Spike TV Senior Vice President Brian J. Diamond spoke to the Miami Herald about a number of TNA topics. Here are some highlights:
Having Hulk Hogan in TNA: “Hulk Hogan is a name that transcends wrestling into the pop culture. So adding him to the mix was the icing on the cake. Hulk is an amazing guy. He is revered by wrestling fans and people around the world, and it was an incredible acquisition. We are so proud and excited to have him as part of the team.”
January 4th: “It was tremendous. Obviously we were going head-to-head with WWE. It was not in our anticipation that we were going to beat them in the ratings, but the fact that we did what we did on that night and basically planted the flag and said, `We’re going to go with this.’ It was a big deal.”
iMPACT! Moving to Mondays Permanently: “It’s something we’re looking at right now. Obviously, the success of Jan. 4 lends itself to that, and after that success, it’s making us take pause and consider that. As to when and how and where, that remains to be seen, but that result on Jan. 4 made us look at it and say, `Maybe we’re onto something.”’
How Involved Spike TV Is With TNA: “We work very closely with TNA. Ironically, their base of operation for the television production is in Orlando [Universal Studios], and we happen to have a gentleman who works for us — who actually at one time ran the studios where TNA records. So he’s there all the time when TNA taping is going. We’re very actively involved. It’s a collaborative relationship. We work very closely together on how things are going to play out. Having said that, they’re the experts when it comes to wrestling. They know what works and what doesn’t. In combination with our television expertise, it works really well.”
– Another title match has ben added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on 2/1, as Drew McIntyre will defend the Intercontinental championship against Kane.
– SmackDown GM Teddy Long has announced that Edge will make his in-ring return against Batista next Friday on SmackDown.
– The man who is trying to bring WrestleMania to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is Dave Teixeira, better known as the promoter of Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling.
– The official theme song for WWE’s NXT is “Wild & Young” by the band American Bang, according to the Wrestling Observer.
– Another title match has ben added to the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on 2/1, as Drew McIntyre will defend the Intercontinental championship against Kane.
– SmackDown GM Teddy Long has announced that Edge will make his in-ring return against Batista next Friday on SmackDown.
– The man who is trying to bring WrestleMania to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is Dave Teixeira, better known as the promoter of Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling.
– The official theme song for WWE’s NXT is “Wild & Young” by the band American Bang, according to the Wrestling Observer.
Unified Tag champion The Miz was interviewed by Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun this week and told a story about getting kicked out of the WWE locker room for 6 months shortly after he joined the company. Miz said:
“I got kicked out for eating a piece of chicken over a guy’s bag in the locker room, and I got kicked out for six months. I had to find a place to shower, to use the restroom, to change. I’ve had it pretty rough in the WWE just because I’m an outsider, and WWE is kind of like a close-knit family or like a fraternity. Once you’re an outsider trying to lurk in, they will haze you and haze you and try to see if you’re up for the task or if you’re just going to quit. I’m not a quitter. I’m more of a person that says bring it on.â€
Miz also talks about older guys like Hogan and Flair still wrestling, how the business has evolved in recent years, his goals and more. To read the full interview, visit BaltimoreSun.com.
Follow The Miz & 80 other wrestlers and divas on Twitter at PWTweets.com.
– WWE developmental star and former Ring of Honor champion Bryan Danielson has a new name in Florida Championship Wrestling. At last night’s television tapings, he was introduced as “Daniel Bryan.” WWE almost always requires that they own the ring names of their talent, so Danielson likely refused to sign over the rights to the “Bryan Danielson” name – thus, Daniel Bryan.
– John Morrison worked the SmackDown/ECW live event last night in Ecuador, teaming with Matt Hardy in the opening match of the night. Morrison and Hardy defeated The Hart Dynasty. Morrison appeared to be fine and showed no signs of a broken ankle. As we reported yesterday, Morrison’s claims on Twitter that he broke his ankle were not true and he was simply “working the Internet fans.” (Editor’s note: Man, he really got us good!)
– Mickie James will make her live concert debut on February 22nd in Nashville, TN as a part of the Dustin Wells Gift of Music concert. Mickie will share the stage with country music stars Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, Jason Michael Carroll, Keith Anderson and Little Big Town.
