May 31, 2009
Ric Flair Clears Up WWE/ROH Controvery; Notes that Triple H Doesn't Want Him to Wrestle
Ric Flair says he plans to wrestle again, but not in the U.S. He believes his return to a contracted WWE talent will primarily be as a goodwill ambassador. “I don’t think anyone could begrudge me for throwing my gear on (overseas),” said Flair, who still plans an tour outside of the U.S. later this year.
He says he has signed with WWE again and left ROH, but was able to show up and say good bye. “The people received it very well. I just said goodbye, thanked them for all their respect, and told them that my loyalties and my family was with WWE. It worked out fine.”
He added: "“I just can’t work for two people. It doesn’t make sense... It would be hypocritical if I tried to do both. I just told the truth. You can’t go wrong telling the truth. My loyalty is with WWE, and that’s where I’m at.”
He says he's talked to Triple H, who didn't want to see him return to wrestling in WWE. “He just didn’t want to see me wrestle,” said Flair. “He’s happy I’m back.”...More?
sources: pwtorch.com & postandcourier.com
ROH not happy over the Ric Flair situation. Click here for the story.
Where are the Randy Orton Haters?
I'm pretty sure if it was said that Triple H had a conversation with Kennedy after a match, where Triple H was not at all happy with what went down and Kennedy was fired, we would definitely see the IWC up in arms. So where are you Orton bashers? Why aren't you running about with pitchforks calling for his head?...More?
source: bleacherreport.com
May 30, 2009
Kevin Nash on his Relationship with The Kliq
"I haven't talked to Sean Waltman much and I have a bit of contact with Scott Hall. I've stayed very close with Shawn Michaels. And Paul and I play telephone tag. He's busy. He helps run (WWE) and he has two children. When we do get a chance to talk, it's like we've never skipped a beat. He gets criticized because of his marriage to Stephanie McMahon, but he's worked his ass off. Nobody determines who you fall in love with. He's probably one of the top three workers WWE has."
Nash vs. Ouellet Revisited
Sort through the wrestlespeak and carney-like promotion and you still get the feeling there'll be fireworks tonight in Montreal when Kevin Nash and Carl Ouellet stand in the same ring.
Ouellet claims Nash ruined his WWE (WWF at the time) career.
"I had a long undefeated streak," he says on an IWS video. "A month before the Montreal show, Kevin walks up to me and says, 'Hey, buddy ... it's me and you in Montreal ... big boot, jackknife and 1-2-3.' That was a month before. I've never heard of a finish being called a month before the show. It really got to me. When I walked into the Forum, (agent) Tony Garea came up to me and said: 'I want a good 15-minute match ... it's going to be a big boot and a jackknife.' I said: 'I'm not doing it.'
A different finish was arranged. Over the years, the animosity has simmered. Nash says if Ouellet wants a fight, it's on...More?
source: slam wrestling
May 29, 2009
Update on Mr. Kennedy's Release
The rumor is that Ken Kennedy and Randy Orton had a minor backstage altercation at the Raw taping on Monday. Orton was angry at Kennedy for dropping him on his shoulder during a back suplex in the ten-man main event tag team match. If you watch the match below from 1:07 to 1:22, you can clearly tell that Orton was in pain and angry at Kennedy. He even tried to punch him. It was the same shoulder that Orton broke during his Last Man Standing match with Triple H last year. Kennedy had also been working rather stiff with the other people on Orton’s team, which led to Orton warning Kennedy that he had to be more careful whilst wrestling. Of course, Kennedy was the one who wound up being injured during the match as he hurt his wrist whilst taking an RKO.
partial source: pulse wrestling
After looking at the match again, there might be something to this.
Interview with Torrie Wilson
Lou Ramirez of KY97 FM did an interview with Torrie Wilson about her appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'. Click here to listen. The show premiers on June 1st on NBC.
SmackDown Results: Wild West
The match was supposed to include Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. But, the odds shifted after Chris Jericho – disguised as a fan dressed like Mysterio – attacked the masked Superstar prior to the match, going as far as trying to rip off his mask. With Mysterio out, Hardy was forced to take on high-caliber opponents, World Heavyweight Champion Edge and Jericho all by himself. Despite a valiant effort, Hardy was unable to come up with a win. After a hard-hitting spear from The Rated-R Superstar to get the win, Hardy was brutalized by The Ultimate Opportunist with a ladder. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Flair Done with ROH
Ric Flair announced at the ROH taping tonight that he is leaving ROH to return to the WWE...More?
Mr. Kennedy Released
Standard line from wwe.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Raw Superstar Mr. Kennedy (Ken Kennedy) as of today, May 29, 2009. WWE wishes Ken the best in all future endeavors.
Cheerleader Melissa (Raisha Saeed) vs. Sojourner Bolt
Note to TNA - time to let Melissa out of the burka.
May 25th Raw Ratings Breakdown
Raw lost 0.13 ratings points by the time Vince McMahon was through mocking Denver Nuggets owner E. Stan Kroenke:
* 9:00: 3.28 - Vince McMahon mocks Stan Kroenke, The Miz appears
* 9:15: 3.15 - Miz and John Cena, Maryse vs. Kelly Kelly
* 9:30: 2.99 - Backstage with "Jack Nicholson," star of United States Championship Shot Triple Threat
* 9:45: 2.90 - conclusion of United States shampionship shot, Ric Flair walks backstage
* 10:00: 3.26 - Flair vs. Randy Orton confrontation, Santino's ring entrance
* 10:15: 3.42 - Santino and Mickie James vs. Chavo Guerrero and Beth, start of Kendrick and Festus vs. Goldust and Hornswoggle
* 10:30: 3.29 - conclusion Kendrick and Festus vs. Goldust and Hornswoggle, ring announcement of "players" for main event
* 10:45: 3.31 - 5-on-5 main event
* Overrun: 3.81 - conclusion of 5-on-5 main event and aftermath
source: pwinsider.com
Triple H Return Update
Wrestling News World reader Christian Saastad sent word that local advertisements in the Sacramento area are promoting that Triple H will be appear at WWE Extreme Rules next month. Extreme Rules will be held on June 7th.
May 28, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: Price Check
source: wwe.com
'Nature Boy' Ric Flair Looking for Return
"If Brett Favre can come back once in a while, I certainly can,'' Flair said...More?
source: associated press
Nikki Matthews Vaulting to the Top
Nicole Matthews has enjoyed a very quick rise through the pro ranks and her contemporaries believe a great deal more awaits this talented relative newcomer. The wrestler better known as Nikki Matthews reached the prestigious SHIMMER Women Athletes promotion less than two years after her early 2006 debut...More?
source: slam wrestling
JR Comments on the Hogpen Match at Extreme Rules & Triple H's Involvement with Henry Godwin
The revisiting of the "Hog Pen" match at Extreme Rules in New Orleans will be a sight for sore eyes. I was indirectly a part of such a mess that included live hogs and their manure many years ago in a match between HHH and Henry Godwin. I was to do an interview but kept from being drowned in hog feces. There is a photo of me in bib overalls &rubber boots covered in hog waste and mud floating around somewhere. Not one of the most stellar memories of my broadcast career. I do remember HHH suffering a nasty cut that had to be immediately attended to due to the prominent risk of infection because of the environment of which he was grappling. I think that event might have been an "In Your House" PPV in the old arena in Hershey, PA.
source: jrsbarbq.com
Triple H vs. Henry Godwin, In Your House 1996
SmackDown Ratings Update
Last week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown drew a 1.6 broadcast rating, tying a series worst on MyNetworkTV. The show featured a one-on-one match as Jeff Hardy took on Edge in a Winner chooses the Stipulation for Extreme Rules Championship Match.
Hunter Hate Subsiding?
Isn't it interesting that when Triple H isn't on TV, the Hunter bashing decreases?
Normally we hear the same mantra - Hunter is where he is because of family connections, he is a master of backstage politics, he is the cancer of the lockerroom, etc. Since his match at Judgment Day, he hasn't been on TV. Yesterday various news sites (including this one) commented about his attempts to cut down on Vince's need for the "campy comedy" on the show and noted that Hunter has a good head for business and is more in tune to what the key demographics wants. A true lovefest.
