SEScoops

Author: Staff

  • Trailer Released For Dwayne Johnson's "The Tooth Fairy"

    The first trailer for Dwayne Johnson’s upcoming movie “The Tooth Fiary” has been released. 20th Century Fox’s synopsis for the movie reads:

    Dwayne Johnson is The Tooth Fairy, also known as Derek Thompson, a hard-charging minor league hockey player whose nickname comes from his habit of separating opposing players from their bicuspids. When Derek discourages a youngsters hopes, hes sentenced to one weeks hard labor as a real tooth fairy, complete with the requisite tutu, wings and magic wand. At first, Derek cant handle the tooth bumbling and stumbling as he tries to furtively wing his way through strangers homesdoing what tooth fairies do. But as Derek slowly adapts to his new position, he begins to rediscover his own forgotten dreams.

    The movie will hit theaters in the U.S. on January 22, 2010. The cast includes several big Hollywood names, including Billy Crystal, Ashley Judd and Julie Andrews.

    Here’s the trailer .. Notice anything, missing from The Rock’s body?

  • Update On RVD To TNA, Linda McMahon’s Senate Run

    — Reader “Lee” sent in word that he called RVD’s Internet radio show the other night to discuss the main topic of the show, which was whether RVD should return to WWE or go to TNA. When he called in, the person who was screening the calls asked whether he thinks RVD should go to WWE or TNA. When he said WWE, the screener responded, “Ok, well I will put you through anyway”.

    Lee got the strong impression that they were trying to get more TNA callers and push possibility of RVD going to TNA. Van Dam mentioned during the show that going to TNA would put him closer to his parents, who live in Florida.

    — ESPN.com has another an article up that looks at Linda McMahon’s aspirations to be a United States Senator. Aside from the typical argument that her association with pro wrestling will likely hurt her chances, columnist Jeff MacGregor looks at the situation from a different perspective.

    He asks why Linda would want to walk away from the money, power and control she has over running a large corporation. “You aren’t the boss anymore. No one has to do what you say. No one has to listen to you. No one cares what you think. The one thing you need to be able to do as a politician is the one thing you never had to bother with in business: build consensus,” he said.

    “Why Mrs. McMahon wants to give up the power, money and prestige of professional wrestling to join a sideshow like the U.S. Senate remains a mystery to me.” Visit ESPN.com for more.

  • Update On RVD To TNA, Linda McMahon's Senate Run

    — Reader “Lee” sent in word that he called RVD’s Internet radio show the other night to discuss the main topic of the show, which was whether RVD should return to WWE or go to TNA. When he called in, the person who was screening the calls asked whether he thinks RVD should go to WWE or TNA. When he said WWE, the screener responded, “Ok, well I will put you through anyway”.

    Lee got the strong impression that they were trying to get more TNA callers and push possibility of RVD going to TNA. Van Dam mentioned during the show that going to TNA would put him closer to his parents, who live in Florida.

    — ESPN.com has another an article up that looks at Linda McMahon’s aspirations to be a United States Senator. Aside from the typical argument that her association with pro wrestling will likely hurt her chances, columnist Jeff MacGregor looks at the situation from a different perspective.

    He asks why Linda would want to walk away from the money, power and control she has over running a large corporation. “You aren’t the boss anymore. No one has to do what you say. No one has to listen to you. No one cares what you think. The one thing you need to be able to do as a politician is the one thing you never had to bother with in business: build consensus,” he said.

    “Why Mrs. McMahon wants to give up the power, money and prestige of professional wrestling to join a sideshow like the U.S. Senate remains a mystery to me.” Visit ESPN.com for more.

  • Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson Hospitalized Last Night

    Former WWE diva and reality television star Torrie Wilson was hospitalized this week, according to messages on her Facebook page. Wilson posted a message early this morning:

    “Big scare for me tonight!!! I was in the emergency room, Though i was heading up to heaven for a minute there… like I put on my Twitter page earlier, thanks for letting me stay a bit longer Jesus!”

    She then elaborated on what it was that sent her to the hospital:

    “Bad reaction to some meds and I just got really sick all of the sudden!!! I’m feeling much better now, but it was a big scare! Gonna get some rest tonight for sure!”

    You can follow Torrie Wilson on Facebook by clicking here.

  • Mick Foley Causes Match To Be Re-Shot At iMPACT! Tapings

    Source: prowrestling.net

    Mick Foley was the target of some criticism coming out last Monday’s TNA iMPACT! tapings after he used his political clout to have the ending of that show’s main event changed.

    In a match that aired on last Thursday’s iMAPCT!, the original plan was for Foley to be pinned in his tag match with Kurt Angle against Matt Morgan and Abyss. Foley argued that instead of him getting pinned, his character should call for Dr. Stevie and Daffney to replace him and Angle in mid-match. Sounds pretty convoluted, but TNA went along with Foley’s plan on Monday night and the match was a disaster. TNA officials decided the Steve & Daffney vs. Morgan & Abyss match was could not air on television, so Foley & Angle wrestled Morgan & Abyss again the next night at Tuesday’s taping, using the original finish with Foley losing. The second version of the match (with Foley losing) ended up airing on Impact.

    After his suggestion bombed, Foley didn’t put up much of a fuss over doing the job the following night. Nevertheless, the feeling from multiple sources was that Foley was trying to avoid taking the pinfall. “He’s crafty,” one source stated. “He knows how to hide behind that nice guy image.”

  • Snoop Dogg Hosting RAW, ECW & Smackdown Main Events

    — Hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg will be the guest host of next week’s WWE Raw. Fans might remember Snoop hosted the Playboy Bunnymania match at WrestleMania 24 and even got an on-screen kiss from WWE diva Maria at the event.

    — The main event for next week’s WWE Raw, the final raw before WWE Bragging Rights, will be John Cena vs. Triple H in a singles match. WWE is hyping the match could be Cena’s final match on Raw, as he must leave the brand if he can’t defeat Randy Orton in the Iron Man match at Bragging Rights. Cena and Triple H faced each other in the main event of WrestleMania 22.

    — Tonight, WWE heads to Lexington, Kentucky to tape this week’s ECW and SmackDown shows. The following matches were announced on Raw for both shows:

    • The main event of tonight’s “ECW on Syfy” will be ECW Champion Christian teaming with Yoshi Tatsu to face William Regal and Zack Ryder.
    • The main event for Friday’s SmackDown will be Rey Mysterio vs. Batista.

    — Two more matches have been confirmed for WWE Bragging Rights on 10/25.

    • SmackDown vs. RAW Bragging Rights Match: Chris Jericho & Six Smackdown wrestlers to be named vs. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston & the winner of Mark Henry vs. Chris Masters (airing this week on Superstars)
    • Intercontinental Champion John Morrison vs. United States Champion The Miz.

  • Snoop Dogg Hosting RAW, ECW & Smackdown Main Events

    — Hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg will be the guest host of next week’s WWE Raw. Fans might remember Snoop hosted the Playboy Bunnymania match at WrestleMania 24 and even got an on-screen kiss from WWE diva Maria at the event.

    — The main event for next week’s WWE Raw, the final raw before WWE Bragging Rights, will be John Cena vs. Triple H in a singles match. WWE is hyping the match could be Cena’s final match on Raw, as he must leave the brand if he can’t defeat Randy Orton in the Iron Man match at Bragging Rights. Cena and Triple H faced each other in the main event of WrestleMania 22.

    — Tonight, WWE heads to Lexington, Kentucky to tape this week’s ECW and SmackDown shows. The following matches were announced on Raw for both shows:

    • The main event of tonight’s “ECW on Syfy” will be ECW Champion Christian teaming with Yoshi Tatsu to face William Regal and Zack Ryder.
    • The main event for Friday’s SmackDown will be Rey Mysterio vs. Batista.

    — Two more matches have been confirmed for WWE Bragging Rights on 10/25.

    • SmackDown vs. RAW Bragging Rights Match: Chris Jericho & Six Smackdown wrestlers to be named vs. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston & the winner of Mark Henry vs. Chris Masters (airing this week on Superstars)
    • Intercontinental Champion John Morrison vs. United States Champion The Miz.

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

    Thanks to reader Adam Parker for this live report of last night’s WWE Raw:

    Most of the upper bowl for the show is tarped, off except on the hard camera side.

    The fans in the arena did a lot of WHOOS before the show started.

    Justin Roberts came out, followed by a WrestleMania 25 package (the same one they’ve shown at every event this year).  At the end of the package, they announced that on Saturday November 7th, tickets for WrestleMania XXV will go on sale.

    Dark Match:

    Primo, who got a mild pop, vs. Jamie Noble, with some heat.  There were lots of Primo chants, including a dueling chant. Primo won with a modified cross body off the ropes.

    Superstars:

    The Raw announce team came out.  Michael Cole actually got a pop now (when did that start?).

    Jerry Lawler has on a black shirt, with huge “Lawler for Mayor” slogan written on it in white.  It’s a step up from what he has been wearing

    Mark Henry took on Chris Masters. The hot crowd let out what seemed a collective sigh when Masters came out.  Masters eventually dominated after a botched Sunset Flip spot. Henry attempted a World’s Strongest Slam but couldn’t hit it because Masters worked his leg over. Henry finally hit The Slam soon after that for the win.

    Post Superstars:

    After Superstars ended, the ring crew got ready for Raw. While that went on a Rise and Fall of WCW commercial aired, as well as a package for all of the WrestleManias.

    Justin Roberts is yelling at us to get ready for the live cut- in on USA and told us to have signs ready.  They are putting monitors in the ring so Raw will open with a promo.  There are a huge amount of signs tonight.  As we waited to go live there were some DX chants around the whole arena.

    A funny commercial for the Smackdown vs. Raw game aired during the wait.  When John Cena was shown during the commercial, he got a 50/50 reaction.

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

    Thanks to reader Adam Parker for this live report of last night’s WWE Raw:

    Most of the upper bowl for the show is tarped, off except on the hard camera side.

    The fans in the arena did a lot of WHOOS before the show started.

    Justin Roberts came out, followed by a WrestleMania 25 package (the same one they’ve shown at every event this year).  At the end of the package, they announced that on Saturday November 7th, tickets for WrestleMania XXV will go on sale.

    Dark Match:

    Primo, who got a mild pop, vs. Jamie Noble, with some heat.  There were lots of Primo chants, including a dueling chant. Primo won with a modified cross body off the ropes.

    Superstars:

    The Raw announce team came out.  Michael Cole actually got a pop now (when did that start?).

    Jerry Lawler has on a black shirt, with huge “Lawler for Mayor” slogan written on it in white.  It’s a step up from what he has been wearing

    Mark Henry took on Chris Masters. The hot crowd let out what seemed a collective sigh when Masters came out.  Masters eventually dominated after a botched Sunset Flip spot. Henry attempted a World’s Strongest Slam but couldn’t hit it because Masters worked his leg over. Henry finally hit The Slam soon after that for the win.

    Post Superstars:

    After Superstars ended, the ring crew got ready for Raw. While that went on a Rise and Fall of WCW commercial aired, as well as a package for all of the WrestleManias.

    Justin Roberts is yelling at us to get ready for the live cut- in on USA and told us to have signs ready.  They are putting monitors in the ring so Raw will open with a promo.  There are a huge amount of signs tonight.  As we waited to go live there were some DX chants around the whole arena.

    A funny commercial for the Smackdown vs. Raw game aired during the wait.  When John Cena was shown during the commercial, he got a 50/50 reaction.

  • Jim Ross Talks About Going To TNA, Global iMPACT! & More

    Jim Ross has updated the questions & answers section of his JRsBarBQ.com website with a number of items talking about TNA Wrestling.

    There have been Internet reports for months that Jim Ross is considering jumping to TNA Wrestling when his WWE contract expires at the end of the year. According to the man himself, a run in TNA is highly unlikely. “Firstly, my contract expires sometime in December. Secondly, there have been no serious negotiations but WWE seems to want me to stick around and I prefer to do so as well. We’ll see how the negotiations proceed. I am fortunate that I have many options that have nothing to do with wrestling. Time will tell but don’t believe every thing you read about matters such as this.”

    On the topic of whether TNA will ever reach the level of WWE and become a legitimate competitor, Ross doesn’t think that will happen either. He said, “there will be no WWE/TNA “war” in my view, unless a powerful TV network buys TNA and I haven’t heard that they are for sale.”

    When asked about TNA’s Global iMPACT! show from the Tokyo Dome and why WWE doesn’t do joint-shows with Japanese promotions overseas, Ross said, “WWE’s global branding is pretty amazing as it is. I’m not 100% sure what TNA got out of the Japanese deal but it did not blow me away and simply came off as a TV show from a unique locale.”

  • Jim Ross Talks About Going To TNA, Global iMPACT! & More

    Jim Ross has updated the questions & answers section of his JRsBarBQ.com website with a number of items talking about TNA Wrestling.

    There have been Internet reports for months that Jim Ross is considering jumping to TNA Wrestling when his WWE contract expires at the end of the year. According to the man himself, a run in TNA is highly unlikely. “Firstly, my contract expires sometime in December. Secondly, there have been no serious negotiations but WWE seems to want me to stick around and I prefer to do so as well. We’ll see how the negotiations proceed. I am fortunate that I have many options that have nothing to do with wrestling. Time will tell but don’t believe every thing you read about matters such as this.”

    On the topic of whether TNA will ever reach the level of WWE and become a legitimate competitor, Ross doesn’t think that will happen either. He said, “there will be no WWE/TNA “war” in my view, unless a powerful TV network buys TNA and I haven’t heard that they are for sale.”

    When asked about TNA’s Global iMPACT! show from the Tokyo Dome and why WWE doesn’t do joint-shows with Japanese promotions overseas, Ross said, “WWE’s global branding is pretty amazing as it is. I’m not 100% sure what TNA got out of the Japanese deal but it did not blow me away and simply came off as a TV show from a unique locale.”

  • Austin Movie News, Flair Engaged, WWE Sues Wine School

    — According to Philadelphia’s CityPaper.net, WWE lawyers have sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Wine School of Philadelphia for an event they’re holding called “Sommelier Smackdown,“ where a professional sommelier’s food and wine pairings are matched against those of a member of the Wine School, with students voting for the winner. Keith Wallace, the school’s founder and director, says he has no plans to stop using the smackdown phrase. “They don’t have a leg to stand on. I am not going to bow down to a bully,” he said in a press release. “They claim that they own the term “smackdown” but they don’t.” In response to the WWE threat, Wallace is calling out Mr. McMahon Chris Jerico to a wine-tasting double-team cage match.

    — Jim Ross wrote in his latest JRsBarBQ.com blog that Steve Austin’s new movie “Damage” did strong sales in its first week in the United Kingdom. “Damage debuted at #5 on the i-Tunes store chart in the U.K. and #3 in DVD sales through major retailer HMV,” Ross said. The movie went straight to DVD in the UK and is scheduled for theatrical release in the U.S. on January 28, 2010.

    — HecklerSpray.com has posted an interview with Steve Austin, who talks about his various movie projects.

    — Ric Flair is said to be engaged to be married once again. According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, Flair has been seen around with his girlfriend, who is sporting a new ring on his finger. This would be Flair’s fourth time down the aisle.

  • Pictures Of Lilian Garcia & Trish Stratus Partying In NYC

    The former WWWE divas Lilian Garcia and Trish Stratus partied in New York City over the weekend to celebrate Lilian’s recent wedding. Lilian posted a number of messages and pictures on Twitter over the weekend about their time together.

    This morning, she wrote, “Sad today cause Trish has to leave. :-( Had an amazing wkend with her. Thks grl 4 cming & celebrtng my wedding! U r the best!! Luv ya!”

    Here are the pictures Lilian posted of her and Trish from the weekend:

    Related Link: Lilian Garcia Wedding Photo

    http://stg.sescoops.com/wwe-news/lilian-garcia-wedding-photo-next-weeks-raw-host-msg

  • Pictures Of Lilian Garcia & Trish Stratus Partying In NYC

    The former WWWE divas Lilian Garcia and Trish Stratus partied in New York City over the weekend to celebrate Lilian’s recent wedding. Lilian posted a number of messages and pictures on Twitter over the weekend about their time together.

    This morning, she wrote, “Sad today cause Trish has to leave. :-( Had an amazing wkend with her. Thks grl 4 cming & celebrtng my wedding! U r the best!! Luv ya!”

    Here are the pictures Lilian posted of her and Trish from the weekend:

    Related Link: Lilian Garcia Wedding Photo

    http://stg.sescoops.com/wwe-news/lilian-garcia-wedding-photo-next-weeks-raw-host-msg

  • New Features Announced For On SmackDown vs. Raw 2010

    Video game publisher THQ has posted new details about the “Road to WrestleMania” feature upcoming WWE SmackDown v. Raw 2010 game.

    The Road to Wrestlemania will now include custom storylines for Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, Edge, Mickie James or your own created superstar. There’s even a “Brand Warfare” option that pits the superstars of SmackDown and Raw against each other.

    This year’s edition of the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise will also feature new gameplay and storytelling methods. THQ says,  “You can tear up Mr. McMahon’s office, retrieve a stolen championship and have matches interrupted by smack-talking adversaries – all in real time. We even have guest commentators presiding over some matches, as well as a long list of unlockables highlighted by some well-known individuals.”

    Visit THQ.com to read more on these new features.

    WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 hits stores on Tuesday, October 20th and will be available for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft X-Box 360 consoles.

  • War Games Coming To WWE? Another PPV Being Renamed

    — WWE sent out another survey to the WWE Universe over the weekend asking fans for input on yet another Pay-Per-Vie event being renamed. This time, its Judgment Day. WWE fans were given the following names to choose from:

    • Judgment Day
    • Riot Control
    • Multimania
    • War Games

    War Games was a tag-team cage match concept that originated in the NWA (and was later used in WCW).

    For more on the history of War Games match, visit Wikipedia.

    In his latest blog at JRsBarBQ.com, Jim Ross commented on the talk that War Games might be coming to WWE. Ross said:

    I read on line where WWE was kicking around the “War Games” theme for a possible return to PPV. I think that’s a good idea as the traditional “War Games” concept was two teams of five and the bad guys winning every coin toss in existence which allowed them to always start with a 2 on 1 advantage. No, I don’t endorse that “every match be a War Games match” but I do think that it makes for a cool theme name and having one “War Games” bout would be marketable if the table was set correctly with the right talents that all had organic reasons to be “teammates.” Please read this carefully and don’t go into business for yourself inasmuch as I’m saying that this is going to happen but that it was merely something that I read being discussed on line and we all know all those things can be at times.

  • Triple H High On Young Superstar, Backstage DX Story

    — Sources say that Triple H is quite high on Drew McIntyre and is one of the driving forces behind the young wrestler’s current push. Vince McMahon has also singled McIntyre out as somebody he sees to have great potential.

    — Speaking of Drew McIntyre, there was a minor backstage issue with his Hell in a Cell opponent R-Truth at last week’s pay-per-view. According to F4Wonline.com, R-Truth was preparing to go out to the ring when a WWE producer told him to remove the camouflage vest he was wearing because that’s now DX’s thing. He approached Stephanie McMahon about the issue, who said that he should probably discuss the issue with Triple H. At that point, R-Truth decided to take the vest off and head to the ring for his match without it.

  • Vince Talks About WWE’s “Sophisticated” Product, MMA & More

    Silicon Valley’s MercuryNews.com has an article that looks at WWE’s transition from TV-14 programming to TV-PG, with quotes from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

    McMahon explains that desepite the success WWE saw during the edgy Attitude era, the time was right to shift towards more family friendly programming. “We just followed our audience and tried to listen to them,” McMahon said. “It’s a more sophisticated product. It’s just the right move business-wise, but more specifically the right move in terms of reaching our audience.”

