SEScoops

Author: Staff

  • Jim Ross Health Update: He Won't Be Calling Bragging Rights

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted an update regarding his health and future plans after suffering a 3rd attack of Bells Palsy earlier this week. Ross says he will not be at the Bragging Rights PPV on Sunday and his future as an announcer is currently in question.

    “I saw my neurologist today in Norman and had a long consultation and some testing,” Ross wrote. “He diagnosed me, as expected with full blown Bells palsy. It is on the right side of my face and has adversely affected my vision in my right eye more than previous bouts. We are concerned about the cornea in my right eye being damaged which is why I am using a ton of artificial tears and having to tape my eye shut at night to sleep along with using a gel in my eye under the eye patch…

    “My time line on returning to work is unknown as I write this. I wish it was going to be this Sunday in Pittsburgh as I wanted to be a part of Bragging Rights on PPV. I think it will be a fun and a unique show that will be showcasing some new talents in key bouts…

    “So, Sunday night I will be at home in Norman watching Bragging Rights on PPV. I don’t know the announcer lineup but it ‘might’ be a three man team of (Michael) Cole, King (Jerry Lawler), and Todd Grisham but that’s only an educated guess. It could be something else altogether but obviously Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler will be figured in the mix prominently.

    “For those fans that think that this is the end for me or the end is near I suggest you rethink your position. I won’t allow your views to adversely affect me because I still love to play the game. I am an old school guy who still loves calling wrestling matches and sitting at ringside soaking up the adrenaline from the fans.”

  • Poll Results: Are You Looking Forward To More Cena-Orton?

    The results are in for our second poll here at SEScoops.com and the results are not a good sign for WWE heading into Sunday’s Bragging Rights Pay-Per-View.

    Over 3,000 SEScoops.com readers cast their vote when we asked, “Are You Looking Forward To 60 Minutes of John Cena & Randy Orton?

    70% said, “NOOO – Not More Cena & Orton!!”

    30% said, “Hell Yeah – These Two Have Great Matches”

    There’s a new poll up now – let’s hear what you think about Nigel MGuiness signing with TNA Wrestling….

  • Hulk Hogan Talks About His Suicide Attempt & Family Turmoil

    WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan says he had his finger on the trigger of a gun and was about to kill himself when he received a phone call from a concerned celebrity friend.

    The New York Daily News has published quotes from Hulk’s new book “My Life Outside the Ring,” where he describes hit rock bottom after the nasty breakup with his wife of 23 years and coping with Nick’s car accident that put Nick in jail and left family friend John Graziano brain-damaged.

    Hulk says he did everything he could to keep his family together. “I practically begged her, ‘Please, don’t file. Our son’s just had this accident — if we do this now, it’ll make us look like the Britney Spears family. Please, don’t file for divorce.’” Hogan calls Linda an abusive alcoholic who once threatened to beat Nick with a wine bottle. Hulk says the extend of Linda’s crazy side was never really seen on their “Hogan Knows Best” VH1 reality show because “There were plenty of times when Linda would lose it, but no one wanted to see that kind of ugliness on TV.”

    Hogan then describes a darker chapter in his life, where he almost committed suicide. Hulk said one day while filming NBC’s “American Gladiators,” he downed a heavy cocktail of rum and the anti-anxiety medication Xanax. Later in the day, he received a phone call from co-host Laila Ali, daughter of boxing great Muhammad Ali, who was concerned for him after noticing he seemed distracted at work. Hogan said in the book that he had reached for a gun and put his finger on the trigger when Ali called.


  • Hulk Hogan Talks About His Suicide Attempt & Family Turmoil

    WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan says he had his finger on the trigger of a gun and was about to kill himself when he received a phone call from a concerned celebrity friend.

    The New York Daily News has published quotes from Hulk’s new book “My Life Outside the Ring,” where he describes hit rock bottom after the nasty breakup with his wife of 23 years and coping with Nick’s car accident that put Nick in jail and left family friend John Graziano brain-damaged.

    Hulk says he did everything he could to keep his family together. “I practically begged her, ‘Please, don’t file. Our son’s just had this accident — if we do this now, it’ll make us look like the Britney Spears family. Please, don’t file for divorce.’” Hogan calls Linda an abusive alcoholic who once threatened to beat Nick with a wine bottle. Hulk says the extend of Linda’s crazy side was never really seen on their “Hogan Knows Best” VH1 reality show because “There were plenty of times when Linda would lose it, but no one wanted to see that kind of ugliness on TV.”

