THE ROCK’S “PAIN & GAIN” TOPS THE WEEKEND BOX OFFICE WITH $20 MILLION

According to BoxOfficemojo.com, The Rock’s new movie “Pain & Gain” is estimated to have drawn $20 million in its opening weekend, on par with industry predictions.

The $20 million haul would put Pain & Gain at the top of the box office, ahead of “Oblivion,” which drew approximately $17.4 million in its second week “The Big Wedding” came in at #3 with $7.5 million, below expectations.

Overall weekend box office revenue and attendance was down 12% compared to the same weekend last year. Pain & Gain faces stiff competition next weekend, when “Iron Man 3″ premieres.

WWE CHAMPION JOHN CENA INJURED

WWE Champion John Cena was injured last night during WWE’s overseas tour of Europe.

According to WWE.com, he injured his right Achilles tendon during a match against Ryback. Cena was actually teaming with Kane and Daniel Bryan against the team of Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston. The show took place in Lodz, Poland and was the final stop on the tour before WWE flew back to the United States for tomorrow night’s WWE RAW from Columbus, Ohio.

The report states:
"The injury raises questions about the scheduled match between Cena and Ryback at Extreme Rules on May 19. What lies ahead for the Cenation leader? Does this put Ryback one step closer to capturing the WWE Title?"

At this point, there are no definitive details as to the extent of the injury – and what it means for Cena’s upcoming WWE Title defense against Ryback at Extreme Rules. It’s worth noting that none of the live reports we’ve seen from the show mentioned that Cena appeared to be injured. The news is coming from WWE, so the validity of the injury is open to your interpretation.

WWE is teasing that we’ll get an update on RAW – where John Cena is scheduled to team up with Ryback against The Shield.



JOHN CENA COMMENTS ON HIS INJURY

WWE Champion John Cena tweeted the following on Sunday afternoon regarding WWE.com’s report that he suffered an Achilles tendon injury last night overseas:

John Cena       
@JohnCena
"Finally home from a great European tour. I'm banged up, but I'm not going to miss Monday Night #Raw."
10:51 PM - 28 Apr 2013

JIM ROSS BLOG:

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The Rock’s In-Ring Future: 

“@TheRock says that he ‘might’ have wrestled his last match. I say its not the season for ‘mights’ and that a performer/athlete like Dwayne Johnson goes out on his terms and not because of a fixable injury.”

Appearing On Steve Austin’s Podcast: 

“I’m not planning on doing a podcast at this time but will be a guest on @steveaustinBSR podcast in the future.”

WWE PG: 

“Some fans still believe that a TV rating, specifically TV14, is what makes a wrestling show either good or not. Some fans continue to clamor for WWE to return to a TV14 rating but I don’t see it happening. What made the Attitude Era successful was the talent roster that was dotted with main event level, hungry, competitive athletes who had no issue pushing a peer out of the way to get to the main event level and then fight like hell to stay there. I contend that great talents can make PG rated TV be ultra successful over the long haul if the presentation is smart and strategic.”

Jack Swagger Stepping Up: 

“I see @RealJackSwagger stepping up his game, especially lately, and @WWEZeb deserves much of the credit. Even a pet coon goofy blind man can see that Swagger is a great athlete but there is more to becoming a star in ring performer than just athleticism of which many of us covet. It’s the intangibles such as in ring psychology that must also be in place. The veteran Zeb looks to be an excellent tutor for the former Sooner wrestling all American.”

COMMENTS ON JOHN CENA’S INJURY:

“WWE.com reporting that WWE Champion John Cena has sustained an injury while on the European Tour. The report states that Cena has issues with his right, Achilles tendon which can be a dicey matter. Achilles injuries can be puzzling especially if they aren’t torn and don’t require surgery. In other words these types of injuries can linger if one doesn’t get the proper rest and allow the tendon to heal. The injury is legit as Cena has been suffering through this matter for several days even though he hasn’t missed any bookings. Always said the man has the work ethic and toughness of an offensive lineman which is a good thing.”

The Rock Continues Rhetoric That He Could Have Worked His Last Match

The Rock did a Q&A on Twitter Friday evening. In it, he continued with the rhetoric that his match at Wrestlemania 29 could have been his last, talked about his future schedule and confirmed he was asked to be in Transformers.

The following is from Twitter:


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tiger tomblin
@TigerTomblin
"@TheRock. Was wrestlemania the last time we see the rock in the ring? #RockTalk"

Dwayne Johnson      
@TheRock
"Mania may have been my last match. The 3 year goal was to come in & elevate the @WWE. Then proudly "do the honors". #RockTalk @TigerTomblin"
3:38 AM - 27 Apr 2013

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Mel Ehlert 
@melehlert88
"@TheRock do you have any projects in line after the filming of Hercules? Would be awesome to see you in the Ring again.."

