Source: Wrestling Observer

At a recent WWE creative meeting, Michael Hayes brought up the idea of doing something to “write Shane McMahon out of the promotion.” Hayes brought this up only as an idea in front of other writers and to the best of anyone’s knowledge, has not mentioned it in front of the McMahons yet.

Besides that, the creative team is taking Shane’s departure as something that is a taboo subject to talk about, especially in public. Triple H has been asked by wrestlers what’s the story with Shane leaving and he’s been saying he knows as much as everyone else does, which nobody believes.

Labels: shane mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments

The UK Sun is reporting that boxer Ricky Hatton will be the guest host for WWE Raw on November 9 in Sheffield, England. According to the Sun, Vince McMahon was looking for an English star with a big profile in the United States. With Hatton’s fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao generating huge pay-per-view numbers in the United States in recent years, Hatton was a great fit.

Other names in considered were Ricky Gervais and Lennox Lewis. Vince went with Ricky Hatton because he feels Hatton is a name who will increase ticket sales for WWE’s house show in Europe, as well as increase the ratings in the UK and US.

Labels: Ricky Hatton, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have been removed from the Alumni section of WWE’s official website. That is a sign that there is a bit of bad blood between the two sides. However, for some reason, Eric Bischoff is still listed on the site.

Labels: hulk hogan, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

WWE sent out the following press release, hyping Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne hosting RAW this coming Monday night:

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne Host Monday Night Raw

Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and international television personality Sharon Osbourne will rule the ring as the latest celebrity guest hosts of Monday Night Raw at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, live November 2nd at 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT on USA Network.STAMFORD, Conn., October 28, 2009 – Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and international television personality Sharon Osbourne will rule the ring as the latest celebrity guest hosts of Monday Night Raw at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, live November 2nd at 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT on USA Network.

The Prince of Darkness has released his autobiography, I am Ozzy, which details his childhood and his years in entertainment. The working-class kid from Aston, England, has sold more than a hundred million records with Black Sabbath and as an award-winning solo artist combined. His autobiography, I am Ozzy, is currently in stores in the U.K., Germany, Ireland and Australia and it will be available in the United States on January 25, 2010 from Grand Central Publishing.

When it comes to Raw, what rules will the patriarch and matriarch of “The First Family of Darkness” dare to make for the WWE® Superstars and Divas? Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne join the prestigious list of past Raw celebrity guest hosts, including NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal, Emmy-winning actor Jeremy Piven, music icon Snoop Dogg and boxing champ Floyd Mayweather.

Labels: RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments

WWE’s website may have spoiled the World Heavyweight Title match at the Survivor Series pay-per-view. As noted before, it was mentioned on RAW last night that Big Show is the new #1 contender to The Undertaker’s World Title. In a new Halloween section on the WWE website, they have a page looking at Undertaker’s Survivor Series matches with the following caption saying that Big Show has challenged Undertaker to a casket match:

“Very few Superstars have the unique connection with Survivor Series like Undertaker does. Now that Big Show has challenged The Phenom to a casket match, WWE.com examines The Deadman’s Survivor Series bouts.”

While The Undertaker defeated Big Show in a casket match at last year’s Survivor Series and that same match is featured in this section on the website, this caption that says Big Show has challenged Undertaker to a casket match appears to be new.

Labels: 2009 Survivor Series, big show, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:04 PM | Permalink | Comments

"Hulkamania” is back! The biggest name in professional wrestling history, Hulk Hogan, is joining Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA), the fastest rising wrestling organization in the world and home to one of cable television’s highest rated shows for young men, TNA iMPACT! The announcement was made today by TNA Wrestling in conjunction with Spike TV at a press conference held in New York City.

“Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family,” said Dixie Carter, President of TNA Wrestling. “Our goal is to become the world’s biggest professional wrestling company. Hulk defines professional wrestling and we look forward to partnering with him in a variety of ways as we continue to grow TNA globally.”

