– During a conference call promoting WWE’s Tribute To The Troops special, John Cena spoke about WWE’s conscious choice to switch to PG programming.
“Our programming has changed so much over the years. I started in 2002, our programming was more TV-14, edgy, anti-hero based, more conflict-hero based. Since then, I think our programming has made a turn for the better into more of a PG environment. All of our programming platform-wise is PG.”
“The reason is simply because the people who attend our events. More families began to attend and more children began to attend. When you have those young and youthful eyes looking at you, you know you’re global, you tend to have choices to make. Me being portrayed as a good guy on our programming, it was an obvious choice. I wanted to do my best to use my TV time to set good examples.”
– Third generation superstar Ted DiBiase Jr is considering retiring from the ring to pursue a career in acting. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that DiBiase is putting out feelers and trying to transition into a career in Hollywood. He’s had a run of injuries or lack of booking in WWE over the past year and a half.
The latest is that DiBiase will continue to use these upcoming weeks and maybe months to make a decision on what’s best for his future but he’s expected to have some decision made by WrestleMania time.
– In an interview with DigitalSpy.com, Ryback disclosed what his ultimate goal is in his WWE career.
“I focus on one day at a time, but my goal is to be WWE champion, World Heavyweight Champion. My goal is to not just replace John Cena but blow John Cena out of the water. I’m very vocal about that. I want to beat John in all aspects of this thing – merchandise, fan base – because I believe I can.
That’s what our company – the WWE needs somebody who’s not going to be intimidated, who’s not going to be afraid. I’m that guy. We haven’t had that. We need somebody. John’s not going to be around forever.
I have nothing but respect – I think he’s one of the hardest-working guys in the history of this company but my goal is to be my best. And I believe my best is better than him. And he knows that too, and there’s a friendly rivalry there and I look forward to seeing how I do against him in the coming year.”
– In Jim Ross’ latest blog on his website, JRsBarBQ.com, he confirmed reports that former WWF Tag Team and IC Champion Billy Gunn/Monty Sopp has been hired on as a trainer for the NXT development territory as a trainer. He wrote:
Happy @RealBillyGunn is officially a member of the training staff at NXT. Billy was one of the best, pure athletes that we ever had on our talent roster. Arguably, the best all around athlete we ever had. Expect huge things from WWE Talent Development in 2013.
