Who Should Batista's Return Feud Be Against?

WWE's website has a new poll up asking fans who they want to see Batista face when he returns ???

- Randy Orton
- John Cena
- CM Punk
- Brock Lesnar
- Roman Reigns
- Daniel Bryan
- Dean Ambrose 
- Big E Langston. 

With almost 10,000 votes cast, Orton is leading with 36% of the vote, Lesnar is close with 33% and Cena is next with just 12%.

Brock Lesnar's WrestleMania opponent + backstage news on when he will return to WWE TV

There have been rumors in the MMA world of Brock Lesnar returning to UFC and that Lesnar will be attending Saturday's UFC 168 event in Las Vegas. During Thursday’s post-press conference media event, UFC president Dana White was asked if UFC would take the opportunity to talk business with Lesnar. He replied: 
"I honestly don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know." 

Sources close to Lesnar told MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani that they didn't think Lesnar was very serious about returning. 

Regarding rumors of Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, there is a claim that he somehow got a deal with WWE that would allow him to do a fight with UFC. This claim is being denied by many in WWE but other people close to Lesnar insist it's true. 

As of Friday, people within WWE are expecting Brock Lesnar to return to television either the day or week after the Royal Rumble taking place on January 26, 2014. F4WOnline.com reported on Thursday that a match against The Undertaker is currently planned for WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

WWE talks to Big E Langston & Dean Ambrose about Unifying their titles

WWE's website has a new article up asking if the United States Title and the Intercontinental Title should be unified. It features quotes from current champions Dean Ambrose and Big E Langston. Here are some highlights: 

WWE.COM: Let’s get right to it: Do you think the United States Title and the Intercontinental Title should be unified? 

BIG E LANGSTON: 

I’d be open to it. If it strengthens the legitimacy of both titles, then I’m all for it. 

DEAN AMBROSE: 

It’d be a good thing as long as they made one good looking championship for me to haul around, because I’d definitely be the one holding it. 

WWE.COM: Is there a downside to unifying the titles? 

AMBROSE: 

On the one hand, you’d have fewer titles for people to go for. On the other, it would be a prize that people would definitely want to come after. Nobody wants to come after my United States Title, because everyone has fallen so short and felt the hammer come down from The Shield afterward. It’s a very dangerous proposition to come after my title, so maybe having the championships unified would offer a little more prize money for people to want to go after. 

LANGSTON: 

I can’t remark on how people would feel positively or negatively, but it would definitely bring more attention to the titles. 

WWE.COM: It sounds like you’re both prepared for an eventual champion vs. champion showdown. 

LANGSTON: 

I’d welcome the challenge. 

AMBROSE: 

I feel that what I’ve given and sacrificed for the U.S. Title, I’d be willing to put that on the line as a pride thing. It’s just as good as the Intercontinental Title. That’s something I’d be willing to prove. 

Roman Reigns says 2014 will be the year of the Shield

Roman Reigns recently spoke to The Norfolk Navy Flagship to promote WWE's Tribute to the Troops. Here are some highlights: 

JM:

With so many famous family members (ie: The Rock, Afa and Sika of the Wild Samoans, Rikishi, The Usos, etc.), did they have a hand in influencing your wrestling style, or did you look to someone outside of the family? 

RR: 

My natural movement, it’s hereditary I’ll say. We all are able to move and do pretty athletic things. My family is the majority of the influence, but going down to FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling, now NXT – WWE’s developmental program) and wrestling all of those guys down there – Dr. Tom Prichard, Joey Mercury, Bill Demott, Norman Smiley, Steve Keirn. Even to this day, talking to Triple H and with all of these resources we have here. When it comes down to it, I try to create a different style. A little more brutal. You can watch fight scenes or MMA and see how they move. There have been a lot of things that influenced me, but I can only be me. That’s what I try to focus on, making everything my own. 

JM: 

You, along with fellow Shield members, have been on the WWE main roster for only 13 months now, but you’ve done a lot in that period of time. What has stood out as your favorite moment so far? 

RR: 

I have to say WrestleMania. I look around and there are guys who have never performed on that stage. Just to say that we did that our very first year and opened the show. That’s a big deal for all three of us. There are a lot of cool moments we have had. When we wrestled The Undertaker, Kane and Daniel Bryan in London (during a recent European tour) – there’s a shot of us flying in on a helicopter. What some people don’t know is that we did a live event earlier that day. We opened that show and then we jumped on a helicopter and flew all the way to London. We went out there and wrestled three of the biggest stars of all time. The next night, we put (The Undertaker) out. That was a surreal moment. WrestleMania and working with The Undertaker are phenomenal moments that I won’t forget for the rest of my life. 

JM: 

The Shield always enters from the crowd. What are the pros and cons of making your entrance from the stage (“Gorilla Position”) or from the crowd? 

RR: 

I enjoy the crowd. When you walk through the curtain onto the stage, you have a different point of view looking at the house. When we come down the stairwells, that’s a different view in its own right, too. It’s so unique for us. I’ve read on social media and different interviews that, now, people are specifically trying to buy tickets on that particular side of the arena. They’re trying to get seats on the row that we’re walking down because it’s such a cool moment for people to size us up and get a feel for what we look like a foot away. We’re trying to put on a show that can’t be duplicated by any other form of entertainment. I like to think that’s a staple for WWE at this point with The Shield. 

JM: 

Did you take notes on the Spear from Edge and Goldberg matches? 

RR: 

Even to this day, watching matches, I don’t watch the maneuvers. I feel like I am athletic enough to do any maneuver. It’s not the moves, but what you do between them. The mannerisms are where the money is. A spear is a spear. I’d like to think that I deliver the best one ever seen, but that’s up to the fans to judge. It did help playing football all of those years. 

JM: 

What do you have planned for 2014? There seems to be some dissension with you and Dean Ambrose. 

RR: 

As far as The Shield – for the past 13 months, it seems like we’ve done it all. People are going pretty nuts about what we’ve done, but there’s so much left to do. Whether we’re working together or fighting each other, there’s just so much more to see. It’s going to be the year of The Shield, whether we’re together or not. 

Gene Snitsky reveals why he left WWE

His debut when he knocked Kane into Lita, causing her to miscarry: 

"The whole storyline was kind of cool I thought. It was so different, it was pushing the envelope. Let's be realistic, everything's been done in wrestling that can be done, and back then it wasn't as corporate so you could get away with a little more. Nowdays, that storyline would never ever be able to take place. A lot of people don't realize, it was only supposed to be that one incident, and I was then gonna go back to OVW and keep training until they brought me back up. But it got such a reaction that it took off and had a mind of its own, so they rolled with it. I knew it was gonna be good as soon as I hit him with the chair and he fell on her, the whole crowd started chanting "baby killer". When that happened, I was like, This is great, this is gonna be good." 

