Ask most Pittsburghers about the city's contributions to professional wrestling, and you'll likely hear the name Kurt Angle, the former Olympian who doubled down on his fame by becoming a professional-wrestling superstar. Older fans will recall the greatness of Bruno Sammartino, who once squared off against the likes of Ivan Koloff and Cowboy Billy Watts.
Very few Pittsburghers will mention Jerry McDevitt. And yet it may be McDevitt, an attorney with the law firm of K&L Gates, whose legacy will be the most lasting.
McDevitt has represented World Wrestling Entertainment since the late 1980s. Over the years, he has helped its performers, and impresario Vince McMahon himself, out of various legal scrapes. And McDevitt helped establish a medical-testing program to protect the wrestlers' health -- a program that was a key issue in the failed Connecticut Senate bid of McMahon's wife, Linda.
After Eddie Guerrero's death in 2006, with McDevitt's recommendation, WWE turned to another Pittsburgher: Joseph Maroon, UPMC's director of neurosurgery to set up what they now refer to as their Wellness Program.
When McDevitt first introduced Maroon to Linda McMahon, the neurosurgeon admits he "did wonder, quite frankly, what this was all about. Because I had no background in it whatsoever."
But Maroon, who has also served on the NFL's head-injury committee and is the Pittsburgh Steelers' team neurosurgeon, soon saw an opportunity.
"I spent my entire career trying to fix the cars after they were already broken," he says. But working with WWE was a "chance to institute preventative measures. ... And I truly believe that this is the best preventative medical program I have ever seen in sports."...More?
source: pittsburghcitypaper
December 2, 2010
Heavyweight Champions
Another WWE Release
Standard line from wwe.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar MVP as of December 2, 2010. WWE wishes MVP the best in all future endeavors.
This Day in Wrestling History
Bret Hart wins the "Middle East Cup Tournament," which was held in Dubai. He defeated Steve Austin in the finals of the tournament.
December 2, 1996
December 1, 2010
More on Triple H Producing the Announcers
It was said to be "night and day" in regards to Triple H producing the announcers instead of Vince McMahon during WWE's television events in England a few weeks ago—which the WWE chairman missed. "The Game" reportedly said little to the announcers during the broadcasts, which was a huge change of pace from the usual swearing and screaming. Furthermore, when he had a point to make, he waited until a break to say it.
source: f4wonline.com
King of the Ring Raw Rating
The King of the Ring edition of Raw did a 3.1 rating with 4.76 million viewers based on hours of 2.65, 3.35 and 3.41.
Mick Foley Says He Doesn't Plan to Re-Sign with TNA
During an appearance on "Geek Week Live" on Tuesday, Mick Foley stated that he isn't planning on re-signing with TNA when his contract expires with the company next year.
"I love the idea of having a part-time job that pays well. TNA has been a real blessing in that sense. I would rather be motivated, but it's still nice in this economy to have a job like that. That will expire in eight or nine months. The chances of that relationship continuing are probably not that good. Once you have Hulk Hogan as the face of your company, there's no need for me. And one of the challenges they have on their show, and I understand completely, is there's only so much room for the non-wrestling talker every week, and I had a lot of time to do that for a year and a half."
Foley later went on to say that he expects part of his life to always be involved in wrestling and wouldn't be surprised to receive a call about the WWE Hall of Fame at some point. He also expressed disappointment with TNA not airing any footage of his appearance on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and Stewart's "Rally for Sanity."
"I've been beating myself up and it's frustrating because I can't seem to get the decision makers in TNA to realize that it is a big deal to show me in front of 250,000 fans at the Jon Stewart rally and to show the reaction of the crowd. What I'm getting when I ask these questions is a lot of what WCW was. With WWE, we knew that's who you talk to, and so it's very frustrating. I will eventually throw up my hands and just say, 'Okay, I'll walk to the mailbox every two weeks.'"
Foley added that he doesn't plan on wrestling more often as he gets hurt too easy and "it's not worth the extra tenth of a rating point."
source: prowrestling.net
Vance Archer Comments On His WWE Release
Recently released WWE talent Lance Hoyt (Vance Archer) was interviewed yesterday by The 7x Wrestling Show:
On his release from WWE: "The reason given to me was budget reasons. I understand that life, the economy, everything around us has kinda gone to crap it seems like. It's hard for anybody and everybody, including big businesses, to make money, keep money, and keep moving forward themselves. So, I understand the business aspect of it. Do I think it was a good business decision? Absolutely not. It caught me off guard."
On teaming with Curt Hawkins: "Curt's an amazing talent. I think if given the opportunity he's gonna be somebody that can succeed. We were kinda thrown together as a tag team. He hadn't be on television or even on the road for a year or something like that and he calls me up one night and he's like, 'Hey man, remember that idea I pitched a year ago? Well, it's happening. Were gonna be a tag team.'"...More?
Wrestlers & Celebrities Announced For “WWE Tribute to the Troops”
World Wrestling Entertainment(R) and NBC today announced that multiple-platinum, Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ new group Diddy – Dirty Money, charismatic King of Comedy, Cedric “The Entertainer”, and “Modern Family’s” Ariel Winter will join WWE on NBC’s third annual holiday special telecast, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.” The hour-long special honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces will air Saturday, December 18 (9-10 p.m. ET / 8-9 p.m. CT) on NBC.
The star-studded holiday event, taped at Fort Hood, Texas will feature music from Diddy – Dirty Money who will perform “Coming Home” off their new album “Last Train to Paris.” Emmy-winner Ariel Winter will sing “The National Anthem” and Cedric “The Entertainer” will bring his award-winning brand of comedy to the special . The telecast will also star “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd spreading holiday cheer and Miss USA, Rima Fakih, who will announce WWE matches featuring such WWE Superstars as John Cena(R), Randy Orton(R), The Miz(R), Rey Mysterio(R), The Big Show(R), and others.
Thousands of men and women based at Fort Hood have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” will chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families this holiday season, culminating with a special live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel.
This special marks the eighth consecutive year that WWE will bring its one of a kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.
This Day in Wrestling History
Fred Beell defeated Frank Gotch for the American Heavyweight title.
December 1, 1906
A match to finally unify the two World titles between Lewis and Stecher falls apart when Lewis again no-shows (see 10-6-26) and forfeits a $2500 bond
December 1, 1926
Stan the Man Stasiak defeated Pedro Morales for the WWWF(WWE) Heavyweight title.
December 1, 1973
D-Generation X spray painted "WCW" on Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart's back after a beat down.
December 1, 1997
