Abdullah the Butcher confirmed on Monday’s episode of Right After Wrestling that he will be inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class.
His unpredictable, ultra-violent style served as inspiration for numerous wrestlers and he still continues to compete on the independent circuit in a career that has lasted over fifty years.
During the interview, Abdullah cited fellow wrestling legend Terry Funk as the person he’d want to be inducted by. The Butcher also said that if he and Hulk Hogan were paired together in a feud today, they would draw money.
The full show podcast, also featuring an interview with Chris Jericho, is available here.
The current Hall of Fame class includes Shawn Michaels, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Bob Armstrong. Duggan will be inducted by “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Michaels and Armstrong’s inductors have yet to be announced.
“Bullet” Bob Armstrong, the patriarch of the Armstrong family, is the latest inductee to be announced for WWE’s Hall of Fame Class of 2011 (presented by THQ’s WWE All Stars, in stores March 29).
The announcement was made on WWE.com instead of Raw, likely due to time constraints.
The current Hall of Fame class includes Shawn Michaels, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Armstrong. Duggan will be inducted by “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Michaels and Armstrong’s inductors have yet to be announced.
With Shawn Michaels being announced as the first big name to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April, WWE officials are already talking about possible candidiates to headline the Class of 2012.
Two names in particular that have come up for next year’s Hall of Fame class ar Trish Stratus, given that it will likely take place in her hometown of Toronto, and Hollywood megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The idea with Rock is it would be mark ten years after his memorable WrestleMania match with Hulk Hogan, which also took place in Toronto.
The Rock and Trish Stratus worked together during their time in WWE, including this memorable moment of them kissing backstage:
— Abdullah the Butcher and “Bullet” Bob Armstrong are under consideration for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania XXVII weekend.
Abdullah’s unpredictable, ultra-violent style served as inspiration for numerous wrestlers and he still continues to compete on the independent circuit in a career that has now spanned seven decades. Armstrong is the patriarch of the Armstrong wrestling family; he has four sons (Scott, Brad, Steve and Brian), all of whom became wrestlers.
— Former WWE Champion “Sycho Sid” Eudy, who was arrested Friday night in Memphis, Tennessee for marijuana possession, driving without a license and driving without a seatbelt, was scheduled for court this morning according to the official website of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
— Former WWE stars Carlito and Paul London are scheduled to appear at Big Time Wrestling’s event in Newark, California on March 11, 2011.
— There’s nothing medically preventing Triple H from returning to the ring at this point as he is fully healed from surgery on his torn bicep muscle. Rather, his return is being strategically planned so that it makes the most impact.
He is advertised to face King Sheamus in a New York City Streetfight at WWE’s Mar. 19 Raw live event at Madison Square Garden.
— The only names currently being ‘heavily discussed’ for induction into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class are The Fabulous Freebirds, which most notably consisted of Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts.
— WWE Hall of Famer George “The Animal” Steele will be appearing at the Wrestling Universe 34-29 Francis Lewis Blvd. in Flushing, Queens NY. 11358 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Feb. 19.
— Those spoken to within WWE aren’t aware if there is any particular incident or reason that Ted DiBiase isn’t receiving a stronger push on television. However, more than one person feels Maryse is struggling to work as an effective valet. One source indicated that the former glamour model appears much more concerned with drawing attention to herself and getting herself over rather than enhancing DiBiase’s matches and overall presentation.
— One WWE source doubted reports of the entire list for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class being set in stone. Although discussions have begun, the source does not believe there is much locked in—besides Shawn Michaels. However, the insider strongly feels that reports of Arn Anderson and Ron Simmons being enshrined this year are correct.
— Wade Barrett is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling.
– Casting is underway for the return season of WWE’s reality competition, Tough Enough.
The show will premiere on Monday, April 4th, the night after WrestleMania, immediately following WWE RAW on the USA Network. The following week, it will move to its normal timeslot of 8pm (Eastern), as the lead-in to RAW.
According to a WWE source, the company is planning to introduce the cast of Tough Enough either at WrestleMania or on RAW the next night.
– In what seems to be an interesting indicator of how WWE views the RAW and SmackDown brands, WWE charges more for RAW live event tickets than it does for SmackDown shows. RAW tickets range from $20-75, while SmackDown seats go for $15-60.
– WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki underwent gall bladder surgery earlier this month. He’s recovering well but is scheduled to remain hospitalized until next week.
– There is a band called “Owen Hart” that has an album coming out next week on Vitriol Records.
– Wrestler Brandon Barker, a graduate of Lance Storm’s wrestling school, is scheduled to start with WWE developmental soon once he gets his US work visa. Barker was signed to a developmental deal back in October.
— On Monday’s RAW, Shawn Michaels was announced as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011. No announcement was made regarding who would induct Michaels. This year’s ceremony will take place at the Phillips Arena from Atlanta, Georgia on April 2nd during WrestleMania 27 weekend. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10:00 A.M. EST via Ticketmaster.
