The following are highlights from the latest online Q&A from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On whether Backlash or Extreme Rules is a better follow-up to WrestleMania: “It all depends on the attractions….the talents invovled.”
On if anyone can match Shawn Michaels in his prime: “NXT will continue to make major contributions to the WWE primary roster over time. Some really good, potential stars there.”
On if RAW and SmackDown should go back to the elaborate stage set ups: “I haven’t given that much thought. Not big on my radar.”
On WWE switching talent from heel to face too often, specifically Alberto Del Rio: “Decision makes, due to the lack of main event depth, are constantly looking for the best roles for their top guys. ADR as a fan favorite was an experiment in my view but he’s a better villain.”
On which wrestling schools are the best: “Start with Lance Storm’s Academy in Calgary and take it from there.”
On if we’ll see the return of “The Stooges” Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco in the current HHH/Vince McMahon power struggle: “Highly unlikely.”
Check out more Jim Ross Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.
-Lex Luger’s new autobiography, “Wrestling With The Devil,” will be released on Tuesday. The forward for the book is written by Luger’s long time friend and fellow wrestler, Steve Borden, aka “Sting.”
-Recently released TNA Impact Wrestling star Jesse Sorensen posted a new tweet on his official Twitter account on Monday updating fans on the status of his neck. Sorensen wrote, “Just received amazing news from the MRI my neck is 100% & is not at risk of being re injured! Time to make this dream really come true!”
SESCOOPS.COM reader Marc Kruskol from MJK Public Relations sent along the following:
SESCOOPS.COM reader Dory Funk sent along the following:
On the set of !BANG! TV, Dory Funk Jr. and Jerry Brisco pull out the Record Book to help decide, “Who is the best team in professional wrestling, The Funks or the Briscos?”
The record book includes famous matches from around the world including St. Louis, Greensboro North Carolina, Japan, Puerto Rico, Tampa Florida, Oklahoma and The Great State of Texas.
Both agree Funk vs Brisco were the hottest brother combination in wrestling but the conversation turns competitive regarding, “Who is Best.”
Watch Dory Funk and Jerry Brisco “Who is Best?” below:
-WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley appeared on “The Morning Blend” on TMJ14 in Milwaukee to promote his upcoming comedy gig at the Mirmar Theater on Sunday at 7pm. Foley talked about his Christmas projects such as the movie “I Am Santa Claus.” Foley also discussed Mr. Socko and other random topics. You can check out a video of the appearance online at TheMorningBlend.com.
-The SLAM! Wrestling website out of Canada has a feature-piece on their website about the late Dutch Savage. You can check that out online at Slam.Canoe.ca.
SESCOOPS.COM reader Dory Funk sent along the following:
WWE Talent Scout, Jerry Brisco Coming to !BANG! TV Taping
Jerry Brisco will be in attendance at the next !BANG! TV Taping, Support Your Troops 95, “Friday Night Fight” at the !BANG! TV Sound Stage in Ocala, Florida. The event will take place Friday August 23rd Showtime is 7:00pm. Jerry Brisco will be here to scout wrestling talent for WWE.
Headlining the card will be a World Title Match featuring 3rd Generation Romero Youngblood (Champion) defending against the challenge of Triple Sport Star (Baseball, Football and Wrestling) Quinton “Drop-Back” Hitchcock.
Also on the card – Dory Funk Jr., Johnny Magnum, Shane Chung, Hollywood Heather, Claudia “The Claw” Reiff, Jessica “Power-House” Hill, Ryan “The Rogue” Passmore, Bulldog Bryson Michaels, Hector “Taino” Alicea and a Special Appearance by Noah “Spike” Mayser and more.
If you would like to become a professional wrestler, Visit Dory Funk’s Website at http://www.dory-funk.com or Call Now 352-895-4658 for Training Information.
-WWE.com caught up with Rob Van Dam following his return at Sunday’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view. Among other topics, RVD noted that the reaction he received from the fans in Philadelphia on Sunday night was awesome. Additionally, Van Dam spoke about how there’s a whole lot more to come from “Mr. Monday Night.” Check out the full feature online at WWE.com.
-As previously noted, both Ric Flair and Bill Watts were not going to be appearing at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall Of Fame induction ceremony this past weekend. However, WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross appeared to accept on behalf of his longtime personal friend, Watts, and WWE Hall Of Famer Gerald Brisco accepted on behalf of “The Nature Boy.”
-WWE cameras caught up with WWE Champion John Cena following his successful title defense against “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry at Money In The Bank. Cena put Henry over and mentioned that his match against him at the PPV was one of the most difficult challenges he’s ever faced. Check out that feature online as well at WWE.com.
