May 31, 2009
Ric Flair Clears Up WWE/ROH Controvery; Notes that Triple H Doesn't Want Him to Wrestle
Ric Flair says he plans to wrestle again, but not in the U.S. He believes his return to a contracted WWE talent will primarily be as a goodwill ambassador. “I don’t think anyone could begrudge me for throwing my gear on (overseas),” said Flair, who still plans an tour outside of the U.S. later this year.
He says he has signed with WWE again and left ROH, but was able to show up and say good bye. “The people received it very well. I just said goodbye, thanked them for all their respect, and told them that my loyalties and my family was with WWE. It worked out fine.”
He added: "“I just can’t work for two people. It doesn’t make sense... It would be hypocritical if I tried to do both. I just told the truth. You can’t go wrong telling the truth. My loyalty is with WWE, and that’s where I’m at.”
He says he's talked to Triple H, who didn't want to see him return to wrestling in WWE. “He just didn’t want to see me wrestle,” said Flair. “He’s happy I’m back.”...More?
sources: pwtorch.com & postandcourier.com
ROH not happy over the Ric Flair situation. Click here for the story.
Where are the Randy Orton Haters?
I'm pretty sure if it was said that Triple H had a conversation with Kennedy after a match, where Triple H was not at all happy with what went down and Kennedy was fired, we would definitely see the IWC up in arms. So where are you Orton bashers? Why aren't you running about with pitchforks calling for his head?...More?
source: bleacherreport.com
May 30, 2009
Kevin Nash on his Relationship with The Kliq
"I haven't talked to Sean Waltman much and I have a bit of contact with Scott Hall. I've stayed very close with Shawn Michaels. And Paul and I play telephone tag. He's busy. He helps run (WWE) and he has two children. When we do get a chance to talk, it's like we've never skipped a beat. He gets criticized because of his marriage to Stephanie McMahon, but he's worked his ass off. Nobody determines who you fall in love with. He's probably one of the top three workers WWE has."
Nash vs. Ouellet Revisited
Sort through the wrestlespeak and carney-like promotion and you still get the feeling there'll be fireworks tonight in Montreal when Kevin Nash and Carl Ouellet stand in the same ring.
Ouellet claims Nash ruined his WWE (WWF at the time) career.
"I had a long undefeated streak," he says on an IWS video. "A month before the Montreal show, Kevin walks up to me and says, 'Hey, buddy ... it's me and you in Montreal ... big boot, jackknife and 1-2-3.' That was a month before. I've never heard of a finish being called a month before the show. It really got to me. When I walked into the Forum, (agent) Tony Garea came up to me and said: 'I want a good 15-minute match ... it's going to be a big boot and a jackknife.' I said: 'I'm not doing it.'
A different finish was arranged. Over the years, the animosity has simmered. Nash says if Ouellet wants a fight, it's on...More?
source: slam wrestling
May 29, 2009
Update on Mr. Kennedy's Release
The rumor is that Ken Kennedy and Randy Orton had a minor backstage altercation at the Raw taping on Monday. Orton was angry at Kennedy for dropping him on his shoulder during a back suplex in the ten-man main event tag team match. If you watch the match below from 1:07 to 1:22, you can clearly tell that Orton was in pain and angry at Kennedy. He even tried to punch him. It was the same shoulder that Orton broke during his Last Man Standing match with Triple H last year. Kennedy had also been working rather stiff with the other people on Orton’s team, which led to Orton warning Kennedy that he had to be more careful whilst wrestling. Of course, Kennedy was the one who wound up being injured during the match as he hurt his wrist whilst taking an RKO.
partial source: pulse wrestling
After looking at the match again, there might be something to this.
Interview with Torrie Wilson
Lou Ramirez of KY97 FM did an interview with Torrie Wilson about her appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'. Click here to listen. The show premiers on June 1st on NBC.
SmackDown Results: Wild West
The match was supposed to include Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. But, the odds shifted after Chris Jericho – disguised as a fan dressed like Mysterio – attacked the masked Superstar prior to the match, going as far as trying to rip off his mask. With Mysterio out, Hardy was forced to take on high-caliber opponents, World Heavyweight Champion Edge and Jericho all by himself. Despite a valiant effort, Hardy was unable to come up with a win. After a hard-hitting spear from The Rated-R Superstar to get the win, Hardy was brutalized by The Ultimate Opportunist with a ladder. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Flair Done with ROH
Ric Flair announced at the ROH taping tonight that he is leaving ROH to return to the WWE...More?
Mr. Kennedy Released
Standard line from wwe.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Raw Superstar Mr. Kennedy (Ken Kennedy) as of today, May 29, 2009. WWE wishes Ken the best in all future endeavors.
Cheerleader Melissa (Raisha Saeed) vs. Sojourner Bolt
Note to TNA - time to let Melissa out of the burka.
May 25th Raw Ratings Breakdown
Raw lost 0.13 ratings points by the time Vince McMahon was through mocking Denver Nuggets owner E. Stan Kroenke:
* 9:00: 3.28 - Vince McMahon mocks Stan Kroenke, The Miz appears
* 9:15: 3.15 - Miz and John Cena, Maryse vs. Kelly Kelly
* 9:30: 2.99 - Backstage with "Jack Nicholson," star of United States Championship Shot Triple Threat
* 9:45: 2.90 - conclusion of United States shampionship shot, Ric Flair walks backstage
* 10:00: 3.26 - Flair vs. Randy Orton confrontation, Santino's ring entrance
* 10:15: 3.42 - Santino and Mickie James vs. Chavo Guerrero and Beth, start of Kendrick and Festus vs. Goldust and Hornswoggle
* 10:30: 3.29 - conclusion Kendrick and Festus vs. Goldust and Hornswoggle, ring announcement of "players" for main event
* 10:45: 3.31 - 5-on-5 main event
* Overrun: 3.81 - conclusion of 5-on-5 main event and aftermath
source: pwinsider.com
Triple H Return Update
Wrestling News World reader Christian Saastad sent word that local advertisements in the Sacramento area are promoting that Triple H will be appear at WWE Extreme Rules next month. Extreme Rules will be held on June 7th.
May 28, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: Price Check
Days after they faced off on opposite sides of the 10-Man Tag Team Match on Monday’s Raw, John Cena and Ted DiBiase met one-on-one in L.A.’s STAPLES Center. Making his “WWE Superstars” debut, Cena whipped the crowd into a frenzy while battling his way to a decisive victory. It’s rare to see a match featuring a member of Legacy that doesn’t involve interference from Randy Orton or Cody Rhodes, but the ringside area remained empty while Cena delivered the Five-Knuckle Shuffle and the STF to the third-generation Superstar. Full results.
source: wwe.com
'Nature Boy' Ric Flair Looking for Return
"If Brett Favre can come back once in a while, I certainly can,'' Flair said...More?
source: associated press
Nikki Matthews Vaulting to the Top
Nicole Matthews has enjoyed a very quick rise through the pro ranks and her contemporaries believe a great deal more awaits this talented relative newcomer. The wrestler better known as Nikki Matthews reached the prestigious SHIMMER Women Athletes promotion less than two years after her early 2006 debut...More?
source: slam wrestling
JR Comments on the Hogpen Match at Extreme Rules & Triple H's Involvement with Henry Godwin
The revisiting of the "Hog Pen" match at Extreme Rules in New Orleans will be a sight for sore eyes. I was indirectly a part of such a mess that included live hogs and their manure many years ago in a match between HHH and Henry Godwin. I was to do an interview but kept from being drowned in hog feces. There is a photo of me in bib overalls &rubber boots covered in hog waste and mud floating around somewhere. Not one of the most stellar memories of my broadcast career. I do remember HHH suffering a nasty cut that had to be immediately attended to due to the prominent risk of infection because of the environment of which he was grappling. I think that event might have been an "In Your House" PPV in the old arena in Hershey, PA.
source: jrsbarbq.com
Triple H vs. Henry Godwin, In Your House 1996
SmackDown Ratings Update
Last week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown drew a 1.6 broadcast rating, tying a series worst on MyNetworkTV. The show featured a one-on-one match as Jeff Hardy took on Edge in a Winner chooses the Stipulation for Extreme Rules Championship Match.
Hunter Hate Subsiding?
Isn't it interesting that when Triple H isn't on TV, the Hunter bashing decreases?
Normally we hear the same mantra - Hunter is where he is because of family connections, he is a master of backstage politics, he is the cancer of the lockerroom, etc. Since his match at Judgment Day, he hasn't been on TV. Yesterday various news sites (including this one) commented about his attempts to cut down on Vince's need for the "campy comedy" on the show and noted that Hunter has a good head for business and is more in tune to what the key demographics wants. A true lovefest.
When he returns, the smarks will get back to normal. What will they do when he retires?
This Day in Wrestling History
NWA Vice President Bill Behrens strips Dan Severn of NWA World Title due to him not being available to defend it at the debut NWA-TNA ppv event.
May 28, 2002
May 27, 2009
Father's Day with Florida Championship Wrestling
WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling will be holding a special event called "A Father's Day Salute" on Friday, June 19th at the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibition Hall in Kissimmee, Florida. The show will feature an autograph session with WWE Legends and their sons who wrestle in WWE developmental. Scheduled are Gerald Brisco with his son Wes, Mike "IRS" Rotundo with his sons Bo and Duke, Haku with his son Tevita and Ted DiBiase Sr. with his son Brett. All fathers in attendance will get a free personalized photo with an FCW Superstar and their kids. Tickets are on-sale now at FCWwrestling.com and range from $10 to $30 with kids 12 and under who are with their fathers.
Rumor Mill - How the Absence of Triple H and Shawn Michaels Appears to be Affecting the Raw Product
Heading into Monday's WWE Raw, the feeling of Vince McMahon and the WWE Raw creative team is that the show has been strong. Vince wants there to be differences between his various television shows, and one source found the silver lining in this by pointing out that SmackDown may not be as wrestling-heavy if Raw wasn't the sports entertainment variety show. Various sources have said that Vince was pleased with Monday's broadcast. He essentially dictated the direction of the show to the creative team.
Triple H and Shawn Michaels have been credited by some colleagues for weeding out some of the campy comedy that Vince and his writers favor during the production meetings. Hunter has been at the recent Raw shows, but one observer noted that Hunter isn't as emotionally attached to the product when he's not wrestling. In other words, he might be saving his objections for when he returns to television.
source: prowrestling.net
"Decade of SmackDown" TV Special
According to Variety, WWE will be holding a "Decade of Smackdown" special on Friday, October 2 to kick off the Fall season of Friday Night Smackdown on MyNetworkTV.
WWE Replaces Unforgiven with All Submissions PPV
WWE recently sent out a survey to some of their fans asking them to vote on names for a new submission-themed pay-per-view event. In an update, it looks like WWE may be doing away with their annual Unforgiven pay-per-view this year in favor of the all submission event. WWE.com's Canada events section now lists the September 13th pay-per-view as "Breaking Point" from Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Centre Bell.
source: impactwrestling.com
Update on Triple H's Return
WWE aired a commercial in the Charlotte area during the May 25th Raw that announced the main event for the June 15th Raw as Triple H and John Cena vs. Randy Orton and Big Show. Looks like Triple H will be returning after Extreme Rules ppv.
Caps, Nats Linked to Alleged Steroids Dealers?
The Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals were specifically named by a man Tuesday night after he was arrested for being an alleged steroids dealer, although police said they could not yet substantiate his claims...More?
source: nbc4.com
ECW Results: Extreme Tension
In response to Jack Swagger’s ongoing complaints of Christian “cheating” in their last two title matches and “The All-American American’s” interference in the ECW Championship Match between Christian and Tommy Dreamer last week on “WWE Superstars,” ECW General Manager Tiffany took Extreme action. She announced an ECW Championship Triple Threat Hardcore Match at Extreme Rules between the three volatile Superstars (Match preview). In order to take part in the match and finally get a “fair” opportunity at once more holding the gold above his head, Dreamer agreed to sign a one-day extension to his self-made deadline to win the Extreme title or go home for good. Full results.
source: wwe.com
May 26, 2009
Triple H to Appear at MTV Japan's Video Music Awards
Triple H and Michelle McCool will appear as Guest Celebrities of MTV Japan's Video Music Awards 2009 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan on May 30. Click here for more information.
WWE Japan
Review of the Lakers vs. Nuggets Version of Raw
I knew last night's Raw was going to be hard to watch, but it was worse than I thought.
The opening segment with Vince and the Kroenke look-a-like was pathetic. I expected Vince to take shots at the Nuggets owner - He had it coming, but to devote so much of the show to it was a joke. After the opening "show-down" we then are subjected to the star impersonators (Jack Nicholson, etc.) It was so unnecessary.
The five on five match at the end of the show wasn't too bad. I liked that they had the Lakers announcer make the introductions. Even the jerseys were o.k. But if Vince had put his ego aside he would have realized that that main event was all he needed. He didn't need to dress down "Kroenke" to open the show and he didn't need the star impersonators. Wrestling on a wrestling show was all that was needed.
Wrestler Bob Armstrong Battles On
The mornings can be particularly painful for legendary pro wrestler Bob Armstrong, who at 69 continues to climb into the ring to perform several times a week. “Sometimes, I have to crawl out of the bed,” he said. “I got my foot broke in Birmingham and had to cut the toe out of my boot to get it off. I wrestled the next week.
“I wrestled Jerry Lawler with broken ribs. You worked hurt. It wasn’t like these days where wrestlers get contracts. “Back then, if you didn’t wrestle, you didn’t get paid.”
He’ll climb in the squared circle again Friday night at the Dothan Civic Center in what’s being billed as the Farewell 2 Legends Tour...More?
source: dothaneagle.com
The Undertaker Undergoes Surgery
The Undertaker has undergone hip surgery, according to prowrestling.net. He had been suffering from hip and back pain for several months and the hope is that the surgery will eliminate the pain in both areas.
John Cena Comments on WWE Critics; and Not Being Liked in the WWE
In an interview witht The UK Sun, John Cena gave his view on people who criticize the WWE and professional wrestling:
"I've had to fight that battle my entire career. "Vince McMahon has been fighting that battle since he took the company global. It's personal ignorance. People don't know how good we are as entertainers. They don't know how good we are as people in the media. The only way we can silence those voices is by putting together a good product. We've done that with 12 Rounds."...More?
I don't know if I agree with the 12 Rounds comment, but the rest of it is dead on.
May 25, 2009
Raw Results: Enos is Enough
Mr. McMahon isn’t exactly the forgiving type. Which made a confrontation between the WWE Chairman and one E. Stan Kroenke virtually inevitable.
As has been reported extensively throughout the week, the owner of the Denver Nuggets, Kroenke had unceremoniously booted Monday Night Raw from Denver’s Pepsi Center in favor of allowing his team to play the Los Angeles Lakers there in an NBA playoff game, despite the fact that WWE had reserved the Pepsi Center last August.
As anyone who is familiar with Mr. McMahon might guess, things didn’t go so well for “E. Stan” when he showed up at L.A.’s STAPLES Center to berate the WWE Universe. During his rant, the Chairman showed up and revealed Kroenke’s first name: Enos. Mr. McMahon then clotheslined the blowhard billionaire, leaving him flat against the canvas. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Mr. Kennedy Returns to Raw; Sustains Injury
Ken Kennedy made his return at tonight's edition of Raw from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Kennedy injured his wrist during the match while taking an RKO from Randy Orton. There's no word yet on whether he'll miss any time, but this is another tough break for him.
Triple H Comments on Ric Flair Wrestling Again
"There's a part of me that's bitter sweet," Triple H told Dave LaGreca of the "Busted Open" show on Sirius XM radio. "As much as I enjoy Ric on the show and I miss seeing Ric Flair on the show, I feel that he was given the ultimate sendoff in the business.
"There have been so many guys in the past... they retire and unretire then they retire and they unretire. It's almost a joke when they un-retire. He really wanted to be the guy who said, meant it, and did it. I don't know if he misses the business or he needs the money. I'm not sure what it is, but if he's thinking about coming back there has to be a pretty good reason because he was pretty adamant about that never happening."
source: prowrestling.net
Epic Koloff-Magnum Feud Revisited in Great DVD
A popular babyface versus a monstrous heel. USA versus Russia. The height of the 1980s glory days of pro wrestling. It was Magnum and Nikita in Jim Crockett Promotions. And it was the stuff legends are made of...More?
source: slam wrestling
Interview with Samoa Joe
ESPN: You recently switched things up a little with the face paint. Why the change?
Samoa Joe: You know what, it's really just an extension of the character. That's the great thing about pro wrestling as you can take a persona you have and really keep pushing and pushing it as there really are no boundaries, no lines. It's just a continuation of my character. Where people knew me as a really aggressive person, now I'm over-the-top aggressive. We'll see how far I can push it.
ESPN: You were one of the consultants on the "TNA Impact" video game. Was it cool to be able to introduce the Suicide character in the game then watch someone take over that gimmick in real life? I don't think that's ever been done before where a wrestling character debuted in a game before TV.
Samoa Joe: It was pretty trippy. I remember working on the game and they showed me the character they designed. I was looking at the outfit and thought it was pretty cool, that it could be cool for a wrestler to wear. Next thing you know, I'm walking in the studio one day and there was the costume and the wrestler was getting all made up and ready to go. I was like, wow, they actually made a real Suicide...More?
source: sports.espn.go.com
This Day in Wrestling History
The Brian Pillman Memorial event is held in Cincinatti, OH at the Schmidt Field House. The card features the memorable Chris Benoit vs. William Regal match.
May 25, 2000
May 24, 2009
TNA Confirms Returning Stars and the Debut of Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria)
TNA Wrestling sent out the following mobile alert:
"This Thursday at Impact former TNA stars Raven and Shane Douglas return plus the debut of Lisa Marie Varon (formerly Victoria) on SpikeTV 9pmET."
Q&A with Ted DiBiase
Q: What was it like working on the set of Marine 2? Marine 2 is set for a winter release.
A: I had so much fun working on that set. It was a totally different experience for me. It was because of WWE that I got that opportunity for which I am very grateful. It is an action movie and is going to be awesome.
Q: Is it hard to live up to your father's legacy?
A: No, because of the way my father is and the way he raised me. He supports myself and my brothers 100 percent whatever we do. He encourages us to set our own goals high.
Before joining the WWE, I went into independent wrestling in Japan. I have made it clear I wanted to make it on my own and I think I have gotten respect for doing that. Living up to his legacy is a challenge I welcome with open arms. Hopefully at the end of my career, they will say he was just as good as his dad or maybe he was even better.
Q: What are your long term goals?
A: I would like to become world or WWE champion; something my father never accomplished...More?
source: aikenstandard.com
May 23, 2009
Kaliqo's Commentary - Mick Foley vs. Cardboard Rocky Balboa...Epic Fail
The "Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley wrestled a life-size cardboard cut-out of Rocky Balboa on last week's iMPACT!. What was TNA creative thinking? This was one of the stupidest segments I have seen on a wrestling show. How does this build momentum to their Sacrifice pay per view? They even had a "Mickey" look-a-like and Mick recited some of the more famous quotes for the Rocky movies at the end of his "match". Epic Fail.
This Day in Wrestling History - Owen Hart Passes Away
Owen Hart died in a tragic fall during the WWF(E) PPV "Over the Edge"
May 23, 1999
May 22, 2009
SmackDown Results: A Lean, Mean Extreme Scene
While Edge saw his Judgment Day victory over Jeff Hardy as proof that he is both the “true face of SmackDown” and superior to The Charismatic Enigma, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long saw it as "an atrocity," caused by the cast-wielding interference of Matt Hardy. Long decided he would make a rematch at Extreme Rules between The Rated-R Superstar and The Charismatic Enigma. Hardy soon emerged, proposing that he and The World Heavyweight Champion have a match on SmackDown, with the winner choosing the stipulation in their Extreme Rules match in three weeks.
Later that night, after a brutal match of consequence, Hardy triumphed over Edge with the Swanton Bomb. Following his hard-fought victory, The Charismatic No. 1 Contender floored the WWE Universe, declaring that the World Heavyweight Championship Match at Extreme Rules would be a Ladder Match. Full results.
Awesome Kong...Simply Awesome
The highest rated segment from the May 14th edition of TNA iMPACT! was the Cute Kip vs. Awesome Kong stretcher match as it gained 234,000 viewers, drawing a 1.37 quarter.
Introducing...David Hart Smith
Currently World Wrestling Entertainment is just crawling with second and third generation stars; the sons and daughters of the wrestlers who came decades before. Some have already found great success, some have fallen by the wayside and some are just getting started.
David Hart Smith is one of those “new kids” who is just starting his journey. Born Harry Smith, this 22 year-old Canadian prodigy is the son of “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, nephew of Bret and the late Owen Hart and grandson of legendary promoter Stu Hart. His in-ring moniker is an obvious nod to his father and his mother Diana’s maiden name...More?
source: examiner.com
TNA Attempting to Capitalize on the 'Denver Debacle'; WWE Reschedules Loveland & Colorado Springs
The TNA Live! Tour invades the Pueblo (Colo.) Convention Center on Friday night, May 29, and then moves to Cheyenne, Wyo., on Saturday night, May 30 at the Taco Johns Event Center. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m., and anyone bringing an unused WWE ticket from its recently-cancelled Colorado shows to the box office in Pueblo or Cheyenne will receive a $10 discount for tickets either TNA show...More?
source: tnawrestling.com
WWE reschedules Loveland and Colorado Springs events.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Brian Pillman
May 22, 1962
Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna for the WWWF(WWE) Tag Team title.
May 22, 1972
Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
May 22, 1989
Vince Russo strips Ric Flair of WCW World Title, awarding it to Jeff Jarrett.
May 22, 2000
May 21, 2009
Vince vs. Chicken Nugget - Another Cheap Storyline?
Vince McMahon has built a wrestling empire on building good guys and bad guys and creating storylines out of thin air that some people might even buy. Well, I'm sorry Vince, I'm not buying it, not this time.
McMahon might want to make himself out to be the good guy after Denver's Pepsi Center double booked his WWE Monday Raw show on Memorial Day with Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Nuggets, "forcing him" to move the show to Los Angeles and the home of the Lakers, but the truth is he's the bad guy here.
From the moment that this scheduling conflict arose, which actually isn't that uncommon, McMahon was never looking to keep this event in Denver. He was looking to make the biggest and longest splash he could with this golden ticket he had stumbled upon...More?
source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com
I'm not sure why anyone is surprised by the "media circus" involving this story. Vince McMahon is referred to as a modern-day P.T. Barnum - of course he is going to try to milk this for everything he can get. If the situation was reversed, Kroenke would be foolish if he didn't do the same thing.
