WWE has removed Gail Kim's profile from their website, indicating her official departure from WWE. Gail, who tried quitting two months ago, is scheduled for her first shoot interview with WWNLive.com on October 12. Apparently WWE wouldn't release her from her contract and just allowed it to run out. On her Twitter page, Gail appeared to address WWE removing her profile: "Yeah I guess they're slow. Cuffs should've been off last week."
source: pwtorch.com
September 30, 2011
WWE Diva Officially Gone Two Months After Trying to Quit
WWE to Begin New Campaign in October
WWE will begin conducting "various anti-bullying efforts" in the month of October through the BA STAR campaign. From information circulated through a P.R. service: "The company, with a team of 15 employees in its internal PR and public affairs departments, will reach out to consumers through social media channels and live events. It is also making free anti-bullying curriculum that meets national educational standards available for teachers on BeAStarAlliance.org. The company is not working with an agency on the initiative."
McMahon nabs support of six former Connecticut GOP chairs
In a big boost to U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon and a blow to former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, six former state Republican chairmen on Thursday all endorsed McMahon.
The independently wealthy McMahon doesn't need any money from the chairs, but she needs ground troops across the state. With decades of experience in state, local and national races, the former Republican chairs know how to pull strings and get out the vote all across the state.
source: courant.com
Matt Hardy's Release Tied to Rehab
According to an article by The Pilot, former WWE and TNA star was forced into rehab or would have been placed in a detention center under a $1 million bond. Hardy had announced via a YouTube video that he would be heading to rehab with help from WWE. This was part of Hardy's release order when he was arrested for the third time in recent weeks.
Does the “H” stand for "hypocrite"?
After being fired by WWE COO Triple H for attacking a WWE official, Mike Mizanin, formerly known as WWE Superstar “The Miz,” lashed out on Twitter with a list of hypocritical charges against his former boss, citing that Triple H was, in fact, guilty of the same crimes for which he fired Mizanin. (FULL STORY)
But attacking officials are not the only times that The Game has defied authority. As a WWE Superstar, Triple H’s rebellious actions have always managed to find a way under the microscope of commissioners, general managers and even the chairman of the board. WWE.com looks back at three such instances throughout The Cerebral Assassin’s career.
One of Triple H’s earliest instances of defiance came on May 19, 1996 at a WWE Live Event at Madison Square Garden. At the time, the WWE COO was a member of the infamous locker room group known as “The Kliq,” which also included Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramon (Scott Hall), and Diesel (Kevin Nash). Hall and Nash were about to part ways with WWE, before defecting to WCW, and the four Superstars – noted pairs of in-ring enemies - orchestrated a going away party in the middle of the ring, complete with hugs, handshakes, and a basic disrespect for the night’s match results. This incident, known as “The Curtain Call” was a direct slap in the face of WWE management – the first of many to highlight Triple H’s career.
The Game’s battle against authority continued as he and Shawn Michaels formed D-Generation X in 1997. Neither Superstar would bow down to WWE management, specifically then-commissioner Sgt. Slaughter. HBK and Triple H dubbed the former WWE Champion “Sgt. Slobber,” and mocked him by wearing protective windshield wiper masks while he berated them in the middle of the ring. Further insult came on December 22, 1997 when Slaughter ordered then-WWE and European Champion Michaels to battle Triple H for the European Title. As the match began, HBK simply laid down for The Game who comically ran the ropes before pinning Michaels to win the title and make a mockery of the commissioner.
The very core of D-Generation X is rooted in breaking the rules. When Triple H and HBK reformed DX in 2006, it was because of their treatment at the hands of a tyrannical Mr. McMahon. To fight back, on June 26, 2006 Triple H entered the ring dressed as Mr. McMahon and proceeded to make a complete mockery of The Chairman and his family. The Cerebral Assassin’s ultimate display of disrespect came in making fun of Mr. McMahon’s performance of “Stand Back” at the 1987 Slammy Awards.
So, is former WWE Superstar The Miz is on to something? Can Triple H really maintain control of WWE as COO if his past is filled with moments of the same rebellious antics he’s now forced to condemn?
source: wwe.com
Video: The Real Reason Miz Got Fired - Hypocrisy
The Miz, in-character, continued his anti-Triple H ranting during his satellite radio show Wednesday, complaining about Hunter being a "hypocrite" for "firing" him and R-Truth last Monday on Raw. On the "1st and Awesome" fantasy football radio show, Miz poked holes in Hunter's storyline explanation for the "firings" on Raw, but stopped short of vowing to do anything about it. Last weekend, Miz and Truth extended the angle by "crashing" WWE house shows, but were not on Monday's Raw. Miz's two-minute rant on Hunter from his new YouTube page is below.
In Japan, Wrestling Masks Aren’t Just for Half-Naked Dudes in Boots
It began, as so many things do, with sweaty men in tight underpants. And they wore masks. Let's not forget the masks. Lucha Libre masks. Those masks might have started in Mexican professional wrestling, but they live on in Japan, whether that be in fashion, manga, pornos and, yes, video games.
"You want to know about masked men?" game designer Goichi Suda (No More Heroes) asked during the Tokyo Game Show while chatting with Kotaku. "I'll tell you about masked men."
