The following are highlights from a recent WGD Weekly interview with former WCW star Alex Wright:
On the Chris Benoit tragedy: “Benoit was a very tough wrestler, very hard in the ring, a lot of intensity, but I liked that kind of style…It was very sad hearing about Benoit. It was shocking, you know, because I met a person that was totally different, you know, and so it was kind of unbelievable that this had happened.”
On working with Triple H before he was a big star: “Triple H, or at that time, Jean-Paul Levesque, he was very cool and a very nice guy. I had a lot of fun working with him and there was no real competition between us. We were both young and we both wanted to do our best and we both wanted to show the veterans, and of course Bischoff, that we can do it and that we have the right to be on the pay per views and the shows…(There are always) haters and jealous people, but when I met him and I’m sure it is still the same, he loved the sport, just like I did…if you look now at WWE, you see the new WWE Performance Center, and that just shows how Triple H wants to secure the future for the sport and the upcoming talent.”
On turning down WWE: “When Vince McMahon bought WCW, he couldn’t buy my contract and what WWE offered for a buyout was not enough for me to say, ‘OK, I’ll go to WWE’…WWE approached me afterwards twice and I was very honored for that and actually very happy, but on the other side, I told them thank you very much…but right now, I’m not able to do that, what you want from me. I’m a guy when I step in the ring, I want to give 180 percent, for the promotion, for the fans, and for myself also and if I can’t do that, I will not step in the ring…at the time, going straight on the road for so long, plus the backstage politics…I was married, I wanted to have kids…I said, if I don’t now use the time to regenerate, mentally and physically, I most likely will end up like some of my other colleagues…that’s why I said no to WWE.”
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On Chris Benoit questions: “Funny how Chris Benoit questions to me run in spurts. I haven’t changed my take on the Benoit into the WWE HOF quandary. Chris doesn’t belong there. End of story. If inducted, it would all be about the last few, horrific hours of Chris’ life and that would not be fair for the family’s that were affected, the other inductees, or the fans. For those fans who loved Chris’ in ring work, and I consider myself one of those, then watch him on You Tube, etc and call it a day. I do not speak for WWE on any topic but I’d be surprised to see Chris any more prominent on WWE content in the future than he is now.”
On Chris Benoit’s son getting into pro wrestling: “As for Chris’s son wanting to get in the pro wrestling business, I have mixed emotions. My gut says stay away, learn a trade, get educated and lead a normal, productive life. One the other hand, I’m not big on telling anyone to not attempt to live their dreams just as I did.”
On Brock Lesnar’s role at WrestleMania XXX: “I look for Lesnar to play a major role in WM30 in New Orleans but in order to max out Brock’s box office appeal his TV persona really needs structured attention and to get ‘hot’ before April. Not overexposed….just get the Hereford Bull hot.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
The following are highlights of a new Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On what former “WWF President” Jack Tunney was like: “Really, nice, fun respectful guy who was a joy to be around. Was always good for a laugh and a good story.”
On why WWE never did a three-man announce team with Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby Heenan and Jim Ross: “I’d have no idea but I wouldn’t have gone there if asked for my opinion. Heenan and Gorilla did not need me or anyone else. Three man teams rarely work in pro wrestling.”
On the toughest negotiation he had in bringing a WCW guy to WWE: “If there were issues it was that in WWE one would work more dates and the guaranteed money would be lower but that there would be no ceiling on what a talent could earn if they clicked.”
On if TNA will ever be the number two company: “TNA needs to be re-booted with a new philosophy and structure. Too many people in the biz over think the biz and its simply not that complicated.”
On if it’s more disrespectful to mention Chris Benoit on WWE TV or to ignore his entire career: “Considering the actions of Chris in the last hours of his life, I’d suggest that there is no way to separate his wrestling career with the murder/suicide involving his family. He was a great wrestler but his inexplicable actions of the last hours of his life overshadow any wrestling matches in a fictitious world.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com. As always, you can buy JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
If It’s Time For 3MB To Break Up:
“At least 3MB is getting them on TV which is vital. All three members have potential but potential won’t buy the groceries forever.”
If WWE Will Ever Release A DVD On Sting’s Career:
“Seems like a lock to me.”
