THQ And WWE Agree To Eight-Year Deal - 23rd December 2009

THQ and WWE have been tangled in legal disputes for half a decade over alleged racketeering and licensing shenanigans, but the litigation is officially over, and according to an announcement yesterday THQ will continue publishing WWE games for another eight years. The messy affair that involved the two companies and toymaker Jakks Pacific will end with a series of payouts, but both THQ and WWE voiced satisfaction with their new agreement.

THQ will pay $13.2 million to the WWE and $20 million to Jakks Pacific to resolve things, according to MCV. The settlement was followed by a new licensing agreement that should make court arguments a distant memory.

“This agreement ensures that WWE games will continue to be an important cornerstone of THQ’s annual release schedule for the long term,” THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell said in a press release. “We look forward to working directly with WWE to expand their brand in the video game space through continued game play innovation and increased online delivery of WWE content.”

WWE echoed those sentiments.

“This year’s highly rated 'WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010' video game demonstrates the innovation and creativity that THQ brings to WWE,” WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon stated. “This new licensing agreement will ensure that we continue our tremendous success in the video game industry in the years to come.”

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Wrestling News Media - 20th December 2009

Bret Hart returns to WWE

Bruno Sammartino hasn't committed to WWE Hall Of Fame

Chris Jericho appears in Bloodstained Memories wrestling film and ramps up Fozzy appearances

Roddy Piper remains vocal about better conditions for pro wrestlers re health etc

Edge and Eve look forward to WWE tour in 2010, having recently campaigned down under

WWE.com ranked in Yahoo! and Google top ten in numerous markets and categories

WWE sticking to Wellness policy

WWE new champion Sheamus performing solidly

Jim Ross renews contract with WWE; may appear at WrestleMania

WWE - newspaper teases VS Hulk Hogan for WrestleMania

WWE - Dennis Miller as Raw host draws mixed reactions from fans and insiders

WWE's Seventh Annual "Tribute to the Troops" aired on NBC 19th December 2009

WWE Studios - Ted DiBiase stars in The Marine 2; available in U.S stores 29th December 2009

The Rock to do numerous WWE appearances

Jeff Hardy remains missed by fans

Kurt Angle on TNA Final Resolution PPV

Mick Foley writing balanced blogs covering Hulk Hogan's TNA entry and role

Hulkamania Let The Battle Begin still not aired on One HD in Australia

Ric Flair likely to sign with TNA; financial terms getting close

Mario Milano wrestled in Australia recently at 73 years of age

Shane McMahon poised to ramp up profile, following UFC meeting with Dana White

Steve Austin to continue film roles

Wrestling Legends: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan recovering well

Wrestling Legends: Paul "Mr Wonderful" Orndorff and many others high on real Hall Of Fame

Wrestling Legends: Wrestlers Rescue campaign garners interest and supporters

Jake "The Snake" Roberts still interested in being in WWE Hall Of Fame

Brooke Hogan open to opportunities

New World Order may reform in TNA

TNA will go head to head with WWE

UFC, TNA and Spike TV "teaming up" to take on WWE Raw

UFC Sydney, Australia tour sells out of tickets 2 months prior to show at Acer Arena

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The Celtic Warrior Sheamus O'Shaunessy Wins WWE Championship on RAW - 13th December 2009

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Titan Publishing to launch WWE Comics - 3rd December 2009

Titan Publishing has announced its partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment in the launch of WWE Comics. Over the course of the agreement, 20 issues will be produced and distributed to comic retailers and specialty stores in the U.S. and Canada. The comic’s flagship title will be WWE Heroes featuring WWE Superstars and Divas, with the first issue debuting on March 23, 2010.

The series will take the biggest WWE Superstars and Divas beyond the spotlight of the squared circle and into a brand new fictional universe.

“Each week more than 1.6 million teens watch WWE programming on television in the U.S. This is an important demographic for the comic book industry and vital for a successful launch in the industry,” stated Ned Hartley, editor, WWE Heroes. “We've got some truly amazing stories to tell - our first issue is going to blow you away! The 'in-your-face, no-holds-barred' attitude of WWE works so well as a comic, we just can't wait for people to see the great surprises that we've got in store."

