August 31, 2009
AJ Styles on MTV's "MADE"
TNA stars AJ Styles, The Beautiful People (Angelina Love & Velvet Sky) and Taylor Wilde will all be appearing on MTV's "MADE" this Sunday mentoring a teenage girl who has aspirations to become a pro wrestler.
Events Scheduled for WrestleMania 26
Like a smaller-scale version of the Super Bowl, events leading up to WrestleMania 26 will sprawl across the Valley. Here's what is currently schediled:
• WrestleMania Axxes - Similar to the Super Bowl's NFL Experience, the interactive fan event will run March 25-27 and is likely to be at the Phoenix Convention Center.
• Pro-AM golf tournament - Expect Arizona Cardinals players to golf with wrestlers at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler on March 27.
• WWE Hall of Fame - Wrestling legends will be inducted during a ceremony at U.S. Airways Center in downtown Phoenix on March 27.
• WrestleMania Reading Challenge Finals - Young readers can compete at the Phoenix Public Library for entry into Wrestlemania on March 27.
A charity auction of wrestlers' art will be March 24, although a location is still unclear. WWE also is still debating whether to host a block party. Possible sites include Westgate City Center in Glendale or downtown Phoenix...More?
source: azcentral.com
Dixie Carter Wants to Cut the Number of PPV's
TNA President Dixie Carter was a guest on the Live Audio Wrestling Internet radio show on Sunday night. Host John Pollock discussed TNA's current pay-per-view formula of one event per month, Carter says she is not a fan of the monthly pay-per-view format and she would like to see the formula shaken up.
"I'm not a big fan of monthly PPVs, quite honestly, but you have contracts that keep you held in and bound at times," Carter said. "We're definitely talking about trying to shake things up and do things differently in the future."
Carter repeated her recent claims that changes are coming to TNA and that she would be addressing many of the elements of the product that have become stagnant or too formula.
"I work very, very closely [with the creative team]. I'm not going to profess to be a wrestling writer. I am good at challenging people. It's not just ratings, but other things as well," Carter said. "We've made a lot of changes internally to present the product more real and focusing on these young guys."
August 30, 2009
Ric Flair News
Ric Flair still hasn't returned any of the advancement payments owed to Ring of Honor back when he pulled out of his on air role with the company as "ROH Ambassador" last May reports PWInsider. There is also said to be another company where Flair did business with over the last year that is also owed payments as well. While there has been talk of a possible lawsuit, nothing has been filed and it isn't expected that anything will develop.
As reported on earlier, a recent film deal about Flair's life didn't end up happening as his new management team were demanding executive producer credits and even blew off a meeting with the screenwriters hired. The production company that was interested in financing the project decided to drop out as a result of this situation with Flair's new management team (which isn't The Gillespie Agency who Flair fired a few weeks ago that had been representing him for some time now)...More?
Future Raw Hosts Revealed
Bob Barker will host the September 7th show and Trish Stratus will host the September 14th show.
'Choose Death' Explores the Mind of the Necro Butcher
In what Big Vision Entertainment boasts as the Necro Butcher's "first interview ever!" on the recently released DVD, Choose Death: Inside the Mind of a Wrestling Madman, Dylan Summers said, "When I was a kid, I was a little Hulkmaniac -- trainin' sayin' my prayers and eatin' my vitamins."
These days, Dylan Summers -- known to hardcore wrestling fans around the world as the Necro Butcher -- is more likely to be eating fluorescent light tubes and stomping barefoot on thumbtacks during death matches deemed, "too violent for TV!"...More?
source: slam wrestling
J.R. Comments on Rey Mysterio's Suspension
"No, Rey Mysterio will NOT be in Montreal performing at Breaking Point no matter what advertising you have or are seeing. Rey getting suspended by WWE is still so personally perplexing. I have no idea the circumstances nor have I discussed this matter with any one in WWE so all I know is that the rules were violated and the offender has been sent home without pay. The amount of money Rey will not earn as a result of this misstep and subsequent suspension is considerable and will likely be equal to the equivalent to an entire year's earnings for main event level talent back in the day." - jrsbarbq.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Crusher & Dick the Bruiser for the AWA Tag Team title.
August 30, 1969
Paul Orndorf defeated Vader in a locker room brawl and Vader left WCW.
August 30, 1995
Triple H defeats The Rock for the WWF(E) IC Title in a Ladder Match at SummerSlam at Madison Square Garden.
August 30, 1998
August 29, 2009
Rey Mysterio Explains His Suspension......Sort of
Rey Mysterio recently spoke with The Record Newspaper in Mexico and commented on his WWE suspension. During the interview Mysterio said that he failed the test because of a drug he's taking for his knee and arm, and furthered his comments by saying that he had a prescription for the medication. However, because he had to fly to The UK for SummerSlam promotion, and because he was on vacation for a small period of time, he was unable to show WWE the valid prescription by the deadline they gave him and was suspended as a result.
source: wrestlezone.com
He can't possibly think we believe that, can he?
WWE Stars Appearing on The Food Network
Over the SummerSlam weekend in LA, WWE stars Jim Ross, The Miz, Gail Kim, Big Show and Stephanie McMahon all filmed a segment which will air on The Food Network's "Dinner Impossible" show in November.
Who Would Triple H Like to See Host RAW?
Who would Triple H pick for a guest host on RAW? "Andre the Giant," he told ign.com. "I think first of all, Andre's the one guy that I always wanted to meet that I never got to meet and he was very close to my wife. I would have loved to have met him. But also, at the same time, Andre had an incredible sense of humor that I don't think a lot of people ever saw." Triple H went on to say that he thought that Andre, the way the business is in 2009, would have been able to show more of his fun side. "I think that it was something, that in today's environment, that he could have put out there a lot more."
source: ign.com
Triple H Brings a Fan into the Ring After SmackDown
After the dark match at the Smackdown-taping in Phoenix, Triple H was saluting the crowd. Suddenly a handicapped fan asked Triple H if he could do a pose with him. Hunter asked the security if they could pull up the fan. Then Triple H and the fan stepped into the ring. At that time, Shawn Michaels entered the ring and they did the DX pose together.
The Ring Post 20
From Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun:
This is my ranking of the top 20 wrestlers over the past year, using the same criteria that Pro Wrestling Illustrated uses for its list: titles won, major feuds, won-loss records, quality of opponents, prominence within their individual promotion, activity and overall ability.
For this list, I treated pro wrestling as if it were an actual competition and not scripted entertainment. Therefore, I did not take into account attributes such as charisma, promo skills and whether someone is or isn’t a “great worker.” I also did not factor in backstage politics, who is married to the boss’ daughter, et cetera.
Unlike the PWI 500, I did not consider wrestlers from Japanese or Mexican promotions. My list is composed entirely of WWE and TNA wrestlers. As talented as some of the Ring of Honor guys are, the fact is that ROH is a distant No. 3 in terms of prominence.
1. TRIPLE H
2. JOHN CENA
3. EDGE
4. RANDY ORTON
5. STING
6. JEFF HARDY
7. CHRIS JERICHO
8. THE UNDERTAKER
9. SAMOA JOE
10. KURT ANGLE
Click here for the rest of the list.
This Day in Wrestling History
"The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith defeats Bret "Hitman" Hart for the WWF(E) IC Title in a classic match at Wembley Stadium in London in front of 82,000 fans.
August 29, 1992
August 28, 2009
SmackDown Results: Extreme Exodus
Later that night, after years of incredible feats of reckless abandon, fate finally caught up with Jeff Hardy in a moment of tragic irony. After blocking the high-flying specialist’s climb to victory, the World Heavyweight Champion superplexed him from high atop of the cage. Hardy battled back heroically, trying to prevent his adversary from getting over the cage with every fiber of his being. But a thumb to the eye by Punk sealed his fate, allowing The Straightedge Superstar to retain his title while simultaneously vanquishing the amazing Jeff Hardy from the WWE ring. After Hardy delivered a heartfelt goodbye to the WWE Universe, the ruthless Punk added insult to injury, attacking the departing Superstar from behind with the World title. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Heyman: WWE's Punk Move Worked
The former Smackdown head writer has sided with his previous employers, despite admitting that Taker launching an unprovoked attacked on the villainous new champion "violates every principle of 'Booking 101' ever taught".
