January 2021 – Page 21 – HelenAtAmarIt

– Former TNA champion Jeff Hardy’s is due back in a Moore County, North Carolina court on September 8th – nearly two years after his arrest back on September 11th, 2009. The case has seen countless delay and is believed to be coming to an end.

– Former TNA star Max Buck of the Generation Me tag team had this to say about his team’s recent departure from the company:

“Simply put: If we weren’t wrestling, we weren’t making money…And a guys gotta eat. Obviously, if you’re a fan of the show, you probably hadn’t seen us for quite sometime. Aside from the television program, TNA also runs live events around the country. In 2011, we’d only been on a handful of those, as well. Now, don’t get me wrong. When you’re booked a bunch, you’re making pretty good money, which was the case for us in our first year with the company. Not so much, this year.”

* Sin Cara GONE From WWE For Good, CM PUNK’s WWE Future and more EXCLUSIVE News

WWE announced Friday that they have come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith.

Their statement reads: “WWE has come to terms on the release of David Hart Smith as of today, August 5, 2011. WWE wishes David the best in all of his future endeavors.”

The third generation wrestler’s prospects with the entertainment empire became grim following the dissolution of the Hart Dynasty late last year; his final match occurred on the April 28, 2011 episode of WWE Superstars. Even further, Smith had not competed in a match on Monday Night Raw in eight months. He last appeared on the program on December 6, 2010, which saw him lose to former tag team partner Tyson Kidd in a blow off match. He was then laid out by Kidd’s short-lived bodyguard Jackson Andrews.

His mother, Diana Smith, stated in April that David had plans to cross over to mixed martial arts.

Photos – Chris Masters off steroids ->

The Young Bucks tag team (formerly Generation Me) recently spoke to Canada’s Slam Wrestling about their decision to quit TNA Wrestling several months ago. Matt Jackson expressed a great deal of frustration with the way TNA is run – largely due to the fact that TNA creative did not have a clear vision for them:

“I don’t think everyone’s on the same page. I know that a lot of guys don’t know where to go when they have a question about something, because nobody knows who’s exactly in charge of what.”

“One week we were running with Tara and the next we’re not. One week Nick and I have heat with each other, and the next we’re in a stable together. Towards the end, people in the office didn’t know if we were heels or faces, so we flip-flopped. We knew then, we had to get out.”

“One thing, though, from my time with them that I would have never guessed was, how unorganized the ‘big leagues’ were.”

Nick explains that despite all the turmoil behind the scenes in TNA, their departure from the company came down to money – or lack thereof.

“We asked for our release because we were not being used enough to budget money for our families. We simply weren’t making enough money. We asked for help and they didn’t really want to do anything for us. So, it obviously wasn’t going to work out.”

Matt added:

“We knew we were going to quit for a while. The writing was on the wall. Overcrowded locker rooms, we hadn’t been seen on TV regularly in months, and no continuity with our characters led us to wanting out.

The Young Bucks have received several complaints from veteran performers in the both the TNA and WWE locker rooms for the way they’ve handled themselves behind the scenes.

The Bucks have developed a reputation for being aloof and disrespectful to their superiors – and do not put all the blame on TNA for why their run there did not work out:

“I’m sure they could have done more with us, but I’m also not going to stick the blame completely on them. I’m sure there are things that we could have done differently too. All in all, we are proud of our run there and feel like we did have the capability to show what we could do, at least a couple of times.

“We could of ‘played the game’ a bit more. In professional wrestling, you need to do this to survive. We may have been a little too passive and let things happen to our characters that probably shouldn’t have. Maybe we could have been a little more protective? You live and learn.”

* Exclusive News On WWE Rebuilding Its TAG TEAM Division: NEW TEAMS Coming In Soon

(Source: Slam.Canoe.ca)

One of the country’s most prominent business groups is criticizing Ontario’s new lockdown rules, which it says will allow big-box stores like Costco and Walmart, as well as e-commerce giant Amazon, to “rule the retail roost” while jeopardizing the existence of small shops.

But the province says big retail chains are in a better position to handle commerce during a pandemic.

Among Ontario’s new restrictions, meant to tamp down escalating COVID-19 infections, is a mandatory 8 p.m. closing time for all retailers, with the exception of “stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.”

