We are in shock right now over this news .. TMZ.com is reporting that WWE legend “Macho Man” Randy Savage has died.
TMZ spoke with Randy’s brother, Lanny “The Genius” Poffo, who told TMZ that Savage suffered a heart attack while driving at 10am this morning, lost control of his vehicle and crashed.
Randy Savage was 58.
This is absolutely heartbreaking news … We’ll have more on this throughout the day.
After losing the World Heavyweight Championship just two days after he won it, Christian hopes to keep the “emotional wave” going. Though his best friend, Edge, has retired, he will nonetheless be a part of it.
“It was two guys that grew up as fans and broke into the business together. We’ve both gone up and down different paths, and things like that. We were both able to realize a dream. Yeah, it was real emotional. The flipside of that is that unfortunately Edge has to retire, and the landscape has all changed,” Christian told SLAM! Wrestling, referring to roster changes and post-WrestleMania fallout.
“I’ve just got to go out and do what I do every night, and that’s go out and perform. I think one of the things that the people, the fans, know about me is that every time I step in the ring, I give everything I have to entertain everyone that’s spent their hard-earned dollars on a ticket for a WWE event. I think that’s apparent. I think that’s what people know about me, that every night I leave it in the ring. I’m just going to carry that emotion away with me and bring it to my matches and all those sorts of things. The rest should take care of itself.”
Christian, does however, refute the notion that he was ever in Edge’s shadow.
“[Edge] got everything he worked for, and he deserved it. He’s one of the best,” he said. “That being said, everyone takes different paths, and mine was a longer way, for whatever reason. But I never got down on myself, never tried to compare myself — ‘Oh, he’s doing this, and I’m doing this.’ I never looked at it that way, and you can’t look at things that way. You have to look at your situation, and ‘how do I make the best of my situation every single night?’ That’s what I looked to do. I never looked at being second banana to anybody, I never felt that way, ever. If other people did, that’s the way they looked at it, but I never did.”
“Captain Christian” believes that leaving WWE for TNA Wrestling in 2005 was greatly beneficial to his career.
“It was just one of those things that I needed for myself at that time. I was just worn down from the road schedule, from being on the road for eight years. I just needed to be home and recharge the batteries for a couple of years, do some things with family and friends,” he said, continuing.
“When I left WWE, I always knew that I wanted to come back when the time was right. I felt that I did that. Since I’ve come back, especially coming back from the injury that I had, I feel that I’ve done some of the best work of my career. It’s probably the most exciting time of my career up to this point.”
Christian also discusses his “peeps,” how he dealt with suffering a torn pectoral muscle last year, the rising stars of SmackDown, and more. The article is available here.
WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal has been removed as the advertised guest host of upcoming Raw live events in Canada due to WWE’s belief that he was critical of their drug testing policy in a recently published interview with Power Slam magazine.
An article was published two weeks ago on SEScoops.com (article available here) pertaining to his comments regarding WWE’s Wellness Policy. The multi-time tag team champion appeared Thursday on Minneapolis based sports radio station KFAN Sports Radio AM 1130 (podcast available here) and said his remarks were taken out of context in the online article, thus leading to his removal from the WWE shows he was advertised for.
Animal said, “Well, this other idiot, this other site… I’m not going to mention that site because he doesn’t deserve the time of day or breath of my air, gets on there and he… now this was a six page article now people, you gotta remember this!
“This other idiot takes one little paragraph, puts it in bold print in his own headline and the caption says, “Recent WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal slams Wellness Policy.”
“I by no means slammed the Wellness Policy.”
He adds that his published comments dismissing the Wellness Policy were “strictly off the record.” He then claims he made the following “on the record” comments during the interview.
“I made it very clear, I said, “The state of the Wellness program is very strict, you cannot beat the tests. And it’s for everybody’s own good. I said it’s a publicly traded company and that’s just the way it is.”
Contrary to his statement, no comments praising WWE’s Wellness Policy were published in the magazine article. He discussed his own personal steroid use following his dismissive remarks of the Wellness Policy.
