Happy Birthday to Koko B. Ware
June 20, 1957
Magnificent Muraco defeated Pedro Morales for the WWWF(WWE) Intercontinental title.
June 20, 1981
Rikishi defeated Chris Benoit for the WWF(E) Intercontinental title.
June 20, 2000
June 20, 2012
This Day in Wrestling History
June 19, 2012
WWE Network Update
In recent weeks, WWE has been looking at a model for their proposed network that would see them roll it out as a paid premium channel where subscribers pay "x" a month to their cable or satellite provider to have access to the channel, as you would for HBO.
The feeling is that it would be easier to roll the channel out in that fashion because it would guarantee money for the providers as opposed to expecting them to pay WWE for the content, at least initially.
There is a growing amount of pressure within the company to get the project off the ground and not even the model they've been talking about is 100% a go yet.
source: pwinsider.com
WWE NXT Removed From WWE.com
WWE has removed all listings and links for WWE NXT on their website, so it appears the rebranded version of the series, featuring mostly WWE developmental talents, will not be made available online officially by the company.
Mike Tyson returns to the ring in 'WWE '13'
The campaign premise of "Live the Revolution" continues, as THQ has announced the return of the incomparable Mike Tyson to the ring – virtually – in "WWE ’13," the revolutionary next installment in the WWE flagship video game franchise.
Often touted as "The Baddest Man on the Planet," the boxing legend and former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World will be available as an exclusive playable character for consumers who pre-order the videogame at any participating retailer in the United States or Canada for Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, Sony's PlayStation3 computer entertainment system or the Nintendo Wii system (while supplies last).
Tyson made headlines with WWE in early 1998 as part of the company’s groundbreaking Attitude Era, a time period prominently featured in "WWE ’13" through a brand-new single-player campaign. He is best remembered for his appearances leading up to and at WrestleMania XIV, where he was recruited by D-Generation X to serve as a ringside enforcer during the main event match between DX member Shawn Michaels and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for the WWE Championship. Tyson, sporting a sleeveless DX T-shirt and black jeans – the same look as his playable character in "WWE ’13" – interfered in the match, allowing Austin to secure the victory and ultimately abandoning his presumed alliance with the renegade faction. Tyson returned to WWE on January 11, 2010, as a guest on Monday Night Raw, and was then inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 30, 2012.
"As one of the most dominant champions in boxing history, and one of the most memorable guests to ever be featured on WWE programming, Mike Tyson led an incredible revolution that changed the way fans perceive the sport," said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President, Global Brand Management, THQ. "He was a tremendous addition to the Attitude Era, and is certain to attract a wide variety of fans to 'Live the Revolution' offered in 'WWE ’13.'”
"'The Baddest Man on the Planet' is back – and only in 'WWE ’13,'” said Mike Tyson. "Fans everywhere can now relive what I experienced during the Attitude Era."
Possible Names for Interim General Managers
WWE will be bringing back former General Managers for RAW and SmackDown while the Board of Directors finds permanent replacements. Some of the names that potentially could be used for the role include Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Jonathan Coachman, Mike Adamle, Bret Hart, Vickie Guerrero, William Regal and the Anonymous General Manager.
What Happened After Raw?
After Raw went off air, Big Show came back out to beat on Cena, but John ended up getting the upper hand and hit an AA on Show. As Big Show made his way up the ramp, he passed Johnny still crawling around in pain. He stood Johnny up, lifted is shirt and gave not 1, not 2, but as the crowd requested, 3 big slaps to the chest.
Johnny tried getting away again, but Cena said "We cant end the show like this" and brought out Zack Ryder. The Lauranitis beating continued with a Broski Boot. Of course, Triple H comes out to join the fun. The crowd is chanting for a Pedigree, but he said Johnny's front was all red, but his back wasnt, so they pulled up his shirt and delivered some more NASTY chops. Lauranitis was covered in big, red, visible hand prints. Johnny then get his Pedigree, and it looked like he kind of botched it and slammed his face on the mat. Justin Roberts lead the crown in "NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE" while Cena and Ryder greeted fans at ringside. As Johnny finally made it to the top of the ramp, Vince's music hit, he appeared and kicked Johnny right in the nuts to send us home happy.
Randy Orton and Triple H Set for SmackDown Tapings
Triple H is being advertised for the WWE SmackDown tapings on August 28th from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 11am. The dark main event advertised is Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Title.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Wahoo McDaniel
June 19, 1938
The current National Wrestling Alliance was formed as promoters Sam Muchnick (St. Louis), Fred Kohler (Chicago), Wally Karbo (Minneapolis) and others joined with president Pinkie George (who had promoted under the NWA name since 1946).
June 19, 1948
Bonnie Watson defeats Ella Waldek for the NWA Florida Women's Title in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
June 19, 1971
Antonio Inoki defeated Dick Murdoch in a tournament final for the IWGP Heavyweight title.
June 19, 1986
NWA: Total Nonstop Action debuted with a live Pay-per-view event from the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama
June 19, 2002
Ken Shamrock won a 20 man Battle Royal for the NWA Heavyweight title.
June 19, 2002
June 18, 2012
Ric Flair Fired By TNA
According to court documents filed in the WWE vs. TNA lawsuit case, TNA officially terminated Ric Flair on May 11, 2012.
WWE made that statement in the court documents while noting that Flair had been let go several weeks before TNA filed a lawsuit alleging that WWE had gone after Flair, described as "under a TNA contract" in the lawsuit.
That date would be Friday 5/11 while TNA's Sacrifice PPV was on 5/13. TNA claimed in the original PPV lawsuit that Flair had no showed the PPV. If he was fired, as the filing claims, he couldn't have no showed as he was no longer employed by the company.
It's interesting to note that Flair is still listed as an official member of the TNA roster on the company website.
source: pwinsider.com
TNA vs WWE Update - Hearing on June 29th
There will be a hearing in the WWE vs. TNA lawsuit on Friday 6/29 in Nashville, TN.
WWE requested the hearing as they have asked the court to Alter, Amend or Clarify the Order dissolving the temporary restraining order against them. Due to the wording used in the language of the order, WWE feels that some of the statements could create "further disparagement and controversy", so they filed the following motion seeking to clarify their stance on the lawsuit. Basically, WWE wants to make sure they are not trapped by some of the language used in the order dissolving their restraining order as the court used some material TNA proposed and adopted their wording. WWE does not want to be bound legally by that wording as the case progresses.
Here's a quick recap of some highlights:
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
