· 01-13: SmackDown results: World Heavyweight Title Match ends in Diva disaster

LAREDO, Texas – With just more than two weeks until the 2012 Royal Rumble, a critical mishap during an epic World Heavyweight Title rematch between Daniel Bryan and Big Show led to Diva disaster – with AJ being carried out on a stretcher.

The Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show World Heavyweight Title Match ended in a No Contest (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Amidst an extremely heated No Disqualification, No Count-out World Heavyweight Championship Match between Daniel Bryan and Big Show, The World’s Largest Athlete took off after the World Champion outside the ring. However. his offensive came to a grinding halt when the giant accidentally slammed, full-force, into a defenseless AJ, thrusting the unsuspecting Diva to the ringside floor and bringing a premature ending to the intense competition. WWE medical personnel carried the injured Diva out on a stretcher, with an openly guilt-ridden Big Show and an irate Daniel Bryan following behind.

Because the match ended in a no contest, Bryan retained his championship gold. As a result, he will face Mark Henry in one week as part of a special Sin City SmackDown in Las Vegas.

Tamina def. Natalya (WATCH | PHOTOS)
For the second week in a row, Tamina channeled her father, WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, defeating third-generation Diva Natalya with an awe-inspiring splash off the top rope.

Immediately after the match ended, Wade Barrett came before the WWE Universe, challenging Sheamus to a match next week as part of Sin City SmackDown. The Celtic Warrior accepted the challenge moments later.

Brodus Clay def. Tyson Kidd (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Just four days after the outrageous Brodus Clay danced his way onto Raw, the Funkasaurus busted his moves all the way to SmackDown. After setting the WWE Universe ablaze with his explosive dance entrance, the bouncing big man gyrated his way to victory in a noticeably brief match against Tyson Kidd. Just moments after the action began, Clay hurled himself at his opponent with brut force to pick up the easy three-count.

The Four Horsemen will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012 (WATCH | FOUR HORSEMEN'S PROFILE)

David Otunga def. Santino Marella (WATCH | PHOTOS)
David Otunga intended to come to SmackDown on business, as the Legal Advisor to Interm Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis. Little did he know he he would be placed in a match with the new Assistant to the SmackDown General Manager Santino Marella. But, when The Italian Stallion tried to unleash The Cobra on his foe, Otunga countered, hurling Santino to the canvas for the pin.

Sheamus def. Jinder Mahal (WATCH | PHOTOS)
One week after Jinder Mahal locked Sheamus in the excruciating "Punjabi Clutch," The Great White ended their fierce match-up with an earth-shattering Brogue Kick. What will happen when these two imposing Superstars clash as part of the Royal Rumble Match in 16 days?

Ted DiBiase def. Drew McIntyre (WATCH | PHOTOS)
After expressing feelings of being disrespected by Ted DiBiase one week ago for never being invited to a DiBiase Posse Party, Hunico and Camacho sat in with the SmackDown announce team – watching the subject of their scorn battle Drew McIntyre. When DiBiase put the Scottish Superstar's career in further jeopardy with a Dream Street triumph, the "Low Riders" offered him mock congratulations outside the ring.

Edge will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012 (WATCH | EDGE'S SUPERSTAR PROFILE)

Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes def. Ezekiel Jackson (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Prior to his match with Ezekiel Jackson, Cody Rhodes openly insulted the Laredo, Texas members of the WWE Universe by questioning their immigration status. He also pointed out that he has held his illustrious title longer than any of the other current champion in WWE. However, the icing on the cake was his stunning proclamation for 2012, that – like The Ultimate Warrior years before – he was going to hold both the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Titles at the same time, a quest that pledged to begin in the Royal Rumble Match.

The outspoken Superstar then went on to overcome Jackson, hitting the Cross Rhodes for another huge victory. In the face of defeat, The Personification of Domination was noticeably frustrated.

Justin Gabriel def. Heath Slater (WATCH | PHOTOS)
As Heath Slater looked ready to leap off the top rope onto former WWE Tag Team Champion cohort Justin Gabriel, Hornswoggle appeared from under the ring and laid down on the canvas in front of him. This momentary distraction allowed Gabriel to regain the advantage and defeat The One Man Southern Rock Band with the 450 Splash.

Following the match, ‘Swoggle celebrated with Gabriel in the ring, running over Slater several times in the process.

