The following are highlights from a recent Bleacher Report interview with former WWE Superstar Road Dogg Jesse James:
On his work in WWE and TNA, doors never being closed in wrestling: “That’s very true for me. I don’t think Hunter and Vince tuned in to the other show on that other channel. So I think I was good to go.
“But thank God and heaven above that no door is ever truly closed and I’ve gotten another opportunity here. And I hope I’m giving back to the product as much as it gave to me over the years. Even if I wasn’t appreciative of it at the time, I’m sure appreciative of it now.”
On the drug addictions fading from the wrestling business: “For sure it has. It used to be a rock and roll party lifestyle. It’s not like that any more. It’s more like a sports organization. And if you want to make it here? You certainly can’t be on drugs. That’s all there is to it.
“If you’re a starving artist of a professional wrestler, and you’re on drugs and want to make it, you aren’t going to make it here. They’ve weened that out of the lifestyle. And it was a lifestyle. It was just like a rock band. Every night a different town, different people and different things to do. It was easy to lose your way.
“I’m not afraid to share my story with the young guys coming up. Don’t lose your head, because you’ll lose your job. (laughs). And that’s nowhere to be.”
On his catchphrases and how often people say it to him in person: “(Laughs). A hundred thousand? Every time one of the Sports Center guys says it or someone says it during a basketball game, I still get tweets out the ying yang. And it’s just words that were in the rolodex of society anyway, I just put them together and put them in a sing-song way.
“So I don’t know if I get all the credit for it, but it’s pretty cool. It does mean that something I did in this world stuck.”
SESCOOPS.COM reader Peter Ferreri sent along the following:
Listen to the MILLION DOLLAR MAN talk about how the current state of the WWE, John Cena as a performer, RAW goes “old school,” his dislike of the Ultimate Warrior, his rivalry vs. Hogan, the POP he would get in Omaha, how to cut a good promo, telling one of the hosts Dr. Pete’s Mom “not to worry” and MORE!
The ROAD DOGG sits down the the hosts of SportsTownChicago to discuss his return to the WWE, the current state of the Tag Team Division, cutting promos, how he formed his tag team and had the “brass” to tell the WWE he didn’t like where his career was going, being a LEGEND, his return to Rumble last year, and MUCH MORE!
The following are the official nominees for the “LOL Moment of the Year” Slammy Award, which will be presented by The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Billy Gunn) on Monday night.
– The Rock concert during the RAW 20th Anniversary show
– Vickie Guerrero getting fired as RAW General Manager
– Titus O’Neil throwing up on JBL, Michael Cole and Zeb Colter on SmackDown
– The Great Khali and Jinder Mahal attempting to charm Santino Marella’s “Cobra”
The special one-year anniversary edition of The JBL & Cole Show has been added to the official YouTube channel of WWE.
The show this week features a number of guest appearances, including Dolph Ziggler, Santino Marella, Josh Mathews, Road Dogg, Damien Sandow, Renee Young, Hornswoggle, Big E. Langston, John Cena, Daniel Bryan and John Cone.
You can check out episode 52 of The JBL & Cole Show below:
– As previously reported, WWE Attitude Era star “Road Dogg” Jesse James has been rumored to appear on tonight’s country-themed edition of WWE RAW. James posted a tweet earlier mentioning that he was heading to Nashville (the site of tonight’s RAW) and that he’s “warming the chords up.” This has led to speculation that James will perform his “With My Baby Tonight” song from the pre-Attitude Era where he worked as “The Roadie.”
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently noted on Twitter that he feels it is unlikely that he will ever call another match at WrestleMania. Additionally, JR mentioned that he will not be attending any of the upcoming WWE events in Oklahoma or Texas, including the December 2nd edition of RAW in Oklahoma City.
– MLB star Josh Reddick is currently backstage at WWE RAW hanging out with friends. Reddick has been teasing a “beard-off” with Daniel Bryan on tonight’s show.
– There has been some discussion of “The Road Dogg” Jesse James making an appearance on tonight’s country-themed edition of RAW.
