Author Archive

Knockout Signs New Contract With TNA Wrestling, Watch “Before The Bell: Bound For Glory”

– Tara, who has received a renewed push in TNA Wrestling in recent weeks, revealed during an interview Friday with PWTorch Livecast that she recently signed a one-year contract with the organization.

“I just recently signed another year, so I’m pretty happy. I hope everyone knows the passion – I love what I do. I hope people see that love,” she said.

The veteran grappler explained that she only signs contracts on a year-to-year basis due to her physical state. This, however, has led to brief departures from the organization.

“I signed for a year and they wanted to a three-year (contract), but I said, ‘I just do year-to-year. I have to listen to my body, and I don’t want to be locked into anything,'” she said. “Then, my contract expired (in 2010) and it was just negotiations. It was not that I wanted to leave, but it was the paperwork. I don’t like that part of the business at all. Then, the next year (2011), it expired again and we had to go through it again.”

Tara also commented on challenging Miss Tessmacher for the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship at Bound For Glory, the state of the Knockouts division and recalled a conversation she had that prompted her to part ways with WWE in 2009. The 17-minute interview is available here.

– TNA Wrestling has released its Before The Bell broadcast previewing Bound For Glory on Sunday, October 14. Before The Bell features exclusive interviews with Bobby Roode, James Storm, Jeff Hardy, Austin Aries and more as they prepare for the annual pay-per-view event. (Watch)

Hornswoggle Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery, Zack Ryder “Apologizes” On YouTube Show, Saturday’s Birthdays

– Hornswoggle revealed on Twitter that he has been off the road due to gallbladder surgery.

“Who needs a gall bladder anyway? As much as I miss home at times when on the road, these 4 weeks home have gotten me anxious! #brutal”

– On this week’s episode of Z! True Long Island Story, Zack Ryder “apologizes” to WWE for grabbing the brass ring when he was only supposed to reach for it. He also campaigns for a match against Dolph Ziggler at WrestleMania and a “USA Guy” vignette airs. (Watch)

– In today’s birthdays, former WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino turns 77 years while Barry Darsow (a/k/a Demolition Smash, Repo Man) turns 53 and Afa Jr. (a/k/a Manu) turns 28.

– Shane McMahon is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Santino Marella Determines International Correspondent For “Foreign Exchange”, Stephanie McMahon Touts Tout

– After weeks of watching Johnny Curtis and Yoshi Tatsu battle it out to become the first Foreign Exchange international correspondent, Santino Marella makes his decision on this week’s webisode. (Watch)

USA Today has published an article on Tout, an online social networking service and microblogging service WWE has invested in. Traffic to the website has exponentially grown in recent months, and is now being used by various non-WWE celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kelly Ripa, Jeff Probst and United States Presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Stephanie McMahon, who serves as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, touted the application.

“Video expression is the next evolution from text,” said McMahon. “TV producers are so engaged because you can put the Touts anywhere and really drive traffic to our channels.”

Official Preview For Final “Impact Wrestling” Before BFG

TNA Wrestling has released has the official preview for next Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, the final episode before Bound For Glory. No matches have been announced, only teases of confrontations between Team Hogan and The Aces & 8s, Bobby Roode and “Cowboy” James Storm, and TNA World Heavyweight Championship Austin Aries and Jeff Hardy.

IMPACT Preview: The Final Countdown To Bound For Glory | Thursday 8/7c on SpikeTV

Preview Thursday’s huge TNA IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV LIVE at 8/7! If you can’t watch it on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record it!

– IMPACT will feature the final countdown to Sunday’s “Bound For Glory” epic event! Team Hogan is set to battle The Aces & 8s, as Sting will join forces with Bully Ray – but does the gang have one more trick up their sleeves before Sunday night? Find out Thursday night on SpikeTV!

– “Bound For Glory” will also feature the culmination of the year-long war between former partners Bobby Roode and “Cowboy” James Storm, with MMA superstar and TNA newcomer King Mo serving as Special Enforcer! With Storm and Roode both scheduled for Thursday’s broadcast, will all hell break loose again before the Pay-Per-View?

– Also appearing on Thursday’s IMPACT on SpikeTV will be World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries and his challenger in the “Bound For Glory” main event – “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy! The countdown to the biggest main event in Bound For Glory history begins on IMPACT WRESTLING!

All this and much more on Thursday’s LIVE broadcast, plus “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, TV Champion Samoa Joe, Chavo Guerrero, Knockouts Champion Miss Tessmacher and many more of your favorite superstars!

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

John Cena Says He’ll Be At Raw On Monday, Joey Styles Proud To Be A “Heyman Guy”

– John Cena confirmed Friday via Twitter that he will be at Monday’s Raw in Sacramento, California, despite recovering from surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow two weeks ago.

“Still not medically cleared but @wwe @CMPunk I WILL be at #raw THIS MONDAY in Sacramento #nevergiveup #riseabovecancer,” he wrote.

Cena also responded to a request to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to spread breast cancer awareness: “Hey @TheEllenShow as long as it’s not Monday. I’m going to Sacramento for #RAW.”

– Joey Styles posted a lengthy blog on Facebook explaining why he’s the proudest “Paul Heyman Guy.” The Vice President of Digital Media Content for WWE.com credits Heyman for seeing potential in him that no one else did.

“Put simply, Paul Heyman was the only one in professional wrestling to have seen enough potential in me to even give me an audition. He didn’t even bother asking permission of his boss, ECW Owner Tod Gordon (who ended up asking me who the hell I was and what I was doing in his locker room while catching me in my underwear changing into my suit),” Styles writes. “Regardless of that humiliating incident that was the reason I switched from “tightie whities” to boxer briefs, three months later, when Paul became the Creative Director and Executive Producer (we used the term Booker back then because there was an actual book of upcoming wrestling cards that was constantly updated), the first thing he did was make me “The Voice of ECW.”

“That’s right, Paul started his dream career as a professional wrestling Booker with the entire industry watching him and most people routing for him to fail by letting an unknown 21 year old announcer host his weekly television show.”

Steve Austin and CM Punk Tease Match In Sit-down Interview

The official YouTube account of WWE Games posted an eleven-minute video Thursday of Jim Ross moderating a sit-down discussion between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and CM Punk. The discussion, which was shot SummerSlam weekend, centered on Austin facing Punk in THQ’s WWE ’13 video game, while also teasing a real-life match between the two. The video, however, was removed within hours.

There are differing accounts on why the video was removed. According to PWInsider.com, the video was released prematurely. ProWrestling.net says it was “not the correct version,” according to a THQ employee. The video will be released again.

During the debate, the two discuss what would happen if Punk competed in the “Attitude Era” and Austin was wrestling today. Austin puts over Punk and John Cena as present-day Superstars worthy of hanging with “Stone Cold,” while dismissively labeling “the rest of the locker room” as happy to be on television. Punk says he would have been a champion during the “Attitude Era,” which causes Austin to laugh.

The interview concludes with a firm handshake and Austin proclaiming that he would defeat Punk in both the video game world and in real-life.

WWE Touts Ratings Success Of Premiere Episode Of “WWE Main Event” On ION

ION TELEVISION’S NEW ORIGINAL SERIES, WWE® MAIN EVENT®, DEBUTS WITH STRONG FIRST MATCH

NEW YORK, October 4, 2012 – Obama vs. Romney was not the only match viewers tuned into on Wednesday night. According to Nielsen overnight data released today, ION Television’s brand new series, WWE Main Event, garnered the highest male audience in the last year with the most Men 18-49 (422,000), Men 25-54 (444,000), and Men 2+ (876,000). At 8:00pm ET/PT, the premiere of the new weekly series, which featured WWE Champion CM Punk™ against World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus™, was the #4 program in the time period among Men 18-34, #4 among Men 18-49, and #5 among Men 25-54. In addition, WWE Main Event out-delivered the last game of the MLB regular season on ESPN and ESPN2 among all key men and adult demos. Finally, the premiere delivered 518,000 Women 2+, finishing ahead of most female cable networks.

“The viewers have spoken,” noted Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks. “Fans of the WWE are passionate and seem to have a knack for finding their favorite Superstars wherever they live. Needless to say, we are particularly pleased that WWE has found a new home on ION Television, and we congratulate our new partner in the success of the premiere.”

“Our partnership with ION Television is off to a strong start,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO. “We expect our fans will make WWE Main Event the number one show on the network as they have done for WWE programs with all of our other TV Partners.”

WWE Main Event, airing Wednesdays at 8:00pm ET/PT, features the WWE Superstars and Divas of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown, including John Cena®, WWE Champion CM Punk™, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus™, Alberto Del Rio®, The Miz®, Kofi Kingston®, Eve® and Alicia Fox®. It’s a must-see for longtime devotees and those looking for character-driven, high-octane entertainment. The original series will showcase live events filmed across the country, as well as a stop in Europe.

CM Punk Discusses Wrestling and New DVD, Update On WWE ’13 DLC, The Iron Sheik Appearing In New York

– WWE Champion CM Punk joined WGN Morning News today to discuss wrestling, his new DVD, Dark Knight and more.

In response to how he deals with “the nutjobs” on Twitter, Punk says, “With a smile on my face. There is nothing that makes me smile more than haters.”

The video interview is available here.

– THQ announced Wednesday twenty-one downloadable characters that will be available for purchase for the WWE ’13 video game scheduled for release on Oct. 30. The content will be made available from October through January. THQ is offering a $20 package where you receive all the characters as well as Diamond Dallas Page and Goldust, which will be exclusives. Other characters announced for the game are AJ Lee, Antonio Cesaro, Damien Sandow, Drew McIntyre, Layla, Natalya, Ryback, Tensai, The Usos, Yoshi Tatsu, Brian Pillman, Chainsaw Charlie, Gangrel, Mike Tyson, Rikishi, Too Cool and Val Venis.

– WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik will be signing autographs next Thursday at The Wrestling Universe store located on 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, New York, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

* VIDEO: WM28 Celebrity Singer MGK FLIPS OUT At The Microsoft Store

Mick Foley Possibly Wrestling At WWE’s TLC PPV, Alberto Del Rio Attending NXT Show, How Old Is Mike Adamle?

– WWE’s creative department has broached the idea of holding a match between CM Punk and Mick Foley at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on Dec. 16 in Brooklyn, New York at Barclays Center.

– Alberto Del Rio will be participating in a meet and greet at an NXT Wrestling live event taking place Oct. 26 in West Palm Beach, Florida at the Armory.

– Former Raw General Manager Mike Adamle turns 63-years-old Thursday.

– This Saturday, Devon will be signing autographs at Seacoast National Bank at 6711 Lake Andrew Dr in Melbourne, Florida from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

* VIDEO: WM28 Celebrity Singer MGK FLIPS OUT At The Microsoft Store

(source: F4WOnline.com)

WWE Reportedly Drops Two General Manager Storylines, Update On Pay-Per-View Countdown Shows, Tryouts

– WWE has quietly dropped the storyline where General Managers AJ Lee and Booker T are depicted as incompetent, leading chief Vince McMahon to fire them both and have both shows overseen by one individual. Some people desired that Ric Flair being place in the role, but the company’s current lawsuit with TNA Wrestling over business practices had made that possibility feasible at this time.

The company also quietly dropped the storyline where announcer Josh Mathews threatened to sue both General Managers for an unsafe working environment.

– WWE chief Vince McMahon has nixed the idea of holding a thirty-minute “UFC-style” countdown show just prior to the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2013. He is, however, interested in holding such a show for WrestleMania XXIX.

– Independent wrestlers Ethan HD and Jorel Nelson both received tryouts at WWE’s talent evaluation session in Tampa, Florida earlier this week.

* VIDEO: WM28 Celebrity Singer MGK FLIPS OUT At The Microsoft Store

(source: F4WOnline.com)

What Led To Kelly Kelly’s WWE Release: Risque Photoshoot?

As announced last Friday by WWE, the sports-entertainment organization came to terms on the release of Kelly Kelly, ending her six-year run with the company. Her departure had been expected since she decided to take a hiatus in late May.

