Jim Ross has left the WWE due to events that occurred during the SummerSlam AXXESS event, during the WWE2K14 video game panel. Ross was handling moderating duties for a non-company event featuring a panel consisting of Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan, Rey Misterio, Paul Heyman, Mick Foley, Ric Flair, and Steve Austin to promote the company's new video WWE2K14 game.
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who appeared drunk, went off the script - including discussing how he turned John Cena into an alcohol drinker and the untimely death of his son, Reed. While 2K was extremely happy with the panel, including the extra media attention that Flair garnered with his behavior, the WWE front office was less than thrilled, with Stephanie McMahon apologizing to 2K.
The WWE front office reportedly held Ross responsible for not reigning in the former WWE and WCW champion, bringing down backstage "heat" on the WWE Hall of Famer. While the official company line is that Ross "retired," many felt that Ross was in fact fired, with the company spinning the news as a "retirement" in order to save face for letting go a personality that is beloved by both the fans and the talent.
Jim Ross took the high road on the matter, thanking the WWE, the talent, and the fans on his blog for a career that spanned 20 years saying, "I was fortunate enough to have a key role in arguably one of the most interesting and compelling eras in our business's history."
There has been talking of a possible "face" turn for Big E. Langston while the WWE is also contemplating a "heel" turn for The Miz.
Darren Young will be making an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' daytime talk show on Friday.
John Cena continues to update fans on his injury progress, reporting that he had his stitches removed. Cena may be back on WWE television soon, though in a non-wrestling capacity as he tries to help with the company's Breast Cancer Awareness Month activation. Cena wants to make appearances on behalf of the WWE to promote the company's campaign with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Cena and his rehabilitation process will also be captured on television as part of a major storyline for the Total Divas reality show. E! has picked up additional episodes and moved the show up an hour earlier to a 9 PM timeslot, which begins airing November 17.
It's officially mutha fudging #gotime #evenstronger @ESPN @SportsCenter @WWEUniverse @eonline @TMZ @WWE pic.twitter.com/AMMbHbGKau
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 6, 2013
Shaul Guerrero, the eldest daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero, has returned to WWE Developmental after some time off. She is currently working out at the new WWE Performance Center and set to return to ring action for NXT.
Sami Zayn - known to Ring of Honor and CHIKARA fans as El Generico - has made recent appearances with the main roster, wrestling in house shows in Montreal and Brooklyn, NY. Despite wrestling without his traditional mask that made him popular in the independent circuit, fans familiar with Zayn's work were yelling his trademark "ole!" chant every time he made a crowd-pleasing move.