The Hollywood legend had wanted to compete in a bout at WrestleMania 25 against former world champion Chris Jericho. But a clause in the contract for his next movie meant he was only allowed a quick knockout punch after Chris's regular match on the show. Many fans and critics branded that ending 'cheesy', especially after the former pro-boxer had promised to throw Jericho "around the ring like a tossed salad".
New book Wrestling With Demonsreveals how bosses of forthcoming superhero flick Iron Man 2 banned Rourke from competing in the WWE showpiece amid concerns he would injure himself and delay filming. The Golden Globe winner was then left disappointed with the outcome of his Mania appearance, because he wanted to show off the wrestling moves he learned for his Oscar nominated performance as bruised and battered wrestler Randy 'The Ram' Robinson...More?
source: the sun
November 5, 2009
Rourke Wants WWE Return
WWE Announces 2009-12 Business Outlook
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. today issued a revised business outlook, targeting average annual earnings growth between 15% to 20% over the 2009 through 2012 period. The revised outlook is based on a comprehensive review of the Company's operations.
Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We believe we can achieve meaningful growth by strengthening our global expansion and television distribution, leveraging our new partnership with Mattel and continuing to improve operating efficiency. Through disciplined cost management, we expect our operating leverage to deliver outstanding earnings growth with even moderate increases in revenue."...More?
source: corporate.wwe.com
WWE Reports 2009 Third Quarter Results; Vince Comments on Shane's Departure
Vince formally addressed Shane's departure from the company during this morning's conference call with investors. He said of Shane's decision to leave: "Shane has decided to pursue other opportunities in the marketplace." He also added that the strength of the company's management team is based on performance, not if an employee's last name is McMahon. "Some people perceive this to be a family business, but I do not," said Vince.
You can view the financial report here.
November 4, 2009
Raw House Show Results - Dublin, Ireland
DX beat Legacy. Long intro spiel from Hunter and Shawn for this match, which really got the crowd going. Easily the biggest reaction of the night thus far. Great match with Legacy getting the majority of the offense and keeping Shawn and Hunter separated from being able to tag each other throughout the match. The match ended with HBK hitting Sweet Chin Music on DiBiase, while Hunter hit Rhodes with the Pedigree to get the three count...More?
source: prowrestling.net
Jeff Hardy Court Date Update
A probable cause hearing for Jeff Hardy, a professional wrestler from Cameron, has been rescheduled for Dec. 2...More?
source: fayobserver.com
10 Things Corporations Can Learn from Pro Wrestling
1. An Appropriate Level of Spectacle Is Crucial
2. Humor and Charisma Always Make a Connection
3. Create a Serialized Connection with Your Audience
4. "Shiny New Objects" Don't Last
5. Your Audience Uses You as an Excuse to Build Community
6. Your Audience Is Always Performing
7. Take Every Opportunity to Listen to Your Focus Group
8. Your Audience Will Tell You What They Think
9. Don't Ignore Surplus Audiences
10. Listening Could Lead to New Business Models
source: fastcompany.com
Wrestling Documentary: "Surviving The Dungeon: The Legacy of Stu Hart"
The new documentary Surviving The Dungeon: The Legacy of Stu Hart explores the life of one of Calgary's favourite sons, by way of interviews with the patriarch of the Hart wrestling family, Stu Hart himself, his wife Helen, and several of the children for whom he gave so much.
The DVD makes clear that Hart was a lot more than just a relentless trainer of many of the great wrestlers of several generations. A wise, caring man, athletically he was also a lot more than most modern fans may be able to imagine of him, having seen him old and hunched in documentaries such as Wrestling With Shadows. Before ever turning to wrestling, Hart was a CFL player in the 1930s, a Canadian Navy enlistee, and an amateur wrestler who looked capable of going to the Olympics, before World War II cancelled the 1944 games scheduled for London, England...More?
source: slam wrestling
This Day in Wrestling History
Greg Valentine defeated Wahoo McDaniel for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
November 4, 1982
The infamous "gun confrontation" between Steve Austin and Brian Pillman occurs on a live WWF(E) RAW show.
November 4, 1996
November 3, 2009
ECW Results: Wish Granted
William Regal has finally gotten his wish – another title match against ECW Champion Christian. But The British Brawler couldn’t wait to get his hands on Captain Charisma. Regal and his Ruthless Roundtable attacked Christian at the close of ECW on Syfy, sending him a forceful, brutal message just one week before their ECW Championship Match. Full results.
source: wwe.com
Sheamus' Push and DX on Commentary
"The continued evolution of Sheamus, the big Irish guy with no last name, is something that I'm enjoying. Hopefully, this build will be consistent and not rushed as it is obvious to me that Sheamus, the big Irish guy with no last name, has marketable potential. I like his size, physicality, and obvious toughness and he also has a strong work ethic and desire to not just be a player to be be a main event player. Sheamus is one of the most intriguing personas in WWE right now for my money. Can you imagine how fast Sheamus would progress if he were managed by a red hot, mouthpiece who was relevant in today's marketplace?"
"DX's commentary on the main event was entertaining. For a former Raw announcer, their remarks were amusing. At least it was a change of pace and was a new element added to the presentation."
source: jim ross
