WWE diva Rosa Mendes was involved in a car accident on Friday in Las Vegas, where she lives.
The WWE website reports that a car traveling at almost 50 MPH struck Rosa’s car while she was stopped at a red light. As many as 6 cars were involved in the collision.
Police declared Rosa Mendes was not at fault in the accident.
Rosa was taken immediately to the hospital for further evaluation after complaining of pain in her neck and back. She was found to not have any broken bones and was later released.
Dolph Ziggler spoke to Marvel.com’s “Fightin’ Fanboys” to promote this weekend’s WWE Over The Limit pay-per-view and spoke about his #HEEL catchphrase, plans for the 1,000th episode of WWE RAW and more. Here are some highlights from the interview:
Marvel.com: Your hash tag #HEEL is pretty popular here at the Marvel offices—a lot of us like to use it in our e-mails. Not only do you use it online, but so do your fans and WWE has produced “Heel” t-shirts. Where did the idea for this come from?
Dolph Ziggler: Honestly before I was in the business, I was huge Chevy Chase fan because I am a comedy fan no matter what. One of my favorite movies of all time is “Fletch” and in the movie, during one of those times you can tell he was ad-libbing, he’s saying things under his breath like “I’m such a heel” to this lady. I always thought that was a great line and that I’m going to use that. It turns out in the lingo of professional wrestling and sports entertainment that “heel” also equates to being a bad guy, which I think do better than anyone else, so I thought it fit perfectly.
Marvel.com: Speaking of your job, the Over the Limit pay-per-view is this Sunday and you’re challenging Kofi Kingston & R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team titles. What should fans expect from you and tag team partner Jack Swagger?
Dolph Ziggler: The match is going to be great and the reason why, without even going into Over Limit or us being in their heads for being so great at what we do, is the fact that Kofi and I have been in that ring one-on-one several hundred times. Every single time, whether I win or lose, we’ve torn it down in there. Then the fact that Truth and Swagger have done the same thing [as] counterparts with each other, it’s going to be a hell of a match. We’ve had similar matches with different opponents before but in this case, we all know each other really well. When Swagger and I get going and we have time to show our abilities, we love talking about the old college wrestling times and getting in the ring to try and outdo each other just like we did in high school and in college. It’s going to be explosive; it’s going to be awesome. Kofi and Truth are high-flying guys and I love being out there in the ring with them. I love keeping them grounded and really ticking off the fans and not letting them see what they can do. That’s going to be the key for us to win that championship.
Marvel.com: So for the 1000th episode of WWE Monday Night RAW, do you have a game plan?
Dolph Ziggler: In WWE and on Monday Night RAW you never know what happens next. That’s what’s really cool and keeps people tuning in every Monday; it’s why I tuned in as a fan all the time not knowing what was going to happen. No matter what, and I’m not making this up, every single time I’ve had a five second window or a 20 minute window I find a way to steal the show and don’t think I’m not thinking about it right now. I will be thinking about it, I will find a way. I may have 30 seconds on RAW, I may have 30 minutes. I will find a way to do it because that’s what I do better than anyone else.
Q: Why does Triple H never use his “King of Kings” entrance theme? Would it be a good idea to transition to it for his role as an authority figure, yet remain with “The Game” when he competes in matches? – Dustin C.
A: That’s not a bad idea. Actually, I think they should play that theme whenever he walks into Titan Tower.
Q: What do you think is the greatest match we’ve never seen? I think Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock, Bret Hart vs. Kurt Angle, Randy Savage vs. CM Punk, and Mr. Perfect vs. Daniel Bryan are some of them. – Steve from NY
A: There are far too many to name. I had always been partial to a tag match pitting Bret and Owen Hart against Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, but any of your suggestions would have been excellent.
Q: Was anyone else pissed that Brock [Lesnar] completely disrespected the pro wrestling industry at Extreme Rules? We bought the PPV so that we can see him wrestle and put on a decent match and he actually delivered a full blown MMA match. If I wanted to see MMA, I would [watch] UFC, not WWE. Although he shocked us and the match was interesting, the only wrestling move he tried to do he botched, so my question is…is Brock overrated [to the point they’re] willing to change the product they present to us? – Stavros A.