WWE Heroes series features Superstars Triple H, Undertaker, Randy Orton, Batista, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, John Cena, CM Punk, Kane, Edge, Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Carlito, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler and Kelly Kelly. The WWE Heroes cycle is written by Keith Champagne, who has penned acclaimed comics such as Justice Society of America, Green Lantern Corps, World War III and Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters.

Issue No.1 reveals an eternal rivalry set against the backdrop of the history of WWE. Why is the ruthless Shadow King so obsessed with WWE? What is the reason for his eternal and supernatural war with the Firstborn? And could his ancient opponent really be a member of the WWE roster?

Artwork is provided by comics’ artist, Andy Smith, who has worked as a penciller for major comic publishers such as Marvel, DC, Image, Acclaim, and CrossGen Entertainment.

An alternate cover exclusive to comic stores of issue No.1 features a specially-commissioned cover by comics’ artist Liam Sharp, who has worked on titles including Hulk, X-Men, Spider-Man, Venom, Gears of War, Superman, Batman, and Spawn: The Dark Ages.

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Ventura to host 'Monday Night Raw' wrestling event - 17th November 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Gov. Jesse Ventura will return to his old World Wrestling Entertainment stomping grounds next week, stepping inside the ropes once again to host "Monday Night Raw," the company's flagship television show, WWE officials announced late Monday.

Nicknamed "The Body," Ventura was known in the ring for outlandish statements, take-no-prisoners attitude and flamboyant costumes featuring bright, bushy feather boas. Ventura largely distanced himself from his former wrestling persona while serving as governor, though he agreed to serve as a special guest referee for WWE's SummerSlam pay-per-view in 1999, which was held in Minneapolis.

Ventura was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.

"Raw" will be broadcast live on USA Network from the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., starting at 7 p.m. Central time.

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Survivor Series Food Drive & Autograph Signing THIS Sunday - 20th November 2009

Donate To The WWE Survivor Series Food Drive

World Wrestling Entertainment, Verizon Center and the Capitol Food Bank are providing the opportunity for you, your family and friends to donate non-perishable food items for distribution to those less fortunate in the Washington, D.C. area during the Thanksgiving holiday

Bring your non-perishable food item(s) to Survivor Series on Sunday, November 22nd, drop them off at the Verizon Center lobby as you enter and get a free WWE bookmark while supplies last.

For those who come early, WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston and WWE Diva Eve will be at the Verizon Center between 12 noon and 2PM to sign autographs for those fans who make food donations.*

Go to wwe.com for more information.

*Limited to the first 300 attendees in line who donate a non-perishable food item.
One autograph per person. Talent subject to change. (Credit: WWE)

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Fightin' Fanboys: WWE vs Hulk Survivor Series - Marvel.com - 20th November 2009

Marvel pits the heroes and villains of Fall of the Hulks against the Superstars of WWE

When you hear the phrase "Strongest There Is," you probably think of the Hulk; however, if you're a fan of World Wrestling Entertainment and their dynamic Superstars, that title belongs to Mark Henry, awarded the title "World's Strongest Man" after his feats of strength at the 1992 Olympics and the Arnold Schwarzenegger Strongest Man Contest...(full article here)

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Wrestling News Media - 12th November 2009

WWE Raw to be hosted by Rowdy Roddy Piper at Madison Square Garden next Monday

WWE's Edge collaborates with Irwin family at Australia Zoo

Shane McMahon's business plans remain unknown, following his WWE departure

WWE Hulk Hogan DVD set "Unreleased Collectors Series" set to release

Media Man leak and tip offs to Wrestling Observer Newsletter re Australia, stay tuned for developments

Stone Cold Steve Austin rapt to be in Stallone's "The Expendables", Austin's "Damage" flick gets very mixed reports

CM Punt rise to the top continues

Linda McMahon political campaign looses some steam, but critics can't halt despite dirty tactics

WWE programing remains mega popular on Australian pay TV

WWE exploring own TV network, JR's blog comments

WWE Hall of Fame names being tossed around: Ted DiBiase, Randy Savage, Honky Tonk Man, Jake "The Snake" Roberts

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Shane McMahon leaves WWE, by Kevin Elk - 16th October 2009

The first thing I did this morning after reading on wwe.com that Shane McMahon had resigned from WWE was check my calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1.

