– A fan recently tweeted Goldberg and commented about how he felt WWE “completely glossed over” Goldberg’s impact on WCW overtaking WWE in the ratings during the latest edition of “The Monday Night War” series on the WWE Network. Goldberg responded to the fan by simply saying, “Totally expected.”

– Sin Cara, in his mask, recently appeared on Power 98.3 in Phoenix, Arizona. You can check out video of that interview below.

The following are highlights of a new CBS Atlanta interview with Bill Goldberg:

Will Sting wrestle in WWE?: “You never know what WWE is doing. You never know what any of these guys are doing. You don’t know if they’re publicizing it to ramp up for an in-ring return or an appearance of if they’re just hinting at it so that they can sell more video games. You just never know.”

What wrestling appearance he’ll make (mostly signings): “I obviously look at the roster before I choose to attend one of these, which plays a huge role in whether I do it or not. For the most part it’s a good time.”

Tony Stewart situation: “It’s a tragedy on both sides. Nobody knows what happened. Nobody knows what’s in Tony’s mind. Everybody knows his past as far as his aggressive driving and his willingness to trade paint, which is what NASCAR is all about. … I think the only fault of Tony in this situation is being part of the group of guys the last 20 years that have shown their emotion on television and have been allowed to get out of their cars and do whatever it is they have done. They set bad examples for kids like (Kevin) Ward. … I just don’t think it’s within the realm of possibility that Tony Stewart could run somebody down. There’s zero validity to that.”

Check out the complete interview at CBSLocal.com.

– The latest edition of “Who’s Next w/ Goldberg,” which features Bill Goldberg’s new interview with NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr., is now available. The official description for the show reads as follows:

Who’s Next w/ Goldberg – Ep12 – Dale Earnhardt Jr & Wrestling Questions

“NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. tells Goldberg who he trusts to work under his hood and what his favorite rides are. Then BG goes to the phones to answer your wrestling questions.”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

– Below is this week’s edition of “SmackDown Fallout,” which features Big Show and Mark Henry.

Big Time Return – SmackDown Fallout – Aug. 8, 2014

“Big Show discusses returning to SmackDown and his newly formed team with Mark Henry.”

Bill Goldberg was recently interviewed by the Phoenix New Times to promote his PodcastOne.com podcast. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Why His Podcast Is Different From Other Podcasts:

“At the end of the day, man, the reason I did the podcast is because I went through my Rolodex and thought, “There has to be a way to take advantage of all the cool people that I know.” So, in the beginning, by not [featuring] wrestlers, I wouldn’t be able to gain that much traction as the other guys, but I’m not at all like the other guys. I’m different.”

“I’m not a wrestler. I am a football player who looked at wrestling as a business. I do not live it, I do not breathe it, I do not eat it and shit it like everybody else does. And I truly believe that there’s a lot more interesting content out there that I’m going to try turning these wrestling fans on to that’s cool. I’ve been leading a pretty cool life and have some really cool friends.”

Possibly Having Chris Jericho As A Guest:

“Absolutely. Why not? We’ll do a co-promoted podcast where it should be aired on both simultaneously. Yeah. No big deal. I’m 47 years old, man, I don’t hold grudges with people. If he’s got a problem with me, say it to my face. Other than that, shut up, you know?”

His Backstage Fight With Chris Jericho In WCW:

“Yeah, that’s how I feel too, man. And I very much appreciate him saying that. Until I talk to him face-to-face, which I haven’t done since the B.S. went down years ago, which…it was ridiculous. It was the furthest thing from a fight that I think I’ve ever seen. But he knows the truth and I know the truth, and the reality is we’re grown men, dude, we’ve got bigger and better things to do than [dwell] on a ridiculous little subject that people seem to bring up every couple minutes.”

Being Willing To Wrestle For WWE again:

“Uh…I think in general, although they’ve been extremely successful over the years. I don’t know, man, I haven’t talked to too many guys that see eye to eye with them, unless you’re in that inner circle, but not unlike any other business, you’re gonna have your opinions about it. [But] no, they don’t know how to do business with me, I mean, the reality is, I don’t think they want to do business with me. I think that’s the reality of it.

So I could care less, to be honest with you, but to answer that question, I just don’t think that there’ll be a chance for us to do anything. And I’ve said it before and I said it at [WrestleCon], the last conversation I had with Triple H, and I left it in their corner, was, “Hey man, I’m willing to put everything aside, I have an eight-year-old boy who’d love to see me wrestle. So if you guys want to make a lot of money and do some business, then let’s do it.”

The following are highlights of a new Phoenix New Times interview with Bill Goldberg:

Getting advice from Jim Ross before launching his podcast: “Well, yeah. Absolutely. I’ve been taking Jim’s advice for the past 30 years. He and I go way back to my Oklahoma days. So why reinvent the wheel and why not talk to people who have tread before you? And he obviously knows what he’s doing. And I’m not a radio personality by any stretch, but if you stop learning, you die, and I’m firmly a believer in that. So I’ll take advice from everybody, doesn’t mean that I’m actually going to act on it. But you gotta admit, when you’re not an expert at something and are able to hear advice from different people and discern between the good advice and bad advice, you do that and go from there.”

His podcast being different from others: “Yeah. At the end of the day, man, the reason I did the podcast is because I went through my Rolodex and thought, “There has to be a way to take advantage of all the cool people that I know.” So, in the beginning, by not [featuring] wrestlers, I wouldn’t be able to gain that much traction as the other guys, but I’m not at all like the other guys. I’m different.

I’m not a wrestler. I am a football player who looked at wrestling as a business. I do not live it, I do not breathe it, I do not eat it and shit it like everybody else does. And I truly believe that there’s a lot more interesting content out there that I’m going to try turning these wrestling fans on to that’s cool. I’ve been leading a pretty cool life and have some really cool friends.”

Would he have Chris Jericho on as a guest? “Absolutely. Why not? We’ll do a co-promoted podcast where it should be aired on both simultaneously. Yeah. No big deal. I’m 47 years old, man, I don’t hold grudges with people. If he’s got a problem with me, say it to my face. Other than that, shut up, you know?”

Jericho tweeting Goldberg is his “bro” and that anyone “trying to stir the shit can piss off”: “Yeah, that’s how I feel too, man. And I very much appreciate him saying that. Until I talk to him face-to-face, which I haven’t done since the B.S. went down years ago, which…it was ridiculous. It was the furthest thing from a fight that I think I’ve ever seen. But he knows the truth and I know the truth, and the reality is we’re grown men, dude, we’ve got bigger and better things to do than [dwell] on a ridiculous little subject that people seem to bring up every couple minutes.”

Is he a tough guy or a softie at public appearances and Scott Hall: “Well, they know that I’m the antithesis outside of the ring of the character that I am inside, except for the fact that, you know, you piss me off or do something that’s wrong then I’m going to show that other side of Goldberg. I mean, the reality is, I’m multi-dimensional in the person that I can become at the snap of a finger. But the most important aspect of my personality is the one that’s caring and the one that tries to give back to people who have put me in a position that I’m already in.

The wrestling convention or the signings are not the place to show that I can punch somebody in the face. It’s a place where the people can look at you as an idol, this big strong guy, but yet, at the same time, have a nice conversation with you, so you smile, put your arm around them and make them feel welcome. That’s what you do at these autograph sessions. But, if Scott Hall mouths off to me, then they’ll see the other side.

This would be a rematch that he’d never book, believe it. He’d never sign it, because this one would be done in the street or at my gym, which I’d rather take it there, you know?”

A possible WWE return: “I’ve expressed my desire…well, not my desire, my willingness to maybe consider it again, but I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 50,000 times, once they learn how to do business, then I’d consider it.

I’d love to do it too, man. I mean, like I said, I’ve said it before, I think the WWE and I will never see eye to eye, so I don’t think [it] will be very logical, and I think the chances of seeing me elsewhere are between zero and zero, unless it’s Japan or unless somebody comes out to be a competitor to [WWE’s owner Vince McMahon], because I’m not just gonna do it to do it.”

What’s next for him:
“I’ve got a movie [Minkow] coming up in September [and] just got off a conference call with a new TV show. I’m pretty damn busy man. I’m as busy as I want to be. And at this time in my life, at 47 years old, I just want to be able to make my own decisions and live by it. So as long I’m still able to do that, then I’m good, man.

I don’t need to vindicate anything because of my last match against Brock Lesnar, by no stretch of the imagination. Because I haven’t seen anybody press [slam] him over their head yet. When that’s a normal occasion, then I won’t feel as though I accomplished very much. But I haven’t seen anyone jackhammer The Giant [a.k.a. WWE’s The Big Show] yet. So, if I’m the “flash in the pan,” as a couple people have said I was, so be it. But this “flash in the pan” put asses in seats, money in a lot of people’s pockets, and I was able to jackhammer The Giant at will.”