    Hogan then describes a darker chapter in his life, where he almost committed suicide. Hulk said one day while filming NBC’s “American Gladiators,” he downed a heavy cocktail of rum and the anti-anxiety medication Xanax. Later in the day, he received a phone call from co-host Laila Ali, daughter of boxing great Muhammad Ali, who was concerned for him after noticing he seemed distracted at work. Hogan said in the book that he had reached for a gun and put his finger on the trigger when Ali called.


  • Vince Goes On “Rampage” Over Shane Leaving

    While the motivation behind Shane McMahon’s resignation is still largely a mystery, the situation at WWE headquarters was said to be hectic to say the least. A source from F4WOnline.com says Vince McMahon went on a “complete rampage” the morning the resignation was announced. Even though most do not believe any sort of major family blowup occurred, the McMahon reaction does seemingly indicate the resignation was about more than Linda’s Senate campaign.

    Update: Now that it’s come out that Shane McMahon met with UFC president Dana White to discuss purchasing part of the company, it should be very interesting to see the reaction to that development. Vince McMahon has gone on the record several times stating that “UFC is not WWE’s competition” – maybe he’ll change his tune now that his son Shane could be a part owner of the company.

    Related News: Jim Ross Comments On Shane McMahon Meeting With UFC

  • Vince Goes On "Rampage" Over Shane Leaving

    While the motivation behind Shane McMahon’s resignation is still largely a mystery, the situation at WWE headquarters was said to be hectic to say the least. A source from F4WOnline.com says Vince McMahon went on a “complete rampage” the morning the resignation was announced. Even though most do not believe any sort of major family blowup occurred, the McMahon reaction does seemingly indicate the resignation was about more than Linda’s Senate campaign.

    Update: Now that it’s come out that Shane McMahon met with UFC president Dana White to discuss purchasing part of the company, it should be very interesting to see the reaction to that development. Vince McMahon has gone on the record several times stating that “UFC is not WWE’s competition” – maybe he’ll change his tune now that his son Shane could be a part owner of the company.

    Related News: Jim Ross Comments On Shane McMahon Meeting With UFC

  • Big Update On The Undertaker’s Future & Possible Retirement

    WWE World Heavyweight champion The Undertaker is not expected to retire at WrestleMania 26, despite speculation to the contrary. His surgically repaired hip is still causing him a great deal of discomfort during and after his matches, but he’s working through it and receiving regular physical therapy to manage the pain.

    There has been speculation that he had hip replacement surgery after WrestleMania, but a well-placed source disputes that rumor. “That’s physically impossible to come back that soon” (from hip replacement surgery), the source said.

    The feeling is that barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Dead Man is hoping to work his current [reduced] schedule for another two to three years.  Even then, after he’s had enough of being a full time member of the roster, the belief is that he’ll still make himself available for special appearances and the occasional special attraction match.

    (Credit to prowrestling.net for some of the information used in this report)

  • Big Update On The Undertaker's Future & Possible Retirement

    WWE World Heavyweight champion The Undertaker is not expected to retire at WrestleMania 26, despite speculation to the contrary. His surgically repaired hip is still causing him a great deal of discomfort during and after his matches, but he’s working through it and receiving regular physical therapy to manage the pain.

    There has been speculation that he had hip replacement surgery after WrestleMania, but a well-placed source disputes that rumor. “That’s physically impossible to come back that soon” (from hip replacement surgery), the source said.

    The feeling is that barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Dead Man is hoping to work his current [reduced] schedule for another two to three years.  Even then, after he’s had enough of being a full time member of the roster, the belief is that he’ll still make himself available for special appearances and the occasional special attraction match.

    (Credit to prowrestling.net for some of the information used in this report)

  • Booker T Done With TNA, Turning Point Matches Announced

    – TNA Bound For Glory PPV was reportedly Booker T’s final appearance with the company. His contract expires in November and the company has no intentions on resigning the former WWE/WCW star. It is said that Dixie Carter would have considered resigning Booker if he approached the situation properly but instead he refused to do a job at the last Impact tapings. Booker T was not well liked backstage and one source went as far to saying, “He’s been such an asshole that most people were just happy to see him go.” Booker T has been telling people that he has an offer from WWE. (Source: prowrestling.net)

    • Warning: The following contains spoilers for Thursday’s edition of TNA iMAPCT!

    The following matches were announced for TNA Turning Point on 11/15 at Tuesday’s iMPACT! tapings:

    TNA World Title Match
    AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels

    Kurt Angle vs. Desmond Wolf (Nigel McGuiness)

  • RVD Talks About Metting Dixie Carter & Vince Russo At BFG

    Former WWE & ECW champion Rob Van Dam appeared on the Between The Ropes radio show with Brian Fritz on Tuesday night and talked about his experience at Sunday’s TNA Bound For Glory event. Van Dam met Vince Russo and Dixie Carter for the first time at the show.

