WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, JR answered a number of questions sent in from his followers on Twitter. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
When is Rey Mysterio returning to the ring? “Rey had major knee surgery and had had multiple knee surgeries in the past. I’d merely guess that he will be back in a few months but I have no way of knowing. It’s seemingly not going to be at WM28. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to matters such as this.”
Does HBK being named referee to the HHH-Taker HIAC match take away from the match? “Of course not. I think it adds to the drama and poses many more questions than answers which is essential to the build to any major bout. @ShawnMichaels is a show stealer and to think that his presence at WrestleMania, the site of some of his greatest performances, won’t be impactful is absurd. The question is how impactful and to who? HBK has great history with both combatants which makes Shawn wearing the stripped shirt even more compelling.”
Who are two WWE superstars who seem to be catching on? “Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler are both evolving nicely. I also think Jack Swagger has unlimited potential. In the territory days, these three would be prime examples of athletes who would earn success for a few years in various territories before being brought to WWE. The system has changed but taking time to evolve hasn’t. Many fans have no patience and many talents don’t put in the extra work in and out of the ring to get to the next level. These talents do and will be main event stars at some point unless injuries or other issues arise.”
As always you can check out Jim Ross’ amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.
Eric Bischoff appeared on the VOC Nation this week (audio available at www.VOCnation.com). Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Working with his son on television: “It’s a challenge and I have mixed emotions about it. At the end of the day, he’s doing what he wanted to do…I have a certain point of view about the wrestling business and the current state of it, and the opportunities that exist in the business today versus what has existed in the past. I tried to dissuade him from getting involved, but he’s doing what he wanted to do. Regardless of how I feel about it, he’s sticking to his dream and that’s an admirable quality.”
Working in the wrestling business now versus in WCW: “I live for the day today and I don’t spend a lot of time dwelling in the past. There is a big difference between what I do today for TNA versus what I did for Turner Broadcasting. I don’t have to deal with talent issues. That is a stressful job, even when talent is on their best behavior. It’s stressful having the futures and the welfare of that many people in your hands. Wrestling is a tough business to break into, and knowing that you’re in control of them being able to feed their families…I don’t like that.”
Ultimate Warrior’s run in WCW: “There was a certain level of expectation and it fell flat. We thought we had a decent way to use him…I’ll never forget this, it’s like scar tissue, it never goes away. On his first Nitro, he was supposed to cut a 5 or 6 minute promo, and when he got near the TWENTY-FIVE minute mark, I wanted to dig out my eyes. It was the most painful, excruciating, non-seneschal, disconnected interview I’ve ever heard in my life…it was horrifying, and went downhill from there.”
His role with TNA booking: “Bruce Prichard is head of creative, and I oversee things and make sure that the network gets what is asked for. I wanted to develop a long term plan for booking, and Vince Russo liked running things on a short term planning basis. Right now, we are very much on track with the creative direction that we laid out in October. I work very closely with the team and Dixie on the day of TV, but I’m not involved in management on a day to day basis.”
Vince Russo’s departure: “I don’t know why Vince and TNA parted ways, and I wasn’t involved in it. I haven’t spoken to him since, aside from an e-mail wishing him success in the future. I haven’t talked to anyone in TNA about it either. He and I had philosophical differences on how to create primetime television, but I don’t think it’s unfair or unprofessional to acknowledge that. I enjoyed the challenge of working with him.”
Whether or not Ric Flair should appear at the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony this year: “I’m not a decision maker, and whatever they decide, I’m going to support. But in my personal opinion, I think they should allow Ric to go to the Hall of Fame. Ric Flair is a very special individual…he is 63 years old…he’s not perfect, but there is not anyone in this business that deserves the respect and honor of taking center stage in the biggest event in our universe more than he does.”
– The new Cosmopolitan Magazine features an article on Divas in pro wrestling and includes quotes from Eve Torres, Alicia Fox and former diva Torrie Wilson, who is now dating New York Yankee star Alex Rodriguez.
– WWE NXT began airing on the WWE website one year ago from today, 3/8/11. There is still no word on when the never-ending season of NXT: Redemption will conclude.
