Dwayne Johnson Makes Ammends With Snubbed Fan
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got some negative press last month after he refused to sign an autograph for a fan. According to ContactMusic.com, the former WWE champ is making it up to the fan in a big way.
It all started when a security guard on the set of his upcoming film “The Other Guys” approached Johnson and asked for an autograph and a picture for his son. Johnson refused, saying he can’t sign autographs for every single person who asks.
The story was reported in the New York Post newspaper and caught the attention of Johnson. Determined to make the situation right, he tracked down the fan out the fan and offered him a walk-on role in the ‘Other Guys’ movie and an autographed photo for his son. A source told Contact Music, “He was very apologetic.”
Jim Ross Says WWE Needs To Overhaul Its Recruiting Process
In an interview with Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross spoke at length about how important it is for WWE to overhaul its recruiting process and find the next generation of superstars. “It’s just a matter focusing on recruiting and finding world class athletes and encouraging them to have the aptitude and desire – and maybe more importantly, be fans of the product – to try this profession.”
Ross continued, “It’s imperative. The scouting and the whole process has to be accelerated and maintained and improved upon every single day. As long as they have that mind-set, they’re going to continue to find good young guys that have potential. And then about one or two out of 10 will make it. It’s going to be an interesting future, but I don’t perceive it to be bleak whatsoever.”
Ross also commented on fellow Oklahoman Jack Swagger’s strengths and weaknesses. “Swagger’s got a blessing and a curse,” Ross said. ” He has the blessing of having so much God-given physical ability as a natural 6-5 or 6-6 kid that’s 260, so he has good size. He has an amazing athletic background. He’s been wrestling since he was in elementary school. He wrestled in a Division I program [at Oklahoma] with good success. But he’s one of those guys that is so good that he can put it in a little above neutral and be better than most. What he has to find is the fire inside him that’s going to drive him internally to get to the next level and the next level after that.”
To read the full interview, visit BaltimoreSun.com.
Hulk Hogan Rips Vince McMahon & Hypes His Return
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune newspaper, Hulk Hogan pulled no punches when talking about his relationship with WWE CEO Vince McMahon. Hogan admits that his return to wrestling is partially motivated by money, but says the desire to help the industry and compete with Vince are also factors.
“Some people say Vince made wrestling and some say it was Hulk Hogan,” Hogan said. “We both did it together. I thought it would be cool to see who has more juice right now.” He added “I still have reasons to go do this, and it’s not just because I need to make money — which I do. I still love it. I still love it, man. I don’t know what else to say.”
Hulk explained that he wears his WWE Hall of Fame ring to cover up a tattoo of his ex-wife’s name, but any value the ring has is purely sentimental. “I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing.”
Despite the expectations that he’s coming to TNA to wrestle, his true motivation is to get people excited about wrestling again. “It’s all about having fun and making the crowd go crazy and I think I can still do that, man. I might limp a little and might have to pull myself up by the ropes to get up, but I won’t know until I get in there,” he said. “If I really do embarrass myself to the point where fans are laughing at me, I’ll leave.”
Hogan also talked about his unsuccessful attempts to join the rock bands Metallica and the Rolling Stones. To read the entire interview, visit ChicagoTribune.com.
Hulk Hogan Rips Vince McMahon & Hypes His Return
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune newspaper, Hulk Hogan pulled no punches when talking about his relationship with WWE CEO Vince McMahon. Hogan admits that his return to wrestling is partially motivated by money, but says the desire to help the industry and compete with Vince are also factors.
“Some people say Vince made wrestling and some say it was Hulk Hogan,” Hogan said. “We both did it together. I thought it would be cool to see who has more juice right now.” He added “I still have reasons to go do this, and it’s not just because I need to make money — which I do. I still love it. I still love it, man. I don’t know what else to say.”
Hulk explained that he wears his WWE Hall of Fame ring to cover up a tattoo of his ex-wife’s name, but any value the ring has is purely sentimental. “I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing.”
