Check out this video WKSBY conducted with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels.
HBK talks about his new “outdoor lifestyle” show (don’t call it a hunting show), training his 11 year old son to be a pro wrestler, whether he’s been contacted by TNA, Scott Hall’s recent problems and much more in this interview.
WWE issued an apology via WWE.com to those who participated in Raw’s “Power to the People.” The tabulating provider’s overloaded system reported several inaccurate results, prompting WWE management to follow WWE.com’s Live Chat Poll for the night’s final vote.
Text Voting Inaccurate in Raw’s Power to the People
WWE would like to apologize for technical difficulties that occurred during the “Power to the People” edition of Raw on Monday night.
The interactive event aimed to give the WWE Universe the ability to choose what they wanted to see on their television screens. Unfortunately, uncontrollable difficulties created by an influx of heavy voting traffic resulted in not every one of the more-than 697,000 recorded votes to be properly counted.
During Monday’s Raw broadcast, WWE fans were given the option to text A, B or C to 46993 (GOWWE) in order to decide what they wanted to happen on the show. Things went perfectly at first when text votes selected Kelly Kelly (option B) to take on Brie Bella for the Divas Championship. However, our vote tabulating provider’s system became overwhelmed, causing these votes to definitively affect the following contest, in which Mason Ryan (also option B) was voted into a match against Evan Bourne — even though, as it was later discovered, Sin Cara had received 90 percent of the total votes in WWE.com’s Live Chat poll, and should have been Bourne’s opponent.
Votes for the third poll’s bout — Kane vs. Mark Henry in an Arm Wrestling Contest — were counted correctly. However, problems began to occur again during the next poll determining a match stipulation between United States Champion Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston. At this point, so many text votes were received that the system overloaded, crashed and had to be restarted.
With little information to work from, WWE management selected to follow the system’s earliest projections, which determined that the 2-out-of-3 Falls Match had been the people’s choice. It was not until later that it was discovered that “Vickie Guerrero Banned from Ringside” was actually the top vote getter.
Restarting the tabulating system allowed for things to run smoothly with the voting for the Triple Threat Match to determine a No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship going off without a hitch.
Regrettably, technical difficulties occurred once more leading up to the night’s Six-Man Tag Team Match main event, when it became apparent to WWE management that text votes were again not being tabulated properly. At this time, a decision was made to turn to WWE.com’s Live Chat Poll for the official judgment. With the power still in the hands of the people, the WWE Universe selected the Elimination Match (option C) by an overwhelming 87 percent, leading to this stipulation being enacted.
Melina posted a bizarre video message this morning in response to Gail Kim writing on Twitter that she’s ’emotionally unstable’.
Kim wrote, “Good morning..wow a good nights sleep and a direct flight.:) and I’m NOT a horrible friend! @realmelina is emotionally unstable!”
Melina says in the video message, “Just came back from doing my last workout before I do the tour off to Asia and I read the tweet that Gail said I was emotionally unstable.
“Gail, I may be that, but at least I’m not a horrible friend! Like you. And believe me, after these two weeks in Asia, if you thought I was crazy before, I’m going to be that much crazier when I get back.” She then says “love you” and blows a kiss goodbye.
The video also features enclosed captions reading “Kung fu time, SKANK!!!” and “B!otch No You Didn’t!!”
Check it out:
Matt Hardy stated last Sunday on Twitter that he would be receiving a few weeks off from TNA Wrestling.
He wrote, “Between dates, injuries, & outside issues, I’m gonna have a few week off & I’m ecstatic! The Matt Hardy Movement is going into full effect!”
According to PWInsider.com, company officials suspended Hardy due to continuously arriving late to events.
Hardy has not performed for TNA since the May 30 Impact Wrestling taping (air date June 2), which saw him lose to Crimson. He is, however, advertised to appear at this week’s live events in Ohio and Indiana.
Check out these pictures fromm June 2011 of Batista at his MMA gym in Florida – looking MUCH smaller than when we last saw him on WWE television.
Since leaving WWE and not having to stay in body-builder shape, the former “Animal” is looking a lot thinner:
TMZ reports that Scott Hall was sentenced to ten days in Seminole County Jail yesterday for resisting arrest last May.
