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Tag: Booker T

  • Update On Changes To RAW & SmackDown Announce Teams

    NXT announcer Rich Brennan has been promoted to the lead announcer position for WWE SmackDown. Now that WWE Tough Enough is over, it looks like Booker T, who was on hiatus due to the show, will be headed to Thursday nights in two weeks while Byron Saxton will permanently replace him on RAW.

    WWE RAW on Monday nights will be called by Michael Cole, JBL and Saxton while SmackDown will feature Brennan, Jerry Lawler and Booker T.

    Booker T and Rich Brennan recently had the following exchange on social media.

    https://twitter.com/BookerT5x/status/637409783507648512

  • The Rock Comments On Lesnar/SummerSlam, Booker T’s Phrases, JR/Barnett

    – Following the episode with Dave Scherer that drops this evening, Jim Ross’ next “Ross Report” guest will be former UFC Heavyweight Champion and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s AXS TV announcer Josh Barnett. The show will be available on Tuesday, September 1st at PodcastOne.com.

    – On Tuesday, The Rock tweeted the following in response to a WWE Network link to a Rock vs. Brock Lesnar match from SummerSlam 2002, where Lesnar defeated Rock to become the youngest WWE Champion in history.

    – WWE recently posted the following Tough Enough “Digital Extra,” which looks at Booker T’s favorite phrases on the set..

  • Booker T Unveils “Huge Announcement” He Has Been Teasing All Week

    After dropping hints earlier this week, Booker T finally revealed the “huge announcement” related to his Reality Of Wrestling independent promotion in Texas.

    Booker T announced on social media that his R.O.W. promotion out of Houston, Texas has landed a television deal with CW channel 39 in Houston. Their show will begin airing on Sunday, September 20th at 11am.

    Booker and Bruce Prichard posted the following on Twitter to announce the news.

  • Booker T Teases “Huge Announcement” For His Reality Of Wrestling Promotion

    It appears as though Booker T’s “Reality Of Wrestling” promotion in Texas is gearing up to make some big announcements.

    Below are some new tweets from Booker T, his wife Sharmell, as well as former WWE and TNA employee Bruce Prichard.

  • Billy Gunn Addresses ZZ’s Performance On Tough Enough, Next Week’s Challenge

    – In the Tough Enough Digital Extra video shown above the cameras catch Billy Gunn losing his cool with the competitors and in particular ZZ over their in-ring performance at this stage in the competition.

    On the Tough Enough Twitter account, a short video was also shared showing ZZ in the ring with Booker T and NXT’s Jason Jordan also reacting:

    – As noted yesterday Darren Young and Titus O’Neil (The Prime Time Players) were confirmed as the guests for next week’s show and were photographed on the back of a fire truck.

    The Tough Enough Twitter account has since shared a number of photos showing the challenge the competitors faced with the Orange County Fire & Rescue Department in Florida:

     

  • Kevin Owens Sends Message To Cesaro, Booker T To Address Hulk Hogan Comments, Daniel Bryan Giveaway

    – WWE have posted this week’s Michael Cole interview featuring Kevin Owens where he issues a warning to Cesaro. You can check out the video above.

    – The WWE UK Twitter account have five copies of Daniel Bryan’s book ‘YES’ to give away, all you have to do is retweet the following tweet:

    – Booker T has confirmed on Twitter that on his Heated Conversations podcast on Saturday night he will address the Hulk Hogan controversy. He tweeted:

  • Booker T Comments On Racist Comments Made By Hulk Hogan

    This morning the news broke that Hulk Hogan had been removed from the WWE’s website, Shop and Tough Enough site following alleged racist comments.

    Several hours later and a transcript of the comments made by Hulk Hogan were released online (seen at this link) and WWE released a statement confirming they had terminated his contract.