When he returns, the smarks will get back to normal. What will they do when he retires?
This Day in Wrestling History
NWA Vice President Bill Behrens strips Dan Severn of NWA World Title due to him not being available to defend it at the debut NWA-TNA ppv event.
May 28, 2002
May 27, 2009
Father's Day with Florida Championship Wrestling
WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling will be holding a special event called "A Father's Day Salute" on Friday, June 19th at the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibition Hall in Kissimmee, Florida. The show will feature an autograph session with WWE Legends and their sons who wrestle in WWE developmental. Scheduled are Gerald Brisco with his son Wes, Mike "IRS" Rotundo with his sons Bo and Duke, Haku with his son Tevita and Ted DiBiase Sr. with his son Brett. All fathers in attendance will get a free personalized photo with an FCW Superstar and their kids. Tickets are on-sale now at FCWwrestling.com and range from $10 to $30 with kids 12 and under who are with their fathers.
Rumor Mill - How the Absence of Triple H and Shawn Michaels Appears to be Affecting the Raw Product
Heading into Monday's WWE Raw, the feeling of Vince McMahon and the WWE Raw creative team is that the show has been strong. Vince wants there to be differences between his various television shows, and one source found the silver lining in this by pointing out that SmackDown may not be as wrestling-heavy if Raw wasn't the sports entertainment variety show. Various sources have said that Vince was pleased with Monday's broadcast. He essentially dictated the direction of the show to the creative team.
Triple H and Shawn Michaels have been credited by some colleagues for weeding out some of the campy comedy that Vince and his writers favor during the production meetings. Hunter has been at the recent Raw shows, but one observer noted that Hunter isn't as emotionally attached to the product when he's not wrestling. In other words, he might be saving his objections for when he returns to television.
source: prowrestling.net
"Decade of SmackDown" TV Special
According to Variety, WWE will be holding a "Decade of Smackdown" special on Friday, October 2 to kick off the Fall season of Friday Night Smackdown on MyNetworkTV.
WWE Replaces Unforgiven with All Submissions PPV
WWE recently sent out a survey to some of their fans asking them to vote on names for a new submission-themed pay-per-view event. In an update, it looks like WWE may be doing away with their annual Unforgiven pay-per-view this year in favor of the all submission event. WWE.com's Canada events section now lists the September 13th pay-per-view as "Breaking Point" from Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Centre Bell.
source: impactwrestling.com
Update on Triple H's Return
WWE aired a commercial in the Charlotte area during the May 25th Raw that announced the main event for the June 15th Raw as Triple H and John Cena vs. Randy Orton and Big Show. Looks like Triple H will be returning after Extreme Rules ppv.
Caps, Nats Linked to Alleged Steroids Dealers?
The Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals were specifically named by a man Tuesday night after he was arrested for being an alleged steroids dealer, although police said they could not yet substantiate his claims...More?
source: nbc4.com
ECW Results: Extreme Tension
source: wwe.com
May 26, 2009
Triple H to Appear at MTV Japan's Video Music Awards
Triple H and Michelle McCool will appear as Guest Celebrities of MTV Japan's Video Music Awards 2009 at Saitama Super Arena in Japan on May 30. Click here for more information.
WWE Japan
Review of the Lakers vs. Nuggets Version of Raw
I knew last night's Raw was going to be hard to watch, but it was worse than I thought.
The opening segment with Vince and the Kroenke look-a-like was pathetic. I expected Vince to take shots at the Nuggets owner - He had it coming, but to devote so much of the show to it was a joke. After the opening "show-down" we then are subjected to the star impersonators (Jack Nicholson, etc.) It was so unnecessary.
The five on five match at the end of the show wasn't too bad. I liked that they had the Lakers announcer make the introductions. Even the jerseys were o.k. But if Vince had put his ego aside he would have realized that that main event was all he needed. He didn't need to dress down "Kroenke" to open the show and he didn't need the star impersonators. Wrestling on a wrestling show was all that was needed.
Wrestler Bob Armstrong Battles On
The mornings can be particularly painful for legendary pro wrestler Bob Armstrong, who at 69 continues to climb into the ring to perform several times a week. “Sometimes, I have to crawl out of the bed,” he said. “I got my foot broke in Birmingham and had to cut the toe out of my boot to get it off. I wrestled the next week.
“I wrestled Jerry Lawler with broken ribs. You worked hurt. It wasn’t like these days where wrestlers get contracts. “Back then, if you didn’t wrestle, you didn’t get paid.”
He’ll climb in the squared circle again Friday night at the Dothan Civic Center in what’s being billed as the Farewell 2 Legends Tour...More?
source: dothaneagle.com
The Undertaker Undergoes Surgery
The Undertaker has undergone hip surgery, according to prowrestling.net. He had been suffering from hip and back pain for several months and the hope is that the surgery will eliminate the pain in both areas.
John Cena Comments on WWE Critics; and Not Being Liked in the WWE
In an interview witht The UK Sun, John Cena gave his view on people who criticize the WWE and professional wrestling:
"I've had to fight that battle my entire career. "Vince McMahon has been fighting that battle since he took the company global. It's personal ignorance. People don't know how good we are as entertainers. They don't know how good we are as people in the media. The only way we can silence those voices is by putting together a good product. We've done that with 12 Rounds."...More?
I don't know if I agree with the 12 Rounds comment, but the rest of it is dead on.
May 25, 2009
Raw Results: Enos is Enough
Mr. McMahon isn’t exactly the forgiving type. Which made a confrontation between the WWE Chairman and one E. Stan Kroenke virtually inevitable.
As has been reported extensively throughout the week, the owner of the Denver Nuggets, Kroenke had unceremoniously booted Monday Night Raw from Denver’s Pepsi Center in favor of allowing his team to play the Los Angeles Lakers there in an NBA playoff game, despite the fact that WWE had reserved the Pepsi Center last August.
As anyone who is familiar with Mr. McMahon might guess, things didn’t go so well for “E. Stan” when he showed up at L.A.’s STAPLES Center to berate the WWE Universe. During his rant, the Chairman showed up and revealed Kroenke’s first name: Enos. Mr. McMahon then clotheslined the blowhard billionaire, leaving him flat against the canvas. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Mr. Kennedy Returns to Raw; Sustains Injury
Ken Kennedy made his return at tonight's edition of Raw from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Kennedy injured his wrist during the match while taking an RKO from Randy Orton. There's no word yet on whether he'll miss any time, but this is another tough break for him.
Triple H Comments on Ric Flair Wrestling Again
"There's a part of me that's bitter sweet," Triple H told Dave LaGreca of the "Busted Open" show on Sirius XM radio. "As much as I enjoy Ric on the show and I miss seeing Ric Flair on the show, I feel that he was given the ultimate sendoff in the business.
"There have been so many guys in the past... they retire and unretire then they retire and they unretire. It's almost a joke when they un-retire. He really wanted to be the guy who said, meant it, and did it. I don't know if he misses the business or he needs the money. I'm not sure what it is, but if he's thinking about coming back there has to be a pretty good reason because he was pretty adamant about that never happening."
source: prowrestling.net
Epic Koloff-Magnum Feud Revisited in Great DVD
A popular babyface versus a monstrous heel. USA versus Russia. The height of the 1980s glory days of pro wrestling. It was Magnum and Nikita in Jim Crockett Promotions. And it was the stuff legends are made of...More?
source: slam wrestling
Interview with Samoa Joe
ESPN: You recently switched things up a little with the face paint. Why the change?
Samoa Joe: You know what, it's really just an extension of the character. That's the great thing about pro wrestling as you can take a persona you have and really keep pushing and pushing it as there really are no boundaries, no lines. It's just a continuation of my character. Where people knew me as a really aggressive person, now I'm over-the-top aggressive. We'll see how far I can push it.
