Jack Swagger, Seth Rollins, Zack Ryder Respond to Vince McMahon ‘Brass Ring’ Comment

During his WWE Network podcast interview with Steve Austin, Vince McMahon made comments about the current roster being less apt to “grab the brass ring.” He attributed it to a “Millennial” attitude. Several WWE stars have commented, including Jack Swagger who discussed the comments with Mike Jones of DC101

“This is an environment where literally hundreds of thousands of people want to be on this roster, and there’s what, 75 of us on top?” said Swagger. “To get here you have to be very ambitious but to stay here you need even more. It takes a lot of drive and a lot of hard work. I can only speak for myself that I have gotten hungrier. As far as the rest of the locker room, you know, it’s tough but you gotta see the finish line and sometimes that’s hard to do.”

Seth Rollins and Zack Ryder also commented, posting to Twitter:

No better way to grab the brass ring then to take out the so-called last guy to do just that. #WWETLC #TablesMatch How's that for ambition? - Seth Rollins

When my shoulder is healed and I come back, I'll grab that brass ring again...but nothing will stop me this time! - Zack Ryder

Video: Vince McMahon comments on lack of ambition in the WWE locker room

Recap of the Austin-McMahon Podcast

“Stone Cold” Podcast featuring Vince McMahon
Monday, December 1, 2014
Report by Sean Hopkins of WrestlingNewsWorld.com

Steve Austin is shown recording asking fans to give a ‘hell yeah’ if they’re ready for a live interview with Vince McMahon. This transitions into a video package showing some of the highlights of the Austin/McMahon rivalry before heading into the studio where Austin welcomes the fans and Vince McMahon to the show.

Austin asks how the Network is doing right off the bat. Vince says it’s doing great. Subscriptions are good, 90% satisfaction level. Austin asks specifically about the UK. Vince says he hopes to have it settled by the 1st of the year, but he doesn’t want to say too much too soon.

Austin talks about being asked to debut the Network, and he asks if it’ll ultimately meet McMahon’s high expectations. McMahon says it’ll take a bit of time to build some content and give them exactly what they want, which they’re doing right now.

Austin asks how in tune McMahon is with the crowd. McMahon says Pro Wrestling is where his dad came from, and Sports entertainment is about telling a story. Some of the matches don’t hit, and Steve knows that. McMahon thought Wyatt and Ambrose looked good tonight, and the six man match was also good.

Austin brings up the three hour length of Raw. McMahon says no one does that, and they’ve been doing it for many years. They’re all over the world, and when you’re traveling every week, they do magic with a lot of help and a lot of people behind the scenes. Performers have to be right, whether they’re hurt, or haven’t had sleep, they have to be at their best.

Austin talks about enjoying his run, but when he watches the show, he wants more wrestling. He understands there’s not to many guys and girls, but he thinks the first segment takes too long to build up to the hook. McMahon says you can’t have two guys wrestling for wrestling’s sake, you have to have guys who are adversaries and that’ll make you want to see the outcome.

Austin talks about the change in atmosphere in the locker room, and that there’s guys and girls walking on eggshells because there’s no other options, Austin even name checks TNA. McMahon says not to piss anyone off. Austin says he pissed a lot of people off. McMahon says they’re millenials, and there are a lot who don’t want to grab the brass ring. He talks about Wyatt, Ambrose, Rollins and Reigns as those who might change that. He says there’s not enough laughter and shenanigans as back in Austin’s day.

McMahon continues talking about millenials fear of failing, and being exposed. He says he’s given everyone opportunities, and things from a social media standpoint. It helps talent, and gives them tools that people like Austin didn’t have, and they use it, but not in the way Austin did.

Austin issues a challenge to the WWE Superstars, to go out on a limb. Austin says McMahon needs more depth on the roster, and McMahon agrees. Austin says you have to go on a limb to get over, and Vince agrees.

More?

Guest Host For Next Week's Slammys On RAW

Actor Seth Green will be hosting next week's WWE RAW from Greenville, South Carolina. Next week's RAW will also feature The Slammy Awards. Michael Cole confirmed on tonight's RAW that the only way to vote on next week's awards will be with the WWE App.

Video: The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown Trailer

Video: Behind-the-scenes look at Triple H and Stephanie McMahon’s “Muscle & Fitness” cover shoot

New Japan Pro Wrestling Unveils It’s Own Streaming Service That Will Include Live Events, Wrestle Kingdom 9 & Tons of Classic Content

New Japan Pro Wrestling held a live press conference to announce the unveiling of their very own streaming service, “New Japan World”.

