From The Turnbuckle!

Over the Limit injuries

2010-05-27T17:04:00.004+10:00

It appears that multiple superstars were injured this past Sunday on WWE's new PPV: "Over the Limit"

A WHO'S WHO OF INJURED STARS

First up, Randy Orton

Orton is stated to have suffer a seperated shoulder during his match with Edge. It became obvious during his taunt before his RKO finisher.

Staff backstage were said to be extremely frantic about the initial injury, but seeing as he appeared on RAW the next night and furthermore was booked on the upcoming PPV "Fatal 4Way", it appears that the injury may not have been as drastic as originally stated.

Up next, CM Punk

STAPLED HEAD SOCIETY

CM Punk suffered not only a bald head at Over The Limit, but reports claim that Punk received several staples in his head after being thrown into the fan barrier during his match with Rey Mysterio.

Next on the list, John Cena

GAP TOOTH NATION

During his I Quit Match with Batista, John Cena reportedly knocked out a tooth. Cena himself confirmed this on his twitter account:

"Morning CeNation. Spent last 3 hrs at dentist. Got a tooth knocked out at OTL. Mouth numb."

Fourth injury, Batista

THE ANIMAL TAMED

Batista has been reported to have suffer a back and / or tailbone injury during one of the last two bumps in his match against John Cena.

Batista worked the injury angle on this weeks episode of RAW, entering the RAW Zone in a wheelchair, whilst being assisted to the ring by a couple of referees. Batista then went irrate during his in-ring promo, which resulted in him stating "I QUIT", whereby leaving the WWE.

Interesting to note that Batista has been rumoured to be leave the WWE soon, but due to recent injuries, Batista may have left sooner rather than later

Last, but not least, Ted DiBiase

MILLION DOLLAR KNOCKOUT

DiBiase suffered a concussion during his match with R-Truth. Reports state that the concussion was a result of a hard slap during the early part of the match. The storyline of the match was changed as a result

...And we're back!

2010-05-27T16:55:00.004+10:00

After a long, long hiatus - Fromtheturnbuckle is back!

MAH GAWD, THAT KILLED HIM?

I apologise for the lengthy delay, a vast array of projects have opened up and be developed on my behalf this past year.

But, have no fear, the wrestling is here!

SummerSlam 2009 Notes

2009-08-26T10:50:00.001+10:00

NOTES FROM SUMMERSLAM

Both CM Punk and Jeff Hardy are said to be pretty bruised up, but not seriously injured after their brutal TLC match for the World Heavyweight championship at SummerSlam last night.
Shane McMahon was spotted outside the Staples Center in L.A. after SummerSlam last night, so he was in attendance for the show backstage.
According to PWInsider.com, the "fan run-in" spot at SummerSlam was listed in the official script for the show, so everyone involved knew it was going to happen ahead of time.

WWE SummerSlam 2009 Results

2009-08-26T10:46:00.002+10:00

WWE SummerSlam 2009 Results

Dark Match:

- Beth Phoenix won a 15-Diva Battle Royal prior to tonight’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view with Chavo Guerrero as the special referee. Beth was able to get the win after Chavo Guerrero interfered and eliminated Kelly Kelly and Even. The face Divas beat Chavo up until Hornswoggle speared him and hit a Tadpole Splash.

WWE SummerSlam Opener:

- The particiapnts for tonight’s show are shown on graphics and DX is making shadow figures on it. They do a little skit where they basically announce they’re back. The pyro hits and we go to the Staples Center in Los Angeles where Jim Ross welcomes us to SummerSlam.

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler

Mysterio is out first with yellow and purple gear to a big pop.

Ziggler is out to not much of a reaction at all, but he still plays up his cocky heel persona. Grisham reminds us that the last time these two met at a PPV, Mysterio came out on top with the 619. We get the opening bell and Ziggler immediately beats on Rey in the corner. Rey tries to turn the tide, but Ziggler hits a powerslam for a couple of near falls.

Ziggler stomps on Rey in the corner, but when he goes for an Irish whip, Mysterio reverses, and hits a standing moonsault off the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Myster sends Ziggler to the outside with a low bridge, and follows him out with a hurricarana to the floor. Back in the ring, the two men fight it out on the top turnbuckle, with Mysterio sending Ziggler to the mat. Rey almost botches a hurricarana, but Ziggler catches him, and powerbombs him in the corner for another near fall. Ziggler pounds on Mysterio while Mysterio lays on the mat before locking in a rear chin lock.

There’s a small Ziggler chant surprisingly. Ziggler continues to beat down on Rey landing a jumping elbow and going right back to the rear chin lock. Ziggler locks in a body scissors and Rey refuses to quit. Rey fights out of the chin lock and sends Ziggler into the corner, but Ziggler manages to catch Rey with a nasty lariat and a single leg gut buster. Ziggler goes for what has to be his tenth pinfall, but when Mysterio kicks out again, Ziggle locks in the rear chin lock with a body scissors once more.

Rey manages to fight out of the submission again and he ducks a running Ziggler, who hits the top turnbuckle. Mysterio hits a seated senton, and a kick to the side of Ziggler’s head that puts Ziggler down for a two count. Rey goes for a springboard dive, but gets caught mid-air by a dropkick from Ziggler.

Ziggler misses Rey in the corner again and almost falls victim to a roll up, but Ziggler sits down on Mysterio and gets a two count himself. Ziggler throws Mysterio into the corner and goes for the belly to back suplex, but Mysterio reverses out and hits an enzugiri. Ziggler ducks a 619 attempts and pulls Mysterio’s feet out from under him. Ziggler charges Mysterio in the corner, but Mysterio gets the boot up. Mysterio rolls up Ziggler, but Ziggler is able to kicks out at two. Dolph tries for a body slam, but Mysterio counters with a DDT, that’s good for another near fall. Mysterio sends Ziggler into the ropes and hits the 619, but Ziggler avoids the springboard splash. Ziggler pins Mysterio, but Mysterio kicks out at two.

Ziggler is getting a pretty surprising amount of love from these fans here tonight, as he hits a running kick to the side of Mysterio’s head. Both men are on the top turnbuckle. Ziggler looks to be going for a second rope gut buster, but Mysterio reverses out with a hurricarana. Mysterio pins Ziggler and gets the three to retain.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

- Jack Swagger and MVP are backstage with Josh Matthews. Matthews says some people would consider this match a culture clash. Swagger says that on one side you have the All American American, and on the other side you have an ex-con. Swagger says MVP may have some talent, but all he amounts to is a stepping stone for Swagger. MVP says he wishes he had all the things Swagger had growing up. MVP says he made some bad decisions, but he paid for that. MVP says that when Swagger was in the NCAA, he won a trophy, when MVP was in DOC, he fought for his right to live. MVP says tonight Swagger goes back to school and gets taught by MVP.

MVP vs. Jack Swagger

Jack Swagger is out first followed by MVP to a nice pop. MVP and Swagger lock up, but it’s not long before Swagger bails to the floor. MVP follows him out though with a dive over the top rope.

Swagger is able to get an advantage though back in the ring, as he press slams MVP into the top turnbuckle. Swagger sends MVP into the ropes and hits him with a couple of forearms to the lower back. Swagger locks in an abdominal stretch, pounding on MVP’s ribs to cause even more damage. MVP fights out of the hold, but gets caught immediate with a huge lariat from Swagger. Swagger tries for a pin twice, but he can only come up with a two count.

Swagger locks in an abdominal stretch, but MVP is able to stand up with Swagger on his back, and send Swagger crashing to the mat, falling on his back. Swagger and MVP duke it out in the middle of the ring with MVP getting the advantage.

MVP hits the Ballin’ elbow, and goes for the pin, but Swagger kicks out at two. MVP goes for the playmaker, but Swagger counters out and sends MVP into the turnbuckle. Swagger rolls up MVP and grabs the tights, but MVP still kicks out. Swagger goes for the Vader bomb, but MVP gets his knees up and hits the big boot in the corner. MVP hits the playmaker, covers Swagger and gets the three.

Winner: MVP

- Lawler and Cole hype the ‘celebrities’ on hand tonight like Luke Perry of 90210 fame. This leads us into a video package running down the list of celebrities that have come to host Monday Night RAW over the past few weeks. Nancy O’Dell from Access Hollywood takes a mic at ringside and thanks WWE for helping with her charitable causes. She talks to Freddie Prinze Jr. at ringside, who says he can’t wait to see John Cena take the WWE Title from Randy Orton tonight. Not a good segment on Nancy’s part.

WWE Unified Tag Team Title Match: Big Show and Chris Jericho vs. Cryme Tyme

Out first is the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions with a new, much better theme music. Jericho cuts a promo on all the celebrities in attendance and says he and Show are the biggest celebrities and most known. Out comes Cryme Tyme.

Jericho and JTG are the men that are going to start things off here tonight. The two lock up and Jericho locks in a headlock. JTG sends Jericho into the ropes, but he gets taken down by a shoulder block. JTG is quick to recover though with a spinning elbow and modified neck breaker. Jericho almost catches JTG in the walls of Jericho out of nowhere, but he can’t quite get it. He tries to slingshot JTG into the corner, but JTG lands nimbly and hits Jericho with a crossbody.

Jericho is able to make the tag to Big Show, who comes in and immediately starts dominating JTG. Show locks in a standing side headlock and buries a right hand in JTG’s stomach. Show stands JTG up in the corner and hits a huge chop, but when he charges JTG, JTG is able to get his feet up and make the hot tag. Shad comes in and cleans house on the champs, but gets caught with a spear that quickly kills his momentum. Big Show tags out to Jericho, but makes sure to get one more big chop on Shad before exiting the ring. Jericho and Show double team Shad, sending him to the mat. Jericho kicks away at Shad’s head, but when he charges Shad, Gaspard is able to get a big boot up. Jericho is able to prevent a tag, and he tags out himself to Show, who comes in and locks in a full nelson on Shad. Big Show slams Shad down to the mat, and he tags out to Jericho who comes in and promptly misses an elbow drop. Shad is still not able to make the tag though, as Jericho locks in a modified million dollar dream on Shad.

Shad is finally able to make the tag to JTG who comes in with a lot of quickness, stunning Jericho with a mug shot and even getting in a cheap shot on Big Show. JTG goes for a pin on Jericho, but Show breaks it up. Shad sends show to the outside with a big lariat, and JTG is able to get another near fall. Jericho is able to lock in the walls of Jericho and JTG will not give up. JTG reaches the ropes, but he gets caught with a big right hand from the Big Show. Jericho pins JTG and keeps him down for the three count.

Winners: Big Show and Chris Jericho

- Josh Matthews is standing backstage with CM Punk. Matthews asks him about the TLC match tonight, but Punk says he’d rather talk about something else. Punk says he found a screenplay about Jeff Hardy with an ending where Hardy ends up conquering his demons and beating Punk tonight at SummerSlam. Punk says it’s a nice story, but the only thing that’s wrong with it is that it’s fiction. Punk says that kids worship that hip cool star, and that nothing matters as much as it’s cool. Punk says they don’t make movies about guys like him because he doesn’t support their poison society. Punk says tonight he’s going to rewrite the end of the Jeff Hardy story, and it may be graphic, but it’ll have a happy ending, with CM Punk winning the Heavyweight Championship.

Kane vs. The Great Khali

We get a video showing the feud between Kane and The Great Khali. Out first is Kane followed by The Great Khali with his brother and translator, Runjin Singh.

Kane tries to avoid Khali for the first bit of the match, and when he tries for a bit of offense, Khali beats him down in the corner. Kane tries to Irish whip Khali, but Khali throws Kane over the top rope to the outside instead.

Back in the ring, Khali misses a leg drop, and Kane tries to take advantage hitting a lariat and following it up with a trio of elbows. Kane signals for the chokeslam, but Khali fights it off and tries for the choke bomb. Kane counters out of it, but gets caught with a huge clothesline. Khali pounds down on Kane and goes for a quick pin, but Kane kicks out at one.

Khali hits Kane with a big chop to the chest, but Kane fights back with a big boot. Kane goes up top and hits the leaping lariat, but when he pins Khali, he can only hold him down for two. Kane locks in a reverse chin lock and pounds down on Khali’s head with big forearms.

Khali fights his way back to his feet and sends Kane into the ropes, taking him down with an elbow and a big boot. Khali hits a chop to the top of Kane’s head, but it’s only good to keep him down for a two count. Khali locks in the vice grip but Kane is able to make it to the ropes to force a break. While he’s in the ropes, Kane grabs a hold of Khali’s brother. He uses that as an opportunity to distract Kane. Kane hits a low dropkick, follows it up with a DDT, and pins Khali for the three, and the win.

Winner: Kane

- Lawler and Cole hype more of the celebrities in attendance, Maria Menounous, Slash, and Robert Patrick. This, somehow, leads us into a video package about DX and Legacy.

DX vs. Legacy

Shawn Michaels and Triple H as DX are out first to a huge pop, lots of pyro and a new theme song. A US Army Jeep rolls out and ’soldiers’ make their way out, ’shooting’ up into the rafters. Hunter and Shawn finally show up at the top of the stage riding in on a tank. Wild stuff here.

Hunter and Shawn pose on the tank, which shoots it’s cannon as they do their crotch chop. DX throw out glow sticks to the crowd and they pop huge again as Lilian announces them. Hunter grabs a mic a says it’s been a long time coming, so ‘are you ready?’ he does the typical ‘for the thousands in attendance’ speech, throwing in Cody and Ted saying ‘you girls want a war, you got a war, so let’s get ready to SUCK IT’. Michaels grabs the mic and says if you’re not down with that, they have two words for you, letting the crowd finish it off. Long entrance. Legacy make their way out to the ring in much less impressive fashion. Hunter and Ted are going to be the two men to start things out tonight.

The two men lock up, going into the ropes a couple of times, forcing a break from the ref. DiBiase sends HHH into the corner, but Hunter comes right back out with a big lariat before taking DiBiase down with a suplex and hitting a running knee drop. DiBiase makes the tag, but Rhodes runs straight into a big knee from Hunter. Rhodes stands up and finds himself in between Hunter and Shawn. Rhodes slaps Michaels, prompting HBK to tag into the match. HBK takes Rhodes down immediately with a shoulder block, but Rhodes is able to duck a right hand and slap Michaels again.

DiBiase tags back into the ring, where he falls victim to chops from Michaels in the corner. Michaels is caught off guard though, and DiBiase takes advantage, sending him into the corner with a hard Irish whip. DiBiase tags out to Rhodes, who comes in and tries to make a quick pin, but can only come up with a two.

DiBiase makes his way back into the match and he locks in a rear chin lock. It’s not long though, before HBK is able to fight his way out of the submission attempt and catch DiBiase with a neckbreaker. This allows HBK to tag out to Hunter who comes in and cleans house on both members of Legacy. Rhodes is able to distract Hunter though, who falls victim to a slingshot into the corner. HHH is fast to recover though, hitting spinebusters on both members of Legacy.

DX sends Rhodes to the floor, they follow it up with HHH back body dropping Michaels over the top rope on top of Rhodes. DiBiase is able to take advantage of Hunter though while he’s distracted, and he and Rhodes double team HHH, stomping away on him in the corner. Ted locks in a rear chin lock and Michaels tries to get the crowd going. Hunter is almost able to make the tag, but Ted cinches in on the hold and takes HHH down to the mat.

Hunter is able to fight his way out of the submission attempt with a side belly to back suplex. DiBiase is able to make the tag first though and Rhodes makes his way in and hits a quick DDT on Hunter before locking in a front face lock. HHH continues to try and reach his corner but Rhodes will not let up on his front face lock. HBK is able to get the crowd behind Triple H, who lands a big overhead suplex on Rhodes. Rhodes is able to make the tag first and DiBiase runs in and quickly takes out Michaels on the ring apron.

Hunter and DiBiase trade right hands in the middle of the ring, with HHH getting the advantage by sending Ted to the outside. Rhodes sends DiBiase back into the ring where he makes the tag, but it’s too late as HHH is able to make the hot tag. HBK comes in and makes quick work of both members of Legacy. The numbers game catches up with Michaels though, as he’s caught from behind with a lariat by DiBiase.

Rhodes goes up top and tries for the flying elbow, but HBK rolls out of the way and Rhodes crashes and burns. Michaels goes up to the top himself, but he ends up getting crotched on the top turnbuckle by Rhodes. Rhodes attempts a superplex, but Michaels fights his way out, sending Rhodes to the mat. Michaels goes for the flying elbow himself, but Rhodes is able to get up his knees. Rhodes goes for a pin, but HBK kicks out at two.

HBK locks in the figure four out of nowhere, but DiBiase is able to make his way in and break it up. HHH goes for the pedigree on DiBiase, but Rhodes is able to break it up and hit a neckbreaker on Hunter. Rhodes hits the cross Rhodes on HBK, but Hunter is able to break up the pin attempt.Hunter makes his way in and hits the pedigree on Rhodes, but then Dibiase makes his way in and hits the dream street on Michaels. Hunter and Dibiase brawl to the outside where they end up on the wrong side of one of the broadcast booths. Both men are able to make it up before the ten count. HBK hits sweet chin music on Rhodes out of nowhere, he goes for the pin, and wins the match for his team.

Winners: DX

ECW Title Match: Christian vs. William Regal

Matt Striker and Josh Matthews take over commentary as the ECW Champion Christian makes his way out to the ring. Out next is William Regal and he has Vladimir Kozlov & Ezekiel Jackson with him.

As soon as the bell rings, Christian hits Regal from behind as he’s walking to take his coat off with the Killswitch. Christian gets the pin for the pinfall and win. Kozlov and Jackson come in the ring and the three beat Christian down. Regal, Kozlov and Jackson stand over Christian and raise their hands.

Winner: Christian

WWE Title Match: Randy Orton vs. John Cena

Cole and Lawler go over the rivalry between Orton and Cena, highlighting their tag match from earlier this week on Raw. No video package as we’re going straight into this match. Cena is out first to his usual big pop from the crowd. Out next is the WWE Champion Randy Orton.

Lillian does the formal introductions for Cena and Orton. Both men actually get a mixed reaction, with Orton getting a bit warmer of a reaction from these LA fans.Both men lock up with Cena quickly taking Orton down and locking in a front face lock. Orton is quick to get out of it though, and both men end up where they started on opposite sides of the ring. Orton catches Cena with a big fist to the face, and he follows it up by stomping down on Cena in the corner. Cena is quick to recover though as he pounds on Orton with big right hands and hits a bulldog. Cena sends Orton into the ropes, but he eats a high elbow that sends him to the mat.

Orton hits Cena with a big European uppercut and pounds down on Cena some more in the corner, sending him across the ring into the turnbuckle with a hard Irish whip. Orton kicks at Cena’s head and sends him across the ring again with another hard Irish whip. Orton circles Cena, stomping on his arms and legs. Orton hits Cena with a huge knee drop, and he goes for the quick cover, but he can only hold Cena down for two. Cena tries to get back into things with a couple of right hands, but he falls victim to an Orton backbreaker. Orton locks in a rear chin lock and we get a dueling Orton/Cena chant.

Orton continues to apply pressure by locking in a body scissors on Cena. Cena is able to fight his way out, standing up and backing Orton into the corner, forcing him to break the hold. Cena hits a couple running shoulder blocks and a side belly to back suplex. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle and tries for the FU, but Orton fights out and hits a big powerslam that puts Cena down for a near fall. Orton stomps away on Cena’s arms and legs again before going for another knee drop. Cena avoids the knee drop this time, and tries to shift the momentum, but when he goes for a cross body block, Orton ducks the attempt and Cena flies to the outside.

Cena is able to make his way back to the ring, but Orton catches him with the rope assisted DDT. Orton pins Cena, but Cena is able to kick out at two. Orton sets up for the RKO, but Cena is slow to get up. Orton tries to punt Cena, but Cena moves out of the way. Cena hits a blockbuster and a top rope rocker dropper, but his pin attempt only gets him a two count. Cena tries for the FU, but Orton grabs onto the ropes. Cena drops Orton and both men charge into each other with clotheslines. Both men make it back to their feel before the ten count and the trade right hands in the middle of the ring with Orton getting huge cheers. Cena gets the advantage however with a big back body drop.

