Jim Ross answered a series of fan questions Saturday on Twitter including whether he’d ever consider joining TNA Wrestling, why Chris Benoit and Owen Hart have not been enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame, why SmackDown isn’t live, and more.
Matt Hardy returning to WWE: “Matt Hardy should get clean and sober & not worry about wrestling until his life isn’t an embarrassment & being put at risk.”
Why SmackDown isn’t live on a weekly basis: “Smackdown isn’t live because of exorbitant, increased tv production costs of keeping production crew on road all week.”
If reports of him penning an autobiography are true: “Not true..more Internet dirt. I’m not in process of writing a book. ‘maybe’ some day.”
If he’d ever join TNA Wrestling: “I’m a WWE guy plus TNA has excellent announcers & they don’t need my services.”
Why Owen Hart is not in the WWE Hall of Fame: “Owen Hart has not been inducted because of potential legal issues w/ his estate, etc.”
Why Chris Benoit is not in the WWE Hall of Fame: “Why #ChrisBenoit not yet inducted to #HOF?…. You can’t be serious.”
The fan replied, “Benoit was a GREAT wrestler, you’ve got to give him credit for that.”
Ross responded, “No one ever said Benoit wasn’t a great wrestler did they? The last few days of his life precludes his HOF status.”
According to the Super Lucha Magazine, Mexican wrestling legend Mil Mascaras will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next year during Wrestlemania XXVIII weekend in Miami, Florida. Mascaras in the real-life uncle of WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio.
The official announcement on the WWE website reads:
“MEXICO CITY — Triple H has announced that Mil Mascaras will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s 2012 class in Miami in April! The announcement was made in Mil Mascaras’ native country in front of the WWE Universe in Mexico City Sunday night. Mil Mascaras was the first masked luchador to compete in Madison Square Garden. The Mexican squared circle legend also competed in the 1997 Royal Rumble.”
Mil Mascaras was at Sunday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Mexico City, where Triple H made the official announcement in front of the live audience:
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine says they have obtained a short list of candidates for induction into next year’s Hall of Fame class and it features past Superstars estranged from WWE.
The Informer wrote in his monthly column: “A trusted source managed to sneak me the short list for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame, and I can tell you that a lot of old wounds are about to be reopened!”
— WWE has released seven-inch refillable lighters featuring six legendary Superstars: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, British Bulldog and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. The lighters, which also include a bottle opener, are available at select convenience stores.
— WWE.com has added Buff Bagwell to its list of WCW Competitors. His picture, however, links a New World Order photo gallery.
— WWE.com is advertising the following for tonight’s episode of SmackDown: “The relentless brutality of Mark Henry comes face-to-face with World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton tonight on SmackDown. Has The World’s Strongest Man become something that even The Viper can’t stop?”
Other matches taking place include Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase, Sin Cara vs. Christian, Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes and Kane vs. Wade Barrett.
— Dolph Ziggler took to Twitter to comment on online reports that he took adult film star BiBi Jones on a date after meeting her at a Britney Spears concert last week.
He wrote, “Wow! To anyone it may concern: no, i am NOT dating anyone! and YES I do frequently listen to Britney Spears!”
— Yoshi Tatsu celebrates his 34th birthday today. In yesterday’s birthdays, Alicia Fox turned 25, Cody Rhodes turned 26 and WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk turned 67.
On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that next week’s special 3-hour episode will be “WWE All Star Night” – featuring appearances from WWE legends.
The show, which will will take place from Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum , will feature talent from both RAW and SmackDown, as well as a special appearance from WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
WWE’s “All Star Night” is designed to promote the WWE All Stars videogame, which was released back in March prior to WrestleMania XXVII.
— As of Monday morning, fourth row ringside tickets were available for next week’s SmackDown taping at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. This comes on the heels of WWE canceling this past weekend’s SmackDown live events due to poor ticket sales.
— The movie 12-24, which stars former WCW talent Rob Kellum (a/k/a The Maestro), won the award for Best Feature over the weekend at the Pittsburgh Horror Film Festival in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
— WWE Hall of Famer Sunny has been announced for the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center 5555 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois. The event takes place August 11th – 14th.
Sunny’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame has been nixed from tonight’s broadcast on the USA Network in favor of Drew Carey’s since a promotional deal is in place to push his new series on GSN. The comedian’s acceptance speech was significantly edited and all boos directed at him were edited out.
A highlight reel showcasing Sunny, Abdullah the Butcher and Bob Armstrong will air.
The special will open up with Dusty Rhodes inducting The Road Warriors and Paul Ellering into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The broadcast will close with the Hall of Fame induction of Shawn Michaels. His speech was heavily edited as it lasts approximately four minutes. Triple H’s crack on Michaels “refusing to join the Hulk Hogan hair club,” however, remains intact.
