Category: WWE

Tommaso Ciampa Says He Was Told He’d Be On “Borrowed Time” If He Returns To The Ring

Tommaso Ciampa took to Twitter today and revealed that doctors told him he will be on “borrowed time” if he returns to the ring from his recent neck surgery.

Ciampa revealed the bad news when reflecting on how he will be missing the WWE NXT TakeOver: New York” event next Friday night in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. As noted, the plan was for Ciampa to defend his title against Johnny Gargano in the TakeOver main event, but Ciampa was forced to undergo neck surgery and relinquish the title. Gargano will now face Adam Cole in a 2 of 3 Falls match for the vacant NXT Title at TakeOver.

Ciampa said the match at TakeOver meant more to him than anyone will ever understand. “The opportunity was taken away from me,” he added.

There’s still no official word on when Ciampa will return to the ring but it was noted in the recent NXT TV video package, seen above, that it takes most people up to a full year to recover from the operation he had.

You can read Ciampa’s full statement below:

“In May of 2017 they told me that no one has ever had 3 major surgeries in a 12 week span and returned at a competitive level.I returned to the most successful run of my career.

This week I should be preparing to walk into the main event of TakeOver New York on Wrestlemania weekend as the NXT Champion. This match meant more to me than anyone will ever understand.

The opportunity was taken away from me.

In March of 2019 they told me that if I return then I will be on borrowed time.

To be continued…”

https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/1112716777392431104

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Stephanie McMahon To Make WrestleMania 35 Main Event Announcement On Tonight’s WWE RAW

WWE has just confirmed that Stephanie McMahon will be on tonight’s RAW to make an announcement on the WrestleMania 35 main event between new SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

As noted, there’s been talk on Flair also putting her title on the line in the main event, or some sort of “Winner Takes All” stipulation being added. This is likely what Stephanie will be announcing on tonight’s WrestleMania 35 go-home show.

Below is WWE’s announcement on Stephanie’s appearance:

Breaking News: Stephanie McMahon to make an announcement regarding the WrestleMania main event tonight

Stephanie McMahon will appear on the final Raw before WrestleMania 35 with an announcement pertaining to WrestleMania’s first-ever women’s main event, featuring Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending her title against new SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat Match.

The historic match has undergone incredible shifts in recent weeks, with Mr. McMahon inserting The Queen as his hand-picked challenger to The Rowdy One’s throne, The Man having to fight tooth-and-nail to cling to the opportunity she earned in the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match and, this past Tuesday night, Flair capturing the SmackDown Women’s Title.

What news will Stephanie deliver, and how might it further alter the landscape of one of the most anticipated main events in WrestleMania history? Find out when Raw airs live tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network.

Backstage News On John Cena’s WrestleMania Match Being Kept Secret, Lars Sullivan Involved?

Earlier this week it was reported John Cena signed a deal to work a match at WrestleMania, but it’s not expected to be against Kurt Angle. On this morning’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported Cena’s match is being kept very quiet.

“The Cena match is being kept secret,” Meltzer said. “I mean even people who know everything don’t know that one. I mean people internal, internal do know, but I don’t know who it is. It’s not Kurt, for sure. He’s got nothing to do with the Kurt match. Kurt is wrestling Baron Corbin, unless there’s another guy who’s coming in that we don’t know that’s what it’s gonna be.”

Also on this morning’s show, Meltzer was asked if Cena’s opponent could be Lars Sullivan, who was originally considered to be Cena’s opponent before an anxiety attack kept Sullivan from starting up on the main roster. Earlier this month it was reported he’s currently in a “good place.”

It’s unknown if Sullivan will be a potential opponent, but he could show up post-match.

“I don’t think they’re gonna do a match with Lars, but I wouldn’t be surprised if John Cena beats somebody and Lars shows up and destroys him,” Meltzer said. “I mean, it’s possible. It may be a little early for Lars, but just the way Triple H talked when he was asked about Lars and other things I’ve heard. Lars, I’m thinking is coming back fairly soon. I don’t know that’s 100 percent, but it’s certainly leaning in that direction. I can say for sure it’s leaning that direction and Triple H kinda sorta hinted that, as well.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On WWE SmackDown’s Move To FOX

As previously noted, WWE will begin airing SmackDown Live on the FOX Network each Friday Night starting October 4, 2019. FOX Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier described the move as “short term” back in February, but since then, there have been few details to explain what he exactly meant.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that there is now talk within the WWE to potentially add a third hour to SmackDown once it makes the transition over to Friday nights on FOX. The feeling among higher ups is that since they have to continue filming for 205 Live, a show that never grew as successful as WWE hoped, it may be beneficial to do the expected first two hours from 8 pm – 10 pm on FOX and then continue from 10 pm – 11 pm on FOX’s affiliate, FS1.

