Eric Bischoff posted a new blog entry discussing this Monday’s 1/4 live Impact special. Bischoff acknowledged WWE bringing in Bret Hart and says the timing is no coincidence. Bischoff says WWE is “reacting to the competition”, but is happy for Bret, who “will be able to put a painful and personally traumatic part of his life behind him.”
Bischoff admits that it will be difficult at first fighting against a major international corporation:
“Clearly TNA is up against a Wall Street mega-corp bully with a billion dollar bank account and a Chairman that thinks only he should have any meaningful market share of the professional wrestling business (even though he’s embarrassed to admit he’s in the professional wrestling business). It will be an up-hill battle for TNA indeed.”
WWE is big, but he thinks the current product is crap and the time is right for TNA to strike.
“Based on the mind-numbingly stupid Raw I had the misfortune of dropping in on last week, perhaps the fact that TNA stepped up and is at least taking a swing at the bully was enough to make McMahon realize that he could not afford to take his audience for granted and continue to shove tripe down the throats of his Goliath “universe” while David was reaching for a stone.
“This Monday Night…win, lose, or draw I have to give credit to the folks at TNA and Spike. They could have taken the easy path and put their best foot forward un-opposed. That would make the most sense to many people. But by at least getting into the fight, TNA is most likely going to gain the awareness and respect of a completely different audience.”
With both WWE and TNA gearing up for a Monday night to remember, Bischoff says the real winner will be the wrestling fans.
“Wrestling fans are not only going to have a choice this Monday night, they will most likely see a higher quality product all the way around. And for that they should thank TNA.”
Eric Bischoff posted a new blog entry discussing this Monday’s 1/4 live Impact special. Bischoff acknowledged WWE bringing in Bret Hart and says the timing is no coincidence. Bischoff says WWE is “reacting to the competition”, but is happy for Bret, who “will be able to put a painful and personally traumatic part of his life behind him.”
Bischoff admits that it will be difficult at first fighting against a major international corporation:
“Clearly TNA is up against a Wall Street mega-corp bully with a billion dollar bank account and a Chairman that thinks only he should have any meaningful market share of the professional wrestling business (even though he’s embarrassed to admit he’s in the professional wrestling business). It will be an up-hill battle for TNA indeed.”
WWE is big, but he thinks the current product is crap and the time is right for TNA to strike.
“Based on the mind-numbingly stupid Raw I had the misfortune of dropping in on last week, perhaps the fact that TNA stepped up and is at least taking a swing at the bully was enough to make McMahon realize that he could not afford to take his audience for granted and continue to shove tripe down the throats of his Goliath “universe” while David was reaching for a stone.
“This Monday Night…win, lose, or draw I have to give credit to the folks at TNA and Spike. They could have taken the easy path and put their best foot forward un-opposed. That would make the most sense to many people. But by at least getting into the fight, TNA is most likely going to gain the awareness and respect of a completely different audience.”
With both WWE and TNA gearing up for a Monday night to remember, Bischoff says the real winner will be the wrestling fans.
“Wrestling fans are not only going to have a choice this Monday night, they will most likely see a higher quality product all the way around. And for that they should thank TNA.”
According to multiple reports, WWE Divas champion Melina appeared to suffer a knee injury at Tuesday night’s WWE Raw house show in Manchester, New Hampshire.
During a Divas tag match, Melina slipped on the mat and was immediately grabbing her knee. The match was ended abruptly, with Melina getting pinned quickly and helped out of the ring. She did not take any further bumps in the match after going down.
Sources within WWE fear that Melina suffered a torn ACL, according to a report at PWInsider.com. She was examined backstage and is seeing a specialist this week to diagnose the extent of the situation.
An update on the injury is expected soon.
Here are some photos of Melina’s injury, sent in by reader David O’Neil:
– The 12/28 edition of WWE Raw drew a 3.6 rating, up from last week’s disappointing 3.2. The show did hours of 3.49 and 3.73.
– There is a report going around that Cryme Tyme member Shad Gaspard and his girlfriend Siliana Chanel will having a child sometime in March before WrestleMania.
– As noted earlier, reports are that marijuana use is down on WWE’s SmackDown brand while up on the RAW side. One source notes that this is incorrect and both sides are about even when it comes to marijuana use these days. There are several superstars on both rosters that are being held back due to their fondness of the illicit green plant.
