– In anticipation of MMA fighter “King Mo” making his TNA debut this fall, TNA is having a custom throne built for his ring entrances. As previously reported, Mo has been seeking career advice from Sting and Hulk Hogan and will begin training at OVW this summer.
It’s expected King Mo will debut by November and his contract would see him working one Impact taping per month during the Bellator MMA fighting season.
– There is talk of using Douglas Williams as an agent for TNA live events or as a trainer at OVW
– According to early estimates, TNA’s recent Sacrifice PPV did around 8,000 to 9,000 buys. Sacrifice was the first PPV event that TNA posted on Youtube for purchase after it aired live, so they likely made some additional revenue from the online buys.
– To update the story of Anthony Nese being released from TNA, it was reportedly his decision to leave. Nese asked TNA for permission work a June 1st internet pay-per-view event for the PWS promotion in a tag team match against the legendary Great Muta. TNA turned down his request so he asked to be released so he could perform on the iPPV, which they granted.
– Former AWA Tag Team Champion Doug Somers is suing WWE, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon over WWE using AWA footage of him without consent. The lawsuit, which was filed in Georgia but has since been moved to federal court, claims Somers unwillingly appeared on four DVDs, WWE Classics on Demand, books and other materials.
WWE and the McMahons have filed motions to have the case dismissed. Their defense is that WWE purchased the rights to the AWA’s tape library and intellectual property back in 2003 (for a seven figure sum) that allows them to use the AWA footage however they want.
– FCW Divas Champion Raquel Diaz (real name Shaul Guerrero, daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero) debuted a new gimmick at Thursday night’s FCW TV tapings. She now has blonde hair and crazy makeup that fans in attendance have compared to pop singer Lady Gaga.
There had been talk last year of doing a similar gimmick on the main roster with current WWE Divas champion Layla.
Check out these pictures of the beautiful Raquel Diaz:
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross appeared on Sports Talk 1400 radio in Norman, Oklahoma on Friday and commented on Chris Jericho’s “indefinite suspension” from WWE.
Here’s what Jim Ross said about Chris Jericho’s actions:
“He was playing the part of a wrestling villain in an entertainment based entity,” Ross said.
“It’s not like he was at a sporting event like soccer and disrespected the flag, but rules are rules and they have strict rules regarding the flag in their company… He’s playing a character, did an ad lib, and unfortunately he stepped over the line for the local culture, so he’s been suspended indefinitely and hopefully it will work out.”
Jericho was nearly arrested on Thursday night after denigrating the Brazilian flag during his match with CM Punk at WWE’s first-ever event from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Brock Lesnar’s legal representative Paul Heyman landed WWE on the front page of ESPN and their hot-as-hot-can-be TRENDING section with a surprise “Breaking News” edition of The Heyman Hustle. (ESPN.com)
Heyman, who was not live at Raw this Monday, but was in Las Vegas, interviewed WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson on the recent DUI arrest and fall from grace of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones.
So Heyman, who is now back on WWE television in one of the company’s top storylines, got a scoop no other member of the MMA media did – interview Mike Tyson about Jon Jones.
Check out the video of Heyman’s exclusive interview with Mike Tyson:
As previously reported, WWE has suspended Chris Jericho for an incident that took place at Thursday night’s live event from Sao Paolo, Brazil that almost saw Jericho thrown in jail. During the main event match between Jericho and WWE Champion CM Punk, Jericho took a Brazilian flag from ringside and kicked it. Because denigrating the Brazilian flag is illegal in the country, police came to the ring and ordered Jericho to apologize or be taken to jail. Jericho apologized to the live crowd and the match continued.
Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield has posted a reaction on his Facebook page regarding the incident that occured involving Chris Jericho at Thursday night’s WWE live event from Brazil. As previously reported, Jericho was nearly arrested after denigrating the Brazilian flag during his main event match against CM Punk.
