Home Blog Page 2737

WrestleMania Retrospective – WrestleMania XV (1999)

Staff
-
1

Here’s Part 15 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th

WM15-Poster
WrestleMania XV (1999)
Tagline: The Ragin’ Climax
Sponsor: M&Ms Crispy
Date: March 28, 1999
Venue: First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attendance: 20,276
America the Beautiful: Boyz II Men
The Undertaker’s Streak: 8-0 (Def The Big Boss Man)

Butterbean Vs Bart Gunn lasted only 32 seconds at WrestleMania XV
Butterbean Vs Bart Gunn lasted only 32 seconds at WrestleMania XV

WrestleMania XV featured a main event that contested the WWF Championship between the challenger Steve Austin and The Rock. Another major match at the 1999 event saw The Undertaker wrestle Big Boss Man inside the Hell in a Cell, a roofed cage that surrounds the ring. Lower on the card, six of the seven active championships were defended, including the first WrestleMania defense of the Hardcore Championship. Also on the undercard was a Brawl for All match, an unscripted type of shootfight between wrestler Bart Gunn and boxer/mixed martial artist Butterbean.

The ticket sales of 20,276 at the First Union Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania drew a gross of $1,437,050.
The ticket sales of 20,276 at the First Union Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania drew a gross of $1,437,050.

In the previous year, due to the suddenly enlarged roster, a shootfighting (unscripted) knockout tournament entitled WWF Brawl for All was organized on a voluntary basis with Bart Gunn winning the tournament on August 24 after defeating every opponent by knockout aside from his opening round opponent Bob Holly. When Holly rechristened himself Hardcore Holly on February 15, decrying the poor gimmicks and tag teampartners he had been given in the past, Gunn made his first appearance since winning the tournament, to remind Holly that not all his partners
were of a poor caliber. After a hardcore match between the two, which Gunn dominated until a masked assailant threw him off the stage, noted mixed martial artist and boxer Eric “Butterbean” Esch, who held a 43–1–1 record at the time, challenged him to a Brawl For All fight.

At WrestleMania XV, in The Brawl For All boxing match Butterbean defeated Bart Gunn in the first Wrestlemania’s boxing match since Wrestlemania 2. The match lasted a total of 34 seconds. This was followed with an appearance from the San Diego Chicken, who mocked special referee Vinny Pazienza and was punched to the floor for it.

Baseball's Pete Rose returns to attack Kane, however gets a tombstone piledriver for his efforts.
Baseball’s Pete Rose returns to attack Kane, however gets a tombstone piledriver for his efforts.

Before Kane’s match with Triple H, Kane entered the ring only to be attacked while he was performing his signature entrance by the San Diego Chicken. Kane fought back and unmasked the chicken, revealing it be Pete Rose, trying to gain revenge for the previous year’s incident but receiving a Tombstone piledriver.

Prior to WrestleMania XV Chyna turned on Triple H, and allined herself with The McMahon Corporation. Durrning the match between Kane and Triple H, at WrestleMania XV, Triple H was distracted by Chyna coming to ringside. Triple H tried to Pedigree Kane as he stood up but failed while Chyna pushed the steel steps into the ring. Kane picked them up and ran into Triple H, who used the turnbuckle to swing his feet up and kicked them back into Kane causing Kane to stagger backwards and drop them before smashing his face into the steps from a drop toe-hold.

Triple H and Chyna reunite, with everyone seemingly back in DX.
Triple H and Chyna reunite, with everyone seemingly back in DX.

Triple H then clotheslined Kane out of the ring, following himself and attempting to Pedigree Kane on the steps but was backbody dropped. When they made it back into the ring Kane chokeslammed Triple H while Chyna entered the ring with a steel chair, telling Kane she wanted to attack Triple H but as Kane turned, Chyna hit him with the chair causing him to corner her but again was hit with the chair, this time by Triple H who followed it up with a Pedigree onto the chair. Chyna and Triple H celebrated the reunion of D-Generation X afterwards.

Triple H & Chyna turn on X-Pac and DX helping Shane McMahon retain his European Championship.
Triple H & Chyna turn on X-Pac and DX helping Shane McMahon retain his European Championship.

Having been buried alive in a Royal Rumble qualification match at Rock Bottom: In Your House, The Undertaker disappeared from television while The Acolytes, Faarooq (Ron Simmons) and Bradshaw (John Layfield), began to act strangely eventually abducting Dennis Knight and leaving him tied up in a darkened room. On January 11 The Undertaker returned in slightly new attire, taking a seat in a ceremonial throne on the Raw is War stage while Paul Bearer stood beside him and The Acolytes brought Knight out and tied him to a table. There Undertaker performed a ritualistic ceremony, rechristening him Mideon. Undertaker began delivering ambiguous apocalyptic messages, but after recruiting Mabel, now Viscera (Nelson Frazier, Jr.) and The Brood he began to be more direct, revealing his plan to attack Mr. McMahon and take over the World Wrestling Federation.
The security of Mr. McMahon’s Corporation, The Big Boss Man, challenged the Ministry to a six-man tag team match which ended in a no contest when the Ministry abducted Shane McMahon and took him to Undertaker, who threatened him while choking him then gave him a letter to give to his father.

The Undertaker Goes 8-0 after defeating The Big Boss Man At WrestleMania XV
The Undertaker Goes 8-0 after defeating The Big Boss Man At WrestleMania XV

McMahon replied the following week on February 22 by booking The Undertaker in an Inferno match with Kane on Raw is War, the first network television airing of that type of match. During the match McMahon provided commentary, nonchalantly revealing he had placed Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match against Big Boss Man for WrestleMania.

After defeating The Big Boss Man in The Hell in a Cell match, with a tombstone piledriver, The Undertaker stood up and looked to the heavens with his hands upwards, signaling The Brood to descend onto the roof of the cell. They cut open the roof of the cell and passed through a noose, securing the other end to the top of the cell. The Brood then ascended back into the rafters as Undertaker put the noose around Boss Man’s neck, with Paul Bearer causing the Cell to rise and take a hanging Boss Man with it. After the match a video package of the Rage Party was shown while Boss Man was taken down and carried off on a stretcher.

