Former WWE superstar Dave Bautista will be participating in an upcoming youth outreach event:
Press release:
Former WWE champion Bautista to visit area youth Friday to advocate non-violence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Sept. 5, 2012) – Six-time World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion David Bautista will team up Friday with the City of Providence in a Town Hall-style setting in an effort to remind area youth of the importance of making responsible decisions and peaceful conflict resolutions within the community.
Friday’s Town Hall Meeting, which will also address the value of physical fitness and education, will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at The Madeline Rogers Recreation Center, located at 60 Camden Ave., in Providence and will be open to the public.
The Town Hall Meeting hopes to bring attention to Project Night Vision, a new program in Providence aimed at providing at-risk youths with a safe learning environment through athletics and team-building. Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare and members of the Providence and State Police Departments, including Col. Steven O’Donnell, will also be in attendance.
Friday’s festivities will kick off the official countdown to Bautista’s Oct. 6 mixed martial arts debut at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Following the Town Hall Meeting, Bautista will participate in a special autograph signing beginning at 5:30 at Cerrone Chevrolet GMC Buick, located at 68 Washington St., in Attleboro, Mass.
Bautista’s tour will conclude with an exclusive appearance at Vanity Restaurant & Lounge, located at 566 South Main St., in downtown Providence, beginning at 10 p.m. All events Friday are open to the public.
Bautista, an actor, wrestler and former bodybuilder, will make his professional debut against heavyweight Rashid Evans (1-2) of New York. The show, titled “Real Pain,” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports in association with June Entertainment and 4zero1 Entertainment Group. Tickets are priced at $20.00, $35.00, $55.00, $75.00, $125.00 and $250.00 and can be purchased at www.cesmma.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The show will also air live on Direct TV Pay-Per-View.
– Former WWE superstar Batista will be appearing on the Spike TV show MMA Uncensored next Thursday night (9/6), immediately following TNA Impact Wrestling. Batista will be there to discuss his upcoming MMA debut fight on October 6th from Rhode Island.
– As we reported last night, WWE Diva Cameron (one of Brodus Clay’s dancers, real name Ariane Andrew) was arrested in Tampa, Florida on 8/24 and charged with Driving Under the Influence.
Her arrest report reveals that she refused a blood alcohol test at the scene of the arrest, which took place at the corner of Jim Walter Boulevard and West Shore Boulevard North at 2:24 AM.
It’s worth noting that listed her occupation as a “sales associate” for Wells Fargo (not a WWE performer), perhaps hoping that she could stay under the radar without news of the arrest going public.
– WWE.com has compiled a list ranking 15 former Superstars that should make a one-night comeback. It reads: 15. Scott Steiner, 14. Honky Tonk Man, 13. Michelle McCool, 12. Steve Blackman, 11. JBL, 10. Mick Foley, 9. Edge, 8. Shane McMahon, 7. Goldberg, 6. Trish Stratus, 5. Shawn Michaels, 4. Bret Hart, 3. Batista, 2. Ultimate Warrior, 1. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
– WWE has released a preview clip of a Saturday Morning Slam segment showcasing sports-entertainment’s history of dancers.
– Jim Ross complimented former WWE Women’s Champion Jacqueline via Twitter Wednesday, writing, “WWE never had a better pro, tougher Diva than Jackie Moore. She made all WWE Divas better.”
– The official website for The Man with the Iron Fists, featuring former WWE talent Dave “Batista” Bautista in a starring role, has been launched at IronFists.com.
Bautista appears as a hulking character named Brass Body. The synopsis for the film, which will be released theatrically on November 2, reads, “In feudal China, a blacksmith who makes weapons for a small village is put in the position where he must defend himself and his fellow villagers.”
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz is now on Twitter at twitter.com/Phenom_Jazz. The former WWE Diva continues to compete years after leaving the spotlight as she appears for multiple women’s wrestling promotions.
– Maryse Ouellet appears at the Frank & Son Collectible Show 19649 San Jose Ave. City of Industry, California. 91748 on Saturday, October 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
– Matt Hardy and Reby Sky appear at Park East 3352Rt 35 Hazlet, New Jersey today from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. More information is available here.
– Just days after WWE launched its official mobile app for Apple iOS & Google Android devices, MediaPost.com is reporting that the USA Network is developing a new app for WWE RAW that will allow for “live syncing between a mobile device and the broadcast.”
