Home Blog Page 2412

Jim Ross To Call Global Force & NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 9 PPV

13

Global Force Wrestling made their huge announcement on Tuesday morning, revealing that WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will be doing commentary for Wrestle Kingdom 9, GFW’s first-ever pay-per-view event.

Global Force will be partnering with New Japan Pro Wrestling to broadcast the January 4th Tokyo Dome show in the United States.

Here’s the official press release:

NASHVILLE — Jim Ross, the preeminent voice of professional wrestling for the past four decades, has agreed to provide the play-by-play for Global Force Wrestling’s presentation of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “Wrestle Kingdom 9” live on pay per view in North America on Jan. 4, 2015.

The Hall of Famer has called more pro wrestling PPV events than any broadcaster and is regarded as the greatest, play-by-play announcer in wrestling history. He will be returning to the mic at one of the biggest events in the world. This is the 24th year of NJPW’s annual extravaganza at the Tokyo Dome, where more than 40,000 fans from are expected to attend.

“I am truly honored and excited to have been asked to be a part of this historic event,” Ross said. “To be able to return to my roots and to provide play by play for an amazing, pro wrestling product will be special. I never thought I’d ever return to ringside for a wrestling event but this opportunity was just too special to turn down.”

GFW founder and CEO Jeff Jarrett said he had been working on lining up Ross for weeks.

“When you think of the great events in wrestling over the past 30 years one of the things they have in common is the man behind the microphone. And that man is Jim Ross,” Jarrett said. “I’m excited for this event, and I’m excited for good ol’ JR to be a part of it. GFW fans wanted him, and from day one we have said we’re going to give our fans what they want.”

The show, which will air live at 2 a.m. ET (11 p.m. PT) and re-air in prime time at 7 p.m. ET (4 PT) is available on DirecTV, Dish, AT&T U-verse, Comcast, Verizon Fios and all cable systems in the United States, and in Canada on Bell ExpressVu TV, Rogers, Shaw, Sasktel and Telus. Check your local listings for availability. The show also will be available on the “Flipps” app on iTunes and Android.

This year’s card is headlined by an IGWP heavyweight title match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada. The Bullet Club, of which Jarrett is a member along with AJ Styles and IWGP tag team champions Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, will appear as well.

The show will be available in English and in Japanese via the second audio program (SAP) button on your TV.

Paul Heyman Comments On Praising CM Punk On ECW Exposed

20

Paul Heyman praised CM Punk during last night’s live ECW Exposed special on the WWE Network. When asked about which modern day stars would make it in the original ECW, CM Punk was one of the people he named. He said still to this day, CM Punk remains the “Best In The World.”

Scott Fishman of The Miami Herald tweeted:

Heyman replied:

WWE SmackDown Preview From Liverpool, England

1

WWE will tape this week’s episodes of Main Event and SmackDown this afternoon from Liverpool, England.

No matches or segments have been announced for Main Event.

SmackDown will feature the return of Chris Jericho, who will host a special edition of the Highlight Reel.

Also advertised for the tapings are The Authority’s Triple H and Stephanie, IC Champion Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, Tag Team Champions The Usos, Natalya, Naomi and Layla.

The advertised dark match main event will see Chris Jericho teaming up against Dean Ambrose against Bray Wyatt and Kane.

Join us here later this afternoon for Live Coverage of the SmackDown tapings.

WWE Issues Statement Regarding Passing Of Ox Baker

3

WWE issued the following statement today regarding the passing of wrestling legend Ox Baker:

“WWE is saddened to learn that Ox Baker, a feared villain of the ring for more than three decades, passed away Monday morning at age 80. A 6-foot-5 behemoth from Waterloo, Iowa, Baker originally competed in WWWF in the late 1960s and became one of the most intimidating forces known inside the squared circle — both due to his unique look and devastating heart punch. Over the span of an impressive career, the big man traded blows with the likes of WWE Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and Harley Race.

Outside the ring, Baker also put the hurt on actor Kurt Russell as the brute played an appropriately savage warrior in the post-apocalyptic world of John Carpenter’s 1981 sci-fi classic, “Escape from New York.”

