"Superstar" Billy Graham's WWE Termination Notice Posted Online
By Daniel Pena
May 2, 2009 - 3:02:24 PM
As reported earlier, World Wrestling Entertainment recently released "Superstar" Billy Graham from his contract in a cost-cutting measure. The Hall of Famer was collecting $2,000 per month from the company as a consultant.
As you would imagine, Graham is upset over their decision to release him from his contract. Perhaps as retribution, he asked Georgiann Makropoulos of WrestlingFigs.com to post the letter WWE sent him two weeks ago informing him of his release from the company. You can see a scan of the letter at the following link.
WWE is apparently claiming the rights to the "Superstar" Billy Graham name and his character's trademark likeness as the letter specifies that he is forever precluded from "using any names, likeness, costumes, props, gimmicks, gestures, routines, themes, personalities, or caricatures, which refer or relate to, or which are confusingly similar to those [he] used while bound by the contract."
They are also requesting that Graham return any property belonging to the company prior to the termination date of his contract, citing championship belts and costumes.
He is also informed that he is prohibited from appearing at any wrestling-related events through the termination date of his contract on July 19, 2009.
Legal Setback For Hulk Hogan, Santino Wets The Bed, Classic Trish
By Michael Bluth
Apr 30, 2009 - 5:01:19 PM
-- WWE.com has posted a new photo gallery featuring classic pictures of former Diva Trish Stratus, which can be viewed here.
-- In the latest episode of Santino's Casa over at WWE.com, Santino and "girlfriend" Beth Phoenix visited a relationship counselor. During the episode, Beth reveals that Santino wets the bed when he drinks too much "Yoo-hoo" chocolate milk.
-- A judge in Pinellas County, Florida has denied Hulk Hogan's request for Linda Hogan's 19-year-old boyfriend Charlie Hill to be prohibited from driving Hogan-owned cars. Hulk argued that his assets would be at risk if accident-prone Hill got into an accident while behind the wheel of one of Hulk's cars. While the judge did state that "it would appear to be exceedingly imprudent" to keep Charlie from behind the wheel, the request was still denied. Hulk Hogan's attorney told TMZ.com, "This issue certainly isn't over... clearly from [the judge's] statement from this hearing that in principal he agrees with our position but legally does not feel he is able to grant an injunction." To view the legal documents, visit TMZ.com.
Buff Bagwell Discusses Shooting His Father, Torrie Wilson's Pay
By Daniel Pena
Apr 29, 2009 - 9:53:29 PM
-- Former WCW star Buff Bagwell is working on an autobiography entitled Gladiators Don't Cry.
"I've got a story that is completely off the chain. It's crazy, literally, it really is. I shot my father when I was 18 years old for beating my mom up. So, way beyond wrestling my life's been crazy. He's still alive and now we're best friends," Bagwell said. "I've led a pretty crazy life outside of wrestling, but that too. In wrestling it was just wide open."
In an interview with the Coshocton Tribune, the five-time WCW World Tag Team Champion discusses his numerous tag team partnerships, working indy shows, meeting the fans, and more. (Buff Bagwell to headline OCW show)
-- Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson stands to earn $70,000 for her participation in NBC's upcoming reality television show, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!, reports The Sun. The winner of the show will donate $100,000 to a charity of his or her choosing.
In it, a cast of nine celebrities live in jungle conditions with few comforts and have to earn human essentials. The show premieres on Monday, June 1st and will air Monday through Thursday nights for the entire month.
-- Former wrestling manager Percy Pringle has issued a statement regarding the passing of former Pringle Dynasty member "Playboy" Buddy Rose, who was found dead by his wife yesterday afternoon at their home in Vancouver, Washington. Pringle managed Rose in the Florida Championship Wrestling territory in 1985. You can read his statement here.
"12 Rounds" On Its Last Legs, Buddy Rose Remembered, Sim Snuka
By Daniel Pena
Apr 29, 2009 - 10:16:19 PM
-- 12 Rounds, starring WWE Superstar John Cena, is on its last legs as the film was carried in a limited number of theaters this past weekend — 223 to be exact.
According to
www.BoxOfficeMojo.com, 12 Rounds brought in an additional $100,484 last weekend, bringing its five week total to $11,492,383. In comparison, The Marine was at $17,945,427 by the same point, drawing an additional $705,576 in it's fifth weekend out.
-- WWE.com has uploaded a tribute photo gallery honoring former WWE Superstar "Playboy" Buddy Rose (real name Paul Perschmann), who was found dead by his wife yesterday afternoon at their home in Vancouver, Washington. The gallery features images of Rose from his cup of coffee stint in the promotion in 1990.
-- Seldom seen Raw Superstar Sim Snuka (in his plain black T-shirt gimmick) is today's "Superstar of the Day" on WWE.com. Snuka has not been seen since the January 12, 2009 episode of Monday Night Raw where Ted DiBiase betrayed him and Manu.
NEWS > WWE >
Posted in: WWE
SmackDown
Draws Record Low Rating, WrestleMania 27 Location, More
By Daniel Pena
Apr 29, 2009 - 11:30:42 PM
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
-- WWE probably won't be issuing a press release this week as last week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown drew a 1.6 rating with 2.7 million viewers, setting a record low number for the program on myNetworkTV. The show was headlined by Batista and Shane McMahon vs. Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes.