WWE aims to make RAW even more interactive, which would allow viewers to “participate in polls and access supplemental content” while watching the show. The app is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
– Universal Pictures has released a second trailer for Dave Bautista’s upcoming movie, “Man With The Iron Fists” movie (due out November 2) starring former WWE star Dave Bautista. The trailer focuses on Batista’s character, “Brass Body”
Former WWE superstar Dave Bautista will make his professional MMA debut on October 6th against Radhid Evans for the CES MMA promotion from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
The event will air live on DirecTV pay-per-view. For ticket information, visit Ticketmaster.com.
It was announced Thursday via press release that his 8-week training camp will air on DirecTV as a 4-part series, beginning October 6th.
About his first MMA fight, Batista said:
“Fighting MMA is a dream come true. I’m very excited to make my debut in Providence with Jimmy Burchfield, who has so much experience putting on fights. CES treats me like family and I can’t wait to make my debut with them. MMA has been my lifelong dream and I’m glad to be able to do it with them on the East Coast.”
Check out these pictures of Batista’s MMA training:
– In his first Tout as SmackDown General Manager, Booker T announced Tuesday night that a match to determine number one contendership to the WWE Tag Team Championship held by Kofi Kingston and R-Truth will be held this Friday on SmackDown as Primo and Epico take on Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.
– French wrestler Tom La Ruffa announced on Facebook that he has signed a developmental contract with WWE.
Nicknamed “The French Stallion,” La Ruffa is a top wrestler in Europe. He is a product of former WWE wrestler Lance Storm’s Storm Wrestling Academy and was featured on the premiere season of the World of Hurt reality television series in Canada. La Ruffa has competed in a WWE ring before as he was an opponent of Big Show’s in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match last November.
– Former WWE Champion Batista is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
– Linda McMahon and her husband, WWE CEO Vince McMahon, earned $30.6 million in 2010, according to a tax return provided to The Associated Press on Friday by Linda.
The endorsed Republican candidate in the race for Connecticut’s open U.S. Senate seat says her 2011 returns will eventually be released.
The vast majority of their income came from stock dividends. They paid $4.7 million in federal taxes. (Article)
– Former WWE Champion Dave “Batista” Bautista took part in a photo shoot for men’s magazine GQ on Thursday to promote the upcoming Quentin Tarantino produced Kung Fu movie The Man with the Iron Fists. The noted wrestler appears in the flick with Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu and mixed martial artist Cung Lee.
– Former WWE tandem Perry Saturn and Terri Runnels have been announced to appear a The Big Event 3. The event takes place Saturday, October 6 at the Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia Airport 9010 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York.
– What’s Trending caught up with former WWE champion Dave “Batista” Bautista last Thursday at the San Diego Comic-Con to chat about his upcoming film, The Man with the Iron Fists, and was asked about possibly returning to WWE.
“I’m not against going back,” Batista said. “It’s just definitely not going to be this year.” (Article link)
– A kid of the ’90s, Kelly Kelly showcases her vast Beanie Baby collection on this week’s webisode of Superstar Toyz.
– The official Twitter feed of WWE has confirmed that WWE Superstars color commentator Matt Striker is now on the website at Matt_Striker_. He was asked whether the nicknames he uses for Superstars on commentary are ad-libbed and responded “All of my insanity is on the fly.I know some dont care for my brand of commentary but opinions r like a**holes, ever1 has ’em.”
– WWE was at one point Tuesday the top trending topic on Yahoo.com.
– The Boston Herald has released information about former WWE superstar Dave Bautista’s first professional MMA opponent, Rashid “Smash” Evans. Evans is a native New Yorker and has a professional record of 1-2.
The Herald noted that the CES MMA promotion is “currently working on a pay-per view deal to get the show televised, but nothing is finalized yet.” The fight is set for 10/6 in Rhode Island.
– Ringside Collectibles posted a video featuring various WWE action figures on display at the San Diego Comic-Con.
TMZ.com and Batista announced Early Friday Morning that he will will make his professional MMA debut for the CES MMA league on October 6th from Providence, Rhode Island.
Batista’s MMA opponent will be Rashid Evans (not UFC Fighter Rashad Evans).