“I’m thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling,” said Hogan. “My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now. TNA Wrestling is a great company with an already excellent fan base, business and broadcast partner. I firmly believe now is the time for some change at TNA as they are positioned to jump to the next level in their development and I’m here to work with Dixie to help make that a reality.”

Through Hogan’s partnership with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television, the deal with TNA was negotiated by longtime Hogan colleague Eric Bischoff. Additionally, BHE TV has inked a first-look deal with TNA and will be working with the organization to develop new programming extensions of the TNA brand.

“Hulk Hogan adds yet another level of star power that positions TNA iMPACT as Spike TV’s version of ‘Must-See TV’ on Thursday nights,” said Kevin Kay, president of Spike.

Hogan most recently penned an autobiography with Mark Dagostino, “My Life Outside The Ring” with St. Martin’s Press.

Labels: hulk hogan, tna

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

The latest on Hulk Hogan signing with TNA is that he will be a major on-screen character, but will not wrestle on a regular basis. With Hogan and Eric Bischoff joining TNA, it allows Spike TV to get first opportunity at signing a deal for the Hogan/Ric Flair reality series.

The Hogan signing is said to be the first of many major announcements from TNA and Spike TV. A speculated announcement is a timeslot change for Impact to go head-to-head with Raw and additional programming.

Labels: eric bishoff, hulk hogan

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Nowadays, Stephanie McMahon only goes on the road during weeks when there are pay-per-views. As WWE’s Executive Vice President of Creative Development & Operations (and a mother of two), she primarily works at the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

Labels: stephanie McMahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

Labels: 2009 bragging rights

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The change in the Bragging Rights main event with Team SmackDown was a decision made by Vince McMahon at an October 20th production meeting. Vince saw the two original teams together in the ring on RAW last Monday and felt that the SmackDown team looked too weak.

The changing of that match was all the big talk after this week’s SmackDown tapings. A lot of people were wondering why officials went with the original team in the first place and some were joking about the way the change went down. When everyone arrived at the tapings on Tuesday, they were told about the match between the old team and the new team with the planned finish being Matt Hardy hitting Shad Gaspard with a Twist of Fate to get the win. Shad was backstage and appeared to be fine but after finding out the match change, he became very sick and went back to his hotel room. Some were speculating that Shad got “sick” because he didn’t want to lose clean to Hardy on TV.

Labels: 2009 bragging rights, matt hardy, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

Matt Hardy posted messages on Twitter yesterday regarding his brother Jeff that have since been deleted. Here are some of what he wrote with the first two being the ones that he deleted:

“A year or so from now, Jeff will be a bigger star and celebrity than he’s ever been-we locked him into a major project this week.”

“Nothing is gonna happen to Jeff, he’s a victim of a corrupt scam-the truth is coming out, and will come out in it’s entirety in the future.”

“I believe in keeping my true peeps on the pulse of what’s going on with myself & Jeff-you deserve it because you’ve made us who we are, thx.”

Labels: jeff hardy, matt hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

PWInsider.com reported Thursday night that WWE has reached a new deal with Lance Cade.

Cade, who was contracted with WWE from 2003 to 2008, was released from his contract while in the midst of a push that saw him align with Chris Jericho and wrestle his one-time trainer Shawn Michaels.

Though details at the time of his release were initially sketchy, veteran Jim Ross quickly added some color to the situation, noting, "Lance Cade was dismissed from the WWE because, like many humans, he made a major league mistake while utilizing bad judgment that cost him his job. This included Lance having a seizure on an airplane and having to have emergency medical care."

Labels: lance cade

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

Source: F4W Newsletter

- As of this week, nobody who is talking within WWE has any idea what brought Shane McMahon’s resignation from WWE or what he plans on doing next. People who worked under Shane are said to be shocked and devastated, saying it came completely out of left field. The department that Shane was in charge of always has had great morale and word is that all the good morale plummeted on Friday when the announcement came out. A lot of people were very worried about their future with the company and there was talk that layoffs might be coming.

