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. 

CM Punk Makes Child & Mother Cry at WWE Event

CM Punk saved a message on Twitter from an upset fan about being snubbed by him on Wednesday in Nottingham, England outside the Nottingham Capital FM Arena. Writing to AJ Lee (and not Punk), the message states, "Wish I could of said hello to you today. My mum asked cm punk nicely and he made me and my mum cry. I don't like him anymore." 

The fan is claiming that as fans were snapping photos of Punk outside the venue, her mother asked Punk permission to do so as well. Punk gave an angry response, as the fan claims he shouted at both of them. 

Last week on Twitter, former WWE star Bob "Hardcore" Holly criticized Punk for not being friendlier to fans. 

Carla.WWEFamilyRocks @carlaking900 
@TheBobHolly I just wish they all had ur thinking Bob. I've been tweeting 2 @CMPunk 4 mnths, he's blanking me completely I'm sure!xx 

@carlaking900 @CMPunk Yea i will NEVER understand , u all made him who he is, he didnt do it by himself, if not for u, they wouldnt be paid

Billy Kidman playing doctor role in WWE live event

WWE agent Billy Kidman had a tearful reunion with former WCW star Alex Wright at the WWE live event in Germany this past week. As noted, Kidman appeared as Paul Heyman's doctor at some of the live events over the past week. Here is a photo: 

Who Should Ricardo Rodriguez Manage?

We noted before that WWE officials had discussed possibly putting Ricardo Rodriguez with Rey Mysterio when he returns but for now, Ricardo will be kept off TV until they have something new for him. He asked fans who they would like to see him manage on Twitter: 

"Random thought. If I were to go and manage someone else in @WWE who would you see me partnering up with?" 

Jim Ross Blog regarding feud between Shield & Wyatts

The Shield vs. The Wyatts at WrestleMania:

 Have said all along that the Wyatt Family vs The Shield are lighting in a bottle and I'm hoping that there might be a significant match between the two entities at WM30. 

Splitting up The Shield or The Wyatts:

 There are 6 men involved in the Wyatt-Shield business and at least one or two need to separate from their peers and elevate up the cards. Who will it be These guys have been polished up in the WWE Performance Center and are being heavily counted on to be main event level stars much sooner than later. 

WWE booking CM Punk & Daniel Bryan vs Luke Harper & Eric Rowan at Survivor Series instead of booking The Shield vs. The Wyatts: 

I quit trying to follow the logic of most TV wrestling creative. I just watch and try to enjoy what I see. I have no answer for you. Sorry. 

Why HHH didn't want to sign AJ Styles to WWE

As reported earlier, AJ Styles denied online reports that WWE has offered him a contract with the company. According to a report, Styles' claims are true and the company is not interested in signing TNA talent. 

Triple H was asked why would he want to sign Styles' to the company when they already have a handful of their own high flyers. Bobby Roode and Samoa Joe were also deemed as good hands, but the company is looking to develop their own talents at the WWE Performance Center. 

Styles, whose contract was originally set to expire next month, is believed to have signed a new contract already with TNA Wrestling. 

Ken Shamrock Interview

The following are highlights from a recent interview with former WWE Superstar and UFC Hall Of Famer Ken Shamrock:

On Vince McMahon versus Dana White as businessmen: 

“Vince McMahon is the type of guy that if you’re doing business for him, he’ll pat you on the back and be nice to you, but you know where you stand. Either you’re making money for him or you’re not. And that’s the way it is. He never lied to me, not that I know of… You can take someone that Vince didn’t like, If he found a way to make money with him, he’d put him on the show. It was about business. He would find a way to make it work. Like he did with Bret Hart. They didn’t get along for the longest time. But Vince knew he could use him to make money and Bret knew he could make money. So even though at times they weren’t on the same page, they still did business. That’s what Dana lacks. He doesn’t know how to put aside his feelings and not take everything personal and do business even with people you don’t like.”

On why he was never WWE Champion: 

“To this day, I don’t know. I thought when I was doing the angle with the Rock… and he went on after I ended up getting the (intercontinental) belt, he ended up going on and facing Stone Cold and some of the other guys and ended up getting the belt, I thought I would move up and go after him because of what we had done prior to that… it just never flourished. It seemed like I went in the other direction. I thought I did everything right, that I was in a good position to make those moves. I really don’t know.”

