June 5, 2013
Mike Tyson: Chael 'hands down' better trash talker than Ali, Vince McMahon could beat up Dana White
In case you've been wondering what Mike Tyson thinks about the burning issues of the day, UFC Tonight's Ariel Helwani caught up with him and got him to go on the record. Here's how MMA Mania summed it up:
What we know from Tyson's appearance is that WWE CEO Vince McMahon can beat up UFC President Dana White (settling this debate), Evander Holyfield's ear would have tasted a lot better with hot sauce on it, and UFC Light Heavyweight Chael Sonnen is a better trash talker than legendary pugilist Muhammed Ali.
Wait, what?
"Chael Sonnen," insisted "Iron" Mike. "Chael talks too much. I think Chael believes what he says. Chael hands down."
While I'm enjoying Iron Mike's middle-aged re-creation as a lovable old uncle for the UFC, anyone who really thinks Chael Sonnen even compares to Muhammad Ali as a personality or talker obviously is lying or never actually paid attention to Muhammad Ali back in the day.
Still Mike may be onto something regarding Vince McMahon vs. Dana White.
June 4, 2013
Latest on CHIKARA
The following statement was issued to PWInsider.com this morning:
"Some people have been attempting to distract from what happened on Sunday's iPPV by circulating rumors about an affair, a bitter divorce, or a dispute over the ownership of CHIKARA. All of these rumors are absolutely false."
A previous statement issued to PWInsider.com from CHIKARA's promotional end late last night claimed the promotion was liquidating its merchandise and that it would be selling off whatever physical assets (production material, etc.) off.
The idea fronted by the release was that the promotion had been struggling since their Joshimania events did not do well and they had been running in the red since late 2011. The implication was that the "parent company" had pulled the plug - literally, given the end of the show Sunday - on the promotion.
The statement claimed that all agreements with "third party vendors", such as their DVD deal with Smart Mark Video, would be honored through the end of 2013.
The canceled 7/21 date in NYC is now being filled by Kaiju Big Battel. Several of the CHIKARA "Wrestling Is..." sister promotions have already announced other dates that were formerly announced for CHIKARA as well.
As we move further down the rabbit hole, it certainly appears to be a completely massive angle, although what the end game on an angle that shuts down your company and potentially dilutes the brand name by splitting it across seven sister promotions remains to be seen.
History of WWE presentation added to Pro HOF weekend
The Thesz/Tragos Museum issued the following updated details on their National Pro Wrestling Museum Hall of Fame induction ceremony weekend:
History of WWE presentation added to Pro HOF weekend
WATERLOO, Iowa—The most recognized promotion in professional wrestling history will be the focal point of a special presentation during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend. Induction weekend is July 12-13 in Waterloo, Iowa, at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
WWE Celebrating CT Special Olympics Partnership with Several Events This Week
This week, WWE will celebrate its official partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT), an organization that provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 15,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and unified partners throughout the state.
WWE’s more than 700 employees headquartered in Connecticut will volunteer, become a coach or work one-on-one with athletes at Special Olympics Connecticut events in the area. In addition, WWE will make an annual financial contribution to the charitable organization.
WWE will also be a presenting sponsor of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics Connecticut’s largest grassroots, year-round fundraising and public awareness vehicle. As part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run initiative, more than 1,500 officers and athletes will run and carry the “Flame of Hope” across the state Wednesday through Friday.
The Torch Run will stop at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Friday and will feature special guests WWE COO Triple H, Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, Superstar Mark Henry, Special Olympics executives and athletes, and local dignitaries. The final leg of the run will end at the opening ceremonies for the 2013 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, which WWE will be part of.
“WWE will bring great joy and strength to Special Olympics Connecticut. WWE’s commitment to inspiring respect for all people and supporting Special Olympics Connecticut will help empower athletes of all ages and abilities to make great achievements and be recognized for their accomplishments,” Special Olympics Connecticut President Beau Doherty said.
WWE’s Big Show, Henry, The Bella Twins and WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter will take part in the celebrations surrounding the 2013 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games in New Haven throughout the weekend.
“WWE is proud to support the Special Olympics Connecticut mission to inspire inclusion and respect for all people,” WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said. “WWE, its Superstars and more than 700 employees, look forward to being part of their important events and activities across our home state.”
June 3, 2013
