— WWE’s upcoming Night of Champions pay-per-view event, which was previously listed on the events listing page of www.WWELiveTour.com, has been removed.
The buy number for last year’s show was down 36.7% from the previous year, from 267,000 buys to 169,000.
Meanwhile, WWE recently issued an online survey asking fans to give their thoughts on the following new pay-per-view titles: WWE Uprising; WWE Vengeance; WWE Champions; WWE Revolution.
— Jim Ross stated on Twitter that Steve Austin is working on a new action/adventure movie. According to Ross, Austin said the script is “great.”
— The FedExForum, the home arena of the Memphis Grizzlies, ran a video of Jerry Lawler cutting a promo prior to their NBA Playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs last night. He said the Grizzlies would pull the strap down on San Antonio, which concluded with his theme song being played. The Grizzlies went on to secure their first home playoff win in franchise history.
– It’s been determined that Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord that causes pressure on the spinal cord) is what ultimately led to the end of Edge’s WWE career. The condition is usually genetic and typically does not cause problems for people until they reach their 70’s. It is what also ended Steve Austin’s career.
With spinal stenosis, the risk of paralysis from taking a bad bump is high – and any type of regular in-ring performing would accelerate potential health problems and adversely affect the performer’s overall qualify of life.
For both Edge and Steve Austin, there is risk of their health problems worsening even after they leave wrestling – but retirement will hoefully allow both men to recover enough to live normal lives.
– Jim Ross wrote the following on Twitter this week after being with Awesome Kong in Las Vegas for the CAC Reunion convention:
“Awesome Kong can become a big star in the near future. Lots of charisma. Natural badass. I believe in her.”
– Speaking of Kong, word coming out of WWE is that even though they trademarked the name Kharma, she may not use it after all. The name she will use in WWE is still up int he air.
— Both Mickael and Michelle parted ways with Tough Enough on tonight’s episode, although only Mickael was eliminated.
Early in the episode, Michelle quit the competition, stating she had to be home for her daughter as she is the love of her life. Mickael was eliminated from the competition after failing to make an impression on the judges and not giving a compelling argument on why he should stay.
The episode also featured a special appearance by former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler, who taught cheerleading traits to the contestants.
— Steve Austin is in Vancouver filming his next action movie, Recoil.
– A new FCW Diva was introduced at last Thursday’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping. She is Irena Janjic, a recent signee from Lance Storm’s wrestling school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
“KNOCKOUT” family action film stars Steve Austin
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Phase 4 Films is pleased to announce the Blu-ray, DVD and VOD release of “Knockout” on April 26, 2011. “Knockout” stars wrestler-turned-movie-star Steve Austin (“The Expendables,” “Damage,” “The Longest Yard”), a pop culture icon with a huge fan following from his vital role in the World Wrestling Entertainment arena.
The direct-to-DVD and VOD film brings Steve Austin back to the ring to train a rising boxing star, played by Daniel Magder (“Life with Derek”). “Knockout” is an inspiring story in the vein of under-dog classics such as “The Karate Kid” and “Rocky.”
Outsider and new kid Matthew (Daniel Magder) desperately wants to join his high school´s boxing team, but resident bully and boxing champion Hector stands in his way. Facing constant torment, Matthew finds an unlikely ally in Dan (Steve Austin), the school´s janitor and one-time amateur boxer. Despite Matthew´s overprotective parents and unimposing size, Dan sees potential in him. Together, they train for the biggest boxing match of Matthew´s life and discover what it truly means to be a winner.
Phase 4 Films will release “Knockout” on April 26, 2011. The Blu-ray and DVD are available for $29.99 SRP at all major retailers.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin was interviewed by the WWE website this week to hype the new WWE All Stars video game. Here are some highlights of what the Texas Rattlesnake said about:
If He Were Still Wrestling, Would He Want To Wrestle CM Punk?
“Damn right it is. CM Punk is one of my favorite WWE Superstars right now. I like what he brings to the ring, I like his mental game. I think a rivalry between “Stone Cold” and CM Punk would have been a hell of a spectacle and a lot of entertainment.”
