WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel appeared on Right After Wrestling with Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas (available here). Highlights from the interview are as follows:
What was the initial plan for SummerSlam in 1988: “To the best of my recollection, SummerSlam came around 1988 and then the Royal Rumble came in soon after. It was always the second biggest event we were going to produce. The WWE worked on producing pay-per-views from the ’80’s through the ’90’s until now. When we first started with WrestleMania, pay-per-view was just at the cusp of its origin. And we needed something else that would whet the appetite of the consumer after WrestleMania and that’s where SummerSlam came into play.”
The Fink’s favorite SummerSlam moments: “As far as my favorite match at SummerSlam that would have to be SummerSlam ’91 where Bret Hart faced Mr. Perfect. Not only was it one of the best matches in SummerSlam history or in Madison Square Garden in NYC, but it was truly one of the greatest matches off all time.”
Being a veteran in WWE, how he feels about the ‘fourth wall’ being broken down with this CM Punk angle: “I wasn’t initially comfortable with it but it’s cutting edge. I had mixed emotions to it. Some people have had their jaws drop over the past previous weeks. So although I had mixed emotions about it, I’m actually digging the hell out of it now!”
Other Interview Topics
– How the WWE product is now changing, with focus on the Divas and the tag-team division.
– His memories of the ‘biggest’ SummerSlam in history – 1992 in front of 80,000 fans in England – and if he was nervous.
In the latest issue of WWE Magazine, World Heavyweight Champion Christian opens up on Edge telling him had to retire, why he doesn’t mind being overlooked, how his body is holding up these days, and more.
Christian recalls his conversation with Edge telling him he would be quitting wrestling.
“He told me as soon as he got the news,” Christian said. “I did what any friend would, and tried to comfort him. It’s hard when you’re at the level he is and you’ve done the things he has done, and it’s not your choice to walk away. Ultimately, you want to be the one to say, “OK—it’s time to hang it up.” I think that’s what troubled him the most.
“But I kept positive and told him he did do things on his own terms. His final match was at WrestleMania XXVII in front of 70,000 people. He walked to the ring as the World Champion and walked out as World Champion. I don’t think there’s a better way he could have ended his story than that.”
WWE Magazine notes that Christian is one of remaining talents from the ’90s. He is asked whether he sees himself as a veteran or a rookie.
“I’m definitely a veteran. No question,” he replied. “And it always makes me laugh when the younger guys tell me they remember where they were when I contested a certain match. It makes me feel old, but it’s cool to hear that. Honestly, veteran or not, I feel better now than ever. My body’s holding up, I feel good physically and mentally. If anything, Edge’s departure has inspired me to work harder. It’s opened my eyes and made me realize that, hey, this thing could end at any second. Stop wasting time. If you’re going to do it, you’re going to do it now.
Christian was also asked about the widespread belief that he doesn’t get enough respect for all that he’s done for WWE.
“It’s funny, I do think I’ve been somewhat overlooked, but I’ve always viewed that as a challenge. Everyone else seems to get more upset about it than I do,” Christian said. “I never doubted that my talent would shine through in the end, no matter what. I believe I am one of the best and I work to prove that every night I go out there. The question has always been, “Will my time ever come?” It’s always been, “When will it come?”
“Edge moved on and won many titles, but you can’t compare us. We are two different people with two different paths. I never asked why I didn’t get what he did; I looked at it as, “What can I do to step up and make myself better?” And every night, I go out into the arena thinking, “Tonight, they’re going to know how good I am.”
We go right into the arena for Justin Roberts to introduce Adam Jude from the band Tool to perform the National Anthem. Adam does a good job with an instrumental guitar piece, with a few flourishes. It has nothing on Hendrix’s version from Woodstock, but it gets the crowd cheering a bit, and it’s topped off with some quick fireworks.
This transitions us into a video package highlighting Los Angeles, and of course SummerSlam itself, as the biggest event of the summer. We also get a prominent look at the Punk/Cena match coming up later in the night.
The pyro hits again, much bigger this time, and Michael Cole welcomes us to the PPV. Cole hypes the sold out crowd at the Staples Center, and The Miz’s music hits, he makes his way out through his inflatable ‘Awesome’ set.
Miz has a mic in hand and he says he’s returned to SummerSlam. He says he wants to take this time to thank everyone for their insitence that he competes tonight, and their unwavering support. So he wants everyone to watch while he steals the show, but he’s interrupted by the Truth. Truth says he doesn’t know why Miz wants to thank the people in LA. You know how Truth doesn’t like spiders, spiders starts with the letter S. And so does SummerSlam. And singing at SummerSlam will be Ceelo Green, and Conspiracy starts with C. He’s in turn interrupted by Alberto Del Rio.
Del Rio drives out in a beautiful Ferrari, and he’s introduced by Ricardo Rodriegez of course. Del Rio comes down to the ring with his Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. Del Rio poses for the crowd for a bit, and the crowd actually chants his name. Kofi Kingston is the next man out to the entrance ramp, and he gets a good pop, looks like this will be a six man tag.
