Wrestling News Digest 6/9/09 Part 2: Four Batista-Free Months and More
Welcome to Pinfall Recall’s Wrestling News Digest, your daily collection of all the news in the professional wrestling world. Each day we collect all the news from WWE, TNA, ROH, and more, and deliver it to you in one easy to read posting. No more clicking 30 links and loading 30 pages to read 3 lines of text. Just point your browser to Pinfall Recall every day for all the wrestling news you need.
After the jump (the read more button) you’ll find today’s top stories, immediately followed by all of your news divided up by organization, for your viewing pleasure.
So, for the latest on how long Batista will be out injured (again) and more…
Wrestling News Digest 6/5/09: Evan Bourne says new ECW better than original…yes you read that right, Ric Flair leaves ROH, Shane Douglas to be honored and more!
WWE
CM Punk interview, Evan Bourne says old ECW doesn’t compare to the new version
- PNJ.com has a Q&A up with CM Punk, discussing tag team vs. singles matches, John Cena, what the “CM” stands for, more. You can check that out here.
- The Sun recently interviewed Evan Bourne, discussing the “old” ECW vs. the “new” ECW that he is a part of. You can checkout the full interview here. Here is an excerpt of the interview:
“You can’t make a direct comparison between the rosters, as we’re so different. But if you compare ECW now to the old ECW on TNN - we blow that show out of the water. Every week we blow it out of the water. I have tons of respect for Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Super Crazy and Tajiri - as they were the guys I idolized growing up. I loved ECW.”
Credit: 411mania.com
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Jeff Hardy comments on Ken Kennedy’s release
- Jeff Hardy was on the Big O and Dukes morning show in Washington DC this morning. You can download the full interview here. He spoke on Kennedy’s release, stating…
“It was really sad, you know? I think he’s a real talented guy. I don’t know if it was the right move, but we’ll see.”
He also spoke on releases in general, stating…
“There’s been a lot of releases, a lot of friends that are getting released just out of nowhere. You gotta deal with it, move on and just know to yourself that its not the end of the world and that there’s other things out there.”
Credit: 411mania.com
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WWE releases developmental talent
- World Wrestling Entertainment has also released Jon Cutler, who wrestled as “Prime Cut” Jon Cutler in developmental. A Winnipeg native, Cutler had been under contract since 2008.
Cutler joins Maverick Darsow and Lupe Santiago as Florida Championship Wrestling talents let go by the company this week.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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ROH
Ric Flair leaves Ring of Honor
- According to a report by “The Slammer” of The New York Daily News, Ric Flair claims he left ROH because it wasn’t right for him to appear on both TV shows…
“I announced I would be leaving them (ROH) last week at the Philadelphia show because it would be on HDNet (cable TV) and I felt it wasn’t right for me to be appearing (on TV) for the WWE and ROH while singing the praises of both. I will be at their event at the Manhattan Center next Saturday as a ’special’ referee, not as a wrestler.”
But did WWE pressure him to quit ROH?
“The decision was mine alone. Nothing against ROH, but I decided you can’t serve two masters, and my loyalty lies with the WWE. I feel very comfortable being there.”
What’s his current deal with the WWE and will he wrestle again?
“I only have a verbal agreement with them to make appearances…. I’m still retired. Well, let me say that under very special conditions I would consider wrestling again.”
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Shane Douglas will be inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame
- Legends of the Arena issued this as part of a press release today:
There will also be an induction to the Arena’s Hardcore Hall of Fame. The first inductee that night is none other then The Franchise Shane Douglas! You have heard his promo’s in the past. What will he say on June 27th? Buy a ticket and find out!!!