Check out the complete interview at PhoenixNewTimes.com.

– In a pretty surprising note, during the WWE RAW Backstage Pass post-show on the WWE Network on Monday night, WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T mentioned the infamous backstage fight between Chris Jericho and Bill Goldberg from years ago. He didn’t go into specific details on what happened during the fight, but did mention it.

– Also on the RAW post-show, Renee Young interviewed AJ Lee, who spoke about her return on Monday night. Lee noted that it feels good to be reunited with her baby, the WWE Divas Championship. She said she only came out to congratulate Paige the same way Paige did for her after WrestleMania XXX, and that she just happened to leave with what is rightfully hers.

Vince Russo is now writing a new monthly column for the “What Culture” website, the first of which is now available. His debut effort is called “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Vince Russo.” Below are some highlights.

Ben Stiller Smoking Weed At RAW!

“When we had Ben Stiller on ‘Raw’, I couldn’t find him to produce the pre-tapes we needed. Where was he? How about smoking the WACY-TABACKY with Road Dog and X-Pac behind the trailers!!!

When we finally found Ben, who was promoting “Mystery Men” at the time, he was more than willing to take on a direct blow to the head courtesy of Double J’s, Jeff Jarrett’s guitar. To this day I don’t know if Ben agreed so willingly because he was a “mark”, or simply still high due to his earlier escapades with Sean Waltman and Brian James.”

Getting Threatened By Goldberg And Shawn Michaels

“I, myself, while never having gotten into an “actual” fight while serving my duties of Head Writer at WWE, WCW and TNA, was actually threatened on not one . . . but, two occasions. The first time was by Shawn Michaels after I cut a promo on him to his friend Triple H, for hijacking the WrestleMania 15 main event by getting into Steve Austin’s ear, who then talked Vince McMahon into changing the three way between him, the Rock and Mick Foley into a two-way, leaving Mick the odd man out. And, also a few years later by Bill Goldberg who was not happy when I needed him to do a job to Scott Steiner. Thankfully, I was able to get out of both predicaments completely unscathed.

In another backstage ‘confrontation’ I also once saved Sunny’s life, while putting my own on the line! I actually attempted to stand between Luna, and her target which she INTENDED TO KILL!!! The encounter ended with Luna spearing me into a laundry cart. I swear, Luna could have taken 50% of the MALE roster in a fight during her hey-day.

Luna, bless her heart, had it out for ALL the divas who in her mind weren’t “actually” wrestlers. She despised Sable, and made it very difficult for her to find her way early on. But, if you knew Luna, you loved her, she really did have a big heart. That was just the “old school wrestler” in her that would rear its ugly head from time to time. I’m also proud to say that about three years ago, I pulled “Awesome Kong” off radio personality “Bubba the Love Sponge”.”

Stone Cold Didn’t Want To Do The Beer Truck Angle!

“In the epic scene on “Raw”, when Steve Austin drove a beer truck into the arena, I actually had to talk Steve into it! The Texas Rattlesnake said he just wanted to enter in his pick-up. He didn’t “see” the beer truck. However, once the segment was produced, I think Steve totally understand the impact that it was going to have on the fans for many years to come. It was truly, one of the most classic scenes in the history of “Monday Night Raw”. Thankfully I talked him round, he didn’t go with the pick up, riding in instead with the beer truck, driving his way into wrestling history.”

Vince McMahon Didn’t Have A Clue About Mainstream Publicity

“In the Attitude Era, the hottest thing at that time on MTV was Tom Green. He was light years ahead of the “Reality TV” boom that would follow many years later. I wanted him to be revealed as the man responsible for Raw’s GTV!

Unfortunately, the idea never came into fruition because Vince McMahon had NO IDEA who TOM GREEN was! So instead of “GREEN TV”, it became “GOLDUST TV”.

That wasn’t the first time that Vince wasn’t “exactly” up on his pop culture. A few years later I had shot pre-tapes with “Dancin’” Steve Richards and the Blue Meanie as a parody of the “Blair Witch Project”. We called it the “Blonde Bitch Project”. The idea was to take an entertaining “shot” at Sable who had abruptly decided to leave the company at the time. Once again, the pre-tapes never saw the light of day because Vince had “no idea” what the “Blair Witch Project” was. The pre-tapes, that never aired, were shot ON LOCATION at WWE writer Ed Ferrara’s house… and backyard.

But wait… there are even YET MORE EXAMPLES of Vince McMahon’s little knowledge of the HERE and NOW. Here are a few more gems!

