– The Wyatt Family—Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper—are featured on the promotional poster for the Survivor Series.
The twenty-seventh annual pay-per-view takes place Sunday, November 24 in Boston, Massachusetts at the TD Garden.
– Tom Phillips, who has been commentating WWE NXT matches since last September, has been added to NXT talent page on WWE.com.
Prior to joining WWE last year, Phillips called basketball games for the Big Ten Network. He was a wrestling fan growing up as he watched “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, as well as Extreme Championship Wrestling since it was based in his hometown of Philadelpha, Pennsylvania.
– The official WWE website has a released a poll asking fans who is the most sadistic Superstar on SmackDown. With over 19,000 votes cast, Orton is leading the poll at 58%. Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Ryback and Alberto Del Rio trail.
Gene Petit, who appeared as Cousin Luke for the World Wrestling Federation in 1985 and 1986, has passed away, according to PWInsider.com.
Details surrounding Petit’s death have not been released. He had been battling with multiple sclerosis in recent years, causing him to drop a substantial amount of weight.
Though Petit competed for numerous promotions from 1973 through his retirement in 2000, he is best known for his role as a member of Hillbilly Jim’s stable of wrestling relatives from Mud Lick, Kentucky, which also included Uncle Elmer and Cousin Luke. Petit portrayed a silent and expressionless rural Southerner who did not know how to wrestle—though he did actually wrestle. He joined the other hillbillies in their feud with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr., and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. He stated in a 2008 interview detailing his career that he was asked to compete at WrestleMania 2, but had to decline to an ankle injury. Storyline cousin Uncle Elmer was utilized instead, as he suffered a quick loss to Adrian Adonis.
Petit explained the nature of his departure from the World Wrestling Federation in 1986 to SLAM! Wrestling: “Vince [McMahon] told me that they would keep me until the end of the year, leave me off for a few months, and then figure out another gimmick, because they were just going to keep Hillbilly.”
“There was too much back and forth with Hillbilly and he got hurt; they brought Elmer in, and he got fired; Junior left; then I came in, and Hillbilly had a little disagreement with the office, so he took off for a few weeks. We had lost the steam that we had. I finished the year with them, and then started working the independents.”
Hillbilly Jim is the last surviving member of the clan; Uncle Elmer (Stan Frazier) died in 1992 as a result of kidney failure while Cousin Junior (Larry Kean) died in 2009 due to a heart attack.
As reported Saturday evening on SEScoops.com, Ryback addressed Bill Goldberg while promoting WWE 2K14 in India as he was asked about fans chanting the name of the former World Heavyweight Champion during his matches.
“When I first started with WWE, I did not get that [Goldberg chants] right away,” Ryback said. “But then the WWE.com website actually posted an article – because people that run the website aren’t necessarily the ones at TV – and they wrote that I channeled Bill Goldberg before my matches, which is completely false. So whatever creative genius did that… a bunch of people read that article on the .COM, and the chants started a week after because of that brilliant article that was posted.
“It’s something that never bothers me, but I’m a man of my own identity and eventually the people that keep chanting it, they’re going to make me a ton of money because I’m going to have to beat him eventually. We’ll get him back and I’ll beat him.”
Goldberg was informed of Ryback’s remarks via Twitter and issued the following message: “Good luck with that…”
– CM Punk, who sparingly participates in meet and greets, recently met an Indiana-based couple celebrating 63 years of marriage.
The Altmans, Leeroy, 87, and Bonnie, 77, have 14 biological children, eight adopted children, 147 grandchildren and 78 great-grandchildren. Though the couple are presently dealing with life-threatening health issues and other hardships, the couple maintains a love WWE and consider meeting Punk a dream come true.
The official Community website of WWE has released photos of their meeting.
– WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H has said he has a new business proposal for the entire Rhodes family and invited them to tomorrow night’s Raw—Goldust and Cody Rhodes accepted the proposal via Tout on Friday. Tout has released footage of Big Show reacting to Goldust and Rhodes’ decision to appear on the show.