His Favorite WWE Era:
“I live in the now. Whatever ‘generation’ now is would be my answer. I have never not enjoyed being in the business. ”
His Thoughts On Brutus Beefcake’s Career:
“Why? Seriously, why? I wasn’t around him that much. He was a solid hand. Being friends with Hogan helped him greatly. I’m not the guy to ask because I never really worked with Beefcake.”
If The WWE Performance Center Will Hold Open Tryouts:
“Nothing is planned as best that I know at this time. When will a NFL team have open tryouts at their facilities for potential football players? Same deal.”
Why There Is So Much Hate Towards Chris Benoit When His Autopsy Showed He Had Extensive Brain Damage:
“We don’t know what happened that fateful day, conclusively. or what mental state Chris was in or why he was in it, either. I don’t ‘hate’ Chris and most of his friends do not either. It’s a topic that you or I cannot solve to everyone’s satisfaction. I’m really tired of addressing it.”
-TNA Impact Wrestling recently promised to reveal a “clue” as to who the “#August1Warning” mystery-man was upon reaching 250,000 views on the initial video released on their official YouTube channel. As of 12:00pm E.T. on Thursday, the first “#August1Warning” video on TNA’s YouTube channel has reached 219,083 views. Whether or not TNA planned on releasing a new video everyday leading up to Impact Wrestling tonight on Spike TV when they first launched the online angle is unknown. One would assume the company changed plans as the online angle picked up momentum, as it would be unrealistic to expect to reach 250,000 views on a video with three additional follow-up videos being released, devaluing the significance of the original.
-ECW original New Jack had a scare when he passed out at a club recently in Atlantic City while drinking alcohol. His blood pressure was said to be alarmingly high. As a result, New Jack ended up in a local emergency room. New Jack claimed he had stopped taking his required medication, which is a bad idea he claims he won’t be repeating.
-According to the latest reports, the Chris Benoit “Crossface” biopic is expected to begin filming in 2014. Producers of the movie are currently speaking with actors regarding specific roles, however official casting won’t be in the serious stages for another couple of months.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated the Q&A section of JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
An Off-Season for WWE: “I do not think that an off season is necessary in our biz. I do think that giving talents ample off time is imperative along with strict adherence to the Wellness Policy and stellar PT for injuries.”
Why Undertaker Left WCW In 1990: “WCW was underpaying him and undervaluing his worth and potential. Great ‘get’ by WWE obviously”
Dudley Boyz Promos from ECW: “Good, old school, effective promos.”
The Best In-ring Storytellers: “Too many to mention. There have been tons of great one’s. It’s a vague, subjective question, with no right or wrong answer.”
The Need to Sound Excited On Commentary During Boring Matches: “One has to be creative and not try to sell something that isn’t there. Overselling something is not a good thing. Every facet of a broadcast will never be ‘great.’ ”
WWE Not Properly Hyping PPV Undercards: “Those are a production or creative issue. Times change. I don’t know why that was gone away from but it is what it is.”
Chris Benoit In The WWE Hall of Fame? “I do not think that Benoit will ever be inducted into the WWE HOF.”
John Cena Not Selling The Effects Of His PPV Matches: “How John Cena is booked is not an issue to me whatsoever.”.
As always, you can buy JR’s amazing line of BBQ products from WWEShop.com.
– WWEShop.com is now selling a vintage pink “Macho Man” Randy Savage t-shirt.
– Paul Heyman’s HeymanHustle.com site has published an exclusive new photo gallery of former WWE Diva and the “First Lady of Ring of Honor” Maria Kanellis.
– The upcoming movie “Crossface” about the the Benoit family tragedy will be directed by Vicente Amorim. The movie will be an adaption of the book “Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry.” Amorim told Deadline.com:
“Wrestling is showbiz taken to the extreme and ‘Crossface’ is Limelight on steroids. Chris Benoit’s story is the perfect vehicle for a fiercely honest film that is as much about him and the world of wrestling as it is about America and show business. I am very happy to be on board to help tell this story.”
