– TheDailyBeast.com has published an article on Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s strong connection to WWE. The article, titled “Rick Santorum, Family Values Candidate and Pro Wrestling Advocate?” examines Santorum’s role as a WWE lawyer back in the late 1980’s and his role helping WWE transition from “maybe it’s a sport?” to “sports entertainment.”
WWE’s formal acknowledgement that their product is “sports entertainment” has saved the company millions of dollars in taxes and state athletic commission fees. It also deregulated the pro wrestling industry and eliminated government oversight – which many have argued led to the proliferation of drug abuse among performers and premature deaths.
– The Rock was at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday night for the Knicks vs. Lakers NBA basketball game. On the opening day of his new movie Journey 2, The Rock was shown on television sitting courtside with his girlfriend. You can see a picture of The Rock and his girlfriend at Friday night’s Knicks-Lakers game here.
– Here’s a first look at Mattel’s new “Apptivity” gaming technology, which allows for gamers to use Mattel toys to interact with Apple’s iPad in a whole new way. The WWE iPad game will be released in July:
– Monday’s RAW will feature a rare appearance from WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. In a sign that WWE really is going all-out to jumpstart the road to WrestleMania, HBK is now being advertised for the already-loaded March 12th RAW from Cleveland, Ohio.
The official website of Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena is advertising John Cena, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Triple H for 3/12.
– WWE has released an updated schedule for the relaunched YouTube channel:
Tuesdays – RAW “Backstage Fallout” & Dolph Ziggler’s “WWE Download”
Wednesdays – “WWE Inbox”
Thursdays – “Outside the Ring”
Fridays – Zack Ryder’s YouTube show & Smackdown “Backstage Fallout”
Saturdays – “Santino’s Foreign Exchange”
Sundays – “Are You Serious?” with Josh Mathews & Road Dogg
The “Superstar Toyz” show does not yet have a regular air date.
WWE superstar Alberto Del Rio appeared on San Francisco’s 95.7 radio station to promote his return to the ring this weekend against Sheamus. Here are some highlights of what Del Rio said about:
His Groin Injury: Del Rio said he “completely tore” his groin. He called it the worst injury a man can suffer and said they had to reattach a muscle from his leg to his hip. “Now I’m running, jumping, and ready to roll into the ring.”
Not Liking Other WWE Wrestlers: Del Rio said he doesn’t hang out with many wrestlers outside of the ring. “To be honest, I don’t like most of the guys,” Del Rio said with a laugh.
Legitimately Not Liking The Miz In Particular: Del Rio was asked which wrestlers don’t get along or that he doesn’t like. “The Miz,” Del Rio said. “I hate The Miz. This is not part of the show. I really dislike like that guy. I’ve tried to punch him in the face several times, not in the ring, I mean outside the ring. He’s like a little girl. He’s always running away from me … There’s a big difference between The Miz and I,” Del Rio said. “I’m a real athlete. He’s just a loud, stupid little kid. He’s one of those guys who was probably bullied when he was in school and that’s the reason now that he’s so loud and he wants to get attention from everybody.”
Del Rio also had some interesting comments about wrestling groupies. “They’re interesting,” he said. “That’s all I’m going to say .. There are some ladies who really enjoy wrestling and they enjoy wrestlers.”
— Following strong sales for the The Very Best of WCW Monday Nitro DVD last year, WWE has plans to release another video set highlighting the best of World Championship Wrestling later this year.
Amazon.com is currently taking pre-orders for a WCW Clash of the Champions DVD from WWE on May 22, 2012. Run time is listed at 540 minutes.
Clash of the Champions were a series of professional wrestling television specials aired by WCW from 1988 to 1997. The specials were supercards intended to feature pay-per-view caliber matches, similar to the World Wrestling Federation’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
— Friday marks the nine year anniversary of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. Shawn Michaels went on Twitter to remember the legendary wrestler he worked at length with.
“I’d like to honor the memory of Curt Hennig, unbelievably gifted, great teacher and one of the funniest, most joyful guys to be around. Mr.P!!” Michaels wrote.
At the suggestion of Hennig, Michaels adopted “The Heartbreak Kid” nickname upon turning heel in 1992.
Jeremiah Riggs, who appeared as a contestant on Tough Enough last year, believes he’s been blackballed from the professional wrestling industry after receiving no interest from WWE nor TNA Wrestling last year.
“I’ve been approached by a few wrestling promoters about coming in and doing some stuff. My manager even met with TNA several times but in the end politics won out. Am I blackballed in wrestling because of FCW? Probably, but it’s all good. I enjoyed wrestling but I’m not a wrestler. I’m a professional athlete,” he told www.hereisyourwinner.com in an interview.
