WWE Daily

-Pee Wee James a pioneer midget wrestler

-Scotty Goldman, current /”>Smackdown superstar, has posted his very first bolg on WWE’s Fans website. You can view it here.

The “Killer” Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show takes place on Sunday, October 26th, 2008 at 2PM in the Irish-American Club in Malden, Massachusetts. Bell time is 2 PM.

All proceeds to benefeit the Walter “Killer” Kowalski Memorial Fund. Those scheduled to appear are as follows: Kaz, Ox Baker,JJ Dillon,Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff, Christopher Nowinski, Idol Stevens,John Walters and Luis Ortiz.

For more information go to http://www.superstarprowrestling.com/

- In Chris Benoit “Wikipedia Hacker” situation, author Irvin Muchnick will be appearing at an FOI Commission Hearing soon. Wikipedia entry on Benoit was edited at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2007 hours before Benoit and family was found. That Night at Vengence, Benoit missed the pay-per-view show in Houston earlier in the night. During that same night an college student using a computer out of Stamford, Connecticut wrote the following: “due to personal issues, stemming from the death of his wife Nancy.” For more infor on austhor Muchnick , go here.

-TNA WRESTLING PHOTO’S 9/17/2008

-WWE training grounds Florida Championship Wrestling is holding open try-outs, to be an professional wrestler. FCW Tryout Evaluation Clinic

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost

It takes a different breed to become a professional wrestler.

But one could hardly imagine Killer Kowalski as anything but.

Taking that road less traveled sums up the colorful life of Walter Kowalski, who recently passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy as one of pro wrestling’s all-time great villains. A true original, Kowalski molded during Golden Age

-Ashley Masarro has been hinting on what secret she has got to tell the fans. Masarro has been hinting in her last myspace about already giving out hints to her secret. Here is what she posted:

New appearances yo…wrestlersrescue.org

Hi!
Hope everybody is doing great. I have good news for the people in NY who missed me due to bad weather in NY a few weeks back…I’m coming back next weekend! Told you I’d make it up to you…. ;o)
So Fri night I will be at Four, then The Crazy Donkey
Saturday night I wil be appearing at Bianco’s AND from 11-2 am September 14th from 11 am to 2pm I will be working for the wrestlersrescue.org charity for retired wrestlers in need and for others in NJ, come down and help out and be sure to vivit the website. I believe that Dawn Marie has put together this together. It’s for a great cause so try to make it if you live in the tri state area .

Hope i’ll get to meet many of you in this loop. i will be sure to let you guys know whenever I’ll be around. Oh, and it’s almost time to drop that lil secret I got up my sleeve.
I think a couple clues have come out hehe so excited. oOOOOooo I can’t wait! Anyway, I’ll post more dates up later.

The “Wrestler’s Rescue” site posted a short biography on Ashley this past week where they described her like this, “Ashley is a Playboy Magazine Celebrity Cover Girl, has co-starred on hit TV series such as “Smallville” and “Survivor China,” hosted E! Entertainment’s “Wild On E!”, graced the covers of and been featured in Flex, Femme Fatles, Maxim, FHM, is a former Miss Hawaiian Tropic USA and Canada, and will be starring in a new TV series premiering in early 09, as well as releasing her first album, and much, much more!”

If this update is correct we should be seeing this former WWE diva in an new tv series and an album debut early this 2009.

Pallbearers (left to right) Paul Levesque, also known as “Triple H”, Dan Ouellette, Jamie Jamitkowski, and Mike Hollow carried pro wrestling legend Walter “Killer” Kowalski into St. Joseph’s Church.

By S.I. Rosenbaum, Globe Correspondent

Hundreds of people, many of them younger wrestlers, gathered today at a Malden church to pay their respects to Walter “Killer” Kowalski, the wrestling legend who died during the weekend at the age of 81.

