Category: WWE

WWE Officially Announces New Cruiserweight Series, Premiere Date Set

WWE Issued the following:

WWE NETWORK® ADDS TO ROBUST 2016 PROGRAMMING SLATE

STAMFORD, Conn., February 16, 2016 – WWE Network continues to add to its already robust slate of original programming in 2016, with the newly green-lit show, Global Cruiserweight Series, a tournament which brings together more than 30 of the greatest in-ring competitors at Full Sail University in Orlando, to vie for the right to call themselves the best cruiserweight in the world. Global Cruiserweight Series is set to premiere Wednesday, July 13 at 9pm ET on WWE Network.

WWE previously announced three new original series for WWE Network including The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness, WWE Ride Along, and Camp WWE, along with new episodes of Stone Cold® Podcast Live!, the second season of Swerved, new episodes of Legends with JBL and more.

WWE NETWORK 2016 NEW ORIGINAL SERIES:

THE EDGE & CHRISTIAN SHOW THAT TOTALLY REEKS OF AWESOMENESS – PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING FASTLANE

WWE presents a half-hour variety show starring the talented duo, Edge and Christian, in a series that will take a look back at all the highs and lows of sports entertainment, while offering a unique and humor filled perspective to the WWE Universe. Following its premiere this Sunday, new episodes will air every week following Monday Night Raw.

CAMP WWE – SERIES PREMIERE MONDAY, MAY 2 ONLY ON DEMAND

Imagine WWE Superstars, Legends and Divas when they were kids at their favorite summer camp… owned by none other than Mr. McMahon! This all-new, in-your-face, adult animated comedy series will show fans a side of the WWE they have never seen before. In partnership with Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, Camp WWE will be available exclusively in the WWE Network video-on-demand library.

GLOBAL CRUISERWEIGHT SERIES – SERIES PREMIERE WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 AT 9PM ET

For the first time ever, WWE invites cruiserweights from all over the world to compete in the inaugural Global Cruiserweight Series. Thirty-two of the greatest in-ring competitors under 205 lbs. will descend upon Full Sail University in Orlando and collide over 10 weeks to earn the right to call themselves the best cruiserweight in the world.

WWE RIDE ALONG – NEW EPISODES AIRING AND AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND

Ever want to know what happens to your favorite WWE Superstars and Divas immediately following a WWE live event? On WWE Ride Along, the WWE Universe rides shotgun with the Superstars and Divas themselves as they travel from city to city on the tour that never ends. Hear inside stories and witness over-the-top hilarity that can only take place within the confines of a car.

NEW EPISODES:

STONE COLD PODCAST LIVE! – NEW EPISODES AIRING AND AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND

WWE Hall of Famer and Icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin sits down with the biggest names in WWE and the world of sports and entertainment for no-holds-barred, in-your-face, exclusive interviews.

LEGENDS WITH JBL – NEW EPISODES AIRING AND AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND

In this revealing talk show, host John Bradshaw Layfield, former WWE Champion and current Monday Night Raw analyst, presses the biggest and most influential names in WWE on the most controversial topics in sports entertainment history. Upcoming guests include Booker T, Michael Hayes and Jimmy Hart.

SWERVED – SEASON TWO PREMIERE MONDAY, JUNE 6

WWE reunites with the director of Jackass and Bad Grandpa, Jeff Tremaine, for a second season of the hilarious WWE original series – Swerved!

NEW CONTENT ON DEMAND:

In addition to the more than 4,300 hours of content available on demand, WWE Networknow offers specially curated themed “Collections” including Daniel Bryan’s Greatest Moments, The Best of Stone Cold vs. Mr. McMahon, Brock Lesnar: Road to the Undisputed Title and more. Each month new collections will be added. February Collections include:

DANIEL BRYAN’S GREATEST MOMENTS

On an electric night in front of a hometown crowd, Daniel Bryan announced his retirement with an emotional and moving speech to the WWE Universe. Relive the charismatic Superstar’s Greatest Moments with this definitive collection featuring early career highlights, the hilarious antics of Team Hell No, improbable WrestleMania® triumphs, and so much more.