– WWE Superstar David Otunga will be on ESPN Chat on Tuesday afternoon discussing WWE and his recent cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine. For more information, visit ESPN.com.
– The infamous debut of The Shockmaster is featured on this week’s episode of “Are You Serious?” The synopsis reads, “Is Big Show auditioning to be Damien Sandow’s apprentice? Plus, what happened on Ric Flair’s talk show, “Flair for the Gold” that was one of the worst Superstar debuts? Relive the hilarious gaffe with Road Dogg and Josh Mathews in this week’s edition of “Are You Serious?”
– Tyndale Momentum has pushed back the release date of Lex Luger’s autobiography, Wrestling with the Devil: The True Story of a World Champion Professional Wrestler – His Reign, Ruin, and Redemption, from April 2 to August 13.
The official book description reads, “Lex Luger, wrestling megasensation and three-time world heavyweight champion, ruled the ring for years as “The Total Package.” Whether he was making a dramatic entrance from a helicopter, defeating champ Hulk Hogan, or sculpting a near-perfect physique, Lex was on top of his game. Yet backstage, he was wrestling with addictions to sex, drugs, and alcohol—things he clung to even when his mistress died suddenly of a drug overdose and Lex went to jail. There, Lex faced the truth: he was losing the fight for his life. And still awaiting him was his most brutal opponent yet, when the wrestling champ found himself helplessly paralyzed from the neck down. In Wrestling with the Devil, Lex Luger reveals never-before-told stories from his career, his struggle with personal demons, and how, through unexpected faith, grace, and redemption, he overcame all odds to fight the only battle that really matters.”
– The official website of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, are now advertising The New Age Outlaws, “Road Dogg” Jesse James and “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn, for next Wednesday’s Raw live event. As reported earlier, the five-time WWE Tag Team Champions will also appear at Thursday’s Raw live event at Madison Square Garden and Friday’s show in Uniondale, New York.
– This week’s The JBL and Cole Show features John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Micheal Cole outside of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, before Sunday WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event. The synopsis reads, “Outside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, “The Wrestling God” and one of WWE’s most outspoken announcers visit with Alex Levine from The Gaslight Anthem to join The Prime Time Players, Alicia Fox and WWE fans in a “Millions of Dollars” chant. Watch the latest episode of the hilarious “JBL & Cole Show”!”
– This week’s edition of Are You Serious? is highlighted by Michael Saxon, a mid-1980s WWF enhancement wrestler who portrayed himself similar to pop superstar Michael Jackson. Also featured are clips of the King of the Road Match from WCW’s Uncensored 1995 featuring Dustin Rhodes against Blacktop Bully, a message from Ultimate Warrior, and a misstep from Shelton Benjamin.
– The following matches were featured on the latest edition of WWE Vintage Collection: Ric Flair vs. Arn Anderson (WCW Fall Brawl 1995), Sting and The Great Muta vs. The Steiners (WCW Japan Supershow 2), Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy with Special Guest Referee Lita (WWF Vengeance 2001).
– Former WWE Superstar Tatanka is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– WWE announcer Josh Mathews turns 32-years-old Sunday.
– John Cena announced on Twitter that he will debut new attire tonight at Survivor Series.
“Excited for tonight! Yes #survivorseries will be a challenge but debuting a new uni tonight for @WWE enjoy!” he wrote.
– This week on WWE’s Are You Serious?, Road Dogg and Josh Mathews share some classic clips that may have you scratching your head, including video of Hulk Hogan debuting the “fist helmet” and the Gobbledy Gooker.
– Mick Foley appears at Barnes & Noble 3748 82nd St. Indianapolis, Indiana, today beginning at 1:00 p.m. as he signs his copies of his new holiday children’s book, “A Most Mizerable Christmas.” Call 317-594-7525 for more information.