In Japan, they're called "fukumen wrestler" (literally, "mask wrestler"). Yet, those Lucha Libre masks show up in all sorts of places—places like Japanese city hall...More?
source: kotaku.com
Who Got Rich This Week: Vince McMahon
While Greece debt worries has been bodyslamming the market the past week, Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment bounced off the its recent floor of $8.80 to push back in the mid-$9 a share range, helped a bit by wrestling’s debut on a Portugal television network. That gain has piled on $16.9 million to McMahon’s personal WWE fortune. He now has $400.3 million in WWE stock. Not bad for a guy who started out in his Dad’s wrestling promoting business flogging wrestling to a small part of Maine in the late 1960s. It’ll also likely help the funding prospects of McMahon’s wife Linda, who is running for the Senate seat Connecticut’s Joe Lieberman will be vacating.
source: forbes.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Two of the most important figures in the history of professional wrestling, Shohei "Giant" Baba (founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling) and Antonio Inoki (founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling), make their pro wrestling debuts at a Japanese Wrestling Association show in Tokyo, Japan. Baba defeats Yonetaro Tanaka in his debut, while Inoki loses his match with Kintaro Oki.
September 30, 1960
Happy Birthday to Chris Von Erich
September 30, 1969
Marie Vagnone & Jane Sherill defeat Jumbo Miyamoto & Maxie Murata for the WWWA World Tag Team Title in Kawasaki, Japan.
September 30, 1971
WWWF(WWE) ran at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York, drawing over 20,000 fans for a show main evented by a battle of the babyfaces, as WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales and Bruno Sammartino wrestled to a curfew draw after 75 minutes of wrestling. The two shook hands and embraced before exiting the ring. During the match, George Steele tried to interfere, but was escorted out by security.
September 30, 1972
Ox Baker defeated Captain USA (John Studd) for the NWA American Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas.
September 30, 1977
Gypsy Joe & Tojo Yamamoto defeat Ken Lucas & Dutch Mantel in Chattanooga, Tennessee for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title.
September 30, 1978
September 29, 2011
Hulk Hogan: "I've Lost Hundreds of Millions"
Hulk Hogan was interviewed this morning on ABC's Good Morning America. The pre-taped segment was about themed around a "humbled" Hulk Hogan starting over with a new wife and a new TV show, Micro Championship Wrestling.
Hogan said that the show goes into a direction that "most people don't think of", claimed Hogan, in that once the MCW talents leave the ring, they can't reach doorknobs or go into public restrooms and can't reach the sink. The show "marked a fresh start for someone who once had it all" with an in-ring career, a family and a successful reality show, only to have it all crumbling away "behind the scenes."
Hogan said that his life "bottomed out" and that there was "very physical and mental abuse that I didn't understand at the time", referring to his divorce from Linda Hogan. They quoted an excerpt where Linda wrote in her book that she was "fearful" Hogan would "kill her" in a fit of rage. Hogan said, "Yeah, that's insane" when it was brought up to him and said that he prays for her and hopes that she finds "closure and happiness and gets rid of this crazy delusional situation that she actually believes at this point."
They brought up Hogan's comments in Rolling Stone magazine a few years back where Hogan commented that he understood why OJ Simpson did what he did. Hogan was asked if he was violent outside of the ring at home. Hogan said that he was not. He said that when they were going through their divorce and Linda was "with her 18 year old boyfriend", Linda would file charges if they were even in the same town together and Hogan looked at Linda the wrong way at a red light. He commented that if he was beating her for 23 years, why did none of that come out during the divorce and only when she has a book out to sell.
Pro wrestler Jimmy Uso arrested in Tampa for driving under the influence
WWE wrestler Jimmy Uso was arrested for driving under the influence early Thursday, Tampa Police said.
Uso, whose real name is Jonathan Fatu, was pulled over at the corner of Howard Avenue and Platt Street. He was arrested at 3:14 a.m.
Tampa Police say an officer "observed the defendant traveling the wrong way on Howard Avenue in a silver Mustang."
According to the arrest report, Fatu's blood alcohol level (BAC) was .180. That's more than twice the level (.08), at which a driver is assumed impaired, under state law.
According to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) website, Uso is "A descendant of the Samoan Anoa'i family." His bloodline "includes such in-ring legends as his father Rikishi, his great uncles The Wild Samoans and even 'the most electrifying multi-time WWE Champion in all of entertainment: The Rock."
source: abcactionnews.com
DX Reunion Advertised for October
The Smackdown taping on Oct 11th in Dallas, TX has been changed to a Supershow. The advertised main events (most probably dark matches) are:
*John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio for the WWE Championship
*Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship
*The Largest Battle Royale in WWE history - A 41 Man Battle Royal featuring stars from RAW and Smackdown
Plus a Special Appearance by DX.
source: pwinsider.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WWF(E) Intercontinental Champion Pat Patterson defeats WWF(E) World Champion Bob Backlund via disqualification in Baltimore, Maryland. Patterson hit Backlund with brass knucks, unseen by the referee, and Patterson was about to score the pin when Arnold Skaaland ran in and broke up the cover, getting Backlund disqualified.
September 29, 1979
Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard defeated Rick Morton & Robert Gibson for the NWA World Tag Team title.
September 29, 1987
Ric Flair officially disbands the Four Horsemen.
September 29, 1997
Rob Van Dam defeated Christian for the WWE Intercontinental title.
September 29, 2003
September 28, 2011
Stock market analysts issue unfavorable reports on WWE stock - is the stock "slowly dying?"
A prominent stock evaluator is telling investors to "stay away" from WWE stock and a stock market analyst company is claiming the stock is "slowly dying."
Jim Cramer, the eccentric host of "Mad Money" on CNBC, recently released a list of recommendations for whether to buy into or avoid specific companies. Cramer recommended "avoiding" WWE stock based on his view that WWE has "no growth" potential.
Seeking Alpha, a prominent stock market analyst company, took Cramer's recommendation and ran the specifics through various metrics. The conclusion: "Insiders have been mostly selling stocks for a while. Analysts give a 1.7 rating for World Wrestling (1=Buy, 3=Sell). This stock is slowly dying. Stay away from it."