THE BEST OF STONE COLD vs MR. MCMAHON

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon – say no more. The working class hero and the evil corporate boss go head-to-head, and the outcome is historic moments, intense matches, and hilarious antics from one of WWE’s greatest rivalries.

BROCK LESNAR: ROAD TO THE UNDISPUTED TITLE

From his impactful debut and hunt for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar quickly became one of the most dominant Superstars in WWE history. Relive the early exploits of ‘The Next Big Thing’ as he faces off against The Rock, Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam, The Hardy Boyz, and more.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

WWE Network honors Black History Month with your favorite African American Superstars. From WWE Hall Of Famers Ron Simmons, Rocky Johnson, Tony Atlas, The Junkyard Dog and Booker T to current stars like The Prime Time Players, Mark Henry, and The New Day, this collection has it all.

TLC TAG TEAMS

Edge & Christian, The Hardy Boyz and The Dudleyz – three young tag teams looking to make a name for themselves and willing to put their bodies on the line, in what remains to this day one of WWE’s most high-flying and dangerous series of matches – Tables, Ladders & Chairs.

THE BEST OF WWE Network

Welcome to the award winning WWE Network. Start your journey with these essentials; from ground breaking original programming, to revolutionary in-ring specials. Enjoy a taste of the ever-growing video-on-demand library currently featuring more than 4,300 hours of entertainment. This collection includes WrestleMania 31, Stone Cold Podcast Live! featuring Triple H, The Monday Night War, Breaking Ground and NXT Takeover.

THE GREATEST MATCHES EVER

The very best matches from the biggest superstars of all time featuring Ricky Steamboat vs Ric Flair, to John Cena vs Daniel Bryan, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as the most dramatic bouts and jaw dropping matches of all time are on display.

King Barrett Reportedly Leaving WWE In June

Source: WrestlingINC

King Barrett has reportedly given notice to WWE officials that he will not be re-signing with the company when his current contract expires in June, according to a report on ProWrestlingSheet.

Barrett is said to be unhappy with his position in the company. Barrett has been out of the ring with a nerve injury in his neck and has been accompanying the League of Nations to the ring while he’s not cleared.

Barrett took to Twitter after Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings and thanked his supporters. He also said he will comment further at a more appropriate time but is 100% focused on doing his job for WWE right now.

Update On Awesome Kong Teasing WWE Return

In the story about Awesome Kong teasing a return to WWE, I noted that she posted some video’s with messages on Instagram teasing a possible return to WWE.

I found a post on Twitter that she states that she doesn’t have an Instagram account, so apparently the Awesome Kong Instagram account is a fake.

She posted the following on Twitter:

Awesome Kong Teasing A Potential Return To WWE

Source: WrestlingNewsCo

Former TNA and WWE star Awesome Kong is teasing a potential WWE return on Instagram.

Hmmm…

A photo posted by Kia Stevens (@meanqueenk) on

A video posted by Kia Stevens (@meanqueenk) on

A video posted by Kia Stevens (@meanqueenk) on

#Kharma @WWE @WWENXT

A video posted by Kia Stevens (@meanqueenk) on

Kong signed with WWE in 2010 and appeared on television in 2011 under the name Kharma. In May of 2011, she revealed that she was pregnant and thus forced to take a leave of absence from WWE. In July of 2012, she confirmed on Twitter that she had parted ways with WWE.She was recently released from TNA because of an incident between her and Reby Sky (Reby Sky Hardy) in Manchester, England during TNA’s tour of the UK.

Kong could just be having some fun on social media but if there was any chance of her signing her then she would have to pass WWE medical tests. Kong has been plagued with back issues in the last year.

Mark Henry Injured On RAW?

Source: F4WOnline via WrestlingINC

There’s been no official update on Mark Henry’s status after suffering an apparent injury in the singles match with WWE Tag Team Champion Big E on last night’s RAW from Anaheim.

