In this week's roundup, we'll take a look at CM Punk's latest revealing podcast, a (former?) World Wrestling Entertainment superstar's big movie role and another WWE superstar's assault charge.
** CM Punk once again joined his friend Colt Cabana for the "Art of Wrestling" podcast. This one had far less revelations, though Punk did tell a few more stories. One thing he expanded on somewhat was the idea that the WWE went out of its way to deny him opportunities outside of the company. He detailed an instance when a tattoo parlor wanted him to make an appearance, and WWE instead wanted Randy Orton. Another time, THQ wanted him on the cover of "WWE 13." While Punk did end up on the cover, some within the company apparently were pushing for Sheamus to get the spot instead. If true, these stories show extreme pettiness on WWE's part in actively trying to take outside money out of someone's pocket. It's likely a story in which we'll never get the other side's story, but it's certainly odd and makes the company look bad.
** Sting officially has signed his WWE superstar contract, according to several media reports, which say he agreed to just six appearances, including one at Survivor Series. The final appearance likely will be Wrestlemania, which leaves just four appearances between now and then. That doesn't leave much time for a build, but when you consider that WWE can film vignettes, and the fact that Sting's best build came from him not saying a word for a year, the company certainly can get something accomplished.
** Heath Slater was issued an arrest warrant stemming from a 2011 incident that occurred after Wrestlemania 27 in Atlanta. A security guard who was working the Wrestlemania after-party has accused Slater of asking her to go to his room with him and, when she declined, putting her in a chokehold and dragging her toward the elevator.
Heath Slater responded on Twitter, stating: "The charges & civil suit brought against me are completely frivolous. I am innocent and these charges will be dismissed as soon as any judge hears the evidence. My attorney Don Samuel will handle this matter."
** Batista will in the new James Bond movie, "Spectre." It had long been rumored that he would be a villain in the movie, and he indeed will play a henchman named Mr. Hinx.
I don't think I was alone in being skeptical when Batista first started talking about being an actor. But his stock skyrocketed after "Guardians of the Galaxy" came out, and he's now a legitimate commodity in Hollywood. Batista signed a two-year deal when he returned to wrestling at the beginning of this year, but with "Spectre" and the "Guardians of the Galaxy" sequel (and presumably more Marvel movies when "Guardians" inevitably shares a screen with "The Avengers") to come, his status in the WWE is in doubt.
** Finally, in the upcoming weeks, I'll be doing a year-in-review column (or columns). If you have any ideas for categories to focus on, or any matches or moments you'd like me to cover, please email me or find me on Twitter.
Questions? Thoughts? Leave them in the comment section, email me or find me on Twitter: @TheAOster