— Of the WWE stars to have their pushes halted in recent weeks, Eric Escobar is going through the quickest demise of them all. Not that his stock was particularly high to begin with considering he had been in developmental for a number of years, but the company has pretty much given up on him mere weeks after his WWE debut as a result of his failure to impress. While he’s tall and has a good look, he lacks charisma and the feeling is he has done nothing to prove he belongs. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
— As reported earlier, independent women’s wrestler Becky Bayless received tryouts with World Wrestling Entertainment at the company’s television tapings last week. She was also used as a prop for Slam Master J’s weekly SmackDown After The Bell segment on WWE.com. To view her brief on-camera appearance, click here.
— The WWE website has posted photos of “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel attending The Strike 3 Foundation’s Second Annual First Pitch Celebrity Gala.
— One of the reasons Kofi Kingston is being pushed hard at the moment is because they feel they need another African-American babyface star and the company has given up on several other wrestlers that were picked for the spot at one point or another.
— The Burchills — Paul and Katie Lea — are expected to head to Raw soon as they are being advertised to appear on a few Raw brand live events.
— Last week’s episode of ECW featuring CM Punk and William Regal vs. ECW Champion Christian and R-Truth drew a 1.07 cable rating with 1.38 million viewers.
— The New York Post ran a story this past week on O.J. Simpson and it was noted that the Pro Football Hall of Famer enjoys watching WWE programming while spending time in jail. The following was written regarding “The Juice”:
“O.J. Simpson, 62, loves to spend his time in jail watching WWE programming. Maybe that was part of his sentence. Simpson is currently serving between nine and 33-years for multiple felonies.”
— Matches scheduled to take place on tonight’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler
* Goldust vs. Vladimir Kozlov
* United States Heavyweight Champion The Miz vs. Santino Marella
— Eve is today’s “Daily Diva” on WWE.com while Big Show is the “Superstar of the Day.”
— Jim Ross has yet to sign a new contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and due to the uncertainty regarding his condition, there have not been any serious contract talks nor any offer made. His contract is set to expire in three weeks.
— At television this past week, both Jesse Ventura and Jerry Lawler were given graphics on the announcers desk, or cheat sheets, to look at that have the photos of all the wrestlers in multiple person matches. In Lawler’s case, he never watches ECW nor Smackdown. In the case of Ventura for the Breakthrough Battle Royal, he likely wouldn’t have known most of the wrestlers in the match, plus with both going live there was no chance to edit later.
— Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. drew 12,500 fans and that was with WWE lowering the bottom price to $20 in hopes of increasing the walk-up. The show was not a sellout.
(Credit to the Wrestler Observer Newsletter for some of the information used in this report)
– Linda McMahon is getting some criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike for her wishy-washy response to a question about whether the 9/11 trials should be held in New York. “I’ll probably have more firm policy statements after the first of the year,” she said. Her detractors say that her refusal to pick a side shows her inexperience. A spokesman for one of Linda’s Republican opponents in the Senate race said, “It is deeply disappointing that when given the opportunity to stand firm against Sen. Dodd’s dangerous and misguided approach, Mrs. McMahon took a pass. It goes to show that slick campaign ads and an army of high-priced consultants can’t buy the experience and judgment necessary to keep our nation safe.”
UPDATE: The McMahon campaign now tells Courant.com: “Linda is opposed to trying Khalid Sheik Mohammad in civilian court. Her position on terrorist trials is crystal clear and unwavering, just as it is with cap-and-trade, card check legislation, government-run healthcare and runaway spending.”
Warning: The following contains a minor spoiler for Friday’s SmackDown:
– The WWE superstar formerly known as Festus has been repackaged and is now aligned with C.M. Punk. During Tuesday night’s SmackDown taping, Festus joined Punk in the ring and announced himself as Luke Gallos. Gallos acted like a normal guy and blamed his previous mental condition on years of drug abuse. Punk took credit for helping Gallos get off drugs and has taken him under his wing. As we reported several weeks ago, Festus will serve as Punk’s enforcer.