Alberto Del Rio, The Miz and R-Truth vs. Kofi Kingston, John Morrison and Rey Mysterio
John Morrison is the next man out to the ring, and he gets a decent reaction. Morrison gives his sunglasses to a kid on the way to the ring. Rey Mysterio is the third man announced for his team and he gets a great reaction from his hometown crowd.
Kingston and Miz look to start things out for their respective teams. We get a lock up to kick things off and Miz locks in a head lock. Kingston is quick to fight out of it and lock in a head lock of his own. Miz pushes him off but goes down to a shoulderblock, then a monkey flip, and then a dropkick. Morrison tags in, and the two pick Miz up and drop him down stomach first to the mat. Morrison hits a big leg drop on Miz and goes for the pin, but Miz kicks out. Miz is able to tag in R-Truth, and Morrison takes him down with a series of punches before taking him to the corner, slamming his head into the turnbuckle and hitting a big springboard kick. Truth is able to catch Morrison with a quick shot and a couple of big kicks to the gut but he walks into a kick to the face. Morrison goes up to the top but he’s pushed to the floor by Miz.
Back in the ring, Truth hits Morrison with a snap mare and locks in a rear chin lock. Morrison is able to fight up but Miz tags in and takes Morrison back down to the mat before hitting a big kick. Miz goes for the pin, gets two and goes right into a rear chin lock. Morrison is able to fight up to his feet, and hits Miz with a big kick that lays him out. Morrison makes the tag to Kofi who comes in and takes out Miz with a series of chops and a big dropkick. Miz is able to push Kofi into the corner but he eats a big boot and a springboard cross body. Kofi takes Truth off the apron with an elbow and then hits the boom drop on Miz. Kofi gets the crowd riled up and goes for the TIP. Miz counters with the SCF, but Kofi fights out and hits the SOS. Del Rio breaks up a pin and knocks Mysterio from the apron, but he’s sent from the ring by Kofi. Miz takes Kofi out with some kind of move that spikes Kofi on his forehead and it’s good for a near fall.
Truth tags in and immediately goes to work with a series of right hands before hitting a sit out front suplex which is good for a near fall. Del Rio tags in and hits a running kick to Kofi’s ribs before hitting a back body drop that’s good for another two count. Del Rio gets kicked away by Kofi, but Miz tags in and prevents the tag, hitting a quick suplex which is good for another near fall. Miz jaws with Mysterio for a bit and ends up rolled up but he kicks out at two and hits Kofi with a solid clothesline that’s good for another two count. Miz locks in another rear chin lock.
Kingston is able to fight out of it and both men are down. Truth and Mysterio tag in and Mysterio takes him down with a seated senton and a quick cross body for two. Truth ducks a clothesline but eats a kick to the side of the head that’s good for two. Mysterio hits a hurricarana that sends Truth into the ropes, and a low dropkick that sends Miz in as well. Del Rio trips Miz up but he’s takes out by a plancha from Morrison. Miz avoids the 619, but he’s taken out by Kofi coming off the top. Truth eats the boots from Mysterio, then a splash from the top rope, and Rey pins Truth for three.
Winners: Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston and John Morrison
CM Punk is backstage with Johnny Ace who is asking for an apology for what happened on Raw last week right now. Punk sarcastically apologizes, calling Lauranitis by his title, and saying he’s sorry again, smirking the whole time. Punk turns around and there’s Stephanie McMahon who wishes Punk luck. Punk finds it hard to believe. He tells her to wish her husband, or father luck. Stephanie says she spoke to both, and they wish luck to both Punk and Cena, but what would she know, she’s Vince’s clueless daughter. Punk agrees, but says he called her idiotic. Steph offers her hand, but Punk declines, saying he knows where that hand has been.
We get a look at the events that have led up to this match, including Henry assaulting various WWE personnel, and taking out the Big Show and Kane.
Mark Henry vs. Sheamus
Mark Henry is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and he gets a big of a negative reaction initially, but it dies off quickly and the crowd doesn’t seem very excited for this one.
Sheamus makes his way out next, and he gets a nice little pop on his way out to the ring.
The bell rings and Henry and Sheamus go at is immediately. Henry takes Sheamus down with a shoulder block. Sheamus comes back with a series of quick punches, but he goes down to a head butt, then another. Henry back Sheamus into the corner and Sheamus is quick to fight out with a series of right hands. Sheamus hits a back elbow, and takes Henry down to his knee with a knee to the gut and a series of clubbing blows to the back. Henry shoves Sheamus away but Sheamus comes right back at him. Henry instead tosses Sheamus over the top rope out to the floor.
Henry follows Sheamus to the outside where he picks him up in a gorilla press and throws him back into the ring. Henry gets into the ring and hits a giant clothesline before following up with a big splash. Henry gets a near fall, and he doesn’t look happy with it. Sheamus crawls toward the ropes, and Henry brings his whole body crashing down across Sheamus, while leaping to the outside through the ropes. Henry goes for the pin but Sheamus is in the ropes. Sheamus begins to fight back but Henry picks him up and takes him down with a back breaker.
