Happy Birthday to Ron Simmons
May 15, 1958
The Sheik defeats Bobo Brazil for the Detroit NWA United States Heavyweight Title in Detroit, Michigan, ending and beginning both men's ninth reigns.
May 15, 1976
The WWF(E) debuted at the Houston Coliseum forthe first time. The venue was a long-time stronghold of promoter Paul Boesh, who did commentary for the event. Ted DiBiase, who had just signed for the Million Dollar Man role, made his first appearance in seven years for the WWF(E) here, cutting an in-ring promo announcing he was now part of the company. The One Man Gang came out for his match and a physical issue was teased, since DiBiase had been a babyface in the market and hadn't yet been introduced as the persona he's known worldwide for these days.
May 15, 1987
WWF(E) broadcast Raw as part of a three episode TV Taping in Binghamton, NY. The taping featured Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the future Triple H, in his Raw debut. Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned John Chrystal at 3:10 with a standing Diamond Cutter.
May 15, 1995
Shawn Michaels resigned as WWF(E) Commissioner and Ric Flair defeated Jeff Jarrett for the WCW Heavyweight title and his 15th Heavyweight title reign.
May 15, 2000
The final arena based WWE NXT episode was taped at the SmackDown TV taping in Hershey Pennsylvania for broadcast via WWE.com on May 16th. WWE announced on May 14th, that they will tape NXT on Thursday from Full Sail University on a weekly basis.
May 15, 2012
partial source: pwinsider.com
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May 15, 2012
This Day in Wrestling History
May 14, 2012
Paul Heyman delivered Brock Lesnar’s lawsuit to Triple H
Next, a tense standoff ensued when Paul Heyman, accompanied by a lawyer, hand-delivered Triple H a lawsuit from Lesnar. According to Heyman, Lensar is owed millions after his contract was breached. “Consider yourself served,” Heyman said after calling Triple H a “corporate sycophant.”
As Heyman and Triple H squared off, Heyman criticized The Game’s business acumen. When emotions reached a boiling point, The Game grabbed hold of Heyman by the face. “You tell Brock Lesnar, he’s going to get everything he deserves,” Triple H said. But before things got even more physical, The Game relented and released his grip. As The Game left ringside, Heyman threatened another lawsuit – assault and battery – and vowed to see the COO in court.
source: wwe.com
More on WWE NXT Filming at Full Sail Univ; WWE Press Release
WWE and Full Sail University announced today an innovative partnership that moves live tapings of WWE NXT® series to Full Sail Live, the university’s state-of-the-art performance venue, and creates a new student scholarship fund.
Beginning May 17, 2012, students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience working with WWE, a leader in global entertainment, to produce NXT.
Throughout the taping schedule, Full Sail University students, staff, faculty and the general public will be invited to attend the live tapings on the campus. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales will go towards a scholarship fund for students enrolled at or planning to attend Full Sail University.
"WWE has always been a leader in creating superstars in front of the camera. Now, with this unique partnership with Full Sail University, WWE will develop stars behind the camera as well,” said Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events for WWE. “With the opportunity to host events at Full Sail's top-notch facilities and the chance to tap into Full Sail's greatest resource, its students, we are excited to provide real-world experience while giving us a fresh, creative perspective from ambitious students."
“As a leading entertainment and media focused institution we are delighted to announce this remarkable new collaboration, which highlights WWE’s commitment to education and advanced growth in the entertainment industry and Full Sail’s commitment to bringing industry-leading organizations directly to our students,” said Ken Goldstone, Chief Operating Officer for Full Sail University. “We look forward to sharing this incredible experience with our students, the entire Central Florida community and the millions of WWE fans worldwide.”
WWE NXT airs in more than 60 countries worldwide and also on WWE.com. WWE NXT showcases WWE’s brightest young talent as they battle to become the elite WWE Superstars of tomorrow.
May 13, 2012
Changing 'THE GAME' - Triple H's New Training Regimen
Two years ago, I was training a group of NFL & college football players when I received a message to call back a man by the name of Paul Levesque. "I couldn't really hear the message because it's so damn loud in here; but I think he's supposed to be a WWE wrestler or something", Ashley explained to me.
"Just put his number by my gym bag and I'll call him back if I have time tomorrow...I doubt the guy is actually in the WWE", I replied.