JBL, who had his own international incident several years ago for “goose stepping” at a live event from Germany, had this to say about Jericho’s incident:
“After seeing reports of Chris Jericho in Brazil-it was what I suspected–Chris trying to entertain and be a heel. Apparently a Brazilian Flag comes into ring and Chris grabs it and kicks it (or something to that effect). Compare that to Sgt Slaughter burning the flag or all the crazy stuff that has gone on. This is nothing. EXCEPT we are in a new era and now that isn’t acceptable.
Chris did what most old heels would have done, he reacted and a decade ago it would have been loved for the heat. However, times change and we have to as well-Chris acknowledged this and apologized. Chris is a wonderful person and one of all time great entertainers-there was no malice here from what I see and know about Chris. A mistake was made and is being dealt with.
As far as being illegal, please, if done in an entertaining arena it is considered as such. Like saying you can prosecute Anthony Hopkins for cannibalism because of his role in ‘Silence of the Lambs’. I understand the arguements, I went through same thing in Germany and it was never considered a problem in Germany-only over the Internet and the Internet reporters. Chris’ intent was to entertain not insult anyone in Brazil or the great Brazilian fans.
Times change and for the better. Chris did what a ton of older heels would have done and he reacted. He is being punished and he apologized. He is one of all time greats and a great friend, old habits are hard to change but we must.
Times change and we have to change with it, and we all will.”
– UFC heavyweight Roy Nelson is once again teasing that he’ll be joining WWE after his fight at Saturday’s UFC 146 pay-per-view. During an interview with MMA Weekly, Nelson was asked what’s next after Saturday. He replied:
“might just have to go to WWE because I might just have to call him [Brock Lesnar] out, go to WWE, and whoop his ass.”
UFC Legend Tito Ortiz Strongly Hints That He’s Joining WWE
– Alberto Del Rio turns 35 years old today.
– Ezekiel Jackson has launched a Facebook page at Facebook.com/BigZekeWWE.
– WWE has announced the next live SmackDown special will take place Tuesday, July 3rd from Corpus Christi, Texas. Superstars from both brands are being advertised for the show, including John Cena. This will likely be a 4th of July special.
Chris Jericho has commented on the “international incident” that took place at Thursday night’s WWE live event from Sao, Paulo, Brazil that almost landed him in jail.
In a statement he issued to the WWE website, Chris Jericho said:
“I made a bad judgment call in the course of entertaining [WWE] fans in Brazil. I apologized to the people in the crowd for showing disrespect. It was a bad move. I did it with [our] fans’ entertainment in mind and I’ll accept the consequences for that.”
Chris Jericho later tweeted the following message on Twitter:
“Just for the record I love Brazil and wish we could’ve spent more time here. Beautiful country!”
TNA Wrestling is suing WWE and former TNA/WWE office worker Brian Wittenstein for “interference with existing contracts, conversion, breach of contract, civil conspiracy, unfair competition, breach of loyalty” and violation of the Tennessee Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
The lawsuit alleges that Wittenstein, a former TNA employee with knowledge of sensitive company information, provided WWE insider information on contracts and other matters pertaining to TNA’s operations. The lawsuit alleges that WWE is now using the knowledge obtained from Wittenstein to poach TNA talent.
After departing TNA, Wittenstein was hired by WWE earlier this year and worked under Michael Hayes before getting let go in April. The lawsuit alleges that during this time period, Wittenstein provided WWE the inside information from TNA. WWE did not immediately inform TNA about their former employee leaking company information.
TNA claims that this information was presented on 5/7. Coincidentally, just days later, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair approached TNA management about being released from his contract. TNA alleges that Flair wanted out so he could return to WWE.
An injunction was issued earlier demanding that WWE & Wittenstein return whatever confidential information retained during his TNA tenure. They were both instructed not to destroy the material.
WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt commented to The Nashville City Paper:
“Our reaction is that no good deed ever goes unpunished. What the WWE did here is what you would hope any company would do in these circumstances it found itself in.”
(Sources: Nashville City Paper, Pro Wrestling Insider)
WWE announced Friday that Chris Jericho has been suspended indefinitely due to an incident at Thursday night’s WWE live event from São Paulo, Brazil.