Mark Henry will face the winner of SmackDown's World Title Match main event (PHOTOS)
One week after Daniel Bryan earned a controversial victory by disqualification over Big Show, the World Heavyweight Champion denied accusations that he "goaded" Mark Henry into pushing him in order to get out of the title match in one piece. He instead suggested that The World's Strongest Man needed to be suspended for his actions.

Henry emerged to inform Bryan that, by authority of SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long, he himself would be banned from ringside for the No Disqualification/No Count-out World Title main event between the reigning champion and The World's Largest Athlete. The former World Champion also revealed that as long as he honoring that ban, Teddy Long would give him his own World Title rematch against the winner next week.

13-01 : SmackDown results: World Heavyweight Title Match ends in Diva disaster

Match results

• Justin Gabriel def. Heath Slater (PHOTOS)
• Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes def. Ezekiel Jackson (PHOTOS)
• Ted DiBiase def. Drew McIntyre (PHOTOS)
• Sheamus def. Jinder Mahal (PHOTOS)
• David Otunga def. Santino Marella (PHOTOS)
• Brodus Clay def. Tyson Kidd (PHOTOS)
• Tamina def. Natalya (PHOTOS)
• Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show (No Disqualification, No Count-out Match for the World Heavyweight Title) (No Contest) (PHOTOS)

01-09: Mysterio talks Comic-Con, Raw and the WWE Title

SAN DIEGO – Among the legions of masked mystery men and women filling the San Diego Convention Center for Comic-Con International 2011 this weekend, there were none more excited to attend the annual pop-culture extravaganza than real-life superhero Rey Mysterio, who despite growing up in the 619, experienced the event for the very first time this year.

“The feel here is incredible,” The Ultimate Underdog told WWE.com on Thursday, when Comic-Con International opened to the public. “I didn’t really know what to expect, except that it revolved around everything related to comics and new movies that were coming out, but I’m really amazed by the set-up and the work that everybody puts into it. I’m blown away.” (WATCH | PHOTOS)

Mysterio’s enjoyment of the convention came to a momentary halt, however, when former WWE Superstar CM Punk interrupted Mattel and WWE’s joint panel. After Rey, Triple H, WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart and Mattel designers answered questions from WWE Universe members in attendance, the brash Second City Savior burst into the conference hall – his newly won WWE Championship in hand – to taunt The Game and throw a few verbal jabs in Mysterio’s direction as well. (WATCH | READ MORE)

“Rey-Rey, you want a title shot, you can come to Chicago and get one any time,” the self-exiled Punk said with a smirk, attempting to goad his virtuous longtime rival into yet another confrontation.

The Master of the 619 ultimately shrugged off Punk’s taunts, heading over to the Mattel booth to sign autographs, mingle with his fans and check out the WWE items on display – including an impressive collection of oversized Rey Mysterio WWE Rumblers designed by artists from Mattel, WWE and even Rey himself. Although Rey was affording himself some time to soak in the atmosphere, Punk's words reiterated what would be at stake just four days later on Raw: the WWE Title.

One night after Punk left WWE with the title at Money in the Bank, Mr. McMahon announced a tournament to determine a new WWE Champion. After overcoming both Dolph Ziggler and R-Truth, Mysterio earned the right to battle The Miz in the final round. While perusing Mattel’s upcoming WWE action figures – including a plastic replica of The Awesome One, complete with the WWE Title – the high-flying Superstar said in no uncertain terms that a second “Era of Awesome ” would not begin on Monday night.

“The fans here at Comic-Con have been telling me, ‘Rey, you’ve got to bring the title home to San Diego,’” Mysterio said. “Right now it’s all about having a good time, but come Monday, I’ve got to be in the ring and ready to go. I’m hoping that with all of the support not just here in San Diego, but all around the world, it’s gonna happen. No doubt, The Master of the 619 is coming home with the WWE Title.”

Can Mysterio thwart the devious Miz and become WWE Champion for the very first time? To find out, tune in to Raw this Monday night, live at 9/8 CT on USA Network.

01-10: WWE Raw SuperShow results: The fury of Kane's hate

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Kane continued to taunt John Cena on the second WWE Raw SuperShow of 2012 and brutally attacked Cena and Zack Ryder. Also, Chris Jericho was once again speechless in front of the WWE Universe and Edge and the legendary Four Horsemen were announced as 2012 WWE Hall of Fame inductees.