Orton gets himself DQed by shoving the ref, and the bell rings and Orton leaves with his belt. Lillian announces that Mr. McMahon has announced the match be restarted and if Orton gets DQed he will lose his belt, after she botches the announcement the first time. Really I don’t think anybody knows what just happened.

Cena immediately takes the fight to Orton and the fight spills to the outside. Cena sends Orton into the barricade, but Orton retaliates by sending Cena into the Steel ringside stairs. Orton sends Cena back inside and covers Cena, but Cena kicks out. Orton goes to the outside and grabs the belt, walking up the ramp and getting himself counted out. Orton makes it to the top of the ramp and the bell is rung again. Lillian announces that the match will be restarted once again with the stipulation that if Orton is DQed or counted out, he will lose the title.

Both men go for their finishers but neither are able to connect. Orton rolls Cena up out of nowhere, uses the ropes for assistance, and is able to hold Cena down for the three count. Another ref comes out and tells the first ref what happened. The first ref orders the match be restarted. Cena immediately locks in the STF, and when Orton goes for the ropes, Cena pulls him back into the ring. A fan jumps in the ring and attacks the referee, which allows Orton to roll to the outside.

Orton catches Cena with a shot to the face, enters the ring and hits the RKO for the pinfall and the win. Insane ending here.

Winner: Randy Orton

TLC Match for the World Heavyweight Title: Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk

The Title is hanging over the ring and ladders, chairs and tables are set up in intricate formations up and down the ramp as CM Punk makes him way to the ring. Out next is the World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy to a big pop. We get formal ring introductions.

Both men lock up with Punk pushing Hardy back into a corner where he beats down on him with knees and big right hands before stomping down on him. Punk sends Hardy to the outside, then goes outside himself and grabs a chair. Punk hits Hardy in the stomach with the chair before hitting him again across the back.

Punk grabs a ladder and quickly makes his way back into the ring trying to grab the belt, but Jeff is able to push the ladder over. Hardy is able to come back with some offense of his own, including a dropkick in the corner. Hardy goes for the ladder himself, but Punk makes his way back into the ring and kicks the ladder out from under CM Punk. Punk tries for the G2S, but Hardy fights out of it and shoves Punk into the ladder.

Hardy grabs a chair and sets it up in the middle of the ring. He charges Punk in the corner, but Punk catches Hardy and Slams in into the upright narrow end of the chair. Punk picks up a ladder and slams it down repeatedly on Hardy. Punk sends Hardy to the outside again, this time following him out with a suicide dive between the ropes on top of Hardy. Punk throws a chair into the ring and sets up a table beside one of the ring posts. Punk tries to wrap a chair around Hardy’s neck, but Hardy fights out, and then ducks a chair shot. Hardy tries to fights back against Punk. Hardy sends Punk into the stairs but Punk jumps up and back toward Hardy, where he’s met with a chair to the face. Hardy sets up a chair and uses it as a launching pad to hit Punk with a big kick. Hardy sets Punk up on a table on the floor and climbs up to the top rope. Hardy dives off with a big splash, but Punk rolls out of the way and Hardy falls through the table down to the floor. Punk grabs an even bigger ladder than the one already in the ring and he makes his way back into the ring. Punk sets up the ladder under the belt and begins to make his way up.

Hardy makes his way back into the ring and jumps over Punk on the ladder, almost reaching the belt. Punk tries for a G2S off the ladder, but Hardy is able to counter into a sunset flip powerbomb off the ladder. Hardy begins to make his way slowly up the ladder and he gets his hands on the title, but Punk tips the ladder over, sending Hardy into the top turnbuckle. Punk grabs Hardy by the hair and pulls him up to the top turnbuckle. Punk superplexes Hardy off the top turnbuckle with both men landing on the ladder.

Punk tries to suplex Hardy on the ladder again, but Hardy fights out and surprises Punk with a twist of fate. Hardy goes to the top turnbuckle and tries for the swanton bomb, but Punk is able to get his knee up to cause more damage to the back of Jeff Hardy. Punk hits the high knee in the corner, but when he goes for the bulldog, Hardy picks him up, and sends him to the outside, through the table that Punk set up earlier. Hardy sets up the ladder and Punk makes his way up to the ring apron. Punk springboards off the top rope and hits a flying forearm on Hardy before sending him to the outside. On the outside Punk wraps a chair around Hardy’s neck, but Hardy is able to avoid being run into the ring post. Hardy grabs a chair himself and wails away on Punk. Hardy grabs a table, and starts dismantling the ECW announce table, hitting Punk with a moniter before hitting Punk with another chair.

Hardy sets Punk up on the announce table, whacks him in the head with a chair and pulls out a HUGE ladder. Hardy climbs to the top of the HUGE ladder and jumps off nailing Punk with a sick swanton bomb.

Medics come out to the announce table area and put Jeff in a neck brace and on a stretcher. Punk makes his way back into the ring and Hardy fights his way off the stretcher. Punk starts to climb the ladder just as Jeff falls back into the ring. Hardy makes his way up on the other side and the two slug it out and both grab for the belt. Punk kicks Hardy in the ribs, punches him in the face and sends him to the mat. Punk rips down the title for the win.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: CM Punk

After the match, Punk stands over Hardy and celebrates with his World Title. The lights go out and The Undertaker’s bells start tolling. The lights come back on and CM Punk is smiling with his belt. He is no longer standing over the body of Jeff Hardy - it’s The Undertaker. Taker chokeslams Punk and lays him out. The Undertaker’s music hits and he makes his way up the ramp, knocking down ladders as Punk lays in the ring. SummerSlam goes off the air.

WWE: The Rock speaks on WWE to Hollywood transition

2009-08-21T10:45:00.002+10:00

Finally...The Rock has done another interview

THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION SPEAKS OUT

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently spoke to TheSun.co.uk about the transition from WWE to Hollywood. Here are some highlights:

ON GETTING INTO ACTING:

“Ten years ago I knew that I wanted to be a good actor as I wound down my wrestling career. There is a great amount of acting in wrestling and wrestling is a great form of entertainment. For me that training ground was really invaluable because I did not go to school for acting. I went to school for football and studied criminology. I knew it was going to take time and 10 years went by pretty quickly.”

ON HIS FATHER’S REACTION TO "THE WRESTLER":

“He didn’t take it very well. We lived the life that you saw in the movie, The Wrestler. That essentially was my dad. The character that Mickey Rourke played so wonderfully was my dad. So when I graduated from college and had an opportunity to play pro football, naturally it was easy for my father to say he did not want me to wrestle. He had nothing to show from a wrestling career. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment and he did not want that life for me. But instinctively I thought I had something to offer that world of entertainment. It took a little of convincing him but eventually we worked together. But being a parent I now understand where my dad was coming from.”

LIFE BEFORE THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS:

“I had a very checkered past. I got into trouble a lot and had multiple arrests. For a lot of years I struggled to stay on the right path. I had multiple arrests by the time that I was 17. The last time I was arrested, my parents came down to the police station to get me. My parents were struggling at that time, even to put food on the table. That was a lot of stress at that time and I was adding to it. When they came to the police station I remember their disappointment. For years the disappointment had never bothered me but for some reason this time the disappointment in their eyes moved me. And that was when I realized that I was causing a lot of pain for my parents and I did not want to continue to do that.“

FINAL THOUGHT

The only thing that is stopping The Rock from returning, is The Rock.

Here's hoping that Dwayne agrees to a rumoured guest host job on Raw

TNA: Taz replaces Don West

2009-08-21T10:28:00.002+10:00

It's official - Taz is on the TNA commentary table

FROM SMACKDOWN TO IMPACT

The following was issued on TNAWrestling.com:

TAZ JOINS THE TNA ANNOUNCE TEAM THIS THURSDAY ON "iMPACT!"

TNA Wrestling fans - tune into "iMPACT!" this Thursday night to see the changes in the announce team as Taz assumes color commentating duties with Mike Tenay! Don West has been promoted within the TNA organization to oversee merchandise development and sales initiatives. TNA will release more specific details on Don West’s new role in TNA soon.

TNA: Kurt Angle speaks out on jail

2009-08-21T10:22:00.003+10:00

Kurt Angle himself has spoken out on his recent "induction" into a local jail

THE THREE LIES

The following is from ThePittsburghChannel.com:

Olympic gold medalist and professional wrestling champion Kurt Angle says his live-in girlfriend got him arrested over the weekend on an alleged violation of a protection-from-abuse order after the two had broken up.

“I’m just going to let the judicial system take its course and I’ll be vindicated,” Angle told B-94’s “Buckhead and Bubba in the Morning” radio show on Wednesday. “I spent nine hours in the (Allegheny) county jail. I mean, it was degrading.”

Angle told B-94 that the alleged victim — who he said he wasn’t allowed to name, but who WTAE identified as Trenesha Biggers — asked to take his car and go to the store early Saturday morning. Soon after that, he says Moon police were at his door.

“The cops told me I had to leave. I didn’t even know why. I got out of there. If they tell me I’ve got to get out of my house, I’m leaving, I’m gone, and this girl ended up following me,” Angle said.

In the criminal complaint, Biggers — a pro wrestler who performs under the name “Rhaka Khan” — told police that she went to a Starbucks Coffee in Robinson Town Centre so she could use the Internet, and then she saw Angle circle the parking lot three times and stare at her while she was outside, so she called 911 and said Angle was stalking her. But Angle told the radio show that the woman had actually left his gated community after he did that morning.

“We got surveillance tape that shows she followed me out, and then she had me restrict the PFA by following me, so basically in a nutshell, that’s pretty much what happened,” Angle said.

Robinson Township police eventually pulled Angle over and found a capped syringe in his car and two vials of human growth hormone, for which Angle said he has a prescription related to a neck injury. He was charged with harassment, possessing the drugs and driving on a suspended license.

“The whole thing was just crazy,” Angle said. “I told the girl it wasn’t going to work out. She asked me for my car to go to the store, went to police, got a PFA. The police came to my door, kicked me out, put her in, and it’s been like that ever since, and I spent nine hours in the county jail.”

FINAL THOUGHT

Here's hoping Angle can get back on his A-Game. Here's also hoping that we have less "You got arrested" chants from the TNA crowd

UFC: Lesnar V Carwin Confirmed

2009-08-21T10:19:00.002+10:00

The match has been made! Lesnar V Carwin at UFC 106

STRAIGHT FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

In an interview this morning, UFC president Dana White confirmed that Brock Lesnar will face Steve Carwin at UFC 106 in November:

"Brock is ready to go now and wants to fight. Carwin makes the most sense. He's 11-0 and he's been kicking the shit out of everybody. Gonzaga destroyed Cro Cop and he (Carwin) totally destroyed Gonzaga. Plus, he hates Brock Lesnar. It's going to be two huge guys going at it. He's got the power to knock anybody out and he's got great wrestling, too. He's one of the guys that has the size to match up with Brock, too."

Flair Bashes Hart

2009-07-26T20:34:00.003+10:00

During an appearance on the Live Audio Wrestling radio show in Canada, Ric Flair sounded off on fellow WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart.

THE NATURE BOY V THE HITMAN

Flair stated:

“He is a pissant in the history of wrestling. He has the nerve to compare himself to me. Let’s get realistic. If you put Bret Hart in your left hand and me in your right hand, compare the career…who is he? I wrestled everybody in the business, for an hour each night. Harley Race, Dory Funk, Jack and Jerry Brisco, who is Bret Hart? He is a legend in his own mind. He lives in his own little world…he screws his own family around. Who is Bret Hart? In my world he is a nobody!”

The bad blood between the two apparently began in 2005 when Bret referred to Flair as “the most overrated guy in the history of the business.”

Goldberg Isn't Smarter than a 5th Grader

2009-07-26T20:28:00.001+10:00

Bill Goldberg was featured on 'Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader' on Friday, July 24.

5TH GRADE'S NEXT!

Goldberg was the only person to drop-out with a total prize pool of... $0. The question he lost on was, "The plural form of 'Quiz' has how many letters?"

Goldberg answered 6, the correct answer was 7.

TNA Victory Road 2009 Results

2009-07-20T19:23:00.003+10:00

TNA Victory Road 2009 Results

TNA Knockouts Championship Match
Angelina Love defeated Tara to become the new TNA Knockouts Champion

SINGLE MATCH
Matt Morgan defeated Daniels

SINGLE MATCH
Abyss defeated Dr. Stevie

IWGP Tag Team Title Match
Team 3D defeated The British Invasion

SINGLE MATCH
Jenna Morasca defeated Sharmell

TNA Legends Championship Match
Kevin Nash defeated AJ Styles to become the new TNA Legends Champion

TNA Tag Team Championship Match
Booker T and Scott Steiner defeated Beer Money to become the new TNA Tag Team Champions

Single Match
Samoa Joe (w/ Tazz) defeated Sting

TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Kurt Angle defeated Mick Foley

Lita speaks out on WrestleMania 25

2009-07-20T19:18:00.002+10:00

ChangeTheRecord.net recently conducted an interview with Amy "Lita" Dumas to promote The Luchagors' upcoming tour of the UK, the pros and cons of the band's front woman being a former WWE Diva, her band's next album, and more.

WHY LITA DIDN'T PARTAKE IN THE DIVA BATTLE ROYAL

During the course of the interview, Dumas is asked if she was invited to take part in the 25-Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25 and/or why she turned it down.

Here is what was said:

"...I did watch it, though. I was dying laughing, I was in stitches, rolling on the couch, thinking, “Thank God, I’m not there, because that is nothing I need to be a part of.” No, first of all, let me tell you this, because Kid Rock was playing for like forever, right? I was like, “Get out of the way, what is this guy doing?! Come on! I didn’t know this guy still sang!” and then, these girls started coming out and I’m thinking they’re like his hoes, his hired dancers, about to break out into some choreographed Beyoncé-shit, but then I realised and was like, “Oh my God!” I can only imagine them being like, “So, what we’re wanting you to do is: grab Kid Rock’s leg, start grinding up on it, then go into the ring and do a drop toehold.” I’d be like, “Absolutely not, under no circumstances.” So, yeah, that is why I did not do that match."

WWE Storyline Cancelled

2009-07-20T19:15:00.002+10:00

A member of the WWE Smackdown creative team pitched an angle for the Dolph Ziggler and Maria storyline which would have had Ziggler blackmailing Maria with video footage.

THE SEX-TAPE SQUAD?

It would have been heavily implied that the footage was a sex tape, although they never would have come right out and said it. The proposed angle called for Ziggler threatening that he would show it to her family and friends, but not any of the fans.

The angle was rejected.

Ultimate Warrior in the WWE Hall of Fame 2010?

2009-07-20T19:13:00.001+10:00

It is being reported that names being considered for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame next year includes the likes of The Honky Tonk Man, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, and....the Ultimate Warrior.

Wrestlemania 26 weekend is in Arizona and it would make sense to induct Warrior/HTM since they are both from the area.

Warrior being inducted might be a long shot since there is still an ongoing lawsuit between Warrior and WWE. Vince McMahon has not made any final decisions yet regarding inductions for 2010.

Eugene returns to the WWE

2009-07-20T19:09:00.002+10:00

Nick Dinsmore has signed a contract to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

THE WORLDS MOST SPECIAL SUPERSTAR

For those wondering, he is indeed being brought back to the main roster as Eugene as they want him to help mentor some of the younger wrestlers, not to mention add more depth to the roster.

Prior to signing on the dotted line, WWE had Dinsmore undergo an extensive drug test to prove he's clean, including providing a hair sample. WWE previously released Dinsmore on September 1, 2007 as a result of issues with painkillers. A SmackDown taping took place that day with him being notified of his release following a company meeting and promptly being escorted out of the arena by security.

HBK Return Date, DX Reunion?

2009-07-20T19:05:00.002+10:00

The date is set - The Showstopper is stopping the show at this years SummerSlam!

HEART BREAK RETURN

While some wrestling fans have expressed a desire to see a heel Shawn Michaels in 2009, that is not the plan–Michaels will soon return, as most expected, on the babyface side of the equation.

According to PWInsider.com, Michaels is still due back by Summerslam. It is believed that HBK will be working DX reunion matches with Triple H on the road this fall, although it has not been confirmed that WWE will bring the DX team back to television.

With Armageddon reportedly scheduled for San Antonio this December, there has already been talk of hometown Superstar Shawn Michaels challenging for the belt at that event.

John Cena talks SvR 2010, 12 Rounds, Heel Turn

2009-07-10T09:22:00.005+10:00

John Cena was recently interviewed by ESPN.com to promote the Smackdown vs. RAW 2010 videogame and 12 Rounds on DVD.

Here are some highlights:

HEEL TURN?

"That’s the thing, I’m one of those guys who on any given day can be booed out
of any building. I’m the only guy who is neither a good guy or a bad guy. That’s
because I’m genuinely myself. Certainly, guys in our industry try to sway the audience one way or the other, but like I said, I go out there and I’m me. I
have certain things that I stand for, certain things that I believe in, and if you don’t like it and you tell me to go to hell, I think that’s your God-given right as a fan. It’s one of those deals where I’m that one guy who is outside of that realm of good guy, bad guy. I’m just me, and it elicits a response both positive and negative."

WHO HE SEES AS THE STARS OF THE FUTURE

"Now is a really good time because since the inception of WWE, there has always been that one, this is the guy. But now, you have a lot of possibilities, guys like Ted DiBiase Jr., The Miz, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston and even a guy like MVP. These are guys who are all on the cusp. For the first time, we have all these guys who are ready to charge the gates and make a run to try and be the No. 1 guy on Raw."

Brock Lesnar: More Money than Mir?

2009-07-09T13:29:00.002+10:00

UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar fights for many reasons, however he makes no bones about his love for collecting paychecks as massive as his stature. With the biggest event in MMA history just days away, Lesnar hopes to cash-in big time, in more ways than one.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to provide for your family,” Lesnar said of his unwillingness to fight for small paydays. “I mean this is a business for me and it just so happens that I make more money than [Frank Mir].”

That was an unexpected jab thrown by Lesnar, whether he intended to or not. Perhaps you would have to dive deeper into Lesnar’s financial history to completely understand where he is coming from.

“I’ve [gone through] blood, sweat and tears for 18 years,” Lesnar stated on yesterday’s UFC 100 conference call. “I’ve had a lot of time in the gym and gotten paid zilch."

“This is prize fighting for me. If you look at it any other way then you might as well fight in the underground, you know with bare knuckles and fight in the streets as far as I’m concerned.”

Although the former WWE employee is honored to be a part of this blossoming sport, specifically to headline an event as monumental as UFC 100, he isn’t about to fight for chump change. Regardless of what’s at stake.

“I enjoy getting up everyday and going to work,” Lesnar emphasized. “When this is all said and done and everything’s over with, I want to live comfortably. You put your body and your mind through so much discipline so I can honestly say ‘no,’ I wouldn’t fight for peanuts.”

Mir, the division’s interim champ, and Lesnar will battle on July 11th inside the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada to determine who will become the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champ.

And that is something that money can’t buy.

Liddell and Mask to enter UFC Hall of Fame

2009-07-09T13:24:00.002+10:00

Taken from UFC.com

By Thomas Gerbasi

One was perhaps the greatest light heavyweight of all-time, a feared striker who ruled the 205-pound weight class with an iron right hand and in doing so became mixed martial arts’ first crossover superstar.

The other was his close friend, a visionary who helped create a brand that is now synonymous with the sport, but who did it not with a ruthless business sense, but with an infectious enthusiasm and an attitude that could light up a room.

On Friday, July 10th, the UFC Hall of Fame inducts its two newest members, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and TapouT co-founder Charles “Mask” Lewis.