"There were a lot of people that were really upset with WWE over this storyline twist. Jeff Hardy had just put on a spectacular performance with CM Punk in a TLC Match as the main event of SummerSlam, and by having Undertaker appear out of nowhere just made everyone lose focus on the brilliant performance Hardy had delivered. But that's the entire point behind Vince McMahon's decision to go in this direction. Jeff is leaving WWE, and every moment after that main event a potential paying customer is thinking of Jeff is a moment that customer is not thinking of spending money on WWE and its shows. By placing the emphasis on The Undertaker coming after Punk, WWE ensured itself a huge attraction in the Smackdown world title picture."...More?
source: the sun
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Tully Blanchard for the Georgia National Heavyweight title.
August 28, 1986
The Ultimate Warrior defeated Rick Rude for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
August 28, 1989
Shawn Michaels & Diesel defeated the Headshrinkers for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
August 28, 1994
August 27, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: Making His Breaking Point
Given Burchill’s recent statements regarding both Gregory Helms and The Hurricane, the Chelsea, England, native must be elated after defeating ECW’s favorite superhero in his “WWE Superstars” debut. Whether or not Burchill’s theory that Helms and the green-clad Superstar are the same person is true, it is clear that The Ripper will aim to take both of them out if he has the opportunity. Thanks to an assist from his sister, Katie Lea Burchill, Paul was able to roll-up the superhero for the win, gaining retribution for the loss he was dealt last week on ECW. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Rey Mysterio Suspended for Wellness Policy Violation
From wwe.com:
In accordance with WWE's Wellness Program, effective Wednesday, September 2, Oscar Gutierrez (Rey Mysterio) is suspended for 30 days for a violation of the company’s policy.
WWE Offering Personal Life Development Courses for New Talent
WWE are starting to introduce Personal Life Development courses for new talent signed and sent to developmental in Tampa, Florida. The courses are being done to help prepare the younger talents for changes in life when going on the road, experiencing fame and to help them develop skills and solutions for out-of-the-ring issues that can hurt their career.
WWE is also offering Personal Finance Education classes to all talents, working with Fidelity Investments, focusing on the importance of financial planning, saving for the long-term, balancing portfolios and managing financial responsibilities.
Also being offered are workshops on how talents can get the best health insurance for themselves and their families since WWE doesn't provide it. Media training workshops to teach talent how to best present themselves to the media and best present the WWE brand to the media are also being done. WWE is bringing in Kathleen Hessert, the president of Sports Media Challenge, for these workshops.
source: wrestling observer
Information from wwe.corporate.com
Triple H mentioned in an earlier interview that the WWE offered these programs. Hopefully new Talent will take advantage of them.
Q&A with Dixie Carter
Q. Can you talk about the decision to keep the TNA world title on Kurt Angle at the pay-per-view a day after his arrest?
A. I can talk about it to some degree because it’s an ongoing legal case. I was briefed on the details of what happened, and I also know that people are innocent until proven guilty. And I think just like most sports franchises these days, they let the legal system do what they do best and you await the outcome. And that’s what we did.
Q. Is Rhaka Khan still with the company?
A. Yes, she is currently a TNA talent...More?
source: baltimore sun
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Sgt. Slaughter.
August 27, 1948
Kerry Von Erich defeated Curt Hennig for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title and The Hart Foundation defeated Demolition for the WWF(E) Tag Team title.
August 27, 1990
Eastern Championship Wrestling was renamed Extreme Championship Wrestling.
August 27, 1994
Bertha Faye defeated Alundra Blaze for the WWF(E) Women's title.
August 27, 1995
ECW debuts on National TV on TNN. The show would air for the last time on October 6th, 2000 and eventually lead to the company's demise.
August 27, 1999
Chyna defeated Val Venis by pinning Trish Stratus in a tag match for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
August 27, 2000
August 26, 2009
Rhaka Khan Speaks Out on the Kurt Angle Arrest Incident
TNA Knockout Trenesha Biggers, aka Rhaka Khan, gave her first public interview since the Kurt Angle arrest incident this morning with WPXI channel 11 in Pittsburgh.
When asked about her current status with TNA Wrestling, Khan stated, "I was told that by filing the PFA I was forcing them to choose between the two of us. I knew that when I filed it. I knew there was no way I was probably going to be able to work there anymore."
In regards to Kurt Angle, Khan said, "I've forgiven so many times for what he's done to me, and I've been around him and been fine, but now, he's gone and slandered me. In the wrestling ring, you got to be able to trust the person you're working with and know that they're not going to hurt you."
source: wrestlezone.com
Judge Allows Kurt Angle Back Into House After PFA Arrest
Olympic gold medalist and pro wrestler Kurt Angle is allowed inside his suburban Pittsburgh home again, after ex-live-in girlfriend Trenesha Biggers requested a protection from abuse order and had him arrested earlier this month...More?
source: thepittsburghchannel.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Harley Race defeated Dusty Rhodes for the NWA Heavyweight Wrestling title.
August 26, 1979
Bret Hart defeated Curt Hennig for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
August 26, 1991
Raven returns to ECW helping Tommy Dreamer defeat The Dudley Boyz for the ECW World Tag Team Titles. This was also The Dudley Boyz last match in ECW before joining the then-WWF.
August 26, 1999
Stephanie McMahon announces that WWE Unified Champion Brock Lesner would be exclusive to SmackDown.
August 26, 2002
August 25, 2009
ECW Results: Gold & Green
The ongoing rivalry between Goldust and Sheamus intensified this week when they met again in Extreme action. But these Superstars’ differences still haven’t been resolved, as their hard-fought contest ended in a double count-out when neither competitor returned to the ring before the referee’s 10-count. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Maryland Boy Meets his Favorite WWE Superstar, John Cena
With a little help from Kids Wish Network, 6-year-old Bruce, who suffers from Hemophilia, has his wish to meet WWE Superstar John Cena granted.
There is nothing that could make a child happier than meeting his or her hero, but for a spunky little sports fan named Bruce, his excitement overflowed when he met his hero and was even a celebrity for almost a whole week...More?
source: baltimore sun
Post-Raw B-Day Bash for Vince: Shane, Linda & Stephanie Make an Appearance
Fan report sent to prowrestling.com:
Just got back from Raw at the Thomas and Mack Center. After Raw went off the air, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon, and John Cena did the crotch chop to the crowd. Cena left. Vince got on the mic and told us thanks for celebrating his birthday with him. He said we sang Happy Birthday the worst he's ever heard. Vince tried to leave and Shawn and Hunter stopped him.
Triple H told Vince he wasn't happy with how we sang to him, so give us one more shot. He said a couple of people want to join in and sing. Shane and Stephanie came out. HHH said wait we have one more. Linda came out with Pat Patterson. A random Patterson chant started.
Pat got the mike and said he'll sing a few bars since Vince has always done things his way. He then sang "My way" with Shane, Stephanie, and HHH doing backup. We all sang "Happy Birthday" and Vince ate it up, then he ran out of the arena. HHH, Shawn, and Shane shook hands to send everyone home.
credit: Rob Dalton, www.prowrestling.net and wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WWF(E) World Champion Bob Backlund battled AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkle to a double countout in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
August 25, 1979
Vivian Vachon died in a motor vehicle accident at age 40.
August 25, 1991
WWF(E) Excess debuts at 10 PM on TNN.
August 25, 2001
Brock Lesnar defeats The Rock to become the youngest WWE Champion (at the time before Orton) at SummerSlam '02.
August 25, 2002
August 24, 2009
Ballfield in Maryland Dedicated to Nicholas Adenhart
The mother of the late Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart has fulfilled her top priority since her son was killed in an traffic accident in April.
On Sunday, Janet Gigeous joined about 150 people in putting Adenhart's name on the Little League field in Halfway, Md., where he honed his skills.
The red, white and blue sign designates the diamond as Nicholas James Adenhart Memorial Field.
