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Showing posts with label Justin Roberts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justin Roberts. Show all posts

June 6, 2015

Former WWE announcer Justin Roberts buries Triple H in SI interview


Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts is making media rounds promoting both his appearance at Legends of the Ring tomorrow night in New Jersey, and the release of his upcoming autobiography detailing his life and career in professional wrestling. That includes a lengthy interview with SI.com.

In it, it's revealed Roberts talks about Triple H extensively in his book. Well, he buries him in the interview.

Here's an excerpt:

"Hunter is portrayed as the savior of wrestling, and people think he'll save the business once he's in charge. We all thought that, too, until he started running things. Paul started overseeing a bunch of divisions and one of them was live events. When he took over, our live events schedule was brutal. We'd start in one place and flew all over. Since he used to be one of the boys on the road, we thought he'd stand up and stop that, and he didn't. The schedule got worse.

"Hunter started squashing stuff that really started getting over. If you notice, it's all about the future, and the future is NXT. But focusing on the future shouldn't mean ignoring the present. Zack Ryder got over huge to the point to the point where the crowd was cheering for him at Madison Square Garden while The Rock was standing in the ring. Dolph Ziggler got over. Primo and Epico [now known as Los Matadores] are fantastic wrestlers, but they get lost in the shuffle. There is a glass ceiling, and anybody they don't want to get over is squashed despite the fans strongly getting behind them. Daniel Bryan is a rare exception, despite the company fighting it over and over."

April 3, 2015

WWE Issues Response to Justin Roberts' Blog on Connor Michalek's WWE Hall of Fame Induction


WWE issued the following statement in response to the blog on Connor Michalek that former WWE announcer Justin Roberts posted last night:

“It is offensive to suggest that WWE and its executives had anything but altruistic intentions in honoring Connor and his legacy with The Warrior Award. In conjunction with Connor's father, Connor's Cure was established by Stephanie McMahon and Paul Levesque to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer, and to honor a boy that so many people within the WWE family came to love. The fund is managed by the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation and has already raised more than $200,000 for pediatric cancer research.

In addition, following the Ultimate Warrior's impassioned Hall of Fame speech last year encouraging WWE to recognize its unsung heroes, the Warrior Award was established in his memory to honor those who exhibit unwavering strength and perseverance, and who live life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior. With the full support and input of Ultimate Warrior's widow, Dana Warrior, Connor Michalek was the first recipient of the Warrior Award, and moving forward the award will be given annually to acknowledge other unsung heroes among WWE's employees and fans.

WWE is proud to use our global platforms to raise awareness for important social causes, including Connor's Cure as well as our longstanding partnership with Make A Wish, our on-going partnership with Susan G. Komen, which has resulted in more than $1.5 million in funds raised, and our international partnership with Special Olympics.”

Justin Roberts Felt WWE Handled Connor “The Crusher” Michalek Story Without Sincerity


Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts has opened up in a heartfelt blog titled "Believe Half of What You See and Portions of What You Hear" over at his Medium.com blog which includes photos.

The longtime ring announcer who was was employed by WWE from 2002 until his release in 2014 discusses his thoughts and feelings on his friend Connor “The Crusher” Michalek, WWE and his recent Hall of Fame induction, which from his perspective wasn't told the way he experienced it - It's a long but insightful read, that will bring a tear to your eye.

Hi, my name is Justin Roberts. I was an announcer at World Wrestling Entertainment for about 12 years. Sometimes when you’ve worked there and you speak up about something company-related, it’s easy to be painted as a bitter, ex employee. What’s strange is that my unhappiness at this dream job didn’t start after I left; it started while I was there.

The last time I wrote a blog here, it was about how I loved professional wrestling. I was with the company at the time and loved (and I still love) professional wrestling. There were reasons why it wasn’t titled “I love WWE.” My unhappiness started in my last couple of years with the company and I was actually just as happy when they decided not to renew my contract as I was on the day that I signed. They told me I wasn’t getting fired, there was nothing that I did wrong, that they were going a different direction and the door was always open. I politely closed it behind me and with that said, I’ll now share one of the contributing factors on why I wouldn’t want to go back to this company.