In regards to FCW, a “notorious incident” with Dusty Rhodes and training staff led to WWE rejecting the Mississippi native.
“There were a lot of guys with the same look doing the same stuff trying to kiss ass and get ahead. That’s not me,” he says. “Some of the guys told me they thought it was great because I was myself and I didn’t sell out or kiss ass. I have nothing but respect for Dusty or Bill (DeMott), but I’m not a yes man. I will do whatever is asked of me and give it one hundred percent but I don’t do politics. What you see is what you get.”
Riggs now has his sights set on mixed martial arts. He will make his return to the cage on March 16, 2012 at Bellator 61 against the undefeated Trey Houston. To read his comments on the fight, click here.
— Syfy issued a press release Friday announcing that a WWE SuperSmackDown Live special will air on Tuesday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m.
“SuperSmackDown Live will feature WWE’s biggest Superstars and Divas, including World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Big Show, Sheamus, Mark Henry, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and Alicia Fox,” the press release reads. “The special will encore in SmackDown’s regular time slot on Friday, February 24 at 8PM (ET/PT).”
— Natalya has posted her first blog on her newly launched website, NattieNeidhart.com. She recalls the Kids Wrestling Association, the first wrestling promotion she ever worked for.
“What kids grow up with a wresting ring their yard? Harts! Whenever there wasn’t snow, my grandfather Stu had a ring set up outside, facing his kitchen. It was the perfect place for the Hart grandkids to…wrestle!”
— NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood owner David Marquez announced Friday on Twitter that Shelly Martinez will act as the promotion’s event hostess.
He wrote, “Happy day! @NWAHollywood has come to terms with @funtimeshelly to act as Official Hostess of our events. Join us 2/12 & see what FUN is!”
Sunday’s show in Glendale, California will feature a “Come-As-You-Are No DQ Street Fight” pitting “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce and Colt Cabana against Tough Enough contestant “Big Nasty” Eric Watts and Cedric the Hitman. Event details are available at www.nwahollywood.com.
— The February 9 episode of Impact Wrestling scored a 1.05 cable rating, which marks as the program’s lowest number of the year. Last week’s show drew a 1.16.
Impact Wrestling averaged 1,500,000 viewers over the course of two hours, down from last week’s average of 1,610,000.
The main event featuring James Storm and Sting against Bobby Roode and Bully Ray garnered the show’s peak rating with a 1.12. It is the first time this year in which the main event drew the program’s highest rating.
— Mickie James will face Cheerleader Melissa and Malia Hosaka in a Triple Threat Match at a Traditional Championship Wrestling event taking place on Saturday, April 7 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Event details are available here.
— TNA has released the video that will kick off Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view event. In the main event, Bobby Roode will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy, James Storm and Bully Ray.
Hulk Hogan made headlines last month when he told TMZ that he was getting ready to shave his mustache and his head prior to auditioning for some movie roles.
The Hulkster’s announcement sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy and prompted Dr. Aaron Perlut (Chairman of the American Mustache Institute — seriously) to plead with Hogan to keep his “lower nose foliage.”
Hogan complied – but now says he’d shave off the ‘stache, for a price. During an interview with BANG Showbiz: ”
“When I talked about it (shaving off the mustache) everyone went crazy. Loads of people began jumping on it and the next thing I knew people were like, ‘Oh my god he’s shaving his mustache off!’
“The next thing I know is I had one of my sports agents calling me saying, ‘Don’t shave it off!’ I’ve heard from Gillette, Right Guard. They said we may have a deal, so I said I’d wait for a while.”
When asked if he really would lose the mustache – which Hulk has rarely been seen without over the last 40 years – he added:
“If you pay me a couple million bucks, hell yeah I’d shave it off! It grows back.”
— Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, which has already aired overseas, premieres a tweaked intro. The Undertaker is noticeably absent from the intro, which closes with Randy Orton performing the RKO as opposed to a shot of the iconic wrestler. His profile remains on the SmackDown Superstars page on WWE.com.
— WWE will hold a Raw SuperShow at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 14, 2012.
— While promoting last night’s airing of The Marine 2 on Spike TV, WWE star Ted DiBiase alluded to rival company TNA’s Impact Wrestling show. He tweeted, “Marine 2″ will be on Spike TV tonight!! Check it out!!! Comes on after some wrestling show ;) And don’t forget to watch Smackdown tomorrow!”