Henry gets Sheamus up across his shoulder. Sheamus fights out of the submission attempt, but Henry throws him into the corner hard, and Sheamus goes down. Henry steps on Sheamus and goes for the Vader bomb, but Sheamus rolls out of the way and Henry crashes down into the mat. The ref begins the count on both men, but both get up before 10. Sheamus hits a couple of big axe handles, ducks a clothesline, and takes Henry down with a flying axe handle. Sheamus hits a series of knee drops to wear Henry down. Sheamus ties Henry up in the ropes and hits a series of big clubbing blows across Henry’s chest, stunning him. Sheamus hits the ropes and he and Henry collide hard, both men going down.
Henry charges Sheamus but runs into a big boot. Sheamus goes to the top and hits a flying shoulder block that’s good for another near fall. Sheamus goes for the bicycle kick, but Henry avoids it and knocks Sheamus to the mat. Henry goes for a slam but Sheamus reverses out and hits a bicycle kick that sends Henry to the outside. Sheamus goes to the outside to bring Henry into the ring, but Henry fights him off, picks him up, slams him into the ring post, and through the barricade at ringside, and I spot some local So-Cal wrestlers like Joey Ryan at ringside. Sheamus crawls back toward the ring slowly, but the referee reaches 10 before Sheamus can make it back.
Winner by Countout: Mark Henry
Josh Matthews is backstage with World Champion Christian. Christian says that Randy Orton is not leaving SummerSlam World Champion. He’s got an insurance policy, and the entire beneficiary is the WWE. He says this match is going to be an epic summer blockbuster filler with action. And Christian is Harry Potter, and Orton is Cowboys and Aliens, and over-rated, over-matched flop.
Justin Roberts introduces Cee-Lo, who’s here to sing his song ‘Bright Lights, Bigger City’, which also happens to be the theme song for SummerSlam. Cee-Lo is dressed in a crazy sequin muumuu. Green transitions the song into his more popular past hit ‘F*** You’ (conveniently re-sung as ‘Forget You’). Green has some of the Divas acting as back up dancers for him. Green finishes up and the crowd really seemed to enjoy it, so that’s definitely good.
— WWE Champion CM Punk spoke directly to the WWE Universe at SummerSlam Axxess Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, California as he answered questions from fans during a promo. Todd Grisham also asked him the following question: “How can you speak your mind the way you do and still have a job at WWE?”
Punk replied, “That answer is very simple. I really don’t care if I get fired.” He continued, “If (WWE) decide to bench me and sit me at home, or fire me or suspend me, I really don’t care. Maybe that’s a horrible attitude to have in some peoples’ minds, but that’s the honest to God’s truth. That’s why I can get away with doing and saying what I want.”
— Chris Masters, David Hart Smith, Joey Mercury, Melina and Vladimir Kozlov have been added to WWE.com’s Alumni section. Mercury remains under contract to WWE after disappearing from television last summer as he works as trainer in Florida Championship Wrestling.
THQ revealed Saturday 63 of the playable characters that would be starring in WWE ’12. Additional characters will be revealed in the ensuing weeks.
WWE ’12 is scheduled to be released on November 22, 2011 in North America and on November 25, 2011 in the United Kingdom.
WWE Superstars
* Alberto Del Rio
* Alex Riley
* Big Show
* Chavo Guerrero
* Christian
* CM Punk
* Cody Rhodes
* Daniel Bryan
* David Otunga
* Dolph Ziggler
* Drew McIntyre
* Evan Bourne
* Ezekiel Jackson
* Goldust
* Heath Slater
* Husky Harris
* Jack Swagger
* Jerry Lawler
* John Cena
* John Morrison
* Justin Gabriel
* Kane
* Kofi Kingston
* Mark Henry
* Mason Ryan
* Michael McGillicutty
* Mr. McMahon
* Randy Orton
* Rey Mysterio
* R-Truth
* Santino Marella
* Sheamus
* Sin Cara
* Ted DiBiase
* The Miz
* Triple H
* Tyson Kidd
* Undertaker
* Vladimir Kozlov
* Wade Barrett
* William Regal
* Yoshi Tatsu
* Zack Ryder
WWE Divas
* Beth Phoenix
* Eve
* Kelly Kelly
* Layla
* Maryse
* Michelle McCool
* Natalya
WWE Legends
* Animal
* Arn Anderson
* Ax
* Booker T
* Eddie Guerrero
* Edge
* Hawk
* Kevin Nash
* Ricky Steamboat
* Smash
* Steve Austin
* The Rock
* Vader
— Chris Masters, who was released last week by WWE, caused a commotion today in Los Angeles, California as he appeared outside the Nokia Plaza where SummerSlam Axxess is being held. The former WWE Superstar drew a large crowd as he signed autographs and took pictures with fans. He also had an associate in tow filming his appearance.
— Hornswoggle and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia were briefly shown at the conclusion of yesterday’s episode of TMZ on TV as the news entity was on hand for WWE’s SummerSlam VIP Kick-Off Party Event at the Andaz Hotel in Los Angeles, California Thursday night. TMZ reporter Ryan Satin exclaimed seeing Hornswoggle dancing with actress Jennifer Love Hewit, calling the WWE Superstar “a little person.” Satin also talked about how cool it was that a “girl who was the announcer for like ten years” asked to take a photo with him.
