Wwe Magazine June 2014 1o571v
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Contents
JUNE 2014
30 arE yOu a sETh, rOman Or DEan? Take our quiz to see which Hound of Justice is most like you. Then fist bump!
brawl
knOwlEDGE 24 hurT lOckEr We took a peek inside Goldust’s locker and we have the shiny glitter on our hands to prove it.
36 bODy shOp Sheamus teaches you how to work out like a Warrior with an inspired boot camp routine.
20 jErk Of ThE mOnTh The New Age Outlaws are back! And they have the same ’tudes.
28 fIGhT aT ThE musEum Zack Ryder pays tribute to foam fingers, the one object that doesn’t hurt when it hits you.
38 nuTrITIOn Want to jumpstart your metabolism? Read these easy to incorporate tips endorsed by the highflying Kofi Kingston.
22 usO famIly TalEs Jimmy and Jey Uso reveal what it’s like growing up in Rikishi’s very large shadow.
32 wwE Or fIcTIOn Can you tell the diference between a WWE storyline and a popular YA fiction series?
18 wwE’s bIGGEsT DEbTOrs Ready for WWE Payback with tales of Superstars who owe a friend or foe.
40 TwwEET us Always looking to put a stop to the moral and intellectual
decline of the WWE Universe, Damien Sandow answers your Twitter questions. 42 DIva Of ThE mOnTh Dancing Diva Summer Rae opens up about how she likes to spend her free time. 44 quIz Revenge in WWE is nothing new. Can you answer these 10 questions about vengeance, both past and present?
ID STATEMENT Issue #101 of WW Magazine (ISSn 1933-4524, uSPS 720-450, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Agreement no. 0392960) is published every four weeks, 12 times a year by WWe. © 2014 WWe, 1241 east Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902 and published in Canada by WWe Canada, (GST no. R12189385), 2 Lansing Square, Suite 1003, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada M2j 4P8. Basic subscription rates are $24.97 for 12 issues and $44.97 for 24 issues for u.S. and u.S. possessions. Any special issue will count as a monthly subscription issue. Canadian rates are $29.97 for 12 issues and $54.97 for 24 issues including 7% GST. Foreign rates are $44.97 for 12 issues and $84.97 for 24 issues. ALL ORDeRS ARe PAYABLe In u.S. FunDS OnLY. nO FOReIGn CReDIT ORDeRS WILL Be ACCePTeD. Periodical Postage Paid at Stamford, CT, and other additional mailing ofices. POSTMASTeR: Send address changes to WWe, WWe, PO Box 16779 north Hollywood, CA 91615-9996. All Rights Reserved. All WWe programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWe. and its subsidiaries. The ultimate Warrior is the trademark of ultimate Creations, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 WWe, All Rights Reserved.
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JUNE 2014 FEATURES 46 THE 2014 POWER PLAYERS From Daniel Bryan and Sheamus to The Authority and The Wyatt Family, these are the Superstars who redefine what it truly means to have power in WWE. 52 THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS Find out who took the top spot in a year’s worth of WWE.com’s Power Rankings and how they stacked up against whom the WWE Universe chose. Controversy! 58 THE BATTLE TO BE NAMED...THE BEST WWE TOWN Does your city have what it takes to be deemed the greatest place in the WWE Universe? The fight for the title begins here!
54 & 66 GLAMOUR GIRL & BOHEMIAN BEAUTY The Bellas star in their very own Q&As. You won’t believe what they said about John Cena and Daniel Bryan!
60 THE CHESTS OF THE SUPERSTARS: PECTORALIS MAJOR Sometimes a Superstar’s chest says just as much about them as their face.
RINGSIDE 70 RINGSIDE Jaws drop at WrestleMania XXX, Bray Wyatt tries to bring out John Cena’s inner monster, and Triple H draws a line in the sand by reuniting with some old buddies. 80 BACKSTAGE Brock Lesnar lives by the motto “Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat.” Paul Heyman explains the moments before The Beast Incarnate puts these words into action.
4 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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THIS JUNE, AMERICA’S
CHAMPIONS
WILL BE REVEALED.
THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES ARE COMING JUNE 14-21, 2014 | NEW JERSEY WWE is a Proud er of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and you can be too! Learn how you can the celebration by visiting www.2014specialolympics.org.
Volunteer | Donate | Cheer @2014USAGAMES
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MASTHEAD 2014 POWER ISSUE
DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE POWER LIES?
In the WWE Universe, it’s not necessarily where you think it might be!
JUNE 2014 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, DIGITAL & PRINT PUBLICATIONS
John Mihaly
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DIGITAL & PRINT
David Hilton
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Christine Reilly
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR
Rodger Weinfeld
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Max Bakke
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Kayla Parent Jeff Laboon
COPY CHIEF EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR EDITORIAL INTERN
David Podgurski Cody Barbierri, Paul Geraghty, Nicholas Sampogna Ben Cohn
ART SENIOR ART DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNER, DIGITAL PUBLISHING
Damian Wilkinson Crhistian Rodriguez Kyla Paolucci
PHOTOGRAPHY DEPUTY PHOTO EDITOR, DIGITAL & PRINT
We see a lot of powerful things happen in and around the ring—but watching feats of strength isn’t what makes them or WWE so powerful. The most powerful muscle in WWE is the mind. We were blown away when Cesaro tossed Big Show at WrestleMania XXX. Sure, it was impressive: But more so was the emotion involved in creating a ’Mania moment. The same holds true for Daniel Bryan. Surviving two matches was epic, but 75,000 strong “Yessing!” with their new champion—now that was truly powerful. And then the following evening on Raw, when The Ultimate Warrior would deliver his final, most memorably moving promo. Those words moved the WWE Universe more than any rope-shake or Gorilla Press ever could. So in this, our 2014 Power Issue, it’s not about the muscles. It’s about how Superstars truly show their power by connecting with the of the WWE Universe. Enjoy.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Per Bernal, Rich Freeda, John Giamundo DIGITAL IMAGING BY
Eric Heintz
6 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
PHOTO EDITOR
Josh Clutter
PHOTO INTERN
Robert Cioffi
PUBLISHING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, DIGITAL & PRINT DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING
Rob Bernstein Gregory Godfrey
DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL PLANNING
Patrick Tuttle
SR. MANAGER, GENERAL ING
Lisa Pensiero
CIRCULATION PREMEDIA
National Publisher Services Catchlight Digital
WWE may share information about magazine subscribers with third party advertising partners that we deem of interest for our readers. These third parties may send subscriber’s information about their products or services. WWE does not allow them to sell or transfer subscriber Personal Information to others. For more information, including instructions about how to opt-out, please see WWE’s online at http://www.wwe.com/ help/generalfaq/privacy-policy or write to us at WWE Magazine, 1241 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902.
INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS
ON THE COVER
THE POWER ISSUE
Meg Reinhardt
BONUS The Battle To Be The Best WWE Town Starts Here!
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JOHN CENA VS. LUKE HARPER RAW MARCH 24, 2014 BROOKLYN, NY
It takes a lot to catch John Cena of guard. The 14-time World Champion has seen his father attacked by Randy Orton and been told to “embrace the hate” by Kane, but that pales in comparison to the mind games The Wyatt Family played on him. As Cena aimed to send a message to Luke Harper, the lights abruptly cut out just before he could land an Attitude Adjustment. When they were restored, The Wyatts had him tied to the ropes and wearing their trademark sheep mask. Super creepy.
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Photography by R I C H F R E E DA
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june 1 wwe payback • 9
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F
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SHEAMUS VS. BATISTA SMACKDOWN MARCH 28, 2014 BOSTON, MA
JBL loves to say, “We fight on Friday night.” None have been more successful on SmackDown than Batista and Sheamus, though. The Animal dominated the blue brand in 2005, holding onto the World Heavyweight Championship for 282 days. The Celtic Warrior followed suit in 2012 when he Brogue Kicked his way to a 210day World Title reign while on SD. The brand split may have ended, but when these bruisers finally squared of, it was a Friday dream match come true.
10 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Photography by dav i d g u n n
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C
SIC LAS
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JERRY LAWLER VS. RODDY PIPER KING OF THE RING JUNE 19, 1994 BALTIMORE, MD
It takes a king to know a king, and Jerry Lawler didn't see much royalty in "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Lawler made a Piper impersonator kiss his feet days before their matchup, but the real "Hot Rod" wasn't as in awe of his Not-So-Excellency. Piper hadn't been in action in more than two years—last competing at WMVIII—but he didn't show any signs of rust. Lawler clocked him with brass knuckles, but The Rowdy One survived and floored him with a suplex for the comeback victory.
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 13
62.5%
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>BRAWL
Winning percentage of Triple H at WrestleMania when he’s accompanied to ringside. The WWE COO boasts a 5-3 record when ed by a manager on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
14’
HE BY T
NUM
BER
S
Height, in feet, of the tallest wooden spikes in the Middle Ages. Spikes were used to combat soldiers on horses. Unlike the ones surrounding Triple H’s throne, though, they were typically wooden.
DANIEL BRYAN VS. TRIPLE H APRIL 6, 2014 NEW ORLEANS, LA
Daniel Bryan’s rise didn’t fit into Triple H’s plan for his kingdom. The Authority cost Bryan the WWE World Heavyweight Title at Elimination Chamber, sending a message that the Chief Operating Oficer would never let him stand on top. The Goat and the WWE Universe fought back, occupying Raw and demanding a match against Triple H. To remind everyone that he ruled WWE with unchecked power like a medieval king, The Game set the stage for war at ’Mania by sitting atop an extravagant gilded throne.
14 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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1367
Year the Black Prince’s Ruby was first bestowed to royalty. The English crown prominently features a cross pattee, the inspiration for Triple H’s trademark logo.
3,009
WorldMags.net Days between the birth of the “King of Kings” nickname and WrestleMania XXX. Triple H first bestowed the title on himself in a 1/9/06 Raw interview.
18
Number of years Cangrande della Scala ruled Verona, Italy. “O Verona” played as Triple H surveyed his kingdom at WMXXX. Cangrande was known for his combat prowess, much like The Game.
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Photography by c r a i g m e lv i n
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GO TO MAG.WWE.COM AND SAVE! Make check or money order payable to WWE Magazine and mail to: WWE Magazine PO Box 6341 Harlan, IA 51593-3841. In Canada, add (U.S.) $5.00 for 12 issues to U.S. Price. (7% GST included.) Foreign add (U.S.) $20.00 for 12 issues to U.S. Price. Payment in U.S. Funds only. An annual subscription includes 12 issues at the regular cover price of $83.88 per year. Newsstand-only special issues are not included, but WWE Magazine reserves the right to substitute a special issue for a monthly issue. By subscribing you are agreeing to WWE’s , and the third party uses of information described therein. For more information, including instructions to opt-out, please visit: http://www.wwe.com/help/generalfaq/privacy-policy or see the text on Page 6 of this issue. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of frst issue. © 2014 WWE. All Rights Reserved.
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Superstars In Debt!
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While WWE Payback is mostly about settling debts in the ring, WWE is stuffed with stories of Superstars who owe one another for an assist from time to time. With another event looming in June, celebrate these Superstars with debts to repay that won’t hurt their credit score.
JUNE 1, 2014 8P M O,
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A
STONE COLD’S DEBT TO MR. McMAHON
That’s the bottom line...and the fine print.
The legendary Mr. McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry came to a shocking end at WrestleMania X-Seven when The Chairman’s interference allowed Stone Cold to defeat The Rock to win the WWE Championship. For the next several months, instead of tormenting McMahon with the gift of Stunners, Austin gave The Chairman presents and hugs and serenaded McMahon in return for helping him reclaim the title.
BIG SHOW’S DEBT TO JOHN LAURINAITIS Big Show made a horrible career choice when he mocked John Laurinaitis’s voice in ing. An innocent joke turned into tears when Big Johnny fired Show. When Laurinaitis faced John Cena at Over The Limit 2012, The World’s Largest Athlete stormed through the crowd, looking like he’d help end Big Johnny’s tenure as General Manager. But Show saved Laurinaitis by KO’ing Cena, earning an ironclad contract.
RANDY ORTON’S DEBT TO TRIPLE H
VIRGIL’S DEBT TO TED DIBIASE
Triple H saw something special in Randy Orton, so The Game took him under his wing in Evolution. Under Triple H’s tutelage, Orton became Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Champion. Orton has since become a 12-time World Champion, including a Triple H–assisted title victory at SummerSlam 2013. They may not always play nice, but The Viper owes a huge debt to The Game for teaching him the ropes.
Nobody knew Virgil. Hoping to have some extra protection, The Million Dollar Man hired the little-known Superstar as his bodyguard. Virgil was tasked with many assignments, from rubbing DiBiase’s feet to carrying his money to cheap-shotting opponents. In the blink of an eye, though, Virgil went from an unknown to a regular fixture and, when he finally said no more to DiBiase, a fanfavorite.
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As hard as they try, these Superstars just can’t seem to bring down the Money In The Bank briefcase. Could this year be it?
BO
ALEX RILEY’S DEBT TO THE MIZ
Riley placed third in NXT Season 2, but The Miz saw potential and signed him to a personal services contract. Riley stood in his mentor’s corner, stacking the odds in The Awesome One’s favor and often making sure that Miz left with his WWE Title. Riley readily volunteered to stare down the toughest challengers, from Randy Orton to John Cena.
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ’S DEBT TO ALBERTO DEL RIO When Del Rio debuted, he wanted to showcase his immense wealth, and hired Ricardo Rodriguez as his personal ring announcer. Rodriguez always stood by Del Rio even if it meant being on the receiving end of a beat down. Over time, Del Rio came to appreciate Rodriguez more than just an employee, exacting revenge on the rivals who hurt him.
CODY RHODES 4 Appearances; 0 Wins
, JUNE 29 2014 STO
N,MA • TD
GA
Cody Rhodes was this close to pulling down the briefcase last year before Damien Sandow ripped it away from him. He’s young, funny, and been in every Ladder Match since 2010. If anyone’s going to break through, it’s him. CHRIS JERICHO 4 Appearances; 0 Wins
EDGE’S DEBT TO LITA
“On This Day...” I will pay you back.
Lita brought out Edge’s inner Rated-R Superstar when she betrayed her husband Kane to guide Edge to victory in the final of the Raw Gold Rush Tournament. After kicking Kane to the curb, Lita ed Edge on the hunt for his first WWE Championship in 2006. Lita didn’t receive a lot of praise from the roster for her relationship with Edge, but he defended her honor without hesitation.
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Already with a Hall of Fame-worthy career, Jericho could still use a win at this event to make us forget about some lackluster recent returns to the ring. A contract cashin would be just the thing he needs to net him a seventh World Title also. KOFI KINGSTON 4 Appearances; 0 Wins
The Spring-Loaded Superstar has always been close to the main event scene on more than one occassion only to slide back down the ladder, figuratively. To finally win the gold, Kingston is going to need a little bit of luck. CHRISTIAN 6 Appearances; 0 Wins
WWE’s version of “always a bridesmaid…” is a MITB staple with a highlight reel worth of moments. For someone looking to carve out a legacy that rivals his bestie Edge, a win would go a long way to making his own case for enshrinement.
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 19
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These Dads Can Beat Up Your Dad!
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JUNE 5, 2014 1
This Father’s Day, we take a look at the Legends whose grappling skills were only matched by how much they looked like they could flip a steak.
Every 30 Days, WWE Magazine celebrates the roster’s most malicious malcontents and the evil they’ve wrought on the WWE Universe by honoring them with our prestigious trophy. Say hello to this month’s bad guys: The New Age Outlaws THE “YOU’VE STILL GOT IT” JERK INDEX We’re Willing To Overlook
Road Dogg’s famous line, “Oh you didn’t know…” needs a 21st-century upgrade. We live in the age of Twitter, Instagram and texting. No one calls anyone anymore.
ARN ANDERSON Those four fingers Anderson’s holding up are for the
four times that the Hall of Famer has asked you to clean out the garage. He’s not going to ask you again. MIKE SHARPE
His doctor says it’s good to get 30minutes of exercise in the ring three days a week. BOB BACKLUND
He gets it if you want to quit Model UN, but thinks you’ll learn more if you stick with it.
STAN HANSEN
If Stan Hansen asked you to return the car on time, you’d make sure it had a full tank in it. RICK RUDE
Your dad and Rude had the same moustache, and both probably had eyes for your mom.
DEAN MALENKO
JAKE ROBERTS
Dean’s weekend plans? We’re guessing about nine holes Saturday and firing up the grill Sunday.
Dads are ageless, like Roberts, who always had the same look throughout his career.
20 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Kinda Jerkish Like classic baddies, The Outlaws are taking it out on the smallest in WWE, like the tiny El Torito, and trying to prank stars such as Betty White. Don’t mess with Golden Girls, guys, they’ve got friends. Major League Jerks Road Dogg and Billy Gunn may have finally flown too high to the sun when they jumped The Shield on SmackDown. Have you seen Roman Reigns’s Spear, guys? Enjoy the month-long indigestion. Total & Complete Jerks The Outlaws are still unflinchingly devoted to The Authority, and often called in to handle the COO’s dirty work. That’s earning them no love from the WWE Universe. You have to wonder why they do it. Did they lose some sort of bet to Triple H?
STAN HANSEN: COURTESY PRO WRESTLING ILLUSTRATED; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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By being loyal to The Authority and always doing what’s best for business, we’re awarded with Jerk of the Month? The audacity is mind-boggling! Our loyalty is its own reward. Just call us The Corporate Outlaws. DOGG & GUNN
Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 21
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Uso Family Tales
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JUNE 5, 2014 1
Jimmy and Jey Uso grew up among sports-entertainment royalty. The twins talk about being raised in their father Rikishi’s shadow, why dad always knows best and how being an Anoa’i keeps them looking up. THE USOS ON WHAT ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT FAMILY REUNIONS…
Jimmy: Barbecues and luau dances— everybody comes together because most of our family has always been traveling, and everyone lives on the West Coast. When we get together, it’s all conversing and eating—barbecue, of course—more food and more food. We just chill and have a good time. THE USOS ON LISTENING TO THEIR PARENTS…ALWAYS…
Jey: We were some hard-headed kids. I broke my arm when I was little, probably nine or 10 years old. My dad said, “Get of the tree.” But after he went back in the house, I climbed back up the tree, fell of and snapped my right arm in half. So I’m screaming and crying, and my dad walks out. It’s crazy, I’m hollering like somebody just shot me. My dad walks out and I just shut up and look at him, though. He looked at me and said, “What did I tell you?” I’m sitting there and I’m more scared of my dad than having my arm broke. He goes, “Now sit there and think about what you just did.” But in the end, my dad rode in the ambulance with me. THE USOS ON WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE FIRST MEET THEIR DAD...
Jey: We were freshmen playing football in high school and we were real, real good. We were the new kids at football, but we were holding our own. People would say, “These new kids are good.” All of a sudden, word gets around Riki-
shi’s twins are playing on this team. Well, we were the only twins. One day, my dad—this big guy with blond hair—rides up on this lime-green motorcycle. He’s got matching clothes on, looking like a big Skittle. It’s just obvious. He rides right up to the field and practice just stops. I look at my brother like, “Man, he’s here. Now we really have to play hard.” Everyone said, “That is your guys’ dad?” That’s when my dad was coming in hot with Too Cool. He was finally getting his recognition. It was pretty bad.
THE USOS ON HOW FAMILY LIFE KEEPS THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE...
Jimmy: We’re lucky to be The Usos. WWE lets us be us. We’re fortunate to have our characters in our hands. For people who don’t know us outside the ring, we just like to have a good time. We’re that way. If something goes wrong, we hate holding grudges. It’s how we were raised. Life is too short. So we just like to always keep it positive. If you think negative, negative stuf comes around. If you’re negative, you’ll attract negative people.
BATISTA: THE ANIMAL UNLEASHED
BATISTA’S VERBAL BEATDOWNS
It’s hardly surprising that a man nicknamed “The Animal” has a short temper. Batista isn’t afraid to unleash it—as evidenced on his new home video release—out June 10th! 22 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
“YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!”
“DEAL WITH IT!”
“I HATE YOU, TOO!”
“YOU’RE NOTHIN’ WITHOUT ME!”
Believing that Rey Mysterio cost him the title at Bragging Rights 2009, Batista unleashed pain on his former buddy.
When a betrayed fan shouted “I hate you, Batista,” at Extreme Rules ’10, an angry Animal returned the favor with a similar sentiment.
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After hearing boos upon his 2014 return, Batista told the WWE Universe that he didn’t return to be liked and that he was the best Superstar ever.
A wounded Animal quit WWE in a bratty huf in ’10 when GM Bret Hart named Randy Orton the No. 1 Contender by forfeit.
PROMOTION
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o obydo IA MYSTERY” o c s / om ESTLEMAN D OOBY-DOO! WR book.c LLAR
. MCMAHON SC ATION PRESENTEL” ISLE GRIFFIN MATTHEW LILA THE MIZ LINTRE IPLE H MILRCOX IM AN S. O R B ID W HN GREY D NTINO MAREL S AND WARNER PRODUCER DAV A, WWE STUDSIOOF FRANK WELKER MINDYHAECOL COLE KANE AJ LEE LUSAISI CO-PRODUCER ALAN BURNETT VIETTI ER B AR B AN AN H PRODUCEDED BY BRANDON VOICE TALENT ECT US CLAY MIC R MICHAEL J. STARRING THE N CENA BROUDCTIONS PROEXEDUCCUTERSIVE TEDSAM REGISTEFORD WRITTEBYN MICHAEL RYAN DIR H JO K AC M R D EDI AF CCO O ST M PR Y LE A AR KY ER BY M B AR E S S. DUTTON BY HANNA-B MAN MUSICBYRYAN SHOR WITH CHARLE D ON CHARACTERS CRG EAVOITECED TE SUNDER BASE CASTIN BY COLLET
Face
AND
AND
DIRECTION
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SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Hanna-Barbera. WWE, the WWE logo, JOHN CENA, TRIPLE H, KANE, THE MIZ, SANTINO MARELLA, AJ LEE, BRODUS CLAY, SIN CARA, and MR. McMAHON are trademarks of WWE. All rights reserved.