— An 8-Man Tag Team Match was taped tonight in Nashville, Tennessee for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars pitting Yoshi Tatsu, David Hart Smith, Primo and Darren Young against Zack Ryder, William Regal and The Usos. Also taped was a match between Gail Kim and Alicia Fox.
— John Cena is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Kids Magazine.
— Former WCW World Television Champion Arn Anderson is now considered a lock to be inducted individually into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class WrestleMania weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE officials previously contemplated inducting him into the Hall as part of a group with the Four Horsemen, but the idea is now considered dead.
— World Wrestling Entertainment has been issuing copyright claims to YouTube regarding the trailer for WWE Studios’ upcoming Triple H themed movie The Chaperone in an effort to have it vanquished from the video sharing website. Company officials were reportedly miffed over the version that hit the web, feeling that it is of poor quality. WWE, however, launched a website featuring the very same trailer as well as a promotional photo for the film. The website is www.TheChaperone.com.au.
— Marcus “Buff” Bagwell turns 41 years old today while former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Christopher turns 39.
Fox’s Orlando based affiliate WOFL-TV 35 has a piece on Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty lobbying World Wrestling Entertainment officials to build a permanent home in the city. WWE confirmed to the news station that it is in very preliminary stages of considering a possible Hall of Fame building.
The piece also features a look at WWE’s elaborate production setup for Monday Night Raw and brief interviews with Sheamus and Natalya. The Celtic Warrior was quick to correct the reporter labeling him as a wrestler, noting that “Superstar” is the correct term.
— There was brief discussion of holding both WrestleMania XXVII and the following night’s Raw at the Georgia Dome with night two massively scaled down. Additionally, either the Philips Arena or Fox Arena will hold Hall of Fame.
Regarding next year’s Hall of Fame class, Bill Goldberg is expected to headline the event providing both sides can reach an agreement. Ron Simmons is also said to be a lock to join next year’s class. Other suggested names are Sting (though not if he’s still with TNA), Lex Luger and the Steiner Brothers.
— Last week’s episode of WWE Superstars drew what may be a record low rating — an 0.67 rating. The show drew 707,000 viewers overall. The broadcast was headlined by The Hart Dynasty vs. Trent Baretta and Caylen Croft.
— Shawn Michaels’ retirement speech will be an extra on the WrestleMania XXVI DVD coming out next month.
— Among those in attendance at last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony were Bobby Heenan (sitting alongside “Mean” Gene Okerlund), Dan Spivey (a/k/a Waylon Mercy), Catalina White (girlfriend of Jack Swagger), Carlos Colón, Sr., Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Jim Ross and musician Richie Kotzen (boyfriend of Brie Bella).
— You can view edited footage of WWE Hall of Fame inductees’ acceptance speeches at the following link. Among those not featured on USA were Stu Hart, Antonio Inoki, Wendi Richter and Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon.
— Last night’s WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be replayed next Saturday on Universal HD at 9:00 p.m. EST and midnight.
— Unlike previous years, World Wrestling Entertainment will not be streaming the Hall of Fame ceremony on WWE.com tomorrow night.
“Not planned as of now,” responded a WWE web team member to a Twitter follower who asked if it would be shown on the website. “Only on USA Network.”
— Paul Bearer joins Tommy Fierro on Who’s Slamming Who this week to preview The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania 26 this Sunday. He talks about a number of different topics, including his prediction for the Taker/HBK match, thoughts on Bret Hart returning to the WWE, Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon this Sunday, his first thoughts when hearing about The Undertaker/Paul Bearer gimmick, his first meeting with Vince McMahon, his favorite WrestleMania memories, Guest Hosts on Monday Night Raw, being inducted one day into the WWE Hall of Fame, the return of the Monday Night Wars, thoughts on today’s talent, NXT, and more. You can listen to it now at: WhosSlammingWho.podomatic.com.
— Both Chris Jericho and former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will be appearing on the Ministry of Slam radio show this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion will discuss Fozzy, Bret’s return to WWE & WrestleMania while Lilian will discuss her music and memories of working with Y2J, as well as WrestleMania. You can listen to the show at www.ministryofslam.com.
— While Jim Ross is not yet returning to television on a regular basis, he will be conducting play-by-play at WrestleMania.
Wrestlers were told this past week at television that Ross, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler would be calling WrestleMania with Matt Striker, Todd Grisham and Josh Matthews handling interviews backstage.
Ross signed a short-term extension this past week, believed to be one month. His former contract expired this week.
— There was much disappointment among the Poffo family as Randy Savage contacted both WWE and TNA, asking them to send some kind of a message to be read at his father’s funeral. TNA sent a message while WWE ignored his request.
Angelo Poffo passed away two weeks ago on Mar. 4.
— WWE announced yesterday that the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will air on USA Network on Saturday, Mar. 27 at 11 PM/10 PM CT.