Shane was flooded with calls over the weekend and he pretty much told everyone the same thing he said in his official statement. It is very likely that the only people who know what is going on are Shane, Vince McMahon and perhaps Linda or Stephanie. Even people who spoke with Triple H had the impression that he didn’t know really what went down.

While Vince had good things to say about Shane’s departure in the release, word within WWE is that Vince went on a complete rampage when the news came out and everyone was doing anything they could to not be seen. The release was issued early Friday morning because they were concerned that the news would leak out and be on other wrestling websites before WWE broke it. Vince’s behavior suggests that Shane might not be leaving to work on his mother’s Senate campaign, which has been speculated. The reports of Vince flipping out may be a bit hyped up because we do know that Shane was in the office on Friday and Monday. Shane will continue working for WWE until January 1st of 2010.

It’s still unknown what Shane plans on doing with his future. There is a lot of speculation that he will jump into the world of promoting MMA and it’s no secret that he’s a huge fan and has had interest before in getting involved. One source close to Shane says he is very intrigued by the TV and film business and could end up there but as noted above, nobody right now knows what’s next for Shane. Shane is playing it smart by not talking about his plans. Most expect that he will be approached with lots of offers in the next few months.

There was a lot of people in WWE who were nervous when the story broke because they saw it as Vince’s son had decided it was time to get out of the family business, for whatever reason. Some are concerned that Shane feels the WWE ship has sailed and is getting out so he doesn’t go down with it.

Labels: shane mcmahon, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Roddy Piper is in talks with WWE about guest hosting RAW in a few weeks. The Wrestling Observer notes that Piper joked, "I have to let people know I’m still alive." Piper says the day the rumors came out about him being ill with cancer, his daughter was at school and his son was at the gym hearing the stories and were scared because they couldn't get a hold of him.

Labels: roddy piper

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

Edge mentioned on Bubba the Love Sponge’s show earlier this week that his current Achilles tendon injury was the worst of his career. He didn’t give a return date but noted that his contract is up in June of 2010 and he is thinking about buying a house in the Carolinas.

Labels: edge

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Jim Ross’ voice sounds perfect, according to someone who spoke to him personally. Ross recently suffered his third Bells Palsy attack, but it looks like he won’t be setback as much as he was with his two prior attacks.

Labels: jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments

After he missed this week’s SmackDown tapings, Cryme Tyme’s Shad Gaspard posted the following on his MySpace to explain why:

Ok before this thing gets out of hands let me set the record straight. This past Monday I got sick while traveling from Mexico to the US. On Tuesday my symptoms increased drastically to body pains, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. I tried several over the counter medicines that temporarily worked, but didn’t help in the long run.

Finally I went to or WWE doctor who prescribed to give me a shot of Phenergan, which should have worked. Unforchantly it made me drowsy and brought on cold chills. The office thought it best I leave than try to perform. I spent Tuesday night in my hotel room vomiting and dealing with bad diarrheaa all night (Trust me no one ells was near or around me). When I got back home I dealt with the same symptom all day as my girl helped me get better bye taking what our family physician prescribed, and getting rest…..

I’ve never let being sick ever keep me from performing, I’ve worked sick, hurt, and injured before on live events, TV tapings, and Pay Per Views, I just never let no one excluding my partner know how I felt or what I was going through. I apologies to my tag team partner, the participants in my match and the WWE universe, I should have found out all the information about what was given to me before I took it, and prevented my self from getting sick in the first place.

I take full responsibility for what happened and I’m sorry. In our industry there is a tradition that the show must go on no mater what, and I feel I have betrayed that tradition bye not performing last Tuesday. The greatest joy in my life is performing in the WWE (Win, Lose or Draw), I love what I do, and I will never let something like this happen agene.