During the main event match between Jericho and WWE Champion CM Punk, Jericho took a Brazilian flag from ringside and kick it. Because denigrating the Brazilian flag is illegal in the country, police came to the ring and ordered Jericho to apologize or be taken to jail.
The flag stunt was NOT planned or approved by WWE officials and was Jericho’an act Jericho improvised to get heat. Here’s WWE’s statement:
Chris Jericho suspended
Chris Jericho as been suspended indefinitely due to an irresponsible act of denigrating the Brazilian flag at a WWE live event in São Paulo on May 24. WWE has apologized to the citizens and the government of Brazil for this incident.
— From ring announcing gaffes to shoe related mishaps, Lilian Garcia’s second go-round with WWE has been riddled with embarrassing episodes. The follies continued Wednesday night at WWE’s SmackDown live event in Poughkeepsie, New York as the Decade Diva mishandled an important ring introduction and once again had difficulty maintaining her balance.
In a recurring theme, Garcia erroneously announced the No Holds Barred Match between Randy Orton and Kane as a No Disqualification Match. The SmackDown Diva also had trouble staying on her feet as she nearly tripped while making her entrance around the ring—she was able to prevent herself from falling completely.
After Garcia tripped while making her ring entrance last month at a SmackDown taping in London, England, WWE Encyclopedia author Kevin Sullivan said based on the sports entertainment organization’s past history, he would not be surprised if she was burdened with a gimmick inspired by her series of mishaps.
“I don’t know why, but I truly enjoy following Lilian Garcia’s follies on the web. I’m really a good person, but her goofs make me laugh,” he wrote on Twitter after seeing WWE’s video of her tumble. “Some guys are goofy before becoming serious (Angle, Y2J, Double J), while others start serious and turn goofy (Santino, R-Truth, Godfather). I wouldn’t be surprised if WWE gave Lilian Garcia a tripping gimmick.”
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Stacy “The Kat” Carter has been announced to appear at Legends of the Ring 14 taking place Saturday, June 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey. She will be doing photo-ops with the bubble-wrap bikini she donned for the Miss Royal Rumble Swimsuit Contest at the 2000 Royal Rumble. (Details)
The Miami Herald has published Part 2 of its recent interview with WWE Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels. In this installment, Michaels talks about the first half of his legendary WWE singles career during the 1990’s – including how he earned his reputation of being such a pain in the ass behind the scenes, how he was able to keep his job, Jim Ross’ role as the head of talent relations and much more. Here are some highlights of what Michaels said about:
Why He Was So Difficult To Work With Behind The Scenes:
“If I’m putting on my psychiatrist’s hat and you dig all the way down to the root of it has nothing to do with wrestling or anything else,” Michaels said. “It just has to do with a young man’s insecurities with himself.
“Having said that, that can manifest itself in any form and how that’s interpreted obviously depends on the time and depends on the spin. Let’s face it. The ability it takes to be difficult really is to disagree with somebody. Nine times out of 10 mine were usually more creative issues than anything else. The company felt one thing. I felt another. We both feel opposite things, so therefore it’s going to be difficult.”
He later said, “I was a young guy full of piss and vinegar — excuse my language — and I felt I had a very good idea of where the business needed to go and things that needed to be done
“I never went back and told anybody what I did was justified. I’m not saying that at all, but let’s face it. That is where the business went — to more attitude and things of that nature and to perhaps being a little more truthful and a little more reality based, which I was doing many years ago as well as other guys.
How He Was Able To Keep His Job:
“I fear people will misinterpret me trying to say, ‘Therefore, I should be absolved of all the stuff I did wrong,’ Michaels said. “I’m not saying that at all, but the reason I survived it, and the reason I’m still part of the WWE now is because the one guy who loves absolutely every stitch of it, which is Vince McMahon, the guy I argued with more than anybody, understood it.
“He understood that it wasn’t unprofessionalism or ego that was driving all that. It was a desire and a passion to be the guy and to be the absolute very best that I could be. His only challenge was channeling all that in the right direction, and he did that pretty darn well. He tells people all the time the reason he didn’t fire me is because he could see through all that. Ultimately, when it came down to his way or my way, he always knew when he said, ‘This is what I want done, period.’ He knew I’d do it, and I always did.”