The sign includes a quote from Pete Rose: "You owe it to yourself to be the best you can possibly be ... in baseball and in life."
The man charged in the drunken-driving crash that killed Adenhart and two others in Fullerton, Calif., is scheduled for trial in November.
source: assoiciated press
Triple H Reflects on ‘WrestleMania 25’ and the Future
If "WrestleMania 25” participant and "WWE Raw” wrestler Triple H (real name Paul Michael Levesque) has anything to say about it, he and his fellow wrestlers will end their careers in reasonably good physical shape and with money in the bank.
"That movie accurately portrayed our business,” he says. "Here’s a guy who was on a big level at one time, but is no longer doing it, scraping to get by but can’t let go.
"It’s no different from the music business or the actor in local community theater who can’t admit the fact that maybe the dream is past. It happens in every walk of life.”
As to whether "The Wrestler” should be required viewing, Triple H says, "Well, sure, and hopefully it did smarten some of them up. But it’s not how much you make; it’s how much you save.”...More?
source: newsok.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Bruiser Broady was stripped of the Florida State Heavyweight title.
August 24, 1982
Malcom "King Kong" Kirk died from a serious heart condition discovered after he fell ill after a match.
August 24, 1987
Ricky Steamboat defeated Steve Austin for the WCW U.S. Heavyweight title.
August 24, 1994
August 23, 2009
ROH Announces The Dragon is Leaving
Bryan Danielson has agreed in principle to a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Bryan has been an exemplary talent and a wonderful member of the Ring of Honor locker room and family since the inception of the company. We couldn’t be happier for Bryan and all of his successes, many of which Ring of Honor has been proud to witness first hand.
We congratulate Bryan on the beginning of this next journey in his brilliant career, and wish him all the best as he progresses...More?
source: rohwrestling.com
How DX Won the War
source: wwe.com
SummerSlam Results
17,129 in attendance for tonight's show.
Dark Match
Beth Phoenix won a 15-Diva Battle Royal
Rey Mysterio(c) vs. Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Title
Winner: Rey Mysterio(c)
Jack Swagger vs. MVP
Winner: MVP
Cryme Tyme vs. Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show
Winners: Chris Jericho & Big Show(c)
The Great Khali vs. Kane
Winner: Kane
D-Generation X vs. The Legacy
Winners: D-Generation X
ECW Title Match: Christian vs. William Regal
Winner: Christian(c)
WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena
Winner: Randy Orton(c)
World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
Winner: CM Punk(c)
After CM Punk won the title, the lights went out and The Undertaker came out to chokeslam Punk.
SummerSlam PPV Opener with DX
The particiapnts for tonight's show are shown on graphics and DX is making shadow figures on it. They do a little skit where they basically announce they're back. The pyro hits and we go to the Staples Center in Los Angeles where Jim Ross welcomes everyone to SummerSlam.
source: impactwrestling.com
SummerSlam Party Mention
From Mario Menounos of Access Hollywood:
Crazy day yesterday-interviewed sandra bullock/bradley cooper for their new movie all about steve..fun! Then last night hung out w/vince and linda mcmahon and hhh of the wwe for nancy o'dells charity event.so fun-loove wwe!
twitter.com/YourOmegaGirl
This Day in Wrestling History
Triple H defeats Mick Foley for his first WWF(E) World Title one night after SummerSlam.
August 23, 1999
August 22, 2009
Triple H Comments on the WWE Wellness Policy and Retirement Prep
Triple H is featured in the weekend edition of "Pop," the weekly TV guide in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Hunter promoted WWE's Wellness Policy and retirement preparation for the Superstars:
"We have financial planning for guys. We have been helping them to have a normal life," Hunter said. "Once you're out of the spotlight, how do you go back to being a normal guy? Do you still have money left? We offer all that to our talent that are current, and we also have programs for talent that have worked for us in the past."
WWE's SummerSlam Kickoff Party
WWE held their "SummerSlam Kickoff Party" last night in Hollywood, which was attended by both wrestlers and celebrities alike. Among those in attendance were Triple H, Randy Orton, Big Show, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, MVP, The Bella Twins, Alicia Fox, Dolph Ziggler, Eve Torres, Rosa Mendes, Gail Kim, Michelle McCool, Tiffany, Christian, Tommy Dreamer, Cryme Tyme, William Regal, Ted DiBiase, Maria Menounos, Melody Thornton, Verne Troyer, Nancy O'Dell, Joel Madden, and Leeza Gibbons, among others. You can see pictures from the event by clicking here and here.
Rumor Mill - DX T-Shirt Causing Controversy - UPDATED
The new D-Generation X t-shirt that WWE recently released features the slogan "World's Biggest Member" on the back. Apparently the t-shirt caused some kind of reaction, as the shirt has already been pulled off the WWE merchandise website page.
The slogan on the shirt did seem out of place since it was marketed to children.
D-Generation-X wore the shirt at SummerSlam and on Raw. The shirt is again available on wweshop.com
David Lagana Speaks on his Departure from WWE and Rumors He was an "Internet Leak"
“I was on vacation, I got a phone call to see Stephanie, [McMahon] and that was it. It had been six years almost to the day. I went to WWE in the hopes of lasting six weeks to go to Wrestlemania 18 and it became my life.”
“Wouldn’t the story of me being a leak, be a leak in itself? I’m sure whoever put that information out had a grudge. I’m a fan first; I love the surprise aspect of the business. Nothing is better than a live crowd living and dying on the emotion created by the boys in the ring. To spoil is ruin; I wouldn’t still be trying to help the business if I was out to ruin.” Plus, if I was the leak I would have had much better press out about me. Some people out there really dislike me. Spend an hour talking wrestling or even life with me; you’ll learn what I’m all about.”...More?
source: wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
August 22, 1982
Mick Foley defeats Steve Austin & Triple H in a Triple Threat Match to become WWF(E) Champion at SummerSlam '99. Jesse "The Body" Ventura was the special guest referee.
August 22, 1999
Lita defeated Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley for the WWF(E) Women's title and Shane McMahon defeated Steve Blackman for the WWF(E) Hardcore title.
August 22, 2000
Professor Toru Tanaka (Charles "Charlie" J. Kalani, Jr.) died of a heart attack at age 70.
August 22, 2000
August 21, 2009
Cody Rhodes Weighs in on the Lack of Stars on Raw
"I personally think that when people say stuff like that, when people say there hasn't been a breakout, I ask them if they saw the last breakout coming," Rhodes said in an interview with AOL Fanhouse. "Monday Night Raw is like a varsity team. And it's filled with freshmen. Very talented, very young, but it's something the fans are now getting to grow with. It's a cool experience. I can remember watching Michaels go from tag to Intercontinental Champion to taking the longest run possible to the WWE championship. I think it might be a while till somebody becomes that breakout star, but I know that you have a lot of hopefuls."
Rhodes specifically put over Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne and, of course, Legacy as the potential stars of the future.
SmackDown Results: Hardys Ride Again
The night’s main event featured the reunited Hardy brothers, who proved they are once again a force to be reckoned with in WWE. A fired-up Matt Hardy took care of business by dropping No. 1 contender CM Punk with a Twist of Fate to get the pinfall for his team. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Kaliqo's Commentary on the Mickie James vs. Gail Kim Match
Reportedly, Mickie James received a lot of heat for showing her frustration at the the end of her match with Gail Kim. It was obvious that Gail was hurt during the match. Mickie broke character, and showed her concern for Gail. She raised Gail's hand at the end of the match, even though she pinned her.
If this is true (and I hope it is), I am in agreement with the WWE office being upset with her. We fans understand that the Superstars/Divas are not legitimately trying to hurt each other. And I'm sure when they do, they feel remorse - well at least some of them. But wrestling is about playing your part and Mickie didn't play her part last Monday.
When The Kliq (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall) embraced in the middle of the ring at Madison Square Garden, Hunter was chastised, offered his release, humiliated and buried. If Mickie only go yelled at, I think she got off easy. It has been roughly 13 years since the "MSG Curtain Call". You would think the younger starts would learn from the mistakes of the veterans. She isn't going to get much sympathy here.
Pro-Wrestling/NOAH Training Camp
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will be representing Talent Relations from WWE and Prowrestling NOAH will also have representatives at the camp scouting talent for its next generation of Superstars...More?
Mickie James #1, Awesome Kong #2?
Pro Wrestling Insider has ranked WWE Diva Mickie James as the top female wrestler in the world. Number two this year is TNA's Awesome Kong, who was ranked number 1 last year.
Sports Entertainment vs. Pro Wrestling
It's no secret WWE wants to make itself more Hollywood to become more mainstream with the audience. Celebrity guest hosts on Monday Night Raw is the latest example.
Sports entertainment differs from pro wrestling as it brings the company and personas to other levels of opportunity and popularity. Out with the old. In with the new.
Like him or not, we have a new President, change. Like it or not, we have new technology, change. Like it or not, we have a new genre of wrestling/sports entertainment, change.
Change hopefully resonates growth. If things remain status quo, it is difficult to grow. Whether WWE's sports entertainment format works will take time to answer, but you never know unless you try.
source: miamiherald.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Dusty Rhodes defeats Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
August 21, 1979
August 20, 2009
Q&A with Chris Jericho
Keven Eck of the Baltimore Sun conducted an interview with Chris Jericho:
When you were in WCW, it seemed as if the guys at the top were reluctant to work with and elevate guys who had potential such as yourself. Now that you are in the position of being a top guy, did what you experienced in WCW influence how you approach working with younger guys?
It wasn’t reluctance; it was just denial. They just wouldn’t do it and it [ticked] me off so much because there was a lot of money left on the table. It’s something that I said that I would never do. We’re in a crisis period in WWE and we need to build new guys. When Shawn Michaels came back to Raw, he said, “Whose been built since I left?” On Smackdown we’ve built [John] Morrison and [Dolph] Ziggler and Cryme Tyme. The Intercontinetal title has been rebuilt now with Rey Mysterio. But I can’t tell you on Raw who has been built over the last six months. They better do it soon, because when this generation of performers is gone, who will replace them?...More?
WWE Superstars Results: Serious Summer Slams
An amazing back-and-forth match saw The Gold Standard use his veteran knowledge to come out victorious against the up-and-coming Tyler Reks. While every WWE Superstar is extremely athletic, not many are on the level of these two competitors. The battle they fought was a stunning display of both men’s in-ring abilities but in the end, it was Benjamin’s Paydirt that capped it all off and gave him the win. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE - It's A Girl Thing
It turns out that women have a taste for headlocks and body slams, too.
World Wrestling Entertainment, which has long had a stranglehold on the elusive but lucrative young male demographic, has begun to attract an increasingly female audience.
Thanks to a shift toward more family-friendly storylines and away from more violent and edgy storylines, a growing number of women are tuning in to watch events like "Monday Night Raw," "Friday Night SmackDown" and this Sunday's "SummerSlam."
According to Nielsen ratings data supplied by the WWE, viewership in the second quarter among females 25-34 is up 13.7 percent from a year ago, while the number of women aged 50 and up who tune in has jumped 23 percent...More?
source: nypost.com
Well, I've been saying women love wrestling for the past three years. It's nice they took notice.
MyNetwork TV Signs Affiliate Deal
MyNetworkTV is seeking one-year affiliate deals as it adopts a "hybrid" programming approach with off-network dramas, original productions of "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" and "WWE Friday Night SmackDown" in its lineup. Its new season begins Sept. 28...More?
source: mediapost.com
Laurel, MD Wrestler Seeks Return to WWE Ring
People in Laurel have trouble recognizing Patrick Brink, the short, skinny kid who attended Oaklands Elementary and Eisenhower Middle School in the 1990s.
That's because Brink, now 28, is a 6-foot-6-inch professional wrestler who weighs in at 260 pounds.
Brink recently spent eight months in his dream job working for World Wrestling Entertainment as "Kaleb O'Neal" but was released in March after a series of setbacks, including the deaths of family members and friends...More?
source: gazette.net
This Day in Wrestling History
Bret Hart returns to the ring for the first time after the untimely death of his brother Owen. Bret defeated Hulk Hogan by DQ at a WCW house show.
August 20, 1999
August 19, 2009
Kurt Angle Blames PFA Arrest On Ex-Girlfriend
Olympic gold medalist and professional wrestling champion Kurt Angle said on Wednesday that his live-in girlfriend got him arrested on an alleged violation of a protection-from-abuse order after the two had broken up.
Just a few hours after returning to Pittsburgh from Orlando, Fla., where he had been performing for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling the past three days, Angle told WTAE Channel 4's Michelle Wright that he can't get back into his Moon Township home because the alleged victim is still there.
Breaking into tears during the interview, Angle said spending nine hours in custody after his arrest Saturday morning was the lowest point of his life.
"I didn't do anything wrong, and I was sitting there in the (Allegheny) county jail," Angle said...More?
source: thepittsburghchannel.com
ECW Results: A Regal Road to SummerSlam
After ECW Champion Christian’s tag team partner, Tommy Dreamer, was savagely attacked backstage by their main event opponents, Vladimir Kozlov & William Regal, Captain Charisma was forced to find a new associate Tuesday night as Dreamer began showing concussion-like symptoms. Christian unexpectedly partnered with Ezekiel Jackson to face No. 1 Contender Regal & The Moscow Mauler.
During the match, the Extreme, unstoppable force known as Ezekiel Jackson ran into the ring after his adversary, Kozlov. But Jackson didn’t lay a hand on The Sambo Master, instead turning on the ECW Champion, leveling his partner, allowing Regal to pin Christian for the victory. Not to be outdone, Kozlov continued his weeks-long game of one-upsmanship with Jackson, picking up Christian and furthering the damage. Finally, Jackson hit the already-battered Christian one last time. Throughout the carnage, No. 1 Contender Regal stood by devilishly smiling and encouraging Jackson and Kozlov, while watching the brutal decimation of his SummerSlam opponent. Full results.
source: wwe.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Lilian Garcia
August 19, 1973
The last edition of WCW Saturday Morning aired on TBS.
August 19, 2000
August 18, 2009
Tanahashi Injured, Vacates IWGP title
Hiroshi Tanahashi vacated the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, days after fracturing his orbital bone in a G1 Semi-Final match with Shinsuke Nakamura. His defense against Tajiri scheduled for September 27th at the Kobe World Hall has been cancelled, and there will be a title decision match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Togi Makabe to determine the new champion. This past Sunday, Makabe defeated Nakamura in the finals of the G1 Climax Tournament.
source: wrestleview.com
Varon Calls Out Couture
She has zero professional mixed martial fights but that doesn't mean Lisa Marie Varon, better known as "Victoria" in the WWE and "Tara" in TNA Wrestling, isn't shooting high. At least as far names go. Varon, who is 38 years old, is trying to capitalize on the recent progress of female MMA fighting by jumping into the fray...More?
source: sports.yahoo.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Tom Prichard
August 18, 1959
Ricky Steamboat defeated Paul Orndorff for the WCW Television title.
August 18, 1993
Shawn Michaels defeats Vader to retain the WWF(E) World Title at SummerSlam.
August 18, 1996
August 17, 2009
TNA Removes Don West as Color Commentator
Taz replaced Don West as the color commentator at tonight's TNA Impact taping in Orlando, Fla. Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reports that West will remain with the company and received a promotion in the merchandising department.
Raw Results: Are You Ready?
After months of seclusion, Shawn Michaels finally made his climactic return to D-Generation X and Monday Night Raw, much to the thrill of the WWE Universe. Any celebration, however, would prove short-lived. As Michaels and partner Triple H addressed the crowd, their SummerSlam opponents, The Legacy attacked DX from behind. Then it was Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase’s turn at the microphone. They informed the stunned crowd that yes, they ARE ready. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Rumor Mill - Raw Stars on SmackDown Next Week
Triple H and Shawn Michaels are advertised for the SmackDown taping at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ next week:
John Cena, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, The Big Show, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Christian, Finlay, Evan Bourne, Mark Henry, The Great Khali, Cryme Tyme, John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin, Michelle McCool, and many more of your favorite SmackDown & ECW Superstars
MAIN EVENT
John Cena and DX vs. Randy Orton & The Legacy
Sabin & Shelley Challenge for Japan Tag Titles In September
TNA's Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) have been confirmed to challenge the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles against current champions Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt on September 13 in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall for New Japan Wrestling.
source: wrestlezone.com
Update on Hamilton/Deep South vs. WWE Lawsuit
According to a new report by PWInsider, attorneys for Jody Hamilton and Deep South Wrestling responded on August 6 to attempts by World Wrestling Entertainment to throw out the entire lawsuit being brought against them by Hamilton and Deep South. While WWE claimed earlier that Hamilton and Deep South "failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted and that the lawsuit failed to show any alleged wrongdoing on WWE's part, Hamilton's response was that both parties each had a 90 day clause in the agreement. The filing on August 6 reads, "Because compliance did not fit nicely into WWE's plans, it opted to take matters into its own hands and to act tortuously, unlawfully, maliciously and with conscious indifference to the consequence of its action. WWE was surreptitiously making arrangements to consolidate and move its operations to Florida."
WWE RAW Guest-Host Stint New 'Must-Have' for Celebrity Resumes
Apparently, the over-the-top gladiator-esque brawls that feature men in unitards is the hipster destination for many A and B listers. Variety has revealed that Vince McMahon's WWE RAW guest-host slot is a hot ticket, and they reveal some future candidates...More?
source: monstersandcritics.com
August 16, 2009
TNA Spokesman Declines Comment on Kurt Angle's Arrest
Excerpt from an article on PennLive.com:
Kurt Angle, the current heavyweight champion of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, was scheduled to appear in a TNA Wrestling event Sunday night in Orlando, Fla. Steven Godfrey, spokesman for Nashville, Tenn.-based TNA Wrestling, declined comment on the arrest but said the main event between Angle, Sting and "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan would go on as scheduled.
Godfrey also said TNA has a drug policy in place for staff and performers, but he declined to release the details...More?
This Day in Wrestling History - Evolution Turns on Randy Orton
One night after defeating Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam '04, Evolution turns on Randy Orton on RAW following the main event re-match between Orton and Benoit.
August 16, 2004
Commentary on the PWI 500
The PWI 500 for 2009 is out, listing the 500 best wrestlers of the past year. Here is commentary on the top 100 from the NY Pro Wrestling Examiner:
1. Triple H – Triple H had the WWE Title for much of the year and won a big match at Wrestlemania. Still, too much of the past year has been spent jobbing to Randy Orton and his cronies to truly be worthy of the number one spot.The only reason I posted this, is that someone has finally acknowledged that Triple H jobs to other wrestlers on a consistent basis. The Examiner is a user-generated site, but it's nice to see someone else note that he doesn't win all the time. You can't job and hold people down at the same time.
More?...Click here.
This Day in Wrestling History
Leo Pardello died at age 72 of natural causes.
August 16, 1939
Verne Gagne declared first AWA Heavyweight Champion.
August 16, 1960
Pat O'Connor died of cancer at age 65.
August 16, 1990
Plum Mariko died from head trauma during a match at age 29. Mariko was the first professional wrestler in Japan to die as a result of injuries suffered in a wrestling match.
August 16, 1997
August 15, 2009
Cyborg Stops Carano
Going into Saturday night's main event, Gina Carano was deemed the face of women's MMA, but it was Cris "Cyborg" Santos that walked out with the Strikeforce 145-pound women's title...More?
source: mmaweekly.com
Update on Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle is free on bond following his arrest today on charges that he violated a protection of abuse order obtained by his girlfriend earlier in the morning...More?
source: post-gazette.com
Kurt Angle Arrested
Professional wrestler Kurt Angle was arrested in Robinson Township on Saturday morning.
According to a criminal complaint, his girlfriend (Trenesha Biggers, aka TNA's Rhaka Khan) had filed a protection from abuse order against Angle, which was served at his home on Saturday morning.
The woman reported to police that she was at a Starbucks on the internet, when she claims she saw Angle stalking her.
She called 911, and police pulled over Angle in his girlfriend's car.
According to the criminal complaint, Angle was driving on a suspended license. Police also found a capped syringe and two vials of "Hygetropin," otherwise known as HGH. Angle told police he had a legal prescription for the drugs.
The charges against Angle include: driving while operating privilege is suspended, prohibited acts-possession, harrassment and prohibited acts.
Angle is currently the World Champion in TNA Wrestling, and was scheduled to wrestle in a pay-per-view match in Orlando on Sunday night. TNA Wrestling did not return calls for comment.
source: wpxi.com
Charm City Roller Girls in Action 8/22
Independence Dolls
--------------------------------
Charm City Roller Girl Allstars vs.
The Liberty Belles Philly Roller Girls
Du Burns Arena, 1301 Ellwood Ave.
Baltimore, MD
August 22, 2009
7:00PM - 10:00PM
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Bout starts at 7:00 PM
www.charmcityrollergirls.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WCW Clash of the Champions 33 takes place in Denver, CO featuring Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan for the WCW World Title. Flair wins the match via DQ, allowing Hogan to retain World Title.
August 15, 1998
August 14, 2009
SmackDown Results: Family Reunion
After his vicious attack on Jeff Hardy last week, CM Punk expounded on his own TLC attributes, insisting that he would prove victorious in the World Heavyweight Championship Match at SummerSlam. After the former champion promised to “end Jeff Hardy,” SmackDown General Manger Theodore Long stepped into the ring to refute Punk's claims that the injured Hardy may be too hurt to compete at the pay-per-view. The war-torn Charismatic Champion himself then slowly emerged to echo Long’s statement, promising to defeat Punk in nine days time. Though it seemed Hardy would be out of action for the night, WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon soon dropped a bombshell by phone, ordering that, despite his injuries, the World Champion would have face The Hart Dynasty in a Handicap Match. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Eugene Released....Again
Standard line from wwe.com:
WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Eugene as of August 14, 2009. We wish Eugene the best in all future endeavors.
OK this is just too funny. Who was the genius behind his re-hire? Jesus Christ!!!
Senate Smackdown, WWE CEO Considers Run Against Dodd
A woman who truly knows how to rumble could be testing Sen. Chris Dodd in the ultimate political cage match.
Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, just might run as a Republican against the state’s senior U.S. senator in in 2010, the Washington Post reports in the Fix, a political blog.
“A source close to McMahon said that she is ‘seriously considering’ the race,” the Post blogger reports...More?
source: nbcconnecticut.com
Statement on Linda McMahon and the United States Senate from corporate.wwe.com:
Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, is considering a run for the United States Senate representing the state of Connecticut. Should she decide to run, Linda would step down as CEO, and Vince McMahon would assume the duties of CEO in addition to his current position as WWE Chairman.
Randy Orton On Life In And Out Of The Ring
Your dream match opponent and why?
"I say that everyone I’ve wanted to work with, I’ve gotten the opportunity to. Hulk Hogan in SummerSlam, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Triple H. ... These guys that I watched were at the top of there game. When I got in the business, I never thought in a million years that I would be wrestling Triple H in the main event at WrestleMania. I never thought I would be wrestling Undertaker at WrestleMania XXI, let alone The Rock at WrestleMania XX, Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XXII. I have so many memories of wrestling guys that I dreamt to wrestling. Really, there is no more. My dad was on the road with me for six months back in 2005 and 2006, and I was able to wrestle with him in my corner. I’ve never wrestled against my father. I would say my father would be one of the ones that, if I could turn back the clock, I would be able to wrestle him in his prime and a pretty good match. I think that would be very cool, but obviously it won’t happen. I did get the pleasure of working with him in the ring."...More?
source: stltoday.com
J.R. on Potential Raw Guest Hosts
"Ideas for potential Raw hosts: Mike Ditka, Michael Irvin, selected WWE HOF'ers, Dr Drew, Dr. Phil, Nancy Grace, Bill O'Reilly, Siegfried and Roy, along with all those that will actually host because they have something to plug other than the plugs in their scalp....not that there is any thing wrong with that Jeremy. However, it's gonna take someone special to out perform our man Shaq." - jrsbarbq.com
FCW Crowns New Champion
FCW Press Release:
In an enthralling main event match, which pitted FCW Heavyweight Champion Tyler Reks against challenger Heath Slater, the FCW crowd were treated to a classic encounter which ultimately saw Heath Slater’s hand raised and a new champion crowned. Slater, who in recent weeks has shown an uncompromising mean streak, thus alienating much of his fan base, gained the victory by pinfall. A jubilant Slater told FCW insiders after the match that as far as he is concerned, he has always been the champion, but now nobody can argue with him!...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Bob Backlund
August 14, 1949
Happy Birthday to Bobby Eaton
August 14, 1958
Lance Storm awards "Primetime" Elix Skipper the WCW Cruiserweight Title & Carl Ouelette WCW Hardcore Title.
August 14, 2000
August 13, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: Northern Delights
Just 24-hours before facing CM Punk on SmackDown, The Friday Night Delight defeated the impressive David Hart Smith, which wasn’t what Natalya wanted to see happen in Smith’s homecoming match. At many times in the match, the Hart Dynasty member seemed just half a second from walking away the victor, but in the end, Morrison proved he wanted it more. After having already countered one Starship Pain, Smith fell to a second and the ensuing three-count did not please the Canadian fans in attendance. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Kevin Nash Appearing in VA
Kevin Nash will be appearing at the KYDA Pro Wrestling event in Manassas, Virginia on August 21st, 2009. Click here for more information.
Rumor Mill - DX Reunion on Raw
In addition to Freddie Prinze Jr. as guest host and the tag match with Randy Orton and John Cena vs. Big Show and Chris Jericho, next week's live RAW from St. Louis will also feature the live RAW reunion of Shawn Michaels and Triple H as DX.
This Day in Wrestling History
Bret Hart defeated Lex Luger for the WCW United States Title.
August 13, 1998
Jeff Hardy defeated Rob Van Dam for the WWF(E) Hardcore Title.
August 13, 2001
August 12, 2009
Hated German Heel Karl Von Hess Dies
Karl Von Hess, who died this morning at the age of 90, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, made his name heading to the ring in a full-scale Nazi guise in the uneasy years after World War II.
With American patriotism in full swing, he would enter arenas with a galling Waffen SS appearance and a "Sieg, Heil!" salute. No wonder Von Hess, a master of minimalism, was shot at, stabbed, attacked, and burned en route to becoming a white-hot heel in the late 1950s...More?
source: slam wrestling
Q&A with Patrick Brink
Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun conducted an interview recently with Maryland Championship Wrestling star and former WWE developmental talent Patrick Brink.
Brink, an Atholton graduate who grew up in Laurel, made a surprise run-in at last month’s MCW show four months after being released from his WWE deal. Brink, 28, made his return to the ring against Cobian (wth Van Hammer as special guest referee) at a MCW event at The New Green Room in Dundalk.
In the following interview, Brink, who wrestled as Kaleb O’Neal during his six-month stay in WWE’s Florida Championship Wrestling territory, discusses WWE’s developmental program, the circumstances that led to his release, his return to MCW and what the future holds for him. Click here.
Recap of Triple H on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"
At the top of the show, Fallon was talking about how several years ago when him and the writing staff were developing the show, he tossed out the idea of using a trap door they had on the set in the audience to raise a guest out of - complete with smoke - in "dramatic fashion." Jimmy went on to suggest that someone like Triple H would be ideal for the concept. He then went on to say that at the time it was just an idea, but who knew that several years later they would actually have Triple H on the show as a guest. He noted that there wouldn't be any smoke though. Or maybe there would.
Following Fallon's first guest, actor Ashton Kutcher, Jimmy announced Triple H and sure enough, complete with smoke effects, The Game emerged from a trap door in the audience and made his entrance while The Roots played "King of Kings" by Motorhead.
The segment began with Fallon and Kutcher both talking about how they are huge WWE fans and it really did seem like Fallon was genuine in his knowledge and enjoyment of the Triple H character. Fallon then asked Triple H who he was wrestling at SummerSlam and HHH said he was teaming with Shawn Michaels to face Legacy. Fallon wanted to know if Triple H was going to post a "Tweet" after the match to which Triple H responded by saying he was not on Twitter and had no idea what a Tweet was; or a Twat. Kutcher and HHH then went back and forth making Twat jokes and each was censored as Fallon nervously laughed.
Fallon then brought up the new Smackdown vs Raw 2010 video game and Triple H said he had some footage of the game featuring a downloadable Jimmy Fallon character. They then ran some funny footage of a Triple H vs Jimmy Fallon match which The Game dominated. The segment ended with Fallon thanking Triple H and plugging both SummerSlam and the network premiere of Wrestlemania 25 on NBC.
thanks to Nick Paglino of wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Masa Chono defeated Rick Rude in a tournament final for the NWA Heavyweight Wrestling title.
August 12, 1992
Chris Jericho defeats Alex Wright for the WCW Cruiserweight Title.
August 12, 1997
August 11, 2009
ECW Results: A Regal No. 1 Contender
After Washington announced Regal is the No. 1 Contender to the ECW Championship, The British Brawler faced off against Tommy Dreamer. Still ailing from the brutal Extreme Rules ECW Title Match he competed in the week before, Dreamer fell to the ruthless Regal, who focused on the ECW Original’s wounded left arm. Even after his win, Regal continued his attack with the Regal Stretch on Dreamer, until ECW Champion Christian emerged to chase Regal from the ring and help his friend, Dreamer. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Kevin Nash Speaks Out
Recalling a conversation with Triple-H and Shawn Michaels a few years ago:
“We were kind of going through the rosters and saying who are the guys who are going to replace us. Which guys are going to replace us when we retire? And everybody through names around and there weren’t a whole lot of names of guys who we thought were going to replace us. You look at a guy like Edge, and now he’s starting to realize – and, gosh, I don’t even know how old he is but he I think he’s in his 30’s. And he’s getting to the point where he’s had a ton of injuries. John Cena has had a ton of injuries. With these guys, it’s almost [a question of] who can last.”
On hardcore wrestling:
“Mick Foley being thrown off a cage to a table 40-feet below him was the worst thing that probably ever could happen in our sport. Because what we do is we go out and we put on a performance, and you should never, ever hit each other. That’s not the art of what we do. When you light yourself on fire and jump 40 feet, that’s a stunt. That’s not a work. To me, ECW was pornography.”...More?
source: newsday.com/steelcage
Raw Updates
Raw did a 3.8 cable rating last night. The first hour averaged 5,236,000 viewers and the second averaged 5,755,000.
Raw Ranked #1 in P18-49 (2.25)
Raw Ranked #1 in M18-49 (3.00)
5.5 million viewers tuned in, skewing 68% male, with a median age of 39.
Versus prior week, Raw is up +9% and up +8% in M18-49.
source: nielsen media research
Mike Adamle announced on the NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV out of Chicago, Illinois that he will be guest hosting an episode of WWE RAW in two weeks. That episode is reportedly bringing back "Raw Roulette".
The Shawn Michaels and Triple H skits on RAW were filmed in the cafeteria at WWE's Stamford, CT headquarters, according to the PW Torch.
Strikeforce's 'Cyborg' Ready to Knock Carano Out
MMA history will be made Saturday when Gina Carano fights Cris "Cyborg" Santos in an historic main event in San Jose, Calif. They'll be the first women to headline a major MMA card. Also, the fight for Strikeforce's 145-pound title will be five five-minute rounds, which normally doesn't happen for women's bouts.
While Carano is getting lots of attention for her looks, Santos has been seemingly lost in the fold. After losing her first fight, Santos has won her past seven (five by TKO).
FOXSports.com's Steve Bien-Aime recently spoke with Santos (through her translator) to get her views on the coverage of the fight and what Saturday's bout (on Showtime) means to her.
FOXSports.com: What does Saturday's fight mean for women's MMA?
Santos: It's very important because it's not only me, but Gina, the first women's main event. This will open doors for girls in MMA, so it's very important...More?
Q&A with Montel Vontavious Porter
So what's the deal with you and Sherri? Is this relationship serious?
