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CM Punk Returns to ‘SmackDown’ Makes References to ‘OG Paul Heyman Guy’, AEW Backstage Fights & Calls Out Top WWE Stars

Photo: WWE

The polarizing and off-the-charts popular, CM Punk, made his triumphant return to Fox’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown. On the December 8th episode, this was the Punk promo that everyone was waiting to hear after nearly 10 years away.

Previously, Punk made one in-ring promo appearance on Monday Night Raw two weeks ago, but even as referenced by Punk on Friday night, it was cut short for time. However, on SmackDown, “The Voice of the Voiceless” had plenty of time to relate his plans for being back in the organization in which he became world famous.

During the 21st annual “Tribute to the Troops” episode emanating this year from Providence, Rhode Island, Punk’s return was deafening as service men and women cheered endlessly “CM Punk, CM Punk.”  Once on the mic, Punk began asking the crowd if they would enjoy seeing him “throw twenty-nine men over the top rope, stand on that turnbuckle, and point at a sign.”  All of this in reference to Punk appearing in January’s Royal Rumble with the winner getting a shot at a championship at WrestleMania 40.

Courtesy/WWE

Punk then took jabs at WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, or, as he would say it, someone who is “never here”. Then in a key moment, which could preview story to come, Punk reminded Reigns that it is he who was is the, “OG Paul Heyman guy.”  Next, Punk revealed that he would decide if he would sign with the blue brand and SmackDown, or the red brand and Monday Night Raw, when he appears back on Raw this coming Monday December 11th.

In addition, CM took shots at several WWE top tier talent including the one guy, who seems publicly to not want Punk back in the WWE, Seth “Freakin” Rollins. With that, Punk further antagonized the WWE champion, by saying that Rollins isn’t even “The Man” in his own household, a reference to Rollins’ real-life relationship with wife and former WWE women’s champ, Becky Lynch.

The 45-year-old wrestler had no problem indirectly referencing his backstage fights and brawl during his time AEW, and his final altercation with Jack Perry backstage at the All In pay-per-view earlier this year. It was that which led to Punk being fired by AEW and released from his contract with cause.  The moment came when Punk spoke on how he and WWE superstar Kevin Owens were alike. That’s when Punk added, that he was unaware of who would be comfortable working with someone who punches people backstage randomly. He ended that thought by saying, “It’s 2023, and one can’t do such things.”

At the conclusion of his promo, Punk did a mic drop and the segment ended, leaving the WWE universe excited for what’s to come. On Saturday, the video of Punk’s in-ring segment on SmackDown had already reached over 1.3 million views.

So, do you think Punk will sign with SmackDown or Monday Night Raw, or neither and be a free agent utilized to garner huge ratings on both shows? Would you like to see Punk headline WrestleMania against Roman Reigns? Could a swerve be on the way, where Reigns’ special counsel, Paul Heyman double-crossed The Tribal Chief, in favor of Punk? What did you think of Punk’s SmackDown promo? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Days Of Our Lives

Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’

Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.

Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.

According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”

Photo: JPI

Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”

As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.

Photo: AP

“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.

Photo: Max

Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.

So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.

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General Hospital

Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn

Some very intriguing casting news out of General Hospital. The ABC daytime drama has cast former Santa Barbara favorite, Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell), in the role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).

According to TV Insider, Davies will make debut the week of May 22nd.  As soap fans know, together with the aforementioned Grahn, they created the Santa Barbara supercouple of Mason and Julia Wainwright. Davies portrayed Mason Capwell family from 1984 through 1989.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time in Port Charles for Lane. From 2002-2004 he played Dr. Cameron Lewis and also shared on-screen story with Grahn.  At that time Davies, played Xander Smith’s father.

Photo: NBC

GH fans are wondering about the last name of Davies new character, “Bryne”. If you recall, Alexis got herself involved with therapist Dr. Neil Bryne, who died when Harmony broke into Alexis‘ house and killed Neil by injecting him with opioids.

Photo:

Taking to her Instagram, Grahn shared her excitement at the upcoming on-screen reunion with Davies, “It never gets old. We do 😂…. but it doesn’t 😍. Lookin’ forward to another romp.”

So, what do you think about Lane Davies returning to GH to play an attorney in Alexis’ orbit? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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News

One Life to Live Alum Jonathan Groff Receives 2024 Tony Award Nomination for Leading Actor in a Musical

Nominations were announced on Tuesday for the 77th annual Tony Awards by previous winners, Renée Elise Goldsberry (ex-Evangeline Williamson, One Life to Live) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

When the dust settled it was Stereophonic (which is loosely based on the story of Fleetwood Mac) and Hell’s Kitchen (Alicia Keys musical) that both scored 13 Tony nominations to lead the pack.

However, Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along made quite the comeback and is nominated for several awards including Best Revival of a Musical and for one of its stars, Jonathan Groff (ex-Henry Mackler, One Life to Live).

Courtesy/Playbill

Groff is nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and will go up against Brody Grant — The Outsiders, Dorian Harewood —The Notebook, Brian d’Arcy James — Days of Wine and Roses and Eddie Redmayne — Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.

In addition to his previous Tony nod for his role in Hamilton, Jonathan was nominated for a Lead Actor in a Musical for his role as Melchior Gabor in the original production of  Spring Awakening.

Jonathan co-stars in the revival of Merrily We Roll Along “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe and previous Tony winner Lindsay Mendez.

Back in 2019, Groff visited Live with Kelly and Ryan and discussed his debut on One Life while working at night on Broadway in Spring Awakening.

He shared on his experience on the soap, “I do remember my first day because I was doing Spring Awakening on Broadway at the time, and One Life to Live was my first time ever being on TV.  So I got this offer, and I was like, ‘Yes, I would love to be in a soap opera,’ and we finished Spring Awakening at 11:00 p.m. and I woke up the next morning at 4:0 a.m. to walk uptown to go to do One Life to Live, and I called my agent and left a message, and I said ‘You have to get me out of this, I can’t wake up at 4 o’clock in the morning!'” You can watch the clip below.

The 77th annual Tony Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, June 16, with Tony and Oscar winner Ariana DeBose returning to host for the third time.

So, rooting for Jonathan to take home his long-awaited Tony Award after several decades in the theater? Do you remember him as part of teen scene on OLTL? Comment below.

 

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