Dolph Ziggler and John Cena ended in a double count-out (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Two weeks before facing WWE Champion CM Punk, No. 1 contender Dolph Ziggler battled 10-time WWE Champion John Cena in WWE Raw SuperShow's main event. Ziggler used his agility and amateur background to show-off and keep Cena from building momentum early in the contest. However, as Cena built up steam against Ziggler, the TitanTron showed Kane attacking Zack Ryder as the U.S. Champion tried to change his flat tire. As soon as he was free of Ziggler's attempts at a sleeper hold, Cena ran to help his broski. As he exited the arena, the Cenation leader was attacked by The Big Red Monster. The menacing Kane stood over the unconscious Cena and Ryder as Raw SuperShow went off the air.

Divas Champion Beth Phoenix vs. Eve did not happen (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Eve made her way to the ring ready to battle WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, but instead of The Glamazon’s entrance theme playing, the arena went red and Kane’s music played. Eve panicked, unsure of what to do until U.S. Champion Zack Ryder ran to the ring to try and help her escape. They ran to Ryder’s car, which suspiciously had a flat tire.

Chris Jericho addressed the WWE Universe (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Chris Jericho returned to WWE on the first Raw SuperShow of 2012. He gleefully greeted fans who welcomed his return, but Jericho left the arena without saying a word. On the second WWE Raw SuperShow of 2012, the WWE Universe hoped for more from WWE’s first Undisputed Champion. As Jericho made his way to the ring to resounding cheers from the WWE Universe, he was overwhelmed with emotion and left the arena speechless.

Ricardo Rodriguez called out R-Truth allowing Miz to attack (PHOTOS | WATCH)
After two weeks of being attacked by his former tag team partner, The
Miz failed to recruit a bodyguard to provide protection from R-Truth. Taking matters
into his own hands, Miz forced Ricardo Rodriguez to insult R-Truth in order to
call him out in Corpus Christi. Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer tried to avoid a confrontation by signing "La Cucaracha." However, slapping the microphone out of R-Truth's hand resulted in the physical confrontation Ricardo hoped to avoid. But before R-Truth could leave the ring, The Miz attacked from the crowd. Even though The Awesome One's intial attack seemed successful, R-Truth turned the tide, forcing Miz to flee back through the crowd.

The Four Horsemen will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012 (FOUR HORSEMEN'S PROFILE)

WWE Champion CM Punk
def. Jack Swagger (Non-Title Match) (PHOTOS)
In two weeks, CM Punk will defend the WWE Championship
against Dolph Ziggler with Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis as the Special Guest
Referee. On WWE Raw SuperShow, “The Voice of the Voiceless” faced off against
another of Vickie Guerrero’s prize Superstars, Jack Swagger. However, in an
effort to show his impartiality toward the WWE Champion at Royal Rumble, the
Executive Vice President of Talent Relations Mr. Laurinaitis told Punk that if
he defeated Swagger, The All-American American and Vickie Guerrero would be banned
from ringside at Royal Rumble.

With this extra bit of motivation, the WWE Champion battled
the former World Heavyweight Champion with increased vigor. However, Jack Swagger
is a formidable competitor and used his amateur background to try and maintain an
advantage over “The Voice of the Voiceless.” However, following a flying elbow
drop, the referee made an errant three-count that allowed CM Punk to secure the
victory. Regardless of the call, Jack Swagger and Vickie Guerrero are banned
from ringside of the WWE Title Match at Royal Rumble.

Brodus Clay def. Curt Hawkins (PHOTOS | WATCH)
After weeks of
anticipation, Brodus Clay finally made his
WWE Raw SuperShow debut against Curt Hawkins. Flanked by gorgeous
dancers, Clay boogied his way to the ring and dominated a confused
Hawkins.
Following his impressive debut victory, big Brodus Clay literally shook
the
foundations of the WWE Universe and shuffled his way out Corpus Christi.

World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan def.
Kofi Kingston (Non-Title Match) (PHOTOS | WATCH | WATCH WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE)
Earlier today in a WWE.com Exclusive video,
Kofi Kingston
questioned the way in which World Champion Daniel Bryan defeated Big
Show on
SmackDown. In response, Bryan challenged Kofi to a match on Raw
SuperShow. When
they collided in the ring, the agile competitors battled back and forth,
but it
was the World Champion who stood victorious after capturing Kingston in
the LeBell Lock. As Bryan celebrated like he won the lottery, Big
Show wanted to have a word with the champion.