As surreal as it sounds, McMahon really is leaving the company that has been in his family for more than five decades. McMahon’s resignation from his position as executive vice president of global media takes effect January 1, 2010.

“I have never even considered a future outside the walls of the WWE,” McMahon, 39, said in a statement on wwe.com. “However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and while it is the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to move on. … This is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures.”

His father, WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon also issued a statement on the Web site: “Even though I am personally saddened by Shane’s decision to leave the company, I am proud of the enormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion, commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues.”

Obviously, there is a lot more to this story, and I’m sure it won’t be long before information starts leaking out in regard to the specific reasons for McMahon’s departure.

In the ’90s and early part of this decade, it was assumed by most that it was Shane’s birthright to one day be Vince’s successor. However, after Shane’s sister, Stephanie, became the head of creative, the perception was that she wielded more power than her brother and he no longer was a sure thing as the heir apparent. The popular opinion over the past few years has been that either Stephanie or her husband, Triple H, would eventually replace Vince. Shane was no longer even in the discussion.

Perhaps Shane is looking for a new challenge, something he can build and call his own. If he has learned anything from his father it’s the philosophy of nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Shane is the second McMahon to leave WWE in the past month. On Sept. 16, his mother, Linda, resigned as CEO to run for Senate in Connecticut. (Credit: Baltimore Sun)

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'Captain' Lou Albano Dead: Wrestling Legend Dies At 76

Beloved pro-wrestling figure "Captain" Lou Albano died at his home Wednesday morning, reports the Los Angeles Times. He was 76.

Best known to the '80s mainstream as the man who played Cyndi Lauper's dad in the video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," Albano was instantly recognizable for his unkempt beard, rubber-band accessories, garish outfits and boisterous personality in and out of the ring.

Louis Vincent Albano (July 29, 1933 – October 14, 2009) was an American professional wrestler, manager and actor. With an over-the-top personality and a penchant for boisterous declarations, "Captain" Lou Albano was the epitome of the antagonistic manager that raised the ire of wrestlers and incited the anger of spectators. Throughout his 42-year career, Albano guided 15 different tag teams and four singles competitors to championship gold. A unique showman, with an elongated beard, rubber band facial piercings, and loud outfits, he was the forefather of the 1980s Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection. Collaborating with Cyndi Lauper, Albano helped usher in wrestling's crossover success with a mainstream audience. Capitalizing on his success, he later ventured into Hollywood with various television, film, and music projects. (Credit: Wikipedia)

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Wham! WWE now stressing family friendly wrestling - AP - 9th October 2009

NEW YORK — Bob Barker, Shaquille O'Neal, Ozzy Osbourne, Al Sharpton and Cedric the Entertainer aren't who you'd expect to see when turning on World Wrestling Entertainment programming. OK, maybe Ozzy.

All are featured guests this fall with the WWE as Vince McMahon's machine undergoes some image polishing and stresses a family friendly approach.

They've toned down the language, gotten rid of the fake blood. The lingerie matches are gone, with the Divas now wearing the type of workout clothes common at the gym.

Characters who are popular with youngsters, such as John Cena and Rey Mysterio, get more screen time, and the WWE Kids magazine debuted last year.

The WWE has worked with networks that air their programming to change parental guidance ratings from TV-14 to PG.

"We just followed our audience and tried to listen to them," McMahon, WWE chairman, said. "It's a more sophisticated product. It's just the right move business-wise, but more specifically the right move in terms of reaching our audience."

McMahon said it's been a gradual process, with the company now trying to spread the word to potential viewers and advertisers who might not have given the soap opera in tights a second look.

The WWE's programming is spread across several networks: "Monday Night Raw" airs for two hours on USA; the SyFy network shows "Extreme Championship Wrestling" on Tuesdays; WGN America shows "WWE Superstars" on Thursdays; and "Friday Night Smackdown," which just celebrated its 10th anniversary, is on My Network TV.

During the peak of what the company refers to as its "attitude era" a decade ago, the WWE's audience was dominated by young men. While its popularity has waned, the fan base has simultaneously grown older and younger with new constituencies, according to audience research. A little more than a third of its audience is female. The audience is ethnically more diverse that most shows: 62 percent of audience is white; 20 percent of the viewership is black and 23 percent is Hispanic — Hispanics were counted as both white and Hispanic. It's the most-watched English-language show on cable among Hispanics, the company said.