A friend of mine in the Public Relations Department at the WWE, pitched Vince to have legendary Eagles guitarist JOE WALSH perform “Rocky Mountain Way” at WrestleMania XI. Vince respectfully declined because he had never heard of the song, “Rocky Mountain Way”, or its singer/writer JOE WALSH!!!

Last, but not least, upon his arrival in the WWE, we shot a series of vignettes with Val Venus and LEGENDARY porn star Jenna Jameson. We even went as far as even having Jenna BUCK NAKED in Bruce’s Prichard’s Jacuzzi with Val. Upon seeing the footage, Vince decided against airing them, because in his words, Jenna was “ugly”.”

Check out the complete column at WhatCulture.com.

At his one-man show in the United Kingdom this weekend, former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho spoke about the backstage altercation he had with Bill Goldberg several years ago during their WWE run.

Jericho mentioned that he and Goldberg got into it, he applied a headlock on Goldberg and he couldn’t get out of it.

A fan recently brought this up to Goldberg on Twitter, and the former WWE Superstar replied with the following tweet:

He's on crack RT @BraddyEarl: @Goldberg Dude i cannot believe what @IAmJericho says he had YOU in a headlock … http://t.co/bkzVBq4rZv

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) June 15, 2014

As promised, here is the second half of the list…

5. Abundance Of Talent Led To Brand Extension

The WWE roster was absolutely stacked following the acquisition of WCW. This was especially true after the top WCW superstars such as Hulk Hogan, Goldberg, and Kevin Nash eventually signed with the company.

It quickly became apparent that there was too much talent to adequately feature everyone on a weekly basis. This led to the WWE splitting into two separate brands in the form of Raw and SmackDown. The brand extension seemed fresh at first, but it quickly lost traction after superstars were constantly shifted from one brand to the other as a way to increase ratings.

The brand extension era is characterized by pay-per-views that did not perform as well as those in the Attitude Era, largely because fans did not want to pay to see only half of the roster.

During the summer of 2001, the WWE was under attack and at risk of a hostile takeover. After finally winning the Monday Night Wars, the WWE had to find a way to integrate the influx of talent that was acquired with the purchase of WCW.

Their first attempt at doing so would come in the form of the Invasion storyline, which saw former WCW and ECW employees “invading” the WWE in an attempt to take over the company. If this sounds a bit like the nWo’s plot to conquer WCW, well that’s because it is essentially the same story.

Ultimately, the program forced the WWE to fend off the intruders by forming a coalition to battle Team Alliance, which was led by Shane and Stephanie McMahon, the respective on-screen owners of WCW and ECW at the time.

Many fans have cited the Invasion storyline as one of the most entertaining periods in recent WWE history, as it featured a number of matchups that had previously been unimaginable. However, there were many aspects of the storyline that could have been handled better, resulting in a program with great potential that was squandered by poor booking. Here are ten reasons why the Invasion storyline was not as memorable as some fans recall.

– The latest edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” podcast is now available. The official description for the show reads as follows:

PP-Ep10 – Andrew Byrniarski from Texas Chainsaw Massacre

“Actor, bodybuilder, and former pro-wrestler Andrew Byrniarski joins Piper’s Pit! He gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” & his character Leatherface. Plus, he’s got inside stories from Oliver Stone’s film, “Any Given Sunday,” and of course Andrew’s talking about his time in pro-wrestling with WWE & Vince McMahon!”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

– The latest edition of Bill Goldberg’s “Who’s Next?” podcast is now available. The official description for that one reads as follows:

Who’s Next w/ Goldberg – Ep03 – Jeremy Roenick

“Goldberg welcomes NHL Star/TV Analyst Jeremy Roenick to the man cave to trade hockey stories and give the low-down on who he thinks will win the Stanley Cup.”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

WWE 2K15 will be released on October 28th for Playstation 4, Xbox One, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. You can pre-order the game now from Amazon.com.

Based on what we’re hearing this week, WWE 2K15 will include an all-new career mode that will be similar to NBA 2K14, where gamers can create a character (or use an existing Superstar/Diva) and rise up the ranks from rookie to legend. This will involve paying your dues and making a name for yourself in NXT before making your way up to the main roster.

The career mode is expected to include several NXT talents for the first time ever, so we could see playable characters like NXT Champion Adrian Neville, NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte, Sami Zayn and Tyler Breeze.

Aside from the all-new career mode, it’s expected that the “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode will be returning.

Both Sting and Goldberg are rumored to be featured in the game as legends.

Pre-Order Your Copy Of WWE 2K15 Now From Amazon.com

– The following is the official description for the latest edition of “Who’s Next w/ Goldberg.”

Who’s Next w/ Goldberg – Ep02 – Terry Crews

“NFL Stud-Turned Wrestling Legend Bill Goldberg welcomes NFL buddy turned actor Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Old Spice stud) to talk about his journey and what makes a real man.”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

– The following is the official description for the latest edition of the “Steve Austin Show.”

SASu – EP120 – TNA’s Cowboy James Storm Pt 2

“Cowboy James Storm and Steve Austin are sharing their tag team pet peeves, and the worst matches of their respective careers (at least according to Dave Meltzer). They’re also talking Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart, the Superkick, the Stone Cold Stunner, cars, vegetarians, and 80s heavy metal.”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

– The following is the official description for the latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho.”

TIJ – EP43 – TNA’s Bully Ray Pt2 & WWE Payback Predictions

“TNA’s Bully Ray (formerly known as Bubba Ray of the Dudley Boyz tag team at WWF/E) is back talking about ECW, Paul Heyman, shaving his head, working for WWE, and his favorite matches! Plus, Egypt returns to predict this weekend’s WWE Payback PPV matches with Chris! Who will come out ahead?”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

Former WWE & WCW Superstar Goldberg was recently interviewed by Donald Wood, Mike Chiari and Brandon Galvin for Ring Rust Radio. The interview provided insight into his WWE career, his path to the top and view of WCW, a possible return to the WWE, his new PodCast One show and much more. Here are the highlights of what he said about:

One More Match: “First and foremost, let me back you up for a second here. It’s funny anytime that I mention anything about wrestling, even my words can be taken out of context. There have been a number of different publications that have run the story that ‘Goldberg’s back and begging to have a match again’ and he wants to get back in the ring, at the end of the day, I would definitely listen to that type of conversation but it’s not something I wake up every morning and I pray to God to and hope that I can lace up my boots one more time because I have to end on a nostalgic note. If the opportunity arose and it was a favorable condition for everybody involved, and I mean working condition, not necessarily the money, and opponent, I would definitely cater the thought.

“As to specific people that I would like to face, man I’ve been forthright and upfront that I’m not on top of the wrestling business like the normal fan would be since my departure, it hasn’t been the number one thing in my life, so to just throw a couple of names off the top of my head would be the only way that I could do it. I couldn’t give an educated guess as to what the good storyline would be in this day and age as far as television storylines are concerned. Like I said, I’d consider it, for sure, but it’s not something I’m longing for.

Goldberg Reveals 3 Possible Opponents He Would Want To Face In WWE

“J.R is a very good friend of mine and I can talk straight with him and that’s what these podcasts do. They catch intimate conversations and now that I have my own I can point the mic at someone else and let them spew so they can get themselves in trouble more than I can. I enjoyed the wrestling business, there were a lot of things that I didn’t like about it, but there were things that I did like about it so I would consider something like that.

“As far as schedule is concerned, who knows. I’m in pretty decent shape, I don’t know what to compare it to, but for a 47 year old guy walking around and he goes to a Muy-Thai Gym a number of days a week, I’d say I’m pretty much ahead of the game. For the schedule, I don’t know. I don’t talk to Brock enough to compare what I would think would be acceptable for myself. It’s a topic that interests me but it’s not a topic I think about daily.”

Negative Fan Reaction for Part Time Wrestlers: “Obviously in anybody’s mind, any type of failure, whether it be to yourself or the fans or management, is something that you don’t want to encounter and if you can keep yourself out of it then that’s always a consideration if you’re a smart person. How much that would play in my decision? Honestly, it wouldn’t play very much because that’s not why I would do it. At the end of the day, I would do it to invoke a positive response from my son and my wife. I’d love to be able to please the fans, so many of them that have asked me over the last 10 to 11 years to go back, I would obviously do it for them also. It’s always a crap shoot. Whether you’re away 10 years or you’re away 10 minutes every single time I’ve looked at it, you’re only as good as your next performance. So it would weigh in my mind but it wouldn’t be a factor in my decision.”

On Page 2 below:

• CM Punk Leaving WWE
• His Streak Ending
• Who/What was Responsible for WCW’s Demise
• Feelings on a Possible Hall of Fame Induction

– The debut edition of Bill Goldberg’s “Who’s Next? with Bill Goldberg” podcast, which features an interview with NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, is now available at PodcastOne.com.