The new rules mean that any store which sells a full complement of groceries ― such as Walmart and Costco ― will be allowed to stay open past 8 p.m. for curbside pickup and delivery, while Amazon will be able to make deliveries past that time. Smaller retailers will be forced to stop, the CFIB said.

“How this will help stop the spread of COVID-19 is anyone’s guess,” CFIB president Dan Kelly said in a statement.

Watch: 6 tips to shop local and support small businesses. Story continues below.

Premier Doug Ford’s office defended the decision, arguing the point is to limit the number of stores Ontarians visit when they leave home for essential purposes.

“With strict safety measures and capacity limits, big box stores provide the public with one-stop shop options. Additionally, in many regions of the province, Ontarians don’t have easy access to online shopping and rely on the convenience and relative affordability of big box retailers,” the premier’s office said in a statement to HuffPost Canada.

“More abilities have been given to Walmart, Costco and Amazon to basically continue to reign the retail roost while small businesses are once again rusting in the dust,” Julie Kwiecinski, CFIB’s director of provincial affairs for Ontario, told HuffPost Canada.

Kwiecinski said her organization had floated many alternative proposals that would have allowed smaller retailers to stay open, including strict customer limits in stores and even health screenings of customers.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST

Ontario Declares Emergency, Orders Residents To Stay Home
Ford Maintains Paid Sick Days Aren't Necessary As COVID-19 Crisis Intensifies
Recovery Over: Canada Loses Jobs In December As Economy Shrinks

The CFIB says it also floated the idea of cordoning off non-essential sections of big-box retailers, as Manitoba has done, or simply stopping sales of non-essential items at the cashier. Kwiecinski says the province rejected both ideas.

Blocking off non-essential items has been tried in some jurisdictions, but the practice often came under ridicule on social media, with shoppers questioning why they should be able to buy some items in a store and not others, on account of a pandemic.

Big retailers boom amid pandemic

Many consumer advocates have grown worried about the dominance of big-box retailers during the pandemic, which have seen sales soar during lockdowns, with other retailers and restaurants shut down.

Amazon’s share price has soared 65 per cent over the past year, making its CEO and co-founder Jess Bezos, the first person ever officially to reach US$200 billion in wealth.

But it’s been a different story for small and independent businesses. In a report issued Wednesday, economists at TD Bank warned Canada can expect to see a wave of business closures ahead, with many businesses ― particularly small and medium sized ones ― “in a life or death situation.”

Many businesses will have a harder time surviving the second wave of pandemic lockdowns, as they were already in bad shape to begin with, and of those businesses that survive, many will be struggling with large debt burdens that will limit their growth, economists Beata Caranci and Ksenia Bushmeneva wrote.

The CFIB estimates that 150,000 business in Canada will shut down as a result of the pandemic lockdowns, with 90,000 of those in Ontario.

“Only time will show the true rate of business survivorship and scarring, which will only become evident when temporary financial supports recede along with the pandemic,” the TD economists wrote.

“Significant business exits during the pandemic will leave a void that will need to be filled by new businesses once the crisis is over. Elevated personal saving and lower commercial rents should help new businesses to start on a solid footing.”

Other business groups took a more welcoming tone to Ontario’s new rules. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), which is more focused on large businesses, said the best thing for business is to get the virus under control.

“Government efforts need to be focused squarely on improved tracking and tracing, rapid testing, speeding up the current vaccination roll-out and getting support to those who need it most so we can get the province re-opened and back on the path of economic recovery,” OCC president and CEO Rocco Rossi said in a statement.

TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford doubled down on his choice not to guarantee paid sick days to private sector workers Tuesday, even though one of his top health officials says it may be contributing to “dangerous” levels of COVID-19.

The premier said the federal government already has a program for people who miss work because of COVID-19. That program pays people after the fact, providing $450 a week for a maximum of two weeks.

“We aren’t going to duplicate areas of support,” Ford said.

A reporter at Tuesday’s news conference asked him what someone should do after they hit the maximum. She used the example of a parent who takes one week off after their child was exposed to the virus, another week when they had a sore throat and required a test, and then needs more time when they actually test positive.

“Great question,” Ford told her. “We’re going to work in conjunction with the federal government to make sure that continues, the support that is needed.”

He said he’s asked federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to shorten the amount of time someone has to be off before they qualify for Employment Insurance (EI).

Ontario workers used to be entitled to 10 days off per year for illness and emergencies, two of which had to be paid. Shortly after taking power in 2018, Ford’s government cut that back to eight days and made them all unpaid.

