Making his return to SmackDown, The World’s Largest Athlete had already made his presence felt earlier in the night, knocking out both Chris Jericho and Edge. And now, after suggesting that Jack Swagger add “early retirement” to his resume, Big Show delivered his third earth-shattering knockout blow to the outspoken World Champion. Full results.
source: wwe.com
April 30, 2010
SmackDown Results: The New Faces of SmackDown
Recap of WWE's 2010 Shareholders Meeting
Vince had Stephanie McMahon and executive vice president of marketing Michelle Wilson address the shareholders on marketing and talent relations. Wilson announced that WWE will have a huge presence in a campaign with 7-11. Plus, there will be a marketing campaign with Burger King that will feature Undertaker, Triple H, and John Cena toys.
Stephanie praised the guest host concept. She said the hosts have fun playing in front of thousands of people and get promotional value out of their appearances. She noted that WWE is bigger than the late night shows and Saturday Night Live. "We really are what's cool to do in Hollywood right now, which can only help our image and brand building," Stephanie said.
Stephanie also discussed the NXT brand. She noted that it was previously ECW. She stated that they are featuring the stars from their developmental territory FCW. She said it's exciting to see how the future stars perform with the spotlight on them.
On a few occasions Vince and other memebers of the executive team referred to the "Wonder Women of the WWE" which is Donna Goldsmith COO, Michelle Wilson, EVP Marketing, & Stephanie McMahon, EVP Creative Development & Operations. Vince closed the session by praising the management team and saying it's the best team they've ever had in place. I think this is further insight into why Shane left the company.
Vince stated that he does not intend to return to the ring...More?
The video of the meeting can be viewed here.
partial source: prowrestling.net
WWE Declares Quarterly Dividend
A funny side-note. When Vince introduced Stephanie, he commented that everyone will notice that she had gained weight since last year. Stephanie replied back, "Darn Triple H!"
Linda McMahon Won't Take Pay If Elected
"Linda just doesn't believe politics ought to be a cushy job that turns into a profession," said McMahon's spokesman, Shawn McCoy. "There's an enormous amount of work that needs to be done to get this country back on track beginning with job creation and tightening of government's fiscal belt. Her refusal to take a salary, I think, is an important symbolic gesture that underscores her principles on this."...More?
source: courant.com
Interview with Awesome Kong
In one of her first interviews since leaving TNA in March, Awesome Kong speaks to Diva Dirt to discuss her time with TNA, her departure from the company and her return to Ring of Honor on May 8th in New York. Also, we get Kong's reaction to being blindsided by Bubba the Love Sponge on The Cowhead Show earlier this week and her response to his challenge to a sanctioned fight. Kong also discusses her thoughts on the current direction of the Knockouts division, the pay discrepancies amongst the Knockouts, whether she'd go to WWE and her reaction to meeting 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin at the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. Click here to listen here.
source: diva-dirt.com
Tony Atlas Released
Standard line from wwe.com:
WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Tony Atlas as of today April 30, 2010. We wish Tony the best in all future endeavors.
This Day in Wrestling History
Superstar Billy Graham defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF(WWE) Heavyweight title.
April 30, 1977
Greg Valentine defeated Roddy Piper for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title
April 30, 1983
Chris Benoit defeated Booker T for the WCW Television title.
April 30, 1998
The Rock defeated Triple H for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title at Backlash at the MCI Center, Washington, DC.
April 30, 2000
Craig Sinclair Robbins
Today is the fifth anniversary of my friend's death.
March 1962 - April 30, 2005
RIP Craig
April 29, 2010
WWE Superstars Results: Creating A Dynasty
In their first title defense since capturing the Unified Tag Team Championships from The Miz & Big Show on Raw, The Hart Dynasty proved their victory was no fluke. Going up against the talented young duo of Caylen Croft & Trent Barreta, Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith had to be prepared for an explosive team that wasn’t afraid to take risks. Unsurprisingly, the Hart Dungeon-trained technicians rose to the occasion, grounding their high-flying opponents with devastating submission maneuvers before putting Croft away with the Hart Attack. Full results.
source: wwe.com
SmackDown's Move to Syfy Profiled on MSNBC
Presumably fulfilling its post-rebranding promise to “Imagine Greater,” the former Sci Fi Channel — now known as Syfy — has imagined its way right out of the niche that made the cable network.
Forget about space operas, tech dramas or B-movie monsters, programming shake-ups reveal Syfy is ready to live up to its theme-less new name. If the recent announcement that “Top Chef” alum Marcel Vigneron would be joining the network for a cooking show called “Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen” wasn’t proof enough, Syfy’s acquisition of “Friday Night SmackDown” should be...More?
Melissa Anderson Back on the Indy Scene
Melissa Anderson is not confused about who she is any longer. There was a time she was three different characters -- Raisha Saeed, Alissa Flash and Cheerleader Melissa. But now, free of TNA Wrestling, she is what she wants to be: independent...More?
source: slam wrestling
Daniel Bryan's Latest WWE Blog Calls This Week's NXT Challenge "Brutal"
In his latest WWE blog, Daniel Bryan called this week's NXT challenge of selling programs to WWE fans "brutal". In his last two blogs, Bryan has not shied away from questoning how the challenges are relevant to being a WWE wrestler...More?
source: pwtorch.com
I couldn't agree more. The "challenges" have turned what I thought was a cool show with new talent to a corny show with new talent.
