Home Blog Page 2798

Update On John Laurinaitis Following Departure Rumors, Slick Speaks Out (Video), Jimmy Snuka Book Signing

Daniel Pena
-
9

– The future of John Laurinaitis in WWE has been a hot topic among employees since he had yet to resume his behind-the-scenes duties after undergoing rotator cuff surgery in September not to mention that he no longer held an office at WWE’s corporate facility in Stamford, Connecticut. The former Senior Vice President of Talent Operations arrived in Greensboro, North Carolina, last night for tonight’s Raw taping, surprising a number of his co-workers who believed he would not resurface.

– Bill Apter of 1Wrestling.com recently caught up with “The Doctor of Style,” Slick. The memorable WWE manager reveals what he’s up to these days and has a message for grappling fans.

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will be signing copies of his autobiography Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story at Barnes & Noble 100 Greyrock Place Stamford, Connecticut, on Saturday, January 12, 2013 beginning at 2:00 p.m. For more info call 203-323-1248.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Hulk Hogan Named One Of The Least Influential People Of 2012, Preview Thursday’s Impact, Brooke Tessmacher

Daniel Pena
-
10

– GQ has named Hulk Hogan as among the twenty-five “Least Influential People of 2012—”a collection of people so uninspiring that we should round them all up and stick them on an iceberg.”

The publication says of the legendary wrestler, “When I was a kid, I wanted to be just like Hulk Hogan. Funny how getting caught banging his best friend’s wife on tape and then finding out that his best friend was allegedly the one taping it has now diminished my admiration. Kudos to Hulk for having a big ol’ dick, though. That thing is thicker than a turnbuckle.”

– TNA has released the following video previewing this Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast featuring a Six Man Tag Team Main Event, Samoa Joe vs. Devon, Kurt Angle vs. D.O.C, and more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Q0zU3ysxk

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Brooke Tessmacher and Robbie E will appear at Tammany Hall 152 Orchard St. New York, New York, this Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

The Sheild Attacks Ryback Again, Fandango & NXT’s Paige Wrestle At Live Events

Staff
-
17

Here are some news items from from Sunday’s WWE live events:

– At the WWE RAW live event from Florence, South Carolina, Ryback teamed up with Kane and Daniel Bryan against the team of WWE Champion CM Punk Hunico and Camacho. The match ended in a no-contest when The Shield hit the ring and attacked Ryback. He eventually fought back as Team Hell chased them to the back.

– At the WWE SmackDown live event from Columbia, South Carolina, WWE newcomer Fandango was in action against Ted DiBiase Jr. Fandango, formerly known as Johnny Curtis, defeated DiBiase and our live correspondent said his new dancing gimmick was entertaining.

* VIDEOS of FANDANGO’s Ring Entrance & Dance Moves From A Recent Live Event

Also at the SmackDown event from Columbia, NXT Diva Paige teamed up with Layla to defeat Natalya and Aksana.

Pictures of NXT Diva Paige

Cody Rhodes Lifting Weights, Tyler Reks Explains Why He Went On A Twitter Rant & More

Staff
-
11

– Cody Rhodes tweeted the following message (and picture) late Sunday night, implying that doctors have cleared him to start lifting weights as he recovers from injury:

https://twitter.com/CodyRhodesWWE/status/275451023273910272/photo/1

– The Rock is hyping his upcoming GI Joe movie on Twitter, writing:

– After going on a Twitter rant on Sunday about John Cena and several other WWE superstars, Tyler Reks followed up with a few more tweets explaining why he felt the need to vent:

Sound Off 248: Is Punk To Blame for Raw’s Ratings Collapse?

Jason Solomon
-
75

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 248)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 17 minutes

Solomonster has a packed show this week covering Raw’s ratings collapse, thoughts on THE SHIELD and their first interview, phony Twitter polls, giving away Cena vs. Ziggler on Raw, a GREAT match between Sheamus and Cesaro, Undertaker’s rumored opponent for WrestleMania, The Ascension is no more (or is it?), TNA bringing Lockdown to the Alamodome and the absurdity of Hogan giving Austin Aries a title shot. Plus… turning Zack Ryder heel, thoughts on the American Badass gimmick and after seven years, do you view Kurt Angle as a WWE or TNA guy?