– 2K Games will showcase the Universe Mode 4.0 in the upcoming WWE 2K14 video game via live stream tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. Eastern at www.twitch.tv/2k. The title is scheduled for release on October 29 in North America and November 1 in Europe.
– Ken Shamrock revealed on Twitter last night that he would be open to returning to WWE.
A fan remarked to Shamrock that he would love to see him back in the organization. Shamrock responded, “@VinceMcMahon is the man who can set it up brother @WWE.” The 49-year-old was then asked if he would like to return, and replied, “yes.”
– WWE highlights CM Punk’s devastating GTS in this 30 Second Fury video.
– The official website of WWE 2K14 has added profiles on John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Zack Ryder. Layfield has a game rating of 89 while Ryder comes up at 85.
Madusa, formerly known as Alundra Blayze, is none too pleased with reigning WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee recently appearing in possession of the WWE Women’s Championship—the 50-year-old considers herself the rightful owner of the strap since she never lost it in a match.
Last week, WWE’s resident “Geek Goddess” tweeted this photo of herself holding the retired belt (for a WWE.com photo shoot she and other wrestlers took part in):
Upon seeing the picture, Madusa called out Lee on Facebook. She wrote:
“Apparently someone has delusions of grandeur……..
“AJ Never was, Never will be the WWE womens champion as long as I OFFICIALLY hold the title. Bitch never beat me, Bitch never will. However she does give good mike skill so lets see what she has to say now….
According to this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Lee’s tribute drew a negative reaction from some of her co-workers as they consider it an “eye roller”—wrestlers displaying fan-like behavior is generally frowned upon by those affiliated within the industry. Plus, WWE commentators Jerry “The King” Lawler and John “Bradshaw” Layfield poked fun at her ink during last Monday’s live Raw broadcast by saying if she lost the belt, she would get a tattoo commemorating the date.
During a recent interview with WWE.com, the New Jersey native explained the meaning behind her unique mark.
“When I was really young, my entire family was covered in tattoos, so it was okay to get one. But I knew, when I did get one, that I wanted it to be something important and special. So, at a very young age, I decided that I would get it when I won the title,” said Lee.
“I’m not a girly girl. And I didn’t want fancy script or a butterfly or anything like that on me. I wanted something surreal; something that showed time served. That’s why it’s in the style that it’s in. [The Divas Championship is] something that I worked for and spent a great deal of my time trying to get. It’s 14 years in the making. So, it’s supposed to be really cold. Just a mark of an accomplishment and now I move on.”
Kharma reignited her feud with Reby Sky this past week during an interview with the wrestling and mixed martial arts podcast Future Endeavors (audio available here) as she once again slammed “The Diva Overachiever.”
Earlier this year, Kharma participated in the “YouShoot” DVD series and placed Sky in the ‘Ho Bag’—a recurring segment featured in the series. This caused the outspoken female grappler to fire back at the former WWE and TNA Wrestling star by claiming she participates in “shoot” interviews to support her drug habit due to being broke.
Speaking to Future Endeavors, Kharma revealed she placed Sky in the “Ho Bag” due to her lack of “etiquette” and respect for ring veterans such as Sid Vicious—after Vicious surfaced on Raw last year for a guest wrestling appearance, Sky went off on the former World Champion on Twitter by saying he doesn’t deserve the spotlight after no-showing multiple independent events months earlier, including one show in which he was to have faced her boyfriend, Matt Hardy.
Kharma added that Sky’s reputation “speaks for itself” and that she’s “not one of my colleagues.” Finally, Kharma labeled Sky “a peon.”
Former WWE talent Lindsay Hayward ?(the 6’9″ women’s wrestler who was originally scheduled to appear on NXT in 2010), sent Sky an article containing Kharma’s remarks, to which she responded, “Lying. Fucking. Cunt. Oh, & lets all glorify a FUCKING NO-SHOW. Brilliant ! But it’s ok bc it’s a “veteran”, right ? LOL.”
Sky then went off on Kharma and Vicious with the following rant, “I don’t give a f*ck HOW many years someone has had in the business. If you’re a piece of sh*t, you’re a piece of sh*t.
“Being a “veteran” is not a magical pass to be a complete POS. Yall think imma bow down to someone just bc they got a lucky break ? LOL
“Those seemingly SO concerned with “respect” should worry more about those who SH*T ON THIS BUSINESS than those callin out said culprits.
“I will NEVER respect a no-show; someone who scams promotors & f*cks fans & people who actually show up to work. F*ck outta here.
“That being said, go back to smiling to my face at shows & talkin sh*t online @kharma, you FAKEASSBITCH.
“Btw, your GODDAUGHTER gives a big ol’ F*CK YOU. Cuz that’s what this is REALLY all about, right ? LOL f*ck outta here.”
As reported last week, Christina Vargas, a 29-year-old fitness model who signed a developmental contract with WWE in the spring, revealed on her Twitter account that she had decided to leave the company because she came to the conclusion that that she would rather pursue her passions in life, fitness and cooking, than professional wrestling. The 29-year-old trained at the WWE Performance Center for less than one month.
Vargas wrote to the female wrestling enthusiast who sent her the critical graphic, “1st off it is not for free that the athletes pay!
“2nd I never told anyone it was my dream!
“3rd some of the best divas in time [Michelle McCool] for one of then was in the diva search and loved it.
“You always start some where! If u where in the same position you would of done it too. Stop hating!”
Vargas went off again in response to the women’s wrestling fan telling her that she blew her opportunity with WWE: “I didn’t fuck nothing up, I left becuz I was unhappy & now know what I want! If anything I gained not lost!
“I don’t need a short cut, the girls in development including the indie girls work there asses off ! 70 – 80 hours u can’t want nothing else in life. If u do its not for u. Dedication is not my prob.”
Vargas was apparently feeling ostracized during her brief tenure with WWE. Three days before announcing her departure from the company, Vargas hinted on Instagram that she was leaving a place because there were people making her feel unwanted.
– WWE developmental talent Kendall Skye, a former All-American athlete, professional dancer, martial artist and Hollywood stuntwoman, has been added to the NXT roster on WWE.com.
Since joining the sports-entertainment organization earlier in the year, the blonde athlete has primarily served as a ring announcer at NXT live events. Though she has wrestled, it has only been on a limited basis at non-televised events.
– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia is currently holding a contest through Facebook and Twitter where the winner will receive a signed outfit worn on a WWE televised show and other prizes. She is asking fans to come up with a new hashtag to reference her fans on Twitter. Click here for details.
– According to WWE.com, a live event be held at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California on Friday, December 6. Superstars advertised for the event include CM Punk, Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Ryback, Curtis Axel, The Wyatt Family and Kofi Kingston. Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 5.
– According to WWE.com, a live event be held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia on Saturday, December 7. Superstars advertised for the event include Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, Damien Sandow, Fandango, Wade Barrett and Natalya. Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 12.
– Pierre Marceau, a 6’4″ French wrestler and former kickboxer, is now training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Footage from NXT’s “Presentations Skills” class was released earlier this month on YouTube before being quickly marked as a private. A YouTube user managed to save the footage before it was removed from public eyes and made it available online again; here is Marceau cutting a non-PG promo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLZPN_A65n8
– Forrmer WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley had a front row seat at last night’s WWE live event at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Regarding the experience, he wrote on Twitter, “Great Seats, Great Show & Great Time.”
Click here to see a photo Lashley took of Daniel Bryan.
– Last night’s episode of SmackDown scored a 65,882 in social media activity, according to Trendrr.TV, the program’s lowest score since June 7 with 62k. This figure is down from 84,444 two weeks ago and 68,179 last week.
– In June, inactive TNA Wrestling star Zema Ion’s fundraising campaign following an emergency appendectomy was futile as it failed to raise the needed $30,000 he was hoping to raise—it only raised $6,648, which he did not receive. Ion recently appeared on The Pain Clinic (listen here) and revealed that he became depressed after being informed he may have cancer, not to mention that he owes thousands of dollars in medical bills. He dubbed the ordeal “a really dark time,” but says he’s feeling better these days.
– In the latest edition of the “Impact Wrestling Podcast” hosted by Jeremy Borash and Christy Hemme, Breaking Bad fans Bad Influence, Mike Tenay, Taz, Jeff Hardy and Gunner offer their predictions on tomorrow night’s season finale on AMC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO2h1D7EMeY
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, TNA Women’s Champion ODB will participate in an autograph signing at Wrestling Universe 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, New York, on Sunday, October 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
WWE Superstars Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella are engaged to be married, according to E! Online.
The couple have been together for almost three years and Bryan popped the question on Wednesday while they were hiking in Big Sur, California.
“I have never in my life seen him so nervous. I’ve been by him when he’s gone out for WrestleMania and some really big things,” Bella revealed. “He got really, really nervous and he started talking about how long we’ve been together. He got down on one knee and compared our love. He said he’ll love me forever like the ocean goes on.”
Bryan says he was biding his time to pop the question in order to have that perfect moment. “I’ve had the ring for a long time. Just trying to find the moment that fits,” Bryan said. “A moment that’s worthy of Brie.”
Bella says she is targeting a wedding date for between April and June of next year.
Shortly after the report surfaced on EOnline.com, Bryan issued the following message on Twitter.
The entire proposal will be broadcast when Total Divas returns with six new episodes beginning November 17 at 9 p.m. on E!. Additional details on the event are available here.
WWE is teasing the return of The Undertaker via social media outlet Twitter. This afternoon, the sports-entertainment organization released another cryptic “#RestinPieces” message referencing his debut appearance at the 1990 Survivor Series.
– Former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley announced on Twitter Friday afternoon that he will be attending tonight’s WWE live event in Denver, Colorado.
#Raw is in Denver tonight and Guess who's going?!? #yessir
Lashley parted ways with WWE on February 4, 2008 after being asked to be released from his contract and now competes as a mixed martial arts fighter while occasionally wrestling at independent events. Regarding the nature of his departure from Vince McMahon’s organization, it was widely rumored that Lashley had had problems with the head writer of SmackDown at the time, Michael Hayes. Lashley’s former girlfriend, Kristal Marshall, alleged in a 2009 interview that Hayes, who was suspended from WWE in 2008 after reportedly using a racial slur to Mark Henry, had said several blatantly racist remarks to Lashley, and that this was the main reason he decided to bolt from the company.
– This week’s edition of The JBL & Cole Show is now online and features Rob Van Dam. The synopsis reads, “In this edition of The JBL & Cole Show, RVD blesses us with some narration skills, Cole & Renee continue their tour of the WWE Performance Center, William Regal joins the cleaning crew, and JBL FINALLY makes it to Orlando on time….maybe.”
TNA Wrestling has released the official preview for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, which will see Hulk Hogan react to Dixie Carter’s ultimatum to join #TEAMDIXIE. Two matches have also been announced for the show, including Magnus challenging Bobby Roode, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian to a Gauntlet match.
IMPACT Preview: Is Hulk Hogan on #TeamDixie? Plus, Hardy and Manik vs. Sabin and King
Preview Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c as the road to “Bound For Glory” continues! If you can’t watch the action on Thursday make sure to set your DVR!
– TNA President Dixie Carter wants to know who is on #TEAMDIXIE and IMPACT General Manager Hulk Hogan has a major decision to make! This past week Hulk offered AJ Styles a new contract – but Carter shocked everyone and tore it up! Carter then verbally shredded Hogan, telling him he’s either on board with #TEAMDIXIE or ELSE! Carter wants an answer from Hogan this Thursday night – and if she doesn’t like what she hears, will it be the end of Hulkamania in TNA? How will Hulk Hogan react to the ultimatum? Don’t miss this huge face to face between the TNA President and the IMPACT General Manager on Thursday on SpikeTV!