– Stephanie McMahon speaks in Spanish in a newly released Linda McMahon for U.S. Senate campaign ad geared towards Latino voters in Connecticut. Stephanie says her mother understands the hardships many Connecticut families are facing since they faced similar hardships years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs_ecZge_Iw
– A new episode of The Legends of Wrestling premieres this Thursday on WWE Classics On Demand with Jim Ross, Pat Patterson, Michael Hayes and ‘The Road Dogg’ Brian James joining host Gene Okerlund for a no-holds-barred discussion and a special look at “The History Of Monday Night Raw.”
– WWE will hold a live event in Stockton, California on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 23, 2012.
– Josh Mathews and Road Dogg take a look at one of the most eccentric wrestlers of all-time, Max Moon, on this week’s episode of “Are You Serious?” Plus, Puppet H is back, who introduces “WCW’s Bad Gimmick Roulette” with 3 Count. Also featured are clips of Josh Mathews, and Bobby Lashley ordering Simon Dean to scarf down twenty double-cheeseburgers.
– After concluding a three-event tour in Egypt, the SmackDown crew left the country early Sunday morning United States EST time (late Sunday morning in Egypt) for tomorrow night’s Raw at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia tweeted early Sunday: “On the plane w/ all the @WWE Superstars as we get ready 2 leave Cairo. Thk u Egypt 4 ur hospitality & such a grt tour!”
– Raven is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Road Dogg and Josh Mathews have more clips on “Are You Serious?,” including a clip of Heidenreich sharing a very personal poem with Michael Cole. Also featured are The Demon vs. Vampiro in a Graveyard Match and “Maniac” Mike Davis competing in the world’s first (and last) bungee jump match for the Global Wrestling Federation in 1992.
– Road Dogg and Josh Mathews introduce a new batch of clips “that will make you laugh, cry, or both” on this week’s episode of “Are You Serious?,” including highlights ridiculing John Laurinaitis’ past as a member of the Dynamic Dudes. Also featured are clips of “Mean” Gene Okerlund hosting “The Mating Game,” Kwee Wee and the World Bodybuilding Federation.
– Dustin Rhodes, formerly known as Goldust in WWE, has launched an official website at dustinrhodes.lockerdome.com. He is holding a contest for autographed action figures and books.
– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner celebrates a milestone birthday Sunday as he turns 50 years old.
– Hailing from one of the more storied and successful families in the pro wrestling history, Chavo Guerrero, Jr. made his TNA Impact Wrestling debut on Thursday. After lauding the Guerrero family legacy and proclaiming that it was his time to shine in TNA, he was attacked by Gunner and Kid Kash, who took exception to his remarks. Guerrero’s aunt Vickie, who appears for WWE as the mouthpiece of Dolph Ziggler, congratulated her nephew’s debut for the Nashville-based wrestling promotion.
“I am proud of @mexwarrior with his debut on TNA!! A true professional Miss him and his family xxoo,” she wrote on Twitter.
Don’t expect Vickie to ever join Chavo in TNA. She stated last year in a Twitter message that she would never turn her back on her WWE family: “I would never go to TNA…no disrespect to anybody…WWE is my family…period.”
– WWE.com has released a poll asking fans to choose their favorite all-time team of D-Generation X—Shawn Michaels and Triple H or Triple H, X-Pac, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn. Chyna, who partnered with both D-X gangs, was omitted from the poll.
– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia has posted a new photo shoot on her official website, LilianGarcia.com. The website also features her WWE theme song, which is solely played off-camera at events.
This week on Are You Serious?, a clip is featured of (Ultimate) Warrior tormenting Hollywood Hogan backstage through a mirror on WCW Monday Nitro. While the clip airs, Road Dogg and Josh Mathews ponder what Warrior may be foretelling Hogan, such as alimony payments, the box office returns for Santa with Muscles and the end result of PastaMania.
“It’s official, WCW jumps the shark,” Josh Mathews says after baring witness to the clip. Road Dogg adds, “WCW ruined Hulk Hogan. They ruined the Ultimate Warrior. It didn’t help Eric Bischoff any, that’s for sure.” Mathews responds, “Bret Hart’s career really didn’t skyrocket when he went to WCW.”
Road Dogg concludes, “Remember kids, WCW ruins everything, including Billy Kidman’s career.”