“I appreciate this gesture and I’m glad that people appreciate what I do and that they think that I deserve this, but I’m just one of the guys that fight out there,” said Liddell, who admitted that this crowning moment of his storied career does come with some bittersweet feelings due to the fact that he won’t be able to share it with his longtime friend Lewis, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in March. “It’s gonna be a little rough being that it’s Charles and me, but for us to go in together, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The official UFC Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at the UFC Fan Expo on Friday, July 10th at 6:30pm. Liddell and Lewis join Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Randy Couture, and Mark Coleman in the UFC Hall of Fame.

CHUCK LIDDELL

Everyone knows who Chuck Liddell is. Camera crews follow him around, flocks of reporters jot down his every word, but remarkably, he remains the same person he’s always been. Sure, the bank account’s bigger, the clubs are nicer, and the trappings of fame more expensive "both literally and figuratively" but of anyone in professional sports today, Liddell has remained true to what got him here in the first place.

“I’ve got a lot of friends that I’ve hung out with for 10-15 years that still hang out with me, and I don’t think they’d let me start acting like a jerk,” he told me in 2006. “They knew me when I was the guy going to college and working behind the bar. Plus I still live in the same small town, and things like that (celebrity) aren’t really that big a deal around here. I think I’m a normal guy, and I try to be as normal as I can.”

That’s rare in a day and age where image and spin is everything. Liddell has the same Mohawk, the same trainer, the same friends, and the same attitude. He has always boiled fighting down to its no essence. For him, when he stepped into the Octagon, it was a fight �" not a chess match, not a clashing of styles or comparison of techniques. He was going to hit you, you were going to try to hit him, and more often than not, you were going to fall down. It was a fight, plain and simple, and no one wanted to win that fight more than him.

“Whether it was shooting pool or anything, I just hated losing. I’ve kind of moved that focus and tried to keep it to my professional life.”

That was bad news for the men he faced in the Octagon. From 2004 to 2007, he went on a tear that not only established him as the game’s unquestioned superstar, but as the most terrifying light heavyweight in the game. Strangely enough though, as Liddell’s fame grew, the respect he received (and still receives) from his peers never waned. Liddell was a true fighter’s fighter, and that’s an accolade you can’t buy or receive from newspaper clippings or television appearances.

“I think the reason people like me is because I’ll fight anybody, anywhere, I don’t talk bad about people that don’t deserve it, and I’m not a guy who’s out there trying to trash talk and make a name for myself,” said Liddell in 2006. “I earned the name that I have �" I went out and fought for it.”

And during his reign of terror over the UFC’s 205-pound weight class, he wasn’t beating cupcakes, as his seven fight unbeaten streak over that span included wins over world champions Randy Couture (twice) and Tito Ortiz (twice), as well as respected contenders like Babalu Sobral and Jeremy Horn. What made this run even more spectacular was that he won all of those bouts by knockout, punctuating each with the only outward sign of emotion you would ever see from him, a post-fight scream that became his trademark.

As UFC 100 approaches, the organization celebrates the career of the organization’s newest Hall of Famer. It’s a type of celebration that Liddell would probably do anything to steer clear of, as he was never about the attention, getting pats on the back, magazine covers, or glowing television features. He was always about the fight, and when asked a couple years ago how he would like to be remembered a hundred years from now, his answer wasn’t as terse as it usually was, and it spoke volumes.

“As a fighter,” said Liddell. “As someone who didn’t duck anyone, someone who fought everybody that came up, and that always came out there to fight tough. I love to fight, I love the fight game, and I went out there and performed.”

That he did.

MASK

A staunch supporter of mixed martial arts and one of the select few who can rightly claim to be a pioneer in the sport, Charles “Mask” Lewis started the TapouT clothing company with Dan Caldwell (aka Punkass) in 1997, not with a business degree and a marketing plan, but with a true love for a new sport that made an impact on him the first time he saw Royce Gracie win the first UFC tournament in 1993.

“I bought every color Gracie Jiu-Jitsu shirt,” said Lewis. “I don’t think they made it in pink, but if they had, I would have bought that too. (Laughs) It was like my armor when I went out into the world. I bet I could walk on water and the sea would part with this shirt on.”

Soon, Lewis would come up with his own armor �" shirts with the logo TapouT on them - and in the process of selling the shirts out of the trunk of his car and at local MMA shows, he helped build a brand that is synonymous with the sport today, one that you can find not only at every fight event, but in your local shopping mall. Needless to say, his perseverance paid off �" not only for the company, but for all the fighters it sponsored.

“Our shirt sales were doing two things,” Lewis explained. “It was going to make more shirts for the next show, and the biggest thing, we were paying for our fighters in the show. We had to sell enough shirts to pay our fighters at the end of

the night. And sometimes, it might have taken us selling at two shows to pay a fighter from the previous week, but they knew that. I was like ‘this is what we’ve got right here; we’ll give you this now, we’ve got another show next week, I’ll pay you the rest of the money next week, and if you come, we’ll even get you in the show free.’ To me, I’m a fighter. It was as though we were all on the same team. We were going to the same underground shows, and it’s always been that we’ve been in the foxhole fighting together. You don’t lie to the guy in the foxhole sitting next to you.”

Strangely enough, despite TapouT’s emergence as a multi-million dollar company, what people may remember Lewis most for is his unmistakable war paint and outfits that forever branded him as “Mask”.

“I don’t care if you call us the TapouT guys, TapouT crew, TapouT fools, two nerds and a cool guy �" you know who we are,” he said. “Mask allows me to give my true opinion at all times. Who cares about Clark Kent? I want Superman. Now that my name has come out and who me and Danny are, it’s okay, but the reason I used to fight it so hard in the beginning is ‘who cares?’ You don’t care about Bruce Wayne, Bruce Banner, Clark Kent �" you want the superhero. I hated Spider-Man 3 when Tobey Maguire was going around without his gear on. I was like ‘will you put your damn outfit on?’”

Then he would just laugh, and if you ever heard him let it loose, it was infectious. That’s how his personality was as well, and if you walked away from a conversation with him without liking him, there was something wrong with you.

Tragically, Mask, was killed in an automobile crash on March 11, 2009. Yet while the MMA world misses his presence, it will never forget him, and he will forever be immortalized in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Visit www.UFCFanExpo.com for information.

Hulk Hogan TNA?

2009-07-09T13:21:00.002+10:00

In an interview with The Southtown Star, Hulk Hogan talked about various topics including the WWE vs. TNA war:

HULKAMANIA ON TNA?

Here are a few extracts from the interview:

"I watch both products. (TNA's) like the little engine that could. Everybody thought they wouldn't be around for long, and they've been chugging along for seven years. They gain momentum every week. They seem to be real fresh. When a lot of guys go over to that side of the fence, they seem to get a spring in their step," Hogan said. He added that he also watched the WWE product saying, " Vince is the constant. He's the standard of excellence. I just love watching his show because you never know what he is going to do. Plus, the production -- you can't even touch his production. It's so dialed-in. It's amazing just to see how they put the pieces together."

"If you look at history, everyone says, 'History repeats itself.' With all of the choices in the universe of entertainment, I look at the big package and look at the big picture from 40,000 feet. I see history repeating itself. I see TNA getting strong. I see Vince McMahon being impeccable except for a few little holes in the boat."

"TNA is lacking that one momentum-shifting move, that one big name that would even the playing field, the brand (that is) just as powerful as the WWE brand. (TNA's) lacking the big piece of the puzzle. It wouldn't matter who did what in the past. It will be a totally even playing field. You never know."

FINAL THOUGHT

I think this is another publicity stunt from Hogan, trying to weasel his way back into the wrestling world.

Matt Hardy Injury Update

2009-07-09T12:54:00.001+10:00

Matt Hardy has posted a new blog on WWE Universe including a graphic photo of his abdomen following surgery on July 2. You can view the photo at this link.

TWIST OF FATE

Hardy said he knew he was injured half was through last week’s WWE Superstars triple threat match against MVP and Kofi in Green Bay:

"The triple threat match against MVP and Kofi in Green Bay was the straw that broke the camel's back. In a few days, I'm gonna post a tell-all blog on my WWE Universe page and fill everyone in on everything.”

He added:

“when Kofi gave me a cross body from the top rope, my intestines basically exploded out of my abdominal wall. And not just in one spot, but in two spots. It was so excruciatingly painful it's almost hard to describe. It felt like someone took a hot knife and sliced it deeply into my lower abdomen. I did my best to try and get through the remainder of the match, but I knew I was hurt badly. I had to have it fixed, or face major health problems. Problems that could have possibly killed me. So I had do what was good for me, my career, my friends, and my loved ones. And that was get it corrected and fixed.”

Hardy also thanked the WWE, Dr. Pappas, Duke Medical Center, Shannon Moore for their support through the injury.

You can read the full blog at this link.

Update: Edge undergoes surgery

2009-07-09T12:32:00.004+10:00

The Rated R Superstar has undergone surgery, after injuring himself at a WWE Live event, whilst versing Jeff Hardy.

RATED R FOR REDUCED RING TIME

While no one from WWE has made any official comment, people close to Edge say that he came through yesterday’s Achilles tendon surgery as well as they could have hoped for. However, he will be forced to completely stay off the foot for 10 to 14 days. After that, he’ll be able to walk while wearing a rehabilitation boot. Shortly after, he’ll be able to begin his rehab. Depending on how the injury heals, he could be out until around the time of Royal Rumble 2010.

It’s interesting that WWE.com noted Edge’s surgery today as he appears on Friday’s episode of SmackDown which was taped last week.

FINAL THOUGHT

Sucks when superstars become injured. I hope that Edge makes a speedy recovery. Will be interesting to see what WWE do with the Jericho & Edge Tag Champ storyline.

Lillian Garcia Leaving WWE

2009-07-03T09:20:00.002+10:00

Its official - Lillian Garcia is leaving the WWE.

LILLIAN LEAVES

Lilian has confirmed on her offical website, that she has in fact given her notice to WWE management.

She wrote the following:

"Hi Everyone, I hope all of you are doing well! I am writing to address the situation in which WWE is looking for a Female Ring Announcer/Singer. The truth of the matter is that they are looking for someone new because I have given them my notice that I will be leaving at the end of my contract this year. It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision because WWE has been my family from day one and you, the WWE Universe have always been incredible to me. The fact is that I am getting married later this year and have decided to enter into a new phase of my life but I will truly miss all of you and the WWE tremendously.
Love you all & keep rockin!
Forever Rockin',
Lilian"

Batista Injury Update

2009-07-03T09:16:00.006+10:00

A return date has been set for the Animal - Survior Series 2009.

ANIMAL IMPACT

Batista's in-ring return date has been temporarily set for Survivor Series 2009 - which, ironically, is set in Washington DC - Batista's hometown.

There was some optimism backstage that Batista would return sooner (aka SummerSlam), rather than later. But given the fact that Batista now realises his age's impact on his body, it appears he's taking the safe road to a soft return.

Edge speaks on a rumoured Face turn

2009-07-03T09:13:00.004+10:00

Last Thursday, Edge was interviewed by Danny Salas of central California’s B95 radio station. You can listen to the entire segment at B95forlife.com.

Here’s what the Rated R Superstar said about:

TURNING FACE

“There’s a little bit of a groundswell. I’m starting to fell it a little bit… I think a lot of it too is just tenure. When you’re around for a long time the people go, ‘God, he’s been around here a long time and been in some pretty hellacious matches. And when you start to get that on your resume it gets harder and harder for people to boo you. I think that’s what Shawn Michaels ran into and that’s what Undertaker ran into. When you get to a certain point – not that I’m in their league or anything – but once you get to a certain point after a lot of time and a lot of matches that have entertained people it becomes harder and harder for them to boo you. That’s kind of been my challenge for the last little while is to keep them booing me. I think (Chris) Jericho is going through the same thing right now.”

EDGE AND CHRISTIAN REUNION

“I don’t know. I’d like for it to and at some point I think it has to happen whether it’s against each other or whether it’s teaming. I still think it’s fresh in our audience’s minds that it would still mean something. We do have a lot more kids now that might not remember it, but I think enough guys like you and me are still in the crowd that can buzz the kids on it and explain what Edge and Christian is all about it.”

WWE SummerSlam 2009 Poster Revealed

2009-07-03T09:09:00.001+10:00

This year's SummerSlam poster has been revealed.

Not as iconic as last year's Summerslam, but hey, what can you do with a PG Rating?

WWE "Trump" Trade

2009-07-03T08:17:00.011+10:00

As a final standpoint against Mr. McMahon, certain WWE superstars have been drafted to Raw, Smackdown and ECW.

The following stars were traded:

TO RAW

Evan Bourne (from ECW)
Mark Henry(from ECW)
Jack Swagger(from ECW)
Gail Kim (from SmackDown)
Alicia Fox (from SmackDown)

TO SMACKDOWN

Matt Hardy (from ECW)
Finlay (from ECW)
Tyson Kidd (from ECW)
Natalya (from ECW)
David Hart Smith (from ECW)

TO ECW

Shelton Benjamin (from SmackDown)
Goldust (from Raw)
William Regal (from Raw)
Brie Bella (from Raw)
Nikki Bella (from Raw)

Tony Atlas Status

2009-07-03T08:09:00.006+10:00

Tony Atlas' future with WWE is very much in doubt following the transfer of his associate, Mark Henry, to the RAW brand this past Monday.

ATLAS-T MINUTE CHANGES

Company officials plan on pushing the "World's Strongest Man" as a top babyface, which as a result, has left Atlas to fend for himself as he is not being brought alongside him. The WWE Hall of Famer's contract is coming due in a few weeks and it remains uncertain whether it will be renewed.

It'll be interesting to see what they do with Hornswoggle in the coming weeks as well.

FINAL THOUGHT

I never really understood why they put Henry and Atlas together. They never really did any vignettes, or promos, to push the idea.

My IT Experience to Date

2009-06-25T23:24:00.003+10:00

Computer(s) you have used recently:

Windows XP Desktop, Windows Vista Desktop, Windows 7 Desktop, Apple G5 Desktop, Apple Mac Desktop, Apple Air Notebook

The operating system(s) and the main application software you have used:

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Apple OS X

Describe other digital devices you own:

iPod, iPhone, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, iPod Speaker System, Canon 400D

Indicate whether you own and use a blog already, and if so provide the blog URL.

fromttheturnbuckle.blogspot.com

WWE Draft & Supplemental Draft 2009 Results

2009-04-15T15:44:00.004+10:00

Who Went Where?

TO RAW

US Champion MVP.
Big Show.
Matt Hardy
WWE Champion Triple H
The Miz
WWE Divas Champion Maryse

SUPPLEMENT DRAFTEES

Brie Bella
The Brian Kendrick
WWE Unified Tag Team Champion Carlito
Chavo Guerrero
Festus
Hornswoggle
Nikki Bella
WWE Unified Tag Team Champion Primo
Mr. Kennedy

TO SMACKDOWN

2009 Money in the Bank Winner CM Punk
WWE Womens Champion Melina
Kane
Chris Jericho
Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio

SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFTEES

Alicia Fox
Candice Michelle
Charlie Haas
Dolph Ziggler
JTG
John Morrison
Layla
Mike Knox
Ricky Ortiz
Shad

TO ECW

Vladimir Kozlov

SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFTEES

DH Smith
Ezekiel Jackson
Hurricane Helms
Natalya
Zack Ryder

Notes from WWE Raw Draft Episode

2009-04-15T15:39:00.001+10:00

For those who wondered about Josh Matthews' bloody nose last night, the word backstage was that nothing out of the ordinary happened. Apparently, he has a long history of random nosebleeds and one happened at a really inopportune time.
Hey, wasn't it amazing that no one tried to kill Vince McMahon at the draft last night? They broke an established trend by not having anyone attempt felony murder against the Chairman. Some of the workers were joking about that last night.
The word making the rounds was that the talents that switched brands were not told in advance that it was happening. Somehow, I think HHH knew.
There was no dark match main event. Triple H, Batista and Shane just soaked up the crowd and then Batista and Triple H half-ass did the Shane dance
The two sections on either side of the hard camera weren't full but the rest of the arena was packed. Some young kids left during the commercial before the main event.

ECW Results 14h April 2009

2009-04-15T15:36:00.002+10:00

We are live on tape from Knoxville, Tennessee and your announcers are Josh ‘Double Shot’ Mathews and Matt ‘Ivan Drago references are coming’ Striker.

We see footage from Raw when the Miz was sent to Raw thanks to interference by John Morrison. Then we see the end of the Bromance.

Match Number One: John Morrison versus Evan Bourne
They lock up and Morrison with a waist lock but Bourne with a standing switch. Morrison with an arm bar but Bourne reverses. Morrison with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Bourne with an arm drag into an arm bar. Bourne with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Bourne avoids a missile drop kick attempt and Bourne gets a near fall. Bourne with kicks to Morrison but Morrison sends Bourne into the ropes but Bourne bounces off of them instead of landing on the middle rope. Morrison with kicks and then he hits a European uppercut. Bourne with a kick but he misses an enzuigiri. Bourne does not miss with a clothesline but he can only get a two count. Bourne with a boot to Morrison in the corner. Bourne with an Irish whip but he is sent to the apron. Morrison trips Bourne on the apron and then Morrison with a Shining Wizard that sends Bourne to the floor. Morrison does his pose as the ref continues the count. Morrison goes to the floor and he kicks Bourne in the head. They return to the ring and Morrison with a near fall. Morrison with an Irish whip and then Morrison with an inverted torture rack and it is time to play the accordion with Bourne. Bourne is able to counter out of an apparent TKO with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Bourne sets for a move to the floor, but Morrison returns and he hits a drop kick to the knee and we go to commercial with both men on the mat.

We are back and Morrison with a reverse chin lock and he has the arm isolated. Bourne with elbows and then he kicks Morrison. Bourne misses a kick, but Morrison does not and Morrison gets a near fall. Morrison with forearms to Bourne and then he stomps on Bourne’s lower abdomen. Morrison with punches to Bourne followed by an elbow. Bourne with punches of his own but Morrison goes for a cover and he gets a near fall. Morrison with a chicken wing and crossface and Bourne tries to escape but Morrison takes Bourne to the mat. Bourne gets to his feet and he runs Morrison into the corner. Bourne with an elbow and a kick. Bourne responds with a desperation clothesline. Bourne with a rana followed by a drop kick and a jumping back kick for a near fall. Bourne puts Morrison on the top turnbuckle and hits a palm strike. Morrison knocks Bourne off the turnbuckles but Bourne jumps up and hits a rana for a near fall. Morrison with a hot shot and a jackknife cover for a near fall. Bourne with a near fall. Morrison with an uppercut and then both men go over the top rope to the floor as Bourne hits a cross body as Morrison hits the ropes. The referee starts his count. Bourne goes up top and hits a double knee strike for a near fall. Bourne with a kick to the chest. Morrison blocks a kick and he tries for Moonlight Drive but Bourne with a knee as he escapes the hold. Bourne pulls Morrison into the Shooting Star Press position but Morrison with a spin kick and Morrison hits a super Moonlight Drive on the ropes and gets the three count.
Winner: John Morrison

Vladimir Kozlov is walking in the back and we will find out if he Loves E-C-W.

We go to commercial.

We are back and the Wrestlemania attendance did you know got drafted to ECW.

Match Number Two: Vladimir Kozlov versus David Floridia
Kozlov with a boot to the chest and then he connects with forearms and shoulders in the corner. Kozlov with a head butt as Floridia comes off the turnbuckles. Kozlov with a fallaway slam. Kozlov with a head butt to the chest followed by a choke slam for the three count.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov

After the match, Kozlov gets on the mic.

Finlay and Hornswoggle stretch in the back as we go to commercial.

We are back and Matt and Josh blend into the ringside barrier with their black jackets. They talk about Monday’s Raw not so live from London as well as the Supplemental Draft on Monday.

Tiffany is in the office with Katie Lea and Paul Burchill. Paul says that they are a bit concerned because they are brother and sister and they don’t want to see Tiffany break up a family. She says that everyone is available in the draft.