Dwayne Johnson       
@TheRock
"After Hercules, I'll partner up w/ Wahlberg - cool HBO project, then possibly FAST 7 - haven't decided yet on that. #RockTalk @melehlert88"
3:10 AM - 27 Apr 2013

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Nadya Denisova 
@Nadydi
"@TheRock i listened  you will participate in "Transformers" movie. True or not? #RockTalk"

Dwayne Johnson   
@TheRock
"Michael Bay offered me Transformers, but I was unavailable due to Hercules. Then Wahlberg was offered the role. #RockTalk @Nadydi"
2:53 AM - 27 Apr 2013


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DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON'S DIET PLAN REVEALED

Currently out in theaters is Pain & Gain, an action-crime film that features part-time WWE Superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the role of a born-again Christian, sober ex-con who gets caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes “terribly wrong.” For the role of a massive, sadistic bodybuilder, the multi-time wrestling champion added twelve to fifteen pounds of muscle to push his 6-foot-4 frame to over 250 pounds.

Here is an approximation of Johnson’s seven-meals-a-day diet plan, which combined with an intensive workout regime, he followed for sixteen weeks to prepare for the role, as well as to maintain his sizable look through the filming process.

Meal one: ten-ounce beef fillet, two cups of oatmeal, two-egg omelet.

Meal two: eight ounces of cod, twelve ounces of sweet potatoes, one cup of steamed vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms).

Meal three: eight ounces of chicken, two cups of white rice, one cup of vegetables.

Meal four: eight ounces of cod, two cups of rice, one cup of vegetables.

Meal five: eight ounces of steak, twelve ounces of baked potato fries, one salad.

Meal six: ten ounces of cod, two more cups of rice, one salad.

Meal seven: thirty grams of casein protein powder, ten-egg-white omelet, one cup of vegetables, one tablespoon of Omega-3 fish oil.

Regarding the diet, Johnson noted, “There’s a right way and a wrong way to bulk up for a film. The wrong way is to eat as much garbage as you can for weeks on end, which actors have the tendency of doing. It’s unhealthy and puts an incredible amount of stress on your body, joints, tendons and digestive system. The right way is to bulk up with good complex carbs and protein/fat sources.”

Though Johnson portrays a drug-fueled character, the actor/wrestler insists he did not utilize steroids to achieve his hulking physique for the role.

“Oh, no,” Johnson responded when asked directly by USA Today in an interview published this week whether he used steroids to get big for the role. He then looked at castmate Mark Wahlberg and said, “How about you? You did all kinds.”

“What?” Wahlberg said, snapping to attention. “Steroids? No. I don’t (mess) with those.”

Johnson, however, did acknowledge experimenting with steroids while playing football at the University of Miami.

“We didn’t know what we were taking or if anything worked,” he said.


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“PAIN & GAIN” REVIEWS AND BOX OFFICE ESTIMATES

Deadline.com projects that The Rock’s new movie “Pain & Gain” will do approximately $19 million this weekend. Reviews for the movie have been mixed (47% on Rotten Tomatoes), but The Rock and Mark Wahlberg have both been praised for doing their best with an otherwise lackluster script.

Could Triple H Possibly Get Steve Austin to Return to WWE ???

Triple H has been trying to make a name for himself by inking “impossible” deals, with obviously his biggest to date being Bruno Sammartino agreeing to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. 

It's now come to light that Hunter has already got a backup plan for WM30 that if Rock doesn’t come back to wrestle Lesnar, he’ll finally get a deal done with Austin and it would be just as big, if not bigger.

One commented this could be a more than desirable backup plan given the fact The Rock has worked two WrestleMania’s in a row and “one last match” for Steve Austin would be a huge spectacle. 

It's also not the match Austin wants so it would take an awful lot from Triple H to get Austin to agree to terms. It's no better than a 50/50 chance as of this writing.

Jim Ross blog

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross Say he doesn't expect to see Undertaker on TV much in the Future.  WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on JrsBarBq.com. Here are some highlights. 

WWE's Most Underutilized Performer: 

"I was asked recently on Twitter who I thought was one of the most underrated athletes in the WWE locker room I mentioned that an argument could be made for more than one but off the top of my head I'd go with @WWEMcGillicutty. The son of the late Curt Hennig is the complete package and is only getting better. Some of his bouts in NXT have been excellent. I like the kid a great deal and hope that he sticks with the goal of achieving his dream to follow in his dad's footsteps and to create his own legacy."

John Cena At Next Week's NXT Tapings: 

"Big week in NXT Thursday night at Full Sail University in Orlando/Winter Haven, Florida. Young talents are expected to be better than they were when we taped five, one hour broadcasts prior to WrestleMania 29. If someone claims that they are 'peaking' at this young age because the scenery is getting stale then they are helping themselves out the door. John Cena is set to join us on Thursday May 2." 

Undertaker vs. Dean Ambrose: 

"Looking forward to watching Friday Night Smackdown tonight as the Undertaker takes on the Shield's Dean Ambrose. I don't expect to see Taker on TV that much at all in the future but what an opportunity for Ambrose and his teammates to shine with a future Hall of Famer."

STEVE AUSTIN & KEVIN NASH TWEET WELL WISHES TO THE ROCK

Superstars Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kevin Nash tweeted “get well” messages to fellow WWE Superstar The Rock on Wednesday regarding his injury from WrestleMania 29:

Steve Austin        
@steveaustinBSR

"@TheRock Heard you finally had some guts put in. Get well soon my brother. 
#nogutsnoglory"
11:38 PM - 24 Apr 2013

Kevin Nash       
@RealKevinNash

"@TheRock Hope for a quick recovery Dwayne, thanks for coming back now get healthy and give America the action hero they deserve."
12:31 PM - 25 Apr 2013

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Here's the reply tweets from the Great One to Austin and, Nash

The Rock used Twitter on Thursday to thank Steve Austin and Kevin Nash for their kind words regarding his latest injury:

Steve Austin        

@steveaustinBSR

"@TheRock Heard you finally had some guts put in. Get well soon my brother. 

