Monday, September 26, 2011

Hugh Jackman denies breaking wrestler's jaw - 26th September 2011

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Hugh Jackman admits that he punched a professional wrestler with all of his might - but disputes claims that he broke his jaw.

The Australian actor attended a WWE wrestling match on September 19 to promote his upcoming boxing film Real Steel. A guest of honour, Jackman was able to hang out in wrestler Zack Ryder's corner while the tournament took place.

At one point during the fight, Jackman travelled over to Dolph Ziggler's corner, Ryder's opponent. Jackman and Ziggler exchanged words and Ziggler received a clean punch to the jaw by the actor quickly thereafter.

"I hit him," Jackman told Entertainment Weekly.

"[Dolph] said, 'Hit me as hard as you can.' So I hit him pretty hard. And you can see it in my eyes. I watched [the clip] again, and you can see me going 'Uh oh' a little. I'm acting like, 'Yeah!' but I'm really like, 'S***, I kinda really clocked him in the jaw'."

Jackman insists that he didn't mean to clock Ziggler with so much force. Ziggler tweeted soon after the incident with claims that Jackman put a hairline fracture in his jaw.

"It was scripted that I would go for that punch," Jackman explained.

"But just before we went on, Dolph was yelling at me, 'You hit me man! Just f***ing hit me!' During rehearsal I said, 'I'd like to do it, but I've spent 20 years pulling punches, trying not to hit. Trying to make it look real, but not really hit.'

"He said, 'There's no way. There's cameras everywhere, there's crowd everywhere, there's no way we can 'whiff it', as they call it'."

Jackman is convinced that Ziggler may be embellishing the extent of his injury a little bit.

"The next day I read he really broke his jaw and I wasn't surprised - but I don't think he did," Jackman said.

"He's prone to exaggeration - which is why I hit him! Nah, just kidding!"

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

WWE Internet Championship In Works; Zack Ryder Pushed By Top Brass And Hugh Jackman - 23rd September 2011

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WWE's Zack Ryder is maintaining his rage to see an official WWE Internet Championship come to pass. Woo Woo Woo.

Contracted pro wrestler Dolph Ziggler tweeted that his mandible was fractured after the actor hit him this past Monday Night Raw, but some insiders say it was all an elaborate stunt. Wouldn't be the first time would it.

Aussie actor Hugh Jackman made a special appearance on Monday night's WWE Raw to promote his upcoming boxing film Real Steel, and got a little more than he bargained for, such is life in and around the WWE.

The actor, who has played beefed-up character Wolverine in Marvel's X-Men films since 2000, got into a been with notorious heel wrestler Dolph Ziggler, who insulted Jackman by calling him the wrong superhero name: Batman.

While this back-and-forth was surely staged, as WWE match-ups are, when Jackman delivered the planned punch, it may have achieved extra impact.

"MRI scheduled for 1 pm.....possible fractured jaw #thanksBatman," Ziggler wrote from his HEELZiggler Twitter account Tuesday. He later seemed to confirm the injury, following up with, "hairline mandibular fracture" tweet.

But, some are claiming that the entire injury is a hoax. TMZ reports that sources close to the wrestler say the entire thing was made up, but that the WWE wasn't in on Ziggler's joke.

Whatever the case, we here at Media Man love it. Keep it up.

Rumours remain that the likes of Mick Foley, Hulk Hogan and another former NWO member will soon return to WWE rings.

We can also confirm the return of the late, great, Andre The Giant this year (but in an online slot game - not in a wrestling ring). Ric Flair may also be following suit, and Kevin Nash is also understood to be keen to further explore online gaming opportunities. Don't change your dial.

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Monday, September 12, 2011

WWE News: WWE Star Triple H Speaks On His Role, Stephanie McMahon, Movie Scoops and More...

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In a new interview with Chris Yandek of cyinterview.com Triple H responds to his wrestling critics who believe he has received preferential treatment and greater opportunities on WWE TV, because he is married to Vince McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie.

"I know what I accomplished in this business," Triple H said. "I know why I accomplished it. I don’t. Critics and what people say about this or that or my marriage or any of that stuff is crap. It’s mostly started by people that are either jealous or angry that they failed where other people succeeded. I mean, that’s a common, I was told it when I started in the business.

"It’s a common saying in this business, you can make friends or you can make money. You can have buddies or you can get over. Which one do you want? You know, and they don’t come together. And I think, I don’t, I never look at it that way. I don’t have anything to prove to anybody. I’ll put my body of work up against anybody in the business. I’ll put my drawing power up against anybody in the business. That’s irrelevant. It’s people’s opinions”

Triple H follows up by stating what he believes the WWE product lacks today with the newer wrestlers in the company. He explains what these guys need to be successful.

"We’re a victim of our own success," he said. "There’s no place for guys to go and figure out how to do this. We have to teach them kind of and get them up to speed to speak. Even when you get guys off the independent scene, they are very much independent wrestlers and then the independent scene will, so these guys are the greatest guys in the world and you bring them up and they flounder on the big stage. They can’t. They can’t. It’s a completely different animal and a completely different world and you have to, it’s relearning and re-teaching. That’s the biggest, I think, struggle we have is getting these guys there.

"But listen, at the end of the day, you just have to find guys with the right charisma and they have to be the ones to put that charisma out there. Nobody told The Rock how to be The Rock…Work rate is important, guy’s skill in the ring is important, but at the end of the day it’s about charisma. It’s the ability to draw fans to arenas and the guy that draws the most fans to the arena for whatever reason, positive or negative, he’s the top guy.”

He does believe the WWE product could be bigger than the 7.0 ratings that were put up during the WWE Attitude Era:

"Do I think it can ever get that big again? History can repeat. I say without a doubt. I think it can be even bigger…What tomorrow brings, no one knows.”

Finally, Hunter talks about winning the majority of vintage wrestling auctions from his mentor “Killer” Kowalski. He says they are working on a real WWE Hall of Fame for people to see all the historic wrestling items.

“I think I was gone on the road for SummerSlam, but I had somebody at the office bid online and I got I think like 99 percent of everything wrestling-wise, which I’m glad I did. I just didn’t want that to go to somebody that just hid it away somewhere. I wanted the world to be able to see how great he really was. And do I think they’ll ever be a hall of fame? Yes. I think they’ll be a physical hall of fame.

"That’s something we’re working on. It’s definitely in the works. It’s just a matter of when, where. Is it a traveling hall of fame? Is it a permanent place? There’s a lot of questions and thoughts on it and we’re in the process of collecting things to put in there. But the Kowalski stuff for me was as much a legend in this business was also a very personal thing for me.”

Triple H also talks about his movie role in Inside Out out this weekend and many other wrestling topics including his favorite memory. Check out the write up and listen to the entire interview at CY Interview.


Paul 'Triple H' Levesque talks about 'Inside Out'...

"Paul, WWE has tried to make movies in the past and ... well ... and ... " I said very cautiously remembering that "Paul" is pro wrestler Triple H, who is about 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds.

"Come on, don't be shy. I've seen them," Paul Levesque said.

"Well, they haven't been very good," I continued cringing.

"Things are changing," he said. "We actually have some real stars in this one!"

In the past two years, WWE Studios has made "Legendary," "Knucklehead," "The Chaperone" and "That's What I Am." And WWE likely made more money at one pay-per-view event than those four movies brought in.

But Levesque is starring with "real stars" Michael Rapaport, Parker Posey and Bruce Dern in "Inside Out," a movie coming out Friday about prison, the mob and redemption.

"I read the script and really thought it was great," Levesque said about the role originally slated for David Batista, who was hung up in contract negotiations. "This movie isn't all about action. It's a drama with a message."

Levesque, a 42-year-old Connecticut resident, enjoys making movies but doesn't want to do it for a living, like former pro wrestling stars such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

"I remember a conversation with owner Vince McMahon in 1999 or 2000 and he wanted the Rock and I do to more movies," said Levesque, who has been married to McMahon's daughter, Stephanie, for nearly eight years. "The Rock was really interested in that. I was crushed, really. I didn't want to do that. I loved wrestling so much and I still do today."

Levesque's most memorable role has been as Jarko in "Blade: Trinity," along with his current co-star Posey. Even after the release of this film, Levesque is taking it one movie at a time.

"I like going to work and coming home to my family, my kids and my dog," Levesque said. "If I wanted to, I could make phone calls in Hollywood and get more movie roles. But I have no interest in that. Wrestling is my passion." (Credit: ESPN)


Michael Luisi to Head WWE Studios...

STAMFORD, Conn., Sep 07, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) - WWE today announced that Michael Luisi has been named President, WWE Studios, effective immediately. In his new role, Luisi will oversee WWE Studios and all of its motion picture productions and initiatives worldwide. Luisi will continue to report directly to WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

"Michael's vast knowledge of, and experience in, the motion picture industry make him a tremendous asset for WWE Studios," said Vince McMahon. "I am confident Michael will continue to expand our motion picture business on all platforms worldwide."

WWE Studios will continue to diversify its motion picture portfolio (theatrical, Home Video, VOD) and expand its global audience through strategic production and distribution partnerships, while leveraging WWE's core fan base of over 500 million households worldwide. Luisi's seasoned film background and strong industry relationships will play a key role in the execution of the strategy. Prior to joining WWE, Luisi spent twelve years at Miramax Films, most recently as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations. In that role, Luisi oversaw the day to day operations of Miramax, as well as serving as the principal business advisor to the president of Miramax and primary liaison with then parent company Disney. Luisi's new position will enable WWE Studios to expand the WWE studios brand and productions worldwide.