— As noted earlier, former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia performed The Star-Spangled Banner before the Big East Championship Semi-Finals this past Friday night at Madison Square Garden. Those who miss seeing Lilian sing the anthem before WWE shows can see video of her performance at the following link.
— As reported yesterday, actor and Major League Baseball personality Bob Uecker is set to be inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class. It has been disclosed that his inductor will be Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC Universal Sports & Olympics.
Ebersol has past ties to World Wrestling Entertainment as he helped launched Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC. (source: www.f4wonline.com)
— KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken if you will, has been named the official sponsor of next month’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view taking place in Baltimore, Maryland.
— You can view this week’s edition of Ask the Divas at the following link. The Bella Twins, Eve Torres and Katie Lea, among others, answer questions on what wild animal they would be and what they would do if the world ended tomorrow.
Actor and Major League Baseball personality Bob Uecker is set to be inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
WWE officials have been after “Mr. Baseball” for years to be inducted, but it always conflicted with the Milwaukee Brewers’ schedule, and he declined. This year, the ceremony takes place Mar. 27 in Phoenix, before the Brew Crew break spring training.
“It’s going to be a hoot,” said Uecker.
The official announcement is expected to be made during the Mar. 22 Raw when baseball great Pete Rose hosts.
— Hart family patriarch Stu Hart and “The Million Dollar Man” are expected to headline this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, so from a marquee standpoint compared to recent years, it will be weaker. Bret Hart will be inducting his father while DiBiase will be inducted by two of his sons, Ted Jr. and Brett.
WWE is flying the entire Hart family in from Canada for the ceremony and the DiBiase family will also likely be in attendance.
Ultimate Warrior was asked to headline this year’s ceremony since it’s taking place in his hometown of Phoenix. Warrior himself publicly stated last year he would be willing to do it, but a deal could not be reached, believed to be due to money.
— Shawn Michaels and his wife, Rebecca, will appear at Cabela’s this Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. HBK, Rebecca, Weston and Jodi will surprise “another deserving hero with the hunt of a lifetime.” They will be joined by Cabela’s Pro Staff Weston and Jodi Clark from the Higher Grounds Outdoors television show. Click here for more information.
— Click here for Howard Finkel’s thoughts on this past Monday’s episode of Raw. He notes changing his tune on seeing Undertaker and Shawn Michaels battle again at WrestleMania.
WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase noted on his Twitter account that he and his younger brother (WWE developmental wrestler Brett DiBiase) will be inducting their father, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“For those curious… Myself and younger brother will be inducting my father,” DiBiase wrote.
“The Million Dollar Man” and Antonio Inoki are the first two confirmed names for this year’s Hall of Fame class. Inoki is expected to be inducted by Stan Hansen.
The third inductee for this year’s Hall of Fame class will be revealed tomorrow night on Raw.
— On Apr. 6, 2010, World Wrestling Entertainment will release a three-disc DVD set highlighting the storied history of the legendary Hart family and Stampede Wrestling.
The following synopsis was released regarding the title: “Clan Patriarch Stu Hart trained and toughened a generation of future superstars, including sons Owen Hart and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hit Man Hart. The Hart family legacy continues to thrive in WWE with third-generation stars Natalya Neidhart and DH Smith. Now for the first time ever on DVD, fans can learn the storied history of the Hart family and Stampede Wrestling in Hart and Soul: The Hart Family Anthology. This 3-DVD set is packed with a revealing documentary tracing the Hart family history, as well as matches featuring all the members of the Hart family.”
— Tickets to this year’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony sold out soon after they officially went on sale this morning. It’s worth noting that some people who had purchased tickets during the original pre-sale that was canceled and subsequently reset were unable to get tickets again.
— This past Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.8 cable rating. The midnight replay drew an 0.3.
— Dave Batista will be taking part in the independent film Blood Out, which is slated to begin filming next month in Baton Rogue, Louisiana.
According to a report on 2theadvocate.com, the film is described as an action/western focused on “a small-town sheriff who goes undercover to avenge his brother’s death.”
The film is being directed by Jason Hewitt, who worked as a producer on Wrong Side of Town, which features Batista as well as former WWE performers Rob Van Dam and Nelson Frazier (a.k.a. Big Daddy V).
According to IMDB.com, Batista will be playing the role of Michael King in the movie.
— Tickets for the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony go on sale next Saturday at 10 a.m. MST/noon ET. Tickets cost $55. For more information, click here.
— Alicia Fox is today’s “Daily Diva” on WWE.com while John Cena is the “Superstar of the Day.”
WWE has added another second generation Diva to its talent roster with the recent signing of Sarona Snukka, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snukka.
The WXW promotion made the announcement on Twitter over the weekend, congratulating the talented young wrestler. Sarona Snukka has been with WXW since September and will likely be headed to the Florida Championship Wrestling developmental territory.