— MSN.com reports that WWE’s fourth quarter 2009 earnings results came in below expectations of most financial analysis. Analysts expected $0.18 per share in Net Income, but WWE reported $0.15. Analysts also predicted $123.8 million in Q4 2009 revenue, but WWE reported $117.3 million. The stock price is down approximately 1% today, so the market didn’t punish them too bad for falling short.
— Former XFL president and long-time WWE employee Basil V. DeVito, Jr. has been promoted to the Board of Directors. He will fill in former CEO Linda McMahon. He has been with WWE since 1985 and ha served as WWE’s Business Strategy adviser since 2003.
— WWE is advertising a huge main event for next week’s 2/19 Supershow at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. World Hwt. Champion The Undertaker will team with John Cena & Edge against WWE Champion Sheamus, Batista & Randy Orton. (Source: Keith Lipinski).
— MSN.com reports that WWE’s fourth quarter 2009 earnings results came in below expectations of most financial analysis. Analysts expected $0.18 per share in Net Income, but WWE reported $0.15. Analysts also predicted $123.8 million in Q4 2009 revenue, but WWE reported $117.3 million. The stock price is down approximately 1% today, so the market didn’t punish them too bad for falling short.
— Former XFL president and long-time WWE employee Basil V. DeVito, Jr. has been promoted to the Board of Directors. He will fill in former CEO Linda McMahon. He has been with WWE since 1985 and ha served as WWE’s Business Strategy adviser since 2003.
— WWE is advertising a huge main event for next week’s 2/19 Supershow at the Allstate Arena in Chicago. World Hwt. Champion The Undertaker will team with John Cena & Edge against WWE Champion Sheamus, Batista & Randy Orton. (Source: Keith Lipinski).
— Earlier this week, Bobby Lashley’s superstar profile was removed from the TNA website, leading many to speculate that he was leaving the company to pursue his MMA career full time. Lashley posted a brief message on his LashleyNutrition.com site telling fans to stay tuned:
“Alot of fans are asking me about my future in wrestling. I will address everything at a later date. Thank you for the support. – Bobby”
— In an interview with Fanhouse.com, TNA star Mick Foley had some positive things to say about the often-criticized head writer of TNA, Vince Russo. “I think even Vince Russo would probably agree that him being world champion was possibly not the best idea in the world. But he’s a very creative guy,” Foley said. “He loves to write. He loves to make characters and I think people who, you know the people who chant ‘fire Russo’ really have no idea how large of a contribution he made to the wrestling product that they sometimes seem to like. I’m talking about the wrestling product overall as in this generation of wrestling. I think he was one of the key guys right up there with the top on-air talents.”
— Earlier this week, Bobby Lashley’s superstar profile was removed from the TNA website, leading many to speculate that he was leaving the company to pursue his MMA career full time. Lashley posted a brief message on his LashleyNutrition.com site telling fans to stay tuned:
“Alot of fans are asking me about my future in wrestling. I will address everything at a later date. Thank you for the support. – Bobby”
— In an interview with Fanhouse.com, TNA star Mick Foley had some positive things to say about the often-criticized head writer of TNA, Vince Russo. “I think even Vince Russo would probably agree that him being world champion was possibly not the best idea in the world. But he’s a very creative guy,” Foley said. “He loves to write. He loves to make characters and I think people who, you know the people who chant ‘fire Russo’ really have no idea how large of a contribution he made to the wrestling product that they sometimes seem to like. I’m talking about the wrestling product overall as in this generation of wrestling. I think he was one of the key guys right up there with the top on-air talents.”
As reported here this morning, WWE’s 2009 financial results revealed a sharp decline in the 2009 Survivor Series PPV buyrate (down 26% from 2008) while the company’s new gimmick-themed events (Hell in a Cell, Bragging Rights, TLC) all did better than their 2008 counterparts.
Vince McMahon stated during this morning’s WWE conference call that the WWE Survivor Series title is “obsolete” and has “outlasted its usage.” He said WWE does not intend on using the name moving forward. As a result, it appears WWE is considering more gimick-themed PPVs, including several concepts used back in WCW.
In a survey sent out to the WWE Universe this morning (link) WWE asks fans what their level of interest is in the following potential PPV event themes:
Tournament Event: Single elimination “bracket style” tournament where Superstars would compete in multiple matches during the night to become the tournament winner.