Sincerely
Shad Gaspard

Labels: shad gaspard

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

As reported earlier, CM Punk was featured in an interview with TheState.com this morning to help promote the WWE SmackDown/ECW taping in Columbia, S.C. One topic covered was Punk's dream WrestleMania opponent, "Last year, before I was in the MITB match, it was Rey (Mysterio), Punk said. "This year, it's still Rey. Mania is a long ways away right now, so it's hard to say where I'll end up, but I do need a haircut." Read the full recap here.

Labels: c.m. punk, rey mysterio

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments

While the motivation behind Shane McMahon's resignation is still largely a mystery, F4WOnline.com reports that the situation was intense enough to cause Vince McMahon to go on a "complete rampage" the morning the resignation was announced. Even though most do not believe any sort of major family blowup occurred, the McMahon reaction does indicate the resignation was about more than Linda's Senate campaign.

Labels: shane mcmahon, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

WWE confirmed that NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Joey Logano will serve as the guest hosts for next week’s edition of RAW.

Earlier rumors had speculated that either David Arquette or Andy Samberg would assume the hosting duties, but it ultimately went to the NASCAR racers.

Labels: RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Below is the updated card for WWE’s Bragging Rights pay-per-view coming out of RAW:

Iron Man Match for the WWE Title
If Randy Orton wins, John Cena leaves RAW
Randy Orton vs. John Cena

Fatal Four Way for the World Heavyweight Title
The Undertaker vs. CM Punk vs. Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

RAW vs. SmackDown Tag Match
Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston and Mark Henry vs. Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Shad, JTG, Eric Escobar and Drew McIntyre

Intercontinental Champion vs. United States Champion
John Morrison vs. The Miz

RAW Divas vs. SmackDown Divas
Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly and Melina vs. Natalya, Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool

Labels: 2009 bragging rights, c.m. punk, rey mysterio, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Below is the official promotional blurb and content listing for WWE’s upcoming three-disc DVD set on Jeff Hardy:

Jeff Hardy has stunned the WWE Universe with amazing highlights in the ring and controversial moments out of it. Now fans can explore both sides fo this unconventional Superstar. Jeff Hardy: My Life, My Rules contains a revealing documentary packed with never-before-seen interviews from Jeff and both his closest confidants and biggest rivals. Recorded on the eve of beginning a new chapter in his life, Jeff discusses his tumultuous existence in 2008 and 2009, including his astounding rise to both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships and his challenging personal struggles. Through the 27 matches on this 3-DVD set, fans can retrace Jeff’s remarkable career, including a rare match from 1994, his tag team partnership with brother Matt, and battles for the Intercontinental, World Heavyweight and WWE Championships.

Phoenix, AZ – August 25, 2009

Jeff Returns

August 25, 2009 – 9:59 PM

Jeff and Matt Reunite – The Hardys!

August 25, 2009 – 10:03 PM

Opportunity Knocks

August 25, 2009 – 10:07 PM

Dark Days

Road to Redemption

August 25, 2009 – 10:12 PM

Sacrifice is Rewarded

August 25, 2009 – 10:15 PM

Brother vs. Brother

Living for the Moment

August 25, 2009 – 10:18 PM

Jeff’s Omega?

Special Features

• Jeff’s Faves

• Motocross

• Third Gear, Wide Open

• Jeff’s Art Gallery

• Remembering Jack

• The Original Hardy Boy

• Will O’ The Wisp

• Behind the Paint: Jeff Prepares for SummerSlam

• Gas Chamber Ink

• The Hardy Show

Matches

Jeff Hardy vs. 1-2-3 Kid
Superstars – June 25, 1994

Triangle Ladder Match for the World Tag Team Championship
The Hardy Boys vs. The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian
WrestleMania 2000 – April 2, 2000
(Alternate Commentary with Jeff and Matt Hardy)

