News items that dont merit their own thread...thread

by Adam D Tue Nov 11, 2014 4:50 pm

First topic message reminder :

Jim Ross has been signed for GWFs first show - New Japans Wrestle Kingdom 9 on Jan 4th.

That is all

by Prometheus Wed Oct 28, 2015 1:43 pm

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:
Prometheus wrote:
Dolphin Ziggler wrote:
Prometheus wrote:Did the Young Bucks sign for LU?

Apparently the place that usually has reveals on them has said LU.

Or not

Shame. I really think they should sail away from those shores sooner rather than later.

Given the link between ROH and New Japan, I expect they'll still be working Japan. And they've confirmed that this still let's them work PWG. Can't see them working GFW any more though.

Because LU doesn't really do tag teams, only trios, they'd have also needed Strong for the Mount Rushmore 2.0. I'd also take a Eurotrash trios in LU (Scurrl, End and ZSJ).

by Fernando Wed Oct 28, 2015 3:12 pm

Rich Swann joins the WWE as part of the new 19 at the WWE Performance Centre.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu Oct 29, 2015 1:02 am

WWE 2k16 lets users do entrance mash ups. Some are brilliant, this one cant be unseen

by Adam D Thu Oct 29, 2015 8:29 am

Apparently ADR was offered a guaranteed $1.4m per year downside.

Obviously racism does have a price.

by ncfc_Tooze Thu Oct 29, 2015 8:39 am

Everybody has a price (evil laugh)

by Prometheus Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:48 am

I guess you are worth what someone will pay you and, hey if someone offered me a million a year I'd probably take it.

But here's my question. Let us say that ADR is brought into WWE because WWE want a connection with Latin Americans who will subscribe to the network. Given that ADR was very vocal about how and why he left WWE and his salary is already out there, I wonder if the community that he is meant to appeal to will actually support him, or just see him as a hypocrite.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu Oct 29, 2015 3:08 pm

Per WO:

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there has been a big change at the top of the food chain at Destination America. Mark Etkind, who had been the station’s General Manager, moved to take a similar role with The Science Channel a few weeks ago. Jane Latman is now the new General Manager and is currently evaluating all programming on the network.

At this time, ROH’s run is set to end in December, when their deal ends. TNA will reportedly be off of the network in January. Recently, an advertiser was looking at buying time on the network in early 2016 specifically on the wrestling shows and was told at the time (before Etkind left the GM position last month) that they would not be having any wrestling on the station. Because both wrestling shows do well above the station average, a new person in charge could change the futures for both TNA and Ring of Honor. More on the story as it develops.

by Prometheus Thu Oct 29, 2015 3:54 pm

I could see them reviewing the ROH deal. From what I heard reported, it seemed a low risk / low money item for DA. And it has an upside for ROH, giving them reach into territories that their Sinclair TV deal does and synergy then with house shows and PPVs.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:30 pm

Per good old Meltzy

Former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar will be wrestling on a major house show on Dec. 19 at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

The match is part of his new contract where, besides a few PPV and television shows, he agreed to work scattered house shows. In the past, all of his house show appearances (July at Sumo Hall in Tokyo against Kofi Kingston and October in Madison Square Garden against Big Show) also became WWE Network live special events.

WWE has not run the Forum in recent memory as the L.A. Sports Arena, Honda Center and Staples Center have been the venues of choice in the Los Angeles and Orange County area over the last two decades.

There is advertising out listing both John Cena and Lesnar for the 12/19 date, indicatating Cena will be returning a week before his prior first advertised date of Dec. 26 as MSG, making this a pretty big house show.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu Oct 29, 2015 11:45 pm

http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/christopher-biff-busick-girard-interview-28085434

by Samo Fri Oct 30, 2015 1:33 pm

Undertaker has been booked for the Smackdown taping in ~~London~~ Manchester later in the year. If I were nearby I would snap up a ticket as its likely the last chance you'll get to see him.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri Oct 30, 2015 3:24 pm

I think it's Manchester

by Samo Fri Oct 30, 2015 4:02 pm

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:I think it's Manchester

My mistake, I have updated the post.

by Prometheus Sat Oct 31, 2015 9:06 pm

Adam D wrote:Apparently ADR was offered a guaranteed $1.4m per year downside.

Obviously racism does have a price.

