Thursday, June 30, 2011
OMG! WWE DVD Info and Cover Art
The Top 50 Incidents In WWE History” DVD set, courtesy of WWEDVDNews. The DVD and Blu-ray set will be released on August 23rd in North America. The cover photo features Edge spearing Mick Foley through a flaming table at WrestleMania 22.
“OMG! – The Top 50 Incidents In WWE History counts down the most outrageous moments in the history of WWE. What moments will make the cut, the top 10, and what is the greatest moment of all time? Is it the King of the Ring tournament where Austin 3:16 was born? Mick Foley’s devastating fall of the top of the Hell in a Cell cage? The Montreal Screwjob? The explosion that consumed Mr. McMahon’s limo? This three-disc set is the perfect release for fans that love to debate which moments were their favorites.”
Brock Lesnar Negotiating With WWE
Heyman and Lesnar have reportedly either made a deal or are at least in very serious negotiations to have a business relationship with WWE. Regarding Lesnar, word is that he won’t be wrestling and won’t be a TV character, should he have a business relationship with WWE again. Heyman would start working with the company again under a deal similar to Lesnar, according to the report by the Wrestling Observer.
In This Writers Opinion,If Brock Were To Leave the UFC after One or Two more bouts, and the WWE were to offer him a cushy schedule Like Only TV's and PPVs. As well as a Guaranteed multi-million dollar contract. He would Accept. Or what if he never returns to the UFC ?
One person close to the situation notes that CM Punk mentioning Colt Cabana, Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar during his promo on Monday’s RAW has to do with all three of those stars possibly coming back to WWE.
The source notes that Punk recently asked WWE to hire his good friend Colt Cabana. He also requested that Colt be placed on the main roster. This was a sticking point as to whether Punk would re-sign with the company. As far as CM Punk's future is concerned, WWE's creative team has been told that he's finishing up with the company at the Money in the Bank PPV. Of course, that could change depending on what Punk decides to do. Most backstage feel he's leaving come July 17th. WWE has an offer on the table right now for him to stay.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Kurt Angle Clarifies Twitter Comments on CM Punk
- Yesterday, Kurt Angle wrote the following on his Twitter about CM Punk: “CM Punk had classic promo last night. Good for Him. But if U ever say another word about Me again, Ur toast! If U don’t believe Me, try Me!”
Angle clarified those comments today on his Facebook. He wrote:
“To all the fans who MISUNDERSTOOD my old tweets toward CM PUNK. He mentioned me on twitter a while back. It didnt cross my mind until i heard he did a good promo and I just wanted to be the bigger man and tell him he did a good job and for now on if he has something to say, call me up like a man instead of tweeting his personal feeling towards
New Randy Orton Interview 6/29/11
* Orton was broached on the subject of not being able to say he’s a wrestler, but rather, a “WWE Superstar.” Orton added, “Honestly, a lot of things we’ve talked about thus far in this interview, they’d be upset with. I’m not like, ‘eff it,’ but I try to be real.”
* Orton shared a story of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson trying to get him in trouble prior to WrestleMania. Orton said he gave his opinion on The Rock during an interview with ESPN—that he wasn’t buying his return speech about returning to WWE and never leaving again. Orton said Johnson called management and claimed the WWE Superstar slammed him and Triple H in the interview. Orton feels Rock mentioned Triple H to grab their attention even though he didn’t criticize “The Game” in the interview.
Orton said he had “got in trouble” and “made Vince mad” for his statements. He feels the interview was “blown out of proportion” and that Johnson should have confronted him over his remarks, rather than complaining to Vince McMahon and management.
* Orton said Cena is “light years” ahead of everyone in WWE on the microphone, including The Rock. Orton then criticized Cena’s wrestling ability by laughing at his in-ring style.
“When I watch him, I feel he’s a little stiff, hard to move, robotic. It certainly hasn’t hurt him. I’m much better than John Cena, but on the mic, he’s light-years ahead of all of us, including The Rock,” Orton said.
– Orton knocked the actresses who have portrayed his wife on television.
“Both those women were actresses. Not even actresses. They were like models who couldn’t act; it was awful. (hosts laughed) It actually ruined both segments because they couldn’t act,” Orton said.
– Orton brought up Chris Jericho, who said he is missed as a locker room leader. When asked about Downfall on ABC, Orton said he doesn’t think Jericho received permission from WWE to host the game show. He said there was some conflict over the matter, but Jericho is the type to approach Vince McMahon.
