared Glennon to Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco, and believes he has “pocket presence, ability to feel the rush and move in the pocket.”

NBA

– The Raptors are targeting Nuggets’ GM Masai Ujiri to run their basketball operations, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. The Toronto Star reported Friday that Maple League Sports & Entertainment has until Monday to decide whether to pick up the option on GM Bryan Colangelo’s contract. Ujiri was named 2013 Executive of the Year by the NBA nine days ago, but is not under contract beyond this summer. Ujiri spent three years in Toronto’s front office before moving to Denver. Stay tuned.

– Celtics’ F Kevin Garnett (foot/ankle) is not expected to require offseason surgery. The Celtics’ medical staff believes his injury will heal with rest. What still needs answering, though, is whether the 37-year-old will play next season at all, and if he does, if it will be with the Celtics. If F Paul Pierce is not brought back, it’s believed that KG will also head elsewhere, or retire. Stay tuned.

– According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers remain interested in signing F Greg Oden this summer. Oden, who has had three microfracture knee surgeries, has not played in the NBA since December of 2009. The former first overall pick by Portland in the 2007 draft has played in just 82 NBA games, averaging 9.4 points per game.

– Tim Bontemps of the NY Post expects the Nets to interview Pacers’ associate coach Brian Shaw and Grizzlies’ head coach Lionel Hollins once their respective playoff runs are over.

MLB

– The Cardinals have placed LHP Jaime Garcia (strained left shoulder) on the 15-day DL. Garcia has been dealing with shoulder issues for over a year, and will visit Dr. James Andrews.

– The Yankees have acquired INF Reid Brignac from the Rockies for cash considerations. Brignac was designated for assignment on Thursday after he batted just .250/.294/.375 in 53 plate appearances.

– Braves’ LHP Eric O’Flaherty (left arm) has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Tommy John reconstructive surgery is almost guaranteed. O’Flaherty will visit Dr. James Andrews next week.

NHL

– The Coyotes have re-signed F Rob Klinkhammer to a 2-year/$1.25M contract. Klinkhammer had five goals and six assists in 22 games for the Coyotes this season.

– Sharks’ GM Doug Wilson has been fined $100K for his comments following F Raffi Torres’ suspension. Torres was suspended for what the NHL judged to be an illegal hit to the head on Kings’ F Jarret Stoll. $25K of Wilson’s fine was actually automatic because the NHL doesn’t allow teams to make a formal statement regarding a disciplinary decision in the 48 hours that immediately follow the ruling, while the other $75K was because the NHL felt his comments were inappropriate.

– Check out these players mic’d up during Round 1:

WWE

– In this week’s SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout,” The Shield has sinister messages for Team Hell No and Kofi Kingston just two days before Extreme Rules. Plus, Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow respond to “The Intellectual Savior’s” tough loss to The Miz.

– Today marks at the 70th birthday of WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Also celebrating a birthday is The Blue Meanie, who turns 40-years-old.

TNA

– A fundraising drive to help TNA wrestler Michael Paris (aka Zema Ion) with his medical bills is underway. Paris had an emergency appendectomy and in the process doctors discovered a five centimeter tumor located on his colon. He is currently awaiting biopsy results that will determine whether the tumor is cancerous, and he will have to undergo another surgery to remove it. Paris, who recently graduated from West Virginia University, does not have medical insurance. Ion’s girlfriend started the campaign with the goal of raising $30K.

– Patriots’ TE Rob Gronkowski (back) underwent an MRI Monday to check a disc issue in his back, and “could require surgery.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport heard that Gronk is battling “chronic back pain,” thus, the MRI. Of note, he missed the entire 2009 season at Arizona after surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. He even fell down the draft board to 42nd following rumours that he had spinal stenosis. USA Today reports Gronkowski’s back became an issue again “dating back to last season,” however, it’s a “different disc” than the one he had surgery on in college. A decision on whether further surgery will be required has “not yet been made.” Gronkowski is scheduled for a fourth arm surgery Monday, and could require a fifth if the infection in his arm is not healed. He’ll seek an opinion on the back from Dr. Robert Watkins “in the near future.” Per NFL Network’s Albert Breer, the back surgery “looks likely.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that the potential surgery is considered “minor,” and wouldn’t necessarily sideline him any longer than his arm surgeries. Schefter reports the operation would take place within the timeframe of Gronk’s absence due to a fourth arm procedure. A source close to Gronkowski told Schefter, ”He is going to be fine long term. (He is) not worried about the short term, i.e. start of training camp.” Stay tuned.

PFT later reported that Gronkowski will “probably” require the surgery after receiving a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins. The operation will take place in 3-4 weeks following Monday’s surgery on his forearm. Doctors don’t want to schedule the two surgeries too close together. His status for Week 1 is unclear.

– CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reports the Chargers are nearing a deal with free agent DE Dwight Freeney. The 33-year-old met with the team Wednesday and Thursday, but left without a deal.

– The NFL has suspended Seahawks’ DE Bruce Irvin four games for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing substances. Irvin admitted that he took Adderall without a medical exemption. He’ll participate in training camp and preseason, but won’t be eligible to play until Week 5. Irvin, the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft, recorded eight sacks and a forced fumble.

– Redskins’ QB Robert Griffin III’s (ACL, LCL surgery) father says his son has been throwing footballs since April, and insists his recovery remains “on cue.” “Robert is doing extremely well as far as the timetable. He’s been doing a lot overtime, he never stops. He was throwing some prior to the draft. Everything seems to be on cue. Everybody in the organization is targeting that season opener.” RG3 tore his right ACL at Baylor four years ago. “He might be a little ahead of himself in terms of doing what he did then compared to now. He’s smarter, stronger, wiser.”

– TMZ.com reports that Broward County, Florida has issued a warrant for free agent WR Chad Johnson’s arrest. The warrant stems from his domestic violence conviction involving ex-wife Evelyn Lozada last summer. Johnson has reportedly failed to report to his probation officer, violating the terms of his probation.

– Check out Johnny Manzell throwing out the first pitch at a Padres game:

NBA

– The Bobcats beginning the process of changing their name to the Hornets, a source told Will Brinson of CBS Sports. Once the Hornets changed their names to Pelicans, several reports said the Bobcats were considering returning to the 1988-2002 franchise name. According to Brinson, there’s no timeline for the change, but commissioner-in-waiting Adam Silver said in April that the process could take at least 18 months.

– Phil Jackson said on “The Tonight Show” Thursday that he had interest in joining the Kings’ front office had the franchise relocated to Seattle. Of course, the NBA rejected the move, and the Kings were sold to a group that will keep them in Sacramento. Jackson is also not expected to join the Raptors front office. Stay tuned.

– Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson announced Friday that the deal to sell the Kings to a group led by Vivek Ranadive has been signed. The league just needs to sign off, which is expected to happen next week. When that’s completed, Ranadive’s group will begin working on plans for a new arena in Sacramento, while GM Geoff Petrie and head coach Keith Smart are let go. Stay tuned.

NHL

– Sharks’ F Raffi Torres will not appeal his series-long suspension. Torres was suspended for the rest of Round 2 for his illegal hit to the head of Kings’ F Jarrett Stoll. Sharks’ GM Doug Wilson released a statement regarding the suspension, calling it “abundantly clear that this was a clean hockey hit.” He also said it was an “inappropriate application” of Rule 48.1, and that the suspension was “grossly unfair” to Torres.

– The Islanders have re-signed F Eric Boulton to a 1-year contract. Boulton, 36, had 36 penalty minutes in 15 games this season.

MLB

– CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that the Padres don’t intend to trade 3B Chase Headley. Headley maintains that he doesn’t want to discuss a contract extension during the season. The 28-year-old won’t become a free agent until after the 2014 season.

– Athletics’ LHP Brett Anderson (stress fracture in right foot) has been shut down for the next 4 weeks. The 25-year-old will be reevaluated after 4 weeks, so by the time he returns, it could be July.

– The Yankees have placed LHP Andy Pettitte (strained trapezius) on the 15-day DL. Pettitte suffered the injury Thursday against the Mariners.

– ESPN NY reports that the Mets have “intensified” discussions about demoting 1B Ike Davis. Davis snapped a 6-game hitless streak Friday. He’s batting .160/.245/.267 with four home runs in 38 games this season.

– Royals’ OF Jarrod Dyson (mild high ankle sprain) is expected to miss 2-4 weeks. The 28-year-old is batting .268/.286/.561 with a homer, eight RBI and six stolen bases through his first 41 at-bats.

– Check out this brutal Astros’ error, costing them the game against the Pirates:

WWE

– WWE’s Vice President of Television Production, “Big” John Gaburick recently departed the company. Gaburick was behind the original WWE Tough Enough show on MTV and is leaving on good terms.

– Dolph Ziggler tweeted the following about his younger brother Briley Pierce being released from WWE developmental:

countless @wwe peeps personally told me how hard @hotyoungbriley worked & how he was the most entertaining guy in NXT#WeirdBiz

— Dolph Ziggler (@HEELZiggler) May 17, 2013

– Vince McMahon tweeted the following head of Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view, expressing concern for the WWE superstars competing in dangerous matches:

Because of the risk of injury, I will be crossing my fingers until #ExtremeRules is over on Sunday

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) May 17, 2013

– Here is the latest JBL & Cole Show:

TNA

– During a recent interview with DigitalSpy about the possibility of a TNA vs. WWE crossover event:

“I don’t think [the WWE] shares my belief in this, but I believe that competition is 100% positively essential,I think it’s important for fans and for us. To have one company dominate, a) it’s boring, and you are not being challenged enough. It’s always better to have other options out there and I truly believe it makes both companies better. absolutely would do that. I’m not sure if they would do that (a crossover event), but I absolutely would.”

She also discussed TNA doing another season of Boot Camp & more.

– According to the Boston Globe, Celtics’ F Kevin Garnett is considering retirement, but there has been no decision made on his playing future. Garnett, 37 on Sunday, previously said that his decision to continue to play would be re-assessed at the end of each season. In all likelihood, his future is linked to the that of head coach Doc Rivers and teammate Paul Pierce. So far, Rivers is returning, but like KG, Pierce’s status remains in question. It’s also unclear if Garnett would return if Pierce doesn’t return. GM Danny Ainge said, “I don’t think I have the answers that Kevin will want. I’m not ready to answer everything that he will want to know.”

In addition, a source told the Boston Globe that Pierce “is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston.” This is the second report this week indicating that Pierce doesn’t expect to return. The team can buy him out for $5M prior to June 30, or they can pick up his $15.3M option for the final year of his contract. Stay tuned.

– Maple League Sports & Entertainment has until Monday to decide whether to pick up the option on GM Bryan Colangelo’s contract, according to the Toronto Star. The Star also reported MLSE and new CEO Tim Leiweke have hired a firm to help select possible candidates to replace Colangelo, so for now, it seems unlikely that he’ll be brought back. Phil Jackson’s name has been mentioned in connection with the position, but he too is unlikely to be picked for the job. Per the report, Pacers’ GM Kevin Pritchard and Thunder’ assistant GM Troy Weaver as possible candidates if Colangelo is let go. Stay tuned.

– According to the Racine Journal-Times, there is “growing sentiment” that UFA J.J. Redick will not re-sign with the Bucks. If true, Milwaukee will have parted with Tobias Harris, Beno Udrih and Doron Lamb for half a season of Redick. The team could be in serious trouble, with Redick potentially gone, G Brandon Jennings as a disgruntled RFA and G Monta Ellis, who has yet to decide on his $11M player option. Stay tuned.

– The Kings are not expected to retain head coach Keith Smart, according to USA Today. If the team is eventually sold, the new ownership group may want to hand pick their own head coach. Smart also had several complaints made about him, from his coaching style to the management of his players. Of note, GM Geoff Petrie is also not expected to be retained, while Mike Malone is reportedly a candidate for the head coach job. Stay tuned.

Stick with the Kings, The Maloofs have reached an agreement to sell the team to a group led by Vivek Ranadive that will keep the team in Sacramento for a valuation of $535M.

– Warriors’ F Andrew Bogut (left ankle) said he expects to be 100% by the start of next season. Bogut’s surgically repaired ankle limited him to just 32 games in the regular season, and has hampered his playoff performance as well. He even required a painkilling injection during the first round.

– According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bulls’ G Kirk Hinrich (calf) is not expected to need offseason surgery.

– The Hawks have interviewed both Stan Van Gundy and Spurs’ assistant Mike Budenholzer for their head coaching position, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Current head coach Larry Drew’s contract doesn’t expire until June 30, but he’s essentially as good as gone. Nate McMillan is the other known candidate to have interviewed already, but, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, there are “others” who have yet to be officially interviewed. Yahoo! Sports adds that the Hawks will pursue Van Gundy with an eye on landing impending UFA F Dwight Howard. Stay tuned.

