February 22, 2012
This Day in Wrestling History
Sting defeats Hulk Hogan for the then vacant WCW World Championship.
February 22, 1998
February 21, 2012
Video: Triple H Explains Why He Wants to Face Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania
In a brief backstage interview at Raw, Triple H gave a storyline explanation that he selected a Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker because the match symbolizes "the end." Hunter said, "I'll give him an end there's no coming back from."
vids.wwe.com
Triple H’s Recent Promo Work
There has been a lot of internal praise for Triple H lately in regards to how good his promo work has been.
source: fw4online.com
Rumor Mill - Backstage Reaction to John Cena's Anit-Rock Promo
Many wrestlers backstage at RAW were happy to hear John Cena's comments about The Rock on RAW last night. The feeling among many was that the comments were a shoot on how many backstage feel about Rock.
One of the wrestlers backstage told PWInsider the following about the Rock under the condition of anonymity:
"[Johnson] comes in to use WWE to get back the audience he lost doing Disney movies, which is fine but he's been back over a year and name one person he helped make a bigger star since then? No one. He's here for himself, he keeps to himself, and he keeps someone who's actually touring here all year from making a bigger payday at the bigger shows. It's all about making this the "biggest" Mania of all time. OK, then what do we do the rest of the year? Who's been made? You think he took ANY blame for Survivor [Series] not drawing? Of course not, but how do you feud with a guy on the Titantron? Cena nailed the guy dead on tonight. Say anything about HHH, Taker, etc. still being in the top spot but if they were needed to work the road, they would and they would still work their asses off as much as they needed to. Rock is out for Rock and the idea he's here to better anything but his own wallet is the biggest work of 2012."
Update on Wade Barrett
PWTorch is reporting that Wade Barrett was diagnosed with a partially dislocated elbow. He was hospitalized at Hennepin County Medical Center last night and his elbow was put back into the socket. He was given morphine and released. He made his way back to his hotel in Minneapolis with his arm in a sling under his jacket. He seemed a little out of it, but was able to exchange pleasantries with fans at the bar. He told a correspondent who was there that his arm will be okay, but didn't offer up more details.
WWE.com states that he will be out of action for 6-8 weeks.
This Day in Wrestling History
After only 18 months with the WWF(E), Ric Flair made his return to WCW at SuperBrawl III.
February 21, 1993
February 20, 2012
WWE Posts An Update on Wade Barrett's Injury
WWE tweeted after Monday's Raw:
"BREAKING NEWS: @WadeBarrett suffered an injury to his left arm during tonight's Battle Royal and was rushed to a nearby medical facility."
During the Raw TV main event, Barrett appeared to be legitimately hurt following a ringside spot and was taken to the back with his arm in a splint.
Triple H vs. The Undertaker iII Announced for WMXXVIII: Hell In A Cell
After calling the last year hell because of uncertainty, Undertaker called out Triple H. Saying he was shocked Triple H said “no” to his WrestleMania challenge, The Phenom continued to push for an answer.
At first Triple H said, “I’m sorry, but the answer is no” and walked away from the ring.
But as the WWE COO walked up the exit ramp, Undertaker finally got what he wanted by saying: “You know Shawn (Michaels) was always better than you.”
With those biting words, Triple H removed his jacket and tie and strutted back to the ring to confront The Deadman. “I can do what Shawn couldn’t do … I can finish it. I know it. You know it …You want this? You want WrestleMania? You want it all to come to a head? You want an end? You got it!”
But before he left, The Game added one more thing: “We do this. We go all the way. No return. No uncertainty. No excuses. The Streak ends. The era ends. You get your end. We do this, we go all the way. I will face you at WrestleMania under one condition … Hell in a Cell.”
source: wwe.com
Trish Stratus Comments on Working with Vince & Stephanie McMahon
"Vince is amazing, he is a great man and I can truly say that the reason I was probably so keen in the business is because I was given the privilege of working side-by-side with him. I was new to the company and four days a week I would be side-by-side with Vince so I really got to look into his mindset and saw the way he worked and saw what a perfectionist he was and what a performer he was and I tried to just soak it all in.