The official description for the show reads as follows:

Who’s Next w/ Goldberg – Ep01 – Tony Stewart

“NFL Stud-Turned Wrestling Legend Bill Goldberg kicks off his new weekly show with his buddy, Auto Racing Superstar Tony Stewart and some words of encouragement from the legendary voice of Pro Wrestling, Jim Ross.”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

– Speaking of PodcastOne.com shows, the latest edition of Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show” podcast, which features an interview with TNA star James Storm, is now available.

The official description for the show reads as follows:

SASu – EP118 – TNA’s Cowboy James Storm

“TNA’s Cowboy James Storm stopped by 316 Gimmick Street with a 6-pack of Coors Light and a whole mess of squared-circle stories. He’s namin’ names too – favorite promo guy, favorite of all time, and who gave him his gimmick. Plus, hear about his call to WCW, why he’s partially blind in one eye, and which college offered him a scholarship to play basketball!”

You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

As previously reported, Bill Goldberg was the guest on this week’s Jim Ross “Ross Report” podcast at PodcastOne.com. Goldberg revealed during the interview that he will soon be debuting his own new podcast at PodcastOne.com.

The show, which will be called “Who’s Next?” debuts at PodcastOne.com this Friday, with special guest NASCAR driver Tony Stewart. Goldberg tweeted the following about the new podcast:

Yes it's true……. The "WHO'S NEXT" Podcast debuts this Friday on @PodcastOne 1st guest is B-Day boy @TonyStewart !!!

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) May 20, 2014

The following are highlights of a Q&A update from the official website of Vince Russo:

The only reason you did anything good in WWE was because Vince McMahon was your filter. “A myth. While all the shows were bounced off Vince for final approval, Vince never changed what Ed and I wrote. He just “tweaked” some things within the segment. If Vince is “the filter”, than how do you explain where ratings are today, compared to when Ed and I were writing the show? And—the ratings have been in the 3-range since 2002.”

Could you respond to this Bret Hart quote from 2009 (courtesy of Ministry of Slam radio show): “I think they should take Vince Russo and hang him by the neck somewhere in the back of the parking lot.” “Had many conversations with Bret at WCW, never said anything like this to me. If Bret did indeed say it—than I don’t understand it. I think the world of Bret Hart. Keep in mind, many things have been said about me behind my back—never to my face—so it’s hard for me to really understand the reasoning behind it.”

Why book a legitimately injured Bret Hart in a hardcore match with Terry Funk (this is right after Bret was kicked in the head by Goldberg)? “I would never book anybody in a match that was hurt—if I was aware of it. Can’t remember back that far, but I’m sure Breat hadn’t spoke up about his injury yet.”

What were your original plans with Bret Hart coming into WCW? “Put him high on the pedastal that he deserved to be on.”

Why did you book yourself to win the WCW World Championship? “Just another week of TV. Was never a big deal to me, especially knowing I was going to relinquish it 3 days later.”

Ric Flair doesn’t have kind words for you either when talking about his time working with you in WCW. What was your experience working with The Nature Boy? “I loved every second of it. Again, while we worked together Ric never said ANYTHING negative about anything. It was HIS IDEA for me to shave his head. I gave his son, David, the most exposure he ever had in his career. We put his younger son Reed on TV. What more did Ric want? Again—nothing was ever said to me to my face by Ric—even when we worked together later at TNA.”

What on earth happened to the Samoe Joe kidnapping angle!? “Tell me and we’ll both know. Unfortunately for my critics–not my idea. I was just as perplexed as you. Still am.”

Mike Johnson and Dave Scherer of PWInsider.com do not like you, it appears? Why? “Maybe it’s because I had an interview set up with Mike after I left TNA. Then prior to the interview I had a conversation with Mike where he already seemed to know all the answers to the questions before even speaking to me. I told Mike that if he already had the answers—then there was no need in him interviewing me. So I canceled the interview. Dave? Dave is just another guy who writes whatever he wants to write about me without ever confronting me. That’s the power of the computer age . . . i guess.”

The “Attitude Era” was a blatant ripoff of ECW! “Yeah, I hear that alot. I knew of ECW, and had maybe seen a handful of shows. No offense, but what they were doing at the time had no impact on me whatsover during the birth of the “Attitude Era”. Here’s a great story of how the “attitude Era” actually started. It was Vince’s birthday—I had to get him something. What do you buy a millionaire? So, I bought him a T-Shirt that said, “Keep your ATTITUDE to yourself—I have enough of my own.” That was literally weeks before the “Attitude Era” was born.”

