TNA star Christopher Daniels made a surprise appearance at Ring of Honor’s live “Big Bang” online pay-per-view event this weekend. from Charlotte, North Carolina. Daniels parted ways with TNA last week and made the call to Ring of Honor to return to the company.
Daniels cut a promo saying he has been held back for seven years and now returned to ROH to prove he’s the best.
Daniels has reportedly signed on with ROH for a number of dates, including upcoming events in New York City and Virginia.
– At one time, wrestlers let go by TNA appreciated the words of encouragement they’d receive from Dixie Carter after the company stopped using them. However, several wrestlers released from the organization compared notes and are very much convinced she gives the same speech to the majority of talent let go. Though many still appreciate the follow-up, several grumblingly feel now her correspondence was only slightly more sincere that World Wrestling Entertainment when they wish released talent ‘well in their future endeavors.’
– TNA officials reached out to Roderick Strong when his contract with Ring of Honor expired, However, they didn’t offer him a contract and he ended up re-signing with ROH. On another note, Strong is WWE wrestler Evan Bourne’s roommate.
– Al Snow worked the most recent set of television tapings as an agent. Still no word on whether he’s been offered a contract. Both he and Dave Taylor received favorable reviews for their tryouts at previous tapings.
(Partial credit to pro wrestling torch)
– HonkyTonkMan.net, which initially broke the news of The Nasty Boys’ departure from TNA Wrestling, notes that Brian Knobs and Jerry Sags weren’t initially informed they had been let go. An upset Sags reportedly found out he had been let go via news reports online. One company source confirms that Eric Bischoff was instrumental in their release from the company and that neither him nor management contacted the duo to inform them they had been let go.
-Jimmy Hart, who was brought in to manage Knobs and Sags, is still with the company.
— Orlando Jordan’s on-screen female companion is an independent women’s wrestler by the name of Santana G. currently training with the Orlando-based “I Believe in Wrestling” promotion. She is the daughter of St. Louis-based High Voltage Wrestling promoter TNT Kenny G. Santana was trained by former IWA-MS Heavyweight Champion Dingo.
– HonkyTonkMan.net, which initially broke the news of The Nasty Boys’ departure from TNA Wrestling, notes that Brian Knobs and Jerry Sags weren’t initially informed they had been let go. An upset Sags reportedly found out he had been let go via news reports online. One company source confirms that Eric Bischoff was instrumental in their release from the company and that neither him nor management contacted the duo to inform them they had been let go.
-Jimmy Hart, who was brought in to manage Knobs and Sags, is still with the company.
— Orlando Jordan’s on-screen female companion is an independent women’s wrestler by the name of Santana G. currently training with the Orlando-based “I Believe in Wrestling” promotion. She is the daughter of St. Louis-based High Voltage Wrestling promoter TNT Kenny G. Santana was trained by former IWA-MS Heavyweight Champion Dingo.
World Wrestling Entertainment issued the following statement regarding the passing of Chris Kanyon:
World Wrestling Entertainment would like to express its deepest condolences to Christopher Klucsaritis’ family and friends on his tragic passing. Klucsaritis was under contract with WWE from March 2001 until February 2004 and performed under the name “Chris Kanyon.”
In an interview with MediaTempo.com, Rey Mysterio said he would like to retire in three years.
“I plan to take three years to announce my retirement in a historic event,” Mysterio said. He added that when he retires, his body will “thank him for not exploiting it anymore” after a number of injuries and operations so he can devote himself to his family.
The high-flying superstar also discusses his thirty-day Wellness Policy suspension last year, saying it was “cleared up” with proper documentation following his time served. While he felt his body needed the time off, he was emotionally distraught about his image being hurt.
Mysterio said he would like to follow in the footsteps of numerous Lucha libre stars who have starred in movies, saying there have been talks of a potential movie within the next two years to fulfill a dream he’s had “for a long time.”
— After losing to Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania, CM Punk challenged The Master of the 619 to a rematch last night on SmackDown, pledging to put his hair on the line for another opportunity to “save” him. With that being said, it has not yet been announced when the match will take place.
— Cryme Tyme’s four-year run came to an end last night on SmackDown as Shad turned on JTG following their loss to John Morrison and R-Truth. Shad subsequently cut a promo saying it’s “his time.”
He later issued the following statement on Twitter: “MY TYME!!!! MY TIME!!!! MY TYME!!!! MY TIME!!!! MY TYME!!!! MY TIME!!!! MY TYME!!!! MY TIME!!!! MY TYME!!!! MY TIME!!!! MY TYME!!!!”
— WWE returns to the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio on June 26th, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 10th, 2010 at 10 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— The following four matches have been announced for Monday’s live episode of iMPACT!:
* Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson in a Ladder Match
* “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Desmond Wolfe
* Tara, Angelina Love, ODB and Hamada vs. Daffney, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Lacey Von Erich
* X Division Gauntlet Match
— The next episode of TNA Epics will air Thursday, Apr. 15th, 2010 at 11 p.m. on Spike.
