May 31, 2011
PWO Star Matt Justice Signs with WWE
Matthew Justice (real name Matt Hannan) was a longstanding competitor in PWO Wrestling, having been a part of the organization since its formation in the fall of 2007. Known for his high-octane aerial style, and calm, laid-back demeanor, Justice instantly stood out. After a three and a half year PWO career that saw many highs and lows, this past March, Matt agreed to terms to take the next step of his career, signing a developmental contract with WWE Inc.
source: wrestleview.com
WWE Video Game Announcement Revealed
F4WOnline.com is reporting that the video game announcement WWE and THQ will be making tomorrow is expected to be that the "Smackdown vs Raw" name will be dropped from future game titles. The video game will instead simply be called "WWE '12," with the number changing each year the game is released. It's being said that the change will be made because THQ feels there is no inter-brand rivalry between Smackdown and Raw on WWE TV, so the name Smackdown vs Raw essentially doesn't make sense.
Cell Phones Banned From TNA's Impact Wrestling Zone; PWInsider.com Reporter Ejected for Texting Spoilers
TNA has announced that they have banned the usage of cell phones and all other mobile devices of any kind at the Impact Wrestling Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida during tapings of Impact Wrestling. According to sources, this move has been made in an effort to prevent spoilers from leaking out onto the internet.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
You can read about the pwinsider.com reporters being ejected at the following links:
PWINSIDER CORRESPONDENT EJECTED FROM IMPACT TAPINGS
TNA IMPACT-PWINSIDER UPDATE
May 30, 2011
Kharma Confirms That She Is Pregnant
Kharma, (Kia Stevens), confirms that she is pregnant and will be away from the WWE for approximately one year.
Update On Japanese Nobukazu "Super Hate" Hirai; Suffers Stroke Following Match
Reports coming out of Japan indicate that the All Japan Pro Wrestling star suffered a stroke following his match against KENSO and not a brain hemorrage, as was originally reported. As mentioned above, Hirai came to the back and was complaining to officials that he did not feel well after his match and collapsed during a post-match interview.
When Hirai was admitted to the hospital, initial reports stated that the All Japan Pro Wrestling star was diagnosed with a brain hemorrage, however the reports now state that Hirai suffered a stroke and has undergone surgery since. Hirai remains under round-the-clock care and has not regained consciousness since his surgery.
source: forceofwrestling.com
Rumor Mill - TNA Tries to Cover Up Reason for Terry Taylor's Departure
TNA Wrestling's announcement on May 23 that Terry Taylor, Director of Talent Relations, made the decision to leave the organization, is reportedly a cover excuse.
The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Taylor was fired by the organization on May 20. It is believed that he was let go due to allegations made against him in a lawsuit filed by a former performer.
The report adds that it may not necessarily be Shannon Spruill's (a/k/a Daffney) lawsuit against the organization, although his name was implicated.
Taylor and creative writer Vince Russo pressured Daffney into performing a spot at the October 18, 2009 pay-per-view event Bound for Glory in which she would go through a board covered with barbed wire, reasoning that it was important for the ongoing feud between Abyss and Mick Foley. Daffney, who was hesitant on the idea, was assured that she would be fine and taken care of. She agreed to perform the spot, which resulted in her being chokeslammed from the ring apron by Abyss onto a board covered with barbed wire. She suffered a concussion taking the maneuver and was taken to an Orlando area hospital via ambulance. Furthermore, Spike TV wouldn't allow TNA to air the spot during iMPACT! due to their policy on men-on-women violence.
Daffney's trip to the emergency room resulted in a substantial medical bill, which Taylor stalled TNA from paying and ultimately was not. The lawsuit also claims she was pressured to continue performing after suffering two additional concussions. She suffered a concussion after being hit on the head with a toolbox by Tara following their match on the February 18, 2010 episode of iMPACT!. On April 20, 2010, she was injured in a dark match against an obese green worker by the name of Miss Betsy and was taken to an Orlando area hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion, as well as a deeply bruised sternum and a severe stinger.
Chief Financial Officer Dean Broadhead will oversee contractual matters while former WWE executive Bruce Prichard will handle Taylor's remaining duties.
Rumor Mill - Major Return Tonight?
It is being reported that Triple H has been locally advertised for tonight's Raw in Omaha, NE. It should be noted that advertising for live events is planned well in advance.