NHL

– Swedish D Alexander Edler has been suspended by the IIHF for the remainder of the 2013 World Hockey Championship for his knee-on-knee hit of Canada’s F Eric Staal. The IIHF Disciplinary Committee can choose to extend Edler’s suspension, and if they do, it would carry over to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

– Maple Leafs’ GM Dave Nonis said Thursday that he expects G James Reimer to be the team’s number one goalie next season. “At this point, I’d say he’ll be back as No. 1. I think his mental make-up remains his strength. It’s something you could question last year. I think it was clear that a lot of his issues a year ago were based upon his health. When we needed quality goaltending … James was very good. I don’t think anyone could point to goaltending as an issue with our team.”

– The Devils and UFA F David Clarkson have begun contract talks, according to the Star-Ledger. GM Lou Lamoriello said, “We’ll continue to work on it. We’ve certainly started the process, but until (contracts) are complete there is nothing done.” Clarkson scored 15 goals and 24 points in 48 games this season.

– One day after Rangers’ head coach John Tortorella blamed the Capitals’ whining for their series loss, head coach Adam Oates responded. Here’s what Tortorella initially said:

“We’ve got everybody and their brother whining out there in Washington about what happened in that series. And I think that’s a big reason they lose that series.”

“And they got beat up. And that’s part of the game. [Ryan McDonagh], he gets run over, but he’s ready to go right away. And there was no retaliating. I thought our discipline was very important in the series, because their power play is so good. And it’s a great lesson for our young players. You’ve got to take a hit to make a play. And you’ve just got to keep on going about it, and I think we outlasted them that way. There was a lot of whining going on over there the last couple of games about penalties and this and that. We just shut our mouths and we played, and I really respect our team for going out their business that way.”

Oates told “Lavar and Dukes Show” on Washington’s 106.7 The Fan:

“Well I think he’s out of line.”

“(Tortorella) should be worried about his own series. We didn’t whine once during the series. I never complained. I don’t know, did you guys ever hear me complain about officiating?”

Later in the interview, Lavar Arrington asked Oates:

“Coach, I just want to know. . . would you beat him up in a one-on-one situation?”

“Yes. Easily.”

The controversy was ignited after the Rangers’ Game 7 win over Washington, when Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin reportedly complained to a Russian hockey writer that an officiating conspiracy had taken place during the series.

– Sharks’ head coach Todd McLellan commented on F Raffi Torres’ series-long suspension Thurday. He told ESPN,

“It really doesn’t matter what Todd McLellan thinks or what anybody thinks now. Because it’s been dealt with. We have Game 3 now that we’re going to move ahead and prepare for without Raffi. But Raffi has our full support, as a player that’s worked hard to change his game. Do I think that was anywhere near any of the other hits in his career? Absolutely not. And you know where I stand with the rest of it.”

NFL

– Free agent S Charles Woodson’s rep says he received an offer from the Broncos. Woodson will also visit the Raiders Tuesday. Denver’s offer was reportedly for the veteran’s minimum, and unless they bump their price, the Raiders remain his most likely landing spot.

– According to the Detroit Free Press, in addition to the eight pending charges he is facing, free agent WR Titus Young has been accused of domestic violence by the mother of his 9-month-old son. The woman has filed a temporary restraining order, and is now seeking a permanent one. The woman alleged in a court filing, “He would say things like, ‘I understand why O.J. killed his wife.’” She also revealed that Young has been “clinically diagnosed with a mental disorder.”

– News 12 New Jersey reports Jets’ RB Mike Goodson was arrested for drug and weapons possession early Friday morning. Per the report, Goodson and a companion were “found intoxicated in an SUV” along a Denville, New Jersey highway. Goodson was reportedly so drunk that he had to be taken to the hospital.

– According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Eagles’ QB Michael Vick is “noticeably bigger” and “enthused about the offense” this spring. Vick is presumably excited about Chip Kelly’s offence, as it will feature more run plays than what former head coach Andy Reid had in his offence last season. Vick has a $3.5M signing bonus, all but ensuring he’ll be the starter in Week 1.

– Colts’ NT Josh Chapman (torn left ACL/meniscus) told the team’s website that he’s been given “completely healthy” after missing his entire rookie year. “I’m full go. I’m 100%. I’ll be right out there with them.”

MLB

– The Braves have placed RHP Jordan Walden (right shoulder inflammation) on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 12. Walden has allowed five runs over his last three appearances (1 1/3 innings).

– 9-year-old Alayna Adams threw out the first pitch at a Rays game, and found out her dad, who caught the pitch, was home from Afghanistan:

WWE

– According to the Wrestling Observer, there has been a lot of buzz lately that former WWE superstar Batista could be returning soon. He recently did an interview with WWE for the upcoming Triple H DVD, and has put on a lot of muscle mass in recent months. While he has stated publicly several times that he would return to WWE one day, his bulking up is for his acting role in the new Marvel Studios film Guardian of the Galaxy. Batista will play Drax The Destroyer in the film, which is scheduled for a May 2014 release.

– SmackDown! GM Booker T (torn triceps/elbow infection/surgery) is out indefinitely. Due to his absence, the feud with Teddy Long has been temporarily put on hold. He’s expected back on television in late-May.

– According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE officials feel Antonio Cesaro is boring while others in the company disagree and want him in the top mix of things. Cesaro is described as having no real problems in the company as he’s drug free and has a good level of maturity in the locker room. Unfortuntely, those who agree he is too boring are some of the highest people in the company.

– The PWInsider has confirmed that WWE has signed California-based independent wrestler Shaun Ricker to a developmental contract. He had been appearing as a featured heel for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, where he was at one point managed by the late Percy Pringle (aka Paul Bearer). Ricker, 33, is 6? 1?, 225 pounds and originally hails from Hagerstown, Maryland. It was announced last month that he would be appearing as a contestant on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s action reality series on TNT, The Hero. The acquisition had been expected, as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported last week that Ricker as well as fellow independent wrestlers Sami Callihan, Samuray del Sol and Mike Bennett had undergone medical testing required to be signed to WWE.

The PWInsider also reports that when WWE shifts its developmental station to Winter Park, Florida in the beginning of July—officially billed as the “WWE Performance Center”—there may be as many as 20-22 more developmental acquisitions as well as changes to the developmental staff.

– According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE officials in developmental have told Sami Zayn (aka El Generico) that they like his hot spots, but needs to do them less frequently in matches. The general consensus is that he’s good, intelligent and delivers strong promos.

– With WWE on the verge of signing new developmental talent to coincide with the launch of its Performance Center in Winter Park, Florida, seven talents situated in the developmental system were released today:

Derrick Bateman: Bateman announced on his Twitter account that he is now available for independent bookings and then adding, “Welp see ya later @wwe @WWEUniverse #itsfine.” Bateman, who had been under contract to WWE since 2008, appeared on the final season of NXT before the program was transferred to Florida. He last appeared on WWE programming late last year, and had been making infrequent appearances for NXT.

Briley Pierce: Pierce, who is the brother of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, stated on his account, “I guarantee that was the funniest and most entertaining “You’re released” phone call in WWE history. Bye, everybody!” Pierce had been in WWE’s developmental system since 2011, the highlight of which was a Florida Tag Team Championship reign with Brad Maddox. He was shifted to the role of backstage interviewer for NXT last June, though would still continue to compete. However, he lost the majority of his matches from that point on.

Sakamoto: Sakamoto thanked WWE on his account for doing business with him, writing, “#WWE #NXT my friend thank you for everything SAYONARA.” Sakamoto was paired with Tensai last year before being demoted to developmental in November. Having been trained by Taka Michinoku at his Kaientai Dojo wrestling school in Japan, he joined WWE’s developmental system in 2011.

Brandon Traven: Traven tweeted, “Staying positive on a bad day..not the end only the beginning…things in life happen for a reason..just had a good lunch with good people. Not the end of the book just the end of the chapter..my journey is far from over.” Traven competed for various Midwestern independent organizations as Brian Beaker before being signed to a developmental contract last year. He was originally trained by WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race in Missouri.

Though Watson, Marie and Anya have yet to publicly address their standing with WWE, PWInsider.com states that all three individuals have been let go. Lending credibility to the report, their respective profiles have been removed from the official websites of WWE (WWE.com) and NXT Wrestling (FCWWrestling.info).

Percy Watson: Watson, a former professional football player, joined WWE in 2009 and would frequently appear on NXT. At times, he appeared on the brink of joining the main roster, but ultimately did not.

Audrey Marie: Marie had been under contract to WWE since 2011 and was a fixture in the developmental system’s women’s division.

Anya: Anya is a 6’1? Russian kickboxer and martial artist WWE signed last summer. She was recently sidelined due to a broken arm.

– WWE has agreed to make a $1.2M gift over three years to former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski’s Sports Legacy Institute. The donation is to further research aimed at developing a treatment for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a brain disease that is associated with repeated concussions. The non-profit institute is a founding partner of the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. The center is studying how to diagnose CTE in living people, a critical step toward clinical trials in humans. The WWE gift will fund a new investigation to screen potential CTE treatments. CTE has been diagnosed in patients exposed to repeated brain trauma, including athletes who participate in contact sports, as well as military veterans and victims of abuse.  WWE COO Triple H told USA Today that WWE has gone to great lengths to protect their performers from the dangers of head trauma.

“Obviously, I think it’s such a huge concern for everybody right now in sports and in the military. As we learn more and more about concussions and what can become of it, I think it’s a problem for everybody.”

“We still hit people with metal chairs, just not in the head anymore. We took out the things that … caused the most concussions and the most head impacts.”

“In 2011, we had 25 concussions of the 150 talent (wrestlers) on the road all year long. … In 2012, we only had 11. If you’re in the NFL, your goal is to try to hit the other guy as hard as possible. … The goal in what we do is the exact opposite. The goal in what we do is first and foremost … protect your opponent. Without him you have nothing. … Our whole goal is to make something look as devastating as possible and as impactful as possible with as little impact as possible. It’s really the art of what we do. We really work on that with talent. If John Cena and I are in a story line together and I hit John Cena hard and he gets injured, and he’s out, it hurts me as much as it hurts him. He’s out; now my opponent that I’m in a story line with is gone and my storyline just ended.”

– Former WWE Diva Michelle McCool has finally broken her silence on the taboo topic of her marriage to The Undertaker. In collaboration with MichelleMcCool.net, the four-time champion candidly addresses her relationship with “The Deadman” in a video blog that will be released this summer. A teaser has been released where she appears to respond to critics attributing her lofty position in WWE to her influential partner rather than her ability to perform. The four-time champion will address her marriage and other topics in the vlogs, including her dealings with WWE head Vince McMahon. The synopsis of the teaser is as follows:

“Michelle McCool is trying something different with MichelleMcCool.Net. For years, she’s answered questions, written blogs, and has even tweeted back-and-forth on occasion with her Faithful Followers. This time, she’s going to change it up — she’s going to vlog. In her vlogs, Michelle’s at her most candid — like you’ve never seen her before. She’s talking about anything and everything, from her precious baby girl, to even her husband… yeah, him. Raw and real, Michelle doesn’t shy away from controversy; it’s a different side of Michelle McCool… the one you thought you’d never see.”

Months after her spring 2011 retirement from the squared circle, McCool was asked in an interview if she received resentment from her colleagues due to her relationship with The Undertaker and responded, “Bottom line: People in our business are always going to look to find reasons to see the negative in somebody and to become resentful. I don’t really know where it began: probably with me getting the tag as “Diva Search reject.” But I don’t know anybody who, if they had an opportunity like the Diva Search, they wouldn’t jump at it. If they didn’t jump at it, they’d be idiots.

“People can say what they want to say, but at the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror. I know how hard I fought. I know how many storylines I pitched. I know how hard I worked in the ring. I can’t tell you the number of times I was one of the first people at the arenas or at TV, constantly trying to better myself. I can honestly say that my hard work paid off. My resilience paid off. My persistence paid off. That’s all there is to it. People are always going to say what they want to say and believe what they want to believe, but that’s the bottom line.”

– According to SaturdayMorningSlam.com, last Saturday’s episode of WWE’s children-aimed program on The CW, Saturday Morning Slam, marked as the show’s season finale. While the show is off the air beginning this week (The CW released its schedule for this Saturday’s slate of “Vortexx” programming and Saturday Morning Slam is not listed, with Dragon Ball Z Kai instead airing in the 10:30 a.m. time slot), it will resume airing in the future. There is a graphic on MyVortexx.com teasing a new season of Saturday Morning Slam “coming soon.” The Wrestling Observer reported last week that executives of the network treated Saturday Morning Slam as its other children series, with only a specific number of episodes ordered.

– WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is targeting junk food as she spoke out on their warning labels in an interview with The Globe and Mail. In regards to what actually qualifies as junk food, she states

“The further a food gets away from its original form, the more processed it is, the more “junky.”

“Orange juice is okay, a natural sugar that your body can process. The crap in soda – your body says, “Hmm, not sure what this is, I’ll just store that for now.”

The multi-time champion believes it would be a “great idea” if government officials legislated warning labels on junk food similar to those found on cigarette packages.

“I’m constantly surprised how unaware people are about what they’re putting into their bodies. People just don’t know! I think if people realized how detrimental some of this junk food is to their health, they really would think twice. And maybe it wouldn’t stop them from eating it, but it certainly might cause one to see the benefits of practising moderation.”

