— In addition to Homicide, it would appear that both Tomko and Rosie Lottalove have parted ways with TNA Wrestling as their respective profiles were removed from the company website’s roster page Thursday. All three were sparingly used in recent months.
In Homicide’s case, he noted on his social networking accounts earlier in the day that he had parted ways with the organization. Meanwhile, Lottalove’s photo gallery was removed from the Knockouts media section.
Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, Daniels and ODB were also removed from the page, though their respective TNA departures were noted months ago.
— It was announced during this week’s episode of TNA ReACTION that Samoa Joe would be returning to iMPACT! on next week’s show. The program’s narrator teased: “Where will Samoa Joe stand when he makes his return to iMPACT! next week?”
The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion was reportedly suspended last month due to breach of etiquette.
* Warning: The following contains a possible *Spoiler* for upcoming WWE storylines:
The main event for October’s WWE Hell in A Cell pay-per-view will be Sheamus defending the WWE title against Randy Orton, according to local advertising in Dallas, Texas.
Also discussed for the show is a match between The Undertaker and Kane.
WWE Hell in a Cell takes place on Sunday, October 3rd from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas and airs on pay-per-view.
– Reigning Ring of Honor champion Tyler Black reported to Florida Championship Wrestling this week. He participated in this week’s training sessions and is expected to finish up with Ring of Honor next month.
– TNA Wrestling has released former X-Division and Tag Team champion Homicide. Homicide wrote on Twitter:
“my tna days is over, thank u for the staff members and the boys and girls in the locker room, had a great run, bbllaattt187 for life.”
He also noted he would be taking the next month off to rest his body before announcing his next move.
- After being forced to pull out of a scheduled independent show on 8/28 due to WWE commitments, Daniel Bryan will be making it up to the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) by appearing at their 9/11 show. NYWC sent out the following today:
WWE’s Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) is confirmed for Sept 11
We here at the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) are pleased to announce that Bryan Danielson who is currently known as Daniel Bryan in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will be appearing at “Never Back Down” on September 11, 2010 at the Sports Arena in St. James, NY. Bryan felt terrible about canceling his prior scheduled appearances with the NYWC and the WWE has allowed him to compete for us on September 11th. We would like to thank Bryan and WWE for going above and beyond for our fans to make his appearance possible. Make sure to purchase your tickets right away because this event will sell out fast! Tickets to “Never Back Down” are available now at NYWCWrestling.com.
— The TV schedule at SyFy.com has been updated. SyFy will be airing NXT at 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 and at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 (right before SmackDown’s debut on the network).NXT is not listed on the schedule after the Oct. 1 airing. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— Michelle McCool suffered a wardrobe malfunction during Tuesday’s live episode of NXT as her right breast briefly popped out of her top while she was cheering Kaval’s rap performance. The camera quickly panned away from McCool, who was wearing a tube top.
— A special pre-sale is currently being held on Ticketmaster.com for the Oct. 11 Monday Night Raw taping taking place at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The passcode is ‘VIPER’. The sale begun today at 10:00 a.m. PST and concludes tomorrow at the very same time.
Former WWE superstar and concussion awareness champion Chris Nowinski recently spoke to New England’s NECN news show about the WWE work environment.
Nowinski, who is a Harvard graduate and wrestled for WWE from 2002-2004 before having to retire after a head injury, paints an ugly picture of WWE encouraging steroid use, widespread use of pain pills and more.
Steroid Use In WWE: “The WWE rewards the guys who use them.”
The Unsafe Work Environment: “They have an environment where it’s absolutely unsafe to work in that ring. They have no oversight into what actually happens in the ring. And they are encouraging steroid use,” he said, citing the enormous physiques of recent champions such as Triple H and Batista. “It’s garbage that they’re not using stuff,” he said. “They absolutely know what’s going on.”
Painkiller Use In WWE: “They’re taking pain killers because they’re working 200 nights a year and getting hit unlike anyone in the history of the wrestling business — it wasn’t like that in the ’80s, it wasn’t like that in the ’70s” he said. “I used to go through tables for four days a week.”