Animal said that while he resolved the matter with WWE officials after he gave his side of the story, he will not be appearing at the live events he was originally scheduled for. He adds that Power Slam will publish a follow-up in their next issue with additional comments from him to clear up the matter.
The interview was conducted on March 23, days before his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Towards the conclusion of the interview, he was asked about how important the larger-than-life, steroid-enhanced physiques were to the image of The Road Warriors. He was also asked if the team would have been the same force had they debuted in the modern WWE era where performers are drug tested.
Animal replied, “Let’s be totally honest with people right now. Look at the guys that are in [WWE] now. If anybody thinks that everybody there is 100-percent clean, they’ve got be smoking something.
“I know they get drug tested and they do catch people, and people do get suspended, but I really don’t believe that everybody gets drug tested on the same level. I know the look of a person who looks like they’ve been on or off [steroids].”
“When we took them, it was totally legal to carry them on you.”
— New Florida Tag Team Champions were crowned last Thursday in Tampa, Florida as Big E Langston and Calvin Raines (a/k/a Patrick Brink) defeated Richie Steamboat and Seth Rollins.
Steamboat and Rollins had reigned since March 25.
— WWE developmental wrestler AJ Lee beat Rosa Mendes in a dark match prior to Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Lee worked this past weekend’s SmackDown live events, teaming with Natalya against Alicia Fox and Rosa Mendes. The babyfaces won both matches.
— Mason Ryan has been announced for autograph signings at the June 3 Florida Championship Wrestling live event at Largo Minnreg Hall in Largo, Florida and the June 4 show at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds in Port Charlotte, Florida.
— Bo Rotundo beat Lucky Cannon to win the Florida Heavyweight Championship at tonight’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping in Tampa, Florida. WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and Mike Rotunda participated in a post-match celebration with Rotundo.
— Dick Ebersol, a long-time television partner of WWE and Vince McMahon, has resigned from his position as chief of NBC Sports, according to multiple news outlets.
Ebersol was the producer of Saturday Night’s Main Event, not to mention a key component of the XFL ten years ago. More recently, he inducted Bob Uecker into the WWE Hall of Fame at last year’s ceremony.
— Former WWE star Balls Mahoney headlines a Bodyslam Wrestling Organization event this Saturday in Elmwood Park, New Jersey at The American Legion located on 1 Legion Place. He faces Damien Darling in a “Tap Out or Knockout Match.”
source: PWInsider.com
Four new WWE developmental talents have been added to the Florida Championship Wrestling roster page on FCWWrestling.info; Alexander Rusev, Audrey Marie, Eden Stiles and Ethan Levin.
Rusev formerly competed as Miroslav “The Bulgarian” for Knokx Pro Entertainment in California. He was signed to a developmental contract last year.
Marie, a brunette, introduced herself as Ashley Miller at a FCW live event last month and indicated she is from Houston, Texas.
Stiles is Tampa based model Brandi Reed, who signed a developmental contract with WWE in March. She debuted last month in FCW as a valet for Lucky Cannon and has conducted ring announcer duties the past two weeks on WWE Superstars.
Levin is a 6’6″, 270 pound wrestler billed from Tel-Aviv, Israel. He is the first male wrestler to earn a WWE developmental contract directly from Florida Championship Wrestling beginner’s class.
— Tough Enough contestant Christina wrestled at tonight’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping, which could indicate that she wasn’t eliminated due to an ankle injury suffered at the conclusion of this week’s episode, or at least recovered enough to resumed competing.
Matches featuring the other remaining Tough Enough contestants are being filmed tonight for future use.
Meanwhile, WWF Hall of Famers Afa and Sika are in attendance at the event.
— WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the Ergo Arena in Gdansk, Poland on November 11, 2011. Tickets go on sale May 23, 2011 at noon via www.livenation.pl.
— WWE returns to Ohio this September. Dates and locations are as follows: Sept. 6 – Huntington Center in Toledo; Sept. 19 – Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland; Sept. 20 – Nutter Center in Dayton.
source: PWInsider.com
Paul Heyman is making headlines today with some controversial remarks about how WWE is handling the career of Nexus leader CM Punk.
