Leave it to Bill Behrens to make an excellent point regarding the abysmal 0.6 cable rating this past Monday's edition of TNA Impact scored. Behrens represents many professional wrestlers and is a former employee of TNA Wrestling. He wrote the following today on Twitter:
Note that last time WWE had a 3.7 on 3-15-10, TNA delivered a .84 and peaked at .96 with a taped show. TNA simply lost audience, it's own.
Obviously Dixie made the comment (Thank goodness he can only retire once...hopefully. Shawn, congrats on an amazing career!) she did to motivate her troops but there is no excuse for a 0.6 cable rating.
source: wrestlingnewsworld.com
March 31, 2010
Why It's Ridiculous For TNA To Blame Monday's Rating On The Retirement Of Shawn Michaels
WWE NXT New Rookie Rankings
#1: Daniel Bryan
#2: Wade Barrett
#3: Justin Gabriel
#4: Heath Slater
#5: David Otunga
#6: Skip Sheffield
#7: Michael Tarver
#8: Darren Young
CAC Honoring Jim Ross with the Art Abrams Award
The Art Abrams Award is the honor given out by the Cauliflower Alley Club dedicated to an individual’s lifetime achievements. A quick look at the previous honorees reveals a stellar list of wrestling’s elite; men and women who can look back on their storied careers and take stock of their accomplishments. For any of them, this award can be seen as a fashionable cap to their custom-designed legacy within professional wrestling.
That concept is a tough-sell to Jim Ross, who has worn many hats since his 1974 introduction into the wrestling business. As the 2010 recipient of the Art Abrams Award, Ross has most recently cut an impressive silhouette by donning his trademark black Resistol cowboy hat. But that silhouette has yet to be backlit by the sunset that many of those who call it a career have rode off into...More?
source: caulifloweralleyclub.org
Interview with Kent Brink, MCW Champion
Kent Brink is defending his title as MCW Heavyweight Champion on Saturday. But he thinks he should have been at WrestleMania XXVI.
"Had I not made the mistakes I made in FCW, I have no doubt I would have wrestled at WrestleMania this past Sunday," Brink said.
FCW is the developmental wing of WWE, and Maryland native Brink worked there for nine months before being let go in March 2009. But Brink's ring skills were not the reason he was cut from FCW, and at 6-feet, 6-inches and 260 pounds of muscle he looks like the prototype for a big-bodied WWE superstar...More?
source: expressnightout.com
This Day in Wrestling History - The First WrestleMania
WrestleMania 1 takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event features Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeating Paul Orndorff and Rowdy Roddy Piper. Muhammad Ali acted as the special guest referee.
March 31, 1985
March 30, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Monday Night Goes 'A-List'
In the most important night of WWE NXT thus far, the Pros’ Poll votes were cast. Despite his winless record, thanks to competing against the likes of the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and The Great Khali, Daniel Bryan is No. 1 in the Rookie Rankings! But in an Eight-Man Battle Royal of NXT Rookies, it was David Otunga who prevailed, securing his spot as special guest host of Raw Monday night. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Rumor Mill - Linda and Shane in Arizona?
Linda McMahon apparently took some time off from chatting up Republican Town Committee members this weekend to travel to Phoenix for Wrestlemania.
That's according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, who also says that he was told McMahon avoided the camera for fear of violating the Federal Election Commission's "equal time provision."
McMahon was "at the [pay per view] last night,'' Johnson reports. "I was told by one source she likely didn't appear on camera at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies out of concern for "equal time" violations, since she's in the midst of her run for the Connecticut Senate."
According to a various wrestling sites, Shane McMahon did not attend WrestleMania 26 and was also absent from the Hall of Fame ceremony.
J.R. Comments on his Future with WWE
"As for me, life is good and I am healthy and happy. For those that have erroneously written or assumed that the reason that I did not announce at WM26 was because of health concerns, that assumption is incorrect, I'm happy to say. Broadcasting wrestling in WWE is likely history for me but there are many other areas to which I can contribute in WWE and those options, among others, will be weighed over the next month."
jrsbarbq.com
WWE Hall of Fame TV Rating
The WWE Hall of Fame special which aired on USA Network did a 1.3 rating, with 1,773,000 viewers.
source: pwinsider.com
Taking The Good With The bad
The WWE's Wrestlemania took place over the weekend and it had a classic match between the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Had me reminiscing about my youth when I watched wrestling religiously. One of the main components of wrestling that keeps the audience engaged is the defined roles of the wrestlers.
Faces - The good guys
Heels - The bad guys
Vince McMahon decides who the faces and heels are in his organization, but in regards to the NFL, the mainstream media labels the "good" and "bad" franchises. If you did a quick poll of 100 people and asked them which franchise they would consider the "troublemaking" franchise and which franchise was the "model" franchise, I would bet money 90% would say the Bengals are the troublemakers. It's just the perception that is out there, but as we all know, perception isn't always reality.
For the record, the Undertaker won his match against Shawn Michaels, and even though he was the heel, he was cheered. Maybe only wrestling fans understand that some athletes are "acting"...More?
source: washingtonpost.com
This Day in Wrestling History - Triple H Becomes the Leader of DX
Triple H kicks Shawn Michaels out of D-Generation X and Hunter becomes the leader of the group. Later that night X-Pac, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg join Hunter and Chyna.
March 30, 1998
March 29, 2010
Farewell, Shawn...
It didn’t seem real. How could it? How could Shawn Michaels, after an unparalleled 25-year career, really be saying goodbye? After losing his Streak vs. Career Match against The Undertaker, however, that’s precisely what happened.
Emotions ran high throughout the WWE Universe as The Deadman entered the U.S. Airways Center and tipped his hat to the opponent that came closest to ending his WrestleMania winning streak. After that show of respect, HBK entered to a standing ovation to address the crowd. He thanked his friend Triple H, Mr. McMahon, Bret Hart, his family and the WWE Universe for the greatest ride of his life. And for the final time, he said with tears in his eyes, “Ladies and gentlemen, The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, has left the building.
source: wwe.com
WrestleMania Sets Off Bidding Frenzy
WrestleMania won't eclipse the Olympics or the Super Bowl anytime soon, but World Wrestling Entertainment's annual showcase of its top stars is creating a bidding frenzy among cities who want to host the event.
Fourteen cities are now competing to land WrestleMania through 2014. The reason: Previous hosts Orlando and Houston each enjoyed a $50 million boost to their economies from wrestling fans opening their wallets to book hotel rooms, eat in restaurants, shop and buy tickets to area attractions like theme parks and museums.
On Sunday, 72,219 fans flocked to Phoenix to gather ringside at WrestleMania 26 inside the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Roughly 1 million more viewed it via pay-per-view. Atlanta will host next year's show and a week's worth of other WWE-backed events. Phoenix and Atlanta hadn't hosted Mania before.
Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, Toronto, Tampa, Vancouver, New Orleans, St. Louis, Jacksonville are now in the running to lock down WrestleMania 28 and beyond. Orlando and Houston are also hoping to host again.
Other interested cities, like Dallas, had to pull out of bidding the next two years because they were hosting events like the Final Four NCAA championships, but are eying other Manias. Houston and Orlando are also bidding to host again...More?
source: variety.com
Another Heel Promo From Brock Lesnar
This gem was part of a Brock Lesnar piece in the New York Daily News yesterday. Lesnar was quoted as saying the following about former NFL star Herschel Walker and his Strikeforce debut win: "I'm happy to see he's got the (guts) to get in the ring. He beat one guy, but he's old enough to be my father."
source: wrestlezone.com
WWE Points Out Fake Twitter Accounts, Confirms Real Ones
The following are some new tweets from the official WWE Twitter page:
"All real #WWE Superstars are on the @WWE's Twitter lists. Find them all at http://twitter.com/wwe/lists #WM26"
"No Cena, Orton, Triple H, HBK, Rhodes, Sheamus, Undertaker, Mysterio or McMahons on Twitter ... all are impostors. #WWE"
Follow WWE on Twitter at #WWE.
source: wrestlezone.com
Rumor Mill - TNA Releases a Wrestler
According to several wrestling sites, TNA has released Consequences Creed from his contract. Creed is now using his former name of Austin Creed on Twitter but has made no mention of being gone from TNA. He has been removed from TNA's website however.
