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Tag: Lilian Garcia

  • Orton Talks New Movie (Video), Lilian Garcia News, More

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia is working with Grammy-nominated producer Oh Hush! this week for her upcoming music album.

    — The John Cena Experience and Smackdown: The Best of 2009-2010 are featured this month on pay-per-view. WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time will air next month.

    — Randy Orton was interviewed last month at the Santa Barbara Film Festival to discuss his role in the upcoming WWE Studios film That’s What I Am, which is scheduled for a brief theatrical run Wrestlemania weekend before its released on video May 10. “The Viper” discusses the movie’s plot as well as the differences between acting in WWE and in film. He also states that he would like to further his acting career.

  • Pictures Of Lillian Garcia At The Grammy Awards

    – Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night television show on Monday night. She served as a correspondent of the Kimmel show and was interviewing celebrities on the red carpet of last weekend’s Grammy Awards. Her name was shown onscreen as “Lilah Garcia.”

    Speaking of Lilian Garcia, she will be appearing at the upcoming Miami Comic Con event on February 26th-27th from the Miami Airport Convention Center. Other wrestling stars appearing at that show include Kevin Nash, Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle and TNA knockout Cookie.

    Check out these pictures of Lilian Garcia on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards:

  • Update On Matt Striker, Vince McMahon Featured On DVD Cover

    — As seen last Friday on SmackDown, Matt Striker was replaced on the program’s announce team by the returning Booker T. He remains as a color commentator for the blue brand as he called tonight’s SmackDown matches on WWE Superstars, alongside Jack Korpela.

    — An archival photo of Vince McMahon is featured on the cover art of WWE’s The True Story Of WrestleMania DVD and Blu-ray release. To view the image, click here. The title is set for release in the United States on March 15.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced today on Twitter that she will be attending this Sunday’s 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

  • Lilian Garcia Sings At NFL Game, Fatal 4-Way Ticket News, More

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia sang the national anthem prior to this afternoon’s New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

    She wrote on Twitter, “On the side lines watching the #jets warm up! Gearing up to sing anthem in less then 30 mins! Butterflies are forming but SO pumped for it!!”

    Garcia later added that the experience was a blast. Photos of her appearance are available here.

    — The pre-sale password for WWE’s Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view event on June 19 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. is WWEVIP. The pre-sale is ongoing at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday.

    — In addition to the closure of the WWE Universe social networking website, WWE.com removed the “Superstar of the Day” and “Daily Diva” features.

  • Lilian Garcia Singing At NFL Game, WWE Superstars Preview

    — Former WWE Diva and ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be signing the national anthem prior to this Sunday’s New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

    — Chris Masters vs. Tyler Reks headlines tonight’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America. Also scheduled to take place is William Regal vs. David Hart Smith and The Usos vs. Yoshi Tatsu & Darren Young.

    — WWE Monday Night Raw on March 14, 2011 will be held at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Tickets go on sale January 15, 2011 via Ticketmaster.com.

  • Date & Location For Tribute to the Troops, Video Profile On Edge

    — According to an SPC stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, signs have been posted around the military base advertising WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event for Saturday, Dec. 11.

    The hour-long special will air 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST the following Saturday on NBC and chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families, culminating with a live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel.

    — A clip of Edge’s profile in WWE’s forthcoming Top 50 Superstars of All Time DVD has been released. The clip highlights his WWE career in under three minutes and features comments from fellow colleagues such as John Cena and William Regal.

    To view the video profile, click here.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia has been announced for Wizard World’s Miami Comic Con, which takes place Feb. 26-27 at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida.

  • Maria Comments On Wrestling Status, Torrie Shuts Down ‘Jaded’

    — Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis commented on her current status in the professional wrestling industry yesterday on Twitter.

    “No,” she said in response to a fan’s query regarding a possible return. “I had an amazing time with all the great superstars and divas, but music and acting is my life now. Maybe an appearance, but never fulltime. I still love wrestling though!! Love the fans.”.

    — Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson noted on Twitter that she recently shut down her clothing boutique Jaded, which she opened three years ago in The Woodlands, Texas, at the upscale Market Street district. She also said she will soon be re-locating to Los Angeles, California, from Houston, Texas.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing at the Hollywood XPO this Saturday from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. The event is being held at The Hilton at Universal Studios, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California. Visit www.hollywoodxpo.com for more information

  • Jillian Addresses Release Rumors, Hardy Says It’s Time To Leave

    — Shortly after Raw, WWE Diva Jillian cryptically noted on Twitter that she had closed a chapter Monday.