Despite the expectations that he’s coming to TNA to wrestle, his true motivation is to get people excited about wrestling again. “It’s all about having fun and making the crowd go crazy and I think I can still do that, man. I might limp a little and might have to pull myself up by the ropes to get up, but I won’t know until I get in there,” he said. “If I really do embarrass myself to the point where fans are laughing at me, I’ll leave.”
Hogan also talked about his unsuccessful attempts to join the rock bands Metallica and the Rolling Stones. To read the entire interview, visit ChicagoTribune.com.
WWE's Reaction To Hogan In TNA, Free WWE Theme Downloads
— Some within World Wrestling Entertainment who don’t usually watch TNA iMPACT! tuned in this past Thursday for the Hulk Hogan announcement and felt the company put on a horrible product. Internally, the feeling is Hogan joining TNA isn’t a big deal with some going as far to say that the wrestling legend and Eric Bischoff will “kill the company dead.” (source: www.f4wonline.com)
— Hitting newsstands this week is the Official WWE Magazine 2010 Calendar. Each month is loaded with Superstar facts and trivia, not to mention exclusive photographs of the best entrances in the company. This collector’s edition calendar also comes with free downloads of the entrance themes of Cryme Tyme, Michelle McCool and Matt Striker, including one never-before-released track for William Regal. Visit www.WWEMagazineDownloads.com for more information.
— Five years ago today, Maria Kanellis made her official debut in WWE.
Spooky Sound Off 88: The Orange Goblin Has Come To TNA!
DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 88)
*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!
Est. Runtime: 69 minutes
Some of the topics discussed in this edition of the Sound Off include:
| A 30-minute discussion of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff signing with TNA, and the BIGGER announcement that has yet to be made
| Bragging Rights thoughts, including a very good Iron Man Match (but far from the greatest of all-time)
| Main events for Survivor Series are set and, of course, it’s more of the same
| WWE Films developing a movie project for The Undertaker (and an ORIGIN STORY at that!)
*Just want to note that I had so much stuff to talk about, I forgot to mention the Randy Orton/Kofi Johns….err Kingston angle from Raw, which I thought was AWESOME. How they follow it up will be key, but Kofi showed main event potential in his promo ability on Monday night. Big hopes for him!
Want your question on the air? Send feedback to [email protected].
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Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster
DDP Says Whether He's Interested In Joining TNA Wrestling
(Thanks to Ernie Valenzuela)
Diamond Dallas Page did an interview with ForceofWrestling. A couple questions asked to him were:
1) If he could have one last match who would it be and why?
He listed The Rock because it would have been great to have The People’s Champion vs. The People’s Champion. He had envisioned that angle 2 years before joining WWE, but felt he missed the boat on that one and that was a big goal of his. The other being Randy Orton cause DDP mentioned that they both have the same moves and puts over his character as a heel. He loves that Randy Orton has the RKO finisher and isn’t upset with him doing the same move as the diamond cutter. DDP stated when it’s time for Orton to turn baby face he will be the hottest thing going and no one will touch him.
2) Any details if you are going to TNA?
His exact words were “As of right now no, none, I have no interest, but I am going to do some independent wrestling to see how my body feels. When you go to TV you need to be bringing your A game. I am 53 years old, I don’t want to be beat up like Hulk Hogan, walking around the way he does. Am I ruling out returning to TNA, no, will I return, well who knows. You would have to offer me the right money, it would have to be the right angle. You never rule it out, cause never say never.”
On the stalker angle in WWE: Felt it could have went well, but that’s not Takers gimmick and blames himself for going through with it. As said in question 1, he pitched the Ppl’s Champ vs. Ppl’s Champ angle to Vince, but Vince said he would have rather have him come in as Undertaker’s stalker and said do you really want to do a Ppl’s Champ vs. Ppl’s champ, and regrets giving in to the whole angle with Undertaker.
