WWE
News Bytes
November 30, 2007
by Sassy
Hulk
Hogan vs. Mrs. Hogan
I’m sure by now everyone has heard about the Mrs. Hogan
filing for divorce. And that Hulk claims he knew nothing about it. And that
Brook is mad at Dad and wants to move out. And that Linda wants her fair share
of everything Hulk owns. And that Little Nick is still not out of hot water over
the crash. One source reported the Hogans have been separated since July of this
year and that filming Hogan Knows Best was tough to get done since Linda and
Terry Bollea weren’t actually living together.
What we don’t know is whether or not a network has
approached the Hogans about doing a “Divorce Court” show…
This from www.angrymarks.com:
Now why would the Hulkster feign ignorance of Linda filing
for divorce if he knew about it all along? Hmmm. Ponder that for a second.
What'cha gonna do brother, what'cha gonna do when the family of John Graziano is
about to sue YOU??
Kimberley Kohn, a Tampa attorney who represents Ed Graziano,
the father of injured passenger John Graziano, says the Hogan divorce is a move
designed to protect the Hogan family assets. Kohn asserts that the Hogans are
divorcing solely to force the Grazianos to go after them separately, which would
of course make getting any kind of financial settlement out of court or legal
settlement in civil court that much more difficult. With Hulk Hogan's assets cut
in half, you'd have to assume that if Linda and Hulk are working this divorce
that the Hogans retain no less than half their fortune. You can read more about
this in an article at the St. Petersburg Times here. Nonetheless the Hulkster is
playing this for all it's worth, giving the following quote to the press and
media today.
“Please respect my family's privacy at this time with all
that we have been through. I care for my wife and my children are my world and I
just hope this all works out.”
Couples
Someone needs to get their stories straight. Batista claims
to be in a “physical relationship” with Melina. Batista further claims that
John Morrison was well aware of what was going on between Batista and Melina.
John Morrison claims he and Melina are still together and Batista is not in the
picture. The only one mum on the
subject appears to be Melina.
According to Ashley Massaro, she and Paul London are
officially a couple and they are living together in Texas. Ashley posted the
news on her MySpace page. Source: www.rajah.com
Birth
Announcements
Georgiann Makropoulos is reporting that on Thanksgiving Day,
Balls Mahoney's girlfriend gave birth to a 9 pound boy, Christopher. Source:
Rajah.com.
Birthdays
JERRY "THE KING" LAWLER (1949), Thursday November
29, 2007
JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD ((1967), Thursday November 29, 2007
Obituary
"Angel of Death" David Sheldon found dead at Texas
home
Posted on 11/28/107 by Bob Magee
Multiple sources have confirmed that "Angel of
Death" Dave Sheldon, passed away this past weekend at his home in Bedford,
TX.
No other details are available at the moment.
Sheldon worked for many North American territories during the
1980s and early 1990s including Stampede Wrestling, World Class Championship
Wrestling, and Bill Watts's Universal Wrestling Federation as the bodyguard of
The Freebirds.
Sheldon was also part of the California-based Powerteam USA
group, which included Sting, "Ultimate Warrior" Jim Hellwig and Mark
Miller. he first started wrestling with Stampede Wrestling with Owen Hart, Brian
Pillman, and Chris Benoit.
Source: www.pwbts.com
Who’s
In
Edge, Y2J Chris Jericho and Ric Flair have all returned to
the squared circle. Flair announced to fans that he will not be retiring.
Jericho and Edge have both announced their desire for championship matches –
Edge against Batista and Jericho against Randy Orton.
Of course, you have to consider that Vince McMahon told Flair
he would be employed by WWE until he LOST a match…
The latest info on Flair’s WWE stint, courtesy of www.rajah.com:
Ric Flair signed a new three-year contract with WWE. He will
remain a full-time company employee after retirement. At the last WrestleMania,
Steve Austin came up with the idea for every single match of Flair's to be a
"win or retire" match. The storyline is expected to conclude at
WrestleMania.
2007 Diva Search Winner Eve Torres' profile has finally been
added to the WWE Divas page. Source: Sescoops.com
Who’s
Out
Carlito's Notice Confirmed; Details
Article By: Ryan Gray, November 26, 2007, 2:44pm
Source - Wrestling Observer Newsletter
We can now confirm that Carlito has indeed given his notice
to WWE management. Unless things change he will be departing the company next
month. We don’t have the specifics of his contract terms, but it is suspected
that WWE will allow him to work anywhere except TNA until his deal has
officially expired.
