Miscellaneous WWE News Thread.

[Y 2 Jake]

Tickets for the pay-per-view 'Vengeance' which will take place in Houston, TX., at the Toyota Center go on sale today at 10AM local time at the arena box office and online at toyotacentertix. com. Tickets are priced from $20 to ringside seats at $250. This will be a RAW only pay-per-view event.

In the latest issue of Playboy Magazine there is an interview with American Idol judge Simon Cowell and the interviewer asks about Cowell signing the Undertaker back in the early 90s to his music label. Cowell says that he didn't sign 'Taker because he knew anything how to sing but because "if he can sell 82,000 stadium seats, he could sell thousands of records." Cowell being from England, he was referring to SummerSlam where over 82,000 people where in attendance. (thanks to Colin Vassallo)

WWE hall of famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper has signed to do an MTV movie based on the network's series "My Super Sweet 16." Piper has agreed to the role of a father of one of the characters. Piper will be filming his role over the next three weeks.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Sam Watkins sent this in: I just wanted to share this news article. I go to school at UNC, and Matt and Jeff Hardy and Gregory Helms recently came to one of the basketball games. There is an article in the NY Times about the basketball program at UNC, and Jeff Hardy and Gregory Helms can be seen in the picture.

Brandon Sunder sent this in: Just letting you all know, Jeff Hardy/Hardy Boyz' entrance music was used as background music on the premiere episode this past Thursday on the new MTV series "Juvies."

Ryan Howard sent this in: I was flipping through ads in the paper recently and came across the K-Mart ad showing a John Cena 2-Pack dvd that included the "Thug Life" DVD released back in 2004 and the Unforgiven 2006. The price was 15 dollars for the 2-pack. This was done to promote The Marine DVD. Also, on Headline News last night Nancy Grace was talking about K-Fed and his whole deal. She mentioned the wrestling match between Cena and K-Fed. She clearly struggled with this as she pronounced his name to be Sina (Sin-nah). She also called Cena "Humongo" and said that he "roughed up K-Fed." They showed a picture of Cena with the belt while this was talked about.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Mike Johnson is reporting that The Wild Samoans - Afa and Sika - are likely to be inducted into the WWE hall of fame during Wrestlemania 23 weekend.

As first reported by WWE Mobile Alerts, right when Raw kicks off Monday night at 9/8 CT on the USA Network, Undertaker will make his choice as to which championship he will challenge for in the main event of WrestleMania 23.

Last night's Smackdown scored a 3.1 broadcast rating, based on Nielsen's Fast National Numbers. The final number will be posted early next week.

It was announced on WWE Friday Night Smackdown this week that WWE Champion John Cena & Shawn Michaels (also the new WWE World Tag Team Champions) would be teaming up to face World Heavyweight Champion Batista & The Undertaker at the No Way Out PPV on Sunday, February 18. WWE.com has opened up a section for the No Way Out PPV. Cena & HBK vs. Batista & Undertaker is the only match announced for the PPV so far.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Friday night's 2/2 edition of WWE Friday Night Smackdown drew a 3.1 rating based on the fast nationals. While Smackdown was in last place overall for The CW Network among the networks, that is one of the strongest overnight ratings Smackdown has ever done on a Friday night. We hope to get the final number very soon.

WWE.com is reporting that The Undertaker would be appearing at the start of Monday Night Raw this week in Sioux City, IA to name which champion he will be facing at WrestleMania 23 in Detroit. 'Taker will open the show.

Yesterday marked the 8th month and 4th day of Paul London & Brian Kendrick as WWE Tag Team Champions. Today the two will surpass Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith's run in 1996-1997 as the longest reigning tag team champions since Demolition in 1989.

THQ officially confirmed plans to ship a new WWE video game towards the end of the year for the PS2, PSP, XBOX 360 and PS3. The game will likely turn out to be Smackdown vs. Raw 2008. Other games are being planned for the Nintendo DS and Wii before March of 2008.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Thomas Penmanship, who has appeared on WWE TV in the past, has recently signed a WWE developmental contract.

Both WWE Raw Divas Candice Michelle and Torrie Wilson are on this year's askmen.com's 2007 Top 99 Most Desirable Women list. This is the first year for Candice Michelle while this is Torrie Wilson's second time. She dropped 43 spots from last year, which is was 22. Also, Trish Stratus was on last year's edition in number 30. This year, she is not listed.

Full Impact Pro Wrestling ran a show last night in Melboure, FL. WWE legend Jake "The Snake" Roberts worked the show. Earlier in the evening, Roberts seemed to be coherent at the photo table prior to the show, however, promoter Sal Hamouni announced that Roberts was imparied, and was asked to leave the building. The police ended up escorting Roberts out of the building.

This is from michellemccool.net and Michelle's myspace page: Hey guys! Let me start by thanking everyone for all the birthday wishes & yes, I know.......I'm getting old! The big 27!!! I had a great day! For those of you who are wondering, I am continuing to train each day to get my complete strength and endurance back. It's crazy how quickly you can lose it and just how long it can take to get back. Each day I try to come up with new ideas/storylines for TV. BUT, here's the problem. I have been blessed with a lot of things, but creativity is not one of them. SO, I was wondering.........if any of you have storylines that you would like to share, PLEASE let me know. Maybe Josie and I could go through them and post them on the site. Until next time, take care, live each day to the fullest and remember to smile! Love, Michelle.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

On this weekend's edition of HEAT, two stars made their RAW brand television debuts. Scotty 2 Hotty, who recently moved over from SmackDown, takes on indy wrestler Jared Steele in a match. The other person making his RAW brand debut is former Tough Enough 4 contestant Dan Rodimer. He takes on Eugene in what is being billed as a "tryout" match. His sudden debut is quite surprising considering that Stephanie McMahon was looking to give him a major push right off the bat. Also, some people were thinking about pairing him up with Rated RKO. Background information on where Rodimer stands now in WWE's eyes should be known soon.

Candice Michelle has a new blog on WWE.com that is called 'Candy-Coated'.

WWE.com has posted up the entrance video for Deuce & Domino.

TMZ is featuring an article on their site about Coolio, and the mention of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

As of last Tuesday there were no plans to have Vince McMahon and Donald Trump do anything with Shawn Michaels or Booker T at WrestleMania. That may have been a tentative plan at one point, but plans changed in a major way over the weekend.

Hulk Hogan recently hinted that the current season of his VH1 reality show "Hogan Knows Best" would be the final season of the series. He said with Brooke touring on the road because of her singing career, and Nick signing a deal to drive cars with Dodge, he doesn't know if the family will be together in the same place often enough to do the series.

Cassidy Riley, who was recently signed to a developmental deal, will be heading to OVW. Dusty Rhodes always liked him from his TNA days. No word on what the plans are for Ace Steel.

DDP recently shed some light on his website, diamonddallaspage.com, on the recent passing of Bam Bam Bigelow.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Vince McMahon went nuts at the 1/16 tapings. He was already mad about the New Years Revolution PPV. He hated the ECW TV show and was screaming that there was no one in ECW who knew how to work. He was especially angry about the main event as he felt Lashley sold far too much to be a credible champion on the same level as the Raw and SD champions.

Arn Anderson got some heat as he was the agent for the match and argued that it was Test and RVD's fault as they felt they "had to get their shit in".

Vince said he never wants the ECW TV to go out live again so they can try and edit together a decent show. It did air live last week so maybe he clamed down just a little bit.

This was the same meeting where Johnny 'Ace' Laurinaitis noted that wrestlers weren't allowed to leave the arena after checking in due to an increasing number of speeding tickets. RVD also spoke out in a mocking tone during this meeting.

Dusty Rhodes has been moved to ECW to help Lagana with the creative on Lagana's request. Michael Hayes wasn't happy about the decision as Rhodes has been having a major influence on SD! which has improved greatly in the eyes of the McMahon's recently.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Rumour













According to a backstage source that we spoke to last week, Rob Van Dam looks to be done with World Wrestling Entertainment. Apparently, he had to let WWE officials know if he was going to hand over his notice by the end of last week or else his expiring contract would roll over.

We've heard that the reason RVD jobbed to Holly on ECW this week is likely because Van Dam gave his notice. RVD had until the end of the week to give the notice. His contract expires over the summer.

Van Dam apparently gave his notice since the job looked to be more of putting over Holly than Rob being in the doghouse (like CM Punk's job), as well as the fact that RVD wasn't involved in the ECW vs. Vince storyline.

We're going to get a confirmation on this story likely tomorrow. Please take this only as a RUMOR right now.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

This was issued by Jake Roberts publicist Chris Yandrek:

Please read on your radio programs or post on your websites.

Due to contrary reports, the incident in Melbourne, Florida regarding Jake Roberts has been erroneously fabricated and exaggerated by the promoter.

Jake left because of money issues with the promoter ... and nothing more.

The allegations the promoter made after Jake left the show were completely false; this was a pathetic attempt by the promoter to explain to his packed house exactly why Jake had left.

Jake will be issuing a statement soon but has declined to do so at this time due to the necessity for the advise of legal counsel.

And directly from the Snake, "Those of you who wish to believe the negative press releases out there concerning this particular show, and any others with the same Association, can kiss my ass."

You can find more information regarding this matter on Jake Roberts official My Space Page which can be found at http://www.myspace.com/officialjakeroberts

 

[Y 2 Jake]

When last we saw Chris Jericho in wrestling mode, it was 2005 and he was getting his ass hauled out of a building by security. Ejected after losing a "You're Fired" match to John Cena.

And while Jericho -- Y2J, the King of Bling Bling, the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla and the Sexy Beast all rolled into one -- believes he can once again rock the wrestling world, he's not ready to return yet.

"I never said I was retired," says Jericho over the phone. "After 15 years with no serious injuries and wrestling at such a high level, I needed a break. I was burned out. So I took myself out of the game before I was forced to take a break."

It's not like Jericho hauled his ass over to the beach, pulled up a lawnchair and searched for the meaning of life. He stayed busy ... very busy. There was a world tour with his rock band, Fozzy. There was a TV pilot for the USA Network (it didn't get picked up). There was an XMSatellite Radio show, Rock of Jericho. There was Opening Night, a play in Toronto last summer. There was Celebrity Duets, where he sang alongside Lee Ann Womack and Peter Frampton. And there was A Lion's Tale, the memoirs which, for four or five hours a night, he poured his heart and soul into (the book should be on shelves in October).

"I'm very close (to the book)," he says. "I lived these stories. It's almost Stranger in a Strange Land meets wrestling.

"I took a page from Walk the Line, which focused on a certain phase of Johnny Cash's life. The book is the whole journey ... it ends when I get to WWE."

Jericho is trying to get back into that wrestling zone.

"I have to be there 100% mentally as well as physically," he says. "Mentally, I was completely fried.

"I don't think (my return) will be happening anytime soon. But at least I've gotten into the groove of being a wrestling fan again. I've gotten back into watching wrestling ... RAW and TNA.

"From the day I left, they called. WWE, All Japan, New Japan, NOAH, TNA ... I would not want to come back and trash my legacy. It's kind of good when a character leaves. It's like a cheap hooker on the street. If you see her every night, it tarnishes the legacy. And that's what I was heading towards.

"You can't become a parody of yourself. There will always be a place for Chris Jericho. I could go back tomorrow and cause the same ruckus I did three years ago."

Jericho says he plotted his own WWE departure.

"I never wanted to be loved as a heel ... if you are, it's mission failed. What better way for a heel to leave than to be carried out kicking, screaming and crying. I would rather be the biggest baby coward.

"It's a lot easier to make people hate you than like you. But when they start to like you, it's hard to make them hate you again ... it's another one of my special powers.

"It's a tough job. I don't feel bad about walking away. I wanted to spend more time with my family. The other wrestlers know I'm lurking out there ... I'm kind of like wrestling's Santa Claus .... I can tell who's good and who's bad."

Jericho got a hoot out of a Winnipeg Sun April Fool's joke last year, a ruse that had him run for the leadership of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party. But he says he has no real political aspirations.

"I've been a politician for years in wrestling ... and I'm not very good at it. I tend to speak my mind."

Oh, and one more thing, since the Jets left Winnipeg, Jericho has become a huge Calgary Flames booster.

"I'm an Iggy (Jarome Iginla) fan," he says.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

On the UK broadcast of ECW on Sky Sports, Vince McMahon's "Taliban" crack made towards Sabu was edited out from the beginning of that segment.

WWE already put tickets on sale for a 5/13 house show at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York.

