Miscellaneous WWE News Thread.

[Y 2 Jake]

ECW's Mike Knox and Derrick Neikrik (Heyman security) have reformed their tag team in Deep South.

Apparently Ring of Honor has interest in using former WWE superstar Doug Basham.

Interesting connection here. Bill Goldberg's first cousin, Neal Baer is the executive producer for "Law & Order: SVU."

Lex Luger's son Brian Prohl is currently out action with a torn meniscus. Pfohl plays basketball at Mercer College.

Happy birthday wishes go out to former WWE Women's champion Madusa

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Credit: PWInsider.com

Mexican regulars Shocker, Perro Aguayo Jr., and Mistico are three of the names that WWE is trying to secure deals with.

It's being said that Dusty Rhodes has pushed for Shocker, whom he worked with in TNA. Another plus for Shocker is that he is from California, and can speak English. The Smackdown audience is heavily Hispanic.

On an interesting note, CMLL is putting together a Mistico vs. Aguayo Jr. mask vs. hair match next month to combat WWE's shows in the country next month.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Credit: WWE.com

Next week on SmackDown, the beautiful Ashley will unveil her Playboy cover to WWE fans.

In two weeks, when SmackDown heads to San Diego, former World Champion Rey Mysterio will make his first appearance since being injured months ago by Chavo Guerrero.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Titled 'The Hardcore Diaries', this new autobiography from Mick Foley will be the third bio penned by the #1 NY Times bestselling author. Containing a total of 384 pages, 'The Hardcore Diaries' will be released in the beginning of next month and will include an unprecedented access to WWE, covering everything from conception to completion and as Mick Foley himself put it, "Expose the backstage politics, shed some light on my rocky relationship with Vince McMahon, offer insights into my personal dealings with WWE Superstars, and tell stories about my favorite Divas." Suggested retail price is $24.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Credit: PWInsider.com

- This week's very special episode of Hogan Knows Best on VH-1 features Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs as the house guest who overstays his visit to the Hogan household.

- There are early plans in place for the USA Network to cross characters from their comedy "Psych" onto Monday Night Raw, with the actors appearing as their TV personas in vignettes.

- Also, JBL has a blog where he announces that he will be running for office in Texas although he hasn't decided whether to run as senator or governor. He also hasn't decided whether to run in the next election which is 6 years away or wait for 12 years. In an earlier blog, he defends Michael Cole's comments about One Man Gang saying he was probably referring to the character rather than the person. He also wishes Konnan well on his recovery. Click here to check it out.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

It should be noted that Vince McMahon hasn't be very excited about the brand until recently and he is reportedly determined to keep it around throughout 2007 and at least through the next December to Dismember PPV event. The current feeling right now is that by combining talent from ECW with the Smackdown House Show tour, it will in theory boost attendance and help the ECW brand become more established.

One important factor right now is Wrestling Society X on MTV airing head-to-head with ECW on Sci Fi for the last 30 minutes of the show. This new factor has reportedly reignited McMahon's interest in the brand and it could clearly be seen on this pasts weeks edition of ECW featuring ECW Champion Bobby Lashley against Hardcore Holly. That match began five minutes before Wrestling Society X was to start and went commercial-free until its end. Another example is McMahon himself showing up on ECW TV for the past two weeks, which also happened to be the first two weeks that WSX debuted on MTV. Believe it or not, WWE considers WSX as a form of competition every Tuesday night and it will be interesting to see how they handle their programming from this point forward.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Former WWE superstar Rikishi has been booked by All Japan Pro Wrestling. On AJPW's 2/17 Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan show, SUMO RIKISHI and Nobutaka Araya will face Akebono and Touru Owashi in Akebono's return to the promotion. This will be the show that will also feature The Great Muta and Tajiri vs. Gold Dustin (Goldust) and Hakushi.

On Sunday, Rey Mysterio will be at the World of Wheels at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, appearing from 2 to 4PM.

On Sunday, Cryme Tyme will be at the Carl's Jr Restaurant in West Valley, UT at 12:30PM.

Also on Sunday, Candice Michelle and The Miz will be appearing at the Soundland Mall in Hayward, CA from 3 to 5PM. Pick up a wristband at the Core of the Tour for a guaranteed Superstar autograph. Distribution begins 2 hours prior to the scheduled appearance time. Limit 200 per day.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Believe it or not, as things stand, Hulk Hogan is not scheduled to wrestle at Wrestlemania 23 in Detroit, as he claimed on the Bubba the Love Sponge show. Hogan was slated to be apart of the Donald Trump-Vince McMahon storyline, leading to a match at Wrestlemania. Hogan had been penciled in to either face Shane McMahon or The Great Khali. Dave Meltzer reports that ECW champion Bobby Lashley is currently slated to fill The Hulkster's slot at Wrestlemania as Trump's protege.

Titled 'The Hardcore Diaries', this new autobiography from Mick Foley will be the third bio penned by the #1 NY Times bestselling author. Containing a total of 384 pages, 'The Hardcore Diaries' will be released in the beginning of next month and will include an unprecedented access to WWE, covering everything from conception to completion and as Mick Foley himself put it, "Expose the backstage politics, shed some light on my rocky relationship with Vince McMahon, offer insights into my personal dealings with WWE Superstars, and tell stories about my favorite Divas." Suggested retail price is $24. (thanks to Colin Vassallo)

Tim Arson, most well known as being the ECW Zombie, is back from a successful year long stint in WWC Puerto Rico where he won Puerto Rico's US Foreign wrestler of the year award for '06, has returned back to the Northeast and is now accepting indy bookings. Please contact [email protected] if interested in booking the Zombie or Tim Arson.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

On February 9, 2007, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company") announced that Michael Sileck, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, has assumed the new title of Chief Operating Officer. In recognition of his added responsibilities, Mr. Sileck's annual base salary will be increased to $625,000, and Mr. Sileck will receive a grant of 50,000 restricted stock units. Frank Serpe, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, will serve as the Company's acting Chief Financial Officer. In this capacity, Mr. Serpe will receive an annual base salary of $325,000. Mr. Serpe also will receive a grant of 15,000 restricted stock units. A copy of the press release issued by the Company on February 9, 2007 is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Smackdown on 1/26 drew 177,000 viewers in Canada (or about a 2.2 rating), and for the week, ECW did 126,000 Canadian viewers (or a 0.8 rating), reports The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

There are plans for a Curt Hennig/Mr. Perfect DVD in 2007. Hopefully a hall of fame induction isn't far behind.

I'm excited about this.

The episode of "The George Lopez" featuring former WWE diva Stacy Keibler did a 5.0 broadcast rating.

In a recent interview with the Sun newspaper in Canada, Chris Jericho made it clear he didn't retire from wrestling. He also said he doesn't expect a return any time soon.

Zach Arnold reports that New Japan has booked former WWE superstars Dick Togo and TAKA Michinoku the promotion's 2/18 Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan event.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

WWE has apparently given up on the idea of airing ECW on a tape delay basis.

Smackdown posted a 3.0 rating based on the Fast National Numbers last night. Last week's Smackdown did a 3.1 fast national number.

From Jeff Sheridan: I received the following e-mail from the Madison Square Garden network, "MSG Classics will be airing (again) during the summer."

Dave Meltzer reports that WWE has hired James Tyler Bailey in the new position of director of talent relations. Bailey will be working full-time as a college and pro level athlete recruiter. Bailey had previously worked for WWE during the XFL days.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Well, hopefully we can get this right finally. Waheed Muzamil sent word that the character Batista played on The CW's "Smallville" show was "Aldar." We were corrected earlier saying his name was "Zoner", but it turns out that is the nickname for the character he played.

Devin Cutting passed on this press release: TORONTO, Feb. 9 - The Battle of the Billionaires will heat up on Monday February 12 when two billionaires grace a WWE(R) ring for the first time ever. Donald Trump will be at RAW to make Mr. McMahon a potentially "life-changing proposal." Last week on RAW, Mr. McMahon appeared to be excited at the possibility of Trump's visit, telling Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman that he may have Trump join a very exclusive and special club. Could Mr. McMahon be referring to the infamous Kiss My Ass Club? Don't Miss Monday Night RAW on The Score at 10 pm ET, Monday February 12. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

The WWE Smackdown & ECW House Show in Victoria, British Columbia tomorrow now has a 2:00pm start time. The show had originally been listed as starting at 5:00pm, but was changed not long ago. Some outlets in the Victoria area are still listing a 5:00pm start time, so if you are going to the show mark down that it has been changed to 2:00pm.

According to an MSG Network representative, WWE Madison Square Garden Classics will return to the network this summer featuring new episodes.