Street Fight Event: Main events would include”street fight” matches where there are no disqualifications and pin-falls count anywhere. Superstars often compete in normal street clothes.
Legends Event: Match participants would include WWE Legends from the past.
Money in the Bank Event The main event “Money in the Bank” match requires Superstars to climb a ladder and retrieve a briefcase hung high above the ring. The winner can “cash in” the briefcase for a championship title shot throughout the year. Qualifying matches earlier in the event will determine participants for the “Money in the Bank” match.
WWE Draft Event WWE’s annual Draft where Superstars and Divas learn which brand they’ll be a part of for the next year. The Draft is often the beginning of new conflicts and matchups.
Battle Bowl Event Random tag-teams compete together – sometimes arch rivals – with the winning teams being put in a 2-ring Battle Royal. The winner could potentially receive a championship title match.
Roulette Event Main event match stipulations would be determined by the spin of a roulette-type wheel.
War Games Event Teams of 5 collide in 2 cages. 2 participants begin the match with a new participant added every 5 minutes. This process is alternated between teams until all members from both teams are present.
With the release of WWE’s fourth quarter 2009 financial data earlier today, we have details on the performance of the company’s four Q4 PPVs. For the three months ending December 31, 2009, WWE’s PPV revenue rose from $15.9 million in 2008 to $16.3 million in 2009.
The overall increase in Q4 PPV buys is attributed to a the success of WWE’s new gimmick-themed PPVs, which out-performed their 2008 counterparts. However, this year’s Survivor Series took a sharp hit, which kept the revenue increase to only $400,000 for the quarter over 2008.
Here’s the data:
Hell in a Cell did 283,000 buys, up 7% from No Mercy 2008 (261,000).
Bragging Rights did 181,000 buys, up 15% from Cyber Sunday 2008 (153,000).
Survivor Series totally bombed. The show did 235,000 buys, down 26% from 2008 (319,000)
Tables, Ladders & Chairs did 228,000 buys, up 15% from Armageddon 2008 (193,000).
World Wrestling Entertainment has released its financial results for the final quarter and entire year of 2009.
To view a PDF file of the complete report from corporate.wwe.com, click here. From the report:
WWE® Reports 2009 Fourth Quarter Results For the year, Net Income Increases 11%
STAMFORD, Conn., February 11, 2010 – World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. Revenues totaled $117.3 million as compared to $125.4 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $17.8 million as compared to $23.3 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $11.2 million, or $0.15 per share, as compared to $13.6 million, or $0.18 per share, in the prior year quarter.
“We concluded a strong year with solid performance in the fourth quarter, which was highlighted by 7% growth in Adjusted EBITDA. For the quarter, we generated revenue growth and improved margins in our live event, pay-per-view, and television businesses,†stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “For the full year, we achieved a 13% increase in Adjusted EBITDA.   The results reflected the significant improvements we have made in productivity and a heightened fiscal discipline, which we intend to sustain going forward. The increased operating leverage we have established will enable us to drive greater profits as revenue growth returns. We are confident in our ability to achieve our targeted earnings growth.†The WWE business outlook targets average annual earnings growth of 15% to 20% over the 2009- 12 period.
Summary Results for the Twelve Months Ended
Total revenues through the year ended December 31, 2009 were $475.2 million as compared to $526.5 million in the prior year. Operating income for the current year was $77.1 million versus $70.3 million in the prior year. Net income was $50.3 million, or $0.68 per share, as compared to $45.4 million, or $0.62 per share, in the prior year. EBITDA was $91.6 million for the current year as compared to $83.4 million in the prior year. Current year expenses included the benefit of $8.3 million in tax credits associated with our television and digital media production, an increase of $7.4 million in bad debt expense related to a prior business partner and a $2.2 million restructuring charge associated with a 10% reduction in staff. As previously disclosed, the prior year results included the recognition of a $6.4 million advance related to a multi-year contract with a book publisher, an expense of $3.5 million associated with our McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania brand awareness campaign and a $1.9 million charge for our film See No Evil. Excluding these items, Adjusted EBITDA was $92.9 million for the current year as compared to $82.4 million in the prior year. (See Schedule of Adjustments in Supplemental Information)
– There is speculation that Bret Hart is being paid $500,000 for his current 4-month WWE deal plus a big WrestleMania bonus.