“Jericho is type of the guy to go in Vince’s office and tell him this is what he’s doing and tough,” Orton said. “A lot of newer, younger guys are intimidated by Vince. They’re scared to knock on his door. Jericho—I miss him being around—would go tell McMahon what’s going on.”
– Spured on by the hosts, Orton levied some unflattering remarks towards WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly after saying he worked a brief romance storyline with her a few years ago.
“I would be a method actor, and actually sleep with her,” joked host John Holmberg.
“I could name a few method actors in WWE,” Orton replied. “Like, ten guys.”
The hosts tried to pry names from Orton, who tried to deflect from the topic by joking that it’s all the big guys on the roster. Orton and the hosts continued to joke about who Kelly has or hasn’t slept with throughout the show.
– Several other minor topics were discussed including his baby oil look, whether he’s defecated in the ring, wishing there were more wrestlers like Sheamus, Mark Henry being difficult to work with, and more.
More Wrestlers Comment On CM Punk, Rock, JBL, Kurt Angle, and More
The Rock posted the following on Twitter in response to CM Punk's promo from RAW…
"CM Punk: it's simple business - The Rock is the main event at Wrestlemania cause it draws more money in one night, then u will in lifetime."
- Chris Jericho wrote the following on Twitter last night about CM Punk’s RAW promo: “Congrats to @cmpunk and Vince McMahon for doing something tonight that hasn’t been done in awhile…make history.”
- Bret Hart wrote the following about CM Punk leaving WWE: “Can’t help but feel like @CMPunk leaving WWE is like Steve Carrell leaving “The Office”
- John Cena wrote the following on Twitter regarding CM Punk’s RAW promo: “CeNation. Headed to australia. Very excited. I feel as if I do not need to comment on raw last night. I think what happened needs no explination.”
- For what it’s worth, the people at WWE Magazine wrote the following online after Monday’s RAW: “The mood backstage is…edgy, to put it mildly. @CMPunk is in a meeting with a lot of the people he just called out…
- JBL wrote more online about CM Punk’s RAW promo after finally watching it yesterday:
“I haven’t watched a wrestling program since well before I left WWE 2+ years ago. Heard about CM Punk’s promo and watched it this morning-WOW! That was awesome, as good as I have ever seen. I worked with CM when he first became champ-really enjoyed it and really happy to see what a stud he has become. When you can put doubt as to whether shoot or work-you have done your job very well!”
- Beth Phoenix, who has been linked to CM Punk, wrote the following about his segment on Monday’s RAW: “So many of u asking me about my feelings on how Raw went off the air.Shocking, compelling & struck a nerve. Passion&Talent cannot be denied.
- Kurt Angle wrote the following about CM Punk’s RAW promo on Monday night, on his Twitter page this afternoon:
“CM Punk had classic promo last night. Good for Him. But if U ever say another word about Me again, Ur toast! If U don’t believe Me, try Me!”
It should be noted that Punk didn’t mention Angle on Monday night. Angle may have been referring to a comment Punk made on Twitter
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
New Punk News
WWE officials told Punk to go out and say in his own words why he was leaving the company, why he wanted the WWE Title and why he wanted to leave with it in his possession. There was a discussion that when officials felt Punk was going too far, they would pull the plug on the segment and cut his mic.
It’s said that Punk was upset months ago when Triple H came back to feud with The Undertaker and while some of his comments on RAW towards Vince McMahon were well thought out to appear not as a shoot to the average viewer, most believe that Punk’s comments towards Triple H and John Laurinaitis were strictly a shoot.
Word also is that Punk had some notes for his speech jotted down on his wrist tape.
As far as his contract status, Punk’s deal apparently expires the second week of July but he signed an extension to work through Money in the Bank. Still with last night’s new storyline development, sources maintain that Punk is leaving at Money in the Bank
Transcripts of CM Punk's Amazing Shoot On Raw
“John Cena, while you lay there, hopefully as uncomfortable as you possibly can be, I want you to listen to me.
I want you to digest this because before I leave in 3 weeks with your WWE Championship, I have a lot of things I want to get off my chest.
I don’t hate you, John. I don’t even dislike you. I do like you. I like you a hell of a lot more than I like most people in the back.
I hate this idea that you’re the best. Because you’re not. I’m the best. I’m the best in the world. There’s one thing you’re better at than I am and that’s kissing Vince McMahon’s ass.
