June 30, 2010
Bryan Danielson Comments on WWE Release
"WWE is very serious about adhering to their PG guidelines, and apparently my actions during the NXT attack on John Cena, namely choking announcer Justin Roberts with his tie and spitting in Cena's face, crossed the boundaries of what is considered "PG." Perhaps the choking was too violent or perhaps the spit was too demeaning. I apologized for both immediately following the incident; but I would be a hypocrite if I apologized for putting everything I have into the attack. I would much rather have gone too far than to come up too short."...More?
source: officialbryandanielson.blogspot.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Terry Funk
June 30, 1944
Gail Kim wins the WWE Women's Title in a Battle Royal upon her debut in WWE. She would later be released from the company a year later in November of 2004.
June 30, 2003
June 29, 2010
First NXT Season Two Contestant Eliminated
Tonight on WWE NXT, one of the eight Rookies' road came to an end, as the night of the first Pros' Poll also signaled season two's first surprise elimination.
The WWE Universe and the WWE Pros votes were combined and the results have been tabulated for first NXT Poll. Kaval is ranked No. 1, while Titus O’Neil came in last, ranking at No. 8! With the ranking, O’Neil has been eliminated from the NXT competition. The combined results of the NXT Poll are as follows:
1. Kaval
2. Percy Watson
3. Michael McGillicutty
4. Alex Riley
5. Lucky Cannon
6. Eli Cottonwood
7. Husky Harris
8. Titus O'Neil
source: wwe.com
Update on Wade Barrett/Drew McIntyre Visa Problems
Word is that WWE creative has been told not to expect Wade Barrett or Drew McIntyre back until after SummerSlam in August. It's still possible they could be back sooner.
This is bad news with Barrett being the leader of The Nexus stable and with the new report that McIntyre was scheduled to win the SmackDown briefcase at WWE's Money in the Bank pay-per-view. A fan saw McIntyre in Scotland this weekend so apparently he's back home also.
There has been some speculation that WWE Champion Sheamus may get caught up in the same work visa situation but the feeling from one WWE source is that either WWE caught it on Sheamus' end while missing it on Barrett & McIntyre's end, or Sheamus was proactive in bringing the situation to WWE's attention and they handled it without thinking about Drew or Wade.
source: f4wonline.com
WWE NXT Results: Warrior's Way to No. 1
As the WWE Universe voted in the first live NXT Poll, the eight NXT Rookies competed in their first Challenge – The Keg Carry. Hoping to impress the WWE Pros and the WWE Universe one last time before the NXT Poll, each NXT Rookie had to pick up and carry a full keg around the ring and across the finish line, without the keg touching the ground.
Lucky Cannon started the Challenge, rounding the ring in 12.7 seconds. Luck was all this Rookie needed, as Husky Harris, Michael McGillicutty, Kaval and Titus O'Neil all were disqualified. With the impressive win, Cannon earned himself immunity from tonight's elimination. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE Gives Lesnar Edge Over Carwin
The spotlight has never burned brighter than it will when the UFC's two biggest heavyweights lock horns on Saturday night. Brock Lesnar has been there before in main events against Randy Couture, and then at UFC 100 against Frank Mir. Safe to say he had zero issues. As for Shane Carwin, who knows? Following his big win over Frank Mir, which was the second-to-last fight of the night at UFC 111, he admitted he was a bit nervous. Part of that was due to his wife not being around for the fight. He's 12-0, but this is easily the most attention he's ever gotten and the most pressurized fight he's ever been involved in. Lesnar says this is old hat from his days in pro wrestling.
"The main thing I can bring from WWE, it's the same thing. We're promoting a big fight. I was involved in sports entertainment and this is sports and entertainment," Lesnar said on last week's UFC 116 teleconference (above). "That's what I bring to the table for the UFC."...More?
source: yahoo sports
Rob Zombie Brings his 'Twisted' Personality to 'WWE Raw'
Over the past year, "WWE Raw" — the premiere weekly professional wrestling television show — has been inviting stars from the film, television, sports and music worlds into the squared circle to play "guest host" on the show. Sometimes the special guest takes a proactive approach (Bob Barker turned the entire two hour program into an extended episode of "The Price is Right") while others just sort of fade into the background (like that odd Wayne Brady episode). On Monday night's (June 28) episode, extreme film director and metal icon Rob Zombie took the microphone to run the show...More?
source: mtv.com
Rumor Mill - Wade Barrett & Drew McIntyre Currently Unable to Work for WWE
Wade Barrett, leader of RAW's Nexus stable, has been pulled from WWE TV and live events because his work visa has expired and he's no longer eligible to work in the United States. Barrett has returned to the UK where he's waiting on a new visa to be cleared.