Linda McMahon Saying She “Might Have Met”Lance Cade: “That’s complete garbage. Just kicking dirt on the guy’s grave.”
Former WWE Diva/RAW ring announcer, Lilian Garcia, was the special guest on this week’s live edition (08/16/10) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.
Lilian Garcia Discusses Her WWE Departure, Her Expectation Level When Starting With World Wrestling Entertainment, How She Almost Chose To Not Show Up To Her WWE Audition, If She Initially Thought She Would Have Lasted As Long As She Did With The Company/Been As Successful As She Was, Why Tony Chimel & Howard Finkel Were Instrumental In Her Success, The Criticisms Given To Justin Roberts/WWE’s Other Ring Announcers, The Impact Of Singing “America The Beautiful” On SmackDown After The 9/11 Attacks, “The People’s Strudel,” Why She Wants More To See More TV Time Given To The WWE Divas, The Transition Into The Next Phase Of Her Life/Career, The Details Of Her Forthcoming Album, & Her Appearance At This Weekend’s Chicago Comic Con.
CLICK HERE to listen to Lilian’s appearance on Monday Night Mayhem (MP3)
Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:
Why, in the end, she decided to leave World Wrestling Entertainment last September & what/whom she misses the most: “There’s nothing like having that one-on-one interaction with them: every time we’re out there, being able to hi-five & hug people. It’s just an amazing feeling. I miss some of the travel, I’m not crazy about all of the travel. Some of the places we went to were a lot of fun, especially when went overseas. I love Europe, and I love to experience different cultures, so I would definitely take advantage of the sightseeing. What I don’t miss is the airports & the hauling of the luggage. That kind of stuff wears on you, and when you do it ten years straight, it does wear on you. That’s why I have a lot of respect for all of the Superstars, because I didn’t have the grueling schedule that they would had of 300+ days a year, so I have respect for those who can do it and be away from their families. I really missed being away from my family, and that was one of the decision I made. When my contract was up, I was like do I sign on for a new contract, or do I really want to take the time to be with my family & my new husband, and I just made that decision that it was time.”
Her transition into the next phase of her life/career & the reason as to why she wanted to take time off: “It’s been a year since I left. It almost feels like right around the corner, and I can’t believe how time flies. So much has happened since I left. Actually, after I left on the 21st of September, I got married on the 28th of September, which was on a Monday, so it was ironic that I got married on a Monday. I went on a long amazing honeymoon and spent time with the family. I just took time off because I had been on the road for ten years straight. I did some work in Los Angeles, and a lot of doors starting opening up for me in L.A., so we made the decision to move to Los Angeles from New York, and we left in May. It’s just a fresh start & a new chapter in my life.”
Her expectation level when she started working for the WWE in 1999, how she almost chose to not show up to her WWE audition, why Tony Chimel & Howard Finkel were instrumental in her success, and if she initially thought she would have lasted as long as she did/been as successful as she was in World Wrestling Entertainment: “No, not at all. I’ll be honest with you, I had no idea what I was walking into, and I almost didn’t do the audition. I was called to New York to audition, and I looked at him and said ‘Are you kidding me…wrestling?’ He didn’t tell me what it was for, because the WWE didn’t tell him. I auditioned for a backstage interviewer for Super Astros, which was going to be on Univision, but I didn’t get it. It wasn’t until six months later that I got another call back, and they remembered me, and they needed people for SmackDown before it premiered. I auditioned again, and they called me, and they wanted to try me on for 1-3 months, and that I could leave at any time, and I was thinking I had nothing to lose…I’ll try it out. I went to my first show to find out that I was ring announcing that night, and Tony Chimel was there, and he sat with me and told me what I supposed to say. Between Chimel & Howard Finkel, I can’t thank them enough, because they could have easily sabotaged me, but they were so helpful, and I will never forget that.”
If she ever felt that the WWE Divas were not utilized properly during her time in the company & why she would like to see the Divas get more time on WWE television: “I always wished the Divas had more time on the show, because a lot of times, they get one match on the show. I see them working so hard, and they live & breathe this business just has much as the guys do. It depends on the writing, and the storylines, and ratings, and all of that. I could say that I wish they had more time, but I’m also partial to them too. I think it’s a great job they do week in & week out, and it’s not easy to write all these storylines & all these different ideas. I think the WWE does a good job on that, but of course personally, I would love to see more of the Divas going against each other.”