Those close to the situation thought it was likely her tenure was coming to an end after she was resistant on signing a long-term contract extension and had requested time off from the road. Company officials granted her time off under the belief that she would return full-time. However, those close to her say she wasn’t sure about resuming a full-time schedule and was looking to pursue non-wrestling endeavors.

Her situation is similar to many other talents who have left the company, particularly women, in the past two years. She was forced to reject numerous media offers, either because WWE didn’t want her involved or because WWE has made its product too kid-friendly that companies don’t want to associate with them. The matter is tied to women, because of those limitations.

Since Kelly had already earned her downside guarantee for the year and had no intention on returning full-time, there was no money left for her to earn by not asking for her release. Plus, she wanted to pursue outside opportunities sooner rather than later.

During an advertisement campaign shoot last Thursday for Let It Fly Energy, an energy drink line, she received a text message from Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events. He informed her that by the terms of her contract, she needed to have a calendar that she planned to sell on her official website approved by the company. She had tweeted previews of some risqué lingerie pictures and the company demanded she take them down. She had no intention on calling off the project, which led company officials to cutting ties with her the next day.

View Here: The Photo Shoot That Got Kelly Kelly Fired

Another factor in Kelly’s resistance to remaining in WWE for several more years could be tied to her health since she had been dealing with neck issues from wrestling. WWE officials requested that she see Dr. Joseph Maroon, the company’s medical director. She preferred to be examined by her own doctor. With the accumulated injuries, she wanted to stop wrestling full-time at the age of 25 rather than be physically broken down years later and too old to pursue entertainment opportunities. It is believed that she would have stayed with WWE had they allowed her to make occasional appearances.

WWE did not perceive Kelly as reaching a level known as the “Mick Foley deal,” where a talent is under contract, works occasionally, and is free to pursue outside endeavors. WWE does not want create a precedent where talent have control over what they do, which is an issue currently affecting their relationship with Chris Jericho.

* VIDEO: WM28 Celebrity Singer MGK FLIPS OUT At The Microsoft Store

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Ends Contract Negotiations With Chris Jericho, Officials Cautious On Jerry Lawler’s Return After Heart Attack

– WWE officials had been negotiating with Chris Jericho on a new contract in recent weeks, but talks fell through. WWE opted to cease talks with the wrestler/musician in recent days.

It is believed that the proposed deal fell through due to control over when he worked as well as his activities outside of WWE. Officials were seeking an arrangement where the company would be his top priority and they would have some control over his outside endeavors. Jericho, on the other hand, wanted complete control of all of his activities.

Jericho was open to returning as early as this month had WWE agreed to his terms. He was looking to work forty to fifty dates per year, including full-time for cycles and even assisting the developmental program. However, he would determine the periods when he worked and would be strictly unavailable during tours, which WWE was not in favor of.

– Three weeks after suffering a heart attack while announcing at a WWE event in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Jerry “The King” Lawler stated in interviews in recent days that he is looking to return to the road as early as next month. Within WWE, however, there is no timetable on his return to the announce desk. It is said that company officials will be very cautious on bringing him back.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE’s General Viewpoint On Women’s Wrestlers Vs. Models, Developmental Wrestler Loses Weight, Attendance

– The general viewpoint among people in WWE is that there are two types of women who join the sports-entertainment organization. There are models who use the company as a stepping stone toward fame due to its substantial television presence. And then there are those who truly love wrestling, with Beth Phoenix and Natalya being the prime examples. However, it is said that the girls who perform for the love of the sport get easily frustrated because there is no reward for being talented in the ring, not to mention that they receive minimal television time to showcase their abilities. The model types are willing to wrestle for a few years, with the hope it leads to a break in the entertainment world, and bolt once they start attracting offers.

– The former Husky Harris, WWE developmental wrestler Bray Wyatt, has lost weight in recent months and is said to be down to 280 pounds. He has received rave reviews for his Cape Fear-esque character, which has been compared to that of former WWE Superstar Waylon Mercy. Many feel he would be on the main roster today if WWE chief Vince McMahon wasn’t negative on his physique.

– Friday’s Raw live event in St. Joseph, Missouri, drew 3,000 attendees paying $80,000. Saturday in Topeka, Kansas, drew 3,500 paying $110,000. Sunday in Wichita, Kansas, drew 4,000 for $125,000. Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Abilene, Texas, drew 3,000 for $95,000. Sunday’s show in Wichita Falls, Texas, drew 2,200 paying $55,000, which would be one of the lowest grossing events of the year.

John Morrison Expected To Return To WWE, Update On Evan Bourne’s Rehab Progress, WWE Stars In New York City

– After parting ways with WWE late last year, John Morrison is expected to ultimately return to the organization. This is the belief among many people in the organization.

Though it’s been speculated that he could wind up in TNA Wrestling, there is said to be no interest on Melina Perez, his girlfriend, from either the organization or her former employers. Therefore, he is expected to work for the company that pays him more.

Morrison has regularly competed at independent wrestling events under his real name, John Hennigan, since leaving the spotlight.

– In March, Evan Bourne was involved in an automobile accident which broke his foot in four places and dislocated it in five. In an update on his rehabilitating progress, a timetable for his return to the squared circle still remains uncertain.

– Raw General Manager AJ Lee, as well as Paul Heyman and Mick Foley, were in New York City Wednesday promoting THQ’s WWE ’13 video game. Click here to view photos of the three at a press event.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

WWE Contemplating Undertaker vs. Ryback Match At ‘Mania; Has The Deadman Wrestled His Last Match?

Despite the strong build for a match between WWE Champion CM Punk and Ryback, it is only being teased at this point and no concrete plans will be made until November or December. The match may not even occur since there has discussion of Ryback facing Undertaker at WrestleMania XXIX, with The Deadman’s undefeated streak at the pay-per-view extravaganza going up against Ryback’s overall undefeated streak. However, some people within WWE have speculated that Undertaker may not even work next year’s show.

With the curtain call finish to his WrestleMania XXVIII match against Triple H, and his wife, Michelle McCool, recently giving birth to a child, it is possible that the bout was his final wrestling match. WWE’s original plans called for the legendary wrestler to compete at WrestleMania XXIX and start building toward a match at around Survivor Series. Many feel he’ll ultimately wrestle on next year’s show, but it’s not considered certain. Whether he competes on the show or not, it will be entirely up to him and not Vince McMahon.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Shaul Guerrero Reportedly Negative On The Pro Wrestling Business, TLC Pre-Sale Code, WWE Main Event

– Shaul Guerrero (a/k/a Raquel Diaz), daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero, has not been released from her developmental contract with WWE after attempting to quit the organization last week. According to F4WOnline.com, company officials are refusing to release the 21-year-old at this time. One person with knowledge of WWE developmental matters noted to the publication that in recent weeks, she become distant and “seemingly very bitter about the wrestling business.”

– Ticketmaster.com will hold a pre-sale on Thursday for WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, which takes place Dec. 16 in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center. The passcode is WWETLC. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

– Tonight’s debut episode of WWE Main Event on ION Television is being heavily promoted today in the New York market on ESPN. The advertisements are centered around John Cena, who is not appearing on the show.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.

Developmental Diva Not Released By WWE, Kharma Joins Facebook, Dave Bautista’s Weigh-in, WWE In Wilkes-Barre

– Contrary to rumors and speculation, Skyler Moon has not been released from her developmental contract with WWE, according to PWInsider.com. Her bio was removed from the official NXT website in August, sparking rumors that she had parted ways with the company. She revealed yesterday via Twitter that she has an eating disorder after it was falsely reported last week that she had checked into a rehabilitation center. Her message was deleted shortly thereafter.

– Kia Stevens, who more recently competed as Kharma in WWE, has launched a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KiaStevensProject. She confirmed the account on Twitter today and noted to stay tuned for updates. On the page she lists herself as an “Entertainer, Professional Ass-Kicker, Philanthropist and Motivational Speaker.”

– Weigh-ins for former WWE talent Dave Bautista’s mixed martial arts debut on Saturday will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Downtown hotel in Providence, Rhode Island.

