Former TNA and WWE star Chris Harris returned to action at last night's TNA live event in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Harris teamed with Matt Hardy and lost to Tag Team Champions Beer Money. Hardy introduced Harris as his surprise partner before the match and Harris ended up taking the pin from Beer Money at the end of the match.
May 7, 2011
Chris Harris Returns at TNA Live Event
Rumor Mill - The Undertaker's Status
Nothing is official, but the internal thought with WWE is that The Undertaker is basically retired, which explains Michelle McCool's departure to stay at home with him. According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, physically Undertaker is in far worse shape than is being let on. The company is not ruling out him wrestling next year at Wrestlemania, however, they are not expecting him to work another match before then. His friends have talked to him about winning again at Wrestlemania 28, and retiring with a 20-0 Mania streak.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Owen Hart
May 7, 1965
Ric Flair defeated Ricky Steamboat for the NWA World Title.
May 7, 1989
May 6, 2011
Video: Celebrities Join WWE for the Kickoff of the "be a STAR" Anti-Bullying Campaign in Washington, DC
Shane Helms and Girlfriend in Serious Motorcycle Accident
Tha O Show host, Big Daddy Donnie is reporting that frequent guest Shane Helms and his girlfriend have sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident last night. Helms is reported to have suffered a broken leg, broken ankle, and broken nose. His jaw seems to have been dislocated and he has received over 200 stitches. Karen suffered a broken neck. It is not yet known to us how the accident occurred
Vince's Thoughts on WWE Talent Development
Vince McMahon was asked about talent development during yesterdays investor call and he said that The Rock's return has made them more aware by having older names "brushing up" with younger talents like The Miz and Alberto Del Rio.
Vince feels that talent development is "going very well" and that Edge's retirement won't hurt their bottom line because they're doing so well with developing new talents.
source: pwinsider.com
This Day in Wrestling History - WWE Gets the "F" Out
As the result of a nasty legal battle with the World Wildlife Fund, the WWF makes the official change to the WWE.
May 6, 2002
May 5, 2011
Chyna's Contract Status with TNA
TMZ reports Chyna is currently working with TNA on a "handshake deal" with a "very, very short leash" after she made her debut at Tuesday's Impact TV tapings.
According to TMZ's report, no official agreement is currently in place for Chyna to work beyond her two-show appearance - Tuesday's Impact TV taping and next Sunday's Sacrifice PPV.
Pwtorch.com reported on Wednesday that Chyna was brought in to replace Isis the Amazon for the role of Kurt Angle's on-air "mistress" when TNA determined Isis was not ready to wrestle on national TV.
The role required the "mistress" to team with Angle against Jeff & Karen Jarrett. TNA determined they were better off calling in Chyna - despite an eight-year hiatus from wrestling - for a quick program than featuring the inexperienced Isis.
TMZ also reports Chyna has been offered a one-year contract with the IGF promotion in Japan. The promotion regularly features U.S. stars, including wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Bobby Lashley, who wrestled in Japan last month.
Chyna's last significant wrestling appearance was in Japan in October 2002 for the New Japan promotion.
source: tmz.com & pwtorch.com
McMahon Conference Call - new WWE TV Network "hybrid" format, WWE to debut new programming soon, more content updates
The biggest news coming out of WWE's quarterly conference call with investors is WWE outlining a revised plan for the proposed WWE TV Network. The current goal is to form a "hybrid" network incorporating a traditional TV distribution model with online/mobile distribution.
No timetable has been established on when the Network could roll out, but WWE has previously said 2012 is their target year.
WWE CEO Vince McMahon said they've had "very favorable reception" to the traditional TV distribution model, but the Network will likely be a "flexible hybrid" working with the likes of Netflix or distributing on Apps because the opportunities to derive revenue come from "so many different directions."
WWE CFO George Barrios said the exact manifestation of the Network is "to be determined," but they're looking forward to making use of their expansive video library to make up a good portion of the programming.
Aside from the Network plans, McMahon noted WWE will be rolling out "new live event programs" in the "not too distant future" with their current TV partners. He added it "won't be too difficult" to find a home for their expanded programming line-up.
John Cena discusses wrestler health issues, Edge's retirement, life after wrestling, his personal end point, more
While WWE was in Florida this week, WWE champion John Cena sat down with Bright House Network's Rock Riley for an interview covering pertinent topics related to the WWE lifestyle. The following are highlights of the interview:
Cena said he approaches his WWE career knowing there is an end point and he's preparing for a future beyond wrestling.
"I have an extreme realist concept about me living this dream. I know that it's entertainment and everything has an end point," Cena said.
Cena said he believes developments in this area have to do with the wrestling industry coming out of the dark ages decades behind advancements made by the NFL, MLB, and NBA in the area of protecting their players.
"Nowadays, we have talent given financial advisement, we have advisement on health care, they have to pass health exams, they're drug tested," Cena said. "You're pointing talent in more of a direction to say, 'Listen, this is the entertainment business. You have what you have while you're in it and there will be an end point, so we're preparing you for after that end point.'"
WWE Reports 2011 First Quarter Results; McMahon "Disappointed"
“Our first quarter adjusted EBITDA declined 20% reflecting mixed performance from our business lines, including the impact of the ongoing transition in our talent base, and an increase in SG&A expenses. While we understand the lead time required to develop new characters with broad appeal, we were disappointed with our financial performance and our management team is working on addressing these challenges,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our longer-term opportunities to leverage our strength as the ‘New WWE...More?
May 4, 2011
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
