– Ireland’s No Limit Wrestling has announced their wrestlers Joey Cabray (who wrestles in a demon mask as Omen) and Rachelle St. Claire have signed developmental deals with WWE.
– Here is the official cover art for WWE’s upcoming “Best of In Your House” DVD/Blu-Ray set, due out April 30th. Pre-Order Here
– Friday’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy had a Trendrr.tv social media score of 64,958, way down from the previous week’s 89,277 (the “Social Media SmackDown” special). Smackdown ranked #3 on cable for the night behind the two NBA games on ESPN.
– Here’s the latest edition of WWE Backstage Fallout, featuring behind-the-scenes interviews from Friday’s SmackDown.
Based on what we saw on SmackDown and the following video, it appears Ryback and Mark Henry are indeed headed towards a showdown at WrestleMania 29:
In the SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout,” Ryback reacts to the second staredown he’s had with Mark Henry. Plus, what does Divas Champion Kaitlyn have to say about Layla’s apology?
– Thursday’s 3/7 episode of TNA Impact Wrestling, the final show at the Impact Zone before they hit the road next week, drew a 1.13 rating, even with 1.14 the week before. The show averaged 1.43 million viewers and was ranked #33 on cable for the night.
– Jeremy Borash posted the following video of what happened at the Impact Zone after the final weekly Impact from Orlando went off the air:
IMPACT WRESTLING ANNOUNCES THREE NEW DESTINATIONS FOR LIVE TELEVISION EVENTS
THE SUPERSTARS OF TNA IMPACT WRESTLING INVADE INDIANA, PA.; TUPELO, MISS. AND TAMPA, FLA. TO FILL OUT LIVE TV ON THE ROAD SCHEDULE THROUGH MAY
NASHVILLE, TENN. (March 7, 2013) — IMPACT WRESTLING, TNA Entertainment’s flagship television show seen Thursdays at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Spike TV, has announced three new locations for its live TV tapings in April and May.
TNA President Dixie Carter announced the new THURSDAY NIGHT IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE destinations during IMPACT WRESTLING’s final scheduled IMPACT Zone appearance in Orlando before the show goes on the road beginning next Thursday, March 14 in Chicago.
Newly added to THURSDAY NIGHT IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE’s travel
– Thursday, April 25 at Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex in Indiana, Pa. (Tickets on sale March 29, more info at www.kovalchickcomplex.com)
– Thursday, May 9 at BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo, Miss. (Tickets on sale April 5, more info at www.bcsarena.com)
– Thursday, May 23 at USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla. (Tickets on sale April 26, more info at www.sundomearena.com)
“The Immortal” Hulk Hogan and “The Icon” Sting lead IMPACT WRESTLING superstars such as Bully Ray, “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy, “The Cowboy” James Storm, Austin Aries, X Division standouts Kenny King and Zema Ion, Velvet Sky and the lovely and lethal Knockouts, as part of the THURSDAY NIGHT IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE events.
For more information on IMPACT WRESTLING, visit www.IMPACTWRESTLING.com.
We encourage you to follow us on Twitter @IMPACTWRESTLING, @TNADixie and @TNAPR and on Facebook at www.fb.com/IMPACTWRESTLING for our latest social news.
Here’s Part 4 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th.
WrestleMania IV (1988) Tagline: What The World Is Watching! Date: March 27, 1988 Venue: Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, NJ Attendance: 18,165 America The Beautiful: Gladys Knight
At the first Royal Rumble in January 1988, Hogan and André had their official contract signing for a WWF Championship rematch.The main feud heading into WrestleMania was between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant. At the first Survivor Series in November, André, One Man Gang, King Kong Bundy, Butch Reed and Rick Rude defeated Hogan, Paul Orndorff, Don Muraco, Ken Patera and Bam Bam Bigelow in a Survivor Series match.
Their rematch took place on the first-ever edition of The Main Event in February, where André controversially won the title from Hogan in a screwjob involving a twin referees.
Immediately after winning the title from Hogan, André sold the title to Ted DiBiase; President Jack Tunney nullified the decision, vacating the title.
André became the shortest reigning WWF Champion with a reign of only 47 seconds as he sold the title to Ted DiBiase and received a large sum of money.
Andre revealed, in an arena interview with Dibiase a few weeks before the event. that he planned to take a year off and go on a cruise with the money Dibiase was paying him once he secured the title for him at WrestleMania IV, further explaining why Andre would sell off the belt he had wanted himself at WrestleMania III just a year earlier. WWF President Jack Tunney, however, vacated the title and ordered it to be decided in a 14-man tournament at WrestleMania IV.