Daniel Bryan offered Big Show another opportunity for the
World Title at any time. The World’s Largest Athlete was one step ahead of the
champion and revealed that SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long granted Big
Show a No Disqualification, No Count-out World Title rematch on SmackDown.

Edge will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012 (EDGE'S SUPERSTAR PROFILE) 

Sheamus & Santino Marella def. Wade Barrett & Jinder Mahal (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Last
week on Raw SuperShow, Santino Marella was decimated by The Barrett
Barrage. On SmackDown, Barrett and Jinder Mahal teamed up to attack The
Celtic Warrior. Sheamus and Santino joined forces in seeking retribution
and proved that a common goal can breed excellent teamwork. After a
hard-fought battle, Santino took down Mahal with the Cobra and secured
the victory.

John Cena attacked Kane
(PHOTOS | WATCH)
The Big Red Monster started the second WWE Raw SuperShow of 2012 by taunting John Cena, continuing to push him to embrace hate. It didn’t take long for the Cenation leader to respond as he charged the ring and a brawl erupted all over the arena and backstage.

01-10: WWE Raw SuperShow Quick results: The fury of Kane's hate

• Sheamus & Santino Marella def. Wade Barrett & Jinder Mahal (PHOTOS)
• World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan def. Kofi Kingston (PHOTOS)
• Brodus Clay def. Curt Hawkins (PHOTOS)
• WWE Champion CM Punk
  def. Jack Swagger (PHOTOS)
• Divas Champion Beth Phoenix vs. Eve did not happen (PHOTOS)
• Dolph Ziggler and John Cena ended in a double count-out (PHOTOS)

06-01: WWE SmackDown Quick Results

MATCH RESULTS

• Intercontinental
  Champion Cody Rhodes def. Booker T (Intercontinental Championship Match) (PHOTOS)
• Hornswoggle def.
  Heath Slater (Over-the-Top Rope Challenge) (PHOTOS)
• Hunico def. Ted
  DiBiase (PHOTOS)
• Santino Marella
  def. Drew McIntyre (PHOTOS)
• Primo &
  Epico def. WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom (Title-free Match)(PHOTOS)
• Tamina def.
  Natalya  (PHOTOS)
• World
  Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan def. Big Show (Disqualification - World
  Heavyweight Title Match) (PHOTOS)

01-06: SmackDown results: 'Gigantic' controversy

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – While Intercontinental Champion Cody
Rhodes reigned supreme in an epic battle against WWE legend Booker T, Daniel
Bryan was lucky to walk away World Heavyweight Champion, following a highly questionable
result in his title showdown against Big Show.

World
Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan def. Big Show by Disqualification in a World Heavyweight Title Match (WATCH | PHOTOS)
At
WWE TLC, Daniel Bryan cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, snatching the newly
captured World Heavyweight Championship from a war torn Big Show. This week,
the new champion put the title on the line against a determined World’s Largest
Athlete, looking for payback – and to take back what was once his.

With
Mark Henry sitting in with the SmackDown announce team, the David and Goliath
showdown unfolded, with the fierce might of the giant clashing full force with
the technical skill of the reigning champ. In the height of the fury – after
escaping the LeBell Lock – Big Show looked ready to finish things off with the
WMD. However, Bryan was able to avoid the crippling assault, ducking out of the
ring. There, he got into strong words with Henry, leading to a powerful shove
by The World’s Strongest Man that left the referee no choice but the call for
the disqualification.

As
a stunned and furious Big Show looked on in the ring, Daniel Bryan – lucky to
get out of the match with the World Heavyweight Championship still in his grasp
– raised his title high above his head, celebrated his controversial title
defense.  

Tamina def. Natalya  (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Channeling
the wild side of her WWE Hall of Fame father Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, an animalistic
Tamina overcame Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart’s daughter Natalya with an explosive
splash off the top rope.

Primo &
Epico def. WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom in a Title-free Match (PHOTOS)
Amidst
the bedlam of a high-octane tag team match-up, Rosa Mendes blocked Kofi
Kingston’s path as he looked ready to launch himself on Epico outside the ring.
This distraction paved the way for Epico to grab the high-flyer’s legs and hurl
him out to ringside with incredible velocity.