Kowalski, who retired in the late 1970s and taught wrestling in the Boston area afterwards, taught students “how to carry yourself as a champion, how to protect your opponent as well as yourself, the dignity that comes with sweat,” Don Bravo, an old associate of Kowalski’s, said in the eulogy.

One of Kowalski’s most famous students, Paul Levesque, also known as “Triple H,” the current World Wrestling Federation world champion, said after the service that Kowalski was an amazing teacher who imparted his wisdom so “guys could live the dream he lived.”

The crowd at St. Joseph’s Church included young men with shaved heads, long ponytails, and long feathered curls, who had been Kowalski’s students. A few women were also among those in the crowd. Many had traveled from far away to attend.

Some wore purple because Kowalski had believed that that color was the best for a wrestler. A reporter and photographer from Japan, where Kowalski had a following, attended.

Kowalski was famous for his signature move, the claw hold, which consisted of grabbing his opponent’s stomach and twisting, the Globe reported Sunday.

He retired from pro wrestling, which requires equal parts athleticism and showmanship, in April 1977 and then taught his techniques in Malden and North Andover, holding classes every Saturday up until March.

Outside the ring, Kowalski was a vegetarian who enjoyed classical music, philosophy, and photography, and followed the teachings of Jesus.

He suffered a massive heart attack Aug. 8 and was taken off life support Aug. 18.

A member of World Wrestling Entertainment’s Hall of Fame, Kowalski leaves behind his wife, Theresa Ferrioli, and a brother, Stanley Spulnik of Ottawa.

The WWE Universe mourns the loss of WWE Legend and Hall of Famer Walter “Killer” Kowalski, 81. After finishing his storied in-ring career, Kowalski continued to reshape sports-entertainment by opening the “Killer” Kowalski Institute of Professional Wrestling in Malden, Mass., where he trained some of the bigger stars in WWE history, including current Superstars, 12-time World Champion Triple H and former World Tag Team Champion Kenny Dykstra.

In light of sports-entertainment’s tremendous loss in Kowalski’s passing, The Game adjusted his focus from the WWE Championship Scramble to his long-time mentor.

“He wouldn’t go down for the three count; his body kept going and going,” The Game reflected. “It’s a huge loss. Walter was one of the biggest name performers of his time. His legacy will live on forever.”

Exclusive video: The Game’s tribute to “Killer”

Triple H’s fellow SmackDown competitor Dykstra has had his share of disagreements with The Game on recent Friday nights, but not when it comes to showing reverence for the fallen legend.

“If it wasn’t for [“Killer”], there’d be no Kenny Dykstra,” added the young Superstar, who began his training at Kowalski’s school when he was 13 years old. “It was a shock to me … it’s heart breaking, but I know he’s in a better place now. Now, he’s looking down on everybody.”

On Aug. 8, the WWE Legend fell ill due to a heart attack, shocking the entire sports-entertainment world. Kowalski’s legion of fans from all around the world, former students and Superstars – including Triple H and Dykstra – flooded his hospital room with get-well cards, gifts and phone calls.

The Windsor, Ontario, Canada native, was perhaps one of the most recognizable names in professional wrestling. Despite his towering demeanor, at 6-foot-7 and standing at 275 pounds, Kowalski had a big heart.

“He was the biggest villain in the ring, and the sweetest guy outside the ring. He’d give the shirt off his back to you,” Dykstra stated.

The pair of Kowalski’s prized students also reflected on their fondest memories spent with the Hall of Famer.

“Every single day he would beat the crap out of me,” Dykstra recalled. “At times I was like, this is ridiculous. This old guy is whipping my butt. But, once I got into the WWE, I realized everything he showed me worked.”

He continued, “There’s times that a light bulb will go off in my head today, and I’d go like, ‘that’s what he was talking about.’ Even though he’s gone, there still are things he showed me I’ll always remember.”

Triple H recalled as a student that “when guys would screw up, [Kowalski] would hit them in the back of the head with a phone book.”

Joking aside, the 12-time World Champion also reminisced when he first signed with WWE and traveled on the road with his mentor.