The Flair promo was said to be the big message. Carlito
hasn’t been happy since WrestleMania and WWE management hasn’t been happy
with him since he was interviewed on Mania week and complained about him and
Flair not being on the show. Right now he is scheduled for a WWC show in Puerto
Rico on January 6th, 2008.
And from our favorite polls: www.gerweck.net:
Should WWE release Carlito?
Yes - 50% (1,148)
No - 50% (1,137)
(2,285 votes total)
I voted YES because WWE wasn’t using Carlito in the ring.
He should be allowed to go elsewhere and do the kind of work he was
trained to do.
As of today, Carlito has been removed from the opening Monday
Night Raw video and has been replaced with Y2J Chris Jericho.
WWE developmental talent Russell Simpson is finished with the
company. Prior to his release, Simpson had been working in Ohio Valley
Wrestling.
Maybes
and Wannabes
Word on the street is that WWE is looking to sign The Rock
for their three-hour show coming up. We’ll keep you posted!
During a Sunday night conversation on Live Audio Wrestling,
former WCW and WWF superstar Sid Vicious confirmed rumors that he is hoping for
a return to World Wrestling Entertainment. Vicious, 47, said he had been in
talks with Vince McMahon. "We have been talking for awhile now, and we are
trying to get things worked out." When asked about TNA, Vicious said the
company is unable to help him reach his many goals including wrestling in front
of 80,000 fans again. Source: www.prowrestlingfans.com
Former WCW referee Jamie Tucker was given a tryout as referee
for a dark match between Vladimir Koslov and Marty Garner. Tucker was the
red-headed referee that started up in WCW in mid-2000.
Leticia Cline, who recently requested – and got -- her
release from TNA, claims she is in talks with WWE regarding a job.
She must not have gotten the memo from Vince regarding toning down the
Diva Sexy stuff. Leticia recently made a very nasty appearance on Howard Stern.
If WWE is talking to Cline about a job it just goes to prove
that WWE is not interested in female wrestling talent. They are interested only
in those women who are headed for a Playboy run.
Injuries
Fan reports from the RAW dark match on Monday night say Paul
London appeared to injure his elbow or arm during the match with Charlie Haas.
London lost that match. Source: ProWrestlingFans.com.
Bobbly Lashely is still out of action after shoulder surgery.
John Cena is still out recovering from a torn pec.
Matt Hardy is out of action due to an emergency appendectomy.
Val Venis is out after elbow surgery.
Candice Michelle is still out with a broken clavicle she sustained in a match with The Glamazon Beth Phoenix. We understand WWE is already announcing her return, however, she should not be in action for some time to come.
From Sescoops.com on November 28, 2007: James sent the
following: I attended the SmackDown tapings last night in Roanoke, Virginia and
in the match with CM Punk vs. Kenny Dykstra, it really looked like Punk was
favoring his left wrist during and after the match. My girlfriend noticed this
as well. Maybe it had something to do with Punk not being on ECW?
Oopsies
Melina botched her famous “splits” ring entry at Survivor
Series.
Kelly Kelly appears to have botched a handspring and landed
on Layla. You can see a video of the slip up (or was it?) here: http://www.pwpix.net/superstars/b/barbieblank/gallery/videos/01.php
NOTE: The opening of the video reads “The Reality of Professional Wrestling
– Wrestling Gone Wrong”.
WWE
Ratings
Smackdown got smacked with a 2.8 rating last week.
Raw hit a 3.6 rating this week.
ECW got a 1.4 rating this week.
Title
Vacated
Terry sent the following: I haven't seen this mentioned
anywhere, but WWE.com's Superstars page lists the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
as being "VACATED." Source: www.sescoops.com
WWE Events
WWE Armageddon
Sunday December 16, 2007 - Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
1. World Heavyweight Championship - Triple
Threat Match: Batista vs. Edge vs. Undertaker
2. WWE Championship Match: Randy Orton
vs. Chris Jericho
3. Shawn Michaels vs. Mr. Kennedy
4. Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy
5. WWE Womens Championship Match: Beth
Phoenix vs. Mickie James
6. Finlay vs. The Great Khali
Tickets for the WWE Royal Rumble in New York City at Madison
Square Garden are expected to go on sale in late December. The company is
expecting the show to be a sell out.