– WWE’s SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 video game has shipped 3.5 million units already, putting it slightly ahead of UFC’s Undisputed game. Still, the number for WWE’s game is down from previous years.
– WWE United States Champion and one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions The Miz was working the media tour yesterday with next week’s RAW host Jerry Springer.
– There is speculation that Bret Hart is being paid $500,000 for his current 4-month WWE deal plus a big WrestleMania bonus.
– WWE’s SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 video game has shipped 3.5 million units already, putting it slightly ahead of UFC’s Undisputed game. Still, the number for WWE’s game is down from previous years.
– WWE United States Champion and one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions The Miz was working the media tour yesterday with next week’s RAW host Jerry Springer.
Hulk Hogan was a recent guest on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show. Hosts Big Mosh, Blade, Todd Vincent, Chaz spoke to the Nature Boy about a number of topics and you can listen to an audio clip (MP3) of the entire interview at MondayNightMayhem.com. Here are the highlights of what Hogan said about:
How He & Bischoff’s Experience in WCW Will Help Them In TNA: “It’s not a cookie-cutter thing…you just lock down like you did when you ran against Vince with Ted Turner. I thought that would work just to work it in and make a crack, but things are different than they two-three months ago because of the economy. When you figure in the networks & the head of Viacom, and they’re watching the minute by minute numbers for 18-34, it’s not like you could just plug in the old NWO and do it like we did when we punked Vince out. It’s ever-changing moving parts, so we did learn from our mistakes; like when you get successful sometimes, you can get too full of yourself. Believe me, we are so grateful to be working with Dixie, we are so grateful to be with TNA, such a young company that’s got ‘more moves than a bowl of Jello.’ It’s not a public company where you gotta’ sit down with people to talk about votes & what we aren’t going to do. We don’t have a bunch of people that don’t know the wrestling business running the company. We have learned from our mistakes, and we are learning, almost like on the job training, because some of the stuff that worked two weeks ago, didn’t work last week, so we’re digging in and have our ears & eyes to the ground.”
When TNA iMAPCT! Will Move To Monday Nights: “All week we have been getting good news, and we are pushing hard in that direction. There’s stuff that’s already been scheduled, there’s budgeting issues, there’s shows for the new season, so it’s not like ‘Ok, let’s go live on Monday nights.’ Nothing is that easy. A lot of the fans, a lot of the ‘smart marks’ are saying we should go live Monday nights. They have no idea what it entails, I’m just now having people set me down after 30 years of wrestling and go ‘Guy, you know what it’s all about.’ Now you’re dealing with the network and the way the audience flips & changes…it’s almost like that metal that comes out of ‘The Terminator.’ Right when you think you have it figured out, it starts to mold, and manipulate, and shape. Pushing hard for Mondays, trying to get there, a lot of variables, but it looks much better than it did yesterday.”
If He’ll Wrestle In TNA: “I learned one thing in Australia, and that was I shouldn’t be in the ring anymore. The way my body is beat up, I was definitely on a wing & a prayer in Australia. I just needed to air my shorts out after the crazy divorce & legal stuff. If you could imagine jumping out of a plane without a parachute and know hopefully that you are going to land safely & being naked…that’s how it was in Australia. I needed to get out of the house, get back in the ring, and feel that love & that crazy vibe even if I was dragging a leg or limping around. I found out in Australia that me wrestling in a ring in not the place to be, so if I was to wrestle in TNA, the hardest part of my night is walking down that ramp and staying straight-faced, because my back, and my hips, and legs hurt so much. If you watch closely, I’m doing a bit of a shuffle out there, so if I was crazy enough to wrestle in that ring, they might be using a broom & a dustpan to sweep out the ring at the end of the match, so not anticipating going in the ring.”
John Cena Saying He’s Wasting His Time in TNA: “John’s doing what he’s gonna’ do take care of his family, true to his paycheck. We see John Cena all the time at the (Tampa Bay) Rays games with me & Brian Knobbs when we’re up in the box. He’s just doing what he has to do to cover his ass brother. You never know, one day John Cena may be working for me. Vince McMahon could be working for me…who knows?”