– Alberto Del Rio was backstage, but was not used at television this week after returning to the ring over the weekend.
Del Rio is expected to participate at WrestleMania 28 in the rumored Team Long vs. Team John Laurinaitis match. That match and its participants are scheduled to be announced on Monday’s RAW.
With just 3 1/2 weeks to go until their epic encounter at WWE’s biggest pay-per-view event of the year, things are heating up fast between The Rock and John Cena. Their interactions are intensifying and the current plan is for Rock and Cena to finally get physical the March 26th RAW Supershow, the final show before WrestleMania 28.
After WrestleMania 28, The Rock will be filming Fast Six, Pain & Gain and Hercules back-to-back, which will keep him very busy until the end of 2012. Rock has several other projects lined up after that (including Ciudad), so it is unlikely we will see him on WWE television on a regular basis.
Vince McMahon stated months ago that Rock had agreed to do participate in multiple pay-per-view events this year and there has been talk of him doing something at SummerSlam. At the WrestleMania 29 press conference, Rock said he will be participating in next year’s show as well.
– To follow up on the news of Ted DiBiase breaking his ankle in a match taped for Superstars prior to Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, the WWE website reports that DiBiase sustained “a Grade 2 tear [on a 3-tier scale] to his deltoid ligament, and he also sustained a calcaneal fracture, or a heel bone fracture.” He will be out of action for several weeks.
– Kharma tweeted a message to her followers on Wednesday thanking them for their support. Kharma revealed to TMZ.com earlier in the day that she lost her unborn back in December.
– WWE’s post-WrestleMania SmackDown taping on 4/3 from Orlando, FL will feature a dark match main event of John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Sheamus and Big Show vs. Chris Jericho, The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Kane and Mark Henry.
– Dragon Gate USA wrestler Scott Reed was backstage at Monday’s RAW Supershow from Boston.
2012 WWE Hall of Famer Edge recently spoke with Aint It Cool News to promote his new WWE Studios film, Bending the Rules. Here are a few of the highlights:
Edge was asked if he thinks wrestling is too scripted today. He said:
“I think to an extent. I think you can tell the guys that do adlib. I was happy with the fact that I was one of those guys and Jericho was one of those guys and Punk is one of those guys. The guys who are good at it you can tell. I do also think that there’s always that little bit of rose tinted glasses. People look back so fondly on it, but if you look back at some of those promos and you almost wished that they could have had someone to reign it in, because a lot of them are rambling and nonsensical. [Interviewer brings up The Ultimate Warrior] Man, like ‘What’s going on?’ But here’s the thing, the programming changed. Okay, so when I’m growing up there’s one hour on Saturday mornings to fill. There’s a whole lot more content to have to fill now, so now you have a lot more speaking. There wasn’t such a thing as a ten minute promo before. There wasn’t. That wasn’t the case. It would be a quick cut back to Mean Gene talking to Sid Justice for 45 seconds.”
What he thinks about John Cena’s role in WWE – and Cena’ responsibility to live up to the spot he’s in:
“I think what it is honestly is he has been told he is the one that’s supposed to take this role. I think there has to be that guy and I think he’s been given that role and he’s making sure that he sticks to it and he’s probably being told to stick to it, like ‘You are going to be the face of this. You need to be the guy that we can take to sponsors. You need to be the guy that’s not dangerous for kids to watch. You need to be that guy’ and in doing that sure it will pigeonhole him and alienate him to a certain audience, but looking at the broader picture a lot of the audience does like what he does. I mean think about it, back when I was growing up Hulk Hogan was this huge hero and if he did what he did then now it’d be the same reaction. He would be getting booed out of the building, so there needs to be that guy and John just happens to be that guy.”
There’s much more to the interview, including a lot of talk about Edge’s budding acting career.
Back in July 2011, Zack Ryder wrestled at several WWE live events as the “Ultimate Broski.” Ryder parodied Ultimate Warrior character, using Warrior’s facepaint, ring gear and mannerisms.
