Florida. Check back later tonight for full spoiler results.
– CM Punk will be leading Comcast Sportsnet’s coverage of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup parade in Chicago this morning. Go to CSNChicago.com for more.
– Chyna continues to lobby on Twitter for a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.
– WWE’s latest 5 Things list looks at “screwjobs that shook sports entertainment.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGaY2kSIQdw
Former WWE performer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer is crowdfunding for a new documentary on her return to the United States called, “The Reconstruction of Chyna.”
The director of the project, Erik Angra, posted a photo of Laurer at WWE Headquarters today on his official Twitter account. You can check out the photo below.
If you would like to contribute to the Kickstarter campaign for Chyna’s new documentary, visit Kickstarter.com.
@ChynaJoanLaurer visits the #wwe headquarters. http://t.co/5tLR55ECrU pic.twitter.com/hEvZmdUiSW
— Erik Angra (@AngraFilm) June 15, 2015
– WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley noted on his official Facebook page that he watched Sunday night’s WWE Money In The Bank pay-per-view with former WWE performer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer.
– Triple H posted the following on social media on Monday, teasing additional NXT live events outside the state of Florida.
An amazing three shows for @WWENXT this past weekend…the #NXTRoadTrip isn't stopping anytime soon. #StayTuned#FutureIsNow
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 15, 2015
– Below is a video promo for the return of WWE Tough Enough.
https://youtu.be/N0pq3bBqAz0
Paul “Triple H” Levesque issued a statement Wednesday night responding to former WWE performer Chyna’s claim on the Opie with Jim Norton talk radio show on Sirius Radio and XM Radio that he struck her when the two dated.
Through Joe Villa, WWE Publicity Manager, Levesque said, “The false statements and reckless allegations Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) continues to make about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. As I’ve said in the past, while Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims.”
During an interview in February with former WWE creative writer Vince Russo, Chyna claimed that Levesque assaulted her during an argument where she confronted him with her suspicions that he was having an affair with Stephanie McMahon.
“So I think Hunter’s plan was to get me to leave the relationship first and then that way he can start dating Stephanie and like everything would be cool. So I would ask Hunter time and time again, I figured it was better just to address the problem and ask him honestly and I would have to believe his answer, so we got into a heated argument, we were not getting along, I told him ‘I know something’s going on. Don’t tell me something’s not going on.’ He swiped my hand, I swiped his hand, he hit me. I went back like Jerry Springer and then I was like OK that’s the deal breaker for me, the relationship is now over, so now I have to leave. After that, I know that he was crying and I know that he felt bad that he hit me, and my first initial reaction was to get up, and like I don’t know, I was just in shock and it felt like a Jerry Springer moment, it was very surreal, and I just couldn’t believe that he hit me. But he knows that like I don’t stand for physical violence, albeit we’ll get to that after with Sean [Waltman], so I knew at that point I had to leave, but I needed some sort of closure so when he was gone I started looking all over the house, and I looked into his, long story short, I looked into his briefcase and I found a love letter from Stephanie that had [been] dated a year back, so the whole time they were doing the storyline basically they were together.”
Levesque immediately responded to the allegations, releasing the following statement to CagesideSeats.com:
“The false statements and reckless allegations made by Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) on a recent podcast about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. While Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims.”
Addressing her November 2001 departure from WWE on Opie with Jim Norton, Chyna said she received a fax message from WWE one day informing her that her services were no longer needed. She said the last thing Vince McMahon said to her was that “blood is thicker than water” and that he would stay in touch with her. Chyna said she was never given a reason why WWE did not renew her contract.
Discussing Triple H’s relationship with Stephanie at the time, Chyna said she learned that ‘Hunter’ was cheating on her when she discovered a love note from Stephanie in his briefcase that was dated a year earlier. The former WWE Diva said she loved ‘Hunter’ and didn’t know that he was having an affair with Stephanie for a year. She said she was forced to leave the relationship “due to the incident that happened.” Chyna said she knew that something “wasn’t right” and searched the residence they shared for proof of her suspicions. She said she could have dealt with ‘Hunter’ and Stephanie being together “because you can’t stop love,” but didn’t like being made to feel as if she was crazy. She said ‘Hunter’ didn’t beat her and abuse her, but there was an incident. She felt if ‘Hunter’ and Stephanie had been honest with her, the end result would have been different, but it instead led to “so much chaos.”
In her first interview since arriving back to the United States, former WWE Intercontinental and Women’s Champion Chyna appeared on The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast Chyna to discuss her Kickstarter campaign; The Reconstruction of Chyna a documentary that is giving her fans a look at how she plans on embarking on a journey to reclaim her life after living in exile in Japan. Highlights from the interview, which can be downloaded here, are as follows:
What Led To Spending The Last Few Years Living In Japan
“Initially I went to Japan with Antonio Inoki and ended up wrestling Masahiro Chono. It’s really the opposite end of the world there and I don’t think a lot of people really understood what was happening over there. I am Chyna in the Sports Entertainment world but then to go over into Japan and you just have a female wrestle Masahiro Chono, that was absolutely incredible. All the training I did with Inoki and mixed marital artists and some incredible guys. I just really loved Japan and it was so life changing that when I felt it was time to remove myself from all the chaos that was going on here and go away to the opposite side of the world. It’s a different culture, different language, just go and regroup and find myself a little more. Now the time is right to get back in the game and get some answers.”
What The Fans Mean To Chyna’s Career
“The fan base of professional wrestling gave me some of my happiest and the greatest days of my life. That is the base of the story. But there is definitely an arc 15 years later to where I am now and you can see the journey and it is all about being happy and finding happiness in making your mark.”
The Kickstarter Campaign For The Reconstruction of Chyna
“We wanted to do it on Kickstarter because it’s all about the fans. I am basically doing the movie with the fans and I want them to be a part of it and be a part of the movie. They are a part of my life story up to this point. That is the best way to do this and that is together. The fans can tell me more about my matches and the history that I didn’t know when it was actually happening and that is very cool.”
The Biggest Misconceptions Of Chyna
“I know about the truth and want to tell the story. There have been a lot of obstacles and a lot of great things that have been accomplished. I want that to be remembered because those are the important things and also just being happy and coming out the other side a happy accomplished person. I think that it is a story for athletes and for women and I think it is a good story. A story that needs to be told.”
Director Erik Angra has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a documentary on former WWE performer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer.
The fundraising campaign is seeking $10,000 to produce “The Reconstruction Of Chyna,” and has raised $315 with nine backers as of this writing. The page notes that Laurer will be reconnecting with friends, family and fans this summer.
The official description for the campaign reads as follows:
At the height of the WWE’s “Attitude” era CHYNA was a top-tier figure in a male dominated sport. Winning the world title, the Intercontinental Title twice, and being the number one contender for the heavyweight crown.
Eventually she was crushed by her fiance Triple H’s infidelities with the boss’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon. He would go on to marry her and become the heir to the WWE Throne.
Chyna would be ostracized from the WWE, cut off from all royalty checks and spiral into pornography and reality shows to survive.
After hitting rock bottom as an alcoholic, she ended up on her feet in Japan. Teaching foreign language for three and a half years while meditating, doing yoga, and getting her life together. Now she comes back to the country that made her a goddess amongst men to redeem herself and reclaim her identity.
Our documentary will follow Chyna across the country as she rediscovers herself with old friends, celebrities and fans before arriving in LA to start her life again.
This film will be an inspiration to women everywhere. Chyna is a living example of a strong feminist who rose to stardom in a male dominated sport despite all odds.
– Chris Jericho announced on Twitter that former NXT head trainer Bill DeMott will be appearing on this week’s episode of Talk is Jericho to discuss his departure from WWE. The show drops this Friday.
This wk on #TIJ:
Wed- @MarkTremonti talks new album @alterbridge & #Creed
Fri- @BillDeMott talks resigning from @wwe http://t.co/2R3OnCmGx4— Talk Is Jericho (@TalkIsJericho) June 8, 2015
– Former WWE Diva Chyna has launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance a new documentary about her life titled, “The Reconstruction of Chyna.” She’s seeking $10,000 and as of this writing, has raised $185 with 29 days to go.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/792672781/the-reconstruction-of-chyna
– During an interview with Channel Guide Magazine, former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Chris Sabin revealed that he has never had any contact with WWE since he began wrestling in 2001.
“I’ve never heard anything officially from WWE ever since I started wrestling,” Sabin said. “Honestly, I have never had a tryout with them or an official phone call.”
Sabin, who appears for Ring of Honor, also said that he does not have a contract with the organization.
“We have a handshake deal and both of us want to be there,” he said. “Not only did we agree to be there, but both of us want to be there. We think that the Ring of Honor tag team division is the deepest in wrestling. We have the best tag teams. So we want to be where the best are, so we can prove ourselves. It doesn’t matter how long we haven’t been a team. We have this uniqueness and synergy and this tag-team style we helped make popular that is still fresh and new.”
– Shane McMahon has been added to the intro for WWE Superstars. The latest show also featured an ‘In Memory’ graphic for Chyna.
– NXT Tag Team Champion Jason Jordan revealed Saturday on Instagram that he is engaged to be married.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BE19p1UqROM/
His girlfriend is a hair stylist.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BE1VUHwE31K/
Regarding issues between Steve Austin and Vince McMahon, they are said to be directly related to the live Austin podcast interview with Triple H that aired on the WWE Network back in February.
McMahon was not happy with some of the questions Austin had for Triple H during the interview, and while this has yet to be confirmed, the belief is that the questions about Chyna going into the WWE Hall Of Fame some day were the ones that really bothered him.
The questions ultimately led to Chyna resurfacing on YouTube and making accusations about Triple H physically abusing her in the past, which prompted Triple H to have to release a statement and get the company more negative press.
When WWE decided they wanted to bring a podcast to the WWE Network as part of their new programming lineup, McMahon wanted a different host and he chose Chris Jericho. It’s already believed that Jericho’s first podcast, which will feature an interview with WWE United States Champion John Cena, will be much more “company-friendly.”
Jericho’s first live podcast on the WWE Network is scheduled to air this coming Monday night immediately following WWE RAW.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
– Joey Ryan recently tweeted the following, leading to speculation that he has been threatened by WWE lawyers not to speak out against Bill DeMott anymore.
https://twitter.com/JoeyRyanOnline/status/577253526830612480
– Former WWE performer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer deleted some of the controversial videos she posted on YouTube where she said she was “coming for Triple H” and called Stephanie McMahon a “total b*tch.” She posted the following video after deleting the others.
https://youtu.be/lINeWuG3Yvs
Former WWE performer Joanie Laurer (aka Chyna) is back at it again.
The former WWE Intercontinental Champion resurfaced on YouTube recently with some bizarre videos where she takes some more shots at Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
Laurer, who recently made headlines by accusing Triple H of physically abusing her in the past, is now calling HHH an “assh*le” and Stephanie McMahon “a b*tch, a total b*tch,” and is warning HHH that “she is coming for him.”
Check out the new videos below.
http://youtu.be/v_SeF8Ed8Jg
http://youtu.be/XuZfsDYULmA
http://youtu.be/W9J13Gdwu0s
On the latest episode of MLW Radio with Konnan, MSL and Court Bauer, Konnan spoke about Vince Russo’s visit to last weekend’s Lucha Underground tapings.
When asked about the reaction to Vince Russo attending last weekend’s Lucha Underground tapings, Konnan said nobody was making a big deal about it. He saw Russo in the VIP area, Russo loves the show and he asked Russo about the rumors that he’ll be writing for Lucha Underground. He said Russo brushed them off as “just rumors” and said he was there to have a good time.
As their conversation turned to the women wrestlers in Lucha Underground, Russo then said they should consider bringing in Chyna. Konnan was shocked by the pitch and questioned ‘WTF’ she could bring to their operation. He couldn’t believe the suggestion and questioned where she would fit in.
Konnan acknowledged Russo gets a lot of heat, some of which is deserved, he’s not a bad guy, he knows Russo misses the business, but doesn’t see a place for him in Lucha Underground.
Visit MLWradio.com to listen to the full segment, which begins around the 38-minute mark.
As we reported last week, former WWE Superstar Sean “X-Pac” Waltman spoke out on behalf of his friend Triple H recently, denying claims of physical abuse made by their former girlfriend, Joanie “Chyna” Laurer.
Waltman has since gone on to talk about the subject publicly on social media, as he posted the following series of tweets regarding the subject recently.
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568305176630714368
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568305736771620865
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568306119996772352
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568306283813715968
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568381826680664064
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568382604094918656
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/568383227154575360
– Chyna, who has been on somewhat of an anti-Triple H media tour as of late, has turned heads once again in regards to the WWE executive/performer. Her latest tweet was a bit of a low blow, and reads as follows:
https://twitter.com/ChynaJoanLaurer/status/568745162777731072
– Below is a new photo of The Rock with his girlfriend Lauren Hashian at the Oscars on Sunday night.
As noted earlier this month, former WWE Diva Joanie “Chyna” Laurer accused Triple H of assaulting her during their relationship while talking to Vince Russo for a podcast interview. HHH subsequently issued a statement denying the claims by Laurer.
Former WWE Superstar Sean Waltman (X-Pac) who is good friends with HHH and also dated Laurer in the past recently noted that Chyna once told him a similar story about HHH abusing her while they were dating, but claimed she later admitted that all HHH did was push her out of the way once.
Waltman also said he didn’t want to be involved in a public back-and-forth issue with Chyna, but mentioned that she has said a lot of things about him in the past that weren’t true either, including a lie about being raped in college, a story that she once told and later admitted to him wasn’t true.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Former WWE Diva Chyna is claiming that Triple H physically abused her when they dated from 1996-2000. During her recent appearance on Vince Russo’s podcast, Chyna revealed that Triple H once hit her and she actually found a love letter from Stephanie McMahon to Triple H when she and Triple H were still an item.
Below is a transcript of Chyna’s comments on the subject.
“So I think Hunter’s plan was to get me to leave the relationship first and then that way he can start dating Stephanie and like everything would be cool. So I would ask Hunter time and time again, I figured it was better just to address the problem and ask him honestly and I would have to believe his answer, so we got into a heated argument, we were not getting along, I told him ‘I know something’s going on. Don’t tell me something’s not going on.’ He swiped my hand, I swiped his hand, he hit me. I went back like Jerry Springer and then I was like OK that’s the deal breaker for me, the relationship is now over, so now I have to leave. After that, I know that he was crying and I know that he felt bad that he hit me, and my first initial reaction was to get up, and like I don’t know, I was just in shock and it felt like a Jerry Springer moment, it was very surreal, and I just couldn’t believe that he hit me. But he knows that like I don’t stand for physical violence, albeit we’ll get to that after with Sean [Waltman], so I knew at that point I had to leave, but I needed some sort of closure so when he was gone I started looking all over the house, and I looked into his, long story short, I looked into his briefcase and I found a love letter from Stephanie that had [been] dated a year back, so the whole time they were doing the storyline basically they were together.”
Triple H has since responded to the allegations, releasing the following statement of his own.
“The false statements and reckless allegations made by Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) on a recent podcast about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. While Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims.”
Former WWE performer Joanie Laurer (aka Chyna) mentioned recently that she recorded an interview with Vince Russo that will drop on PyroAndBallyhoo.com on Monday after WWE RAW. Chyna noted that she talks about topics during the interview that she was told to keep quiet, but she decided not to.
Russo noted on his official website that he received a phone call from Laurer at 11pm and the two discussed her thoughts on what Triple H said about her regarding the WWE Hall Of Fame.
The Chyna-Russo “shoot interview” is being promoted with the following teaser synopsis:
“The conversation lasted almost 2 hours. Triple H could have prevented this. He could have taken the high road—he chose not to. Whatever follows—they have simply brought upon themselves. God said to put others before ourselves . . . .and, I truly believe that.”
In the following video, Chyna explains that she’s had enough and will talk about it more in the interview with Russo that drops on Monday. She said it felt good to speak out on WWE and that she’s needed to get all of this off of her chest for a long time now.
http://youtu.be/UdSg5uRSVj4
Additionally, Russo released the following video defending Chyna.
http://youtu.be/we2z46HwOJ4
Former WWE performer Joanie “Chyna” Laurer, who is currently in Japan, posted a new video where she speaks about a number of subjects.
Chyna noted that she recently got engaged to a Japanese man, hinting that he was from Osaka, Japan. She said that the man is someone she has known since 2002 that doesn’t speak much English. She said the two will soon get married and he will move to the United States.
Laurer also hinted that she may soon return to the world of pro wrestling, even mentioning Lucha Underground specifically.
She also noted that she recently recorded an interview with Vince Russo that will drop on PyroAndBallyhoo.com on Monday after WWE RAW, mentioning that she talks about topics during the interview that she was told to keep quiet, but that she decided not to.
Below, Chyna talks about her recent talk with Vince Russo and the continued fallout from Triple H’s remarks about her not being a likely candidate for the WWE Hall of Fame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdSg5uRSVj4&feature=youtu.be
– The following is an excerpt from a new interview with Beth Phoenix where the former WWE Diva talks about competing in the 2010 Royal Rumble match and looking up to Chyna.
“I gotta tell ya, it’s hard to put any sort of priority on these moments that meant a lot to me, but the reason that that in particular was so special, I looked up to the character that Chyna was while she was in WWE because that character was just empowering to women. Just something really, really special. And there was something about me that felt I could do that in my own way. I could just be an example for girls that you don’t have to just accept the minimum, shoot for the stars!”
You can check out the complete interview at CauliflowerAlleyClub.org.
– Below is a photo of Vince McMahon arm-wrestling Senator Pat Roberts during the company’s recent Tribute to the Troops taping in December. You can check out a full gallery of photos from their time with the troops this year at Community.WWE.com.
A lot of the factors in pro wrestling are subjective. Some people enjoy this, some people enjoy that. Some fans prefer a better in-ring technician, some like a strong promo guy and others enjoy a great character. No one is wrong, because it’s all personal preference.
Generally speaking, when an editorial features a list, it’s “the best of” or “the worst of.” Today, we are going to switch gears a bit.
In keeping with the subjective theme, today we are going to look at who I personally consider to be the five best factions in the history of the business. Not the five best, my five favorite. And I’ll explain why, starting with …
#5. The Varsity Club
Many of the current generation of wrestling fans may have never even heard of The Varsity Club. Growing up, they were one of my favorite wrestling stables.
The original group consisted of Kevin Sullivan, Mike Rotunda and Rick Steiner, all of which wore their amateur wrestling letterman jackets. The guys were among the most legitimate tough guys in the business at the time, and the group had the perception of being the baddest son of a bitches on the planet.
As is the case with any wrestling stable, as time went on the group was watered down. Members such as “Dr. Death” Steve Williams and “Dangerous” Dan Spivey were added to the mix, and before too long, the group ceased to exist. While they were around though, in my opinion, they were pretty damn cool.
#4. The Fabulous Freebirds
As far as I’m concerned any writer who doesn’t include The Fabulous Freebirds on their “top stables” or “top factions” lists should have their head examined. The Freebirds were as cool as it got when I was a youngster.
The group was led by Michael “P.S.” Hayes, a current WWE creative team member who is credited with introducing theme music to the ring-walk portion of the professional wrestling presentation. The group consisted of Hayes, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy and Buddy Roberts. Roberts was considered a great in-ring technician, and prior to the Birds, had a lengthy career worthy of Hall Of Fame status. In fact, Roberts was part of the original “Hollywood Blondes” tag-team, a name that was later used for the team of “Stunning” Steve Austin and “Flyin'” Brian Pillman. Gordy was a legend in Japan and portrayed the “enforcer” role in the group. Hayes was a rock star and easily one of the most charismatic wrestlers of his time, if not of all-time.
Later on, Hayes and Jimmy “Jam” Garvin would bring back The Fabulous Freebirds as a straight tag-team act. How this group has yet to receive an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame confuses me to this very day.
#3. D-Generation X
I’m of the belief that there is not a fan of North American professional wrestling that has not heard of D-Generation X. That would mean they did their jobs and left a lasting legacy in the business.
D-X consisted of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chyna and Rick Rude. When the group officially formed, you could make the argument that along with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, they officially ushered in the infamous “Attitude Era” in WWE. They did things for shock value at a time when Howard Stern, The Jerry Springer Show and many other shock-television style shows reigned supreme. It was a natural fit, and the group really cemented Triple H as a main event performer in WWE.
Later on, as is the case with every faction or stable in history, an attempt was made to get the gang back together, only this time — it worked. You could argue that the second version of D-X was actually more successful than the first. The second group featured Triple H as the leader instead of Michaels, and his group consisted of Chyna, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn and “The Road Dogg” Jesse James. Anyone who saw WWE RAW the night that D-X “invaded” WCW will never forget that moment. It was amazing entertainment and really symbolized the “Monday Night War” going on at the time between WWE and WCW.
D-X was brought back again in the 2000s as a straight tag-team act that featured the two original members — Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Personally, I didn’t enjoy that run nearly as much as their first run, but it was still a cool thing to see the two back together having fun.
Continued on page two …
The following was issued today:
“CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS: 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES” TO AIR ON FOX SPORTS 1 THIS MONDAY, JUNE 30 AT 7 PM ET
STAMFORD, CONN. and NEW YORK, June 26, 2014 – WWE® and FOX Sports today announced that Celebrating Champions: 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, a one-hour television event chronicling the passion, dedication and determination of America’s most inspiring athletes during the week-long celebration of the 2014 USA Games, will air on FOX Sports 1 this Monday, June 30 at 7 pm ET. The special, produced by WWE, will be hosted by Mike Hill and Molly McGrath of FOX Sports 1’s America’s Pregame. Customers of participating video providers can also watch via FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content through iOS and Android devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.
The one-hour special will highlight six Special Olympics athletes as they travel from their hometowns to the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. Viewers will experience a first-hand account of the excitement and pride each athlete exudes while training for, traveling to, and participating in the Games.
The special will include the following six athletes:
Theo “TC” Bazile, a 40-year-old from Vacherie, Louisiana, is a track and field athlete in sprints and shot put. Theo is very involved his community, where he volunteers at the local nursing home and fire department, sings in his church choir and remains active with his former high school football team.
Erica Bookout is a long-distance runner from Christiansburg, Virginia. The 22-year-old is a Junior at Radford University in Virginia majoring in Special Education. She is also the 2013 Special Olympics Virginia Athlete of the Year.
Andy Miyares, a 31-year-old from Miami, Florida, has competed in multiple sports, but has a passion for swimming and holds numerous records in the sport. He works for Special Olympics Miami-Dade and speaks both Spanish and English. In 2010, Andy was selected to serve a four-year term as one of just 12 Special Olympics International Global Messengers chosen from around the world to represent Special Olympics.
Derrick and Delon Noble, identical twin brothers from Bloomfield, New Jersey, compete in flag football. At 21-years-old, Derrick is the Quarterback and Delon is the Running Back. In addition to playing in the 2014 USA Games, during the last two weeks they’ve attended prom, seen their images on a Times Square billboard to promote the Games and graduated from high school. The twins were also honorary captains at a Rutgers football game last fall.
Scott Rohrer, a 24-year-old from York, South Carolina, is the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games Gold Medal Golfer with record scores for both 18-hole and 54-hole tournaments. Scott was also the 2013 South Carolina Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and he will be playing in Special Olympics World Golf Cup this August in Denmark.
In addition to the athlete profiles, the TV special will include highlights from the 2014 USA Games Opening Ceremony from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, which was hosted by actress and model Brooklyn Decker and Philadelphia 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams. The Ceremony included the traditional parade of athletes, athlete oaths and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. Other celebrities that participated in the Opening Ceremony included WWE Superstars Big Show® and David Otunga®, TV personality Jack Ford, Glee’s Jane Lynch and musical artists Michael DelGuidice & Big Shot.
Also included is coverage of the first-ever Young Athletes Festival, held at the Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex. Children between the ages of two and seven, and their families, were invited to learn more about this program which provides critical early childhood development through the power of play.
Founding Partner WWE has helped promote the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games through its global platforms, including TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media, all of which increased the exposure of Special Olympics and reached a larger and more diverse audience. The partnership was announced in 2013 during WrestleMania® 29 in front of more than 80,000 fans at a sold-out MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and millions more watching around the world. Over the past year, WWE has hosted Special Olympics athletes at its weekly live events, including WrestleMania® 30 in New Orleans, where the athletes got a chance to meet WWE Superstars and Divas, sit ringside and be recognized on TV for their accomplishments. WWE Superstars and Divas also served as honorary coaches for Special Olympics Unified Sports competitions around the country. WWE is the Official Production Partner of the 2014 USA Games, which included producing Celebrating Champions, producing the official sizzle reel and PSA, filming and serving as a production consultant for the Opening Ceremony, and creating daily electronic press kits for national media to help enhance coverage of the Games. In addition, WWE Superstars and Divas participated in various events at the Games, including daily autograph signings and medal presentations, while WWE employees served as volunteers.
