As noted before, Goldust was recently released by WWE after working as a producer for the SmackDown brand. Word came out that an undisclosed incident at the April 24th SmackDown tapings in Grand Rapids, Michigan led to his contract being terminated.
F4Wonline.com now reports that the belief is that Goldust was responsible for coming up with the spot on SmackDown where Yoshi Tatsu took a double-team powerbomb finisher from Darren Young and Titus O'Neil. Tatsu landed bad and the bump was said to look even worse live than it did on TV.
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May 9, 2012
Rumor Mill - SmackDown Incident That Led To WWE Terminating Goldust's Contract
May 8, 2012
Another Bad Sign for the WWE Network
After reports came out that Oprah Winfrey's new OWN Network would lose over $300 million at the start, Discovery CEO David Zaslav said that he feels that the network will be at break even status by the second half of 2013. Discover co-owns the network with Winfrey. While I don't think WWE will see losses even close to that level on their network given that they own so much of the product that they will be delivering, it's still a pretty scary proposition for them when someone as popular and attracts the affluent audience that Winfrey does has such problems with a start up.
source: pwinsider.com
Change Being Made For WWE RAW Taping Schedule
WWE is changing the start time of their Monday night tapings. Beginning July 2nd, many of the Monday tapings will start 90 minutes before the live Raw broadcast. Currently, the tapings begin 30 or 45 minutes before Raw. No word yet on why WWE is extending the Monday tapings.
How Long Is Paul Heyman Back On WWE Television For?
PWInsider.com is reporting Paul Heyman will be appearing on WWE semi regularly until SummerSlam.
It is reported that Brock Lesnar and Triple H will have a SummerSlam match in August and Heyman continues to represent Lesnar up until that event. WWE feels Heyman is able to speak for Lesnar and keep the storyline going while not having to use up too many dates for Lesnar's appearance.
Reportedly Heyman has agreed to do this storyline to work with people he genuinely enjoys such as Lesnar, make some money and get his name back out there in regular conversation.
CM Punk Addresses WWE’s Anti-bullying Campaign After Telling Fan To Kill Himself; Later Apologizes
WWE Champion CM Punk spoke out on Amendment 1 Monday morning on Twitter as he strongly feels same sex marriage should be legalized in the state of North Carolina. The WWE Superstar subsequently told a fan on the microblogging website who disagreed with his beliefs to “kill yourself;” the message read, “Man was meant for woman, and even the thought of homo’s make me sick.” Punk was chastised for his harsh remark by another Twitter user, who reminded him of WWE’s anti-bullying campaign ‘be a STAR.’
“Telling someone to kill themselves? B A Star. How about creating a positive change instead of civil unrest? Ass.,” the Twitter user wrote to the WWE Champion.
Punk, however, disagreed, as he said he’s fighting bigotry. He responded, “Hey moron, don’t try to hide behind the be a star campaign. I am a star. I’m fighting bigots here. Zero tolerance.”
The WWE Superstar then poked fun at “dirtsheets” for reporting his earlier remark, writing, “Dirtsheets need to report that I have cilantro in my teeth. Then swallow tacks.”
Following Raw, the WWE Champion issued an apology.
“I was pretty worked up today. The amendment 1 situation had me all wound up. I stand by my thoughts on gay marriage 100%. How I defended that stance was 100% wrong. I admit it. You can’t stoop to others levels. Sometimes I fight fire with fire and it isn’t ways the best way,” he said.
“To @ezeekay: I apologize. I don’t want you to kill yourself. I want you to better yourself. Just as I want to better myself. “I’ll start by being the better man and once again, apologize for my harsh reaction to your opinion of homosexuals making you “sick.”
“Sorry y’all. If I let anybody down, I apologize. I’ll make it up to ya and move forward with a better understanding of others feelings.#pma.”
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
May 7, 2012
Triple H To Appear On Next Week's WWE RAW SuperShow
It was announced on Monday night's WWE RAW SuperShow that WWE COO Triple H will appear on next week's broadcast to address the attack on him perpetrated by Brock Lesnar last week.
Steve Austin Signs Deal With CMT
CMT INKS DEVELOPMENT DEAL WITH STEVE AUSTIN AND TAPS HIM TO HOST NEW REALITY COMPETITION SERIES "REDNECK ISLAND"
LOS ANGELES – May 7, 2012 – CMT has inked a development deal with actor and former WWE superstar Steve Austin, tapping him as host of a new 10-episode series REDNECK ISLAND, it was announced today by Jayson Dinsmore, EVP, Programming and Development, CMT.
Big Name Returns on Raw
Infamous wrestling promoter and commentator Paul Heyman, best known for his time as ECW creative head, returned on Monday Night Raw tonight. Heyman cut a promo in the ring running down the WWE Universe, management, and concluded by reading "a letter" from Brock Lesnar, who did not appear on the show.