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

Friend The Solomonster on Facebook @ facebook.com/thesolomonster

Subscribe to The Solomonster on YouTube @ TheSolomonster

Creative Commons License
Solomonster Sounds Off by The Solomonster is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Tyler Reks Rants About John Cena & His Time In WWE

Staff
-
51

Former WWE Superstar Tyler Reks went on a Twitter rant last night, “spilling dirt” about some of WWE’s top superstars:

“Trying to think of some good dirt I could spill about WWE. Prepare yourselves…”

“Anyone want to know what top guy forced me to stop using the burning hammer – even after it appeared on SD/RAW and PPV’s? … 1st house show loop, Cena asks pulls me aside, degrades me like I’m 10 years & tells me if I use it again I’d me fired. He yelled at me & said, ‘Who gave u permission to use that’? Apparently he hadn’t been watching the product 4 the last 8 months… Or perhaps how he stole our idea to get fired, use social media to get over, & run in from the crowd (Given to Miz & Truth)… I still have the promo DVD our idea was burned onto when Cena supposedly helped us with the idea – then lied & said it wasn’t stolen later.”

“People say I’m bitter now. No, I just think truth is in order. Don’t want people to be disillusioned like I was.”

“Anyone have a story about the world’s biggest baby? Oh, I do … Dude’s been on his bus for years, decides to come to the locker room & starts yelling at everyone to take their bags to their cars… All because a new WHC was putting on his boots on the floor. He ALWAYS puts his boots on on the floor.”

“Edge, Christian, Jericho, Kane, Taker, Kofi, Truth – all good guys… Ziggler = stand up dude. Great guy. Talented. Good heart and works hard. @ZackRyder is a great dude. Innovated& determined to that last ounce. Wrestling is all he ever wanted to do. Great guy.”

“Swags? Good guy. Nothing bad to say. Love the dude. Riley? Great guy – talented. Would be over as all hell if a certain someone wasn’t holding him down… #YouKnowWho”

“Randy [Orton]‘s actually very cool. Got a lot of respect for him. Calm, mellow, helpful. I dig the guy. Keep cheerin him.”

AJ Lee Talks About Growing Up Poor, Working As A Janitor, Not Being A Typical Diva

Staff
-
11

WWE Diva AJ Lee recently spoke to the NY Daily News to promote WWE’s TLC pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what AJ wrote about:

Working at a Pathmark supermarket and being a janitor: “I liked being a janitor more than that. You’re on your feet all day. People kind of look right through you.”

Growing Up in New Jersey: “I didn’t have the easiest time growing up; it’s no secret. We were just poor.”

Not Being A Typical Diva “Selling the package as me was really hard. I’m not the sexy girl. I’m more youthful and innocent, the girl who wears jeans and T-shirts and sneakers. Fans have accepted that I’m a tomboy. There’s a different group of people who find that attractive.”

Wrestling Fans In The New York Area: “There’s something about the fans in that area. They’re more extreme; they’re smarter. Every time we go somewhere in the tristate, there are people who remember me from six years ago. It’s like a homecoming.”

WWE Talent Moved To Administrative Position, AJ Lee Profiled In USA Weekend, Super Crazy

Daniel Pena
-
2

– Byron Saxton is still affiliated with WWE after his profile was removed from the roster page of the official NXT Wrestling website last week. He has been moved to an administrative job as a Creative Assistant. WWE has said he that he will continue working as an announcer.

– AJ Lee is featured in USA Weekend (link) with a query regarding her age (she’s 25). The WWE Diva notes to the publication that the soap opera aspects of professional wrestling “is what got (her) emotionally involved” as a fan.

“I didn’t have a lot of opportunities growing up and I had a pretty hard childhood, and this company and wrestling in general was the one bright light in my life,” said Lee, who was 12-years-old when she told her mother she wanted to be a professional wrestler.

– Former WWE Superstar Super Crazy turns 39-years-old Monday while Riki Choshu turns 61.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Mick Foley Interview – Why He Returned To WWE, Hall of Fame Rumors, His New Book

Daniel Pena
-
3

Mick Foley joined The Big Mosh and “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent for an interview Monday Night Mayhem, which is now available for free download, exclusively on the WrestleView Radio Network (available here). Highlights from the interview are as follows:

How he wanted to have his latest book (“A Most Mizerable Christmas”) stand out from his previous releases: “It is a story based on my own son, who as a three-year old, told me he didn’t need anything from Santa, no matter how much I tried to prod him. When I approached the WWE about the idea of doing it, I knew the book market had changed a lot, and that there wasn’t going to be a lot of money in a children’s book. So, I made it very clear that it wasn’t about the money, that it was about trying to get a fun story with a positive message out there. I think we’ve accomplished that.”