The bonds she formed during her time in the WWE, which WWE Diva she classified as her “best friend” (that she was sad to see go after her departure), & her reaction to the passings of Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit: “I guess every situation in different for everybody. I never felt outside the loop, or because I didn’t take bumps, I didn’t have anyone to comfort. I had a great camaraderie with all the superstars and especially all the divas. We had an amazing locker room throughout the years, and I saw a lot of people go in & out, which is sad, because I would form these really big bonds with a lot of them. Trish Stratus would be an example of one; we would travel together, and we were best friends, and when she left, I think I cried more than she did. I always felt like I had someone there, and I remember when we got the news about Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit, it was sad, and it was like a family atmosphere, and I remember hugging everybody. I had a great relationship with everyone.”
More is contained in this exclusive interview with the WWE’s first & only “Decade Diva,” including her candid thoughts/comments on returning to the company for one night only this past April, the criticisms given to Justin Roberts & the newer ring announcers since her departure, her relationship with Dawyne “The Rock” Johnson/the memorable “People’s Strudel” backstage vignettes, singing “America the Beautiful” on SmackDown after the 9/11 attacks, her top moments/matches from her time in the WWE, an update on her forthcoming musical projects (including when fans can expect to see the release of her new album), & how she plans on celebrating her birthday this Thursday. For all of the details on how you can meet Lilian Garcia this weekend in “The Windy City” for the Chicago Comic Con, be sure to log on to her official website (located at www.LilianGarcia.com), and be sure to follow Lilian on her official Twitter page (located at www.Twitter.com/LilianGarcia).
Credit to prowrestling.net for these spoiler results:
Dark Match
1. Robbie T (w/Cookie) defeated Max Buck (w/Jeremy Buck) vs. Robbie is doing a Jersey Shore gimmick. Get it: Cookie/Snookie. Cool gimmick. Robbie won after Cookie distracted Buck. Finish was a combo russian leg sweep neckbreaker for the pin in just over three minutes.
TNA Impact Taping (Airing 8/19):
Eric Bischoff opened show and vacated the title due to RVD’s injuries. There will be a single elimination eight-man tournament starts tonite and ends at Bound for Glory. He said the show must go on. Lovely. He holds Ric Flair accountable.
Fortune is out. New entrance (like Evolution) with cool music. All in suits except “big bad Doug”. Dixie Carter came out with EV2. She gave them all TNA contracts. Tonight is A.J. Styles vs Tommy Dreamer, and they promise to get Abyss. Dixie asked EV2 not to get physical during the promo.
Mick Foley cut a promo on Flair to set up future match.
1. Jeff Hardy defeated Rob Terry in a tournament match. Hardy was selling an injury. Terry is God awful. We’re talking Brakkus or Khali. Terry blew his spin kick so bad he redid it.
2. Mr. Anderson defeated Jay Lethal in a tournament match in 4:11. Anderson won with the Mic Check. He helped Lethal up after the match.
3. Angelina Love (w/Velvet Sky) defeated Madison Rayne (w/mystery biker chick) to retain the TNA Knockouts Title. It was a marathon of a match that ended at 1:37 with a big boot to the kisser (a la Barbarian).
4. Kurt Angle defeated Douglas Williams in a tournament match in 4:52. Praying for a head bobble from big bad Doug. Angle won when Doug tapped to ankle lock. Great physical match with two bobble heads from Williams. Angle handed Doug the X Division strap post match.
Jeremy Borash said to get ready for two people who haven’t teamed in a while. I got excited and thought it was Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. I jumped the gun. It was actually Sting and Kevin Nash.
Sting and Nash said they were about to tell the truth about the cancer in TNA when Jeff Jarrett came out on the ramp and threatened to beat them up. Hulk Hogan came out with Jeff Jarrett. They headed to the ring and there was a big staredown. The lights went out and when they came back on, Fortune beat down everyone. (Actually, when the lights went off, Hogan and Jarrett just laid down in the ring. Hogan was slow.) Fortune celebrated and then left.