With WWE Survivor Series already in the rear-view mirror, we’ve turned corner on WWE’s calendar year and the road to WrestleMania 26 has begun. Here’s the latest on what WWE is currently planning for the big event:
– There is a feeling in WWE that something special’ needs to be done with The Undertaker for WrestleMania 26. WWE knows that more and more fans are tired of the same old matches and want to deliver a match that fans have not seen before. The Dead Man’s health continues to deteriorate and he’s less mobile now than he’s ever been, so his years as a Wrestlemania draw are certainly winding down. Right now, a match with John Cena is being strongly considered as the main event for WrestleMania.
– There is also talk of a Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania 26. The two have wrestled each other many times before, but not in several years and never on the grand stage of WrestleMania. While DX is still one of the top babyface acts in WWE, this one makes sense and WWE may have planted the seed for the match at Survivor Series with HBK superkicking the Game in the opening moments of their triple threat match with John Cena.
– At one point, there had been a plan for a CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio Hair vs. Mask match at WrestleMania 26, but this is unlikely to happen now considering Mysterio’s injury problems.
(Credit to PWInsider for some of the information used in this report)
With WWE Survivor Series already in the rear-view mirror, we’ve turned corner on WWE’s calendar year and the road to WrestleMania 26 has begun. Here’s the latest on what WWE is currently planning for the big event:
– There is a feeling in WWE that something special’ needs to be done with The Undertaker for WrestleMania 26. WWE knows that more and more fans are tired of the same old matches and want to deliver a match that fans have not seen before. The Dead Man’s health continues to deteriorate and he’s less mobile now than he’s ever been, so his years as a Wrestlemania draw are certainly winding down. Right now, a match with John Cena is being strongly considered as the main event for WrestleMania.
– There is also talk of a Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania 26. The two have wrestled each other many times before, but not in several years and never on the grand stage of WrestleMania. While DX is still one of the top babyface acts in WWE, this one makes sense and WWE may have planted the seed for the match at Survivor Series with HBK superkicking the Game in the opening moments of their triple threat match with John Cena.
– At one point, there had been a plan for a CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio Hair vs. Mask match at WrestleMania 26, but this is unlikely to happen now considering Mysterio’s injury problems.
(Credit to PWInsider for some of the information used in this report)
WWE taped this week’s edition of Smackdown tonight from the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Below are full results:
* The show opens with Chris Jericho talking about defending the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at WWE’s TLC PPV. He says tonight’s Batista vs. Kane match will determine the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Jericho says he should be in the match. Teddy Long comes out
and sets up Jericho vs. The Undertaker in a non-title match for later in the night.
* The Hart Dynasty b. Cryme Tyme
* Vickie Guerrero and Eric Escobar demand to Teddy Long that he get a shot at the Intercontinental Championship in a backstage segment. Long makes the match against John Morrison, but says it will be his only shot.
* CM Punk brings Festus out with a brown paper bag. Punk introduces Festus under a new gimmick and says his friends gave him pills in the past, which caused him to act like they did. Punk says what is inside the bag comes out December 1st and he’s scared it will be available to the public. The pulls out the new Jeff Hardy DVD which brings out Matt Hardy.
* Matt Hardy b. CM Punk via disqualification after interference from Festus. After the match, Punk and Festus beat down Hardy.
* Mickie James is asked what she thinks of Michelle McCool’s video last week. James says she doesn’t care how juvenile Layla and McCool get and she’s not leaving Smackdown.
* Batista b. Kane via count count out to become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship
* WWE Intercontinental Champion John Morrison b. Eric Escobar to retain. After the match, Vickie was furious as Escobar and spit on him. The fight spews to the back with Escobar telling Vickie she makes him sick when she kisses him. He “breaks up” with her.
* World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker b. Chris Jericho by disqualification. Batista was on commentary for the match. Batista interfered when Undertaker was going for the Tombstone. The show ended with Batista beating down Undertaker.