    Booker T, who featured in a video several years ago where he used the “N” word took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Hogan and what was said:

  • Tough Enough Coaches Breakdown (Video), Trish Stratus Carries Torch (Photos), More

    – The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, which is available right now, features an interview with actor Scott Baio. You can download the show at PodcastOne.com.

    – WWE Tough Enough coaches Booker T, Lita and Billy Gunn break down week two of the show in the video featured below.

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus carried the torch for the Pan Am Games in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada last week. Below are some photos of Trish at the event.

  • WWE Tough Enough Videos: Triple H Walks In On Competitor Puking, More

    WWE has uploaded several videos from Wednesday and Thursday’s WWE Tough Enough mini-camp at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

    Check out the videos below.

    WWE Tough Enough finalists perform in-ring drills – WWE #ToughEnough

    “ZZ” Loupe describes his eye-opening trip to the tryout – WWE #ToughEnough

    WWE Tough Enough coaches address the final 40 – WWE #ToughEnough

    Competitors are cut from the WWE Tough Enough tryout – WWE #ToughEnough

    Booker T is excited to start coaching the Tough Enough hopefuls – WWE #ToughEnough

    Tough Enough competitors reflect on day two of tryouts – WWE #ToughEnough

    Triple H walks in on a horrible surprise – WWE #ToughEnough

    Chris Jericho addresses the Tough Enough competitors – WWE #ToughEnough

  • Money In The Bank Kickoff Show News, WWE Stars Playing With Puppies (Video), Foley

    – WWE Network has a one-hour Money In The Bank “Kickoff Show” scheduled to begin at 7pm EST. next Sunday night. The “Kickoff Show” panel will consist of Renee Young, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves and Booker T.

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley is celebrating a milestone birthday today, as the Hardcore Legend turns 50 years old. Foley was born on June 7, 1965. Also celebrating birthdays today are Howard Finkel (65) and former TNA Knockout Taeler Hendrix (26).

    – WWE recently posted the following video of Superstars and Divas playing with puppies.

  • Elimination Chamber Kickoff Show Panel, Wrestlers In Movies List, Bret Hart

    – The hosts for the panel on Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber “Kickoff Show” on the WWE Network will be Renee Young, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves and Booker T. The preview special is scheduled to begin on the WWE Network at 7pm EST., leading into the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, which begins at 8pm EST. and ends at 11pm EST.

    – The official Entertainment Weekly website has a list of the best and worst performances by pro wrestlers in movies. Of course part-time WWE performer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tops the list. You can check out the full list at EW.com.

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart will be the guest on the next edition of Jim Ross’ weekly “Ross Report” podcast. The show is scheduled to drop at PodcastOne.com on Tuesday, June 2nd at 9pm EST.

  • New Details On The Format & Plans For The New WWE Tough Enough

    The format of the returning WWE Tough Enough reality show is going to be completely revamped compared to past seasons.

    There will be training and in-house footage shot during the week, which will air on the Tuesday show. So when you watch an episode, the training and drama in the house we see will be from the previous week, very similar to The Ultimate Fighter season that they tried to do semi-live, as well as the UFC Primetime and “Embedded” specials which they try to keep up-to-date.

    The television show will air each Tuesday, with footage shot during the week as well as a live show in front of a studio audience.

    While Chris Jericho is scheduled to be the host of the show, it’s said that he will have somewhat of a “Ryan Seacrest role,” and won’t be hosting the show in the style that WWE had “Stone Cold” Steve Austin do several years ago.

    As far as the rest of the cast, Hulk Hogan, Paige and Daniel Bryan will serve as panelists, mentors and judges, while Booker T, Billy Gunn and Lita will serve as the actual trainers for the contestants. Each week on the show there will be a judges vote and an audience vote to decide who goes home.

    WWE has reportedly gone out of their way to recruit certain people to be cast members on the show, including Tessa Blanchard, daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer Tully Blanchard. It’s also said that they badly wanted Moose on the show.

