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June 30, 2011
Rumor Mill - Triple H's Advice For Sin Cara
According to a WWE source, Triple H and Sin Cara recently had a long backstage conversation where "H" told Cara to come to him if he had any problems or if there was anyone on the roster that he wanted to work with. The source notes that Triple H has basically taken Sin Cara under his wing.
Several WWE talents are against the idea of working against Sin Cara due to the lighting WWE features during his matches.
source: wrestling observer
Rumor Mill - Paul Heyman & Brock Lesnar Working with WWE
Ariel Helwani and Dave Meltzer are reporting that Heyman and Lesnar have either made a deal or at least are in very serious negotiations to have a business relationship involving consumer products with WWE.
New Wrestling-Themed Movie Set To Air On CMT In August
Long-time television actor Ricky Schroder will share the CMT movie spotlight with Broadway star and Mercury Nashville recording artist Laura Bell Bundy in the romantic comedy "To The Mat," premiering Wednesday, August 17 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT. "To The Mat" is the first made-for-television movie to be released as part of the CMT ORIGINAL MOVIES franchise, the network's newly-formed division of original television movies.
Toxicology Results for Randy Savage
Macho Man Randy Savage died from a serious "cardiac event" he suffered moments before plowing his car into a tree last month -- this according to the Pinellas County Medical Examiner.
According to the medical examiner, Savage suffered from cardiovascular disease -- and the deadly "cardiac event" resulted from the condition.
According to the toxicology report, Savage tested positive for alcohol and hydrocodone (an opiate) during the time of his death ... but neither played a role in his death.
As we previously reported, the wrestler's brother said Savage experienced a heart attack before the accident -- and that's what caused him to lose control of his vehicle on a Florida highway and slam into a tree.
source: tmz.com
Video: Triple H & Stephanie McMahon on Bloomberg Enterprise
Recap of WWE Executives on Bloomberg TV by John Canton of thejohnreport.net:
Melissa Long asked Triple H of his role in WWE: “What are you?” “A little bit of everything,” says HHH. He says he can be a superstar, a corporate executive (even though it’s awkward for him to say that) or backstage helping create new talent. He can also be directing, producing, helping write. Stephanie helped him say all those things. He said that it’s part of the business and company to be involved in a lot of different things.
- It was mentioned that since April he’s been leading the talent development team. He said he looks for charisma & personality. He says the business is like a puzzle where you have to be a wrestler, performer, talker, ad-liber and then ha that charisma, larger than life character. He thinks charisma is that biggest x-factor. You can’t always teach somebody that.
- Melissa talked about WWE’s global appeal by specifically mentioning Sin Cara. Hunter says Sin Cara is an amazing talent. He wears a facemask with no eyes, but he can see through it. That’s a secret, he says. It’s part of talent development – the group he’s heading up – to create stars globally.
Triple H: “In every corner of the world people know what we do.”...More?
Concussions Retire Hockey Star
Paul Kariya never saw Scott Stevens coming, but he did foretell his own demise.
“There’s too much of a lack of respect players have for one another — and it’s got to stop,” said Kariya. “If the league wants to stop that kind of conduct, it will have to punish players. ... Ten-game suspensions ... and more, have to be brought back to help wake up players, to teach them about having respect for one another.”
Kariya could have made that statement when he retired Wednesday because of concussion problems after 15 years in hockey — and he did make some like it — but that quote is actually from a Sporting News article in the summer of ’98...More?
source: thestar.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 be released from the company a year later in November of 2004.
June 30, 2003
June 29, 2011
Randy Orton Comments On His Heat With The Rock And WWE Mgmt Believing He Publicly Criticized Triple H
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton participated in an interview with Phoenix, Arizona based rock station 98KUPD promoting this week's SmackDown tapings:
Orton shared a story of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson trying to get him in trouble prior to WrestleMania. Orton said he gave his opinion on The Rock during an interview with ESPN—that he wasn't buying his return speech about returning to WWE and never leaving again. Orton said Johnson called management and claimed the WWE Superstar slammed him and Triple H in the interview. Orton feels Rock mentioned Triple H to grab their attention even though he didn't criticize "The Game" in the interview. Orton said he had "got in trouble" and "made Vince mad" for his statements. He feels the interview was "blown out of proportion" and that Johnson should have confronted him over his remarks, rather than complaining to Vince McMahon and management.
Orton referenced Hunter's possible ring-rust in the ESPN interview. You can read the remarks and the remarks about The Rock by clicking on the link.
Derek Foore Will Get a Shot at WWE Glory
Derek Foore thought it was a joke. He listened to the voicemail, shook his head and then laughed at the shenanigans.
Surely one of his college buddies was putting him on and it really wasn’t Jerry Brisco of World Wrestling Entertainment calling him to inquire about possibly joining the organization. Then a text message and e-mail from Brisco came. Yes, that Jerry Brisco.
“After I came back down to earth, I was trying to figure out what I could say. I was nervous. I was writing notes down, trying to think of what I was going to do when I called him. Then I was like, ‘I’m just going to wing it.’ When I called him, all the butterflies went away.”
As it turns out, Brisco was in attendance in early March to see Foore — Medina County’s winningest prep wrestler — finish second at nationals.
While Foore didn’t come home from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with the medal he was looking for — he won a national title as a junior — he gained the interest of the biggest recruiter from the largest professional wrestling organization in the world.
Pleased with how Foore carried himself after a tough 2-1 loss in the finals at 197 pounds, Brisco did the legwork and went through the proper channels to obtain the phone number of the Notre Dame Falcon.