With the Ultimate Fighting Championship and mixed martial arts becoming more popular as competitors, it made little sense for the WWE to ramp up the attitude with violence and sexuality, McMahon said.

"You really can't compete with that," he said. "Why not deliver a more sophisticated product and not go to those extremes? If the audience wants those extremes, they know where to go and how to get it."

Going PG has helped the company draw advertisers who might have looked away before. Pepsi, 7-Eleven stores, Mattel toys and the Army National Guard are among the sponsors that have signed up since the shift, the company said.

The association with steroids also hurt. Anabolic steroids were found in the home of wrestler Chris Benoit after he killed his wife, 7-year-old son and himself in their suburban Atlanta home two years ago. McMahon toughened the WWE's drug testing rules.

"Their public image was pretty bad," said Dave Meltzer, publisher of the trade publication Wrestling Observer Newsletter. "They took a major hit, and said 'we've got to become a kinder, nicer company.'"

Both Meltzer and Jim Varsallone, who covers professional wrestling for the Miami Herald, said they can tell the difference in the programming. The changes are subtle, though and they're not sure the casual fans will notice.

"I do not get complaints from fans," Varsallone said.

The work courting kids has paid off, said Varsallone, who sees many more young faces at WWE shows. The promotion of Cena, who has a hip-hop attitude popular with young fans, and Mysterio, who has lots of high-flying moves, has helped. They have an underdog mentality that many of their fans find very appealing.

It may not be a coincidence that Vince's wife, Linda McMahon, has just stepped down as WWE CEO to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. Her husband said the changes at the WWE were in motion long before he knew she was interested in a political career.

The guest stars are a way to give the WWE more of a variety show atmosphere and some juice in a traditionally slow season, when football siphons off many of its fans.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a recent guest. Shaq was particularly popular.

Osbourne, in fact, could be a role model. The heavy metal singer thrived in a career considered threatening by many parents, before becoming an unexpected star cutting across all age groups with the reality series about his family life.

The non-wrestling celebrities also get publicity for the WWE on entertainment shows such as "Access Hollywood" that have otherwise ignored the company.

"They want to attract as many people as they can," Varsallone said. "That's why they don't label themselves as wrestling anymore. They label themselves entertainment." (Credit: San Jose Mercury News)

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Stone Cold Steve Austin in new movie Damage - 10th October 2009

WWE Hall Of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin plays an ex-convict forced into the illegal and brutal world of underground fighting. It will be available on DVD and Blu-ray within a week.

Austin is also in Sly Stallone's "The Expendables" (in post production) and Robert Lieberman's "The Stranger" (filming)

Credit: Google News, Pro Wrestling.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch, The Sun, IMDB, Wires

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WWE's Jim Ross on WWE Hall of Fame

"Two more WWE HOF suggestions would include Antonio Inoki and Ted 'The Million Dollar Man' DiBiase. I hope that I just didn't jinx either man. Both men have made significant and diverse contributions to the business."


"The 2010 WWE Hall of Fame class has yet to be finalized and made public but one name that I am hoping to see be inducted is Ron Simmons. Ron is in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana and recently was inducted to the State of Georgia Hall of Fame. I could theoretically hear JBL inducting Ron and that being an entertaining piece of business." (Credit: JR's Place blog)

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John Cena still top money maker for WWE

South Florida in the running for WrestleMania

CM Punk rising to the top, John Morrison, Jack Swagger on fire

WWE to tour Australia early 2010

Linda McMahon strong in political race

Triple H - Mayweather WWE - professional boxing links a huge win - win

WWE may potentially do a deal with Jeff Jarrett's TNA - Australian tour

Bret Hart - WWE talks in progress, indicated Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch, others

Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Jake "The Snake" Roberts decent chance for upcoming WWE Hall of Fame, insiders agree

WWE videogame sales going well, more releases to follow

WWE could show industry leadership with wrestling health plan, insurance et al following Wellness program

Chris Jericho already a living legend of wrestling, insiders and fans agree

WWE to release more films, aiming for stronger box office success

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Triple H to accompany Money in Vegas - 17th September 2009

Floyd Mayweather Jr will be escorted to the ring by WWE superstar Triple H when he takes on Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Pretty Boy is no stranger to the world of wrestling entertainment, having faced off against The Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV as well as hosting Monday night RAW earlier this summer.

