Randy Orton is set to return to Raw next week and also at the Smackdown taping in Indianapolis onTuesday. Orton was suspended due to a positive random drug test result. WWE does random drug testing as part of it’s wellness policy. Orton is expected to get a major push upon his return.
Tag: WWE
Can DX Top This Intro Tomorrow Night At #Raw1000
DX is lined up to open tomorrow’s huge Raw 1000 show. Think they can top this entrance to Summer Slam 2009?
Newlyweds To Be AJ & Daniel Bryan Shop For Wedding Flowers
WWE Stars Daniel Bryan & AJ shop for wedding flowers at Allen’s Flowers & Plants in downtown San Diego, California. Allen’s Flowers is one of San Diego’s premier floral design firms. Daniel and AJ stopped in with their WWE film crew to shop and film.
Watch for coverage of the wedding and all of the RAW 1000 events here on DTRT Wrestling News.
Trevor’s Response To Ed’s Challenge: Money In The Bank Predictions
Imagine my surprise when I was notified that our very own Ed Boston had issued a challenge to me to share my predictions for tonight’s “Money In The Bank” pay-per-view! If that’s the way he wants it here we go.
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS R-TRUTH & KOFI KINGSTON VS. HUNICO & CAMACHO
Should be a great match with plenty of action. I don’t think that Truth and Kofi are ready to give up the belts just yet.
Ed’s Prediction: R-Truth and Kofi Kingston keep the WWE Tag Team belts.
Trevor’s Response: I agree with you, although things can happen especially at a big pay-per-view event.
MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH FOR A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT
Damien Sandow, Tyson Kidd, Intercontinental Champion Christian, United States Champion Santino Marella, Tensai, Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, Sin Cara are the participants in the match that should provide everyone watching a high entertainment value. Different styles, different sized competitors, and that ladder stand in the way of all in this match.
Who gets the match against Sheamus (or whoever holds the World Championship Belt)? I wanted to pick Tensai, but I’m going with…..
Ed’s Prediction: Tyson Kidd
Trevor’s Response: Interesting choice, You have so many names involved in this match. Sin Cara has some awesome skills and has a growing following. Who doesn’t like the special spotlight he gets to use on the ring when he competes? That being said Tyson Kidd also has very good in-ring ability and many fans strongly believe he could pull off a victory – Either Tyson Kidd or Sin Cara can’t decide.
MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH FOR A WWE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT
Cena, Big Show, Kane, Jericho – This could be a highlight reel waiting to happen. I am a big fan of each of these superstars and any one of the four could and would deserve to have that Money in the Bank Contract. Obviously Big Show has to be the favorite, and if it was one on one he would certainly be my pick. So much can happen in this match, though and I believe it’s going to come down to Cena and Jericho, my two favorite WWE Superstars.
Ed’s Prediction: Crank up “Break The Walls Down” cause it’s gonna be Chris Jericho.
Trevor’s Response: Big show is a force that needs to be dealt with. He is on a power trip and has this mentality that he can go around and do whatever he wants. That being said you have unquestionably some of the most popular names on the roster right now. This is the first time Cena has entered the Money In The Bank and he seams determand to pick up the win. Not to sure on this one but I’ll go with John Cena.
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SHEAMUS VS. ALBERTO DEL RIO
Despite the push of Del Rio and his vicious attack on Sheamus with the hood of Del Rio’s car, I’m all in on Sheamus here.
Ed’s Prediction: Sheamus
Trevor’s Response: I would also say Sheamus except for the fact I think Del Rio might have some help from his personal “ring announcer” (cough cough) something doesn’t seam right it would be to easy to assume Sheamus would pick up the win at least not as easily as people think.
WWE CHAMPION CM PUNK VS. DANIEL BRYAN
The match everyone seems to be talking about, but not for the reason most championship matches are hyped. The talk on this match is how will special guest referee and WWE Crazy Chick, AJ affect the outcome. WWE has done fantastic work building the match up for weeks now. AJ has emerged as a real Superstar. Will she help her ex – Daniel Bryan or will she please the crowd and help fan favorite Punk? This is just me thinking, will there be a third person enter the picture (say Jericho after he wins his Money in the Bank), and AJ make a heel turn right in front of our eyes.
Ed’s Prediction: Ok so after throwing out that twist, I’m gonna stay safe and say AJ does turn heel, but it’s by helping Daniel Bryan become the new WWE Champion.
