Tag: WWE Backstage

WWE Backstage Returning For One Night Only With Renee Young, Paige And Booker T

WWE and FOX Sports have announced a special edition of WWE Backstage on FS1.

The special episode will air during Royal Rumble Weekend on Saturday, January 30 at 8pm ET on FS1. A replay will air later that night at midnight, and another replay will air at 5pm ET on Royal Rumble Sunday, as a lead-in to the Royal Rumble Kickoff pre-show.

The special edition of WWE Backstage will be hosted by Renee Paquette (Renee Young), Paige, and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

WWE Backstage aired from November 2019 through mid-March of this year after production was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FOX Sports then announced in June that the show was no longer airing. A special post-SmackDown edition of the show was scheduled to air back on October 23, but it was nixed at the last minute and replaced with an airing of Talking Smack.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former WWE Star CM Punk Opens Up About Signing With FOX, If He Would Ever Get Back In The Ring?

Phil Brooks who is known better to wrestling fans under the name of CM Punk was interviewed on the Fox Sports FS1 program WWE Backstage on Tuesday. the studio program which is part of the partnership between World Wrestling Entertainment and Fox Sports announced CM Punk as an analyst for their program last week which covers the happenings in WWE. In 2013 Punk abruptly left WWE after not being happy with the direction of the company and his on-screen character and medical issues. During the interview with WWE Backstage host, Renee Young CM Punk confirmed to viewers that he is not signed directly with WWE but instead signed with Fox Sports as an analyst for the program. Punk also went on to say that this allows him the freedom to openly criticize WWE something he has not been afraid to do in the past.

During his time on WWE programming, CM Punk became one of the most popular characters often referred to as “the voice of the voiceless” often voicing displeasure with WWE and it’s programming and being an anti-hero to fans. it has long been speculated whether CM Punk would ever return to wrestling or WWE but Punk says the opportunity that came up for him to appear on WWE Backstage wasn’t even around 6 months ago.

WWE’s next big event Survivor Series will take place in Chicago Illinois later this month which is the home of CM Punk that fact has left many WWE fans speculating whether or not he will, in fact, appear at the annual event? in regards to a return in the ring CM Punk says that he has learned to never say never.

Watch the full interview below:

Source: Trevor Decker News

WATCH: CM Punk’s Secret Arrival To FOX Studios For WWE Backstage

CM Punk arrived to the FOX lot in secret this week for a surprise appearance on WWE Backstage … and the whole thing was documented in a cool behind the scenes video.

WWE on FOX’s Twitter account shared the video which begins with Punk talking about meeting with FOX executives about his role on the show. The former WWE champion says he was told they want him on the show as an analyst, similar to A-Rod with MLB coverage and Troy Aikman with NFL coverage.

Punk is shown arriving to the lot shortly before Backstage was set to begin and hiding his face with a scarf to make sure the secret wasn’t spoiled beforehand.

Prior to making his first appearance on the show, Punk is shown in the elevator saying “this is kind of a big deal.” When someone in production reaffirms that he IS kind of a big deal, the former wrestler replies saying, “For the first time, I will say yes. I will admit that. This is kind of a big thing.”

Watch the full video below to see CM Punk watching the show before his intro and more.

WWE Backstage airs Tuesday nights on FS1 at 11pm ET/ 8pm PT.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1195176384005459969

CM Punk wwe backstage behind the scenes video

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

CM Punk Reportedly Turned Down Big Money Offer From AEW, Punk Is Signed To A FOX Deal, Not WWE

CM Punk reportedly turned down significant money from AEW, according to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live.

Punk did actually have talks with AEW, despite what has been said in the media, and he met in person with AEW President & CEO Tony Khan, according to Alvarez. There’s no word yet on details of AEW’s offer, but Khan reportedly offered “a lot of money” to the former WWE Champion.

There’s been no update on Punk possibly returning to the ring for WWE, but turning down the AEW deal could be a sign that he has no plan for an in-ring future.

Punk is signed to a FOX deal, not WWE. It’s been reported that Punk’s agents contacted FOX a few months back, which led to the initial tryout in Los Angeles, where the show is filmed each week. WWE did give their blessing to the hire, but this was a FOX decision.