On the angle where he punted a baby doll: 

"I don't remember exactly who came up with it, but I remember rehearsing it with everybody involved and Vince was very adamant on me kicking the baby doll, and he's like "You better not f--- it up". And I was like "Don't worry Vince, I'm not gonna f--- it up, I was an all-area punter on my football team in high school. I ain't gonna f--- it up, trust me". So after we did it and it came off so good, I remember coming back through the curtain and he gave me a standing ovation. The thing that surprised me was that it stayed in once piece; i thought for sure that the head would have popped off it or something. The little brat took it like a champ!" 

His infamous encounter with Heidenreich: 

"I don't think two guys ever pulled off a creepier, more homoerotic backstage segment in the history of wrestling." 

Being in the company for the rise of John Cena and Batista: 

"If the writers want to push a certain character, or Vince wants to push a certain character, they're getting thrown to the top, whether you like it or not. Once Vince picks his guy and goes with him, he's gonna go with him. When they made me shave my head and paint my teeth, it was Vince's idea. Once Vince gets an idea, you do it." 

Why he left WWE: 

"Basically it was just creative differences. I didn't like the direction my character was going, and for about six months I would go back and forth with the writers. They were always real big on incorporating your input, so I'd shoot them ideas, and week after week they'd get shot down, and I didn't really like how they were taking it. It just got to the point where it was best to part ways, but I left on good terms." 

On whether he watches the current WWE product:

"I DV-R it every week, and I sort of keep up with it but I fast forward through a lot of it. A lot of it's too normal for me. I've always been an off-the-wall guy, going back to high school, I was always the guy who would do anything to get a reaction. Going to parties and running through walls and stuff like that. To me, that's fun. The stuff that you see guys doing now is kind of boring if you ask me. They don't do anything out of the ordinary any more." 

His foot fetish: 

"I always liked Torrie Wilson, she was always one of my favorites, and we still joke about it. I'd always tell her, you have such nice feet, and she'd just kind of chuckle. But we're still friends, I did some bodyguard work for her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez so I still keep in touch with her, she's really cool. There's a lot of them that have nice feet, but you don't walk around backstage and say 'Can I suck your toes?!'"

Reaction to Vince McMahon rubbing President Obama on Raw

We noted before that Vince McMahon took a shot at President Obama taking a photo of himself at the Nelson Mandela funeral by having the RAW announcers take a "selfie" on RAW recently. 

The reaction backstage was a lot of people hated it because they felt the announcers made the Big Show and Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes and Goldust match, which was to build towards a title match, seem unimportant, and that it was a "first time ever" match and those matches are so rare. 

Steve Austin can't use the "Stone Cold" name anymore

Steve Austin has no contractual ties to WWE right now. That means he can’t use the Stone Cold name, which WWE owns, although he has the rights to the Steve Austin name, which is now his legal name, as part of an agreement with WWE. 

Jake "The Snake" Roberts Issues Statement Regarding His Royal Rumble Status

Jake "The Snake" Roberts issued the following statement regarding his status with appearing at the 2014 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event: 

"Daily questions on Rumble. Here is my official statement. I have had no contact from WWE. I publicized returning at the Royal Rumble as my goal about a year ago. Looking back, setting goals that are entirely in someone else's hands was not the best idea. My advice, and my practice now is to set goals that you can control. Do your best to control your destiny. If the Rumble happens, I will do my best to put on a memorable performance. If they want to keep me around, I know I can do some cool stuff. It if doesn't, I still have plenty to look forward to. That's all on the Rumble and WWE for a while. Please enjoy the rest of these holidays with your loved ones. Thanks again for all the support. Remember, the Snake ALWAYS bites back." 

Randy Orton: Being a Bad Guy Is Just More Fun

Following Randy Orton's relatively lackluster 2012 that saw him win no major championships and put his career at risk with a second drug testing violation, "The Viper" returned to form in 2013 with multiple title reigns and becoming the "Face of WWE." 

The latest issue of WWE Magazine features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and Orton was voted by fans as "Best Return To Form." This is being attributed to Orton showcasing his "remorseless, sadistic side," which he enjoys. 

"Being a bad guy is just more fun," remarked Orton. "Otherwise you worry too much about what the fans think of you. It's a worry I don't like to have. I'd rather be myself and explore different ways I can make people feel uneasy even just by walking by and glaring at them."

NXT talent Corey Graves Appearing at the Rumble?

NXT talent Corey Graves teased appearing at The Royal Rumble pay-per-view next month. He wrote the following on Twitter: 

"The #RoyalRumble is next month in Pittsburgh. I haven't been home in years...hmmm. #IronCityHardCore #StayDown" 

WWE Top 5 Matches of 2013

WWE's website has released their top 25 matches of 2013. The top 5 looks like this: 

No.5. Daniel Bryan vs. Antonio Cesaro 
Raw, July 22

  
No.4. Cody Rhodes & Goldust (w/Dusty Rhodes) vs. Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns (w/Dean Ambrose) 
WWE Battleground

No.3. The Undertaker vs. CM Punk 
WrestleMania 29

No.2. John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan - WWE Championship Match 
SummerSlam 2013

No.1. CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar - No Disqualification Match 
SummerSlam 2013

Steve Austin says Chris Benoit will never be in WWE's Hall of Fame

During a recent podcast, Steve Austin was asked his thoughts on Chris Benoit going into the WWE Hall of Fame. Austin replied: 

"Well first and foremost, what I think about Chris Benoit is that guy was one of the most nicest guys I ever met in my life. He's one of the most talented, hard working cats I'd ever seen in the squared circle. Anybody who knew Chris would tell you those exact two things. That guy loved the damn wrestling business, he was born to be a wrestler and was absolutely phenomenal. Drawing a lot of his influence from The Dynamite Kid, he blazed a path as the Pegasus Kid and his legacy as The Crippler Chris Benoit was just one hellacious career." 

"One night, Chris ended up killing his wife and his kid. That is an act so terrible and horrible I can't even comprehend or guess as to what happened in that house. That will always overshadow any accomplishment Chris had in the ring. He'll never be in the Hall of Fame, it will just never happen. His career will speak for itself but his record as a human being, his first and foremost, and those actions will never be forgotten. That's my feelings on that, we don't even need to talk about the Hall of Fame. Speaking for myself, Chris Benoit as the person I knew, loved him. Chris Benoit as a wrestler, loved him. Chris Benoit as the person who did what he did, unforgivable. Bottom line." 

Jim Ross Blog

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section on jrsbarbq.com this week. Here are some of the questions he answered. 