It’s a great read – check out the full interview at MiamiHerald.com.
It’s official – the cryptic “The Revolution is Coming” videos that have been airing on the WWE website are for the next installment WWE’s video game franchise – WWE ’13.
Here is the latest update from The Ultimate Warrior discussing his recent biceps injury, the 1-year anniversary of Randy Savage and plenty of ‘inspiration’ for his Warriors:
WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch angrily responded to online wrestling outlets publishing her Facebook status update where she stated admitting herself to the hospital this week complaining of stomach flu and discovering that she has severe gastroenteritis and an enflamed pancreas. Contrary to her previous post, she adamantly states that she does not have ‘health issues.’
Sytch wrote, “Yo wrestling websites!! are we not allowed to get sick?? Are we super human or something?? get a grip people…at least quote me exactly instead of leaving out the words you dont like….idiots.” She continued, “OK, now Im getting annoyed. Here’s the story: I had a stomach flu, was dehydrated from puking my guts out, so I took myself to the hospital to get fluids… the next morning I was fine… it’s not like I had to call 911 b/c I was dying! ENOUGH!!!! EVERYONE GETS SICK!”
The former WWE Superstar continued to proclaim to her Facebook friends that she is fine.
“IM FINE NOW….. that’s why these dirt sheets are so bogus… it’s not like I have “health issues”, I had a bug! I’ve been completely healthy for 2 days now!” Sytch wrote. “I AM better…been fine for 2 days… Im not dying guys..I was puking for 4 days. I appreciate your concern, but if you keep thinking im still sick, the dirt sheets are just gonna eat it up more.”
Sytch then explained to her cousin what a ‘dirt sheet’ is after believing she was talking about dirty bed sheets.
“Oh cousin… dirt sheets, not dirty sheets. they are wrestling websites that spread gossip,” Sytch wrote.
— Emmett/Furla Films’ feature film Empire State starring Dwayne Johnson and Liam Hemsworth will begin shooting next Tuesday for twenty days in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Details)
— In this week’s edition of WWE’s Outside the Ring, Derrick Bateman takes part in a party for the mind, soul, and body in a ZUMBA class. Bateman takes his newly found ZUMBA talents backstage at WWE where he teaches Kaitlyn and other WWE Superstars some new moves.
— Starship-Pained.com conducted a Q&A with John Morrison on Saturday at the Motor City Comic Con and the former WWE Superstar discussed working with Vince McMahon.
“It was great and interesting. He’s a wrestling genius. He has a phenomenal mind. He’s comical. However, what he wanted always conflicted with what I wanted, but he has a clear vision & he had confidence. It was really cool to be around him,” Morrison said.
Regarding being ECW Champion, he stated, “It was awesome. Think about all the history. RVD, Tommy Dreamer, Taz, the ECW Ballroom. It was the watered down WWE version of ECW but it was still an honor.”
Morrison also commented on future plans, CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, The Miz and more. The full interview is available here.
— Lex Luger has arrived to WWE.com as he is now featured in their Alumni section (link). The website says of The Total Package, “With his impressive physique and powerful abilities, Lex Luger became one of the most popular competitors of the 1990s. Check out Luger’s profile, photos and videos, the latest addition to the Alumni section!”
– Brooke Hogan appeared on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends Thursday morning to promote her arrival to the cast of TNA’s IMPACT WRESTLING starting Thursday, May 31 on Spike TV. Joined by ODB and Velvet Sky, she talked about following in her father’s footsteps before demonstrating wrestling holds.
– Jeff Hardy appeared on Highway 2 Helms with Shane Helms Wednesday evening. The podcast is available here.
– Robbie E and Velvet Sky appear at Direct Auto Insurance 300 E Veterans Memorial Blvd. Killeen, Texas on June 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Call 254-519-1213 for more information.
– Gunner vs. Eric Young is the featured match on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion on Challenge.
