February 28, 2009
WWE Dominates the Recreational Sport DVDs
As posted on Billboard.com, WWE has 9 out of 10 of the top spots on Billboard’s Recreational Sport DVD Chart:
1. WWE: The Best of Saturday Night’s Main Event
2. WWE: Starrcade: The Essential Collection
3. WWE: WrestleMania XXIV
4. WWE: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection
5. UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 6
6. WWE: Hell In A Cell
7. WWE: The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment
8. WWE: The Legacy of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
9. WWE:Edge: A Decade of Decadence
10. WWE: Triple H: King of Kings
Charm City Roller Girls in Action March 14th
Du Burns Arena
1301 S. Ellwood Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
General Admission: $10.00
www.charmcityrollergirls.com
DC Rollergirls in Action March 14th
Date: March 14th, 2009
Time: Doors @ 4:00pm, Bout Begins @ 5:00pm
Price: Adults $12, Kids 6-11 $6, 5 and under free!
Location: DC Armory
Directions/Map: Click Here
Metro Information: Click Here
www.dcrollergirls.com
John Laurinaitis Scouting Talent at the Wild Samoan Training Center
Afa "The Wild Samoan" will open his training camp to the best of the trained Independent wrestlers for a special evaluation by WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis. "Johnny Ace" has confirmed his appearance at the Wild Samoan Training Center for the camp. All wrestlers are welcome to try out, this is not limited to Wild Samoan Training Center students. The five day camp will begin on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
For more information on how you can reserve your spot, contact: wstcschool@aol.com. Check here for more information.
A Taunting Task
John Cena competed in his first match on SmackDown in almost two years, falling victim to Big Show's power and World Heavyweight Champion Edge's timely distraction. As Cena continues to chase the gold, will Edge give the former champ what he wants? Full results.
McMahon Indicted; Why Not Fehr, Selig?
If this was pro wrestling and more than 100 athletes used steroids, then Vince McMahon, owner of World Wrestling Entertainment, would be indicted by the Federal Government.
So why does Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball, along with the owners and Donald Fehr, the executive director of the MLB Players' Association, get a free pass?...More?
source: miamiherald.com
This Day in Wrestling History - Happy Birthday to Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
Richard Henry Blood
February 28, 1953
February 27, 2009
Update on Rey Mysterio
PWInsider.com is reporting that Rey Mysterio will be missing an upcoming set of WWE house shows in the Northeast. Mysterio was not at Raw this past Monday night, and he was also pulled from WWE's South American tour last week. At this time, it's being reported that Mysterio is NOT injured, nor has he been suspended, however is dealing with some sort of personal issue in his home city of San Diego.
The autograph signing that Mysterio has been advertised for which takes place tomorrow in Massapequa, New York, will now feature Chris Jericho.
WWE Lays the SmackDown on Sweden's TV4
World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) and TV4 have announced a new agreement that will launch SmackDown on TV4 Sport in Sweden on February 28...More?
Stephanie Getting the RKO was the Best Thing to Ever Happen to Triple H's Career
Thank you Randy Orton. Thank you for doing what no one else would dare to do. Thank you for taking out the McMahon family one by one.
But most important of all Orton is the thanks we all owe you for making Triple H a better man. What do I mean?
When Randy Orton delivered a vicious RKO to Stephanie McMahon, he helped save Triple H's career...More?
source: bleacherreport.com
I don't agree that Orton saved Triple H's career, I just think that Hunter is better as a heel.
Your Pants Are On Fire, Brother
Mark Madden comments on Hulk Hogan's claims that he was offered the lead role in 'The Wrestler' before it was offered to Mickey Rourke:
Hulk Hogan has lied his way through life, and to great effect when it comes to money and notoriety. But Hogan hit the pinnacle of 55 glorious years of deceit when he told the Los Angeles Times that he was considered for the lead role in “The Wrestler” before it was given to Mickey Rourke.
Darren Aronofsky is a wrestling fan, but given Hogan’s performances in “No Holds Barred,” “Mr. Nanny” and “Suburban Commando,” it’s impossible to believe that such an accomplished producer/director looked at Hogan for a role that required playing someone other than himself.
From “Rocky III” through “Muppets from Space,” all Hogan has ever really done is play himself, and that’s dandy by him. There’s never been a more compelling character as far as Hogan is concerned...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Jerry Lawler quit the WWF(E) over the firing of his wife, Stacey (The Cat) Carter
February 27, 2001
February 26, 2009
Judge Dismisses Suit Against WWE
A federal judge this week dismissed a lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. by former independent contract wrestlers who claimed the organization cheated them out of health care and other benefits.
The wrestlers -- Scott "Raven" Levy, Christopher "Kanyon" Klucsarits and "Above Average" Michael Sanders -- said the level of control exerted over them by the WWE qualified them as full-time employees.
They said they signed contracts that dictated their compensation, physical training regimens, dates and sites of matches, costumes and storylines for their wrestling personae. WWE also reserved the right to use their images and submitted them to drug screenings, the wrestlers said.
The WWE avoided withholding federal taxes from their paychecks by not classifying them as full-time employees, the suit said. The company did not pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, nor did it pay for performers' benefits such as health care and vacation time, the suit said.
The suit was filed in July in state Superior Court then was moved to U.S. District Court for Connecticut. The plaintiffs also sought class-action status.
On Monday in New Haven, Senior U.S. District Judge Peter Dorsey granted a WWE motion asking for dismissal. The suit was dismissed Tuesday.
The wrestlers' attorney, David Golub, said they would pursue the case and were considering their options. They could ask the judge to reconsider the decision or file an appeal, Golub said. The WWE did not offer a response.
source: stamfordadvocate.com
TNA Wrestler Loses Home to Fire
TNA star Shark Boy (aka Dean Roll) announced on his website that he lost his home in a recent fire. The click here for his official.
John Graziano's Father Arrested
Edward Graziano, the father of Nick Hogan crash victim John Graziano, was arrested today for trying to solicit a hit man to kill his estranged wife. According to police, Graziano told an undercover officer that he wanted to have his wife Debra killed - in an automobile accident. Graziano allegedly paid for the hit with $1,100 cash, a $1,000 personal check and (wait for it..) a $13.06 gift card to Westshore Pizza. Seriously. TampaBays10.com reports that the arrest is the culmination of a 2 1/2 month undercover investigation by the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigative Division.
source: rajah.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Davey Boy Smith defeated Owen Hart to become the first ever WWF(E) European Champion
February 26, 1997
February 25, 2009
Linda McMahon's Nomination to the CT Board of Education Approved
Linda McMahon's nomination to the State of Connecticut Board of Education was approved today by a vote of 90 to 45 by the Connecticut House of Representatives. Click here for coverage by the Hartford Courant.
Rumor Mill - Update on Sim Snuka
Sim Snuka is one of many currently under consideration for an announcing position on the upcoming WGN show, WWE Superstars. This should explain why the second generation wrestler has surprisingly not been let go yet. For all intents and purposes, his character on Raw has been dropped. Snuka has not been seen since the January 12th of edition of Raw where Ted DiBiase double-crossed him (and Manu) on his return.
source: rajah.com
Monday’s Raw Tears Up the TV Ratings
Monday’s Raw was undoubtedly one of WWE’s biggest in years. As WWE Champion Triple H sought revenge against Randy Orton for RKOing his wife, Stephanie McMahon, last week, Raw took home the TV ratings prize. Monday night’s show was Raw’s most-watched episode in two years!...More?
source: wwe.com
Triple H = King of Ratings
Death of Man Pushed by Former AWA Owner Verne Gagne Ruled a Homicide
The Hennepin County medical examiner's office has ruled that the death of Helmut Gutmann, the 97 year-old man who was pushed by former AWA owner Verne Gagne, is a homicide. The report says that Guttman died of complications from a broken hip suffered after he was pushed at a nursing home on January 26. Gagne was not mentioned in the report, but he is accused of pushing the man.
The Bloomington Police Department is still investigating. Verne Gagne suffers from Alzheimer's related dementia and has no memory of the incident.
Terry Funk's Extreme Claim to Fame
Terry Funk is the first ECW Champion in history to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame...More?
Maryland Championship Wrestling News
Former WCW wrestler Van Hammer is coming out of retirement for a match against Champ Champagne at Maryland Championship Wrestling's "Xtreme Measures" show on April 11, reports Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun. After Champagne won his match at Saturday's show, he cut a promo on the former WCW wrestler, who was in attendance. Champagne said Hammer was washed up and compared him to Mickey Rourke's character in The Wrestler. Hammer entered the ring, but Champagne fled before a fight could break out. TNA personality "Dr. Stevie" Richards was also at the show as he took part in a tag team match. Richards had missed his scheduled appearance at Maryland Championship Wrestling's December show due to suffering a collapsed lung.
Dixie Carter Thanks the TNA Fans
"I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of you for making last Thursday's edition of TNA “iMPACT!" the most-watched broadcast in our company's history. Last October, we invited wrestling fans around the world to "Cross The Line" and sample our product, whether it was watching "iMPACT!", ordering a Pay-Per-View, experiencing a live show or even visiting our website. We asked that if you enjoyed it, you would tell a friend about us. Well, you have responded and we are so grateful."...More?
source: tnawrestling.com
The Making of Wrestle Jam: The Wrestler's Unsung Hero
Wrestle Jam is a work of fiction, a faux NES game created specifically for the film by motion graphics artist Kristyn Hume and programmer Randall Furino. The brother and sister team created the game from scratch, taking influence from 8-bit fighting games like Nintendo's Pro Wrestling and Acclaim's WWF Wrestlemania.
Hume, also responsible for The Wrestler's laboriously accurate title sequence, said that the film's producers and directors wanted that "classic video game" look and feel for Wrestle Jam, an effort that took weeks to create...More?
source: kotaku.com
February 24, 2009
ECW Results: Swagger of a Champion
ECW Champion Jack Swagger continued painting the face of ECW on Tuesday night when he fended off Christian in an ECW Title Match. Full results.
Raw in Washington, DC
WWE presents Monday Night Raw
Date: July 27, 2009 (Triple H's Birthday!!)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Verizon Center
City/State: Washington, D.C.
On-Sale Date: Saturday, March 7th at 10:00am
WWE Revenues Up 8% in 2008
World Wrestling Entertainment weathered a 5% drop in fourth-quarter revenues to end 2008 with revenues of $526.5 million, an 8% increase over the previous year, with a jump in TV revenues providing a bright spot.
WWE reported $125.4 million in Q4 revenues, down from $132.6 million in the prior year quarter. But while revenues from live and televised entertainment were similarly down, to $76.2 million from $82.3 million in Q4 2007, revenues from TV rights were up 16%-to $27.6 million from $23.8 million in the prior year quarter-thanks in part to the deal with MyNetworkTV for WWE's SmackDown franchise, which ran previously on The CW...More?
source: broadcastingcable.com
Full report from corporate.wwe.com
Raw Results: "Legacy" Gets Hammered
WWE Champion Triple H appeared on Raw to confront Randy Orton for brutally attacking his wife, Stephanie McMahon. The Game proceeded to go after Orton and his "Legacy" with his signature sledgehammer, chasing them from the arena.
Full results.
Jaime Noble Injured
Wrestleview.com is reporting that Jamie Noble was taken out of the Sommet Center last night on a stretcher. At the end of the match with Mike Knox, they seem to think something got messed up. Knox gets out of character for a split second. Noble was put onto a stretcher and taken from the ring while the segment between Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat was going on.
February 23, 2009
"Destruction in the Desert" Confirmed
World Wrestling Entertainment is expected to announce Tuesday that University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale will host WrestleMania in spring 2010.
This would be the Valley's first time hosting WrestleMania, which based on past economic impact in other cities, could pack a $35 to $50 million punch to the Valley's economy.
"It would be huge for the building, huge for Glendale and huge for the region," said Peter Sullivan, general manager at Global Spectrum, which books stadium events and worked several years to land WrestleMania.
Sullivan's group dubbed its pitch as "Destruction in the Desert."...More?
source: azcentral.com
TNA Wrestler Booker T on "FOX Got Game"
He lost his parents at a young age, dropped out of school and became a street kid. But at the age of 25, Booker T discovered wrestling and his whole life changed. FOX Charlotte's Bruce Snyder talked with TNA Legends Champion Booker T about his passion for what he does. Click here.
Manu Released
From wwe.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Raw Superstar Manu as of February 23, 2009. WWE wishes Manu the best in all future endeavors.
Johnny Swinger (WWE's Parisi) Speaks about Triple H Not Knowing Who He Was
Johnny mentioned a quote from an interview that Triple H did at a Mr. Olympia event, where he claimed that he had "no idea who Johnny Parisi was."
Running off of the Triple H quote from earlier in the interview, The Mayhem asked Johnny if "he's really that bad," as much of the wrestling internet community claims with much regularity. Johnny said that Hunter was actually always very nice to him, and that he actually wrestled him in one of his first WWE matches in 1995.
"Obviously he didn't remember me after I came back," he added, and then told a story about how Triple H was very cool to him after a match against Val Venis where Johnny had his nose broken. Johnny said that Triple H made a joke about his own nose, saying "If it makes you feel any better I had my nose broken a few years ago, and it's been growing ever since". He added that he does not believe he personally was high enough on the radar to be "held back" by Triple H, which is why the quote that Triple H said he does not know of him kind of intrigued him...More?
source: wrestlezone.com
Mickey Rourke a Gracious 'Wrestler' Despite Oscar Pinfall
Despite losing the coveted Best Actor Oscar at Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony, The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke remained gracious in defeat. According to Telegraph.co.uk, the actor – whose performance as Randy “The Ram” Robinson has earned a Golden Globe, a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Award and Film Independent’s Spirit Award – said he’d rather have more time with his beloved Chihuahua Loki, who passed away last week, than win an Oscar.
“It's bittersweet. I said to myself I’d rather have Loki for another two years than an Oscar. And I told her that. But she stayed as long as she could, you know," Rourke told Telegraph.co.uk. At Sunday night’s awards in Los Angeles, Rourke sported a pendant displaying a photo of Loki. “She's the love of my life. She made it until six days ago. She left me at a time where, after 18 years, she knew I'd be all right,” he told Telegraph.co.uk.
The Best Actor Oscar was awarded to Sean Penn for his role in Milk. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, the Darren Aronofsky-directed The Wrestler has grossed more than $27 million worldwide. Rourke plans to attend the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania as a guest of WWE.
source: wwe.com
Mickey was robbed.
Triple H Returns to Raw Tonight
On SmackDown, an emotional, rage-filled WWE Champion Triple H explained that Randy Orton crossed the line when he delivered an RKO to The Game's wife, Stephanie McMahon. Now, the Cerebral Assassin returns to Raw.
This Day in Wrestling History
Ring of Honor makes its debut. The show features a "match of the year" candidate, Low Ki vs. American Dragon vs. Christopher Daniels.
February 23, 2002
February 22, 2009
Al Snow in Bloodstained Memoirs
From the Bloodstained Memoirs Wrestling Film myspace blog:
Al Snow is now in Bloodstained Memoirs! This obscenely talented man is an excellent addition to the production, and I am very happy with his unique contribution.
Footage was filmed in a London studio, and differs to anything we have shot thus far. Al was not interviewed, instead he gave unique introductions to all of his peers already in the production, such as Chris Jericho, Keiji Muto, Roddy Piper, Rob Van Dam, and yes, Mick Foley.
After three years, this was the last shoot Bloodstained Memoirs will see. I got sent a rough cut of the DVD a week or so ago, and let’s just say it will be worth the wait. We are working hard to crack out mountains of paper work and legal documentation right now in order to move forward with the penned release.
Orton's got the Edge in WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment has entered a new golden age. Never before has Vince McMahon and company been able to feature such compelling villains as WWE is able to present today...More?
source: the sun
An Award Randy, Cody and Manu Could Do Without
This past Friday, E! aired the The Soup's 2009 Awards Show. A heavy-breathing, face-to-face backstage segment from a November episode of Raw with Randy Orton, Manu, and Cody Rhodes was featured as a nominee for the following category: "Best Display of Homoeroticism By A Guy Who Is Totally Not Gay... Seriously... Come On You Guys... I Mean It." The segment featured an intense staredown between Rhodes, Manu (breathing heavily), and Orton.
Gee, I wonder why Randy didn't want him in "The Legacy" anymore...
Battling Back: Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore Wants Another Shot
His white wrestling boots still bear the mark of the WWE — streaks of green paint. It happened during a World Wrestling Entertainment television show, when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon poured paint on "Eugene," staining his jacket and boots.
When Nick Dinsmore looks at that stain now, it brings back the screams from the crowd, all the passion and adrenaline from the days when he wrestled as Eugene for WWE, one of the largest the professional wrestling organizations in the world.
Only tonight, Dinsmore's long road back to The Show has brought him to a former "gentlemen's club" now known as Club Destiny in Middletown, Ohio. About 100 people have come out for the Halloween-themed performance. Dinsmore enters tossing candy to the audience and then places fake spider webs on the head of a balding referee...More?
source: courier-journal.com
Freddie Prinze, Jr. Leaves WWE's Creative Team
PWInsider.com is reporting that actor Freddie Prinze Jr has indeed left WWE's creative team. It had been reported a few days ago that there had been little to no use of Prinze's creative input on SmackDown within the last several months, and sources have now confirmed that he has left the company. Although Prinze had not been to a SmackDown taping in nearly two months, it should be noted that he was very well liked by the wrestlers as well as most people backstage as he was a very avid pro wrestling fan and has been a follower of the WWE product for many years. Prinze was hired by WWE back in July of 2008 and worked solely on the SmackDown brand.
Local grappling instructor weighs in on whether “The Wrestler” tells the true story
Jimmy Zaveski didn’t have to see “The Wrestler” to know what it’s like to be a professional wrestler. He’s been a fan since he was a kid, and he competed in the ring himself for the first time in 1993. So most of what’s shown in the movie was old hat to the man everyone calls “Jimmy Z.” Save a naked Marisa Tomei, of course.
That significant Hollywood turn aside, Zaveski was impressed enough with the authenticity of the movie to have already seen it twice. He’s not sure if Mickey Rourke will win a Best Actor Oscar tonight for his portrayal of Randy “The Ram” Robinson, but he calls the flick a winner.
“It’s a sad story,” said Zaveski, who runs the KYDA Pro wrestling school outside Manassas, “but it’s pretty much dead on.”...More?
source: insidenova.com
Triple H's Credibility as Boss
Triple H will someday be the second or third most powerful person in WWE. Who knows, in some regards he might even emerge as THE most powerful person in the McMahon empire. Triple H knows the business inside and out and is a consummate professional. He is likely learning the ropes from Vince McMahon himself and probably has as good a grasp of WWE's big picture as Shane.
Because of Triple H's accolades and character, he will be able to demand excellence from main eventers, mid-carders, and curtain-jerkers alike. He'll be able to do so not only because he's the appointed authority of talent, but because he's walked the walk. Let's look at three specific reasons why he'll have credibility with the "boys."...More?
source: 411mania.com
Ric Flair on CBS News
Wrestling Superstar Looks Back - And Ahead
CBS Evening News: Like Mickey Rourke In "The Wrestler," Ric Flair Is Adjusting To A New Life
Mickey Rourke is up for best actor at tomorrow night's Academy Awards for his remarkable comeback role in "The Wrestler." On his big night, he'll have the comfort of knowing that he has a real-life wrestler in his corner, CBS Evening News weekend anchor Jeff Glor reports. Of all the models for Rourke's character, maybe the most famous is Ric Flair...More?
February 21, 2009
'The Wrestler' Wins Top Indie Honors at Spirit Awards
The sports comeback tale "The Wrestler" was picked as best picture Saturday at the Spirit Awards honoring independent film and won two other prizes, including best actor for Mickey Rourke...More?
source: associated press
Another Wrestler Departs TNA
X Division wrestler and Washington, DC native Sonjay Dutt, 26, is the latest wrestler to part ways with TNA. His contract was coming up next month and the two sides weren't able to come to terms on a new deal. The departure caught a few people by surprise as he was a big part of the company's face in India, where Impact is a high rated show.
While he hadn't been used much in recent months, his name was still coming up in creative meetings as recently as last week, so company officials were looking to keep him on board until sometime this weekend.
source: pwinsider.com
Finally...The Obvious is Acknowledged
Triple H finally confirms what many have been waiting to hear for several years. He makes reference to Vince McMahon being his father-in-law, Shane McMahon being his brother-in-law and Stephanie McMahon being his wife, as well as the mother of his children. Triple H will be on Raw on Monday to avenge the attack on his wife.
Ted DiBiase Comments on Steroid Use in Pro Wreslting
In an interview on "Off the Record" in Canada, Former WWE star Ted DiBiase (father of current star Ted DiBiase, Jr.) says steroid use in pro wrestling is still an issue, according to what he's seen and heard and is "more prevalent than most people want to believe it is."
February 20, 2009
Twisted Hate
Edge defeated Jeff Hardy by disqualification after Matt Hardy intervened, hitting his own brother with a Twist of Fate. Next week on SmackDown, Jeff will have a chance at revenge as the two will meet in a Brother vs. Brother Match. SmackDown results.
Gentleman’s Choice: The Wrestling Culture Personified
Over the past decade in the wrestling community, we’ve heard a lot about the “wrestling culture”. “It was the wrestling culture that killed him”, “they were the victims of the wrestling culture.” Words like personal demons and tragedy have crossed just as many lips, as dropkick and armbar. Whether Vince McMahon wants to disassociate himself from the negative or not, wrestling will never escape this dark cloud. Whether it’s mainstream movies like The Wrestler bringing it to the masses, or the unheard of death of a local Indy wrestler, the fact that these men have to travel all year round, keep volatile schedules, take care of their family and deal with stardom is never going to change. It’s all here. Fame, drugs, alcohol, strippers, family problems, spousal abuse and death. The story of “Gentleman” Chris Adams is simply the wrestling culture personified...More?
source: wrestlingtruth.com
CBS Evening News to be at NWS Show
The National Wrestling Superstars show to be staged tonight (Friday) at the Union Elks Lodge, 281 Chestnut Street in Union will also be the setting for a CBS News piece to air this weekend as a tie-in to Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler and the Academy Awards. The reporters were with Ric Flair on Thursday and will finish the story with the stars of NWS on Friday and will be conducting interviews with the fans, wrestlers, management and taping portions of the show for airing...More?
source: wrestlingfigs.com
Scotty Goldman Released
Standard line from wwe.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of SmackDown Superstar Scotty Goldman (Scott Colton) as of February 20, 2009. WWE wishes Scott the best in all future endeavors.
Triple H/Thor Movie News
For several months, Triple H has been rumored to play the starring role in the upcoming “Thor” movie that is set to begin filming in July. In what seems like a possible set back for Triple H, DigitalSpy.com reports that producers of the movie recently issued a casting call for the lead role looking for an actor in his 20s. The Game turns 40 on July 27th. The casting call describes the role of Thor, the mythological god of thunder, as “physically powerful, very handsome, occasionally egotistical, petulant, and wild.”
source: wrestlingexposed.com
It has been rumored that the role was offered to Daniel Craig (James Bond), who declined it. Daniel Craig will be 41 on March 2nd.
This Day in Wrestling History
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat defeats Ric Flair for the NWA World Title
February 20, 1989
Happy Birthday to Antonio Inoki
February 20, 1943
Tribute Video
Antonio Inoki Home Page
February 19, 2009
The Game Talks
On SmackDown, WWE Champion Triple H talks exclusively with J.R. What will The Game have to say following the tumultuous events on Raw involving the McMahon family?
AWA legend and WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne a suspect in roommate's death
Verne Gagne, the AWA legend and WWE Hall of Famer, is a resident of the Friendship Village in Bloomington, MN, an assisted living community. He was allegedly involved in an incident with Helmut R. Guttman on January 26th, which ended up with Gagne throwing Guttman to the floor. Twenty days later, Guttman passed away. Both Gagne and Guttman suffer/suffered from Alzheimer's related dementia. Police are investigating Gagne as a suspect, but it has been noted that, due to his condition, Gagne was most likely unaware of what he did and had no recollection of the incident...More?
source: prowrestling.net
Monday's Raw Rating Scores Big
This past Monday’s Raw firmly established itself as a ratings champion. Raw delivered a 4.1 rating and was seen in more than 4.5 million television households in the United States, with more than 5.9 million total viewers. It was the most-watched installment of Monday Night Raw since Feb. 26, 2007.
Actor Portraying Steroid Dealer in "The Wrestler" Arrested on Federal Drug Charges
A New Rochelle man who portrays a steroids dealer in the move "The Wrestler" was arrested tonight after a dramatic chase involving federal and local authorities.
"Art imitates life," federal Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Erin Mulvey said tonight. The manhunt, which involved police cars being rammed and guns drawn, ended on Highland Avenue, where the hulking Scott Siegel of 25 Nautilus Place was captured...More?
source: lohud.com
February 18, 2009
Vince McMahon on "The Jericho Incident"
WWE star Chris Jericho wasn't laughing during an altercation with two WWE fans following a Raw house show on February 7th in Canada. The opposite was true of WWE head Vince McMahon.
Raw announcer Jerry Lawler says he was talking to McMahon prior to the Feb. 9th Raw TV taping and McMahon made a light-hearted comment to Jericho.
"Vince was kinda chuckling about it," Lawler said in an interview with the U.K. Sun. "Jericho walked by and he said: "Watch out! Jericho will hit you! He'll knock you right down!" Then he adds: "Especially if you're a girl!"
Lawler said everyone was "having a joke about it" and he didn't feel it was a big deal. He said the incident would have been common-place years ago in the territory era because fans took the good guy vs. bad guy storyline so seriously.
"We used to be able to get the fans so riled up that they literally wanted to physically attack you after the matches," Lawler said. "That hasn't happened in a long time, so it's almost like hats off to Chris Jericho – for doing his job. He's being the best bad guy that he can be."
source: the sun
Did Selig Allow MLB to Become the WWE?
Bud Selig, as the commissioner of baseball, turned a blind eye to steroid abuse and didn’t care about it...More?
source: sports.yahoo.com
Rumor Mill - Vince Tired of Christian Already?
SmackDown writer Michael Hayes originally came up with the idea of Christian Cage doing all the sneak attacks on Jeff Hardy to be revealed at the Royal Rumble. As time went on and people figured that Christian was behind it, and/or Hayes realized how Vince felt about Christian, he approached Vince with the idea of giving the role to Matt Hardy. Hayes sold the idea on the fact that Matt vs. Jeff would be a bigger surprise and bigger draw than Jeff vs. Christian, and Vince agreed with him.
John Laurinaitis had been pushing to do something with Christian sooner, rather than have him sit and wait until April. While all the talk about his return was going on, Vince started to sour on Christian. Back in 2005, whenever ideas were brought up for Christian, Vince always nixed them and only saw Cage as an upper midcarder. Vince even said in meetings that Christian had no star aura about him and that his head shot promotional photo was one of the worse he had ever seen...More?
source: wrestlingobserver
This Day in Wrestling History
Lelani Kai defeated Wendi Richter for the WWF(E) Women's title
February 18, 1985
Mildred Burke dies of a stroke
February 18, 1973
Mildred Burke vs Millie Stafford
Kerry Von Erich dies of a suicide shooting at 33
February 18, 1993
Shawn Michaels vs. Kerry Von Erich
February 17, 2009
ECW Results: The Swagger of Defeat
One week before facing ECW Champion Jack Swagger for the title, Christian earned a tag team win against "The All-American American," pinning him on ECW.
Full results.
The King of Kings Wins a Record Eight WWE Crowns
Triple H’s Elimination Chamber triumph Sunday over five of SmackDown’s top Superstars at No Way Out 2009 went beyond making him a 13-time World Champion. In one fateful moment, his monumental conquest decisively set The Game apart as the first Superstar to win the coveted WWE Championship eight times, more WWE Championship reigns than any other Superstar in history...More?
The WWE as the Sopranos
Triple H as Silvio Dante
Silvio was the smartest guy in the family, and a man who used his Consigliare political connections and friendship with Tony Soprano to move up to the level of family .
Triple H is referred to as "the cerebral assassin" because of his intelligence and savvy in the ring.
Also he is an expert political player with family connections to the boss. However, make no mistake, like Silvio, he still has enough violent tendencies to get the job done if needed...More?
source: bleacherreport.com
Ali, Dylan, James Brown Inspired by Wrestling’s ‘Human Orchid’
Muhammad Ali borrowed his boasting. James Brown copied his wardrobe. Bob Dylan called him a “mighty spirit.”
“Gorgeous George certainly didn’t invent the pervasive culture of narcissism that followed him, but he may well have been a catalyst, a powerful accelerant,” John Capouya writes in his spirited new biography, “Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture.”...More?
source: bloomberg.com
CM Punk to Appear at Golden Gods Awards
As reported on RevolverMag.com, Intercontinental Champion CM Punk is scheduled to appear at the Epiphone Revolver Golden God Awards in Los Angeles on April 7. An hour-long version of the show will be featured on MTV 2 on May 2, which should include Ozzy Osbourne receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award. More information can be found here.
Triple H to Raw?
Lots of speculation about Triple H going to Raw. Even though he was on the show last night to "save Stephanie", there is another option. Why can't Hunter and Stephanie go to SmackDown and Edge and Vickie go to Raw? I'm sure Triple H would prefer to go back to Raw, but with everyone assuming he will be drafted, it would make for a nice twist.
Update on the New 'WWE Superstars' Show
George Barrios announced today that the new "WWE Superstars" show that will begin airing on WGN this spring will feature content from all three WWE brands. Barrios said they will be presenting matches and features from Raw, ECW, and Smackdown to leverage the existing TV taping schedule they already have.
Presenting at the annual ROTH Growth Stock Conference in Orange County, California this morning, Barrios said the business aspect of the WGN deal is receiving a licensing fee in exchange for airing the WWE programming on Thursday nights.
The new show on WGN will begin airing in April after WrestleMania and will most-likely be taped before Raw on Monday nights, with ECW switching back to being taped along with Smackdown on Tuesday nights.
Kaliqo's Commentary - WWE to be Praised for Keeping the Fans in the Dark
Why is the internet community up-in-arms about the Elimination Chamber swerve at No Way on Sunday? For months there has been complaints about the WWE creative team having no originality. Now when they give you what you ask for - it's a problem.
I have been wondering why they haven't given us good stories like in the attitude era. The titles would change hands unexpectedly, there would be surprise run-ins, etc. The internet and leaked story lines changed all that. I prefer to be surprised. I prefer the old way.
I think creative should be praised for the recent story lines on Raw. An improvement on SmackDown would be nice.
WWE Hosting Oscar Party
Prowrestling.net is reporting that the WWE is hosting an Oscar week party on Wednesday at Haven in Beverly Hills, Calif. Over a dozen wrestlers are expected to attend the party, which runs from 8-11 p.m.
This Day in Wrestling History
Lex Luger defeated Johnny B. Badd for the WCW Television title
February 17, 1996
Randy Macho Man Savage received Harvard Lampoon's Real Man of the Year Award
February 17, 1998
Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall return to the WWF(E) & re-form the nWo at No Way Out
February 17, 2002
Raw Results: Game Changer
On Raw, Randy Orton continued to cut a path of destruction through the McMahon family, punting Shane and hitting Stephanie with an RKO so vicious it drew WWE Champion
Triple H out to the ring. Full results.
February 16, 2009
Mick Foley Blasted for Blowing off TV Show
Richard O'Sullivan, one of the people who worked on Mick Foley's now defunct TV project, has spoken out about the way he feels Foley handled the situation.
Game on for WrestleMania
Master Manipulator and Cerebral Assassin claim gold in Seattle.
source: skysports.com
Ric Flair Signs Deal with Ring of Honor
Ring of Honor is proud to announce that it has signed a multi-event agreement with the legendary "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. His first appearance with the company will be in the St. Louis area on Friday, March 13th at the Gateway Center located at One Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234. Tickets for this historic event are now on sale at www.rohwrestling.com.