    “A chapter closed tonight. Excited for what’s ahead.”

    Her statement was misconstrued by some fans as an indication that she was parting ways with World Wrestling Entertainment. She then clarified:

    “No…. WWE hasn’t released me silly gooses. Just opening a new chapter in the book of Jillian!”

    — Former Raw ring announcer Lilian Garcia, who closed a chapter of her own one year ago today when she parted ways with WWE, is advertised to appear at The Hollywood Show taking place in Burbank, California on October 9 and 10. Click here for more information on her upcoming appearance.

    — Matt Hardy continues to indicate that he will parting ways with WWE in the near future. He noted to a fan on his YouTube channel that he feels it’s time to move on from the organization.

    “I have sucked it up for a while and I’ve done pretty much everything I could humanly do,” Hardy wrote. “I think it’s just time to move on.. I would have liked to stay in WWE for my entire career, but looks like it’s just not gonna work out that way. Thanks for your comment pal.”

  • Lilian Talks About Leaving WWE, Divas Being Misused & More

    Former WWE Diva/RAW ring announcer, Lilian Garcia, was the special guest on this week’s live edition (08/16/10) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem.

    Lilian Garcia Discusses Her WWE Departure, Her Expectation Level When Starting With World Wrestling Entertainment, How She Almost Chose To Not Show Up To Her WWE Audition, If She Initially Thought She Would Have Lasted As Long As She Did With The Company/Been As Successful As She Was, Why Tony Chimel & Howard Finkel Were Instrumental In Her Success, The Criticisms Given To Justin Roberts/WWE’s Other Ring Announcers, The Impact Of Singing “America The Beautiful” On SmackDown After The 9/11 Attacks, “The People’s Strudel,” Why She Wants More To See More TV Time Given To The WWE Divas, The Transition Into The Next Phase Of Her Life/Career, The Details Of Her Forthcoming Album, & Her Appearance At This Weekend’s Chicago Comic Con.

    CLICK HERE to listen to Lilian’s appearance on Monday Night Mayhem (MP3)

    Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:

    Why, in the end, she decided to leave World Wrestling Entertainment last September & what/whom she misses the most: “There’s nothing like having that one-on-one interaction with them: every time we’re out there, being able to hi-five & hug people. It’s just an amazing feeling. I miss some of the travel, I’m not crazy about all of the travel. Some of the places we went to were a lot of fun, especially when went overseas. I love Europe, and I love to experience different cultures, so I would definitely take advantage of the sightseeing. What I don’t miss is the airports & the hauling of the luggage. That kind of stuff wears on you, and when you do it ten years straight, it does wear on you. That’s why I have a lot of respect for all of the Superstars, because I didn’t have the grueling schedule that they would had of 300+ days a year, so I have respect for those who can do it and be away from their families. I really missed being away from my family, and that was one of the decision I made. When my contract was up, I was like do I sign on for a new contract, or do I really want to take the time to be with my family & my new husband, and I just made that decision that it was time.”

    Her transition into the next phase of her life/career & the reason as to why she wanted to take time off: “It’s been a year since I left. It almost feels like right around the corner, and I can’t believe how time flies. So much has happened since I left. Actually, after I left on the 21st of September, I got married on the 28th of September, which was on a Monday, so it was ironic that I got married on a Monday. I went on a long amazing honeymoon and spent time with the family. I just took time off because I had been on the road for ten years straight. I did some work in Los Angeles, and a lot of doors starting opening up for me in L.A., so we made the decision to move to Los Angeles from New York, and we left in May. It’s just a fresh start & a new chapter in my life.”

    Her expectation level when she started working for the WWE in 1999, how she almost chose to not show up to her WWE audition, why Tony Chimel & Howard Finkel were instrumental in her success, and if she initially thought she would have lasted as long as she did/been as successful as she was in World Wrestling Entertainment: “No, not at all. I’ll be honest with you, I had no idea what I was walking into, and I almost didn’t do the audition. I was called to New York to audition, and I looked at him and said ‘Are you kidding me…wrestling?’ He didn’t tell me what it was for, because the WWE didn’t tell him. I auditioned for a backstage interviewer for Super Astros, which was going to be on Univision, but I didn’t get it. It wasn’t until six months later that I got another call back, and they remembered me, and they needed people for SmackDown before it premiered. I auditioned again, and they called me, and they wanted to try me on for 1-3 months, and that I could leave at any time, and I was thinking I had nothing to lose…I’ll try it out. I went to my first show to find out that I was ring announcing that night, and Tony Chimel was there, and he sat with me and told me what I supposed to say. Between Chimel & Howard Finkel, I can’t thank them enough, because they could have easily sabotaged me, but they were so helpful, and I will never forget that.”