Hulk Hogan spoke to TMZ on Wednesday and made his first public comments regarding the video tape out there that allegedly features the Hulkster getting freaky with a random woman he had an “encounter” with 5 years ago.
Hogan claims that when he got divorced from his ex-wife Linda 5 years ago, he had a 4-5 month period before he met his new wife Jennifer when he was “out of his mind” – getting drunk and crazy with a lot of young ladies.
Hogan has no idea who the woman in the sex tape could be – and strongly questions her motivations for secretly taping their tryst and now coming forward out of the blue after 5 years later.
A TMZ staffer who said he saw the tape says the tape does seem old and appears to be security footage from inside a home.
Hogan’s lawyer said they plan to block the release of the tape. In the state of Florida, it is a felony to release a tape of this nature without consent from both parties (ie. Hogan).
“If anyone goes forward with this thing, we’re gonna find ’em and we’re gonna prosecute.”
Here’s the footage of Hulk Hogan on TMZ Live from Wednesday afternoon talking about the infamous sex tape:
Preview Tonight’s IMPACT WRESTLING On SpikeTV – the family feud between Eric Bischoff and his son, Garett! Will Garett defy his father and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair? Find out Tonight 9/8c on SpikeTV
The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike:
– TNA Champion Bobby Roode vs. Bully Ray.
– Jeff Hardy & Garett Bischoff vs. Kurt Angle & Gunner.
– TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions Gail Kim and Madison Rayne vs. ODB & Eric Young.
– TNA X-Division champion Austin Aries vs. Zema Ion.
– Crimson and Matt Morgan vs. TNA TV champ Robbie E and Robbie T.
Also scheduled to appear are Sting, AJ Styles and more.
— TMZ.com reported Wednesday that a sex tape featuring legendary grappler Hulk Hogan has surfaced and is currently being shopped to a major adult film company. According to the website, the tape features the TNA Wrestling Superstar in a state of undress with an unidentified brunette female lying on a bed. The woman in question is not his ex-wife Linda Bollea or his current wife Jennifer McDaniel.
Ultimate Warrior went on Twitter to weigh in on his longtime rival’s video. He wrote, “HH sex tape? Don’t need more boring proof Terry is impotent with tiny, shriveled-up balls. And finding out he’s lesbian is 2 much 4 even me, he wrote.”
— Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ahmed Johnson has been announced to appear at WrestleReunion 7 on March 31 and April 1 at the Miami Beach Deauville Resort 6701 Collins Ave. Miami, Florida.
— WWE.com has published a photo gallery of WrestleMania VII, which marked as the beginning of The Undertaker’s legendary “Streak.”
— WWE creative curtailing Mark Henry’s standing in the company following a huge promotion relates to injuries and perception. Many internally have perceived Henry for numerous years as being injury prone and not tough enough to gut said injuries out.
Meanwhile, Henry is trying to break into acting as he feels his days in wrestling are coming to an end. He also realizes that his acting roles will probably limited to playing a bodyguard or bar bouncer.
— Carlito and Pimp Fatha (a/k/a The Godfather) headline the Territory League show on March 27 at the Avalon in Hollywood, California.
— Maria Kanellis will appear at WrestleReunion 8, which takes place April 13-15 at the Doubletree Toronto Airport 655 Dixon Rd. Toronto, Ontario Canada.
— WWE creative had at one point planned last week to replace Kofi Kingston as R-Truth’s tag team partner with Santino Marella for comedic purposes. Though R-Truth and Marella partnered at weekend house shows, the idea has already been nixed.
— Wrestlers who participated in a recent talent evaluation with WWE were asked to write down the ten most embarrassing and humiliating things they think could possibly happen to them in the company. Steve Lombardi, who oversaw the evaluation with William Regal, then told them that odds are everything they came up with will occur at one point or another if they make it to the big show. They must therefore decide whether working for WWE at the risk of being humiliated is something they want out of life.
— Carlito has canceled his appearance on May 18 in Amersterdam, New York for In Your Face Wrestling. Another former WWE star in Lanny Poffo (a/k/a The Genius) will appear on the show.