There are rumblings that WWE is considering bringing back All Japan's Ro-Z. He previously wrestled in WWE with Umaga as 3 Minute Warning, and later as a sidekick of Gregory Helms as a "super hero in training." Umaga had a great run in All Japan as Jamal prior to WWE resigning him.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Malaysian wrestling fans looking forward to seeing WWE star John Cena strutting his stuff on the big screen may be disappointed.

Cena's movie feature debut, "The Marines", has been 'recalled' from local release by 20th Century Fox, likely for reasons akin to "having expired its shelf-life". The movie, presented by 20th Century Fox in association with WWE (World Wresting Entertainment) Films, was released in the United States in October last year.

The movie was deemed "unsuitable" for local release by its distributor probably because of its 'delay' and 'limited appeal' to Malaysian viewers.

Another Fox/Warner Bros movie which was recently withdrawn from release in Malaysia was "A Good Year". The reason was also a matter of dollars and sense as it had been deemed not worthwhile because of its limited appeal.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

According to Dave Meltzer, John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels is on the booking sheets for Wrestlemania as of this weekend, although plans change almost on a daily basis. Meltzer also reports that the McMahon-Trump feud is likely to involve Hulk Hogan. Thus, Hogan would be managed by Trump with Vince either managing son Shane or The Great Khali. Once again, nothing is official.

World Wrestling Entertainment's plan for WrestleMania 23 this year is to get the top matches announced publicly as soon as possible. By doing this the company will have a longer build time for the big matches on the show.

The company is already getting this rolling starting tonight with The Undertaker making his decision on Monday Night Raw on which World Champion he will face at WrestleMania in Detroit.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Satellite provider DirecTV will only add the WWE 24/7 SVOD service depending on the amount of responses they get from their subscribers across the nation. A recent e-mail to DirecTV was replied stating that the company only put channels in response to the requests of their members. Anyone who has DirecTV and wants to see WWE 24/7 on their system can e-mail directvcustomercare @directv. com with the request.

WWE.com has added a synopsis on the WWE 24/7 schedule for March. As you would expect, the theme for the month is WrestleMania. The complete schedule should be out soon.

Johnny Jeter's MySpace account (myspace.com/heartbrkkid55) was recently hacked, but he got in control of it again. He issued a statement in regards to the hack. He noted that he had to file a police report to prevent identity theft because the hacker was able to get access to his e-mail, passwords and more.

Mick Foley will be signing his latest book "Hardcore Diaries" on Thursday, March 8th in Ridgewood, New Jersey at Bookends.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Malaysian wrestling fans looking forward to seeing WWE star John Cena strutting his stuff on the big screen may be disappointed. Cena's movie feature debut, "The Marines", has been 'recalled' from local release by 20th Century Fox, likely for reasons akin to "having expired its shelf-life". The movie, presented by 20th Century Fox in association with WWE (World Wresting Entertainment) Films, was released in the United States in October last year. The movie was deemed "unsuitable" for local release by its distributor probably because of its 'delay' and 'limited appeal' to Malaysian viewers. Another Fox/Warner Bros movie which was recently withdrawn from release in Malaysia was "A Good Year". The reason was also a matter of dollars and sense as it had been deemed not worthwhile because of its limited appeal.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

The latest edition of Exercise - Just For Men Magazine features a full page article on John Cena with him talking about why he prefers to work out with weights.

Classic ECW TV from 1995, WrestleMania III, the Hulk Hogan Ultimate Anthology, and a special profile of Jimmy Snuka are all scheduled to air on WWE 24/7 in March.

The Toronto Sun has an interview up with Chris Jericho about his wrestling future. In the article, Jericho mentions how he left wrestling because he was burnt out, and that while he has gotten back into watching wrestling (RAW and TNA), that he has no plans to return anytime soon. He also discusses some of the other projects he is working on. Check out the article at torontosun.com.

About.com has an interview up with Trish Stratus. Stratus says that she thinks Armed and Famous didn't last because it was placed up against American Idol. She also once again stated that she won't be returning to wrestling, and that her top priority right now is to spend time with her husband-to-be.

- Here is the preview of the new WrestleMania III DVD coming out next month. "WrestleMania III: The Championship Edition - See the biggest event in wrestling history in a whole new light. This digitally remastered version looks better than ever and features interviews with the Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon, Ricky Steamboat, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and many more of the legendary figures who were a part of this groundbreaking event. Video pop-ups throughout provide interesting facts about WrestleMania and the featured Superstars. Of course, all the great matches are here as well, including Hulk Hogan battling Andre the Giant for the WWE Championship and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat challenging "Macho Man" Randy Savage for the WWE Intercontinental title."