Seems ADR worked Dave on that report, and his downside is about a third of that. Which still seems really good money.

by Prometheus Mon Nov 02, 2015 10:02 am

TNA let their Director of Touring go. Which kind of makes me think that I should check ebay and see if Dixie is selling a load of chocolate fireguards.

by **Hero** Mon Nov 02, 2015 12:10 pm

They've never recovered since letting their Director of Chaos go, without someone directing it, well, it's just been chaotic!

by dyrewolfe Mon Nov 02, 2015 1:59 pm

Hero wrote:They've never recovered since letting their Director of Chaos go, without someone directing it, well, it's just been chaotic!

They've never recovered since they let Eric Bischoff, Hogan and Sting (and all the other old-timers) go! Run

They were supposed to be the new WCW dammit! Wink

Also, directed chaos sounds like an oxymoron, if ever I heard one (and Director of Chaos sounds like a comic book supervillain).

by Samo Mon Nov 02, 2015 2:05 pm

Sting painting Hogans face was the beginning of the end.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Mon Nov 02, 2015 5:15 pm

In one of his most revealing interviews since leaving WWE more than a year ago, Dave Bautista opened up about butting heads with WWE management, a “state of confusion” creatively, and WWE being “very controlling.”:

Some entertainment reporter wrote:Despite all that, Batista says he would still return to WWE in-between movie gigs. But, just to do house shows, like Chris Jericho, to avoid “skipping all of the red tape” and “bulls—.”

“At the end of the day I love WWE and I’ve proven that I wouldn’t wrestle anywhere else. I feel like wrestling anywhere else is a step down. I love the company and I will always be appreciative for what they’ve done for me. I would love to go back, it’s just they’re just really hard to deal with and right now my passion is acting – I love it – and I’m pursuing it,” Bautista told entertainment reporter Chris Van Vliet during an interview promoting his role in the new Bond movie “Spectre.”

“But if the opportunity comes up and they were a little more flexible with me as far as creative, I’d love to. But also, I would do it in a heartbeat – without big money, I don’t want a limited schedule. If they would allow me to go back and just do house shows I’d be all over it. Because then you just skip all of the red tape and you don’t have to deal with the writers and all that bulls—. Just go back and do your thing, and my thing is wrestling. Wresters. Audience. Ring. That’s all I want.”

When Bautista returned to WWE at the start of 2014, he says that he knew things were not going to work out because of broken promises and WWE force-feeding him as a babyface when he wanted to play heel. Bautista did not name names when it came to individuals who pushed for certain ideas, but he pointed the finger at the collective braintrust of WWE.

“I was just constantly butting heads with them creatively, which is something we talked about well beforehand and I was promised things that weren’t delivered to me. For one, I didn’t want to go back as a babyface. I said it’s not going to work, they don’t want to see me as a babyface. Nobody wants to see Batista as a babyface. I’m the worst babyface ever. But I’m a good heel, I know how to be a heel, I’m comfortable being a heel and the fans want me to be a heel. But they tried to shove me down everybody’s throats, and they rebelled,” Bautista said, stopping short of referencing the simultaneous rise of Daniel Bryan, the leader of a fan uprising.

“They (fans) are not idiots and they don’t like it and they don’t want it. So, it just makes them rebel more. Then it became a state of confusion where they didn’t know what they wanted to do with me so they’d just send me out every week regurgitating the same crap and it was just horrible. After I had finally been there for a few months where I found my niche, when people started reacting to me in a positive way, I had to go and fulfill my (movie) obligations with Marvel.”

Bautista said he learned a lesson about standing his ground, which is something “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson shared with him from balancing WWE and movies.

“I always found it amazing that he was actually able to go from film to wrestling and back to film to wrestling, and he described it as quicksand especially with the company, WWE because they are very controlling. They’re not the easiest company to deal with,” Bautista said.

“And he said don’t get caught in the quicksand, you’re not trapped here, you have to be strong and have to stand your ground. If this is what you want to do, you have to make it known and you’re not going to deviate from that plan. And that’s what I did when I went back for my short stint with WWE. He helped me make it work.”

by Prometheus Mon Nov 02, 2015 8:44 pm

Prometheus wrote:
Adam D wrote:Apparently ADR was offered a guaranteed $1.4m per year downside.

Obviously racism does have a price.
Seems ADR worked Dave on that report, and his downside is about a third of that. Which still seems really good money.