– WWE RAW had 347,000 homes watching on DVR or tape delay for the April 15th show and 316,000 on the April 22nd show.

– Former WCW competitor Alex Wright turns 38-years-old today. Today, He is the owner of a wrestling promotion in his native Germany, New European Championship Wrestling, and still occasionally competes.

– Amit Swami, who manages The Great Khali when the WWE Superstar returns to his native India, was arrested Friday for allegedly attacking a shopkeeper in Rewari. Ajay Kumar filed complaint that Swami and other individuals barged into his shop Thursday evening, dragged him outside, and assaulted him. Swami claims that his family members had asked him to settle their domestic dispute as Kumar had been troubling them.

– The following are some recent WWE attendance figures:

RAW on May 10th in Shreveport, LA drew 4,500 fans for $125,000

RAW on May 11th in Beaumont, TX drew 6,000 fans for $190,000

SmackDown on May 11th in Odessa, TX drew 5,000 fans for $210,000

RAW on May 12th in Fort Worth, TX drew 5,500 fans for $240,000

SmackDown on May 12th in Amarillo, TX drew 3,000 fans for $100,000

TNA

– TNA star Zema Ion has been battling health problems lately – and has revealed that not only has he been suffering from appendicitis, but doctors also discovered he has a tumor. Earlier this week, he tweeted that he had a very bad stomach ache, was “getting sick” and thought he had a bad case of food poisoning. He was hoping he wouldn’t have to be hospitalized, but he eventually did go – and it saved his life.

Good morning! Ended up goin to the hospital afterall last night. And long story short….it was one of the smartest things i could have done

— Zema Ion(@ZemaTNA) May 15, 2013

He posted another update on Facebook today – revealing the extent of the medical issues he’s facing:

“I’m alive! Seriously thank you all for the get well wishes. Means the world to me. I was rushed to the hospital lasts night for sharp stomach pains i was having. I couldnt stop puking. For like 9 straight hours. I didnt wanna go to the hosptial, but the pain was too much to handle. Thank god i went, as i ended up having appendicitis and had to have my appendix removed today. I consider this a blessing in disguise too, coz the cat scans also revealed that i have a tumor on my colon and will eventually need another surgery to try and remove it. Hoping it is not cancerous. Pray for me! This really sucks lol”

– It was announced tonight on Impact Wrestling that stipulations have been added to Bully Ray’s TNA World Heavyweight Championship defense against Sting at Slammiversary. The contest will take place under No Holds Barred Match rules, and should Sting lose, he can never challenge for the title again. Five additional matches were announced for the pay-per-view event, which emanates live from Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University on Sunday, June 2. The updated card is as follows:

Bully Ray defends the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Sting – billed as “Sting’s Last Shot.”

AJ Styles will face Kurt Angle.

In a Four Team Elimination Tag Team Championship Match, Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship against Christopher Daniels and Kazarian, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, and “Cowboy” James Storm and a mystery partner.

Devon defends the TNA Television Championship against Joseph Park.

Kenny King defends the X Division Championship in an Ultimate X Match against Chris Sabin and an opponent to be determined.

Taryn Terrell will square off against Gail Kim.

– Sharks’ F Raffi Torres has been suspended for the remainder of the semi-finals for his illegal hit to the head of Kings’ F Jarret Stoll during Game 1 Tuesday night. Torres was assessed a minor penalty for charging on the play. Stoll was injured on the play, but even if he wasn’t, Torres is a repeat offender and has a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the league.

– According to reports, Flames’ F Roman Cervenka has signed a 3-year contract with SKA St. Petersberg of the KHL. The Flames, however, maintain that Cervenka is their property until July 5, and that he can’t sign with any other team until then.

NBA

– Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau said Thursday that G Derrick Rose (knee) will be ready to play next season. Rose missed the entire 2013 season due to a torn left ACL and MCL, suffered in Game 1 of last year’s playoffs. Thibodeau added that the team hopes F Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) will not require offseason surgery. Noah was bothered by the injury so much that he frequently missed practice after the All-Star break.

– Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson told ESPN Thursday that the deal with Vivek Ranadive’s group is “done” and should be finalized in the coming days. While the Maloof family continues to try and be an opposing force, a deal is all but guaranteed.

NFL

– NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports that Patriots’ TE Rob Gronkowski’s (left forearm) fourth surgery is “imminent.” Rapoport writes that Gronk will have the surgery Monday, which will also been when doctors determine whether or not his arm infection is healed. Gronk, 24, required the fourth surgery anyways to replace the plate in his arm, however, if the infection remains, he’ll need a fifth surgery. If he’s clean, he’s expected to be ready for training camp.

– According to ESPN, the Raiders have invited free agent S Charles Woodson for a visit next week. Woodson’s agent said, “As of right now the plan is for him to fly in Tuesday. We are still waiting for their official schedule at this time.” Woodson visited the Broncos Wednesday, but left without a contract. Meanwhile, the Giants have reportedly “dipped their toe in the water.” Of note, Woodson spent the first eight years of his career in Oakland.

– The Jaguars have claimed DT Kyle Love off waivers from the Patriots. Love, 26, was waived by the Patriots Wednesday after he was recently diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. The Pats gave him the option of sitting out next season or being released. Love started 24 games for the Patriots over the last two seasons, recording 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

– Cowboys’ RT Doug Free has agreed to a pay cut, and will remain with the team. Free had four years remaining on his contract, but has agreed to a new 2-year contract, per ESPN Dallas’ Todd Archer. Free was scheduled to make $8M annually, but will now be somewhere around $3.5M annually.

MLB

– Yankees’ SS Derek Jeter (left ankle) is close to having his walking boot removed again, according to YES Network. Jeter recently had a routine checkup, and was told his left ankle is healing as expected. Once the boot is removed, he’ll be eased into baseball activities again. He’ll still be sidelined until after the All-Star break.

– Red Sox’ RHP Joel Hanrahan (right elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery, flexor tendon surgery and had bone spurs removed from his elbow Thursday. The flexor tendon repair was expected, however, Hanrahan was hoping to avoid Tommy John. An impending free agent this winter, Hanrahan will miss much of the 2014 season.

– The Rays have placed LHP David Price (strained left triceps) on the 15-day DL. Price suffered the injury Wednesday against the Red Sox.

– The Rangers have placed RHP Alexi Ogando (biceps tendinitis) on the 15-day DL. Ogando experienced pain during Wednesday’s start against the Athletics.

WWE

– Legendary announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund, who works for WWE on a limited capacity as the host of Vintage Collection and Classics On Demand programming, revealed in an interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press, that he intends to work for the sports-entertainment organization for at least three more years.

“As long as I can travel.”

The 70-year-old also weighed in on fellow Minnesota native Brock Lesnar’s affiliation with WWE.

“Brock probably is one of the top three stars in the organization. We’ve got a pay-per-view coming up, ‘No Rules,’ which is right down his alley.”

– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia has posted a blog discussing her mother’s battle with breast cancer in 1989—she is alive today and cancer-free.

“It all started when my mother felt a lump in her breast. She had a previous scare the year before in her other breast, but it turned out to be a cyst that disappeared on its own. This time, she wasn’t so lucky. After further tests it was confirmed she had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. Once they went in, they found that it spread to her lymph nodes, and she would need chemotherapy. This was one of the most humbling experiences to watch because as a result of the chemo, she was often sick and also lost all her hair. I couldn’t believe what she was going through, especially because my mother had always been the rock of our family. She had been the one to take care of my sister and me, along with my grandmother who lived with us; all while my dad was away and fighting in the Vietnam War. Now the tables were turned and she was the one fighting for her life.”

“As a result of her going through this, I learned a lot about breast cancer and especially the importance of knowing about my family history and risk, knowing what is normal for me, screening tests and talking to my doctor about what it all means for me. I have fibrocystic breasts, and my doctor recommends I also undergo periodic ultrasounds.”

– ECW original Justin Credible (P.J. Polaco) released an “Important Message” on Youtube today addressing his recent arrest on charges of third degree forgery and sixth degree larceny:

“This was something stemming from two years ago when my father was in Portugal on vacation and I cashed one of his checks that he told me I could cash. Then, went to check-cashing and he forgot he gave me the authority, then he cancelled it. So, it bounced on the check-cashing place. So, the warrant was out there. I had known about this for two years. I wanted to clear my name and I’m doing well and don’t want any legal s—, I turned myself into the police department on my own. No one was looking for me. Just to have my life straightened out, like I’m told to do in my AA program. So, I paid the cash-checking fee, which was a couple hundred dollars. I was in the police station for 20 minutes and all charges have been dropped.”

Credible, who is trying to get back into the wrestling business, says that he has been sober for six months as of this weekend.

– Hardcore Holly is this week’s addition to WWE.com’s Alumni section. WWE says of the six-time Hardcore Champion and three-time World Tag Team Champion: “From the larger-than-life personas of the early ’90s to the wild brawls of The Attitude Era, Bob Holly’s long WWE career was emblematic of the eras of which it spanned. But after 15 years spent evolving on sports-entertainment’s grandest stage, there’s no doubt that Holly was one thing: Hardcore.”

– Braves’ LHP Jonny Venters (left elbow) underwent Tommy John reconstructive surgery Thursday afternoon. It’s the second time he’s had the procedure. He’ll miss the remainder of the 2013 season, as well as the first few months of 2014.

– Red Sox’ RHP Andrew Bailey (biceps) threw a 15-pitch simulated inning on Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field. Bailey faced three batters and worked on his throws to first base. He’s expected to make a rehab appearance on Saturday at Triple-A Pawtucket before rejoining the team Monday.

– Phillies’ RHP Roy Halladay (right shoulder) underwent surgery Wednesday to remove a bone spur and repair his torn rotator cuff. Doc is hoping to resume throwing in 6-8 weeks, and will attempt to pitch again before season’s end. He has an 8.65 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 35/17 K/BB ratio over his first 34 1/3 innings this season.

NHL

– According to the Washington Post, Capitals’ F Alex Ovechkin (fractured left foot) played the final two games of the team’s first-round series against the Rangers with a hairline fracture in his left foot. Ovechkin will not require surgery to repair the break. He blocked two shots by Rangers’ D Ryan McDonagh in the first period of Game 6, causing the injury. The first shot, at 14:29 of the first, struck his left foot. Replay of the game shows Ovechkin hesitant to get up after that block.

– Wild’ G Niklas Backstrom (sports hernia) underwent surgery Thursday. The procedure was done by Dr. William Meyers. The 35-year-old aggravated the injury while warming up before Minnesota’s first game of the Western Conference quarterfinal series at Chicago on April 30. Backstrom, an impending UFA, went 24-15-3 with a 2.48 GAA, .909 SV% and two shutouts this past season.

– According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Maple Leafs’ F Tyler Bozak (triceps) suffered a 70% tear of right tricep in Game 5.

– Check out the MLS’ Chicago Fire hanging out with the Stanley Cup:

NBA

– Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge confirmed Thursday that Doc Rivers will return as head coach next season. Ainge’s next decisions will the the future of F Paul Pierce and F Kevin Garnett. Stay tuned.

– F Nerlens Noel (knee surgery) believes he’ll be “ready to go” by Christmas. If his timetable is accurate, he’ll end up missing the first 7-8 weeks of the season.

EPL

– Chelsea has signed MF Frank Lampard to a 1-year contract extension. Chelsea is coming off another European title win. The 34-year-old is the club’s all-time leading scorer, but had initially been told he was not wanted beyond this season. Lampard told the team’s website,

“Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We’ve been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.

“I love this club, the staff, the players and especially the supporters, who have treated me fantastically since the day I arrived.”

MARATHON

– Boston Marathon runners who were stopped on the course when bombs went off at the finish line will have a chance to come back and run again next year, race organizers said on Thursday. One month and one day after the April 15 explosions that killed three people and wounded hundreds more, the Boston Athletic Association said that 5,633 people who were stopped on the second half of the course when the race was shut down at 2:50 p.m. will be allowed to register early for next year’s race. The B.A.A. said runners who passed the halfway checkpoint at 13.1 miles but hadn’t reached the finish line will get a code to register in August; regular registration is scheduled to begin in September. Runners will be required to pay the entry fee — the amount hasn’t been determined yet — but they will not have to re-qualify by running another marathon in a given time. Normal registration for the Boston Marathon requires a qualifying time from 3 hours 5 minutes for an 18- to 34-year-old man to 5:25 for an 80-year-old woman.

TENNIS

– The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has signed a new 11-year multimedia contract with TSN and RDS over the US Open. As part of the new deal beginning in 2015, TSN and RDS will have exclusive Canadian coverage of the US Open Finals for the first time. TSN and RDS platforms will deliver 130+ hours of live US Open tennis coverage each year, including expanded coverage of the men’s and women’s early-round matches, round of 16, quarter-finals, semifinals and exclusive Canadian coverage of the Finals. TSN and RDS will now have exclusive coverage of all four Grand Slam tennis events, totalling more than 500 hours of tennis coverage each season. TSN has broadcast the US Open since the network launched in 1984.

WWE

– According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE officials are reportedly high on JBL, since he returned to work commentary on some of their television shows. Other reports, however, claim that WWE wants JBL to get some new material, as his stuff is getting stale due to how frequently he’s being used.

– WWE has shipped a reported 137,000 units of the CM Punk DVD, 129,000 units of the Attitude Era DVD, 119,000 units of the nWo Revolution DVD, 115,000 units of The Undertaker’s Streak DVD and 114,000 units of the Best Of WCW Nitro Volume 2 DVD.

– The WWE SummerSlam PPV scheduled for August 18 in Los Angeles is now officially sold out, with the exception of premium seating.

– According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE has dropped plans to do a DVD set or a film on legendary wrestler Gorgeous George. The plan initially was for WWE to shoot a feature film on George’s life, but then decided to do a documentary DVD instead. Those involved in the project reportedly haven’t heard from WWE in a long while.

– Former WWE Superstar Bob “Hardcore” Holly appeared as a guest on The LAW this week promoting his recently released autobiography. Highlights from the interview, transcribed by Chris Maffei, are as follows:

His friendship with Chris Benoit: “For the people that didn’t know Chris, he was the kindest human being you would ever find on this planet. I don’t know what happened, I just honestly couldn’t tell you what happened. Chris was one of the kindest, politest people. I never saw the guy get mad, not one single time. He didn’t get upset about anything. When I was writing the book and reflecting back on him, it was kinda hard because then I started thinking about it again, and it’s almost like it’s hard to believe that he’s not here anymore. Me and him were pretty close; we confided a lot in each other. It was very tough, just thinking about it and talking about it. Back when it had happened, that’s something that you’ve got to push out of you mind right away, because you have to move forward. We’re on live TV every week; it’s a sad situation, it’s hard to heal from something when you don’t mourn over it. It’s something that you have to do, just put it out of your mind. Otherwise it’ll ruin you, it really will.”

Returning from injury after WCW was purchased by WWE: “When I came back, I was like “Wow, this isn’t good if I’m sitting around because of all these new guys coming in.” Your mind starts playing games on you, and it’s like “Okay, am I sitting out for a while now?” I’ve been sitting out for eight months, and I come back and we’ve got the whole WCW thing going on, all these guys coming in. It’s like, where do you fit in? You do worry about that. I worried about it, but then again, it was like “Okay, if they let me go, at least I have a trade to fall back on.” That was always in the back of my mind, that I had something to fall back on. Of course, that’s not what I wanted to have to fall back on, I wanted to move forward with my career instead of backwards. That weighed heavy on my mind when they had all these guys, and you’re seeing all these guys in the locker room, and I was like “Wow, I’m gonna get lost in the shuffle here.” I tried to come up with ideas and stuff like that, and a lot of times it just didn’t work.”

Buff Bagwell’s brief stint with WWE in 2001: “That guy, he blew it huge. He was on his own watch; he thought he was gonna do what he wanted to do, just like in WCW. The rules were completely different with WWE, and that’s why Vince runs such a tight ship. We have certain times he wants us there, and for a good reason. Buff would just show up whenever he wanted to. For example – one night, the show starts at 7, of course, and we’re supposed to be there at 6. He shows up right when the show is starting. He doesn’t change with boys, he’s gotta go find his own little locker room or something. He did generate a lot of heat, and he brought it all on himself. I always got along with Buff, I never had a problem with him, but I think he kinda blew it for himself because I think they had big plans for him. He just kinda threw it away, and he didn’t want to play the game; he didn’t want to follow the rules, and that’s something you have to do.”

Matt Cappotelli incident on Tough Enough: “If that was the case, if I was a bully, as some people say I was, do you really think Vince would have kept me? Do you really think Vince would have kept me if that was the true case, that I took advantage of this guy and roughed him up just for the sake of doing it? No, I wouldn’t be there, trust me. Vince doesn’t put up with that kind of stuff. That’s what I tried to get people to understand; once they start thinking about it, it’s like “Oh, okay, that does make sense.” Also, you’ve gotta understand, it’s like Randy Orton. These guys tell me to do something, well these guys are the ones that sign my paychecks, so I’m gonna do what they ask me to do.

“It’s 50/50 about the Matt Cappotelli thing; a lot of people understand coming from my point of view, and then some people understand from his point of view. I think the people that are on his side about it don’t get the wrestling business. These are people that are not in the wrestling business that don’t get in the ring and wrestle. Matt gets on television and cries because he has a black eye and a bloody lip. I did not break any bones, I did not knock any teeth out of his mouth, I didn’t send him to the hospital. He was perfectly fine, except he got his feelings hurt and he had a black eye.”

– Saturday Morning Slam, WWE’s children-aimed program on The CW, is officially off the air. The CW released its schedule for this Saturday’s slate of “Vortexx” programming and Saturday Morning Slam is not listed. Instead, Dragon Ball Z Kai will air in the 10:30 a.m. time slot. The changed had been expected as WWE ceased taping matches for the program last month. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported last week that executives of the network ordered a specific number of episodes, therefore explaining its abrupt hiatus. It is not publicly known whether the show will resume airing.

– PSG MF David Beckham says he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the season. The 38-year-old recently won a league title in a fourth country with Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham also played for, and won championships with, Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy. On the international stage, Beckham holds the England record for making 115 appearances as an outfield player for the national team. Beckham has two more matches left at PSG against Brest on Saturday and at Lorient on May 26. He has been giving his salary to a children’s charity.

“If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I’m fortunate to have realized those dreams.”

“To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.”

“Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I’m starting a new adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I’m fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it’s my time to give back.”

MLB

– MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart reports the Reid Ryan will be named the new president of the Astros. Reid is the son of legend Nolan Ryan, and currently runs the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, Round Rock Express, and the Astros’ Double-A affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks. He will be replacing George Postolos, who stepped down Monday. Ryan will be officially introduced at a press conference Friday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.

– Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cardinals’ RHP Chris Carpenter (shoulder/neck) is conditioning himself to be a starter. Carpenter was expected to be trying for a relief role when he announced his intention to pitch this season. Stay tuned.

NHL

– Senators’ head coach Paul MacLean told the Ottawa Citizen that’ F Jason Spezza (back) still isn’t ready to return following surgery, but that he’s not far away. “I think Jason still has some hurdles to get over before we get to that point with him coming in to say he’s ready to play, that we (the coaches and medical staff) would allow him to play. Right now, he’s in Ottawa and he’s skating. We’re here and we’re going to play Game 2.” Spezza is not expected to play in Game 2 on Friday.

– Check out this Penguins’ fan who shaved “Let’s go Pens” into his chest hair:

NFL

– The Bills have named Doug Whaley their new GM. Whaley, 40, has been groomed for the job for the past three years, working as 73-year-old Buddy Nix’s right hand man. He broke into the NFL as a Steelers’ scout in 1995.

– According to the Washington Post, the Redskins and Giants have “inquired” about free agent RB Tim Hightower. Hightower worked out for the Giants last month, and the two sides are expected to meet again in a few weeks.

WWE

– Updating a previous item, the upcoming WWE RAW in Calgary on May 27 will have a “Bret Hart Appreciation Night” theme both for the live crowd and the television viewing audience. Speaking of Hart, the WWE Hall Of Famer is reportedly still having trouble getting around following his second knee replacement in February. Shawn Michaels is also scheduled to return on the 5/27 RAW. Meanwhile, the 5/24 RAW live event in Salt Lake City will have a “Shawn Michaels Appreciation Night” theme. According to reports, Jim Ross and other past WWE legends are being brought in to take part in the Bret Hart and/or Shawn Michaels “Appreciation Night” honors.

– Former WWE wrestler Batista is joining the cast for the next installment of the “Chronicles Of Riddick” series, titled, “Riddick”. Batista plays a bounty hunter trying to track down Vin Diesel’s Riddick character. Batista, who has gotten a lot of buzz regarding his new look in the film, which you can see below. Riddick hits theaters in the United States on September 6, 2013.

– Sin Cara is now the number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship following his non-title victory over Wade Barrett at WWE Main Event on Wednesday.

– WWE.com recently spoke to AJ Lee about her “Black Widow” submission move, which she used on RAW this past Monday to defeat Natalya. AJ said,

“I’ve had it in my back pocket for a while. I’m not the strongest person, so anything that lets me trap myself on an opponent, like a spider in a web, is effective. The abdomen gets stretched, the neck is in an uncomfortable position and my opponent’s arms are extended where they shouldn’t be. So it’s everything all at once, using all 115 pounds of my pure muscle and ‘badassery’ to the fullest extent.”

– WWE Hall Of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts recently teased on Twitter that he may be performing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at an upcoming Braves game.

– WWE announced earlier this week that the company is attempting to secure a bigger piece of the Indian market. WWE will be releasing new merchandise and products to India, including a “Back To Series” line and new video releases featuring The Rock, Steve Austin and John Cena.

– WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino will be honored on Friday morning in Pittsburgh at the Allegheny Courthouse for the 50th anniversary of his WWWF Title win on the same date back in 1963. You can view a clip from Sammartino’s official YouTube channel of Triple H presenting him with the belt earlier this year:

– WWE Diva Natalya recently filmed a segment for WWE’s “Total Divas” show this week. The segment also featured WWE Diva Naomi and one-half of The Uso’s. According to reports, the two may be dating in real life.

TNA

– Rob Van Dam recently teased that he has signed with WWE or TNA, but according to the PWInsider, he has not been speaking with TNA.

– According to online reports, TNA is close to securing a deal for a new official video game release.

– NBA Commissioner David Stern confirmed that the NBA’s Board of Govenors has officially rejected the relocation proposal of the Kings to Seattle. The team will remain in Sacramento, and will likely be sold to a group headed by Vivek Ranadive–Stern said the league will talk to the Maloof family within the next 48 hours about selling the team to Ranadive’s group. Stern added that there are no plans to expand and put a franchise in Seattle at this time, and the league would wait to re-open those talks until the next round of TV negotiations.

Meanwhile, NBA commissioner-in-waiting Adam Silver said Wednesday that he expects Seattle will get a franchise after the next round of TV negotiations is complete. Per Mavs’ radio voice Chuck Cooperstein, the NBA’s current TV contracts expire after the 2016 season, so a Seattle team could be implemented as early as the 2016-17 season. It’s unclear if Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer, who led the group trying to get the Kings relocated to Seattle, will pursue relocating another NBA franchise before that time.

– The Clippers haven’t ruled out bringing back Vinny Del Negro as head coach, according to ESPN. Their previous report said that Del Negro’s firing was “inevitable.” Sources also tell ESPN there is “a level of interest within the organization to extend Del Negro’s contract.” Owner Donald Sterling, who’s believed to be “Del Negro’s biggest backer in the organization,” will have the final say in his future. Per ESPN, at least one other team has shown interest in Del Negro as a head coach so far.

– Mavericks’ F Dirk Nowitzki told the Dallas Morning News that he’d be OK with taking a paycut next offseason if it helped the team to sign free agents. Nowitzki added that he plans to be a part of the team’s pitches to potential free agents, namely G Chris Paul and F Dwight Howard.

– The Hawks have interviewed Thunder’ assistant head coach Nate McMillan for their head coaching vacancy Wednesday. This, despite head coach Larry Drew is under contract until June 30. GM Danny Ferry doesn’t appear to want Drew around next season, yet still wants to keep him as a fallback option. He’s also reportedly interested in Stan Van Gundy, however, SVG isn’t likely to coach next year. The Bucks and Pistons are also interested in McMillan.

– ESPN’s Chad Ford reports that F Nerlens Noel (knee) will attend the NBA’s scouting combine, but will only participate in medical exams and team interviews. Noel recently ditched his crutches and knee brace following surgery.

MLB

– Yankees’ 1B Mark Teixeira (wrist) told the team’s website that he’s targeting a May 30-31 return. “It’s great — I couldn’t be happier with my rehab. I’m looking at the end of May, sometime around the 30th or 31st maybe, to get back out there playing with the Yankees. I’m feeling great.” Teixeira has been taking batting practice in the cages, but still needs to take live BP on the field. Manager Joe Girardi said, “I would say the next step would be some live BP; we’re not there yet. Then maybe some sim games, hopefully, then some rehab games. That’s the progression, but we’re still in the BP phase.”

– The Dodgers have signed LHP Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league contract, and have assigned him to Triple-A Albuquerque. Sanchez can opt out of the deal on July 1 if he is not on major league roster. The 30-year-old posted an 11.85 ERA and 2.42 WHIP in 13 2/3 innings earlier this season with the Pirates.

– CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that the Brewers are calling up RHP Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod’s minor league deal required that the Brewers make a decision by Wednesday whether to add him the roster. The 31-year-old struck out seven over four scoreless innings in the minors.

– Red Sox’ manager John Farrell said on WEEI Wednesday that RHP Andrew Bailey (biceps) will come off the DL by Monday at the latest. Bailey will throw a simulated game Thursday and make a rehab appearance Saturday. He’s expected to take the closer role back from RHP Junichi Tazawa upon his return.

– Mariners’ OF Franklin Gutierrez (strained right hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday or Friday. Gutierrez has been on the DL since April 23. He ran the bases for a second time on Wednesday without issue.

NFL

– Jets’ QB David Garrard (knee) is retiring because of complications with his surgically-repaired knee. “My knee is not holding up. Continuing to swell after practices. Limiting what I can do.” Garrard was No. 1 on the Dolphins’ depth chart last summer before undergoing a “minor” knee procedure. Garrard’s retirement could force the Jets to keep QB Mark Sanchez and his $8.5M salary, as the team will need a backup for 2nd-round pick QB Geno Smith. Garrard finishes his nine-year, 86-game career with 16,003 passing yards, an 85.8 QB rating and 89:54 TD:INT ratio.

– The Ravens have placed ILB Rolando McClain on the reserve/retired list. GM Ozzie Smith said, “Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL. We have placed him on the Reserve/Retired list.” McClain doesn’t turn 24 until July, and is just 37 months removed from being the No. 8 pick of the 2010 draft. McClain, however, has off-field legal issues, and was expected to be released this summer. If this is the end for him, he’ll finish with just 244 tackles, seven sacks and one forced fumble over 41 games.

– The Raiders have agreed to terms with WR/KR Josh Cribbs on a 1-year contract. Jets’ GM John Idzik said Tuesday that Cribbs’ knee wasn’t healed enough following meniscus surgery. Despite the injuries, Cribbs remains one of the best return men in the game.

– Free agent S Charles Woodson left his Broncos visit without a contract. Woodson’s only known offer so far has been from the Raiders.

– The Vikings have moved Joe Webb to wide receiver, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Head coach Leslie Frazier said, “We had been talking about it for a while, and we made the decision that this was the way to go after we had our draft.” Webb hasn’t been a wideout since rookie minicamp in 2010, but has been catching passes on the side for a few weeks. He recorded forty times of 4.44 and 4.45, an 11-foot-5 broad jump, and 42.5″ vertical at UAB’s Pro Day three years ago. He could be the team’s No. 4 or 5 receiver.

– Bills’ WR Stevie Johnson (back) has “no idea” when he’ll be cleared from the injury. Johnson has sidelined him since mid-April–he missed the initial phase of Buffalo’s offseason conditioning program and is now sitting out full-squad OTAs. The team’s website calls the injury a “strain.” “It’s just frustrating seeing the guys running around, but it’s getting better. … I’m just doing everything that they’re telling me to. I’m doing the weight room stuff. Of course I’m inside the playbook and when they give me the green light I’ll be ready to go.”

– The Patriots have released/non-football illness DT Kyle Love. The 26-year-old recently lost a significant amount of weight, and was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. He recorded 4.5 sacks between 2011 and 2012.

– Jets’ DC Dennis Thurman says CB Antonio Cromartie will shadow No. 1 receivers this season. It’s Darrelle Revis’ old role, which Cromartie filled last season after Revis tore his ACL.

– The AP’s Mark Long called the Jaguars’ Wednesday OTAs session the “worst day of quarterback play I’ve witnessed at practice in years.” Long’s wrote that he saw QB Blaine Gabbert “(continuing) to struggle with short passes.” Gabbert’s days in Jacksonville already appeared to be numbered. The team will likely draft his replacement in 2014.

NHL

– Red Wings’ head coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit News that he’s confident the team will re-sign F Pavel Datsyuk after his contract expires next season. “You mean how long is his deal and how much is he gonna make? Well, there’s this much possibility he’s going back to Russia (makes a zero with his thumb and index finger). I mean, we’ll get it done (new deal) in the summer.” Datsyuk has 1-year/$6.7M remaining on his contract, and talks for an extension are expected to take place in July. Datsyuk spoke highly of his time in Russia back in January during the lockout, causing many to believe he’d head back home when his NHL contract had expired. “It’s kind of my dream, to (go) back and enjoy (playing in front of) Russian friends. They (fans) cheered for me. You never know how your career will go.”

– The Oilers and Edmonton city council have completed the funding agreement on a new arena, ending a 7-year saga. The team and city will now split the cost of the final $30M needed to clear the project, which will be completed in time for the 2016-17 season and begin in the spring of 2014. The total cost, including the arena and surrounding infrastructure, will be $604.5M. The Oilers will be on the hook for $161.5M, the city $279M and the remaining $125M will come from a ticket tax.

– The Rangers will host a pair of games from Yankee Stadium next season. The Devils will visit at at 12:30 p.m. ET on January 26, 2014, and will also take on the Islanders at 7:30 p.m. ET on January 29, 2014. Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA special assistant to the Executive Director said, ”The teams playing in these two games — the Rangers, Islanders and Devils — have tremendously loyal fans and the rivalries are intense because of their proximity and playoff history. Yankee Stadium is a landmark venue in New York City, and to see hockey played in such a celebrated setting will be extremely memorable to the players and everyone involved.”

– According to the Denver Post’s Adrian Dater, the Avalanche are not expected to choose a new head coach “in the near future.” Dater writes that the team wants to see if Coyotes’ head coach Dave Tippett tests the market when his contract expires June 30. Patrick Roy and Lindy Ruff are also rumoured to be in the mix.

– Bruins’ F Jaromir Jagr compared teammate Patrice Bergeron to his old Hall of Fame teammate F Ron Francis. “I think Ronnie Francis was the same way. He wasn’t very flashy. He scored a lot of goals but not the highlights goals. And he did everything perfect, especially defensively. The GMs and the coaches, they know. And it doesn’t mean the media doesn’t talk about him much. People who are close to hockey and understand hockey, they know how special he is. So it’s all right.”

F1

– Honda is returning to Formula One in 2015 as an engine supplier to McLaren. The two had partnered in the 1980s and 90s. Honda president Takanobu Ito announced the decision at a news conference in Tokyo on Thursday, reversing the decision made in 2008 to pull out of the expensive sport due to the effects of the global financial crisis. F1 is changing to six-cylinder turbo engines next year, making the comeback decision easier because Honda will be able transfer the technology to its commercial vehicles.

WWE

– FOX Sports South has posted a new article looking at DDP’s work helping Jake “The Snake” Roberts resurrect his health and career.

“’This is it. If you don’t get it done, you’re going to die,’” Roberts told himself before moving into DDP’s Accountability crib. “I mean, when you want to die, you can shut yourself down to that point. There’s no doubt in my mind I could do that to myself to die. Give up.”

The big news from the interview was Jake Roberts announcing he’ll be in the 2014 Royal Rumble:

“I’m announcing that right now. I’ll be in the Royal Rumble next year, count on it… I worked too hard in this business to go out that way. So I guess we’re going to have to take a victory lap. I’m definitely coming back.”

DDP, one of Jake’s strongest supporters, says Jake is constantly surprised at his progress.

“Every day, this guy is getting stronger and stronger. He’s like, ‘How is that happening?’

– The Rock tweeted the following promo picture for the new “Fast & Furious 6? movie:

“Think of how gracious I’ve been by letting you talk this long unslapped” ~#HobbsTheBeast #FAST6 twitter.com/TheRock/status…

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 14, 2013

– Cody Rhodes spoke with Pitch.com. Here are some highlights from the interview.

Shaving his mustache as a match stipulation: “I know that you can’t shave anything – your head, your facial hair. You can’t do anything like that in sports entertainment unless it’s public. I’m pretty confident you’ll see the mustache on the line somewhere down the line. Extreme Rules would be a wonderful venue for it. I don’t know if the WWE Universe would be very stoked about a mustache being on the line when the title of the pay-per-view is Extreme Rules. But I guess I extremely want to keep it.”

People staring at Daniel Bryan: “Man, from when he showed up clean-cut, all-American guy to this now, it’s ridiculous. I was on a plane with him a few days ago, and people are always staring at him. In this case, they’re just looking at how this man with this legitimate cavemanlike beard is sitting up in first class. I want to know his story.”

Being afraid of Morgan Freeman: “That was such a bizarre thing. I did an interview in London, and that’s where the challenge was laid out. A young man asked me who was a celebrity that I’d like mixing it up with, and I tried to give him an answer other than an action star. Now look what I’ve gotten myself into. Now I’m going to see Morgan Freeman somewhere down the line, and he’s going to end up cold-cocking me in the face, and I’m going to feel horrible.”

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this update, Jim Ross talked about hunting at Shawn Michaels’ Texas farm earlier this week, Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, Extreme Rules and shares memories of his dear friend, the late “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, who would have celebrated a birthday earlier this week. JR says he had an amazing time hunting hogs on Shawn Michael’s farm earlier this week. The hunt will be televised later this year on HBK’s MacMillan River Adventures hunting show.

“To show you how fortunate that I was, with my first shot at a live animal I scored the hit that we were looking for and the arrow hit the 300 pound hog right behind the shoulder which is actually where I was aiming. The arrow went through the animal and it and its cohorts ran for the brush and for cover. I did not think that I had hit the animal but we found the bloody arrow which traveled through the hog.”

“The search by foot began through cactus and mesquite trees until we finally found the animal who had expired. These hogs are of the Russian Boar species and are destructive and non productive on Texas, among other state’s, ranches. The animals are given to the Texas Food Bank for processing and the meat is then provided to needy families. None of the meat goes to waste and if a land owner doesn’t manage these herds of feral hogs the state will come in and do it for the landowners.”

For Extreme Rules, JR predicts that the Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar steel cage match will close the show. “The physicality in this contest will be prominent and I expect a no frills, in your face, main event.” He also speculated that Pau Heyman could play a hand in the result of this contest. As for the overall show, he said:

“I’m thinking that WWE’s Extreme Rules will be somewhat of a “sleeper” PPV and that it will exceed the expectations of many who seemingly have gotten more into the card the past couple of weeks after recovering from their WrestleMania 29 hangovers … Extreme Rules is certainly not a one dimensional PPV and I’m anxious to watch it.”

– The first trailer has been released for the upcoming film, “Riddick,” which stars Vin Diesel and features former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista playing the character Diaz. The movie is scheduled to be released in theaters this September.

– Here’s the latest edition of WWE Inbox, with Inbox going “Extreme”:

TNA

– TMZ is reporting that TNA star Austin Aries has been handed a “severe” fine for his actions last week on Impact Wrestling. After TNA announcer Christy Hemme botched her duties and announced Aries & Bobby Roode as Christopher Daniels & Kazarian, Aries got in her face, cornered her in the ring, stood on the ropes and put his groin into her face. The incident was unscripted and led to at least one journalist contacting Spike TV and asking what actions they would be taking against Aries. Hemme tweeted afterwards that Aries’ conduct was “unacceptable.” Aries has since apologized to Hemme privately and a source told TMZ that she was satisfied with his apology.

– Here are some highlights from TNA’s press conference they had earlier today in Las Vegas, which was held to promote the June 29th Impact Wrestling tapings from the city:

TNA will tape two Impact episodes of Impact Wrestling from Las Vegas on Saturday, June 29. The first episode will feature a special Fourth of July patriotic theme.

Vegas native Kenny King was there and says Dixie Carter told him she booked the Vegas show for him.

Hogan talked about some of his favorite matches of all time, and said that his match against Sting at WCW Starcade ’97 was at the top of his list. He also joked that he’d like to forget his Halloween Havoc ’98 match against Ultimate Warrior.

Hogan said it was Dixie Carter’s idea to bring Brooke Hogan into TNA.

– Yankees’ 1B Mark Teixiera (wrist) said Tuesday that he expects to be back in the lineup by June 1. Teixiera previously set May 1 as his goal, but was obviously unable to make that. It’s unclear when he’ll be ready for a minor league rehab assignment.

– Braves’ RHP Brandon Beachy (elbow) will make his first minor league rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Gwinnett. He threw 29 pitches over two innings Tuesday during a start in extended spring training prior to getting cleareance. Beachy is expected to make around five starts in the minors, and could join the rotation around the anniversary of his Tommy John surgery on June 21, barring setbacks.

– Nationals’ OF Jayson Werth (hamstring) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday with High-A Potomac. It will be his first game action since he aggravated his hamstring on May 2. He’s expected to be activated from the DL on Saturday.

– Angels’ RHP Jered Weaver (elbow) is expected to need 2-3 rehab starts before rejoining the rotation. Weaver threw another successful bullpen session Tuesday, and will throw 80 pitches in his next session before then beginning a rehab assignment. He’s expected back in early June.

– FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Brewers have made a long-term offer to SS Jean Segura. Segura’s agent, Joe Klein, told Rosenthal, ”They contacted me. Right now, I guess it’s in my court. But with a guy this young, it’s hard to figure out what the right numbers would be.” Segura, 23, isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2016.

– Red Sox’ RHP Andrew Bailey (biceps) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Tuesday afternoon without issue. He’s scheduled to face live hitters in a simulated appearance Thursday, and could return to the team by next week.

