Former WWE Diva Shelly Martinez recently wrote the following on her official website:
“Before I got signed to WWE I worked as a bartender at a strip club. My amigo Bruce Jingles would come in for drinks when it was slow, sometimes nobody was there but we made it fun. The dj had WWF (at the time) entrance music and I would always walk down the ramp and do the HHH spitting of the water while his music played. It’s how I killed time until happy hour. Well, at the Wrestling Guys Store I decided to revisit that energy with pride.”
You can check out “The Butcher Shop: Views” with Martinez above.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan was referenced by the official ESPN website after he released a seemingly random promotional video hyping the NFL’s New England Patriots prior to the NFL playoffs. Check out the article online at ESPN.com.
– Future Stars Of Wrestling has announced a host of former WWE Superstars appearing at their 2014 kick-off show on Saturday in Nevada. Among the former WWE Superstars appearing on the card are Matt Hardy, The Godfather, Shelly Martinez, Sinn Bodhi and more. For more information on the event, visit FutureStarsOfWrestling.com.
The following are highlights from a recent VOC Nation interview with former WWE Diva Shelly Martinez:
On Batista getting her fired from WWE: “Batista and I had an aggressive conversation backstage and he said something that were unnecessary and uncalled for. If it was outside of wrestling, I’m pretty sure it could have been a legal problem for both Batista and WWE, but this is wrestling, and it’s a man’s business, so I fired back and they fired me. I was just a vampire girl in the fake ECW; he was Batista, and they wanted to accommodate him.”
On her passion for radio: “I’ve always wanted to do radio. Podcasts are the new way of radio. Four years ago, I started the show Funtime Radio with my sister Danielle, and we always had a vision for it, but we didn’t know how to quite make it happen. One thing we wanted to do was team up with a network like VOC Nation and make it more (of a success). People are afraid sometimes to speak their true minds, and we’re not afraid to say what’s on our mind and share our true stories. It’s really cool to be able to give all sides of me (not just wrestling) to VOC Nation listeners.”
On what makes her show different from others: “Podcasts are no stranger in the wrestling world these days. There’s a lot of prior talent that has podcasts. What’s different (about my shows) for me is that I’m a female wrestler that was fired by WWE and that also worked at TNA. What’s cool about Martinez Girls Radio is that you not only get to hear my stories about being (in the trenches), but you get to hear her outside perspective of watching me go through it. Whether it’s promoters sending me pictures of their (genitals) or trying to (get over on me), I’m not afraid to talk about it.”
Check out the complete interview online at VOCNation.com.
– TNA has entered into a partnership with Puerto Rico’s new World Wrestling League promotion. TNA’s Spanish commentators made the announcement several times during Thursday’s Impact broadcast, with TNA sending several wrestlers to WWL’s debut event on April 21st in San Juan, Puerto Rico. TNA stars scheduled to appear at WWL’s first show include Samoa Joe, James Storm, Abyss, Bobby Roode, and Christopher Daniels.
– As previously reported, there were several former TNA Knockouts that turned down offers to return for TNA’s “One Night Only” Knockouts-themed PPV. We’ve learned that Rosita is another former talent that was contacted, but declined to appear.
One former Knockout that was not contacted is Shelly Martinez, and in the video below, she explains that she is “heartbroken” about it:
– Santino Marella, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury, noted on Twitter Tuesday that he underwent a procedure.
“Neck procedure went well today in Pittsburg, shouldn’t be too long now before I’m back in action, I’m hoping!,” he wrote.
– Shelly Martinez hosts #SaveWrestling, which can be heard every Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. on www.vocnation.com. The debut edition of the podcast is now online at the website.
– The latest edition of WWE en Espanol is now online.
– All November on Classics On Demand, WWE celebrates the best, worst and most popular gimmicks of all-time.