Amid reports that CM Punk is unhappy behind the scenes and is considering leaving WWE when his contract expires later this year, Paul Heyman wrote on Twitter (@heymanhustle):
“I’m sure he will get heat for me saying this, but @CMPunk is STILL the most underutilized talent on the WWE roster. And my apologies to @CMPunk for the heat he’ll get, but come on already. Punk is the best heel in the biz today! WAKE THE F**K UP! It’s amazing to me (and not in a good way) that WWE doesn’t see how @CMPunk has brought out the best in every opponent.”
CM Punk caught wind of Paul Heyman’s rant and responded with:
“oh you know me, if I don’t have heat I’m doing something wrong. Keeps me warm.”
WWE Hall of Fame Steve Austin, who has exchanged words with Punk over Twitter in recent weeks, quoted Paul Heyman’s tweet and added, “Agreed.”
COMMENT BELOW and tell us what you think about CM Punk’s lack of push in WWE .. Does Punk have what it takes to be pushed ahead of other top young heels like The Miz and Alberto Del Rio?
— WWE Divas Champion Brie Bella indicated on her Twitter account this afternoon that she will be facing Kelly Kelly this Sunday at Over the Limit.
The message, however, was quickly deleted. No official announcement has been made thus far.
Kelly beat Bella in a Non-Title Match this past Monday on Raw.
— WWE has posted a video package entitled “Has The Great Khali gone soft?,” which highlights the uproarious comedy stylings of “The Punjabi Playboy.”
Khali is currently involved in a storyline where Jinder Mahal is trying to get him to behave in a more serious manner. The newcomer interrupted “The Khali Kiss Cam” last Friday on SmackDown by slapping the former World Heavyweight Champion twice before walking away.
— Hunt to Kill starring Steve Austin will be added to Netflix’ Video on Demand servce in a few weeks in the United States.
WWE star Christian was interviewed this week on by Brian Fritz of the Between The Ropes radio show. Here are some highlights of what Christian said about:
Edge’s Retirement: “I knew he was having a little bit of trouble before WrestleMania. I knew that his neck had been bothering him a little bit. Obviously, none of us knew the extent of it… He called me right after he got the news so I knew right away. Obviously, he was pretty shaken by it, taken by surprise, and things like that. We all were. One of the things we discussed is what an amazing career he’s had. You can compare it to some of the best that have ever lived.”
His Short Reign As World Heavyweight Champion: “Obviously it was overwhelming, surprising, and flattering to an extent. It’s the age that we live in now with the internet and with spoilers and people like that, the show hasn’t even aired yet and people are giving opinions and these other sort of things. You have to take it with a grain of salt. The most important thing is that Randy (Orton) and I put on an amazing match for the fans.”
Whether He Thought He’d Ever Be Champion: “I did I always believed in my talent. I think it shows every time I step through the ropes. It was always my goal and I was never going to give on it. I always believed it would happen … Obviously, I wanted to hold it longer than five days, but that’s what happens. I look forward to become a two-time World champion.”
You can listen to the full show here:
— Goldust stated on his Twitter account that he will not be returning to the square circle in the near future.
“Here’s the deal…I’m not coming back to wrestle anytime soon,” he wrote.
Goldust has been sidelined since December due to a shoulder injury, which was expected to keep him sidelined for five to six months. He has since undertaken a behind the scenes role with WWE.
— Matt Hardy stated on Twitter that Shane Helms is undergoing “major surgery” today to repair his broken leg.
Helms suffered the injury after he and his girlfriend were involved in a motorbike accident in Smithfield, North Carolina on May 5. The former WWE Superstar also suffered a broken ankle, jaw, and nose during the accident, as well as sustaining other fractures and receiving over 200 stitches, while his girlfriend sustained a broken neck.
— Former WCW World Tag Team Champion “Dirty” Dick Slater celebrates his 60th birthday. Also, WWE Hall of Famer Andre the Giant was born on this date in 1946.
— As of last week, a match pitting Sin Cara against Chavo Guerrero was planned for this Sunday’s WWE Over the Limit pay-per-view event.