Credit: PWinsider.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 5/21/09: HDNet heads for the chopping block, Time Warner buys Midway, Dawn Marie has another baby, and more
WWE
Santino storyline continues online
- There is a new goofy video feature focusing on Santino Marella on WWE.com. The video features Santino in-character furthering an internet-only storyline WWE has been pushing on the website recently.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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TNA
Time Warner buys Midway but leaves TNA
- Today, Time Warner put in an official bid of $33 Million in an effort to acquire all of the American assets of Midway Games, Inc.. The agreement does not include the Company’s development studio in San Diego and the TNA franchise games, nor does it include the Company’s development studio in Newcastle which had developed the Company’s recently released Wheelman game.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
HDNet heads for the chopping block
- Multichannel News is currently running an article discussing the HDNet situation. Time Warner Cable confirmed to the trade Monday it will stop offering HDNet and HDNet Movies across all of its systems effective May 31. Time Warner Cable director of corporate public relations Robyn Watson stated the following…
“There’s a limited appeal for the programming. In a world with more than 100 HD channels, being in HD is not enough. We are adding other channels in HD to give our customers more choice.”
Mark Cuban emailed Multichannel News to say that they were still negotiating, and also stated…
“[T]here are millions of viewers who enjoy our unique and exclusive programming. We are not a cookie-cutter network like those from the big media conglomerates. HDNet’s viewers do business with providers specifically to get our programming.”
You can read the full article here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Dawn Marie has another baby
- Former WWE Diva and ECW original Dawn Marie gave birth to daughter Katie this past Tuesday. Marie had to have a C-section, but is apparently doing fine health-wise.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 5/11/09: Youth movement may hit WWE announcing, Retired superstar heads to ROH, Bret Hart and Torrie Wilson interviews, and more
WWE
WWE announcers could be getting younger soon
- With the recent addition of younger faces on the WWE television announce team, a lot of talk has come of the future of WWE announcing in the next generation.
The feeling is Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are seen as stars and are getting up there in age, while the younger guys like Michael Cole, Todd Grisham, Josh Matthews and Matt Striker are “colorless” and “faceless” entities that simply put over the action that takes place on television broadcasts.
Vince McMahon in general likes the idea of his announcers not being the stars and being guys who just put over what is created by the writing team.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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Melina sick, CM Punk to throw out first pitch at Cubs game, JBL twitters
- Melina has been off the road due to strep throat.
- CM Punk will be throwing out the first pitch of the 5/15 Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros game.
- JBL now has a twitter page up here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
ROH brings back retired superstar
- Ring of Honor has announced that Lance Storm will be coming out of retirement to wrestle for the company on their July 24 & 25 cards in Toronto.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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Other
Bret Hart and Torrie Wilson interviews
- The Miami Herald has an interview up with Bret Hart where he talks about the anniversary of Owen Hart’s death, his upcoming ROH appearance, why he doesn’t think he’d fit in with TNA, and more. Check out the interview here.
- AOL Fanhouse has an interview up with Torrie Wilson. In the interview, she talks about the Al Wilson storyline, her experiences with Vince McMahon, kissing Vince with Linda watching, and more. Check out the full interview here.
Credit: 411maina.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 5/5/09: Cena vs. Show at Backlash, WWE signs new diva, ROH cards plagued by injury, and more
WWE
Cena vs. Show to fight, news on Morrison and Melina
- John Cena vs Big Show has been added to the Backlash card.
- The UK Sun is reporting that WWE Women’s Champion Melina has begun dating John Morrison again, which is the apparent reason why she was seen crying during the WWE live draft which took place several weeks ago. At that point, Morrison had not been drafted to Smackdown yet, so the Women’s Champion worried that the two would be separated due to her being drafted to Friday nights. However, the next day Morrison was of course drafted to Smackdown in the supplemental draft and the two ended up on the same show.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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WWE signs new diva
- Miss April (real name April Jeanette), a 22 year old New Jersey based talent, was signed by World Wrestling Entertainment at the end of their WWE developmental camp this past weekend to a developmental deal. April had been wrestling for several Garden State-based companies including National Wrestling Superstars and Women Superstars Unleashed, where she held the WSU Tag Team belts with Brooke Carter.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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WWE adds house show in France
- Following the success of WWE’s house show in Nice, France in 2008, WWE has decided to add an other house show in Nice, France on Friday September 25th 2009, as part of Smackdown/ECW Live Tour which will be at Paris, France on September 26th and 27th. In 2009, 7 WWE’s houses shows will be presented in France, a record for this country, which has hosted 3 houses shows last year. Tickets will go on sale May 13th at 10 AM.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
ROH Newswire for Cinco de Mayo
- ROH officials spoke earlier today to both Tyler Black and the man he has selected to take his place in the World Tag Team Title match in Edison. Black once again expressed his apologies for not being able to perform for the fans in Edison, and especially to Bryan Danielson, as he firmly believes that he and Dragon can beat the American Wolves. Black went on to tell ROH officials that he hopes to be ready for action by May 29th in Philly, and that the man he chose to replace him this Saturday has accepted the offer. That man is no stranger to teaming with Danielson – in fact, he just gained a victory in Montreal with Dragon as a partner - and that man wants the Wolves blood on his hands in the worst way. That man is Kevin Steen. It will be Danielson and Steen versus the Wolves in Edison with the World Tag Team titles on the line this Saturday night. Tickets are now on sale at www.rohwrestling.com.