– Speaking of “The Phenomenal One”, we’ll hear from AJ Styles on Thursday’s broadcast! How will he react to what Carter did? How will it effect his shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at “Bound For Glory” against Bully Ray? Both champion and challenger will be on Thursday’s broadcast as the countdown continues to “Bound For Glory”.
– In tag team action on Thursday night, it will be “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy teaming with X Division Champion Manik to battle Chris Sabin and Kenny King!
– Thursday’s IMPACT will also feature a Gauntlet Match as Magnus has challenged all three members of E.G.O. (Bobby Roode, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian). Magnus is determined to step up and prove himself against the faction, but can he defeat all three in one night?
– Plus, more matches for “Bound For Glory” will be announced on Thursday night! Don’t miss IMPACT at 9/8c on SpikeTV!
– The official WWE website has issued a poll asking fans which member of The Shield is most likely to become the first WWE Champion. Roman Reigns is currently leading the poll with 51% of the vote, with Dean Ambrose (35%) and Seth Rollins (14%) trailing.
– This week on WWE Superstars, The Real Americans take on Tons of Funk in the feature match. Plus, Damien Sandow teams up with Big E Langston to take on the team of Justin Gabriel and Zack Ryder. Highlights from both bouts are available below.
– Tonight on SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler faces Dean Ambrose in a Night of Champions rematch for the United States Championship, while WWE COO Triple H will address fans at the top of the show. Click here to read WWE.com’s “SmackDown Five-Point Preview.”
The official YouTube account of WWE has released a preview of the newly released Triple H: Thy Kingdom Come DVD and Blu-ray where Triple H recalls the nature of his arrival to World Championship Wrestling in 1994 as well as his contract negotiations with organization head Eric Bischoff.
Following a tryout match against Keith Cole that was suitable enough to be broadcast on the February 12, 1994 episode of WCW Saturday Night on TBS, Bischoff offered the then-24-year-old a two-year guaranteed contract. The WWE Chief Operating Officer explains why he asked for a shorter deal.
“This is one of these things that this conversation to me in my mind, I still, part of me believes like I can’t believe I had the balls to do any of this,” said Triple H.
“So [Bischoff] says, “I’d like to offer you a two-year deal, 52-grand-a-year.” Triple H replied, “Can I just do a year? And he said, “I’m offering you two years guaranteed, you want one?” He explains, “Yeah, here’s the thing. I said, “it’s 52-grand. Right? So I’m going to starve for a year. At the end of a year, you’re going to know I’m not worth 52-grand, or I’m worth a whole lot more than 52-grand. It ain’t going to take more than a year to figure that out, right? Let’s do a year.”
The New Hampshire native’s WCW tenure concluded after one year, as he left for the World Wrestling Federation after having his request to promoted as a singles competitor denied by organization heads. They had originally planned to pair him in a tag team with William Regal, and have future WWE Hall of Famer Sherri Martel as their manager.
WWE issued a press release Friday announcing that attorney Laura A. Brevetti, who has handled some of the organization’s legal matters and helped successfully defend Vince McMahon in 1994 on United States federal charges of conspiring for years with a convicted drug dealer to distribute anabolic steroids to wrestlers, has been named Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary.
WWE(R) Names Laura A. Brevetti General Counsel
STAMFORD, Conn., Sep 27, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — WWE WWE +0.49% today announced the appointment of Laura A. Brevetti as Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, reporting directly to WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Vince McMahon. Brevetti brings extensive legal and management experience to WWE and will be a key member of the senior executive team.
As General Counsel, Brevetti will be responsible for overseeing the legal and business affairs of the company and serving as the principal legal advisor to the Chairman, CFO, and management team. She will also serve as Corporate Secretary to WWE’s Board of Directors.
