Leave it to Bill Behrens to make an excellent point regarding the abysmal 0.6 cable rating this past Monday's edition of TNA Impact scored. Behrens represents many professional wrestlers and is a former employee of TNA Wrestling. He wrote the following today on Twitter:
Note that last time WWE had a 3.7 on 3-15-10, TNA delivered a .84 and peaked at .96 with a taped show. TNA simply lost audience, it's own.
Obviously Dixie made the comment (Thank goodness he can only retire once...hopefully. Shawn, congrats on an amazing career!) she did to motivate her troops but there is no excuse for a 0.6 cable rating.
source: wrestlingnewsworld.com
March 31, 2010
Why It's Ridiculous For TNA To Blame Monday's Rating On The Retirement Of Shawn Michaels
WWE NXT New Rookie Rankings
#1: Daniel Bryan
#2: Wade Barrett
#3: Justin Gabriel
#4: Heath Slater
#5: David Otunga
#6: Skip Sheffield
#7: Michael Tarver
#8: Darren Young
CAC Honoring Jim Ross with the Art Abrams Award
The Art Abrams Award is the honor given out by the Cauliflower Alley Club dedicated to an individual’s lifetime achievements. A quick look at the previous honorees reveals a stellar list of wrestling’s elite; men and women who can look back on their storied careers and take stock of their accomplishments. For any of them, this award can be seen as a fashionable cap to their custom-designed legacy within professional wrestling.
That concept is a tough-sell to Jim Ross, who has worn many hats since his 1974 introduction into the wrestling business. As the 2010 recipient of the Art Abrams Award, Ross has most recently cut an impressive silhouette by donning his trademark black Resistol cowboy hat. But that silhouette has yet to be backlit by the sunset that many of those who call it a career have rode off into...More?
source: caulifloweralleyclub.org
Interview with Kent Brink, MCW Champion
Kent Brink is defending his title as MCW Heavyweight Champion on Saturday. But he thinks he should have been at WrestleMania XXVI.
"Had I not made the mistakes I made in FCW, I have no doubt I would have wrestled at WrestleMania this past Sunday," Brink said.
FCW is the developmental wing of WWE, and Maryland native Brink worked there for nine months before being let go in March 2009. But Brink's ring skills were not the reason he was cut from FCW, and at 6-feet, 6-inches and 260 pounds of muscle he looks like the prototype for a big-bodied WWE superstar...More?
source: expressnightout.com
This Day in Wrestling History - The First WrestleMania
WrestleMania 1 takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event features Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeating Paul Orndorff and Rowdy Roddy Piper. Muhammad Ali acted as the special guest referee.
March 31, 1985
March 30, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Monday Night Goes 'A-List'
In the most important night of WWE NXT thus far, the Pros’ Poll votes were cast. Despite his winless record, thanks to competing against the likes of the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and The Great Khali, Daniel Bryan is No. 1 in the Rookie Rankings! But in an Eight-Man Battle Royal of NXT Rookies, it was David Otunga who prevailed, securing his spot as special guest host of Raw Monday night. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Rumor Mill - Linda and Shane in Arizona?
Linda McMahon apparently took some time off from chatting up Republican Town Committee members this weekend to travel to Phoenix for Wrestlemania.
That's according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, who also says that he was told McMahon avoided the camera for fear of violating the Federal Election Commission's "equal time provision."
McMahon was "at the [pay per view] last night,'' Johnson reports. "I was told by one source she likely didn't appear on camera at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies out of concern for "equal time" violations, since she's in the midst of her run for the Connecticut Senate."
According to a various wrestling sites, Shane McMahon did not attend WrestleMania 26 and was also absent from the Hall of Fame ceremony.
J.R. Comments on his Future with WWE
"As for me, life is good and I am healthy and happy. For those that have erroneously written or assumed that the reason that I did not announce at WM26 was because of health concerns, that assumption is incorrect, I'm happy to say. Broadcasting wrestling in WWE is likely history for me but there are many other areas to which I can contribute in WWE and those options, among others, will be weighed over the next month."
jrsbarbq.com
WWE Hall of Fame TV Rating
The WWE Hall of Fame special which aired on USA Network did a 1.3 rating, with 1,773,000 viewers.
source: pwinsider.com
Taking The Good With The bad
The WWE's Wrestlemania took place over the weekend and it had a classic match between the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Had me reminiscing about my youth when I watched wrestling religiously. One of the main components of wrestling that keeps the audience engaged is the defined roles of the wrestlers.
Faces - The good guys
Heels - The bad guys
Vince McMahon decides who the faces and heels are in his organization, but in regards to the NFL, the mainstream media labels the "good" and "bad" franchises. If you did a quick poll of 100 people and asked them which franchise they would consider the "troublemaking" franchise and which franchise was the "model" franchise, I would bet money 90% would say the Bengals are the troublemakers. It's just the perception that is out there, but as we all know, perception isn't always reality.