* After the match, CM Punk came out and started beating up Undertaker with Jericho and Batista. Kane came out and made the save.
To update an earlier report, Lauren Mayhew, who appeared on ECW as the brand’s ring announcer, has parted ways with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Both parties were working together on a short term deal, but could not come to terms on a full term contract.
The word going around at today’s television taping in Bridgeport, Connecticut was that the aspiring actress and WWE parted on amicable terms and the door was open for her to return to the company in the future.
Mayhew’s profile has already been removed from the company website. Tony Chimel handled the ring announcing duties during tonight’s episode of ECW.
— Former TNA X Division Champion Low Ki worked a dark match prior to Tuesday’s  SmackDown & ECW taping in Bridgeport, Connecticut, defeating Paul Burchill. Low-Ki, who has been working in WWE’s developmental promotion, worked under the name Kaval.
— In today’s wrestling birthday, Beth Phoenix turns 29 years old. She was born on November 24, 1980 in Elmira, New York.
— WWE returns to the E Center in West Valley City, Utah on March 6th, 2010. Tickets go on sale December 19th, 2009 at 10 AM. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
Hulk Hogan's "Hulkamania: Let The Battle Begin" Australian Tour
Hulk Hogan’s Hulkamania Tour
Perth, Australia – November 24th, 2009
Report by Jaredin Mayfair, F4Wonline.com
I attended the second leg of the Hulkamania tour tonight in Perth, Australia.
The setup was decent, with a big screen periodically playing backstage vignettes throughout the night and a ring adorned with red and yellow Hulkamania ropes. Music and titantrons were all generic. Crowd was shy to start off with, but got into the show as it went along and were really hot for the main event.
Here are the results:
Match 1 – Rikishi & Brian Christopher def. Rock Of Love
Basic match built around Rikishi setting up and eventually performing the stinkface. It got a decent pop from the crowd. Rikishi sat on a guy for the win. Rikishi, Christopher and the referee danced after the match,
Match 2 Shannon Moore def. Spartan 3000 Matt Cross
It was announced this was the 2nd match in a best of 3 series to win $25,000. Matt Cross has a Spartan warrior gimmick. Moore won with a corkscrew moonsault, tieing the series at 1-1. Moore looked good, I could see him fitting in OK in TNA.
Match 3 Rosey def. Godfather (w/Ho s) and Val Venis in a Three Way Dance
Rosey came out in his old superhero gear. According to his titantron, his ring name was Big Daddy Row Row. Val Venis heeled on the crowd before the match. Godfather s Ho s got the second biggest pop of the night. Basically Rosey and Godfather teaming up on Val. Funny moment where Rosey was hitting jabs on Val and the crowd chanted S.H.I.T. with each punch. Rosey pinned Val with a samoan drop. Rosey and Godfather left together with the Ho s after the match.
Match 4 Heidenreich & Gangrel & Black Pearl def. Nasty Boys & Eugene (w/Jimmy Hart)
Heidenreich was doing the Heidenwalk. Gangrel did the blood spit. Lots of stalling in this match, the heels got the heat on Eugene as the Nasty Boys pumped up the crowd. Sags looks in really good shape, Knobs not so much. At one point as the heels worked on Eugene, Gangrel screamed Kill that retard! . Probably the worst match of the night. Jimmy Hart doesn t seem to age. Heidenreich ended up pinning Eugene with a sidewalk slam. Nastys teased using some plunder, but didn t deliver.
Intermission
Bikini Contest
3 unknowns came out and Godfather hosted. It ended up breaking down into a pillow fight.
Match 5 Orlando Jordan def. Ken Kennedy
Kennedy did his pre-match mic routine but said Mr Anderson instead. Orlando s theme music has a line saying All the girls love me, and all the guys want to get with me . Probably the best match of the night, they worked well together. Orlando got the pin using the ropes.