Konnan is often not the most reliable source. But he has been saying that WWE sent 10 talent scouts to Mexico and the only name they came back with was La Sombra. Which, if anywhere near true, is an indication of the narrow field of type of wrestler that WWE is looking for, i.e. no mask and 6' tall.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Mon Nov 02, 2015 8:52 pm

Prometheus wrote:
Prometheus wrote:
Adam D wrote:Apparently ADR was offered a guaranteed $1.4m per year downside.

Obviously racism does have a price.
Seems ADR worked Dave on that report, and his downside is about a third of that. Which still seems really good money.

Konnan is often not the most reliable source. But he has been saying that WWE sent 10 talent scouts to Mexico and the only name they came back with was La Sombra. Which, if anywhere near true, is an indication of the narrow field of type of wrestler that WWE is looking for, i.e. no mask and 6' tall.

To be fair, if they were going for smaller and masked they have Sin Cara or, in the realms of more talent, Kalisto. Clearly they can't work out how to make a small wrestler seem "bigger" so just went with Del Rio.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu Nov 05, 2015 10:53 am

From Wrestling Observer:

NJPW and ROH's bond is said to be closer than ever and they're working more closely together, so much so that New Japan want their relationship to bring ROH and CMLL together too which is why as of now no ROH star is allowed to take bookings in AAA, so if AAA do another Lucha Libre World Cup, ROH won't be represented. Roderick Strong took a booking for AAA, happening next week, before he signed his new ROH contract so he may still honor it.

New Japan want the ROH World Championship defended at Wrestle Kingdom X and the currently papered plan is Jay Lethal vs. Michael Elgin, but things could change depending on the outcome of Lethal/Styles and if Elgin goes elsewhere before that. Elgin's ROH contract expired last week but he will continue working for ROH. WWE are interested in him because he like others can appeal to niche audiences WWE want to appeal to with NXT. Him being Tanahashi's tag team partner in the upcoming NJPW Tag League says a lot about Elgin in WWE's eyes.

by **Hero** Thu Nov 05, 2015 10:58 am

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:From Wrestling Observer:

NJPW and ROH's bond is said to be closer than ever and they're working more closely together, so much so that New Japan want their relationship to bring ROH and CMLL together too which is why as of now no ROH star is allowed to take bookings in AAA, so if AAA do another Lucha Libre World Cup, ROH won't be represented. Roderick Strong took a booking for AAA, happening next week, before he signed his new ROH contract so he may still honor it.

New Japan want the ROH World Championship defended at Wrestle Kingdom X and the currently papered plan is Jay Lethal vs. Michael Elgin, but things could change depending on the outcome of Lethal/Styles and if Elgin goes elsewhere before that. Elgin's ROH contract expired last week but he will continue working for ROH. WWE are interested in him because he like others can appeal to niche audiences WWE want to appeal to with NXT. Him being Tanahashi's tag team partner in the upcoming NJPW Tag League says a lot about Elgin in WWE's eyes.

#hipster

by Prometheus Thu Nov 05, 2015 11:20 am

After a shaky start, the New Japan and ROH bond has been building. Delirious said at the G1 climax that ROH would be touring Japan next year.

Elgin was so desperate to get into G1 and got so well over on that run, that I'd be absolutely stunned if he chose WWE/NXT when a New Japan / Ring of Honor gig is on the table.

With New Japan World available, WK10 will not be on US PPV. I think the English Language commentary on the recent King of Pro Wrestling was a clear trial for WK10. Now, because they will not be constrained by US PPV they can go long on this. Like 4.5 to 5 hours wouldn't surprise me, so you can put in a ROH World Title easily in that match.

I'm not really in the know about CMLL. But even I can see 3 obvious things there. Barbaro Cavernario at the Super Juniors. Mascara Dorado (who I think has been really underused on his New Japan run) and we've got Naito & Los Ingobernables (Founding member La Sombre was reportedly the only guy in Japan 10 WWE scouts found worth talking about).

The other moving part to take note of is British Wrestling. New Japan did the Summer Sizzler and then really loaded the cards of Uprising and Global Wars with their talent, to an extent where I can only believe it was a joint booking of RevPro and New Japan. If there was a link that brought Zack Sabre Junior, Will Ospreay and Marty Scurll into the whole shebang that would be interesting.