— Mando Guerrero, brother of the late Eddie Guerrero, has a role in the Will Ferrell comedy film Casa De Mi Padre.
— WWE creative have talked about Brodus Clay feuding with The Miz if or when he resumes appearing on television again.
The Funkasaurus has appeared at recent Raw live events. He was reportedly removed from television last month due to Vince McMahon’s unhappiness with his ring work.
— Alberto Del Rio was backstage at this week’s television events but not used. He returned to the ring at this past weekend’s SmackDown live events after sustaining a groin tear during the tag team main event of the December 19, 2011 edition of Raw SuperShow.
— The Raw live event on March 2 in Cornwall, Ontario drew 2,500 paying $70,000. Raw on March 3 in Ottawa, Ontario drew 3,500 paying $155,000. Raw on March 4 in Bangor, Maine drew 5,500 paying $175,000. Smackdown on March 3 in Albany, Georgia drew 4,200 paying $135,000. SmackDown on March 4 in Macon, Georgia drew 5,000 paying $140,000.
– During a recent interview with the Miami Herald, WWE’s giant Big Show was asked about the rumors of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal competing at WrestleMania 28. Big Show said:
“I know there are a lot of rumors this year that I might get a chance to compete against Shaq at WrestleMania [28 Miami]. I didn’t hear anything about it on my end.
I don’t know if Shaq was getting froggy, stirring up some stuff, but if he ever wants to take his Nike butt away from the announcers’ desk and try to step in the ring, he’s more than welcome to try.
I teach as well as I compete. So he can come on down and get a lesson.”
It was announced on SmackDown last week that Big Show will challenge Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania – so a match with Shaq seems highly unlikely at this point.
– Zack Ryder is telling his disgruntled fans to contact WWE and ask them to re-enable comments on his Z! True Long Island Stories videos:
“Broskis…if you want your voice to be heard and be able to leave comments again on Z! TLIS…tweet @WWEonYouTube #letuscomment”
– WWE Hall of Famer Sunny announced this week that she will be in attendance for the WWE Hall of Fame and WrestleMania 28 this year.
– With production of THQ’s upcoming WWE ’13 video game under way, we can confirm that two former WWE talents are doing motion capture work for the game. Former WWE diva Angela “Savannah” Fong wrote on Twitter this week that she and former WWE Superstar David Hart Smith are working on motion capture work for the game.
The WWE website features an exclusive video interview with Shawn Michaels, which you can view here.
Michaels talked about his confrontation with Triple H on RAW and whether he can call the Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania match fairly. Michaels answered, “Yes, next question.” He then followed up with:
“What, you don’t think I can? Too much commotion, is that it? Hey, it’s not my first barbeque, slick. Don’t worry about how I call the match. I’ll probably be the best referee the world has ever seen, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.”
Michaels was asked whether his role in the match will affect his personal relationship with longtime friend Triple H. He said:
“I don’t know. He and I have been through a lot. We’ve always managed to work our way through it. I hope this will be no different.”
Michael then got worked up and told the interviewer that he’s going to knock him out one of these days.
TMZ.com broke the news on Wednesday morning that there is a sex tape being shopped around featuring Hulk Hogan and a brunette woman who is neither his wife Jennifer or his ex-wife Linda.
Hulk Hogan’s attorney David Houston spoke to TMZ today and says Hulk Hogan was not aware he was being filmed and is appalled by this “outrageous invasion of privacy.”
Houston issued the following statement to TMZ.com:
“Terry Bollea is appalled at the unauthorized release of a secretly filmed video. [Hulk] neither approved of the filming nor the release of the same. It is clearly an outrageous invasion of privacy and breach of trust if it is genuine. We will take all necessary steps to enforce both civil and criminal liability.”
– John Cena posted a thank you message to his fans on Twitter who sent him supportive messages regarding his younger brother, who is battling cancer:
“Thanks to all those with messages of support for my bro. #livestrong”
Cena cut an emotional promo after RAW revealing that his brother has been undergoing various treatments for a brain tumor and is doing better in recent weeks.