Do you RESPECT the dirt sheets as a whole? Why or why not? “Very few members. Why? It’s real simple. out of all the BS said about me over the past 20 years, I can count maybe 1, or 2 instances where I was actually “contacted” for a response. They wrote whatever they wanted to write because there was no accountability. Just like they said a few weeks ago that I was under contract with TNA. Even with all the rumors concerning my status of late—NOBODY—has picked up the phone to ask ME. How can you respect that?”

Do you read the dirt sheets? “Honestly? When I’m working on my computer, and I just need to step away from what I’m writing–I’ll pop on. You have to understand, since so many mistruths have been wriiten about me, it’s hard for me to really look at those sites with any legitimacy. You just never know what’s true, and what’s inaccurate.”

What was the “real” Vince McMahon like? “WOW—not too many people know. When you get past all the layers, and there’s a level of trust, you see a Vince that very few see. A guy that never grew up, and was still a kid at heart in many aspects. That wasn’t a good thing—it was a great thing. I loved those times I got to spend with the unguarded Vince. I actually miss them.”

Do you ever regret leaving WWE for WCW? “Tough question. I have to go back to WHY I left. I was literally on the verge of a nervous breakdown at that point. Vince had added “Smackdown” without even talking to Ed and I about it, and the pressure, stress and work load just became to much to handle. You have to remember there weren’t 20 people writing TV back then—there was TWO—Ed Ferrara and myself. It was just too much.”

Were you ever physically threatened by any wrestlers? “Yes. Shawn threatened me once by saying, “I know I can take you”, which was his “funny” way of threatening me, and Goldberg made me feel uneasy once. That’s about it, and that’s ridiculous on all our parts because at the end of the day it’s just business—nothing is personal.”

Check out more of Russo’s Q&A at PyroAndBallyhoo.com.

The following are highlights of a new Jim Ross blog:

On his “Ross Report” podcast: “Our Ross Report Podcast is growing like crazy as with just one show per week we are staying in the top ten of ALL sports podcasts on the iTunes charts. Thanks goes to all of you for supporting it. You can download our podcasts free at podcastone.com and via iTunes.”

“Right now we feature a fantastic interview with the amazing Gail Kim including a cameo from her husband Chef Robert Irvine of the Food Network.”

“Next week is the blockbuster part one of my interview with Shawn Michaels who discusses how close he came to returning to the ring to face his former student Daniel Bryan, his reaction while sitting at the infamous Gorilla Position during WM30 specifically when The Streak ended, his HOF experience this year and so much more including analyzing many of his most memorable moments. Shawn offers a perspective on CM Punk’s WWE departure that might surprise you and our conversation in San Antonio that was the catalyst for HBK returning to WWE after a four year hiatus.”

“In a couple of weeks I talk to Bill Goldberg which is already taped about him returning to WWE, how he would like to see it done and why he is motivated at age 47 to return to the ring. Bill also discusses the NFL. UFC, training at the WCW Power Plant and who helped him the most in the early part of his career along with the political world of pro wrestling as seen through the eyes of a ‘rookie’ non wrestling fan at the time. It’s a fascinating conversation with the enigma known as Goldberg.”

On recent pro wrestling live audiences: “Some thoughts on pro wrestling’s live audiences…..St. Louis wasn’t great for WWE Monday night and the lack of noise adversely affected the broadcast IMO. Here’s how I look at that matter: No one buys a not so cheap ticket, packs up the car,drives to the venue and parks to come in and have their mind made up to NOT make noise. The commitment to get to one’s seats is too great to come and act as if one is watching golf or tennis. The product that one sees before them is what is going to motivate a crowd to emotionally invest and to be loud and proud. The St Louis crowd, normally a very good wrestling crowd, apparently did not see enough to make the show sound special. There were moments but not enough of them over the three hour show.”

On TNA Sacrifice: “TNA had a PPV a week ago where the smaller crowd in a sound stage was embarrassingly quiet and provided little to no motivation for the talents some of which had excellent bouts. TNA is in an especially precarious position as they are in the closing months of their TV rights deal with Spike and have zero momentum or leverage with which to negotiate. Trying to save money by having the TV’s in the same venue more often than not in Orlando is the kiss of death. If the crowds that attend IMPACT events there don’t react to what they saw on the loaded, PPV card then they are unlikely to ‘pop’ for much of any thing. That makes the TV show sound uninspired and not ‘must see’ TV. It’s a good thing that Impact is going to do some of their tapings outside the Orlando sound stage going forward as that scenario is one designed for failure.”