– The Phillies have signed RHP Carlos Zambrano to a minor league contract. Zambrano recently agreed to a deal with the independent Long Island Ducks, but never reported to the team, as his focus was still finding a major league home. The 31-year-old posted a 4.49 ERA and 95/75 K/BB ratio over 132 1/3 innings last season with the Marlins. He’ll report to extended spring training.

– ESPN’s Pedro Gomez reports that free agent LHP Jonathan Sanchez is “zeroing in” on a deal with the Dodgers. Sanchez will likely pitch out of Triple-A. If signed, he’ll need to serve a 6-game suspension for throwing at Cardinals’ 1B Allen Craig last month.

– Blue Jays’ RHP Sergio Santos (right elbow) will undergo surgery to remove bone chips and spurs. Santos had been nearing a minor league rehab assignment.

– Reds’ OF Chris Heisey (hamstring) re-strained his hamstring Monday at Double-A Pensacola, and has been pulled from his rehab assignment. Heisey will return to Cincinnati to be evaluated by team doctors. He’s been on the DL since April 27.

– The Orioles have placed RHP Wei-Yin Chen (strained right oblique) on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 13. Chen left Sunday’s start.

NBA

– New 76ers’ GM Sam Hinkie said Wednesday that the F Andrew Bynum (knees) trade was “a failure.” Hinkie previously said yesterday that he viewed Bynum as just another free agent, it’s becoming crystal clear that he won’t be with Philly next season. If true, Bynum’s Sixers’ stint will have lasted just one season, with him playing a grand total of zero games.

– 76ers’ G Nick Young is being sued for sexual assault stemming from a 2011 incident in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. A woman is suing Young for sexual battery, sexual assault and false imprisonment. The woman alleges that she was “roofied” by Young after he bought her and a friend champagne at a night club. Young is a free agent at season’s end.

– Blazers’ G Damien Lillard was the All-Rookie team’s lone unanimous selection. Lillard led all rookies in points (19.0), assists (6.5), 3-pointer made (2.3) and minutes (38.6). Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes round out the rest of the first team, while Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller are on the second team.

– Hornets’ G Eric Gordon (left ankle) told the New Orleans Times-Picayune Tuesday that he’d been dealing with painful bone spurs since the All-Star break. Gordon missed the first 29 games of the season with chronic right knee injuries, and missed 11 more due to knee precautions and his ankle injury. Gordon had a scope last week to remove particles of scar tissue from his ankle, but says he’ll be 100% by camp.

NFL

– According to the NY Daily News, Giants’ RFA WR Victor Cruz has lowered his contract demands. Cruz was initially asking for $10-11M per season, but is now reportedly seeking “much closer” to the $8M annually the team is offering. Per the Daly News, a deal will “probably” be done in time for Cruz to report to the full-team minicamp that begins on June 11.

– According to Yahoo! Sports, the Panthers and RB DeAngelo Williams have agreed to a contract restructure. Williams, 30, could either accept this restructure or be designated as a cut after June 1. The new agreement saves Carolina $3.2M off this year’s cap without reducing Williams’ total compensation, while also cutting his salary in 2014 and 2015. Williams averaged 10.2 carries per game over the last two years.

– Free agent S Charles Woodson’s player rep says Woodson has generated interest from the Raiders, Broncos and Panthers, and that Oakland has made an offer. Still, Denver appears to be his top choice.

– Chargers’ OLB Melvin Ingram (torn left ACL) is expected to miss the entire 2013 season. The No. 18 pick of last year’s draft suffered the injury in OTAs Tuesday.

– Colts’ head coach Chuck Pagano told ESPN Wednesday that RB Vick Ballard is “sitting there as the lead guy” in his backfield. Pagano added that RB Donald Brown “looks fantastic” and is a “home run hitter.” Ballard will likely begin the season as the feature back, with Brown as the change-of-pace option. The new offensive scheme also means they’ll both be included in the passing game as well.

– The Jaguars have claimed DL Brandon Deaderick off waivers from the Patriots. Deaderick was waived Monday. He’s scheduled to make $630K next season. Deaderick has played at least 260 snaps each of the past three seasons.

– Free agent DE Dwight Freeney will visit the Chargers on Wednesday. Freeney has a history with GM and former Colts VP of football operations Tom Telesco. The Bolts, however, run a 3-4 defence, which was what Freeney struggled in last season.

NHL

– Islanders’ D Mark Streit told Newsday Wednesday that he wants to return next season. Streit, an impending UFA, scored six goals and 27 points in 48 games this season. The two sides had reportedly started working on an extension for the team captain prior to the end of the regular season.

– Ducks’ GM Bob Murray revealed Tuesday that D Francois Beauchemin (knee) was playing with a torn ACL, and will undergo surgery soon. Beauchemin suffered a lower-body injury April 3, but it’s unclear if that is the injury in question.

Murray also told the Orange County Register that the roster will not be the same when training camp opens in September. F Saku Koivu and F Teemu Selanne are free agents, and were non-committal when asked about their futures Tuesday, and that both will need a few weeks to mull over their decision. Given that the salary cap will drop next season, the big money deals that F Corey Perry and F Ryan Getzlaf signed will likely cause some players to be moved, namely F Bobby Ryan and G Jonas Hiller. Stay tuned.

– Updating a previous item, Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong called his team’s goaltending situation “cloudy.” Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak both have one year remaining on their contracts, while Jake Allen is an RFA. “I think anything could happen. It was a difficult year for both Elliott and Jaro, and I think Jake took great advantage of it. He’s proven to us now that he has to go in the equation. Brian got off to a poor start, resurrected himself, had a great finish. Jaro, unfortunately, had injuries. We were giving him the ball and then … he got injured again, and the season progressed and he didn’t get back in the net. So it’s a cloudy issue right now to be honest with you, our goaltending situation, because of how the season has progressed. It’s a positive cloud in one sense, in that Jake has given us things we have to look at.” One of Halak or Elliott could be traded this summer. Stay tuned.

– Maple Leafs’ assistant GM Claude Loiselle said Tuesday that F Tyler Bozak (upper body) has a bicep injury. Bozak missed Games 6 and 7 due to the ailment. The severity of the injury is unclear, and its not known if the injury is  related to his late-season shoulder injury.

MISC

– Floyd Mayweather is still No. 1 on Sports Illustrated’s Fortunate 50. In just two fights this year, Mayweather will earn between $90-128M. Mayweather was No. 1 on last year’s list, knocking out Tiger Woods, who had been No. 1 every year since SI started producing the list in 2004. Heat’ F LeBron James (No. 2) passed Lakers’ G Kobe Bryant (No. 4), while Woods (No. 5) is back above Phil Mickelson (No. 6).

WWE

– According to F4WOnline, with the late Paul Bearer considered to be a lock for next year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, there is already speculation that The Undertaker will be inducted along with him. Going back several years, the plan has always been for them to be inducted together. Jake “The Snake” Roberts is also a potential inductee for next year.

– According to F4WOnline, the latest on Christian’s return is that he’ll be back soon after Extreme Rules. He’s been medically cleared to wrestle for months now, but his return has been delayed due to the creative team not having anything for him.

– The winner of the Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio #1 Contender’s match at Extreme Rules will be getting his title shot against Dolph Ziggler on an upcoming RAW or SmackDown – not a PPV. WWE already has plans in place for the next few pay-per-views and the company plans to get back on track once Ziggler is healthy to wrestle again.

– According to a new WWE.com article, Paul Heyman is scouting a third client, to add to his current stable of two (Brock Lesnar and CM Punk).

– Monday’s Raw bounced back from year-low viewership the week before as the program averaged 4.05 million viewers. Raw averaged 3.79 million viewers, 4.1 million viewers in the second and 4.25 million viewers in the third. Last week’s show garnered a 2.9 cable rating and averaged 3.917 million viewers. Two weeks ago, the program drew 4.285 million viewers.

– After recently returning to the ring at an NXT live event, WWE officials have decided that Evan Bourne is not yet ready to be wrestling full-time. When he does return, there’s been talk of pairing him with Sin Cara as a new tag team.

– Former WWE Superstar MVP, who has been rumored to be in talks with WWE for several months now, is currently a free agent after parting ways with New Japan Pro Wrestling in February. He was asked about his future in the professional wrestling industry on Twitter Tuesday and said,

“Thinking about it. WWE, TNA, retirement?

“I’ve never worked with Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Mr. Anderson/Kennedy, Bobby Roode and so forth. I’ve often wondered what that would be like.”

“The beautiful thing for me is that my future is wide open wherever I end up. Living life on my terms is an amazing feeling. Live for YOU!”

MVP later clarified his remark regarding the possibility of joining TNA Wrestling:

“To be clear, I didn’t say I WANT TO GO TO TNA. I just said they had some guys that are tremendously talented that are on my wish list.”

MVP also explained the differences between WWE and Japan:

Being a WWE fan doesn’t make u a PRO WRESTLING fan. There r AMAZING wrestlers in Mexico, Japan, Europe you’ve never heard of but would love!

WWE is the biggest promotion in the world. The best production. Some awesome talent. But pro wrestling is bigger than WWE. I had a blast…

…working there. I also had a blast working in Japan. Different psychology, different styles. It all comes down to personal preference.

Khali was World Heavy Weight champion. That’s usually reserved for the best. Is he among the best? Remember it’s ENTERTAINMENT.

– After holding the United States Championship for 240 days through last month when he was upended by Kofi Kingston, Antonio Cesaro’s standing in WWE has been greatly curtailed as the Swiss grappler has lost the majority of his televised matches. According to the Wrestling Observer, his demotion is not a result of “heat” backstage, but that top WWE officials simply feel he lacks personality. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio Monday night that company brass believe that the former Ring of Honor standout is “boring,” resulting in his slide down the card. Some in WWE, however, are not in favor of the demotion, and believe Cesaro should be a headliner. While Cesaro engaged in a match with Kingston two weeks on WWE Main Event that was well-received by management, it failed to alter his standing in the organization. Meltzer noted, “They don’t see him any higher than they did two weeks ago. There was lip service paid there for a week or two, but it’s over now.”

– Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are currently planning to do an Outsiders speaking tour. Nash tweeted the following this week about the project:

For some reason people think were only going to hit the large markets.@scotthallnwoand I want to see every fan on the planet. NWO 4 Life!

— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) May 11, 2013

– Top independent wrestler Sami Callihan has been undergoing WWE medical tests and is expected to sign with the company soon. Callihan has been pulled from this month’s Big Japan Pro Wrestling’s Strong Style Tournament, another sign that his days on the indy scene are winding down.

– WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper will appear on ABC’s Celebrity Wife Swap on Sunday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Production elements of the episode are currently being finalized.

– According to F4WOnline, there is talk of Big E Langston wrestling Mark Henry in a “Battle of the Strongmen” at SummerSlam.

– Wednesday’s  wrestling birthdays include WWE Hall of Famer Ron Simmons (55) and Hall of Famer Kevin von Erich (56).

– WWE reportedly had record-setting activity on the WWE mobile app during Monday’s RAW when fans were encouraged to vote on Big E Langston’s opponent.

– WWE NXT star Judas Devlin is apparently the new second member of The Ascension with Conor O’Brian. The two teamed up at a NXT live event last week to defeat Alexander Rusev and Aiden English. O’Brian and Devlin used the same double team finisher that O’Brian and Kenneth Cameron used to use before Cameron was released from WWE. Former Ascension member Kenneth Cameron was released last year after he was arrested late on Thanksgiving Eve on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and disorderly intoxication. He had been arrested previously for DUI.

– Former NFL player and WWE developmental wrestler Brandon “TAC” Carter recently spoke to LubbockOnline.com about what pushed him out of wrestling:

“I went down there and got a few concussions and ended up getting pneumonia. I ended up in the hospital in December. I woke up and nobody was there. Then I realized I didn’t have any friends or family there, so I came back here to Lubbock to be with family.”

Carter currently works as a personal trainer in Lubbock, Texas.

TNA

– Austin Aries will be disciplined for his public form of sexual harassment towards TNA Wrestling ring announcer Christy Hemme on last Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling. Mark Madden of WrestleZone.com garnered a statement from David Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Communications for Spike TV, regarding the matter Tuesday.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment. We discussed [the incident] with our partner. [Aries is] being disciplined. I’m trying to get more information on what action is being taken. Dixie Carter took this very personally. He will be disciplined. Again, we have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

“I’m not sure specifically how [the discipline] will be handled. To what extent, I don’t know. This is certainly something we don’t condone and don’t tolerate. Such behavior is not welcome.”

In response to whether Aries’ discipline should be made public since Hemme was harassed on national television, Schwarz responded,

“I think that a statement of some sort will be coming. That’s being worked out. But immediate action will be taken.”

TNA President Dixie Carter also tweeted,

“TNA has ZERO tolerance for inappropriate behavior. The incident with Austin Aries was taken very seriously and handled immediately.”