As seen in the tweet from FOX Sports PR below, “CM Punk” and “WWE Backstage” trended #1 and #2 worldwide on Twitter. The return had more than 5.5 million video views across the FOX Sports social media platforms, and counting. This was also the most re-tweeted post of the year on any FOX Sports account.

As we’ve noted, Punk appeared at the end of this week’s Backstage episode after being introduced by host Renee Young. It was later announced that the former WWE Champion will appear as a Special Contributor and Analyst beginning next week, making “select appearances” in the studio alongside host Renee and analyst WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

CM Punk Appears On WWE Backstage

CP Punk appeared at the end of last night’s WWE Backstage. Punk will be on next week.

“It’s as simple as this, just when they think they’ve got the answers, I change the culture,” Punk said to the camera. “I’ll see you here next week.”

FOX’s Twitter announced Punk will be “appearing periodically” on the show. Punk originally left WWE in 2014.

At the end of last month, Punk had commented in an interview that he hadn’t heard back since his tryout, however FOX was obviously happy with how it went.

“I did the FOX thing,” Punk said last month. “They asked me to come out and I was already in LA, so I went into the FOX studios. I guess you could call it an audition? I haven’t heard a thing.

“Renee Young and Booker T, I haven’t seen either of them in five+ years. I think Renee is great, that’s the kind of thing she is built for. Booker, to me, he’s Booker; he’s always laughing and he’s good for that kind of role.”

Punk has also noted that a deal for the show would be with FOX Sports and not WWE.

You can check out Punk’s appearance in the video below.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1194479818215051264

WWE.com posted the following:

After a nearly six-year absence from WWE TV, CM Punk made a shocking, unannounced appearance on Tuesday night’s episode of WWE Backstage, FS1’s new weekly studio show.

The two-time WWE Champion arrived during the show’s final moments, entering to the sounds of Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality,” Punk’s entrance music during his storied in-ring career.

“It’s as simple as this: Just when they think they’ve got the answers, I change the culture,” Punk told the camera, before adding, “I’ll see you here next week.”

Within minutes, the WWE on FOX Twitter account confirmed that Punk will make periodic appearances on WWE Backstage beginning next Tuesday.

Punk left an unforgettable legacy during his WWE career, including holding the WWE Championship for a remarkable 434 days. Since parting ways with WWE, Punk has gone on to author comic books for Marvel, compete in UFC and, more recently, star in the horror film “Girl on the Third Floor,” released in theaters last month.

Don’t miss Punk’s headline-making return to WWE Backstage next Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET on FS1.

PWInsider reported that Punk’s surprise appearance was kept a secret to the other on-air talents, except for Renee Young, who introduced Punk, in order to prevent leaks. As we previously reported, Punk’s deal is with FOX only, and not WWE. The decision to sign Punk was a FOX call, but WWE obviously gave their blessing. PWInsider added that while Punk and FOX have been in talks, the deal was only finalized in the last few days.

WWE’s official press release on Punk joining the show noted that he will appear as a Special Contributor and Analyst beginning next week, making “select appearances” in the studio alongside host Renee Young and analyst WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

Special WWE Backstage Episode Announced For Friday Night

FOX has announced a special edition of WWE Backstage for this week.

The special episode will air tonight, on FS1, right after the weekly WWE SmackDown episode goes off the air on FOX.

Hosts Renee Young and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T will be joined by WWE NXT Superstar Finn Balor, who turned heel on this week’s show.

The WWE on FOX tweeted this video yesterday of Renee announcing the special edition of Backstage. She also reveals that Paige and Christian will join them. This looks to be a regular role for Paige and Christian as they were also on the original WWE Backstage preview show that aired earlier this month.

This is the second WWE Backstage preview show to air. The official premiere of the show will air at 11pm ET on Tuesday, November 5. The studio show will then air each week in that same time slot.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1187498287365910528

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Triple H Reveals WWE Draft Trade On Backstage, Talks Bruce Prichard Replacing Eric Bischoff

Triple H appeared on last night’s WWE Backstage preview show on FS1 to reveal the big “blockbuster trade” that has been teased since Monday’s RAW.

Speaking with hosts Renee Young and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, Triple H revealed that Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross will be moving to SmackDown from RAW.