You’re as good as kissing Vince McMahon’s ass as Hulk Hogan was. I don’t know if you’re as good as Dwayne though. He’s a pretty good ass kisser. Always was and still is.
Whoops! I’m breaking the fourth wall! (Punk waves to the camera)
I am the best wrestler in the world.
I’ve been the best since day one when I walked into this company. And I’ve been vilified and hated since that day because Paul Heyman saw something in me that nobody else wanted to admit. That’s right, I’m a Paul Heyman guy. You know who else was a Paul Heyman guy? Brock Lesnar. And he split just like I’m splitting. But the biggest difference between me and Brock is I’m going to leave with the WWE Championship.
I’ve grabbed so many of Vincent K. McMahon’s brass rings that it’s finally dawned on me that there just that, they’re completely imaginary. The only thing that’s real is me and the fact that day in and day out, for almost six years, I have proved to everybody in the world that I am the best on this microphone, in that ring, even in commentary! Nobody can touch me!
And yet no matter how many times I prove it, I’m not on your lovely little collector cups. I’m not on the cover of the program. I’m barely promoted. I don’t get to be in movies. I’m certainly not on any crappy show on the USA Network. I’m not on the poster of WrestleMania. I’m not on the signature that’s produced at the start of the show. I’m not on Conan O’Brian. I’m not on Jimmy Fallon. But the fact of the matter is, I should be.
This isn’t sour grapes. But the fact that Dwayne is in the main event at WrestleMania next year and I’m not makes me sick!
Oh hey, let me get something straight. Those of you who are cheering me right now, you are just as big a part of me leaving as anything else. Because you’re the ones who are sipping on those collector cups right now. You’re the ones that buy those programs that my face isn’t on the cover of. And then at five in the morning at the airport, you try to shove it in my face and get an autograph and try to sell it on Ebay because you’re too lazy to go get a real job.
I’m leaving with the WWE Championship on July 17th. And hell, who knows, maybe I’ll go defend it in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Maybe…I’ll go back to Ring of Honor.
(Punk looks at the camera and waves)
Hey, Colt Cabana, how you doing?
The reason I’m leaving is you people. Because after I’m gone, you’re still going to pour money into this company. I’m just a spoke on the wheel. The wheel is going to keep turning and I understand that. Vince McMahon is going to make money despite himself. He’s a millionaire who should be a billionaire. You know why he’s not a billionaire? Because he surrounds himself with glad-handed, non-sensical, douchebag (censored) yes men, like John Laurinaitis, who’s going to tell him everything he wants to hear, and I’d like to think that maybe this company will better after Vince McMahon is dead. But the fact is, it’s going to be taken over by his idiotic daughter and his doofus son-in-law and the rest of his stupid family.
Let me tell you a personal story about Vince McMahon alright. We do this whole (anti) bully campaign
(Mic cut off.)”
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Rock Confirms He'll be in GI Joe, Raw Roulette Options Revealed, and More
- WWE has released an image on their website of the RAW Roulette wheel they will be using on tonight’s show. Here are the options:
* Strange Bedfellows
* Player’s Choice
* Steel Cage
* Pillow Fight
* Handicap
* Lumberjack
* Blast from the Past
* Flag
* Mystery Match
* Falls Count Anywhere
* Tornado
* Blindfold
* Body Slam
* ? On A Pole
* No DQ
* Tables
* Special Guest Referee
* Trading Places
* Submission
* Song & Dance
Former World Champion Diamond Dallas Page revealed on Twitter that he is backstage for tonight’s RAW in Las Vegas. DDP showed a photo of WWE crew members and a steel cage, indicating that there will be a cage match on tonight’s show.
- WWE Hall of Famers Bob Orton Jr. and Ted DiBiase Sr. both need their knees replaces. Orton Jr. will be having the surgery soon while DiBiase doesn’t have a date yet. Doctors told DiBiase that they could treat his hip issues with medication, therapy and getting his weight down from his current 320 lbs.
- WWE NXT: Redemption talent Darren Young is now without a Pro after Chavo Guerrero was released this weekend. Young wrote the following on Twitter about Guerrero:
“Chavo passed off his wisdom to me! Now I’m taking the crown home all by myself! Thanx to the @mexwarrior for his advice and willingness to help me become a better superstar. Its much appreciated Chavo!
Kelly Kelly Talks Winning the Title and More, Former Diva Ties the Knot, and More
- After being chosen to take on WWE Divas Champion Brie Bella last Monday on RAW, Kelly Kelly (53%), who beat out Beth Phoenix (36%) and Eve (11%), took full advantage of her opportunity. Kelly relieved Brie of the title to begin her first championship reign.