A: This is pro wrestling. Moreover, it’s the heavily scripted WWE of 2012. Do you really think Lesnar went out there, in his MMA gear no less, and without anybody suspecting anything, “shot” all over John Cena? Come on, you’re smarter than that. The match was designed that way and I thought they did an excellent job with it. It was so different than anything else the company has ever done and came at a time when many fans are craving something different. Lesnar’s perceived disrespect of wrestling is a work of fiction, and he obviously has done his job well.
Q: With his [TNA] contract up at the end of the year, do you think next year we will see the match everyone has wanted to see since the end of WCW with Sting vs. Undertaker at Wrestlemania? – Brian from Ohio
A: I believe Sting will retire in TNA. I do think he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame once his affiliation with TNA comes to an end, and will likely get a nice DVD out of it too, but last year was there chance to pull the trigger on a match with Undertaker and they didn’t do it.
Q: I just saw Big Show get fired and I was wondering, why didn’t he just knock Johnny Ace out before he got fired? Remember in 2009 when Vince [McMahon] wanted to fire Randy Orton his comments about Stephanie? Randy slapped and punted poor old Vince and saved his job. Why didn’t Big Show do the same? – Trust S.
A: Storyline continuity has never been WWE’s strong suit. The McMahon/Orton angle really made no sense if you think about it because Vince had already decided to fire Orton and was about to announce it when Randy decided to pummel him. Yet, he never actually left. You’re right, Big Show should have maintained his dignity and knocked out Laurinaitis with a punch. If he returns and goes heel on Sunday, it still makes no sense unless he does so against his will as a way to get his job back, and even then, it’s still a flawed storyline. But I will give the big guy credit, he’s got some acting chops on him.
Q: Vince McMahon mentioned in an interview once that when he finally passes on, WWE would not be left with just one person in charge, but that various people would assume the different roles that Vince himself assumes today. Will that create problems for the future similar to those that WCW suffered? I’ve heard that the bureaucratic nature and lack of a singular leadership within WCW (and to an extent, Time-Warner after the merger) made it difficult, if not impossible, to get anything done because there were so many different people in charge, and that was a factor that helped kill WCW. Would the void left by Vince’s departure create a similar problem for WWE? – Rob
A: Anytime you go from having a central figure of authority to a committee of sorts, you’re going to run into problems. Too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak. WCW went through a laundry list of top executives throughout its existence, whereas WWE has been pretty stable with one guy leading the way, that being Vince McMahon. No matter how much influence his daughter or son-in-law may try to wield, the buck still stops with him. Once he’s gone, if you’re left with 5 or 6 different people taking over some of his many responsibilities, it’s going to be a mess because Vince has his hand in everything the company does. If Triple H and Stephanie assert themselves early on and make it clear that all decisions ultimately go through them, that will certainly help. Even with his questionable creative decisions, I do worry about what might happen to the company once he’s gone. But the fact is, they still make enough money to where even if there were problems, as long as they stay on TV, it would be years and years before they would ever be in jeopardy of meeting a fate similar to WCW.
Q: Will WWE ever end this PG era? It’s really boring and annoying. – Mutaher from Pakistan
A: So are these questions about PG. But to answer it anyway, it’s going to be a PG product for many more years to come, so live with it.
Keep those questions coming to [email protected] and remember to include your name!
– Dolph Ziggler has issued a challenge to any WWE Superstar to an Iron Man Match at the 1,000th episode of Monday Night RAW on July 23rd:
“i challenge ANY @WWE #wwe SUPERSTAR to an #IronManMatch July 23rd! #3hourRaw #ShowStolen #AnyTAKERs?”
What a showoff…
– Former ROH World champion and WWE developmental star Seth Rollins (formerly Tyler Black) made his NXT debut at Thursday night’s first-ever tapings from Full Sail University. Rollins tweeted the following about his debut:
“New era of NXT kicked off with a bang tonight. Thanks to Full Sail and everyone in attendance for making it a special night.”
– Zack Ryder is back with Episode 67 of the Z! True Long Island Story. This week’s show features footage of Dolph Ziggler attacking him at a recent live event, Ryder complaining about not being featured on RAW for the 3rd week in a row, the debut of his show’s new mascot and more. and more:
– TNA star Gunner announced on Friday that he’s signed a new deal that will keep him in TNA through 2015. He tweeted @TNA_Gunner:
“Proud to say I’ve signed 3 more years with Impact wrestling aka TNA! I will make the most out of this! World Champion? Oneday, ya damn rite”
– TNA referee Earl Hebner also announced on Friday that he’s signed a new TNA contract. He tweeted @TheEarlHebner:
“I signed with TNA for 2013. This is home for me. When I leave, my ref shirt and boots will be hanging on TNA ring ropes.”
