Arn Anderson appeared on Busted Open with Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca, which airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sirius 92 and XM 207. Highlights from his interview are as follows:
His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame: It’s phenomenal! My god! Especially with that group of guys, every one of them is a Hall of Fame-er. It’s just a question of timing, I guess. Getting to share the stage with those guys—man—it just blows me away. I’m still, to this day, in awe of every one of them.
John Laurinaitis pulled me aside some few months back and let me know, and I almost fell out! People around you that are very kind always say This has gotta be your year, well, no, it doesn’t have to be your year. There’s never have to be a year. So when you hear it for yourself, it’s mind-blowing. It really is. …My initial thought was Marty Lunde going in the Hall of Fame—psh!—c’mon. Arn Anderson going in the Hall of Fame, I don’t think so. But the Four Horsemen going in the Hall of Fame? Absolutely.
The Four Horsemen: I don’t know if there’s ever been anybody (and it’s argumentative) better than Barry Windham in the history of the business. I know for a fact he’s in the top five, it’s just a question of who the top five are. [Ricky] Steamboat’s in there, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Ric Flair, you make your top five, whoever they are, but Billy Windham’s in there; He’s on everybody’s top five list. Tully Blanchard was the best partner I ever had in the ring, period. We were in such sync after all those years together, that he could just give me a look and I know what he wanted and I could do the same to him. We never had to say a word in the ring to each other, period.
Ric Flair is Ric Flair. If anybody was gonna be inducted twice, he certainly earned those stripes. The one guy that doesn’t get a lot of air-time or a lot talked about is J. J. Dillon. He was the brains and the thought process, the stabilizing force; he was actually our manager, our legitimate manager. Travel, I mean everything, he did all of it. And the thing is, the guy was a world-class talker, carried himself like a gentleman, dressed well, and was just smart, very smart about the business. So to be able to share the stage with those guys is just staggering when I try to assess it.
WrestleMania: Oh my god. Well, just go back to the fact that we started promoting Wrestlemania last year before Wrestlemania, this year’s! That ought to tell ya everything you need to know about the size of the event. I was in Wrestlemania 5, Tully and I. It was a Grand Fair. But it was also in Atlantic City and the Trump Castle—Plaza, one of those. It wasn’t eighty thousand seats, let me just tell you that. It has morphed into something else entirely. When you’ve got eighty thousand people out under the stars, if you go back to the one in Orlando…it was breath-taking: the magnificence, the color, the pageantry, everything that is Wrestlemania. It is the Superbowl times two, if you ask me. For the entertainment, dollar, and you cut four hours out of your life, if you wanna spend them somewhere, that’s where you wanna spend them. It’s absolutely just numbing, what an event it is.
Bobby “The Brain” Heenan: Oh my god. Well, Bobby’s gonna go down as the greatest manager of all time. And I don’t think J.J. [Dillon] would feel slighted about that. Bobby Heenan is the single funniest man that God ever put on this earth. If you ever talk to him, I could look at Bobby and just say, “Hey Bobby, that tree’s falling towards the house.” Bobby would have something to come back with right then. It wouldn’t be “O god, let’s get outta the way!” Bobby would have a clever quick comeback. He’s just so sharp. His skills around that ring were—oh—Bobby took better bumps than ninety percent of the guys in the business. Bobby was phenomenal. The tragedies that befell him will take your breath. It’s a horrible, horrible deal, but Bobby has still got, even though he cannot speak, his sense of humor! Those of us that know him can still pull out of him, and I think that’s an awesome thing.
The Undertaker’s undefeated streak: Well, he is a phenom. I knew the Undertaker from day one when he was with WCW, ‘til he moved to the WWF. I used to sit there with my chin on the ground when a guy that size would walk that top rope. It was unbelievable stuff that the guy can do. And to this day, he is no spring chicken, but the guy is so masterful, it’s unbelievable. And as far as me spine-busting the Undertaker, my fifteen-year-old, I think that was the greatest day of his life! Even though the Undertaker kicked out and knocked my eyes shut shortly thereafter (the part he doesn’t want to remember!), but what a thrill it was! It really was. Those few seconds in the ring with that guy, that’s the one that got away. People ask me all the time, Who would you like to bid in the ring with (that you missed)? That’s the guy.