B.J. Mendelson of SocialTimes has a story on why WWE distancing themselves from Chris Benoit since his career and life ended in a murder–suicide in June 2007 is damaging to the sports-entertainment organization in his eyes.
Benoit is not acknowledged by WWE on television, as references to the deceased Canadian grappler are solely limited to historical perspectives and matches on new video releases involving multiple wrestlers. For instance, when commentators mention the fact that only two men have won the annual Royal Rumble match starting from the number one spot, with Shawn Michaels being the first to do so in 1995, followed by Benoit in 2004, Benoit is not acknowledged.
Mendelson feels the exclusion of Benoit from many of the company’s properties creates a “black hole” and also sets a problematic precedent. He writes, “By erasing Benoit, WWE is erasing a good chunk of history within their fictional universe. This creates a black hole where his and other wrestlers storylines once existed. And since the true wealth of the WWE rests in its possession of the world’s largest video library of professional wrestling, creating a near limitless resource for DVDs, merchandise, retrospectives, and repurposed programming, you can see where creating a black hole could represent a problem for the company and its shareholders. Especially if this decision to delete a wrestler established a precedent that would be followed and expanded to include performers who did things the company, its shareholders, or the public frowned upon. Because they’re not only deleting the offending party, you’re also deleting the other wrestler’s match as well, which limits the exposure that wrestler has, hampers his or her ability to sell merchandise (which is how WWE determines which wrestler to put their efforts behind), and damages one of the key assets of the company.”
– With next year’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the company plans to pay homage to the famous area.
Besides Mick Foley likely being enshrined, there is discussion of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) and Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray) being inducted, according to F4WOnline.com. Johnson made his debut at the famous arena in 1996, while Harlem Heat was a New York-based gimmick. In the case of The Nasty Boys, who hail from Allentown, Pennsylvania, the two were billed from “The Streets of New York City” during their time in World Championship Wrestling.
Company officials would also like to honor Owen Hart, who defeated Bret Hart in a memorable WrestleMania match at Madison Square Garden in 1994. Despite the push for Owen, the enshrinement is unlikely to materialize because his widow would not allow it. Hart’s brother Smith revealed on Twitter earlier this year, “Because she blames the wrestling business in its entirety for his death. “She is the sole owner of his estate. With Martha, there will never B a way, perhaps his kids may eventually make the choice. But thats at least 20 yrs in future.”
Plus, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events, is said to “desperately” want Bruno Sammartino enshrined, but it’s considered a long shot for a multitude of reasons.
– Though WWE has attempted to distance themselves from Chris Benoit since his career and life ended in a murder–suicide on June 24, 2007, the recently released WWE Encyclopedia features a sizable entry on the late wrestler. According to F4WOnline.com, this move has many people in WWE “baffled,” with his entry taking up more than half of a page.
The bio acknowledges Benoit emulating Dynamite Kid after seeing compete when he was 12-years-old, training in Stu Harts’s famous Dungeon, wrestling all over the world, making a name for himself in WCW before jumping to WWE, and fulfilling his destiny when he captured the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX in a Triple Threat Match versus Triple H and Shawn Michaels. There is no acknowledgment of the double murder/suicide, though he is addressed in the past tense.
– Devin Cutting sent in word that Chris Benoit’s name was mentioned on a WWE show this week, something that we haven’t seen in a long time. During this week’s WWE Vintage Collection, one of the featured matches was Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero from Backlash 2002. While on commentary, Jim Ross mentioned Chris Benoit and it was not edited out.
– Friday’s SmackDown had a Trendrr.tv social media score of 57,022, down 4% from last week and one of the lowest scores in month. SmackDown was #4 on cable for the night
– With WrestleMania 29 now less than 4 months away, WWE officials are currently finalizing the match plans for The Rock, John Cena, CM Punk, Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker.
– Here’s the latest episode of WWE Backstage Fallout, featuring backstage interviews from Friday’s SmackDown:
– The Eddie Guerrero vs. Rob Van Dam match from WWF Backlash 2002 is featured on this week’s episode of WWE Vintage Collection and broadcaster Jim Ross’ mention of Chris Benoit was not censored as it typically is on WWE programming reruns. Other bouts airing on the show include Lex Luger vs. PJ Walker (WWF Monday Night Raw – March 1, 1993), Lex Luger vs. Shawn Michaels (WWF All American Wrestling – September 19, 1993), King Haku’s Coronation (WWF Superstars – July 9, 1988), King Haku vs. Sam Houston (WWF Prime Time Wrestling – August 22, 1988.
