Paul Heyman Talks Seth Rollins Cashing In On Brock Lesnar, If Sting Should Wrestle In WWE, CM Punk

Source: Digital Spy

Digital Spy has an interview with Paul Heyman, who was promoting his new 3-disc DVD, Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Paul Heyman. Here are a few highlights from the interview:

Seth Rollins cashing in his Money In the Bank briefcase on Brock Lesnar should Lesnar win the WWE Championship:

"[Laughs] I have absolutely no worries about Seth Rollins taking on Brock Lesnar. Nor do I have any worries of anyone taking on Brock Lesnar. There is not a man on the face of this planet that can measure up to Brock Lesnar right now - either in the Octagon or inside a WWE ring.

"That was proven at WrestleMania, when Brock got a victory that no other legend or Superstar could ever achieve, and he's going to do the very same thing at SummerSlam against John Cena."

Fans having a hard time letting CM Punk go:

"It's a very difficult break-up when an audience loses its ability to thrust its adulation upon their hero. CM Punk clearly established during his time as a Paul Heyman Guy that he was, as the billing suggested, The Best In The World.

"So when he abruptly disappears and the audience doesn't have the ability to say goodbye or shower him with their affection, then it causes a situation. It causes the audience to miss him even more vociferously, because they never had the closure of letting him know how much they appreciate his hard work."

If Sting should ever wrestle in WWE:

"I think Sting would be denying his fans a great moment if Sting did not step into WWE competition at least once. I have always been a huge admirer of what Sting brings to the table and his relationship with his audience, and I would be dramatically disappointed if Sting does not wrestle a WWE match."

Heyman also discussed Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon at SummerSlam, if he would have a Paul Heyman girl, Lesnar's next goal if he wins the WWE Championship, why Lesnar lost to Cena in 2012 and more. You can read the full interview by clicking here.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0731/579559/paul-heyman-talks-seth-rollins-cashing-in-on-brock-lesnar/#qpfizC7j0CdoterP.99

Jeff Hardy Talks TNA & Spike TV, His Relationship With Sting, CM Punk, Retirement, More PAGE2

That run ended obviously with the Victory Road thing with Sting, and you had a match with Sting on Impact too and wrestled him a few times. What was your relationship like with Sting over the years, when he was in TNA?

It was great, I was still always a bit starstruck every time I would say hello to him at TV's, because he's the man. He's a huge influence for me, back in the day it was him in the NWA, and The Ultimate Warrior in the WWF, that was the combined Jeff Hardy. It really shows now, I'm 36 years old, I think that influence shows pretty clearly through who I am now. But yeah it was great, I can't wait to see him pop up here in the future.

A guy you did a lot with in the past was CM Punk, who recently reportedly retired. There have been different things said between you guys during the years, but it's been 5 years now, how do you look back at that now as being a key feud in your career?

It was one of the biggest, pretty close to the best. We had a good chemistry, completely different people, but at the time it was perfect. He is so good, he is so good. That's another collection as far as feuds go, that I am going to look back at and go, wow I am glad I got to work with that guy and create some immortal artwork that is going to go down in the history books. It's all good now, I went through my times as far as the way I felt about him, but he's a good guy, and a good wrestler, he's done great.

In a perfect world, who would you like to wrestle before you retire? May it be from WWE, TNA, ROH, or wherever?

I think deep down, it would have to be Jushin Thunder Liger. When I first started watching Japanese wrestling way back in the day, he just stood out to me. A lot of the inspiration for Willow back then, was from [him], as far as the mask, superhero, or villain. Oh my gosh, to know he's still flying over here and working every now and then, makes me want to say: 'Hey, I want to be part of that dream match.' So more than anything, I'd say it's Jeff Hardy vs. Jushin Thunder Liger.

Hardy also talks about Vince Russo, TNA creative, Randy Savage, music and more in the interview, which you can check out here.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0731/579557/jeff-hardy-talks-about-retirement/#oL5Ooiiwcjz0d6r9.99

Jeff Hardy Talks TNA & Spike TV, His Relationship With Sting, CM Punk, Retirement, More PAGE1

Source: Alternative Nation

Jeff Hardy recently spoke with Alternative Nation to promote TNA Destination X on Spike TV tonight. Below are some highlights:

Moving onto wrestling, the first thing I've got to ask, is what's your reaction to the reports that SpikeTV won't be renewing their contract with TNA, and all of the crazy stories flying around?