    If she ever felt that the WWE Divas were not utilized properly during her time in the company & why she would like to see the Divas get more time on WWE television: “I always wished the Divas had more time on the show, because a lot of times, they get one match on the show. I see them working so hard, and they live & breathe this business just has much as the guys do. It depends on the writing, and the storylines, and ratings, and all of that. I could say that I wish they had more time, but I’m also partial to them too. I think it’s a great job they do week in & week out, and it’s not easy to write all these storylines & all these different ideas. I think the WWE does a good job on that, but of course personally, I would love to see more of the Divas going against each other.”

    The bonds she formed during her time in the WWE, which WWE Diva she classified as her “best friend” (that she was sad to see go after her departure), & her reaction to the passings of Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit: “I guess every situation in different for everybody. I never felt outside the loop, or because I didn’t take bumps, I didn’t have anyone to comfort. I had a great camaraderie with all the superstars and especially all the divas. We had an amazing locker room throughout the years, and I saw a lot of people go in & out, which is sad, because I would form these really big bonds with a lot of them. Trish Stratus would be an example of one; we would travel together, and we were best friends, and when she left, I think I cried more than she did. I always felt like I had someone there, and I remember when we got the news about Eddie Guerrero & Chris Benoit, it was sad, and it was like a family atmosphere, and I remember hugging everybody. I had a great relationship with everyone.”

    More is contained in this exclusive interview with the WWE’s first & only “Decade Diva,” including her candid thoughts/comments on returning to the company for one night only this past April, the criticisms given to Justin Roberts & the newer ring announcers since her departure, her relationship with Dawyne “The Rock” Johnson/the memorable “People’s Strudel” backstage vignettes, singing “America the Beautiful” on SmackDown after the 9/11 attacks, her top moments/matches from her time in the WWE, an update on her forthcoming musical projects (including when fans can expect to see the release of her new album), & how she plans on celebrating her birthday this Thursday. For all of the details on how you can meet Lilian Garcia this weekend in “The Windy City” for the Chicago Comic Con, be sure to log on to her official website (located at www.LilianGarcia.com), and be sure to follow Lilian on her official Twitter page (located at www.Twitter.com/LilianGarcia).

  • SD Roster Expected To Be Beefed Up, Cena’s Crack On Gabriel

    — There has been talk of beefing up the SmackDown roster before its television show debuts on Syfy on October 1. Though it may be unrelated, it’s worth noting that The Miz is advertised to appear at a SmackDown live event in October.

    — As seen on Monday’s episode of Raw, John Cena alluded to Justin Gabriel’s sexuality by saying the Nexus member has an “alternative way of thinking.” Unlike past instances on WWE programming, it was not some sort of inside reference on behalf of creative. Figure Four Weekly Online editor Bryan Alvarez noted in an online show Tuesday that Gabriel has a girlfriend, He did not, however, reveal who his girlfriend is.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia has posted several photos of herself mingling with such WWE Superstars and Divas as Randy Orton, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and Maryse at last week’s SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Hollywood, California on her official website, www.liliangarcia.com.

    sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, www.f4wonline.com

  • Phoenix Says When She Plans To Return, Garcia Attends Function

    — During an interview with The Tampa Tribune, three-time WWE Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix said she hopes to return from her major knee injury in two months.

    Phoenix tore her anterior cruciate ligament during a match with former associate Rosa Mendes on the May 6 edition of WWE Superstars. Phoenix dropped the Women’s Championship the following week and was written off television.

    Phoenix was profiled due to her upcoming appearances for WWE’s developmental promotion, Florida Championship Wrestling. “The Glamazon” is scheduled to appear at FCW events on Wednesday in Orlando and Friday in Plant City.