The service is available immediately, and is very similar to the WWE Network, in that the promotion will be airing all their major events live. Unlike WWE, where they have TV contracts that keep Raw and Smackdown on major networks, the bulk of New Japan content is offered as pay-per-view in Japan, and internet pay-per-view in the United States. What that means is instead of one major PPV on the WWE Network each month, you’re going to get upwards of four or five big live shows in a given month, including the G1 Tag League finals next weekend.

New Japan World is being offered at 999 yen, which is roughly $8.42 per month, and we’ve already received emails from U.S. fans that have subscribed and are watching classic content. Their website advertises its availability on desktops, tablets and smart phones as well.

Slammy Awards Announced for December 8th RAW

WWE.com has officially announced late last night that the 2014 Slammy Awards will take place during the 12/8 WWE RAW in Greenville, South Carolina. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar is expected to return and appear at the show.

WWE stock in sleeper hold as subscriptions stall

In a typical WWE wrestling drama, the champ gets off the canvas and saves the day by turning the table — or a folding chair — on his opponent.

Vince McMahon, WWE’s chairman and CEO, has orchestrated such a comeback hundreds of times in scores of arenas around the world.

But now, as WWE is experiencing a disappointing number of subscribers to its over-the-top network, sagging attendance at live US events, payroll cuts up to 10 percent and a body-slammed stock price, McMahon seems to be having trouble getting off the mat.

Some even question whether the 69-year-old showman is the right person to lead another WWE comeback.

“He really needs a professional CEO,” said Emmanuel Lemelson of Lemelson Capital.

More?

CM Punk's Statement to Vince & Triple H When He Quit

CM Punk's statement to Vince and Triple H when he quit:

“Vince I need to talk to you and Hunter was in the room and he goes “Oh I’ll leave.” and I said no you need to hear this too. And I looked Vince in the eye and said ” I don’t love this anymore,I’m fucking sick, I’m fucking hurt, I’m fucking confused, I don’t know as a business what were doing anymore. Everyday you tell me this is a team effort but everyday its an individual effort by me to see whats even necessary to come here. Its not fun, I have zero fucking passion for this. I’m fucking concussed, I’m fucking hurt and all’s you care about is what segment I am and how soon I can get my fucking gear on and when I can pee in this fucking cup. And I don’t wanna do it anymore. I thought when I re-signed three years ago Vince I told you that If i couldn’t be all that I could be then you should fucking fire me. I sold more merch than John Cena before I turned heel for you and you said you owe me one. I worked guys that were dangerous and you said that you owe me one. All these fucking things and all’s I wanted was the main event at WrestleMania. Its fine if you don’t think that’s me and that I’m not that caliber of a fucking superstar but then you need to fucking fire me. Because I don’t want to be here and I don’t want to be anything less. I will go somewhere else and I will get more fucking over because I know I can. You have shackled me, you have creatively stifled me, you have made this a very toxic environment. I no longer want to be here. It boggles my mind how Daniel Bryan has not figured into your plans to be in the main event at WrestleMania because this is his fucking year. Just like two years ago it was my fucking year and I was white fucking hot, just like he is now. And what did you do? You fed me to this guy. And I pointed right at Hunter. And Vince was like “This is the concussion talking, I cant believe you’re saying any of this,you’re in the main event,it is a main event, you’re wrestling Triple H.” And I turned to Hunter and said “All due respect I do not need to wrestle you.you need to wrestle me. I do not want to wrestle you. I seriously resent you for not putting me over three years ago when you should have, that would’ve been best for business. But you had to fucking come in and squash it. And then I had to lose to fucking R-Truth and Miz like it didn’t make any business sense then, it doesn’t make any business sense now. And I’m in a position now where I can tell you I don’t have to and I don’t want to wrestle you ever at WrestleMania. I don’t care if I was supposed to win.” Which I was,I didn’t care, I didn’t want give him the fucking privilege. And Hunter goes “Punk you were in the best match at WrestleMania last year and that was the main event.” And I was like “I’m not fucking stupid the main event is the last match. You can push it to people who buy the pay per view that Oh! there’s four main events! There’s one main event, there’s always one main event and I deserve it. And I still deserve it and now Daniel Bryan deserves it. And you think you’re just gonna give it to Batista and Randy? and I made this argument “When you look at the roster,how many active members of the roster have been in a WrestleMania main event? How do you expect anybody to get fucking better? AHL Hockey players have to play with NHL Hockey players in order to get better. I needed the experience of a WrestleMania main event with someone who was equal or better than me so i could learn, so I could further become an asset to the fucking product. So I could draw more. Instead of always being told “well you’re not a draw.” How do you know? Why don’t you give me a fucking shot?…and then Hunter told me I was in the main event because I wrestled Undertaker and I turned to him and said ” Tell me I got paid the same as you, Brock, Cena, Rock, or whoever.” And once again he had nothing to say,he didn’t say anything. And I was just like “Right on,alright, I’m fucking outta here.” And Vince,with tears in his eyes fucking stood up and I stuck my hand out and he went in for a fucking hug. And it was like a reluctant hug and I patted him on the back. And then I looked at Hunter and he stuck his hand out. I shook his hand and I said “goodbye.” And I walked out.”