#nogutsnoglory"

11:38 PM - 24 Apr 2013

Dwayne Johnson      
@TheRock

"My fav redneck tough SOB --> RT: @steveaustinBSR: @TheRock Heard U finally had some guts put in. Get well soon my brother. 
#NoGutsNoGlory"
9:39 PM - 25 Apr 2013

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Kevin Nash
@RealKevinNash

"@TheRock Hope for a quick recovery Dwayne, thanks for coming back now get healthy and give America the action hero they deserve."

12:31 PM - 25 Apr 2013

Dwayne Johnson      
@TheRock

"@RealKevinNash Thank U Big Kev! U know the drill.. we fall, we rise. See ya down the road my friend."
9:50 PM - 25 Apr 2013

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UPDATE ON MYSTERIO’S RETURN + HHH GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE SHIELD

Rey Mysterio, who is currently sidelined due a knee injury, should return to the ring by late July. The official WWE website is currently advertising the 38-year-old for the Raw brand’s five-day tour of Australia, taking place July 26 through July 30. Events will be held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

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WWE COO Triple H was asked on Twitter about which Shield member he is most impressed with. He replied:

Triple H       
@TripleH

"“@WWE_JCena: @TripleH trips. Which shield member are you impressed with the most ?” Honestly.... All of them #realdeal"
10:17 PM - 25 Apr 2013

JOHN CENA’S EX-WIFE NOT HAPPY ABOUT RYBACK TWEETING ABOUT HER

Ryback has been embroiled in a televised feud with WWE Champion John Cena over the past few weeks – and took their feud to the next level when he tweeted the following about Cena’s ex-wife:

"Watching the pain on Cena’s face was worth standing back for. Funny the two things he says I lack, his ex-wife seems to love.”

According to a source close to the situation, we can report that John Cena’s ex-wife Elizabeth was very upset that she was mentioned by Ryback and is unwillingly being made part of a WWE storyline.

JIM ROSS SAYS UNDERTAKER HAS SURPRASSED ANDRE THE GIANT

Jim Ross tweeted the following about The Undertaker’s WWE legacy after his match on Monday’s RAW:

Jim Ross        
@JRsBBQ
"I mean this respectfully, but #Undertaker IMO has surpassed the immortal Andre the Giant as greatest BIG man in history of the biz."
7:36 AM - 23 Apr 2013

JR : I think it is tough to say, just as its almost impossible to say who is the "greatest wrestler" of all time. There is always the argument of whether you look at impact on the business, their in-ring talent, how big of a draw they were etc.

In this discussion, if you are looking at the importance to the business, then it's obviously Andre. As much as an icon to wrestling fans as Undertaker is, he has never reached the status of "cultural icon" that arguably on Hogan, Andre, Austin and Rock got to. Non-wrestling fans know of these men, they were pop-culture phenomenons. Many non-fans know of 'Taker, but not on the level of the 4 I just mentioned. In the ring though, its no comparison. Undertaker wins that every day of the week. Many fans only know Andre from the end of his career when he was barely mobile, but he was alot faster and more athletic in his early days. Still, even then he couldn't do the things that Undertaker can do. In my opinion the Deadman has raised the bar for all big men. You simply do not see people his size diving over the top rope to the concrete- the sight of 'Taker leaping over the flames of the
inferno match to land on Kane is awe-inspiring, and he is still having great matches to this day, however infrequently he now performs. Andre's best matches cannot compare to 'Taker's best work.

Andre was the bigger draw, that cannot be argued, and both men were probably the most respected performers in the dressing rooms in their respective eras. Andre is in the HOF, and Undertaker will certainly be joining him when he retires. Both men were involved in some of the biggest storylines in wrestling history, and are 2 almost untouchable legends of the wrestling business.

But, personally I am leaning towards Undertaker. For the way he has modified his gimmick and in-ring style to remain relevant over the years, for his longetivity at the top of the card and for the fact he can still perform at the level he does when his body is falling apart, I am agreeing with JR on this. But it is VERY close and really depends on what criteria you are basing this on. .

UPDATED MATCH CARD FOR WWE EXTREME RULES + HUGE RAW MAIN EVENT NEXT WEEK

**CONFIRMED MATCHES**

* WWE Championship Match
John Cena (c) vs. Ryback

* World Heavyweight Championship Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Alberto del Rio vs. Jack Swagger

* Steel Cage Match
Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H

* WWE Divas Championship
Kaitlyn vs. AJ Lee 
(AJ Lee became the #1 contender to Kaitlyn’s Divas Championship by winning a battle royal on RAW)

**RUMORED MATCHES**

* WWE Tag Team Championship
Team Hell No vs. 2 members of The Shield

* Chris Jericho vs. Fandango

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The main event of next week’s live WWE RAW from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio will feature WWE Champion John Cena & Ryback vs. The Shield’s Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns. The match was announced on Tuesday afternoon during WWE’s Main Event tapings from London, England.