ESPN: You were one of the consultants on the "TNA Impact" video game. Was it cool to be able to introduce the Suicide character in the game then watch someone take over that gimmick in real life? I don't think that's ever been done before where a wrestling character debuted in a game before TV.
Samoa Joe: It was pretty trippy. I remember working on the game and they showed me the character they designed. I was looking at the outfit and thought it was pretty cool, that it could be cool for a wrestler to wear. Next thing you know, I'm walking in the studio one day and there was the costume and the wrestler was getting all made up and ready to go. I was like, wow, they actually made a real Suicide...More?
source: sports.espn.go.com
This Day in Wrestling History
The Brian Pillman Memorial event is held in Cincinatti, OH at the Schmidt Field House. The card features the memorable Chris Benoit vs. William Regal match.
May 25, 2000
May 24, 2009
TNA Confirms Returning Stars and the Debut of Lisa Marie Varon (Victoria)
TNA Wrestling sent out the following mobile alert:
"This Thursday at Impact former TNA stars Raven and Shane Douglas return plus the debut of Lisa Marie Varon (formerly Victoria) on SpikeTV 9pmET."
Q&A with Ted DiBiase
Q: What was it like working on the set of Marine 2? Marine 2 is set for a winter release.
A: I had so much fun working on that set. It was a totally different experience for me. It was because of WWE that I got that opportunity for which I am very grateful. It is an action movie and is going to be awesome.
Q: Is it hard to live up to your father's legacy?
A: No, because of the way my father is and the way he raised me. He supports myself and my brothers 100 percent whatever we do. He encourages us to set our own goals high.
Before joining the WWE, I went into independent wrestling in Japan. I have made it clear I wanted to make it on my own and I think I have gotten respect for doing that. Living up to his legacy is a challenge I welcome with open arms. Hopefully at the end of my career, they will say he was just as good as his dad or maybe he was even better.
Q: What are your long term goals?
A: I would like to become world or WWE champion; something my father never accomplished...More?
source: aikenstandard.com
May 23, 2009
Kaliqo's Commentary - Mick Foley vs. Cardboard Rocky Balboa...Epic Fail
The "Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley wrestled a life-size cardboard cut-out of Rocky Balboa on last week's iMPACT!. What was TNA creative thinking? This was one of the stupidest segments I have seen on a wrestling show. How does this build momentum to their Sacrifice pay per view? They even had a "Mickey" look-a-like and Mick recited some of the more famous quotes for the Rocky movies at the end of his "match". Epic Fail.
This Day in Wrestling History - Owen Hart Passes Away
Owen Hart died in a tragic fall during the WWF(E) PPV "Over the Edge"
May 23, 1999
May 22, 2009
SmackDown Results: A Lean, Mean Extreme Scene
Later that night, after a brutal match of consequence, Hardy triumphed over Edge with the Swanton Bomb. Following his hard-fought victory, The Charismatic No. 1 Contender floored the WWE Universe, declaring that the World Heavyweight Championship Match at Extreme Rules would be a Ladder Match. Full results.
Introducing...David Hart Smith
Currently World Wrestling Entertainment is just crawling with second and third generation stars; the sons and daughters of the wrestlers who came decades before. Some have already found great success, some have fallen by the wayside and some are just getting started.
David Hart Smith is one of those “new kids” who is just starting his journey. Born Harry Smith, this 22 year-old Canadian prodigy is the son of “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, nephew of Bret and the late Owen Hart and grandson of legendary promoter Stu Hart. His in-ring moniker is an obvious nod to his father and his mother Diana’s maiden name...More?
source: examiner.com
TNA Attempting to Capitalize on the 'Denver Debacle'; WWE Reschedules Loveland & Colorado Springs
The TNA Live! Tour invades the Pueblo (Colo.) Convention Center on Friday night, May 29, and then moves to Cheyenne, Wyo., on Saturday night, May 30 at the Taco Johns Event Center. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m., and anyone bringing an unused WWE ticket from its recently-cancelled Colorado shows to the box office in Pueblo or Cheyenne will receive a $10 discount for tickets either TNA show...More?
source: tnawrestling.com
WWE reschedules Loveland and Colorado Springs events.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Brian Pillman
May 22, 1962
Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna for the WWWF(WWE) Tag Team title.
May 22, 1972
Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
May 22, 1989
Vince Russo strips Ric Flair of WCW World Title, awarding it to Jeff Jarrett.
May 22, 2000
May 21, 2009
Vince vs. Chicken Nugget - Another Cheap Storyline?
Vince McMahon has built a wrestling empire on building good guys and bad guys and creating storylines out of thin air that some people might even buy. Well, I'm sorry Vince, I'm not buying it, not this time.
McMahon might want to make himself out to be the good guy after Denver's Pepsi Center double booked his WWE Monday Raw show on Memorial Day with Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and Nuggets, "forcing him" to move the show to Los Angeles and the home of the Lakers, but the truth is he's the bad guy here.
From the moment that this scheduling conflict arose, which actually isn't that uncommon, McMahon was never looking to keep this event in Denver. He was looking to make the biggest and longest splash he could with this golden ticket he had stumbled upon...More?
source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com
I'm not sure why anyone is surprised by the "media circus" involving this story. Vince McMahon is referred to as a modern-day P.T. Barnum - of course he is going to try to milk this for everything he can get. If the situation was reversed, Kroenke would be foolish if he didn't do the same thing.
WWE Happy to Tag Nuggets Owner Kroenke as Villain
Less than 24 hours after announcing it was bolting Denver for Los Angeles because of a scheduling conflict, World Wrestling Entertainment was distributing a promotional image of chairman Vince McMahon and Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke. Superimposed above a photo of McMahon smiling beatifically was a halo; a shot of a dour-looking Kroenke had two red horns atop his head.
WWE was still milking the moment Thursday, securing space at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square for a news conference complete with star wrestler Triple H. Giant flat-screen TVs blared WWE highlights and supporters clapped and hollered as McMahon stepped to the podium.
No matter whether Kroenke, an owner who prefers to stay in the shadows, was closely involved in the arena being double-booked for WWE's Monday Night Raw and a Nuggets-Lakers playoff game on the same night. WWE isn't letting this go easily. And Kroenke himself makes a much more appealing target than the faceless entity of his company, Kroenke Sports Enterprises...More?
source: associated press
Roller Derby Resurgence
Roller derby has been around since the 1920s, but the sport has been experiencing a resurgence recently, with new leagues and teams hitting rinks all over the United States. In 2004, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association formed to promote the sport, and you know BUST has written about roller derby many a time. Other media outlets like CNN have also been giving these ladies some love lately.
Derby girls come in all sorts of healthy shapes and sizes, too! I’m also intrigued by roller derby because… well… what other sport lets you don fishnets if you want and change your name to something like Skid Ho? Gotham Girls Roller Derby league in New York describes it like this: ‘Every Gotham Girl is an amalgam of athlete, pin-up girl, rocker and brute rolled into one badass derby girl. Pretty? Hell, yeah! Tough? Of course! Badass? Always!’...More?
source: bust.com
WWE Superstars Results: What Comes After Judgment?
Both Jericho and The Straightedge Superstar were looking to avenge their respective losses from Judgment Day as they met on “WWE Superstars.” Ultimately, it was Mr. Money in the Bank, CM Punk, who proved victorious, but Jericho had the last laugh. This wasn’t the first time these two have done battle, and much like their past encounters, could be considered a tutorial on the intestinal fortitude it takes to become a top WWE Superstar. All the way to the finish, the two ring titans were evenly matched, with Jericho reversing the Go To Sleep into the Walls of Jericho. But Punk fought back, countering the nefarious Superstar’s lethal submission maneuver into a roll-up for the win. It was no surprise that the first-ever Undisputed Champion was not pleased with the end-result, and he aired his frustrations by nailing a Codebreaker on the celebrating Mr. Money in the Bank, leaving Punk writhing in pain as “WWE Superstars” went off the air. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Christopher Daniels Unmasked
Christopher Daniels has spent the better part of the last year in mask – as both Curry Man, and then as a sub for the injured Kaz playing the role of Suicide. Last month, Daniels, as himself, made a big return as part of Jeff Jarrett's Team at the Lockdown Pay Per View. TNA's got a new Pay Per View this Sunday, May 24th called Sacrifice. It will feature TNA World Champion Mick Foley defending his title against three other men – Kurt Angle, Sting and Jeff Jarrett. As of this moment, Daniels doesn't have a match booked for the show, but we're sure something will go down involving Daniels, Suicide and the Motor City Machineguns (Alex Shelly and Chris Sabin)...More?
source: tv.ign.com
Kroenke should take marketing lessons from McMahon; WWE has beaten NBA in demographic battle
Enos Stanley Kroenke should hire Vincent Kennedy McMahon to run Kroenke Sports Enterprises. Better than a ring leader for Barnum & Bailey and smoother than a voice for Brener Zwikel & Associates, McMahon knows how to lead and promote.
If McMahon was running Kroenke's show, there would be no need for the mass media circus we are witnessing. The master sports entertainer is spearheading the media frenzy, noting Kroenke should be arrested for impersonating a good businessman, holding up a Lakers jersey and ripping the owner for not having faith in his own team.
Let's face it. The NBA can be bitter since WWE beats the NBA in the ratings/target market. Not only that but in a poll on the 7NEWS television website at TheDenverChannel.com asking readers who should be able to use the Pepsi Center, WWE has 80 percent of the vote...More?
source: miamiherald.com
Local Fighter Takes Act to Big Stage
Former All-Met Wrestler Kaplan to Fight on Undercard at Saturday's UFC 98
Dave Kaplan, a 29-year-old, 155-pounder who holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiujitsu, will fight George Roop (8-5) on the first undercard of Saturday's UFC 98, an 11-card mixed martial arts event at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
"This is one of those things for me about leaving footprints," said Kaplan, who is 3-2 as a pro and trains full time at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. "I don't want to live an ordinary life. I want to live a life that some people can't. Maybe it's not 100 percent stable, but maybe that's why it interests me."
Kaplan's recent success on Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter 8" earned him a spot on Saturday's card; one that features two anticipated brawls in a 205-pound title fight between Rashad "Sugar" Evans (18-0-1) and Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida (14-0) and a grudge match between 170-pounders Matt "The Terror" Serra (16-5) and Matt Hughes (43-7)...More?
source: washingtonpost.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title
May 21, 1982
Triple H defeated the Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
May 21, 2000
Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho defeated Steve Austin & Triple H for the WWF(E) Tag Team title
May 21, 2001
May 20, 2009
Raw Preview: Raw's Playoffs
**A commercial aired on last night's ECW on Sci-Fi hyping Ric Flair will be at Raw to confront Randy Orton.**
Bloodbaths: The 25 Most Brutal and Violent WWE Matches Ever
25. Ric Flair vs. Triple H (Taboo Tuesday 2005)
24. Edge vs. John Cena (Unforgiven 2006)
23. Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle (Monday Night Raw 6/11/01)
22. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (Armageddon 2002)
21. Steve Austin vs. Triple H (No Way Out 2001)
20. Shane McMahon vs. Big Show (Backlash 2001)
19. Steve Austin vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 17)
18. Chris Jericho vs. Triple H (Judgment Day 2002)
17. Edge, Foley & Lita vs. Dreamer, Funk & Beulah (One Night Stand 2006)
16. Edge vs. Mick Foley (WrestleMania 22)
15. Sandman and Tommy Dreamer vs. The Dudley Boys (One Night Stand 2005)
14. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (SummerSlam 2002)
13. Ric Flair vs. Edge (Monday Night Raw 1/16/06)
12. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 20)
11. Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton (Backlash 2004)
10. TLC 2 (WrestleMania 17)
9. Cactus Jack vs. Triple H (No Way Out 2000)
8. Mankind vs. The Rock (Royal Rumble 1999)
7. Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle (King of the Ring 2001)
6. Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
5. Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar (No Mercy 2002)
4. Eddie Guerrero vs. John Bradshaw Layfield (Judgment Day 2004)
3. TLC 1 (SummerSlam 2000)
2. Mankind vs. Undertaker (King of the Ring 1998)
1. Cactus Jack vs. Triple H (Royal Rumble 2000)
source: bleacherreport.com
WWE-JAKKS Lawsuit Dismissed
The United States District Court has dismissed WWE's lawsuit against toy maker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. in which WWE accused JAKKS of being involved in "collusion and acts of bribery" with WWE's licensing agent at the time.
WWE Cancels 3 Colorado Events Over 'Denver Debacle'
World Wrestling Entertainment will move three wrestling events from various Colorado arenas to the STAPLES Center after a Denver Nuggets playoff game created a scheduling conflict at the Pepsi Center.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, speaking live on 4 O'Clock at 9NEWS, said the WWE was cancelling the Pepsi Center event along with a May 24 event in Loveland and a May 26 show in Colorado Springs.
All three shows will move to the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, home of the Denver Nuggets' current opponent, the LA Lakers.
McMahon said WWE would return to Colorado with an engagement at the Denver Coliseum on August 7. A spokeswoman for the Coliseum said the WWE would determine when tickets would go on sale for that event.
"We need to get back and make it right," said McMahon. "We're going to do the right thing by our audience for sure and that's why we're coming back in August." McMahon stressed that his issue is not with fans in Colorado, but with Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke.
"I didn't create this controversy, it's Stan Kroenke's inept management which created this controversy and quite frankly Kroenke's management is driving us out of Denver. We don't want to leave Denver, they're driving us out," he said. "They wouldn't even make a deal unless there was a joint press release. You wouldn't believe the things they wanted me to say."
"I think our company has been damaged severely from a financial standpoint and from a psychological standpoint as well. You don't treat people the way Kroenke's management treated us," he said. "I'm not a litigious kind of guy, but quite frankly when we have a contract and we have over 10,000 tickets sold and you just say: we're out, and we're not going to do anything for you, you know we're not going to make any restitution. We may pay for your additional expenses, that's it. There could very well be a lawsuit down the road."
McMahon said rescheduling the events in Denver would take some time to work out and all three Colorado events were cancelled because the entire crew had to go to California.
"You know we're the second largest traveling show in the world, second only to Ringling Bros.," he said. As for coming back to the Pepsi Center, "I never say never, quite frankly I think that's ridiculous for anyone to do," McMahon said.
Staples Center to Host Raw
NBC news affiliate KNBC in Los Angeles has announced that WWE has selected LA's Staples Center to host next week's show. The network is reporting that WWE will hold a press conference this evening announce the move. According to KNBC, Staples Center representative Michael Roth has confirmed the decision.
The Staples Center will also host SummerSlam 2009 on August 23rd.
There's still no word on how WWE will handle the ticket situation, but fans who purchased tickets for RAW at the Pepsi Center will likely get refunds. WWE will have just 5 days to sell tickets for Monday's show.
source: rajah.com
Stern Comments on "Denver Debacle"; Calls Vince his Friend
The commissioner was amused by McMahon's complaints that the owner of the Nuggets was to blame for the Pepsi Center being double booked for Monday night. The World Wrestling Entertainment was to have matches there, but the building isn't available because the Nuggets are scheduled to play Game 4 against the Lakers there.
"He is the premier showman and he demonstrates it again and again as he has here," Stern said of McMahon, who he called a friend. "(He gets) lots of good ink and pub."
Stern implied that the Nuggets are going to have to pay money to McMahon because of the double booking, but he said they could avoid it by letting the Lakers be the host for Game 4. He doesn't think that will happen.
source: sportingnews.com
Kroenke Granted the "I Have No Faith in My Team" Award
In the "I have no faith in my team" award, E. Stanley Kroenke and Kroenke Sports, the owners of the Denver Nuggets win hands down by scheduling a WWE wrestling match on the same day that Denver plays the Lakers at home.
WWE scheduled a Monday Night Raw for May 25th last August and signed the papers on April 15, 2009. The event will be sold-out.
What should one do? How about having a main event wrestling match between the Denver Nugget's and the WWE.
At Center for the Nugget's Nene (6-11/250) vs WWE's The Big Show (7-0/450)
At Forward for the Nugget's Carmelo Anthony (6-8/230) vs WWE's Kane (7-0/335)
At Forward for the Nugget's Kenyon Martin (6-9/240) vs WWE's Batista (6-6/290)
At Guard for the Nugget's Chauncey Billups (6-3/202) vs WWE's Randy Orton (6-4/245)
At Guard for the Nugget's Dahntay Jones ( 6-6/210) vs WWE's John Cena (6-1/240)
With WWE booking this event, it could go down as the all-time attendance record for any live event...More?
source: sportingnews.com
Interview with James Storm
Do you have a long-term plan for when you can’t do it anymore?
I think if I can’t reach my bedside and reach my bottle of Jack Daniels, that’s when I’ll be in trouble. That’s when I’m just gonna stop. (laughter) I want one way or another to be involved in the wrestling world, whether it be an agent, or some kind of onscreen character that’s not wrestling. I love wrestling and want to see it grow, and want to be around for a long time...More?
source: blog.newsok.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Promoter Frank Tunny died of a heart attack
May 20, 1983
Kane defeated Triple H for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title
May 20, 2001
May 19, 2009
ECW Results: Extreme Hart
One week after David Hart Smith shocked the WWE Universe by attacking The Belfast Brawler in his match with Tyson Kidd, the son of The British Bulldog triumphed over Finlay with a devastating high-and-tight suplex. The returning Superstar achieved his edge thanks to a distraction from his fellow Hart Dungeon-trainees, Tyson Kidd & Natalya, allowing him to rattle his tough-as-nails opponent with a shot from Natalya’s shoe. While warming-up for the match earlier in the evening with The Hart Trilogy, Hart Smith made the chilling statement he is better than his father ever was. Full results.
source: wwe.com
MSG, STAPLES Center to Raw's Rescue?
The Denver debacle that has jeopardized this coming Monday’s edition of Raw in Denver’s Pepsi Center has yielded an outpouring by some of the biggest arenas in the world who have opportunistically offered to host Monday Night Raw live on Memorial Day.
While working to resolve the scheduling conflict between Raw and the Denver Nuggets’ NBA Western Conference Semifinals game against the Los Angeles Lakers, WWE officials have received proposals from numerous venues including Madison Square Garden and, ironically, the STAPLES Center – the home of the Nuggets’ Monday night opponents, the Lakers. In addition to numerous other venues, these major-capacity metropolitan arenas proposed to have WWE’s flagship program emanate from their locations instead of Denver’s double-booked Pepsi Center this coming Monday...More?
source: wwe.com
WWE Out - Nuggets In
The controversy over the double booking of the Pepsi Center on Monday has been resolved ... at least partially.
Kroenke Sports Enterprises, which owns the Nuggets and the arena, booked a WWE "Monday Night Raw" wrestling show on Monday, which conflicted with Game 4 of the Western Conference finals between the Nuggets and the Lakers.
The Denver Post reported that the game will go on as scheduled. Matter settled, at least as far as the arena is concerned.
WWE? That's another matter. "I'm up the creek and I don't have a paddle, either," Vince McMahon, WWE chairman, told the Denver Post. I really don't know what to do.... I have no idea what's going to happen."
source: latimesblogs
The only good thing about this mess is that the WWE comes out looking good. They did everything right and still got screwed. I don't like basketball, but I will be rooting for the Lakers.
Possible Scenarios for Raw
Two different ideas include the less likely one of taping RAW on Saturday night at the WWE live event in Salt Lake City or the more likely idea of taping RAW in Colorado Springs on Monday, the same place they're taping SmackDown and ECW on Tuesday. Taping in Salt Lake City guarantees a larger crowd because if they went with Colorado Springs, they couldn't put tickets on sale until today or Wednesday. There is still the major headache of having to switch all the tickets out and offer refunds but it's possible a good percentage of those who purchased tickets for the original show in Denver would be willing to travel to Colorado Springs because it is about 70 miles away...More?
sources: f4wonline.com & impactwrestling.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Nick Bockwinkel named AWA Heavyweight Champion as he was #1 contender when Verne Gagne retired.
May 19, 1981
The Undertaker defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWE Unified Heavyweight title
May 19, 2002
Happy Birthday to Andre the Giant
May 19, 1946
May 18, 2009
Raw Results: Flair Game for The Animal
Randy Orton, still proudly holding his WWE Title after Judgment Day, opened Raw by castigating WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair for his involvement following the WWE Championship Match the night before. Not one to take a verbal attack lying down, the “Nature Boy” himself emerged and reminded The Legend Killer that he didn’t actually beat Batista, and in fact, lost by disqualification, and thus managed to hold onto the WWE Title. Further enraging Orton, Flair revealed that he had just spoken with Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero, and that she had decreed that “The Viper” would be defending his title against Batista once again at Extreme Rules, but in a Steel Cage Match to ensure a definitive outcome.
Incensed at the news Flair bore, Orton attacked the WWE Legend and called down Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase to assist in the assault. But before the rest of Legacy could make it to the ring, they were intercepted by Batista. As the multi-generational Superstars began to get the upper hand on ‘Naitch and The Animal, John Cena emerged from the locker room area and helped clear the ring of the devious Legacy members. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Interview with Chris Harris
If he regrets his decision to sign with WWE when he sat at home:
"Anybody that knows me knows I don't want to sit at home. I'm in this business because I love to wrestle, I want to be apart of it, I want to be out there mixing it up and be part of the stories and angles. That's what we thrive for. It didn't take me long to start realizing that this probably wasn't the best move to make. I'm sitting at home thinking that this isn't what I wanted to do. You are always going to second guess decisions in life. I can't sit here and complain about it. I'm a grown man and that is what I decided to do. It didn't go the direction I wanted it to and I guess the only thing that really came out of it was now I know. 20 years from now I could have looked back and went what if? Well now I know. Life goes on and I'm going in a new direction now. But at least I know that (WWE) is not the place for me."...More?
source: wrestleview.com
Q&A with Shelton Benjamin
What he enjoys the most and least about being a professional wrestler: "The least is easy - the physical toll it takes on your body and the time you're away from your family. Those are the number one and two things that most of us experience. But the great thing is, I get to travel the world... I've performed in Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, South America, Canada and a few other places - Italy. It's really hard for me to think of places I haven't been."
When asked how far he sees African-American wrestlers have come in the industry and where he fits into that history: "Honestly, as far as being African-American goes, I think we're to a point now where I think of myself not as an African-American superstar; I think of myself as a superstar who just happens to be African-American. While I recognize African-Americans have come a long way and I think I'm a testament to that because I see myself in that light, it's because of all the hard work of previous African-American superstars. I don't compare myself with only African-Americans. I do not grade myself on a color scheme."...More?
source: cincinnati.com
Vince McMahon Comments on the Pepsi Center being Double Booked; Raw in Jeopardy
World Wrestling Entertainment’s live, internationally televised broadcast, WWE Monday Night Raw(USA Network, 9:00 PM ET) to take place at the Pepsi Center in Denver next Monday, May 25 is in jeopardy of being cancelled by the Denver Nuggets. WWE and the Denver Nuggets are currently at an impasse in resolving a scheduling debacle by the team and the Pepsi Center. A sell-out crowd is expected to attend the WWE show at the same time the Denver Nuggets are slated to square off against the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. WWE has held the May 25 date with the Pepsi Center since Aug. 15, 2008.
“Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25 date for a potential playoff game,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
TNA iMPACT! Ratings News: Awesome Kong vs. Cute Kip draws the Highest Rating of the Show
The May 15th edition of TNA iMPACT! drew a 1.2 rating, which is equal to the rating the show drew last week. The show peaked with a 1.37 rating for the fifth quarter-hour, which featured Awesome Kong vs. Cute Kip.
source: prowrestling.net
Bodybuilders Flee Drug Testers; Event Canceled
Ready to flex their pecs and strike a pose, bodybuilders at the Belgian championships scattered when doping officials showed up...More?
source: foxsports.com
Yahoo Sports Covers Alfonso Soriano's Appearance at Last Night's Judgment Day
WWE received some mainstream attention on Yahoo Sports for incorporating Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano into last night's Judgment Day PPV.
Soriano was the victim of a "local promo" from The Miz, who bashed Soriano for being buddies with John Cena, who Miz has been feuding against the past three weeks on WWE TV. If you missed the Miz promo on the PPV last night, here is a clip below from the Yahoo Sports coverage.
source: pwtorch.com
Triple H/Thor Rumors Put to Rest
Deadlinehollywooddaily.com is reporting that Chris Hemsworth, has just been approved to play the lead role in Thor by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and the film's director Kenneth Branagh. Hemsworth can currently be seen as "George Kirk" in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot and also just snagged the lead in Red Dawn for United Artists last Thursday. He's currently filming Joss Whedon's horror flick Cabin In The Woods for UA.
This Day in Wrestling History
Christian eliminated Booker T in a Battle Royal at Judgment Day to capture the newly reinstated WWE Intercontinental Title.
May 18, 2003
Happy Birthday to Superfly Jimmy Snuka
May 18, 1943
May 17, 2009
Judgment Day: Enmity's 'Evolution'
By dishonorable means, WWE Champion Randy Orton escaped The Animal’s maw with the title still in his possession at Judgment Day, but “The Viper” and Batista’s aggression ultimately met its Evolution on pay-per-view with the unexpected return of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Will the Hall of Famer’s reemergence secure the same success enjoyed by The Animal when he was once under Flair’s tutelage? Or will the legend of Evolution be the next one killed by The Viper’s bite? Full results.
source: wwe.com
Judgment Day Results
In a dark match prior to tonights ppv, Beth Phoenix was defeated by Mickie James by a DDT.
CM Punk vs. Umaga
Winner: Umaga
ECW Championship - Christian(c) vs. Jack Swagger
Winner: Christian(c)
Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison
Winner: John Morrison
Intercontinental Championship - Rey Mysterio(c) vs. Chris Jericho
Winner: Rey Mysterio (c)
WWE Championship - Randy Orton(c) vs. Batista
Winner: Randy Orton (c)
Randy slaps the ref and gets DQ'd. Rhodes and DiBiase show up and double team Batista. Ric Flair runs-in and helps Batista clean house.
Big Show vs. John Cena
Winner: John Cena
World Heavyweight Championship - Edge(c) vs. Jeff Hardy
Winner: Edge (c)
This Day in Wrestling History
Bruno Sammartino defeats Buddy Rogers for the (WWWF)WWE Championship at Madison Square Garden.
May 17, 1963
Marty Jannetty defeated Shawn Michaels for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
May 17, 1993
Vince McMahon Sr. died of cancer at 69.
May 17, 1984
"British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith died of a heart attack at 39.
May 17, 2002
Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Recap
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is considered by some as the only legitimate hall of fame in pro wrestling today, because it's the only one where wrestlers must receive votes to be inducted. It currently houses a who's who of wrestling greats from Bruno Sammartino to Hulk Hogan to Bret Hart to Roddy Piper. And on Saturday night, a new "Wonderful" class was added to that elite list...More
source: slam wrestling
Photos
Interview with Jack Swagger
Decrease the smug factor a bit, lessen the smile just a smidge and Jacob Hager admits in real life, he's not that far off being his WWE character, Jack Swagger...More?
source: slam wrestling
May 16, 2009
This Day in Wrestling History
Andy Kaufman dies of kidney failure due to large cell carcinoma in Los Angeles, California. Kaufman is best known in the wrestling world for his 1982 match with Jerry Lawler at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee, and subsequent expletive-laden appearance with Lawler on the Late Show with David Letterman.
May 16, 1984
Kaliqo's Judgment Day Predictions, Picks & Speculations
World Heavyweight Championship - Edge(c) vs. Jeff Hardy
I would like to see this feud continue. I think these to have more great matches between them. Edge should retain the title.
WWE Championship - Randy Orton(c) vs. Batista
Much speculation about a run-in or some sort of appearance by Triple H during this match. He is booked for house shows after Judgment Day, so I would expect to see him at the ppv or at Raw. I wouldn't be surprised to see interference by Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.
ECW Championship - Christian(c) vs. Jack Swagger
Let's hope Christian retains.
Intercontinental Championship - Rey Mysterio(c) vs. Chris Jericho
There is a rumor that Jericho might "de-mask" Mysterio. I don't see the point of that and since it would hurt merchandise sales I don't think that will happen. Would love to see Jericho win this one.
Big Show vs. John Cena
I'm expecting Cena to do a lot of selling since Big Show can't really do much. Cena has to make Show pay for throwing him into the spotlight at Backlash, but if he loses he can garner more sympathy.
CM Punk vs. Umaga
I don't have much interest in this match. Umaga just recently returned and there isn't much build up.
Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison
Lots of potential for a great match. These two are very athletic. I would love to see Morrison go over.
Behind the Scenes of Pittsburgh's 'Warrior' Movie with Nick Nolte, Kurt Angle
The new mixed martial arts movie "Warrior" is shooting in Pittsburgh, and WTAE's Michelle Wright went behind the scenes for a day on the set with star Nick Nolte and pro wrestler Kurt Angle...More?
source: thepittsburghcannel.com
Interesting quote from Kurt Angle:
"I'm going to continue to wrestle for a little while longer. But my crossover -- the appeal is coming, and it appears I'm going to start doing movies for a living, so I'm very excited about my future."
TNA Epics Debut Show
TNA Epics started in a way that should immediately hook any wrestling fan. It showed Elix Skipper finding his balance on top of a Six Sides of Steel Cage before walking one of the thin ledges and hitting a huracanrana on Chris Harris off the top of the cage. This, one of the most memorable and historic moments in TNA, is a great way to kick off this new series.
Epics follows a simple format, with Mick Foley as it's host, each week it showcases three of the best matches in the seven year history
of TNA...More?
source: impactwrestling.com
May 15, 2009
SmackDown Results: Preparing for Judgment
source: wwe.com
Rumor Mill - Stephanie Making Power Move Behind the Scenes
"Like father, like daughter," might be a slight variation of the popular cliche, but it seems to fit Stephanie McMahon's ongoing power play behind the WWE curtains to phase out her father's crew of important people.
Much like Vince McMahon slowly accomplished after taking over the company from his father in 1982, sources tell us Steph is putting the same pieces in place with Gerry Brisco as the next victim.
Brisco - a road agent and WWE Hall of Famer - is currently serving an endless term of employment for Vince & Company, due to selling Vince his share of interest in Georgia Championship Wrestling back in the 1980's. He travels to all events, runs the "Gorilla Position" and times out the shows, the latter of which is now being taught to Billy Kidman.
The original backup to Brisco was Bruce Pritchard, but he was released in December of last year. Kidman was selected in part because Johnny Laurinaitis likes him, but also due to his lack of ties to Vince. Stephanie can consider him as part of "her crew". Currently, Kidman is sitting next to Brisco at tapings learning how to time shows while they're in the process of running.
While Brisco is the latest move made by Vince's "little princess", it's definitely not her first. Johnny Ace's replacement of Jim Ross as Head of Talent Relations was the first major step.
She continued to add to her own plate by taking over the entire Talent Relations division, in addition to being put in charge of Writing. It's also been said that her and Hunter have complained about some of the older guys, including Jack Lanza and Sgt. Slaughter.
Slaughter was released earlier this year and Lanza has been reduced to an email consultant that no one ever consults.
source: wrestlezone.com
WWE Targeting Pirates
Free ppv stream sites such as Justin.tv and Ustream are coming to the forefront in the WWE Legal Department. They're making a concentrated effort to shut the streams down during events, similar to the removal of copyrighted material that's posted on YouTube.
Adding Styles, Grace, Hits to WWE Online
Joey Styles has come a long way from the basement in the home of Paul Heyman's mom. He called matches -- Oh My God -- for the original ECW and later WWE, but working with WWE.com, Styles has really found his niche and passion.
Styles, 37, is the director of Digital Media Content for WWE.com, one of the most viewed web sites on the Internet. He was born in the Bronx and lives in Newton, Conn.
Styles worked for the original ECW during its entire run -- 1994-2001. Four year later, he signed with WWE and returned to announcing at the ECW One Night Stand pay-per-view, working with the legendary Mick Foley. He called matches on Raw and WWE's ECW before joining the Internet ranks at WWE.com.
In April, WWE's flagship website, WWE.com, had more U.S. visits than premiere pop culture and sports hubs Disney.com, TMZ.com, Hulu.com, PerezHilton.com, CBS.com, ABC.com, NBC.com, NBA.com and NFL.com, according to Hitwise, a leading online competitive intelligence provider...More?
source: miamiherald.com
Interview with Roxxi Laveaux
There was a time when professional wrestling fans regarded TNA's Knockouts division as penultimate in women's wrestling, boasting segments on their weekly iMPACT show which drew some of the highest quarter hour ratings of the two hour show. However, that regard has seemingly wavered over the past year with the departure of some of the division's most key talents. This past week, WrestleZone had the pleasure of speaking with Roxxi Laveaux, whose recent TNA release has left pro wrestling fans scratching their collective heads to say the very least. "I was sent home," said the former Hardcore Queen of TNA. "I was told the reason I was home was for budget reasons. Within two and a half months of being home I was released. They said it was for creative reasons."...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Shawn Michaels resigned as WWF(E) Commissioner and Ric Flair defeated Jeff Jarrett for the WCW Heavyweight title and his 15th Heavyweight title reign.
May 15, 2000
Happy Birthday to Ron Simmons
May 15, 1958
May 14, 2009
WWE: Allied Powers - The World's Greatest Tag Teams
WWE Superstars Results: Sizing up the Competition
Orton: We Screwed Ourselves at 'Mania
Whenever Randy Orton visits The Sun you can be sure he’s going to be honest, insightful and entertaining. And whether he is talking about his disappointing WrestleMania main event with Triple H or booting his boss in the head – Randy certainly doesn’t pull his punches in this latest exclusive interview.
The newly crowned WWE heavyweight champion also admitted he is starting to like being cheered by fans, gave his tips on future stars and revealed why the company got rid of Manu:
Q: You are definitely a perfectionist, as is Triple H who is a mentor of yours. So were you both disappointed when your main event at WrestleMania didn’t live up to the expectations of some fans?
"was a storyline where Triple H needed retribution. He needed to beat the living p*** out of me because of what I did. I handcuffed him and made him watch while I beat up his wife and then kissed her while she was unconscious. Then to top it off after I do that, I knock him out with a sledgehammer to the head. I kick his father-in-law in the skull and put him in the hospital, and do the same to his brother-in-law. I think when all that happens and then you have this match where he can’t be disqualified or he loses the title, you kind of screw yourself. We were not able to do everything that the other guys were able to do. Matt and Jeff Hardy had a hardcore no-holds-barred match. They were able to use all the bells and whistles to beat the hell out of each other. Everyone was expecting Triple H and I to do the same, but we had rules that put a fence around everything we were able to do. We weren’t able to go to the extreme. If anything hurt us, it was that."...More?
Ric Flair says he's ready to come out of retirement, comments on Reid Flair's addiction issues, praises ROH for not being like TNA
Ric Flair says he's ready to return to the ring after a 14-month hiatus. "I want to wrestle again," Flair told Alex Marvez of Scripps News. "I watch (WWE) and I can still do better than 90 percent of the guys there. I weigh one less pound than the day I retired. I still work out really hard and I wrestle my kid (Reid) all the time. It's not like I haven't been in the ring."...More?
source: prowrestling.net
May 13, 2009
WWE Q1 Cash Flow Analysis
Last week, WWE reported its Q1 results. Above all, investors interested in this business look at one thing: cash flow. Why? Take a look at WWE's dividend yield.
As of Tuesday's close, the stock was yielding almost 13%! That's high. And a high dividend yield often indicates that a dividend cut may be in the offing -- the theory being that if the yield were sustainable, then buyers would rush in, and their activities would eventually lower the yield by driving the price higher. Well, WWE hasn't had a great time of it when it comes to cash flow...More?
source: bloggingstocks.com
Gentleman's Choice: The Rise & Fall of Gentleman Chris Adams
This is the story of the rise and fall of a real-life, super hero wrestler, "Gentleman" Chris Adams. Chris was born in England, where he studied professional judo. He came to the United States in the early 80s, where he became a professional wrestler. He fought with many of the top wrestling leagues, and achieved notable fame and popularity for a while. His lifestyle, however, overtook him, and he came spiraling down. He died in 2001, awaiting trial for the overdose-death of his girlfriend one year before. Chris' ex-wife, Brandi died a few months later from an overdose, leaving a young daughter behind with no parents...More?
www.creativehat.com
Actor from "The Wrestler" Facing 45 Years in Prison
Scott Siegel, the actor who played Randy "The Ram" Robinson's steroid dealer in the movie "The Wrestler," was indicted yesterday for possessing and distributing steroids and assaulting law enforcement officers in a New York City suburb. If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison.
The case stems from Feb. 18 when federal drug agents and police tried to take him into custody on the steroid charges. Siegel jumped in the car and led police on a chase through Eastchester.
Siegel's lawyer, Barry Levin, says his client acted out of fear. The actor is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in federal court in White Plains.
source: newsday.com
AWA World Champion Rick Martel -- 25 years later
For those of us who have been around that long, looking back 25 years can be like peering into a different lifetime. It's often fun, though, to look back at school or college days, and reminisce about how, as Freddie Mercury once sang, "those were the days of our lives".
But for Rick Martel, looking back 25 years is to recall the greatest moment of his professional life, even including his high-profile days as the WWF's "Model." For it was on May 13, 1984 that he captured the AWA World Title from Jumbo Tsuruta in St. Paul, Minnesota, the only major singles title of his career...More?
source: slam wrestling
WWE in Salisbury, MD
WWE will be holding a tri-branded live event at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland on Friday, July 24, 2009. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Tix.com and the box office.
This Day in Wrestling History
The Boston Garden has its last pro wrestling show, put on by the WWF(E). The show was called "A Night To Remember".
May 13, 1995
May 12, 2009
ECW Results: ‘The Peep Show’s’ Explosive Return
source: wwe.com
Triple H in Most-Watched Match in History
This week in 1999 WWF(E) RAW held the most-watched wrestling match in history. On May 10, 1999, The Undertaker, Triple H & Shane McMahon vs. Steve Austin, The Rock & Vince in a six-man tag, with Shawn Michaels as the referee, scored a 9.2 cable rating. The overall rating for the entire show was 8.1.
Congratulations, DC DemonCats - 2009 Champions
Congratulations to the DC DemonCats on winning the 2009 Championship!
The Cherry Blossom Bomshells brought a ton of explosive force to the track, but were mauled by the DC DemonCats. The crowd at the Armory was treated to an extremely close and exciting bout. In the end, the ‘Cats licked their chops after a 84-79 win.
Scare Force One bested the River City Rollergirls to maintain the DCRG at home winning streak in 2009. The DemonCats, Bombshells, and Scare Force all deserve a hearty round of applause for the closest and most exciting DCRG season yet.
source: dcrollergirls.com
Reality TV for New Jack, Movies for John Cena & Kurt Angle
There is a reality TV series starring ECW original New Jack being shopped around. It focuses on New Jack returning to work as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman.
WWE recently acquired a movie script titled, "Brothers Blood." The movie will be for John Cena and is written by Karl Gajdusek, the co-author of The Condemned.
