Shawn Michaels:
"Wow, waking up to find twitter blaming me for an apparent suspension of @IAmJericho Seems to me I'd blame the horrific PC world we've allowed ourselves to be caught up in where you can't "act" & have it called "acting." BS!! I'll stand behind @IAmJericho any day of the week & twice on Sunday...what's the big "E" stand for in WWE anyway!! I honestly don't see how many of you make it w/that much anger in your life...seems exhausting & a colossal waste of time!! See, that's all I've got & I'm already tired!! Time to workout & hit my day. Y'all have a wonderful day!! :-)"
Jim Ross:
"He was playing the part of a wrestling villain in an entertainment based entity. It's not like he was at a sporting event like soccer and disrespected the flag, but rules are rules and they have strict rules regarding the flag in their company... He's playing a character, did an ad lib, and unfortunately he stepped over the line for the local culture, so he's been suspended indefinitely and hopefully it will work out."
JBL:
"After seeing reports of Chris Jericho in Brazil-it was what I suspected--Chris trying to entertain and be a heel. Apparently a Brazilian Flag comes into ring and Chris grabs it and kicks it (or something to that effect). Compare that to Sgt Slaughter burning the flag or all the crazy stuff that has gone on. This is nothing. EXCEPT we are in a new era and now that isn't acceptable.
Chris did what most old heels would have done, he reacted and a decade ago it would have been loved for the heat. However, times change and we have to as well-Chris acknowledged this and apologized. Chris is a wonderful person and one of all time great entertainers-there was no malice here from what I see and know about Chris. A mistake was made and is being dealt with.
As far as being illegal, please, if done in an entertaining arena it is considered as such. Like saying you can prosecute Anthony Hopkins for cannibalism because of his role in 'Silence of the Lambs'. I understand the arguements, I went through same thing in Germany and it was never considered a problem in Germany-only over the Internet and the Internet reporters. Chris' intent was to entertain not insult anyone in Brazil or the great Brazilian fans.
Times change and for the better. Chris did what a ton of older heels would have done and he reacted. He is being punished and he apologized. He is one of all time greats and a great friend, old habits are hard to change but we must.
Times change and we have to change with it, and we all will."
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May 25, 2012
Shawn Michaels, Jim Ross & JBL Comment on Chris Jericho's Brazil Incident
Jericho's Suspension Time Changed
WWE amended Chris Jericho's suspension from indefinite to 30 days.
Chris Jericho Suspended
Chris Jericho has been suspended indefinitely due to an irresponsible act of denigrating the Brazilian flag at a WWE live event in São Paulo on May 24. WWE has apologized to the citizens and the government of Brazil for this incident.
At a WWE Live Event in at São Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday evening, Chris Jericho reportedly denigrated the Brazilian flag during a match against WWE Champion CM Punk. Suspended indefinitely, Jericho responded to the incident in his own words.
“I made a bad judgment call in the course of entertaining [WWE] fans in Brazil,” Jericho told WWE.com. “I apologized to the people in the crowd for showing disrespect.”
During Jericho’s match with the WWE Champion at São Paulo’s Ginásio do Ibirapuera, the flag found its way into the ring, where Jericho crumpled it up and then kicked it.
Local law enforcement stopped the bout and gave Jericho the opportunity to apologize to those in attendance or face incarceration. The former World Champion expressed his regret to the crowd and the WWE Live Event continued.
Due to his actions, WWE officials suspended Jericho indefinitely.
“It was a bad move,” Jericho said. “I did it with [our] fans’ entertainment in mind and I’ll accept the consequences for that.”
This Day in Wrestling History
The Brian Pillman Memorial event is held in Cincinnati, OH at the Schmidt Field House. The card features the memorable Chris Benoit vs. William Regal match.
May 25, 2000
May 24, 2012
Changing The Game - PART 2: Triple H Peaks for Wrestlemania!
Click here for a peak at Triple H's training schedule. His trainer, Joe DeFranco comments on Triple H's consistency and dedication:
I may be the guy that designs Triple H's workouts, but a good workout "on paper" doesn't mean sh*t unless the person performing the workout believes in it and consistently gives it 100%! I can tell you first-hand that you won't find a more dedicated person than Triple H. It would be very easy for a guy like him to make excuses, miss workouts, cheat on his diet, etc. But, instead of finding excuses, he finds a way to get the job done! Most people would be shocked to hear that we train at 10:00pm until midnight most of the time...they also aren't aware of the painful injuries that Triple H has sustained during his legendary career...and I'm sure they have no clue that Triple H only gets 1-2 hours of sleep most nights when traveling. For example, here's an 'inside look' at Triple H's Wednesday schedule: Arrive home from filming SMACKDOWN around 4:00am >> Take a "nap" for about an hour (if he's lucky) >> Wake up around 6:00am in order to spend time with his kids before he leaves for work >> Head to the office early so he can get his first workout in >> Work a minimum of an 8-10 hour day at the office >> Rush home to put his kids to bed >> Perform a max-effort upper body lifting session while the rest of the world is sleeping. Please remember Triple H's schedule next time you convince yourself that you "don't have enough time" to workout and get in shape. I can go on and on about Triple H's "less-than-optimal" schedule and injury history, but my point is this: Instead of complaining, Triple H adapts and perseveres through adversity -- always finding a way to get the job done! THAT'S why he's successful, and THAT'S a major reason why this program produced the results it did.
More on TNA vs. WWE Lawsuit
As of this writing, neither WWE nor Brian Wittenstein have been officially served with the TNA lawsuit we wrote about earlier today.
Yesterday, a request for an expedited discovery in the case was filed by TNA. Earlier today, an affidavit signed by TNA CFO/COO Dean Broadhead regarding what he knew about the situation was filed as well.
The story making the rounds is that WWE approached TNA to inform them that Wittenstein was openly discussing his knowledge of when contracts were expiring and that it was a factor in WWE letting him go.
TNA is also requesting a temporary restraining order against Wittenstein and WWE, presumably to prevent them from sharing information or approaching talent. As noted earlier, a ruling was issued that any material WWE or Wittenstein had was to be returned to TNA and not destroyed.
TNA put up a $30,000 surety bond in order for the court to consider the injunction.
A hearing is scheduled for 6/11 in regard to the case in Nashville.
source: pwinsider.com
TNA wrestling files injunction against WWE over contracts, trade secrets violations
Maybe they should just break out the steel cage.
The natural business rivalry between Nashville-based Total Nonstop Action Entertainment Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. has spilled over to the courtroom.
TNA filed an injunction request Wednesday in Davidson County Chancery Court, claiming that a former TNA employee provided WWE with confidential information and trade secrets.
Just days after TNA learned about the breach, well-known TNA wrestler Ric Flair attempted to back out of his contract, according to the suit.
The filing claims that Brian Wittenstein, who worked for TNA as a live events and talents relations coordinator from 2008 until August 2011, took confidential wrestler contract information when he went to work for WWE earlier this year.
According to the suit, WWE is now using that information to poach wrestlers from TNA.
“This wrongful disclosure and misappropriation allows WWE to effectively price TNA out of the market and cause irreparable harm to TNA’s business and profitability,” the lawsuit reads. “WWE now knows the confidential details of TNA’s business affairs including its marketing and business strategy and analysis, which leaves TNA vulnerable to WWE’s unfair position in the market.”
Triple H Receiving Praise For NXT Tapings At Full Sail University
Last Thursday was the first NXT and FCW taping at Full Sail University which was produced by Triple H. This was the first big project Triple H had control over with no involvment from Vince McMahon.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting the tapings ran smoother than a typical RAW or Smackdown taping. It is said word going around in the company is constant compliments for how well Triple H handled all aspects of being in control.
WWE Teases WM30 Location
In the latest edition of WWE Magazine (cover-dated June 2012), WWE's "The Informer" character teases an Olympics tie-in to the WrestleMania 30 location. The text reads: "WM29 is locked in for N.J./N.Y., but plans are underway for the 30th Show of Shows. The location? Let's just say it's a city of 'Olympic' proportions."
Final FCW TV Taping?
Florida Championship Wrestling (WWE's Developmental territory) could be holding their final FCW TV taping Thursday in Tampa, according to FCW champion Tyler Black (Seth Rollins in WWE). Rollins tweeted Wednesday, "With NXT moving in, tomorrow could very well be the last FCW TV Tapings ever. Rumor has it my greatest rivalry is getting renewed."
Reports surfaced two months ago that WWE was not planning to renew their FCW TV deal with Brighthouse Network in Florida. WWE has now switched gears to a re-branded NXT season, which currently does not have U.S. TV distribution.
source: pwtorch.com
May 23, 2012
Update on Raw 3-Hour Format - New Revenue
USA Network has been interested in a third hour of Monday NIght Raw for years but WWE has not been interested. USA currently pays WWE about $700,000 weekly for Raw. An increase of $100,000 would mean $5.2 million in new gross revenue for WWE.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Rumor Mill - Flair Goes Off Script
Wrestlezone.com is reporting that a major issue which lead to tension between Ric Flair and TNA, and could potentially be one reason why Flair left the company, was the handling of the Gut Check segment on Impact featuring Alex Silva.
Flair went off the script when he chose Silva as the winner, which is now causing issues for TNA as not only did Flair go into business for himself, but Silva is from Quebec, requiring TNA to spend more time and money getting him a U.S. Visa if they want to use him with any amount of regularity.
Update on Ric Flair & TNA
According to several sources close to the situation, Ric Flair has indeed quit Impact Wrestling, and he basically just stopped showing up to events. The assumption at this point is that he's going to sign a WWE Legends deal and help fill time on the new TV network. Flair has energy drink and lottery endorsements to fall back on, too.
source: wrestlezone.com
This Day in Wrestling History - Owen Hart Passes Away
Owen Hart died in a tragic fall during the WWF(E) PPV "Over the Edge"
May 22, 2012
Chinese Company Buys AMC Theaters; Possible Blow to Shane McMahon's Co.
Shane McMahon is the Chairman and CEO of YOU on Demand, which offers customers in China movies on demand. The company has been struggling financially and Shane recently loaned the company $3 million dollars after making an initial investment of $4 million dollars in 2009.
The LA Times reports that a Chinese company has purchased AMC theaters which will provide the Chinese access to potentially acquiring rights to many more US based movies. First showings in a theater may hurt McMahon's on-demand business. The article follows:
Wanda Group of China buys AMC Entertainment
The owner of China’s largest movie theater circuit took a big leap forward into the U.S. market, acquiring AMC Entertainment Inc., the nation’s second-largest theater chain, the latest in a flurry of high-profile deal-making between the countries’ entertainment industries.
Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese conglomerate, said in a statement that it had reached an agreement to acquire AMC’s 5,034 screens in 346 theaters in the U.S. and Canada.
For Wanda, the acquisition of AMC gives the Chinese theater operator a pipeline into two of the world’s largest theater markets, giving it more clout in negotiating with major Hollywood studios that are eager to expand into the rapidly growing Chinese market. The AMC acquisition fits China’s strategy of forming alliances with American companies to expand its homegrown entertainment industry...More?
source: latimes.com
WWE Responds To Article Claiming The Company Is "Barely Above Pornography"
The following is from WWE.com's Stand Up For WWE page, which shows a response to an article posted in the Connecticut-based Darien Times by editor Joshua Fisher, who stated that WWE is a product "barely above pornography.":
Dear Mr. Fisher:
We are writing regarding your column that appeared in the Darien Times on May 17, 2012, where you state that WWE is a product “barely above pornography.”
Although this was an opinion piece, your position as editor of the Darien Times would ethically require you to report the facts accurately and not distort the truth. For future editorials and news stories that may pertain to WWE, we wanted you to be aware of the facts so you clearly understand our programming content and the type of entertainment we provide to our more than 300,000 fans in the state of Connecticut and millions around the world.
All WWE television programming features only TV-PG content as rated not by us, but by the network TV distributors and their standards and practices departments. WWE weekly programming has always appeared on basic cable or broadcast television. As any casual television viewer knows, your description of our programming, based on the Federal Communications Commission rules alone, would not be permitted on broadcast television or basic cable.
WWE is family entertainment. In fact, 40 percent of the millions of fans who attend our live events bring their children. It’s insulting to these parents to think that they would condone their children watching inappropriate content. WWE may not be your personal choice of entertainment, but that does not give you the right to damage our corporate reputation.
On behalf of WWE, its 690 employees and our fans in Connecticut, we would appreciate it if you would stick to factual statements about our organization and brand. For more information on our company, please go to corporate.wwe.com and feel free to reach out to us for the facts in advance of any articles you write relating to WWE.
Sincerely,
Brian Flinn
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
To read the article in question, click here.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Brian Pillman
May 22, 1962
Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna for the WWWF(WWE) Tag Team title.
May 22, 1972
Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
May 22, 1989
Vince Russo strips Ric Flair of WCW World Title, awarding it to Jeff Jarrett.
May 22, 2000
May 21, 2012
Your Attention is Needed for a Revolution That is Upon Us
WWE.com has posted a video hyping that a "Revolution" is coming to the company on 5/28 (next week's Monday Night Raw in New Orleans, Louisiana).
Former WWE Diva Ivory comments On Chyna, Tough Enough, Miss Kitty, More
Lisa “Ivory” Moretti was recently interviewed by RingbellesOnline.com about Stacy “The Kat” Carter using Jerry Lawler, hating the finish to her WM 17 match with Chyna and more. Here are the highlights:
On what caused her to go to the GLOW audition, and why she stuck around: “I went there because my girlfriend Nadine – who was my tag team partner Ashley – was an actress, so she got a call for an audition. So she wanted to drag me over there because we were friends from our cheerleading days… I didn’t know anything about wrestling and didn’t want to get squashed by a bunch of big, huge musclewomen but when I met Mando [Guerrero], he was the guy that turned me on to wrestling because he was so passionate about it.”
On being a Tough Enough trainer: “I wouldn’t have picked Linda Miles [to win Tough Enough 2]. I avidly said that when we had our sit-downs to decide who would stay and who would go – I mean, it was just all up to us, of course – but Linda Miles definitely has great charisma, but I knew she had an ego problem and I outwardly said ‘I will shoot myself in my foot if Linda Miles gets picked,’ because I don’t want to share a locker room with her.”
On standing up Ricky Steamboat at the Cauliflower Alley reunion last month: “I had a date with Ricky Steamboat to go to the pool and have a vodka rocks with him, the the GLOW girls said, ‘We’re all getting together for lunch, you gotta do that,’ and I was like, ‘Ooh, Ricky Steamboat and vodka or all the girls at lunch.’ And I did the girls and lunch because there are more of them and this is the beginning and we’ve all got to stick together… I hoped he would have forgotten, but then later at the banquet he reminded me, and he couldn’t find me. I was like, ‘Oh, man! Did I just blow it!’”
Her opinion of Stacy “Miss Kitty” Carter: “She was a poison. She used her Jerry Lawler card just to get on board and Jerry Lawler was an announcer, so he’s got a lot of push on who he can say great things about and interject about during his two hours on TV and then he’s also privileged to be in on the writers’ meetings. So here you’ve got a person who comes on board that has somebody rooting for them. She snuck her way into an angle with Chyna as the Mini-Me girl; look at all the stuff she got on board with that was already existing without her help – Right To Censor… she [even] got in on the Women’s Title and what did she do with it? Nothing.”
On Chyna squashing her at WrestleMania X-Seven: “She was a taker in the ring, not a giver… The only regret I have is that I should have kicked out at WrestleMania. If Mae and Moolah taught me anything, it was, ‘It’s live, do what you want to do.’ And when she lay on me like she did at the very end, I thought, ‘That is so rank’… and then the very next day at lunch, Stone Cold said to me ‘I didn’t like the way she pinned you.’ I said, ‘Me neither!’ “He said, ‘You should have kicked out.’ And I said, ‘That’s what I was thinking!’”
Rumor Mill - Ric Flair Leaving TNA?
A number of readers have asked why Ric Flair has disappeared from television and missed several TNA house shows since appearing in a Gutcheck segment on Impact Wrestling, judging Alex Silva.
Sources close to Flair and TNA have confirmed that the two sides are at a major impasse as there is a ton of heat on Flair for conduct outside the ring. It was described to me by one TNA source as, "being at the point it's not worth keeping Flair around."
There have been a number of incidents involving Flair at local establishments and bars in Orlando since coming to the company. At one point, sources indicate Flair was banned from drinking at the Hard Rock Cafe in Citiwalk due to an incident with him "acting inappropriate", according to one source, leading to venue management banishing him.
There are also stories aplenty within the company of Flair not being able to cover bar tabs and company management getting a call from the hotel and/or bar seeking payment. Most recently something similar went down at the hotel TNA utilizes for their wrestlers and staff, which the company has had a great relationship with for years, that was the final tipping point. At that point, Flair was pulled from several Louisiana house shows and the final TV Tapings before Impact Wrestling goes live on 5/31.
A similar issue led to Flair's meltdown last year on the European tour, where TNA's Craig Jenkins, after several days of fronting Flair money to cover a bar tab, refused to do so again. This led to Flair screaming at Jenkins in front of the entire crew and refusing to get on the TNA tour bus to head to the next date. Flair was left behind, missed a show and then returned to the tour the next day, apologizing to the locker room when he arrived. Publicly, Flair blamed the matter on the company not giving him "advances" like he would get when touring for WWE, citing that he was "used" to that treatment. Those comments upset people within the company because of the perception that the company "wasn't taking care of talents."
There have been a number of forces within TNA that have been against having him as a regular since he came into the company, noting that while he carries a high price tag, he hasn't translated into drawing money or ratings for the company - and now, his work in the ring isn't "Ric Flair level" anymore, but "Ric Flair level behavior" remains.
Alex Shelley Quits TNA
The Wrestling Observer reports that Shelley has made the decision to not renew his contract, which is set to expire "imminently."
WWE News: Jericho talks purpose of "creepy" vignettes, was a woman supposed to return with him?, who suggested he return without talking?
WWE star Chris Jericho says the pre-return vignettes that aired at the end of 2011 were simply supposed to reintroduce him to the TV audience and not represent anything more.
"They (fans) were looking too deep into it - WAY too deep," Jericho told the U.K. Sun in an interview. “It was just supposed to be a creepy thing. My idea was that it was the Mayan calendar in 2012 saying it’s the end of the world and I was going back and it’s the ‘end of the world as you know it.'"
Jericho says there was no change of plans after a girl was included in the vignettes. "The girl we just put in because she was creepy looking," Jericho said. "There was never supposed to be a girl coming in with me... It was exactly what it was intended to be - a cryptic little cool thing that led to me coming back and doing what I did.”
Jericho revealed that Vince McMahon suggested Jericho return to TV without saying a word to change up his standard return delivering a promo.
“That part was Vince’s idea. He was the one that suggested that and I thought it was great," Jericho said. "I like to do something different that people don’t expect. That’s what I’ve always been about, in everything I do.”
John Laurinaitis Injury Angle Post-PPV
John Laurinaitis may have crawled out of WWE Over the Limit with a win over John Cena thanks to an interfering Big Show, but the General Manager’s victory didn’t come without a serious price. WWE.com has gotten word that Mr. Laurinaitis was rushed to the emergency room from Raleigh, N.C.’s PNC Arena, showing signs of a possible concussion, possible ACL damage to his knee and a possible spinal injury. To add to this litany of serious injuries, the executive also suffered contusions over his entire body and was said to have difficulty raising his left arm and left leg, which can indicate possible nerve damage. The General Manager may have also suffered a broken clavicle. As of now, none of these injuries have been fully confirmed and it is unclear whether or not Mr. Laurinaitis will be able to attend Raw SuperShow Monday night.
source: wwe.com
This Day in Wrestling History
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title
May 21, 1982
Triple H defeated the Rock for the WWF(E) Heavyweight title
May 21, 2000
Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho defeated Steve Austin & Triple H for the WWF(E) Tag Team title
May 21, 2001
May 20, 2012
WWE Over The Limit PPV Results 2012
Preshow: Kane vs. Zack Ryder
Winner: Kane
Battle Royal
Winner: Christian
WWE Tag Team Championship Match: R-Truth & Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger
Winners: R-Truth & Kofi Kingston (c)
WWE Divas Championship Match: Layla (c) vs. Beth Phoenix
Winner: Layla (c)
World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Sheamus (c) vs. Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton
Winner: Sheamus (c)
Brodus Clay vs. The Miz
Winner: Brodus Clay
Intercontinental Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Christian
Winner: Christian - New Intercontinental Champion
WWE Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan
Winner: CM Punk (c)
Ryback vs. Camacho
Winner: Ryback
John Cena vs. Raw and SmackDown General Manager John Laurinaitis
Winner: John Laurinaitis after Big Show knocked out John Cena
