Home Blog Page 2811

WrestleMania Retrospective – WrestleMania VIII (1992)

Staff
-
2

Here’s Part 8 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th

WrestleMania VIII (1992)WM8-Poster
Taglines: “The Macho/Flair Affair!” and “Friendship Torn Apart!”
Date: April 5, 1992
Venue: Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Attendance: 62,167
The Star-Spangled Banner: Reba McEntire
The Undertaker’s Streak: 2-0 (Jake “The Snake Roberts”)

The original plan for the main event was the long awaited bout between Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship, the meeting between the two legends was even promoted on television in a mock press conference where WWF President Jack Tunney had announced Hogan as the number one contender to Flair’s WWF Championship.

WM8-Crowd
Over 62,000 jam-packed the Hoosier Dome for WrestleMania VIII
Both Flair and Hogan had wrestled against each other in several house show matches and a televised tag match but never in a big money bout. WrestleMania VIII was changed to a double main event with Hogan wrestling Sid Justice, while Flair wrestled Randy Savage. For storyline purposes Sid Justice lobbied to wrestle Hulk Hogan due to tensions starting between the two at that year’s Royal Rumble, where Hogan was eliminated by Sid Justice in the contest. This maneuver on Sid’s part led Hogan to helping rival Ric Flair eliminate Justice and then win not only the Royal Rumble but the WWF World Championship in the process. This would make Ric Flair only the second man to win both the WWF and NWA Titles.

WM8-HBK
In his first pay-per-view singles match, Shawn Michaels, now calling himself “The HeartBreak Kid” defeated El Matador. Both men had simultaneously eliminated each other from that year’s Royal Rumble.

The finish to the Justice-Hogan match actually did not occur as planned. The original plan was for Hogan to hit the leg drop on Justice and for Papa Shango to do a run in and break up the pin causing a disqualification. However, Papa Shango either missed or misjudged his cue and was late in getting down to the ring. Justice improvised by kicking out of the leg drop. From there, Earl Hebner would disqualify Justice when his manager, Harvey Wippleman, interfered. The Ultimate Warrior would make his return to the WWF, saving Hulk Hogan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN-rUaGR_u0

WrestleMania VIII Results
• The Bushwhackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) defeated The Beverly Brothers (Blake and Beau) Dark Match
• Shawn Michaels (with Sensational Sherri) defeated El Matador Singles match
• The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) defeated Jake Roberts

WM8-Undertaker
The Undertaker defeats Jake “The Snake” Roberts to become 2-0 at WrestleMania VIII

• Bret Hart defeated Roddy Piper (c) for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
• Big Boss Man, Virgil, Sgt. Slaughter, and Jim Duggan defeated The Nasty Boys, Repo Man, and The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart)
• Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated Ric Flair (c) (with Mr. Perfect) for the WWF Championship
• Tatanka defeated Rick Martel
• The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon) defeated Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) (c) by countout Tag team match for the WWF Tag Team Championship
• Owen Hart defeated Skinner
• Hulk Hogan defeated Sid Justice (with Harvey Wippleman) by disqualification

Paul Bearer’s Cause Of Death Revealed, Trish Stratus’ Hall Of Fame Inductor

Staff
-
19

– 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Trish Stratus recently appeared on MOS Radio, hosted by Chris Duke, Jamie Kennedy and Andrew Downs. When asked who she wants to induct her, she said, “Funnily enough, before I done this interview, I put a poll on my website, asking who would my fans like to see induct me into the Hall of Fame. Lita won with a landslide, I would say, I can’t disagree with that sentiment.”

– Paul Bearer’s son Michael Moody told TMZ.com that his father’s death certificate lists the cause of the heart attack as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which is a dangerously high heart rate. Moody said his father had been suffering from SVT symptoms (anxiety and heartburn) in the weeks leading up to his death.

WWE Axxess Fan Fest Schedule Of Appearances Announced

Staff
-
5

WWE has released the official appearance schedule for Wrestlemania AXXESS at the IZOD Center:

Thursday, April 4, 6-10 p.m.
Mark Henry, Booker T, Jack Swagger, Prime Time Players, 3MB, Rosa Mendes, Jimmy Snuka and more TBA.

Friday, April 5, 6-10 p.m.
The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, The Shield, Kofi Kingston, Ted DiBiase, Fandango, Zack Ryder, Alicia Fox and more TBA.

Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Bella Twins, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Brodus Clay, Cameron, Naomi, Jerry Lawler, JBL, Paul Heyman, Lita, Billy Gun and more TBA.

Saturday, April 6, 1-5 p.m.
CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Wade Barrett, Alberto Del Rio, Damien Sandow, The Great Khali, Layla and more TBA.

Saturday, April 6, 6-10 p.m.
Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee, Ryback, Santino Marella, The Shield, Christian, R-Truth, Ezekiel Jackson, Tensai, Big E. Langston, Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd, Yoshi Tatsu, Rikishi, Howard Finkel and more TBA.

Sunday, April 7, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sheamus, Kaitlyn, Cody Rhodes, David Otunga, Jimmy Hart, Diamond Dallas Page, X-Pac and more TBA.

Sunday, April 7, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Antonio Cesaro, Sin Cara, Alex Riley, JTG, Aksana, Tamina, Dusty Rhodes, Ron Simmons, Ricky Steamboat and more TBA.

Hulk Hogan Says He Wanted To Be A Heel Against Ultimate Warrior At WrestleMania

Staff
-
29

In a newly published interview with Fighting Spirit Magazine, TNA Wrestling Superstar Hulk Hogan claims that he had proposed to turn heel six years before he actually did in World Championship Wrestling, during the 1990 build-up to his all-babyface WWF Championship match against Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania VI.

“Vince and I were best friends, but when we talked about money, we were enemies,” said Hogan. “So I went [to WCW] with the red and yellow, beat Ric Flair, and Hulkamania took off again. Then, creatively, I turned into a bad guy, which I always wanted to do in the WWF, but nobody wanted me to. I always said, ‘I could be the best bad guy ever. Just let me do it’, but no-one wanted me to be a bad guy.

“At Warrior’s time, I really wanted to fuck him as a bad guy; I wanted to beat The Ultimate Warrior in Toronto, but as a heel. I just thought it would be intense, and I would be the best bad guy ever. I could have done it, and then said, ‘Forget the prayers and the vitamins, I did it for the money!’ But it’s just creative differences, and Vince knows what he’s doing, believe me. I just wanted to try something different in the WWF.”

When Hogan turned heel to form the New World Order with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash at Bash at the Beach on July 7, 1996, he was very hesitant on the career-altering maneuver. Former WCW boss Eric Bischoff stated in his 2006 autobiography, Controversy Creates Cash, that Hogan was initially dismissive toward his idea of leaving the red and yellow behind to become a villain. Then shortly after Hall and Nash became a force on WCW programming, Hogan, who had not spoken to Bischoff in months, proposed that he be the third man in the group. Up until the pay-per-view event at Daytona Beach, Bischoff was unsure if Hogan would follow-through on the idea, and had Sting agree to join the New World Order in case “The Hulkster” changed his mind at the last minute.

Booker T Talks About The 2013 WWE HOF Class, WrestleMania 29 Buildup & More

Staff
-
14

WWE SmackDown General Manager and newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame’s “Class of 2013,” Booker T,was the featured guest on this week’s edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem. The former six-time World Champion joined The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent for his highly-anticipated return, which is now available for download here:

  • Booker T/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (.MP3)

Interview highlights courtesy of Aaron Carnevale:

His thoughts on his fellow inductees in this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class: “All of those guys (Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Mick Foley, Trish Stratus, and Donald Trump) have their own special unique talent. They all brought something different to the game. I’m honored to be sitting out there watching these guys and get that honor. I am looking forward to seeing Bruno Sammartino finally taking that step into immortality. I think it is something that is long overdue. It’s going to be a great night any way you look at it.”

The build-up to WrestleMania XXIX: “WrestleMania always starts the day after the previous WrestleMania. The build-up has been no different as far as the promotion goes, and you have to notice that. The fans are going to show up and it is going to be a great night of wrestling and a great night of entertainment.”

His mission statement for his Reality of Wrestling promotion in Houston, TX: “I’m trying to create an environment for the young people that want to get into this business and see what it is really all about from a true perspective.”

Hulk Hogan Says He Wants To Induct Randy Savage Into The WWE Hall of Fame

Staff
-
46

In a newly published interview with Fighting Spirit Magazine, TNA Wrestling Superstar Hulk Hogan discussed his strained relationship with the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage and desire to induct the legendary wrestler into the WWE Hall of Fame.