Jack Swagger enters and he wants Tiffany to make a good first impression so he suggests a Q&A session for Jack Swagger on Superstars. Tiffany likes the idea but she decides to put the final match in the Elimination Chase. She says that she wants Jack to continue with the ideas and then she says that she liked his match last night.

Match Number Three: Christian versus Fit Finlay with Hornswoggle versus Tommy Dreamer in the Elimination Chase Triple Threat Match
Finlay with a kick to Dreamer but Christian punches Finlay. Finlay punches Christian and then Finlay slams Dreamer and Finlay with a hip toss of Christian onto Dreamer. Finlay gets a near fall on Dreamer. Christian with a reverse atomic drop and a drop kick to Finlay. Christian with a snap mare and kick to the back. Dreamer with a punch to Christian followed by a back elbow. Dreamer with a back elbow to Finlay and then he tries to suplex Christian in from the apron. Dreamer blocks Christian’s attempt to suplex him to the floor and Dreamer drops Christian on the top rope. Dreamer charges into a boot and Finlay gets a near fall. Finlay with a boot to the solar plexus and then Finlay knocks Christian to the floor one more time. Finlay with an Irish whip and punch. Christian with a neck breaker to Finlay. Dreamer with a back body drop to Christian.

Dreamer with a suplex to Christian followed by an elbow drop for a near fall. Dreamer clotheslines Finlay over the top rope and both men go to the floor. Christian goes up top and hits a cross body onto Finlay and Dreamer. We go to commercial.

We are back and Christian with a kick to Dreamer and then Christian goes up top but Finlay pushes Christian off the turnbuckles to the floor. We see footage during the commercial of Finlay being sent into the ring steps. We are back to live action and Finlay gets a near fall and then he applies a reverse chin lock. Finlay keeps Christian out of the ring and he gets a near fall on Dreamer. Finlay with a cross arm breaker but Dreamer is able to get out of the hold. Finlay goes outside the ring and he slams Christian’s head into the ring steps and hits a short arm clothesline. Finlay returns to the ring and gets a near fall on Dreamer. Finlay with a kick to the back. Dreamer with a jaw breaker and a slam and then Dreamer with a drop toe hold of Christian onto Finlay. We get a multiple man rollup and the ref makes a two count. Finlay and Christian collide in the ring and all three men are down. Christian goes up top but Finlay stops him. Finlay sets for a superplex but Dreamer stops him and Dreamer puts Finlay in the Tree of Woe and hits a superplex on Christian but Dreamer only gets a two count. Dreamer puts Finlay in the Tree of Woe again and it is time for the drop kick in the corner. Finlay throws Dreamer out of the ring and then Christian gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Finlay with a fireman carry slam to Christian. Dreamer with a DDT to Finlay for a near fall. Dreamer with an elbow to Christian and Christian gets caught in the ropes. Dreamer with a rollup on Finlay for a near fall. Dreamer tries for a Death Valley Driver but Finlay escapes and hits the Celtic Cross for the three count.
Winner: Fit Finlay (and Christian advances too)

Christian and Finlay stare each other down as we go to credits.

Stratus on saying No to WrestleMania

2009-04-15T15:21:00.002+10:00

Trish Status has done an interview with Slam Wrestling, where she talks about why she didn't work the Miss WrestleMania earlier this month.

NOT-STRATUSFIED

When asked why she chose not to do the match she said:

"Simply, there were no finishes, no 'What's going to happen? Will I win?' discussed. It was just, 'Would you like to be in this 25-woman battle royal at WrestleMania,' and I said, 'Thank you but I’m going to decline.'"

She added:

"Actually, I wanted to stay home and watch WrestleMania for one time with my family. That was part of it. I had just made a return recently and I never want to wear out my welcome."

Finally, she said:

"I’ve always said to come out of retirement is a big deal to me – so if I was to come out it is for something special. To be honest, I feel Wrestlemania is a place to create memorable moments in one’s career and frankly, with 25 women in the ring, I was just not sure how anyone could come out having their 'WrestleMania moment,' maybe if it was a little clearer that could be accomplished for someone, I would have been a part of it. If I were to go back, I would like to do something that is new and fresh, there are so many girls right now that can work, I’d want to be able to mix it up with someone I hadn’t gotten the chance to before I left."

You can read the whole story, and see a picture of her new look, by clicking here.

FINAL THOUGHT

I'm glad Trish didn't appear at WrestleMania - The battle royal was a sham. No one was introduced, and to actually find out who was in the rumble you had to log on to WWE.com and browse the "Diva WrestleMania Photo shoot" album.

Damage Poster Revealed

2009-04-04T16:32:00.002+10:00

This is the first teaser image from the feature film "Damage" starring WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin, which is currently in distribution negotiations.

Stone Cold Intverview about Career / HOF

2009-04-04T16:30:00.004+10:00

RATTLESNAKE SPEAKS OUT

Stone Cold Steve Austin knows that he wasn’t the best technical wrestler in the business. At 6-2 and only 250 pounds, he wasn’t even close to the biggest. He wasn’t the handsomest or most muscular, either.

Most exciting? Now there -- Stone Cold would give any wrestler who ever stepped into the ring a run for his money.

All he did, better than anybody, was put fannies in seats.

“I did sell a ton of tickets to the matches, and I did sell a ton of merchandise. In the wrestling business, it doesn’t really matter how many times you were champion. It’s how many tickets you sold. For whatever reason, I sold more tickets than anybody else. I broke pay-per-view TV records. That’s my legacy. That’s the thing I’ll hang my hat on,” says Austin.

He’s the main reason that 15,000 people will pack Toyota Center for the World Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday. They will watch Austin, maybe for the last time in his role as a wrestler, take his place among the legends of the business he loves.

“I grew up 100 miles south of Houston on down Highway 59. I grew up watching Paul Boesch’s Houston Wrestling. I fell in love with the business when I was 7 or 8 years old. All I ever wanted to be was a professional wrestler. Wrestling was the biggest thing in my life. It made my heart beat and my blood flow,” he says.

He loved wrestling even when things were rough, when he was making no money (paying dues and starving), when he was fired from promotions and his career seemed stalled.

He broke into wrestling in 1989, after seeing an ad for a wrestling school in Dallas. He had long, flowing blond hair and not a clue where wrestling might take him, but a lot of desire and a fierce competitive streak.

“I was by no means an overnight success. What success I eventually did attain was the result of hard work. I always had a competitive nature. I learned the mechanics of wrestling really well and really fast. I learned how to have a good match, but I didn’t have the right gimmick.,” he says.

He foundered in smaller wrestling promotions, calling himself Superstar Steve Austin, Stunning Steve Austin and even one of the Hollywood Blonds and a member of the Stud Stable. Nothing caught the fans’ attention. He was a worker, a jobber, a mechanic — someone that bigger stars beat on their way to championship matches and bigger paychecks. .

In 1995, when Vince McMahon offered him a job with the World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment), Austin still didn’t have a clear idea who he was.

“They brought me up there strictly as a mechanic. There were no plans to make me a star,” he says.

A year later, it, the gimmick he was searching for, happened. He shaved his head and became Stone Cold Steve Austin, the ultimate renegade and anti-hero. His character didn’t give a flip for authority in general, and Vince McMahon in particular. Together, they began a run that shattered every box office and TV ratings record in wrestling history. Every night, in the biggest arenas around the world, the show ended with Stone Cold giving the Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment a Stone Cold Stunner, followed by Austin toasting the crowd by slamming two cans of beer together and pouring them over his face.

Although he continued to appear on TV wrestling, injuries caught up with Austin and his last year as a full-time wrestler was 2004.

“I was in the wrestling business for 14, maybe 15 years, I really stopped counting. But the first seven years, as far as paying my dues and learning the game, really don’t count toward the Stone Cold part. I was really hot for only a few years. I draw a comparison with myself and Gale Sayers, the football player. He was a great running back for only a short time. But he was so incredible that he didn’t need a 14-year career. He is remembered for the few spectacular years that he did have.

“What drove me was the emotion. When I was hot, we were sold out seven days a week. I fed off the energy of having those people cheer for me. Vince McMahon loved to be hated, and the people loved me. … I didn’t want to quit wrestling. I didn’t walk away on my own. Injuries ended it for me.”

When his name is announced as the newest member of the WWE Hall of Fame, for the first time as a wrestler, he will step to the microphone — and have no idea what he’ll say.

“I’ve been trying to come up with a speech. I’m so thrilled and excited about this. But going up there and talking about myself the real person, not Stone Cold Steve Austin the wrestler, is a whole different ball game. You wouldn’t think that Stone Cold, the character, would ever get emotional, but I am a pretty emotional person. … Wrestling was a large part of my life, and it’s hard to draw one straight line, or one train of thought, through it. So I’m going to make the best of it and just wing it.”

Mr Kennedy Interview

2009-03-26T08:56:00.002+10:00

The UK Sun has posted a "WrestleCast" audio interview with Mr. Kennedy, addressing a number of topics, including his comments on failing WWE's Wellness Policy test after making very bold statements regarding drug use in a previous interview with The Sun.

Here's a few highlights from the interview:

On who else tried out for the part in Behind Enemy Lines: Columbia:

"Spanky (Brian Kendrick) was in there, Cody Rhodes, I think Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy a bunch of guys read for the part."

On Chris Jericho:

"I think he's one of the greatest guys in the business right now. I told him when he came back, when guys are heel, they basically put on a mean face and come out and tell the crowd "boo for me", whereas Jericho, he just gives off this aura of cockiness about him, where you really feel he thinks his s*** doesn't stink. It's like a really good movie with a bad guy where you want to jump through the screen and throttle him and strangle him."

On whether he would want to see Steve Austin vs. Hulk Hogan:

"(Laughs) Yeah, everyone would want to see it. Personally, I always wanted to see Austin-Goldberg, just because it was WCW's version of Austin."

On his promos on TV:

"Well, apparently I have this thing where I'm too funny. To me, it's just me, but Vince (McMahon) hates it when I do stuff, he says 'Goddamn it, stop being so funny' and I say 'I'm not, I don't mean to be funny.' It's just me, it's just the way that I am, so it's a real tug-of-war where I'm trying to be me, but he doesn't think it's me."

On the finishes to Wrestlemania not being set in stone:

"It's always like that, it could change right down to the last couple of minutes. I've been standing at the Gorilla Position and had the finish to a match switched on me."

On the controversy following his last interview:

"I just felt so passionately about... we're trying to get past all those negative stereotypes, and I just felt so passionately about it, maybe I didn't go about saying things the right way, but, whatever. I speak my mind sometimes and like I said unfortunately, sometimes people spin what you say. I don't have time to sit down here, we don't have two hours, for me to go through my whole life history tell you every little incident that ever happened and why I chose to do what I did at this particular moment in my life and that particular moment in my life. And when you leave or omit certain things because you have a minute and a half to tell a story that needs three or four hours... and also to be perfectly honest with you, it's nobodies business what my medical history is and it's not. I'm a celebrity, I put myself out there, but, you know."

On being named in the Sports Illustrated story on wrestlers buying items from an online pharmacy:

"Honestly, I thought it was bulls*** in the first place. The whole suspension and everything. Again, I'm just going to say this again. You go through your life, and at the point I was trying to get into WWE, you do everything you can and I made some decisions that, whatever. I'm not unhappy about it, I'm not happy about it, I just made those decisions and I've got to live with them. But, what happens is when you stop taking that stuff, your natural levels of testosterone ... you feel like s***. You can't get out of bed in the morning, when your natural levels of testosterone just stops. I believe it was a legitimate medical issue I had. But then somebody will say, "The WWE Policy says you're not supposed to go online....", I never went online once, ever. It was an actual guy, who said he was a doctor, that I got my stuff from."

On WWE's drug testing:

"The testing is ridiculous, I swear it is more rigorous than the NFL. I hear stories that when they get tested, they get told in advance. They get called up a month or two months ahead of time and are told 'You'll have a test on such-and-such a date'. So, if they are taking anything, they can stop taking it, get it out of their system, then take the test. I don't know how many times I've been tested this year. It seems like every time I go to TV, I get tested. There's a note up on the wall, and I have to go in front of a guy, pull my pants around my ankles, pull my shirt up to my armpits, and stand there and pee into a little cup. They watch the pee come out of the end of your willy. When you're doing it on a weekly basis, it tends to be a little much. But I do understand the health reasons. I'm probably going to get myself in trouble here, but we live in a free country, if I'm not hurting anybody, what's the big deal? I'm not hurting you. If I have health issues down the road, then I have health issues."

On people using illegal substances in WWE's current environment with the frequent testing:

"I don't see how anybody can get away with it."

On Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker at Wrestlemania:

"This should be the last match of the night."

You can listen to the interview at this link.

Vince McMahon Interview

2009-03-25T21:09:00.002+10:00

Vince McMahon was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter today to promote Wrestlemania XXV.

Some interesting highlights of the interview:

WHETHER WWE IS CONCERNED WITH TNA AS COMPETITION

"My concern with TNA is not in terms of competition. My concern with TNA is that they are TV-14, and we are PG. They have to change with the times. I think some of the things they do on television are reprehensible, but it is a TV-14 rating. That's the only bone I have to pick with them. Their TV ratings are a fraction of ours."

MMA AND UFC'S IMPACT ON WWE

"Most people thought at one point that we would be competitors. But it turns out they are not competition to us at all, or hardly at all. They are sport, we are entertainment; it's a huge difference. The revenue they have cut into is that of boxing."

TRIPLE H SLEDGEHAMMER DURING HOME INVASION OF RANDY ORTON

"Right. What we try to do in situations like that is use things that you can't find around the house. You will never see us use a baseball bat. You don't find folding metal chairs around the house. We are very selective. You can go up to the line. It's storytelling; that's how our business thrives. If you have well-defined characters and put them in the right story line against other characters, people care about their welfare."

Vince McMahon also discusses the use of celebrities at Wrestlemania, the idea of building regional stars for specific markets, the best international markets for the company, Wrestlemania XXV and more.

You can read the complete interview by clicking here.

Huge Kurt Angle Update

2009-03-25T20:56:00.002+10:00

Here's a huge update on WWE turned TNA star Kurt Angle.

HOWARD STERN

Kurt was interviewed on the Howard Stern radio show - here are some highlights:

-Howard asked Kurt about Vince McMahon. Kurt said they had a falling out, and claimed Kurt wanted to go to rehab, but Vince wouldn't let him because ECW just started. Kurt says Vince wanted him to get clean, but do it without rehab.

-Howard asked Kurt if he divorced his wife because of this stuff or because of Spice Boy. As background, there is a belief among the "Stern Crew" that one of the reasons the Angle's got divorced is because Karen was participating in phone sex with Spice Boy, a member of the crew of Bubba The Love Sponge's show. Kurt basically said that he made Karen a millionaire, and she cheated on him with someone in the locker room - he is positive. Kurt throws a low blow saying Karen wasn't the best sex he's ever had.

-Conversation then turns to Kurt's interest in Robin. Kurt said he wrote her a poem. He says he's dated black women since he got divorced, and he thinks he has some black heritage in him on his mother's side. Kurt said he isn't very "large", but he'd do whatever to make her happy. Kurt read his poem to Robin, and it mentioned many Stern inside jokes insinuating that either Kurt is a huge fan of Howard Stern Show, or this was written for him. Everyone thought the poem was great. Robin said that she was impressed. She said that he hasn't asked her out yet so she's not sure if she would or not. Howard asked if she was ready to be a step-mom to his kids. Robin said she loves kids so she would do that. Then Kurt asked her if she would go out. She said yes to that. Kurt figured that she'd say no to him so he wasn't prepared for that. There was a lot of talk about what a sexual experience between Kurt and Robin would be like, and they discussed setting up a date when Kurt returned from his current tour abroad.

-They brought up Kurt dating Rhaka Khan - he said she was a great person, but they met at the wrong time.

-They brought up Kurt's web reality show and, specifically, a girl that Kurt was dating threatening his wife. Kurt said Robin wasn't in danger.

-Howard read that Kurt once made out with a woman who turned out to be a transsexual. He didn't know it at the time but found out weeks later when he went on the Rikki Lake show. The woman claimed to be Kathy Ireland's sister. Kurt said that this woman had contacted him and flew him out to meet her. This was years ago when he was in the Olympics. Kurt said that the chick fooled him and he had no idea. He said that he made out with that chick for 7 hours! They got into further details and Kurt said he'd kill her if they ran into each other again.

-Iron Shiek called in and got in a shouting match with Kurt Angle. Angle said Shiek never made the Olympics and Shiek said he'd kill Angle.

Angle stayed in the offices after he came off the air, and was working the phones, and hanging with the crew, so its possible more story/bits will come out tomorrow.

OPIE AND ANTHONY

Kurt Angle also appeared on Opie & Anthony.

Highlights:

They talk about the wrestling organization that he is in now, TNA, and his falling out with the WWE He mentions that he went to Vince for help with his drug addiction and Vince pretty much told him to fix it while he was on the road. He claimed it took about 5-6 months to fully get off the pain pills.

Opie asks Kurt more about what went down with his problem he had with pain pills after one of the five times that Kurt broke his neck. I believe he said that he took upwards to 20+ pills a day. Kurt talks about the addiction that he had to them and says that he won't take them anymore even if he needs them for something else.

Kurt talks briefly about the drug policy that TNA and WWE have. Says that Vince has made it possible for former stars to go to rehab at no cost. Also stresses that BOTH companies need to be around for everyone to succeed, and touches on the number of guys that have gone back and forth between the two companies, mentioning Christian by name.

Opie then asks Kurt about steroids which they talk about for a little while. They talk about MMA and Kurt's opportunity to get into it - he says that he will get into it but wrestling will remain his top priority. He says that he already has had some MMA training. Kurt talks about the few people from WWE whom he still keeps in touch with. The Rock and Stone Cold are two guys he wishes still stayed in touch, but understand they are busy with other projects and movies.

Opie asks "Primetime" Sam Roberts of NYSWF fame if they covered everything they should with Kurt and Sam asks Kurt about Internet rumors of someone Kurt dated. Kurt tells them about his divorce and kids, and how this is the third time he has split with Karen. They goof around about Mick Foley a little, Jim Norton asks Kurt what he thought about The Wrestler movie he loved it and felt that they took a lot of Jake the Snake and put it into the movie, and they end by goofing about Vince McMahon a little.

They promoted TNA on Thursday nights and the upcoming PPV.

FINAL THOUGHT

Probably one of the best interviews I've read regarding Kurt Angle.

Evan Bourne Shooting Star Comments

2009-03-25T20:51:00.002+10:00

Evan Bourne has been interviewed in the new issue of the WWE Magazine.

BOURNE TO INTERVIEW

In the new issue of WWE Magazine, Evan Bourne is asked how he was able to bring back the once-banned Shooting Star Press (pictured, above) and commented,

"Honestly, when I signed my contract with WWE, there was no mention the move was banned. I did the maneuver all over Japan, so when I got to WWE, I wanted to use it. It's my specialty. Once I showed them how I perform it, I was encouraged to use it."

FINAL THOUGHT

Guess WWE just had a grudge against Kidman for injuring Chavo Guerrero.

And to think, Chavo has come such a long way since then...

Ric Flair Injury

2009-03-25T20:46:00.003+10:00

Ric Flair has suffered an injury, less than 2 weeks away from WrestleMania 25

NATURE BOY BUSTED

On the 23rd March, 2009 episode of Monday Night Raw, Ric Flair and Chris Jericho were involved in a segment whereby Jericho viciously assaulted Ric Flair - to the point where Flair was busted open - literally.

Ric Flair needed close to a dozen staples in order to close a legitimate wound opened when Chris Jericho nailed him with the WWE HD video camera during the segment.

Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal Update

2009-03-25T20:38:00.003+10:00

There's been a slight change to the 25 Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania.

TWO DOWN

Gail Kim was removed from the WrestleMania XXV Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal graphic last night on Raw as she hasn't "officially" debuted yet. Her inclusion last week was a mistake.