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THE
HURT LOCKER
4
3
A WWE Magazine bag-check reveals Goldust’s locker hides enough gilded swag to make King Midas jealous. 5 1. Glitter and Paint “I usually purchase paint once each month and go through several little three-ounce canisters during that month. So it gets very pricey very fast.” 2. Gold Bond “That was a joke, but every gold Superstar such as myself has feet problems, so I put some Gold Bond in there for my golden feet. I wouldn’t dare put it on my body, though.”
6
1
6
4. Statue “The fertility idol was used in a couple of shoots that I had, and I just wanted it in my locker because I have a picture of me holding it on my wall at the house. It’s just a really cool picture and it’s kind of just a side thing that I wanted in the locker.” 5. “#Perseverance” Mirror “Perseverance is what I live by daily, being six years clean and sober and still going strong, and in the best shape of my life and persevering. I have that tattooed on my arm. It has tons of meaning.” 6. Gear and Boots “I like Stage Coach boots. They just did a pair with a matching ‘Brotherhood’ symbol for Cody and I for ’Mania but they arrived 5 minutes too late. Those are the black with ‘G’ ones. I got some gold and black ones that are really sweet, too.”
24 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIUS BUGGE; PROP STYLING BY LINNEA KEMPER FOR AMAX
3. Gloves “I wore pink gloves for Breast Cancer Awareness month, but I stick to regular batting gloves and replace them when they get really stinky. At the beginning of the Goldust creation, I had custom gold gloves. But they always fell of, so now I just get these.”
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Whether they received them inside the ring or out, to the of the WWE locker room, these so-called “badges of honor” all tell stories that they (and you) are most likely never to forget.
RO M A N RE IGN S “It happened in the heat of the moment in The Shield’s match versus Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston and Big E (Raw, 2/3/14) so it didn’t really hurt per se. It was only after the stitches and once the adrenaline wore of around the time that I was going to sleep when I started to feel the pain. But in the moment, I didn’t feel anything. I think it’s badass. It’s a keepsake and a memory that I’ll have for doing something that I love. I’ve certainly given a few scars in my day, more than I’ve received—trust me. As for comparing scars with the rest of The Shield, we always make sure if we see each other nicked up or bruised up, that we get it taken care of because you never want a little thing to become a big thing. We’ve got each other’s backs.”
26 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
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>BRAWL
Fight At The Museum
FOR MORE FIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, THE WWE MAGAZINE APP TODAY!
Today’s Superstars pay tribute to some of the biggest, strangest, and most important items of WWE days past. Photography by R I C H F R E E DA
A CONVERSATION WITH ZACK RYDER ABOUT FOAM FINGERS: “Most are kind of average—common, if you will. I used to collect foam fingers from around 1997 until about now. I bought every foam finger they made. And I went back on eBay and got some of the old ones. I’ve got Hacksaw’s two-by-four, Big Boss Man’s nightstick, Tatanka’s tomahawk, Brutus Beefcake’s scissors—those are my
personal favorites. One of the coolest things is that I used to collect these foam fingers and they made an orange Zack Ryder fist, which is pretty sick. So that’s awesome.” FROM THE ARCHIVIST: “The foam finger is the only merchandise that can serve as both a pillow
28 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
and an over-the-top ission of your fervent for a WWE Superstar or the latest craze. Anyone can say, ‘We’re No. 1,’ but foam takes on a variety of incarnations in the WWE Universe. The foam finger, or fist, or two-by-four, or talk bubble has helped the WWE Universe scream everything from ‘What?’ to ‘Yes!’ to ‘Hooooo!’ and all things in between. Foam makes our hands just as loud as our chants!”
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>BRAWL
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Are You a ,a or a ?
The Hounds of Justice work together flawlessly as a solid unit, but apart, these three couldn’t be more different. Take the quiz below to find out which member of The Shield is for you. 7. HOW DO YOU HANDLE DISAPPOINTMENT?
1. WHICH LEGO SERIES DO YOU LIKE MOST?
A: Brood and sulk B: Fix the problem C: Work out
A: Creator B: Hero Factory C: Architecture
8. PICK YOUR FAVORIT E COLO R A: Bla
’S YOUR ? 2. WHAT OF DOG E TYPE FAVORIT inscher
ORITE 9. FAV T Y L E? HAIR-S s sy
an P A: Doberm Shepherd n a rm e G B: n H u s ky C: Siberia
ck B: Black C: Black
t & Me A: Shor Wet & B: Long Messy & g n o C: L
3. WHAT SUPERHERO POWER WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE?
A: Telepathy/Telekinesis B: Super strength C: Flight
10. WHICH WOU LD YOU RATHER BE FOR HALLOWEEN? A: Drac
ula B: Werewolf C: Jekyl & Hyde
4. PICK A CLASS
A: Philosophy B: Gym UR FEELINGS C: Art 5. WHAT ARE YO ON TATTOOS?
ease A: No tattoos, pl better e th e, B: The mor eaningful ones m o tw or e On C:
ANSWERS:
6. WHAT QUALITY DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?
A: Strong and silent type B: Aggressive C: A risk taker
NEXT MONTH
Are you a Bray? A Luke? Or an Erick?
DO THE EMMA!
A step-bystep guide to the dance craze bigger than the Cupid Shuffle.
30 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
1. Begin in a starting position with feet together and both hands on your hips.
2. March in place, military-style, hands still at hips, knees as high as you can.
3. Stop. Keep your
left hand on your hip, point your right hand out.
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4. Right hand comes in as you point the left out to your side, keeping elbows tight.
5. Alternate steps
3 and 4 until music stops or you get distracted by bubbles.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEE WOODGATE, SONOFALAN.COM
If you answered A most: You’re a Dean Ambrose If you answered B most: You’re a Roman Reigns If you answered C most: You’re a Seth Rollins
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>BRAWL
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WWE or Fiction?
The following descriptions are either taken from a past WWE storyline, or ripped from a plot of a famous Young Adult fiction series. Can you tell the difference?*
DESCRIPTION
WWE
YA F
1. An unlikely duo must use their skills and work together to take down a powerful patriarch, who has betrayed them in the past. 2. A man comes to with his tumultuous beginning with the words “we don’t choose where we came from, but we can choose where we go from here.” 3. To revive the faded spirit, two hopefuls meet their idol, a legend, only to receive an aggressive and unexpected reception. 4. A group of rebels attack the established power structure, but it is all for naught as their ultimate goal remains out of their reach.
WE’LL SPOT YOU ONE Before all hell breaks loose, a young up-and-comer goes against the norm to choose a faction that will bring her unpopularity with her family, but success for herself. ANSWER: FICTION (DIVERGENT)
5. After a young boy’s parentage comes into question, two former friends turn against each other to fight for custody. 6. An ex-boyfriend seethes and gets pushed to his limits when his former lover and her new man rub their budding relationship in his face every chance they get.
WWE FLEXICON Wouldn’t practicing for the SATs be more fun if every time you looked up a word in the dictionary, you’d find a photo of a Superstar? We think so. So here’s a way for you bone up on some vocab with WWE. You’re welcome!
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*1. FICTION: CITY OF BONES; 2. FICTION: PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER; 3. FICTION: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS; 4. WWE: THE NEXUS ATTACKS RAW; 5. WWE: REY MYSTERIO AND EDDIE GUERRERO BATTLE FOR CUSTODY OF DOMINIK; 6. WWE: EDGE/MATT HARDY/LITA LOVE TRIANGLE
32 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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WWE’s Greatest Underdog Tales
Daniel Bryan faced a steep uphill climb to the top of WWE, overcoming the odds despite The Authority’s constant meddling. The Goat isn’t the first Superstar to face adversity in WWE, however. See how Bryan stacks up against other Superstars and Legends who proved that it’s never been about the size of the dog in the fight. YES! YES! YES!
DANIEL BRYAN
MICK FOLEY
Bryan defeated The Authority, launching the “Yes!” Movement and becoming a main-eventer who prevailed at WMXXX.
Despite an unusual physique, Mick Foley became a Hall of Famer by redefining hardcore while flashing a smile.
SMALL STATURE; BIG HEART
CHRIS JERICHO
REY MYSTERIO
Standing at 5’6”, Rey Mysterio didn’t fit the bill of a World Champion, but earned a title match after winning the Royal Rumble.
PAUL HEYMAN
In the beginning, Paul Heyman was just a wrestling backstage photographer. But Heyman turned ECW into the Land of Extreme and competed with WWE and WCW.
AJ LEE
I CAME TO PLAY!
AJ Lee and her family overcame homelessness and together saved enough for Lee to attend wrestling school one day.
DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE A 35-year-old rookie, Diamond Dallas Page out-trained Superstars 10 years his junior to become a three-time World Champion.
PERSONAL DISADVANTAGES
EXTERNAL OBSTACLES
Cruiserweights like Jericho found a showcase for his personality and exhilarating skillset in WWE instead of WCW.
THE MIZ
A reality star with no wrestling experience, The Miz used a lack of respect as motivation to become WWE Champion and to headline .
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
STEVE BLACKMAN ZACK RYDER
Blackman overcame malaria shortly after g a WWE contract but regained his strength through martial arts and became a WWE standout.
Tired of his mid-card rut, Zack Ryder created a popular YouTube series and captured the U.S. Championship.
B + P L AY E R S
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 33
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>BRAWL
You Got The Mic!
PARTS UNKNOWN WWE’S OFFICIAL TUMBLR SITE
EMAIL US! [email protected] It’s all about the Jefersons, baby.
TWEET US! @WWEMAGAZINE
FACEBOOK US! FACEBOOK.COM/WWEMAGAZINES
WRESTLEMANIA XXX PHOTO BOOTH! WWE Superstars, Divas, of the 2014 Hall of Fame class and more all stopped by the special photo booth set up backstage at this year’s Hall of Fame and Axxess! Head on over to wwe.com/wmphotobooth for more! Classic haunted house reaction.
Mick Foley is right here...in the photo booth!
NXT invades New Orleans.
WALKING THE WALK Dear WWE Magazine, Since I’m about to walk down the aisle myself, I’m especially interested in The Miz’s recent nuptials. What does he think is the strangest thing about being a newlywed? James F., Montréal, CAN WWE Magazine sends you big congratulations! And as a wedding gift, here’s what he had to say... “I’m not used to wearing rings, so that’s the main diference for me. But, I’m proud to wear it. Whenever you have a girl like Maryse, who I can literally talk to for hours on end about anything, I’m happy just hanging out with her.”—The Miz
Dear Eva Marie, There is a lot of competition at my job and I’m not really used to that type of atmosphere. As a fellow newbie, any advice on how to ignore it? Tamara O., Memphis, TN
HAVE A QUESTION FOR A SUPERSTAR? LET US KNOW!
“As long as you’re improving and doing the best job that you can, that’s all that matters. Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing; that won’t get you anywhere. ”
SUPERSTAR SOCK PUPPETS! Check out the June issue of WWE Kids to see what we—and Superstars Kofi and Sheamus—did with a pile of old socks!
DID YOU KNOW?
ARTISTS’ CORNER
FAN ART OF THE MONTH
We’re always seeking unique drawings of the Superstars. Send your work our way! Email MAGAZINE@ WWE.COM and we might publish your doodles. June’s prize: WMXXX on DVD.
34 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
KRISTEN M., via email
JEROEN K., via email
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Daniel Bryan was rocking a pair of fur-lined boots at The Show of Shows in honor of fellow long-haired outsider Bruiser Brody. Check it out!
ALL SUBMISSIONS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF WWE AND WILL NOT BE RETURNED. YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU (OR AN ENTITY OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY YOU) ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE OWNER OF ANY MATERIALS SUBMITTED. IN THE CASE OF T SUBMISSIONS, THE PERSONS SUBMITTING TLY (OR AN ENTITY OR ENTITIES OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY SUCH PERSONS) REPRESENT THAT THEY ARE THE EXCLUSIVE OWNERS OF THE MATERIAL. YOU EXPRESSLY GRANT TO WWE A ROYALTY-FREE, NON-EXCLUSIVE, PERPETUAL, UNRESTRICTED AND IRREVOCABLE WORLDWIDE RIGHT AND LICENSE TO SELL, USE, REPRODUCE, MODIFY, PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE SUCH MATERIALS, INCORPORATE SUCH MATERIALS INTO ANY FORM, MEDIA OR TECHNOLOGY NOW KNOWN OR LATER DEVELOPED FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE UTILIZE SUCH MATERIALS AND YOU WAIVE ANY MORAL RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE IN HAVING THE MATERIAL ALTERED OR CHANGED IN A MANNER NOT AGREEABLE TO YOU. YOU FURTHER GRANT WWE A NON-EXCLUSIVE, WORLDWIDE, ROYALTY-FREE LICENSE TO USE YOUR NAME, AND/OR LIKENESS OR THE NAMES OF ANY SUCH ENTITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMITTED MATERIAL. PERSONS SUBMITTING MATERIAL TO US (OR ANY ENTITY OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY SUCH PERSONS) REPRESENT THAT THEY HAVE NO REASONABLE BASIS TO BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF ANY SUCH SUBMISSION BY US WOULD INFRINGE UPON THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD-PARTY. SHEAMUS AND KOFI: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIUS BUGGE; EVA MARIE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN GIAMUNDO
Where readers sound off on the good, the bad and the ugly in WWE. And we give you awesome swag for it!
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WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
Work Out Like a Warrior Build a battle-tough body with help from Sheamus and this boot camp-inspired circuit.
Sandbag Bear Hug Squat Hug a sandbag against your body and position your feet about shoulder-width apart. Keeping your chest up, lower your hips down and back into a squat. Reverse the motion and stand up tall, dropping the sandbag once you are done with the whole set.
Divebomber Push-Up With your arms and legs straight, your body should form a triangle with the ground. Lower your head toward your hands and then drive your chest up while lowering your hips to the ground. Reverse the motion and push yourself back to the start.
Kettlebell Swing With feet shoulder-width apart, hold a kettlebell between your legs. While keeping a flat back and a slight bend in the knees, swing the kb forward by extending your hips standing up tall. Let the kb fall between your legs again as you hinge your hips and lower your torso.
Chain Waves Hold one end of each chain, with some slack. Stand with your knees bent slightly and holding the chains in front of you with your arms at 90 degrees, rapidly move your hands side to side making waves in the chains while maintaining good posture.
RECOVER FASTER! / Bounce back from injuries like a Celtic Warrior with these guidelines. R.I.C.E. Stands for “rest, ice, compression and elevation” and should be step one after any injury.
36 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
Go Small Perfom reps with less weight to stretch the muscle and tendons as you build strength.
Focus on Form Lifting lighter weights allows you to correct exercise form, a major cause of injury.
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Walk Away If the injured area starts to hurt, stop the lift. Pushing yourself only puts you at risk.
ILLUSTRATION BY PETE SUCHESKI; PROP STYLING BY LINNEA KEMPER FOR AMAX; GROOMING BY ALYSSA KRAUS FOR AMAX; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
By M A X B A K K E Routine by A DA M C O P E L A N D Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
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Perform as a circuit—Four rounds, as many reps as possible for 30 secs each.
Sledgehammer Tire Slam Pick up an old sledgehammer and hammer away at a tire. You don’t need anything else. Make sure you do not let the hammer bounce up toward you after you hit the tire. Control the hammer. Alternate each side of the body you strike the tire from.
“I came back stronger than ever because I took the time to recover properly.” —SHEAMUS
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 37
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
Jump-Start Your Metabolism! Speeding up your digestive system doesn’t have to mean working out until you’re wrecked. If you’re looking to kick-start your body, but you’re always on the go like Kofi Kingston, incorporate these small strategies that would easily fit into any Superstar’s schedule.
START INTERVAL TRAINING! Why: Your body will get as bored as you if you’re just walking on a treill a few times a week. Switch it up by walking for five minutes, then jogging. You’re system will keep up! Kofi says: “Doing the same workout for months on end will bring you straight to a plateau, especially as you get older and things slow down.”
38 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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ILLUSTRATIONS BY P E T E S U C H E S K I
WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE O R G A N IC
SNACK POST-WORKOUT! Why: A shake or banana with peanut butter helps your muscles recover and replenishes your energy. Kofi says: “This is absolutely something I do. After your workout, your body is basically starving for nutrients.”
Eating healthy can be hard, but so is not being happy with your body. Small changes will make a big difference. KOFI KINGSTON
GO ORGANIC! Why: Fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides keep your fat-burning system running smoothly because they don’t expose your thyroid to toxins! Kofi says: “Don’t eat blindly. Eat fresh! I don’t mean at the local sandwich shop.”
TRIM TRANS FATS! Why: These suckers literally afect your digestion speed. Their altered shape binds cells and slows them down. Kofi says: “This doesn’t mean 100% elimination—that can be dificult. But be cognizant of how much you’re having.” EAT SMALL MEALS! Why: To give your digestion that extra kick, keep it busy throughout the day by having five or six smaller meals. Kofi says: “It’s important to listen to your body. I snack throughout the day to keep energy up for physical activity.”
SPICE UP YOUR FOODS! Why: Including a bit of fire to food raises body temperature upon consumption and makes your tract work harder. Kofi says: “Easy for me because I grew up on spicy foods. Perhaps this is why I have such a fast metabolism!”
BAD BREAKFAST! Help your metabolism get a healthy start by avoiding these four morning meals that are well-known to work against you!
SIP CAFFEINE! Why: A reasonable amount of cafeine has been proven to increase the rate at which your body burns calories. Kofi says: “I enjoy a cofee right after my matches. I don’t need it to function, but I know it will keep things moving.”
DONUTS Duh. They’re chock-full of sugars, white flour, and trans fat, your metabolism’s top three opponents.
CEREAL Often a go-to, this sugary treat puts you in a carb coma and slows your body down, quickly.
DRINK GREEN TEA! Why: People who drink green tea burn up to 70-100 more calories a day due to the antioxidant catechin helping to fight fat oxidation in the body. Kofi says: “I’ll it it doesn’t always have the best taste, but I suck it up.”
NON-DAIRY CREAMERS Check the labels for “partially hydrogenated” oil, which is a witchy word for trans fat.
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LOADED BAGELS Bagels are already full of starch—don’t make it worse by slathering on butter or cream cheese.
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 39
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
Ask Damien Sandow…
On his quest to instruct the masses, Damien Sandow answers your questions about his gear, his first mag subscription, and which Superstar that even he looks to for advice. By K AY L A PA R E N T P h o t o g ra p hy by M A R I U S B U G G E
@ What’s the best strategy going into a Battle Royal Match like the one at WrestleMania XXX? Anthony V.; Annapolis, MD That’s easy—not get thrown over the top rope. Keep my back to the corner as much as possible so I can see who’s coming after me. Some Superstars haven’t been able to figure that out yet, so it is something I take advantage of.
@ Is there one city that you would love to bring a WWE pay-per-view? Todd K.; Jeferson City, MO London. Growing up I the remarkable match between Bret Hart and Davey Boy Smith at Wembley Stadium, and I would love to get a chance to experience the same atmosphere. It translated so well to where I was watching on TV and I’ll never forget it.
@ Do you have any plans in mind for new or updated gear in 2014? Henry T.; Lincoln, NE Of course not, what I have now is perfect and it works for me. My gear is solid, sleek, and straight to the point so it fits my personality. I won’t change my mind about that, because that would mean I was wrong the first time, and that simply doesn’t happen.
@ What has been your favorite thing to watch on WWE Network thus far? Kent Q.; Sacramento, CA All the old matches and events that took place at Madison Square Garden, the WrestleManias especially. There’s something about that venue that feels like home to us Superstars.
@ Where is Damien Sandow’s old signature robe these days? Glen E.; Norfolk, VA It’s being held in Washington, D.C., as they are waiting for a place in the Smithsonian to store it and with my permission, one day display it. Where else would it be?
@ Which Superstar backstage has the most useful wisdom and typically gives the best advice? Yukon O.; Carson City, NV Triple H. He’s not only a veteran of this business, but he knows what it takes to be a Superstar in this day and age, and doesn’t get caught up in the past. That is what is most valuable to someone like me.
@ Be honest: Has Damien Sandow ever taken a selfie? Jameson R.; East Lyme, CT Absolutely not. Everyone already knows what I look like, why do they need to see me holding my phone’s reverse camera in my face? Actually, that type of photo completely annoys me, please stop Tweeting them at me. @ What is the first magazine that you ever had a subscription to? Harrison K.; Boston, MA When I was in first grade, I got a subscription to WWE Magazine, of course. I already knew then I was going to be a Superstar, so I used it to study and take notes. I’m always prepared. @ And finally, fill in this blank: The WWE landscape needs more ________? Parker E.; Providence, RI There are a lot of answers to that question, but the best one—and the most pressing—is that the landscape needs more Sandow. That’s for a variety of reasons, the biggest one being that I’m the best and the most interesting Superstar on the roster.
WELCOME TO SLAM CITY! / The Superstars and Divas talk the newest animated series!