    Regarding his meeting with Vince Russo, he said, “I think that was the first I’ve met him,” Van Dam said. “I’ve talked to him on the phone a few times. I stood there and talked with him for a few minutes the other day. I’ve only known him by reputation before, which was a little choppy.” Van Dam sounded a bit skeptical of Russo, but acknowledged that most of what he’s heard has been second and third hand information.

    Van Dam also described his brief encounter with TNA president Dixie Carter. “It was real short,” Van Dam said. I introduced myself to her. She said, ‘Yeah, we’ve talked on the phone.’ And then it was it was real awkward like she wanted to talk, but there wasn’t anything to say.”

    To listen to the full interview, visit BetweenTheRopes.com.

  • RVD Talks About Metting Dixie Carter & Vince Russo At BFG

    Former WWE & ECW champion Rob Van Dam appeared on the Between The Ropes radio show with Brian Fritz on Tuesday night and talked about his experience at Sunday’s TNA Bound For Glory event. Van Dam met Vince Russo and Dixie Carter for the first time at the show.

    Regarding his meeting with Vince Russo, he said, “I think that was the first I’ve met him,” Van Dam said. “I’ve talked to him on the phone a few times. I stood there and talked with him for a few minutes the other day. I’ve only known him by reputation before, which was a little choppy.” Van Dam sounded a bit skeptical of Russo, but acknowledged that most of what he’s heard has been second and third hand information.

    Van Dam also described his brief encounter with TNA president Dixie Carter. “It was real short,” Van Dam said. I introduced myself to her. She said, ‘Yeah, we’ve talked on the phone.’ And then it was it was real awkward like she wanted to talk, but there wasn’t anything to say.”

    To listen to the full interview, visit BetweenTheRopes.com.

  • *Spoiler* Former ROH Champ Debuts At iMAPCT Tapings

    Warning: The following contains *Spoilers* for tonight’s edition of TNA iMPACT!

    Former Ring of Honor champion Nigel McGuiness made his TNA Wrestling debut at Tuessday’s iMPACT tapings from Orlando.

    McGuiness, now known as Desmond Wolf in TNA, made his debut in a backstage segment with Kurt Angle in which Wolf attacked the Olympic gold medalist.  Later in the show, Angle and Wolf were in the ring together and Wolf gave Angle his Tower of London move.

    Wolf signing with TNA Wrestling came as a surprise to many. Over the summer, Ring of Honor issued a statement that he was leaving their company and had agreed to a deal in principle with World Wrestling Entertainment. He was telling people at the iMPACT! taping that he signed with TNA after he got fed up with WWE “dragging their feet” and not sending him a contract after they had agreed on a deal.

    Update: Its been confirmed that the reason Nigel McGuiness failed WWE’s pre-screening physical and WWE pulled their verbal offer to him and never offered him an actual contract. The story goes that this was not the case of Nigel failing a drug test, but a medically related test that caused WWE to shy away from signing him. TNA does not have a pre-screening test for their incoming talents.

    Update:Prowrestling.net reports that it’s confirmed he failed WWE’s pre-screening test and WWE pulled their verbal offer to him and never offered him an actual contract.

    The story goes that this was not the case of Nigel failing a drug test
    , but a medically related test that caused WWE to shy away from signing him. TNA does not have a pre-screening test for their incoming talents.

  • Top ROH Star Signs TNA After WWE Drops The Ball

    Warning: The following contains *Spoilers* for tonight’s TNA iMAPCT! tapings

    Former Ring of Honor Champion Nigel McGuinness is backstage at the TNA iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, FL for tonight’s taping, according to Jason Powell of prowrestling.net. Although Ring of Honor recently issued a statement that McGuiness had “agreed in principle” to a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment, it appears he has opted to sign with TNA instead and will debut at tonight’s tapings.

    In an interview with the U.K. Sun on September 4th, McGuiness said, “I am not 100 percent on board yet. I still have to cross some I’s and dot some T’s but it’s looking positive. I don’t want to tempt fate until it’s all signed sealed and delivered.”

    McGuiness is telling people that he opted to sign with TNA because WWE took too long to send his contract.

    There has also been some buzz that fellow former ROH Champion Bryan Danielson might be TNA-bound as well. ROH also sent out a statement last month that Danielson was WWE bound, but that appears to have fallen through.

    The early talk is that WWE dragged its feet on signing the duo, so TNA swooped in and signed Nigel. Danielson very well could be next.

