Pinfall Recall News Feed for February 12, 2009
WWE
Ken Kennedy on his way back, DVD news
- Ken Kennedy is expected back full time at the end of the month.
- WWE sources have confirmed that they are working on a 3-DVD set for Randy Savage, with a June release date.
- The release date for the WrestleMania XXV Blu-Ray DVD set has been pushed up to June 19th. The set will include the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
- The Greatest Stars of the 90s DVD set will be released on April 19th.
- As of now, the WWE Greatest Tag Teams DVD is being scheduled for a fall of 2009 release.
Credit: 411mania.com
Discuss this news and all things wrestling on the Pinfall Recall Message Boards. The topic is here
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John Cena speaks on Ted Dibiase, The Rock, Orton, and more
- The Baltimore Sun recently spoke with John Cena about WWE, he movie 12 Rounds, and more. Here are some of the highlights:
On Ted Dibiase Starring in The Marine 2: “I really think he has a lot of potential to be a success and another person to kind of transcend the wrestling business into the movie business. He’s a very hard worker, learns very, very quickly and understands exactly what this opportunity is. That’s the one thing I really tried to hit home with him. I said, “Listen, they’re choosing you for a reason. The Marine did extremely well on DVD, so when The Marine 2 comes out, just because of the franchise, the DVD will sell, so you’re already involved with something that will be successful. If you do a good job, that’s a great way for you to make a name for yourself on to bigger and better things.” So I think he totally understood that. I certainly didn’t give him much advice about acting because he went through the same kind of torture chamber I did – meeting with an acting coach all the time and really trying to do his best. I just really hit home about how great the opportunity was for him.”
On Dwayne Johnson: “The truth is that Dwayne Johnson is a great actor and I think always wanted to be an actor, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s like an athlete saying, “Hey, I don’t do drugs,” and then getting busted for drugs. It’s not the truth. I mean here’s a guy who said he was WWE through and through, and then the first chance to take a road to a different career path, he took it. There’s nothing wrong with that. Dwayne’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He’s one of the hardest workers you’ll ever meet, and he certainly is a great actor. The roadblock that I have, because I certainly am in love with this business and I don’t see myself leaving it any time, is when someone says that and then leaves, it cheapens our business. If he’s going to say that, then back your word. That’s the only beef that I have and that’s what I told the people at The U.K. Sun. It just cheapens that phrase: “Oh, I love this business.” So then next time I come up and say I love this business, well, the guy before me who said that left. That doesn’t look good for me or our business.”
On Randy Orton: “As a matter of fact, when we were in OVW, we thought we wouldn’t make it out of Kentucky. I don’t want to say we were two lost souls, but we were surrounded by talent that was one of the greatest developmental units to ever be assembled. I think WWE started the developmental system in the mid ’90s, and that class of 2000 through ‘02 I think is the most successful that has ever been. We were literally just two average guys among some very gifted performers, and never once did we think we’d be headlining WrestleMania. I’ve said this before and I said this before his – what is this, his fifth or sixth “breakout?” – that he is the best guy we’ve got. He is certainly the best performer of my generation.”
On His Tweener Character: “Here’s the deal with my character: I’m in a really unique place. You’ve seen me get cheered, you’ve seen me get booed. Where I’m at right now, there is no good guy or bad guy. I can just be me, with certain little adjustments to my character, I guess, that makes me a “good guy” or a “bad guy.” The people who are going to decide that are the paying customers. When they get sick and tired of me, they’re going to turn on me. And when they turn on me, I’ve openly shown in situations where I get booed that I can turn on them back.”
- You can read the full interview here.
Credit: 411mania.com
Talk about Cena’s interview on the forums here
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ECW rating, The Draft returns
- Last night’s ECW broadcast scored a final 1.3 cable rating, which is down from last week’s 1.4 draw.
- WWE has announced that the Draft will be coming back after WrestleMania XXV. The 2009 Draft will air a week after the big event on the April 13th edition of Monday Night Raw from Atlanta.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Discuss who’s going where right here on the message boards
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TNA
Stevie Richards officially on roster
- The Wrestling Observer is now confirming that TNA has announced Stevie will be joining their roster. Richards is apparently on close terms with Terry Taylor, who is TNA’s head of talent relations.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Do you think this is a good move on TNA’s part? Tell us here on the forums
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Midway files for bankruptcy
- The company behind TNA iMPACT!, Midway Games Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 for its U.S. operations. The announcement from Midway notes that the TNA Impact video game has shipped approximately one million units, but that doesn’t mean all of those units were sold. The company filed for bankruptcy protection and will continue to operate as it had during the bankruptcy proceedings.