Chyna Accused of Assault
TMZ has learned former WWE star Chyna has been named in connection with an LAPD battery investigation -- and the alleged victim claims Chyna got so violent, she thought she was going to die.
Law enforcement sources tell us the alleged incident went down Saturday night at a motel in Sherman Oaks, CA. Cops wouldn't release any details, but according to the accuser -- the whole thing was like a scene out of a bad wrestling skit.
The accuser, Gabriela Targos, tells TMZ Chyna called her up to hang out at the motel Saturday -- but when Gabriela arrived, she claims Chyna immediately snapped and began attacking her for no reason.
Targos, who claims she's been friends with Chyna for years, says the former wrestler punched her in the face, dragged her by the hair, beat her with a wire hanger and threatened to kill her.
Gabriela claims she somehow managed to run out of the motel room, booked it down the street, and approached some cops who were eating dinner -- who then took a police report. Gabriela claims she met with LAPD detectives Wednesday morning. So far, no arrests have been made. Multiple attempts to reach Chyna for comment were unsuccessful.
Homicide Comments on TNA Management
"I have no faith in nobody. It's like somebody telling me every six or eight months they are going to give me a call and nothing happens... I want my money every Monday and we'll see what happens."...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Steve Austin & Triple H defeated Undertaker & Kane to win the WWF(E) Tag Team Titles.
April 29, 2001
Former AWA, Portland Wrestling, and WWF(E) star Playboy Buddy Rose (Paul Perschmann) died.
April 29, 2009
April 28, 2010
iMPACT! TV Ratings Less Than WWE NXT
WWE's newest one-hour show WWE NXT beat TNA's two-hour show iMPACT! in the ratings this week. WWE NXT did a 0.79 cable rating with 1069000 viewers and iMPACT! did a 0.5 rating with 739,000 viewers.
WWE Stock Update
According to an article on Learning Markets, WWE stock has beat analyst expectations. WWE is a part of the General Entertainment industry and during the next five years, analysts expect the earnings-per-share (EPS) growth rate in the industry to be 15.57 percent.
Analysts also believe WWE's earnings are going to grow at a rate of 14.34 percent. WWE has gained 0.07 percent during the past month and is currently above its 200-day moving average. You can read the full article here.
Notes On The WWE Draft and Why It Was So Raw Heavy
The reason that RAW got the bulk of the "big name" talent in the draft is due to SmackDown's status on MyNetworkTV. Many MNTV affiliates have started to move SmackDown! off of Friday nights, which will cause the show to have less penetration than it has in the past. The WWE realized that with this being the case, there is no reason to push the show at this time. They plan to build it back up with the move to SyFy in October.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
TNA Knockout Leaving in May
TNA Knockout Tara (Lisa Marie Varon) will reportedly be finishing up with TNA next month after her one-year contract expires. Varon posted on her myspace blog that she went to TNA for a fraction of what she was worth and is now seeking a modest raise. TNA won't budge and is spinning story that she was difficult to negotiate with...More?
source: pwtorch.com
Ric Flair Loses More Than Blood and His Hall of Fame Ring
Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun posted the following on his blog Ring Posts:
There was a time when Ric Flair getting back in the ring after the grand sendoff he got in WWE two years ago disappointed me, but it’s gotten to the point now where watching him on TNA Impact just makes me sad.
In the main event of Monday night’s show, Flair wrestled hardcore specialist Abyss with both Flair’s Hall of Fame ring and Hulk Hogan’s Hall of Fame ring that he gave to Abyss on the line. Flair ended up losing a lot of blood (again), the match, his ring, and most importantly, some more of his dignity.
It’s very unsettling to see the 61-year-old Flair covered in blood every week, especially when there’s absolutely no benefit to it. He spilled a bucket of blood on Monday’s show fighting over rings that no one cares about, all just to get a 0.5 Nielsen rating.
When Flair gave his emotional farewell speech on Raw in 2008 (see the YouTube clip below), I never would have imagined that two years later he’d be wrestling Abyss on Impact – using his WWE Hall of Fame ring as a prop – and looking as if he stuck his head in a meat grinder.
I wish Flair would have taken the title of the Fuel song that was the soundtrack for his sendoff literally and left the memories alone.
This Day in Wrestling History
Owen Hart defeated Rocky Maivia(The Rock) for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
April 28, 1997
Wrestling legend, Lou Thesz, passes away at the age of 86.