Ontario has given workers the right to take time off without losing their jobs if they have to isolate or quarantine because of COVID-19. But the time off is unpaid.

One of the province’s top doctors said the lack of paid sick days could be contributing to the spread of COVID-19 a few hours before Ford’s comments Tuesday.

Some people don’t get paid if they take time off and may be worried about eviction, associate chief medical officer of health Dr. Barbara Yaffe said.

“That is a very important barrier that needs to be addressed so that people will do the right thing.”

Toronto’s top doctor and mayor have also called for paid sick leave. Mayor John Tory said Ontario was playing “ping pong” with the federal government.

“A ping pong game is always interesting and entertaining except when it has to do with the health of people who live in our city and who are contracting COVID-19 and who, in many cases, are the people least able to speak for themselves.”

Thousands of lives hang in the balance

Dr. Yaffe and her colleagues released new modelling that shows Ontario could see between 10,000 and 20,000 new daily COVID-19 cases by early February if growth stays the same. This would cause thousands more deaths.

“We are in a very dangerous situation now,” Dr. Yaffe said.

They reported that one quarter of Ontario’s hospitals already have full intensive care units (ICUs) and another quarter only have one or two ICU beds available.

The province-wide lockdown that started Dec. 26 didn’t stop people from going out and spreading the virus, the doctors said.

“It’s not like we’re saying people are doing this on purpose,” Dr. Yaffe said. “I think what we’re saying is people need to be supported to do the right thing.”

Ford announced a stay-at-home order and extended school closures at his press conference Tuesday. His government said it was considering another temporary moratorium on evictions and would say more in the next few days.

Opposition politicians slammed the premier, saying he shouldn’t have waited so long to impose lockdowns and calling out the lack of paid sick leave.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said it was “utterly shameful and irresponsible” that Ford hasn’t budged on paid sick days, even though workers have been asking for them for the entire pandemic.

“There have to be, as a right, paid sick days for every worker in the province of Ontario,” Horwath said. “Not some process where you have to make applications, and maybe in a couple weeks you’ll be able to get a little bit of money.”

ALSO ON HUFFPOST

Ontario's New Rules Allow Amazon, Costco, Walmart To ‘Rule Retail’: CFIB
David’s Tea To Close 82 Stores In Canada As It Abandons U.S. Market
How Paid Sick Days Factor Into The Fight Against COVID-19

Starbucks says the changes will help the coffee chain “best meet our customers where they are now.”

The company had previously said it would close up to 200 of its locations in Canada over two years.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2021.

— Former WWE talent Shane Helms (a/k/a The Hurricane) has released an app for the iPhone. The app, which was developed by Figure 4, includes the following features: access to all of Helms’ social media; a soundboard of original, thoughtful quotes; his upcoming schedule; take a photo with Helms.

More details on the app are available here.

— WWE announced Thursday evening via Twitter that CM Punk will speak this Monday on Raw.

Their announcement reads: “BREAKING NEWS: “BREAKING NEWS: This Monday on #Raw, @CMPunk will make his first official statement since his shocking return to WWE.”

It was advertised during WWE Superstars that Triple H will have to resolve “one unprecedented controversy” with Punk and John Cena holding two versions of the WWE Championship.

Poster for new Triple H movie ->

Rajah.com reader Bobby Moore sent in this live report of what happened after Monday’s RAW from Indianapolis, Indiana went off the air:

After the cameras stopped rolling, John Cena and C.M. Punk did a little more posing with the belts, then Cena suggested to Punk that the fans would rather see them fight. Punk agreed, a ref jumped in the ring, and the bell rang.

Bonus Dark Match: WWE champion John Cena vs. WWE champion C.M. Punk went to a Double DQ/No Contest. Back and forth match that lasted about six minutes with each wrestler teasing their finishers a couple of times. Out came Miz and Truth, jumping both champs for the No Contest.

Afterward, Miz went outside the ring and grabbed both belts. The heels double-Irish whipped the champs into the ropes, but the champs ducked under the attempted head shots with the titles. Punk then hit the G2S on Truth and Cena hit the AA on Miz.

To close the taping, the champs did more posing with the belts and the music kept changing back and forth from Punk’s to Cena’s. Punk left, then stopped at the top of the ramp to applaud Cena. Cena posed some more, then left.

