Home Blog Page 3339

Stacy Keibler On CBS Show Tonight, Update On Wrestlicious

0

— Stacy Keibler will guest star on the 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother. The episode airs tonight at 8:00 p.m. on CBS. The former WWE Diva is being billed as “Hot Bartender.”

— In an update on the all-women’s wrestling promotion Wrestlicious, they have changed the graphic on their website to “Premieres 2010”. Furthermore, according to their Facebook page, their network is “TBA January 2010” and their show debuts in early 2010.

— TMZ has a story on “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s daughter, Ariel Toombs, who nearly got hit by a bus in West Hollywood after stepping out of her parked car this past Tuesday.

— Bret Hart’s ex-wife Julie will be appearing with former WWE stars Sim Snuka, Heidenreich, Val Venis and Doink the Clown at the Pro Wrestling Arizona indy show on January 29th in Phoenix. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

— In today’s wrestling birthday, Gory Guerrero — father of Eddie Guerrero — would have turned 89 years old. He passed away in 1990. Yesterday marked former WCW star Marcus “Buff” Bagwell’s birthday as he turned 40 years old. Also, Brian Christopher turned 38 while Colonel DeBeers turned 64.

Ric Flair Explains Why He Joined TNA Wrestling

5

Ric Flair says his main reason for joining TNA and making his debut this past Monday night on iMPACT! was because unlike WWE, he felt wanted by the organization. In an interview with Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post and Courier, he said he didn’t want to sit at home watching two wrestling shows on Monday nights when he feels he can still contribute to the industry.

“I think I certainly can add something to the show,” Flair said. “And the nice thing is … they want me.”

Flair says he waited for WWE to call him back after he worked a brief angle with Randy Orton this past June, but they never called him back to do a follow-up.

Flair says he was feeling great following his recent wrestling tour of Australia, both mentally and physically, and felt he shouldn’t have to sit on the sidelines when he can strongly contribute to TNA. Thus far, he’s been impressed with TNA’s professionalism.

“It’s been great. It couldn’t be better. I’m loving it here ..I never heard that it wasn’t [professional], but until you see it, you don’t know what to expect. I couldn’t be more impressed.”

Mooneyham noted: “Flair says he loves WWE and always will, but that he needed this opportunity for himself. … It’s a matter of pride, of belonging, of feeling that old familiar adrenaline rush. Flair says he is excited and energized by the positive vibes coming reverberating throughout the company (TNA).”

You can read the article at the following link.

Bret Hart's Next WWE Appearance, More On What The Miz Said

0

— Bret Hart won’t be appearing on tomorrow night’s episode of Raw. However, he is currently scheduled to appear on the following week’s show in Knoxville, Tennessee. (source: www.f4online.com)

— A few readers sent word that The Miz did not say he was gay — in French — to Maryse this past week on Raw. Reader TJ had this to say:

“To let you know, The Miz didn’t say “je suis gai, tu me veux” he said “je sais que tu me veux” which means “i know that you want me”. it was just his bad french accent that made this sound like “je suis gai.”

Another reader sent word that The Miz actually said he was cheerful. Reader Neu provided the following: “My mother has been a french speaker all her life. She checked out what the miz said and immediately said it meant cheerful. There wasn’t even a moment of hesitation. She told me it definitely didn’t mean homosexual.”

— Managers of a number of Toys “R” Us, Target and Walmart department stores were recently told to pull all Jakks Pacific WWE merchandise from their shelves to make room for the new Mattel line.

Bret Hart’s Next WWE Appearance, More On What The Miz Said

2

— Bret Hart won’t be appearing on tomorrow night’s episode of Raw. However, he is currently scheduled to appear on the following week’s show in Knoxville, Tennessee. (source: www.f4online.com)

— A few readers sent word that The Miz did not say he was gay — in French — to Maryse this past week on Raw. Reader TJ had this to say:

“To let you know, The Miz didn’t say “je suis gai, tu me veux” he said “je sais que tu me veux” which means “i know that you want me”. it was just his bad french accent that made this sound like “je suis gai.”

