Jonathan Coachman, who now works as a sports anchor for ESPN, says his past history as a WWE commentator and wrestling villain affected his initial credibility with the sports television network.

“It really held me back for a while. There were certain people (ESPN executives) that were fearful of some negative backlash that they hired a guy best known for wrestling,” he tells The Hutchinson News.

“It was frustrating. I knew where I should be, at and I knew where I wasn’t. But I also knew the reason.”

Coachman also recalled sports reporting at Kemper Arena when Owen Hart died at WWE’s Over the Edge pay-per-view event.

“There were no cell phones back then,” he said. “Everyone back at the station was going nuts. I worked all night. The next morning, I was on ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘Mike and Mike in the Morning.'”

The full article is available here.

— A “major” viral campaign will be starting imminently on WWE.com. It will be pushed strongly beginning next Monday.

— Everything taking place on tonight’s Raw SuperShow was approved at the last minute. The episode’s content had changed three times since creative heads arrived to Greensboro, North Carolina, the site of tonight’s show.

— WWE Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase appears for 3XWrestling on June 8 in Grimes, Iowa and June 9 in Boone, Iowa. (Event details)

— Smith Hart remembered his late brother Owen via Twitter: “Today marks the anniversary of my brother Owen’s birth. I like to take this time to remember the wonderful moments we had together.”

source: F4WOnline.com

— WWE.com issued a poll Monday asking fans to name WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. Voting options include Air Truth, Ka-Boom, R-Boom, Truth in Paradise and Air Jimmy

— Today would have been Owen Hart’s forty-seventh birthday. He died on May 23, 1999 when an equipment malfunction occurred during his entrance from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at the World Wrestling Federation’s Over the Edge pay-per-view event. Two WWE Superstars with ties to the late wrestler are remembering him on his birthday.

Natalya wrote on Twitter, “Remembering Owen Hart today on his 47th birthday. We are all just waiting today for some crazy prank from Heaven:) (Photo)

Tyson Kidd added, “I watched@BretHart vs @ShawnMichaels at WrestleMania 12 (my favorite match) thanks to Owen Hart flying me in as a guest of his #owenmemories.”

— Former WWE stars The Gymini and Bam Neely now work as bouncers at the Space Odyssey night club in Tampa, Florida. All three individuals no longer wrestle.

— Actor Dennis Haskins of Saved by the Bell fame attended Sunday’s Raw live event in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He took a bow after being introduced to the audience.

— Matt Hardy appears for Xcite Wrestling on July 21 at the American Legion in Binghamton, New York. (Event details)

Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:

Are some WWE Superstars jealous of The Rock’s return to WWE and headlining WrestleMania XXVIII?: “Probably, but I’ve not spoken directly to any that express that sentiment however jealousy isn’t anything new in the genre or in any locker room. For one to think that it isn’t is being naive. @TheRock returning to WWE is about BUSINESS and the bigger the pie the bigger the slice for everyone.”

If he wants to wrestle Michael Cole at WrestleMania XXVIII: “Absolutely, not. And not any where else either. That hand has been played. Time to shuffle the deck and deal new cards. Cole and JR don’t need to be taking valuable TV time that should be used by young talents who are expected to be the stars of the future.”

Whether Owen Hart will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: “My assumption would be yes but not any time soon due to circumstances beyond WWE’s control.”

Whether Jeff Hardy will return to WWE: “My absolute guess would be no. At best, highly unlikely. TNA’s schedule likely fits Jeff best. I still remember his bout on TV vs the Undertaker. Great, WWE TV moment.”

The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania: “I never said Undertaker’s Streak at WrestleMania would end in the ring. I’ve actually said the contrary and that I did not think it would happen. That’s simply my opinion but it can only be determined in the ring. Obviously, the Streak will end some day when Taker retires which I do not expect to be this year. That decision is entirely up to Undertaker and how his body is holding up after years of combat.”

Ross also weighs in on The Rock/Cena rivalry, Undertaker vs. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell Match at WrestleMania XXVIII, WWE developmental talent, Ric Flair and more. His post is available here.

Jim Ross answered a series of fan questions Saturday on Twitter including whether he’d ever consider joining TNA Wrestling, why Chris Benoit and Owen Hart have not been enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame, why SmackDown isn’t live, and more.

