Whilst most of the product on the WWE ''Reality'' Show Total Diva's is scripted and staged, an incident between Brodus Clay and Cameron's real world boyfriend which was broadcast on the show was legit, and was described as a shoot incident following the news their match had been pulled from WrestleMania, earlier this year.
Chris Benoit to Hall Of Fame:
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has shared his view on the Former WWE Champion's chances of a future induction... "I do not think that Benoit will ever be inducted into the WWE HOF."
Interviewer apologises:
After a recent interview with axed TNA star Taeler Hendrix in which it was claimed She accused Dixie Carter of telling her She was too fat to appear on TNA TV, the host of the show Greg DeMarco has today apologised saying that the comment was not made in the context they claimed it had been, and that Taeler was not referring to Dixie when She was talking about her weight.
TNA support the save wrestling campaign:
This video is in response to wrestling being cut from the Summer Olympics...
TNA signing talent:
In response to Shannon Moore's comment's (See yesterday) TNA officials say they are working on bringing in new stars, but would not provide any names they are in contact with. However despite these claims their financial problems persist, they have been forced to cancel two live shows scheduled for next month, and have also informed their fans that the video on demand service they offer will be suspended. They will offer refunds to those that subscribe.
Diva's vote:
Maxine won the WWE poll (See yesterday) asking which diva fans would like to return with a landslide 68% of the vote, in response to the news, Karlee Perez tweeted... "I would love to show people what I can really do!" She quit WWE last year after growing frustrated with her lack of progress within the company.
TNA teaser:
In the 3rd August 1 trailer, Chris Jericho becomes the latest WWE legend referenced, The star of the video also says 99% of Wrestling fans will know who he is when he appears on Thursday's Impact.
The 4th saw the guy threaten another legend Bill Goldberg...
Randy Orton assaulted by fan:
Randy Orton was attacked by a South African fan following a match against Big E. Langston on the WWE tour. He was on the ropes celebrating when the guy crept into the ring and punched him below the belt, causing Orton to collapse to the mat in pain. His opponent Langston and some security pulled the guy out of the ring, but Orton got up and kicked him in the head as he was being dragged away. As a result of the attack WWE refused to take part in the fan festivities that were planned, leaving many fans upset that they had lost money they had paid to meet the stars, other fans wrote to apologise to Randy and WWE and expressed their hopes that it would not affect the future of WWE shows in the country. WWE have released a statement about the incident... "Tonight Randy Orton was violently attacked from behind by a South African fan, who is currently being held in jail pending criminal charges. The extent of Orton's injuries are unknown at this time." WWE did not apologise for Orton's behaviour after the attack, he threw and kicked his MITB briefcase up the aisle before pausing to flip the bird at the audience shown on the large screen. Not great quality, but I have found a vid of the incident...
New PPV:
WWE Battleground MAY include the return of WarGames. It is not thought that the arena could hold ore than one ring, so unless they come up with a new style of cage for the bout or cut back on available seats for the show I would take this as rumour for now. It would be cool though, especially with the factions in WWE, The Shield vs The Wyatt's... could be good.
Former promoter dies:
Memphis Promoter Cory Maclin was killed in an Auto Crash yesterday aged 43.
Mideon:
Dennis Knight is the latest featured guest on WWE's Where Are They Now?. He reveals He will soon take part in a Reality show for Chefs.
Drew McIntyre:
Drew McIntyre could not go on the Australia, South Africa, or China tours this week because of issues with his Green Card.
D'Lo Brown talks TNA problems:
"Looking at things at 30,000 feet, I think that they're going through some growing pains right now. They're restructuring and trying to fortify their product. Taking the show on the road was a big financial burden. I think it's part of the natural growing process of the company; (the roster cuts) were like pruning a tree." He went on to say he would like to return to WWE, but would also leave the door open for a TNA return.
"Not sure why this line of questioning has suddenly became 'timely' but, NO, I do not think that John Cena will ever be an official, wrestling villain. I see no reason to consider such casting whatsoever. If you choose to boo Cena, then that's your choice. Have at it. It doesn't bother Cena to any measurable degree as best that I know plus you have the right to express yourself, within reason, at WWE events. I don't think that any one, especially children, should subjected to attention starved, usually young, male fans obscene taunts but that's another story."
Mick Foley talks career change:
He was asked how his ring days helps his comedy career... "The two share as many similarities as differences," Foley said. "I enjoy going out and doing my thing in WWE, but I wouldn't say I enjoy it more than playing in front of a club of 200 people. There are points in my current show where I'll whisper for effect and seeing the crowd hang on my next words is very powerful. Skills I've developed in the ring with a microphone are used to achieve that effect, but I can't go into a club and start cutting (loud, boisterous) in-ring promos."