Match 6 Umaga def. Brutus Beefcake (w/Jimmy Hart)
Strange matchup. Very short, with Umaga getting the pin after the Samoan Spike. Brutus sold it big time and was helped to the back afterwards.
Match 6 Hulk Hogan def. Ric Flair (w/Lacey Von Erich)
Before the match, the ring announcer said this is now No DQ. Deafening reactions for both Hogan and Flair. Hogan came out to the WCW American Made theme music. Both bled heavily very early in the match. Lots of chops to Hogan, he took his only back bump in the match from one of them. Hogan threw Flair off the top rope. Flair did the full moon spot. Orlando Jordan and Heidenreich came out and started beating down Hogan, but the Nasty Boys made the save and also gave Flair Pitty City. Hogan and Flair crowd brawled for a while. At one point Jimmy Hart came out and pulled Lacey Von Erich off the apron, accidentally exposing her ass for a moment. Hogan also gave her an atomic drop. Umaga then came out and beat up on Hogan and gave him the corner splash. Hogan then Hulked up, gave Flair a terrible big boot then clocked him with Jimmy Hart s megaphone for the pin.
Hogan did his posing routine for a few minutes after the match to end the show.
In retrospect, the show was nothing special. The action was basic, and the spectacle of the main event got really cheapened by all the run-ins. However, it was worth it for the chance to see both Hogan and Flair live, especially here in isolated Western Australia.
Monday’s special 3-hour Thanksgiving edition of WWE Raw hosted by Jesse Ventura did a 3.23 overall rating. The final 2 hours of the show, Raw’s typical timeslot, did a strong 3.55 rating – up from last week’s 3.47.
The hourly ratings were 2.60, 3.60 and 3.50 rating. When WWE runs 3-hour Raws, the first hour typically draws considerably fewer viewers than the second and third hours.
Comparing the final two hours of this week to last week’s show from Madision Square Garden, viewership was up 2.5 percent
(Credit to the Pro Wrestling Torch for the ratings data used in this report)
As previously reported, Rey Mysterio’s knee is in bad shape and the former World Heavyweight champion will need surgery to repair the situation. The beatdown he suffered at the hands of Batista following their match at Survivor Series was done to set up his time away from the ring.
While there was talk that he’d undergo an extensive surgery to fully repair the ACL, Mysterio is now is said to be considering a less invasive procedure on his ACL that would allow him to return sooner than later.
The more invasive procedure would have kept him out of action for upto 9 months and he would have missed WrestleMania 26. While this other surgery he’s considering will allow him to return at the Royal Rumble, he will still need major surgery down the road, likely after he retires.
(Credit to PWInsider.com for some of the information used in this report)
We’ve been covering the story that Shane McMahon recently met with UFC officials. At the UFC 106 posts-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White confirmed that he met with McMahon, but would not give further details regarding the nature of the meeting.
We’ve now learned that Shane McMahon is interested in purchasing a financial interest in UFC.
McMahon, who currently servces as WWE’s Vice President of Global Media, will officially leave that post on January 1, 2010 and be free to work elsewhere.
With his extensive knowledge of marketing and expanding a sports brand into new markets, McMahon could be a big asset to the UFC as they continue their international expansion.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what Ross said about:
Jesse Ventura Hosting Raw: “Jesse Ventura did an excellent job as guest general manager … Jesse looked good, had his usual distinctive, great delivery and, for me, created an interest in checking out his new “Conspiracy Theory” program that debuts soon on truTV. Ventura and McMahon was a fun trip down memory lane and they were, perhaps, the 2nd best broadcast team to appear on Monday Night Raw in a good while as in the summer of ’08. Just one man’s totally biased opinion. I would have been happy to have flown in and produced the two wrestling legends.”
Sheamus’ Push: “Sheamus has found himself in a great spot to help begin building his long term foundation in WWE. I read where some pundits felt the incident between the young Irishman and John Cena was “flat.” I disagree. Obviously, the crowd sitting in their seats over three hours is challenging, has an influence but isn’t the real reason. However, let’s all remember that Sheamus hasn’t been on Raw in any significant role for, what, a month, 5 weeks? Sheamus has not even been in a long term personal issue with a main event, Raw wrestler yet…until now. Bottom line is that Sheamus’ persona is still evolving and the next two weeks and then TLC is highly important to Sheamus’ development. At worst, the WWE has made a new, fresh main event for a PPV and from where I sit that is a good thing.”
The Rock Saying He’d Work With WWE Again: “I would bet a 6 Pak Challenge and throw in a case of BBQ Sauce that those remarks don’t mean that Dwayne is thinking about wrestling again. I do not see that occurring but his appearances could mean an unlimited number of other things that don’t include putting on the tights. Time will tell.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what Ross said about:
Jesse Ventura Hosting Raw: “Jesse Ventura did an excellent job as guest general manager … Jesse looked good, had his usual distinctive, great delivery and, for me, created an interest in checking out his new “Conspiracy Theory” program that debuts soon on truTV. Ventura and McMahon was a fun trip down memory lane and they were, perhaps, the 2nd best broadcast team to appear on Monday Night Raw in a good while as in the summer of ’08. Just one man’s totally biased opinion. I would have been happy to have flown in and produced the two wrestling legends.”
Sheamus’ Push: “Sheamus has found himself in a great spot to help begin building his long term foundation in WWE. I read where some pundits felt the incident between the young Irishman and John Cena was “flat.” I disagree. Obviously, the crowd sitting in their seats over three hours is challenging, has an influence but isn’t the real reason. However, let’s all remember that Sheamus hasn’t been on Raw in any significant role for, what, a month, 5 weeks? Sheamus has not even been in a long term personal issue with a main event, Raw wrestler yet…until now. Bottom line is that Sheamus’ persona is still evolving and the next two weeks and then TLC is highly important to Sheamus’ development. At worst, the WWE has made a new, fresh main event for a PPV and from where I sit that is a good thing.”
The Rock Saying He’d Work With WWE Again: “I would bet a 6 Pak Challenge and throw in a case of BBQ Sauce that those remarks don’t mean that Dwayne is thinking about wrestling again. I do not see that occurring but his appearances could mean an unlimited number of other things that don’t include putting on the tights. Time will tell.”
As seen last week on SmackDown, Mickie James was introduced to Michelle McCool’s personalized version of “Old McDonald,” a video designed to degrade the curvaceous SmackDown Diva with its starring character “Piggy James.” For those wondering, the segment was indeed designed to send a message to the multi-time women’s champion.
WWE brass aren’t happy with James venturing outside of the company for her country music aspirations as they believe she’s heading down the same path as the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” and Stacy Keibler, who let their outside endeavours overtake their commitments to the company.
Additionally, company officials have not been pleased with James’ weight in recent months, which was another reason for the degrading segment.
(Credit to PWInsider.com for some of the information used in this report)
— In an update on Big Show, he will indeed be undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. However, he will not be forced to relinquish his Unified Tag Team Championship as he is not expected to be kept out action for too long.
According to fan reports from last night’s Survivor Series pay-per-view, Show was in tremendous pain while working and could “barely move.”
— It was announced during tonight’s episode of Raw that Batista will be squaring off against Kane on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
— WWE Bragging Rights is officially released on DVD today. To see the cover, click here.
— Former ECW performer Axl Rotten reportedly canceled an appearance at a Baltimore wrestling event in order to enter a drug rehabilitation facility for substance abuse addiction. WWE is footing the bill as part of their program to do so for any wrestler who was ever under contract. The hardcore wrestler was briefly under contract to the organization upon the relaunch of Extreme Championship Wrestling in 2006, but released before ever appearing on television.
— Hornswoggle did not appear on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw so he could sell taking the Pedigree last week from Triple H. He is tentatively scheduled to return on next week’s show.
