Zuffa is busy this month

Zuffa (the parent company of UFC, WEC, and PRIDE) is holding four events this month -- three UFC events and one WEC event -- literally throughout the world. Those of you who have read previous entries of mine know that I'm not a huge fan of so many UFC events in one month. I think UFC pay-per-views require about a month for decompression from the previous event and build up to the next event to generate maximum impact.

Regardless, UFC President Dana White clearly feels otherwise and these busy stretches are slowly becoming the norm for his promotion...More?

source: weblogs.baltimoresun.com

WWE Responds To Chris Benoit Brain Study

Statement from WWE concerning the Benoit brain study:

..."Today's attempt to explain that Chris Benoit's murder of his family was possibly caused by some form of dementia as a result of alleged concussions is speculative. WWE can certainly understand the anguish of a father having to deal with the fact that his son allegedly murdered his wife and young son, as Chris Benoit is alleged to have done. We respect the desire of that father to do whatever he can to find some explanation as to why his son might commit such horrible acts."

Jennifer McIntosh, a spokesperson for WWE was quoted as saying that WWE found, "no medical records of [Benoit] suffering a concussion. We don't have any answers as to why Chris did what he did. We're still awaiting the law enforcement investigation to be concluded."...

source: LA Times

Flair and Big Show Named In New Steroid Probe

The Palm Beach Post has an article up in which they name Paul "The Big Show" Wight and Ric Flair as receiving packages in 2003 from a Tampa clinic that distributed steroids. Misty Waldo, who is an employee of the clinic, told detectives that when she was hired she was told to expect to see wrestlers at the clinic. Waldo went on to say that she sent overnight packages to Paul Wight and Richard Fliehr (Ric Flair). Investigators didn't specify the contents of those packages. Check out the full Palm Beach Post article here.

source: 411mania.com

WWE stars thrill Capetonians

They came in their droves both young and old to catch a glimpse of their superstars. But not the film or music stars that one would expect.

Instead Capetonians braved the cold to see the world's best entertaiment wrestlers battle it out in the World Wrestling Entertainment Summer Slam Tour at the Bellville Velodrome Wednesday night.

The arena was filled to capacity with 6 000 fans who had come to watch their WWE RAW favorites...More?

source: iol.co.za

Triple H - Mr. McMahon's Son?

As of 11:15am this morning, Triple H is leading the voting (18%) on wwe.com as to who is Mr. McMahon's illegitimate son. I wouldn't put it past Vince to run with this angle.

Microsoft Silverlight to serve up video on WWE.com

Microsoft's new Silverlight video platform, scheduled for public release this September, will become part of WWE's growing online video delivery system. Thanks to the new technology, WWE.com will revolutionize the way our fans view and interact with video content – no matter what Web browser or platform of computer they use.

read more | digg story

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