I don't know, I'm not a social network guy, I don't even read timelines or tweets. But I'm sure negotiations are – I still have hope. It's not really my problem, but I hope we remain on Spike, I hope they can work something out. Gosh, I hope 1 or 2 years from now we're still coming on every Thursday night on Spike. I don't know, I go to the shows, I do the best I can in the ring. That's my commitment to the company, is to do what I can do to make the show good. It's their job to use me in the right fashion. As far as re-signing with Spike, I don't know what's going to happen. I hope we remain.

You've gone through a lot of character changes in the last year. How did bringing your Willow character to TNA come about, and when and why did you go back to being Jeff Hardy recently?

Years ago, I think my 2nd year in TNA on this 2nd run, my buddy Shannon Moore and his wife, she's a phenomenal seamstress, and she made me a Willow mask. We'd thrown the idea around, but my hair was short, so I was like: 'I need to grow my hair back if I want this to really look right.' She made the mask, and then some time passed, and then maybe a year and a half or so later, my hair got longer. Jeff Jarrett and I started talking about the possibility of bringing Willow to TNA. I was like, 'Yeah!' I was kind of intimidated, but it's one of those things that when I look back on my career, I'll be glad I that I did it.

It's something I would have loved to do years ago, but the timing was never right. WWE never would have went for it. They would never want 'Jeff Hardy staying covered, because [he's] this money maker.' But that's what's so cool about TNA being open-minded, they take a few risks, especially with me, and letting me do that. Because instead of that aggressive heel bad guy character that Willow was back in the OMEGA days, I think now that we've experimented with it, it can be a more kid friendly type of deal. Because my daughter Ruby just loves Willow, Kurt Angle's son Kody loves Willow too. When Jeff Hardy came back, I was just starting to see masks in the crowd, it was just getting rolling good.

But then the reason for Jeff Hardy's return, is obviously because Matt Hardy came back, and naturally we wanted to do some Hardy Boyz tag matches. That's the big match this week on Destination X, Thursday night at 9PM on SpikeTV, it's going to be the Wolves and the Hardy Boyz for the World Tag Team Titles. But that's basically why Willow is not around right now, because the Hardy Boyz have reunited.

You mentioned Matt being back in TNA, you're facing the Wolves on Impact, and Team 3D on an upcoming episode. What's it like tagging with Matt again after awhile being at such a good place in your life now? Also what was it like being back in the ring with Team 3D after so many years, and do you think you will continue tagging in TNA, maybe some other matches, like getting Beer Money back together?

Oh, that that would be amazing if that happened. But as Matt goes, I don't know if he's going to sign a long term deal, I don't know what he wants to do. But I think the coolest thing for me, I did a few independent shots with Matt back in June, we had two tag matches and they were just great. The guys we worked were just awesome, and we just felt like we were just as good as we were back in the day. Now bringing that back to TV, after Matt and myself, we went through our dark period, and to come out of that and the other side still rocking it, it feels really good to say that we can still go out there and be the Hardy Boyz, and for the fans to still vibe on our style.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0731/579557/jeff-hardy-talks-about-retirement/#8xOy6aSr3Sgz42rm.99

Batista On If He Will Definitely Return To WWE, Which New Star To Look Out For, CM Punk, More Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0624/577334/batista-on-if-he-will-definitely-return-to-wwe/#HsEwRvHVQ4A0eeSA.99

Thanks to WrestlingINC.com reader Zakk E. for sending in these notes and the photo above from Batista's appearance at the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con this past Saturday:

* Batista was at the Guardians of the Galaxy panel. Due to scheduling, he came out first alone.

* He answered a lot of questions from fans and some small children.

* He said that he will "definitely" be returning to WWE.

* When asked about CM Punk, he answered politely with no sarcasm with the typical answer of not wanting to comment about why he left because he wasn't there and he doesn't want to lead to speculation. He said that Punk was always nice to him and that he'd love to work with him.

* Batista said that he would look forward to working with Triple H, Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt when he returns.

* He said that he was a big fan of Adam Rose and to "keep an eye on that guy."

* When a young boy asked if he would feud with Evolution or join them after he returns, Batisita just smiled.