Triple H Praises Sheamus; Hints At Rematch
Triple H strongly endorsed Sheamus in a post-match interview posted on WWE's website after their match at last night's WMXXVI ppv. Hunter also hinted at another match between the two of them. "I tell you what, there's nothing I like better than a good fight," he said. "I look forward to getting back in the ring with Sheamus"...More?
source: pwtorch.com
WrestleMania XXVI Breaks Record
World Wrestling Entertainment made history tonight at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, as WrestleMania XXVI grossed $5.8 million, becoming the highest grossing and attended entertainment event ever held at the stadium. The previous record was a U2 concert on October 20, 2009 that attracted 50,775 fans and grossed $4.9 million. 72,219 fans from all 50 states and 26 countries attended the sold out event, outdrawing Super Bowl XLII (71,101 attendance) in the same building...More?
This Day in Wrestling History - 93,173 Fans at WMIII
WrestleMania 3 sets an attendance record of 93,173 at the The Pontiac SilverDome.
March 29, 1987
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant
"The irresistible force meets the immovable object" - Gorilla Monsoon
March 28, 2010
WrestleMania News
The announced attendance for WM26 is 72,219. WrestleMania 27 will be in Atlanta, GA.
Fortune Does Not Favor the Bold
Sheamus would have been wise to heed these words before he stepped in the ring with Triple H on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Despite a frenzied effort, the Irish Superstar failed in his quest to dethrone The King of Kings, falling to The Game at WrestleMania after a Pedigree in the center of the ring.
The victory was far from an easy one for Triple H, however. The Game felt the power and complete lack of respect from the first-ever Irish-born WWE Champion right from the bell. Battering Triple H both inside and outside the ring with clubbing blows and explosive kicks, Sheamus nearly made good on his promise to destroy his opponent.
In the end, however, it was a perfectly timed Pedigree from The Cerebral Assassin that would seal the Irishman’s fate and give Triple H the win...More?
source: wwe.com
WrestleMania XXVI Results
Dark Match: 26 Man Battle Royal
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
Unified Tag Team Title Match: John Morrison & R-Truth vs. The Miz & Big Show
Winners: Big Show and The Miz
Legacy Triple Threat Match: Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
Winner: Randy Orton
Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Kofi Kingston vs. MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kane vs. Christian
Winners: Jack Swagger
Triple H vs. Sheamus
Winner: Triple H
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
Winner: Bret Hart
Edge vs. Chris Jericho
Winner: Chris Jericho
Divas Tag Team Match: Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix vs. Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Michelle McCool, Alicia Fox and Maryse
Winners: Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Michelle McCool, Alicia Fox and Maryse
John Cena vs. Batista
Winner: John Cena
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
Winner: The Undertaker
WWE Press Conference Talking WrestleMania 26
Just hours before WrestleMania 26, WWE held a press conference where several superstars discussed today's big event. Here is what Triple H had to say:
On how excited he gets at WrestleMania after being in so many over the years: "If you walk out into a stadium this big and 70,000 people stand up and scream and you don't get excited, something is wrong with you. To me, it's no different to me than the first time I walked through that curtain at WrestleMania. It's what you work for. We do what we do for the excitement of the WWE fans and the WWE Universe and when you can jam 70,000 of them into a stadium like this and have them go crazy, that's what we do it for."
On his thoughts of Sheamus: "What stand out to me about his from a behind the scenes standpoint is he is passionate about what he does. When I see a young guy that really wants to know and he's just tirelessly watching his performances over and over again to get better and asking everybody he considers to be better than him what he can do more. He's just a 24/7, I want to get better kind of guy and that impresses me. And there's a few guys like that. Miz is a guy like that. Kofi Kingston is a guy like that. There's a few guys like that we have coming up and to me that's the exciting thing for the future of the WWE is guys like that that have that passion."
Click here for the full recap.
source: fanhouse.com
Fuifui Moimoi Impresses WWE bosses
Fuifui Moimoi has been urged to hold off on his boxing career - with impressed WWE suits keen to have him fill the Down Under void that's existed since 1980s hero Outback Jack retired.
Sport Confidential can reveal WWE executive vice-president Andrew Whitaker is taking a keen interest in the NRL after inadvertently stumbling across a copy of Inside Sport, whose cover shot features the imposing Parramatta prop on the charge.
"Wow, who's that guy?" asked Whitaker, the fella who answers only to a certain Vince McMahon.
"He's massive. Imposing. What's his name?"
Told Moimoi weighs more than 100kg and is among the quickest Eels over 20m, Whitaker said the prop would be a perfect contender for his organization, which is keen to have an athlete from Australia join.
source: heraldsun.com.au
WWE Stars List Beatles Favorites
WrestleMania goes head-to-head with Beatlemania tonight in Glendale, with the legendary Paul McCartney blowing the dust off any number of his favorite moments with the act you've known for all these years at Jobing.com Arena, while across the way, large men in tights will engage in heated battle scenes.
To mark this coincidence, the WWE Superstars told us their favorite Beatles songs. Here's what they had to say:
Chris Jericho: "The Beatles are my favorite band of all time. I will be going to the McCartney show after WrestleMania!" Favorite song: "I Want You (She's so Heavy)."
John Cena: "Come Together."
Shawn Michaels: "Let It Be."
Randy Orton: "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."
Edge: "A Day in the Life." "To me," he says, "they're singing a movie, and it's a point/counterpoint between Lennon and McCartney. They both have a character in the song."
Cody Rhodes: "Back in the U.S.S.R."
Sheamus: "Hey Jude." "It's been my favorite song since I was a kid," he says...More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Mr. Perfect Curt Henning
March 28, 1958
Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated The Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
March 28, 1999
Stephanie McMahon Helmsley defeated Jacqueline for the WWF(E) Women's title
March 28, 2000
March 27, 2010
Superstars and Divas Meet Make-A-Wish Kids
"We're here to help make it a great week for them." - Triple HMr. McMahon's Late Night Lift
In his final workout before his No Holds Barred Match against Hart at WrestleMania, Mr. McMahon - obsessed with humiliating The "Hit Man" as he did at the "Montreal Screwjob" more than 12 years ago - bombarded his legs with 800-pound leg presses. He then walked back and forth across the gym, carrying a 100-pound dumbbell in each hand...More?
source: wwe.com
Shawn Michaels Comments on Ric Flair's Return to Wrestling
What are your thoughts on Ric Flair wrestling again? Are you disappointed? Did he talk to you about it?
He did call me. He called me once to let me know he was going to do the [Hulk] Hogan match in Australia. He wanted to know if it was OK and I of course told him that it was. Then he called me again when he was going to sign with TNA and asked the same thing. There’s nothing you can say. I certainly don’t have what it takes to look at somebody and say, “Don’t go make a living.” I told him that, for me, nothing can take away that special moment. It will still always be to me that I had Ric Flair’s last match. I tried to do the best job I could for him. I think it was a special moment. Anything after that [pauses]. I feel for him, but I’m certainly not angry or disappointed or anything. I would like to think that Ric probably would have liked that to have been his last match, too. The fact that it couldn’t be, I understand. Those are circumstances that I certainly can’t control.
One of the things you have to understand is that if you’re going to be a friend of Ric’s, you sort of know that there’s some baggage that comes along with that. Certainly the older I get the more I’m learning about conditional situations, and the difference between that and unconditional— unconditional friendship, unconditional love. All those types of things we can talk about but it’s a whole other thing to put them into action. I do my best to put them into action. I want what’s best for Ric, even if Ric might not always be aware of what that is, I still want that for him. Nothing will take away from that moment.
source: baltimoresun.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Kenta Kobashi - March 27, 1967
Charlie Haas - March 27, 1972
Randy Savage wins a 16-man tournament at WrestleMania IV to become the WWF(E) World Champion. On the same day, the first ever "Clash of the Champions" is held, featuring a 45 minute draw between Sting and Ric Flair.
March 27, 1988
March 26, 2010
SmackDown Results: Kick Start to WrestleMania
Not only did Chris Jericho declare that he would retain his World Title against Edge at WrestleMania, but he also promised to end his No. 1 Contender’s career, capitalizing on his adversary’s “inferior DNA” to destroy his Achilles tendon. The Rated-R Superstar answered back with an explosive attack, nearly hitting another Spear on the six-time World Champion before Jericho made his quick retreat. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Hall of Fame Gets Gorgeous
There are many wrestling legends who should be in the WWE Hall of Fame and at least one wrong will be righted this year with the induction of Gorgeous George. This is a man who truly revolutionised the wrestling business, on a level with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin.
George introduced showmanship and flamboyance and became the poster boy for wrestling in the 1940s and 1950s. His extravagance gained him recognition outside of wrestling and he became a media darling and an icon of both television and the sport in which he applied his trade. He redefined what it was to be a professional wrestler, yet was responsible for selling as many TV sets as any celebrity of the time.