The filing did not come as a shock to those within the company as they had been hurting for some time and had let some staff go a few months back. A second TNA video game is on the docket for the future.
Credit: PWinsider.com
Would you get the second edition of the Impact video game? Discuss here on the boards
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Other
RVD-TV coming to DVD, Little Guido opens up a wrestling school
- Former WWE and ECW champion Rob Van Dam’s Internet series, RVD-TV, will have its first volume released on DVD on 4/7 from Big Vision Entertainment. The series, which is also available for viewing via subscription at www.robvandam.com features Van Dam leading discussion on topical subjects with different personalities from various parts of the entertainment realm. The first RVD TV release will be a 2 DVD set.
- Former WWE and ECW star James “Little Guido” Maritato is now training students in Lodi, New Jersey. The official blurb for the school reads: Wanna Be a Professional Wrestler? Wanna learn from the best of the best? ECW Superstar Little Guido Maritato is opening a brand new pro wrestling school for people who want to learn from the best. Little Guido is one of the most seasoned veterans in the business. He was a main-stay in ECW for years and a former ECW tag-team champion. The Dojo will be located in Lodi, NJ. Wrestling, Referee, and Manager Training Programs Available! The most affordable wrestling-school around. Financing Available. For More Info Call 973-253-0865.” Guido actually learned shooting under Billy Robinson while working for the UWFi as well in Japan, adding a good dimension for those looking for someone reputable to learn from in the Northeast.
Credit: PWinsider.com
Talk RVD and Little Guido on the forums here
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Wrestling legend’s daughter hints at Playboy
- Lacey Von Erich, daughter of legend Kerry Von Erich, has hinted at a possible Playboy appearance in a recent Myspace blog.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Discuss this news and more on the PFRC Forums here
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If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or via e-mail.
CK@pinfallrecall.com
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RDB@pinfallrecall.com
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Pinfall Recall News Feed for February 2, 2009
WWE
Tonight’s Raw lineup
- The updated lineup for tonight’s Raw:
*Randy Orton’s response to the Shane McMahon attack last week.
*Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston vs. Kane & Mike Knox.
*Beth Phoenix vs. Candice Michelle.
Credit: PWinsider.com
Discuss Raw and all things wrestling right here on the Pinfall Recall Message Boards. The topic is located here
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Chavo Guerrero moves to Smackdown, Kizarny removed from roster page
- It now appears as if Chavo Guerrero is a full-time Smackdown talent as his name was moved from the ECW roster to the Smackdown roster. Although Guerrero’s picture still remains on the ECW page, his profile is now gone and can be accessed on the Smackdown page.
- Rarely seen Smackdown talent Kizarny has had his profile removed from the Smackdown page. He has been wrestling with the brand at house shows, but has yet to recieve a formal push of any kind on TV.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Talk about Smackdown and the roster right here on the forums
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WWE shuts down offices, re-opens relationship with OVW
- WWE shut down their Australian office last week, and will now be shutting down their Canadian office, which has been open for over 10-years. The television sales staff will keep their jobs, as the WWE deal with the Score in Canada is different from their US TV deals. WWE gets to sell their own ad sales under the Canadian deal
- WWE is opening a new working relationship with OVW, which is why JBL recently worked with the company, and also why Mickie James will work an OVW TV taping next month.
Credit: 411mania.com
Discuss these stories right here with our forum members
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TNA
Against All Odds PPV lineup
- The following is the current, non-spoiler card for TNA Against All Odds:
* Scott Steiner vs. Petey Williams
* Booker T vs. Shane Sewell
* Matt Morgan vs. Abyss
* Knockouts Title Match: Awesome Kong © vs. ODB
* TNA World Tag Team Title Match: Beer Money Inc. © vs. Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed
* TNA World Title Match: Sting © vs. Brother Ray vs. Kurt Angle vs. Brother Devon
Credit: 411mania.com
Talk TNA right here on the forums
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ROH
ROH Newswire for Feb. 2nd
- Everyone here at Ring of Honor sends a humongous THANK YOU to the great fans of Detroit and Chicago for making the events of the past weekend a wonderful success! ROH returns to the Motor City on Friday, June 26th and to the Windy City on Saturday, April 25th. Tickets for both events are now on sale at www.rohwrestling.com. This past Saturday’s event called “Caged Collision” will debut on Pay-Per-View Friday, April 17th.
- ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness escaped Chicago with the gold after defeating El Generico at “Caged Collision”. We now know he will defend the title on February 7th in Orlando. ROH officials spoke with Nigel late last night, and an agreement was made. “People come to ROH to prove themselves,” said Nigel. “And this coming weekend in Florida is all about that. But it isn’t just up-and-coming grapplers that have to prove something; it’s also the top shelf talent like me, and even has-beens like Geritol Lynn. Now another has-been can add his name to the list. And that’s you D-Lo Brown. Sure, everyone knows your name, and I can’t really downplay your achievements in wrestling, but c’mon sunshine, why are you coming to ROH? To prove yourself! And you will, because you’re only getting one shot, love. And that’s against me in Orlando. And just to show that I know you’re far past your prime, I’ll put up the title and prove once again that ROH has no one to challenge me. One shot, Mr. Brown. That’s all you’ve got.”
- Ring of Honor officials announced the very first ROH television tapings will take place in Philadelphia on Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1st! ROH and HDNet officials selected Philadelphia due to the city’s passionate fans and extensive wrestling history. Now you can add another historic event to that already rich Philly wrestling heritage. Tickets for the event on the 28th are already on sale. Tickets for the March 1st (special 3pm bell time) event will go on sale this coming Wednesday at 10am EST at www.rohwrestling.com. You don’t want to miss what will go down as perhaps the most important weekend in ROH history! We’ll have talent announcements and updates as we go forward.
- Fresh off of the huge victory over Sweet-N-Sour inside the Steel Cage last Saturday, Roderick Strong and Erick Stevens were probably looking forward to a little “R and R”. But it doesn’t look like that will happen. Chasyn Rance, Kenny King, and Rhett Titus have signed an open contract to face Strong, Stevens, and a partner of their choosing in Coral Springs on February 6. “We know those guys can’t possibly be 100%, especially not after that cage match, and we’re striking while the iron is hot,” said Kenny King. “The time is now, and now is OUR time.”
- Bryan Danielson suffered a concussion after being powerbombed brutally to the floor by Bison Smith last Saturday at “Caged Collision”. Danielson is still scheduled to be in Florida for “Proving Ground ‘09″ this weekend, but his status for the events is up in the air at this point. We still do not know what the agenda of the massive Bison is, and Kyle Durden’s attempt to get comments gave as no further answers. Durden’s “interview” will be in this week’s Video Wire.
- The BIG TEN SALE continues at www.rohwrestling.com until Wednesday night at 9pm EST. We have over 100 DVD’s on sale for $10 each, tickets for all events in February for only $10 each, plus save an additional 10% off your order. For complete details on the sale click here: http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=860.
- ROH Referee Paul Turner made a crucial judgment call last Friday night in Detroit that has upset Brent Albright and left Claudio Castagnoli elated. In the closing moments of the contest, Albright had Castagnoli locked in the Crowbar. Claudio was able to make contact with the ropes, which would necessitate a break. Albright did not break the hold, sending an apparent message to Larry Sweeney who was “observing” the match. Referee Turner began the customary “5 count” when Albright would not break the hold. The excruciating pain from the hold got to Castagnoli, as he tapped out just as Turner reached the count of 5. Rather than award Albright the decision via submission, he disqualified him for not breaking hold before the allotted count of 5. “In any situation, the rulebook is our world,” said Turner. “And I know Brent is upset. Even though Claudio submitted, it was to a hold that was ‘illegal’ in its application because of the contact with the ropes.” ROH officials stand behind Turner’s decision, and several phone calls from both Albright and Castagnoli on this subject have been fielded in the last 48 hours.
Credit: 411mania.com
Talk about Ring of Honor wrestling right here on the message boards
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Other
Reid Flair’s debut postponed
- The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Reid Flair will be unable to compete in his match at the Florida State Fair next week due to a stress fracture injury he received to his leg during training. The match has been postponed, and we don’t know at this time whether or not the rescheduled match will be taped for Brooke Hogan’s reality show on VH1. Hogan and her camera crew were supposed to be at the fair next week to get footage of the event for her show.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Talk about this and more on the PFRC forums right here
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NWA News and Notes link
- For those of you who follow NWA, click here for an update on the company.
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If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or via e-mail.
CK@pinfallrecall.com
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RDB@pinfallrecall.com
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Pinfall Recall News Feed for January 14, 2009
WWE
More releases from WWE include legends and inspirational development star
- According to wrestlezone.com, WWE released Sgt. Slaughter and Ron Simmons (Farooq) from their contracts as well as Matt Cappotelli, the inspirational OVW wrestler who was diagnosed with brain cancer. The Tough Enough III winner had surgery to remove the tumor in May, 2007. In addition to these firings, WWE also parted ways with referee Mickey Jay, real name Mickey Henson. Henson had been absent as of late due to personal health issues.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Discuss this news and more right here on the Pinfall Recall Message Boards. The topic is here
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ECW on Sci-Fi rating
- The 1/13 edition of ECW on Sci Fi did a 1.1 cable rating (rounded up from a 1.05). That is down 0.3 from last week’s show.