– WWE will hold a Raw and SmackDown SuperShow on Saturday, Dec. 15 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Ticketmaster.com is currently holding a pre-sale with the password WWEWBS.

Backstage Reaction To Jillian Hall’s TNA Tryout Match Last Week, TNA’s T-Shirt Giveaway, Chavo Guerrero

– Former WWE Divas Champion tried out for TNA Wrestling last Thursday as she lost to Tara in a dark match. According to F4WOnline.com, company officials felt she did well.

– In the following video, SoCal Val tells you how you can get a free Bound for Glory 2012 T-Shirt after watching the Pay-Per-View at any participating movie theater. Visit www.tnaonscreen.com for participating locations.

– Chavo Guerrero appears at The Wrestling Guy in the Sanat Fe Springs Swap Meet Space H-5 13963 Alondra Blvd. Santa fe Springs, California, on Oct. 12 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. (Event Information)

(source: F4WOnline.com)

21 “WWE ’13” Downloadable Characters Announced – Divas, Ryback, Tensai, Damien Sandow, “Attitude Era” Stars

THQ announced Wednesday twenty-one downloadable characters that will be available for purchase for the WWE ’13 video game scheduled for release on Oct. 30.

WWE Superstars

* AJ Lee

* Antonio Cesaro

* Damien Sandow

* Drew McIntyre

* Layla

* Natalya

* Ryback

* Tensai

* The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso)

* Yoshi Tatsu

“Attitude Era” Superstars

* Brian Pillman

* Chainsaw Charlie (Terry Funk)

* Diamond Dallas Page

* Gangrel

* Goldust

* Mike Tyson (pre-order bonus)

* Rikishi

* Too Cool (Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay)

* Val Venis

In addition, more content will be included as DLC such as Ministry Undertaker attire, Brock Lesnar’s Kimura Lock and John Cena’s 2004 United States Spinner Title.

Matches Taped Tuesday Night For WWE’s Superstars, Main Event and Saturday Morning Slam

In matches taped Tuesday night at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars, Tensai took on Yoshi Tatsu while the tag team of Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow squared off against Jey and Jimmy Uso.

Following this, the premiere episode taping of WWE Main Event kicked off with WWE Champion CM Punk facing World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus in the first-ever meeting between the two Superstars. Then, Santino Marella and Zack Ryder squared off against Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd in a semifinal match of the #1 Contender’s Tag Team Tournament. Commentary for the program was handled by Michael Cole and The Miz.

Finally, two matches were taped for WWE Saturday Morning Slam. WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro squared off against Derrick Bateman while Epico took on Brodus Clay.

Spoilers For Tonight’s Debut Episode Of WWE Main Event

Michael Cole and The Miz were on commentary. They introduced the show and spoke about the lineup.

C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman were interviewed by Matt Striker in the backstage area.

Sheamus did a backstage interview.

1. C.M. Punk defeated Sheamus in a champion vs. champion match. Good back and forth match. Sheamus missed the Brogue Kick and hit his head on the turnbuckle. Punk got the pin. After the match, Sheamus cut a promo in which he said he was going to face Punk again and would hit the Brogue Kick on him.

2. Santino Marella and Zack Ryder defeated Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel in a first-round tag team tournament match. A decent match that saw Kid and Gabriel work over Santino the majority of the time.

The main event for next week’s show was announced as Randy Orton vs. Big Show.

(source: ProWrestling.net)

Lilian Garcia Grilled During Radio Interview – Vince’s Sexual Exploits, WWE and Steroids, Unfunny WWE Comedy

Promoting her new music album, SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia appeared Monday night on The Nick and Artie Show, a sports/entertainment talk show hosted by comedian Nick DiPaolo and former Howard Stern Show comedian Artie Lange. The hosts did not take it easy on the WWE Diva and songstress as she was grilled throughout the interview with questions regarding Vince McMahon’s alleged sexual exploits, WWE wrestlers using steroids, and WWE’s futile attempts at comedy, among other topics. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

– Artie asks Lilian whether she slept with any wrestlers before she got married, and if WWE chief Vince McMahon ever made a pass at her. She says “no,” adding that she “has really good friends.” Artie says she has morals, but then ponders how she could get a job working for Vince McMahon by having morals.

“He’s awesome,” Lilian says of the Chairman of the Board. “This is my eleventh year working with the company. I’ve been the longest-running Diva there. I would not have stayed or come back—’cause I was gone for two-and-half-years—and I came back. I would not have come back if it was a bad organization. It’s been amazing. It’s a great organization.”

– Artie says he hates today’s wrestlers because “they’re all in too good shape.” He prefers “big goofy-looking guys” like King Kong Bundy over muscular John Cena-types. Nick says “they’re all juicing.” In response, Lilian notes that all of the WWE wrestlers get drug-tested. “Fitness has come a long way. If you look at anybody years ago, fitness has come a long way,” she adds.

Artie asks Lilian whether she has ever used steroids since she’s muscular. She replies “no,” adding that she works out and is a jump rope enthusiast.

– Artie asks Lilian whether she ever saw Vince McMahon force himself on a girl during a “SmackDown Christmas party.”

“First of all, we don’t have SmackDown Christmas parties, so, no (laughs),” Lilian responds.

Artie then asks Lilian whether “she accidentally got in the wrong door and saw Vince McMahon date-raping a girl.” She responds, “Are you just jealous of him?” Artie says “in some ways,” and notes that he has “heard stories about him.” He says he’s heard stories about Vince having “steroid-rage” and being a “date-raper.” Lilian smiles and says Vince is “an amazing man.”

– Following a commercial break, Artie takes issue with WWE’s attempts at comedy. An audio clip of a verbal exchange between Lilian and Tazz from over ten years ago is played, with Tazz first asking Lilian her name. After she states her name, he points to his “nose,” and asks her what is in his hand— “nothing.” Tazz breaks out laughing and says, “Exactly, Lilian knows nothing.” Artie says the dialogue must have been so embarrassing for her, deeming it “unfunny” and “terrible.”

Lilian says “it’s supposed to be a simple ha-ha.” Artie responds, “It’s not even that, it’s not even close. It’s not even in the ha-ha neighborhood. It makes all of you look terrible. You’re a good-looking woman. You’re talented. Don’t be involved with that. Next time you say to Vince, “I can’t do the joke.” You have to stand up for yourself. You don’t want that on tape.”

“It’s okay,” Lilian responds.

For part one of the interview, click here. For part two of the interview, click here.

*Spoilers* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

Big Show came out and talked about knocking out Sheamus and then a video package aired. Sheamus came out and said may the best man win, then offered his hand. Show declined a handshake and left the ring. Video footage of Show losing his World Title was shown. Show came to the the ring to shake hands, but Sheamus left instead.

1. The Prime Time Players defeated Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in a first-round tag tournament match. A decent match. R-Truth was beatdown throughout the match.

2. Ryback beat Primo. Typical Ryback match. He won with his finisher.

C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler was set up for later in the show.

3. Wade Barrett beat a local wrestler.

4. The Miz defeated Sheamus by DQ. Big Show came out and delivered a knockout punch to Miz for the DQ.

David Otunga came out and talked about how they beat down Randy Orton last week. Alberto Del Rio came out and mocked Orton. Booker T booked them in the following tag match.

5. Kane and Daniel Bryan defeated Alberto Del Rio and David Otunga. Del Rio abandoned Otunga. Team Hell No won with a chokeslam by Kane followed by a top rope head butt from Bryan.

6. Tesai defeated Big Show by DQ. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick on Tensai for the DQ.

7. WWE Champion C.M. Punk defeated Dolph Ziggler.

WWE Teases Match Between Big Show And Ryback, History Of WWE Logos, Bella Twins Appearance

– As Big Show sets his sights on capturing the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus at WWE Hell in a Cell, the official WWE website offered their suggestions for ten other things that The World’s Largest Athlete should look to conquer. This includes ending Ryback’s undefeated streak.

“Would [Ryback] still be demanding, “Feed me more!” if he was standing across the ring from the towering feast that is Big Show?” wrote Michael Burdick. “If the giant did take him on, rather than screaming “finish it,” Ryback’s undefeated streak might simply be finished.”

Other challenges suggested for Big Show include introducing the WMD to the boxing world, win the annual Royal Rumble Match, wrestle a bear, perform the 450 Splash, capture the WWE Tag Team Championship by himself, win the King of the Ring Tournament, enter a strongman competition, become a manager, and win Nathan’s annual Hot Dog Eating Competition in Brooklyn, New York. The full article is available here.

– The official WWE website has published a photo gallery chronicling the organization’s history of logos.

– The former Bella Twins, Nicole and Brianna, have been announced to appear at “Nuke the Fridge Con 2012,” which takes place Saturday, Nov. 10 at Frank & Son Collectible Show 19649 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California 91748.

Christopher Daniels Says Claire Lynch Storyline Concluded As Planned, Discusses Comic Book Characters

Christopher Daniels was a guest this past weekend on The LAW (www.liveaudiowrestling.com) discussing Bound for Glory (October 14th, 8pm EST on pay-per-view) and also touched on the recent Claire Lynch storyline and his thoughts on “The Amazing Spiderman” and “The Dark Knight Rises” from this past summer. The full interview can be downloaded here. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

The Claire Lynch storyline: “As far as Frankie (Kazarian) and myself, our main goal was to try to come out of it looking like the crap-stirring scumbags that we wanted to play, that we’re trying to be. Every time we went out there with a promo, every time we went out there with a pre-tape or any sort of interaction like that, we were looking to see how quickly we could get people’s ire raised. Whatever the positivity of it in the beginning, and then what some people sort of perceive as missteps in the angle, it didn’t matter to us how that was going. All that mattered to us was that at the end of each segment or the end of each episode of this particular saga, Frankie and I came out looking like the dastardly duo that we are.

“I think that people misunderstand what happened behind the scenes as the reason that it ended. My understanding of it from the beginning was that it was going to end when it ended. All the pertinent players weren’t there when it ended, but that didn’t affect the way it went down. The major parts were myself, Frankie, and AJ, and that was the important stuff. The focus was started there, and it ended there; everything else was just incidental, in my eyes. I was very happy with the way it ended, because in the end AJ got his vindication. Frankie and I, our reputations are what they are, and what we built them up to be, and now we move forward with not just us versus AJ, but us versus the Impact Wrestling locker room.”

The Amazing Spiderman: “Honestly, when I first heard he was cast, I wasn’t very impressed. I saw him in The Social Network, and out of the whole cast of The Social Network he was one of the lower points to me personally. I was gonna see the movie anyway, just because the trailer sort of got me with its look. Going to watch the movie, yeah, he absolutely got it. When people ask me, I tell them there’s regular Marvel universe Spider-man, and then there’s Ultimate Spider-man, and comic fans know what I’m talking about. The Tobey Maguire Spider-man was very much the Marvel comics, the tried and true Spider-man, whereas Andrew Garfield, to me that storyline and the way it was portrayed was more of the Ultimate Spider-man line. I think that the comic fans, the ones that already knew it was gonna be great, understand that reference. I think fans that aren’t fans of the comic books will go and they’ll immediately understand and appreciate the differences between the two films.”

Possible spin-offs with Robin and Catwoman: “I don’t think it’s gonna be a Robin, I think it’s gonna be a Nightwing if they were gonna go to do that at all. I think that Joseph Gordon-Levitt would probably be the most logical, and have Anne Hathaway be not a supporting character, but not be the focus of the movie. That’s just my opinion. Near the end, as you’re watching The Dark Knight Rises, as you realize where they’re sort of going with it, I think there’s a lot of hype, or at least fanbase built-up hype, towards a Nightwing/Robin movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, with the success that he’s had in the last couple years, and the stuff that’s upcoming for him, I think that there’d be a lot of desire to see something like that with Christopher Nolan directing and him starring. That would be a big deal, I think, for DC (Comics). Now that they’ve sort of closed the book on Christian Bale as Batman, it’d be a good evolution of the characters to go that route.”

Video – Ryback botches his finisher on Raw ->