Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
WWE
WWE AUSTRALIA TOUR LINEUP
Locally advertised for the upcoming WWE tour of Australia is:
*Street Fight with Special Guest Referee Ric Flair: Roman Reigns vs. Kane
*Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt
*WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The Wyatt Family's Luke Harper and Erik Rowan
*United States Champions Sheamus vs. Rob Van Dam vs Cesaro
*Santino Marella and Emma vs. Fandango and Layla
*R-Truth vs. The Miz
*Nikki Bella vs. Alicia Fox *Kofi Kingston vs. Bo Dallas
THE ROCK TALKS ORIGINAL PLANS FOR WRESTLEMANIA 30...AND 31
The Rock appeared on Sports Nation last night and discussed the idea of returning to a WWE ring. He noted that the original plan was to wrestle Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 30 and then possibly return for a rematch at Wrestlemania 31, but his injury changed plans:
Rock also noted that he and Vince McMahon have discussed the idea of returning for another match but they have to find the right opponent and see who would have the "marquee" value against Rock like Brock or John Cena.
Rock noted there are some upcoming guys there right now, naming "his cousin" Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt.
CM PUNK MERCHANDISE PULLED FROM WWE WEBSITE
With CM Punk having been moved to the Alumni section of WWE.com, WWE officially pulled all Punk-related merchandise sections from their WWEShop.com website as of midnight. Additionally, all searches for his merchandise result in no items being found.
Punk related items can still be found by going through different merchandise areas, but all direct listings have been removed.
Thanks to Dany Garcia for sending that along.
WWE PRESS RELEASE FOR THEIR NBC WRESTLEMANIA SPECIAL
“WRESTLEMANIA® 30: THE WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERE†TO AIR ON NBC SUNDAY, AUG. 3
Hourlong Telecast to Feature Iconic WWE® Personalities Including Hulk Hogan™, John Cena®, “Stone Cold™†Steve Austin and The Rock®
NEW YORK – July 16, 2014 – NBC and WWE are bringing WrestleMania® to network television Sunday, Aug. 3 (7-8 p.m. ET) with “WrestleMania 30: The World Television Premiere.†For the sixth year in a row, this special will allow fans to relive moments celebrating 30 years of the world’s most popular sports entertainment extravaganza.
The one-hour broadcast will feature the return of pop culture icons and WWE legends Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold†Steve Austin and The Rock, as well as highly-anticipated matches, including John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt™, and Undertaker® defending his epic WrestleMania undefeated streak against former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar™.
On April 6, WWE's annual pop-culture extravaganza sold-out the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans with more than 75,000 fans from all 50 states and 37 countries in attendance. WrestleMania 30, grossing $10.9 million, broke the record for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome's highest grossing entertainment event, which was broadcast worldwide in more than 100 countries and 20 languages and reached a record 1 million households in the U.S. on WWE Network and pay-per-view combined.
WWE STOCK JUMPS THANKS TO NEW BUYOUT SPECULATION
WWE's stock went up to $13 on 7/17, the highest it has been in months. The stock rose due to renewed speculation that the company could end up merging with a larger entertainment entity, according to financial website SeekingAlpha.com.
While there has been no concrete evidence that the McMahon family is even seeking such a merger, 21st Century FOX's offer to buy Time-Warner led to speculation on other entertainment properties.
The report, which you can read here, also noted that the WWE Network is attractive to entertainment distributors, while noting the service's performance thus far "has not dazzled."
NEWS AND NOTES
On 7/17 on Vince McMahon tweeted the following, "#WWE2K15 with @Sting. Does art imitate life? http://t.co/vrlgCsbsis pic.twitter.com/wfrK6sCazp"
For what it's worth, Sting told TMZ that he hasn't signed a wrestling contract with WWE yet, but he wants to. He reiterated he would like to wrestle The Undertaker at WrestleMania 31 and that time is running out on his career. With all the smoke about him working at Mania next year, I would be really surprised if it didn't happen.
WWE.com posted their weekly HHH video. In it he talks about Sting joining WWE. Again, where there's smoke..... You can watch it by clicking here.
WWE.com also has an interview with Dean Ambrose where he talks about the over-the-edge aspect of his character, which you can read by clicking here.
The Pensacola News Journal has an interview with Roman Reigns, who is returning to wrestle in his hometown tonight for WWE. You can read it by clicking here.
Steven Fernandes sent these items.
WWE.com has an interview with Triple H, Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, and Cesaro talking about Kenta joining WWE. You can watch it by clicking here.
R-Truth has signed on with talent management company Advanced Management for representation. They have also signed Maria Kanellis.
John Cena is not advertised for the July 21 post-Battleground RAW in Miami, FL nor 8/4 Raw in Austin, Texas so it appears he will be missing two of the four Raw TVs building to SummerSlam.
Cena is currently filming the Judd Apatow film "Trainwreck" and will also miss the WWE Australia tour due to filming commitments.
Hulk Hogan will be the guest host of the final episode of Raw before Summerslam on 8/11 in Portland, Oregon at the Moda Center. Also, The SAP Center website is advertising Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair as hosts for the WWE Live Event on 8/16, the night before SummerSlam.
While the search for CM Punk on the WWEShop.com website no longer results in any findings for Punk, an area for him under WWE Alumni has now been added.
For those of you who watched Main Event, Miz read a letter that was a parody of the letter Lebron James released announcing he was "returning home" to Cleveland. The full transcript was posted on the WWE website at this link.
Stars and Stripes featured a piece on the recent WWE tour at this link.
The 9/5 WWE event in Terra Haute, Indiana will go on sale this weekend.
Bad News Barrett and Rosa Mendes will be signing on 9/6 from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Comcast Connecticut Women's Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center (100 Columbus Blvd) Hartford, CT. There is a paid admission for the Expo.
Kane will be promoting "See No Evil 2" at Horror Hound Weekend on 9/6 in Indianapolis.
The Hollywood premiere of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” will be this Monday 7/21 at 9:30 PM Eastern/6:30 PM Pacific. Marvel will be live streaming the red carpet ceremonies, which will obviously include Batista, at this link. Dave Bautista (he is billed under his real name) is third from the top in the cast billing, under Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana.
CM Punk’s WWE contract is believed to officially expire today, which would be three years to the day he won the WWE title from John Cena at the Money in the Bank PPV in Chicago in 2011. So, the stories of Punk signing a new deal backstage before his match that night would appear to be 100% true.
TheMotleyFool.com financial website featured a piece on how WWE can acquire the 1.4 million Network subscribers they are seeking at this link.
Jason Albert has relocated to Florida and is working out of the Performance Center with NXT talents as well as announcing.