Steel Cage Match for the World Tag Team Championship
The Hardy Boys vs. Edge & Christian
Unforgiven – September 24, 2000

Hardcore Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Mike Awesome
SmackDown! – July 12, 2001

Ladder Match for the Hardcore Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam
SummerSlam – August 19, 2001

Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
Vengeance – December 9, 2001

Jeff Hardy & Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho & Christian
Raw – February 17, 2003

DISC 2

Jeff Hardy vs. Edge
Raw – August 21, 2006

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Johnny Nitro
Raw – October 2, 2006

World Tag Team Championship Match
The Hardys vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Backlash – April 29, 2007

#1 Contender’s 4-Way Elimination Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Santino Marella vs. William Regal
Raw – July 16, 2007

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin
Raw – September 17, 2007

Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Carlito
Raw – December 10, 2007

Winner Receives a WWE Championship Match at Royal Rumble
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H
Armageddon – December 16, 2007

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton
Raw – January 14, 2008

WWE Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton
Royal Rumble – January 27, 2008

Jeff Hardy vs. Shawn Michaels
Raw – February 11, 2008

DISC 3

Falls Count Anywhere Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga
One Night Stand: Extreme Rules – June 1, 2008

#1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. John Cena
Raw – June 2, 2009

Jeff Hardy vs. John Morrison
SmackDown! – July 4, 2009

WWE Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H
No Mercy – October 5, 2008

Extreme Rules Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Undertaker
SmackDown – November 14, 2008

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H vs. Edge
Armageddon – December 14, 2008

Extreme Rules Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler
Raw – March 23, 2009

Stretcher Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
SmackDown – April 10, 2009

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
Night of Champions – July 26, 2009

Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
SmackDown – August 28, 2009

Labels: c.m. punk, jeff hardy, matt hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Below is part of a blog that Jim Ross wrote on jrsbarbq.com earlier:

It was an interesting plane ride from OKC to Columbia, South Carolina Monday night. On my flight from OKC to Atlanta I had my 3rd Bells palsy attack.

I was able to reach WWE doctors who were in Jacksonville for Raw and they were able to call in the medicines I needed to get started on to slow down the paralysis. Now we just wait and see how the meds work and Mother Nature takes her course.

My plans are to tape SD tonite working with the King and perhaps even Michael Cole so we can make sure we can do the job that the product and the talents deserve.

Ross came back a few hours later with this update:

This is an update on my previous blog. Not the news I wanted to share.

It has been decided that I should not risk further issues by working tonight and I am in the process of arranging a flight back to OKC so I can see a neurologist on Wednesday.

Life is about facing the challenges we encounter so I am going to do all I can to get better and back at the announce desk asap. I wish I had more answers but I simply don’t at this time.

I want to be a part of Bragging Rights but only time will tell if that will be physically possible. My passion and love for the game is in tact but I have to do what’s best for my long term health.

WWE has been tremendously supportive of my situatiion of which I am very grateful.

Never count me out of the game as this isn’t the first mountain that I have had to climb. Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole will handle SD from Columbia. My thanks to every one for understanding this matter. Better days are on the horizon.

Labels: jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

As Jeff Hardy's next court appearance draws near, local North Carolina media has once again started covering the story.

The Sanford Herald ran an article Sunday morning discussing Hardy's next appearance, which is slated for November 4.

"The hearing will determine if a crime has been committed. The case will then be passed on to a grand jury, who would review the evidence and decide whether or not to criminally indict Hardy on all charges," reads the article.

The article, which notes Hardy's history with WWE and OMEGA, is interesting in that it never mentions Jeff by name. While specifically identifies his brother Matt, it only refers to Jeff Hardy as a "well-known wrestler," a "Moore County native" and "Hardy."

Labels: jeff hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Shane McMahon posted the following statement on WWE.com:

It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation from the WWE, effective January 1, 2010.