- With the ROH Booking Committee granting Steen his petition to be a part of the World Tag Title match on Saturday, the card has been shuffled. Sonjay Dutt will now oppose “That Young Knockout Kid” Chris Hero in singles action. Should Hero defeat Jerry Lynn in Boston he will defend the ROH World Title against Dutt.
- In case you haven’t been paying attention, ROH returns to Toronto and the Ted Reeve Arena on July 24th and 25th with a huge weekend of legends as both Ric Flair and Bret Hart will make appearances! Information on the Bret Hart signing can be found here: http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2759. Tickets for both autograph signing are now on sale. The question is; what more could there be in store?
- Added to the huge HDNet National Television Tapings on May 29th and 30th: Jimmy Jacobs, Claudio Castagnoli, Delirious, Daizee Haze, and MsChif. Don’t forget that KENTA and ROH Ambassador Ric Flair will also be in the house! We will announce the first of the 6 main events to be filmed that weekend in the next ROH Newswire!
- Don’t forget to keep up with ROH on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rohonhdnet. You can follow the day-to-day happenings of ROH and its stars at the click of your mouse!
- Only two days remain in The “Triple Savings Sale”. This is a tremendous deal for those looking to purchase tickets for any upcoming live ROH events including this weekend in Boston & Edison. For complete details click here: http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=2151.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Ring of Honor switches up cards due to injury
- Ring of Honor posted the following message today, regarding changes to the weekend events…
Ring of Honor received an email from Mike Quackenbush this afternoon informing us that due to injury, he too was being forced to pull out of this weekend’s events in Boston, MA and Edison, NJ. Quackenbush advised that he’s having further complications with his back and after seeing a specialist, has been told not to perform until the month after his upcoming operation. As many fans know, Quackenbush is scheduled for back surgery soon. We at ROH wish Mike a speedy recovery.
As a result of this unexpected situation, we are again forced to shift this weekend’s lineups.
Friday’s event in Boston, MA will now see a Three Way Dance pitting Bryan Danielson vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Eddie Edwards. On Saturday in Edison, a match has been added to the event and will feature Kenny King & Rhett Titus in tag team action.
We realize that these two events have been ravaged by a number of injuries, which has caused the match lineups to change several times. To that end, ROH is adding a special meet & greet autograph session to both events this weekend that will take place during intermission with several stars from the ROH roster. In addition, for this weekend only our usual “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” ROH DVD sales at the live events will be “Buy 3, Get 2 Free”.
We sincerely apologize for these unfortunate lineup changes and look forward to seeing everybody at the events this weekend.
Credit: 411mania.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 5/4/09: Undertaker injured, Hernandez injury timetable, Bret Hart going to ROH, and more
WWE
Undertaker injured, may need surgery
- According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the Undertaker was not brought into the Madison Square Garden Smackdown last week due to him suffering from both hip and knee issues. The talk is that he will need some surgery on his knee, and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. The feeling is that when they do surgery that they may find more serious issues.
With the Undertaker’s injury status, and the future of Jeff Hardy unsure as of now, WWE made the effort to push CM Punk as one of the brand’s top faces. This was also the reason for the John Morrison face turn.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Batista discusses his future
- Batista was interviewed by The Daily Mirror in Great Britain recently to promote the WWE Judgment Day PPV, commenting on several topics, including noting he didn’t know he wouldn’t be utilized for Wrestlemania XXV until the Thursday before the PPV and being let down by it.
