RAW preview, Adamle's DUI, Stone Cold-Tough Enough

- DUI charges against former WWE announcer Mike Adamle were dropped on Friday. Back in January of 2011, Adamle was arrested on DUI charges when it was said he exhibited strange behavior after being taken into custody. But his breathalyzer test showed he was well under the legal limit, and the charges have been dropped. Adamle was recently promoted, and is now the full-time sportscaster for Chicago NBC affiliate WMAQ.

- RAW takes place tonight in Indianapolis, Indiana tonight at the Conseco Fieldhouse. CM Punk will speak out for the fist time since his return, Triple H will take care of the WWE Title situation and there will be a Divas Battle Royal to determine Kelly Kelly’s challenger at Summerslam.

- According to a source, Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared on Houston's 94.5 The Buzz Radio. He spoke about promoting his latest DVD release. Austin was asked if he likes making action movies or Disney movies like The Rock and he replied that he likes "action movies because you get to shoot people". His favorite promo in WWE was when Vince was at the hospital and hit him with a bedpan. He was also asked what his next film will be and he answered that he will be heading back to LA to film the second season of Tough Enough.

What the Tough Enough contestants were told!

For those curious, both Andy Leavine and Luke Robinson were told during a rehearsal before the season finale of “Tough Enough” (which ended up being part of the beginning of Monday Night Raw) that they would get slapped by Vince McMahon and then would take a Stunner from Steve Austin. However, they were not told who would win.

Steve Austin: I Could Wrestle A Full-Time Schedule + More

Steve Austin recently spoke with Xfinity, promoting Tough Enough, here are the highlights…

On CM Punk: I really like C.M. Punk. I think he’s one of the top workers in the ring. I love his promos. I love his style. There’s no smoke and mirrors. I like the straight-edge lifestyle stuff he does. You want to start pairing that against the beer-guzzling “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, I think you’d have an interesting feud to say the least. He would push me to the limits, I would teach that kid a thing or two, and there would be some wonderful promos going back and forth. I like him a lot.

On Getting In The Ring On Tough Enough: One of the kids was pretty mechanically inclined, so I got in there with him…and shoot, I guess that means I haven’t been in the ring in seven or eight years…but I took a few bumps from him, gave him a few bumps, it was a lot of fun. I think if we do it again, I think I’ll be even more active and get in the ring a lot more.

On A Possible Return: I could still, you know if I was in a bad situation, I could still get two years out of my carcass on a full-time basis.” He then added, ” But I’m happy where I’m at. And in ten or twenty years I still want to be doing the things I’m doing with my hunting and fishing. I want to continue to do that in a pain-free fashion. And right now I’m living a pretty pain-free lifestyle.

On WWE’s Roster: They’re pretty thin on talent, they’ve had some injuries. They’ve brought the Rock in to host it. They brought me back. I didn’t know if the Undertaker was going to make it, he’s had some injuries. Triple H is getting back in the ring. Until they brought all those players out they had a lot of green guys.

Steve Austin praises WWE Divas + Tough Enough news

– Steve Austin posted the following on Twitter, regarding Tough Enough and Melina and Alicia Fox: “Let me bottom line something right now–i meant no disrespect to Melina or Alicia on TE. both women are class acts and hard workers. cheers.”

TMZ.com caught up with Steve Austin, who gave the Rock a thumbs up and said that he was one his favorite opponents. You can check out video of that at http://www.tmz.com/

– WWE Tough Enough’s debut ratings got some attention from Multi Channel News.

– The Tough Enough Website has posted extra and deleted scenes. One of them includes Matt (M-Dogg 20) running into CM Punk. You can check that out at http://www.usanetwork.com/series/toughenough/

Cole praises Lawler & Cole’s son working with WWE

The Poughkeepsie Journal published an article today on Michael Cole. When asked about his match at WrestleMania XXVII, the Amenia, New York native broke character and said, “The dream’s come true. I’m participating in an event against a man who is an absolute legend and Hall of Famer in Jerry Lawler. I’m so honored and privileged just to have the opportunity to participate in a match against this man.

“Plus Stone Cold is our special referee. To be in there with two of the greatest icons, it’s like a reality check. It’s such a great ride.”

He also said that his 24-year-old son Calvin is working for WWE in the television production department and travels with him on the road. The full story can be read at http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/

Steve Austin Speaks Out: Tough Enough, ‘What’

Steve Austin recently spoke to IGN.com about how eliminations will be handled on WWE Tough Enough and more. Check out the highlights:

On the elimination process: “My job is to sort through these contestants, weed out the weak and find the strong, and look for the person who is strong enough and tough enough and smart enough to be a WWE superstar. You know, there’s a lot of people that can get in this ring at a local or independent level, but it take a real special person to compete at the level of the WWE superstars and divas do. So, it’s my job to weed through that. Some of [the contestants] are green as grass, some of them have never really been in a ring before. Some of them have quite a few years of experience. But I paid a lot of dues when I broke into this business. I want them to learn to respect what goes on inside this 20×20 ring, and just pay some dues, as much as they can, while they’re here, and to learn this business from the bottom up. I just want them to have a sense of really what are the responsibilities of a WWE superstar, and I want them to pay some dues, and I want them to appreciate the rise or fall, but I want them to have a good time while they’re here.”

On “What” chants: “I tell you what, I would have never in a million years went up to Vince and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got this thing that I’m going to do and it’s going to make people say ‘What?’ after every pause or break in someone’s promo for the next ten years. I had no idea that even these days, when Michael Cole’s in the ring cutting a promo, if he puts that pause in there, they’ll come with a ‘What?!’ – but it’s been interesting!”

WWE star debuts new name, character & finisher!

Husky Harris, who was demoted last month to Florida Championship Wrestling (though officially still listed as a RAW Superstar), recently debuted a masked character in the developmental promotion.

Paying homage to his grandfather, WWE Hall of Famer Blackjack Mulligan, Harris appeared at the March 9 and 16 FCW live events as Axl Mulligan. His appearance appears based on the Lord Humongous character from the 1981 film Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, which spurned various knock-offs in wrestling. Harris wears jeans and a black Misfits T-shirt to go along with the hockey like mask.

Harris has also changed his in-ring mannerisms and is using the Stone Cold Stunner as his finishing maneuver. He beat Ricardo Rodriguez with the move last Wednesday, and then struck Brodus Clay during a post-match brawl. Photos of that event has surfaced online. You can click here to view photos of the new gimmick.

It is unclear as to whether the character will continue as Harris appeared as himself at last Thursday’s FCW live event, one day removed from appearing as the masked persona.

USA Network confirms The Rock on Tough Enough

USA has confirmed The Rock on Tough Enough via the following press release:

‘THE ROCK’ TO GUEST ON “WWE TOUGH ENOUGH,” A NEW REALITY SERIES ON USA
Hollywood star and former multi-time WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will guest on a future episode of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH, the new reality competition series premiering on USA on MONDAY, APRIL 4 at 11/10c.

In the episode, Johnson puts the contestants in full workout mode, pushing their limits and testing their boundaries. The Rock excites and electrifies as he demonstrates what it takes for a superstar to successfully “layeth the smacketh down” in the ring. One of the most entertaining WWE Superstars of all time and known to fans worldwide as “The People’s Champion,” the Rock recently announced that he’s returning to WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW and briefly trained with the TOUGH ENOUGH contestants for his pending return.

WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is the host of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH, which will feature a diverse group of men and women who live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a spectacular ranch in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, produces WWE TOUGH ENOUGH. The company’s previous reality credits include “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “World’s Strictest Parents.”
After the premiere of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH on April 4, the show will move to its regular timeslot on Mondays at 8/7c on April 11.

Steve Austin speaks out – RAW return, retirement, & more

IGN.com recently sat down with WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to promote the new WWE All Stars video game. Here are some highlights:

On His RAW Return: “I didn’t get a chance to do exactly everything that I wanted to do because I wanted to give the fans so much more, and they expected more”

On Being Retired & WWE Tough Enough: “I’m close enough — I’m as close as I want to be and can get to it right now by being the host and watching Bill (DeMott) and Booker and Trish (Stratus) put them through their paces .. The days of lighting up 20,000 people every single night of the week, no matter what day it was, and 90,000 on a big show like WrestleMania, that was a blast, but those days are over, and I’ve had some great times in this ring. And when I think back, I’ve got a lot of great memories, and this is about as close as I want to be.”

JR-Austin-RAW, William Regal-NXT, Y2J/Miz, More

Jim Ross wrote the following on his Twitter: “Raw’s highest rated tv seg was @steveaustinBSR/Cole/JBL w/ 4.4M households tuned in which was a 4.4 rtg. SCSA still kicks ass. Stole show.”

Joey Styles wrote the following on his Twitter: “I just interviewed @IAmJericho about Dancing With The Stars for WWE.com next week. Jericho had some very pointed words for @MikeTheMiz. OMG!”

William Regal wrote the following on his Twitter: “Just finished my announcing debut on NXT.It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I have a long way to go.”

Jim Ross Blogs: HHH-’Taker, ‘Sunny’, Austin-RAW, JBL

Jim Ross has a new blog entry up at http://www.JRSBARBQ.com/ Here are the highlights…

On HHH vs. Taker: Thought the cold open to the show featuring Undertaker/HHH was on the money and edited well. WWE TV folks do a marvelous job with their video features. IMO the Taker-HHH match could efficiently be promoted via video packages of the two future WWE HOF’ers greatest moments in WWE. Taker vs. The Game is now a No Holds Barred match at WM27 which differentiates it from the last two ‘Streak’ matches w/ HBK…good move in my estimation. HBK’s comments in the ‘sit down’ environment are effective. Love Shawn Michaels’ perspective of the upcoming WM27 main event. Being a Johnny Cash fan, I enjoy hearing his music being utilized for Taker’s current entrance theme as it gives the presentation a different feel specifically for this upcoming Wrestlemania.

Sunny: Congrats to Sunny on being named to the 2011 WWE HOF class. She really started it all with the risqué, Diva personification and portrayed a very effective ‘bad girl.’ One might say that the forecast for Atlanta the first weekend of April are for ‘Sunny days.’

On Steve Austin: The Dallas/WWE fans definitely came to see Stone Cold Steve Austin. Although Austin did not have that much to say nor did he overstay his welcome by any stretch, Austin stole the show Monday night and seemed to be having a great time interacting with the fans and even the cameramen. Austin’s fans long ago made a strong emotional bond with the Texas Rattlesnake that will seemingly last forever. @steveaustinBSR, on Twitter, can still command an audience as good as any WWE performer today or any previous generation.

On JBL: It was great seeing JBL surprise us by returning to Raw for, I assume, a cameo. John Layfield looks great , is doing wonderfully well in business and enjoying life after wrestling. I don’t expect JBL to rejoin the traveling troupe any time soon.

Please be sure to check out the full blog at http://www.JRSBARBQ.com/

The Rock tells John Cena to ‘Bring It’, Ryder/Snooki note

– The Rock posted the following on his Twitter today… to “the MILLIONS..”. Cena and CeNation is delivering their “final knockout blow” to us tonight. We cant wait YABBA DABBA BITCHES BRING IT!!

– Zack Ryder posted the following on Twitter to Snooki… I challenge @Sn00ki to a TANNING CONTEST on Raw. I was WOO WOO WOOing long before MTV’s Jersey Shore…thus, I have the experience advantage

– Todd Grisham tweeted the following today, announcing that Jersey Shore star Snooki would be at tonight’s RAW. Of course, this is wrong as she’ll be appearing next week. Here is his tweet: “Snooki and Stone Cold on Raw tonight? Wonder if he’ll stomp a grease hole in her.”

Steve Austin on RAW next week & HOF-RAW?

– It’s interesting to note that there was no WWE Hall of Fame video package on RAW this week. B.G. James (Road Dogg) tweeted the following yesterday: “Look for Bob Armstrong package on Raw tonight. Fifty years in the business.” It’s possible they’ll air it on SD! this week instead (timing issues?). “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Shawn “HBK” Michaels have already been announced for this years WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

– It was announced on RAW this week that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will appear live on RAW next week. This is likely to promote Tough Enough and WrestleMania.

Ex-WWE star confirmed as new Tough Enough trainer

WWE issued the following press release today:

“WWE(R) TOUGH ENOUGH(R)” GETS SOME “STRATUS-FACTION”

Trish Stratus & Bill Demott Named Trainers

Former WWE(R) Women’s Champion Trish Stratus joins USA Network’s upcoming, non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH(R) as a trainer. Stratus and Tough Enough veteran trainer Bill Demott join WWE Legend Booker T. as the training team for the show. WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will serve as the host.

The series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, the day after WrestleMania(R) and immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW(R), and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

With her natural athleticism, charismatic personality and knowledge of what it takes to be the best in WWE, Stratus is the ideal trainer for Tough Enough. In 2000, she made her television debut with WWE. Combining beauty, brains, strength, and a record breaking seven championships – for which she earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records – Stratus was the epitome of a “WWE DIVA” and helped to make the brand a cultural phenomenon. In 2006, Trish retired from WWE and will go down as one of the greatest Women’s Champions of all time. After retiring, Stratus focused her efforts on launching her lifestyle brand, which includes a yoga studio – the largest in Canada, a travel adventure series currently airing on the Discovery Channel and a yoga/fitness product line set to be released this fall, all under the Stratusphere banner name.

Along with fellow trainers Booker T and Bill Demott, Stratus will mentor the diverse group of WWE TOUGH ENOUGH men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Southern California. Each week, the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

For more information on Stratus’ yoga studio and her upcoming feature film debut, log onto www.trishstratus.com

Austin, JR, Y2J, Cena, and others speak on The Rock-WWE

Jim Ross, Chris Jericho and Steve Austin spoke about the Rock’s return last night, here is what they had to say…

John Cena: “CeNation. Rock was in rare form tonight. It was great to see him enjoying himself out there. Even if it was at my expense. I’ve been Called alot worse. Just glad to see him back in action.”

Jim Ross: “Got 2 hand it 2 WWE…HBK in HOF, Austin on Tough Enough, Rock to host/star @ WM27…MUCH more on the way. Look out Atlanta!”

Steve Austin: “it was great to see The Rock back on RAW tonight…helluva promo from an electrifying cat. great stuff heading into Mania.”

Val Venis: “I am just as happy as anyone else the Rock is back. As long as he sticks to the mic, we are good. Cuz his wrestling ability is questionable. Not hating on Rock. He is AWESOME on the mic. His charisma is unmatched. But lets be honest, Rock>Hardy & Venis>Rock! HONESTLY!”

CM Punk: “Rock owes me fifty bucks for going 20 minutes past the hour, making me miss my valentines day reservations at Nobu.”

Big Show: “Did anyone notice the chill bumps on Rocks arms as he gave his catch phrase? The rock is back!”

Taz: “GREAT JOB by Rock! Miss having steaks with him & Dud’s after shows!!! Great times! 1 of the greatest of all times!!!”

Chris Jericho: “Congratulations to one of my favorite opponents and greatest rivals on returning to the WWE. The Rock is the BEST promo man of all time…”

Brock Lesnar "doesn't care for" The Undertaker

Brock Lesnar took part in a media blitz on Tuesday to promote the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show.

Regarding WWE and The Undertaker, Lesnar said: “The other fellas that wanted to come, like Stone Cold and The Rock, and Goldberg, those guys had all said, ‘I’m coming to watch you, good luck.’”, Lesnar said. “This guy (Undertaker) shows up every time I seem to lose (laughs) so he’s like my black cloud. And we’ve got some history. I’ve worked with him, but I don’t really care for him.”