WWE can reportedly gain upwards of $50,000,000 a year from FOX if this is the route they ultimately choose to take. It is by no means a done deal at this point, but the momentum backstage apparently has people within the financial community expecting this aspect of the deal to come together.

It was noted how there wasn’t much discussion about doing a three hour show until FS1 lost it’s UFC programming to the multi-year deal between ESPN and UFC. Adding more WWE programming could be one way that FOX can potentially counter that loss.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On John Cena At WrestleMania 35

Although the WrestleMania 35 card has continued filling out throughout the week, one of WWE’s biggest names, John Cena, has yet to be mentioned on WWE TV regarding this year’s “Show of Shows”.

During the past couple of months, there has been speculation on who Cena will ultimately be competing against at this year’s WrestleMania. WWE United States Champion Samoa Joe was an early favorite for one of Cena’s opponents, especially after a series of promos delivered by Joe hinted that it may be the direction WWE creative was taking. Of course, Samoa Joe will be defending his U.S. Title against Rey Mysterio at ‘Mania.

People have also speculated that Cena will eventually take Baron Corbin’s place and become Kurt Angle’s opponent in what is being billed as the Olympic gold medalist’s final match with WWE. Cena continues posting photos on his Instagram account that poke fun at the situation with Corbin, and bring attention to the fact that Angle was Cena’s vert first opponent in WWE.

F4WOnline is now reporting that there is a deal on the table that Cena is expected to sign for WrestleMania; however, they noted that his opponent is not Kurt Angle.

We’ll keep you updated on further developments as we head in to this year’s WrestleMania.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Mickie James To Be Speaker At Childhelp National Day Of Hope

WWE superstar Mickie James just announced on her official Instagram that next week, she will be a speaker at the Childhelp National Day of Hope breakfast in Washington D.C. The first Wednesday in April is National Day of Hope and it was created by the United States House of Representatives in 2000.

James wrote that she was excited to be part of the event and that the organization was near and dear to her heart. She also wrote that after the breakfast, she will be joining the Childhelp team on the Hill to speak to members of Congress about the importance of organizations like Childhelp.

Her full message reads: “I am so excited to announce that next week I will be a speaker at the @childhelp National Day of Hope breakfast in Washington D.C. After the breakfast, I will join the Childhelp team on the Hill speaking to leaders and members of Congress about the importance of helping organizations that help victims and families with their life-changing resources and programs.
As you may know, this organization is so special to me, and near & dear to my heart. Please check out their page Childhelp.org and support them in any way you can. Together we can end child abuse now & forever. If you know of, or suspect a child to be a victim please use the national Child Abuse hotline 1-800-4-A-Child so they may no longer be a victim but a #SURVIVOR thank you!!! Xoxo”

It was also announced today that Mickie James will be a part of the 2nd annual WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 35.

You can read her Instagram post below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Luke Harper Issues Statement Ahead Of WWE TV Return, Says He Was “Ignored And Left Home For Months”

Luke Harper took to Twitter and confirmed that he was cleared to return to action back on February 6th. He also noted that he has not been brought to one WWE TV tapings since going down with an injury last October.

Harper pointed to how he will be facing WWE NXT Superstar Dominik Dijakovic at the WrestleMania 35 Axxess tapings for the WWE Network next Thursday, and said his WWE career has come full circle. Harper also addressed the speculation on his future and said he still has so much to prove to himself, WWE, the industry and his wife. He went on to say being “ignored and left home for months” by WWE brought on a lot of doubt and negative thoughts.

He wrote, I have so much to prove to myself, to WWE, to the industry of professional wrestling, to my wife and it is my responsibility to show my kids how to handle adversity. Next Thursday is the answer. Are the doubts real or is this the first step of the climb? I promise you I will come prepared and you will get my very best that night Mr. Dijak. Just know, be careful thinking of this as just an axxess match because to me, this is Wrestlemania. I’m not throwing away my shot.”

As noted, Harper has worked recent live events, including shows for the RAW brand, but he has been off TV since losing the SmackDown Tag Team Titles when Rowan suffered an injury last summer.

You can see his full statement below:

I’m 39 years old.I’ve been cleared since February 6th. I haven’t been brought to one television taping since I left to have double ligament reconstruction surgery on October 2nd, 2018.

6 years ago, I wrestled multiple matches at Axxess as part of FCW and was involved in Undertakers entrance. 5 years ago, I had a front row seat to watch Bray Wyatt wrestle John Cena. 4 years ago, I competed for the Intercontinental Championship in my first Wrestlemania singles match. 3 years ago, I wrestled Brock Lesnar in Toronto on a network special. 2 years ago, I came within inches of competing for the WWE Championship in the very math AJ Styles won his first and within inches of being part of the WWE championship match at Wrestlemania with Bray and Randy. 1 year ago, I won the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championships with Rowan while my wife and 2 sons watched from the front row.