This Day in Wrestling History
Joe Stecher defeats Stanislaus Zbyszko for the World's Heavyweight Wrestling Title in St. Louis, Missouri. It marks Stetcher's third World Title reign, but is not without controversy as Wayne Munn, who Zbyszko had won the title from, was still recognized as World Champion in Illinois and Michigan. Ed "Strangler" Lewis would later beat Stecher and Munn to unify the World Title.
May 30, 1925
Joe Silva defeats Adolfo Bonales to win the Mexico National Lightweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
May 30, 1943
Marshall Estep defeats Ken Fenelon for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Toronto, Iowa.
May 30, 1945
Jake "The Snake" Roberts (birth name Aurelian Jake Smith, Jr.) is born in Gainesville, Texas.
May 30, 1955
Killer Kowalski defeats Yvon Robert in Montreal, Quebec for the Montreal World Heavyweight Title, beginning his seventh reign and ending Yvon Robert's 16th.
May 30, 1956
Antonio Inoki defeats Andre the Giant by countout in Osaka, Japan to win the first-annual New Japan Pro Wrestling MSG League.
May 30, 1978
May 29, 2011
Averno has Signed with WWE, Expected to Drop his Mask at Jucio Final
Averno, one of the top rudos for CMLL for the half decade, has signed a contract with WWE. Averno is joining the US promotion to resume his feud with Misitco (now Sin Cara) as an unmasked heel. The plan was for him to lose his mask to La Mascara at June 17th’s Jucio Final, but plans may change as this news gets out. Multiple sources have confirmed to me both Averno’s signing and his imminent mask loss.
WWE has been unhappy with Sin Cara’s matches so far. Atypically, they’ve sought to resolve this by bringing in more agreeable opponents for him to work with. The story I was told is WWE went to Sin Cara and asked him that if he could work with anyone in the world, who would he most like to work with. Obviously, he picked his long time rival (and probably close friend) Averno. WWE earlier had Averno in for a tryout last October, the same tryout Mistico and Diamante were at (and which Durango Kid helped set up), but decided not to sign him at that time. Things have changed, and Averno secretly signed with WWE during their last tour of Mexico...More?
source: luchablog
Rumor Mill - Kevin Nash Says Hunter is Done
This guy on WF forums was at wrestling show yesterday and Kevin Nash did a Q&A and this is what he had to say about Hunter:
HHH is done (he said he just isn't interested in wrestling now as he is older and hurt and prefers the backroom side of things)
credit: Elbow_drop and M-L Forum
This Day in Wrestling History
The WCW World Heavyweight Title, which was still recovering from the David Arquette title reign a month earlier, followed by Vince Russo's stripping Ric Flair of the belt for no reason, took another blow in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kevin Nash, who defeated Jeff Jarrett for the belt six days earlier, announced he was just going to give the belt to Ric Flair, saying that Flair should never have been stripped of the belt to begin with. Flair accepted the title, then lost it to Jeff Jarrett that same night. So Flair's eighth reign with the WCW Title was started with Nash handing him the title, and ended less than two hours later with his loss to Jarrett. This would be Ric Flair's shortest title reign of record.
May 29, 2000
source: pwinsider.com
May 28, 2011
Randy Savage Tribute at the Washington Nationals Game
During the famous President's race at the Washington Nationals game on May 26th, Abe Lincoln won the race carrying Slim Jims in each hand, wearing a gigantic Macho Man hat and a pair of glasses. He then posed to Macho Man sound bytes after the race.
source: wrestleview.com
Details on the 11th Annual Harley Race Wrestling Camp
World League Wrestling proudly announces it’s 11th annual Harley Race Wrestling Camp. Established in 2000, this wrestling camp gives wrestlers from all over the world with many different levels of experience the chance to get advised by “The King” of professional wrestling, Harley Race. 2011’s camp will start Monday, October 17th and end on Friday, October 21st. Following the conclusion of the camp, there will be a show on Saturday, October 22nd located in Eldon, MO. Participants of the camp WILL have a chance to showcase their talents depending on approval from the camp instructors and Harley himself.
This Day in Wrestling History
NWA Vice President Bill Behrens strips Dan Severn of NWA World Title due to him not being available to defend it at the debut NWA-TNA ppv event.
May 28, 2002
May 27, 2011
Ric Flair's Management Releases Statement on Court Order
Ric Flair's manager Melinda Morris Zanoni released a statement regarding the court order issued yesterday
“This conditional Order is in respect of a Settlement Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Flair has until June 27, 2011 to comply, which he fully intends to do. This civil Order is not, and should in no way be construed as, Mr. Flair now being subject to arrest."