– This week on Santino’s Foreign Exchange, foreign correspondent Yoshi Tatsu attempts to interview Ryback. The synopsis reads, “On this episode of “Santino’s Foreign Exchange,” The Milan Miracle puts the pressure on foreign correspondent Toshi Yatsu – uh, we mean Yoshi Tatsu – in an attempt to hone his interviewing skills. Yoshi’s mettle is tested, though, when he runs into the monstrous Ryback!”
– Daniel Bryan is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Speaking to Inside Wrestling, Booker T was asked for comment on the late Chris Benoit after working closely with him for a number of years. The SmackDown General Manager is asked how he separates Benoit’s wrestling accomplishments and friendship with him from the horrible event that occurred in 2007.
“I separate them because I have to,” said Booker. “You can’t put the two together. I think of the Chris I knew on the road and in Japan, eating the frickin’ noodles, traveling and working together for years. I can’t put those two people together because I really think the two were different people at the time. We’ll never know what happened, and that’s the thing: We don’t know. The brain is a fragile machine, because you can live with a person for 30 years and then they kill you one day.”
– After recently returning to North America, Rene Dupree competed in his first match in the United States since leaving WWE on Saturday in Rahway, New Jersey for Pro Wrestling Syndicate. He lost a Four-Way match, which also featured Dan Maff, Devon Moore and the winner, The Dynamic Sensation.
Dupree competed in Japan and Europe during his time away from North America. Though still muscular, he has since lost a considerable amount of weight.
– The Prime Time Players, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil, appear at Cricket Communications in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday beginning at 4:00 p.m.
One angle that Linda McMahon’s political adversaries have hammered the U.S. Senate hopeful with is the sizable number of wrestlers who worked for WWE while she reigned as CEO to die prematurely. She is being called out again on the matter as a political action committee in support of her Democratic opponent, Chris Murphy, has released a video entitled “Job Killer.”
The Democratic Super PAC Progress Connecticut notes in the enclosed video, “Since 2002, at least 28 athletes who worked for Linda McMahon’s WWE died before reaching the age of 50 from suicide, drug overdose, heart attacks and other medical causes. Based on her record of achievement at the WWE she wants to represent Connecticut in the U.S. Senate.”
In particular, the group takes McMahon to task over the 2007 death of Chris Benoit. Enclosed is a clip noting the late wrestler’s dependency on “drugs, amphetamines, painkillers, steroids, and more.” A clip is then shown of Michael Benoit recalling a conversation he had questioning his son on his drug usage.
“His response to me at the time was, “Dad, if I want a job, I have to,” recalled Michael.
In a challenge to WWE to have the video removed, Progress Connecticut stated, “Any attempt by WWE to coerce YouTube to take down this video for copyright infringement would be clear evidence of illegal coordination between the McMahon campaign and the WWE.”
– Silvervision, WWE’s European video distributer, has released a four-pack DVD package featuring “Attitude Era” titles Austin 3:16 Uncensored, Three Faces of Foley, Chris Jericho – Break Down the Walls and Kurt Angle – It’s True! It’s True. According to reader Dan, the titles are unedited as the WWF logo is not blurred and WWF references are not cut out. Chris Benoit is also not edited from the titles; he’s featured in the Jericho and Angle pieces, and appears in bonus matches featured in both sets.
– PBS program My Generationfeatured a piece on Mick Foley’s work with Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The segment also features former WWE talent Sean “X-Pac” Waltman recalling being sexually abused as a child.
– Check into Raw tonight on GetGlue.com for a free Kofi Kingston Night of Champions Series sticker.
– WWE Classics On Demand, WWE’s subscription video on demand television service, is currently airing the April 21, 1998 episode of ECW Hardcore TV, which features a profanity-laced “shoot” promo by Taz. The rotisseried grappler mentions ‘Chris Benoit’ twice during his spiel, which both times is censored with a bleep sound.
