WWE Hall of Famer Signs Deal w/ CBS Sports For Weekly Series

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com is reporting that 16-man world champion and 2-time WWE Hall of Famer “Nature Boy” Ric Flair has signed a deal with CBS Sports that will see him record a weekly podcast. He is expected to interview all kinds of personalities from around the entertainment business, including wrestlers, musicians, actors and other non-wrestler athletes.

CBS Sports is the same group Taz is currently signed with for his Human Podcast Machine series. The official announcement should be made at some point in the next two weeks.

Big WWE Experience Event Announced For Arnold Sports Festival With NXT, WWE Legends, More

As noted, WWE will host a NXT live event during the Arnold Sports Festival weekend in Columbus, Ohio in early March. There will be a strong WWE presence at this year's Arnold Festival as WWE Experience has been announced. Below are the details:

WWE Experience at the Arnold Sports Festival

WWE Universe, don't miss your chance to take part in the WWE Experience at the Arnold Sports Festival March 5-8, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio!

NXT Live Event
For the first time in WWE history, NXT comes to Columbus, Ohio, as part of the Arnold Sports Festival! See WWE's Superstars of tomorrow, as WWE presents NXT Live at the LC Pavilion on Thursday, March 5! See NXT Champion Sami Zayn, NXT Women's Champion Charlotte, WWE Superstars Ryback and Big Show, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, Adrian Neville, Kevin Owens, Finn Bálor, Hideo Itami, Sasha Banks and many more!

Tickets will be available on Friday, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m. ET at the LC Pavilion Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.

Don't miss your chance to attend VIP Experiences, including ringside seats and exclusive meet-and-greets with Ric Flair, Ryback and Big Show!

WWE Experience Event
For a jam-packed weekend of action and entertainment, there's no better spot at this year's Arnold Sports Festival than the WWE Experience on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8.

Enjoy live matches, featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent from WWE and NXT. Meet the Superstars and Divas of WWE's next generation during autograph signings with Finn Bálor, Hideo Itami, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Tyler Breeze, Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Alexa Bliss and more, plus don't miss your chance to get up close and personal with WWE Legends during Q&A Sessions.

See what it takes to become a WWE Superstar and watch a live tryout. Will any of these recruits become the next breakout Superstar? Better yet, will you? If you're serious about a future in sports entertainment, stop by the WWE recruiting booth and tell us.

More?

Batista Talks Joining Evolution, Triple H Thinking He Would Get Heat For It, Almost Being Replaced

During the second edition of his interview series on Talk is Jericho, Batista and host Chris Jericho discussed how Batista was almost replaced in Evolution, a move that would have changed wrestling forever.

Jericho and Batista were speaking about how much Randy Orton had changed over the past decade, and how instrumental Evolution was to both Orton and Batista himself. Jericho also noted that Orton had tried to start fights with him three or four times.

Batista says he was warned by Triple H ahead of forming Evolution that the two inexperienced starts would get a lot of heat for riding the coattails of Helmsley and Flair. An injury almost eliminated him from the stable altogether, as Mark Jindrak was slated to replace him.

"They were considering him replacing me when I was injured. Hunter wanted it to be the four of us, he was pretty adamant. He fought for us," Batista said of nearly being replaced.

"I get injured, and Randy (Orton) was back before I was and they wanted that fourth member," Batista said

Batista and Jericho spoke about how much the business had changed since Evolution, citing a change in Vince McMahon's demeanor. Part two of Batista's interview on Talk is Jericho can be found at this link.

This Day In Wrestling History

Happy Birthday to Steve Keirn
September 10, 1951

Ric Flair wrestles his first ever bout in the WWF(WWE) after being fired from WCW.
September 10, 1991

Fritz von Erich died from cancer at at age 68.
September 10, 1997

Eric Bischoff fired as WCW President
September 10, 1999

This Day In Wrestling History

In what was described as one of the greatest matches ever in Phoenix, Arizona, Jim Londos defeats Pete Sauer.
September 9, 1929

WWWF(WWE) World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeats Gorilla Monsoon in a Texas Death match at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
September 9, 1967

Dusty Rhodes defeated Arn Anderson for the NWA Television title.
September 9, 1986

Ric Flair wrestles his first match for the WWF(E) following his departure from WCW the previous July. He defeats Jim Powers at a WWF(E) Television taping in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
September 9, 1991

In order to rival the Billy & Chuck wedding on SmackDown, Eric Bischoff introduces HLA (Hot Lesbian Action) to the RAW audience.
September 9, 2002

This Day In Wrestling History

Verne Gagne defeats Miguel Guzman in Houston, Texas for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title, ending Guzman's fifth title reign, and beginning his second run with the belt.
September 8, 1950

El Mongol defeats Mr. Wrestling for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, starting his fourth run with the belt.
September 8, 1967

Intercontinental Champion Pat Patterson defeats WWF(E) World Champion Bob Backlund via countout in a rare champion vs. champion match in Springfield, Massachusetts.
September 8, 1979

Ric Flair is stripped of recognition as the official NWA World Champion after being fired from WCW in 1991.
September 8, 1991

No WWE Guests On JR's Podcast

WWE has allowed several of their talents to appear on podcasts for Steve Austin and Chris Jericho but not Jim Ross. A fan on Twitter asked Ross about Ric Flair possibly appearing on The Ross Report and JR replied with the following:

"No. Flair's a wwe guy. WWE hasn't approved any podcast guests for me."

The 100 Most Obsessed-Over People on the Web

George W. Bush is more popular than Obama, Beyonce beats the Pope--and the mysterious clout of professional wrestlers. The ultimate online power list. Plus see how 20,000 of the world's best known people stack up. Click here.

1. George W. Bush
17. Hulk Hogan
24. Big Show
34. John Cena
35. The Undertaker
38. Kane
47. Kurt Angle
50. The Rock
56. CM Punk
57. Bret Hart
71. Chris Jericho
73. Edge
81. Rey Mysterio
83. Rob Van Dam
86. Triple H
94. Ric Flair
100. Lance Armstrong

source: time.com

Ric Flair Wrestling for Japanese Promotion, Flair Talks About Dolph Ziggler, Charlotte, His Health

Ric Flair recently spoke with Mike Mooneyham of The Charleston Post & Courier. Flair noted that he's down to 228 pounds and is in the best shape he's been in since his TNA run.

The article confirms a recent report that Flair is scheduled to wrestle for a Japanese promotion in September. Flair also talked about wanting to manage Dolph Ziggler when he returns to WWE soon. Flair commented on Ziggler:

"I think he's awesome. He'd be a great guy to manage. He looks like a million bucks. He just can't find his gimmick. He needs to work on his entrance. I could help him with that."

Flair also talked about his daughter, NXT Women's Champion Charlotte:

"She will be the greatest Flair of all time. Her credentials speak for themselves," says Flair. "I'd put her resume up against anybody. She's Rey Mysterio but bigger. She is going to be the greatest female wrestler and the most famous diva in the history of the WWE."

Two WWE Hall of Famers Appearing at NXT Takeover

On Monday night's edition of WWE RAW, it was announced that WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Bret Hart will both be appearing at this Thursday night's NXT Takeover event on the WWE Network.

They will both play roles in the NXT Women's Championship Match, as Flair will be in Charlotte's corner and Hart will be in Natalya's corner.

Video: Jim Ross shoots on why he was fired by WWE

Ric Flair Update

PWInsider is reporting that WWE has an offer out to Ric Flair to return as a regular character on TV and go back on the road full-time. It apparentle was was a Triple H call.

According to WWE sources, Flair was told that as long as he handled some of his personal matters that would keep him from going on the road, he would be back.

One WWE source believed that the company needs Flair to undergo a series of medical testing before they will allow him to go back on the road, noting that the company is even more cautious now following Jerry Lawler's heart attack in November 2012.

Flair still has an outstanding warrant out in North Carolina related to a civil matter with his ex-wife Jacqueline as well. WWE is taping TV in Greensboro, NC on 5/13. It could be that WWE wants Flair to get that matter squared away so there are no restrictions on where he can appear, especially since he's always been a huge draw in North Carolina after decades of being a celebrity in Charlotte.

Flair, as of this morning, is not scheduled for the Extreme Rules PPV. He is flying out of Los Angeles following a signing appearance and heading home to Atlanta, GA.

WWE Purchases More Classic Wrestling Footage

WWE recently purchased a library of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling footage shot in Virginia at ringside next to the ring announcer, from Jim Crockett Promotions events. The footage was filmed by George Pantas, as he revealed in the Norfolk Navy Flagship. The footage includes what may be the only complete match on tape featuring Ric Flair vs. Buddy Rogers.

Video: Ric Flair addresses Evolution and The Shield

Rumor Mill - WWE Hall of Famer Booked to Return on Monday's RAW from St. Louis

Ric Flair has been booked to return to WWE on this coming Monday's RAW from St. Louis.

One would assume that Flair will be getting involved in the Evolution storyline because of his history with the group. As of two weeks ago, the plan was for Flair not to be involved in the reunited Evolution.

Rumor Mill - WWE Reforming Former Stable To Take On The Shield?

The word going around backstage is that WWE will be reforming Evolution with Triple H, Randy Orton, and Dave Batista, at least for a short time, to take on The Shield. Ric Flair is not expected to return to the group but that could change.