    — Among those in attendance at last night’s WWE SummerSlam Kickoff Party in Hollywood, California was former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia. She noted on Twitter earlier this week that she would be attending the VIP event to make up for missing tomorrow night’s SummerSlam and Monday’s Raw due to previously scheduled arrangements in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

    Photos of Garcia walking the red carpet can be viewed at her official website, www.liliangarcia.com.

  • Trish Stratus Resurfaces, LeBron James Compared To The nWo

    — Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Saturday’s Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox game in Toronto, Ontario. To view an image of Stratus from Saturday, click here.

    — A number of sports columnists are comparing LeBron James’ “decision” to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat to Hulk Hogan’s infamous heel turn in 1996, feeling it was a page straight out of professional wrestling.

    “LeBron’s announcement was the basketball equivalent of what Hulk Hogan did in 1996 at the WCW Bash at The Beach. The Hulkster turned on Randy Savage and joined Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form NWO,” ESPN.com columnist Adam Watson wrote. “And just as Hogan traded his red and yellow tights for black and white ones with lightning bolts, LeBron will don the flamed black and white jersey of the Heat.

    “Unfortunately for the people of Ohio though, this isn’t fake.”

    Here are a few links comparing the two – ESPN.com | Bill Simmons | Baltimore Sun | Worcester Telegram | Sports From The Korndog Stand

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced on her official website that she is now living a raw vegan lifestyle. The majority of her diet consists of raw vegetables and fruits, nuts and nut pastes, grain and legume sprouts, seeds, plant oils, sea vegetables, herbs and fresh juices. She also noted she’s busy recording a new music album, which she hopes to release in the near future. You can read her latest blog post here.

    — Today is former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms’ birthday, who turns 36 years old. He worked a match last night at the Brockton Fair in Brockton, Massachusetts.

  • Update On “The Chaperone”, R-Truth Working On New Theme

    — According to WWE Magazine’s “Best of WWE” Special Issue, which was released last Tuesday, WWE Studios’ upcoming comedy film starring Paul “Triple H” Levesque will be released in theaters next summer. Also note, the magazine refers to the film as Inside Out, but it has since been changed to The Chaperone. The film is currently being filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    — R-Truth revealed in an interview with WWE Magazine that he has another entrance theme in the works which would be specifically performed at pay-per-view events.

    “The new song is called “Right Time,” R-Truth told WWE Magazine. “It’s hip-hop with some metal guitars in it. The lyrics will encourage crowd participation, too. The song just talks about going through life, doing the right things and keeping your head up.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia is auctioning off several new items worn on television and in photo shoots, including the top worn during her infamous “The People’s Strudel” interview with The Rock. You can view the auctions here.

  • Goldberg “Irked” By Spear Users, Varon Robbed Again, More

    — On Twitter, Bill Goldberg was asked if it bothers him that so many wrestlers have added the “Spear” (also known as shoulder block takedown) to their in-ring repertoire, a wrestling maneuver he popularized in the late nineties while performing for World Championship Wrestling. The former wrestling champion said it does bother him, and deemed those who use the “Spear” as uncreative.

    “Gotta say all these yahoos using the Spear irks me……Just shows how over it was and how less-than-creative they are,” Goldberg wrote on Twitter.

    — Lisa Marie Varon says in her latest MySpace blog that a set of wheels valued at $3,000 were recently stolen from her car parked outside her Louisville residence. The individual who stole the wheels then brought them to her custom car dealership in Louisville, Kentucky, asking how to implement them on his vehicle considering they weren’t made for it. The staffers immediately recognized the stolen wheels, called police, and he was arrested. Varon was also robbed during her appearance at the Comic Con Wizard World Convention in Philadelphia, the second time in two weeks she was looted.

    Varon also noted being added back to WWE.com’s Alumni page, saying it feels good to be recognized alongside some of professional wrestling’s all-time greats. Regarding a possible return to the organization, she says there are other things she’s trying to while she has the opportunity and that it is not likely.

    “I think we all feel that Victoria ran her course at WWE,” Varon wrote.

    — Lilian Garcia answered a number of fan questions this past week on Twitter, noting who she enjoyed working with most in WWE, her favorite wrestler names to announce, her favorite WWE storyline, and more. You can view her answers at www.LilianGarcia.com.

    When asked whether she has any plans to return to WWE, she said, “I never say never but for now I don’t have any plans to.”

  • Latest Story On Sid Vicious, Trish Stratus Interview, Ricky Ortiz

    — Sid Vicious was scheduled to appear for Dreamwave Wrestling on June 5 in LaSalle, Illinois but no-showed the event. The promotion received word on the morning of the show that Vicious had not boarded his flight and as a result, spent all day trying to get in touch with him. When promotion officials finally reached the former world champion, he said that he forgot to bring his passport to the airport, and thus was prohibited from boarding his flight. Although it should be noted that he was flying from Memphis, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois and a passport isn’t required to fly within the country. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — Fans can now keep up with Ricky Ortiz as the former WWE star has opened an account on Twitter. His page can be found at twitter.com/BigO_RickyOrtiz. Since his release from WWE last year, Ortiz has continued his wrestling career, making appearances for the Florida-based Combat Championship Wrestling promotion.

    — Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus comments on her debut movie role for Bail Enforcers at the following link. She also discusses appearing on the cover of The Wrestler, whether she minds being viewed as a sex symbol, nude yoga, and more.

    — Booker T and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing at the Frank & Son Collectible Show tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is located on 19649 San Jose Avenue, City of Industry, California.

  • Carlito Pulled From Anniversario, Have Coffee With Lilian Garcia

    — Recently released WWE stars Carlito and Katie Lea Burchill have been pulled from next month’s World Wrestling Council Anniversario event. Carlito was pulled due to circumstances surrounding his release from WWE. Meanwhile, Burchill has been unable to obtain a new working visa for the United States since her departure from WWE, hence her removal from the event. She is being replaced by TNA Knockout ODB. (Thanks to Manuel Gonzalez)

    — Former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia will be holding a special one hour meet and greet over coffee and pastry at her hotel on the mornings of June 12th and 13th. The one hour “Coffee ‘N Chat” will be held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street beginning at 8:00 a.m. It will be limited to 8 people each day. Tickets can be purchased on eBay at Lilian Garcia Direct or at Lilian’s booth at the Philadelphia Comic Con on Friday and Saturday — cash only. If fans bring items to be signed, there will be a charge of $20 per item. Those interested in attending can instantly purchase a ticket here.

    — Fans have the opportunity to meet former WWE Diva Mickie James at this week’s Country Music Association Festival in Nashville as she will be appearing at the Roughstock booth. In another note, she participated in yesterday’s Porter Wagoner Celebrity Fishing Tournament, partnering with fisherman Roland Martin.

  • James Appearing In Puerto Rico, Former WWE Diva Gives Birth

    — World Wrestling Council announced that former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James will compete at Aniversario 2010 — the promotion’s biggest event of the year. Previously announced names for Aniversario 2010 include Scott Steiner, AAA’s El Mesias, Shelton Benjamin, Tommy Dreamer, Katie Lea Burchill, Carlito, Primo and Tony Atlas.

    Anniversary 2010, dedicated to Don Pedro ‘Huracan’ Castillo, will take place on Friday, July 9 at the Luis T. Diaz Coliseum in Aguadilla, on Saturday July 10 at the Coliseum Salvador Dijols of La Playa de Ponce, and on Sunday July 11 at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon. Visit <strongwww.superestrellaswwc.com for more information.

    — Former WWE performers Charlie and Jackie Haas welcomed a baby boy this past week, Thomas Russell Haas II. Nicknamed after Charlie’s late brother Russ, Thomas was born Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., weighing 8 lbs, 14 oz.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia and former TNA wrestler Christopher Daniels have been announced to appear at the San Diego Comic Con taking place July 22-24 at the San Diego Convention Center. More wrestling stars are expected to be added to the event in the coming weeks.

  • Varon To Meet With WWE Officials, Update On ’93 Raw DVD Set

    — Lisa Marie Varon (a/k/a Tara; formerly known as Victoria in WWE) is expected to speak with WWE officials regarding a potential return to the company now that her contract with TNA has expired. However, friends of Varon say it’s possible she’ll return to TNA should WWE not make her a better contract offer as she’s on good terms with management again. (source: www.pwtorch.com)

    — According to a recent issue of WWE Magazine, there were tentative plans for WWE to release every single episode of Monday Night Raw from 1993 on DVD. The project has been scrapped in favor of “best of” DVD set highlighting the first two “seasons” of Monday Night Raw — 1993 and 1994. Click here for more information on the upcoming release.