“He was such a very unique character,” The Game said. “When we got in sometimes at 3 a.m., he’d knock on my door at 5:30 a.m., because he was ready to go eat breakfast.”

“Walter was a vegetarian; trying to find a place with a salad bar at 5:30 in the morning isn’t the easiest thing to do,” said the WWE Champion, with a slight grin on his face. “It was an interesting time. I enjoyed his company. He will be greatly missed.”

Nature boy Buddy Rogers vs Killer Kowalski Part 1

Nature boy Buddy Rogers vs Killer Kowalski Part 2

WWE is saddened by the passing of one of wrestling’s most successful and revered stars, WWE Hall of Famer Walter “Killer” Kowalski. He was 81.

Watch: Killer Kowalski in action

Kowalski began his career in sports-entertainment in 1947, and wrestled extensively throughout the world for 30 years.

A devout vegetarian, Kowalski stood taller than most of his opponents in the ring. And, once the bell rang, he had a ruthless and relentless style that mentally helped him reel in victory after victory. He generally finished off his opponents with his signature Iron Claw.

Infamously known as the man who ripped off part of Yukon Eric’s ear during a 1954 match held in Montreal, his prowess within the squared-circle ensured that his opponents be at the top of their games.

Kowalski competed in WWE rings during the 1960s and ’70s, and he and WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon garnered the United States Tag Team Championship in 1963. But, of even more renown, Kowalski was regarded as the toughest challenger to then-WWE Champion Bruno Sammartino, selling out arena after arena up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

During the early 1970s, Kowalski trained a big, strapping individual, who was then known as Chuck O’ Connor. In 1976, the teacher-student combination of Kowalski and O’Connor attired themselves in black masks and tights, calling themselves The Executioners. On May 11 of that year, the duo won the World Tag Team Championship from Tony Parisi and Louis Cerdan. O’Connor went on to be known as Big John Studd.

After finishing a stellar career in 1977, the WWE Legend opened the Killer Kowalski Institute of Professional Wrestling in Malden, Mass., a place where individuals who wanted to pursue a mat career were taught everything and then some. To his credit, the most famous graduate of Kowalski’s school went on to become one of the premier performers in WWE history, current WWE Champion Triple H.

So, it was only fitting that in 1996 when Kowalski was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Triple H himself had the honor and privilege of presenting his mentor.

Survived by his wife Theresa, Walter “Killer” Kowalski was a kind gentleman who loved life to the fullest. But inside the ring, he was all business, and certainly one tough individual you did not want to mess with.

Killer Kowalski photos

—

Services will be held this Wednesday, September 3 at:
Weir Funeral Home
144 Salem Street
Malden, MA 02148

Afternoon Services: 2-4 p.m.
Evening Services: 6-8 p.m.

The Funeral will be on Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that wrestling fans send donations to:
Walter “Killer” Kowalski Memorial Fund
c/o Citizens Bank
876 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148

I received an email this morning from long time wrestling fan Diane Devine who was informed that Killer Kowalski passed away early Saturday morning around 2:15 a.m. Killer has been in a coma for quite some time after suffering a heart attack and other ailments that severely affected his brain function. Until mid week, amazingly Walter’s vital signs were strong even though the doctor’s had discovered the severe brain damage.

Kowalski will always be considered one of the businesses greatest antagonists and he was a perennial main eventer around the world for decades. Walter also was an accomplished photographer, writer, and taught many individuals who went on to become some of wrestling’s more prominent names including his best student, HHH.

Walter was a staunch disciplinarian when he was actively teaching his students but had a heart of gold and a unique sense of humor. For example, when Walter married at approximately 79 years of age he kidded some of his closest acquaintances that “he had to marry the lady because she was with child.”

Kowalski was a vegan who at one time had one of the most freakish physiques of any one in the business and was always considered too nice a guy by many promoters to be a wrestling “bad guy” but nonetheless Killer Kowalski will always be remembered for being one of the wrestling business all time greats.