The first project Luisi will oversee for WWE Studios is "No One Lives," a co-production between Pathe Pictures and WWE Studios starring Luke Evans (The Immortals) and directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, which is currently in post production. Luisi brought the project to WWE shortly after joining the company in January 2011 as its Executive Vice President of Business Development & General Counsel.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company WWE is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; our exposure to bad debt risk; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. SOURCE: WWE

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

WWE Studios rethinks its strategy after shooting seven films in New Orleans

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WWE Studios rethinks its strategy after shooting seven films in New Orleans...

WWE Studios' New Orleans experiment might not be down for the count, exactly. But the wrestling-linked outfit's unique local strategy -- in which it shot seven films in town in less than two years, including the just-wrapped "No One Lives" -- is definitely changing.

WWE Studios chief Mike Pavone, who had been a near-constant presence in New Orleans for the better part of a year and a half, is leaving the company "to pursue other opportunities," according to a report this week in the trade paper Variety. That follows by days remarks from WWE honcho Vince McMahon that the company is rethinking its film strategy.

Taking advantage of Louisiana's filmmaking tax credits was a key to that strategy, which was Pavone's brainchild, dreamed up after the locally shot, bigger-budgeted 2009 action film "12 Rounds" performed poorly at the box office in the wake of a marketing push by distributor 20th Century Fox that was lackluster at best.

The Pavone plan was intended to keep the budgets of the studio's films -- mostly family-friendly fare on his watch, ranging in genre from comedies to a period drama -- in the $5 million range, a bargain by Hollywood standards. In addition to taking advantage of Louisiana tax credits, it signed a new deal with independent distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films that gave the studio more say in marketing strategy.

Another key to it all, though, was Pavone's mass-production concept, in which production on one film cranked up just as its predecessor was wrapping, allowing the studio to roll much of its crew over from film to film and tamp down startup costs.

That was great for local film-industry workers hired by the studio, as they saw steady work with largely the same group of people for more than a year. And local movie buffs got to see New Orleans on the big screen. (Particularly memorable: Michael Rappaport's black-and-gold Super Bowl XLIV shirt in the forthcoming "Inside Out," albeit a shirt of questionable copyright.)

WWE's bean counters didn't have much to complain about, either -- at least not at first.

"This whole idea is based on a television model," Pavone said in a September interview on the New Orleans set of the forthcoming "Bending the Rules," starring Jamie Kennedy and wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland. "Amortizing your costs over several movies, you roll the same crews over and over, you don't have to spend all the money for startup and shutdown costs, which could be to the tune of six grand a day to start up in a new place and hire new people and hire stage space.

"We make all of our deals based on multiple movies, so they give us some better rates and on and on. We found out we save a million dollars a movie."

Unfortunately, while all of that meant savings on the production side, it didn't necessarily translate into quality at the box office. Pavone tried to lend his films credibility by signing established actors -- including Ed Harris, Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover, Michael Rappaport and Parker Posey -- to star alongside a selection of WWE wrestler/actors. But audiences didn't respond.

The new distribution deal didn't help matters. It was built around a cost-cutting plan to give each film a limited theatrical release followed just weeks later by DVD releases -- meaning WWE Studios would foot the bill for just one, rather than two, advertising campaigns. But the results apparently weren't much different than when Fox had the reins.

Although WWE Studios generated $4.3 million in the past three months, its latest release -- the coming-of-age comedy "That's What I Am," starring Harris and directed by Pavone -- lost $3.3 million during the second quarter after mustering only $6,400 from 10 theaters in three days at the box office, Variety reported.

After getting an exclusive DVD release at Walmart on May 17, "That's What I Am" -- shot mostly in Jefferson -- gets a wide home-video release on Tuesday (Aug. 16).

As for what direction the studio will take next, a hint could be in "No One Lives," which just wrapped production on the north shore.

That film saw the studio team with Pathe U.K., part of a strategy to share costs with other production partners. As a horror flick directed by Ryuhei Kitamura ("Midnight Meat Train"), it also might signal a shift toward more genre fare, Variety speculated, after Pavone's slate of mostly feel-good dramas and family fare didn't appeal to the company's fan base.

And, it's worth noting, Louisiana is apparently still part of the picture.

WWE Studio's Snapshot...

A look at WWE Studios' films shot locally under the supervision of recently departed executive Mike Pavone:

"Knucklehead," available on DVD now.

"Legendary" (working title: "Brother's Keeper"), available on DVD now.

"The Chaperone," available on DVD now.

"That's What I Am" (working titles: "Big Red," "Big Ginger") available Tuesday on DVD.

"Inside Out", set for limited theatrical release Sept. 9.

"Bending the Rules," release date unannounced.

"No One Lives," just wrapped production.

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Saturday, August 13, 2011

WWE Wrestling Mixing With Hollywood; Mainstream News Continues, by Greg Tingle - 13th August 2011

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Pro Wrestling Stars Keen On Casino, Gaming And Online Casino Dealings...

Ric Flair aka "The Nature Boy" was the first, but not last, pro wrestler to cash in on his name in the gambling sector. Flair is the front man for tthe Carolina's Education Lottery with his Wooooo tickets, now in their second campaign. Hulk Hogan followed the money trail to gambling with his Hulk-A-Mania slot machine deal with the Dreamseekers Foundation, but you will have to travel to Californian casinos to check out the game. Hogan also has an online slot on the way in a deal inked with Endomol Games UK. The online slot is expected to hit casinos such as PartyCasino before the end of this year. An Andre The Giant online game is also rumoured to be soon released by North Sydney based NextGen Gaming. Kevin "Diesel" Nash even has some game promos on his official website. Media Man is understood to be the first port of call for the scoops relating to wrestling - gaming deals. PartyCasino currently offers the Sumo slot game, but its not a touch on what a Hogan or Flair online slot will be. Punters, the good news is that the online slots can be played for free or for money, but if you don't bet, you can't win (for real) either, but you won't loose money if you play in that fashion either. Many players are trying out the online games for free, before placing down money. You must be 18 years old or over to play the online slot games in most countries.

Clooney hooks up with WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler...

Just a couple of months after George Clooney broke up with Elisabetta Canalis, he has a new girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, 18 years his junior.

The 50-year-old had done well for himself, extremely well, if the general consensus was anything to go by, after all, there is no denying that the Italian, 32 , had a figure to be envied.

But by George! He's only gone and done it again, as these pictures of his latest paramour prove, and Clooney's new girl has an even better figure than Canalis.

Stacy Keibler, an actress and model, has been fighting professionally in the past.

Clooney’s girlfriend, aged 32, was a successful WWE wrestler, famed because her 42 inch legs allowed her to step in and out of the ring with ease and panache.

Keibler, who hails from Maryland, is incredibly proud of her endless pins, she was quoting as saying: 'Anybody can go out and buy boobs, but you're either blessed with attractive legs or you're not.'

But don't let these statistics fool you into thinking that Clooney was merely attracted to Keibler's comely form.

Us Weekly report that Clooney was bedazzled by the leggy blonde's witty banter.

They report a source as saying: 'They like each other's sense of humour.'

The friend added: 'They have been really close for two years, Stacey is a superchill girl, and George has the same personality.'


Hulk's girl Brooke Hogan gets nude in a cage...

Reality TV star Brooke Hogan has left her wrestling legend dad in a knot over raunchy nude photo campaign for animal rights charity PETA.

The exposing black and white snaps of the 23-year-old naked and behind bars left her dad, Hulk Hogan, red-faced when he viewed the pictures at an exhibition yesterday. See the photos here

Wrestling hero Hulk, real name Terry Gene Bollea, jokingly tried to spare his daughter's blushes by covering up the revealing portraits with his hands.

The shots are part of the PETA's Women In Cages exhibition held in Cafeina Lounge, Miami, Florida which the curvy Hogan Knows Best star Brooke supported by going nude.

Moustachioed muscle-man Hulk had been attending the bash on his 58th birthday along with his wife Jennifer McDaniel and the ex-wrestler and his family were treated to a giant cake adorned with his name in silver lettering.

Hulk Hogan's Micro Championship Wrestling

truTV Announces Premiere Dates for Three Compelling New Series
Network Reveals Premieres of New Seasons of Seven Returning Original Series, Plus the Debut of Hit Series Wipeout
truTV – which is coming off another record-setting quarter in reaching young adults – has lined up an extensive programming slate for the end of 2011 that includes three new series, seven returning hits and the network's biggest series acquisition ever.

The new series Bear Swamp Recovery, about a larger-than-life family-owned repo business, is set to debut Aug. 22, followed by the Sept. 14 premiere of Hulk Hogan's MCW, which will take viewers behind the scenes of a new professional wrestling league. truTV's third new series of the fall and winter, the hidden-camera prank series Impractical Jokers, will arrive in December.

On Sept. 2, truTV adds its biggest series acquisition, the popular competition show Wipeout. Seven of truTV's original series are also set to return, including the hits Hardcore Pawn, Lizard Lick Towing, Full Throttle Saloon and Black Gold.

truTV just scored its most-watched second quarter ever in primetime delivery of three key demos: adults 18-49, men 18-34 and men 18-49. The network, which is growing in popularity with younger viewers, increased its delivery of adults 18-34 by 11% and men 18-34 by 7% in the second quarter.