Batista attempted to join Strikeforce in 2010 however, they could not come to terms.
– Former WWE superstar Dave Batista was at Comic-Con in San Diego on Thursday along with Wu Tang Clan rapper RZA to promote their new “Man With The Iron Fists” movie. Batista announced the following on Thursday afternoon:
– Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez invaded the Mattel panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday. The following video has been posted online of the incident:
– Former WWE superstar Dave Batista is at Comic Con in San Diego today along with Wu Tang Clan rapper RZA to promote their new “Man With The Iron Fists” movie.
– WWE.com has a new article up titled, “Bank on the Kid” looking at Tyson Kidd’s involvement in the SmackDown brand’s Money in the Bank match this Sunday.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross revealed that the NXT Championship Tournament begins at tonight’s tapings from Full Sail University:
Its going to be an exciting nite @ Full Sail University tonite. NXT Championship Tourney begins! Join us!!
– Cody Rhodes announced Wednesday via Twitter that he will wrestle Kane at Thursday’s WWE NXT taping at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The WWE Divas are also scheduled to appear and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will call all the action. (Event Information)
Rhodes noted that this will be his first encounter with The Big Red Monster.
– Former WWE talent Dave Bautista (a/k/a Batista) stated on Twitter that he will be appearing at this week’s San Diego Comic-Con to promote The Man with the Iron Fists, a film he appears in. He will be tweeting announcements regarding the movie in the ensuing days.
– WWE will hold a Raw live event at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York on Saturday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Ticketmaster.com is holding a pre-sale through Friday at 11:59 p.m. with the passcode WPWWE. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
– Former WWE talent Shane Helms (a/k/a The Hurricane) turns 38 years old on Thursday.
– Zack Ryder will be filming this week’s episode of “Z! True Long Island Story” from the San Diego Comic Con. Ryder will appearing at the event with other WWE Superstars and the Mattel toy designers.
– WWE Superstar Ezekiel Jackson wrote on Twitter that he is working on being featured more on WWE TV.
– Former WWE Diva Jillian Hall says that Heath Slater is ripping off her singing gimmick. She tweeted this week:
Does it make me a bad person to be annoyed by Heath slater's rip off?? Lol.. And I say that in the nicest possible way :)
– Batista’s recent announcements that he’s appearing in the “Man With the Iron Fist” Tarantino movie and directing a rap music video are not the “major announcement” he and his agent have been hyping on Twitter for months.
Batista says that announcement is still forthcoming and that fans are going to flip out when they find out what the news is:
– Former WWE Superstar Batista announced over the weekend on Twitter that he’s making his music video directorial debut this week: “I’m fucking stoked to announce I’m making my music video directorial debut with @ActionBronson and @Alchemist in #LA next week!”
The song Batista is directing is called “Decisions Over Veal Orloff,” which will appear on the Alchemist’s upcoming album Russian Roulette that is set to drop on July 17th.
A preview of the song Batista will be directing the music video for can be heard at DefSounds.com.
Rapper Action Bronson even references Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart in the first few seconds of the song.
– Last Friday’s replay airing of SuperSmackDown LIVE: The Great American Bash on Syfy garnered a 1.45 cable rating following a 1.70 for the live Tuesday broadcast.
The replay averaged 2,130,000 viewers while the live show drew 2,540,000.
– The first two titles of WWE’s Superstar Collection DVD series, featuring John Cena and Zack Ryder, are out beginning today.
– Batista will make his music video directorial debut next week in Los Angeles. Batista will be filming a video for rapper Action Bronson and producer The Alchemist. Batista tweeted:
– WWE.com has an article up looking at WWE superstars using the DDP Yoga program, including Chris Jericho, Santino Marella, Titus O’Neil and Zack Ryder.
– Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler and her boyfriend George Clooney got a bad case of food poisoning while in Italy this week. She tweeted:
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Pro Wrestling Bias: “I strongly dislike this unflattering trait that many in our society have. Perhaps that’s why acting, for some wrestlers, is a viable alternative for performers leaving the business. Society isn’t geared to afford many other opportunities for former wrestlers without them having a marketable skill set and especially without an education. ”
WWE’s Wellness Policy: “I’m not against two strikes and out being the benchmark.”