The official WWE website has released a video teaser previewing the month’s slate of programming, and clips are shown of The Gobbledy Gooker, The Dynamic Dudes, The Demon, Repo Man, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Mantaur, Oz, Glacier, Isaac Yankem, D.D.S, The Mountie, The Warlord, Sgt. Slaughter, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Doink the Clown, Hillbilly Jim, Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Shockmaster, among others.
– Celebrating Halloween, CM Punk donned a Cobra Kai costume in his WWE Championship defense against Ryback at Wednesday’s Raw live event in Strasbourg, France.
– Shelly Martinez donned a Princess Jasmine costume for a commercial shoot this week. Here is a video teaser from the shoot.
– NBC has decided against going forward with its commitment to a drama pilot about 1980s professional wrestling involving Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as an executive producer and Jerry Bruckheimer’s production company, reports PWInsider.com. The option for the series was not renewed last month. Since NBC purchased the series and guaranteed a pilot episode would air, the network is believed to have paid a penalty for dropping the project.
– Former WWE Superstar Paul London, a working actor, recently filmed a television commercial for Domino’s Pizza that will air regionally on the West Coast. London and his brother have been pitching a “sword and sorcery” style project in Hollywood.
– WWE.com has published an article asking whether AJ Lee is fit to rule Raw following her in-ring meltdown on Monday’s show.
The article notes, “Although Vickie was clearly in the wrong for taking advantage of AJ’s vulnerability and striking Ms. Lee knowing full well there would be no retaliation, the Raw GM’s resultant in-ring meltdown no doubt raised more than a few eyebrows among members of both the WWE Universe and the WWE Board. Upon examining AJ Lee’s savage, chair-throwing tantrum, WWE.com asks the question: Is AJ truly the right choice to serve as Raw General Manager?”
– Shelly Martinez has launched an eStore at www.ShellyMartinezShop.com. It features shirts, DVDs and soon, limited edition photos.
– In Thursday’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Wendi Richter turns 51-years-old, one-time WWE Divas Champion Jillian Hall turns 32, and Low Ki, winner of the second season of WWE NXT, turns 33.
— Jerry Lynn announced at Friday’s Pro Wrestling Syndicate Supercard 2012 event in Rahway, New Jersey that he would be retiring from wrestling competition at the end of 2012. Lynn attributes his decision to age as it’s harder to get his body to do what he wants it to do as well as so he can enjoy the quality of life.
Lynn, who began his wrestling career in 1988, has worked for Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and Ring of Honor. He is a two-time world champion, having won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship once and the ROH World Championship once.
— Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Vader will face Necro Butcher at Pro Wrestling Syndicate event taking place on April 14 at WrestleReunion in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
— Former WWE Diva Shelly Martinez appears appears in this Funny or Die video titled “Boobathon.” It described as “a motion picture event exploring advanced cosmetic surgery.”
— Former WWE Superstar Chris Masters is interested in joining TNA Wrestling.
He tweeted Thursday, “Getting ready to watch some Impact. They have a lot of guys I’d love to work. 2012 MTI Masters2Impact.”
— Angelina Love will try her hand at ring announcing next Friday for Pro Wrestling Syndicate as she is being advertised as the guest ring announcer for a Triple Threat Match between Brittney Savage, Reby Sky and Spyra Andover. Shelly Martinez will be the guest referee.
— Velvet Sky has been announced for WrestleReunion 7, which takes place April 1 at the Miami Beach Deauville Resort 6701 Collins Ave. Miami, Florida.
— ShopTNA.com has released a 3′ by 5′ fabric banner of Madison Rayne.
–- Drew McIntyre’s current losing streak on SmackDown is expected to culminate with a character makeover. PWInsider.com reports that the Scottish wrestler will become an “arrogant playboy.”
— Layla, who has been sidelined since May 2011 due to tears of both her Anterior cruciate and Medial collateral ligaments, stated on Twitter that her knee is stronger than ever. She stated during a recent radio interview that she could return in time for WrestleMania XXVIII.