In regard to the long-term future of his career, Batista commented, “It’s something that I’ve been thinking about a lot. I really just have mixed feelings about it right now. I have just about another year left on my contract which I want to fulfil and when I start getting close to the end of that contract that’s when I’ll make a final decision.”
Batista also commented on injuries, his recent return, working heel down the line and more. You can read the complete interview by clicking here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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WWE and “Superstar” Billy Graham resolve dispute
- World Wrestling Entertainment sources confirmed this afternoon that the company does not intend to prevent former WWF champion Superstar Graham from using his ring name now that they have released him from his consultant’s contract.
Apparently the verbiage in the contract was simply standard issue for all performers, but since Graham has been using the names forever, there isn’t an issue in WWE’s eyes and he is free and clear to do whatever he wishes outside of their auspices.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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Gregory Helms discusses his new role
- Gregory Helms has a new Myspace blog posted, discussing his move to a backstage interviewer, which you can read here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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TNA
Hernandez injury timetable, iMPACT schedule, more
- Shawnhernandez.net , the official website of TNA’s Hernandez, is listing a 6-9 month recovery time due to his recent neck surgery.
- The following matches will be taped tonight for Thursday’s episode of TNA Impact:
* Main Event Mafia vs. Mick Foley, Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, & Daniels
* Suicide vs. Consequences Creed for the X-Division Title
* Beer Money Inc. vs. Eric Young & Jethro Holliday in the Team 3D Tag Team Tournament
* Awesome Kong vs. Velvet Sky in a Stretcher Match
- TNA tapes tomorrow night as well, as they are taping three weeks of TV over the next two days.
- The company’s next house show swing starts May 15th:
* May 15th: Florence, SC
* May 16th: Greenville, NC
* May 17th: Fayetteville, NC
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
Bret Hart to appear at ROH show
- Ring of Honor made the following announcement today:
A Wrestling Legend Makes His ROH Debut
Monday, May 04, 2009
- Ring of Honor Wrestling is very happy to announce that a Hall of Fame wrestling legend will be in attendance on Friday night, July 24 when ROH returns to the Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The legendary Bret “Hitman” Hart will be on-hand for a special autograph signing prior to the ROH event, as well as making an appearance during the course of the night’s show. Tickets for this event on 7/24 are already on sale here at www.rohwrestling.com, stay tuned to the website for more details regarding the special autograph signing.
The addition of this multi-time World Champion adds to an already special weekend where ROH presents back-to-back events from the Ted Reeve Arena with Bret “Hitman” Hart appearing on Friday night July 24 and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair in attendance on Saturday night July 25! More details will be available in the coming weeks right here at ROHWrestling.com.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH superstar returns, debuts, injuries, and Necro Butcher just misses MTV nod
- Sonjay Dutt and Ricky Reyes return to the company this weekend.
- Joey Ryan debuts with the company this weekend.
- There is no word on Tyler Black’s participation this weekend. As of today he is booked on the shows, but he cancelled his FIP appearance over the weekend due to a neck injury.
- The Necro Butcher scene from The Wrestler, where he and Mickey Rourke use a staple gun in a “CZW Hardcore match”, did not make it into the final five nominees for the “WTF Moment” for this year’s MTV Movie Awards. The final five are:
* Amy Poehler - Baby Mama, Peeing In the Sink (Universal Pictures)
* Angelina Jolie - Wanted, Curved Bullet Kill (Universal Pictures)
* Ayush Mahesh Khedekar - Slumdog Millionaire, Jumping in the Poop Shed (Fox Searchlight)
* Ben Stiller - Tropic Thunder, Tasting the Decapitated Head (DreamWorks SKG/ Paramount Pictures)
* Jason Segel and Kristen Bell - Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Naked Break-Up (Universal Pictures)
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Dwayne Johnson lands big Disney role
- Dwayne Johnson has already nabbed another lead role in a Disney film as Production Weekly has him attached to star as Captain Nemo in a planned remake of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The film is slated to film later this year in Australia.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 5/1/09: Vince talks to shareholders, Info of Kurt Angle’s WWE release, Batista in Pacquiao’s corner on Saturday night, and more
WWE
Vince McMahon discusses Playboy, a new TV program, MMA, more
- Here are some notes from the WWE Annual Shareholders Meeting held today:
- Vince McMahon said that Playboy wanted to work with WWE again this year, but Vince turned down the offer because of WWE’s new “PG environment”.