WWE.com announced Tuesday afternoon that Ric Flair will be present at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Miami’s American Airlines Arena on Saturday.
“The Nature Boy,” who was originally inducted as a singles wrestler in 2008, will enter the Hall a record second time alongside fellow Four Horsemen Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham and JJ Dillon. The story does not mention whether he will appear onstage, nor that he is affiliated to TNA Wrestling.
F4WOnline.com reported last week that TNA Wrestling was open to Flair appearing at the event and that they weren’t asking for for much in compensation.
The induction ceremony will air on USA on Monday, April 2 at 8 p.m.
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote on Twitter that he has a surprise in store for Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He wrote, “PHILADELPHIA! Damn good to be here – been too long. I have a little surprise for you on RAW. #EyeOfTheTiger.”
— Going against his word, Cody Rhodes is now on Twitter at codyrhodeswwe. His first message is a video post in which he states that unlike Big Show’s record of wins at WrestleMania, his mind can change.
— This week’s episode of WWE Vintage Collection highlights WWE Hall of Famers. Matches and segments are as follows (thanks to Devin Cutting): Road Warriors WWE Hall Of Fame induction video and speech; Road Warriors vs. Doom (WCW Power Hour – February 23, 1990); Dusty Rhodes WWE Hall Of Fame induction video and speech; Dusty Rhodes vs. Big Boss Man (WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event – November 25, 1989); Edge WWE Hall Of Fame induction video; Edge vs. John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam (WWE Monday Night Raw – July 3, 2006).
– Bret Hart has addressed the rumor that he will induct the late Yokozuna into the WWE Hall of Fame later this month, writing on Twitter:
“As much as I wouldn’t mind, it’s not true. No one’s contacted me about it, at least.”
– Aside from Jim Ross and Goldust, Perry Saturn was also in Tampa over the past week evaluating developmental talent at Florida Championship Wrestling. Saturn tweeted:
“Just finished a week @ WWE training center in Tampa. It was a great time. There’s a bunch of hard working, good people there. Wicked cool!”
– The official Facebook page of the Nationwide Arena has published photos from last night’s WWE Superstars match between Justin Gabriel and Hunico and of fans outside the venue.
— One of the most influential masked wrestlers of all time, Mexican lucha libre legend Mil Mascaras is the latest name announced for the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2012.
Mascaras was announced as a Hall of Fame inductee when WWE was in Mexico City, Mexico last October, but not acknowledged on WWE.com until today. His video can be seen here.
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote a message on Twitter regarding tonight’s Rock Concert on Raw SuperShow.
“Cleveland. RAW. 100% sold out. Team Bring It – time to have some fun. #RockConcert,” he wrote, along with a photo of a guitar and his “Boots 2 Asses” T-shirt.
— Pro Wrestling Illustrated is now on Twitter at OfficialPWI.
— Yokozuna is expected to be announced for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame tonight on Raw SuperShow. Though Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was originally slated to induct the two-time WWE Champion into the Hall, it was rumored over the weekend that Bret Hart will instead do the honors. The wrestling legends contested in championship matches at WrestleMania IX and WrestleMania X.
Yokozuna, whose real name is Rodney Anoa’i, died from Pulmonary edema on October 23, 2000.
— The Miz will be chatting live on USANetwork.com during the East Coast airing of Psych Wednesday at 10:00 p.m.
— Former WWE Superstar Carlito wrote of his recent encounter with Bret Hart at an independent show, “I think he was surprised I was still alive or just looks at me like I’m a waste of talent. Lol, hes a real good dude though!”
Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:
The Undertaker wrestling Triple H for the third time at WrestleMania: “Concerned that Taker vs. HHH is their 3rd Wrestlemania bout? Heck, no. Their history is a vital part of the fabric of WWE, their first match was 11 years ago, and the way the match ended last year with Undertaker being carted out of ‘his event’ adds to the drama. These two, great professionals will make it a daunting task for any one to follow them assuming that they don’t go on last which would surprise me. The mere fact that it is quite likely that HHH vs. Taker will NEVER happen again is enough for this fan to want to see WM28.”
Chris Jericho facing CM Punk at WrestleMania XXVIII: “They have many similar traits that I like and respect. I appreciate each man’s journey to the big dance. I respect that even though many ‘experts’ said that neither would ever ‘make it’ that each persevered and have earned star status. However, at the end of the day, their match isn’t, in my view, about who is the best in the world but rather who will leave Miami as the #1 man in WWE, the WWE Champion.”