THE ULTIMATE REDNECK-STYLE COMPETITION SERIES “REDNECK ISLAND,”
HOSTED BY WWE SUPERSTAR STEVE AUSTIN, SET TO PREMIERE JUNE 9 ON CMT
NASHVILLE – May 24, 2012 – Hosted by WWE superstar Steve Austin, REDNECK ISLAND will take 12 red, white and blue-collared Americans out of their element, and far away from cold beer, for the ultimate redneck-style competition series, which debuts Saturday, June 9 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with a special 2-hour long premiere.
From a remote tropical paradise, Austin will guide the men and women through a number of hilarious mental and physical challenges designed to celebrate the group’s strengths and limitations in a quest for $100,000. At the end of each episode, teammates will send one competitor packing.
The REDNECK ISLAND contestants include:
Catherine Long (Harrisburg, N.C.) – Blonde, bubbly and funny “Southern belle.” Likes to have a good time and is fun to be around, but can become stubborn and hot-headed at times. Loves her family, hunting and drinking beer.
Cayton “Tex” Flippen (Sumner, Texas) – Small town guy with a competitive nature and plenty of ambition. He is highly motivated and always wants to succeed. He is married and has a young daughter.
Eric Bradford (Lexington, S.C.) – The party boy jock. As a professional wrestler and former cheerleader in college, he is extremely energetic and highly competitive, but can sometimes come off as abrasive and selfish.
Kevin “Bobo” Floyd (Midland City, Ala.) – A good-hearted truck driver who will do anything for you, as long as you don’t piss him off. Loves beer, hunting and guns, but is terrified of tornadoes.
Jeannie Hunter (Marble Falls, Texas) – Fun-loving and adventurous, pistol-packing “Southern belle.” Enjoys bull riding and went to college on a full rodeo scholarship. Likes to hunt and be outdoors.
Jennifer Kercher (Lakeland, Fla.) – A tough ex-Navy girl, Jen is a certified EMT and a guy’s girl who can change her own car tires and oil. She is outgoing, caring and always up for anything. Having grown up with a twin, Jen is also highly competitive.
John Paul “JP” Burwell (Panama City, Fla.) – A bartender who enjoys drinking and having a good time. He is outgoing and can talk to anyone. Loves playing golf almost more than he loves hunting, fishing and four-wheeling.
Adam Freeman (Nashville, Tenn.) – After two marriages that ended in divorce, he came out as a gay man. He is a hairstylist with a big and fabulous personality, but is just as much of a proud redneck as the next guy. Adam is competing for his five kids.
Kassie Worley (Navarre, Fla.) – Single mom who likes to get dolled up and pretty, but not afraid to get down and dirty. She may come off as sweet and innocent, but is not afraid to speak her mind and tell it like it is.
Adam Sullins (Bristol, Virg.) – Outgoing and likeable professional wrestler. He is very competitive and always expects to win. Loves hunting, fishing, mudding, NASCAR, beer and football. Competing to win money for his fiancé and baby daughter.
Teri Allen (Ft. McCoy, Fla.) – Proudly calls herself a loudmouth party animal. Became a grandmother at the age of 30 by marriage, and is very outgoing. Loves shooting guns, and even has a shooting range in her home.
Dove Bush (Castlewood, Virg.) – Educated, artistic and open-minded. She is a huge Dolly Parton fan and tribute artist. Adventurous and loves traveling, music, spirituality and outdoor activities.
It’s been widely reported that Ric Flair is on the outs with TNA, with most people in the company under the impression that he won’t be back. There are conflicting stories as to whether Flair quit or if TNA ended the relationship.
Flair could wind up back in WWE, since he is a close personal friend of Triple H, his daughter just got signed to WWE developmental and WWE could use Flair to help with the WWE Network launch later this year. Under no circumstances would Flair ever wrestle in a WWE ring again after his elaborate “retirement” sendoff at WrestleMania 24.
Flair currently has a lucrative sponsorship deal in place with Coca Cola as the spokesperson for a new energy shot drink, however his financial situation (and lifestyle) is such that he will probably still need to work for years to come.