Why he wanted to return to the WWE at this time in his life/career and if his on-air return lived up to his personal expectations: “Yeah, anything I do on the show is just a bonus, because I didn’t have any expectations as an on-air personality. That is one of the reasons why I really wanted to come back to the WWE, because there are so many ways to make contributions without being on the show. I’m happy for anything that comes my way.”

If he believes that a WWE Hall of Fame induction next April is closer to happening, after the recent focus given to him on WWE television: “I’m happy that the rumor I started has gotten this far. Yeah, I love the idea that people are talking about it. It is a big deal. If it were to happen at Madison Square Garden, it would be a bigger deal that if it happened anywhere else. It seems like a good idea, but I don’t call those shots. There are other guys that did better in that building than I did who should get the call as well. I would certainly accept it if it came my way, but I won’t be to bitterly disappointed if it doesn’t. I hope it does.”

Much more is contained in Mick Foley’s exclusive interview with Monday Night Mayhem, including his candid thoughts on how the WWE locker room has responded to “A Most Mizerable Christmas,” how he believes The Miz has shed the image of the “reality TV star,” getting the opportunity to work with CM Punk on the WWE stage, how their exchange of promos delivered for the audience, and why he decided to become part of the WWE’s “Be A Star” campaign.

“Hellfire and Mishap” On “Are You Serious?”, Jack Swagger Fills In For CM Punk At Live Event, John Cena Note

Daniel Pena
-
13

– This week’s “Are You Serious? webisode is highlighted by Kane being featured in the “Fail of the Week” moment. The synopsis reads: “What happened in a 2003 steel cage match the leaves Kane in shock and disbelief? You have to see the “Fail of the Week” moment on “Are You Serious?” with Road Dogg and Josh Mathews now!”

– WWE Champion CM Punk did not appear at Saturday’s Raw live event in Roanoke, Virginia due to appearance at the New Orleans Comic Con. Ryback instead faced and defeated Jack Swagger, with John Cena defeating Dolph Ziggler in the main event.

– The Nickeledeon comedy film Fred 3: Camp Fred, featuring John Cena in the role of the title character’s father, will be released on DVD this Tuesday.

Official Preview For Thursday’s Impact Wrestling – Six-Man Main Event, TV Title Match

Daniel Pena
-
3

TNA Wrestling has released its preview for this Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling featuring a six-man tag team main event and a Television Championship Match.

Preview The December 6 IMPACT on SpikeTV: Six-Man Main Event, TV Title Match

Preview Thursday’s (December 6) IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast at 8/7c on SpikeTV! If you can’t watch IMPACT on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record all the action.

– Thursday’s IMPACT will be the final countdown to the “Final Resolution” event! With just days before the PPV, what chaos will erupt on Thursday night?

– The broadcast will feature a huge six-man tag team main event with World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy teaming with AJ Styles and James Storm to battle Bobby Roode, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian!

– After the recent accusations by Austin Aries about Brooke Hogan, tensions continue to build between IMPACT General Manager Hulk Hogan and Bully Ray! Will the situation reach a boiling point on Thursday on SpikeTV, just days before Final Resolution? Both Bully and Hogan will be live in the Impact Zone.

– Samoa Joe will defend the Television Championship on IMPACT against Devon from The Aces & Eights. Can Devon regain the title he once held?

– Plus, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle will be in action against D.O.C from The Aces & Eights

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV at 8/7c

Profile Removed From NXT Wrestling Website, WWE Classics On Demand Preview, Max Moon

Daniel Pena
-
2

– Byron Saxton is no longer listed on the roster page of the official NXT Wrestling website, which could be an indication that he has parted ways with WWE. He primarily appears as an announcer for the developmental promotion, with his wrestling appearances considerably reduced in the past year.

– WWE has released a video previewing this month’s WWE Classics On Demand programming. Here is the synopsis: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, when WWE Classics On Demand presents “Season’s Beatings”. Get in the holiday spirit all December, with your favorite festive moments and matches from over the years.”

