WWE Wrestling News

JR Blog: Hart vs. McMahon, WWE Scouting Talents, Another Wrestling War?

2010-03-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

Jim Ross is back with another new blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights:

- WWE's Gerald Brisco was in Iowa scouting the Division 3 college wrestling tourney this weekend. Smart, long term planning by WWE to look far and wide for future stars. As I wrote this week, if the independent wrestling scene becomes the primary source for the stars of tomorrow then the business is in trouble. Same theory applies for those brands who are trying to catch a quick fix using older stars as the thrust of their shows. Using bona fide legends to gather viewers to only see the younger guys featured is a viable concept but if the younger wrestlers aren't made to be perceived as special then success will be hard to achieve.

- I have to see a "wrestling war" to believe it but if that theory does come to fruition then I will be the first to admit mistakenly saying that no such "war" will happen. There is a huge difference in being owned by a media conglomerate such as WCW Monday Nitro being owned by Time Warner
and being owned by a private entity that is in the pro wrestling biz. Plus, Spike TV doesn't have the chops right now that TNT had back in the day of Monday Nitro. The lay of the TV landscape is totally different that it was in the mid to late 90's.

- We have many emailers that are curious to see what kind of match Bret Hart has at WM26 vs. Mr. McMahon. I am extremely anxious to see what I perceive will be Bret's last ever venture into the ring as a competitor. This is a big moment for this fan of the Hitman I can assure you. I don't expect to see any thing resembling a traditional wrestling match but I do expect this encounter to be one of the most dramatic and memorable moments on the PPV and will be a lasting memory of Wrestlemania. Not knowing what to expect makes the anticipation for this bout even better for me but for those who love to read the "spoilers" not knowing how this long awaited endeavor will go is driving some nuts.

Undertaker to kick off tonights RAW

2010-03-08T18:24:00.001-05:00

WWE announced this afternoon that The Undertaker will open tonight’s live RAW from Portland, Oregon. Taker will be responding to Shawn Michaels and furthering the storyline for their match at WrestleMania.

JR Blog: WWE’s Steamboat DVD, Video Packages in Wrestling, More

2010-03-07T00:31:00.001-05:00

Jim Ross is back with another blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights:

- Apparently a long awaited DVD on the career of the great, WWE HOF’er Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat will be released in June. Being on a medical leave of sorts really is a bummer for many reasons not the least of which being not involved in projects such as this one. Ricky is one of my all time favorites and his matches with Ric Flair, among many others, are simply timeless classics. Their 1989 NWA Title Bout in Chicago that I had the privilege of calling is one of my favorite nights on the job.

- Yes, there are some good teams still competing today but not the number of outstanding teams like there was in previous generations. While many may point to the fact that some decision makers are not ‘tag team people,’ I look at the overall lack of quality depth in the business as a culprit as well. More talents that can get it done on a high level in the ring will equate to more teams being created. Personally, I am a fan of quality, tag team wrestling.

- Recent video packages on new wrestlers that have aired on TV in the past couple of weeks have been well done. I can recall when Bill Watts aired 4-6 weeks of well produced vignettes of the Rock ‘n Roll Express, I think that Jerry Lawler produced these vignettes, before Morton and Gibson made their debut in Mid South Wrestling and by the time that R ‘n R physically arrived they were stars. Point being is that systematic and well planned video introductions help any talent, no matter their skill level, to better connect with the audience.

WrestleMania 26 Theme songs

2010-03-07T00:30:00.001-05:00

AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” from the Iron Man 2 soundtrack will be one of the theme songs for this year’s WrestleMania along with Kevin Rudolf’s “I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)” featuring Lil Wayne, Birdman and Jay Sean.

New Ricky Steamboat DVD to be out in June

2010-03-07T00:29:00.002-05:00

WWE has began working on a new DVD set for Ricky Steamboat. It will be a three-disc set officially released on June 29th.

WWE Signs New Wrestler

2010-03-07T00:29:00.001-05:00

WWE has signed OVW wrestler Asher Knight to a developmental deal. Knight was in the news last year as WWE’s John Laurinaitis asked him to change his hairstyle before signing. Knight debuted at Thursday night’s FCW show under the name Adam Atherton, losing a match to Titus O’Neal.

Divas to have some type of match at Mania

2010-03-02T20:41:00.001-05:00

The Divas will likely be represented at WrestleMania this year in a tag match or multi-Diva match rather than a title match, largely as a way to get as many of them on the show for the WrestleMania payday.

Ross' lastest blog - a conversation with Bret Hart

2010-03-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here are a few highlights from Jim Ross’ latest blog on jrsbarbq.com, talking about last night’s RAW:

- It was great seeing so many of my friends from the WWE world Monday at the Ford Center. It is always good to catch up with long time acquaintances and how they and their families are doing. If I was asked once, I was asked a 100 times, ‘When are you coming back?’ I don’t have the exact answer to that question but my standard and honest response remains the same and that is that my goal is and always has been to return to WWE at Wrestlemania 26. If all the necessary arrangements can be made from a business perspective then that goal will hopefully become a reality.

