This Day in Wrestling History

Earl Caddock again defeats Wladek Zbyszko in Chicago, IL to retain the World title. A new title belt costing $2250 was shown to newspapers to be awarded to the winner of the May 10 Ed "Strangler" Lewis vs. Wladek Zbyszko match. Promoters from different parts of the country contributed to the cost of the belt, which would become the property of the champion after five successful defenses.
May 8, 1918

Wrestling Revolution - New Internet Wrestling Promotion

The first ever 100% crowd-sourced wrestling promotion created by the fans for the fans. By combining classic wrestling storytelling with the shortened television series structure innovated by networks like HBO, FX, BBC and AMC, our Wrestling Revolution product will be both familiar and entirely new.

Each 12 episode season will tell a complete set of stories, introducing characters that will evolve and grow with each passing season. Take the season long build of shows like THE WIRE or DEXTER and apply it to the basic wrestling model and you have an idea of where we're going...More?

Triple H Scouting Talent at FCW; WWE Also Looking in the UK

Triple H, The Undertaker, Sean Waltman and members of the WWE creative team were all at FCW on 5/4 scouting talent recently reports The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

It's also being reported that WWE is currently scouting talent in The UK, with an emphasis being placed on examining big, muscular wrestlers. According to wrestlezone.com, the company has a talent stall set up and confirmed for the Bodypower Bodybuilding/Strongman/Powerlifting/MMA/Fitness Expo, in Birmingham, UK on the 21st and 22nd of May.

Chris Harris Returns at TNA Live Event

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.

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

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

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.

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