* Great time, Batista was funny and jovial through out.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0624/577334/batista-on-if-he-will-definitely-return-to-wwe/#HsEwRvHVQ4A0eeSA.99

More From Steve Austin: Nixed WM Idea He Pitched, CM Punk, Current WWE Talent, Goldberg, Hogan Read more PAGE4 at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#0oMl7HWYTS59u0fD.99

Source: Ring Rust Radio

You've haven't been shy in weighing in on CM Punk's absence from WWE. If he were to make a return to WWE, how would you bring him back?

Man, I don't know. I haven't made too much of it. I predicted he would make a comeback at WrestleMania 30 and obviously that didn't happen. He left the company and whenever he comes back, that's up to him. I don't know how I would bring him back. I just know that when I got out of the business for about 6-10 months, I lost a **** load of money and I believe that if you have got some miles left in the tank, you should make your money while you can and don't leave it on the table because you'll never make that money back. At the end of the day, you can say, 'it ain't about the money.' Well, it is about the money because you need to make as much of it as you can before you can't make that money anymore. I don't know how you bring him back. Certainly the fans would welcome him back because he was doing a great job before he left and when he gets his head right and wants to come back, I believe he will. As far as me playing Mr. Booker, I don't have a clue.

Mike Chiari: You were always viewed as a hugely talented performer throughout your career, but you reached unimaginable levels of success when you developed the Stone Cold character. Do you see anyone on the current WWE roster who may not be a featured part of the show right now, but has the potential to become the next top star and take a path similar to yours?

Man, I think it could be any one of a pool of people. I can't sit here and drop names because I haven't paid that much attention to the roster. I've been trying to DVR the shows. I am several months behind. I just subscribed to the WWE Network and I watched half of the pay-per view so far. Just from guys on the radar right now, I think all of the guys from The Shield have got big futures ahead of them. I don't think they're all carved in stone yet and there are still some missing pieces within each individual part of The Shield. Antonio Cesaro still has a hole somewhere in his game, but he's certainly there. I predict a lot of success for that guy. I think Bray Wyatt is starting to kick ass and do a lot of great things. When they put Cesaro with Heyman, that was an interesting move because there were a lot of people starting to get off on Cesaro, and so they put him with Heyman, which put him back as a heel. The rest of the roster, I don't know enough about. Here's one thing that I will say; I remember watching some of my matches from Dallas on my email, and I was watching them back and I see an athletic body and a guy that's stable, but the look was just not that great. So there are some guys down there that, as they go through the process and they're not afraid to embrace making some changes and making some alterations to their gear, to their look to find the right gimmick and package to bring it all together. Man, there's probably two or three diamonds in the rough down there because they're not close to an appearance that is going to be the final thing that actually helps them get over and be received by the crowd as a heel or a babyface.

Click here for highlights from the interview that we posted earlier, where Austin discussed originally being scheduled to hit the ring last at WrestleMania 30, if he would wrestle Brock Lesnar, CM Punk leaving WWE and more.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#0oMl7HWYTS59u0fD.99

More From Steve Austin: Nixed WM Idea He Pitched, CM Punk, Current WWE Talent, Goldberg, Hogan Read more PAGE3 at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#H6VBGuYogZiZGvdW.99

Source: Ring Rust Radio

Donald Wood: You have accomplished damn near everything a wrestler could ever imagine in the business. Is there anything now looking back that you wish you had a chance to do? Maybe a certain match or feud?

Well, I wasn't in the right place, mentally, when they wanted to do Hogan. As far as what would draw money, hell that would do a ****pile of money, but I didn't figure the match would be what it could have been if it had happened sooner. That would have been one that would have been cool if it happened. The Goldberg match, which was a no-brainer, but Bill decided to take the guaranteed money from Turner rather than jump into the WWE window and that didn't really work out because he didn't exactly peak out in WWE like he was in WCW. So that never really happened, but it would've been a great match. And I'm not putting Bill down for taking that money, I'm just saying that's the way he played those cards and I can appreciate that. Just as far as key big guys off of the top, a match with Brock would've been bad ass, me and Punk would've been bad ass, and John Cena would've been a bad ass match. I think I could've gotten more out of Cena than anyone he's ever worked with. I'm someone he can go out there with and have a come to Jesus meeting and get his ass fired up. I've got nothing but respect for that guy and a program with Steve Austin would've put him on another level that he has not been yet. He's a top guy, and going to go into the WWE Hall of Fame, so when I say all that I mean it in a positive regard.