For the record, the Undertaker won his match against Shawn Michaels, and even though he was the heel, he was cheered. Maybe only wrestling fans understand that some athletes are "acting"...More?
source: washingtonpost.com
This Day in Wrestling History - Triple H Becomes the Leader of DX
Triple H kicks Shawn Michaels out of D-Generation X and Hunter becomes the leader of the group. Later that night X-Pac, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg join Hunter and Chyna.
March 30, 1998
March 29, 2010
Farewell, Shawn...
It didn’t seem real. How could it? How could Shawn Michaels, after an unparalleled 25-year career, really be saying goodbye? After losing his Streak vs. Career Match against The Undertaker, however, that’s precisely what happened.
Emotions ran high throughout the WWE Universe as The Deadman entered the U.S. Airways Center and tipped his hat to the opponent that came closest to ending his WrestleMania winning streak. After that show of respect, HBK entered to a standing ovation to address the crowd. He thanked his friend Triple H, Mr. McMahon, Bret Hart, his family and the WWE Universe for the greatest ride of his life. And for the final time, he said with tears in his eyes, “Ladies and gentlemen, The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, has left the building.
source: wwe.com
WrestleMania Sets Off Bidding Frenzy
WrestleMania won't eclipse the Olympics or the Super Bowl anytime soon, but World Wrestling Entertainment's annual showcase of its top stars is creating a bidding frenzy among cities who want to host the event.
Fourteen cities are now competing to land WrestleMania through 2014. The reason: Previous hosts Orlando and Houston each enjoyed a $50 million boost to their economies from wrestling fans opening their wallets to book hotel rooms, eat in restaurants, shop and buy tickets to area attractions like theme parks and museums.
On Sunday, 72,219 fans flocked to Phoenix to gather ringside at WrestleMania 26 inside the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Roughly 1 million more viewed it via pay-per-view. Atlanta will host next year's show and a week's worth of other WWE-backed events. Phoenix and Atlanta hadn't hosted Mania before.
Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, Toronto, Tampa, Vancouver, New Orleans, St. Louis, Jacksonville are now in the running to lock down WrestleMania 28 and beyond. Orlando and Houston are also hoping to host again.
Other interested cities, like Dallas, had to pull out of bidding the next two years because they were hosting events like the Final Four NCAA championships, but are eying other Manias. Houston and Orlando are also bidding to host again...More?
source: variety.com
Another Heel Promo From Brock Lesnar
This gem was part of a Brock Lesnar piece in the New York Daily News yesterday. Lesnar was quoted as saying the following about former NFL star Herschel Walker and his Strikeforce debut win: "I'm happy to see he's got the (guts) to get in the ring. He beat one guy, but he's old enough to be my father."
source: wrestlezone.com
WWE Points Out Fake Twitter Accounts, Confirms Real Ones
The following are some new tweets from the official WWE Twitter page:
"All real #WWE Superstars are on the @WWE's Twitter lists. Find them all at http://twitter.com/wwe/lists #WM26"
"No Cena, Orton, Triple H, HBK, Rhodes, Sheamus, Undertaker, Mysterio or McMahons on Twitter ... all are impostors. #WWE"
Follow WWE on Twitter at #WWE.
source: wrestlezone.com
Rumor Mill - TNA Releases a Wrestler
According to several wrestling sites, TNA has released Consequences Creed from his contract. Creed is now using his former name of Austin Creed on Twitter but has made no mention of being gone from TNA. He has been removed from TNA's website however.
Triple H Praises Sheamus; Hints At Rematch
Triple H strongly endorsed Sheamus in a post-match interview posted on WWE's website after their match at last night's WMXXVI ppv. Hunter also hinted at another match between the two of them. "I tell you what, there's nothing I like better than a good fight," he said. "I look forward to getting back in the ring with Sheamus"...More?
source: pwtorch.com
WrestleMania XXVI Breaks Record
World Wrestling Entertainment made history tonight at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, as WrestleMania XXVI grossed $5.8 million, becoming the highest grossing and attended entertainment event ever held at the stadium. The previous record was a U2 concert on October 20, 2009 that attracted 50,775 fans and grossed $4.9 million. 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries attended the sold out event, outdrawing Super Bowl XLII (71,101 attendance) in the same building...More?
This Day in Wrestling History - 93,173 Fans at WMIII
WrestleMania 3 sets an attendance record of 93,173 at the The Pontiac SilverDome.
March 29, 1987
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant
"The irresistible force meets the immovable object" - Gorilla Monsoon
March 28, 2010
WrestleMania News
The announced attendance for WM26 is 72,219. WrestleMania 27 will be in Atlanta, GA.
Fortune Does Not Favor the Bold
It has been said, “If you come at the king, you best not miss.”
Sheamus would have been wise to heed these words before he stepped in the ring with Triple H on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Despite a frenzied effort, the Irish Superstar failed in his quest to dethrone The King of Kings, falling to The Game at WrestleMania after a Pedigree in the center of the ring.
The victory was far from an easy one for Triple H, however. The Game felt the power and complete lack of respect from the first-ever Irish-born WWE Champion right from the bell. Battering Triple H both inside and outside the ring with clubbing blows and explosive kicks, Sheamus nearly made good on his promise to destroy his opponent.
In the end, however, it was a perfectly timed Pedigree from The Cerebral Assassin that would seal the Irishman’s fate and give Triple H the win...More?
source: wwe.com
WrestleMania XXVI Results
Dark Match: 26 Man Battle Royal
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
Unified Tag Team Title Match: John Morrison & R-Truth vs. The Miz & Big Show
Winners: Big Show and The Miz
Legacy Triple Threat Match: Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
Winner: Randy Orton
Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Kofi Kingston vs. MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kane vs. Christian
Winners: Jack Swagger
Triple H vs. Sheamus
Winner: Triple H
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
Winner: Bret Hart
Edge vs. Chris Jericho
Winner: Chris Jericho
Divas Tag Team Match: Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Michelle McCool, Alicia Fox and Maryse
Winners: Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Michelle McCool, Alicia Fox and Maryse
John Cena vs. Batista
Winner: John Cena
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
Winner: The Undertaker
WWE Press Conference Talking WrestleMania 26
Just hours before WrestleMania 26, WWE held a press conference where several superstars discussed today's big event. Here is what Triple H had to say:
On how excited he gets at WrestleMania after being in so many over the years: "If you walk out into a stadium this big and 70,000 people stand up and scream and you don't get excited, something is wrong with you. To me, it's no different to me than the first time I walked through that curtain at WrestleMania. It's what you work for. We do what we do for the excitement of the WWE fans and the WWE Universe and when you can jam 70,000 of them into a stadium like this and have them go crazy, that's what we do it for."
On his thoughts of Sheamus: "What stand out to me about his from a behind the scenes standpoint is he is passionate about what he does. When I see a young guy that really wants to know and he's just tirelessly watching his performances over and over again to get better and asking everybody he considers to be better than him what he can do more. He's just a 24/7, I want to get better kind of guy and that impresses me. And there's a few guys like that. Miz is a guy like that. Kofi Kingston is a guy like that. There's a few guys like that we have coming up and to me that's the exciting thing for the future of the WWE is guys like that that have that passion."
Click here for the full recap.
source: fanhouse.com
Fuifui Moimoi Impresses WWE bosses
Fuifui Moimoi has been urged to hold off on his boxing career - with impressed WWE suits keen to have him fill the Down Under void that's existed since 1980s hero Outback Jack retired.
Sport Confidential can reveal WWE executive vice-president Andrew Whitaker is taking a keen interest in the NRL after inadvertently stumbling across a copy of Inside Sport, whose cover shot features the imposing Parramatta prop on the charge.
"Wow, who's that guy?" asked Whitaker, the fella who answers only to a certain Vince McMahon.
"He's massive. Imposing. What's his name?"
Told Moimoi weighs more than 100kg and is among the quickest Eels over 20m, Whitaker said the prop would be a perfect contender for his organization, which is keen to have an athlete from Australia join.
source: heraldsun.com.au
WWE Stars List Beatles Favorites
WrestleMania goes head-to-head with Beatlemania tonight in Glendale, with the legendary Paul McCartney blowing the dust off any number of his favorite moments with the act you've known for all these years at Jobing.com Arena, while across the way, large men in tights will engage in heated battle scenes.
To mark this coincidence, the WWE Superstars told us their favorite Beatles songs. Here's what they had to say:
Chris Jericho: "The Beatles are my favorite band of all time. I will be going to the McCartney show after WrestleMania!" Favorite song: "I Want You (She's so Heavy)."
John Cena: "Come Together."
Shawn Michaels: "Let It Be."
Randy Orton: "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."
Edge: "A Day in the Life." "To me," he says, "they're singing a movie, and it's a point/counterpoint between Lennon and McCartney. They both have a character in the song."
Cody Rhodes: "Back in the U.S.S.R."
Sheamus: "Hey Jude." "It's been my favorite song since I was a kid," he says...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Mr. Perfect Curt Henning
March 28, 1958
Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated The Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
March 28, 1999
Stephanie McMahon Helmsley defeated Jacqueline for the WWF(E) Women's title
March 28, 2000
March 27, 2010
Superstars and Divas Meet Make-A-Wish Kids
"We're here to help make it a great week for them." - Triple HMr. McMahon's Late Night Lift
The WWE Chairman, who recovered from two torn quadriceps and went on to squat 705 pounds, rented the entire Renaissance Health Club at 11:30 p.m. Friday night for himself and his full time personal trainer, Mike Monteforte, once his private jet landed in Phoenix.
In his final workout before his No Holds Barred Match against Hart at WrestleMania, Mr. McMahon - obsessed with humiliating The "Hit Man" as he did at the "Montreal Screwjob" more than 12 years ago - bombarded his legs with 800-pound leg presses. He then walked back and forth across the gym, carrying a 100-pound dumbbell in each hand...More?
source: wwe.com
Shawn Michaels Comments on Ric Flair's Return to Wrestling
What are your thoughts on Ric Flair wrestling again? Are you disappointed? Did he talk to you about it?
He did call me. He called me once to let me know he was going to do the [Hulk] Hogan match in Australia. He wanted to know if it was OK and I of course told him that it was. Then he called me again when he was going to sign with TNA and asked the same thing. There’s nothing you can say. I certainly don’t have what it takes to look at somebody and say, “Don’t go make a living.” I told him that, for me, nothing can take away that special moment. It will still always be to me that I had Ric Flair’s last match. I tried to do the best job I could for him. I think it was a special moment. Anything after that [pauses]. I feel for him, but I’m certainly not angry or disappointed or anything. I would like to think that Ric probably would have liked that to have been his last match, too. The fact that it couldn’t be, I understand. Those are circumstances that I certainly can’t control.
One of the things you have to understand is that if you’re going to be a friend of Ric’s, you sort of know that there’s some baggage that comes along with that. Certainly the older I get the more I’m learning about conditional situations, and the difference between that and unconditional— unconditional friendship, unconditional love. All those types of things we can talk about but it’s a whole other thing to put them into action. I do my best to put them into action. I want what’s best for Ric, even if Ric might not always be aware of what that is, I still want that for him. Nothing will take away from that moment.
source: baltimoresun.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Kenta Kobashi - March 27, 1967
Charlie Haas - March 27, 1972
Randy Savage wins a 16-man tournament at WrestleMania IV to become the WWF(E) World Champion. On the same day, the first ever "Clash of the Champions" is held, featuring a 45 minute draw between Sting and Ric Flair.
March 27, 1988
March 26, 2010
SmackDown Results: Kick Start to WrestleMania
Not only did Chris Jericho declare that he would retain his World Title against Edge at WrestleMania, but he also promised to end his No. 1 Contender’s career, capitalizing on his adversary’s “inferior DNA” to destroy his Achilles tendon. The Rated-R Superstar answered back with an explosive attack, nearly hitting another Spear on the six-time World Champion before Jericho made his quick retreat. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Hall of Fame Gets Gorgeous
There are many wrestling legends who should be in the WWE Hall of Fame and at least one wrong will be righted this year with the induction of Gorgeous George. This is a man who truly revolutionised the wrestling business, on a level with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin.
George introduced showmanship and flamboyance and became the poster boy for wrestling in the 1940s and 1950s. His extravagance gained him recognition outside of wrestling and he became a media darling and an icon of both television and the sport in which he applied his trade. He redefined what it was to be a professional wrestler, yet was responsible for selling as many TV sets as any celebrity of the time.
To become a star, George had to undergo a transformation from his old worthy wrestling persona into something new, something that nobody had seen before. The first step, and one of the defining moments of his career, came in 1939 where he married a local girl in Oregon in the middle of the ring. The stunt brought in so many fans that he took the event to arenas all across America, spreading the word about the wrestling revolution.
And that girl was Betty Wagner, who will be inducting 'The Human Orchid' into the Hall of Fame this weekend...More?
source: the sun
Triple H at MDA Headquarters
Triple H spent the afternoon at MDA National Headquarters in Tucson on March 23rd. Their special guest, 11-year-old Max, from Peoria, AZ, had the chance to meet Hunter and take part in their new Muscle campaign with the Superstar. Click here for more photos.
Orlando Jordan's New Gimmick In TNA Gaining Media Buzz
TNA wrestler Orlando Jordan's bisexual character scored an article on the Outsports website, which featured the following description of a segment that will air on Monday's pre-taped show.
"Jordan is lowered into the ring from the arena’s rafters wrapped in yellow police tape with the TNA logo. Jordan then crawls through the ring and ultimately walks to a nearby white couch where he sits between a shirtless male and a sexy female. Behind the trio is the tri-colored bisexual pride flag, plus two male symbols and one female symbol." To read the full story, visit Outsports.com.
source: wrestlingnewscenter.ning.com
The War That Wasn't
The new "Monday Night Wars" should no longer be referred to as a "war" at all. At least until TNA Impact demonstrates that it can at least maintain the 1.2-ish ratings it drew pre-January 4. Nobody, including the brain trust at TNA, could have possibly believed TNA would have scored anything even remotely close to Raw's numbers. I certainly didn't, yet I believed going head to head with WWE on Monday NIghts was the right move for wrestling, which was in desperate need of a shake-up...More?
source: prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com
Ultimate Warrior Explains Why He Did Not Accept Vince McMahon's Invitation to be Inducted into WWE HOF
This Day in Wrestling History - The Last WCW Nitro
Vince McMahon simulcasts on RAW and Nitro to announce the
purchase of WCW. Sting defeated Ric Flair in the last WCW Nitro match.
March 26, 2001
March 25, 2010
Video: Triple H at the Muscular Dystrophy Association
A special message from WWE Superstar Triple H and Arizona MDA Goodwill Ambassador Max. Click here.
WWE Superstars Results: Scouting the Competition
There’s a lot on the line for Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania, as the masked Superstar will be forced to join the Straight Edge Society if he loses to CM Punk. Thus, it was important for The Master of the 619 to gain momentum from his match against Tyson Kidd on “WWE Superstars.”
As The Hart Dynasty looked on from ringside, Kidd attempted to use his technical wrestling ability to ground Mysterio. Unable to keep the high-flyer down, however, the Hart Dynasty member even took to the skies himself. Ultimately however, The Ultimate Underdog prevailed, scoring a decisive victory courtesy of the 619. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Blackhawks' Goaltender Wins WWE Gold
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi had a big surprise waiting in the locker room after Tuesday night's 2-0 shutout of the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Ariz.
His teammates had awarded him their inaugural honor as the night's "hardest working player," signified by a WWE World Heavyweight Championship replica title. Niemi's nickname "Nemo" was written on athletic tape in place of the nameplate.
According to ESPN.com's Jesse Rogers, the title was the brainchild of Hawks' defenseman Brent Seabrook.
"It’s something fun, something unique, and something cool ... [Hawks coach Joel Quenneville] and [team president John McDonough] were cool with it and we just went with it,” Seabrook explained.
Other sports teams have used WWE replica titles as motivating trophies for their top performers - most notably the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees, who bestowed the title nightly to their player of the game...More?
source: wwe.com
Triple H Working with MDA
Triple H was at the national headquarters for the Muscular Dystrophy Association earlier this week in Arizona. Triple H will be involved in the MDA's new "Muscle" public service announcement campaign.
source: lordsofpain.net
Kong Headed to ROH
Former TNA knockout champion Awesome Kong will make her Ring of Honor debut on 5/8 against Sara Del Rey at the Manhattan Center in New York City. Kong will use her original ring name of Amazing Kong.
www.rohwrestlingonline.com
Uptrend Spotted in Shares of WWE
SmarTrend identified an Uptrend for World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE:WWE) on January 27, 2010 at $16.37. In approximately 2 months, World Wrestling Entertainment has returned 6.2% as of today's recent price of $17.39.
World Wrestling Entertainment is currently above its 50-day moving average of $16.63 and above its 200-day moving average of $14.83. Look for these moving averages to climb to confirm the company's upward momentum.
source: mysmartrend.com
Mexican Standoff: Valley Lucha Libre
While the WWE and its ilk may be considered trashy escapism in Anglo America, lucha libre is deeply revered in Mexican culture. Dominated by masked combatants and cartoonish characters, its stars are idolized as almost superheroes by lucha aficionados.
There's more lucha libre action in the Valley than ever before. There once were about a dozen events held at local bars, cantinas, and other venues every year. Now, there are three competing promotions offering action-packed events each weekend...More?
source: phoenixnewtimes.com
Vince McMahon Comments on TNA, WrestleMania
On TNA:We’re in different businesses,” Mr. McMahon said. “We’re in the entertainment business and they’re in the ‘pro wrasslin’ business. It’s different markets. When they moved to Monday nights they threw the kitchen sink at us and only did a fraction of our audience. It doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re trying to present with the tawdry, blood-soaked action. I don’t think that’s what the culture wants these days.”.
On WrestleMania:“There’s an extra amount of excitement,” Mr. McMahon said. “It’s the culmination to a year of buildup for us. ...Wrestlemania was the first pay-per-view we did on a national basis and to be able to do it, we literally risked everything we owned. So every Wrestlemania is special. To us it’s like the Oscars or the Grammys or the World Series or the Super Bowl.”...More?
source: acorn-online.com
Wendi Richter: A Celebration of Her Ups and Downs
On the eve of 2010's WWE Hall of Fame and WrestleMania bonanzas, we're reminded again about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer -- especially in pro wrestling.
Overshadowed by Bret "Hitman" Hart's return, (and his long-awaited chance to step in the ring with Vince McMahon and finally avenge the Montreal Screwjob), is Wendi Richter's induction into the Hall, which could be interpreted as another move by wrestling's kingpin to mend fences he broke long ago.
Richter probably knows just what Hart went through when McMahon arranged to have his heavyweight title taken away from him in a swerve finish. Especially seeing as how a similar incident occurred to her first...More?
source: slam wrestling
WrestleMania Has Always Been Special for Hart Dynasty
Though these days they are known as David Hart Smith and Natalya, there was a time when they were just Harry Smith and Nattie Neidhart, two kids of wrestlers hanging out backstage at WrestleManias. This weekend, without a match booked, they will be doing the same thing as adults...More?
source: slam wrestling
This Day in Wrestling History
The WWF(E) held their first draft on RAW, where they split their roster into two separate brands.
March 25, 2002
March 24, 2010
Shawn Michaels: Mr. WrestleMania
Shawn Michaels versus The Undertaker at 2009's WrestleMania XXV was considered an undercard event, but the veteran performers ended up stealing the night with a WWE duel for the ages.
With relatively little pre-match build-up and free of gimmicks, Michaels and Undertaker battled in an epic exhibition that left viewers gasping for air from all the near-pins and acrobatic spots. Ultimately, Undertaker prevailed and pushed his WrestleMania record to 17-0, but Michaels reconfirmed his status as Mr. WrestleMania because of his long history of brilliant performances at sports entertainment's grandest event.
"The great thing about last year was that every person in that stadium and every person watching on pay per view had a real emotional investment in each individual in the ring — and you can't always have that," Michaels said. "But you've got, between the two us, 40 years of WWE experience, where people know darn near everything about both of you, and I think that's truly what made it special. You've got two warriors of the WWE, two guys that have sort of been cornerstones of the organization, going out there."...More?
source: expressnightout.com
Randy Orton Comments on Making Movies
"I'll always be a WWE wrestler, first and foremost," he said, his tattoo-covered arms covered up with makeup for the film shoot. "But I love movies. I respect the acting side of things, and if it's something I'm good at, then I'll do it (again)."...More?
source: nola.com
MVP Profiled on CBS News with Katie Couric
WWE wrestler MVP was profiled on CBS's "Evening News with Katie Couric" tonight for a segment capturing the "American Spirit." The text of the news segment on MVP can be read on the CBS News website.
The story centered on MVP recently attending a conference in Washington, D.C. focused high-school drop-outs and how to help troubled teenagers. MVP talked about his own personal experiences with illegal activity before turning his life around.
"Crime does pay, it pays well, but what they don't tell you is you have to pay it all back with interest," MVP told CBS News. "Sometimes that's all kids need, just one person to look at them and say, 'man he's just like me. If he can do it, I can do it.' And that means a lot to me."
The CBS news story ran at the end of the broadcast tonight with a WWE logo featured in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen throughout the news piece.
The story included WWE footage and earlier wrestling footage from MVP's career, which included a plug for the Florida-based FIP promotion's website.
CBS News also posted video of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. talking about wrestling, MVP in the ring, and watching Raw when other NASCAR drivers guest-hosted the show.
source: pwtorch.com
Win/Loss Records for the NXT Rookies
The WWE NXT Rookies will be evaluated by the Pros on next Tuesday night's show based on the criteria of win/loss records, strength of opponent, work ethic and "it" factor. Here are the current win-loss records of the NXT Rookies going into next week's voting by the Pros:
* Daniel Bryan - 0 wins, 5 losses
* Darren Young - 3 wins, 1 loss
* David Otunga - 3 wins, 1 loss
* Heath Slater - 4 wins, 0 losses
* Justin Gabriel - 3 wins, 1 loss
* Michael Tarver - 0 wins, 3 losses
* Skip Sheffield - 0 wins, 3 losses
* Wade Barrett - 2 wins, 2 losses
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to The Undertaker (Mark Calaway)
March 24, 1965
Hulk Hogan defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
March 24, 1991
Goldberg signs with the WWE. Goldberg had been inactive in wrestling after WCW went out of business.
March 24, 2003
March 23, 2010
WWE NXT Results: A-List, A-Game
The impressive Heath Slater continued his hot streak this week, upping his perfect record to 4-0 after a tag team victory with fellow Rookie Justin Gabriel. Pros Christian and William Regal looked on from ringside during a very physical match between Slater & Gabriel against Rookies Skip Sheffield & Wade Barrett. While Sheffield was more aggressive than usual, he failed to impress his Pro, Regal. When Barrett distracted Slater, the bareknuckle brawler ended up kicking his own partner in the chest, allowing the One-man Rock Band to get the pin. As Christian celebrated with his Rookie and Gabriel, whose record is now 3-1, Regal was disgusted by Sheffield’s loss and new record of 0-3. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
With his victory over Carlito on the Feb. 22 edition of Raw, new Raw Superstar Christian became the first man to qualify for this year's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
On the Feb. 26 edition of SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler, Kane and Shelton Benjamin all qualified to join Christian on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
On the Mar. 1 edition of Raw, Jack Swagger and MVP qualified for the bout.
Matt Hardy will return to WrestleMania’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match for the third time, thanks to his qualification on the Mar. 5 edition of SmackDown.
Earning the eighth spot, Evan Bourne defeated William Regal on the Mar. 8 edition of Raw.
On the Mar. 12 edition of SmackDown, McIntyre finally qualified for The Grandest Stage of Them All by defeating a local athlete, who The Chairman himself hand-picked.
Lastly, just six days before WrestleMania XXVI, Kofi Kingston won a hard-fought battle against Vladimir Kozlov to earn the tenth and final spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match...More?
source: wwe.com
RAW/iMPACT! March 22th Ratings
Raw last night did hours of 3.04 and 3.44 for a 3.24 cable rating. The show averaged 4.5 million viewers, which is down over one million viewers or 20 percent from last week's rating.
TNA scored a 0.9 cable rating rounded up from an 0.86 with 1.2 million viewers for last night's live Impact show on Spike TV. That is up very slightly from last week's number. It is an increase of about two percent.
"Lucha Libre" Coming to MTV2
Launching in May, "Lucha Libre" will be a featured part of MTV2's daytime "Rock N Jock" Saturdays. Using the same inspiration as Jack Black pic "Nacho Libre," "Lucha" will produce similar crazy acrobatic stunts, with a programming sensibility tailored for the MTV2 audience...More?
source: variety.com
March 22, 2010
WWE's Pay-Per-View Biz Is Up 5% For The Year
World Wrestling Entertainment, which will produce 13 pay-per-view specials this year, including this weekend's WrestleMania, its biggest event, had been hit hard by consumers opting to seek out free entertainment rather than spend $45 for a three-hour show.
But that's reversed over the past three months, with WWE's pay-per-view biz up 5% for the year. It had already enjoyed a significant increase in sales during the fourth quarter, when three shows sold 85,000 more buys than the previous year. A fourth, "Survivor Series," fell off by 84,000, however.
Still that's encouraging news for WWE, which generates 18% of its annual business from PPV sales, and earned $11 million less from PPV sales in 2009 than in '08. WWE usually ranks behind HBO and UFC in PPV buys. What's helped is not only the economy, but a change in its lineup of PPV specials, WWE executives told Daily Variety.
It retooled many of its events and created themes that aimed to help them stand out and appeal to WWE's changing audience, which includes more women (around 36%) and kids (20% are under 18 years old) now that its weekly TV shows are PG. Its PPVS are also offered by more carriers overseas, including five in Mexico, increasing international audiences, who preferred more high-concept events...More?
source: variety.com
John Cena Comments on WWE Wellness Policy: "Move That Didn't Need To Be Made"
"It's nothing but a positive. I'll be quite honest with you, it's a company move that didn't need to be made. This is the entertainment industry, we're not organised athletics. But the WWE made a positive effort to look after its athletes and I'm very, very happy. It was the right move."...More?
source: skysports.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WCW Executive Vice President, Bill Busch, resigned from his duties. Eric Bischoff was rehired as the Executive Vice President of WCW
March 22, 2000
March 21, 2010
WWE Magazine WrestleMania XXVI Collectible Cover Featuring Triple H
In honor of WrestleMania, the April 2010 issue of WWE Magazine is releasing 26 unique Superstar covers. You can vote for your favorite cover by clicking here.
WWE Hall of Famer Mike "Baron Mikel" Scicluna Passes Away
WWE hall of famer Mike "Baron Mikel" Scicluna has lost his battle with cancer. Scicluna passed away on Saturday.
WWE Hall of Fame page
This Day in Wrestling History
X-Pac makes his return & knocks out Hollywood Hulk Hogan, joining the nWo four days after WrestleMania 18 on SmackDown.