TNA release new teaser:
Interestingly they name check Batista, but the favourite to be the star in these video's is Bob Holly, however he has denied any involvement.
Shannon Moore on TNA:
Shannon Moore says TNA need to change their outlook and sign household names to grow the product, naming Carlito and John Morrison among others... "However I feel it's time to capitalize on the house hold names that are sitting home right now. Carlito,Morrison,Helms,Masters,etc. These guys are hard workers that have name value that people still want to see. Sometimes the mixture of home grown and household names Is a good thing. Just my opinion but so much talent that have a following should be put to use by someone. It's a waste and this day and age it's hard".
WWE have today asked their fans which former Diva they would like to return to the company, current standings are as follows... * Kelly Kelly (23%) * Lita (17%) * Trish Stratus (13%) * Eve (11%) * Melina (8%) * Beth Phoenix (6%) * Victoria (6%) * Michelle McCool (5%) * Stacy Keibler (4%) * Torrie Wilson (4%) * Maxine (2%). So tits over talent... SMH...
JBL:
JBL will be away from WWE for a couple of weeks, he is on his way to Switzerland for the latest round of his mountain climbing challenge.
Maria attacks the Bella's:
Maria was live tweeting during the debut episode of Total Diva's last night, and took a few shots at Nikki Bella for example, mocking the scene where Nikki was asking John Cena about marriage plans, Maria tweeted that She loved seeing women beg for a ring. She also baulked at the Twins calling themselves veterans of the ring. Tweeting that She felt like She wanted to vomit.
Jake The Snake hits goal:
Jake The Snake Roberts told website TMZ that he has hit a personal goal of losing 70lbs in weight as he prepares for a WWE return at the 2014 Royal Rumble.
Ring return:
Jesse Sorenson has made his ring return at an indy show following his TNA release last week, it was his first match since the accident that almost ended his career...
Ex TNA star attacks Dixie:
Taeler Hendrix has attacked Dixie Carter, revealing that Dixie told her She was too fat to appear on TNA TV... ''Don't tell me on my birthday that I'm 'heavy' to be on TV. I'm a size three, that's not fat at all! I'm a role model for young girls, there's nothing plastic about me." She also revealed that She is battling Cervical Cancer.
Adam Pearce, a Gutcheck reject has teased that the cryptic video (See yesterday) is for him.
Ryback responds to Goldberg chants at live show:
The fan that posted this claims that John Cena told Ryback that he should be happy they were not calling him a ''Wanker''. Regarding the tour, Curtis Axel is working face, possibly a clue to a story twist coming.
New show:
Total Diva's debuts tonight.
Wedding date set:
Matt Hardy and Reby Sky will marry on October 3rd.
Ex star glad to be free of WWE:
Trent Barreta said of his time with WWE... "Every indy show I do, it's so much different [than] what I did for the past five years in WWE, it's an opportunity to do whatever I want and have fun most of all. For five years I wasn't getting to just have fun. And I'm just really having a blast now, so I just look forward to every match."
"I remember when I signed him to come back to WWE, part of that agreement was to help him get his surgery to address his weight issues. We were very concerned and wanted him to be healthy and wanted to help him be healthy. Having an eating disorder is nothing to joke about. It's not a fat joke. It's a serious issue that the company took very seriously."
WWE list it's top 50 Ring Names:
50 - Andre The Giant 49 - Bobo Brazil 48 - Mikey Whipwreck 47 - Ultimate Warrior 46 - Crybaby Cannon 45 - Diamond Dallas Page 44 - Pork Chop Cash 43 - Chris Jericho 42 - Great Kabuki 41 - Big Boss Man 40 - Michael PS Hayes 39 - The Undertaker 38 - Jim The Anvil Neidhart 37 - Buzz Sawyer 36 - Jesse The Body Ventura 35 - King Kong Bundy 34 - The Mongolian Stomper 33 - Big Van Vader 32 - Sweet Daddy Siki 31 - Bret Hitman Hart 30 - Kamala 29 - Sputnik Monroe 28 - Rowdy Roddy Piper 27 - Bruiser Brody 26 - Hulk Hogan 25 - Dynamite Kid 24 - Iceman King Parsons 23 - Greg The Hammer Valentine 22 - Thunderbolt Patterson 21 - CM Punk 20 - Ravishing Rick Rude 19 - Mad Dog Vachon 18 - Jake The Snake Roberts 17 - Gorgeous George 16 - Superfly Jimmy Snika 15 - Haystacks Calhoun 14 - Ric Flair 13 - Bad News Brown 12 - Dusty Rhodes 11 - The Dragon Ricky Steamboat 10 - Cactus Jack 9 -- Dr. Death Steve Williams 8 -- Gorilla Monsson 7 -- Fabulous Moolah 6 -- Bam Bam Bigelow 5 -- Killer Kowalski 4 -- One Man Gang 3 -- Abdullah The Butcher 2 -- Stone Cold Steve Austin 1 -- Macho Man Randy Savage
Maria Kanellis vs The Bella's:
Former WWE star Maria has alleged that She wasn't the only victim of The Bella Twins and that 2 other former Diva's offers of re-employment with WWE were rescinded after The Bella's stepped in to block the signings. She did not the the other ladies in question.