This did not stop the legal man Evan Bourne from gaining an advantage over Primo
in the ring. However, as he attempted to hit the Air Bourne off the top rope,
Epico struck again, pulling his cousin out of harm’s way as Bourne crashed to
the canvas. This allowed Primo to pick up the victory, giving his team another win over the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Santino Marella
def. Drew McIntyre (WATCH
| PHOTOS)
In
a match that would decide whether Santino would become the new Assistant to
the General Manager Theodore Long or whether Drew McIntyre’s job would truly be
in jeopardy, The Italian Stallion would prevail. With both Superstars battling
on the ropes, McIntyre ended up smashing his head into the steel ring post.
This set up the infamous Cobra to strike, earning Santino the career-changing
three-count.

Sheamus felt
the dual wrath of Jinder Mahal & Wade Barrett (WATCH | PHOTOS)
One
week after leaving Randy Orton injured at the bottom of an arena staircase,
Wade Barrett came before the WWE Universe to declare The Viper "finished" – the latest victim
of The Barrett Barrage. But, when he insisted that he would triumph in the
Royal Rumble Match, Sheamus emerged to dispute his claim, insulting the English
Superstar in the process. 

Just
as things were heating up with the two intense Superstars, Jinder Mahal
interrupted their stare down, slapping The Celtic Warrior. Mahal and Barrett proceeded
to launch a vicious double assault on The Great White. Though Sheamus fought back
with pure Irish tenacity, he could not overcome the odds – ultimately suffering
the Winds of Change by Barrett and the “Punjabi Clutch” by Jinder.

Hunico def. Ted
DiBiase (WATCH
| PHOTOS)
Riding
to the ring on a low-rider driven by his amigo Camacho, Hunico mocked Ted
DiBiase, suggesting that he and his cohort might need to crash one of the
DiBiase Posse Parties in the near future.

In
the culmination of their heated battle, Hunico backed up his tough talk –
conquering DiBiase with an impressive submission maneuver-pin combination. 

Hornswoggle def.
Heath Slater in an Over-the-Top Rope Challenge (WATCH | PHOTOS)
After
being humiliated by Sheamus and Hornswoggle one week ago, Heath Slater
challenged the latter to an Over-the-Top Rope Challenge. Although it looked
like The One Man Southern Rock Band would find success in hurling his pint-sized opponent
over the ropes and into the loss column, Hornswoggle latched onto his long, red
hair at the last second, causing Slater to plummet to defeat.

When
Slater jumped back into the ring to try and get his revenge after the bell, his
former WWE Tag Team Champion partner Justin Gabriel came to the rescue,
dropping the 450 Splash on his old ally. 

Intercontinental
Champion Cody Rhodes def. Booker T in an Intercontinental Championship Match (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Heading into their blockbuster title rematch, both
Cody Rhodes and Booker T possessed one victory over each other – the former at
WWE TLC and the latter on Raw several weeks ago. In the height of their earth-shattering
third encounter, the Intercontinental Champion would ultimately prevail.
Shortly after escaping the three-count attempt that resulted from the Master of
the Spin-A-Roonie’s signature scissor kick, Rhodes roared back, hitting his
own springboard kick to earn a monumental victory over a decorated WWE legend.

01-05: Who will return in 2012?

What can the WWE Universe expect in 2012? Perhaps a better question to ask is who. After all, 2011 was clearly the year of the comeback, and evidence in past weeks strongly indicates it's a trend that will only continue during the next 12 months. Just look at all who returned to the WWE fold in 2011 and judge for yourself:

Booker T
Before returning to the squared circle in a bid to teach Cody Rhodes a lesson in respect, the 6-time World Champion made a triumphant return to WWE in January during the 2011 Royal Rumble Match. He has since become a mainstay behind the SmackDown commentary booth, but as Rhodes has learned, Booker still has what it takes to compete inside the squared circle. The former World Heavyweight Champion also joined Trish Stratus and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in the development of potential new Superstars on the USA reality series “Tough Enough.”

Kevin Nash
Also in 2011’s Royal Rumble Match, one of the most controversial Superstars of all time made his return to WWE. Big Daddy Cool Kevin Nash, a.k.a. Diesel, earned resounding cheers throughout the WWE Universe when his classic entrance theme played in January’s 40-Superstar contest. The accolades faded, however, when Nash, who had not competed in WWE for nearly six years, set his sights on former best friend Triple H. Although The Game ultimately got the best of Big Sexy at WWE TLC, Nash’s 2011 comeback conjured up rumors of everything from the Kliq taking over to the return of the infamous New World Order.