Another reader sent word that The Miz actually said he was cheerful. Reader Neu provided the following: “My mother has been a french speaker all her life. She checked out what the miz said and immediately said it meant cheerful. There wasn’t even a moment of hesitation. She told me it definitely didn’t mean homosexual.”

— Managers of a number of Toys “R” Us, Target and Walmart department stores were recently told to pull all Jakks Pacific WWE merchandise from their shelves to make room for the new Mattel line.

Stacy Keibler Wanted To Host RAW But WWE Ignored Her

8

When WWE Raw was visiting her home town of Baltimore, MD several weeks ago, former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler contacted the organization about coming back for the night as guest host.

Keibler tells SportsIllustrated.com, “It’s funny because I actually went to them when they were in my hometown of Baltimore a little while ago and they completely ignored me. Then, probably a month later, my publicist called them again and they said ‘Oh, we would love to have her and they gave us some dates, but it didn’t’ work around my schedule. So maybe in the future if the timing is right, but right now there no plans to do it.

WWE went with actor Verne Troyer (“Mini Mi” from the Austin Powers movies) instead. He wasn’t one of the better guest hosts.

Despite the first attempt not working out, Keibler says she’s still open to hosting Raw.

But it would be so much fun to walk out and feel that energy again and be around my fans. I would absolutely love to do it.”

To read the full interview, visit SportsIllustrated.com.

Edge Possibly Crossing Over To Raw

7

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

WWE has been running ads in the Texas area for a May live event in Lubbock advertising Triple H vs. John Cena vs. Edge with the WWE Championship on the line — a rematch of the main event at Backlash four years ago.

Considering that WWE changes plans on a monthly basis — if not weekly basis — it’s not a clue as to who will hold the title then, but it does apparently indicate that the current plan is for Edge to return to Raw.

Regarding the latest on multi-time champion’s health, Jim Ross said in a recent blog post that Edge is “questionable” to be fully-healed in time for WrestleMania after suffering a torn Achilles tendon this past summer.

“It is my understanding that Edge is still questionable as it relates to him being physically ready to compete at WM26,” Ross wrote on Wednesday. “I do understand that Edge is healing well from Achilles tendon surgery but it has always been a photo finish as to whether or not Edge will be able to wrestle at the end of March.”

Former WWF Star Ludvig Borga Found Dead At 47

0

Ludvig Borga
Tony "Ludvig Borga" Halme

source: www.iltalehti.fi

Tony Halme, who wrestled under his real name with New Japan Pro Wrestling in the early nineties, and as Ludvig Borga for the World Wrestling Federation from 1993 to 1994, passed away last night in his native country of Finland. No details are available regarding his cause of death. He was 47 years old.

Halme was a former member of the Finnish Parliament, representing the True Finns party. He was also known by the pseudonym Viikinki he used while appearing on the Finnish version of the television game show American Gladiators (Gladiaattorit).

Though he is best known for his appearances in the WWF under the name Ludvig Borga, he was also an MMA fighter and professional boxer who held the Finnish Heavyweight Championship. In a trivia note, he was Randy Couture’s first-ever opponent. On May 30, 1997, Couture won the match via choke in 57 seconds.

Halme retired from athletics in March 2003 in order to pursue a career in politics.

He celebrated his 47th birthday this past Wednesday.

Five More WWE Releases Confirmed

0

We’ve received word that several more cuts were made from WWE’s developmental talent roster this past Friday, including Dino Carter (Rashard Goff), Lennox McEnroe (Byron Wilcott), Leroy Morgan (Max McGuirk) and Lift Sawyer (Aaron Reed). All four grapplers have been removed from the FCW talent page.

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Chris Raaber (Christoph Herzog) parted ways with the organization several weeks ago. “The Bambikiller” has since returned to his native Austria.

Carter, 24, was an amateur wrestler at Cleveland State University in Ohio. He had only briefly competed for Florida Championship Wrestling as he made his debut just last fall.

McEnroe had been under contract to WWE since November 2008, but was apparently unable to find his niche in the company. He has wrestled across the globe and was one of the featured wrestlers on TLC’s short-lived wrestling reality program, The Bussey Bunch.

Morgan is the son of former WWF ring announcer Mike McGuirk not to mention grandson of legendary wrestling promoter Leroy McGuirk. He inked a developmental contract this past summer and like Carter, briefly appeared on FCW shows.

Sawyer is a 6 foot 8 inch, 295 pound former bodybuilder the company signed in June. He sparingly competed on shows.

As reported over the weekend, former ECW star DJ Gabriel (Steve Lewington) and developmental wrestler Sweet Papi Sanchez (José Torres) were also released on Friday.

(Credit to PWInsider.com for the information used in this report)

Lacey Causes Show To Be Retaped, Flair Working On 2nd Book

4

— Jeremy Borash said yesterday morning during an appearance on the Pain Clinic radio show that TNA shot an episode of Spin Cycle two weeks ago with Lacey Von Erich and Kevin Nash but it ended up being much too raunchy to air. Borash said they taped it again and he had Lacey clean up her ‘potty mouth’.

— TNA Superstar Ric Flair is working on a second book. His first book, Ric Flair: To Be the Man, was released in 2004. (source: SLAM! Wrestling)

— In case you missed the post-Impact press conference, you can watch it at the following link.

TNA Program To Be Featured Monthly, TNA Draws Sellout Crowd

2

— This Thursday following iMPACT!, Spike will debut the TNA Epics series. The show, which will be hosted by Mick Foley, will feature classic TNA footage.

The debut episode will focus on Kurt Angle.

The second episode, which will air on Thursday, February 11th, 2010, will feature Sting. Here is the preview, courtesy of Spike.com: “Presenting some of the best matches from “The Icon” Sting’s career with TNA Wrestling. Hosted by Mick Foley, this one-hour special also includes exclusive interviews with the legend and showcases the amazing moments fans will always remember.”

— TNA drew a sellout crowd of 2,500, its best house show numbers in several months, for Friday night’s live event in Westbury, New York. (source: f4wonline)

— You can follow Jesse Neal on Twitter at twitter.com/jessenealtna.

The Releases Continue – Another WWE Wrestler Let Go

0

After spending two years in developmental, WWE has parted ways with José Torres, better known among Puerto Rican wrestling fans as Black Pain. He too was released alongside the former DJ Gabriel yesterday.

Torres had been performing under the guise of a “monster” persona initially developed during his time in the Puerto Rican wrestling scene several years ago, but became “WWE-ized” this past summer as the company had him remove his trademark mask in favor of a fan friendly gimmick known as Sweet Papi Sanchez. Accompanied by a sexy valet known as “Candy Girl,” Torres would hand out candy to fans at ringside. Apparently, the persona did not catch on as Candy Girl was broken off from Sanchez within a matter of weeks and he was removed from television.

After a brief hiatus, he returned to his former persona just a few weeks ago at a Florida Championship Wrestling live event.

Source: PWInsider.com

Another Wrestler Quits WWE, Follow J.R. On Twitter, More

0

— This managed to fall under the radar, but just before the holidays, developmental wrestler Dylan Klein handed in his notice to World Wrestling Entertainment.

In a blog post dated Thursday, December 24, 2009, Klein released the following statement:

This week I gave my notice to WWE

This week I gave my notice to WWE. It was a really tough thing for me to do, as this has always been my passion, my goal, a dream to me. I want to say thank you to everybody who has supported me along the way, I’ve had a lot of fun entertaining all of you. Best wishes & follow your dreams.
Sincerely,
“The trend setting…, Attention getting, One of a kind”
Dylan Klein

His picture has since been removed from the FCW talent page.

— Eve Torres and former ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson will be taking part in a meet-and-greet autograph session prior next Thursday’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping at the FCW Arena in Tampa. Eve will be participating in another meet-and-greet the very next day at the Fort Myers Harborside Event Center. Visit www.fcwwrestling.info for more details.

— Jim Ross has begun tweeting. You can keep up with “good ol'” J.R. at twitter.com/JRsBBQ.