Which WWE Legends He Wishes He Could Have Wrestled In His Prime:
“I wish I would’ve gotten a chance to wrestle Curt Hennig when I was truly at the top of being “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and he was truly at the top of being Mr. Perfect. When I talk to these young guys [on WWE Tough Enough] about what they need, Curt Hennig had it. He was vicious, he had a mean streak … just a top-notch performer. Jerry Lawler’s another guy. A lot of people know him for his announcing, but he’s one of my favorite in-ring performers. You go back to some of his stuff in Mid-South or USWA and, man, that guy was tremendous.”
Which Current WWE Superstar Is Carrying On His Legacy:
“You know, the closest comparison you could make would be Randy Orton, but, man, when someone wants to make comparisons to me, it’s just like making a comparison to Michael Jordan. For a period of time, I was the hottest person on two feet that had ever been in the business. I set all kinds of records from attendance to merchandise to ratings records. When someone can beat that, then I’ll say, “Yep, they beat me.” But no one’s done that.”
In an interview with Comcast’s XfinityTV to promote the new season of Tough Enough, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin dropped a very newsworthy quote – saying his body is in good enough shape that he could actually get back in the ring and wrestle a full-time schedule for about two more years. You can read the full interview here.
Here are some highlights of what Austin said about:
Nexus Leader CM Punk: ” I really like C.M. Punk. I think he’s one of the top workers in the ring. I love his promos. I love his style. There’s no smoke and mirrors. I like the straight-edge lifestyle stuff he does. You want to start pairing that against the beer-guzzling “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, I think you’d have an interesting feud to say the least. He would push me to the limits, I would teach that kid a thing or two, and there would be some wonderful promos going back and forth. I like him a lot.
How Physical He Got While Shooting Tough Enough: “One of the kids was pretty mechanically inclined, so I got in there with him…and shoot, I guess that means I haven’t been in the ring in seven or eight years…but I took a few bumps from him, gave him a few bumps, it was a lot of fun. I think if we do it again, I think I’ll be even more active and get in the ring a lot more.”
A Possible Return to the Ring: ” I could still, you know if I was in a bad situation, I could still get two years out of my carcass on a full-time basis.” He then added, ” But I’m happy where I’m at. And in ten or twenty years I still want to be doing the things I’m doing with my hunting and fishing. I want to continue to do that in a pain-free fashion. And right now I’m living a pretty pain-free lifestyle.”
The Associated Press published an article today indicating that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin declined an offer to appear on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
The WWE Hall of Famer said Monday that he wasn’t interested because he has “two left feet” and his rhythm is “so-so at best.”
Austin says he enjoys the program, and is supporting fellow wrestler Chris Jericho.
He says Jericho “never gets nervous” and that “he’s going to go far.”
The article acknowledges his involvement with WWE Tough Enough. Austin says he appreciates the show because the avenue was not available when he tried to break into the wrestling industry.
SEScoops.com was at the media-only press conference prior to WrestleMania 27 at the Georgia Dome .. WWE brought out a number of superstars, divas and celebrities to hype the event and ask questions, including John Cena, The Miz, Steve Austin, Trish Stratus, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler,Booker T, Drew Carry and Pee-Wee Herman.
Check out these amazing pictures we got:
Thanks to our photographer Noah Mark for these great shots!
— “Stone Cold” Steve Austin said on his Twitter account that he is scheduled for tonight’s Raw.
— A four block of WWE programming is on tap tonight on the USA Network.
The 2011 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony kicks off the four hour block at 8:00 p.m. Shawn Michaels, The Road Warriors and Sunny will be the featured inductees.
Monday Night Raw from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia will feature fallout from WrestleMania XXVII, the WWE television debut of Sin Cara, and an appearance by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. SmackDown stars advertised for the event include Rey Mysterio, Edge, Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio.
WWE’s Tough Enough premieres at 11:00 p.m. with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin hosting. Booker T, Trish Stratus and Bill DeMott are trainers.
Nexus leader CM Punk and WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin had a strong exchange of words on Twitter on Wednesday, with Punk challenging Austin to a fight.
It all started when Paul Heyman’s site The Heyman Hustle posted a fantasy matchup between Austin and Punk as part of their promotion of the WWE All Stars video game, which came out yesterday from THQ. (Buy It Here from Amazon.com).
