Ex-WCW Star Says He'd Work For WWE For Free, Diva Training In BJJ
By Daniel Pena
May 29, 2009 - 2:25:17 PM
-- In an interview with the New York Daily News, former WCW wrestler Marcus "Buff" Bagwell said he would work for World Wrestling Entertainment for free.
Bagwell said, "I'd love to join them so much I'd work for free!"
Regarding recent rumors of the five-time tag team champion heading to TNA Wrestling, Bagwell adamantly denied them.
"I don't know who started them, but (the rumors) are totally false. I have not been contacted by TNA," Bagwell said. "If they did call, I'd answer and listen."
Follow Kennedy On Facebook & Twitter, HHH & McCool Visit Japan
By Daniel Pena
May 31, 2009 - 12:40:41 PM
-- Wrestling fans can keep up with former WWE Superstar Mr. Kennedy on Facebook at the following link. You can also follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/secondpower. Both accounts were confirmed by his official website. It was also noted that he does not have a page on MySpace.
-- Triple H and Michelle McCool are currently doing promotional work on behalf of World Wrestling Entertainment for their upcoming tour of Japan in early July. Additionally, both WWE Superstars presented awards during the MTV Japan Music Video Awards yesterday in Saitama. Click here to see a video interview DJ Kaori conducted with "The Game" and the former WWE Divas Champion.
-- John Cena will be throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field on Saturday, June 20th prior to the Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians baseball game.
Flair Says He's Done Wrestling In U.S., But Will Wrestle Overseas
By Daniel Pena
May 31, 2009 - 12:16:26 PM
In an interview with Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post and Courier, Ric Flair said he has no plans to diminish his sendoff at WrestleMania 24.
"Don't worry about that ... I'm never going to wrestle again here. It's not going to happen," Flair said. However, he does have plans to wrestle overseas on a tour.
"I don't think anyone could begrudge me for throwing my gear on (overseas)," said Flair.
Flair also commented on WWE officials pulling him from Friday's Ring of Honor television taping.
"I just can't work for two people," Flair said. "It doesn't make sense... It would be hypocritical if I tried to do both. I just told the truth. You can't go wrong telling the truth. My loyalty is with WWE, and that's where I'm at."
To read the article in its entirety, click here.
Posted in: WWE
JR Comments On Kennedy's Release, Torrie Wilson, John Tolos, More
By Daniel pena
May 31, 2009 - 11:18:35 AM
Jim Ross has posted his latest blog entry on his official website,
www.jrsbarbq.com. Here are some of the highlights of his latest blog:
Mr. Kennedy's release: "Sorry to year that 33 year old Mr. Kennedy was released at the end of the week by WWE. Kennedy got the old "future endeavored" send off that has happened to many. If Kennedy can remain healthy, one would like to think that he his string of injuries is behind him, and can continue with his career in the relatively near future many feel Kennedy has the skills to be a main eventer on a consistent basis. Kennedy is a studious guy and likely won't find it difficult to secure work. Sometimes a fresh start is good for a wrestler and I hope that's the case for Kennedy or what ever his next wrestling name will be."
The passing of John Tolos: "Our condolences to the family and friends of former wrestling great John Tolos who passed away at the age of 78 a day or so ago and who is considered one of the best hands on the mic ever and especially in his hey day. Tolos is famous for his run in Southern California and his 70's rivalry with WWE HOF'er Classy Freddie Blassie. Neither man was ever considered to be a fabulous in ring performer but all they did was sell tickets because what they did they did well and both could verbalize and paint vivid word pictures that enhanced the all important emotional investment from the paying customers and sold tickets. Wrestlers who can verbalize and especially those that can ad lib and be spontaneous on the mic greatly enhance their opportunities to become stars. That art form seems to be fleeting which is not a good thing."
Receiving an e-mail from Torrie Wilson: "I got a nice email a few hours ago from Torrie Wilson who is competing on the new NBC reality show, "I'm a Celebrity...Get me Out of Here" that debuts on NBC on Monday June 1. I hope all wrestling fans will be watching and more importantly VOTING for Torrie to win it all. She is a marathon runner who is in great physical condition and is much more mentally tough then perhaps her reality show peers will give her credit. Torrie has a great mind set for this irreverent competition and without question she will be the hottest celeb in the rainy jungle of Costa Rica. Hey, Boise State, Torrie's favorite college team, upset might Oklahoma once upon a time so why can't some one from the wrestling world win a network reality show??"