The Latin Times featured a piece on WWE’s upcoming Mexico tour with comments from Rosa Mendes and Cesaro at this link.
Beyond the Mexico, WWE is slated to run Bogota, Colombia on 10/15 and Quito, Ecuador on 10/16.
Triple H's latest Wednesday interview with Michael Cole to further WWE storylines featured a discussion of former NWA, WCW and TNA champion Sting. Cole brought up the WWE 2K15 game. HHH said that "one of the biggest legends in the history of the industry" would finally be in a WWE game. When asked whether Sting would end up inside a WWE ring, HHH commented, "It's an interesting question. There's been a lot of speculation over the years. Over the years, I heard Bruno Sammartino would never be part of the WWE again. I heard The Ultimate Warrior would never be part of WWE again. Over the years, I heard it said that Sting would never be in WWE. There's one thing I will say, Never say never, when it's best for business."
Seth Rollins announced on 7/16 he and Marek Brave would be opening a training academy "Black and Brave Training" in Moline, Illinois. For complete details, visit www.http://blackandbravewrestling.com.
Sting and Hulk Hogan will be signing and doing photos together for the first time ever on Sunday 7/27 in San Diego at a special signing being promoted by American Icon Autographs. Hogan will also be signing alone on 7/26. For complete details, visit www.AmericanIconAutographs.com.
Expect a ton of promotion for The Rock's "Hercules" film over the next two weeks as he will be all over the place promoting it. He pulled out a Touchdown Dance while appearing on ESPN at this link.
Rock also reunited with Jonathan Coachman, doing an interview for ESPN Radio on 7/15.
Cesaro and Rosa Mendes were in Mexico City on 7/16 promoting the company's return to the country this October.
Nikki Bella was interviewed by The Daily Star at this link.
The 9/14 WWE live event in Boston, MA has a online pre-sale starting today at Ticketmaster.com using code WWELIVE.
Darren Young announced he would be included in the WWE 2K15 roster. Now if we could only get the Four Horsemen....
Eric Sturrock sent the following....On yesterday's episode of ABC's "General Hospital", Tracy Quartermaine vists her maid Alice who is in the hospital (due to her having a heart attack and needing a new heart as her heart is failing). On the show, Alica is also said to be a former professional wrestler called "The Dominator". Tracy enters Alice's hospital room holding the May edition of WWE Magazine with Undertaker on the cover. Tracy hands Alice a Muscle & Fitness magazine with David Otunga on the cover from November 2013 and looking confused says "This one has David Otunga on the cover, he's your favorite right?" Alice smiles and says "That is!"
AL.com featured an interview with "Big Gold Belt" author Dick Bourne about his book at this link. You can order the book, which is great, at www.thebiggoldbelt.com.
Here's the latest extended trailer for Rock's "Hercules" -
AL.com featured a piece on Mick Foley's one man show in Huntsville, Alabama at click here.
Speaking of Rock, he was filming a scene for the new film "San Andreas" in San Francisco yesterday, The local NBC affiliate had a piece on the filming which you can check out by clicking here.
You can read Richard Trionfo's NXT report by clicking here.
You can read Richard Trionfo's Superstars report by clicking here.
You can read Richard Trionfo's Smackdown report by clicking here.
You can read our 7/18 NXT TV taping report from by clicking here. You can read AT Swiss' thoughts from the 7/18 NXT TV taping by clicking here.
You can read our 7/18 house show report from Pensacola, FL by clicking here.
WWE's released "United We Slam: The Best of the Great American Bash" yesterday on DVD. I've been watching the first disc today as I work and there is a TON of great wrestling on it. The next major DVD releases are the Paul Heyman documentary on 8/5 and OMG! WCW's Most Controversial Moments. I've heard of talk of a OMG! ECW DVD for next year.
The Undertaker visited one of Mick Foley's comedy shows in Texas in the last few days. He did not, obviously, appear on stage.
WWE ran a piece on their website about the Brad Maddox "trapped in a cave" videos, which they claimed were his way of trying to get a rise out of the fans. You can watch the latest one at this link.
WWE has launched a new kid's game on their Slam City website at this link.
Actor Manu Bennett, currently on "Arrow" discussed his time appearing in several WWE Studios films with The Miami Herald at this link.
Brian Fritz sent the following.
NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte talk with Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com about speaking to students at a recent WWE “Be a Star” rally in Orlando and being a part of the community, her emotional match against Natalya at the “Takeover” special on the WWE Network where she won the title, the pressure of being Ric Flair’s daughter in the wrestling business, when she decided that she wanted to give wrestling a try, her WWE debut match this past weekend at Madison Square Garden and more.
You can watch the interview at http://www.betweentheropes.com/2014/07/17/nxt-womens-champion-charlotte-talking-kids-family-pressure/
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
On sharing the moment with her father Ric Flair when she won the NXT Women's Title at Takeover:
I really don't have the words. It was so special. I mean, to follow in my dad's footsteps. I think if anyone's followed my father's career, they truly know how passionate he is about sports entertainment. And to be able to carry on his legacy in my own way and to win the NXT Women's Championship, it just meant the world to me. I know how much his legacy, hard work, sacrifice and his love for his fans and the WWE Universe that he put into them. And to know that I'm representing his brand that he worked on for so long means a lot to me. So I just want to do it justice and I felt that pressure that night. I think it went really well. No matter how grand the stage is, he be proud of me. But to win my first title with there, was special.
On her WWE debut at Madison Square Garden this past weekend:
Heck of a way to start your main roster debut. It was amazing. While Sasha Banks and I started pretty much at the same time and to have her tagging with me was special in itself. But Madison Squarer Garden has so much history and tradition. And to walk out there and know that I was making history within that building and having my dad there and being on the same card as him, that's what made it special. Like his name was on there, I was on there. But facing Natalya again, that was pretty awesome too. That was the first time I faced her since Takeover and obviously going up against Nikki (Bella) too. Also, what was so cool, they (the crowd) knew who we were. Walking out there playing our little package and knowing us made you feel like even more like a superstar like NXT means business.
NXT superstar Sami Zayn talks to Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com about speaking to kids at the WWE “Be a Star” rally in Orlando where he and others talked about bullying prevention, waiting him time to be called up to the WWE main roster, being a part of NXT, the pressure on his match against Cesaro at the “Arrival” event which was the first live broadcast on the WWE Network, the feedback he has received from Triple H, crowd chants, being a Seth Rogan lookalike, KENTA signing with the company and more.