— Former WWE Diva Melina will be signing autographs at the Frank & Son Collectible Show in City of Industry, California on Saturday, September 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit www.frankandsonshow.com for more information.
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine has a feature on the breakout stars to watch this fall. Those profiled are Justin Gabriel, Johnny Curtis, Jinder Mahal, Zack Ryder, A.J. and Kaitlyn, with all six explaining in their own words why they’re WWE’s next breakout star.
A.J. stated, “I’m trying to redefine the word ‘Diva.’ Divas don’t have to be super-girly, ultra-feminine Barbie dolls—there’s room in WWE for girl-next-door types. I see myself as the ultimate underdog, and a lot of people can relate to that. Not everyone is super-jacked and strong and the superwoman type. Some of us just have to fight. I’m just like every little kid out there. What I bring is a lifetime of watching and enjoying WWE—I’m kind of like a fan who snuck her way in. I’m sort of proud of that.
“I might come off as this bubbly person, but that’s because I come from a rough past. Before I even started in WWE, I was living in a car. I wasn’t scouted for WWE. I paid my dues, and literally starved for two months making ends meet. Beth [Phoenix] was at my tryout and gave me a special, awesome pep talk, saying, ‘Yeah, you can do this.’ Then I got signed.”
— Former ECW star Axl Rotten stated on Twitter that if he doesn’t come up with $5,000 by the end of the month, he will be evicted from his home. He was asking for PayPal donations. The message, however, has since been deleted.
— AT&T U-verse is mistakenly advertising Kane vs. Rey Mysterio and Sheamus vs. Randy Orton as the top two matches for SummerSlam. Both contests took place at last year’s event.
Ultimate Warrior’s Facebook rant in which he called Hulk Hogan a “Vagina Man” and blasted the wrestling legend’s daughter Brooke for posing nude for PETA has been removed by the social media empire. The master of the Gorilla Press Slam believes his arch-nemesis cried to Facebook execs to have the dismissive post removed.
Warrior wrote this morning on Twitter, “Terry ran to Facebook Corporate and cried about my “Hey, Terry. Be you, man.” note. They removed it. Jesus, Terry, if you are that sensitive and emotional, use some of the exorbitant budget you spend on Viagra and go buy some real gas. Fuck, soon you’ll been wearing a dress on TNA for a gimmick.”
Hogan, in response, said on Twitter he had no idea Warrior “made another video” and that fans probably reported it. Facebook allows users to report abuse—hate speech, threats, graphic violence and bullying are prohibited on the social networking site.
Hogan also added that he’s “praying for Jim.”
Warrior has since re-posted the rant on Twitter, which can be accessed here. He also snidely responded to a user remarking that “at least Hogan is on TV.”
“Yeah, killing the business and opportunities for young guys to have a shot at their OWN stardom,” Warrior replied. “Super.”
— Cody Rhodes captured the Intercontinental Championship from Ezekiel Jackson last night on SmackDown.
After numerous head butts with his protective face mask and a key distraction by his associate Ted DiBiase, Rhodes executed a springboard kick on Ezekiel Jackson. The second generation wrestler then finished off Jackson with the Cross Rhodes to capture his first singles title in WWE.
— The Sin Cara character returned to WWE programming last night on SmackDown with developmental talent Hunico donning the mask. Hunico carries more body fat than the original Sin Cara, who was suspended last month due to a violation of WWE’s drug testing policy.
The SmackDown broadcast team made note of the noticeable physique change, with Josh Mathews saying it appeared Sin Cara put on some weight during his hiatus. The character was temporarily written off television via an injury angle at Money in the Bank.
— Johnny Curtis – winner of WWE NXT season four – was squashed by Mark Henry in his debut match on SmackDown.
Q: Why does WWE just let people like the Dudley Boys, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Ric Flair, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan go onto the TNA show to build up their business even more, and even worse, their show is Attitude Era. All the stars that were involved in that era have gone to TNA and are making them a bigger brand than WWE itself. – Javad H. from Scotland
A: Really, those guys have built up TNA’s audience to even greater heights than before? I’d love to see evidence of this. Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy were the only guys from outside that had any sort of real impact and in the case of Angle, that was when he first came in. These days, he’s just another guy who doesn’t move the needle. Hardy moved the most merchandise when he was hot, but then they turned him heel, which basically erased whatever value he had to the company. They are not making TNA a bigger brand than WWE, so quit snorting coke off that mirror and hang it back up on the wall, please.
Q: I looked up Ring of Honor’s new TV timeslot in my area and HOLY CRAP its on free TV. With all the news of Impact being on its toes with Spike rebranding and the chance they could be booted, could ROH possibly become the number 2 promotion the in country? Like I said in this area (San Antonio) it’s on free TV in a huge wrestling market. – Kenneth
A: First of all, it’s highly unlikely that Impact is going anywhere, so they’re safe for now. It’s much more likely that UFC leaves Spike at the end of the year when their contract expires. Secondly, ROH’s new TV show will appear in syndication on many Sinclair stations across the country, most or all of which are going to be free TV outlets. I don’t believe any of them are premium channels. As such, their audience of each station is going to be fairly limited, so I think it would be a few years at the very least before we could honestly see ROH making a run for the #2 spot.