We are sad to report that “Dr. Death” Steve Williams lost his battle with cancer last night, passing away at the age of 49.
He had been battling throat cancer for a number of years, first apparently beating it in 2005. It came back this year and his health had worsened in recent months.
Williams held numerous titles in North America and Japan throughout his lengthy career in the wrestling industry. He also achieved All-American status as a collegiate football player at the University of Oklahoma.
Williams, a close friend of Jim Ross, wrestled for WWE, WCW, UWF, All Japan among other organizations around the world. After the death of longtime rival and friend Mitsuharu Misawa this past June, Williams made the decision to retire from the ring after twenty-seven years of service. His final match was held on October 25, 2009 in Tokyo.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Steve Williams.
We are sad to report that “Dr. Death” Steve Williams lost his battle with cancer last night, passing away at the age of 49.
He had been battling throat cancer for a number of years, first apparently beating it in 2005. It came back this year and his health had worsened in recent months.
Williams held numerous titles in North America and Japan throughout his lengthy career in the wrestling industry. He also achieved All-American status as a collegiate football player at the University of Oklahoma.
Williams, a close friend of Jim Ross, wrestled for WWE, WCW, UWF, All Japan among other organizations around the world. After the death of longtime rival and friend Mitsuharu Misawa this past June, Williams made the decision to retire from the ring after twenty-seven years of service. His final match was held on October 25, 2009 in Tokyo.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Steve Williams.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts on Bret Hart hosting Monday’s edition of WWE RAW. Here’s what Ross said about the Hit Man’s return:
Bret Hart Hype on Monday’s RAW: The Bret Hart content on Monday Night Raw really added to the overall viewing experience of the program. I watched the show from start to finish and I felt like it was one of the better Raw broadcasts WWE has presented in several weeks. To say that I did not feel compelled to be sitting there at ringside with so many new developments on tap would not be truthful.
What a great video package on Bret Monday night and it was timely as many younger fans likely were not as familiar with the WWE Hall of Famer since his last appearance on WWE TV was in November of 1997 excluding his HOF, TV exposure.
The King Returns: Ironically, Bret will return to WWE TV from Dayton, Ohio the site of the 1993 King of the Ring that I had the opportunity to broadcast. Bret won the tourney which was my 2nd WWE PPV after debuting at WM9 in Las Vegas.
Other Top Legends Returning: With Bret Hart returning to Raw as the G.M. next week, some fans are curious as to what that does to the chance of a return in the same role for either Dwayne Johnson or Steve Austin. I don’t have an answer to that question but I do feel that both men will eventually return to Raw in either the guest G.M. capacity or another role that provides them a “one off’ opportunity to entertain their fans and to promote what it is that they are involved….likely their films.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts on Bret Hart hosting Monday’s edition of WWE RAW. Here’s what Ross said about the Hit Man’s return:
Bret Hart Hype on Monday’s RAW: The Bret Hart content on Monday Night Raw really added to the overall viewing experience of the program. I watched the show from start to finish and I felt like it was one of the better Raw broadcasts WWE has presented in several weeks. To say that I did not feel compelled to be sitting there at ringside with so many new developments on tap would not be truthful.
What a great video package on Bret Monday night and it was timely as many younger fans likely were not as familiar with the WWE Hall of Famer since his last appearance on WWE TV was in November of 1997 excluding his HOF, TV exposure.
The King Returns: Ironically, Bret will return to WWE TV from Dayton, Ohio the site of the 1993 King of the Ring that I had the opportunity to broadcast. Bret won the tourney which was my 2nd WWE PPV after debuting at WM9 in Las Vegas.
Other Top Legends Returning: With Bret Hart returning to Raw as the G.M. next week, some fans are curious as to what that does to the chance of a return in the same role for either Dwayne Johnson or Steve Austin. I don’t have an answer to that question but I do feel that both men will eventually return to Raw in either the guest G.M. capacity or another role that provides them a “one off’ opportunity to entertain their fans and to promote what it is that they are involved….likely their films.
TNA Wrestling has announced it will hold an online press conference on January 4 immediately following Monday’s live 3-hour iMPACT! special.
A TNA press release states:
“This isn’t a typical press conference because TNA will be answering questions from both fans and wrestling media. Get your questions ready and hop on twitter or send them via email!”