I have never even considered a future outside the walls of the WWE. However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and while it is the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to move on.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my father for the incredible education working with him has provided and for giving me the opportunity to play a role in building WWE into the global phenomenon that it is today. I am extremely proud to have been the 4th generation in this business, and I am grateful for everyday I was able to work along side not only my own, but the entire WWE family.

Thank you to all of the WWE Superstars both past and present for your passion, pride and dedication. You are truly the engine of the organization and it has been a pleasure to work with, learn from and get to know all of you. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the stage with you and for allowing me to become but a momentary member of your elite brotherhood. I have so much appreciation for the many sacrifices you endure, both physically and personally, to make this business the success that it is. The respect I have for each of you is immeasurable.

Finally, there are no words to express my gratitude to WWE fans the world over for supporting this company through good times and bad and for your unbridled passion that fuels the Superstars’ performances. I am profoundly grateful to have been able to entertain you both in front of the camera and from behind the scenes. You are the greatest fans in the world.

I will always love this business and will remain a fan forever.

Shane

Labels: shane mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments

From: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Triple H and Shawn Michaels have been behind the strong push of Drew McIntyre on Smackdown. They feel he has the potential to be the next major star and a talent the company can build around in the future. Many see the similarities between McIntyre and a younger Triple H, with the height, body build, hair and the same ability. The strong push for McIntyre has upset talent backstage, as some wrestlers have been around for several years and were promised a push if they performed better. The general feeling backstage on the Raw brand is that if you do not have the support of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena or Randy Orton then you won't move up.

Labels: drew mcintye, shawn michaels, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments

- Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights:

* I have always found it amazing when fans cannot understand when someone who is seemingly entrenched in the wrestling business decides to explore other opportunities. Both the Rock and Stone Cold have been dissed because they no longer have the desire to "wrestle" but have both said that they would be interested in making selected appearances at the right place and the right time. For some fans that isn't good enough. I admire "wrestlers" or "wrestling people" who want to explore other opportunities. Life cannot become one dimensional and one cannot allow their own lives to revolve around one, singular entity. That mindset isn't healthy or smart. Unless one is in a very unique position, IE ownership, and that's arguable, one should not allow the wrestling biz or any other biz to become their "life." Those that due usually end up miserable and make those around them unhappy as well. I have great empathy for ex-wrestlers who have to or feel compelled to to hang on to whatever they can within the wrestling business under the guise of "loving the business" while it's really all about not having any marketable skills to replace their income. This is just one of the reasons that I always encourage young wrestlers to be to get college degrees
so that they will have something to fall back on in case becoming a wrestling star doesn't' work out....and it usually doesn't. If 2-3 out of 100 prospect become legit, main event level wrestling stars then a company should feel fortunate.

* No website has any definitive news on why Shane McMahon resigned from his family's company, WWE, on Friday. Perhaps more news sites will elaborate on this matter come Monday as Friday is always the best day to drop big news as sometimes it gets somewhat lost on the weekend. Nonetheless no one knows why Shane seemingly abruptly decided to leave the family business and I don't feel that any one will know the reason until he declares what his next venture will be. Shane has a great formal education not to mention years of "on the job" training since starting out on the ring crew as a teen during the summers. I know Shane has many interests and who's to say that he simply wants to reassess where he is in his life and spend more time with his family which includes two sons? Until Shane himself makes an official statement as to what he is going to tee up next, then every thing any one can read, report or write about is pure speculation. Shane has excellent people skills and a unique skill set in a one of a kind genre that employs basic promotional and organization skills that should be transferable to many businesses.

* Speaking of "Naitch" he called me Saturday morning early to wish me good luck at the Red River Shootout at the Cotton Bowl which was a classy gesture. He's excited to be going to Australia to wrestle but Flair vs. Hogan isn't what I would book as it would be Flair and Hogan together against two, younger athletic guys. Ric going down under to make a big payday doesn't bother me at all nor do I think it bothers HBK who a fan recently asked about in our Q&A section of this site.