— Former WWE Diva Shelly Martinez celebrated her birthday Thursday. Photos of her night out are available on her Facebook page.
— While promoting Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and his upcoming match against John Cena at WrestleMania, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson swore during a live SportsCenter telecast on Thursday. While telling a joke, he said, “That’s bullshit.” He then said, “And this is live, by the way.” John Buccigross, who was conducting the interview, added, “Yeah, it’s real live.”
— Friday’s Dick Tracy comic strip features Jerry Lawler appearing as himself under the alias “Jerry King.” The comic strip is available here.
— Former WWE star Chuck Palumbo, who now performs for the band 3 Spoke Wheel, tweeted the following regarding an upcoming appearance: “Rhode Island wrestling fans Chuck Palumbo and 3 Spoke Wheel will be at The Rock Junction March 3rd 9pm.”
— Friday would have marked as Louie Spicolli’s 41st birthday. The veteran of ECW, WWE and WCW died on February 15, 1998 at the age of 27 after overdosing on somas and wine.
— California based independent wrestler Joey Ryan is competing in a contest put on by Major League Baseball in which the winner moves to New York City for the upcoming season. The contest, which is determined by votes, has been narrowed down to 50 finalists and concludes on February 22. To view his video entry, which was filmed at the Ring Ka King tapings in India, click here.
– TNA knockout Mickie James took offense to Hulk Hogan deeming Garett Bischoff the future of the wrestling industry on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling. She tweeted on Thursday night:
“Ummm…. Did my ears just deceive me… Or did the Immortal Hulk Hogan just call Baby Bischoff the future of this business? WTH?! FML!”
Sounds like a really awesome way to wind up in the TNA doghouse..
– Tara turns 41 years old Friday. She thanked her fans for their support.
She tweeted, “Thank you to all my loyal, Respectful, awesome and loving WPF’s!!!! I love all of you and appreciate your support. Yay it’s my Bday!!”
Tara is the oldest active female wrestler in TNA or WWE.
– WrestlingFigs.com reports Rosita will be appearing at Legends of the Ring 14, which takes place June 2, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey.
TNA star Samoa Joe participated in a conference call this week to promote Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. Here are some highlights, courtesy of Wrestling Voice Radio:
The Importance of Restoring Prestige to the Tag Team Championships: “I think it’s absolutely key. Some of the greatest matches that have been ever been wrestled have been Tag Team matches, some of the greatest wrestlers have been Tag Team wrestlers, I think Tag Team wrestling, I don’t know where it fell out of favor, if I’m part of the resurgence and part of making it relevant again then I’m all for that.”
If his Partnership with Magnus Go Further than their Tag Team Title Shot This Sunday: “I think that remains to be seen, I’d like that to continue, I think there’s a nice symbiosis between myself and Magnus, I think the Championship Committee put us together because they thought we’d self destruct and kill two birds with one stone because I’m a problem. I’ve always been a problem and I think TNA are trying to figure out how to contain this problem and their best bet was put oil with vinegar and watch it not mix, and watch it not work out and watch them work themselves into oblivion but obviously we’ve totally ruined that planned and we plan to continue on and rampage on.”
TNA Needing To Move Out of the IMPACT Zone: “I feel it is of dire importance if you want to see the product as well as the fan base continue to grow, people want to see wrestling in their hometown, they wanna go to live events and they want to be part of the experience and forgive me for using the same adjective again but its a very symbiotic experience where the crowd very much powers the performance in the ring and its almost subconscious, when you are out there in front of thousands of screaming fans it amps up your game a little bit, whether you like it or not, it puts you on point, it puts you on focus and makes you want to go out there and put something on fantastically. I think what you saw last week (TV taping from England) was very much evident of that.”
His Proudest Moment in the Company thus far: “Winning the Heavyweight Champions, for a bevy of reasons, first and foremost because it was from an athlete like Kurt Angle, is world renowned and world class and one of the top players in the game and I look forward to replicating that experience here in the near future.”
Hardcore wrestling legend Mick Foley recently spoke with the UK’s Daily Star to promote his upcoming comedy tour. Here are some highlights of what Foley said about:
Competing At The Royal Rumble: “I had to sit back afterwards and think about all the things that had transpired in the five or six minutes I was out there. I realised just how much fun it was at that point. I had some great reactions from the other wrestlers and my children.”
His Status with WWE: “I’m on a need to know basis going forward, I’d like to get involved in some way. I can’t wrestle very often any more. Apart from the run-in, the Rumble was the perfect way to play to my remaining strengths and not expose my many weaknesses!”