During the X-Pac Shane McMahon match, Triple H came to the ring seeming to help remove Corporation Member Test out of the ring. While this was happening X-Pac hit McMahon with an X Factor. Chyna then distracted the referee to allow Triple H to Pedigree X-Pac, turnning on him and DX, and cover him with Shane, allowing him to retain the title. The New Age Outlaws ran in the ring and brawled with Triple H and Test until the lights went out and Kane’s music began to play but by the time the lights came up The Corporation were clear of the ring and had fled.

WWF The Rock faces Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XV, he will go on to face him at two more WrestleMania's
WWF The Rock faces Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XV, he will go on to face him at two more WrestleMania’s

In The 1999 Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon tried to prevent Austin winning back the WWF championship by ‘randomly’ drawing him as the first entrant. and drawing himself as the thirtieth. Having annoyed Commissioner Shawn Michaels McMahon was placed into the match as the second entrant. Despite a $100,000 bounty on his head, Austin survived almost all of the match, being the last person eliminated by Mr McMahon thanks to the distraction of The Rock, meaning that McMahon had earned a right to go to WrestleMania.

As a part-time wrestler and a fellow member of The Corporation, McMahon explained the following night that he would be relinquishing his place at WrestleMania, the first Royal Rumble winner to do so, only to be told by Commissioner Michaels that if the winner is unable or unwilling to fight then the place goes to the runner-up. With McMahon irate, Austin revealed that he was willing to put his place on the line and not headline WrestleMania if McMahon would give him the opportunity to fight him one-on-one with no interference from The Corporation, and if he could beat him Austin would not go to WrestleMania.

Their steel cage match at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre mostly consisted of McMahon running away but eventually the two fought with Austin winning the match under unusual circumstances when Big Show made his debut, coming from under the ring and throwing Austin into the cage with the walls of it coming open, meaning that Austin had inadvertently won the match.

The Rock and Austin in front of 20,000+ at WrestleMania XV
The Rock and Austin in front of 20,000+ at WrestleMania XV

Before the main event, Michael Cole announced Jim Ross returning to call the match. Mr McMahon then came to the ring as the special guest referee but once he was in the ring Shawn Michaels’ music began to play. Commissioner Michaels came to the ring and cut a promo joking that he had to buy a ticket to get in, then explaining that only the commissioner is entitled to appoint a referee for WrestleMania, ordering McMahon to the back and barring all members of The Corporation from ring side.

During the championship match, Mr McMahon came to the ring, distracting Austin while The Rock lowblowed him; the two men kicking away at Austin in the corner and punching Earl Hebner when he tried to stop them. As the two double teamed Austin, Mankind came running to the ring in his referee’s uniform, throwing McMahon straight out the ring and Austin tried a roll up pin. He followed with a Lou Thesz Press but Rock soon took the advantage with another Rock Bottom. With Austin in the middle of the ring, The Rock tried the Corporate Elbow but Austin moved out of the way at the last second. Rock caught Austin’s foot and spun him round, trying to Rock Bottom him again but Austin elbowed him away and delivered a stunner, finally securing a pin fall and winning the WWF Championship. This also marked the final appearance of Gorilla Monsoon before his death. Monsoon hadn’t been seen on WWF television since SummerSlam 1997.

Prior to this, Gorilla Monsoon had appeared in 12 of the last 15 WrestleMania events (from I to X, XII). In WrestleMania XI, he appeared only in the Coliseum Video release. Here, he would make his final appearance as a judge for the WWF Brawl for All match.

Stone Cold Steve Austin Becomes WWF Champion again at WrestleMania XV
Stone Cold Steve Austin Becomes WWF Champion again at WrestleMania XV

WrestleMania XV Results

Sunday Night Heat Jacqueline (with Terri Runnels) defeated Ivory (with D’Lo Brown)
Sunday Night Heat D’Lo Brown and Test won when Droz and The Godfather eliminated each other in a 21 Man Battle Royal to become the no. 1 contenders to the WWF Tag Team Championship
• Hardcore Holly defeated Billy Gunn (c) and Al Snow Triple threat hardcore match for the WWF Hardcore Championship
• Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett (c) (with Debra) defeated D’Lo Brown and Test (with Ivory) Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship 03:58
• Butterbean defeated Bart Gunn Brawl for All boxing match
• Mankind defeated “The Big Show” Paul Wight by disqualification. Singles match to become the special guest referee of the main event.
• Road Dogg (c) defeated Ken Shamrock, Goldust (with The Blue Meanie and Ryan Shamrock) and Val Venis Four corners elimination match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
• Kane (with Chyna) defeated Triple H by disqualification.
• Sable (c) defeated Tori Singles match for the WWF Women’s Championship
• Shane McMahon (c) (with Test) defeated X-Pac Singles match for the WWF European Championship
• The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) defeated The Big Boss Man in a Hell in a Cell match
• Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated The Rock (c) No disqualification match for the WWF Championship

Jack Swagger’s Court Date, Carlito Mocks WWE & P. Diddy

Staff
-
19

– Jack Swagger is scheduled for a court appearance on April 9th in Biloxi, Mississippi to face charges from his arrest last month. His first court date was March 12th but it was continued to a later date at the request of his lawyers.

– Chris Jericho noted on Twitter that he will return to the Jimmy Fallon show on Thursday, April 4th to promote WrestleMania 29.

– Former WWE star Carlito tweeted the following regarding Sean “Diddy” Combs performing live at WrestleMania 29:

WrestleMania 29 Cake Delivered To WWE Headquarters By Carlo’s Bakery

Staff
-
30

Carlo’s Bakery from reality TV show Cake Boss delivered a WrestleMania 29-themed cake to WWE headquarters on Friday. Stephanie McMahon noted on Twitter that the cake was a surprise and thanked owner Buddy Valastro.  The cake features a huge MetLife Stadium and an Empire State Building with the WrestleMania 29 logo on it. On the side, it says, “From Your Tag Team Partners At Met Life Stadium, NJ & NYC.”