WWE has been trading near 52-week levels for the majority of 2011. Earlier this year, WWE issued an official warning on lower-than-expected fourth quarter 2010 earnings. WWE then slashed the dividend by two-thirds for common shareholders, which was viewed as a positive move when WWE had been paying out more cash than was coming in, but also a negative move because the dividend was one of the most attractive aspects of investing in WWE stock.
Alpha did note that analysts estimate 9.0 percent annual Earnings-Per-Share growth over the next five years.
source: pwtorch.com
LPGA's Jane Geddes Leaving The Tour For Role With WWE
br>LPGA Commissioner MIKE WHAN sent a letter to the Tour's staff yesterday informing them Senior VP/Tournament Operations & Player Services JANE GEDDES is leaving the LPGA effective Friday. Geddes on Monday will begin a new position with the WWE as VP/Talent Relations. The new role means Geddes will leave her Florida home and relocate to the WWE HQs in Stamford, Conn. “It just felt like the right time in my life to really make a distinct change like that,” Geddes said. The LPGA said current staff will assume Geddes' responsibilities until it determines its next step. Geddes, a two-time major champion, retired from playing in ’03. She served as an intern with the LPGA in ’06 while in law school at Stetson Univ. and was hired full-time in ’07. During her five years with the tour, Geddes most prominently was the LPGA's representative during the initiative to include golf in the '16 Olympics. She also spearheaded the new scoring system introduced earlier this year as well as the league’s new qualifying requirements, recently spotlighted with 16-year-old LEXI THOMPSON’s victory at the NaviStar LPGA Classic. Geddes said the new opportunity is “not only a good fit but also going to be a challenge.” “I’ve been around golf for so long that an opportunity to really go outside that -- obviously at the WWE, which is a big change from the LPGA -- I found that very interesting and really exciting,” she said.
source: sportsbusinessdaily.com
WWE joins MLS, NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB to help kids through Beyond Sport
Yesterday at Yankee Stadium, WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Development and Operations, Stephanie McMahon and former WWE Champion turned entrepreneur, Fox News financial analyst and now philanthropist, John Layfield joined a group of 250 global delegates at the Beyond Sport Summit.
Beyond Sport is a global organization that promotes, develops and supports the use of sport to create positive social change across the world in three ways:
Beyond Sport Summit: The Beyond Sport Summit is an annual event that brings together the best sport-led social innovators with influential, global leaders to address sports’ role in driving positive social change.
Beyond Sport Awards: The Beyond Sport Awards program provides a package of funding and business support annually to projects across the world that use sport to address issues within their communities.
Beyond Sport World: Beyond Sport World is an online networking platform that allows any organization across the globe involved in sport and development to promote their activities and connect.
At yesterday’s Summit, more than 80 professional sports teams from around the world collaborated to see how they can make positive changes in their local communities around the world.
This Day in Wrestling History
Don Leo Jonathan & Roy McClarty defeat The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) for the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Montreal.
September 28 1964
Tim Woods defeats Jack Brisco in a tournament final in Tampa, Florida by default to win the NWA Florida Television Title.
September 28, 1972
Mike George & Bob Sweetan become the first ever Mid-South Tag Team Champions in unique fashion. A battle royal was held in Shreveport, Louisiana, with it coming down to George and Buck Robley. George and Robley then wrestled a singles match, with George winning, and getting the belts for his team. If Robley had won, he and Bill Watts would have been the champions.
September 28, 1979
Bret Hart turns on Sting following his match with Hulk Hogan on Nitro, joining Hogan in the process.
September 27, 1998
September 27, 2011
USA Network Rewrites The Record Books With History-Breaking, Most Watched 3Rd Quarter Ever, WWE Raw Credited
USA continues to re-write the record books with the hottest 3rd quarter ever on cable, delivering more total viewers (3.51 million) than any network on cable ever has in a 3Q11. For the first time ever for cable entertainment network in any quarter, USA broke the 3.5 million mark in total viewers.
WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW made USA the #1 entertainment network in all of television in its Monday 9pm-11pm time period among M18-34 and total males, coming in behind only FOX for M18-49 entertainment viewers as well as beating CBS in P18-49 and P18-34. WWE Raw delivered +3% more total viewers and+ 8% more P18-34 in 3Q11 than it had in 3Q10...More?
source: tvbythenumbers
Ring of Honor Announces a Two Day Training Seminar
For the first time ever, Ring of Honor will be holding a special two-day tryout camp and seminar on Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th at ROH’s headquarters and wrestling academy in suburban Philadelphia. This camp will provide those who attend the rare opportunity to be seen and evaluated by officials and pro wrestlers from Ring of Honor. The seminar will be organized by ROH’s top officials as well as Jim Cornette.
“Our one day seminars that we have held in the past have all been a huge success.” Cornette said. “This time you get twice as much evaluation and personal time with the officials. These camps have been the catalyst for us signing Michael Elgin, Mike Bennett, Tommaso Ciampa and others. We hope to find exceptional talent like those great athletes that would fit the ROH roster. Remember though that this is not just a try-out because everyone will learn something new and we can guarantee that.”
The Miz Calls Triple H A Hypocrite For Firing Him
The Miz tweeted on being "fired"by Triple H because of attacking a WWE official .
"Triple H fires us for "savagely attacking a WWE official" I wonder if Triple H ever put his hands on a WWE Official. Let's see.. #Hypocrite
Triple H vs Stone Cold No Mercy 1999 Triple H pushes ref. #hypocrite Triple H vs Y2J April 2000 Triple H beats up n pedigrees ref #hypocrite
And my favorite Triple H vs Kevin Nash Judgement Day 2003 Triple H "Savagely" hits ref with a SLEDGEHAMMER. Just to name a few. #hypocrite"
This Day in Wrestling History
Razor Ramon won a 20 man Battle Royal for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
September 27, 1993
The WWF(E) Heavyweight title declared vacent when Kane and the Undertaker both pin Steve Austin in a three-way match.