“He told me what he liked about me and my character,” Foore said of Brisco, who stays in contact with him at least two times a week. “He liked the way I handled myself, win or lose. He said character will carry me a long way.
“Honestly, I was just excited to talk to him. It doesn’t happen to a lot of people, and to be noticed in Iowa, it was like, ‘Wow, is this real?’”
What came next was even more unreal. While most would-be WWE stars pay their dues — as well as exorbitant amounts of money on acting classes and wrestling camps — Foore is different.
He’ll travel to Tampa Bay, Fla., the site of the WWE’s training facility, on the company’s dime. Foore will be there for two weeks, all expenses paid. He’ll learn the ins and outs, get a physical and go through some skits. He’ll stand up to vigorous workouts to see if he has what it takes, all while being recorded...More?
source: medinagazette.northcoastnow.com
Alberto Del Rio Comments on the Origin of his Character, More
“Alberto Del Rio is something Vince McMahon and I created,” he noted. “We created this character. He came up with the idea of the scarf, the cars and everything. However, I developed the character from guys from the movies like ‘Scarface’ and ‘The Godfather’ or guys who I hated during my life.”...More?
source: miamiherald.com
"Formerly Creative" Looks at the CM Punk Promo
Six minutes and twenty five seconds. That's how long it took CM Punk to turn the wrestling world on its ear. The questions – "who knew", "who didn't know", and "what was real" are all there right now. Is this the launch of a new era for WWE? Is this the AUSTIN 3:16 of this generation? Or is this a promo that will sell one PPV and then never be talked about again?
In this new Formerly Creative Podcast I assemble a few of the former WWE Creative Team Members – Alex Greenfield, Andrew Goldstein and John Carle. We all were excited to hop on the line and talk about this. That's what is so great about the six minutes and twenty five seconds from Monday Night. Listen to our excitement in this podcast at IWantWrestling.com or subscribe on iTunes.
June 28, 2011
Triple H Will Be At SummerSlam Axxess 2011
Saturday, August 13:
• Meet WWE Superstar The Miz from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Meet WWE Superstar Triple H from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Meet WWE Superstar Randy Orton from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Meet WWE Superstar John Cena from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Click here for more info.
Hulk Hogan Gets In Trouble For Speaking Too Soon
On Bubba the Love Sponge's radio show Hulk Hogan noted that he got in trouble for tweeting that Impact Wrestling would be taping every other show outside of the Impact Wrestling Zone from August. This announcement was incorrect on his part as they only plan to test the proposed schedule and nothing is set in stone.
Linda Hogan: "I Was Afraid Hulk Was Gonna Kill Me!"
Linda Hogan appeared on NBC's "Today" show promoting her new book, commenting on her marriage with Hulk Hogan, his alleged drug use and fearing for her life.
Hulk Hogan's response - Linda is 'Delusional'
WWE Posts Official Update On CM Punk's Suspension
As of Tuesday, June 28, WWE and CM Punk have reached an agreement that Punk will fulfill his non-televised live event obligations for the remainder of his contract, through July 17. Furthermore, both sides have mutually agreed not to disparage one another.
This Day in Wrestling History
Frank Gotch wrestles his first match since April 1913, defeating Henry Ordemann in Humboldt, Iowa.
June 28, 1915
In a memorable moment Jimmy Snuka does a cross body dive off the top of a steel cage in Madison Square Garden. Snuka missed the cross body, which allowed Bob Backlund to climb out of the cage and win the match.
June 28, 1982
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, 2011
Rumor Mill - Backstage Reaction to CM Punk's Raw Promo
While some people backstage knew it was coming, CM Punk's shoot promo on Monday Night Raw certainly had everyone buzzing. When Punk started talking about being "a Paul Heyman guy," and referenced controversial, past WWE names like Brock Lesnar, many wrestlers watching on the monitor were said to be "simply and solidly stunned" according to one WWE Superstar we spoke with, and several others were trying to find out Talent Exec John Laurinaitis' reaction as well.
While no one believes Punk went into business for himself, the majority of the Raw locker room was said to be "in shock" (according to one source in production) over how strong the shoot promo was, and the delivery.
source: wrestlezone.com
WWE "Suspends" CM Punk Following Tonight's Raw
From wwe.com:
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon suspends CM Punk
Raw’s abrupt conclusion Monday night was not due to technical difficulties. The decision to suddenly end the broadcast in that manner was made by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, who gave this quote to WWE.com:
“CM Punk was suspended indefinitely for his unprofessional conduct as soon as Raw went off the air.”
With his WWE contract expiring on July 17, one can only assume that this suspension effectively terminates CM Punk’s tenure with WWE.
Update on Jeff Hardy's Drug Case
Prosecutors hope to wrap up the drug case against professional wrestler Jeff Hardy this week.
A judge Monday was supposed to hear the results of a review of whether Hardy should be accepted into an inpatient substance abuse addiction program in lieu of jail time. However, the hearing was postponed because of scheduling conflicts with a civil case that needs to use the courtroom.
Assistant District Attorney Warren McSweeney said Judge James Webb put the case on stand-by, and Hardy is likely to be called back to court some time Thursday.
In April, Hardy's lawyer said his client was working with Moore County's Sentencing Services program to pursue a treatment program as an alternative to serving jail time.