On Vince McMahon: He respects Vince for what he’s done in the business. He has nothing bad to say about him, due to the fact that he made his own decisions. “Did he help my career while I was there? Hell no†, “Could he have used me better? Absoultelyâ€. He states not blaming anyone for anything and has no hard feelings towards Vince.
DDP also mentioned his main priority is www.yrgfitness.com and to go check it out if you want to see what he’s up to.
Candice Announces She's Pregnant, How Old Is Bobby Heenan?
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle announced on her website today that she is pregnant.
“As I promised I would be releasing a surprise today on my site. Many have been questioning is it TNA, Overseas, or Reality!? Well it is D, none of the above!
“I am very excited to be entering a new chapter in my life. I am Pregnant! Smile and a wink ;)! My due date is in May! I was so excited when I found out I wanted to tell everyone and its been so hard for me to hold it in. However, I wanted to be the one to share the news with everyone and not have it be a rumor since it is so dear to my heart!”
To read her blog in its entirety, click here.
— Brian Kendrick and Petey Williams will be appearing at the Texas Wrestling Entertainment event in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, December 19th, 2009. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
— In today’s wrestling birthday, WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan turns 65 years old.
Next Week's SmackDown Main Event, Taker On Magazine Cover
— As announced on last night’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Batista will go one-on-one with Matt Hardy.
— Undertaker is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Magazine, which hits newsstands this Tuesday.
— “The Big Red Monster” Kane is hosting the Halloween festivities on WWE.com.
TNA iMPACT! Rating: Did The Hulk Hogan Buzz Help?
The news of Hulk Hogan’s partnership with TNA Wrestling helped this week’s iMPACT! increase 20% over last week.
The 10/29 edition of iMPACT! drew a 1.3 rating. By comparison, the 10/29 edition of WWE Superstars on WGN did a 0.9 rating.
This week’s iMPACT! featured footage from Hulk Hogan’s press conference from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The footage aired in the show’s final segment and TNA hyped it all night.
Kofi Kingston Reveals Why He Dropped The Fake Accent
In a recent interview with SkySports, WWE Raw superstar Kofi Kingston explains why he’s dropped the Jamaican gimmick and is now billed from his real birthplace, Ghana, West Africa.
“I was actually born in Ghana, West Africa,” Kingston said. “As far as the whole Jamaican thing is actually concerned, growing up I actually loved everything about Jamaica. I loved the food, the culture, the laid-back attitude. When I came to the WWE initially I wanted to come out to something that attributed both my love for wrestling and the Jamaican heritage.
“I wanted to come out to something unique and something people had never seen before. But at a certain point it becomes about being real and true to yourself, as opposed to playing a character. You look at guys like Triple H. When he first started out he was Hunter Hearst Helmsley and before that he was Terra Ryzing – I don’t know if a lot of people know that.
“Stone Cold Steve Austin was Stunning Steve Austin before he became Stone Cold. The Rock
was Rocky Maivia before he became The Rock. Shawn Michaels was a Rocker before he became the Heartbreak Kid. I think in wrestling and the WWE you see a trend of guys who make transitions. And I think for me I’m in that transition stage into coming into my own.”
To read the full interview, visit SkySports.com.
Have Low Ki & Dos Caras Jr. Been Released From WWE?
— We’ve got updates on two of WWE’s developmental stars who have not been seen in quite some time.
In an update on WWE developmental wrestler Alberto Banderas (Dos Caras, Jr.), he has not been released by the company. Some have speculated he was gone because his picture no longer appears on the Florida Championship Wrestling website. He is presently inactive due to injury.
Former TNA & ROH wrestler Low Ki (known as Kawal in developmental) is still out recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. He is also still under contact to World Wrestling Entertainment.
— Last Saturday’s tri-branded WWE live event in College Station, Pennsylvania drew 4,000 fans. The show saw John Cena, Montel Vontavious Porter and Mark Henry beat Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in the main event.