Labels: jim ross, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

Jim Ross posted the following message on WWE Universe about why he missed this week’s Smackdown taping:

“So, this week I asked for my first day off a TV taping in 16 years with WWE to celebrate our anniversary. I enjoyed being at home and doing husband stuff and not having to board an airplane even though I would have loved to have visited Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky again.”

Labels: jim ross, smackdown

Posted by Matt Loede at 7:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano (Louis Vincent Albano) has died. He was 76 years old. His cause of death is still unknown at this time. Earlier this week, his family sent out a statement that he was under hospice care. They said he did not have cancer and asked for supporters to respect his privacy.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the late Captain Lou.

Here are some Tweets from Wrestlers about Lou's passing:

Matt Morgan:

U gotta be f’n kidding me! Just heard the bad news that Capt Lou Albano passed. He was just as much of a “star” to me as a kid, as was the wrestlers! One of the better personalities our sport has produced. He was very vital in mainstreaming “rock-n-wrestling” in 80s

Steve Keirn:

R.I.P. Captain Lou Albano. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this time.

Taz:

sorry to hear about the GREAT Capt Lou….god bless.

Christopher Daniels:

RIP Captain Lou.

Ken Anderson:

RIP Lou Albano. I was laid up in the hospital for 9 days in 2001, and Rob Norwood and Shane Hills brought me an autographed 8 x 10 from him.

Jeremy Borash:

Wearing a rubber band on my cheek today. RIP Captain Lou. One of my favs.

Labels: captian lou albano

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

From: PWInsider.com

Beth Phoenix was moved to Smackdown because WWE felt that she lost some of here momentum on RAW and wanted to keep things fresh.

The Bella Twins were moved to RAW because Vince McMahon is said to have “fallen in love with them.” How can you blame him?

WWE is high on both Jilian Hall and Melina.

Labels: jillian hall, melina

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

Here’s the updated card for WWE’s Bragging Rights pay-per-view:

Iron Man Match for the WWE Title
If Randy Orton wins, John Cena leaves RAW Randy Orton vs. John Cena

Fatal Four Way for the World Heavyweight Title
The Undertaker vs. CM Punk vs. Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

RAW vs. SmackDown Tag Match
Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston and Mark Henry or Chris Masters vs. Chris Jericho and 6 other SmackDown Superstars

Intercontinental Champion vs. United States Champion
John Morrison vs. The Miz

Labels: 2009 bragging rights, john cena, triple h

Posted by Matt Loede at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Word coming out of WWE is that they decided to keep the Intercontinental Title on John Morrison at Hell in a Cell because they didn't want to do just a short title run with Morrison. At one point there was a plan to have Ziggler take the title.

Labels: john morrison

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

It seems the rumor that CM Punk was stripped of his World Championship due to an altercation over the dress code is not the only story circulating the industry.

According to F4WOnline.com, another story that made rounds this weekend is that CM Punk caught heat with WWE officials for openly expressing the belief that he felt it was too soon for him to drop the World Championship.

While most believe the former--that Punk expressed "attitude" when Undertaker confronted him about not dressing like a champion on the European tour--both stories
generally point to one thing: a negative reaction to an alleged attitude problem on CM Punk's part led to his being stripped of the title in the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view opener.

News on what supposedly led to CM Punk's title defeat has generated two contrasting reactions from the lockerroom. As Punk has a reputation for being a "heat magnet" with a contingent of the roster, some were pleased to see what they perceive to be his attitude catch up with him and result in a punishment. On the other hand, there was a sector that felt anything he might have done was too minor to warrant going against better judgment by putting the World title on a wrestler who is clearly not 100% and does not work most house shows.

Labels: c.m. punk, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

The October 5th edition of WWE Raw hosted by Ben Roethlisberger drew a 3.3 rating, up from last week's 3.1. The show did hours of 3.32 and 3.29.

