Former WWE writer Scott Keith has updated his blog at RSPWFAQ.net and answered an interesting question about whether today’s current legends would be able to become top stars if they were just entering the business in 2013. As much as WWE has done to develop talent through the NXT and the new Performance Center, Keith’s answer exposes the huge flaws that still exist in the process. He was asked:
Given today’s environment in WWE’s creative and corporate structure, do you think many of today’s legends would even make it to the top if starting today? How many would be buried for trying to get themselves over or having more fan support than they should have? Do you think any would still get over regardless, such as The Rock?
Basically, how do you think many of wrestling’s (or at least WWE’s) legends would be treated today if they were just starting? I shudder to think of how, say, The Undertaker would handle starting today.
Keith replied:
“The ropewalk spot wouldn’t be approved in developmental, he’d get shit for not having a good body, they’d make him do goofy promos because he couldn’t talk without a manager and they’d want to rib him, and then he’d get saddled with a Rhinestone Cowboy gimmick because he’s from Texas and acts like a tough guy. Think I’m close there?”
What do you think about Scott Keith’s response? Comment below if you think he’s right – and what that says about the state of WWE, talent development and the company’s ability to build new stars.
The following are highlights from the latest online blog by WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On The Undertaker’s last match: “When Taker decides to hang up his boots and perform a his last WrestleMania that decision should become the focal, promotional point of that particular WrestleMania event. Nothing could be booked that would be bigger or more memorable. I still think that is should happen in Cowboy’s Stadium aka Jerry’s World in Arlington, Texas with 100,000 strong in attendance but only when Taker is ready.”
On a WrestleMania event in London: “Apparently John Cena made a comment about WWE hosting a WrestleMania in London some day. I’d assume that Cena was speculating while interacting with the fans in attendance at a live, WWE event as I’ve never heard any serious talk about WWE holding their biggest, annual event in London or any where else that it can’t be live in North America on a Sunday night at 7 pm eastern time. Could it happen? Any thing can happen in WWE if they choose to pull the trigger. Will it happen? I have serious doubts.”
On controversial UFC 167 main event on Saturday night: “Unfortunate decision Saturday night in the main event at UFC 167, at least in my uneducated and arguably biased opinion as Johny Hendricks got hosed in his split decision loss to George St. Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Title. This are major issues the state of Nevada has to address as inconsistent judging and embarrassing finishes can drive away PPV customers which can cost the UFC big money if the paying customers become overly frustrated with PPV events.”
Check out the complete blog online at JRsBarBQ.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated the Q&A section JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
David Benoit Getting Into Pro Wrestling: “I don’t speak for WWE. Just expressed my personal opinion. Not sure the kid finds happiness in his dad’s old business plus over 90% of those that try out for wwe don’t make it no matter their name. I’d say same to my kids.”
Is Great Khali A Hall of Famer?“Strictly as a guess, I’d say not likely.”
Not Wanting to Run His Own Wrestling Promotion: “To invest my money and my time in a wrestling promotion isn’t something that I would ever consider. The lack of talent that’s available…TV production costs…dwenling crowds…the baby sitting that’s involved, etc isn’t something that interests me whatsoever. Plus, small promotions are challenged to even break even financially and I’m not a break even guy.”
WhoThe Undertaker Final Opponent Should Be: “Brock…Cena…Rock would be on my short list.”
His Favorite William Regal moment: “My favorite Regal moment was being able to help him salvage his career because of personal demons.”
– Russ Bacon, who worked in WWE’s production department for nearly twenty years as a director and producer, has left the company. WWE employees were shocked at his departure – it’s not clear at this point if he quit or was let go by management.
– WWE.com is running a poll asking fans to pick The Undertaker’s greatest WrestleMania opponent. Shawn Michaels is currently in the lead (58%), followed by Kane (39%), Triple H (2%) and Batista (1%).
