Former WWE & TNA star and current Strikeforce MMA heavyweight contender Bobby Lashley spoke to FightLine.com this week about his transition from wrestling to MMA, the opening of his new MMA gym in Colorado and more. Some highlights:
His Status with TNA: “As far as I know, I’m not working with them. At the time things started getting really built up with fighting and signing with Strikeforce and everything, it was just kind of hard doing both at the same time. We tried to work something, but I guess it didn’t work. So as far as I know, I’m on the future endeavored lists (laughs).”
WhetherHe’s MMA Championship Material: “The heavyweight division is wide open so I think it’s going to be very exciting to see all these heavyweights mix it up a little bit. I think in Strikeforce right now there are four or five people right now that can be the champion, so I think it’s going to be really exciting for the fans… I think I’m six months to a year out of being in a top spot.
The Opening of His New Gym: “It was great. It was a lot better than we had even expected. We had started planning it about 3 weeks before we wanted to do it so it was a little rushed, but the outcome was incredible.”
Candice Michelle was backstage at last night’s SmackDown taping at the Staples Center in Los Angeles visiting friends. On her Twitter account, she posted a photo of herself and Melina, who was also backstage visiting. The former WWE Diva is expecting her first child, which is due in May.
Mickie James has pushed back the release of her debut album, Strangers & Angels, until May. It was initially scheduled for release next Tuesday.
She wrote in a blog post on the WWE Universe website: “I have come to the decision to push back the release of my album “Strangers & Angels” to mid May… After Wrestlemania, after the draft, after the tours… My main focus now, as it should be, is to get myself 150% for Wrestlemania first and foremost…”
James then went on to describe the severity of her staph infection, which may forbid her from competing at WrestleMania.
“Then, this is the second time in 2 months that I have ever been sent home from the road, both for the same reason. A Staph Infection, but not just any, as I found out in the hospital it’s MRSA. The first was from the most recent Mexico Tour where I was sent to Tampa to be treated. Then it came back worse than before this last time during the live event Loop in Texas where I was sent home. Then immediately admitted to the hospital in Richmond. To all the WWE universe who came to any of the shows or have watched in the last few weeks to see me. I am truly sorry and please know that I wanted to be there more than anything. Both times I tried to fight it, I fought with the doctors. I fought with my boss.. to just let me work through it, “its just an infection.. No big deal… I’ve worked through worse with a smile on my face†but thankfully for me, they wouldn’t hear of it! I cant express how truly grateful I am that they didn’t listen to me.
“I didn’t realize the severity of the infection and how bad it was. When i was admitted into the hospital I went straight into surgery to get the infection out of my body. They also told me I wouldn’t make it to Wrestlemania. I told them they were wrong.. Watch me! When I woke up i was devastated… My leg was in an immobilizer, my knee was sliced open with tubes coming from it t help drain it. As the days passed in the hospital I found out more and more about the infection, about how bad mine truly was. The nurses also explained to me what could have happened if it had gone a little longer untreated. The infection had already gotten into my bloodstream and I was extremely ill.. A few more day meant I could have lost my leg.. Even my life… So I really want to take this moment to say thank you to them all from the bottom of my heart… To our Doctors, the Dr.’s who treated me, and my Boss(who always has to deal with my stubborn ways..haha)! It is because of you that I am getting better everyday, That I am able to write this, that I have my leg, that I have my life, I love you, God Bless You!”
WWE has updated its talent Wellness policy with a section about concussions (click here to read the amendment). Part of WWE’s effort to limit the number of concussions sustained by its Superstars is a ban on chairshots to the head, which actually went into effect back in January. The section on chairshots reads:
*The WWE has eliminated using folding metal chairs to “strike” an opponent in the head.
*The WWE penalizes through fine and/or suspension the following:
-The intentional use of a folding metal chair to “strike” an opponent in the head.
-Any blow to the head that is deemed an INTENTIONAL act.
*The fine and/or suspension will be directed by the EVP of Talent Relations.
WWE spokesperson Robert Zimmerman recently commented to Connecticut’s Hartford Courant newspaper about the chairshot ban:
“In January 2010, WWE amended its Talent Wellness Program, specifically regarding the ImPACTâ„¢ Concussion Management Program originally instituted in 2008, eliminating the use of folding chairs or props to “strike” an opponent in the head.”
— World Wrestling Entertainment conducted its latest round of drug testing this past week, including talent scheduled to compete at WrestleMania. No wrestler has been suspended due to a violation of the company’s drug testing violation in over six months, the last punishment being handed down on August 27, 2009 to Rey Mysterio.
— Current plans call for SmackDown talent to regularly appear on Raw from now until next month’s annual Draft on the 26th.
— Mark Henry will be making a cameo appearance on this Sunday’s episode of Celebrity Apprentice. Former WWE talent Maria Kanellis and Bil Goldberg appear as contestants on the show and it’s been said that Maria’s debut appearance put her on the map with a lot of people in Hollywood.
– The plan right now is for Jim Ross, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler to announce WrestleMania with Todd Grisham, Matt Striker and Josh Matthews doing backstage interviews and such.