5. D’Angelo Dinero defeated Matt Morgan in a tournament match in 4:46. Pope delivered a double knee to the back of Morgan outside the ring into the post and then rolled him up for the pin.
It was announced that you could get photos taken with Generation Me for $25. No thanks.
6. A.J. Styles pinned Tommy Dreamer in 6:37. Tommy bled. Fortunate walked onto the ramp, but they were jumped by the EV2.0 faction. Abyss snuck inside the ring and slammed Dreamer to set up the finish. There was a big brawl on the ramp to end the show.
— There has been talk of beefing up the SmackDown roster before its television show debuts on Syfy on October 1. Though it may be unrelated, it’s worth noting that The Miz is advertised to appear at a SmackDown live event in October.
— As seen on Monday’s episode of Raw, John Cena alluded to Justin Gabriel’s sexuality by saying the Nexus member has an “alternative way of thinking.” Unlike past instances on WWE programming, it was not some sort of inside reference on behalf of creative. Figure Four Weekly Online editor Bryan Alvarez noted in an online show Tuesday that Gabriel has a girlfriend, He did not, however, reveal who his girlfriend is.
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia has posted several photos of herself mingling with such WWE Superstars and Divas as Randy Orton, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and Maryse at last week’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Hollywood, California on her official website, www.liliangarcia.com.
— Regarding Paul Heyman, there was no movement this past week in the former ECW creative director joining TNA Wrestling. The feeling among many in the organization is that as long as television ratings hold up, Spike officials won’t feel the need to pressure the organization in bringing him in.
Heyman insists he won’t join the organization without the ability to rebuild the company, and without complete control over marketing, talent and the office, he won’t be able to. TNA president Dixie Carter doesn’t want to give up control of her company not to mention that she bears strong loyalty to certain employees, thus explaining why things remain at a standstill. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— Today marks Angelina Love’s ten year anniversary in the wrestling business. Regarding this, the TNA Women’s Knockout Champion remarked the following on her Facebook account: “Today marks my 10 year anniversary in the wrestling business!! Yes, a DECADE ago, I worked my 1st show in London, ON. I’m so thankful for, and proud of everything I have accompished, the experiences I have had and the friends I have made. I’ve been very fortunate and look forward to what still lies ahead in my future!!”
— Regarding Alberto Del Rio, who debuts this week on Friday Night SmackDown, company officials are reportedly high on him due to the feeling that Rey Mysterio is one knee injury away from possible retirement and they need a new Hispanic star. Meanwhile, some wrestlers feel he’s aloof, which has some rubbed some of his peers the wrong way.
— As reported earlier, Welsh born wrestler Mason Ryan beat Alex Riley last Thursday to become the new Florida Heavyweight Champion. After winning the title, Ryan was telling people that he couldn’t believe he was given the strap as he felt he was far too green and didn’t deserve it. Many within WWE like Ryan as most guys of his stature come in with the attitude that they should be pushed to the top, whether they have talent or not. He, on the other hand, doesn’t understand why the company is pushing him.
— The Aug. 1 Raw live event in Fort Myers, Florida drew 4,248, with a $147,850 gate.
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for our new mailbag feature here on SEScoops.com! We’ll try to get to as many as we can each week, and remember, there’s no such thing as stupid questions … only stupid wrestling angles!
Q: Was the whole Daniel Bryan getting fired thing a work? Getting an entrance theme and video doesn’t happen in one day. Him having this already leads me to believe they have been working on it for a while. – Kenny B.
A: For the record, it does not take weeks to assemble a TitanTron video and assign generic entrance music to someone, so your logic is flawed. No, Daniel Bryan getting fired was NOT a work, he was really fired by Vince McMahon. The belief is that the pressure for Vince to fire him came from within NBC Universal (not Mattel or Linda McMahon’s campaign as originally speculated) as a result of choking Justin Roberts with his tie during the initial NXT invasion angle on the June 7th Raw. As far as when Bryan knew of his return, that would have likely been at least 7-10 days before Summerslam.