– WWE has published the following video of the “Top 10 Bad Guys Gone Good” – including Andre The Giant, The Undertaker, The Rock, Randy Orton and Steve Austin:
The following are highlights from the latest online Q&A update from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On if Brandi Runnels will be brought in immediately to the Rhodes Family storyline: “I don’t know if any of that is even true and if it is what the motive may be. However, in my opinion, for one family to be completely dependent on the wrestling biz for their livelihood isn’t wise in today’s world.”
On AJ Lee competing in the 2014 WWE Royal Rumble match: “Women should not compete w/ men in pro wrestling in any physical manner.”
On the most agile and exciting “big men” in pro wrestling history: “Young Andre, Vader, Don Leo Jonathan, Bigelow, among others I’ve naturally overlooked.”
On how many more matches The Undertaker has left in him: “No way of knowing. I assume Taker takes it a year at a time.”
You can check out more Q&A updates from Jim Ross at his official website, JRsBarBQ.com.
– Speaking to Rodolfo Roman, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio revealed that his dream WrestleMania match would be against The Undertaker. The Mexican grappler also promised a victory over John Cena tonight at Hell in a Cell. Here Del Rio discuss this, and mixed martial arts below:
– As reported on Thursday, TNT is continuing its relationship with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as the cable network has ordered Wake Up Call to series. The former WWE Champion addressed the series in a message on Twitter on Saturday.
“Excited to partner w/ TNT again to create cool positive programming. #WakeUpCall #InspirationAndAssKickins,” he wrote.
The synopsis for the series is as follows: Wake Up Call will feature Johnson lending a helping hand to everyday people who are facing enormous challenges in their lives, whether they be dead-beat dads, sports teams that don’t gel, or business owners struggling to survive. Johnson will bring his own brand of motivation to each group of people, from 4 a.m. wake-up calls, to emotional reunions and goal setting.
– “The Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan turned 64-years-old on Saturday.
-The Grantland website has posted their unofficial WWE “mid-season” awards, since we are approximately half-way to WrestleMania XXX. You can check those out online at Grantland.com.
-The official WWE website for Arabia has a featured article up talking about the reports that The Undertaker will be wrestling Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX in 2014. While we recently reported the rumor as well, it is interesting that an official WWE-affiliated website is now spreading the rumor as well. You can check out the article online at Arabia.WWE.com.
– The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar is being planned for WrestleMania XXX. WWE officials remain optimistic that Undertaker will be healthy to compete at next year’s show – and they have a storyline built in, based off their confrontation at a UFC pay-per-view several years ago when Lesnar was UFC Heavyweight champion.
– Former NFL player Shawne Merriman, who had a Twitter beef with CM Punk last year, is training to become a WWE Superstar. Bill DeMott noted on Twitter that Merriman was at the WWE Performance Center training this week – and Merriman himself posted the following on Facebook after his first day at the Performance Center:
A hard days work 1 down 364 to go #PainWhatPain #LightsOut”
-WWE has a new featured article up on their official website celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the infamous Mick Foley bump off the top of the cage during his legendary Hell In A Cell match with The Undertaker. Fans interested in reading that piece can do so online at WWE.com.
-The debut edition of Jake “The Snake” Roberts’ “Snake Radio” show is now online. Fans interested in checking that out can do so below:
The following are highlights from a recent interview with WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler:
On his first memory of watching WrestleMania: “WrestleMania IV when they had the tournament for the title (won by Randy Savage). I was cheering for Ricky Steamboat. I was a big fan of Steamboat as a kid.”
On his dream opponent for WrestleMania: “Shawn Michaels.”
On his favorite match in WrestleMania history: “Shawn Michaels vs. the Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV (won by the Undertaker). They could have just had a good match, and we would all still be talking about it. But they went out and had one of the best storytelling matches of all-time. I went into the crowd and just watched it.”
Check out the complete interview online at NOLA.com.
In nearly three decades of WrestleMania, there is one record that stands alone: Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak. Now, we’re paying homage to The Deadman’s unprecedented run at the Grandest Spectacle in Entertainment with WWE 2K14’s brand-new Streak Mode, part of the 30 Years of WrestleMania experience.