— Zack Ryder continues to complain on Twitter about John Cena and Eve kissing last Monday on Raw. He wrote, “I’m trying to convince @WWEShop to take “LOYALTY” and “RESPECT” off of @JohnCena’s t-shirts. #broskisbeforehoeskis.”
— Shelly Martinez appears in The Social Rules, a new web series about the do’s and dont’s of dating and relating. In her latest video, she offers advice on breaking up.
— WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the Civic Center in Charleston, West Virginia on May 6, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
— Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, which has already aired overseas, premieres a tweaked intro. The Undertaker is noticeably absent from the intro, which closes with Randy Orton performing the RKO as opposed to a shot of the iconic wrestler. His profile remains on the SmackDown Superstars page on WWE.com.
— WWE will hold a Raw SuperShow at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 14, 2012.
— While promoting last night’s airing of The Marine 2 on Spike TV, WWE star Ted DiBiase alluded to rival company TNA’s Impact Wrestling show. He tweeted, “Marine 2″ will be on Spike TV tonight!! Check it out!!! Comes on after some wrestling show ;) And don’t forget to watch Smackdown tomorrow!”
— Former WWE Diva Shelly Martinez celebrated her birthday Thursday. Photos of her night out are available on her Facebook page.
— A press conference Thursday to kick off WWE’s first-ever live event tour in Abu Dhabi “turned chaotic” when Kane attacked John Cena, according to WWE.com. Cena, however, put The Big Red Monster through a table in front of members of the media.
Video and photos of the incident are available here.
— Through Twitter, Marco Corleone has been lobbying Alex Koslov (a/k/a Peter Orlov) to return to EMLL following his release from WWE last week.
— Matches airing on today’s episode of WWE Superstars on WWE.com are Johnny Curtis vs. Yoshi Tatsu, Heath Slater vs. Justin Gabriel, Jack Swagger vs. Santino Marella and tag team action pitting Epico and Primo against JTG and Michael McGillicutty.
— In today’s birthdays, Shelly Martinez turns 32 years old while Madusa turns 49.
— William Regal wants former protégé Daniel Bryan to grant him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.
He tweeted Sunday, “I’ve never asked Daniel Bryan for anything for my help and guidance over the years. So now perhaps it’s time. I still want to be the first English World Champion. I would like Daniel Bryan to grant me a title shot. WWE pay attention.”
Regal then stated in response to those who doubt his ability: “It seems as though a lot of people think the same. One thing though, I don’t deserve a title shot, but I want one. Some people think I’m not up to it. People have been counting me out for years but I can still wrestle as good as ANYONE in the world.”
Regal faced Bryan in his last WWE match, which took place at the November 8, 2011 WWE Superstars taping in Liverpool, England. Regal’s last match on a top-tier show was also against Bryan, on the December 20, 2010 Raw.
— This May, Mattel will release a WWE Legends action figure on King Kong Bundy via MattyCollector.com. There was an apparent trademark issue with the King Kong Bundy name as the February 2012 edition of WWE Magazine features an advertisement for the action figure and it is branded as “Bundy.”
— For $10 you can see live streaming video of Shelly Martinez’ experience this coming week at WrestleReunion in Los Angeles, California. She posted the following on her Tumblr page:
“If you are not a member of ShellyMartinez.org aka part of the Funtime Gang and you would like to see the live streaming during Wrestle Reunion (Wed-Sat) you can have full access to the Live Stream page for $10. I will live stream from the hotel room, the event itself, my bikini opps, Danielle’s bday party and whatever else I can. If you aren’t around when we stream live you will still have access to the page to view the archives all Wrestle Reunion week. Send your $10 payment to shellymartinezcustomerservice@gmail.com via Pay Pal and you will receive login info/times. Already part of the Funtime Gang? Login info is located on the Video Chat page :)
— Gangrel and Rikishi have been announced for WrestleReunion on Saturday, which takes place at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— Lanny Poffo appeared on a podcast hosted by Steve Wilton and commented on the possibility of Randy Savage being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Poffo said he did not hear from WWE after his brother passed away last May and that he has not heard from them regarding enshrinement into the Hall.
Lanny claimed last year during an interview that Randy would have only accepted enshrinement into the WWE Hall of Fame if the Poffo family (Angelo, Lanny and Randy) went in together like the Von Erichs. Randy pulled a similar power play in 1995 as Angelo was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame as a favor from management. Legendary wrestling announcer Gordon Solie objected to Poffo’s induction because he did not consider him to be a notable wrestler.
— Former WWE performer Shelly Martinez appears with her sister Danielle on this Saturday’s episode of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. The reality program, which features Millan working with “problem dogs,” airs at 8:00 p.m. on Nat Geo WILD.
— Dan Severn and WWE Hall of Famer Ivan Putski have been announced for WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— The Honky Tonk Man has denied “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s statement that he will be appearing on WWE Network’s upcoming Legends’ House reality series.
He tweeted Friday, “Regarding Rowdy Roddy Piper saying on Twitter I’m going into the WWE legends house with him. I have NOT talked to anyone from WWE about anything other than my ownership of The Patriot trademark. Where this came from is anyone’s guess. You fans know HTM does not BS on things. We do not know who is spreading the rumors. If the Piper camp is involved, all we can say is there is no truth to the statement. Believe HTM or someone else.”
— A.J. denies taking part in an interview with Brady Hicks, a writer for Pro Wrestling Illustrated—which was recapped here earlier.
She tweeted, “Was just told there is some interview by someone named Brady Hicks out there. I have never done an interview with this person. I have never done any interviews outside of WWE. Whoever would create a fake interview needs a life. Please impersonate someone more important than me.”
She continued, “THIS IS NOT ME. I never did this interview or any interview outside WWE ever. Please spread the word.”
— Former WWE Diva Shelly Martinez created a photo shoot which was inspired by actor and director Eli Roth. Check out the exclusive photos and Shelly’s personal message about what peaks her interest in horror among other things.
— The legendary career of Tammy “Sunny” Sytch could be coming to an end. The WWE Hall of Famer has indicated that she’s looking to part ways with the industry she has been a part of since 1992 to start a family.
She stated Friday on Facebook, “ok seriously……i wamt a ring on my finger and a husband……a decently looking one……bc i want a good looking kid.”
Many of her friends didn’t take her claims seriously. She wrote in response, “you all think im joking….im not. want to get out of the business, get married and get prggers.”
Sytch then wrote the following day, “OMG…i THINK IM ACTUALLY GETTING MARRIED!!!!”
— Shelly Martinez posted a photo of herself partying with former WWE talent Johnny Jeter in Los Angeles, California on New Year’s Eve. The former Spirit Squad member completely moved on from the wrestling industry following his departure from WWE in 2008 as he has not competed in any matches since then. He is now pursuing a career in accounting.
— Sean “X-Pac” Waltman will appear at Wrestling Universe 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, New York on February 3, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visit www.wrestlinguniverseonline.com for more information.
— Next Friday on the first SmackDown of 2012, World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan will put his title on the line against Big Show and Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his coveted gold against Booker T.
— Following an unsuccessful stint on Raw, Drew McIntyre returned to Smackdown on Friday’s show. His resolve and worth was called into question by Teddy Long in a backstage segment as the General Manager matched him up against Ezekiel Jackson. If McIntyre couldn’t win, Long said he’d have to start thinking about letting him go. While McIntyre argued with the referee about having his feet on the second rope during an attempted pinfall, Jackson swooped in and grabbed him by the tights to roll him up for the win.
After the match, McIntyre demanded that Long not count the match as a loss, claiming the referee was biased. Long would retort that he disliked losers, but especially ones who make excuses.
— Shelly Martinez posted a video fulfilling Dolph Ziggler’s request to the “Blue Meanie Dance.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel handled ring announcing duties at this week’s Raw live events.
— Midcard Mafia, the animated web series starring Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins, has been marked private on Reks’ YouTube account. Reks and Hawkins mentioned having heat with WWE over the series in their latest episode.