When Chris Jericho first debuted with his promo at The Rocks expense, how electrifying was the atmosphere? 

It was massive. Set up perfectly. Excellent booking. 

Which of the 3 members of The Shield do you think will make the most impact in WWE? 

I like them all. Obviously Reigns is breaking out. All tbd. 

JR when do you think it is the right time for WWE to induct The Rock in the WWE Hall of Fame?

Any time both parties are ready. 

With talk of the WWE Network seeming to come up more and more, I have wondered if there is potential for certain independent promotions to get television deals with WWE. What, in your estimation, would be the positives and negatives of giving promotions like ROH, PWG, DragongateUSA, etc. a television deal?

Let's just say that there's no business like show business.

He was asked about the possibility of Daniel Bryan vs. CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Title main eventing WrestleMania XXX. 

Ross replied: 

"On the surface, yes, but it's all about the presentation and the reason for them wrestling. It's unlikely to occur but I have no idea of the WM30 card." 

Ross was also asked about people saying Seth Rollins won't receive a push once The Shield splits.

He replied: 
"It doesn't concern me what "many people" say regarding Seth Rollins. He's a great talent who will have a significant run on his own when the time is right." 

DEAN AMBROSE TALKS ABOUT WORKING WITH THE UNDERTAKER

Earlier this week, The Shield appeared on the Onnit podcast. Here are some highlights that Dean Ambrose talked about:

Getting Called Up To The Main Roster: 

“By the time we actually got through sitting in Tampa for a while, we had all been down there for a long time… but by the time we were at like, we’re at Wrestlemania, we’re on the main stage, we’re doing our thing, because we got thrown right into the fire really quickly. We had a good little act with three rookies, and they just threw us right out there with the main eventers. We were working with John Cena, Randy Orton, Big Show.”

Working with Undertaker: 

“We were working with Undertaker in a six man tag in London. The most legendary, most intimidating figure in the history of the business, wrestles once, maybe twice per year. Usually once a year, he did an extra match that year, working with us in the six man tag.

“We had double-shotted [worked two shows] that day and did a show in Cardiff, Wales earlier in the day and they helicoptered us in to do the other show, which was a live RAW. We got there pretty much right as our music was playing, and pretty much had to go right up and right down into the crowd and right into the ring, which was nothing, nothing really worked out or anything.Someone proofread this. We were in there with Undertaker who, again, is one of the most legendary, intimidating guys in the business, but at this point we’re like the World Series guy, screw it, let’s just go out and do it.

“So we just went out there and did it. We were like, that was cool. It was like we’re at Wrestlemania, we’re on the main stage, we’re in the WWE. Hell yeah we are. This is where we belong. It doesn’t feel like whoa, this is such an accomplishment. It’s just like, no, it feels right. This is where we’re supposed to be.”

Stone Cold Stunner Ranked Best Finishing Move

WWE's latest poll asks fans which of these if the most fantastic finishing move ???

- Brock Lesnar's F5
- Steve Austin's Stunner
- The Undertaker Kane's Tombstone
- Randy Orton's RKO
- Triple H's Pedigree
- Shawn Michaels' Sweet Chin Music
- Edge & Rhyno & Goldberg's Spear
- The Dudley's 3D
- Jake Roberts' DDT
- Bret Hart's Sharpshooter

With over 109,000 votes cast, Austin's Stunner is leading with 27% whereas the next closest is the Tombstone with 18% of the vote.

Backstage News on Several Big Names Returning for WrestleMania XXX

Regarding WrestleMania XXX, Hulk Hogan is not signed as of today but people are talking confidently about the idea he would be with the company and involved with the biggest pay-per-view of the year in some form. However, it is openly believed and talked about internally that Hogan is not expected to wrestle. 

There's a feeling that even if officials wanted him to wrestle, he could not pass medical tests. Hogan most likely will not be teaming with John Cena and will likely do something like an appearance, a quick knock down to a heel and a promo. 

Batista is also being talked about coming back internally. 

At this point, Rob Van Dam is not in the WrestleMania plans but that could change. 

Why Did Randy Orton Still Have Two Titles on Raw ???

It was reported over the weekend that the winner of Randy Orton vs. John Cena at TLC would be using only the WWE Title belt. As seen on RAW, new champion Orton came out with both belts. Word coming out of RAW is that eventually the champion will hold just the WWE Title belt. Orton coming out with the World Heavyweight Title belt on RAW was a last minute decision. 

Jim Ross Blogs on Whether HBK Will Wrestle Again & WrestleMania 30 Build

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights. 

Raw Main Event featuring Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan: 

The highlight of the night was the strong, WWE World Title Bout featuring Orton and Bryan. Excellent story....good pacing...plenty of near falls....the live audience engaged and emotionally invested...a tried and true, villainous conclusion that put all the steam on Orton and not on the referee. Plus, the message was made loud and clear that Daniel Bryan looks to have Orton's 'number.' 

This was one of Orton's best matches in a good while as his chemistry with Bryan is noticeable. For the record, I can't recall the last time that I saw Daniel Bryan have a bad match. 

Bryan may be the definitive, best wrestler in the business at this point in time. 

Shawn Michaels confronting CM Punk:

Pleasantly surprised to see Shawn Michaels unadvertised appearance on RAW and his segment verbalizing with CM Punk was entertaining. It seemed as the two were mostly ad-libbing their dialog which is usually better than when a writer creates copy while role playing as the talent and then the talent being challenged to memorize their lines on show day and accurately interpret someone else's copy/creative direction in one take. 

Roman Reigns build: Nice, continued slow burn type build for Roman Reigns who is beginning to look the part more and more each week. This process will likely never please younger fans who don't generally realize that this creative journey takes time to do properly. No, there is no set length of time as in months, etc as this is a 'feel thing' and from my experience it t can take a year or more to arrive at one's desired destination. 

Shawn Michaels returning to the ring:

Still get questions daily, and multiple ones after HBK has been on RAW, if HBK will return to the ring. I am unwavering in my answer and that is a definitive "NO." Shawn has told me that he has no interest in returning for the proverbial "one, more match" as that chant will never go away even if he actually had "one more match." 

It seems obvious to me as it relates to WM30 that 1. Daniel Bryan will be in a main event level bout and 2. WWE will have ample 'special guests' return for the land mark 30th WrestleMania celebration. 

Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman's return:

I'd also expect Paul Heyman to return to WWE TV soon as the serious build to WM30 begins in earnest, as usual, after the New Year and leading into the Royal Rumble. That means that one can expect to see Brock Lesnar return as well. I'm still of the belief that Lesnar's TV persona will get significant and much needed exposure in one form or another to make the "Next Big Thing" as valuable an asset as possible for whoever he faces at WM30. I don't expect to see Lesnar at an overabundance of RAW TV's, which has to be strategically addressed, but I do expect his 'presence' to be on every show in some form including spokesman Heyman representing Brock. This is also were the great work done by WWE TV production people really steps to the forefront, too.