- A shareholder asked if “Mr. McMahon” could be the person who ends The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania undefeated streak. Vince McMahon said that him ending the streak would probably anger a lot of people, so it’s unlikely to happen.
- Vince McMahon said that he is not interested in running an MMA promotion.
- Vince McMahon said that WWE is looking into creating a Wednesday night TV program. He feels that it would not be overexposure due to the huge number of TV stations available & that being on TV every weeknight would make it easier for the fans to follow along with the storylines or catch up if they miss any of the TV shows.
To read the rest go here
Credit: 411mania.com
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TNA
Roxxi released
- TNA Wrestling released Roxxi yesterday, according to several sources. As previously noted on PWInsider.com in our Elite section, Roxxi and Rhaka Khan had been serving a 60 days suspension following a backstage issue that became physical several weeks back at an Impact taping.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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Article detailing Kurt Angle’s WWE release
- The Miami Herald has a fantastic article up on what happened back in 2006 when Kurt Angle was released from WWE following his suspension. The article reveals a lot about the inner workings of WWE’s Wellness Policy and such. Check out the article here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
Little Guido to wrestle with ROH
- Former WWE and ECW star Little Guido will work the June 13th Ring of Honor return to the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Ric and Reid Flair to appear at wrestling event for police department
- The Shelby Star out of North Carolina has an article up about Ric and Reid Flair being set to appear at the Shelby Rec Center for an independent wrestling card designed to raise funds for future Shelby City Parks and Recreation projects and the Shelby Police Department. The show is scheduled for Saturday. Check out the article here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Steve McMichael going to a HOF, Batista in Pacquiao’s corner for Saturday night fight
- Four Horsemen member and former football great Steve “Mongo” McMichael will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame this year.
- Batista will be accompanying Manny Pacquiao to the ring for his fight against Ricky Hatton.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 4/30/09: Superstars and iMPACT previews, ROH Newswire, Elix Skipper’s son murdered, and more
WWE
WWE Superstars preview
- Taped for tonight on Superstars:
- Carlito vs. Ted DiBiase.
- Evan Bourne vs. Paul Burchill.
- Gail Kim & Maria vs. Michelle McCool & Alicia Fox
Credit: PWinsider.com
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TNA
iMPACT preview
- The following is the final line-up for tonight’s TNA iMPACT! show on Spike TV:
- Amazing Red & Suicide vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley (Tag Tourney - Round 1)
- Homicide vs. Brutus Magnus vs. Doug Williams
- Awesome Kong vs. Madison Rayne (Stretcher Match)
- Abyss vs. Cody Deaner
- Samoa Joe & AJ Styles vs. Kevin Nash & Booker T
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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ROH
Ring of Honor April 30th Newswire
- ROH officials received signed contracts back from Prince Nana for May 8th in Boston and a Six-Man Tag Team match has been added to the card. The team of Brent Albright, Erick Stevens, and Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana will oppose Nana’s force of the crown jewel, Jimmy Rave, Claudio Castagnoli, and Joey Ryan! It turns out that the voicemail message at the end of the most recent ROH Videowire at http://www.rohvideos.com/watch?v=YIVZg5BlP-A was indeed Joey Ryan letting Nana know that he’s on board with the Embassy; and to that end he will bring the sleaze to Boston and Edison along side Rave, Dirty Ernie, Castagnoli, and Nana! This also means that Nana will be in Ryan’s corner in Edison on May 9th as he takes on Cabana in a singles contest!
- ROH officials are happy to announce that we have come to terms with Nick and Matt Jackson – collectively known as The Young Bucks. This incredibly exciting tag team will make their ROH debut in Philadelphia on May 29th and 30th as part of the next set of Ring of Honor on HDNet National Television Tapings. The Bucks will also compete on June 12th in Manassas, VA and on June 13th at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. ROH’s tag team division is about to get hotter!