And he will not be the first to be accompanied to the ring by a wrestler either, as Manny Pacquiao was joined by Batista on his way out to fight Ricky Hatton in May.

There could be divided loyalties for wrestling and boxing fans to contend with if Mayweather and Pacquiao do finally meet in a showdown next year, but for now the WWE is wholeheartedly backing the undefeated American.

Collaboration

Mayweather said: "Triple H is one of the greatest guys in the world and represents a whole universe of WWE fans that appreciate what he does.

"He and his stature are huge and I can't think of a better person to escort me to the ring for my return to boxing."

There is no doubt who D-Generation X star Triple H expects to prove victorious in Las Vegas on Saturday either.

"It is an honour to walk the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world back into the ring," said the WWE superstar.

"Floyd 'Money' Mayweather has shown WWE tremendous support and it is my pleasure to return the favour this Saturday by standing at his side as he defeats Marquez in what I am sure will be boxing's fight of the year."

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WWE.com has removed the "Industry News" section from the front page of its website

Vince McMahon more open to ideas from lock room, insiders say product improving

John Cena doing fantastic community support work, Make-A-Wish Foundation et al

Jeff Hardy says goodbye to WWE family

Rey Mysterio Jr. suspended for 30 days

WWE ramps up Europe, dedicated websites for European regions and more tours upcoming

Bob Barker to host Monday Night Raw

Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, is considering running for the United States Senate

WWE Offers Free Tickets to US Military

More details on the WWE.com website and WWE Corporate website

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WWE Living Legend News Update

Hulk Hogan turns 56 years old today.

Vince McMahon turns 64 years old on the 24th August. McMahon will be spending his birthday in Las Vegas, where WWE Raw will emanate from that night.

Ric Flair has been doing the news media rounds with Harley Race.

Roddy Piper continues to add excitement and ratings to wrestling shows.

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat will one of the best on WWE current roster.

Andre The Giant online slot game strongly rumored via NextGen Gaming.

Shawn Michaels to work feud and angles with Triple H.

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Donald Trump’s commercial-free Raw does big rating, by Kevin Eck - Baltimore Sun - 23rd June 2009

Whether it can be attributed to the publicity WWE received from the Donald Trump story line, the commercial-free format, the advertised main event of a Last Man Standing Match for the WWE title between Randy Orton and Triple H, or some combination of the three, one thing is for sure: Monday’s episode of Raw was a huge ratings success.

Raw drew a 4.5 rating (4.3 first hour; 4.8 second hour), a significant increase from last week’s 3.7. The show’s 6,813,000 viewers made it the most-watched episode of Raw since March 25, 2002, according to wwe.com.

You have to hand it to Trump. WrestleMania 23, which was built around his hair versus hair match against Vince McMahon, did a company-record 1.2 million pay-per-view buys in 2007, and now he is the central figure on the highest-rated Raw in more than seven years.

Based on the rating, I wonder if the Trump story line, which appeared to end on Monday after just one week, might continue at some point. A story on wwe.com about Trump’s appearance on Raw said “this may not be the end of the feud between these two world class promoters.” (Credit: Baltimore Sun)

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Vinnie Brings The Donald Back Into The Act, by Mike Mooneyham - 21st June 2009

Last year Vince McMahon gave away a million dollars in an attempt to lure viewers to Monday Night Raw.

Now he’s pretending to have sold Raw, WWE’s flagship show, to the even richer and perhaps more megalomaniacal Donald Trump.

Last week’s “shocking” announcement on Raw didn’t produce the effect McMahon had hoped for. That’s because fans rarely believe anything the WWE owner says these days.

But even if the WWE Universe faithful didn’t buy the prank, Vince was betting on selling the angle to the mainstream media. It’s happened before, although the non-wrestling press has become smarter over the years.

Some media outlets, such as TV Guide and Bloomberg, initially reported it as fact. FoxBusiness.com posted the release itself. But they were the exceptions.

The hope now is that Trump, who once was brought in for a storyline feud with McMahon that culminated with The Donald shaving Vince’s head at Wrestlemania 23, will again produce some magic with McMahon.