Matt Hardy returning to WWE: “Matt Hardy should get clean and sober & not worry about wrestling until his life isn’t an embarrassment & being put at risk.”

Why SmackDown isn’t live on a weekly basis: “Smackdown isn’t live because of exorbitant, increased tv production costs of keeping production crew on road all week.”

If reports of him penning an autobiography are true: “Not true..more Internet dirt. I’m not in process of writing a book. ‘maybe’ some day.”

If he’d ever join TNA Wrestling: “I’m a WWE guy plus TNA has excellent announcers & they don’t need my services.”

Why Owen Hart is not in the WWE Hall of Fame: “Owen Hart has not been inducted because of potential legal issues w/ his estate, etc.”

Why Chris Benoit is not in the WWE Hall of Fame: “Why #ChrisBenoit not yet inducted to #HOF?…. You can’t be serious.”

The fan replied, “Benoit was a GREAT wrestler, you’ve got to give him credit for that.”

Ross responded, “No one ever said Benoit wasn’t a great wrestler did they? The last few days of his life precludes his HOF status.”

— It has been confirmed the WWE production team was ordered to work on a video piece honoring Randy Savage for inclusion on tonight’s Raw.

Last night’s WWE Over The Limit pay-per-view opened with an “In Memory Of” graphic paying tribute to the wrestling legend, who passed away on Friday.

— Randy Orton praised Christian for their World Heavyweight Championship Match last night at WWE Over the Limit.

“Got to give it to Christian,every match we have against each other is a ppv match,” he wrote. “Tonight was just like any other Seattle was a great host!”

— On this day twelve years ago, Owen Hart died when an equipment malfunction occurred during his entrance from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at the Over the Edge pay-per-view event.

source: F4WOnline.com

— The official website of the Key Arena is advertising an I Quit Match between WWE Champion John Cena and The Miz for Over the Limit. The pay-per-view event takes place May 22, 2011 in Seattle, Washington.

Other WWE Superstars advertised for the event include Randy Orton, Christian, John Morrison, Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, “The All-American American” Jack Swagger, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston and “Highflying” Rey Mysterio.

— Promoting an upcoming SmackDown taping in Philadelphia, WWE Superstar Justin Gabriel discusses his past with the Soscia Network. The audio interview is available here.

— Today would have marked as Owen Hart’s 46th birthday. He died on May 23, 1999 when an equipment malfunction occurred during his entrance from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri at the Over the Edge pay-per-view event.

– Casting is underway for the return season of WWE’s reality competition, Tough Enough.

The show will premiere on Monday, April 4th, the night after WrestleMania, immediately following WWE RAW on the USA Network. The following week, it will move to its normal timeslot of 8pm (Eastern), as the lead-in to RAW.

According to a  WWE source, the company is planning to introduce the cast of Tough Enough either at WrestleMania or on RAW the next night.

– In what seems to be an interesting indicator of how WWE views the RAW and SmackDown brands, WWE charges more for RAW live event tickets than it does for SmackDown shows. RAW tickets range from $20-75, while SmackDown seats go for $15-60.

– WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki underwent gall bladder surgery earlier this month. He’s recovering well but is scheduled to remain hospitalized until next week.

– There is a band called “Owen Hart” that has an album coming out next week on Vitriol Records.

– Wrestler Brandon Barker, a graduate of Lance Storm’s wrestling school, is scheduled to start with WWE developmental soon once he gets his US work visa. Barker was signed to a developmental deal back in October.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has written a blog entry responding to Martha Hart’s lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment over using the likeness and footage of Owen Hart.

“I feel that it’s ridiculous for anyone to think they are serving the best interests of Owen’s memory or his children to pretend he wasn’t a wrestler,” Hart stated. “Not only was he a wrestler, he was a great one and proud of it. I personally believe Martha Hart has done nothing to keep his memory alive and sadly, he fades from view a little more every year. I do suspect this lawsuit is more about publicity, ego, and small-mindedness than it is about pro-wrestling and all of those that are in it.

“I know Owen was always proud of his body of work. His fans have never forgotten him and most of today’s WWE wrestlers and hundreds of employees have never forgotten him. They speak endlessly of loving memories that speak volumes on what kind of person he was. I saw Owen on TV a few weeks ago against a young Matt Hardy and it put me in such a good mood all day long. Why would anyone want to prevent that? Martha needs to accept the sad truth that he’s gone, but we all deserve to be able to salute and honor him for being the great man and the great wrestler that he was.”