WWE Statement on CM Punk's Comments Ripping WWE Doctors

WWE issued a statement Thursday night to Yahoo! Sports in response to an article highlighting CM Punk's criticism of the sports-entertainment organization's medical tactics in a podcast interview:

“WWE takes the health and wellness of its talent very seriously and has a comprehensive Talent Wellness Program that is led by one of the most well-respected physicians in the country, Dr. Joseph Maroon."

WWE Employee Argues with Fan on Twitter Over CM Punk Comments

As we've noted, CM Punk finally spoke out about his WWE departure on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast this week. Brian "Road Dogg" James, who works behind-the-scenes for WWE, responded to multiple fans criticizing the company on Twitter after the interview came out.

After a fan James follows on Twitter wrote, "f--k you Vince. f--k you Hunter." James responded, "You only hear one side of the story!" After the fan said what Punk revealed about McMahon and Hunter made him angry, James said, "I understand that but are you sure you have all of the facts? There are always 2 sides to every story. Just to be clear, I don't know the truth either! I just know how these stories get told around our industry."

James then had lengthy exchange with a fan expressing his unhappiness with Punk feeling unhappy and mistreated behind-the-scenes in WWE. This fan wrote to James, "I hope no one else is holding those emotions inside & not speaking up about it." James responded, "It's crazy but do you always get treated perfectly at work? It's a team and we need team players, everyone can't win!"

The fan then wrote, "Never was a big Punk mark, but seems like he was very unhappy & mistreated behind the scenes." James wrote back, "How was he "mistreated"? After the fan said "just his words," James wrote, "I get it, but you just asked me if anyone else was being "mistreated" so I was interested as to what he meant by that."

The fan then said, "Well, from what I heard, he was beat up & needed a break that he never got, he wasn't paid handsomely & claimed the he deserved to be in the main event of WrestleMania, which is why he felt miserable." James responded, "Did you just read what you typed? He didn't get to be in the main event so he got hot!!! C'mon man! I like Punk but dang."

After the fan again said it was Punk's words, James remarked, "So if VKM or HHH did a podcast would you believe every word of those too?"

James continued, "When I quit and then got release papers, I dogged the company too. It's what you do when you aren't honest with yourself."

The fan then remarked to James, "I'm not taking sides, but I wanna hear WWE's response to what he said." James responded, "Well you never will. The way everyone is reacting, I don't believe it's in the WWE's best interest to give one."

After it appeared both sides were going to have a stalemate until his contract expired, Punk recalled getting a text message from Triple H on June 11—two days before his wedding with AJ Lee. Punk told Hunter he was getting married and they could discuss the matter when he returned home from the honeymoon. Then, on the day of his wedding, Punk received a FedEx with termination papers. James addressed the topic to the fan, saying, "As far as release papers on his wedding day, wasn't his wedding a secret? How did they know it was his wedding day?"

James continued, "If he has no hard feelings why all the negative talk. He was "The Man" and that guy runs hard all year long. I'm done!"

James continued responding to the fan after the fan wrote, "& he wanted to know, why John Cena is the only one, that gets his "Make-A-Wish" showcased, when has had equal amount of grants."

"I'm not sure that's true. Like I said, I'm done. It's he said she said stuff and it's history. #HappyThanksgiving," James wrote.