Cena also talked some trash about The Rock and sounds like he can’t wait for Monday’s RAW:
“And on another note..has anybody seen @therock ? Because the guy who shows up looking like him really sucks. Prep school thug will be ready for cleveland. Hope great one has is notes right. I meant musical notes…not notes on his hand.”
– Rapper Machine Gun Kelly was interviewed by WWE Magazine about his hit song Invincible being used as one of the theme songs of WrestleMania 28. Here’s what MGK said about John Cena embodying the song’s message:
“Like me, I consider John Cena to be an underdog; The Rock is like this flashy Hollywood guy. You can’t give him a song like “Invincible” because no one would believe it. John Cena is all about being loyal to the fans, and so am I. I just dig him as a person. I saw the video they made, and the whole thing was intense. I loved all of it.”
WWE Champion CM Punk appeared on Boston’s Toucher & Richshow radio show earlier this week and shed some new light on his Twitter feud with NFL player Shawne Merriman.
Merriman, who is a friend of Chris Brown, went on a Twitter rant against Punk saying “f*ck him” and CM Punk wears thongs. To read his full rant against CM Punk, click here.
Here’s what the WWE Chapion told Toucher & Rinshow about his beef with Shawne Merriman:
“They’re not Twitter wars. They’re not. The Merriman thing isn’t even anything. That dates back a couple of years now. We were in Costa Rica, there was a bunch of us lounging around a pool. I think it was me and Ted DiBiase, we were watching this goof run back and forth. He would literally go into the little poolside gym, do some bicep curls and then walk around us, hoping that some of the Divas would notice. A couple of the girls got up to leave to go get ready for the show and some big fat white guy came out of nowhere and I saw him handing out business cards to the girls.”
Punk speculated that the man handing out business cards to the pretty girls by the pool worked for Merriman. Punk said that former WWE diva Gail Kim got up to leave and Merriman went up to her. Punk said the situation was very awkard – with Gail Kim trying her best to get away from Merriman and avoid him.
– Monday’s RAW drew a 3.2 cable rating with 4,609,000 viewers. The show did hours of 3.27 and 3.19.
– ECW original Beulah McGuillicuty, who is married to Tommy Dreamer, has signed on to write her first children’s book.
– FCW referee Brian Nguyen made his WWE RAW debut this past Monday in Boston, working the Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox match. Nguyen has been at WWE developmental for almost two years.
– Ted DiBiase broke his ankle at Tuesday’s Smackdown tapings during a Superstars match against Jinder Mahal. DiBiase tweeted after the show:
“DiBiase Posse last night I unfortunately broke my ankle. Can’t catch a break lately. Ha, Well I guess I did n a way! Its ok tho, James 1:2-3”
– WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin has wrapped filming on his new movie Recoil and will begin doing promotional work for the movie today. The straight-to-DVD action film, which was released on Tuesday, can be purchased online at Amazon.com.
– Hornswoggle, who was featured in an angle at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings, tweeted the following after the show:
WWE sent out the following press release on Wednesday announcing the various attractions that will be taking place at the WrestleMania Axxess fan fest at the end of the month in Miami:
Cenation Action Zone – NEW FOR 2012! Visit the CeNation for fun, interactive opportunities to show your hustle, loyalty and respect. Test your trivia knowledge for your chance to win great prizes! Plus, record your own Cena-inspired entrance music, pose for the camera at the Cena vs. Rock photo shoot, climb the “Rise Above Hate” rock wall and more!
Inspired. Electrifying. Dominant. The Rock Experience – NEW FOR 2012! Take an epic journey through the historic life of The Rock and trace the path from his influential wrestling lineage and championship football career to WWE superstardom and Hollywood success.
Money in the Bank – NEW FOR 2012! Here is your shot at the Money in the Bank briefcase and winning a future WWE Title bout – take a photo and share with your friends and family!
WWE Universe Open Casting Call: Marine: Homefront Presented by WWE Studios – NEW FOR 2012! The WWE Studios team is looking for talent right here at WrestleMania Axxess! You have a shot at auditioning for a role in WWE Studio’s upcoming film, Marine: Homefront. Your audition will be posted on WWE’s YouTube channel for all to check out…do you have what it takes?