— In this week’s TNA webmatch, Angelina Love takes on Madison Rayne. You can view the match here.
— The following four matches have been announced for Monday’s live episode of iMPACT!:
* Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson in a Ladder Match
* “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero and Desmond Wolfe
* Tara, Angelina Love, ODB and Hamada vs. Daffney, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Lacey Von Erich
* X Division Gauntlet Match
— The next episode of TNA Epics will air Thursday, Apr. 15th, 2010 at 11 p.m. on Spike.
— In this week’s TNA webmatch, Angelina Love takes on Madison Rayne. You can view the match here.
Chris Klucsaritis, who wrestled in WCW and WWE as Chris Kanyon, was found dead Friday night at his apartment in the Sunnyside section of Queens, New York. He was 40 years old.
Klucsaritis’ death is believed to be suicide as a longtime friend reports that a pill bottle and several notes were found close to his body.
Klucsaritis had been vocal about suffering from a bipolar disorder and had threatened suicide many times in the past according to those close with him. He told one friend as recently as Monday that he was going through another bout of depression and contemplating suicide.
Earlier in his career, Kanyon wrestled in WCW as the masked character Mortis. After wrestling as Chris Kanyon in WCW, he got picked up by WWE in 2001 after the WCW buyout. During his WWE run, Kanyo held the WCW United States Championship and WWF Tag Team Championship. He garnered headlines following his 2004 departure from WWE by going public with his homosexuality and claiming WWE fired him for being gay. Although he retired from wresting at one point, he returned to the ring and worked matches on occasion.
He, along with Scott Levy and Michael Sanders, attempted to sue WWE for “cheating them out of health care and other benefits” but a federal judge in Stamford, Connecticut dismissed the case.
Our deepest condolences the family and friends of Chris Klucsaritis.
WWE released Lance Cade on Friday, reports PWInsider.com.
He was brought back to the company this past October, but was never called up to the main roster. He worked a Florida Championship Wrestling event late last year and was never used again.
The former World Tag Team Champion was previously released from WWE on October 14, 2008. Jim Ross later stated that “he made a major league mistake while utilizing bad judgment” and that it was instrumental to his departure. J.R. also made reference to Cade having a seizure on a plane and needing emergency medical care.
His representatives said he can be reached for independent bookings via [email protected].
– At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown! tapings, Jack Swagger cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and pinned Chris Jericho to capture his first World Heavyweight championship, just 18 months after making his WWE television debut. Swagger will be feuding with former champions Chris Jericho and Edge in the coming weeks. Adding to this is news that WWE has booked Jack Swagger vs. Edge vs. Chris Jericho as the dark match main event for the 5/25 Smackdown taping from Cleveland, OH.
– The Undertaker is also being advertised for the Cleveland SmackDown taping, contrary to reports that he will be taking time off soon after WrestleMania,
– CM Punk and Rey Mysterio will continue their feud from WrestleMania.
Also, as we reported last week, Batista is Leaving WWE For Several Months, so expect an angle to explain his departure.
Last Call with Scott Hall
Extra special guest: Sean Waltman
In the latest episode of “Last Call with Scott Hall,” Hall and Sean Waltman join us once again from the Ale House in Orlando … On this show, the guys talk about their match with Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, and Eric Young from Monday’s iMPACT!
– Linda McMahon tendered her resignation from the Connecticut Board of Education yesterday. She cited a new legal opinion by CT state elections officials that restricts political activities by Board of Education members. Linda had served on the Board for just over a year.
– Big Show, Carlito and MVP will be appearing at tonight’s FCW show from the Miami-Dade County Fair in Miami Florida. The WWE developmental show starts at 8pm.
– Australia’s The Daily Telegraph reports that National Rugby League star Fuifui Moimoi is getting interest from WWE. The story notes that WWE International Operations exec Andrew Whitaker saw Moimoi in a magazine and was impressed with his size. Moimoi is 6 foot, 237 lbs. and is of Tongan and New Zealand decent. The Telegraph noted that WWE is looking to sign a talent from Australia.
– WWE is now calling developmental star Orlando Colon, the cousin of Carlito & Primo, by the name of Tito Nieves. This is the same name as a popular Puerto Rican salsa singer.
WWE NXT rookie Daniel Bryan has updated his WWE Universe blog with his thoughts on Shawn Michaels’ retirement, as well as people backstage in WWE who do not think he’s got what it takes to be a star.
Bryan, who was trained by Shawn Michaels’ Texas Wrestling Academy school a decade ago, says he spoke with his former teacher following WrestleMania. “I was able to speak with him briefly Sunday night, and he told me that it was my time now and if I ever needed anything to just let him know. Words cannot express my gratitude for the great training he gave me, and for his support. I’m sure he will miss wrestling, but wrestling will miss him even more.”
Bryan, who broke into wrestling through Shawn Michaels’s TWA training school ten years ago, also talked about not being liked by “some backstage” and continued to play up the TV storyline where his perceived lack of charisma and size is an issue.
“I know I’m not what WWE usually looks for in a Superstar. It’s quite obvious by Michael Cole’s commentary that he doesn’t think I have what it takes and I know there are even more people in the back who think the same thing. They doubt my mic skills and they doubt whether the WWE Universe can get behind someone who looks as plain as I do…but none of them doubt my in ring ability,” Bryan said.
“I may not be what the WWE looks for when they’re recruiting, but most of the people they recruit don’t have the passion for this business that people like Shawn Michaels have. I do, and I’ve proven it over the last ten years. I will outwork, outsmart and outclass 99.9% of the muscleheads and pretty boys that they think have the right ‘look.'”
WWE NXT rookie Daniel Bryan has updated his WWE Universe blog with his thoughts on Shawn Michaels’ retirement, as well as people backstage in WWE who do not think he’s got what it takes to be a star.
Bryan, who was trained by Shawn Michaels’ Texas Wrestling Academy school a decade ago, says he spoke with his former teacher following WrestleMania. “I was able to speak with him briefly Sunday night, and he told me that it was my time now and if I ever needed anything to just let him know. Words cannot express my gratitude for the great training he gave me, and for his support. I’m sure he will miss wrestling, but wrestling will miss him even more.”
Bryan, who broke into wrestling through Shawn Michaels’s TWA training school ten years ago, also talked about not being liked by “some backstage” and continued to play up the TV storyline where his perceived lack of charisma and size is an issue.
“I know I’m not what WWE usually looks for in a Superstar. It’s quite obvious by Michael Cole’s commentary that he doesn’t think I have what it takes and I know there are even more people in the back who think the same thing. They doubt my mic skills and they doubt whether the WWE Universe can get behind someone who looks as plain as I do…but none of them doubt my in ring ability,” Bryan said.
“I may not be what the WWE looks for when they’re recruiting, but most of the people they recruit don’t have the passion for this business that people like Shawn Michaels have. I do, and I’ve proven it over the last ten years. I will outwork, outsmart and outclass 99.9% of the muscleheads and pretty boys that they think have the right ‘look.'”
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart updated his Facebook blog with his thoughts about his match with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania XXVI.
“I can’t begin to describe the flood of excitement that pulsated through me at seeing the sight of that massive stadium filled with fans,” Bret said. “Although I know it was far from my greatest performance, I can proudly say it was one of my most glorious victories I’ve ever had. Once upon a time in my wheelchair after suffering my stroke in 2002, thinking how impossible it was to even conceive of such a moment makes me as proud as ever of anything I ever did in a ring. It was sweet seeing the entire Hart Family play a part in giving Vince McMahon the beating of his lifetime.”
Bret also described a run-in he had with Linda McMahon shortly after his match. “When I briefly saw Linda McMahon afterwards in the hallway, I confessed with a smile that I’d secretly given him a couple of choice chair shots just for her. This drew a burst of laughter and a smile.”
Finally, he thanked the entire McMahons family for allowing him to write the final chapter in his career. “In truth, I’d like to thank all the McMahons (and that includes Triple H) for their kindness, hospitality, and for a fantastic three-month ride I’ll never forget.”
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart updated his Facebook blog with his thoughts about his match with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania XXVI.
“I can’t begin to describe the flood of excitement that pulsated through me at seeing the sight of that massive stadium filled with fans,” Bret said. “Although I know it was far from my greatest performance, I can proudly say it was one of my most glorious victories I’ve ever had. Once upon a time in my wheelchair after suffering my stroke in 2002, thinking how impossible it was to even conceive of such a moment makes me as proud as ever of anything I ever did in a ring. It was sweet seeing the entire Hart Family play a part in giving Vince McMahon the beating of his lifetime.”
Bret also described a run-in he had with Linda McMahon shortly after his match. “When I briefly saw Linda McMahon afterwards in the hallway, I confessed with a smile that I’d secretly given him a couple of choice chair shots just for her. This drew a burst of laughter and a smile.”
Finally, he thanked the entire McMahons family for allowing him to write the final chapter in his career. “In truth, I’d like to thank all the McMahons (and that includes Triple H) for their kindness, hospitality, and for a fantastic three-month ride I’ll never forget.”
— Coming off the heels of Shawn Michaels apparent retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment, HBK has been officially removed the company’s active roster. His bio has been displaced from the Raw Superstars page and moved to the WWE Alumni section.
— Chris Jericho confirmed on his Twitter account that his tweet yesterday about being selected for sequestered jury duty was an April Fools’ Day joke.
— WWE returns to the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 6th, 2010 at 5 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 24th, 2010 at 10 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Japanese stars Gedo, Jado and KENTA were all at WrestleMania 26 weekend for the Antonio Inoki Hall of Fame induction. Inoki did a lot of photo ops for the Japanese media, including congratulating RAW’s Yoshi Tatsu on winning the pre-show battle royal.
There was already some Japanese media in town because Major League Baseball star Hideki Matsui is playing pre-season baseball there. This helped out with the coverage from Japan on Inoki’s induction. Part of the reason why Inoki was chosen for this year’s Hall is because of the exposure WWE would be getting in Japan. The media took photos of Inoki with Vince McMahon, where Vince thanked Inoki for the friendship with Vince Sr.
With WWE aiming for maximum exposure in Japan, that could very well be part of the reason why Yoshi Tatsu won the WrestleMania pre-show battle royal.
The beginning of the show started with Chris Jericho cutting a promo. Edge came out and beat him up which led to Edge spearing him. Edge wad leaving the ring when Jack Swagger knocked Edge down with the the MITB briefcase. Swagger then cashed in the MITB and beat Chris Jericho with his finisher
1. Jack Swagger defeated Chris Jericho to win the World Hvt. Championship. Swagger cashed in the MITB and beat Jericho with his finisher.
2. John Morrison and R-Truth beat Cryme Tyme. After the match, Cryme Tyme broke up.
3. Drew McIntyre beat Matt Hardy.
4. Dolph Ziggler defeated Great Khali.
C.M. Punk wants a rematch with Rey Mysterio. He is going to put his hair on the line against Mysterio, who must join the Straight Edge Society if he loses. Mysterio did not come out to accept. This is likely an Extreme Rules match, but it’s unclear at this point.
5. Beth Phoenix and Tiffany beat Michelle McCool and Layla.
6. Kane vs. all eight members of NXT in an elimination tag match ended in a DQ. The finish came when all the NXT members jumped Kane at once.
Teddy Long announced that Edge will face Chris Jericho next week for a shot at Jack Swagger and the World Hvt. Championship.
7. Undertaker defeated C.M. Punk. Taker won with the Tombstone piledriver.
— NXT rookie Skip Sheffield noted on his Twitter account this past week that he was suffering from food poisoning. He said he vomited three times and had very high body temperature. He’s blaming his sickness on Burger King and said he will never eat there again.
— Recently released TNA star Sean Morley was backstage at Monday’s Raw, which emanated from his hometown of Phoenix. He was simply visiting friends.
Morely worked for TNA as recently as February before parting ways with the organization to compete in Mexico. He wrote the following note on his Facebook account regarding his experience: “Just got back from visiting old friends at Raw here in Phoenix. Drive to the arena with my buddy Matt(Atrain). It’s always great to see old friends again.”
— Today marks the twenty-year anniversary of the historic Champion vs. Champion match between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI.
— In an interview with Alex Marvez, Maria Kanellis said WWE wanting more control over her projects led to her departure from the organization.
The former WWE Diva also noted her unhappiness with WWE for quickly posting news of her release on their website before she had time to tell her family she had been let go.
“People are saying it was about money or this and that,” Kanellis told Marvez. “It wasn’t. It had to do with my other passions and things I wanted to do alongside WWE. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for them.”
Though she has much on her plate at the moment, she is not ruling out joining TNA or even Ring of Honor down the road.
“I didn’t want to leave when I did,” Kanellis said. “Who knows where the road is going to lead me? Maybe a good cause will come up for me to go to TNA or even visit with Ring of Honor. I’ve always said some of the great talent is on the independent (circuit).”
— Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia has plans to release follow-up album to her 2007 release, ¡Quiero Vivir!, within the next year. However, this project will be much different from her debut album as she revealed during an interview last week at the Winter Music Conference in Miami that it would be a danced-based English record with some rock influence. The former WWE Diva is collaborating with DJ Riddler on the project and she hopes to have it launched in time for the DJ Times convention in August.
Riddler discusses working with Garcia in a blog post at the following link.
— Today marks the twenty-year anniversary of the historic Champion vs. Champion match between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI.
Vince McMahon’s evil “Mr. McMahon” character is said to be finished, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The character was spawned back in 1997 following the infamous Montreal Screwjob. McMahon’s on-air character turned heel for the first time and it became the antagonist to the company’s top star “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in arguably the best run in the history of the company.
With Bret Hart’s return to WWE after 13 years, McMahon felt WrestleMania would be the perfect chance for Bret Hart to get his ultimate revenge and wipe out Mr. McMahon once and for all. The over-the-top beatdown he sustained at the hands (and feet) of the Hart family signified the end of the character.
McMahon is a firm believer in pushing younger acts and is not blind to the fact that he’s in his 60’s and the character more than ran its course.