– Christopher Daniels posted the following video reaction to Impact Wrestling going live this summer (starting 5/31) and Brooke Hogan joining the company:
– TNA president Dixie Carter tweeted the following PPV poster for Destination X on July 8th. The poster features X Division champion Austin Aries with the caption, “I Am The Main Event” – a sign that Destination X will once again be an X Division-themed show.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has put his Hidden Hills, California mansion on the market for just under $5 million. The Trulia luxury blog speculates that the 7-bedroom 9,120 square-foot estate is being lived in by The Rock’s ex-wife and manager, Dany Garcia. Here are pictures of the estate, followed by the official property description from Trulia.com:
[nggallery id=11]
“Guard Gated, Secure & Private, Hidden Hills Estates. Tour De Force! Exciting Ultra-Private Custom Contemporary Mediterranean View Estate At The End of Cul-De-Sac & Nestled Behind 2 Sets of Private Gates. Stainless Steel Privacy Gate Opens To Reveal An Open Motor Court W/ Stacked Stone Waterfall Entry & Abundant Parking, Including 4 Car Garage. Two-Story Gallery Entry Through Walls of Glass Leads To Radius Walled Living Room W/Mesmerizing Views of Resort-Like Lushly Landscaped Yard. Verdant Lawns, Infinity Edge Pool/Spa, Outdoor Patios, Bbq Center, Stacked Stone Waterfall & Endless Vistas of Mountains & Valley Lights Are Seen From Most Rooms.“
– Earlier this week, the WWE website posted an article talking about the fact that Chris Jericho has yet to win WWE gold since returning in January and speculating whether Jericho will leave WWE again if he does not win the World Heavyweight title at Over The Limit this weekend.
Jericho responded to the writer of the article Twitter:
“Hey Alex Giannini, heres an idea-shut your effen mouth and stop spreading BS rumours.”
– A fan wrote to David Otunga on Twitter this week and brought to his attention that TNA World Champion Bobby Roode recently demanded a bowl of green M&M’s on Impact – which David Otunga also did back when he hosted RAW. Otunga replied and said the following about TNA’s champion:
When asked by a fan on Twitter about why he was being “demoted” to NXT, he responded:
“Not a demotion at all. Im a team player. You should try it.”
– Stephanie and Shane McMahon have been added to the Alumni section of the WWE website.
– Ric Flair’s daughter Ashley has indeed signed a developmental deal with WWE and will be reporting to Florida Championship Wrestling in July. She has been training in North Carolina with former WCW wrestler Lodi and already broke her nose during training, according to Pro Wrestling Insider.
It’s been widely speculated that Ric Flair will be returning to WWE when his TNA contract expires. Between his appearance at the Hall of Fame ceremony and WWE now signing his daughter, it does seem like a possibility.
After John Cena filed for divorce from his wife Elizabeth earlier this month, TMZ is reporting that she has asked a Florida judge to throw out Cena’s request because it was filled with errors.
According to documents, John referred to Elizabeth by her maiden name instead of her legal name. Elizabeth also claims John did not attach the prenuptial agreement that he referenced in his divorce filing.
Elizabeth also disputes John’s claims there was no marital property. She insists there is and for these reasons, she wants the judge to dismiss the papers and force John to re-file.
Here’s WWE’s official press release announcing that Monday Night RAW is expanding to a 3-hour show every single week starting July 23rd, the night of RAW’s 1,000th episode. RAW will also be getting more interactive – with fans getting a chance to “decide matches, stipulations and new character development.” Here’s the official announcement:
WWE® MONDAY NIGHT RAW® EXPANDS TO THREE ELECTRIFYING HOURS LAUCHING WITH THE 1,000th EPISODE, JULY 23 ON USA NETWORK
@JohnCena Tweets Historic Announcement From USA Upfront Presentation
NEW YORK – May 17, 2012 – WWE Superstar John Cena® announced via Twitter today that WWE Monday Night Raw will expand to a three-hour event 52 weeks a year. The extended telecast will kick-off July 23 at 8/7C on USA Network and marks the 1000th episode of the WWE Raw franchise and a television record – no other series has ever reached this milestone.