The following is a rundown of truTV's new and returning series for 2011:

New Original Series
Bear Swamp Recovery – New series premiering Monday, Aug. 22, with back-to-back episodes at 10 and 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Bear Swamp, where the business is big but the family is even bigger, follows PJ Vinch, who runs a booming New Jersey repo company with the help of his senior-with-an-attitude father and his teen son. With a repo order in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other, these bulky Sicilians never hesitate to take jobs other companies can't handle, from massive construction equipment to luxury yachts at the Jersey shore to an entire fleet of racecars. They always get the goods, and they never miss a meal. Bear Swamp Recovery comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment.

Hulk Hogan's MCW – New series premieres Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Hulk Hogan, one of the legendary stars of pro wrestling, believes you need to start small if you want to win big. Now he's lending his expertise to the new Micro Championship Wrestling, where he gives little wrestlers advice on recruiting, training and mentoring. It's all with the goal of getting the MCW off the ground and into the arena. Hulk Hogan's MCW comes to truTV from Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment.

Impractical Jokers – New series coming in December
Since they were kids, Sal, Murr, Q and Joe have dared one another to do the most ridiculous, humiliating public pranks imaginable. Now, to find out who's best under pressure, they'll compete in unbelievably awkward social experiments – all recorded on camera. The loser must do the most mortifying challenge ever. Impractical Jokers comes to truTV from NorthSouth Productions.

New Acquired Series
Wipeout – Acquired series to air Fridays at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning Sept. 2
truTV has acquired exclusive, off-network cable rights to air this exciting series in which contestants face wildly outrageous barriers, from Big Balls to complex contraptions, for the chance at winning a cash prize. Wipeout, which is also shown in numerous international versions around the globe, ranks among the world's top-rated game shows. The series was recently voted by Entertainment Weekly's readers as "Reality TV's Guiltiest Pleasure."

Returning Series
Lizard Lick Towing – Season 1 returns Monday, Aug. 22, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT); Season 2 coming in November
Las Vegas Jailhouse – Season 4 launches Sunday, Sept. 4, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Operation Repo – Season 9 launches Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
Police POV – Season 2 launches in November
Hardcore Pawn – Season 5 coming in November
Black Gold – Season 4 coming in November
Full Throttle Saloon – Season 3 coming in November

About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up, Lizard Lick Towing, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Black Gold, Operation Repo and World's Dumbest… During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About truTV
truTV is television's destination for real-life stories told from an exciting and dramatic first-person perspective. Currently seen in 93 million U.S. households, the network is enjoying its best deliveries ever in key demographics. truTV features high-stakes, action-packed originals that give viewers access to places and situations they can't normally experience. truTV's primetime fan favorites include the original series Hardcore Pawn, All Worked Up, Lizard Lick Towing, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, Black Gold, Operation Repo and World's Dumbest… During the daytime, the channel features expert trial coverage under the name In Session.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Wrestling News Media: CM Punk Storyline Expected to Continue Outside WWE, by Greg Tingle - July 2011

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Pro wrestling aka "sports entertainment" continues to go through one of the most interesting and "insider" focused periods in many years, with many commentators saying that WWE is finally getting back to its "Attitude Era", which "Stone Cold" Steve Austin spear headed so successfully, under the direction of WWE top brass Vince McMahon.

A Media Man spokesperson said "WWE is most assuredly getting back to some of the edgy and insider stuff that the WWE Attitude era was based upon. How much the strategy pays off from a financial perspective is yet to be see, however its certainly a popular development with hardcore and long time fans who missed the edgy and inside angles."


CM Punk...

WWE is attempting to continue the CM Punk storyline in such a fashion that, while his name and likeness are banned from WWE television, they're attempting to get Punk booked on late-night talk shows and other news-grabbing entities. The idea is that Punk will continue to taunt WWE with their own world title while WWE tries to, in story, forget that he exists.

WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts informed fans before the start of Raw that there was a ban on chanting Punk's name. As you would expect the fans chanted it anyway several times during the show.


John Laurinaitis Talent Relations...

WWE is looking to hire someone with a sports background to groom for working in talent relations. There is lots of discussion within WWE about John Laurinaitis and his long-term future with the company. It’s no secret that Triple H isn’t a fan of Laurinaitis and Laurinaitis has always been compared in a negative way to Jim Ross when it comes to talent relations. It was discussed after Money in the Bank that Laurinaitis may be established as a new TV character, similar to how Patterson and Brisco were to Vince McMahon years ago.


Kevin Nash...

Kevin Nash is reportedly is signed to a different WWE Legends deal than everyone else. Usually the Legends deals are that you make a percentage of the revenue your name and likeness generate, and they pay you a small amount of per year as a retainer of sorts. Nash is receiving a significant amount of money. Nash is said to be frustrated because he thought the reaction he got at the Royal Rumble would lead to something else on TV.

Bruno Sammartino...

A documentary on the life of wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino will be completed in September, after being worked on for years. A feature film is also being worked on but they're still in the raising money stages because Sammartino insists on doing it as an independent release, so studios don't "Hollywoodize" it up. The movie is being done by Home Alone's Scott Rosenfelt and Sammartino is meeting with Liar, Liar writer and former WWE writer Paul Guay this week about working on the project.


Vince McMahon Meets With UFC's Dana White Re Brock Lesnar...

Dana White recently appeared at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut to meet with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. White and McMahon meet regarding Brock Lesnar, who is a currently employed with the UFC.

Paul Heyman, Lesnar’s good mate, orchestrated something between the MMA and wrestling organizations and they had one of their first meetings together regarding the upcoming DVD that will feature the former WWE and UFC Champion. The project reportedly will be a mutual project between WWE and the UFC. There are currently no talks of Heyman or Lesnar returning to the WWE anytime in the near future.


Ric Flair Continues Promoting NC Lottery Deals And Selling Goods Online...

Ric Flair official online store
http://ricflair.com/shop/catalog

Ric Flair - Media Man Int profile
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/flair.html


Professional wrestling returns from the 80s - 22nd July 2011 - Stuff.co.nz...

Slammin', bashing and bad-mouthing. The spectacle that is professional wrestling is closer than you think and very much alive and kicking in New Zealand.

Ex-pro wrestler and Kiwi Pro Wrestling boss, Rip Morgan, knows the industry well and how hard it is to break into.

The last New Zealanders to wrestle for the World Wrestling Entertainment (formerly WWF), were The Bushwhackers - Luke Williams and Rip's uncle, Butch Miller - 15-years-ago.

"We do have a lot of good athletes here in New Zealand, but it's very hard to get into the business."

Four KPW wrestlers and two Australians recently had try-outs in front of WWE talent scouts in Sydney, Australia.

Shane "The Technician" Whitehead was one of them.

"In this business you don't call them, they call you, so I just have to cross my fingers and hope for the best."

Shane's one of many passionate performers hoping to wow the crowd at KPW's "True Mana" at the Wellington High School tonight.

It's a whole other world from their day-jobs.

"By day I work a nine-to-five job in an office, sitting at a computer all day," said Tane Kaiwai, or Dane King, who's been wrestling for about a year-and-a-half.

"You do it for the love of wrestling. Obviously you don't do it for the money, doing it locally"

Just two weeks ago, a near sell-out crowd showed up to Auckland's Vector Arena for the New Zealand leg of WWE's world tour. Fans turned up in their thousands to catch a glimpse of their favourite characters, such as WWE champ John Cena.

However, time will tell whether professional wrestling will become a permanent fixture in New Zealand's mainstream entertainment - and perhaps the fans are happy to keep it on the fringes.

"The fans vary. They can be a little quiet person in the back row to a front rower who's going crazy. They can get out of their seats, get carried away, run up to the ring, give some harsh words to our 'bad' guys, so to speak, and that's what makes the show interesting," said Rip.

Movies like 2009's "The Wrestler", which earned Mickey Rourke a best actor Oscar nomination and revived his career, have helped bring wrestling back into the mainstream.

In New Zealand, KPW's ambitious plans to do the same and bring the spectacle into people's living-rooms was realised through Prime's series "Off The Ropes" - the first weekly wrestling show on a major TV network since Steve Rickard's "On The Mat" in the 1980's.

"We're endeavouring to get our second series up and running," said Rip.

It's a debate that's as old as the internet, is professional wrestling a sport? The KPW boss doesn't deny that it's theatre.

"Your job as a wrestler is to entertain the ticket buyer who's come to watch you. That's your job. So I don't think even fans would care who wins or who loses, as long as they remember it was a good match.

"Wrestling has an element of circus, showmanship, dress parades and I think over the generations people have always been attracted to something different, outside their normal hours of work. So I think that's why wrestling still lives." (Credit: Stuff.co.nz)


WWE Hall Of Fame Rumours...

Pushes on to see Randy "Macho Man" Savage inducted, facilitated by his death, along with "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson and Sean Waltman (once known as the "'123 Kid", "X-Pac" and "Syxx Pac", and was a key member in the The Kliq serving below Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall (currently serving about one week in jail). Waltman was also a member of the NWO.

Hulk Hogan online slot game due out before end of year; Endemol Games UK To Release...

Stay tuned to the Media Man Int website portal for more news as it comes to hand on the pending release of the Hulk Hogan online slot game.


WWE Website Content Updated...