* Update on MARYSE’s STALKER & ULTIMATE WARRIOR Reacts To Video Clip Of Him From RAW

RAW this week starts with Triple H out to the ring. His suit still looks ill-fitting! Man needs a good tailor. He says in six night it will be one of the most historic in the WWE. The entire landscape of this business changes. The WWE Champ, Cena, against the WWE Champ CM Punk. Change has been a big thing here lately, right? In a month we went from no Champ with VKM in charge to Trip in charge with two Champ. There will be one match and one undisputed winner and WWE Champ. The tricky part, the undisputed part comes to him, the COO. How do you guarantee there will be one Champ? You empower someone who has the power. Someone who’s authority will be absolute. He’s larger than life. He casts a shadow over Cena and Punk, over the entire WWE. That man is Trip. Right now he’s about the only one he can trust around there. He will stand in the ring and officiate the match. He’ll call it as he sees it. When the dust settles there will be one undisputed WWE Champ. As for tonight, there will be the official contract signing between Cena and Punk. Before that they’ll each face individual competition tonight. Cena’s match will be right now.

Cena to the ring and talks constantly to Trip off mic, saying that Trip being there is all about Trip’s ego. Cena kept going on and on to Trip.

– Commercial

Cena vs. Swagger

Swagger out to the ring and then the camera replays what Cena said to Trip about the Title and the fans. Trip says what happens in the ring is what Trip wants to happen.

Swagger takes Cena down, Swagger dances around and eats a clothesline. Swagger whipped, then taken down on the mat. Chinlock on Swagger. Dueling chants for Cena. Shoulder block drops Swagger. Swagger whipped, the a clothesline in the corner. Sweet drop kick from Cena takes Swagger down for two. Chinlock on Swagger, but Swagger comes back with a belly-to-belly on Cena. Swagger on Cena with blows. Cena whipped, then Swagger splashes Cena on the mat. Double arm chicken wing on Cena who struggles and says something to Swagger. Cena takes Swagger down after calling the move.

Swagger in a corner, but moves to avoid Cena’s splash. Shoulder block to Cena for two. Arm lock on Cena in the center of the mat. Cena to his feet, but takes a knee to the gut. Cena whipped and hits the mat. Swagger with a glancing blow to Cena’s knee. Swagger celebrates. Swagger tries for his ankle lock, but Cena reverses. Cena tries to set up something, but is kicked off by Swagger. Shoulder blocks, then spine buster on Swagger. Five knuckle shuffle and Cole says it’s ‘vintage’. Cena gets Swagger up, hits his AA and it’s over.

Winner – Cena

– Commercial

SummerSlam Recall – SS 1991 – Mr. Perfect versus Bret Hart. At one point Perfect seems to send Hart flying from the ring and onto what looked like VKM. Hart kicked out of Perfect’s finisher. Sharpshooter and Perfect tagged out so Bret won the IC Title.

Backstage Stanford was there to talk to ADR. Ricardo announces him. Punk says he’s the voice of the voiceless, but he’s the voice of the coward. He fled ADR, but tonight ADR will show Punk how it is, ending by calling Punk a coward again.

Video of R-Truth and JoMo four months ago. That’s when JoMo suffered his neck injury.

Backstage R-Truth says he’s a good R-Truth. Josh asks why would R-Truth take advantage of his friend? R-Truth goes off with a dozen, “Why?” He talks about hotdogs and buns not matching up. Why did God create spiders? They have nasty creepy legs and are quiet until the bite. The fans are yelling ‘WHAT?’ at R-Truth, so he screeches, “Stop what-ing me!” R-Truth says his grandmother used to get carrots, potatoes and one big old turtle and make spider stew! Only person who’d eat the spider stew was Little Jimmy! Tonight he’s going to grab a spider and squish it on the mat. That spider is JoMo.

– Commercial

Miz vs. Rey

As Rey comes out to the stage, Miz attacks from behind. Miz keeps beating Rey down, slamming him into the base of the W on the stage. Even getting away from the refs and kneeing Rey in the head.

Miz stalks to the ring, Cole up to meet Miz in there. The refs get Rey up and out. Cole says that was an amazing display of audacity out there. Miz agrees, but asks if Cole knows who he’s facing at SS? Cole says he doesn’t. Miz doesn’t either. He’s the most must see Superstar, but he’s not being pushed the way he should be. He wants the attention he deserves. He demands a ref to come out, say Rey forfeited and Miz wins the match. The ref talks to Justin. He says according to the COO, Miz will be in a new match.

