Ric Flair Update

As noted in an earlier report, Ric Flair has given notice to WWE and did so around August 21. This reportedly has nothing to do with the current drug investigations or suspensions within WWE at this time as Flair grew frustrated over his push and a lack of any encouraging communication from the front office.

WWE has already offered Flair a major program to return. Both sides haven't agreed on this new program and it is unclear where things stand at this time.

source: wrestlezone.com

TNA to Begin Random Drug Tesitng

TNA will be instituting random drug testing within a few weeks. The details are currently being worked on. TNA wants to be able to tell Congress that they have instituted drug testing in their company.

source: rajah.com

Benoit's Brain Showed Signs of Dementia

Chris Benoit's father Michael appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" this morning and shed new light on his son's final days. Tests of Chris Benoit's brain tissue revealed that Chris had severe brain damage. The level of brain damage Chris had was equivalent to an 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient - and similar to three NFL players who committed suicide. There were abnormal protein deposits in the brain caused by trauma to Benoit's head. Chris' brain tissue was tested at the request of his father, Michael Benoit. Michael Benoit says that he agreed to have his son's brain tested because he found a recent diary his son wrote that indicated he was "extremely disturbed". Severe brain damage can lead to depression and irrational, violent behavior.

Test has left the building

Another casualty of the doping scandal:

Andrew "Test" Martin is already gone from TNA Wrestling. Martin was brought in last month and was immediately pushed into a top match at TNA's last PPV. The reason for his firing is his unreasonably muscular physique. At a time when TNA is being investigated by the United States Congress, Martin stuck out like a sore thumb and management was convinced he could not pass a drug test.

Test was told he could come back to the company when he loses considerable weight.

source: wrestlezone.com

Triple H & Shawn Michaels Scouting OVW Talent

Both Triple H and Shawn Michaels are slated to visit OVW headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky today. They will be observing the developmental process and help scout and advise talent. OVW is holding a TV taping tonight, but they probably won't be appearing on it.

source: wrestlezone.com

Doctor speculates Benoit had brain damage

The father of Chris Benoit and a doctor who examined brain matter from the former pro wrestler said Wednesday that brain damage caused by multiple concussions might have contributed to the deaths of Benoit, his wife and his son.

Authorities say Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, on June 22 and then killed their son, Daniel, the next day before taking his own life at their Fayetteville home.

Dr. Julian Bailes, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University and a founding member of the Sports Legacy Institute, told ABC's Good Morning America Wednesday that damage to the wrestler's brain was "striking and maybe shocking."

ajc.com

Breaking News: Ric Flair Wants Out of the WWE

Apparently, Ric Flair quit WWE earlier in the week. The possible departure doesn't have anything to do with the recent drug scandal, he's simply frustrated with his push. Also, he hasn't had any encouraging communication from management.

WWE hasn't given Flair his release. WWE officials are trying hard to get him to cool off and not quit. They are having discussions to get things sorted because WWE doesn't want him to quit the company.

source: pwtorch

Major Chris Benoit Press Conference

A press conference will be held on September 5, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. Eastern at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York to release findings from the examination of the brain of Chris Benoit.

Michael Benoit, the father of Chris, gave Julian Bailes, MD, the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University, the rights to examine his son's brain. Michael Benoit will be speaking at the press conference along with Dr. Robert Cantu (Director of sports Medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA) and Cary Itchter (Benoit's lawyer).

It is believed at this point that the findings reveal at the press conference will confirm damage that would enable a "diminished capaciy" defense for Chris Benoit's slaying of his wife and son before killing himself. As reported earlier, Michael Benoit will be appearing on ABC this Thursday on "Good Morning America" and "Nightline" to talk about the diminished capacity theory.

source: wrestlezone.com

I Had Nothing to Do With It!

When Stephanie arrived, Mr. McMahon accused her of being “the volatile one.” In an attempt to show Stephanie the better times she’s had with her father, McMahon introduced a highlight video, which, to the horror of the Chairman, featured his match against Stephanie at No Mercy in 2003. A bemused Triple H appeared on the TitanTron, swearing he had nothing to do with the video switch...More?

source: wwe.com

Ken Kennedy on the Cover of the October WWE Magazine

Ken Kennedy will be on the cover of the October WWE Magazine. In light of his suspension, we'll have to see if the WWE will be promoting this.

Errant Steroid Claims

A WWE source said that "several names" identified by the media as being customers of Signature Pharmacy were inaccurate; these few allegedly did not have a link to the online pharmacy. As a report stated earlier, Batista is among those who claim to have been incorrectly linked to the alleged steroid distributor.

While the errantly named wrestlers are upset about the media coverage, WWE is opting not to allow them to address the media for fear of a backlash similar to that it faced during the fallout of the Benoit tragedy.

source: 2wrestling.com

Statement from Batista

Dave Batista posted a response to the doping allegations on his official site:

To my fans and friends:

I categorically deny a report on ESPN.com, and repeated by other media outlets, that I am or ever have been a customer of Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, an on-line pharmacy company that is a target of an investigation by the Albany, New York District Attorney's Office.

I am being tested regularly by the WWE, and I am in full compliance with the WWE Wellness Program.

I regret the inaccurate reporting, and I will do all I can in the future to stop any publication or anyone from making such false accusations.

source: www.demon-wrestling.com