WWE Vids - 'Tactical Force' movie with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
http://vids.wwe.com/12654/trailer-for-the-movie-tactical-f

McMahon's Million Dollar Mania ends in disaster
http://vids.wwe.com/12633/mcmahons-million-dollar-mania-en


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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Wrestling News Media: Hogan, Flair, WWE, CM Punk, McMahon, Jim Ross, Cena, Rock, Kevin Nash... by Greg Tingle - 12th July 2011

Profiles

Wrestling WWE Impact Wrestling Hulk Hogan Ric Flair Vince McMahon Jim Ross John Cena Mick Foley The Rock Roddy Piper Kevin Nash Ghost Rider Marvel Entertainment Green Lantern DC Comics WWE Studios Media Man

Media Man and the vast majority of mainstream news and wrestling news outlets agree - pro wrestling... cough, "sports entertainment", is interesting again, with realistic storylines and a reasonable amount of quality pro wrestling matches on offer.

Traditional thinking would dictate that WWE PPV events are going to achieve higher buy rates and the positive momentum should also increase the revenues of marketing and mechanise. Just wait until the highly anticipated WWE TV Network kicks in... tipped to be approximately 12 months away.


Jim Ross...

Jim Ross has noted on Twitter that WWE sold out three straight shows on its current tour of South Africa.

Jim Ross has posted his latest blog. Highlights:

On WWE waiting so long after buying WCW to do the Invasion angle: "Beats me but the top talents that were needed to make the storyline really work were getting significant monies from Turner/WCW to essentially sit at home and fulfill their contracts. When judging the Invasion business, it's easy to Monday morning QB the matter but few will argue that it could have been more productive."

On a potential Hulk Hogan WWE return: "I have no idea. I assume anything is possible. I can't see Hogan returning to wrestle multiple matches in WWE due to his health issues but regarding this talent and his future I simply don't know and nothing would surprise me."

On Scott Hall leaving WWE in 2002: "After the infamous plane ride from hell and the unprofessional incidents that ensued by many, it was decided that having Scott back on the road with extensive traveling was not in the best interests of the talent or WWE."

On CM Punk leaving WWE: "I'm not involved in this matter whatsoever but from what I've read and what WWE has publicly stated, Punk vs. Cena at the MITB PPV in Chicago, Punk's hometown, will be CM Punk's last, foreseeable bout in WWE....win, lose, or draw. As an outsider looking in, I'd say Punk will finish up Sunday July 17 as WWE has stated."


Kevin Nash...

IMDB.com is listing Kevin Nash as appearing in the sequel to the 2007 film "Ghost Rider" starring Nicolas Cage. The sequel will see Cage reprise the role of the Ghost Rider and Nash's character has yet to be named. The film will be titled "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Revenge."


"Rowdy" Roddy Piper...

Piper is to have another check up for cancer. We're pleased he got through the initial battle with the Big C back in 2006. Few on the planet have most heart and guts than Piper, so we're tipping he's going to keep powering along, and perhaps even have some more in ring battles in the near future.


Hulk Hogan...

Purchase Hulk Hogan's Belleair Mansion For Just $9.2 Million...

If you're looking for an infamous Tampa Bay address to call home, the Wall Street Journal notes that Hulk Hogan's Belleair home is on the market. Well, still, anyway, because it's been for sale or years. But look, it's now a bargain at a mere $9,242,000! That's only about $539 per square foot, y'know.

The house, at 130 Willadel Dr., has been for sale for about five years, when it went on the block for $25 million. The Hulk took it back off the market, but it was listed last summer for $10.9 million. What does the new price buy you? A 17,000-square-foot-plus manse with five bedroom, eight full baths and three half baths, a gym, a rec room with its own kitchen, a tanning room, a wet bar, a hot tub, a guest house, a swimming pool with waterfalls and two docks on the Intracoastal.

Terry Bollea and his then-wife Linda bought the parcel in 1992 for only $2 million, so we can only guess what kind of margin is on this house. The Hulkster paid $120,325.85 in taxes in 2010, according to the Pinellas County property appraiser, even with the homestead exemption, so we can see why he'd want to ditch the joint. For a look at the listing, click here. Oh, and don't forget the HOA fee.


WWE Signs National Wrestling Champion...

The Medina Gazette from Ohio reports that WWE signed NAIA national wrestling champion Derek Foore to a developmental deal on Friday. Foore was invited to a FCW tryout months ago after WWE’s Jerry Brisco scouted him at a wrestling competition. Foore is planning a move to Florida where he can begin training at FCW.

The two-time national finalist and three-time high school state wrestling runner-up had the following to say about the signing:

"Right when I got the call I was like, ‘Yes, I’m one step closer. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. When I’m crazy enough, big enough and my career is sound and well-molded, that’s when they’ll say ‘Ok, you’re ready, man.’ I’m just living in the moment. I’m 22 years old and I have this opportunity. I will take it and seize it."


WWE Stars And Legend To Appear At San Diego Comic-Con...

Triple H, Rey Mysterio, members of the WWE creative team, a surprise WWE Legend and Mattel employees will be at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 21st for a special Q&A where they discuss WWE’s past, present and future and how it’s all celebrated with Mattel’s line of WWE toys. The discussion will take place from 11:30am until 12:30.


Vince McMahon - CM Punk Negotiation Behind Closed Doors...

WWE Monday Night Raw is being built around the public negotiation between WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and CM Punk, the two reportedly had a negotiating session in the past 24 hours behind closed doors. According to several key WWE insiders, the meeting was private, between McMahon and Punk, and none of the writing staff or the agents have been notified of the outcome of the negotiation.


WWE DVD Mentioned In Mainstream Newspaper...

Houston Chronicle’s David Barron, who has covered wrestling off-and-on for decades and regularly mentions wrestling stories in his weekly TV/Radio Notebook, referenced WWE’s "Best Cage Matches" DVD in Friday’s paper: "DVD updates: For old-school Texas wrestling fans, WWE’s The Greatest Cage Matches of All Time includes a couple from Jack Adkisson’s WCCW promotion in Dallas-Fort Worth."


Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson...

Johnson’s biggest movie to date was Fast Five but he was so important in that movie’s success he was offered a job for a massive blockbuster. What role? He has landed the role of Road Block in the sequel to the hit summer movie "G.I. Joe". Johnson has posted a photo of himself along with the G.I. Joe logo and a caption that reads "It’s official. Call the Pentagon, get me my big ass gun. Rock’s a Joe" on his Twitter account.


Big Show To Appear USA Network Drama This Week...

WWE star Big Show will appear on the USA Network series "Burn Notice." The show airs Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. CT.


Kevin Nash Rumoured To Have Role In 'Rock Of Ages'...

Jim Ross on Kevin Nash's big movie role: "What's Kevin Nash up to. Oh, about 7 feet. Seriously, Kevin called me Monday on his way back from France where he wrestled on a one off event in the southern part of France and was on his way back to Miami where he's filming a movie. Kevin plays Tom Cruise's bodyguard in the film. It's a huge, $200M film w/ an all star cast."


Rumours Of Wrestling Legends Returning To WWE...

Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair and Mick Foley are the 3 prime names been talking about by wrestlers and fans of being legitimate chances to once again return to the WWE. Michael's would be more believable that the other two, but Foley is understood to enjoy solid to good relationships with many WWE top brass and wrestlers, so stay tuned.

WWE Ice Cream Bars To Return?

Will WWE Ice Cream Bars be for sale again at wrestling venues and ice cream trucks soon? During the latest WWE Raw results, wrestler CM Punk demanded the tasty frozen treats as part of his contract negotiations with Vince McMahon, to the delight of the WWE Universe. While Punk tore that contract to shreds to conclude the show, fans certainly haven't forgotten about the ice cream bars made popular in the WWF days.

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Saturday, July 02, 2011

Wrestling News Media: WWE, Australia, CM Punk, Randy Savage, Brock Lesnar, by Greg Tingle - 2nd July 2011

Profiles

WWE Wrestling Vince McMahon Paul Heyman Hulk Hogan John Cena The Rock Media Man


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WWE Wrestling Randy Savage Brock Lesnar Miz John Cena The Rock Media Man

News

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WWE Superstar The Miz Multimedia Via Australian TV

Fox Sports
http://www.foxsports.com.au/Other+Sports/interview-with-the-miz/video-e6frf56c-1226084893110?subcat=1225914720791&site=FoxSports

One HD
http://one.com.au/video.htm?movideo_m=115863

WWE: Former WWE Champion Returning To The Company?...