    UPDATE: We’ve received word that former WWE & TNA star Travis Tomko is also backstage in Orlando and is expected to work tonight’s taping.

  • Jim Ross Suffers 3rd Bell’s Palsy Attack (Updated)

    While on a Monday night flight from Oklahoma to Columbia, South Carolina for tonight’s SmackDown tapings, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Rosss suffered his 3rd Bells palsy attack. He was able to reach WWE doctors and they called in the medicines he needed to get started on to slow down the paralysis. He wrote on JRsBarBQ.com this afternoon:

    “This isn’t my first challenge I’ve had to deal with and there are lots of folks that have much worse issues than do I that they contend with on a daily basis. My intention is to fight thru this and continue doing what I love.”

    “The wrestling business and those that work in it have become such a huge part of my life and the way I see it this is just another bump in the road as I am far from “tapping out. With all the fans that have always supported me thru 35 years, I know I won’t be going thru this alone.”

    Ross had planned to work tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings alongside Jerry “Lawler,”  filling in for the recently married Tod Grisham. Those plans have now changed.

    “It has been decided that I should not risk further issues by working tonight and I am in the process of arranging a flight back to OKC so I can see a neurologist on Wednesday.”

    “I want to be a part of Bragging Rights but only time will tell if that will be physically possible. My passion and love for the game is in tact but I have to do what’s best for my long term health”

    “Life is about facing the challenges we encounter so I am going to do all I can to get better and back at the announce desk asap. I wish I had more answers but I simply don’t at this time … Never count me out of the game as this isn’t the first mountain that I have had to climb. Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole will handle SD from Columbia. My thanks to every one for understanding this matter. Better days are on the horizon.

    Ross said he’s grateful that WWE has been “tremendously supportive” of his situatiion.

    We wish JR a full and speedy recovery.

    I was able to reach WWE doctors who were in Jacksonville for Raw and they were able to call in the medicines I needed to get started on to slow down the paralysis

  • Jim Ross Suffers 3rd Bell's Palsy Attack (Updated)

    While on a Monday night flight from Oklahoma to Columbia, South Carolina for tonight’s SmackDown tapings, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Rosss suffered his 3rd Bells palsy attack. He was able to reach WWE doctors and they called in the medicines he needed to get started on to slow down the paralysis. He wrote on JRsBarBQ.com this afternoon:

    “This isn’t my first challenge I’ve had to deal with and there are lots of folks that have much worse issues than do I that they contend with on a daily basis. My intention is to fight thru this and continue doing what I love.”

    “The wrestling business and those that work in it have become such a huge part of my life and the way I see it this is just another bump in the road as I am far from “tapping out. With all the fans that have always supported me thru 35 years, I know I won’t be going thru this alone.”

    Ross had planned to work tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings alongside Jerry “Lawler,”  filling in for the recently married Tod Grisham. Those plans have now changed.

    “It has been decided that I should not risk further issues by working tonight and I am in the process of arranging a flight back to OKC so I can see a neurologist on Wednesday.”

    “I want to be a part of Bragging Rights but only time will tell if that will be physically possible. My passion and love for the game is in tact but I have to do what’s best for my long term health”

    “Life is about facing the challenges we encounter so I am going to do all I can to get better and back at the announce desk asap. I wish I had more answers but I simply don’t at this time … Never count me out of the game as this isn’t the first mountain that I have had to climb. Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole will handle SD from Columbia. My thanks to every one for understanding this matter. Better days are on the horizon.

    Ross said he’s grateful that WWE has been “tremendously supportive” of his situatiion.

    We wish JR a full and speedy recovery.

    I was able to reach WWE doctors who were in Jacksonville for Raw and they were able to call in the medicines I needed to get started on to slow down the paralysis

  • Torrie Wilson Desribes Her Recent Hospitalization

    Former WWE diva Torrie created a lot of commotion last week after she posted the following message on Twitter:

    “Big scare for me tonight. I was in the emergency room. Thought I was heading up to Heaven for a minute there. Thanks for letting me stay a little longer, Jesus!”

    Wilson spoke to the Houston Chronicle this week and shed some light on her recent hospitalization due to a bad reaction to medicine she took for a thyroid problem. According to Wilson, her “heart was starting to shut down” while she was in San Diego, California.

    “By the time I reluctantly went to the doctor, I was rushed to the emergency room with numb arms and legs and blue hands,” Torrie told the Houston Chronicle. “I was extremely dizzy and nauseous. I still didn’t take this seriously until the doctor started freaking out on me.”