At Hardy's last court hearing, Becky Carlson, the county's sentencing services administrator, told the judge Hardy was borderline in his need for a 28-day inpatient treatment program, though she had only formed an initial opinion...More?
source: fayobserver.com
Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team Sign With ROH
ROH officials are excited to announce that the ROH World Tag Team Champions Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin, collectively known as Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team, have signed their names on the dotted line and are officially under contract to Ring of Honor Wrestling!...More?
source: rohwrestling.com
WWE and MDA to Recognize Youth Volunteers
WWE and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today announced a summer initiative to recognize kids and teens, ages 6-17, who have demonstrated a significant commitment to MDA or supported those with muscular dystrophy or any of the 43 related diseases in MDA’s program.
“I am truly inspired by the dedication of volunteers who help individuals with muscular dystrophy persevere and overcome the challenges of this debilitating disease,” stated WWE Superstar Triple H®, Ambassador for MDA’s Make A Muscle, Make A Difference Campaign. “We hope this initiative will inspire young people across the United States to make a difference in lives of those affected by muscular dystrophy.”...More?
Rumor Mill - Triple H on the "Fast Track"
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that many wrestlers are watching what is being called "the fast track" WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has placed Triple H on, and many are wondering if WWE under HHH and Stephanie McMahon will be wrestler-friendly or an invitation for factions like The Kliq.
"HHH assigning Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman to developmental is a controversial move," a key WWE insider told us, "the jury is still out on how HHH will differ from Vince, or if WWE will be business as usual."
Rumor Mill - Kings of Wrestling Status with ROH
It was previously reported that the Kings of Wrestling (Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero) recently had a private try out with WWE officials. WWE officials were impressed, and extended the former Ring of Honor tag team champions contract offers. They also have offers on the table from Ring of Honor, and the company wanted all long-terms deals to be signed yesterday, so that future booking plans could be implemented. According to Dave Meltzer, it is believed the tag team did not sign with ROH, and the assumption was that they are leaning towards signing with WWE.
Impact Wrestling To Begin Taping Outside Impact Zone
According to Hulk Hogan via his twitter page Impact Wrestling is set to begin taping outside of the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. The Hulkster tweeted "Can't wait till August and we start going on the road every other taping." This move to go into new markets has been considered by the company for some time.
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, 2011
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, 2011
Resolution to the Highspots vs. Ric Flair Lawsuit
The Highspots Facebook page has noted that TNA star Ric Flair's $35,000 judgment has been paid to the wrestling retailer, therefore Flair will avoid jail time.
"Whichever Angel pitched in the $ for him THANK YOU," reads the Highspots Facebook page post, seeming to imply that someone other than Flair paid the judgment.
Flair had an order issued for his arrest on May 25th, due to non-payment of a court settlement of $35,000 that Flair had to pay Highspots by June 27th, 2011, or he could have faced jail time.
source: wrestlezone.com
Chavo Guerrero Released
From WWE.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of WWE SmackDown Superstar Chavo Guerrero as of today, June 25, 2011. We wish Guerrero the best in all future endeavors.
Chavo Guerrero Speaks Out On His Release
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, 2011
Bloomberg Enterprise Preview: WWE and Stephanie McMahon
In an exclusive tour of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.'s headquarters, Stephanie McMahon shows off one of the famous props worn by WWE superstar (and Stephanie's husband) Triple H. Watch the full episode Wed, 6/29, 9P ET/PT.
Bloomberg Enterprise Preview: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.'s executive vice president of Creative Development and Operations(and the boss's daughter) and her husband Paul "Triple H" Levesque, a wrestling superstar and the new head of Talent Development discuss why wrestling has a global appeal with Bloomberg's Melissa Long. Watch the full episode Wed, 6/29, 9P ET/PT.
Rumor Mill - Tough Enough's Andy Ripped Backstage
After the Tough Enough finale part of RAW a few weeks back, WWE's John Laurinaitis ripped into Andy Leavine for about five minutes about how Leavine sh## on everything Vince McMahon and Steve Austin have done for the business, and about how he was a piece of crap who will never amount to anything in the business. Laurinaitis was mad because they felt Andy should have stayed down longer after the slap from Vince and the Stunner from Austin.
source: wrestling observer
Interview with Chikara’s Mike Quackenbush
To the general public, Vince McMahon’s WWE is professional wrestling, and professional wrestling is the demented love child of NASCAR and Days Of Our Lives. Both assumptions are wrong, though. There is something silly about would-be juggernauts wearing next to nothing and dishing out choreographed offense to each other, but couldn’t the same be said for so many other things?
Based out of Philadelphia, independent wrestling federation Chikara is the anti-WWE. Chikara doesn’t hide from the surface-level goofiness—rather, the federation embraces it while retaining a fast-paced artfulness that sweeps the floor with the competition. The A.V. Club asked founder and frequent grappler Mike Quackenbush why Chikara is wrestling for skeptics.
The A.V. Club: What was your inspiration in creating Chikara?
Mike Quackenbush: To irritate wrestling traditionalists that still think we’re still hustling marks for a buck at a carnival. To make pro wrestling more like the live-action comic book I always thought it was, and less like a commercial for GNC supplements. Also, to ensure I’d have the best stories at my high school reunion...More?
Al Gore Reveals his Love of Pro Wrestling
The one constant criticism of Gore, be it as Vice President, then as the Democratic Presidential Nominee, and finally as an environmental advocate, has been his "wooden" persona. For some, Gore seemed too cold and intellectual to connect to the masses. Perhaps this has all changed with his new Rolling Stone article entitled "Climate of Change".
Describing his disagreements with how the media has been reporting about climate change, he has turned to the metaphor of professional wrestling to help piledrive his point home.
Unlike other politicians who sometimes use pro wrestling in a negative context, as Hilary Clinton did in a recent speech slamming wrestling [U.S. Secretary of State Clinton slams pro wrestling for being anti-American], Gore reveals with heartfelt passion the awe and wonder he felt at watching pro wrestling live as as child in Elmswood, Tennessee...More?
source: slam wrestling
WWE's Big DVD Project
Jim Ross announced that he interviewed Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart for several hours today in Stamford, CT for a DVD project that will be released this October. Pwinsider is reporting that the DVD is on the Montreal Screwjob and the issues between Bret and Michaels.
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, 2011
Daniel Bryan Promoting the Vegan Lifestyle
“As a WWE Superstar, staying healthy and having a lot of energy helps me succeed in the ring—that’s why I choose to be a vegan,” says Daniel Bryan in his brand-new pro-vegan ad for peta2, PETA’s youth division. At 198 muscular pounds, Bryan is in the best shape of life—and he says it’s all because of his plant-based diet.
In an exclusive Q&A with peta2, Bryan explained that chronic health problems since childhood led his doctor to suggest that Bryan go vegan. Now, a year later, Bryan says, “[T]his whole year, my energy levels have been great. … I’m stronger right now than I’ve ever been … I’m dead-lifting more than I ever have before.”
Yokozuna Memorial II This October
Rodney Anoa’i, better known to the wrestling world as The Mighty Yokozuna, was one of the greatest Superstars in WWE history. Heralded as one of the best big men EVER in the sport, he possessed unmatched agility for a man of his size.
Inside the ring he dominated the ranks of the WWE defeating the likes of Lex Luger, Bret The Hitman Hart, Hulk Hogan and countless others during his reign as Champion. Outside of the ring he was one of the most likable personalities in the eyes of his peers and fans alike. The wrestling world mourned the loss of Yokozuna in 2000. In 2001 WXW and the Anoa’i family held The Yokozuna Memorial Show in Allentown Pa.
The show was attended by hundreds of fans & wrestlers who wished to show their support, as well as WWE Superstars, The Undertaker, Kane, JBL and Ron Simmons to name a few. It was a great night celebrating the life and career of Rodney Anoa’i.
This October 1st, come help us celebrate what would have been the 45th birthday of this gentle giant and show his children & family while he may be gone, he’ll never be forgotten.
The Secret World of WWE Figure Collecting
Fans around the world couldn't wait get their hands on toy company LJN's first line of WWE action figures. Sure, these tiny wrestlers were made of hard plastic and had zero moveable joints, but these were WWE action figures. Children wanted to play with the heroes and villains they saw on TV each week.
"I can remember asking my mom and dad for LJN figures straight off the shelves when I was about 8 or so," said Daniel Epps, a 34-year old, decades-long fan of WWE figures from Gloversville, New York.
Fast forward 27 years and Mattel's collection of WWE figures is light years away from LJN's stiff Hulk Hogan figures. Today, Mattel's Randy Orton figure has 27 points of articulation, highly detailed tattoos and real fabric clothing that makes it the spitting image of the 6-foot-4, 245-pound superstar. The improvements are irresistible for fans.
"Now I collect as a hobby. I tried to quit buying last year when Mattel took over the WWE license, but the figures are so incredible I just couldn't stop," Epps said...More?
source: cnn.com
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, 2009Bronko 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, 2011
Hardest Hitting Betrayals in WWE History
#01: Triple H betrays Shawn Michaels
#02: Paul Bearer betrays Undertaker
#03: Randy Savage betrays Hulk Hogan
#04: Stone Cold betrays The Rock
#05: Stephanie McMahon betrays Mr. McMahon
#06: Mr. McMahon betrays Hornswoggle
#07: Sycho Sid betrays Shawn Michaels
#08: Evolution betrays Randy Orton
#09: Cody Rhodes betrays Hardcore Holly
#10: Chavo betrays Rey Mysterio
NY Times’s Outstanding Playwright Award Goes to Kristoffer Diaz for his Satire of Professional Wrestling
Kristoffer Diaz is the winner of the 2011 New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award for “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity,” his satire of professional wrestling and the ethnic stereotypes and political imagery of that industry, The Times has announced. The award, created in 2009, recognizes an American playwright whose work recently received its professional debut in New York; “Chad Deity” was produced Off Broadway in 2010 by Second Stage Theater, drawing mostly positive reviews. (The play was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in drama that year.)...More?
source: nytimes.com
June 21, 2011
Documentary Focusing on Women's Wrestling in Bolivia Released on DVD
Mamachas del Ring, an incredible new documentary is on DVD today. Directed by Betty M. Park, Mamachas is the story of four women who led a revolution of cholita wrestling (female wrestling) in Bolivia.
Sin Cara vs. Evan Bourne Set For Next Week's Raw
From wwe.com:
In light of these unfortunate technical problems, WWE apologizes to our fans, Superstars and Divas affected by this situation. Furthermore, to make it up to you, the WWE Universe, high-flyers Evan Bourne and Sin Cara will meet in the ring, live next Monday night on Raw!
Main Event Match Also Had Voting Issues Last Night On Raw
From wwe.com:
Regrettably, technical difficulties occurred once more leading up to the night’s Six-Man Tag Team Match main event, when it became apparent to WWE management that text votes were again not being tabulated properly. At this time, a decision was made to turn to WWE.com’s Live Chat Poll for the official judgment. With the power still in the hands of the people, the WWE Universe selected the Elimination Match (option C) by an overwhelming 87 percent, leading to this stipulation being enacted.
Television Ratings for the 3-Hour 'Power to the People' Ediiton of Monday Night Raw
Last night's three-hour episode of WWE's Monday Night RAW with a "Power to the People" theme scored a 3.1 cable rating overall and a 3.3 rating in the normal two hours.
WWE Announces Another Voting Error From Last Night's Raw
WWE.com has announced that the other voting error from last night's "Power of the People" edition of Monday Night Raw was in the Dolph Ziggler vs Kofi Kingston match. The stipulation fans "supposedly" voted for was "2 out of 3 Falls". However, WWE.com is now saying that it should have been Vickie Guerrero being banned from ringside.
Triple H to Appear on Shawn Michaels New Show
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels spoke with Arda Ocal on the Right After Wrestling show this week and revealed that Triple H will be appearing on an episode of his new "outdoor lifestyle" show on the Outdoor Channel. Apparently the two will be hunting crocodiles.
Sham Vote Screws Sin Cara
From wwe.com:
WWE apologizes to the WWE Universe, Raw's "Power to the People" voters, and especially Sin Cara and Evan Bourne. The match vote was inaccurate due to a heavy backlog of votes from the Divas Title Match. More details on WWE.com throughout the day. Full story.
Wrestling Revolution Announces It Has Raised Funding And Will Begin Production This Fall
Jeff Katz, the Hollywood Producer (Wolverine, Freddy vs. Jason, etc.) that started his career working for WCW, announced yesterday that his Wrestling Revolution project has raised complete funding for a taping of ten episodes that will be staged this Fall in the Los Angeles area.
WWE Says Tech Problems Skewed "Power to the People" Voting Last Night
From wwe.com:
Technical errors occurred in some of the voting results during last night's "Power to the People" edition of Monday Night Raw. Details will be updated on WWE.com throughout the day.
Rumor Mill - TNA Wrestling Reportedly Suspends Matt Hardy
According to PWInsider.com, company officials suspended Hardy due to continuously arriving late to events.
Hardy has not performed for TNA since the May 30 Impact Wrestling taping (air date June 2), which saw him lose to Crimson. He is, however, advertised to appear at this week's live events in Ohio and Indiana.
Scott Hall Sentenced Hall Sentenced to Jail Over Drunken Arrest
Wrestling legend Scott Hall was sentenced to 10 days in Seminole County Jail yesterday ... for drunkenly resisting arrest back in May 2010 -- TMZ has learned.
For those unfamiliar, Hall was booked back in early May 2010 when cops found Hall -- aka Razor Ramon -- drunkenly yelling and cursing at patrons in a Florida bar. Hall was allegedly uncooperative with police ... and was popped for resisting arrest.
According to court records in Seminole County, Florida Hall was sentenced to 10 days in jail with credit for two days already served.
We're told Hall is planning to check in to jail on July 5th -- and a rep for the wrestler says he'll be in the medical unit because of his "bad health."
source: tmz.com
CM Punk Comments On Leaving WWE
CM Punk posted the following message on his Twitter account regarding his decision to leave WWE:
"I knew I was gone at the beginning of the year. I just woke up one day and I knew. That's the way I work a lot of the time. I think it's creepy too, but it's really helpful. I knew I'd be history by July. Come say goodbye on July 17th. I promise to go out with a bang. Trust me. XxX"
This Day in Wrestling History - 'Tough Enough' Debuts on MTV
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. Nidia was released on November 3, 2004 and Maven was released on July 5, 2005.
June 21, 2001
June 20, 2011
CM Punk Leaving WWE
CM Punk announced on Raw tonight that he will be leaving the WWE when his contract expires on July 17, 2011. Punk also said he will leave with the WWE Championship after defeating John Cena at Money In The Bank.
Shawn Michaels and Raw Roulette Return Next Week
Shawn Michaels will be at Raw next Monday from Las Vegas, NV. That edition will feature the return of Raw Roulette.
New Divas Champion
Kelly Kelly became the new Divas Champion by defeating Brie Bella on Monday Night Raw.
Rumor Mill - Trouble In Paradise For Matt Hardy?
CamelClutchBlog.com is speculating that TNA has removed Matt Hardy from Impact tapings and house shows due to his recent YouTube video showing his brother Jeff Hardy tasering Matt's girlfriend Reby Sky.
Change to WWE Drug Testing Policy
WWE is now testing for the synthetic marijuana, also known as "spice" or "K2". If you test positive for the fake weed, you still get the $2500 fine that a real marijuana violation carries.
This has several WWE talents upset because when WWE began cracking down on real weed, a lot of the guys started smoking the fake weed so they wouldn't get fined. The fake marijuana has been made illegal by some states and is considered a "drug of concern" by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
source: f4wonline.com
Capitol Main Event is Punishment
John Cena and Randy Orton retained their world championships at WWE's Capitol Punishment PPV, held in Washington, on a show which failed to live up to early expectations...More?
source: thesun.co.uk
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, 2011
WWE Capitol Punishment Results
Dark Match - Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater
Winners: Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov
WWE United States Title Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston
Winner: Dolph Zigger - New United States Champion
The Miz vs. Alex Riley
Winner: Alex Riley
Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Ezekiel Jackson vs. Wade Barrett
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson - New WWE Intercontinental Champion
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
Winner: CM Punk
World Heavyweight Title Match: Christian vs. Randy Orton
Winner: Randy Orton (c)
Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger
Winner: Evan Bourne
WWE Title Match: R-Truth vs. John Cena
Winner: John Cena (c)
Chyna Comments on Returning to WWE or TNA, More
Former WWE Intercontinental & Womens champion "The Ninth wonder of the World" and Vivid Video Vixen Joanie "Chyna" Laurer was a guest on Wrestling News Live’s Fall Out show (http://wrestlingnewslive.tk/) and below are some of the highlights:
On WWE’s Hall Of Fame:
Well you know what? As far as relationships goes, I’m way over that you know, it was a typical break up in the sense of losing someone you love and the deceit and cheating yes but that happens to all of us. What was the real heart breaker for me was that I really knew in my heart it would blow over in a year or two or when we were able to pass the relationship stage that everybody goes through in a break up but because of the way business was done, I didn’t know that it would be a decade later and nobody has spoken to me I mean come on, I’m over the relationship part, it was just bad business on their part if you ask me.
If she would return to WWE or TNA if they offered her a contract:
Absolutely; Based upon the deal. I’ve come real far at this point in my life and I know what I want and I know what I deserve so you know, if everything was good for this point if my life, yeah of course….. I think I’m pretty reasonable; I have done a lot of things throughout my career and worked hard for my name and know my work ethic so you know I don’t know, like loreal, I guess I’m worth it but you know, you never know what’s gonna happen tomorrow.
source: pwinsider.com
Former WWE Studio President Joel Simon Passes Away
It is being reported by Deadline.com that former WWE Film president Joel Simon died in his sleep this morning following a four year battle with pancreatic cancer. Simon produced WWE Studio releases such as The Condemned (2007), The Marine (2006) and See No Evil (2006). outside of WWE he co-produced X-Men (2000) and Wild Wild West (1999).
WWE Star Alex Riley -- Off the Hook for DUI
Alex Riley has a big WWE match with The Miz on Sunday, but he'll fighting with one less thing to worry about -- he won't be charged for driving under the influence stemming from an arrest last year.
As TMZ first reported, Riley was busted for driving under the influence in Tampa, FL back on November 17, 2010. He was booked into a local jail and eventually released on $500 bond.
But Riley's lawyers went before a judge earlier this month and argued that police had no probable cause for a traffic stop. The judge agreed, rendering the field sobriety test and the officer's observations (detecting the odor of alcohol) inadmissible.
source: tmz.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Wahoo McDaniel
June 19, 1938
The current National Wrestling Alliance was formed as promoters Sam Muchnick (St. Louis), Fred Kohler (Chicago), Wally Karbo (Minneapolis) and others joined with president Pinkie George (who had promoted under the NWA name since 1946).
June 19, 1948
Bonnie Watson defeats Ella Waldek for the NWA Florida Women's Title in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
June 19, 1971
Antonio Inoki defeated Dick Murdoch in a tournament final for the IWGP Heavyweight title.
June 19, 1986
NWA: Total Nonstop Action debuted with a live Pay-per-view event from the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama
June 19, 2002
Ken Shamrock won a 20 man Battle Royal for the NWA Heavyweight title.
June 19, 2002
June 18, 2011
Paul Heyman Reveals His Plan to Save TNA
* Proposed cutting all wrestlers over 40 including Hogan, Russo and Bischoff.
* Wanted one legend employed on the roster to stand out.
* Wanted to push YOUTH, YOUTH, YOUTH AND NOTHING BUT YOUTH.
* Did not want to return to wresting and fail on Carter's plans which he believes will fail.
Update on Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
"I had the yearning to be like my dad," said Wisniski, who became Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. A star. A legend. A Hall of Famer.
Nearly 40 years later, Valentine is still stepping into the ring. He says he feels young. He says he still has something to give...More?
source: slam wrestling
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
Former Combat Zone Wrestling and Ring of Honor headliner Michael Verdi, who wrestled professionally as Trent Acid, passes away due an accidental overdose, Verdi, who had been fighting personal demons for several years, was best known as one half of the Backstreet Boyz tag team before breaking out on his own.
June 18, 2010
June 17, 2011
Book Planned on Highspots vs. Ric Flair Situation
Highspots.com owner Michael Bochicchio is said to be putting together a book about his dealings and subsequent legal issues with Ric Flair. I am told the working title is "Memoirs of a Money Mark."
The book, which I am told would feature material derived from Flair's Highspots shoot interview and the depositions that took place in the ongoing Flair vs. Highspots legal case, would give insight into Flair's wild lifestyle and the darker side of doing business with "The Nature Boy."
According to court documents, there has been no update in the ongoing legal issues between the two sides. An arrest order for Flair was issued several weeks ago, warning him that if he did not pay Highspots.com the settlement the two sides had agreed to in mediation, Flair would be incarcerated for 90 days for willful contempt of court. Flair has until 6/27 to adhere to the settlement agreement.
source: pwinsider.com
Rumor Mill - Kings of Wrestling WWE Bound?
According to CamelClutchBlog.com, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli had tryout matches with WWE on Monday and Tuesday and could be leaving Ring of Honor prior to ROH's debut on Sinclair Broadcast Network...More?
Shane McMahon Calls Leaving the WWE "Brutal"
Rising high up the executive ranks, McMahon was seen as a potential successor to his father. There was only one problem. "He wasn't going anywhere," he said and laughed.
As a favor to a friend, McMahon took a meeting with Marc Urbach, who was chief financial officer of what was then known as China Broadband Inc. The company had just secured a license to operate in China and Urbach, who grew up as a fan of the WWE, wanted to pick McMahon's brains about the region. McMahon had spent a lot of time schmoozing government officials to get WWE content inside the country.
"At first I didn't believe them," McMahon said when he was told the company had a green light to set up shop in China. "Getting the license is the hardest thing in the world." He did his due diligence, even flying to China to visit the company's offices there.
Initially, McMahon was approached about joining China Broadband Inc.'s board of directors. The more time he spent studying the company, the more intrigued he became. He joined the company in late 2009 as its chairman and chief executive and invested $4 million.
"It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make," McMahon said of his leaving WWE to strike out on his own. "I didn't want to wake up when I was 70 and say, 'I should have done that.'" Telling his father he wanted to leave was "brutal" and now, almost two years later, there remains some residual tension. "It's still hard," he said....More?
source: latimes.com
Demond Wolfe (Nigel McGuinness) Released from TNA
PWInsider.com has confirmed that TNA has released Desmond Wolfe (Nigel McGuinness) from his contract. Wolfe last made an appearance on TNA Xplosion as the Commissioner following several months away due to health issues.
The former ROH World Champion was set to sign with WWE but failed the companies screening process and TNA hired him almost immediately for a strong storyline with Kurt Angle.
The Huffington Post Claims Ulterior Motives for WWE's "Be A Star" Anti-Bullying Campaign
The question is, can one movie (WWE Studios' "That's What I Am"), even if it was the best anti-bullying movie ever made, counteract everything else WWE puts out? Can Stephanie McMahon's "Be a Star" PSA be credible when so young people have seen her humiliated and mock beaten by her real life husband Triple H on the WWE mat?...More?
In addition, the video clips that have been posted are from 10+ years ago. This "journalist" didn't bother to do any checking on WWE's current product. If she did, she would know that the WWE is currently rated PG - much to the dismay of many fans. I don't know why it is so hard for the main stream media to do fact checking concerning professional wrestling. Simply looking at the front page of the WWE corporate site would have given her this information.
And Ms. Wiseman, if you are so outraged by the video clips, where were you 10 years ago?
June 16, 2011
Batista Comments On Why He Left WWE, His Future In Wrestling, More
Former World Heavyweight Champion Batista was a guest on F4Wonline.com's Wrestling Observer Radio this week to discuss his time with WWE, MMA, the future and lots more. Here are highlights from the excellent interview:
Batista said he left WWE because he felt like he didn't fit in anymore. He feels like wrestling is in a bad spot right now and has gone down hill since the whole PG direction. Batista said it leaves a bad taste in his mouth and became too unbelievable & hokey. He added that the things he learned from guys like Triple H and Ric Flair, you couldn't do anymore. He said you couldn't use your tools anymore. Batista said he felt like he became disconnected from the business and became unhappy with it. He still believes in WWE as a company but there wasn't a place for him anymore.
Regarding his most recent run where some felt it was the best work of his career, Batista said he knew he was leaving and basically did what he wanted to do and eventually it worked. He didn't care about pissing anyone off on the mic and just put his thoughts out there more without worrying about upsetting anyone. He said this started to work so Vince McMahon let him work with it. He recalled one promo before his last WrestleMania in San Jose, California where he let it run how he wanted to do it, ripping on several people. When he got backstage, Vince told him that he went too far with the promo and gave him a good earful.
The McMahons and WWE Stock
The McMahon family currently owns 46,483,000 shares of WWE stock, which would be 61.4% of the company. The new stock dividend of 12 cents per share per quarter would come out to $5,577,960 per quarter to the McMahons or $22,311,840 per year, about half of what it was last year.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Rumor Mill - Monday Night Raw Pre-Show Coming
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that there is a plan to add a pre-show to RAW from 8:30-9pm EST. It would be a countdown show to RAW that would take place at the arena where RAW is being held each week. The production would include Superstar interviews, fan interaction and obviously further promoting the major stories going on. It would be something similar to a college game day live countdown like ESPN on any major network might do leading up to a big game.
This addition to WWE's programming is very close to being a done deal and would likely start this fall. Its more time on the USA network during prime time hours on a Monday night which can mean more money. The ability to insert sponsors and promotions in the countdown show also can mean more profit for the WWE. This is apparently an idea that the WWE has been discussing for quite some time.
The Mystery and Marvel of Masks
Is a mask ever just a mask? For the list of professional wrestlers who have been privileged enough to wear one, it is as valuable as any World Championship.
"We all have split personalities. We all wear masks at some point in our careers," WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio told the Houston Chronicle in a 2009 interview. "I literally wear a mask."
Despite having different meanings to different people, the masks always add some mystique to a wrestler's character. Everyone wonders who's behind it, but nobody ever wants to see that identity revealed. It's an idea that's similar to the mystique of comic book heroes. The main difference is that all of the readers usually know the identity of the superheroes, while the wrestlers almost always do a good job of keeping themselves covered up...More?
source: slam wrestling
Sin Cara Expressing Frustration; Praises Triple H
Sin Cara has noted to friends how much help Triple H has been with him and has talked about the frustration he's feeling with having to learn a new style of wrestling, all while the spotlight is on him. Cara is said to be fully aware of his situation of being in the right place at the right time and Triple H's first guy brought in as an international star.
source: wrestling observer
Tough Enough Winner Andy Leavine Reveals What's Next
In a new interview for WWE.com, Tough Enough winner Andy Leavine says that he's heading back to WWE's training facility, FCW, which I'd gather is a logical next step for the rookie Tough Enough winner. Leavine says in the interview,
"First in 'Tough Enough,' and now in preparation for my impending WWE career, I get the opportunity to learn from the best," WWE's new Superstar added, describing the privilege of studying with the likes of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. "Their overall influence and wisdom are the biggest advantages I have toward becoming a true force to be reckoned with."