Mike Chiari: You, Hulk Hogan and The Rock kicked off WrestleMania 30 in grand fashion in a segment that was just universally loved by wrestling fans. You've obviously had a lot of great WrestleMania matches and moments, but how does that one stack up to the rest?

That was fun, you know. Hogan goes out there first and botches the Superdome, but he catches himself. So I go out there and say, 'it's great to be back here in the Silverdome' just kind of ribbing him and then The Rock comes out, which is great. It was interesting; you saw Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold and The Rock...

I actually pitched to Vince in the back that I wanted to sing Jambalaya. It's an old Hank Williams song and he shot that down. He didn't think it would get over and I think there are some copyright issues or whatever, but could you imagine 70-80 thousand people singing Jambalaya; it would've been bad ass. But what you should have heard was me singing Jambalaya to Vince in the dressing room with Triple H pacing back and forth getting ready for his match. It was pretty damn funny.

Brandon Galvin: WWE recently released their Best of RAW After the Show DVD and as expected, you're featured heavily and quickly become the highlight of the DVD. You were also the focal point for some of the most entertaining segments in wrestling history. I'm curious to know if you had more fun during your career when you were in the ring wrestling or when you were cutting promos and interacting with other wrestlers and fans?

The stuff that happens in the ring, that's what you're there for. That's what brought the people to the building and that's what you take pride in is the stories and the work you put in the ring and being able to take those people on a ride with your opponent. Whether you're working heel or baby face, that's the bottom line. When I got a chance to turn heel and when the lights went down and the cameras seemingly stopped rolling and we were off the air, that was when you could, not break kayfabe, but certainly break your character and do all kinds of stupid *** from rolling down to the ring in the office chairs to singing and telling jokes and ****ing with the crowd. It was an absolute blast. The most fun, bottom line, is in a match, when the ****'s on, and you have to deliver. The shenanigans and all of the haha stuff was very enjoyable, but it all starts and stops with what happens in the ring and on the air.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#H6VBGuYogZiZGvdW.99

More From Steve Austin: Nixed WM Idea He Pitched, CM Punk, Current WWE Talent, Goldberg, Hogan Read more PAGE2 at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#2Yxu6BKCzPDRhESo.99

Source: Ring Rust Radio

Donald Wood: Another interesting addition to the WWE Network is a new season of Tough Enough. For many fans, your presence on the show was the highlight of the program. Are there any plans of having you back on the show and is that something you would be interested in?

I'd certainly be open to it, but I get my Google alerts and I read that they were bringing back Tough Enough, but then there have been delays in it. I would consider doing something along the lines of Tough Enough because that was my first endeavor into reality television and that is a world I know and love, and that's why I was on that show. I'm not going to blow smoke up my ass, I love the business of pro wrestling and it is something I know better than anything else I know about. So if I get a chance to do that show or they offer that spot to me and we could make it work, I'd love to do that show.

Donald Wood: You are also now working on a new show called Steve Austin's Broken Skull Ranch Challenge on Country Music Television. For the fans excited about the new program, will you explain exactly what should be expected from the series?

The thing about the Broken Skull Challenge is that there's really nothing else like it on television. I was talking on some interviews the other day that kind of brought up American Ninja Warrior, but that kind of plays more to the parkour type athlete and crossfitting as well. Those men and women that do American Ninja Warrior are bad ass in their right, no doubt about that, they're bad ass. But they're competing on a course and competing against the clock. At the Broken Skull Challenge, each week I bring participants to the ranch. We did 10 episodes, five episodes with guys, five with gals. It's head-to-head competition for three rounds, and if you win, you go to the next round. If you lose, you leave the ranch immediately. At the end of the day, we narrow it down from eight to one individual and that individual will take on my personal obstacle course. It's a half mile course, 10 bad ass obstacles that you must overcome. I made my course the skullbuster because it is specifically designed to whoop a man's ass. You beat my course; I'll give you $10,000. If someone has already beaten my course and you beat their time, I give you $10,000 and you will be my returning champion and until someone beats your time, you will get that $10,000. It's nothing fancy; it's down and dirty and you need strength, stamina, determination, will power, a lot of heart and determination to beat my course and to win and succeed at my competition. It's bad ass and we had some hellacious athletes come out to the ranch. On Redneck Island, a show I love, there was a lot of drama and storylines going on because someone's always voted off the island through process of elimination. Here your fate is in your own hands. I set the stage for these athletes to come out here and put on the best performance of their lives or they have to go home; simple as that.

