Tag: WWE

Jerry Lawler On Why He Was Removed From WWE Pre-Shows, Role Going Forward

As noted earlier, Jerry Lawler and Lita had been removed from pre-show duties, which eventually led to the shows being completely cut out of WWE’s weekly schedule. Cerrito Live (Sports56 in Memphis, TN) interviewed Jerry Lawler yesterday and asked about what led up to his removal from the pre-shows. Lawler explained how Kevin Dunn makes a lot of the decisions when it comes to TV and that Dunn called him last week to talk about the pre-show.

“Dunn said that due to WWE being a public traded company, it comes down to dollars and cents.” He said, “That having his salary being absorbed on the pre-show after he was taken off of Smackdown made it a very expensive to produce, so they decided to get rid of the pre-game show.” Lawler continued, “Vince McMahon called the next day and said I’m definitely not done with WWE and reiterated that the pre-show was dropped due to cost reasons.”

In terms of his future with the WWE, Lawler said “I’m under contract to WWE into January,” and “that they will talk about a new deal then.” Lawler went on to talk about how he’s done well financially over the past few years, hopes to work on a history of Memphis wrestling project for the WWE Network in the future, and has a job for life as the Hall Of Fame Master Of Ceremonies.

You can listen to the full interview by clicking here (Lawler comes in around the 35 minute mark).

Source: PWInsider via WrestlingINC

Chris Hero Reportedly ‘Heading Back’ To WWE, Current Plans Call For Return To NXT

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Independent standout Chris Hero is reportedly “heading back” to WW.  The current plan is for the man formerly known as Kassius Ohno to re-join the NXT brand.

The Wrestling Observer first reported the story, but didn’t reveal further details about Hero’s WWE return

Pro Wrestling Sheet  says sources tell them thatthe current consensus behind the scenes seems to be that he’ll go back to using the KO name and this will be a continuation of his former character.

According to the Observer, Hero would still need to pass medical tests before his deal is finalized.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Full Details On WWE Week On The USA Network

The USA Network issued the following today:

USA RINGS IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH WWE(R) AIRING SPECIAL PROGRAMMING THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 12Look for the annual “Tribute to the Troops” on Wednesday, December 14 at 8:00/7:00c.

USA Network will kick off the holidays beginning Monday, December 12, with WWE HOLIDAY WEEK. In addition to regularly scheduled live WWE events, USA will feature movies starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the 14th annual WWE’S TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS – a special that honors our servicemen and women and celebrates their dedication and commitment to our country.

USA Network’s WWE HOLIDAY WEEK will include:

Monday, December 12

– Festivities will begin with three hours of WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW(R) at 8/7c, featuring superstars Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Rusev, Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Tuesday, December 13

– The week continues with a trio of WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s movies – Faster (2010) at 1pm/12c, G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) at 3pm/2c and The Other Guys (2010) at 5:30pm/4:30c.

– The two-hour WWE SMACKDOWN(R) LIVE will take place at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. at 8/7c, with top Superstars including Dean Ambrose, AJ Styles, Becky Lynch, Bray Wyatt, Kane and Randy Orton.

– Following WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE, an all-new episode of USA Network’s hit original series SHOOTER will feature WWE Superstar Randy Orton in a special guest starring role. The series, starring Ryan Phillippe, airs every Tuesday at 10/9c.

Wednesday, December 14

– At 8/7c, WWE and USA Network will celebrate our nation’s heroes with the two-hour TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS. Held at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C., this year marks the first time in the event’s 14-year history that it will take place in our nation’s capital.

Additionally, TALK STOOP with Cat Greenleaf will feature interviews throughout the week with WWE Superstars, including Roman Reigns, Chris Jericho, The Miz and Stephanie McMahon.

Update On Mickie James’ New WWE Contract

Former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James has reportedly signed a multi-year deal with the company. She’s expected to return to the main roster in January 2017.

PWInsider reports that the deal is for 3 years.

Mickie is expected to re-debut on the SmackDown Live brand. This comes after her strong performance against WWE NXT Women’s Champion Asuka at “Takeover: Toronto” last month.