    Apparently WWE is telling people that they are recruiting to be on the program that they will be guaranteed a spot on the show, however the actual winner of the season will not be pre-determined and will be completely legitimate based on the fan voting.

    (Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE Tough Enough Host, Judges & Trainers Revealed

    Chris Jericho announced on Thursday that he will be hosting the new season of WWE Tough Enough, which premieres on the USA Network on Tuesday, June 23rd.

    WWE also issued a press release giving tons more information about the new season, including details on judges, trainers and more.

    – Hulk Hogan, Daniel Bryan and Paige will be judges on the series.

    – Booker T, Lita and Billy Gunn will be the trainers.

    – Tough Enough will be filmed out of the WWE Performance Center and Full Sail University, home of NXT.

    – The official Tough Enough app will be launching on May 25th.

    – There will be a lot of fan interaction, including the ability to vote via the Tough Enough app and texting to interact with various live elements

    – Contestants in the series will “come face to face” with Vince McMahon, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and John Cena over the course of the series.

     

  • NXT Adds 2nd Philly Show, Steamboat Interview, Booker T’s Podcast

    – CBS Radio announced today that Booker T’s “Heated Conversations” podcast has been picked up by the Play.IT network, the same company that broadcasts Taz’s podcast.

    – WWE has announced a second NXT live event for Philadelphia on Friday, May 15th due to overwhelming demand for the first live event the previous night.

    – WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat recently spoke with Title Match Wrestling about Randy Savage’s WWE Hall of Fame induction, their legendary WrestleMania match, feuding with Ric Flair and more.

  • Latest On Daniel Bryan, More On Booker T’s Comment, RVD/Marijuana Documentary Update

    – Booker T’s comment about Owen Hart on Monday’s edition of WWE RAW has been edited out of all of the replays for the show.

    – As seen this past Sunday night, WWE pulled Daniel Bryan from his scheduled match on their Extreme Rules pay-per-view. According to PWInsider.com, the company made the call on Friday to have Bryan stay home.

    – Former WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam is featured in the third trailer released for the new medical marijuana documentary. Check out RVD in the new trailer for “The Emporer, The President & The King,” which is currently in production now, below. For updates on the project, and other productions from Hollymood Entertainment, subscribe to their official YouTube channel at YouTube.com.

  • Booker T Apologizes For Owen Hart Comment On RAW

    Booker T has apologized to fans who may have been offended by a comment he made on Monday’s WWE RAW about Owen Hart.

    During Neville’s match with Luke Harper, JBL commented that Neville could become the first “high-flying” King of the Ring. “Of course Owen was a high-flyer, but not like this,” JBL said.

    Booker T then responded, “He couldn’t defy gravity,” a reference to Neville’s ‘man who gravity forgot’ moniker.

    A lot of fans criticized Booker T on Twitter for the comment, noting that it was insensitive due to Owen’s tragic fatal incident. In response to the backlash, Booker T tweeted:

  • Booker T Interview: Samoa Joe In WWE, How TNA Can Get To The Next Level & More

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently appeared on Main Event Radio’s Ryan Rider about a number of topics, including Samoa Joe in WWE, the talent he enjoyed working with in TNA, how Impact Wrestling can get to the next level and much more. Here are the highlights of what he said about:

    The WWE-WCW Invasion Angle: So many different components play out in a situation like that. A lot of guys were under contracts, a lot of guys were making money; a lot of guys had families. It was a difficult time for most. A lot of guys sat it out and got that pay check before they decided to come over. It was only a few of us that decided to stray away – I walked away from a lot of money, six figures, to keep my momentum going. I thought I was in a position where I could make the money back and keep my legacy going. That’s why the invasion angle didn’t work – it was the timing, it just wasn’t right. I had experienced life, overcame life. I was prepared for WCW folding and then having to go to another company and having to rebuild myself. I always knew nothing would last forever and there were turns in the road, life goes in seasons. I knew when that time came I knew it was time to move on.