The Post-Gazette.com has an article looking at the upcoming film "Warrior," which stars Nick Nolte playing a retired steelworker and one-time boxer who trains his son (played by Tom Hardy) to compete in an MMA tournament. TNA star Kurt Angle has a role in the movie, playing a Russian fighter named Koba.
source: pwinsider.com
WWE Signs New Developmental Diva; New Slogan
The Sun reports that UK model and dancer Rachael Carr is training to be a WWE Diva at WWE’s developmental territory in Florida. Carr has done body double work in the past for Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Kylie Minogue. Carr tells The Sun that she met a guy who recruits for WWE named Lou Maggio, went to an audition and now here she is. Rachael currently train at FCW for five days a month. She says you train between six months and two years before you’re ready to be called up. Carr, also says she never watched pro wrestling before getting the job but now it’s her dream to become a WWE Diva.
For more, click here.
The Divas are now being dubbed "Sexy * Smart * Powerful". The slogan can be see on the WWE Divas homepage.
Dead Wrestler's Doctor Sentenced to 10 Years
The personal doctor to a professional wrestler who killed himself, his wife and their 7-year-old son was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally distributing prescription drugs to patients.
Dr. Phil Astin, 54, was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty Jan. 29 to 175 counts that including illegally distributing prescription drugs.
World Wrestling Entertainment's Chris Benoit killed his family and then himself in 2007 in their suburban Atlanta home. A medical examiner couldn't say whether the steroids Astin prescribed for Benoit played a role in the deaths...More?
source: espn.com
Wrestling IQ
In order to enjoy watching professional wrestling, the viewer must be able to suspend disbelief. After all, if one spent their time analyzing all the obvious logical inconsistencies and storyline plot holes, they’d be exhausted after one show...More?
source: inside pulse
Q&A with Christopher Daniels
TNA Wrestling is coming to Fayetteville Sunday. The 4 p.m. show at the Crown Arena promises plenty of body slams, drop-kicks and scorpion death locks. OK, maybe not that last one, but you get the point.
It also promises to be a happy return to his hometown for wrestler Christopher Daniels, who goes by just Daniels when he wrestlers for TNA. Daniels, whose father brought him here when he was 3, spoke with fayobserver.com about the upcoming show, performing for his hometown and his career....More?
A Look Back at Gilles Poisson's Career
Gilles "The Fish" Poisson had a professional wrestling career that would make many people envious. He wrestled several times in Japan, he worked with Jean Ferré (Andre the Giant) when Andre was starting in the business, he had the chance to wrestle in two different golden age eras of Quebec wrestling and worked for all the big U.S. wrestling promotions like AWA, NWA and WWWF...More?
source: slam wrestling
May 11, 2009
Rumor Mill - Members of Samoa Joe's 'Nation of Violence' Revealed
Sources within TNA have confirmed that the members of Samoa Joe's "Nation of Violence" stable are in fact "ECW Originals" Balls Mahoney, Stevie Richards, Spike Dudley and former ECW Champion Bobby Lashley.
Taz will be revealed as Samoa Joe's advisor once his no-compete clause with the WWE expires.
source: pwpix.net
Taz Lists his Favorite Opponents; Triple H Mentioned
"I've been VERY lucky to wrestle some great stars & great guys from Undertaker, Stone Cold, Rock, Kurt Angle, HHH, Sabu, Dreamer, RVD, Team 3D, Bam Bam, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho and Edge. But honestly speaking, I had LOVED working with Chris Candido!"
Benoit Family Doctor to be Sentenced Tomorrow
Dr. Phil C. Astin III, who was the Benoit family physician at the time of the Benoit double murder/suicide, will be sentenced on Tuesday. Astin plead guilty to a 175-count indictment of illegally distributing prescription drugs from May 2002 until July 2007. He is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million on each count.
source: wrestlingnewsworld.com
May 10, 2009
Michelle McCool - The "Triple H" of the Divas?
In a period where the divas division is a pretty much next to nothing, we should at least be cognizant of the talent withering there. Melina, Maryse, Mickie James, Gail Kim, Beth Phoenix, and even Maria of all people are mentioned as the best of the bunch. One name almost always left out is Michelle McCool.
She often gets flak due to her relationship with the Undertaker similar to Triple H for his relationship to Stephanie McMahon. Just about every other diva gains acceptance, but the McCool fans are on a very...very small boat. Here we have one of the hardest working divas in the division and hatred is always behind her.
Rancorous and disdainful comments and statements are posted about her in articles, forums, even the WWE Universe itself. It's dead right ridiculous how she's judged when 99.9 percent of the vindictive people don't know anything about her other than:
1) Her name
2) Her relationship to Undertaker...More?
source: bleacherreport.com
New Book Refreshes Memories of Old School Wrestling
I'm a big fan of old school professional wrestling and as such I devour any material that is offered on the subject matter.
Thus, with eager anticipation, I read the new book, A Fool for Old School....Wrestling That Is, published by Richard Berger, a Vancouver-based writer and wrestling insider with impressive credentials. He makes no bones about the fact that his fondness for wrestling centers on the old school style which is mainly pre-1990...More?
source: slam wrestling
(Super)Star Trek
source: wwe.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Verne Gagne retired as AWA Heavyweight Champion.
May 10, 1981
Vince McMahon officially announces the end of the failed XFL football league.
May 10, 2001
Happy Birthday to:
Tito Santana
May 10, 1953
William Regal
May 10, 1965
May 9, 2009
Poll Results - Do You Prefer Hunter as a Heel or a Face?
Heel - 1 vote
Face - 1 vote
Doesn't Matter - 1 vote
May 8, 2009
SmackDown Results: Reserving Judgment
Princess Jasmine Passes Away
Just found out via cheerleadermelissa.com that Cynthia Johnson better known as Princess Jasmine passed away this morning. Jasmine was a Cailiflower Alley Club member and was honored this year at the annual reunion...More?
Mr. Kennedy at Florida Championship Wrestling
As reported on WrestlingNewsWorld.com Premium, Mr. Kennedy worked his first match back at last night's Florida Championship Wrestling TV taping in Tampa. He worked a 6-man tag match but didn't bump much.
Interview with Mickie James
Not so long ago, a woman could enter a boxing or wrestling ring only if she was a knockout and carried a sign with the round number on it. No more. Women climb into the ring and rack up pins, if not knockouts of their own. They may not rule the WWE, but women do play a key role with fans and have story lines all their own. Four-time WWE champ Mickie James says hulking superstars like John Cena and Randy Orton respect them.
"The guys recognize we work just as hard as they do,"...More?
source: goerie.com
New TNA TV Show; AJ Styles in Reality Show
According to Jeremy Borash's Twitter page, TNA will be launching a new show called "TNA Epics" The show will debut in the UK first and Mick Foley will serve as the host.
Also noted on Borash's page, A.J. Styles is filming a "well known reality show series" this week in Seattle. Jacqueline is rumored to be involved also.
May 7, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: Cutting Short
WWE Signs Indy Wrestler
WWE has signed independent wrestler Fred Sampson, who wrestles in New Jersey based ECWA as "Frederick of Hollywood", to a developmental deal. Sampson has done some enhancement work for WWE in the past, including posing as a police officer for several on-air segments.
source: pwinsider.com
Ex-NASCAR Driver Kevin Grubb Found Dead in VA
Virginia police say former NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The 31-year-old was suspended from NASCAR indefinitely in 2006 because he refused to submit to a random drug test following the Busch Series race at Richmond International Raceway...More?
source: foxsports.com
Vince McMahon Comments on the "Younger, Fresher" Faces in the WWE
Vince McMahon held a conference call with investors to discuss the WWE's first quarter financial results. A caller mentioned the fact that WWE has "younger, fresher faces" (wrestlers) that have emerged over the last few years. Vince mentioned the throwback wrestlers who took part in WrestleMania this year. He said they aren't part of the plans going forward. "New is important," Vince said. "It always has been." He said that if you have new stars, there are fans who want to buy new things. "It's a different program, it's a different company, it's a different business almost than in the '90s."
WWE Reports 2009 First Quarter Results
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