— The SmackDown brand will tour South Africa in early July with two shows scheduled for the 9th and 10th Johannesburg. Justin Gabriel, who is from the country, will be emphasized as a top babyface at the events. He is advertised to partner with Randy Orton in matches against Christian and Sheamus.
— The following bonus features will be included in the Blu-ray version of WWE Extreme Rules, available May 31, 2011:
* Edge’s Retirement Announcement – April 15 SmackDown
* John Cena’s Draft Night – April 25 Monday Night Raw
* The Rock’s Birthday Celebration – May 2 Monday Night Raw
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Mick Foley, who instigated the change of TNA iMPACT! to iMPACT Wrestling on last Thursday’s broadcast, says he is still confused about the matter.
“You know, I’m still wondering in a lot of ways,” Foley said in an interview with Brian Fritz for BetweenTheRopes.com “But I think we wanted the name for the show specifically that made people instantly aware that we were a wrestling show.”
He was asked whether he expects to see more wrestling on iMPACT! Wrestling.
“You know, I hope so. And not just more wrestling, but hopefully better wrestling. I’m not taking a knock at any of the guys. I think, for example, when Ric Flair and I had the big match in October, it took people by surprise and they said, ‘Wow, that’s something we’d expect to see on a pay-per-view.’
“I think there has been a little sense over the years that wrestling was secondary to the other things going on in the show. So I’d like to see an increase in the number of minutes of wrestling, but I’d also like to see an increase in the seriousness of the matches – that more matches are seen as being pay-per-view quality.”
He also responded to skepticism that significant changes won’t be made to the show despite its rebranding.
“I would say that personally, I’m doing my very best to make the show different and to make the show matter, and that hopefully we will see a positive change,” said Foley. We’re going to know one way or another in the next month or so if people are happy with the changes. If they’re not, we’ll try to tweak them again.”
The interview is available here.
As we reported earlier this week, TNA Wrestling has purchased a number of billboard advertisements near WWE headquarters in Stanford, Connecticut as part of their new “Wrestling Matters” ad campaign.
The editor of WWE’s website Craig Tello posted a picture of the billboard online with the caption:
“Just saw a #TNA billboard in Stamford on the train to work @WWE. They re-booking the Invasion angle? #IWantWrestling…to stop recycling.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross commented on the situation at JRsBarBQ.com, writing:
“I heard about TNA putting up billboards in Stamford, Ct, which is the world HQ of WWE. Thoughts? A complete waste of money unless obscure mentions such as this one is what TNA is looking for. Silly expenditure of money IMO. One would think that organization would have bigger and more important fish to fry. However, what TNA does isn’t any of my business or concern but the question was asked and has now been addressed. I would guess that many WWE, Stamford based employees learned of TNA for the first time via the local billboards.”
Here is a picture of the billboard that’s getting so much attention .. What do you think about TNA buying billboards in WWE’s home turf? Is it a clever marketing move, or a waste of resources like Jim Ross says? COMMENT below..
– Following recent neck surgery to alleviate pain from a pinched nerve, John Morrison provided this update on Twitter regarding his physical therapy:
“I appreciate all the great tweets wishing me a speedy recovery… I haven’t been able to do any rehab yet…”
“…but eventually, I will come back stronger than I’ve ever been (& with more knowledge of medical TV shows than I ever wanted) “
Shortly after Morrison’s procedure, it was reported by the WWE website and by Jim Ross’s blog that Morrison would be back in the ring in 1-2 months .. Since he has yet to begin physical therapy, chances are his return will be later than sooner, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing coming off neck surgery.
* Picture of JOHN MORRISON At The Hospital Following Neck Surgery
– Chris Jericho and his Dancing With The Stars partner Cheryl Burke were eliminated from the competition a few weeks ago, but they’ll be pairing up one more time on the show’s season finale in a few weeks. Jericho tweeted on Thursday:
“Got the dancing shoes back on and it feels great! @cherylburke and I put together a KILLER routine for the DWTS finale, ur gonna dig it!”
– Earlier this week, it was announced that WWE is scrapping the RAW vs. SmackDown “Bragging Rights” pay-per-view event and has renamed it “Uprising” … It’s worth noting that Uprising has been used as a PPV title before, by the Dragon Gate USA promotion as well as a small MMA company that ran a show from Australia last year featuring Ken Shamrock.
Grammy award-winning recording artist, hip-hop legend & former WWE developmental wrestler Melle Mel, along with the President of the Urban Wrestling Federation Steve Karel, were two of the featured guests on this week’s live edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem radio show.
Melle Mel & Steve Karel Discuss The Official Launch Of The Urban Wrestling Federation, The Idea & Concept Of The UWF, The Motivation Mel Had To Get Back into The Wrestling Business After His WWE Developmental Experience, The Forthcoming “First Blood” Pay-Per-View Taping At The Hammerstein Ballroom In New York City, The Importance Of Mixing In Established Veterans & Talents That Have Performed With Name Brands With Regional Independent Talent That Fit The Urban Culture Persona In Making The Urban Wrestling Federation What It’s “Supposed To Be,” What Can Be Brought From The World of Hip-Hop Into Professional Wrestling That Will help The UWF Become Successful, Plus “The Message” That He Wants The Urban Wrestling Federation To Send To The WWE.
To read highlights about what Melle Mel and Steve Karel said, as well as listen to an MP3 of the entire show, head over to DefSounds.com.
— KENTA of Pro Wrestling NOAH commented on CM Punk utilizing a number of his trademark wrestling maneuvers in WWE.
He told the Daily Star, “Please list him on the wanted list as he stole my move.”
Punk was so enamored with the Japanese wrestling star years ago that he adopted a good portion of his moveset, including the GTS and a multiple slaps/roundhouse kick sequence.
— Today marks the ninth anniversary of the passing of former WWE star Davey Boy Smith, who succumbed to a heart attack while on vacation in Invermere, British Columbia. His ex-wife, Diana Hart Smith, posted a remembrance on her Twitter account.
“Nine years without Davey. Seems like he’s still here, especially when I see Harry and Georgia. I’m so glad for YouTube and DVD’s so the world can see how incredible he was,” she wrote.
“I miss Davey very much, more and more as time goes on. He is irreplaceable. So big, strong, athletic, handsome, talented in the ring and so funny too!”
— Zack Ryder’s online promotional efforts have not gone unnoticed by WWE officials as he is expected to receive an increased presence on television going forward.
— K&S Wrestlefest will be holding a women’s wrestling themed convention on Saturday, August 28 at the Ramada Philadelphia Airport Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Names announced thus far for “Hot Summer’s Night” are WWE Hall of Famer Wendi Richter, former WWE Women’s Champion Rockin’ Robin, Isis the Amazon and former TNA Knockout Sojo Bolt. Former WWE star Finlay will also be on hand for the event as a vendor guest. More information is available at www.kandswrestlefest.com.
— Kane is scheduled to appear the Kmart located at 13200 Aurora Avenue North in Seattle, Washington this Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— After the California Angels received publicity for setting a Guinness world record on May 10 for most costume masks worn at a single gathering, WWE discussed taking a stab at the record next year at WrestleMania XXVIII.
Company officials have discussed holding a singles match between Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara at the event. Should it occur, it will be the match where WWE aims for the record.
— In Raw live event attendance notes, the May 10 show in Highland Heights, Kentucky drew 3,300 paying $85,000; May 11 in Hermosillo, Mexico drew a sellout crowd of 10,300 paying $570,000; May 12 in Guadalajara drew 6,500 paying $400,000; May 13 at Los Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City drew a sellout crowd of 19,900 paying $870,000; May 14 at Arena Monterrey drew a sellout crowd of 13,800 paying $750,000. Smackdown on May 14 in Lake Charles, Louisiana drew 3,300 paying $95,000 and May 15 in Austin, Texas garnered 6,500 paying $190,000.
— The Ticketmaster.com pre-sale code for the August 2 SmackDown taping in Lexington, Kentucky is WWELIVE. It started this morning.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE developmental wrestlers AJ Lee and Maxine are scheduled to be called up to the SmackDown roster.
AJ worked two SmackDown live events this past week, teaming with Natalya against Alicia Fox and Rosa Mendes. The babyfaces won both matches.
Meanwhile, NXT Season 3 runner-up Naomi has not been mentioned as a potential call-up.
— WWEShop.com has discontinued its ECW Men’s “Old School” T-shirt featuring the barbed wire logo. A reader placed an order for the shirt and received a WrestleMania VII shirt instead. The women’s shirt, however, is available.
— Former WWE star Gregory Helms will be next week’s guest on the AfterBuzz TV AfterShow for Tough Enough, hosted by former WWE Divas Torrie Wilson, Lilian Garcia and Candice Michelle. The program airs Monday night at 11:15 p.m. on www.ustream.tv/afterbuzztv.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
— Mick Foley was not TNA’s original choice for the role of Network Consultant. Company officials had a nineties star in mind for the role but couldn’t come to terms on an agreement—it was not Bill Goldberg.
— Scott Steiner has apparently resolved his financial dispute with TNA Wrestling as he appeared at last night’s iMPACT! Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida.
After building up a match between Matt Morgan and Scott Steiner for TNA Sacrifice, company officials stopped pushing it just prior to the event since “Big Poppa Pump” accepted a booking for an independent show in Port Colborne, Ontario on the same night.
He was also scheduled to participate in a TNA vs. AAA match at TripleManía XIX (Mr. Anderson and Scott Steiner vs. Jack Evans and Extreme Tiger), which takes place on Saturday, June 18 at Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. However, his issues with TNA may prevent the booking from being finalized. AJ Styles has been discussed for the role in case Steiner is unable to compete.
— Jeremy Borash will be hosting a TNA UK Fan Party in Manchester, England on May 26 at a “secret location.” More details are available here.
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
A major change was recently made to WWE’s talent contracts.
WWE is now requiring all of its signed talent to purchase and maintain medical insurance for themselves. WWE will not be covering the cost of the insurance, but as independent contractors, the workers would be able to write off the cost of the medical insurance as a business expense.
The news comes just weeks after the UFC announced that it will be paying for medical insurance for all of its contracted fighters, but it’s not directly related to that situation. WWE has been planning the corporate policy change for quite some time, prior to UFC’s announcement.
WWE requiring its superstars and divas to buy health insurance is something that we’ve heard was being discussed and it was confirmed earlier this week.
What do you think about think about WWE mandating its talent have health insurance? Is it a good move? Should WWE be paying for it ?
(Credit to Pwinsider.com for some of the info used in this report)
— Triple H is advertised for WWE’s upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, which takes place July 17 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. He’s listed amongst the advertised talent in an email sent out by WWE.
— Former ECW talent James Maritato (a/k/a Nunzio) has signed a talent contract with WWE after working a few months as a referee at various events.
— John Cena, Randy Orton and Big Show vs. CM Punk, The Miz and Alberto Del Rio is advertised for this Saturday’s WWE Supershow at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima, Washington.
— WWE.com has posted new studio photos of Maryse.
sources: ProWrestling.net, PWInsider.com
– While the official numbers are not publicly released, we have approximate data regarding how many people are purchasing TNA’s monthly pay-per-view events.
While WWE shoots for the big “1 million buys” mark every year for WrestleMania, it puts a lot in perspective to learn that TNA Bound For Glory 2010 drew just over 30,000 buys. The next most-ordered show of 2010 was Hardcore Justice, which did around 20,000 buys. TNA’s other pay-per-views in 2010 did between 8,000 and 15,000 buys.
– With TNA’s recent image change that included re-branding the Spike TV show and the company’s new “Wrestling Matters” tagline, there has also been a strong push behind the scenes to change the company’s name entirely.
Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff in particular want the name changed, with Hulk Hogan saying in recent radio interviews that TNA does not get taken seriously in high-level business meetings because most people think “tits and ass” when they hear the letters.
– Reality TV star Jessie Godderz worked a dark match before Monday night’s TNA tapings in Orlando, losing to Robbie E. Godderz has worked several TNA dark matches in the past and sat ringside with Dixie Carter at several events.
Check Out:
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