Big Changes & New Talent In TNA: “I’ve got all kinds of people from the WWE calling me, wanting to hang out, wanting to talk, wanting to fell me out. This thing is really going down. I mean whether you like it or not, I’m not looking for the players like back in the day. When I was running, we had these crazy big contracts, these big money contracts, but times have changed. At the end of the day, I’m looking for these guys who want to help me build a company. I’m looking for these guys that invest their hearts & their souls like Samoa Joe said…’whatever it takes.’ Like AJ Styles said, ‘whatever it takes, with no limitations.’ Those are the type of guys I’m looking for to build this company and step in. Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, if (John) Cena wants to play that game down the road, he can get real. I’m looking for guys who can get real with me & not a bunch of posers.”
Vince Russo: “My mother told me if you can’t say something good, don’t say nothing at all. Sometimes you have to look at the big picture, and sometimes if things get real nasty, you don’t want to step in shiznit, you want to step over it. Because I’m getting along with TNA right now, I’m not saying I get along with Vince Russo. I’m not saying I get along with everybody, but the big picture is for me to make a left-handed, back handed comment about this situation right now, I haven’t read his book, and I didn’t hear the radio interview. But all I know is if you’re gonna’ tell the truth, you gotta’ tell all the truth, not just part of it, and that’s all I’m gonna say.”
Hulk Hogan was a recent guest on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show. Hosts Big Mosh, Blade, Todd Vincent, Chaz spoke to the Nature Boy about a number of topics and you can listen to an audio clip (MP3) of the entire interview at MondayNightMayhem.com. Here are the highlights of what Hogan said about:
How He & Bischoff’s Experience in WCW Will Help Them In TNA: “It’s not a cookie-cutter thing…you just lock down like you did when you ran against Vince with Ted Turner. I thought that would work just to work it in and make a crack, but things are different than they two-three months ago because of the economy. When you figure in the networks & the head of Viacom, and they’re watching the minute by minute numbers for 18-34, it’s not like you could just plug in the old NWO and do it like we did when we punked Vince out. It’s ever-changing moving parts, so we did learn from our mistakes; like when you get successful sometimes, you can get too full of yourself. Believe me, we are so grateful to be working with Dixie, we are so grateful to be with TNA, such a young company that’s got ‘more moves than a bowl of Jello.’ It’s not a public company where you gotta’ sit down with people to talk about votes & what we aren’t going to do. We don’t have a bunch of people that don’t know the wrestling business running the company. We have learned from our mistakes, and we are learning, almost like on the job training, because some of the stuff that worked two weeks ago, didn’t work last week, so we’re digging in and have our ears & eyes to the ground.”
When TNA iMAPCT! Will Move To Monday Nights: “All week we have been getting good news, and we are pushing hard in that direction. There’s stuff that’s already been scheduled, there’s budgeting issues, there’s shows for the new season, so it’s not like ‘Ok, let’s go live on Monday nights.’ Nothing is that easy. A lot of the fans, a lot of the ‘smart marks’ are saying we should go live Monday nights. They have no idea what it entails, I’m just now having people set me down after 30 years of wrestling and go ‘Guy, you know what it’s all about.’ Now you’re dealing with the network and the way the audience flips & changes…it’s almost like that metal that comes out of ‘The Terminator.’ Right when you think you have it figured out, it starts to mold, and manipulate, and shape. Pushing hard for Mondays, trying to get there, a lot of variables, but it looks much better than it did yesterday.”
If He’ll Wrestle In TNA: “I learned one thing in Australia, and that was I shouldn’t be in the ring anymore. The way my body is beat up, I was definitely on a wing & a prayer in Australia. I just needed to air my shorts out after the crazy divorce & legal stuff. If you could imagine jumping out of a plane without a parachute and know hopefully that you are going to land safely & being naked…that’s how it was in Australia. I needed to get out of the house, get back in the ring, and feel that love & that crazy vibe even if I was dragging a leg or limping around. I found out in Australia that me wrestling in a ring in not the place to be, so if I was to wrestle in TNA, the hardest part of my night is walking down that ramp and staying straight-faced, because my back, and my hips, and legs hurt so much. If you watch closely, I’m doing a bit of a shuffle out there, so if I was crazy enough to wrestle in that ring, they might be using a broom & a dustpan to sweep out the ring at the end of the match, so not anticipating going in the ring.”
John Cena Saying He’s Wasting His Time in TNA: “John’s doing what he’s gonna’ do take care of his family, true to his paycheck. We see John Cena all the time at the (Tampa Bay) Rays games with me & Brian Knobbs when we’re up in the box. He’s just doing what he has to do to cover his ass brother. You never know, one day John Cena may be working for me. Vince McMahon could be working for me…who knows?”