    Since going PG, WWE has picked up a number of new sponsorships, including Pepsi, 7-Eleven stores, Mattel toys and the Army National Guard.

    Vince also said by toning down WWE’s programming, they are moving farther away from being in direct competition with mixed martial arts. “You really can’t compete with that,” he said. “Why not deliver a more sophisticated product and not go to those extremes? If the audience wants those extremes, they know where to go and how to get it.”

    Wait, what?! WWE? Sophisticated? WWE? World Wrestling Entertainment?

    The article also notes that singer Ozzy Osbourne will be hosting Raw this fall.

  • Vince Talks About WWE's "Sophisticated" Product, MMA & More

    Silicon Valley’s MercuryNews.com has an article that looks at WWE’s transition from TV-14 programming to TV-PG, with quotes from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

    McMahon explains that desepite the success WWE saw during the edgy Attitude era, the time was right to shift towards more family friendly programming. “We just followed our audience and tried to listen to them,” McMahon said. “It’s a more sophisticated product. It’s just the right move business-wise, but more specifically the right move in terms of reaching our audience.”

    Since going PG, WWE has picked up a number of new sponsorships, including Pepsi, 7-Eleven stores, Mattel toys and the Army National Guard.

    Vince also said by toning down WWE’s programming, they are moving farther away from being in direct competition with mixed martial arts. “You really can’t compete with that,” he said. “Why not deliver a more sophisticated product and not go to those extremes? If the audience wants those extremes, they know where to go and how to get it.”

    Wait, what?! WWE? Sophisticated? WWE? World Wrestling Entertainment?

    The article also notes that singer Ozzy Osbourne will be hosting Raw this fall.

  • Kennedy Wins Title Belt (Picture), Grisham Getting Married

    — Congratulations to SmackDown announcer Todd Grisham, who is getting married next weekend in Pennsylvania. Grisham will miss the Tuesday’s taping in Columbia, SC as he and his new bride will be on their honeymoon!

    — — Ring announcer Justin Roberts’ profile has been moved from the SmackDown section to the Raw section. Roberts took over the ring announcing duties for Monday Night Raw last week as a result of Lilian Garcia’s departure from the company.

    — After suffering a knee injury at a live event last month, WWE Diva Kelly Kelly posted a message on Twitter.com/realkellykelly saying that he’s returned to the gym. She returned to action this past Monday on Raw.

    — Former WWE superstar Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson is the new World Champion for the Nu Wrestling Evolution promotion. He won the title at a live event in Malta on October 2nd, after defeating former WWE superstar Chuck Palumbo & Tiny Iron in a three way match. Here’s Ken Anderson celebrating his big win:

    Ken Anderson NWE Title

  • Poll Results: What Did You Think of WWE Hell in a Cell?

    On Monday, we asked what you thought about WWE’s Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View. 1,556 fans voted and here are the results:

    • What a Waste (40%, 616 Votes)
    • Average (39%, 604 Votes)
    • Great Show (21%, 336 Votes)

    Feel free to comment on this post and tell us why you voted the way you did.

    We’ve got a new poll up, let’s hear what you think!

  • Top Stars Get The Weekend Off, Angle’s TNA Debut & More

    — WWE Raw just managed to make this week’s top 10 Neilson cable ratings. The two hours of Raw earned the number 8 and 10 spot, getting topped by the Monday night NFL game on ESPN, UFC’s Ultimate Fighter, ESPN’s SportsCenter and Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. To see this week’s Top 15 list, visit Google.com.

    — Raw, SmackDown and TNA  will be without some of their top stars for this weekend’s house shows. Neither Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker or Kurt Angle are advertised for their respective shows’ live events.

    — Speaking of Kurt Angle, he made his TNA Wrestling debut on this day three years ago. Angle showed up to confront TNA Champion Samoa Joe, leading to a physical confrontation and eventually several great matches between the two. During his first appearance, Angle took the mic and said he wasn’t fired from WWE, he asked for his release. He also said Vince McMahon could kiss his “Olympic ass.”

    Here’s a video clip of Kurt Angle’s TNA debut from October 2006:

  • Top Stars Get The Weekend Off, Angle's TNA Debut & More

    — WWE Raw just managed to make this week’s top 10 Neilson cable ratings. The two hours of Raw earned the number 8 and 10 spot, getting topped by the Monday night NFL game on ESPN, UFC’s Ultimate Fighter, ESPN’s SportsCenter and Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. To see this week’s Top 15 list, visit Google.com.

    — Raw, SmackDown and TNA  will be without some of their top stars for this weekend’s house shows. Neither Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker or Kurt Angle are advertised for their respective shows’ live events.

    — Speaking of Kurt Angle, he made his TNA Wrestling debut on this day three years ago. Angle showed up to confront TNA Champion Samoa Joe, leading to a physical confrontation and eventually several great matches between the two. During his first appearance, Angle took the mic and said he wasn’t fired from WWE, he asked for his release. He also said Vince McMahon could kiss his “Olympic ass.”

    Here’s a video clip of Kurt Angle’s TNA debut from October 2006:

  • JR Blog: Steve Austin, Future Raw Hosts, False Piper Rumors

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read at JRsBarBQ.com in its entirety. Some highlights from this entry:

    Steve Austin in the UK: Got an email from old pal Steve Austin late last night. He’s in the UK promoting his next film “Damage” which will be released imminently on DVD. I’ve seen the trailer and liked what I saw and plan on supporting Steve by purchasing this action packed, fight filled film when it becomes available. Many Austin fans waited some 13 hours to be a part of a signing there this week. Steve also detailed seeing his first soccer game in person and he told me that he had a blast and had a better understanding and appreciation for the game.

    NWA Title Up For Auction: 75K is the asking price for Ric Flair’s coveted NWA World Title Belt? Wow…good luck on getting that number to the party selling the treasure. This is not a positive development in the big picture, at least in my humble opinion, and it quite frankly makes me sad. But it is also none of my business.

    False Roddy Piper Rumors: I’m happy to hear that the early week reports regarding the severity of Rowdy Roddy Piper’s illness were erroneous and that Rod is on his way to feeling much better. One of my fondest memories is having dinner at WM25 with Roddy and Ric Flair, among other pals, and listening to the stories. If a camera had been rolling we would have had “Gold, Jerry, Gold!” Feel better Hot Rod.

    Future RAW Guest Hosts: I’ve heard of some big names that are likely candidates to host Monday Night Raw in coming weeks and many are most intriguing. It looks as if WWE is committed to this process of having a guest celeb from some walk of life host the company’s top TV priority as an avenue for the host to promote their own products or agendas. I thought Big Ben did a solid job Monday night and from what I was told by those that were in Wilkes-Barre that the Steelers QB and his O-Line had a blast. I would estimate that Roethlisberger signed at least 100 pieces of swag for WWE personnel while he was at Raw.

  • Before The Undertaker Was A Star, Today’s Birthdays

    — Happy birthday to Paul Burchill, who turns 30 day and WWE United States champion The Miz, who turns 29.

    Miz posted a message on his Twitter.com/mikethemiz page saying, “thanks for all the birthday wishes the mizfits remember. what am i doin on my bday? working of course have a thq video game appearance.”

    — Former TNA creative team member Dutch Mantel has posted a blog this week where he talks about working with The Undertaker before he became a star. Mantel wrote on TheWorldAccordingToDutch.blogspot.com:

    “When I first became acquainted with Mark, he was the complete opposite of what he is today. His hair was cropped short and he had no tattoos. When I first laid eyes on him, he actually looked too clean cut to be a wrestler. Today, he is a walking tat advert. He turned out to be a great guy and for a man his size, he moved like silk”

    He continued, “At first glance, Mark had all the physical tools to succeed in the pro wrestling business. He had the size, the look and the raw talent to be a HUGE star. His next hurdle he would face would be to decide if he possessed the temperament to succeed. Over the next several months, I got to know Mark Calaway’s temperament very well and he passed the test.”