This week’s Billboards, WWE still topping 7 outta 10 spots.
1. NFL: Super Bowl XLIII Champions: Pittsburgh Steelers
2. WWE: The Best Of Saturday Night’s Main Event
3. WWE: WrestleMania XXIV
4. WWE: Wrestlemania 22
5. WWE: The Best Of Raw: 15th Anniversary 1993-2008
6. WWE: Hell In A Cell
7. WWE: Wrestlemania XX (3 Disc Set)
8. WWE: Greatest Superstars Of Wrestlemania
9. UFC 90: Silva Vs. Cote
10. WWE: Royal Rumble 2009
-Fans will be able to chat with John Cena next Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. on Comcast.net. Watch WrestleMania 25, leading up to the match Comcast has profiles of WWE superstars including The Rock, Bret Hart, Triple H and Edge available On Demand in the “Movies & Events” folder under “WrestleMania Icons.”You can also chat live with John Cena on April 1st at 3PM EST/12PM PT at www.comcast.net/wrestling.
-According to reports coming in from first Friday’s Smackdown taping’s Umaga suffered an leg injury.
Umaga was wrestling against WWE Champion Triple H, during the main event match , the ref signed with the cross over arms, “X” symbol, means injury. Umaga has just recently been back in action from last August from an torn PLC.
-John Cena has an interview with Boston Herald with his upcoming movie 12 Rounds. here are a few snippets:
“It was actually pretty easy. The hard part was just doing all the action,” Cena told the Track.
The tough guy did have some cracks in his armor when performing stunts.
“I have an undying fear of heights and ledges, so rapelling off a 10-story building was tough. It was a tough two days.”
Cena doesn’t think acting is that much different from his wrestling gig.
“You do the best you can to make your character the best you feel you can. There’s no right or wrong. So, you’re essentially always learning and everything’s a challenge.”
Cena is going to married his High School sweetheart in July here in Boston.
“July’s coming up pretty quick,” Mr. WWE said with an ear-to-ear smile on his face.
Jim Ross has posted random thoughts on his personal blog. Here are a few highlights:
JR on Naitch Birthday and inducting “The Dragon” into the WWE Hall of Fame:Happy Birthday to my long time friend Ric Flair who turns 60 years young today. Ric will eternally be young at heart and seeing him and sitting down for a visit with him will be one of my personal highlights at WM25. Ric will induct Ricky Steamboat into the WWE Hall of Fame and if you go back and take a look at the year 1989 no one in the business had better matches together than these two. Every time they wrestled they seem to put on a clinic. I wonder how many young wrestlers who truly desire to be a wrestling star some day have throughly studied these bouts? Between tanning and being on their computers, unfortunately not enough would be my assumption. Sorry to come off as a grumpy, old schooler but these matches were grappling art.
JR talks about Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat getting inducted and calling his matches back in the day: Yours truly thinks WWE made a terrific selection in naming Ricky Steamboat to the 2009 class of the WWE Hall of Fame. I had the pleasure of calling many Steamboat matches when he returned to WCW in the late 80’s which was a personal thrill for me. Prior to that I was never in a territory where Steamboat was competing but saw many, many of his matches on tape and was amazed at how silky smooth the Verne Gagne trained athlete was. Many fans of today’s product often mention that they miss great tag team wrestling. If you want to see some classic tag bouts, check out Steamboat and Jay Youngblood vs. the Brisco Brothers from the early 80’s. This series of tag bouts is honestly as good as it gets when dissecting the art of tag team wrestling.
Steamboat, who was actually born in West Point, New York, had the innate ability to create an environment whereby the fans emotionally invested in his matches especially when Ricky was battling a hot antagonist ala Ric Flair. The 1989 Chi-Town Rumble PPV match between Steamboat and Flair for the NWA Title was one of the finest one on one matches I have ever called in my career. If you haven’t seen it, I strongly encourage you to check it out and if you haven’t seen it in years you owe it to yourself to relive one of the most exciting NWA title bouts many of us have ever witnessed.