TNA Wrestling talent Ric Flair, who attended the event, is not shown during the broadcast.
– Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler mentioned during a recent interview that she would be appearing on Tough Enough. It marks as her first involvement with WWE since parting ways with the organization in 2006.
— Coming out of this weekend, WWE reportedly wants to put a celebrity and a female personality into the Hall of Fame every year going forward.
— Tonight’s episode of Raw is scheduled to go off the air at 11:15 p.m. at the earliest but the USA Network has given WWE permission to go later if need be as they want a strong lead-in for the premiere of Tough Enough.
— Colt Cabana was at WrestleMania XXVII visiting friends.
— The WrestleMania XXVII match that garnered the most attention backstage was Triple H vs. The Undertaker.
— Abdullah the Butcher’s Atlanta area “House of Ribs and Chinese Food” restaurant ran out of ribs Saturday afternoon due the numerous wrestling fans in town.
Following WrestleMania XXVII, the WWE Hall of Famer set up a makeshift merchandise table in the lobby of the WWE hotel to hawk merchandise and photos.
— Jim Ross said on Twitter that he would be appearing at a show next weekend in Sand Springs, Oklahoma for fellow WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race.
— Layla and Michelle McCool’s speech inducting Sunny into the WWE Hall of Fame received unfavorable reviews from a number of attendees as it was conducted in character. Raw Superstar John Morrison compared their speech to Jersey Shore star The Situation’s universally panned speech during last month’s Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump.
“Lay-Cool’s induction speech at Hall of Fame = the Situation at the Trump roast,” he wrote.
— The Miz says appearing at WrestleMania XXVII is a ‘dream come true’.
“This really is a dream come true,” the WWE Champion told the Toronto Sun in an interview. “As a kid, I watched Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant. It was larger than life. And now, I’m on that same stage.”
He has his sights set high.
“I always say you’re only as good as your last time on TV. If I have an off-day, that’s not good. With wrestlers like (Hogan, Triple H, Flair and Michaels), they didn’t have off-days. I just can’t remember them flubbing anything. All I remember is their iconic status.”
— WWE conducted an injury angle yesterday morning at WrestleMania Axxess which would likely affect the Eight-Man Tag Team Match at WrestleMania XXVII featuring Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. The Corre. Following Kozlov’s victory over Tyler Reks, The Corre attacked the Raw Superstar. The faction used the steel steps to crush The Moscow Mauler’s shoulder against the ring post.
In an update on his condition, the official Twitter account of WWE Magazine tweeted the following: “We haven’t heard any more definitive news on Kozlov, but it looks like he’s gonna be out of action tonight…”
— During his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame last night, Drew Carey said how much he respected the WWE performers. According to sources within the organization, he was very respectful and complimentary to everyone. He went out of his way to introduce himself to everyone and appeared knowledgeable about the wrestlers.
— Shane McMahon is not in Atlanta. Linda McMahon, however, is. She was on hand for yesterday’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. She also made an appearance at WrestleMania Axxess.
— As of late last night, plans call for the annual Battle Royal to take place during the WrestleMania XXVII pay-per-view broadcast.
The United States Championship Match between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan is also still slated for the broadcast. It’s been speculated that it could be pulled from the show due to time constraints.
— Drew Carey, who was heavily heckled during his WWE Hall of Fame Induction, says the jeers don’t bother him.
“Didn’t bother me at all,” he replied to a fan on Twitter commenting on the jeers. “Fans have got to have their say, good or bad. Unconditional love to all at the WWE event.”
He added, “Heartfelt thanks to the WWE for letting me in to the celebrity wing of their HOF. Many blessings to all of you.”
— TNA Wrestling Superstar Ric Flair is staying at WWE’s hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. It is said that he will be attending tonight’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony, to witness Shawn Michaels’ enshrinement.
— Jim Ross told fans at Friday’s WrestleMania Axxess event that he would be calling some matches at WrestleMania XXVII.
— Former ECW talent The Sandman, Tod Gordon and Gary Wolfe (a/k/a Pitbull #1) are hosting a WrestleMania party at The Penthouse Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday.
— WWE Hall of Famer Wendi Richter made a surprise appearance at Friday’s WrestleMania Axxess event.
— Heavy metal band Winds of Plague’s upcoming album will feature a guest appearance by former WWE Champion Ultimate Warrior. He provides a spoken word track called “The Warrior’s Code.”
Warrior and the band share the same management company, which is likely how the two unionized. “Against The World” is scheduled for release on Tuesday, April 19.