    Wilson was surprised that her message on Twitter got so much attention online. “I had a horribly close call, and I’m ashamed to admit that I ‘Twittered’ about it hours after I was out of the hospital because I was so flabbergasted at what happened! I guess I forgot how many people actually pay attention to me.”

    Torrie also shot down rumors that she was using abusing prescription pain pills or any other drugs. She’s has a history of back problems that forced her to end her wrestling career.

    “I was not taking prescription pain pills and anything crazy – like the Internet rumors said,” she said. “My heart rate was 30 per minute and slowing when I finally got help. I will never take medication without doing research on possible adverse reactions. In a nutshell, that’s what happened.”

    Scary stuff, but thankfully she’s recovering. To read the entire interview, visit Chron.com.

  • CM Punk Names His Dream WrestleMania Opponent & More

    CM Punk was part of a brief chat at TheState.com today to promote tonight’s Smackdown taping in Columbia, South Carolina.  Punk was his humorous self, delivering mostly sarcastic answers during chat. You can read a full transcript here. Some highlights:

    His dream Wrestlemania opponent:

    “Last year, before I was in the MITB match, it was Rey.   This year, it’s still Rey.   Mania is a long ways aways right now, so it’s hard to say where i’ll end up….but I do need a haircut….”

    Who he wants to wrestle in WWE:

    “If you think about it, you haven’t really even seen me warm up….Cena, hbk, hhh….”

    How long he plans to wrestle:

    “I’ve been wrestling 12 years now non stop with a little pit stop for a fractured skull.   It’s hard to say when i’ll stop, but I don’t want to wear out my welcome OR do this forever.   There is life after wrestling.”

    If he could wrestle anyone from the past, who would it be:

    “Harley Race.   And he would kill me.   But I would come back from the dead.”

  • CM Punk Names His Dream WrestleMania Opponent & More

    CM Punk was part of a brief chat at TheState.com today to promote tonight’s Smackdown taping in Columbia, South Carolina.  Punk was his humorous self, delivering mostly sarcastic answers during chat. You can read a full transcript here. Some highlights:

    His dream Wrestlemania opponent:

    “Last year, before I was in the MITB match, it was Rey.   This year, it’s still Rey.   Mania is a long ways aways right now, so it’s hard to say where i’ll end up….but I do need a haircut….”

    Who he wants to wrestle in WWE:

    “If you think about it, you haven’t really even seen me warm up….Cena, hbk, hhh….”

    How long he plans to wrestle:

    “I’ve been wrestling 12 years now non stop with a little pit stop for a fractured skull.   It’s hard to say when i’ll stop, but I don’t want to wear out my welcome OR do this forever.   There is life after wrestling.”

    If he could wrestle anyone from the past, who would it be:

    “Harley Race.   And he would kill me.   But I would come back from the dead.”

  • Next Week’s Raw Guest Hosts, Orton’s Brother Wrestling?

    — WWE has announced that NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Joey Logano will serve as the special guest hosts for next week’s Raw. Earlier rumors had speculated that either former WCW champion David Arquette or SNL star Andy Samberg be hosting, but it ultimately went to the NASCAR racers.

    — Reader “Glory” sent this in: This past Saturday in Dupo, Illinois at an Independent Hardcore Wrestling show, Nathan Orton made his first appearance in front of a pro wrestling crowd. Nathan is the son of WWE Hall Of Fame inductee Bob Orton and the brother of Randy Orton. Nathan looks a lot like his brother Randy. Nathan accompanied his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, to the ring for Bob’s match against Champion Bloody Harker Dirge. Nathan, who is a training in MMA, got involved after being slapped by Harker Dirge. Nathan used a roundhouse kick on Dirge which got his father disqualified. For more on this show, visit PWBTS.com.

    — WWE’s next three-hour episode of Raw is scheduled for Monday, November 23, the night after the Survivor Series.

  • Next Week's Raw Guest Hosts, Orton's Brother Wrestling?

    — WWE has announced that NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Joey Logano will serve as the special guest hosts for next week’s Raw. Earlier rumors had speculated that either former WCW champion David Arquette or SNL star Andy Samberg be hosting, but it ultimately went to the NASCAR racers.

    — Reader “Glory” sent this in: This past Saturday in Dupo, Illinois at an Independent Hardcore Wrestling show, Nathan Orton made his first appearance in front of a pro wrestling crowd. Nathan is the son of WWE Hall Of Fame inductee Bob Orton and the brother of Randy Orton. Nathan looks a lot like his brother Randy. Nathan accompanied his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, to the ring for Bob’s match against Champion Bloody Harker Dirge. Nathan, who is a training in MMA, got involved after being slapped by Harker Dirge. Nathan used a roundhouse kick on Dirge which got his father disqualified. For more on this show, visit PWBTS.com.