To read the full blog, click here.

WWE lawyer Jerry McDevitt tells Courant.com that the lawsuit filed by the late Owen Hart’s widow, Martha, against WWE, Vince and Linda McMahon is without merit.

Martha Hart is suing the WWE for continuing to profit off the likeness of her late husband, especially as it pertains to the new Hart Family DVD set. Martha Harat issued a statement this week saying the WWE filed a lawsuit against her because she “had the nerve” to pursue a wrongful death claim following her husband’s death.

McDevitt now says Martha’s statement is false. this afternoon. According to him, WWE didn’t sue her because she brought the wrongful death claim. However, it did petition a court in Connecticut to hear the claim, instead of the Missouri court where Hart had filed her lawsuit, which was settled before going to trial.

McDevitt calls Hart’s statement “pejorative nonsense” and said her current lawsuit is nothing more than “a personal attack” on the McMahon family. He denies the insinuation that WWE is trying to deny Hart and her children compensation from the Hart Family DVD and says WWE handled the aftermath of Owen Hart’s death in a “humanitarian” way.

*Spoilers* NEXUS Storyline Plans Revealed (Big SummerSlam Match)

The following was sent out yesterday morning by reps of Martha Hart, the widow of the late Owen Hart.

Widow of Deceased Professional Wrestler Owen Hart Files Lawsuit Against World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon & Linda McMahon

WWE continues to use Owen Hart’s Name and Image for Marketing more than 11 Years After he Was Killed in a WWE-sponsored Stunt; In Violation of Contract and Contrary to Family’s Wishes

HARTFORD, Conn., June 22 /PRNewswire/ — Martha Hart, the widow of the late Owen Hart, a professional wrestler who was killed in a May 1999 stunt orchestrated by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) today filed suit in the U.S. District Court here against WWE, Vince McMahon (current chairman and CEO) and Linda McMahon (CEO until 2009). The lawsuit alleges the WWE and the McMahons used Owen Hart’s name and likeness without right in dozens of commercial videos and other materials, violated a contract restricting the use of Owen Hart’s name, likeness and wrestling footage, and disregarded Martha Hart’s wishes against further association of her late husband’s name with WWE following his death. (Mrs. Hart and WWE settled a wrongful death lawsuit in 2000. Mrs. Hart established the Owen Hart Foundation later that year.)

“In the eleven years since Owen’s tragic and avoidable death, I have worked tirelessly to disassociate Owen’s name and likeness from anything related to WWE in order to protect our children from any reminder of the circumstances surrounding their father’s death, and to avoid any misplaced perception that I endorse WWE,” said Martha Hart in a statement.

“Unfortunately, even though WWE, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon were and are well aware of my wishes and desire to shield my children from WWE and its activities, I was shocked to learn earlier this year that they have been using Owen’s name and likeness in videos, websites, television programs and print materials. Given this callous, insensitive and irresponsible behavior, one must question the moral character of Vince and Linda McMahon and the manner in which they conduct their business.”

According to the lawsuit filed today before the U.S. District Court in Hartford,

“Since Owen’s death, the WWE and McMahons have sought every available opportunity to further exploit Owen’s personality for their own commercial benefit. Their use of Owen’s name and likeness draws attention to the WWE’s ongoing violent and highly questionable theatrical activities that caused Owen’s death. Defendants’ use of Owen’s name and likeness is also in direct disregard of Martha’s and her children’s objections…The WWE’s wrongful use of Owen’s name and likeness, over Martha’s continuing objection to any association with defendants and in the absence of any legal right of use, creates the wrongful impression that Martha and the Estate now support, approve or condone the video (which they do not).”

The lawsuit seeks to enjoin the WWE from further use of Owen Hart’s name and likeness, and seeks unpaid royalties as well as damages for breach of contract, copyright infringement, unjust enrichment, accounting and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Mrs. Hart is represented by the law firm Nixon Peabody LLP.

Note to Editors: A copy of the complaint can be found at www.marthahartsueswwe.com

Information on the Owen Hart Foundation can be found at www.owenhart.org

Representatives of Martha Hart issued the following press release this morning.