This match was poetic physicality, perfectly performed.
Steamboat, who could execute an arm drag better than anyone I have personally ever seen, and Randy Savage arguably stole the show at WM3 in their amazing IC Title Bout. Even though WM3 will always be known for the epic Hulk-Andre bout, without question Steamboat vs. Savage was the best pure wrestling match on that show and many think it was the best wrestling match any where that entire year.
Steve Austin has told me many times that Ricky Steamboat was his all time favorite opponent which covers some serious ground. For Steve to headline this 2009 HOF Class that includes Ricky Steamboat seems only befitting as does Nature Boy Ric Flair inducting “The Dragon” who one of Ric’s greatest rivals.
If you get a moment, check out the September 2, 1992 Clash of Champions where Austin faced Steamboat for the WCW TV Title. This match was stout to say the least.
The one thing that always impressed me about Steamboat was that he maintained his composure and class in all situations. He was truly the consummate professional and WWE has done a great thing in not only putting Steamboat in the WWE HOF but also having him “coach” many of WWE’s young stars of tomorrow. These kids can not find a better role model than Ricky Steamboat to model themselves after.
I didn’t find the match that Ross was talking about , BUT I have found another match Stone Cold Steve Austin and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat wrestled. Hope you enjoy IT…
WCW Clash of the Champions 1994. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. Stunning Steve Austin (c) for the United States Heavyweight Championship. Enjoy READ THE FULL BLOG>>>>>>
PWInsider reports: Word is that Batista is now training twice a week at the gym, after recovering from hamstring surgery. While his return date is planned for late June, most expect him to be back in action at Summerslam.
-Satanico del Exotico, who worked the TNA iMPACT! tapings last night and beat Petey Williams after stunning him with a kiss, is Mexican luchador Cassandro. He has been using this style of gimmick for years, so it isn’t something that TNA came up with.
Jim Ross has posted on his JRsBarBq.com. Here are a few highlights:
JR voicing for the NEW Smackdown vs. Raw video game :Plus, I have to squeeze in two days of voice over work for THQ’s next Smackdown vs. Raw video game before the end of January. Now you know why I don’t own a lawn mower or a weed eater. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Now for some ‘rasslin, random thoughts.
JR says Starrcade DVD is an “MUST SEE” for the old school of wrestling fan:Got home Friday night and continued to check out the Starrcade DVD recently released and I hate to sound like a hype machine but for any old school fan or any die hard who is still actively following wrestling, this DVD is a “must see.” I especially loved some of the bouts that I had essentially forgotten about and I listened intently to the commentary and was amazed at how much it had changed over the years. Just one guy’s opinion but some aspects of the old school commentary was better than today’s while there is no doubt that today’s TV product is technically much better.
JR wished the best for Kevin Nash on his surgery:My old friend Kevin Nash recently had his 27th surgery which is astonishing. I wish him a speedy recovery. Kevin is one of the wittiest and most intelligent guys in the business and parlayed being a former hoopster at Tennessee and a bouncer at the Cheetah Club in Atlanta to fame and fortune in the squared circle. Kevin was on the same high school All State basketball team in Michigan as Magic Johnson back in the day. I always think of Kevin when we visit Detroit which is his hometown.
JR says WWE missed an “Few Good Managers”: If you haven’t done so, I encourage you to take a peek at WWE.com’s list of Top 25 Wrestling Managers of all time. Any list is subjective and this one isn’t an exception. Rating the late Gary Hart as the 24th best manager of all time is somewhat absurd as is completely neglecting Jim Cornette and Paul Heyman.READ THE FULL BLOG>>>>>
Bill Behrens had a chance to speak with Evan Bourne recently. He is currently continuing physical therapy, and briefly had to wear a cast on his ankle because swelling was not going down, but the cast is now off, and he’s back wearing the big boot in between therapy and icing down his ankle.
Bourne is also on a diet and work-out program prepared for him by his friend Dan Velton (who wrestles as Ryan Ash, and is a bodybuilder). Bourne plans to return to WWE rings in the best shape of his life.
Velton also prepared the diet & workout program that ROH star, Roderick Strong, one of Bourne’s roommates, has been using as of late to lose weight and shape up, and the results have been great as anyone who has seen Strong recently can attest.
Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun got an recent phone interview with WWE star and featured film star of Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia, Mr. Kennedy. Here are a few highlights:
Did you do anything specifically to prepare for this role? And did you get any advice from guys like John Cena, Steve Austin and Kane, who have all starred in films?
Actually, I did talk to those guys just to find out what to expect. Just minor stuff like: Do I need to memorize the whole script? Things like that. As far as studying up, I read a pile of books on Navy SEALs. I went to the local Borders in my hometown and I bought up every Navy SEAL book that I could find. I read Lone Survivor, which is an excellent book by the way. Also, when I got down to Puerto Rico, Joe Manganiello, who plays the lead in the movie, actually had rented from Netflix a DVD about Navy SEALs that I think the Discovery Channel put out. … Joe did a lot of research, too, so he was able to answer a lot of questions. We had a military technical adviser on the set who was able to help us with any questions. We also had a Navy SEAL come down who was one of Joe’s buddies.
You’ve had your share of injuries, the most recent being a dislocated shoulder. How are you doing physically and when will you be back in the ring?
I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve got almost full range of motion in my shoulder and it’s no longer painful to lift my arm over my head. It’s a little hard to get into the gym being on the road so much. The free time that I do get, I’m usually pretty tired, so it’s hard to be motivated. And I haven’t been able to spend too much time in a personal training studio to do the rehab. However, most of the stuff I can do on my own, and that’s what I’ve done. I do it in my hotel room every day — I do my stretches and my strengthening exercises for my rotator cuff, and I do get to the gym as much as I can. We’re looking at Feb. 28 as of right now to go back and see Dr. [James] Andrews, and hopefully he’ll give me the OK.
So it’s possible you could be back in time for WrestleMania [April 5]?
I’m crossing my fingers.
-John Cena’s finisher has undergone a name change. It will now be known as the Throwback instead of the FU. I wonder why???
-TNA has posted this update on their TNA Genesis update card line on TNA KNOCKOUT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP - LUMBERJACK MATCH. Since TNA’S Christy’s Hemme injury in an training session with AJ Styles. TNA has posted this:
TNA KNOCKOUT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP - LUMBERJACK MATCH
To Be Determined vs. Awesome Kong
-The Baltimore Sun reports: Stacey Keibler, former WWE diva has signed her third deal with ABC and has a small role on the upcoming series In the Motherhood.
At this point were not going to estimate any return date or month, will just see how things go over the next few weeks, most likely wont be back for several months to wrestle, could be back earlier on Raw just not in any matches.
Dave is now home and resting. He will start training is legs within the next six weeks.
-WWE.com has posted Dolph Ziggler’s profile on the Raw superstar roster. You can see the profile HERE.
The Post and Courier reports” A torn hamstring may prevent one of WWE’s top stars from competing at next year’s Wrestlemania.
Batista is expected to be sidelined the next several months after undergoing surgery for a lingering hamstring injury.
Batista was headed for a projected main-event spot against either John Cena or Randy Orton at the company’s annual extravaganza next April…{Injury may keep Batista on shelf for Mania}
-WWE’s Summerslam 2009 PPV event will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on August 23rd 2009. The Staples Center previously hosted WrestleMania 21 back in 2005.
The Animal sought to mend a partial tear in his hamstring tendon, under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Dugas – a colleague of Dr. James Andrews, who has performed countless successful surgeries for many Superstars.
According to Dr. Dugas, Batista will remain in Birmingham for several days following his surgery, and is scheduled to begin.
MORE photos of Batista undergoing surgery head on over to WWE.com>>>>
WWE.com has posted an update on Batista undergoing surgery for his hamstring injury. WWE.com is saying that he sustained the injury at SummerSlam in an match against John Cena. PWInsider reports that he likely got the injury over seas in the WWE Iraq tour in the Tribute To The Troops. This being said, it is to believed that an storyline between these three, Batista, John Cena and Randy Orton are in the works. But who knows the mind of Creative in the WWE.