There had been a lot of talk about Cross and Bliss being drafted to RAW as singles competitors on last Friday’s SmackDown. They are now officially back together as a tag team on the roster.

There’s no word yet on if RAW will receive picks from the trade, but it seems like they should.

Triple H credited the draft trade to Bruce Prichard, the new SmackDown Executive Director.

As noted, WWE announced earlier today that Prichard is replacing Eric Bischoff as the blue brand Executive Director. Bischoff is no longer with WWE. Triple H spoke about Prichard’s new WWE role and said he doesn’t know all the details, but he is excited for it. He praised Prichard for his experience, and said he thinks with Prichard at the helm of SmackDown, he can bring the show into the realm that it needs to be, to be worthy of being on FOX and everything that comes along with it. Triple H called the Executive Director change a great move and said he believes Prichard will do amazing things in the role. He also said the way he understands it, Prichard is already making big moves for the blue brand behind-the-scenes. That’s when he revealed the trade with Cross and Bliss.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1184265973207048192

The WWE Backstage show will officially premiere on Tuesday, November 5 at 11pm ET on FS1. Tonight’s broadcast is a special preview show.

Below is a current look at the WWE rosters from the 2019 Draft picks, not including Superstars who are currently inactive. Stay tuned for updates on the free agents.

RAW: WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Andrade and Zelina Vega, EC3, Eric Young, Sin Cara, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane, Rusev, Aleister Black, Cedric Alexander, Humberto Carrillo, Erick Rowan, Buddy Murphy, Jinder Mahal, WWE 24/7 Champion R-Truth, Samoa Joe, Akira Tozawa, Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio, Titus O’Neil, Liv Morgan, RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, The OC, Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Ricochet, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, Natalya, RAW Tag Team Champions The Viking Raiders, The Street Profits

SmackDown: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, The New Day, Apollo Crews, Drew Gulak, Heath Slater, Tamina Snuka, The B Team, Daniel Bryan, Bayley, WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn, Ali, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, Carmella, The Miz, King Baron Corbin, Chad Gable, Elias, Roman Reigns, “The Fiend Bray Wyatt, Sasha Banks, Braun Strowman, Lacey Evans, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Revival, Lucha House Party, Heavy Machinery, Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss

Free Agents: Cesaro, AOP, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, Dana Brooke, Drake Maverick, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, Luke Harper, Mojo Rawley, No Way Jose, Sarah Logan, The IIconics

CM Punk – WWE Backstage FS1 Role Reportedly A “Done Deal”

It looks like CM Punk will be affiliated with WWE once again.

Punk signing with FOX for the WWE Backstage studio show on FS1 is said to be a “done deal,” according to @fightoracle, who has broken several wrestling TV-related stories in the past.

As we’ve noted, Punk recently tried out for the weekly WWE Backstage studio show after his agent reached out to FOX. Punk’s tryout reportedly went well.

The show premieres at 11pm ET on Tuesday, November 5 with Renee Young and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T as the hosts. It’s been reported that FOX has been testing various formats for the show, and that other personalities will be used with Renee and Booker. Punk could be one of those personalities, but it seems like he would be used better in a prominent role.

It was noted in the new report from @fightoracle that Punk has signed on to work as a commentator on the show.

Punk would be working for FOX and not WWE as this is a show that FOX is running. WWE will obviously have some input and direction, but this is a FOX program. WWE would likely have to sign off on any personalities used. Punk appearing on a WWE-affiliated show each week will create obvious speculation on a WWE ring return, and it’s been noted that fans will expect that return once they see him on the show.

Triple H recently appeared on the Sports Illustrated Podcast and was asked about Punk possibly working on the WWE Backstage show, and if Punk appearing on the show would be something he’d sign off on, and be happy to see.

“Look, I’ve read about that as well,” Triple H said of the Punk – FS1 reports. “You know, to be clear, FOX is doing this show, and it’s their show, and it’s something they’re doing to talk about the WWE Universe and everything going on in it. They’ve had a long list of people they’ve been interviewing and everything, but as far as for us, one of the things I think this company has shown over and over again, is never say never.

“If the opportunity is right for everybody and it’s right for our fans, then we are willing to put the past behind us and move forward. So, I would say, never say never, but that’s also probably a long way from coming to. I don’t know. That’s also a little bit outside of my purview at the moment, but like I said, never say never.”

That same day, Punk appeared on Collider Live and confirmed the tryout reports.

“Yeah I did it,” Punk said. “I’m very much in a position where, ‘Well come talk to me.’

“I’m open to anything,” Punk continued, adding that this does not necessarily include wrestling. “If they come to me with, ‘Hey we want you to wrestle,’ I’ll say, ‘um, I’m not interested’.”

Punk also confirmed that he and his agents are dealing with FOX, not WWE.

“My agents just called me and FOX is throwing everything at this because they spent a lot of money on this and they’re all in to make it work. Originally I thought it was a WWE thing, so I was just like, ‘meh, no.’ But then they said, ‘this is FOX.'”

He continued, “I’m not dealing with anybody in WWE. They explained to me what it was and I love Renee Young. Renee Young is a great person… she’s Canadian, so obviously she’s super over-the-top nice and friendly. I prefaced it with, ‘Guys, I’m not going to come in and dump all over stuff just to dump on it. That’s old Phil. But if it’s bad, I’m not going to be able to pretend it’s anything but bad.’

“So they want to present it like it’s a real sport and just have a show that recaps stuff, just like they do with the NFL, just like the NHL Network would do with hockey games and stuff like that. That’s where we are with that.”

Punk also revealed that no one from WWE has contacted him since the FS1 tryout. He joked, “No, I’m the boogeyman!”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

CM Punk Films Test Material For WWE Show Earlier This Week, More Names FOX Brought In To Try Out

The rumblings on CM Punk and WWE continue.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported how WWE has an impression that Punk wants to be back with the company, but right now it’s nothing they are counting on to happen. This report comes after it was revealed in the summer how Punk’s representative went to FOX to try and push Punk as a co-host of the new “WWE Backstage” studio show on FS1. WWE was not interested in Punk for that role, and it was officially announced this week that the show will be hosted by Renee Young and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

In an update, multiple WWE sources have confirmed to PWInsider that Punk was at FOX Studios earlier this week in Los Angeles to discuss a potential on-air role for the WWE Backstage show on FS1, which premieres on Tuesday, November 5 at 11pm ET.

There’s no word yet on what all went down at the meeting, but Punk did do some on-camera testing. Renee was also present for the meeting.

It has not been confirmed that Punk has signed a deal to work on the show. We’ve noted how FOX brought in several WWE and non-WWE personalities to Los Angeles this summer to try out for the show. Taz and WWE Hall of Famer Sean Waltman were also brought in several times over the past few months to try out, according to PWInsider, and it was also reported that Paige and Rey Mysterio were considered. There’s also no word yet on which personalities will be used along with Renee and Booker.

FOX has experimented with different versions of the show and how it will be presented, ranging from 3-5 personalities hosting a panel discussion. A final decision on the format had not been agreed on as of earlier this week.

As noted, FOX will be taping the series each week, not WWE. Punk would technically be working for FOX and not WWE, if he signs on to be a part of the show.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Details On New FOX Sports Studio Show “WWE Backstage”

FOX Sports has announced their new studio show hosted by Renee Young will be called “WWE Backstage” and feature lead analyst Booker T.

The press release states:

SmackDown moves from Tuesdays to Fridays beginning Friday, Oct. 4 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on FOX, but WWE fans can still get their Tuesday night fix with FS1’s WWE BACKSTAGE, television’s only studio show devoted to all things WWE.

The hour-long weekly show offers viewers the latest WWE news every Tuesday at 11:00 PM ET/8:00 PM PT, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5 on FS1.

Longtime WWE broadcaster Renee Young and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T weigh in on the biggest stories in WWE, and are joined by a rotating cast of guests and personalities, including current and former WWE Superstars.

The show will officially premiere on November 5, but FOX Sports is offering a special preview of WWE Backstage on October 15th following the conclusion of the ALCS Game 3 on FS1.

“WWE BACKSTAGE is a wrestling show for wrestling fans. From hardcore fans to people new to wrestling, we’ll give them a little bit of everything,” Young is quoted as saying in the press release. “It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be loud, we’re going to give them a ton of opinions and I can’t wait to help spread the word about SmackDown coming to FOX.”

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet