WWE Alum Kharma, has revealed she was set to announce her retirement before WWE offered her a job, has spoken of their decision to release her, and a possible TNA return in a recent interview... On being offered a job by WWE in December 2010... “I did not see it coming. I was actually about 14 days away from announcing my retirement in wrestling. I got a call. I’ll never forget, I was sick with a cold and I got a call from Tommy Dreamer and he asked if he could give my number to John Laurinaitis. And I said, ‘Um, yeah!’ Five minutes later I got a call from John Laurinaitis who spoke with me and offered me a position at WWE. I don’t think I closed my mouth for a good 20 days.” On her WWE release... “Sometimes things aren’t moving along as quickly as they need to be, and some things weren’t progressing as quickly as they should have been. I think the release was actually a good idea and very appropriate. WWE, the world knows they don’t just hire anyone. If they hire you, they’re going to invest in you. They’re going to apply any and every resource they have for anything that you’re going through, so having said that, again, the timing just was there. My release was, in my opinion, appropriate.” On whether she would return to TNA... “I do appreciate the opportunities I was given by TNA, Dixie Carter and Terry Taylor. I appreciate my time there, it was good… until it wasn’t. [Laughs] No [communication] whatsoever with them. I’m very grateful, they’re the ones that introduced me to the US market, but that time is gone.”
TNA finally acknowledge loss of Ric Flair:
Another obstacle has been removed to allow Ric Flair a WWE return, TNA have finally removed his profile from their website, it had remained active despite the double Hall Of Famer leaving the company in May.
Jim Ross compares SCSA and Sheamus:
Stone Cold Steve Austin has been very outspoken on Sheamus, especially during his recent World Title run, Jim Ross thinks it is because they are so alike... “@wwesheamus has many qualities as did Stone Cold…physically and mentally tough and loves to perform at a physical level that some opponents don’t embrace. Both were great examples of not accepting being denied stardom and continued to work through career challenge no matter what hand was dealt them.”
Jericho on WWE return:
Chris Jericho and his band Fozzy are currently touring the UK, in an interview to promote a gig in Stoke, he was asked about a return to WWE, he replied... “I’m not quite done with wrestling yet. Never say never.”
Wes Brisco:
Son of a WWE Hall Of Famer, Wes Brisco has earned a TNA deal, by winning his gutcheck, he said... “Greatest day of my life just made on the TNA Roster!!!!!” He had been working as a member of Aces and Eights.
NXT star fired:
British Wrestler Thomas Latimer, who wrestles on NXT as Ascension member Kenneth Cameron was arrested on the night before Thanksgiving for assaulting a Police officer and drunken or disorderly conduct in Florida, he was arrested and bailed for $5,100. This is a major fail on his part, he has been with WWE for two years and was about to be promoted to the main WWE roster as a member of The Shield in the coming weeks, as WWE are extremely impressed with his pairing with Conor O'Brian. No word on what affect this will have on Conor's promotion, but it will be less likely he will move up now. WWE it seems have decided to cut their ties with the 26 year old from Chesterfield, removing his NXT profile, and citing a previous altercation from January 2011, where he was booked for DUI.
NXT:
Triple H and Kevin Nash will be at the next NXT taping's, the buzz in the locker room is that they will be assessing the talent to decide who will be the next star to come up to join The Shield, favourite right now is British female worker Paige, who is getting rave reviews from the NXT team.
WWE want women:
The current soap opera style stories between John Cena and AJ and Alberto Del Rio and Rosa Mendes, will continue, WWE want to grow their female audience, and think this is the way to do it.
Marty Scurll one of the young Brits set to take part in TNA UK Gutcheck, said of the process... “Basically, it’s myself, Rockstar Spud and the Blossom Twins are kind of fighting it out for a TNA contract, but where it’s different from other shows, you know like Tough Enough where it’s just the house and wrestling, this is all aspects, they want to see how much of a star we are, so they follow us everywhere in day-to-day life, they want to get to know the real us…It’s kind of hard to categorize it …think of it like a Jersey Shore meets a Wrestling show. The charm of the show is that wrestling fans are going to enjoy it, but I think non-wrestling fans, reality show fans will enjoy it. What is going to make the show, I believe, is the relationship between the four of us. I mean that’s what makes all reality TV shows.”
King Kong Bundy to HOF:
Jim Ross says King Kong Bundy is being considered for induction into the WWE class of 2013... ''Another 2013 HOF candidate for consideration….@RealKKBundy who was a major player in WWE in their breakout, national expansion years and was one of the best super heavyweights ever in the business. ‘King Kong Tonnage’ as Ernie Ladd used to call Bundy, is hilarious to follow on Twitter.” More on other names... WWE are getting ever more confident that Bruno Sammartino will accept induction next year, however friends close to him still say he will not do it. WWE also still want to induct the Ultimate Warrior, but are worried he may screw them over, they want to announce him at the Royal Rumble, but feel if they do announce him in advance he may demand more money, or refuse to show. They want to celebrate Madison Square Garden, and Owen Hart is top of the list for that, but his wife Martha is firm that, she does not want Owen's name linked with WWE, they refuse to give up, but he is considered a very long shot.
WWE Movies:
WWE Studios have announced the list of movies due for release in 2013... * “No One Lives” (Jan. 2013): WWE star in supporting role is Brodus Clay. * “Dead Man Down”: WWE star in supporting role is Wade Barrett. * “Marine 3: Homefront”: WWE star in the leading role is The Miz. * “12 Rounds 2: Reloaded”: WWE star in the leading role is Randy Orton. * “The Hive”: WWE star in a supporting role is David Otunga, plus Halle Berry in a leading role. * “Leprechaun: Origins”: WWE star in the leading role is Hornswoggle. * Coming in 2014: Scooby-Doo themed movie when “Scooby Doo and the Gang go to WrestleMania.”
Christopher Daniels on AJ Styles:
TNA star Christopher Daniels has discussed his last match vs AJ Styles, which will be at Final Resolution... “Well, my lord, if there’s any other rivalry that’s been going on as long as me and AJ, I’d like to know who it is. Honestly, we talk about it, half-jokingly, like ‘Holy Cow, we’re wrestling each other again?!’ But, it’s just a testament to, I guess, our chemistry and the fact that the fans, despite the fact we’ve been doing it pretty much non-stop for a year to a year and a half, we’re still finding ways to make it different, make it new for the fans; and that’s the challenge for us. I was actually talking to somebody and they told me that they figured out that AJ and I have wrestled 114 singles matches in our career, and that’s to date. At this point now, I’m sure that this weekend I have live events in North Dakota , and I’m almost 100% sure that will be 115, 116, and 117, you know? TNA is going to get as many as many times out of it as they can before the “last time”. But, I just think our challenge is to make it new; the matches that we had this year, I’ve been real happy with: The Last Man Standing at Destination X, the Tag team matches we had with me and Frankie versus him and Kurt, you know the Bound for Glory Series match that we had on television. And here’s a chance to sort of end this rivalry the place where it started and see where it goes. I think it’s going to be cool; I think the fans are going to be entertained and I’m interested to see where we go from here.” He also joked he and former TNA star Velvet Sky both want to be on Dancing With The Stars, and have a private battle to be the first to get on the show.
WrestleMania match leaked:
WWE plan on giving Ryback a WrestleMania moment at WrestleMania 29, he is due to face The Big Show, and Vince McMahon thinks Ryback stomping around the ring with Big Show on his shoulders would be a great moment.
ROH star in talks with WWE:
Mike Bennett is in talks with WWE, no details have yet emerged, he said of joining WWE in an interview in August... “Well, I’ll give you the political answer right now and say never-say-never. I’d be absolutely lying to you if I said I didn’t become a wrestler to be at WrestleMania and headline WrestleMania, which is what 99% of all guys want to do if they’re in wrestling. They want to make the big bucks and be on the main stage. But for me, right now, I’m 100% happy in Ring of Honor. I mean, I feel like I’m building a company. Its been around since 2002, its been building since then, but I feel now with the Sinclair network behind it we really are truly building a company. Is WWE ever an option? Like I said, I’d be lying if I said wouldn’t want to go there, but right now Ring of Honor is where I like to be.”
JBL reveals backstage chaos:
JBL has described the scene backstage as the fire alarm sounded at this weeks TV Taping's... “I was doing commentary so I missed the exact facts of what happened, but here’s what I know. I had finished Main Event (Miz was returning from Middle East so I was filling in) and coming back to change my suit and tie to go back out for Smackdown. I see total chaos. Apparently Dave Kapoor (who is Great Khali’s working ‘brother’) was filming a backstage segment and a light either burst or got too close to a sprinkler and set off the fire sprinklers in the dressing room I had my stuff in. The force of the water was unreal. Guys were trying to save our stuff in the dark (we all had computers, clothes etc) and also trying to figure out a way to get the water off. The alarm had sounded it looked like the filming of the sinking of the Titanic. I’m in the room trying to get my extra suit and computer as my stuff was right under the sprinkler, guys were helping me with flashlights in the darkness. The alarm was saying to evacuate the building. Triple H had left ‘Gorilla’ and was directing guys to put towels down to keep the flooding in one area, it was a ton of water. Our whole crew was back there trying to figure out how to keep the water in one room. It was unreal seeing guys trying to stop something minor before it became something major. If all the sprinklers had come on, tons of stuff would have been ruined-fortunately it was only one dressing room They all finally succeeded. Some guys stuff was ruined, poor Dave Kapoor was just soaked with horrible smelling water. We tape up to four shows on Tuesdays, not to mention the backstage stuff-an incredible amount. The WWE did what we always do and adjusted to outside forces and taped the shows. Ah, the joys of taping TV. Just another fun chapter now and some really good TV taped around it.”
Velvet Sky to return:
Dixie Carter may have gotten her wish and re-signed Velvet Sky to a TNA deal, she will not return until early next year, but word is they have secretly put pen to paper, and the deal is sealed.
John Cena breaks WWE embargo:
Raw was in Lafayette, Louisiana this week, and as they have before, they banned their talent from naming the city they were in because the consider it too small, John Cena however decided to ignore that and name checked the town in his promo.
Not cool Bro:
British wrestler Pac, who has just joined WWE developmental under the name Adrian Neville says he chose the name as tribute to former Manchester United player Gary Neville.
Twitter:
Vince McMahon's love of Twitter has soured, he is said to be sick of his talent embarrassing themselves and the company via the site, Triple H however is warming to it. Triple H is also preparing for Vince McMahon's wrath, upon his return to the States, after the 3rd hour of Raw's viewing figures fell off a cliff.
Laurinaitis gone for good:
It now seems Johnny Ace won't return to WWE in any capacity, not even as Big Show's manager as planned.
Dr Tom to open school:
WWE Alum Tom Prichard has moved to Knoxville and is looking for a venue to host a new wrestling school.
Raw is 20:
January 14th 2013 will be the 20th Birthday of WWE's flagship show, they are teasing a big celebration, but feeling is it won't be as big as Raw 1000.
Stephanie McMahon honoured:
She has been named as one of the Powerful women in Television.
WWE Alumnus dies:
Fabulous Freebird Buddy Roberts has died, The news was announced by WWE.Com, I will add his profile to R.I.P Dead Wrestlers later.
NXT:
Will start to host shows outside of Florida starting in March 2013.
“It was very strange, we found out about it pretty much that day and the next thing you know here comes Shane McMahon, Pat Patterson and Jerry Brisco, and that’s when I realised they were taking over. It was a very surreal experience but at the same time I was very fortunate to be on the last Monday Nitro ever,” said Palumbo. “That night it was Sean O’Haire and myself against Mike Awesome and Lance Storm, so it was a good experience.” He also recalled the tensions when WCW talent turned up to WWE TV Taping's for the first time... ''There were some egos in the WWE and WCW, and I never understood this and I think they regret it now, but when we first came in it was like the WWE guys against the WCW guys and if you think about it that’s kinda foolish, if anything the boys should have been bonding but there was a lot of heat in the air.”
SmackDown SPOILERS!!!:
* John Cena opens the show, and has a confrontation with Alberto Del Rio, leading into a match. * David Otunga vs Great Khali * Kofi Kingston and Team Hell No vs Prime Time Playa's and Wade Barrett. * Damien Sandow vs Tyson Kidd * The Usos vs 3MB * Sheamus vs Dolph Ziggler (Main Event).
CM Punk dig at Journo's:
CM Punk confirmed rumours he was going for an X-Ray, with a dig at wrestling writer Dave Meltzer... “I am getting X-rays. Thought you should know. @davemeltzerWON #scoop” CM Punk has allegedly been suffering from a knee injury, and this was presumed to be the reason for the medical checks, however after the X-Ray CM Punk tweeted the real reason... “Suckers. Was a chest X-ray for a physical so I can go up in an F-18. Remember who pulls the strings. #BITW”
WWE 13:
The DLC pack for the most recent WWE game has been announced... * Tensai * Ryback * AJ Lee * Antonio Cesaro * The Usos * Natalya * Damien Sandow
Raw:
With Vince McMahon away Triple H was in charge at Raw this week, the atmosphere was described as more laid back, with much less creative rewrites.
Has talked with WWE.Com about his injury... ''Well, honestly, the best way I’ve heard the injury described, is that I dodged a bullet. The trap tear is a grade two (on a scale of one to three), but I don’t need surgery — the tears will heal themselves over time with proper physical therapy. The separated shoulder is an old injury from amateur wrestling, and it’s basically the area that could have been considerably worse. I could have landed on my neck, but I turned just in time to land on my shoulder. The separated shoulder is where the most pain is and it’s the AC joint, but like I said, I dodged a bullet — no surgery''. He ended saying he will not rush back and has no timeline for a return to action.
Cesaro landmark:
Antonio Cesaro today celebrates 100 days as United States Champion.
TV taping's disturbed:
Last nights WWE TV Taping's were halted in between SMS and Main Event when the lights went out and the fire alarm sounded. Early thoughts were it was caused by Kane's pyro, but it later emerged that someone had triggered the alarm manually. Main Event's taping had to start before the crowd had fully returned to their seats, but SmackDown was unaffected.
WWE creative direction:
Storylines are now locked in up to and including the Royal Rumble, but from there it is ''Still up in the air''.
Hardy Boyz return:
Matt Hardy was interviewed to promote an Indy appearance in New York, and was asked, with him being a free agent and Jeff Hardy's TNA deal expiring, what the chances of a 2013 Hardy Boyz reunion in WWE were???, He replied... "Very likely!" I know WWE are monitoring the Jeff Hardy situation, but this is the first time I have heard a link to a Matt return. Coming from Matt however, we will have to be cautious, Matt is not shy about self promotion, Jeff's contract is up in February we will have to wait until then to see what happens.
TNA issues:
Last weeks Impact drew the lowest viewing figures in 6 years.
WWE Champion CM Punk appeared on the panel show Talking Dead, to discuss his favourite TV Show, ''The Walking Dead'' on Sunday, interestingly he never mentioned WWE once, when he was first introduced the Show's host introduced him as WWE Champ, but that was the only mention of the company, he also did not perform in character, cracking jokes and enjoying himself throughout the broadcast. He has now surpassed his hero Macho Man Randy Savage's 371 day WWF/E title reign.
Hulk Hogan to help hurricane victim:
A huge wrestling fan lost his entire collection of wrestling merch during the massive storm in New York last month, he wrote to Hulk Hogan who is now working on replacing his collection for him.
TLC match change:
WWE have now confirmed a WWE title TLC match between CM Punk and Ryback will headline December's PPV. They had been working on 3 or 4 different ideas. Also a possible stipulation for John Cena's match vs Dolph Ziggler has emerged, Dolph's Briefcase may be put up against the Raw GM job, if Cena wins He gets a Dolph's title shot and AJ gets her old job back, if Dolph wins things stay as they are currently.
Rock on Raw:
The Rock has confirmed two appearances on Raw in 2013, January 28, which is the night after the Royal Rumble and February 18.
Orton pulled:
No word on why, but Randy Orton has been withdrawn from tonight's WWE TV taping's and has been replaced by John Cena.
3MB record first single:
Heath Slater's new group missed Raw last night, they were in New Orleans recording a video for their first music single. It involved a barfight.
WrestleMania 31 venue:
Still no word on the venue for WrestleMania 30, but Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas is the clear favourite to host Mania 31 in 2015.
Why Ryback's title win was nixed:
As I reported Ryback was set to win the WWE title at Survivor Series, then drop it back to CM Punk at TLC, Vince McMahon killed the idea, because he was worried about how The Rock would react, he has been under the impression since Raw 1000 that he would be the man to end Punks reign, and Vince worried that a deviation in that plan could cost them The Rock's services for 2013, plans for next year have since changed drastically (see post on November 22).
