CM Punk Speaks Out

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.