Q: Do you think The Miz will be the first to fail with the MITB briefcase? I personally think he will be. He had a perfect opportunity to cash in at Summerslam when Sheamus was RKO’d on the announce table. – Jayson Cooper
A: At some point, you need to break up the predictability of every MITB winner cashing in successfully. Now that they have an entire PPV devoted to the concept, now would be a good time to do that. To keep Miz looking strong, why not have him wait until next year and announce that he’s cashing in against John Cena (or whoever the champion is) at WrestleMania? It would make him look like anything but a coward to announce this in advance as opposed to beating up on someone after they’ve already wrestled a match. Even if he loses, he can still challenge for the title again, and being in the main event of Mania would mean far more to his career than some cheap B-show title win.
Q: With the unfortunate loss of Darren Young, it seems the end of Nexus is near with “Super Cena” and Friends forcing them to pick off the remaining members one-by-one until what seems like an eventual Cena vs. Barrett match. Is there any chance Nexus makes it to WrestleMania, let alone the end of the year? – Michael
A: It’s absolutely possible that Nexus can continue in some form through WrestleMania 27. I didn’t say it was likely, but it’s possible. Case in point, what happens to the NXT Season 2 rookies once that season has run its course? It’s entirely possible some or all of those rookies will be incorporated into the Nexus faction. My guess is they stick around until the end of the year before splintering off completely.
Q:Â Will Friday Night Smackdown go live once they move to SyFy or will it be taped on Tuesdays like it is now? – Anonymous
A: The very first edition of Smackdown on SyFy on October 1st will be airing live. However, all subsequent episodes will be taped on Tuesdays to air on Fridays as is the case right now. Going live adds a great deal of expense for little return.
Q: Why does Rey Mysterio constantly pass kids with no masks to touch heads and give masks to those who already have one? Those young fans with no mask paid to see their hero, too. What’s up with that??? – Shelley
A:Â It’s a great way to encourage people to buy his mask at the shows!
Q: Why does Kurt Angle not wear his gold medal anymore? Did WWE copyright it? – Brobowski
A: I’m fairly certain WWE cannot “copyright” Olympic gold medals. Granted, when Kurt used to wear them, they were not the real thing. In any event, I’ve never heard a definitive answer for why he stopped wearing it other than he simply wanted to.
Q: Me and my friend have a bet going… I say Edge and Christian were “brothers” when they first came to the WWF and he says they weren’t. Who is right? – Anonymous
A: Hope your friend didn’t bet his life on that. If so, make sure he doesn’t go out in any thunderstorms. You win, sir.
Q:Â Do you think Nexus will break up eventually? – Jesse Wagstaff
A:Â Yes.
Q:Â What is the closest indy promotion to Salt Lake City? Â WWE only visits the area once or twice a year and TNA has never performed in Salt Lake City as far as I know. – Frank
A: The closest promotions would be American Championship Wrestling, American Xtreme Wrestling and Ultra Championship Wrestling Zero (UCW-Zero), which is affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance. We encourage you support your local indy promotion(s) as you never know where the next breakout star may come from.
Keep those questions coming to [email protected] and remember to include your name!
– TNA Wrestling has signed independent wrestler Becky Bayless to a contract.
Bayless took part in a tryout last week under the name ‘Cookie’, seconding Rob Eckos, who was also recently signed. Their act is said to be patterned after Jersey Shore stars Snooki and The Situation.
Bayless has worked for a number of independent promotions in recent years including Ring of Honor, Full Impact Pro and Shimmer Women Athletes. Currently, she is the co-host of Wrestlicious: Take Down alongside WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart.
– TNA Wrestling has filed trademarks on the terms “Extreme Version 2.0” and “TNA Wrestling Reaction.”
– Magnus and Douglas Williams are currently taking part in a media blitz of the UK to promote the company’s upcoming tour of Europe.
— World Wrestling Entertainment has re-signed former SmackDown talent Ryan Braddock to a developmental contract. He was previously under contract to the organization from December 2005 to March 2010.