Also featured are clips of Juventud Guerrera taking a tumble during his ring entrance at the 1996 WCW Fall Brawl pay-per-view event, Al Snow’s various incarnations and the Playboy Buddy Rose “Blow Away” diet.
“The Gunn Show” enters the world of “shoot” this week in the first of a multi-part, in-depth interview with former WWE and TNA superstar, Billy Gunn. See the softer side of Billy Gunn as he opens up about his family, music, TV and more in a fun segment called “Hashtag Hijinks” (word association). Then, watch him get serious as he starts discussing the wrestling business, including the WWE tag team division, bringing back NAO, breaking into the business, and more. Hosted by Vegas Fuel Marketing Director and wrestling host, JMC, this is a very entertaining interview that you don’t want to miss. Follow Billy Gunn on Twitter @RealBillyGunn. For bookings, e-mail NewAgeOutlaws@yahoo.com.
Quotes? We’ve got quotes!
Billy Gunn on the worst movie ever (in “Hashtag Hijinks”):
“#MARINE – and let me give you a good reason why. If you know my wife — some people know my wife, some people don’t — she hates wrestling. But she is in love with John Cena. So, she couldn’t wait for the movie to come out…she walked out ten minutes in. Now, if my wife walks out, that’s a bad movie.”
Billy Gunn on whether or not he was ever held back on the microphone:
“I just don’t like to do it. Plus, I never had to do it when I was with Brian [BG “Road Dogg” James]. Good Lord…he is the number one guy on the mic. I don’t care what they say about Cena, I don’t care what they do about Rock — usually they have to look at some stuff, and I’m not saying they go by what they look at, but Brian never, ever, ever did it..and it was doing it night in, night out, something different, every time he walked down the ramp. So, in my opinion, in my book, Brian is the number one mic guy because he can come up with anything, at anytime, and hit every bullet point he has to hit.”
Also included in part-one of “The Gunn Show Shoot”, Billy discusses how hard it is to break into the wrestling business these days, one of his regrets, his opinion of good music and TV shows, “Family Day”, and the US Government. It’s candid, funny, and informative — you won’t want to miss the next three episodes of “The Gunn Show” on Vegas Fuel TV (youtube.com/vegasfueltv).
– This week’s edition of Are You Serious? with Road Dogg and Josh Mathews features RoboCop appearing at WCW’s Capital Combat to rescue Sting. Also featured are clips of Ric Flair appearing at a mental hospital and Dean Douglas.
– Alicia Fox and John Cena visited wounded warriors and members of the U.S. Military at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland last week. Click here for photos.
– In Mexico, Raw SuperShow is now airing live on Channel 5. The program previously aired on a two-hour taped delay and was edited to ninety minutes.
– Scott Steiner is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.
— Remember when Goldberg took his frustrations out on a limo? Relive the “Clash of the Week” on the latest edition of “Are You Serious?” as Road Dogg and Josh Mathews give the WWE Universe what they want.
— Jim Ross will be at the FCW Arena in Tampa, Florida this week for the last set of FCW Wrestling tapings. A match pitting Dean Ambrose against William Regal is scheduled for the event.
“Gonna be a great week in Tampa this week. Gonna do a little commentary Thurs nite at FCW. Love working w/ WWE Development talents,” Ross wrote.
— Chris Jericho is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Revolver.
— The latest episode of WWE’s “Are You Serious?” webisode features clips of the “Donald Trump” vs. “Rosie O’Donnell” match on Raw, Josh Mathews attempting to dance, Road Dogg singing and Lilian Garcia’s shoe malfunctioning in the “Fail of the Week.”
— Road Dogg revealed on Twitter that the New Age Outlaws will be featured in THQ’s WWE ’13. When asked about the upcoming video game, which is rumored to focus on “Attitude Era” stars, he responded, “Already did the voiceovers.” He added that Billy Gunn was involved with the process.