You can read the court order here.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
Vince McMahon Writes Article About Randy Savage
WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon has written an article on the late Randy Savage that will appear in the June 6th edition of TIME magazine:
"It's important in sports and it's important in entertainment to stand out. Randy knew that. Right away, he wanted to leave his mark, and to do that he was aware he had to make himself different from everyone else. One way he did this was concentrating on his outfits, those brightly colored costumes with foot long fringe that became his trademark. He brought to wrestling a unique look and style.
Randy, who died in a car crash May 20 at age 58, was one of the building blocks of what is now WWE (previously known as the World Wrestling Federation). He had a very unusual voice---remember his "snap into a Slim Jim. Oh, yeah!" commercials?--and was extremely charismatic. Perception is very important in this business, and he also had a very high opinion of himself, something he needed in a locker room full of performers who had been around for a while and had big personalities and followings--like Hulk Hogan. Today, Randy is remembered as one of wrestling's all time greats. No Question about it--he certainly was."
May 26, 2011
Arrest Warrant Issued for Ric Flair
TNA star Ric Flair was found in civil contempt earlier today during a hearing regarding Flair not adhering to a mediated Settlement Agreement in the lawsuit brought against him by online retailer Highspots.com. An order for Flair’s arrest was then issued in the County of Mecklenburg in North Carolina.
Hernandez Discusses his New TNA Faction - Mexican America
In 2004, as a member of Jeff Jarrett's Elite Guard, Shawn Hernandez was simply a follower. Flash forward to today, and Hernandez is the leader of Mexican America, a new faction that he says will soon be seen as the most dominant one in the company.
"You haven't seen anything like it," he told SLAM! Wrestling, about the foursome that also includes Sarita, Rosita and the newest member Anarquia. "It's the greatest. We bring so much on paper, and a lot more when we're out there. We will be the most dominant group in TNA."...More?
source: slam wrestling
Chyna Getting Back into Porn
Apparently, the earlier rumors of Chyna shooting a porn flick were true. TMZ.com posted the following:
It's been seven years since WWE superstar Chyna released her horrifying sex tape -- and TMZ has learned, she's making a triumphant return to the adult industry ... in an EXTREMELY graphic porno.
Vivid President Steve Hirsch tells TMZ, Chyna approached him months ago to breathe life into her XXX career -- demanding to work with the biggest male porn star in the business.
Steve did her one better ... and hooked her up with the TWO biggest male porn stars in the business -- Evan and Lee Stone -- and together, the threesome shot a gnarly skin flick ... tentatively called "Backdoor into Chyna."
The DVD is set for release in the near future.
May 25, 2011
Melina Suffers Injury
WWE Diva Layla announced on her official Twitter page that she has torn her ACL and MCL and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow. She is expected to miss approximately six months of action. Here is what Layla had to say:
"Well my knee injury is worse than I thought... I tore both my ACL and MCL. Having surgery tomorrow. I'm ready to heal and be stronger than ever!!!! Not gonna blame anyone yet for making it worse than after Michelle McCool and my match. Just need the time to heal. Thank you all for support always."
Before her segment with Michael Cole and Kharma on the 5/13 episode of SmackDown, Layla originally announced that she was injured as a result of her match with Michelle McCool.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
Kharma to Speak on Raw Next Week
The following was posted on WWE.com:
“Live on the next Raw, the WWE Universe will hear from the baleful behemoth, Kharma, about her unexpected emotional breakdown last Monday.”
Rumor Mill - The Undertaker Getting A New Position With WWE
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that The Undertaker may be taking a new position with WWE.
As his schedule of wrestling has greatly decreased and his active career as an in-ring performer is drawing closer, it is believed that he will take on a role with talent development.
Several people, including Sean Waltman in a recent video, have confirmed that The Undertaker was at FCW recently taking a look at talent.
As one source said, "It would be hard to find an opinion that is more respected when it comes to who can make it in this business than The Undertaker."
WZ reported several months ago about how HHH is in more control than ever and looking to overhaul the developmental system in WWE. The addition of The Undertaker being involved in scouting or working with talent would certainly fall in line with overhaul and improvement of developmental.
Audit that was Senate Issue Shows WWE Owing Around $7,000 in Unemployment
A state audit of WWE that was an issue in the hotly contested 2010 Connecticut Senate race ultimately found the professional wrestling company owes around $7,000 in underpaid unemployment compensation, according to a WWE attorney.