“I am all for Impact and all wrestling companies for that matter to succeed because he more places that talents, crew, etc have to work the better it is for the overall business.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

– As previously reported, WWE has encouraged main roster and developmental wrestlers to come up with personalized names for their finishing moves. One of the key reasons for this is because WWE wants to trademark the names of the moves, as they can’t legally trademark traditional wrestling moves and holds.

– It’s being said that Bill Goldberg is absolutely considering doing a match at WrestleMania 31 next year if the “right deal” can be reached. Goldberg has kept himself in good shape, training on a daily basis, and will be 48 by the time next year’s WrestleMania rolls around.

– A fan recently asked former WWE Superstar Bill Goldberg about fans boo’ing Batista at several recent WWE events. Goldberg replied by saying the following:

I feel for him. Hopefully he'll get things turned around. RT @AnirbanAnomaly: @Goldberg what are your … http://t.co/zs4khN8axO

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) February 27, 2014

– WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan is featured on the latest edition of “The JBL & Cole” YouTube show. You can check out the episode below:

The following are highlights of a new Digital Spy interview with Big E.:

On his upcoming match at the Elimination Chamber PPV: “The Intercontinental Championship means a lot to me. I spent years training to get to this spot and it’s right before WrestleMania. I have every intention to walk into WrestleMania as Intercontinental Champion. I have a lot of respect for Jack Swagger and what he does and for being the former world champion, but I’ve trained too long far too hard to get to this point and just give it up.”

On who he’d like to work with at WrestleMania XXX: “I work with a lot of challengers. I guess if I had to pick a dream opponent – he’s not even really with the company right now – but I was such a massive Goldberg fan as a kid. It would really be a dream if he could somehow come back. To have a title match with Goldberg would be a dream fulfilled.”

On Hulk Hogan’s WWE return: “I think it’d be great for us. Hulk Hogan still has that aura, even though he’s obviously older now, and probably not quite in his prime. But I think he’d be great for us because I know people in their 40s and 50s who remember watching Hulk Hogan as a kid.

“People who may not watch wrestling now, if they heard Hulk Hogan was coming back they might tune in. That buzz that he creates, the buzz of Hulk Hogan, I think would be good for business, so I’d definitely look forward to it.”

On if he’d be surprised if CM Punk returned before WrestleMania XXX: “I think it’d be great. Obviously I’m not really aware of what’s going, but I think there’s a lot of people who desperately want him back, a lot of fans who would be excited to have him back.

“If that were to be the case, if he did return, I think there’d be a huge buzz around it. I think it would definitely be a positive thing. Like I said, I’m not sure particularly what’s going on, if there’s a chance or even a possibility or if it’s imminent. But I know if he did return there’d be a lot of buzz and a lot of happy fans as well.”

Check out the complete interview at DigitalSpy.com.

– UFC veterans Urijah Faber, Kenny Florian and Brian Stann recently weighed in on the possibility of former WWE Superstar CM Punk fighting in the UFC. You can check out their comments on the subject at MMAJunkie.com.

– A fan recently asked former WCW star Bill Goldberg if he would ever consider coming out of retirement to wrestle again. Goldberg responded with the following:

@NewAgeInsiders I would consider it

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) February 11, 2014

CBS Sports 920AM personality Larry Nickel recently interviewed WWE Superstar Ryback about a number of topics. In the interview, Ryback notes that he would like to face either Brock Lesnar or Goldberg in the future because they would both be big money matches.

Additionally, Ryback reveals his bench-press is up to 580 pounds right now, and talks about his bully character in WWE.

Check out the complete interview above.

– According to reports, the match WWE hoped to schedule between Goldberg and Ryback for WrestleMania XXX is said to be close to dead due to the fact that both WWE and Goldberg are far apart on the financial side of the potential agreement. However, one WWE source noted that the company hasn’t quite ruled out the possibility of a Goldberg vs. Ryback match just yet.

– As previously reported, WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil posted a tweet on his official Twitter account expressing some excitement over good news he received regarding the WWE Network. O’Neil’s tag-team partner, Darren Young, recently posted the following update on his official Twitter account:

The #PrimeTimePlayers received some fantastic news 2Day about the @WWENETWORK launch in 40 Days! #MillionsOfDollars #DailyDoseofPTPTV?

— nodaysoff DYoung (@DarrenYoungWWE) January 16, 2014

• Update On The Shield Breaking Up, Ultimate Warrior To Wrestle At WMXXX? JR’s Return(Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– 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).