Big E Langston says there's been talk of Batista returning to WWE

WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston recently spoke with Chad Dukes of ChadDukesWrestlingShow.com and mentioned there has been talk of Batista returning. Here are some highlights: 

John Cena: 

“He’s been very helpful over the past few years, even before I got called up. Just giving me advice, he opened up the weight room to me. I live about 15 minutes away from his gym. He’s been very helpful, just kinda giving me pointers throughout the way, just giving me advice, and really just trying to be a mentor in many ways. I’m really grateful for him taking time to help and guide me. Honestly, he’s done that for a lot of younger talent, people just don’t see that.” 

NXT: 

“When you look at NXT, to me there’s a ton of talent, and they’re doing a great job with everyone who’s on NXT for the most part has a story, a character, or something that you know, people can sink their teeth into. Obviously the developmental system has changed, but they’ve invested nearly $3 million dollars into that performance center, it’s huge and they’re going to be able to attract hopefully better talent as the years go on. But I think right now there’s a great deal of talent in NXT and I think it bodes well for our future. Personally, I’m a big fan of NXT as a product. If you ever get a chance to go to Full Sail for those tapings, it has a really different feel than a lot of what we do on the main roster. I’ve actually talked to a lot of people who tell me NXT is their favorite wrestling program.” 

Dream Opponents: 

“There are a few guys. For me it’s kinda cool to think about guys you grew up and you idolized. Undertaker has a spot where he has that allure, and that mystique, and everyone always kinda goes to Undertaker as being their guy, and rightfully so. I was also a huge Vader fan, so if they were ever able to bring him back for one, I think that would be cool as well. I know there’s been talk possibly, and I have no idea if it’s gonna happen, about Batista possibly coming back. You know guys like that, you grew up watching idolized, you know they’re all kind a dreams who knows if they’ll ever come to fruition.” 

WWE TLC 2013 Predictions

The WWE will bring its annual TLC pay-per-view from Houston on December 15 with a title unification match and couple of handicap matches as its main attraction.

The event will hold immense significance in the history of the company as they are going through the lowest reaches in pay-per-view business. Inconsistent and predictable booking have been haunting the rating throughout the year and the creative will be looking to wash their hand clean by pulling of a spectacular show at TLC.

With WrestleMania drawing closer after each second, the fans will be looking at TLC as the platform where the seeds is to be sown for the grand stage. So here is a look at the twists and turns that could take place at the Toyota Centre on December 15th.

Midcard titles

The only title that is likely to change hands is the Diva’s championship, AJ Lee has been on the receiving side of Natalya show for some time and a title reign for the Total Diva star pretty much looks on the card. The title change also could pave way for NXT prospect Paige to enter the main roster as she is already building some heat with Natalya in NXT.

As far as the other titles go, Intercontinental Championship looks destined to remain with Big E Langston even though Damien Sandow looks like a worthy opponent. And Dean Ambrose won’t be defending the United States Championship since he will be busy with the handicap match against CM Punk.

A match for the Tag Team titles is yet to be booked for TLC, but Ryback and Curtis Axel are the favorites to land a title shot. The Real Americans, The Usos and The Primetime Players could fail to make it into the match card but a three way dance for the number one contender ship would be an intriguing way to book them.

 Daniel Bryan joining the Wyatts

“I see you for what you really are, but they, they look at you like you’re some circus clown here for their amusement,” Bray Wyatt summed up the situation between Daniel Bryan and WWE with that one sentence.

And it would be the same sentence that will be making the run in every fan’s mind that has seen Bryan being pulled down whenever he is at the top of the mountain. The only interesting prospect that could culminate after the handicap match at TLC will be Bryan joining the Wyatts.

For elementary level, Bryan has beard and the whole Wyatt Family have beard. Seeing in a wider angle, as Wyatt once said, together they could bring the machine to its knees it’s a risky move since Bryan will be indulged in a stable in which only one guy talks, but it’s a risk worth taking than giving Bryan the inconsistent booking that he has been given over the year.

Chaotic end for Unification

If you thought the WWE is going to unify their top titles at a B-grade pay-per-view like TLC, well think again.

Thought they confirmed that the winner will be referred as the unified champion, they are yet to verbally say that it’s going to be a single title after TLC. This opens door for a disappointment for the fans as we could even see worse things like the two superstars swapping the titles.

The only way that this can be made interesting would be the addition of a third external party who could stir up the proceedings. Triple H is the most likely one to be if such a plan is to be executed at the same time a return of Vince McMahon to the scene would be more than welcome.

All possibilities apart, one thing that will not happen at TLC for sure will be one wrestler holding both the title and unifying unless of course a miracle happens, like Cena turning heel.

Friction between The Shield and Punk’s triumph

It not a secret that the Shield will be broken to aid the eventual push of Roman Reigns and the handicap match at TLC promises to be the inception of the split.

The fact that handicap matches always fails to be a classic, adds much more pressure on the creative to pull off some surprise at the pay-per-view. Punk would be seen taking advantage of the chaos among the trio to emerge as the winner and leave the Shield behind to concentrate on The Authority.

Aftereffects of the match will be the most interesting as Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose could be pitted against Roman Reigns while Punk will be playing the Stone Cold like figure as he go against Triple H with the backing of WWE universe. It could also build up to a potential Punk vs. Triple H showdown at WrestleMania.

Keeping it short and simple, this is the biggest attraction of TLC purely due to the underlying stories and their dimensions.

Jim Ross Predicts Randy Orton Will Defeat John Cena at TLC PPV

 

Jim Ross has a new blog on jrsbarbq.com with predictions for WWE TLC. Here's what he wrote for the big Randy Orton vs. John Cena match:

"For the Undisputed Championship, or whatever it will be called, I'm going with Randy Orton, likely with a little help from his friends, whoever they may be, to beat John Cena Sunday night in Houston. This then sets up Cena on a quest/march to WM30 to get in the main event to compete for the title. I see Cena vs. Orton going past 30 minutes of bell to bell time Sunday and having a helluva match. They have the chemistry to get it done and the motivation of the unification match to motivate them as well.
 
I do fully expect that one man leaves with the Undisputed Title and if that doesn't occur I feel that will be a mistake. A definitive winner creates so many more positive scenarios with which to work with creatively."

Kurt Angle Says Steve Austin Was Better Than Anybody in the Ring

Kurt Angle spoke with DNA India about working with WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin during his career in the WWE. 