WWE Happy to Tag Nuggets Owner Kroenke as Villain
Less than 24 hours after announcing it was bolting Denver for Los Angeles because of a scheduling conflict, World Wrestling Entertainment was distributing a promotional image of chairman Vince McMahon and Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke. Superimposed above a photo of McMahon smiling beatifically was a halo; a shot of a dour-looking Kroenke had two red horns atop his head.
WWE was still milking the moment Thursday, securing space at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square for a news conference complete with star wrestler Triple H. Giant flat-screen TVs blared WWE highlights and supporters clapped and hollered as McMahon stepped to the podium.
No matter whether Kroenke, an owner who prefers to stay in the shadows, was closely involved in the arena being double-booked for WWE's Monday Night Raw and a Nuggets-Lakers playoff game on the same night. WWE isn't letting this go easily. And Kroenke himself makes a much more appealing target than the faceless entity of his company, Kroenke Sports Enterprises...More?
source: associated press
Roller Derby Resurgence
Roller derby has been around since the 1920s, but the sport has been experiencing a resurgence recently, with new leagues and teams hitting rinks all over the United States. In 2004, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association formed to promote the sport, and you know BUST has written about roller derby many a time. Other media outlets like CNN have also been giving these ladies some love lately.
Derby girls come in all sorts of healthy shapes and sizes, too! I’m also intrigued by roller derby because… well… what other sport lets you don fishnets if you want and change your name to something like Skid Ho? Gotham Girls Roller Derby league in New York describes it like this: ‘Every Gotham Girl is an amalgam of athlete, pin-up girl, rocker and brute rolled into one badass derby girl. Pretty? Hell, yeah! Tough? Of course! Badass? Always!’...More?
source: bust.com
WWE Superstars Results: What Comes After Judgment?
Both Jericho and The Straightedge Superstar were looking to avenge their respective losses from Judgment Day as they met on “WWE Superstars.” Ultimately, it was Mr. Money in the Bank, CM Punk, who proved victorious, but Jericho had the last laugh. This wasn’t the first time these two have done battle, and much like their past encounters, could be considered a tutorial on the intestinal fortitude it takes to become a top WWE Superstar. All the way to the finish, the two ring titans were evenly matched, with Jericho reversing the Go To Sleep into the Walls of Jericho. But Punk fought back, countering the nefarious Superstar’s lethal submission maneuver into a roll-up for the win. It was no surprise that the first-ever Undisputed Champion was not pleased with the end-result, and he aired his frustrations by nailing a Codebreaker on the celebrating Mr. Money in the Bank, leaving Punk writhing in pain as “WWE Superstars” went off the air. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Christopher Daniels Unmasked
Christopher Daniels has spent the better part of the last year in mask – as both Curry Man, and then as a sub for the injured Kaz playing the role of Suicide. Last month, Daniels, as himself, made a big return as part of Jeff Jarrett's Team at the Lockdown Pay Per View. TNA's got a new Pay Per View this Sunday, May 24th called Sacrifice. It will feature TNA World Champion Mick Foley defending his title against three other men – Kurt Angle, Sting and Jeff Jarrett. As of this moment, Daniels doesn't have a match booked for the show, but we're sure something will go down involving Daniels, Suicide and the Motor City Machineguns (Alex Shelly and Chris Sabin)...More?
source: tv.ign.com
Kroenke should take marketing lessons from McMahon; WWE has beaten NBA in demographic battle
Enos Stanley Kroenke should hire Vincent Kennedy McMahon to run Kroenke Sports Enterprises. Better than a ring leader for Barnum & Bailey and smoother than a voice for Brener Zwikel & Associates, McMahon knows how to lead and promote.
If McMahon was running Kroenke's show, there would be no need for the mass media circus we are witnessing. The master sports entertainer is spearheading the media frenzy, noting Kroenke should be arrested for impersonating a good businessman, holding up a Lakers jersey and ripping the owner for not having faith in his own team.
Let's face it. The NBA can be bitter since WWE beats the NBA in the ratings/target market. Not only that but in a poll on the 7NEWS television website at TheDenverChannel.com asking readers who should be able to use the Pepsi Center, WWE has 80 percent of the vote...More?
source: miamiherald.com
Local Fighter Takes Act to Big Stage
Former All-Met Wrestler Kaplan to Fight on Undercard at Saturday's UFC 98
Dave Kaplan, a 29-year-old, 155-pounder who holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiujitsu, will fight George Roop (8-5) on the first undercard of Saturday's UFC 98, an 11-card mixed martial arts event at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
"This is one of those things for me about leaving footprints," said Kaplan, who is 3-2 as a pro and trains full time at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. "I don't want to live an ordinary life. I want to live a life that some people can't. Maybe it's not 100 percent stable, but maybe that's why it interests me."
Kaplan's recent success on Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter 8" earned him a spot on Saturday's card; one that features two anticipated brawls in a 205-pound title fight between Rashad "Sugar" Evans (18-0-1) and Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida (14-0) and a grudge match between 170-pounders Matt "The Terror" Serra (16-5) and Matt Hughes (43-7)...More?
source: washingtonpost.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title
May 21, 1982
Triple H defeated the Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
May 21, 2000
Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho defeated Steve Austin & Triple H for the WWF(E) Tag Team title
May 21, 2001
May 20, 2009
Raw Preview: Raw's Playoffs
Live on Raw from Los Angeles' STAPLES Center, WWE presents its answer to the Lakers vs. the Denver Nuggets. WWE Champion Randy Orton, Legacy, The Miz & Big Show face U.S. Champion MVP, Batista, John Cena, Jerry Lawler & a fifth "player."
**A commercial aired on last night's ECW on Sci-Fi hyping Ric Flair will be at Raw to confront Randy Orton.**
Bloodbaths: The 25 Most Brutal and Violent WWE Matches Ever
25. Ric Flair vs. Triple H (Taboo Tuesday 2005)
24. Edge vs. John Cena (Unforgiven 2006)
23. Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle (Monday Night Raw 6/11/01)
22. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (Armageddon 2002)
21. Steve Austin vs. Triple H (No Way Out 2001)
20. Shane McMahon vs. Big Show (Backlash 2001)
19. Steve Austin vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 17)
18. Chris Jericho vs. Triple H (Judgment Day 2002)
17. Edge, Foley & Lita vs. Dreamer, Funk & Beulah (One Night Stand 2006)
16. Edge vs. Mick Foley (WrestleMania 22)
15. Sandman and Tommy Dreamer vs. The Dudley Boys (One Night Stand 2005)
14. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (SummerSlam 2002)
13. Ric Flair vs. Edge (Monday Night Raw 1/16/06)
12. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 20)
11. Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton (Backlash 2004)
10. TLC 2 (WrestleMania 17)
9. Cactus Jack vs. Triple H (No Way Out 2000)
8. Mankind vs. The Rock (Royal Rumble 1999)
7. Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle (King of the Ring 2001)
6. Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
5. Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar (No Mercy 2002)
4. Eddie Guerrero vs. John Bradshaw Layfield (Judgment Day 2004)
3. TLC 1 (SummerSlam 2000)
2. Mankind vs. Undertaker (King of the Ring 1998)
1. Cactus Jack vs. Triple H (Royal Rumble 2000)
source: bleacherreport.com
WWE-JAKKS Lawsuit Dismissed
The United States District Court has dismissed WWE's lawsuit against toy maker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. in which WWE accused JAKKS of being involved in "collusion and acts of bribery" with WWE's licensing agent at the time.
WWE Cancels 3 Colorado Events Over 'Denver Debacle'
World Wrestling Entertainment will move three wrestling events from various Colorado arenas to the STAPLES Center after a Denver Nuggets playoff game created a scheduling conflict at the Pepsi Center.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, speaking live on 4 O'Clock at 9NEWS, said the WWE was cancelling the Pepsi Center event along with a May 24 event in Loveland and a May 26 show in Colorado Springs.
All three shows will move to the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, home of the Denver Nuggets' current opponent, the LA Lakers.
McMahon said WWE would return to Colorado with an engagement at the Denver Coliseum on August 7. A spokeswoman for the Coliseum said the WWE would determine when tickets would go on sale for that event.
"We need to get back and make it right," said McMahon. "We're going to do the right thing by our audience for sure and that's why we're coming back in August." McMahon stressed that his issue is not with fans in Colorado, but with Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke.
"I didn't create this controversy, it's Stan Kroenke's inept management which created this controversy and quite frankly Kroenke's management is driving us out of Denver. We don't want to leave Denver, they're driving us out," he said. "They wouldn't even make a deal unless there was a joint press release. You wouldn't believe the things they wanted me to say."
"I think our company has been damaged severely from a financial standpoint and from a psychological standpoint as well. You don't treat people the way Kroenke's management treated us," he said. "I'm not a litigious kind of guy, but quite frankly when we have a contract and we have over 10,000 tickets sold and you just say: we're out, and we're not going to do anything for you, you know we're not going to make any restitution. We may pay for your additional expenses, that's it. There could very well be a lawsuit down the road."
McMahon said rescheduling the events in Denver would take some time to work out and all three Colorado events were cancelled because the entire crew had to go to California.
"You know we're the second largest traveling show in the world, second only to Ringling Bros.," he said. As for coming back to the Pepsi Center, "I never say never, quite frankly I think that's ridiculous for anyone to do," McMahon said.
Staples Center to Host Raw
NBC news affiliate KNBC in Los Angeles has announced that WWE has selected LA's Staples Center to host next week's show. The network is reporting that WWE will hold a press conference this evening announce the move. According to KNBC, Staples Center representative Michael Roth has confirmed the decision.
The Staples Center will also host SummerSlam 2009 on August 23rd.
There's still no word on how WWE will handle the ticket situation, but fans who purchased tickets for RAW at the Pepsi Center will likely get refunds. WWE will have just 5 days to sell tickets for Monday's show.
source: rajah.com
Stern Comments on "Denver Debacle"; Calls Vince his Friend
The commissioner was amused by McMahon's complaints that the owner of the Nuggets was to blame for the Pepsi Center being double booked for Monday night. The World Wrestling Entertainment was to have matches there, but the building isn't available because the Nuggets are scheduled to play Game 4 against the Lakers there.
"He is the premier showman and he demonstrates it again and again as he has here," Stern said of McMahon, who he called a friend. "(He gets) lots of good ink and pub."
Stern implied that the Nuggets are going to have to pay money to McMahon because of the double booking, but he said they could avoid it by letting the Lakers be the host for Game 4. He doesn't think that will happen.
source: sportingnews.com
Kroenke Granted the "I Have No Faith in My Team" Award
In the "I have no faith in my team" award, E. Stanley Kroenke and Kroenke Sports, the owners of the Denver Nuggets win hands down by scheduling a WWE wrestling match on the same day that Denver plays the Lakers at home.
WWE scheduled a Monday Night Raw for May 25th last August and signed the papers on April 15, 2009. The event will be sold-out.
What should one do? How about having a main event wrestling match between the Denver Nugget's and the WWE.
At Center for the Nugget's Nene (6-11/250) vs WWE's The Big Show (7-0/450)
At Forward for the Nugget's Carmelo Anthony (6-8/230) vs WWE's Kane (7-0/335)
At Forward for the Nugget's Kenyon Martin (6-9/240) vs WWE's Batista (6-6/290)
At Guard for the Nugget's Chauncey Billups (6-3/202) vs WWE's Randy Orton (6-4/245)
At Guard for the Nugget's Dahntay Jones ( 6-6/210) vs WWE's John Cena (6-1/240)
With WWE booking this event, it could go down as the all-time attendance record for any live event...More?
source: sportingnews.com
Interview with James Storm
Do you have a long-term plan for when you can’t do it anymore?
I think if I can’t reach my bedside and reach my bottle of Jack Daniels, that’s when I’ll be in trouble. That’s when I’m just gonna stop. (laughter) I want one way or another to be involved in the wrestling world, whether it be an agent, or some kind of onscreen character that’s not wrestling. I love wrestling and want to see it grow, and want to be around for a long time...More?
source: blog.newsok.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Promoter Frank Tunny died of a heart attack
May 20, 1983
Kane defeated Triple H for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title
May 20, 2001
May 19, 2009
ECW Results: Extreme Hart
One week after David Hart Smith shocked the WWE Universe by attacking The Belfast Brawler in his match with Tyson Kidd, the son of The British Bulldog triumphed over Finlay with a devastating high-and-tight suplex. The returning Superstar achieved his edge thanks to a distraction from his fellow Hart Dungeon-trainees, Tyson Kidd & Natalya, allowing him to rattle his tough-as-nails opponent with a shot from Natalya’s shoe. While warming-up for the match earlier in the evening with The Hart Trilogy, Hart Smith made the chilling statement he is better than his father ever was. Full results.
source: wwe.com
MSG, STAPLES Center to Raw's Rescue?
The Denver debacle that has jeopardized this coming Monday’s edition of Raw in Denver’s Pepsi Center has yielded an outpouring by some of the biggest arenas in the world who have opportunistically offered to host Monday Night Raw live on Memorial Day.
While working to resolve the scheduling conflict between Raw and the Denver Nuggets’ NBA Western Conference Semifinals game against the Los Angeles Lakers, WWE officials have received proposals from numerous venues including Madison Square Garden and, ironically, the STAPLES Center – the home of the Nuggets’ Monday night opponents, the Lakers. In addition to numerous other venues, these major-capacity metropolitan arenas proposed to have WWE’s flagship program emanate from their locations instead of Denver’s double-booked Pepsi Center this coming Monday...More?
source: wwe.com
WWE Out - Nuggets In
The controversy over the double booking of the Pepsi Center on Monday has been resolved ... at least partially.
Kroenke Sports Enterprises, which owns the Nuggets and the arena, booked a WWE "Monday Night Raw" wrestling show on Monday, which conflicted with Game 4 of the Western Conference finals between the Nuggets and the Lakers.
The Denver Post reported that the game will go on as scheduled. Matter settled, at least as far as the arena is concerned.
WWE? That's another matter. "I'm up the creek and I don't have a paddle, either," Vince McMahon, WWE chairman, told the Denver Post. I really don't know what to do.... I have no idea what's going to happen."
source: latimesblogs
The only good thing about this mess is that the WWE comes out looking good. They did everything right and still got screwed. I don't like basketball, but I will be rooting for the Lakers.
Possible Scenarios for Raw
Two different ideas include the less likely one of taping RAW on Saturday night at the WWE live event in Salt Lake City or the more likely idea of taping RAW in Colorado Springs on Monday, the same place they're taping SmackDown and ECW on Tuesday. Taping in Salt Lake City guarantees a larger crowd because if they went with Colorado Springs, they couldn't put tickets on sale until today or Wednesday. There is still the major headache of having to switch all the tickets out and offer refunds but it's possible a good percentage of those who purchased tickets for the original show in Denver would be willing to travel to Colorado Springs because it is about 70 miles away...More?
sources: f4wonline.com & impactwrestling.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Nick Bockwinkel named AWA Heavyweight Champion as he was #1 contender when Verne Gagne retired.
May 19, 1981
The Undertaker defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWE Unified Heavyweight title
May 19, 2002
Happy Birthday to Andre the Giant
May 19, 1946
May 18, 2009
Raw Results: Flair Game for The Animal
Randy Orton, still proudly holding his WWE Title after Judgment Day, opened Raw by castigating WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair for his involvement following the WWE Championship Match the night before. Not one to take a verbal attack lying down, the “Nature Boy” himself emerged and reminded The Legend Killer that he didn’t actually beat Batista, and in fact, lost by disqualification, and thus managed to hold onto the WWE Title. Further enraging Orton, Flair revealed that he had just spoken with Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero, and that she had decreed that “The Viper” would be defending his title against Batista once again at Extreme Rules, but in a Steel Cage Match to ensure a definitive outcome.
Incensed at the news Flair bore, Orton attacked the WWE Legend and called down Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase to assist in the assault. But before the rest of Legacy could make it to the ring, they were intercepted by Batista. As the multi-generational Superstars began to get the upper hand on ‘Naitch and The Animal, John Cena emerged from the locker room area and helped clear the ring of the devious Legacy members. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Interview with Chris Harris
If he regrets his decision to sign with WWE when he sat at home:
"Anybody that knows me knows I don't want to sit at home. I'm in this business because I love to wrestle, I want to be apart of it, I want to be out there mixing it up and be part of the stories and angles. That's what we thrive for. It didn't take me long to start realizing that this probably wasn't the best move to make. I'm sitting at home thinking that this isn't what I wanted to do. You are always going to second guess decisions in life. I can't sit here and complain about it. I'm a grown man and that is what I decided to do. It didn't go the direction I wanted it to and I guess the only thing that really came out of it was now I know. 20 years from now I could have looked back and went what if? Well now I know. Life goes on and I'm going in a new direction now. But at least I know that (WWE) is not the place for me."...More?
source: wrestleview.com
Q&A with Shelton Benjamin
What he enjoys the most and least about being a professional wrestler: "The least is easy - the physical toll it takes on your body and the time you're away from your family. Those are the number one and two things that most of us experience. But the great thing is, I get to travel the world... I've performed in Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, South America, Canada and a few other places - Italy. It's really hard for me to think of places I haven't been."
When asked how far he sees African-American wrestlers have come in the industry and where he fits into that history: "Honestly, as far as being African-American goes, I think we're to a point now where I think of myself not as an African-American superstar; I think of myself as a superstar who just happens to be African-American. While I recognize African-Americans have come a long way and I think I'm a testament to that because I see myself in that light, it's because of all the hard work of previous African-American superstars. I don't compare myself with only African-Americans. I do not grade myself on a color scheme."...More?
source: cincinnati.com
Vince McMahon Comments on the Pepsi Center being Double Booked; Raw in Jeopardy
World Wrestling Entertainment’s live, internationally televised broadcast, WWE Monday Night Raw(USA Network, 9:00 PM ET) to take place at the Pepsi Center in Denver next Monday, May 25 is in jeopardy of being cancelled by the Denver Nuggets. WWE and the Denver Nuggets are currently at an impasse in resolving a scheduling debacle by the team and the Pepsi Center. A sell-out crowd is expected to attend the WWE show at the same time the Denver Nuggets are slated to square off against the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. WWE has held the May 25 date with the Pepsi Center since Aug. 15, 2008.
“Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25 date for a potential playoff game,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
TNA iMPACT! Ratings News: Awesome Kong vs. Cute Kip draws the Highest Rating of the Show
The May 15th edition of TNA iMPACT! drew a 1.2 rating, which is equal to the rating the show drew last week. The show peaked with a 1.37 rating for the fifth quarter-hour, which featured Awesome Kong vs. Cute Kip.
source: prowrestling.net
Bodybuilders Flee Drug Testers; Event Canceled
Ready to flex their pecs and strike a pose, bodybuilders at the Belgian championships scattered when doping officials showed up...More?
source: foxsports.com
Yahoo Sports Covers Alfonso Soriano's Appearance at Last Night's Judgment Day
WWE received some mainstream attention on Yahoo Sports for incorporating Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano into last night's Judgment Day PPV.
Soriano was the victim of a "local promo" from The Miz, who bashed Soriano for being buddies with John Cena, who Miz has been feuding against the past three weeks on WWE TV. If you missed the Miz promo on the PPV last night, here is a clip below from the Yahoo Sports coverage.
source: pwtorch.com
Triple H/Thor Rumors Put to Rest
Deadlinehollywooddaily.com is reporting that Chris Hemsworth, has just been approved to play the lead role in Thor by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and the film's director Kenneth Branagh. Hemsworth can currently be seen as "George Kirk" in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot and also just snagged the lead in Red Dawn for United Artists last Thursday. He's currently filming Joss Whedon's horror flick Cabin In The Woods for UA.
This Day in Wrestling History
Christian eliminated Booker T in a Battle Royal at Judgment Day to capture the newly reinstated WWE Intercontinental Title.
May 18, 2003
Happy Birthday to Superfly Jimmy Snuka
May 18, 1943
May 17, 2009
Judgment Day: Enmity's 'Evolution'
By dishonorable means, WWE Champion Randy Orton escaped The Animal’s maw with the title still in his possession at Judgment Day, but “The Viper” and Batista’s aggression ultimately met its Evolution on pay-per-view with the unexpected return of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Will the Hall of Famer’s reemergence secure the same success enjoyed by The Animal when he was once under Flair’s tutelage? Or will the legend of Evolution be the next one killed by The Viper’s bite? Full results.
source: wwe.com
Judgment Day Results
In a dark match prior to tonights ppv, Beth Phoenix was defeated by Mickie James by a DDT.
CM Punk vs. Umaga
Winner: Umaga
ECW Championship - Christian(c) vs. Jack Swagger
Winner: Christian(c)
Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison
Winner: John Morrison
Intercontinental Championship - Rey Mysterio(c) vs. Chris Jericho
Winner: Rey Mysterio (c)
WWE Championship - Randy Orton(c) vs. Batista
Winner: Randy Orton (c)
Randy slaps the ref and gets DQ'd. Rhodes and DiBiase show up and double team Batista. Ric Flair runs-in and helps Batista clean house.
Big Show vs. John Cena
Winner: John Cena
World Heavyweight Championship - Edge(c) vs. Jeff Hardy
Winner: Edge (c)
This Day in Wrestling History
Bruno Sammartino defeats Buddy Rogers for the (WWWF)WWE Championship at Madison Square Garden.
May 17, 1963
Marty Jannetty defeated Shawn Michaels for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
May 17, 1993
Vince McMahon Sr. died of cancer at 69.
May 17, 1984
"British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith died of a heart attack at 39.
May 17, 2002
Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Recap
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is considered by some as the only legitimate hall of fame in pro wrestling today, because it's the only one where wrestlers must receive votes to be inducted. It currently houses a who's who of wrestling greats from Bruno Sammartino to Hulk Hogan to Bret Hart to Roddy Piper. And on Saturday night, a new "Wonderful" class was added to that elite list...More
source: slam wrestling
Photos
Interview with Jack Swagger
Decrease the smug factor a bit, lessen the smile just a smidge and Jacob Hager admits in real life, he's not that far off being his WWE character, Jack Swagger...More?
source: slam wrestling
May 16, 2009
This Day in Wrestling History
Andy Kaufman dies of kidney failure due to large cell carcinoma in Los Angeles, California. Kaufman is best known in the wrestling world for his 1982 match with Jerry Lawler at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee, and subsequent expletive-laden appearance with Lawler on the Late Show with David Letterman.
May 16, 1984