Kofi Kingston vs. Miz

Cole is pissed about Miz’s treatment by Trip. Kofi is very careful posing, not turning his back fully on Miz.

They lock up, Kofi backed into a corner. Miz with a wide blow, but Kofi comes back chain wrestling. Miz gets a side headlock on Kofi, then shoulder blocks him. Miz runs the ropes right into Kofi’s drop kick for two. Kofi backed into a corner, then Miz pokes him in the eye. Miz stomps Kofi in a corner. Cole and JR going back and forth about the Kid’s Choice Awards and how JR said they’re past his bedtime. Cole says they’re on earlier than RAW. JR says he took a nap. Little milk, skim milk, cookies, diet cookies, and some BBQ sauce! Cole sputtered a bit.

Miz rushes Kofi in a corner, but eats a Thesz press! Kofi clotheslines Miz from the ring, then flew out in a suicide dive.

– Commercial

Chinlock on Kofi on the mat. Miz stopped Kofi’s momentum during the commercial. Miz runs the ropes and manages to grab Miz twice and take him down. Kofi into a corner and Miz rocked Kofi’s world. Miz up top and comes down with a double axe handle. Chinlock on Kofi on the mat. Kofi starts fighting back and manages to hit Miz and roll him up for two. Drop kick to Miz. Miz hit a backbreaker but Kofi gets free and hits a springboard cross body. DDT to Kofi and Miz pins for two.

Miz rushes Kofi in a corner, but eats a foot. Kofi up top, Miz climbs as he punches on Kofi. Both to their feet up there. Kofi blocks the superplex and takes Miz down hard from up top for two. Kofi misses trouble in paradise, then slams back on Miz in a corner. Miz comes back and hits his SCF for three.

Winner – Miz

Miz celebrates on the stage as Kofi lolls on the mat.

Backstage Punk is approached by Josh. What does Punk think of Trip naming himself ref? Trip has a huge ego like VKM. This match is epic, but Trip’s ego won’t keep him out of it. What’s good for business is Punk kicking ADR’s teeth in. ADR says we’ll see what would have happened at MITB? They sure will see what would have happened at MITB!

– Commercial

Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk

Ricardo announces ADR who comes out in a 2010 Audi R8. “CM Punk” chants start even before his music starts.

They lock up and muscle around, Punk takes ADR down. ADR back with a kick to Punk’s knee, then stomps Punk in a corner. Arm bar on Punk as the fans are behind Punk. Punk counters and takes ADR down hard. Shoulder blocks to ADR in a corner. ADR whipped, but moves and Punk’s shoulder hits the post. ADR out and pulls on the arm. ADR in and nails his favorite arm breaker on Punk. Arm bar on Punk on the mat. Punk up and kicks ADR in the knee. Sunset flip from Punk doesn’t take ADR down and ADR uses that to stomp Punk’s arm ADR rushes Punk. Punk sidesteps ADR who slides out through the ropes cleanly. Beautiful swinging neck breaker from Punk. Knees to ADR’s face. ADR whipped, then eats a high knee. Running bulldog from Punk and the fans are loving it. Punk off the top rope with a big clothesline on ADR. ADR up for the GTS, but ADR wiggles out and ends up back in the corner, shoulder first. Back stabber on Punk and ADR is in control. Punk reverses out of ADR’s finisher and is able to hit his GTS on ADR for three.

Winner – Punk

Punk was all smiles after the match was finished. Video of the high points of the match. Punk sits in the center of the ring, strap in hand, gaining his breath, just chilling. Punk up for more posing and yelling.

– Commercial

Recap of last week Divas Battle Royal and how Beth eliminated the Bellas. Then she further attacked Kelly and turned full on heel.

Beth vs. Eve

Beth out in a black jumpsuit with yellow and red flames. Eve out in green and silver.

They lock up. Arm bar on Beth, but one hand under Eve’s chin stopped that. Eve rolled over Beth’s back, then hit a lovely drop kick. Eve elevated over the top, then knocked off the apron. Beth slams Eve into the barrier, then drags Eve by the hair into the ring. Beth gets two in the center of the ring with very little noise from the fans. Beth picks up Eve by her hair and slams Eve back on the mat. Then does it a second time. Elbow to the gut and Beth pins for two. Eve badly reverses out of Beth’s hands, finally kicks Beth in the head, then over sells her face hitting a corner. Eve off the corner with a kick to Beth’s face.