April 28, 2002
April 27, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Cornfed Victory
Riding the momentum he picked up last week by winning the Rookies Challenge, NXT Rookie Skip Sheffield finally earned his first victory on Tuesday’s WWE NXT. The Cornfed Meathead faced fellow NXT Rookie Daniel Bryan when Bryan’s WWE Pro, The Miz, declared he was unable to compete due to the injuries he suffered from Big Show’s knockout punch the night before on Raw. Sheffield countered Bryan’s impressive offensive efforts and submission holds with a dominating defense, quickly unleashing his Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder finisher on the much-smaller Bryan. Finally, Sheffield’s WWE Pro, William Regal, gave him an approving glare after the match, while The Miz remained frustrated with his NXT Rookie, Bryan. With the victory, Sheffield’s record moved to 1-5, while Bryan remained winless and is now 0-9. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Triple H Set to Star in Another WWE Movie
Pwinsider is reporting that Triple H will be starring in another WWE Studios film, "The Chaperone." The film, believed to be a comedy, will tell the story of an ex-con who ends up chaperoning his daughter's school field trip.
The film will shoot this June in the New Orleans area. It will be Triple H's second WWE film in as many months. He is currently shooting "Killing Karma."
Raw/iMPACT! April 26th Ratings Breakdown
This week's Raw, the three hour Draft Special, did hours of 2.6, 3.27 and 3.34 with 4,628,000 viewers. The traditional two-hour broadcast of Raw did a 3.3 rating. Raw's final rating was 3.1.
By comparison, iMPACT! did a 0.5 rating, with 739,000 viewers.
CHIKARA: Rudo Resurrection - The Video Game
CHIKARA has partnered with some like-minded gaming trailblazers to create "Rudo Resurrection," a new video game currently in pre-production, set for release later this year! This story-driven game takes full advantage of the ever-deepening CHIKARA mythology, and features the macabre UltraMantis Black as he re-animates characters from CHIKARA's storied past. We're proud to announce "Rudo Resurrection" is coming to multiple gaming platforms in 2010, and more information about this highly-anticipated project will follow, but for now, we want to confirm that the first three playable characters in the game will be none other than Fire Ant, Soldier Ant and Green Ant of the Colony!
Watch the official trailer for the game here.
WWE Studios Wrestles with Gorgeous George
In an age where books routinely get tiny movie options and languish in development, one could do worse than make a deal with wrestling mogul Vince McMahon's WWE Studios. In a mid-6 figure outright buy, WWE acquired the 2008 John Capouya book Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Popular Culture. Not only was the deal brokered by Justin Manask generous for the author, but WWE Films has committed to a 2011 start date for a film about a journeyman wrestler who remade himself into a preening, vamping villain and became a national TV star at a time when there was little on the boob tube but wrestling and Milton Berle. WWE Films set John Posey to write the script for a film that will be the last of nine features WWE will generate in less than two years. The fourth, Killing Karma, is shooting now...More?
source: deadline.com
2010 Supplemental Draft Results
Great Khali & Ranjin Singh to Raw
Chavo Guerrero to SmackDown
Cody Rhodes to SmackDown
Natalya to Raw
Chris Masters to SmackDown
Ezekiel Jackson to Raw
Goldust to Raw
Hornswoggle to SmackDown
JTG to Raw
Rosa Mendes to SmackDown
MVP to SmackDown
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Frank Gotch
April 27, 1878 - December 16, 1917
Frank Gotch is truly one of the original pioneers of professional wrestling. Long before the money, fame, and glitz of modern wrestling, long before the post WWII boom of Gorgeous George and "TV wrestling," before Lou Thesz, before Ed "Strangler" Lewis, before there was even a such thing as a "federation" in wrestling, there was Frank Gotch.
During this fleeting time of legitimacy in wrestling, Gotch was renowned for his great skill and power, despite his deceivingly small stature, and became perhaps wrestling's first true box-office attraction. As crafty and ruthless as he was skilled, Gotch held the undisputed World Title until he retired, undefeated as champion. His professional record was an impressive 132 victories out of 140 total matches...with several of his losses coming in handicapped matches. His bouts with Hackenschmidt, Jenkins, Stanislaus Zbysko and others were truly legendary...and can be traced back to the earliest days of what we now know as professional wrestling...More?
source: wrestlingmuseum.com
April 26, 2010
New TNA Ranking System
TNA Wrestling’s Monday Night iMPACT! Launches TNA’s Top 10 Contender Rankings. Fans get in on the action and make an impact by voting each and every week for who you believe most deserves a shot at a title match from the TNA Wrestling roster.
The fans vote, along with that of the TNA Championship Committee (Dixie Carter, Eric Bishoff and Hulk Hogan), will go a long way in determining the monthly Top 10 Contender rankings and ultimately who gets a shot at the coveted TNA World Championship Belt.
Individual rankings are determined by a combination of weighted factors. These factors include individual wrestler career performance, won/loss record and online fan voting. Each monthly ranking will be announced LIVE on Monday Night iMPACT! the day immediately following each of our scheduled Pay-Per-View events...More?
2010 Supplemental Draft this Tuesday at Noon ET
It was announced on Raw tonight that the Supplemental Draft will be held on Tuesday instead of Wednesday on wwe.com beginning at noon est.
2010 WWE Draft Results
Kelly Kelly to SmackDown
Big Show to SmackDown
John Morrison to Raw
R-Truth to Raw
Edge to Raw
Kofi Kingston to SmackDown
Christian to SmackDown
Chris Jericho to Raw
Tito Ortiz Arrested for Domestic Violence Against Porn Star Jenna Jameson
UFC star Tito Ortiz was arrested on Monday for felony domestic violence at the home he shares with girlfriend and former porn star Jenna Jameson, according to TMZ.com. The story clams that Jameson had "visible injuries" when police arrived. To read the full story, visit TMZ.com.