Credit: PWinsider.com
Examine ECW right here on our forums
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Tommy Dreamer may be on his way out
- Apparently the speech Tommy Dreamer gave on ECW last night regarding his WWE deal expiring this June is pretty much a shoot being turned into a storyline. I don’t know if 6/6 is the actual date (if so, it would be the night before the One Night Stand PPV) but the word amongst those I spoke to is Dreamer may be leaving in June when his deal expires. This may very well be the beginning of his storyline exit from the company. He debuted in July 2001.
Credit: PWinsider.com
How much of a loss would this be? Talk about it right here on the forums
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JR blogs about everything!
- Here are some highlights from JR’s blog
- On the release of Sgt. Slaughter: Sorry to hear of my old friend Sgt. Slaughter being released from the WWE as I did not know it until I arrived in Omaha on Tuesday. Sarge and I both worked for Bill Watts back in the 70’s, Sarge under his real name of Bob Remus, and for economic reasons we used to split an $8 room, with two beds for you wise asses out there, at the lovely Belmont Motor Inn on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge, La. Sarge and I made many visits to the local Chinese Buffet, usually in the late afternoon, for the all one could eat extravaganza or a “pitch ’till you win” meal. Often times was our lunch AND dinner, or supper for my southern brethren. Sarge went on to become a huge star in wrestling and is one of the nicest individuals to ever work in the biz. I have yet to speak with Sarge but I will and I know he will eventually be fine. Bob has been in tough spots before in this wacky profession and has always persevered. I am not making light of this matter whatsoever as I can relate to Sarge’s dilemma.
- On the release of Ron Simmons: Ron Simmons, who became the first black World’s Champion of a major wrestling company when he defeated Big Van Vader in August of 1992 in Baltimore, has also been released from the WWE. I did not know this one either until I walked into the Quest Center Tuesday in Omaha. Ron might want to explore public and motivational speaking as he has a great story to tell and the pipes to tell it. Ironically that night in Baltimore, Ron defeated Leon (Vader) White in a battle of two division one college football stars of significant acclaim and it was a nose guard (Simmons from Florida State) versus a center (White from Colorado) in a match orchestrated by Bill Watts (former lineman at Oklahoma) who was in charge of WCW at that time.
- On Jack Swagger: My last talent recommendation to the WWE talent relations department is the new ECW Champion Jack Swagger. Swagger wrestled at Oklahoma, my gosh we can’t say THAT on TV, and used to eat the occasional meal at the Ross home while a student at OU. Swagger, then known as Jake Hager, was roommates with current Chicago Bear Dusty Dvorchek and the two of them used to hang out at our home. There is no reason Swagger shouldn’t be a star if he continues to work hard and doesn’t make any foolish or irresponsible mistakes. Educated 6′6″-270 pounders with natural balance, agility, a wrestling background and a bona fide mean streak aren’t easy to find.
- On Stone Cold in the WWE Hall of Fame: The announcement of my friend Stone Cold Steve Austin going into the WE Hall of Fame in Houston on Saturday night April 4 was a big hit in my world. Steve is the greatest star of all time in the wrestling biz if one considers revenue into the equation including tickets and pay per views sold along with merchandise sales. Steve was a fierce competitor who was always his own worst critic and would not allow himself to be any thing but the best in his field. My hiring of Stone Cold certainly made my tenure as the head of talent relations in the WWE look good but, trust me, Steve Austin attained his success through hard work and being an amazing student of the game. Steve did and still does identify amazingly well with wrestling fans, which helped him craft his Stone Cold persona so well. Ironically, Steve became a wrestling fan while watching wrestling from Houston which will be the same city that Steve will close the wrestling chapter of his life at WM25.
You can check the rest of his blog out here
Credit: 411mania.com
Comment on JR’s blogging and more right here with our forum members
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TNA
Impact rating
- Last week’s 1/8 edition of TNA Impact drew a final 1.1 cable rating which is up from the previous week’s 1.0 rating for the “Best of 2008″ episode.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Talk about TNA right here on the message boards
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Kevin Nash surgery update
- Jeff Wilen of the Daytona Beach News-Journal spoke with Kevin Nash today, who is still hospitalized in Charlotte, NC. Nash says that the elbow infection he is suffering from started from a small scrape while wrestling in Japan, and not from his recent tattoo work. Nash also explained that he was signed up with TNA for another three-years (which began in October of 2008) and that he was upset that he couldn’t go on the big European tour. You can read the full interview here.