DJ Gabriel Comments On His Release From WWE

1

As reported late last night, Steve Lewington (a.k.a. DJ Gabriel) has been released by World Wrestling Entertainment. The former ECW performer posted a blog on his MySpace account this afternoon commenting on his departure from the organization. Here is his statement in its entirety:

WWE

The word has spread so I wanted to take the time to update and blog to all of you. My tenure within the WWE is no more. I was with the company for almost five years and enjoyed every minute of it. I was honored to be with the largest professional wrestling company in the world from start to finish.

Although my tenure within the WWE is now over, I won’t get depressed over it. I’ll be the first to admit that I knew it was coming sooner rather than later. I didn’t know when, but I knew it was getting closer. Today starts a new chapter in my life and in my career. I’m not going to look back, complain, and berate the WWE because I have nothing but good things to say about them. They gave me an opportunity to live in the spotlight, and whether whatever character I portrayed or how long it lasted, I still got that opportunity.

I had a blast working in the WWE, there are so many matches and memories that will always put a smile on my face. Kenny Bolin, Jim Cornette, and the McMahon family were big inspirations on my career. I have nothing but good things to say about all of them. They helped me incredibly the entire time I was with the WWE and I am honored to have come to know them.

There’s a lot of buzz about what’s next for me. Let me just say this, it doesn’t matter where I go, I will perform and always entertain people. I thrive to be at my best and show everyone what I’ve got. And now that this is a new chapter in my life I feel that I can perform better than I ever have. I feel greater and stronger than ever mentally and physically and I know that I’m at the top of my game. Will you see me in ROH or TNA? You never know. Will you see me overseas? It’s a possibility. Will you see me in WWE again? Another possibility. It doesn’t matter if I’m performing for 30 people in a school or performing for thousands in an arena, I’ll showcase my passion and skills to everybody.

I want to take the time to thank everyone that has ever supported me, whether its been since my debut or even to today. You’re the reason I thrive to be a part of professional wrestling because I love to entertain you. I wouldn’t be who I am without any of you and I wouldn’t have ever had a chance without your support. I also want to thank Noe and everybody who helps out with this website, you guys are simply amazing and such caring people.

Also, you can always stay updated on me at www.DJ-Gabriel.com, www.myspace.com/stevelewington, and www.twitter.com/UKLewington. I just joined back onto Twitter to stay connected with all of you, and as some can tell, I tried reopening the old Twitter page (www.twitter.com/wwedjgabriel) which it did, but it has some serious log in troubles.

Thanks to everyone who reads this and I’ll always appreciate the love and support. I’m hoping to add some things to the website to interact with all of you, but we’ll get to that later. I’ll be back with another blog and I can guarantee that you will see me soon…

Steve

He also made the following status update: “After nearly 5 years, I am free once again…”

Another Rumored Name For The WWE HOF, Candice Update

0

— The latest rumored name for induction into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class comes in the form of “The Million Dollar Man.” Ted DiBiase is heavily rumored to be inducted this year, though nothing has been confirmed. (source: WrestlingFigs.com)

— Candice Michelle noted on her Twitter account yesterday she’s taking breastfeeding classes. The former WWE Women’s Champion recently announced she will be giving birth to a baby girl in May.

— Lilian Garcia is auctioning off a few bikinis she wore for photo shoots during her time in WWE, as well as a pair of boots. You can view the auctions at the following link.

— In today’s wrestling birthday, former WCW cruiserweight wrestler Silver King turns 41 years old. In yesterday’s birthdays, former WWE Women’s Champion Bull Nakano turned 42 years old while Bushwhacker Luke turned 62.

Identity Of Fan CM Punk "Saved", Another Possible Release

0

— As seen last night on SmackDown, CM Punk followed up on his promise to “save” a member of the WWE Universe. A fan identified only as James was the chosen one. Assuaging James of his fears, the “Straightedge Savior” shaved his head, initiating him into the straightedge society. The identity of the fan is OVW star Ted “The Trailor” McNailer. Click here for more information on this young grappler.

— The official website of Florida Championship Wrestling has removed WWE developmental wrestler Lift Sawyer from its talent page — the lone modification to the section.

However, it should be noted that he may not have necessarily been released as he could be getting repackaged, or considering he has very little wrestling experience, perhaps getting more seasoning for an eventual return to the roster. Though he was listed on the FCW talent page, he sparingly competed at live events.