-WWE Hall Of Famer Jesse Ventura celebrates his 62nd birthday today. Current WWE Superstar Heath Slater turns 30 today. Finally, Mexican wrestling legend and WWE Hall Of Famer Mil Mascaras turns 71 today.
Monday Night Mayhem, Hosted By The Big Mosh & Todd Vincent
WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco was the featured guest on this week’s edition of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem, hosted by The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent.
WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco Looks Back On His Memories Of His & His Brother’s WWE Hall Of Fame Induction In 2008, Discusses This Year’s “Class Of 2013,” What It Means To Now Have Bruno Sammartino Be A Part Of The WWE HOF, Why He Believes His Son (Wes Brisco) Is Ready To Step Into The Ring With Kurt Angle, What He Looks For In A Potential WWE Superstar In His Current Role As A Talent Scout For The WWE, How DDP Yoga Has Helped Improve His Own Personal Health, The Latest On The Efforts To Reinstate Wrestling Into The Olympics, Plus Much More In His Exclusive Monday Night Mayhem Interview
The former two-time WWE Hardcore Champion joined The Big Mosh & “The Chairman of the Board” Todd Vincent for his first-ever MNM appearance, which is now available for streaming here (.MP3).
Interview highlights courtesy of WWEDVDNews.com’s Aaron Carnevale, MNM’s National Correspondent:
His fondest memory of when he and his late brother Jack were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008: “My biggest thrill was actually standing on that stage with my brother. He was starting to go into bad health at that time, and for him muster up the strength and courage to get out there on stage took a lot from him. Also that night, Gordon Solie went in, along with Eddie Graham. Those two guys meant a lot, so it was an exciting night.”
Why he believes his son (Wes Brisco) is ready to step into the ring with Kurt Angle this Sunday night:“Well, he better be ready, because I know Kurt Angle isn’t going to take it easy on him because he’s my son. If film study will help, he’s going to be great. We’ve gone over every tape online that we can possibly see, and he’s been working out a game plan against Kurt. I think he is ready to step up, and I’m very happy that he got this opportunity against the caliber of Kurt Angle. I wish the best for both of them, and I’m excited for Wes. The kid eats, sleeps and breathes what we do.”
What he looks for in a potential WWE Superstar in his current role as a talent scout for the WWE: “It’s just a feel for it for guys. I’ve been around for decades. I started in 1967, so I’ve been around wrestling for almost 60 years. There are no set guidelines. I just look for body language. I look at how the guys carry themselves to the mat. I look for their footwork. I watch how they react to a win, I watch how they react to a loss. I watch the interactions with their teammates and fans afterwards. It’s mostly body language, and how he looks, and how he moves.”
Much more is contained in Gerald Brisco’s exclusive interview with Monday Night Mayhem, including his candid thoughts on this year’s WWE Hall of Fame selections, what it means to now have Bruno Sammartino be a part of the WWE HOF, how DDP Yoga has helped improve his own personal health, the latest on the efforts to reinstate wrestling into the Olympics, plus so much more! Follow the legendary WWE Hall of Famer right now on Twitter (@FGBrisco). And if you live in the Florida area and need to have your car fixed, there’s no better place than Brisco Brother’s Body Shop, closing in on its 40th anniversary! Call (813) 879-4421 to make an appointment today.
– Booker T announced via Twitter Monday evening that Randy Orton will face Dolph Ziggler this Friday on SmackDown. The announcement, which was acknowledged by WWE announcer Michael Cole on Raw, reads: “Attention: Breaking News! This Friday on #Smackdown, @HeelZiggler will face @RandyOrton in the main event! Now can you dig THAT!?”
– The individual who portrayed Harold in the anger management skits with Daniel Bryan and Kane on Raw was California-based independent wrestler Scorpio Sky, who recently competed in TNA Wrestling as Mason Andrews.
The vignettes were filmed last week in Los Angeles, California and will continue to air for one or two more weeks on Raw.
– Dusty Rhodes has been announced to appear at Sept. 14 NXT live event taking place at Fenn Center in Fort Pierce, Florida.
– WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco appears for !BANG! on Saturday, Sept. 15 in Ocala, Florida. (Event Information)
— The official website of the Hampton Coliseum is advertising the Tuesday, April 10, 2012 SmackDown show as a live broadcast.
Advertised for the live audience is Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show in a No Disqualification and No Count Out Match for the World Heavyweight Championship and Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a Street Fight Match.
— Many people within WWE expect Wes Brisco to be offered a contract “sooner or later” since his father (Gerald Brisco) and girlfriend are employed to the company, reports the Wrestling Globe Newsletter. He was released from his developmental contract in June.
— The May 1, 2012 SmackDown taping will be held at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.
— Tommy Dreamer turns 41 years old Tuesday while Nelson Frazier (a/k/a Viscera, Big Daddy V) turns 40.