-- At the moment, WWE is leaning toward holding WrestleMania 27 in Indianapolis. However, nothing will be decided until early next year.
-- WWE plans on keeping all three brands apart from this point forward. For the most part, WWE managed to stay true to their new directive as announcer Josh Mathews and United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter were the sole talents to cross brands following Backlash. It was noted on commentary during last week's episode of SmackDown that MVP's title defense against Dolph Ziggler on this week's show was signed prior to the Draft.
Linda Hogan Looking To Cash In On Hulk's "O.J. Simpson" Comments
By Michael Bluth
Apr 28, 2009 - 4:36:29 PM
Earlier this month, Hulk Hogan made tabloid headlines when he told Rolling Stone magazine that after the latest round of divorce proceedings, he empathizes with O.J. Simpson. Hogan told Rolling Stone, "I could have turned everything into a crime scene, like OJ, cutting everybody's throat. You live half a mile from the 20,000-square-foot home you can't go to anymore, you're driving through downtown Clearwater and see a 19-year-old boy driving your Escalade, and you know that a 19-year-old boy is sleeping in your bed, with your wife . . . I totally understand OJ. I get it."
Now, TMZ.com reports that Linda Hogan is looking to cash in on Hulk's poor choice of words. This afternoon, Linda filed papers in Pinellas County, Florida claiming she is in "imminent danger of becoming a victim" and needs an additional $8,200 a month from Hulk so she can move "thousands of miles away" from him.
Linda is also asking for $24,000 for "advanced rent and security deposits" so she can find a new home in California - where, as TMZ points out, O.J. allegedly killed his wife.
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NEWS > WWE > TNA >
Posted in: NEWS
Bret Hart Interview: Forgiving HBK, Taking Wrestling Too Serious
By Michael Bluth
Apr 27, 2009 - 12:12:05 PM
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart was interviewed by Sky Sports in Great Britain while on his overseas book tour. You can read the entire interview at SkySports.com. Here's what the Hitman said about:
Writing His Book: "In a lot of ways the writing was really cathartic for me. I tried to let it take its own course. I never rushed anything. I found myself putting a full day just into writing a whole page."
The Montreal Screwjob: "For me I don't really have much issue with it anymore. If you asked me that up until probably about a year ago I'd have probably said something different. But I've cooled off a bit now. I don't want to carry it around anymore. If [Shawn Michaels] wanted to apologize I would accept it. I'd move on but I wouldn't forget it."
Inducting Shawn Michaels into the WWE Hall of Fame: "Maybe if he wants to make himself feel better about it he should have the guts to pick up the phone and apologize. Then we'll see after that.
Did He Take the Business Too Seriously?: "Maybe I did take it all a bit too serious. But that's what made me special and hopefully makes people remember me as someone who was passionate about what I did and what I thought wrestling was really all about."
Eric Bischoff Rejects Working With WWE, GAB Poster Released, More
By Daniel Pena
May 2, 2009 - 2:17:52 PM
-- Via Twitter (twitter.com/EBischoff), a fan asked Eric Bischoff if he'll be taking part in WWE's upcoming "Rise and Fall of WCW" DVD release — which Jim Ross noted was in production in a recent blog post. Bischoff responded with the following:
"They called and asked me to be a part of it and I declined. No desire to give credibility to their revisionist hist."
Bischoff later added the following in response to another fan:
"Chose not to participate in WWE's latest revisionist history initiative for many reasons including the obvious one."
-- in DEMAND has released the promotional poster for the upcoming Great American Bash pay-per-view, which features Batista. You can see the poster here. Although, the poster appears to be a placeholder poster.
The Great American Bash will be taking place on Sunday, June 28 as its date was switched with Night of Champions.
-- The Bella Twins are featured on the latest edition of "Diva Shorts" on WWE.com.
Dwayne Johnson Lands Another Starring Movie Role With Disney
By Michael Bluth
May 4, 2009 - 10:59:45 AM
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has signed on to star in yet another Disney motion picture. Johnson will play Captain Nemo in a planned remake of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The film is slated to film later this year in Australia.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film is about "a fugitive whaler who teams up with a naturalist, a mysterious woman and a captain of a futuristic submarine to search for a lost underwater civilization that holds libraries of vast knowledge and a weapon with the power to destroy mankind."
This will be Johnson's third project with Disney. He previously starred in The Game Plan and Race To Witch Mountain, both of which were box office hits and helped solidify him as a bankable leading man. Johnson scored major points with Disney executives by going above and beyond the call of duty to promote "The Game Plan."
Reid Flair Resurfaces, News On Roddy Piper's Son's MMA Career
By Michael Bluth
May 4, 2009 - 11:11:02 AM
-- MMAJunkie.com features an article about up and coming MMA fighter Colt Toombs, son of WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy "Roddy" Piper. The 19 year old fighter is 3-0 and trains with Team Quest, coached by UFC regular Matt Lindland.