Sawyer, whose real name is Aaron Reed, is a 6 foot 8 inch, 295 pound former bodybuilder the company signed to a developmental contract this past June. He is based out of Las Vegas.

— WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ proposed trip to Ohio Valley Wrestling this past week to scout prospective talent ended up being canceled. They did, however, sign OVW wrestler Asher Knight to a developmental contract at Tuesday’s SmackDown/ECW tapings in Louisville, reports f4wonline.com. He’ll be heading to Florida soon.

Identity Of Fan CM Punk “Saved”, Another Possible Release

0

— As seen last night on SmackDown, CM Punk followed up on his promise to “save” a member of the WWE Universe. A fan identified only as James was the chosen one. Assuaging James of his fears, the “Straightedge Savior” shaved his head, initiating him into the straightedge society. The identity of the fan is OVW star Ted “The Trailor” McNailer. Click here for more information on this young grappler.

— The official website of Florida Championship Wrestling has removed WWE developmental wrestler Lift Sawyer from its talent page — the lone modification to the section.

However, it should be noted that he may not have necessarily been released as he could be getting repackaged, or considering he has very little wrestling experience, perhaps getting more seasoning for an eventual return to the roster. Though he was listed on the FCW talent page, he sparingly competed at live events.

Sawyer, whose real name is Aaron Reed, is a 6 foot 8 inch, 295 pound former bodybuilder the company signed to a developmental contract this past June. He is based out of Las Vegas.

— WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ proposed trip to Ohio Valley Wrestling this past week to scout prospective talent ended up being canceled. They did, however, sign OVW wrestler Asher Knight to a developmental contract at Tuesday’s SmackDown/ECW tapings in Louisville, reports f4wonline.com. He’ll be heading to Florida soon.

WWE Couple Reportedly Engaged, The Miz Gets Misinterpreted?

0

— ECW General Manager Tiffany (Taryn Terrell) and Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre (Drew Galloway) are officially engaged, reports PWInsider.com. Terrell and Galloway plan to wed in May.

— The Miz may have been misinterpreted as according to FreeTranslation.com, the French to English translation of “Je suis gai, tu me veux” — what he said to Maryse this past Monday night on Raw — is “I am cheerful, you want me.” It’s been noted that he said, “I am gay, you want me.” With that being said, this is likely a case of a word having multiple connotations. (Thanks to Peter Nieto)

— InsideCostaRica.com has an article on Rosa Mendes returning to her Costa Rican roots when WWE tours the country next month. (Wrestling Diva Returns To Her Costa Rican Roots)

Jeremy Borash Hints At "Big Name" Making Surprise Debut Soon

0

— Jeremy Borash said this morning during an appearance on the Pain Clinic radio show that TNA is expected to debut a big-name wrestler at the Genesis pay-per-view, which takes place on Jan. 17. He indicated it would be a “big surprise.”

— Hulk Hogan’s TNA entrance theme is actually not a new song as it can be heard on the WCW Nitro and WCW/nWo Thunder video games released on Playstation in the late nineties. At the time, a sound-alike was created because THQ didn’t own the rights to the actual New World Order song.

— Kurt Angle appears on this week’s editions of TNA Today and Live Events Center. Click here to view the videos.

Jeremy Borash Hints At “Big Name” Making Surprise Debut Soon

6

— Jeremy Borash said this morning during an appearance on the Pain Clinic radio show that TNA is expected to debut a big-name wrestler at the Genesis pay-per-view, which takes place on Jan. 17. He indicated it would be a “big surprise.”

— Hulk Hogan’s TNA entrance theme is actually not a new song as it can be heard on the WCW Nitro and WCW/nWo Thunder video games released on Playstation in the late nineties. At the time, a sound-alike was created because THQ didn’t own the rights to the actual New World Order song.

— Kurt Angle appears on this week’s editions of TNA Today and Live Events Center. Click here to view the videos.