On being snubbed by UFC regarding their 20th anniversary: 

“There’s a lot of guys not involved. If you look at the history of the UFC prior to Zuffa, it’s almost like they’re banished… Just look at some of the guys out there that were really fighting four times in one night, bare-knuckled, no rules. It really made the UFC and the grounds of the UFC to be what it is today. Today, it’s a little more sanctioned, but really was raw and it really was guys that were put in there, putting it all on the line, for no money. But you don’t see any of these guys being recognized. You don’t see any of these names- I saw Don Frye at a fight the other night, and he was sitting out in the audience. He wasn’t even inside the cage. It breaks my heart when I see these things because all these promoters walk around with these nice little suits on, acting like they’re big shots, and they’re inside the ring. And you have some of these young fighters, who are up and coming, in there trying to promote the next fight, you’ve got celebrities on the inside, all the fine ladies on the inside. Then you got guys like Don Frye, myself, and a few other guys, sitting outside the cage… none of these people would be walking around thinking they’re big shots if it wasn’t for those guys who put it all on the line, because they loved what they did. But we don’t show them any love. It’s like they completely forget about the past and move forward. They suck it dry, keep doing the things they want to do, but don’t remember the past.”

JIM ROSS BLOG

The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:

On Chris Benoit questions: 

“Funny how Chris Benoit questions to me run in spurts. I haven’t changed my take on the Benoit into the WWE HOF quandary. Chris doesn’t belong there. End of story. If inducted, it would all be about the last few, horrific hours of Chris’ life and that would not be fair for the family’s that were affected, the other inductees, or the fans. For those fans who loved Chris’ in ring work, and I consider myself one of those, then watch him on You Tube, etc and call it a day. I do not speak for WWE on any topic but I’d be surprised to see Chris any more prominent on WWE content in the future than he is now.”

On Chris Benoit’s son getting into pro wrestling: 

“As for Chris’s son wanting to get in the pro wrestling business, I have mixed emotions. My gut says stay away, learn a trade, get educated and lead a normal, productive life. One the other hand, I’m not big on telling anyone to not attempt to live their dreams just as I did.”

On Brock Lesnar’s role at WrestleMania XXX: 

“I look for Lesnar to play a major role in WM30 in New Orleans but in order to max out Brock’s box office appeal his TV persona really needs structured attention and to get ‘hot’ before April. Not overexposed….just get the Hereford Bull hot.”

Who Will Be The Next WWE Champion?

WWE published an article were their editorial staff provides predictions on who the next WWE Champion will be. Featured Superstars include: Goldust, Cody Rhodes, Ryback, Bray Wyatt, Antonio Cesaro, Big E Langston and Roman Reigns - who is depicted holding the WWE Championship. 

Hulk Hogan Interested in WrestleMania XXX Return

Hulk Hogan mentioned to an Philadelphia ABC affiliate during an autograph signing last week that he is interested in returning to WWE for WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

"I would love to be at WrestleMania XXX. I would love to have a ringside seat. But, the truth is I need a job. I quit TNA. I've just been hanging out on the beach. Never say never." 

When asked if he could still wrestle, Hogan said "right guy, right venue, and right payday." The Hulkster also noted that he may "Hulk up." 

"I don't think I can wrestle too much anymore, but just being around the business and helping and being part of it is pretty cool," Hogan said. 

As noted earlier, Hogan has been “training like a mad man” in hopes of wrestling again for WWE. 