You can watch the interview at http://www.betweentheropes.com/2014/07/17/sami-zayn-message-kids-fully-invested-nxt/
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
On feedback from Triple H after his match with Cesaro at "Arrival":
It was awesome. If I'm being honest again, actually the first time that I got that kind of feedback from HHH was actually the two out of three falls match (with Cesaro), which had been about a year, nine months prior to the Arrival match. So we had this match, now has gotten a lot of talk, buzz or whatever it is. As I was in the ring and the crowd was like just going nuts, giving us this standing ovation, which was so cool. And as I was on my back, out of the corner of my eye, I kinda saw the replaying some of the highlights of the match and the crowd with each replay started getting louder and louder to the point by the time they were replaying the finish, it was another standing ovation. So it was actually one of the most incredible moments of my career. Just to lay flat on my back and just hear them continually getting louder way after the match. And they (crowd) start chanting match of the year, match of the year and I haven't told anybody this on camera or anything like this. I really didn't know how that reaction was going to go over. At this point, I was fairly new to the WWE system. I didn't know if I overextended myself, if we had done more than they wanted, I don't know. I really didn't know. And then we came back and I had no idea what to expect, I really didn't. I thought I'd get chewed out over like what the hell are you doing out there? I really didn't know. And I got back there and HHH was the first one to pull us aside. He said that was awesome. He gave us a very candid speech. That was the first time I got insight into his mind and the way his mind works. I was so happy because yes, its not gunna be this like, I have my vision. the office has their vision. It was this guy who likes good stuff and he appreciates good stuff. And it was an amazing experience and amazing thing validated by a guy who is not only your boss, but as one of the most accomplished and greatest professional wrestlers/WWE superstars of all time. It was really cool to have him on your good side for sure.
On KENTA signing with the company and training soon at the Performance Center:
I'm very excited. There's a lot of good talent coming in, a lot of my kind of guys, world traveled, workrate, nose to the grindstone, gritty sort of passionate guys, which is what I personally believe in. Its great to see these guys get an opportunity. KENTA's just been busting his butt for so long and killing it for so long. Its great to see him get an opportunity like this. I am really looking forward to hopefully wrestling him because I actually never have. I was supposed to wrestle him once, but he went down with a knee injury. I teamed with him a couple of times, but I've never actually had a one on one match with him. I look forward to that opportunity.
NXT superstar Tyler Breeze talks with Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com about appearing at a Be a Star anti-bulling rally in Orlando and giving some tips and words of encouragement to the students, how his character has grown over the last year in NXT, his outstanding match against Sami Zayn at the live WWE Network “Takeover” show in May, how much grooming he does, where he gets his outfits, selfies and more.
Watch the entire video interview at http://www.betweentheropes.com/2014/07/17/tyler-breeze-talks-wwe-star-rally-taking-steps-foward-career/
NXT champion Adrian Neville talks with Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com about be a part of the WWE ‘Be a Star’ rally in Orlando speaking with students about bullying prevention, one funny answer he got from students while he was talking to them, being the NXT champion, the pressure on him and Bo Dallas for their ladder match back at the “Arrival” show in February which was the first live event on the WWE Network, comparing where he originally trained to wrestle to the Performance Center where he and the other NXT stars train, the growth of the NXT brand, being a part of the WWE’s recent tour of Japan and more.
Watch the entire video interview at http://www.betweentheropes.com/2014/07/17/adrian-neville-on-be-a-star-rally-being-nxt-champion/
TNA
TNA CHAMPION RETURNING TO MMA
Bobby Lashley, the current TNA champion, will return to competing in MMA at a 9/5 Bellator MMA event in Uncasville, CT.
Lashley is set to fight Josh Burns at the event. If he is still TNA champion when the fight takes place, he would be the first champion from a nationally broadcast wrestling promotion to fight MMA while holding the top belt for a promotion.
TNA issued the following:
TNA World Champion Lashley Signs With Bellator; Set to Fight on September 5th at Bellator 123
We are excited to announce that TNA World Heavyweight Champion LASHLEY has signed a deal with Bellator MMA and is set to make his debut on September 5th at Bellator 123. Lashley (10-2) will face Josh Burns (8-7) in a heavyweight clash.
The Bellator 123 card will be headlined by a Featherweight Title fight between Pat Curran and Patricio Pitbull. TNA and Bellator superstar King Mo will also compete on the card, making this a can’t miss event for any TNA or MMA fan!
Bellator 123 takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut on September 5th and will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on Spike TV!
TNA HARDCORE JUSTICE LOCATION AND DATE
The 2014 TNA Hardcore Justice event will be taped at the 8/5 Impact Wrestling taping at the Manhattan Center in NYC.
TNA has announced the show will feature the Six Sides of Steel. Based on what was taped at the last NYC taping, Abyss vs. Bram in a big hardcore match is also set for the show.
NEWS AND NOTES
You can read Stu Carapola's Impact report by clicking here.
The 7/17 edition of Impact did 1,403,000 viewers, up from last week's 1,284,000 viewers and the company's best number since April.
You can read our 7/18 house show report from Louisville, KY by clicking here.
Beyond TNA champion Bobby Lashley returning to MMA, as we noted above, the 9/5 Bellator event in Uncasville, CT will also feature King Mo’s return to the cage. Mo will be returning to TNA TV in a few weeks.
The six-sided ring officially returns tonight on Impact Wrestling. The promotion has been using the traditional four sided ring on house shows.
TNA drew 725 in Jamestown, NY on 7/11 and 1,100 in Niles, Ohio on 7/12. Niles would have been the best non-TV taping live attendance for the promotion in several months.
TNA is running Friday 7/18 in Louisville, Kentucky at Slugger Field and 7/19 in Lexington, Kentucky at Whitaker Bank Ballpark with TNA champion Bobby Lashley vs. Eric Young, Bully Ray vs. EC3 (with Rockstar Spud) in a Tables Match, TNA Tag Team champions The Wolves vs. Mr. Anderson & Gunner vs. The BroMans, TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim vs. Velvet Sky, Magnus vs. Abyss and Samoa Joe vs. Sanada announced. If anyone is attending either event, PWInsider.com is seeking live reports.
The Wolves will be touring Wrestle-1 in Japan the week of 8/23-8/31.
Daisy Marx, who worked in the marketing end of the promotion, is leaving shortly.
After this weekend’s house shows, the next live events are the 8/5, 8/6 and 8/7 TV tapings at the Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom.
Rebel worked last night’s OVW TV Taping on Louisville, Kentucky.
TNA will air an Unfinished Business PPV on Kurt Angle next month.
James Storm, Brooke Tessmacher and Robbie E. were interviewed by The Huffington Post UK while overseas over the weekend for the London Comic Expo at this link.