Drew McIntyre is going through the same problems. You may remember from SmackDown where WWE started a storyline saying Drew was being deported. This isn't far from real life but it's possible that McIntyre is still here in the States. Regardless, he's also unable to work right now. If McIntyre is still here, it's possible that he can stay while a green card application is approved since he's married to WWE Diva Tiffany.
There's no timetable yet on when Barrett or McIntyre can return.
source: pwinsider
June 28, 2010
Raw Results: Snakes and Ladders
WWE Superstars, take note: Snakes don’t run in packs. As if to prove the point, The Viper, Randy Orton, turned his back on his partners to make a quick strike for the Money in the Bank briefcase after their Eight-Man Tag Team Match. Full results.
source: wwe.com
More Speculation on the Raw GM
Kevin Eck of The Baltimore Sun speculates on the identity of the Raw GM:
The best guess I have seen yet came from a reader named Nathan, who posted the following comment on Sunday:
“ … it’s Abraham Washington...he's aligned with Nexus. Former [Florida Championship Wrestling] GM...knows all the FCW talent...motivation from ECW being cancelled...It's time for the Abraham Washington Show.”
Bingo.
Not only does Washington as the GM make sense in the story line, but there were reports that Washington was strongly considered for the GM role last month before WWE decided on Hart.
For fans hoping for a big name, Washington no doubt would be a letdown, but I think he’d be a fine choice. While “The Abraham Washington Show” segments on ECW were hit or miss, Washington clearly demonstrated that he has the gift of gab, and from what I’ve read, he did a good job as GM in FCW.
Plus, if Washington gets the gig, perhaps WWE could bring back Tony Atlas as his assistant. Now that would be entertaining.
WWE's McDevitt on Martha Hart's "Pejorative Nonsense"
Jerry McDevitt, the World Wrestling Entertainment's longtime lawyer, is accusing Martha Hart of twisting the truth.
Hart, widow of wrestler Owen Hart, who died following a failed stunt in 1999, is suing the WWE and Linda and Vince McMahon to stop the sale of a videotape featuring her husband's image. She issued a statement yesterday saying the company filed a lawsuit against her because she "had the nerve" to pursue a wrongful death claim following her husband's death.
Not true, McDevitt said this afternoon. WWE didn't sue her because she brought the wrongful death claim, he said. It did, however, petition a court in Connecticut to hear the claim, instead of the Missouri court where Hart had filed her lawsuit, which was settled before going to trial.
McDevitt denounced Hart's comments as "pejorative nonsense" and said her current lawsuit is nothing more than "a personal attack" on Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon...More?
source: courant.com
WWE Looks Back on the One Year Anniversary of Raw Guest Hosts
Mike Adamle: "I Have Lost Words on Air Occasionaly..."
"I was on the air in 1999 when I had my first seizure,'' says Mike Adamle, the Channel 5 sportscaster. I ask him what it felt like. ''One part of my brain was speaking, the other part was having a tidal wave,'' he says. ''There was deja vu. All kinds of flashing, loud ringing in my ears. Dizziness. My short-term memory was gone. There were tears in my eyes, thoughts of being a kid, thoughts of my grandfather. I was in the hospital for three days.''
''I have epilepsy from lesions on the left hemisphere of my brain,'' he says now, tapping the upper left part of his head. ''Scar tissue up there. From football. Neurologist Richard Rovenor, from Northwestern Memorial, diagnosed it and probably saved my life...More?
source: chicago sun times
Chris Henry Had Chronic Brain Injury
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry suffered from a chronic brain injury that may have influenced his mental state and behavior before he died last winter, West Virginia University researchers say. The doctors had done a microscopic tissue analysis of Henry's brain that showed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy...More?
source: associated press
This Day in Wrestling History
Frank Gotch wrestles his first match since April 1913, defeating Henry Ordemann in Humboldt, Iowa.
June 28, 1915
Chief Jay & Jules Strongbow defeated Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito for the WWWF(WWE) Tag Team title.
June 28, 1982
Steve Austin defeated the Undertaker for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
June 28, 1999
June 27, 2010
Rumor Mill - TNA "ECW Invasion" Angle
In regards to the teased ECW invasion on TNA TV recently involving Tommy Dreamer, Raven and Stevie Richards, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports the company has every intention of doing some kind of an ECW angle, but they don't yet know the framework of the angle...More?
Bryan Danielson Speaks Following Successful Return to Indy Wrestling
The crowd inside the Taylor Town Trade Center was nearing a fever pitch as it awaited the return of Bryan Danielson to independent wrestling at "CHIKARA: We Must Eat Michigan's Brain" on Saturday night.
Those fans waiting for the familiar tones of "The Final Countdown" heartily booed as the WWE NXT theme "Wild and Young" was played instead. After several seconds of booing, "The Final Countdown" fired up. After a few more seconds, Danielson finally came through the curtain to the roaring approval of the hundreds of fans in attendance.