@JohnCena There’s a correct way to get an auto-tude adjustment and it’s with #WWE Slam City!
40 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
@Stephanie McMahon @wwemoms #WWESlamCity y goal is to expand our content ofering to reach kids and create lifelong fans.
@KaneWWE Watch a very diferent me on Slam City at WWESlamCity.com
@HEELZiggler If anyone can somehow combine my #slamcity y pic and mayor Quimby of Simpsons fame, I will like it, but not be IN like with it
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@WWESheamus Check out WWE #SlamCity. I get my dream job as a….cinema usher?!? Thanks Mr. Finisher!
@RandyOrton Do yourselves a favor. Check me out on #WWE Slam City.
WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE
GOT A BURNING QUESTION? In the coming months we’ll solicit Twitter questions for Xavier Woods, Cesaro and Sheamus. Fire of your best queries to: @WWEmagazine. If your questions are interesting enough, one of them just might make it into WWE Magazine! And you thought the Web was just for Soul Cycle videos.
WorldMags.net
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 41
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
Summer Lovin’
But being able to laugh at yourself is a good quality, so I’m going to try to that when I’m watching.
On the high heels of her in-ring debut, Summer Rae dishes on Total Divas , cheesy pick-up lines and mixing it up in the ring. B y K A Y L A P A R E N T Photography By J O N R A G E L
1. Where can we find you on days of ? Just being at my house is both a blessing and a reward, so when I’m there I usually don’t venture out. You can find me cooking my own food, going to the gym, and sleeping in my own bed!
WWE QUIZ
5. Is there something that was filmed that might be embarrassing, that you wouldn’t want on TV? Sometimes it’s hard for me to even hear the sound of my own voice, so I know there will be things that make me cringe.
2. When you do have downtime does Summer Rae turn of—or is your mind still on work? My mind is always on work. I try to watch movies, and read books because I know it’s important to escape, but I’ll often find myself streaming pay-per-views or watching the network.
6. The show has brought you a lot more exposure! Has any guy ever approached you with a cheesy line? If they’re funny enough, I think they’re great openers! Most of the time it’s harmless, and I think humor is very important in a relationship. I have to it that it’s very possible a line would work on me! 7. Is there a specific line that’s been used that comes to mind? “Are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.” That one gets me every time. What doesn’t? “Hey baby, you’re hot, let me buy you a drink.” 8. Where would you like to spend an entire summer if you could? My ultimate vacation destination would be Bora Bora. They have the huts there with the Jacuzzis—it seems so amazing and tropical. How can you not relax in a place like that?
3. Are you a planner, or do you go with the flow? I’m about maximizing my time. I make appointments for everything, even if it’s just getting my nails done.
9. What is your favorite part about being a WWE Diva? Being out in the community as much as we are. Doing Make-A-Wish and Be a STAR, those things are priceless to me. I love performing and being out in the ring, but getting to meet of the WWE Universe is my favorite part. • DIV
A D AY O F F • D
I VA
Y OF
F • D I V A D AY O F F
ore of To see m from the r Rae Summe om original WWE .c iva Day series “Dto wwe Off ” go m divas.co
•D
•D
I VA
D AY O F F • D I VA
OFF
DA
D AY
4. So, what was it like filming the second season of Total Divas? I have a newfound respect for the girls. Being that busy doesn’t even compare to the opportunity of being on the show!
10. You’ve recently made the transition from outside the ring, to in. What are you looking forward to most? The opportunities seem endless and everything is completely new to me. I love the physicality of being in the ring with an opponent. This is a year of “firsts”, and I can’t wait to see where the in-ring work takes me next. I’m exited!
I VA
D AY
O F F • D I V A D AY
OFF
11. With all these firsts, is there anything on the horizon for Summer Rae that the WWE Universe might not know about? There is! I am oficially going to be the first Diva that gets to be in a major motion picture—The Marine 4 alongside The Miz. I’m eager for the challenge and ready to venture out of my comfort zone.
42 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE I love the physicality of being in the ring with an opponent. I can’t wait to see where this year takes me.
STYLING BY SOFIA KARVELA FOR WWW.AGENTOLIVER.COM; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KRYSTYN JOHNSON
SUMMER RAE
WorldMags.net
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About…Acts Of Vengeance?
WWE Payback allows the Superstars a chance to get revenge on those who have done them wrong. We’ve compiled 10 vengeful questions about their deserved—and undeserved—comeuppance.
1
Undertaker finally got revenge on his newly returned brother Kane at ’Mania XIV. Can you find 5 differences between these two photos of that fateful night?
?
4
In 2010, “Dashing” Cody Rhodes took revenge on Rey Mysterio by unmasking him on SmackDown? Why?
At SummerSlam 2002, A defeated his former partner, B in an C as revenge for an attack in the D.
2
A
? B ? C ? D ?
44 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
True or False: After being spit on, Mick Foley got revenge on “Legend Killer” Randy Orton by eliminating him from the 2003 Royal Rumble.
3
?
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A
Rey broke his nose Rey stole his I-C Championship C Rey disqualified him at Survivor Series D Rey attacked him backstage B
WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE A
B
C
D
5
Which WWE Superstar did AJ Lee team up with back in 2012 to get back at her former flame John Cena and tormentor Vickie Guerrero? ?
6
Who Am I? After losing twice on The Grandest Stage of Them All to Stone Cold Steve Austin, I finally got my revenge at WrestleMania XIX.
?
7
John Cena got ultimate revenge on Wade Barrett and The Nexus at 2010’s TLC PPV in what type of match?
8
On which program did Randy Savage get payback on Jake Roberts for months of reptile-style sufering?
A
A
B
B
7,500 15,000 C 10,000 D 20,000
10 A
Triple Threat Match Ladders C Tables D Chairs
9
How many signatures did the petition to reinstate Matt Hardy get so he could get back at Lita and Edge?
B
?
Prime Time Wrestling Tuesday Night Titans C Saturday Night’s Main Event D Wrestling Spotlight
Unscramble Me: Looking to help Daniel Bryan get back at his condescending mentor, which celebrity finally granted him a match against The Miz?
HATSON UTHREcK
TIME’S UP! / Match your answers below to see where you rank in of WWE intelligence. 0 - 2
3 - 4
5 -7
8 - 9
10
LO C A L C O M P E T I TO R
N XT ROOKIE
TAG T E A M CHAMPIONS
UNITED STATES CHAMPION
W W E WO R L D H E AV Y W E I G H T CHAMPION
1. REFEREE IS MISSING A STRIPE, TOP ROPE IS MISSING, KANE STUDS ON GLOVE MISSING, KANE STUDS ON TOP MISSING, BOX IN TOP CORNER IS MISSING; 2. A. SHAWN MICHAELS, B. TRIPLE H, C. UNSANCTIONED STREET FIGHT, D. PARKING LOT; 3. FALSE: IT WAS THE 2004 ROYAL RUMBLE; 4. A; 5. B; 6. THE ROCK; 7. D; 8. A.B; 9. C; 10 ASHTON KUTCHER.
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 45
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It’s been less than a year since our last “Power Issue”—and the landscape of WWE has changed so dramatically that a reassessment was a necessity. Superstars have found inspiring (Daniel Bryan), entertaining (Total Divas) and terrifying (The Wyatts) ways to rise above the pack that more often than not have nothing to do with sheer strength and brute force.
• D A N I E L
B R YA N
POWER is in the PEOPLE
A
ll the way back in summer 2012, then-GM John Laurinaitis proffered his concept for “People Power,” but his pandering slogan was lacking one valuable component—the people themselves. A job review from The Chairman and a few well-placed Attitude Adjustments from John Cena put a quick and quiet end to that so-called movement. Daniel Bryan and his “Yes!” Movement, however, have faced a far greater array of challenges during the past year (The Authority and all of its many minions, The Wyatts and two
46 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
matches at WrestleMania XXX) and have not only weathered the storm but lived to see brighter, golden days thanks to their unyielding efforts and mutual system. Daniel Bryan said as much himself on the 4/7/14 episode of Raw: “When I started ‘Yessing,’ it wasn’t just a word and it’s not just a hand gesture. It’s not a movement; it’s not positive thinking; it’s not about any of that. It’s about the power that each and everyone one of us have to make change. And because of you guys and because of your power, last night I went into WrestleMania XXX, I beat The Authority, and right now, here I stand, as the new WWE World
Heavyweight Champion.” Although The Rock has used the moniker “The People’s Champion” for years, it might be time that he handed that particular nickname over to Daniel Bryan (Flying Goat and “Yes!” Man don’t quite do him justice). He’s certainly earned it and as the historically raucous crowd on that Raw after ’Mania reminded him, “You deserve it!” Bryan now has a growing system that no other Superstar in the locker room can boast, and it’s only limited by the amount of tickets that can be sold for a particular arena on that given evening. It’s the single most difficult type of power to attain in this business, but when used properly, it can help a Superstar overcome any obstacle in his way. Much like Bryan’s beloved Super-Bowl-Champion Seattle Seahawks and their 12th Man, this relationship between athlete and fanbase might be the greatest tag team ever formed in the history of WWE.
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Illustration By N I C O L E W I L K I N S O N
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75,167
of the WWE Universe chanting “Yes!” for Bryan’s epic wins at WMXXX.
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P T I S OW H E S E U R E
WorldMags.net POWER is in RECOVERY
• S H E A M U S
FACT #1: Sheamus was forced to sit out the latter half of 2013 with a torn labrum in his shoulder. FACT #2: The injured list is certainly no place for a Celtic Warrior. So what happens to an individual whose persona is based so much on unrelenting physical strength when he can’t even lift his arm? “When you go through a surgery like that, it definitely makes you think about a lot of things. It puts you through a tedious process of getting back in the ring,” Sheamus says. “I felt powerless after my surgery because I wasn’t able to move my arm, but after only two weeks I had more power over my recovery than anything else. It was in my hands. I did extra rehab. I was there for as long as I possibly could be. I was in the gym before I was supposed to be, so ultimately I had a lot of power. I was never truly powerless after my surgery. Everything was in my hands and I proved I could be back fitter, stronger and better than I was before I left. And I proved that, right?” Indeed he did in both his epic return at the Royal Rumble and his performance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX. “I’m in better shape—fitter, faster and stronger—so people who have known me over the last couple of years know they’re going to see a more improved, sharper Sheamus and a hungrier Sheamus, too!”
180
Number of days that The Celtic Warrior was out of action with a labrum injury.
• B A D
N E W S
POWER • Delivering “Bad
is
News” has the power to crumble an individual without landing a single blow. So how do sticks and stones stack up against words? According to Bad News
B A R R E T T
HAVING A VOICE Barrett, they’re two completely diferent things. “They can be used to complement one another, but I would never really compare the two. If I wanted to beat somebody up, I
would attack them with my fists. If I wanted to mentally tear them apart, then I’d use my voice. It’s a very intimidating thing to have someone tear you apart like that. The benefit of
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verbally knocking somebody out is that you can literally do it to anybody. You can do it men, women, children, old people—the kind of people you couldn’t necessarily commit physical violence to. Obviously, the benefit of verbally tearing someone apart is that it softens them up for the ring and makes them easier to knock out later.”
• G o l d u s t &
Power
WorldMags.net C o dy
is in
• This past year has seen a resurgence in tag team wrestling. The right pairing can do wonders for a Superstar’s career. It certainly worked for The Brotherhood. “I think Cody Rhodes in The Brotherhood, as opposed to Cody Rhodes alone, is a diferent type of power—a unique power. One that we didn’t anticipate coming across,” Cody
PartnershiPs
Rhodes says. “Part of the reason the fans appreciated The Brotherhood tag team is because we were two individuals that were most likely never going to cross paths against one another, so it’s this whole new type of power.” Goldust takes that sentiment one step further. “We are pretty powerful together because we are brothers, we
are family, we know each other. You can knock us down but we are going to get back up because we both have that intestinal fortitude and we know each other’s moves so well that if one is slacking, the other can pick it up, which is a big deal. We aren’t the powerhouses like so many teams, but we have a lot of heart. There’s nothing we can’t overcome.”
4
Number of partners that Cody has won Tag Team gold with.
D
on’t take our word about what total power means. Instead, listen to an “authority” on that subject, Stephanie McMahon: “Power represents the ability to shape and influence the world. The WWE Universe trusts us to make decisions in their best interest. Those decisions are not always the most popular, but we always do what’s best for business. Power is never absolute—we have to constantly prove ourselves and earn the respect of our Superstars, Divas and employees, as well as the WWE Universe. ...The decision-makers are the ones with all the power. No matter the ing fad or hiccup along the way, WWE is our legacy, a legacy created by my family 50 years ago. I was born into this power, I didn’t ask for it, and with my husband, our influence only grows. The Authority is WWE, and the Universe respects that order.” • t h e
a u t h o r i t y
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June 1 wwe payback • 49
• t h e
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w yat t s
Power is fear • At a combined
weight of 875 pounds, Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper are as formidable in size as any stable or tag team that came before them. But that’s not what makes them so scary. It’s not their facial hair that makes them scary, either. After all, the hirsute— see Page 32—Daniel Bryan is beloved by the WWE Universe. It’s not even their creepy entrance music and hurricane lantern that gets whifed out with a pronouncement of their presence in the darkened arena that makes them scary. No, what truly makes The Wyatt Family utterly terrifying is that they are able to instill fear and doubt in the hearts and minds of the Superstars of the WWE locker room. A loss to John Cena on The Grandest Stage of Them All, for example, did little to faze the trio. In fact, it seemed like win or lose, Bray’s plan for getting inside the head of The Champ would be the real victory for the night. And while he couldn’t convince Cena to take the cheap way out with a chairshot, a crabwalk that countered a “You Can’t See Me” left Cena rattled in a way we’ve never seen before. When it’s not about the wins, the gold or the glory, then what is it about? The answer might be too frightening to ponder.
1851
First recorded mention of “pogonophobia,” the fear of beards.
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R E H E T W E O U P ISS
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• ALEXANDER RUS
&
P O W E R is a FOREIGN IMPORT • Sometimes it’s
1.67
Number of viewers (in millions) who tuned in for the 8/11/13 Episode of Total Divas on E!
• T O TA L
easy to forget that the first “W” in WWE stands for World and that the next big powerhouse could hail from somewhere other than the States— somewhere like Bulgaria. Luckily, for the WWE Universe, we have Lana taking charge of the importing business. “The most powerful thing I’ve done was bring Alexander Rusev into WWE. I have given WWE a great gift. Mr. Rusev crushes all of his opponents in mere minutes. This is just the beginning of the Rusev legacy.” And that’s where
Lana excels—she sees the long game and not just a flash in the pan. “The definition of power is to have the capacity to direct and influence people. I’m the director of the Rusev legacy. With great power comes great responsibility, and I take much responsibility to make Rusev’s life easier so he can go to the ring and win.” But to Lana, power is so much more than physicality. “I also have the power mentally to control whatever needs to be done. Power is also wealth…and I exude wealth.”
D I VA S
POWER is REALITY
T
hanks to a little Sunday-night reality series on the E! Network, the of the WWE Universe (as well as the rest of the TVviewing universe) know more than they could ever hope to learn about the WWE Divas and the men in their lives (be they Superstar or otherwise). This healthy dose of reality has added a new dimension to the women of the WWE locker room and showcased their powerful personalities in a way that Monday and Friday nights haven’t been able to. “Power to me means the freedom to be who you are and have no apologies over it,” Natalya says. “I have found that the biggest opportunities have come from my ability to embrace my imperfections. The beauty of Total Divas is showing that you are real, that you are not a Barbie doll, and that you don’t live this perfect life…Total Divas has opened up another world that I never knew existed, and people who never ever watched WWE are now watching WWE because they find what we do intriguing. They have become engaged and attached to us, so I feel like that is a huge accomplishment.” The Divas’ mission is simple: first the WWE Universe, then the world!
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 51
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Despite missing 10+ weeks of action, John Cena was ranked #1 longer than any other Superstar.
21 22 23 24 25
52 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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5-OCT
28-SEP
THE BROTHERHOOD
21-SEP
31-AUG
THE WYATTS
24-AUG
17-AUG
10-AUG
DANIEL BRYAN
3-AUG
27-JUL
20-JUL
THE SHIELD
13-JUL
6-JUL
ALBERTO DEL RIO
29-JUN
22-JUN
15-JUN
8-JUN
DOLPH ZIGGLER
1-JUN
25-MAY
RYBACK
18-MAY
11-MAY
4-MAY
JOHN CENA
27-APR
20-APR
13-APR
RANDY ORTON
T O P P E R S
14-SEP
• C H A R T
7-SEP
P T I S OW H E S E U R E
WorldMags.net The POWER is in YOUR HANDS!
WorldMags.net #1 Rankings
4/13-13 – 4/5/14
For 52 weeks from WrestleMania 29 through WMXXX these Superstars all claimed the #1 spot on the WWE.com Power Rankings at least twice. But a year is a long time and a telling indicator of one’s sustained power in the WWE Universe. Here we chart the shocking fluctuations of WWE’s top talent and invite you to do the same through the Fan Power Rankings!
Dolph Ziggler 2 weeks / 3.8%
the wyatts 3 weeks / 5.7%
ryBaCk 5 weeks / 9.6 %
John Cena 17 weeks / 32.6%
alBerto Del rio 3 weeks / 5.7%
the shielD 2 weeks / 3.8%
the BrotherhooD 2 weeks / 3.8%
other 1 week / 2%
5-Apr
30-MAr
15-MAr
8-MAr
1-MAr
22-Feb
15-Feb
8-Feb
1-Feb
25-JAn
18-JAn
11-JAn
4-JAn
28-Dec
21-Dec
14-Dec
7-Dec
30-nOv
23-nOv
16-nOv
9-nOv
2-nOv
26-Oct
19-Oct
12-Oct
22-MAr
ranDy orton 12 weeks / 23.1%
Daniel Bryan 5 weeks / 9.6 %
The WWe UniveRse has spoken! Where do all of these #1 ranked Superstars rate in WWE Universe? Here’s how the past year breaks down…
Head to www.wwe.com/ inside/fan-power-rankings to rate your favorite Superstars and see how they stack up against the rest of the WWE Universe.
# / SUPERStaR / avERagE Fan Ranking 1 Daniel Bryan 2.9 2 Randy Orton 4.1 3 John Cena 5.8 4 the Shield 6.0 6 alberto Del Rio 10.5
9 the Wyatt Family 13.0 10 Dolph Ziggler 13.2 11 Ryback 15.0 13 Cody Rhodes & goldust 16.6
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* cody rhodes forms the brotherhood with goldust * ryback forms rybAxel with curtis Axel
June 1 wwe payback • 53
TWIN MAGIC! Pa r t I
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A self-titled “girly tomboy,” Nikki Bella is a fearless warrior in the ring and a fashionista with confidence as high as her heels. Out to prove she’s more than just one of two, the Total Divas star tells us about returning from injury, teaming with John Cena, and defining “Nikki mode.” By K A Y L A P A R E N T Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
54 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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The WWE Universe has gotten an upclose look at your relationship with John Cena thanks to Total Divas. What’s it like dating the biggest star in WWE?
“I’ll always have a rough, competitive edge, but I still love being a girl and all that comes with it.”
Have you ever thought about teaming with him?
Before I leave, I would love to have a storyline with John or a mixed tag match—anything really. It’s so much fun to go out there and work with the boys. I worked with both The Miz and John Morrison and The Rhodes Scholars before, and I keep pushing to try and do something like that again. It lends a different excitement to the night for me, and a different level of competition for everyone involved. Fans of John and I would really love to see that, too. With all that attention and focus on your relationship, were you ever nervous about putting your personal life on display for Total Divas?
Definitely. We kept our relationship personal for a long time, so we really had to sit down and talk about what it would mean for us. It was difficult for me because our ups and downs were now going to be out there for everyone to watch and have a say in. John and I have such a strong bond, though, and that’s what’s made me confident to move forward with it. He’s honestly the greatest man to ever walk the earth, and he treats me like a queen. He makes me comfortable with it. Do you ever Google yourself to read reactions about you or the show?
I’ve done it a few times—but only to find “Throwback Thursday” photos! I don’t pay
56 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
—NIKKI BELLA
any attention to what people are saying because the Internet can be very negative in general. I’ve learned that I don’t need that. I only want to surround myself with positivity. I’m confident with who I am and secure enough with who I am that I don’t need to go read someone else’s opinion to either boost myself or bring me down. How do you define your personal style?
I’m a girly tomboy, which, yes, I get that those are two opposite things, but I’m really both. On the one hand, I love football, I love sports, and I love to wrestle with the boys and to train as hard as they do. That’s who I am. I played soccer all my life as a sweeper. I’ll always have a rough, competitive edge, but I still love being a girl and all that comes with it. The heels, the fashion, the glamour, that’s who I am, too. I try to be a little bit of both in the ring. What is one fashion craze you’d love to see return?
Gloves. I love that look from the olden days, when the women were classy yet sexy, even though they were covered from head-to-toe. I loved how every woman wouldn’t leave her house without a pair of nice gloves on. When my great Aunt Betty died, she ed us along different pairs of gloves with mini bows and pearls. They’re so dainty and elegant. I imagined myself showing up to dinner with them on, taking them off slowly and putting them in my clutch until the moment I’d leave. It’s just a very poised and elegant look.
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In of your ring work, is there something you’re hoping to accomplish before you hang up your boots?