– Max Moon is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Former WWE Developmental Wrestler Goes Off On Head NXT Trainer Bill DeMott – Alleges Mistreatment

Daniel Pena
-
30

Former WWE developmental wrestler Kevin Matthews posted a multitude of vitriolic messages on Twitter (account located at twitter.com/2CockyKM) Friday and Saturday blasting his former Deep South Wrestling superior, Bill DeMott. Over the years, Matthews has shown great disdain for DeMott through online mediums, with the New York native alleging mistreatment on the part of the two-time WCW United States Champion towards him and other talent during his time in WWE’s developmental system in 2006. The 29-year-old claims that DeMott continues to be abusive towards WWE’s aspiring stars after being rehired as a trainer in May.

Here is Matthews’ latest exposé of DeMott, “Some1 said r there perks 2 training w DeMott? I overheard him& got excited til I realized he didnt mean pills. I got him fired. #DeMottcracy.

“1 day I saw Ice Train in the shower @ WCW the same time creative asked what I want my gimmick 2b. I said THATS A HUGE ERECTION. #DeMottcracy.

“Remember my run as WCW US Champion? The company went out of business shortly after my first title run. #DeMottcracy.

“One of my favorite sayings to the students is “do as I say not as I do” what it means is I’m the drizzling fn shit. TrueStory #DeMottcracy.

“My word is gold. WHEN @billdemott gets fired from WWE which should be soon he has a personal invite from me to do me vs him live at PWS.

“I love the WWE, I enjoy watching there show I enjoyed my matches w them and even like Johnny Ace. My hatred for DeMott has zero to do w WWE.

“Some ppl claim Im a great trainer,those ppl still have jobs w WWE. Its called politics.If they speak up,I make sure there fired #DeMottcracy.

“Buy my book its a great fairytale to read to your children before bed time. #DeMottcracy.

“I made Angel Williams do 40 up and overs till she snapped her Patella tendon in half and was out for 9months. TrueStory #DeMottcracy.

“WWE hired Khali solely 2 feud with Taker.they needed him 2learn how to work. I made him run miles. They were pissed. TrueStory #DeMottcracy.

“This just keeps getting better! NXT talent just texted me that Bill DeMott is asking talent NOT to report injuries 2the office. #DeMottcracy.

“Did the Tough Enough cameras stop rolling? I can’t tell the difference. Torn ACL? Walk it off and get back in there. #DeMottcracy.

“Scott Dawson is nursing an injury he got training with me, under my watch doing my drill. Its completely his fault. #DeMottcracy.

“Anyone want to take a guess how long till I’m back in McDonough GA working for FedEx again? I say March. #DeMottcracy.

“I print out negative reports off the internet that blame me &hang them up in the lockerroom 4the boys 2c & then I yell at them. #DeMottcracy

“After Kevin Matthews tore his bicep & had sugery I asked him if he had a lot of pain killers. I needed my candy. TrueStory #DeMottcracy.

“How many more pills do I have to take till I drop dead already? #DeMottcracy.

“Ur right u obese cocksucker @billdemott in the end I will win. Because in the end u will b unemployeed, w no friends & no power JUST LIKE B4.

“Ur a washed up bitter pill popping drug addict bi polar cunt. Must feel good knowing the business will celebrate the day u die. @billdemott.

“Hey @billdemott remember when u tried to shoot on me twice & laid on me. Remember how easily I threw you off like hot garbage? Id love 2 cu.

“I have several NXT/FCW students who are leaking shit to me left n right. I will expose every wrong step this fat cunt @billdemott makes.”

DeMott responded to Matthews on Saturday, writing, “Hey @2CockyKM didn’t realize you are on Social Media. Glad to see things are going well for you, would like to catch up some time. Judging by your tweets you know where I am. Stop by sometime let’s catch up, Happy Holidays.#DEMOTTCRACY.”

Matthews responded, “u want me to drop by and catch up @billdemott ? Just moved back to jersey. Were running 4/5 and 4/6 you’ll be in town. Let’s link up scumbag.

“U didnt no I was on twitter yet u have me blocked? @billdemott afraid Im the only 1 w balls big enough 2 say the truth bout u miserable cunt.

“@billdemott u want us 2 meet up. By all means come by our show mania wkend. Ill get u a comp ticket.Ill also bitch slap u through the floor

“Still the same old @billdemott glued to the internet like the fat scumbag mark he is.ur a shit trainer & a worse human being. #betteroffdead.