Widow of Deceased Professional Wrestler Owen Hart Files Lawsuit Against World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon & Linda McMahon

WWE continues to use Owen Hart’s Name and Image for Marketing more than 11 Years After he Was Killed in a WWE-sponsored Stunt; In Violation of Contract and Contrary to Family’s Wishes

HARTFORD, Conn., June 22 /PRNewswire/ — Martha Hart, the widow of the late Owen Hart, a professional wrestler who was killed in a May 1999 stunt orchestrated by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) today filed suit in the U.S. District Court here against WWE, Vince McMahon (current chairman and CEO) and Linda McMahon (CEO until 2009). The lawsuit alleges the WWE and the McMahons used Owen Hart’s name and likeness without right in dozens of commercial videos and other materials, violated a contract restricting the use of Owen Hart’s name, likeness and wrestling footage, and disregarded Martha Hart’s wishes against further association of her late husband’s name with WWE following his death. (Mrs. Hart and WWE settled a wrongful death lawsuit in 2000. Mrs. Hart established the Owen Hart Foundation later that year.)

“In the eleven years since Owen’s tragic and avoidable death, I have worked tirelessly to disassociate Owen’s name and likeness from anything related to WWE in order to protect our children from any reminder of the circumstances surrounding their father’s death, and to avoid any misplaced perception that I endorse WWE,” said Martha Hart in a statement.

“Unfortunately, even though WWE, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon were and are well aware of my wishes and desire to shield my children from WWE and its activities, I was shocked to learn earlier this year that they have been using Owen’s name and likeness in videos, websites, television programs and print materials. Given this callous, insensitive and irresponsible behavior, one must question the moral character of Vince and Linda McMahon and the manner in which they conduct their business.”

According to the lawsuit filed today before the U.S. District Court in Hartford,

“Since Owen’s death, the WWE and McMahons have sought every available opportunity to further exploit Owen’s personality for their own commercial benefit. Their use of Owen’s name and likeness draws attention to the WWE’s ongoing violent and highly questionable theatrical activities that caused Owen’s death. Defendants’ use of Owen’s name and likeness is also in direct disregard of Martha’s and her children’s objections…The WWE’s wrongful use of Owen’s name and likeness, over Martha’s continuing objection to any association with defendants and in the absence of any legal right of use, creates the wrongful impression that Martha and the Estate now support, approve or condone the video (which they do not).”

The lawsuit seeks to enjoin the WWE from further use of Owen Hart’s name and likeness, and seeks unpaid royalties as well as damages for breach of contract, copyright infringement, unjust enrichment, accounting and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Mrs. Hart is represented by the law firm Nixon Peabody LLP.

Note to Editors: A copy of the complaint can be found at www.marthahartsueswwe.com

Information on the Owen Hart Foundation can be found at www.owenhart.org

Wrestler’s widow suing WWE, Conn. Senate candidate
By SUSAN HAIGH (AP)

HARTFORD, Conn. — The widow of a World Wrestling Entertainment performer who died in a 1999 stunt says she’s suing the Connecticut-based company and its leaders, including Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon.

Martha Hart said McMahon, who stepped down as WWE chief executive to run for Senate, and her husband, Vince, the current chairman, have continued to use Owen Hart’s image to promote the business despite agreeing to stop after his death.

Hart is filing her lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Hartford.

Owen Hart died when he fell 78 feet from a harness as it lowered him into a wrestling ring in Kansas City, Mo., on May 23, 1999. He was 34.

His family sued the WWE and several other defendants in the death. Martha Hart agreed to a $18 million settlement with the WWE in 2000.

In her new lawsuit, she alleges the WWE and the McMahons violated a contract that restricts the use of Owen Hart’s name, likeness and wrestling footage.

She said in a written statement Tuesday that she learned earlier this year that his image was appearing in WWE promotional materials.

“In the 11 years since Owen’s tragic and avoidable death, I have worked tirelessly to disassociate Owen’s name and likeness from anything related to WWE in order to protect our children from any reminder of the circumstances surrounding their father’s death, and to avoid any misplaced perception that I endorse WWE,” she said in a statement.

Representatives for the WWE and McMahon’s Senate campaign said they could not immediately comment but expected to release statements later Tuesday.