To become a star, George had to undergo a transformation from his old worthy wrestling persona into something new, something that nobody had seen before. The first step, and one of the defining moments of his career, came in 1939 where he married a local girl in Oregon in the middle of the ring. The stunt brought in so many fans that he took the event to arenas all across America, spreading the word about the wrestling revolution.
And that girl was Betty Wagner, who will be inducting 'The Human Orchid' into the Hall of Fame this weekend...More?
source: the sun
Triple H at MDA Headquarters
Triple H spent the afternoon at MDA National Headquarters in Tucson on March 23rd. Their special guest, 11-year-old Max, from Peoria, AZ, had the chance to meet Hunter and take part in their new Muscle campaign with the Superstar. Click here for more photos.
Orlando Jordan's New Gimmick In TNA Gaining Media Buzz
TNA wrestler Orlando Jordan's bisexual character scored an article on the Outsports website, which featured the following description of a segment that will air on Monday's pre-taped show.
"Jordan is lowered into the ring from the arena’s rafters wrapped in yellow police tape with the TNA logo. Jordan then crawls through the ring and ultimately walks to a nearby white couch where he sits between a shirtless male and a sexy female. Behind the trio is the tri-colored bisexual pride flag, plus two male symbols and one female symbol." To read the full story, visit Outsports.com.
source: wrestlingnewscenter.ning.com
The War That Wasn't
The new "Monday Night Wars" should no longer be referred to as a "war" at all. At least until TNA Impact demonstrates that it can at least maintain the 1.2-ish ratings it drew pre-January 4. Nobody, including the brain trust at TNA, could have possibly believed TNA would have scored anything even remotely close to Raw's numbers. I certainly didn't, yet I believed going head to head with WWE on Monday NIghts was the right move for wrestling, which was in desperate need of a shake-up...More?
source: prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com
Ultimate Warrior Explains Why He Did Not Accept Vince McMahon's Invitation to be Inducted into WWE HOF
This Day in Wrestling History - The Last WCW Nitro
Vince McMahon simulcasts on RAW and Nitro to announce the
purchase of WCW. Sting defeated Ric Flair in the last WCW Nitro match.
March 26, 2001
March 25, 2010
Video: Triple H at the Muscular Dystrophy Association
A special message from WWE Superstar Triple H and Arizona MDA Goodwill Ambassador Max. Click here.
WWE Superstars Results: Scouting the Competition
There’s a lot on the line for Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania, as the masked Superstar will be forced to join the Straight Edge Society if he loses to CM Punk. Thus, it was important for The Master of the 619 to gain momentum from his match against Tyson Kidd on “WWE Superstars.”
As The Hart Dynasty looked on from ringside, Kidd attempted to use his technical wrestling ability to ground Mysterio. Unable to keep the high-flyer down, however, the Hart Dynasty member even took to the skies himself. Ultimately however, The Ultimate Underdog prevailed, scoring a decisive victory courtesy of the 619. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Blackhawks' Goaltender Wins WWE Gold
His teammates had awarded him their inaugural honor as the night's "hardest working player," signified by a WWE World Heavyweight Championship replica title. Niemi's nickname "Nemo" was written on athletic tape in place of the nameplate.
According to ESPN.com's Jesse Rogers, the title was the brainchild of Hawks' defenseman Brent Seabrook.
"It’s something fun, something unique, and something cool ... [Hawks coach Joel Quenneville] and [team president John McDonough] were cool with it and we just went with it,” Seabrook explained.
Other sports teams have used WWE replica titles as motivating trophies for their top performers - most notably the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees, who bestowed the title nightly to their player of the game...More?
source: wwe.com
Triple H Working with MDA
Triple H was at the national headquarters for the Muscular Dystrophy Association earlier this week in Arizona. Triple H will be involved in the MDA's new "Muscle" public service announcement campaign.
source: lordsofpain.net
Kong Headed to ROH
Former TNA knockout champion Awesome Kong will make her Ring of Honor debut on 5/8 against Sara Del Rey at the Manhattan Center in New York City. Kong will use her original ring name of Amazing Kong.
www.rohwrestlingonline.com
Uptrend Spotted in Shares of WWE
SmarTrend identified an Uptrend for World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE:WWE) on January 27, 2010 at $16.37. In approximately 2 months, World Wrestling Entertainment has returned 6.2% as of today's recent price of $17.39.
World Wrestling Entertainment is currently above its 50-day moving average of $16.63 and above its 200-day moving average of $14.83. Look for these moving averages to climb to confirm the company's upward momentum.
source: mysmartrend.com
Mexican Standoff: Valley Lucha Libre
While the WWE and its ilk may be considered trashy escapism in Anglo America, lucha libre is deeply revered in Mexican culture. Dominated by masked combatants and cartoonish characters, its stars are idolized as almost superheroes by lucha aficionados.
There's more lucha libre action in the Valley than ever before. There once were about a dozen events held at local bars, cantinas, and other venues every year. Now, there are three competing promotions offering action-packed events each weekend...More?
source: phoenixnewtimes.com
Vince McMahon Comments on TNA, WrestleMania
On TNA:We’re in different businesses,” Mr. McMahon said. “We’re in the entertainment business and they’re in the ‘pro wrasslin’ business. It’s different markets. When they moved to Monday nights they threw the kitchen sink at us and only did a fraction of our audience. It doesn’t speak well for the type of product they’re trying to present with the tawdry, blood-soaked action. I don’t think that’s what the culture wants these days.”.
On WrestleMania:“There’s an extra amount of excitement,” Mr. McMahon said. “It’s the culmination to a year of buildup for us. ...Wrestlemania was the first pay-per-view we did on a national basis and to be able to do it, we literally risked everything we owned. So every Wrestlemania is special. To us it’s like the Oscars or the Grammys or the World Series or the Super Bowl.”...More?
source: acorn-online.com
Wendi Richter: A Celebration of Her Ups and Downs
On the eve of 2010's WWE Hall of Fame and WrestleMania bonanzas, we're reminded again about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer -- especially in pro wrestling.
Overshadowed by Bret "Hitman" Hart's return, (and his long-awaited chance to step in the ring with Vince McMahon and finally avenge the Montreal Screwjob), is Wendi Richter's induction into the Hall, which could be interpreted as another move by wrestling's kingpin to mend fences he broke long ago.
Richter probably knows just what Hart went through when McMahon arranged to have his heavyweight title taken away from him in a swerve finish. Especially seeing as how a similar incident occurred to her first...More?
source: slam wrestling
WrestleMania Has Always Been Special for Hart Dynasty
Though these days they are known as David Hart Smith and Natalya, there was a time when they were just Harry Smith and Nattie Neidhart, two kids of wrestlers hanging out backstage at WrestleManias. This weekend, without a match booked, they will be doing the same thing as adults...More?
source: slam wrestling
This Day in Wrestling History
The WWF(E) held their first draft on RAW, where they split their roster into two separate brands.
March 25, 2002
March 24, 2010
Shawn Michaels: Mr. WrestleMania
With relatively little pre-match build-up and free of gimmicks, Michaels and Undertaker battled in an epic exhibition that left viewers gasping for air from all the near-pins and acrobatic spots. Ultimately, Undertaker prevailed and pushed his WrestleMania record to 17-0, but Michaels reconfirmed his status as Mr. WrestleMania because of his long history of brilliant performances at sports entertainment's grandest event.
"The great thing about last year was that every person in that stadium and every person watching on pay per view had a real emotional investment in each individual in the ring — and you can't always have that," Michaels said. "But you've got, between the two us, 40 years of WWE experience, where people know darn near everything about both of you, and I think that's truly what made it special. You've got two warriors of the WWE, two guys that have sort of been cornerstones of the organization, going out there."...More?
source: expressnightout.com
Randy Orton Comments on Making Movies
"I'll always be a WWE wrestler, first and foremost," he said, his tattoo-covered arms covered up with makeup for the film shoot. "But I love movies. I respect the acting side of things, and if it's something I'm good at, then I'll do it (again)."...More?
source: nola.com
MVP Profiled on CBS News with Katie Couric
WWE wrestler MVP was profiled on CBS's "Evening News with Katie Couric" tonight for a segment capturing the "American Spirit." The text of the news segment on MVP can be read on the CBS News website.
The story centered on MVP recently attending a conference in Washington, D.C. focused high-school drop-outs and how to help troubled teenagers. MVP talked about his own personal experiences with illegal activity before turning his life around.
"Crime does pay, it pays well, but what they don't tell you is you have to pay it all back with interest," MVP told CBS News. "Sometimes that's all kids need, just one person to look at them and say, 'man he's just like me. If he can do it, I can do it.' And that means a lot to me."
The CBS news story ran at the end of the broadcast tonight with a WWE logo featured in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen throughout the news piece.
The story included WWE footage and earlier wrestling footage from MVP's career, which included a plug for the Florida-based FIP promotion's website.
CBS News also posted video of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. talking about wrestling, MVP in the ring, and watching Raw when other NASCAR drivers guest-hosted the show.
source: pwtorch.com
Win/Loss Records for the NXT Rookies
The WWE NXT Rookies will be evaluated by the Pros on next Tuesday night's show based on the criteria of win/loss records, strength of opponent, work ethic and "it" factor. Here are the current win-loss records of the NXT Rookies going into next week's voting by the Pros:
* Daniel Bryan - 0 wins, 5 losses
* Darren Young - 3 wins, 1 loss
* David Otunga - 3 wins, 1 loss
* Heath Slater - 4 wins, 0 losses
* Justin Gabriel - 3 wins, 1 loss
* Michael Tarver - 0 wins, 3 losses
* Skip Sheffield - 0 wins, 3 losses
* Wade Barrett - 2 wins, 2 losses
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to The Undertaker (Mark Calaway)
March 24, 1965
Hulk Hogan defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title.
March 24, 1991
Goldberg signs with the WWE. Goldberg had been inactive in wrestling after WCW went out of business.
March 24, 2003
March 23, 2010
WWE NXT Results: A-List, A-Game
The impressive Heath Slater continued his hot streak this week, upping his perfect record to 4-0 after a tag team victory with fellow Rookie Justin Gabriel. Pros Christian and William Regal looked on from ringside during a very physical match between Slater & Gabriel against Rookies Skip Sheffield & Wade Barrett. While Sheffield was more aggressive than usual, he failed to impress his Pro, Regal. When Barrett distracted Slater, the bareknuckle brawler ended up kicking his own partner in the chest, allowing the One-man Rock Band to get the pin. As Christian celebrated with his Rookie and Gabriel, whose record is now 3-1, Regal was disgusted by Sheffield’s loss and new record of 0-3. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
With his victory over Carlito on the Feb. 22 edition of Raw, new Raw Superstar Christian became the first man to qualify for this year's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
On the Feb. 26 edition of SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler, Kane and Shelton Benjamin all qualified to join Christian on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
On the Mar. 1 edition of Raw, Jack Swagger and MVP qualified for the bout.
Matt Hardy will return to WrestleMania’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match for the third time, thanks to his qualification on the Mar. 5 edition of SmackDown.
Earning the eighth spot, Evan Bourne defeated William Regal on the Mar. 8 edition of Raw.
On the Mar. 12 edition of SmackDown, McIntyre finally qualified for The Grandest Stage of Them All by defeating a local athlete, who The Chairman himself hand-picked.
Lastly, just six days before WrestleMania XXVI, Kofi Kingston won a hard-fought battle against Vladimir Kozlov to earn the tenth and final spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match...More?
source: wwe.com
RAW/iMPACT! March 22th Ratings
Raw last night did hours of 3.04 and 3.44 for a 3.24 cable rating. The show averaged 4.5 million viewers, which is down over one million viewers or 20 percent from last week's rating.
TNA scored a 0.9 cable rating rounded up from an 0.86 with 1.2 million viewers for last night's live Impact show on Spike TV. That is up very slightly from last week's number. It is an increase of about two percent.
"Lucha Libre" Coming to MTV2
Launching in May, "Lucha Libre" will be a featured part of MTV2's daytime "Rock N Jock" Saturdays. Using the same inspiration as Jack Black pic "Nacho Libre," "Lucha" will produce similar crazy acrobatic stunts, with a programming sensibility tailored for the MTV2 audience...More?
source: variety.com
March 22, 2010
WWE's Pay-Per-View Biz Is Up 5% For The Year
World Wrestling Entertainment, which will produce 13 pay-per-view specials this year, including this weekend's WrestleMania, its biggest event, had been hit hard by consumers opting to seek out free entertainment rather than spend $45 for a three-hour show.
But that's reversed over the past three months, with WWE's pay-per-view biz up 5% for the year. It had already enjoyed a significant increase in sales during the fourth quarter, when three shows sold 85,000 more buys than the previous year. A fourth, "Survivor Series," fell off by 84,000, however.
Still that's encouraging news for WWE, which generates 18% of its annual business from PPV sales, and earned $11 million less from PPV sales in 2009 than in '08. WWE usually ranks behind HBO and UFC in PPV buys. What's helped is not only the economy, but a change in its lineup of PPV specials, WWE executives told Daily Variety.
It retooled many of its events and created themes that aimed to help them stand out and appeal to WWE's changing audience, which includes more women (around 36%) and kids (20% are under 18 years old) now that its weekly TV shows are PG. Its PPVS are also offered by more carriers overseas, including five in Mexico, increasing international audiences, who preferred more high-concept events...More?
source: variety.com
John Cena Comments on WWE Wellness Policy: "Move That Didn't Need To Be Made"
"It's nothing but a positive. I'll be quite honest with you, it's a company move that didn't need to be made. This is the entertainment industry, we're not organised athletics. But the WWE made a positive effort to look after its athletes and I'm very, very happy. It was the right move."...More?
source: skysports.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WCW Executive Vice President, Bill Busch, resigned from his duties. Eric Bischoff was rehired as the Executive Vice President of WCW
March 22, 2000
March 21, 2010
WWE Magazine WrestleMania XXVI Collectible Cover Featuring Triple H
In honor of WrestleMania, the April 2010 issue of WWE Magazine is releasing 26 unique Superstar covers. You can vote for your favorite cover by clicking here.
WWE Hall of Famer Mike "Baron Mikel" Scicluna Passes Away
WWE hall of famer Mike "Baron Mikel" Scicluna has lost his battle with cancer. Scicluna passed away on Saturday.
WWE Hall of Fame page
This Day in Wrestling History
X-Pac makes his return & knocks out Hollywood Hulk Hogan, joining the nWo four days after WrestleMania 18 on SmackDown.
March 21, 2002
March 20, 2010
WrestleMania Axxess Info
Special Appearances:
Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m. MST features John Cena and Bret Hart
Friday, March 26 at 6 p.m. MST features The Undertaker and Edge
Saturday, March 27 at 8 a.m. MST features Big Show
Saturday, March 27 at 1 p.m. MST features Randy Orton and CM Punk
Saturday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. MST features Kane and MVP
Sunday, March 28 at 8 a.m. MST features Rey Mysterio
Schedule and Attractions
Christopher Daniels Comments on the X Division
What are your thoughts about where the X Division is right now, where it's still an important part of the company, but it's not spotlighted as much as it once was?
Well, I think that's gonna change. I can tell you, having had discussions with Eric Bischoff behind the scenes, I think he realizes that the X Division has been an important part of TNA and can be again an important part of TNA, and I think he realizes that instead of focusing on one division or the other, we're gonna put the spotlight on every division we have -- the tag division, the X Division, and the heavyweights. For a two-hour show, we've got enough time now to give each one of those divisions, and the guys that are the integral parts of those divisions, the opportunity to shine.
source: fanhouse.com
Shawn Michaels Prepared to Win or Lose at WrestleMania
Shawn Michaels is prepared for life after wrestling.
That doesn't mean he's going to lose next Sunday's Streak vs. Career match, when he once again goes toe-to-toe with The Undertaker, who boasts an undefeated Wrestlemania record. But if The Undertaker's hand is raised in victory, Michaels is prepared to ride into the sunset, head held high.
"To believe Shawn Michaels won't still be part of my life (when I retire) is naive."...More?
source: slam wrestling
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to:
Ronnie Garvin - March 20, 1944
Sting - March 20, 1959
After losing to his brother Owen earlier in the show, Bret Hart goes on to defeat Yokozuna for the WWF(E) Title in the main event of WrestleMania 10.
March 20, 1994
Big John Studd died of Hodgkin's disease at 46.
March 20, 1995
March 19, 2010
SmackDown Results: Nine Days Until WrestleMania
While Undertaker will soon defend his 17-0 streak at WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre was looking to keep his own undefeated streak alive in a non-title match. Despite his best efforts, the champion was no match for The Phenom’s vicious leg drop, chokeslam and Tombstone.
After the match, as The Deadman made his way to the top of the exit ramp, he was greeted by Shawn Michaels who – after scuffling with his WrestleMania opponent – downed him with some hard-hitting Sweet Chin Music. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE HOF Details
The USA Network will air highlights of the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11 PM/10 CT. The ceremony actually starts at 4:30 PM and will probably be simulcast live on the official WWE website. Each presenter/inductee will have a time limit for their respective speeches.
source: wrestlingnewsworld.com
March 18, 2010
WWE Superstars Results: Take it to the Bank
The main event of “WWE Superstars” saw six Raw ring warriors collide in a massive three-on-three tag team battle. While Christian and Jack Swagger both sought to send a clear message about their chances in the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match, their partners were no less determined to make an impact. Ultimately, however, it was Captain Charisma who chalked up a win after hitting Zack Ryder with the Killswitch. Full results.
source: wwe.com
NHL Wants Head-Shots Rule
The NHL wants to adopt a new rule against blindside hits to the head before the end of this season, according to two reports Wednesday. The league is hoping to fast-track the proposed rule and is preparing a DVD package after a number of players suffered concussions this season. The highlight package will illustrate what would, and wouldn't, be allowed under a proposed rule change adopted by general managers at meetings in Florida last week. The NHL plans to circulate the highlight package to all 30 teams within the next week or so, according to the reports...More?
source: foxsports.com
Raw/iMPACT! March 15th Ratings Breakdown
Segment breakdown of both Raw and Impact from March 15th in regards to viewership:
Segment 6:
Impact featuring Beer Money vs. Hernandez lost 140,000 viewers, while Raw with the beginning of Triple H vs. Randy Orton gained 61,000 viewers.
Click here for the full list.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Awesome Kong and TNA Agree to Part Ways
Multiple TNA sources are reporting that Awesome Kong and TNA have agreed to part ways. She had been asking for a roughly 15 percent pay increase or a contractual release, and it appears the company has opted for the latter. Kong's bio was removed from the TNA website on Thursday. There's no word yet on whether the release paperwork is official, but a source with knowledge of the situation told Prowrestling.net, "There's no turning back now."...More?
Jeff Hardy Gets Continuation On Court Case
Jeff Hardy appeared at the Superior Court in Moore County, NC, on drug charges yesterday. The judge agreed to the defense’s request for a continuance. The next hearing is not until May 10th, 2010...More?
source: insidepulse.com
Edge Promoting WrestleMania on Fox News
Edge appeared on the Fox affiliate in Washington, DC to promote WrestleMania, talk about his TV feud with Chris Jericho and discuss his return after his Achilles tendon injury...More?
source: pwtorch.com
March 17, 2010
Bret Hart Documentary
On Monday, March 22nd the Fight Network in Canada will debut a new documentary on Bret Hart. Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman is set to focus on the life and career of Hart, and his return to the WWE. Bret Hart, Wrestling with Shadows Producer Paul Jay, former WWE Canada President Carl DeMarco, Hart's lawyer Gord Kirke as well as members of Hart's family are interviewed for the documentary. The show debuts on March 22nd at 7PM, and has an 11PM replay.
source: pwinsider.com
Tyler Black Comments on WWE vs. TNA and His Relationship with Austin Aries
Tyler Black appeared on the "Busted Open" radio show on Tuesday to promote his appearance at Wrestle Reunion. The following are the highlights of the interview:
Black on WWE Raw vs. TNA Impact and what show he watches more: "Usually WWE, I honestly, its very difficult to sit through a TNA broadcast. Its hard, I've always been a big WWE fan and it sucks because I have a lot of friends in TNA where I'd like to see them get more time to shine, but they're getting kind of stuck in the back."
Black on his relationship with Austin Aries: "He sees the blues, I see the reds and thats the way its always been. I'm not one to start trouble with anybody but maybe he has rubbed me the wrong way just like he has everybody else. I'm kind of a loner, and hes more of an outgoing.....prick so, we've never been buds and we're probably never gonna be."
McMahon Grabs Lead From Simmons
Linda McMahon has wrestled her way to the top of the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, but Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is still the top vote-getter overall, according to a poll released on Wednesday.
The former CEO of WWE came from being 10 points on the Republican side two months ago, bouncing back from the ropes to lead, 44 to 34 percent, over former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons in the new Quinnipiac University poll – up from 37 to 27 percent in January...More?
source: nbcconnecticut.com
WWE Updates Concussion Management Program; Eliminated Use of Metal Folding Chairs
WWE added a clause to their "Impact" concussion testing policy to ban chair shots to the head in January, according to WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman in an email to Hartford Courant reporter Daniela Altimari.
WWE has published an update to their "Impact Concussion Management Program" on their Corporate website that includes the following items:
WWE has eliminated using folding metal chairs to "strike" an opponent in the head. The WWE penalizes through fine and/or suspension the following:
The intentional use of a folding metal chair to "strike" an opponent in the head.
Any blow to the head that is deemed an INTENTIONAL act
The Fine and/or Suspension will be directed by the EVP of Talent Relations (John Laurinaitis).
Read the full document here.
This Day in Wrestling History
Today would have been Andrew "Test" Martin's 35th birthday.
March 17, 1975
"Beyond the Mat" debuted in theaters.
March 17, 2000
Triple H defeated Chris Jericho for the WWF(E) Unified Heavyweight title at WrestleMania 18.
March 17, 2002
March 16, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Clash in the City of Angels
Rookies and Pros continued to clash during week four of competition on WWE NXT. Several Rookie standouts continued their upward climb, impressing the WWE Universe with their in-ring abilities, while some fell once again, possibly diminishing their chances at becoming the next Raw Superstar. It was announced on tonight's WWE NXT that the first round of votes from Pros on Rookies will be cast in two weeks. Full results.
source: wwe.com
USA Remains #1 in Cable
USA was home of four of the top ten P25-54 telecasts in prime this week and three of the top P18-49 with original hours of WHITE COLLAR and WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW and the top acquired series on cable, NCIS...More?
Details on Last Night's RAW/iMPACT! Ratings
This week's WWE RAW with Steve Austin scored a 3.7 rating with around 5.60 million viewers. The first hour drew a 3.68 rating and the second hour drew a 3.73. RAW was up 8.2% in ratings this week compared to last week and viewership was up 10%.
The first hour of RAW drew 5.57 million viewers, the most first-hour viewers since the August 24th, 2009 RAW - the night after SummerSlam. The second hour went to 5.63 million viewers, the most since January 4th, 2010.
iMPACT's first hour last night averaged an 0.88 and the second hour did an 0.80 rating. The iMPACT rating this week was down 15% from last week and viewership was down 21.4% from last week.
Just like last week, iMPACT followed the pattern of starting with a high number that dropped throughout the show, including the AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy main event. iMPACT opened with an 0.84 quarter-hour segment but bottomed-out with an 0.72 rating for the final 15 minutes of the show. The over-run for the end of the main event slightly increased to an 0.74.
source: impactwrestling.com
Congress Not Planning on Holding Future Hearings into WWE's Wellness Policy
Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, does not intend to follow up on Vince McMahon not attending a 2008 hearing regarding the usage of steroids in professional sports organizations.
Rush's communications director stated, “Briefly stated, other than continued review by subcommittee staff of the monitoring and enforcement practices of WWE and other professional sports leagues, there are no plans, at this time, for further hearings or congressional actions on this subject.”...More?
source: prowrestling.net
Bret Hart on "The Hour"
Tonight, the Canadian members of the WWE Universe can catch an exclusive Bret Hart interview on CBC Television's The Hour at 11:05 p.m. Click here to get a preview of host George Stroumboulopoulos sitting down with the WWE Hall of Famer just more than one week before Hart takes on WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon in a No Holds Barred Match at WrestleMania XXVI.
This Day in Wrestling History
Mick Foley loses 2/3 of his right ear after getting tangled in the ring ropes during a match with Vader overseas.
March 16, 1994
Triple H defeated Owen Hart for the WWF(E) European Heavyweight title
March 16, 1998
March 15, 2010
Gorgeous George Enters Hall of Fame
WWE announced that Gorgeous George, the man often credited with creating American pop culture and who set the standard for future WWE Superstars and influenced such greats as Muhammad Ali, James Brown and Bob Dylan, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 27, 2010. His 96 year-old former wife, Betty Wagner will accept the honor on his behalf. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be broadcast that night on USA Network at 11 PM ET from the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona.
"Gorgeous George's was a pop-culture innovator who took risks pushing the social envelope and did things that no other performer had ever dared to do," said CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon. "He was a cultural tour-de-force who set the standard that many in the world of sports and entertainment still emulate today."
The significance of Gorgeous George's legacy led WWE Studios to option the rights to his story for a major motion picture slated to begin production in 1Q 2011.
Muhammad Ali, whose notorious boastful and arrogant style derived from George, stated, "I made up my mind after meeting Gorgeous George to make people angry at me...I saw 15,000 people comin' to see this man get beat. And his talking did it. I said this is a good idea."...More?
Tandy O’Donoghue Joins Former USTA Execs at WWE
WWE has hired Tandy O’Donoghue as Vice President, Operations and New Business Development, making her the third former U.S. Tennis Association executive to land with the wrestling company. She joins Michelle Wilson, the former USTA Chief Marketing Officer and current WWE EVP, Marketing, and Jared Bartie, the former USTA General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer and current WWE EVP & General Counsel.
Tara Feeling "Unappreciated"...Please Get Over It
Those of us in the "real world" understand that a former employer has no intention of discussing all the wonderful things their former employee did while with their company. They are not going to be in advertisements or given kudos in a board meeting. Your time there is over and both parties move on. I say all this because I don't understand why former Superstars or Divas with the WWE don't understand this.
On her Twitter account, Tara/Victoria expressed her displeasure with being left off WWE's "Top 25 Most Impactful Women" list. She wrote, "(It) doesn't surprise me. That's an example of my experience at WWE. Unappreciated." She then posted a link (http://twitpic.com/17xysr) to a graphic spoofing the list, ranking her at No. 26.
Please, all former WWE Superstars and Divas. Stop whining. Stop moaning. Get over it. The WWE is not going to splash you all over their website or list you in articles unless you left on very good terms and continue to have a good relationship with them. One example of this would be Trish Stratus. And why should they? Why would any company promote someone that has left the company (for whatever reason) and is working for the competition?
Tara/Victoria may have forgotten what the "real world" is like.
Rumor Mill - Backstage TNA Reaction to the 3/8 iMPACT! Rating
The backstage reaction to the low 1.0 rating that the 3/8 edition of Impact brought in was met with a certain amount of panic amongst the higher ups in the company.
Before the rating came in, everyone in management, including Dixie Carter, Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, Vince Russo, Ed Ferrara and Mike Tenay were walking around as if this was 1997 all over again, and the wars were in full effect. But when the rating finally came in, everyone was dejected, and virtually stunned. Dixie tried her best to put on a game face, but she was clearly reeling from the news.
Additionally, Mick Foley was trying to sell it to the talent as a great effort that will get noticed, but the crew all knew there's very little positive that could come out of this rating.
Plus, there is enormous second guessing running through the locker room on the desperate message it sends to use Jeff Hardy. Although Jeff is very popular with all the talent, a lot of people are worried that if Jeff is convicted on even one federal felony drug charge, then TNA will have some major damage control to do. Being so far behind in ratings, no measurable increase in PPV buys yet, and house shows doing ok but not in middle sized arenas yet, there is a lot of concern that Dixie talks a great game but doesn't have what it takes to compete with Vince McMahon.
source: wrestlezone.com
March 14, 2010
WWE Magazine to Have 26 Different Covers in Honor of WMXXVI
In honor of WrestleMania XXVI, the April 2010 issue of WWE Magazine features twenty-six different collectible covers.
Among those featured on the cover are Batista, Big Show, Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Christian, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Edge, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, John Cena, John Morrison, Kane, Kofi Kingston, MVP, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, Santino Marella, Shawn Michaels, Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, The Miz, Triple H and Undertaker.
The cover bearing Shawn Michaels is apparently the only one being sent out to subscribers.
source: wrestling observer
Raw Preview: Dotted Enemy Lines; Rewound Raw
Before Mr. McMahon and Bret "Hit Man" Hart make history in the ring at WrestleMania, the two will sign the contract for their epic encounter on Raw ... with both men's longtime rival, guest host "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, presiding.
source: wwe.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Ric Flair becomes a 14-time World Heavyweight Champion defeating Hollywood Hogan
March 14, 1999
Vince McMahon receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
March 14, 2008
March 13, 2010
Shane McMahon Spotted at Media Summit in Abu Dhabi
For two and a half days, 400 delegates roamed the halls of Yas Hotel, their panel discussions punctuated by the roar of race car engines. Top bosses and their minions from some of the world’s most recognisable media and technology companies gathered to assess the state of their industries and explore business ties that could bring them closer together.
For Abu Dhabi, the inaugural summit was designed to put the emirate on the map. And many attendees said it had succeeded.
And we did run into Shane McMahon, the scion of the World Wrestling Entertainment’s chief executive Vince McMahon, as he wandered Yas Hotel’s halls, looking to meet decision-makers to help him develop several new media ventures.
What was he doing there? “You have to go where the money is,” he said...More?
source: thenational.ae
J.R. Comments on Returning to Weekly WWE TV
J.R. posted the following at JRsBarBQ.com concerning his broadcasting future:
"I don't think that WWE is interested in putting me back on weekly TV and all the travel that comes along with it at this time. Would I love to work with King again? Certainly. Is this my call? Nope. Do I think that I will ever be paired with Lawler again on a regular basis? Highly unlikely."
RAW/SmackDown/ECW/WWE NXT Roster Shuffle
Since ECW is no more, the "free agents" have been moved as follows:
To RAW:
Yoshi Tatsu
Christian
William Regal
Zach Ryder
Rosa Mendes
Vladimir Kozlov
To SmackDown:
Trent Barreta
Caylen Croft
Shelton Benjamin
Goldust
Ezekiel Jackson
Tiffany
To WWE NXT:
Josh Mathews (announcer; he also continues to appear on other shows as an announcer)
Savannah (ring announcer)
Christian (mentoring Heath Slater)
William Regal (mentoring Skip Sheffield)
Released by WWE:
Gregory "Hurricane" Helms
Still Unassigned:
Abraham Washington (last appearance was on the final ECW so far)
Byron Saxton (has returned to WWE’s FCW developmental territory)
Tony Atlas (last appearance from this WWE Hall of Famer was on the final ECW)
Tyler Reks (has been working with the SD roster off-TV, and occasionally at FCW)
Vance Archer (will be moving to the SD roster according to the March 1 Figure 4 Weekly)
‘Car Freak’ Bill Goldberg Talks ‘Garage Mahal,’ ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
After years of powerslamming foes as a champion pro wrestler and then getting into acting, Bill Goldberg has shifted his career into another gear. A vintage car collector, Goldberg hosts the Speed channel’s network reality show Bullrun on Thursday nights, and takes over Garage Mahal in its second season starting April 9 on DIY Network...More?
source: usaweekend.com
Jeff Jarrett: "This Is Not An Actual War"
TNA wrestler/founder Jeff Jarrett acknowledges the playing field is vastly different in 2010 with TNA Impact opposing WWE Raw on Monday nights compared to WCW Nitro going up against Raw in 1995...More?
source: pwtorch.com
This Day in Wrestling History
WWE held their Hall of Fame induction ceremony at The Hilton in New York City. This event marked the revival of the Hall of Fame, as there had been no inductees since 1996. The inductees were Jesse Ventura, Don Muraco, Tito Santana, Superstar Billy Graham, Big John Studd (posthumously), Sgt. Slaughter, Greg Valentine, Bobby Heenan, Harley Race and The Junkyard Dog (posthumously). Baseball great Pete Rose was inducted into the "celebrity wing" of the Hall Of Fame. The event was released on DVD and was a success, prompting WWE to make the event a regular part of Wrestlemania weekend.
March 13, 2004
March 12, 2010
SmackDown Results: A "Highlight" Assault
As the WWE Universe celebrated the ninth birthday of Rey Mysterio’s daughter with the entire Mysterio family present, The Straight Edge Society interrupted. The Master of the 619 voiced no answer when The Second City Saint challenged him to a WrestleMania Match, nor would Mysterio battle him in front of his family. Punk responded by verbally tormenting Mysterio’s wife and children. Despite his continued taunts, Mysterio escorted his family away without dishing out a single blow. Full results.
source: wwe.com
WWE International Income Nearly 27% of Total Revenue
If WWE’s global domination has mostly consisted of exporting Americana, it has also tried to create a global village of its own with Superstars— they don’t call them wrestlers—from all over the world, even if some of them, like Canadian-cum-Russian-cum- Italian Santino Marella seem to change nationalities at the drop of a hat. “We are making more of an effort to recruit from other countries,” says Stephanie McMahon, EVP of creative development and operations, who is currently looking to China for talent. McMahon is part of the team with her father, Vince, and a dozen or so secretive writers who create and re-create the WWE Universe each week...More?
source: magazine.wsj.com
"Future Legend" Speaks Out On Her TNA Departure
"There was a time period when I wasn't on TV for a little while and basically during that time, there were negotiations and talks and the result was neither of us could come to terms. However, a lot of people ask me if I would ever go back to TNA and I said absolutely if the timing is right."
For the full interview, visit DivaDirt.com.
Triple H on his Mother-in-Law, Linda McMahon
Triple H (aka Paul Levesque) sat down with WSJ Magazine editor-in-chief Tina Gaudoin. They covered a lot of ground in the 5 minute interview -- his money, his family and WWE's new line of dolls action figures.
But at about 1 minute, 40 seconds into the interview, the topic turned to Triple H's mother-in-law, Linda McMahon.
He says he has kept an arm's length from her Senate campaign and did not want to attend last week's debate in Hartford for fear of becoming the focus of media attention.
"It's not about me, it's not about WWE, it's about...what's right for the state of Connecticut,'' he says.
And while his wife, Linda McMahon's daughter Stephanie, recently cut a commercial for her mom's campaign, Triple H says he steers clear of politics. He has his opinions, but generally keeps them pretty close to the vest: "The surest way to get in a fight with somebody is to start talking politics."
source: courant.com
March 11, 2010
WWE Superstars Results: Money on their Mind
Though they’ll be opponents at WrestleMania, Raw Superstars Christian and MVP joined forces to take on Carlito & Chavo Guerrero. As NXT Rookies Heath Slater and Michael Tarver watched their WWE Pros (Christian and Carlito, respectively) these four in-ring veterans pushed their opponents to the limit in a fast-paced tag team match. Ultimately however, it was Captain Charisma who capitalized on Guerrero’s missed Frog Splash, hitting the self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior” with the Killswitch to pick up the win for his team. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Recap of Bret Hart on TSN's "Off The Record"
Bret Hart was on the sports talk show "Off the Record" on TSN in Canada today. He said he came back mainly because he thought it would be fun. The why not outweighed the whys. He said it was never about the money. He had a cast on his leg on the show still selling his 'broken leg.' He mentions that the hardest part of being retired is most of his friends have died like Owen, Bulldog and Mr. Perfect. Bret said the wrestlers of today are much more focused and well behaved than his generation.
The host asked Bret about a number of wrestlers. Here's basically what he said:
Shawn Michaels-He forgives Shawn to a certain degree. They talked the afternoon of Bret's return. Said everything they said was very sincere and now with the weight off of each others shoulders they get along as much as they did before Survivor Series 97'.
Triple H-Only seen each other a couple of times and barely talked, said like is too strong of a word to describe how he feels about him.
Ric Flair-Feels sorry for him. Flair chose wrestling when he should have stopped and went home to his family, but never left wrestling and his family moved on. All he knows is the wrestling life of the locker room, airports and bars...More?
source: wrestlezone.com
RAW/iMPACT! March 8th Ratings Breakdown
Hour-by-hour ratings breakdown of WWE Monday Night Raw and TNA iMPACT! from this past Monday:
Segment 6:
The Triple H/Sheamus in-ring promo on Raw and a Criss Angel backstage segment with Santino gained 249,000 viewers, while iMPACT! featuring the Kevin Nash/Eric Young in-ring segment with Scott Hall and Shawn Waltman, Young vs. Waltman and a Kurt Angle/Mr. Anderson segment lost 56,000 viewers.
Click here for the full list.
source: f4wonline.com
March 10, 2010
Triple H-WrestleMania Note
Triple H mentioned in his promo on RAW that everyone who faces him at WrestleMania goes on to win a major world title. Here are more details from www.twnpnews.com:
In actuality, just facing Triple H at WrestleMania guarantees you a major world championship, with 1 exception. Since, WrestleMania XVI every person but one Triple H has faced at WrestleMania has gone on to win a major world championship. At WrestleMania XVI, Triple H defeated Mick Foley, The Rock and Big Show. Mick Foley had to go to TNA to get his World Championship, but they all would get another run with the world championship. At WrestleMania XVII, Triple H lost to Undertaker, who has had numerous runs with the title since then. At WrestleMania XVIII, Triple H defeated Jericho, a current World Champion. At WrestleMania XIX, Triple H defeated Booker T, who would go on to win a world championship. At WrestleMania XX, Triple H lost to Benoit in what would be Benoit's only world title reign in a match with Shawn Michaels.
Michaels is the lone "failure" among the list of opponents Triple H has faced in the last 11 years. Michaels has not won a major world championship since WrestleMania XX. At WrestleMania XXI, Triple H lost to Batista, a reigning world champion. At WrestleMania XXII, Triple H lost to John Cena who has held the world championship many times. At WrestleMania XXIV, Triple H lost to Randy Orton in a match with John Cena. Cena is less then 1 month removed from his last title reign. Orton has also held a world title multiple times since that match. At WrestleMania XXV, Triple H defeated Orton, who in the past year has held a world title multiple times since that match.
Ring of Honor Launches Downloadable DVD Website
Ring of Honor Wrestling announced the launch of its Downloadable DVD Service at www.rohvideos.com. Featuring more than seventy out-of-stock titles from the eight year history of ROH, this service allows fans to finally purchase the events they may have missed their opportunity to buy when the DVD’s were first released...More?
Another Raw Guest Host Revealed
The cast of the MacGruber movie will host the April 19th edition of Monday Night Raw. Chris Jericho, The Great Khali, Mark Henry and MVP co-star in the movie.
Chris Jericho Nominated for Award
Chris Jericho has been nominated for the "Most Metal Athlete" award at the Golden Revolver metal awards in Los Angeles on April 8th. Jericho will be also hosting the show that airs May 22nd on VH1 Classics.
March 9, 2010
WWE NXT Results: Rookies on the Rise
After an explosive, post-match brawl on last week’s WWE NXT, R-Truth & his Rookie, David Otunga, put their differences aside to earn a tag team win over The Miz & Daniel Bryan, another Pro & Rookie duo who aren’t exactly the best of friends either. The Miz threatened Bryan with his career before the match, saying he’ll be sure he’s thrown off the show if he’s pinned. But it was the United States and Unified Tag Team Champion The Miz who was pinned by Otunga, who upped his record to 2-1. Full results.
source: wwe.com
USA Network's VP and Dixie Carter Comment on Monday's RAW and iMPACT!
USA Network's Vice President of Program Research commented on the Monday ratings via Twitter yesterday. He wrote: "Not much of a Monday Night "War". RAW trounced TNA by 275% w/ total viewers. Also Impact much lower than the test Monday ep in early Jan"
Dixie Carter wrote the following on her Twitter last night: "I'm humbled by all your comments re:iMPACT last nite. I'm so proud of our talent, staff & the show we put on. It's only going to get better."
Sheamus Confronts Triple H On Raw
Triple H gave his best promo in several years - his humility was very becoming. The man actually referenced jobbing to the Ultimate Warrior and Batista. I was charmed by the credit he gave Sheamus for doing the same things he would have.
source: raw reax pwtorch.com
NWA Future Legends Cup Competition
Many of the NWA's great heroes and villains -- all legends of the
sport -- gather here to interact with throngs of appreciative fans
from all over the world, signing autographs and creating lasting new
memories for fans of wrestling "the way it used to be."
One such legend, and at one time one of the most-hated of all
wrestling managers, Jim Cornette joins us this Sunday in Charlotte to
make a very special announcement. The former manager of The Midnight
Express, now a favorite of fanfest attendees and wrestling fans
everywhere, will be here to announce the "NWA Future Legends Cup"
competition...More?
www.NWALegends.com/nb.htm
Off-Air Raw Notes
After Raw went off the air last night, Sheamus did a run-in to help Batista beat up Cena. Triple H then came out and the dark match main event of Triple H and John Cena vs Sheamus and Batista was made. Cena and HHH won the match, and a funny thing happened during the bout. Triple H's music hit for about 5 seconds in the middle of the match, and Triple H looked around and mouthed "I'm already here" which drew a good laugh from the audience.
source: wrestlezone.com
Monday Night Raw Puts Smackdown on Spikes TNA iMPACT!
TNA Impact moved to Monday nights starting last night, competing head-to-head directly with WWE RAW from 9p-11p. TNA ran until 11:08p last night, but in the 9p-11p portion RAW crushed TNA by 274 percent in total viewers, by 226 percent in adults 18-49 and by 275 percent in total viewers.