    — Former WWE Divas Lisa Marie Varon, Lilian Garcia and Christy Hemme have been added to Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con taking place August 20-22 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Other wrestling talent scheduled to appear include Diamond Dallas Page, Mick Foley, Amy Dumas, The Iron Sheik, Shane Douglas, The Honky Tonk Man, Jackie Haas, Charlie Haas, Bushwacker Luke and Rikishi. Click here for more information.

  • TNA Seeking New Ring Announcer – Lilian Garcia To Follow?

    In light of ring announcer David Penzer’s departure from TNA Wrestling last week, Jeremy Borash is now being used as the company’s full-time ring announcer. However, the move may not be permanent as TNA officials are reportedly seeking talent outside the organization to assume the role.

    According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA officials have displayed interest in acquiring veteran ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta, whose career dates back to the 1970s. While he has worked for Ring of Honor in recent years, he hasn’t worked full-time in the industry since leaving World Championship Wrestling more than a decade ago. Currently, he is a Spanish teacher at Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey.

    There is also an unconfirmed report circulating online indicating TNA officials have contemplated asking former WWE songstress Lilian Garcia about joining the organization. While the former WWE Diva has yet to publicly acknowledge TNA, she’s very much aware of the Orlando-based wrestling promotion. The former ring announcer of Monday Night Raw has privately told friends she considers herself very loyal to WWE and thus she could never see herself working for TNA. Though she loved her job with WWE, she cited the taxing road schedule as her main reason for departing the company last year. Recently, Garcia moved out west to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment field, so a return to professional wrestling appears highly unlikely at this point.

  • Mickie James Opens Page On Facebook, Kanellis Eyes Johansson

    — Former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James has launched a page on Facebook promoting her debut country music album, Strangers & Angels. The country recording music artist hinted on Twitter last week that her manager was insistent she get on Facebook and/or Myspace.

    You can visit the page here.

    — Celebrity Apprentice contestant and former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis was briefly featured on yesterday’s edition of TMZ. Cameras caught up with her and she said would like to make out with actress Scarlett Johansson.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia was forced to pull out of the Adventure Con pop culture collector’s show taking place this weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a result of sickness. She stated on her Twitter account that she has a sinus infection, and thus her doctor is prohibiting her from flying.

    She wrote on Twitter, “Bummed cause I have a sinus infection & my doc won’t let me fly this wkend. Have 2 cancel signing in TN. Sorry guys. :-(”

    Wrestling talent scheduled to appear at the event include Mick Foley, Ted DiBiase, Virgil, Greg Valentine and Raven.

  • Details On Randy Savage’s Wedding, Candice Michelle Expecting

    — As reported earlier, multi-time wrestling champion Randy Savage (Randy Poffo), 57, recently wed for a second time. The bride in question is Lynn Payne, 55, reports the Wrestling Globe Newsletter. The ceremony was held on May 10 at Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida with only their closest family in attendance.

    The couple first met thirty-six years ago in Sarasota. Poffo, who was a minor league baseball player at the time, was playing for the Tampa Tarpons while Payne was attending school at the Ringling School of Art and Design. They dated for two years before going their separate ways. The couple reunited in 2001.

    “Thirty-six years ago, Lynn and I met on Lido Beach,” said Poffo at the wedding. “I feel so fortunate that I had a second chance to marry my first love, here where it all began.”

    — Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle is expected to give birth any day now. She noted the following on her Twitter account yesterday: “Having some serious contractions! Holy crap are they intense.”

    — Booker T and Lilian Garcia will be appearing at the Frank & Son Collectible Show taking place on Saturday, June 26 in City of Industry, California. Click here for more information.

    — Today marks the eleven year anniversary of the death of Owen Hart. He died when an equipment malfunction occurred during his entrance from the rafters of the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at the WWF’s Over the Edge pay-per-view event.

  • Jim Ross Removed From WWE Roster, Melina Appears On VH1

    — Jim Ross, a play-by-play commentator for WWE since 1993, has been removed from the company website’s SmackDown roster page.

    While his talent contract with WWE has expired, he remains employed to the organization in a talent relations capacity.

    “My WWE ‘talent contract’ has ended after a 17+ year run with the company,” Ross wrote in a recent blog. “Obviously, I would have liked to have had the ability to do a ‘farewell broadcast’ but that opportunity never occurred.”

    — Melina is currently featured on Undateable, a five-part series currently airing on VH1 counting down the “Top 100 gaffes guys make that repel women.” You can catch the entire countdown tonight starting at 6:00 p.m. The series will air throughout the next week.