Speaking of tickets, no information has been released yet
regarding the 2008 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Orlando, Florida. According to
reports, WWE hasn't even started to work on inductee ideas at this point. Ric
Flair was expected to be the main attraction at this coming years event.
World Wrestling Entertainment will be returning to Las Vegas,
NV for WWE No Way Out 2008. This will be nearly three years since WWE did a
pay-per-view in Las Vegas. WWE No Way Out will take place on February 17th at
the Thomas & Mack Center. Tickets for the pay-per-view go on sale on
December 15th and are priced between $20 and $200.
WWE
Talent Events
WWE Superstar MVP is confirmed to be appearing at the Coastal
Championship Wrestling show in Coral Springs, FL at the Gym. Gangrel vs. Dustin
Rhodes is also scheduled to headline the event.
WWE Superstar Kane is scheduled to be signing copies of WWE
Tagged Classics DVD sets this Saturday, December 1st between 6pm and 8pm. He
will be at K-Mart at 1500 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, S.C.
Monday, December 10th, WWE Superstar Jeff Hardy is scheduled
to be appearing at Tommy K’s in Stamford to help the U.S. Marines with their
Toys for Tots Campaign. WWE fans will be able to donate a new, unwrapped toy of
a minimal $15.00 donation in return for an autograph. Jeff Hardy will be there
between noon and 2pm. The complete address is 54 Research Drive, Stamford, CT.
WWE Superstar Carlito is scheduled to be appearing for a big
Three Kings Day show in Puerto Rico for WWC on January 6th, 2008. Reports
suggest that AAA in Mexico is also interested in booking Carlito. Source:
ProWrestlingFans.com.
And
you can bet WWC and AAA will let Carlito work in the ring!
Triple H is featured in the Hard Times column in the December
2007 issue of FLEX magazine. The column mentions how he is a bodybuilding fan
and that he hung out at the 2007 Mr. Olympia competition.
Nattie Neidhart worked a match at a SmackDown/ECW house show
on Saturday night. She teamed up with Victoria to take on Torrie Wilson and
Michelle McCool. Torrie rolled up Victoria for the win.
Source. Rajah.com.
Val Venis has a political website called www.freetarian.com
if you want to check it out. He is endorsing Republican Congressman Ron Paul for
President in 2008.
Wrestling idol floors Nicholas
27th November 2007 11:06:17 AM
Wish come true … Craigieburn resident Nicholas, front, and
his brother George show off memorabilia from their meeting with wrestler Triple
H.
A CRAIGIEBURN boy’s wish to watch his wrestling idols live
has come true, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Nicholas, 8, who was born with end-stage renal disease, is a
massive WWE RAW wrestling fan.
At such a young age, Nicholas has already endured two kidney
transplants, and as a result has spent most of his short life in hospital.
However, the Craigieburn South Primary School student felt
like a wrestling star early this month as his wish to watch WWE RAW Wrestling
was granted.
“We received the full VIP treatment,” his mother, Tracey,
said.
“We got picked up by a limo and they rolled out a red
carpet for Nicholas, with the WWE music theme song blaring.”
With champagne glasses full of lemonade, Tracey, Nicholas and
his brother George were treated like superstars, but little did Nicholas know he
was about to meet American professional wrestler Paul Michael Levesque –
better known by the ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of Hunter Hearst
Helmsley.
“He was massive,” Tracey said.
“Nicholas just stood there with his mouth open.”
The larger-than-life wrestler then wrapped his arms around
Nicholas, giving him a big hug before signing a shirt and a number of
photographs for him.
“Nicholas was over the moon,” Tracey said.
“We later got to sit in the second row and watch all the
other wrestlers – it was fantastic,” she said.
Tracey wanted to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation for turning
Nicholas’ dream into reality.
“It’s been really tough, constantly in and out of
hospital… it’s been a long process.”
At the age of three, Nicholas’ health deteriorated rapidly
after his body rejected his first kidney transplant.
“It didn’t look good there for a little while,” Tracey
said.
Yet in July this year a second kidney transplant – donated
by his father – finally proved successful.
“Nicholas now only goes to hospital once a week and he’s
just gone back to school… things are looking up,” she said.
For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation phone 1800
032 260.
Where
Are They Now
Scott 2 Hotty appeared for Hermie Sadler's UWF in
Emporia, VA, Greensville County High and in South Boston, VA on will be at
Halifax County High on December 1, 2007. D-Lo Brown, Gail Kim, Samoa Joe,
Joey Matthews, Eric Young and Sonjay Dutt are also confirmed for the
event.
Former WWE Women?s Champion Amy Lita Dumas' and her
band, The Luchagores are scheduled to be playing at the High Note Night Club in
Birmingham, AL this on December 1, 2007.
On December 1st, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted
DiBiase is scheduled to be signing autographs at Omega Sports in the Summit
Mall in Niagara Falls, NY. He is scheduled to be there from 6pm to 8pm.
This Sunday, December 2nd, Bret The Hitman Hart is
scheduled to be appearing at the Toronto Marlies Hockey Club. Bret Hart will be
speaking on behalf of Stroke Recovery Canada, a program of March of Dimes
Canada. Bret Hart has been helping Stroke Recovery Canada and March of Dimes in
their mission to educate Canadian stroke survivors on how to “Survive and
Thrive”, over the past year, after his stroke. He will be at the event for the
ceremonial puck drop and will also be signing autographs and taking photos with
the fans. $5 of each ticket sold will be donated to the March of Dimes.
Former WWE, WCW and ECW Superstar Too Cold Scorpio is
scheduled to be defending his PWU World Championship on Saturday, December 15th.
Former WWE, WCW and ECW Superstar The Sandman, is
scheduled to be appearing at the PWU event on December 15th. The Sandman is also
confirmed for a seminar.
Former WWE, WCW and ECW Superstar The Sandman, is
scheduled to be in action for EWF at the EWF Arena on 3400 S. Adams in Marion,
IN on January 5th, 2008.
Former WWE Superstars Chris Masters, Gangrel
and Rob Conway are all scheduled to headline for Georgia Wrestling
promotions in Cartersville, GA on January 19th, 2008.
"Psycho" Sid Vicious and "Rowdy"
Roddy Piper are confirmed for January 19th’s World Wrestling
Association Bash at the Ball Park event at Florida's Space Coast. Buff Bagwell, Scotty
Too Hotty, The Honky Tonk Man, Tatanka, Jimmy "Superfly"
Snuka, Demolition Ax and Smash, The Powers of Pain - Warlord and Barbarian
are all also confirmed to be appearing on the show.
Former WWE Superstar and member of Cyme Tyme Shad Gaspard,
worked Booker T’s PWA event on Wednesday, November 28th at the Pasadena
Convention Center, Pasadena, TX. Booker T took on TNA star Abyss on the show.
Rob Van Dam Talks About His Relationship With Triple H
Thee UK's Power Slam magazine recently interviewed Rob Van
Dam. Here is what RVD had to say regarding his relationship -- or
non-relationship -- with Triple H:
Is it true you had problems with Triple H when you worked for
WWE?
Problems? I had problems liking him. I had problems feeling
compatible with him on any other level other than the fact that we're both
wrestlers. He would be one of the last guys you would see sharing a car with me.
If we weren't both wrestlers, I doubt I'd have anything in common with him.
There were a few occasions -- Unforgiven 2002 springs to mind
-- when it seemed like the perfect time for you to defeat Triple H. After he
attacked and beat you down on the September 16, 2002 Raw, you sought revenge in
a singles bout at Unforgiven six days later. A win there would have been a
tremendous boon for you. Meanwhile, a loss for HHH would have done his status no
harm at all. As it turned out, HHH won by pinfall. It seemed like he cut you
off.
Well, I don't disagree with you. And that's why I'm glad my
career is caught on videotape and DVD, so the fans can watch what happened in my
career and say it all for me, like you just did.
You've nothing further to add about HHH?
When you're watching RVD TV (his online TV show), don't look
for HHH to be in Rob Van Dam's house.
Source: www.rajah.com
Booker T, now working for TNA, did a conference call
last Tuesday. He vehemently denies ever having purchased anything from Signature
Pharmacy, even though is name appeared on the client list and stated that WWE
did not protect him from the scandal.