September 27, 1998
September 26, 2011
Steve Austin: I’d pick CM Punk for my final match
Stone Cold retired due to injury in 2003 after battling The Rock at WrestleMania XIX but has since built a successful career as a movie star.
His latest release, Born To Fight, is out on DVD next week and the grappling legend reckons his current Twitter banter with Punk could turn into a full-blown scrap at WWE's showpiece pay-per-view event.
Austin, who was the face of the WWE's revamped Tough Enough series, told SunSport: "I think Punk is a great guy.
"I'd say he looks up to me for what I did in the ring back in the day — and I look up to him for what he is doing now. I'd say it's a case of mutual respect.
"I hear the stories and if the stars aligned and all things worked out to benefit us all — the WWE, myself and Punk — I'd say that he is the guy I'd pick to face.
"I'm sure I could get another match out of this carcass of mine."...More?
source: the sun
Shawn Michaels Tells Triple H He May Be Seeing Him Soon
WWE issued a video to mailing list subscribers of Shawn Michaels interrupting Triple H's promotion of the Inside Out DVD. After teasing the movie's plot of Triple's character killing his best friend, Michaels questions the Chief Operating Officer's decision making in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
Chris Jericho Claims 'Everybody is Stealing' Moves
Former WWE wrestler Chris Jericho appeared on the Wrestling Voice podcast recently and expressed his discontent regarding WWE Superstars using material from the forefathers of wrestling: "There seems to be a lack of respect for the forefathers who came in and did it first and it's not just (C.M.) Punk it's a whole litany of guys from Miz to Cody Rhodes to Mason Ryan to Sin Cara to Kelly Kelly everybody is stealing moves looks ideas "
He added credit needs to be given: "These guys have to start thinking of their own stuff and some times I see some of them and I'm like oh come on. It's not like it's influenced. At least give credit where credit is due."
September 25, 2011
Stone Cold Comments on Randy Orton & Alberto Del Rio; Orton Responds
Steve Austin offered an assessment of Randy Orton’s character performance during an interview for the latest issue of Power Slam.
When asked to name which wrestlers he believes can evolve into “money-drawing players” for WWE, Austin said of The Viper, “His promos need work, and right now, he’s a little one-dimensional. The crowds are digging him, but there’s still another step on the ladder for him to climb to.”
Orton responded to Austin’s remarks this evening on Twitter with a vow. He wrote, “Austin is right, there is still room for me to move up the ladder. And I will. Watch me.”
Austin echoed similar sentiments for the other World Title loser at Night of Champions, Alberto Del Rio. “[He is] another one who needs to work on his promos-I don’t like them worth a shit right now-but he has great ability,” said Austin. “He just needs to add a few pieces to the puzzle.”
Austin was shown the original article on Twitter and responded, “I dont believe I ‘ripped’ Alberto Del Rio…a Gino Hernandez comparison is a complement…and yes, his promos need work.”
Chyna Training Joey Buttafuoco
Chyna is sticking it to Joey Buttafuoco in a famous whorehouse -- but not for a porno ... she's training him for an upcoming boxing match.
TMZ has learned Buttafuoco and Chyna -- the wrestler-turned porn star -- are working out at The Bunny Ranch in Carson City, Nevada. We're told owner Dennis Hof is giving them "round the clock use of the accommodations, gym and personal chef." It's unclear what the "accommodations" include.
Back in 2002, Chyna and JB fought a celebrity boxing match -- Joey squeaked out a victory -- and next month he's set to fight his ex-mistress Amy Fisher's husband.
If anyone can get him ready to fight a dude ... it's Chyna.
source: tmz.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Shawn Michaels & Diesel were stripped of the WWF(E) Tag Team title by WWF(E) President Gorilla Monsoon.
September 25, 1995
WWF(E) RAW is WAR debuts on TNN after making a departure from the USA Network.
September 25, 2000
September 24, 2011
This Day in Wrestling History
Greg Valentine defeated Tito Santana for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
September 24, 1984
Shawn Michaels & Diesel defeated Owen Hart & Yokozuna for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
September 24, 1995
At the conclusion of TNA's No Surrender Pay-per-view, a video package announces that former WWF World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle would be coming to the company. TNA issued a press release, announcing the signing of Angle and the fact that SpikeTV had decided to give the company a prime time slot on Thursday nights.
September 24, 2006
September 23, 2011
Rumor Mill - WWE's New Cable Channel WWE Network Could Feature WrestleMania & More
WWE issued a survey to a very general audience (rather than their WWE mailing list) last week gauging interest in a WWE TV Network ahead of the 2012 launch. The most interesting aspect of the survey was WWE proposing the monthly PPVs to be shifted to WWE Network as "monthly specials."
WWE isn't set on this idea internally, and the survey included an option for respondents to say whether interest in the Network would be affected if the PPVs were not included. The proposed PPV option reads:
"This network would include all of WWE’s monthly pay-per-view events to the lineup at no additional cost. Rather than having to pay for them, they would now be monthly specials with the same match quality you’re used to seeing on pay-per-view for no additional cost. These events would only be on The WWE Network."
The option is on the table because WWE would like to get to a point where they could collect enough revenue from TV Network subscription fees to replace PPV revenue, and, as the Network grows, create more revenue than the current PPV segment.
Also in the survey, WWE proposed new arena-based shows, which management talked about in the most-recent conference call with investors, that would not be Raw on Smackdown. The following items were mentioned as possible features on the Network in the survey:
-- New non-wrestling shows, repeats of Raw and Smackdown, two new weekly live in-ring shows.