– Tommy Fierro, who is a longtime wrestling promoter and worked for WWE briefly for their WWE Network will be helping ROH set up fundraisers at their live events starting with their 10/6 show in Rahway, NJ. If you’re a non-profit group in the NJ area and are looking to learn more about getting involved, you can contact Tommy Fierro at TommyFierro@ROHWrestling.com
– To celebrate the twenty-fifth edition of SummerSlam, WWE.com collected the very best photos from SummerSlam week in Los Angeles, California and filtered them through Instagram. Click here to view the images.
– Eve is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
Speaking to Steven Muehlhausen of The Fight Club Chicago at last week’s Chicago Comic Con, Kevin Nash addressed his controversial Grantland.com remarks stating that the professional wrestling industry died at WrestleMania XX when the pay-per-view event concluded with “Vanilla Midgets” Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero—small-statured, gifted technical wrestlers that lacked big in-ring personalities but were beloved by fans—reigning atop as world champions.
“(People getting mad) at something I said ten years ago, yeah okay. It’s great that it’s still relevant ten years later. I guess I’m not allowed to have an opinion,” Nash said, who had also claimed in the Grantland.com interview that his comments regarding wrestlers such as Benoit and Guerrero were “a double work.”
He stated in the Grantland.com interview that he has the same problem with today’s “Internet heroes,” CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.
“They are not bigger than life,” Nash told Grantland.com. “I bet they could both walk through airports and not be noticed unless they have a gimmick shirt on and the belt.”
Nash is now suggesting that his remarks concerning Punk and Bryan are “a work.” He tells Muehlhausen, “Because they are on TV and if I would want to have an angle with somebody, I think I would want to work with the top guys.”
Nash says Punk would fit in well with his proposed nWo relaunch.
“He has that nWo grit to him, he kinda runs by his own accord,” Nash said. “He’s very anti-establishment, and I personally like him. I like hanging out with him. So if I’m going to work with somebody, I’m going to work with someone that I enjoy hanging out with.”
Nash also discusses SummerSlam with Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar and notes a never before known fact about the night D-Generation X “invaded” WCW. The interview is available at www.sportstownchicago.com/kevinnash.
Grantland.com published a lengthy article last week on the life and controversial wrestling career of Kevin Nash with the six-time world champion notably reiterating his stance on “Vanilla Midgets,” a dismissive term he used behind-the-scenes in the late ’90s in World Championship Wrestling to describe small-statured, gifted technical wrestlers such as Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero. Nash said the professional wrestling industry died at WrestleMania XX when the pay-per-view event concluded with Benoit and Guerrero—both of whom were under six-feet-tall—reigning atop as world champions and emotionally celebrating. Guerrero’s brother, Chavo Guerrero, Sr., took offense to Nash’s remarks and posted a scathing rebuttal on Facebook.
“Chavo Classic” wrote, “K 4 THOSE WHO CARE IM NOT AGAINST NASH HE HAS ALL THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS HIS OPINION OR THOUGHTS BLOOD SEEMS TO TRIGGER A GUERRERO BLAST. SO I WLL PUT IT REAL SIMPLE IF U THE READER ARE PUTTING UP UR $ ON A VENUE PRO WRESTLING PROMOTION, AND U HAVE THE DEMOGRAPHICS NEXT TO U AND THE TV VIEWERS IN FRONT OF U, WHO R U GOING TO GO WITH TO MAKE $, I WLD GO FOR THE BOX OFFICE GUY, IN THIS CASE , HANDS DOWN, GUERRERO AND BENOIT BY FAR UNLESS U WANT TO SEE BIG SEXY IN HIS UNWASHED LEATHERS APPEAR AND SIGN AUTOGRAPHS BECAUSE HE IS A FREAK OF NATURE, IN NORMAL STANDARDS. GUARRANTEE WWE MADE MORE $ OF BENOIT AND GUERRERO THAN NASH, AND IF I WAS A BETTING MAN I GURRANTEE BIG SEXY GOT PAID MORE, ITS A VINCE THING ..