Jenna Jameson offers first comments since Tito Ortiz was arrested for allegedly assaulting her
Dana White says UFC could cut Tito Ortiz following his arrest on domestic assault
source: prowrestling.net
Big Ben's Problems Linked to Head Trauma?
People who suffer repeated head injuries often exhibit signs of aggression, childishness, impaired self-control, inappropriate sexual activity and alcohol abuse, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“Ben Roethlisberger is a guy with a lot of concussions,” said famed forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht. “It would be a very wise decision, a very appropriate one, for the NFL to test him for damage related to them. That’s being very fair to Ben. It’s conceivable to think that there is a possibility that those concussions have led to some behavioral issues.“...More?
source: yardbarker.com
2010 WWE Draft
For the eighth time in WWE history, the WWE Draft promises to realign the stars within the cosmos of the WWE Universe. The brand-swapping begins at 8/7 CT, live from the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, VA.
The 2010 Supplemental Draft will be held on wwe.com on April 28th and begin at 12:00 pm est.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Kane (Glen Jacobs)
April 26, 1967
Sting defeated Diamond Dallas Page for the WCW Title. That same night, DDP regained the title defeating Sting, Bill Goldberg and Hulk Hogan.
April 26, 1999
April 25, 2010
Rumor Mill - Triple H's Status
Triple H leaving on a stretcher tonight is believed to be his exit from the WWE storylines for a little while. Triple H is expected to take time off to heal some injuries and film a new WWE movie, Killing Karma. He has been removed from all house show line-ups and is reportedly only scheduled for tv and pay-per-views.
partial source: f4wonline.com
Haste Lays Waste
Prior to their Street Fight, the two powerhouses could hardly contain themselves. Before Sheamus or Triple H entered onto the arena floor, they began hammering away at each other in the locker room area of the sold-out 1st Mariner Arena. The Irishman utilized a steel pipe to incapacitate his foe until a battalion of WWE referees and officials were able to restore order.
In the wake of the skirmish, Triple H appeared to be seriously injured. So much so, in fact, that his participation in the Street Fight remained in question throughout the night. When the bout was finally scheduled to take place, The King of Kings refused to forfeit, emerging from the trainer’s room, albeit gingerly, after suffering nerve damage and numbness in left arm. For his part, Sheamus, who had promised to send The Game into retirement like his friend Shawn Michaels, appeared eager to claim his already wounded prey.
While Triple H put on a brave face, his opponent put on an exhibition of cruelty. In a match where there are no count-outs or disqualifications, The Celtic Warrior used his overwhelming hunger and imposing strength to punish his target with a steel pipe to the temple. The Game fought back valiantly, snapping Sheamus with a kendo stick outside the ring. In the end, though, a series of kicks to the skull leveled Triple H and helped The Celtic Warrior secure the pin.
The victory officially established Sheamus as a Superstar with a bright – if terrifying – future and Triple H as one of the most devoted competitors in WWE history.
source: wwe.com
Extreme Rules Results 2010
12,278 was the announced attendance at tonight's pay-per-view at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dark Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston
Winner: Kofi Kingston
Triple H vs. Sheamus - Street Fight
Winner: The match never got started. Sheamus knocked out Triple H backstage with a steel pipe.
Show/Miz talks to Teddy Long. Show/Miz wants to be called the greatest tag team ever. Long sets up a mini-tournament to determine if they will be called that. Show/Miz has to beat three teams and if they lose, the team that beats them will get a Tag Title shot on RAW tomorrow night.
Show/Miz defeats Morrison/Truth
Show/Miz defeats MVP/Henry
Show/Miz loses to the Hart Dynasty w/Bret Hart
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk - Hair Match
Winner: CM Punk - Rey Mysterio was attacked by Joey Mercury
Shad Gaspard vs. JTG - Strap Match
Winner: JTG
Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger - World Heavyweight Championship Match
Winner: Jack Swagger (c)
Triple H vs. Sheamus - Street Fight Part Two
Winner: Sheamus
Michelle McCool vs. Beth Phoenix - Extreme Makeover Match
Winner: Beth Phoenix - New WWE Women's Champion
Edge vs. Chris Jericho - Steel Cage Match
Winner: Edge
John Cena vs. Batista - Last Man Standing Match
Winner: John Cena
Top 20 Moments in Baltimore Wrestling History
Top Moments 1-10
Top Moments 11-20
16. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER LAYS THE SMACK DOWN ON TRIPLE H (1999): Schwarzenegger, who was at SmackDown to promote his latest movie, sat in on commentary during the eight-man tag team main event that pitted The Rock, Test, Kane and Shane McMahon against DX (Triple H, The Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and X-Pac), with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as the special enforcer referee. Schwarzenegger got involved in the finish. He handed a chair to Austin, who blasted Triple H over the head with it, allowing Test to score the winning pinfall. After the match, Triple H took a swing at Schwarzenegger, who ducked and then proceeded to beat down “The Game.”