Donald Wood: Have you tackled the obstacle course yourself?

I tackled it, I didn't do it at full speed because I had some knee issues, but certainly I've been through the course, I know how rugged it is and once you watch it and you see how this course breaks down these individuals, piece-by-piece, body part by body part, then it starts getting in their head and messing with their brains and they start doubting themselves. To see the course in a wide shot is one thing, but to see all of the elements in effect and how it affects the men and the women; it's pretty bad ass.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#2Yxu6BKCzPDRhESo.99

More From Steve Austin: Nixed WM Idea He Pitched, CM Punk, Current WWE Talent, Goldberg, Hogan Read more PAGE1 at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#ExkFH3cKQrxCtPQq.99

Source: Ring Rust Radio

As noted earlier, Bleacher Report featured columnists Donald Wood, Mike Chiari and Brandon Galvin recently interviewed WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, which you can check out above. Here are some more highlights from the interview:

Donald Wood: You are one of the biggest names in wrestling history and you are now making waves with your podcast The Steve Austin Show on PodcastOne. With a long list of exciting guests, how have you found the transition from wrestling and movies to the podcast medium?

Well, you know, it's interesting. Asking people questions, carrying on conversations, you certainly develop a rhythm and a style. I learned early on that one of the mistakes I was making early on was trying to cram too much stuff in an interview. I'd talk to guys who had 20- to 40-year careers and try to condense that into a two hour session, and it just doesn't happen like that. So now, I just have bullet points and we start talking and it ends up just being a conversation. I don't paint by numbers anymore, I just go by how I feel and try to take the conversation in different places and just go with the flow. It has been an interesting transition. I enjoy doing it. It allows me to use some of the creative energy that I put into Monday Night Raw way back in the day and it gives me a way to maintain communication with my fan base and to just simply and purely entertain them. I don't talk about religion, politics, none of that bull****; it's just audio whoop ass for the working man and the working woman to take their mind of the task at hand.

Mike Chiari: You've already interviewed many of the biggest stars in wrestling on your podcast, but who's one person you haven't had on the show yet who tops the list in terms of desired guests?

I'd like to talk to Hulk Hogan, of course, because he's one of the biggest names in the history of the business, if not the biggest. So, obviously I'd like to talk to Hogan. 'Superstar' Billy Graham. I'd like to talk to Dusty Rhodes face-to-face, in person. I had a chance to talk to him on the phone in the early stages like some of the people who I've already interviewed.

It's always different talking to someone on the phone, of course. I've talked to Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Shawn Michaels on the phone, but a one-on-one conversation is the best. I've actually just connected to Kevin Von Erich the other day, we've been trying to get together for a while and I'm actually going to make a trip out to Hawaii. The wife has been trying to con me into going to Hawaii forever. That's one place that I have not been, so while we go to Hawaii to satisfy my wife's desire to go to and lay on the beach, I'll be interviewing Kevin Von Erich, so he's a guy I'm really looking forward to talking to. Hopefully, I get a chance to talk to him in the next few months. I talked to Undertaker. I asked him if he wanted to do the show, he said he would, and that's a matter of me getting out to Austin, Texas, and talking to him one-on-one, but he's another one I'd love to talk to.

Brandon Galvin: You're the host of Redneck Island, which correct me if I'm wrong, will air this summer in the United Kingdom. In wake of the success of WWE's Legends' House, have you ever thought about doing a version of the show with former or current wrestlers?

I haven't thought about it, but I mean, it's not up for me to come up with ideas for the network. I haven't pitched them anything. I don't know what they're looking for. I know they just rolled out the network and I just finally subscribed to it the other day, so I definitely think there's room for something like that, but it all depends on how far they want to go with it. I would certainly be willing to engage in conversation about doing something like that, and I'm looking forward to Redneck Island finally getting over to the UK because I have so many listeners to my podcast over there in the UK and I'm very excited about them getting the show over there and seeing it. I'm surprised that Redneck Island hasn't gone to Canada because they have CMT Canada, but it's not even over there. It's a great show, and I think they're going to enjoy it and it's certainly a different cup of tea than what they are used to on their programs.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0611/576911/more-from-steve-austin-nixed-idea-he-pitched-to-vince/#ExkFH3cKQrxCtPQq.99

Goldberg Talks Possible Return To The Ring, CM Punk, WWE Hall Of Fame, His Streak, WCW's Demise Read more PAGE2 at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0527/576432/goldberg-talks-about-returning-to-the-ring/#I4KuYrUCdTXROgH8.99

Feelings on a Possible Hall of Fame Induction:

"To get any type of accolade like that when you're in a given sport or profession is the ultimate honor. But again, like I said about me stepping back in the ring, it's not something that I long for every morning. Would I deem my wrestling career a failure if I didn't join it? No. It would be a hell of an honor for sure. There are people there that deserve it and there are people there that don't deserve it and I'm not anyone to say that I deserve it by any stretch of the imagination. It would be an honor for sure because there are a lot of legends there and it is a sport that put my name at the forefront and I owe it a lot of credit for me being able to talk to you right now and have my own podcast and be a television actor. Yes it would be an honor but I wouldn't feel incomplete if it didn't happen at the end of the day."

One more match:

"First and foremost, let me back you up for a second here. It's funny anytime that I mention anything about wrestling, even my words can be taken out of context. There have been a number of different publications that have run the story that 'Goldberg's back and begging to have a match again' and he wants to get back in the ring, at the end of the day, I would definitely listen to that type of conversation but it's not something I wake up every morning and I pray to God to and hope that I can lace up my boots one more time because I have to end on a nostalgic note. If the opportunity arose and it was a favorable condition for everybody involved, and I mean working condition, not necessarily the money, and opponent, I would definitely cater the thought.

"As to specific people that I would like to face, man I've been forthright and upfront that I'm not on top of the wrestling business like the normal fan would be since my departure, it hasn't been the number one thing in my life, so to just throw a couple of names off the top of my head would be the only way that I could do it. I couldn't give an educated guess as to what the good storyline would be in this day and age as far as television storylines are concerned. Like I said, I'd consider it, for sure, but it's not something I'm longing for.

"J.R is a very good friend of mine and I can talk straight with him and that's what these podcasts do. They catch intimate conversations and now that I have my own I can point the mic at someone else and let them spew so they can get themselves in trouble more than I can. I enjoyed the wrestling business, there were a lot of things that I didn't like about it, but there were things that I did like about it so I would consider something like that.

"As far as schedule is concerned, who knows. I'm in pretty decent shape, I don't know what to compare it to, but for a 47 year old guy walking around and he goes to a Muy-Thai Gym a number of days a week, I'd say I'm pretty much ahead of the game. For the schedule, I don't know. I don't talk to Brock enough to compare what I would think would be acceptable for myself. It's a topic that interests me but it's not a topic I think about daily."

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0527/576432/goldberg-talks-about-returning-to-the-ring/#I4KuYrUCdTXROgH8.99

Goldberg Talks Possible Return To The Ring, CM Punk, WWE Hall Of Fame, His Streak, WCW's Demise Read more PAGE1 at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0527/576432/goldberg-talks-about-returning-to-the-ring/#vXeaOBiyVQM7jfwE.99

Bill Goldberg recently spoke with Donald Wood and the folks at Ring Rust Radio. Below are some highlights:

Negative fan reaction for part-time wrestlers:

"Obviously in anybody's mind, any type of failure, whether it be to yourself or the fans or management, is something that you don't want to encounter and if you can keep yourself out of it then that's always a consideration if you're a smart person. How much that would play in my decision? Honestly, it wouldn't play very much because that's not why I would do it. At the end of the day, I would do it to invoke a positive response from my son and my wife. I'd love to be able to please the fans, so many of them that have asked me over the last 10 to 11 years to go back, I would obviously do it for them also. It's always a crap shoot. Whether you're away 10 years or you're away 10 minutes every single time I've looked at it, you're only as good as your next performance. So it would weigh in my mind but it wouldn't be a factor in my decision."