    — A number of former WWE performers are on hand for this weekend’s Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Michigan including Amy “Lita” Dumas, Lilian Garcia, Molly Holly, Raven and Kevin Thorn. Click here for more information.

  • Lilian Garcia Responds To Mick Foley’s Comments Defending Her

    Last Wednesday, Mick Foley published a blog on his MySpace account criticizing Triple H for mocking Lilian Garcia during her appearance on Raw last month. Garcia was back on Raw to fill in as ring announcer with most of the Raw crew grounded overseas.

    The event in question occurred during Hunter’s show-opening monologue on the Apr. 19 Raw in which he made a crack about Garcia “horsing around.” The comment stems from those in the WWE’s “inner circle” often joking that Lilian has a horse-shaped face.

    Foley wrote: “Why does someone like Triple H, one of the most talented, well paid guys in the business, do something so shallow and mean? Why would a multi-millionaire, with millions of fans around the world, feel the need (several times over the years) to say something that is only meant to hurt? I don’t get it. I don’t get why it’s done, I don’t get why it’s condoned, I don’t get what possible satisfaction anyone involved gets from demeaning someone like Lillian Garcia. I just don’t get it.”

    Breaking her silence on the matter, Garcia wrote the following message to Foley on her Twitter account today: “Mick Foley, this tweet’s for you!! I really appreciate your kind words and the compassion you showed in your blog. Your care for my feelings proves what a loving, caring and wonderful human being you are. This is why I truly miss working with you. You are one of a kind!! Thank you, love you!!”

    Foley acknowledged feedback he’s received since last week for chastising Triple H for his dig towards Garcia in a follow-up blog. He acknowledged that he may have cost himself professionally down the road, not to mention that some people may see him as a hypocrite, but felt he had to stand for certain principles in this situation.

    Foley explained further: “I could go into great detail about why some of the issues raised (it was innocent joking around on Triple H’s part, I’m a hypocrite because I made fun of Al Snow, Test, etc., where was I during the Mickie James angle?) but I think it would be far more productive for readers to try to figure out the differences for themselves.”

  • Monday’s Raw Rating, Cena Possibly Recording Another Album

    — Last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw averaged a 3.05 cable rating, the same number as last week. The show drew a 3.00 during the first hour and a 3.10 during the second. Overall viewership was slightly up as Raw averaged 4.41 million viewers compared to 4.33 million last week. (source: PWInsider.com)

    — John Cena noted on his Twitter account today that he spent time in the recording studio this afternoon.

    “Just finished recording a song with ‘Bumpy Knuckles’ for the movie Legendary,” Cena wrote. “It will be out in September. Was very good to be back in the studio making music. I am really thinking about doing another album. Time will tell.”

    — After living in New York City for over a decade, former WWE Diva Lilian Garcia has announced that she is moving out west to Los Angeles, California. The former ring announcer of Monday Night Raw noted in a blog post that some opportunities have presented themselves to her and she felt the need to take a “leap of faith towards them,” hence the change of scenery. To read her comments, click here. She officially leaves on Thursday.

  • Mick Foley Calls Out Triple H For Making Fun of Lilian Garcia

    TNA star Mick Foley is calling out WWE superstar Triple H for his “shallow” and “mean” joke about Lilian Garcia’s appearance on RAW two weeks ago.

    Garcia returned to WWE for one night to guest ring announce when the RAW crew was stranded in Europe. During the opening segment of the show, Triple H had a microphone and went over to her and said, “Even Lillian Garcia. If Lillian wants to come back here for night to the WWE just to horse around, she can do it.” After Triple H’s remarks, Jerry Lawler make a horse sound on commentary. Triple H’s “horsing around” comment reportedly a reference to a backstage joke about Lilian that her face resembles that of a horse.

    Foley wrote on his MySpace.com blog that Triple H’s joke was the latest incident in a pattern of cruel on-air behavior from Vince McMahon’s son in law:

    “Why does someone like Triple H, one of the most talented, well paid guys in the business, do something so shallow and mean? Why would a multi-millionaire, with millions of fans around the world, feel the need (several times over the years) to say something that is only meant to hurt? I don’t get it. I don’t get why it’s done, I don’t get why it’s condoned, I don’t get what possible satisfaction anyone involved gets from demeaning someone like Lillian Garcia. I just don’t get it.”