Hulk Hogan and André the Giant went to a draw by double disqualification in this event. This would be Hogan’s first WrestleMania match in which a disqualification occurred. This was Hogan’s first and only time going to a draw at WrestleMania.
Hogan and Andre also have the distinction of being the first two wrestlers in the history of the event to have a WrestleMania rematch. They had wrestled each other the previous year at WrestleMania III in what many deem the most famous
Bad News Brown turns on Bret Hart, at the 20-Man-Battle Royal
wrestling contest of all time.
The first match was a 20-man battle royal and the winner would receive a large trophy. After fourteen eliminations, the final three participants were Bad News Brown, Bret Hart, and JYD. JYD hit both Hart & Brown with several headbutts before they both decided to cooperate and they eliminated JYD. Hart decided that he and Brown would share the trophy but Brown betrayed him and hit him with a Ghetto Blaster and pounded on him before eliminating him over the top rope to win the battle royal. Brown was presented with the trophy, but Hart attacked him from behind and broke the trophy, thus turning babyface.
The Ultimate Warrior making his PPV Debut.
In his pay-per-view debut, The Ultimate Warrior faced Bobby Heenan’s client Hercules. Warrior snapped Hercules’ chain and chopped him in the corner. Hercules tried to fight back and he hit three clotheslines on Warrior, who no-sold Hercules’ clothesline. Hercules fell to the mat each time during his unsuccessful clothesline attempts. The powerhouse Warrior countered a Hercules clothesline and hit a clothesline of his own. He pounded on Hercules outside the ring before reentering the ring where Warrior hit a forearm club. In the corner, Warrior hit him ten-count punches but Hercules made a comeback with an inverted atomic drop. He hit a half nelson suplex on Warrior who got his shoulder up first, as the referee counted, giving Warrior the win.
Baseball great Bob Uker getting more than he deserved when interviewing Andre The Giant
The main event was the tournament final for the vacant WWF Championship between Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase. Savage was tired due to his semifinal match against the big One Man Gang while DiBiase took advantage of his freshness as he had received a bye in the semifinals. He dominated most of the match but in the end, Savage made a comeback and tried to hit a Savage Elbow on DiBiase but DiBiase moved out of the way. He applied a Million Dollar Dream on Savage.
With the referee distracted due to interference by André the Giant, Hogan (who had been brought down mid-match by Miss Elizabeth on request by Savage to neutralize Andre’s presence) took advantage and nailed DiBiase with a steel chair.
Savage climbed up the top rope for a second
Randy “Macho Man” Savage with Miss Elizabeth Celebrating his WWF Championship Win
elbow drop attempt and this time, he successfully hit Savage Elbow. He followed it up with a pinfall victory. He won the tournament and vacant WWF Championship. After the match, Hogan, Miss Elizabeth and Savage celebrated Savage’s WWF Championship win.
Although the event was promoted as being at the Trump Plaza, it was in fact held in the adjacent Boardwalk Hall.
This WrestleMania featured 16 matches, more than any other WrestleMania.
WrestleMania IV Results
Over the top rope 20-Man-Battle Royal
• Bad News Brown won an by last eliminating Bret Hart.
Participants : Bad News Brown, The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov), The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart), The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell), Danny Davis, George Steele, Harley Race, Hillbilly Jim, The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques and Raymond), The Young Stallions (Paul Roma and Jim Powers), Junkyard Dog, Ken Patera, Ron Bass, Sam Houston, and Sika.
First Round Tournament for the WWF Championship
• Ted DiBiase (with Virgil and André the Giant) defeated Jim Duggan.
• Don Muraco (with Billy Graham) defeated Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin) by disqualification.
• Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Ricky Steamboat (with Little Dragon).
• Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Butch Reed (with Slick).
• One Man Gang (with Slick) defeated Bam Bam Bigelow (with Oliver Humperdink) by countout.
• Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) and Jake Roberts fought to a time-limit draw
Singles Match
• The Ultimate Warrior defeated Hercules (with Bobby Heenan)
Quater Finals Tournament for the WWF Championship
• Hulk Hogan and André the Giant (with Ted DiBiase and Virgil) fought to a double disqualification.
• Ted DiBiase defeated Don Muraco (with Billy Graham).
• Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Greg Valentine (with Jimmy Hart).
Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
• Brutus Beefcake defeated The Honky Tonk Man (c) (with Jimmy Hart and Peggy Sue) by disqualification.
Six-man tag team match
•The Islanders (Haku and Tama) and Bobby Heenan defeated The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) and Koko B. Ware.
Semi-Finals Tournament for the WWF Championship
•Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated One Man Gang (with Slick) by disqualification.
Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship
•Demolition (Ax and Smash) (with Mr. Fuji) defeated Strike Force (c) (Rick Martel and Tito Santana)
Tournament finals match for the vacant WWF Championship
•Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth and Hulk Hogan) defeated Ted DiBiase (with André the Giant).
– Antonio Cesaro passed the 200-day mark as WWE United States Champion on Thursday, thereby making him the fifth longest holder of the WWE version of the strap. He trails MVP—who the belt for a record 343 days in 2007 and 2008-Chris Benoit, The Miz and Shelton Benjamin.
– Amy Dumas, known in WWE as Lita, appears in a newly released music video from JD & The FDCs. The song, “From The Shadows,” features the former WWE Diva in a spoken word portion that she specifically wrote for the song.
– Jerry “The King” Lawler has been announced to appear at this spring’s Chiller Theatre convention, which takes place April 26-28 at the Sheraton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey.
– Chris Jericho will be returning to action this Saturday at WWE RAW’s live event from Broomfield, Colorado.
– The new WWE Studios film Dead Man Down, featuring Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett, has been declared “Rotten” by review aggregation site RottenTomatoes.com. With 36 critic reviews in, the movie currently has a score of 39/100. Their quick review reads:
“While the fine cast keeps Dead Man Down watchable throughout, the film is weighted down by absurd plot twists and a slack pace.”
Pictures of Wade Barrett On The Set of Dead Man Down
Former multi-time X-Division Champion, multi-time Tag Team Champion and one half of “Bad Influence” ‘The Physical Fascination’ Frankie Kazarian joined “2012 Award Winning Best New Show” the Rack Thursday Night. In a nearly 20 minute interview, he discussed his upcoming three-way tag team championship match this weekend at the Lockdown PPV, what his favorite Lockdown memory is, if being part of Bad Influence is the most fun he’s had in wrestling, TNA going on the road and where he might want to go in the future, if he has a fond memory of the Impact Zone, his thoughts on the One Night Only events, his love for comics and comic fans including Spiderman and Iron Man, his feelings on the ‘imposter’ team of Roode and Aries, if he has his sights set on singles gold in the future and more.
If they are looking forward to this weekend’s Lockdown PPV: “Of course, because we get the chance to become the World Tag Team Champions of the World for the third time, which we’re going to do and we’re going to do it on one of the biggest stages that Impact showcases every year and that’s Lockdown, this time in San Antonio. So, of course we’re psyched because we’re going to be there and, spoiler alert, it’s going to be great. “
His favorite Lockdown memory: “Lockdown, to be honest, is not one of my favorite PPVs simply because it is a very brutal Pay-Per-View in the past. Anytime you are in a steel cage environment, it presents a lot of dangers and I’ve done a lot of different types of matches: I’ve done X-Division Escape style matches and I’ve done numerous Lethal Lockdown matches. I don’t know if I have a favorite, but the year that Fortune defeated Immortal, which I believe is 2011 at Lockdown, was a very successful year for Fortune as a group and individually and it was a great way to close out the show that night and bring an end to that feud, so I guess I’d have to go with that one. Coincidentally, it was right when Christopher Daniels returned to the company so it was great to have him back.”
If being in ‘Bad Influence’ is the most fun he’s ever had: “Oh, absolutely; it’s F-U-N and what you see is what you get, you know? The good thing is it’s just us being us, it’s not us just trying to pretend or play somebody else; it’s just us being us. Everything we say, everything we do comes from our heads and we’ve been given a lot more creative freedom than in the past, which is awesome and we’re both very grateful for. Yeah, we’re absolutely having fun and it’s great to be doing this with Chris because I’ve known him the better part of 15 years and we’ve been very, very good friends; he’s been my best friend outside of the business so we obviously have a chemistry inside of the ring as well. Individually, we’ve both had a lot of success in TNA and now collectively, so it’s awesome and it’s a lot of fun. We always try to outdo whatever we’ve done in the past; we always try to one-up each other and I’ll be honest, he’s hard to keep up with. He’s so quick witted on the mic and in the ring, he can do such incredible things that I’m always trying to stay on an even keel with him, and even go a little above. But it’s awesome; I’m definitely having one of the funnest times in my career right now.”