The Attitude Era vs. Today: “Are you saying thumbtacks aren’t fun?! Look, as a dad the thing I enjoy the most about the current product is not having to tell my kids to change the channel when sexual chocolate comes on.”
“The Attitude era was fun for different reasons, it was risque, but a lot was not appropriate for kids. The new style forces wrestlers to be creative and not rely on chair shots to get a pop.”
According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his controversial loss to Carlos Condit at this past weekend’s UFC 143 event.
This is Diaz’s second offense with the NSAC and he will ultimately have to appear before them to address the issue. Last time he tested positive for marijuana it was following his win over Takanori Gomi in 2007 at PRIDE 33. He was suspended for six months and the result of the bout was changed to a no-contest.
* DANA WHITE Comments On NICK DIAZ Failing Another Drug Test
WWE wrestler Michael McGillicutty (Joe Hennig), son of legendary wrestler “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, Tweeted the following message on Friday, the 9 year anniversary of his father’s death:
“February 10th. A day I just can’t forget… My dad, my best friend… He past away 9 years ago… I miss u dad. I miss u so much! I love you,”
“Dear Dad. Hey man. I’m doin the bst I can. I doin everything you told me to do. I’m not supposed to cry but I can’t help it. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. My name is Joe Hennig. And I’m the past, present and future.”
“Today, I dont give a damn what u call me. Michael McGillicutty. I am Joe Hennig and I am apart of the greatest wrestling legacy of all time. I miss u Dad. And from here on out, I’m taking over! I love u daddy. RIP Curt Hennig. Let’s get this Goin. #Hennig.”
The third generation wrestler has long been considered a potential breakout star, despite his awful, goofy ring name. Just this week, Jim Ross blogged about being impressed with McGillicutty’s rccent match on Superstars. Ross wrote, “Keep Curt Hennig’s son in mind as I feel that he can be a viable asset to WWE but the last name has got to go, IMO.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are highlights of what JR said regarding the following questions from fans on Twitter:
“Is the Rock taking Cena and WM28 seriously?”
“Be assured of one thing about @TheRock…he wants…he needs to steal the show in Miami. There’s no way that Dwayne comes back to the bright lights and big stage to perform against @JohnCena, who is WWE’s biggest star, just for the hell of it. Wrestling is in Rock’s DNA and he has the motor and mind set to electrify…if you will. I’m intrigued by this match and it seems to be boiling down to a simple matter of respect and appears to be getting more personal by the Tweet.”
“Ironically, Rock and Cena were both products of organized athletic programs at the collegiate level plus they were both life long fans of sports entertainment which, in my opinion, are great places to start when one’s recruiting potential stars.”
“What is one thing that is missing w/ some of today’s young wrestlers?”
“They aren’t hungry enough or willing to challenge a top star for their spot on the roster. Too many talents are content to not make ‘waves’ and to live quietly and somewhat financially comfortable within their comfort zones. I can assure you that the comfort zone complex is the kiss of death in most organizations and businesses and is not exclusive to sports entertainment. “
The National Newspaper posted these video of John Cena, R-Truth and CM Punk at Thursday’s WWE press conference from Abu Dhabi, UAE, including footage of Cena giving Kane an Attitude Adjustment:.
WWE taped this week’s Smackdown on Tuesday night from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here are the results from Brooks Oglesby of WrestlingNewsWorld.com:
* Sheamus opens the show with a promo to remind the crowd that he is waiting until after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view to decide which title he will challenge for at WrestleMania XXVIII. He is then interrupted by Wade Barrett, who boasts about his future victory in the Elimination Chamber. Cody Rhodes interrupts Barrett shortly after and says the same thing, and Big Show comes out to do the same. This ended up turning into a four-man brawl with Sheamus and Big Show clearing the ring of the heels. A tag match between the teams of Big Show & Sheamus and Wade Barrett & Cody Rhodes is announced for tonight.
* The Great Khali b. Jinder Mahal with the Punjabi Plunge.
* Teddy Long is backstage discussing the ongoing suspension of Mark Henry before being interrupted by Daniel Bryan, who implores Long and the audience to become vegans.
* Beth Phoenix b. Alicia Fox with the Glam Slam. Phoenix continued to assault Fox after the match, but Tamina ran down to make the save for Fox. Tamina then stared Phoenix down.
* Natalya is backstage with Tyson Kidd. Kidd ends up farting and Hornswoggle blames it on Natalya.
* Big Show & Sheamus b. Wade Barrett & Cody Rhodes. Sheamus got the pin after hitting a Brogue Kick.