KURT ANGLE TALKS ABOUT RETIRING IN WWE

“I love it in TNA. I’ve been very, very happy here. They treat me very well. You just never know,” Angle said. “The way I want to retire, I want to go out with a bang. I’m hoping to God that within the next three years, we can have somewhat of a PPV that is minutely close to WrestleMania. But, we don’t. Not yet. But, you know, everyone always wants to retire at WrestleMania.”

“It’s a hard thing because I want to stay in TNA – I love it there – but when you have the opportunity to go back and perform in front of millions of people on PPV and 100,000 fans in the stadium, it’s kind of hard not to. But, like I said, I am happy in TNA and this is where I want to stay.”

JEFF HARDY TALKS ABOUT WHY HE’S WITH TNA OVER WWE, HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH MATT

Newsday.com has published a recent interview with Jeff Hardy, which was conducted in Westbury, New York earlier this month over WrestleMania weekend. Here are some of the highlights of what Hardy said about:

Why He’s With TNA Instead Of WWE:

“I was in TNA years ago, and it’s just more alternative, and more different, and I’m a different kind of cat. I can be more of the enigma I want to be with the music and art and just a professional wrestler in general. The WWE kind of limits it with what you can do, and here I can express my spirit more.”

What Inspired Him to Become a Wrestler:

“Back in the day when I’d see Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Sting — especially The Ultimate Warrior and Sting — with the face paint and the larger than life characters, I was obsessed with it. And then I learned more about professional wrestling and the beauty that does exist in it. It truly is an art, and I became obsessed with it and I said, ‘this is what I have to do’”.

His Relationship with Matt:

“We have a great relationship. He is working some Ring of Honor shows and working a lot of independent shows. So he’s staying busy. He’s prretty much his own boss. But yeah, we still stay in touch.”

Jim Ross blog

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog with some thoughts on Monday’s RAW from London, England. As always, you can buy JR’s delicious line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

Ryback’s Heel Turn: 

“Ryback had a productive week in his transition to becoming a ‘villain’ and challenging the polarizing, WWE Champion John Cena. I think that these two will have sound chemistry when they meet at the Extreme Rules PPV and wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryback win the WWE Title. Seems as if it is enviable that the Vegas wrecking ball will be ‘the man’ at some point in the future as he is one of the more focused and hellbent on success performers that I have encountered in many years.”

The Shield’s Progress: 

“Even though the Shield had some indy experience before joining NXT, the training that the trio received in Florida has served them well. Further proof to me that NXT is the true future of WWE as it relates to the TV product which is what drives the entire company. Nothing’s more important than talent and television within WWE.”

“The Shield had a pivotal week in the world of WWE TV and it continues this Friday night on Smackdown. Already some fans are clamoring for the trio to break up and go their separate ways. I content that it’s too early for that and that there are many productive miles left in this new, hot faction that has a chance to become one of the more significant groups ever assembled in WWE.

Undertaker Wrestling on RAW: 

“It’s always great to see Undertaker on free TV and he never fails to give me my monies worth but, admittedly, I am extremely biased. I made a statement on Twitter earlier in the week @JRsBBQ that many disagreed with that I thought that Taker had overtaken Andre the Giant as the Greatest ‘Big Man’ in the history of the biz. Frankly, factoring in tenure, leadership, productivity, tickets sold, etc, a viable argument can be made that the Undertaker isn’t the greatest star ever in the genre.”

NIKKI BELLA COMPARED TO MICHELLE MCCOOL – DOES SHE HAVE HEAT BACKSTAGE FOR DATING A TOP WWE STAR?

Though Nikki Bella is romantically linked to John Cena, unlike retired wrestler Michelle McCool, there is no animosity toward her among her WWE co-workers for dating a top star. It was noted within some circles recently that McCool had “tremendous heat” among some of her peers when she rose to the top years ago, but was “bullet proof” because of her romantic affiliation with The Undertaker. Nikki and twin sister Brie are well-liked among their peers, with organization officials holding them in high regard.

It’s also said that with Nikki dating Cena, the twin duo can “get away with a lot.”

McCool has been greatly criticized over the years for taking the fast track to WWE glory. After entering an intimate relationship with The Undertaker in late 2007 (who she married in June 2010), many critics attributed her position in the company to her influential partner rather than her ability to perform. Months after her spring 2011 retirement from the squared circle, the four-time champion was asked in an interview why she has received so much flack from her colleagues.

Dan Murphy of Inside Wrestling asked McCool, “I know you like to keep some things private and this was never announced, but you did marry The Undertaker. He’s obviously a veteran and icon in the business with a lot of influence. Was it the Diva Search background or having the relationship with someone like him that’s responsible for the heat and resentment you got?”

She 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.”

THE ROCK ADMITS WRESTLEMANIA 29 MIGHT BE HIS LAST MATCH

The Rock spoke to Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg and discussed his upcoming reality series, The Hero. During the interview, The Rock admitted that his match with John Cena at WrestleMania 29 may have been his last.