    Was he disappointed in his lost to Triple H at Wrestlemania 19: Honestly, even with my 35 championships it’s never really been about titles for me. The fans were disappointed but I didn’t go back to my room upset that I didn’t win. For me it’s always been about performing. People really wanted me to win – and it was a great match, we left everything in the ring. I can always respect HHH, that he was able to take it just as much as he could dish it out. Me not winning, I would not take that as a black mark on my career or anything like that. A lot of people were disappointed, a lot of office people came up to me and said you should have won. But it just wasn’t meant for me that night and we move on.

    Memories of his time as “King Booker”: Being able to create and show people that it’s all about the entertainment factor and making people feel a certain way when they saw it. People remember King Booker because they felt a certain way. It was acting at its finest form. I always feel like I will be the greatest King of the Ring champion there will ever be. 100 years from now they will have to pull up footage of King Booker when they look back at all the great wrestling kings.

    Retirement: I’m one of the lucky ones who made it to the other side and are able to enjoy the fruits of the labor. I’m finished. I’m never going to put my boots on again. I’m like a war veteran. I’m done. I’m going to sell all my stuff on ebay. I’m getting rid of everything. [Laughs] Seriously though, I’ve gone through that stage of my life, I’m over it. I don’t get that itch to get out there and do it. I train with my students every week at my wrestling school but to get in there again there is no reason too. I’ve done it all, I’ve won all the titles, and I’ve been all over the world. I like to watch the young guys do their thing.

    Some of the talents that he enjoyed working with in TNA:Working with AJ [Styles] was cool. Working with Bobby Roodewas even cooler. That kid had really really good talents. He could perform at a grand stage. Working with Samoa Joe in Houston, Texas where he bloodied me up in front of all my students to show was performance really is. I had a great time working with certain guys there. I really wanted to do more and I felt my talent was misused. I felt that I could have helped the young guys get to the next level of performance. My run there wasn’t as sweet as I wanted it to be but I had fun. It was a great time.

    What changes does he think TNA Impact Wrestling needs to make in order to get to the next level: Focus and direction which is something in 2006/2007/2008 they had direction with the 6-sided ring, the knockouts, and the X division. It got clouded, going back to the four-sided ring and it had to be readjusted, re-geared, re-branded. And now they’re rebranding again with a new network. Staying the course first and foremost is what they need to do. Their young guys were their course, because those guys built it. It is a young person’s generation.

    On whether he hopes to see Samoa Joe in WWE: He can make some waves with WWE: He can make some big waves with the WWE roster; he can come onto the NXT roster and make waves there. WWE is a proving ground. You don’t just come into WWE and say put me on the main roster because I’m Samoa Joe. You gotta take your knocks. I’m no different than anybody else. When I came to WWE I was a 4x Heavyweight Champion, 6x Television champion, U.S. Champion, 10x tag team champion but I started at the bottom all over again to make my rise. These young guys out there coming into WWE won’t have to go through anything that I haven’t gone through myself.

  • RAW Announce Team To Return On Monday, Update On Their “Injuries” From Brock Lesnar Attack

    WWE has an article on their official website updating fans on the physical condition of the WWE RAW announce team.

    The article states that Michael Cole, JBL and Booker T will all be back at next Monday’s RAW following their “injuries” sustained in the attack by Brock Lesnar at this past Monday’s post-WrestleMania 31 edition of the show.

    According to the story, Cole was diagnosed with a bulging disc and is battling severe neck, back and shoulder pain. JBL was diagnosed with an abdominal wall tear, and Booker T suffered contusions and soreness.

    Check out the complete article at WWE.com.

  • Michael Cole Injured On RAW, Brock Lesnar Suspended & Fined

    – For those who missed it, Stephanie McMahon announced that Brock Lesnar is “suspended and fined” after attacking the RAW announcers and a WWE camera man at Monday’s post-WrestleMania 31 edition of RAW.