The exchange concluded after the fan says "Maybe he's just a little salty, about not being the top guy anymore." To this remark, James said, "Yep, maybe!"

James also responded to this fan question: "Why were vince and Hunter such jerks to cm punk?"

"A business relationship is between 2 or more people, you've now heard 1 side of the story," James stated. "You'll never hear the other. That's his story. I can tell you some too if you'd like!"

During the interview, Punk was particularly critical of Chris Amann, WWE's Senior Ringside Physician. Punk said Amann misdiagnosed and ignored a MRSA infection on his back for months and that the first doctor he went to after leaving WWE was stunned to hear that he wrestled with it. This doctor said he could have died from it. A fan asked James, "Why didn't the wwe doctors treated his injuries right? Or even the @WWE?"

"Can't even believe you just asked that! We have a trainer and a dr. Talent goes to doc of their choice! Dang," James wrote.

James again compared the situation to his own several years ago when he parted ways with WWE on bitter terms. A fan wrote, "@WWERoadDogg is bashing @CMPunk now. Coming from the hypocrite who trashed HHH on a shoot video a few years ago and now is up his ass." James responded, "I did exactly what Punk did. I parted ways from the company and I bashed them. Call me what you will mate."

James continued, "And if you call being friends with someone being "up their a**" then I guess you're right. Not bashin Punk, just counter points."

The fan then remarked, "There's just a lot of us who hate what WWE has become. After hearing what Del Rio and Punk have said it's not hard to see why." James responded, "I understand your complaint and you're definitely entitled to it. I don't want to bash Punk but there is another side."

Following all this, James stated to his Twitter followers, "Didn't mean to argue and I'm sorry to those I offended. I'll just keep quiet on this subject. I'm passionate about the business. I'm sorry."

Ryback Responds to CM Punk's Recent Comments, Says Slander Is a Powerful Thing

Ryback tweeted the following tonight, an apparent response to CM Punk's recent comments about him on Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast:

"For the record if I quit for being fragile and insecure I would make up excuses too. Things didn't go my way for a long time and I kept going day in and out. Slander is a powerful thing and to state complete made up nonsense for no reason shows his insecurities. I will continue to bust my ass study matches every chance I get, cut promos when driving and push myself for hours on end even when hurt. Thank you."

CM Punk Speaks On His WWE Departure, What He Told Vince & HHH, His WWE Future, More

Video: Mr. McMahon expresses his disappointment in Triple H and Stephanie

Video: The Authority bids farewell to the WWE Universe

Team Cena Defeats Team Authority At WWE Survivor Series

At Sunday night's WWE Survivor Series event, Team Cena defeated Team Authority in a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match. Per the stipulations set forth by Vince McMahon, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are now out of power in WWE and they can no longer have any influence over the lives or careers of WWE talent. Furthermore, the only person who can reinstate them is John Cena.

Team Authority's defeat came at the hands of former WCW star and wrestling legend Sting, who came to the ring after Triple H attempted to screw Team Cena by attacking Dolph Ziggler and bringing out returning referee Scott Armstrong to make the three-count. Sting attacked Armstrong before Triple H attempted to assault him. However, Sting kicked Triple H and hit him with the Scorpion Deathdrop before placing Ziggler over Seth Rollins to allow Team Cena to get the win.

This Happened At Survivor Series

.@TripleH and @Sting ... FACE TO FACE!!! #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/pmjiVNu9s7

— WWE (@WWE) November 24, 2014

Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Live Podcast Coming to the WWE Network, Who is His First Guest?

WWE announced at Survivor Series that Steve Austin's live podcast will debut on the WWE Network after RAW on December 1st at 11:06pm EST.

Austin's special guest will be Vince McMahon.

Discovery’s Destination America Sets Rights Deal with TNA Impact Wrestling

Photo: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon on the Cover of Muscle and Fitness Magazine

Synopsis from Muscle & Fitness:

When considering who might qualify as the ultimate power couple, who springs to mind? Bill and Hillary Clinton perhaps? Sure, the former President of the United States and Secretary of State definitely make for a strong pairing. How about George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin? The Hollywood superstar and international human rights lawyer certainly command a lot of respect. Yet, can any one from this group deliver a suplex off the top rope, or bury mere mortals in blindingly intense workouts? Do I even need to ask?

Of course the husband and wife team of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon aren't just WWE icons know for kicking ass and taking names in the squared circle, they're also savvy, successful businesspeople and busy parents. They somehow manage to stay in top shape while helping run the world's most successful sports entertainment organization. Now, THAT'S power!