I want to be the Divas Champion again. All the girls say it, but I want it more than them, and I want to have the longest reign of all time. I want Triple H and Mr. McMahon to put me in situations that challenge me. I want to be scared when I’m walking out into Gorilla, because that feeling helps you deliver a five-star performance and helps you grow as a person. I want to be scared of what the fans will think of me before I walk out. You seemed to bounce back from your shin injury pretty quickly. Tell us a little bit about your rehab experience.
It was extremely frustrating. I’d have good weeks, then I’d have bad ones. Sometimes I felt strong and on the mend, and other times I felt like it hurt worse than when I started. When it was throbbing and in pain, I’ll it there were moments when I wondered if I’d ever get back in the ring. I’d have those moments of breaking down and losing confidence. But in the end, it was sort a blessing in disguise because I discovered weight-lifting and the amazing things that it can do for your body. I was always nervous to try it because I thought it would bulk me up, but it ended up bringing out the spirit of who I really am. Now, I love it. My ion for weight--lifting is so strong, that if I’m not lifting at least five times a week, I’m anxious to lift something heavy! I feel like a new woman. Finally, we’re dying to know, what’s “Nikki Mode”?
Oh boy, Nikki Mode is when I’m strong, unbeatable and totally fearless in the ring. That’s when I’m at my best.
PROP STYLING BY LINNEA KEMPER FOR AMAX; HAIR & MAKEUP BY ALYSSA KRAUS FOR AMAX
What’s funny is that I look at John as just John. So when we go out and everyone wants his photo or autograph, I’m always like, “Oh yeah, you’re really cool.” I’ve known him for so long, and I know him so well, that I honestly forget what a big star he is. But when I do , I always think to myself, “Yeah, my guy is the best thing in the world.” But to me, he’s just John.
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ON THE ROAD, ON THE RUN
LANGUAGE, SEXUALITY AND NUDITY, SOME DRUG USE, AND VIOLENCE INCLUDING AN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
™ WorldMags.net AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY , DVD AND ON DEMAND JULY 15TH
T H E B AT T L E TO B E N A M E D … WorldMags.net
THE BEST WWE TOWN! More than 320 times a year, a WWE Live Event rolls into a city, takes over an arena and entertains the thousands of WWE Universe in attendance who give as good as they get. But what fan base brings it the best? Over the next few months WWE Magazine will put these towns to the ultimate test! HOW WE SELECTED OUR WWE CITIES 1. How many times a year WWE visits for a live or televised event.
5. Superstars and Divas who hail from the
2. Number of historic WWE or wres-
6. Ticket sales for said city and venue, spe-
3. Years WWE has been running shows in
7. Crowd noise! How loud the WWE Uni-
4. Surrounding cities within 100 miles that also host WWE live events.
8. An abundance of creative and original signage hand-crafted by the WWE Universe!
tling events, from title changes to iconic moments, that happened in that city.
cifically how often does WWE sell out when they come to town.
verse gets and if we can hear you on TV.
DIGITAL IMAGING BY ERIC HEINTZ; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
the particular town or region.
area and can claim it their hometown.
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WorldMags.net battle bracketology Play In Round Empire State Triple Threat
mAnhAttAn
VS
brookLyn
VS
Long isLAnd ChiCAgo
Los AngeLes
detroit
boston
dALLAs
WAshington, d.C.
st. Louis
Pittsburgh
houston
PhiLAdeLPhiA
sAn Antonio
toronto
London
CALgAry
your toWn!!!
what about where i live?
We know what you’re thinking, why isn’t my town on this list? Well, this is your chance to score the last slot for your city. Tweet us @WWEmagazine with #wwetowns or email us at [email protected] with the subject “WWE Towns” and tell us why your home should make the list. Don’t worry: You’ve got the rest of the year to make your case, but get to it if you think your ’hood has what it takes to top these metropolises.
CheCk bACk next month for the first bAttLe!
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P T I S OW H E S E U R E
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The CHESTS of The
SUPERSTARS WorldMags.net
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cesaro The scary part is that he’s barely flexing. Talk about Swiss precision.
• p e c t o r a l i s
m a j o r
Photography by m a r i u s b u g g e
As part of the WWE Magazine 2014 Power Issue, we’ve decided it’s time to honor the muscle group that often best defines the Superstars. Sure, everyone is impressed with 24-inch pythons, brother, but more often than not, it’s the pecs that determine the pecking order on the roster and truly turn our talent into icons. WorldMags.net
P T I S OW H E S E U R E
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BIG E These are the pecs that set and broke several weightlifting records. Respect.
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Diego & FernanDo, Los MataDores What highfliers lack in size, they make up for in skill and deception. Just try telling these two apart from this photo.
ryback The self-proclaimed “Big Guy” has probably never been called little in his entire life. And with a chest like that, we can understand why. It takes up entire hallways.
Xavier WooDs Combining a bit of new school with a bit of old (jacket tag-teamed with chest hair), XW PhD can teach us a thing or two about redefining personal style.
JiMMy & Jey Uso Thanks to their tattoos, it’s easier to differentiate these twins by their chests (not to mention which side their face paint happens to be on).
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June 1 wwe payback • 63
P T I S OW H E S E U R E
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SHEAMUS A pallid skin tone is the perfect canvas for the in-ring wounds of The Celtic Warrior.
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GroominG by AlyssA KrAus for AmAX
R TRuTh What’s up? How about one of the most impressive and underrated fronts in the locker room (and we’re not talking teeth here either)!
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June 1 wwe payback • 65
TWIN MAGIC! Pa r t I I
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BOHEMIAN
B E AU T Y b y K a y l a Pa r e n t Photography by Marius Bugge
The future Mrs. Daniel Bryan quietly steps away from the ring—and her sister—to share the most exciting part about planning a wedding, her ion for the environment, and the true reality of filming a show such as Total Divas.
66 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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WorldMags.net B e a u t y B o h e m i a n
Total Divas is on its way to finishing another successful season. What was your original reaction when you found out you’d be on the show?
I was thrilled, but I’ll be honest and say that I was also a little nervous. I’m a very quiet and private person outside work, and I didn’t know if I’d make for good TV. But I knew the WWE Universe would finally get a chance to see my personality, get to know who Brie Bella is, and not just see me as part of a unit.
would sit down and talk about the environment for hours, share our beliefs and opinions, which were in line. It was also his sincerity. His soul is very, very sweet, and you see that shine through his eyes. I think that’s how the audience connects with him, too. I just thought, “Wow, he’s probably the sweetest human being I’ve ever met.” How would you say your relationship has changed from then to now?
It’s changed in a good way. In a career like
Are you still constantly aware of the cameras or do you ever get caught up in the moment and completely forget they’re there?
You definitely forget when you’re in the moment. There are times when I’ll say something, and my heart will drop because I didn’t really want something that personal out there in the open. Now, sometimes I give myself a warning to stay on my toes: “Brie, the cameras are on, so beware.”
We’ve really seen your personality and unique style throughout the past year. Who would you say is someone you look to as a fashion idol?
It would have to be Kate Hudson. I love her free spirit, and how she dresses as if she’s not afraid to push the bar and wear something weird or different. But at the same time, she seems so comfortable in her own skin, like she’s not wearing it to prove a point, that it’s just who she is. So what would you do if you weren’t a Diva? Tell us: Who is Brie outside WWE?
I would be a huge activist for the environment. That’s my true ion and what really gets me going. I’m someone who has always felt that we as humans can do so much more to help our situation on this earth. It’s not always our own fault, a lot of times it’s because we’re not educated in the right ways. I would want to be out there teaching others and really give that 110 percent. I may be a Diva, but I am a simple person. I don’t need big cars and big houses to enjoy my life. I love and enjoy nature, and I’d want to find ways to share that joy with the world.
How do you handle that high level of competition, not just on the show, but in the ring?
You know, I’m lucky because not only am I a very laid-back person, but I’ve been compared to someone else my whole life, so it’s a feeling I’m used to. Sharing the spotlight is something I’m familiar with, so when I see other girls doing well, I’m happy for them. But I’ve always had a competitive spirit, so when I see someone else getting bigger and better, it just makes me work harder and want to step up to the plate that much more.
always dreamed of. They say it’s the dress you don’t want to take off, and for me, that’s true. I found a beautiful bohemianstyle gown off Pinterest from a new designer—her name is Katie May—and I couldn’t be happier with it.
Speaking of getting bigger and better, how are you dealing with Daniel Bryan’s undeniable rise in popularity?
I love it! I’m his Number 1 fan, and, I mean, we were together when there was no story for him at all, when no one really knew who he was. I’ll never forget the night when I won the Divas Championship in Bridgeport, CT, and he had done a dark match that night. And now, when I look at how far he’s come, I honestly couldn’t be happier. Out of anyone I’ve ever met, no one deserves this spot more than he does. What would you say it was about Bryan that drew you to him in the first place?
It was our friendship. He was the first guy here whom I had a lot in common with. We
68 • wwe payback June 1
—Brie Bella
this, you have to be ready to travel down a road that changes direction, and you have to find ways to become stronger. We had to figure out ways to escape and give ourselves a couple of hours together and find fun stuff to do. Our thing when we’re on the road is to check out local food spots and enjoy a lunch or dinner. It’s a good way for us to spend some alone time while ing the local communities. Is there a part of planning your wedding you’re looking forward to most?
This is going to sound selfish, but picking out my dress. I think all girls can relate to that, because it’s something you think about all your life—something you’ve
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Are there certain organizations and/or causes that you enjoy or promote?
Olivia Wilde actually just started an organization called Conscious Commerce with her fiancé that teaches you how to live an ecological lifestyle, while still understanding and keeping in mind the desire to look and feel beautiful. She lists brands that are eco-friendly and endorses the idea that you can buy pretty things while still keeping the environment in mind. Putting everything else to the side— what is one of your deepest desires?
I would love to experience life in other eras. Go back in history, you know? If I could live for a bit in the medieval period, or even just the 1920s, I would jump at the chance. I’m fascinated by it. Am I a total history nerd? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Styling by linnea Kemper for amaX; Hair & maKeup by alySSa KrauS for amaX; dreSS by JenS pirate booty, Jewelry by free people
“I may be a Diva, but I am a simple person. I don’t need big cars and big houses to enjoy my life.”
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Your definitive guide to the hardest-hitting, highest-flying, most electrifying, must-see action in the WWE Universe!
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
SHOCKER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Lesnar ends The Streak, jaws drop
Paul Heyman warned us about Undertaker’s fate at WrestleMania. He even said, “This is not a prediction; this is a spoiler,” when he said Brock Lesnar would end The Dean’s 21-0 Streak. The Beast Incarnate seemed in control after two F-5s, but Undertaker rallied with a Last Ride and a Tombstone. Lesnar reversed a second attempt into a decisive F-5, though, leaving the 75,000 in attendance—and even Heyman—at a loss for words. After “21-1” appeared on the Titantron, reality finally settled in: Lesnar conquered the once unconquerable, and WWE’s one constant crumbled.
70 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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By j e f f L a b o o n Photography by j o h n g i a m u n d o
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RINGSIDE
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4/6, WrestleMania XXX
Psych-Out Of the year NOmiNee
Cena preserves his legacy (and sanity) against The Wyatt Family
72 • wwe payback june 1
Bray Wyatt Wanted to Bring out the worst in John Cena. He saw an 11-year legacy built on the virtues of Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect, and he aimed to tear it down and to bring out Cena’s inner monster at WrestleMania. The Eater of Worlds slid a chair to his rival and begged The Champ to finish him, but a cooler head prevailed as Cena tossed the chair aside and bested Wyatt with an Attitude Adjustment.
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67k Fans who saw The Ultimate Warrior defeat Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI.
4/14, RAW
MOST EMOTIONAL MOMENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Roster says goodbye to Warrior
DAYS AFTER THE WARRIOR ed the ranks of the legendary greats in the WWE Hall of Fame, he ed away. The next week on Raw, the entire roster, with the McMahon family center, took the stage to pay tribute
4/7, RAW
DIVA OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Paige crashes AJ’s party after WrestleMania
A DEBUTING PAIGE upset the longestreigning Divas Champ by reversing the Black Widow into a Paige Turner to become the first competitor to hold a WWE and an NXT title simultaneously.
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to The Ultimate Warrior with a 10-bell salute. It was the perfect tribute to a WWE legend who was responsible for many of today’s Superstars and Divas lacing up their boots. We’ll miss you, Warrior.
“YOU CAN’T HAVE ANY REGRETS, BUT I GOT A LITTLE TOO VICIOUS OUT THERE.” —JOHN CENA, APOLOGIZING FOR HIS AGGRESSION AGAINST BRAY WYATT; 4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 73
RINGSIDE
WorldMags.net “TONIGHT IS THE
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
PROMO OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
WWE Legends usher in new era at The Show of Shows
THREE OF THE BIGGEST STARS in WrestleMania history, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock empowered the youngsters in the locker room to step up.
NIGHT FOR THE CURRENT REGIME OF SUPERSTARS TO PUT EVERY SINGLE THING THEY’VE GOT ON THE LINE IN THIS RING FOR YOUR ASSES!” —STONE COLD, MOTIVATING THE WWE LOCKER ROOM. 4/6, WMXXX
4/7, RAW
RIVALRY OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
The Shield’s pre-emptive strike against The Authority rankles Triple H
74 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
ROMAN REIGNS, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins proved to The Authority that “Believe in The Shield” isn’t some catchphrase. You’d only need one hand to count the number of moves Kane and The New Age Outlaws
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connected with at WMXXX, as The Shield destroyed The Attitude Era vets. When they came to Daniel Bryan’s aid on Raw, Triple H tried to make peace, but Reigns Speared the olive branch from the COO’s hands.
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193
Weight diference (in pounds) between the match’s winner, Cesaro, and Big Show.
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
OMG! MOMENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Cesaro’s feats of strength are getting more and more impressive
THE WWE UNIVERSE is getting spoiled by Cesaro’s super-human demonstrations of might. He’s already a folk hero among the likes of Paul Bunyan by Swinging the likes of Great Khali and Brodus Clay around like
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rag-doll kittens. But then he topped himself at WrestleMania when he hoisted the 450pound Big Show up and dumped him out of the ring to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. OMG! is right.
RINGSIDE
6
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Entrant number that Alexander Rusev drew in the 2014 Royal Rumble Match.
4/14, Raw
Most powerful debut of the year Xavier Woods, R-Truth get in the way of Rusev’s crushing
76 • wwe payback june 1
AlexAnder rusev didn’t leave an impression on WWE; he invaded it. In only his second match on Raw, Rusev locked in the Accolade on Xavier Woods, causing him to submit immediately. The bell rang, but
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The Bulgarian Brute refused to unlock the hold. When R-Truth came to his tag partner’s aid, Lana sicced Rusev on him, too. She then proudly raised Rusev’s hand in triumph while he looked ready for more.
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4/14, RAW
REUNION OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
TRIPLE H, BATISTA AND RANDY ORTON drew a line in the sand after The Show of Shows, setting aside their diferences to reform Evolution in the hopes of teaching The Shield a lesson in how to dominate. Lessons
Evolution is Triple H’s solution for The Hounds of Justice
in WWE are typically painful ones, and this was no diferent. Orton, Batista and the COO systematically dismantled each member one-by-one, leaving them in a crumbled heap in the ring.
JUNE IN WWE
Turn here first to find out when the Superstars will be in your town next! SUNDAY 1 WWE PAYBACK Chicago, IL 6:30pm
8 WWE LIVE EVENT Rochester, MN 5pm WWE LIVE EVENT Rio Rancho, NM 5pm
15 FATHER’S DAY WWE LIVE EVENT Fort Wayne, IN 5pm WWE LIVE EVENT Erie, PA 5pm
22 WWE LIVE EVENT Philadelphia, PA 5pm WWE LIVE EVENT Newark, DE 5pm
29 MONEY IN THE BANK Boston, MA 7:30pm
MONDAY 2 RAW Indianapolis, IN 7:30pm
9 RAW Minneapolis, MN 7:30pm
16 RAW Cleveland, OH 7:30pm
23 RAW Washington, DC 7:30pm
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
4
5
SMACKDOWN Cincinnati, OH 7pm
10
11
SMACKDOWN Green Bay, WI 6:45pm
17
12 NXT NXT Orlando, FL 6:30pm
18
19
SMACKDOWN Columbus, OH 7pm
24
25
26
SMACKDOWN Pittsburgh, PA 7pm
30 RAW Raw Hartford, CT 7:30pm
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FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6
7
WWE LIVE EVENT Detroit, MI 7:30pm
WWE LIVE EVENT Madison, WI 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Las Cruces, NM 7:30pm
13
14
WWE LIVE EVENT Saginaw, MI 7:30pm
WWE LIVE EVENT Grand Rapids, MI 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Hamilton, CAN 7:30pm
20
21
WWE LIVE EVENT Providence, RI 7:30pm
WWE LIVE EVENT Uniondale, NY 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Reading, PA 7:30pm
27
28 WWE LIVE EVENT Bangor, ME 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Portland, ME 7:30pm
RINGSIDE
22
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Number of combined World Titles between Bryan, Batista and Orton.
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
Bryan defies odds, three men and a McMahon to become “Face of WWE”
TRIPLE H SPENT MONTHS killing Daniel Bryan’s dreams of main-eventing WrestleMania, but The Goat wouldn’t be denied. Hours after KO’ing the COO, Bryan challenged for the WWE World Heavyweight
4/11, SMACKDOWN
HEARTBREAK OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Fandango dumps Summer in Tweet
HOPING TO SPICE UP his life after WrestleMania, Fandango split with Summer Rae over Twitter, then danced onto SmackDown with Layla on his arm. There are plenty more fish in the sea, Summer. At least the tweet didn’t say, “Welcome to Dumpsville. Population: you.” Brutal.
P34 WWE FAN ART OF THE MONTH CONTEST FOR June Õ14. NO PAYMENT OR ENTRY FEE REQUIRED. Void where prohibited. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States (and D.C.), 18 and older. Online entries must be received between 12:01 am (ET) on 5/27/14 and 11:59 pm (ET) on 6/23/14 (the “Contest Period”). Go to WWW.WWE.COM/MAGAZINE/ and create a profile, then submit your
entry by ing artwork depicting WWE Superstars (the “Submission”). Submissions must be two dimensional (flat) and online entries must be in .jpg, .pdf, or .tif format and at least 300 dpi. To enter by mail, send your Submission, along with your name and other information required in the Official Rules, to: WWE Fan Art of the Month Contest for June ’14, Publications, WWE, 1241 East Main St.,
Championship. When Batista powerbombed Randy Orton, Bryan darted into the ring as Orton rolled away, clocked The Animal with the Knee+ and cinched in the “Yes!” Lock for the monumental win.
ÒAS HE HELD BOTH OF THOSE TITLES OVER HIS HEAD, I GOT CHILLS RUNNING THROUGH MY WHOLE BODY!Ó —HULK HOGAN, ON DANIEL BRYAN’S EPIC WRESTLEMANIA WIN; 4/11, SMACKDOWN
Stamford, CT 06902. Mail-in entries must be postmarked during the Contest Period and received by WWE no later than 7/1/14. Limit 1 entry per person regardless of entry method. You must own all rights to your Submission, assign all such rights to WWE and acknowledge such assignment at time of entry. Entries will not be returned. You will not be paid for your Submission. Grand Prize: One (1) WrestleMania XXX
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DVD. Approximate retail value (“ARV”) of Grand Prize: $30 USD Contest subject to complete Official Rules available at WWW. WWE.COM and by sending a SASE (VT residents may omit return postage) to: WWE Fan Art of the Month Contest for June ’14 Rules Request, WWE, 1241 East Main St., Stamford, CT 06902. Sponsor: WWE, 1241 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902. © WWE, All rights reserved.
HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN (2); MIKE MARQUES (3); CRAIG MELVIN (3); JOHN GIAMUNDO (2)
VICTORY OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
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ONLY
$1an.i9ssu9e!
Go To:
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Back page Backs tage
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Sticking together Step behind the scenes to catch Superstars & Divas in rare moments, like when The Beast Incarnate and The Mastermind prepare to conquer again. Brock Lesnar wastes no time in asserting dominance. He’s broken the arms of Hall of Famers and WWE’s strongest Superstars. He’s stood in Undertaker’s face and refused to back down. Longtime manager Paul Heyman knows firsthand just how intense the calm before the storm can be.
80 • WWe payback june 1
“Imagine being in Muhammad Ali’s corner during his prime. Imagine telling Babe Ruth what to do when he steps up to the plate. I get to be in the corner of the most dominant athlete in sportsentertainment. What do I say to Brock before he goes out to the ring: ‘Eat, Sleep, Conquer,
Repeat.’ And he lives up to that mantra every time.” But Heyman insists it’s not just a catchphrase. Lesnar’s intensity doesn’t change when he’s not snapping arms. Heyman has stood in Lesnar’s corner for more than a decade. He argues that longevity makes them sports-
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entertainment’s most tightly knit duo ever. “Brock Lesnar and I had the strongest manager-Superstar bond ever from the very first day we appeared together because Brock is more than just the ultimate ‘Paul Heyman guy,’ Brock Lesnar is the #PaulHeymanBeast.”
Photography by r i c h f r e e da
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WOR L D WR E S T L I N G
Most Shocking Issue
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M AGA Z I N E
Contents
JUNE 2014
30 arE yOu a sETh, rOman Or DEan? Take our quiz to see which Hound of Justice is most like you. Then fist bump!
brawl
knOwlEDGE 24 hurT lOckEr We took a peek inside Goldust’s locker and we have the shiny glitter on our hands to prove it.
36 bODy shOp Sheamus teaches you how to work out like a Warrior with an inspired boot camp routine.
20 jErk Of ThE mOnTh The New Age Outlaws are back! And they have the same ’tudes.
28 fIGhT aT ThE musEum Zack Ryder pays tribute to foam fingers, the one object that doesn’t hurt when it hits you.
38 nuTrITIOn Want to jumpstart your metabolism? Read these easy to incorporate tips endorsed by the highflying Kofi Kingston.
22 usO famIly TalEs Jimmy and Jey Uso reveal what it’s like growing up in Rikishi’s very large shadow.
32 wwE Or fIcTIOn Can you tell the diference between a WWE storyline and a popular YA fiction series?
18 wwE’s bIGGEsT DEbTOrs Ready for WWE Payback with tales of Superstars who owe a friend or foe.
40 TwwEET us Always looking to put a stop to the moral and intellectual
decline of the WWE Universe, Damien Sandow answers your Twitter questions. 42 DIva Of ThE mOnTh Dancing Diva Summer Rae opens up about how she likes to spend her free time. 44 quIz Revenge in WWE is nothing new. Can you answer these 10 questions about vengeance, both past and present?
ID STATEMENT Issue #101 of WW Magazine (ISSn 1933-4524, uSPS 720-450, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Agreement no. 0392960) is published every four weeks, 12 times a year by WWe. © 2014 WWe, 1241 east Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902 and published in Canada by WWe Canada, (GST no. R12189385), 2 Lansing Square, Suite 1003, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada M2j 4P8. Basic subscription rates are $24.97 for 12 issues and $44.97 for 24 issues for u.S. and u.S. possessions. Any special issue will count as a monthly subscription issue. Canadian rates are $29.97 for 12 issues and $54.97 for 24 issues including 7% GST. Foreign rates are $44.97 for 12 issues and $84.97 for 24 issues. ALL ORDeRS ARe PAYABLe In u.S. FunDS OnLY. nO FOReIGn CReDIT ORDeRS WILL Be ACCePTeD. Periodical Postage Paid at Stamford, CT, and other additional mailing ofices. POSTMASTeR: Send address changes to WWe, WWe, PO Box 16779 north Hollywood, CA 91615-9996. All Rights Reserved. All WWe programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWe. and its subsidiaries. The ultimate Warrior is the trademark of ultimate Creations, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 WWe, All Rights Reserved.
2 • wwe payback june 1
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JUNE 2014 FEATURES 46 THE 2014 POWER PLAYERS From Daniel Bryan and Sheamus to The Authority and The Wyatt Family, these are the Superstars who redefine what it truly means to have power in WWE. 52 THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS Find out who took the top spot in a year’s worth of WWE.com’s Power Rankings and how they stacked up against whom the WWE Universe chose. Controversy! 58 THE BATTLE TO BE NAMED...THE BEST WWE TOWN Does your city have what it takes to be deemed the greatest place in the WWE Universe? The fight for the title begins here!
54 & 66 GLAMOUR GIRL & BOHEMIAN BEAUTY The Bellas star in their very own Q&As. You won’t believe what they said about John Cena and Daniel Bryan!
60 THE CHESTS OF THE SUPERSTARS: PECTORALIS MAJOR Sometimes a Superstar’s chest says just as much about them as their face.
RINGSIDE 70 RINGSIDE Jaws drop at WrestleMania XXX, Bray Wyatt tries to bring out John Cena’s inner monster, and Triple H draws a line in the sand by reuniting with some old buddies. 80 BACKSTAGE Brock Lesnar lives by the motto “Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat.” Paul Heyman explains the moments before The Beast Incarnate puts these words into action.
4 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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THIS JUNE, AMERICA’S
CHAMPIONS
WILL BE REVEALED.
THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES ARE COMING JUNE 14-21, 2014 | NEW JERSEY WWE is a Proud er of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and you can be too! Learn how you can the celebration by visiting www.2014specialolympics.org.
Volunteer | Donate | Cheer @2014USAGAMES
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M AGA Z I N E
MASTHEAD 2014 POWER ISSUE
DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE POWER LIES?
In the WWE Universe, it’s not necessarily where you think it might be!
JUNE 2014 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, DIGITAL & PRINT PUBLICATIONS
John Mihaly
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DIGITAL & PRINT
David Hilton
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Christine Reilly
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR
Rodger Weinfeld
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Max Bakke
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Kayla Parent Jeff Laboon
COPY CHIEF EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR EDITORIAL INTERN
David Podgurski Cody Barbierri, Paul Geraghty, Nicholas Sampogna Ben Cohn
ART SENIOR ART DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNER, DIGITAL PUBLISHING
Damian Wilkinson Crhistian Rodriguez Kyla Paolucci
PHOTOGRAPHY DEPUTY PHOTO EDITOR, DIGITAL & PRINT
We see a lot of powerful things happen in and around the ring—but watching feats of strength isn’t what makes them or WWE so powerful. The most powerful muscle in WWE is the mind. We were blown away when Cesaro tossed Big Show at WrestleMania XXX. Sure, it was impressive: But more so was the emotion involved in creating a ’Mania moment. The same holds true for Daniel Bryan. Surviving two matches was epic, but 75,000 strong “Yessing!” with their new champion—now that was truly powerful. And then the following evening on Raw, when The Ultimate Warrior would deliver his final, most memorably moving promo. Those words moved the WWE Universe more than any rope-shake or Gorilla Press ever could. So in this, our 2014 Power Issue, it’s not about the muscles. It’s about how Superstars truly show their power by connecting with the of the WWE Universe. Enjoy.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Per Bernal, Rich Freeda, John Giamundo DIGITAL IMAGING BY
Eric Heintz
6 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
PHOTO EDITOR
Josh Clutter
PHOTO INTERN
Robert Cioffi
PUBLISHING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, DIGITAL & PRINT DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING
Rob Bernstein Gregory Godfrey
DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL PLANNING
Patrick Tuttle
SR. MANAGER, GENERAL ING
Lisa Pensiero
CIRCULATION PREMEDIA
National Publisher Services Catchlight Digital
WWE may share information about magazine subscribers with third party advertising partners that we deem of interest for our readers. These third parties may send subscriber’s information about their products or services. WWE does not allow them to sell or transfer subscriber Personal Information to others. For more information, including instructions about how to opt-out, please see WWE’s online at http://www.wwe.com/ help/generalfaq/privacy-policy or write to us at WWE Magazine, 1241 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902.
INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS
ON THE COVER
THE POWER ISSUE
Meg Reinhardt
BONUS The Battle To Be The Best WWE Town Starts Here!
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JOHN CENA VS. LUKE HARPER RAW MARCH 24, 2014 BROOKLYN, NY
It takes a lot to catch John Cena of guard. The 14-time World Champion has seen his father attacked by Randy Orton and been told to “embrace the hate” by Kane, but that pales in comparison to the mind games The Wyatt Family played on him. As Cena aimed to send a message to Luke Harper, the lights abruptly cut out just before he could land an Attitude Adjustment. When they were restored, The Wyatts had him tied to the ropes and wearing their trademark sheep mask. Super creepy.
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Photography by R I C H F R E E DA
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june 1 wwe payback • 9
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>BRAWL
F
Y NI R I DA
GHT
FIGH
T
SHEAMUS VS. BATISTA SMACKDOWN MARCH 28, 2014 BOSTON, MA
JBL loves to say, “We fight on Friday night.” None have been more successful on SmackDown than Batista and Sheamus, though. The Animal dominated the blue brand in 2005, holding onto the World Heavyweight Championship for 282 days. The Celtic Warrior followed suit in 2012 when he Brogue Kicked his way to a 210day World Title reign while on SD. The brand split may have ended, but when these bruisers finally squared of, it was a Friday dream match come true.
10 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Photography by dav i d g u n n
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>BRAWL
C
SIC LAS
MOM
ENT
JERRY LAWLER VS. RODDY PIPER KING OF THE RING JUNE 19, 1994 BALTIMORE, MD
It takes a king to know a king, and Jerry Lawler didn't see much royalty in "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Lawler made a Piper impersonator kiss his feet days before their matchup, but the real "Hot Rod" wasn't as in awe of his Not-So-Excellency. Piper hadn't been in action in more than two years—last competing at WMVIII—but he didn't show any signs of rust. Lawler clocked him with brass knuckles, but The Rowdy One survived and floored him with a suplex for the comeback victory.
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 13
62.5%
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>BRAWL
Winning percentage of Triple H at WrestleMania when he’s accompanied to ringside. The WWE COO boasts a 5-3 record when ed by a manager on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
14’
HE BY T
NUM
BER
S
Height, in feet, of the tallest wooden spikes in the Middle Ages. Spikes were used to combat soldiers on horses. Unlike the ones surrounding Triple H’s throne, though, they were typically wooden.
DANIEL BRYAN VS. TRIPLE H APRIL 6, 2014 NEW ORLEANS, LA
Daniel Bryan’s rise didn’t fit into Triple H’s plan for his kingdom. The Authority cost Bryan the WWE World Heavyweight Title at Elimination Chamber, sending a message that the Chief Operating Oficer would never let him stand on top. The Goat and the WWE Universe fought back, occupying Raw and demanding a match against Triple H. To remind everyone that he ruled WWE with unchecked power like a medieval king, The Game set the stage for war at ’Mania by sitting atop an extravagant gilded throne.
14 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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1367
Year the Black Prince’s Ruby was first bestowed to royalty. The English crown prominently features a cross pattee, the inspiration for Triple H’s trademark logo.
3,009
WorldMags.net Days between the birth of the “King of Kings” nickname and WrestleMania XXX. Triple H first bestowed the title on himself in a 1/9/06 Raw interview.
18
Number of years Cangrande della Scala ruled Verona, Italy. “O Verona” played as Triple H surveyed his kingdom at WMXXX. Cangrande was known for his combat prowess, much like The Game.
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Photography by c r a i g m e lv i n
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GO TO MAG.WWE.COM AND SAVE! Make check or money order payable to WWE Magazine and mail to: WWE Magazine PO Box 6341 Harlan, IA 51593-3841. In Canada, add (U.S.) $5.00 for 12 issues to U.S. Price. (7% GST included.) Foreign add (U.S.) $20.00 for 12 issues to U.S. Price. Payment in U.S. Funds only. An annual subscription includes 12 issues at the regular cover price of $83.88 per year. Newsstand-only special issues are not included, but WWE Magazine reserves the right to substitute a special issue for a monthly issue. By subscribing you are agreeing to WWE’s , and the third party uses of information described therein. For more information, including instructions to opt-out, please visit: http://www.wwe.com/help/generalfaq/privacy-policy or see the text on Page 6 of this issue. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of frst issue. © 2014 WWE. All Rights Reserved.
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>BRAWL
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Superstars In Debt!
AG
I
C
While WWE Payback is mostly about settling debts in the ring, WWE is stuffed with stories of Superstars who owe one another for an assist from time to time. With another event looming in June, celebrate these Superstars with debts to repay that won’t hurt their credit score.
JUNE 1, 2014 8P M O,
N IL • RE A L L S TAT E A
A
STONE COLD’S DEBT TO MR. McMAHON
That’s the bottom line...and the fine print.
The legendary Mr. McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin rivalry came to a shocking end at WrestleMania X-Seven when The Chairman’s interference allowed Stone Cold to defeat The Rock to win the WWE Championship. For the next several months, instead of tormenting McMahon with the gift of Stunners, Austin gave The Chairman presents and hugs and serenaded McMahon in return for helping him reclaim the title.
BIG SHOW’S DEBT TO JOHN LAURINAITIS Big Show made a horrible career choice when he mocked John Laurinaitis’s voice in ing. An innocent joke turned into tears when Big Johnny fired Show. When Laurinaitis faced John Cena at Over The Limit 2012, The World’s Largest Athlete stormed through the crowd, looking like he’d help end Big Johnny’s tenure as General Manager. But Show saved Laurinaitis by KO’ing Cena, earning an ironclad contract.
RANDY ORTON’S DEBT TO TRIPLE H
VIRGIL’S DEBT TO TED DIBIASE
Triple H saw something special in Randy Orton, so The Game took him under his wing in Evolution. Under Triple H’s tutelage, Orton became Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Champion. Orton has since become a 12-time World Champion, including a Triple H–assisted title victory at SummerSlam 2013. They may not always play nice, but The Viper owes a huge debt to The Game for teaching him the ropes.
Nobody knew Virgil. Hoping to have some extra protection, The Million Dollar Man hired the little-known Superstar as his bodyguard. Virgil was tasked with many assignments, from rubbing DiBiase’s feet to carrying his money to cheap-shotting opponents. In the blink of an eye, though, Virgil went from an unknown to a regular fixture and, when he finally said no more to DiBiase, a fanfavorite.
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As hard as they try, these Superstars just can’t seem to bring down the Money In The Bank briefcase. Could this year be it?
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ALEX RILEY’S DEBT TO THE MIZ
Riley placed third in NXT Season 2, but The Miz saw potential and signed him to a personal services contract. Riley stood in his mentor’s corner, stacking the odds in The Awesome One’s favor and often making sure that Miz left with his WWE Title. Riley readily volunteered to stare down the toughest challengers, from Randy Orton to John Cena.
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ’S DEBT TO ALBERTO DEL RIO When Del Rio debuted, he wanted to showcase his immense wealth, and hired Ricardo Rodriguez as his personal ring announcer. Rodriguez always stood by Del Rio even if it meant being on the receiving end of a beat down. Over time, Del Rio came to appreciate Rodriguez more than just an employee, exacting revenge on the rivals who hurt him.
CODY RHODES 4 Appearances; 0 Wins
, JUNE 29 2014 STO
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Cody Rhodes was this close to pulling down the briefcase last year before Damien Sandow ripped it away from him. He’s young, funny, and been in every Ladder Match since 2010. If anyone’s going to break through, it’s him. CHRIS JERICHO 4 Appearances; 0 Wins
EDGE’S DEBT TO LITA
“On This Day...” I will pay you back.
Lita brought out Edge’s inner Rated-R Superstar when she betrayed her husband Kane to guide Edge to victory in the final of the Raw Gold Rush Tournament. After kicking Kane to the curb, Lita ed Edge on the hunt for his first WWE Championship in 2006. Lita didn’t receive a lot of praise from the roster for her relationship with Edge, but he defended her honor without hesitation.
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Already with a Hall of Fame-worthy career, Jericho could still use a win at this event to make us forget about some lackluster recent returns to the ring. A contract cashin would be just the thing he needs to net him a seventh World Title also. KOFI KINGSTON 4 Appearances; 0 Wins
The Spring-Loaded Superstar has always been close to the main event scene on more than one occassion only to slide back down the ladder, figuratively. To finally win the gold, Kingston is going to need a little bit of luck. CHRISTIAN 6 Appearances; 0 Wins
WWE’s version of “always a bridesmaid…” is a MITB staple with a highlight reel worth of moments. For someone looking to carve out a legacy that rivals his bestie Edge, a win would go a long way to making his own case for enshrinement.
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 19
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These Dads Can Beat Up Your Dad!
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This Father’s Day, we take a look at the Legends whose grappling skills were only matched by how much they looked like they could flip a steak.
Every 30 Days, WWE Magazine celebrates the roster’s most malicious malcontents and the evil they’ve wrought on the WWE Universe by honoring them with our prestigious trophy. Say hello to this month’s bad guys: The New Age Outlaws THE “YOU’VE STILL GOT IT” JERK INDEX We’re Willing To Overlook
Road Dogg’s famous line, “Oh you didn’t know…” needs a 21st-century upgrade. We live in the age of Twitter, Instagram and texting. No one calls anyone anymore.
ARN ANDERSON Those four fingers Anderson’s holding up are for the
four times that the Hall of Famer has asked you to clean out the garage. He’s not going to ask you again. MIKE SHARPE
His doctor says it’s good to get 30minutes of exercise in the ring three days a week. BOB BACKLUND
He gets it if you want to quit Model UN, but thinks you’ll learn more if you stick with it.
STAN HANSEN
If Stan Hansen asked you to return the car on time, you’d make sure it had a full tank in it. RICK RUDE
Your dad and Rude had the same moustache, and both probably had eyes for your mom.
DEAN MALENKO
JAKE ROBERTS
Dean’s weekend plans? We’re guessing about nine holes Saturday and firing up the grill Sunday.
Dads are ageless, like Roberts, who always had the same look throughout his career.
20 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Kinda Jerkish Like classic baddies, The Outlaws are taking it out on the smallest in WWE, like the tiny El Torito, and trying to prank stars such as Betty White. Don’t mess with Golden Girls, guys, they’ve got friends. Major League Jerks Road Dogg and Billy Gunn may have finally flown too high to the sun when they jumped The Shield on SmackDown. Have you seen Roman Reigns’s Spear, guys? Enjoy the month-long indigestion. Total & Complete Jerks The Outlaws are still unflinchingly devoted to The Authority, and often called in to handle the COO’s dirty work. That’s earning them no love from the WWE Universe. You have to wonder why they do it. Did they lose some sort of bet to Triple H?
STAN HANSEN: COURTESY PRO WRESTLING ILLUSTRATED; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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By being loyal to The Authority and always doing what’s best for business, we’re awarded with Jerk of the Month? The audacity is mind-boggling! Our loyalty is its own reward. Just call us The Corporate Outlaws. DOGG & GUNN
Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
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Uso Family Tales
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Jimmy and Jey Uso grew up among sports-entertainment royalty. The twins talk about being raised in their father Rikishi’s shadow, why dad always knows best and how being an Anoa’i keeps them looking up. THE USOS ON WHAT ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT FAMILY REUNIONS…
Jimmy: Barbecues and luau dances— everybody comes together because most of our family has always been traveling, and everyone lives on the West Coast. When we get together, it’s all conversing and eating—barbecue, of course—more food and more food. We just chill and have a good time. THE USOS ON LISTENING TO THEIR PARENTS…ALWAYS…
Jey: We were some hard-headed kids. I broke my arm when I was little, probably nine or 10 years old. My dad said, “Get of the tree.” But after he went back in the house, I climbed back up the tree, fell of and snapped my right arm in half. So I’m screaming and crying, and my dad walks out. It’s crazy, I’m hollering like somebody just shot me. My dad walks out and I just shut up and look at him, though. He looked at me and said, “What did I tell you?” I’m sitting there and I’m more scared of my dad than having my arm broke. He goes, “Now sit there and think about what you just did.” But in the end, my dad rode in the ambulance with me. THE USOS ON WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE FIRST MEET THEIR DAD...
Jey: We were freshmen playing football in high school and we were real, real good. We were the new kids at football, but we were holding our own. People would say, “These new kids are good.” All of a sudden, word gets around Riki-
shi’s twins are playing on this team. Well, we were the only twins. One day, my dad—this big guy with blond hair—rides up on this lime-green motorcycle. He’s got matching clothes on, looking like a big Skittle. It’s just obvious. He rides right up to the field and practice just stops. I look at my brother like, “Man, he’s here. Now we really have to play hard.” Everyone said, “That is your guys’ dad?” That’s when my dad was coming in hot with Too Cool. He was finally getting his recognition. It was pretty bad.
THE USOS ON HOW FAMILY LIFE KEEPS THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE...
Jimmy: We’re lucky to be The Usos. WWE lets us be us. We’re fortunate to have our characters in our hands. For people who don’t know us outside the ring, we just like to have a good time. We’re that way. If something goes wrong, we hate holding grudges. It’s how we were raised. Life is too short. So we just like to always keep it positive. If you think negative, negative stuf comes around. If you’re negative, you’ll attract negative people.
BATISTA: THE ANIMAL UNLEASHED
BATISTA’S VERBAL BEATDOWNS
It’s hardly surprising that a man nicknamed “The Animal” has a short temper. Batista isn’t afraid to unleash it—as evidenced on his new home video release—out June 10th! 22 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
“YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!”
“DEAL WITH IT!”
“I HATE YOU, TOO!”
“YOU’RE NOTHIN’ WITHOUT ME!”
Believing that Rey Mysterio cost him the title at Bragging Rights 2009, Batista unleashed pain on his former buddy.
When a betrayed fan shouted “I hate you, Batista,” at Extreme Rules ’10, an angry Animal returned the favor with a similar sentiment.
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After hearing boos upon his 2014 return, Batista told the WWE Universe that he didn’t return to be liked and that he was the best Superstar ever.
A wounded Animal quit WWE in a bratty huf in ’10 when GM Bret Hart named Randy Orton the No. 1 Contender by forfeit.
PROMOTION
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o obydo IA MYSTERY” o c s / om ESTLEMAN D OOBY-DOO! WR book.c LLAR
. MCMAHON SC ATION PRESENTEL” ISLE GRIFFIN MATTHEW LILA THE MIZ LINTRE IPLE H MILRCOX IM AN S. O R B ID W HN GREY D NTINO MAREL S AND WARNER PRODUCER DAV A, WWE STUDSIOOF FRANK WELKER MINDYHAECOL COLE KANE AJ LEE LUSAISI CO-PRODUCER ALAN BURNETT VIETTI ER B AR B AN AN H PRODUCEDED BY BRANDON VOICE TALENT ECT US CLAY MIC R MICHAEL J. STARRING THE N CENA BROUDCTIONS PROEXEDUCCUTERSIVE TEDSAM REGISTEFORD WRITTEBYN MICHAEL RYAN DIR H JO K AC M R D EDI AF CCO O ST M PR Y LE A AR KY ER BY M B AR E S S. DUTTON BY HANNA-B MAN MUSICBYRYAN SHOR WITH CHARLE D ON CHARACTERS CRG EAVOITECED TE SUNDER BASE CASTIN BY COLLET
Face
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DIRECTION
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SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Hanna-Barbera. WWE, the WWE logo, JOHN CENA, TRIPLE H, KANE, THE MIZ, SANTINO MARELLA, AJ LEE, BRODUS CLAY, SIN CARA, and MR. McMAHON are trademarks of WWE. All rights reserved.