Big Changes & New Talent In TNA: “I’ve got all kinds of people from the WWE calling me, wanting to hang out, wanting to talk, wanting to fell me out. This thing is really going down. I mean whether you like it or not, I’m not looking for the players like back in the day. When I was running, we had these crazy big contracts, these big money contracts, but times have changed. At the end of the day, I’m looking for these guys who want to help me build a company. I’m looking for these guys that invest their hearts & their souls like Samoa Joe said…’whatever it takes.’ Like AJ Styles said, ‘whatever it takes, with no limitations.’ Those are the type of guys I’m looking for to build this company and step in. Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, if (John) Cena wants to play that game down the road, he can get real. I’m looking for guys who can get real with me & not a bunch of posers.”
Vince Russo: “My mother told me if you can’t say something good, don’t say nothing at all. Sometimes you have to look at the big picture, and sometimes if things get real nasty, you don’t want to step in shiznit, you want to step over it. Because I’m getting along with TNA right now, I’m not saying I get along with Vince Russo. I’m not saying I get along with everybody, but the big picture is for me to make a left-handed, back handed comment about this situation right now, I haven’t read his book, and I didn’t hear the radio interview. But all I know is if you’re gonna’ tell the truth, you gotta’ tell all the truth, not just part of it, and that’s all I’m gonna say.”
TMZ.com caught up with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson this week and asked the former WWE superstar who owns the rights to his signature catch phrases, such as “Do you Smell What The Rock is Cookin.”Johnson said he shares ownership of the phrases with World Wrestling Entertainment. They also share ownership of the the name “The Rock,” as well.
The camera guy then got a little fresh with People’s Champ and asked him why he used to wear “panties” in the ring. Johnson clarified that he wore “trunks” and that maybe it was just him dreaming of The Rock wearing panties. He then got into his $180,000+ Bentley coupe.
Bret Hart spoke to Alez Marvez of Scrippsnews.com this week in a lengthy interview discussing his return to World Wrestling Entertainment. He says his parents and Owen Hart would say “hell froze over” if they were still around to see him return to WWE after a 14 year absence.
Hart teased that his current storyline with Vince McMahon would culminate with a match at WrestleMania. Despite the stroke he suffered back in 2002 and the fact that McMahon is 64 years old, he can still move around well enough to put on a good match.
“I’ll never put on the performance I want to have, but I’ll be able to do enough to entertain and give a good show. I’m very careful about what I do and allow myself to do and what can be done to me. WWE has gone through great effort to ensure all that and make sure I’m comfortable with everything.”
One thing he was unsure of when considering a return to WWE was how his past issues with Shawn Michaels would come into play.
“When I came back, I didn’t know if the whole thing with Shawn would erupt again. The truth is, Shawn has been real good with the whole thing. You can tell this is a weight lifted off his back, my back and I think even Vince to a certain degree. It feels like a new start.”
The Montreal Screwjob was a long time ago, but the situation set off such shock waves in the industry that even today, many fans can’t tell what aspects of his current WWE run are part of the storyline.
“I’m trying to turn a negative into a positive. I think this is good for wrestling fans. I know for a lot people this whole thing seems quite real. If I can deliver realism in today’s wrestling, I’ll think I’ve done a good job.”
– WWE officials are impressed with Vance Archer as his push is expected to continue.
– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons’s name has been discussed for induction into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class. He worked what was billed as his retirement match this past weekend in Cedartown, Georgia. The standout collegiate athlete will be inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 20.
– Tommy Dreamer posted a blog on WWE Universe in which he offered additional comments on ECW’s final television shows:
“Some people are happy, some people are sad about ECW going off the air,” Dreamer wrote. “The Original die hard ECW fans knew it wasn’t the same. That Original ECW was a magical time in wrestling and can never be duplicated. If you go back in the archives of my blogs,you can read many opinions of those days.
“I think the new ECW had some great expectations, but had some extreme shoes to fill in. Let us not pass negative judgement on the show. As a fan I have enjoyed many moments of ECW TV( except for anything involving Abraham Washington or (Vladimir) Koslov no offense). To read the full blog, visit WWE.com.