OVW star promoted:
OVW announcer Dean Hill was on Impact this week as Bully Ray's lawyer.
TNA release cryptic trailer for August 1 Impact:
WWE promote History Of WWE DVD:
"The History of WWE celebrates 50 years of sports entertainment by chronicling the evolution of WWE from small regional promotion into a worldwide phenomenon With new interviews from several key personalities past and present get the inside story behind each era of WWE as well as all your favorite moments and Superstars."
Big Show sent home:
Big Show has been pulled from the current Australian WWE tour, due to his injury.
Movie wraps:
Hornswoggle has finished filming his movie Leprechaun Origins today.
The Rock:
The Rock is on his way back to the States to film the last episode of his TV show Hero, he is taking a break from filming Hercules to do so. He also revealed that WCW tried to sign him early in his career, in response to a fan question on Twitter, he wrote... "Yup in the beginning. Offered 2xs my WWE salary. No thank you. My goal was to 'move the crowd' first. Money would come later."
Keibler snubs WWE:
This week is not the first time that former Diva Stacy Keibler has rejected the chance to return to WWE, sources close to Stacy say She has turned down multiple approaches in the last 2 years, and even refused the chance to visit friends backstage when Raw was in her home town of Baltimore recently.
Hall Of Fame 2014:
The Ultimate Warrior will be offered WWE Hall Of Fame induction as part of next years WrestleMania 30 festivities. However this time he is said to be more open to the idea than ever before. He will probably not be the headline inductee though, that is still penciled in to be DX, and the group induction WILL include Chyna. DX were originally going to be inducted this year however Bruno Sammartino shocked them by accepting induction meaning DX were bumped back a year. Chyna revealed that Vince McMahon had personally telephoned her earlier this year, during Triple H's attempts to secure Sammartino's induction, to reveal the plans for a DX induction and to inform her She would be included. Many did not believe Chyna's claims at the time, but today word coming out of WWE is Chyna will be invited to join up with Shawn Michaels, Triple H, X-Pac and The New Age Outlaws to take her place in the HOF. Rumour is (confirmed by friends of the former star) talks are already ongoing, and that She may appear on WWE TV before next years induction, If so it will be the first time since 2001.
Great Muta:
Great Muta's new promotion W-1 have announced a talent exchange program with a major US promotion.
Ahmed Johnson on WWE racism:
Ahmed Johnson has continued to attack WWE for racism in another interview this week he said... "To become the black champion in history there (WWF), it was so neat. But there was also a dull side to it, I lived in this fantasy land where I thought there was no more racism in the world, then I go out to my car and and someone had scratched 'Congratulations n----r' on my car. I didn't know who did it, nobody would fess up to it. I never found out who did it but you know I thought about it for a while and I asked Vince the question, I asked him why did it take them until 1996 to decide that they'd have a black champion because there was so many great black wrestlers before me like Junkyard Dog and other people. Why didn't he give them the opportunity to be a champion and wear the belt? He got very upset about me asking that question. So that ended up being the end of me in the WWF after that. I didn't want anything to do with him. The word I got from the booker Vince Russo, he told me after this was over and all the smoke had cleared, that they would have meetings about this and Vince and other people said that the American audience wasn't ready for a black champion, which was bulls--t. Every time we went to Germany, Kuwait, India, I was the number one draw over there when we went." He also accused Pat Patterson of taking liberties with male talent, saying if they did what he wanted them to do, he would make sure they were rewarded with a push... "Not so cool. He likes guys you know, I don't have a problem with that, that's cool. But when you start pushing guys based on who has the sexiest ass to you, I have a problem with that. I'm telling you this as a respect point, I'm gonna be honest, he was gay, there's no secret about it. He did do some things that are unmentionable. He made certain wrestlers do certain things to get pushed in certain positions. That was his thing. He was a bully, a gay bully. The casting couch type thing but with males not females."
WWE Top 10:
Tag Team Finishers...