Credit: 411mania.com
Discuss Kevin Nash and share your opinions on the PFRC forums here
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If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or via e-mail.
CK@pinfallrecall.com
JG@pinfallrecall.com
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RDB@pinfallrecall.com
Milo@pinfallrecall.com
Pinfall Recall News Feed for October 23, 2008
WWE
More rule changes for WWE
- As we reported earlier punches are now legal in WWE, which was a good change.
But it is getting tougher to be a heel in WWE given some other rule changes that are automatic DQs if seen by the ref.
There has already been at least one DQ finish for a heel using a handful of tights and being caught by the ref.
Choking with the hands or using the ropes to choke will be a DQ instead of a 5 count, if seen by the ref, and just added to the growing list are eye poke or rakes and throwing someone into the ringposts outside the ring. Both now will lead to a DQ too.
So WWE heels will need to get very sneaky now, or refs need to be easily distracted or both.
- It is now being reported that in addition to the wrestlers in WWE now being referred to as “entertainers,” Vince McMahon has issued a mandate stating that the phrase “sports entertainment” will no longer be used and from now on the product will be referred to as simply “entertainment.”
Credit: wrestlezone.com
Do you agree/disagree with these rule changes? How do you think it will impact the overall wrestling product? Discuss it right here on our Pinfall Recall Forums
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Update on lawsuit filed against WWE by three former wrestlers
We reported several weeks ago that WWE filed a motion to dismiss the case that was filed against them by former wrestlers Scott Levy (Raven), Chris Klucarits (Kanyon) and Mike Sanders. The case brought against WWE claims that employees of WWE should be classified as just that, employees, rather than independent contractors. WWE filed a motion to dismiss the case, and the three former talents had until October 20th to file a response. It’s now being reported that on October 20th attorneys representing the wrestlers filed a request to have their response time extended, and the courts granted it by giving them until November 11th to do so.
The following are the grounds under which WWE is claiming the case should be dismissed:
*Their complaint failed to “state a claim upon which relief can be granted.”
*Their claims were barred by “applicable statues of limitations.”
*Their claims were a “impermissible attempt” to circumvent federal and state tax laws, with WWE claiming “neither [law] grants a private right of action.”
*Their claims are “preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.”
*Levy, Sanders and Klucarits failed to “exhaust administrative remedies.”
*The trio “lack standing” to assess punitive claims on behalf of other class members (WWE contracted performers).
Credit: wrestlezone.com
What do you think about the case? Tell us right here on our forums
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WWE nabs OVW talent, Candice Michele update, Take home DX with new video game
- Toys ‘R Us is giving away a pair of DX action figures to anyone who pre-orders the Smackdown! vs Raw 2009 video game.
- Candice Michelle is reportedly aware of all the negative criticism surrounding her return to WWE. The criticism is coming largely from the the internet wrestling community, with claims that she has regressed as an in-ring talent almost to the point of being a liability during wrestling matches. She is reportedly responding to this criticism by working harder and vowing that she will improve her in-ring game.
- It’s being reported that WWE has signed several names from Ohio Valley Wrestling including Ryan Reeves, Chris Cage and Gavin Garrison. Although WWE severed ties with Ohio Valley Wrestling a while back, the company still views the organization as a good resource for talent. Cage and Reeves were former developmental talents.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
What are your thoughts on Candice and the Women’s division? Excited for the new prospects? Don’t care at all? Tell us what you think right here
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Santino Marella interview, Lawler’s 35th anniversary show
- The New Zealand Herald has an interview up with Santino Marella here.
- A special show celebrating Jerry Lawler’s career will take place on 11/7 at the Nashville Fairgrounds. The show will be called Lawler 35. For more info, visit lawler35.com.
Credit: 411mania.com
Have favorite Lawler memories? What do you think of Santino? Share your thoughts on our message boards
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TNA
iMPACT preview, Kurt Angle’s Turning Point opponent (Spoiler Alert)
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Ric Flair Shoot Interview
Footage has recently been released by Highspots.com, who conducted a shoot interview with Ric Flair which is slated for a November DVD release. The two clips feature Flair discussing the death of WCW and his thoughts on Vince McMahon following his WWE release. See them here
Credit: wrestlezone.com
What did you think of the interview? Talk about it here