To watch the end of the match and the post-match angle, click here.
source: ring posts
Rumor Mill - Batista Done With WWE After Tonight's PPV?
The word within the WWE locker room in Baltimore, which plays host to tonight’s WWE Extreme Rules PPV, is that Batista will be finishing up with the company this week. Batista is set to challenge John Cena tonight in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship...More?
source: pwinsider.com
Awesome Kong & Cheerleader Melissa at the CAC Reunion
Two of my favorites: Awesome Kong & Cheerleader Melissa with Little Egypt
credit: howard brody
This Day in Wrestling History
In a very surprising move by WCW, David Arquette pinned Eric Bischoff in a tag team match to become the new WCW Champion that saw Arquette team with DDP against Bischoff & Jeff Jarrett. He vacated the title six days later on May 1.
April 25, 2000
April 24, 2010
Triple H, Stephanie, WWE, a Bus and a Lawsuit
Music City Coach is suing Star City Coach for breach of contract, conversion of property and other issues related to a bus that was to be leased by the WWE for Triple H & Stephanie McMahon.
Music City hired Star City to customize the coach bus for Triple H and family to use while on the road for WWE. There were issues with payments and Star City went well past the due date to deliver the bus causing Music City to get an injunction.
The WWE, Paul Levesque & Stephanie McMahon Levesque have been named as third party defendants in the counter-claim filed by Star City. Star City claims that WWE, Paul, Stephanie and other employees of Music City are jointly and severally responsible for the $200,000+ payment that is due to them.
You can read a memorandum on the issues here.
Stone Cold Fighting Sharks on Twitter
Classic Stone Cold on Twitter this morning. Steve Austin posted several tweets about fighting sharks at his house that he originally thought were Jehovah's Witnesses! Read below:
i guess i was sleep walking last night with my shark skin jacket on...3 bullet holes in it...and 250,000 dollars in a briefcase by my bed
6 black lincoln town cars just pulled up outside...dark tinted windows..cant see anything inside...better get to my safe.. doesnt look good.
just uncocked all my pistols...it was a bunch of jehova's witness people and they had the wrong address...thank God. no pun intended...
not gonna believe this...they just came back..what the hell?? these people wont take no for an answer..hold it...somethings not quite right.
they are not jehovas witnesses after all.they are SHARKS dressed up like jehovas witnesses!! cant believe i didnt see the dorsal fins...
damn...they have my house completely surrounded...i just picked up the phone...they thought i was calling 911...wrong!!
just ordered three pepperoni pizzas and and a case of beer...this may take a while and its tough to shoot and cook at the same time...
three news helicopters and a swat helicopter buzzing over head...neighbors must have called..im digging in and planning for the worst...
it seems as if everything is happening in slow motion..the anticipation of blood, gunfire, and death has...made me hungry.damn i love pizza.
they just threw a Gideon Bible through my window!!! it has a message attached to it...they want me to come out with my hands up!!!
just busted out my own bible...reading them a script from the chapter of Austin...verse 3:16...you know what happens now...
i cant describe the brutality and chaos that just happened...i would probably get kicked off twitter...it all happened so fast...
i have taken a few hits.6 rounds..got the bleeding stopped.yep im ok.reach and pull a cold one out of the cooler and survey the carnage....
there are dead sharks everywhere...everywhere... a combination of jonestown meets apocalypse now meets jaws...and its not even noon...
not even i know what to make of all this...i guess the moral of this story is-dont fuck with me until i have had my morning coffee...
gotta clean up all these dead sharks....have a great day folks!
Extreme Rules Preview: Triple H vs. Sheamus (Street Fight)
Though Triple H might have believed he had rid himself of Sheamus after defeating him at WrestleMania XXVI, that has not been the case and The Game will now have to battle The Celtic Warrior at Extreme Rules in a Street Fight.
The night after WrestleMania, Sheamus attacked The King of Kings with a pipe while Triple H paid tribute to his long time friend, Shawn Michaels, during a retiring HBK’s Raw farewell. Understandably, this has not sat well with The Cerebral Assassin.
Just one week later, The Game confronted his nemesis and, with a sledgehammer in hand, pursued Sheamus and destroyed the announce table in the process. It’s no doubt that The Celtic Warrior will think twice before bringing a pipe to a sledgehammer fight, or more specifically, their Street Fight at Extreme Rules.
source: wwe.com
This Day in Wrestling History - Johnny Valentine Passes Away
Buddy Rogers vs. Johnny Valentine - 1953
Johnny Valentine (born John Theodore Wisniski, September 22, 1928–April 24, 2001) was a professional wrestler with a career spanning almost three decades. He has been inducted into four halls of fame for his achievements in wrestling. Wisniski is the father of professional wrestler Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.
He held numerous world champion and regional titles, including the NWA United States Championship and the World Heavyweight title. He had long running rivalries with Bobo Brazil, Pat O'Connor, Buddy Rogers, Antonio Rocca, Lou Thesz, Harley Race, The Sheik, Wahoo McDaniel, Fritz von Erich, Bruno Sammartino, Johnny Powers, Antonio Inoki and Jack & Jerry Brisco. He alternated between being a villain and a hero during the Golden Era in the 1940s through 1960s of wrestling.