    — WWE’s next three-hour episode of Raw is scheduled for Monday, November 23, the night after the Survivor Series.

  • What You Didn’t See On Raw: Dark Match, Live Notes

    Thanks to reader Don for sending in these live notes from last night’s RAW:

    Arena was packed with exception of upper decks behind the camera – very nice crowd on hand on a school night. I managed to sit next to a guy who must have weighed 400 lbs. I was waiting for the seats to bend and break.

    Start time was announced as 8:15; started off with all of the Superstars gear on the ring and the Superstars lights going – just one thing missing: the ring announcers! Not sure why they had it all running during the dark match.

    Dark Match was Heath Slater vs. Jamie Noble – Slater hailed from some town in W. Virginia; he cut a decent heel promo and got the crowd behind Noble. Noble looked at least a foot shorter than Slater, but he still managed to hit his finisher to get the pin on Slater.

    Ring crew pulls the ring apron for Raw out and we get a 10 minute wait for Raw to start.

    They ran a promo for the fall of WCW DVD and also did a memorial for Captain Lou Albino.

    Lots of promos (at least 4) pushing ticket sales for Wrestlemania 26 that starts on November 6. All of the promos for WM26 included every Jeff Hardy spot from WM 25 as well as Edge.

    One thing that they did all night was turned up the music at certain points during the intros – it seemed like they were using the changes for a cue to the wrestlers/host.

    Raw begins with Snoop Dogg taking his sweet time to come down to the ring.

    During the commercial breaks they ran a few salute to the troops in Iraq and they featured Jeff Hardy in a few shots. No real attempt to ‘clean’ him out of any of their promos during the evening.

    Crowd was dead for Orton-Ted Jr. – crowd popped for anything related to Cena, DX or Snoop.

    Snoop Dogg did a little free style dancing during the break after his Chavo run in – Kelly Kelly didn’t look like she wanted to be out there with the other girls!

    They showed NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Joey Logano as hosts for Raw next week – entire arena booed loudly. I thought we were screwed with Snoop Dogg.

    Right before Jericho comes out the ring crew set up Kane’s pyro – we knew Kane would show up somewhere. Was surprised to see him come thru the crowd with the rest of Team Smackdown. We knew there was no match when Jericho waltzed out at 11:01.

    Not sure where the live feed cuts off – Team Raw gets an assist from John Cena who cleared house of team Smackdown, only to get blindsided by Orton who was joined by both Legacy members. DX runs off Legacy to leave Orton in the ring with all three men. At some point during the melee HBK puts on Jerry ‘the King’ Lawler’s crown and wears it into the ring.

    Orton grabs HHH’s DX cap and puts it on, and tries to talk HHH into doing the DX chant. Orton plays the crowd with the cap, doing the X with his arms, only to get boos. Orton turns into HBK to get Sweet Chin Music, followed by a Pedigree, followed by Cena hitting his F-U.

    Cena gets a standing ovation, heads up the ramp only to be called back to the ring by DX.

    DX try to teach Cena the DX stance, tells him to swivel his hips, says he too stiff. HHH makes a ring rat joke about HBK and swiveling his hips, then includes himself on the joke saying he did the ring rats thing too!

    DX ask if we’re ready…then break down when talking about this might being Cena’s last show. Cena hugs HBK then HHH, Hunter reminds him that he can’t hug if his hips are loose now. They do the DX gimmick after some coaxing by the remaining fans and give Cena a send off.

    HHH and HBK circled the ring and shook hands and took pictures to wrap up the night.

    As we left, Ring announcer Justin Roberts announced we would see them again very soon, but no date given.

  • What You Didn't See On Raw: Dark Match, Live Notes

    Thanks to reader Don for sending in these live notes from last night’s RAW:

    Arena was packed with exception of upper decks behind the camera – very nice crowd on hand on a school night. I managed to sit next to a guy who must have weighed 400 lbs. I was waiting for the seats to bend and break.

    Start time was announced as 8:15; started off with all of the Superstars gear on the ring and the Superstars lights going – just one thing missing: the ring announcers! Not sure why they had it all running during the dark match.

    Dark Match was Heath Slater vs. Jamie Noble – Slater hailed from some town in W. Virginia; he cut a decent heel promo and got the crowd behind Noble. Noble looked at least a foot shorter than Slater, but he still managed to hit his finisher to get the pin on Slater.

    Ring crew pulls the ring apron for Raw out and we get a 10 minute wait for Raw to start.