Page news:
In a new feature on our sister page Shaggy's Wrestling Page I have blogged about the WWE blacklist of talent and asked with Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund's HOF inductions this year, and the plans to induct Ultimate Warrior and Chyna next, are the days of stars being ''Blackballed'' forever by WWE over??? Full article.
Kofi Kingston did not travel to Australia, WWE hoped to bring him back on this trip, but he has not recovered quickly enough to take part.
Royal fail:
King Jerry Lawler almost missed the second of this weeks Raw taping's, because he drove 4 hours in the wrong direction, WWE had to charter a flight to get him to the arena in time.
Luke Gallows:
Luke Gallows says he is very much open to a WWE return, adding that he is in the prime of his career, and has much more to offer. When asked which of his characters he would like to reprise, (Fake Kane, Festus, or Luke Gallows) he said he would like to hook up with CM Punk again as Gallows.
Stacy Keibler:
The WWE Alum says She is not currently in talks to rejoin WWE, and is currently focusing on her TV presenting career, WWE are interested in bringing her back, it seems She is not as enthusiastic about the idea.
Brit marks landmark achievement:
Paige has discussed becoming the first ever NXT Women's Champion... "To be the first NXT Women's Champion is such an honor. It's so overwhelming that it hasn't fully sunk in yet. Emma gave me a heck of a match and I have so much respect for her. We made history. I still can't believe I can say that I've made history in WWE. I cried and cried when I won it and the support from everyone has been crazy. I'm getting goose bumps and teary-eyed just talking about it."
WWE take heat for Wrestler's downfall:
Friends of DT Porter who has been charged with murder (See yesterday) say his time with WWE changed him for the worse... "I know the past few months he's been a mess. Since his release, he was always talking about how f-cked up the developmental system is. His release also really hit him hard. I'm not saying it's the WWE's fault he went crazy, but he was a different person after he got released than before he was signed." He went on to say that while in Developmental he was hurt, and the coaching staff and fellow workers bullied him for ''Milking the injury''... "He felt obligated to return, but he knew the writing was on the wall with the treatment he was getting while injured. He was constantly ribbed while he was out and after he came back.'' The friend said that he had recently been trying to get McGhee to move back to St. Louis and that McGhee had become even more depressed the last couple of months after his wife left him. McGhee had also lost his nephew a few months ago. "A couple of us in St. Louis kept trying to get him to move back. He didn't have any real friends in Florida, just a couple of cousins."
TNA crown new Champion:
Manik won the X Division belt last night on Impact
SmackDown SPOILERS!!! for 2/8/2013:
* A change on Comms with Michael Cole and Alex Riley behind the desk. * Alberto Del Rio wants to pick his SummerSlam opponent as John Cena did, and picks Ricardo Rodriguez, Vickie Guerrero refuses and books a match to make a number 1 contender. * Cody Rhodes vs Jack Swagger * Big E. Langston vs Sin Cara * CM Punk vs Fandango * AJ Lee vs Kaitlyn (Diva's Title) * Booker T promo, his wife Sharmell was also present. * Christian vs Randy Orton vs Rob Van Dam (Number 1 contenders match).
Scott Hall talks the ''Curtain call'' incident:
"As far as the infamous curtain call it wasn't planned, I had my match with hunter and it was one of the best matches I had in my career. Pat Patterson was the booker at the time and he pulled me and Hunter aside, gave us some ideas and we followed them and the match was great. There was an intermission when they set up the cage for Kev and Shawn's match and Vince told me to meet him in his office in Madison Square Garden and when I was in there talking to him Shawn came strolling in and said after the match he wanted Hunter and myself to come out, and Vince went along with it. We had permission, it wasn't some kind of outlaw renegade move to hurt the company, which is what everybody seems to say. For me, I felt the responsibility to go out there and say good bye to the fans at MSG, and thank you for supporting me all of these years. That is the last time the four of us have ever been together at one time."
SummerSlam card updated:
John Cena vs Daniel Bryan (WWE Title)... CM Punk vs Brock Lesnar... Alberto Del Rio vs Christian (World Title)...
Rock punished:
WWE have pulled all advertising for The Rock's TV show ''Heroes''. They have also had Bray Wyatt utter digs at the show, such as ''There are no heroes anymore'', commentators have also been told not to use the word hero for broadcasts taped during the run of Rock's show.
TNA stars want to join WWE:
WWE have acknowledged that active TNA stars are contacting them about moving over to Connecticut, but say they will refuse to talk with anyone that is still under contract to TNA, they however conceded that they are monitoring the stars that are being released.
Heat on The Shield:
More has emerged on the backstage heat on The Shield members Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, and the ramifications on the relationship between Vince McMahon and Triple H. Rollins had a falling out with the Big Show, not much else is known about why, but the major issue was with Reigns, He is said to have called Randy Orton out after the viper botched a spot during a match. Vince demanded that action be taken against them, but Triple H as with Daniel Bryan, decided that the story line momentum they were building with The Shield should not be derailed by punishing them for backstage issues, and refused. This led to a power struggle in the back, with Triple H having to fight to maintain The Shield's favourable booking. That heat is said to have dissipated now after the great match they had at Money In The Bank.
Ex WWE star fears for life:
Jacques ''The Mountie'' Rougeau has reported that a man brandishing a 12 gauge shot gun has been searching for him and threatening his safety around his home town. Police are investigating.
PPV re-named:
Over The Edge in October will now be called Battleground.
TNA champ talks TNA's financial problems:
Chris Sabin said... ''I've seen the company change, management actually, many times. Just throughout the years but that's just how it's always been. Writers change, people's jobs change, people come and go but it is weird every time because you get used to working with someone and use to seeing someone and then they're not there anymore. So it's like ahhh well what's it gonna be like when the next group of guys that are coming in? So you got to pick it up and start over with that too but I've seen it happen many times and luckily I have seemed to stuck around the entire time so hopefully I can continue to stick around."
Scott Hall has moved out of Diamond Dallas Page's home and into an Atlanta house with his Son Cody, he will continue to follow DDP's fitness regime.
Bill DeMott trainee defends his style:
Velvet Jones says DeMott is tough but fair, He was responding to a torrent of anti DeMott stories coming out of WWE developmental... "Bill was the kind of guy, where if he trained you and he saw something in you, he did all that he could to get you to see it in yourself and try to pull it out of yourself. He wouldn't let you shortchange yourself. He can make you a better wrestler. His style... it wasn't discriminatory, it wasn't abusive. It wasn't distasteful by any stretch of the imagination."
SmackDown SPOILERS!!!:
* The show starts with the two MITB winners cutting a promo, leading to the announcement of a match between the two. * Damien Sandow vs Randy Orton * Mark Henry & The Uso's vs Prime Time Playaz & Wade Barrett * Alberto Del Rio vs Rob Van Dam * Tons Of Funk vs Wyatt Family * Christian vs Jack Swagger * CM Punk vs Fandango Note WWE will tape next weeks SmackDown tonight, the show will be held on Booker T appreciation night in the city of Houston.
Ex WWE star charged with murder:
Brian ''DT Porter'' McGhee who made the news last Summer just before his WWE release for a series of worrying social media posts, where he was begging for help with his alcoholism and was suffering from some Mental issues as a result, including threats to harm himself was involved in an auto wreck yesterday, unfortunately that was the end of a tragic story. McGhee allegedly assaulted his Girl Friend outside the apartment complex they shared stabbing her multiple times before jumping in his car and fleeing from Police, he eventually wrecked the vehicle and was taken to hospital, suffering from multiple injuries. Police say they will charge him with First degree murder as soon as he is well enough to be aware of the charges he faces. Another shocking twist emerged later, he took a picture, allegedly of the victim after the attack, but before the Police arrived and made it his profile picture on his Facebook page. I am not going to post it here, but you can see it at this link if you so wish.
Jerry Lawler:
Jerry Lawler will wrestle his first singles match since his near fatal heart attack this weekend, he will face the recently released Matt Striker.
Vickie draws!!!:
WWE decided to move Vickie Guerrero from Raw GM to SmackDown GM because they are disappointed with the low viewing figures on the blue brand, and feel She could bring people back.
SMS:
Saturday Morning Slam will return in September.
Memo Montenegro:
Was released from WWE because of his poor ring work showing little sign of improving.
Alberto Del Rio:
The current World Champion is currently working hurt, he suffered broken ribs at the hands of Sheamus on one of this weeks Raw taping's. He is working through the injury.
Ultimate Warrior / Vince McMahon:
Speculation is mounting online that the Warrior / Vince meeting is going to happen ''Soon'', likely on the topics for discussion will be Hall Of Fame induction, WWE have long wanted Warrior in, he has always refused, it is thought this may be their best chance to get him in, and WWE want to capitalize on the opportunity.
Kassius Ohno:
WWE are again demanding Chris Hero work on changing his physique before being moved up to the main roster, he will not be back on TV (NXT) until he shows signs of making the changes to his body that WWE want to see.
Former Diva to return:
WWE are said to be in talks with Stacy Keibler, in the hopes of a return to the WWE roster. They hope to cash in on her main stream media fame, after her relationship with George Clooney greatly increased her profile. The plan is to put her with Daniel Bryan.
Nixed angle revealed:
Before Big Show's no show on this weeks Raw, the plan was for a Show face turn, where he would save Mark Henry from a beat down by The Shield leading to a 2 on 3 Tag Match at SummerSlam, The Uso's made the save instead. The match is still penciled in, dependent on Show's injury.
WWE want African - American to lead the company:
WWE are looking to hire an African - American baby face to lead the WWE, they want to attract more fans from that demographic, and hope to gain increased revenue sales from merch etc. They cited the effect Rey Mysterio had on the Latino market as the blueprint for what they hope to achieve with the new star.
"The relationship that fans have with wrestlers is unique and one of the many great aspects of the wrestling business. And, for this reason, releasing talent is never easy – not for you and not for us. But, bringing in fresh faces and the best wrestling talent in the world is what you expect, and what TNA will always strive to deliver. Recently, we have brought back some talent favorites (Sonjay Dutt, Petey Williams and Homicide), and you will continue to see this and new talent that we are excited to introduce you to in the coming months."
Raw taping brawl:
Something I didn't mention on yesterday's post was a crowd fight at the second of this weeks 2 Raw taping's. Today it has emerged that one of those involved suffered a brutal beating in the incident, and was taken to a local hospital as a result of the fight. The incident happened when a fan confronted the Father of a child who was annoying him because he kept walking in front of his seat to get a better view. No arrests were made, and it is not thought the victim filed charges.
After being released yesterday Jesse Sorenson has accused TNA chief Dixie Carter of breaking a promise. After his accident he says the TNA boss promised him a job for life within the company, be it in the ring or another capacity, but says that promise was broken yesterday when they cut him loose. He further hinted that his wrestling career is over, saying he is looking for new challenges away from the ring... "My name is Jessy Sorensen. I am a former professional wrestler for TNA Impact Wrestling seen every thursday night on SpikeTV. On Feb.12th 2012 during a live match on pay per view vs Zema Ion I suffered a sever neck injury sustaining a broke C-1 vertebrae & herniated C-5 & C-6. After a long recovery process & being promised by the President of TNA Impact Wrestling TNA Dixie Carter I would always have a job with her company, I recently was released from my current contract & shown that those promises were false. During my time away from the ring I decided to pursue bodybuilding & have been prepping for the Hurricane Bay bodybuilding show in Tampa, FL on Oct.5th,2013 but now due to my recent released I will have to drop out of my show. Thanks and hopefully I can find something I love just as much as I did Wrestling." TNA defended the release saying he was still being paid a wrestlers salary for working in the office, and they could not afford that expense, they also added that it will show all employees that no matter who you are, you are not invincible, when it comes to the financial restructuring they are currently doing, no-one is safe. Many insiders however feel cutting Sorenson loose was a disastrous PR move, and expect TNA will regret the decision.
Mick Foley:
The WWE Hall Of Famer has revealed the toll wrestling took on his body, in a recent newspaper interview... "There's only so much punishment a human body can take. A lot of it wasn't necessarily hard-core matches... It was just a very physically demanding style. My knees became arthritic very early because of that punishing style. It would be like likening a running back who takes the hit to the running back who plays it safe and goes out of bounds at almost every occasion. It's not because of the type of matches I was in or the stipulations that surrounded them; it's because I had a style that I chose at a young age that had consequences."
WrestleMania 30:
The Make-A-Wish Foundation are offering fans the chance to win a VIP trip to WrestleMania 30, including Fan Axxess, Hall Of Fame ceremony and the chance to meet the roster, to enter click here.
Raw SPOILERS!!! and notes for 29/7:
* Mark Henry & The Uso's vs The Shield... * Fandango vs Rob Van Dam * AJ Lee vs Kaitlyn * Big E. Langston vs Dolph Ziggler * Alberto Del Rio vs Christian * Cody Rhodes vs Wade Barrett * Daniel Bryan vs Kane * Brie Bella vs Natalya * Curtis Axel vs R-Truth * John Cena vs Ryback The show received mixed ratings from those in attendance, the content was praised, one fan saying the show was 85% wrestling and there was very little time taken up with promo's, but others were not happy that stars advertised did not appear, including Triple H, Randy Orton and The Big Show, plus a Vince McMahon promo was said to have bombed. JBL also missed the broadcast, and fans were confused by a Damien Sandow promo where he was furious with Cody Rhodes for stealing his briefcase, even though he had it earlier in the evening on Main Event. The segment will probably be taped for SmackDown, which is tonight, and will air before this episode of Raw.
Matt Striker lands new job:
Matt Striker has been employed by NHL side the New York Wolves.
New star hurt:
Brittany Fetkin dislocated her knee in training yesterday.
Percy Watson interview:
On his time with WWE... "Frustration is probably the wrong word to use. Its more of an anticipation. You're anticipating you getting your shot. So nah, I wasn't really frustrated. I figured my time would come sooner or later. But also I had to work at it to get that opportunity to come back around again... Unfortunately, it never did!" On his release... "I can't speak for everyone else, I can only speak for myself. I was never given a clear answer as to why I was released."
Controversial Ahmed Johnson interview:
He says he never became WWE Champion because of racism at the top of WWE... Other highlights... On heat after joining WWE... "When I first got started in the WWF, a lot of people were very jealous. Yoko(zuna) being one of them. I was a big guy at almost 300lbs doing moves that guys who were 220 couldn't do like jumping over the top rope to the outside, moonsaults. I was the only big guy doing that kind of stuff. Yoko didn't like that, and when Vince told me I would be body slamming him in our match, Yoko pulled me to one side and said 'I'm not gonna jump for you and I'm not helping you. If you're gonna pick me up, you're gonna pick me up.' I couldn't understand that. I don't know what I did wrong. We did become friends shortly after that." On Jeff Jarrett... "I didn't like working with him. He wasn't like Shawn Michaels, he'd complain if you hit him too hard. He didn't want to put anybody over, and on top of that, man, he was a racist son of a b---h. Really racist." On kissing Goldust... "He agreed to kiss my hand when we practiced it, but when we got out there. Man.... he kissed me harder than any female has ever kissed me. I'm talking your husband's going to the military and he's never coming home kind of kiss, and that just P*SSED ME OFF." On never winning the WWF Title... "I was going to face The Undertaker for the title. I found out through Vince Russo that we were gonna do that match, and he told me that some of the people at the booking table told him that the WWF were not ready for a black champion. Can you believe that s--t? F**k that. More of that racist s--t coming to surface. And there was a lot of it." He went on to say he was proud of breaking down Racial barriers in WWE by winning the IC title, Ron Simmons purposely hurting him in '96, his falling out with Vince McMahon and his time with WCW... Full podcast interview is here.
Despite failing to be elected twice, Linda McMahon has decided to continue a political career in Connecticut. She will support the Republican party.
Chris Benoit movie:
The director of the Chris Benoit biopic, Vicente Amorim has discussed why he took the movie on... "Chris Benoit's story is the perfect vehicle for a fiercely honest film that is as much about him and the world of wrestling as it is about America and show business. I am very happy to be on board to help tell this story." The movie will be produced by SRG.
Dixie Carter:
Prior to the last Impact taping TNA Chief Dixie Carter rallied the roster and gave them a pep talk, She assured them their jobs were safe despite the current round of releases, and played down the financial issues the company are having. She blamed the high cost of the One Night Only PPV taping's, and said more cuts could not be ruled out, but whatever decisions were made would be for the long term good of the promotion. Jeff Jarrett was present at the meeting, but Taz missed this show, He had a clause in his new contract to get more days off.
Release confirmed:
World Champion Alberto Del Rio's Brother Memo Montenegro has been released by WWE. He was dropped earlier this month, but was removed from the roster page of WWE.Com just yesterday.
Raw notes:
Yesterday marked the 1st anniversary of 3 hours Raw's. Brock Lesnar vs CM Punk was made official for SummerSlam. Big Show who was hyped to return, No Showed the event, WWE cited his knee injury as the cause. Brie Bella was ordered to apologize for a wardrobe malfunction during her segment with The Miz, management were furious. Michelle McCool was backstage. Wade Barrett was bust open in a match vs Rob Van Dam. Tamina returned from filming her movie. WWE will tape next weeks Raw tonight.
The Ultimate Warrior is ready to talk to Vince McMahon:
The Ultimate Warrior has responded to Vince McMahon welcoming him back into WWE, by asking him to open talks to clear the air once and for all... "Vince, thank you for your personal welcome back to the WWE Universe. It is noted and appreciated. All the Warriors of Parts Unknown take pride in being one of the original galaxies of the Universe you created. Not one of my days has passed without a flashback to my time in the business and my relationship with you. After 17 years of battling one another, perhaps the stars have finally aligned and Destiny is prepared to tell one of Sports Entertainment's greatest stories: how two of the industry's most determined, colorful, intense and explosive personalities brought to life a persona that made such an inspiring impression that it still captures the hearts and minds of fans all over the world, even all these years later. I am proud Ultimate Warrior is an iconic, immortal spirit in the Universe you created. I know, Vince McMahon, you are proud, too. The inhabitants of your WWE Universe believe your personal welcome is an invitation of sorts. If so, consider this my RSVP with one condition. Wisdom takes a seat at the table with us when we meet, but we each also leave unburied a slight edge of the hatchet we've carried over the years. that other gutless and heartless God-fearing men urge us to lay to rest forever. Face it, neither one of us were ever any good at being bored or boring others. So coming prepared to kill one another makes for a interesting backup plan. Always Believe, Warrior "
TNA release:
Jesse Sorenson has been released by TNA, his career was almost ended last year when he suffered a serious neck injury. He had been working in the TNA office whilst preparing for a return to action.