"Steve and I had a great chemistry," Angle said. "We both did each other wrong many times. Ultimately, I would say he was one of the best I have seen in my life. He was better than anybody in the ring. Not just his character, but his ability to talk on the microphone with that attitude – he was a complete wrestler."

Randy Orton Leaving TLC as Unified Champion ???

For what it's worth, there's a feeling within WWE that Randy Orton may come out of TLC as the winner largely because it's a TLC match and that means John Cena can lose without being pinned or submitted.

Updated Match Card for WWE TLC

The TLC pre-show panel will be made up of Josh Mathews, The Miz, Mick Foley and Booker T. 

* TLC Kickoff (Pre-Show)

Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango (with Summer Rae)

* WWE Divas Championship
AJ Lee (c) vs. Natalya     

* 3-on-1 Handicap match
Daniel Bryan vs. The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan)     

* Fatal 4 Way Match for WWE Tag Team Title Match 
Ryback & Curtis Axel vs. Big Show & Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger & Antonio Cesaro vs. Cody Rhodes & Goldust 

* WWE Intercontinental Championship
Big E Langston (c) vs. Damien Sandow 

 * 3-on-1 Handicap match

CM Punk vs. The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns)    

* Champion vs. Champion match
Tables Ladders and Chairs match for Orton's WWE Championship and Cena's World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs. John Cena (c) 

5 Superstars who could return at Royal Rumble

Royal Rumble has always given us memorable battle royals and epic encounters. But another highlight of the pay-per-view is the surprise return of superstars. From Hall of Famers to established stars, Royal Rumble has been a place for the wrestlers to make the crowd erupt and go wild. Throughout its history the event hasn’t failed to disappoint us when it comes to superstar returns and this year won’t be any different. So here’s a look at the possible wrestlers who could carry on the tradition and return at Royal Rumble.

Shelton Benjamin

Shelton was a superstar who used to woo the crowd with his sheer athleticism and ability to make his opponents look good. And after a long stint away from the WWE, he finally teased his return recently through his Twitter account. Though the WWE is yet to make a response, his return looks certain after he dropped such a big hint. But in the current landscape of the company, the creative wouldn’t want to bring him back on television, which makes Royal Rumble the ideal setting for his return. Shelton would be an excellent addition to the upper-midcard which is on a collision course due to the lack of experienced stars.  A good show in the Rumble could directly propel him into the scene and he can be used instrumentally in making the United States or InterContinental title more relevant. Add all that possibilities together and what we have in our hands will be an eminent return of Shelton Benjamin.

Rob Van Dam

Mr. Monday Night Raw found it hard to find his feet when he returned last time around. A short feud with Alberto Del Rio and an alliance with Ricardo Rodriguez showed that the company didn’t have any idea on how to use him. But the story would be different if Van Dam returns during the business part of the year. With everything building up to WrestleMania, a Rumble return would be ideal for Van Dam who will be free of his film project by the time of Royal Rumble. It is to be seen whether he comes back as a rumble entrant or re ignites his feud with Del Rio. Either way his return would only be a good thing for business which is severely lacking the star power of wrestlers like him.

Sheamus

The Celtic warrior has almost ran his recovery time and is all set for a comeback, but what makes Royal Rumble the best place for his return is that he could directly go to WrestleMania from there. He has a history if winning the Rumble previously and has also been linked up with a possible match with the Undertaker. A title feud with John Cena is also in the rumors which surely will give us a chance to see him turn heel again. His injury came as a chaotic problem for the creative and they will be looking to bring him back with a bang. It would be interesting to see what kind of push he is assigned to, as anything less than a main event one could hinder the plans for WrestleMania.

Brock Lesnar

A feud between Lesnar and Ryback has been in the winds for some time with the Royal Rumble being the stage to witness the clash of these monsters. Lesnar and Paul Heyman are touted to return on Rumble interfering in Ryback’s match which would be a surprise catalyst to the babyface turn of Ryback. It’s sure that he won’t be returning as Rumble entrant as he wouldn’t want to lose out his swing going into WrestleMania, where is could face the Streak. Running down the ring and attacking a wrestler would be typical Brock Lesnar and Royal Rumble looks destined to boast a repeat of history. All things apart, the only thing that needs to be known now will be the person on the receiving side.

The Undertaker

One thing is for sure that there won’t be a WrestleMania XXX without the Undertaker, and it would only make sense if the Phenom makes his return before the grand stage to build some momentum for his once in a year showdown. Since the Rumble is the official start for Road to WrestleMania, the WWE would be more than happy to announce Undertaker’s opponent on January. Such a move will give the company enough time to promote the match and put in some interesting confrontations to add spice. He might not jump into the ring and knock his opponent down at Rumble but Taker looks certain to bless us with his presence. The lack of knowledge on his opponent makes it impossible to predict the manner of his return but the news of him coming back would be enough for the fans to fill the seats.

John Cena Challenges Randy Orton After Survivor Series

After tonight's WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view went off the air in Boston, John Cena challenged Randy Orton to a champion vs. champion match. Orton declined and Kane went after Cena but Triple H stopped him repeatedly. Kane grabbed Triple H for a chokeslam but Orton calmed him down. The Authority left and Cena took the mic to cut a promo until Triple H came back out. 

Cena challenged Triple H to get in the ring but Vince McMahon came out and stopped Triple H from going in. Cena taunted Vince as Vince got ready to fight. This brought out Stephanie McMahon, who stopped Vince. The Authority walked to the back together but not before Vince stopped on the stage to do the Los Matadores' "Ole!" gesture with his jacket.

Jim Ross Predicts the Survivor Series

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on JrsbarBq.com. Here are some highlights. 

Survivor Series Kickoff: 

Kofi Kingston was educated in Boston and is kicking off the pre show vs. the newly re-minted villain The Miz..so to get the crowd engaged and up...I'd go with Kofi winning. With that said, Miz likely wins the pre show match. 

Intercontinental Championship: 

Big E retains the IC Title vs. Curtis Axel in definitive fashion. Hopefully, Big E won't have to suffer through a series of losing efforts in the "non title' bouts that he's booked in the near future. Fans of any ilk can associate with winning and winners. Hopefully, Big E gets on a roll and resurrects the Intercontinental Title. BTW...Big E's 'Five Count' ala King Kong Bundy that "E" used in NXT was good stuff. I wish that he'd do it now. Fans loved it at Full Sail. 

Traditional Elimination matches: 

Two traditional Survivor Series Elimination tag matches involves 14 or so Divas in a bout that will likely feature rapid fire finishes with the Total Diva cast winning on a night that their show airs on E and coming off the heels that another season is in the making. This match will follow something that is expected to be hot. This match will be about comedy, one liners and to promote the E Network's Total Diva program. 