- ROH officials are in negotiations to bring a high profile talent to Toronto when Ring of Honor returns to Canada on July 24th and 25th and the Ted Reeve Arena. As already announced, ROH Ambassador “Nature Boy” Ric Flair will appear on July 25th. We will keep you posted as information becomes available.
- Don’t forget you can catch up with Ring of Honor on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/rohonhdnet. See what is going on minute-by-minute in ROH on Twitter.
- The injury bug’s bite still stings. Jon Davis of the Dark City Fight Club has been in contact with the ROH office over the past 36 hours to update us on his situation. His left wrist was completely dislocated in the tag team match against Kevin Steen and Jay Briscoe in Dayton. Doctors in Dayton reset the wrist, and advised Davis not to compete until a more thorough exam was completed. That exam was finished late Tuesday and the prognosis is unclear. It appears a tendon in his hand may have ruptured, which would require immediate surgery to repair. We will have more information in next week’s Newswire as updates come in.
- Just added to the ROH on HDNet National Television Tapings on May 29th and 30th at the Arena in Philadelphia: Tyler Black, Eddie Kingston (5/30 only); Brent Albright, Erick Stevens, Rhett Titus, Kenny King, and Austin Aries. These in addition to those talents already announced including the Young Bucks, KENTA, and ROH Ambassador “Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Tickets are on sale now at www.rohwrestling.com.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Elix Skipper’s son murdered
- According to NBC 4 and The Columbus Dispatch, LeMarcus Skipper, 22, was shot and killed in his Columbus apartment. He was living with his grandmother at the time, and is the son of former WCW and TNA Champion Elix Skipper. An investigation is ongoing.
- More on the fatal shooting of Elix Skipper’s son Lemarcus, who was 22 not 21 as previously reported is now available.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/04/30/adead.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101
Police have released the name of the man who was gunned down in his Near East Side apartment after answering a knock at his door yesterday afternoon.
Lemarcus D. Skipper, 22, died shortly after he was taken to Grant Medical Center. He was shot multiple times, Sgt. Eric Pilya of the homicide squad said.
Pilya said Skipper was shot after opening the door at 3:45 p.m. at 155 N. 17th St., Apt. G. At least two men barged in and one of them fired a gun, Pilya said.
Not long after the shooting, a patrol officer caught a man at the nearby corner of N. 20th Street and Mount Vernon Avenue. Police said it appeared that he had fled the apartment, and they questioned him at headquarters.
“At this point in time we’re treating him as a witness,” Pilya said last night.
Skipper lived with his godmother, who was in the tiny apartment when the shooting occurred. She identified the man captured by police after the shooting, Pilya said.
Police said they are following up leads in order to identify the suspects. The slaying is the 27th in the city this year
Credit: 411mania.com/wrestlezone.com
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“Playboy” Buddy Rose’s cause of death
- OregonLive.com is reporting that Playboy Buddy Rose passed away due to natural causes; he was 56. This is according to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s office. You can check out the full article here.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Sonny Siaki set to donate kidney to ailing brother
- Former TNA star Sonny Siaki has been cleared to give his sick brother, Bernard, one of his kidneys. The operation is scheduled for June 5. To read more:
http://www.savebernardsiaki.org/_/Blog/Entries/2009/4/29_Donor_is_Found!_Operation_is_Set!.html
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
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Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 4/28/09: Judgment Day card, TNA to pick up former WWE star, ROH injury and tapings update, and more
WWE
Judgment Day card as of now
- The following matches have been announced for the WWE Judgment Day PPV:
* ECW Title Match: Christian © vs. Jack Swagger
* WWE Title Match: Randy Orton © vs. Batista
Credit: 411mania.com
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TNA
No Slammiversary fanfest, Angelina Love cleared for action
- As of today, there are no plans for TNA to run a fanfest the weekend of Slammiversary.
- Angelina Love has been cleared to wrestle, as she is advertised on the weekend lineups.
Credit: 411mania.com
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Former WWE talent to join TNA, Bonaduce may return
- TNA Wrestling officials have reportedly reached out to former WWE star Lance Cade about joining the promotion.