ROH, DGUSA AND OTHER NEWS
YOU WILL NEVER GUESS WHO RING OF HONOR WAS MEETING WITH on 7/17 IN NYC
Members of Ring of Honor management were in New York City today, meeting with Marvel Comics regarding ways the companies can work together on future potential projects, PWInsider.com has confirmed.
The nature of the projects is currently unknown.
Marvel published a WCW comic book in the early 1990s and have featured wrestling related stories from time to time, dating back to the first appearance of Spider-Man back in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962, where Peter Parker dabbled in wrestling en route to learning that "With great power comes great responsibility."
ROH NEWS AND NOTES
ROH champion Michael Elgin vs. Michael Bennett has been added to Saturday's event in Dearborn, Michigan. The show will be taped for TV.
Announced for the 8/9 TV taping in Philadelphia, PA is ROH TV champion Jay Lethal vs. ACH, ACH's biggest match yet in the promotion.
8/15 in Brooklyn, NY at MCU Field will feature all the titles being defended with AJ Styles and Bad Influence booked on the show. That will be the biggest venue ROH has ever played, to date, in the company's history.
Added to Cincinnati this Friday is Briscoes vs. War Machine for the first time ever.
Ring of Honor issued the following:
UK SUPERSHOW OF HONOR
Coming this November, ROH is teaming up with PCW to present a 2 day, 3 show event showcasing international talent in never before seen matches!
Preston City Wrestling is one of the premier pro wrestling organizations in the United Kingdom and a prefect fit for a partnership with Ring of Honor! They continue to sell out events and present the highest quality talent across the Atlantic.
PCW Owner Steven Fludder ''It is a great achievement for us to make this deal work for both parties and I feel the greatest benefit will be seen by the fans who attend. With interest from all over Europe it will be great to welcome ROH to Preston and show them how hard we try to be the best we can be. Just to be associated with ROH is a massive coup for PCW and we really hope this is just the beginning as we could really help promote each other to overseas markets''
ROH CEO Joe Koff echoed these sentiments: "Ring of Honor takes its claim of being "the best pro wrestling on the planet" seriously and any opportunity to take the talent of ROH to international audiences is one we embrace. PCW is on the cutting edge of pro wrestling in Europe. They were a natural match for ROH and their talent and fans will love what we bring to them in November! We hope this is just the beginning of a new relationship between Ring of Honor and the fans of the UK."
Some of the talent representing ROH and PCW are:
ROH World Champion "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin (ROH)
ROH World Tag Team Champions: reDRagon (Kyle O'Reilly & Bobby Fish)(ROH)
Adam Cole (ROH)
BJ Whitmer (ROH)
Roderick Strong (ROH)
Delirious (ROH)
Mark & Jay Briscoe (ROH)
Martin Kirby (PCW)
Dave Mastiff (PCW)
Dean Allmark (PCW)
El Ligero (PCW)
Kris Travis (PCW)
Dave Rayne (PCW)
Bubblegum (PCW)
Plus More!
Event date
Friday, 28th November 2014 & Saturday 29th November 2014
Venue
Evoque, Church Street, Preston, PR1 3BU
Tickets are available at the PCW website HERE (http://www.prestoncitywrestling.com/shop/november-28-29-tickets-supershow-of-honor) or in person from Harlequins, 52 Manchester Road, Preston, PR1 3YH Preston, United Kingdom. Telephone number - 01772 251336
SCHEDULE:
3 Huge Shows in 2 days plus more where you can get up close and personal with the stars!
Please note that the Friday night after party is restricted to fans 18 and older only.
MEET AND GREET/Q&A ON SATURDAY - Free entry if you have Saturday EVENING tickets. If you have Saturday day and night tickets or full weekend entry you will already have a stamp/wristband and just walk back in and get priority entry over those who need checking in fully. Without Saturday evening tickets you will not be allowed into the meet and greet or Q&A to use your combo tickets.
Friday 28th November
11am - 2pm - Seminars (details coming soon!)
6pm - 10pm UK SUPERSHOW OF HONOR - SHOW 1 - Full Wrestling Show
11pm - 12.30pm Late Night Entertainment (over 18 only)
12:30pm - Late PCW Afterparty (over 18 only). Dress code: no sportswear or hoodies. Featuring "I Am The Tag Team Champions" - Top Wrestling Stand Up Comedy Duo of Chris Brooker and Billy Kirkwood!
Saturday
11:30am - 2:40pm - UK SUPERSHOW OF HONOR - SHOW 2 - Full Wrestling Show
3pm - 4pm - Question and Answer session with the international stars.
4pm - 6pm - Meet and Greet with all the international stars. Use your pre ordered combo tickets here!
6:30pm - 10pm - UK SUPERSHOW OF HONOR - SHOW 3 - Full Wrestling Show
10pm - late PCW AfterParty (over 18 only)
Superticket
Classic Superticket - £130 (including standing tickets all weekend)
Silver Superticket - £140 (including second row seats all weekend)
Gold Superticket - £150 (including front row seats all weekend)
Included in a Superticket is -
Entry ticket for all 3 Wrestling Shows over the weekend
Event T-shirt
Entry into Friday Night Entertainment (over 18 only)
Entry into the Saturday Meet and Greet session and superticket holder only 'queue jumping pass'
1x Autograph and 1x Photo with each of the advertised international talent (worth well over £100)
Limited edition event promo photo pack.
THE SUPERTICKET DEPOSIT OPTION: All the above with a £50 deposit and you just need to pay off the remaining amount before 1st October 2014. Please be aware if you don't clear your balance then your tickets are void. This has proven very popular in the past as a way for people to afford front row seats and experience the full weekend VIP style!
Tickets
General Admission
Show 1 - £17
Show 2 - £15
Show 3 - £20
Second Row
Show 1 - £25
Show 2 - £20
Show 3 - £27
Front Row
Show 1 - £30
Show 2 - £25
Show 3 - £35
Friday Night Late Night Entertainment £7 (advance price or £10 on door) - "I Am The Tag Team Champions" - Top Wrestling Stand Up Comedy Duo of Chris Brooker and Billy Kirkwood!
Weekender Tickets - £50 (includes general admission all weekend and includes the Friday Late Night Entertainment).
Booths - There will be 2 Booths available and each seat six people. These are priced at £350 for the weekend and include six event tshirts and entry for six people for the weekend (including the Friday Entertainment.) The best view in the house!
ROH released the following:
ROH SUMMER HEAT TOUR - DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
Friday, July 18, 2014
The Masonic Center
315 East 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Bell time - 7:30 PM EST
Matches signed:
ROH World Title Championship Match
"Unbreakable" Michael Elgin vs. Roderick Strong
Kevin Steen Farewell Match #2
NO DISQUALIFICATION
“Mr Wrestling†Kevin Steen vs. “The Last Real Man†Silas Young
ROH World TV Title
Jay Lethal w/ Truth Martini vs Romantic Touch
Six Man Tag Team Match
ACH, Cedric Alexander & Caprice Coleman vs. BJ Whitmer, Tadarius Thomas & Adam Page
Tag Team Attraction
The Kingdom (Adam Cole & Michael Bennett w/Maria Kanellis) vs. "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
Other stars signed to appear...
- ROH World Tag Team Champions: reDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly)
- Tommaso Ciampa
- Rocky Romero
- The Decade’s Roderick Strong & Jimmy Jacobs
- Matt Taven
***********************************************************************************
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Ave.
Dearborn, MI 48126
Bell time - 7:30 PM EST
Matches signed include:
Kevin Steen's Final Ring of Honor Match
"Mr Wrestling" Kevin Steen vs "King of Old School" Steve Corino
6 Man Golden Gauntlet
The winner will receive an ROH World Championship match 8/9 in Philadelphia.
Winner receives a future ROH World Tag Team Championship Match
Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs War Machine (Hanson & Rowe) vs Mark & Jay Briscoe vs The Decade's Jimmy Jacobs & BJ Whitmer
First Time Ever
Former World Champion Adam Cole vs Forever Hooligan's Rocky Romero
Former Tag Team Partners Collide
ACH vs Tadarius Thomas
This will be a National TV Taping!!
- ROH World TV Champion: Jay Lethal w/ Truth Martini
- ROH World Tag Team Champions: reDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly)
- The Decade's Roderick Strong & Tadarius Thomas
- Tommaso Ciampa
- Cedric Alexander
- Silas Young
- Matt Taven
- ACH
- Former NFL offensive lineman Quinn “Moose†Ojinnaka
CM PUNK UPDATE
CM Punk will be appearing at a live taping of Chris Hardwick's Nerdist podcast in San Diego, CA on 7/26 at 10:30 PM. The podcast taping is already sold out and is obviously being held in San Diego as part of the annual Comic-Con festivities.
The podcast would be the first full interview discussion Punk has taken part in since his WWE contract ended.
ODD SITUATION INVOLVING EXTREME RISING CHAMPIONSHIP
Steve O'Neill of Extreme Rising issued a press release yesterday, announcing that an advertised match at tonight's Maryland Championship Wrestling Shane Shamrock Memorial featuring MCW champ Matt Hardy vs. Rising champion Luke Hawx would not feature the Rising champion or the title belt - and thanked MCW and Dan McDevitt for their professionalism in that matter.
Rising, since canceling its last events, has apparently attempted to get the physical belt back from Hawx, who defeated Stevie Richards for it on an ECWA event after another Rising event was canceled. This was all part of an angle to create controversy over who was the champion, only to see the promotion cancel more shows and leave Hawx with the belt.
What is interesting about the release is that upon contacting McDevitt, PWInsider.com was told that he's had no communication with O'Neill. McDevitt said the inclusion of the belt was something Matt Hardy pitched since Rising was where the Hardy vs. Hawx feud and this match could potentially be their final encounter.
When contacted by PWInsider.com, Hawx said, "I'd love to see someone try and take my belt. I'd also love to see someone take care of the fan and the wrestlers for those canceled shows."
The release read that Richards was still the Rising champion. When Richards was contacted for comment, his response was, "Here is my statement: I love cats." Richards included the following photo:
For details on MCW's event tonight, visit www.MarylandWrestling.com.
The complete Rising release reads:
EXTREME RISING CHAMPIONSHIP BELT REMOVED FROM MCW EVENT THIS SATURDAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Extreme Rising World Champion and championship belt will not be appearing Saturday, July 19th 2014 for MCW in Joppa, MD thanks to Dan McDevitt and Maryland Championship Wrestling for their cooperation in this matter.
It had come to our attention that a match featuring Wrestling Superstar Matt Hardy and Luke Hawx is being promoted for the Maryland and Extreme Rising Championship World Title.
Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling was never contacted concerning this stipulation. After communicating with Dan McDevitt of MCW, the Extreme Rising title stipulation has been removed from the match. We appreciate Mr. McDevitt’s professionalism in this matter.
Extreme Rising has not sanctioned any World Title matches for its championship belt since before April 30th 2014. No one has ever defeated Stevie Richards in an Extreme Rising sanctioned title match.
STEVIE RICHARDS is –and has been the only officially recognized champion and title holder for Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling, since his winning of the title tournament dated December 29th 2012 at the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA.
Presently, Oren Hawxhurst aka Luke Hawx has physical possession of the Extreme Rising World Title. Extreme Rising has reached out to Mr. Hawxhurst through our attorney, but has yet to receive our property. We had hope that a professional and amicable return of the World title to our office would be in order by Mr. Hawxshurt, but to date hasn’t happened.
WHICH LED TO...
Dan McDevitt of Maryland Championship Wrestling issued the following response to PWInsider.com in regard to the press release issued by Steve O'Neill of Extreme Rising:
Mike,
I received the Press release that you sent to me requesting my comments and wanted to respond. First and foremost I have not agreed to make any changes to my card tonight with anyone so I am really not sure where this is coming from. However I would appreciate it if you would post my response along with posting this release from Extreme Rising.
In reviewing the release there were several things that stood out to me that have made me wonder if Steve is living in the same world that we are. The first thing right away was the statement that "Extreme Rising Pro Wrestling was never contacted". Of course they were not contacted, how would they be? Do they not acknowledge that three months ago they threw the Ninja Smoke ball down and disappeared with Hundreds maybe even thousands of fans' money & many wrestlers' paydays without any explanation just days before these events were to happen. It would probably be much easier to find the body of Jimmy Hoffa than it would to find him so of course no one contacted them.
My next thought was of really just of disappointment. I have been Involved with this business for over 20 years now and I can say that I still love this business as much as I did when I started in it maybe even more so now. I truly hate everything that happens in this business that end up leaving black eyes on the business as a whole. That is why I feel truly disappointed that Steve's first public statement is about a match stipulation that is not even on one of his shows concerning a company that does not have any events scheduled in the foreseeable future. His first public statement should be to the fans that spent money on tickets, booked hotels and made travel arrangements to attend shows that never happened. It should have also been to all of the people that believed in him and the wrestlers that took his dates over others and lost money for which they most likely use to feed their families. Rather than being worried about who is recognized as the champion, he should be more concerned with making right with all of the people that were done wrong.
Concerning the stipulation for tonight's MCW Championship TLC Match between Matt Hardy & Luke Hawx my only concern is that it is for The Maryland Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Championship. If Matt & Luke want to bring other championships, The deed to their houses, a Mountain bike, A gift card to Target and a partridge in a pear tree and put them all on the line tonight than that is on them.
I hope that clears things up Mike, Let me know if you need anything else. If anyone would like more information on tonight's event they can visit our website @ www.MarylandWrestling.com
Dan McDevitt
President
Maryland Championship Wrestling
FAMED COMIC WRITER SEEKS BOYCOTT OF THE ROCK'S NEW FILM
Famed comic book writer Alan Moore ("Watchmen", "V For Vendetta") is calling for a boycott of The Rock's new film "Hercules" out of respect for the memory of Steve Moore (no relation), who wrote the original comic series Hercules: The Thracian Wars.
In an interview with comic book outlet BleedingCool.com, Moore explained that an agreement was made that Steve Moore's name was not to be used in connection with the film's marketing as he was upset with compromises that were made over the course of working with Radical Comics on the series.
One of the complaints was that Steve Moore would not receive any compensation for the film, as the clause in his contract with Radical regarding that compensation, which was featured in earlier drafts, had been removed in the final version that he signed.
The problem is that after Steve Moore's death this past March, his name began appearing in promotional material for the film, despite his wishes.
Alan Moore, who has long fought for creator rights in the comic book world, was mentored by Steve Moore.
The Hollywood Reporter picked up the story, which you can read at this link.
FWE ANNOUNCES DOUBLE SHOT IN BROOKLYN, NY THIS OCTOBER, DETAILS ON LOADED LINEUPS
FWE issued the following:
NEW YORK, NY., July 18th, 2014 - The wait is over! Our last live event was the FWE Grand Prix Final in Decemeber. The wait will be worth it as we have two amazing nights of action planned for you. FWE returns to action on October 3rd & 4th LIVE from Brooklyn, NY and LIVE on iPPV! VegasFuel presents FWE: ReFueled! Tickets go on sale THIS Saturday at 1pm Eastern time.
Currently Announced for Night One - October 3rd:
The Young Bucks vs Bad Influence
Two of the best teams in the World square off as The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick
Jackson) face the debuting Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian)!
When we last saw The Bucks, their team was victorious against Team Adrenaline
Express (AE) in an epic 10 person elimination tag team match. They are looking
for their shot at AE to try to add the one most important piece of Gold that has
eluded them so far, the FWE Tag Team Championships. To do this though, they must
get through a world class team in Bad Influence. After being misused for years,
these two men get their chance to shine and prove why they are the one of the
most entertaining and hardest working tandems in professional wrestling.
Non Title Match:
Adrenaline Express (EJ Risk & VSK - FWE World Tag Team Champions) vs "The
Premier Athlete" Tony Nese & Jigsaw
Adrenaline Express (AE) have run through every team they have faced in FWE, from
The Midnight Sensations to The Young Bucks. No team has been able to stop them
with the gold on the line. They now face a dynamic team in Tony Nese and Jigsaw.
Besides these men being fantastic athletes, Nese is the current FWE Open Weight
Champion. His run through the tournament saw him defeat Paul London who is the
current FWE Tri-Borough Champion and FWE Heavyweight Champion, John Hennigan.
While AE has nothing to lose in this match besides pride, it would be HUGE for
Nese to garner another win over the final male championship holder in FWE. A win
would certainly put Nese and Jigsaw in line for a shot at the titles.
Veda Scott vs Hania
Our women's division gets even stronger as two new females make their FWE debut.
Hania has been making waves along the East Coast and is looking to make a huge
statement in FWE. The established Veda Scott is looking to stop Hania dead in
her tracks and show the world that she will be staking a claim at an FWE Women's
Championship Match. One thing can be said, this match will not disappoint and
will continue to show why women’s wrestling is always prominently featured on an
FWE show.
Trent? vs Drew Galloway fka Drew McIntyre
In what is sure to be a fast paced, high flying and even harder hitting match, a
man who has been with FWE for over a year will be facing off in singles action
against a man making his debut in FWE, but is known the world over as Drew
Galloway. Trent? made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Grand Prix losing
to the eventual winner, Tony Nese. When it comes to tag-team wrestling Trent?
has been teaming with Bandido Jr. and had one of the best matches in FWE history
against the Young Bucks and Adrenaline Express. With a victory over Drew, Trent?
would elevate himself in the rankings and could easily make a run at nearly any
championship in FWE. However, “The Chosen One†himself is coming to FWE with a
purpose. He's angry and wants to show those who didn't believe in him that he
has what it takes to make it to the top of the mountain and become the FWE
Heavyweight Champion. Getting a win his debut would put him on that track.
Maria Kanellis will be live on Commentary
Making her return to FWE, the FWE Women's Champion Maria Kanellis will be live
on commentary. The outspoken, self proclaimed first lady of FWE, will have
plenty to say about the competition that has been going on in her absence. Who
does SHE view as the true top contender? What does she think of the 6 women who
competed for a shot at her title only to end up with concrete opponent?
"Firebird" Jorge Santi vs Damien Darling
With the fitting name, Santi has been on fire lately in FWE. With huge wins over
Chris Mordetzky, Mike Bennett and others, he has risen to the top of the hearts
of the FWE family. With the soccer themed "Jorge" chants, Santi is building the
steam to go after a championship in FWE. In his way stands the returning Damien
Darling. The two time and longest reigning FWE Tri-Borough Champion and the most
controversial competitor in FWE history, Darling has one thing on his mind and
that is regaining the FWE Tri-Borough Championship. With wins over men like Jay
Lethal and Harry Smith, Darling must not overlook the "Santi Skills."
Fatal 4 Way Match:
"The Master" Wes Draven vs Bandido Jr. vs Sam Shields vs Rich Swann
A FWE staple match returns, a Fatal 4 Way. 2 FWE staples, Wes Draven and Sam
Shield are involved. Both men have been with FWE since day one. This is Shields'
first foray into singles competition. Shields as part of the Midnight
Sensations, have been one of the most dominant tag teams in FWE history. This is
a huge test for him. Draven has seen these matches before and has faced them all
in FWE. From high flyers like Sonjay Dutt to powerhouses like Chris Mordetzky,
Draven would love this win to work to get another FWE Tri-Borough Championship
Match. This is Bandido's first match in FWE without a tag team partner. From tag
teams to now testing out the singles waters, Bandido Jr. has done a lot in FWE
in the tag team division, teaming notably with Azriel and Trent? and having a
fantastic match with Adrenaline Express and The Young Bucks. A win here would
prove that he can separate from the tag team scene. The debuting Rich Swann is a
high flying specialist who has traveled up and down the East Coast and also down
in Mexico is bringing his brand of action to FWE. A victory over three of the
best in FWE would surely put his face on the map in FWE. One thing is for sure,
this match will be one for the record books.
Orange Cassidy vs Alex Reynolds
This has the shaping to be one of the most fun matches in FWE. Orange Cassidy
made his debut at our last event in the epic 10 person tag team match which
featured Team Young Bucks taking on Team Adrenaline Express. His unique
personality and ring style immediately became a hit with the FWE Family. This
will be first singles match and what a match it is as he faces a man who was
involved in the first match ever in FWE, Alex Reynolds. Reynolds is the man to
watch as he is an FWE original and has had match of the night candidates at
House of Hardcore on most of their shows. It will be interesting to see Cassidy
in singles competition and Reynolds is on the cusp of becoming a superstar and
is that one big win away.
Announced for Night Two - October 4th:
Tommy Dreamer vs Drew Galloway fka Drew McIntyre
The Innovator of Violence makes his return to FWE and back home in Brooklyn. The
former FWE Heavyweight Champion and the man who is still holding his FWE Rumble
win, which guarantees him a future title shot when he chooses, told the FWE
board of directors since he missed the Open Weight Grand Prix, he wanted the
toughest opponent available for the FWE faithful. FWE answered and he will face
the debuting Drew Galloway! After facing Trent? on Night one, Drew hopes to be
victorious and keep that momentum going against the Hardcore Hero, Dreamer. Drew
has a stiff test in front of him but a win over Dreamer, in New York would put
him right in line for a FWE Heavyweight Championship Match.
FWE Women's Championship Match:
Maria Kanellis vs "The Huntress" Ivelisse Velez
After having the night off on Night one, Maria Kanellis will be defending the
FWE Women's Championship against Ivelisse Velez. Ivelisse faced Angelina Love
back at the FWE Open Weight Grand Prix Finals to a No Contest. The FWE Board of
Directors decided they would give Ivelisse this shot as in her qualifying match,
she came out victorious in impressive fashion, making both Rosita and Kasey Ray
tap out to her at once! Maria hasn't faced anyone like Ivelisse yet in FWE.
Ivelisse is at that point where she is ready to add the FWE Womens Championship
to her resume.
Trent? vs Rich Swann
If you're looking for high flying action, look no further. Trent? will be
looking to be heading in with a huge victory of Drew Galloway on Night Two and
would love to have that going into facing Rich Swann. Swann, after the debuting
the night before, has another tough task on his hands facing Baretta. A victory
over a world class athlete like Trent would surely make a huge statement to the
FWE fans and executives.
Bandido Jr. vs JT Dunn
FWE veteran meets FWE newcomer as Bandido Jr will square off against JT Dunn.
After competing in a huge fatal 4 way the night before, Bandido will be facing
another man making his FWE debut. The man who would love to get into title
contention is NYC Mainstay "The Juice" JT Dunn. Making his name in Long Island
and other East Coast companies, he is coming to the big show to take out Bandido.
This will be a fast paced match and can go either way.
If you haven't checked out FWE yet, here is a FREE gift for everyone, check
out Tommy Dreamer vs Rob Van Dam from Welcome to the Rumble 2!
http://youtu.be/wYmaiYUl9S8
Much more will be taking place! Stay tuned to the
www.fwewrestling.com &
www.facebook.com/fwewrestling
for further updates and information! You can also follow us on Twitter: @fwewrestling
We will also have our pre show meet & greet where you can meet many of the FWE
Superstars!
JIM ROSS TALKS ABOUT CM PUNK, WHETHER HE WOULD GOT TO TNA AND MORE
Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross talks with Brian Fritz of BetweenTheRopes.com about his podcast “The Ross Report“, it’s success and how he has liked doing it so far, the young talent in the WWE including Roman Reigns and the direction he hopes the company takes with him on his path to the world title. He also discusses whether or not he would be open to broadcasting for TNA Wrestling, what other broadcasting opportunities he is looking at including wrestling, MMA and college football and how close any of those are to happening. Plus, he talks about his interest in working with CM Punk on broadcasts and what his future could be, having Punk on his podcast and WWE not allowing him to have their talent on his podcast, working on his autobiography, the future of announcing in wrestling and who might be interested in it, why he is troubled about the future of the wrestling business and the product being delivered and much more.
Listen to the podcast or download it directly: http://www.betweentheropes.com/2014/07/17/jim-ross-talks-ross-report-broadcasting-opportunities-cm-punk-future-wrestling/
Subscribe to Between The Ropes on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/between-the-ropes/id652853185
Here are some excepts from the interview:
Following up on a recent question asked to him on Twitter if he would be open to broadcasting for TNA Wrestling and him saying "never say never":
Well, it's kind of far-fetched it the sense that A) those discussions aren't happening. I don't have any desire to get back into the weekly grind of pro wrestling. Or the weekly grind of anything other than this podcast is weekly. I could do it from home if I wanted to. But I enjoy doing it at the radio station and I enjoy having a destination, to go to work, prepare. I enjoy it. I think when you're an independent contract as I am, and you're a freelance talent as I am, by in-large, you don't want to say "I'm never doing that" because someone can come along and make you an offer that is really better than you dreamer you would ever get. It's not likely at all. I'm not looking at that direction but I don't think it's very smart to say I'll never do that. It would take an extraordinary deal because I don't know why I would be excited about replacing one of two guys that I like. You don't get that many friends in the wrestling business that stick with you through thick and thin. You get a lot fewer calls when you can't help somebody or can't do something for them. And I don't know if I would feel comfortable about of upsetting the team of Mike (Tenay) and Taz. As I sit here, I don't feel right about that.
On possibly working with CM Punk on broadcasts:
I'm not saying I'll never do wrestling again. I did my podcast this week and said you know, crazy idea what if CM Punk and I joined forces and made a broadcast team and did an internet pay-per-view for a New Japan show. Something completely off the tracks. An not do it in a studio but go to Tokyo or go wherever the event was held. Be there as the English speaking crew. We might be the version of the Spanish announce table. And I just threw that out there and know I've got all kinds of people "oh, when are you and CM Punk. when did you talk to Phil". Well, I haven't talked to Phil. I made it clear on the podcast this is fantasy booking. I said this will get people talking. Well, here's a good one for you. This will get people talking. Watch how this works. And then I laid it out: New Japan is doing these pay-per-views and they want to air them in the States. They're inexpensive and all this good stuff. CM Punk is going to be available to do some stuff one of these days. And I'd love to work with him as the analyst of a pro wrestling match or a MMA fight.
If he thinks he'll be broadcasting MMA in the near future:
I don't have any idea. I've thrown it out there. That's what you have agents. I got two of them. They're both talking different deals so I don't know. I'm interested the door is open so we'll see who walks through if anybody.
On him starting work on his book:
Just this week, we're starting to do some serious work on my autobiography. And I'm doing it differently than people would say is probably customary. I don't have a book deal. I turned down book deals from a lot of places. I decided I want to write the book I believe to be true and honest, entertaining, eye-opening and more than just wrestling headlocks and screwjobs and stuff like that. So, I'm going to write the book. I've got a writing partner and we're going to write the book the way that we want it. We're figured up an ending place which right now is probably going to be when I came back from my second bout of Bell's Palsy to call the first Rock - Austin WrestleMania main event. I'm thinking that would be the end. That would give us cause to write a second book that would bring in the Attitude Era, the Monday Night Wars, my role in the WWE and the corporate side and then having that third bout of Bell's Palsy and then kind of getting futured and moving off Raw and moved to Smackdown. I think it give us plenty of material for the second book.
JJ DILLON DISCUSSES THE FOUR HORSEMEN'S WWE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION, OLE ANDERSON NOT BEING INCLUDED, DANIEL BRYAN'S INJURY AND MORE
WWE Hall of Famer JJ Dillon joined Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman on Busted Open. You can hear Busted Open on SiriusXM SportsZone, channel 92 and on the SiriusXM app.
On Daniel Bryan's injury and pushed wrestlers having to leave due to injury: "It’s happened numerous times over the years on both sides of the extreme. Look at Magnum TA and what a future Jerry Allen had in terms of ‘the skys the limit’. He had the look, the speed, the size and on a rainy slick night his car slammed into a tree, slammed his head into the car and broke his neck instantly ending his career. It’s not only the dangers that one faces in the ring because of the natures that wrestling is. There’s as much danger traveling. During the glory years of The 4 Horsemen, Arn Anderson had continual problems with his neck. It got worse and worse and he felt a numb in his arm. It kept getting further and further down and finally it reached his hand. Arn was so committed to the Horsemen, he said numerous times that it was a level of excellence and commitment that doesn’t come along every day. Arn continued to go out there every day and as a result, the nerve damage continued to progress that he needed surgery and when he finally had surgery, the damage wasn’t reparable."
On injured wrestlers coming back from injury who were popular when they left: "I think you have to look at each case on an individual basis. Daniel Bryan, there’s a guy that, from an outside perspective, it would appear that there’s a guy who didn’t set the mold of what you would expect Vince McMahon and the WWE to give a push. He had that ‘it’ factor. The fans wouldn’t give up on him and WWE had to elevate his status because the fans demanded it. It’s sad that a guy finally gets his chance and was on the climb to who knows where and how long and then this injury comes along. Doctors will look at a guy and sometimes a guy will get a second opinion from another doctor and the doctors will sometimes not agree on the situation. The one reality of the whole situation is not only in WWE but in the whole genre of Pro Wrestling, you don’t have the depth of talent that was there years ago. You don’t have another guy you can plug into that spot and keep the momentum going. It’s the sad state of reality of the business today. Take a look at Ronda Rousey. She caught the world by storm. What happens if she goes down from injury. There is no one left."
On Daniel Bryan and WWE creative: "From the times I’ve seen him, he has that it factor and connects with the fans. One thing about creative is there were a lot of ideas over time throughout my career and the ultimate judge and jury is the fans. You would take a guy who had the right talent and didn’t have the right situation for him and you’d put him in a situation that’s kind of like just being in limbo just to keep him out there. Sometimes it catches on fire like you couldn’t imagine. That’s one of the things about pro wrestling, sometimes you have the right pulse and sometimes you don’t. Vince McMahon picked more winners than losers, but no one is perfect."
On the emotion he and the Horsemen had being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame: "When I first started I was a fan. It was in the late 50’s and I thought I could become a professional wrestler and appear at Madison Square Garden. The Hall Of Fame at that point was Baseball in Cooperstown. There was no wrestling hall of fame. You just took it day by day and pursued your career and I’ve said it time after time that the fans made wrestling the way it is today. Their the greatest fans in the world and whatever success myself and the Horsemen had was because of the fans. We gave everything every night. It’s like in any other business, you have to give respect to get respect. At the end of the road, I wrestled full time for 5 years before I managed, then I continued to wrestle while managing. After 20 years I had over 3,200 matches. I have done it all and when you look back and you’re being inducted into the hall of fame, all of my children were there in attendance to share the experience with me. We were treated with great respect by the fans and the stars of today. The following day going in front of 70,000 people getting cheered and a standing ovation, it was a very emotional moment."
On Ole Anderson not being inducted into WWE HOF: "Well there are political issues that go back to Georgia Championship Wrestling. If people do their research, they would realize that there was a negative tension between Vince McMahon and Ole Anderson. Ole probably wouldn’t accept it if they offered it to them. The Horsemen wouldn’t be the way they were without Ole. When Lex Luger came around we camouflaged his flaws and he came along at the right time. When Barry came along I think that was the elite group. With Barry you had the young looks, athleticism and skills."
RICOCHET VS. MATT SYDAL HEADLINING EVOLVE RETURN TO ORLANDO
EVOLVE announced the following bouts for their 8/9 return to Orlando, Florida, which will be a double header with Full Impact Pro at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex:
*Ricochet vs. Matt Sydal for the first time ever in EVOLVE.
*EVOLVE Champion Chris Hero vs. Trent Baretta with the Premier Athlete Brand banned.
*Rich Swann vs. Anthony Nese - Premier Athlete Brand banned from ringside.
*Johnny Gargano vs. Caleb Konley
*Round Robin Challenge Night 2: Timothy Thatcher vs. Biff Busick
*Round Robin Challenge Night 2: Drew Gulak vs. Steve Raideen
The main event of the FIP event will feature FIP champion Trent Baretta vs. Rich Swann.
For more, visit www.dgusa.tv.
NEWS AND NOTES
You can read Jose Perez's 7/16 Puerto Rico Report by clicking here.
You can read Brian Cannon's 7/16 OVW Report by clicking here.
You can our report from 7/18 ROH house show report from Cincinnati, OH by clicking here.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