Buff Bagwell Interview

The following are highlights from a recent WGD Weekly interview with former WCW star Buff Bagwell:

On TNA and his talks with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff this past summer: 

“I went down to the Burnett Center when they were here; I just wanted them to see me. I called Eric and said ‘do you mind if I come down to see you guys at TNA,’ he said, sure, come on down. So, I walk in the back…looking like I’m looking, looking like Buff Bagwell again…I walk in and Hulk Hogan walks all the way over to me and I feel eyes burning holes in me, and Hulk walks up and goes to me, ‘why are you not working for us?’…I said, ‘well, that’s kind of why I am here’…He said, ‘Dude, you’re one of the only few guys left that we could bring in and not have any heat, and he didn’t realize what he had said. I said, ‘Do you know why that is?…Because I don’t have any friends, he started laughing and he said, ‘you know, you’re right…if we brought in you, nobody would complain about it. I said it’s because I don’t have any friends in the business, I have a few friends, but none that would get heat for it. So he said, dude, who has got your number? I said, Eric Bischoff has got my number, so I got texts on my phone right now, that I could send you…Eric Bischoff texted me, and he was excited, and I was excited…then the Main Event Mafia thing started happening, I thought I’d fit into that or Aces and Eights possibly and I have heard nothing and they knew exactly where I am at and exactly how to get in touch with me…Eric was saying positive things…I don’t get it…just let me go out and be over again, I can be the biggest heel or the biggest babyface if they would just let me, but they won’t let me and I don’t know why.”

On his brief run in WWE: 

“I was the first match of the Invasion…why would they put Booker T. versus Buff Bagwell in Tacoma, Washington…we’re main event on Raw…and it ain’t good. They could wait seven days and put this in Atlanta…instead we got booed out of the building in Tacoma, Washington and we had a bad match, double whammy, you know…If you’re asking me, they already knew that they were done with WCW, they just were gonna make us the sacrificial lambs to end it…all they had to do was wait a week and Booker T and Buff Bagwell get over in Atlanta, instead we got buried in Tacoma…they had a gold mine with WCW, forget Buff, they had a gold mine…Sting, Luger against the Rock, Stone Cold, it was endless…you could’ve gone on and on with that for wrestling fans, for wrestlers, you could’ve gone on and on, but instead they just beat us all and sent us home.”

On his WWE release: 

“They waited to fire me in Atlanta, why even make me come down there? Make me drive down to Phillips Arena to fire, my god, how brutal is that? I don’t know if they hadn’t figured it out totally or what, I think they had…I think they already knew they were done with us and were gonna put us on the shelf and they did so.”

On the backstage scene in WCW during their final year in business: 

“It was absolute mayhem, it was just a bad train wreck that nobody could fix when Russo came in…Russo had everybody going in different directions and then they figured out that Russo didn’t know what he was doing and they bought Bischoff back, and then they tried getting Bischoff and Russo to work together…Bischoff had his guys…and Russo had his guys…and you could always tell who was running things by who was getting pushed…I got to visualize it all when it went down and there was just nobody that was gonna fix it.”

On returning from a broken neck as a heel instead of a babyface in 1998: 

“It was a gigantic deal, they could’ve made me the next biggest babyface in the world, dude, I had 50,000 letters sent to me in the hospital, I had Desert Storm guys would touch my picture before they went out to battle…I was over, big time…they could’ve made me the next biggest superstar, instead they turned me heel and the people didn’t like it, it burned them. My parents were physically upset about it…I knew what they were doing was wrong, but …they pay my bills, I can’t tell Eric, ‘hey, Eric, I’m not gonna do that,’ but it was Eric’s idea and he wanted to turn me heel and basically it took a crap on 50,000 people that were praying for me.”

On joining the nWo and becoming “Buff” Bagwell: 

“Kevin Nash is the first one to speak up for me. Eric Bischoff was not a big fan of mine at first, he kind of didn’t like me…Eric wasn’t with it at all, he said I don’t get it, you all are crazy…in Salisbury, we had a Nitro and they had me come out and join the now and it was a big deal, bro…on the flight home we were trying to figure out a name …and of all people it was Nick Patrick…he said what about Buff, and everybody just stopped and went ‘that’s it, that’s perfect, so that was it Buff Bagwell it was born, it was created and there it went.”

