Who Should Batista's Return Feud Be Against?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIG E LANGSTON: 

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

DEAN AMBROSE: 

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

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

AMBROSE: 

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

LANGSTON: 

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

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

LANGSTON: 

I’d welcome the challenge. 

AMBROSE: 

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

Roman Reigns says 2014 will be the year of the Shield

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

JM:

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

RR: 

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

JM: 

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

RR: 

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

JM: 

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

RR: 

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

JM: 

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

RR: 

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

JM: 

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

RR: 

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

Gene Snitsky reveals why he left WWE

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

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

On the angle where he punted a baby doll: 

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

His infamous encounter with Heidenreich: 

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

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

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

Why he left WWE: 

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

On whether he watches the current WWE product:

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

His foot fetish: 

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

Reaction to Vince McMahon rubbing President Obama on Raw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randy Orton: Being a Bad Guy Is Just More Fun

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

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

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

NXT talent Corey Graves Appearing at the Rumble?

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

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

WWE Top 5 Matches of 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Ross Blog

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

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

It was massive. Set up perfectly. Excellent booking. 

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

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

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

Any time both parties are ready. 

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

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

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

Ross replied: 

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

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

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

DEAN AMBROSE TALKS ABOUT WORKING WITH THE UNDERTAKER

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

Getting Called Up To The Main Roster: 

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

Working with Undertaker: 

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

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

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

Stone Cold Stunner Ranked Best Finishing Move

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

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

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

Backstage News on Several Big Names Returning for WrestleMania XXX

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

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

Batista is also being talked about coming back internally. 

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

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

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

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

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

Raw Main Event featuring Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan: 

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

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

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

Shawn Michaels confronting CM Punk:

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

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

Shawn Michaels returning to the ring:

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

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

Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman's return:

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

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

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

John Cena: 

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

NXT: 

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

Dream Opponents: 

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

WWE TLC 2013 Predictions

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

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

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

Midcard titles

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

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

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

 Daniel Bryan joining the Wyatts

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

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

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

Chaotic end for Unification

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

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

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

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

Friction between The Shield and Punk’s triumph

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Randy Orton Leaving TLC as Unified Champion ???

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

Updated Match Card for WWE TLC

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

* TLC Kickoff (Pre-Show)

Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango (with Summer Rae)

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

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

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

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

 * 3-on-1 Handicap match

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

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