Kelly revealed her thoughts on finally winning the strap to WWE.com.
"The biggest compliment for me was the fans voting for me on Raw," Kelly said. "I feel like the fans have really connected with me for five years. I think some might see me as the underdog – always working hard, but just never getting a chance."
The fans weren't the only ones lined up to congratulate Kelly as she was greeted with a warm welcome by her peers upon returning backstage.
"The Divas were standing there by the locker room, waiting and clapping for me," Kelly revealed. "I've never been injured. I've worked the live events five years straight with no real off weeks. I've worked so hard for this, and I think the other Divas recognized that."
- Former WWE talent Maria Kanellis and Angela Fong (a/k/a Savannah) are advertised to appear at the Frank & Son Collectible Show in City of Industry, California on Saturday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit www.frankandsonshow.com for more information.
- Former women's wrestling champion Madusa (a/k/a Debrah Miceli) wed her fiancée of six months this past Saturday in Memphis, Tennessee. She had the wedding broadcast online.
JR's Newest Blog, Hogan Talks TNA Going on the Road
- Jim Ross has a new blog entry up, at http://www.JRSBARBQ.com/ Here are the highlights…
On WWE's TV Week: It's hell week for WWE TV personnel as they have their 'doubleheader' tonight and then two more, consecutive days of Smackdown tapings Tuesday and Wednesday. I've been a part of many of these marathon weeks and I can assure you that one really has to pay attention, take great notes and sleep when one can or announcing and continuity mistakes can easily occur. I hear that UFC TV production personnel are experiencing 'burn out' to some degree with all the TV's that they have been doing lately, too.
On Sin Cara vs. Even Bourne: It will be fun to see Sin Cara vs. Even Bourne for those who like the flying stuff. Both guys are talented and I'm curious to see if they have in ring chemistry with the other. I hope that sooner than later Sin Cara can begin to speak some English as that will help him connect better with what could be a sizable audience for the Mexican star as time goes on.
On CM Punk: I'm very curious to see what @cmpunk says tonight on Raw about his upcoming departure which seems as if it will occur in Chicago, Punk's hometown, after the MITB PPV there in July. Punk is at the top of his game, without question, and I, for one, feel that the Raw TV shows leading into the Chicago PPV could be compelling as it relates to Punk. His loss will be significant but w/ any loss comes the opportunity for someone to step forward.
The HBK-Bret Hart DVD Project: @shawnmichaels_ and @brethart and I talked about WM9 in Vegas which was my first live WWE event (toga) where Shawn wrestled Tatanka and Bret lost the WWE Title to a fatigued Yokozuna. Not the most auspicious of nights for either HOF'er but they discussed this era and this event in detail when we did our DVD sit down last week. Again, that project is slated to be released in October. The interview was real. The answers were real. They did not know the questions that I was going to ask ahead of time. Their reactions were real. I realize that because of the genre that there will be doubters but when one sees the finished product I think all concerns about realism and honesty will be alleviated. Plus, this project wasn't solely about 'Montreal' even though the '97 Survivor Series was throughly addressed.
- According to a source, there has been on and off talk with SpikeTV that TNA will be taking more iMPACT! tapings on the road. According to Hulk Hogan's Twitter, that will come in August…
"Getting ready for 2days of IMPACT tapings in Oorlando, can't wait till August and we start going on the road every other taping."
Hogan also claims that he turned down a cameo in the new American Pie move, posting the following…
"Just turned down a cameo for the new American Pie movie, they wanted me to dance, I told them they should get Jericho, not my deal brother. HH"
Sunday, June 26, 2011
More Matt Hardy, Flair Avoids Jail, and Lots More
- Ric Flair has paid up the $35,000 he owed Highspots.com. The site posted the following to their Facebook page:
"Letting our own social media get the scoop, we have FINALLY been paid by Ric Flair for the debt dating back years ago. No jail time for Naitch. Whichever Angel pitched in the $ for him THANK YOU."
- WWE.com has posted an article on Shawn Michaels' new TV show, Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures, in which Michaels says that Triple H and other current and former Superstars will be appearing on the show.
- After Matt Hardy tweeted yesterday that anyone who asked for a refund from the Fort Wayne show would get their story "re-tweeted", Abyss posted the following to his Twitter (which was re-tweeted by Karen Jarrett):
Our roster of talent is the best and brings everything they have to the ring everynite and our Impact live events give the fans alot for their money. No refunds required or requested. Thanks for being great fans no matter whos on the show. You guys are the best
That's Abyss (and Karen Jarrett) basically telling Matt Hardy to shut his mouth.