— The WWE website has an article on how Donna Stinson, a fourth-grade teacher, put WWE Kids magazine to good use in her classroom.
(Credit to Wrestling Observer Newsletter for some of the information used in this report)
Hogan Explains Why He Chose TNA Over WWE & His Goals
In an interview with Time Magazine, Hulk Hogan says that he chose to partner with TNA Wrestling instead of returning to World Wrestling Entertainment mostly because he wants to help the younger generation of wrestlers.
“When I woke up and realized I should be my own man and be responsible for being happy, I realized I still have a lot to contribute to the wrestling business,” Hogan said. “And jumping into TNA and being a part of that company is huge. I have a chance to give back and help these young wrestlers who don’t understand the business and the art form.”
Hogan explains how the business has changed dramatically since the 1980s. “The business moves so much faster now,” he responded. “It used to be if Andre the Giant and I had a feud, it’d probably play out six or seven months later at a big event. Nowadays, if Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan have a feud at 9 o’clock, it’s usually over by 9:30. It’s a story-telling art form to create emotion and drama and I just think a lot of that is lost.”
Here’s a classic Hogan quote .. The interviewer asked him about steroids, and how commonplace they were in the industry when he was coming up. Hogan said, “I just drank an iced tea here with lunch. If next year they say iced tea is worse than steroids, I’ll probably quit drinking that too. But at the time it was legal, just like drinking an iced tea is legal.”
To read the full interview, visit Time.com.
Hogan Explains Why He Chose TNA Over WWE & His Goals
In an interview with Time Magazine, Hulk Hogan says that he chose to partner with TNA Wrestling instead of returning to World Wrestling Entertainment mostly because he wants to help the younger generation of wrestlers.
“When I woke up and realized I should be my own man and be responsible for being happy, I realized I still have a lot to contribute to the wrestling business,” Hogan said. “And jumping into TNA and being a part of that company is huge. I have a chance to give back and help these young wrestlers who don’t understand the business and the art form.”
Hogan explains how the business has changed dramatically since the 1980s. “The business moves so much faster now,” he responded. “It used to be if Andre the Giant and I had a feud, it’d probably play out six or seven months later at a big event. Nowadays, if Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan have a feud at 9 o’clock, it’s usually over by 9:30. It’s a story-telling art form to create emotion and drama and I just think a lot of that is lost.”
Here’s a classic Hogan quote .. The interviewer asked him about steroids, and how commonplace they were in the industry when he was coming up. Hogan said, “I just drank an iced tea here with lunch. If next year they say iced tea is worse than steroids, I’ll probably quit drinking that too. But at the time it was legal, just like drinking an iced tea is legal.”
To read the full interview, visit Time.com.
WWE Star's New Masked Gimmick, New ECW Announcer
— DJ Gabriel, who has not appeared in a WWE ring since April, has begun donning a mask and going under the name “Mr. FCW” in Florida Championship Wrestling. (source: PWInsider.com)
— WWE.com has added a profile on new ECW commentator Byron Saxton. He debuted this past Tuesday due to Jim Ross’ recent Bell’s palsy attack, resulting in an announcer shuffle.
— The first Smackdown & ECW taping of 2010 will be held at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky on January 5th, 2010. Tickets go on sale November 21st, 2009 at 10 AM. Go to http://sportsentertainmentevents.tk or http://prowrestlingevents.webs.com for info about upcoming wrestling shows worldwide. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)
Future Raw Guest Host Revealed, Jeff Hardy & Dixie On Twitter
— The UK Sun is reporting that boxer Ricky Hatton will be guest hosting WWE Raw on 11/9 from the UK’s Sheffield Arena. Hatton will be the second boxer to host Raw after his recent opponent Floyd Mayweather Jr appeared held the job back in August.