Once Danielson was in the ring, instead of throwing the standard streamers, the fans littered the ring with neckties, making light of Danielson choking WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts with his necktie during the June 7 edition of Monday Night Raw, the reason he was fired from WWE...More?
source: slam wrestling
ESPN Barely Covers Fedor Losing to Fabricio Werdum
It was pretty painful to see just how the network covered Fedor’s first loss in a decade or so. They showed a basic 15-second highlight of Werdum beating Fedor and had it tabbed as “MMA upset” and that was about it. It was treated the same way the Miguel Cotto-Yuri Foreman fight was treated by the network, which was not seriously at all...More?
source: fightopinion.com
Paul Heyman Calls Brock Lesnar A "Carwin-Eating Carnivore"
There is an eery calmness to Brock Lesnar these days. I've never seen him this close to a major event and yet have so much peace of mind. Usually, he's a self-described "bear with a sore ass" heading into fight week. This time, however, Brock's approach is a bit different. No tension. No pacing. No "can't wait til I get in there and the fight starts" mentality. Brock Lesnar is simply counting down the days until he has a job to do, and that job is to once again unify the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
"I have a different perspective on everything," the only man who has ever held the NCAA, WWE, and UFC Heavyweight Championships said, "I know what I have to do, and I am sure Shane Carwin knows I am uniquely capable of doing it."
The way I look at it, from my own personal perspective, is that one of two things is happening here. The first scenario is really scary. We may be witnessing a dramatic shift in the Lesnar mindset, a far different approach than he's ever carried with him into the Octagon. Uh oh. That could be a very scary "unknown factor" for Shane Carwin to deal with. The other possibility is Brock is at one with his own emotions, and the beast will emerge when that Octagon door is locked, and it's only Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, and the referee inside the cage. Having known Brock for over 8 years, I can't tell you which scenario is scarier. They both seem pretty frightening to me."...More?
source: the heyman hustle
This Day in Wrestling History
A federal court ruling allows the WWF(E) to move its programming from USA Networks to CBS/Viacom on TNN (now Spike TV).
June 27, 2000
June 26, 2010
Triple H & Stephanie Mcmahon Spotted in Westport
According to greenwichtime.com, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were spotted to gether on Father's Day:
WWE wrestler Triple H (Paul Michael Levesque) and his wife, a very pregnant Stephanie McMahon, were seen on Father's Day enjoying a late afternoon meal at Sherwood Diner in Westport.
This Day in Wrestling History
"The Original Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers dies of a stroke at age 71.
June 26, 1992
Mick Foley is named the new WWF(E) Commissioner by Linda McMahon.
June 26, 2000
June 25, 2010
SmackDown Results: Hot Pursuit
Bitter about losing the World Title at Fatal 4-Way, Jack Swagger mounted an aggressive offense against Big Show. With The World’s Largest Athlete locked in a painful ankle hold, the former champion closed in on victory. However, when Big Show reached the ropes and Swagger failed to heed the ref’s orders to break the hold within a five-count, Swagger was disqualified. The brutal hold left Big Show stumbling and reeling in pain after the bout. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Neva Say Neva
Rapper Snoop Dogg has told how he may enter the wrestling ring when his music career comes to an end...More?
source: the sun
This Day in Wrestling History
Antonio Inoki and Mohammad Ali fought to a 15 round draw.
June 25, 1976
WWE inducts legends Fabulous Moolah, Pedro Morales, Ivan Putski, Antonino Rocca, The Grand Wizard, George Steele and Ernie Ladd into the WWE Hall of Fame.
June 25, 1995
The Rock defeated Triple H by pinning Vince McMahon in a 6-man match for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
June 25, 2000
Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and son are found dead in their home in Atlanta. The tragedy was later determined to be a double-murder/suicide after WWE ran a two-hour tribute show to Benoit. Vince McMahon would later apologize the following night on ECW.
June 25, 2007
June 24, 2010
WWE Superstars Results: Swelling England by the Pound
Accompanied by the anti-Diva Serena, the powerful Luke Gallows marched to the ring with a strong desire to cause harm to the flawless physique of Chris Masters. That was more easily said than done, however, as The Masterpiece used his brute power to control much of the early action in this hard-hitting battle. It looked as though the SmackDown Superstar was close to finding victory, but he was distracted by the dangerous Serena. With Masters sidetracked, CM Punk’s most loyal disciple was able to deliver the Gallows Pole to his opponent to score a tainted victory...More?
source: wwe.com
Linda McMahon's New Ad Embraces Wrestling Background
Linda McMahon's campaign for U.S. Senate today will end its month-long television blackout with a commercial that embraces her connection to World Wrestling Entertainment.
