WWE has announced that RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon will be on Monday’s RAW to make a historic announcement.
No word yet on what the announcement may be.
WWE tweeted the following on Stephanie’s announcement:
Category: WWE
Kelly Kelly Reportedly Interested In WWE Return
Barbie Blank’s run in WWE as Kelly Kelly ended in September 2012 after a six-years with the company. Kelly Kelly said the time off was needed in order to heal from a neck injury.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that she is open to a WWE return. The 30-year-old is currently enjoying a modeling career.
She was also a cast member of the reality television show WAGS. She married professional hockey player Sheldon Souray. The couple broke up in October 2017 and her run on WAGS ended as well. The former Divas Champion is currently a shooting film and working on a clothing line as well.
Kelly Kelly appeared on Raw 25 and competed in the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble match, where she was eliminated by Nia Jax.
Source: WrestlingINC
Jerry Lawler Says WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel ‘Is In Really, Really Bad Health’
The last time we saw legendary WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel on WWE TV he was introducing The Undertaker during Raw 25. Jerry Lawler recently noted on his Dinner With The King podcast that Finkel isn’t doing well health-wise. Lawler doesn’t know exactly what the problem is, but it’s not a good situation.
“I just heard not long ago that Howard [Finkel] is in really, really bad health,” Lawler said. “Not good at all. He may have had a stroke. I’m not sure but I just know that he’s not doing well.”
Finkel started working for Vince McMahon Sr. in 1975. He began performing ring announcer duties at Madison Square Garden shows in 1976 and he was soon the company’s lead ring announcer. Finkel was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2009 by “Mean” Gene Okerlund. The Fink has a daughter named Anastasia with his long-time partner Megan McCarthy.
We wish Finkel and his family the best with whatever issues he is dealing with.
Source: WrestlingINC
Keith Lee Makes NXT In-Ring Debut
Recent WWE signee Keith Lee made his NXT in-ring debut at Wednesday night’s television tapings using his “limitless” and “bask in my glory” catchphrases.
Lee arrived at the Performance Center in Orlando Tuesday as part of the latest class. Clearly, WWE officials think highly of him — putting him in a ring just days later.
According those in attendance, Lee defeated Marcel Barthel with a jackhammer-style finish.
Lee debuted on NXT television sitting in the front row at NXT Takeover: Chicago. He previously wrestled a match at Axxess before Wrestlemania 34 taking on Kassius Ohno. He was reported to have signed with WWE in the weeks that followed.
It’s unclear if his match will air on NXT broadcasts.
Check out a few pictures and gifs from his debut below.
https://twitter.com/RealKeithLee/status/1019961536146702336
https://twitter.com/JayWrasslin/status/1019767587234832384
https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/1019748937392164864
https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/1019749277218869250
Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet
Austin Aries Has Advice For WWE Talent Feeling Underutilized
Austin Aries is set to defend his title at Slammiversary on this Sunday. Aries will put his Impact World Championship on the line against Moose in front of a sold-out Toronto crowd.
Aries was released from WWE in 2017 after a year-and-a-half with the company. He never picked up a title in WWE, but that soon changed when he hit the independent wrestling scene.
The Belt Collector took part in a media call today where I had the chance to ask about other WWE Superstars who might not be happy and ready to strike out on their own. Aries said at this point there is such a vibrant array of options that it gives someone a world of possibilities outside of Vince McMahon and Company.
“I mean listen, if there’s a number of men and women over there who feel they’re in a position where they’re spinning their wheels,” Aries said. “Or maybe not getting the opportunities they feel they earned that are immensely talented. I’m not gonna name names but I think anyone in that position who wants to better themselves, I think Impact Wrestling provides a platform at least that’s not gonna tie you down and lock you in and give you the opportunities to actually go and prove that.”
While Aries declined providing specifics, he noted that talent have other options if they feel that they’re not being utilized properly.
“They go and do that also independently across the world. So you know it’s a unique opportunity. Listen, there’s a lot — they have a huge roster and there’s a lot of talent on there. There’s only so many spots and so many hours of television. So you know I’m sure there are people who feel like they’re getting left out or they’re not getting the shots that they want, and if they find themselves free and clear, it’s cool. There’s a nice vibrate professional landscape right now for people to go out and apply their craft.”
Source: WrestlingINC
Titus O’Neil Says Hulk Hogan’s WWE Apology Lacked “Remorse” And “Desire To Change”
Titus O’Neil has followed The New Day‘s lead by sharing his thoughts on Hulk Hogan‘s reinstatement to the WWE Hall of Fame and apology to the locker room before Extreme Rules.
O’Neil tweeted support for the statement released last night by New Day and echoed their sentiment, saying Hogan’s address showed a “lack of true contrition, remorse and a desire to change.”