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, 2011
Update on Shane McMahon's Company: Partnership with Warner Brothers; Structure Called a "Shell Game"
In a statement issued from Beijing, Warner Bros. Entertainment announced China’s "first national Pay-Per-View and Video On Demand platform" in partnership with YOU On Demand Media, the exclusive 20-year joint venture partner of the pay-TV arm of state-run broadcaster China Central Television’s dedicated movie channel, CCTV-6.
Warner Bros. said CCTV-6’s pay TV arm, China Home Cinema and YOU On Demand’s platform will provide films such as the Harry Potter series to three million cable TV homes in China by the end of this summer, a number comparable to the subscriber base of top cable operators in the United States.
Sources claiming to be familiar with the Warner-YOD-CCTV-6 deal’s structure say that YOD’s contract is actually with a private Beijing-based VOD solutions company called Zhonghai, which, in turn, has a non-exclusive contract to source video content for the VOD unit of CCTV-6’s pay TV platform.
In China’s tightly controlled media landscape, it could be only a matter of time before media regulators in the ruling one-party government in Beijing crack down on any foreign entity trying to sell content directly into China, even through a series of middlemen.
“All the middlemen do not make things more or less legal in the eyes of the regulators. It just makes for a complicated scheme by which investors can be manipulated,” Dickinson said.
In a market where movie theater ticket sales soared 64 percent last year to $1.5 billion, there’s still very little revenue to be made from the Chinese home entertainment, undercut by pirated discs of Hollywood films costing less than $1 and free illegal Internet download.
“The real money in China is from a release in theaters, not the sale of DVDs and not television broadcast,” Dickinson said. Some analysts are more skeptical still. One, who asked not to be referred to by name for fear it would jeopardize business, referred to the Warner-YOD-CTV-6 structure as a “shell game.”
According to the source, who has consulted for multiple media entities both Western and Chinese over the years, YOD’s McMahon approached the Los Angeles-based executives of all the Hollywood studios several months ago, saying he’d secured a platform to distribute content in China, “bypassing their China people, who know how things work here,” the analyst said.
“This is an over the counter stock looking for a boost to its price by making an announcement,” the analyst said.
Shares of YOD, whose market capitalization is about $72.7 million, according to financial filings, have traded at less than 15 cents for the last year.
McMahon on Wednesday described the deal as "groundbreaking because we are going to be able to monetize content in the largest market in the world." He said it was difficult to leave the family business but the opportunity to be a licensed distributor of entertainment in China was too irresistible. "I didn't want to look back and regret not having done this." The deal took more than a year to come to fruition, said McMahon, and all the studios expressed interest with Warner being the most aggressive. McMahon said he expects other studios sign on as well.
Requests to speak with Warner Brothers and YOD were not met by deadline...More?
source: hollywoodreporter.com
Randy Orton Suffers Concussion
WWE sources have confirmed that current World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton did indeed suffer a concussion over the weekend during the Smackdown brands overseas tour following an event in Madrid, Spain. The early assumption was that the concussion mention on Raw this past week was a storyline, but that is not the case. No decision has been made as to whether or not Orton will be ready to go Sunday for the Capitol Punishment PPV, with PWInsider.com stating that it would be a "day of game" decision to be made by company doctors. It was also noted by The Wrestling Observer how serious WWE is taking concussions in attempts to keep people out of the ring as long as possible.
Orton was not used in a wrestling role on Raw or at the Smackdown tapings on Tuesday.
Television Ratings for the 3-Hour Monday Night Raw
The June 13th three-hour edition of WWE Monday Night Raw drew a 3.1 cable rating with 4.5 million viewers. In the normal two hour time slot, the show drew a 3.3 rating with 4.8 million viewers. The three hours drew a 2.64, 3.19 and 3.33 respectively.
source: wrestleview.com
Rumor Mill - Freddie Prinze, Jr. Leaving WWE
WrestleZone.com is reporting that Freddie Prinze Jr. was saying goodbye to many people backstage at the WWE Smackdown tapings tonight, and has made the decision to leave the company now that his contract has expired.
"Freddie just didn't feel like the writing team is in a position to really contribute anymore," a WWE superstar told WrestleZone this evening. "He loves the business, and will probably never have a bad word to say about Vince or Stephanie or even Triple H, but there is growing frustration among the writers because they feel like they're only taking dictation now, and then Vince micro-analyzes every word on every written problem, which just chokes everyone's creativity."
Prinze was reportedly saying quiet goodbyes to several wrestlers tonight. It is believed tonight could have been his last night with the company, but that has not yet been confirmed.
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, 2011
SummerSlam Axxess 2011
The interactive WWE fan experience, SummerSlam Axxess is coming to Los Angeles from Aug. 13–14 at the Nokia Plaza at LA Live. This is one event WWE fans of all ages will want to be part of!
Attractions include Main Ring with Live Matches, Q&As and contests, Superstar Autograph Signings and Photo Opportunities, Airbrush Tattoos, WWE Shop, and much more. Come back soon for a complete listing of all attractions and all WWE Superstar, Diva & Legend appearances!
