EBWF News and Notes 4/4/12

[Ashlee]

EBWF News & Notes
By: Dave Meltzer
04/04/2012

Lots of EBWF news to sift through this week so let's get to it.

Insiders say that were not one, but two, shoot incidences Monday Night on Warfare. Some EBWF sources indicate that John Cena's attack on CM Punk was not part of the script, and after several dead end meetings with EBWF creative, Cena forced himself back onto television with the beat down of the currently untouchable CM Punk. While no specifics were given, it seems these two have had several run ins off camera. As we reported earlier this week, CM Punk is dating the new Assistant Director of Talent Relations, Jessica Rushing, who also dated John Cena last spring.

Another more surprising incident was Chris Jericho's promo on Warfare. EBWF insiders say that the promo wasn't written out and was only discussed breifly during pre show meetings. Wes Ikeda was rumored to have been hurt by Chris Jericho's words, but seemingly unsurprised by them. It has been widely publicized that Jericho and Ikeda had a major falling out last year when it was decided that Brian Kendrick would be EBWF Champion rather than Chris. Jericho and Ikeda have been friends for several years. Their children are very close, and it is said that their families were keeping the friendship together even though business had strained it almost irrepairably. The straw that broke the camel's back for Jericho was the incessant jokes about his tenure in EBWF over Wrestlemania weekend. While many were joking about it, Jericho seemed to have taken offense to the constant reminder that he's been in EBWF for so long with so little recognition.

All signs are currently pointing to EBWF Aftermath seeing a rematch between AJ Styles and The Miz.

EBWF Creative is worried about overusing Jeff Hardy. While some argue he did some of his best work during his fued with Trilogy, EBWF brass is concerned that prolonged schedules and too many matches might cause a relapse in the struggling Hardy.

Torrie Wilson & Alex Rodriguez, Stacy Keibler & George Clooney, and Natalie Neidhart & Wes Ikeda were seen out and around Tampa together several times the week following Wrestlemania. EBWF insiders joke that the women are being refered to as "The Millionaires Club" behind their backs, given their small time upbringing and their current association with very wealthy, very famous men.

The realization that Wes Ikeda and Natalie Neidhart were dating shocked EBWF fans and insiders alike. EBWF sources say that no one had any indication that the EBWF Chairman was dating the third generation EBWF Diva, but say, now that they know, the two are understated, quiet and spend much of their time at work apart.

Despite several attempts by EBWF Creative, Edge is said to be disinterested in returning to the squared circle. Being fired by NBC and Dick Ebersol just months after holding the EBWF World Championship was a massive blow to the Rated R Superstar, causing him to rethink his career path.

There is said to be much unrest in the EBWF locker room regarding Torrie Wilson's return and subsequent Women's Championship reign. Wes Ikeda & Wilson are not shy about their somewhat flirtatious friendship, and insiders say that the EBWF Diva's Locker Room is teeming with ladies who have worked long and hard without breaks only to be let down by Wilson's return.

Jamilia Craft's Female Wrestler of the Year win at the Slammy's is said to have reinvegorated EBWF Creative's interest in the youngest EBWF Superstar. Many suspect a women's title shot for the performer by Summerslam.

EBWF has been consistently reaching out to former EVP of Programming and Production, Joanie Helmsley. Helmsley resigned from her position, citing the management of EBWF by Dick Ebersol and John Laurinaitis as her chief complant, just weeks after the pair took charge. Wes is very eager to get the legendary Chyna back on his staff. Under her tutelage, EBWF saw it's highest ratings ever, and Wes Ikeda was named the most powerful man in cable television three times.

For some ungodly reason, Ikeda is eager to sign Brodus Clay. Wes is said to be interested in the Funkasaurus character, and has intentions to make it so much more than a novelty act. The only question is... how the hell does he plan to do that?

It is unclear if Brian Kendrick suffered a legitimate injury in his match at Wrestlemania with Randy Orton, or if he's simply wore out from a long year of being a premiere player in EBWF. Whatever the truth, EBWF insiders say that Wes Ikeda and company did not buckle under the pressure of the Parent's Television Council. Wes is said to have supported Brian's ideas fully, enjoying the pushing of the envelope, and even suggested the lighting of the match around gas fumes to create more realism during the late March segment with Nicole Ikeda.

Speaking of Nicole Ikeda, it seems no one has settled on what to call the EBWF EVP of Global Media. Her official corporate page has her listed as Nicole Ikeda-Orton. She's still Nicole Ikeda on television, even though the marriage has become an angle on television. She was introduced with her last name hyphenated at the Slammy Awards, but has legally and fully changed her name to just Nicole Orton. EBWF brass are still struggling with what the company will settle on. This may seem like a no brainer, but it's hard to see into the future to confirm which name will benefit the company more for long term storylines in the future.

Wes Ikeda is said to be upset at the way the return of Randy Orton was handled. The EBWF Superstar returned to tremendous fan fair Wrestlemania weekend, and put on a clinic of a main event at the big pay per view, however it seems creative's plan was short sighted as now we've had two scheduled Warfare's advertised with no sign of Orton.

Wes Ikeda and Coast 2 Coast productions are eager to start two movies this summer, and are rumored to be in talks with CM Punk & Randy Orton to star.

Kelly Kelly is thought to have burned her last chance in EBWF after what many considered a lack luster performance at Wrestlemania. While her attitude is said to be better, many feel that she just doesn't have the motivation to make it in the business.

Still no word on why Velvet Sky is not performing with EBWF. She is still under contract, but is not currently being paid. It was a personal issues that took Velvet away from the company, but fans continued to support the EBWF Diva voting her Babe and Newcomer of the Year at the Slammy Awards.

EBWF insiders continue to intimate that EBWF Creative is eager to put the EBWF Championship back on CM Punk by Summerslam. It is said that there was much discussion about a feud between Punk and Jericho or Punk and Randy Orton - but with the John Cena situation it is unlikely that those plans will manifest.

[Juan Ramirez]

Gosh I missed these!!!!!

[Will]

We really need more of these, Ashlee! I've always enjoyed em.

Everyone excuse the bump.

[Ashlee]

I was wondering what this bump was.

A damn good writer wrote that thing lol :-) She should write more.