It amazes me how everybody can jump to a wedding. We were on the red carpet and a number of people were asking, "When is the wedding?" Sherri and I are exceptionally good friends and, as a matter of fact, the BET Awards was our third public outing, and people are already talking about a wedding and a marriage. There was one reporter who Sherri expressed her opinion to who then asked me, "Is she like this at home?" She's a wonderful person, and I'm very fortunate to have met her. We're very good friends....More?
source: bvbuzz.com
The Stick, The Scowl, and Clinton’s Big Save
To watch Bill Clinton return from North Korea with two freed American prisoners is to be reminded that in professional wrestling there are three kinds of winners: The Guy Who Carries The Thing, The Guy With The Big Scowl, and The Talented Wrestler Who Saves The Day...More?
source: thefastertimes.com
August 10, 2009
SummerSlam Preview: D-Generation X vs. The Legacy
Reuniting as D-Generation X, Triple H and long-time friend Shawn Michaels will be crashing The Biggest Party of the Summer as the duo is set to take on The Legacy’s Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase at SummerSlam.
Although The Cerebral Assassin and The Showstopper haven’t teamed together in more than nine months, whenever the two reunite it tends to be explosive – if not hilarious, as well.
It’s doubtful that Rhodes & DiBiase are laughing at the tremendous task set before them, but both Legacy members seem confident heading into perhaps the biggest match to date for either of their young careers.
source: wwe.com
The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania on NBC
For the first time ever, NBC and World Wrestling Entertainment, the leader in global family entertainment, have combined high-impact WWE action with music from some of the industry's biggest stars to present "The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania - The World Television Premiere" on Saturday, August 29 at 9 pm ET/8c. The special will relive all the action and excitement of WrestleMania 25 in one lightning-fast hour of groundbreaking music television...More?
Sgt. Slaughter Honors a Hero
Just outside Washington, D.C. at Arlington National Cemetery, Sgt. Slaughter joined a crowd assembled to mourn the loss of Cpl. Kopp, a gathering that included United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The 21-year-old serviceman, beloved by all who came in contact with him, was participating in his first tour of Afghanistan after two successful excursions in Iraq.
On July 10, Kopp and his unit attacked a Taliban safe haven as part of the United States’ continued actions against the fundamentalist organization. For several hours, the servicemen were assailed from multiple directions, and in the process killed more than 10 enemy combatants.
During the operation however, Kopp was seriously wounded, necessitating that he be transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and then to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical team, Kopp died as a result of his wounds on July 18...More?
source: wwe.com
Dragon Gate Heading to Oxford
After successfully bringing Pro-Wrestling Noah over last year Mark Sloan is at it again as on November 1 he will be bringing Japanese promotion Dragon Gate to Oxford.
For those of you haven't heard of Dragon Gate they are a Japanese based promotion, but with a more high-flying Mexican style. They have built up a cult-like following around the world thanks to the Internet and tape traders.
Mark - who has also previously promoted the Frontier Wrestling Alliance - told us: "We were approached just after the Huge Pro Wrestling Noah events about bringing Dragon Gate to these shores.
"With the enthusiasm the Dragon Gate officials had for the event it really was a no brainer...More?
source: the sun
J.R. Comments on Triple H's Appearance on 'Jimmy Fallon'
"HHH's guest appearance on NBC's Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon this Tuesday which will be good for WWE, Raw, and Summerslam. I thought HHH was really entertaining last week on Raw and definitely has a marketable sense of humor that perhaps we don't get to see enough of on TV. I personally like seeing another dimension added to "The Game's" tough guy persona."
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Savio Vega
August 10, 1966
Hulk Hogan defeated the Giant for the WCW Heavyweight title.
August 10, 1996
Lex Luger defeated Bret Hart for the WCW US Heavyweight title.
August 10, 1998
Christian defeats Booker T for the WWE IC Title at a RAW brand House Show. Booker was forced to drop the title due to injury.
August 10, 2003
August 9, 2009
This Day in Wrestling History
Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes for the NWA Heavyweight Wrestling title.
August 9, 1986
Hulk Hogan defeated Lex Luger for the WCW Heavyweight title.
August 9, 1997
August 8, 2009
UFC 101: Declaration Results
Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin
R1 – Griffin throws shots early, Silva catches a kick and fires back. Silva catches Griffin with a big right hook that stuns him and sends him backwards. Silva tags Griffin with a straight jab that sends him crashing to the mat, but he lets him back up again. Griffin steps forward and Silva plants another big jab, Griffin falls down and waives the referee off and the fight is over.
Anderson Silva def. Forrest Griffin by KO at 3:23, R1
Click here for more results.
Christopher Daniels, Consequences Creed & Homicide at TNA House Show
Daniels hits a double submission - boston crab/camel clutch on Homicide and Creed.
credit: twitter.com/TNAonline
J.R. on Fake Tans
"Here's a suggestion to many of the wrestlers I saw on TV this week, even out the faux tan. No one needs to look like a Sunkist product."
Gee, I wonder who he was referring to?
Ricky Ortiz Released
Standard line from wwe.com:
WWE has come to terms on the release of SmackDown Superstar Ricky Ortiz as of today, Aug. 8, 2009. We wish Ricky the best in all future endeavors.
Raw/SmackDown/ECW Supershow -
Denver, CO
WWE returned to Denver months after the Pepsi Center pulled the plug on the date of its May event because it coincided with an NBA playoff game.
News and notes:
Randy Orton defeated Triple H in a steel cage match to retain the WWE Title. Orton won via escape after Legacy interfered. Hunter hit Cody with a chair and Pedigreed him on it to end the show.
CM Punk got the wind knocked out of him at the end of his ladder match with Jeff Hardy. He didn't move for nearly 10 minutes afterward and had to be carried out...More?
Triple H joked with Fox31 when he spoke about the "Denver Debacle". He says there are no hard feelings--that it was business for both parties. "If I met Kroenke in a dark alley I'd open the car door and let Vince McMahon out. I'd let Vince go get him."
Vince has stated that he sent Kroenke a bill for $300,000.00 representing what it cost them to relocate the show and lost revenue. So far, a lawsuit has not been filed.
WWE "A Decade of Smackdown" Special
WWE will tape it's "A Decade Of Smackdown" special on September 29th, 2009 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
The special airs October 2nd, 2009 at 8 PM on MyNetworkTV. Superstars from all three WWE brands will be part of the special. Tickets go on-sale today at 10:00am. Click here for more info.
This Day in Wrestling History
Pedro Morales becomes the first ever WWF(E) Triple Crown holder.
August 8, 1980
August 7, 2009
SmackDown Results: Family Conundrum
Before the bell could ring to start their World Heavyweight Championship rematch, Jeff Hardy and CM Punk attacked each other, quickly bringing the WWE Universe into a state of absolute bedlam. Amidst the mass hysteria, WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon emerged, declaring that the two Superstars would still have a World Heavyweight Championship Match with a “special guest enforcer,” handpicked by The Chairman himself.
Later that night, to the shock of the WWE Universe, Matt Hardy emerged as Mr. McMahon’s special guest enforcer. While Jeff was confronting his brother outside the ring, Punk used the distraction to attempt an attack on his adversary. But when Jeff moved, it was his elder brother that took the hit instead. Moments later, when it looked like Punk may pin the World Champion, Matt pulled the referee out of the ring. As Matt confronted Punk, Jeff rolled his opponent up and the guest enforcer himself counted Punk’s shoulders to the canvas. The former ECW Champion then left without further action or comment.
Following the bell, an enraged CM Punk viciously attacked Hardy for the second week in a row, ruthlessly incorporating a chair to catastrophic ends. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long responded by making the blockbuster announcement that Jeff Hardy would again face CM Punk for the title at SummerSlam, in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match. Full results.
source: wwe.com
NBC's "Deal or No Deal" Seeking WWE Fans
NBC's "Deal or No Deal" is looking for WWE fans who live in the Connecticut area to appear as contestants. For those interested, send your name, phone number, email address, a current photo, and state your case for what makes you a great WWE fan to dondwwecasting@gmail.com. All entries must be submitted by Aug. 9.