Reid Flair 10 Bell Salute Video, WWE HQ Flags At Half Mast

Staff
-
15

– Several readers sent in word that WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut had their flags flying at half mast on Friday in respect to the passing of Reid Flair.

– Just a day before his death, Reid Flair tweeted the following message about the independent wrestling shows in Maryland he and his father Ric were supposed to appear at:

– There was a ten-bell salute for Reid at the wrestling event in Maryland last night. Here’s video:

Hogan Puts Over TNA Writers, Angle Promotes Olympic Wrestling & More

Staff
-
11

– Hulk Hogan tweeted the following about TNA’s writing team:

Hogan also noted that he’ll be at his Hogan’s Beach Shop on Easter Sunday at 4PM for a “no prisoners” Easter egg hunt.

– TNA star Kurt Angle was recently interviewed by the Boston Globe about saving Olympic Wrestling.

– TNA has released the following promo video for the 4/11 Corpus Christi, TX Impact Wrestling tapings:

A Look Back At SEScoops Through The Years

Staff
-
56

March 2013 marks 9 years since the launch of SEScoops.com. It’s been one hell of a ride – with so many changes in not just the wrestling industry, but also the Internet and the way content is delivered. With the recent launch of our latest website build, we wanted to take a look back at how SEScoops has evolved over the years. Hit up the comments below and tell us when you first discovered us!

Updated Card For WrestleMania 29: 10 Matches

Staff
-
37

WWE WrestleMania 29 takes place next Sunday from the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Here’s the updated card, featuring 10 matches:

WWE Championship Match:
The Rock (c) vs. John Cena

The Undertaker vs. CM Punk

No Holds Barret With Triple H’s Career On The Line
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Jack Swagger

Randy Orton, Sheamus & Big Show vs. The Shield

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Wade Barrett (c) vs. The Miz

Ryback vs. Mark Henry

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
Team Hell No (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Big E Langston

Chris Jericho vs. Fandango

Tons of Funk & The Funkadactyls vs.
Team Rhodes Scholars & The Bella Twins

Evan Bourne Comments On His Return, Greatest “Top 25 Rivalries” DVD Cover Art & More

Staff
-
6

– Evan Bourne tweeted the following about his in-ring return at Thursday night’s WWE NXT live event:

– The Rock tweeted the following about movie audiences giving “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” and “A-” score, according to CinemaScore:

– WWEDVDNews.com has released the following cover art for WWE’s upcoming “Top 25 Rivalries” DVD (click the image to pre-order):

WWE Top 25 Rivalries DVD

Sheamus Talks About WrestleMania, His Dream Opponent, Olympic Wrestling & More

Staff
-
8

WWE superstar Sheamus was recently interviewed by DirecTV to promote WrestleMania 29. Here are some of the highlights of what he said about:

What He’s Looking Forward To At WrestleMania:

“Everything about WrestleMania. I mean, I remember as a kid my fondest memories were of watching ‘Mania and dreaming of becoming a WWE superstar. That’s probably cliche because a lot of people say it. But I’ll tell you something fella, I was the kid coming from Ireland that snuck down a 2 a.m. to watch pay-per-views when my dad and ma were asleep.

“I was creeping down these wooden stairs and these wooden floors. It was actually brutal, it was great when they had carpets, no problem at all. But when they got rid of the carpet and varnished the floors, I’d literally be treading down on tippy-toes all the way down so I wouldn’t be heard on the day before school.

“I was in for every pay-per-view but WrestleMania was special. To be involved in WrestleMania 26 when I was there with Triple H — first of all, I can’t believe I’m here and two, I can’t believe I can get paid for this. And of course, last year was special with Daniel Bryan.

“But every year you evolve and every year you strive to push the boundaries. That’s what is going to happen this year I think. It won’t be with The Undertaker, it won’t be for the World Heavyweight championship, but I guarantee you that whatever I’ll be involved in is going to be very special.”

What Is So Special About Performing At WrestleMania:

“Every time I go out there, I get those goosebumps and I get that feeling in my stomach of nerves. I think that never goes away because you’re always with a different crowd and it’s special to you and it means so much to you. You always get nervous, I always get nervous.

“But for ‘Mania, it was incredible. I remember being at the stadium and being all hyped up. I’d literally been on Raw for maybe four months, I’d already been WWE champion — I’d done a awful lot very quickly. This was another step being in there with such a superstar like Triple H.

“I just remember walking the ramp and looking around and going, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable, it’s like a huge football stadium.’ Then, I remember going down and…I was blown away. I remember my knees, for just a half a second, just got weak. I actually thought I was going to go down. I composed myself and I went down that ramp. It felt like it took me 5 minutes to get to the ring. That’s how long that entrance way was for that ‘Mania.

“I remember getting in there and seeing Irish flags and trying to pick people out. It was absolutely incredible.”

His Favorite WrestleMania Moments:

“I loved the Roddy Piper vs. Adrien Adonis match with Jimmy Hart involved. It wasn’t a long match but it was an exciting and fun match with guys like Jimmy Hart being pulled in by Adrien Adonis, Roddy Piper being on fire and both of them being pulled over the top rope. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake coming down and cutting Adonis’ hair and him freaking out. That, to me, was a great match.

“I also loved Bret and Shawn at WrestleMania XII. I was really torn, I liked both of them but I was more a Bret Hart fan at the time. When he lost, I was gutted. Another great — well, I don’t know if it was great, but a hyped-up match — was Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan. I was never a Hogan fan, I was an Ultimate Warrior fan. I just like Warriors’ energy in the ring. I just remembering hoping Warrior would beat Hogan.

“Those are the type of matches that are great, where you’re torn between the two.”

Bret Hart Motivating Him to Become a WWE Superstar:

“He was the first person, it was unbelievable. I always wanted to be a WWE superstar, I just knew it was the route to go. I remember I was working at a club called Lillie’s Bordello where I worked part-time just to get some extra cash.