Source: WrestlingINC

More On Lita’s WWE Status

As noted, Lita and Jerry Lawler will no longer be working the WWE pre-show panels. Jim Ross had noted in his most recent blog that both WWE Hall of Famers were still with the company, but updated that report today noting that Lita was no longer with WWE:

Source: WrestlingINC

WWE Issues Statement Regarding Jerry Lawler’s Status With The Company.

As noted earlier, WWE Hall of Famers Jerry Lawler and Lita have both been removed from weekly WWE programming duties including all pre-show and PPV event panels.

WWE issued this statement to PWInsider regarding Lawler’s status with the company.

“Jerry Lawler has a Legends agreement with WWE, however, he will no longer regularly appear on our pre-shows. He will continue to host special events, including WWE’s annual Hall of Fame celebration at WrestleMania.”

WWE Tag Team Breaking Up Soon?

Image result for Slater and rhyno

Former WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heath Slater & Rhyno teased some dissension on last night’s episode of Talking Smack. When discussing losing their tag title rematch to Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt on SmackDown Live earlier tonight, Rhyno remarked that he was carrying the load for the team during tonight’s match.

“I didn’t know I was going to be the only one out in the ring tonight,” Rhyno said.

When SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan asked Rhyno if he was blaming the loss on Slater, Rhyno told Bryan to not “jump in.” A surprised Slater said that he didn’t know they were keeping score, and noted that he won the titles for them.

“What happened right before [the tag title victory]?” Rhyno asked Slater. “I gored our opponents and you made the cover.”

Slater noted that Rhyno “lost the titles” for them as well, which prompted Rhyno to leave the set.

Source: WrestlingINC

AJ Styles Injury Update

As seen on last night’s WWE SmackDown, WWE World Champion AJ Styles came out wearing a walking boot. Styles mentioned he has to wear the boot for a week and announced that he is not cleared to compete. No word yet on when James Ellsworth will get his WWE World Title shot but we’ll keep you updated.

As noted, Styles suffered a minor ankle injury at TLC on Sunday night. He was pulled from the ring at Monday’s live event in Tyler, Texas. It appears he is off this weekend’s live events but that hasn’t been confirmed.

You can see shots of AJ in his boot below:

Source: WrestlingINC

Jerry Lawler And Lita Removed From Pre-Show Panel

Image result for Jerry Lawler and Lita removed from pre-show panel

The WWE pre-shows will be light on legends in the near future … because Jerry Lawler and Lita have been removed from the panel of hosts.

The Wrestling Observer reports that both have now been taken off of regular weekly programming — which includes the pre-shows for Raw, Smackdown Live and pay-per-view events.

This move comes as WWE started to officially phase out the 30 minute pre-shows for both RAW and Smackdown Live from the WWE Network and other social media platforms and are now airing 10 minute pre-show specials before TV going forward.

Lawler resumed announcing on SD after his suspension was lifted in July. Later that month he was shuffled to the pre-show panel after the WWE Draft.

Following the recent decision by the powers-that-be, The King has been retweeting unhappy fans.

As for Lita, it was reported earlier this year that she was shifting from her backstage producer role and would become an on-air presence for the pre-shows. No word as to what she’ll be doing next.

Lawler and Lita joined Booker T and Renee Young on most panels but they were absent from the TLC pay-per-view. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer adds that the two are now on a Legends deal and are no longer employed full time by WWE.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet , WrestleView and  wrestling-online.com

 

SmackDown Live Preview 12/6/16

James Ellsworth to challenge AJ Styles for the WWE World Championship

Did Natalya attack Nikki Bella at Survivor Series?

Make way for SmackDown’s conquering new champions

Sophia Grace accepts Nikki Bella’s invite to SmackDown LIVE:

Pop culture sensation Sophia Grace is coming to SmackDown LIVE when the show travels to Houston tonight. The singer and actress – who took the world by storm alongside her cousin Rosie on “Ellen” in 2011 – has accepted an invitation from Nikki Bella to visit SmackDown LIVE.

It’s unclear what sparked the invitation, but Nikki mentioned in her Twitter invite that she “had so much fun” with Sophia “on set,” teasing a potential collaboration.

In her reply to the invitation, Sophia said she was excited to attend SmackDown LIVE.

Source: WWE.com