The one-minute ad attempts to inoculate her from the off-color excesses of WWE programming, some of which has haunted her campaign, and to use the wrestling connection to brand her as the ultimate outsider...More?
source: ctmirror.org
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Ricky Steamboat for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
June 24, 1984
TBS aired the final episode of WCW Saturday Night after 27 consecutive years.
June 24, 2000
Bret Hart suffers a bicycle accident and a crippling stroke.
June 24, 2002
June 23, 2010
Hart Family Member Defends WWE
Ross Hart told the Calgary Herald that he believes WWE's "Hart & Soul" DVD was done in good taste. "If (WWE) exploited (Owen's) name negatively, I can understand but this really was a documentary about the whole family," Hart told the Calgary Herald in response to the lawsuit Martha Hart filed against the company.
"It was done in pretty good taste, even by WWE standards. Wrestling is what made Owen famous and successful and such a legend and you can't erase that. As tragic and wrongful as his death was, you can't erase his legacy and what he accomplished in wrestling."
Meanwhile, WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt stated that an Ontario court shot down Martha's attempt for an injunction over the release of the DVD. "Owen Hart was a public figure," McDevitt said. "His death was widely reported. (Martha) wrote a book about it. Everybody that Owen's life touched has their right to tell their version of the Owen Hart story and he's a part of the WWE's history." To read the full story, visit CalgaryHerald.com.
source: prowrestling.net
Another WWE Release
Standard line from wwe.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of NXT season one announcer and WWE Diva Savannah as of today, June 23, 2010. WWE wishes Savannah the best in all future endeavors.
This Day in Wrestling History
Bronko Nagurski defeated Lou Thesz for the NWA Heavyweight Wrestling title.
June 23, 1939
Ted DiBiase defeated Junkyard Dog for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight title.
June 23, 1982
Stone Cold Steve Austin wins the King of The Ring tournament. The win marks the beginning of Austin's push. Triple H was scheduled to win this tournament, but that angle was scrapped due to his participation in the "MSG Curtain Call" incident and subsequent punishment.
June 23, 1996
Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus for the WWE Women's title.
June 23, 2002
Billy Red Lyons passes away.
June 23, 2009
June 22, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Lasting Impressions
Before the first NXT Poll next week, the NXT Rookies pleaded their cases to the WWE Pros and the WWE Universe, each explaining why he should be WWE’s Next Breakout Star. But NXT Rookie Husky Harris said he wouldn’t need 45 seconds to plead his case. The third-generation competitor took a page out of the book of his WWE Pro, Cody Rhodes, and shockingly attacked WWE NXT host Matt Striker, a move that garnered congratulations from Rhodes. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE Responds to Hart Lawsuit
WWE's lead attorney, Jerry McDevitt, is calling Martha Hart's lawsuit against WWE and the McMahon Family a "political stunt."
McDevitt, responding on behalf of WWE to the Associated Press, claims Martha Hart's lawsuit is the first time WWE has heard from her since both sides settled Owen Hart's wrongful death lawsuit in 2000.
Martha Hart has refuted the claim that her lawsuit is politically-motivated with former WWE CEO Linda McMahon running for U.S. Senate.
Martha Hart alleges in her lawsuit filed today in Connecticut that WWE has used Owen Hart's likeness to their profit without her permission. She cited the recent release of the "Hart & Soul" DVD as the latest example.
McDevitt responded to the AP that "WWE has the right to use its own copyrighted material."
Hart claims to have sent WWE a "cease and desist" letter on March 25, 2010. The lawsuit reads that "the Estate, through counsel, immediately notified WWE that it had no permission to use Owen's legal name or likeness in connection with the Video; nevertheless, the WWE released the Video for sale."
She added that the defendants (WWE, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon) "did not seek or obtain the Estate's consent to use Owen's likeness or legal name or other Original Intellectual Property for promoting or packaging the Video, and have no right to do so without the consent of the Estate."
source: pwtorch.com
CHIKARA Brings Something Different to Wrestling
"It is not unlike a comic book come to life,” said founder, owner and performer Mike Quackenbush during a recent interview. “There’s a great blend of not just international wrestling styles, but of storytelling genres and elements from outside the pro-wrestling box. If the WWE is Top 40 radio, CHIKARA is that little college radio station at the end of the dial that plays all the wacky songs.”...More?
source: toledofreepress.com
Schiff Lives to Fight Another Day Aagainst McMahon
Peter Schiff eked out a place in the GOP Senate primary field Monday, locking up a spot on the Aug. 10 ballot against heavy favorite Linda McMahon and candidate-in-absentia Rob Simmons.