— Tammy Sytch (a/k/a Sunny) stated yesterday during an interview on SIRIUS Satellite Radio that her WWE Hall of Fame inductor would be a surprise. When asked if it was male or female, the WWE public relations representative who accompanied her would not allow her to answer the question. Current plans call for the WWE Divas to together induct Sunny into the Hall of Fame. Sunny is being branded as “The Original Diva.”
— The Score in Canada will air the WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 5 at 6:30 p.m., April 8 at 7:00 p.m. and April 8 at 11:00 p.m.
It was revealed at today’s WrestleMania XXVII press conference in New York’s Hard Rock Café that Triple H would be inducting Shawn Michaels into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
Triple H was introduced by Stephanie McMahon, the event’s presenter. He kissed her upon his entrance and announced that he would be inducting Michaels, his friend, into the WWE Hall of Fame. He then vowed to end The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak on Sunday.
Michaels said recently in interviews that he narrowed the list down to two candidates to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The WWE Hall of Fame Induction ceremony airs this Monday prior to Raw on the USA Network.
— Michael Cole announced on Raw that Shawn Michaels, Sunny and The Road Warriors would be the three Hall of Famers to featured during the WWE 2011 Hall of Fame Induction broadcast on the USA Network. It airs next Monday at 8:00 p.m. before Raw.
— Matches taped Monday night in Rosemont, Illinois for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* Divas Champion Eve, Gail Kim and Natalya vs. Brie Bella, Melina and Nikki Bella
* Curt Hawkins vs. Trent Barreta
— Mark Henry beat Ted DiBiase in a dark match prior to Raw.
Billed as the most dominant tag team in history, The Road Warriors and their manager, Paul Ellering, are the latest inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame (presented by THQ’s WWE All Stars)
Below is the final list of entrants into this year’s Hall of Fame class:
* Shawn Michaels
* Hacksaw Jim Duggan (inducted by “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase)
* “Bullet” Bob Armstrong (inducted by the Armstrong Family)
— The Road Warriors, Animal and Hawk, are expected to be announced as inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame 2011 Class during next week’s Raw in Chicago, Illinois.
Promoting The Road Warriors: Danger, Death, and the Rush of Wrestling on Monday Night Mayhem, Animal commented on rumors of the duo being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“I don’t know man. Have I envisioned it? Yeah. You always want to be in there, and you want to be recognized for your trade,” he said. “I thought I was going in last year. I thought I was going in the year before that and the year before that. I thought ‘What are they waiting for here?’ But who knows man. Most of the time, the wrestlers are the last ones to find out anything. The thing I know for sure is that I’m going in the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in (Amsterdam) New York in May.”
— Tomorrow night at 10:30 p.m. on NBC, The Great Khali will appear on the hit sitcom Outsourced. WWE.com sat down with Parvesh Cheena, who plays Gupta on the show, to get his thoughts on The Punjabi Playboy, WWE and more. (Interview link)
— Former WWE talent Ray Gordy (a/k/a Jesse) turns 32 years old today, while Tyson Tomko turns 35. Also, former WCW talent Midajah turns 38.
World Wrestling Entertainment announced this afternoon that Abdullah the Butcher will inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 2 in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s interesting to note that WWE.com’s bio on The Butcher notes that while he never brawled two-time WWE Champion Bruno Sammartino or went the distance with Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden, all three wrestling icons will be together when he’s inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The text reads: “Still active today even though he’s in his 70s, The Butcher has battled every legend in nearly every promotion on the planet — except WWE. Despite his decades in the ring, Abdullah never brawled with Bruno Sammartino for the WWE Championship or went the distance with Bob Backlund in Madison Square Garden. These are dream matches that will never happen, but these icons will all be together when The Butcher takes his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011.”
It appears to be a mistake on the website’s part as Sammartino and Backlund aren’t members of the WWE Hall of Fame, not to mention that it is far fetched that Sammartino would involve himself with WWE. Since his retirement from in-ring competition in 1987, he has been highly critical of the organization’s lurid storylines, over-the-top theatrics, and drug and steroid abuse. The living legend has been particularly critical of Vince McMahon, saying that “Junior” has been detrimental to his father’s creation. Sammartino has refused induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, as well as to provide commentary on retrospectives of his career.
Meanwhile, Backlund reportedly refused an invitation into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 because he didn’t consider himself retired. He competed for TNA Wrestling in 2007 at the age of 58 and made an appearance at the 15th Anniversary of Raw on December 10 of that year, participating in the 15th Anniversary battle royal.
WWE announced this afternoon on their website that Abdullah the Butcher will inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 2 in Atlanta, Georgia.
To view his profile, including induction video, click here.