March 21, 2002
March 20, 2010
WrestleMania Axxess Info
Special Appearances:
Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m. MST features John Cena and Bret Hart
Friday, March 26 at 6 p.m. MST features The Undertaker and Edge
Saturday, March 27 at 8 a.m. MST features Big Show
Saturday, March 27 at 1 p.m. MST features Randy Orton and CM Punk
Saturday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. MST features Kane and MVP
Sunday, March 28 at 8 a.m. MST features Rey Mysterio
Schedule and Attractions
Christopher Daniels Comments on the X Division
What are your thoughts about where the X Division is right now, where it's still an important part of the company, but it's not spotlighted as much as it once was?
Well, I think that's gonna change. I can tell you, having had discussions with Eric Bischoff behind the scenes, I think he realizes that the X Division has been an important part of TNA and can be again an important part of TNA, and I think he realizes that instead of focusing on one division or the other, we're gonna put the spotlight on every division we have -- the tag division, the X Division, and the heavyweights. For a two-hour show, we've got enough time now to give each one of those divisions, and the guys that are the integral parts of those divisions, the opportunity to shine.
source: fanhouse.com
Shawn Michaels Prepared to Win or Lose at WrestleMania
Shawn Michaels is prepared for life after wrestling.
That doesn't mean he's going to lose next Sunday's Streak vs. Career match, when he once again goes toe-to-toe with The Undertaker, who boasts an undefeated Wrestlemania record. But if The Undertaker's hand is raised in victory, Michaels is prepared to ride into the sunset, head held high.
"To believe Shawn Michaels won't still be part of my life (when I retire) is naive."...More?
source: slam wrestling
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Ronnie Garvin - March 20, 1944
Sting - March 20, 1959
After losing to his brother Owen earlier in the show, Bret Hart goes on to defeat Yokozuna for the WWF(E) Title in the main event of WrestleMania 10.
March 20, 1994
Big John Studd died of Hodgkin's disease at 46.
March 20, 1995
March 19, 2010
SmackDown Results: Nine Days Until WrestleMania
While Undertaker will soon defend his 17-0 streak at WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre was looking to keep his own undefeated streak alive in a non-title match. Despite his best efforts, the champion was no match for The Phenom’s vicious leg drop, chokeslam and Tombstone.
After the match, as The Deadman made his way to the top of the exit ramp, he was greeted by Shawn Michaels who – after scuffling with his WrestleMania opponent – downed him with some hard-hitting Sweet Chin Music. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE HOF Details
The USA Network will air highlights of the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11 PM/10 CT. The ceremony actually starts at 4:30 PM and will probably be simulcast live on the official WWE website. Each presenter/inductee will have a time limit for their respective speeches.
source: wrestlingnewsworld.com
March 18, 2010
WWE Superstars Results: Take it to the Bank
The main event of “WWE Superstars” saw six Raw ring warriors collide in a massive three-on-three tag team battle. While Christian and Jack Swagger both sought to send a clear message about their chances in the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match, their partners were no less determined to make an impact. Ultimately, however, it was Captain Charisma who chalked up a win after hitting Zack Ryder with the Killswitch. Full results.
source: wwe.com
NHL Wants Head-Shots Rule
The NHL wants to adopt a new rule against blindside hits to the head before the end of this season, according to two reports Wednesday. The league is hoping to fast-track the proposed rule and is preparing a DVD package after a number of players suffered concussions this season. The highlight package will illustrate what would, and wouldn't, be allowed under a proposed rule change adopted by general managers at meetings in Florida last week. The NHL plans to circulate the highlight package to all 30 teams within the next week or so, according to the reports...More?
source: foxsports.com
Raw/iMPACT! March 15th Ratings Breakdown
Segment breakdown of both Raw and Impact from March 15th in regards to viewership:
Segment 6:
Impact featuring Beer Money vs. Hernandez lost 140,000 viewers, while Raw with the beginning of Triple H vs. Randy Orton gained 61,000 viewers.
Click here for the full list.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Awesome Kong and TNA Agree to Part Ways
Multiple TNA sources are reporting that Awesome Kong and TNA have agreed to part ways. She had been asking for a roughly 15 percent pay increase or a contractual release, and it appears the company has opted for the latter. Kong's bio was removed from the TNA website on Thursday. There's no word yet on whether the release paperwork is official, but a source with knowledge of the situation told Prowrestling.net, "There's no turning back now."...More?
Jeff Hardy Gets Continuation On Court Case
Jeff Hardy appeared at the Superior Court in Moore County, NC, on drug charges yesterday. The judge agreed to the defense’s request for a continuance. The next hearing is not until May 10th, 2010...More?
source: insidepulse.com
Edge Promoting WrestleMania on Fox News
Edge appeared on the Fox affiliate in Washington, DC to promote WrestleMania, talk about his TV feud with Chris Jericho and discuss his return after his Achilles tendon injury...More?
source: pwtorch.com