Then, one of my college athletes interrupted the conversation..."WAIT! What did you say his name was?! Did you say Paul Levesque? If so, that's Triple H! Go call him back right now! We can finish the workout on our own!"
The rest, as they say, is history...More?
source: defrancostraining.com
WWE TV News
We noted before that beginning July 2nd, many of WWE’s RAW Supershow tapings will begin 90 minutes before the live RAW broadcast airs on TV. Currently, tapings begin 30 or 45 minutes before RAW hits the air. Speculation now is that WWE may be filming a countdown show for RAW with that extra time. Officials have been wanting something like a RAW pre-show for a while now.
WWE is also looking at doing a Lucha Libre show with high-flying Spanish wrestlers and Spanish announcers. With the Cruiserweights show also set for this November, the bottom line is that WWE is looking to do a lot more TV shows this year as they prepare for the Network launch.
With NXT and FCW being taped at Full Sail University soon, word is that WWE will still be taping another show on Tuesday nights before the Superstars and SmackDown tapings.
Regarding the new tapings at Full Sail University, speculation is that Jim Ross and William Regal may end up announcing that show. The new tapings are being described as Triple H’s own project and something that Vince McMahon doesn’t have his “fingerprints” on, yet.
source: f4wonline.com
Linda McMahon Senate Run Update
Linda McMahon update #1: The Democratic Party in Connecticut has endorsed Congressman Chris Murphy for the state's U.S. Senate general election. However, Murphy will still face Democratic candidate Susan Bysiewicz in a primary election in August. If McMahon gets the Republican Party nomination, it appears she will face Murphy in November.
Linda McMahon update #2: The majority of Republican party delegates in Stamford, Conn. (home to WWE headquarters) are pledging votes to McMahon's chief GOP opponent, Chris Shays. However, the mayor of Stamford has already endorsed McMahon. The Stamford Advocate noted the mayor, Michael Pavia, received a $1,000 donation from McMahon during Pavia's 2009 mayoral campaign.
source: pwtorch.com
ESPN anchor says he was held back due to WWE background
ESPN anchor Jonathan Coachman ("The Coach" in WWE) says he was held back by ESPN management due to his background as an on-air WWE commentator and wrestling heel prior to joining the sports network.
"It really held me back for a while. There were certain people (ESPN executives) that were fearful of some negative backlash that they hired a guy best known for wrestling," Coachman told the local newspaper in Hutchinson, Kansas. "It was frustrating. I knew where I should be, at and I knew where I wasn't. But I also knew the reason." Coach also talked about being in Kemper Arena when Owen Hart died at the Over the Edge 1999 PPV when he was a sports reporter for Kansas City's ABC affiliate...More?
source: hutchnews.com
Will MMA fans watch King Mo in TNA?
Seventy-seven percent of MMATorch.com readers say they will not be tuning in to Impact Wrestling to watch MMA fighter King Mo in a wrestling ring. The following are MMATorch's poll result on a question of whether readers will tune in for King Mo in Bellator, TNA, neither, or both.
No for both - 40 percent
No for TNA; Yes for Bellator - 37 percent
Yes for both - 17 percent
Yes for TNA; No for Bellator - 6 percent
This Day in Wrestling History
The Boston Garden has its last pro wrestling show, put on by the WWF(E). The show was called "A Night To Remember".
May 13, 1995
May 12, 2012
Cody Rhodes Comments on How He Will Reach the Top of WWE, Wrestlers Coasting in WWE, What Inspired IC Belt Change, More
WWE Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes says he anticipates reaching the top of WWE because he doesn't see many others in the WWE locker room at his level of dedication and commitment.
"I guarantee you I'm going to make it to the top of this job because I don't think many people here do that any more. Actually, there's very few," Rhodes told Brian Soscia of Mix 106.1 Philadelphia promoting this weekend's Smackdown tour.
Rhodes prefaced his statement by saying the best career advice he received was from Shawn Michaels, who told him getting over and staying over is a full-time job. Rhodes noted many WWE stars are content with riding the middle and coasting to obtain a "good life," but he plans to push to the top.
Throughout the 15-minute interview, Rhodes spoke from a perspective that his mindset is to differentiate his character in a variety of ways. Rhodes said he did not wear kneepads to avoid looking like his father, Dusty Rhodes.
Not wearing kneepads put a lot of pressure on Cody's knees, though, so he began wearing the pads for support. Rhodes also said he felt not wearing kneepads to bug people "wasn't a money-making way to get heat."