“K I’M ON ROLL, U FUCK WITH THE GUERREROS WTCH OUT, BEING THE ELDEST AND BEING OUTSPOKEN AS I AM, ONCE AGAIN,, KEVIN NASH WAS A BASKETBALL PLAYER, NOT A WRESTLER, PLAYED FOR THE TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 1979-1980 DID NOT PLAY HIS 4TH YR. HE ATTEMPTED TO TRANSFER TO BOWLING GREEN BUT 4 SOME REASON OR ANOTHER DID NOT. WIKPEDIA STATES THAT HE TORE HIS ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT, IN OTHER WORDS OUT OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL. SO HE GOES INTO PRO WRESTLING. LIKE BRUISER BRODIE TOLD ME,” AND MANY EX OTHER SPORT JOCKS WHEN THEY WLD SAY, I GOT HURT SO I CAME TO PRO WRESTLING.” BRODY WLD TELL THEM AND I LOVE THIS, ” U CAME TO PRO WRESTLING BECAUSE U DID NOT MAKE IT IN UR SPORT, QUIT BS.” HE HAD SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL GIMICKS, STELL, OZZ,(WITH THE WIZARD), VINNIE VEGAS, DIESEL, ETC. AND HE IS PASSING JUGEMENT OR COMMENTARY ON 2 TRUE WRESTLERS. CHAMPIONS IN THE ORGANIZATION HE WAS IN AND THE OTHER ONE, GIVE ME A BRAKE DWIVE, HELLO. HE KEEPS HIS SHIT UP IN DESRESPECTING MY BROTHER OF BLOOD, MY BROTHER CHRIS AND WRESTLING AND I WILL EXPOSE MORE MORE SH– ON HIM THAN HE KNOWS HE HAS. NO MENACE OR THREAT TO ANYBODY, WE THE GUERREROS HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE. SO BIG NASTY, AND I DO MEAN NASTY WHEN U WORE THOSE REDICULOUS LEATHERS THAT U NEVER WASHED, CHILL OUT AND MIND UR OWN BUSINESS WHICH IS RAPING THE BUSINESS, THANK U, CHAVO GUERRERO, SR. SO LET IT BE SAID SO LET IT BE WRITTEN, “JULE BRENNER, THE 10 COMMENDMENTS< ' ORALE CABRONES FACTS ARE FACTS."
Likewise, Tracy Smothers went on Facebook to blast "Big Sexy": "Kevin Nash can go to Hell for his comments bout Chris,Eddie,was wrong to say that,u have done well,made lots of money Kevin.Im sure their families are hurt bout yr b.s. comments.U have no respect for the business or the people int it who helped yr ungrateful SORRY ASS.That wasn,t k,don,t go there,they hav kinfolks that are very hurt,why say that.YR APISS ANT PUNK,COWARD.I waana pull yr eyeballs out u JACKOFF,ANYTIME,ANYPLACE,YR A PIECE OF SHIT CANCER in our business."
Grantland.com published a lengthy article Tuesday on the life and controversial wrestling career of Kevin Nash with the six-time world champion notably reiterating his stance on “Vanilla Midgets,” a dismissive term he used behind-the-scenes in the late ’90s in World Championship Wrestling to describe small-statured, gifted technical wrestlers such as Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.
Nash said the professional wrestling industry died at WrestleMania XX when the pay-per-view event concluded with Benoit and Guerrero—both of whom were under six-feet-tall—reigning atop as world champions and emotionally celebrating. Chris Jericho, who worked his way up the wrestling ranks alongside Benoit and Guerrero, publicly took offense to Nash’s remarks and responded with another commonly used stance.
Jericho tweeted late Tuesday evening:
Funny how @realkevinnash says wrestling “died” when Benoit and Guerrero were champs-Yet the worst year for WWE biz was 95 when he was on top
The oft-used point originated from Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer, who has repeated stated over the years that WWE had its worst financial period in company history in 1995 when Nash held the WWF Championship as Diesel.
Nash responded to Jericho’s tweet minutes later, writing:
Nash’s last insult is in reference to Jericho being the first contestant to be eliminated in the 2006 Fox Television singing reality show Celebrity Duets.