Hall was arrested on May 14, 2010, and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting a police office. Authorities were called to the Hitching Post Bar in Chuluota after Hall, who had been “drinking heavily” according to a police report, “became aggressive”. When authorities arrived, they found Hall yelling and cursing at the amateur wrestling personalities Marc Grabowsky, Kevin “Showtime” Van Camp, Tony “ODB” Griffin, Shawn Shiever The Beaver Retreiver, Mark E. Nelson and other staff of the bar. Hall was told he was not allowed to return to the establishment. On his police report, Hall listed himself as an “unemployed” professional wrestler, despite having a job with TNA Wrestling, who would release him a month after the arrest.
Court records in Seminole County, Florida indicate Hall was sentenced to ten days in jail. His jail time, however, was reduced to two days for time served.
He is planning to check in to jail on July 5. A representative for the former wrestling champion says he’ll be in the medical unit due to his “bad health.”
Check out this gallery of Scott Hall’s EIGHT mugshot pictures:
– WWE will tape NXT, Smackdown and WWE Superstars in Hershey, PA. Christian vs. Randy Orton for the World title is being advertised locally, most likely as the dark match main event.
– Bill DeMott teased on Twitter that he will be at tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings and said he is “smelling the talks” of a season 2 of WWE Tough Enough.
– Monday night was a record-setting night for WWE on Twitter. During the first hour of RAW, eight of the Top 10 worldwide trending topics on Twitter were WWE-related. 18 WWE-related trends made World Top 10 during RAW. Among the trending topics were Sin Cara, Evan Bourne, CM Punk, Mason Ryan, Mark Henry, Kelly Kelly, RAW Roulette, “Batista chants” and “snow angels.”
– Tough Enough runner-up Luke Robinson was recently interviewed by the NBC affiliate WCSH based out of Maine. Robinsaid said his goal now is to impress WWE enough to get a developmental deal.
– Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes was originally scheduled to be the bonus match at Sunday’s Capitol Punishment pay-per-view, but WWE went with Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger instead. Bourne is currently slated to be one of the top superstars featured on the upcoming Money In The Bank pay-per-view, so expect him to get more television time in the coming weeks.
(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)
On Monday’s RAW, CM Punk announced that he plans to leave WWE when his contract expires on July 17th, the day of Money in the Bank. Punk wrote the following on Twitter regarding his upcoming departure:
“I knew I was gone at the beginning of the year. I just woke up one day and I knew. That’s the way I work a lot of the time.”
“I think it’s creepy too, but it’s really helpful. I knew I’d be history by July. Come say goodbye on July 17th.”
“Come say goodbye on July 17th. I promise to go out with a bang. Trust me. XxX”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross also commented on CM Punk’s big announcement:
“@cmpunk is most interesting man in wwe & he NEVER drinks beer. MITB PPV now has a viable ‘hook.’. Truth’s doing well too.”
— A replay of last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling will air tonight on Spike at 9:00 p.m.
— Jesse Neal is now claiming on Twitter that he never said he received food stamps.
“I’m only gonna say this once,” he wrote on Sunday. “I never said that I myself recieves food stamps, so wrestling fans get back to being a fan and stay out of our personal lives. If you are gonna follow then read it carefully and get it right. I have never received food stamps. Ok that’s it.”
He added yesterday, “Just to clarify there will be NO food stamps coming to me! Thanks for all ur guys concern, everything is great with TNA and I will be back soon.”
Neal sent a Twitter message last week to his live-in girlfriend, independent wrestler Christina Von Eerie, expressing how glad he was that they now qualify for food stamps. The message has since been deleted.
— Impact Wrestling has launched Facebook and Twitter accounts for Australia.
— After being chosen to take on WWE Divas Champion Brie Bella last night on Raw, Kelly Kelly (53%), who beat out Beth Phoenix (36%) and Eve (11%), took full advantage of her opportunity. Kelly relieved Brie of the title to begin her first championship reign.
An ecstatic Kelly took to Twitter to comment on her title capture. She wrote, “Words can’t describe how happy I am to have won my first divas championship. Thanks to everyone who has supported me I promise to make you proud!”
— Tyson Kidd has launched a Twitter account at twitter.com/KiddWWE. He wrote the following yesterday regarding tonight’s television taping in Hershey, Pennsylvania: “Tomorrow will be the first step in the new phase of Tyson Kidd.”
–- John Morrison and Melina are heading to Singapore today to promote WWE on StarHub TV, the sole cable television operator in the country.
– CM Punk defeated Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio on Monday’s RAW to earn a WWE title shot against John Cena at Money in the Bank on July 17th. Punk stated that it will be his final match in WWE and vows to leave the company with the WWE championship.
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has been announced as making a special guest appearance next week on RAW, which will feature a “RAW Roulette” theme.
– There was no dark match after Monday’s RAW went off the air.
-Zack Ryder defeated Drew McIntyre in a dark match that took place prior to RAW. Ryder got a nice pop. Apparently he’s a full-fledged babyface now. About a five-minute match. Drew dominated, but Ryder came back and hit the Rough Ryder for the win.
– In matches taped for Superstars, Gail Kim wrestled Melina and WWE tag champions David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty squared off against Santino & Kozlov.
On Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, CM Punk defeated Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio in triple threat match to earn a shot at the WWE Championship against John Cena at Money In The Bank on Sunday, July 17th.
CM Punk then announced what has been reported here in recent weeks – that his WWE contract is expiring soon, and he’s leaving the company.
UPDATE: CM Punk Comments On Leaving WWE: “Going Out With A Bang”
Punk says that his contract expires on July 17th, the day of Money in the Bank. Punk vows to capture the WWE Championship and leave with the title.
It is possible that Punk has signed a new contract, but WWE has capitalized on the real life drama and turned it into a main event storyline.
COMMENT BELOW: What do you think? Is Punk REALLY leaving WWE? Has he signed a new contract? Will he jump to another company?
— The official Twitter account of WWE Magazine announced that the Divas Championship will be on the line in the first match of tonight’s “Power to the People” edition of Monday Night Raw.
Brie Bella will defend her title against (A) Eve, (B) Kelly Kelly, or (C) Beth Phoenix. Viewers can vote by texting A, B or C to 46993. Standard texting rates apply.
— The June 17 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.71 cable rating, down from 1.77 the prior two weeks.
SmackDown averaged 2.71 million viewers, approximately the same as the previous week. This extends the program’s streak of less than 3.0 million viewers to seven consecutive weeks.
It is the lowest rated episode of 2011. The previous low was set on May 6 with a 1.73 cable rating.
— John Cena and The Rock are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
– CM Punk is something “monumental” on tonight’s 3-hour “Power To The People” edition of WWE RAW. CM Punk wrote on his Facebook page today:
“Last night at Capitol Punishment, I not only defeated Rey Mysterio, I also vowed to perform the most honest act in WWE history. Join me on tonight’s Power to the People episode of Monday Night Raw, and witness the genesis of something monumental.”
It has been widely reported that CM Punk will be leaving WWE when his WWE contract expires this summer. Since making the above announcement on Facebook earlier today, Punk’s Facebook page has been bombarded with fan comments telling him not to leave WWE.
– WWE Champion John Cena addressed the mixed reactions he receives from live WWE audiences on Twitter:
“The divide between those who stand with us and those who stand against us is becoming more aggressive,” Cena wrote. “I love it. I think it makes for an unreal WWE experience.”
“I have never told anyone how they need to feel about me, nor badgered them for there admiration. But I am truly fortunate and thankful for all those who remain loyal, through good times and bad, dark and light. I will never give up on you.”
– In an interview with TorontoSun.com, former WWE diva Trish Stratus says practicing yoga helped her avoid surgery. “My body said, ‘I’m really worn out and I need you to start taking care of me so I can last you a little bit longer than this.” When she was sidelined with injuries and surgery was discussed, she decided to explore other options before going under the knife. “I thought, ‘Well lemme see if I can take a different route,'” she said. Once she began yoga, her body responded almost immediately and she was able to continue her career virtually injury-free.
– Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman has updated his blog with his thoughts about the ongoing Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior sage. Waltman addresses “Kharma Collects” video series that Warrior posted online last week as well as several of the rumors circulating regarding both men. To read the full blog, visit RealXPac.com.
– WWE legend Kevin Nash will be appearing in the new movie “Rock Of Ages” based on the broadway musical. No word yet on what part Nash will play, but the movie is starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand. For more information on the show, visit RockofAgesMusical.com.
– Former WWE executive Shane McMahon attended the US Open golf tournament on Sunday with the father of Rory McIlroy, the 22-year-old phenom who the tournament. Shane was shown on camera but not mentioned by name.
Colt Cabana (formerly Scotty Goldman in WWE) is working with Highspots on a new online video show titled, “Creative Has Nothing For You”. Here’s episode 1 – hit up the comments below & tell us what you think.
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (not WWE’s Hall of Fame – no affiliation) has announced that Jim Ross will be receiving the prestigious Lou Thesz Award at this summer’s ceremony:
WATERLOO, Iowa — One of the biggest names in professional wrestling will be recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Jim Ross, a ring announcer and an executive for World Wrestling Entertainment, will receive the Lou Thesz Award at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions on July 22-23.
The Lou Thesz Award is given to an individual in wrestling who has taken the skills of professional wrestling into the realm of public service.
The award is presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum and Eblen Charities. Eblen Charities is a North Carolina based non-profit organization that assists children, adults, and families in times of need.
Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco will present Ross his award at an induction banquet on Saturday, July 23. The banquet will be held at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo, Iowa.
“Jim Ross carries the passion and dedication to make this profession the very best it can be,“ said Brisco. “I think Lou Thesz would be honored to know good old JR will be receiving this great award.”
Ross is one of the most recognized names in professional wrestling. He is best-known as a professional wrestling commentator and for his work with World Wrestling Entertainment. Ross has been heavily involved with scouting and talent development with the WWE.
Ross consistently works with several service organizations, including the Support Our Troops initiative, Circle of Champions, and Get R.E.A.L. (Respect, Education, Achievement, Leadership). He has also been involved with Meetings with Children with Life Threatening Illnesses.
“My boyhood hero was Lou Thesz,” said Jim Ross. “Getting the Lou Thesz Award is an overwhelming honor. I’m looking forward to being in Waterloo for this event.”
Ross will take part in all weekend activities, including a special training session at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center on Friday, July 22. Professional wrestlers who have committed to attending induction weekend include Terry Funk, Gerald Brisco, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Mick Foley, Jim Raschke, Danny Hodge, Bob Roop, Larry Hennig, Fritz Von Goering, and Colt Cabana.
For more information on the weekend, or for information on ordering banquet tickets, contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or [email protected].
DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 164)
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Solomonster is back with a special Father’s Day edition of the Sound Off, talking WWE tempting fate with John Cena, Punk and Austin magic, the Zack Ryder controversy and something to think about the next time you hear JR talk about new guys having to “get themselves over”, former ROH tag champs get a tryout, Mr. Anderson wins the TNA Title, Jessie Neal qualifies for food stamps, Desmond Wolfe released, and THE MAILBAG. The fastest hour in wrestling radio is here, so download this now!
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— ImpactWrestling.com has announced a Knockout Street Fight for this Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling as TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will battle Winter.
Also announced for Thursday’s show is a Bound For Glory Series match featuring Scott Steiner against Bully Ray. Eric Bischoff will also call out Sting.
— Tara is featured in Impact Wrestling’s latest “Why Wrestling Matters” video. The former TNA Women’s Champion discusses what drives her passion and dedication for professional wrestling.
“It is baffling to me that wrestling has become a bad word. I don’t buy it,” Tara says. “What do we out there? We wrestle. That is the base of what we do and we take so much pride to be here. This is not just a job to me; I eat, sleep and breath wrestling.
“I bust my butt out there… torn ligament, torn ACL, broken nose, chipped teeth; strictly for entertaining.”
To see her video message, click here.
— Saturday night in Mexico City, Jeff Jarrett made history by becoming the new AAA World Heavyweight Champion at TripleManía XIX. Jarrett, who was accompanied by his wife Karen, defeated El Zorro to win the prestigious title after throwing powder in his face and assaulting him with a kendo stick.
The TripleMania event also featured Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam, Abyss, Velvet Sky, Mickie James and Angelina Love in action. Jack Evans and Extreme Tiger beat Mr. Anderson and Abyss in a Steel Cage Match to retain the AAA Tag Team Championship. Sexy Star, Angelina Love, Mickie James and Velvet Sky beat Mari, Fabi Apache, Lolita and Cynthia Moreno in an Eight Women Tag Team Match. Dr. Wagner, Jr. beat Rob Van Dam to retain the AAA Latin American Championship.
— Matt Morgan beat “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero via pinfall in a “Bound for Glory Series” match at Saturday’s Impact Wrestling live event in Buffalo, New York.
It was announced at the show that the match would air this Thursday on Impact Wrestling.
source: Pro Wrestling Torch
— Kelly Kelly appeared at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California and announced that the playable Divas characters would be able to participate in the Elimination Chamber match in THQ’s upcoming WWE 12 video game.
To see the video of her announcement, click here.
— Johnny Curtis, who has appeared in backstage segments in recent weeks, stated last Friday on SmackDown that he would be debuting soon.
— WWE returns to the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey on September 3, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale July 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
— WWE Hall of Famer Koko B. Ware celebrates his 54th birthday today.
– Tonight’s 3-hour episode of WWE RAW takes place from the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland and will feature a “Power to the People” theme.
Similar to the old Cyber Sunday pay-per-views, fans will be able to vote on match opponents and stipulations through WWE’s website and text messaging.
Smackdown talent is booked for tonight’s show as advertised names include World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, Christian, Kane, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Wade Barrett and Mark Henry.
The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally is John Cena, Big Show and Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth, Alberto Del Rio and CM Punk.
– WWE recently made a big change to the company’s Wellness Policy that has rubbed a lot of talent the wrong way. Drug tests will now include screening for synthetic marijuana, commonly known as “spice” or “K2.” These substances are made to simulate the experience of smoking marijuana and are currently legal in the United States.
Talent that tests positive for the synthetic [fake] marijuana will receive the same $2,500 fine that WWE levies for marijuana use. This has several WWE talents upset, since a number of superstars and divas started using ‘fake weed’ when WWE banned the real thing last year.
The ‘fake marijuana’ has been made illegal by some states and is considered a “drug of concern” by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)
– Former WWE Films president Joel Simon died on Sunday after battling pancreatic cancer for four years.
– As we were covering here on the site last week, World Heavyweight champion Randy Orton’s status for Capitol Punishment was up in the air until just days before the event. Orton suffered a concussion last weekend and had to pass an “impact concussion test” prior to being medically cleared to compete on Sunday night. WWE officials were said to be very concerned that Orton would not be able to wrestle and had discussed several other scenarios for the SmackDown title match just in case. Orton received his medical clearance on Friday and defeated Christian to retain the title.
– Also at Capitol Punishment, WWE featured a President Obama impostor, played by comedian Reggie Brown. The fake Obama had a few backstage segments during the show as well as an in-ring segment where Booker T taught him how to do the spineroonie – which WWE announcers dubbed the “Barakaroonie”.
Reggie Brown appeared at a GOP convention on Saturday night and had to be pulled off stage during his set due to event organizers thinking he was going overboard with his racially-charged Obama-bashing jokes.
WWE had someone tweeting as the fake Obama during the PPV with the user name @WWEPresident.
Check out this video of Reggie Brown performing last week at the GOP convention and getting pulled off stage:
– In a dark match that took place prior to Sunday’s Capitol Punishment pay-per-view from Washington, DC, Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov defeated Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel.
– Dolph Ziggler captured the WWE United States Championship by defeated Kofi Kingston in the opening match at Capitol Punishment.
– Ezekiel Jackson became the new WWE Intercontinental Champion at Capitol Punishment by defeating his former Corre partner Wade Barrett. This is Jackson’s second title reign in WWE, as he was the final ECW champion. That title was retired the night he won it on the final episode of ECW on Syfy.