If this does end up happening, look for a Shield vs. Evolution match to take place at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view.

source: wrestling observer

Diamond Dallas Page Defends Triple H, Talks About His HOF Speech for Jake Roberts and More

As seen above, Diamond Dallas Page recently spoke with WrestleDope.com while he was in Ireland. He talked about Jake Roberts, Triple H getting more power in WWE, The Shield, CM Punk and lots more. Below are a few quotes sent to us:

His WWE Hall of Fame induction speech for Jake Roberts:
"Now I know it's gonna be the strongest shit I've ever said and I will have something planned that I'm gonna say. I'll know what I'm going to say before I go up there, doesn't mean I'm going to say it!"

Triple H:
"Paul Levesque aka Triple H has been one of the most solid guys I've ever met in this business so nobody can talk shit about him around me. You may have your own beef with him, whoever it is but no one who don't know ain't got nothing to say about him around me because he's always been a stand up guy to me."

Ric Flair:
"I love the guy, I don't want to have heat with him, fuck that!"

Jim Ross Opens Up About WWE Departure

Josh Stewart of Newsday has a new piece featuring quotes from Jim Ross to promote his upcoming spoken-word tour that begins with two shows at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City on March 1, 2014. In it, JR sheds more light on the event that resulted in his departure from WWE.

The event was a “30 Years of WrestleMania” symposium by 2KSports to promote the new WWE 2K14 video game the night before SummerSlam on August 17, 2013. JR clarified it was 2KSports that hired him to moderate the Legend’s panel, not WWE. Below is an excerpt from the Newsday piece:

“I knew that when it was over, a lot of the top WWE officials were very anxious to get Ric Flair out of the facility,” Ross recalls. “So I knew there was some concern there, but I didn’t know that the concern involved me. A story started out of misinformation that I had been drinking with Flair all day. And the issue was that if they [WWE officials] had checked their schedule, I had been booked all day with WWE activities and SummerSlam that had nothing to do with Ric Flair.”

JR explained there was no script, no teleprompter and no producer. Making matters worse, Ric Flair, who was on the panel, was clearly inebriated.

“My job was to keep the rudder in the water,” Ross said. “I didn’t do that. And so, the decision was made that we part ways. And to be honest with you, and this is not looking back, or trying to cover somebody’s tracks, or cover my own [behind], I was really looking for an opportunity to move on. I wanted to get into the podcast business, I wanted to get into one-man show stuff . . . I wanted to look at other opportunities, like this Fox Sports thing that I’m doing now. And I knew I couldn’t do those things while I was under contract to the WWE. But to be honest, to be totally frank with you, I had such a loyalty to that company, and I still do, that after 20 years I didn’t know how I was going to say goodbye.”

Ric Flair Replaces CM Punk at WrestleMania XXX Axxess Signing

CM Punk has been removed from the WrestleMania XXX Axxess lineup.

Fans who had purchased tickets for his April 5th VIP Autograph session were emailed and notified that Ric Flair would be replacing Punk. No explanation was offered to fans in the email, so apparently WWE is not ready to comment on the Punk situation.

Fans are given the option of taking a refund or exchanging their ticket for one of the other VIP sessions, or attending the session with Flair.

Jim Ross Speaks on Whether or Not the Ric Flair 2k Sports Symposium Caused His WWE Departure

In a new interview conducted for Grantland.com, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross spoke on the infamous 2k Sports panel during SummerSlam weekend last year, during which a seemingly inebriated Ric Flair commandeered the symposium and Jim Ross reportedly took a lot of the blame for allowing the situation to get out of hand.

Ross' WWE departure came shortly after the panel, and JR had the following to say regarding whether or not the panel was the reason why WWE decided part ways with him:

Jim Ross"I don't think you have to be a Mensa member to figure out that it had an influence on decisions that were made. I was working with the developmental kids [in NXT] and enjoying that, and got called in for that job.

It was a very unique night, to say the least. Ric was coming off maybe the most traumatic time of his life. [Flair's son Reid had recently died of a drug overdose.] In hindsight, it might not have been the most timely booking, to get him in that environment. And then you can look at the other side and say maybe it's a good thing to get him out around friends. As it worked out, you'd probably lean more to the former than the latter. But here's the deal: I was conductor of a runaway train. I was supposed to keep it on the tracks and that didn't happen. So I don't have any issues taking responsibility. Did I envision that it would help facilitate my exit? No. But I could see the thinking behind it.

But honestly, people might not believe this, and I don't want to give one of those eye-rollers, but it really came at a good time. My health is good, I just celebrated my 62nd birthday, I got a lot of projects going. I'm going to start a podcast soon with the same company that does Austin and Jericho. I'm excited about that. I got Live Nation working with me on one-man shows and, of course, we start out the way we want to start out, in New York City, Saturday, March 1, at the Gramercy Theater."