-Pop-Break has a new interview up on their website today with UFC legend and former WWE Superstar “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock. Shamrock discusses both his MMA and pro wrestling career in-depth in the interview, which you can check out online at Pop-Break.com.
“JOHN MORRISON RETURNS” podcast episode released 7/26/13 and “JOHN MORRISON ON OOYM FITNESS” podcast episode released 7/19/13
The latest episode of the “Curtain Jerks” podcast “John Morrison Returns” features former WWE Superstar John Morrison talks about working on a movie with “Tiny” Lister Jr. aka Zeus, prepping for a ladder match, questioning Seth Rollins training, John tells a story of first meeting Brock Lesnar with Brock wanting to break John’s neck, if there were any gimmicks in WWE that he flat out refused to do, and if he would ever be Fandango. The episode can be heard on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or at www.comedypodcastnetwork.com/shows/curtain-jerks.
Last week’s episode “John Morrison on OOYM Fitness” features former WWE Superstar John Morrison and fitness expert Jeff Carrier, creators of Out Of Your Mind Fitness, talking about their fitness program that they created, empowering wrestling fans, and getting Tensai and Paul Heyman in peak physical condition.
Curtain Jerks is a comedy wrestling podcast featuring interviews with pro wrestlers including Heath Slater, J.J. Dillon, Tommy Dreamer and John Morrison, hilarious sketches, and a funny take on this week in wrestling. Hosted by comedians Scott Narver and Steve Sears.
WWE.com recently interviewed former WWE Superstar John Morrison about his “Out Of Your Mind Fitness” program. The article jokes, “The WWE Universe might think WWE.com is out of its mind interviewing an ex-Superstar not seen since late 2011. They’re right.” Here are some highlights of what Morrison said about:
His Fitness Program:
[“Out of Your Mind Fitness”] is a fully functional training regimen built to getanyonein the best shape of their life. Functional training is the bee’s knees these days. It’s all about time efficiency. Training your body to move … so you can have the highest quality of life possible.
Everyone needs to move — if you’re a pro athlete, a contortionist, a computer programmer or just somebody who wants to play with their kids. One of the benefits of functional training like this is that it utilizes movement across multiple muscle groups as opposed to old-school bodybuilding, which is about isolation. You don’t move with isolated muscle movements in real life.
Functional training is about integrating core and stabilization muscles, which are engaged while doing these exercises. The whole body is getting worked out as a unit.”
What He’s Been Doing Since Leaving WWE:
“Life is a pretty awesome ride. Since stepping off [the WWE] train, I’ve been writing some [film] shorts and a feature that I’m hoping to produce and star in. I just wrapped a movie called, ‘The Factory.’ I’ve also been training for stunt work, acting for some independent classics, and working out.”
– WWE’s weekly TV ratings are going to get a big boost next fall, as the Nielson Medida Research company announced this week that it is teaming up with Twitter to create a new “Nielson Twitter TV Rating” for shows.
The new metric of television viewership tracking will factor in social media activity into a show’s rating, so advertisers will see not just how many people are watching a show, but how engaged they are via their tweets. Visit Nielson.com to read the full press release.
– Former WWE superstar John Morrison wrestled at a recent show for LPF in Mexicali, Mexico and told fans that he plans to return to WWE in around 6 months when he gets back to wrestling full-time.
– Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com reported on November 18 that former WWE wrestlers John Morrison and Melina were involved in a domestic dispute the prior weekend, resulting in police being summoned to the residence they share in Los Angeles, California. He said details of the story would likely be published on TMZ.com, but ultimately, was not acknowledged. In a post on the F4WOnline.com message board Saturday, Meltzer explained why additional details regarding the incident have not been revealed.
“There was an incident reported to them (TMZ) but no police report to back it up so you can’t really go forward with the story,” wrote the Wrestling Observer editor. “Same reason I haven’t said anything. I checked with police and if they were called, there was no report.”