TNA Wrestling has announced it will hold an online press conference on January 4 immediately following Monday’s live 3-hour iMPACT! special.
A TNA press release states:
“This isn’t a typical press conference because TNA will be answering questions from both fans and wrestling media. Get your questions ready and hop on twitter or send them via email!”
WWE Raw superstar Ted DiBiase spoke to Eric Cohen of About.com this week to promote the release of his new WWE Studios DVD, The Marine 2. During the interview, DiBiase told a story from his childhood when he brought his father’s Million Dollar title info school one day for show and tell.
“One time in fourth grade we had show and tell,” DiBiase recalled. “I stole my dad’s briefcase and I took it to show and tell. Everybody else is walking in with their backpacks and sack lunches pulling out these dolls and stuff. I’ve got this briefcase and everybody was like what is that.
“I was just saying it was a briefcase. When it came my turn, I put the briefcase up on the table, punched in the code, opened the briefcase, and there it is in all of its glory, the Million Dollar Belt. So I stole the Million Dollar Belt and took it to show and tell. So yeah, I was the most popular kid in class for a time after that.”
To read a full interview with DiBiase, visit About.com.
WWE Raw superstar Ted DiBiase spoke to Eric Cohen of About.com this week to promote the release of his new WWE Studios DVD, The Marine 2. During the interview, DiBiase told a story from his childhood when he brought his father’s Million Dollar title info school one day for show and tell.
“One time in fourth grade we had show and tell,” DiBiase recalled. “I stole my dad’s briefcase and I took it to show and tell. Everybody else is walking in with their backpacks and sack lunches pulling out these dolls and stuff. I’ve got this briefcase and everybody was like what is that.
“I was just saying it was a briefcase. When it came my turn, I put the briefcase up on the table, punched in the code, opened the briefcase, and there it is in all of its glory, the Million Dollar Belt. So I stole the Million Dollar Belt and took it to show and tell. So yeah, I was the most popular kid in class for a time after that.”
To read a full interview with DiBiase, visit About.com.
Next Monday night, TNA Wrestling will go head-to-head with WWE RAW for the first time with a 3-hour live edition of iMPACT! Both shows are bringing out the big guns, with iMPACT! headlined by the TNA debut of Hulk Hogan and RAW featuring the long-awaited never-thought-you’d-see-it WWE return of Bret “Hit Man” Hart.
Monday night will give wrestling fans a taste of the excitement we haven’t seen in almost a decade – two competing wrestling shows going head-to-head on a Monday night and the feeling that you’ve gotta keep an eye on both shows so you don’t miss a blockbuster event. It might turn out to be a 1-night event and a throwback to better time, like those first two ECW PPVs. It could also be the first battle in a long, bloody war. Either way, it is shaping up to be an exciting night of wrestling for wrestling fans past and present. Here’s a full rundown of what to expect next Monday night:
WWE RAW with Guest Host Bret Hart
WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart
The big story of Monday night is undoubtedly Bret Hart’s confirmed appearance as guest host. The Hit Man hasn’t been a part of WWE storylines since 1997 and Bret entering that ring one more time will be an unforgettable moment for longtime fans who never thought this disaster of a situation would ever get proper closure. Bret will be on WWE television until after WrestleMania and he’s rumored to be working with Vince McMahon, DX and the Hart Dynasty. There has been talk of Bret’s return angle culminating with some sort of match at WrestleMania.
Also confirmed for RAW:
– Triple H & Shawn Michaels vs. Big Show and Chris Jericho:Â This match will be for DX’s Undisputed Tag team titles. If Big Show and Chris Jericho lose, Jericho must leave the RAW brand for good.
– Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston
Also, it’s worth noting that John Cena will not on the show. Cena will be at the college football Fiesta Bowl game next Monday night in Arizona. The Bowl game starts at 8:00 p.m. EST, so he’d be unable to make it to RAW in Dayton, Ohio in time.
While this is all that we know at this point, expct WWE to cut the midget comedy crap for at least a week and start 2010 will a memorable show.
LIVE! 3-Hour Monday iMPACT!
Monday Night iMPACT!
The show will feature the TNA debut of Hulk Hogan and is being designed as a launching point for a new era in TNA history. Major changes are expected on television and behind the scenes, with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s team assuming “total control” of the company’s direction. Here are some things we can expect next Monday night:
* Hulk Hogan’s Debut: Hogan has made it clear that he’s coming to TNA to play the “Vince McMahon role,” calling the shots and putting the company in a new path that will ultimately lead to a war with WWE.
* iMPACT! Zone Changes: TNA iMAPCT! will have a new look next Monday night. TNA has been working on several big upgrades to the iMPACT! Zone set. Also, the 6-sided ring won’t be around much longer and will be replaced with a traditional 4-sided ring as soon as next week.
* New & Familiar Faces: Former nWo members Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are TNA bound and there’s a strong chance we’ll see at least Hall next Monday night. TNA recently signed the Young Bucks tag team and they are expected to appear next week. Additionally, there are several big name free agents that could also be at next week’s show – including Rob Van Dam, Ken Anderson and Ric Flair. Names like Jeff Hardy and Bill Goldberg are currently free agents but should be considered long shots at best. Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman are also available to appear as on-air talent, with many TNA employees and fans hoping that Paul Heyman is brought in as head booker.
* Other Changes: Bischoff’s team has already been working behind the scenes on a number of new projects for TNA. His experience as the president of WCW during its peak run and knowledge of running the top wrestling promotion in the world will make him an invaluable asset to TNA during this time of transition and growth. Whether it’s television and merchandising deals or global expansion, Bischoff can spot the holes in TNA’s game and knows how to fill in the gaps.
Hulk Hogan has been very outspoken about today’s wrestling being over-scripted and wants to bring back part of what made wrestling of previous generations so good – which was focusing on in-ring action and letting the wrestlers speak for themselves.
From what we’ve heard, there are several major surprises being worked on that would send serious shockwaves throughout the entire wrestling industry. There is talk among some TNA wrestlers that a “top secret” bombshell will be dropped next Monday night.
A new era in TNA is upon us .. We’ll see next Monday night how many of the new elements are put into effect immediately and which are rolled out in the coming weeks. With TNA kicking it into high gear and Bret Hart returning to WWE next week, the early months of 2010 are shaping up to have a ton of potential for wrestling fans everywhere.
Next Monday night, TNA Wrestling will go head-to-head with WWE RAW for the first time with a 3-hour live edition of iMPACT! Both shows are bringing out the big guns, with iMPACT! headlined by the TNA debut of Hulk Hogan and RAW featuring the long-awaited never-thought-you’d-see-it WWE return of Bret “Hit Man” Hart.
Monday night will give wrestling fans a taste of the excitement we haven’t seen in almost a decade – two competing wrestling shows going head-to-head on a Monday night and the feeling that you’ve gotta keep an eye on both shows so you don’t miss a blockbuster event. It might turn out to be a 1-night event and a throwback to better time, like those first two ECW PPVs. It could also be the first battle in a long, bloody war. Either way, it is shaping up to be an exciting night of wrestling for wrestling fans past and present. Here’s a full rundown of what to expect next Monday night:
WWE RAW with Guest Host Bret Hart
WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart
The big story of Monday night is undoubtedly Bret Hart’s confirmed appearance as guest host. The Hit Man hasn’t been a part of WWE storylines since 1997 and Bret entering that ring one more time will be an unforgettable moment for longtime fans who never thought this disaster of a situation would ever get proper closure. Bret will be on WWE television until after WrestleMania and he’s rumored to be working with Vince McMahon, DX and the Hart Dynasty. There has been talk of Bret’s return angle culminating with some sort of match at WrestleMania.
Also confirmed for RAW:
– Triple H & Shawn Michaels vs. Big Show and Chris Jericho:Â This match will be for DX’s Undisputed Tag team titles. If Big Show and Chris Jericho lose, Jericho must leave the RAW brand for good.
– Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston
Also, it’s worth noting that John Cena will not on the show. Cena will be at the college football Fiesta Bowl game next Monday night in Arizona. The Bowl game starts at 8:00 p.m. EST, so he’d be unable to make it to RAW in Dayton, Ohio in time.
While this is all that we know at this point, expct WWE to cut the midget comedy crap for at least a week and start 2010 will a memorable show.
LIVE! 3-Hour Monday iMPACT!
Monday Night iMPACT!
The show will feature the TNA debut of Hulk Hogan and is being designed as a launching point for a new era in TNA history. Major changes are expected on television and behind the scenes, with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s team assuming “total control” of the company’s direction. Here are some things we can expect next Monday night:
* Hulk Hogan’s Debut: Hogan has made it clear that he’s coming to TNA to play the “Vince McMahon role,” calling the shots and putting the company in a new path that will ultimately lead to a war with WWE.
* iMPACT! Zone Changes: TNA iMAPCT! will have a new look next Monday night. TNA has been working on several big upgrades to the iMPACT! Zone set. Also, the 6-sided ring won’t be around much longer and will be replaced with a traditional 4-sided ring as soon as next week.
* New & Familiar Faces: Former nWo members Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are TNA bound and there’s a strong chance we’ll see at least Hall next Monday night. TNA recently signed the Young Bucks tag team and they are expected to appear next week. Additionally, there are several big name free agents that could also be at next week’s show – including Rob Van Dam, Ken Anderson and Ric Flair. Names like Jeff Hardy and Bill Goldberg are currently free agents but should be considered long shots at best. Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman are also available to appear as on-air talent, with many TNA employees and fans hoping that Paul Heyman is brought in as head booker.
* Other Changes: Bischoff’s team has already been working behind the scenes on a number of new projects for TNA. His experience as the president of WCW during its peak run and knowledge of running the top wrestling promotion in the world will make him an invaluable asset to TNA during this time of transition and growth. Whether it’s television and merchandising deals or global expansion, Bischoff can spot the holes in TNA’s game and knows how to fill in the gaps.
Hulk Hogan has been very outspoken about today’s wrestling being over-scripted and wants to bring back part of what made wrestling of previous generations so good – which was focusing on in-ring action and letting the wrestlers speak for themselves.
From what we’ve heard, there are several major surprises being worked on that would send serious shockwaves throughout the entire wrestling industry. There is talk among some TNA wrestlers that a “top secret” bombshell will be dropped next Monday night.
A new era in TNA is upon us .. We’ll see next Monday night how many of the new elements are put into effect immediately and which are rolled out in the coming weeks. With TNA kicking it into high gear and Bret Hart returning to WWE next week, the early months of 2010 are shaping up to have a ton of potential for wrestling fans everywhere.
WWE Smackdown star Batista does not sound particularly high on WWE’s “champions of tomorrow” as he feels that other wrestlers of his generation are a dying breed. The Animal tells Manila Standard Today, “We’re dinosaurs in this age of instant gratification. We are not just athletes, we are also storytellers and I don’t see that in the newcomers,” Batista said in an interview with the Manila Standard Today.
Regarding his future in sports entertainment, the multi-time champion believes he will be “fat and retired” five years from now. If he’s still working for WWE, it would be in a behind-the-scenes role.
Batista spoke briefly about his family, namely his two-year-old son and the two daughters he has from a previous marriage with a Filipina. “It’s rough having daughters,†he shares. “But my girls are tough. They don’t need me to protect them. I feel sorry for the guys who will date my daughters.â€
Batista also talks about the new Filipino energy drink he’s endorsing, the now-off Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing fight, his family and more. To read the full interview, visit ManilaStandardToday.com.
Legacy member Ted DiBiase recently spoke to SLAM! Wrestling about the release of his new straight-to-DVD WWE Studios project, The Marine 2. When asked whether people will buy a DVD featuring a heel in the lead role, Ted DiBiase firmly believes they will.
“Our fans get it. we’re World Wrestling Entertainment. You see the trailer, the movie speaks for itself,” he said. “It’s such an entertaining film. Our fans are so loyal, man, they are. They’re great about picking up our DVDs, because our company does such a great job with them, man. It’s a great movie. It’s action-packed. Nobody is going to be let down.”
When reminded that WWE’s previous straight-to-DVD release, Behind Enemy Lines III: Colombia, had a star — Mr. Kennedy — who is no longer with the company, DiBiase chuckled.
“I don’t think it was due to his movie. I don’t know. I’m not worried about that guy. He has his own life and issues. I know that I have a good rapport with WWE. They’ve placed a lot of trust in me doing the film. I take a lot of pride in that. WWE Studios has just done a fantastic job of putting this together. The special effects, and even the music, is just unbelievable. It just looks like a major motion picture, like we had more money, about twice the money that we spent on it; that’s what it looks like with what our budget was. We had to do it pretty quick.”