— World Wrestling Entertainment has released developmental wrestler George Murdoch (a/k/a G-Rilla, Brodus Clay). Murdoch was previously released by the organization in February 2008. He was re-signed to a developmental contract in January.
Former WWE superstar Rene Dupree, who held WWE gold as part of “La Resistance” tag team, recently spoke to Slam Wrestling about the latest chapter in his career, wrestling in Japan and Europe. Dupree had some very harsh things to say about his time in WWE and Vince McMahon in particular.
“I was miserable the last three years I was in WWE, I was miserable, I hated it, because it’s all politics,” Dupree said. You have to kiss ass. In Japan, all you’ve got to do, is you’ve got to work hard, you’ve got to look good, and that’s it. And that’s what wrestling is all about. It’s about the performance. It’s not about how big you are, or how good of a promo you can cut. It’s about if you can deliver in the ring.”
Rene Dupree has dramatically changed his look since we last saw him in WWE. He’s now sporting a goatee and is covered in tattoos on his chest, arms, shoulder and back.
“I’ve always wanted tattoos, ever since I was a little kid. Mind you, when I was 18 and I signed with WWE, and they had a strict policy, ‘Oh no, you can’t have tattoos without permission. Oh no, you can’t do this, you can’t do that.’ Basically, when you sign a contract with WWE, you sell your soul. You can’t take a sh*t without asking their permission. That’s the bottom line, that’s the truth. The hell with that shit. No. Here in Japan, I get a new tattoo, and the boys are like, ‘Oh, sugoi (which means awesome), new tattoo.'”
He also had some choice words for Vince McMahon.
“I don’t care how much money Vince McMahon has, Vince McMahon put my father out of business, for a lot of people. That was a very, very hard time in my life. That is very hard to forgive, very hard to forgive.”
Check out this (pretty shocking) “then” and “now” picture of Rene Dupree:
We’ve got an update on the Undertaker following his return to WWEÂ at Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view.
Many readers who saw the Undertaker’s return at SummerSlam noted that the Dead Man seemed to be out of shape and less muscular than the last time we saw him. SEScoops can confirm that the Undertaker received medical clearance to get back in the gym just a few weeks ago, which explains that. Taker has been nursing a broken orbital bone, among other injuries. He was still experiencing vision problems as recently as last month but is expected to fully recover from the vision problems. He also suffered a concussion in the match where Rey Mysterio broke his orbital bone.
Undertaker will be feuding with Kane over the World Heavyweight title over the next few months, with current plans calling for matches at Night of Champions in September as well as Hell in a Cell in October. The first Undertaker vs. Kane match (of this chapter of their feud) has been booked for WWE’s return to Madision Square Garden on September 25th.
Here’s the updated card for the 9/25 MSG show:
Kane vs. Undertaker for the World Title
Bret Hart and The Hart Dynasty vs. Nexus
Christian vs. Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler for the IC Title
Big Show vs. Jack Swagger
CM Punk vs. Kofi Kingston
MVP vs. Cody Rhodes
Kelly Kelly & Rosa vs. Michelle McCool & Layla.
Other names scheduled include Alberto Del Rio, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Drew McIntyre and Teddy Long.
– “Showtime†Percy Watson and Husky Harris were eliminated on NXT this week. Remaining are Michael McGillicutty, Alex Riley and Kaval, all of whom have been viewed as the ‘favorites’ for several weeks.
-WWE is taping next week’s Smackdown television show tonight in Fresno, California at the Save Mart Center. The dark match main event is once again Kane vs. Jack Swagger vs. Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat cage match for the World Hvt. Championship.
– The WWE Raw crew will be in Honolulu, Hawaii tonight for a house show event. No matches are announced for the live event, but John Cena and Sheamus are advertised to appear.
– Last week’s episode of WWE Smackdown did a 1.6 broadcast rating and averaged 2,686,000 viewers.
– Luke Gallows wrote on Twitter yesterday that CM Punk will not Tweet anything until he has one million followers. Punk’s Twitter page “2ndcitysavior” only has around 8,400 followers, so don’t expect to hear from the Straight Edge Society leader any time soon.