Finlay's legitimate eye issue: "Finlay has a scratched cornea from what I understand but don't expect the tough, veteran from Belfast to miss much in ring time. WWE could use more experienced hands like Finlay to help teach the young guys right from wrong inside the ropes."
Ric Flair possibly working with Hulk Hogan Overseas: "Perhaps Hulk should try and be Ric Flair's opponent on some of the international destinations Ric has spoken about to various media outlets including China and South Africa. Or, better yet, what about a tag of Flair and Hogan vs. (fill in the blank)? Hey, it's just an idea and please don't tell me that it wouldn't garner big PR and sell tickets especially in international lands or even in the states for a special occasion."
Posted in: WWE
Backstage Heat On Missing WWE Star, John Cena Garners Low Rating
By Daniel Pena
May 30, 2009 - 12:36:48 AM
sources: The Sun, PWInsider.com
-- In an update on the whereabouts of missing Raw Superstar Sim Snuka (Jimmy Reiher, Jr.), he is said to be in the doghouse for what has been described as a very serious reason. The second generation wrestler has not appeared on television in nearly five months.
-- In a minor update on independent women's wrestler Serena Deeb, she still has yet to sign a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. She was offered a deal after making a cameo appearance on last week's episode of ECW on Sci Fi.
-- Last night's episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.76 cable rating, resulting in the lowest rated episode of the series to date. This week's episode was hyped as John Cena's first appearance on WWE Superstars, as he took on Ted DiBiase.
Former World Wrestling Federation Manager Passes Away
By Daniel Pena
May 29, 2009 - 2:54:36 PM
source:
www.f4wonline.comJohn Tolos passed away last night in California at the age of 78. His death is believed to be as a result of kidney failure.
"The Golden Greek" and his brother Chris worked a number of territories as a tag team including the WWWF, NWA Detroit, Maple Leaf Wrestling, NWA Los Angeles, Stampede Wrestling and Championship Wrestling from Florida. They held several tag team championships throughout North America as heels.
Following his split from his brother, Tolos went on to become a top singles heel in Los Angeles and was considered one of the top talkers of the seventies.
Tolos may be best known for feuding with Fred Blassie in one of pro wrestling's all-time greatest feuds. He was chosen by Blassie to be his opponent in a match in 1971 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, which was one of the biggest events in wrestling of the time.
Tolos had a brief run in the World Wrestling Federation in 1991 as the manager of Intercontinental Champion "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig, replacing Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Known as "The Coach," the character never really caught on, partially because Hennig took an extended leave of absence following SummerSlam after suffering a severe back injury. With Hennig indefinitely out of action, along with The Beverly Brothers changing their manager to "The Genius" Lanny Poffo, Tolos quietly disappeared from the World Wrestling Federation by the end of the year.
Tolos later worked for Herb Abrams' Universal Wrestling Federation as an announcer and heel manager for "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Cactus Jack and The Power Twins.
Tolos' career in wrestling spanned three decades and he worked regularly into his 50s. He was known for his tremendous conditioning as he continued distance running well into his 60s. However, a near fatal stroke slowed him down in recent years.
Click here to read an article on "The Golden Greek."
Nude Images Allegedly Of WWE Star Surface Online, Mickie, Tiffany
By Daniel Pena
May 29, 2009 - 11:28:26 AM
-- A celebrity gossip website that typically doesn't cover professional wrestling has posted some very explicit nude cell phone images allegedly of ECW color commentator Matt Striker. The images were allegedly taken by him and display full frontal nudity. They were apparently passed on to the celebrity gossip website by a former partner.
The person who leaked them claimed the following to the gossip website: "It says "GM presents Matt Striker" because these are his pictures and he doesn't want anyone else claiming them. Please don't ask me how he got them. He is not willing to share that information and they weren’t leaked online."
-- ECW's Interim General Manager Tiffany has been nominated for PETA's World's Sexiest Vegetarian 2009 contest. She is going up the likes of Hayden Panettiere, singer Kellie Pickler and Pamela Anderson, to name a few. (Vote Tiffany World’s Sexiest Vegetarian)
-- WWE.com has an article on Mickie James touring 9-year-old Sarah Lindauer's garden, WWE's latest "Community Champion." What was once was an abandoned field was cleaned up by Lindauer, and today, "olive trees and vegetables flourish." The greens grown will then be donated to local families and the senior center.