— TNA president Dixie Carter has joined Twitter at Twitter.com/TNADixie. Her first post detailed an eventful day at TNA headquarters. “Celebrated the Hogan signing at staff meeting this morning with champagne and donuts” Carter called it “a new beginning for TNA!”
— Speaking of Twitter, former WWE superstar Jeff Hardy’s Twitter page is now back online at Twitter.com/jeffhardybrand. He has not added any posts yet. The page was taken down shortly after his drug arrest on September 11th.
Future Raw Guest Host Revealed, Jeff Hardy & Dixie On Twitter
— The UK Sun is reporting that boxer Ricky Hatton will be guest hosting WWE Raw on 11/9 from the UK’s Sheffield Arena. Hatton will be the second boxer to host Raw after his recent opponent Floyd Mayweather Jr appeared held the job back in August.
— TNA president Dixie Carter has joined Twitter at Twitter.com/TNADixie. Her first post detailed an eventful day at TNA headquarters. “Celebrated the Hogan signing at staff meeting this morning with champagne and donuts” Carter called it “a new beginning for TNA!”
— Speaking of Twitter, former WWE superstar Jeff Hardy’s Twitter page is now back online at Twitter.com/jeffhardybrand. He has not added any posts yet. The page was taken down shortly after his drug arrest on September 11th.
Flair & Hogan Removed From WWE.com's Alumni Section
Following the announcement that Hulk Hogan will now be working with TNA Wrestling, there have been some curious changes to WWE.com that are worth noting.
Both Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair’s profiles have been removed from the Alumni section of WWE.com. Eric Bischoff, who will be joining Hulk Hogan in working with TNA, still has a profile on the Alumni page.
While its somewhat understandable why Hogan’s profile would be taken down now that he’s working for WWE’s top competitor, there hasn’t really been anything newsworthy with Ric Flair in recent days. While he is wrestling next month despite WWE’s grand sendoff last year at WrestleMania, this has been known for quite some time.
Flair & Hogan Removed From WWE.com’s Alumni Section
Following the announcement that Hulk Hogan will now be working with TNA Wrestling, there have been some curious changes to WWE.com that are worth noting.
Both Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair’s profiles have been removed from the Alumni section of WWE.com. Eric Bischoff, who will be joining Hulk Hogan in working with TNA, still has a profile on the Alumni page.
While its somewhat understandable why Hogan’s profile would be taken down now that he’s working for WWE’s top competitor, there hasn’t really been anything newsworthy with Ric Flair in recent days. While he is wrestling next month despite WWE’s grand sendoff last year at WrestleMania, this has been known for quite some time.
Roddy Piper Hosting Raw & Wants To Wrestle Vince McMahon
In an interview with IconvsIcon.com, WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper says that he’ll be hosting an upcoming edition of WWE Raw. While Piper hosting WWE Raw seems to be an indication that everything is fine between the two parties, that’s far from the case. Piper says he wasn’t happy with his involvement at WrestleMania 25 this April and wants to close his career on a better note.
“I wasn’t very happy with Wrestlemania XXV. In my mind, I want to put a cap on it as you say, with one more match, an extraordinary performance,” Piper said. “Ya know the clock is tickin’, let’s be honest, so sooner rather then later. So, I think if you saw me in Raw that it would be leading into that match. I don’t know what it is yet. But yeah, you are correct.”
Since WrestleMania back in April, Piper has been outspoken against WWE for booking him in a three-on-one handicap match with Ricky Steamboat and Jimmy Snuka against Chris Jericho. “I wasn’t wild about WrestleMania 25 to put it mildly. There’s not a chance in hell that that’s the last way you’re gonna see me,” Piper said on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show in August. “There will definitely be a return of Roddy Piper…and sooner than later. How many more fights I have in me, I don’t know.”
Piper knows that his days in the ring are virtually over, but he’s got an idea for one more high profile match that he’d like to see take place at WrestleMania 26 next year. “You got Vince McMahon who’s done a great job of promoting, who became a bodybuilder, and the last I saw him, I think he’s convinced himself he could fight now,” Piper said. “I say this…why don’t you just put Roddy Piper and Vince McMahon in the ring.”