In saying that, he noted Hogan’s apology seemed to focus on the fact that he was recorded without his knowledge while using multiple racial slurs … instead of what Titus called “remorse for the hateful and violent utterances he made which reprise language that has caused violence against blacks and minorities for centuries.”
It’s worth noting, however, O’Neil says Hulkster is entitled to the Hall of Fame reinstatement and he’s supportive of people receiving second/third chances.
The leader of Titus Worldwide also squashed rumors about him which began to circulate following Hogan’s locker room talk — the biggest being that O’Neil refused to shake Hulk’s hand and ultimately walked out on the meeting.
Read the full statement below.
“To my gracious fans and the WWE Universe.
The reports and rumors concerning my concerning my boycotting Extreme Rules in Pittsburgh is false and inaccurate. I was not scheduled to attend or participate in the Extreme Rules match/production and otherwise was not booked for the show.
The talent present in Pittsburgh, which I was a part of, was asked to attend a mandatory meeting in which Mr. Terry Bollea addressed everyone and informed the same that he would be reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. At no point during, after or otherwise did I make any scene concerning Mr. Bollea’s communication to the talent. In addition, let it be known that I did not refuse to shake Mr. Bollea’s hand; we did not have any type of one-on-one interaction whatsoever that would or did necessitate any exchange between us individually.
As to the reinstatement of Mr. Bollea, I can only communicate that I am a proponent of second and even third chances for individuals that show true remorse, acknowledgement of wrongdoing, fulfill their punishment, if applicable, and otherwise put forth sincere efforts to correct the issues.
Unfortunately, I must echo the sentiment and dissatisfaction expressed by many of my fellow contemporaries concerning Mr. Bollea’s apology and its lack of true contrition, remorse and a desire to change. Mr. Bollea’s apology “that he didn’t know he was being recorded” is not remorse for the hateful and violent utterances he made which reprise language that has caused violence against blacks and minorities for centuries.
I stand firm in my position that Mr. Bollea is entitled to reinstatement; he was and is a role model, hero and icon to countless people. I hope that Mr. Bollea’s missteps in communicating to the WWE talent in Pittsburgh are not repeated to his fans and I expect that he shall pursue an agenda that clearly communicates to all third parties that his language was inappropriate, wrong and should not be tolerated in a civilized and inclusive society.
As the father of two young black men, I have spent their entire life and the majority of my adult life with a singular focus; being a role model for my children and young black boys and girls. I take tremendous pride in my charity work and the community outreach that I have fostered via the platform I have been given. I teach my sons love and tolerance for everybody, but I also teach them to operate in truth and respect.
I hope this clears up any confusion. I, like New Day, will continue to use my platform to positively affect, entertain, embrace, celebrate and love people from all backgrounds both inside and outside of the WWE Universe.
Sincerely,
Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar ‘Titus O’Neil’”
Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet
NXT Preview 7/18/18
WWE NXT airs tonight at 8:00 PM ET on WWE Network.
* Triple Threat #1 Contenders Match: Candice LeRae vs. Nikki Cross vs. Kairi Sane
* Lacey Evans vs. Dakota Kai
* Kassius Ohno returns to action
Backstage News On When Kane Suffered His Foot Injury, Update On His WWE TV Status
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60377927/231_RULES_07152018cm_4786__51befa17c070bfddfed5d939fc0c057c.0.jpg)
As noted, WWE did the injury angle with Team Hell No at Extreme Rules because Kane had been suffering from a legitimate injury to his left foot. WWE later announced that Kane suffered a broken ankle in the attack from SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers.
In an update on Kane’s status, PWInsider reports that he suffered an injury to his Achille’s tendon on the Extreme Rules go-home edition of SmackDown this past Tuesday. This is why Kane was wearing the walking boot earlier in the day before Extreme Rules.
No word on exactly when Kane suffered the injury during the show but the go-home SmackDown show featured he and Daniel Bryan brawling with Rowan, Harper and SAnitY, which set up a 10-man main event – Team Hell No teaming with The New Day to defeat SAnitY and The Bludgeon Brothers.
Kane is not expected to be back on WWE TV anytime soon as he’s preparing for the final push of his campaign to become the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee this fall.
Source: WrestlingINC
Ronda Rousey’s Husband (Travis Browne) Interested In A WWE In-Ring Career?
Ronda Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne, was recently at Extreme Rules with Rousey, and was shown on television when Rousey was walking to her seat and when she jumped over the barrier to attack Mickie James. The 6’7″, 243-pound UFC fighter was recently interviewed by TMZ, and showed interest of teaming up with his wife. Although he is still under contract with UFC at the moment, a WWE career could be on the horizon.