“Must be nice to no that YOUR students, guys I dont even know from a hole in the wall r hitting me up burying u. @billdemott goodjob asshole.”

Chris Jericho Addresses Recent Negotiations With WWE, Being Excluded From New DVD Release, CM Punk

Daniel Pena
-
12

Former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho appeared on Wrestling Voice Radio with Duane Doogan (available on WrestlingVoiceRadio.com, iTunes and Stitcher Radio). Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Does he believe there is an attitude of ‘if you’re not with us, you’re against us’ within the WWE: “I don’t think it’s a vicious thing, I think there is just so much going on in the WWE at all times, so many angles, stories, it’s kind of out of sight, out of mind. If they had their way, I’m sure everybody who ever worked there would be working for them. If that was the case you’d have Steve Austin, The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart and every single person only working for them but guys move on and branch out and sometimes they support that, sometimes they don’t.”

How far did talks go about a recent return to WWE in early November?: “It wasn’t that much detail about it really, I called them and said I’D be interested in doing some shows over the next couple of months but we just couldn’t work it out because I really can’t commit to anything it was more like, if I had 2 weeks off I’d call them which I thought would be a great idea but they need to plan and figure things out… it’s like a river, you jump in, you float down the river and you jump out and the river keeps going and it’s very hard to jump back in. I’m not opposed to going back, there is just no plans of it right now.”

His feud with CM Punk and being left off the ‘Best PPV Matches of 2012’ DVD: “I thought it was a great storyline, I thought the matches were great, I would like do have done another month and have it be 3 matches and it’s funny you talk about ‘if you’re not with us’, they just released a ‘Best Matches of 2012’ DVD and neither one of the matches me and Punk had are on there and that’s just obviously just a political decision.”

If he could wrestle anybody, anywhere, any match, what would it be: “Funaki! In my basement, underwear match!”

Much more is featured in the interview including discussing being rated hotter than Lita but not as hot as Kofi Kingston by WWE, Fozzy’s tour, progress, inspiration by Dexter and their new album. You can also win a copy of Fozzy’s new album ‘Sin & Bones’ and a Fozzy t-shirt by commenting on the video with your favourite Fozzy song and why. Winner will be chosen at random on December 9.

Watch This Week’s Episode Of “Foreign Exchange”, Former WWE Star Appearing On Food Network, Eve Torres

Daniel Pena
-
0

– Santino Marella seeks holiday shopping advice from his fellow WWE Superstars on this week’s episode of Foreign Exchange. The synopsis reads: “Even though he’s a week late, Santino seeks out the best Black Friday deals. Meanwhile, Yoshi frantically tries to find his boss the perfect present.”

– Romeo Roselli, who appeared as Romeo for The Heart Throbs in WWE, appears on the Food Network’s Restaurant Stakeout today at 3:00 p.m. He has been a regular on the program as of late.

– Eve is today’s “Lovely Lady Of The Day” on the official website of Sports Illustrated. The website says of the WWE Divas Champion, “The WWE released its list of the 50 Most Beautiful People in WWE History, which is a good excuse to make Eve Torres today’s Lovely Lady of the Day.”

John Cena Issues Open Challenge For Next Week, Video Message From The Bella Twins, Jimmy Hart Appearance

Daniel Pena
-
6

– At the conclusion of this morning’s edition of WWE Saturday Morning Slam on The CW, John Cena appeared in the backstage area and announced that he would making his in-ring debut on next week’s show. After issuing an open challenge to anyone in WWE, 3MB showed up. Heath Slater said the kids are going to be so happy to see John, and that he has accepted his challenge.

– Nicole and Brianna, formerly known as The Bella Twins, appear for Connecticut Wrestling Entertainment on Saturday, December 15 at the Bethany Town Hall in Bethany, Connecticut as they demonstrate their managerial duties for the fans in attendance. Prior to the show, the former WWE Divas Champions will appear at Ken’s Cards in Berlin, Connecticut. The following video message was released promoting their CTWE appearance.