THQ sent out a press release this week announcing several new features for this year’s installment of the WWE SmackDown vs. RAW video game franchise. SvR2011 is due out on October 26th.
THQ Announces Additional Key Features and Franchise Updates for WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011
Simulation-Based Cornerstone of the Company’s WWE Videogame Portfolio Set to Deliver Destiny-Defining Moments, Best-in-Class Creation Tools and Ultimate Virtual Control of WWE
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Aug 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — THQ Inc. today announced new gameplay details surrounding WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011, the renowned simulation-based experience in the company’s World Wrestling Entertainment(R) videogame portfolio. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will return to action with destiny-defining moments, best-in-class creation tools and the ability for players to have ultimate virtual control of WWE. The game is currently in development for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo, with a scheduled release date of October 26, 2010.
“WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is on track to deliver the most incredible WWE simulation experience to date in our storied franchise,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “This year’s game will offer players a variety of intuitive new gameplay features, impactful upgrades, industry-leading creation and customization tools, as well as unparalleled freedom to experience their own virtual WWE moments in line with those seen weekly in WWE.”
Here are some screenshots from IGN.com:
About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
Having shipped more than 50 million units worldwide, the renowned WWE simulation experience and annual centerpiece in THQ’s expanding WWE videogame portfolio returns to define players’ ultimate WWE moments and give players even greater creative and decision-making freedom throughout their storied journeys within WWE.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will empower players more than ever to define their gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE. In WWE Universe Mode, a new addition to the franchise, gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for new rivalries, alliances, championship matches and more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring. Additionally, the popular, story-driven Road to WrestleMania(R) mode will return with significant updates and new storylines, including the ability to freely roam through locker room areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfill destinies based on player choices.
A hallmark of the franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will deliver its largest offering to date of best-in-class creation and customization features. Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their created Superstars, finishing moves, story designs, paint tool creations and more. Searching and sharing content will be greatly simplified through improvements to the highly regarded WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads in its franchise debut.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast one of the largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and WWE Divas. Each in-game model will feature new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving WWE Superstars and WWE Divas ever seen in a WWE videogame. In addition, players will round out their virtual WWE experience with more than 100 match types, including Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC), Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank, as well as an extensive number of new playable arenas. A brand new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence and authenticity of WWE.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast the franchise’s largest online feature set to date, including a robust downloadable content (DLC) plan slated to include playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas, alternate ring gear and new arenas. Online access and the game’s first DLC package, which is scheduled to include WWE Superstar Chris Masters(R) (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio(R) (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly(R) (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire), will be free of charge with the videogame through a back of manual code for first-time purchasers. Second-time buyers can also purchase the content via Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for Xbox 360 at an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points, as well as on PlayStation(R)Network for an anticipated cost of $9.99. Additional DLC packages, as well as their suggested price points, will be revealed later this year.
For more information on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, please visit wwe.thq.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and twitter.com/WWEgames.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company , is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!wwe/quotes/nls/wwe (WWE 14.02, -0.02, -0.14%) can be found at corporate.wwe.com. For information on global activities, go to https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
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Wii is a registered trademark of Nintendo.
THQ Forward-Looking Statements: The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the release and features of the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 videogame, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners
WWE Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company’s brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.
In his latest blog update, WWE superstar Daniel Bryan discusses his surprise return to WWE at SummerSlam.
“Even though I love the independent scene, being the surprise 7th member of Team WWE at SummerSlam was by far the biggest opportunity of my career. Coming out in the Staples Center and walking past The Miz to go fight with Nexus was an amazing experience and something I’ll never forget. And though I always feel I can do better, I was thrilled to be able to tap out two Nexus members before I was eliminated.â€
He continued:
“I know I still have a long way to go to reach my dream and I still have many naysayers (mainly The Miz and Michael Cole, but there are others), but I’m thankful for all of you who have had my back during an uncertain period in my life. The WWE Universe is unreal and I will work my hardest to try to entertain some of the most loyal people on the planet. See you at the arenas!”