Earl Hebner on Montreal screwjob:
"Bret had plenty of time to drop the belt. He could've dropped it in the United States. I didn't know much about the deal with those two but he could've dropped the belt to anyone, hell he could've dropped it to me. But he had an ego and he didn't wanna do it. Time was running out. If you're leavin you drop the strap, he didn't wanna do it. If you remember Alundra Blayze went down there and dropped the Womens belt in the trash. Now if you have a $3 million deal to go to another company, why would you even hesitate to drop the belt? I mean why? Your moneys already guaranteed when you get there. Just drop it and go. A lot of people put him over, made him who he is. So he's gonna refuse to drop it and make those guys look like idiots? This business is a work." On swearing he would not screw him... "I was sitting on a plane with Bret. His very words "Will you count me out?" I said "If you keep your shoulder up, I will not count you out" Which I didn't count him out. Did he get pinned 1.2.3? You stop and think about my position. I'm thinking about the guys in the back. Austin, Undertaker, Rocky all the guys that put him over as being the Worlds Champion, we made him what he was, so he's leaving us and he's screwing us because he doesn't want to drop the belt. So on my way to the ring, I'm thinking it's not fair. Someone asked me, I won't say who, about two minutes before I walked to the ring, I said I can't tell you what I'm gonna do, but when I walked to the ring, I thought about all the boys back in the dressing room, so it wasn't right for him to screw 25 guys because of his stubbornness, so thats why I did what I did. When McMahon and Sgt Slaughter came to the ring, whether I had done it or not, that bell was gonna ring. The only thing that made it more official is that I motioned for the bell." He added... "It could have been a work. McMahon, Bret, WCW could've all been in on it for all I know. I'm gonna go 50/50 on it. I think it was but I can't say for sure, but look where Bret is now." Bret's Wife Julie also joined the interview... "It wasn't really till we got to Montreal. I remember someone came to Bret and told him that they'd saw Shawn getting into an elevator with Vince in his hotel and that kinda got Bret a little worried. That was earlier in the day. The kids and I had gone shopping and when we got back, Bret said he had to go talk to our lawyer who was in town with us as well. The source, I can't tell you who it is, but the source had said what happened, so bret went over to our lawyer to talk about it and that's when Bret really started getting nervous."
WWE Alumnus, and former Developmental Chief Dr. Tom Prichard has spoken about his sacking from the company for the first time... “When anyone new comes in, they want their team. When Bill DeMott came back, I knew that the writing was on the wall. Canyon Cemen, who took over Ty Bailey’s place, is very new to the business and really knows nothing. I was very honest with him when I probably shouldn’t have been. I told him that he came across like an a—hole in his initial meeting with the talent, and the writing was on the wall from there. I understand how it works. HHH wants his own people. If they can’t produce stars, but proof will be in the ratings.”
Charles Wright interview:
WWE Alum, (Better known as Papa Shango and The Godfather) Charles Wright has given a great interview, some highlights... On his first character Papa Shango... “Papa Shango was supposed to last much longer in the main event but Sid f—ed it up. It was supposed to be Sid and Warrior headlining SummerSlam [1992], but Sid didn’t want to do it and he quit. He had his own issues, he said Vince had brought him in under the promise of replacing Hogan as the top babyface and it wasn’t going the way it was supposed to. So Papa Shango was fed to Warrior instead. The problem was, with a character like Papa Shango, once the losses piled up, the character lost a lot of that mystique and invincibility, and it was all downhill fast from there.” He also revealed WWE planned to resurrect the Character, with a very different look in 1997... “A lot of people don’t know this, but Papa Shango was going to return in 1997. It was going to be a more gritty, realistic version with a mask instead of paint.They created the costume and the new entrance. But what happened was, the decision was then made to do Kane. I guess they felt there wasn’t enough room for two dark, supernatural characters, and so I became Kama Mustafa and they put me in The Nation. I’ve still got some 8×10 promos of me in the new mask and gear.” On guiding The Rock's early career... “The Rock was put into The Nation to protect him. Vince had big plans for The Rock from day one and was worried that he had been getting bad advice from the wrong people. Some jealous dudes had been getting into his ear. So Vince put Rock in the Nation so he could benefit from the guidance of Ron [Simmons] and myself. It was the same thing with Mark Henry. Mark was a big long term investment that was getting some bad advice, learning some bad habits, and so Vince put him under myself and Ron for guidance. Both those guys were struggling.” On almost joining WCW / NWO... “I almost went to WCW to be Hogan’s enforcer in the nWo. I named my price, the contract was being drawn up, and then at the last minute, I got a call saying the contract was being retracted and there was no longer an offer for me. I was stunned, man, just stunned. I asked why, and it turned out that Virgil offered to do it for a third of the price because he wanted to be back on TV so bad. That dumb motherf—er cost us both.”
Bruno to HOF:
Jim Ross has again linked Bruno Sammartino's name with Hall Of Fame induction, this time via his Twitter... “Don’t know any dirt but #WWE has long wanted Bruno Sammartino in the #WWE HOF. His fans deserve it, Bruno deserves it. It’s Bruno’s call.”
Damien Sandow responds to comparisons with stars of the past:
Hunter Hearst Helmsley... “We both were trained by Killer Kowalski, but I think if you look at the history of our business, you can draw comparisons to a lot of guys that have come before. There’s the Gorgeous George element and so many other things. I think what makes people successful is just being able to be themselves. Throughout the course of time there’s been so many characters and personas, and there’s going to be comparisons drawn. However I believe I am the first-ever ‘Intellectual Savior of the Masses.’' Lanny Poffo... “I simply have to deal with the crusade at hand and enlightenment of everyone. The Genius Lanny Poffo as we know him, is someone who recites poetry. I do not recite poetry. I simply recite statements. My verbiage is geared more toward people enriching their lives. So I do what I do for the people.”
WWE dig at Chris Jericho:
WWE recently released the full listings for their 2012 best of DVD, one fan was left very disappointed that the retrospective does not include a single Chris Jericho match, Y2J responded with... “I agree. LAME.”
Jake The Snake faces big test:
In the latest installment in DDP's documentary on the rehab of Jake The Snake, Roberts faces his greatest test, a trip to Sin City - Las Vegas, making all of his vices easily available...
Kofi hits landmark:
Kofi Kingston has become only the 7th man in WWE history, to win 100 TV singles matches, his victory over Damien Sandow on the November 23 SmackDown was the match. The others were... * Jeff Hardy * Kane * Randy Orton * Sheamus * CM Punk * John Cena Now I don't want to argue with Statisticians, but are you seriously telling me that The Undertaker, The Rock, Austin, HHH, Jericho, HBK et al did not win 100 matches, really...???
Tonight's Raw teaser:
* What answers will Cole uncover when he interviews Reigns, Ambrose and Rollins? * After being attacked on SmackDown, will Dolph Ziggler retaliate against John Cena? * Is Vickie Guerrero done with the AJ Lee scandal? * Will Sheamus and Big Show collide on RAW or wait until TLC? * How much longer before Ryback gets his hands on CM Punk? Michael Cole will also interview the NXT boys.
Shawn on Flair:
A fan asked Shawn Michaels on Twitter if he was offended that Ric Flair reneged on losing his retirement match to him at WrestleMania 24, he replied... “Not even slightly.” He added that Ric Flair asked for, and he granted permission for him to get back between the ropes.
JoMo corrects mis-information:
John Morrison has corrected details of his upcoming appearance in a Christmas play, he will in fact not be a regular cast member, but will be a celebrity cameo, and it will be a one night appearance. 6 man tag: Plans for Ryback to take on the NXT boys alone at TLC have changed, he will instead team with Santino Marella and Tyson Kidd. This is because, they want Ryback to gain revenge over the group, but do not want to destroy the groups momentum by having them lose a 3 on 1 match right at the start of their careers.
The Rock wraps movie:
The Rock has now finished his movie Fast 6.
MITB:
The reason Dolph Ziggler has not yet cashed in his briefcase has emerged, WWE want to test him with a run against John Cena, and that run has been pushed back time and again, until now, they feel he needs to prove he can go with the best before they give him a proper run as World or WWE Champion.
New NXT Champ:
Now that Seth Rollins has made it to the main roster, he will have to drop the NXT title, Corey Graves is expected to be the man to replace him.
With no house shows this weekend, there is not much to tell you about, but to keep up the daily news, I have got to post something...!!!
Bret Hart interview:
On the Attitude Era... “By the early ’90s when I was sort of in my prime, we started moving to the Attitude Era and I like to think that I kicked the doors open for the Attitude Era. It was more about the wrestling. It wasn’t so much about the characters, even though we were in a lot of ways much more interesting characters. “The titles really seemed to mean a lot to the wrestlers in that era. Winning and losing and being on top was sort of critical… Winning titles meant prestige and better pay. The top guys were making the best money. So there was a lot at stake. I think all that played into that Attitude Era. I know for me probably in ’97, for sure, I had my greatest matches in the WWE. I was for sure in my prime, (doing) my best stuff.” On The Undertaker... “Whereas in the beginning, he was kind of like Frankenstein, kind of moving around slow and ponderous in the ring, and was very methodical. But times changed and by the mid-90s, Undertaker had revamped his whole character.” On Hulk Hogan... “I don’t want to rag too much on Hulk Hogan but he’s pretty one-dimensional. Very big guy. The great, magnificent body that he had — the 22-inch arms and all that kind of stuff. But after a while, after (The Ultimate) Warrior came, it was like, ‘Enough of the body-building, let’s go on with who can actually do a drop-kick and who can actually climb up on top and do stuff.’ “I think the wrestling really did change from these sort of dinosaurs to the guys who were really picking it up and doing the moves.”
R-Truth on WWE vs Music:
“I’ve been wrestling and making music for a long time. I’ve been around the right people in the entertainment business who know what it takes in several different areas to make things happen. I’m passionate about both of them, so I try to be an artist when I’m doing both. In many ways professional wrestling is a dance. I guess it depends on how you look at it. When I’m in the ring I’ve got a million people watching me weekly, looking for me to present something memorable to them. I try to do that in the studio as well.”
TNA Impact teaser:
- The countdown continues to December's Final Resolution event, featuring Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode for the World Heavyweight Championship! Both Hardy and Roode will be on the huge broadcast - what will happen when champion and challenger go face-to-face? - Thursday's IMPACT also showcases the return of CHAMPIONSHIP THURSDAY! X Division Champion Rob Van Dam will defend his title on the broadcast - who will IMPACT General Manager Hulk Hogan select to face RVD? Tune in and find out! - Last week, Austin Aries dropped a bombshell on Hulk Hogan with his accusation about his daughter, Brooke Hogan. How will Hulk, Brooke and Bully Ray react this Thursday night on SpikeTV? Is Aries ready for the potential war he just started with Hulk and Bully Ray? - Did second-generation star Wes Brisco pass his TNA GUT CHECK? After his tryout match, Brisco will face the judges on Thursday's IMPACT! Will Brisco realize his dream of earning a spot on the roster - or is it back to the proving grounds for the young star? - Plus, it's a huge tag team war on IMPACT as "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles teams up with "Cowboy" James Storm to take on Christopher Daniels and Kazarian!
The Rock on NFL vs Rugby:
He told an Australian news reporter... ''There is no tougher sport than rugby" He then challenged NFL players to prove themselves, by taking off the pads and playing the game as it is meant to be played... "And for those who have played it and understand the game know what I am talking about and those who don't and I have this argument with my American buddies all the time who are great football players and I tell them 'so as amazing as you are in football I want you to take all your pads off including your helmet and go play the game and see how long you last'. So no I don't wish I was playing."
“In-ring that's it. I don’t have a choice in the matter. My body is done. My bump card is full. I’m on fumes now, and I’m really pushing it. I’m just trying to get around to a lot of my regulars one last time. There’s a couple of independent groups like Crossfire in Nashville, and Extreme Rising, and there might be a few others that may be interested in using me as a road agent behind the scenes to help them with the shows. You never know. I may be interested in being a trainer for the WWE one day. But that needs to be put on the back burner right now, because then I’d have to pick up and move the family. But again, they would have to be interested in me. I couldn’t just show up and say ‘I’m here!’ But I would love to be involved behind the scenes, because I have a passion for this. There’s a lot more I’d like to learn.”