* Michael Cole interviews AJ in the ring about her condition following her injury caused by The Big Show. Cole says that everyone thinks that Daniel Bryan set her up to get injured, which causes Bryan to interrupt. Bryan yells at Cole, saying he’s had enough of those accusations and threatens to break Cole’s arms. He then goes on a tirade about being vegan, saying he’s better because he didn’t partake in the meat-eating while watching the Super Bowl last weekend. He says that he’s taking AJ home right now. Teddy Long interrupts and tells Bryan that if he leaves the arena now, he’ll automatically forfeit his World Heavyweight Championship.
* Ted DiBiase b. Hunico
* Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton is the main event, and The Big Show is on commentary. During the match, Bryan grabs his title and attempts to leave, but Big Show grabs him and throws him back into the ring. Orton then hits an RKO and pins Bryan, but the referee calls for the bell before the pin is counted. Since Big Show interfered, Daniel Bryan wins by disqualification. Orton gets mad at Show and they start arguing, which ends in Show knocking Orton out. Orton is helped to the back by officials as the show ends.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan appeared on Wendy Williams’ daytime television show on Thursday. Hogan was asked about his ex-wife Linda’s allegations that he and longtime friend Brutus Beefcake had a homosexual relationship. Hogan handled the question well, stating that he is not gay, but would be proud of it if he was. Hogan said Linda’s accusation hurt others, including Brutus Beefcake and his daughter.
He was also denied Linda’s claims that he was physically abusive towards her and spoke about his kids, his financial situation and more.
As reported earlier this week, WWE is expected to hold off until after Elimination Chamber before announcing the final members of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012.
WrestleZone.com broke the news last month that former WWE champion Yokozuna will be inducted this year.
Ron “DAMN!” Simmons, recognized as the first African American World champion (WCW), is also scheduled to join the Hall this year.
With those names set, here is the updated roster for this year’s class, including the inductors:
– The Four Horsemen (To be inducted by Triple H & Shawn Michaels)
– Edge (To be inducted by Christian)
– Mike Tyson (To be inducted by Steve Austin)
– Mil Mascaras (To be inducted by his nephew, Alberto Del Rio)
– Ron Simmons (To be inducted by JBL)
– Yokozuna (To be inducted by The Rock)
The 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place the night before WrestleMania on Saturday, March 31st from Miami, FL.
The March 2012 issue of WWE Magazine is now on sale, featuring four different “WrestleMania” covers – featuring The Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena and The Rock.
As if Triple H and Undertaker on the covers was not a strong enough sign that this match is all but official, the headline for the Triple H cover reads “Can The Game End The Deadman’s Reign?” while the headline for the issue bearing The Undertaker reads “Will “The Streak” Survive?”
The Undertaker cover was apparently designed to conceal his lack of hair, as his head is surrounded by photoshopped fire, with no hair visible.
Many people have speculated that the iconic wrestler donned a wig in his return to television last week after a photograph surfaced online last summer in which he appeared bald.
We have independently confirmed that that The Undertaker had indeed shaved his head.
— Northeast Wrestling has announced that Velvet Sky will face former WWE Diva Melina on March 23 in Poughkeepsie, New York and March 24 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Event details are available here.
— TNA Wrestling has posted a video of first 93 seconds of tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling on Spike. The event is billed as a special “Star Wars” themed episode from London’s Wembley Arena.
— WrestlingFigs.com says Velvet Sky and AJ Styles will appear at Direct Auto Insurance 3629 Broadway St. Kansas City, Missouri on March 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
— Sarita announced on Facebook that she will be competing at next week’s Impact Wrestling live events in West Virginia—February 17 in Huntington, 18 in Beckley, and 19 in Glenville.
SEScoops.com reader Mahmood Ebrahim sent in the following live report from WWE’s live event from Abu Dhabi, UAE:
1- Alex Riley def. Drew Mcintyre
2- Tag Team Match : Primo & Epico def. Mason Ryan & Santino
3- Michael Mcgillicutty def. David Otunga
4- Kofi Kingstone def. Chris Jericho , after the match Y2J attacked Kofi
5- Triple Threat Match for US Title : Jack Swagger def. The Miz and R-Truth
6- John Cena def. Kane by DQ after Kane used a chair, then AA on Kane.
7- WWE Title Match : CM Punk def. Dolph Ziggler. The match end with double count out , but John John Laurinaitis
came out and help Ziggler to enter the ring and restart the match while Punk is out. The refree count up to 9 before Punk
enter the ring and beat Ziggler with GTS.
* They Announce that tomorrow’s match between Cena anf Kane will be No DQ.