– According to WrestlingFigs.com, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart will appear at Sound of Heaven 30 Eastern Ave. Dee Park, New York, tomorrow from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

TMZ Reports On John Cena’s Date With Nikki Bella, NXT Wrestlers Competes At Raw House Show, Trinity

Daniel Pena
-
34

– TMZ.com is reporting on the photos that surfaced online of John Cena attending former WWE Diva Nikki Bella’s ten-year high-school reunion in Scottsdale, Arizona last week. TMZ notes that Cena was “getting up close and personal” with Nikki on the dance floor. Regarding their relationship status, the website states, “It’s unclear if Cena and Bella are “officially” an item … but they definitely weren’t shy with the PDA at the reunion.”

Nikki’s sister Brie also attended the function with Daniel Bryan, her boyfriend.

John Cena and Nikki Bella

– WWE developmental wrestler Corey Graves (f/k/a Sterling James Keenan on the independent circuit) competed at Friday’s Raw live event in a “Special Attraction Match” against Zack Ryder.

The NXT star mocked Ryder’s social media presence during his ring entrance as he vowed to become famous the old fashioned way: By embarrassing people like Ryder. He then said he created a new hashtag for Ryder: BooHooHooGravesJustKickedMyAss. Ryder won the bout with the Rough Ryder.

– Former WWE Diva Trinity turns 41-years-old Saturday.

“Backstage Fallout” For This Week’s SmackDown, WWE Returning To Syracuse, Lilian Garcia

Daniel Pena
-
6

– Damien Sandow and 3MB appear on this week’s “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown. Here is the synopsis: “Check out this SmackDown edition of “Backstage Fallout” and learn what Damien Sandow is looking for in an apprentice. Plus, 3MB responds to The Usos and all their haters, exclusively on WWE on YouTube!”

– According to WWE.com, a Raw live event is scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse, New York. John Cena, CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler and Ryback headline.

– Lilian Garcia is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com. She is still recovering at home after being struck by a car in Los Angeles, California, five weeks ago.

Former WWE Diva Takes John Cena To Her High School Reunion (Photo), MTV Filming Indy Female Wrestler

Daniel Pena
-
60

– John Cena and former WWE Diva Nikki Bella are apparently now an item.

Last Friday, Nikki and her sister Brie attended their ten-year high school reunion in Scottsdale, Arizona, with Brie being accompanied by her boyfriend, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan, and Nikki bringing the Cenation leader as her date.

John Cena and Nikki Bella

– MTV cameras will be on hand for next Thursday’s Bombshell Ladies of Wrestling event in Metcuhen, New Jersey at SMG SportsPlex. One of the promotion’s wrestlers, Miss Adiva, will be the subject of an episode of the documentary series True Life.

– Michael Rhodes of Epworth, Georgia, who competed on the Georgia independent circuit for twenty-seven years and later became a gospel singer, passed way on November 7 at the age of fifty-four.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Talent Officially Demoted To Developmental, Video Message From Kelly Kelly, Jimmy Hart

Daniel Pena
-
15

– Sakamoto, who appeared as Tensai’s servant, has been officially demoted to WWE’s developmental promotion, NXT. His WWE.com profile has been deleted and he is once again listed on the NXT website’s roster page.

Despite being physically abused when Tensai became frustrated, Sakamoto still continued to be loyal to his master. The partnership, however, quietly ended over the summer when the Tokyo, Japan native stopped accompanying Tensai for his matches. He has not appeared for WWE since.

– The former Kelly Kelly, Barbie Blank, is now on YouTube at BarbaraBlankCom. She released the following video message thanking fans for purchasing her 2013 calendar.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart stated on Twitter Friday that he has a “big announcement coming soon.”

More On TNA Cutting Back On PPVs, Daniels & Kazarian’s Team Named, Xplosion

Staff
-
14

– Daniels and Kazarian’s tag team is now known as Bad Influence.

– X-Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated Kid Kash on Thursday night in a match taped for Xplosion.

– As previously reported, TNA’s announcement that Lockdown is being moved from April to March is a result of the company cutting back on the number of pay-per-views and breaking from the monthly-PPV format. The latest on this situation is that February’s Against All Odds pay-per-view has been scratched, so TNA will have Genesis in January and then Lockdown in March.

It’s believed that TNA will remove more pay-per-views from the calendar as well. No word on whether TNA reducing the frequency of their pay-per-views will result in a price increase for the remaining shows.

* Update On JEFF HARDY Leaving TNA & Returning To WWE With Matt

(Source: PWInsider.com)

Big Changes In TNA, Matt Morgan Wears Hogan’s Cape From The 70’s, Steiner

Staff
-
11

– The court hearing in for Scott Steiner’s lawsuit against TNA that was scheduled for Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee was cancelled. No word why, but it’s possible the two sides are working out a settlement.

– The cape that Matt Morgan wore on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling was actually a cape that Hulk Hogan wore back int he 1970’s when he was a heel. Hogan has been working closely with Morgan in recent weeks to help fine-tune his character’s presentation.

– This weekend’s TNA live events schedule includes:

* 11/30 in Bemidji, MN
* 12/1 in Fargo, ND
* 12/2 in Grand Forks, ND

Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, and Bully Ray are among the talents scheduled to appear .

– Morale behind the scenes at Thursday’s Impact Wrestling was great, with talent feeling better about the company’s creative direction than they have in a long time.

TNA has been focusing on long-term booking as of late, mapping out creative plans several months in advance. Television scripts are being written weeks in advance, with tweaks being made when necessary.

* Update On JEFF HARDY Leaving TNA & Returning To WWE With Matt

(Source: PWInsider.com)

WWE NXT Wrestler Released Following Arrest, “Superstars” Highlights, New Ryback Merchandise, Naomi

Daniel Pena
-
8

– As reported last night, Thomas Latimer, who appears as Kenneth Cameron for WWE’s developmental league, NXT, was arrested late Thanksgiving Eve in St. Petersburg, Florida, on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and disorderly intoxication. He was taken into custody to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and released on $5,100 bail, with the battery charge costing $5,000 and the disorderly intoxication charge costing $100. According to PWInsider.com, he was released from his contract with WWE following the arrest.

– Highlights of this week’s episode of WWE Superstars, featuring Santino Marella vs. David Otunga, and Brodus Clay vs. JTG, are now online.

– WWEShop.com has released new Ryback merchandise; Feed Me More Pendant and a Feed Me More Hat.

– Brodus Clay’s dancer Naomi turns 25-years-old Friday. Also celebrating birthdays are former WWE Superstars Tom Zenk (54) and Jimmy Del Ray (50).

WWE Examines The State Of The Divas Division, Ryder Giving Away Copies Of “WWE ’13” On “Z! True Long Island Story”

Daniel Pena
-
17

– The official WWE website has published an article examining the state of the Divas division following multiple talent departures over the past year.

“Some of the WWE Universe might say the Divas division has been diminished, having lost a whole half-dozen of its best and brightest over the past twelve months. And it’s true: at least in terms of depth, fate carved quite the swath through WWE’s women’s division in 2012, but the depletion has also initiated a new era of opportunity for the remaining Divas. In one turn around the sun, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix, Maxine, Kharma and The Bella Twins have all left WWE, with no small amount of shock,” author Anthony Benigno writes.

“At first glance, that’s a sudden, dark cloud hanging over one of WWE’s most time-honored divisions. But the whole process has turned out to be something along the lines of an evolution for the Divas. True, the abrupt change in the Divas’ landscape has been jarring for the WWE Universe. But the transformation seems to us a breath of fresh air, a chance at a fresh start, and an opportunity to redefine the very definition of a WWE Diva.”

– Zack Ryder is giving away four copies of WWE ’13 this week. Check out this webisode of Z! True Long Island Story for your chance to get your hands on one. Plus, find out which pop star is his “Broski of the Week.”

– Former World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

TNA Possibly Cutting Back On Pay-Per-Views, Bob Ryder Health Update

Staff
-
8

http://youtu.be/ImTJEMosx2k

– As announced on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, TNA Lockdown 2013 will be taking place from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. TNA President Carter commented on Lockdown being hosted from San Antonio next March:

Lockdown taking place in March is a change from previous years, when it was held in April. TNA will certainly benefit from moving one of their biggest shows of the year away from the shadow of WWE’s WrestleMania, there appears to be more to the story. According to PWInsider.com, the move could be a sign that TNA is will be back on their pay-per-view schedule. TNA staffers have been wanting to reduce the number of pay-per-views, but it’s believed that TNA had agreements in place with television carriers that contractually obligated them to hold monthly PPVs.

– Dixie Carter revealed that TNA staffer Bob Ryder has been cleared to return to work after dealing with health issues. She tweeted:

1...2,7972,7982,799...3,323Page 2,798 of 3,323