— Watch the Photos of a Bella Twin’s wardrobe malfunction of Backstage Fallout, and find out what Sheamus really thinks of his WrestleMania opponent’s girlfriend. Plus, learn the real reason why Eve blew Zack Ryder off. Also featured are The Bella Twins and Jack Swagger.
— WWE is holding a Raw live event tonight at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bell time is 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile, a SmackDown event will be held at the E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
— The seventh episode of WWE’s Are You Serious? web series has Road Dogg and Josh Mathews reviewing a slate of classic video clips including Hulk Hogan confronting the Dungeon of Doom, the debut of Mordecai and a look at The Fabulous Ones. The infamous video of Charlie Haas inadvertently knocking Lilian Garcia to the ground as she stood on the ring apron on a 2006 episode of Raw is named the “Fail of the Week.”
— David Otunga appears as a guest Monday on the syndicated talk show The Wendy Williams Show.
“Looking forward to the @WendyWilliams show on Monday… Because I’m her guest!,” Otunga wrote on Twitter. “Set your DVR’s now. Wendy’s Show will never be the same.”
— Former WWE Superstar Rick Martel turns 56 years old on Sunday.
— Colt Cabana, who hosts the Art of Wrestling podcast, took a potshot at WWE over the company’s newly launched Are You Serious? YouTube series. In the series, Road Dogg and Josh Mathews “are forced to watch some of the most appalling, unpleasant and dreadful clips found in the WWE video library.”
“Can’t wait to see Josh Mathews and Road Dogg host WWE’s newest show ‘The Art of Sports Entertainment Podcast,” tweeted Cabana.
— WrestlingFigs.com reports WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham was hospitalized Sunday morning for pneumonia and leg infection.
— Charles Wright is advertised to appear as Papa Shango at The Big Event 2 wrestling convention, which takes place March 10, 2012 at the LaGuardia Courtyard Marriott 9010 Ditmars Blvd East Elmhurst, New York. Visit www.sportsfanpromotions.com for event information.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. As always, you can purchase JR’s line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Kharma’s WWE Return: “Great to see Kharma return. That one was a big surprise for me. I love her work and am pleased to see her back. She’s an impact player and not a ‘Diva’ in the stereotypical sense. Instead Kharma is a wrestling attraction meaning that she has more longevity and will sell more tickets that being more about sizzle than steak. When we first met many, many years ago, WWE was looking for Playboy covergirls and not wrestling attractions which is why I told her, honestly BTW, that she wasn’t a ‘Diva’ but she was/is a wrestler and I love that about her.”
Road Dogg: “Road Dogg still has ‘it.’ Great charisma and natural, Armstrong timing. Very pleased to see him in the Rumble. One of the best personal gifts one can receive is seeing someone that they truly enjoy being around get their personal life under control and turn the corner. Brian has done just that and my hats off to him. I’m very proud of Brian James.”
Mike Tyson In The WWE HOF: “WWE.com has officially announced that Mike Tyson will go into the ‘CELEBRITY WING’ of the WWE HOF which will still get some fanatics ranting about Macho Man and others who haven’t been inducted….yet. It’s like comparing BBQ Sauce to Chipotle Ketchup. Tyson was a key role player in the Attitude Era specifically his interaction with @steveaustinBSR and DX. Iron Mike is also a true, wrestling fan and grew up following WWWF and guys like Jay Strongbow among others. ”
– Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center. WWE is hyping fallout from TLC as well as an appearance from Kane, who returned last week.
The advertised dark main event will see John Cena vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk.
– Among the WWE-related topics that were trending worldwide on Twitter during TLC were:
CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, MITB, Ricardo Rodriguez, WWE Network, Big Show, Figure 4, Kevin Nash, Triple H, Johnny Ace, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Sheamus, RKO, The Bella Twins, Lilian Garcia, Zack Ryder, Wade Barrett, Teddy Long, Hornswoggle, Hunico and Rosa Mendes.
– BG James spoke to WWE.com last week and confirmed he is working with the WWE’s younger talent behind the scenes and helping groom the next generation of superstars. Road Dogg said that he still has something to offer the business and is excited for this new chapter in his career.