    They ran a promo for the fall of WCW DVD and also did a memorial for Captain Lou Albino.

    Lots of promos (at least 4) pushing ticket sales for Wrestlemania 26 that starts on November 6. All of the promos for WM26 included every Jeff Hardy spot from WM 25 as well as Edge.

    One thing that they did all night was turned up the music at certain points during the intros – it seemed like they were using the changes for a cue to the wrestlers/host.

    Raw begins with Snoop Dogg taking his sweet time to come down to the ring.

    During the commercial breaks they ran a few salute to the troops in Iraq and they featured Jeff Hardy in a few shots. No real attempt to ‘clean’ him out of any of their promos during the evening.

    Crowd was dead for Orton-Ted Jr. – crowd popped for anything related to Cena, DX or Snoop.

    Snoop Dogg did a little free style dancing during the break after his Chavo run in – Kelly Kelly didn’t look like she wanted to be out there with the other girls!

    They showed NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Joey Logano as hosts for Raw next week – entire arena booed loudly. I thought we were screwed with Snoop Dogg.

    Right before Jericho comes out the ring crew set up Kane’s pyro – we knew Kane would show up somewhere. Was surprised to see him come thru the crowd with the rest of Team Smackdown. We knew there was no match when Jericho waltzed out at 11:01.

    Not sure where the live feed cuts off – Team Raw gets an assist from John Cena who cleared house of team Smackdown, only to get blindsided by Orton who was joined by both Legacy members. DX runs off Legacy to leave Orton in the ring with all three men. At some point during the melee HBK puts on Jerry ‘the King’ Lawler’s crown and wears it into the ring.

    Orton grabs HHH’s DX cap and puts it on, and tries to talk HHH into doing the DX chant. Orton plays the crowd with the cap, doing the X with his arms, only to get boos. Orton turns into HBK to get Sweet Chin Music, followed by a Pedigree, followed by Cena hitting his F-U.

    Cena gets a standing ovation, heads up the ramp only to be called back to the ring by DX.

    DX try to teach Cena the DX stance, tells him to swivel his hips, says he too stiff. HHH makes a ring rat joke about HBK and swiveling his hips, then includes himself on the joke saying he did the ring rats thing too!

    DX ask if we’re ready…then break down when talking about this might being Cena’s last show. Cena hugs HBK then HHH, Hunter reminds him that he can’t hug if his hips are loose now. They do the DX gimmick after some coaxing by the remaining fans and give Cena a send off.

    HHH and HBK circled the ring and shook hands and took pictures to wrap up the night.

    As we left, Ring announcer Justin Roberts announced we would see them again very soon, but no date given.

  • WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Reviewed – Buy It Here!

    The new WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 video game is now available the PS3, XBOX 360, Wii, DS, PSPand PS2 consoles.

    Video game site IGN.com has posted a review of the game and gave it an 8.5/10 – Great. Reviewer Gregory Miller had a lot of good things to say about this year’s installment, as there have been improvements in many aspects of the game.

    You can check out IGN’s full reviews below:

    New features in this year’s installment include:

    — The presentation of the game is better than ever, “practically nonexistent” load timess and plenty of small details (the WWE live logo, the end of show copyright, etc.) that make this feel like you’re watching a real WWE broadcast.

    — The Royal Rumble match has been completely redesigned from the ground up and is more authentic than ever.

    — WWE Story Designer is another brand new addition to the game this year. Players the ability to create their own original story.

    — Created Superstars, highlight reels, created finishing moves, and screenshots can all be uploaded online and downloaded by other players.

    — The characters models continue to evolve, looking “as good as ever”. The animations are smooth and everything seems to move fluidly.

    — The new blood system is said to be a great feature, with cuts starting small and blood flow increasing as more damage is done.

    BUY SMACKDOWN vs. RAW 2010 Below from AMAZON.COM – Best Prices Anywhere!

  • JR Blog: Shane Leaving WWE, Flair vs. Hogan & More

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross
    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross his blog, which you can read at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR said about:

    Shane’s Departure From WWE: “No website has any definitive news on why Shane McMahon resigned from his family’s company, WWE, on Friday. Perhaps more news sites will elaborate on this matter come Monday as Friday is always the best day to drop big news as sometimes it gets somewhat lost on the weekend. Nonetheless no one knows why Shane seemingly abruptly decided to leave the family business and I don’t feel that any one will know the reason until he declares what his next venture will be. Shane has a great formal education not to mention years of “on the job” training since starting out on the ring crew as a teen during the summers. I know Shane has many interests and who’s to say that he simply wants to reassess where he is in his life and spend more time with his family which includes two sons? Until Shane himself makes an official statement as to what he is going to tee up next, then every thing any one can read, report or write about is pure speculation. Shane has excellent people skills and a unique skill set in a one of a kind genre that employs basic promotional and organization skills that should be transferable to many businesses.”