In 1975, he was injured in a plane crash; he suffered a broken back and was forced to retire from wrestling. He worked briefly as a manager before retiring altogether. He suffered from several health problems during his career, which worsened considerably after a fall in 2000. He died the following year.
source: wikipedia.org
April 23, 2010
WWE: Top 25 Most Bizarre Matches
#1 Hollywood Backlot Brawl ("Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. Goldust)
#2 Hogpen Match (Triple H vs. Henry Godwin)
#3 Boiler Room Brawl (The Undertaker vs. Mankind)
#4 Blindfold Match (Rick "The Model" Martel vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts
#5 Bar Fight at Vengeance 2003 (Brother Love, Doink the Clown, The Brooklyn Brawler, Matt Hardy, Kung Fu Naki, Ron Simmons, JBL & The Easter Bunny)
The Father/Daughter "I Quit" match with Vince & Stephanie McMahon was #16. Click here for the rest of the list.
WWE: Top 25 Entourages of All TIme
#1 Hart Foundation
#2 NWO
#3 Four Horseman
#4 D-Generation X
#5 Heenan Family
Evolution was #10. Click here for the rest of the list.
Rumor Mill - Triple H vs. The Undertaker at WMXXVII?
Sources inside WWE reveal that World Wrestling Entertainment executives are already thinking ahead to next year’s WrestleMania. And the Undertaker may once again headline the event. His opponent? Possibly Triple H. If rumblings and speculation are to be believed, the WWE is interested in developing a storyline in which Triple H wants to avenge the career-ending loss of his best friend Shawn Michaels by defeating the man who eliminated HBK from the WWE – the Undertaker.
Triple H, however, has already lost to the Undertaker on the grandest stage in sports entertainment. Triple H, as many wrestling fans recall, lost a hard-fought battle to the Undertaker at WrestleMania 17. Could a rematch ten years in the making headline WrestleMania 27 when the spectacle comes to Atlanta, Georgia?
As it stands, this is the main event the WWE wants. And if previous rumors are to be believed, Triple H is interested in retiring in the not so distant future. As a result, Triple H may take a page from Shawn Michaels’s book and put this career up against the Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania 27, resulting in the likely continuation of the Taker’s streak and the end of yet another storied career.
source: examiner.com
SmackDown Results: To the Extreme
CM Punk and his loyal disciples – Luke Gallows and Serena – brandished a barber’s chair at ringside, promising to induct a new follower into The Straight Edge Society and shave his head.
Their explosive match with Rey Mysterio and Kane was intense from beginning to end. As Gallows and The Big Red Monster brawled outside the ring, The Master of the 619 propelled himself off the ropes, directly at The Second City Saint. Although Mysterio was unable to dial up the 619, he did kick Punk into the barber’s chair after the match. However, before he could continue the hair cut he had started to give Punk on Raw, Serena jumped in between them and allowed her “savior” to escape. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Triple H Spotted Filming Movie in New Orleans
Triple H was spotted filming the new WWE Studios project "Killing Karma" on Thursday in the New Orleans area reports Prowrestling.net. One wrestling fan spotted Triple H filming a scene about 20 miles down river from the city in a remote part of St. Bernard Parish.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Tony Atlas
April 23, 1956
Terry Gordy
April, 23, 1961
John Cena
April 23, 1977
Curt Hennig defeated Tito Santana in a tournament final for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
April 23, 1990
April 22, 2010
Another WWE Release
Standard line from wwe.com:
WWE has come to terms on the release of Mike Knox as of today, April 22, 2010. We wish him the best in all future endeavors.
Update on Vince Russo and His Role With TNA
Vince Russo has stated that he is burned out on the creative side and is going to take a break from the writing process. Russo will be taking a break from the creative team, and move to Nashville, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Russo no longer wants to be the head writer, but will still have input in the creative process.
source: wrestleview.com
WWE Superstars Results: Rookie Mistake
After the disappointing events of tonight’s main event, Carlito might be ready to give his NXT Rookie Michael Tarver a failing grade. For the second Thursday in a row, the young competitor attempted to help his NXT Pro grab a victory on “WWE Superstars” and ended up costing him the match. Still, it’s hard to say whether or not the Puerto Rican Superstar would have defeated John Morrison anyway. The Friday Night Delight was absolutely explosive in this main event, hitting Carlito with an array of dazzling maneuvers on his way to victory. Full results.
source: wwe.com
6 Added to the Future Endeavor Club
WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Divas Mickie James and Katie Lea Burchill as well as Superstars Shelton Benjamin, Kung Fu Naki, Slam Master J and Jimmy Wang Yang as of today, April 22, 2010. We wish them the best in all future endeavors.
April 21, 2010
The Genius Of Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Caricature (And Character) Outsells Talent
“The thing people need to realize is that ‘Money’ Mayweather is a (caricature/character). And that’s what these fighters need to learn about business. If you had a character you’d have something to sell. But a lot of these fighters don’t have nothing to sell because they don’t have any personality.”
With those words, spoken by the boxer himself, and made available on a hidden away interview placed On Demand (and not during the first two episodes of HBO’s 24/7) Floyd Mayweather Jr. lays out a lesson I wish every artist would pay attention to if they were serious about succeeding in the marketplace, and not just being famous or good at what they do...More?
source: allhiphop.com
Jerry Lawler Draws Exclusive WWE Comic Cover
To celebrate the launch of Titan Publishing's WWE Heroes comic series, an exclusive cover drawn by WWE legend Jerry 'The King' Lawler has been released...More?
source: 411mania.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Ken Patera defeated Pat Patterson for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
April 21, 1980
Hulk Hogan defeated Triple H for the WWF(E) Unified Heavyweight title.
April 21, 2002
April 20, 2010
Triple H, Undertaker Help Offset Missing Stars on Raw
Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun reviews Monday Nignt Raw:
Triple H’s opening monologue was funnier than anything involving MacGruber. He had me laughing out loud a few times, especially during his verbal exchange with CM Punk. When I saw former WWE ring announcer Lillian Garcia sitting at ringside (she filled in for Justin Roberts), I knew Triple H was going to take a shot at her, and he didn’t disappoint. He said that Garcia “came back just to horse around.” It’s apparently an inside joke in the WWE locker room that Garcia has a horse face...More?
WWE NXT Results: NXT Rookie Rocks 'The Best'
NXT Rookie Heath Slater earned the biggest victory of his NXT Rookie career Tuesday night, besting six-time World Champion Chris Jericho! And to the “one-man rock band’s” credit, he did it without the presence of his WWE Pro, Christian, who was still stranded in Europe due to the Icelandic volcano eruption.
Slater showed no fear against his WWE Pro opponent, reversing Jericho’s attempts at the Walls of Jericho, and rolling him up for the pin for the monumental victory. Jericho and his NXT Rookie, Wade Barrett, were left stunned after the match, as Jericho argued the call with the WWE official: “There’s no way! I’m the best in the world at what I do! Full results.
source: wwe.com
Former WWE Star Returns in a SmackDown Dark Match
Joey Mercury (Matthews) made his WWE return tonight in the dark match before the NXT and SmackDown tapings in Uncasville, CT. Mercury lost to Shelton Benjamin. Mercury was re-signed by WWE at the end of 2009. He is expected to appear on SmackDown soon.
source: impactwrestling.com
RAW is SmackDown and TNA iMPACT! Ratings
The April 19th editions of Raw and iMPACT! ratings are in. Smackdown's Invasion of Raw posted a 3.05 cable rating. TNA iMPACT! headlined by Rob Van Dam pinning AJ styles for the TNA title, earned a 1.0 cable rating.
Rumor Mill - AJ Styles Not Happy About Dropping the Title
AJ Styles was not a happy camper last night. Not only was Styles upset about having to drop the title, he was also quite upset when Van Dam failed to hook his leg for the pin. When Styles returned to the back, he simply changed and left the building without conversing with others.
The backstage reaction was mixed with some feeling Styles was being a bit of baby for not wanting to drop the title, as others felt management didn't keep Styles strong as he looked weak losing the strap the first time he didn't have Ric Flair in his corner.
In recent times, Styles has been keeping to himself, doing his own thing backstage and not always tuned in to television monitors to watch the show.
source: wrestleview.com
CHAIR SHOTS: HHH On His Game
With the rest of the Raw roster stranded in Europe, Triple H turned things up a notch to deliver a great show-opening promo, and the Undertaker competed for the first time since WrestleMania, among other surprises in a bizarre Raw.
All things considering, I think WWE did a pretty good job putting together the show last night with most of Raw's top stars, including John Cena, Batista, Randy Orton and Sheamus - all key players in Sunday's Extreme Rules pay-per-view - stuck in Belfast, Ireland. Three of them made appearances via satellite for promos, though they were nothing special.
Triple H, on the other hand, delivered a great promo with C.M. Punk to open the show, even if it did drag on for a bit. Much has been made of WWE scripting interviews for its talent, but I'm pretty sure Triple H is one of the few they just let fly. Punk might be one of the others.
source: carrollcountytimes.com
What Happened After Raw Went Off the Air in NJ
After Raw goes off air, Triple H gets on the mic and blames The Undertaker for retiring Shawn Michaels. Triple H called out Undertaker. A referee was in the ring and a match appeared to be kicking off. Triple H tells Undertaker they are the "last two" of a dying breed and there is only room for one. The heels make a run-in including CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Chris Jericho, Jack Swagger, Zack Ryder, Carlito, Kozlov and Dolph Ziggler. Undertaker and Triple H fight them off. Triple H gives the referee a Pedigree and then walks into a Tombstone. The show ends with Undertaker posing.
source: wrestleview.com
This Day in Wrestling History - Rick Rude Passes Away
Rick Rude of dies of a heart attack at age 40.