I have always been a fan of the movie “Basic” where “telling the story right” is the theme. WWE also tells a story, week after week. Sometimes their stories seem “real” and we forget that they’re a company… that tells stories. Remember “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s jealousy over Elizabeth and Hulk Hogan? Matt Hardy and Edge battling over relationship reasons, CM Punk taking the title and leaving the company? Daniel Bryan overcoming the evil bosses who did everything to keep him down? These were memorable, reality-inspired storylines, but overall, they were stories that WWE told us fans.

This past weekend at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, they told a story. While using real life people and real stories, they did what they do best: they told a story and they didn’t let the facts get in the way.

Last year, just days before his unfortunate, sudden death, the legendary Ultimate Warrior suggested during his Hall of Fame induction speech that WWE should honor the hardworking people who work behind the scenes at the company. He spoke about those people who worked there: “Some of them for years, 20–25–30 years,” he continued, “To have a category in the Hall of Fame where you honor these people.” Unfortunately, the WWE track record shows that many people who work there and give their lives to the company for 20–30 years don’t get rewarded, they get released once they’ve been there for too long.

I can name numerous employees that I worked with at WWE who would be deserving of such an award. Those people devoted all of their time and energy to WWE, because they loved their jobs and thought they were working for a good cause. A guy like Mark Yeaton who was let go on the eve of what would have been his 30th anniversary. He was the guy that worked all morning and afternoon in the production office of the TV shows, then sat at ringside and rang the bell for the show, while communicating on headset with the bosses to make sure everything ran smoothly. Then he would return to the production office where he made sure the operations ran as they should while accommodating everyone who approached him about needing something done. Then he would go through the locker rooms to make sure no one left anything behind. He even cleaned up the towels and did anything else asked of him. Mark would take a bullet for the company and would have made an excellent and deserving award recipient, but he was let go for a budget cut. (You probably won’t hear much from Mark publicly as far as saying anything negative about the company, or the many others like Mark, as their employee contracts prevent them from speaking out. Mine doesn’t.).

Who else could be a good nominee? Lots of folks. There are so many hardworking men and women that work behind the scenes at that company. How about Sue, who arranges all of the great Make-A-Wish events, Adam who manages fan services…All of these people deserve recognition by the company, and that’s what the Warrior was trying to say. But the question is, how much publicity could those awards make for the company? Or how could you market that award to mean something to the public?

So rather than honor those people that you don’t see or hear about , who work hard to put on the shows that we all love, the company decided to tell a different story. This year, they spliced and spun the Warrior’s speech to make the award about “warriors” outside of the company, because that might make for a better story — and for better publicity.

March 17, 2015

Screenwriter Max Landis Releases “Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling” Parodying WWE And Triple H’s Career Feat. Dozens of Cameos


American screenwriter Max Landis (Chronicle) has released a new “educational parody” called Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling. The 24-minute film, which is available in its entirety below, covers the entire career of 13-time world champion Triple H and brilliantly discusses professional wrestling as a storytelling medium.

Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling features dozens of special appearances, including cameos from wrestlers Joey Ryan, John Hennigan (Morrison), Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Chris Hero, Becky Bayless, former WWE announcer Justin Roberts, Colt Cabana, JTG and Shad Gaspard, Ryan Nemeth and many others, as well as Seth Green, David Arquette and more.

October 20, 2014

Justin Roberts’ Replacement Announced, New Smackdown Ring Announcer


Joey Styles tweeted out early today that a the new RAW and Smackdown ring announcers have been named. Veteran RAW ring announcer Lilian Garcia, who has been the most recent Smackdown ring announcer, will take over for Justin Roberts, and Eden Stiles will be the new Smackdown ring announcer. Both will start their new roles this week; Garcia moves back to RAW after long time RAW ring announcer Justin Roberts departed the company last week.

October 16, 2014

Rumor Mill - Roberts's WWE Replacement Reportedly Named


PWInsider.com is reporting that Eden, the wife of current WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes/"Stardust," may be the replacement for recently released WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts on Raw, according to word coming out of WWE this week. The decision involving Eden was reportedly finalized sometime this week, but plans are always subject to change.

As of late, Eden has been taking part in "second-screen" backstage segments with Tom Phillips on the WWE App.

There had been speculation from fans that Lilian Garcia would be replacing Roberts; however, word is that she will remain on SmackDown and at WWE live events. Byron Saxton will fill in for Garcia at live events when she is not present.

JBL Blasts Reports Of Alleged "Fight" Between Justin Roberts And Michael Cole


WWE announcer John "Bradshaw" Layfield has taken to his official Facebook page to blast reports of a fight that was alleged to have taken place between fellow announcer Michael Cole and recently-released WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts during this week's edition of Raw:

I saw on the Internet that Michael Cole and Justin Roberts got into a fight at ringside-during a live Raw. Do you realize how preposterous this is? Michael has ZERO break during the three hours (King and I barely have enough to tweet!), we go straight to WWE App during commercials (which Maggle is so helpful in showing everyone how to download) and back to TV action. This 'fight' never happened and couldn't have happened due to lack of time. I have no idea how these things start-but happy that people care enough to write about what we do and what goes on, sometimes though the 'news' is wrong as in this case.

I wish Justin the best obviously and I know nothing of his departure other than what was announced-but wanted to clear this up as the Internet was buying this for fact for some reason.

I do want to wish Maggle a happy birthday (yesterday) I do think Maggle is the best play by play guy WWE has ever had, and before all of you hop on the JR or Gorilla bandwagon-I mean no insult to either of those guys, both all time greats. I have worked with Michael since my broadcast start and have never seen anyone better-that is obviously subject to my opinion. The stuff he has to do with all the social media, app, network, etc makes his job the hardest play by play in the world imo and as much as I love getting him on air, I think he is great at it.

October 15, 2014

Justin Roberts Issues Statement On WWE Departure


Justin Roberts, who was released from WWE following this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, posted what he termed his “final announcement” on his Instagram account on Wednesday. You can read it below:

It might sound cliche, but I am truly overwhelmed & humbled by the messages I’ve received. As a kid who grew up loving & living for professional wrestling, I was able to chase, catch & live an impossible dream. I was a part of events I couldn’t fathom with the heroes I idolized from both WWF & various childhood favorite television shows (Hello Betty White). For a guy in a supporting ambience role–usually unnamed & unseen–I am blown away by the amount of people who apparently not only noticed, but also enjoyed my work. Announcing was my dream, until I realized the absolute best part was using my position to help others. It brought me so much joy to bring a smile to a fellow fan’s face. The Superstars I’ve announced & traveled with over the past 12 years are not only extremely talented to work year round and on the fly, but they are also the most unselfish people I’ve ever met. I couldn’t help others without their support. Not one Superstar or Diva ever once hesitated when I asked them to meet a fan..or autograph..or call..or do whatever was needed. After reading through all of your messages, I just want to say this: Please do not be angry & Please do not be sad. I lived my dream! I’m glad that maybe now someone else will have a spot to live theirs. Many thanks to everyone I have worked with in WWE. Sue, the company gem & my guardian angel. The producers who have taught me so much and constantly let me pick their brains. The referees (They make it look easy. NOT an easy job). Security. Props. Audio. Lighting. PR. Cameras. Travel. TR. Catering. Production. PA’s. My eyes and ears at the bell-Mark Yeaton. Everyone I have met along the way. Everyone who has come into my life because of this job & to those who I have never had the opportunity to meet, but have enjoyed my work. I appreciate & am grateful for everyone’s support. To Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & The Authority who gave me this incredible opportunity, I’ve got two words for ya: Thank You. The journey has been incredible & almost unbelievable. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to pen the final chapter of my memoirs.

October 14, 2014

The Very Latest on Justin Roberts’ WWE Release: Reportedly Seen Arguing with Cole, Ring Announce Changes Expected, Y2J Podcast


According to PWInsider.com, below are the latest updates on the WWE release of Justin Roberts:

Roberts was informed of his WWE release right after Raw last night, and he was told by WWE Exec Kevin Dunn. With Roberts gone, it is expected that Lilian Garcia will handle ring announcing for Raw and Eden might be brought in to do ring announcing for Smackdown.

There was talk amongst fans on social media last night that Roberts could be seen arguing with Michael Cole during the Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler match, and at one point Roberts “flipped Cole off.” Whether or not the incident was a catalyst for Roberts’ release is unknown.

Roberts will be the special guest on Chris Jericho’s “Talk is Jericho” podcast on Friday.

WWE Ring Announcer Justin Roberts Released


The official WWE website is reporting that the company has decided to release longtime ring announcer Justin Roberts "effectively immediately"

Below is the WWE.com statement on Justin Robert's release:

WWE has chosen to not exercise its option to renew ring announcer Justin Roberts' contract. Effective immediately, Roberts is released from WWE.

WWE wishes him the best in all his future endeavors.

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