What he thinks about TNA going on the road for Impact starting next week: “Psyched. You know, being a guy that’s been here since day one, that was one of the goals, one of the huge, way far down the road goals that we had set out when we just a little tiny company, struggling every week in the Fairgrounds in Nashville at the Asylum. That was one of the ‘Wow, wouldn’t that be great if we had a television show?’ and then ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we had a weekly television show in primetime?’ and then it was ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we were on the road?’. That’s where we are right now, this dream has become a reality; not just for the company but us as individuals and us as performers. So I’m psyched! Nervous? Not at all, just psyched; just really, really excited to bring our brand of pro wrestling to the people and just to give them an alternative, you know?
These people in Orlando have been: “I don’t know if they realize how lucky they’ve been to see the matches and the entertainment they’ve seen over the last nine years because we’ve given them some incredible stuff here in Orlando and it’s only fair that the rest of the country, and the rest of the world for that matter, get to see what the guys and gals of Impact can do. So, I’m psyched; it’s just super cool to be on the road and to be in different cities and to hear the hateful shouts from people in different cities, as opposed to just Orlando. These Orlando folk are getting a little bit stale, I want some new hate. I want to hear some new haters.”
If he has a fond memory of the Impact Zone: “All joking aside, I could joke and say ‘I can’t wait to get out of here’ and part of that is true, but this place has been our home for many years and I have a lot of memories; good, bad and indifferent here. I’ve suffered a couple of bad injuries here, which is some of the bad memories, you know what though, just being here for the first time, walking into the building and wrestling one of the first ever matches in this building; winning numerous X-Division titles and wrestling main events and television main events and just going live for the first time; there’s just so many memories, it would be hard to condense it into just one. So, it’s a little bit bittersweet; I feel like the fans here to a certain extent have been spoiled but at the same time I know the do appreciate what we do but hopefully they see this as part of TNA’s growing process and this is what we have to do; the little bird has to leave the nest. So, the Impact Zone has been great, it’s been our home for nine years and it was a really cool wrestling venue. I think when it’s all said and done, the Impact Zone will be one of those like ECW Arena-like venues, the intimate venues that was known as a really cool place to see pro wrestling.”
You can follow Frankie Kazarian through his Twitter (@FrankieKazarian) for all the latest on his news and notes. You can also see Kazarian and his ‘Bad Influence’ partner Christopher Daniels weekly as part of TNA’s IMPACT Wrestling, Thursday Nights at 8 pm Eastern on Spike TV, check your local cable listings for channel availability and location. And, as always, you can follow Kazarian and all the stars of TNA IMPACT Wrestling though their Twitter (@ImpactWrestling) and their website (www.impactwrestling.com) for all the information on their weekly television programming and up to the minute news and matches listings for the upcoming “Lockdown” PPV this Sunday, March 10th, call your local cable provider for information and ordering details.
There is currently a petition going at WhiteHouse.gov to designate May 20th as Macho Man Randy Savage Day. The petition reads:
“Macho Man Randy Savage was a national treasure loved by everyone who watched him on television or knew him personally. No matter if you knew him from Slim Jim commercials or his wrestling career, you felt a deep connection with Savage. Tragically, the world lost him on May 20, 2011. This petition is to set aside that day every year as a celebration and remembrance of the Macho Man’s life and to keep his legacy alive for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”
The goal is to reach 100,000 signatures by April 04, 2013.
Monday Night Mayhem, Hosted By The Big Mosh & Todd Vincent
WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco was the featured guest on this week’s edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem, hosted by The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent.
WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco Looks Back On His Memories Of His & His Brother’s WWE Hall Of Fame Induction In 2008, Discusses This Year’s “Class Of 2013,” What It Means To Now Have Bruno Sammartino Be A Part Of The WWE HOF, Why He Believes His Son (Wes Brisco) Is Ready To Step Into The Ring With Kurt Angle, What He Looks For In A Potential WWE Superstar In His Current Role As A Talent Scout For The WWE, How DDP Yoga Has Helped Improve His Own Personal Health, The Latest On The Efforts To Reinstate Wrestling Into The Olympics, Plus Much More In His Exclusive Monday Night Mayhem Interview
The former two-time WWE Hardcore Champion joined The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent for his first-ever MNM appearance, which is now available for streaming here (.MP3).