Daniel Bryan also urged fans to support their local independent wrestling promotions, where you can see the Superstars of tomorrow learning their craft.
Daniel Bryan will begin working RAW live events on August 28th in Wildwood, New Jersey in a match with John Cena and Chris Jericho vs. Nexus. He was originally booked for a NYWC independent show on that date in Long Island, New York. Before returning to WWE at SummerSlam, Bryan had been booked for several independent shows in the coming weeks. He will be fulfilling the obligations that do not conflict with his new WWE schedule, but won’t make that NYWC show.
Bryan has changed his Twitter name once again to Twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan.
While it seems a bit morbid to think this way, many wrestling and political analysts have questioned how Lance Cade’s death last week might effect the United States Senate campaign of former WWE CEO Linda McMahon.
According to The Connecticut Post newspaper, Linda McMahon was quick to distance herself from the tragedy.
McMahon told reporters, “I might have met him once.â€
Linda said WWE can no more be held accountable for deaths of talents “than a studio could have prevented Heath Ledger’s death.â€
“Who knows what causes people to have addictions and do what they do?†she said.
What do you guys think? Will Lance Cade death affect Linda’s campaign in any way? Should it?
The fine folks at SEScoops have dug deep into their pockets and purchased their very own MAILBAG! There’s just one problem — this big ‘ol sack is sitting here in front of us and it’s empty. That’s where you guys come in … send in your wrestling and MMA-related questions to [email protected] and each week, we’ll pick a whole bunch to answer right here on the website!
Got a question about something that happened on Raw last night? How about that WCW pay-per-view from 15 years ago? Whatever your question is, send it to us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer it right here for all the world to see!
– As we reported here last week, Rob Van Dam will be taking some time off from TNA due to the company using up most of his contracted appearances. It’s worth noting that RVD is still advertised for the September 23rd TNA house show event in New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Aside from that show, RVD is not booked for any other live events or television tapings.
– After being kept of television for a few weeks following a recent backstage blowup a TNA iMPACT! taping, Samoa Joe is set to return to TNA at Monday’s iMPACT! tapings. Joe was sent home several weeks ago after going on rampage backstage at an iMPACT! taping. Joe reportedly flipped out after Jeremy Borash announced that there was 30 seconds remaining in his match with Jeff Hardy. The match ended in a time limit draw and Joe felt the “time remaining” announcement gave away the finish for the match. (Source: PWInsider.com)
– WWE announcer and ECW original Joey Styles was recently asked his thoughts on TNA’s Whole F’N Show edition of iMPACT. Styles said:
“I watched the Whole F’N show highlights online. I’ve seen wood chipper victims who were less of a mess than RVD. Who books that crap?â€
– Here’s a video preview for Thursday’s TNA iMPACT!:
– WWE will tape this week’s SmackDown and shoot tonight’s NXT live from the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California.
Confirmed for tonight’s NXT is two Rookie eliminations.
No matches have been announced for SmackDown yet but the Undertaker will be appearing on the show and Kane vs. Jack Swagger vs. Rey Mysterio in a steel cage is being advertised locally as the dark match main event.
– Celebrities at last night’s RAW included Joe Manganiello from True Blood, actor Raini Rodriguez and Jon Lovitz.
– Former WWE announcer Lauren C. Mayhew, who worked for the company briefly in 2009, was visiting friends at last night’s RAW in Los Angeles.
– The new issue of FHM in the UK has a story on Steve Austin. He says that he wants to do more action movies but would also like to try his hand at comedies. He also said he had a PhD in his other job and is looking to get to that level in his new one, but isn’t there yet. Regarding the talent level in wrestling today, he says it is fine but there is nowhere to go and learn.
– Announced for WWE’s Supershow on October 23rd in Winnipeg, Manitoba is Edge vs. Sheamus for the WWE Title, Kane vs. Big Show for the World Title and Nexus vs. Rey Mysterio & Randy Orton.
– Beth Phoenix will be appearing at the WWE developmental show on Friday, August 20th in Plant City, Florida. The main event that night will be a Texas Bull Rope match. Beth will also be appearing at the FCW show on August 18th.