— Kevin Nash will battle Big Show during WWE’s two-event tour of Yokohama, Japan. He will face his longtime rival in a singles match on November 30. The following night, he teams up with The Miz to take on “The World’s Largest Athlete” and John Cena.
— Jim Ross stated Friday on Twitter that he talked to Gerald Brisco and he is feeling much better after suffering a minor stroke last month. The WWE Hall of Famer previously suffered three strokes in June 2009.
— Kelly Kelly and Daniel Bryan will appear at KMART 5100 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, December 18 at noon. Call 410-483-3500 for more information.
— Raw SuperShow will be held at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri on Monday, January 30, 2012.
Rumors circulated Thursday that WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco had passed away after suffering a mild stroke recently. Jim Ross has confirmed the rumor as a hoax.
“Just talked to Jerry Brisco and he is ALIVE and doing well,” he wrote on Twitter.
Diamond Dallas Page believed the rumor to be true as he offered condolences on Twitter.
DDP wrote, “Gerald Brisco was a Great Wtestler! A Great TV character but most of a Great Man! And he will be Extremely missed! RIP Brother!”
He later clarified his remarks, writing, “Just found out Gerry is Alive and well! Thank God! Damn some times I hate the twitter thing.”
Page’s statement upset Brisco and members of his family.
Brisco wrote on Facebook, “I’m well enough to kick DDP butt for putting this out there and upsetting my family.”
— Jim Ross tweeted an update on Gerald Brisco’s health Friday after the WWE Hall of Famer suffered a “mild stroke” on Wednesday as he was being driven to the airport to scout amateur wrestlers for WWE at the Pan American Games.
Ross wrote, “Jerry Brisco is home from a Tampa hospital. Feeling better. Still has more tests to under go. My friend’s a fighter.”
— Michelle McCool will be chatting with fans on November 18, 2011—seven years to the day of her WWE debut. The chat will take place on MichelleMcCool.net.
“In our first-ever live chat with Michelle, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with the former WWE Diva; whether it is asking follow-up questions from her two-part audio exclusive with us, sharing random observations that have always been on your mind, to just sharing your day, this is your opportunity to express yourself, and even get an instant reply!”
WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco suffered a minor stroke Wednesday. according to Jim Ross on Twitter. He asks that fans keep Brisco in their prayers.
Brisco suffered a series of strokes in June 2009 that sidelined him from road work for WWE. He’s been working as a talent scout with Ross since March 2010.
— John Cena has now held the WWE Championship a record ten times following his victory over Alberto Del Rio last night at Night of Champions. He is followed by Triple H, who held the WWE Championship on eight occasions.
— WWE’s upcoming Steve Austin video release has been titled Stone Cold Steve Austin: Bottom Line on the Most Popular Superstar of WWE. The title will be be released on DVD and Blu-ray in November.
— WWE will be holding a Raw and Smackdown Supershow at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island, New York on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Bell time is 7:30 p.m.
— WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco turns 65 years old today.
Kia Stevens, better known as Awesome Kong, was honored as an active wrestler last week at the annual Cauliflower Alley Club reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada. She thanked Antonio Inoki for getting her to Japan, where she learned the ropes. She discussed her TNA Wrestling tenure without any bitterness, as well as joining WWE. She notably said she made it in wrestling without being a “skinny bitch.” She also praised Jim Ross and Steve Austin, whom she had met at a prior Cauliflower Alley Club event, for opening the door to get her into WWE.
A number of WWE Hall of Famers were on hand for the event representing WWE including Jim Ross, Sgt. Slaughter, Gerald Brisco, Ricky Steamboat, Ted DiBiase and Sunny. DiBiase was described as not moving well; he stated in an interview last week that he will be having both his knees replaced as well as his hip. Meanwhile, Sunny stated that she would like another run with WWE.
Steamboat told Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer that he is about 80% recovered from injuries suffered last summer. The WWE Hall of Famer still works a few days a week in Florida Championship Wrestling with WWE’s developmental talent.
Brisco, who also had recent health problems, is presently working with WWE as a scout.
— WWE issued a survey to fans yesterday querying their thoughts on the following pay-per-view titles:
* WWE Champions
* WWE Revolution
* WWE Uprising
* WWE Vengeance
— Former WCW star Scotty Riggs has been hospitalized in Georgia with what is believed to be bleeding ulcers. He underwent a procedure Thursday to locate the source of the bleeding.
— WWE has a table reserved for the annual Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion, which takes place next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim Ross noted on Twitter that Sunny, Sgt. Slaughter, Ricky Steamboat, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Gerald Brisco and Harvey Wippleman will be on hand for the festivities, as well as himself.
— WWE United States Champion Sheamus is advertised for an autograph signing on April 29 at Stingray Chevrolet in Plant City, Florida. The signing takes place from noon to 2:00 p.m.