    Wrestlers Leaving The Industry: I have always found it amazing when fans cannot understand when someone who is seemingly entrenched in the wrestling business decides to explore other opportunities. Both the Rock and Stone Cold have been dissed because they no longer have the desire to “wrestle” but have both said that they would be interested in making selected appearances at the right place and the right time. For some fans that isn’t good enough. I admire “wrestlers” or “wrestling people” who want to explore other opportunities. Life cannot become one dimensional and one cannot allow their own lives to revolve around one, singular entity. That mindset isn’t healthy or smart.  Unless one is in a very unique position, IE ownership, and that’s arguable, one should not allow the wrestling biz or any other biz to become their “life.” Those that due usually end up miserable and make those around them unhappy as well. I have great empathy for ex-wrestlers who have to or feel compelled to to hang on to whatever they can within the wrestling business under the guise of “loving the business” while it’s really all about not having any marketable skills to replace their income. This is just one of the reasons that I always encourage young wrestlers to be to get college degrees so that they will have something to fall back on in case becoming a wrestling star doesn’t’ work out….and it usually doesn’t. If 2-3 out of 100 prospect become legit, main event level wrestling stars then a company should feel fortunate.

    Flair Wrestling Again: Speaking of “Naitch” he called me Saturday morning early to wish me good luck at the Red River Shootout at the Cotton Bowl which was a classy gesture. He’s excited to be going to Australia to wrestle but Flair vs. Hogan isn’t what I would book as it would be Flair and Hogan together against two, younger athletic guys. Ric going down under to make a big payday doesn’t bother me at all nor do I think it bothers HBK who a fan recently asked about in our Q&A section of this site.

  • JR Blog: Shane Leaving WWE, Flair vs. Hogan & More

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross
    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross his blog, which you can read at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR said about:

    Shane’s Departure From WWE: “No website has any definitive news on why Shane McMahon resigned from his family’s company, WWE, on Friday. Perhaps more news sites will elaborate on this matter come Monday as Friday is always the best day to drop big news as sometimes it gets somewhat lost on the weekend. Nonetheless no one knows why Shane seemingly abruptly decided to leave the family business and I don’t feel that any one will know the reason until he declares what his next venture will be. Shane has a great formal education not to mention years of “on the job” training since starting out on the ring crew as a teen during the summers. I know Shane has many interests and who’s to say that he simply wants to reassess where he is in his life and spend more time with his family which includes two sons? Until Shane himself makes an official statement as to what he is going to tee up next, then every thing any one can read, report or write about is pure speculation. Shane has excellent people skills and a unique skill set in a one of a kind genre that employs basic promotional and organization skills that should be transferable to many businesses.”

    Wrestlers Leaving The Industry: I have always found it amazing when fans cannot understand when someone who is seemingly entrenched in the wrestling business decides to explore other opportunities. Both the Rock and Stone Cold have been dissed because they no longer have the desire to “wrestle” but have both said that they would be interested in making selected appearances at the right place and the right time. For some fans that isn’t good enough. I admire “wrestlers” or “wrestling people” who want to explore other opportunities. Life cannot become one dimensional and one cannot allow their own lives to revolve around one, singular entity. That mindset isn’t healthy or smart.  Unless one is in a very unique position, IE ownership, and that’s arguable, one should not allow the wrestling biz or any other biz to become their “life.” Those that due usually end up miserable and make those around them unhappy as well. I have great empathy for ex-wrestlers who have to or feel compelled to to hang on to whatever they can within the wrestling business under the guise of “loving the business” while it’s really all about not having any marketable skills to replace their income. This is just one of the reasons that I always encourage young wrestlers to be to get college degrees so that they will have something to fall back on in case becoming a wrestling star doesn’t’ work out….and it usually doesn’t. If 2-3 out of 100 prospect become legit, main event level wrestling stars then a company should feel fortunate.

    Flair Wrestling Again: Speaking of “Naitch” he called me Saturday morning early to wish me good luck at the Red River Shootout at the Cotton Bowl which was a classy gesture. He’s excited to be going to Australia to wrestle but Flair vs. Hogan isn’t what I would book as it would be Flair and Hogan together against two, younger athletic guys. Ric going down under to make a big payday doesn’t bother me at all nor do I think it bothers HBK who a fan recently asked about in our Q&A section of this site.