The latest Billboard Top 10 listings for "Recreational Sports DVDs" shows WWE Armageddon 2006 at the #1 spot. Other WWE titles in the list include Survivor Series 2006 at #4, Holiday Tribute to the Troops at #6, Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology at #7, Born to Controversy: The Roddy Piper Story at #8 and ECW December to Dismember at #9. Also, through February 4, WWE Films' "The Marine" starring John Cena has been the #2 selling DVD in its first week on the charts.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

John Cena has overcome the odds yet again as his movie, The Marine, is the No. 1 DVD rental in the United States. The movie is at the top of Home Media Magazine's video rental chart for the week, earning an estimated $6.3 million. No word yet on how the DVD has sold thus far.

Daivari's profile has been moved to the SmackDown section on WWE.com. He will be competing in their Cruiserweight division. He makes his return to SmackDown on tonight's broadcast in a match with Gregory Helms.

Joy Giovanni has posted a blog on her MySpace page saying that she will be visiting OVW headquarters for a couple of days in two weeks. She'll be having an official tryout soon after.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson recently taped an episode of the Disney Channel's Cory in the House. In the episode, Johnson plays a fitness adviser.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

The Rock's movie, Gridiron Gang, finished #1 in DVD sales and rentals last week. It made over $5.2 million dollars.

There is a post on Paul Bearer's official website in which he talks about managing the "Brothers of Destruction" Undertaker and Kane in a dark match after a recent SmackDown/ECW taping.

This week's very special episode of Hogan Knows Best on VH-1 features Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs as the house guest who overstays his visit to the Hogan household.

There are early plans in place for the USA Network to cross characters from their comedy "Psych" onto Monday Night Raw, with the actors appearing as their TV personas in vignettes.

Next week on SmackDown, the beautiful Ashley will unveil her Playboy cover to WWE fans.

In two weeks, when SmackDown heads to San Diego, former World Champion Rey Mysterio will make his first appearance since being injured months ago by Chavo Guerrero.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

On Friday's edition of Bubba the Love Sponge radio show, Sean Waltman and former WWE diva Ryan Smarock (Alicia Webb) were guests.

In the interview, Waltman and Webb revealed that they are indeed an item. On WWE television, Webb was the "sister" of Ken Shamrock, but in real life, they were dating. Also in the interview, Waltman said his former girlfriend, Joanie "Chyna Doll" Laurer at one time dated Ed Leslie (Brutus Beefcake), even though she denies it.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Credit: PWInsider.com

Paul Heyman remains under a deal with WWE and is still on the payroll. As of now, there are no indications that he has been asked to do anything at this point and the feeling within the company is that he won't be asked to return to the booking team right now.

WWE management is said to be happy with Super Crazy both on and off camera, so this explains his mid-card push on Raw as of late.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Rob Van Dam's current WWE contract includes a $250,000 downside guarantee, but obviously he makes more with merchandise. Dave Meltzer is reporting that RVD has a standing offer from All Japan. RVD has said he will make his decision based on money.

Brian Gerwitz, head writer of Raw, decided to give Super Crazy a push after watching "Nacho Libre."

The recently signed Thomas Penmanship from Chaotic Wrestling has been assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

- Thomas Penmanship from Chaotic Wrestling was recently signed to WWE and sent to Ohio Valley Wrrestling in Louisville.

- If you didn't catch the Live report of the Smackdown/ECW event in Vancouver last night, Michelle McCool made her WWE return at the show. Michelle, Jillian and Rebecca lost to Kelly Kelly in a Diva Best Body contest.

 

[A.J.]

Source: Bryan Alverez /Wrestlezone.com

Apparently, Andrew "Test" Martin has been suspended. Test has been pulled off the road due to the WWE Wellness policy.

This is the first WWE Wellness policy violation since September, at least that we know of. The policy calls for talent to be suspended for 30 days should they fail a drug test. Also, some of the talent have a way of getting around the program. If the person tests positive for steroids or some other substance in violation of the policy, the person can still get around the suspension if the individual's next test shows a decreased usage of whatever substance he or she is using because it shows that he or she is trying to improve him or herself. But if the test shows no marked improvement, the individual will get suspended.

Vince McMahon had recently given up on pushing Test as a top headliner in ECW. That's why he was beaten in all of his encounters with Bobby Lashley.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Thomas Penmanship from Chaotic Wrestling was recently signed to WWE and sent to Ohio Valley Wrrestling in Louisville.