The fact that Raw's rating increased is quite impressive, as the show was up against some very stiff competition. Last night’s NFL Monday Night Football game on ESPN featuring Bret Favre leading the Minnesota Vikings to victory over his old squad, the Green Bay Packers, scored a huge 15.3 rating with a staggering 21.8 million viewers. It was the most watch show in the history of cable television.

It's been said that WWE booked NFL star Ben Roethlisberger to host Raw last night was an attempt to counter the big Monday Night Football game. Considering there were so many football fans watching television last night, there's a good chance many of them jumped over to Raw to see Roethlisberger and the Steelers on Raw.

Labels: Ben Roethlisberger, RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

Several readers have pointed out that during the John Cena vs. Randy Orton match at Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, you could see where John Cena dropped a razor blade on accident before the referee picked it up and put it in his pocket. I guess they did have plans for blood after all. There was apparently a video on Youtube yesterday but WWE had it removed.

Labels: john cena, randy orton

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

The masked man on RAW a few weeks back during Cedric The Entertainer’s match was former WWE developmental talent and good friend of Batista’s, Imani Lee. Lee is also a former boxer and K-1 fighter. He was released from his WWE developmental contract in November of 2008 after being signed in May of the same year.

Labels: batista, RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

Above is the first official teaser poster for WWE’s WrestleMania 26 pay-per-view. Next year’s big event takes place in Glendale, Arizona at the University of Phoenix Stadium on March 28th, 2010.

Labels: wrestlemania 26

Posted by Matt Loede at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

In an interview with UK Newspaper The Sun, Ted Dibiase of 'The Legacy' has said he would like to headline a future Wrestlemania
against his current leader and mentor Randy Orton. "Headlining a WrestleMania with Randy Orton would not a bad deal. Whether we love or hate each other, are with each other or against each other, that would be a dream come true," said Dibiase.

Speaking on the match he had with Randy Orton several months ago on RAW, he said, "When Randy and I had the match, that was a really good reaction. I think people wanted to see Randy get his butt whipped,"

Dibiase said he "couldn't predict the future" on whether it will materialize. Dibiase has a movie release at the end of December and it WWE may turn him babyface to coincide with that, considering the role he plays.

Labels: randy orton, Ted DiBiase Jr

Posted by Matt Loede at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

The WWE website has removed "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's profile from the Raw roster section. Instead, it's been placed in the WWE Alumni section.

Technically, Duggan has not been released. His contract was not renewed in May 2008, though WWE continued using him on a pay-per-appearance basis. He continued to be flown to the weekly Raw tapings through the early part of the year, but was rarely used.

Labels: hacksaw Jim Duggan

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

It was recently reported that the WWE Bragging Rights pay-per-view would take on a RAW vs. SmackDown! theme for matches on the card. Providing more clarification on the present plans, which are subject to change given this is a WWE event, is the inDemand preview for the event.

"Bragging Rights are on the line in a special SmackDown vs. Raw tag-team main event featuring winners of the night’s matches," says the PPV preview, suggesting that the upcoming Bragging Rights event will be headlined by a winners' match similar to the ultimate "Survivors" Match on the 1990 Survivor Series event.

Labels: 2009 bragging rights

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tonight, WWE presents the very first Hell in a Cell event live on Pay-Per-View. Here's the card:

HELL IN A CELL Match:
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Randy Orton

HELL IN A CELL Match:
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs. Undertaker

HELL in a CELL Match:
D-Generation X vs. The Legacy

INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE Match:
Champion John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler

UNIFIED TAG TITLE Match:
Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. Batista & Rey Mysterio

UNITED STATES TITLE Triple Threat Match:
Champion Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz vs. Jack Swagger

DIVAS TITLE Match
Champion Mickie James vs. Alicia Fox.

R-Truth vs. Drew McIntyre

Labels: 2009 Hell in a Cell

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments