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Tag: Booker T

  • Behind The Scenes Update On Tough Enough, WWE Star Turns 30

    — Former WWE star Bill DeMott is conducting the majority of the wrestling training to the Tough Enough contestants. As expected, he’s been very hard on them. Some people within WWE are surprised that he was hired for the role because he has a reputation for being tough on wrestling trainees.

    Steve Austin has been a regular on the Tough Enough set thus far. Booker T and Trish Stratus, however, have not. One source believes they’ve been on the set roughly once per week.

    — WWE Tag Team Champion Justin Gabriel celebrates his 30th birthday today.

    — Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho has been announced to appear on an upcoming episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show. His appearance takes place Saturday, April 9.

    source: Pro Wrestling Torch

  • WWE Touts Booker T’s Addition To “Tough Enough” Cast

    WWE® LEGEND BOOKER T JOINS “WWE® TOUGH ENOUGH” AS TRAINER

    WWE® Legend and former World Heavyweight Champion Booker T joins USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH as a trainer. Booker T will train and counsel the contestants competing to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The appointment of Booker T follows the recent casting announcement of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as series host.

    The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.

    Booker T has entertained audiences across the globe and squared off against the biggest luminaries in the WWE Universe including WWE Superstars John Cena, Rey Mysterio and Big Show.

    Recognized as one of the most athletic and charismatic figures in WWE history, Booker T will share his extensive knowledge and ring experience with aspiring contestants vying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Joining a team of celebrity trainers to be announced shortly, Booker T will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

  • Kelly Kelly “Fired” From WWE, Booker T Joins SmackDown, More

    — After Kelly Kelly speared Layla to help Edge preserve his World Championship against Dolph Ziggler last night on SmackDown, “acting” SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero fired the blonde bombshell from WWE. Her bio page has been moved to the Alumni section.

    — WWE.com has added Booker T to the SmackDown roster page.

    After making a surprise return at the Royal Rumble, the six-time World Champion was introduced as SmackDown’s newest commentator on last night’s show.

    — Beth Phoenix teased the following yesterday on Twitter: “Great things are on the horizon for The Glamazon….keep your eyes peeled….soon. Very soon!”

  • Tough Enough Trainer Revealed, Bearer Almost Managed Abyss

    – Booker T has been confirmed as a trainer for WWE’s new Tough Enough show.

    – During an interview with ClubWWI.com, former WWE manager Paul Bearer revealed that he was in talks with TNA about managing Abyss before the character debuted, but Bearer’s health issues during the mid 2000’s prevented it from happening.

    – Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman was at last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling’s event in Tampa. FL.

    – Dolph Ziggler will be appearing at an upcoming wrestling meet for Kent State University when they take on Ohio University on 2/11. Ziggler, who was a very accomplished amateur wrestler at Kent State, will doing a photo and autograph session after the meet.

    (Source: pwinsider.com)

  • Triple H Advertised For Upcoming Raw, Booker T Feud Nixed

    — The announced (dark match) main event for the March 28 Monday Night Raw taping at the Allstate Center in Rosemont, Illinois features Triple H, John Cena, Randy Orton and World Heavyweight Champion Edge vs. WWE Champion The Miz, CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Wade Barrett in an Eight Man Tag Team Match.

    — Following Booker T’s well received performance at the Royal Rumble, creative broached a three-week program between the returning Superstar and King Sheamus. The idea, however, was quickly dropped.

    — JTG and Trent Barreta vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks was taped tonight in Long Island, New York for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars.

    sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

  • Booker T’s New Role With WWE (Contains Spoilers)

    Booker T was introduced as the newest member of the SmackDown announce team at tonight’s SmackDown taping in Long Island, New York, replacing Matt Striker. The team now consists of the returning Superstar, Michael Cole and Josh Mathews.

    He performed the “Spin-a-Roonie” in the ring before joining his new colleagues at the announce desk.

    As reported earlier, Booker T returned to World Wrestling Entertainment to announce as well as wrestle. His new role with the company is being compared to that of Jerry Lawler’s since he announces and wrestles.

    Booker T, along with Kevin Nash, returned to WWE Sunday to participate in the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match. He entered the battle royal at number twenty-one and was ultimately eliminated by Mason Ryan.

    The six-time world champion reportedly signed a long-term contract with the organization.

  • JR Blog: Sting WWE Rumors, Nash & Booker T’s Returns

    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 said about:

    Kevin Nash & Booker T Returning To WWE: “Good to see that Kevin Nash might be working out something to remain associated with WWE to some undetermined degree. Nash is a good talker, a smart guy, and has name identity that can be utilized in a variety of marketing ventures within the company. As I previously wrote, Kevin Nash can help WWE in many ways even if he never wrestles again.”

    “Booker T, who has talked of becoming a TV broadcaster in WWE for quite some time, would be potentially good in that role if he can master the skills that it takes at the ringside announce desk. The job is daunting but doable and Booker is a witty, glib guy who understands the business. At this stage of the game I see Booker T’s long term tenure with WWE as a ‘talker’ of which can take many forms and not as a full time wrestler.”

    “Nonetheless I’m happy that apparently both Nash and Booker might wrap up their respective careers in WWE which seems to be fitting. Obviously any thing can happen that might alter that speculation but hopefully both men can return to the WWE fold and help the company in the aforementioned variety of ways.”

    Sting To WWE? “Amazing that some fans actually swear that there is going to be an Undertaker vs. Sting match this year at Wrestlemania 27 in Atlanta. I would be shocked if that occurred but at the same time everyone has the right to fantasize about dream matches that they personally want to see. I still say that there would likely be a large part of the WWE TV audience that only watches WWE that would have to become familiar with the Stinger’s body of work. Not that it couldn’t be done, it could, but that matter would have to be addressed.”

    “Cutting to the chase, I don’t see Sting in WWE any time soon and especially not in the ring vs. the Undertaker in the Georgia Dome. I do think that Sting would be well served to explore potential marketing opportunities with WWE especially considering that all his ‘greatest hits’ which were in WCW are now owned by WWE.”

  • Booker T Signs WWE Contract, Possibly Getting Main Event Run

    There was much talk internally relating to the overwhelming crowd reaction both Kevin Nash and Booker T received last night at the Royal Rumble. Booker was originally slated to return as a manager who wrestled and coached, but based on his performance last night, many feel he can “still go.” A few ideas have been discussed for him involving top tier WWE talent. He has signed a long-term contract with the organization.

    Nash is scheduled for no more than short-term run with WWE, but officials are open to using him as a trainer or coach. Wrestling, however, seems unlikely at this point.

    (source: f4wonline.com)

  • TNA Brass Hopeful For “They” Storyline, Nash Blows Off Carter

    — Former TNA Wrestling production manager Randy Ricci noted on his blog that a ‘reliable source’ informed him that top brass such as Dixie Carter, Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff are very hopeful that the “They” storyline “saves the company.”

    Ricci adds that the storyline is being built off Karen and Jeff Jarrett’s ‘real live heat’ with Kurt Angle and that any employee against the angle is considered to be working against the company and thus may be terminated.

    — Sting, who is rumored to be returning to TNA Wrestling, is not scheduled for this week’s iMPACT tapings.

    — Booker T and Kevin Nash were in negotiations to return to TNA Wrestling as late as last week, but both grapplers instead opted to return to World Wrestling Entertainment. Booker T personally informed company president Dixie Carter that he had declined TNA’s offer. Nash, however, did not. He verbally agreed to return to TNA and was slated to sign a contract this week. Carter discovered Nash bolting for WWE when the news broke online.

    sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

  • Nash & Booker T In WWE Causes Major Problems For TNA

    At Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, former TNA stars Kevin Nash and Booker T made surprise appearances that have caused major rewrites to TNA’s “they” storyline.

    It’s been widely speculated that TNA’s recent “they are coming” storyline would culminate in the return of the Main Event Mafia. With Kevin Nash and Booker T being two of the key members of the Mafia, major changes had to be made to the storyline.

    A TNA source said, “Big time rewrite mode this week due to their dumb asses writing a plot around guys who are not under contract.”

    Before he opted to appear at the Royal Rumble PPV, Kevin Nash had been pencilled in as part of the angle. There was also speculating regarding Booker T because of his past connections to the group, but he had not yet been contacted about participating.

    (Source: prowrestling.net)

  • Backstage News On Kevin Nash & Booker T’s WWE Futures

    Sunday’s Royal Rumble match saw the surprise returns of Kevin Nash (as Diesel) and Booker T. Both men looked to be in top physical shape, with Kevin Nash dying his hair and goatee black for the first time in many years to reprise his role as Big Daddy Cool.

    As to whether they signed new WWE contracts or the appearances were just a one-night-only deal, it appears we will likely see more of both. Dave Meltzer reports that as of this weekend, Booker T is under some sort of WWE contract with but Kevin Nash is not. The feeling is that WWE may offer more work based on the huge reactions each of them got at the Royal Rumble. Both still have a great deal of star power and both have ties to WCW. Most have probably heard by now that WrestleMania is likely going to feature some sort of WCW tie-in, since WrestleMania is taking place from Atlanta, the former home of the now-defunct promotion.

    Kevin Nash has spoken publicly about wanting to attend the upcoming WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Following his appearance in the Rumble match, Nash wrote on Twitter, which seems to imply that there could be more to his WWE return:

    “Absolutely the best night of my wrestling career. It’s so nice to be back in WWE family. Thanks Boston for making me feel so special.”

    As for Booker T, he may end up doing anything from announcing to managing and working backstage. A role for Booker T on the return of Tough Enough has been brought up.

  • Booker T Signs Book Deal, Scheduled For 2012 Release

    Book publisher Medallion Press issued a press release today  announcing that former WWE and WCW World champion Booker T has signed a book deal to release an autobiography next year. Here it is:

    CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKA?

    St. Charles, Illinois—January 31, 2011—Hot on the heels of an appearance on WWE’s Royal Rumble 2011, fan favorite Booker T. has signed a deal to publish an autobiography detailing his tough road from rags to riches. Book publisher Medallion Press, Inc., set to release The Road Warriors: Danger, Death, and the Rush of Wrestling by Joe “Animal” Laurinaitis with Andrew William Wright (March 2011), announced today that Booker T. Huffman—who has held 35 major titles within WWE, WCW, and TNA and is one of the most decorated champions in the history of professional wrestling—has decided it’s time his story be told.

    Scheduled to release September 2012, Booker’s raw and honest autobiography From Prison to Promise, also with Andrew William Wright, will detail Huffman’s struggles with family and crime in urban Houston before becoming one of the world’s most recognized and successful athletes.

    The youngest of eight children, Booker was born just outside Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 1, 1965. Booker’s father passed away just 10 months later. His mother, knowing her children needed a better environment in which to be raised, packed everything up and moved to Houston, Texas.

    “My mother worked hard to provide for us, and I can say without question that although I may have had many wants, I never had any needs,” said Huffman. “Sure, we might’ve been on food stamps, but I always had a warm coat, shoes on my feet, and food on the table.” Then in 1978, when Booker was only 13 years old, his mother passed away at the age of 49, leaving the Huffman siblings to navigate life on their own.

    Without parental guidance, Booker’s life spiraled out of control. Gang life eventually consumed him, and he was sentenced to five years in prison for armed robbery on February 14, 1987. It was there, behind bars in Navasota, Texas, that Booker made himself a promise to rise above a life of crime and hopelessness to accomplish greater things, things he would have once thought impossible.

    And that’s exactly what Huffman did. Now, for the first time, his inspiring true story will be released to the public for everyone to read and learn from.

    “I’m at that point in my life where I feel maybe someone else can benefit from hearing what I’ve been through,” Booker said. “You know, whether their parents passed away at an early age, or they got into some serious trouble with the law, there’s no doubt in my mind people will not only relate to what I went through, but maybe I can even help keep some of them from going down the same path.”

    From anonymity to stardom, from rags to riches, this story will remind you that anything is possible when you choose to make a positive impact.

    From Prison to Promise by Booker T. Huffman with Andrew William Wright (Medallion Press, September 2012, Hardcover, ISBN 9781605424682, $24.95 U.S./$26.95 CAN) <> About Medallion Press, Inc.:
    Medallion Press, Inc. is a genre fiction and nonfiction publisher dedicated to creating the highest quality product, both inside and out.

  • News On Former Champion Returning To WWE (Contains Spoilers)

    As reported earlier, Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match. His return to WWE after three years will not be a one night affair.

    According to some wrestlers, Booker T is permanently returning to WWE to both wrestle and announce. Additional details, however, have not been disclosed.

    The six-time world champion has had his sights set on a commentating position for a number of years. He indicated in an interview last year during Royal Rumble season that if he were to return to WWE, it would likely be as an announcer.

    He said, “Going back to the WWE, I know I would have to work a full schedule pretty much 180 days a year. I don’t think that’s something I want to do at this point. A lot of people speculate, but if I was to go back to the WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint, that’s something I always wanted to do. So I look forward if I ever go back to WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint. TNA is better for me as far as scheduling goes, but I don’t think I’ll working that hectic schedule anymore.”

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Update On Tonight’s Royal Rumble PPV (Contains Spoilers)

    — Multi-time champion Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in tonight’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.

    — “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is expected to appear at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as he is in town for an autograph signing with fellow former WWE talent Carlito.

    — Christian was flown into Boston for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. It is presently unclear what his role at the event will be. It should be noted that he isn’t wearing his arm in a sling. He has been sidelined since September due to a torn pectoral muscle.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • *Spoilers* On Two Names Appearing At The Royal Rumble

    Booker T and Kevin Nash are scheduled to appear as surprise entrants for tomorrow night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match, reports PWInsider.com.

    Booker T was expected earlier based on recent talks with organization officials and his scheduled appearance at the New Orleans Comic Con this weekend being canceled. Company sources confirmed this morning he is set for the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.

    WWE sources have also confirmed that Nash is booked for the match and is scheduled to fly into Boston later today. He was in discussions with TNA Wrestling officials as late as yesterday to finalize a contract with the organization, but instead opted to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

    Meanwhile, TNA Wrestling sources have confirmed that discussions with Nash fell through. Both sides had been negotiating on and off with sources indicating at one point that a deal was finalized. An infuriated Nash then accused TNA personnel of leaking the information, which led to new rounds of negotiations. He admitted last week to a Puerto Rican newspaper that he was in talks with TNA regarding a return to the organization. The aforementioned discussions ended within the past 24 to 48 hours.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Latest On Booker Returning To WWE, No. 2 WWE Officer Resigns

    — It was reported yesterday that Booker T canceled his scheduled appearance at this weekend’s New Orleans Comic Con. Though it has not been confirmed that former world champion will appear at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble, many people within WWE expect him to be on hand for the event.

    — Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment, announced this week she would be leaving the organizaion effective Feb. 28. The notice is available here.

    Goldsmith was head of WWE Consumer Products for a number of years, which was considered the premiere division in the company for most of the past decade. She was promoted to COO and only trailed Vince McMahon in regards to power in the organization.

    — Kelly Kelly was a Twitter trending topic yesterday in the United States during SmackDown.

    — Today is former WWE star Hardcore Holly’s birthday. He turns 48 years old.

    source: f4wonline.com

  • Booker T Cancels Weekend Appearances, Royal Rumble Sells Out

    — Six-time world champion Booker T has canceled his scheduled appearance at this weekend’s New Orleans Comic Con at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    Regarding a surprise appearance at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, he was in discussions with World Wrestling Entertainment officials a few weeks ago regarding a potential return.

    — This Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts is sold out. Complementary tickets for the event are hard to come by and scalpers have reportedly unloaded their share.

    — The Bellas Twins made numerous media appearances today in Atlanta, Georgia promoting Wrestlemania XXVII.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • *Spoiler* On TNA’s “They” Storyline – Several Returns Expected

    Last Thursday on TNA iMPACT!, Amazing Red’s “little” brother (officially known as “Crimson”) put Abyss in a chokehold backstage and delivered a cryptic message to him: “They are coming.”

    “They” will mark the return of the Main Event Mafia and will consist of Kurt Angle and Scott Steiner, and possibly Sting, Kevin Nash and Booker T.

    Steiner returned to TNA at last Wednesday’s iMPACT! taping and participated in a cliff hanger ending. He donned a suit reminiscent of his time in the Main Event Mafia. Angle is penciled in for the group, and many within the organization expect Sting to be too.

    Many in TNA presume that Nash is on board for the group. However, he adamantly said last week on Twitter that he is not because he is retired. Internally, many believe Nash is kayfabing his absence from TNA, but those close to him indicate he’s legitimately retired.

    Booker T’s status remains unknown at this point, other than he wasn’t believed to have signed as of last week. Some were pleased with his departure from the organization in October 2009 as there were complaints about his performance, attitude, refusal to put over Matt Morgan in a match, and his own admission that he was using the company as a way to audition for acting roles.

    Bobby Lashley has been mentioned by those in TNA as a possible member of the group. However, those affiliated with the mixed martial artist don’t believe he’s returning to the wrestling organization. Lashley is currently a free agent as his contract with Strikeforce expired following his loss to Chad Griggs in August. The only thing of note he has done since then is work a wrestling match for the Japanese promotion Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in September. He is not tentatively not scheduled for any upcoming shows.

    “They” would initially feud with Immortal and Fortune. The angle begins on the Feb. 3 iMPACT!.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Booker T Advertised For Upcoming PPV, Hogan’s Mother Passes

    — Six-time world champion Booker T is among those advertised for Viva La Lucha’s next pay-per-view event, Continental Conflict, which premieres Feb. 11. The synopsis reads:

    “Perros Del Mal cause a continental conflict when the biggest lucha stars in Mexico, including Blue Demon Jr, Damien 666, Xtreme Tiger, and El Mesias stand side by side and battle American stars Booker T, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Jack Evans, Christina Von Eerie and more! Don’t miss the worldwide premiere of Viva La Lucha: Continental Conflict!”

    — Hulk Hogan wrote on Twitter last night that his mother, Ruth Bollea, passed away. She was 88 years old.

    He wrote, “Its been a tough day, my mom passed today.she was my biggest fan,ii love her so much.happy new year to everyone.”

    His father, Peter Bollea, died on December 28, 2001.

    — In today’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart turns 67 years old while former WCW valet Kimberly Page turns 42. Page currently lives in Utah, working in marketing and interior design.

  • JR Blog: Royal Rumble, TNA vs. WWE, Booker T, Younger Stars

    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 said about:

    Who Will Win The Royal Rumble: “My early pick to win the 2011 Royal Rumble would have to be John Cena.”

    WWE’s Future & Developing New Stars: “The long term future of WWE appears to be bright to me. The company has a strong infrastructure manned by some intelligent, hard working professionals and have continued to take positive steps in putting their footprint around the Globe.  As in any other entertainment or sports entity for that matter, the development of the next wave of superstars who can transcend the biz is imperative. WWE is an attraction oriented business and when new, main event level, attractions evolve and become established then ‘business will pick up’ without question.”

    Whether TNA Ever Seriously Compete WWE: “Some fans of TNA have asked me when I predict the time line that TNA will over take WWE in the marketplace. Without coming off as a tool but simply being totally realistic, the answer is never. But wait, there’s more….does it matter? I would suggest to you that TNA has all they can say grace over making their brand stronger and are likely, if they are smart, not even trying to compete w/ WWE but only with trying to make themselves better. WWE is the NFL and no other football league will ever touch the NFL. Period. End of story. That certainly doesn’t mean that another league can’t make money and be viable in their world. I’ll never wish TNA or any other company ill will but IMO this is the reality of the matter and the answer to a question we seemingly get all the time. I can assure you that I want our on line biz to grow but I don’t fixate on other similar sites but instead try to think of ways to make our site better.”

    Booker T’s Potential As An Announcer: “I do think that Booker T could be an effective broadcaster on  a wrestling TV show if paired with the right partner and given some time to establish his body of work and timing with his partner. I could also see Booker being a great manager, if the manager role, which would be new in today’s world, was brought back. “

  • JR Blog: CM Punk vs. John Cena, John Morrison, Booker T

    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 Jim Ross said about:

    CM Punk vs. John Cena: “The issue that started tonight between John Cena and C.M. Punk has my curiosity. I think that these two will have some stellar bou”ts when they finally wrestle. Punk is very hungry to re-establish himself as a dominate, singles performer. Punk and Cena can also carry the verbal load of this main event level issue.”