According to the letter, which is obviously part of a storyline, Brock Lesnar will not be appearing in the WWE again, and has quit the company.
Celebrity to Release Triple H Interview Online
Celebrity magician Criss Angel is promoting an event on his website on May 19 that will include an interview with Triple H discussing Brock Lesnar and Angel arm-wrestling Carrot Top. The interview with Hunter, which was recorded over the weekend when Hunter was in Las Vegas, will be released one day before the Over the Limit PPV on May 20.
source: pwtorch.com
official.crissangel.com
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, 2012
WWE PR Vice President Departs
F4WOnline.com reports Robert Zimmerman, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, Media Relations, and Public Affairs, has left the company. Additional details on his departure have not been disclosed.
Goldust Reportedly Released By WWE
After the official WWE website transferred Dustin “Goldust” Runnels’ profile from the Raw Superstars section to the Alumni section on Friday, PWInsider.com confirmed that he was released from his contract with the organization last week. An undisclosed incident at the April 24 SmackDown taping in Grand Rapids, Michigan led to his contract being terminated. He had been working behind the scenes since suffering a shoulder injury in December 2010.
Triple H accompanies Floyd Mayweather Jr. to the ring in Las Vegas
Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a little extra muscle in his corner this past Saturday in Las Vegas when WWE COO Triple H – sporting a brace and a small sling over his broken left arm – accompanied the undefeated boxing champion to the ring for his highly anticipated bout against Miguel Cotto.
The practice isn’t exactly new for the prizefighter known as “Money,” who can often be seen with rapper 50 Cent at his side when the takes the long walk from the training room to the squared circle. But his entourage expanded considerably at the MGM Grand Garden Arena this past Saturday, when The King of Kings and singer Justin Bieber joined 50 Cent in backing WrestleMania XXIV veteran Mayweather as he took to the ring. "I've been friends with Floyd since [WrestleMania XXIV]," The Game told WWE.com reporters. "Quite frankly, I was just going to see fight, and then he sent word that he wanted to see me before the fight and asked if I wanted to walk down to the ring with him."
The Game was part of an impromptu entourage of sorts that included 50 Cent and Bieber, who is one of Mayweather's daughter's pop idols and was in town for the fight.
"It was quite the interesting trio," the WWE COO conceded.
Though The Game was showing the effects of an attack by Brock Lesnar this past week on Raw SuperShow, it didn’t stop him from enjoying the pulse-pounding bout. The multiple-time World Champion addressed his injuries and speculation within the locker room and across the WWE Universe.
“It wasn’t just one thing that was broken," said Triple H of damage sustained almost a week ago. "It's complex and that's why there's misinformation."
The Game thus finds himself toting a mechanical brace that offers various ranges of motion and, fortunately, versatile enough to remove for media photo opportunities while in attendance for the major boxing event.
"I have to be able to take the brace on and off [to rehab]," he said. "Trust me, it was the last thing I wanted to wear while I was in Vegas trying to have a good time."
Mayweather ultimately won the tightly-scored fight, capturing Cotto’s junior middleweight title in the process.
"I thought it was a phenomenal fight," The Game said, describing his friend's victory. "I think Floyd rises to the occasion of every fighter he fights."
source: wwe.com
Another Has-Been Comments on Triple H
Shortly before Extreme Reunion, Shane Douglas appeared on Inside The Ropes and said the following about Triple H:
"An overachiever. He doesn't seem to have the skillset to get to the position he's at. But in saying that he's a good ring general and I think he's the one guy in the locker room that could've worked in the original ECW."
source: wrestlinginc.com
Sort of a back-handed comment. One one hand Douglas doesn't think he deserves what he has, but thinks Trips would have done well in the only federation Douglas is proud of....*yawn*
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, 2012
Chicago Newspaper Runs WWE Financial Piece: "A Good Day to be in the Wrestling Game"
The Chicago Tribune recently posted about the WWE, this time in their Business section. The city's largest newspaper commented on the success of the WWE in the first quarter, claiming that it's "a good day to be in the wrestling game." The article also notes the first quarter financial decline of several other Connecticut-based companies, such as Northeast Utilities and Gartner, Inc.
Triple H Storyline "Medical Update"; Requires Surgery
WWE medical officials were initially optimistic that the fracture in Triple H’s left arm could be treated non-invasively, but further examination revealed that the break, in addition to severe ligament and tendon damage around the elbow, would necessitate surgical repair.
As of this writing, it is not yet known how the WWE Board of Directors will respond to this sinister assault or what consequences await the former UFC champion. Rumors and speculation continue to swirl not only around the WWE Universe, but also the WWE locker room.
May 4, 2012
Update on Terry Taylor
Terry Taylor has been at FCW for the past week but nobody seems to know what his official job is. Talents in FCW were told that nothing is going to be changing except the TV tapings will now be done in Winter Park, Florida.
Rumor Mill - Vince McMahon Angry With Website & Wants Backstage Changes
Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting Vince McMahon has been furious with the WWE.com staff as of late. The most notable incident is when McMahon met with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie during the announcement and hype of WrestleMania 29, nobody from WWE.com was present to take photos, video or write a story.
The report also states McMahon hasn't been happy with the backstage communication as of late. At Extreme Rules, fingers were being pointed at problems such as John Cena's promo, Lesnar almost getting hurt and timing issues on RAW.
WWE expects more rehersals before events to keep the writers and producers/agents communicating. Reportedly McMahon is going to have more specific scripting on WWE programming with him approving nearly everything.
This Day in Wrestling History
Henri Deglane defeats World Champion Ed "Strangler" Lewis by disqualification in Montreal, Canada after allegedly being bitten by Lewis. Deglane then claims the Paul Bowser recognized American Wrestling Association World championship and it splits off from the main line of World champions. This match has become legendary with many speculating that Deglane actually bit himself in the locker room between falls and then hid the bite until the match restarted thus getting the DQ win over Lewis.
May 4, 1931
It was announced by Vince McMahon that Andre the Giant had suffered a broken ankle. The injury was blamed on Killer Khan, setting up a series of grudge matches after Andre recovered. WWE maintained ownership of the giant cast used to set the ankle and often displays it at their annual AXXESS events.
May 4, 1981
During an edition of Smackdown in Tucson, Arizona, Jacquelyn (aka Jackie Moore) answered an open challenge from WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero, defeating him with a low blow inside of three minutes to win the Cruiserweight Title, the first woman to do so since the belt became a WWE property.
May, 4, 2004
WWE publicly confirmed they were bringing the ECW brand back as a full-time entity and were signing talents to deals with the brand slated to debut at the June 2006 One Night Stand PPV.
May 4, 2006
The Necro Butcher's scene with Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" where they brandish a staple gun in the midst of their hardcore CZW match was nominated for the very dignified "WTF Moment" MTV Movie Award. The scene did not win, but was one of many notable mainstream media mentions for Butcher that year, including a shout-out during the Academy Awards.
May 4, 2009
Following a less than stellar run on Monday Nights, SpikeTV issued a press release that TNA Impact would be returning to Thursdays on 5/13/10. “The fans have spoken and with their input we have determined the best timeslot to maximize the TNA audience is on Thursday nights where we are confident it will be among the most-watched shows with young men,” said Brian J. Diamond, senior vice president, sports and specials for Spike TV, in the release, which also announced the addition of Reaction, a well produced series that followed up on Impact's developments. Reaction ended up running several months and in some weeks, was better than Impact.
May 4, 2010
partial source: pwinsider.com
May 3, 2012
More than 100 former NFL players sue league, saying they weren’t protected from concussions
More than 100 former NFL players have filed a federal lawsuit in Atlanta claiming that pro football didn’t properly protect its players from concussions.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include former Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson, ex-Georgia star Lindsey Scott and veteran quarterback Don Majkowski.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in Georgia, claims the league failed to protect NFL players from brain injuries linked to football-related concussions.
They are among more than 1,000 former NFL players suing the league. The cases say not enough was done to inform players about the dangers of concussions in the past, and not enough is done to take care of them today.
The league has said any allegation that the league intentionally sought to mislead players is without merit.
source: associated press
Wade Barrett Featured in New WWE Studios Project
Prowrestling.net is reporting that WWE star Wade Barrett is involved in the filming of a new WWE Studios projected called "Dead Man Walking" - a joint venture with IM Global. Barrett is featured in a supporting actor role in the film. Other stars in the film include Colin Ferrell, Noomi Rapace and Terrance Howard.
Recap of WWE Earnings Conference Call
Vince McMahon hosted a conference call pertaining to the first quarter financial report that was released on May 3, 2012. The following are the highlights of the call.
-Once the legalities were out of the way, Vince McMahon took over and had positive things to say about the live events numbers. He spoke about expanding into new markets such as Abu Dhabi and Russia.
-Vince said television ratings are holding up very well. He said their social media numbers are extraordinary. He said people think they are cutting edge and doing it better than everyone else. "I suppose we are, but we've only scratched the surface," McMahon said. He also touted their relationship with Youtube.
-Vince said they are continuing with their WWE Network launch plans. He mentioned they are making key hires. He said the negotiations continue with the carriers. He said that is going very well.
-McMahon touted the new WWE Studios model and then turned things over to CFO George Barrios, who ran through the financial presentation. Once Barrios finished his presentation, they opened up the lines for phone calls.
Oderint Dum Metuant: Let Them Hate As Long As They Fear