To recap, Nash’s interview comments triggering Jericho’s rebuttal were:
“When Benoit and Guerrero hugged [at the end of WrestleMania XX], that was the end of the business. Has business been the same since that WrestleMania? Has it come close to the Austin era? Has it come close to the nWo or the Hogan era? You put two fucking guys that were great workers that were the same height as the fucking referees, and I’m sorry, man. Are you going to watch a porno movie with a guy with a three-inch dick? Even if you’re not gay, you will not watch a porno movie with a guy with a three-inch dick. That’s not the standard in porno films. So you put a 5-foot-7 guy as your world champion.”
Grantland.com has published a lengthy article on the life and controversial wrestling career of Kevin Nash, who has begun to gain traction in Hollywood. A notable point in the article has the six-time world champion reiterating his stance on “Vanilla Midgets,” a dismissive term he used as booker in the late ’90s in World Championship Wrestling to describe small-statured, gifted technical wrestlers who didn’t project larger than life personalities but were beloved by fans, such as Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko.
“Big Sexy” feels the professional wrestling industry died in 2004 at WrestleMania XX when WWE’s “Super Bowl” concluded with the image of the under six-foot-tall grapplers reigning supreme as champions and emotionally celebrating. Even though the two wrestlers are now deceased, he still believes they never belonged in the main event scene due to their small stature.
“When Benoit and Guerrero hugged [at the end of WrestleMania XX], that was the end of the business,” Nash says. “Has business been the same since that WrestleMania? Has it come close to the Austin era? Has it come close to the nWo or the Hogan era? You put two fucking guys that were great workers that were the same height as the fucking referees, and I’m sorry, man. Are you going to watch a porno movie with a guy with a three-inch dick? Even if you’re not gay, you will not watch a porno movie with a guy with a three-inch dick. That’s not the standard in porno films. So you put a 5-foot-7 guy as your world champion.”
Nash has the same problem with today’s “Internet heroes,” CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.
“They are not bigger than life,” he says. “I bet they could both walk through airports and not be noticed unless they have a gimmick shirt on and the belt.”
Nash also discussed how The Kliq shifted financial compensation in the wrestlers’ favor, how his 1995 heel turn inspired the “Attitude Era” and the subsequent ascent of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, cursing out Tom Cruise’s makeup artist on the set of Rock of Ages and more. The full article is available here.
– Insane Clown Posse has released a music video for their “Chris Benoit” single for their upcoming “Mighty Death Pop” album.
– Tylene Buck, who appeared as valet/wrestler Major Gunns for World Championship Wrestling in 2000 and 2001, is doing nude webcam shows. She appears under the name Tyler Buck and is promoting herself as a former WCW star. Though she is 40-years-old, she lists herself as 27.
– Shannon Moore turns 33-years old Friday while Matt Borne, the original Doink the Clown, turns 55.
– TNA star Crimson was Memphis, Tennesse’s WREG-TV this morning to promote Saturday night’s BaseBrawl event at AutoZone Park.
– Kurt Angle compared Samoa Joe’s in-ring style to Chris Benoit during this week’s Impact Wrestling post-show:
“[Samoa] Joe and I know how to trade off submissions really well,” Angle said. “I compare Joe… he’s a much bigger type of Chris Benoit, he had that ability. He knows how to trade off submissions, he knows a lot of submissions. I enjoy wrestling Joe because it’s such a challenge.”
Angle’s comments comparing Joe to Benoit can be seen below around the 9:50 mark:
– WWE has apparently removed an offensive lyric from an entrance theme which trivializes the degenerative disorder Parkinson’s disease.
The entrance theme for The Prime Time Players—Darren Young and Titus O’Neil—”Move (Get It In)” by Woo Child features the lyric: “Okay, I get it shaking like Parkinson’s… I’m the one.. Break it down down til the party’s done.” It would appear that WWE has cut out the mention of Parkinson’s from the song’s lyrics as it was inaudible during Young and O’Neil’s appearances on Monday’s Raw SuperShow and last week’s WWE Superstars.