In a followup to the story, Punk tweeted the following:
“I like how THQ acts like they don’t know what would happen if @steveaustinBSR and I were to lock horns. Everybody knows. SXE > Beer. “
Punk followed up with: GTS > stunner.
Within 3 minutes, Punk’s tweet earned over a hundred re-tweets. It was trending throughout North America within two hours. It trended globally this morning.
Austin replied to punk – and says he’s got a can a whoop ass with Punk’s name on it:
@CMPunk alright Punk…you just crossed the line…i’ll be seeing your ass in Atlanta.
@CMPunk Alright son…I’m about to get off this treadmill and RUN to Atlanta..bringing some extra cans of Whoop Ass!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
@CMPunk What are you doing son, asking for advice/lessons etc.? I’ll give your pierced lipped ass a couple lessons when I see you. Out.
The Heyman Hustle site has a badass gallery of pictures featuring the fantasy matchup of Austin vs. Punk that started this whole business – check out the pictures below!
ALSO – COMMENT BELOW and tell us who you think would win in a match between Austin and Punk!
— According to reports from the Tough Enough set, Luke Robinson is considered the early favorite on the show. He stands out as a star and is considered a good wrestler that possesses charisma. Show host Steve Austin was so impressed by Robinson that he is privately working out with him.
Robinson is a 26-year-old independent wrestler from Maine who performs under the name “Golden Boy” Bobby Robinson. His USANetwork.com bio reads: “For him, WWE combines all his passions rolled into one: performing, marketing, athleticism and traveling. Luke proved his athleticism as captain of his high school’s varsity soccer, hockey and baseball teams, competing all four years, before moving on to getting his BA in Business Administration from University of Southern Maine.”
— WWE developmental talent Su Yung (a/k/a Sonia) tried out for Tough Enough but failed to make the cast. The Seattle based wrestler signed a contract with WWE last year and is currently listed on the official Florida Championship Wrestling website as a Diva.
Jerry Lawler, 61, revealed in a recent interview with Fighting Spirit that he is dating Yung, who is 21 years old.
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is featured on the cover of the April 2011 issue of WWE Magazine.
sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch
— Former WWE developmental talent Christina Crawford (a/k/a Caylee Turner) could be seen in the Tough Enough trailer that aired during tonight’s Raw. Crawford, who is the younger sister of WWE Diva Alicia Fox, was removed from the Florida Championship Wrestling roster last month.
California based independent wrestler “Big Nasty” Jason Watts is also a Tough Enough contestant as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is shown asking him a question.
— The T-shirt “Stone Cold” Steve Austin donned tonight on Raw is available on WWEShop.com.
— Bret Hart recently filmed episodes of WWE’s round table discussion program Legends of Wrestling. Jim Ross noted today on Twitter that an episode will soon air on WWE Classics On Demand.
— Former WWE star Bill DeMott is conducting the majority of the wrestling training to the Tough Enough contestants. As expected, he’s been very hard on them. Some people within WWE are surprised that he was hired for the role because he has a reputation for being tough on wrestling trainees.
Steve Austin has been a regular on the Tough Enough set thus far. Booker T and Trish Stratus, however, have not. One source believes they’ve been on the set roughly once per week.
— WWE Tag Team Champion Justin Gabriel celebrates his 30th birthday today.
— Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho has been announced to appear on an upcoming episode of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show. His appearance takes place Saturday, April 9.
– Tough Enough host and WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will appear live on next week’s Monday Night RAW from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
– Evan Bourne made his return on RAW, defeating Sheamus in a quick match.
– Sheamus was absolutely destroyed on Monday’s RAW, first by Triple H and then squashed quickly by Evan Bourne. Not a great sign for the former WWE champion headed into WrestleMania season.
– Friday’s episode of SmackDown will feature The Undertaker’s return and the WrestleMania 27 contract signing between Edge and Alberto Del Rio.
– As previously reported, the each episode of WWE Tough Enough will feature a guest appearance from a current WWE superstar or diva. Tough Enough host “Stone Cold” Steve Austin tweeted over the weekend that they were taping a “special guest appearance” from one of his “greatest competitors.”