"Possibly, to be honest with you," Rock replied when asked if his match against John Cena at WrestleMania 29 was his last. "The goal three years ago was I sat down with Vince McMahon and strategized about it, about three WrestleMania's back to back... I committed myself to the company and I was very proud of that moment. It didn't matter if I lost or I did the job, but it was an honor to do the honors. There is no better way to give back... then by doing the honors."

Rock also noted Cena was "hands down" the right guy to lose to.

"People wanted to build me to a certain place, and then do things the right way. And for the business that I love, it was an awesome way, it was the best way to give back. Was it my last match? Possibly. I'm really not too sure, and I wouldn't rule it out."

Rock was also asked if the original plan was to build for a rubber match with Cena at next year's WrestleMania in New Orleans.

"No, not at all," Rock replied, before admitting that there were plans for a match with Brock Lesnar. "The original plan was possibly Brock and myself. That was the next thing that made sense to me because I love Brock, we've been friends for over a decade now and we can have a great athletic match. But then I had torn my two tendons on my pelvis and I had to fly home that day, and we couldn't do what we wanted to do on RAW that day. So... possibly, possibly with Brock down the road."

The Rock also said that he talked to Vince McMahon and Triple H the night of WrestleMania about his injury. He said that he and Vince agreed in the locker room that he wouldn't be at RAW the next day, and that he got a call from one of the writers the next day about issuing a statement on RAW, which he did.

Jim Ross Reacts

Jim Ross has a new blog entry online where he touched on The Rock’s comments of Wrestlemania 29 possibly being his final match. Below is an excerpt:

Has the Rock, @TheRock, wrestled his last match due to injury? Seems as if Rock has left that matter open for speculation depending on the results of the surgery and his non stop schedule, etc. However, knowing Dwayne as I do, I would think that he would want to go out differently and be remembered for one, last major bout. If I had to make a wager, I’d say we haven’t seen the last of @TheRock. The one wild card may be his movie partners who may not want to risk their franchise player stepping back in the ring. That’s all TBD. I would speculate that if Dwayne can’t do WM30 for any reason that he may be closer to done than many want to see.

ROCK'S RADIO INTERVIEW WITH PETER ROSENBERG. HE ADMITS HE MAY BE DONE WITH WRESTLING AND ADDRESSES THE RUMORS OF HIM WALKING OUT ON WWE. CHECK THIS OUT:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGNgA3gxriM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

ROSA REPORTEDLY SENT HOME FROM EUROPEAN TOUR FOR HER CONDUCT

Following up on our earlier report about WWE Diva Rosa Mendes being sent home from the ongoing international tour, WWE issued the following statement on Monday afternoon:

“Milena Roucka (Rosa Mendes) left the international tour for personal reasons.”

According to WWE sources, Rosa has been exhibiting wild, erratic behavior over the past week and it’s believed that alcohol is involved.

Rosa Mendes tweeted the following on Monday afternoon in response to being sent home:

Rosa Mendes     
@LaRosaMendes

"Just wanted to let all my #Mendesluverz that I'm ok.  I had to take care of some personal matters. Thank you for all your support. Love you💗"
1:55 AM - 23 Apr 2013

"I also encourage everyone to continue #MuscleMania.  It has helped me in the past and it will still be helping me now. #Determination."
2:00 AM - 23 Apr 2013

STEVE AUSTIN WRESTLING AGAIN

MMA fighter Paul Lazenby, a stuntman and friend of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, recently told Live Audio Wrestling that “The Rattlesnake” is in great shape and would consider wrestling one more match. The LAW tweeted:

Live Audio Wrestling 
@LAWradio
"According to Paul Lazenby - Steve Austin is in better shape then most might think, last time they spoke he would entertain the "right offer""
9:21 AM - 22 Apr 2013

JIM ROSS BLOG

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

The Rock’s In-Ring Future: 

“Has the Rock, @TheRock, wrestled his last match due to injury? Seems as if Rock has left that matter open for speculation depending on the results of the surgery and his non stop schedule, etc. However, knowing Dwayne as I do, I would think that he would want to go out differently and be remembered for one, last major bout. If I had to make a wager, I’d say we haven’t seen the last of @TheRock. The one wild card may be his movie partners who may not want to risk their franchise player stepping back in the ring. That’s all TBD. I would speculate that if Dwayne can’t do WM30 for any reason that he may be closer to done than many want to see.”

Steve Austin Wrestling Again: 

“Interesting note….recently I read about @steveaustinBSR being in great shape physically and looking excellent ala being in ‘show shape’ but not wrestling shape for a return to a WWE ring. News flash or as the one person in the world that I would really NOT want to take a long, care trip with, Nancy Grace, might say….BOMBSHELL….Steve is ALWAYS in great shape. Old habits die hard and the Texas Rattlesnake (Thanks, JR) is a gym guy in that he hits the gym regularly and with P&V. With all that said, the only way that I see Steve returning to the ring for one, final bout is obviously on the biggest stage (WM30), with the exact, right opponent (Who is that?) , and with a strategic game plan that Steve can emotionally invest . That’s a bunch of if’s so the door isn’t closed but it’s not exactly standing wide open either. Austin fans will continue to hold out hope until it’s either a done deal or not but a Stone Cold return at WM30 would help insure that the biggest event of 2014 would be a can’t miss event. AS I have said in the past, I’d gage an Austin return to WWE for a farewell promotion as 50/50 or less.”