Triple H
In 2010, Sheamus attacked The Game with a lead pipe, causing an injury serious enough to keep Triple H out of action for months. In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XXVII, The Cerebral Assassin returned to the ring to challenge The Undertaker and his Undefeated WrestleMania Streak. Although he barely escaped with The Streak intact, The Deadman was mercilessly pummeled by The Game, to the point that he had to be carried out on a stretcher and has not been seen since. Triple H would recover from the brutal contest and return again as WWE COO, only to return to the ring shortly thereafter. Finally, The Cerebral Assassin would stage a third, and perhaps most impressive, comeback following an attack by Kevin Nash. It appears that no matter how long Triple H is sidelined, he always comes back on top of his game.

Trish Stratus
The WWE Universe was delighted when former Women’s Champion Trish Stratus made her return to the ring at WrestleMania XXVII in Atlanta. There, Stratus teamed up with John Morrison & Snooki and defeated Lay-Cool & Dolph Ziggler. Besides proving that she is still one of the greatest Divas to ever compete in WWE, the Toronto native accompanied Booker T in the development of potential new Superstars on the USA reality series, “Tough Enough.”

The Classic Intercontinental Championship
Cody Rhodes is not one to go out of his way to draw cheers from the WWE Universe. However, at Hell in a Cell, the Intercontinental Champion explained that he wanted to be held in the same high regard as legendary Intercontinental Champions such as Mr. Perfect, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Rhodes felt the way to accomplish this way by doing away with the current incarnation of the title and bringing back the classic look. Despite its collective disdain for Cody, the WWE Universe loved the throwback to yesteryear and Rhodes has proudly carried the title ever since. (PHOTOS: CLASSIC INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP)

Mick Foley

One week before The Rock and John Cena teamed up at Survivor Series,
Mick Foley returned to WWE and presented Cena with a special “This is
Your Life.” As his gesture turned to embarrassment for Cena, The Great
One silenced Foley with a shocking Rock Bottom. However, that did not
keep the Hardcore Legend down for long as he kicked off the holiday
season as Jolly ol’ St. Mick for a special live edition of SmackDown. It
remains to be seen how involved Foley will be with WWE in the months
ahead, but the WWE Universe is surely having nicer days knowing that the
former WWE Champion has come back home.

Masked Kane
After being sidelined due to an injury suffered at the hands of Mark Henry, Kane disappeared from WWE for months. In December, The Big Red Monster resurfaced during Henry's battle with John Cena on WWE Raw SuperShow. In a fiery rage, Kane - wearing a mask to cover his visage as it had long ago - shockingly attacked Cena. The comeback of The Big Red Monster's mask seems to have brought Kane back to a much darker place, and has put Cena and the entire WWE Universe on notice. (PHOTOS: MASKED KANE HISTORY)

The Rock
The WWE Universe thought it would never happen, but… FINALLY, The Rock has come back to WWE! The People’s Champion electrified the world when he returned to WWE as the host of WrestleMania XXVII. However, The Great One’s return was to be even greater than anyone could possibly imagine. The night after The Show of Shows, The Rock and John Cena agreed to square off at WrestleMania XXVIII. If that wasn’t enough, at Survivor Series, The People’s Champ returned to the squared circle, teaming with Cena to defeat R-Truth & The Miz. The return of The Great One has delighted the millions – and the millions – of The Rock’s fans all over the world, certainly making his comeback the most electrifying of 2011.

01-05: WWE's January moments to remember

January. It’s a month of new beginnings, and nobody knows how to christen a calendar year better than WWE. Our Januarys have seen title changes, brand launches, celebrity shenanigans and the debut of a bona-fide global phenomenon. And that's not including the annual Royal Rumble Match! In any case, just because the holidays are over, it doesn’t mean January’s stingy in giving the WWE Universe the classic moments it craves. Here, WWE.com cherry-picks five timeless moments from the Januarys of yesteryear.