Q: What was the highest rating that WWE Monday Night Raw ever received and which year was it? I’m curious because week in and week out, the ratings are always around a 3-something, they never go beyond that. – John
A: Raw’s highest rating ever came on a night when WCW Monday Nitro was pre-empted due to NBA basketball. On May 10th, 1999, Raw scored a ridiculous 8.1 rating for an episode that featured a main event of Steve Austin, The Rock and Vince McMahon vs. The Undertaker, Triple H and Shane McMahon. Only two weeks later, WWE scored what would be its second highest rating ever of 7.2 for its Owen Hart tribute show the night after his death.
Q: Edge won his first World championship in 2006 and retired this year as World Heavyweight Champion. In that time, he has earned a couple tag team championships, a Royal Rumble win and become an 11-time champion. Would you say the last 5 years of Edge’s career was better than the last 5 years of any superstar’s career in recent memory? – Marc C.
A: If we’re talking stars that have retired within the last few years, then yes, I suppose Edge would be at the top of that list. But even with all of those accolades, if we’re going back through WWE history, then Steve Austin would be higher on the totem pole than Edge. In the five years prior to Steve Austin’s final match, which took place in March of 2003, he beat Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania to win his first WWE Title and ushered in a boom period the likes of which the company may never see again. Austin’s big run was a relatively brief one, but he did bigger business than any other individual in the history of company. All due respect to Edge, he could have won 20 World titles and I still could not rank his final five years higher than Austin’s.
Q: After their shocking debut to their uneventful end, would you consider The Nexus to be one of the worst factions in wrestling history? – Lee Wes
A: Hardly. The New Nexus was atrocious, for sure, but if we’re talking about the original group, I don’t see how you can say that. Their Raw debut made a huge impact and is one of the more memorable moments in the show’s history. Before they fizzled out at Summerslam last year, they were the hottest act in the company. On top of that, they actually made a main event star out of Wade Barrett, even though he has since cooled off on Smackdown. Were they handled perfectly? Of course not. But I can think of plenty of other groups far worse than Nexus ever was. Want the cure for insomnia? See the Truth Commission, D.O.A. and Los Boricuas from 1997 WWF. The Union and JOB Squad were also pretty awful, as were the Misfits in Action from WCW.
Q: I was just watching the Rock vs. Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle Triple Threat
match again from Vengeance 2002. When the match ends, J.R mentions he has seen many triple threat matches, but that was the best one he had seen. I thought about it and I agree with him. Where would you rank this match? – Michael
A: I’ve raved about this match before on my Solomonster Sounds Off podcast (check Audio Shows under FEATURES above). It remains the greatest Triple Threat Match I’ve ever seen in WWE. With three of the best main event performers in the company’s history, it should be no surprise, but their triple threat match format can often times be very formulaic and predictable. In this match, there was never a dull moment and the work was top notch. Definitely go out of your way to see it if you never have.
Q: Out of all the past WWF/E superstars to NEVER hold the World title, who do you think deserved it the most? Also, out of all the current superstars to never hold the WWE/WHC, who do you think deserves it the most? – Shane
A: There are plenty of guys that would have made great WWE champions, including Ricky Steamboat, Ted DiBiase and Jake Roberts. The one who deserved it the most and could have made the most money with it was Rowdy Roddy Piper back when he was at his heel peak. Yes, Piper got over without the title, but I can’t help but think Piper as the heel champion meeting Hogan one-on-one could have done phenomenal business. Piper really doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for paying Hogan’s foil and boosting WWE to new heights in the mid-80’s.
Q: Nothing personal against these guys, but why is TNA pushing Gunner and Crimson so hard. Especially Crimson, [who has] shown zero charisma so far, and they have a roster with at least 10 other guys who deserve a better push. – Russell
A: I will give TNA credit for trying to push some younger, newer faces. Unfortunately, Crimson just isn’t that good. Gunner has a much better upside and is very well liked behind the scenes, but of course, Crimson is big and has “the look”, so he’s getting a chance. Meanwhile, Samoa Joe toils in obscurity with no points in the Bound for Glory series. May the WWE countdown begin.
Keep those questions coming to [email protected] and remember to include your name!
Matt Hardy posted a message on Twitter on Thursday night updating fans about his time away from TNA – and addresses the rumors about he and Jeff refusing to enter rehab. Matt wrote:
“The time off from Impact Wrestling has been a blessing in disguise-it’s allowed me enough time at home to physically & mentally heal & completely clean up my life. It was needed. I feel great, & the old Matt Hardy feels alive & fresh!
Regarding the reports of TNA keeping the Hardy Boyz off television due to their refusal to enter rehab:
“And BTW, rumors will always circulate.. But I know the real deal about myself & Jeff when I look in the mirror, & I’m ecstatic about where we’re both at. Thanks to everyone who has always supported me-you guys are amazing & I love ya!”