Within the Streak Mode, you’ll have the option to either defend Undertaker’s legendary streak, or try your hand at defeating it. Find out how each option works below, then scroll down for screenshots of the game mode dedicated to The Phenom himself, Undertaker.
DEFEND THE STREAK
Choose whether to use Undertaker or Undertaker (Retro)
Defend The Phenom’s legacy in a non-stop, slobberknocker-style contest
Raise your score by defeating as many Superstars and Legends in a row as you can
Upload you results and scores online to prove how dominant you are
DEFEAT THE STREAK
Choose any Superstar or Legend on the WWE 2K14 roster
Select Undertaker or Undertaker (Retro)
Face off against The Deadman upon the Grandest Stage of Them All
Try to defeat Undertaker and his arsenal of special abilities seen only inside this mode
Show off to the rest of the WWE Universe by uploading your results and high scores online
Here’s a video preview of the new Streak Mode, courtesy of SmackTalks.org:
-WWE Superstar The Undertaker and his wife, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool, were in attendance at Saturday night’s HBO boxing pay-per-view fight between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manual Marquez.
-WWE Divas The Bella Twins held a “Pink Party” on Saturday night at the Vanity Supper Club in Providence, Rhode Island to raise breast cancer awareness. The Bella Twins posted the following photo on their official Instagram account from the party:
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross sees John Cena and Ryback as the top candidates to face The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX. When asked on Twitter today who he believes may take on “The Deadman” at the pay-per-view event taking place next April in New Orleans, Louisiana, he stated the following:
@Ryback22 & @JohnCena on Short list.RAW5115: @JRsBBQ
Who do you think the first candidate to face the Undertaker at WrestleMania 30?!!”
Ryback has his sights set on ending The Undertaker’s famed undefeated streak, which he revealed last week during an interview with TribLIVE (to promote Monday’s Raw at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania): “One of my main goals is ending The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. It’s something everyone has their opinion on. Some people say it’s something that should never end. I say why not? I say I’m good enough to end it, and I’m very confident in myself. I know there are a lot of people that will say otherwise, but I could care less what they say. I’m the one who wakes up every day and knows how hard I’ve worked for this. It’s something, if I don’t believe I can do it, nobody else is going to believe it.”
Meanwhile, the official YouTube account of WWE has released this 30-second highlight video of “The Human Wrecking Ball” delivering the Shell Shock.
WWE has revealed that their recent “cryptic” tweets were to promote a new line of “sculpted and hand-painted” statues featuring WWE icon The Undertaker. Through a new licensing agreement with McFarlane Toys, a limited run of 850 foot-and-a-half tall statues of The Undertaker will be released on December 6th for $295. Here’s the official announcement from McFarlane Toys:
MCFARLANE TOYS LAUNCHES NEW WWE® ICON SERIES COLLECTIBLES
Limited-Edition WWE Superstar The Undertaker® Statue to Release December 2013
October 01, 2013
McFarlane Toys and WWE announced today a new licensing agreement to produce the first-ever WWE limited-edition collectible statues. The WWE ICON Series will include both current WWE Superstars and Legends.
Fans can look forward to all the statues featuring authentic WWE memorabilia, which are highly limited in production. Select statues will also feature a limited run of authentic WWE Superstar and Legends signatures. Each WWE ICON statue will be created, developed and designed by Todd McFarlane and his award-winning McFarlane Toys design group, in conjunction with WWE, and will be meticulously sculpted and hand-painted to a fully realized likeness.
For its first statue release, McFarlane Toys has chosen one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Undertaker. A fan favorite and multiple-time WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker’s accomplishments have cemented his place among the greatest in WWE history.
The statue depicts The Undertaker, in amazingly authentic detail, with the enigmatic character that makes him a WWE icon. The Undertaker statue stands over 17.5-inches tall, with a special base that includes LED spotlights, a plaque highlighting some of The Undertaker’s historic accomplishments. WWE fans will be able to own a piece of history, as each statue will feature a piece of the ring skirt from The Undertaker’s Inferno match against WWE Superstar Kane® from the February 22, 1999 edition of Monday Night Raw®.