Here is an excerpt from the announcement:
Batista traveled to Birmingham, Ala., this Friday. At the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, The Animal sought to mend a partial tear in his hamstring tendon, under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Dugas – a colleague of Dr. James Andrews, who has performed countless, successful surgeries for many Superstars.
Too read the full article posted on WWE.com, GO HERE>>>>
Jim Ross has updated his blog, here are the highlights:
JR on Batista’s return to wrestling from his hamstring injury: Oklahoma’s star running back, Demarco Murray, #7, has a ruptured hamstring and will miss the National Title Game on January 8 against the favored Florida Gators. Reason I bring this up is that Sooner surgeons say that Murray will be out of commission about 5 months before he can begin training. It will be interesting to see how long Batista will be sidelined after he undergoes hamstring surgery on Friday. In the ill fated “Brawl for it All” Steve “Dr. Death” Williams ripped his hamstring and finished his fight but was then operated on and out of commission for several months. Hopefully Batista will be able to return sooner than later but WM25 looks totally unrealistic. Is Summerslam more of a realistic return for “The Animal?”
JR on Canada being”Bizzarroland”:I don’t agree with what has been said about Canada being “Bizarroland” where they cheer for some wrestlers that other fans don’t. Canadian fans simply are a loyal lot who enjoy cheering for their countrymen (and women). Nothing wrong with that and I think that the American TV viewer or any other viewer can easily understand such without too much explanation.
That’s like me getting booed when the WWE plays Austin, Texas because Longhorn fans strongly dislike “Boomer Sooner” the music with which is played when I enter the arena. I never take it personally I can assure you. Same goes for Omaha, where there are many proud Nebraska fans and many of them aren’t wild about my entrance music either but I never feel as if they “hate” me, just the music that is used for my entrance. In any event, fans that pay their cash should be able to cheer or jeer who in the hell they want. To read more on the JR’s BLOG GO HERE>>>>
The recipient of Randy Orton’s infamously wicked punt to the skull on the Dec. 15 edition of Monday Night Raw, Batista was knocked out and put out of action indefinitely due to a head injury. While recuperating from the perfectly directed kick to the head, WWE.com has learned that during his recovery, The Animal has also elected to undergo surgery to repair a hamstring tear. Ironically, the hamstring was injured at SummerSlam, in the same match that World Heavyweight Champion John Cena was forced out of action with a neck injury.
Also, Batista underwent a bone graft in his jaw this past Monday, after having two of his teeth successfully removed due to the punt from Randy Orton.
Just days after being forced to forfeit an opportunity to ultimately contend for the World Heavyweight Title and ascertain revenge against the Legend Killer, Batista travels to Birmingham, Ala., this Friday. At the Andrew Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, The Animal seeks to mend a partial tear in his hamstring tendon, under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Dugas – a colleague of Dr. James Andrews, who has performed countless, successful surgeries for many Superstars.
Stay logged on to WWE.com as updates become available on Batista’s surgery and details on his condition.
It’s a knockdown, dragged-out, in-your-face power bomb that will lay the smack down daily with all the freshest news and information about the fantastic world of wrestling. It’s a no-holds-barred, no disqualification hard-core match that will rock your world daily with news about wrestlers from today, yesterday and tomorrow. What’s your name? IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS ‘CAUSE I’M THE ONE RUNNING THE SHOW!
Tonight's Monday Night Raw Preview (2/23)
DANCE WITH THE DEADMAN
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Dibiase Jr. Bringing Back "Million Dollar Belt"
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Here is an little excerpt from the interview:
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Updated WWE Hall of Fame and 2009 Raw Draft
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Creative Writer Leaving WWE
PWInsider.com reports:
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King Kong Bundy Currently Accepting Bookings!
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King Kong Bundy Currently Accepting Bookings!
Press Release For Immediate Release:
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