April 20, 1999
Richard Erwin Rood
December 7, 1958 – April 20, 1999
This Day in Wrestling History
Triple H defeated Taz in the first match between a WWF(E) heavyweight Champion and an ECW Heavyweight Champion
April 20, 2000
April 19, 2010
Cerebral Ash-sassin
While no man is an island, Triple H certainly appeared adrift in unfamiliar waters when he opened Raw. The Superstar explained that, unlike the remainder of the red brand’s roster, he had remained stateside during Raw’s European tour.
With volcanic ash stranding Raw's roster overseas, Monday night became besieged by the Superstars of SmackDown. The eruptions continued, as The Cerebral Assassin became the sole Raw titan trading blows and earning victory against Friday night's finest.
source: wwe.com
Rumor Mill - Backstage WWE Problem With Batista?
It was reported earlier that WWE issued a press release noting that Triple H will be starring in a new WWE Studios film titled "Killing Karma".
Various wrestling news sites are reporting that the lead role was initially supposed to go to Batista, however, WWE made the decision to replace him with Triple H. It's being said that when Batista learned that he was being replaced by HHH, he became furious over the news as acting is what he wants to focus his future on when he leaves wrestling. "Batista wants to be a movie star," a source was noted as saying.
Batista has been telling people that he does not intend to wrestle in WWE for too much longer, and that he might likely quit the business when his current deal expires. When this happens, he wants to focus mainly on acting.
WWE’s reasoning for the replacement, according to insiders, is that Batista has yet to sign a new deal with the company, and its primary motive for casting wrestlers in its movies is to expand their profile within the realm of WWE. Triple H obviously is not going anywhere, so he represents a more surefire investment.
sources: f4wonline.com and wrestlezone.com
Former WWE Star Luther Reigns Recovering from Stroke in Glendale
Although the symptoms of Matthew Wiese's stroke are typical, the events that led to it are anything but. Known to wrestling fans as Luther Reigns, Wiese performed in sold-out arenas across the country as one of World Wrestling Entertainment's biggest stars for nearly two years.
It sounds like a dream come true for any aspiring pro wrestler, but for Wiese, it was also a period marked by tremendous physical pain and drug abuse, which he said was exacerbated by a culture of steroid and painkiller abuse that led to the debilitating stroke he experienced in December.
"We wrestled every night, damn near every night," Wiese said. "We were beat to hell. So we needed pain pills to do our job."
In addition to the 40 to 50 pain pills he took each day, Wiese said, he was on steroids, a habit he carried over from his time at ASU and his stint in the now-defunct World Championship Wrestling organization. His addiction continued after he retired from the WWE to manage his girlfriend's acting career. The years of drug abuse caught up to him when he suffered the stroke at his home last year...More?
source: azcentral.com
Raw Preview: WWE Calls on “MacGruber” as SmackDown Invades Monday Night Raw
With the volcanic eruption in Europe stranding the majority of the Raw roster, WWE’s flagship show is going blue. Even as the cast of the film MacGruber takes the reins as special guest hosts for the potentially cataclysmic show in East Rutherford, N.J., Triple H prepares to share the ring with several top SmackDown Superstars.
Although Raw is trapped in Belfast, Ireland, the SmackDown Superstars were able to arrive in Newark by charter early this morning, after traveling through the night by bus to get to a place where they could take off.
source: wwe.com
"WWE Latest" News App for iPhone and iPod Touch
WWE has announced the "WWE Latest" news app for iPhone and iPod Touch..More?
source: pwinsider.com
Triple H Filming WWE Movie
Triple H is currently filming a new movie for WWE Studios, tentatively titled "Killing Karma."...More?
source: lordsofpain.net
WWE Press Release
An interesting side-note is that Batista was originally announce to be in this movie:
Batista to Begin Filming New WWE Movie Next Week
Report: Batista Taking Long Break from WWE
Rumors are flying that Batista is none too happy about Triple H getting the starring roll in this movie.
Update on Raw Crew Travel Issues
WWE will shoot some form of tonight's RAW from the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It remains to be seen just who from the RAW brand will actually appear tonight. A few guys like Triple H, Carlito and Yoshi Tatsu are here in the States but the majority of stars including The Miz, Bret Hart, Randy Orton and many others likely will not be appearing on TV unless it's some kind of taped video. Stars from the movie MacGruber are scheduled to host tonight's show.
The Wrestling Observer is reporting that the current plan is to have the SmackDown crew carry the Raw show.
WWE is giving refunds to ticket holders that request them.
partial source: impactwrestling.com
This Day in Wrestling History
The first Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup tag team tournament is held. The Road Warriors win the 1 million dollar prize.
April 19, 1986
April 18, 2010
TNA Lockdown Results 2010
Highlights:
Sean Waltman may be done with TNA after no-showing Lockdown tonight. Waltman was telling people at an indy show over the weekend that he had no plans on showing up for Lockdown.
Frankie Kazarian is the new X Division Champion after winning a three-way with Homicide and Shannon Moore at tonight's Lockdown pay-per-view. Doug Williams was stripped of his title after being stuck in the UK due to travel problems from the volcano eruption.
Madison Rayne is the new TNA Knockouts Champion after pinning Tara in the tag match at Lockdown. Madison still holds one-half of the Knockouts Tag Team Championship with Velvet Sky.
source: impactwrestling.com