The announcement was tweeted today by Cena (the No. 1 most influential male athlete on Twitter last month) during USA’s upfront presentation in New York City. The move firmly put WWE’s stake in the ground as one of the most powerful social brands in the world and an integral part of USA Network’s social media initiative.
“The WWE Universe is one of the most socially active and passionate fan bases in all of television,” said Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel, co-presidents USA Network. “The powerful three-hour block of live TV truly makes USA the year-round destination for young male viewers on Monday nights.”
“WWE is proud to celebrate this historic milestone with our partners at USA Network,” said WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. “Our new three-hour Raw represents the next generation in interactive television where our fans won’t just watch the show, they will help create it.”
The expanded WWE Monday Night Raw will transform television to an unprecedented level of viewer interaction. Fans will have new ways to get involved in the show through WWE.com and social media by deciding matches, stipulations and new character development. WWE will brand this unprecedented fan interaction as “#RAWactive.”
The #1 network in all of basic cable, USA Network is seen in 115 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals including POLITICAL ANIMALS, Suits, Necessary Roughness, WHITE COLLAR, Royal Pains, Burn Notice, PSYCH, Covert Affairs, COMMON LAW, FAIRLY LEGAL and IN PLAIN SIGHT. The network offers 52 weeks of spectacular live television with WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo. Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
WWE taped the first four editions of WWE NXT tonight from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Below are full results, courtesy of Wrestling News World:
– Dusty Rhodes was announced as the new General Manager of NXT.
Dark Match:
* Xavier Woods b. Dean Ambrose
* After the match, Triple H came out to thank the crowd for coming. He told the crowd that just like Full Sail is the future of the entertainment business, NXT is the future of WWE. He announced that the upcoming episodes of NXT will air in over 60 countries.
WWE NXT (Week 1)
* Jim Ross & William Regal come out for commentary. JR introduces the new General Manager of NXT, Dusty Rhodes.
* Bo Dallas (aka Bo Rotundo) b. Rick Victor
* Ascension (Conor O’Brian & Kenneth Cameron) b. CJ Parker & Mike Dalton
* Jason Jordan comes out to face Damien Sandow, but Sandow cuts a promo, refusing to compete against him.
* Tyson Kidd b. Michael McGillicutty by submission with the Dungeon Lock.
WWE NXT (Week 2)
* Seth Rollins b. Jiro. After the match, Rollins got a mic and told the crowd that he’s going to take WWE by storm.
* Jinder Mahal b. Jason Jordan by submission with the Camel Clutch.
* Leo Kruger b. Aiden English. Kruger cut a heel promo after the match.
* Richie Steamboat b. Rick Victor. Ricky Steamboat was ringside in support of Richie.
WWE NXT (Week 3)
* Antonio Cesaro w/ Aksana b. Dante Dash. After the match, Aksana got a mic and told the crowd that Cesaro is her lover, then kissed him.
* Sofia Cortez b. Paige
* Seth Rollins b. Camacho w/ Hunico
* Kassius Ohno b. Mike Dalton
WWE NXT (Week 4)
Byron left and Chris Russo and William Regal came to the booth to join Jim Ross.
* The Ascension b. The Usos via a Neckbreaker into Flapjack combination.
* Bray Wyatt b. Aiden English via a Swinging Flatliner.
* Michael McGillicutty, Hunico & Camacho b. Tyson Kidd, Seth Rollins & Bo Dallas following a McGillicutter on Tyson.
Dark Match Main Event:
* Sheamus b. Alberto Del Rio w/Ricardo Rodriguez with the Brogue Kick to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
TNA Wrestling announced Thursday that Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has joined the organization. She will serve as the Executive in Charge of the Knockouts Division and will debut on the May 31st episode of IMPACT WRESTLING – the first night that Impact goes live every wee.