-- "Classic” or “historical” programs featuring shows from different promotions (classic WWE footage, WCW, ECW, NWA, AWA).
-- Daily live in-studio "viewer interactive" show similar to SportsCenter. Also, a "Mike and Mike" style call-in show hosted by current or past WWE stars.
-- Reality show involving "former WWE stars living in a big house," and various documentaries.
-- WWE stars hosting their favorite movies, which suggests WWE obtaining the rights to air non-WWE Studios movies.
source: pwtorch.com
WWE Stock Hits 52 Week Low
Shares of WWE stock closed at $8.93 per share on Thursday after hitting a 52-week low of $8.67 per share at the beginning of the day. The stock price closed at $8.83 per share Wednesday.
source: wrestlezone.com
Paul Levesque's WWE Executive Team Bio
Paul “Triple H” Levesque was named Executive Vice President, Talent in 2011. In this role, he oversees the talent relations and talent development departments, training of WWE Superstars and Divas, and management of worldwide recruitment. In addition to his talent duties, Levesque has continually had an integral role behind the scenes, as a director and producer he works to shape the creative direction and storylines of WWE’s programming.
Levesque debuted as a WWE Superstar in 1995 making him one of the most prolific performers in WWE history. Also known as “The Game,” and the “King of Kings,” Levesque was a founding member of the popular faction — D-Generation X — a pop culture phenomenon throughout the last two decades. He is the national spokesperson for Muscular Dystrophy’s “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” campaign. On WWE programming, he has captured every major championship, headlined thousands of WWE events, and entertained millions around the world. Outside of WWE, Levesque’s charisma, professionalism and unparalleled commitment to excellence have propelled him into starring roles in commercials, television programs, the talk show circuit, feature-length films and as author of Make the Game: Triple H’s Approach to a Better Body.
Interesting note - "oversees the talent relations and talent development departments". I guess John Laurinaitis still needs supervision.
Update on Abdullah the Butcher Hepatitis Lawsuit
MacLeans.ca featured a piece on the lawsuit brought against WWE Hall of Famer Abdullah the Butcher by Canadian wrestler Devon Nicholson (aka Hannibal), who has alleged that Abby passed on Hepatitis C by blading Nicholson without his consent.
According to the piece, Abdullah's lawyers recently filed a response in court, noting that Nicholson was the promoter of the event in question and Abdullah was simply following his orders.
Abdullah, who has yet to provide a blood sample to prove he doesn't have the disease, also noted that if he is carrying Hepatitis, it's because Abdullah caught it from Nicholson.
Abdullah was interviewed in the piece, noting that he believes he was targeted because it's well known he saved his money (he's notoriously cheap and will pull anything to squeeze an extra few dollars out of those he's working for) and is set up with his restaurant while others are not as lucky.
The article also noted that Abdullah is in line for a hip replacement, but has to drop 100 lbs. first and sometimes wakes up screaming at night from the pain he's in. Abdullah has been more or less immobile in the ring in recent years and walks with a cane. There is a lot on Abby's life in the piece as well.
Nicholson is also interviewed, noting that WWE is the only place he ever wanted to go and work and now that's over. He's working as a trainer and painted it as a terrible fate "filling water bottles and training fat people" while watching his friends all move on with their dreams and careers....More?
Title Belts Are The New Sports Bling
There’s nothing quite like it. The feel of 20-plus pounds of leather and metal, draped over the shoulder or tightly snug around the waist. It’s even wife-proof.
Sure, she’ll stroll into the family room, as you sit there watching television, feeling like a king in his throne. She’ll flash that look of disdain in your direction, pausing for a moment afterward to finally ask, “Why are you sitting on our couch with a championship belt on … what exactly are you the champion of?’’
Of course you have the answer. You’re the champ.
You hit the mute button on the flat screen, look her in the eyes, and calmly reply, “I’m the champ of being me.’’
Welcome to my mid-life crisis.
It’s all about “The Belt’’ these days. Or as the people at the WWE will constantly correct you on, “It’s a title. Belts are what you buy at the store to hold your pants up.’’ Semantics won’t change what’s going on in the culture of sports.
There’s Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has done for the “Championship Belt Touchdown Celebration’’ what former Michigan great Desmond Howard did for the “Heisman Pose.’’ The gesture is simple, yet catchy. Rodgers scores? The hands drop down to his waist, and are pulled back simultaneously, gesturing to the crowd place belt here. Bears fans have seen it a few times, and might get another look at it on Sunday when the Packers travel to Soldier Field.
So when the Packers and Rodgers won Super Bowl XLV last season, what rested comfortably over the shoulder of Rodgers in almost every photo op? A championship title....More?
source: suntimes.com
WWE No Longer Showing Superstars Online
At least for now, WWE has discontinued airing the weekly Superstars show online due to low traffic. The show will continue to be taped for international distribution as part of WWE's international TV contracts. After a two-year run on WGN, the show was moved to WWE's website on Thursdays, but WWE has not released this week's episode and has removed virtually all references to Superstars on their website. The show will be kept alive for international distribution, but WWE said in their most-recent conference call with investors they would like to find a new TV home for Superstars by the end of the year. If not, the show will likely return on the WWE TV Network in 2012.
source: wrestlezone.com
Rumor Mill - WWE Trying to Get Mileage Out of Sin Cara vs Sin Cara Rivalry
According to F4Wonline and Wrestlezone, a match between the two Sin Cara's is being planned to take place at the Hell In A Cell ppv.
Apparently, this will not be a one time deal. WWE is expecting to "get some miles" out of rivalry and the entertainment the matches could provide. Sin Cara vs Sin Cara is also being advertised to take place when the WWE goes to Mexico City for SmackDown tapings.
WWE Considering A Cooking Show With Big Show & His Wife
WWE sent out a survey yesterday to seek fans interest on a potential cooking show with The Big Show and his wife Bess. The description of the show reads like this:
"How do you handle a hungry man? Just ask Bess Wight. Her husband is Paul “The Big Show” Wight, WWE Superstar and the world’s largest athlete! “Show” is seven feet tall and 425 pounds…
Bess is bodacious, beautiful, and one big time cook! And if you think The Big Show is tough, you haven’t met his wife! Bess and Show are about to give viewers an all-access pass into the controlled chaos that is their kitchen.
You’ll meet their friends, their families, and even some of Big Show’s fellow WWE Superstars – you never know who will stop by their house to whip up something delicious! Once you see this larger than life couple in the kitchen, we know you’ll be hungry for more!"
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Matt Hardy
September 23, 1974
Kurt Angle defeated Steve Austin for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title and Christian defeated Edge for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
September 23, 2001
September 22, 2011
DGUSA Star Works WWE Superstars Taping
Johnny Gargano of Dragon Gate USA worked the Smackdown taping last night, wrestling Brodus Clay on an episode of WWE Superstars.
Gargano, who is under contract to DGUSA, worked the taping with the blessing of the promotion. DGUSA has shown in the past they are willing to release contracted talent (Jon Moxley, who is now in WWE developmental as Dean Ambrose) if WWE wants to sign them.
CM Punk Discusses WWE Ice Cream Bars, Teases New Treats Coming
It looks like we might be getting some WWE ice cream bars soon but not from the company Good Humor. WWE's website features a new interview with Punk, talking about his new ice cream bar t-shirt and more. The shirt, which Punk wore this past weekend, is now available for pre-order on WWE's website.
He told WWE's website: "My inspiration for the shirt? I want the freakin’ ice cream bars back! I’m still working on that. But in the meantime, I’m going to keep shoving it down people’s throats. Because everyone likes ice cream, which goes in your mouth and then goes down your throat.
"You know what? There are other ice cream companies out there. Good Humor, we’re giving you a gift. We’re giving you an option here, and if you don’t want to take it, we will sell our wares elsewhere.
I love ice cream. What can I say? I’m a skinny fat-a**."
Late last night, Punk wrote the following on Twitter:
"My day of hustling is over. Many steps were taken to get ice cream bars. Now it's gym time. The future is bright and tastes like vanilla."
source: allwrestling.com
Ric Flair to Undergo Surgery
Sixteen-time world heavyweight pro wrestling champion Ric Flair learned Wednesday that he will have to undergo surgery next week for a torn left triceps.
Flair, 62, suffered the injury during a match with Sting last week on TNA’s weekly Impact show. Initially Flair was told that the injury was limited to a broken bursa sac in his left elbow.
“I thought it was getting better but the swelling just wouldn’t go away,” Flair said Wednesday night.
Flair, who was at Boston’s Fenway Park on Tuesday to throw out the first pitch and present Red Sox players Dustin Pedroia and Josh Reddick with replica TNA title belts, said the pain had increased in recent days. “When I threw Tuesday, the arm blew up to about twice the size of the other arm. It’s all black and blue.”...More?
source: postandcourier.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Owen Hart & Davy Boy Smith defeated the Smokin' Guns for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
September 22, 1996
ECW interrupts a match at a WWF(E) In Your House PPV. The Sandman, Paul Heyman and Tommy Dreamer bought ring side tickets. The three are escorted out of the building after The Sandman spits beer on Savio Vega.
September 22, 1996
September 21, 2011
Rumor Mill - More on Vince Being Upset at RAW, Meeting Held with Staff
As noted before, Vince McMahon was apparently upset at Monday's RAW because Alberto Del Rio mentioned his name on TV. The mood at this week's RAW was described by some as the most negative environment they could recall. Vince McMahon was said to be in the worst mood.
Word is that Vince felt Del Rio gave away the end result of the Kevin Nash and John Laurinaitis storyline by mentioning him. Some say that Vince was in a bad mood before Del Rio name dropped him. It's said that Stephanie McMahon and Triple H both took more of the brunt from Vince this week than others, as did the agents, mainly Dean Malenko and Arn Anderson.
The writers had to do the usual script changes this week but sources say it was worse this week than most others.
Regarding the Mark Henry and Jerry Lawler angle, they went back and forth all day on whether or not to have Henry put Lawler trough the table. Shortly before RAW started, they made the decision to put him through it. The table was supposed to be gimmicked so it would break easier but because of the late decision, somehow the table wasn't gimmicked and Lawler was put through it the hard way.
Both Henry and Lawler were upset about the angle but Vince himself was said to be furious about it. After RAW ended, Vince called the agents and writers in for a meeting. Sources say Vince went into a "full-on red faced promo" where everyone felt they were being warned.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Rumor Mill - Vince Irate At Raw This Week; Backstage Blow-Up
ProWrestling.net is reporting that Vince McMahon was irate backstage at Raw this week after his name was mentioned by Alberto Del Rio on the air.
As we first reported over the weekend, the current plan is to have Vince McMahon return to TV in the very near future, and the assumption is that Vince was upset because he didn't want his name mentioned on the air.
It's being said that both Del Rio and the writer of the segment were both yelled at by McMahon backstage, and that McMahon's mood was horrible for the rest of the night. Even Stephanie McMahon made an attempt to calm him down, but it was apparently to no avail, as Vince was making life pretty miserable for everyone at Raw following the on-air mention of his name.