Will any WCW fixtures such as Sting and Diamond Dallas Page ever get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame?: “I’d say that there is a good chance that happens. More and more talents who earned their proverbial stripes outside WWE will be inducted in years to come.”
Who’s the best WWE Diva?: “Assuming this is referring to wresting and if so I’d suggest that would be Beth Phoenix. Like many fans, I’d love to see Beth face @Kharma but I have no idea if that will be at WM28 and could be saved for after April 1 when it would possibly get more focus. Obviously, the talents would love for it to be as a part of WrestleMania and I can’t blame them for that.”
Natalya’s flatulence based persona: “Thoughts on Natalya’s flatulence, TV persona? Likely not something that I would have thought of but I can’t recall any time that Ms Neidhart has been in more discussions or the subject of more questions that she is now. Hopefully, this new found notoriety will lead to bigger and better things for her. She has lots of talent.”
Ross also weighs in on best ‘Bounty’ pro wrestling storylines, if he likes Twitter, WWE’s ongoing General Manager storyline and more. His post is available here.
Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website. Highlights are as follows:
Are some WWE Superstars jealous of The Rock’s return to WWE and headlining WrestleMania XXVIII?: “Probably, but I’ve not spoken directly to any that express that sentiment however jealousy isn’t anything new in the genre or in any locker room. For one to think that it isn’t is being naive. @TheRock returning to WWE is about BUSINESS and the bigger the pie the bigger the slice for everyone.”
If he wants to wrestle Michael Cole at WrestleMania XXVIII: “Absolutely, not. And not any where else either. That hand has been played. Time to shuffle the deck and deal new cards. Cole and JR don’t need to be taking valuable TV time that should be used by young talents who are expected to be the stars of the future.”
Whether Owen Hart will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: “My assumption would be yes but not any time soon due to circumstances beyond WWE’s control.”
Whether Jeff Hardy will return to WWE: “My absolute guess would be no. At best, highly unlikely. TNA’s schedule likely fits Jeff best. I still remember his bout on TV vs the Undertaker. Great, WWE TV moment.”
The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania: “I never said Undertaker’s Streak at WrestleMania would end in the ring. I’ve actually said the contrary and that I did not think it would happen. That’s simply my opinion but it can only be determined in the ring. Obviously, the Streak will end some day when Taker retires which I do not expect to be this year. That decision is entirely up to Undertaker and how his body is holding up after years of combat.”
Ross also weighs in on The Rock/Cena rivalry, Undertaker vs. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell Match at WrestleMania XXVIII, WWE developmental talent, Ric Flair and more. His post is available here.
— WWE has not followed up on Kharma’s appearance last month at the Royal Rumble because she hasn’t fully recovered from giving birth on December 31, 2011 and isn’t ready to work a full-time schedule. She competed in the Rumble Match because creative felt it would create a good story since it wasn’t expected.
— John “Bradshaw” Layfield inducting Ron Simmons into the WWE Hall of Fame is not official but it is the planned idea.
Layfield wrote Tuesday on Facebook in regards to inducting his longtime tag team partner, “As far as who is inducting Ron into the HOF-I would consider one of my greatest lifetime honors if I am chosen. However, it hasn’t been announced-SO, if I knew who was I couldn’t say. And, if I don’t know I couldn’t say either obviously. So, I wait on the announcement like everyone else.”
— The January 17, 2012 WWE SmackDown taping at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada drew 5,287 paying $214,735.
— Ron Simmons appeared on Busted Open Monday and stated WWE will announce his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame on tonight’s Raw.
It has been reported that John “Bradshaw” Layfield will induct his longtime tag team partner into the Hall.
— Ticketmaster.com is currently holding a pre-sale for the August 27, 2012 Raw Supershow at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The code is: WWERAW. Once the pre-sale concludes this week, tickets won’t go on sale until June 30.
— Lilian Garcia stated on Twitter that she’s in Chicago, Illinois today recording a new song with producer Oh, Hush!.
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine hits newsstands tomorrow. The issue will feature four different covers—The Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena and The Rock.
— The Rock is advertised for the Raw SuperShow following WrestleMania taking place April 2, 2012 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. The advertised main event is an Eight-Man Tag Team Match pitting John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton and Big Show against Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Kane and Mark Henry.
— Raw Superstars are advertised to appear at the April 3, 2012 SmackDown taping at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The advertised main event is a Ten-Man Tag Team Match pitting John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Big Show and Sheamus against Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Mark Henry and The Miz.
— Steve Austin says Jake “The Snake” Roberts is worthy of the WWE Hall of Fame. He wrote the following after reading Roberts’ thoughts on entering the Hall:
“JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS DEFINITELY DESERVES TO BE IN THE H.O.F. AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE. One of my fave all time workers.”
— This week’s WWE Classics On Demand updates are as follows: Extreme Championship Wrestling (January 20, 1998), WWF Mania (January 9, 1993), World Class Championship Wrestling (February 18, 1984).
Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ron Simmons is slated to be inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class in Miami, Florida. It has not been disclosed when the official announcement will be made.
Among his many accomplishments, Simmons held the WWE World Tag Team Championship three times with Bradshaw, the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Butch Reed as Doom and the WCW United States Tag Team Championship with Big Josh. However, his greatest achievement occurred on August 2, 1992, when Simmons became the first officially recognized African-American singles World Champion, defeating Big Van Vader for the WCW World Championship.
Other elite Superstars scheduled for induction on March 31, 2012 are Edge, The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Ric Flair, Barry Windham, Tully Blanchard and JJ Dillon), Mil Mascaras and Mike Tyson.
The Honky Tonk Man spoke to Off the Top Rope Radio last Wednesday on a variety of topics. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Declining WWE’s offer for WWE Hall of Fame enshrinement: “I turned down the WWE Hall of Fame because I was booked somewhere else and it’s the indies that put food on my table. They didn’t call until early March, it was just left too late.”
Why he did not appear the “Old School” episode of Raw in 2010: “I nearly went back for the WWE Old School Raw, but I was booked on a 6:00 a.m. flight there and 6:00 a.m. flight back. I wouldn’t have even had time to check in the hotel.”
WWE Legends’ House: “I’ve had no contact from WWE about the Legends House TV show.”
Returning to WWE: “It’s as simple as this. I don’t want to be treated any better than anyone else (by WWE), but just as good and have a nice time.”
– Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reports that Mason Ryan’s sizable push was halted weeks ago due to his inability to connect with the audience. Nonetheless, WWE creative plans on renewing his push in the near future as they feel he has great potential. The Welsh wrestler was ultimately kept off Sunday’s 30-Man Royal Rumble Match because they felt it would have done “nothing positive” for him.
Meltzer adds that Vince McMahon at least initially had an “infatuation” with Ryan, hence his fast track to the main roster last year and subsequent protection on television.
— Lance Storm stated Tuesday on Twitter that he will be attending the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Miami, Florida to see longtime friend Edge’s enshrinement. He added that he does not know yet if he’ll stay for WrestleMania.
— A photo of The Rock face-to-face with John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Wrestler.
During a recent public appearance, Lex Luger was asked what being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame would mean to him.
“It would just be a tremendous honor if someday I was inducted in the Hall of Fame, but really, we’re here to get down to glory to God now with our lives and serve others and use open vessels for him to bring people to Christ,” says Luger, who in 2006 declared himself a born again Christian.
Lex continues, “But, would that be an honor? It’s something that would also help to use as a platform to continue ministry as well. It would be wonderful, definitely.”
Wrestlezone.com reported last week that Luger not being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year as part of the Horsemen clan stems from the events surrounding Miss Elizabeth’s death, who passed away on May 1, 2003 in the home they shared. Her cause of death, according to the coroner’s report, was “acute toxicity” brought on by a buffet of prescription painkillers and vodka. Many people in WWE blame Luger for her tragic death as he’s seen as her enabler. Luger himself has admitted to being a negative influence on her life.
“I take a lot of responsibility for that—my influence in her life,” he told ESPN.com in 2007 regarding his heavy drug abuse, which rubbed off on her during their relationship. “Her little heart and body couldn’t take what I was doing.”
WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Why Barry Windham was chosen over other members for the WWE Hall of Fame: “The most dynamic group that we had was with Barry. You had more guys that could perform with more opponents. Big, small, all sizes and that was the most powerful group we had. Lex Luger was an addition. He was just coming in to work for Crockett as Ole was on his way out. So it was a place to put Luger to try to get him instantly to a star status since he had such a great look and it worked and it worked for quite a while. But when we switched him to babyface and Barry came back as a heel you had four guys that who could perform with Andre the Giant or the Rock and Roll Express or The Road Warriors. We could go out with all shapes and sizes and go out and tear the house down, and that is where your dynamics and your benefit for your promotion came.
Triple H possibly inducting The Four Horsemen: “He just shared with me in brief that he watched and appreciated everything we did, not just we, but he was talking about me specifically. Before he got into wrestling or at the start of his career, as he went in, if that is what he watched and that is what he molded himself after, then he would have a great amount of input on how the images of the Four Horsemen blended together and affected him.”
Thoughts on JJ Dillon: “JJ is definitely one of the finest managers in my opinion, if not the best manager that the wrestling business has ever had, and I have known some good ones. But a lot of the very good ones were fighting for center stage with talent many times, and JJ never did that. He complemented everything that was done and not taking away from what the guy was doing in the ring or what the guys were doing in the ring. That made it very, very simple to go out and perform, just like you’re out there by yourself or in a tag team match and JJ could put the gas to the fire when you needed it.”
What he expects the night of the Hall of Fame: “Right now the biggest honor is to be in the WWE Hall of Fame, in the wrestling business. There will be twenty thousand people at the American Airlines Center that Saturday night watching it. If I am still on this earth, I’ll be there, and I’m planning on having my four children there with me. They were born after my wrestling career and they have not really grabbed hold of the fact of what I used to do. With the magnitude of this setting and with Wrestlemania and Saturday night and Fan Axxess. My children have never seen me in that big of a setting. They have been in a couple of autograph settings with me, but this is going to be a little eye opening for them.”
— The official website of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia is advertising The Rock for the March 26, 2012 Raw SuperShow.
This will be the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.
— It was rumored at last night’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California that Shawn Michaels and Triple H would together induct The Four Horsemen—Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard—into the WWE Hall of Fame. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent lobbied for the Horsemen to be inducted into the Hall.
Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio is internally expected to induct his uncle, Mil Mascaras.
— Ken Shamrock and Sid Vicious have been announced for Wrestlereunion, which takes place January 27-29, 2012 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
— Randy Orton, who is currently recuperating from a herniated disc, has been pulled from advertising for next week’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California and SmackDown in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nonetheless, he is still booked full-time beginning with the January 23 Raw SuperShow in Phoenix, Arizona.
— Former WWE Superstar Virgil is appearing at the Kmart located at Schulykill Mall Rt 61 & I 81 Frackville, Pennsylvania every day at noon through Thursday. Call 570-874-3660 for more information. The week long fest began Friday.
— Tickets went on sale this morning for WWE’s 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida on March 31. The event could be sold out by the end of today. As of this morning, all lower level seats were gone with the only seats left in the balcony upper level.
— 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.
— Ric Flair told fans during an autograph appearance Thursday at a Walmart in Burlington, North Carolina that he will be “on stage” for WWE’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony WrestleMania weekend (March 31, 2012). Flair, who is under contract to TNA Wrestling, was advertised by WWE this week as one of the Four Horsemen to be inducted at the ceremony.
— Former WWE talent Jacques Rougeau has plans to release his autobiography in English next month. The book was originally released in French last month.
— Chris Masters, who considered Ultimate Warrior his favorite wrestler as a child, says he would like to see him face Kevin Nash in a mixed martial arts match.
“Id love to see warrior Vs. Nash mma style.How old are they again?Warrior practically needed a cain to get to the ring in Barcelona,” he tweeted.
Edge® and the Four Horsemen to Enter WWE Hall of Fame
STAMFORD, Conn.– WWE® announced today that Edge and the Four Horsemen will be among the 2012 class of inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place Saturday, March 31 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, the evening before WrestleMania® XXVIII.
Throughout his storied career, Edge, known as the “Rated-R Superstar™,” held every major title in WWE. He is a former WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, Tag Team Champion and King of the Ring®. His final match took place at last year’s WrestleMania in Atlanta, where he defeated Alberto Del Rio™ to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 71,000 fans. One week later, in an emotional speech on Monday Night Raw®, Edge was forced to retire due to a neck injury. Outside the ring, Edge is a New York Times bestselling author.
The Four Horsemen, consisting of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson™, Tully Blanchard™, Barry Windham™ and manager J.J. Dillon, were the most dominant group of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s, transcending the world of sports entertainment into all avenues of pop culture. This grouping was the first of its kind, paving the way for the likes of the NWO®, Evolution® and DX®. While the Four Horsemen would undergo many transformations over the years, none would ever be as paramount as Flair, Anderson, Blanchard, Windham and Dillon.
Additional inductees will be announced on WWE programming over the coming weeks.
Tickets for the 2012 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony go on sale this Saturday, January 14 at 10 AM ET and will be available through the AmericanAirlines Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or by calling Ticketmaster Charge By Phone at 1-800-745-3000.
— Edge stated during an interview with Aftermath on The Score Monday night that if the choice is his, Christian will induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE announced during the first hour of Monday’s Raw SuperShow that Edge would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania XXVIII.
Meanwhile, Christian and Shawn Michaels went on Twitter to congratulate Edge for his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“A gigantic, enormous congratulations to Edge on his Hall of Fame induction. Unbelievably well deserved & I could not be happier for him!!!” wrote Michaels, a fellow WWE Hall of Famer.
Christian added, “Edge… Hall Of Fame… No one deserves it more #YouThinkYouKnowMe.”
— Following Monday’s Raw SuperShow broadcast, Dolph Ziggler cut a promo in which he claimed to have beaten John Cena. Kane then appeared, prompting Ziggler to run off. CM Punk then appeared, but was attacked by Ziggler, Kane and Jack Swagger. Big Show came out to rescue Punk, and was followed by John Cena. Big Show, Punk and Cena all took turns hitting their respective finishers on Swagger.
— This week’s WWE Classics of Demands updates are as follows: Legends of Wrestling: Renegades and Outlaws, ECW (January 6, 1998), WWF Prime Time Wrestling (July 3, 1989), World Class Championship Wrestling (February 11, 1984).
— In today’s birthdays, Buff Bagwell turns 42 years old, Brian Christopher turns 40 and Colonel DeBeers turns 67.
— WWE will release a DVD and Blu-ray chronicling the life of Edge on April 10, 2012. It is titled “You Think You Know Me – The Edge Story.”
Several WWE employees as well as peers not affiliated with the organization were interviewed for the documentary portion of the release.
— Tickets for WWE’s annual Hall of Fame ceremony, which takes place March 31, 2012 at American Airlines Arena, go on sale this Saturday via Ticketmaster. Prices range from $93.65 to $41.40. An online pre-sale will be held Thursday. The password has not been publicly disclosed.
— The official theme song for the 2011 Royal Rumble is “Dark Horses” by Switchfoot.
– Dave Meltzer stated on the December 24 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio that the Survivor Series pay-per-view buy figure is lower than the initial estimate of 280,000. It was reported that of that figure, 180,000 pay-per-view purchases came from the United States. The updated estimate drops the buy figure to 260,000 as only 160,000 pay-per-view purchases came from the United States for The Rock’s first wrestling match in over seven years.
The estimate compares to 244,000 buys for Survivor Series in 2010 and 235,000 in 2009, which nearly got the show scrapped from the annual pay-per-view line-up.
– Jim Ross commented on Chris Benoit’s candidacy for entrance into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“Chris Benoit will never be inducted into WWE HOF. Great wrestler but horrific ending to his life overrides career.”
Speaking to Arda Ocal of The Score, former WWE talent Harry Smith discussed his relationship with Tom “Dynamite Kid” Billington, who was a cousin and tag team partner of his late father. Billington presently resides in Manchester, England and suffers from the after-effects of steroids and his high-impact wrestling style, which has left him confined to a wheelchair and partially paralyzed.
Smith said, “I’ve keep in touch with my Uncle Tommy, I went and saw him last November, that’s when the WWE did a tour over there (in England). It was really great seeing him; we watched some of his old matches in Japan. Physically he’s in rough shape but mentally he’s still pretty sharp, we had a pretty good time and I hope to see him again soon.”
Smith also campaigned for the British Bulldogs in the WWE Hall of Fame.
“I don’t know if anything nice can happen for him maybe a Hall of Fame induction for the Bulldogs or a DVD would be really great. If the Bulldogs got called to the Hall of Fame, I would love to induct them,” Smith said.