Needing 8,268 Connecticut Republicans to sign his petitions, Schiff collected 8,697 valid signatures from registered GOP members, according to the Secretary of the State's Office...More?
source: ct post
Wrestler's Widow Suing WWE, Conn. Senate Candidate
The widow of a World Wrestling Entertainment performer who died in a 1999 stunt says she's suing the Connecticut-based company and its leaders, including Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon.
Martha Hart said McMahon, who stepped down as WWE chief executive to run for Senate, and her husband, Vince, the current chairman, have continued to use Owen Hart's image to promote the business despite agreeing to stop after his death.
Representatives for the WWE and McMahon's Senate campaign said they could not immediately comment but expected to release statements later Tuesday...More?
Might explain why Bret Hart is no longer on Raw...
WWE Partners with YouTube
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and YouTube announced today a multi-year partnership that will make full episodes of WWE "Friday Night SmackDown(R)," "WWE NXT(TM)," "WWE Superstars" and "ECW(R)," available at WWE's official YouTube(TM) channel (www.YouTube.com/WWE ). This marks one of the first times that YouTube will feature complete episodes of primetime television programs on their site...More?
June 21, 2010
Batista Announces That He's Going to Fight for Strikeforce; Strikeforce Denies This
Former WWE Champion Batista announced that he's going to fight for Strikeforce. The TMZ cameras caught up with Batista over the weekend and he said he is finished with WWE, and intends to fight for the MMA promotion...More?
source: prowrestling.net
Strikeforce Denial
This Day in Wrestling History - The Debut of "Tough Enough"
The first episode of WWF(E) Tough Enough airs on MTV. The reality show/competition results in Maven and Nidia winning contracts after beating out 11 other participants.
June 21, 2001
June 20, 2010
John Cena Announces the Location of WrestleMania 30
John Cena told the New York crowd at Saturday's house show that WrestleMania 30 will be held in New York at Madison Square Garden.
source: prowrestling.net
WWE Fatal 4-Way Results
Dark Match - Zack Ryder vs. MVP
Winner: ZackRyder
Vince McMahon comes out to the stage and says he hates to start the show on a somber note, but RAW's General Manager Bret Hart will not be here tonight. Vince shows us why and replays the NXT car crash from Monday's RAW.
Vince says he will be meeting with Bret's representatives later tonight to see what his role will be from now on and what action he will take against the NXT Rookies.
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Big Show vs. Jack Swagger
Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston - WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Winner: Kofi Kingston (c)
Eve vs. Maryse vs. Alicia Fox vs. Gail Kim - Divas Championship Fatal 4-Way Match
Winner: Alicia Fox - New Divas Champion
Chris Jericho vs. Evan Bourne
Winner: Evan Bourne
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Big Show vs. Jack Swagger - World Heavyweight Title Match
Winner: Rey Mysterio - New Heavyweight Champion
R-Truth vs. The Miz - United States Title Match
Winnner: The Miz (c)
The Hart Dynasty vs. The Usos and Tamina
Winners: The Hart Dynasty
John Cena vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus - WWE Title Match
Winner: Sheamus - New WWE Champion. Tonight's win makes Sheamus the 100th WWE Champion.
As soon as the bell rings, Sheamus runs off through the crowd as the new WWE Champion. Cena stands up in the ring and the NXT Rookies begin to lay him out with their finishers. Gabriel even hits the 450 Splash. Sheamus is on top of the stage posing with the WWE Title. The Rookies run off after him to the back. Orton, Edge and Cena are all laid out. There has been no commentary for a long time now. Fatal 4 Way goes off the air at 10:35 EST time with Cena laid out in the ring and Edge and Orton on the outside.
partial source: impactwrestling.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Koko B. Ware
June 20, 1957
Magnificent Muraco defeated Pedro Morales for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
June 20, 1981
Rikishi defeated Chris Benoit for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
June 20, 2000
June 19, 2010
Rumor Mill - Triple H's WWE Status & TV Return Plans
Back in the beginning of March, WrestleZone was the first to exclusively report, in an article which you can read if you click here, that WWE star Triple H suffered a shoulder/back injury at this year's Elimination Chamber PPV.
About a month later we provided an exclusive update on Triple H's condition in a report that you can read if you click here.
The Wrestling Observer is now reporting that Triple H is being kept off WWE TV while he shoots an upcoming WWE Studios film "The Chaperone," but apparently he's also more hurt than originally thought, and lingering pain is another reason why he's being kept off TV. It's unknown at this point how extensive Triple H's injuries are, but sources are claiming that a planned Triple H vs Edge SummerSlam feud has been scrapped.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Wahoo McDaniel
June 19, 1938
The current NWA formed in Waterloo, Iowa.
June 19, 1948
Antonio Inoki defeated Dick Murdoch in a tournament final for the IWGP Heavyweight title.