21st Century Fox announced its Founding Partnership with the 2014 USA Games in November 2013. The network serves as the Official Presenting Media Sponsor and provided broad exposure for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games across its U.S. channels, which include FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, 28 local stations and FOX Sports 1. As Presenting Media Sponsor of the 2014 USA Games, 21st Century Fox committed to media exposure across its cable and broadcast networks as well as its local stations, most notably WNYW and WWOR in New York and WTXF in Philadelphia. In addition, 21st Century Fox provided exposure via live and recorded segments on FOX News Channel; FOX Sports 1, including a preview segment that ran the week before Super Bowl XLVIII; a PSA created by YES Network featuring New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter; and, on FOX Television Stations across the country, more than 50 athlete profiles, a 30-minute Games special, and the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games PSAs which have aired thousands of times, among many other efforts. On site at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, Mike Hill and Molly McGrath, hosts of AMERICA’S PREGAME on FOX Sports 1, hosted the Closing Ceremony, capping a great week of events. Cleatus and five FOX Sports Girls from across the country – Sara (Ohio), Kendall (North), Katie (Midwest), Chyna (Wisconsin) and Morgan (South) – came out to interact with athletes and fans at the 21st Century Fox tent in Corporate Park.
The following are more Q&A highlights from WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On why he doesn’t return to commentating: “I’m no longer with WWE and their announcing teams are in good shape. I will look at other options in the future but I donvt think that it will be doing pro wrestling.”
On the WWE Divas division: “I’d like to see the Divas taken more seriously and have their athleticism focused on a bit more. AJ is the star of the Divas division at this time.”
On who he feels The Rock should end his career in WWE with: “It solely depends on when and who is hot and can have the best final match that Rock can possibly have.”
On Chyna in the WWE Hall Of Fame: “I never attempt to put myself in McMahon’s shoes especially when it comes to WWE HOF selections. Bottom line is that I have no idea about Chyna.”
Check out more JR Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.
– As previously reported, legendary pro wrestler “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton was hospitalized due to complications with diabetes. Eaton has been working as an agent for Traditional Championship Wrestling (TCW) and has apparently been in rough shape for a while, but took a turn for the worse in recent weeks. Eaton was doing a seminar a few weeks back with David Taylor and apparently had no appetite and was said to be in bad physical condition.
– There are several notable wrestling birthdays today. Those include Bill “Demolition Axe” Eadie (66), Bill Goldberg (47), Tough Enough winner Andy Leavine (26), Bart Gunn (50), Chyna (43), Rosita (23) and Antonio Cesaro (33).
[Partial Credit: PWInsider.com]
Jim Ross updated the Q&A section of his website on Saturday and Sunday of this weekend. Below are highlights:
On rumors regarding Chyna/WWE: “Don’t believe all that you read about this matter. I negotiated with Joanie but we were unable to agree on terms and she left a somewhat volatile situation which I feel was the right thing for all involved at the time.”
On negotiating with Chyna: “There is plenty of info online about Joanie that you can research and read. We simply could not come to a mutually agreeable contract for her to stay in WWE.”
On the decision to remove Kane’s mask in the past: “I don’t recall any one asking my opinion but in hindsight I’d have rather Kane stayed masked.”
On his thoughts on Dr. Tom Prichard and the old Heavenly Bodies team: “Extremely fundamentally sound team who were likely underrated by many. Dr. Tom has always been one of my favorite people as he did great work for me and our department back in the day.”
On his memories of events in Knoxville, TN: “Biggest memory for me there was playing the hoops arena at Tennessee and seeing Pat Summit roaming her domain.”
On what it takes to be a legend or icon in WWE: “To be REALLY good at what one does for a LONG time.”
On his thoughts about homosexuality in wrestling: “It is a non issue to me.”
Check out more JR Q&A on his official website, JRsBarBQ.com.
WWE executive Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following on Tuesday, revealing her stance on the issue of gay marriage rights:
“Editorial Board: Supreme Court must strike down #Prop8 and #DOMA http://t.co/TxtXt7rYFp” People should be free to marry who they love.
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) March 26, 2013