This Day in Wrestling History - Andre the Giant passes away

Andre Rene Roussimoff May 19, 1946 - January 27, 1993

Due to his immense stature it seemed inevitable that Andre would excel in the wrestling world. He had just started to make a name for himself in the ring as "Monster Eiffel Tower" or "Monster Roussimoff" when French-Canadian wrestler Edouard Carpentier first laid eyes on him. Carpentier was impressed with Andre's raw talent and decided to bring him to North America. Andre began wrestling under the name Jean Ferre in Canada for Grand Prix Promotions. In a short time Andre went from the undercard to being a headlining name. Inspired by the movie King Kong he acquired the nickname, "The 8th Wonder of the World," which stayed with him for the rest of his career.

By the time Andre had performed in front of 20,000 wrestling fans in Montreal, his legend had reached Vince McMahon, Sr. at the World Wide Wrestling Federation's (WWWF) headquarters. McMahon would forever alter Andre's life. In 1972, McMahon signed Andre to wrestle for the WWWF and changed his name to capitalize on his colossal size. "Andre the Giant" became one of the most recognizable names in wrestling. Andre performed under his new name at Madison Square Garden, where he easily defeated his opponent Buddy Wolfe without breaking a sweat. Before long, Andre's venues were sold out and wrestlers lined up to perform in his shadow. As Andre's fame grew to stardom, he was featured in Sports Illustrated in the largest feature they had ever published...More?

source: andrethegiant.com


Andre the Giant vs Big John Studd

Raw Results: The Son Also Rises

Though Randy Orton made it through the night without being fired for his attack on Mr. McMahon, the 2009 Royal Rumble winner received some corporal punishment at the hands of The Chairman's son, Shane. Full Results.

WWE Continues the Cost-Cutting

In WWE's latest cost-cutting move, the company is shutting down its Canadian office with the exception of its sales division. People working with WWE's broadcast partner in Canada, The Score, received memos regarding the news. This makes at least three offices gutted in the past few weeks as WWE recently shut down their offices in Sydney, Australia and China as well.

Some entertainment via Matt Hardy's MySpace page

Matt Hardy's Myspace page has been overrun with many comments since last night's Royal Rumble PPV and some of the reactions by "wrestling fans" are quite entertaining and that might be taking the show a little too seriously. If you are up for a laugh or two you can check out Hardy's page at this link.

Jack Swagger talks about making it to WWE

TheSouthern.com has an article up with WWE star and current ECW Champion Jack Swagger where he talks about getting his opportunity with the company after finishing school and what it has been like to be on the road at this link.

Now It's Orton's Time

Orton has been chosen by McMahon to be WWE's focal point heading into this year's WrestleMania, and bluntly, there isn't a member of the roster who could possibly be a better choice. Randy Orton has stepped up in every way imaginable, and his improvement in just the past month has been spectacular to watch.

This was Vince's first television appearance in six months. Stephanie had the entire crowd eating out of the palm of her hand with her great interaction with Chris Jericho and his "apology to the crowd".

So here's Vince, revelling in the spotlight, and Stephanie, delivering what could be her best performance ever. And yet, when Orton stepped into the ring and started talking, he compelled you to watch him...More?

source: the sun

Boogeyman in new movie

According to IMDB, WWE Superstar The Boogeyman has a role in the upcoming Oliver Stone film "Escobar," about the life of the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. The Boogeyman will be playing a character named Tony. This is Boogey's third Oliver Stone film I believe as he appeared in Any Given Sunday as well.

Santino's Rumble Status

Santino Marella now holds the record for shortest time in the ring for the Royal Rumble match after being eliminated after just over one second. The Warlord lasted two seconds in 1989 and in 1995, Sir Mo and the late Owen Hart only lasted three seconds.

Julie Hart changes her views on the "Montreal Screwjob"

It seems that Julie Hart has changed her views on the "Montreal Screwjob" that involved her ex-husband Brett Hart. In an interview on the UnholyMatrimonyShow.com show, Julie said this in reference to Vince McMahon:

"I think he had a business to run," Julie said. "I understand Bret's side too... Please don't hate me, wrestling fans."

Ring of Honor Television Deal Announced

HDNet Fights today announced a long term partnership with “Ring of Honor Wrestling.” Coming soon, HDNet will debut a new weekly television series, which will bring “Ring of Honor Wrestling” to a national television audience for the very first time. “Ring of Honor Wrestling” and its stars are prominently featured in the recent, critically acclaimed movie “The Wrestler” starring...More?

source: rohwrestling.com

This Day in Wrestling History

WCW president J.J. Dillon bans the use of the powerbomb after Kevin Nash injures The Giant when attempting the move
January 26, 1988

Mankind defeated the Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
January 26, 1999

Happy Birthday to Animal (Joe Laurinaitis ) of the Road Warriors
January 26, 1960

Royal Rumble Results: Detroit "RKO" City

With some help from his "Legacy," Randy Orton defeated 30 other Superstars in the Royal Rumble Match. The Legend Killer earned himself a title opportunity at WrestleMania 25, but what action will be taken against him on Raw for his assault on Mr. McMahon? Full Results

Order of Entrants & Eliminations