Jake The Snake Roberts has tweeted an update on his battle with addictions... ''254days coke free. 33 without a drink! Moving forward.''
Kharma:
Kharma says She is getting ready for a return to TV, but offered no further details. Hall Of Famer elected: Antonio Inoki was elected to the Japanese Upper House Of Councillors over the weekend. He won in a landslide.
Lita:
Lita has revealed what happened to her last week (See Saturday's post). She says She took Her Godson to the Six Flags Amusement Park and whilst there, they were mugged. The pair had bags, Credit cards, cash, the boy's wallet and mobile phones stolen. She added that she took steps to cancel the cards, and replaced the stolen phones and now wants to put the incident behind her.
Raw teaser:
* Has Brock Lesnar awakened the beast within CM Punk? * Who or what will Big Show go after? * Is The Hall of Pain set to induct The Shield? * Is GM Brad Maddox capable of running RAW? * Who will The Wyatt Family target next?
Ricardo Rodriguez:
Ricardo's 30 day drugs suspension will be extended by a few days. He is clear to return on August 1, but WWE are on tour in South Africa and China that week, so his return will not happen until Raw on August 5.
Big O interview:
Zack Ryder's buddy Big O, has discussed getting into wrestling... "Zack invited me to go to a live RAW event at the National Coliseum in Long Island in 2011 and it was the 1st professional wrestling show I'd ever been to in my whole life. Never been to a pro wrestling show. I go to take my seat as I'm walking with his father who also appeared on the show with us. We couldn't get to the aisle where our seats are because there was literally a crowd of 500 people who wanted to get my autograph and take a picture with me. Solely based on the fact that I was doing this YouTube show with him. So I was like wow this is exciting! This is cool! So after doing the episodes for another three months from that moment on, a few more shows, I ended up backstage meeting with a few wrestlers, I was like you know what this really might be something I could get into cause I've always been an athlete, in great shape, I have a very flexible job working at a nightclub, little responsibility and at the end I had the head start because I had connections. So I was like you know what gimme the number of the wrestling company that you started training at years ago with the New York Wrestling Connection and I'll go in once or twice to see what it's all about and see if it's for me or not. Labor Day of 2011 I go into NYWC, two weeks later I was body slamming a 400 pound guy in the main event, and here I am less than two years later having just appeared on National Television for TNA IMPACT." On the YouTube show that made him famous, Zack Ryder's ZTLIS... "When we first started doing it, it was very risky because nobody in the business had ever done something like that. No one had ever done a live radio shoot-talk show or a fan mail Q & A interacting with fans or directing responding to fans. It was the 1st time that anybody used social media and used that as an extension of television and superstars on WWE's internet website to really let people into the world of Zack Ryder to know what kind of person he really is. That kid's got ton of personality but when you're not featured on television or you're on television once a month for a two minute match, fans don't know who you are.''
Ex WWE agent attacks TNA:
Tom Prichard has spoken out on TNA after they released his Brother Bruce last week... ''First of all, I never worked for TNA. That was my brother Bruce. I don't care what happens to TNA. It was evident long before Bruce ever got there that their problems were (are) deep. Maybe TNA should start at the top (the very top) and look at what the real issues are. Hiring and firing people is all well and good if it produces the desired changes and makes the company more successful. I can't speak about what's going on behind the scenes and I never discussed that with Bruce or anyone else at TNA. I can tell you I got a call last July with an offer to help with the developmental system in OVW. As seems to be the case with TNA, lack of follow up and professionalism was indeed the case as I didn't go to Louisville. Why? Never got a straight answer or courtesy call explaining why a representative of the company called and initiated talks about going to OVW as a trainer, ask what I would want to go and then promise an answer "by Monday." Monday has yet to come… It's a shame when a talented roster can't get a straight answer or get paid on time. Who's to blame? All I know is if no one can get a straight answer at WWE they go to Vince McMahon. At this time, Vince has the last word and accepts responsibility. Did Bruce screw up or make bad decisions? Don't know. I wasn't there. But I do know enough people in TNA who enlightened me on the dealings they've had with upper management (long before Bruce ever entered the picture) and the song remains the same…''
WWE release?:
Memo Montenegro, younger Brother of Alberto Del Rio has had his WWE profile removed from WWE.Com, no official word yet, but that tends to be the first sign of bad news for a talent.