"I did a lot of boxing growing up with my dad, and I also did other various martial arts, including wrestling and training with ("Judo") Gene Lebell," Toombs said. Although he's been successful so far in his young career, Toombs admits that he's already thinking about making a name for himself in the MMA world. "I'd like to have at least a couple more fights for experience," Toombs said. "But being a kid, of course I want to jump in there with the top guys right now."
Toombs' father does have some influence over his career, but Piper told MMAJunkie that his son "goes by his Christian name, Colten Toombs, because he doesn't want to ride off his fathers name. He wants to make it on his own."
-- Over the weekend, Reid Flair made his first public appearance since being arrested for DWI and heroin possession on 4/26. At a wrestling show in Shelby, North Carolina to raise money for the police department's youth prevention programs, Reid teamed up with his brother David in the main event against Buff Bagwell & Rikki Nelson. Bagewell and Nelson got the win after Ric Flair was removed from ringside by police. For more on the appearance, visit ShelbyStar.com.
Bret Hart To ROH, Batista-Pacquiao Video, Mayweather Boxing Again
By Michael Bluth
May 4, 2009 - 11:50:21 AM
-- WWE superstar Batista accompanied Manny Pacquiao to the ring over the weekend for his boxing fight against Ricky Hatton. You can see video of at Youtube.com. Batista and Pacquiao share Filipino heritage and are two of the country's biggest celebrities. For those who missed it, Pacquiao dismantled Ricky Hatton and scored a knockout victory at the end of the second round.
-- The other wrestling-related news coming out of the Manny Pacquio vs. Ricky Hatton fight was that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. came out of retirement to announce his return to boxing. Mayweather "fought" Big Show at last year's WrestleMania 24 in Orlando and is rumored to be next in line to fight Manny Pacquiao.
-- Ring of Honor announced this morning that WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart will make a special appearance for the company on July 24th in Toronto, Ontario. Hart will be on-hand for a special autograph signing prior to the scheduled ROH event, as well as making an appearance during the show. It will be Bret's first ROH appearance. For ticket information, visit ROHWrestling.com.
NEWS > WWE > TNA >
Posted in: NEWS
WWE
Hall of Famer Compares Wrestling Promoter To Adolf Hitler
By Daniel Pena
May 3, 2009 - 3:16:27 PM
"Superstar" Billy Graham is — or was — quite upset with Karl Lauer, the Executive Vice President of the Cauliflower Alley Club.
Last weekend, Graham sent a threatening e-mail to Lauer, likening him to Adolf Hiter and saying he should get "666" tattooed on his head. Graham forwarded the e-mail to a number of people with one person receiving it sending it to me.
The WWE Hall of Famer was upset over teaching a seminar at the annual convention in Las Vegas a few weeks ago and not being paid. Apparently, he was going to send his payoff for the event to a nine-year-old girl by the name of Shiloh. However, it should be noted that the Cauliflower Alley Club is a non-profit organization.
Here is his e-mail in its entirety:
Mr. Lauer,
Please return Paulette Nordmann from the Bronx, NY her income tax refund check of $200, that she wanted to donate to Shiloh. Ms Nordmann has set an example that you would have been wise to follow. She gave all she had to help this handicap child. But you, a filthy rich cattle baron has not given that child a penny. I know people with almost nothing that have given something, to this handicap child. I would urge you, you worthless piece of dung to go out and hang yourself and then send us all a postcard from Hell. You are a pure dictator and your middle name should be Hitler. You walk up to me and tell me, that I have a seminar at 10 AM the next morning. You do not ask, you tell, you order, you demand. You are nothing more than a mark whore for this business and the numbers 666 should be tattooed across your forehead. I have been told by more than one person that you were the worst pay off promoter in this disgusting business. You stole and robbed money from wrestlers as a wanta be promoter. You promoted a silent auction? It was so silent that know one even knew about it. You comped me a fold up table worth $150? So what, you should have, would you have the nerve to have charged Hulk or Ventura for a gimmick table? Or, charge them $100 for a plate of mashed potatoes? Or charged them $32 per night in a white trash hotel? Dont you get it? You comp people that will bring marks and add prestige to your event. But you are whining you multi millionaire fool who did not give a handicap child a penny? Fuck you, you worthless pile of dung. I hate your guts Mr. Hitler. The CAC board of good and decent folks need to vote you out, burn in Hell please.
SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM
Shiloh (Pepin) is the nine-year old "Mermaid Girl" that was featured on a Discovery Channel special last year. She's a huge WWE fan who Graham has been raising money for in recent months. He tried to convince Vince McMahon to bring her in as celebrity at this year's WrestleMania, but he refused.
Graham's official MySpace account (
www.myspace.com/superstargraham) notes a statement from the official website of the Millennium Wrestling Federation,
www.BostonWrestling.com, thanking him for raising enough money for Shiloh and her family to attend the Backlash pay-per-view in Providence, Rhode Island last week. The statement notes that Shiloh was personally presented with a WWE Women's Championship by John Cena himself.
It would appear that Lauer gave in to Graham's request as he is also credited with helping raise money for the Pepin family to attend Backlash.