Eve climbs and lines up her feet on the top rope. Beth up and swings a double axe handle that never touches Eve’s leg, but she sells it. Beth pulls Eve off the top and hits a glam slam on Eve for three.

Winner – Beth

Beth grabs a mic and says she doesn’t like her and Kelly making a mockery of the Divas Division. No more booty popping. No more splits. Not more stink faces. Beth stalks off out of the ring, still holding the mic. Beth says she’d been meaning to ask Eve one question – Kelly out and attacks Beth from behind. Kelly into the ring to check on Eve and hold her Title belt high. First time I haven’t seen Kelly all smiles!

– Commercial

Video of the Teen Choice Awards. Miz was there, as was Cena. Beiber waved his hand in front of his own face. Cena thought he could take Beiber. They then presented to Glee. Cena’s a huge Glee fan. Cena rips on himself for hit ever-changing colored shirts and his jorts.

Dolph w/ Vickie vs. Riley

Dolph and Vickie both stomped out to the ring looking rather pissed (but not terribly injured). Riley out with a slow smile. Vickie up in Riley’s face. He grabs a mic and rips on Vickie’s breath saying it smells like death itself took a crap in her mouth. She goes crazy.

Huge running clothesline on Dolph for two while Vickie screeches from the apron. Dolph stomps Riley in a corner. Back elbow to Dolph, then Dolph tries for a sleeper. Vickie pulls the rope from Riley. Riley slams Dolph back in a corner. Huge spine buster on Dolph and Vickie into the ring screeching at Riley. Vickie bitch slaps Riley and the ref calls for the bell.

Winner – Riley via DQ

Vickie still screeching as Dolph yells at her for costing him the match. Riley hits Dolph who lightly runs into Vickie so she also hit’s the mat. Riley leaves and the other two continue to yell. Vickie waves goodbye and leaves the ring. She screeched about having it with Dolph, then more screeching. Each thinks the other needs them!

– Commercial

Recap to MITB, narrated by one of those voices we all know, but can’t place. The hometown hero was loved, Cena was loathed. This was a war for the very should of the company. As the clocked ticked toward midnight, the challenger went on. VKM called for the bell, but Cena took out Laurinaitis and told VKM no that way. Cena eats a GTS and Punk is Champ. This travesty would start a chain reaction shaking WWE to its core. Trip released VKM and took over. Cena wins the WWE Title, until the prodigal Champ returned. There’s two WWE Champions. They’re settling it Trip’s way at SS. They’ll battle to see who’s the Undisputed WWE Champion.

Cole, King and JR run through the matches slated for SummerSlam.

R-Truth out to his lack of music.

– Commercial

R-Truth vs. JoMo

R-Truth is pacing when the show returns from commercial. He really spent that time getting the crowd hot! Knee to JoMo, then they exchange blows. JoMo with a couple big clotheslines, then a back kick. JoMo hit that wild spinning slam on R-Truth for two. R-Truth is slammed to the mat and JoMo on hit with blows. R-Truth rolls out to regroup. JoMo runs, dives over the top of the corner with a corkscrew onto R-Truth! R-Truth rolls in and rolls out again. JoMo rolls out and sends R-Truth in the barrier. Smack from JoMo on R-Truth. JoMo heaved over the barrier. Blows on R-Truth. JoMo stands atop the barrier and R-Truth pulls one of his legs out so JoMo lands shoulders/neck on the top of the barrier. They make it back in at nine.

R-Truth pins JoMo in the ring for two. R-Truth slams JoMo to the mat. R-Truth goes after JoMo’s neck, but JoMo holds onto the ropes and R-Truth falls flat. R-Truth whipped, but he comes out and slams JoMo on his neck to the mat. R-Truth gets three for it.

Winner – R-Truth

Video recap of the moves that could have hurt JoMo. The announcers talk up JoMo’s injured neck. R-Truth leaves ringside looking all over the place and looking totally tweaked out.

– Commercial

This weeks poll comes out with the same numbers they had last week, though this one was who should win?

Cole asks Christian what’s up? Christian on the tron playing uber heel. He has an announcement on Smackdown and Trip will want to hear what Christian has to say, in person.