McMahon, however, is in no danger of losing his company or Raw, which remains one of the top-rated shows on cable television.

WWE and USA Network even issued a bogus joint press release last week to announce the change in ownership. It was, McMahon stated, an undisclosed offer he “couldn’t refuse.”

USA was forced to release an apology Thursday.

“We intended the release to be promotional for that ongoing story arc on the series,” USA said in the statement. “There is no such actual ‘sale.’ We apologize for any confusion.”

The takeover plot continues Monday when the real estate mogul appears on a commercial-free episode of the show as its new owner.

It will mark the first time in more than 838 episodes that Raw will be commercial-free.

“I’m going to do things on the show that have never been done or seen before,” Trump boasted last week.

Whether or not that’s a good thing remains to be seen. Trump looks out of his element on a wrestling show. He’s certainly no Vince. And, like most non-wrestling personalities attempting to do pro wrestling, his delivery is forced and contrived.

- Hall of Famer and WWE fixture Jerry Brisco recently suffered what was believed to be as many as three strokes in a period of several days. Doctors also discovered a small hole in his heart and a heart valve irregularity, and have scheduled surgery for next week.

“Jerry is confident, as am I, that he will make a full recovery as he has been an athlete all his life and has never been a smoker, isn’t overweight, is in excellent physical shape for a man a little north of 60 who was still working out on the mat with his amateur wrestling team at a high school in Tampa where he volunteers,” Jim Ross posted on his blog.

Jerry is one of pro wrestling’s “good guys,” and our thoughts and prayers go out to him, brother Jack and the Brisco family.

- Mitsuharu Misawa, one of Japan’s greatest wrestlers over the past three decades, died last weekend during a tag-team bout in Hiroshima.

Misawa, just days shy of his 47th birthday, was competing in a tag-team match when he took a belly to back suplex from Akitoshi Saito and lost consciousness. The match was stopped and Misawa was administered to before being taken from the arena. He was declared dead at the hospital.

Misawa initially rose to fame in the pro ranks as Japan’s high-flying Tiger Mask, the second wrestler to use that name, during the mid-’80s. His popularity peaked in the early ‘90s when he and top rival Kenta Kobashi engaged in a classic series of matches that were considered among the greatest for that time period. Both were headliners for All Japan Pro Wrestling, a promotion that was considered the most physically demanding in the world, and both operated at extremely high levels.

A national amateur wrestling champion in high school, Misawa was discovered by All Japan owner Shohei “Giant” Baba and trained by Baba, The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) and Dory Funk Jr.

Misawa inherited the position of AJPW president following the death of Baba, but disagreements with widow Motoko Baba led to his departure from the company in 2000 and the formation of Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Misawa was owner of Pro Wrestling NOAH at the time of his death.


- WWE released both Candice Michelle and Sim Snuka on Friday.

Michelle, a former WWE women’s champ, has been recovering from an injury.

Snuka, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Superfly Jimmy Snuka, hasn’t been on WWE TV since January when he and Manu were kicked out of Randy Orton’s Legacy stable. Snuka made his WWE debut in 2006 as part of the Deuce and Domino tag team.

- Lucha star Dos Caras Jr. from Mexico’s EMLL promotion reportedly has signed a three-year contract with WWE.

- TNA’s Kurt Angle told a Detroit radio station Friday that he’d be open to one final run with WWE before he retires from the business.

“I can’t tell you where I’m going to be in three years. I’d like to be in TNA, but I can’t guarantee it,” Angle said on Sports Radio WDFN. “If I could have one last run, heck, I’d do it. Why not? Rumors are going to be flying now that Kurt Angle wants to go to WWE ... That’s completely untrue. I’m very happy where I am.”

“I’m no longer bitter about WWE. Vince McMahon and I had a falling out, but everything is cool now,” added Angle. “Him and I have kind of made peace with each other.”

- WWE will return to the North Charleston Coliseum on July 18 with a Smackdown show.

Tentative top bouts include Jeff Hardy vs. Edge, and a Fatal Four-Way with Christian, Finlay, Jack Swagger and Tommy Dreamer for the ECW crown. Others on the bill include C.M. Punk, Great Khali, John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin, Vladimir Kozlov, Evan Bourne and WWE divas Gail Kim, Melina, Natalya and Maria. (Credit: The Post and Courier)

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