June 19, 1986
NWA-TNA debuts on PPV
June 19, 2002
Ken Shamrock won a 20 man Battle Royal for the NWA Heavyweight title.
June 19, 2002
June 18, 2010
SmackDown Results: A Fatal Proclamation
Given the ultimatum of facing Drew McIntyre or being fired – per Mr. McMahon’s directive – SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long was forced by the Scottish Superstar to get down on his knees, proclaim McIntyre the “Chosen One,” crawl to the middle of the squared circle and lay on his back to take the three-count.
As McIntyre prepared to attack Teddy after the match, Kofi Kingston charged to his rescue. But, with a special security team holding back the Intercontinental Champion, McIntyre was free to carry out a vicious assault on the defenseless Superstar. Matt Hardy then emerged from the crowd, only to suffer the same brutal fate. In a fatal act of aggression, McIntyre delivered the double-under-hook DDT to both Kofi and Hardy. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Trent Acid Passes Away
Independent wrestling star Trent Acid (Michael Verdi) has been found dead aged 29 this morning at his home by his mother.
Johnny Kashmere posted the following on his facebook page:
"I cant believe i'm typing this....Trent Acid my best brother for life, has passed away. he was found at his home this morning around 9am by this mother. i have no info now and i can barely stand up, will know more soon....keep him and everyone in your prayres please this is horrible. I love you trent RIP"
Trent and Kashmere were best known for their time as The Backseat Boyz in CZW, ROH and Pro Wrestling Unplugged.
source: wrestlingradio.com
Update on TNA's "Suicide"
The "Suicide" character returned to TNA at the Xplosion tapings this week and is now being played by New Japan star Kazuchika Okada.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Bruiser Brody
June 18, 1946
Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Rick Steamboat & Jay Youngblood for the NWA World Tag Team title.
June 18, 1983
June 17, 2010
WWE Superstars Results: Making A Splash
For weeks, Jimmy & Jey Uso, along with their associate Tamina, have been attacking The Hart Dynasty at every turn. Tonight, the impressive team got their first taste of official WWE action when they stepped into the squared circle with the unique pairing of Mark Henry & Goldust. Clearly, going against two of WWE’s most seasoned veterans would be a tough task for any duo, especially two that were just making their debut, but The Usos were up to the task. After a grueling back and forth battle, the dangerous Tamina distracted Goldust, allowing Jimmy Uso to knock The Bizarre One down and nail a huge top-rope splash for the 1-2-3, capping off a stellar debut. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Rumor Mill - WWE Star Behind NXT Faction
According to wrestlezone.com, Chris Jericho will be revealed as the leader of the NXT faction.
However, it should be noted that the idea is being reconsidered due to Jericho's decision to host the upcoming game show "Downfall." The WWE is said to be upset about the possibility of Jericho devoting more time to the show than to WWE.
There is also speculation that when Triple H returns, he will be revealed as the NXT faction leader, but the idea of it being Chris Jericho is definitely an idea that was/is being talked about.
Batista Comments on Why He Left the WWE
Dave Metzler of the Wrestling Observer asked Batista why he left the WWE when he saw him at the Strikeforce show in Los Angeles. Batista said he was sick and tired of WWE's direction and had to get out. He said that it wasn't the kind of wrestlng he grew up with...More?
Davey Richards Leaving Wrestling to Wage Other Battles
Ring of Honor's annual "Final Battle" show will have a literal meaning for Davey Richards.
One of pro wrestling's best pound-for-pound technicians says he is retiring after that December card to pursue other endeavors.
"I didn't plan to do this for my career," Richards said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "I've gotten done with paramedic school and have other things I want to concentrate on. I want to get my black belt in jiujitsu and finish the fire academy. I'm married now, too. Ring of Honor has so many talented guys that they don't need me anymore."...More?
source: scrippsnews.com
June 16, 2010
John Cena on "Busted Open Radio" Commenting on Bryan Danielson's Release
"I believe Bryan was given his release and this is just my belief, its complete speculation so basically you’re going off my second hand knowledge for something to do with violating our PG content agreement which is very serious. If you watch RAW, there is a label at the beginning of the program that says PG TV and its very important for us to play within those guidelines because we do have a lot of younger viewers and it was tough for us to get that logo at the beginning. As you know, the WWE, we are doing good business and most of that business is family business. So for us to violate that content….we get in trouble with our TV providers, sponsors….its not good business. I think that is the reason for the Bryan Danielson release.