Trip is in the ring with Laurinaitis for the Undisputed WWE Championship Match. Punk out to that perfect music of his! So glad the WWE was able to use it as it’s so perfect! Punk poses in a corner, then stands back away from Trip and Laurinaitis in a corner. Cena out in his usual way, all smiles! Laurinaitis keeps a close eye on Cena so he won’t get decked again. Punk’s belt is so much better looking than Cena’s.

Trip is ready to cut to the chase, but Punk says we all know where they’re going with this. This is all show. When was the last time they had one of these without horrible physical calamity. So they flip the table and get it over with, or make it somewhat entertaining. Punk says he feels like he’s showing a move. There’s a bit from a star talking about how Punk feels. It’s not Trip from the Chaperone. Trip smirks. Trip asks how Punk’s movie went? Punk says, Straight to DVD, just like your’s!” But this is from an actual movie start saying how Punk feels about Cena.

It’s Rocky! He says this is why Cena’s angry. It’s the same every night. He’s in the locker room putting on his shoes, his tough guys shorts that haven’t been worn since 1992, but that’s okay. Then, putting on his red wristbands up here. Says, you can’t see me. He looks like a bloated transvestite Wonder Woman. Rocky sound effect. Then it gets worse! Cena’s music hits. Rocky hums the music, then talks about Cena taking everything off for the fans. Then quiet and Cena knows it’s coming, “Let’s go Cena” “Cena SUCKS!” Even in Cena’s hometown of Boston boos him. Why? Rocky’s a man, representing many men who don’t like Cena because they can see through bull$h!t. we smell the phony punk a mile away. The fans love this!

Punk says the only thing he sees wrong is that they’re not saying, “Cena sucks” they’re saying, “CM Punk!” Cena gets the jist, right. Punk thanks Rocky from sending it through FB. Calling Cena a phony and Rocky’s a big phony too. He doesn’t want Rocky saying mean things about him. So Punk will sign.

Cena says it’s entertainment. Rocky’s done it all. He’s working on GI Joe as they speak. With all Rocky’s success, he shouldn’t be mad about anything. But he sees Cena and flips out. His jorts are out of style. Punk says he didn’t show the clip for Cena to go after the Rock. Punk thinks Cena’s too PG. the modern day Hogan, took the hand from the ear and put it in front of his face. Rock is a star and has his ‘millions’. He can battle Rock, but won’t win over the ‘millions’. Punk has his fans. No matter what he does, raise his work rate, add to his five moves of doom, let his heel side show through. Cena say he’ll never win over those people. A few weeks back Punk said Cena’s like the Yankees. At first that pissed Cena off, then he thought about it. They’re the most hated, move loved team the mange gets a response. Punk was right. There’s so many that hate him. Huge heat from the fans. When Cena’s music plays and he runs out, it’s like the pinstripes and fans ooze hate. He’s not concerned with people wearing the color. He cares about the people who haven’t wavered, stuck by him through thick and thin. Those are the people he cares about. He gets some cheer for this. There’s nothing phony about that. Punk speaks his mind, throws stones and lives in a glass house. Punk wanted so much, the jet, the cups, the ice cream bars. Punk agrees off mic about the ice cream bars with a HUGE smile. Now Punk’s trying to come back as the underground voice of the voiceless. “Look in a mirror, Punk.”

Trip says Cena has the fire, but a good point, but all Punk held out for was more money and perks. Then he couldn’t negotiate in person, did it on the phone!

Punk gets into it who does the firing. Did Trip or Laurinaitis fire Koz last week. Fly to Florida to tell Harry – yes, that’s his name, not David Hart Smith. What about masters who’s worked so hard for this company? Did Trip fire him in person? Kid, it’s a budget thing, best of luck in you’re future endeavors. Trip had Laurinaitis do his dirty work? HUGE “CM Punk!” chants.

This is about Punk and Cena. Cena is on a pedestle looks all noble after opportunity after opportunity and looks down on everyone, down on Punk. A number of years ago Punk won the ECW Title. Cena hadn’t said a word to Punk prior to that. The next day Cena clapped Punk on the back, said “congratulations Champ. I almost gave up on you.” Punk says he holds grudges and has a sour taste in his mouth because he almost gave up on Punk? Cena sold out when he moves to Cali to become a body builder, but then became a sports entertainer because he couldn’t hack it. Punk’s been a wrestler from word one. Yes, he held up the WWE for some perks. Does he want an ice cream bar with Punk’s name on it? Damn right! Cena’s the lion, Punk’s the hyena and has to fight for his share. Yeah, he held everyone up for the opportunities Cena was given. He wouldn’t pass them up! No one would! Seven years ago in LA, Cena walked in and won his first Title. Congratulations. This Sunday Cena’s walking into LA, but walking out with nothing. Walking out with NOTHING! Cena will be the big star the next day. He’ll have Marine 4, his fight with Dwayne, his legions of fans who will pee in their PJ’s when they think of Cena. Won’t be WWE Champion. Because the WWE Champion will be Punk.

HUGE “CM Punk!!!!” chants.

Cena tells Punk it’s a fine speech. Does Punk know the pressure on Punk this weekend? Punk beat Cena once in Chicago. What happens if Punk just might lose at SS. Punk’s diatribe about Cena and Rocky, that’s true. Punk needs this match, needs it more than anyone else. If Punk doesn’t back up his pipe bomb. If Punk can’t do it, he’s a very loud one hit wonder. Known as Buster Douglas, Yahoo Serious, Milli – who’s the other guy – Vanillie. If Punk doesn’t win this Sunday, gone (snap) just like that. Good luck.

Punk says luck is for losers. He’d rather be a one hit wonder than a phony. Cena says they’ve been talking for quite a while and Punk came out to entertain, right. Cena has a feeling the talking thing is wearing a bit thin. Punk says he can kick Cena’s teeth in. There’s goes the straps, the table flies and they’re face to face. Laurinaitis gets between them and eats a big kick to the back of Laurinaitis’ head. Trip steps in to push Punk back, but gets a forearm to his upper back from Cena. Punk leaves the ring, then yells in about Trip and the fix being in.

Biggest pop
Punk
Rey
JoMo

Biggest heat
Miz
R-Truth

Most mixed
Cena

Least cared about
Divas

— Following a several year hiatus, “The Informer” is once again featured in WWE Magazine. Though the monthly column largely consisted of made-up stories, it would at times correctly predict future storylines. The feature is now branded as “WWE gossip” and appears to be a mashup of kayfabe and legitimate backstage tales. Highlights from the October 2011 edition are as follows:

* “Would a certain A-list Hollywood celeb please stop calling our offices in hopes of landing a Raw guest-star slot? You had your chance already, pal!”

* “I hear a top-level, WWE Hall of Fame-bound Superstar suggested that Natalya use the double sharpshooter at 2010’s WWE TLC.”

* “During a recent photo shoot, a Superstar demanded that the makeup artist stop touching up the Divas and focus her attention on him!”

* “A source tells us that The Rock isn’t the only Attitude Era Superstar planning to step in the ring in 2012. Hint: There’s an “E” in his name.”

— It was reported yesterday that WWE.com’s bio on referee Mike Chioda made mention of deceased wrestler Chris Benoit, who is considered persona non grata within the organization. He recalled November 29, 2004, when he and a fellow official declared contrary decisions in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship; Chioda saw Benoit pinned for the three-count while Edge tapped out simultaneously. The Benoit mention has since been removed.

Meanwhile, WWE.com’s bio on referee Jack Doan says Benoit’s match with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania X-Seven is one of his most memorable moments.

*RARE* teenage Chris Benoit with The Undertaker ->

Month: January 2021

Jeff Hardy Court Update, Generation Me's TNA Departure

WWE Releases Third Generation Wrestler

The Young Bucks Trash TNA's Booking, Talk About Their Backstage Heat

Ontario's New Lockdown Rules Allow Amazon, Costco, Walmart To ‘Rule The Retail Roost’: CFIB

ALSO ON HUFFPOST

Big retailers boom amid pandemic

Ford Maintains Paid Sick Days Aren't Necessary In Ontario As COVID-19 Crisis Intensifies

Thousands of lives hang in the balance

READ MORE…

Starbucks Canada To Close 300 Stores By March

ALSO ON HUFFPOST

WWE Makes Announcement For Raw, Former WWE Star Releases iPhone App

What Happened After RAW: CM Punk vs. John Cena

RAW Report 8/8/11 Laurinaitis Takes One To The Head

WWE Teasing Return Of "Attitude Era" Star, WWE Site Removes Benoit Mention