If you didn't catch the Live report of the Smackdown/ECW event in Vancouver last night, Michelle McCool made her WWE return at the show. Michelle, Jillian and Rebecca lost to Kelly Kelly in a Diva Best Body contest.

The following press release was released earlier today: New Jack has opened a wrestling training school in Richmond, Virginia -- 800 Jefferson Davis Highway. "We are in a 5000 square foot facility," New Jack said. "If you want to get into the business you got to be trained by someone who knows old school, new school, and everything in between, and that's me!" For full information (serious inquiries only) email [email protected]. Also be sure to check out New Jack's website at www.newjackhardore.com.

As part of their Black History Month celebration, Davie, Florida's Nova Southeastern University will host Dwayne ''The Rock'' Johnson for an interview and Q&A Session with on 2/19 at 7PM at the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. If anyone attends the event, feel free to submit a report by clicking on my name above.

Brock Lesnar will be among those attending the grand opening of The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa the weekend of 2/17. For more information on the grand opening weekend, call (319) 233-0745.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Canada.com has a story up about Bobby Lashley. It's penned by an arts writer which gives it a different view on the biz.

The Business section of Newsday today has a piece on WWE and the competition it faces from Mixed Martial Arts.

In his weekly column, Mike Mooneyham looks at the choice of Shawn Michaels to face off against John Cena at WrestleMania.

Eric Sturrock sent word that WWE is sponsoring NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield. He has a small WWE logo on his racing suit.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

WWE will tape RAW tonight in Portland, Oregon. Canadian fans will still be able to watch the show at its normal live time on The Score. United States fans will have to wait until Thursday night at 8 p.m. EST on the USA Network.

Scheduled for tonight's taping is a special appearance by billionaire Donald Trump to continue "McMahon vs. Trump" storyline. Also being hyped is the final days before the John Cena & Shawn Michaels vs. Batista & The Undertaker tag match at No Way Out next Sunday and the fallout between Ric Flair and Carlito.

If you are attending tonight's RAW, and would like to send in a live report, please feel free to do so by clicking this link.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

WWE.com is reporting that the scheduled Four Way Ladder Match for the WWE Tag Team Titles at No Way Out featuring Paul London & Brian Kendrick defending against The Hardys, MNM and William Regal & Dave Taylor (which was a rematch from the Armageddon PPV) has now been pulled.

Instead of that match taking place, Paul London & Brian Kendrick will now defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against the new #1 contenders Deuce & Domino. According to the storyline, the tag team felt they deserved a shot at the tag titles after defeating London & Kendrick for the last two weeks on Smackdown.

Here is how the card for No Way Out looks like this Sunday:

- WWE Champion John Cena & Shawn Michaels vs. World Heavyweight Champion Batista & The Undertaker.

WWE Tag Team Championship Match
- Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c's) vs. Deuce & Domino.

- Kane vs. King Booker.

- Finlay vs. The Boogeyman.

- Diva Talent Invitational.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Vito's dress wearing character has been dropped. His match with Mr. Kennedy on SmackDown two weeks ago was the blow off for the character. He's currently down in Deep South Wrestling awaiting a new repackaging. He's the DSW champion and he doesn't wear a dress anymore to the ring. He now wears martial arts-style trunks and goes shoeless to the ring.

"The Marine" has been pulled from its theatrical release in Malaysia by distributor 20th Century Fox. The distributor decided to pull it because they didn't think it would do well as it was no longer timely and said it would have limited appeal.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

After witnessing the 1/16 ECW show, Vince McMahon vowed that ECW on Sci Fi would never go live again. However, he's since changed his mind and the show will continue being aired live. He realized the problems that making the show taped would bring, and he decided to just let the idea go. It is now a dead issue.

Vince McMahon does see Wrestling Society X as a threat, which is why he has been putting some more effort into the ECW on Sci Fi program in recent weeks. A few weeks ago, McMahon had been quite negative on ECW, but he now has an increased interest in pushing it due to WSX. McMahon's appearance on ECW on 1/30 was done to combat WSX's official debut on MTV. Also, having Bobby Lashley appear on RAW to give him some extra exposure, having ECW guys appear on RAW, acknowledging the show & building angles on RAW to hype ECW is due to WSX as well.