On the show, Hemme mistakenly introduced Aries and tag team partner Bobby Roode as their opponents for the evening, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian. This led Aries to corner the inaugural winner of WWE’s Diva Search in the ring as he intimidated her into correctly introducing him before climbing onto a second-level turnbuckle and shoving his groin near her face. Following the show, Hemme voiced her displeasure with Aries’ actions via Twitter, deeming it “unacceptable.” Late Saturday night, Aries appeared to address the incident though the social networking outlet, writing,

“Pretty nuts, some of the junk people get the balls to say over the net, knowing they couldn’t to your face…Eh, anyway, time to sack out.”

– James Storm (groin) is undergoing an MRI today to determine the extent of his injury.

– Rob Van Dam will return to the ring on June 21st against Tommy Dreamer with Family Wrestling Entertainment’s show in Corona, New York at the ELMCOR Center. RVD is a free agent after leaving TNA earlier this year. The FWE show will also feature John Morrison vs. Carlito, a 30-Man Rumble, Paul London vs. Akio (Jimmy Wang Yang), Petey Williams vs. Brian Kendrick and more.

– Top basketball prospect Andrew Wiggins has signed a letter-of-intent with the Kansas Jayhawks. Wiggins had previously narrowed his choices to Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida State. He averaged 23.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game this season for West Virginia’s Huntington Prep. Wiggins is the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

NHL

– Stars’ GM Jim Nill announced Tuesday that head coach Glen Gulutzan and assistant coach Paul Jerrard have been relieved of their coaching duties. Gulutzan, 41, was the 21st head coach in franchise history and led the club to a 42-35-5 record in 2011-12, and a mark of 22-22-4 in the shortened 2013 campaign. The team held an option year on his contract. Assistant coach Curt Fraser and goaltending coach Mike Valley will both be retained by the club moving forward.

“I would like to thank Glen Gulutzan and Paul Jerrard for the work they provided to the Dallas organization over the past four seasons. They are both quality coaches and men, but we have decided to go in a different direction with our coaching staff and we wish them well in their next endeavors.”

– The family of former NHL F Derek Boogaard, who died of an accidental overdose of pain medication and alcohol, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the NHL, blaming it for brain damage he suffered during his playing career and painkiller addiction. Boogaard was found dead May 13, 2011, and was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain ailment that can be caused by repeated blows to the head, according to the 55-page lawsuit filed in Chicago on Friday. The lawsuit reads:

“Prior to and during Derek Boogaard’s career, the NHL knew, or should have known, that the Enforcers/Fighters in the NHL had an increased risk of brain damage due to concussive and sub-concussive brain trauma and were particularly susceptible to addiction issues.”

According to the lawsuit, Boogaard received 1,021 prescriptions from NHL team physicians, dentists, trainers and staff while playing for the Wild during the 2008-09 season.

– Senators’ F Jason Spezza (back) is not expected to play in the first two games of the semi-finals. Spezza didn’t travel with the team to Pittsburgh, and remained in Ottawa as he continues to get into game shape. He hasn’t played since January 27 due to surgery on a herniated disc.

– Mike Keenan has agreed to 2-year deal with Magnitogorsk. The 63-year-old coached seven different teams over 20 years in the National Hockey League. He won a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994. He most recently coached the Flames for two seasons from 2007 to 2009. He tweeted:

Just signed contract with Magnitogorsk of KHL. Looking forward to new coaching opportunity!

– The Maple Leafs spoke to the media Tuesday following their historic Game 7 collapse against the Bruins on Monday:

Randy Carlyle: ”It just seemed like we ran out of gas. Losing is tough and losing the way we did after a 4-1 lead, there’s nothing you can say to explain how and why it happened.”

“Well losing is tough and losing the way we did after a 4-1 lead, there’s nothing you can say to explain how and why it happened. It happened. And for us as a coaching staff, we’ll take some time in the next couple of days and we’ll evaluate and let the emotions subside here a little bit before we meet. We’ll be doing a lot of assessing between now and the (June 30) draft, I’m sure.”

“When you get in situations like this you see the character, you see the clawing and scratching and fighting for space on the ice. And there are some people that really elevated their play. It does change your opinion on some individuals and then (for) some other people, it reinforces what you thought.”

James Reimer: ”There’s no way to describe it. Just an empty feeling really. It’s over and there’s nothing you can do about it…definitely the top five lows of your life.”

Nazem Kadri: I don’t think any of us will be able to sleep too great tonight. We understand that we kind of gave it away a little bit.”

Phil Kessel: ”I don’t know what happened to us — 4-1, you can’t lose that game. Obviously we’ll have the summer to think about it.”

Dion Phaneuf: ”It’s extremely tough to put into words. We had a team down and out and we just let them take over the game and climb out of a hole that they never should have came back from.”

Maple Leafs’ F Joffrey Lupul tweeted this:

That hockey game will haunt me until the day I die…

— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) May 14, 2013

– Capitals’ D Karl Alzner addressed a question regarding whether the team can ever win in the playoffs with their current core.

“Funny you ask that. A little bit. I don’t know if that’s the right mentality. I’m sure it’s not the right mentality. But we all play this game to win and when you see one year after another year disappointments — and I know it’s only been three playoffs for me. … You don’t want to see the time tick away. You want to at least get a taste of it before you’re done.’ So I hopefully have a long time. But, yeah, I’ve thought about it.”

EPL

– Manchester City fired manager Roberto Mancini on Monday, exactly one year after he delivered the club’s first English league title in 44 years. Mancini had four years remaining on his contract.

NFL

– According to CBS4, free agent S Charles Woodson will meet with the Broncos “soon.” Woodson, 36, graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 37 overall safety last season.

– Free agent T Max Starks visited with the Cardinals Tuesday. Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, he’s also taking a physical. The 31-year-old is linked to head coach Bruce Arians from their days with the Steelers.

MLB

– The Astros have placed 2B Jose Altuve on the bereavement list. Altuve left the team following the death of his grandmother. Players are permitted to stay on the bereavement list for 3-7 days.

WWE

– WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin tweeted the following about The Shield’s performance on RAW:

Nice work by The Shield. Young cats are doing pretty damn good. #WWE #raw

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) May 14, 2013

– According to the PWInsider, WWE has hired a language training center based out of Indianapolis. John Cena was speaking French at the WrestleMania XXX press conference, and WWE reportedly wants him to learn Chinese next. The idea is to make him and other Superstars more personable and appealing to other cultures.

– WWE legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts announced on Twitter that he’s begun taking acting lesons:

1st. Class of acting under my belt, few butterflies, new rules different ways and same old jake. Hell yeah dragon didn’t have a chance!!!

It couldn’t have went any better. Coach added me to skits blind without lines to see how I handled it and don’t need words to steal show..

My ddp yoga buddy from UGA helped me a lot.met some fine looking young ladies and folks were friendly and helpful. Go again next week

Looks do count and my voice sets me apart from others. May be getting good part in movie based on the above. Chris helping me

Agency and head shots today after workout. Will also be setting up one on one coaching to learn filming terms and techniques. Thanks chris

– WWE superstar Zack Ryder turns 28 years old today.

– Here’s the latest installment of WWE Backstage Fallout:

– Jim Ross went hog hunting on Shawn Michaels’ Texas ranch on Monday – and noted that he killed a hog that was over 300 pounds with 1 shot form a crossbow.

– Free agent QB Donovan McNabb announced on his NBC Sports Radio show that he will retire as an Eagle in September. McNabb, 36, says the team suggested having the ceremony on Thursday, September 19, when Andy Reid and the Chiefs visit. McNabb hasn’t played since he started six games for the Vikings in 2011. He’s now working as an NFL Network analyst. McNabb played 11 seasons with the Eagles, leading them to six division titles, five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance. He completed 59% of his passes for 37,276 yards, 234 touchdowns, and 117 interceptions. McNabb also ran for 29 scores, finishing with a 85.6 QB rating.

– Free agent WR Titus Young’s father, Richard, says his son has a brain disorder, according to the Detroit News. Richard Young took Titus out for coffee on Friday, hours before his son’s latest arrest. Titus then drove off in his car without saying goodbye. “We knew that something had happened to him or he was locked up again. His mind is not capable enough to go out and deal with society because of this.” Titus supposedly suffers from a disorder caused by his brain being compressed against the front of his skull, and he hasn’t been taking his medication. Doctors told Richard that treatment could take 6 months or less. Stay tuned.

– According to the NY Post, it’s beginning to look more and more (likely)” that Jets’ QB Geno Smith will win the starting job. Reporter Brian Costello writes that there’s a “sense around the Jets that they want Smith to win this thing,” and that QB Mark Sanchez won’t be on the roster for much longer.

In addition, ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated on NFL Live that the Jets will look to trade Sanchez before Week 1 if Smith shows he’s ready to play as a rookie. “I think the Jets would love to see (Smith) grasp things right away, so that the Jets would be in a position where they could see if they could find a trade partner for Mark Sanchez down the line. Some teams would be unwilling to take on the $8.25M guaranteed in his contract, but there might be a team that’s willing to pay a small portion of it. To get some of that money off the Jets’ books. And the fact of the matter is, the Jets will go to camp with Sanchez. They’ll look to see at that point in time how Geno Smith fares.” Either way you cut it, it doesn’t appear as though Sanchez will be on the Week 1 roster. Stay tuned.

– Bills’ GM Buddy Nix is “stepping away” from his role as GM and “transitioning” to special assistant. “I’ve made the decision to step away as GM because I feel it’s the right time. Good young roster with excellent head coach and staff.” USA Today’s Mike Garofolo writes that Nix is being “pushed away.” Nix, 73, was hired as a first-time GM in 2010, and has gone 16-32 in three seasons.

– The Ravens have re-signed RFA TE Dennis Pitta to a 1-year/$2.023M contract. Pitta is scheduled to become a UFA next offseason. Pitta, 28 in June, set career highs in catches (61), yards (669), and touchdowns (7) in a breakout 2012 campaign.

– Chargers’ head coach Mike McCoy told Sports Illustrated that he expects 2013 2nd-round ILB Manti Te’o to be an every-down player as a rookie. “Our plan is for him to play three downs, and when we scouted him, we believed that’s what he’d be. But he’ll have to earn that, obviously. If he’s the best guy on all three downs, he’ll be in there.” McCoy’s comments come after GM Tom Telesco said Te’o may not play many passing downs as a rookie.

– The Cardinals have waived QB Brian Hoyer. He’s now been waived three times in nine months. Hoyer comes with a $2.023M price tag after being tendered at the second-round level as an RFA. Hoyer was 30-of-53 for 330 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in two appearances last season.

– According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Philadelphia Soul have offered QB Tim Tebow their backup job. Of note, former Eagles quarterback and current analyst Ron Jaworski is a co-owner of the Soul. Jaws sent Tebow some plays he had in mind for him, mostly around the goal line. “One [criticism] of Tebow is that he is slow and methodical. He would be forced to quicken it up in this league and it would be good training for him. You can learn a lot in this league. It’s about processing information and getting the ball out…or you get whacked.” Tebow has no known NFL suitors right now.

– The Eagles have signed RB Felix Jones. Despite frequent injuries, Jones has a career 4.79 YPC average.

– The Chargers have officially converted Marcus Gilchrist to strong safety.

NBA

– According to CSNNE’s Greg Dickerson, “the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in” doesn’t believe he’ll will return to the Celtics next season. Dickerson adds that he doesn’t “think Paul Pierce believes” he’ll return to Boston. GM Danny Ainge said previously that Pierce’s future with Boston will be determined in the offseason. If Pierce doesn’t return, F Kevin Garnett’s could also walk. Stay tuned.

– ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell reported Tuesday that Bulls’ G Kirk Hinrich (calf) hasn’t run in about two-and-a-half weeks. Hinrich could miss the remainder of the playoffs.

– According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, Jerry Sloan is being “seriously considered” for the Bucks’ vacant head coaching job. The same report suggests that “a reunion [of Sloan] with … Deron Williams is not on the horizon.” Sloan is one of at least five coaches to have interviewed with the Bucks, joining Nate McMillan, Kelvin Sampson, J.B. Bickerstaff and Steve Clifford.

– Tony Allen and LeBron James were the leading vote-getters for the 2013 All-Defensive First Team, which also included Chris Paul, Serge Ibaka, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah. The Second Team was rounded out by Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Avery Bradley, Paul George and Tim Duncan. Notable absences include Roy Hibbert, Andre Iguodala, Larry Sanders, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Luol Deng. Kevin Garnett didn’t receive a single vote for either team.

MLB

– The Cubs have officially signed 1B Anthony Rizzo to a 7-year/$41M contract extension with club options for 2020 and 2021. Rizzo has a .253/.331/.434 career batting line, but there’s still a very good chance that this contract ends up being a steal for Chicago.

– Nationals’ RHP Jordan Zimmermann told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick that he’s not engaged in long-term talks with the team. Zimmermann, 26, has a 1.59 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 34/9 K/BB ratio in 51 innings this season. He is arbitration-eligible in 2014 and 2015.

– D’Backs’ 2B Aaron Hill (left hand) was not cleared to resume activities Monday, after a doctor determined that his hand had not healed as much as expected. Hill has been limited to running and standing in on bullpen sessions to track pitches.