In the December/January edition of Muscle & Fitness we profile these two juggernauts-- learning the details of their training, their schedules, and the things they've learned as sports entertainment and fitness leaders. And now, they're ready to pass along to M&F readers! They're also releasing cool new DVDs in which they deliver their own workouts to you—- workouts that you can do right at home. It's a freewheeling in-depth story you don't want to miss!

Milestone For WWE NXT

This Thursday's episode of WWE NXT will be the milestone 250th episode.

WWE and Ultimate Creations Working on a New Ultimate Warrior Project with Fan Involvement

The official Facebook page of The Ultimate Warrior announced the following today:

"Warriors, we need you!

WWE and Ultimate Creations are working on a brand new Ultimate Warrior project and as each and every one of you were so special to Warrior we would like YOU to be included!

To be featured all you need to do is the following:

1) Record a video on YouTube saying just three words "Thank you, Warrior"
2) Email the YouTube video URL to thankyouwarrior@ultimatewarrior.com
3) Share your video on Social Media with the hashtag ‪#‎ThankYouWarrior‬ ‪#‎WWE‬

Deadline for videos is December 5th.

Always Believe,

Team Warrior"

Divas to Compete in Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match

The WWE has booked a second Divas match for Survivor Series.

Cameron, Layla, Paige and Summer Rae will take on the team of Alicia Fox, Emma, Naomi and Natalya in a traditional Survivor Series Elimination match. The Divas will compete until all of the competitors on one team are eliminated.

Survivor Series takes place this Sunday starting at 8pm ET on the WWE Network.

Triple H & Stephanie McMahon Wearing Connor's Cure Bracelets

Brief backstory of the new Bracelets for #ConnorsCure. When Connor first found out he was seeing his "Queen of the WWE" again, he insisted he get her something. He decided on making her a beaded necklace, as he put it, something "pretty" for her. First the little guy asked me if his high School girl Erica would be mad at him, cause in Connors mind he and Erica were getting married soon as possible:)) when I assured him it would be ok, he sat down and started making Steph her bead necklace. It was a difficult project for him because after his brain surgeries he had trouble with fine motor skills. But the never give up boy fought through it, and made sure it was just the way he wanted. He also took the time to make bracelets for her daughters. Connor was so excited to give Steph her necklace. When Steph seen it her eyes gleamed with happiness. It was a Raw night and Steph as usual looked incredible. When she came out to the ring, she had taken off her beautiful jewelry she was wearing for t.v. and what did she have on, Connor's bead necklace. She even took the time to rearrange the letters on the beads so you could see Connor put the letters I Love Stephanie on the necklace. Connor was ecstatic to see she was wearing his present to her. He was, and should of been, so proud of himself. It was not easy for him to make. And God knows how proud I was of him. Now, as Steph continues to show her love of kids and commitment to ConnorsCure, they now are making the beaded bracelet in Connors memory, with all profits going to fight cancer. As Connor said in beads, I Love You Stephanie!! In this picture you can see Steph on TV wearing Connor's present:)) - ConnorsCure Instagram

Purchase here.

Latest Details On TNA’s New TV Deal, Rumored Networks & More Programming

The frontrunner to land the domestic TV rights to TNA’s programming is one owned by Discovery Communications. Discovery currently owns 14 domestic networks but the two rumored to land TNA programming include Velocity and Destination America.

Velocity was available in 58 million homes as of 2013 and is an HD-only network. Destination America was available in 57 million homes as of 2013 and has an HD Simulcast (like other cable networks such as Spike TV). How both networks compare to Spike TV is they are available in significantly less homes. Industry estimates have Spike in 98.7 million homes.

It is certainly possible that TNA will get more clearance on their new domestic TV deal. While their deal with Spike gave them a two-hour weekly slot in prime time for Impact, that was it (aside from occasional specials). They currently distribute TNA Xplosion and British Bootcamp internationally and Dixie Carter made it abundantly clear in a piece she did with Grantland.com that she wanted two things with a new domestic TV partner – stability and more hours. Below is her quote:

“We will die a slow death on the vine if we just stay as one two-hour show in the U.S.,” she says. “I have big decisions to make. I want this to be a big play. I don’t want this to be a status quo play.”