    John Morrison: “The evolution of John Morrison continues. As many have pointed out over time and of which I agree, John has some young HBK tendencies/mannerisms but his biggest step, in this fan’s eye, is recently demonstrating more physical toughness in the ring. It reminds of when HBK added another layer to his body of work many years ago on PPV against Mick Foley aka Mankind in what was essentially a physical war. Some ‘experts’ on Twitter feel that Morrison’s verbal skills are an issue but I don’t.”

    Booker T: “It seemed to me that Booker T was in excellent shape when we spoke on Sunday afternoon in Houston. That statement will likely fuel ample speculation and I’m not saying that Booker wants to or ever will step back in the ring but, as always, one never says never in this biz. With two beautiful twin children just coming into this world, I don’t ever see Booker T going back on the road full time. Nonetheless it was great seeing him and his lovely wife Sharmell. Ol Book did quite well in the wife department, much like yours truly, as he ‘out punted his coverage.’”

  • Booker T Talks About A WWE Return, TNA’s Booking & More

    Busted Open with Booker T
    Hosts: Dave LaGreca and Doug Mortman
    Mondays and Wednesdays 2-4 PM ET
    Sirius 125, XM 241 (note: new channels)

    Here are some highlights of what Booker T said about:

    Whether He Would return To TNA or WWE: “I’m a free agent… It’s about making a phone call. I left on good terms. I’m pretty good friends with Terry Taylor. I left on good terms with Dixie Carter. But I don’t want to get back on that WWE schedule… I would be willing to do commentary. I’d be willing to work behind the scenes (with WWE).

    Why He Went To TNA: “I went there to make those young guys a lot better, guys like A.J. (Styles), (Robert) Roode, Black Machismo, and the list goes on and on… The Main Event Mafia could still be going today… The wrestling business is all about the young guys coming up and taking those spots.”

    TNA Rehashing Old Angles: “I feel the past should left in the past. You cannot recreate WCW. TNA was in a great position to move up to the next level.”

    Rumors of Him Leaving a Live Event and Not Putting Over Matt Morgan: “It was one live event, overseas, and there was not any security. The fans were throwing full cans of beer. I felt unsafe working in that environment… I did not want to put over Matt Morgan that night because I had never had a segment with Matt Morgan.”

    Visit Facebook.com/bustedopen for more information.

  • Booker T Discusses Departing TNA, Problems With His Brother

    Former WWE, WCW and TNA performer Booker T. appeared on The LAW this past Sunday night to promote his appearance at the 11th annual ‘Gathering of Juggalos’ next weekend at Cave in Rock, Illinois. Booker T. will be taking on Tracy Smothers as part of Bloody Mania 4 on Saturday night – for more information check out http://www.juggalogathering.com.

    On departing TNA in 2009
    I wasn’t happy for many different reasons mainly the reason I wasn’t happy was because I wasn’t wrestling and wasn’t performing. I was there for two years and probably had three real matches. When I first came to TNA my thing was I wanted to help them grow, I wanted to be out there in the middle of the ring performing with Sting, Jarrett, Steiner, Hall, Angle, A.J, Samoa – all of them and I didn’t get to do that in that two year period and show them what Booker T. was really made of and I didn’t get that chance because of the writing in TNA. I always felt that’s where TNA was lacking a little bit, I won’t say a little bit – a lot more than WWE. As far as business goes, WWE has a staff, they have several people putting together a show and when you have one person trying to put together a two hour show it’s very hard.

    On his final months in TNA
    Well I didn’t want to waste myself so I felt I should leave instead of just stay there and be in the background, I didn’t come to be part of the background and be a part of a group or anything, even though the Main Event Mafia was hot and it could have been hotter if it was done right. I felt the Main Event Mafia could still be going now, it’s similar to Nexus Vs WWE. That’s really a formula you can’t go wrong with, it’s something in life – the young guys always want to take the older guys spots. I felt TNA didn’t capitalize on it.

    TNA’s branding
    I felt they took a huge step back when they got rid of the six sided ring after investing seven years in it and making people believe they were a different company and went back to being the same as everybody else. That was your signature, your staple and there were a lot of complaints from people saying they couldn’t work in it properly and I know exactly what the problem was because I worked in it – it was just too small. They should have made it two feet bigger on each side and it would have been perfectly fine for Hogan to get in and work as opposed to changing the look of TNA to make it look like WCW. WCW is dead and it will never come back and it should be that way because life is evolution, we go forward not backward.