He also talks about getting help from John Cena for the film, the differences between preparing for a movie and preparing for a wrestling match, his brothers, and more. Click here to read the interview.
Below are full WWE Superstars spoilers for this Thursday’s New Year’s Eve show on WGN America:
Taped Before RAW:
* Melina beat Alicia Fox in a pretty good Divas match.
* Carlito and Jack Swagger defeated Chris Masters and MVP. Masters put the Master Lock on Carlito and Swagger but got hit by a Backstabber by Carlito to get pinned.
Taped Before SmackDown:
* Vance Archer defeated Shelton Benjamin by DQ. After the match, Archer beat down Benjamin.
WWE RAW superstar John Cena confirmed on ESPN this morning that he will miss next week’s big “Monday Night War” edition of WWE RAW hosted by Bret Hart. Cena will be appearing at the college football Fiesta Bowl game next Monday night in Arizona to do the opening coin toss. The Bowl game starts at 8:00 p.m. EST, so he’d be unable to make it to RAW in Dayton, Ohio in time.
“This is a special opportunity for me,” said Cena. “It’s going to be really exciting. I can’t really go to too many games because I work for a living!”
As previously reported, there is still a chance Cena could appear on next week’s show “live via satellite,” but with the long awaited return of Bret “Hit Man” Hart to WWE television after 12 years, WWE likely has enough star power to combat TNA’s 3-hour iMPACT!
Cena also talked with ESPN.com today about his love for professional wrestling and sticking around the business. Here’s what he said:
“I’ve wanted to do this all my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Some people as a kid play baseball and basketball and then don’t get to do it for a living. I always wanted to be a wrestler.”
“I love my job too much to leave it. I’m going to stay as long as my body allows. My wife understands this. She was there with me when I had no money. Granted, sometimes she has to use a cardboard cutout of me at the movie theater to pretend we’re on a date. But she understands.”
WWE RAW superstar John Cena confirmed on ESPN this morning that he will miss next week’s big “Monday Night War” edition of WWE RAW hosted by Bret Hart. Cena will be appearing at the college football Fiesta Bowl game next Monday night in Arizona to do the opening coin toss. The Bowl game starts at 8:00 p.m. EST, so he’d be unable to make it to RAW in Dayton, Ohio in time.
“This is a special opportunity for me,” said Cena. “It’s going to be really exciting. I can’t really go to too many games because I work for a living!”
As previously reported, there is still a chance Cena could appear on next week’s show “live via satellite,” but with the long awaited return of Bret “Hit Man” Hart to WWE television after 12 years, WWE likely has enough star power to combat TNA’s 3-hour iMPACT!
Cena also talked with ESPN.com today about his love for professional wrestling and sticking around the business. Here’s what he said:
“I’ve wanted to do this all my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Some people as a kid play baseball and basketball and then don’t get to do it for a living. I always wanted to be a wrestler.”
“I love my job too much to leave it. I’m going to stay as long as my body allows. My wife understands this. She was there with me when I had no money. Granted, sometimes she has to use a cardboard cutout of me at the movie theater to pretend we’re on a date. But she understands.”
As noted earlier, Shawn Daivari (a.k.a. Sheik Abdul Bashir) lost the “Feast or Fired Match” at Final Resolution because he was legitimately leaving TNA. Original plans called for Daivari and Cody Deaner to simultaneously grab the briefcase containing the pink slip with Daivari beating Deaner in a “Loser Leaves TNA Match” on an upcoming episode of iMPACT!. However, booking plans changed because Daivari had asked for his release.
Reportedly, he was upset because TNA’s Director of Talent Relations, Terry Taylor, told him that creative didn’t have any significant plans for him. He was subsequently asked to take a significant cut in pay from the rumored six-figure per year contract he inked over the summer. The ten-year veteran was offended by the request and opted to ask for his release rather than take the pay cut. The former “Red Rooster” obliged his request and the booking plan was changed as a result.
As far as Deaner is concerned, his future with the organization appears to be in doubt considering TNA originally planned on having him lose the match. Sources have indicated that Hulk Hogan feels Deaner’s gimmick makes the company look “low budget.”