Big Show was backstage at the Survivor Series in Miami
visiting friends. He is said to be in far better shape than he'd ever been in
WWE, and the best shape since his early days in WCW. He was telling people that
his weight is down to 420 pounds. As of late, he's been training to be a pro
boxer, but he hasn't had his first fight yet and it is unknown if he ever will.
Recap of Chris Masters interview on The Pain Clinic
Posted on 11/25/107 by Rich Jones
We start this weeks show with the Masterpiece Chris Masters.
We start taking about him living in California and how good the weather is
compared to our weather in Rochester NY.
Chris talks about how great it was that 8 months into his WWE
run he got to have a feud with Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels while tagging with
Carlito. Chris was asked about doing the last 2 "Tribute to the
Troops" in Iraq. He described the entire experience and how great it was.
His suspension and release was the next topic of discussion.
He talked about the "post Benoit" change in the backstage area. He
talked about being suspended due to the on-line pharmacy fiasco and the 2nd
suspension prior to his release. He thinks he's the first of many to go down. He
describes how serious the wellness policy is in the WWE. Chris emphasizes how
this is Vince's company and he's protecting it.
After an injury in the WWE ring Chris was released and he's a
little angry that he isn't back 100% before he was released.
Want to book Chris? He gives us the avenues to book him
independently.
Chris talks about crossing over from OVW to WWE and the crazy
schedule. We talk with Chris about physique versus ability with his Masterpiece
character. He wanted to wrestle first and foremost before he had the million
dollar body. He trained at UPW in California the same time with many current
superstars and he has a funny story about John Cena.
We let Chris go and wish him the best of luck!
Check it out at www.feelthepain.net
Rich "Cashman" Jones
MEDIA: 'American Gladiators' debuts in January (Zap2It.com)
'American Gladiators' Rise in January, NBC sets series for
Sunday nights
November 27, 2007
'American Gladiators' co-host Laila Ali NBC has put another
piece of its midseason schedule in place, slating the update of "American
Gladiators" for Sunday nights in January.
The remake of the syndicated 1990s syndicated series will
premiere on Sunday, Jan. 6, the network announced via an ad in Monday's episode
of "Heroes." As of Monday morning, a formal premiere announcement
hadn't followed.
That means we don't yet know which of the three shows NBC
initially announced for Sunday nights in January will be bumped to make way for
"Gladiators." In May the network set a midseason Sunday lineup of
"Law & Order" at 8 p.m., "Medium" at 9 p.m. and new show
"Lipstick Jungle" at 10.
The network could shuffle any of those pieces to other
nights; NBC has picked up new series "Chuck" and "Life," but
"Bionic Woman" and "Journeyman" are still in limbo. If the
network opts to let either of them fall by the wayside, that would open up an
hour on the schedule for one or more of the originally scheduled Sunday shows.
One or more shows could also be held until later in the season in the event of a
prolonged writers' strike.
Pro-wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and
boxer/"Dancing with the Stars" contestant Laila Ali will host the
show, in which amateur athletes take part in combat games against a set cast of
"gladiators." The show will feature a number of the competitions from
the original series, with amped-up special effects and some other new elements.
The show is produced by MGM Television, which also produced
the original series, and Reveille, the company started by current NBC
co-chairman Ben Silverman.
Not Necessarily WWE News
BENOIT FAMILY TRAGEDY:
Judge allows evidence seized from office of Benoit's doctor (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) by Mike Informer
Judge allows evidence seized from office of Benoit's doctor By JOHN HOLLIS The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/29/07
A U.S. District Court judge has denied motions by Dr. Phil Astin III to suppress evidence seized from raids on his office and personal storage units.
Judge Russell G. Vineyard ruled there was probable cause in the six search warrants issued shortly after professional wrestler Chris Benoit killed his family and himself at their Fayetteville home in June.
Astin, a Carrollton doctor, had prescribed a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Benoit every three to four weeks between May 2006 and May 2007, officials said.
Astin has been indicted on seven federal counts of overprescribing to two people, although Benoit was not one of them, authorities have said.
Astin has since filed for bankruptcy and been declared legally indigent. He remains under house arrest, but recently appealed to be released so he is able resume work.
Hogan Stupidity - Is It Inherited?
Source: www.pwbts.com
WWE NEWS BYTES / NOVEMBER 23
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