"I thought the whole project was beautiful," James said. "I loved how everything was organic and that they were trying to give back, not just to their community, but to those in need."
You can read the article at the following link.
WWE Universe Turns Its Back On McMahon, Dolph Ziggler Interview
By Daniel Pena
May 29, 2009 - 11:06:55 AM
source: PWInsider.com
-- Here are the quarter hour numbers for this past Monday's episode of Monday Night Raw. It's interesting to note that Raw lost 0.13 ratings points by the time Vince McMahon was through mocking Denver Nuggets owner E. Stan Kroenke. The rating would continue to free fall through the first hour, although viewership spiked come hour two.
* 9:00: 3.28 - Vince McMahon mocks Stan Kroenke, The Miz appears
* 9:15: 3.15 - Miz and John Cena, Maryse vs. Kelly Kelly
* 9:30: 2.99 - Backstage with "Jack Nicholson," star of United States Championship Shot Triple Threat
* 9:45: 2.90 - conclusion of United States shampionship shot, Ric Flair walks backstage
* 10:00: 3.26 - Flair vs. Randy Orton confrontation, Santino's ring entrance
* 10:15: 3.42 - Santino and Mickie James vs. Chavo Guerrero and Beth, start of Kendrick and Festus vs. Goldust and Hornswoggle
* 10:30: 3.29 - conclusion Kendrick and Festus vs. Goldust and Hornswoggle, ring announcement of "players" for main event
* 10:45: 3.31 - 5-on-5 main event
* Overrun: 3.81 - conclusion of 5-on-5 main event and aftermath
Overall, the show scored a 3.2 cable rating, with hours of 3.08 and 3.38.
-- The latest issue of WWE Magazine has an interview with rising SmackDown star Dolph Ziggler. He discusses handshakes. (60 Seconds with...Dolph Ziggler)
-- WWE has renamed their online video on-demand service once again. It will now simply be known as WWEClassics.com. (Welcome to WWECLASSICS.com)
NEWS > WWE >
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Posted in: WWE
Ric Flair Says He Will Probably Wrestle Again (Interview)
By Michael Bluth
May 28, 2009 - 7:17:57 PM
Source: NBCSports.MSNBC.com
"If Brett Favre can come back once in a while, I certainly can" - Ric Flair.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Ric Flair says the chances of him wrestling again are very likely. "I would like to, but I'm not going to do anything to rock the boat," Flair said. "I'm in the same kind of shape I was last year when I retired. It's hard to stay away from something you like so well, especially when you still feel like you can do it. If I did wrestle, it would be overseas, it wouldn't be here."
Flair currently serves as an "ambassador" for Ring of Honor and thinks the promotion's young talent has a lot to offer. "I do like working with the young guys and talking to them a lot," Flair said. "They've got some great kids. It's very professional. I wouldn't put my name somewhere I didn't think was professional."
Still, as much as Flair likes being around the action, he still has the urge to walk that aisle and wrestle again. "In my gut, I do," he said. "Do I think I will? Yes. I'm not going to take no easily. Like I've said, I haven't retired, they retired me."
NEWS > WWE >
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Posted in: WWE
Backstage Struggle Between McMahon & HHH, Scary SD Rating, More
By Daniel Pena
May 28, 2009 - 3:05:39 PM
sources:
www.pwtorch.com, PWInsider.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
-- During his absence from television, Triple H has been helping out behind the scenes at weekly Raw tapings. However, one source said Triple H is not as passionate about the product when he's not involved, and the feeling of more than one person is that Raw has featured more comedy as of late because he and Shawn Michaels are not around to lobby against skits in production meetings. If you recall, it was reported a few months ago that Triple H and Michaels were being praised internally for speaking out against the campy comedy McMahon seems to enjoy.
-- Last week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown drew an anemic 1.6 broadcast rating, tying a series worst on myNetworkTV. The show even featured their top program in a one-on-one match as Jeff Hardy took on Edge in a Winner chooses the Stipulation for Extreme Rules Championship Match.
-- Considering Wrestlemania XXV performed so well on pay-per-view in Mexico, more cable systems in Mexico plan on offering more WWE pay-per-view events. For years, all WWE pay-per-view events had been airing on regular television in Mexico because people aren't culturally used to paying for wrestling on television.