Next Thursday I will be wrestling Donovan Dijak at Axxess.

Full circle.

I read all the texts I got that said, “you’re back on axxess???” I was kind to all the people at the gym asking if I’m retired. I swallowed my pride when agents and writers asked me if I was still hurt when completely healthy. And now here we are. April 4th, 2019 “When Worlds Collide” at Axxess. Luke Harper vs. Donovan Dijak. How will I respond? How will I change things? Well to all of you this may just be a throwaway Axxess match, but I can assure you to me it is much, much more. This is test. No one has to be happy with the results except me. That’s the true test. Do I still have it? Can I compete with a young, up and coming, incredibly talented, nxt prospect? Am I too old? Has the game passed me by? Am I as good as I really think I am? It brings me near tears to write this because I truly believe I have so f–king much to offer this industry. I believe I will be a World Heavyweight Champion someday. I believe that, but these are the doubts I live with daily. These are the doubts that creep in your head during rehab. These are the thoughts you think when you watch your left side atrophy. Being ignored and left home for months exasperated these thoughts and it sucked.

I have so much to prove to myself, to WWE, to the industry of professional wrestling, to my wife and it is my responsibility to show my kids how to handle adversity. Next Thursday is the answer. Are the doubts real or is this the first step of the climb?

I promise you I will come prepared and you will get my very best that night Mr. Dijak. Just know, be careful thinking of this as just an axxess match because to me, this is Wrestlemania. I’m not throwing away my shot.

Good luck.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Undertaker Shows His Recent Weight Loss

The Undertaker took to Instagram today and said the reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Taker noted that he’s made some lifestyle changes in an attempt to offset the years of physical abuse his body has endured while wrestling for WWE. He noted that he has lost 25 pounds and gave credit to Nutrition Solutions for helping.

Taker wrote, “The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!! I’ve made some serious lifestyle changes in an attempt to offset the years of physical abuse my body has endured. One of the major changes was losing 25lbs. Goal reached! I wanted to thank @nutritionsolutions for the meal prep! I really appreciate the help getting my diet dialed in. #iaintdoneyet #neverstopworking #rentsdue #restinpeace #goals #wwe #deathvalley #makeithappen #goodfood”

There’s still no word yet on if Taker will be appearing at WrestleMania 35. We know that he and wife Michelle McCool were teaching at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando last week.

You can see Taker’s full post below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvmMC6qgFYL/?utm_source=ig_embed

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Linda McMahon To Step Down From Small Business Administration, Reportedly Raising Funds For Trump

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon is expected to announce later today that she is stepping down as the head of the Small Business Administration.

Linda is expected to rejoin the private sector, according to Politico. Her exact plans are unclear, but a source close to Linda said she plans on playing a fundraising role for President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. Linda was expected to join Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida this weekend.

Trump named McMahon as the head of his SBA back in December 2016. Trump administration officials have long seen Linda as a leading contender to replace Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross when he eventually steps down, but that won’t be happening.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jim Ross’ WWE Contract Comes To An End, Reveals An Undertaker Documentary Is In The Works

Earlier this month, WWE Hall of Famer, “Good Ol’ J.R.” Jim Ross, confirmed that he would be parting ways with the WWE when his current contract expired.

On his show, The Ross Report, J.R. mentioned that a lot of great opportunities are coming up even if his time with WWE has reached it’s conclusion.

“There [are] a lot of big things on the horizon,” Ross said. “I’ll leave you with that. There [are] so many rumors out there, ‘this is going to happen,’ ‘that is going to happen.’ All I can tell you is this: I’m not keeping any secret. My contract with WWE is up at the end of March. What happens after that is not up to me entirely. It takes two to tango on any front you go to. So, all I know is I’m not worried about any of it. I’m not worried about how to get my groceries in 2019. All is good.”

The last day of J.R.’s contract with WWE has arrived, and J.R. took to Twitter to comment on what today entails. Ross wrote, “Big day…it’s the final day of my contract with WWE after 26 years. A WWE camera crew arriving at my home today to record for an Undertaker documentary. I’m honored to be a part of it. Great way to exit.”

There’s no official word on what is next for J.R. We previously noted that despite being under contract with WWE until today, he has been in talks with AEW.

“I don’t know, [AEW and I are] talking,” JR said. “I just haven’t signed anything yet. My people and their people are doing their thing. The only agent I grew up knowing was a State Farm agent in Oklahoma, I got a real agent now, man. So, they’re working on it. I’d like to get into some voice-over work, I’d like to do some… I wouldn’t mind having a radio gig doing college football.”

You can read Ross’ full tweet below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.