In the same token, for a young man such as him to make, like I said on Twitter, make an impact on the WWE Universe in that short a time, it says something about who he is as a person and where he belongs amongst our group. I agree with a lot of folks that I think the penalty might have been a little too severe but the best advice I can give everybody, like you just explained, the WWE is a business and that why I was one of the names on that petition. I don’t know how many names are on that petition but if the fans collectively want this young man back in the company, the only way to do that is the power is within the ticket buyers. If the ticket buyers come out by the fifty thousands, by the hundred thousands and say ‘listen, we want this young man back, we think he has something to offer’, were a company that worries about the bottom line. If you get one hundred thousand signatures and lets say our cheapest ticket for bottom line reasons is ten dollars, there is no way that people in charge of finance and revenue can ignore the fact that this young man should be back on our program. As far as a fix to the situation, who knows what the fix is going to be but I put the power in the hands of the consumer. That’s why I was one of the first to sign that petition because I think if you show strong enough belief that ‘listen, this guy has something to offer’ and I believe he does too, if you get enough signatures on something like that, it would be very difficult for WWE, as a business entity, to ignore the fact that Daniel Bryan would be able to generate revenue."
facebook.com/bustedopen
"The Band" Disbanded
According to reports, TNA made the call to part ways with Scott Hall and he was written out of the story line at this week’s Impact tapings.
Hall, who was arrested last month on charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest in Florida, reportedly was working on a per-appearance basis with TNA.
It was obvious right from the start that Hall, 51, was out of shape and had no business in the ring. His appearances on television made a mockery of the business, yet he was rewarded with a run as a TNA tag team champion.
News coming out of the iMPACT! tapings is that Sean Waltman will no longer be used by TNA. The assumption is that Kevin Nash will be moved into a singles program.
source: ring posts & prowrestling.net
J.R. Comments on an Internet Report Linking Linda McMahon's Senate Run to Danielson's Release
Jim Ross posted the following blasting an internet report claiming that Linda McMahon's senate campaign was the driving force in the termination of Bryan Danielson:
"I've had plenty of personal issues with WWE, for the record I still think that I should be working on the air, and this blog likely won't endear me to some of the higher ups but let me make this clear....Linda McMahon nor any of her campaign workers or staff have a damn thing to do with how the WWE operates from a business perspective and they never will.
The decisions that are made within the WWE are made in the best interest of a public company. End of story.
For someone to be 'anonymous' and to try and take a cowardly approach to why the mysterious termination of Daniel Bryan took place and to place the blame on a political campaign is simply insane. I have great respect for all fans and their opinions regarding the many complex facets of the business but this one has struck a chord that I felt compelled to address."
J. R. had a lot more to say on this topic. Click here for the full post.
This Day in Wrestling History
At WCW's Great American Bash in Baltimore, MD, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash attacked Eric Bischoff. Nash powerbombed him off the stage.
June 16, 1996
June 15, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Week Two Rumblings
Third-generation competitor NXT Rookie Michael McGillicutty has a lot of lineage to live up to. As the grandson of WWE Legend Larry “The Axe” Hennig and son of former Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect, McGillicutty must quickly make an impact on the WWE Pros and the WWE Universe – an accomplishment he achieved during week two of competition. He kicked off his first match by boldly tagging himself in to face the daunting Mark Henry. Then, with the help of his WWE Pro, Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston, McGillicutty earned victory when he pinned the competitive Lucky Cannon.
McGillicutty left a strong first impression, as his WWE Pro, Kingston, called him a “man on a mission” who “took a step in the right direction.” Despite their loss, Henry said his NXT Rookie, Cannon, “has a lot of potential.” But not all of the WWE Pros agreed. Cody Rhodes berated Cannon, calling him a loser. “You’re all style and no substance,” Rhodes said. Then, Henry challenged Rhodes to face Cannon one-on-one. A cocky Rhodes accepted the match for next week, then shockingly took a cheap shot at NXT announcer Matt Striker, knocking him off the stage! Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE Star Suffers Concussion on Raw Last Night
Zack Ryder suffered a concussion during last night's fatal four way match for the WWE United States Championship reports The Wrestling Observer. Ryder suffered the concussion when John Morrison gave The Miz a sunset powerbomb over him.
Update on Bryan Danielson
Dave Meltzer is now reporting that Bryan Danielson's friends believe he has been fired. He has talked to other promotions about working dates, and TNA has contacted him about coming in. He would have the standard 90-day no compete clause in his release.
Another Raw Guest Host Revealed
Florence Henderson will host the July 12th edition of Monday Night Raw.
Wrestling Stars Pile-Drive the Multiplex
The Vince McMahon-run enterprise is pressing forward with its attempt to make modestly budgeted films that feature (but don't necessarily give lead roles to) the wrestlers whose careers they've helped cultivate.
The latest bit of development news comes with a new movie from WWE star Edge. The fighter-performer will star in "Chasing the Hawk," an action comedy about a New Orleans lawyer who loses a classic car he holds dear and then sets out to find it.