— WWE officials have discussed holding after-show programs for Raw and SmackDown on the WWE Network. As reported earlier, a Raw pre-show is also in the works.
— Former WWE stars Carlito, Chavo Guerrero and Kenny Dykstra are advertised to appear for World Wrestling Council from Jan. 6-8, 2012. On the 7th in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Carlito will defend the Universal Heavyweight Championship against Dykstra.
— New Japan Pro Wrestling is looking to tour the West Coast of the United States, possibly in 2012. They toured the East Coast last spring.
— The Dec. 16, 2011 WWE SuperShow in Fort Myers, Florida drew 5,500 fans paying $155,000. The Dec. 17 WWE Supershow in Long Island, New York drew 7,000 fans paying $285,000.
— Shelly Martinez released the following video message from the set of her latest photo shoot:
— Hot on the heels of former WWE performer Maryse Ouellet’s decision to move on from the professional wrestling industry and attempt to make it in the fashion industry, Kelly Kelly may also be positioning herself for a career outside of WWE.
The WWE Diva is looking to position herself for acting and modeling gigs late next year and is pushing her real name, Barbara Blank, instead of Kelly Kelly. Whether it’s her just trying to have a backup plan, testing the waters to see if there’s interest in her, or her outwardly looking at something different, nobody knows.
— WWE referee Marc Harris is sidelines with a broken nose.
— Shelly Martinez is offering a free 8×10 with every pre-order of a Martinez Girlz T-Shirt. To see the T-Shirts, which read #kayfabe, #FunTimeGang and #TheMartinezGirls, click here.
— Tickets for the WWE’s third annual Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event go on sale Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster. Prices are set $20, $40, $70, $90 and $250.
Elimination Chamber takes place February 19, 2012 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
— Former WWE talent Harry Smith (a/k/a David Hart Smith) has changed his Twitter handle to @Brakuss. He is also referring to himself as “Brakuss” on the account.
— Click here for photos of former WWE Diva turned MoreHorror correspondent Shelly Martinez at Dark Delicacies in Burbank, California. She also attended yesterday’s NWA Hollywood event and tweeted “I freakin love wrestling!!”
— Konnan and Raven have been added to WrestleReunion, which takes place January 27-29, 2012 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— Paul Bearer released the following statement on Facebook regarding Kamala after the wrestling legend had his foot amputated last month.
“Just spoke with my longtime friend Kamala [James Harris]. I managed him in 1978 when he first started. He seems to be hanging in there after his foot amputation, due to high blood pressure, not diabetes as reported. Please keep him in your prayers.”
— Several top developmental performers in Florida Championship Wrestling will receive tryouts at WWE live events over the next few weeks. Damien Sandow competed at Friday and Saturday’s SmackDown live events, losing to Tyson Kidd.
— Shelly Martinez will be hosting a live game show next week at Tranzit Nite Club in Hollywood, California. Details are available here.
— Evan Bourne returned to action at Saturday’s Raw live event in Sunrise, Florida, losing to Dolph Ziggler.
Bourne’s thirty-day suspension for his first violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program expired Wednesday.
— In the latest edition of Fun Time Radio, Shelly Martinez discusses her relationship with a former WWE talent she dated during her time in Ohio Valley Wrestling and ECW. The show is available here. Amber O’Neal appears as a guest on the show.
— WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts announced at Saturday’s Raw live event in Sunrise, Florida that tickets for the April 2, 2012 Raw SuperShow at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida go sale next Saturday via Ticketmaster. A pre-sale takes place Wednesday.
— Former WWE star Super Crazy turns 38 years old Saturday. He now competes for various promotions in Mexico.
— WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes will be appearing in a new independent Christmas horror movie called Hell Elves this January. The campy movie follows a small group of rogue elves who turn on Santa Claus. They kill everyone and put their body parts in jars to give out to kids as presents. Rhodes briefly appears as a grandfather to one of the children, running out of the shower nude and confronting the elves as they come down his chimney. The scene was filmed earlier this month. Hell Elves hits iTunes and Netflix on January 17, 2012 and is scheduled to be released on DVD sometime in early 2012.