“He came in to the club in Dublin and I asked him a question about getting a career in WWE. First, he sat down and he was there with his daughter. He sat me down and gave me some really great advice.”

His Dream Opponent:

“Undertaker. Absolutely Undertaker. I was absolutely gutted [when I lost the four-way between myself, C.M. Punk, Big Show and Randy Orton]. That was the match I wanted. The ‘Dead Man’, he’s one of the biggest legends and greatest superstars there ever will be in our business. To be able to step into the ring with him at WrestleMania, fella, there would be nothing bigger.

The International Olympic Committee Eliminating Amateur Wrestling:

“I think the people on the committee have completely lost their marbles. I think that is the most bizarre, ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my entire life. They’re literally removing one of the core sports of the Olympics that’s been there since the very beginning: Greco-Roman wrestling. And they’re taking it out to put in, what? What’s in there now? Badminton? Table tennis? Fly-fishing? Stamp collecting? Is stamp collecting in the Olympics now?

“I’ll be honest, that’s lost all credibility with me. I think that should be one of the core sports. Taking it out is ridiculous. I think they should be removed from their position in the committee because they have no idea what they’re doing.”

Kane Talks About Locker Room Jealousy, Undertaker’s Return, Hell No’s Popularity

Staff
-
20

WWE tag team champion Kane spoke with Gary Spears from New York’s KISS-FM radio station this week to hype WrestleMania 29. Here are some highlights of what Kane said about:

The Possibility of Snow at WrestleMania:

“Who knows what’s going to happen, right?This may be the first Wrestlemania that they bring the snowplows out. This is going to be really interesting.”

If He Was Surprised The Undertaker Returned For WrestleMania:

“Not really. He’s still got some gas left in the tank. If you’re going to be on the show, this is the show to be on, right? And of course, he’s a guy who really loves the business and loves to be out there. So, that didn’t surprise me at all, no.”

If There Is Jealousy Over Part Time Wrestlers (Rock and Lesnar):

“I don’t think so, because what we try to do is parlay that into better business all around. When the Rock comes back, that takes to a completely different level. The interest he generates is mainstream. It’s beneficial, more so than anyone else can do, frankly. Any petty jealousies that there might be need to be set aside, because we all benefit. It’s like when people say I don’t like so and so because they’re in the top spot, and I’m like well I do like them because I get to work with them and make more money. That’s how I look at it, and I think everybody does. We all benefit from those guys, and the excitement and tension they generate.”

If He Is Surprised At Team Hell No’s Popularity:

“Yeah, I was, and also the fact that it was such a departure from what I normally do. For me anyway, maybe that’s why it worked so well, because it was such a contrast from what Kane has done in the past. Despite the fact that I’m dealing with Daniel Bryanall the time, which is an enormous pain, I’ve actually had a really good time and a lot of fun doing that angle because it has been something different. It gives me some versatility and being able to show a side of Kane that people haven’t seen before makes the character a lot more well rounded. You’re not just a monster, you’re a monster who can crack jokes.”

Jim Ross Blog: WM29 Match He’s Most Looking Forward To, Fandango, Kurt Angle-HOF

Staff
-
0

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

Which WM29 Match He’s Most Looking Forward To:

“What match am I looking forward to the most at WM29? Several have my interest and ALL are important for those involved on a variety of levels. I certainly look forward to the Shield’s 6 man tag in their debut at the ‘Big Event.’ Very curious to see how @TripleH and Brock Lesnar engage. I love these physical, hellbent for leather type of matches. The Streak is a WM highlight and no element in WrestleMania history has been more significant than the Undertaker going 20-0 at the Super Bowl of WWE. As one who had a hand in signing both @JohnCena and @TheRock I am proud that they are going to close the show, again, but also am nervously anxious to see how they follow all that precedes them. Big time players step up and play when the game’s on the line and closing a WrestleMania event is akin to the game being on the line.”

How He Think Fandango Will Do At WrestleMania:

“I honestly feel that he will do well & have a surprisingly good match with the great Chris Jericho, @IAmJericho. I know that Fandango can wrestle because I’ve seen him pre-Fandango in NXT and it is unfortunate that some fans have already indicted this young man before they’ve see the new persona in action. Just because one doesn’t like the gift wrapping doesn’t mean that the package inside, inside the ropes in this case, won’t be a pleasant surprise.”

Kurt Angle In The WWE Hall Of Fame:

“Do I think that Sting or Kurt Angle will ever be inducted into the WWE HOF? Absolutely, is my best educated guess. When? I have no idea but I hope I’m around to see both inductions.”

TNA Impact Rating Down, Preview for Next Week’s Show

Staff
-
9

– Thursday’s 3/28 edition of TNA Impact Wrestling drew 1.31 million viewers, down a bit from the previous week.

– The following matches were taped on Thursday night in Jonesboro, Arkansas for the April 4 edition of Impact Wrestling:

10-Man Tag Team Match:
Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Magnus, Joseph Park, and Eric Young vs. Devon, DOC, Knux, Garett Bischoff, and Wes Brisco

Gut Check Challenge:
Adam Pearce vs. Magno

Knockouts Tag Team Match:
Velvet Sky and Taryn Terrell vs. Gail Kim and Tara

X Division Action:
Sonjay Dutt vs. Petey Williams vs. Mason Andrews

G.I. Joe’s Strong Opening Weekend, Bella Twins Trash Talk AJ Lee

Staff
-
10

– G.I. Joe: Retaliation looks to be having a strong opening weekend at the box office. According to Deadline.com, early data shows the movie pulled in $10.5 million on Thursday (including $2.5m from some Wednesday midnight screenings) and around $15 million on Friday. If they can keep up that pace, it will do around $45-50 million for the four-and-a-half day Easter weekend. Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore, better than the first installment’s (B+).

– WWE has announced Gerrit Meier as new Executive Vice President of International, reporting directly to Vince McMahon.