UFC President Dana White Comments on Triple H's Criticisms
UFC held a press conference today for UFC 135 and Triple H's recent criticisms of MMA/UFC came up. In an interview with MMAFighting.com last week HHH said that UFC needs to evolve more than WWE. The current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion said the comments HHH made were "ridiculous" and President of UFC Dana White said Vince McMahon is finally letting HHH talk and he will learn soon not to say stupid things.
Update on Dolph Ziggler's Injury
Dolph Ziggler has stated on Twitter that he suffered a "hairline mandibular fracture" of his jaw from Hugh Jackman's punch on RAW.
Ziggler said he will be wearing a mouth guard while it heels and will not miss any matches.
TMZ.com has posted a video of the punch which you can see here.
Matt Hardy's Girlfirend Claims She Didn't Alert the Police
Matt Hardy's girlfriend is adamant ... she didn't drop the dime on her BF last week -- telling TMZ, the only reason she blabbed to cops was because they intimidated and threatened her.
25-year-old Reby Sky tells us, after Matt was rushed to the hospital for an adverse drug reaction, cops took her to the police station and questioned her about the incident.
Apparently Reby gave cops enough info for a search warrant, because when she returned home, the cops were there in force, having just ransacked the joint. She says that's when they threatened her with jail if she didn't answer even more questions.
Reby tells us, she would have kept her mouth shut at the station if she knew police were accumulating evidence for the warrant -- adding, she "would never do anything to put [Matt] in a compromising position with the law."
source: tmz.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Ricky Morton of the Rock 'n Roll Express.
September 21, 1956
Fred Blassie and Bobo Brazil took their famous feud to Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the two battled to a draw. In the main event, WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Waldo Von Erich via countout.
September 21, 1964
During a SmackDown taping in Dallas, Texas, Triple H wrestles five times in order to earn a spot in the Six-Pack Challenge at Unforgiven. He loses to Big Show in a Chokeslam match, defeats Kane in an Inferno match, loses to Mideon & Viscera in a Casket Match, defeats Mankind in a Boiler Room Brawl, and defeats the Rock in a Brahma Bullrope Match.
September 21, 1999
Bill Goldberg defeated Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven.
September 21, 2003
September 20, 2011
More Details on Matt Hardy's Drug Bust; His Girlfriend Turrned Him In
As previous reported, a week after he was arrested for DUI, Matt Hardy was thrown back in the slammer (his third time in jail in a month) and the search warrant makes it clear... Matt has a major drug problem.
According to search warrant docs obtained by TMZ, it all started with a 911 call last Wednesday -- placed by Matt's model girlfriend, Reby Sky, who was worried Matt "was strung out on pills and needed help." Police came and Matt's GF led them to a secret safe containing several prescription painkillers. Police then obtained a search warrant and according to cops, when they raided his house they found 20 vials of anabolic steroids and some ecstasy.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Matt wasn't home at the time of the search so they couldn't arrest him on the spot ... he turned himself in yesterday and bailed out soon after his arrest.
Chyna Explains Why She Left WWE & Affliation with Vivid Entertainment
The September 2011 issue of Power Slam features an interview with Chyna, who discussed her brief fling with TNA Wrestling, departing from WWE in 2001, her experience with Vivid Entertainment, and more:
The relationship between Triple H, her former real-life boyfriend, and Stephanie McMahon (with whom Chyna claims he had an affair and then left her for), was a major factor in her departure from WWE in 2001. She left the promotion on November 30, 2001, several months after she had been removed from television. Jim Ross later claimed that she was not fired, but rather chose to leave for personal reasons. Chyna, however, says otherwise.
“Yeah, I wanted to stay. I was not expecting to get a fax that said, “You will not be needed anymore” when I was still on contract. That was a surprise,” Chyna says. “They faxed me at the restaurant I was eating lunch at. That was the last time I heard from the WWF.
“It was horrible, it really was.”
Calum Waddell, who conducted the interview, noted that she altered her physical appearance during her time with WWE, specifically her face. She responds, “I just wanted to have [the surgery]… My reasons are personal. It was all my decision.”
Seven years after releasing her horrifying sex tape, Chyna made her triumphant return to the adult film industry this year in an extremely graphic pornographic film for Vivid Entertainment, Backdoor To Chyna. She comments on her affiliation with the adult video company.
“The thing I love about Vivid is that I have not had to sign my life away to work with them,” she says. “They are the number one company in the world, and are really pushing for me to be successful in any way I can, and I like that.”
source: power slam magazine
Matt Hardy Arrested on Drug Charges Following Search of his Home
Former WWE and TNA star Matt Hardy was arrested on 9/14 following a search warrant being executed on his home in Cameron, North Carolina, according to a statement issued by the Moore County Sheriff's office.
During the search, Deputies seized 20 vials of Anabolic Steroids, 1 "dosage unit of MDMA" (aka Ecstasy), $1,961.00 (which given the amount of money Hardy has made in his career, isn't surprising) as well as unnamed drug paraphernalia.
Hardy has been charged with possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule III controlled substance (the steroids), possession of schedule I controlled substance (the Ecstasy), maintaining a place to keep controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hardy is scheduled for a court appearance in this case on 9/29. He was released upon signing a statement that he would appear in court.
Yesterday, Hardy posted a Youtube video announcing he would be undergoing a three month rehabilitation program sponsored by WWE, which provides such services to formerly contracted talent.
Hardy has court dates scheduled for 9/28 in Moore County (the Driving While Impaired charge that led to his TNA dismissal), 9/29 in Moore County in regard to these new drug charges, a 10/11 court date in Wake County, NC (reckless driving charges), and 11/30 also in Wake County, NC for the Driving Under the Influence charge after being pulled over and arrested at the Raleigh airport.
source: pwinsider.com
Linda McMahon Announces Second Senate Run
Linda McMahon officially announced her run for U.S. Senate for the state of Connecticut in 2012 just moments ago in Southington, CT at Coil Pro (a manufacturing company). McMahon focused on job growth in her speech and how she is a proven job creator in her time as CEO of WWE.
In discussing job growth and current economic woes, McMahon added, "I'm determined to not be just another critic for these problems. The American Dream is still alive and I'm proof."
The official website for Linda's campaign is Lindaforsenate2012.com.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
September 20, 1951
Happy Birthday to Arn Anderson (Martin Anthony Lunde)
September 20, 1958
Shawn Michaels became the first ever "grand slam" winner in the history of the WWF(E) (Heavyweight, I.C., European, Tag)
September 20, 1997
Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Chyna form D-Generation X.
September 20, 1997
Vince McMahon gave up the WWF(E) Heavyweight title and declared it vacant.
September 20, 1999
September 19, 2011
Linda McMahon Senate Announcement Confirmed
Linda McMahon will be announcing her candidacy for the Senate tomorrow morning at 10:30AM ET. at Coli Pro Machiney in Southington, Connecticut.
The Muppets Come to Raw on Halloween Night
To celebrate their first theatrical release in more than a decade – Disney’s "The Muppets," opening this Thanksgiving – the Muppets will step into the ring on the Oct. 31 WWE Raw SuperShow to mix it up with the Superstars in Atlanta.
In the new film, "The Muppets," the crew is on a mission to save the Muppet Theater from demolition. But before that, they'll have to save themselves from our Superstars!
What will happen when Kermit the Frog meets The Viper? Will the Divas make Miss Piggy flip with jealousy? Will Beaker be confused for Sheamus? On Halloween, it's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights, because the Muppets are about to get Raw!
source: wwe.com
Paul Heyman Comments on the Triple H/CM Punk Match from NOC
Former ECW/WWE talent Paul Heyman gave his thoughts on the finish to the No DQ Triple H vs. CM Punk Night of Champions bout. He notes that those involved in the main event put on a "helluva show" and we should wait for the follow up tonight on RAW:
"I had to flip from watching Inglourious Basterds to see HHH vs CM Punk. Fill in your own punch line for that one, folks! I thought they (and all the others involved) put on one helluva show. It took 3 Pedigrees and a Jack Knife to beat Punk. I know a lot of people are pissed Punk got pinned, but if you're going to get beat, isn't that the way to do it?
As with everyone else, it's all in the follow-up (right, TNA?) ... let's see what they do tomorrow night on #Raw. Hey, I hashtagged #Raw! Ah, it's only been almost 5 years since I left. Maybe I've mellowed just a little. Nah"
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
September 18, 2011
Amid Chaos, Triple H Still WWE COO
source: wwe.com
WWE Night of Champions Results 2011
Dark Match
Daniel Bryan defeated Heath Slater by submission with the Lebell Lock.
WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs. The Miz & R-Truth
Winners: Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne by DQ
Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase
Winner: Cody Rhodes (c)
Fatal 4-Way U.S. Championship Match - Alex Riley, Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison & Jack Swagger
Winner: Dolph Ziggler (c)
World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry
Winner: Mark Henry - New World Heavyweight Champion
Divas Champion Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix
Winner: Kelly Kelly (c)
WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena
Winner: John Cena -New WWE Champion
CM Punk vs. Triple H (No Disqualification Match)
Winner: Triple H after interference by Kevin Nash
Poll Results: Who Will Win at Night of Champions?
CM Punk - 31 (34%)
Triple H - 59 (65%)
Total Votes: 90
This Day in Wrestling History
Fabulous Moolah defeated Judy Grable in a tournament final for the WWF(E) Women's title.
September 18, 1956
AWA Tag Team title declared vacant due to Ken Patera's injury.
September 18, 1989
Ricky Steamboat surrenders the WCW U.S. Heavyweight title to Steve Austin due to injury.
September 18, 1994
America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris & James Storm) defeat Brian Lee & Ron Harris for the NWA World Tag Team Titles, marking their first reign as tag champs in TNA.
September 18, 2002
September 17, 2011
Another ROH Name to FCW
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that the roster section of the FCW site has added Corey Graves, who formerly competed in Ring of Honor as Sterling James Keenan.
Triple H Comments on Acting, Mickey Rourke & 'The Wrestler'
What did you think of the movie The Wrestler and Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of a wrestler? I thought it was a phenomenal movie, and that Mickey was unbelievable. He’s a great, great talent, and a huge fan of the WWE. And I think that’s why he chose to do that role—he connected with it passionately. But it could have been about anybody; it could have been about a rock star. It’s about someone who makes bad choices in their life, and at the end of the day, can’t move on. I mean, that movie could have been Mike Tyson. It could have been a lot of different things. But it happened to have been about our business.
How true to life do you feel The Wrestler was? I feel [it was] true to life for a very small segment. Like when they’re portraying Mickey as working on what they call the independent scene of wrestling—that’s very small. Is it reflective of the WWE? Absolutely not. In no way. Does it exist out there? Sure, it does. I think that portrayal of it was accurate. You know, from the standpoint of a guy so willing to hang on to that pipedream that he will go to the lowest depths of what it is he does, to try to hang on to it. But for every guy who ends up that way, there’s 10 guys that end up in a great place. But that’s not a very exciting story! So it’s much easier to tell the other one.
source: longislandpress.com
HBK Teases Project with Triple H
Shawn Michaels posted the following on twitter:
Begrudgingly finished my workout, off 2 WWE Land 2 do heaven knows what w/HHH. Guess I'll find out when I get there. Luv last minute stuff!!
Just 2 idiots hangin out:-) I'm now off to the airport headed home!!