— Shelly Martinez has announced plans for a Martinez Girlz T-shirt line, which will debut soon on ShellyMartinez.org
She also bumped into Rob Van Dam earlier this week. Click here to read her latest blog.
— In today’s birthdays, WWE Hall of Famer Blackjack Mulligan turns 69, former WWE Women’s Champion Ivory turns 50, Tough Enough winner Maven turns 35 and Brian Lee turns 45.
Shelly Martinez discussed in the latest edition of her Fun Time Radio podcast (available here) how seeing Dave Bautista Monday night at the film premiere for Immortals in Los Angeles, California gave her so much closure with the ugliness of the wrestling world.
Shelly said of the meeting, “I just went up to him and I said “Oh my gosh, hey, what’s up” and he looked so shocked to see me. Of course, the last time he saw me he was yelling at my face and I slapped his hand out of my face—that was the last time I saw him. So I gave him a big hug and I was like “positive energy to you and vibes and keep doing what you’re doing, you look great” and it was well received—he still looked tripped out though.
“So then, when I was in the car, I was sharing with Stacy (her friend) that dream I had I talk about in my Highspots shoot. I had this dream that I was with Dave and I didn’t know if I was at wrestling show—it looked like a hotel lobby. Which is interesting because when I was looking for him, that’s what it looked like. Tripped me out! I’m telling you, crazy. So then, when I had the dream and we were talking, he had to go to his room and I had to tell him something. So I went looking for his room and I knew which one was his in my dream because there was a ball of string neatly put together and in my dream I remember looking at it saying that’s wrestling. And prior to seeing him, I was telling somebody how my goal was to be in WWE—I did it. And now I’ve learned so much, I’ve had so much closure, especially after the whole tweeting thing with Dave that wrestling for me now is fun again.
“When I went to these shows in Virginia, I had fun. It almost made me feel like when I first started wrestling and did indies and I was really excited to be at the shows. I really wanted to do well. I wanted to have good matches, but not good matches in the sense that like “I’m a wrestler, so I had to be technical,” no, it’s performance-wise. I just remember when I was Desire back in the day, that’s how I felt. I remember feeling that rush and that’s what it got me into it. So I really think I was able to have closure, I was able to enjoy my matches more and that’s what wrestling’s about.”
Shelly was joined by Serena Deeb, who shared similar sentiments regarding the wrestling industry after being released from WWE last year.
Serena says, “It’s been about a year-and-a-half for me since my release from WWE and throughout the year-and-a-half, I’ve had more of mix of emotions than ever before. It too was my childhood lifelong dream to be in WWE and everything that I did before I got there was to get there. Every move that I made in my professional life, everything was to get there. And then afterwards it’s like, you kind of have to refocus your energy because your energy was directed there forever.
“For some people it’s scary. For me, I went through a really tough time at the beginning, but I’ve done more growing up this year than in my whole life combined. The past year-and-a-half of my life I have become a completely different person and I’m really proud of the person that I am right now.”
She continued, “I was really young throughout my experience with WWE and I made some mistakes, but there were times when I was not necessarily proud of who I was as a person. And I think it took that for me to being able to stand here looking at myself in the mirror today and be the woman that I am because I’m actually really, really happy that I went through that roller coaster ride.”
— This year’s WWE Tribute to the Troops event will not be open to the public when it takes place December 11 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Only military personnel will be permitted to attend the event, which is why it has not been publicized. Last year’s event at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas was open to the public as a free show.
— Shelly Martinez will be participating in shooting for a television pilot next week in Las Vegas, California.
She tweeted, “OMG got a pilot to shoot next week in VEGAS!!!!!!!!! Details soon ;) #kayfabe.”
— Chris Jericho turns 41 years old today while Nick Patrick turns 52.