Interview highlights courtesy of WWEDVDNews.com’s Aaron Carnevale, MNM’s National Correspondent:
His fondest memory of when he and his late brother Jack were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008: “My biggest thrill was actually standing on that stage with my brother. He was starting to go into bad health at that time, and for him muster up the strength and courage to get out there on stage took a lot from him. Also that night, Gordon Solie went in, along with Eddie Graham. Those two guys meant a lot, so it was an exciting night.”
Why he believes his son (Wes Brisco) is ready to step into the ring with Kurt Angle this Sunday night:“Well, he better be ready, because I know Kurt Angle isn’t going to take it easy on him because he’s my son. If film study will help, he’s going to be great. We’ve gone over every tape online that we can possibly see, and he’s been working out a game plan against Kurt. I think he is ready to step up, and I’m very happy that he got this opportunity against the caliber of Kurt Angle. I wish the best for both of them, and I’m excited for Wes. The kid eats, sleeps and breathes what we do.”
What he looks for in a potential WWE Superstar in his current role as a talent scout for the WWE: “It’s just a feel for it for guys. I’ve been around for decades. I started in 1967, so I’ve been around wrestling for almost 60 years. There are no set guidelines. I just look for body language. I look at how the guys carry themselves to the mat. I look for their footwork. I watch how they react to a win, I watch how they react to a loss. I watch the interactions with their teammates and fans afterwards. It’s mostly body language, and how he looks, and how he moves.”
Much more is contained in Gerald Brisco’s exclusive interview with Monday Night Mayhem, including his candid thoughts on this year’s WWE Hall of Fame selections, what it means to now have Bruno Sammartino be a part of the WWE HOF, how DDP Yoga has helped improve his own personal health, the latest on the efforts to reinstate wrestling into the Olympics, plus so much more! Follow the legendary WWE Hall of Famer right now on Twitter (@FGBrisco). And if you live in the Florida area and need to have your car fixed, there’s no better place than Brisco Brother’s Body Shop, closing in on its 40th anniversary! Call (813) 879-4421 to make an appointment today.
John Cena to Headline SXSW 2013 Panel This Saturday
STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE and Echo, the first and largest real-time web platform provider, announced that they will share the strategies behind WWE’s award-winning digital programs at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference this Saturday, March 9.
The panel will feature a candid discussion with John Cena, the third most followed U.S. athlete on Facebook and Twitter with more than 17 million fans combined, and provide insight into how the 10-time WWE Champion utilizes social media to extend WWE’s brand and connect with fans.
The panel will explore how WWE is leveraging creative, media, technology and talent to become one of the most widely respected and successful brands in social TV.
With more than six hours of domestic weekly programming, 300 Live Events each year and broadcasts in more than 145 countries, WWE is in a unique position to unite the web, mobile, television and live audience experiences under an integrated digital strategy, with the goal of building the ultimate interactive experience for fans.
Last year, WWE launched an unprecedented second-screen experience, WWE Active, on its WWE flagship app, which has been downloaded more than 4.6 million times since its debut. (MORE ON WWE ACTIVE)
PANELISTS
John Cena, WWE Superstar and 10-time WWE Champion
Stephanie McMahon, EVP, Creative, WWE
Perkins Miller, EVP, Digital Media, WWE
WWE has signed Swedish arm wrestling champion Sarah Backman to a developmental contract. She is also the gladiator ‘Spirit’ on the Swedish gladiators television show.
Former WWE agent and trainer, Dr. Tom Prichard, has a brand new website up at DrTomPrichard.com. In the coming months, Dr. Tom will be adding many new features to the site, but as always, he’ll continue posting his regular blogs that have become quite a popular attraction in the past year.
Dr. Tom just posted his latest blog about the untimely passing of his friend, Bill Moody (aka Paul Bearer). Here is a small snippet of the column:
“And now he’s gone. I have to admit I heard about Percy’s death Wednesday morning when my wife woke me up telling me it was all over Facebook. I couldn’t believe it. There’s no way! He’s too important to too many people. This can’t be happening! All the good guys are leaving.
I was warned. This may be the last time to get to see some of these guys? But certainly I’ll see Percy again! He’s getting the Lou Thesz award at the Cauliflower Alley club next month!