Stephanie Profiled, WWE Releasing New Entrance Theme Album

1

— The latest issue of Continental magazine has a feature article on WWE being run by a few women, particularly Donna Goldsmith, chief operating officer; Michelle Wilson, executive vice president of marketing; and Stephanie McMahon, executive vice president of creative development and operation. According to the article, they are “the day-to-day drivers behind this $500 million-plus marketing engine” that is World Wrestling Entertainment.

It’s also worth nothing that WWE wants everyone to know that what they do is not “wrestling,” but rather, “entertainment” — according to the article. Secondly, talent are to be referred to as “Superstars” and “Divas,” not wrestlers.

To read the article in its entirety, click here.

— WWE announced on its Twitter account that next week, WWE.com will be releasing exclusive news concerning the release of the company’s next compilation album, WWE: The Music Vol. 10.

What The Miz Said On Raw, Maryse Battling The Flu, Melina

5

— This past Monday night on Raw, United States Champion The Miz spoke to Maryse in French following her match with Brie Bella. He said, “Je suis gai, tu me veux,” which according to www.f4wonline.com translates to “I am gay, you want me.”

— Maryse noted on her Twitter account she’s battling the flu.

“On my way to Boston, awww will miss L.A. warm weather, better not be freezing over there! I have the flu AGAIN. What’s the best medicine?” She continued, “Well Nebraska is white, I’m so looking forward to a hot chocolate! Used a box of Kleenex and two packs of Halls already, nose is like rudolf!”

— Melina will be appearing at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, Texas on Friday, February 19nd from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

— ECW General Manager Tiffany will be appearing on behalf of Comcast today from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, located in San Jose, California.

Rumble Participants To Be Announced, Elimination Chamber

0

— World Wrestling Entertainment will begin announcing participants for the twenty-third annual Royal Rumble next week on Monday Night Raw as well as on the company website.

— WWE’s second pay-per-view of the year, Elimination Chamber, will go head-to-head with an United States vs. Canada Olympic hockey game on February 22nd. The feeling is this will significantly affect pay-per-view buys in Canada.

— This week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored an 0.8 cable rating.

Batista Appearing In Upcoming Movie, Hall of Fame Ticket Info

0

— Dave Batista will be taking part in the independent film Blood Out, which is slated to begin filming next month in Baton Rogue, Louisiana.

According to a report on 2theadvocate.com, the film is described as an action/western focused on “a small-town sheriff who goes undercover to avenge his brother’s death.”

The film is being directed by Jason Hewitt, who worked as a producer on Wrong Side of Town, which features Batista as well as former WWE performers Rob Van Dam and Nelson Frazier (a.k.a. Big Daddy V).

According to IMDB.com, Batista will be playing the role of Michael King in the movie.

— Tickets for the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony go on sale next Saturday at 10 a.m. MST/noon ET. Tickets cost $55. For more information, click here.

Alicia Fox is today’s “Daily Diva” on WWE.com while John Cena is the “Superstar of the Day.”

WWE Releases Former ECW Star

0

source: PWInsider.com

World Wrestling Entertainment released former ECW performer Steve Lewington (a.k.a. DJ Gabriel) today.

Lewington was split from Alicia Fox last April as a result of the 2009 Supplemental Draft, leaving the English grappler to fend for himself. Creative apparently had nothing for him considering he was soon shipped off to developmental. He never returned to the main roster.

Lewington had been under contract to WWE since April 2006.

There may have a few other releases in developmental today, but they have yet to be confirmed.

WWE Erases Jeff Hardy, John Cena's Title Reign

0

– The WWE website has removed Jeff Hardy’s profile from its Alumni section, as well as that of Eric Bischoff’s. Meanwhile, the site added a profile on “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, who lost his brave battle with throat cancer last week. Both Hardy and Bischoff debuted for rival promotion TNA Wrestling this past Monday night on iMPACT!.

– John Cena is the fifth longest reigning WWE Champion in history as he held the belt for 836 total days. The four wrestling legends he trails are as follows: Bruno Sammartino (4,040 total days), Hulk Hogan (2,185 total days), Bob Backlund (2,138 total days) and Pedro Morales (1,027 total days).

— Today is Raw Superstar Chris Masters’ birthday. “The Masterpiece” turns 27 years old.

(Credit to the Wrestling Observer some of the information used in this report)