– The Baltimore Sun has an interview with Hacksaw Duggan, talking about his career, older wrestlers still performing and more.

– The official WWE website held a poll Friday asking who Divas Champion Kaitlyn should defend her title against. AJ Lee was the runaway winner, capturing over 70% of the vote. A member of The Bella Twins, however, pondered on Twitter whether Lee is even actually a “Diva,” while also taking the opportunity to slam her promiscuous behavior.

https://twitter.com/nicoleandbri/status/317733067617878017

Dolph Ziggler Upset With Part-Timers Headlining WrestleMania

Daniel Pena
-
60

– Speaking to XFINITY by Comcast, Dolph Ziggler revealed that he is none too pleased with WWE opting to utilize part-time talent in the premiere matches at WrestleMania instead of regulars—four of the six wrestlers advertised in the top three billed bouts are part-timers. When asked whether he is annoyed or inspired by this fact, he replied “it’s both.”

“It really pisses me off,” Ziggler noted. “But, it also is good business. Every year a part timer comes back, but there’s a reason that they’re back. Whether it’s the fans want to see them, if they’re a draw, if they’re a movie star, there’s a reason that they’re back. They’re not back just to do it. There’s business to be had. And it pisses me off and it motivates me a hundred percent. It makes me want to be that guy that they’re begging to come back. I appreciate it, it’s just good business. When people come to Wrestlemania to see the Rock and the Undertaker and they leave that Wrestlemania thinking, “Wow, that Dolph Ziggler stole the show. I can’t wait to tune in to ‘Raw’ to see what he does next.” That’s how I’ve lived my entire career.”

“The Show-off” also offered his two cents on his affiliation with Big E Langston and AJ Lee, saying it’s “crazy” that he’s now a locker room veteran assisting young talent.

“As the roster is changing and we have less guys from the late 90s, unless they’re on a light schedule, I’m good enough to be giving back to young up and comers,” said Ziggler. “And it’s really cool to have someone like an AJ and a Big E. I really appreciate that they want the best, they want to know what’s going on, they want to know why I did things in a match. It helps that they were childhood fans. AJ’s dream as a child was to be a WWE Superstar. I was five-years-old and I wanted to be a Superstar. We have that bond. It makes it that much more rewarding. And we’re just getting started. Once Wrestlemania comes and goes we’ll have more time to settle in and I think you’ll see a nice trio of great talent that could be the future of the business.”

Ziggler also discusses hosting WWE Download, the wear and tear of the Money in the Bank briefcase, who he idolized growing up, and more. The full interview is available here.

WWE Issues Statement On Reid Flair’s Death, Renee Young Makes SmackDown Debut, Maryse In NJ

Daniel Pena
-
9

– As reported today, Reid Fliehr, better known to wrestling fans as “Reid Flair,” son of legendary wrestler Ric Flair, was found dead in a hotel room in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday morning. WWE issued a statement via its official website acknowledging the 25-year-old’s passing.

“WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Reid Flair, son of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair,” WWE states. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Flair family and friends.”

– Renee Young, who hosts various minor shows for WWE, made her SmackDown debut on tonight’s show in a backstage segment interviewing Randy Orton, Sheamus and Big Show. Reacting to her debut, she wrote on Twitter: “Wow!! Seriously, thanks for all the tweets about making my debut on #Smackdown. Very cool! Let’s all hug in a totally friend-zone kinda way.”

– Former WWE Divas Champion Maryse Ouellet will in New Jersey during WrestleMania weekend as she has been announced to appear at WrestleCon at the Meadowlands Expo Center 355 Plaza Dr. Secaucus, New Jersey. The event takes place the day of WrestleMania from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

John Laurinaitis Reacts To SmackDown Appearance, WWE Looks Back At WCW Comics, More

Daniel Pena
-
3

– On this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown, John Laurinaitis reacts to his appearance on the show. Plus, Kaitlyn explains why she was happy to be Daniel Bryan’s tag team partner despite their differences.

– In 1992, Marvel Comics released the first issue of WCW: World Championship Wrestling a comic book featuring the biggest WCW biggest stars of the time including Sting, Lex Luger, The Steiners, Paul E. Dangerously’s Dangerous Alliance and PN News. The official WWE website has published an article examining ten of the best moments from the first four issues.

– Former WWE Superstar Vader has been announced to appear at the “Wrestling Spectacular 1” taking place May 18 at the Middletown Market 128 Dolson Ave. Middletown, New York. (Event Details)

Jim Ross On TNA Stars Being Inducted Into The WWE Hall of Fame, WrestleMania 29, A J.R. DVD?

Daniel Pena
-
5

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has published his latest blog, which includes thoughts on WrestleMania and whether TNA Wrestling stars Sting and Kurt Angle will ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Highlights from the post are as follows:

What WrestleMania match is he looking forward to most? “Several have my interest and ALL are important for those involved on a variety of levels. I certainly look forward to the Shield’s 6 man tag in their debut at the ‘Big Event.’ Very curious to see how @TripleH and Brock Lesnar engage. I love these physical, hellbent for leather type of matches. The Streak is a WM highlight and no element in WrestleMania history has been more significant than the Undertaker going 20-0 at the Super Bowl of WWE. As one who had a hand in signing both @JohnCena and @TheRock I am proud that they are going to close the show, again, but also am nervously anxious to see how they follow all that precedes them. Big time players step up and play when the game’s on the line and closing a WrestleMania event is akin to the game being on the line.”

Where he’ll be during WrestleMania week: “Yes I am going to WrestleMania and will be appearing at the WWEShop Super Store Friday afternoon from 1-3 signing and taking photos, as I understand it. The Super Store which is located just inside the MetLife gate at the Stadium is going to be a big hit and they will be stocking all JR’s products Thursday-Saturday and everything but the Beef Jerky on Sunday but I’m hoping that we well out of Jerky by Sunday.

“I have one AXXESS appearance. It is Saturday morning 8-10 at the Legends booth. Autographs and photos as usual there and I hope we have a big crowd. Bring your JR’s products Saturday morning and I will be happy to sign them.”