In a letter to the state Department of Labor's field audit unit, dated Monday and obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, the lawyer said Stamford-based WWE does not agree with the findings reached by the agency. But she said the company has decided reluctantly to pay the assessment for 2008 and 2009 to avoid further expenses.
"Given the small sums involved, compared against the costs of contesting your unilateral findings, WWE has determined it is most cost effective to simply pay the $7,316.64 assessment 'under protest,'" wrote attorney Mary A. Gambardella. WWE said it did not receive a fine or any penalty following the probe, which it said began in the summer of 2009.
The confidential audit, which the state labor department will not confirm or deny, came to light during the Senate race when former WWE CEO Linda McMahon ran as a Republican candidate. She was challenging then-Democratic Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for the seat held by former U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd...More?
source: dailyjournal.net
WrestleMania XXVII Buyrate
The WrestleMania 27 pay-per-view event received approximately 1,042,000 buys worldwide. WWE had originally estimated that the event would receive 1,000,000 buys.
This Day in Wrestling History
The Brian Pillman Memorial event is held in Cincinatti, OH at the Schmidt Field House. The card features the memorable Chris Benoit vs. William Regal match.
May 25, 2000
May 24, 2011
Rumor Mill - Kharma Written Off WWE TV Last Night
The Wrestling Observer is reporting that the Divas angle shot on WWE Raw last night was done as a way to write Kharma off WWE TV for awhile. For those who missed it Kharma, real name Kia Stevens, came out to the ring, was surrounded by the WWE Divas, and broke down crying. According to the report, Kharma will be off WWE television for 9 months. No other details are known at this time.
Variety Hosting Inaugural "Sports Entertainment" Summit, WWE Executive & UFC President Scheduled
Variety, the leading entertainment trade publication, has announced details on their inaugural "Sports Entertainment Summit" scheduled for July 14 in Los Angeles, Calif. at the Sofitel Hotel.
Naturally, WWE will be represented. Michelle Wilson, the executive VP of marketing, is advertised as a speaker. Also advertised is UFC president Dana White. Additional speakers will come from the NBA, NHL, ESPN, Facebook, Turner Sports, AEG, Reebok, DirecTV, and sports marketing firms.
The stated objective of the conference is to: "explore the growing power of sports as an entertainment experience, as improving technology helps fans stay in touch with games and athletes on a constant basis across multiple platforms. The Summit will assess how all parts of this industry including media companies, agents, sports organizations/franchises, and sponsors are working to take advantage of new opportunities to keep this business vibrant."
Stephanie McMahon on the Lisa Wexler Radio Show
Click here to listen. Stephanie discusses the issues surrounding the bullying problem.
WWE Legend Comments on McMahon's Issues with the Macho Man
One of "The Macho Man" Randy Savage's greatest rivals from the 80's, George "The Animal" Steele, was on Busted Open with Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca, which airs Mondays and Wednesdays at 2-4 PM ET on Sirius 92 and XM 207.
"That's been said a lot of different ways, and there's been a lot of different things said that are not true necessarily."
"I think that what happened with Randy, when his career was winding down with the WWF, Vince McMahon just loved Randy," he continued. "After all everything Randy had done and he took him under his wing, and he wanted Randy after the ring was over with for him, he wanted him to be our spokesperson. He was traveling with Vince all the time. Randy was almost like a son, they were really tight. And then one day, we were at a TV meeting, and we got word that Randy, without calling Vince, had left and jumped to the WCW."
"I had never seen Vince McMahon broken before, he was crushed. It hurt him big time and I don't think he ever got over that. I think that's the real problem to be honest with you. I heard all this other stuff that I think is garbage when it comes to Randy and relationships with daughters and all that stuff... I don't think that's anywhere's close to the truth."
source: lordsofpain.net
May 23, 2011
New WWE Tag Team Champions
Michael McGillicutty and David Otunga of Nexus are the new WWE Tag Team Champions. They defeated Kane and Big Show on tonight’s RAW with help from their Nexus partners CM Punk and Mason Ryan.
WWE After Vince
Justin LeBar of Wrestlezone.com contemplated how the WWE will run if Triple H assumes more control over the company:
I think developmental will be better than what it has been in the past 6 or 7 years. Triple H will bring and already is more of his own judgment in to signing and developing guys. He will also bring people in who are good at helping identify talent and working on making them better. Its like building a baseball team, gotta have a good minor league system. You improve developmental and you get better matches and promos cause the talent is just naturally better due to the way they are taught. In terms of the content, I would imagine that the content would be a bit more lose but I don't think its gonna be as crazy as the late 90's.
Raw Roulette Returning
WWE is running local ads in the Las Vegas market advertising the Raw Roulette theme for the June 27th double Raw TV tapings.
Rumor Mill - John Cena to Feud with CM Punk
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that a prominent member of the WWE staff claims John Cena is pushing for a feud with CM Punk. Cena is a big fan of Punk's, and thought WWE could have gotten a lot more out of Punk during his run with Randy Orton.
With Punk reportedly in a contract dispute with WWE (his contract expires at the end of the Summer, and he has not elected to sign a new agreement), Cena went to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon with a similar pitch to how Cena worked Chris Jericho's final program when Jericho first took a leave of absence from WWE.
While WWE hopes Punk will eventually stay with the company, it looks like his exit will come at the hands of John Cena should he decide to leave.
Of course, with Punk being in a feud with "The Champ," WWE has the option to offer Punk a title run in order to sweeten the offer for him to stay.
"This is going to be interesting to watch," another key WWE insider told WZ this evening, "Punk is very smart, and Cena understands WWE politics better than anyone other than HHH and Undertaker. A feud between the two of them may be the smartest thing WWE can do to get Punk to stay."
This Day in Wrestling History - Owen Hart Passes Away
Owen Hart died in a tragic fall during the WWF(E) PPV "Over the Edge"
May 22, 2011
WWE Creative Insight: Former Writer Describes Pitfalls of WWE System vs. Actual TV Industry, Working With McMahon, Cult-Like Environment
Former WWE writer Larry Mollin shared unique insight into WWE's attempt to be an entertainment company, but not having the system in-place to execute it during an interview on Dave Lagana's "I Want Wrestling" podcast series. (IWantWrestling.com to download the podcast.)
Mollin, in his mid-60s and with a strong resume of industry experience, painted a picture of WWE trying to be like a Hollywood production with their weekly TV shows, but not having the infrastructure, discipline, or long-term planning to achieve that goal.
Mollin, whose chief experience was executive producer on "Beverly Hills: 90210," said the staff on 90210 had their own "WrestleManias" building to specific episodes during sweeps periods, but they planned those out and filmed the episodes months in advance.
Whereas, Mollin shared that WWE - as a self-described entertainment company trying to be like a Hollywood production - tries to get from WrestleMania to WrestleMania as part of their seasonal structure, but the lack of long-term planning undercuts the process.
WWE Over the Limit PPV Results 2011
WWE Over the Limit starts with Randy Savage "In Memory" graphic.
Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth
Winner: R-Truth
Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett vs. Ezekiel Jackson
Winner: Wade Barrett(c)
Sin Cara vs. Chavo Guerrero
Winner: Sin Cara
WWE Tag Team Champions Big Show & Kane vs. CM Punk & Mason Ryan
Winners: Big Show & Kane(c)
Divas Champion Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly
Winner: Brie Bella(c)
World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton vs. Christian
Winner: Randy Orton(c)
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole (Kiss My Foot Match)
Winner: Jerry Lawler. Bret Hart makes an appearance and puts Michael Cole in the sharpshooter.
WWE Champion John Cena vs. The Miz (“I Quit” Match)
Winner: John Cena(c)
ROH Available on Baltimore Stations in September
After the sale of Ring of Honor to Sinclair Broadcast Group, we will now be able to see ROH on Baltimore stations WNUV Channel 40 (CW) and WBFF Channel 45 (Fox).
Sinclair Broadcast Group
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Brian Pillman
May 22, 1962
Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna for the WWWF(WWE) Tag Team title.
May 22, 1972
Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
May 22, 1989
Vince Russo strips Ric Flair of WCW World Title, awarding it to Jeff Jarrett.
May 22, 2000
May 21, 2011
Complete Details on Ring of Honor Sale and TV Deal
Ring of Honor Wrestling owner, Cary Silkin, announced today the sale of the promotion to Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest television broadcasters in the country and which owns and operates, programs, or provides sales services to 58 television stations in 35 markets across the United States.
ROH, currently the third largest wrestling promotion in the country, just celebrated its ninth anniversary, and Mr. Silkin is excited about taking the next step towards increasing the company's visibility and expanding its operations.
"We have been waiting for and working for this opportunity for quite some time", he said, "and of our 9 years in business, there has been no better roster of wrestlers than this one to expose the ROH product to the masses. With Sinclair's resources and many avenues of distribution, we believe many new fans around the world will be as captivated as those who have followed Ring of Honor over the years."
Update on the WWE/Road Warrior Animal Situation
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that at TNA's house show event in Amsterdam, NY, Road Warrior Animal and Paul Ellering made a surprise appearance as inductees into the 10th annual Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame along with Nick Bockwinkel, Billy Robinson, JJ Dillon, Dick Whoerle, Larry Sharpe, Ray Apollo, (yes, dressed as Doink, surprisingly) Butcher Vachon, Pete Sanchez, Intelligent Sensational Destroyer and Dominick DeNucci.
As previously reported, Animal was pulled from this weekend's WWE House Show events in Canada due to the perception that he took a shot at the WWE Wellness Policy during a recent interview.
According to several backstage sources in TNA, Jeff Jarrett and other officials were elated that they "stole" Animal and Ellering away from WWE and feel that they've "one-upped the competition."
Road Warrior Animal, real name Joe Laurinaitis, is the brother of WWE Vice President of Talent Relations Johnny "Ace" Laurinaitis, and news of Animal appearing at a TNA live event surely will not sit well with WWE management.
The move by TNA to bring in Animal and Ellering is the second of two recent shots the company has taken at WWE, with the first being the move to purchase billboard space in Stamford, CT, the home of WWE headquarters.
Photos
Low Ki Re-Emerges as a Major International Star; Details
"After spending 2 years in The Land of Make Believe, it felt great to be back in the real world, where people can value true skill!"
So said perhaps the most controversial independent wrestler of the past decade, Low Ki, who spent two years in the WWE system as "Kaval."
The globally-respected cruiserweight (or "Junior Heavyweight" in Japan) returned to the spotlight during New Japan Pro Wrestling's Northeast United States Tour last week, where "The World Warrior" scored a major victory by pinning Tiger Mask during a tag team match on the 1st night of the tour.
Ki teamed with former TNA standout Homicide to defeat Tiger Mask and the legendary Jushin "Thunder" Lyger. At the 10:41 mark into the match, Ki pinned Tiger Mask after nailing a picture perfect Ki Crusher.
This, of course, puts him in line for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, which he proudly held as the 55th champion from September 2008 to January 2009. "It's my goal to be champion again," Ki stated this afternoon, "I want to be a champion that goes down in history for bringing the most honor and prestige to the title! It's the champion who makes the championship, not the other way around!"
source: wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title
May 21, 1982
Triple H defeated the Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
May 21, 2000
Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho defeated Steve Austin & Triple H for the WWF(E) Tag Team title
May 21, 2001
May 20, 2011
Road Warrior Animal Pulled From WWE Live Events
WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal was recently pulled as the upcoming host of WWE Raw live events in Canada due to the company perceiving comments he made during a recent interview as a shot towards the Wellness Policy. In a new interview with KFAN.com, Animal said that his comments were taken out of context by a professional wrestling website and used erroneously for the website's own gain. He went on to say that he has since smoothed things over with WWE, however will not be appearing at the live events in Canada.
source: wrestlezone.com
Terry Taylor Fired From TNA
Terry Taylor, who had held the position of the head of Talent Relations in TNA, was released from his position with TNA today. There are no details on what led up to his release, but it has been confirmed that ex-WWE employee Bruce Pritchard will take over some of the duties of Taylor's former position, while Dean Broadhead will handle the contractual part of the position.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
Macho Man Randy Savage Killed in a Car Accident
Macho Man Randy Savage -- one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time -- died today in a car accident in Tampa, Florida ... TMZ has learned. TMZ spoke with Randy's brother, Lanny Poffo , who tells us the wrestling legend suffered a heart attack while...More?
source: tmz.com
WWE Debuts in Poland on November 11th
WWE will be holding an event at the Ergo Arena in Gdansk, Poland on November 11th, 2011. Bell time is 8 PM. Tickets go on sale May 23rd, 2011 at noon.
Long Time WWE Supporter Resigns From NBC Sports; Details
Legendary NBC personality, and a name widely recognized as a contributor to the success of WWE, Dick Ebersol, has abruptly resigned from NBC Sports after contract negotiations collapsed...More?
source: nytimes.com
New FCW Champion Crowned
PWInsider.com is reporting that Bo Rotundo (son of Mike Rotunda) defeated Lucky Cannon at last night's FCW taping to become the new Florida Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.
This Day in Wrestling History
Promoter Frank Tunny died of a heart attack
May 20, 1983
Kane defeated Triple H for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title
May 20, 2001
May 19, 2011
"Tough Enough" Cast at FCW TV Taping Tonight
Booker T, Bill DeMott and the cast of "Tough Enough" will be appearing at tonight's WWE Florida Championship Wrestling TV tapings in Tampa, FL.
Raw still highest rated show on cable despite drop
Despite this past week's 5/16 WWE Monday Night Raw seeing a ratings drop down (dropping from a 3.2 to a 3.08 with 4.7 million viewers), it still remained the highest rated show on cable that night.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Andre the Giant
May 19, 1946
Nick Bockwinkel named AWA Heavyweight Champion as he was #1 contender when Verne Gagne retired.
May 19, 1981
The Undertaker defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWE Unified Heavyweight title
May 19, 2002
May 18, 2011
A Closer Look at the New Head of WWE Talent Development
A review of WWE's CFO George Barrios's presentation at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on May 16th reveals more insight on Triple H's new role. Hunter is responsible for developing new characters and the "core competencies" (as it relates to talent development) that the WWE has been referring to lately. Apparently, when Hunter said he was "trying to learn marketing and other aspects of the business" he was talking about these "core competencies". CFO Barrios stated at the Conference that Hunter's role was a liaison between new talent and TV production trying to bridge the gap as a "talent coordinator and developer."
Hunter is listed on page 18 of the presentation as Senior Vice President, Talent Development noting that he has 15+ years with WWE. He is not an officer or director of the company and is therefore not listed under Governance on the company website. He is however considered a member of Senior Management.
An interesting note is that John Laurinaitis, EVP Talent Relations, is listed as an officer of the company, but is not listed as a part of the management team at the Conference, was not included as a part of senior management at the Annual Shareholders Meeting (Triple H was introduced as Senior Advisor to the Chairman's Office at that meeting) and was not present at the Global Business Partner Summit held before WrestleMania XXVII. Triple H made a presentation to WWE's business and sponsorship partners about the new Talent Development department at the Summit.
A Look at the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
On Saturday, May 21, the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame will host its annual Fan Fest at the Brotherhood of the Holy Ghost Charity Hall in East Providence, Rhode Island. The building is on 59 Brightridge Ave. The fan fest runs from 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be a Q and A from 1:15-2:15 p.m. The Hall of Fame induction, hosted by Bruen and WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.
Inductees this year are names you’ve heard of and perhaps some you haven’t. The 2011 class is WWE Hall of Famers Chief Jay Strongbow and Tito Santana, Rick Martel, Samu Anoa’i, Jameson (receiving Wrestling’s Most Entertaining Personality Award), Georgiann Makropoulos, Ebony Blade, Dave Dwinell, wrestling historian Tom Burke, Irish Terry Gunn, T.J. Richter, John Callahan, Tony Roy, “Superstar” Richard Byrnes, The Lake Sisters — Ann and Ruth, Tony Santos Sr., Tony Santos Jr., “Real Deal” Joel Davis, “Fabulous” Johnny Vegas, “The Flying Frenchman” Gene Machain, Sean & Tim O’Reilly, and Kyle & Matt Storm...More?
source: poughkeepsiejournal.com
Judy Grable a High-Flying Hall of Fame Inductee
Best known as "The Barefoot Contessa" for her lack of footwear, Judy Grable was one of the highest-flying of the women wrestlers of the 1950s and 1960s. In May, she gets her due, and will be inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, NY...More?
source: slam wrestling
Pro Wrestling Drama Wins Big in Off Broadway OBIE Awards
Kristoffer Diaz' "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" an Off-Broadway drama about race and how it is portrayed in the world of professional wrestling was named the Best New American Play in the 2011 OBIE Awards, a prestigious theater awards ceremony in New York City.
Major Change to WWE Talent Contracts
Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com is reporting that WWE has made a significant change to their talent contracts. The company now requires performers to purchase and maintain their own medical insurance before they can sign with the company - WWE will not be picking up the cost of any insurance.
WWE does cover the cost of injury sustained in the ring that may require any surgeries and also covers substance abuse of talent under contract or those previously employed with the company.
In contrast UFC has recently offered all their fighters medical insurance. The word is the WWE amendment is not a knee jerk reaction to what UFC has implemented.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
Rumor Mill - Triple H at Money In The Bank?
WWE sent out an email today concerning their Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, which will take place in July. In the email, Triple H is advertised to appear at the event.
An Opinion on TNA's Rebranding
The rebranding of TNA as IMPACT is smart. TNA was a Russo/Terry Taylor-type pun that BACKFIRED. Advertisers thought TNA meant T n’ A, breasts and posterior. TNA actually picked a company name that was counterproductive. How stupid can you get?