— The Hart Dynasty were originally scheduled to appear at a Toys for Tots benefit last night in Stamford, Connecticut, but pulled so they could appear on Raw. Superstars on hand for the event were Matt Hardy, Beth Phoenix, Tommy Dreamer, Maria, Tiffany, Hornswoggle and Howard Finkel.
(Credit to f4wonline.com & PWInsider.com for some of the information used in this report)
WWE Unified tag champion Chris Jericho was recently interviewed by Express Night Out.Here’s what he said about:
Leaving Wrestling In 2005: I think last time I was burned out after 15 years of being in the business, and kind of really spinning my wheels when I left. I wasn’t really mentally there, and if you’re not mentally there in this job you might as well just quit because you get hurt or you hurt somebody else…
Keeping Busy On The Road: You spend a lot of time sleeping. When you get on the plane, you watch movies or read a magazine or book , or just sleep, chill out, relax. Because a lot of the travels we make are verylong, so you really just have to settle into it and not be too hyper; you just have to relax, otherwise you’ll lose your mind being on planes for, sometimes, 15 hours. You have to learn to relax when you’re traveling.
Hulk Hogan Joining TNA: Anything that makes that company bigger is better for us. Competition is what we thrive on, so good luck to them. I hope they get a real big boost from it.
Mr. Lobo Incident: It’s frustrating, [but] I guess it’s just the world we live in nowadays, so you have to be careful with what you say because nobody has a sense of humor or really understands when you’re just shooting the breeze with your friends. So, I got my slap on the wrist, and I’m very, very, very, very sorry to anybody who was offended.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this update, Ross gives his thoughts on Sunday’s Survivor Series PPV and more. Some highlights:
Undertaker’s Next Feud: “I assume that ‘Taker is Batista’s next target as I can’t see a return match from Sunday night. Taker-Batista seems the most logical but I don’t have any inside info to base this on FYI.
Rey Mysterio: “I assume that ‘Taker is Batista’s next target as I can’t see a return match from Sunday night. Taker-Batista seems the most logical but I don’t have any inside info to base this on FYI.
WWE’s Young Talent: “The key, young guys got the chance to shine in the first tag bout including (Dolph) Ziggler, Miz, (Jack) Swagger, (Drew) McIntyre, and Sheamus. All these guys are ‘keepers’ and are counted on to be future, PPV headliners. The creative debate aside, the level of success these young men find will largely be up to them, how innovative they can become, and how willing they are to dedicate themselves to getting better and being reliable and problem free individuals. Good, solid opening contest.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this update, Ross gives his thoughts on Sunday’s Survivor Series PPV and more. Some highlights:
Undertaker’s Next Feud: “I assume that ‘Taker is Batista’s next target as I can’t see a return match from Sunday night. Taker-Batista seems the most logical but I don’t have any inside info to base this on FYI.
Rey Mysterio: “I assume that ‘Taker is Batista’s next target as I can’t see a return match from Sunday night. Taker-Batista seems the most logical but I don’t have any inside info to base this on FYI.
WWE’s Young Talent: “The key, young guys got the chance to shine in the first tag bout including (Dolph) Ziggler, Miz, (Jack) Swagger, (Drew) McIntyre, and Sheamus. All these guys are ‘keepers’ and are counted on to be future, PPV headliners. The creative debate aside, the level of success these young men find will largely be up to them, how innovative they can become, and how willing they are to dedicate themselves to getting better and being reliable and problem free individuals. Good, solid opening contest.”
– The following matches have been announced for WWE’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view on December 13th:
Unified Tag Team champions Big Show & Chris Jericho vs. DX in a TLC match.
WWE champion John Cena vs. Sheamus in a Tables Match
— As reported earlier, former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions The Briscoe Brothers received tryouts with WWE prior to last Tuesday’s SmackDown/ECW taping in Philadelphia. The brothers Briscoe are currently under contract to ROH and were granted permission to tryout. In an update on the situation, WWE officials were impressed with their tryout and they have been called back to tryout again for further evaluation.