New WWE Divas & New Divas E! Reality Show 

WWE is bringing some new Diva prospects to NXT to begin training soon plus with the new, WWE Diva reality show that will be airing this Fall, I assume, on the E Network, I’d say that WWE is essentially setting the reset button on the Divas division sooner than later. E cameras were all over the place at WM29 as some new talents are also featured in this new show. Being the reality show junkie that I am, I’m looking forward to seeing this production and from what I could tell all the ladies were just being themselves, for better or for worse, and not doing ‘canned’ reality.

BRET HART TALKS ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH VINCE MCMAHON, ACCOMPLISHEMT & MORE

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart recently took part in an online Q&A session with fans. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Will he be making a career out of improv comedy he’s been doing?

“I don’t think so, but you never know what can happen. I have a lot of fun doing them. I appreciate people giving me a stage. They present scenarios that are quite easy for anybody to step into and be quite funny. Sometimes I can be spontaneously funny. When you just make it up as you go along it’s hit or miss, but I’ve found I’ve done pretty good.”

His Current Relationship with Vince McMahon:

“The last conversations we’ve had have been good. He seems to always be very warm and friendly with me. I would say he’s on the very best of terms with me. I think the last time I really talked to him, my knee was pretty swollen. He wanted me to go out to the ring in Philadelphia — and I did go out — but we were talking about our various injuries, since he had just had hip surgery. We’ve both sort of realized that we’re not getting any younger.”

What’s the Greatest Compliment He Ever Received?

“(Long pause) I think it’s that I was often told by the wrestlers I worked with that I was their best match. That was every single one of them, from Mr. Perfect to my brother Owen to the Bulldog to the Undertaker to Steve Austin — almost every single one of them pulled me aside and said the best match they ever had was the one against me. The list goes on — 1-2-3 Kid, Kevin Nash, Roddy Piper, Yokozuna — and I think it’s true. Every match was a different story, and we made magic. The other thing is that I never hurt anybody in all the years I wrestled. I had wrestlers come up to me and thank me for the match every night, thanking me because there was never any extra aches and pains or injuries. No animals were harmed in the making of my movies!”

The Rock Filming Hercules

The Rock is scheduled to begin filming his role in the upcoming motion picture “Hercules” later next month in Budapest, Hungry.  He has the starring role in Brett Ratner’s film as he’ll play Hercules.

Filming is expected to take four and a half months, which will take him into the fall.  The former WWE Champion has spent several months with a dialect coach, working on his accent for the role. He’s currently dealing with injuries suffered at Wrestlemania 29 as we reported on Sunday he’ll need to undergo surgery.

The Rock To Undergo Surgery Next Week Due To Injuries Suffered At WrestleMania

The Rock will indeed have to undergo from his injuries suffered in the WWE title match against John Cena at Wrestlemania 29 a couple weeks ago. Rock wrote the following on Twitter:

Dwayne Johnson   
@TheRock
"Saw my Dr who had to push my intestines back thru the tear in my abdomen. Kinda romantic."

Surgery is next week. #BringItOn
7:55 PM - 21 Apr 2013

The injury occurred early on in the main event bout against John Cena as it’s estimated The Rock worked 15 minutes in intense pain. He ended up suffering torn abdomen and adductor muscles that he tore off his pelvis as well as a hernia.

Dr. Lee Kaplan of the University of Miami examined Rock on April 8, 2013 and it was believed he would be able to rehab the injuries without surgery. Rock immediately resumed training and began physical therapy last week.

Time is of the essence as The Rock is scheduled to begin filming “Hercules” in less than six weeks in Budapest.

WWE PAYBACK PPV POSTER

Below is the official synopsis for the upcoming WWE Payback pay-per-view, which takes place on Sunday, June 16th from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

“WWE reinvigorates its pay-per-view line up with a fresh new concept that will serve as the perfect stage for all the top Superstars to settle their long simmering grudges and set the stage for the sizzling road to SummerSlam. All major championships will be on the line including the revamped WWE Championship, plus the World Heavyweight Championship and much more. From the clashes for the ultimate prize, to fierce heavy-hitters with scores to settle, WWE fans will want to relive the historic debut of this riveting new event.”

RYBACK’S LATEST MESSAGE FOR JOHN CENA

Ryback tweeted the following message to John Cena, channeling the “Terminator” aspect of his character:

Ryback      
@Ryback22
"First rule of #RybackRules is there are no rules. Change is inevitable. I am on a mission. Target not John Connor, but JC is who I see."
9:10 AM - 20 Apr 2013

"Workout tip #1. Hard work always works. In Dublin on zero sleep and legs will be destroyed in gym. You will understand me soon. #RybackRules"
9:42 AM - 20 Apr 2013

TRISH STRATUS TALKS RETIREMENT, THE DARK SIDE OF WRESTLING, VINCE MAKING HER BARK LIKE A DOG

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus was recently interviewed on TSN’s Off The Record and discussed getting into wrestling, quitting at the right time, being inducted into the Hall of Fame and more. Here are some of the highlights:

Getting Into Wrestling & Walking Away At the Right Time:

“Well, I feel I had a robust seven years. … It was so full. I’ll put it this way: When I retired, everyone asked do you regret leaving? Do you miss it? I never missed it, I never regretted it. I did everything I wanted to do in the business. I had sort of a bucket list I guess you could say of things I wanted to do and things I wanted to accomplish.