Since news of the incident surfaced online, Morrison has continued performing at wrestling events and comedy clubs. Perez, on the other hand, has continued to remain out of the public spotlight entirely. She last appeared at a wrestling show on October 12 in Tijuana, Mexico, accompanying Morrison for a match. She stopped tweeting a few days prior, and subsequently canceled an autograph signing she was scheduled to appear at later that month.
– Speaking to USA Today, music mogul-turned-boxing promoter 50 Cent believes the sport of professional boxing could benefit from utilizing WWE-style theatrics.
“(We should) use some of the theatrics that you see in WWE and bringing them into a sport that doesn’t have a question mark — we know boxing is real. We don’t say ‘is that real?’ like wrestling. If you add those different elements to it you can offer something that would be entertaining enough to watch the entire show,” said 50 Cent.
Details on 50 Cent’s promotion plans are available here.
– Former WWE superstar John Morrison will be appearing for Dragon Gate USA at their January 25th, 2013 event at the Lakeview Jr. High School in Santa Maria, California. DGUSA will release further details after Saturday’s EVOLVE 18 iPPV. Morrison has been rumored to be interested in returning to WWE
– The new poster for The Rock’s upcoming movie, “GI Joe: Retaliation” can be seen below (click to enlarge). The movie hits theaters in the United States on March 29, 2013.
– Here is Episode 26 of WWE’s “Outside The Ring” YouTube show, featuring Brad Maddox and his quest to earn a WWE contract:
“Just how determined is Brad Maddox to get that coveted WWE contract? Get inside his head in this edition of “Outside the Ring,” and watch how he tries to make his WWE dreams come true …”
– On Tuesday, Lilian Garcia appeared at a WWE event for the first time since being stuck by an automobile in late October. Appearing in her home state of South Carolina, she handled ring announcing duties.
Garcia foreshadowed her return earlier in the day, tweeting, “So happy today. Going to be a great day! Hope it’s a grt day for u too!!”
The WWE ring announcer and songstress was hit by an SUV on October 27 in Los Angeles, California, while working out, and was not in a vehicle. She suffered head, neck and back trauma, as well as lacerations and wounds on the left side of her body. She called it “the most frightening thing” she ever went through.
– Former WWE Superstar John Morrison released the following video message promoting his DREAMWAVE Wrestling match against Christian Rose on April 13, 2013 at Knights of Columbus in LaSalle, Illinois.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLjTsI5RHwQ
– The official website of WWE developmental promotion NXT has added French wrestler Sylvester Lefort to its roster page.
Billed at 5’9″ and 170 pounds, he is the smallest male wrestler in developmental. His bio acknowledges this, stating, “He prides himself on being a main attraction everywhere he competes and even though small in stature, his intensity and aggressive nature makes him a threat to any giant in NXT.”
Lefort lives by the motto: “I am not a big guy – but I will do some big things.”
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston is doing media appearances today in the Lafayette, Louisiana area to promote tonight’s WWE RAW.
– Last week, we reported that former WWE superstar John Morrison will be acting in the holiday play “A Christmas Carol” at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Los Angeles, California. To clarify that report, Morrison (and many other guest stars) will be doing a one-shot appearance and will not be a regular member of the cast for the production’s entire run.
– Here is the latest video from Diamond Dallas Page and Jake Roberts, with Jake preparing to visit Las Vegas for Thanksgiving weekend:
– The Rock noted on Twitter that he was in the United States visiting family for Thanksgiving on Thursday and is now headed back to London for to finish the final scenes for Fast 6. With The Rock scheduled to wrestle CM Punk at the Royal Rumble, he will be making a few appearances on WWE television in the coming weeks.
– Former WWE superstar John Morrison will be doing some acting later this month in Los Angeles, California. Morrison wil be appearing in the stage play “A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens” at the Kirk Douglas Theater. The show runs from November 24th through December 30th.
– Former WWE diva Serena Deeb did some volunteer work in Washington DC on Thursday. She tweeted:
So enjoyed volunteering at DC's Feast of Sharing today. Perfect reminder that happiness is not based on having material things/possessions.
– There are rumors that former WWE stars John Morrison and Melina were involved in a domestic violence dispute over the weekend. F4wonline.com reports that police were called and details will likely be on TMZ in the next 24 hours.