Candice Michelle was also removed from the graphic, which may be a sign WWE doesn't expect her to be medically cleared from her ankle injury by the PPV. If so, that would be the second straight WrestleMania she would miss due to injury as she missed last year due to a broken clavicle.

FINAL THOUGHT

So with a large amount of ex-WWE Divas are saying no to the battle royal, what is the solution?

Kick two more Divas off - Yay!

Trish Stratus New Look

2009-03-22T11:07:00.004+10:00

Trish Stratus makes a surprise return to the screen, by doing the weather and sporting a brand new brunette look!

This honestly took me by complete surprise.

Trish then speaks on her current lifestyle and her successful Yoga business.

The news anchors also ask Trish if she misses being in the ring, to which she replied

"I did make a little return in December...I get my fix every now and then"

FINAL THOUGHT

Bring back Trish! *clap clap clap clap clap*

Kane Interview - Fight with UFC Star?

2009-03-22T10:56:00.003+10:00

WWE Superstar Kane has recently conducted an interview with popular newspaper, The Sun

HELL, FIRE AND INTERVIEWS

Earlier this week, blogs and internet forums were reporting that Affliction fighter Sylvia had suffered a broken nose and black eye at the hands of the Big Red Machine.

They had supposedly traded blows at a venue in Detroit with the 7ft, 320lbs wrestling star, real name Glen Jacobs, said to have come out on top.

However a WWE spokesman immediately dismissed the story, saying:

"This is a total fabrication."

Pals of the pair added that neither man had been in Detroit at the time of the alleged incident.

And now, for the first time, Kane has spoken out about the rumours.

KANE:

"I was sitting at home at the time and someone told me – that was the first I’d heard about it.
"I hear I handled it pretty well though. I’m happy with myself!
"I’m pretty sure Tim won’t hold a grudge"

FINAL THOUGHT

Funny little interview with Kane. Glad to see that a monster inside the ring, still has a killer sense of comedy, outside of the ring

Click here to read the full article

ROH Champion Nigel McGuinness Injured

2009-03-22T10:42:00.002+10:00

Ring of Honor champion Nigel McGuinness suffered an arm injury last night at their Elizabeth, PA event that required ROH to call for a doctor to examine him after the event.

The belief is that the injury was not to the arm he's had previous issues with. There was concern McGuinness might need surgery stemming from the injury.

UPDATE

The latest word on Nigel McGuinness is that he is expected to wrestle on ROH Anniversary show against KENTA, so he's going to work through his latest arm injury, suffered last night in Elizabeth, PA.

Video of the Month - March Edition: Stone Cold & The Rock Sing

2009-03-22T00:27:00.002+10:00

Introducing a brand new segment here on From The Turnbuckle, called Video of the Month!

Basically, I'll post a favourite wrestling video for each month

Kicking it off, we've got Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock singing on the 12 November, 2001 edition of Monday Night Raw

Enjoy!

WWE Encyclopaedia Released

2009-03-22T00:17:00.002+10:00

WWE has released their official Encyclopaedia

ENCYCLO-THIS!

As a unique, one-volume encyclopedia with more than 700 WWE entries and more than 2500 images, this is the book for all WWE fans! Featuring hundreds of superstars of all eras, from the World Wrestling Federation of the 60s and 70s to today's WWE, this thrilling, one-of-a-kind reference guide contains a visual glossary of all wrestling moves and provides coverage of the television shows that put the WWE into millions of households. From the Hardcore Champion to the World Heavyweight title holder, from the WWE's showcase events to the Pay-per-views, from Survivor Series to the grand spectacle of WrestleMania-this encyclopedia covers it all.

WWE Superstars Site Launched

2009-03-22T00:06:00.005+10:00

(Click the picture above to load the WWE.com video, advertising WWE Superstars)

WWE has officially began promoting its new show, WWE Superstars, on their website.

SUPERSTARS LAUNCH

From WWE.com:

WWE is coming to WGN America
For the first time ever, the biggest Superstars from Raw, SmackDown and ECW debut on “WWE Superstars” – a one-hour exclusive new weekly television show – featuring original matches between any WWE Superstar from any brand, at any time. "WWE Superstars" is the only place to see it all! "WWE Superstars" premieres Thursday, April 16. It's like no other TV show in WWE history. Expect Everything.

FINAL THOUGHT

If by "Expect Everything", they mean John Morrison making a save for Rey Mysterio, then I'll pass.

Hopefully, they will make this like the Attitude Era - when back then, we literally did "Expect Anything"

John Cena tells why he hates The Rock

2009-03-21T10:22:00.003+10:00

The Doctor of Thuganomics has finally revealed as to why he hates Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

WORD LIFE

In his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's show, promoting his new movie 12 Rounds, John Cena was asked about what the issues he has with Dwayne Johnson were.

The beef, explained Cena, stems from Johnson's past insistence he would stay loyal to his pro wrestling roots (his father and grandfather were both pro wrestlers) even as his star in tinsel town rose.

CENA:

"He's obviously .... got his start in the WWE, gone onto movies, but in the process, the whole time while he was in the WWE, he just preached to our fans -- who are very loyal -- how much he loved the business," Cena said of Johnson. "He says he loves the business so much, but then just up and leaves. So here I am, I've done The Marine, I'm still working full-time for the WWE, I've got 12 Rounds coming out ... and everybody's asking, 'When are you leaving?'"

Cena, in a moment of unintentional comedy at its best, said he would continue wrestling even if he wins an Oscar.

To watch the video, click here

Triple H Interview

2009-03-21T10:18:00.002+10:00

Dave McCoy at MSN Entertainment interviewed WWE Champion Triple H to promote the 500th episode of Friday Night Smackdown.

THE KING OF INTERVIEWS

Here are some of the highlights:

The Road:

"It's funny because I'll watch those VH1 "Behind the Music" shows and I'll hear these bands say, "After four months on the road, we're ready to crack. We're at each other's throats." I'm thinking, "Four months?" We don't have time when we don't tour. That's the thing that's a bit daunting about what we do. You know, we have WrestleMania 25 coming up and it's our Super Bowl. Once that Super Bowl is over, there is a party, but if you are a top guy you really don't want to go to the party too long because you have to get up the next morning. You have a live TV show the next night, a live "RAW," and it starts all over again. It's a never-ending cycle."

Working for Vince McMahon:

"Well, the good thing is I had a really good relationship with him before I even met Steph. We had a great relationship not only from a talent standpoint, but I used to work a lot with Vince hand-in-hand to create story lines behind the scenes, not just for myself but other guys. But if you have ever met Vince, he's a complex man and it can be trying. There are times he wants to choke me and there are times when I want to choke him.....But we are very careful to separate the two out. I can be in the office and we can have a big drag-out over something to the point where he wants to strangle me, but then two hours later we all go to dinner and it's like nothing ever happened. There is business and personal. If it was going to destroy my personal life, I would walk away from the business. My kids are going to grow up knowing their grandparents. No business or job is that important."

Backstage Work vs. Performing:

"When I come up with a good idea in the back, there's not 70,000 people standing up and cheering. [Laughter.] Usually when I have an idea in the back, it is dismissed and Vince will bring it up later and pretend it is his idea. There's nothing like it. And that is why you see guys like Ric Flair and the older guys and they are still doing it. I get it. Even if they don't need the money, I get it. There is something about going out there and entertaining people and having them go crazy. I don't think that's just our business. I think that is why the Stones still play or AC/DC puts out albums. You see these guys performing, very late in their lives and acting like kids. It's an addictive thing to be able to go out there and do what you do and have that many people express their appreciation for it. It's a trip. If you go to an event, or a WrestleMania, and you sit there and feel that energy and then imagine being on that stage and that energy being directed at you ... it's an amazing, addictive thing."

Heel vs. Babyface:

"If I had my way, I'd have been a heel my whole career. I compare it to Darth Vader by the second or third movie, when he came on, you started saying, "Yeah!" Even though he was trying to kill Luke Skywalker... he was just cool. There was a point in time with my character where I had been here a long time, I had a certain amount of respect [from the fans] and ... you know, I beat up a lot of people and caused mayhem, and to teenagers and kids, that is cool. It just became a cool character and we were struggling ... the worse things we thought I was doing, the louder the audience would cheer me for it. I was coming out and drilling a guy with a sledgehammer and people would go nuts. So I had no choice as people basically turned me. If I thought it would work, I'd turn back in a minute."

You can read the entire piece by clicking here.

Hulk Hogan New Book

2009-03-21T09:52:00.002+10:00

It seems that Hulk Hogan is writing another book - but this one wont be about his 24 inch pythons.

CONTROVERSIAL-MANIA

The New York Post has an article today that talks about an autobiography that Hulk Hogan is writing.

One of the things teased in the book is "a headlined fallout with World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon."

To read the full article, click here

FINAL THOUGHT

The Hogan family is in a shambles, and if this is Hulk's attempt at a popularity re-boost then lets hope for his sake that it works.

Chyna featured in Vanity Fair

2009-03-19T15:49:00.002+10:00

Chyna will be on the cover of an upcoming summer issue of Vanity Fair Magazine.

CHYNA REVIVAL

From: Alivingwonder.com

Chyna will be on the cover of an upcoming summer issue of Vanity Fair Magazine.

The interview article will feature several new photos of Chyna as well as an article on Chyna's new book, coming this fall which will be called "Paper Doll". In the Vanity Fair interview Chyna also discusses upcoming movie roles, how her life has changed since appearing on Celebrity Rehab, her plans for the future and much more.

FINAL THOUGHT

Good to see Chyna back in the limelight

Bret Hart speaks out Andrew Martin

2009-03-19T15:45:00.003+10:00

Former WWE and WCW World champion Bret Hart, who originally broke Andrew "Test" Martin into professional wrestling, has posted a blog on his official website regarding Martin's passing at this link.

HITMAN BLOG

The following are excerpts from the Hitman's blog:

"I met Andrew, along with his equally huge friend George, at the Planet Hollywood restaurant in downtown Toronto in 1996. WWE exec, Carlo DeMarco brought them both up to meet me and to see if I’d be interested in possibly training them as wrestlers. Andrew was, as my father would say, a fine specimen; 6’ 6”, lean, hard and handsome with a big, boyish smile. I wasn’t actually looking for any more prospects but I saw something in him and told him if he could get over to Calgary I’d personally teach him, free of charge."

"I was working a full WWE schedule back then and was preparing to begin teaching, or fine tuning, some of the many young wrestlers that were starting to pop up everywhere. I instantly liked Andrew and I can smile now at the memory of coming home from the road, physically exhausted, only to remember that I’d promised Andrew a real match in my dungeon. I found myself reluctantly wrapping my knees and lacing up my boots so I could wrestle Andrew on my precious day off. That day Andrew went from dreaming of being a wrestler to actually working with the WWE World Champion in his home. I wrestled Andrew for over a half hour and I knew back then that, with his size and ability, he was going to go far in the business."

"Death brought Andrew and I back together when we saw each other at Bryan “Krush” Adams’ funeral two years ago. It was during that sad, dark time - after the recent losses of Sherri Martel, Bam Bam Bigelow and the blackness of the Chris Benoit tragedy - I was hearing that Andrew was having drug addiction problems again and I was fearful he might be next. I saw a need to keep in touch with him and do all I could to encourage him to save himself, and maybe some others too. We renewed our friendship and stayed in touch."

"This past November I had the luck of doing a wrestling tour in France for two weeks with Andrew and he seemed to be a new man. He’d completed WWE sponsored rehab and had a new lease on life. Andrew clearly had his demons on the run and we talked about him becoming the poster child for wrestlers that desperately needed a voice urging, “If I can beat this, so can you!” Andrew convinced me he had the commitment and the determination to make a difference. I had a great time with him on that tour."

"Following the tour I had painful knee replacement surgery and now it was Andrew calling me to see if I was doing okay. A few weeks ago he talked of coming to visit me here in Hawaii. He seemed so strong and focused that I never thought to question him about how he was doing. I again urged him to use his experience to reach out to the many wrestlers who are still losing their battle with drug addiction."

"Now I wish so much that I could’ve somehow known that Andrew was losing his grip on his addictions, beginning to slip. I failed to see the signs of him losing a battle that I thought he’d already won. My heart has been heavy since the news of his passing. In our last phone call, a few weeks ago, I kidded him about how he worked that entire France tour and never took one bump and I smile at the memory of his deep booming laugh echoing over the phone. That’s how I choose to remember my friend. I’m sorry I didn’t see his pain and suffering; had I known I’d have tried harder to save him. He slipped and we lost one of the good ones. Nobody has anything but the nicest things to remember about Andrew Martin. I will miss him. He was a dear friend, one of very few I had left in a profession where too many die too young. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his entire family. Somehow, as hard as we all tried, we lost another good soul forever."

FINAL THOUGHT

RIP Andrew Martin

Stone Cold Hall of Fame Shirt

2009-03-19T15:32:00.003+10:00

WWE Shop has advertised a new Steve Austin shirt for an upcoming release.

The shirt (pictured above) will list Steve Austin's bio and career accomplishments on the back.

FINAL THOUGHT

I wish I could be there to see the man that sparked my life long interest in the Professional Wrestling world, be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Tyson Tomko Released

2009-03-19T15:13:00.004+10:00

World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms with the release of Tyson Tomko.

RETURN? REJECTED

Tomko's successful WWE return and reunion with friend, Christian, never happened.

This can be narrowed down to two, simple facts.

Fact 1: Vince McMahon does not view Christian as a main event wrestler.

ORIGINAL STORY

Fact 2: The whole point of bringing back Tomko, was to persuade Christian to sign on to WWE - and eventually reunite / start a feud against one another.

Again, this never happened because of Vince McMahon

Michael Hayes (head writer for SmackDown) originally wrote the whole "whos after Jeff Hardy" storyline for Christian. It would have surprised both Hardy and Edge.

But no, Vince didn't approve - so the alternate option was to go with Matt Hardy, which I predicted.

So, with the destruction of a really good comeback storyline, and Christian shipped off to ECW - Tyson is no longer required.

ALTERNATE METHOD

What would have worked better, for both Christian and Tomko, would be to have Tomko start a single career - whereby he would dominate most of the roster - evetually setting up a match between Tomko and another "monster" style character (E.g. Kane, Umaga, Big Show etc.). Tomko could then throw all that he can, and eventually be interrupted by a viral video.

The video would then show most of the attacks against Jeff Hardy, and then produce the name "HARDY" could come up on screen, and eventually spin to reveal the words TOMKO

Christian could then appear, wearing a hooded mask and attack Tomko.

& roll the "Who is this mystery man" segment from the commentators.

FINAL THOUGHT

Sad to see Tomko leave, before he even [re]started

Freddie Prinze Jr. fired, then hired

2009-03-19T14:58:00.005+10:00

Actor / Writer Freddie Prince Jr. (pictured, right) has left the WWE Creative department.

WHY? FREDDIE, WHY?

In a surprising move, Prince Jr. decided to leave the WWE himself - shame, I was looking forward to yet another default internet page with the words

"...We wish him all the best in his future endeavours"

Not.

Stephanie McMahon herself requested that Freddie stay - she even offered him pay rise.

Prinze declined.

PRINZE PICKED UP

Luckily, Freddie Prinze Jr. has been cast in the pilot of "No Heroics" a new comedy about four B-Level Superheroes living together.

Prinze will play a A-list superhero that one of the leads is jealous of and sees as his nemesis

FINAL THOUGHT

Bring back the actor who played in such serious films as "She's All That" and "Scooby Doo"

Oh, hang on. Those were never serious films.

Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising Released

2009-03-15T20:51:00.003+10:00

The stand-alone expansion pack to EA's hit, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 has been released!

UM, THIS ISN'T WRESTLING?

Wrong!

With every new game that EA bring out, there is always an element of hollywood involved - be it real time locations or Hollywood Actors being involved in a game's cut-scenes / intro videos.

This year, EA has enlisted and enrolled a solider known as Commander Hill - but to the wrestling world, hes known only as Ric Flair

AEROPLANE FLYIN', CARPET BOMBING - WOO - SON OF A GUN!

Flair stars as Allied Commander Hill in Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising. A veteran of the battlefield disgruntled with the way the war is being handled, Hill takes charge of the Allied Forces to show the troops how it's done.

(Flair as Commander Hill)

Players will have the opportunity to challenge Commander Hill on the battlefield, but rest assured, he will not go down without a fight, or a good tongue-lashing.

FINAL THOUGHT

It's a shame this game is playable only upon downloading it from EA, and it's a huge file size aswell - around the 5.6GB mark.

I guess we'll all have to suck it up and WOOOO our way past the huge download and rock out with Commander Hill and the Allied Forces

Flair in an All-Star Sprint Race

2009-03-15T20:39:00.003+10:00

The Nature Boy has been invited to be the Honorary Race Director at the 25th Anniversary of "Lowe's Motor Speedway Sprint All-Star Race"

ADDING A BIT OF FLAIR

The speedway announced that 16-time World Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair will serve as the annual event’s Honorary Race Director. Flair will attend the drivers’ meeting, assist with driver introductions and serve as a judge for the second annual Pennzoil Victory Challenge prior to the start of the All-Star Race. In addition, Flair will assist in the speedway’s television and radio advertising campaign leading up to the event.

Flair spoke out on the Honorary position:

"I'm honored to be a part of the 25th running of the Sprint All-Star Race," Flair explained. "I'm a long-time Charlotte resident and Lowe's Motor Speedway is an integral part of our city. It's one of the things that makes Charlotte a great place to live. There's nothing like NASCAR and the 'Nature Boy' to get you pumped up! WoooOOOooo!"

FINAL THOUGHT

This sprint race is celebrating the same anniversary as WrestleMania - 25 years.

Coincidence? Who knows?

I'd love to see Flair doing the strut across the finish line!

Ex-WWE Star Bobby Lashley comments on steroid usage

2009-03-15T20:29:00.002+10:00

Blast from the recent past, Bobby Lashley has done an interview expressing various issues within the wrestling and MMA community

LASHLEY LASHES OUT

The interview, conducted by Fanhouse.com, had Bobby Lashley talking about his upcoming MMA fight with Jason Guida, Ken Shamrock getting suspended, and leaving WWE for MMA.

He spoke onperformance-enhancing drugs in wrestling:

FUNHOUSE: How prevalent are performance-enhancing drugs in pro wrestling?

LASHLEY: I don't think there's any now.

FUNHOUSE: Really?

LASHLEY: They have a really, really, really strict testing policy in the WWE. I know that for a fact. So I know that there is no one who is really on anything now. I think in the past there were some, but -- and also, in professional wrestling it's not "performance-enhancing." You're not enhancing your performance. You're getting bigger and stronger, but it's not like that makes you win in wrestling. I think there used to be more wrestlers on something than there are now, but it's not like everyone was on something in professional wrestling. Not at all.

FINAL THOUGHT

Impressive interview from Mr Lashley. I find the "I know that for a fact" bit amusing

I mean, he obviously hasn't taken any performance enchancing drugs....

To read the full interview, Click here.

Kelly Kelly addresses Andrew Martin's passing.

2009-03-15T20:24:00.002+10:00

With the death of Andrew Martin (a.k.a. Test), WWE Diva Kelly Kelly, whom previously dated Test, has spoken out.

SHORT, BUT SWEET

WWE Diva Kelly Kelly posted the following on her official Myspace Page in regard to Andrew Martin's passing

"You were my world my best friend the one i always ran to u were always there for me..what happened to our plan...Why did god take u away from me...my heart is always with u and u only..I know your in heaven watching over me now my angel..."

FINAL THOUGHT

Heartbreaking.

Andrew "Test" Martin passes away.

2009-03-15T00:23:00.002+10:00

It comes as a great upset and complete shock, as for WWE Superstar Andrew "Test" Martin has passed away.

FIRST INFO

Andrew Martin was found dead in his apartment on March 13th, 2009 in Tampa, Florida.

Martin was 33 years of age. On the date of his death, he was only four days shy of his 34th birthday.