Check out these videos of Ric Flair promoting the “Fuel In A Bottle” energy drink:
– Rey Mysterio’s WWE contract has been extended by approximately 10-11 months to make up for the time he has missed due to various injuries, including his knee injury last summer. Mysterio is still serving out the remainder of his 60-day suspension as a result of his second violation of the company Wellness Policy.
– WWE is advertising the following matches for the upcoming Supershow live event from Lowell, Massachusetts on 6/16: John Cena & Randy Orton vs. Big Show & Chris Jericho, CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane in a Street Fight and Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio.
– Mick Foley worked another SmackDown live this week from Poughkeepsie, New York and served as the special ringside enforcer for Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Alberto Del Rio World Heavyweight title match. Sheamus retained the title and Ricardo Rodriguez got a mouthful of Mr. Socko after the match.
As previously reported, there are a lot of mixed feelings in WWE about Monday Night RAW expanding to 3 hours on a permanent basis starting July 23rd. Many are comparing the move to WCW Nitro expanding to 3-hours years ago, a decision Eric Bischoff has publicly stated was the #1 factor behind WCW’s downfall.
The format of the show is still a work in progress, but the general idea is that WWE plans to treat every Monday night like a pay-per-view event with fan interaction.
Virtually all of the feedback from people in the company has been negative. WWE has had a difficult time booking two compelling hours of television every Monday night. If the additional hour is “more of the same” – there is a great risk of burnout for everyone involved – writers, wrestlers and viewers.
The USA Network has been pushing WWE to expand RAW to 3 hours for years, but WWE has always rejected the idea. USA currently pays WWE about $700,000 a week for RAW. Even an increase of $100,000 of weekly TV rights fees would mean $5.2 million in new revenue for WWE.
At this point, it’s difficult not to view the situation as a money grab by WWE, which will come at the expense of their eroding PPV business and the company’s overall longterm health.
– WWE issued a press release last month touting that WrestleMania 28 was the biggest WrestleMania of all time, with preliminary data showing the show did approximately 1.3 million buys.
With more data coming in, the buyrate is now looking to be closer to 1.21 million buys. The final number will be reported at WWE’s next quarterly investor meeting.
– Early pay-per-view buyrate numbers are in for WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view featuring John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. Lesnar’s first WWE match in over 8 years helped WWE more than double the buyrate from 2011.
This year’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view drew approximately 250,000 buys, based (147,000 domestic, 104,000 International) – way up from 108,000 buys in 2011.
Shane Douglas’ new Extreme Reunion promotion has been renamed and will now be known as Extreme Rising.
Extreme Rising’s New York City debut will take place on June 29th in Corona, Queens at the Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Center. Tickets go on sale this Monday.
Matches announced for the NYC show include:
– Matt Hardy vs. Jerry Lynn
– Devon Storm vs. Homicide
– Luke Hawx vs. Stevie Richards
– Pesadilla vs. Bestia 666
– BLK OUT vs. The Dramatics
Plus, appearances by ECW originals The FBI, CW Anderson, The Blue Meanie, Balls Mahoney and Pitbull Gary Wolfe.
Extreme Rising will also run on the following day (6/30) from Philadelphia’s National Guard Armory with Jerry Lynn vs. Homicide among the confirmed matches for that show.
– Following his heel turn at Over The Limit, Big Show will be replacing Tensai and will team with John Laurinaitis against John Cena in handicap matches at several upcoming WWE live events.
– Jim Ross tweeted this week that he currently has no plans to appear at the 1,000th episode of WWE RAW on July 23rd.
– David Otunga has been telling his Twitter followers that he has his sights set on Santino’s United States championship. #OtungaForUSChampion was actually trending worldwide on Twitter on Wednesday.
– The Rock wrote on Twitter about GI Joe 2 being moved back to the week before WrestleMania 29, March 29th, 2013:
“Commitment to make GI JOE a massive world event just got bigger. New release 3/29/13. Rock + Ass kickins + 3D = #AwwwwShit”
As previously reported, GI Joe has been moved so the project can be converted to maximize box office revenue and due to the stiff competition around its original release date from the new Avengers, Spiderman and Batman movies.