    The ECW reunion show
    I know a lot of the ECW guys – RVD is literally my best friend and we’re really tight and doing the ECW thing, it’s a nostalgia thing but it’s not done the right way and more importantly not done for the right reasons and it’s done for a TV rating and that’s not what they need to be focusing on. The ratings will come if you put your time into the product and stay on the grind when it comes to focusing on where you’re trying to go as opposed to coming in and figuring it out on the fly and it all goes back to having a staff that is coming up with different ideas and you can bounce them off wrestlers who have been in the ring wrestling, that can go up top and give it a ‘yea’ or ‘nay’. You’ve got to be able to agree to disagree without having animosity and have egos involved when you’re trying to run a business and when I was there it didn’t feel like it was being run like we really wanted to win and I’m not saying I wanted to beat WWE but I wanted to be the best wrestling company out there and it has nothing to do with WWE.

    Comparisons of the Nexus invasion to the WCW invasion angle
    You’ve got a lot of young and hungry guys out there and with WCW you had a lot of young guys that wasn’t hungry, that didn’t really care about the business. Those guys got real lazy and there were only probably two of us that could go out and perform at that time, everybody else was in their zone and weren’t prepared for WWE and the take over by WWE, no one was prepared for that but I was saw it coming long before it came.

    Current problems with brother Stevie Ray
    Me and my brother have a feud going, hopefully one day it works itself out. I still love my brother, it ain’t nothing like that but until he can come to grips on certain things and I can come to them it will be a little rocky. Maybe he will hear this or not, but I’ve got a couple of twins in the world if you want to get them a hollar they’re in the hospital at St. Luke’s.

    Another potential run with a national promotion
    I would not say that I won’t be in the big spotlight again – I’ve got some stuff brewing just keep your ears open and maybe coming up real soon. Booker T. is not over yet, I’m still going to go out there and perform like I said, do my thing, like I always do and make my fans jump.

    The entire 30-minute interview with Booker T. is available at http://www.liveaudiowrestling.com/downloads and The LAW airs each Sunday night at 11pm EST on Sirius 98 Hardcore Sports Radio.

  • Scott Hall In The Hospital, Friends Very Concerned About Him

    (credit f4wonline.com)

    -Scott Hall remains in the hospital battling a double pneumonia infextion. Hall recently had a falling out with some close friends as a result of his stubbornness in not entering a hospital earlier than he did. In a recent radio interview Hall did with Sean Waltman, he began sobbing on the air when discussing his health, claiming he also suffers from a psychological disorder. His friends are more concerned for his well being now than at any point in the past.

    -Gene Snitsky has a starring role in an upcoming film called “Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge”, the sequel to what was once deemed ‘the worst movie ever made.’ Snitsky said it films in early 2011 and will be released in 2013.

    -Booker T is currently writing a book that chronicles his life before wrestling, including growing up on the streets of Houston, going to jail for armed robbery of a Wendy’s and eventually turning his life around.

  • Latest Story On Sid Vicious, Trish Stratus Interview, Ricky Ortiz

    — Sid Vicious was scheduled to appear for Dreamwave Wrestling on June 5 in LaSalle, Illinois but no-showed the event. The promotion received word on the morning of the show that Vicious had not boarded his flight and as a result, spent all day trying to get in touch with him. When promotion officials finally reached the former world champion, he said that he forgot to bring his passport to the airport, and thus was prohibited from boarding his flight. Although it should be noted that he was flying from Memphis, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois and a passport isn’t required to fly within the country. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — Fans can now keep up with Ricky Ortiz as the former WWE star has opened an account on Twitter. His page can be found at twitter.com/BigO_RickyOrtiz. Since his release from WWE last year, Ortiz has continued his wrestling career, making appearances for the Florida-based Combat Championship Wrestling promotion.

    — Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus comments on her debut movie role for Bail Enforcers at the following link. She also discusses appearing on the cover of The Wrestler, whether she minds being viewed as a sex symbol, nude yoga, and more.

    — Booker T and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing at the Frank & Son Collectible Show tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is located on 19649 San Jose Avenue, City of Industry, California.