Has WWE considered releasing a Jim Ross DVD? “WWE has never discussed doing a JR DVD featuring my favorite matches and updated interviews with many of the stars involved but that’s not to say that it won’t or can’t happen some day. Might be a nice idea for WWE.com visitors and fans to vote an select their choices.”

Whether Sting or Kurt Angle will ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: “Do I think that Sting or Kurt Angle will ever be inducted into the WWE HOF? Absolutely, is my best educated guess. When? I have no idea but I hope I’m around to see both inductions.”

To read the full post, which includes more thoughts on WrestleMania, click here.

Police Confirm Reid Flair’s Death, Ric Flair’s Agent Issues Statement On Passing

Daniel Pena
-
33

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department has confirmed that Reid Flair, the 25-year-old son of legendary wrestler Ric Flair, was found dead Friday in a Charlotte hotel.

According to a press release issued by police, officers received a call for service in reference to an unresponsive individual at a room at the Residence Inn in SouthPark. Police identified the person as Richard Fliehr (his real name), and he was pronounced dead.

Police say there didn’t appear to be foul play involved in his death.

Ric Flair’s agent, Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment, issued a statement on Facebook: “We are heartbroken to confirm that Ric’s son, Reid Fliehr, has passed away today March 29, 2013 in Charlotte, NC.

Ric Flair’s agent, Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment, issued the following statement on Facebook concerning Reid’s passing: “We are heartbroken to confirm that Ric’s son, Reid Fliehr, has passed away today March 29, 2013 in Charlotte, N.C.

“The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing. Reid was 25 and an incredible son, brother, friend, and professional wrestler.

“No words can describe the grief that Ric and his family are experiencing and they do request privacy during this devastating time.”

CharlotteObserver.com has a report on Flair’s death.

WWE Names 10 Stars Who Were Ahead Of Their Time, Highlights From This Week’s “Superstars”

Daniel Pena
-
12

– The official WWE website has posted an article listing ten wrestlers who were “ahead of their time.” This list includes Dynamite Kid, Gorgeous George, Brian Pillman, Nick Bockwinkel, Bad News Brown, Goldust, Sabu, “Superstar” Billy Graham, Raven and Antonino Rocca.

WWE compares Pillman to CM Punk, stating, “Before CM Punk broke the fourth wall with his unforgettable “pipe bomb” tirade in June 2011, Pillman regularly cast his wild eyes right at the camera’s lens and unleashed bold messages that captured the unbridled emotion of The Attitude Era. Despite Pillman’s relatively short career, his body of work — including rivalries that took deeply personal turns — continues to influence a new generation of performers.”

– Highlights from this week’s episode of WWE Superstars are now online, which features Natalya going one-on-one with Aksana.

Also featured is Kofi Kingston squaring off against Primo.

Trish Stratus Weighs In On The State Of The Divas Division, Entering The WWE Hall of Fame & More

Daniel Pena
-
2

Seven-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus joined “The Rack” Thursday night she discussed her pending Hall of Fame induction, what will she be wearing to the ceremony, the poll from her website about her top 10 favorite outfits, who are some of the people she wished she could have faced, her feelings on the state of the current Divas division, her iconic match at WrestleMania 22 vs Mickie James, how does someone come down from the highs of WrestleMania, possibly getting a Mattel Trish Stratus Barbie, an update on her yoga studio, who would she like to see as the next female inductee to the Hall of Fame and more. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Her reaction to entering the WWE Hall of Fame: “I’m super excited; oh my gosh. The call was like ‘Oh my God, seriously?!’ That was my first reaction. But I mean I’m actually honored; I know I keep saying this but I felt like ‘it feels like a little bit too soon’ but then I realized I have been retired for seven years. I don’t know, I think I have such an active role in the company at this moment that I don’t feel like I’ve been away from it for that long, you know? But I’m just, I’m thrilled, I’m very honored and when I heard the class this year, it’s just like wow; I’m just blown away. And as the fan, I feel like it’s amazing. I’m really looking forward to that weekend.”

Who is someone she wished she could have faced in the WWE today: “I feel like I’ve been saying it a lot but I mean the two women that really did some awesome stuff after I left was, well, one thing I say is I was so satisfied when I retired because I felt like I worked with just about everyone I wanted to work with, right? And then, all of a sudden, there was this wonderful burst of Nattie and Beth and it was the ‘Divas of Destruction’ and it was just this awesome stuff that they were doing and I’m like ‘I want a piece of that’. That is something I would like to go back to because it was good wrestling again. And Beth, thankfully, I had a chance to go back and wrestle with her, and you know Nattie is just, and we both say it, I would just love the opportunity to work with her, I think. And when I say work with her, I mean partner or even I would, it would be my pleasure to kick her butt. So, you know, we both being a Canadian mix of things and I just see some double Sharpshooter action; I just see some good stuff that would be really good. But you knows? It’s kind of like who is on my wish-list. “

Her thoughts on the current state of the Diva’s Division: “I think what is missing is I think everyone has the right tools. I think we’re seeing; listen, when you look at, and it’s funny, I fell in Kaitlyn because I loved her quirky attitude and she reminds me of me and I like that a lot, and there’s that afraid to not be silly and I just think that the fans don’t know that side of her, or know as much as we do on the inside, right? So, what I think is missing overall, and it’s something I’ve said for years, is the development of the characters.