Diana Hart Smith, the outspoken mother of recently released WWE talent Harry Smith, continues to lash out at Michael Cole via Twitter after calling the WWE broadcaster effeminate on Monday. She wrote the following messages on the microblogging site on Thursday, including calling creative writer Michael Hayes a transvestite.
* “Does the reMARKable Michelle Cole have rabbies or perhaps mange. Just wondering because he is such a dog for a diva. That’s what he is, right?”
* “When Michael Hayes wrestled in Germany in late 70s as a transvestite, was his name Suzi Sykes or Suzy Sails? Any1 know?. He was quite the lady.”
* “Michelle Cole=reMARKable 2 staff&Vince 2.? wuld pedigree Harry b w/whores like MC. Recall early days gttng wedgied by HHH/DX & he cried on live TV.”
The former wife of “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith also noted during her diatribe that Harry is heading to Japan at the end of the month for the Inoki Genome Federation.
Harry, meanwhile, apologized for his mother’s critical remarks. He says he has no ill will towards Michael Cole nor WWE.
“In regards to my Mom’s twitter remarks about Michael Cole and the WWE, these are only her opinions she’s expressing. I hold no ill feelings towards the WWE, and I don’t want it to look like I’m influencing these posts in any way shape or form,” he wrote on Facebook. “I’m a man of honor and integrity and try to be like my Grandfather Stu Hart. If I have something to say to or about someone I’ll say it to their face. I really dislike twitter, so I can’t post this myself on there.”
The self-proclaimed “Voice of WWE” did Smith no favors during his lone broadcast booth appearance on an episode of Raw last year as he criticized the third generation wrestler’s verbal ability and lack of charisma.
WWE star Heath Slater has been accused of a violent assault on a female security guard during WrestleMania 27 weekend in Atlanta, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper.
Corinne Oliver, a security guard who works for Allied Barton security, says Heath Slater approached her in the early morning of April 4th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and allegedly put her in a chokehold and tried taking her into his hotel room.
Police are still investigating the matter and no charges have been filed against Slater yet.
“She basically said he [Slater] approached her and asked her to go to his room,” Oliver’s laywyer said. “She said no. He started telling her she was pretty and those type things. The next thing you know she was in a chokehold, and he was dragging her and bending her backward, trying to get her on the elevator to his room. She violently had to struggle to get his arm from around her neck.”
Oliver says she told her supervisor about the alleged assault immediately after it happened. After months of inaction by her bosses, the woman filed a police report on June 22nd. Her lawyer says she contacted police after supervisors told her for months they were going to handle it.
WWE is keeping distance from the situation. WWE spokesman Jerry McDevitt has commented:
“The alleged victim is making claims against Slater individually, and it’s being investigated. This has nothing to do with the WWE.”
Looking back at Heath Slater’s Twitter account, it appears that he did not make any tweetd during WrestleMania weekend. Slater returned to Twitter on April 6th with the following tweet:
“Just got home from a long, yet exciting,fun, and life changing week.. You have to love the WWE..”
— Months ago, WWE developmental wrestler Maxine was slated to be called up to the SmackDown brand to manage Tyson Kidd. The storyline, however, was nixed, as was her promotion.
Aksana debuted on last week’s episode of SmackDown as a catsuit clad vixen it’s said that the role was originally pegged for Maxine. The decision to nix the NXT Season 3 contestant’s promotion was said to be due to a “breach of etiquette” on her part.
— Chris Masters, who was released last Friday from his WWE contract, stated on Twitter that he has a ticket to SummerSlam.
Masters wrote, “So my former employers in town.and I have a ticket to SS.Hey I am a fan!”
— Aaron James, who lost to Brodus Clay on yesterday’s episode of WWE Superstars, is Tough Enough contestant A.J. Kirsch.
The Orlando Sentinal reports that former WWE talent Terri Runnels has filed a lawsuit against her former partner Jerome “New Jack” Young, accusing him of libel for what she calls a series of slurs he’s stated online about their sex life and her appetite for drugs and alcohol.
She is also asking the judge to prevent Young from peddling sexually explicit pictures of her.
The suit, filed in state circuit court Monday, seeks unspecified damages. His statements, the suit alleges, are untrue, malicious, outrageous and “exceeded the bounds of civilized society”.
New Jack and Runnels were involved in a romantic relationship for a year and a half but recently broke up. He then began posting comments on Facebook, accusing her of popping pain pills, drinking vodka and cranberry juice at 5:30 “EVERY MORNING!!” according to the suit. He’s also accused her of exposing partners to sexually transmitted diseases.
New Jack said that anything he’s said or written on Facebook about Runnels is true. Someone else runs his Facebook page, he said, and other people may have written things there that are untrue, in particular, allegations about a sexually-transmitted disease.
He admitted offering to sell sexually-explicit photos of Runnels. He’s not done that, he said, but he may have transmitted them at no charge to a friend from his cell phone.
“Sending somebody naked photos, that’s not a crime,” he said.
Runnels’ attorney, Alan Stagmeier fears New Jack would sell the photos before he could get the case in front of Circuit Judge Linda Schoonover, who’s been assigned the case. He’s asking her to issue an injunction, prohibiting New Jack from selling the photos.