– Word is that Stu Hart’s video package for the WWE Hall of Fame is really good. It may debut on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.
– As of this week, the decision still hadn’t been made whether John Cena vs. Batista, Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels or Edge vs. Chris Jericho would be the last match at WrestleMania. The Unified Tag Team Title match is currently scheduled to open the show with Money in the Bank going on second. Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart would likely go somewhere in the middle of the card. Of course, all of this is subject to change.
– The plan right now is for Jim Ross, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler to announce WrestleMania with Todd Grisham, Matt Striker and Josh Matthews doing backstage interviews and such.
– Word is that Stu Hart’s video package for the WWE Hall of Fame is really good. It may debut on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown.
– As of this week, the decision still hadn’t been made whether John Cena vs. Batista, Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels or Edge vs. Chris Jericho would be the last match at WrestleMania. The Unified Tag Team Title match is currently scheduled to open the show with Money in the Bank going on second. Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart would likely go somewhere in the middle of the card. Of course, all of this is subject to change.
— Matches set to take place on tomorrow night’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* Christian, Mark Henry and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger, William Regal and Zack Ryder
* The Bella Twins vs. Jillian and Katie Lea
* Kane vs. Shelton Benjamin
— Kelly Kelly has relaunched her official website, www.kellykellywwe.com.
— The Arizona Republic newspaper is getting in the WrestleMania spirit by hosting “WrestleMania Wednesdays” online chats. This week, Scottsale, Ariz., natives Nikki and Brie Bella will answer questions in a live, one-hour chat. You can join them today at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. MST at azcentral.com.
— Matches set to take place on tomorrow night’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* Christian, Mark Henry and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger, William Regal and Zack Ryder
* The Bella Twins vs. Jillian and Katie Lea
* Kane vs. Shelton Benjamin
— Kelly Kelly has relaunched her official website, www.kellykellywwe.com.
— The Arizona Republic newspaper is getting in the WrestleMania spirit by hosting “WrestleMania Wednesdays” online chats. This week, Scottsale, Ariz., natives Nikki and Brie Bella will answer questions in a live, one-hour chat. You can join them today at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. MST at azcentral.com.
– Despite WWE advertising it yesterday, John Cena did not appear on last night’s NXT. Cena was scheduled to come out, open the show and address the NXT rookies.
– The dark main event after last night’s SmackDown tapings saw Rey Mysterio, Triple H, Edge and John Cena defeat CM Punk, Batista, Sheamus and Chris Jericho.
– WWE’s SummerSlam will be returning to Los Angeles this year. It was announced at last night’s tapings that tickets for this year’s show at the Staples Center go on sale this coming Saturday.
– WWE Studios will begin producing a movie about Hall of Fame Class of 2010 member Gorgeous George’s life and legacy in early 2011.
– Despite WWE advertising it yesterday, John Cena did not appear on last night’s NXT. Cena was scheduled to come out, open the show and address the NXT rookies.
– The dark main event after last night’s SmackDown tapings saw Rey Mysterio, Triple H, Edge and John Cena defeat CM Punk, Batista, Sheamus and Chris Jericho.
– WWE’s SummerSlam will be returning to Los Angeles this year. It was announced at last night’s tapings that tickets for this year’s show at the Staples Center go on sale this coming Saturday.
– WWE Studios will begin producing a movie about Hall of Fame Class of 2010 member Gorgeous George’s life and legacy in early 2011.
Check out this clip of TNA star Mick Foley’s appearance on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central.
The Foley skit begins around 5 minutes into the clip, with Foley and Daily Show a correspondent explaining how the health care debate in the United States is quite similar to pro wrestling.
Check out this clip of TNA star Mick Foley’s appearance on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central.
The Foley skit begins around 5 minutes into the clip, with Foley and Daily Show a correspondent explaining how the health care debate in the United States is quite similar to pro wrestling.
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin appeared on Hardcore Sports Radio this week and discussed TNA Wrestling challenging WWE on Monday nights. Despite the fact that Austin is aWWE guy through and through, he says “competition is great for the business” and hopes TNA can give WWE a run for its money.
“I wish the TNA people all the luck in the world because it means more of the boys have jobs and it gives fans an alternative” Austin said.
TNA has a lot of the WCW pieces in place (Hogan, Bischoff, Flair, Sting, The Band), but Austin doesn’t know if TNA will ever be able to reach WCW’s popularity peak. “I don’t know if we’ll ever re-create that Nitro-Raw war,” he said. “WCW kicked our ass for two years, then we smoked their ass and never looked back and put them out of business.”
Even though he wishes good luck for TNA, he knows it will be close to impossible for them to realistically push them to the brink like WCW did. “I don’t think anyone will ever come close to really giving true competition to WWE because they’re so far ahead of the game, they’re rooted in their system, and they’re a winner.”
– Batista was legitimately busted open last night by Kofi Kingston during their match on RAW.
– The following matches were taped before Monday’s RAW for this week’s WWE Superstars show:
* Bella Twins vs. Jillian Hall & Katie Lea
* Christian, Mark Henry & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger
* Zack Ryder and William Rega
– During the commercial break before the Bret Hart & Vince McMahon WrestleMania contract signing, CM Punk came out and challenged Rey Mysterio to a match that would take place after RAW went off the air. When RAW concluded, the two wrestled a 10 minute match and Mysterio earned the win with the 619. Mysterio celebrated with the fans after the win.
– Batista was legitimately busted open last night by Kofi Kingston during their match on RAW.
– The following matches were taped before Monday’s RAW for this week’s WWE Superstars show:
* Bella Twins vs. Jillian Hall & Katie Lea
* Christian, Mark Henry & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger
* Zack Ryder and William Rega
– During the commercial break before the Bret Hart & Vince McMahon WrestleMania contract signing, CM Punk came out and challenged Rey Mysterio to a match that would take place after RAW went off the air. When RAW concluded, the two wrestled a 10 minute match and Mysterio earned the win with the 619. Mysterio celebrated with the fans after the win.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Ross reveals that after months of negotiations, he’s come to terms with WWE for a new contract and will be signing it this week. Plus, Ross discusses Gorgeous George being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and more. Some highlights:
His WWE Contract Status: I will be signing another contract extension this week with WWE to allow us to get past Wrestlemania and to give us more time to finalize our newest agreement which will hopefully see me remaining with WWE for the long term future. At least, that’s the goal for all involved. I’m going into this negotiation with a positive frame of mind and hopeful that all will work out to everyone’s mutual happiness at the end of the day.
Talking With Steve Austin Over The Weekend: I talked with Steve this weekend and he was really excited about being back on Raw and feeling that live audience, adrenaline rush that one experiences. I cannot name any wrestler who better connected with their audience than did Stone Cold Steve Austin and I’ve seen a few in my day. I even think Steve was going down from LA to San Diego on Sunday, he’s still old school, to be ready to rock the house Monday night. Obviously, WWE will be promoting the film “Damage” starring Stone Cold that will be out on DVD on March 23 which is only 8 days from now.
Gorgeous George in WWE’s Hall of Fame: WWE announcing Gorgeous George as a new inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame is a cool thing for the business. When I first got in the wrestling biz in 1974, my boss, Lee Roy McGuirk, was a former wrestling star who had crossed paths with Gorgeous George on many occasions. I heard numerous GG stories from McGuirk who was a former NCAA Champion at Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State) and was considered one of the toughest men in the business. McGuirk was a old school guy with a “jock mentality” and he wasn’t crazy about the show biz aspect of the Gorgeous George persona but McGuirk always said that George Wagner was much tougher and more skilled in legit wrestling than people would ever give him credit for being.
WWE sent out the following press release this morning announcing that wrestling legend Gorgeous George will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame later this month:
Gorgeous George Enters Hall of Fame
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–World Wrestling Entertainment® (NYSE: WWE) today announced that Gorgeous George, the man often credited with creating American pop culture and who set the standard for future WWE Superstars and influenced such greats as Muhammad Ali, James Brown and Bob Dylan, will be inducted into the WWE® Hall of Fame on March 27, 2010. His 96 year-old former wife, Betty Wagner will accept the honor on his behalf. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be broadcast that night on USA Network at 11 PM ET from the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona.
“A mighty spirit. Crossing paths with Gorgeous George, was all the recognition and encouragement I would need for years to come.â€
“Gorgeous George’s was a pop-culture innovator who took risks pushing the social envelope and did things that no other performer had ever dared to do,†said CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon. “He was a cultural tour-de-force who set the standard that many in the world of sports and entertainment still emulate today.â€
The significance of Gorgeous George’s legacy led WWE Studios to option the rights to his story for a major motion picture slated to begin production in 1Q 2011.
Muhammad Ali, whose notorious boastful and arrogant style derived from George, stated, “I made up my mind after meeting Gorgeous George to make people angry at me…I saw 15,000 people comin’ to see this man get beat. And his talking did it. I said this is a good idea.â€
Bob Dylan, the music poet, said, “A mighty spirit. Crossing paths with Gorgeous George, was all the recognition and encouragement I would need for years to come.â€
Gorgeous George, born George Wagner, single-handedly changed the dynamics of not only wrestling, but entertainment and sports in the 1940s-1950s. His character was an arrogant aristocrat dressed in silk, lace and chiffon robes who spoke in a braggadocio style, often referring to himself as “The Toast of the Coast†and “The Sensation of the Nation.†Audiences around the country came to see Gorgeous George perform live, and tuned their TV sets in to see what he would say or do next, making Gorgeous George one of the biggest celebrities of his day, and an influence on pop culture for generations to come. As popular as Lucille Ball and Bob Hope, media observers believe more Americans purchased televisions to watch Gorgeous George perform than to see Milton Berle.
Others to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame on March 27 include Ted “The Million Dollar Man†DiBiase Sr., former Women’s Champion Wendi Richter, Maurice “Mad Dog†Vachon and Japanese legend Antonio Inoki.
Raw and Impact reviewed with a rant on TNA, plus news on the ratings, Jeff Hardy possibly headed to prison, a new member of the Hall of Fame and a look back at WrestleMania 7!