While not officially confirmed, Abdullah stated during an interview last month that he will be inducted by longtime rival Terry Funk.
WWE is branding The Butcher ‘as one of the most vicious competitors to ever enter the ring’. They also acknowledge The Butcher has battled every legend in nearly every promotion on the planet, with the exception of WWE.
The Butcher lives in the Atlanta area, where he operates a restaurant called Abdullah the Butcher’s House of Ribs and Chinese Food.
— The word amongst those in WWE is that former The Price Is Right host Bob Barker will induct Drew Carey, the game show’s current host, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
— Trish Stratus implied on her Twitter account this morning that a huge name appeared on the set of Tough Enough.
“Whew-longest day ever! Flew from STL rite onto set-kids got a surprise guest that blew their minds!” she wrote. “A rock solid day & 2moro we go again!”
— Wrestlers celebrating birthdays today include WWE developmental wrestler Brett DiBiase (23), former WWE star Henry Godwinn (47), and former WWE star Kenny Dykstra (25).
– Several cable companies are advertising Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson ‘firing back’ at John Cena on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw. “The Great One” revealed his involvement with tonight’s show on Twitter.
He wrote, “I won’t be live on RAW.. BUT, John Cena and I had a much needed heart to heart talk this weekend at my home. U will see it tonight on RAW…”
— The March 11 episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy scored a 1.93 cable rating, slightly down from the previous week’s 1.97 figure. The show averaged 3,072,000 viewers over the course of two hours.
— WWE.com has added Drew Carey to its Hall of Fame inductees section. The Price Is Right host was announced today via press release as the latest inductee into the Hall.
— Abdullah the Butcher was originally scheduled to be announced as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011 tonight on Monday Night Raw, but said plans were changed last week due to WWE officials reaching an agreement with Drew Carey. The organization issued a press release today touting the celebrity’s induction into the Hall.
Speaking of the Hall of Fame, Sunny is being pushed as the “Original Diva.”
— Former WWE talent Gregory Helms commented on the story of being cited by police for allegedly engaging in a fight at a bar last night in Smithfield, North Carolina.
“Can’t let Jeff have all the heat! LOL But I didn’t get arrested at all. Got a citation for defending my woman. No regrets, no apologies.” He later wrote, “All u dirtsheets, why don’t u just ask me what happened instead of stretching the truth? I’m super easy to get hold of.”
— Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi appears as a guest star on tonight’s episode of Raw. The best-selling author has been well-received amongst the WWE talent as a few them have been getting photos taken with her backstage at tonight’s show in St. Louis.
— A Shawn Michaels autograph session promoted by Northeast Wrestling in Middletown, New York on Saturday is believed to have drawn 2,000 to 2,500 fans
WWE issued the following press release this morning:
DREW CAREY TO ENTER WWE HALL OF FAME
WWE is proud to announce the newest member of the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame — comedian and game show host Drew Carey. The WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony presented by THQ’s “WWE All Stars” will take place at the Phillips Arena on Saturday, April 2 and the one-hour TV special will air Monday, April 4 at 8/7c on USA Network.
Drew Carey is the latest member of the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Pete Rose, Bob Uecker and William “Refrigerator” Perry. Other members of the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame Class include “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, “Bullet” Bob Armstrong and the original WWE Diva, Sunny.
Carey established his place in WWE history as a surprise entrant in the 2001 Royal Rumble. However, Carey’s fortunes quickly turned, when the massive WWE Superstar Kane entered the ring, prompting Carey to eliminate himself from the match.
Carey, a former United States Marine Reservist, is the host of “The Price Is Right” and star of “The Drew Carey Show” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. Carey will lead a cast of improvisation all-stars, including Ryan Styles, Colin Mochrie, Greg Proops, Brad Sherwood and Kathy Kinney, in the new series “Drew Carey’s Improv-A-Ganza,” which premieres April 11 at 8 pm ET/PT on GSN. Each episode will showcase a half-hour of improvised sketch comedy complete with audience participation.
— Sunny, considered by many to be the first Diva in World Wrestling Entertainment history, will be revealed as the next inductee into the WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
The announcement is scheduled to take place tomorrow night on Raw.
— This week’s episode of WWE Vintage Collection highlights tag teams. The program featured The Rock and Mankind vs The Undertaker and Big Show for the WWF Tag Team Championship from the August 30, 1999 episode of Raw; Midnight Express vs Barry Windham and Ron Garvin for the NWA United States Tag Team Championship from May 1987; and Demolition vs The Rockers from October 1988. Also featured was The Rock and Mankind’s “This is Your Life” segment that aired on the September 27, 1999 Raw.
— CM Punk is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated.