"I think they should take Vince Russo and hang him by the neck somewhere in the back of the parking lot," said Hart, who worked with Russo in WWE and WCW. "Vince Russo knows about as much about wrestling as Eric Bischoff does. Neither one of them knows s--- about anything. I find it really bizarre that Vince McMahon or the lady in TNA [Dixie Carter] would hire such imbeciles to call all the shots.
"I don't have any personal grudge against Vince Russo, but I just know watching the shows that all his shows look the same. TNA has turned into sort of another version of WCW when I was with Russo there. I think the best wrestling always needs to pretend to be real, and Vince Russo's wrestling is so pathetically far-fetched and phony that I think he does a disservice to his wrestlers and the business."
source: baltimore sun
November 30, 2009
Bret Hart Shoots on Vince Russo & Eric Bischoff
EVOLVE Reveals Its 1st Main Event
EvolveWrestling.com has announced that Davey Richards vs Kota Ibushi will be the main event of the company's first show, which takes place on Janurary 16th, 2010, at The Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, NJ.
Additionally, the following talent names are now confirmed members of The EVOLVE roster: Brad Allen, Arik Cannon, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, T.J. Perkins, Ricochet, Aeroform, and Dark City Fight Club.
Serena Williams Hit with Record Fine for U.S. Open Tirade
Serena Williams was fined at least a record $82,500 for her U.S. Open tirade and could be suspended from that tournament if she has another "major offense" at any Grand Slam in the next two years, Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock told The Associated Press on Monday...More?
November 29, 2009
Robert Roode Fan Q&A
Recently SLAM! Wrestling teamed with Viewers Choice Canada to offer our readers a chance to interview TNA superstar Robert Roode. Here is the result of that fan question answer session.
WWE Magazine Feature of the Week: Tomorrow's Champions
"WWE Magazine’s" all-new Holiday Issue heralds the arrival of today’s most talented young guns in WWE. But who, aside from themselves, do they think will be the first among them to reach mega-Superstardom? Click here.
Rumor Mill - Details Behind Why WWE is Pushing New Talent
The Wrestling Observer is reporting that the reason why Kofi Kingston is getting such a big push right now is because WWE officials feel that the company needs an African-American baby face towards the top of the card. After several other talents that were selected for the spot didn't work out the way the company had hoped, the decision was made to give Kingston the big push.
It's also being reported that Jack Swagger's push has been slowed down, and possibly even halted, as WWE officials feel that he is not panning out the way the company had hoped.
As far as Sheamus and Drew McIntyre are concerned, they are getting their respective pushes right now because Sheamus is the work out partner of Triple H, and McIntyre is well liked by both Triple H and Shawn Michaels.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Jerry "The King" Lawler
November 29, 1949
Happy Birthday to John Bradshaw Layfield
November 29, 1967
Indy wrestler "The All American Jeff Peterson" lost his battle to lymphoma
November 29, 2002
Larry Lathman aka Moondog Spot died of a heart attack in the ring during Jerry Lawler's Birthday Bash show.
November 29, 2003
November 28, 2009
Rumor Mill - Plans for DX's "Court Hearing" on Raw
WWE has booked a local courtroom in Baltimore to film segments that will air on this coming week's edition of WWE Raw. Last week it was announced that Hornswoggle would be bringing DX to court and it appears that the segments will take place in an actual courtroom. Furthermore, it's being reported that the courtroom participants, like the jury, judge, etc, will be comprised entirely of little people.
source: pwinsider.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Magnum T.A. defeated Tully Blanchard for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title, Rick Morton & Robert Gibson defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff for the NWA World Tag Team title and Buddy Landel defeated Terry Taylor for the Georgia National Heavyweight title
November 28, 1985
November 27, 2009
SmackDown Results: Hungry Animal Heading to WWE TLC
The self-proclaimed “best at what he does” strutted onto SmackDown, not only to assure victory against D-Generation X for himself and Big Show at WWE TLC (match preview), but also to insist that SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long place him in the No. 1 Contender’s Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Instead, Long informed Jericho that he would face The Undertaker later in the evening in a non-title match. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE Preparing for "Tribute to the Troops" Taping
WWE will be taping Smackdown and ECW this Sunday (November 29) in Hampton, VA as the television crew and wrestlers will be leaving right after the Raw taping on Monday (November 30) in Baltimore, MD for Iraq to do the annual "Tribute to the Troops" event. The show will air on Saturday, December 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT) on NBC.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Davy Boy Smith aka the British Bulldog
November 27, 1962
Dennis Rodman filed a lawsuit against World Championship Wrestling. Rodman claimed that WCW still owed him money for his match at the BATB PPV
November 27, 1998
The Undertaker defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
November 27, 1991
November 26, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: Vivacious Victory
A while back, Ziggler promised to become a World Champion. But, it appears his braggadocios ways may be interfering.
The egotistical Superstar didn’t appear to learn his lesson when he scrapped with R-Truth on “WWE Superstars.” Unlike boasting his physique or playing with his hair like his narcissistic opponent, R-Truth focused on tactics. The animated competitor, as a result, secured an impressive triumph after dialing up an emphatic Lie Detector. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Hulkamania Tour Attendance Figures
The 11/21 Hulkamania show at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia drew about 8,000. A disappointing number for local promoters that spent big money to bring in Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, and shilled out cash for the show's production.
The second show, on 11/24 in Perth, Western Australia, drew a reported 2,500 fans.
source: the wrestling observer newsletter
Rotunda Brothers Follow Dad Mike into Professional Wrestling
As children, Brooksville natives Taylor and Windham Rotunda spent a lot of time watching their father do his job.
Mike Rotunda wasn't in law enforcement, medicine or some other traditional vocation. He dressed in flashy costumes, marched around to his own theme music, and worked in front of thousands of people, many of whom wanted his head to be torn off.
Mike was a professional wrestler, and his two sons now are making their own bids to follow in his footsteps...More?
source: tampabay.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Ric Flair defeated Ronny Garvin for the NWA Heavyweight Wrestling title and Dusty Rhodes defeated Lex Luger for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
November 25, 1987
Diesel defeated Bob Backlund for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
November 25, 1994
Randy Savage won the WCW Heavyweight title in a 60 man battle royal and Smokey Mountain Wrestling ceased operation.
November 25, 1995
Scott Steiner defeated Booker T for the WCW Heavyweight title and Kevin Nash & Diamond Dallas Page defeated Chuck Palumbo & Sean Stasiak for the WCW Tag Team title.
November 25, 2000
November 25, 2009
WWE Ranked Among Nation's Best By Forbes.com
WWE has been recognized as one of Forbes.com's Top 200 Best Small Companies. For more details click here.
This Day in Wrestling History
The Fabulous Moolah (as the Spider Woman) defeated Wendi Richter for the WWF(E) Women's title.
November 24, 1985
Bret "Hitman" Hart defeated Shawn Michaels to retain the WWF(E) Championship at Survivor Series.
November 24, 1992
November 24, 2009
Los Angeles Promoter Mike Lebell Passed Away
Mike Lebell, the promoter of the NWA Los Angeles territory during the 1960s and 1970s died this afternoon. He was 79 years old...More?
source: slam wrestling
ECW Results: Roundtable Rift
Viewing Yoshi Tatsu as his ticket back to the ECW Championship, William Regal was intently focused on winning tonight’s match. The British Brawler was so driven, he implored his cronies, Ezekiel Jackson & Vladimir Kozlov, to do whatever they could to insure his victory. Yet, a miscue from Kozlov allowed Tatsu to kick Regal in the head and win the match.
After his devastating loss, Regal chewed out his two monsters, blaming them for this setback. The Moscow Mauler then falsely accused Jackson of costing their kingpin the bout. This did not sit well with Big Zeke who proceeded to destroy Kozlov and Regal, sending a message that he was not happy with The Ruthless Roundtable. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Another Triple H Conspiracy Theory
Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun had this to say about the mega-push Sheamus is receiving by facing John Cena at the WWE:TLC pay per view next month:
Most weeks, Jesse Ventura appearing on Raw and reuniting with former broadcast partner Vince McMahon at the announce table would be the most noteworthy thing on the show. But as great as it was to see “The Body” back on WWE programming as the guest host for Monday night’s eventful three-hour episode of Raw, the big news is that a young wrestler was elevated to main event status and will face John Cena for the WWE title on the next pay-per-view in three weeks.
The disappointing news – in my opinion, at least – is that the guy WWE hand-picked to be the chosen one is Sheamus.
Sheamus? To borrow a line from The Miz: “Really?”
Speaking of The Miz, I think he would have been a better choice for the spot. So would Jack Swagger. And Ted DiBiase Jr. And MVP. On the Smackdown side, I look at guys such as John Morrison, R-Truth, and Dolph Ziggler (more about him later) as being more worthy of breaking through the glass ceiling. I think newcomer Drew McIntyre also has more star potential than the “Celtic Warrior.” Heck, if WWE is so intent on elevating a monster heel, why not Mike Knox?
It’s not like I think Sheamus is a bad worker or anything, and he does have a unique look going for him. But from what I have seen so far, he just seems to be lacking the “it” factor. I’m not saying that I think he’s a lost cause as far as becoming a more significant player, but there is no way that he should be pushed to the moon this fast. He’s only been on Raw for five weeks. A few months ago he was losing matches to Goldust on ECW.
OK, so here’s where the conspiracy comes in, and it’s not one that Ventura will be talking about on his new “Conspiracy Theory” show on truTV. It has been all over the Internet as of late that Sheamus’ sudden push is the result of him being the workout partner of Triple H, who obviously wields a lot of power backstage.
I don’t know for certain what is behind the rapid rise of Sheamus, but let’s assume that the Triple H stories are true. It would be unfortunate for all of the guys I mentioned above, but it is what it is. As we all know, pro wrestling is highly political and making the right friends is important. But, ultimately, no matter how connected someone is or how hard they’re pushed, the fans will decide whether or not they make it as a top guy.
I will say this much for Triple H: The last two guys he anointed as the next big things were Randy Orton and Batista, so he has a pretty good track record.
Triple H on The Morning Buzz
New Triple H interview with Greg from The Morning Buzz radio show. Hunter talks about Shane leaving the WWE, Hogan, Flair, Stephanie & the kids and more. Click here.
ROH Announces Partnership With GoFightLive
Ring of Honor Wrestling and GoFightLive.Tv announce that they are bringing ROH Wrestling to the World through the internet, starting with ROH’s "Final Battle 2009". The Final Battle 2009 show will be broadcast Live! Go Fight Live makes fights worldwide available right on your computer screen, from boxing to MMA, and now professional wrestling...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Ric Flair defeated Harley Race for the NWA Heavyweight Wrestling title and Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco for the NWA World Tag Team title.
November 24, 1983
November 23, 2009
Post-Survivor Series DX Antics
HBK and Triple H got up slowly and talked to each other with HBK's goofy gestures. Triple H then pointed to the entrance ramp where Cena had just left from, gave him a crotch chop and the two hugged and embraced each other. No sign of a turn, though they both pointed at a sign in the crowd that said "HHH vs. HBK at WrestleMania XXVI..." and shrugged their shoulders at it. They then went around high-fiving guys and commentators before posing at the top of the stage and leaving. Justin Roberts thanked us for coming and that they'd hope to be back in DC in the near future.
source: pwtorch.com
"The Wrestler" to Air on HBO This Weekend
"The Wrestler", starring Mickey Rourke will air on HBO for the first time this weekend. The movie received Academy Award nominations and features scenes that were shot at Ring of Honor, JAPW events and more.
credit: Mike Johnson @ pwinsider
WWE Tribute to the Troops Update
The WWE crews will leave for the Middle East next week for the annual Tribute to the Troops tapings. Talents will leave immediately after RAW next Monday in Baltimore. Due to the tour, SmackDown and ECW for next week will be taped this coming Sunday in Hampton, Virginia.
source: impactwrestling.com
Hulk Hogan Confirms Role in TNA
Hulk Hogan confirmed that he will be appearing as an authority figure on TNA, but will mainly be "handling business" backstage. He also stated that he will be Dixie Carter's business partner...More?
source: pwtorch.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Kevin Von Erich defeated Dick Murdoch for the Missouri State Heavyweight title.
November 23, 1979
Pedro Morales defeated Magnificent Muraco for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
November 23, 1981
Shawn Michaels & Diesel split & abandoned the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
November 23, 1994
November 22, 2009
Survivor Series: DX-ploited By The Champ
While Triple H and Shawn Michaels insisted that competing in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship would do little to sever the deep bond between them, the allure of gold proved too much for the DX cohorts, who quickly turned on one another. As their alliance frayed, WWE Champion John Cena eagerly leveraged his opponents’ betrayal into an intensely fought victory.
Things started out amicably enough. The Game and HBK even greeted the crowd together as DX’s entrance music pervaded the arena. Seconds after the opening bell, however, Michaels unexpectedly lulled his associate to sleep with Sweet Chin Music. With Triple H prone on the canvas, HBK and The Champ exchanged strikes.
As any member of the WWE Universe can tell you, though, never count out Triple H. The King of Kings rallied and the three-man clash took on a different, and dangerous, dynamic as the action moved outside the ring. It was there that The Game smashed HBK through the announcers’ table with a spine buster, leaving Triple H to contend with the WWE Champion. While the match nearly ended with several two-counts, in the end a fatigued Cena refused to quit against his equally exhausted rivals and managed to pin Triple H to retain his title.
source: wwe.com
Detailed Report
Stephanie McMahon and WWE Execs Make the List
CableFAX magazine, a highly regarded industry publication, recently honored Stephanie McMahon as one of their “Most Powerful Women in Cable 2009.” McMahon, WWE’s Executive Vice President, Creative Development & Operations, was lauded for her forward-looking vision, including the overseeing of Raw’s special guest hosts – among them Donald Trump, Shaquille O’Neal and Jeremy Piven – as well as expanding WWE’s sphere by positioning Superstars on non-WWE programming such as Project Runway, Saturday Night Live, The View and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
McMahon is joined on the esteemed list by two additional WWE executives, Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer (left), and Michelle Wilson, Executive Vice President, Marketing.
source: wwe.com
Survivor Series Results
Dark Match:
Santino Marella defeated Chavo Guerrero
Team Morrison vs. Team Miz (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match):
Winners: Team Miz (Drew McIntyre, The Miz and Sheamus)
Batista vs. Rey Mysterio:
Winner: Batista
Team Kingston vs. Team Orton (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match):
Winners: Team Kingston (Kofi Kingston)
World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker vs. Big Show vs. Chris Jericho (Triple Threat Match):
Winner: The Undertaker
Team Mickie vs. Team Michelle (Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match):
Winners: Team Mickie (Mickie James & Melina)
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Triple Threat Match)
Winner: John Cena
Dangerous Head Games
As the Washington Redskins ran plays in preparation for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, Clinton Portis, their Pro Bowl running back, wasn't even on the sideline of the practice field. Portis is still dealing with the headaches caused by bright lights, still squinting at the screen of his cellphone at night, still trying to overcome the aftereffects of the concussion he suffered Nov. 8 at Atlanta on a play he still doesn't remember.
The culture in the NFL regarding concussions is changing, players, coaches, league officials and outside experts say. But even cursory conversations with players show that the changes in attitude are gradual in a league in which every game is an event, every Sunday a chance for a career to be ended or extended...More?
source: washingtonpost.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Promoter Jess (Roderick) McMahon passes away at age 72.
November 22, 1954
The Undertaker makes his official WWF(E) debut at the Survivor Series with The Million Dollar Team (Ted DiBiase, Honky Tonk Man & Greg Valentine).
November 22, 1990
Scott Hall was arrested for traffic infractions following a two-car accident and found to be legally intoxicated.
November 22, 2000
November 21, 2009
Lance Storm Comments on the Next Great Bookers of the Business
Lance Storm did an interview with The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network. He speaks on his views on bookers in professional wrestling:
"The Chairman Of The Board" asked Lance where he feels the next great bookers of the business will be coming from. "The problem is the industry isn't even looking for bookers. I hate the term 'writer,' I hate the term 'storyline.' And I think that the more people we have running the industry or the creative direction that didn't have wrestling background I think is bad. I think the next person who will probably step up & actually be a booker is Hunter (Triple H) once he retires. I have great hopes that once he retires & steps out of the ring, he will be an even bigger asset, because is a little bit more old-school I think. Anytime I had conversations with him or watched him (as far as his work), he seems to have a similar view on the business as I did: that still, at the end of the day, there needs to be some serious wrestling involved. He's been involved in some good angles that I think were largely directly by him. He obviously is someone that is going to end up in power, and can be very good at it. I think that the WWE could be/should be looking at perhaps finding people that worked in the business that had good minds (Tommy Dreamer) & giving them a developmental contract, where they go to Florida & book there (have two or three people down there/brainstorming & working on booking skills), so they have people to replace the people they have got now when the time comes. I think that is one of the biggest things th at is going to be missing...The more we have writers & people growing up on the 'Crash TV'/30-second skits of RAW & iMPACT, the less really-sound understanding minds that really understand the business (Paul Heyman/Jim Cornette) will be hard to come by."
"Hulkamania" Tour Results: Show #1 (11/21): Melbourne
Fan report from wrestlezone.com:
Eugene & godfather beat "rock of love"
Spartan 3000 beat Shannon Moore with an amazing shooting star press (move of the night)
Nasty boyz beat Gangrel and Black Pearl in a street fight
Brutus Beefcake beat Heidenrich with sleeper hold
Lacy Von Eric wins a bikini contest then tried to start a USA chant (bimbo!)
Mr. (don't call me kennedy) Anderson beat Val Venus with a mic check. He then announced that Kennedy was dead!
Rikishi & Brian Christopher beat Umaga and Orlando Jordan
Hogan went over Flair in a match that Ric carried, both guys bladed, Flair did his usual spots and Hulk nearly collapsed in the ring having to throw away the knee brace. He won after hitting Flair with the knuckle dusters that Flair had in his tights.Hulk posed for 10 minutes sending the fans home happy. The wrestlers came out using their real names which confused the crowd.
This Day in Wrestling History
Bret Hart wins the WCW World Title by defeating both Sting and Chris Benoit in 2 matches on the same night.
November 21, 1999
World Wrestling Entertainment announced on their website that details of a new drug policy being instituted by Vince McMahon.
November 21, 2005
November 20, 2009
SmackDown Results: Survival Instincts Run Wild
The Brothers of Destruction, two legendary forces of indescribable mayhem, reemerged as one to take on Jericho and Big Show. However, the intense mega match between four of WWE’s elite Superstars was destined to descend into absolute bedlam from the beginning. When The World’s Largest Athlete stormed into the ring to break up The Deadman’s dreaded Hell’s Gate, he drew the wrath of The Big Red Machine, igniting an all out free-for-all that left the official no choice but to declare a no-contest.
When the smoke finally cleared, the squared circle anarchy had taken its toll on all four combatants. And with both The Phenom and Kane down, Jericho seized the moment and delivered a surprise Codebreaker to his own partner. The first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion snatched up the World Title and held it high above his head, sending a definitive message that this Sunday’s pay-per-view will truly be every one for himself. Full results.
source: wwe.com
November 19, 2009
WWE's European Tour A Big Success
The WWE's recent 22 date European tour grossed around $12 million. It turned out to be one of the strongest overseas tours in company history.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
WWE Superstars Results: Survivor Serious
In what is just a partial preview of this Sunday’s traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match pitting Team Kingston vs. Team Orton, The World’s Strongest Man flattened The Legacy member on his way to victory. Rhodes did whatever he could to out-maneuver Henry and gain the advantage in hopes of picking up the win, but the former ECW Champion’s unimaginable strength was too much, and once Henry caught the second-generation Superstar in The World’s Strongest Slam, it was all over. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Mark Cuban: I Can Take Vince McMahon
"Vince and I are friends. I love him and his approach to life," Cuban said. "He has about 50 pounds on me, but I think I could hold my own."...More?
source: espn.go.com
The Rock & the WWE Working on TV Project
Dwayne "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson says he's working with WWE on a special television project...More?
source: thewrestlinginc.com
Interview with Jerry Lawler
WWE announcer Jerry Lawler claims TNA is not even a blip on the radar to WWE management, but he believes WWE would benefit from competition...More?
source: pwtorch.com
"Dangerous" Danny Davis: A Profile in Black and White
Long before Earl Hebner heard his first "You screwed Bret" chant, another referee's name was synonymous with corruption and bias. In the mid '80s, shady referee-turned-wrestler "Dangerous" Danny Davis was one of the most controversial names in the WWE (then, WWF). SLAM! Wrestling caught up with Davis to document his career in black and white...More?
source: slam wrestling
McMahon Family's Vast Wealth Revealed in Senate Campaign Filing
Linda and Vince McMahon have $103.7 million in total assets and they received "at least" $8.97 million in salary and investment income from WWE during a period from January 2008 to October 2009.
The McMahons have $355.13 million worth of stocks, bank accounts, and other holdings, including a joint share of Stamford-based Bandito Entertainment, LLC and two properties in Boynton Beach, FL. (I believe it is actually Boca Raton, FL)
Linda McMahon has an investment portfolio with municipal bonds, mutual funds, and stock holdings, including $50,000 to $100,000 each in several industries, including notable names such as drugmakers GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis, technology companies Apple and Google, and financial services firms JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs.
Vince McMahon holds four undisclosed assets recorded with a value of at least $1 million.
Linda McMahon's reported salary as CEO of WWE from January 2008 to October 2009 was $871,154. Vince McMahon's salary is recorded as $1,000. Vince receives his income from WWE through the company's Class B common stock designated for the McMahon Family.
source: connecticut post
This Day in Wrestling History
Curt Hennig defeated Kerry Von Erich for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
November 19, 1990
Rick Rude defeated Sting for the WCW U.S. Heavyweight title.
November 19, 1991
Bret Hart defeated Diesel for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
November 19, 1995
Ric Flair makes his return to the WWF(E) on RAW, announcing his new stock in the company following the WCW/ECW Invasion. Flair had not been on TV since the last WCW Monday Nitro.
November 19, 2001
November 18, 2009
WWE Reveals the Next Four Hosts of Raw
Jesse Ventura hosts Monday's three-hour Raw in Hershey, PA
Actor Verne Troyer hosts the Nov. 30 show in Baltimore, MD
NBA owner Mark Cuban hosts the Dec. 7 show in Dallas, TX
Comedian Dennis Miller hosts the Dec. 14 show in Corpus Christi, TX
More Billy Graham Bitterness Directed to Linda McMahon
Please read Chris Keating's excellent tale today of wrestling nutjob Superstar Billy Graham, who was happy to make piles of money for years off Vince and Linda McMahon but who is now bitter and out to take down the former WWE CEO in her campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Is it possible that we are dreaming this? Connecticut is sinking and the Republicans are giving us pulp fiction. Sam Caligiuri's knife-to-the-back of Justin Bernier yesterday was pretty dramatic, but is there any way any other candidate can match the daily drama this woman brings to the campaign?...More?
From Keating's story today:
An aspiring painter, Graham said he intends to create and distribute T-shirts that depict a drawing of McMahon with a razor blade taped to her finger with dripping blood and the slogan, "Linda McMahon is a scam and is made out of spam."
source: blogs.courant.com
Former Professional Wrestler Blasts Linda McMahon and Her Campaign For Senate
Superstar Billy Graham is speaking out against the woman he says made millions from the violence, sexual exploitation, blood and excesses of professional wrestling. What outrages him particularly, he says, are recent attempts to sanitize the wrestling mega-enterprise whose sexy women wrestlers once performed in "lingerie matches" and were still posing nude in Playboy as recently as 2008. He views this toning down as a huge act of hypocrisy — an attempt to graft a family-friendly face onto a business that has been anything but...More?
source: courant.com
Just a bit bitter are we? I guess the WWE was supposed to employ him for the rest of his life.
Interview with Chris Jericho
Express spoke with the athlete/actor/comedian/entertainer/vocalist/author also known as Christopher Irvine, born to former NHL player Ted Irvine, about the follow-up to his 2007 New York Times best-seller "A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex," his hard rock band Fozzy, professional burnout, life on the road with WWE and how his chatty, chatty mouth sometimes gets him in big, big trouble. Click here.
"Hulkamania" Press Tour Gets Bloody
The Hulkamania promotional press conference at Star City veered violently out of control today as Hulk Hogan and ring rival Ric Flair let their animosity break into a full scale bloody brawl.
Sydney Central’s photographer Phil Rogers has his flash broken when Ric Flair threw a table off the stage and into the press gathering before diving on photographers. Media were stunned as the Hulk’s head began bleeding profusely and confusion broke out when the veteran wrestling star was unable to get to his feet.
A reporter narrowly missed being struck with the table and photographers ducked and weaved as Ric Flair took off his trouser belt and began to whip anyone within range. The press conference began well with the stars of the tour speaking professionally about their careers and the business.
Additional fan reports state that it appeared to be a "work" that got out of hand.
sources: wrestleview.com & wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Vince McMahon is indicted on charges of possession of anabolic steroids and conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids. If convicted, McMahon would face up to 8 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
November 18, 1993
Trish Stratus defeated Ivory, Lita, Jazz, Molly and Jacqueline in a 6 Way Match for the vacant WWF(E) Women's title.
November 18, 2001
November 17, 2009
ECW Results: Straightedge Survivor
Survivor Series opponents met on ECW on Syfy this week, as SmackDown’s CM Punk joined William Regal to take on the blue brand’s R-Truth and ECW Champion Christian. Punk & Regal – members of Team Orton at Survivor Series – earned the tag team victory. After R-Truth injured his leg during a kick to Regal, Christian attempted the Killswitch on Punk. But Regal retaliated with a running Knee Trembler, allowing Punk to capitalize and hit the ECW Champion with a devastating Go To Sleep. Christian & R-Truth enter Team Kingston at Survivor Series with a defeat, while Punk & Regal have the upper hand. Full results.
source: wwe.com
John Cena & The Undertaker vs. DX, The Big Show & Chris Jericho
The announced attendance at last night's Raw was 20,358.
WWE Launching Comic Book Series in the UK
Jerry Lawler will be doing the artwork for the covers of a new WWE comic book series in Great Britain. Lawler is well-known for his artowrk and also did comic book art for Headlocked - another wrestling comic book series.
Raw Review - Love the Old-School Feel
For old-school fans like myself, last night's Raw was one for the books. Starting with the minimalist set. I sincerely hope they bring that back. While I do like the epic entrances of Triple H and The Undetaker, The scaled down version seemd to fit last night.
The video package that was put together about the WWE/Madison Square Garden history was fantastic.
Other than DX hawkng their wares and the botched Roddy Piper/Vince McMahon promo, there weren't a lot of skits. It was match after match - I prefer it that way.
The street fight between Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton is definetly a match of the year candidate. It's good to see younger stars like Kofi and Sheamus getting a push. Let's hope this is a turning point in WWE.
Local Bakers Make Wrestling Ring for WWE
Some local bakers are working hard to finish something for the WWE, or World Wrestling Entertainment. A few weeks ago Mike and John Fish from the Gingerbread House in Rochester got a call from the WWE asking them to create a large gingerbread-wrestling ring. They want to use it as the cover photo for their Christmas cards this year...More?
source: kaaltv.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Shawn Michaels defeats Triple H, Kane, Chris Jericho, Booker T & Rob Van Dam in an Elimination Chamber to capture the World Heavyweight Title.
November 17, 2002
November 16, 2009
USA Network's New Deal With WWE Could Foreshadow a Bigger Deal
USA Network's move to renew its deal for "Monday Night Raw" with World Wrestling Entertainment for another four years may be just the beginning of a broader partnership between the NBC Universal-owned cable network and Vince McMahon's WWE.
WWE is looking to start its own cable network within in the next 18 months, and NBC Universal might be a potential partner...More?
source: latimes.com
WWE & USA Network Announce Long Term Deal
WWE and USA Network today announced a four-year renewal agreement that will keep ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW® on the network through fall 2014. WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW, a cable mainstay for more than 16 years, continues to be one of the most watched regularly scheduled programs on ad-supported cable television, contributing to USA’s status as the number one cable network...More?
source: corporate.wwe.com
The Next Guest Host of Raw Is...
Former Navy Seal and Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura. Ventura will host WWE: A Raw Thanksgiving live on November 23rd.
Former WWE Official Meets with UFC
Another former WWE official met with UFC this past weekend, as former WWE Canada represenative Carl DeMarco spoke with UFC officials (in a seperate meeting than that of the meeting with Shane McMahon and UFC) to discuss some situations. DeMarco left the WWE in September of this year.
source: wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WWE inducts legends Capt. Lou Albano, Killer Kowalski, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Johnny Valiant, Jimmy Valiant, Johnny Rodz, Pat Patterson, Vincent J. McMahon and Jimmy Snuka into the WWE Hall of Fame.
November 16, 1996
Vince McMahon hired Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura as color man for the XFL broadcast team.
November 16, 2000
November 15, 2009
Shane McMahon Meeting with UFC; TUF Expanding Globally
MMAjunkie.com is reporting that Dana White is looking to expand "The Ultimate Fighter" Series internationally:
"My job is over the next 10 years, the same game of soccer that we play in the U.S. is the same game they play in Canada, Mexico, Spain Italy, France, etc., and that's what we're doing with mixed martial arts right now," White said. "Everywhere you go all over the world, it's the same sport, and everybody plays by the same rules. We're trying to get these television deals in all these countries, major TV deals exposing the fans to it, then you bring a live event to those places. Then the virus spreads and people start training at it, trying to make a living at it, eventually becoming professional athletes. That's what we're going to do over the next 10 years.Dave Metzler is reporting that Shane McMahon recently met with White at the UFC offices. White isn't commenting on the meeting.
"How do we plug this whole thing in with television and how to watch it everywhere? We're trying to figure that whole thing out and build that now. But the groundwork for this thing is 'The Ultimate Fighter,' and we've been working it very hard, and we're making it happen. 'The Ultimate Fighter' is going to be all over the world. That's the goal."
With McMahon leaving his position as EVP of Global Media, where he oversaw the WWE's international offices and television distribution, could there be a connection here?
University Prof Teaching Course on Pro Wrestling
Taking on the persona of the "People's Prof," Glenday will make his first foray into the ring Sunday in front of an audience as part of his continuing research into the world of professional wrestlers.
Pro wrestling and wrestlers are a misunderstood subculture of society, Glenday said, noting wrestling has been criticized for excessive violence and promoting homophobia, sexism as well as ethnic and racial stereotyping.
Still, there has been very little research into it, said Glenday, who shifted his research focus in 2004 from trade unions and the impact of new technologies on work to wrestling...More?
source: canada.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Tony Atlas & Rocky Johnson defeated the Samoans for the WWWF(WWE) Tag Team title.
November 15, 1983
The Rock defeated Mankind in the finals of the Deadly Game tournament to capture his first ever WWF Championship and Sable defeated Jacquelyn for the WWF(E) Women's title.
November 15, 1998
November 14, 2009
Lesnar vs. Carwin Fight Off; Lesnar Very Ill
UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar has already re-scheduled his bout with Shane Carwin twice. Now it appears to be off indefinitely. At Saturday night's UFC 105 post-event press conference, UFC president Dana White said the mononucleosis that had been bothering Lesnar is still present, but the champ is now suffering a new set of illnesses, as well.
"I am worried about it. I can't really talk about it right now, but he is in rough shape. He's in really bad shape. I'm actually probably going to fly to go see him, and we're going to probably have to do some stuff to take care of this guy. He is not well, and he's not getting any better."
White said he wasn't sure how serious the new illnesses were and whether they could be career- or even life-threatening.
"I don't know. I've got to get him to one of these really good hospitals with really good doctors to figure out what's wrong and how we get him better."
White said Lesnar collapsed while spending time on a retreat in Canada and was checked into a hospital.
source: mmajunkie.com
J.R. Comments on What it Takes to be a Top Star
"At a certain point once a guy gets his foot in the door and he starts getting some time on TV, then they really have more ownership than the general public understands. The more-educated fans would rather blame creative. Sometimes they just don’t know what else went on and they don’t know a guy’s attitude and they don’t know who phoned something in or who thinks, “Hey, I don’t really even want to get any higher than this.” You have to understand that some guys get on a semi-main event level, and they don’t know that they can handle the pressure of carrying the show. That’s not for everybody. It takes a very unique individual to be a star, and a main event star. The business is so good now financially that guys who aren’t main-eventers can still earn a great living and prepare for life after wrestling."
"It’s just a matter if seeing who wants it when you get to a certain level. It doesn’t matter if you have a six-minute match on Superstars, go out and steal the show. Go have a great, solid match. Somebody’s going to say, “Who cares about Superstars? Nobody watches it. And it’s only six minutes.” That’s the wrong attitude. That’s a loser’s attitude, and that’s what I’ve told dozens of talents. I don’t give a damn if the show’s airing in Zimbabwe at midnight. This is being taped before all the decision makers, and all your peers and all the crew, so I don’t want to hear about the stage. The stage is that ring. The ring didn’t change. It’s an 18-foot square. The bell rings and there you go. What did you do for me between bell to bell? And more importantly, what did you do for yourself?"
source: baltimore sun
This Day in Wrestling History
Big Show defeated Triple H & The Rock for the WWF(E) Championship.
November 14, 1999
November 13, 2009
SmackDown Results: Destruction Before Survival?
For the first time ever, the self-proclaimed “best at what he does” went one-on-one with The Phenom. And in the climatic finish of an absolutely brutal battle that kept the United Kingdom on the edge of their seats from the start, Undertaker ultimately reigned supreme with the dreaded Hell’s Gate. When Jericho’s partner-in-gold, Big Show, attacked after the bell, the double-team drew the Big Red wrath of The Deadman’s brother, Kane. As a result, Mr. McMahon revealed that next week, Jericho and The Big Show will face the reunited Brothers of Destruction. Full results.
source: wwe.com
A Big “Legend” Takes Up Space on TNA iMPACT!
Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun had this to say about Jim "The Anvil" Neihart's appearance on TNA iMPACT!:
"But what really stuck out was the appearance of Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Actually, what stuck out the most was “The Anvil’s” bulbous belly. I know Neidhart was never svelte, but good Lord. How fat was he?"
"Neidhart was so fat that it looked as if Natalya was about to gain a sibling on national television. He was so fat that his profile made Alfred Hitchcock looked like Michelle McCool – if she hadn’t eaten for a week. People talk about Matt Hardy and Mickie James gaining weight, well Neidhart was so fat that he looked like he had swallowed Hardy and James. Neidhart was so fat that he moved slower in the ring than The Great Khali on a slow-motion replay. I’m here all week."
"It was an embarrassment to put someone who looked like that on TV and it was absurd to have him beat one of the company’s talented young stars – “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal – clean."
"I’m not sure what TNA is thinking here, but I have a few ideas..."More?
Industry Weighs in on Dixie Carter's Speech
Mark Madden of wrestlezone.com:
Dixie Carter’s speech on TNA Impact was utterly pathetic. I know what she said. Here’s what she actually meant:
“I’m an idiot. A loser. A mark. But I’m the boss. Stop talking about me behind my back. I don’t know what I’m doing, but I sign the checks. If you want that to continue, you’ll play along. Do I have a plan? ****, no. If I had a plan, I’d tell you in private instead of spewing this nonsense in public. Damore, do you need to vomit? The one person Carter really needed to convince with that BS was herself. I doubt she did. Carter’s nutty lament indicates that she’s entering the final stages of money-mark meltdown. Her company stinks. She’s a joke. But if she can get on television and BE A STAR, it will all be worth it."...More?
Jim Cornette:
“Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara have obviously gotten behind Dixie Carter and said, ‘Hey, you’re the boss. You need to be on television, boss. We need to get your makeup fixed up and put you on TV so that you can tell everyone that you’re the only female promoter in professional wrestling and that you’re making a mark and that everything is going to be different and TNA is going to the next level…"
WWE-Lite Still Trying to Keep Up with the Big Dog
TNA President Dixie Carter hinted on her official Twitter page about having another guest booker for Impact (as they did last night with "Super Dave") adding, "Billy Corgan/Smashing Pumpkins taking a break from recording to watch iMPACT 2night and sendin me texts as this week's guest celebrity booker."
source: wrestleview.com
Guest Celebrity Booker? I guess coming up with an original idea is asking too much.
Interview with The Boogeyman
"The Boogeyman" Marty Wright joins ClubWWI.com to set the record straight and shoot down false rumors. Click here to listen.