– Reds’ LHP Tony Cingrani said Monday that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if he gets sent back to Triple-A Louisville. The 23-year-old has a 2.89 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 37/7 K/BB over 28 innings this season, but RHP Johnny Cueto (lat, oblique) is nearing a return from the DL, and either Cingrani or RHP Mike Leake will lose their starting jobs. “Whatever they tell me to do, I will do. Leake has been here for four years, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I go back down.”

– The Mets have signed OF Rick Ankiel to a 1-year contract. Ankiel, 33, batted just .194 with 35 strikeouts in 65 plate appearances before getting released last week by the Astros.

– Nationals’ OF Jayson Werth (strained right hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Potomac later this week.

– A Mets insider told ESPN NY that the arbitration clock will likely delay RHP Zack Wheeler’s arrival date. Wheeler will likely be held in the minors until mid-June to avoid him gaining an extra year of arbitration-eligibility as a Super Two qualifier. Wheeler, one of the top prospects in baseball, has struck out 47 batters in 43 1/3 innings this year at Triple-A Las Vegas.

– The Tigers have placed OF Austin Jackson (strained left hamstring) on the 15-day DL. Jackson was batting .272/.333/.371 with two homers, 11 RBI, five stolen bases and 33 runs scored in 34 games.

NHL

– Capitals’ F Alex Ovechkin voiced his frustration to Slava Malamud of Sport-Express regarding the team’s Game 7 loss to the Rangers:

“The refereeing… You understand it yourself. How can there be no penalties at all (on one team) during the playoffs?

“I am not saying there was a phone call from (the league), but someone just wanted Game 7. For the ratings. You know, the lockout, escrow, the League needs to make profit… I don’t know whether the refs were predisposed against us or the League. But to not give obvious penalties (against the Capitals), while for us any little thing was immediately penalized…”

WWE

– On Monday’s RAW several new matches were announced for Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view. Due to his recent concussion, World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler is unable to compete in the previously scheduled triple threat ladder match. Instead, Alberto Del Rio will face Jack Swagger in an “I Quit” #1 contender’s match. The Shield will have a chance to walk out of Extreme Rules with a lot of gold, with Dean Ambrose challenging Kofi Kingston for the United States championship and Rollins & Reigns challenging Team Hell No in a Tornado Match for the WWE tag titles. Plus, The Miz will face Cody Rhodes on the 30-minute online pre-show. With those matches set, here’s the updated card:

Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Championship: Ryback vs. John Cena

“I Quit” #1 Contender’s Match: Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger

Tag Team Title Tornado Match: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins vs. Team Hell No

WWE United States Title Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Kofi Kingston

Steel Cage Match: Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar

Strap Match: Sheamus vs. Mark Henry

Extreme Rules Match: Randy Orton vs. Big Show

Fandango vs. Chris Jericho

Pre-show match: The Miz vs. Cody Rhodes

– After suffering a serious concussion at last Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings from North Carolina, World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler has been diagnosed with retrograde amnesia. Ziggler spoke to WWE.com over the weekend about the situation:

“I didn’t even remember Monday until I watched Raw when I got home. I don’t even remember traveling from Raw to SmackDown. I don’t remember Tuesday. I remember AJ and Big E taking me to the airport on Wednesday morning. I was told I interfered in a match and tried to get my hands on a ladder. When I bent over to grab it, Jack Swagger kicked me in the head.”

The World Heavyweight champion is currently out indefinitely, and will meet with doctors again this week to determine how long the concussion will keep him out of action. Ziggler’s ex-girlfriend, comedienne Amy Schumer, performed standup comedy in Durham, North Carolina over the weekend and asked the audience to take a drink in support of him. During a post-show Q&A session, Schumer talked about Ziggler’s concussion and said she spoke to him earlier in the day.

– The Rock’s movie “Pain & Gain” was #3 at the U.S. box office over the weekend, behind Iron Man 3 and The Great Gatsby. Pain & Gain, which had a production budget of approximately $26M, has already taken in over $41,608,000 domestically.

Speaking of The Rock, over the weekend, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige said he’s a huge fan of Dwayne Johnson, and would love to have him on board for a future Marvel movie:

“His name has come up in the past. I’m a gigantic fan of his. I think he’s incredible. I might have met him once a long time ago, but I haven’t really met him. I don’t really know him, but I think he’s an unbelievable personality and an unbelievable sort of force of nature.

He’s awesome in ‘Pain & Gain’. He was great in ‘G.I. Joe’. He’s really kind of an amazing human being. His Twitter’s always cool and he promotes the hell out of everything he does.

I would love him to be part of the Marvel universe somewhere, someday.”

– WWE’s new video game publisher Take-Two Interactive has revealed that WWE 2K14 will be released on October 29th, 2013. WWE superstar The Rock will be on the box cover. While only Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were named in their press release, WWE has already stated that it will be published “across all major platforms and distribution channels.” According to Take-Two, WWE “will continue to be developed by Yukes in Japan” and “will combine the studio’s signature gameplay with 2K’s commitment to authenticity.”

– Rey Mysterio tweeted the following today about his upcoming return:

I wanna take this time to THANK all my 917.1K followers for the support! Should B back in the ring soon!619Luv?

— Rey Mysterio (@reymysterio) May 13, 2013

– WWE has reportedly petitioned for the lawsuit being brought against the company and Paul “Big Show” Wight by former employee Andrew Green to be removed from the Arizona State Court and moved instead to federal court. Attorneys for WWE argued on April 9, that since the lawsuit revolves around a video that was posted on the internet on WWE.com, it would fall under federal law. In the complaint, Green states his job with WWE was to film post-match interviews with wrestlers that were later posted to WWE.com and YouTube. When Big Show refused to take part in an interview, Green informed him that former WWE Senior Vice President Eric Pankowski wanted the interview. The compaint lists the following incident in detail adding,

“In response, Big Show stated with the use of profanely indecent language that if Green wanted an interview then he would give him one, and to turn on the camera. Big Show toward Green enraged, shouting obscenities, and waving his fist in Green’s face. Big Show then grabbed Green by the collar and throat, striking Green in the face and backing him up against a trunk while declaring ‘You son of a bitch … Are you having fun right now … Don’t even come up to me again … I don’t give a shit who you are’.”

The entire incident was filmed and later added to WWE.com and YouTube. It is claimed the clip had over 100,000 views and was later removed on 1/29 by WWE. The complaint noted, “Upon information and belief, Big Show was not feigning his emotional outburst at the time of the attack.” Green was later told to reshoot the interview by Paul “Triple H” Levesque. According to the complaint, “Triple H asked Big Show to muster the same emotional level for the third interview as he had with the original shoot, that being the attack. In response, Big Show said that he did not think he would be able to do that because his emotions in the original shoot had been real.”

Green said he was unable to work with WWE following the incident because he “was uncomfortable working around Big Show and the other wrestlers, nervous, and had ‘a ton of anxiety’ as a result of the attack.” Green also added that WWE “encouraged its wrestlers, including Big Show, to act in a violent and threatening manner both inside and outside of the wrestling ring relative to their appearances and participation in staged wrestling events as a means of entertainment.” Green and his wife are seeking damages for assault and negligence. WWE has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit.

– Last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.86 cable rating, up slightly from a near-year-low 1.82 rating the week before. The episode, which was headlined by a match pitting Chris Jericho against Ryback, averaged 2.53 million viewers over the course of two hours. This up from a near-year-low average of 2.47 million viewers the week before. SmackDown finished in fifth place in overall viewership on cable television Friday evening and ranked second in key male demographics behind ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs on ESPN.

– No One Lives, which opened in limited release for WWE and Anchor Bay this weekend, took in $45,900 during its opening weekend. The film had a limited release, playing in in only 53 theaters for an $866 per-theater average. The film had a budget of approximately $2,900,000, according to IMDB.com. $45,900 is low for a typical movie opening, but well above several recent WWE Studios releases, including The Day last year ($10,121 opening weekend), 2011?s That’s What I Am ($6,400), The Chaperone ($12,700) and Knucklehead ($1,000).

– Michael Cole has announced that he will climb his first mountain with JBL. They will climb Mt. Whitney in mid-August. Cole revealed on the JBL & Cole Show:

“John and I will attempt to scale Mt Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet! The attempt comes in mid-August. Needless to say I need to be in massive shape for that trip and would like to be down 40 pounds to 185 by then.”

– The Bella Twins have announced on Twitter they will soon be staring in a feature film:

So the BIG NEWS #BellaArmy Got the script yesterday for our first Feature Film! Details to come!! @johnnyryanjr

— The Bella Twins (@nicoleandbri) May 9, 2013

– Fandango and Chris Jericho exchanged some trash talk prior to Monday’s dance-off on Raw:

Having a dance off with @iamjericho is like putting @miketyson in the ring with @michaelcole… #JustDance

— Fandango (@WWEFandango) May 12, 2013

Jericho responded:

Having a Danceoff with @wwefandango on #Raw is like having a game of musical chairs on #Raw…oh yeah I won that too.

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) May 12, 2013

Fandango later followed up with these snarky remarks towards Jericho and Edyta Sliwinska:

.@iamjericho How do you expect to pronounce @edyta_sliwinska when you can’t even pronounce Fandango? #RawIsFandango #danceoff

— Fandango (@WWEFandango) May 12, 2013

Hey A dancing tip for @edyta_sliwinska: Avoid breathing through your nose when dancing with @iamjericho #RawIsFandango #danceoff

— Fandango (@WWEFandango) May 13, 2013

– Santino Marella revealed on his twitter that he is opening a new pro wrestling & mixed martial arts school in Toronto on July 1st, called “Battle Arts Academy.” Here are photos of the new facility:

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he he’s heading to Shawn Michaels’ ranch in Texas:

Up early for 6 hour drivr to @shawnmichaels ranch. Hunting dangerous feral, wild hogs using Muay Tai or a crossbow or sidearm. TBD. G’nite

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 13, 2013

– WWE NXT wrestler Bronson posted a series of Tweets over the weekend, revealing that he had to have surgery this past week to fix a spinal injury he’s been suffering through:

“I want to publicly thank Dr. Joseph Maroon for fixing a very dangerous spinal injury I’ve had which has gotten steadily worse since October. 3 days ago I couldn’t walk, now I can walk without pain. Thank you to my friends and family who have supported me through a very dark time. You have my eternal gratitude, love, respect and loyalty. I am grateful for you all, that’s it. Recovery will take a while…ok I’m boring myself, go back to whatever you were doing.”

– WWE’s newest Divas Eva Marie and Jo-Jo Offerman were both backstage at last week’s RAW. The duo is currently filming scenes for the new Total Divas reality show, which premieres on E! next month.

– WWE’s Top 25 Rivalries DVD/Blu-Ray, which will be released on May 28th, is hosted by new WWE announcer Renee Young. The Countdown portion runs almost 3 hours, with an additional 4+ hours of matches also included.

ROH

– Ring of Honor star Jay Briscoe appeared at ROH’s live event from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania over the weekend and addressed the controversy surrounding his recent anti-gay marriage tweets. To recap, Briscoe tweeted the following last Wednesday:

“The Delaware Senate passed a bill yesterday that allows same sex couples to get married. If that makes you happy, then congratulations!!!!!!”

“… try and teach my kids that there’s nothing wrong with that and I’ll f**ing shoot you”

After a barrage of responses from fans calling him homophobic, he admitted choosing his words poorly and then deleted his Twitter account. Ring of Honor issued the following statement, distancing themselves from the personal views of Jay Briscoe:

“Ring of Honor Wrestling respects and appreciates every fan regardless of age, gender, race, religion or sexual preference. The recent post by Jay Briscoe does not represent the views or opinions of Ring of Honor Wrestling, its owners, management or employees.”

TNA

– According to PWTorch, last Thursday on Impact Wrestling, TNA ring announcer Christy Hemme mistakenly introduced Austin Aries and tag team partner Bobby Roode as their opponents for the evening, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian. This led Aries to corner the inaugural winner of WWE’s Diva Search in the ring as he intimidated her into correctly introducing him before climbing onto a second-level turnbuckle and shoving his groin near her face. According to a source within the organization, the scene was not pre-planned. In response to whether the former WWE Diva was legitimately bothered by Aries’ actions on Impact, the source responded,

“Of course, she was. How would you react? It’s one thing if that was set up as a work earlier in the day, and even then our girls would have to reassure our agents over and over again that they would be okay with that spot before it got approved for television.”

The source adds that he believes she was “technically sexually harassed.” Following the show, Hemme voiced her displeasure with Aries’ actions via Twitter, deeming it “unacceptable.” Late Saturday night, Aries appeared to address the incident though the social networking outlet, writing, “Pretty nuts, some of the junk people get the balls to say over the net, knowing they couldn’t to your face…Eh, anyway, time to sack out.”

– James Storm tweeted the following over the weekend about having torn stomach muscles:

Thnx everyone for tweets. Doc says I have a torn lower ab and ligament damage. Go back wed for MRI to check for hernia. #freakaccident

— James Storm (@Cowboy_J_Storm) May 11, 2013