JAN. 18, 1971: IVAN KOLOFF DEFEATS BRUNO SAMMARTINO FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Some of the younger members of the WWE Universe might be surprised to know that the longest-running title reign for the WWE Championship belonged to Bruno Sammartino, who held the title more than seven years in the nascent days of WWE. Widely acknowledged as one of the quintessential WWE Champions, Sammartino’s unequalled run came to an end in New York City against the towering “Russian Bear,” Ivan Koloff. The two giants battled it out in a surprisingly fast-paced match, but The Bear’s flying knee from the top rope secured the win and ended Sammartino’s unmatched reign. In an unprecedented turn of events, Sammartino would win the title back in 1973 and kick off a nearly four-year reign as champion.

JAN. 23, 1984: THE BIRTH OF HULKAMANIA
When he took to the ring to face The Iron Sheik for the WWE Championship under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Hulk Hogan was just a man. A charismatic, supremely talented man, but a man nonetheless. One grueling match changed all that: In the split-decision that launched a phenomenon, Hogan was selected as a last-minute replacement for Bob Backlund to contend for the Sheik’s title, and the two Superstars brawled it out in a classic match before a ravenous New York City crowd. When he landed the Atomic Leg Drop and the crowd erupted around him, nobody could deny that Hulk Hogan had gone from a man to an icon, a legend on the first step to an unimpeachable WWE career. It was announcer Gorilla Monsoon who said it best, really, as Hogan basked in the glory of his victory: “Hulkamainia. Is. HERE!!!” 

JAN. 11, 1993: MONDAY NIGHT RAW DEBUTS
Monday Night Raw is the longest-running episodic show in TV history, but believe it or not, it was once just a gleam in WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s eye. The inaugural Raw broadcast live from New York City’s Manhattan Center on January 11th, 1993 with Mr. McMahon, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Rob Barnett hosting. That first Raw was an hour-long show that saw Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels defeat Max Moon and Yokozuna score a victory over Koko B. Ware. However, only one WWE Superstar remains with the company from the roster that fateful night: The Undertaker, who defeated Damien Demento in his Monday Night Raw debut.

JAN. 31, 1999: "HALFTIME HEAT"
One of the most vicious rivalries for the WWE Championship came in the late ‘90s, when The Rock and Mankind battled over a period of four months for the WWE’s supreme prize. Their rivalry reached its historic peak during an “Empty Arena” match that took place during halftime of Super Bowl XXXIII, with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on commentary and a full crew working the ring. The sprawling "Halftime Heat" contest took Mankind and The Brahma Bull through the bowels of the arena, spilling through office areas and kitchens (potential note for John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII: The People’s Champion does NOT take kindly to a giant bag of popcorn to the face) before finally reaching its end out in the parking lot. With both men on their last legs, Mankind used Mr. Socko to incapacitate The Great One before pinning him with a forklift to reclaim the coveted championship. The Rock would win the title back a few weeks later in a Ladder Match to end their rivalry, and Mankind would only claim the title himself one final time, when he defeated Triple H and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a Triple Threat Match seven months later at SummerSlam. The ultimate irony of this contest? Once the bad blood cooled, the two would eventually find tag-team success as The Rock N’ Sock Connection. Perhaps a Cena-Rock bro hug isn't impossible, after all.

JAN. 1, 2007: JOHN CENA VS. KEVIN FEDERLINE (WE SWEAR THIS HAPPENED.)
In the waning weeks of 2006, the former Mr. Britney Spears appeared on Raw and, eventually, got himself in a skirmish with then-WWE Champion John Cena. The rivalry reached its apex when Federline cold-cocked The Champ with the World Heavyweight Title at Cyber Sunday and cost Cena the “Champion of Champions” Match between himself, World Heavyweight Champion King Booker and ECW Champion Big Show. On the first Raw of 2007, Cena and K-Fed went toe-to-toe in the ring, but interference from Cena’s rival Umaga would incapacitate the Cenation leader and allow Federline to pick up the win. Cena would get his revenge later that night with a bone-crushing Attitude Adjustment, but the final score remains thus: Kevin Federline: 1; John Cena: 0.

WWE Network’s First Airing, Fans Offered Refunds Due To Orton Injury

WWE offered refunds to fans at a SmackDown! live event in Detroit, Michigan Wednesday due to Randy Orton’s injury at the SmackDown! tapings Tuesday night. During an in-ring promo, Wade Barrett noted that Orton will likely be out of action for about six months.

With the WWE Network debuting just days before WrestleMania 28, the first program to air on the network will be a three-part series called WrestleMania Rewind, which will look back at key moments from WWE’s flagship event.