“I worked with every girl that was a worker in the company. And I had really great storylines, not only with the girls but with the men superstars. So, I really had a full career that allowed me to do a bit of everything.”

“…I recognized there was a limited shelf life. I mean, as a fan, you watch it and you just know — there’s a point where you watch it and you go, that guy should just go away. I think I knew at 30 that 30 was a good time to leave. There’s all that hot business, and I didn’t want to be that hot chick that looks good for a 30-year-old.”

How She Avoided The “Dark Side” Of The Business:

“First of all, I had a very healthy background coming from the fitness world. I knew that my body was my instrument and that’s what allowed me to continue doing what I was doing. I just literally did not go out. In school, I was always a nerd. I did my school work, my studying — and in WWE it was the same thing.

“I didn’t go out and do the bar thing. I just went out and I did my job. I’m here to work. I didn’t want to go out and even if I was just tired, I’d be affected in my match. My body work is affected by my sleep the night before. So, for me, I was just aware of that the entire time.”

“…I had a back-up plan. A lot of the guys, that’s just their life. For me, it was a part of my life, it wasn’t my life. I had extracurricular activities I was pursuing. I was pursuing other businesses and I [took an interest in] branding myself. Whatever I create here for the next seven years, I need to take that and hopefully parlay that into something else.”

What It Means to be Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame:

“You go into any profession, any career, and you want to leave an impression and a mark. I mean, knowing what we did in the women’s division and the work I did during that time, I mean, we really changed how women’s wrestling was perceived. And the role of females was kind of redefined after we did all that work. So, it was kind of a nod to my body of work, which is sexy. [Laughs.] Sorry.”

Vince McMahon Making Her Strip and Bark Like a Dog:

“It was funny because my character did an evolution but the women’s division and the way women were viewed also did an evolution. So for that moment, it was like, yes, he degraded me. Then there was that moment where my character was like, ‘I’m not taking this anymore.’ She stood up to Vince, slapped him at WrestleMania 17 — the biggest stage of all — and moved on to become a full-time wrestler on her own. That’s what Trish Stratus did. But for us, that’s what we did too. The women were simply storylines, they were on the side. Now, we are actually a viable part of the program.”

TRIPLE H TALKS ABOUT THE ATTITUDE ERA, IF HE HAS ANY REGRETS IN HIS CAREER

In an interview with Forbes, Triple H talked about the Attitude Era, if he would regret having his career ended in a match and more. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The Attitude Era: 

“It’s one of those things — I’ve talked about this with Austin and a little bit with Rock, too — you don’t realize is happening at the time; it’s just what you’re doing. We were all so wrapped up in what we were doing, and it was so competitive with each other. It’s only now that I think we can look back and go, ‘Wow. That was a pretty special time, and we shared some pretty special things all together and made history.’ I think at the time you’re doing it, you realize it’s going well, but you’re just so deep in there that you can’t even fathom really what you’re doing. To look back at it now and see all those times, and to watch the video game…when we did the voiceovers to the video game, to go back and watch some of those scenes take place, it’s crazy because you forget what a…that was just another day then.”

If he would regret being forced to retire after a match: 

“I wouldn’t have one regret. I wouldn’t have any. I’ve had a hell of career, a hell of a run. I’ve done everything I wanted to do in this business. I’ll never leave this business. It’s ironic. Years ago when I said it about being in the game, you know that statement was really about the business. It was about being a student of the game and about this business and when I say the game will never die, I truly mean that. None of us are bigger than this. None of us are bigger than the WWE. It will always continue to go on and I will always be a part of it.”

If he plays video games: 

“Let me just say right now that if I gave advice to a gamer it would be terrible because I don’t play them and it would probably surely cause their demise in the game.”

HHH Will Never Leave The Business, HHH has No Regrets

“I wouldn’t have one regret,” said Triple H. “I wouldn’t have any. I’ve had a hell of career, a hell of a run. I’ve done everything I wanted to do in this business. I’ll never leave this business. It’s ironic. Years ago when I said it about being in the game, you know that statement was really about the business. It was about being a student of the game and about this business and when I say the game will never die, I truly mean that. None of us are bigger than this. None of us are bigger than the WWE. It will always continue to go on and I will always be a part of it.”

Speaking of Triple H, he still has some swelling in his left hand but has no broken bones. He’s expected to “accept” Brock Lesnar’s challenge for a steel cage match at Extreme Rules on next week’s WWE Raw from London, England.

WWE ADDS ANOTHER TNA WRESTLER TO ITS ALUMNI SECTION

The official WWE website continues its trend of acknowledging talent affiliated with TNA Wrestling as Mickie James is this week’s addition to the Alumni section. WWE writes of the five-time Women’s Champion and one-time Divas Champion, “Here’s to the crazy ones. Over the course of a brief but memorable WWE career, Mickie James underwent a stunning transformation from psychotic fanatic to one of the most beloved female competitors ever to step inside the squared circle. Mickie might have been a peppy, energetic sweetheart, but she was also as dangerous in the ring as any that came before her.

