Ninemsn's "Economic SmackDown"

You know you've made it big when Ninemsn Australia has featured an article on you.


McMAHON MSN

ninemsn.com.au has posted an article entitled "WWE cuts staff in Economic Smackdown', with some quotes from Linda McMahon (pictured above).

The article writes:

"...The company said it was slashing 10 per cent of its staff across all global operations to save an estimated $US8 million ($A11.22 million) annually."

"These efficiencies will help position the company for the long-term, by placing it in a stronger, more flexible position," said Linda McMahon, chief executive at WWE.

The company said it would take an estimated $US3 million ($A4.21 million) restructuring charge in the first quarter of 2009, part of efforts to cut its cost base by $US20 million ($A28.04 million) in 2009..."

To read the full article, Click 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?

Stone Cold in the Hall of Fame Update #4

Here is the official highlight video, announcing Stone Cold Steve Austin as the 1st inductee of the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame.

The song used in the video is called "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour

To watch the video in a HQ format, click here

SMACKDOWN RESULTS 23rd January 2009

WWE SMACKDOWN Results
(Set to air 23rd January 2009)

OPENING PROMO

Edge cuts the opening promo. Matt Hardy runs out and takes him outside the ring. Edge runs.


FIRST MATCH
The Undertaker defeated Shelton Benjamin in a non-title match.


SECOND MATCH
The Great Khali defeated Chavo Guerrero


THIRD MATCH
The Bella Twins defeated Michelle McCool & Natalya


FOURTH MATCH
Edge defeated Matt Hardy


FIFTH MATCH
John Morrison & The Miz defeated Carlito & Primo Colon in a non-title match.


SIXTH MATCH
Vladimir Kozlov vs. Triple H

During the match Vickie Guerrero comes out and says it's now a handicap match with The Big Show.


SIXTH MATCH (cont.)
Vladimir Kozlov defeated The Big Show & Triple H in a Handicap Match

Vladimir Kozlov pins Triple H for the win. Edge comes out and gets pedigreed by Hunter.

When Edge recovers, he gets on the mic and tries to talk but his microphone keeps cutting out. He gets frustrated and elbow-drops the mic.

This ends next week's SmackDown.

Kevin Nash addresses his injury

Kevin Nash may be out with injury, but he can still type.


BIG SEXY ADDRESS

TNA Wrestling posted the following blog from Kevin Nash on their official website. Nash underwent emergency surgery yesterday in Charlotte, North Carolina on his elbow:

"Greetings from Charlotte, still.

I know I’ve only been in the airport, hotel and hospital since I’ve been here after arriving late Saturday afternoon, but I’ve run into some very nice people.

The hospital staff is very nice, and one young brunette nurse is really a looker. Kinda tall Megan Fox-looking.

I have some sort of infection in my right elbow; the culture has not come back yet. The doctors have been treating it as MRSA. For those of you who do not know, MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant infection. A mutated superbug. Lucky me.

Oh, by the way, did I tell you that I was operated on Monday afternoon. That’s surgery No. 27. After being cut on that many times, sometimes you forget, even if it was just Monday when I was operated on. (Editor’s note: Nash’s arm was cut open to drain blood due to massive swelling).

Don’t know when this will heal, depends on how my body reacts to the antibiotics.

I have a gaping, open wound in my elbow, with the equivalent of a small ShopVac hooked up to it. I’m sure I’m paying 2-bills to rent that bad boy. When I go home, I’ll hook up the Black & Decker, and save the insurance company some money.

Hated missing the Pay-Per-View because I felt like the Mafia was just starting to get some momentum. But my left arm is OK, so I should be able to whack somebody at the next iMPACT events in Orlando.

Heard Kurt and Jeff had a great match; I look forward to watching that.

I would like to continue on with this blog, but American Idol is upcoming. Can’t miss.

I’ll blog more this week.

Nash …“The MRSA Man”

Oh MRSA, MRSA me … things ain’t like they used to be.

Kevin Nash"

FINAL THOUGHTS

Glad to see Kevin Nash is still able to type.

Here's hoping he gets a speedy recovery

WWE Diva Victoria Retires

Victoria has apparently worked her last match with WWE.


FINAL SMACKDOWN

According to live reports from tonight's SmackDown taping in Omaha, Nebraska, Victoria lost to Michelle McCool in a match that will air on this week's edition of SmackDown.

After the bout, Victoria announced that she was finished with WWE.

This doesn't appear to be a work, as Victoria reportedly gave notice to WWE officials a couple of months ago stating that she would be retiring from the company.


FUTURE PROJECTS

Victoria opened a custom car shop in Louisville, Kentucky last May and is said to be pursuing other career opportunities.


FINAL THOUGHT

Victoria was the last "diva" who could actually wrestle.

Now, we're all going to have to sit back and watch Michelle McCool do a really bad job as a heel - and Maria continue to be a babyface.

Lame.

SMACKDOWN RESULTS 15th January 2009

WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS
(Set to air 15th January 2009)

Dark Match:
Kung Fu Naki defeated Ryan Braddock via a Kung Fu Kick

SmackDown: (Airing This Friday)
SmackDown opens with Triple H & Vickie Guerrero.

FIRST MATCH
Matt Hardy & Finlay defeated Jack Swagger & Mark Henry


SECOND MATCH
R-Truth deafeated The Brian Kendrick.

After the match Ezekiel Jackson attacks Truth.


THIRD MATCH
MVP defeated The Big Show

MVP got the win after Triple H hit Big Show with a sledgehammer.


FOURTH MATCH
Michelle McCool defeated Victoria

After the match Victoria said she quits WWE.


FINAL SEGMENT

The Cutting Edge is up next.

Edge invites out Jeff Hardy. As he enters his pyro blows up in his face and he is stretchered out (obviously a work).

This ends this week’s edition of SmackDown.