POLICE REPORT

Here is the official comment from the Tampa Police Department

"At approximately 8:00pm on Friday, March 13, 2009, Tampa Police Officers responded to the Post Harbour Apartments, located at 725 Harbour Place Drive to check on the welfare of Mr. Andrew J. Martin. A neighbor reported that she could see into his apartment through a window and that Mr. Martin appeared motionless for several hours.

Officers entered the apartment and discovered Mr. Martin to be deceased. At this time there is no indication of foul play. The deceased was transported to the Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The date of the autopsy is undetermined at this time. The next of kin has been notified of the death.

Andrew "Test" Martin is a former wrestling champion with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).

Lieutenant William Ferguson

Tampa Police Department"

FINAL THOUGHT

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Martin family. Such a shock to see Test pass away.

I'll always remember T&A (Test and Albert) with Trish Stratus as their manager - those were the days.

R.I.P. Andrew Martin.

Ric Flair debuts in Ring of Honor

2009-03-15T00:17:00.003+10:00

WOOOO! Ric Flair has officially made his debut in Ring of Honor.

FLAIR OF HONOR

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair made his debut appearance for Ring of Honor tonight in the St. Louis market, doing autograph signings and an angle with ROH champion, Nigel McGuinness.

Flair came to ringside for an interview with ROH's Dave Prazak. It was your typical Flair promo putting over the company he was appearing for, commenting that the ROH locker room would produce the next Shawn Michaels and that he and ROH were going to be great together.

ROH champ Nigel McGuinness, who Flair had commented on in a video the promotion posted on their website, came to ringside and said that he would never think to criticize Flair as a wrestler, he was a terrible husband and father. This led to a back and forth teasing that Flair would eventually manage Reid Flair in ROH against McGuinness and that Flair would see McGuinness "next week" when ROH ran in Virginia.

As it turned out, Flair saw McGuinness again before the show was over. Flair was later at ringside for McGuinness' ROH title defense against Brent Albright. When Claudio Castagnoli interfered for a DQ finish and the heels were stomping away at Albright, Flair hit the ring for the save and raised Albright's hand to end the show.

Multiple sources within ROH tagged tonight's crowd at an overflowing 1,000 fans with every available seat used and tons of fans standing. It was easily the largest crowd for the company thus far in the market to the point that earlier today, there was concern they were going to have to turn fans away at the door due to lack of room in the venue.

Flair is believed to be signed to five more ROH appearances and there's been talk of him working as a special referee down the line as well.

FINAL THOUGHT

Good to see Flair doing ring work again

TNA Lockdown 2009 Poster Revealed

2009-03-10T14:18:00.002+10:00

Well, two posters in one day - coincidence?

POSTER PROPAGANDA

I think not.

WWE and TNA have always had a back and forth relationship - basically because Ex-WWE Superstars are shipping on over to the TNA boat - then retreating back to the WWE.

TNA LOCKDOWN PROMO

The InDemand PPV website lists the following for the 4/19 TNA Lockdown PPV:

"Two decades in the making…Two of wrestling’s biggest legends…One historic showdown inside the infamous six sides of steel cage.

Hardcore legend Mick Foley…“The Icon” Sting…The battle of a lifetime!

TNA Wrestling presents Lockdown, where every match takes place inside the barbaric six sides of steel cage. Live! Sunday April 19th on Pay-per-View"

FINAL THOUGHT

Interesting to see Foley V Sting - I'm guessing Sting may have to carry Foley through the match.

WWE Backlash 2009 Poster Released

2009-03-10T14:14:00.002+10:00

A poster for WWE Backlash has been released online.

POSTER PANDEMONIUM

The "leak" of these posters usually create a large amount of controversy.

Mainly because 3/4 of wrestling fans always think that a fellow fan decided to photoshop the crap out of a basic WWE Image and host it as an official poster.

Most of those "photoshop" cases actually turn out to be the official poster, which is a tad embarrasing - both for fans, and the WWE.

FINAL THOUGHT

I hope the Backlash poster is better than a single image of Randy Orton.

Knowing the WWE, it won't be.

Kizarny Released

2009-03-10T14:01:00.002+10:00

WWE is basically shooting SmackDown Superstars in a barrel, as Kizarny (pictured above) has been released by the company.

KIZARNY KUT

Kizarny (Real name: Nick Cvjetkovich), was signed by the WWE in July 2007 and debuted on the main roster in October 2008, staring in various vignettes (Promo videos introducing a persona to the audience).

He didn't officially make his WWE in-ring debut until January 2009, after spending time in WWE's training camp, Florida Championship Wrestling.

Kizarny was previously a carnival freak, a persona that he transferred into his on air character.

He originally broke in on the Canadian/Michigan independent scene alongside lifelong friends Edge and Christian. He also worked for TNA a few years back as part of Jim Mitchell's "New Church".

KRAZY KOMMENTS

Before being released, Kizarny posted a blog (which has already been taken down) on the official WWE Universe fan-to-superstar page, where he said one of his goals was:

"...To convince Vince McMahon to dress up as Doink the Clown and then they can go after tag team gold."

I guess Vince must not have been impressed. Kizarny also blogged that he wanted to have all the gold in WWE.

FINAL THOUGHT

Somehow, I don't think Kizarny winning WWE Gold will happen.

Candice Michelle Injured - Again

2009-03-09T19:12:00.003+10:00

Candice Michelle (pictured above) has put herself back on the WWE Injury list.

CANDICE CANCELLATION

Not so long ago, Candice Michelle was out of action due to a drastic neck injury suffered inside the squared circle. She took alot of time off, but eventually returned and captured the WWE Women's championship.

Now, it seems that Candice is out of action - again.

Candice recently suffered an ankle injury.

The injury is so severe that it's forced Candice to be put on the injury list to at least April 2009.

FINAL THOUGHT

Best wishes & a speedy recovery to Candice.

Andromeda Update

2009-03-08T21:15:00.003+10:00

The TNA website is teasing a new star named "Andromeda" is coming into the company.

It has now been revealed that Andromeda is Mexican talent Cassandro coming in under a new ring name.

Cassandro worked a dark match at the TNA tapings a few weeks back and is expected to appear at this week's TNA tapings.

WWE Releases The Boogeyman

2009-03-05T07:42:00.002+10:00

The Boogeyman won't be coming to get you - as WWE has come to terms with the release of the ECW Star.

BOOGEY NO MORE

The company confirmed the release today on their website.

This is actually the second time Boogey had been released from the company. The first time, WWE changed their minds and quickly rescinded the release under the agreement that he would spend more time training and trying to improve at Booker T's school in Houston, Texas.

Boogey was originally signed shortly after trying out for and being disqualified from the final version of Tough Enough. Although he cut a great promo and had a good physique, he had lied about his age, leading to WWE from booting him from the competition. He was later signed to a developmental deal.

WWE Saturday Night Main Event DVD

2009-03-02T20:57:00.004+10:00

Format: Box set, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 3
DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009
Run Time: 540 minute

DVD INFO:

From 1985 through 1992, WWE fans turned to NBC (and then Fox) for some of the biggest matches of the year. While WWE's syndicated programming displayed WWE Superstars easily dispatching overmatched opponents, fans had to turn to PPV events for the settling of major scores - until SNME. For the first time since the 1950s, professional wresting returned to network television and scored huge ratings.

The Rock to host Saturday Night Live

2009-03-02T20:48:00.003+10:00

The Rock has confirmed that he will be hosting an upcoming episode of "Saturday Night Live"

FINALLY, THE ROCK HAS COME BACK!...

The Rock will be returning to host Saturday Night Live this weekend, March 7th, along with musical guest Ray Lamontagne.

As most know, The Rock previously hosted Saturday Night Live in 2000 and performed a skit featuring WWE Superstars Triple H, The Big Show and Mick Foley.

This will be the third time The Rock has hosted Saturday Night Live. The Rock had a second, less memorable, stint as host.

FINAL THOUGHT

Let's hope The Rock is still as funny as he was during his time in the WWE.

Kevin Nash Interview

2009-03-02T20:40:00.003+10:00

Kevin Nash done and interview with The Orlando Sentinel where he talks a lot about basketball, to which he called it his first love.

JACK-KNIFE INTERVIEW

Nash spent most of the interview speaking on his first love, for the game of Basketball.

Nash stated that currently in TNA, he was confined to mic work as he is still recovering from a staph infection that has "left a hole in his elbow the size of a golf ball"

Surprisingly, Nash talked about being in the army:

"What Nash did was a couple of years in the Army, then European basketball until his knee went out. He turned to wrestling at age 29, a late start, but he's had 20 years mostly as a mainliner in the major organizations.

"Not the easiest life on earth," he said, "but I pinch myself each day for having a good life — a jock's life. When you've been on the pirate ship for 20 years, it's hard to live with the normal people.""

You can read it by clicking here.

FINAL THOUGHT

Surprised that Nash didn't speak on TNA - but what can you do when you've got one good elbow -- not to mention 1/3 of a good hip left.

Bret Hart Interview

2009-03-02T20:34:00.002+10:00

Bret "The Hitman" Hart (pictured above) has finally done an interview - and its revealing as ever!

THE BEST THERE IS...

Bret Hart has recently conducted an audio interview with Blog Talk Radio.

Bret discusses various things in his life, including his time in the WWE.

THE BEST THERE WAS...

Noted that in the interview, Bret stated that he has no desire to work with WWE again, though he is on cordial terms with Vince McMahon.

THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE...

You can listen to it by clicking here

FINAL THOUGHT

Bret "The Hitman" Hart was one of my favourite's growing up - and I'm probably not alone when I say that.

I wish we could see the Hitman stride down that aisle one more time, and give a lucky fan those ultra cool purple shades.

Jim Ross blogs on The Rock

2009-03-01T13:20:00.002+10:00

Jim Ross has updated his blog, speaking on numerous things - including The Rock.

ROCK SOLID

Here are the highlights from JR speaking about The Rock

"The Rock had been around the wrestling biz his entire life. From day one since he arrived on this planet, Dwayne Johnson had been surrounded by wrestling. I think his love of the business will always be with him but he had a wonderful opportunity to move into films
, earn a great living, maintain his physical health, but most importantly move into a vocation that had interested him for years. Even though Dwayne Johnson has likely wrestled his last match I would not bet against seeing the "Great One" appear at a WWE function before all is said and done sometime in the future. On this one, I certainly feel that the old wrestling cliché of never say never is applicable. No fan, no one in the wrestling business, and no one but the man himself can say conclusively that wrestling fans will never see Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at a wrestling event again."

JR also speaks on WrestleMania ticket sales & the UFC

Check out the full blog entry here.

WWE Hall of Fame Update

2009-03-01T13:11:00.002+10:00

There has been an update on who's inducting who at this years WWE Hall of Fame.

INDECISIVE INDUCTIONS

There has been back and forth decisions as to who should induct who at this year's WWE Hall of Fame.

Most notably, the discussion over who will be inducting Stone Cold Steve Austin (pictured above).

CONFIRMATION CHRONICLE

The Houston Chronicle reported that Steve Austin will reportedly be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Vince McMahon and that the Von Erichs will be induced by Michael Hayes.

Then again, neither inductor has been confirmed by WWE.

To read the Houston Chronicle's coverage of the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2009, click here.

FINAL THOUGHT

One of the most popular rivalries in the WWE is that of Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin, so Vince inducting Austin makes sense.

WWE acknowledges Victorian Bushfires

2009-03-01T13:03:00.002+10:00

WWE did something that no one saw coming, and acknowledged the Australian audience and the current Victorian Bushfire situation.

CENA COMMENTS

WWE programming in Australia this week, started with John Cena making a statement regarding the Victoria Bushfires in Australia.

Cena stated that the broadcast was dedicated to the memory of those lost and to the hard work of the local and international firefighters.

He also urged people to donate to Red Cross Australia.

FINAL THOUGHT

Good to see WWE cares about Australia.

I actually thought they wouldn't mention it.

Chris Benoit Hollywood Tragedy

2009-03-01T12:47:00.002+10:00

E, the entertainment news cable channel, broadcasted a show entitled "15 Unforgettable Hollywood Tragedies".

CRIPPLER COUNTDOWN

The show focused on various Hollywood tragedies that have affected numerous Hollywood star's families and the media itself.

The Chris Benoit family tragedy was included in the show, ranking in at number 10.

FINAL THOUGHT

I hate E.

Rey Mysterio Skips House Shows

2009-03-01T12:38:00.003+10:00

Rey Mysterio has asked to miss both RAW and WWE house shows this weekend.

This is due to a health issue in his family.

FINAL THOUGHT

All the best to Rey and his family.

CM Punk Speaks Out

2009-02-27T11:32:00.002+10:00

Alfonso Castillo of NY Newsday has posted an interview with CM Punk.

INTERVIEW WITH A PUNK

Here are some highlights from the interview:

The advantage of house shows versus televised events:

"I think as a fan of wrestling, you can’t beat going to TV for the grand spectacle of the whole thing with the pyro, the music, and just the entire event atmosphere. It’s larger than life. But when you go to a house show, if you’re a wrestling fan, I think you have a better time because we have the freedom to pay more attention to the audience. We have the freedom to kind of go a little bit off in different directions. It’s more relaxed if that makes any sense. I know personally, I always have a better time on house shows. Sometimes at television you have to think about it. You’re doing a specific timed, television show. On a house show, we don’t have those restraints."

Punk's successful 2008:

"The fact that I’m 30 years old, and in just this last year, in one entire year, I was ECW champion, I won the Money in the Bank at WrestleMania, I became world champion, I was tag team champion and I was the Intercontinental champion, you know? And I won a Slammy."

On WWE directing the product more towards kids:

"I think it’s great. I think the more kids the better, because that used to be me. I think the kids bring a different dynamic to it because they look at guys like Rey Mysterio and John Cena as super heroes. And when they come to the shows they can reach out and they can touch them. If anything it makes our job easier. The only thing we have to sell to these little kids is that it’s good vs. evil. And you cheer and you boo who you like and how you don’t like."

Thoughts on Ring Of Honor:

"I’m proud to be able to say that I’m one of the guys that built that place – to just be able to say that that place is around because of me and handful of other guys. When times were tough, we were the guys who carried that place on our back – me, Samoa Joe, Homicide, Gabe Sapolsky. And of course there are countless others who are probably going to be mad that I didn’t mention them in this interview. But when you boil it down, we were the core guys. And I just love the fact that we built a place for guys to work and to learn. I’m very proud of that."

On working with William Regal:

"There’s really nothing like it. I think he’s a guy who has always wrestled my kind of style. I mean, it’s rough. I’m hurting right now from wrestling William regal for so long, but it’s worth it. Literally, it doesn’t get any more real than that. My head’s full of lumps and my body is extremely sore. I’ve been dumped on my head. And it may sound bizarre, but I love it."

You can read the full interview by clicking here

Trish Stratus At WrestleMania 25

2009-02-27T11:04:00.002+10:00

As WrestleMania draws near, wrestling rumours begin to fly.

One of the rumours this year happens to land on Trish Stratus, and her involvement at this year's WrestleMania.

STATUSFYING WRESTLING

It's a long shot, but judging by the lack of interest in the current WWE Diva situation, she may be the only chance to help revive the women's division.

Currently, the Divas have no storylines, or rather, interesting storylines.

Beth Phoenix has an entourage that screws her over, Melina is constantly fighting off Beth and Michelle McCool is playing an empty heel, with no motivation and no main arch-nemesis to face.

If Trish were to come back, be it for only one match, odds are she'll need a strong opponent.

STATUSFACTION, GUARANTEED

Trish will need a strong opponent, in order to maximise a "Stratusfying" match.

Natalya, Melina, Beth Phoenix, Maryse & Michelle McCool instantly come to mind.

Natalya was trained by the Hart Family, in the legendary Hart Dungeon. She can hold her own, and giving her an actual match, instead of jobbing to rookies, will be a wrestling fans dream - although the rest of the fans will require a heavy amount of promos and video vignettes to get the match over with them.

Melina has a history with Trish, so that instantly helps the match. Melina could state that she's the most fashionable Diva in the business, be it past or present. A WWE Diva dress-up spot could then take place, with Trish making a surprise return. The two could brawl and have a semi-fued build up to WrestleMania.

Beth Phoenix has a history with Trish aswell. She was a new face in the WWE when Trish was still around, and again this helps the match. Beth could say that she now leads the most powerful entoruage in WWE History. Trish could interfere and say that she, herself, created and managed T&A (Test and Albert) before she even became a WWE Diva. Again, brawl & fued until WrestleMania.

Maryse besides being exceptionally beautiful, can hold her own in the ring. Maryse portrays an exceptional heel character, and could instantly build up a fued with Trish (minus the awkward microphone silence that Maryse sometimes creates).

Michelle McCool, as much as I hate to admit it, will most likely be considered to do the match. Why? Because the Deadman said so. McCool's relationship with Undertaker will play a major factor in being put with a legendary female wrestler such as Trish. If management go ahead with a Trish V Michelle match at 'Mania, then we can officially say that 'Taker has a definate power over management.

FINAL THOUGHT

Anyone except Michelle McCool, please.

Foley discusses TNA

2009-02-27T11:00:00.002+10:00

Mick Foley was interviewed by Canada's Slam! Wrestling discussing his role in TNA, the Frontline vs. Main Event Mafia feud and more.

FOLEY TALKS TNA

When discussing his place in TNA, Foley commented,

"(My TV role) is multi-facted. It kind of becomes what we decide it is. At times, I'll be the authority figure; at times I'll be giving the 'State of TNA Addresses.' Maybe my big role will be being coerced back into the ring from time to time. If I can get into good enough shape to give people some semblance of the matches that I had before, I think I can be really valuable to the company in that way as well."

He teased he might return to the ring when it's time and well, we already know where that time will be.

To read the entire article, click here

FINAL THOUGHT

Foley always does a no ego, down-to-earth interview. I like them.

Lita invited to Legends of Wrestling

2009-02-27T10:51:00.003+10:00

Former WWE Women's champion Amy "Lita" Dumas has been added to the list of guests for the Booker T Legends of Wrestling Fanfest in Houston, Texas on Friday 3rd April over the WrestleMania weekend.

For full information on the convention, visit www.bookertlow.com.

FINAL THOUGHT

Bring back Lita *clap clap clap clap clap*

TNA Wrestler Shark Boy House Fire

2009-02-27T10:45:00.003+10:00

It comes as sad news, as TNA Superstar "Shark Boy" recently lost his home in a fire.

SHARK BOY ADDRESS FANS

TNA star Shark Boy learned while he was on the road for TNA that his home in Ohio had burned down. Our deepest condolences to him and his family during this trying time.

Shark Boy actually issued the following statement in regard to the fire and merchandise that had been ordered from his official website:

"TNA wrestler Shark Boy lost all of his possessions in a fire at his Ohio home last week. The fire occurred while he was on the road working at the TNA tapings in Orlando and among the items lost were his entire supply of Shark Boy merchandise. As a result, outstanding merchandise orders will be refunded and no new orders can be accepted at this time.
Shark Boy expects to honor existing bookings. If you need to contact Shark Boy for booking questions, please do so by telephone or at the temporary email address admin@buckeyeprowrestling.com."

FINAL THOUGHT

I hate hearing news like this. All the best to Shark Boy and his family during this tough time.

TNA Impacts iTunes

2009-02-27T10:34:00.003+10:00

It's official, TNA Wrestling has jumped aboard the iTunes bandwagon.

TOTAL NON-STOP TUNES

TNA issued the following press release today:

"Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling Brings its Multimedia Library to Apple's iTunes StoreFans Can Now Watch "TNA iMPACT!" Episodes, Pay-Per-View Events, Home Video Releases, Podcasts, and Online Exclusives Through Digital Download at iTunes
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling announced today that its extensive library of the world's best professional wrestling action is now available via Apple's iTunes store.