Other TNA talent recently profiled by WWE include Victoria (a/k/a Tara), Kurt Angle and The Dudley Boyz. Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, Sting and Tiffany (a/k/a Taryn Terrell) are also featured in the Alumni section.

RYBACK SAYS HE WANTS TO FACE UNDERTAKER

Ryback revealed in the May 2013 issue of WWE Magazine that one of his goals is to go one-on-one with The Undertaker at WrestleMania.

“For [The Undertaker] to be able to last this long in a business where you see the roster changing every year, it’s really amazing,” Ryback remarked. “I know it’s one of my goals to step in the ring at WrestleMania with him someday. It didn’t happen this year, but I’m hoping I’ll be at the very top of that list next year.”

WWE COO TRIPLE H ANNOUNCES OPENING OF WWE PERFORMANCE CENTER IN ORLANDO

WWE COO Triple H and Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday the opening of the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. The sports-entertainment organization issued the following press release touting the opening.

NEW WWE® PERFORMANCE CENTER OPENING



STAMFORD, Conn., April 18, 2013 – Opening this summer, the WWE state-of-the-art Performance Center will serve as the new home to WWE’s talent developmental system, recently re-branded NXT® and create nearly 100 high-wage jobs in Orlando, Florida.

With 26,000 square-feet, seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program and cutting-edge edit and production facilities, the new Performance Center will give WWE the ability to train more potential performers than ever before through a comprehensive program including in-ring training, physical preparedness and character development. The new center will be the training ground for talent that includes former professional and collegiate athletes, Olympians and entertainers, and will offer a best-in-class sports medicine program creating a central location for all WWE talent to receive the best care both in and out of the ring.

“Our economy has created nearly 300,000 new private sector jobs in just over two years, meaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Governor Rick Scott. “WWE could have chosen anywhere in the world to house this new global performance center – and they chose the Sunshine State. Today’s announcement that WWE will create nearly 100 more jobs for families in Central Florida is further proof that everything we do is geared towards job creation and it’s working.”

“We are so excited that WWE has chosen to establish its training and talent development operations in Central Florida,” said Teresa Jacobs, Mayor of Orange County. “In addition to strengthening our burgeoning entertainment production industry, the WWE Performance Center brings high-value jobs, capital investment and continued economic expansion to our area.”



Today’s announcement solidifies WWE’s presence in Orlando and evolves WWE’s partnership with Full Sail University. Last year, WWE and Full Sail announced an innovative partnership that moved live tapings of WWE NXT series, WWE’s weekly one-hour show that broadcasts on WWE.com and in more than 60 countries worldwide, to Full Sail Live, the university’s state-of-the-art performance venue. The partnership, which created a new student scholarship fund, also allows students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, to gain real-world experience alongside WWE production staff during WWE NXT tapings.



“The WWE Performance Center and our partnership with Full Sail University are critical to the future of our company,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE. “Orlando is now the home to the next generation of WWE Superstars.”

“Collaborating with WWE has elevated the education experience here at Full Sail University by creating many opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience by being mentored by some of the best minds in the entertainment production industry,” said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. “We are excited to welcome WWE to the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this evolving partnership.”

FORMER WWE STAR ARRESTED FOR DUI LAST WEEK (MUGSHOT)

Former WWE star Brian “Grandmaster Sexay” Christopher Lawler was stopped by police on April 11th in Chester County, Tennessee after failing to stop at an intersection. He was charged with DUI and  He was released on a $1,000 bond. He is set to appear in front of a judge on Friday.

Lawler reportedly admitted to police that he consumed more than a half liter of vodka. He also admitted to taking xanax and methadone.

Police say he was unable to complete the alphabet during his field sobriety test..

Here’s his mugshot:

ORIGINAL PLANS FOR BROCK LESNAR’S FEUDS WITH THE ROCK & HHH

On Monday’s RAW, WWE set the stage for Triple H and Brock Lesnar to wrestle each other for a third time at Extreme Rules 2013 pay-per-view.

Originally, WWE’s plans called for Brock Lesnar to attack The Rock the night after WrestleMania 29 to and build to a match at SummerSlam (not WrestleMania 30, as previously reported). Lesnar and Triple H’s rubber match would have taken place later this year.

The Rock’s injury at WrestleMania led WWE to change gears and go right into the third chapter of the Lesnar vs. Triple H feud.

THE ROCK ISSUES UPDATE ON WRESTLEMANIA INJURY

Former WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has issued an update on his claim of an abdominal tear injury mid-way through his match with John Cena at WrestleMania.

Johnson wrote on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, “Injury update: Physical therapy starts tomorrow. Hardcore training starts today. Thank U guys for the love. 5 weeks out..#RoadToHercules.”

Johnson had previously indicated on Twitter that he believes he suffered the injury while delivering the Rock Bottom to Cena during the bout. Last Saturday, Johnson revealed that he and his physician had elected to not re-attach tendons to his pelvis as part of the rehabilitation process. “They’ll just scar up,” he noted.

Following The Rock’s injury at WrestleMania 29, there is concern in WWE that he might have wrestled his last match.