WWE extends its condolences to Baker’s colleagues, friends and family.”

Reason AJ Lee Can’t Be On Total Divas, Jim Ross Talks Famous Taker/Foley HIAC Match

38

– Apparently the reason current WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee can’t be added to the cast of E!’s “Total Divas” reality show is because of the fact that she is married to former WWE Superstar CM Punk.

– Jim Ross has finally published his long-awaited editorial feature on the famous Undertaker vs. Mick Foley “Hell In A Cell” match from the WWE King Of The Ring 1998 on the FOX Sports website. You can check that out at FOXSports.com.

  • War Machine’s FULL Suicide Note From Jail LEAKS Online! [READ THE FULL LETTER HERE >>]

    (Partial Credit: F4WOnline.com)

  • Possible RAW Spoiler Regarding HIAC, Debate On HIAC Main Events, More

    18

    As of earlier today, the plan for tonight’s RAW in Kansas City was for WWE to make the announcement of Goldust and Stardust vs. The Usos for the WWE Tag-Team Championships at the October 26th Hell In A Cell pay-per-view.

    Also as of this morning, the company was still going back-and-forth as to which cell match will be closing the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view this Sunday night, Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose or John Cena vs. Randy Orton. As of this afternoon, no official decision had been made.

  • War Machine’s FULL Suicide Note From Jail LEAKS Online! [READ THE FULL LETTER HERE >>]

    (Credit: F4WOnline.com)

  • Hulk Hogan To Appear On Next Week’s RAW, WM31 Travel Packages For Japan

    8

    – In addition to his appearance on tonight’s edition of WWE RAW in Kansas City, WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan is also booked to appear on next week’s RAW in San Antonio, Texas.

    – WWE added the following “Exclusive Travel Packages for WrestleMania 31” video to their official YouTube channel today for their fans in Japan.

    http://youtu.be/-RYGWbaL0tk

  • War Machine’s FULL Suicide Note From Jail LEAKS Online! [READ THE FULL LETTER HERE >>]

    (Partial Credit: F4WOnline.com)

  • Mickie James Teases WWE Return, Great Muta Surprises The Rock In Japan

    32

    – WWE.com is running a poll asking s which WWE Diva fans miss the most. Lita is currently leading the poll followed, by Trish Stratus and Kelly Kelly. A fan tweeted to Mickie James telling her they voted for her. She replied:

    – As noted earlier, The Rock is in Tokyo to promote the release of “Hercules”. During a media event, he was greeted by Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta. Muta had previously joked on social media that he would attack The Rock when he visited Japan. Muta greeted The Rock with a hand shake and the two posed for photos together.

    WWE Reveals New Ring Announcers For RAW & SmackDown

    19

    Lilian Garcia has officially been named the ring announcer for RAW, with Eden taking over on SmackDown. Joey Styles announced the news on Monday afternoon on Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/JoeyStyles/status/524265031228473344

    Prior to her return to WWE back in 2011, Garcia was the RAW ring announcer from from 1999 to 2009.

    Paige & Alicia Fox Joining The Cast Of Total Divas

    54

    WWE has announced that Paige and Alicia Fox will be joining the cast of Total Divas next season, which premieres Sunday, January 4th, 2015.  WWE.com reports:

    “When ‘Total Divas’ returns with all-new episodes on Jan. 4 at 10/9 CT, a new duo emerges to shake up the dynamics of the cast: WWE Divas Paige and Alicia Fox. Former WWE Divas Champion Paige is a raven-haired Diva who preaches a simple message: She wants to mix it up in the ring. She first began battling when she was 13, following her family of English wrestlers, and gained prominence inside the WWE’s NXT Division, as the first NXT Women’s Champion. Similarly, the stunning and lithesome Alicia Fox has proven herself to be far more ferocious and eccentric than anyone ever expected. The talented Ms. Fox has etched her name in WWE record books as the first African-American woman to win the Divas Championship. Together, the two ladies, along with friend WWE Diva Rosa Mendes, form a clique in the locker room that rivals The Bella Twins and WWE Diva Cameron, leaving Nattie stuck in the middle.”