TNA sent out the following announcement:
BROOKE HOGAN TO JOIN TNA’S “IMPACT WRESTLING” ON SPIKE TV STARTING THURSDAY, MAY 31
New York, NY, May 17, 2012 – Television personality and recording artist Brooke Hogan is joining the cast of the highly-rated weekly wrestling program, TNA’s “IMPACT WRESTLING” starting Thursday, May 31 on Spike TV. Brooke’s role will be as the Executive in Charge of the female wrestling division, The Knockouts.
Brooke will join a star-studded cast of the biggest names in professional wrestling, including her father, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. TNA’s flagship series, “IMPACT WRESLTING,” telecasts on Spike TV and is one of the network’s top-rated series on Thursday nights with young men and currently ranks among the top shows on cable in its timeslot with Men 18-34.
In addition to overseeing the traditional duties of the Knockouts Division, Brooke will bring a new energy and direction to the role working with the girls in a variety of capacities.
“I have really gotten to know Brooke by working with her on her music career this past year and a half,” said Dixie Carter, President of TNA Wrestling. “When we did talk wrestling, I not only loved her passion and knowledge of it, but the fresh, creative ideas she would come up with. She is very savvy. I asked if she would consider teaming up with me in this capacity while she also worked on her music, and I was thrilled when she said ‘yes.’ A big personality runs in her genes, obviously, and I know she is going to take an already exciting division of Impact Wrestling to another level.”
Brooke is heading to New York next week for a media tour to promote her addition to the IMPACT WRESTLING team. Brooke will also promote “IMPACT WRESTLING’s” move to 8 PM and that the series will telecast LIVE for the summer starting Thursday, May 31. TNA’s 10th anniversary SLAMMIVERSARY pay-per-view-event is set for June 10th in Dallas, Texas.
The TNA roster features many of the top names in wrestling including the aforementioned Hulk Hogan, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode, Sting, James Storm, Rob Van Dam, and the lovely and lethal Knockouts.
Brooke Hogan, a native of Tampa, Fl, is a successful television personality, singer and songwriter. Brooke starred in two acclaimed non-scripted shows on Spike’s sister network, VH1, including “Hogan Knows Best” and the spinoff, “Brooke Knows Best.” Both were #1 rated shows for the network. Brooke has also released two albums, “Undiscovered” in 2006 which peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “The Redemption” in 2009. Her song, “Everything To Me,” peaked at #1 twice on Billboard’s Top Single Chart. Hogan’s film credits include “Little Hercules in 3D,” “Sand Sharks,” and “Devour.”
After teasing that a major announcement was about to be made on Twitter, TNA President Dixie Carter has announced that Impact Wrsetling will be going live starting on 5/31 and continue “through the summer.” Here’s the official announcement from TNA:
TNA’S IMPACT WRESTLING CELEBRATES SUMMER 2012 BY GOING LIVE!
SPIKE TV TAKES HIGHLY RATED SHOW LIVE AND TO 8:00PM/ET BEGINNING THURSDAY, MAY 31st
NASHVILLE, TN – (May 17, 2012) — TNA IMPACT WRESTLING President Dixie Carter and SPIKE TV President Kevin Kay announce today that the highly-rated “IMPACT WRESTLING” will be going Live! from Universal Studios beginning May 31st and continue through the summer. This announcement coincides with the recently announced new, one-hour earlier time slot change of 8:00-10:00pm/ET every Thursday night beginning May 31st.
“We are excited to take IMPACT WRESTLING Live! all summer long, and have our first Live! summer show launch our new 8:00pm/ET time slot,” says TNA President Dixie Carter. “Summer of 2012 is going to be remembered as the most momentous time in our company’s history-to-date. Stay tuned.”
John Cena just tweeted the following message regarding a major change to WWE’s flagship Monday night show:
“STARTING Monday Night July 23 @USA_NETWORK WILL BE ADDING A 3RD HOUR TO @WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW – PERMANENTLY. #3hourRaw”
The July 23rd show will be RAW’s 1,000th episode.
The announcement of RAW moving to 3-hours every week is now on WWE.com and has also been re-tweeted by John Laurinaitis, Dolph Ziggler, David Otunga and “Road Dogg” BG James.
It was recently reported that WWE’s weekly RAW tapings would be starting close to an hour earlier – and this news explains why. No word yet on whether the extra hour will be the rumored RAW pre-show.
Comment Below and tell us if you think 3-hours of RAW every week is overkill or not.
WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch no-showed a scheduled in-studio radio appearance for VOC Nation Wednesday afternoon in Philadephia, Pennsylvania. The program hosts issued an apology during the broadcast (listen here) and noted that Sytch had promised to appear hours earlier. A car was sent to her New Jersey residence to pick her up for the appearance, but no one answered the door.
VOC Nation criticized Sytch for the no-show on Twitter, writing, “She was an unprofessional no show. Now I see why people are reluctant to work with her.”
Sytch has no-showed multiple advertised appearances in the past year including at least seven scheduled bookings since March. She was scheduled to appear for American Icon Autographs at WrestleReunion in Toronto, Ontario last month but “personal issues” prevented her from appearing at the event. American Icon Autographs stated they have no intention on working with her again after having bailed on the organization a third time. Three weeks ago, she missed three consecutive dates in Maine due to “personal demons,” according to the event promoter.
Despite her recent string of no-shows, the former WWE star has multiple independent wrestling event appearances lined up. Her next scheduled appearance is set for this Saturday at Patriot Auction Gallery in Martinsburg, West Virginia. (Event Details)
TNA star Kurt Angle recently spoke to Mississippi’s Clarion Ledger to promote this weekend’s TNA’s live events tour. Kurt’s interviews are good for a few laugh out loud quotes – and this one’s no exception. Here are some highlights of what our Olympic Gold Medalist said about:
Pulling Out Of The 2012 Summer Olympic Trials:
“I was actually 12 days out from the trials. I tore my MCL ligament in my knee. I can still pro wrestle but it does limit me.In 1996, I broke my neck before the Olympics. I still competed, but I had nothing to lose. I didn’t have a family. I didn’t have a lot of money. And it might be my only opportunity to make the team. And thank God I did it. I was getting Novocaine shots in my neck. I couldn’t have Cortisone because it was illegal. So I went through the Olympic trials and the Olympics with my neck broken, so a lot of people said, “Why don’t you try out this year with your knee injury?”
And I said, “Because I don’t want to make it worse, because I do have a family. I have a job. And if I’m not working, I don’t get paid.” So I have a lot to lose now and I had to back out for personal reasons.”
Why He Can No Longer Play A Heel:
“I’ve done everything, from comedy to being the badass. … I think my character now is more true to life than I’ve ever been. It’s just the real Kurt Angle. I think it’s because, thank God, I got to the point where fans now look at me as one of the best of all time. So it’s kind of hard to be the bad guy now, when the fans have the respect for you.
The Reason He Hasn’t Retired Yet:
I probably would have retired a a couple of years ago if I wasn’t so good,” Angle laughed. “It sounds very arrogant. I know it sounds very pompous, but yeah, when I started, I didn’t realize I was going to pick it up so quickly.”
TNA Knockout Traci Brooks has been released from TNA. She reportedly left on good terms and wants to move on to other projects.
Sparingly used X Division wrestler Anthony Nese was also granted his release from TNA Wrestling on Thursday. Nese asked organization officials for permission to compete at Pro Wrestling Syndicate’s June 1 online pay-per-view event after being approached with an opportunity to step in the ring with The Great Muta. He was informed that he would not be able to. He then requested his release from the organization, which was granted. He wrote the following on Twitter about his release:
“I wanted to be the first to inform everyone that I have requested my release from TNA Wrestling. As a professional wrestler I have many goals and dreams that I work hard to achieve, one of them was to have the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience on national television and I thank TNA Wrestling for providing me with that opportunity. Another goal of mine is to wrestle against some of the top international superstars with the chances to travel the world and work for some of the best international companies that have the best talent in wrestling today.
“I have recently been approached with an opportunity to step in the ring with The Great Muta, a wrestling legend, and one of All Japan Pro Wrestling’s top wrestlers Kai. This is an opportunity that I feel with help me further my goals and career. This event will be provided via IPPV and unfortunately my TNA contract did not allow me to perform on such events. I requested that an exception would be granted given my lack of appearances but was denied. My next action was to request a release as I think it will be in my best interest.
“I would like to thank TNA Wrestling for helping me achieve one of my goals as it is very few in this business that are able to say they have. I would also like to thank all the people that support me as this is just a small chapter coming to an end in my career and I have many more exciting opportunities in my future to come.”
His profile was subsequently removed from ImpactWrestling.com.
Linda McMahon political opponent Christopher Shays bluntly argued this week that the former professional wrestling executive should not be running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate position for Connecticut because she is an unsuitable candidate. McMahon, whose background with WWE became an unflattering focus of her last campaign, was once again railed for her past ties to the professional wrestling organization.
In an interview with The New York Times, Shays listed “some of the more distasteful episodes” in the history of WWE, including husband Vince McMahon’s penchant for dropping his trousers and underwear in the middle of the ring and having wrestlers kiss his bare buttocks. It is known as the “Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club.”
“You’re clearly not a social conservative when you do those things, and you’re clearly not a fiscal conservative when you spend $50 million so wastefully,” Shays says.
McMahon created the “Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club” following the collapse of The Alliance in November 2001, which consisted of various WWE personalities being ordered to kiss his posterior under the threat of suspension or termination. Members of this exclusive club include William Regal, Jim Ross, Shawn Michaels, Shane McMahon, Mick Foley and Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle, however, did not actually kiss McMahon’s derriere, instead biting him. The WWE Chairman ruled Hornswoggle as an official club member since his lips came in contact with his backside.
The club even spawned its own online cartoon, “Mr. McMahon’s Kiss My Ass Club – The WWE’s Most Valuable Asset. The cartoon series, produced by Animax Entertainment, debuted on WWE.com in November 2006. The cartoon was later canceled as part of a settlement between WWE and Cartoon Network due to the show’s similarities with Cartoon Network program Assy McGee. If you haven’t seen the short-lived cartoon – here it is:
WWE will have their debut taping for NXT and Florida Championship Wrestling tonight at Full Sail Live in Winter Park, Florida on the campus of Full Sail University.
Here is what has been announced for the show…
– WWE COO Triple H will be in the house
– World Heavyweight champion Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio
– WWE Tag Team champions Kofi Kingston & R Truth vs. Epico & Primo
– Jim Ross and William Regal will also appear
We can confirm that the event is sold out and tickets were hard to come by on campus. Fans who wear WWE clothing and bring signs to the show will have a chance to get their seats upgraded.
Check out these pictures of the facility WWE will be using for NXT & FCW:
Daniel Bryan was interviewed by Brian Fritz of the Between The Ropes podcast and spoke about a number of topics, including the “Yes!” chants changing his life, his match against CM Punk this Sunday at Over The Limit, Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE and much more. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Whether or not he ever thought a word as simple as ‘yes’ could change his life the way it has:
“(laughs) Yeah, you’d never think it. All the years I spent toiling on the independent scene, really learning my craft, being as good of a wrestler as I could possible be and the thing that makes me the most popular is probably the first word I learned as a kid.”
If he was disappointed for his match at WrestleMania which only lasted 18 seconds or if that is just part of the job:
“You have to look at it as part of your job but you can also be disappointed. I’ve always wanted to go out there and steal the show, every show that I’m on. That’s how I got to where I’m at. I didn’t get here by being a nice guy or going out there and being a character or anything like that. The WWE noticed me because I put on great matches. That was my thing.
“Now, I’ve developed into somebody who has some personality on TV and that sort of thing but that isn’t what brought me to the dance. What I love and what I enjoy doing is going out there and wrestling and going out there and entertaining people with what I do in the ring. So to not be able to do that to the best of abilities what disappointing but everything that has come from it has actually been very good so I guess I can’t complain.”
On if it will be special to face CM Punk on a big stage at the Over the Limit considering where they came from and knowing each other for such a long time:
“It is, especially because nobody expected either of us to get to this point. When we were both on the independent scene and stuff like that, there were knocks against Punk’s looks against my looks and how we don’t look like prototypical WWE superstars. And ever when we both signed here, Punk, he has that character, he has that quality that you think if they would just give him an opportunity he could really connect with the WWE Universe.
“For me, even the people who really liked me, kind of doubted whether I would be able to succeed here in the WWE. And it’s cool that two guys who really paid their dues and worked hard on the independents just to get opportunities like this or having this chance. This isn’t a small opportunity. This is a WWE Championship match at an Over the Limit pay-per-view. It’s unreal. This is more that I even dreamed of.”
Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE:
“I think it’s great. I think he brings a lot of added interest to the company and I’m hoping some of those UFC fans will come and watch some of out pay-per-views, especially that last pay-per-view Extreme Rules was awesome. It was an awesome show. I hope they stick around and watch Over the Limit and they’re going to see another awesome show. This is going to be a great night of wrestling for everybody involved. I think it’s great and I would love to have a match with Brock Lesnar. I know that’s probably not in the cards but I’m petitioning for it right now because I feel like me and him could have a match unlike any other pro wrestling match in North America probably ever.”
On whether he will shy away from the physicality of that match:
“No, not at all. And actually I like that sort of thing. My skills, especially as a grappler, lend itself to that kind of thing. When he’s ground and pounding, like doing the kind of stuff he was doing with (John) Cena, there’s not a lot of guys who have any counters for that. Well, I have a million. There would be a lot of things that would be really fun about a match like that. I think people would be excited to see it too.
Other Interview Topics
-Whether he regrets not going to WWE sooner so he could have a match against one of his mentors Shawn Michaels
-If this is the most fun he has even had in his career
-If there were a lot of people around him that thought going to the WWE would be bad for his career
-What he will do – if he remembers – if he wins the WWE Championship on Sunday
Sean “X-Pac” Waltman took to Twitter on Wednesday to vent on former employer TNA Wrestling. He directed his frustration toward organization president Dixie Carter’s account with a series of messages.
“Highly disappointed with you as a person who claims to care. More disappointed in your handling of the only alternative to WWE,” he wrote. “Been meaning to tell you that since your Co. tried to make it look like I no showed your PPV.”
Waltman was scheduled for a tag team match at the 2010 Lockdown pay-per-view event, but was absent. On the night of the show, announcers were instructed to say that Waltman had no shown. He reportedly let organization officials know days in advance that he was not cleared to wrestle by the Missouri State Commission due to his hepatitis C diagnosis and was not going to be able to attend the event. He is now denying the story.
Waltman explains, “They knew I wouldn’t be there for over a week. They alluded that I no showed was bcuz I was on a drug binge. They lied to the PPL. The thing is that it’s easy to believe a story like that about me, which makes it even more of a low life move.”
When a Twitter user wrote to Waltman that if he wasn’t a “boozer and a fool,” he might still be employed by TNA, he responded, “@TNADixie Had nothing to do with it. Plus are u serious w/ the crew they have there. Plus, I am sober & never cared 4 booze.”
Waltman then continued railing the organization’s upper hierarchy and made a stark prediction.
“Im just sick of @TNADixie running around playing this benevolent role, when it’s a facade. BTW Congrats on hiring Bruce Pritchard. Perfect fit . Oine of the biggest lowlifes in the business. Treats ppl like shit if he can,” Waltman wrote. “Mark my words TNA will be a part of WWE’s video catalog before the decade is up. I dont hope. I just think it’s a matter of time. Unfortunately. I love the crew over there. Great guys, almost all of them.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Paul Heyman’s Return To WWE Television:
“Paul Heyman’s return is one of the more positive things to occur in WWE in a good while. As I have said over the years, Heyman’s TV persona is an easy one to dislike.”
“What makes Heyman so effective is that he doesn’t play the ‘role’ of a villain who has litigious tendencies. Plus, Heyman is a life long fan who now has the chance to essentially reinvent himself with this unexpected return to the genre. It will likely be his last return to the business if I had to make a wager.”
Visiting WWE Developmental This Week:
“I’m very excited about today’s trip and tomorrow’s work in Orlando. I’m like a kid on his first day at a new school. I don’t know what to expect but am excited to be ‘enrolled.’ The future of the WWE lies within the Talent Development program and I am blessed to be able to help in that area in any way that the company sees fit. My role has yet to be outlined but I think I can assist in many areas and I’m excited to devote my time and energies to helping develop the young stars of tomorrow.”
CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan This Sunday At Over The Limit:
“Can’t wait to see CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Title this Sunday night in Raleigh on PPV. Hope the Raleigh live audience is more emotionally invested that was the Greensboro audience a week or so ago. Punk vs Bryan should be off the page. I love their individual, in ring styles and, Lord knows, both men have paid ample dues.”
“Some day, Punk vs. Bryan has a potential ‘Ironman Match’ written all over it or perhaps even a ‘best of three’ series of bouts.”
As always – make sure to check out JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at the WWEShop website!