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and former ECW owner, manager, and commentator Paul Heyman are negotiating for a WWE return. However, the proposed return is only for consumer products (according to AOL’s MMA reporter Ariel Helwani) and there is no interest from WWE, Lesnar, or Heyman regarding an on-air return for either of them, but at the same time, anything can and usually does happen in the WWE. Currently, Lesnar and Heyman are very close to making the business deal official with the WWE. Brock Lesnar was in the WWE from 2002-2004 and, in that time, Lesnar became the lead star for over a year, becoming the King of the Ring in June 2002, just four months after his WWE debut. Two months later, Lesnar won the WWE Championship for the first time at SummerSlam. Lesnar continued at the main event level, getting two more reigns as WWE Champion, as well as winning the 2003 Royal Rumble. Prior to WrestleMania XX in 2004, Lesnar made the decision that he would be leaving the WWE to pursue an NFL career. This led to Lesnar facing the also departing Goldberg at WrestleMania, with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Special Referee, in his final WWE match. After a failed stint in the NFL, Lesnar decided to get into the world of mixed martial arts, ultimately landing in the UFC, securing a reign as the UFC Heavyweight Champion, but lost the title to Cain Velasquez. After the original ECW closed its doors for good in 2001, Paul Heyman joined the WWE as a color commentator before becoming a key player in the WWE Vs. WCW/ECW Invasion angle. After the WCW/ECW faction lost, Heyman was "fired" by Vince McMahon and Heyman went on hiatus until March of 2002 when he returned to become the manager of Brock Lesnar, later turning on Lesnar to join Big Show. Heyman also became the SmackDown General Manager for a time before returning to being a manager for The Dudley Boyz and Heidenreich. When the WWE decided to present a special one night only return of the original ECW called "ECW One Night Stand", Heyman was given heavy booking and promotional involvement in the rebirth. This led to WWE doing a second ECW One Night Stand event in 2006, this time featuring an "invasion" of WWE Superstars. Following the 2006 One Night Stand event, ECW became a third brand (in addition to RAW and SmackDown) under the WWE umbrella. In December of 2006, WWE decided to host an ECW-exclusive event titled "December To Dismember", which did poorly in the PPV sector. The failure of an ECW-exclusive pay-per-view was largely blamed on Heyman. He and Vince McMahon had a very heated argument in front of the WWE writing team, leading to Heyman parting ways with the WWE. WWE history shows that just about anyone can return to the WWE if its good for business, and we're tipping Lesnar and Heyman to make a full return. Be watching this space in coming days and weeks for more on this real life saga that is the WWE.

Randy "Macho Man" Savage Dead Before Car Crashed: Autopsy...

Randy "Macho Man" Savage died of a heart attack before the car he was driving crashed, his autopsy revealed. Savage, 58, died May 20 after he suffered a heart attack while driving in Pinellas County, Fla. His car veered into oncoming traffic before striking a tree. Savage, whose real name was Randall Mario Poffo, was pronounced dead at Largo Medical Center. He wife, Lynn, was in the 2009 Jeep Wrangler with him but suffered only minor injuries. His autopsy revealed advanced heart disease, including an enlarged heart and severe blockage of his arteries. The injuries would not ave been considered life-threatening. Savage had small amounts of hydrocodone in his system, but not enough to have been a factor in the crash. He wrestled during the era of Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog and other iconic professional wrestlers who helped turn Vince McMahon’s scripted wrestling league into a worldwide phenomenon. He was known for his catchphrase, “oooooh yeah,” and his association with his manager, Miss Elizabeth. He also formed a “partnership” with Hogan, which of course went bad in typical soap-opera fashion. Savage joined World Championship Wrestling after his WWF run. He retired in 2005 after a brief stint with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. He later worked as a pitchman for the “Snap into a Slim Jim” campaign. He joins a long list of wrestlers from his era to die an untimely death, including “Ravishing” Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Andre the Giant and Junkyard Dog. Miss Elizabeth Heulette died in 2003 from a drug and alcohol overdose. Savage was one of the most popular, famous and highest earning professional wrestlers of all time, perhaps only trailing Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.

WWE Live event results from Acer Arena, Sydney, Australia

Rey Mysterio def CM Punk

Beth Phenoix & Kelly Kelly def Bella Twins

Zack Ryder def Primo

Evan Bourne def Jack Swagger

(US title) Dolph Ziggler def Kofi Kingston

(Tag titles) David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty def Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov

Alex Riley def The Miz

(WWE title) John Cena def R-Truth


CM Punk Shoot / Worked Angle On Raw...

WWE Raw came to an abrupt end Monday night moments after CM Punk’s mic went out while he was cutting a scathing, anti-WWE promo that was filled with insider references, like never done before in a WWE or even WWF or WWWF ring. It was more ECW than ECW, and we're talking about the glory days of the once hardcore promotion.

After the show went off the air, it was announced on the WWE website portal wwe.com that WWE chairman Vince McMahon has suspended Punk indefinitely for unprofessional conduct, and Punk’s bio was removed from the website.

The wwe.com story went like this "with [Punk’s] contract expiring on July 17, one can only assume that this suspension effectively terminates CM Punk’s tenure with WWE."

"John Cena, while you lay there, hopefully as uncomfortable as you possibly can be, I want you to listen to me. I want you to digest this, because before I leave in three weeks with your WWE Championship, I have a lot of things I wanna get off my chest.

"I don’t hate you, John. I don’t even dislike you. I like you a hell of a lot more than I like most people in the back. I hate… this idea… that you’re the best… because you’re not. I’m the best. I’m the best in the world. There’s one thing you’re better at than I am, and that’s kissing Vince McMahon’s ass. You’re as good at kissing Vince’s ass as Hulk Hogan was. I don’t know if you’re as good as Dwayne… he’s a pretty good ass-kisser… always was and still is. Oops… I’m breaking the fourth wall. [Punk waves to the camera.] I am the best… wrestler… in the world. I’ve been the best ever since Day One when I walked into this company, and I’ve been vilified and hated since that day because Paul Heyman saw something in me that nobody else wanted to admit. That’s right, I’m a Paul Heyman guy. You know who else was a Paul Heyman guy? Brock Lesnar… and he split, just like I’m splittin’, but the biggest difference between me and Brock is that I’m going to leave with the WWE Championship.

"I’ve grabbed so many of Vincent K. McMahon’s imaginary brass rings that it’s finally dawned on me that they’re just that. They’re completely imaginary. The only thing that’s real is me, and the fact that day in and day out, for almost six years, I’ve proved to everybody in the world that I am the best on this microphone, in that ring, and even on commentary. Nobody can touch me. And yet, no matter how many times I prove it, I’m not on your lovely little collectors’ cups, I’m not on the cover of the program, I’m barely promoted, I don’t get to be in movies, I’m not on any crappy show on the USA Network, I’m not on the poster of WrestleMania, I’m not on the signature that’s produced at the start of the show. I’m not on Conan O’Brian, I’m not on Jimmy Fallon, but the fact of the matter is I should be, and trust me, this isn’t sour grapes, but the fact that “Dwayne” is in the main event of WrestleMania next year and I’m not makes me sick!

"Oh hey, let me get something straight, those of you who are cheering me right now… you are just as big a part of me leaving as anyone else, because you’re the ones sipping out of those collector cups right now, you’re the ones that buy those programs that my face isn’t on the cover of, and then at five in the morning at the airport, you try to shove it in my face thinking you can get an autograph and sell it on eBay because you’re too lazy to get a real job.

"I’m leaving with the WWE championship on July 17 and hell, who knows, maybe I’ll go defend it in New Japan Pro Wrestling… maybe I’ll go back to Ring of Honor… [Punk waves to the camera again] hey, Colt Cabana, how you doing? The reason I’m leaving is you people because after I’m gone you’re still going to pour money into this company — I’m just a spoke on the wheel — the wheel’s gonna keep turning. And I understand that… that Vince McMahon’s gonna make money despite himself… he’s a millionaire who should be a billionaire… you know why he’s not a billionaire? It’s because he surrounds himself with glad-handing nonsensical [censored] yes-men like John Lauranitis, who’s gonna tell him everything he wants to hear… and I’d like to think that maybe this company will be better after Vince McMahon is dead, but the fact is it’s gonna get taken over by his idiotic daughter and his dufus son-in-law and the rest of his stupid family.

"Let me tell you a personal story about Vince McMahon. You know we do this whole bully campaign…” The mic is cut off Punk is stunned and smacks it a few times, then boos fill the arena he yells" I’ve Been Silenced!" and the feed to the show is cut off the air.

A Media Man spokesperson said "We believe that this is an elaborate work, and a great one at that. Likely the most realistic angle in the history of the promotion and CM Punk pulled it off beautifully. We're of the belief that if this was shoot i.e a totally real situation, the mic volume would have been cut earlier. Never say never, but we're 99% certain this was a work. We think a lot of hardcore and casual fans would have initially believed that it was a totally real situation happening in the ring. CM Punk and the WWE have once again made one of the most memorable happenings ever in a WWE ring. WWE top brass, if or when you read this, keep up the realistic angles and promos. CM Punk and WWE are over big time at the moment, so keep doing what your doing, and keep us guessing".

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wrestling News Media: WWE CM Punk Shoot / Worked Angle On Raw


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WWE Wrestling Vince McMahon Paul Heyman Hulk Hogan John Cena The Rock Media Man

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WWE Raw came to an abrupt end Monday night moments after CM Punk’s mic went out while he was cutting a scathing, anti-WWE promo that was filled with insider references, like never done before in a WWE or even WWF or WWWF ring. It was more ECW than ECW, and we're talking about the glory days of the once hardcore promotion.

After the show went off the air, it was announced on the WWE website portal wwe.com that WWE chairman Vince McMahon has suspended Punk indefinitely for unprofessional conduct, and Punk’s bio was removed from the website.

The wwe.com story went like this "with [Punk’s] contract expiring on July 17, one can only assume that this suspension effectively terminates CM Punk’s tenure with WWE."

“John Cena, while you lay there, hopefully as uncomfortable as you possibly can be, I want you to listen to me. I want you to digest this, because before I leave in three weeks with your WWE Championship, I have a lot of things I wanna get off my chest.