Brevetti is a highly accomplished attorney with 30 years of experience in federal and local government, as well as private practice. A noted trial attorney, she has tried cases and arbitrations in both state and federal systems, holding positions that include the Attorney-in-Charge and Special Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Assistant District Attorney for Kings County, New York. Most recently, Brevetti was in private practice with K&L Gates.
Brevetti is often quoted in the media, commenting on current legal issues and events, and is frequently sought to participate in bar and industry seminars. She has also authored numerous legal articles and has served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at Fordham Law School and New York Law School.
Brevetti graduated with a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and an A.B. from Barnard College.
– To promote Battleground on October 6 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York, the official YouTube account of WWE is celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Battle Kat (real name Dean Peters), a wrestler who donned a cat mask and utilized his gymnastics background to emphasize his “cat-like” agility. On September 19, 1990 at a WWF Wrestling Challenge taping in Flint, Michigan, Battle Kat won his televised debut match over enhancement talent regular Bob Bradley.
The masked grappler’s stint with the sports-entertainment company would be short-lived as he was gone by the end of the year, with his final television appearance resulting in a loss to the massive Barbarian. He later resurfaced unmasked in World Championship Wrestling as Brady Boone, where he appeared as a wrestler and later a referee. On December 15, 1998, while driving home to Tampa, Florida from a WCW television taping in Orlando, Florida, Peters died in an automobile accident.
– This week’s issue of ESPN The Magazine featuring Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on the cover has an article on the many masks of Rey Mysterio.
– Today’s birthdays include former WWE and WCW wrestler Ricky Morton (57), former WCW announcer Scott Hudson (49), and journeywoman Ivelisse Velez (25).
– In this week’s WWE Top 10 video, the most memorable WWE Championship victories in the company’s illustrious history are counted down. Featured title changes include Ultimate Warrior defeating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI, John Cena claiming his first WWE Championship, and Mankind pinning The Rock following assistance from “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
– The official WWE website has released a poll asking fans their favorite part of Daniel Bryan’s arsenal. Thus far, his submission skills have captured 50% of the vote, and is followed by his aerial assaults, his educated feet, and his ring awareness.
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, the wrestler formerly known as D-Von Dudley, Devon will appear at Ken’s Cards & Collectibles 27 Mill St. Berlin, Connecticut, tomorrow from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Inside The Ropes have launched a VIP service this week and one of their new shows is Lets Get Creative where they talk to wrestling bookers and writers. In the debut show, they spoke to Memphis promoter and TNA Founder, Jerry Jarrett. Here’s a portion of what Jerry had to say about TNA:
On Dixie’s non-wrestling background and how that effects her running a wrestling company: “You’ve got to have an unabiding respect for the business or it’s impossible to be successful. When I was in the wrestling business, me and the wrestling business were intertwined. I ate it, slept it, dreamt it. The wrestling business was my mistress. Dixie saw her first match after she had ownership, I think and I know for a fact she has little regard for the tradition or the history of the business. So, if you don’t know what brought you to the dance, how are you supposed to learn from it and build on it. After all this years, it’s pretty obvious that I’m right. TNA today is as closed to being a non factor in the business as you can get.”
Thoughts on TNA’s focus on ex-WWE talents: “That’s one of the mistakes they made. They can’t seem to get past the fact that when you bring in guys that WWE has let go, fans are going to see them as yesterday’s soup. But of course you have to have someone who knows how to cultivate and create talent otherwise you have no choice but to use whoever’s available, thats named talent. It’s pretty obvious that they don’t have anybody that knows how to create talent. I’m guessing, because I haven’t seen the show in 2-3 years, but I’m sure there’s talent there that could be superstars. Truth, Ron Killings was in TNA and then you saw when he went to WWE how Vince made him into a superstar. In the wrestling business, it’s really not any secret, it’s understanding that if you’re making a movie. what are the ingredients you need? A compelling storyline, a great producer/director and great talent. You mix those ingredients and you get great cinema. But if you take this great star or talent and put him in a stinking movie with a stinking producer director, what do you get? and the wrestling business is a dance between the promoter or booker or writer and the talent. They have to be on the same page and they both have to be good.”