The former three-time WWE tag-team champion is apparently interested in the offer, but has to first finish up some scheduled dates in Japan.
His former tag-team partner, Trevor Murdoch, has recently debuted with TNA on iMPACT! under the name “The Outlaw Jethro Holliday” and has advanced in the current tag-team tournament the promotion has going on right now.
- Danny Bonaduce said on his radio show out of Philadelphia that when his contract with Hulk Hogan’s “Celebrity Championship Wrestling” ends, there’s a good chance he’ll be back in TNA Wrestling. Jeff Jarrett has apparently claimed that the door is open for Bonaduce to return if he chooses to.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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ROH
ROH injury report, taping news, and more
- A few injuries to report from the Mid-West loop. Roderick Strong needed 10 stitches to close a wound suffered in his ROH title bout against Jerry Lynn. Jon Davis from Dark City Fight Club suffered a dislocated wrist but still worked the next day.
- El Generico is off next weekend’s events in New Jersey and Boston due to his knee issues. Surgery is looking more and more likely.
- Announced for the 5/29 and 5/30 ROH on HD Net tapings at the ECW Arena are ROH champion Jerry Lynn, ROH Tag Team Champions The American Wolves, Ric Flair, KENTA, Jimmy Rave, Prince Nana, Colt Cabana, Brodie Lee, Roderick Strong, Kevin Steen and Jay Briscoe.
- There’s been some talk of taping some ROH on HD Net episodes in Las Vegas down the line. There are tapings set for Philadelphia through July.
- ROH currently has a Buy 3, Get 1 Free sale on DVDs, including the recent Ric Flair debut. ROH has released the Indianapolis debut on DVD as well on www.rohwrestling.com.
- There’s talk of adding a big name to the Toronto return weekend, but nothing confirmed at this time.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
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Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com
Wrestling News Digest 4/27/09: Hardy injury update, Triple H and John Cena’s future’s, Reid Flair found with heroin, and much more
WWE
Matt Hardy injury update, Triple H and Cena’s future
- Matt Hardy’s hand was broken specifically during the final spot with him being tied to the table during the “I Quit” match with Jeff Hardy last night.
- The backstage word is that after last night, Triple H will be kept off television for a while to sell the injury angle.
- John Cena is set to have a feud with The Big Show.
- The Sun out of the UK is reporting that John Cena will be taking some time off from the road starting in May to work on his next film.
Credit: wrestlezone.com
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Former TNA star signs with WWE
- At Sunday’s Professional Championship Wrestling event in Arlington, Texas, former TNA performer Lance (Rock) Hoyt announced that he had signed a WWE deal. Hoyt trained with PCW, and was given a celebration and tribute video at the show.
Credit: 411mania.com
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ROH
Ring of Honor Newswire for April 27th
- We want to say thank you to the incredible fans in both Dayton, OH and Chicago, IL for the two excellent events this past weekend! Both cities brought big, enthusiastic crowds, and there is nothing better than that! ROH returns to Dayton on September 18th, and we’re back in Chicago on June 27th with the Chicago ROH debut of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair! Tickets to both events are on sale at www.rohwrestling.com .
- Tyler Black may have beaten Chris Hero in Chicago, but he came out worse for wear by the end of the night. Earlier in the event, Tyler and Jimmy Jacobs had a war of words, which ended with Tyler telling Jacobs he was pathetic and a disappointment. Jimmy sat in tears as Tyler walked off. Then later on, just after Black was successful in defeating Chris Hero, Jacobs struck, using his infamous railroad spike to bloody and batter Black. Tyler didn’t require medical attention, but once more his former mentor was inside his head. Jacobs refused comment, only smiling and muttering, “The means. The end. Justification is subjective.”
- Tickets are now on sale at www.rohwrestling.com for both events in Toronto at the Ted Reeve Arena on Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th.
- El Generico was in contact with ROH officials this weekend after going over the results of his MRI with his doctors. We’re being told that there is significant damage to his knee, specifically to his Meniscus and Posterior Cruciate Ligament. As of now, Generico is being listed as doubtful for the ROH events in Boston, MA on May 8th and Edison, NJ on May 9th. As soon as we can confirm whether or not he’ll be in attendance it will be announced here in the Newswire.