    The Total Divas Season 3 mid-season finale airs this Sunday, October 26th at 9/8 CT on E!

    BIKINI PHOTOS of WWE Diva PAIGE

    John Cena Talks About CM Punk’s WWE Legacy, WWE 2K15

    2

    WWE Superstar John Cena was recently interviewed by Fighting Spirit Magazine to promote the new WWE 2K15 video game. When asked about CM Punk’s inclusion in the game, Cena said he’s glad Punk’s in the game since he did leave his mark in WWE in recent years.

    “Whether he’s here or not, he’s certainly left a mark in WWE,. He’s got to be in the game, and it’s cool that that moment is not forgotten.”

    He also talked about who he would like to face in the game.

    “There are a lot of first time scenarios, such as with Sting. The fact that you can use current me or the old [Doctor of Thuganomics] is always good, and I like rivalry mode [vs CM Punk] because 2K listened to the WWE Universe as to which they wanted most. You can relive those rivalries and stories that went along with them.”

    WWE 2K15 is scheduled for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 28th in North America and October 31st in Europe, and on Playstation 4 and Xbox One on November 18th in North America, and on November 21st in Europe.

    The latest issue of Fighting Spirit Magazine is on sale now.

    Chris Jericho Talks About His Future In WWE, His Relationship With Vince

    2

    Part-time WWE Superstar was a guest this week on The Turnbuckle Weekly with Chuck Carroll. The full interview can be heard on the 106.7 The Fan and CBS DC website. While discussing his new book, Jericho spoke about his future in WWE:

    “Over the last four of five years my schedules and dates surround Fozzy, and WWE has kind of been not as much of a priority. I still love doing it, but I realize it’s not something I’m going to be doing forever. I realized that years ago. To go back for the European shows, Roman Reigns got hurt, there was some injuries and I always enjoy working overseas. So, it’s kind of just a quick little run. Other than that I don’t know. When this Fozzy tour ends, whenever that may be, if I have time available and the WWE has something interesting for me to do. It’s not like they’re just sitting around waiting for Chris Jericho to come back. There have been times… I was going to go back for WrestleMania 30, but we couldn’t figure out anything for me to do that was worthy of that.”

    Jericho also spoke about winning Vince McMahon over by not being another “yes man” –

    “There [have been] a lot of confrontations with Vince, but that’s because there’s a mutual respect. And some of them get out of control… It’s only because both of us respect each other, trust each other, and believe each other. It doesn’t mean I’m always going to like the things he does or the things he wants to do. And it doesn’t mean that he’s going to like the things that I do and the way that I act and react to things either.”

    Other topics discussed include:

    * Cody Rhodes and Santino Marella’s bizarre posing competition at a post-WrestleMania party for WWE employees (judged by Undertaker)

    * Kid Rock’s reaction to said wacky contest (Jericho was standing with him)

    * How he selects which stories aren’t worthy of making it into the book

    * How he convinced editors to put a “bonus track” chapter in the book with extra stories

    * How the writing process has become easier with Best In The World

    New Title Match Announced For WWE Hell In A Cell PPV, Updated Lineup

    25

    WWE has announced the Divas Championship match for the upcoming WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view, which takes place on Sunday, October 26, 2014 from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

    Defending her WWE Divas Championship in one-on-one action will be current champion AJ Lee, as she takes on former champion Paige.

    With that now known, the following is an updated look at the official lineup for this coming Sunday’s big event.

    Hell In A Cell Match
    – Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose

    Hell In A Cell Match
    – John Cena vs. Randy Orton

    WWE United States Championship
    – Sheamus (c) vs. The Miz

    WWE Divas Championship
    – AJ Lee (c) vs. Paige

    Loser Must Be Winners Assistant For 30 Days
    – Nikki Bella vs. Brie Bella

    – Big Show vs.Rusev

    Make sure to join us this Sunday for the best live results coverage of the WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view event.

    <EXCLUSIVE: War Machine Writes Letter From Jail Explaining Himself [FULL LETTER HERE >>]

    One Year Ago: WWE Hell in a Cell

    15

    We are less than one week away from the WWE’s latest pay-per-view, Hell in a Cell. At last year’s event, Shawn Michaels betrayed Daniel Bryan in a championship match against Randy Orton.

    A lot has changed over the past year, evidenced by the fact that Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose will be headlining half of the double main event. The shelf life of a WWE superstar can be short, so it’s always important for superstars to make the most of their time in the ring, especially at pay-per-views. Here is a look at the superstars who have progressed, regressed, or remained stagnant over the past year.

    Progression:

    1. Dean Ambrose

    Ambrose 2

    Nobody had made more progress since last year than Dean Ambrose. At last year’s event, Ambrose was an invisible US Champion and lost his undercard contest to Big E by countout.

    This year, he will be headlining the event in a Hell in a Cell match with Seth Rollins. He continues to receive as much airtime as anyone on Raw each week and has been getting great reactions from the crowds. What a difference a year makes.

     2. Seth Rollins

    rollins

    Although Dean Ambrose has progressed the most over the past year, his former partner Seth Rollins is a close second. Rollins will be joining Ambrose inside of a Hell in a Cell for half of the main event, and also holds the Money in the Bank briefcase.

    Over the past year, Rollins has improved every aspect of his game. He is stronger on the mic, he developed a convincing and unique finisher, and has adopted a heel personality that has gotten over with the fans. Rollins is a star on the rise and without a doubt a future world champion.

    Wrestling Legend Ox Baker Passes Away At 80

    4

    Wrestling legend Ox Baker has passed away at the age of 80. Baker originally competed in WWWF in the late 1960s and became one of the most feared villains in wrestling history. During his legendary career, Baker fought the likes of Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and Harley Race.

    He also crossed over into Hollywood, appearing in the 1981 sci-fi classic “Escape from New York” starring Kurt Russell. Our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Ox Baker.

    Here are some tweets from the wrestling world remembering the legendary grappler:

    https://twitter.com/ebischoff/status/524213309697196032

    https://twitter.com/officialtaz/status/524211295063908352

    WWE Poll Asks Who Steve Austin Should Wrestle If He Returns

    44

    WWE.com is currently running a poll asking fans if “Stone Cold” Steve Austin returned for one more match, who should he face? The options are:

    • Brock Lesnar
    • The Undertaker
    • John Cena
    • The Rock
    • Triple H
    • Randy Orton
    • Daniel Bryan
    • Batista
    • Another Superstar

    With over 36,000 votes cast, Brock Lesnar is in the lead with 30%, followed by The Rock (15%) and John Cena (14%).

    5 Potential Opponents for Steve Austin (Editorial & Discussion)

    WWE Reportedly Scouting Top Indy Wrestler, Update On Pay For TV Extras

    7

    According to Reddit.com user MetsFan4Ever, a person who claims to be a former WWE employee and has broken several news stories before, WWE is interested in signing California-based independent wrestler Uhaa Nation to a developmental deal.

    Nation had a tryout at the WWE Performance Center last month and impressed company officials so much that WWE trainers flew to Reseda, California to watch his match at Friday’s Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) live event.

    Nation, who has been wrestling since 2009, is currently “a very high priority for WWE.” Billed at 6-0 and 240 pounds, Nation is known both as a high-flyer and a power wrestler.

    MetsFan4Ever also clarified a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which stated that due to budget cuts, WWE TV extras (ie. police officers, security guards) had their appearance fees from $250 to $100.

    According to MetsFan4Ever, WWE only cut the appearance fee by $50, so extras are paid $200. Members of Adam Rose’s Rosebuds, which are typically NXT and independent wrestlers, earn $100 per show.

    After Total Divas Video, Warrior’s Music Played At Cowboys Game & More

    9

    WWE.com has published a pretty hilarious feature titled, “Classic Rivalries Retweeted” – with fictional social media posts from various WWE legends.

    – The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys played The Ultimate Warrior’s theme music during on third downs during their win against the New York Giants on Sunday from Cowboys’ Stadium.