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A WWE Magazine bag-check reveals Goldust’s locker hides enough gilded swag to make King Midas jealous. 5 1. Glitter and Paint “I usually purchase paint once each month and go through several little three-ounce canisters during that month. So it gets very pricey very fast.” 2. Gold Bond “That was a joke, but every gold Superstar such as myself has feet problems, so I put some Gold Bond in there for my golden feet. I wouldn’t dare put it on my body, though.”
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4. Statue “The fertility idol was used in a couple of shoots that I had, and I just wanted it in my locker because I have a picture of me holding it on my wall at the house. It’s just a really cool picture and it’s kind of just a side thing that I wanted in the locker.” 5. “#Perseverance” Mirror “Perseverance is what I live by daily, being six years clean and sober and still going strong, and in the best shape of my life and persevering. I have that tattooed on my arm. It has tons of meaning.” 6. Gear and Boots “I like Stage Coach boots. They just did a pair with a matching ‘Brotherhood’ symbol for Cody and I for ’Mania but they arrived 5 minutes too late. Those are the black with ‘G’ ones. I got some gold and black ones that are really sweet, too.”
24 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIUS BUGGE; PROP STYLING BY LINNEA KEMPER FOR AMAX
3. Gloves “I wore pink gloves for Breast Cancer Awareness month, but I stick to regular batting gloves and replace them when they get really stinky. At the beginning of the Goldust creation, I had custom gold gloves. But they always fell of, so now I just get these.”
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Whether they received them inside the ring or out, to the of the WWE locker room, these so-called “badges of honor” all tell stories that they (and you) are most likely never to forget.
RO M A N RE IGN S “It happened in the heat of the moment in The Shield’s match versus Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston and Big E (Raw, 2/3/14) so it didn’t really hurt per se. It was only after the stitches and once the adrenaline wore of around the time that I was going to sleep when I started to feel the pain. But in the moment, I didn’t feel anything. I think it’s badass. It’s a keepsake and a memory that I’ll have for doing something that I love. I’ve certainly given a few scars in my day, more than I’ve received—trust me. As for comparing scars with the rest of The Shield, we always make sure if we see each other nicked up or bruised up, that we get it taken care of because you never want a little thing to become a big thing. We’ve got each other’s backs.”
26 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
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Fight At The Museum
FOR MORE FIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, THE WWE MAGAZINE APP TODAY!
Today’s Superstars pay tribute to some of the biggest, strangest, and most important items of WWE days past. Photography by R I C H F R E E DA
A CONVERSATION WITH ZACK RYDER ABOUT FOAM FINGERS: “Most are kind of average—common, if you will. I used to collect foam fingers from around 1997 until about now. I bought every foam finger they made. And I went back on eBay and got some of the old ones. I’ve got Hacksaw’s two-by-four, Big Boss Man’s nightstick, Tatanka’s tomahawk, Brutus Beefcake’s scissors—those are my
personal favorites. One of the coolest things is that I used to collect these foam fingers and they made an orange Zack Ryder fist, which is pretty sick. So that’s awesome.” FROM THE ARCHIVIST: “The foam finger is the only merchandise that can serve as both a pillow
28 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
and an over-the-top ission of your fervent for a WWE Superstar or the latest craze. Anyone can say, ‘We’re No. 1,’ but foam takes on a variety of incarnations in the WWE Universe. The foam finger, or fist, or two-by-four, or talk bubble has helped the WWE Universe scream everything from ‘What?’ to ‘Yes!’ to ‘Hooooo!’ and all things in between. Foam makes our hands just as loud as our chants!”
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Are You a ,a or a ?
The Hounds of Justice work together flawlessly as a solid unit, but apart, these three couldn’t be more different. Take the quiz below to find out which member of The Shield is for you. 7. HOW DO YOU HANDLE DISAPPOINTMENT?
1. WHICH LEGO SERIES DO YOU LIKE MOST?
A: Brood and sulk B: Fix the problem C: Work out
A: Creator B: Hero Factory C: Architecture
8. PICK YOUR FAVORIT E COLO R A: Bla
’S YOUR ? 2. WHAT OF DOG E TYPE FAVORIT inscher
ORITE 9. FAV T Y L E? HAIR-S s sy
an P A: Doberm Shepherd n a rm e G B: n H u s ky C: Siberia
ck B: Black C: Black
t & Me A: Shor Wet & B: Long Messy & g n o C: L
3. WHAT SUPERHERO POWER WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE?
A: Telepathy/Telekinesis B: Super strength C: Flight
10. WHICH WOU LD YOU RATHER BE FOR HALLOWEEN? A: Drac
ula B: Werewolf C: Jekyl & Hyde
4. PICK A CLASS
A: Philosophy B: Gym UR FEELINGS C: Art 5. WHAT ARE YO ON TATTOOS?
ease A: No tattoos, pl better e th e, B: The mor eaningful ones m o tw or e On C:
ANSWERS:
6. WHAT QUALITY DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?
A: Strong and silent type B: Aggressive C: A risk taker
NEXT MONTH
Are you a Bray? A Luke? Or an Erick?
DO THE EMMA!
A step-bystep guide to the dance craze bigger than the Cupid Shuffle.
30 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
1. Begin in a starting position with feet together and both hands on your hips.
2. March in place, military-style, hands still at hips, knees as high as you can.
3. Stop. Keep your
left hand on your hip, point your right hand out.
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4. Right hand comes in as you point the left out to your side, keeping elbows tight.
5. Alternate steps
3 and 4 until music stops or you get distracted by bubbles.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEE WOODGATE, SONOFALAN.COM
If you answered A most: You’re a Dean Ambrose If you answered B most: You’re a Roman Reigns If you answered C most: You’re a Seth Rollins
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WWE or Fiction?
The following descriptions are either taken from a past WWE storyline, or ripped from a plot of a famous Young Adult fiction series. Can you tell the difference?*
DESCRIPTION
WWE
YA F
1. An unlikely duo must use their skills and work together to take down a powerful patriarch, who has betrayed them in the past. 2. A man comes to with his tumultuous beginning with the words “we don’t choose where we came from, but we can choose where we go from here.” 3. To revive the faded spirit, two hopefuls meet their idol, a legend, only to receive an aggressive and unexpected reception. 4. A group of rebels attack the established power structure, but it is all for naught as their ultimate goal remains out of their reach.
WE’LL SPOT YOU ONE Before all hell breaks loose, a young up-and-comer goes against the norm to choose a faction that will bring her unpopularity with her family, but success for herself. ANSWER: FICTION (DIVERGENT)
5. After a young boy’s parentage comes into question, two former friends turn against each other to fight for custody. 6. An ex-boyfriend seethes and gets pushed to his limits when his former lover and her new man rub their budding relationship in his face every chance they get.
WWE FLEXICON Wouldn’t practicing for the SATs be more fun if every time you looked up a word in the dictionary, you’d find a photo of a Superstar? We think so. So here’s a way for you bone up on some vocab with WWE. You’re welcome!
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*1. FICTION: CITY OF BONES; 2. FICTION: PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER; 3. FICTION: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS; 4. WWE: THE NEXUS ATTACKS RAW; 5. WWE: REY MYSTERIO AND EDDIE GUERRERO BATTLE FOR CUSTODY OF DOMINIK; 6. WWE: EDGE/MATT HARDY/LITA LOVE TRIANGLE
32 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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WWE’s Greatest Underdog Tales
Daniel Bryan faced a steep uphill climb to the top of WWE, overcoming the odds despite The Authority’s constant meddling. The Goat isn’t the first Superstar to face adversity in WWE, however. See how Bryan stacks up against other Superstars and Legends who proved that it’s never been about the size of the dog in the fight. YES! YES! YES!
DANIEL BRYAN
MICK FOLEY
Bryan defeated The Authority, launching the “Yes!” Movement and becoming a main-eventer who prevailed at WMXXX.
Despite an unusual physique, Mick Foley became a Hall of Famer by redefining hardcore while flashing a smile.
SMALL STATURE; BIG HEART
CHRIS JERICHO
REY MYSTERIO
Standing at 5’6”, Rey Mysterio didn’t fit the bill of a World Champion, but earned a title match after winning the Royal Rumble.
PAUL HEYMAN
In the beginning, Paul Heyman was just a wrestling backstage photographer. But Heyman turned ECW into the Land of Extreme and competed with WWE and WCW.
AJ LEE
I CAME TO PLAY!
AJ Lee and her family overcame homelessness and together saved enough for Lee to attend wrestling school one day.
DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE A 35-year-old rookie, Diamond Dallas Page out-trained Superstars 10 years his junior to become a three-time World Champion.
PERSONAL DISADVANTAGES
EXTERNAL OBSTACLES
Cruiserweights like Jericho found a showcase for his personality and exhilarating skillset in WWE instead of WCW.
THE MIZ
A reality star with no wrestling experience, The Miz used a lack of respect as motivation to become WWE Champion and to headline .
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
STEVE BLACKMAN ZACK RYDER
Blackman overcame malaria shortly after g a WWE contract but regained his strength through martial arts and became a WWE standout.
Tired of his mid-card rut, Zack Ryder created a popular YouTube series and captured the U.S. Championship.
B + P L AY E R S
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 33
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You Got The Mic!
PARTS UNKNOWN WWE’S OFFICIAL TUMBLR SITE
EMAIL US! [email protected] It’s all about the Jefersons, baby.
TWEET US! @WWEMAGAZINE
FACEBOOK US! FACEBOOK.COM/WWEMAGAZINES
WRESTLEMANIA XXX PHOTO BOOTH! WWE Superstars, Divas, of the 2014 Hall of Fame class and more all stopped by the special photo booth set up backstage at this year’s Hall of Fame and Axxess! Head on over to wwe.com/wmphotobooth for more! Classic haunted house reaction.
Mick Foley is right here...in the photo booth!
NXT invades New Orleans.
WALKING THE WALK Dear WWE Magazine, Since I’m about to walk down the aisle myself, I’m especially interested in The Miz’s recent nuptials. What does he think is the strangest thing about being a newlywed? James F., Montréal, CAN WWE Magazine sends you big congratulations! And as a wedding gift, here’s what he had to say... “I’m not used to wearing rings, so that’s the main diference for me. But, I’m proud to wear it. Whenever you have a girl like Maryse, who I can literally talk to for hours on end about anything, I’m happy just hanging out with her.”—The Miz
Dear Eva Marie, There is a lot of competition at my job and I’m not really used to that type of atmosphere. As a fellow newbie, any advice on how to ignore it? Tamara O., Memphis, TN
HAVE A QUESTION FOR A SUPERSTAR? LET US KNOW!
“As long as you’re improving and doing the best job that you can, that’s all that matters. Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing; that won’t get you anywhere. ”
SUPERSTAR SOCK PUPPETS! Check out the June issue of WWE Kids to see what we—and Superstars Kofi and Sheamus—did with a pile of old socks!
DID YOU KNOW?
ARTISTS’ CORNER
FAN ART OF THE MONTH
We’re always seeking unique drawings of the Superstars. Send your work our way! Email MAGAZINE@ WWE.COM and we might publish your doodles. June’s prize: WMXXX on DVD.
34 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
KRISTEN M., via email
JEROEN K., via email
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Daniel Bryan was rocking a pair of fur-lined boots at The Show of Shows in honor of fellow long-haired outsider Bruiser Brody. Check it out!
ALL SUBMISSIONS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF WWE AND WILL NOT BE RETURNED. YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU (OR AN ENTITY OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY YOU) ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE OWNER OF ANY MATERIALS SUBMITTED. IN THE CASE OF T SUBMISSIONS, THE PERSONS SUBMITTING TLY (OR AN ENTITY OR ENTITIES OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY SUCH PERSONS) REPRESENT THAT THEY ARE THE EXCLUSIVE OWNERS OF THE MATERIAL. YOU EXPRESSLY GRANT TO WWE A ROYALTY-FREE, NON-EXCLUSIVE, PERPETUAL, UNRESTRICTED AND IRREVOCABLE WORLDWIDE RIGHT AND LICENSE TO SELL, USE, REPRODUCE, MODIFY, PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE SUCH MATERIALS, INCORPORATE SUCH MATERIALS INTO ANY FORM, MEDIA OR TECHNOLOGY NOW KNOWN OR LATER DEVELOPED FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE UTILIZE SUCH MATERIALS AND YOU WAIVE ANY MORAL RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE IN HAVING THE MATERIAL ALTERED OR CHANGED IN A MANNER NOT AGREEABLE TO YOU. YOU FURTHER GRANT WWE A NON-EXCLUSIVE, WORLDWIDE, ROYALTY-FREE LICENSE TO USE YOUR NAME, AND/OR LIKENESS OR THE NAMES OF ANY SUCH ENTITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMITTED MATERIAL. PERSONS SUBMITTING MATERIAL TO US (OR ANY ENTITY OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY SUCH PERSONS) REPRESENT THAT THEY HAVE NO REASONABLE BASIS TO BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF ANY SUCH SUBMISSION BY US WOULD INFRINGE UPON THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD-PARTY. SHEAMUS AND KOFI: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIUS BUGGE; EVA MARIE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN GIAMUNDO
Where readers sound off on the good, the bad and the ugly in WWE. And we give you awesome swag for it!
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WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
Work Out Like a Warrior Build a battle-tough body with help from Sheamus and this boot camp-inspired circuit.
Sandbag Bear Hug Squat Hug a sandbag against your body and position your feet about shoulder-width apart. Keeping your chest up, lower your hips down and back into a squat. Reverse the motion and stand up tall, dropping the sandbag once you are done with the whole set.
Divebomber Push-Up With your arms and legs straight, your body should form a triangle with the ground. Lower your head toward your hands and then drive your chest up while lowering your hips to the ground. Reverse the motion and push yourself back to the start.
Kettlebell Swing With feet shoulder-width apart, hold a kettlebell between your legs. While keeping a flat back and a slight bend in the knees, swing the kb forward by extending your hips standing up tall. Let the kb fall between your legs again as you hinge your hips and lower your torso.
Chain Waves Hold one end of each chain, with some slack. Stand with your knees bent slightly and holding the chains in front of you with your arms at 90 degrees, rapidly move your hands side to side making waves in the chains while maintaining good posture.
RECOVER FASTER! / Bounce back from injuries like a Celtic Warrior with these guidelines. R.I.C.E. Stands for “rest, ice, compression and elevation” and should be step one after any injury.
36 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
Go Small Perfom reps with less weight to stretch the muscle and tendons as you build strength.
Focus on Form Lifting lighter weights allows you to correct exercise form, a major cause of injury.
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Walk Away If the injured area starts to hurt, stop the lift. Pushing yourself only puts you at risk.
ILLUSTRATION BY PETE SUCHESKI; PROP STYLING BY LINNEA KEMPER FOR AMAX; GROOMING BY ALYSSA KRAUS FOR AMAX; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
By M A X B A K K E Routine by A DA M C O P E L A N D Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
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Perform as a circuit—Four rounds, as many reps as possible for 30 secs each.
Sledgehammer Tire Slam Pick up an old sledgehammer and hammer away at a tire. You don’t need anything else. Make sure you do not let the hammer bounce up toward you after you hit the tire. Control the hammer. Alternate each side of the body you strike the tire from.
“I came back stronger than ever because I took the time to recover properly.” —SHEAMUS
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 37
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
Jump-Start Your Metabolism! Speeding up your digestive system doesn’t have to mean working out until you’re wrecked. If you’re looking to kick-start your body, but you’re always on the go like Kofi Kingston, incorporate these small strategies that would easily fit into any Superstar’s schedule.
START INTERVAL TRAINING! Why: Your body will get as bored as you if you’re just walking on a treill a few times a week. Switch it up by walking for five minutes, then jogging. You’re system will keep up! Kofi says: “Doing the same workout for months on end will bring you straight to a plateau, especially as you get older and things slow down.”
38 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
WorldMags.net
ILLUSTRATIONS BY P E T E S U C H E S K I
WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE O R G A N IC
SNACK POST-WORKOUT! Why: A shake or banana with peanut butter helps your muscles recover and replenishes your energy. Kofi says: “This is absolutely something I do. After your workout, your body is basically starving for nutrients.”
Eating healthy can be hard, but so is not being happy with your body. Small changes will make a big difference. KOFI KINGSTON
GO ORGANIC! Why: Fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides keep your fat-burning system running smoothly because they don’t expose your thyroid to toxins! Kofi says: “Don’t eat blindly. Eat fresh! I don’t mean at the local sandwich shop.”
TRIM TRANS FATS! Why: These suckers literally afect your digestion speed. Their altered shape binds cells and slows them down. Kofi says: “This doesn’t mean 100% elimination—that can be dificult. But be cognizant of how much you’re having.” EAT SMALL MEALS! Why: To give your digestion that extra kick, keep it busy throughout the day by having five or six smaller meals. Kofi says: “It’s important to listen to your body. I snack throughout the day to keep energy up for physical activity.”
SPICE UP YOUR FOODS! Why: Including a bit of fire to food raises body temperature upon consumption and makes your tract work harder. Kofi says: “Easy for me because I grew up on spicy foods. Perhaps this is why I have such a fast metabolism!”
BAD BREAKFAST! Help your metabolism get a healthy start by avoiding these four morning meals that are well-known to work against you!
SIP CAFFEINE! Why: A reasonable amount of cafeine has been proven to increase the rate at which your body burns calories. Kofi says: “I enjoy a cofee right after my matches. I don’t need it to function, but I know it will keep things moving.”
DONUTS Duh. They’re chock-full of sugars, white flour, and trans fat, your metabolism’s top three opponents.
CEREAL Often a go-to, this sugary treat puts you in a carb coma and slows your body down, quickly.
DRINK GREEN TEA! Why: People who drink green tea burn up to 70-100 more calories a day due to the antioxidant catechin helping to fight fat oxidation in the body. Kofi says: “I’ll it it doesn’t always have the best taste, but I suck it up.”
NON-DAIRY CREAMERS Check the labels for “partially hydrogenated” oil, which is a witchy word for trans fat.
WorldMags.net
LOADED BAGELS Bagels are already full of starch—don’t make it worse by slathering on butter or cream cheese.
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 39
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
Ask Damien Sandow…
On his quest to instruct the masses, Damien Sandow answers your questions about his gear, his first mag subscription, and which Superstar that even he looks to for advice. By K AY L A PA R E N T P h o t o g ra p hy by M A R I U S B U G G E
@ What’s the best strategy going into a Battle Royal Match like the one at WrestleMania XXX? Anthony V.; Annapolis, MD That’s easy—not get thrown over the top rope. Keep my back to the corner as much as possible so I can see who’s coming after me. Some Superstars haven’t been able to figure that out yet, so it is something I take advantage of.
@ Is there one city that you would love to bring a WWE pay-per-view? Todd K.; Jeferson City, MO London. Growing up I the remarkable match between Bret Hart and Davey Boy Smith at Wembley Stadium, and I would love to get a chance to experience the same atmosphere. It translated so well to where I was watching on TV and I’ll never forget it.
@ Do you have any plans in mind for new or updated gear in 2014? Henry T.; Lincoln, NE Of course not, what I have now is perfect and it works for me. My gear is solid, sleek, and straight to the point so it fits my personality. I won’t change my mind about that, because that would mean I was wrong the first time, and that simply doesn’t happen.
@ What has been your favorite thing to watch on WWE Network thus far? Kent Q.; Sacramento, CA All the old matches and events that took place at Madison Square Garden, the WrestleManias especially. There’s something about that venue that feels like home to us Superstars.
@ Where is Damien Sandow’s old signature robe these days? Glen E.; Norfolk, VA It’s being held in Washington, D.C., as they are waiting for a place in the Smithsonian to store it and with my permission, one day display it. Where else would it be?
@ Which Superstar backstage has the most useful wisdom and typically gives the best advice? Yukon O.; Carson City, NV Triple H. He’s not only a veteran of this business, but he knows what it takes to be a Superstar in this day and age, and doesn’t get caught up in the past. That is what is most valuable to someone like me.
@ Be honest: Has Damien Sandow ever taken a selfie? Jameson R.; East Lyme, CT Absolutely not. Everyone already knows what I look like, why do they need to see me holding my phone’s reverse camera in my face? Actually, that type of photo completely annoys me, please stop Tweeting them at me. @ What is the first magazine that you ever had a subscription to? Harrison K.; Boston, MA When I was in first grade, I got a subscription to WWE Magazine, of course. I already knew then I was going to be a Superstar, so I used it to study and take notes. I’m always prepared. @ And finally, fill in this blank: The WWE landscape needs more ________? Parker E.; Providence, RI There are a lot of answers to that question, but the best one—and the most pressing—is that the landscape needs more Sandow. That’s for a variety of reasons, the biggest one being that I’m the best and the most interesting Superstar on the roster.
WELCOME TO SLAM CITY! / The Superstars and Divas talk the newest animated series!
@JohnCena There’s a correct way to get an auto-tude adjustment and it’s with #WWE Slam City!
40 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
@Stephanie McMahon @wwemoms #WWESlamCity y goal is to expand our content ofering to reach kids and create lifelong fans.
@KaneWWE Watch a very diferent me on Slam City at WWESlamCity.com
@HEELZiggler If anyone can somehow combine my #slamcity y pic and mayor Quimby of Simpsons fame, I will like it, but not be IN like with it
WorldMags.net
@WWESheamus Check out WWE #SlamCity. I get my dream job as a….cinema usher?!? Thanks Mr. Finisher!
@RandyOrton Do yourselves a favor. Check me out on #WWE Slam City.
WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE
GOT A BURNING QUESTION? In the coming months we’ll solicit Twitter questions for Xavier Woods, Cesaro and Sheamus. Fire of your best queries to: @WWEmagazine. If your questions are interesting enough, one of them just might make it into WWE Magazine! And you thought the Web was just for Soul Cycle videos.
WorldMags.net
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 41
WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
Summer Lovin’
But being able to laugh at yourself is a good quality, so I’m going to try to that when I’m watching.
On the high heels of her in-ring debut, Summer Rae dishes on Total Divas , cheesy pick-up lines and mixing it up in the ring. B y K A Y L A P A R E N T Photography By J O N R A G E L
1. Where can we find you on days of ? Just being at my house is both a blessing and a reward, so when I’m there I usually don’t venture out. You can find me cooking my own food, going to the gym, and sleeping in my own bed!
WWE QUIZ
5. Is there something that was filmed that might be embarrassing, that you wouldn’t want on TV? Sometimes it’s hard for me to even hear the sound of my own voice, so I know there will be things that make me cringe.
2. When you do have downtime does Summer Rae turn of—or is your mind still on work? My mind is always on work. I try to watch movies, and read books because I know it’s important to escape, but I’ll often find myself streaming pay-per-views or watching the network.
6. The show has brought you a lot more exposure! Has any guy ever approached you with a cheesy line? If they’re funny enough, I think they’re great openers! Most of the time it’s harmless, and I think humor is very important in a relationship. I have to it that it’s very possible a line would work on me! 7. Is there a specific line that’s been used that comes to mind? “Are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.” That one gets me every time. What doesn’t? “Hey baby, you’re hot, let me buy you a drink.” 8. Where would you like to spend an entire summer if you could? My ultimate vacation destination would be Bora Bora. They have the huts there with the Jacuzzis—it seems so amazing and tropical. How can you not relax in a place like that?
3. Are you a planner, or do you go with the flow? I’m about maximizing my time. I make appointments for everything, even if it’s just getting my nails done.
9. What is your favorite part about being a WWE Diva? Being out in the community as much as we are. Doing Make-A-Wish and Be a STAR, those things are priceless to me. I love performing and being out in the ring, but getting to meet of the WWE Universe is my favorite part. • DIV
A D AY O F F • D
I VA
Y OF
F • D I V A D AY O F F
ore of To see m from the r Rae Summe om original WWE .c iva Day series “Dto wwe Off ” go m divas.co
•D
•D
I VA
D AY O F F • D I VA
OFF
DA
D AY
4. So, what was it like filming the second season of Total Divas? I have a newfound respect for the girls. Being that busy doesn’t even compare to the opportunity of being on the show!
10. You’ve recently made the transition from outside the ring, to in. What are you looking forward to most? The opportunities seem endless and everything is completely new to me. I love the physicality of being in the ring with an opponent. This is a year of “firsts”, and I can’t wait to see where the in-ring work takes me next. I’m exited!
I VA
D AY
O F F • D I V A D AY
OFF
11. With all these firsts, is there anything on the horizon for Summer Rae that the WWE Universe might not know about? There is! I am oficially going to be the first Diva that gets to be in a major motion picture—The Marine 4 alongside The Miz. I’m eager for the challenge and ready to venture out of my comfort zone.
42 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE I love the physicality of being in the ring with an opponent. I can’t wait to see where this year takes me.
STYLING BY SOFIA KARVELA FOR WWW.AGENTOLIVER.COM; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KRYSTYN JOHNSON
SUMMER RAE
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WorldMags.net BODY SHOP
NUTRITION
TWWEET US
DIVA OF THE MONTH
WWE QUIZ
How Much Do You Know About…Acts Of Vengeance?
WWE Payback allows the Superstars a chance to get revenge on those who have done them wrong. We’ve compiled 10 vengeful questions about their deserved—and undeserved—comeuppance.
1
Undertaker finally got revenge on his newly returned brother Kane at ’Mania XIV. Can you find 5 differences between these two photos of that fateful night?
?
4
In 2010, “Dashing” Cody Rhodes took revenge on Rey Mysterio by unmasking him on SmackDown? Why?
At SummerSlam 2002, A defeated his former partner, B in an C as revenge for an attack in the D.
2
A
? B ? C ? D ?
44 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
True or False: After being spit on, Mick Foley got revenge on “Legend Killer” Randy Orton by eliminating him from the 2003 Royal Rumble.
3
?
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A
Rey broke his nose Rey stole his I-C Championship C Rey disqualified him at Survivor Series D Rey attacked him backstage B
WorldMags.netKNOWLEDGE A
B
C
D
5
Which WWE Superstar did AJ Lee team up with back in 2012 to get back at her former flame John Cena and tormentor Vickie Guerrero? ?
6
Who Am I? After losing twice on The Grandest Stage of Them All to Stone Cold Steve Austin, I finally got my revenge at WrestleMania XIX.
?
7
John Cena got ultimate revenge on Wade Barrett and The Nexus at 2010’s TLC PPV in what type of match?
8
On which program did Randy Savage get payback on Jake Roberts for months of reptile-style sufering?
A
A
B
B
7,500 15,000 C 10,000 D 20,000
10 A
Triple Threat Match Ladders C Tables D Chairs
9
How many signatures did the petition to reinstate Matt Hardy get so he could get back at Lita and Edge?
B
?
Prime Time Wrestling Tuesday Night Titans C Saturday Night’s Main Event D Wrestling Spotlight
Unscramble Me: Looking to help Daniel Bryan get back at his condescending mentor, which celebrity finally granted him a match against The Miz?
HATSON UTHREcK
TIME’S UP! / Match your answers below to see where you rank in of WWE intelligence. 0 - 2
3 - 4
5 -7
8 - 9
10
LO C A L C O M P E T I TO R
N XT ROOKIE
TAG T E A M CHAMPIONS
UNITED STATES CHAMPION
W W E WO R L D H E AV Y W E I G H T CHAMPION
1. REFEREE IS MISSING A STRIPE, TOP ROPE IS MISSING, KANE STUDS ON GLOVE MISSING, KANE STUDS ON TOP MISSING, BOX IN TOP CORNER IS MISSING; 2. A. SHAWN MICHAELS, B. TRIPLE H, C. UNSANCTIONED STREET FIGHT, D. PARKING LOT; 3. FALSE: IT WAS THE 2004 ROYAL RUMBLE; 4. A; 5. B; 6. THE ROCK; 7. D; 8. A.B; 9. C; 10 ASHTON KUTCHER.
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JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 45
WorldMags.net
It’s been less than a year since our last “Power Issue”—and the landscape of WWE has changed so dramatically that a reassessment was a necessity. Superstars have found inspiring (Daniel Bryan), entertaining (Total Divas) and terrifying (The Wyatts) ways to rise above the pack that more often than not have nothing to do with sheer strength and brute force.
• D A N I E L
B R YA N
POWER is in the PEOPLE
A
ll the way back in summer 2012, then-GM John Laurinaitis proffered his concept for “People Power,” but his pandering slogan was lacking one valuable component—the people themselves. A job review from The Chairman and a few well-placed Attitude Adjustments from John Cena put a quick and quiet end to that so-called movement. Daniel Bryan and his “Yes!” Movement, however, have faced a far greater array of challenges during the past year (The Authority and all of its many minions, The Wyatts and two
46 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
matches at WrestleMania XXX) and have not only weathered the storm but lived to see brighter, golden days thanks to their unyielding efforts and mutual system. Daniel Bryan said as much himself on the 4/7/14 episode of Raw: “When I started ‘Yessing,’ it wasn’t just a word and it’s not just a hand gesture. It’s not a movement; it’s not positive thinking; it’s not about any of that. It’s about the power that each and everyone one of us have to make change. And because of you guys and because of your power, last night I went into WrestleMania XXX, I beat The Authority, and right now, here I stand, as the new WWE World
Heavyweight Champion.” Although The Rock has used the moniker “The People’s Champion” for years, it might be time that he handed that particular nickname over to Daniel Bryan (Flying Goat and “Yes!” Man don’t quite do him justice). He’s certainly earned it and as the historically raucous crowd on that Raw after ’Mania reminded him, “You deserve it!” Bryan now has a growing system that no other Superstar in the locker room can boast, and it’s only limited by the amount of tickets that can be sold for a particular arena on that given evening. It’s the single most difficult type of power to attain in this business, but when used properly, it can help a Superstar overcome any obstacle in his way. Much like Bryan’s beloved Super-Bowl-Champion Seattle Seahawks and their 12th Man, this relationship between athlete and fanbase might be the greatest tag team ever formed in the history of WWE.
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Illustration By N I C O L E W I L K I N S O N
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75,167
of the WWE Universe chanting “Yes!” for Bryan’s epic wins at WMXXX.
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P T I S OW H E S E U R E
WorldMags.net POWER is in RECOVERY
• S H E A M U S
FACT #1: Sheamus was forced to sit out the latter half of 2013 with a torn labrum in his shoulder. FACT #2: The injured list is certainly no place for a Celtic Warrior. So what happens to an individual whose persona is based so much on unrelenting physical strength when he can’t even lift his arm? “When you go through a surgery like that, it definitely makes you think about a lot of things. It puts you through a tedious process of getting back in the ring,” Sheamus says. “I felt powerless after my surgery because I wasn’t able to move my arm, but after only two weeks I had more power over my recovery than anything else. It was in my hands. I did extra rehab. I was there for as long as I possibly could be. I was in the gym before I was supposed to be, so ultimately I had a lot of power. I was never truly powerless after my surgery. Everything was in my hands and I proved I could be back fitter, stronger and better than I was before I left. And I proved that, right?” Indeed he did in both his epic return at the Royal Rumble and his performance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX. “I’m in better shape—fitter, faster and stronger—so people who have known me over the last couple of years know they’re going to see a more improved, sharper Sheamus and a hungrier Sheamus, too!”
180
Number of days that The Celtic Warrior was out of action with a labrum injury.
• B A D
N E W S
POWER • Delivering “Bad
is
News” has the power to crumble an individual without landing a single blow. So how do sticks and stones stack up against words? According to Bad News
B A R R E T T
HAVING A VOICE Barrett, they’re two completely diferent things. “They can be used to complement one another, but I would never really compare the two. If I wanted to beat somebody up, I
would attack them with my fists. If I wanted to mentally tear them apart, then I’d use my voice. It’s a very intimidating thing to have someone tear you apart like that. The benefit of
WorldMags.net
verbally knocking somebody out is that you can literally do it to anybody. You can do it men, women, children, old people—the kind of people you couldn’t necessarily commit physical violence to. Obviously, the benefit of verbally tearing someone apart is that it softens them up for the ring and makes them easier to knock out later.”
• G o l d u s t &
Power
WorldMags.net C o dy
is in
• This past year has seen a resurgence in tag team wrestling. The right pairing can do wonders for a Superstar’s career. It certainly worked for The Brotherhood. “I think Cody Rhodes in The Brotherhood, as opposed to Cody Rhodes alone, is a diferent type of power—a unique power. One that we didn’t anticipate coming across,” Cody
PartnershiPs
Rhodes says. “Part of the reason the fans appreciated The Brotherhood tag team is because we were two individuals that were most likely never going to cross paths against one another, so it’s this whole new type of power.” Goldust takes that sentiment one step further. “We are pretty powerful together because we are brothers, we
are family, we know each other. You can knock us down but we are going to get back up because we both have that intestinal fortitude and we know each other’s moves so well that if one is slacking, the other can pick it up, which is a big deal. We aren’t the powerhouses like so many teams, but we have a lot of heart. There’s nothing we can’t overcome.”
4
Number of partners that Cody has won Tag Team gold with.
D
on’t take our word about what total power means. Instead, listen to an “authority” on that subject, Stephanie McMahon: “Power represents the ability to shape and influence the world. The WWE Universe trusts us to make decisions in their best interest. Those decisions are not always the most popular, but we always do what’s best for business. Power is never absolute—we have to constantly prove ourselves and earn the respect of our Superstars, Divas and employees, as well as the WWE Universe. ...The decision-makers are the ones with all the power. No matter the ing fad or hiccup along the way, WWE is our legacy, a legacy created by my family 50 years ago. I was born into this power, I didn’t ask for it, and with my husband, our influence only grows. The Authority is WWE, and the Universe respects that order.” • t h e
a u t h o r i t y
Power is total control WorldMags.net
June 1 wwe payback • 49
• t h e
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w yat t s
Power is fear • At a combined
weight of 875 pounds, Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper are as formidable in size as any stable or tag team that came before them. But that’s not what makes them so scary. It’s not their facial hair that makes them scary, either. After all, the hirsute— see Page 32—Daniel Bryan is beloved by the WWE Universe. It’s not even their creepy entrance music and hurricane lantern that gets whifed out with a pronouncement of their presence in the darkened arena that makes them scary. No, what truly makes The Wyatt Family utterly terrifying is that they are able to instill fear and doubt in the hearts and minds of the Superstars of the WWE locker room. A loss to John Cena on The Grandest Stage of Them All, for example, did little to faze the trio. In fact, it seemed like win or lose, Bray’s plan for getting inside the head of The Champ would be the real victory for the night. And while he couldn’t convince Cena to take the cheap way out with a chairshot, a crabwalk that countered a “You Can’t See Me” left Cena rattled in a way we’ve never seen before. When it’s not about the wins, the gold or the glory, then what is it about? The answer might be too frightening to ponder.
1851
First recorded mention of “pogonophobia,” the fear of beards.
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R E H E T W E O U P ISS
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• ALEXANDER RUS
&
P O W E R is a FOREIGN IMPORT • Sometimes it’s
1.67
Number of viewers (in millions) who tuned in for the 8/11/13 Episode of Total Divas on E!
• T O TA L
easy to forget that the first “W” in WWE stands for World and that the next big powerhouse could hail from somewhere other than the States— somewhere like Bulgaria. Luckily, for the WWE Universe, we have Lana taking charge of the importing business. “The most powerful thing I’ve done was bring Alexander Rusev into WWE. I have given WWE a great gift. Mr. Rusev crushes all of his opponents in mere minutes. This is just the beginning of the Rusev legacy.” And that’s where
Lana excels—she sees the long game and not just a flash in the pan. “The definition of power is to have the capacity to direct and influence people. I’m the director of the Rusev legacy. With great power comes great responsibility, and I take much responsibility to make Rusev’s life easier so he can go to the ring and win.” But to Lana, power is so much more than physicality. “I also have the power mentally to control whatever needs to be done. Power is also wealth…and I exude wealth.”
D I VA S
POWER is REALITY
T
hanks to a little Sunday-night reality series on the E! Network, the of the WWE Universe (as well as the rest of the TVviewing universe) know more than they could ever hope to learn about the WWE Divas and the men in their lives (be they Superstar or otherwise). This healthy dose of reality has added a new dimension to the women of the WWE locker room and showcased their powerful personalities in a way that Monday and Friday nights haven’t been able to. “Power to me means the freedom to be who you are and have no apologies over it,” Natalya says. “I have found that the biggest opportunities have come from my ability to embrace my imperfections. The beauty of Total Divas is showing that you are real, that you are not a Barbie doll, and that you don’t live this perfect life…Total Divas has opened up another world that I never knew existed, and people who never ever watched WWE are now watching WWE because they find what we do intriguing. They have become engaged and attached to us, so I feel like that is a huge accomplishment.” The Divas’ mission is simple: first the WWE Universe, then the world!
WorldMags.net
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 51
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Despite missing 10+ weeks of action, John Cena was ranked #1 longer than any other Superstar.
21 22 23 24 25
52 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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5-OCT
28-SEP
THE BROTHERHOOD
21-SEP
31-AUG
THE WYATTS
24-AUG
17-AUG
10-AUG
DANIEL BRYAN
3-AUG
27-JUL
20-JUL
THE SHIELD
13-JUL
6-JUL
ALBERTO DEL RIO
29-JUN
22-JUN
15-JUN
8-JUN
DOLPH ZIGGLER
1-JUN
25-MAY
RYBACK
18-MAY
11-MAY
4-MAY
JOHN CENA
27-APR
20-APR
13-APR
RANDY ORTON
T O P P E R S
14-SEP
• C H A R T
7-SEP
P T I S OW H E S E U R E
WorldMags.net The POWER is in YOUR HANDS!
WorldMags.net #1 Rankings
4/13-13 – 4/5/14
For 52 weeks from WrestleMania 29 through WMXXX these Superstars all claimed the #1 spot on the WWE.com Power Rankings at least twice. But a year is a long time and a telling indicator of one’s sustained power in the WWE Universe. Here we chart the shocking fluctuations of WWE’s top talent and invite you to do the same through the Fan Power Rankings!
Dolph Ziggler 2 weeks / 3.8%
the wyatts 3 weeks / 5.7%
ryBaCk 5 weeks / 9.6 %
John Cena 17 weeks / 32.6%
alBerto Del rio 3 weeks / 5.7%
the shielD 2 weeks / 3.8%
the BrotherhooD 2 weeks / 3.8%
other 1 week / 2%
5-Apr
30-MAr
15-MAr
8-MAr
1-MAr
22-Feb
15-Feb
8-Feb
1-Feb
25-JAn
18-JAn
11-JAn
4-JAn
28-Dec
21-Dec
14-Dec
7-Dec
30-nOv
23-nOv
16-nOv
9-nOv
2-nOv
26-Oct
19-Oct
12-Oct
22-MAr
ranDy orton 12 weeks / 23.1%
Daniel Bryan 5 weeks / 9.6 %
The WWe UniveRse has spoken! Where do all of these #1 ranked Superstars rate in WWE Universe? Here’s how the past year breaks down…
Head to www.wwe.com/ inside/fan-power-rankings to rate your favorite Superstars and see how they stack up against the rest of the WWE Universe.
# / SUPERStaR / avERagE Fan Ranking 1 Daniel Bryan 2.9 2 Randy Orton 4.1 3 John Cena 5.8 4 the Shield 6.0 6 alberto Del Rio 10.5
9 the Wyatt Family 13.0 10 Dolph Ziggler 13.2 11 Ryback 15.0 13 Cody Rhodes & goldust 16.6
WorldMags.net
* cody rhodes forms the brotherhood with goldust * ryback forms rybAxel with curtis Axel
June 1 wwe payback • 53
TWIN MAGIC! Pa r t I
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A self-titled “girly tomboy,” Nikki Bella is a fearless warrior in the ring and a fashionista with confidence as high as her heels. Out to prove she’s more than just one of two, the Total Divas star tells us about returning from injury, teaming with John Cena, and defining “Nikki mode.” By K A Y L A P A R E N T Photography by M A R I U S B U G G E
54 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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The WWE Universe has gotten an upclose look at your relationship with John Cena thanks to Total Divas. What’s it like dating the biggest star in WWE?
“I’ll always have a rough, competitive edge, but I still love being a girl and all that comes with it.”
Have you ever thought about teaming with him?
Before I leave, I would love to have a storyline with John or a mixed tag match—anything really. It’s so much fun to go out there and work with the boys. I worked with both The Miz and John Morrison and The Rhodes Scholars before, and I keep pushing to try and do something like that again. It lends a different excitement to the night for me, and a different level of competition for everyone involved. Fans of John and I would really love to see that, too. With all that attention and focus on your relationship, were you ever nervous about putting your personal life on display for Total Divas?
Definitely. We kept our relationship personal for a long time, so we really had to sit down and talk about what it would mean for us. It was difficult for me because our ups and downs were now going to be out there for everyone to watch and have a say in. John and I have such a strong bond, though, and that’s what’s made me confident to move forward with it. He’s honestly the greatest man to ever walk the earth, and he treats me like a queen. He makes me comfortable with it. Do you ever Google yourself to read reactions about you or the show?
I’ve done it a few times—but only to find “Throwback Thursday” photos! I don’t pay
56 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
—NIKKI BELLA
any attention to what people are saying because the Internet can be very negative in general. I’ve learned that I don’t need that. I only want to surround myself with positivity. I’m confident with who I am and secure enough with who I am that I don’t need to go read someone else’s opinion to either boost myself or bring me down. How do you define your personal style?
I’m a girly tomboy, which, yes, I get that those are two opposite things, but I’m really both. On the one hand, I love football, I love sports, and I love to wrestle with the boys and to train as hard as they do. That’s who I am. I played soccer all my life as a sweeper. I’ll always have a rough, competitive edge, but I still love being a girl and all that comes with it. The heels, the fashion, the glamour, that’s who I am, too. I try to be a little bit of both in the ring. What is one fashion craze you’d love to see return?
Gloves. I love that look from the olden days, when the women were classy yet sexy, even though they were covered from head-to-toe. I loved how every woman wouldn’t leave her house without a pair of nice gloves on. When my great Aunt Betty died, she ed us along different pairs of gloves with mini bows and pearls. They’re so dainty and elegant. I imagined myself showing up to dinner with them on, taking them off slowly and putting them in my clutch until the moment I’d leave. It’s just a very poised and elegant look.
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In of your ring work, is there something you’re hoping to accomplish before you hang up your boots?
I want to be the Divas Champion again. All the girls say it, but I want it more than them, and I want to have the longest reign of all time. I want Triple H and Mr. McMahon to put me in situations that challenge me. I want to be scared when I’m walking out into Gorilla, because that feeling helps you deliver a five-star performance and helps you grow as a person. I want to be scared of what the fans will think of me before I walk out. You seemed to bounce back from your shin injury pretty quickly. Tell us a little bit about your rehab experience.
It was extremely frustrating. I’d have good weeks, then I’d have bad ones. Sometimes I felt strong and on the mend, and other times I felt like it hurt worse than when I started. When it was throbbing and in pain, I’ll it there were moments when I wondered if I’d ever get back in the ring. I’d have those moments of breaking down and losing confidence. But in the end, it was sort a blessing in disguise because I discovered weight-lifting and the amazing things that it can do for your body. I was always nervous to try it because I thought it would bulk me up, but it ended up bringing out the spirit of who I really am. Now, I love it. My ion for weight--lifting is so strong, that if I’m not lifting at least five times a week, I’m anxious to lift something heavy! I feel like a new woman. Finally, we’re dying to know, what’s “Nikki Mode”?
Oh boy, Nikki Mode is when I’m strong, unbeatable and totally fearless in the ring. That’s when I’m at my best.
PROP STYLING BY LINNEA KEMPER FOR AMAX; HAIR & MAKEUP BY ALYSSA KRAUS FOR AMAX
What’s funny is that I look at John as just John. So when we go out and everyone wants his photo or autograph, I’m always like, “Oh yeah, you’re really cool.” I’ve known him for so long, and I know him so well, that I honestly forget what a big star he is. But when I do , I always think to myself, “Yeah, my guy is the best thing in the world.” But to me, he’s just John.
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ON THE ROAD, ON THE RUN
LANGUAGE, SEXUALITY AND NUDITY, SOME DRUG USE, AND VIOLENCE INCLUDING AN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
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THE BEST WWE TOWN! More than 320 times a year, a WWE Live Event rolls into a city, takes over an arena and entertains the thousands of WWE Universe in attendance who give as good as they get. But what fan base brings it the best? Over the next few months WWE Magazine will put these towns to the ultimate test! HOW WE SELECTED OUR WWE CITIES 1. How many times a year WWE visits for a live or televised event.
5. Superstars and Divas who hail from the
2. Number of historic WWE or wres-
6. Ticket sales for said city and venue, spe-
3. Years WWE has been running shows in
7. Crowd noise! How loud the WWE Uni-
4. Surrounding cities within 100 miles that also host WWE live events.
8. An abundance of creative and original signage hand-crafted by the WWE Universe!
tling events, from title changes to iconic moments, that happened in that city.
cifically how often does WWE sell out when they come to town.
verse gets and if we can hear you on TV.
DIGITAL IMAGING BY ERIC HEINTZ; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
the particular town or region.
area and can claim it their hometown.
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WorldMags.net battle bracketology Play In Round Empire State Triple Threat
mAnhAttAn
VS
brookLyn
VS
Long isLAnd ChiCAgo
Los AngeLes
detroit
boston
dALLAs
WAshington, d.C.
st. Louis
Pittsburgh
houston
PhiLAdeLPhiA
sAn Antonio
toronto
London
CALgAry
your toWn!!!
what about where i live?
We know what you’re thinking, why isn’t my town on this list? Well, this is your chance to score the last slot for your city. Tweet us @WWEmagazine with #wwetowns or email us at [email protected] with the subject “WWE Towns” and tell us why your home should make the list. Don’t worry: You’ve got the rest of the year to make your case, but get to it if you think your ’hood has what it takes to top these metropolises.
CheCk bACk next month for the first bAttLe!
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P T I S OW H E S E U R E
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The CHESTS of The
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cesaro The scary part is that he’s barely flexing. Talk about Swiss precision.
• p e c t o r a l i s
m a j o r
Photography by m a r i u s b u g g e
As part of the WWE Magazine 2014 Power Issue, we’ve decided it’s time to honor the muscle group that often best defines the Superstars. Sure, everyone is impressed with 24-inch pythons, brother, but more often than not, it’s the pecs that determine the pecking order on the roster and truly turn our talent into icons. WorldMags.net
P T I S OW H E S E U R E
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BIG E These are the pecs that set and broke several weightlifting records. Respect.
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Diego & FernanDo, Los MataDores What highfliers lack in size, they make up for in skill and deception. Just try telling these two apart from this photo.
ryback The self-proclaimed “Big Guy” has probably never been called little in his entire life. And with a chest like that, we can understand why. It takes up entire hallways.
Xavier WooDs Combining a bit of new school with a bit of old (jacket tag-teamed with chest hair), XW PhD can teach us a thing or two about redefining personal style.
JiMMy & Jey Uso Thanks to their tattoos, it’s easier to differentiate these twins by their chests (not to mention which side their face paint happens to be on).
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June 1 wwe payback • 63
P T I S OW H E S E U R E
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SHEAMUS A pallid skin tone is the perfect canvas for the in-ring wounds of The Celtic Warrior.
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GroominG by AlyssA KrAus for AmAX
R TRuTh What’s up? How about one of the most impressive and underrated fronts in the locker room (and we’re not talking teeth here either)!
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June 1 wwe payback • 65
TWIN MAGIC! Pa r t I I
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BOHEMIAN
B E AU T Y b y K a y l a Pa r e n t Photography by Marius Bugge
The future Mrs. Daniel Bryan quietly steps away from the ring—and her sister—to share the most exciting part about planning a wedding, her ion for the environment, and the true reality of filming a show such as Total Divas.
66 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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Total Divas is on its way to finishing another successful season. What was your original reaction when you found out you’d be on the show?
I was thrilled, but I’ll be honest and say that I was also a little nervous. I’m a very quiet and private person outside work, and I didn’t know if I’d make for good TV. But I knew the WWE Universe would finally get a chance to see my personality, get to know who Brie Bella is, and not just see me as part of a unit.
would sit down and talk about the environment for hours, share our beliefs and opinions, which were in line. It was also his sincerity. His soul is very, very sweet, and you see that shine through his eyes. I think that’s how the audience connects with him, too. I just thought, “Wow, he’s probably the sweetest human being I’ve ever met.” How would you say your relationship has changed from then to now?
It’s changed in a good way. In a career like
Are you still constantly aware of the cameras or do you ever get caught up in the moment and completely forget they’re there?
You definitely forget when you’re in the moment. There are times when I’ll say something, and my heart will drop because I didn’t really want something that personal out there in the open. Now, sometimes I give myself a warning to stay on my toes: “Brie, the cameras are on, so beware.”
We’ve really seen your personality and unique style throughout the past year. Who would you say is someone you look to as a fashion idol?
It would have to be Kate Hudson. I love her free spirit, and how she dresses as if she’s not afraid to push the bar and wear something weird or different. But at the same time, she seems so comfortable in her own skin, like she’s not wearing it to prove a point, that it’s just who she is. So what would you do if you weren’t a Diva? Tell us: Who is Brie outside WWE?
I would be a huge activist for the environment. That’s my true ion and what really gets me going. I’m someone who has always felt that we as humans can do so much more to help our situation on this earth. It’s not always our own fault, a lot of times it’s because we’re not educated in the right ways. I would want to be out there teaching others and really give that 110 percent. I may be a Diva, but I am a simple person. I don’t need big cars and big houses to enjoy my life. I love and enjoy nature, and I’d want to find ways to share that joy with the world.
How do you handle that high level of competition, not just on the show, but in the ring?
You know, I’m lucky because not only am I a very laid-back person, but I’ve been compared to someone else my whole life, so it’s a feeling I’m used to. Sharing the spotlight is something I’m familiar with, so when I see other girls doing well, I’m happy for them. But I’ve always had a competitive spirit, so when I see someone else getting bigger and better, it just makes me work harder and want to step up to the plate that much more.
always dreamed of. They say it’s the dress you don’t want to take off, and for me, that’s true. I found a beautiful bohemianstyle gown off Pinterest from a new designer—her name is Katie May—and I couldn’t be happier with it.
Speaking of getting bigger and better, how are you dealing with Daniel Bryan’s undeniable rise in popularity?
I love it! I’m his Number 1 fan, and, I mean, we were together when there was no story for him at all, when no one really knew who he was. I’ll never forget the night when I won the Divas Championship in Bridgeport, CT, and he had done a dark match that night. And now, when I look at how far he’s come, I honestly couldn’t be happier. Out of anyone I’ve ever met, no one deserves this spot more than he does. What would you say it was about Bryan that drew you to him in the first place?
It was our friendship. He was the first guy here whom I had a lot in common with. We
68 • wwe payback June 1
—Brie Bella
this, you have to be ready to travel down a road that changes direction, and you have to find ways to become stronger. We had to figure out ways to escape and give ourselves a couple of hours together and find fun stuff to do. Our thing when we’re on the road is to check out local food spots and enjoy a lunch or dinner. It’s a good way for us to spend some alone time while ing the local communities. Is there a part of planning your wedding you’re looking forward to most?
This is going to sound selfish, but picking out my dress. I think all girls can relate to that, because it’s something you think about all your life—something you’ve
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Are there certain organizations and/or causes that you enjoy or promote?
Olivia Wilde actually just started an organization called Conscious Commerce with her fiancé that teaches you how to live an ecological lifestyle, while still understanding and keeping in mind the desire to look and feel beautiful. She lists brands that are eco-friendly and endorses the idea that you can buy pretty things while still keeping the environment in mind. Putting everything else to the side— what is one of your deepest desires?
I would love to experience life in other eras. Go back in history, you know? If I could live for a bit in the medieval period, or even just the 1920s, I would jump at the chance. I’m fascinated by it. Am I a total history nerd? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Styling by linnea Kemper for amaX; Hair & maKeup by alySSa KrauS for amaX; dreSS by JenS pirate booty, Jewelry by free people
“I may be a Diva, but I am a simple person. I don’t need big cars and big houses to enjoy my life.”
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Your definitive guide to the hardest-hitting, highest-flying, most electrifying, must-see action in the WWE Universe!
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
SHOCKER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Lesnar ends The Streak, jaws drop
Paul Heyman warned us about Undertaker’s fate at WrestleMania. He even said, “This is not a prediction; this is a spoiler,” when he said Brock Lesnar would end The Dean’s 21-0 Streak. The Beast Incarnate seemed in control after two F-5s, but Undertaker rallied with a Last Ride and a Tombstone. Lesnar reversed a second attempt into a decisive F-5, though, leaving the 75,000 in attendance—and even Heyman—at a loss for words. After “21-1” appeared on the Titantron, reality finally settled in: Lesnar conquered the once unconquerable, and WWE’s one constant crumbled.
70 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
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By j e f f L a b o o n Photography by j o h n g i a m u n d o
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june 1 wwe payback • 71
RINGSIDE
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4/6, WrestleMania XXX
Psych-Out Of the year NOmiNee
Cena preserves his legacy (and sanity) against The Wyatt Family
72 • wwe payback june 1
Bray Wyatt Wanted to Bring out the worst in John Cena. He saw an 11-year legacy built on the virtues of Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect, and he aimed to tear it down and to bring out Cena’s inner monster at WrestleMania. The Eater of Worlds slid a chair to his rival and begged The Champ to finish him, but a cooler head prevailed as Cena tossed the chair aside and bested Wyatt with an Attitude Adjustment.
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67k Fans who saw The Ultimate Warrior defeat Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI.
4/14, RAW
MOST EMOTIONAL MOMENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Roster says goodbye to Warrior
DAYS AFTER THE WARRIOR ed the ranks of the legendary greats in the WWE Hall of Fame, he ed away. The next week on Raw, the entire roster, with the McMahon family center, took the stage to pay tribute
4/7, RAW
DIVA OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Paige crashes AJ’s party after WrestleMania
A DEBUTING PAIGE upset the longestreigning Divas Champ by reversing the Black Widow into a Paige Turner to become the first competitor to hold a WWE and an NXT title simultaneously.
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to The Ultimate Warrior with a 10-bell salute. It was the perfect tribute to a WWE legend who was responsible for many of today’s Superstars and Divas lacing up their boots. We’ll miss you, Warrior.
“YOU CAN’T HAVE ANY REGRETS, BUT I GOT A LITTLE TOO VICIOUS OUT THERE.” —JOHN CENA, APOLOGIZING FOR HIS AGGRESSION AGAINST BRAY WYATT; 4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
JUNE 1 WWE PAYBACK • 73
RINGSIDE
WorldMags.net “TONIGHT IS THE
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
PROMO OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
WWE Legends usher in new era at The Show of Shows
THREE OF THE BIGGEST STARS in WrestleMania history, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock empowered the youngsters in the locker room to step up.
NIGHT FOR THE CURRENT REGIME OF SUPERSTARS TO PUT EVERY SINGLE THING THEY’VE GOT ON THE LINE IN THIS RING FOR YOUR ASSES!” —STONE COLD, MOTIVATING THE WWE LOCKER ROOM. 4/6, WMXXX
4/7, RAW
RIVALRY OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
The Shield’s pre-emptive strike against The Authority rankles Triple H
74 • WWE PAYBACK JUNE 1
ROMAN REIGNS, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins proved to The Authority that “Believe in The Shield” isn’t some catchphrase. You’d only need one hand to count the number of moves Kane and The New Age Outlaws
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connected with at WMXXX, as The Shield destroyed The Attitude Era vets. When they came to Daniel Bryan’s aid on Raw, Triple H tried to make peace, but Reigns Speared the olive branch from the COO’s hands.
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193
Weight diference (in pounds) between the match’s winner, Cesaro, and Big Show.
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
OMG! MOMENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Cesaro’s feats of strength are getting more and more impressive
THE WWE UNIVERSE is getting spoiled by Cesaro’s super-human demonstrations of might. He’s already a folk hero among the likes of Paul Bunyan by Swinging the likes of Great Khali and Brodus Clay around like
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rag-doll kittens. But then he topped himself at WrestleMania when he hoisted the 450pound Big Show up and dumped him out of the ring to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. OMG! is right.
RINGSIDE
6
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Entrant number that Alexander Rusev drew in the 2014 Royal Rumble Match.
4/14, Raw
Most powerful debut of the year Xavier Woods, R-Truth get in the way of Rusev’s crushing
76 • wwe payback june 1
AlexAnder rusev didn’t leave an impression on WWE; he invaded it. In only his second match on Raw, Rusev locked in the Accolade on Xavier Woods, causing him to submit immediately. The bell rang, but
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The Bulgarian Brute refused to unlock the hold. When R-Truth came to his tag partner’s aid, Lana sicced Rusev on him, too. She then proudly raised Rusev’s hand in triumph while he looked ready for more.
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4/14, RAW
REUNION OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
TRIPLE H, BATISTA AND RANDY ORTON drew a line in the sand after The Show of Shows, setting aside their diferences to reform Evolution in the hopes of teaching The Shield a lesson in how to dominate. Lessons
Evolution is Triple H’s solution for The Hounds of Justice
in WWE are typically painful ones, and this was no diferent. Orton, Batista and the COO systematically dismantled each member one-by-one, leaving them in a crumbled heap in the ring.
JUNE IN WWE
Turn here first to find out when the Superstars will be in your town next! SUNDAY 1 WWE PAYBACK Chicago, IL 6:30pm
8 WWE LIVE EVENT Rochester, MN 5pm WWE LIVE EVENT Rio Rancho, NM 5pm
15 FATHER’S DAY WWE LIVE EVENT Fort Wayne, IN 5pm WWE LIVE EVENT Erie, PA 5pm
22 WWE LIVE EVENT Philadelphia, PA 5pm WWE LIVE EVENT Newark, DE 5pm
29 MONEY IN THE BANK Boston, MA 7:30pm
MONDAY 2 RAW Indianapolis, IN 7:30pm
9 RAW Minneapolis, MN 7:30pm
16 RAW Cleveland, OH 7:30pm
23 RAW Washington, DC 7:30pm
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
4
5
SMACKDOWN Cincinnati, OH 7pm
10
11
SMACKDOWN Green Bay, WI 6:45pm
17
12 NXT NXT Orlando, FL 6:30pm
18
19
SMACKDOWN Columbus, OH 7pm
24
25
26
SMACKDOWN Pittsburgh, PA 7pm
30 RAW Raw Hartford, CT 7:30pm
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FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6
7
WWE LIVE EVENT Detroit, MI 7:30pm
WWE LIVE EVENT Madison, WI 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Las Cruces, NM 7:30pm
13
14
WWE LIVE EVENT Saginaw, MI 7:30pm
WWE LIVE EVENT Grand Rapids, MI 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Hamilton, CAN 7:30pm
20
21
WWE LIVE EVENT Providence, RI 7:30pm
WWE LIVE EVENT Uniondale, NY 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Reading, PA 7:30pm
27
28 WWE LIVE EVENT Bangor, ME 7:30pm WWE LIVE EVENT Portland, ME 7:30pm
RINGSIDE
22
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Number of combined World Titles between Bryan, Batista and Orton.
4/6, WRESTLEMANIA XXX
Bryan defies odds, three men and a McMahon to become “Face of WWE”
TRIPLE H SPENT MONTHS killing Daniel Bryan’s dreams of main-eventing WrestleMania, but The Goat wouldn’t be denied. Hours after KO’ing the COO, Bryan challenged for the WWE World Heavyweight
4/11, SMACKDOWN
HEARTBREAK OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Fandango dumps Summer in Tweet
HOPING TO SPICE UP his life after WrestleMania, Fandango split with Summer Rae over Twitter, then danced onto SmackDown with Layla on his arm. There are plenty more fish in the sea, Summer. At least the tweet didn’t say, “Welcome to Dumpsville. Population: you.” Brutal.
P34 WWE FAN ART OF THE MONTH CONTEST FOR June Õ14. NO PAYMENT OR ENTRY FEE REQUIRED. Void where prohibited. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States (and D.C.), 18 and older. Online entries must be received between 12:01 am (ET) on 5/27/14 and 11:59 pm (ET) on 6/23/14 (the “Contest Period”). Go to WWW.WWE.COM/MAGAZINE/ and create a profile, then submit your
entry by ing artwork depicting WWE Superstars (the “Submission”). Submissions must be two dimensional (flat) and online entries must be in .jpg, .pdf, or .tif format and at least 300 dpi. To enter by mail, send your Submission, along with your name and other information required in the Official Rules, to: WWE Fan Art of the Month Contest for June ’14, Publications, WWE, 1241 East Main St.,
Championship. When Batista powerbombed Randy Orton, Bryan darted into the ring as Orton rolled away, clocked The Animal with the Knee+ and cinched in the “Yes!” Lock for the monumental win.
ÒAS HE HELD BOTH OF THOSE TITLES OVER HIS HEAD, I GOT CHILLS RUNNING THROUGH MY WHOLE BODY!Ó —HULK HOGAN, ON DANIEL BRYAN’S EPIC WRESTLEMANIA WIN; 4/11, SMACKDOWN
Stamford, CT 06902. Mail-in entries must be postmarked during the Contest Period and received by WWE no later than 7/1/14. Limit 1 entry per person regardless of entry method. You must own all rights to your Submission, assign all such rights to WWE and acknowledge such assignment at time of entry. Entries will not be returned. You will not be paid for your Submission. Grand Prize: One (1) WrestleMania XXX
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DVD. Approximate retail value (“ARV”) of Grand Prize: $30 USD Contest subject to complete Official Rules available at WWW. WWE.COM and by sending a SASE (VT residents may omit return postage) to: WWE Fan Art of the Month Contest for June ’14 Rules Request, WWE, 1241 East Main St., Stamford, CT 06902. Sponsor: WWE, 1241 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902. © WWE, All rights reserved.
HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN (2); MIKE MARQUES (3); CRAIG MELVIN (3); JOHN GIAMUNDO (2)
VICTORY OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
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ONLY
$1an.i9ssu9e!
Go To:
MAG.WWEKIDS.COM WorldMags.net ©2014 WWE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Back page Backs tage
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Sticking together Step behind the scenes to catch Superstars & Divas in rare moments, like when The Beast Incarnate and The Mastermind prepare to conquer again. Brock Lesnar wastes no time in asserting dominance. He’s broken the arms of Hall of Famers and WWE’s strongest Superstars. He’s stood in Undertaker’s face and refused to back down. Longtime manager Paul Heyman knows firsthand just how intense the calm before the storm can be.
80 • WWe payback june 1
“Imagine being in Muhammad Ali’s corner during his prime. Imagine telling Babe Ruth what to do when he steps up to the plate. I get to be in the corner of the most dominant athlete in sportsentertainment. What do I say to Brock before he goes out to the ring: ‘Eat, Sleep, Conquer,
Repeat.’ And he lives up to that mantra every time.” But Heyman insists it’s not just a catchphrase. Lesnar’s intensity doesn’t change when he’s not snapping arms. Heyman has stood in Lesnar’s corner for more than a decade. He argues that longevity makes them sports-
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entertainment’s most tightly knit duo ever. “Brock Lesnar and I had the strongest manager-Superstar bond ever from the very first day we appeared together because Brock is more than just the ultimate ‘Paul Heyman guy,’ Brock Lesnar is the #PaulHeymanBeast.”
Photography by r i c h f r e e da
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WOR L D WR E S T L I N G
Most Shocking Issue
Creates The
THE
101 UNBELIEVABLE #50
WWE
Samoa Produces More Wrestlers Than Any Other Nation.
READ IT NOW!
200+ BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE NOW!
If you’re new to WWE Magazine or a returning reader, here’s your chance to get caught up with every single exclusive interview, outstanding photoshoot, in-depth feature and pull-out poster!
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We’ve EVER Printed! EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS John Cena Chris Jericho Triple H Rey Mysterio Kofi Kingston & The Miz
WHO’S THE SMARTEST SUPERSTAR? We Gave Them An “IQ” Test. Surprising Results On P60 M AY 2 0 1 0
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