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination tag #2....features a guaranteed Cesaro Swing in a somewhat cold match. I'd assume the fan favorites will win but I'm somewhat ambivalent as to the outcome. I'd expect WWE to protect Rey Mysterio especially if he's coming back to a close to full time schedule from knee issues. Watch for tension within The Shield. 

Punk & Daniel Bryan teaming against Harper/Rowan: 

Punk/Bryan vs. Harper/Rowan with Bray Wyatt....I see this as the potential show stealer. Gut says something is going to happen here in a significant way. Remember Bray Wyatt scheduled to be at ring side. It's hard to beat three up and coming villains when the villains have a man advantage and are in the evolution process. Nice thing about this match for me is that it is somewhat unpredictable. Wyatt Family need the win more than the two protagonist stars. 

World Heavyweight Championship:

 Cena vs. ADR for World Title....likely straight forward Cena win but the shocker would be for Cena to tap in his hometown of Boston and to continue the story. ADR losing essentially takes him out of the loop including the predicted live event rematches vs Cena that likely will include new stips. Remember, even Superman had kryptonite but it's likely a Cena wins via submission. To shock the world, get close to have ticket selling steam on a main event villain, and set the hero on a chase to regain his championship, the bold move would be to beat Cena in Boston. But if that occurs I will swear off BBQ for a month. 

WWE Championship: 

Orton vs. Big Show for the WWE Title....I'd expect some sort of a 'Boston Screw Job' at Survivor Series especially with Bret Hart on the HOF TV panel. Plus, remember when Bret got shafted at Survivor Series versus Bob Backlund. Just seems as if it's too easy to not cheat Big Show out of the title and to add much needed heat to Orton and the 'Authority' personas. Nice place here for the Shield to circle back through the PPV.

Cody Rhodes talks about Intercontinental title belt & more

In a new interview with Chad Dukes, Cody Rhodes noted that he paid to have the white Intercontinental Title, currently held by Big E Langston, brought back. He said: 

"You have no idea how difficult that was to get the IC Title, the white IC Title, which Big E Langston is now our new Intercontinental Champion and that was such a cool thing for him, to see that and see it still around. It makes me feel happy because that was such a pain to get done. Not many people know this; I paid for the title to be recreated. I was refunded, heavily refunded, but I paid to show it to the man and say, “Listen, this will get a reaction, that you might not think it will and here’s why,” you know? And I’m very happy to see it still in existence." 

WWE Tag Team Champion Cody Rhodes joined Doug Mortman and Mike Riker on Busted Open. You can hear Busted Open on SiriusXM 92 and on the SiriusXM app. Here are highlights: 

Thoughts on Rey Mysterio on the Survivor Series team: 

Rey has a lot left to give. I got the opportunity to see him at the WWE Performance Center and to see him take him time to get back to work and that was the best thing that he can do. He’s had eight knee surgeries, I think. To take his time and properly rehab and properly facilitate in the fashion that he did. He’s one hundred percent and I’ve known Rey for a long time and I can confidently tell you in this situation, he is one hundred percent and if anybody knows anything about pro wrestling and sports entertainment, if they ever saw Rey Mysterio go, it’s some of the most exciting matches that you will ever see. He is just as good as he was when I saw him wrestle Dean Malenko at Halloween Havoc as he will be at Survivor Series. 

Amazed at Goldust’s comeback: 

Dustin and I, were not as close as people think but we are real brothers and I know a lot about his personal life and he is such a fitness fanatic and he is living a healthy lifestyle. He has made that choice for three or four years now and I knew it would translate into his return to the ring in some fashion but I didn’t know how well it would translate. It’s full on competitive now between him and I and that’s what makes a great team. I don’t want to be any step behind my older brother and he doesn’t want to be any step behind his younger brother so it makes for a great dynamic. I’m shocked every time I see him in the ring, every time, because he is able to pull out something new and he able to perform at the level he was performing when he started out in the business. 

Any changes after his promo on the night he was fired: 

I think sometimes when people don’t expect you to say certain things, when they consider certain things taboo and when you step on someone’s toes with what you said but there is truth behind it. I think it makes for compelling television and I know nothing was given to me which is rare in a television show where you able to be free and tell our audience how you feel. I don’t know if anything has necessarily changed. I know for me having been here with WWE since I was twenty years old, I couldn’t even purchase alcohol when I started with WWE. I don’t have any fear with anything within the company anymore because there’s no point to have any fear. It makes for a very feel individual. I show up when I’m supposed to and I know that I have the ability to have a match with anybody on that roster and that’s what I’m going to try to do and it’s one of Vince’s things. You will get nowhere unless you step on a lot of toes and I’ve consistently been trying to do that. For me, that change wasn’t necessarily when that promo happened, I say that change happened when I started that rivalry with Rey Mysterio almost three years ago and it’s been the same ever since. I grew up very quickly here. 

Connecting with the crowd: 

I think some fans who are critics and some of our insider people who are too inside; they look at it from that perspective: “That he’s second generation, it was easy for him to get there and it easy to steal the elements from his father and brother”, they think that’s easy. For me, the best advice that I ever got was to be the exact opposite of everybody. Don’t have bleach blond hair, don’t jab, don’t do the bionic elbow, and don’t do any of that because it’s just too easy. For me, I’m a student of the game but I’m also a student of, if anything, not my dad or not my brother but of the guys that competed with him. I would say if I had to make a Survivor Series fantasy team, it would be the Ric Flair’s and the Kevin Sullivan’s because that’s where I learned the most from. I don’t do any service to anybody who turns into our product to come out to my dad’s music, which I hated by the way, and to do something that he did. I have to be who I am, Goldust needs to be who he is and at the end of the day when the fans say: “Hey, who is one of the great families in our industry?” Hopefully they will say us because of just that. We gave each audience, each generation and each age group something different. 

Possibilities of the brother versus brother match at WrestleMania: 

I can say that it’s something that is always buzzing out there of the idea of Goldust versus Cody Rhodes and that’s flattering but I can tell you that the worst thing that our audience can do is assume that’s what’s going to happen, let whatever transpire and it will be more entertaining than speculation. I know this though and I can honestly tell you, if I had the opportunity to wrestle any singles match at a WrestleMania which is a superstars dream and it happened to be against my brother, my real life brother, I don’t know any match that would be better, any match with titles or not that would have anymore meaning behind it as far as the sixteen year age difference between us and the true competitive nature of being the sons of a hall of famer and it’s something that I wouldn’t discourage. 

Daniel Bryan Comments on His Match at Survivor Series

Daniel Bryan recently spoke with The Boston Herald to promote tomorrow's WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view. Here are some highlights from the article: 

Boston ties with Brie Bella: 

"I’m engaged to Brie Bella, and our very first date was in Boston. We went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and that was when we realized we really, really liked each other. That was in January of 2011, and now we’re getting married next April." 

Dedicating Sunday's match to his dog, an 11-year-old yellow lab named Asparagus the Wonder Dog that died just five days ago: 

"He was legitimately my best friend. Every title I’ve ever won, I would always take a picture with Asparagus with the title and proclaim him the champion. He was a very special dog." 

The match with CM Punk against The Wyatt Family: 

"You’ll see me bring an energy and enthusiasm when I team with Punk against the Wyatts. It’s a very different style matchup. The Wyatts are just big wild brawlers, while we’re aerial, technical wrestlers. It’s a grudge match, and we’re not going to find out who the best wrestlers are. We’re going to find out who the best fighters are, because this is definitely going to be a fight." 

Ryback to issue open challenge at Survivor Series & challenge to Goldberg at WrestleMania

While promoting Sunday's Survivor Series pay-per-view, James Stewart asked Ryback about the about possibility facing Goldberg in the ring. 

 Ryback said...

"I have a great amount of respect for Bill Goldberg, but I'm not going to beat around the bush and say I wanna be best friends with the guy,"

"I'd like to face him in the ring. I've heard him say he's not happy with comments I've made about him. If he has a problem with it let's settle it at Wrestlemania."

 Ryback also revealed he will be issuing an open challenge at Sunday's big event. He said: 

“The open challenge is for anyone out there. I’m kind of a bully. I like a good fight and I like picking on people. If it’s someone bigger than me so be it.” 

Cody Rhodes comments on possibly facing Goldust at WrestleMania XXX

Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com recently spoke with WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes to promote the Survivor Series pay-per-view. Here are some highlights: 

On being part of a traditional Survivor Series elimination match: 

It's the cornerstone of the PPV itself. Of course, I think back to the 90's where you had almost every match on the pay-per-view was a Survivor Series elimination style match. It was a holiday classic and all the colorful characters you had. I'm allowed to be a fan a little bit when I look at the lineup and I look at myself, my brother Goldust, the Usos and a sure-fire, Hall of Famer in Rey Mysterio to be part of our own team, it's a good feeling. 

On wrestling being a part of his Thanksgiving growing up in a wrestling family: 

That's what Thanksgiving and Christmas both were because there was that period of time when those were the biggest days or some of the biggest days of the year for the territory promotions and even for early WWF. It was one of those things where I didn't know what other folks were doing. I just knew our own system where you had what was going on in the day but it was more exciting what was going on in the night and that was always wrestling. 

On what he and his wife bought with the Bed, Bath and Beyond card that the McMahon's gave them for a wedding gift on Raw: 

Legit, true thing that happened. So much of what we do is entertainment but this is 100% fact: my old man pocketed that gift card. So we never saw it because it was given to us out of spite he thought we wouldn't want to see it. I don't know but we never saw it. I think he bought my mom something. 

How much was on the card: 

It was a pretty hefty card. It was $500. You can actually do some major damage at Bed, Bath and Beyond and I believe they did. I haven't been over but if I go over and there's like a robotic trash can and new slippers and stuff like that … he pocketed it, 100%. 

On teaming with his brother: 

I think if anything it's a shock. Being in his 40's I didn't expect him to return with the surge that he returned with. Some people will give you that target age for people in their prime. I can tell you that Dustin is 44 and he's in his prime. He's the best he's even been. He's doing things he hasn't done since he was 20-something and he's as healthy as a horse. For me, it's just a shock. I never expected to be in a tag-team, nonetheless being the tag-team champions with my brother and that 16-year age difference and the complete opposite ends. Him and I are nothing alike so it's really just been a fun shock.

On possibly facing his brother at WrestleMania XXX: 

I can't deny the fact I've heard all these rumblings of Goldust versus Cody Rhodes and all I can say is that if it's something the fans want, if it's something the WWE Universe wants, then they'll get it. And it's not always right away. And there's more things going on and there's a lot of 'that's best for business expression' but it it's something that fans want, I could see it being a very high possibility.

The Shield & The Wyatts to Face Off at WrestleMania XXX?

As seen on Monday's Raw, the show concluded with The Shield battling The Wyatt Family in a short-lived brawl before both parties turned their attention to the babyfaces. Despite Monday's event, don't expect the nefarious factions to feud quite yet. 

During tonight's episode of SmackDown, a video package aired highlighting the heated conclusion of Raw and the brawl is not shown. 

According to F4WOnline.com, people within the organization feel it was a tease that will be touched again early next year. Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer stated in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that creative had suggested they duel at WrestleMania XXX.

Jim Ross Comments on Why Chris Benoit's Son Should Stay Away from Wrestling

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his Q&A on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights: 

Why does he think David Benoit should stay away from the wrestling business? 

I don't speak fir WWE. Just expressed my personal opinion. Not sure the kid finds happiness in his dad's old business plus over 90% of those that try out for wwe don't make it no matter their name. I'd say same to my kids. 

Does he think The Great Khali will be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day? 

Strictly as a guess, I'd say not likely. 

Not wanting to run his own wrestling promotion:

To invest my money and my time in a wrestling promotion isn't something that I would ever consider. The lack of talent that's available...TV production costs...dwenling crowds...the baby sitting that's involved, etc isn't something that interests me whatsoever. Plus, small promotions are challenged to even break even financially and I'm not a break even guy. 

Who should The Undertaker face in his final match?

Brock...Cena...Rock would be on my short list. 

His favorite William Regal moment? 

My favorite Regal moment was being able to help him salvage his career because of personal demons. 

Shane McMahon to Appear at WrestleMania XXX?

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are interested in having Shane McMahon make an appearance at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans, Louisiana, according to F4WOnline.com on Friday. No word yet on whether the former wrestling executive is interested. 

McMahon left WWE in 2010 to pursue other opportunities. In July, McMahon voluntarily stepped down as CEO of YOU On Demand, whilst remaining YOD's principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board.

Ryback to Feud with Brock Lesnar

Ryback appears to be turning babyface after Paul Heyman dismissed Ryback as a potential "Paul Heyman Guy" on Raw on Monday. According to F4WOnline.com, current plans call for Ryback to feud with Brock Lesnar, with a match likely taking place at Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. 

Bill Goldberg Not Likely to Wrestle Ryback at WrestleMania XXX

While WWE officials would like to have Ryback face Goldberg at WrestleMania XXX, sources within the company don't expect the former WCW Champion to come on board since he would almost certainly be asked to job. Goldberg stated in an interview earlier this year that he would not return to the company to lose. 