"I also worked really closely with Stephanie McMahon and I couldn't produce anything thing more than excellence when I was performing with her and having Vince there at ringside, I think it just elevated my game and allowed me to become a great performer.
"I learnt a lot from Vince and he is a really good friend of mine to this day and a mentor as a businessman. Since I've left wrestling I look back at a lot of the stuff he's done and I think I've adapted some of his philosophies in what I've done, running my own Yoga studio and programs."
Batista: PG Approach Has Now Ruined Wrestling For Me
The star, who is now carving out a successful acting career with a role in Scorpion King 3, says he left the business after WWE decided to take a more child-friendly direction. In an exclusive interview, The Animal told SunSport: "I don't keep up with wrestling that much these days.
"The reason I left was the PG direction the company took, it got too corny for me. I was a hug fan of the edgy era of DX, Stone Cold Steve Austin and those guys. The change in direction really ruined it for me. "It's well recorded I'm not a fan of the likes of John Cena or The Miz. It's such a different company these days and not in a good way."
In a world where everyone always seems to return to the WWE eventually — Batista is not ruling out following the likes of Chris Jericho and making an in-ring comeback.
"If I did return to the WWE, it would be for a run not just a one-shot deal. "I'd have to be a constant for them not someone who drifts in and out to boost ratings. If I did I'd love to work with Triple H again or Undertaker. "They are the best workers there in my opinion and they'd make it worthwhile to return....More?
This Day in Wrestling History
Ed "Strangler" Lewis defeats Joe "Scissors" Stecher to finally unify the World championship in St. Louis, Missouri. Lewis had been recognized as World champion in various areas, while Stecher held the linear championship belt. This match had been put off several times since 1925. While Lewis now has the strongest claim as World champion, the New York State Athletic Commission decides to recognize Hans Steinke as champion.
February 20, 1928
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat defeats Ric Flair for the NWA World Title.
February 20, 1989
February 19, 2012
Sheamus to Face Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXVIII
At tonight's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event, Sheamus made his choice about who he will face at WrestleMania 28. He will face Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Raw Preview: The Undertaker Will Not Be Denied
WWE.com has posted a new video message from The Undertaker, in which "The Phenom" has promised to appear on tomorrow night's edition of WWE RAW SuperShow to confront WWE COO Triple H regarding WrestleMania 28.
WWE Elimination Chamber PPV Results 2012
Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Championship: Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz vs. R-Truth vs. Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. CM Punk
Winner: CM Punk (c)
WWE Divas Title: Beth Phoenix vs. Tamina Snuka
Winner: Beth Phoenix (c)
Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Daniel Bryan vs. The Great Khali vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Santino Marella vs. Wade Barrett vs. Big Show
Winner: Daniel Bryan (c)
WWE United States Championship: Jack Swagger w/ Vickie Guerrero vs. Justin Gabriel w/ Hornswoggle
Winner: Jack Swagger (c)
Ambulance Match: John Cena vs. Kane
Winner: John Cena
WWE Developmental Wrestler Bo Rotundo Arrested For Drunk Driving
WWE developmental talent Taylor Rotunda was arrested early Sunday morning and charged by Temple Terrace, Florida police with drunk driving.
Rotunda, 21, who wrestles under the name Bo Rotundo, was pulled over by officers on Fowler Avenue at Riverhills Drive at 2:36 a.m. today, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's arrest report.
Two breathalyzer tests showed blood-alcohol levels of .166 and .178. A driver is presumed to be impaired with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or greater in Florida.
He remained jailed Sunday morning. Bail was set at $500.
Rotunda is a third generation professional wrestler; his grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, father Mike Rotunda and uncles Barry and Kendall Windham all competed. His brother Windham is under contract to WWE and appears as Husky Harris. Rotunda has been under contract to WWE since 2008.
source: tbo.com
Next Three-Hour WWE Raw Date
USA Network is listing April 23 for a tentatively-scheduled three-hour WWE Raw, which seems to indicate the annual WWE Draft episode. The three-hour Raw would follow WWE's bi-annual European Tour and be the lead-in show for the Extreme Rules PPV from Chicago (the PPV following WrestleMania 28). The Apr. 23 Raw is scheduled for Detroit and tickets go on-sale next Saturday, February 25.
source: pwtorch.com
Airdate for 2012 WWE Hall of Fame
USA Network has updated its April TV schedule to reveal the 2012 Hall of Fame ceremony will air Monday, April 2. The one-hour episode will be part of a three-hour WWE TV block the night after WrestleMania 28. The ceremony will air at 8:00 p.m. EST prior to a standard two-hour Raw at 9:00 p.m. EST.
source: pwtorch.com
February 18, 2012
John Laurinaitis To Make Huge Announcement At Elimination Chamber
John Laurinaitis posted the following tweet earlier today:
FYI: I plan to make a HUGE announcement at Elimination #Chamber tomorrow. It might stop the show, and will certainly be a Game changer.
John Cena, Triple H & Sheamus Video Interviews
Coaster Boy Josh interviewed John Cena, Triple H and Sheamus at the Mania 29 press conference for Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. Instead of asking typical wrestling questions, we thought it would be funny to see how much WWE talent knows about pop culture.”
The video is available here.
This Day in Wrestling History
Lelani Kai defeated Wendi Richter for the WWF(E) Women's title
February 18, 1985
Mildred Burke dies of a stroke
February 18, 1973
Mildred Burke vs Millie Stafford
Kerry Von Erich dies of a suicide shooting at 33
February 18, 1993
Shawn Michaels vs. Kerry Von Erich
February 17, 2012
Triple H Is The Best In The Business
Opinion from CamelClutchBlog.com:
While Monday’s February 13 WWE RAW was certainly a polarizing episode, one thing most critics could agree on was the excellent segment between Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Love him or hate him, Triple H showed once again why he is the best all-around in the pro wrestling business.
Now the term “best” can constitute different things for different professional wrestling fans. The most common being his ability to get inside of the ring and have a blow away match. That is not the kind of “best” I am referring to here. I am referring to his ability to “work” the audience past the point of disbelief and turn those skeptical eyes into paying customers, while playing them like a fiddle in the palm of his hands.
I can already see the hate mail and negative comments coming from the blog. I get it, you don’t like Triple H. A large number of passionate fans who follow pro wrestling on the Internet have an outright hatred for the man. They despise everything he represents and see him as the anti-CM Punk. I understand your frustrations, but I am here to tell you that you are missing the big picture.
I look at Triple H as the all around best in the business right now. It is almost impossible for a babyface to invoke pure babyface heat in 2011. It just doesn’t happen. Sure, there are guys like CM Punk who are cheered but even he doesn’t get the kind of reaction a superstar gets. Triple H gets it the second he walks onto the ramp. The WWE fans love him! Strangely enough, he has been one of a few guys left who tapped into what the fans want out of their babyface. I don’t think there is anyone in the entire business that can grab those same reactions on a regular basis. Even The Rock appeared to wear out his welcome at times last year, yet Triple H still whips the crowd into a frenzy whenever he appears.
WWE Expecting Increase in Revenue Generated from WM29
WWE is expecting more than $62 million in direct economic impact to the New York/New Jersey area for WrestleMania 29 in 2013, which would be an increase over recent Manias. "WrestleMania has very quickly grown into a week-long celebration that generates in excess of $60 million of new direct spending for the host community," said WWE Senior Vice President of Special Events John Saboor at Thursday's WM29 press conference. "We expect by virtue of the enormity of this market and the popularity of this market that we can see an even greater result tied to WrestleMania week." The AP picked up the story, noting Saboor said last year's Mania in Atlanta generated $62 million in revenue and he believes this year's Mania in Miami will top that figure.
source: pwtorch.com