– Speaking of Stone Cold, he posted the following video on Twitter and says he’s having a great time filming Tough Enough:
— WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is being advertised to appear at the March 7th episode of WWE’s Monday Night RAW from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas.
As the host of the new season of Tough Enough, which premieres the night after WrestleMania 27, it’s expected that the Rattlesnake will be making a few WWE television appearances (including WrestleMania) to promote Tough Enough’s return.
– WWE has announced that The Undertaker will make his SmackDown television return next Friday night.
– Vickie Guerrero was “fired” on Friday’s SmackDown, after she teamed with Drew McIntyre and lost to Edge and Kelly Kelly. Vickie’s career was on the line, as announced by Teddy Long.
– No new matches were added to WrestleMania 27 on SmackDown, however there was a new development in the Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio storyline, which appears to be leading to a WrestleMania showdown. Cody Rhodes’ father Dusty appeared on the show and helped his son attack Mysterio.
– Aside from Shawn Michaels and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, other names The Road Warriors – Hawk and Animal, Abdullah The Butcher, Sunny and Bullet Bob Armstrong. Armstrong going into the Hall this year is the reason that WWE hired referee Scott Armstrong back over the weekend.
– Steve Austin wrote the following on Twitter last night about Tough Enough:
“it was a rough day at Tough Enough…lots of stuff going on…trainers are working hard with every one…it has been a lot of fun.”
– Several readers in the California area sent in word that a promo aired on RAW last night during a commercial saying that Sheamus and Triple H will wrestle in two weeks.
— Dolph Ziggler is scheduled for appearances this Thursday and Friday at the Water Street Tavern in Kent, Ohio (located on 132 South Water Street).
— “Stone Cold” Steve Austin shared his thoughts with WWE.com on being tapped as the host of WWE Tough Enough – premiering on USA Network April 4, the night after WrestleMania XXVII.
Austin explained what he’s looking for from the Tough Enough contestants.
“The name of the show is Tough Enough, but along with being “tough enough” to take the bumps, bruises and travel, you’ve got to know how to wrestle, how to talk and how to be charismatic,” he said. “This show will be “tough enough,” as the name implies, and it will be physical. I am looking extremely forward to putting these young men and women through their paces. I will make sure they’re busting their asses in the ring with the trainers, and with me.”
When asked to give his thoughts on a contestant disrespecting him, he replied, “I wouldn’t stand for that B.S. I paid my dues. I know more about WWE than anything else in my life. It’s just not gonna happen.”
He also commented on how becoming a WWE Superstar is different than when he broke into the wrestling business and his initial training in the wrestling industry, among other topics. To read the interview, click here.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
CM Punk’s Character: “Is there a better wrestling villain on TV these days than CM Punk? Arguable question but for my sauce, Punk is right there at the top of the heap with a handful of his peers.”
Steve Austin Hosting Tough Enough: “Steve Austin is very excited about hosting the new season of Tough Enough. It will be interesting to see how much star power and expertise is put in place when the training staff is announced. My instincts say that Austin will have a strong team to help him with the trainees. This will be a great opportunity for Stone Cold to be Stone Cold and to re-engage his many fans on a weekly TV series of which I have great expectations for and will be watching and DVR’ing every week. I do not know the status of Tough Enough airing outside the USA for those that are asking.”
Sting: “The Sting stories that have been on line regarding him coming to WWE have taken a life of their own. Will Sting ever come to WWE? Does a 51 year old guy want to engage in an ambitious, road schedule or any schedule? Could a deal be done and all the pieces be put in place before WM27? Is Sting even remotely interested in re-entering the squared circle on any level? I don’t know the answers to these questions nor, would I suggest, does anyone but Sting himself. Agreed, any thing is possible but what is feasible, doable, etc are questions that none of us can answer. I have seen Sting once in approximately 15 years and that was for about 5 minutes in Charlotte last year at the annual fan convention. I do know that he is a great human being after being around him for over two decades beginning when he came to work for Bill Watts as one half of the Bladerunner tag team with Warrior. They were known as Sting and Rock as I recall when they began their careers with the large Cowboy. Some of my best memories of calling wrestling bouts involved Sting back in the day in UWF and in WCW.”