    – Speaking of Lesnar’s attack, it was announced later on during the show, and again on WWE’s official Twitter account, that while JBL and Booker T were stretchered to the back, Michael Cole was hurt and was rushed to a hospital. The company tweeted the following during the show.

    REPORT: RONDA ROUSEY To Work A HUGE Match At WRESTLEMANIA 32?!

  • Seth Rollins Talks WrestleMania 31; WWE Teams With Facebook, Stephanie McMahon Comments

    – WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T interviewed Seth Rollins during the WrestleMania Today special that aired on the WWE Network on Thursday evening. Below are video highlights from the interview.

    – WWE issued the following press release today:

    WWE® AND FACEBOOK LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE WRESTLEMANIA® EXPERIENCE

    MENLO PARK, Calif. and STAMFORD, Conn., March 27, 2015 – WWE and Facebook are providing fans with exclusive content before, during and after WrestleMania 31 on Sunday, March 29, featuring WWE Superstar ring entrances, match clips, interviews, locker room commentary and training videos. The “Facebook Trending Experience” for WrestleMania will also allow fans to see comments and posts about WrestleMania 31 from celebrities, WWE Superstars and Divas, news outlets, influencers and friends. During the telecast, WWE’s on-air announcers will encourage fans watching WrestleMania on WWE Network and pay-per-view to participate in the experience, and fans attending live will be able to check in at Levi’s Stadium to join the conversation.

    This marks the first time that WWE and Facebook have teamed up on WrestleMania to deliver fans near real-time event highlights, collaborate on in-venue activations, and drive fans to a social experience during a live event telecast. Additionally, WWE Superstar Zack Ryder will lead a “Hide and Like” promotion later today where fans will have the opportunity to find him in the San Jose area for a chance to win tickets to WrestleMania 31, WrestleMania Axxess and the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

    “We are thrilled to partner with WWE to help connect the millions of WWE fans on Facebook with the excitement of what’s happening around WrestleMania 31 this weekend, whether they are at Levi’s Stadium, watching the telecast, or in line at the grocery store,” said Dan Reed, Facebook’s Head of Global Sports Partnerships. “From exclusive WWE video content on Facebook, to creative integrations of the fan experience both in-venue and for TV viewers, we think this partnership with WWE will bring the social conversation around WrestleMania 31 to a whole new level.”

    “Facebook is a global leader and innovator in driving social conversation with the ability to reach a massive audience,” said WWE Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon. “Our social experience during WrestleMania will create opportunities for fans to further engage with WWE and provide them with more access to our Superstars than ever before.”

    In addition to the “Facebook Trending Experience” for WrestleMania, Facebook has partnered with WWE during WrestleMania Week to give back to the local community. Yesterday, representatives from Facebook’s global policy and safety division were in attendance at WWE’s Be a STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect) anti-bullying rally at Joseph George Middle School in San Jose, Calif., to discuss the tools that Facebook offers in order to combat cyberbullying.

  • Bo Dallas Sporting New Look (Photo), Backstage Note On HHH “Firing” Booker T, More

    – There was speculation that the segment where Triple H “fired” Booker T on Monday’s RAW was unscripted, however the word is that what happened in the segment went down exactly how it was written in the final script for the show, and that Booker T was well aware that it was coming.

    – The second ever NXT live event outside of Florida will take place tonight in Cleveland, Ohio.

    – Bo Dallas has somewhat of a new look. Below is a photo of he and Tyler Breeze from this week’s WWE television taping which shows Dallas sporting a beard.

    (Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Video: HHH Talks To Michael Cole About Sting, Problems Within The Authority & More

    Triple H is once again the guest on this week’s sit-down interview with Michael Cole, which you can watch above.

    Michael Cole asks whether or not Sting is starting to get under Triple H’s skin. HHH says Sting is good, just like he was in WCW. He mentioned his “firing” of Booker T on RAW and spoke about how no one in WCW could control Sting. He says there’s a reason Sting never came to WWE, and that’s control. He said sometimes you have to show that you still have control.

    Cole asked HHH about the problems within The Authority, noting that he appears to be preoccupied as of late. HHH says that when you’re a parent, sometimes you have to let the kids battle things out among themselves. He said when RAW went off the air this week, everyone seemed to be getting along and he doesn’t have a problem letting them work out their issues by themselves.

    When asked about WWE and NXT going to Ohio for the Arnold Classic this coming weekend, HHH spoke about his International Sports Hall Of Fame induction and said it’s an honor and having Arnold Schwarzenegger induct him is huge.

  • Former WCW Stars Put Sting Over, Several NXT Talents Work WWE TV Tapings This Week

    – Several NXT stars worked this week’s WWE television tapings. Tyler Breeze worked the post-show dark match, teaming with Bo Dallas, losing to fellow NXT stars The Lucha Dragons. NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks also worked the taping, losing to Natalya in a pre-show dark match.

    You can read full WWE Main Event spoilers for this week by clicking here.

    – The official WWE website has a new article up with comments from several stars who worked with Sting in WCW in the past. Below are some excerpts.

    Big Show on Sting’s heroics: “To fight evil, sometimes you have to become evil. That was a brilliant move to embrace that darker side. You still knew the good Sting was there, the guy you grew up with and cheered for, the guy with the big smile. But you saw this other guy that had all this anger toward the nWo; he really exemplified a character that, in a superhero kind of way, could stand up at the plate and take everyone on by himself. A lone wolf kind of deal. And with the unique ways he would enter the ring, dropping down from the ceiling or blackouts before he would show up, he kept the element of surprise. I think the thing about Sting today is he hasn’t changed. Though his character has developed, the core value of who he is and what he represents hasn’t changed. He’s got a fan base from so many years of being someone you can depend on, kind of like John Cena. He’s been through so many trials and tribulations, and been able to stick to his guns. That’s what we respect in a hero.”

    Booker T on Sting’s aura: “He’s an enigma. He’s mysterious and lurked in the shadows for many, many years. It’s an aura that draws you to him. Guys like that, they’re one of a kind. People have wanted to see him here in WWE for many years. I think people are intrigued by him. I think Triple H knows what he’s in store for. He’s conquered the business, putting himself in power as COO of a money-making company. That right there says a lot about his drive and determination. I don’t think he’s going to underestimate Sting. It’s going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight. However, I know since 1998, when DX invaded Nitro, Sting has wanted to get even. WrestleMania’s going to be a war.”

    You can check out the complete article at WWE.com.

  • Booker T Special On WWE Network Tonight, Colt Cabana On Piper’s Pit, After Total DIvas

    – Part two of Roddy Piper’s interview with Colt Cabana is featured on this week’s edition of the “Piper’s Pit” podcast, which you can download at PodcastOne.com.

    – WWE will be airing a new special called “WWE 24: Booker T: Sentenced to Greatness” on the WWE Network immediately following tonight’s edition of RAW. Below is a preview for the special.

    – Below is this week’s “After Total Divas” web episode.

    http://youtu.be/lguR7r5creM

  • Kevin Nash/WWE HOF Update, Cena On NBC Sitcom, Booker T’s Radio Show, More

    – There is said to be talk going around once again lately of inducting Kevin Nash into this year’s class of the WWE Hall Of Fame.

    – Booker T’s special guests on his “Heated Conversations” radio show will be Rob Van Dam and actor Omar Dorsey. You can tune into the show at SportsRadio610.com.

    – John Cena is scheduled to appear on the popular NBC program, “Parks and Recreation” next Tuesday at 8pm EST.

    – WWE stock ended up closing at $16.59 per share on Friday, which was up 15.53%. The high for Friday was $17.00 per share and the low for the day was $14.36.