I think the long and the short of it is that New Japan are a little annoyed that WWE doesn't see them as a competitor. And New Japan have been open about that in the response to WWE wanting to put their programming on the WWE Network and I think New Japan IMO have it right, they have a better wrestling product, but WWE is way, way better at business.

The top stars at New Japan (Nakamura, Ishii, Tanahashi, Ibushi, even AJ). With the exception of Okada these guys are not getting any younger, but are as over as they've ever been in the west. They've had a really open look on using Western wrestlers, look at how AJ was shot to the top of their roster, or how ReDRagon are booked. If they can pull together ROH, CMLL, and a couple of other promotions, this is what GFW was trying to do, but will be orders of magnitude better and might, be the only threat there could be to WWE by having everyone else get together.

by Prometheus Tue Nov 10, 2015 11:07 am

Talk that Big Damo and Tommy End are at NXT try outs, along with Toni Storm, Nikki Storm and Nina Samuels.

Also heard that Gionna Daddio teamed with Carmella at a live NXT event. Gionna is Enzo's partner. I think a 4 (or even 5) person NJ faction could be interesting.

by Fernando Thu Nov 12, 2015 11:55 am

by Kay Fabe Thu Nov 12, 2015 1:54 pm

Haha that's brilliant, felt all very 1990ish, excellent though, was that Brad freeking Maddox? That guy is seriously underused.

by Samo Thu Nov 12, 2015 2:00 pm

Because Frak Kayfabe

by Kay Fabe Thu Nov 12, 2015 2:39 pm

Samo wrote:Because Frak Kayfabe

Kayfabe was strong as hell in the 80s and early 90s, this kinda thing was done frequently

by Marky Thu Nov 12, 2015 3:54 pm

John Cena v Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is rumoured for Wrestlemania.

Rolling Eyes

by Dr Gregory House MD Thu Nov 12, 2015 4:02 pm

Marky wrote:John Cena v Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is rumoured for Wrestlemania.

Sounds pretty good

I'd prefer Cena vs Taker though

by Prometheus Thu Nov 12, 2015 4:18 pm

Cena vs Reigns should be fine. Cena usually manages to pull out a big performance at a big show. The problem with the match is that unless Reigns turns to somehow take HHH's offer during this tournament, that is face / face. And I don't see Vince booking that.

I'd be surprised if WWE had enough faith in Owens to let him main event their biggest ever Mania. So, if Reigns is still face it seems most likely that either there is a continuation of the HHH story and he faces Reigns, or Brock comes back onto the scene. I think if they really want to push Reigns they have him go over Brock in the WM main event.

The Taker match will be interesting. Taker / Mania / Texas. Where do they put that match on the card? Is it Taker's retirement match? If so, does he face a legend like Cena, HHH or Sting, or does he put someone over? In my fantasy booking Daniel Bryan comes back. Retirement match with Taker and Taker wins.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Thu Nov 12, 2015 4:54 pm

I'd heard it was Cena v Taker. Not really sure why Cena v Reigns is a problem, I'd imagine it to be a quite brilliant match.

Gotta say though, Vince has booked face/face before.

My feeling right now is that with the gimmicks as they are Balor should be retiring Kane or Taker.

by Kay Fabe Thu Nov 12, 2015 7:20 pm

I think Taker/Cena is always talked about this time of year so you have to imagine they'll want to pull the trigger on it sometime but I'm not sure this match has the lust behind it now as it would have if the Streak was still in tact.

I can't help think this is Takers swan song, all these Appearances, almost like a farewell tour so in that sense I think it has to be Cena

by Samo Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:18 am

Today marks 10 years since Eddie Guerrero passed. 10 bloody years.

by **Hero** Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:09 am

God rest the Wrestling Queen of Hearts rose

by Fernando Fri Nov 13, 2015 8:31 pm

In a round up of news

NXT London to be shown live on the network, It shall also launch it Germany in January for $9.99 (frak you WWE)

Billy Gunn has been fired over drugs when a drug test revealed a 37-1 testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, well over the 4-1 limit

by Prometheus Sun Nov 15, 2015 7:47 am

UFC193:

by Samo Sun Nov 15, 2015 8:15 am

Prometheus wrote:
UFC193:

Spoiler:

by Prometheus Sun Nov 15, 2015 9:11 am

Samo wrote:
Prometheus wrote:
UFC193:

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

by Kay Fabe Sun Nov 15, 2015 2:30 pm

Samo wrote:
Prometheus wrote:
UFC193:

Spoiler:

You're kidding right? Thats what can happen in legit sport, Ali, Tyson and Lesnar all lost in high profile fights, many were to big underdogs too, that doesn't define how they're perceived in those circles

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sun Nov 15, 2015 3:34 pm

Plus shes a huge star.

by Adam D Mon Nov 16, 2015 2:15 pm

Brooke Tessmacher has left TNA.

by Prometheus Mon Nov 16, 2015 4:09 pm

Adam D wrote:Brooke Tessmacher has left TNA.

I'm seeing reports on Twitter that Bram has re-signed Whistle

by Prometheus Mon Nov 16, 2015 7:55 pm

ROH switching to the COMET TV channel beginning of Dec, when the DA deal expires.

by Adam D Tue Nov 17, 2015 9:00 am

Tazz is claiming that the Ronda Rousey fight was predetermined as she wanted time off:

"Why are some people not seeing this? This has been done in the wrestling industry for years. A guy or girl is going to take a break or go away, or has an injury that they have to tend to, whatever the reasons are, and they're a champion - you take the championship off of them. You do not want your champion sitting home or making a movie, 'Roadhouse 2' or whatever Rousey's going to do, or whatever Rousey's going to do, or just needs a personal break, which she's earned. This girl's earned it. But you don't want that person sitting home for five, six, seven months with that championship. It's bad for business! Take the belt off her!," Taz said

See Also: WINC Podcast (11/15): Ronda Rousey Knocked Out At UFC 193, What Was To Blame?

While Taz remained steadfast in that he thought the fight was a work, he said he wasn't sure if both fighters were actually in on the work or not.

"Yes, I saw it too," Taz said. "And many other people on the card got punched in the face, and kicked in the chest, and stomped on the head. And the bulk of all those fights you're watching are legit, finish and everything, no doubt. But the bigger bouts, just like in boxing, the finish is predetermined. Now, here's the other little catch for you: not each of the fighters is in on the work! Unlike pro wrestling, it's a shoot. Not each fighter is in on the work. I'm tellin' ya."

Taz continued, saying that he thought the entire last series between Holm and Rousey was a big part of the work. It's worth noting that the UFC, their promoters, the referee, and both fighters would be at the risk of major punishment -- and likely a lifetime ban -- in the event that a fight was worked.

"If you look at the actual K.O. – now, she did get nailed, Rousey, with several shots before the finish of the fight. Nothing that was like 'oh my god,' but she got popped a few times. But if you look at the actual knockout, as Rousey, she went for kind of a lazy punch or something – not lazy but she kind of missed – and as she spun to turn around her back was kind of turned to Holm. And as she slowly turned, a high round kick, I believe it was the left foot, or left leg of Holm, catches Rousey, drops Rousey, and then Holm grounds and pounds for three shots – boom, boom, boom. Ref gets in the middle, fight's over, new champion Holly Holm. I'm telling you right now, that whole series, was the work. And I'm not sure who was in on it and who wasn't but I know this much: the ref probably wasn't in on it. Maybe he was I don't know. Rousey was in on it – and again, this is all my opinion. Holm might not have been in on it."

by Prometheus Tue Nov 17, 2015 10:17 am

That's an interesting take from Tazz. I recorded the fight last night, so hope to give it a watch this evening.

by talkingpoint Tue Nov 17, 2015 10:33 am

I have no doubt match fixing exists in MMA as sadly it does in every sport (it seems). Where there's money to be made then it'll happen. But when "working a fight" means having to take a vicious head kick and face planting the mat with a sickening thud, I'd take pro wrestling every day over MMA!

by XR Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:48 pm

From what I have read and what people have said in interviews, PRIDE in Japan was pretty much staged.

I think she just got KO'ed. Dana would be an idiot to bluff a fight, his whole business would go under in a heartbeat as people would question how legitimate UFC really is.

She just caught and that's her done. She'll have a rematch in the new year, win/lose she's done with UFC

by President Trump Tue Nov 17, 2015 2:31 pm

There was a lot of fight fixing in Pride due to their close ties with the Yakuza as for Taz's claims I don't think Ronda getting KTFO was a work, even if the UFC wanted to get the belt off her if she had a movie coming out and would be tied up for a few months I doubt her or any fighter in her position (unbeaten) would agree to lose

by Sponsored content