Kristoffer Diaz' "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" an Off-Broadway drama about race and how it is portrayed in the world of professional wrestling was named the Best New American Play in the 2011 OBIE Awards, a prestigious theater awards ceremony in New York City.
May 18, 2011
Pro Wrestling Drama Wins Big in Off Broadway OBIE Awards
Major Change to WWE Talent Contracts
Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com is reporting that WWE has made a significant change to their talent contracts. The company now requires performers to purchase and maintain their own medical insurance before they can sign with the company - WWE will not be picking up the cost of any insurance.
WWE does cover the cost of injury sustained in the ring that may require any surgeries and also covers substance abuse of talent under contract or those previously employed with the company.
In contrast UFC has recently offered all their fighters medical insurance. The word is the WWE amendment is not a knee jerk reaction to what UFC has implemented.
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
Rumor Mill - Triple H at Money In The Bank?
WWE sent out an email today concerning their Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, which will take place in July. In the email, Triple H is advertised to appear at the event.
An Opinion on TNA's Rebranding
The rebranding of TNA as IMPACT is smart. TNA was a Russo/Terry Taylor-type pun that BACKFIRED. Advertisers thought TNA meant T n’ A, breasts and posterior. TNA actually picked a company name that was counterproductive. How stupid can you get?
But erecting IMPACT billboards in Stamford, CT, the home of WWE…that’s pretty stupid, too. You tweak the opposition if you’re No. 2 and closing the gap. IMPACT isn’t closing the gap. The mosquito can’t initiate a confrontation with the elephant. The mosquito just looks silly.
Then gets crushed.
source: mark madden wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Superfly Jimmy Snuka
May 18, 1943
Christian eliminated Booker T in a Battle Royal at Judgment Day to capture the newly reinstated WWE Intercontinental Title.
May 18, 2003
May 17, 2011
Steve Austin to Appear on Back-To-Back WWE Raw Shows
Stone Cold Steve Austin is being advertised to appear on the June 13th edition of WWE Raw being broadcast from The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, NY.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Austin is also booked to appear on the previous week's edition of Raw on June 6th to announce the winner of the WWE Tough Enough competition.
Rumor Mill - Sean Waltman Returning to WWE
The Score's Arda Ocal is reporting that ex-WWE Superstar Sean Waltman, aka X-Pac, has confirmed that he will make his return to the company in some capacity "very soon". Waltman has reportedly been assisting Kevin Nash and Undertaker with talent scouting, as well as helping talent work "main event style."
source: wrestlingnewssource.com
New TNA Championship
At last night's taping, TNA started a tournament for the first-ever Xplosion championship with the idea that the champion would be able to challenge any champion on Impact.
pwinsider.com
Update on Desmond Wolfe
Desmond Wolfe returned at last night's Impact taping in a new role as the Commissioner of TNA's Xplosion series, which makes sense for the overseas markets.
source: pwinider.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Bruno Sammartino defeats Buddy Rogers for the (WWWF)WWE Championship at Madison Square Garden.
May 17, 1963
Vince McMahon Sr. died of cancer at 69.
May 17, 1984
Marty Jannetty defeated Shawn Michaels for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
May 17, 1993
"British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith died of a heart attack at 39.
May 17, 2002
May 16, 2011
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