The Undertaker statue is limited to only 850 pieces, and each one is individually and sequentially numbered. As an added bonus, each statue will include a Certificate of Authenticity hand-signed by the internationally acclaimed artist and creator of McFarlane Toys, Todd McFarlane.
The limited-edition collectible will retail at $295 and will be available on the McFarlane Toys online store and WWE Shop starting Friday, December 6, 2013. A limited quantity of statues will be available through Diamond Select Retailers.
Stay tuned to www.mcfarlane.com for more info on this statue, along with news on all the awesome products from McFarlane Toys.
We reported yesterday that the recent WWE cryptic tweets, which has been strongly alluding to something involving The Undertaker, was part of the promotion for the new WWE 2K14 video game. Apparently, that is not the case.
According to the latest “cryptic tweet,” which we posted on the website on Saturday, famed comic book artist Todd McFarlane has something to do with them.
McFarlane is known for his comic book work, as well as his work creating action figures. With that known, the “cryptic tweets” likely have something to do with a new licensed product involving The Undertaker, and not the WWE 2K14 video game.
-WWE has posted yet another “cryptic tweet” containing another photo that seems involve WWE legend The Undertaker. As noted earlier, the cryptic messages are apparently part of the promotion for the new WWE 2K14 video game. Here is the latest tweet along with the photo:
@Todd_McFarlane will soon give rise to an icon. #RestinPieces
-WWE has posted a new Tout video of The Shield cutting a promo on the Rhodes Family, who as previously reported, will be appearing on Monday’s edition of RAW to set up a six-man tag match (Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes & Dustin “Goldust” Rhodes vs. The Shield) at the upcoming WWE Battleground pay-per-view on Sunday, October 6th. The Tout video can be seen below:
-According to one report, the recent cyptic tweets that seem to allude to The Undertaker are likely promotion for the new WWE 2K14 video game.
-The WWE Studios project, “Dead Man Down” has sold 107,211 copies on DVD and 64,000 copies on Blu-ray. “The Call” has moved 400,698 DVDs. “12 Rounds: Reloaded,” which stars WWE Superstar Randy Orton, has moved 61,226 copies on DVD (as of late July).
-Tickets to the New York Comic-Con, which will feature appearances by WWE Superstars Kane and Hornswoggle, are officially sold out.
– WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley appeared on Monday’s episode of the Adam Carolla Show podcast, which you can listen to at AdamCarolla.com.
– According to a few fans who have already watched the new Triple H “Thy Kingdom Come” DVD (released today), The Undertaker is featured in a rare out-of-character interview talking about his relationship with Triple H over the years.
The following are highlights from some recent online Q&A updates from the official website of WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross:
On his autobiography: “My book will be truthful. I don’t know who will publish it. Will it be salacious and tawdry? No.”
On his defining moment in wrestling: “I’m still looking to achieve a ‘defining ‘moment.’ When one looks back for too long, one takes their eye off the future.”
On if he voiced over matches for the Legends Of Mid-South Wrestling DVD: “Yes…I voiced over many of the matches the Tuesday after WM29.”
On if he’ll ever provide feedback on TNA and ROH in his blogs: “Sure…if I watch them regularly. ”
On if there’s a difference in running WrestleMania in football or baseball stadiums: “Football stadiums are more compatible. For WrestleMania the weather also has to be considered. WWE got lucky in New Jersey.”
On if JBL puts over Undertaker because he helped him when he was champion on SmackDown: “I’d say it has zero to do w/ the outcome of any match. Taker is one of the most respected men in the biz. Respect is earned.”
Check out more from JR’s Q&A online at JRsBarBQ.com.
As previously reported, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool, along with The Undertaker, were recently working out at the new WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. According to one source, McCool looked to be in great shape, so much so that many felt she looked better than when she was actually wrestling actively in WWE.
Reports claim McCool was in serious discussions about a year ago with WWE regarding a comeback. The feeling from her side is that now would be a good time to return because she could make it back on television in time to set up a program that would lead to a big payoff at WrestleMania XXX in 2014.
