More on Why Punk Was Kept Off RAW, JR Comments on Cole, Big E

- Jim Ross gave props to Michael Cole via Twitter:

“Most don’t realize how valuable @MichaelCole is to #wwe. Helps produce @JerryLawler & keeps Texan @JCLayfield in line. Full time #Raw trio?”

- Big E Langston will debut his own theme song on tonight’s episode of WWE Main Event as he faces Zack Ryder.

- As noted before, CM Punk was kept off Monday’s RAW to sell The Undertaker’s win at WrestleMania 29. Another reason WWE officials kept him off RAW is because they didn’t want him to receive a massive pop from the post-WrestleMania crowd that was at Monday’s show. At one point, there were plans for Punk to come out and cut a promo but they nixed it.

News on Jericho & Undertaker’s Post-WM29 Appearances, JBL & Cole Show

- Embedded in the video below is the latest episode of The JBL & Cole Show.

- Before going on tour with his band Fozzy in Europe, Chris Jericho is schedule for next week’s Raw & Smackdown events. Jericho is expected to be touring through the end of April, but has been added to the April 22nd WWE event from the 02 Arena in London, England. Jericho is not advertised for any WWE events following that date.

- As noted last week, The Undertaker will be at the SmackDown taping on April 23rd from the O2 Arena in London. The arena’s website for the event is billing his appearance as “a London exclusive,” so he likely will not be appearing on television.

WWE Main Event Spoiler Results - April 3, 2013

WWE taped WWE Main Event Monday night from the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Here are the full results.

* Michael Cole and JBL are on commentary.

* The Miz vs. The Prime Time Players in a handicap match is in progress. Wade Barrett comes down to do commentary.

* The Miz defeated The Prime Time Players in a handicap match. Wade Barrett was on commentary. The Miz and Wade Barrett had a staredown following the match.

* The Miz vs. Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental title is announced for the WrestleMania pre-show.

Stephanie McMahon Comments on Gay Marriage, Kurt Angle Featured on WWE.com, WWE Releases Sandow Bath Robe

- WWE's shop website is now selling a 48" Damien Sandow robe for $69.99:

- Kurt Angle is currently in the Superstar Spotlight on WWE's website. 

- Michael Cole noted on Twitter that former NFL coach Jon Gruden will be on this week's episode of The JBL & Cole Show. 

- Stephanie McMahon re-tweeted a Washington Post opinion article about the Supreme Court, gay marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) this morning. She commented: 

"People should be free to marry who they love."

Jim Ross Blogs on Thursday's WWE NXT Tapings, Monday's RAW with Rock and Cena, More

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with a new blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights: 

- We had one of our best nights of TV production ever at NXT on Thursday while taping five, one hour broadcasts of NXT. The marathon took less than four hours which is a credit to all involved on the production and organizational side notwithstanding the talents themselves. 

- @BigELangston had an impressive night and I look for 'E' to have a memorable 2013 in WWE. Hugely strong, highly intelligent, athletic with good feet, Big E simply needs experience to become what WWE needs from him and that is to be a break through star ala The Shield. 

- Good work at the announce desk by Tony Dawson, Tom Phillips, William Regal and Brad Maddox. Maddox could evolve to be very good in the color commentator role as he has a natural gift of gab, good timing and is a bright kid. I always said that he reminded me of the late, Eddie Gilbert while watching Maddox in the ring down in talent development. @MichaelCole and I enjoy working with the young broadcasters who are getting plenty of reps in NXT. 

- WWE has hired a new, strength and conditioning coach which is a brilliant move for the long term development of every talent in the system. 

- HUGE RAW Monday in Philly headlined by both @TheRock and @JohnCena in the house live. The redemption vs. legacy tag lines are all well and good and while being accurate never discount the fact that both men are hugely competitive and accustomed to being 'the man.' They are Alpha Males of which is always interesting to observe. I've often wondered how Rock and Cena would have co-existed during parts of the Attitude Era especially when one throws in an element like @steveaustinBSR. It would have made for an interesting locker room. These two men travel in different circles and have never been in the WWE grind long enough together to build the unique and often times unspoken bond that many performers have. Call me naive if you choose but I see two, strong willed men who will try to show up the other on April 7 when finesse inside the ring ropes won't be acceptable to them or the fans.

Several Wrestling Personalities Comment on Last Night's Loaded WWE NXT Tapings

- As noted in the spoilers earlier, WWE taped 5 episodes of NXT last night from Full Sail University. Last night's tapings were loaded with more stars than usual including The Bella Twins, The Shield, Big E Langston, Chris Jericho, Cameron, Naomi, Kaitlyn, AJ Lee, Wade Barrett and others. WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race was also there looking at the talents. 

Here are some comments from Twitter: 

Chris Jericho: "Had a great time at @WWENXT last night-what a facility! Killer fans too! Very good match w @WWEBrayWyatt…I predict he’ll be a champion soon" 

Michael Cole: "Historic night @WWENXT. The stars of tomorrow are truly here! There are guys ready for major stardom on main roster right now. The best part about @WWENXT is the arena @FullSail and the nxt fans! It's truly your show. Thanks for the support each month!" 

Jim Ross: "We taped five, one #NXT broadcasts tonight in just under four hours. Hard work, some outstanding matches, full house. Thanks to all. #WWE Really fun night at #NXT. Young talents stepping up. Post WM29 call ups intriguing." 

William Regal: "A night to remember(Shalamar!)at @WWENXT.Thanks to @IAmJericho @WadeBarrett @AntonioCesaro and all the NXT competitors,staff and announcers." 

Wade Barrett: "Thanks to the guys and girls @WWENXT. Overflowing with talent right now. Crowd @FullSail is one of the best I've ever known. Loud."

Maddox Blamed for Bad Highlight Reel Segment on RAW

Before Monday's RAW hit the air, the original script they had for Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel was a "really bad" one so they changed it completely and spent hours re-doing the segment. There was also a problem with the Jeritron that was in the ring. During the playing of The Marine 3 trailer, the WWE ring crew had to remove the Jeritron from the ring. This caused more problems for the segment and Jericho was forced to improvise.

The segment really took a turn for the worse when Brad Maddox came out. The Jeritron was supposed to be involved in Maddox's presentation but it wasn't in the ring anymore, he lost track and flubbed his promo on live TV.

Even before Maddox came out, Vince McMahon had instructed Michael Cole to bury the segment on commentary. There was some heat on Cole with the feeling that the segment was bad but most people wouldn't have noticed or said anything if it weren't for his comments drawing attention.

Backstage, Vince was calling the segment one of the worse ever and Maddox was the one blamed.

 

JBL Reaches the Top of Mount Death

Michael Cole revealed on Twitter that JBL reached the top of Mount Death yesterday. Cole tweeted:

"CONGRATULATIONS TO @JCLayfield! his group just reached the summit of Mt Aconcagua (mt death) in Argentina! First group to reach this year!"

"Just spoke to @JCLayfield he's off the mountain and safe and ready to try again next year! He will be back on tv next week"