As seen in the match, Big E went for a Big Ending but Henry just fell out of the move and Big E covered for the pin. There was speculation that Henry may have suffered a rib injury from the splashes Big E delivered. This is not confirmed but it was believed that Henry suffered an injury before Big E scooped him for the Big Ending.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Live that Henry did suffer an injury but we don’t know what it is yet. Henry was being tended to by WWE trainers for a while during the break. We’ll keep you updated on his status.

Backstage Notes On Finn Balor & Samoa Joe Possibly Coming To WWE’s Main Roster

Source: F4WOnline via WrestlingINC

In regards to WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor coming to the main roster, he could be called up by the end of the year but there are still short-term plans for him to be the face of NXT, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Live today.

There is still talk of having Samoa Joe defeat Balor for the NXT Title at NXT Takeover: Dallas, but that is not a lock.

We noted before that there has been talk of bringing Joe to the main roster, possibly as soon as the post-WrestleMania RAW, but a title win would extend the Balor vs. Joe feud and keep Joe in NXT for a little while longer.

 

Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella On GMA (video), Brie Retiring

Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella appeared on Good Morning America.

Daniel Bryan opens up to GMA about the physicality of WWE, safety, retiring and more. Wife Brie Bella also opens up about retiring soon from the sport as well.

Jerry “The King” Lawler Planning To Open Bar & Grill In Memphis

Source: Michael Donahue of The Commercial Appeal  

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler said Sunday that he is looking to open a wrestling-themed bar and grill on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

Plans are in the works, he said, declining to provide additional details.

Lawler is signed to WWE, where he serves as the color commentator on the “Main Event” and “SmackDown” broadcasts.

A lifelong Memphian, the Lawler spends a lot of time in Memphis, appearing at festivals and other events around town.

 

Kurt Angle Set To Wrestle Post-TNA Match Against Rey Mysterio, MMA And Boxing On The Show

Source: WrestlingINC

Kurt Angle may have finished up his pro wrestling dates with TNA, but he’s not retiring, as he’s said many times. As it turns out, he’ll be in the ring rather soon, and against an old foe in Rey Mysterio.

A promotion called UR Fight is putting on a pro wrestling/boxing/grappling/ MMA card that features several former WWE names. Ken Shamrock is advertised to take on Dan Severn in an MMA fight, while Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen are set to grapple. Roy Jones Jr will also box on the show…against a fan.

The show takes place March 20 from the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The show will be broadcast on IPPV.

John Cena Named Honorary Pace Car Driver for the 58th Annual DAYTONA 500

WWE Superstar John Cena Named Honorary Pace Car Driver for the 58th Annual DAYTONA 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2016) – WWE Superstar and actor John Cena will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the 58th annual DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at Daytona International Speedway (TV – FOX, FOX Deportes; Radio – MRN Radio, SiriusXM). Cena will pace the 43-car field to the green flag in a Toyota Camry.

Cena, a 15-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, has been at the forefront of WWE’s programming for more than a decade, and most recently starred on the big screen in the Golden Globe-nominated “Trainwreck” as well as “Sisters” with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. He next will host FOX’s upcoming reality competition series AMERICAN GRIT, in which contestants work together to complete a variety of military-grade and survival-themed challenges. The series premieres Thursday, April 14 (9:00 -10:00 pm ET/PT) on FOX.

“John Cena is one of the most iconic WWE Superstars in history, a great actor and philanthropist,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “We welcome him back to the ‘World Center of Racing’ and our new motorsports stadium, this time to pace the field for ‘The Great American Race.’ ”

In addition to his celebrity accolades, Cena is a wish ambassador for Make-A-Wish having granted more than 500 wishes – more than any other celebrity or athlete in the history of the organization. Make-A-Wish has recognized Cena’s unwavering dedication to children with life-threatening medical conditions with their highest honor, the Chris Greicius Award.