- Kevin Steen and Jay Briscoe were set to do the improbable and win the World Tag Team Titles from Richards and Edwards last Saturday in Chicago. And for 90% of the battle it looked like it could happen. But an inadvertent shot to Briscoe’s groin late in the match by Steen seemed to derail the whole thing. The American Wolves retained the gold, and Steen and Briscoe were back to their old habits, bickering and shoving one another around. It ended with Jay Briscoe finally walking off alone and leaving Steen to his own disappointment. But with Mark Briscoe still on the shelf, and El Generico potentially about to be, Steen and Briscoe may have no other choice than to patch up whatever discontent their feeling, or the Tag Titles may end up too far out of reach. Both Steen and Briscoe will be a part of the National Television Tapings at the Arena in South Philly on May 29th and 30th.
- Injuries were an unfortunate theme this weekend in Dayton and Chicago. Roderick Strong received 10 stitches at a Dayton hospital to close the wound on his head that was suffered in his match against Jerry Lynn. Roddy braved the blood loss and fought valiantly, and both men dug deep to make the World Title match a classic. Jon Davis of the Dark City Fight Club also made a stop at the hospital before leaving Dayton. Davis suffered a dislocated wrist in the match against Jay Briscoe and Kevin Steen. With the wrist heavily wrapped and against doctor’s orders, Davis competed the next night in Chicago. Both Strong and Davis are not expected to miss time.
- The Buy 3, Get 1 Free Ring of Honor DVD Sale is ongoing at ROHWrestling.com. New ROH DVD releases include Stylin’ & Profilin’ from Collinsville, IL on 3/13/09. This event features the ROH debut of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair; Nigel McGuinness vs. Brent Albright for the ROH World Title; Tyler Black & Jerry Lynn vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious; Bryan Danielson vs. Bison Smith; Wolves & Hero vs. Steen, Generico, & Dempsey; plus more. Also in stock is Insanity Unleashed from Indianapolis, IN on 3/14/09 featuring ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness & Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black & Jerry Lynn; The American Wolves vs. Roderick Strong & Brent Albright in a tremendous tag team match; Jimmy J acobs vs. Delirious No DQ Match; Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega vs. Claudio Castagnoli; Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Rhett Titus & Kenny King for the World Tag Team Titles plus more.
- Signed for the ROH on HDNet National television tapings taking place on May 29th and 30th: Current ROH World Champion Jerry Lynn, ROH World Tag Team Champions The American Wolves – Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards; Jimmy Rave w/ Prince Nana, Colt Cabana, Brodie Lee, Roderick Strong, and announced earlier in this Newswire, Kevin Steen and Jay Briscoe. In addition, already announced is KENTA and ROH Ambassador “Nature Boy” Ric Flair! More names will be announced as we get closer! The tapings take place once again at the Arena in South Philly. Great tickets are available at www.rohwrestling.com . Be a part of National Television!
Credit: 411mania.com
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Other
Reid Flair caught with heroin
- Reid Flair was charged with the following offenses when he was arrested yesterday at 2:48 PM after being pulled over by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police police officers:
*Driving While Impaired. ($2,500 bond)
*Driving with a revoked license. ($2,000 bond)
*Felony possession of heroin.($10,000 bond)
*Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. ($500 bond)
Fleihr was bonded out for $15,000 total. As Buck Woodward noted earlier today, Fleihr’s license was revoked from his last driving while impaired arrest.
Reid’s arrest was picked up this evening by TMZ.com.
Credit: PWinsider.com
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That’s all for today’s Wrestling News Digest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for another easy to digest batch! Or, subscribe to our blog feed to get the latest Wrestling News, as well as our columns and podcasts, delivered right to your favorite feedreader. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact the Pinfall Recall team on the forums or by emailing them directly through the links below.
Cliff Karklin (CK) - CK@PinfallRecall.com
Joshua George (JG) - JG@PinfallRecall.com
Robby Boydstun (RDB) - RDB@PinfallRecall.com
Milo Taibi (Milo) - Milo@PinfallRecall.com