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Dark match:

*Vladimir Kozlov defeated Val Venis with the backbreaker

Heat matches:

*The Highlanders defeated Armor & Jones (local guys) with a springboard suplex.

*Eugene defeated Sweet (another local) with a stunner.

*Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch defeated Scotty Too Hotty & Hacksaw Jim Duggan when Scotty was pinned after the high low.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

source: PWInsider

--Eric Bischoff sent out the following to his mailing list:

Its been a while! Unfortunately, I get into a "fight" a couple of weeks ago and broke my right arm. Its been tough to send e mails, and impossible to do a decent job on my blog particularly since I'm right handed and that was the arm that was broken.

Its a pretty funny story, and not waht (sic) you would think...so check out the blog this Tuesday for all the details, as well as an update on whats been happening (not so much) since my epic one on one battle in a night club in Salt Lake City!

--VH-1 will be running another marathon of Armed & Fabulous today.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Credit: PWInsider.com

Recently moving from SmackDown, Dusty Rhodes has been added to the creative team for the ECW brand to work under head writer, Dave Lagana. Lagana himself was said to have asked for Rhodes to be moved to the ECW brand during a recent meeting with Vince and Stephanie McMahon, noting ECW would have MTV's Wrestling Society X competing for the same audience and Rhodes could assist him with ideas for ECW.

Lagana remains the ECW head writer, taking Rhodes' ideas and then fitting them into his vision for the ECW brand (which of course is then filtered through the McMahon family).

It should be interesting to see what type of effect this has not just on ECW, but the Smackdown brand as well. Of late, Rhodes had been involved on Smackdown alongside Michael Hayes, with that brand picking up considerable steam in recent months.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

It was announced last night on RAW that Donald Trump will be appearing at next week's Raw.

Raw will be taped on Monday but wont be shown until Thursday because of some dog show thingy.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

- The idea of WWE doing something with MMA has been brought up within the company once again. Nothing is certain right now as to where the company is going with this.

- Speaking of MMA, a recent survey in Canada determined that Canadian sports bars and restaurants are more and more dropping WWE PPV events and instead airing UFC events. This shift is simply due to the fact that the bars are pulling in more people and money for UFC events than WWE events.

- WWE.com is planning to launch a premium membership area on WWE.com by this summer featuring news and interviews. The project is being headed by Shane McMahon.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Source: PWInsider

- Former WWE and TNA Superstar Zach Gowen will be headlining an event for Pro Wrestling All Stars in Detroit, Michigan on March 18th. Gowen has stayed very active throughout the Michigan independent scene and even made an appearance for Ring of Honor a few months ago.

- Lance Storm has a new column on his website which features feedback he has received over his TNA rant which explained why he picked them over WWE. You can check it out at this link.

- Mick Foley will be holding a book signing for his latest book on the 8th March.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

It was announced at the Smackdown tapings tonight that Rey Mysterio Jr. will be making his WWE return in 2 weeks.

Also, WWE legend Roddy Piper did an interview with WWE.com promising fans he would be making a return to Raw in the near future. Piper thanked the fans for the support he has received, and talked about filming a new movie for MTV Films, based on the Super Sweet 16 series.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Mike Siciliano sent this in: I picked up the ECW Extreme Rules Double DVD to add to my collection. As I was watching the first match on Disc 1, Cactus Jack vs. The Sandman for the ECW World title, from Hardcore Heaven 1995, they dubbed Sandman's generic current entrance music for his long prance around the ring with Woman. I guess even the classics need to be redubbed to stay with the times. Correct me if I am wrong, but at that time, there was NO WAY that Sandman would come out to some cheesy bed of tunes like that.

Erin Hayes & Jennifer Kasaboski sent word that while WWE Raw will not be airing in the United States next week on Monday but rather on Thursday, Raw will still air live in Canada on The Score in its normal timeslot.

WWE is offering all U.S. military personnel free tickets to its live events worldwide as another way for the company to show its gratitude for their service to their country.

Hardcore Holly needs elbow surgery, but has agreed to stay on the road with the ECW/Smackdown crew.