Hulk Hogan Says He Will Be At WrestleMania XXX

WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart told Ring Posts that Hulk Hogan plans on being at next year's WrestleMania XXX pay-per-view event. 

"Hogan knew I was doing this press tour with WWE promoting the DVD," Hart told The Baltimore Sun. "He told me to say exactly this: Hulk Hogan will be at WrestleMania if he has to buy a ticket and sit at ringside. 

"I think he can step into the ring one more time. We have a school in Florida, and he stepped into the ring there and did some stuff, and he looked great. As his friend, I'd be the first one to say, 'Listen Hulk, do us a favor, just go out to the ring to Real American, say OK Brother, rip the shirt, do the pose, sign a bunch of autographs and people will still be just as happy,' ... but he does have a couple of good matches left in him, he really does. I've got my fingers crossed we see something at WrestleMania." 

Jimmy also said that fans would like to see Hogan face John Cena at WrestleMania.

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Comments on Bullying

With the current Miami Dolphins bullying controversy going on, The Miami Herald spoke with WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase about bullying in sports and wrestling. He said: 

"Whether it’s wrestling or football or whatever, when you are the rookie or the new kid, there are things they will put you through to break you in. Some of it I think is fine, but when it comes to bullying, and on the level this appears to be, there is no place for that." 

"I do school assemblies and talk to kids about bullies. Basically, in my opinion, most bullies are cowards because most bullies don’t pick on people their own size. They pick on someone smaller, or maybe not smaller like in this case, [rather] underneath you of rank. The whole I’m a veteran and you’re the rookie, and you’re going to smile and take it because I’m the veteran." 

"There is no place for name calling. There is no place for racism, if in fact that is what is involved here. I don’t know what went on behind the scenes. Just from the stories I’ve heard, if I was owner of the team, I would have been appalled." 

WWE Makes Several Changes to Their Wellness Policy

WWE made some changes to their Wellness Policy back in July that went under the radar until now. The most notable changes appear to be fines for testing positive for alcohol and a new way talents can get violations erased from their record with the Redemption Program. Here are some of the changes: 

 A WWE Talent may request a Therapeutic Use Exception (“TUE”) for a prohibited drug under the Policy if 

(i) such use is for a legitimate medical purpose given pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed and treating physician of the WWE Talent;

(ii) the use of such prohibited drug is required for more than sixty (60) consecutive days; 

(iii) the medical need for the prescription and for the prescribed dosage is documented in accordance with standards and practices commonly accepted within the United States medical community; and

(iv) the medical need is confirmed by the Medical Director. A WWE Talent in need of a TUE must immediately notify, or cause his/her issuing physician to notify, the Medical Director of the existence of a prescription for a prohibited drug and the medical need for the TUE. Whenever requested to do so by the Medical Director, the WWE Talent shall provide, or cause his/her issuing physician to provide any and all documentation supporting the issuance of the prescription. If requested by the Medical Director, a WWE talent will be examined by physicians/consultants designated by the Medical Director with an expertise in the specific area covered by the prescription. Following the review of all documentation provided by WWE Talent and his/her medical team and, if necessary, the results of any medical exams/tests performed by physicians/consultants designated by the Medical Director, the Medical Director shall make a determination as to whether or not a TUE should be granted to a WWE Talent. The Medical Director shall report his determination to the WWE Talent, the PA and WWE. 

A TUE shall be effective for no more than one
(1) calendar year (or the remainder of the calendar year then in effect) from the date the WWE Talent first notified, or caused his/her issuing physician to first notify, the Medical Director of the need for a TUE and the existence of a prescription for a prohibited drug. The TUE shall not be effective for any use or possession of a prohibited drug prior to that date. After initial issuance, a TUE may be renewed annually, upon request of the WWE Talent, if (i) the WWE Talent is in full compliance with the terms of the previously issued TUE;
(ii) the WWE Talent provides updated medical documentation necessary to support the continued need for a TUE, and
(iii) the WWE Talent submits to any additional medical tests or exams required by the Medical Director to confirm the continuing need for the TUE. 

A urine sample which is found to contain a prohibited drug will not be deemed a positive test result if such sample was provided by a WWE Talent with a valid and effective TUE for that prohibited drug. A WWE Talent with a TUE for a prohibited drug does not violate the Policy by possessing or using that prohibited drug. A WWE Talent who is determined not to qualify for a TUE may not challenge a determination that he/she violated the Policy by contending, in connection with a “no fault or negligence” defense or otherwise, that he/she believed he/she would qualify or had qualified for a TUE. 

 Any WWE Talent, who is arrested, convicted or who admits to a violation of law relating to use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of drugs will be in material breach of his/her contract with WWE and subject to immediate dismissal. 

 In the event of a positive test for alcohol, the WWE Talent shall be fined Two Thousand Five Hundred US Dollars ($2,500.00) per positive test, which shall be deducted from the WWE Talent's downside guarantee. 

A WWE talent who has “two” violations under the Policy may, subject to Medical Director approval, enter the Redemption Program. The Redemption Program is an eighteen (18) month process that requires the following: 

* An initial assessment conducted by the Medical Director (or, as the case may be, an addiction specialist recommended by the Medical Director) who will analyze the addiction related issues and health related concerns then being experienced by the WWE Talent, develop proposed treatments, therapies and/or support programs that may assist the WWE Talent in managing these issues/concerns and determine initial entry date for the WWE Talent into the Redemption Program; 

* Compliance with the assessment recommendations made by the Medical Director (or, as the case may be, an addiction specialist recommended by the Medical Director) for the duration of the eighteen (18) month program; 

* Mandatory unannounced follow-up testing as set forth in Section 8(C) (1) of the Policy; and 

* No violations under the Policy for eighteen (18) consecutive months after initial entry into the Redemption Program. 

* Upon successful completion of the Redemption Program, the WWE Talent shall request the PA, with the approval of the Medical Director, to delete one (1) of the two (2) violations of record for such WWE Talent. In the event the PA determines in favor of the request, the violation record for such WWE Talent will then be amended to reflect the reduction of a violation leaving the WWE Talent with only one (1) violation under the Policy. 

 Pain medications, and other substances prohibited by this Policy, may be abused at times and can become addictive. A WWE Talent who believes he/she may have a problem with substance abuse is encouraged to self-report and request assistance. No penalties are imposed on WWE Talent for voluntarily acknowledging a problem to the Medical Director prior to a drug test being performed herein and WWE will assist in securing rehabilitation services in such situations. The rehabilitation process can be engaged by a WWE Talent notifying the Medical Director, the PA, WWE Ringside Physicians or the WWE Wellness Coordinator that he/she has a problem and needs assistance.