– WWE officials are impressed with Vance Archer as his push is expected to continue.
– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons’s name has been discussed for induction into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class. He worked what was billed as his retirement match this past weekend in Cedartown, Georgia. The standout collegiate athlete will be inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 20.
– Tommy Dreamer posted a blog on WWE Universe in which he offered additional comments on ECW’s final television shows:
“Some people are happy, some people are sad about ECW going off the air,” Dreamer wrote. “The Original die hard ECW fans knew it wasn’t the same. That Original ECW was a magical time in wrestling and can never be duplicated. If you go back in the archives of my blogs,you can read many opinions of those days.
“I think the new ECW had some great expectations, but had some extreme shoes to fill in. Let us not pass negative judgement on the show. As a fan I have enjoyed many moments of ECW TV( except for anything involving Abraham Washington or (Vladimir) Koslov no offense). To read the full blog, visit WWE.com.
The one and only Ric Flair was a guest on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show this week.Hosts Big Mosh, Blade, Todd Vincent, Chaz spoke to the Nature Boy about a number of topics and you can listen to an audio clip of the entire interview at MondayNightMayhem.com. Here are the highlights of what Flair said about:
His experience in TNA thus far: “When you said I was having more fun, that is a true statement. When I’m having fun, I’m better at this business than anybody actively in this business today, and I’m having a lot of fun. With me, I’ve had a phenomenal career, I never took the business seriously until about 1989 or 1990, and even then I was having fun, but it got to be business, and I didn’t understand that.”
“I’m having a ball with TNA, and I was a little hesitant, not because of anyone from TNA, I think Dixie Carter is phenomenal…it was leaving home again. After all those years with WCW to go the WWE, it was just hard because I spent 25 years of my life waving the banner of the NWA/WCW, and it was a difficult decision to make. But I’m having a ball, I love the people I work with, I love the role I have, and I really like this thing with AJ and I, and I think it’s gonna’ be a really big factor professional wrestling business.”
AJ Styles’ Potential: “It’s funny, because I think he’s gonna’ be a phenomenal champion, but no one person in this day and age can take a company to the next level. It takes a bunch of people…and not just the people in the ring. It takes people on the Creative Team, it takes the ownership group. It’s just so many equations that fit into that word next level. Certainly AJ will fulfill everything they ask of him and be a huge part of their success, but I don’t wanna’ say that AJ can turn the company around by himself. With me with him, it’s almost a done deal.”
Coming Out of Retirement & TNA Holding Him Back: “When Hulk called me about Australia, I thought ‘why not man?’ I feel good. I’m not hurtin’, I feel like a million bucks, I work out everyday. I’ve got too much energy to be sitting around at home…Ask my wife? Way too much energy…But I felt great so when the opportunity came around, I kinda’ just went ‘Let’s do it.’ And then from there, it evolved to this, but my legacy (after meeting Dixie Carter and being there for two tapings), will be enhanced by being there, and I’ll guarantee you that. And if I haven’t shown you guys that in the last couple of weeks, something’s wrong, because I’m juts getting going. They still got me on a muzzle up there, but when I get going and when they turn me loose in TNA, then we’ll really get going.”
Whether He’d Be a Booker In TNA:“I have no interest in being part of any of the storylines or creative. If they ask me a question, I’m gonna’ give them an straight answer, because I know a straight answer would be perceived as something I really feel. I don’t get involved in anyone else’s business. I’m there primarily the role is with AJ, to make our part of the show the very best it can be, and he and I will compete together against everyone else on that show…That’s how I live my whole life.”
The one and only Ric Flair was a guest on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show this week.Hosts Big Mosh, Blade, Todd Vincent, Chaz spoke to the Nature Boy about a number of topics and you can listen to an audio clip of the entire interview at MondayNightMayhem.com. Here are the highlights of what Flair said about:
His experience in TNA thus far: “When you said I was having more fun, that is a true statement. When I’m having fun, I’m better at this business than anybody actively in this business today, and I’m having a lot of fun. With me, I’ve had a phenomenal career, I never took the business seriously until about 1989 or 1990, and even then I was having fun, but it got to be business, and I didn’t understand that.”