Roddy Piper Hosting Raw & Wants To Wrestle Vince McMahon
In an interview with IconvsIcon.com, WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper says that he’ll be hosting an upcoming edition of WWE Raw. While Piper hosting WWE Raw seems to be an indication that everything is fine between the two parties, that’s far from the case. Piper says he wasn’t happy with his involvement at WrestleMania 25 this April and wants to close his career on a better note.
“I wasn’t very happy with Wrestlemania XXV. In my mind, I want to put a cap on it as you say, with one more match, an extraordinary performance,” Piper said. “Ya know the clock is tickin’, let’s be honest, so sooner rather then later. So, I think if you saw me in Raw that it would be leading into that match. I don’t know what it is yet. But yeah, you are correct.”
Since WrestleMania back in April, Piper has been outspoken against WWE for booking him in a three-on-one handicap match with Ricky Steamboat and Jimmy Snuka against Chris Jericho. “I wasn’t wild about WrestleMania 25 to put it mildly. There’s not a chance in hell that that’s the last way you’re gonna see me,” Piper said on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show in August. “There will definitely be a return of Roddy Piper…and sooner than later. How many more fights I have in me, I don’t know.”
Piper knows that his days in the ring are virtually over, but he’s got an idea for one more high profile match that he’d like to see take place at WrestleMania 26 next year. “You got Vince McMahon who’s done a great job of promoting, who became a bodybuilder, and the last I saw him, I think he’s convinced himself he could fight now,” Piper said. “I say this…why don’t you just put Roddy Piper and Vince McMahon in the ring.”
Recap Of Hulk Hogan On Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon
Hulk Hogan appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night. Fallon plugged his book and his “long-awaited return to pro wrestling†during Hulk’s intro. Jimmy talks about how he had all of the Hulk Hogan merchandise like the bandanas and dolls.
First, they talk about his book. Hulk says that he bottomed out, and everything disappeared at once which is what lead to the book. He recalls when he was about to open up American Gladiators and received the phone call that his wife was filing for divorce right before he was about to head onto the stage. He talks about having two of the worst days of his life when he got into his “old wrestler mentality†with drinking and taking pills. He says his main message is that things are cool and things get better. He says Eric Bischoff and Jimmy Hart told him he needs to speak up about his situation after he was getting slammed in the tabloids for so many months.
He speaks on Lou Albano passing away and says he was a great friend of his.
Jimmy says that The Hulkster just announced that he’s back wrestling again. Hulk says he’s going to get his legs back in Australia, and is going to be working with TNA. He says there has only been one wrestling company for the fans to watch, and he wants to start things back up again. He says he thinks he knows a little something about the wrestling business and wants to talk to all of the young wrestlers. There was no mention of tonight’s TNA iMPACT on Spike TV.
BREAKING: Ric Flair To TNA; Full Details On Plans for Flair & Hulk [FULL REPORT >>]
Hulk Hogan The New Head Writer & "Boss" Of TNA Wrestling?
Hulk Hogan’job role in TNA could be more than just appearing on television and the occasional match. Radio personality Bubba The Love Sponge has posted some comments on Twitter.com that stating that Hulk Hogan will have more power than virtually anybody in TNA.
Mr. Sponge wrote, “[Hogan] is the boss. Period. Him and Eric biscoff will run the show. Things are going to get interesting. Vince is going to have a shit fit.”
He later added, “The boss boss. No work. He wouldn’t go back to only be the work boss. He is the boss boss. Promise”
When asked by one of his Twitter follows what he meant by Hogan being the “boss”, he clarified by saying, “He is the Booker. Period. Saw it in his contract. Terry and Eric won’t make the same mistakes that they made at wcw.”
- Check out: Bubba The Love Sponge’s Website