This Day in Wrestling History
Larry Hennig & Harley Race defeated Crusher & Verne Gagne for the AWA Tag Team title.
August 7, 1965
Kane & The Undertaker defeated Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo for the WCW Tag title.
August 7, 2001
Ron Killings defeated Ken Shamrock for the NWA Heavyweight title.
August 7, 2002
Why Shaq Got it and Piven Didn't
You only need to go back one week to see the difference between someone who was there to contribute to the show while plugging his wares and someone who was there to plug his project and not give a damn about the show he was on.
While Shaq and Piven gave performances that were diametrically opposite, they garnered the same reaction from the media. A lot of the coverage was condescending or tilted negative because it was wrestling and these actors were lowering themselves to appear on Raw.
How would the media have reacted if Jeremy Piven gave the same performance if he was the host on Saturday Night Live? Would they have called it someone cashing a check or would they say that Piven was showing his acting range?
While the perception and reputation of wrestling will never be high in the eyes of many media sources, you have to give credit to the wrestlers that they can go out there every week and entertain a few million people.
Some people get it and those are the ones who Vince should try to get to be guest hosts if they are going to continue this policy.
source: pwinsider.com
August 6, 2009
WWE Superstars Results: It’s Good to be Bad
The WWE Universe openly expressed their dislike of William Regal and Paul Burchill, but it wasn’t enough to stop the rough Englishmen from finding victory in tag team action. Despite showing themselves to be a cohesive unit and displaying impressive strength and speed in the ring, Reks and Tatsu fell short against their opponents thanks in part to the Blackpool native’s veteran knowledge of his craft. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Superstar Graham Not Sentimental About Hall of Fame Ring Auction
"Superstar Billy Graham still bitter about his release from WWE:
"I was certainly offended by being released from the company, by letting my contract expire," he said. "Not to be too braggadocios, but I consider myself to be an icon because of my influence on guys like Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura. So just dropping me from the employment contract was really a slap in the face."
"As regards Wrestlemania, I wanted to participate in the art festival that they've had for the last couple of years, where WWE employees put their art on display, but John Laurinitis told me that they couldn't afford to fly me from Phoenix to Houston, which is about a $225 (US) round-trip. That, I found that very insulting."
"So rather than anger or frustration, there's a lot of disappointment in me towards Vince McMahon at the moment. It's not anger, I'm just very saddened at the lack of respect for the contribution that I've made to the WWE, and in fact inspiring Triple H to a great degree, not to mention Hogan, Ventura, Austin Idol, and many others. The selling of the Hall of Fame ring is really more due to disappointment, as opposed to a vengeful act of animosity. And to be discarded in such a blunt way with the excuse of budget cuts -- that doesn't sit well with me."...More?
source: slam wrestling
Why does he think he has a lifetime contract with the WWE. I think he has forgotten his last name isn't McMahon or Levesque.
August 5, 2009
Triple H is a Repeat “PWI 500” Winner
“It's not every day you get honored like that from the magazine you grew up reading with a flashlight when you were supposed to be going to sleep,” he said. “It’s been a particularly rough last few months for me, both professionally and personally. So all of this is a welcome bit of good news.
“Sometimes in this business you end up dealing with things that are bigger than wins or championships. But make no mistake about it: I got into this sport to be the very best. And outranking every other name in the game proves I accomplished that.”
“I’ve been saying it for years, and I’m glad your magazine finally agrees. Any which way you figure it, Triple-H is the very best wrestler in the sport,” Ric Flair said of his longtime friend, partner, and sometimes opponent, who inducted the “Nature Boy” into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008. “I didn’t think anybody would ever do it, but it seems inevitable that he’ll surpass my 16 world titles before too long. And the day he does, I hope to buy him a drink, because he’ll deserve it.”...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
WWE posts a photo on its website of Bret Hart and Vince McMahon shaking hands at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, CT. The meeting between the two was part of the three-disc Bret Hart DVD release by the company - something many thought would never happen.
August 5, 2005
August 4, 2009
ECW Results: Extreme Fight to the Finish
In one of the most historic, memorable matches in ECW on Syfy history, Christian retained his ECW Championship after defeating Tommy Dreamer in a brutal Extreme Rules Match, complete with Singpore canes, crutches, steel trash cans, a hot dog cart and even a car door. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE Channels SNL
The wrestling powerhouse's Monday Night Raw is becoming the new showcase for guest hosts seeking to promote their latest project.
Like just about everything else in the vaudevillian world of pro wrestling, the Raw guest stars are the brainchild of Vince McMahon, WWE's chairman and chief impresario. The parade of "hosts" began in June when McMahon staged a stunt by which Donald Trump supposedly "bought" Monday Night Raw. "When Donald took over we realized that our audience wanted to see something new," says Stephanie McMahon, Vince's daughter and WWE's executive vice-president of creative development and operation. "We have the ability to change our story line to suit whoever hosts."
Down the road, Stephanie McMahon says the show plans to have as hosts Freddie Prinze Jr., who will promote his new role on the Fox TV show 24, former game show host Bob Barker, and the Reverend Al Sharpton (who hasn't yet said exactly what he'll be promoting)...More?
source: businessweek.com
Hunter Stimulus Plan
Triple H has once again rubbed some people the wrong way. It seems there is an uproar over comments Trip made last night on Raw, the way he acted after the match and a question about being at the top of the heap. First, the ultra-offending comment:...Batista is always hurt and Flair is signing autographs at a VFW or something like that...
What is the big deal? Hasn't his character, whether heel or face always been a smart-ass?
This "editorial" is from Jason Powell at prowrestling.net:"He put over the team of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in a handicap match, which is exactly the finish they needed to go with...On the flip side, I didn't care for the way he downplayed his loss to Cody and Ted."
He liked it, he didn't like it....he liked it, he didn't like it...I'm confused.
And then there is this tidbit from wrestlingreview.com's twitter account:
"HHH is no.1 on PWI's 500 list this year, but does that list even hold a fraction of the prestige it used to have?"
Did anyone question the "prestige" of the PWI 500 when John Cena was #1 in 2006 & 2007 or when Batista was #1 in 2005?
I think I am going to start referring to the Hunter smarks as the Hunter Stimulus Plan because Trip has kept so many "wrestling journalists" in business by simply getting in the ring and opening his mouth.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Dean Malenko
August 4, 1960
Sgt. Slaughter is named WWF(E) Commissioner.
August 4, 1997
Lex Luger defeated Hulk Hogan for the WCW Heavyweight title.
August 4, 1997
August 3, 2009
WWE Heads to Denver for Makeup Bout
It's the offseason for the Denver Nuggets, but World Wrestling Entertainment is in full swing and headed to Denver to make up for an appearance it was forced to cancel because of a conflict with the NBA playoffs...More?
source: 9news.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Bret Hart defeated the Undertaker for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title and Steve Austin defeated Owen Hart for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
August 3, 1997
August 2, 2009
This Day in Wrestling History
Ron Simmons defeated Big Van Vader for the WCW Heavyweight title.
August 2, 1992
WWF(E) Heavyweight Champion, The Rock opened a session of the Republican National Convention.
August 2, 2000
August 1, 2009
Seeking Redemption for an Unforgivable Crime
ASSAULT IN THE RING revisits a boxing scandal considered one of the sport's darkest hours, and traces a man's despairing journey following his alleged involvement in a criminal plot. The documentary examines new evidence about this boxing match turned 30-minute assault, and reveals much more about the pre-fight activities of Luis Resto, his trainer Panama Lewis and the athletic commission representatives...More?
source: hbo sports
Jeremy Piven Confirms Surprise Guest For RAW
According to the official Twitter account of actor Jeremy Piven, he will be bringing a surprise guest with him as he guest-hosts RAW this coming Monday night.
Rumor Mill - Possible Injury with Michelle McCool
According to live reports from last night's WWE house show in Hampton Beach, NH, WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool took a bad bump on the outside of the ring during her match with Eve Torres. McCool seemed to be favoring her knee and the match was stopped. She was eventually helped to the back.
source: wrestleview.com