I texted a friend to find out if he knew what happened. Seems a blood clot was the cause. I was still in a state of shock. He just had the flu. We can’t lose another one. There’s not many left who loved the business the same way. Percy was a fan growing up watching and dreaming. His dreams became a reality and surpassed anything anyone could imagine. He was a great guy with a great heart.
His wife Dianna had passed away years ago and by his posts and messages it was obvious he loved and missed her dearly. I don’t know where or what brings some people to have such strong faith but it was evident with Percy. There are more than enough people who profess one thing and do another but William Moody practiced what he preached. He didn’t beat you over the head with his beliefs but he did walk the walk.
It’s funny and enlightening at times when I encounter people I worked with or had an acquaintance with over the years. We seem to have that unspoken bond of going through the same experiences in different ways. We traveled the same roads but had different spots on the card. Some guys liked to segregate then as well as now, while others understood we all traveled the same distance to get where we are and there was no reason to be a dick about it! Percy and the Undertaker were always class acts.”
To read the full blog: visit DrTomPrichard.com. Also, Dr. Tom is available for appearances and interviews by emailing [email protected].
– WWE Champion The Rock has agreed to work a number of post-WrestleMania dates for WWE, including the Extreme Rules pay-per-view on May 19th from St. Louis, Missouri.
Aside from The Rock in action at Extreme Rules, Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio in a submission match is also planned for the show.
– Damien Sandow’s Twitter scribe Ignatius tweeted the following about Team Rhodes Scholars’ match against the New Age Outlaws scheduled for Monday’s RAW:
– Alabama’s AL.com has published the following obituary and funeral information for William Moody (Paul Bearer):
MOODY William “Bill” Moody, age 58, went to be with the Lord and his wife, on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. William loved his kids and grandkids more than life itself. His second love was his profession. Little did he know that his mortician background would lead him to one of the biggest characters in the history of Professional Wrestling, “Paul Bearer”. “Moody” graduated from McGill Institute in 1972; shortly after, he enlisted in the Air Force. He loved the City of Mobile and local sports. He could always be seen at the Mobile BayBears games and rarely missed a Mobile Mysticks Hockey game. His favorite saying when returning from a trip and landing in Mobile was, “Wheels down in Sweet Home Alabama”. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Dianna Moody, brother, Harry “Bubba”, and his grandson, Troy. He is survived by his children, Michael (Beth) Moody, Daniel (Jami) Moody, grandkids, Grace, Danielle, Hope, parents, Harry and Clarice Moody, sister, Joan (Art) Garrett, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held Friday, March 8, 2013 at Serenity Funeral Home from 5 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent Catholic Church on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 10 am. Interment will follow in Serenity Memorial Gardens.
– WWE released the following Paul Bearer tribute video:
TNA star Christopher Daniels recently spoke to TheWhig.com. Here are some highlights of what Daniels said about:
TNA President Dixie Carter: “You know, she’s given a lot of people opportunities that they may not have had, if it wasn’t for TNA,” he said. “And the fact that she came around, and helped TNA last, it’s a big deal for a lot of us. Those of us who have never had that opportunity with WWE, we’re on a nationally televised wrestling promotion, and we’re living our dream.”
Why He Never Caught on with WWE: “I think that they never really saw anything that they could really sink their teeth into,” he said. “Which is OK, because you know, the truth of the matter is I was never really their type of wrestler. Or when I was, or now that I am … I don’t know … I’ve already got ties to TNA, or Ring of Honor, or wherever I was, at the time.”
Fellow ROH Alum CM Punk: “I think it’s great, man. He rose to the top at a time where it seemed like John Cena might be the only person that WWE would give that opportunity to. You know, it took him a while to sort of find his groove, but I think it’s a testament to his hard work, and his stubbornness to stick with it. And to finally break through and hold a World Heavyweight Championship for more than a calendar year … that’s a big accomplishment, especially in this day and age. It all goes back to the effort he put in to get there in the first place, and the effort he put in to stand out, and be somebody that the crowd wanted to see.”
– The expected Ryback vs. Mark Henry match at WrestleMania 29 is being presented to give Ryback a big win against a tough opponent. While talk of a Ryback heel turn has died down in recent weeks, WWE is determined to build him back up after several high-profile PPV losses and his failure to capture the WWE Championship from CM Punk.
– There is some speculation in WWE that management has already lost interest with the Fandago character.
– Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following quote from her father Vince:
"You can't be traditional in a non traditional world" – Vince McMahon in a meeting yesterday re: embracing digital culture in business
WWEDVDNews.com has released new details on WWE’s upcoming “The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History” DVD and Blu-ray, which will be released in North America on May 28th. (Pre-Order Here)
Among The Rivalries That Will Be Featured:
* Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant
* The Undertaker vs. Kane
* Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar
* The Rock vs. Triple H
* Randy Orton vs. Triple H
* The Hardy Boyz vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. Edge & Christian
* Bruiser Brody vs. Abdullah the Butcher
* Raven vs. Tommy Dreamer
The following matches are also confirmed:
* Bruiser Brody vs. Abdullah the Butcher from World Class Championship Wrestling, July 1987
* Hulk Hogan & Randy Savage vs. Andre the Giant & Ted DiBiase from SummerSlam 1988
* Raven vs. Tommy Dreamer from ECW WrestlePalooza 1997
* The Rock vs. Triple H from WWE Backlash 2000
* Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar from SummerSlam 2003
* Triple H, Shane McMahon and Batista vs. Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes from Backlash 2009
In the final part of a 2 part conversation this week on MLW Radio, available right now at MLW Radio, WWE superstar Chris Jericho joined Konnan to discuss to discuss a variety of topics, including why he’s never worked for TNA. Konnan brought up negotiations Jericho had with TNA in the past and Jericho had this to say when asked why he ultimately never signed with TNA:
“The main reason is that I always wanted to work for Vince McMahon ever since I was a kid. I’ve never worked for anybody else since I stepped through the doors in August of 1999 and I never will work for anyone else. I don’t want to go to Japan. I don’t want to go to Mexico for shots. I don’t want to go work in TNA. I’m a WWE guy. That’s the way it’s always going to be.
“I’m sure TNA is a great company to work for. I’m sure you can do really well there or make some great money or whatever. It doesn’t matter to me. I work for the big leagues. There’s no reason for me to go anywhere else.”
Jericho also discussed changes in how concussions are treated in the industry and how it’s shaped his views on Chris Benoit.
“I was like everybody else. Shocked. A sense of ‘what the [expletive]‘ happened. Denial. Betrayal. How can he do this?
“I look back at it now, and I was really close with him, but he got considerably stranger and stranger the last six months of his life. I was like, what’s with this guy? What’s wrong with him? And now I know the reason why. It’s because his brain got worse and worse.”
MLW Radio is available for free at MLW.com and on iTunes (search: MLW Radio), along with episodes featuring MVP, The Ultimate Warrior, Teddy Hart, Billy Corgan and many others.
Thursday’s Impact Wrestling marked the end of an era for TNA, as it was the final show from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL before Impact hits the road and begins touring the country on a bi-weekly basis. The Impact Zone has been home to the majority of TNA’s weekly television shows and monthly pay-per-views since 2004.
TNA president Dixie Carter announced the following dates and locations for upcoming TNA Impact Wrestling television shows:
– April 25th: Indiana, Pennsylvania
– May 9th: Tupelo, Mississippi
– May 23rd: Tampa Bay, Florida
No venues have been announced for these tapings, but we’ll post an update when the information is released.
TNA also aired the following video as a farewell tribute to the Impact Zone and the Orlando fans.
WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson concluded filming Thursday for The Hero, a reality show airing on TNT this summer. He tweeted,
“Central America – Panama. Just wrapped my show THE HERO. Amazing experience. Proud of my cast. #EpicMoments.”
The official synopsis for the show reads,
“The Hero will bring nine ordinary people together in an unexpected and dramatic setting, then assign them various missions that will test their brains, their brawn and even their morality. The show will challenge the competitors to prove they’ve got what it takes to be heroes, pushing them to their limits to see what they are willing (and able) to overcome, undergo or sacrifice. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will serve as The Hero’s mentor and motivator, encouraging the contestants to reach far beyond their personal limits. In the end, one player will rise above the others, overcoming obstacles he/she never thought possible for a chance to walk away with up to a million dollars.”
It would appear that the wrestler known as El Generico will be going forward without his popular character in WWE as he competed sans mask at tonight’s NXT event. In his debut match last month for the organization, he sported the mask and attire. The renowned grappler competed under his real name, Rami Sebai.
Here’s a picture of Rami Sebai competing at Thursday night’s NXT show:
– TNA Wrestling revealed this week to VIP ticket holders that a Knockouts-exclusive pay-per-view event will be taped on Sunday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m. at the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. In addition to current stars, organization officials will apparently be utilizing former female talent as Angelina Love revealed on Twitter Thursday that she was contacted to appear at the “One Night Only” series event. She, however, has declined to appear.