— Santino Marella beat Paul Burchill in a dark match before last night’s live Raw broadcast in Hartford, Connecticut. Paul was accompanied by his sister Katie.
— The following two matches were taped prior to Raw for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America:
* Alicia Fox vs. Melina
* Carlito and Jack Swagger vs. Chris Masters and MVP
— After Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, DX and John Cena wrestled The Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus. DX and Cena got the win after Cena pinned Randy Orton. The faces celebrated after the match and the fans went home happy.
— Santino Marella beat Paul Burchill in a dark match before last night’s live Raw broadcast in Hartford, Connecticut. Paul was accompanied by his sister Katie.
— The following two matches were taped prior to Raw for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America:
* Alicia Fox vs. Melina
* Carlito and Jack Swagger vs. Chris Masters and MVP
— After Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, DX and John Cena wrestled The Big Show, Randy Orton and Sheamus. DX and Cena got the win after Cena pinned Randy Orton. The faces celebrated after the match and the fans went home happy.
Tommy Dreamer is said to be the source of the rumors indicating he’s headed to TNA once he’s free from World Wrestling Entertainment as those close to him are saying he has been telling them he’s Orlando bound. While those within TNA have yet to confirm his claim, it’s been made to clear to him that he has a job open for him if he wanted to become an agent.
While specifics of Dreamer’s contract are unclear, it’s unlikely WWE would release him in order to allow him to join TNA as a wrestler. Even if he was given a full release without a no wrestling in TNA stipulation, he’d likely have a 90-day non-compete.
Meanwhile, it appears Dreamer’s farewell show on ECW will be taking place tonight at the Izod Center as he confirmed in a post on WWE’s social networking site that he was bringing his gear to work the final ECW show of the decade.
(Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for this information)
With 2009 coming to a close later this week, the road to WrestleMania takes another turn as WWE’s biggest show of the year is a mere 3 months away. Already, the card is starting to take shape with tentative plans in place for several of WWE’s top acts. Here are some rumored matches that we’d love to see:
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker 2:
Several weeks ago on RAW, WWE tag champion Shawn Michaels issued the challenge to The Undertaker for a WrestleMania rematch in Arizona. While WWE had previously considered names like Vince McMahon, Chris Jericho and John Cena as possible WrestleMania opponents for the Undertaker, the current plan is for Shawn Michaels to get his wish and another chance to break the Dead Man’s winning streak. The SmackDown storyline which was building up a possible Undertaker vs. Vince McMahon showdown seems to have been dropped.
This week on RAW, while Vince McMahon was addressing the Bret Hart rumors, Shawn Michaels came out once again and requested the WrestleMania rematch once again.While the Undertaker is sadly not in the same physical shape as he was last year, hopefully he’s got enough left in the tank to deliver one more WrestleMania classic with the Heartbreak Kid.
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
This one is just speculation at this point, but it’s a match so big you know WWE will push for it. Bret Hart’s physical condition is still unknown at this point. Whether he is physically able to even pull off a convincing street fight remains to be seen, but Bret is coming back to tie up the loose ends from Montreal 1997 and Bret getting his hands on Vince McMahon at WrestleMania once and for all is a payoff that seems irresistible.
Triple H vs. Sheamus:
With Shawn Michaels tied up with the Undertaker, that leaves his DX partner Triple H without a clear opponent. Fear not, as we’ve heard Triple H has been pushing to wrestle his workout partner and protege of sorts, WWE Champion Sheamus. Whether that match will be for the WWE title remains to be seen, but Triple H reportedly feels that wrestling Sheamus on the big stage of WrestleMania would help solidify him as a main event player.
Edge vs. Chris Jericho:
Another WrestleMania 26 match still being discussed is Edge vs. Chris Jericho. The latest on Edge is that he should be healthy by March in time to build up a Wrestleania match. Edge and Jericho were WWE tag champions before Edge was injured and Jericho cut several heel promos about how Edge was the weak link in the team, setting up a built-in feud down the road.
Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase:
A Ted DiBiase face turn has been rumored for months and was expected to coincide with the the release of his The Marine 2 movie, which hits stores this week. Teddy is still a heel and we’re hearing that there were talks as recent as this weekend about holding off on his face turn until the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Randy Orton has been named as a possible opponent for DiBiase, which could be a great chance elevate DiBiase.