Top 10 WWE Bad Guys Gone Good

WWE has published the following video of the “Top 10 Bad Guys Gone Good”

10-Andre the giant

9-Virgil

8-The Undertaker

7-Randy Orton

6-The Rock

5-Batista

4-Curt Henning Mr. Perfect

3-Macho man Randy Savage

2-Hulk Hogan

1-Stone cold Steve Austin

Check it out:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30nqVWhCBRg

Goldberg vs RyBack at WrestleMania XXX

While WWE and Goldberg may not have had serious negotiations yet for a match against Ryback at WrestleMania XXX, WWE officials do want the Goldberg vs. Ryback match to happen. WWE officials are very interested in securing Goldberg for the show and having him face Ryback. If Goldberg agrees to do the match with Ryback, then Ryback vs. Big Show will take place earlier, possibly at Elimination Chamber. If that doesn't work out, their other plan for Ryback at the biggest show of the year is a match against Big Show. 

Meanwhile, the ongoing Triple H vs. Big Show feud will not culminate at the event. A match between both individuals is scheduled to occur between December and February at Elimination Chamber. The match is scheduled to take place between December's TLC pay-per-view and the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. 

WWE's Top 15 Greatest Tag Team Finishers List

WWE published a feature paying tribute to the 15 most effective finishers in the history of tag team competition, and The Road Warriors' devastating Doomsday Device is ranked at No. 1. The rankings are as followed: 

No. 15: Cryme Tyme (JTG & Shad)
signature moves - G9 

No. 14: The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey/Jules Uso)
signature moves - Double Superfly Splash

No. 13: Badd Company (Paul Diamond & Pat Tanaka)
signature moves - Superplex-German Suplex combination 

No. 12: Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray)
signature moves - Heat Seeker 

No. 11: The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart)
signature moves - The Hart Attack

No. 10: The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, Norvell Austin, Bobby Eaton, Stan Lane, Bombastic Bob & Bodacious Bart)
signature moves - Rocket Launcher

No. 9: The Brothers of Destruction (Kane & The Undertaker)
signature moves - Double Chokeslam

No. 8: The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner)
signature moves - Diving Bulldog 

No. 7: Demolition (Ax & Smash)
signature moves - Demolition Decapitation

No. 6: MNM (Joey Matthews/Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro & Melina)
signature moves - Snapshot 

No. 5: Power & Glory (Hercules & Paul Roma)
signature moves - Power Plex

No. 4: The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)
signature moves - Spike Piledriver

No. 3: The Eliminators (Perry Saturn & John Kronus)
signature moves - Total Elimination 

No. 2: The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley)
signature moves - 3-D 

No. 1: The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)
signature moves - Doomsday Device

EARLY CREATIVE PLANS FOR WRESTLEMANIA XXX

With WrestleMania XXX only five months away, WWE officials are working on the card for the pay-per-view event. However, much of the card will hinge on whether agreements with inactive individuals can be made, such as former World Heavyweight Champions Goldberg and Sting. Here is the proposed card for the event.

* A match pitting Triple H against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin for control of WWE, with Austin representing Vince McMahon, is not expected to occur.

* WWE officials want to secure Sting, whose contract with TNA Wrestling is set to expire, for the event and have him face The Undertaker. The fallback plan is Undertaker facing Brock Lesnar as originally scheduled.

* WWE officials are very interested in securing Goldberg for the show and having him face Ryback. If a deal falls through, Ryback will instead face Big Show. However, if WWE is able to secure Goldberg, Ryback will then face Big Show at Elimination Chamber.

* CM Punk facing Randy Orton is currently planned for the event. Punk had been planned to win the 30-Man Royal Rumble to receive the accompanying World Title shot, but current talk has the winner facing the holder of the World Heavyweight Championship.

* While Shawn Michaels has denied the possibility of wrestling again, there are people within WWE who wholeheartedly believe that he will face Daniel Bryan on the show.

* Goldust is scheduled to turn on Cody Rhodes, leading to the match both have requested for years. Company officials are pleased with Goldust’s work since returning to the promotion a few weeks ago: he’s exceeded all expectations.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Triple H vs. Big Show feud will not culminate at the event. A match between both individuals is scheduled to occur between December and February at Elimination Chamber.

Brother kills his half sister with wrestling moves

Devalon Armstrong of 13 years old is pleading guilty yesterday to negligent homicide after beating Viloude Louis, his 5 year old half sister to death last June.