Trevor’s Response: Now your talking! This is the match I personally am looking forward to the most. I love the mind games AJ has played with both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. Your prediction is a good one. However I have this gut feeling that just maybe this whole thing could have been a big game thought up by Daniel Bryan to mess with CM Punks head. I think AJ is a lot smarter then it looks and to quote Jerry The King Lawler there is “a method to her madness”. I just can’t figure out what exactly. Do I think she’s going to be a fair referee either way? NO NO NO she will screw someone out of a victory for sure. The quesion is who? – Anwser I can’t predict a winner for sure. All eyes will be on AJ she wins either way.
Ed’s Money In The Bank Predictions
I’m gonna throw down against my partner Trevor and challenge him to make his predictions for tonight’s WWE Money in the Bank Pay-per-View. We will see then who comes out on top with these 5 predictions and who will be able to talk “SMACK” after it’s over.
Click on each link to read the match preview at WWE.com. My picks will be in red.
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS R-TRUTH & KOFI KINGSTON VS. HUNICO & CAMACHO
Should be a great match with plenty of action. I don’t think that Truth and Kofi are ready to give up the belts just yet.
Ed’s Prediction: R-Truth and Kofi Kingston keep the WWE Tag Team belts.
MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH FOR A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT
Damien Sandow, Tyson Kidd, Intercontinental Champion Christian, United States Champion Santino Marella, Tensai, Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, Sin Cara are the participants in the match that should provide everyone watching a high entertainment value. Different styles, different sized competitors, and that ladder stand in the way of all in this match.
Who gets the match against Sheamus (or whoever holds the World Championship Belt)? I wanted to pick Tensai, but I’m going with…..
Ed’s Prediction: Tyson Kidd
MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH FOR A WWE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT
Cena, Big Show, Kane, Jericho – This could be a highlight reel waiting to happen. I am a big fan of each of these superstars and any one of the four could and would deserve to have that Money in the Bank Contract. Obviously Big Show has to be the favorite, and if it was one on one he would certainly be my pick. So much can happen in this match, though and I believe it’s going to come down to Cena and Jericho, my two favorite WWE Superstars.
Ed’s Prediction: Crank up “Break The Walls Down” cause it’s gonna be Chris Jericho.
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SHEAMUS VS. ALBERTO DEL RIO
Despite the push of Del Rio and his vicious attack on Sheamus with the hood of Del Rio’s car, I’m all in on Sheamus here.
Ed’s Prediction: Sheamus
WWE CHAMPION CM PUNK VS. DANIEL BRYAN
The match everyone seems to be talking about, but not for the reason most championship matches are hyped. The talk on this match is how will special guest referee and WWE Crazy Chick, AJ affect the outcome. WWE has done fantastic work building the match up for weeks now. AJ has emerged as a real Superstar. Will she help her ex – Daniel Bryan or will she please the crowd and help fan favorite Punk? This is just me thinking, will there be a third person enter the picture (say Jericho after he wins his Money in the Bank), and AJ make a heel turn right in front of our eyes.
Ed’s Prediction: Ok so after throwing out that twist, I’m gonna stay safe and say AJ does turn heel, but it’s by helping Daniel Bryan become the new WWE Champion.
OK Trevor it’s on you and I’m even giving you the benefit of seeing my picks!
Fans can also make their choices in the comment section.
This Week’s Power Rankings from WWE.com
Diamond Dallas Page
Yo, it’s him, it’s him. A swift Diamond Cutter to Heath Slater earns Diamond Dallas Page a self-high five and a spot at No. 25. BANG.
24-Rank / 24-Previous
Antonio Cesaro
He lost a Mixed Tag Match, but a strong showing against The Great Khali keeps him from dropping off the rankings.
23-Rank / 20-Previous
Tensai
Not the best of weeks for the mighty expatriate, who drops three spots following his loss to Tyson Kidd and elimination by John Cena in the SmackDown Battle Royal.
22-Rank / – Previous
Zack Ryder
Woo Woo Woo! The Ultimate Broski won his way into the General Manager’s office for next week’s SmackDown, giving him a #SSSSSIIIIIIICCCCKKKK boost back onto the rankings.
21-Rank / 21 -Previous
Chris Jericho
He made an ignominious exit from the tag match on Raw as John Cena chased him away, but breaking out his old catchphrases gave Y2J enough traction to claim the 21 spot once a-GAIN.
20-Rank / 19-Previous
Sin Cara
A sneak attack from Alberto Del Rio cost the masked man a match with The Essence of Excellence, and knocked him down a spot in the rankings as well.
19-Rank / – Previous
Tyson Kidd
The underdog rolled on with a big win over Tensai, boosting him up four spots in the P25.
18-Rank / 17-Previous
Damien Sandow
The self-proclaimed “savior’s” latest pontifications earned him a great American beat down from Zack Ryder, costing “The Enlightened One” a spot on the rankings.
17-Rank / 15-Previous
Prime Time Players
The Prime Time Players looked sharp on Raw SuperShow, but ducked out of the Eight-Man Tag Match before the job was done, dropping them from No. 15 to 17.
16-Rank / 14-Previous
Brodus Clay
He got some hard-earned retribution against David Otunga, but general inactivity prevented The Funkasaurus from maintaining his No. 14 spot.
15-Rank / 18-Previous
Cody Rhodes
He finagled his way into another Money in the Bank Qualifying Match and won, while finally getting a victory over Christian. Seems like Cody Rhodes earned the jump from No. 18 to 15.
14-Rank / 16-Previous
Dolph Ziggler
The Showoff moves up two spots after winning his way into Money in the Bank in convincing fashion.
13-Rank / 12-Previous
Layla
She notched a mixed-tag win and busted a move with Khali. Solid week, but not as solid as …
12-Rank / 13-Previous
AJ
The Geek Goddess’ rankings climb continues after she put WWE Champion CM Punk and Daniel Bryan through a table on Raw SuperShow.
11-Rank /11-Previous
Kofi Kingston & R-Truth
A win in an Eight-Man Tag Match on Raw SuperShow helps the dynamic Tag Champs, Kofi Kingston & R-Truth, maintain their No. 11 spot from last week.
10-Rank / 6-Previous
Kane
While still in the top 10 this week, The Big Red Monster Kane falls four spots after being eliminated by Zack Ryder in the 20-Man Battle Royal on SuperSmackDown LIVE: The Great American Bash.
9-Rank / 10-Previous
Ryback
The carnages continues. This week, Ryback took the fight to Curt Hawkins, making quick work of the overmatched Superstar in a typically brutal and impressive victory.
8-Rank / 7-Previous
Christian
The Intercontinental Champion falls one slot this week after suffering a loss to Cody Rhodes on SmackDown.
7-Rank / 8-Previous
Santino Marella
The Milan Miracle racked up a good week thanks to tag team victories on both Raw and SmackDown. His Tuesday night win was especially noteworthy, as he did so at the side of two WWE Hall of Famers.
6-Rank / 9-Previous
Alberto Del Rio
The Mexican Aristocrat jumps up three places on the Rankings this week thanks to consecutive nights of vicious assaults on would-be opponents, including a brutal beating of Sheamus just one week before they square off at Money in the Bank.
5-Rank / 5-Previous
Despite not racking up a victory this week, the Cenation leader holds strong in the five spot on the Rankings. As John Cena readies for Money in the Bank and its epic WWE Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match, the entire WWE Universe wonders how Cena will fare in the unique landscape of that particular stipulation.
4-Rank / 2-Previous
The submission specialist drops two spots, but remains in the top five as an ever-present threat to CM Punk and his WWE Championship. Bryan’s tag team bout Monday night against Punk & John Cena may have ended in a No Contest, but thanks to his former flame, AJ, the No. 1 contender for Punk’s illustrious title found himself lying in the wreckage of a shattered table by night’s end.
3-Rank / 4-Previous
The WWE Champion moves up one spot this week as his WWE Championship Match against Daniel Bryan looms large. With the seemingly always there AJ playing a so-far confusing role, however, can The Second City Saint stay in the top five of the Rankings, or will the unstable Diva be the end of him and his title reign?
2-Rank / 3-Previous
After laying waste to The Big Red Monster in a brutal No Disqualification Match on Raw SuperShow, The World’s Largest Athlete reminded the entire WWE Universe why he is a monumental force to be feared. His decimation of The Devil’s Favorite Demon ensures that the gigantic Superstar moves up one spot and inches closer to the top of the list.
1-Rank / 1-Previous
By picking up a Mixed Tag Team victory on Raw SuperShow, The Great White holds his top spot again this week. But after the vicious assault by Alberto Del Rio left the World Heavyweight Champion in a bad way on SuperSmackDown LIVE, the WWE Universe is left to wonder if Sheamus can bounce back and deliver some comeuppance to the No. 1 contender
Results: Raw SuperShow 7-9
Raw SuperShow results: July 9, 2012
AJ proposed to CM Punk; Daniel Bryan countered by proposing to AJ and the Anonymous Raw GM returned
Sheamus def. Jack Swagger; Alberto Del Rio taunted Sheamus from the TitanTron
Santino Marella began an investigation to determine the identity of the Anonymous Raw GM
Brodus Clay def. Drew McIntyre
John Cena & Kane vs. Big Show & Chris Jericho ended in a No Contest
The Rock revealed he would appear at Raw’s 1,000th episode
Jerry Lawler def. Michael Cole; Santino exposed the Anonymous Raw GM
The Anonymous GM’s final main event unfolded in typically dramatic fashion, as WWE
Champion CM Punk teamed with AJ to face Daniel Bryan and Eve. The contest began with another thrilling back-and-forth between Bryan and Punk until the Divas tagged in and AJ managed the upper hand after some vicious offense by Eve.
But with the match in the balance, Bryan, in an apparent declaration of love for AJ, refused to let Eve tag him in and allowed The Geek Goddess to secure the roll-up and the victory. The “Yes!” man reiterated his proposal from earlier in the night and offered to elope with AJ then and there. Punk grabbed the mic and declared that he refused to lie to AJ in order to claim her favor as guest referee, and that he wouldn’t be marrying her in hopes of keeping his title.
The noble declaration from The Second City Saint went seemingly unappreciated, as AJ laid a wicked slap across the face of the champion. Bryan grinned and spread his arms imploring AJ to “come home,” and AJ, seemingly distraught, staggered towards Bryan’s embrace … and slapped him as well, screaming “YES!” and leaving both champion and challenger wounded and befuddled for the second time in as many weeks.
Viewpoint: Mid South Wrestling Library – A Good Thing for WWE Fans
Forget being professional here for a few minutes while I tell this story. I feel like a little kid and want to share that excitement with you.
Several days ago, Trevor and I were discussing the SmackDown taping in Evansville, Indiana. Since I’m much older than he, I sent him the following email:
Some history on the Lawler/Swagger bit on Smackdown. The King made his fame in what was called Mid-South Wrestling based in Memphis, his hometown. Each week, yes each week – Mid South did shows in Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, and Evansville (where Smackdown was taped). There was a weekly program that aired in our area on Saturday morning that was done in studio and was not from the weekly arena shows (even though they sometimes would show something very significant). The Saturday program would set the scene for the upcoming weeks matches and the interviews were done specific for each of the markets. It was some of the best wrestling that I have ever watched.Many WWE Superstars came through Mid-South wrestling back in the day. Sid, Undertaker (Mean Mark Callus – not sure on spelling), Lawler, Jimmy Valient, CoCo B Ware, and many others.I’m sure that was WWE’s way of getting Lawler a good pop in front of his old faithful fans. I thought it was an excellent touch by WWE!.
Forgive me if my spelling was off on some of the names, it was a personal email and not intended for publication. This was a few days before Trevor sent me a link to Jr’s Weekly blog were JR makes the following comment:
Now that WWE has purchased the Mid South Wrestling library, fans will get to step even farther back in time as I expect WWE to produce a Mid South DVD at some point in the future. Bill Watts produced one of the best, one hour, weekly and episodic, wrestling shows ever with the sole focus of selling tickets to live events which meant getting the stars established and embellishing the personal issues that existed.
Imagine my excitement when I realized there will be future opportunities to watch Mid South Wrestling once again! Every week was action packed. With only one hour including commercials, there non-stop action. So many things I can remember just off the top of my head and without the use of a search engine to find:
Heel turns so plentiful that you never knew who was friends with who if you missed a week, Lawler throwing fire, Dirty Dutch Mantel bringing his bull whip with him, the announcers enter action with the wrestlers while the match was happening (since it was right in studio), The Boogie Woogie Man making his entrance. I’m so excited writing about it – that my objectivity is no where to be found. This is my childhood flashing in front of my eyes.
If you grew up on Mid South Wrestling like I did, I’m sure you too are looking forward to what the WWE has in store. If you’ve never heard of or seen Mid South Wrestling, don’t miss out when that chance comes and no I don’t get commission on video sales
Ed Boston
SmackDown Results from Tuesday
SuperSmackDown LIVE results: Ryder reigned supreme in The Great American Bash 20-Man Battle Royal
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – In the absolutely explosive Great American Bash on SuperSmackDown LIVE, The Long Island Iced-Z Zack Ryder triumphed over WWE elite to win the 20-Man Battle Royal to earn the right to be the Interim General Manager of SmackDown next week. Also, the passionate AJ struck again, two more Superstars qualified for the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Ladder Match and a pair of WWE Hall of Famers showed up to help celebrate America’s birthday.
Alberto Del Rio viciously slammed World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus with the hood of his car
Turning up his nose at America, Alberto Del Rio promised that he will win the World Heavyweight Title from Sheamus at Money in the Bank and beat him so badly that he would send him back to Ireland like a little girl.
The Mexican Aristocrat then began to torment the Corpus Christi, Texas, crowd, insisting that they were no different than Sheamus – confronting several audience members and demanding to see their “papers.”
When he tried to get one of them kicked out for not producing them, The Celtic Warrior came to the rescue – attacking his No. 1 contender and igniting a fierce brawl that spread all the way to Del Rio’s car. Thanks to a disturbance by Ricardo Rodriguez, Del Rio gained the upper hand and proceeded to slam the hood of his ride down upon The Great White over and over again.
Teddy Long hosted The Great American Bash Barbecue
With a very unhappy Eve volunteering to keep things tidy, this week’s Interim General Manager of Raw and SmackDown Theodore Long welcomed the WWE Universe, the Superstars and Divas to SuperSmackDown LIVE: The Great American Bash with a special barbecue celebration. When Santino Marella – whose Cobra was dressed up as Uncle Sam – couldn’t light the grill, The Big Red Monster Kane raised and lowered his arms to set the party ablaze. (WATCH)
Later during the barbecue, after Zack Ryder and the rest of the party goers booed Heath Slater away for his horrible singing, Long Island Iced-Z cued in Brodus Clay and The Funkadactyls. This prompted an all-out Funkasaurus dance party. (WATCH)
Still later, when Damien Sandow crashed the barbecue, claiming it was not what American’s Founding Fathers had in mind, Zack Ryder suggested he leave. Though at first it seemed like the self-professed “Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses” was considering it, he instead attacked Long Island Iced-Z. In the midst of the heated battle that followed, Ryder threw the bowl of punch at his foe. The punch, though, hit Eve instead, bringing a smile to Teddy Long’s face. (WATCH)
The Great Khali & Divas Champion Layla def. Antonio Cesaro & Aksana in a Mixed Tag Team Match
(WATCH | PHOTOS)
In a match of retribution made by this week’s Interim General Manager Teddy Long, his ex-girlfriend Aksana and her beau Antonio Cesaro were forced to take on Divas Champion Layla and The Great Khali. Despite the spark that clearly existed between the controversial couple, it was their formidable foes that would bring the fireworks in the end.
After Khali threw Cesaro from the ring with giant force, the English-born champion overcame Aksana with the devastating Lay-out neckbreaker.
Following the action, The Punjabi Playboy and his lovely tag team partner celebrated with a dance.
Cody Rhodes def. Intercontinental Champion Christian to qualify for Money in the Bank
(WATCH | PHOTOS)
Last week, Cody Rhodes lodged an official protest – claiming that when he and David Otunga lost the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Qualifying Tag Team Match, he was not the one pinned.
On SuperSmackDown LIVE, Rhodes confronted Teddy Long, just as the temporary head ofSmackDown was trying to deal with the Sheamus situation. After the second-generation Superstar revealed that the WWE Board of Directors had given him another qualifying opportunity and demanded action, Teddy informed him that the Board had given him the right to pick the opponent. He determined that Cody would face someone who’s already qualified for Money in the Bank – Intercontinental Champion Christian.
With the championship contract in question hanging high about the ring, the long-standing rivals engaged in another fierce showdown. And after escaping Captain Charisma’s Killswitch in the final moments, the determined Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes for the victory – earning his chance at the World Heavyweight Title Contract at Money in the Bank.
Dolph Ziggler def. Alex Riley to qualify for Money in the Bank
(WATCH | PHOTOS)
In his continued quest to prove his elite abilities, Dolph Ziggler captured another opportunity at greatness, overcoming Alex Riley in a World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. Despite several near pins by the determined A-Ry, in the end, The Showoff would execute a fierce Zig Zag to seal his opponent’s fate.
Michael Cole interviewed AJ about her actions on Raw SuperShow
(WATCH | PHOTOS)
Week after week, the eccentric AJ has shocked and confused the WWE Universe with her off-the-wall actions in the direction of WWE Champion CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. On Monday’s Raw SuperShow, she took things to the next level. For a moment, it seemed as if the puzzling beauty was going to hurl herself off the ring ropes and onto a table that she set up at ringside. Instead, when Punk got in her way, AJ kissed him, distracting The Second City Saint long enough to throw him backward, onto Bryan and through the table. Then, as Raw went off the air, she began chanting “Yes!” (WATCH)
One day later, during The Great American Bash, Michael Cole stepped through the ropes and confronted AJ, looking to get some real answers to what she was thinking with her latest episode. When he questioned her being named Special Guest Referee in the WWE Title Match at Money in the Bank and even seemed to be putting the moves on her – both Punk and Bryan emerged.
While both Superstars agreed that the situation had nothing to do with Cole, kicking him out of the ring, that’s where the consensus ended. Though they both addressed AJ at first, they soon began to argue with each other over the motivation of their respective “worry” for the Diva in-question.
Then, after leaving both competitors in a sea of confusion by making out with both of them, the perplexing beauty just smiled and once again skipped away.
United States Champion Santino Marella, Sgt. Slaughter & “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan def. Drew McIntyre, Hunico & Camacho
(WATCH)
Nothing could have spelled Independence Day more than when Sgt. Slaughter and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan joined United States Champion Santino Marella in an explosive Six-Man Tag Team Match. And in the true patriotic fashion of The Great American Bash, the trio let the fireworks fly, culminating in Santino’s Cobra victory over Hunico.
Ryback def. Curt Hawkins
(WATCH | PHOTOS)
After Curt Hawkins lost the coin toss to Tyler Reks, he had the misfortune of becoming Ryback’s victim. The intense competitor ripped through the former WWE Tag Team Champion, finishing him off with Shell Shocked.
Zack Ryder won The Great American Bash 20-Man Battle Royal
(WATCH | PHOTOS)
Because of an earlier injury at the hands of his Money in the Bank No. 1 contender Alberto Del Rio, the WWE Universe learned that World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus was not able to compete in the main event 20-Man Battle Royal that would determine next week’s SmackDown Interim GM. (MORE ON SHEAMUS)
With WWE’s top talent, including WWE Champion CM Punk, Big Show, John Cena, Kane, Cody Rhodes, Intercontinental Champion Christian, Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler and The Mexican Aristocrat himself, it had the potential to be the greatest Battle Royal of all time from the opening bell. Among such an elite group of competitors, even gigantic athletes like Brodus Clay and The Great Khali were destined to be eliminated in the blink of an eye.
In the final moments, after Kane eliminated both Big Show and Ziggler with an explosive boot, he turned his wrath on his final opponent, Zack Ryder. After escaping the chokeslam, however, the heroic Long Island Iced-Z suddenly dropped the top rope, sending his monstrous adversary sailing to the ringside floor to shock the WWE Universe to its very core.
As a result of his earth-shattering triumph, Zack Ryder will run SmackDown next week as the latest Interim General Manager! (WATCH CENA’S REACTION | ZACK SHARES HIS PLANS FOR SMACKDOWN)
Viewpoint: Why The AJ character Is So Successful
There’s no doubt about it WWE has the best on screen character right now in AJ. Why? Depth and drama. For to long the world of professional wrestling has been your basic recycled storyline of “This guy vs that guy”. For the last few years wrestling has lacked any real drama to encourage the viewer to tune in again. There are only so many times you can bring back a big name to boost rating before it no longer works.
So what’s different about the AJ character which for you kayfabe buffs is portrayed by April Jeanette Mendez. For me it’s the growing role WWE has given AJ and her continued minipulation of both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. Let’s face it for all it’s good athletic attributes the major thing that sells wrestling is the storyline.
The storyline between AJ, Punk and Bryan is so mystryious it has you on the edge of you seat. Is she crazy? is it mind games? The guessing game is what keeps me glued. It seams that the writers over at WWE are finally doing something right. Let’s not forget the contribution of AJ herself who has worked hard to get to this point. You have to know how to sell your persona it’s not easy folks.
My only fear is that after the Money In The Bank event the storyline will fizzle out rather then continue to grow. I hope those in charge of creative realize the huge success of the AJ character and her ability to be mysterious and ability to captivate the fans watching.
MORE BACKGROUND
Mendez researched wrestling schools, and enrolled in one a mile away from her house. To pay the tuition, she began working full-time, and became an official wrestling student in March 2007.She signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment on May 5, 2009, and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE’s developmental territory. AJ made her main roster debut on the May 27, 2011, episode of SmackDown
June 26 2012