“I don’t hate you, John. I don’t even dislike you. I like you a hell of a lot more than I like most people in the back. I hate… this idea… that you’re the best… because you’re not. I’m the best. I’m the best in the world. There’s one thing you’re better at than I am, and that’s kissing Vince McMahon’s ass. You’re as good at kissing Vince’s ass as Hulk Hogan was. I don’t know if you’re as good as Dwayne… he’s a pretty good ass-kisser… always was and still is. Oops… I’m breaking the fourth wall. [Punk waves to the camera.] I am the best… wrestler… in the world. I’ve been the best ever since Day One when I walked into this company, and I’ve been vilified and hated since that day because Paul Heyman saw something in me that nobody else wanted to admit. That’s right, I’m a Paul Heyman guy. You know who else was a Paul Heyman guy? Brock Lesnar… and he split, just like I’m splittin’, but the biggest difference between me and Brock is that I’m going to leave with the WWE Championship.

“I’ve grabbed so many of Vincent K. McMahon’s imaginary brass rings that it’s finally dawned on me that they’re just that. They’re completely imaginary. The only thing that’s real is me, and the fact that day in and day out, for almost six years, I’ve proved to everybody in the world that I am the best on this microphone, in that ring, and even on commentary. Nobody can touch me. And yet, no matter how many times I prove it, I’m not on your lovely little collectors’ cups, I’m not on the cover of the program, I’m barely promoted, I don’t get to be in movies, I’m not on any crappy show on the USA Network, I’m not on the poster of WrestleMania, I’m not on the signature that’s produced at the start of the show. I’m not on Conan O’Brian, I’m not on Jimmy Fallon, but the fact of the matter is I should be, and trust me, this isn’t sour grapes, but the fact that “Dwayne” is in the main event of WrestleMania next year and I’m not makes me sick!

“Oh hey, let me get something straight, those of you who are cheering me right now… you are just as big a part of me leaving as anyone else, because you’re the ones sipping out of those collector cups right now, you’re the ones that buy those programs that my face isn’t on the cover of, and then at five in the morning at the airport, you try to shove it in my face thinking you can get an autograph and sell it on eBay because you’re too lazy to get a real job.

“I’m leaving with the WWE championship on July 17 and hell, who knows, maybe I’ll go defend it in New Japan Pro Wrestling… maybe I’ll go back to Ring of Honor… [Punk waves to the camera again] hey, Colt Cabana, how you doing? The reason I’m leaving is you people because after I’m gone you’re still going to pour money into this company — I’m just a spoke on the wheel — the wheel’s gonna keep turning. And I understand that… that Vince McMahon’s gonna make money despite himself… he’s a millionaire who should be a billionaire… you know why he’s not a billionaire? It’s because he surrounds himself with glad-handing nonsensical [censored] yes-men like John Lauranitis, who’s gonna tell him everything he wants to hear… and I’d like to think that maybe this company will be better after Vince McMahon is dead, but the fact is it’s gonna get taken over by his idiotic daughter and his dufus son-in-law and the rest of his stupid family.

“Let me tell you a personal story about Vince McMahon. You know we do this whole bully campaign…” The mic is cut off Punk is stunned and smacks it a few times, then boos fill the arena he yells ” I’ve Been Silenced!” and the feed to the show is cut off the air.

A Media Man spokesperson said "We believe that this is an elaborate work, and a great one at that. Likely the most realistic angle in the history of the promotion and CM Punk pulled it off beautifully. We're of the believe that if this was shoot i.e a totally real situation, the mic volume would have been cut earlier. Never say never, but we're 99% certain this was a work. We think a lot of hardcore and casual fans would have initially believed that it was a totally real situation happening in the ring. CM Punk and the WWE have once again made one of the most memorable happenings ever in a WWE ring. WWE top brass, if or when you read this, keep up the realistic angles and promos. CM Punk and WWE are over big time at the moment, so keep doing what your going, and keep us guessing".

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Sunday, June 19, 2011

Wrestling News Media: Wrestling Legends Update, WWE, Australia, Movies and more, by Greg Tingle - 19th June 2011


Profiles

Steve Austin Roddy Piper Chris Jericho Hulk Hogan Mick Foley Bruno Sammartino Vince McMahon Miz John Cena The Rock Mickey Rourke Jim Ross John Seru Wrestling Wrestling Legends WWE

In this writer's opinion, pro wrestling aka sports entertainment is hot again. Not quite yet at WWE Attitude levels, but getting close in some fashions.

Why? How about compelling storylines and character's in the WWE, the brand getting back some of their attitude (more hardcore and adult themes), developing talent, and let's face it - more of true legends on the broadcast like "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

The legends back on WWE television helps get the new talent over.

Then there's the elevation of R-Truth Alex Riley, former student of Miz, "Big" Andy Leavine aka "Silent Rage" (who yet had to show he truly brings it)... but the slap by McMahon and the stunner by Austin on Raw a few years ago sure helped get him over, but can Andy maintain the rage? Time will tell.

R-Truth, opponent of John Cena in less than 24 hours is on fire and over in a big way. Anti establishment all round bad ass is what helped get Austin over big time, going back to the King Of The Ring ceremony when he uttered the words Austin 3:16 said that I just whipped your ass. Some comparison can be drawn between R-Truth and The Gangstars in the old Extreme Championship Wrestling, and not just because they are the same colour. It's about the attitude, the out of control charisma, and ability to back in up in the ring. The world loves a rebel, and R-Truth delivers. He's attacking the corporate champion and ripping on WWE merchandise and the conspiracy towards him is hard not to love, if you're into more mature storylines. Randy Orton is on fire and CM Punk is one of the most entertaining superstars, in and out of the ring. Now all we need is for R-Truth to win the strap, and we will have a hell of a meaningful wrestling feud. It's R-Truth VS The World, and we're loving it.

The WWE powers that be do appear to be listening.

It's also compelling to hear that Mick Foley aka "Mankind", "Cactus Jack" and Dude Love", may be soon returning to the WWE, after a decent run in TNA. In addition, TNA's Hulk Hogan also frequently mentioning by name Steve Austin (Hogan wants a match), and Roddy Piper is apparently interested in doing a Piper's Pit with Hogan VS Austin and Hogan VS Ultimate Warrior.

FCW, the feeder promotion for the WWE continues to develop the next generation of wrestling superstars and TNA continues to keep up the good fight, with Hogan publicly getting behind Matt Morgan.

A number of wrestling insiders are saying that WWE needs to keep going with the more hardcore and mature storylines, and that they might also do well to further embrace some more UFC concepts.

Jim Ross, living legend of the wrestling announcer variety, continues to deliver great insight into the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts (and BBQ sauce).

Australian fans - don't forget the WWE comes back down to Australia for WWE Live, starting in Sydney on 1st July at Acer Arena.

Let's now take a look at some specific individuals and further probe some of the world's hottest pro wrestling news...

Ross on Steve Austin and Roddy Piper: "(Austin and Piper) were the two highlights for this old schooler on Monday's Raw. They both know how to fully command an audience and still have 'it.' Austin can be so intense that it bleeds through the TV screen. His Clint Eastwood-esque delivered line to CM Punk...."punk" was golden. @CMPunk and Austin have excellent on screen chemistry and back in the day they would have had a helluva run. Nothing but money."

Ross on R-Truth: "R-Truth' s professional career has never been more elevated. He fits the role that he's in well and it would not shock me to see, by hook or crook, R-Truth upset John Cena this Sunday on PPV to win the WWE Title. Long shot? Perhaps....but stranger things have occurred on a WWE PPV and no one can argue that a Truth title win wouldn't 're-shuffle the deck.'"

Ross on The Miz: "(The Miz) is so easy to dislike which is a marketable necessity for any villain. Guys that can talk as well as Miz, who I Tweeted reminded me of a male Kardashian, are essentially Teflon coated. Essentially no matter what occurs in the ring, more often than not, they are right back to where they need to be when provided the opportunity to speak."

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

Rowdy Roddy Piper recently shared his thoughts on the Warrior vs. Hogan situation; here are the Twitter highlights: "Warrior made some comments I heard that Hogan may sue over. Sex and Wrestling, Warrior talking of Hogan. Hogan talking about Macho. This is not a time to be funny or reckless. I take it very serious! There's a honor a man has to carry with him. I have seen a lot. There's a line that I won't cross for any $ value. I have to catch a plane in 4 hrs. Going to Battle. I will try an address H/W over the weekend.1st. Warriors interviews. Warrior was not making interviews to be analyzed. They were made for the PG audience at the time. For kids! You have to look at the presentation Warrior did a good job presenting. Yes he could have layered it, parents and children could enjoy together. His merchandise. His way. Taking negative about another man's family? YOU CAN DIE FROM THAT!! Nothing to do with business...A thought. Take both Hogan and Warrior together or apart. Do a Shoot Piper's Pit!!! Then again fools rush in were wise men never tread!!"