But erecting IMPACT billboards in Stamford, CT, the home of WWE…that’s pretty stupid, too. You tweak the opposition if you’re No. 2 and closing the gap. IMPACT isn’t closing the gap. The mosquito can’t initiate a confrontation with the elephant. The mosquito just looks silly.
Then gets crushed.
source: mark madden wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Superfly Jimmy Snuka
May 18, 1943
Christian eliminated Booker T in a Battle Royal at Judgment Day to capture the newly reinstated WWE Intercontinental Title.
May 18, 2003
May 17, 2011
Steve Austin to Appear on Back-To-Back WWE Raw Shows
Stone Cold Steve Austin is being advertised to appear on the June 13th edition of WWE Raw being broadcast from The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, NY.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Austin is also booked to appear on the previous week's edition of Raw on June 6th to announce the winner of the WWE Tough Enough competition.
Rumor Mill - Sean Waltman Returning to WWE
The Score's Arda Ocal is reporting that ex-WWE Superstar Sean Waltman, aka X-Pac, has confirmed that he will make his return to the company in some capacity "very soon". Waltman has reportedly been assisting Kevin Nash and Undertaker with talent scouting, as well as helping talent work "main event style."
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
New TNA Championship
At last night's taping, TNA started a tournament for the first-ever Xplosion championship with the idea that the champion would be able to challenge any champion on Impact.
pwinsider.com
Update on Desmond Wolfe
Desmond Wolfe returned at last night's Impact taping in a new role as the Commissioner of TNA's Xplosion series, which makes sense for the overseas markets.
source: pwinider.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Bruno Sammartino defeats Buddy Rogers for the (WWWF)WWE Championship at Madison Square Garden.
May 17, 1963
Vince McMahon Sr. died of cancer at 69.
May 17, 1984
Marty Jannetty defeated Shawn Michaels for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
May 17, 1993
"British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith died of a heart attack at 39.
May 17, 2002
May 16, 2011
Kurt Angle Says Jeff Hardy's Been Clean For A Month
Busted Open satellite radio show with Kurt Angle:
Angle on the Jeff Hardy incident at the end of the Victory Road PPV: "That was an unfortunate situation where I think Jeff realizes it now. Whatever he did...this is something that’s been talked about many times. Jeff made a mistake. If he was going to take any form of, let’s say, sleep medication... he probably should’ve waited an hour before he did that. Jeff made a bad decision and he’s learned from it.
"Jeff has been clean for the last month and he wants to come back and he’s ready to come back and I believe that he won’t make that mistake it again. But it did happen. I felt really bad. I felt bad for TNA, I felt bad for Jeff, I felt bad for the company. Jeff Hardy is an amazing wrestler. I have nothing bad to say about him, actually I love the kid. I wrestled Jeff at his best and I wrestled Jeff at his worst, and it’s night and day."
Full interview
Tickets for Urban Wrestling Federation's Debut in NYC Now on Sale
The debut ppv taping for the Urban Wrestling Federation on June 3rd in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom officially went on sale this morning via Ticketmaster, priced at $85 down to $15. For more information, visit this link.
source: pwinsider.com
Hulk Hogan Says TNA's Problem Is Spike TV Awareness
Hulk Hogan made an appearance on "The LAW" radio show where he discussed a problem he is setting with Spike TV not being available in enough homes in his opinion, which is why TNA seems to struggle with getting its TV audience to buy PPV.
"A lot of it has to do with awareness and the fact that we can get to the people. If I go into my hotel room in Chicago there are certain cable networks that are on like USA Network - there is no Spike TV. I mean a lot of it depends on who you can get to and who you can reach there is a lot more than 'the fans aren't buying it' there is more to the equation and that's a very shallow statement and that's not a fact. The people that see it are buying it, there just aren't enough people seeing it. That's what it is - it's creating awareness, a marketing plan we have to work with Spike TV and boost them up the ladder. I don't know how many cable networks there are in the States if it's 25 or 35 but in the paper it shows you who the top ten are so if we can get Spike up to that number one position the whole equation would change on how many people are buying it and change the equation and someone wouldn't say 'no one is buying it' well the people that are seeing it are buying it so it's creating that awareness to make people more aware that the product is there and that they can get it and when they walk into a hotel in Brantford that Spike is available."
On a side note, as of January 2011, Spike TV was available in 99.5 million homes - or 85.8% of the country. In comparison, USA Network is available in 99.95 million homes - or 86.2% of the country.
source: john pollock, the law