So, everybody’s got the right tools, everybody has the skills to wrestle and definitely I think we have distinct personalities out there, even someone like Rosa Mendes. To me, the lost art is the valet to full-time wrestler transition and I think the more we see of Rosa in her valet role, it allows us to really get to know her and develop her character, right? And for her, and I hope she realizes, it’s one of the best places to be to really understand and to get wrestling. Like, I know when I was ringside watching the guys wrestle and watching every movement and what evokes and emotion and you kind of watch what works and what didn’t work, it made me when I got in the ring, it made able to draw on that, those experiences, and really bring that into the ring and be a better performer. So, I think everyone’s got the capabilities, certainly everyone’s been wrestling more and I think there’s some great wrestling technique going on now and characters for sure. I think now, we just have to sort of look at the division as a whole and it would be awesome to just think ‘Ok, how do we position each person a little differently and make these storylines?’ because everyone’s kind of wrestling with each other but there’s no storylines. And it’s like, what’s the direction, what’s the storyline, why are they wrestling, why do they hate each other? And I want it to be more than ‘You’re a girl’ and ‘I want the title’ it has to be more than just the title because obviously, that’s what we’re all going for, that’s the purpose of being in wrestling and why you compete in your division but there’s got to be an underlying storyline and that’s usually what stems from your characters. “

On the quality of matches given by Divas today: “That’s the thing, these girl’s matches are great; they’re actually having really good matches, to be honest. Tamina is fantastic in there, I mean and it’s like everyone happens to be under the radar because they’re like ‘Yeah, that was a good match’ but it’s true. It’s like, you need that storyline, there’s no way around it. You see they deliver the good, they just need something to fuel them in there, so when they’re there it’s like I care what that kick means, or why that cheat means so why I hate her for that cheat. So, that’s one thing missing, that’s for sure.”

Who would she like to see next inducted into the Hall of Fame, female wise: “I mean, I think Lita would be a great pick. She and I obviously sort of have this parallel our entire career. She’s a great friend of mine, I respect her and our career was a real special thing that we had; the relationship and our character’s relationship as well; I think she would be deserving. But, at the same time, you know it’s a long list. There’s some great women; I know one thing I kept hearing was Luna Vachon; why is Trish Stratus going in before Luna Vachon and I concur. You know, I think Luna, to me it would be great to see her go in but there’s so many women who’ve contributed to the overall of what women and how women are perceived in wrestling, but these women will all get in at some point. It’s not a matter of will they, it’s a matter of when.”

To listen to the audio interview, click here.

The Wrestling World Reacts To The Death Of Reid Flair

Staff
-
5

The wrestling world is expressing its shock and support for the Flair family on Twitter in response to the tragic passing of 25 year old Reid Flair. Here are some tweets from today:

https://twitter.com/ebischoff/status/317695443255574529

https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/317759235943460866

https://twitter.com/officialtaz/status/317762687402639361

https://twitter.com/scotthallnwo/status/317702007815274496

https://twitter.com/cowboy_j_storm/status/317697005147279360

https://twitter.com/wwebraywyatt/status/317699775573147648

Reid Flair, 25-Year-Old Son Of Ric Flair, Passes Away

Daniel Pena
-
50

Reid Flair, the 25-year-old son of legendary wrestler Ric Flair, has been found dead on Friday, according to multiple sources.  Details concerning his passing have not been disclosed.

With his background, Flair was hailed as future wrestling star dating back to high school as he was an accomplished amateur wrestler who achieved numerous awards. His career, however, was sidetracked in 2009 due to a slew of personal issues, including an arrest that found him in possession of black tar heroin.

Following a hiatus from the squared circle, Reid made his in-ring debut for All Japan Wrestling in January, replacing his sick father in a tag team match due to the WWE Hall of Famer suffering a blood clot in his leg. Last month, Reid competed in All Japan’s Excite Series tour, wrestling undercard tag team matches. On March 15, Flair wrestled his first singles match in All Japan, causing Yasufumi Nakanoue to submit with the Figure Four Leglock.

In recent months, there was talk of Reid joining WWE developmental along with his sister, Ashley (NXT Diva Charlotte). WWE did take a look at him, but he was never signed to a contract.

He was scheduled to make independent appearances in Maryland this weekend with his father.

Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Reid Flair.

The Rock Appears On Jimmy Kimmel Live (Videos)

Staff
-
5

[attention]The Videos Below AUTO-PLAY – We Tried Disabling That But It Didn’t Work[/attention]

WWE Champion The Rock appeared on Jimmy Kimmel last night to hype promote G.I. Joe: Retaliation. Although he did not have the WWE Championship belt with him, The Rock did speak about WWE during a good portion of the interview. The Rock talked about his crazy schedule, training and dieting for both WrestleMania 29 and the upcoming film Hercules at the same time.

Kimmel asked The Rock why he needs to focus on his match against John Cena at WrestleMania if the outcome is per-determined. The Rock laughed off the remark and said, “Here’s the thing. If I lose, ‘God, it’s phony. If I win, then it’s real.”

The Rock talked about starting with WWE back in 1996, when he had zero wrestling experience and showed up with “no trunks, no boots, no nothing.” Kimmel asked him if he had to wrestle naked. The Rock said he was then sent back to the minor-leagues and had to start from the bottom, wrestling in flea-markets, used-car dealerships, and barns, where fans threw batteries at him and cut him with exacto-knives. Kimmel said, “I guess it worked out.”

Here are videos of the appearance

MAILBAG: Are You For Or Against The Rock Being WWE Champion?

Jason Solomon
-
38

SEScoops Mailbag for March 29th

(please submit YOUR questions to [email protected]) or follow @solomonster on Twitter and submit them that way!

Q: Last week on the Sound Off [podcast], you talked about the Booker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania 19 and said that he squashed him, with no rematch. I found on YouTube though that they had a rematch on Raw with HBK as the special referee. It ended in some kind of no contest after Jericho and Nash interfered. As someone who didn’t watch WWE during Triple H’s “reign of terror”, I’m curious to what extent you think it really took away from the product and frustrated you that he kept putting himself over? – Draven

A: Was that the match where the bell never rang to signal the end of the contest? How can I forget that? Technically, that match is still in progress, making it the longest match in history. It was incredibly frustrating (and boring, quite frankly) to see Triple H put himself over at the expense of others on a weekly basis. The things he would do, and say on promos, did his opponents no favors. This differs greatly from the way his idol, Ric Flair, did business in the midst of his NWA title runs. You could argue that his being champion for so long made the title mean more, and that may be so, but during his 434 days reign as champion, I never felt that CM Punk did anything to make his opponents look inferior the way that Triple H did.