“I’ve heard all these urban legends about Randy doing something to piss Vince off,” said Hogan. “I’ve heard two or three different stories, and I don’t know if any of those are true, but he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, and I would love to be the one that inducts him. I’ve got a speech for him ready to go. I just think it’s a must that he’s in the Hall of Fame; he was so influential in this business, especially in the WWF, and in my career.

“You know, he’s the only guy we could pass the belt to, and we wouldn’t lose money. You gave the belt to The Ultimate Warrior – I don’t want to drop a bunch of names – and right away the revenue went down. Give the belt to ‘Macho Man’, and things would stay the same, or get better.”

“For me, it would be cool to induct him. We had a rift for about 10 years, and then right before he passed away, I was getting an EKG, when I hear (mimicking Randy’s voice) ‘Yeah, what’s up, brother?’ And I looked over, and he was there, looking great. I said, ‘Hey Mach, how you doing?’ I shook his hand, and introduced him to my wife, Jennifer. He’s like, ‘Hello lovely lady, how ya doing?’ Jennifer said to him, ‘Oh, Mr. Macho, I’ve heard so much about you. You know, we’ve got three or four lawyers at the house today, so we’re gonna cook up. We’d love to have you over.’ But he just went, ‘I don’t dig lawyers, baby, maybe we could start out with a phone call?’

“I was on a show with Lanny (Poffo, Randy’s brother), Scott Steiner and Kevin Nash in Canada [around the time of Randy’s passing], and Lanny had told me that his mom was depressed because his dad had passed away, and would me and Randy come to see her? We were gonna have a barbecue at Randy’s house for his mom, and surprise her. But midweek, Randy passed away. It was tough because we just started talking after all that bullshit; I was excited to talk to him, he was excited to talk to me, and then he passed away. It was [expletive] up. He was a great human being, too. He had a good heart, man. He was a good person.”

Jeff Hardy Talks About Becoming #1 Contender (Video), Impact Rating For Thursday

Staff
-
7

Impact Rating For Thursday

Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling drew a 1.07 cable rating, the same figure as week’s show. The first hour drew a 1.01 before growing to 1.14 in the second.

Viewership declined slightly from last week, to 1.39 million viewers from 1.41 million. Two weeks ago, the program drew 1.43 million viewers. Three weeks ago, the show drew 1.49 million viewers.

Viewership peaked in the second hour during a match between Matt Morgan and Joseph Park, drawing a 1.16 cable rating.

Velvet Sky Meets “Back To The Future” Actress

Velvet Sky appeared on Charlotte Today, where she appeared alongside actress Leah Thompson from Back to the Future and tweeted this picture:

https://twitter.com/Jenxman/status/315122428571418624/photo/1

Exclusive Video Of Jeff Hardy After Becoming #1 Contender:

TNA has released the following video featuring exclusive comments from Jeff Hardy following Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, where he became the No. 1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship held by Bully Ray:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HVcbKgi7MfE

Kofi Kingston Interview: The MVP Of Today’s PG Era, Paul Bearer & More

Staff
-
3

Kofi Kingston recently spoke to Digital Sky WrestleMania 29. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

His tag team partners:

“As long as I’m winning, it doesn’t really matter to me. I have had the opportunity to have some great tag team partners. Between Punk and Evan and Truth, I mean gosh, every time me and Truth get together, whether we’re doing media interviews together or backstage, it’s just constant banter. We’re always just joking around and stuff. It was a very natural fit when he and I decided to team up.”

CM Punk losing the WWE Championship:

“It’s really tough, because I think that we all saw just the road that Punk was on and he’s really be kind of trail blazer in terms of becoming the star of this new generation. Between his pipe bombs, or whatever, every time he gets a microphone you know he’s going to say something that’s either going to tick people off or mainly get you to remember what he’s going to say. He always has a point to make. And then in the ring, he’s very very good, one of the best, definitely of our era, and probably one of the best of all time. “

If it’s harder to come up with good material now, as opposed to the Attitude Era:

“I don’t know if it’s necessarily harder. I just think that we’re a lot more conscious about the product that we put out. Even in the Attitude Era we were able to reach a whole lot of people. So it’s very important because in the broad spectrum of people that we reach, our children are included and families are included. So, I think we’re just a lot more conscious now that we have a responsibility to do the right thing and represent for our kids and provide good role models for our kids. So I don’t think it’s necessarily harder, I think we are more creative in the way that we think.”

Paul Bearer:

“I had received a text that he had passed, and instantly I was just crestfallen because he was just a genuinely good person. I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about him. When I first got involved in the business, we always used to have these camps at the school I trained at, Chaotic in New England, and he was the first actual star that came and talked to us, for like three hours. And he was telling us about his upcomings and how he came up through the business. That was like the first experience I had, where I was able to hear first hand, how somebody came up, what the business was like back in his day. It was really really cool. Being a wrestling fan growing up you always wondered what happened behind the scenes and now finally, 10-15 years later I’m actually getting to hear what’s going on and his story. I was very fortunate to be able to share that.”

Bully Ray Reveals The Hoax – The Rise Of Aces & Eights (5-Part Video Series)

Staff
-
24

Shaul Guerrero Poses For Inked Magazine (Photos)

Staff
-
30

 

Former WWE developmental Diva Shaul Marie Guerrero, daughter of Vickie and the late Eddie Guerrero, is a featured “Inked Girl” for Inked Magazine. She is participating in the magazine’s Tattooed Girls Model Search and is encouraging her Twitter follows to support her and her home town of El Paso, Texas.

Guerrero lists her profession as dancer and choreographer but does mention her wrestling past in a bio.

She also noted that she recently went into recovery from anorexia and bulimia, and has abstained from any bad eating habits since then.

Batista Films Interview For WWE, Senior WWE Referee Released, Kaitlyn Hypes WrestleMania

Staff
-
19

– Former WWE Superstar Dave Batista filmed an interview this week for WWE’s upcoming DVD on the career of Triple H. WWE tweeted the following image of Batista:

1JML0

– Senior WWE referee Jack Doan has been released, according to sources in WWE. Doan has been with the company since 1991.

– WWE Divas Champion Kaitlyn recently spoke with GO! Magazine to hype WrestleMania 29 and said this about the big event:

“When it comes to Wrestlemania, I’m such a fan. Even though I’m part of it, I’m literally surprised and every single week — even when I’m watching from backstage — I can’t tear my eyes away from the show. Wrestlemania is our Super Bowl. So every show, as it gets closer and closer, something insane happens.

At these live events, it’s such a cool experience for us and for the fans because it’s not a TV thing. We’re not worried about camera angles or commercial breaks; we’re actually just there to interact with the fans. So, it’s a really cool experience and tensions are really high. You never really know what’s going to happen.”

El Generico’s New Name In NXT, Jim Ross Talks About NXT Stars Getting Called Up & More

Staff
-
17

–  The former El Generico is now using the name ring name Sammy Sane at NXT.

– WWE taped 5 episodes of NXT on Thursday night from Full Sail University, including a “Clash of the Champions” episode featuring all title matches.

– Thursday night’s tapings featured many more WWE talents than usual, including Chris Jericho, The Shield, Wade Barrett, AJ Lee, Kaitlyn and Naomi. WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race was also in attendance.

Here are some Tweets from various WWE talents who were there:

Jim Ross: “We taped five, one #NXT broadcasts tonight in just under four hours. Hard work, some outstanding matches, full house. Thanks to all. #WWE Really fun night at #NXT. Young talents stepping up. Post WM29 call ups intriguing.”

Chris Jericho: “Had a great time at @WWENXT last night-what a facility! Killer fans too! Very good match w @WWEBrayWyatt…I predict he’ll be a champion soon”

Wade Barrett: “Thanks to the guys and girls @WWENXT. Overflowing with talent right now. Crowd @FullSail is one of the best I’ve ever known. Loud.”

Michael Cole: “Historic night @WWENXT. The stars of tomorrow are truly here! There are guys ready for major stardom on main roster right now. The best part about @WWENXT is the arena @FullSail and the nxt fans! It’s truly your show. Thanks for the support each month!”

William Regal: “A night to remember(Shalamar!)at @WWENXT.Thanks to @IAmJericho @WadeBarrett @AntonioCesaro and all the NXT competitors,staff and announcers

Kane Interview: Paul Bearer’s Influence On His Career, Daniel Bryan, Rock vs. Cena

Staff
-
24

WWE tag team champion Kane recently spoke with NorfolkNavyFlagship.com to promote WrestleMania 29. Here are some highlights of what Kane said about:

How Paul Bearer Shaped His Career

He was an integral part of my early years as Kane. Without Paul Bearer, there wouldn’t have been a Kane, because he was such an important part of that story. Also, we traveled together for a few years, so it was a loss on a personal level for me as well. He came back and managed me in 2010 when I was World Champion, which was really cool – again against The Undertaker. Just like everyone else, I was a big fan of Paul Bearer and Percy Pringle, and all of the other names that he went by. It was a tough loss for everybody. We went to the viewing and what was really amazing was there were flowers there from all over the country – really, all over the world. It was nice to see an outpouring of affection from fans all over the place.

How He’s Lasted 18 Years In WWE:

Well, I work hard and I show up. I’ve been very fortunate that I haven’t gotten injured a bunch. I try to take care of myself. I think, too, my size gives me an advantage in some ways. I’m not always the guy getting knocked down a whole lot. My body probably hasn’t been punished as much as the other guys have been. I think it’s because I show up everyday and I try to do my best – give everything I have.

Comparing Daniel Bryan To His Previous Partners:

Well, he’s different – that’s for sure. What’s cool about Daniel Bryan is that I have now been able to do something that I’ve never been able to do before. Kane has always been sort of a dark character. With Daniel Bryan, we’ve been able to add a lot more lightheartedness, some humor and a lot of comedy. It works even better because it’s such a contrast from what I’ve normally done in the past. He’s completely different than any tag-team partner I’ve ever had. He’s a pain – a monumental pain to get along with. It’s like the odd couple, and somehow, I’ve become the voice of sanity. I don’t know how that’s happened – he’ll do that to you.

His Prediction for The Rock vs. John Cena:

I don’t, and who knows – John Cena made the mistake last year at the last stage of their match when he went to do Rock’s People’s Elbow and it cost him the match. I’m not saying that John Cena would take The Rock lightly, but I think this year he’ll be even more serious about it. I think The Rock is going to be in for more than he may have bargained for.

The Rock Appears On The Tonight Show (Video), No Mention Of WWE

Staff
-
111

WWE Champion The Rock appeared on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday night to promote his new movie, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.”

Despite the fact that The Rock has been making media appearances with the WWE Championship belt in recent weeks, The Rock did not have the title with him – nor did he make any mention of WWE.

Paul Bearer’s Family Signs Off On CM Punk Urn Storyline

Staff
-
20

In recent weeks, we’ve seen deceased WWE manager Paul Bearer’s urn incorporated into storylines and used in CM Punk’s WrestleMania 29 feud with The Undertaker.

CM Punk has been pushing the envelope with the the memory of Paul Bearer, interrupting The Undertaker’s tribute to him, implying that the urn contains Paul Bearer’s ashes, impersonating Paul Bearer’s voice and even dropping the urn on the floor while tossing it around.

According to TMZ.com, everything we’ve seen in recent weeks since Paul Bearer’s passing has been approved by his family. WWE’s creative team approached Paul’s family immediately after his passing and asked for permission to incorporate Bearer into the Punk-Taker storyline.

Paul Bearer’s son Michael told TMZ.com that the family had no problem signing off on the idea, because they know he’d appreciate being part of a storyline from the afterlife:

“We felt that dad would have wanted us at RAW last week and agreed to the angle … We knew Dad wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Tickets For Hogan Uncensored In NYC Not Selling Well, Slammiversary Video & More

Staff
-
7

– Tickets for Hulk Hogan’s upcoming “uncensored” show at New York City’s Beacon Theater over WrestleMania weekend are not selling well. According to Ticketmaster.com, only 25% of the tickets have been sold – with a “High Availability” of seats in the upper and lower levels of the theater.

hogan-uncensored

– Miss Tessmacher was featured Thursday on Maxim.com.

– TNA Wrestling has released the following video promoting its annual Slammiversary pay-per-view event, which takes place this year on Sunday, June 2 in Boston, Massachusetts. Tickets go on-sale next Friday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=z0kmBoRdLfk

Bully Ray Issues Another Apology For Anti-Gay Insults Towards TNA Fan

Staff
-
19

During last week’s Impact Wrestling taping in Chicago, Illinois, TNA World Heavyweight champion Bully Ray unleashed a slew of anti-gay remarks towards a fan in the audience.

After he and TNA President Dixie Carter apologized earlier this week for his outburst, Bully Ray issued another apology on Thursday, saying that he has since apologized to the fan personally:

Hulk Hogan Says He Changed WrestleMania X-8 Match With The Rock On The Fly

Staff
-
16

During a recent interview with Fighting Spirit Magazine, Hulk Hogan spoke about his legendary match against The Rock at WrestleMania X-8 back in 2002:

“Out of respect, I go down there (to Miami), and there’s me and The Rock and his dad Rocky Johnson, and Pat Patterson,” said Hogan. “The Rock starts telling me that we’re gonna lock up, and do this and do that, then start getting some heat on me, and so on. So he talked through the whole match, and I was listening. I respect him, and it kinda made sense, but I’d never done that before. Then they go, ‘Okay, let’s have the match here.’ I said, ‘Whoa! You’re talking about me taking bumps in this ring, with no people? I’ll get hurt, and if I fall wrong one time, then my career is over.’ I’ve got to have the energy of the crowd, so that when I go down, I go down to the mat hard. So instead, we just walked through the match.”

Hogan was depicted as the heel going into the match due to his affiliation with the New World Order, and because of his acrimonious departure from WWE years prior. The audience, however, didn’t care that Hogan was portrayed as a villain by WWE, instead cheering the wrestling icon and reigning a chorus of boos toward The Rock. Hogan says he had the match changed on the fly due to the crowd reaction.

“The whole issue I had was what if we got to Toronto, and this doesn’t work? So sure enough, when we go to Toronto, I give The Rock one big push, and the place explodes. Then I pushed him again, as we planned, and the place explodes again. [WWE] thought I was gonna get booed. Then I start chopping meat on him, and with every hit the place is going crazy. Then I did what was planned, blocking a punch, and as soon as he started hitting me came the boos.”

“I went down, and looked up and said, ‘You want me to fix this?’ And The Rock says, ‘Yeah, let’s fix it.’ I went, ‘OK, then listen to me.’ But it took him no time to get it right, because he is just so good in the ring. It took us three minutes to get it right, but if we’d done what we had practised, they’d have booed us out of the [expletive] building. I’m not saying I could do it in every instance, but The Rock is so good, we could do that. The Rock doesn’t usually talk about planning his matches, so somebody must have made him worry that I was too old and too slow, and that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the work-rate. But once he got in the ring with me, he knew I had a feel for it, and we got it right. That’s what I wanted to do with ‘Stone Cold’, and Bret Hart, too.”

Eric Bischoff Calls Bret Hart Bitter & Talks About His Future With TNA

Staff
-
7

TNA Wrestling producer Eric Bischoff appeared on Inside The Ropes Thursday night where he addressed critical remarks from WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

On Bret Hart’s run in WCW:

“I had spoken to and met Bret several times before he made the jump. I was obviously excited to have him but clearly Bret Hart was a very broken….and in my opinion still is, from the interviews I hear him do, a very sad, broken and bitter person. That was pretty evident when he first came over. He was a shadow or a shell of his former self. Wherever Bret was, the high point of his character, what I got was a kind of broken, sad shell of that and quite honestly I don’t think he’s ever come out of it.”

On Bret’s recent comments saying he “knows nothing about wrestling” and calling him “an idiot”:

“It’s not unusual for guys like Bret Hart, from that era….the only way they know how to get over is to get over at the expense of someone else. Bret Hart’s trying very hard to stay relevant. Unfortunately, he’s no longer relevant. He was a big star, he had a big name at one point, he was an important character in the history of the business but he’s not any longer and I’m sure that’s hard on him. I know myself how it feels to realise that that your biggest and best days as a performer are behind you. I’m very comfortable with that, I’ve embraced it but it’s hard for a lot of guys who’ve never been anything other than performers. They have a hard time with that. It’s not easy getting older in the wrestling business, believe me, when you’re surrounded by younger and younger people who in many ways aren’t as over or as skilled or as popular as you may have been or still are now. But this business is a business that’s served by youth and change. And for someone like Bret, that manifests itself in his personality, lashing out at others. It’s funny, when he came to me he hated Vince McMahon, he hated everyone in the WWE from the office to half the roster. He didn’t have a good thing to say about any of the McMahons. Then when he got the opportunity to go back and work for them, he had to shift that. Then his hatred was for someone else like Bill Goldberg for giving him a concussion and now it’s for me and for Hulk, there’s no rhyme or reason for it and as far as his opinion of my value and what I’ve achieved in the wrestling business, I’ll let my body of work and success speak for itself.”

His future in TNA:

“I really don’t plan on being in the wrestling business too much longer and I say that in a very grateful and positive way. This business has been great for me and my family. It’s been almost 30 years. I’m still shocked to this day. My goal now isn’t to acCallscomplish anything professionally, because I’ve kind of been there, done that. My goal now and this is gonna sound kinda corny, I really like teaching. I like watching guys like Matt Connaway and Dave Lagana, watching them grow into new areas that they haven’t been able to get into before. Someday, hopefully, in the near future, I’m going to be able to walk away from this business and when I do, I want to be able to know that I was able to shape, in one way shape or form, guys who will carry on and be the future of the business.

Bischoff also talked about signing Randy Savage to a WCW contract, comparisons between Aces and Eights and the nWo, and much more. The full interview is available at www.facebook.com/theinsidenetwork.

*Spoilers* WWE NXT Tapings Results: Clash Of The Champions Returns, Jericho, The Shield

Staff
-
6

WWE NXT Taping
Full Sail, Orlando Florida
March 21, 2013

Credit to reader Andres Santiago for this live report:

Dark Match:

– Briley Pierce vs Rami Sebei. Sebei won with a running boot Pierce in the corner.

TV Taping

Tony Dawson, Kassius Ohno and Brad Maddox were the announce team when the tapings began.

– Bo Dallas & Adrian Neville vs The Wyatt Family w/ Bray Wyatt. Dallas & Neville won with a Belly to Belly Slam by Dallas on Harper. Wyatt cut one of his rambling promos as they came to the ring.

– William Regal attacked Kassius Ohno at the announce booth.

– Summer Rae & Audrey Marie vs Sasha Banks & Paige. Banks & Paige won with a Paige Turner on Marie. Rae ran to the back to avoid wrestling Paige and that led to the finish.

– NXT Championship Match: Big E Langston vs Conor O’Brian. Langston won with The Big Ending. Typical post match antics by Langston.

– They showed a Harlem Shake spoof with multiple Emmas. All of them were wearing bad cosplay outfits.

– Percy Watson, Axl Keegan & Scott Dawson vs The Shield. The Shield won with a Skywalker by Rollins on Keegan. After the match, The Shield beatdown Dawson and cut a promo about how they are the most destructive force in WWE history. Graves appeared on screen and challenged them to a match next week, due to them costing him the title two times. Rollins accepted and told the others to take the night off next week.

– Naomi & Cameron vs The Bella Twins. The Bella Twins won with a double team on Cameron. The move had each Bella holding one of Cameron’s legs and rolling forward like a jacknife pin, which caused Cameron to slam down as if she was powerbombed.

– Kassius Ohno vs William Regal. Regal won with a Knee Trembler.

The next portion of the taping was called “NXT Clash of the Champions” due to all of the matches being title bouts.

– United States Championship match: Antonio Cesaro vs Adrian Neville. Cesaro won with a Neutralizer. Neville was going for the Corkscrew SSP but got crotched, uppercutted and hit with the Neutralizer.

– WWE Divas Championship: Kaitlyn vs AJ Lee. Kaitlyn won with a spear. AJ looked like she was drilled pretty hard with it.

– NXT Championship match: Big E Langston vs Brad Maddox. Langston won with The Big Ending. Typical post match antics by Langston again.

– WWE Intercontinental Championship match: Wade Barrett vs Bo Dallas. Barrett won when he caught Dallas with the Bull Hammer in mid-air; Dallas was attempting a diving move from the top rope.

<!––nextpage––>

Next set of tapings …

– Justin Gabriel vs Leo Kruger. Kruger won with Nigel McGuiness’s old London Dungeon submission.

– Bailey vs Emma. Emma won with a slightshot floated over into a Muta Lock. While bridging back on the Muta Lock she did her dance.

– Bray Wyatt w/ The Wyatt Family vs Yoshi Tatsu. Wyatt won with a Swinging Flatliner. After the match, Wyatt beat down Tatsu and then cut a promo about how the Wyatt Family rule NXT and how no one in the back is better than him.

– Lumberjack Match: Corey Graves vs Seth Rollins. Rollins won with the Skywalker. At the end of the match, The Shield ran out from the crowd and destroyed all of the lumberjacks. Rollins was able to hit his finisher after Ambrose clotheslined Graves behind the ref’s back.

– Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Tag Match: Primo & Epico vs The Wyatt Family vs Bo Dallas & Adrian Neville. Neville eliminated Primo & Epico with a Corkscrew Shooting Star Press on Primo. Harper eliminated Dallas & Neville immediately after when he nailed Neville with a Tornado Clothesline.

– Paige vs Summer Rae. Rae attacked Paige on the way to the ring. Paige won with the Paige Turner.

– Chris Jericho vs Bray Wyatt. Jericho won with the Walls of Jericho.

Notes

– John Cena will be wrestling on May 2 at the next taping.

– I have no idea how many episodes were taped tonight. There are 6 weeks before the next taping and it felt like there were 4 or 5 shows worth of matches filmed. I believe the first episode ended with the Langston-O’Brian match and the second with the Ohno-Regal match. The “NXT Clash of the Champions” is likely going to be a special episode too. After that, I have no idea if we had 1 or 2 more episodes worth of matches taped.

– Ohno and Regal had a fantastic match that is well worth going out of your way to see. Neville and Cesaro’s match was great as well.

– After Regal’s match with Ohno he joined the commentary team.

– Bailey has Kristal Marshal’s old theme song.

– Rami Sebei is El Generico unmasked.

 

WWE SmackDown Preview For Tonight

Staff
-
0

The following is scheduled for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy:

– Miz TV with Randy Orton and Sheamus.

– Mark Henry vs. Zack Ryder.

– Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston.

– Jack Swagger vs. Chris Jericho.

– Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow vs. Brodus Clay & Tensai.

– WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro vs. The Miz.

– Randy Orton & Sheamus & Big Show vs. 3MB.

Also appearing are The Shield, Booker T, The Bella Twins and more.

*SPOILERS* For Tonight’s Episode of WWE SmackDown

TNA Announces New Rules For X Divsion Matches

Staff
-
22

For years, TNA has billed the X Division as a “no limits” division, but that never really meant anything.

On Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, TNA announced the rule changes to X Division matches that Dixie Carter hinted at last week on Twitter. Moving forward:

  1. The X Division now has a weight limit of 230 lbs.
  2. All X Division matches will now be 3-man matches

Hit up the comments below and tell us what you think about the new rules.

Video: Stephanie McMahon Boxing With Her Trainer

Staff
-
25

Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following video on Thursday showing off her boxing skills –

More On The Changes To WWE’s Creative Team & Paul Heyman’s Role

Staff
-
13

As noted earlier, former WWE creative team member Court Bauer revealed on Twitter that David Kreizman, who started with WWE several months ago, is now a WWE head writer.

Kreizman is a former soap opera writer (“All My Children”) and has won several Daytime Emmy Awards. Kreizman fills the void left by Eric Pankowski, who left the company earlier this month.

WWE is looking to hire more former soap opera writers, according to PWInsider.com.

Former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz, who writes most of The Rock’s material, has also been stepping up on the creative side. There is still no real push for Paul Heyman to join the creative team, although he does work with various wrestlers who seek his advice.

New WWE Head Writer, Angle Added To WWE.com, Payback PPV Ticket Presale, Foley DVD Preview

Staff
-
5

– Former WWE creative team member Court Bauer revealed on Twitter that David Kreizman, who started with WWE months ago, is now a WWE head writer. He is a Daytime Emmy award winning soap opera writer.

– TNA star Kurt Angle has been added to the Alumni section of WWE.com. It’s true.

– WWE is holding a ticket pre-sale this week for the new Payback pay-per-view. The event takes place on Sunday, June 16th from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The online pre-sale begins Thursday morning with the password PUNKPPV. Tickets will be on sale for $500, $300, $90, $70, $50 and $25 and go on sale to the general public this Saturday.

– WWEDVDNews.com has released the following video preview for the new “Life and Times Of Mick Foley” DVD release, in stores April 16th:

1...2,8102,8112,812...3,398Page 2,811 of 3,398