Principals at WWE Studios, the organization's film-production arm, say they hope to make more than just action films. One previously announced development project: "Inside Out," which stars Triple H, but in more of a crime drama, with the unlikely cast of Michael Rapaport, Parker Posey and Bruce Dern around him. The wrestler formerly known as Paul Levesque also will star in an family comedy called "The Chaperone," about an ex-con who tries to take his teenage daughter on a class trip but finds the past catching up with him, "Kindergarten Cop"-style...More?
source: latimes.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Scott Flash Norton - June 15, 1958
Brad Armstrong - June 15, 1961
Chuck Palumbo - June 15, 1971
Dick Murdoch died of a heart attack at age 49.
June 15, 1996
Medusa lost a retirement match to Akira Hokuto, WCW Women's Champion.
June 15, 1997
June 14, 2010
Bryan Danielson Conspiracy Theory
If the Daniel Bryan/Bryan Danielson firing is a work (and I believe it is) the WWE should get a standing ovation.
First, they sign arguably the best indy wrestler on the market, make him a focal point of their new show WWE NXT, have him participate in an invasion angle that finally brought some surprises to Raw and then fire him for being too violent on PG TV. But his firing to me came at a strange time.
The show was on Monday and Danielson wrestled at FCW on Wednesday. The standard "future endeavors" statement was posted on wwe.com late Friday evening. By Saturday morning, it was all the IWC could talk about. Coincidentally, TNA's Slammiversary VIII aired the same weekend. Dixie Carter even teased "suprises" for the ppv, (which turned out to be Tommy Dreamer and wasn't much of a surprise since everyone knew before the ppv). I don't think it's a coincidence that all this took place before the TNA ppv.
Another curious item...John Cena's twitter post praising Danielson and claiming he will sign a petition to have the WWE bring him back. These tweets started around 8:00pm, just prior to the start of Slammiversary VIII.
If I have been reading too much into all this and Danielson has been terminated for choking Justin Roberts, the ring announce, then I say shame on the WWE for not grasping a hold of social media and using it to their advantage. But if this is all the beginging of a great storyline I must tip my hat to them and hope for more of the same.
Triple H is Coming to Washington, DC
RAW returns to the Verizon Center Monday, September 6th at 8:15pm.
Featuring: John Cena; Edge; Randy Orton; Triple H; Chris Jericho; Sheamus; Miz; R-Truth; John Morrison; Ted DiBiase; Mark Henry; the Divas & more!
Don't miss your chance to get the best seats first, BEFORE tickets go on sale to the general public. Tickets start at $20! - WWE is the best value in entertainment.
Presale: Monday June 14, 10am thru Friday June 18, 10pm - This presale has a 4 ticket limit. Password: WWE906
Tickets Go On Sale to the General Public on Saturday, June 19th at 10am. Tickets available at the box office, Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 1-800-551-SEAT
Another Knockout Departs TNA
TNA Knockout, ODB, posted the following on her twitter account:
“thanks tna fans for all the support but tna and odb have parted ways.it was a decision I made.bamm bitches”
ODB’s departure would follow Roxxi’s at last night’s TNA Slammiversary PPV.
Raw Milestone This Summer
The 900th edition of Monday Night Raw will air on August 30th from Boston, MA.
THQ Unveils Three New WWE Video Games
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, WWE All Stars and SmackDown vs. Raw Online. Click here.
June 13, 2010
John Cena Comments on the Release of Bryan Danielson
John Cena posted the following on his twitter account:
I am very upset to hear about the release of Bryan Danielson. Social networks were formed so people would have a voice, and an opinon. I know you all have your own, theories and whatnot. I respect that. I have never asked any of you to feel a certain way about me. But Bryan left a lasting impression on the WWE universe in a very short time, and although it came at my expense, I agree with the majority of you who are caught off guard by this choice. I know I'm not exactly appreciated by all, nor do I care to be, but I believe what I believe. I would like Bryan to come back to the WWE. I would like to sign your petition to bring him back. I was taught to stand up for what I believe in. I tried and failed, so I could use some help. Tell me how to sign and I will. If for nothing else, to at least have a chance to have a match with him after what was done I know that seems a bit more fair. Give me a chance to have a fair match with him, and give him yet another chance to prove that he does belong with us. Sorry for the long message, I know I am probaly way out of line, I am sorry if I have offended anyone. But like me or not that is what Hustle. Loyalty. and most importantly Respect means to me. Enjoy game 5.
New FCW Women's Champion
WWE developmental Diva Naomi Night defeated SmackDown's Serena in the finals of the FCW Women's Title tournament this past week to crown the first-ever FCW Women's Champion. Naomi is a former dancer for the NBA's Orlando Magic. It's said that her in-ring skills have been improving lately.
source: wrestling observer