Who/What was responsible for WCW's demise:

"There's nobody you can point to single-handedly. First of all, it's hard for me to give an educated opinion because I was injured during that period of time and I was away from the normal day goings on of WCW. Now, when AOL and Time Warner merged, it was ultimately the demise of WCW as we know it I believe. I don't think it was something that they were heavily behind as far as programming is concerned by any stretch of the imagination and from what I remember, Ted Turner was on safari when the decision was made by the board to get rid of WCW. I think it starts at the top and when everybody feels that something is going awry, anxiety is at such a level that everybody just falls apart. It was a law-less society once it started going downhill and at that time, who was wanting to put forth the effort to save it? Obviously there were a lot of die-hards that wanted it saved and a lot of wresters that wanted it saved, I don't know anybody that didn't want it saved and to see it succeed except maybe the competition and the people who owned it. There was a lot of passion for it."

CM Punk leaving WWE:

"We're all individuals and we all live different ways, I do not know any of the back story, I don't know CM Punk but I can empathize and I can completely understand anyone who wouldn't like dealings that have transgressed throughout the years at the WWE."

His Streak Ending:

"From time to time I've shown displeasures to the way that it ended and Kevin was on the booking committee for a couple of weeks and it was just timing. I believe the creativity to keep it going could have happened, but I'll plead the fifth again and just say I'm a performer, not an entertainer in that I can take direction and go out and complete it but I can't develop the storyline. My job was not a booker by any stretch of the imagination and I try not to give my opinion as to who I think should've beaten me because I don't get into the storyline as much as the next guy. It was those guys' decision, they've been in the business, collectively, probably 100 years, so who am I to question that? As a human being you're always going to question things but it's not my place, I was just the talent. I wish Godzilla would've beaten me, or Big Foot, or something like that. I just think Scott Hall should've hit me with the taser that sticks in your chest from across the ring, but so be it."

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0527/576432/goldberg-talks-about-returning-to-the-ring/#vXeaOBiyVQM7jfwE.99

Chris Jericho On If Undertaker's Streak Should Have Ended, CM Punk, Possible WWE Return Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0502/574719/chris-jericho-on-if-undertaker-streak-should-have-ended/#bzY1lWYesg450v5M.99

Digital Spy has a great interview with Chris Jericho, who was promoting Fozzy's appearance at the Download festival in June. Here are a few highlights:

The Undertaker's streak ending:

"I loved it, I thought it was great. It was a legitimate shock, it got everybody talking. I think the right guy got it, if you're going from a credibility standpoint, and if you're going from a believability standpoint. As much as people and fans and journalists want to believe that it's the case, I'm not sure if Undertaker had too many matches left in him. Maybe he doesn't want to wrestle again. Maybe he knew that he couldn't take any more. It's a big, physical task to wrestle as it is, and once a year is hard. I wouldn't want to come and wrestle just once a year. That's even harder than wrestling 200 times a year, because your body's not used to it. And the older you get, the harder it gets, the more the aches and pains kick in.

"Maybe The Undertaker decided that, 'I don't want to do this anymore'. And much to the fans' chagrin, who wish that we would wrestle until the day we die at 90 years old and explode into a puff of dust in the ring, sometimes you've got to make that decision. If the time was now, Brock was the right guy for that day, and I thought it was amazing. And I would have hated it - hated it - if Undertaker would have retired without losing. I think that would have been a horrible way to go, I'm really happy that he lost The Streak."

If CM Punk should return to WWE:

"I don't know, man, who knows, right? That's something that only he can answer for sure. To me, if he hasn't come back already, then... I left the WWE for two-and-a-half years in 2005. The only difference was I left when my contract was up, but I disappeared too, because I just was over it. I couldn't take it anymore, I wasn't interested in being there, I was getting miserable, so I know how he feels. I had no intention of coming back, and after two-and-a-half years I watched Shawn Michaels vs John Cena at WrestleMania 23 and that inspired me to want to come back, but it took two-and-a-half years to get there.

"So my answer is, 'I don't know', but I just know how I was when I did the same thing. It took a long time for me to be able to come back, and I was probably the same age as Punk is now too, so maybe he's going through the same thing and after a few years he'll come back."

If he plans to return to WWE:

"I spoke to them in November about coming back in January, but neither of us could really agree on what it was I would be doing, and not in a bad way. If I'm going to come back, what am I going to be doing at WrestleMania? Let's see, we've got Batista coming back, we've got Brock Lesnar coming back, we've got Undertaker coming back, we've got Hulk Hogan coming back, we've got the ascension of Bray Wyatt, we've got the ascension of The Shield, Cesaro's ready to go and Daniel Bryan's ready to go. Where do I fit in?

"...We have a great relationship, but if it doesn't work for both of us, then it won't happen. When the time comes where it does, then it will. It's as simple as that."

Jericho also discussed Daniel Bryan and if his title reign will last, Sting possible signing with WWE, WCW, Paul Heyman and more. You can check out the full interview

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0502/574719/chris-jericho-on-if-undertaker-streak-should-have-ended/#bzY1lWYesg450v5M.99

How The CM Punk Release Story Got Started Backstage, JR On Goldust And Cody's WWE Status Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0218/570341/how-the-cm-punk-release-story-got-started-backstage/#E2UZAXV56zGEXvW4.99

Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section on jrsbarbq.com and was asked why Goldust and Cody Rhodes are apparently being "downgraded" on the company ladder. Ross replied:

"Cody's future at age 28 is as a singles wrestler. Goldust has received a really nice return to WWE and is an asset as well. Goldust would likely make a great coach. I see both Rhodes brothers and the Outlaws as transitional teams who both likely won't be together long term and over the long haul. I have enjoyed both teams very much as supporting role acts."

- Regarding the report that WWE had granted CM Punk his release on Friday, the rumors started backstage when Punk's girlfriend AJ Lee was given the weekend off. People were just speculating backstage that AJ left and that led to the Punk rumors starting up. AJ is still with the company and Punk has not been granted his release

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0218/570341/how-the-cm-punk-release-story-got-started-backstage/#E2UZAXV56zGEXvW4.99

Update On WWE Reportedly Releasing CM Punk, Six-Divas Match On WWE Superstars Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0217/570324/update-on-reports-of-wwe-granting-cm-punk-his-release/#pG8GZAUmCiMQuT3S.99

- Regarding the earlier report that talk within WWE was the company granted CM Punk his release this past Friday, Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer reports that WWE is officially stating that Punk has not been released. Another person in the company also contacted them and said the report was incorrect.

- WWE taped the following matches tonight in Denver to air on this week's Superstars:

* Cody Rhodes vs. Curtis Axel

* The Bella Twins and Natalya vs. Summer Rae, Tamina Snuka and Eva Marie

Full WWE Superstars results are here

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0217/570324/update-on-reports-of-wwe-granting-cm-punk-his-release/#pG8GZAUmCiMQuT3S.99

Pete Gas Talks About CM Punk Leaving WWE, Credible's Latest 101 Video, WWE Toy Giveaway Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0218/570332/pete-gas-talks-about-cm-punk-leaving-wwe/#E3ssbxXo4dOuPyA8.99

ECW Original Justin Credible's latest Pro Wrestling 101 video features an interview with indie veteran Grim Reefer, as seen above.

- Former WWE star Pete Gas of Mean Street Posse fame recently spoke with The Shoot and talked about CM Punk leaving WWE:

"I completely agree with this guy (Punk). As much as I love the McMahon family, and listen I understand why they do it. WrestleMania is their Super Bowl, they try to get as many buys as they can and i get all that. You want to have the big names. His comments about him breaking his ass, Daniel Bryan breaking his ass. These guys are there every single night getting it done. I understand where he's coming from. He always wanted to be the main eventer at WrestleMania. But so does every other f--king guy in that locker room. I understand his point where he says I'm the one here and then they bring in The Rock for a couple of months and then he goes back to make another movie. I get all that. It's a controversial topic and I can understand both sides of it."

- WWE is giving away the StackDown toy playsets that were seen in the RAW segment with Cody Rhodes and Goldust last night. Details on the giveaway are at this link.

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0218/570332/pete-gas-talks-about-cm-punk-leaving-wwe/#E3ssbxXo4dOuPyA8.99

CM Punk Granted An Early Release From His WWE Contract? Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0217/570316/backstage-talk-that-wwe-has-granted-cm-punk-an-early-release/#sXbomAP7JYytPYrH.99

The word making the rounds at this weekend's WWE live events is that CM Punk was officially given his release from WWE on Friday, according to PWInsider.

As this time, we are unable to confirm that the rumors are true. It's worth noting that Punk is still featured on the WWE roster page on their official website. Additionally, PWInsider notes that people that are close to Punk have told them he is "done."

Read more at http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0217/570316/backstage-talk-that-wwe-has-granted-cm-punk-an-early-release/#sXbomAP7JYytPYrH.99