Q: I’m not against Rock being around, but I am against him being the WWE Champion. For me, the title still means something and it should only be held by guys who will be around the whole year. I find it ridiculous that The Rock can’t even take 10 seconds on his media rounds to say that he’s wrestling, he’s the WWE Champion or even mention his upcoming title defense vs Cena at WrestleMania. I was hesitant at first, but thought it might end up good for WWE if Rocky gave them some publicity heading into Mania. Do you think Rock hasn’t done his job as WWE Champion? – Justin from Puerto Rico

A: WWE wanted him to be champion. He could have told them to go piss off, but he agreed to it. He’s doing just fine. I would have preferred they at least tape something with him to air during one of those two weeks of Raw that he missed, but that’s WWE’s fault for not thinking of it. I was quite suspect of Rock going on The Tonight Show and not saying a word about WrestleMania or being the champion, but since then, he’s talked wrestling on “Live with Kelly and Michael” and devoted an entire segment to it on Jimmy Kimmel’s show. Rock is doing his job just fine. Believe me, WWE will be more than happy once they tally up this year’s box office for Mania.

Q: I’m pretty sure [Daniel Bryan] and Kane are breaking up soon after WrestleMania. Do you think [Bryan] will be in the main event scene, or will he be placed in a mid-card comedy program with Santino or Hornswoggle? Also, do think he’ll turn heel and transition back to the entertaining “YES” man, or could he try to change it up and turn into a wrestling machine like Kurt Angle later in his late WWE run? – Gareth

A: Everyone has to adapt. You mention Kurt Angle, who went from goofy comedy figure to serious submission machine in the span of a few years. I have no doubt that Bryan could pull off the same if they wanted him to. But right now, the comedy stuff is working, so I say run with it until they actually have a plan for him. The worst thing they could do is break up Hell No and turn Bryan serious without having a direction in mind for him. But I think I can safely say he won’t be feuding with Santino or Hornswoggle, so you can rest easy.

Q: Why do fans give into near falls that aren’t [preceded] by someone’s finish? I just find it strange that we as fans [fall for] the idea that a pinfall can come out of nowhere that doesn’t involve a rollup, GTS, RKO, etc. You would think after the way our brains have been trained we’d know otherwise. – Kenneth

A: That’s a sign you’re watching a great wrestling match with two guys who know what they’re doing. Matt Hardy used the Side Effect as a setup move for years and the fans ALWAYS reacted to it like they thought it was the finish. It always amazed me, but he had the people invested. That’s the magic of pro wrestling.

Q: I just watched Raw from this past Monday. Wow. Just wow. This show sucked and is indicative of where WWE is at right now. I haven’t seen WWE this bad since 1995 when Diesel was champion and we were treated to the likes of T.L. Hopper, Duke “The Dumpster” Droese, and the Dentist Soon To Be Known as Kane. Was WWE 1995 worse than WWE today? – Cliff

A: WWE right now is nowhere near as bad as it was in 1995. I don’t want to say there was nothing redeeming about the product that year because, to be fair, they had some great wrestlers in Bret and Owen Hart, Shawn Michaels, 1-2-3 Kid and Hakushi. Even the pirate guy had a great match with the Hitman, and the Waylon Mercy character is highly underrated, even if Danny Spivey was past his expiration date at that stage of his career. But whatever good there may have been is negated 100 times over by those atrocious gimmicks we were subjected to that year. Could you picture Chris Jericho as The Goon? It almost happened! And let’s not forget Mantaur. I bet Jim Cornette sure wishes he could.

Q: With [the groundhog] lying to us here in the northeast yet again, my question is simple. Does WWE have a backup plan for WrestleMania if the winter weather has not released its grip in the northeast? With the long, elaborate entrances for Mania, what do you think they would do? – Tim from Mechanicsburg, PA

A: Supposedly, they have invested in giant heaters for the stage and ringside area if it’s really cold that night. The rest of us in attendance may freeze our asses off, but otherwise, the show goes on!

Q: Was Ahmed Johnson released from the WWF in 1998 or did he leave on his own? And what’s he up to these days? – Ravonn from NY

A: Ahmed walked out on a Raw taping one night and never came back. He claimed in later interviews the reason he left was because his sister was dying of cancer and he never told Vince McMahon about it. I guess it was a macho thing. As for what he’s up to these days, judging by recent photos, I’d say about 450.

Keep those questions coming to [email protected] and remember to include your name!

Paul Heyman Hypes Punk vs. Undertaker & Lesnar vs. Triple H

Staff
-
3

Paul Heyman recently spoke with Philly.com to promote WrestleMania 29. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The City of Philadelphia:

“There is no Paul Heyman in 2013 without the city of Philadelphia. Each city has a unique flavor… and Philadelphia is the reason why ECW became such a global phenomenon and in turn solidified my reputation and afforded me the opportunity to build my reputation that I would have never had in any other city in America or in the world for that matter.”

Working with CM Punk and Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania:

“How could it be bad for me? I have two of the three main events properly represented on the biggest Wrestlemania of all time in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. How could things be going anything but splendidly for me? I’m ecstatic with my current role in WWE. I get to work every Monday with my two best friends: Brock Lesnar and CM Punk. I have ‘The Beast’ [Lesnar] and ‘The Best’ [Punk].”

Final Hype for Brock vs. Triple H and Punk vs. The Undertaker:

“One, you have a chance to come and witness true history, where The Undertaker’s streak is finally going to be snapped. You get to say that ‘I saw it live when The Undertaker’s streak was broken by CM Punk. Far from least important, you get to sat thank you to Triple H for all of his in-ring contributions to the WWE Universe throughout the years because if you’re a Triple H fan, you’re not going to get to see him wrestle again. This is going to be his last match because Brock Lesnar is going to beat Triple H and this is your chance to say thank you to the The Game.”

1...2,7362,7372,738...3,329Page 2,737 of 3,329