– Steve Austin met with officials from WWE and Tough Enough yesterday in Venice, California. Austin wrote on Twitter:
“Had a great meeting with Tough Enough and WWE folks today…this show is going to be very cool and and thats the bottom line…”
– Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston has been discussed for WWE’s next pay-per-view event, Elimination Chamber.
– THQ had WWE All Stars setup backstage in the locker room at Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble. WWE talent and management were said to be very impressed with the game, which hits stores in the United States on March 28th, the Tuesday before WrestleMAnia.
– There are very limited tickets left for the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta during WrestleMania 27 weekend.
– Speaking of the Hall of Fame, we’ve heard that former WCW champion Lex Luger has been in talks with WWE about being involved in WrestleMania weekend, likely the Hall of Fame ceremony.
– WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrote on Twitter that he will be meeting with WWE officials in Stanford, Connecticut regarding the upcoming season of Tough Enough, which he’ll be hosting.
Austin asked fans for any ideas or suggestions they may have for the show.
As noted before, Kevin Nash is also scheduled to meet with WWE officials today regarding the future. Nash signed a Legends contract this week.
– Two former members of WWE’s creative team have joined Twitter.
Chris DeJoseph, probably best (or worst) known as Big Dick Johnson, can be followed on Twitter at @chrisdejoseph. He departed from WWE in November noted Twitter this week that he will be available for interviews after March 10th.
Another former WWE writer, Alex Greenfield, can be followed at @alexdgreenfield. He was hired by WWE back in 2005 and worked for the company for about two years.
World Wrestling Entertainment made the following announcement over the weekend:
NEW YORK CITY – USA Network and WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will host USA Network’s upcoming reality series “WWE Tough Enough.” The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10 CT, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE Monday Night Raw, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7 CT, starting on April 11.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has captivated audiences around the world with his magnetic presence and bold, yet charming nature. Austin has done it all in sports-entertainment, winning 17 championships, including the WWE Championship six times. He has an immense and incredibly devoted fan base, and is considered one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with my old friends at WWE on ‘WWE Tough Enough.’ Sports-entertainment has always been an important part of my life, and I look forward to finding the next generation of WWE Superstars,” said Austin.
“Stone Cold” will share his intimate knowledge, experience and flair for the stage as one of the most popular figures in WWE history to a group of individuals looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Austin will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, Calif. Each week, the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports-entertainment organization. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE.
Since leaving the world of sports-entertainment, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has made a name for himself in Hollywood, with roles in such blockbuster hits as The Expendables, staring Sylvester Stallone and The Longest Yard, starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Other film credits include Damage, The Condemned and Hunt to Kill. In addition to film, Austin is a household name from his work on hit television shows such as NBC’s Chuck and CBS’ Nash Bridges.
Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce “WWE Tough Enough.” The company’s previous reality credits include The Real Housewives of New York City, Who Do You Think You Are and World’s Strictest Parents. Producing for Shed Media US are Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.
— Entertainment Weekly is reporting that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has been tapped to host the revival of Tough Enough on the USA Network.
The show premieres April 4, following Monday Night Raw.
— The Jan. 27 episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.64 cable rating with 755,000 viewers. Viewership was up from last week’s episode, which was a 0.49 cable rating with 565,000 viewers.
The midnight replay scored a 0.17 cable rating with 120,000 viewers.
— The WrestleReunion website noted that Edge was at today’s convention at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton. He’s not there as a scheduled guest, but was visiting former colleague Shane Helms.
— WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin congratulated Shawn Michaels on Twitter for his upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame. Austin, who defeated Michaels to win his first WWE championship in the main event of WrestleMania 14, wrote on @SteveAustinBSR:
“Congrats to Shawn Michaels going into HOF. He is the greatest in ring performer I have ever seen.”
— Ric Flair will be returning to the ring once again later this month during TNA’s UK tour. Flair will wrestle Douglas Williams at the Wembley Arena in London on 1/29.
— It’s also worth noting that Jeff Hardy is being advertised for TNA’s UK tour, which begins on 1/21, the day after he is scheduled to plead guilty to at least one of the drug charges pending against him.