Out Think the Fink Game Show Presented by WWE Magazine – NEW FOR 2012! Have what it takes to stump the Fink? Here is your shot at winning an authentic Replica WWE Title.
Welcome Mat – Get what you need at this out-of-the box welcome center. Fans will be offered literature and assistance at this entrance feature.
The Main Event – Live matches and Q&As featuring WWE Superstars, plus a ton of contests where you could win prizes.
Superstar Signings – Get an autograph with your favorite WWE Superstar or Diva at stations located throughout WrestleMania Axxess.
Legends Signing – Get an autograph with your favorite WWE Legend at this station.
Superstar Entrance presented by Syfy – Fans can act out their favorite WWE Superstars’ ring entrance while being announced into the ring by a WWE announcer and download their experience at home to show off to their friends.
WWE Broadcast Center – On Thursday night be part of a special taping at WrestleMania Axxess to air the following night on SmackDown…and you may be on TV!
VIP Superstar Signing – Get the full VIP experience at Axxess – skip the line at several Axxess attractions, get ringside access at Main Event and a special autograph with a top WWE Superstar of your choice, including John Cena, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Edge and more!
Concessions – Take a break from all the excitement that WrestleMania Axxess has in-store for you at this eating area where you can enjoy a quick bite to eat and an ice cold beverage.
WWE Memorabilia – Experience WWE history while walking through the memorabilia area showcasing authentic WWE memorabilia from our Hall of Famers to our current Superstars, plus check out the new WrestleMania timeline showcasing the greatest moments in WrestleMania history. This year will feature more than 200 items, nearly twice the number of items from last year.
WWE Vehicles – Check out Stone Cold Steve Austin’s 4×4 that he rode to and around the ring at WrestleMania 25 for the ultimate beer bash and Vince McMahon’s infamous limo.
WWE Championship Titles – Get up close and personal with these memorabilia displays. Fans will check out past and present WWE Championship titles.
WWE Photo Shoot – Get a photo with your favorite WWE Superstar and Diva!
Undertaker’s Graveyard – Experience your dark side; walk through the cemetery with tombstones featuring the Undertaker’s 19 WrestleMania victims.
WWEShop – Fans of all ages will be enticed to purchase the hottest WrestleMania 28 gear and products with the option of purchasing on-line products at nearby kiosks.
Cover Shoot presented by WWE Magazine – Have your photo taken and inserted onto the cover of a WWE magazine.
Superstar Ink – The world is divided into two kinds of people; those who have tattoos and those who are afraid of people with tattoos; which one are you? Get painted in this authentic tattoo parlor.
National Guard – National Guard is the proud presenting sponsor of WrestleMania Axxess 2012! Stop by the National Guard Autograph Station to meet your favorite Superstars and Divas, race against a friend on the AMA Simulator, test your strength at the pull up and push up station, or get your photo taken aboard National Guard military vehicles.
Mattel’s WWE Display – Fit for a Champion! Experience the electrifying action of WWE with Mattel’s latest action figures, on display in some of the most amazing set-ups to date!
We are saddened to report that WWE Diva Kharma (Kia Stevens) did not deliver her son on December 31st, despite what she told friends.
TMZ.com is reporting that Kharma revealed to them that her baby passed away before she was able to give birth.
Kharma said she initially lied to friends about the child being healthy because she was incredibly emotional and afraid to tell the world the truth after announcing her pregnancy on WWE TV.
Kharma is planning on starting a charitable foundation for women who have experienced the same tragedy.
According to TMZ, the clip they saw shows Hogan taking his shirt off and bragging to the girl about how he’s started to work out again.
The “best part” of the footage they saw was Hulk Hogan’s thong-shaped tan line.
Vivid Entertainment President Steve Hirsch, one of the top executives in the porn business and the man responsible for Chyna’s latest WWE Royal Rumble-themed adult movie, says he was approached with the tape very recently by a third party.
No word yet whether offers were made to buy the sex tape, but it’s out there, brother.