TNA already has TV tapings scheduled for January and those tapings will be for their new network. While we wait for TNA to announce their new domestic TV deal, here’s what we know:

TNA will continue to air on TV in the United States from 2015 and beyond
The final first-run episode of Impact will air on Spike TV on Wednesday, November 19, 2014
TNA’s new TV partner is rumored to be Discovery Communications
Rumored networks to house TNA programming include Velocity and Destination America
TNA will be available in fewer homes in the United States
Dixie Carter wants more than 2 hours per week and the new domestic deal has the possibility of more weekly hours

SmackDown Set To Air Live On The USA Network In December, Part Of "WWE" Week

Press Release from WWE:

"USA Network and WWE will kick off the holiday season with an action-packed "WWE Week" beginning December 15 with MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, followed by a live SMACKDOWN® and a two-hour TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS® special, along with a week-long daytime roadblock featuring interviews with the WWE Superstars and Divas.

Both RAW and SMACKDOWN feature a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars and Divas, and deliver a shot of adrenaline to viewers with over-the-top action, feats of athleticism and high octane-drama.

On Monday, December 15 from 8-11pm ET, USA will air MONDAY NIGHT RAW, live from Detroit, Michigan. On Tuesday, December 16 from 8-10pm ET, USA will also air SMACKDOWN live from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On Wednesday, December 17 from 8-10pm ET, USA will air one of the most patriotic and heartwarming shows of the holiday season, WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS. In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music's most popular acts for our servicemen and women to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. The 12th annual holiday special will also re-air as a one hour special on NBC on Saturday, December 27 from 8-9pm ET.

WWE also takes over USA DAYTIME from 11am-3pm Monday, December 15 – Friday, December 19, as host Cat Greenleaf interviews WWE Superstars and Divas, on her iconic stoop, including The Miz®, Big Show®, Titus O'Neil™ and Brie Bella™, as well as Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon.

MONDAY NIGHT RAW on USA is the most-watched, regularly scheduled, year-round program on cable, airing a live three-hour block every Monday night, 52 weeks a year. RAW has been a cable mainstay for more than 20 years and is consistently a top ten show on television. The three-hour block on USA averages 2.12MM P18-49, 2.18MM P25-54 and 4.73MM total viewers P2+. RAW and SMACKDOWN have reached 53.1MM total viewers P2+ 2014 to-date."

Rumor Mill - AJ Lee Possibly Finishing Up with WWE

The rumor mill has been claiming AJ Lee might be finishing up with WWE soon, and if she drops the Divas Title at Survivor Series that could be a strong indication that she is indeed leaving.

As of now, AJ is being advertised for WWE events through the TLC PPV on December 14th, and she is not being advertised for any events after the PPV. While this doesn’t confirm AJ will be done with WWE after TLC, it’s possible that could be her final date with WWE, and if she doesn’t drop the title at Survivor Series, it could happen at TLC.

NXT Attendance Improving

There has been a small increase in WWE NXT live events attendance. The original number of 100-150 fans per show has been increased to about 190-250 fans. This is a good sign for WWE, since they rarely promote their NXT live events like they do with the WWE live events shows for Raw and Smackdown.

Triple H Very Impressed by NXT Star, Regal vs. DeMott Backstage Issues?, More

We noted a few weeks ago that Triple H spent a day at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and had talents work out in the ring and do promos for him. He also spent time with the NXT trainers.

NXT talent Dylan Mile really caught Triple H’s eye. Mile is the talent that several NXT stars, including Kevin Steen, was praising on Twitter a few weeks back.

Triple H was said to be so impressed with by Mile that he is giving him extra attention and ordered that Mile’s progress be closely tracked.

Triple H also reportedly had to deal with a Bill DeMott issue that day. The story is that William Regal complained about DeMott, who is known for controversy. DeMott has been spoken to several times by officials and usually tones his behavior down after the talks. However, sources indicate that DeMott is considered to be on the hot seat.

Video: Chris Jericho returns to SmackDown for a special "Highlight Reel" with guests Triple H & Stephanie McMahon

Great Khali's WWE Release Confirmed

Former WWE World Champion The Great Khali is finished with World Wrestling Entertainment. Sources say the "Punjabi Playboy's" contract has expired and the company decided not to renew his deal. Khali, now 42, first signed with WWE back in January 2006 when he was signed to a developmental deal. His career highlights include winning the Championship in July 2007 and being pushed as "monster" to feud with The Undertaker.