For purposes of comparison the Monday January 4 test (8p-10p) of TNA did 2.03 million in total viewes and 1.18 million adults 18-49...More?
Raw rating - 3.4
Impact rating - 1.0
source: tvbythenumbers.com
Triple H Stays Neutral
WWE superstar Triple H was swarmed by fans the other afternoon at, of all places, the offices of the Wall Street Journal. He was there to see WSJ. magazine Editor-in-Chief Tina Gaudoin, who's overseeing a feature on the professional league's global expansion. The burning question on the minds of the reporters was Triple H's political preferences, since his mother-in-law is Linda McMahon, who's running for a Senate seat in Connecticut. But the wrestler avoiding taking sides, telling the journos he's "not political."
source: nypost.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Nikita Koloff
March 9, 1959
The Road Warriors, Animal and Hawk, make their Japan debut in Tokyo. They are an instant sensation.
March 9, 1985
Immediately after the SmackDown taping, Brock Lesnar abruptly quit the WWE but agreed to work his scheduled match at WrestleMania.
March 9, 2004
March 8, 2010
TNA iMPACT! Recap 03/08/10
Hulk and Flair in the ring, Jeff Hardy, Shannon Moore and RVD make an appearance. Click here.
WrestleMania XXVI Preview: Triple H vs. Sheamus
The Game cost The Celtic Warrior the WWE Championship at WWE Elimination Chamber, and when Sheamus returned on Raw, he made sure Triple H felt the brunt of his Irish fury. Now these two former World Champions will collide at WrestleMania to settle the score. There is nothing The Celtic Warrior would love to do more than clear Triple H from his path to regain the WWE Championship...More?
source: wwe.com
Criss Angel’s 10–Year Reunion With WWE
The illusionist is a big WWE fan. For Criss, it’s a reunion with a group who gave him a unique start to his magic career, and that’s why he’ll be in the center of tonight’s rough-and-tumble action.
“When I started out trying to make it, I ran into a lot of people who never lived up to their promises,” Criss told me about his friendship with WWE. “Back then, I was on the streets of Manhattan, and at Broadway and West 43rd Street, there was the World Wrestling restaurant filled with its memorabilia. Vince McMahon, the founder, and all the wrestlers all came to see my show. They were huge fans, and Vince gave me my very first break taking me off the street and into a 125-seat theater we built out of a banquet room. That led to all the stunts, all the TV shows, everything.
“I worked with them for 14 months, and when I did the underwater-for-24-hours challenge, they were all there for me. From the wrestling venue, I went on to the first two Mindfreak TV specials, Supernatural on the Sci-Fi Channel and two Japanese TV shows. Then I landed the A&E Mindfreak series, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“That was all 10 years ago. I started with the wrestlers in 2000 and off and on stayed involved with them until 2003. It began with just a 10-foot-by-20-foot circular stage, and it seemed the successes piled up very quickly and we kept needing a bigger place to do things each time.”
source: lasvegassun.com
Wrestler's Rescue Offering Health Insurance for Wrestlers
Wrestler's Rescue is now offering coverage to all current and retired professional wrestlers, indie wrestlers and fans via our association, with a variety of packages tailored to each individual...More?
WWE: Top 25 Most Impactful Women
25: Torrie Wilson
24: Bull Nakano
23: Ivory
22: Kelly Kelly
21: Jacqueline
20: Vicki Guerrerro
19: Molly Holly
18: Stacey Keibler
17: Beth Phoenix
16: Luna Vachon
15: Miss Elizabeth
14: Melina
13: Alundra Blayze
12: Mae Young
11: Wendi Richter
10: Michelle McCool
9: Sunny
8: Lita
7: Mickie James
6: Sable
5: Stephanie McMahon
4: Sensational Sherri
3: Chyna
2: Faboulas Moolah
1: Trish Stratus
Update on Awesome Kong’s Status with TNA
Awesome Kong is telling friends within the wrestling industry that TNA has agreed to release her from her contract, which coincides with her recent post on Twitter where she thanked Dixie Carter and the company for wishing her the best in her future endeavors.
Kong reportedly asked for a modest pay increase in the neighborhood of fifteen percent, which the company refused. Despite her high placement in the Knockouts division, it’s been estimated that she makes between $400 and $700 per appearance.
One of the potential holdups for release was said to be that company officials considered sitting her out until her contract expired over a year from now, but they have apparently opted to grant the release.
Kong remains listed on the company website as a wrestler and one-half of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions. In a possible spoiler, the buzz backstage is that TNA intends to do something with Knockouts Tag Titles on tonight’s show.
source: prowrestling.net
Another Raw Guest Host Confirmed
David Hasselhoff will host the April 12th edition of Monday Night Raw.
Raw Preview: McMahon-To-Man; Two, If By Legacy; On Angel's Wings
To demonstrate his self-purported superior in-ring capabilities before facing Bret Hart at WrestleMania, Mr. McMahon has challenged John Cena to a one-on-one bout on the next Raw. Will Cena's nemesis, WWE Champion Batista, be watching?
The Legacy is lost, but Randy Orton has the opportunity to serve his former minions their greatest lesson yet when The Viper clashes with Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes in a Handicap Match on Raw.
Master illusionist Criss Angel hosts Monday Night Raw live from Portland, Ore. With only three weeks until WrestleMania, the "Mindfreak" comes to WWE for a night that is sure to blow your mind!
source: wwe.com
Jim Ross: “WWE Won’t Be Dented By TNA”
"Hell, no. WWE likely won’t be dented by TNA. WWE shouldn’t be TNA’s obsession. TNA should just worry about improving their brand and making more money and producing more compelling TV. WWE is way too strong and too well organized to be noticeably impacted by any one in today’s marketplace in pro wrestling. All entities should control what they can control and that is their own product. Don't fixate on other businesses especially the one's that are perceived as "competition."
"I have to see a "wrestling war" to believe it but if that theory does come to fruition then I will be the first to admit mistakenly saying that no such "war" will happen."
www.jrsbarbq.com
I don't see it as a "war" either. More of a very loud argument between a little person and a giant.
March 7, 2010
Update on WWE NXT Concept
The actual concept of WWE's new NXT show was explained earlier this week revealing that rookies will be voted off and at the end there will be one winner who gets a WWE contract. The belief is that it will be a Raw contract, but that hasn't been exactly specified by WWE. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that WWE decided against using interactive fan voting and that the coaches will vote instead, although they can't vote for or against their own rookie.
WWE has registered the trademarks for "NXT Rookies" and "A-List." The Pros may be changed to A-List soon.
sources: wrestleview.com & impactwrestling.com
UFC vs. Strikeforce is On! Echoes of Vince McMahon?
The UFC is planning on not only holding an event on April 17th, the same day as a Strikeforce show, they will also hold the event in the same city. With Mike Swick not partaking in the card all eyes turn to Kimbo Slice as a probable main event participant.
Certainly there a few people out there smiling at the irony of the UFC potentially using a fighter that Dana White often described as a "freak show" (plus other less savory comments) to counter an event that actually features meaningful fights between top level fighters, but hey, all is fair in love and war and clearly this is war to the UFC president.
WKR will wait until next week to dive into all the particulars (hopefully we will have more information then) but one item jumped to our attention thanks to Cage Side Seats. The pro-wrestling blog pointed out that this action by the UFC is directly out of Vince McMahon's playbook:
If it wasn't obvious before, it is now: Dana White idolizes Vince McMahon and loves to borrow from his playbook. According to Sherdog, he's about to lift one of the classics, as the planned UFC Ultimate Fight Night card on Spike TV that will oppose Strike Force's CBS special from Nashville on April 17th may take place in...Nashville.
Back in the late '80s and early '80s, running against major shows from Jim Crockett Promotions and then (after JCP was bought by Turner Broadcasting) World Championship Wrestling was something that McMahon had down to a science. The WWF would get prime tenant status for wrestling in major arenas, forcing JCP/WCW to run in a smaller or less desirable building.
As PPV events became more important, McMahon got more creative. The night before a WCW PPV event, the WWF would run a house show in the same city. If it was possible, they'd use the same arena. These shows would run incredibly long so as to hurt the walk-up ticket sales and keep the fans from getting lively at the PPV event, giving the impression of a dead show. If the shows were in the same building, then the WCW crew would be delayed in setting up the building.
WKR can't wait for Kimbo Slice to roll up to the Strikeforce show in a tank with a DX-UFC shirt. And people say there isn't a pro-wrestling MMA crossover.
source: watchkalibrun.com
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