Jim Ross's Thanksgiving day blog:
On WWE... ''The best professional move that I ever made was coming to WWE in 1993. In approximately two months, I will be a 20 year guy in WWE while celebrating 39 years in the business in 2013. The McMahon family has facilitated all my wrestling dreams coming true and a quality of life that I never foresaw''. On WCW... ''I’m thankful that I left there in 1993. Had some fun years despite the corporate dysfunction and the run away egos that were in positions of power. Nonetheless, Atlanta was my second favorite city in which to live''. On Jerry Lawler... ''I’m grateful that my friend is still alive. I’m hopeful that he wakes up every day realizing how lucky and blessed that he is to still be above ground''. On Michael Cole... ''Pleased that our controversial storyline issues are behind us and that we’ve been able to collaborate in a productive manner. I sincerely enjoyed working with Michael while the King was on the mend and have the utmost respect for @MichaelCole. Hopefully we can do it again some day under better circumstances''. On Steve Austin... '' We’ve remained our friendship through so much that has occurred in our personal and professional lives. In the wrestling business, long term friendships are challenging to maintain but we have. Hopefully, I will live to see Stone Cold wrestle one, last, big time match in his career and, if I’m lucky, I’ll be there to call it. Hey, a guy can dream, right? Steve Austin will always be known as WWE’s Greatest Superstar for a variety of reasons''.
Fandango:
Johnny Curtis will debut his new character at TLC or Raw the next night, Vince McMahon invented the character to gain fans from the popular show Dancing With The Stars. He feels, the Men will hate him, and the women will love him, akin to the days of Ravishing Rick Rude.
2012 Best of WWE DVD contents revealed:
DISC 1 A Remarkable Year WWE Championship Match CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler Special Guest Referee: John Laurinaitis Royal Rumble • January 29, 2012 Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show vs. The Great Khali vs. Santino Marella vs. Wade Barrett vs. Cody Rhodes Elimination Chamber • February 19, 2012 One Man, One Legend, One Streak End of an Era Hell in a Cell Match Triple H vs. Undertaker Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels WrestleMania XXVIII • April 1, 2012 DISC 2 Hometown Return Once in a Lifetime The Rock vs. John Cena WrestleMania XXVIII • April 1, 2012 Divas Championship Match Layla vs. Beth Phoenix Over the Limit • May 20, 2012 Intercontinental Championship Match Christian vs. Cody Rhodes No Way Out • June 17, 2012 Complicated Situations No Disqualification Match for the WWE Championship CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan Special Guest Referee: AJ Money in the Bank • July 15, 2012 DISC 3 Colossal Collision The Perfect Storm Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar SummerSlam • August 19, 2012 Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler Night of Champions • September 16, 2012 WWE Championship Match CM Punk vs. John Cena Night of Champions • September 16, 2012 World Heavyweight Championship Match Sheamus vs. Big Show Hell in a Cell • October 28, 2012 A Sizzling Year BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVES Best PPV Matches 2012 WWE Blu-ray Content Listing Ambulance Match John Cena vs. Kane Elimination Chamber • February 19, 2012 2 out of 3 Falls Match for the World Heavyweight Championship Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan Extreme Rules • April 29, 2012 SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Tensai vs. Santino Marella vs. Damien Sandow vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Sin Cara Money in the Bank • July 15, 2012 WWE Championship Hell in a Cell Match CM Punk vs. Ryback Hell in a Cell • October 28, 2012 Backstage Pay-Per View Access: * CM Punk discusses his match at the Royal Rumble * Sheamus discusses his involvement at Elimination Chamber * Layla discusses her match at Extreme Rules * Christian discusses his match at Over The Limit * Paul Heyman discusses Brock Lesnar’s match at SummerSlam * The Miz discusses his match at SummerSlam * John Cena discusses his match at SummerSlam * CM Punk discusses his match at SummerSlam
WWE and TNA take weekend off:
WWE have given their cast and crew the weekend off to recuperate from the long and grueling European tour earlier this month, TNA have followed suit and have also shelved any house shows they had booked.
Indy star Christian York, has recalled how his recent Gutcheck appearance came about... “They told me it’s all a shoot, it’s all real. It’s not scripted stuff or anything like that, and we did that. We went from there, they did the profile thing with me, and then the match with Zema (Ion), which was pretty wild. All day long you don’t know anything, its just like a rehearsal type thing. Just stand in the ring and we will go from there. Its all a shoot, they want raw emotion.”
Hulk Hogan is a turkey:
Hulk Hogan has been named as one of 2012's celebrity turkey's, due to his sex tape.
Linda's crude joke:
Linda McMahon has sent cheques to her political team, and attached a condom to each one, with a note saying ''We were screwed''. One of her team did not enjoy the gag, saying it was... “The rudest gesture you can ever do to a person.” To add insult to injury, the cheques bounced, Linda has apologized, and promised her team will be payed what they are owed.
John Morrison lands Theatre role:
John Morrison will star in ''A Christmas Carol - Twist Your Dickens'' from November 24 - December 30 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in LA.
Injury:
ECW star New Jack fractured his heel and suffered deep bruising after jumping from a balcony, and through tables at Extreme Rising.
The Rock:
Flew home to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family, and is now on a flight back to the UK, to finish his movie Fast 6.
Deal done:
The Watts family have confirmed that they have sold their video library to the WWE.
Bret on 80's vs now:
He was asked to compare his generation, from the current WWE roster... “They’ve really stepped up a lot. They might not be as big and as bulky as the wrestlers back in the ’80s were, but they’re every bit as hard-workers as this industry has seen. I think they’re working harder today than they’ve ever been working.”
Cody injury update:
From the man himself... “Just peeked at my shoulder, genuinely quick healer. Be back before most of these big talkers on the list #healingfactor”
Stars celebrate milestones:
Tyson Kidd... “November 22 2002 I made my New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut. I can still remember every detail about that tour. Can’t believe it’s been 10 yrs” Justin Roberts... “It began 16 years ago today, Sonny Rogers allowed me to announce a match on his wrestling show in Waukegan, IL. #Thankful Happy Thanksgiving”
Backstage heat:
Rosa Mendes has furiously chastised new star Brad Maddox, after a video of a Woman, (Who was very clearly, NOT Rosa) getting undressed in the locker rooms, was posted to an account under his name, she wrote... “@BradMaddoxIsWWE nice move to get more followers. You are a nobody and you will always be a nobody! If ur going make a fake video find someone hotter!! I look nothing like that!! You are such loser! You burned bridges with the wrong Diva!” The account, however does not belong to Brad, it is owned by a fan, who regularly makes parody accounts, based on the WWE talent.
JBL to get web series:
WWE Alumnus JBL will host a show on WWE.Com... “Looking forward to The JBL Show debut next week! @wwe .com will carry it. @MichaelCole may also appear some. #dollarwithadime”
WWE overseas:
WWE have announced that their network will host ''Super Shows'' in the UK and around the world, on a regular basis, with the intention of bringing WWE to a global audience.
Most beautiful WWE star:
Miss Elizabeth has been named the most beautiful star in WWE history... Full list.
This is a major spoiler for WrestleMania 29... After retaining his title at Survivor Series CM Punk will now defend his title vs The Rock at the Royal Rumble, and The Rock will then face John Cena at WrestleMania, as was always planned. However, WWE have decided that they cannot allow The Rock to win the WWE title and then disappear with it for two months, (His inability to defend the title at February's Elimination Chamber PPV, being the deciding factor), so the new plan is for CM Punk to retain his title at the Royal Rumble, and to forego The Rock's planned title run. This will lead to The Rock vs John Cena 2 at WrestleMania, and would allow CM Punk to main event the Super Show, against a WWE legend with the title on the line. WWE have spoken to the guy and he is “on board for a high-profile match.” This is the first time The man in question has shown any interest in competing at next years WrestleMania, and it may mean he has to work more dates, if he is to keep his streak in tact... CM Punk's new opponent, (if you haven't worked it out yet) will be The Undertaker.
Eve Torres quizzed on backstage incident:
The WWE Diva's Champion was asked about an altercation with Matt Hardy from her early days with WWE, when she apparently choked him out... “That I will not comment on. I will say that I, yes, there have been Superstars that went and got out of control and they have [had] applied jiu-jitsu techniques on, and they worked. I’ll just leave it at that. Let’s just put it this way, I don’t get messed with by the Superstars anymore.”
WWE watch other leagues:
WWE insiders have confessed to monitoring TNA, ROH and their own Developmental group NXT for story line ideas.
WWE promote Punk's show:
After criticising WWE yesterday, for lack of promotion for his appearance on Walking Dead, WWE today have pushed the show.
Retirement:
Lance Storm will come out of retirement, for a friend's last match, he will wrestle for Pro Wrestling Syndicate next February, against Jerry Lynn, in what Lynn plans to be his last match.
Raw DVD lists top 100 moments:
100. Silent Stare • Feb 21, 2011 99. Tea Time with Santino • Nov 8, 2010 98. Evolution Kicks Out Randy Orton • Aug 16, 2004 97. WrestleMania XIV Challenge • Mar 2, 1998 96. Mouth-To-Mouth • May 27, 1996 95. Sheamus puts Mark Cuban through a table • Dec 7, 2009 94. Are You Ready For Some Wrestling? • Nov 22, 2004 93. DX mocks the McMahons • Jun 26, 2006 92. Tuxedo Match • Jan 9, 1995 91. Seth Green is the first Celebrity Host • Jul 13, 2009 90. Snitsky punts Kane and Lita’s ‘baby’ • Nov 8, 2004 89. Shawn Michaels superkicks Hulk Hogan • Jul 4, 2005 88. Mr. McMahon trains for the Royal Rumble • Jan 11, 1999 87. Loser-Leaves-Raw Ladder Match • Oct 3, 2005 86. Mr McMahon is Bald • Apr 2, 2007 85. The Rock’s Eulogy for Stone Cold • Apr 19, 1999 84. Santino Marella: Milan Miracle • Apr 16, 2007 83. Mr. McMahon’s Birthday Bash with DX • Aug 24, 2009 82. Marty Jannetty vs. Shawn Michaels • May 17, 1993 81. Edge’s Retirement Speech • Apr 11, 2011 80. Triple H takes over DX • Mar 30, 1998 79. Hugh Jackman punches Dolph Ziggler • Sept 19, 2011 78. Musical Chairs • Jul 5, 2004 77. Big Shows First Match • Mar 22, 1999 76. An Hour in England • Apr 23, 2007 75. Loser-Leaves-Town Match • Jan 25, 1993 74. Triple H and Shawn Michaels reunite DX • Jul 22, 2002 73. CM Punk cashes in Money in the Bank • Jun 30, 2008 72. Stephanie Announces Her Pregnancy • Feb 4, 2002 71. Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold, Street Fight • April 21, 1997 70. Floyd “Money” Mayweather Confronts Big Show • Mar 10, 2008 69. Kofi Kingston… Boom! Boom! Boom! • Nov 16, 2009 68. Hornswoggle is Mr. McMahon’s Son • Sept 10, 2007 67. Y2J Throws HBK into Jeritron 5000 • Jun 9, 2008 66. Cemented Corvette • Oct 12, 1998 65. Donald Trump – New Chairman of WWE • Jun 15, 2009 64. Shawn Michaels Farewell Speech • Mar 29, 2010 63. The Rock makes fun of Toronto • Feb 24, 2003 62. Bob Barker Hosts Raw • Sept 7, 2009 61. The Greater Power Revealed • Jun 7, 1999 60. Intercontinental Title Over A Bridge • Dec 15, 1997 59. Dumpster Incident • Feb 2, 1998 58. The Miz cashes in Money in the Bank • Nov 22, 2010 57. US vs. Canada Flag Match • Jul 21, 1997 56. Ric Flair’s Retirement Celebration • Mar 31, 2008 55. Lita vs. Trish Stratus • Dec 6, 2004 54. Chris Jericho “Wins” The WWE Championship • Apr 17, 2000 53. Dude Love Debuts • Jul 14, 1997 52. John Cena vs. Kevin Federline • Jan 1, 2007 51. Goldberg Debuts • Mar 31, 2003 50. Brock Lesnar Returns To Raw • Apr 2, 2012 49. Formation of Evolution • Feb 3, 2003 48. DX Reunion at Raw 1000 • Jul 23, 2012 47. Shaq Attacks Big Show • Jul 27, 2009 46. Mankind Attacks Jim Ross • Jun 9, 1997 45. Rock vs. Cena – One Year Away • Apr 4, 2011 44. Bret Hart Shoves Mr. McMahon • Mar 17, 1997 43. Vader Attacks Gorilla Monsoon • Jan 22, 1996 42. Jeff Hardy’s Swanton off the Tron • Jan 14, 2008 41. Stone Cold Drives Zamboni • Sept 28, 1998 40. Choppy Choppy Pee Pee • Aug 3, 1998 39. Mike Tyson Joins DX • Mar 2, 1998 38. Batista Quits WWE • May 24, 2010 37. “Bret Screwed Bret” • Nov 17, 1997 36. D-Generation X Forms • Aug 11, 1997 35. Nexus Wreaks Havoc • Jun 7, 2010 34. Live Sex Celebration • Jan 9, 2006 33. Mr. McMahon vs. Stone Cold • Apr 13, 1998 32. The Rock Challenges Hulk Hogan • Feb 18, 2002 31. Stone Cold Stuns Mr. McMahon • Sept 22, 1997 30. DX Invades The Norfolk Scope • Apr 27, 1998 29. Debut of Monday Night Raw • Jan 11, 1993 28. Mae Young Powerbombed • Mar 13, 2000 27. WCW/ECW Alliance • Jul 9, 2001 26. The Rock Returns • Feb 14, 2011 25. Bedpan McMahon • Oct 5, 1998 24. Bret Hart Returns To Raw • Jan 4, 2011 23. Triple H Returns To Raw • Jan 7, 2002 22. Undertaker vs. Jeff Hardy • July 1, 2002 21. Kurt Angle Milk Truck • Aug 20, 2001 20. 1-2-3 Kid Upsets Razor Ramon • May 17, 1993 19. Batista Turns on Evolution • Feb 21, 2005 18. Foley Wins the WWE Championship • Jan 4, 1999 17. Bischoff – New Raw GM • July 15, 2002 16. Shawn Michaels Loses His Smile • Feb 13, 1997 15. Sable Wears A Potato Sack • Dec 8, 1997 14. Mr. McMahon Appreciation Night • Jul 11, 2007 13. Pillman’s Got a Gun • Nov 4, 1996 12. Vegas Wedding • Nov 29, 1999 11. Kane Unmasks • Jun 23, 2003 10. WrestleMania XXVI Challenge• Feb 22, 2010 9. Raw/Nitro Simulcast • Mar 26, 2001 8. Rock Concert • Mar 24, 2003 7. DX Mocks the Nation • Jul 6, 1998 6. #1 Draft Pick • Jun 6, 2005 5. Pipe Bomb • Jun 27, 2011 4. Tyson and Austin • Jan 19, 1998 3. Millennium Man • Aug 9, 1999 2. This Is Your Life • Sept 27, 1999 1. Beer Bath • Mar 22, 1999
Worst attended PPV ever:
Survivor Series was the most heavily papered PPV event ever only 8,500 fans bought tickets for the show, and despite WWE giving as many tickets as possible away, the arena was still only 2/3 full.
Tag Title change dropped:
The match that Cody Rhodes was injured in last week, was to see the tag titles change hands, the match result was changed after Cody's awful bump.
NXT:
5 more men will join the NXT main roster invasion... * Big E Langston * Bray Wyatt (Husky Harris) * Bo Dallas * Conor O’Brian * Kenneth Cameron.
TNA Impact SPOILERS!!!:
* Sam Shaw comes out and talks about winning Gut Check. He calls out the first winner Alex Silva. Shaw defeats Silva with a diving leg drop. * Backstage segment with ODB, Eric Young and Hulk Hogan. There's going to be a Turkey Challenge tonight and EY is in it. * Christian York comes out and talks about Gut Check and his 16 years in wrestling. He challenges Jeff Hardy to a non-title match. Hardy defeated York in a great match. They celebrated after the match until Bobby Roode attacked and laid them both out. He taunted Hardy. * Taeler Hendrix comes out and talks about Gut Check. She challenges Tara and loses in a non-title match. * Eric Young beat Robbie E and Jesse Godderz in a three-way. Jesse had to put on a turkey suit after the match. Aces & 8s attacked Young after that, using a bat, hammer and chair while ODB was handcuffed. Agents all ran down and they took EY out on a stretcher. * Daniels and Kazarian come out to cut a promo on Final Resolution and AJ Styles. * AJ Styles beat Kazarian. * Austin Aries come out and talks. He rips Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan. Brooke comes out and they have words about her being with Bully Ray. Hogan ends up coming down as does Bully Ray. Aries escapes the ring and laughs at everyone. Brooke runs away crying while Hogan and Ray stare at each other.
Dolph follows friend:
Dolph Ziggler was asked if he watches TNA, he replied no, but that he did keep up with his former Spirit Squad team mate Mike Mondo, who works for ROH.