– Numerous mentions of Chris Benoit were removed from a 14-year-old Fit Finlay versus Psychosis match that aired on the most recent episode of WWE Vintage Collection. Finlay was involved in a program with the late Chris Benoit when the match occurred on the June 4, 1998 episode of WCW Thunder and as standard WWE protocol, all mentions of Benoit from the commentators were removed. During the bout, Finlay had Psychosis placed in a chinlock and began screaming, “Benoit, I’m coming for ya.” Not only did WWE make his remark inaudible, but Finlay’s mouth was digitized so viewers couldn’t lip read what he said.
– Vickie Guerrero donated 90 WWE collectible items to the El Paso Children’s Hospital last week. Her charitable work got picked up by several local newspapers.
– The lead single on the Insane Clown Posse’s new CD is titled, “Chris Benoit.” ICP member Violent J spoke to the Detroit Free Press about the song and said this about the controversial song title:
“It’s about that loss of sanity. It’s about the snapping, that moment of panic.”
– WWE sent out the following on Wednesday announcing that WWE Superstars and Divas will be at MCU Park in Brooklyn, New York tonight as part of an Anti-Bullying Night:
WWE SUPERSTARS AT MCU PARK – JUNE 27th On Wednesday, June 27th WWE Superstars ® Mark Henry and Zack Ryder as well as WWE Divas ® Lilian Garcia and Natalya will be at MCU Park as part of Anti-Bullying Night. They will make a special pre-game presentation on behalf of the “be a STAR” Alliance which encourages people to Show Tolerance And Respect for all people prior to the 7:00 PM game with the Hudson Valley Renedages. Following the presentation the WWE Superstars and Divas ® will remain at the ballpark to sign autographs for fans in attendance To purchase your tickets for this very special night at the ballpark, call 718-507-TIXX, visit the MCU Park box office. ***WWE Superstars ® and WWE Divas ® are subject to change.
– Ryback addressed comparisons to Bill Goldberg during an interview with the July 2012 issue of WWE Magazine. When asked what his look tells WWE Universe members, Ryback responded, “All the Rob Van Dam comparisons are fine with me because we actually have the same airbrush guy. I feel like I’m a colorful person in terms of my personality and what people are going to see over time. The plain black look just didn’t cut it for me. It worked for Austin, it worked for Goldberg, but I’m not Austin or Goldberg—I’m Ryback.”
He was also asked why people should care about him over anyone else: “I bring an intensity and excitement that nobody’s seen in a long time. When you watch a Ryback match, you’re going to be entertained one way or another, whether it lasts for two minutes or twenty minutes.
– The late Chris Benoit’s theme song is available for purchase via iTunes. “Whatever” was released under WWE’s 2002 compilation album Forceable Entry. The song is being sold by Sony, which was released under their label.
– Former WWE Superstars Hillbilly Jim, Jacques Rougeau, Hardcore Holly and Michael Tarver have been announced for Legends of the Ring 15, which takes place October 13 at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe, New Jersey.
– This weekend marks the five-year anniversary of the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide that occurred over a three-day period ending on June 24, 2007. He murdered his wife and son before hanging himself. Two former WCW stars went on Twitter to remember their late friend.
Perry Saturn: “Another one of those horrible anniversaries. Chris was a great friend and I miss him.”
Scotty Riggs: “Many wrestling fans remember this weekends 5 yr anniversary in their own way, I chose to miss my friends Chris, Nancy & Daniel … All RIP.”
Blue Meanie, who worked with Benoit in ECW and WWE, stated, “Today I reflect on a the 5yr ann. of the most shocking days of my life w/the Chris Benoit double murder/suicide.”
– Ten years ago today, Bret Hart suffered a stroke after hitting his head in a bicycle accident. He briefly suffered paralysis on his left side, which required months of physical therapy. Hart has since recovered much of his mobility and is in good health, although he suffers from an emotional imbalance.
Hart addressed the anniversary on Twitter, writing, “10 years ago today at this very hour, death came calling and returned home empty handed. Thank you God for letting me continue my journey.”
– Today marks the anniversary of three more wrestling deaths: Shane Bauer, who was Chris Benoit’s early tag team partner Biff Wellington, was found dead five years ago today. Toni Adams passed away two years ago today at the age of 45, while midget wrestling star Cowboy Bradley passed away that same day at 75.