A Roddy Piper vs. Terry Funk singles match is officially advertised for the 2011 Gathering of the Juggalos event, which takes place August 11-14 at Cave in Rock, Illinois. For more information, visit JuggaloGathering.com


Chris Jericho

(PETERBOROUGH) Chris Jericho has struggled with critics throughout his career, both in the wrestling ring and on stage. Jericho spent two decades climbing the ranks of sports entertainment, passing off the skeptics who labeled him not good enough, too small etc to become one of the most celebrated stars in World Wrestling Entertainment history, including being crowned the first-ever undisputed champion. Now the lead vocalist of Fozzy, playing venues like the Historic Red Dog, is defying the disbelievers who first slammed the heavy metal group as simply "the band with the wrestler." "There were a lot of people who stayed away from us, thinking it was just a novelty," says Jericho. "But I just didn't wake up one day and say, 'Let's start a band.' This was something I've been doing since I was 12. The passion is there, the belief is there and the knowledge is there. "I think people can sense that. That's why we are building momentum. Once people can realize it's real, they'll get behind you." Fozzy's recent Peterborough stop is a visit between two huge concerts in Toronto and Brantford before a major summer tour in Europe alongside metal stalwarts Metallica, Slayer, Slipknot, Anthrax and Motorhead. "You get a different vibe when you play a smaller club than in bigger places," says Jericho. "It's a little sweatier; more energy and a little more rock and roll. We love that." Fozzy Osbourne, a cover band formed in 1999 by Rich Ward of Stuck Mojo, evolved into Fozzy. Jericho joined in 2000, accompanied with characters such as Moongoose McQueen and a satirical storyline. They had signed a 20-year contract to stay in Japan only to discover many famous artists in the U.S. had ripped off their music. The group's high-energy sound led to a record deal and two albums of cover songs, Fozzy (2000) and Happenstance (2002), paying tribute to the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister, Motley Crue and Black Sabbath. The second album also included five original songs. "It was a fun side project and suddenly we got offered a record deal just to play covers. We were kind of confused with that but like any self-respecting musician, we took the money and did it," quips Jericho. In 2005, the comical shtick was dropped as was the cover song focus. All That Remains was an album of entirely new music, as was Chasing The Grail, which was released in 2010 to rave reviews and loads of radio time. "The gimmick can only last so long if the music isn't there," says Jericho, who composes the lyrics while Ward writes the music and plays lead guitar alongside guitarist Sean Delson, drummer Frank Fontsere and guitarist Billy Grey. "We're a very heavy band but with a lot of melodies." But from groove-driven metal compositions, such as Under Blackened Skies and Martyr No More to the epic 14-minute prog-metal tune Wormwood, Jericho finds inspiration from the unlikeliest of bands: The Beatles. "They are my favourite band of all time. There are a lot of harmonies and melodies in our vocals and much of that comes from listening to them." The Winnipeg-raised Jericho (his real name is Chris Irvine, the son of former NHLer Ted Irvine) admits he always chased two childhood dreams. "Wrestling just kind of took off first before the music did," he says. "But now that the music is starting to catch up, it's very gratifying and rewarding because we've been working hard on it." Jericho left the WWE in September after his contract expired. It's his second departure after a two-year hiatus in 2005 during which he said he was disheartened with wrestling. But he remains a busy entertainer. He has written two New York Times best-selling books chronicling his wrestling career and is working on a third book. And there's been numerous TV appearances include competing on ABC's Dancing With The Stars. But wrestling fans are clamouring to know when, or if, Y2J will ever step inside the ring again. "That's a big question and I really don't know. "When I left in September, I had no plans of coming back and had no plans of not coming back and I still feel the same way. I love them both but right now my main focus is on Fozzy because of all the great stuff we have going on. "I still like watching wrestling and I keep track of it very diligently and know exactly what's going on in all aspects of it. I'm still enjoying it as a fan." Fans of Jericho share his passion for music and wrestling. "We have fans from all aspects -- your Chris Jericho fans and your die-hard Fozzy fans. "And there will be the people who will come check out Chris Jericho 'the wrestler guy' and see what we're about. "I always like to say the only people that don't like our band are the ones who have never heard it." Something tells us that Jericho is way too good to stay away from the wrestling ring forever, and when the WWE needs him to spark new energy into the show, he will be there. Perhaps the most rounded sports entertainer ever - that's Chris Jericho.

John "Vulcan" Seru

One of the biggest superstars of the Australian pro wrestling scene of all time. Today Seru runs the Muscle Mania gym in South West Sydney. Seru recently told Media Man on Randy "Macho Man" Savage that he was one of the very best pro wrestlers ever and that the industry had lost a great one. Savage was the best 'Oh Yeah'!

WWE Films Wrestles With Gorgeous George - 27th April 2011

EXCLUSIVE: In an age where books routinely get tiny movie options and languish in development, one could do worse than make a deal with wrestling mogul Vince McMahon's WWE Studios. In a mid-6 figure outright buy, WWE acquired the 2008 John Capouya book Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Popular Culture. Not only was the deal brokered by Justin Manask generous for the author, but WWE Films has committed to a 2011 start date for a film about a journeyman wrestler who remade himself into a preening, vamping villain and became a national TV star at a time when there was little on the boob tube but wrestling and Milton Berle. WWE Films set John Posey to write the script for a film that will be the last of nine features WWE will generate in less than two years. The fourth, Killing Karma, is shooting now.

While early WWE films were schlocky action showcases for its spandex stars, WWE Films head Mike Pavone said the company has morphed into a family film factor with better scripts that draw actors like Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and Parker Posey to work alongside ring fixtures like Triple H, The Big Show and John Cena. Each film costs around $7 million after rebates for location shoots in Louisiana and Pavone said they save about $1 million for each film by never really wrapping production. Crews get a couple weeks rest after each film completes its 20-25 day shoot, and then the next one gets going.

A Gorgeous George film was McMahon’s idea, an exception to his unwritten rule not to make pictures about wrestlers. Pavone said George’s flamboyant persona not only set the tone for future stars like Hulk Hogan and The Rock, but also helped Bob Dylan come out of his shell and influenced the likes of Muhammad Ali, James Brown, and Liberace.

“George Wagner was a good wrestler who couldn’t get over the top until he developed this character that people loved to hate,” Pavone said. “He had this effeminate, aristocratic persona that he and his wife Betty created from whole cloth, down to the robes and platinum blonde hairstyle his wife copied from Betty Grable. George realized that they don’t come to see the good guy win, they come to see the bad guy lose. He paraded as this effeminate man in the 40s and 50s in Texas and the South, with 12,000 people screaming and throwing things.” Wagner, who made his entrance to Pomp and Circumstance, rubbed elbows outside the ring with Hollywood stars, and made as much--$100,000 per year--as Joe DiMaggio. His fortunes flagged, though, and George stayed too long in the ring. His final payday: a humiliating match, pre-arranged for him to lose and have his signature blond locks shaved in the ring by his opponent, Dick the Destroyer.

Pavone said McMahon is committed to fully finance the Gorgeous George pic as well as the other eight WWE Films. It's a bold play, because McMahon won't know if the film program works until the pics start getting released in September. Samuel Goldwyn distributes the first few, and WWE Films will handle the marketing.

“We’ve been making these movies in a vacuum, confident that our model will prove itself,” Pavone said. (Credit: Deadline.com)

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan is still 'The Main Event', By Jon Robinson...

Every birthday from about 8 years on, I begged and pleaded with my parents for the same present: tickets to see the WWF live at the Cow Palace. My aunt was actually a regular at wrestling matches from the days of Gorgeous George and once almost got kicked out of the arena for throwing her high heels at some heel who was hitting her favorite fighter with a foreign object every time the referee turned his back. Funniest thing about this is my aunt was the most uptight, old-money, stuck-in-her-old-ways woman I knew. She was someone who might throw a fit if someone spilled soda or even sat on her all-white couch that for some reason was never sat on (why someone would feature furniture you couldn't sit on, I'll never know), but I could never imagine her throwing a shoe.

But that's what the wild and wacky world of professional wrestling is all about. It's more than just the soap opera for men it's so commonly referred to as. It's more like a rock concert of kung fu fighting acrobats complete with fireworks and the occasional dead man, masked man and/or midget. It's a place where good battles evil between the ropes while bringing the thousands in attendance along for the next chapter.

And that showmanship that helps drive the action is what the new video game, "Hulk Hogan's Main Event" is all about. Because wrestling is more than just men in tights rolling around and getting sweaty (not that there's anything wrong with that), Hogan is using the power of Kinect to bring gamers into the ring with him while teaching them the taunts, poses and posturing that made him a worldwide phenomenon.

I caught up with Hogan inside video game publisher Majesco's booth at E3 to talk wrestling, showmanship and his time inside the ring, from his days rocking a mask to his nights as "Hollywood." Here's what one of the most influential wrestlers in the history of the business had to say.

Jon Robinson: I'm about to play your game for the first time. What's your advice on how I can become the next Hulk Hogan?

Hulk Hogan: You're very lucky because instead of looking for a coach, you have now found the greatest coach of all time. I don't know too much, but I do know a lot about wrestling, and in "Hulk Hogan's Main Event" I'm your coach, brother. I teach you the moves, get you all excited, and then it's up to you to get the crowd booing or cheering and get them ramped up. The whole entertainment aspect gets you rolling right into the ring, and then you get to turn the moves up and either do some scientific wrestling or cheat like the bad guys. And what's cool is, you can't sit on the couch for this one. Since it's on Kinect, you actually have to get up, get moving and move your bum around.

Jon Robinson: You are one of the best showmen professional wrestling has ever seen. How did you learn to get the crowd so moved during your matches?

Hulk Hogan: I played music for about 10 years before I ever got into the wrestling business, so I was used to being on stage and being in front of people. I really wasn't a great singer, so we had a couple of guys who would sing, but in between songs, I would grab the mike and talk to the crowd, so I got over any shyness I had in the music business before I ever got into wrestling. Then when I got into wrestling, it was all about that scientific stuff and rolling around on the ground and putting each other in arm locks and leg locks, but the first time I ever looked out into the crowd -- I was wearing a mask back then, and they called me The Super Destroyer -- the reaction from the crowd was a lot louder than I got for the actual wrestling. So the reaction from the crowd made the wrestling easier for me, and I worked that in my whole career. Most of the time when I wrestled, the crowd wasn't just cheering, they were standing up and cheering or carrying on, and that's what's cool about this game, it really plays up that entertainment aspect. As soon as you enter the arena and walk down that ramp, it's up to you to get the crowd going, and that parlays right into the fact that now you're on your feet and doing the wrestling moves using Kinect. It really takes you from wanting to be a wrestler to putting you right on the spot and in the spot.

Jon Robinson: So, how did you go from some strange dude in a mask to arguably the most popular wrestler of all time?

Hulk Hogan: That transmutation or transformation took quite a while. I started wrestling 35 years ago, and I had a pretty intense attitude back then when I was young and injury free. The wrestling promoters back then had me start under a mask because they were hoping that one day I might turn into something. When you start out in the wrestling business, you make a lot of mistakes, tripping over your own feet and looking like a fool. The Super Destroyer mask was really to protect me because I was so big and back then I was one of the few guys who actually looked like I trained. A lot of the guys I was wrestling had big arms, but they also had big stomachs. So under the mask, I could learn my way while everyone beat me. Then this whole transformation started happening, but becoming Hulk Hogan took quite a few years. I quit wrestling a few times, then I was Terry Boulder, then the promoter starter calling me Sterling Golden, then I was Terry "The Hulk" Boulder, then I was Terry Hogan, then I became Hulk Hogan. It actually took me eight or nine years before I was able to put it all together. That's why it's so hard for these young wrestlers who all think they should be in the main event. There's a lot more to it than just having a scientific match. You have to put the whole thing together.

Jon Robinson: What do you think of your persona living on in all of these video games like "Main Event" and "WWE All-Stars"?

Hulk Hogan: It's crazy. WWE owns my intellectual properties and all of my old footage, so Vince McMahon is repackaging all of that old stuff. It's a great compliment, though, because at the end of the day, I'm so grateful to anybody who contributed or helped me become who I am today. A large part of my career and a large part of my life, I'm very grateful to Vince McMahon Sr., Vince's father. I'm also very grateful to Vince McMahon because he and I were best friends and business partners. I was an employee, and we went down a lot of twisty roads together. Even right now, if I was to call him and tell him, "Hey, Vince, I need help," I guarantee Vince would be there for me. So I am very grateful for the fact that I have "Hulk Hogan's Main Event" coming out and that I'm on the cover of "WWE All-Stars." It's kind of like Hulk Hogan has found his niche, not only in Americana but in the video game world. It didn't have to be this way. The fans could've totally forgotten about me, but the fact that the fans have been so loyal, I'm still in the game. Right now, I'm with Impact Wrestling, formerly TNA, and, after two years of back surgeries, I'm working there creatively and helping out, but you never know, I might just slide back into the ring someday. It's not like I could take any crazy bumps, but then again, I never did. [laughs] I have to be really careful with my back.

Jon Robinson: When you think back to your favorite matches, do you have one moment that stands out as your personal favorite?

Hulk Hogan: I'm torn between my match with Andre the Giant and my match with The Rock. Andre was huge, and it was a defining moment for me because Andre passed the torch when I body slammed him. That was a huge deal, and I'm not trying to downplay it, but then later on in my career, when I finally returned to WWE after all those years of working for Ted Turner, Vince told me, "Hey, if you're coming back, then you better bring it." So when I went back, I was the ultimate bad guy, and when they put me in the match against The Rock, the fans were supposed to boo me out of the building. But it was a defining moment because the fans cheered me so loud and they booed The Rock. The fans were letting everyone know that they loved Hulk Hogan so much, that they were so loyal to Hulk Hogan, that nobody was going to tell them who to boo and who to cheer. It was like the fans slapped me in the face and told me, "Don't you know who you are? You're Hulk Hogan!" It was a huge moment in my career.

Jon Robinson: After so many years of drinking your milk and eating your vitamins, was it fun flipping it on everyone and doing the "Hollywood" character?

Hulk Hogan: I talked to Ted Turner about it before we did it, and I told him, "We're either going to ruin this business, or we're going to capture lightning in a bottle and it's going to be the greatest thing that ever happened." When I turned into a bad guy, the ratings shot up, the numbers went through the roof, and for two and a half years, we were able to beat WWE in the ratings.

Jon Robinson: One of the guys you fought with and against for years in both WCW and WWE was Randy Savage. What are some of the memories you have of him?

Hulk Hogan: Randy and I were stuck together like glue for about 15 years. We did everything together -- we traveled together, we worked out every day together -- and then we went on to have some great matches. I know this sounds horrible, but we made a lot of money together, and then we had this huge falling out that to this day, I still don't know why he got mad. He went through a lot with his divorce from Elizabeth and stuff, but we just started talking again a few months before he died. I don't do many independent wrestling shows, but I finally did one and [Randy's brother] Lanny was there, and he was telling me how tough it was after their dad passed away, but his dad was really happy that Randy and I had started talking again. But then Lanny was really worried about his mom, so they were going to throw a big barbecue at his mom's house with Randy and I, and that was supposed to be the next weekend, but Randy died in the middle of the week. Out of all the guys who have died, that one hit me the hardest. I've known a lot of guys, I've walked into hotel rooms where there have been bad situations, but that one was a tough one.

Jon Robinson: You talked about your back problems earlier, but I was just curious if there's somebody out there you'd like to have that one last match with?

Hulk Hogan: Well, if there is that one last huge match that really, really meant something to the fans, that would have to be against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. I can see him already making appearances back on TV, and he's already starting to get full of himself. I heard him say for a while that his back and his neck were too messed up to wrestle, but from what I've been seeing lately, I think he's getting geared up to do something, and I'd like to be a part of it.

Jon Robinson: How about in Impact Wrestling? Do you see a guy in Impact who might have the ability to carry that brand to another level?

Hulk Hogan: I've really tried to be optimistic when looking at the talent that is there, and I've already tried to give the football to a couple of guys who are there, and they are just so off into that: "TNA Wrestling, this is TNA Wrestling, I have a five-star match every week." But that's not the big picture. I think the one guy I really need to focus on is Matt Morgan. There are a couple of things that need to be fixed, and one of the main things is his interviews. When Scott Steiner looks at you and calls you a punk and says you look like a tiny turd in a toilet bowl, you need to come back and say something about how you can look over the top of Steiner's head. Instead, he's out there talking about how he respects Steiner as an athlete. His whole rap needs to change. I think if we sit down and really dial Matt Morgan in, he can be somebody who can really turn things around and lead Impact Wrestling to the promised land. (Credit: ESPN)


Bob Marella (aka Gorilla Monsoon) To Be Inducted Into Wrestling Hall of Fame...

Waterloo, Iowa – Bob Marella, a 1959 Ithaca graduate who rose to fame in professional wrestling as Gorilla Monsoon, will be inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Marella will enter the hall of fame, which is located at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, July 23.

Marella, a member of Ithaca's Hall of Fame, was the wrestling program's first all-American, placing second at the 1959 NCAA Championships. Wrestling in the heavyweight class (which was then called the unlimited weight class), Marella upset the second and third seeds (from Northern Colorado and Iowa State, respectively), before dopping a 2-0 overtime decision to a wrestler from Oklahoma State in the title bout. Marella, who was nicknamed "Tiny" during his collegiate career, also starred in track & field as a Bomber.

Induction into the professional wrestling hall of fame includes a substantial impact on professional wrestling, general respect within the profession, and a strong amateur background.

“Bob helped raise money for the first mat that I bought at Ithaca,” said John Murray, Ithaca's head wrestling coach from 1980 to 1995. “He was probably the alumnus who had the greatest impact on our program through money he raised and the awareness he brought to the program.”

Monsoon had a distinguished professional wrestling career that included many titles, including the WWWF (now WWE) United States Tag Team title. He was also known for his successful career as a commentator for the WWE. Monsoon died on Oct. 6, 1999.

The Rock And John Cena

Wrestling News Media: The Rock VS John Cena At WWE WrestleMania, by Greg Tingle

The Rock's return to pro wrestling er... sports entertainment, or whatever it is now, has little to do with wrestling as such.

The booking The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 28 twelve months in advance has strong merit, but will both competitors be as hot then, as they are now... probably.

This is one of the smartest moves ever by WWE head honcho Vince McMahon, as it plugs right back into mainstream entertainment, with a hot main event which has star power and money written all over it, plus news media is going to have it as a media darling to boot. I don't see Rock or Cena "stuffing up" with real life situations that would stop the match, and hopefully both will remain injury free.

What's were doing here is getting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the living legend himself, and putting him in the squared circles with one of the most popular pre-teen megastars ever. This is the pop culture main event of the decade, if not century!

Wrestling fans will go for this big, and spend, plus it should be a decent match to keep the loyal fan base happy too. Most mainstream news media companies should cover it also, and the buzz and coverage leading up is already there, so just imagine. Bigger than the MTV Hulk Hogan VS "Rowdy" Roddy Piper 'War To Settle The Score', Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III, and perhaps even up there with the very first WrestleMania back in 1985 which came from sports and entertainment mecca in New York - Madison Square Garden.

The Rock VS John Cena at WrestleMania is tipped to break all sorts of records and have mega success written all over it. As The Rock would say, Just Bring It!

Stay tuned to Media Man, Wrestling News Media and our friends at Google News as the saga continues.

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