    – Here’s this week’s “After Total Divas” show:

    Renee Young and Alicia Fox recap Episodes 8 and 9 of Season 3 of E!’s “Total Divas.”

    WWE RAW Preview: Final Hype For HIAC, Hogan Returns

    6

    Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. Here’s a preview of what to expect:

    – Final hype for Sunday’s WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, with the demonic structure hanging above the ring.

    – John Cena & Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton & Kane in a handicap match. Can Cena and Ambrose coexist against The Authority?

    – WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is advertised for an appearance.

    Join us here tonight for live coverage of WWE RAW.

    Al Snow Talks TNA Competing With WWE, Six-Sided Ring, Foley’s Comments

    11

    The following are highlights of a new Digital Spy interview with Al Snow:

    Mick Foley’s recent Facebook post praising him: “I wondered whether he was sick or dying, because it was so out of character! We’re good friends, and we go back and forth at each other all the time. We’ve done that for years and we will continue to do so for years to come, it’s just what we do. Mick of course takes it to an obsessive level! But that’s Mick.”

    Six-sided ring returning: “The six-sided ring is not that controversial to me. I don’t know what the controversy is. It’s two more sides. I think it’s a great identifier for TNA. You’re flipping through the TV channels and you see it, it stands out. It looks different, catches your attention. It might captivate somebody to watch for a few moments, and who knows, we may have another audience member.”

    Can TNA be competitive in today’s wrestling landscape: “Back in the day in the US when there was different territories and things like that, one territory would get hot, become very successful and another one would cool off. It went that way. TNA has got all the tools to be a major success and a major competitor in the wrestling landscape. It’s just a matter of when, not if, it’ll fall together and click. Everybody will be like, ‘See, I told you it was going to happen’ when they’ve been naysayers this entire time. Everybody will jump off the bandwagon at that point. ‘I always knew that they could do it’. Sure you did.”

    Check out the complete interview at DigitalSpy.com.

  • RONDA ROUSEY Gets PHYSICALLY INVOLVED At Pro Wrestling Show — PHOTOS INCLUDED!!
  • Former WWE Ring Announcer Justin Roberts Plans On Writing Autobiography

    11

    Recently released WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts told TMZ that he is planning on writing a book about his life.

    Those close to the longtime WWE ring announcer say he will be writing a lot about his struggle to break into the business of professional wrestling. He apparently wants the book to be part inspirational and part instructional.

    Roberts has yet to lock down an official publisher for the project at this point, however he has plans to meet with potential suitors once the book is complete.

  • RONDA ROUSEY Gets PHYSICALLY INVOLVED At Pro Wrestling Show — PHOTOS INCLUDED!!
  • PHOTO: Undertaker Appears On Sidelines Of College Football Game

    25

    WWE legend The Undertaker appeared on the sidelines of the Texas Longhorns college football game on Saturday.

    You can check out a photo of Taker on the sidelines of the Texas-Iowa State game, which the Longhorns won (48-45), by the way, courtesy of a fan-shot picture from Twitter below.

  • RONDA ROUSEY Gets PHYSICALLY INVOLVED At Pro Wrestling Show — PHOTOS INCLUDED!!
  • Hulk Hogan On RAW, New Gimmick For NXT Star

    37

    – WWE has officially announced that Hulk Hogan will be appearing on Monday’s episode of RAW from Kansas City, Missouri. The last time Hogan appeared in KC was when he won the WWE Championship back in 2002.

    – NXT star Tye Dillinger was working a new gimmick at Friday’s NXT live event from Leesburg, Florida. After previously taunting his opponents with playing cards, Dillinger is now using a gimmick that’s been described as a cross between “Ravishing” Rick Rude and Fandango. He was defeated by Hideo Itami, who was sporting new ring gear (black shorts with kick pads instead of tights).