Rhodes also talked about working with a mask, bringing back the classic Intercontinental Title belt, and the amount of time and money he puts into his ring gear.
May 11, 2012
Stephanie McMahon Assists her Mother's Campaign with a Mother's Day Email
Stephanie McMahon issues the following via her mother, Linda McMahon's CT senate campaign:
Dear Friend,
My mom is a lot of things to a lot of people. But to me, she'll always be the tooth fairy, the arbitrator of who crossed the imaginary line in the back seat during a long car ride, and my very best friend.
She taught me how to tie my shoes, made me eat my vegetables, and held my hand the first time I had my heart broken.
She taught my brother and me to stand up for what we believe in, to stand with those who can't stand up for themselves and above all, to always stand together.
Now that I'm a mom, I get it. Like so many young girls, I used to laugh at the thought of turning into my mother. Now, I pray my girls see in me what I see in my mom.
This Mother's Day, I hope you'll take a moment to share with all of us on Facebook, Twitter or email the greatest memories, prettiest pictures and biggest lessons you have of your mom. But more importantly, I hope you share them with her.
Happy Mothers Day!
Stephanie
WWE Making Major Change To NXT Tapings Beginning Next Week
WWE NXT will be graduating to its own tapings, combined with WWE developmental Florida Championship Wrestling starting on Thursday 5/17 at 7 PM.
The tapings will be held at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL (near Orlando) at the Full Sail Live gym. Tickets for the tapings will be free to FSU staff and students with ID as long as they reserve the tickets in advance. No word yet as to how the general public can attend.
I am told one of the reasons the tapings, which will be branded as "WWE Superstar Showdown", are being moved are to make it easier to integrate WWE developmental talent into the mix for NXT. The hope is that the University feel will give the show a chance for better crowd reactions as well as help upgrade FCW TV to a "grander" look than the FCW Arena in Tampa can provide. The plan is to upgrade NXT and give it more attention as opposed to it being a secondary show on the Smackdown tapings.
HHH is behind the moves and will be very involved with the tapings. He was said to be a big fan of the facility when he and other company executives, including Kevin Dunn and Stephanie McMahon scouted last year.
This past December, WWE filmed several potential pilots at the facility and signed an exclusivity deal with the University to prevent any other wrestling-related events from being held there. Full Sail is an entertainment media university with state of the art production facilities.
Triple H is advertised for the initial taping, which will also feature Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio and R-Truth & Kofi Kingston vs. Epico & Primo.
Currently scheduled tapings:
May 17, 2012
June 14, 2012
July 5, 2012
July 19, 2012
August 9, 2012
August 23, 2012
September 6, 2012
September 20, 2012
source: pwinsider.com
Update on Vince McMahon's Future in WWE
It's being reported that since Vince McMahon has been "passing the torch" of control of WWE over to his daughter Stephanie and her husband Paul Levesque (Triple H), the next big name babyface star in WWE (such as Hulk Hogan, John Cena, etc.) could very well be the last one to be selected by Vince himself. It's been well-documented over the past couple of years that Vince has taken Triple H and Stephanie under his wing a lot more in trying to prepare them to take over the company.
source: wrestling observer
This Day in Wrestling History
The New York State Athletic Commission lifts a ban on tag team wrestling.
May 11, 1953
New Japan Pro Wrestling stars began arriving in the United States for a three night tour, the first time the promotion had run a tour in the States.
May 11, 2011
May 10, 2012
More Bad Publicity for WWE's Stock Price
During CNBC's "Mad Money", host Jim Cramer was asked yesterday about WWE stock. Cramer's response, "SELL, SELL, SELL, no growth!"
source: wrestling observer
Vince McMahon Donates to U.S. Presidential Candidate
According to an ABC News report, WWE CEO Vince McMahon has donated $2,500 to U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The report looks at "celebrity donors" for Romney and current U.S. president Barack Obama ahead of the 2012 election.
source: pwtorch.com & wdsu.com
John Cena Filing For Divorce, "Nastiness" Expected in Case
The Miami Herald is reporting that WWE star John Cena is filing for divorce from his high school sweetheart and wife of 3 years, Liz Huberdeau. The following is an excerpt from the report:
Tampa resident and WWE superstar John Cena has filed for divorce from his high school sweetheart and wife of only 3 years, Liz Huberdeau, saying the marriage is "irretrevably broken." The soon-to-be-ex-Mrs.Cena has armed herself with powerful Miami attorney Raymond Rafool, best known for going head to head with Hulk Hogan in his nasty divorce battle against ex-wife Linda. In that case, Rafool allegedly took Hogan for 70% of his assets. Huberdeau hopes for something similar, but it's not going to be easy. Cena, worth over $18 million, has a 2009 prenup that is said to include the ability to take back all gifts and presents.
TMZ.com reports that Cena attempted to get her to sign a "pre-divorce financial settlement agreement" but she turned that down, believing they would be able to reconcile the issues.
Another insider warns that this isn't going to be pretty, saying "This is going to dwarf the Hogan divorce in nastiness." Yikes.
TNA Returns to MD
Aberdeen, MD will host the IMPACT WRESTLING BaseBrawl event on Friday, July 20 at Ripken Stadium at 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 12 at http://www.ironbirdsbaseball.com and charge by phone at 410-297-9292. Fans that purchase a $50 ticket will receive a special meet and greet with IMPACT WRESTLING Superstars at 5:30pm (redeemable with ticket the night of the show). Appearing will be Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson, Velvet Sky and more!
MMA fighter reportedly signs with TNA
MMA fighter "King Mo" Lawal will sign with TNA and the Bellator MMA promotion, according to Sherdog.com. As part of Spike TV's partnership with TNA and Bellator, Lawal is expected to perform simultaneously for the organizations. His debut is unknown at this point, as Lawal is currently recovering from knee surgery.
WWE reveals in-person social media test
WWE marketing executive Jason Hoch recently participated in a social media panel with representatives from ESPN, Major League Baseball, and other sports groups discussing the influence of social media on live sporting events. Hoch pushed WWE's recent pre-PPV offerings on YouTube. He also claimed that 25 percent of attendees at a house show last weekend voted in the "fans's choice stipulation" for the show's main event as part of a test on "in-person social engagement."
Rumor Mill - Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H Plans
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting the creative plans for Brock Lesnar vs Triple H are being kept very secretive. Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, John Laurinaitis, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman and a few others are aware of the plans but nobody else.
The WWE creative writing team hasn't even been informed on the specific direction of the angle. Those high ranking WWE officials are claiming Triple H vs Brock Lesnar will NOT happen at SummerSlam but reportedly sources still say the match will take place in August.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Tito Santana
May 10, 1953
Happy Birthday to William Regal
May 10, 1965
Verne Gagne retired as AWA Heavyweight Champion.
May 10, 1981
Vince McMahon officially announces the end of the failed XFL football league.
May 10, 2001
May 9, 2012
Kassius Ohno Suffers Injury
FCW star Kassius Ohno, the former Chris Hero, is reportedly out of action due to a cervical sprain that happened at the April 26th FCW tapings in a match against his former partner Antonio Cesaro. Ohno did a twisting dive onto a bunch of guys but landed short and on top of his head. He was able to finish the match but was taken to the hospital for x-rays.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Martha Hart files an updated lawsuit against Vince and Linda McMahon and WWE
Martha Hart filed an updated lawsuit against Vince and Linda McMahon and WWE in the ongoing battle over WWE's usage of Owen Hart's name and likeness. The new claims include:
*Owen's name would have reverted back to strictly his usage after his passing.
*That Owen's legal name is not a "ring name" and therefore WWE does not have the rights to use, market and promote that name in their materials and DVD releases.
*That WWE released eight DVDs and other items (including the WWE Encylopedia) without proper payments to Owen Hart's estate per his contract with Titan Sports, which required that royalty payments continue after his death.
*WWE used original intellectual property such as family photos without the estate's permission.
*That the Owen Hart Foundation has been hurt its unwanted association with WWE through their usage of Owen Hart video and material.
Linda McMahon filed a motion on May 2nd asking for more time to respond to the updated complaint. There was a settlement conference on the 4th via telephone to try and settle out of court. No word on how that went. A court date for a potential settlement was set for this September.
source: kokosports.com
A Revolution Is Coming....
WWE's new viral marketing campaign is already underway. The campaign, which states, "A Revolution Is Coming," has launched on the WWE website and will be pushed more heavily starting on Monday. No word yet on if the campaign will air on television - or whether it is promoting a superstar return/debut, the WWE Network launch or something else.
The video, which is hidden on the WWE.com and appears randomly before certain video content on the site, appears to show flashes of citizen uprisings.