Speaking of Morrison, he and former WWE wrestler Chris Masters recently filmed a commercial for Wells Fargo Bank. Check out this picture of them on the set of the commercial:
– The preliminary pay-per-view buys estimate for WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view event on September 16, 2012 is 189,000 worldwide. This is up from 161,000 buys for last year’s show headlined by WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Triple H.
The break down is 100,000 domestic buys (53 percent) and 89,000 international buys (47 percent).
The event was headlined by WWE Champion CM Punk vs. John Cena.
– Ringside Collectibles hosted former Raw General Manager AJ Lee at Ringside Fest 2012, the ninth annual Ringside Fest. She discussed the event, her first ever Mattel WWE action figure and more.
– Former WWE Superstars John Morrison and Melina have canceled their advertised appearances at “Chiller Theatre” this weekend at the Sheraton Parsippany in Parsippany, New Jersey.
– After parting ways with WWE late last year, John Morrison is expected to ultimately return to the organization. This is the belief among many people in the organization.
Though it’s been speculated that he could wind up in TNA Wrestling, there is said to be no interest on Melina Perez, his girlfriend, from either the organization or her former employers. Therefore, he is expected to work for the company that pays him more.
Morrison has regularly competed at independent wrestling events under his real name, John Hennigan, since leaving the spotlight.
– In March, Evan Bourne was involved in an automobile accident which broke his foot in four places and dislocated it in five. In an update on his rehabilitating progress, a timetable for his return to the squared circle still remains uncertain.
– Raw General Manager AJ Lee, as well as Paul Heyman and Mick Foley, were in New York City Wednesday promoting THQ’s WWE ’13 video game. Click here to view photos of the three at a press event.
– Actor George Clooney has split from former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler, The Sunreports.
Keibler reportedly told her friends her relationship with Clooney is over. A statement is expected any day announcing the couple have split amicably.
A friend of Keibler’s told the publication, “She said George wants to be on his own again and has no intention of getting married. Stacy hoped they would be together long-term. It was a big breakthrough to spend time with his parents. But over the last few weeks George has pulled away from her.”
The couple had been romantically linked for over a year.
– Former WWE talent John Hennigan (a/k/a John Morrison) will appear in England this December for Preston City Wrestling as he takes on Noam Dar. The event takes place December 9 at Lava Ignite on Church Street in Preston, England. Here is a video of Hennigan sending a message to Dar.
– Former WWE superstar John Morrison noted on Twitter that he and former WWE diva Melina are working on a new web project, The Darkness Descending: Redemption. For more on the series, visit.
– The WWE website has a new “Where Are They Now” feature on former WCW star Crowbar. Crowbar, real name Christopher Ford, is now a physical therapist working with several hospitals in northern New Jersey.
– WWE remains very supportive of Ryback’s character, with hopes that he could eventually be a main event star. We noted earlier that audiences are really getting into his “Feed Me More” chant, without WWE having to pipe in sound effects.
After seeing the damage done to other new wrestlers who are pushed very hard at first and then reigned in, WWE is looking to build up Ryback very slowly and is just now having him wrestle mid-card talent.
– WWE will be holding a private party in LA tonight to kick off SummerSlam Axxess. WWE diva Kelly Kelly noted on Twitter that she’ll be attending.
– Ken Shamrock has been added to the Alumni section of WWE.com. Shamrock is expected to be a playable character in the upcoming WWE ’13 video game.
– Josh Tariff sent along the following:
Saturday, August 18th at IO West (6366 Hollywood Blvd), John Morrison will be appearing in another edition of the show ‘Cut That Promo’ hosted by ‘Professional Wrestling’s Voice of Choice’ Christian Rosenberg. This is a comedy show where John will share some stories about being on the road with WWE as well as improvisors trying to show Christian and John that they have what it takes to be known as the ‘superstar of tomorrow’. The show will take place on Saturday at 11:30 and tickets are $5. You can preorder tickets at West.IoImprov.com.
– After it was reported earlier today that Caylee Turner was not listed among WWE’s developmental talent on the relaunched FCWWrestling.info, but her profile remained online, the profile was removed. This would indicate that she has been released from the organization.
Turner, the younger sister of Alicia Fox, joined the promotion in June 2010 to begin her professional wrestling career. In February 2011, she was released from her WWE contract in order to participate in the filming of the rebooted Tough Enough series on the USA Network. After finishing in fourth place on the program, Turner, whose real name is Christina Crawford, re-signed with WWE. She regularly competed for the developmental promotion, which culminated with her capturing their Divas Championship on June 29, 2012. She has not lost the belt.
– Lena Yada, who appeared as a backstage correspondent for ECW on Syfy in 2008, attended Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown taping in Austin, Texas. She sat among the audience and then went backstage, where she tweeted a photo of herself with ring announcer Lilian Garcia.
– Former WWE Superstar John Morrison appears for Pro Wrestling Holland on March 2, 2013 at Dynamo in Eindhoven, Holland, according to the I.P.A. Network.
Former WWE Superstar John Morrison was recently interviewed by ‘Big Smoothie’ of the 95X FM radio station based out of Syracuse, New York. Morrison, who was released by WWE in November 2011, had this to say about his time away from the company:
“It’s nice to be in charge of my own destiny. That WWE express train pretty much monopolizes your own time. You’re doing shows around the world non-stop, over 200 shows a year. You don’t have time to pursue your own projects, or have many creative thoughts of your own.”
“So, to be able to enjoy my family and friends, go surfing more, and work on some acting stuff, some stunt fighting, things that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time that I didn’t have time to do recently has been pretty cool.”
– Kelly Kelly returns to WWE this week after being granted time off the road in late May.
She tweeted Sunday, “On the road again. Can’t wait to see everyone at the #raw1000.”
Kelly, who had been on the road on a weekly basis since joining WWE in 2006, was reportedly granted a break to spend time with her family and boyfriend. She last competed on television on the May 21 Raw SuperShow, losing to Beth Phoenix.
– WWE and Party City hosted a pizza party for Make-A-Wish kids on July 15 before Money in the Bank in Phoenix, Arizona. At the Party City celebration, Alex Riley, William Regal and Tyson Kidd met Dylan, Max and Joshua, who are all WWE Circle of Champions honorees from Make-A-Wish. Party City will host a donation drive in stores where WWE fans can donate $1 to Make-A-Wish through Aug. 18. (Article)’
– Former WWE Superstars John Morrison and Melina appear at the Steel City Con this Saturday and Sunday. The event is being held at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
– To update the news of Brock Lesnar responding to Triple H’s SummerSlam challenge tonight on RAW, WWE is now advertising that Lesnar’s “camp” will respond on his behalf.
As noted earlier in our RAW preview, neither Lesnar or Triple H are advertised/expected to appear live tonight.
– As the Interim General Manager of this week’s RAW and SmackDown shows, Teddy Long wrote on Twitter that he’s been granted access to the @WWERawGM Twitter account this week. The account has been inactive since John Laurinaitis was fired last month.
– The final part of “Cut That Promo” featuring former WWE superstar John Morrison and TNA Gutcheck reject Joey Ryan is now online. The footage was originally Filmed on June 7th during the 10th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival at IO West. The earlier parts can be viewed at host Christian Rosenberg’s Youtube channel. Here’s the 6th and final part:
– Suspended WWE superstar Randy Orton continues to respond to fan questions on Twitter. When asked about why WWE banned his skull punt but not Zack Ryder’s Broski Boot move, he responded, “Good Q”.
Ryder’s Broski Boot actually is banned, also due to potential concussions.
– John Morrison appeared at the 10th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival at IO West back on June 10th. The following videos from that show have been posted online of a segment titled, “Cut That Promo” –
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina has been announced to appear for World Wrestling Fan Xperience’s Champions Showcase Tour event on October 13, 2012 at the MegaSport Arena in Moscow, Russia (see Melina photo). Talent confirmed for the event thus far are Chris Masters, Daivari, Jillian Hall, Vladimir Kozlov, MVP, John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin Carlito and The Hurricane. Event information is available at www.wwfxperience.com.