The five-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion was asked if she will be on hand for the show and responded, “They asked me but I politely declined.”
In addition to the event, TNA will tape TNA 10 Reunion that day, which is billed as a “celebration of the stars from the first 10 years of TNA.”
– ODB, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling in recent weeks, revealed on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s show.
She wrote, “buisness men r such dicks,I get it u wear a suit n tie,anyways headin to Orlando 4sum @IMPACTWRESTLING 2 stand by my man @ShowtimeEY #BAM.”
The following is courtesy of WrestlingEpicenter.com: Check out our latest show with an exclusive interview with TNA Gut Check’s Lei’D Tapa! This young lady, the niece of legendary WWF/WCW performer The Barbarian of the Powers of Pain and Faces of Fear, opens up about her athletic background, her love of our business, and her aspirations for the future. If ou enjoyed her on Impact, you’ll love this interview.
Plus, Chris Yandek returns to pay tribute to his fallen friend, WWE Legend Paul Bearer.
All of this is available for free at WrestlingEpicenter.com. You can download the MP3 or watch the youtube video 100% free of charge. We do ask, though, that you check out our store and help us going so we can continue to do this for you all free of charge!
LEI’D TAPA:
– Lei’D Tapa joins Patrick and James after Chris Yandek is off the line. Yandek had joined us to dedicate the show to the memory of Paul Bearer.
– Lei’D Tapa says getting the chance to be on Impact Wrestling’s TNA Gut Check was like a dream come true. She says when she started only 2 years ago, everyone said it would take several years to get a chance at being on TV. She knows her chance came sooner than expected and does not take it for granted.
– Getting a chance to be on Impact Wrestling made her desire that much stronger to make it all the way to the top. “All I have on my mind right now is going all the way to the top!”
– She feels her unique look does both help and hinder her. She feels that people looking at what she can do in the ring and liking her as a “beast” is a plus but of course the modern age of wrestling calls for a different type of female performer than in years gone by.
– James compares her to Awesome Kong AKA Kharma. Tapa says that is an honor but it isn’t her goal to borrow from her. But, they certainly do share the power game. But, she feesls Kong’s style is much more dominating.
– Tapa’s athletic background is extensive. She played all major sports when growing up but says she specialized in track and football. In fact, she played for the Independent Women’s Football League as a member of the Carolina Queens. She played Middle Linebacker and Tight End. She streeses this is real tackle football, not the Lingerie Bowl.
– For the first time ever, a woman tried out for the NFL at the NFL Combine last week. The NFL described her efforts as a publicity stunt. Tapa says she believes a woman could play in the NFL but that woman would have to be built for it. She thinks it is a great thing for the sport to have a woman try to break into the ranks and would have liked to have seen what she could have done had she not gotten injured when attempting her first place kick.
– Back to wrestling, Barbarian had a good long talk with her, his niece, prior to her entering wrestling. When he knew she was serious, he sent her down to train with Geore South. He told her “Don’t give up!”
– She feels wrestling is a much harder thing for the wrestlers to learn than anyone who hasn’t trained realizes. She says there is so much more to it than just learning how to perform simple moves. She stresses that learning the ropes as she has done has given her an incredible amount of respect for every wrestler who trained this way because it is not easy.
– Backstage at TNA, it was extremely cool for her. As the niece of the Barbarian, she was backstage at the WWF/E and WCW at some of his matches and as a little kid, looked up at guys like Sting like they were giants. Now, she had a chance to work on the same show they were on and says she’s nearly as tall as they are. She says nobody remembered her but she always just kept to herself as a kid and saw them at the food area. James remarks that it is incredible that guys that Barbarian worked with, like Hulk Hogan, Chavo Guerrero, Sting, and so on and so forth, are there for her to work along side with.
– She teared up during the video package because the night prior to her match on TNA, she worked out with the Barbarian. He had a heart to heart with her and says that conversation just touched her and when doing the interview for TNA, she remembered the things he said and it made her well up.
– Team Tapa, her fans, have been incredibly supportive in her time learning the ropes and in helping her with the TNA Gut Check. She is so grateful for everyone helping her – Her husband, wrestler and fan alike, and welcomes everyone to find her on Twitter and Facebook. Just give a search for Lei’D Tapa. She is not hard to find!
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