Austin, Goldberg & Batista Returning To WWE: “I get these Tweets daily, will @steveaustinBSR or @Goldberg ever return to WWE? I’m wondering why those asking don’t Tweet the talents themselves. Not everyone that has had a wrestling career wants to return to the grind. It’s not that glamorous. Same goes for @DaveBautista who’s also building a film career.”
As always, you can check out JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.
Former WWE superstar Dave Bautista’s major announcement is that he’ll be appearing in the upcoming Kung Fu movie “The Man with the Iron Fists.” Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu and MMA fighter Cung Lee will also be appearing.
“Iron Fists” was produced by Quentin Tarantino, directed by Wu Tang Clan rapper RZA and was written by Eli Roth and RZA.
– The WWE website has launched a new feature called the “Hall of Shame.” The first class of entrants includes John Laurinaitis, Michael Cole, The Miz and former WWE superstar Batista.
– Speaking of Batista, his manager John Ryan Jr. continues to tease that they are on the verge of making a huge announcement about Batista’s next project. He tweeted on Tuesday night:
– During Thursday’s press conference & media conference call regarding MMA fighter Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal signing with TNA, TNA President Dixie Carter was asked about whether Batista could join TNA as part of the new agreement with Bellator to feature wrestlers and MMA fighters under the Spike TV.
Carter said Batista was a “great talent and great wrestling talent,” but said she was only willing to discuss Lawal joining TNA and Bellator.
As previously reported, Batista has been rumored to be signing with Bellator MMA, which would create an interesting scenario for Batista possibly being affiliated with TNA.
– Also at the press conference announcing King Mo’s signing with TNA & Bellator MMA, SpikeTV President Kevin Kay spoe about the decision to move iMPACT! Wrestling’s start time an hour earlier to to 8PM ET. He said the reason was because there is a bigger available audience at 8PM ET vs. 9PM ET. He also added that TNA wants to avoid competing with the NFL once the season starts.
He did not say if Bellator will begin airing after iMPACT! on Thursdays next year once Bellator moves to SpikeTV.
– Several weeks ago, Batista teased on Twitter that he has a “major announcement” to make soon. Batista provided an update this week – stating that he’ll make the announcement in May – and that 2012 is about to get “real.”
Batista’s manager Johnny Ryan Jr. also tweeted the following this week:
“Closing these deals for @DaveBautista with the suits. Will be able to announce soon and it will be worth the wait!”
– Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter this week about why Brock Lesnar has returned to WWE:
“Brock Lesnar is back in WWE to: 1 intimidate 2 brutalize 3 earn BIG money NOT to 1 work on public speaking skills 2 make friends 3 lose”
“Fans that naively think that money & being able to physically dominate people didn’t affect Lesnar’s return to WWE aren’t being honest. Word”
– After being asked on Twitter this week who his favorite WWE Diva is, Steve Austin said it’s Kelly Kelly:
“She’s my fave Diva. Super nice young lady. Keeps improving in the ring. Very easy on the eyes.”
– Former WWE superstar Batista says his manager has some big announcements about him coming very soon:
“Follow my manager @JohnnyRyanJr he’s going to be making some announcements about me VERY soon. #staytuned any guesses?!?!”
– WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart wrote the following on Twitter about Daniel Bryan’s 18-second loss at WrestleMania 28:
“Very glad the fans were vocal in their displeasure of one of the best wrestlers on the roster being jobbed out in 18 seconds.”
– How over is Daniel Bryan’s “YES!” chant? Believe it or not, the “YES!” was heard at Tuesday night’s Miami Heat basketball game from the American Airlines Arena, the venue that hosted RAW the night before.
– Jim Ross spoke to both WWE Champion CM Punk and Chris Jericho at last night’s Hall of Fame ceremony. JR wrote on Twitter:
“Talked 2 @CMPunk & @IAmJericho in separate conversations Saturday & i promise u that both are fantastically focused 4 WM28. Scary focused.”
– Batista says today’s a big day for him and he’s ready for the triathlon for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Earlier in the weekend, Batista responded to the buzz from fans that he’s in Miami: “Yup! I’m in #miami BITCH!”
– CM Punk’s guests for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony last night were Rancid singer Lars Frederiksen and former WWE diva Amy “Lita” Dumas. Punk and Lita have been romantically linked.