He was babysitting his sister while his mother was at a store, according to John Fortunato of the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs office, the boy had said he started wrestling with his sister while practicing "WWE style" moves. Devalon then allegedly slammed Viloude on the bed, then jumped on her while hitting her with his elbows " like wrestlers do on television" the PWS would like to remind everyone to please leave the moves of wrestling to the professionals, this could happen to anybody.

HHH vs Austin at WrestleMania XXX

Lets face facts, WWE is not what it used to be. Social existence has become the mainstay of the company with wrestlers showering their wisdom on Twitter and Facebook. Even feuds are initiated on social media these days. Lacklustre arena events have disappointed fans for many years now.

Given the fact that WWE is operating in a PG environment, not much can be done to elevate storylines. Now the question is, with the odds favoured against the company, what can they do differently to make next year’s WrestleMania (XXX) a successful one.

In recent months, Triple-H and Stephanie have rekindled the corporate uprising, much like the rise of Vince McMahon in the attitude era. In the late 90′s, the friction between a certain Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon sent shock waves through the wrestling universe.

It is believed that epic storylines and memorable matches were an outcome of competition with WCW. All that has changed now. With no rival company in the scene, the corporate uprising can be one of the possible story angles if WWE has to return to its glory days.

Back then it was Austin who thwarted all corporate decisions. The Rock, the corporate champion became a laughing stock for fans as the Texas Rattlesnake kept us glued to our televisions screens with his beer baths and stunners. Whenever the glass shattered, Vince knew that they were about to allure fans with their antics.

Bring back The Rattlesnake

Comebacks in WWE always have a lasting impression among fans. And when a mammoth returns, they go berserk. Who can forget Rock’s return in 2011 or even Hulk Hogan in 2002. But Austin is yet to make an eventful comeback and no other time seems more fitting than the build up to WrestleMania XXX. His anti-hero character can again be used in the uprising angle that will not only give us great matches, it will also deliver good shoot promos between two legends – Triple-H and Austin.

The Storyline

Triple H has his agenda rolling. His ‘best for business’ meme is to do another Vince McMahon. This is where Austin can play the spanner in the works. His comeback has to be monumental that must include a lot of stunners, beer baths, and ‘WHAT?’ bombs between speeches. And now with Shawn Michaels in Triple-H’s corner, the stage can be set for another WresleMania XIV storyline. Only this time, it will be Triple H who will take the ring.

Triple H-Austin feud is not a new one. It still has the potential of delivering awe-inspiring moments, much like their earlier feud in 2001. Now given the fact their in-ring abilities have depleted and Austin’s statement that he would only face CM Punk at WrestleMania, the feud can either be executed through a tag team match or a one on one bout with an over the top condition like Triple-H has to resign as COO (Chief Operating Officer) if he or his team loses.

The likes of Daniel Bryan and Big Show who bore the brunt of Triple-H’s power in the past few months can be the likely candidates in Austin’s corner. They can also include Dolph Ziggler and Kane if necessary. Randy Orton on the other hand can lead the corporate tag team with The Shield in his corner. But fans would be more interested in a classic battle. This is where the company writers have to take a crucial decision. If they think that a one on one match will be more captivating, none other will fit the scene more aptly than Austin and Triple-H.

Updated Match Card for WWE Survivor Series

The WWE Survivor Series Kickoff pre-show panel will be made up of Josh Mathews, Booker T, Mick Foley and Bret Hart this Sunday

Here's the updated card for Sunday's Survivor Series pay-per-view from Boston: 

* Survivor Series Kickoff
Kofi Kingston vs The Miz

* 7-on-7 Traditional Elimination Match 
Cameron, Naomi, Natalya, Eva Marie, Jo Jo and The Bella Twins vs. AJ Lee, Tamina Snuka, Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Summer Rae, Rosa Mendes and Aksana 

* Intercontinental Championship
Big E Langston (c) vs. Curtis Axel

* Tag Team match
CM Punk and Daniel Bryan vs. The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper and Erick Rowan) (with Bray Wyatt) 

* World Heavyweight Championship
John Cena (c) vs Alberto Del Rio

* 5-on-5 Traditional Elimination Match 
Cody Rhodes, Goldust, The Usos and Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro 

* WWE Championship 
Randy Orton (c) vs Big Show