    Here’s a look at Dillinger’s new gimmick:

    https://twitter.com/Jackknightnxt/status/523520576175222784

    Steve Austin’s Redneck Island Returns On 12/4 With A New Co-Host

    1

    CMT issued the following press release:

    “REDNECK ISLAND” SET TO RETURN TO CMT WITH HOT NEW TWIST AND HOT NEW CO-HOST ON DECEMBER 4

    Jessie James Decker will Join Steve Austin as Co-Host, Presiding Over 10 New Episodes of the Popular CMT Series

    Nashville – October 8, 2014 – CMT’s ultimate competition series REDNECK ISLAND returns for a fourth season rowdier than ever, with a hot new co-host and even hotter new twist. Country singer/songwriter and TV personality Jessie James Decker joins wrestling icon Steve Austin as masters of ceremonies on the “island” this season, tucked away at a lake in North Georgia. CMT greenlit 10 one-hour episodes of the new season, marking the return of one of the most popular CMT series since it debuted in 2012. Part of CMT’s outrageous Thursday nights, the all-new REDNECK ISLAND debuts with a 90-minute extended premiere on Thursday, December 4 at 9:00-10:30 p.m., ET/PT.

    This season on REDNECK ISLAND, 12 guys and 12 girls will fight to win cold hard cash in the ultimate redneck competition series where time spent partying is just as important as time spent competing. While these rednecks may arrive single and ready to mingle, a high-stakes, sexy spin on the original format will pair male and female teammates up as bunkmates in a new twist that is sure to fuel both competition and romance at the lake house. In the end, one guy/gal team will walk away from this little redneck heaven $100,000 richer.

    Steve ‘Stone Cold’ Austin, six-time World Wrestling Federation Champion and 2003 WWE Hall of Fame inductee has been busy since retiring from the ring in 2003. Austin began his acting career in 2005 with a breakout performance in the Adam Sandler starrer, The Longest Yard, which went on to make $187 million worldwide; followed by a starring role in The Condemned, which continues to be one of the World Wrestling Entertainment’s most lucrative releases. In 2010 Sylvester Stallone tapped Austin for his action thriller The Expendables. In 2013 Austin had a featured role in Adam Sandler’s comedy Grown Ups 2. Austin currently hosts two successful TV shows for CMT, Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge and Redneck Island. In addition, he shakes things up every week with his highly-rated podcast, The Steve Austin Show on www.podcastone.com. When not hanging out on his 2100+ acre Broken Skull Ranch (www.brokenskullranch.com) in the back country of South Texas, Austin lives in Marina del Rey, Calif. with his wife, Kristin, and their three Labradors.

    Multi-talented country singer, songwriter Jessie James Decker recently released her EP Comin’ Home, a candid celebration of her pop and country influences. The EP, produced by John Fields (Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot), debuted at #5 on the Billboard Country chart and #28 on Billboard Top 200. Comin’ Home found major success on iTunes reaching #1 on the iTunes Album Chart and #9 on the Overall Digital Chart. Tracks from the EP were featured on her hit reality series “Eric & Jessie: Game On” which she starred in with husband, superstar pro football wide receiver Eric Decker. Jessie burst onto the music scene with her self-titled debut album in 2009. The album’s first single “Wanted” was certified gold with record sales of more than 120,000. Jessie is currently working on new music and enjoying time with her husband and newborn daughter Vivianne Rose. She also launched the Eric & Jessie Decker Foundation to positively impact the lives of United States military veterans and at risk children.

    REDNECK ISLAND is executive produced by Christian Sarabia and Fred Birkhead from 51 Minds Entertainment and Clay Newbill from 310 Entertainment, along with Steve Austin from Broken Skull Ranch Productions. Jayson Dinsmore and Morgan Selzer serve as executive producers for CMT.

    Video: Paul Heyman Cuts A Promo On John Cena & Dean Ambrose

    9

    Paul Heyman appeared at last night’s SmackDown tapings from Philadelphia and cut a promo on John Cena and Dean Ambrose.

    Heyman spoke about the news of Cena and Ambrose facing each other at Hell in a Cell for the right to wrestle Dean Ambrose in the main event of the PPV. Heyman said this is all part of Cena’s downward spiral that began when Cena lost WWE World Heavyweight Championship to his client Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

    Since the promo took place after Main Event and before the SmackDown broadcast began taping, it’s unknown if this segment will appear on Friday’s SmackDown 15th Anniversary show.