- Bret Hart and I had a long conversation Monday of which I enjoyed immensely. Bret is one of the all time greats, a WWE HOF’er, and has battled thru amazing adversity in overcoming a serious stroke to get to where he is today. Bret, as we discussed, will never be ‘100%’ but his heart and spirit are strong and he will no doubt do all he physically and mentally can to provide the fans their monies worth at WM26 versus Mr. McMahon. I personally can’t wait to see this attraction. Bret and I even talked casually about doing some appearances together, perhaps even some Q&A’s.

Updated WrestleMania XXVI Card

2010-03-02T20:38:00.000-05:00

Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon has officially been announced. Here is the updated WrestleMania 26 card:

World Heavyweight Title Match
Edge vs. Chris Jericho

WWE Title Match
John Cena vs. Batista

Grudge Match
Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon

Career vs. Streak Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Christian vs. Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jack Swagger vs. MVP vs. 2 Others

Updated WrestleMania XXVI Card following SmackDown

2010-02-26T23:39:00.003-05:00

After tonight's Smackdown, here is the updated lineup for Wrestlemania:

- World Champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge.

- WWE Champion John Cena vs. Batista.

- The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels. If Michaels loses, his career is over.

- Money In The Bank with Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. four more participants to be announced.

Cole and Matthews from WWE NXT

2010-02-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

There are people within WWE right now who are trying to say that the interaction between Michael Cole and Josh Matthews on WWE NXT this week was a shoot but some are skeptical. Joey Styles backed this up on Twitter as he “assured us” that the commentating between Cole and Lawler was “very real.” Styles said that Cole “lives in the WWE bubble.”

Hart Family DVD preview

2010-02-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

Here’s the latest promotional preview for WWE’s upcoming Hart & Soul DVD set on the Hart family:

The Hart family has long served as Canada’s first family of Sports Entertainment, from patriarch Stu and his Stampede Wrestling and Dungeon, a training site that has produced multiple Hall of Famers, though sons Bret, Owen, on to a new generation of WWE Superstars, The Hart Dynasty. But the family’s journey was never a smooth one, as their accomplishments were often punctuated with devastating tragedies and loss.

Now for the first time ever, fans can learn the entire story in Hart & Soul: The Hart Family Anthology.

A brand new documentary chronicling more than 5 decades of family lineage is filled with never-before-seen Hart family interviews and supplemented with a dozen matches featuring Bret, Owen, Keith, Bruce, The British Bulldog, The Dynamite Kid, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, The Hart Dynasty, and more!

Smackdown Preview

2010-02-26T12:48:00.002-05:00

The following is scheduled to take place on tonight's edition of WWE SmackDown:

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth

Women's Title Match:
Mickie James vs. Michelle McCool

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Kane vs. Drew McIntyre

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Shelton Benjamin vs. CM Punk

Main Event
Edge vs. The Miz

Also, there will be appearances by Chris Jericho, Big Show and more.

Ross blogs about his contract

2010-02-26T12:48:00.001-05:00

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross posted a blog update on JRsBarBQ.com Friday morning with an update on his health and future plans in the wrestling industry. Ross wrote that nothing is finalized yet, but potential plans are in the works and he hopes to attend WrestleMania 26. Ross wants to return, but WWE's hectic schedule might be too much for him at this point. He questions whether he can still handle traveling 51 weeks a year while performing at the level he's expected to. "Thank God I'm feeling better but many, major decisions have to be addressed," Ross wrote. "I can only say that time will tell over the next few weeks and the best decision will be made. This by no means that my love for the business has diminished whatsoever."

Burchill and Helms both released

2010-02-26T12:45:00.003-05:00

Here come the cuts in the WWE - the company on their website just a little while ago announced two superstars that are gone:

WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Paul Burchill as of today February 26, 2010. We wish Paul Burchill the best in all future endeavors.

WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Shane Helms (Hurricane) as of today February 26, 2010. We wish Shane Helms (Hurricane) the best in all future endeavors.

Warrior declines 2010 WWE HOF Invite

2010-02-24T08:50:00.000-05:00

Source: PWInsider.com

The original plan for the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame was to make former WWF Champion The Ultimate Warrior this year's marquee inductee. After Warrior and WWE settled a lawsuit several months ago, the two sides began discussing Warrior being part of the Hall of Fame this year. Warrior initially agreed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame but he made the decision last week to change his mind and reject the offer. It's believed that Stu Hart will be announced as the next inductee on RAW next week and he will likely be this year's featured inductee.

Flair's Wife Arrested for Assault

2010-02-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

Police say the wife of pro wrestler Ric Flair has been charged with assaulting him in their North Carolina home.
In a statement, Flair called the incident an unfortunate disagreement and said he did nothing wrong.
Authorities say officers were called to Flair's home in south Charlotte on Sunday night. Flair said his wife attacked him after they went out for dinner. He had minor injuries, but refused treatment from paramedics.
Police charged 41-year-old Jacqueline Beems with simple assault. She was released from jail a few hours after her arrest.
The 60-year-old platinum blond grappler nicknamed ''The Nature Boy'' is currently wrestling for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling after a long career with World Wrestling Entertainment

Five WrestleMania XXVI matches after last night's PPV

2010-02-22T17:35:00.005-05:00

World Heavyweight Title:
Chris Jericho (C) vs Edge

WWE Title:
Batista (C) vs John Cena

Bret Hart vs Vince McMahon

Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker

Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

No Hart tonight on RAW, Michaels will be there

2010-02-22T17:35:00.003-05:00

From: PWInsider

WWE announced this afternoon that Shawn Michaels will explain his actions last night at the Elimination Chamber PPV where he cost The Undertaker the World championship on Raw

Money in the Bank for Mania still undecided

2010-02-21T09:53:00.001-05:00

There's still no official word about the status of Money in the Bank at WrestleMania this year and none of the WWE talents know for sure what's going to happen. With that said, some aren't happy about the possibility of the match being taken off this year's WrestleMania because it's a big payday for the 6-8 guys who are involved.

Brett Dibiase to induct his dad into the WWE HOF

2010-02-21T09:48:00.001-05:00

Ted DiBiase Jr. noted on his Twitter page that he and his younger Brett, one-half of the FCW Tag Team Champions, would be inducting their father into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

Final card for tonights Elimination Chamber

2010-02-21T09:46:00.001-05:00

Below is the final card for tonight's WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. It's believed that another match, possibly Batista vs. Edge, will be added to the card but that's not confirmed.

Elimination Chamber for the WWE Title
Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Triple H vs. John Cena

Elimination Chamber for the World Heavyweight Title
Undertaker vs. CM Punk vs. R-Truth vs. John Morrison vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Kane

WWE Divas Title Match
Maryse vs. Gail Kim

Major WWE PPV Changes coming this Year

2010-02-18T22:30:00.001-05:00

Aside from scrapping the annual Survivor Series event, WWE.com has updates its upcoming pay-per-view lineup with several notable changes that begin after March’s WrestleMania. The changes include:

- Backlash is no more. WWE’s April PPV will now be Extreme Rules (on 4/25).

- With Extreme Rules moved to April, a new PPV event will debut on May 23 called “WWE Wild Card.”

- The Bash is also gone and has been replaced with “Fatal Four Way” on June 20.

- WWE’s Night of Champions PPV, which used to take place in July, has been moved to September. The July show is now titled “Money in the Bank” and will take place on July 18. This could mean there will be no Money In The Bank match at WrestleMania this year.

- Summerslam will take place on August 15th.

- Night of Champions will now take place on September 19th.

- Hell in a Cell will take place on October 3rd.

JR Blog: Rob Van Dam a High Priority, ECW Contributions, More

2010-02-17T18:11:00.000-05:00

Here are some highlights from Jim Ross’ Tuesday blog on jrsbarbq.com:

- I am told that I have at least four viable book deals that people want to discuss. No discussions have taken place as of yet but I am interested to hear the pitches and proposals. Once those meetings take place then I will better be able to decide if and when I want to assume this major undertaking. I can’t see it happening in 2010 but I assume stranger things could occur.

- ECW made unique and significant contributions to the pro wrestling world and their alumni should feel a source of pride for their accumulative accomplishments. I will enjoy watching old episodes of the “Original” for years to come when the opportunity presents itself. No one can tell the ECW story in today’s marketplace better than their one and only voice, Joey Styles.

- Speaking of ECW, of the many top hands that made their mark in ECW, none were more uniquely talented than Rob Van Dam who is one of the hottest “free agents” available right now. It would seem to me that RVD would be a high priority to any wrestling organization and that facilitating a travel schedule to his liking should be attainable. RVD is a one of a kind talent who connects with his fan base and Rob’s in ring work is singularly his which would be a breath of fresh air to many TV broadcasts.

New Details Confirmed for WWE’s NXT Show

2010-02-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

The speculation is over. After all the questions about how WWE NXT, which replaces ECW starting next week, would operate, the answer is finally clear–and, just for the record, it is not going to be a science fiction show.

In the same vein as shows like “The Ultimate Fighter” and WWE’s own “Tough Enough,” a Daily Variety article confirms that the series will employ a reality premise, following eight rookie Superstars from FCW as they work their way towards a spot on RAW or SmackDown.

The eight new wrestlers will each be paired with a WWE veteran mentor, “with egos often getting in the way, as they learn the ropes of competing in the ring in front of live audiences, creating characters and speaking on camera,” says the Variety story.

WWE is teasing the series as a window into how the company truly operates.

“These kids crash and burn a lot,” said Vince McMahon. “By putting them into this environment we’ll find out if they can make it. There’s no better way to develop skills than being in front of an audience. And that makes for good television.”

The show, set to air weekly year-round, will be broken into two or three seasons. As per earlier reports, it will also feature a new “look and feel” for WWE programming.