– Former WWE talent Jackie Gayda-Haas (a/k/a Miss Jackie) is expecting her fourth child with husband Charlie Haas. She posted a photo on Facebook of her baby bump.
Haas previously gave birth in 2006, 2008 and 2010. The married couple have two daughters and one son.
– Rock of Ages, which features Kevin Nash playing a bodyguard character for Tom Cruise’s character, debuted at No. 3 this weekend in Australia with a $1.35 million gross.
— John Morrison addressed his departure from WWE during an interview with Colt Cabana for The Art of Wrestling.
“I left on good terms,” he said of his parting of ways. Morrison added that management always told him that his inability to cut a strong promo held him back from achieving greater success; he admits it’s something he needs to improve on. He is now looking to reposition himself and is hopeful that he’ll be worth more upon his return to the organization.
Morrison also discussed his workout routine, parodying The Undertaker and Triple H in an online video, parkour, life outside of professional wrestling and more. The interview is available at WeLoveColt.com.
— Marcus “Buff” Bagwell is at home recovering after being involved in a serious car accident on April 23 while traveling near his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. The former WCW Superstar is quickly healing from the life-threatening ordeal and is eyeing a return to the squared circle.
“Buff is doing much better!” a representative of Bagwell told Hollywood.com. “He is at home and ready to work again.”
– Puerto Rico’s World Wrestling Council promotion has announced that WWE Superstars Primo and Epico will wrestle former WWE superstars Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison at the June 30th Anniversario show from Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
– WWE is looking to hire a new Creative Director for the upcoming WWE Network. A job listing posted at EntertainmentCareers.net lists the following job description:
“The WWE is launching a new TV Channel. We are looking for a Creative Director to help define and create the new Network’s brand identity, positioning and programming promotion. This position is a newly created role reporting to the Vice President.”
“He/she works closely with the VP to develop concepts and ideas to be used for promoting the Network and various WWE programs.”
“The Creative Director will be manage a team and oversee the day-to-day On-Air creative team and provide creative guidance and assistance to the Managers, Producers, and Associate Producers.”
— Starship-Pained.com conducted a Q&A with John Morrison on Saturday at the Motor City Comic Con and the former WWE Superstar discussed working with Vince McMahon.
“It was great and interesting. He’s a wrestling genius. He has a phenomenal mind. He’s comical. However, what he wanted always conflicted with what I wanted, but he has a clear vision & he had confidence. It was really cool to be around him,” Morrison said.
Regarding being ECW Champion, he stated, “It was awesome. Think about all the history. RVD, Tommy Dreamer, Taz, the ECW Ballroom. It was the watered down WWE version of ECW but it was still an honor.”
Morrison also commented on future plans, CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, The Miz and more. The full interview is available here.
— Lex Luger has arrived to WWE.com as he is now featured in their Alumni section (link). The website says of The Total Package, “With his impressive physique and powerful abilities, Lex Luger became one of the most popular competitors of the 1990s. Check out Luger’s profile, photos and videos, the latest addition to the Alumni section!”
— Starship-Pained.com conducted a Q&A with John Morrison on Saturday at the Motor City Comic Con. Regarding a possible return to WWE, Morrison stated, “Yes. Maybe a year or so.” The full interview is available here.
— Lance Storm, who placed No. 32 in WWE.com’s “Top 50 WCW Superstars” list, offered his thoughts on the list via Twitter:
“Don’t bother sending me the WCW Superstars list. I don’t care. Its one dude making a list, it means nothing.”
— Swagbucks issued the following statement regarding WWE’s official search engine:
“We regret to inform you that MyWWEsearch.com will be closing on June 15th. What does this mean for your current WWE Swag Bucks? Until June 15, 2012 the WWE Swag Store will remain active and we will be lowering the prices of all items in the store. After June 15th, all your WWE Swag Bucks will be redeemable at Swagbucks.com Swag Store where you can also continue to build your Swagbucks account. We are sorry for this sudden change, but will make sure that you still have the ability to earn and spend your Swag Bucks for the rewards you deserve.”