“I’m having a ball with TNA, and I was a little hesitant, not because of anyone from TNA, I think Dixie Carter is phenomenal…it was leaving home again. After all those years with WCW to go the WWE, it was just hard because I spent 25 years of my life waving the banner of the NWA/WCW, and it was a difficult decision to make. But I’m having a ball, I love the people I work with, I love the role I have, and I really like this thing with AJ and I, and I think it’s gonna’ be a really big factor professional wrestling business.”
AJ Styles’ Potential: “It’s funny, because I think he’s gonna’ be a phenomenal champion, but no one person in this day and age can take a company to the next level. It takes a bunch of people…and not just the people in the ring. It takes people on the Creative Team, it takes the ownership group. It’s just so many equations that fit into that word next level. Certainly AJ will fulfill everything they ask of him and be a huge part of their success, but I don’t wanna’ say that AJ can turn the company around by himself. With me with him, it’s almost a done deal.”
Coming Out of Retirement & TNA Holding Him Back: “When Hulk called me about Australia, I thought ‘why not man?’ I feel good. I’m not hurtin’, I feel like a million bucks, I work out everyday. I’ve got too much energy to be sitting around at home…Ask my wife? Way too much energy…But I felt great so when the opportunity came around, I kinda’ just went ‘Let’s do it.’ And then from there, it evolved to this, but my legacy (after meeting Dixie Carter and being there for two tapings), will be enhanced by being there, and I’ll guarantee you that. And if I haven’t shown you guys that in the last couple of weeks, something’s wrong, because I’m juts getting going. They still got me on a muzzle up there, but when I get going and when they turn me loose in TNA, then we’ll really get going.”
Whether He’d Be a Booker In TNA:“I have no interest in being part of any of the storylines or creative. If they ask me a question, I’m gonna’ give them an straight answer, because I know a straight answer would be perceived as something I really feel. I don’t get involved in anyone else’s business. I’m there primarily the role is with AJ, to make our part of the show the very best it can be, and he and I will compete together against everyone else on that show…That’s how I live my whole life.”
— Next week’s RAW guest host Jerry Springer says was drinking when he agreed to host the show. During a media conference call to promote the appearance, Springer says that he used to be a wrestling fan as a kid, but doesn’t keep up with the product much anymore.
“I’m looking forward to doing it though you know how opposed I am to fighting on television,” he said. “These are all professionally trained people. You have that. Other than that, entertainment is entertainment whether you’re an athlete or a singer. You have your moment when you’re on stage, or in a ring, or on a ballfield. It’s that moment where you have to be really, really focused. You have to perform.”
To read a full transcript of the conference call, visit RealityWanted.com.
– As we reported last night, Bobby Lashley’s profile has been removed from the Superstar Roster page on TNA’s official website, which suggests he may have parted ways with the company. According to sources within TNA, Lashley is still technically under contract, but is not considered part of the active roster. Lashley has been written out of TNA storylines in recent months but remains on good terms with the company and the door is open for him to return down the line. (Source: PWInsider.com)
– Kurt Angle has launched his own line of healthy foods called Angle Foods, part o the Foodies Food Club network. Kurt’s website describes it like this:
“USDA approved Signature Series Sports Performance Food line that will feature five new great tasting, high quality, high protein, high fiber, low fat ready-to-eat-meals for athletes and health conscious dieters of all ages. Each exquisite R.T.E Meal contains approximately 30-40g of high quality food protein, 10-12 grams of “fiber for life†with moderate to low gylcemic carbs for health and energy. Finally, the perfect convenient meals for everyone!”
– As we reported last night, Bobby Lashley’s profile has been removed from the Superstar Roster page on TNA’s official website, which suggests he may have parted ways with the company. According to sources within TNA, Lashley is still technically under contract, but is not considered part of the active roster. Lashley has been written out of TNA storylines in recent months but remains on good terms with the company and the door is open for him to return down the line. (Source: PWInsider.com)
– Kurt Angle has launched his own line of healthy foods called Angle Foods, part o the Foodies Food Club network. Kurt’s website describes it like this:
“USDA approved Signature Series Sports Performance Food line that will feature five new great tasting, high quality, high protein, high fiber, low fat ready-to-eat-meals for athletes and health conscious dieters of all ages. Each exquisite R.T.E Meal contains approximately 30-40g of high quality food protein, 10-12 grams of “fiber for life†with moderate to low gylcemic carbs for health and energy. Finally, the perfect convenient meals for everyone!”