Screenshot of WWE.com Promoting Steve Austin's HOF Induction

For those who missed it, WWE.com posted an image leaking a story which promoted Stone Cold Steve Austin's induction into the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame. This image has since been removed from the website as it appears the announcement was made prematurely. There is also a rumor that a disgruntled employee posted it after being laid off.

source: wrestlezone.com

Stephanie & Aurora

photo credit: Mary on McMahon-Levesque Forum

Hometown hero Jericho fills Winnipeg's seats

source: slam wrestling

Titan Tower Massacre

The Hartford Courant reported that WWE fired about 60 employees while sources say the number is closer to 85. The Connecticut newspaper, in reporting the company's cutbacks, noted that its professional wrestlers were safe since they were under contract which is obviously not true.

According to multiple sources, just about every supervisor and boss working at Titan Towers in Stamford, Connecticut was let go. As a result, one employee went as far as to refer to this week's staff purge as "The Titan Tower Massacre." The WWE had security guards escort the fired employees off the company's Stamford property.

Vince McMahon's two limo drivers were also terminated.

partial source: pwinsider.com

Trilogy of Pain

Facing Triple Jeopardy on the orders of GM Vickie Guerrero, Triple H outlasted John Morrison in a Tables Match, defeated The Miz & Chavo Guerrero in a Handicap Match, and then fell to Big Show in a Last Man Standing Match. What is next for The Game? Full Results.

Eric Bischoff Comments on Matt Hardy's Review of 'The Wrestler'

"...Your recent recap of your “lifestyle” frames you as a candidate to the Jake Roberts Hall of Fame. Your suggestion that you and your generation are “smarter and more responsible” than previous generations of wrestlers makes me sick. You are a mid-card talent that should be grateful to even get a check every other week. Enjoy it while it lasts. And rather than looking down your nose at previous generations of professional wrestlers, donate a portion of your check to one of them and ask them to point out all the parallels between your current career path/lifestyle and theirs. It would be the smartest and most responsible thing you could do."...More?

Ouch!

WWE.com Report: WWE Champion Jeff Hardy in hit and run accident

WWE Champion Jeff Hardy and his girlfriend Beth were involved in a hit and run automobile accident earlier this morning in North Carolina. Both Jeff and Beth were injured during the accident, but no ambulance was called to the scene.

**Jeff Hardy's real life girlfriend, Beth Britt, was actually not used in the video that aired during tonight's edition of Friday Night SmackDown. According to a source who knows the couple, WWE used as an actress (or an extra) to play her part in the scene.**

Kayfaybe at it's best...

Theme Song for 'The Wrestler' Wins Award

The theme song to The Wrestler, written by Bruce Springsteen, was named the best original song by the Critic’s Choice Awards. It was written entirely as a favor to Mickey Rourke, but couldn’t be more fitting for the film.

Mr. Kennedy Comments on 'The Wrestler'

In an interview with About.com's Eric Cohen, Mr. Kennedy had this to say about The Wrestler:

"I have seen it and I really liked the movie. I enjoyed it. I’ve actually seen it twice now. I thought that Mickey Rourke and the rest of the cast did a tremendous job. I thought that it was a pretty accurate depiction of some of the guys that have come through our business. But at the same time, I hope that people don’t think that that is the way that every wrestler turns out in the end. Because I know a lot of guys who have been very successful in the business, who have gone to get out of the business and start business of their own. Maybe get into real estate or whatever, it may be. Start car dealerships, buy car dealerships, or, get into movies. So, there are a lot of guys who have been successful."

The History of the Icon vs. The Champ

Last Monday on Raw, Shawn Michaels teamed with World Heavyweight Champion John Cena to defeat Randy Orton & Chris Jericho in tag team action. The biggest news, though, came after the match when it was announced by HBK’s employer, JBL, that Michaels would go one-on-one with Cena this Monday night – two weeks before JBL himself challenges Cena for the title at Royal Rumble.

This is certainly an exciting match-up on paper, but the history between The Champ and The Showstopper adds a whole other aspect to this Raw confrontation...More?

Low Ki officially signs with the WWE

Former TNA star Low Ki (who worked as Senshi in the company during his last run) has officially signed with WWE. He worked last night's Florida Championship Wrestling event and wrestled on the card against Trent Berreta. There was a lot of talk that he could be heading to the company after dropping the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title this past Sunday at the New Japan Pro Wrestling "Wrestle Kingdom III" event in Tokyo, Japan. There is no word on if they will keep him in the FCW developmental territory or bring him up to the main roster soon.

source: wrestleview.com

More Cost-Cutting Releases at the WWE

Standard line from wwe.com:

World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Raw Superstars D-Lo Brown and Val Venis, and Bam Neely as of Jan. 9, 2009. WWE wishes them the best in all future endeavors.

The WWE also released Kevin Thorn, Gavin Spears, developmental talent Mike Kruel, referees Jimmy Korderas, Mike Posey, Kevin Keenan, and producer and former referee Tim White.