“I’ll never say no, but we’ll have to see, really,” Browne said. “This is Ronda’s time in the WWE. She’s killing it, she’s taking over the world. She took over the UFC, she’s taking over the WWE, she’s gonna continue to do whatever she wants to do.
“I’ll never say no to the possibility of going out there and wrestling. I’d love to go out there and work with my wife. That’d be so much fun. A mixed match? Oh yeah. That was her at the WrestleMania. It’d be fun. I wouldn’t say no.”
Regarding whether Browne would like to see his wife return to the Octagon, he responded, “I love seeing her happy, and I’ve never seen her more happy than right now. So, she’s really enjoying what she does, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.”
Based on the events that occurred on Raw, Rousey will be competing for the Raw Women’s Championship once again, against Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam. This will be Rousey’s second singles match and third match overall. Both of her singles matches have been for the Raw Women’s Championship, with her first one being against Nia Jax at Money in the Bank.
Source: TMZ via WrestlingINC
CM Punk And AJ Mendez (Lee) Announced For Horror Movie
CM Punk and wife AJ Mendez (AJ Lee) have been announced for Rabid, a new horror movie that is a remake of the 1977 David Cronenberg movie of the same name.
The movie is being written & directed by The Soska Twins, who directed WWE Studios’ Vendetta and See No Evil 2 movies. The movie will star Laura Vandervoort and Ben Hollingsworth with Punk and AJ in supporting roles. Punk will star as “Billy” while AJ plays a character named “Kira.”
No word yet on the release date for the movie but below is the official press release:
Production Begins on the Feature Film RABID -FeaturingCM Punk and AJ Mendez-
– Written and Directed by The Soska Sisters (WWE Studios’ See No Evil 2 and Vendetta) –
– Remake of the Classic David Cronenberg 1977 Horror Feature Film –
– Starring Laura Vandervoort and Ben Hollingsworth –
– Body Horror Meets the World of High Fashion –
Toronto, Canada – July 17, 2018 – Canadian production company Back 40 Pictures announced today that production has begun in the Greater Toronto Area on the feature film Rabid. Written and Directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska (Dead Hooker in A Trunk, American Mary) and John Serge. Rabid stars Laura Vandervoort (Jigsaw, BITTEN) as “Rose” a demure seamstress who goes through a radical transformation after electing for plastic surgery following a disfiguring accident. Ben Hollingsworth (CODE BLACK) is “Brad” a fashion photographer. Rabid is a remake of the classic David Cronenberg 1977 horror feature film which was executive produced by Ivan Reitman. Rabid also stars Hanneke Talbot (PLAYING DEAD) who portrays Rose’s best friend Chelsea and Mackenzie Gray (LEGION, RIVERDALE) as arrogant fashion designer “Gunter”. Rabid will also feature WWE superstars CM Punk as “Billy” and his wife New York Times best-selling author AJ Mendez as “Kira”.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be re-imagining David’s 1977 body horror classic, Rabid, with such incredible support behind us. We are not fans of the current trend of soulless remakes as they disrespect the fans and the original body of work. Our Rabid is a continuation of the thoughts and conversation David started, but modernized through a female perspective. The film will not only honour his original Rabid but also Cronenberg’s entire body of work. This would not have been possible without a team behind us that cares about the artist as well as the fans,” said Writer-Directors Jen and Sylvia Soska.
Drawing influence from the original movie, the remake is set in the seductive and glamorous world of high fashion and will follow Rose (Laura Vandervoort), a young woman whose disfigurement after an accident leads to a radical and untested stem-cell treatment. While turning Rose into the belle of the ball, the experimental transformation comes at a price.
“I don’t think there’s any bigger fans of David Cronenberg than the sisters, so it was really exciting when they agreed to helm this project. They will put their own stamp on the movie of course, but with nothing but the utmost respect to David, and that’s important when you’re remaking a classic horror film like Rabid, says producer Paul Lalonde. The Soska twins are the hottest young directors in the horror space right now, and our talented cast headed by Laura (Vandervoort) and Ben (Hollingsworth) will give horror fans a rich and chilling character-driven story with plenty of body horror. We’ve got a fantastic cast, a great crew, top notch special effects and industry leading stunt coordinators. And having the whole story set against the backdrop of high fashion, that’s not only a great chance for some important social commentary, it’s also a really fun twist on horror. A peek inside the world of haute torture if you will.”
A71 Entertainment will distribute Rabid in Canada with 101 Films handling the United Kingdom, Back 40 Pictures orchestrating theatrical distribution duties in the United States, and Shout! Studios’ Scream Factory imprint distributing the film across multiple platforms in the U.S. Rabid is produced by Back 40 Pictures in conjunction with Telefilm Canada, Ontario Media Development Corporation and London based, Media Finance Capital. Michael Walker, Paul Lalonde and John Vidette are serving as producers.
Source: WrestlingINC