God Bless you Walter….thanks for the kindness and friendship you bestowed upon me and may you rest in eternal peace.

Jim Ross

A great legend has recently passed away, Walter “Killer” Kowalski on August 30th in a Boston area hospital.

More information on the passing of such a great legend…

An saying always said by Mr. Kowalski:

“Shoot for the moon - if you miss, you may hit a star.” - Walter “Killer” Kowalski

Services for Walter will be held Wednesday, September 3rd at the:

Weir Funeral Home
144 Salem Street
Malden, MA 02148

Afternoon Services 2pm-4pm
Evening Services 6pm-8pm

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that wrestling fans send donations to:

Walter “Killer” Kowalski Memorial Fund
c/o Citizens Bank
876 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148

Online donations can be made here.

I came across this video claiming that WWE caught Owen Hart’s ghost on camera. This footage was taken on May 19 when WWE visitied the Kemper Arena this passed year. Owen passed away on May 23,1999 just days away from the anniversary of his death. The Kemper Arena has many mystical features.

I myself, don’t believe in ghosts unless I actually see one. Seeing is Believing…

See to Believe..let me know what you think??!!!

Here is another video of Owen’s ghost caught on film.

The Ghost of Owen Hart Captured in Video

JR remembers two WWE Legends that has passed during this week, here is that excerpt from his blog:

This week marks the deaths of two great in ring performers and long before their time. Frank “Bruiser Brody” Goodish was murdered in a shower stall in Puerto Rico and Frank’s alleged killer never was punished for his crimes, at least not formally. One would assume that any person who unnecessarily takes another’s life would have, at best, a guilty conscience over the heinous act. Frank was one of the brightest minds I ever encountered in the wrestling business but had a bad reputation for being a major problem to deal with for wrestling promoters over the years. I never saw this side of Frank personally but knowing some of the promoters that Frank worked for as an independent contractor handling his own business deals, travel arrangements and creative direction why should the wild haired brawler have trusted these wrestlers turned promoters based on many of their track records? I am not condoning “holding up” a promoter or not keeping one’s word but the Frank Goodish that I knew was a sharp, college educated athlete who was on his way to becoming a sports writer before breaking into pro wrestling and was never any thing but a friend to me. One learns quickly in this business that one treats others the way they treat you and by how one wants to be treated. I vividly remember when Bill Watts teamed Frank with Stan Hansen and how the two former West Texas alums beat the hell out of many of their “nameless” opponents. This was not done because they were simply school yard bullies but because they were physically intense and were encouraged to be such by Watts. Plus, without his glasses ‘Ol Stan was damned near blind as a bat and his nasty right hand often times found his adversaries closer to Stan than perceived. No one ever said this line of work equated to ballet.

Terry Gordy also died this week a few years back of an apparent heart attack at only 40 years of age if I recall. Gordy, without question, was the best teenage, pro wrestler that I ever saw in my life. The big kid who rarely, if ever, lifted a weight was damn good when he was just 16 years old which may have become a curse for “Bam Bam” instead of a blessing. Having a teenager go on the road with wrestlers in the territory days was akin to a unique form of child abuse as there were plenty of bad habits a young, impressionable kid could pick up trying to fit in and to be “one of the boys”. Gordy picked up plenty of these bad habits but no one can ever take away the fact that Terry, who was a wonderful person away from the “demons”, became one of the all time best “big men” in the game and that his work with the Fabulous Freebirds wasn’t a major development in talent presentation within in the business. I don’t think that Terry even finished his high school education which is another reason that I personally would not hire even a prodigy like Gordy and put him on the road full time to essentially manage their own free time and to have to sort through all the good things and the bad things that would be thrown at them as a traveler in the wrestling world. I still stand by my statements of the past, if you want to be a wrestler, get your college degree first to have something to fall back on because the VAST majority of wannabes will NOT make it to a level whereby they can earn a good living and prepare for their and their family’s future. More on JR……

- Florida Championship Wrestling has their first televised wrestling on air this passed Thursday. WWE superstars in attendance were John Cena, Chris Jericho, Nature Boy- Ric Flair. and the WWE Divas. Here are the results of FCW tapings….

WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes did the announcing for the event. Future WWE Superstars Nic “The Natural” Nemeth posed with Y2J. Photos for the event…

New bodyguard for Brian Kendrick (exclusive pic)

Here is the description from Tammy:

“THIS IS THE ACTUAL RING JACKET WORN BY “LOOSE CANNON�? BRIAN PILLMAN IN WCW IN THE MID 90′S and in WWE BEFORE HIS DEATH.

It is gorgeous–made of real leather and cowhide, and adorned with chains and peace signs. I purchased this jacket directly from Melanie Pillman at the First Annual Brian Pillman Memorial show, so it is legit!!

I’ve enjoyed it greatly for over 8 years now, but it’s time to give someone else the chance to enjoy the legacy of the great Brian Pillman.

The picture I have included of him wearing it is a bit fuzzy b/c it was taken off of youtube–he wore this jacket in WCW and the WWE.

The jacket weighs about 8 lbs., so the shipping charges are a little higher than normal.

I sincerely hope whoever wins this jacket treats it with as much respect as I have over the years…….

Tammy “SUNNY�? Sytch

Happy Bidding!!�?

To bid - click here!

Thank you!
Bambi Weavil
Tammy Sytch’s Agent
TammySytchOnline.com

-Hulk smash!

NBC will air a special “Incredible Hulk”-themed episode of “American Gladiators” with guest star Lou Ferrigno sharing the arena with host Hulk Hogan.

Ferrigno played the bulky green avenger in the 1970s TV series version of “The Incredible Hulk.” The “Gladiators” episode will include a hulked-out Gladiator Arena and an exclusive 60-second preview from the upcoming movie “The Incredible Hulk.” ‘American Gladiators’ Hulks up

-It’s absolutely staggering to me that Friday is nine years since we lost Owen Hart.

I — like many of you — still remember the day, crystal clear. It was May 23, 1999 — just 13 days after I started with WWE as an intern. Remembering Owen Hart

See a rare picture of Owen Hart decending from a ceiling arena on a cable…as The Blue Blazer.
(more…)

Good Ol Jim Ross at it again for comment during thie week on WWE. Here are a few snippets on the blog:

-Tuesday’s announcement that William Regal has been suspended for 60 days from the WWE is regrettable on many fronts. When I was in charge of the WWE talent roster a few years ago we sent Regal to drug rehab as he struggled to overcome his issues.

JR Commenting on Regal abuse????? Here is what is written following the statement:

This should be a great lesson for every one on the roster….be careful of every thing one ingests, including over the counter supplements that might contain even traces of banned substances.

Inevitably some wrestlers will always continue to try and “beat the system” and eventually they will be caught and punished. My gut wants to say that William Regal was not intentionally trying to beat the system, but nonetheless the blood work doesn’t lie.

-Yours truly is still on track to attend the Cauliflower Alley Club convention, at least two days of it, on June 10-11 and I may have “recruited” Stone Cold Steve Austin to attend as well.

-Wrestling fans in the Bay area of San Francisco and Oakland will get to see two Monday Night Raws produced on Monday June 9. One will be live, followed by a taped version, that will air the following Monday.

-No, I did not forget that it was almost 9 years ago at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, the same arena Monday Night Ray emanated from this week, where Owen Hart fell to his death. We did not speak of it on air nor did I think that we would, but it was definitely a point of discussion for many of us during the day especially for the King and me on our drive down from Omaha on Monday. Jerry and I sat in the same exact spot this past Monday night that we sat 9 years ago on the saddest night of our careers. After Monday’s show went off the air, some fans in attendance started an “Owen” chant which was emotional for many of us that were Owen’s friends and especially for those of us that were actually in attendance that night. More on JR..