Runnels consented to those photos, believing they’d be kept private, according to her suit.
We’ve got a first look at Brooke Hogan’s new ad campaign for animal rights group PETA – featuring Brooke without any clothes on.
The photo was unveiled on Thursday night in Miami – which also happened to be Hulk Hogan’s birthday.
While we are still waiting on a clear shot of the ad campaign – below is a preview of the Brooke Hogan ad – with daddy Hulk covering up Brooke’s private parts:
Tonight on SmackDown, Sin Cara returns to action – but due to the original Sin Cara (Mistico) still being suspended, it will be developmental wrestler Hunico under the mask.
We’ve been reporting in recent weeks that the man who originally portrayed Sin Cara might not be brought back at all – and a new report on Mexican wrestling site Super Luchas indicates that Mistico might in fact be gone from WWE for good.
While there is some belief in WWE that Mistico will be brought back to eventually feud with Hunico, Super Luchas is reporting that Hunico was informed that he will be portraying Sin Cara on WWE’s upcoming tour of Mexico in October.
WWE had major plans for Sin Cara, a beloved hero in Meixco, to headline the upcoming Mexican to – but many are worried that the Mexican fans will see the new Sin Cara as a fraud. Sin Cara was supposed to be one WWE’s showcase talents as the company looks to expand its Mexican business – but that could now be in jeopardy.
People in WWE’s promotional department are still awaiting word from management as to whether Mistico will ever be brought back – and there is some fear that the WWE machine will get behind Sin Cara and Hunico as Sin Cara will be a flop.
WWE taped Friday’s episode of SmackDown on Tuesday night from Sacramento, California:
– Triple H came out and set up Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Title, Alberto Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan, and Great Khali vs. Randy Orton. Christian came out to speak to Hunter.
– Christian threatened that Hunter needed to change his SummerSlam match against Randy Orton or he would sue. Hunter told him he has no respect as the World Hvt. Champion, so the match is still on.
– Sheamus beat Christian by countout. Christian wanted no part of Sheamus, so he got himself intentionally counted out while standing on the top of the entrance ramp.
– Beth Phoenix and Natalya defeated Kaitlyn and A.J. Beth Phoenix pinned A.J. to get the win for her team.
– There was a backstage segment with Teddy Long, Zack Ryder, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Aksana.
– There was also a segment with Mark Henry and Johnny Curtis backstage. They will meet later in the show.
– Sin Cara defeated Tyson Kidd. It didn’t seem like anyone could tell whether Sin Cara was portrayed by the former Mistico or somebody else.
– Alberto Del Rio defeated Daniel Bryan, Bryan missed a top rope move. Del Rio got the win via submission.
– Cody Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson to win the Intercontinental Title. It appeared Dylan Drake of AllProWrestling.com was passing out the paper bags at ringside. Cody got the win with CrossRhodes to become the new champion. I smell a rematch at SummerSlam.
– Backstage, Randy Orton said he will unleash his anger at SummerSlam. He then discussed his match against Great Khali.
– Mark Henry beat Johnny Curtis. Sheamus came out to stop “Shamu” and wanted him to take on the great white tonight instead of at SummerSlam.
– Randy Orton beat The Great Khali. Orton hit the RKO on Khali for the pin. Christian came out afterward and said he’s the best thing going.
Orlando Jordan appeared on World Wrestling Insanity, which is available at ClubWWI.com. Highlights from his interview are as follows:
The one man shock-and-awe of TNA, Orlando Jordan turned heads with each move he made. Debuting with an outrageous entrance, OJ seemed destined for spectacular things. However, as time went on, the spectacle died down and the gimmick followed suit. As Jordan explains to James Guttman, the idea was never to be another version of Goldust. There were many plans he had for his character, but sometimes you have to compromise and, as he tells ClubWWI.com members, sometimes too much compromise can knock a solid idea off course…
“I enjoyed my time there. I was a little bit disappointed with the progression of the character because we started out where I wanted to go – and I laid out how I wanted this character to start and develop – because I believe a character should grow. Every character evolves and I wanted this character to evolve. That was the understanding…When you work for a company, you can’t get everything you want. You have to compromise. And I compromised with the character on what they wanted and that was part of the deal. That was a hard thing. That was a challenge. Trying to do what I wanted and trying to give what I wanted the way I knew it could be delivered and then also what the company wanted to present – that was a challenge there. In the end, I was a little bit disappointed in that area and stuff.”
Orlando goes into detail on the character’s original intention and how it would have helped shatter stereotypes. He also speaks about the shocking nature of it all, the goal TNA had for it, and why it might have been better suited for WWE. In the end, though, there were no hard feelings and OJ had to do what was right for him, as the ClubWWI.com audio show continues, he tells JG the circumstances surrounding his release…
“I’m a professional and I’m a performer. So I’m always willing to do something different and that was the attempt. Like I said, you have to compromise and stuff like that. But when you compromise, you start to lose the direction. That’s where it headed. Eventually, I had to make decisions and if it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted, I had to make decisions…I know they said I was released, but I had made a series of inquires to TNA about things and – I got released on a Monday – that Friday (before), I had actually called the TNA office and said, “Look. I need something to happen and I’m not happy and I need to be able to do more things.” The person I talked to wasn’t really in the position, I don’t think, to do anything. So I left my piece of mind and then I was granted my release on Monday. So that’s what happened. Was I upset? No. Not at all. I was very content with how things went out and we parted on good terms and everything. ”
Although a return to WWE or TNA is always a possibility, don’t worry about Orlando Jordan in the meantime. He’s keeping busy with his brand new training facility, Wildkats Sports Dojo. With a resume that includes top spots in WWE, TNA, and overseas tours, Jordan knows how to get noticed. Now, he’s sharing his secret with wrestling’s future stars and giving back to the business he loves. He tells ClubWWI.com listeners all about it and directs them to Twitter.com/Wildkatsports for all the latest info:
“The new dojo! WildKat Sports Dojo out in New Orleans – particularly Kenner, Louisiana. That is the new training facility that I have opened up along with my partner Luke Hawx, who has been a very successful independent worker in his own right. He’s also a stunt actor and done a lot. Probably done just as much and more known in that area than wrestling, which is crazy because he’s busted his ass in both. So, we have the Wildkat Sports Dojo in Kenner, Louisiana. And it’s going great man. We’ve only been open for a few months but we have some strong, good looking, talented, hard-working guys. We have about ten students training for professional wrestling. Also, the other thing we’re doing in the local area is mixed martial arts, grappling – I have a background in grappling, boxing, bringing specialists from specific martial arts backgrounds by the end of the year. It’s good. Going good. I’m excited, man. I live for training. I’ve done it my whole life.”
WWE issued the following press release on Thursday – announcing a new company initiative that fans who have attended live WWE events are sure to love. Anybody who has been to a RAW, SmackDown or pay-per-view taping has noticed – the WWE experience is amazing in person, but one important thing is missing – the commentary! Starting this Sunday at SummerSlam, fans who attend WWE broadcasts can pay $15 to purchase a radio that will allow them hear live commentary during the show from the ringside commentary booth.
Here’s the official announcement:
If you’re heading to Summerslam this weekend at Los Angeles’s STAPLES Center, there’s a new way to take part in the excitement. This Sunday, WWE introduces a revolutionary new radio that allows attendees of the Biggest Party of the Summer – and all pay-per-view events – to listen in on ringside commentary live with the WWE Live Commentary Radio.
If you’ve ever been to a WWE live event or any live sporting event, one major difference from watching the event on television is the lack of play-by-play commentary. The WWE Live Commentary Radio is going to change that, allowing fans in attendance to listen to the SummerSlam television broadcast featuring the likes of WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jim Ross, as well as Michael Cole, Booker T and Josh Mathews.
The WWE Live Commentary Radio will be available at merchandise stands on the concourse for $15 each. The radios are yours to keep and can be used as a traditional FM radio once the event has ended, and they can be used at future live events where WWE Commentary Radio is available.
TNA star Hulk Hogan turns 58 years old today – and we wish the Hulkster a very happy birthday.
One man who doesn’t share the same warm and fuzzy sentiments is the Ultimate Warrior, whose heated rivalry with Hulk Hogan is well documented right here.
Warrior posted the following message on Facebook today – taking several cheap shots at Hogan on his birthday, including one about his daughter Brooke’s recent nude photo shoot.
Hey, Terry. If you want some good creative ideas (we all know you sure as hell need them) be man enough to call and offer to pay instead of trolling around my web presence and stealing them.
When you try to copy my Warrior attiude it doesn’t work for you. The size of it is too big. When you try to pull it off you look like a x-small boy drowning in his daddy’s XXXL. What’s your “purist Christian wife” going to say when you start dropping F’ bombs like the Warriorman? Probably soemthing like, “Well, honey, it would be kinda nice if some of that was going on around here.”
Just be you. Number One rule of O.W.N.
The fraud you already are is the one we love. All these years you keep going back and forth and all over the map trying to find yourself. Please, no more “new” phony faces.
You’ve finally done it. Your mind is empty and your balls are all shriveled up. You’ve officially turned yourself into a Vagina Man, a real pussy. And now, your daughter has to show hers to get any attention at all.
– Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon has hired Corey Bliss a campaign manager – a strong indication that she’ll be running once again for United States Senate next year. Bliss told GreenwichTime.com:
“I am a political consultant who has talked to he. She has not made up her mind.”
– The July 4th episode of WWE RAW was the most DVR’d RAW ever, with 400,000 homes watching the show after the original broadcast – which breaks down to 14.2% of that show’s overall audience. The following week (7/11) had 324,000 homes watching on DVR and the week after that (7/18) had 319,000 homes watching on DVR.
– WWE is releasing two original novels, which will be aimed at younger readers. They will be written by Jeff Gottesfel, and the first is titled “Superfan.” In that book, CM Punk is slated to play a major protagonist.
– The London riots have effected both WWE and TNA as a Sony warehouse that stored millions of DVD’s stocked for Europe was destroyed by a fire.