TNA’s future: “I am amazed, because when I was there, Bob Carter called me at least two to three times a week and said “I can’t lose any more money, Jerry” and I said, “You’re needing to talk to your daughter, not to me. She’s running the place.” So I’m amazed that they are in business. I think at this point, it’safe to say that TNA will continue to be subsidized by Bob Carter until he dies. Then I think TNA will go the way of ECW and the territory days.”
To hear the full two hour plus interview where Jerry talks through his entire booking career from Memphis to WWE to TNA, along with over 100 hours of content in archive shows and interviews, click here.
Christina Vargas, a 29-year-old fitness model who signed a developmental contract with WWE in the spring, revealed on her Twitter account that she has parted ways with the sports-entertainment organization after requesting her release—she did not appear on television nor a single live event.
After recovering from vocal cord surgery, the Las Vegas, Nevada-based performer moved to Orlando, Florida, late last month to begin training at the WWE Performance Center. However, she soon came to the conclusion that she would rather pursue her passions in life: fitness and cooking.
She wrote on Instagram on Saturday, “I would like to thank the WWE for the wonderful opportunity that they had given me. I truly respect the sport, the athletes, and the staff for all the hard work and efforts they put in. While experiencing this new venture I realized my true passions were with cooking and fitness. Sometimes in life you need to do something you have never done to realize what is truly meant for you. I do not regret any part of this experience for I met life long friends and learned a lot about myself and what truly makes me happy. I still am a very big fan of the WWE & NXT. I want to thank all of the fans who supported me in my decisions and who keep supporting me in my future journey.”
When asked by Twitter user why she went attempted professional wrestling in the first place, Vargas wrote, “I’m an athlete. Thought I could of done both. I do love the wrestling part I just realized what meant more to me after.”
– The official YouTube account of WWE has released the following 10-minute video previewing Night of Champions.
– Boston-based independent promotion Millennium Wrestling Federation is presenting fans the opportunity to have lunch with former WWE Superstar Big Daddy V (also known as Viscera and Mabel) on Saturday, September 21. “Big Daddy V’s Big Lunch,” which is priced as $24.99, includes his favorite pizza and your choice of beverage, a private Q&A session, an autograph, and a ringside photo opportunity.
The event is being held at Memorial Hall – 590 Main St. – Melrose, Massachusetts. Click here for additional information.
WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, who generated a stir online over the summer when she announced she would be posing with fans in a bed for photo-ops at the “Legends of the Ring 17” convention in New Jersey, in October, launched her concept this past Saturday during an appearance in Los Angeles, California. Courtesy of the official Facebook page of Gemini Sportscards, here is a photo from the event.
Prior to taking part in photo-ops, Sytch directed the following statement on Facebook to those who criticized her idea:
“So Im about to take the first set of Under the Covers Photo Ops with a small bunch of lucky fans out here in LA!!! Will post some later, so all you haters can see how INNOCENT this photo op really is!!!”
– In this episode of Justin Credible’s Pro Wrestling 101 web series, the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion discusses the important differences between wrestling as a heel and wrestling as a babyface.
– One of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history, WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham, turns 70-years-old today. Also celebrating birthdays today are fellow WWE Hall of Famer Don Muraco (64), Matt Morgan (37) and Steve Keirn (62). Today also marks as the anniversary of the passing of Fritz Von Erich, who died in 1997 as a result of brain and lung cancer.
– Ticketmaster.com is currently holding a pre-sale for a Smackdown taping taking place on Tuesday, October 29 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, with the password WWEVIP.
– A six-hour block of Global Wrestling Federation airs tonight on ESPN Classic from midnight through 6:00 a.m. The defunct Texas-based promotion was active from 1991 through 1994, and featured such names as Booker T, Mick Foley, The Patriot, Jerry Lynn, Sean Waltman, Terry Gordy, Stevie Ray and a young Buff Bagwell.