-WWE NXT Divas Paige and Summer Rae recently commented on Twitter about The Undertaker and Michelle McCool being at the WWE Performance Center this week. Below are their comments:
Paige:
“Feel so lucky to be at the @WWEPerformCtr we get awesome guests like @McCoolMichelleL who took the time to help us so much!!! Thanks again!!”
Summer Rae:
“The #NXT divas were SO busy last night at the tv tapings! Things are heating up down there. If you’re not watching then you’re MISSING out! And wow, wow! What a privilege to have @McCoolMichelleL & #TheUndertaker stop by the #NXT tv tapings! Thank you for taking time! #rolemodel”
-Speaking of Twitter, the new Los Matadores duo continue to hype their forthcoming WWE television debut. Their latest tweet reads:
“The day is getting closer…… Los matadores are making their way to the new world!!! #SmackDown #WWEOlé @WWE”
-As previously noted, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool was training at the WWE Performance Center this week. According to a source who works tat the Performance Center, WWE legend The Undertaker was also there this week, working out at the state-of-the-art facility.
-There is currently a pre-sale for tickets to the WWE RAW show on October 28th in Orlando, Florida at Ticketmaster.com. The pre-sale password for tickets is: WJRR.
-Apparently WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino will be doing some stuff with WWE this weekend, as he will be in town, as previously reported, for the Feast Of San Gennaro.
-WWE legend The Ultimate Warrior appeared at the PAX Convention in Seattle, Washington this past weekend. When asked about the possibility of being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in the near future, Warrior replied by simply saying, “Probably not, but we will see.”
-The official WWE website recently added an article that features a look at a list of the top 15 World Heavyweight Champions in company history. Coming in at number one, of course, was Triple H. Rounding out the top five were Batista, Edge, The Undertaker and Booker T. Check out the complete list online at WWE.com.
-Former WWE Superstar and ECW original Tommy Dreamer revealed in a new tweet on Monday evening that he will be tagging with hardcore icon and WWE Hall Of Famer Terry Funk, for “the last time ever”, at the House Of Hardcore event on November 9th. Dreamer and Funk will team up to take on the duo of Lance Storm and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. For more information, visit HouseOfHardcore.net.
As previously reported, Bill Goldberg appeared during Pro Wrestling Night at the Miami Marlins baseball game this weekend. Goldberg threw out the first pitch before the game, and even performed a vicious spear to Marlins pitcher Tom Koehler. Check out an animated GIF of the spear below:
Results from matches at the show were as follows:
-Koko B. Ware defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr.
-Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake defeated Mike Knox
-Harry Smith defeated Wes Brisco
-The Nasty Boys defeated Ken Anderson & Garett Bischoff
Additionally, WWE Hall Of Famers Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “The Mouth Of The South” Jimmy Hart, as well as “Leapin'” Lanny Poffo and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart appeared at the event.
And finally, Goldberg talked a bit in one of the interviews about the recent WWE and WrestleMania XXX rumors. While he didn’t rule out the possibility at some point in the future, he did shoot down the specific rumors about his supposed return at the annual classic next year. He mentioned that if he did come out of retirement for a match, he would be interested in facing off with either “Stone Cold” Steve Austin or The Undertaker, as he said he has no interest in working a match with Ryback.
For more coverage from Pro Wrestling Night at the Marlins game, check out the official MLB.com coverage of the event.
According to a recent report, WWE changed the originally planned finish to the Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk match at the recent SummerSlam pay-per-view event in Los Angeles. The decision was made to switch the finish in the middle of the last week leading up to the event.
Apparently one of the main reasons WWE made the switch was because The Undertaker has reportedly agreed to work against Lesnar at the upcoming WrestleMania XXX event in 2014.
The general consensus within WWE was that if they are going to promote Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX, then Lesnar shouldn’t lose to Punk at SummerSlam, as that would have been his final match before the ‘Taker bout, and would send him into WrestleMania with a 2-3 overall record since returning to the company.