Fans can download episodes of TNA's weekly Spike TV show "TNA iMPACT!," as well as select TNA home video titles featuring TNA's biggest superstars, classic matches and unforgettable pay-per-view events. "TNA iMPACT!" can be purchased as a single show for each week or as a year-long "season pass."
TNA's music releases, "3rd Degree Burns" and "Meltdown," featuring the entrance music of TNA superstars, are also available for purchase.
"We're thrilled to be launching this wide range of TNA content on iTunes," said TNA Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Steve Allison. "We are very committed to digital distribution. Our long term goal is to have TNA fans able to access our catalog of products on every possible media device available today. With iTunes, our fans can now get TNA content on Apple branded devices and PCs, allowing people to view our television programming and home video releases whenever they want, completely unshackled from their living rooms."
In addition, original TNA programming will also be available as free video podcasts. "TNA Spin Cycle" is available free on iTunes now. In the near future TNA will also make exclusive "Web Matches," and "TNA iMPACT!" post show footage available as free video podcasts.
For more information enter "TNA" into the iTunes Store search or visit http://www.tnawrestling.com."

FINAL THOUGHT

Good to see that TNA has branched out to iTunes

Took them awhile, though.

2009-02-27T10:28:00.003+10:00

Randy "The Ram" is charging his way towards DVD - alot faster than many have expected.

RAM'S ARRIVAL DATE

According to Netflix, the DVD release for Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler is scheduled for a 21st April 2009 date, in both standard DVD and Blu-Ray formats.

FINAL THOUGHT

Loved the movie -- love the business.

I wonder if they will include an alternate ending to the film.

WWE Lawsuit Dismissed

2009-02-27T10:05:00.004+10:00

It appears the the lawsuit filed against the WWE, by 3 of their former employees has been rejected.

LAWSUIT LAYDOWN

The Stamford Advocate reported that the lawsuit brought upon World Wrestling Entertainment by former WWF and WCW talents Chris Kanyon (pictured above, top), Raven (pictured above, left) and Mike Sanders (pictured above, right) was dismissed by Senior U.S. District Judge Peter Dorsey this past Monday.

REGAL REWIND

Just to refresh everyone's memory, the lawsuit originally claimed that the WWE were listing professional wrestlers as independent contractors when by nature of the job requirements (drug testing, performing and dressing as instructed, being restricted from working for other companies, etc.), they were actually misclassified and were employees.

WWE had requested a dismissal several months back based on the verbiage of the wrestlers' booking contracts and several other points, leading to the Judge to side with WWE.

To read the Advocate's coverage, click here.

FINAL THOUGHT

Glad to see that the ex-WWE disgruntled employee factor is still alive and well.

Dwayne Johnson's thoughts on being called "The Rock"

2009-02-19T23:04:00.002+10:00

The March issue of Giant Magazine (pictured above) features Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on the cover, with an article titled "Dwayne Johnson: Metamorphic" that covers his growing up in a wrestling family and his current film career.

In the article, he credits WWE with teaching him how to perform, saying:

"Wrestling gave me the platform to entertain crowds of twenty, thirty, forty, fifty thousand people. The experience was invaluable. ..We played Madison Square Garden every month and a half, one little stage. That was my theater, and what a learning experience it was."

The article also addresses his phasing out of "The Rock" name, and how he feels about people who still refer to him by that name:

“People ask if I mind if they call me The Rock. There’s no visceral reaction for me that ‘No, you can’t.’ The Rock is a nickname, and people call me that all the time, and it’s fine. It’s a damn cool nickname, too.”

The magazine is available now on news-stands, and for more on the article, including some photos from the magazine, you can click here.

Jerry Lawler UK Interview

2009-02-19T22:50:00.003+10:00

Jerry "The King" Lawler recently spoke to a UK magazine about various issues, including Chris Jericho's "Fan Incident" saga.

RAW REUNION AT THE RUMBLE

On commentating with Jim Ross (pictured above, right) again at the 2009 Royal Rumble:

"It was fun – JR and I have a great rapport and a great relationship. A lot of people say ‘I bet you really miss JR now he’s on SmackDown, but the truth of the matter is we still get to see each other quite often. We also talk on the phone and we text. But by the same token, I tell everyone I really enjoy working with Michael Cole as well. Michael might be a little easier, maybe a little less demanding than JR.

JR is so passionate, and such a huge fan which is a great. It’s what makes JR one of the best in the business. But because of that he’ll want us to go to production meetings and run through things. Whereas Michael and I like to show up and go in and get the thing done and head out as quickly as possible. And I know that may sound like we’re slackers, and taking the easy way out, but the truth of the matter is it works better for me in the way that I do my job.

I don’t want to go to production meetings and I don’t want to be too prepared. I like to watch the matches like a fan. I like to be surprised by the things I see. I like to not know what’s going to happen next. I feel like my commentary is more honest that way – it’s more sincere in the way that I’m as surprised as the fans are!"

HEADSET DRAMA

On Mick Foley's (pictured above, left) claims that Vince McMahon (pictured above, right) shouts in the headsets of announcers too much during the show:

"Let’s face it, Vince is the man who owns the company and he has definite ideas about how he wants things done. And if you do something that he doesn’t approve of, then he’s going to let you know it. I don’t know if I’m fortunate, or if Vince is just a big fan of my work, but he absolutely in the 15 years of me doing it has never ever yelled at me. Not even once. I was surprised when I heard that from Mick.
But Vince has a direct line to every announcer. If we’re doing a broadcast and Vince wants to say something to me, Michael Cole doesn’t hear it, and the same goes with Michael Cole. So occasionally, after a show, Michael will say: “Oh man, Vince yelled at me when I screwed this up.” But if you’re out there doing a good job, and saying what you’re supposed to say, he’s not going to yell at you!"

KING REIGNS

On his numerous championship over the course of his career:

"Well I was shocked not too long ago when WWE magazine had a big article saying I had won more championships than anybody in the history of wrestling. I didn’t even realize it, but I guess there haven’t been many guys who have had a 37-year career in wrestling. Apparently in that time span I have won something like 156 championships."

REGARDING THE JERICHO / FAN INCIDENT

On the infamous Chris Jericho YouTube video of the fan incident:

"I have not seen it but I heard them talking about it last week at the show – Vince (McMahon) was kinda chuckling about it. Vince and I were talking and Jericho walked by and he said: “Watch out! Jericho will hit you! He’ll knock you right down!” Then he adds: “Especially if you’re a girl!”

Everybody is having a joke about it and to me it’s not a big deal, because that used to be very prevalent in the past. We used to be able to get the fans so riled up that they literally wanted to physically attack you after the matches. That hasn’t happened in a long time, so it’s almost like hats off to Chris Jericho – for doing his job. He’s being the best bad guy that he can be. And it’s working as he’s making the people so mad at him that they want to get physical with him themselves."

You can view the full interview at this link.

FINAL THOUGHT

The King has always delivered solid, down to earth interviews.

All hail the king! (Sorry, had to be said)

WWE No Way Out 2009 Results

2009-02-16T23:49:00.003+10:00

Elimination Chamber: WWE champion Edge vs. Big Show vs. Triple H vs. Undertaker vs. Vladimir Kozlov vs. Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy went right after Edge to start the bout. He nailed several clotheslines. Edge reversed a whip into the ropes and nailed a big boot the face. He went for a quick cover but Hardy kicked up. Edge draped Hardy over the ropes and charged, snapping him throat-first across them for another two count. Edge worked over Hardy in the corner while Big Show glared from his pod and smiled, playing up their storyline from the last few weeks of TV.

Hardy comes back with a twisting head scissors, then a Cruncher legdrop. Edge came back to attempt the Impaler but Hardy turned it into the Twist of Fate. Hardy went for the Swanton but missed as Edge rolled out of the way. Edge went for a spear but Hardy caught him with an inside cradle and pinned him.

Edge is eliminated.

After the countdown, Vladimir Kozlov is next out. He throttles Hardy in the corner with punches and kicks. Hardy kicked him in the mush. Hardy attempted to fire back but Kozlov nailed a battering ram. Kozlov dragged Hardy out of the ring onto the steel base and rammed Hardy into the cage several times. Kozlov slammed Hardy into the ring and covered him but Hardy kicked out.

Kozlov kicked up Hardy and draped him across the top turnbuckle, then began headbutting him in the kidneys. He measured Hardy and kicked him in the gut. Kozlov nailed a Fall Away Slam. He covered Hardy, who kicked out. He nailed a backbreaker, then cinched in a bearhug on the mat to wear down Jeff. Hardy tried to battle back but Kozlov slammed him down. He grabbed Jeff for an Oklahoma Stampede but Hardy escaped, shoving him into the corner. Hardy used the ropes for leverage, nailing a dropkick to the face of Kozlov, who was in a sitting position in the corner. Near fall for Hardy.

Hardy tried to whip Kozlov, who reversed it. Hardy used that momentum to hit the Whisper in the Wind.

Next in is Big Show, who goes right after Hardy and lays him out with a boot and a Beel. Kozlov grabs Hardy and begins wearing him down with headbutts. He and Big Show take turns working over Hardy. Hardy continued to try and fight back but was mauled by the two monsters.

Kozlov turned on Show, nailing him with the Battering Ram out of nowhere. Show went down but got to his feet. They scuffled in the ring and battled in the corner. Show missed a charge in the corner as the countdown began for the next competitor.

It's Triple H. He hit the ring and began working over Show. He nailed the knee lift on Kozlov and Show. Show missed a charge in the corner and HHH grabbed him for the spinebuster. HHH clotheslined Hardy. HHH tossed Kozlov over the top to the steel base outside.

Triple H teased a Pedigree outside but Show nailed HHH. The announcers noted that might have been the smartest idea. Show began beating HHH in the corner. Kozlov continued to work over Hardy in the opposite corner with knees. Show nailed a sideslam for a two count. The heels continued to maul over the babyfaces as Undertaker psyched himself up and the fans chanted his name.

Show pressed and slammed HHH from an overhead position. Show headbutt HHH, who fell out of the ring to the steel base. Show followed, then rammed HHH into the Cage. Show then splashed HHH into the chain. Hardy tried to save HHH but was caught. Show put HHH and Hardy together and charged them but they ducked. He hit the cage and went down.

Back in the ring, HHH and Hardy hit a double suplex on Kozlov. Hardy then hit the Whisper in the Wind on HHH.

Last in is The Undertaker. He goes right after Show and Kozlov He nailed Kozlov with a nasty looking snake eyes. Undertaker then turned his attention to HHH and Hardy. He grabbed them both for a chokeslam and kicked Kozlov with a big boot. He went for the chokeslam but Show kicked him. Taker came back with a clothesline on Show. Taker walked the ropes but Show tried to interfere. Taker came off the ropes and drilled Show with a DDT the base.

Taker sat up and went right back to the business, nailing HHH off the ropes. Kozlov caught Taker and began working him over in the corner with punches. Taker catches Kozlov with the Last Ride out of the corner and scores the pin.

Kozlov has been eliminated, marking his first "loss" in the company.

Show immediately went after Taker, then tossed both HHH and Hardy out of the ring. Show tried to toss Hardy off the top rope into the cage but he grabbed the cage and scaled it to the top of one of the pods. Show crotched him and began beating Hardy atop of one of them. Undertaker followed Show and superplexed him off the top rope into the ring. Hardy came off the pod with the swanton and scored the pin.

Big Show is eliminated.

Triple H was tossed over the top to the outside. Taker grabbed Hardy for Old School but HHH knocked Taker down. Hardy used Undertaker as a perch to dive out of the ring onto HHH. Taker grabbed Hardy for a tombstone and nailed it.

Hardy was pinned and eliminated.

It's down to Triple H and Undertaker. They square off and charge. Undertaker gets the best of the first exchange. Taker beat HHH, who went down in the corner. Taker measured HHH and went for a charging big boot in the corner. HHH escaped and Taker got his legs caught on the ropes before falling to the outside. Taker is slammed headfirst into the cage.

Triple H went to the top but was caught by Taker and chokeslammed for a two count. HHH came back with the spinebuster for a two count. They battle to the outside. Triple H teases a Pedigree but is catapulted into the chain. Taker grabs HHH for the tombstone, pulls them over the ropes and nails it inside the ring. Triple H gets his foot on the rope at the last second.

Triple H battles back and scores the Pedigree but Taker gets his shoulder up. They made their way to their feet and battled back and forth HHH worked him over with punches in the corner. Taker went for the Last Ride. Triple H escaped, hit the Pedigree and pinned Taker.

Your winner and new WWE Champion (his 13th reign), Triple H!

This had to be the longest opening match in the history of WWE PPV. A great way to start the show. Undertaker glared at HHH as he left. HHH posed with the belt.

Backstage, Edge was asked Vickie Guerrero to start the match over. She told him it was his fault because he lost. She then backed down and said she didn't mean it. Edge dropped to the couch heartbroken and shaking his head. The vignette teased that we haven't seen the last of Edge tonight - there is still another Chamber to go and his character is the king of backdooring his way into title shots, so my guess is one of those babyfaces gets taken out before the match.

Backstage, Randy Orton cut a promo, telling Shane McMahon to listen. He asked how Vince McMahon is, propped up in bed at home with Shane's mother Linda being right by their side. Orton said they are praying their only son will avenge them but it's not going to happen. Orton said that for the first time, Vince McMahon will be completely helpless, watching as Orton takes out Shane piece by piece as he begs for his life. Orton said Vince will turn away hoping the carnage will stop but promised he won't stop until he has destroyed the entire McMahon family. He said when he's done with Shane, he and Vince can both watch Randy Orton take his rightful place in the Wrestlemania main event. He promised to make his legacy at the expense of the McMahon family.

Randy Orton vs. Shane McMahon - No Holds Barred

I feel bad for Orton having to follow that opener.

Shane McMahon is wearing the same jersey he used to wear during the Attitude era. He caught Orton with several rights early. He got the better of Orton with punches early. Orton caught him and beat Shane down in the corner. As he reared back for another, Shane nailed a punch to the gut. Shane continued to tag Orton with punches, sending Orton out of the ropes to the floor.

McMahon hit a sliding kick out of the ring. He went under the ring for a table and a trash can. Orton got control of Shane and tossed him back into the ring. Orton nailed a back suplex. He kicked Shane out of the ring. McMahon got a kendo stick and began beating Orton with it. Orton finally escaped, rolling out of the ring. McMahon followed. He took out Orton and cleaned off one of the announce tables. McMahon drilled Orton with a TV monitor, busting him open hardway.

Shane McMahon went to the top rope but Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase attacked him. Cody went to nail Shane with a chair but he moved and DiBiase took the shot. Shane nailed a DDT on Cody. Shane set up Cody for the Coast to Coast, complete with trash can. He nailed it, then went to the top for a flying elbow onto a table. Orton, who had been prone on the table this entire time, moved, so Shane ate the table.

Orton instructed DiBiase to take Rhodes to the back to make sure he was all right. Orton dragged Shane into the ring and nailed a DDT for a two count. He continued to cover Shane but McMahon kept kicking out. As Shane battled to his feet, Orton set up a table in the ring. Orton placed McMahon on the top rope and superplexed him through the table. Orton covered Shane, who got his shoulder off the mat.

Orton continued to try and pin Shane, but McMahon kept getting his shoulder up. Orton set up for the punt kick but Shane tackled him. Shane grabbed a chair and nailed Orton with it across his back. He nailed Orton's foot with the chair and Orton began screaming. Shane nailed him again and again in the leg as Orton screamed and begged for him to stop.

Shane then nailed Orton across the face with the chair. Shane then measured Orton for a punt kick of his own but as he charged, Orton nailed the RKO and scored the pin clean.

Your winner, Randy Orton!

They aired a Wrestlemania video feature.

ECW champion Jack Swagger vs. Finlay

They lock up and Finlay backs the champion into the corner. Finlay rolls him into a single leg Boston Crab. You can hear slight "We want Christian" chants. Finlay slammed Swagger's knee down into the mat. He continued to work over Swagger's leg, kicking the inside of his knee.

Finlay draped Swagger's leg over the middle rope and kicked him in the hamstring. Finlay missed a charge in the corner. Swagger cinched in a hammerlock after several kicks to the gut. Swagger picked up Finlay and dropped him down into an over the shoulder powerslam. Swagger locked on a cross arm breaker.

Swagger continued to control Finlay on the mat. He rolled Finlay onto his stomach, cinched in another hammerlock and rained down with knees to his arm and back. Finlay got back to his feet but Swagger continued to work over his arm. Finlay broke free and took Swagger down for a two count. Swagger grabbed Finlay and charged him into the corner.

The match started to fall apart a little as Swagger charged for something in the corner and then stopped. The announcers said he was trying to pick his spots. He did it again and it turned into a sunset flip spot of sorts but Swagger's shoulders weren't down at first which led to time standing still. Swagger then charged Finlay again in the corner, which the crowd groaned at. Finlay was on the ropes. Hornswoggle popped up. That allowed Swagger to be distracted.

Finlay knocked him off the ropes and hit several clotheslines. He went for a Fireman's Carry but Swagger escaped and sent Finlay into the ropes. He knocked Hornswoggle off the ropes to the floor. Striker said the ring was no place for a child to be. Finlay's distraction allowed for Swagger to hit his gutwrench power bomb and score the pin.

Your winner and still ECW champion, Jack Swagger!

The Raw announce team said that Shane McMahon has been in and out of consciousness since the match with Randy Orton and has been taken to a medical facility. They were sure to point out that Stephanie McMahon has gone with him, which would technically leave Vickie Guerrero in charge right?

JBL vs. Shawn Michaels - All or Nothing

They showed Michaels' wife Rebecca at ringside in the crowd by herself. Michaels came to her before he got into the ring. She was crying as they had a long look between them and she nodded at him to go do it.

JBL backed him into the corner and began browbeating Michaels, telling him "one mistake is all I need." They locked up in the corner and neither would break. JBL mouthed off so Michaels jumped him and rained down with the punches. JBL ran from the ring. JBL smiled as if he knew he got under Shawn's skin. Michaels followed him to the floor. JBL grabbed a chair and handed it to Shawn, trying to trick him into getting himself disqualified. Michaels dropped it and punched JBL.

They returned to the ring. Michaels went for a backslide but only got a two count. JBL cut off Michaels with a clothesline. He dropped an elbow for a two count. Michaels came back to cinch in a figure four. JBL grabbed the ropes and Michaels nearly didn't break on a five. Michaels went for a Crippler Crossface but JBL turned it into a pin attempt for a two count. Michaels whipped JBL, who reversed it. Michaels hit the buckles and did the Ray Stevens flip bump to the floor.

JBL grabbed Michaels and rammed him back-first into the apron. He dragged Michaels back into the ring and began working over Michaels' back and chest. He began dropping elbow and elbow. Michaels kicked out at two. They kept showing concerned shots of Rebecca in the crowd.

JBL began working over Michaels with punches and kicks in the corner. He cinched in a bearhug in the center of the ring. Michaels escaped and came back with a swinging neckbreaker. Both men struggled to their feet. Michaels hit an inverted atomic drop and chopped JBL. JBL reversed a whip and Michaels hit the buckles, then fell into the ring. JBL put Michaels atop the rope for a superplex but Michaels fought him off. Michaels went for the Picture Perfect elbow off the top but JBL rolled out of the way.

JBL hit the Clothesline From Hell but Michaels kicked out. JBL began saying something to Rebecca, then nailed another Clothesline from Hell. He kicked Michaels out of the ring to the floor. Michaels pulled himself back in at the last second before nearly getting counted out.

JBL cut off Michaels and immediately tossed him over the top rope to the floor. JBL pulled Michaels in front of Rebecca and began screaming at her. She slapped him. This sparked a second wind in Michaels and he attacked JBL. He nailed a Thesz Press on JBL then slammed him. Michaels went back up for the elbow and nailed it.

Michaels teased Sweet Chin Music. He drilled JBL with it and scored the clean pin.

Your winner, Shawn Michaels.

So, the storyline is Michaels is now free of JBL's employ and has made enough money to save his family from their financial ruin. Michaels and his wife kissed at ringside before he took her backstage, hand in hand.

Todd Grisham interviewed Chris Jericho backstage. Jericho said he was the best in the world and his confidence level is where it should be. He promised he would be the new World champion and would then challenge Ric Flair to come out of retirement at Wrestlemania to become the 17th time champion. He then said he wasn't going to do that, because he's better than a charity case like Ric Flair. He said that he wasn't serious about challenging Flair but he was serious about becoming the World champion. He said he was Superstar of the Year in 2008 and would do so again in 2009.

The announcers heavily teased there would be another title change.

World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Chris Jericho vs. Mike Knox vs. Kane vs. Rey Mysterio

As Kofi Kingston came to the ring, Edge jumped him from behind and slammed him into the stairs. Edge then killed him with a chair and entered the Chamber. Rey Mysterio ran down checking on Kofi. Rey tried to get at Edge, who locked himself in the pod.

Somehow, Edge is now a part of the match.

Jericho and Rey started the bout. Jericho shoulder-blocked him down. Rey came back with a monkey flip. They chopped each other. Rey set up Jericho for the 619 but Jericho escaped. Rey dove out of the ring onto Jericho but hurt himself in the process hitting the cage., Rey kicked Jericho in the chest, then clotheslined Jericho back into the ring. Jericho ducked a charge in the corner, sending Rey headfirst into the pod's chamber. Jericho covered Rey for a two count. Rey fought back but was backdropped to the outside.

Jericho followed Rey and tried to catapult Rey into the cage but Rey climbed up. He dropped down onto Jericho's shoulders for a rana. Rey hit a springboard into a pinning combination for a two count.

Kane entered the match.

Rey ducked a clothesline but was caught with a sideslam. Kane caught him with a dropkick to the head. Jericho cut Kane off with a kick to the chest. Kane blocked a punch and hit Jericho. Kane clotheslined Jericho to the outside. Kane then turned his attention to Rey. Rey came back with a kick to the face then used his momentum to hit a twisting DDT. Jericho missed a Lionsault on Kane, who then hit a boot to the face.

Rey tripped up Jericho. He went for the 619 but Kane caught him with a chokeslam attempt. Rey escaped and nailed Kane with the 619. Before he could capitalize, Jericho nailed the Codebreaker. Rey climbed to the top of a pod and dove off with a dive, pinning Kane.

Kane has been eliminated.

Mike Knox was next in and began beating down Rey. He whipped Rey into the corner and splashed him. Knox controlled Jericho and Rey, using the cage as a weapon. Rey jumped on Knox's back Knox flipped him over into the cage. Knox pressed and slammed Jericho into the ring from the outside.

He turned his attention to Rey, who tried to match him kick for kick. Jericho returned and nailed the Codebreaker on Knox, pinning him.

Mike Knox has been eliminated.

The next in was Edge. Rey attacked him before he could even get out of the pod. He began kicking the hell out of him and throwing him into the cage. Rey hit a springboard dive on Edge. He whipped Edge into the ropes but Jericho caught him unaware with a clothesline. Edge waited and then attacked Jericho. Jericho nailed a bulldog while rebounding off the ropes.

Rey began nailing Jericho with forearms but was cut off with an elbow. Jericho nailed Jericho from behind for a two count. Edge whipped Jericho into the far corner. He set up for the spear but Rey leaped over him. Jericho tried to grab for a code breaker but Edge held on. Rey went for the 619 but Jericho cut off Rey again.

All three battled in the corner to set up a Tower of Doom spot.

Edge laid out Jericho and Rey as John Cena entered the match. Cena jumped Edge then hit a suplex on Jericho. He nailed a bulldog on Jericho. Edge was hit with a belly to back suplex. Cena set up the five knuckle shuffle on Edge. Jericho hit the Codebreaker on Cena. Rey nailed the 619. Edge speared Cena and pinned him.

John Cena has been eliminated. There will be a new World champion.

Mysterio fought off Edge and Jericho. He set them both up for the 619 and nailed Jericho, while Edge escaped. Rey took out Edge. He springboarded off the ropes. Jericho caught him and turned it into the Walls of Jericho but Rey rolled him up and scored the pin.

Jericho has been eliminated.

Mysterio fought to his feet while Edge waited to hit a spear. Edge missed it and hit the corner. Rey rolled him up for a two count. The crowd began chanting for Edge. Cole said they were Rey chants. Rey nearly got the pin on Edge with a roll-up. Edge caught him with a kick to the gut. He nailed a sunset flip but Rey rolled through and kicked him in the head, Rey covered him for a two count.

Rey began working over Edge with punches. Rey went for a moonsault but Edge caught him. Rey twisted it into a DDT for another near fall. Rey climbed the ropes but was viciously kicked off by Edge. Edge went for a powerbomb on the outside but Rey broke free. Rey nailed a 619. Mysterio charged Edge on the outside but was sent flying into one of the pods.

Edge speared Rey and scored the pin.

Your winner and new World champion, Edge!

The announcers wondered what this all meant for Raw, since Edge is a SmackDown star.

Christian [Cage] Returns to the WWE

2009-02-11T23:40:00.004+10:00

Christian, CHRISTIAN! - At last, you're back in the WWE!

CAPTAIN CHARISMA RETURNS [RECAP OF ECW]

It seemed like another boring episode of ECW - Oh, how we were so foolish to think so!

Jack Swagger comes to the ring and he has his title belt with him. He is going to address the crowd. Jack says that we saw how he was victimized and embarrassed over the last two weeks. He says that the General Manager forces him to defend his title against Finlay. He says that it is unfair because he is the victim. Jack says that he will take care of Finlay at No Way Out. He will take care of the real problem and he will take care of it tonight. Swagger calls out Hornswoggle.

Christian comes out to the ring. Jack wants to know what Christian is doing. Christian says that he is interrupting Jack’s promo. Christian says that he is out here to save Jack’s life. Christian tells Jack that he might electrocute himself with the mic during his speech. Christian comments on Jack’s speech pattern. Christian says that it has been a long time since his peeps have seen him. Christian says that he came to ECW is the ECW title. Christian says that he is issuing a challenge to the winner of the match at No Way Out for the ECW Title.

Jack asks if Christian is finished and Jack says that Christian will be facing him. Jack says that Christian couldn’t hack it so he is coming back. Jack points out that he is a two time All-American and became the ECW champion in four months. He also says that he is a wrestling prodigy. He tells Christian to think twice before making a name for himself at Jack’s expense. Jack says that Christian is no threat to him.

Christian punches Jack with the mic and then he leaves the ring.

Third match of the night shows Christian going up against Jack Swagger.

With an assist from Finlay, Christian scores a win.

WHAT NOW FOR THE PEEPLES CHAMPION?

With Christian back on the WWE roster, a lot more interesting storylines have opened up.

Sure, Finlay / Jack Swagger wouldn't be my first choice -- but its a start, and a surprise.

If at No Way Out, Christian does indeed win the ECW Championship, then a quick replacement for Matt Hardy has been found.

This could then, end up working for the WWE Pay-Per-View entitled "Night of Champions"

Various backstage segements could happen, where Christian reunites with Edge, much to Edge's dis-pleasure.

Christian could say that Edge "still steals his championships" (referring to the King of the Ring tournament, that originally began the split in the Edge & Christian tag team).

Edge could then stare at the ECW title, then look at Christian and say "Still a B Grade wrestler"

A brawl would then errupt between the two.

FINAL THOUGHT

I'm so glad Christian has finally returned!

Would have been better if it WASN'T on ECW

But, as I said, its a start.

To watch Christians return, click here

Chris Jericho / Fan Incident update

2009-02-10T13:55:00.003+10:00

Reports have come in that the couple that attacked Chris Jericho have been found.

Remarkably, they weren't charged.

Y2-RACIST

The Times-Colonist in Canada featured an article on the Chris Jericho incident.

The newspaper reported that 20-year-old Ashley Levey, the woman involved is claiming the incident was sparked by an alleged racist comment made by the former WWE champion.

Levey told the newspaper that her boyfriend, Kalen Johl, heckled Jericho as he was driving away. Her version of events is that Jericho got out of his vehicle, and made a racist comment to Johl, who is Asian. She also claimed Jericho shoved Johl, which led her to calling him a racist, at which point Jericho spit and punched her.

Both Levey and Johl were arrested but were later released without charges filed. Levey commented to the newspaper that she wanted Jericho charged with assault.

FINAL THOUGHT

I've seen the video - the fans started it.

They don't know the difference between reality, and wrestling.

They probably spell wrestling with an "r"

The Future of SmackDown

2009-02-10T13:29:00.003+10:00

With the current economic crisis affected the global economic market, no one is safe.

This even includes TV stations, as MyNetworkTV, the company that broadcasts SmackDown to the US Market, is under financial pressure.

WWE RESPONDS

WWE.com was quick to reply to the claims that MyNetworkTV was no longer going to broadcast new episodes of TV-Shows, but instead were going to host re-runs to famous shows, including Law and Order.

Luckily, for the wrestling world, SmackDown is not affected.

The following was taken from WWE.com

"STAMFORD, CT – February 9, 2009 – In light of today’s announcement by MyNetworkTV, World Wrestling Entertainment® officials are certain that SmackDown has a bright future.
WWE SmackDown, airing on Friday nights at 8:00/7:00 PM Central on MyNetworkTV, is the number one program on Friday nights on all broadcast television for males under the age of 50, including the key advertiser demos, M12-17 and M18-34.
WWE SmackDown will enter its 10th consecutive year this Fall, attesting to the popularity and longevity of the brand.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/."

FINAL THOUGHT

Glad to see the SmackDown is not being affected by MyNetworkTV's drastic economic changes.

Which, in turn, makes us able to continue to watch SmackDown on Fox8

Chris Jericho Fan Incident

2009-02-09T07:41:00.003+10:00

The line between Entertainment and Reality has been broken, as Chris Jericho and a Fan were involved in a confrontation.

BREAKING THE WALLS DOWN

Being an entertainer myself, there is a time and a place for everything. In wrestling world, we don't do our characters 24/7 - It's a job, a job we all love and admire and are proud to do for all the fans.

But some fans, don't understand that.

This "misunderstanding" happened to Chris Jericho after a WWE House Show in British Columbia, Canada.

Y2-JERK

It's a common fact that Jericho is portraying one of the best, if not the best, heel in the wrestling industry today. Fans around the world know his name, and hate his actions.

But, some fans believe that he's like that in real life -- which isn't true.

As Jericho was leaving the arena, fans flocked to the car park to see Jericho leave, and to boo him -- normal fan type actions.

What wasn't normal, was that one fan broke the line between the two worlds, and attacked Jericho's car.

Reports claim that a fan knocked on Jericho's window, and starting flipping him off (giving him the middle finger). Jericho responded by stopping his car and opening his door. The fan then kicked the door shut in Jericho's face.

Jericho by this stage had been provoke, and exited his vehicle and began to confront the fan. Security and other fans were present on the scene, where the fan yelled curse words and insults at Jericho.

Reports also claim that 2 fans attacked Jericho, then a blonde female fan continued to talk smack to Jericho.

Jericho then retaliated by apparently hitting the female fan.

Afterwards, Jericho then pushed the parking / arena security, screaming "Do your f***ing job!"

FINAL THOUGHT

Fans need to remember there's a line in the entertainment world that you don't cross -- In saying that, not all wrestlers are going to attack you if you cross that line, but its basically a show of respect, to us, if you remember to maintain that line.

To watch the video of the incident, click here

Benoit Ban Lifted?

2009-02-04T22:09:00.002+10:00

Has the WWE released their "erase-all-existence-of-Chris-Benoit" ban?

BENOIT ONLINE

For this month's "Pick Your Big One" poll on WWE.com regarding WWE 24/7, the picks are WCW SuperBrawl III (February 1993), WWF In Your House 13 (February 1997), and WWE No Way Out 2005.

Interestingly, for WCW SuperBrawl III, Chris Benoit is listed on event card.

Benoit wrestled Too Cold Scorpio on that night. Benoit is still being edited out of episodes of WCW Monday Nitro segments where he does a run-in or is in the background.

FINAL THOUGHT

I miss the man, the wrestler and the entertainer.

I just wish the WWE would release the ban.

I also wish Benoit were still here with us all

Cena has finisher renamed - again

2009-02-04T22:03:00.003+10:00

Cena just can't escape the WWE and their PG Rating obsession.

THROWING AWAY THE THROWBACK

A few weeks back, Jim Ross noted in his blog that the move would be called "The Throwback".

Naturally, fans didn't care so much about a move being renamed, especially when it's one of John Cena's. What's even more odd is the fact that all WWE commentators seem to have some sort of mind blasting memory loss, because every time Cena has hit the "Throwback", commentators go blank or shout out - "He's going for it".

Way to go WWE, rename a move and forget to tell the Commentators - Good job.

What next, ANOTHER Vince McMahon injury? -- Oh wait...

NEW NAME, NEW "ATTITUDE"

So, the name didn't "stick" - whatever the hell that means.

Now, the "FU" / "Throwback" will now be known as the "Attitude Adjuster".

FINAL THOUGHT

So the "Throwback" didn't stick -- What makes them think the lame re-name of "Attitude Adjuster" will "stick".

This PG rating is killing Raw - Long live the Attitude Era

Undertaker Returns to Raw

2009-02-04T21:56:00.003+10:00

The Deadman is finally returning to the Flagship of the WWE, this upcoming Monday Night.

DEADMAN'S RAW REVIVAL

The Undertaker will be appearing on next week's edition of Raw in a match against Randy Orton.

Stephanie McMahon needed an opponent to beat some sense into Randy Orton. Kane approached Stephanie, and offered her the ultimate choice - his brother, The Undertaker.

For Kane's helpful input, he was awarded with a spot in the upcoming Elimination Chamber at No Way Out

FINAL THOUGHT

Hell, if mentioning the Undertaker to Stephanie McMahon gets you into the Elimination Chamber - then sign me up for the WWE!

AC/DC not at WrestleMania

2009-02-04T21:20:00.003+10:00

Looks like AC/DC wont be performing at this year's WrestleMania

CROSSED WIRES

AC/DC will not be performing at WrestleMania XXV, due to European tour commitments.

Linda McMahon commented late last year, at a cable conference, that the group would be performing the theme for the event. Apparently these comments were misunderstood, leading people to think the group would be performing live, when in actuality, WWE will just be using the group's music.

FINAL THOUGHT

Lame cover-up story - Linda has a habit of poor excuses for cover-ups.

Does the classic "Stone Cold -- Will no be here tonight" ring a bell?

Ric Flair cast in Red Alert 3: Uprising

2009-02-02T22:28:00.003+10:00

Wooooo! The Nature Boy is conquering and commanding in EA's new expansion entitled -- Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3: Uprising

GENERAL NATURE BOY

Ric Flair stars as Commander Hill, a commander players will have to take on in the new Commander’s Challenge mode.

Flair stated -

“When I found out that EA wanted me to be part of Command & Conquer, all I could say was ‘Woooooooooooo!’” said 16-time world heavyweight champion"

“I had a great time on set and whiIe I may have retired from the ring, I think my fans are going to love seeing the “Nature Boy” style and profile his way to victory. I know my kids are going to have a great time trying to take it to me on the battlefield.”

To read the full article, click here

EA also hosted a funny video called "Flair vs Bear". To watch, click here

FINAL THOUGHT

I'm so buying this game -- If only to verse Ric Flair one on one

Ricky Steamboat in the Hall of Fame

2009-02-01T11:35:00.004+10:00

Its official - Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat is being inducted into the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame.

INDUCTING THE DRAGON

The most likely person to induct Ricky Steamboat right now is Ric Flair.

First Austin, now Steamboat? - What the Hell!

But, on this hand, Flair actually seems right to induct The Dragon, as The Nature Boy is one Ricky Steamboat's two biggest rivals.

The other big rival is Randy Savage - but we all know that Vince McMahon wants nothing to do with him.

The choice of Ric Flair as the inductor has already sparked a little controversy with wrestling fans.

When Steve Austin was told that he would be inducted, he wanted Ric Flair to be the one to induct him.

However, WWE (in particular, Vince McMahon) was against the move.

There also is the option to have his son, induct him into the hall.

FINAL THOUGHT

Steamboat was one of the best and technically sound wrestlers to watch in the ring - I couldn't take my eyes off any match that The Dragon was in.

Randy "The Ram" at WrestleMania

2009-02-01T10:54:00.003+10:00

Reports are going left, right and center about Mickey Rourke making an appearance at WrestleMania 25, as his Randy "The Ram" character (pictured above) from the hit movie "The Wrestler"

RAM JAM AT MANIA

First reports came from the man himself.

Rourke had a red carpet interview, talking about his new release movie "The Wrestler"

The interviewer made a comedic remark about him doing wrestling.

Rourke replied with something along the lines of "Randy The Ram and WrestleMania - Chris Jericho, Im coming for your ass"

Instantly, the wrestling community went nuts.

Randy The Ram was going to Ram Jam his way into WrestleMania history.

CLOSE FALL

Unfortunately, we weren't going to see the Ram Jam at WrestleMania

Rourke's publicist, or advisor, released a public statement saying that Rourke was going to be at WrestleMania.

But no, this saga continues!

REVIVAL OF THE RAM

When trouble's-a-brewing, the McMahon empire will be stewing

Stewing, to the point were Vince McMahon himself has to step in.

Vince McMahon made the following statement to E! Online:

"I am pleased that Mickey Rourke will be in attendance at WrestleMania to support the WWE Superstars who support him and the film in which he stars, The Wrestler."

FINAL THOUGHT

Vince always finds a way to get what he wants, when he wants.

Here's to at least seeing Rourke at 'Mania!

Randy Orton Wins the Rumble

2009-02-01T10:43:00.003+10:00

Randy Orton (pictured above, center) has defied the odds (even though there were none to begin with) and has won the 2009 Royal Rumble and is heading to WrestleMania 25 as the #1 contender.

RKO WIN

With the help of his trusted allies Cody Rhodes (pictured above, left) and Ted DiBiase (pictured above, right), Randy Orton was able to steal the win from Triple H.

Now, he heads to WrestleMania to challenge for either the WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship.

A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS...

The Legacy stable were the overall dominants in this year's Royal Rumble.

If not for the stable, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase would have never been in the Rumble, let alone be apart of the final four.

As Triple H was eliminating Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, Orton was able to sneak in from behind and eliminate Triple H.

FORESEEN WINNER

With all the hype, and the McMahon Family feud - Randy Orton was an obvious choice the win the Rumble.

When rumours and reports starting printing that 'Cowboy' Bob Orton (Orton's Father) was going to be in the audience, things became even more predictable.

Of course, the SmackDown writers were trying to sway the thoughts of wrestling fans, by giving Triple H a slim chance of "over-coming the evil SmackDown Empire" and win the Royal Rumble after being chosen as the 1st entrant.

Notably, those plans were scraped at the very last minute.

FINAL THOUGHT

I'm glad Orton won - I would have liked to have seen Triple H and Orton have a longer battle though.

RVD Returns to the Rumble

2009-02-01T10:32:00.003+10:00

"Mr. Monday Night" made a shocking surprise return at the 2009 Royal Rumble.

THE WHOLE DAMN RUMBLE

Word spread early on Sunday that Rob Van Dam was going to be backstage at the Royal Rumble, but that can also be said about Christian - whom didn't make his scheduled return to the WWE.

But, fans were rewarded when RVD's "One of a Kind" theme song hit the arena sound systems.

RVD was back, and entered the rumble, as number 25th.

MR ONE NIGHT ONLY

Fans instantly went with the thoughts that RVD was officially back in the WWE.

Sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case.

The Rumble was being held in Detroit, Michigan - RVD lives in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Therefore, RVD was able to drive and perform close to home.

So far, that's all RVD is going to be doing -- staying home.

FINAL THOUGHT

RVD was a pleasant shock to the Rumble, as there were points in the Rumble which were putting me to sleep.