WWE Encyclopaedia Released

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.

Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising Released

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

Kizarny Released

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.

WWE Releases The Boogeyman

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.

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.

Hardcore Holly Released

Bob Holly, who had been with World Wrestling Entertainment since 1994, was officially released from his contract today.


HARDCORE BACKGROUND

To some, this may seem a very "left field" movement by WWE, but lets recap - shall we?

Holly had not been seen on camera since he and Cody Rhodes lost the WWE World Tag Team in June 2008.

There was a backstage incident shortly after that match, that led WWE to send Holly home to deal with some personal issues. Since that time Holly never worked another match for the company but was kept under contract and was listed as a talent who had been moved during the most recent WWE Draft.

Holly had been dealing with several health issues in recent years including a bad staph infection that led to fears his career was over, but he did eventually return in 2006.

Beyond the Tag Team titles, which he held six times with several partners, Holly may be best remembered for feuding with his "cousins" Crash & Molly Holly, his various WWE Hardcore title reigns, and his memorable feud with Al Snow.

Unlike several recent releases this week, WWE did acknowledge Holly's departure.

FINAL THOUGHT

Seems a bit harsh to ask Holly "How do I like him now", seeing as he's fired.

I hope Holly comes back from his issues, both medical and personal, and returns to the ring one day soon.

Jim Ross Blog Update

Jim Ross has a new blog up, here are the highlights:



On the release of Sgt. Slaughter

"Sorry to hear of my old friend Sgt. Slaughter being released from the WWE as I did not know it until I arrived in Omaha on Tuesday. Sarge and I both worked for Bill Watts back in the 70's, Sarge under his real name of Bob Remus, and for economic reasons we used to split an $8 room, with two beds for you wise asses out there, at the lovely Belmont Motor Inn on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge, La.

Sarge and I made many visits to the local Chinese Buffet, usually in the late afternoon, for the all one could eat extravaganza or a "pitch 'till you win" meal. Often times was our lunch AND dinner, or supper for my southern brethren. Sarge went on to become a huge star in wrestling and is one of the nicest individuals to ever work in the biz. I have yet to speak with Sarge but I will and I know he will eventually be fine.

Bob has been in tough spots before in this wacky profession and has always persevered. I am not making light of this matter whatsoever as I can relate to Sarge's dilemma."

On the release of Ron Simmons

"Ron Simmons, who became the first black World's Champion of a major wrestling company when he defeated Big Van Vader in August of 1992 in Baltimore, has also been released from the WWE. I did not know this one either until I walked into the Quest Center Tuesday in Omaha.

Ron might want to explore public and motivational speaking as he has a great story to tell and the pipes to tell it. Ironically that night in Baltimore, Ron defeated Leon (Vader) White in a battle of two division one college football stars of significant acclaim and it was a nose guard (Simmons from Florida State) versus a center (White from Colorado) in a match orchestrated by Bill Watts (former lineman at Oklahoma) who was in charge of WCW at that time."

On the new ECW Champion Jack Swagger

"My last talent recommendation to the WWE talent relations department is the new ECW Champion Jack Swagger. Swagger wrestled at Oklahoma, my gosh we can't say THAT on TV, and used to eat the occasional meal at the Ross home while a student at OU. Swagger, then known as Jake Hager, was roommates with current Chicago Bear Dusty Dvorchek and the two of them used to hang out at our home.

There is no reason Swagger shouldn't be a star if he continues to work hard and doesn't make any foolish or irresponsible mistakes. Educated 6'6"-270 pounders with natural balance, agility, a wrestling background and a bona fide mean streak aren't easy to find."

On Stone Cold in the WWE Hall of Fame:

"The announcement of my friend Stone Cold Steve Austin going into the WE Hall of Fame in Houston on Saturday night April 4 was a big hit in my world. Steve is the greatest star of all time in the wrestling biz if one considers revenue into the equation including tickets and pay per views sold along with merchandise sales.

Steve was a fierce competitor who was always his own worst critic and would not allow himself to be any thing but the best in his field. My hiring of Stone Cold certainly made my tenure as the head of talent relations in the WWE look good but, trust me, Steve Austin attained his success through hard work and being an amazing student of the game.

Steve did and still does identify amazingly well with wrestling fans, which helped him craft his Stone Cold persona so well. Ironically, Steve became a wrestling fan while watching wrestling from Houston which will be the same city that Steve will close the wrestling chapter of his life at WM25."

- You can check out the full blog entry here.

Ron Simmons & Sgt Slaughter Released

WWE has come to terms with the release of two more Iconic WWE performers.



DAMN!

WWE has released Ron Simmons (pictured above). Simmons has been doing promotional work for the company, as well as appearing on TV occasionally. Simmons was previously known as "Faarooq", whom was the leader of the "Nation of Domination" and one half of the "APA", along with JBL.





SERGEANT, DISMISSED!

Sgt. Slaughter (pictured above) has also been released.

Slaughter has also made occasional appearances on TV, and has been working as an agent/producer for many years.


These two add on to the current releases by WWE.

Recently Released:
* Gavin Spears
* Mike Kruel
* Kevin Thorn
* Val Venis
* Bam Neely
* D-Lo Brown
* Agent/Producer Tim White
* Referee Jimmy Korderas
* Referee Kevin Keenan
* Referee Mike Posey
* Agent/Producer Sgt. Slaughter
* Ron Simmons


FINAL THOUGHT

They should have never broken up the APA.

Slaughter was getting on, but a return gimmick here and there wouldn't have hurt - would it?