- Tyson Kidd appeared as a babyface at last night's SmackDown live event in Hidalgo, Texas. He defeated Heath Slater, who was accompanied by Justin Gabriel.
- Layla celebrated her 33rd birthday yesterday. She is expected to be sidelined until next year due to tears of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in her knee.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Batista Opens Twitter Account, Talks WWE Product and More, Plus Matt Hardy/TNA Feud News
Former WWE star Batista has launched an account on Twitter via twitter.com/Real_DBautista. The account has been confirmed by his official website, Demon-Wrestling.com. He posted an introductory message explaining what he’s been up to since parting ways with WWE last year.
“So I’m giving in to my rule of NO social networking because I promised my boy Josh Rafferty that i would……so here we go!” Batista wrote. “First off!!!!! NO HATERS ALLOWED!!! I hate HATERS!! I wish all haters a Nick Diaz style ass woopin! go somewhere else!
“This is what i’ve done since I left WWE a year ago….3 movies, first one “House of the Rising Sun” being released next month. riding low with my homies…. THE IMPERIALS!!!! Los Angeles chapter….sup Francisco,Junior, El Presidente Tomas..(we miss you Jesse) training my ass off at Gracie Fighter Pleasant Hill Cali, Gracie Fighter Tampa Fl., and Powerhouse Gym in Downtown Tampa. ….and chillin with Sarah : )”
Batista also says he plans on fighting no matter what.
He wrote, “So I’ll repeat myself because haters are not only losers but they also seem to be illiterate! NO FUCKING HATERS! no negative chi here!!!! and God willing…YES I will be fighting. even if i have to walk my old ass to the cage with a cane!”
Batista then criticizes WWE’s “PG” product, writing, “I’m the biggest wrestling fan there is..which is why I’m boycotting the PG BS! They’re selling watered down art bro. Kills me.”
Batista also responded to queries regarding his recent weight loss. He says he gave up weights and eliminated certain foods from his diet.
“Gave up the weights, gluten, red meat, pork….down to 260…feel great,” he wrote. “Leaner than ever though. I feel great at this weight
Matt Hardy has been pulled from several weeks of TNA events because of his recent suspension, including house shows. Because of this, Hardy posted the following on his Twitter account:
"If you asked for a refund in Ft. Wayne cuz I wasn't there, tweet me your story & I will RT it. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
It was reported earlier this week that Matt Hardy was suspended by TNA Wrestling due to continuously arriving late to live events and posting a video online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun a woman with a taser, "among other reasons." It was noted to Hardy on Twitter that a group of "thirty people" asked for refunds when it was announced that he would not be on hand for Friday's live event in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Right. Instead, they were given free merchandise.
Hardy wrote, "I thank those peeps who stood up for me. I haven't done anything wrong.. And the "Fans Voices Should Matter"-don't ever forget that!"
He continued, "If you asked for a refund in Ft. Wayne cuz I wasn't there, tweet me your story and I will RT it.. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Hardy also continues to take issue with wrestling websites that publish "inaccurate" stories.
"As I said earlier, I have no more beef with the net. They're people tryin to make a living off of the business that we are the lifeblood of," Hardy wrote. "With that said, you certainly can't believe everything you read. There's always details to situations that they have no clue about and therefore report incorrectly."
As you can imagine, TNA management is not happy with these latest tweets. One source noted that he's basically "egging them on". Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut.... something Hardy obviously knows nothing about.
Chavo Guerrero Released, Chavo Comments on Release
WWE.com announced today that Chavo Guerrero has been released from his WWE contract.
Chavo Guerrero released
June 25, 2011
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of WWE SmackDownSuperstar Chavo Guerrero as of today, June 25, 2011. We wish Guerrero the best in all future endeavors.
WWE announced this morning that the organization has come to terms on the release SmackDown Superstar Chavo Guerrero. The third generation grappler commented on his departure from the organization and revealed that he had requested to be let go due to unhappiness with his position.
Guerrero wrote, “Yes, it’s true. My release is the big news I was talking about. But let’s get something straight. I asked for my release. I was just tired of not being used correctly. Just cuz u can make other ppl look good, doesn’t mean they should just have u lose to them. The same thing happened to Eddie. After being champ, they still had him working mid card status. Being a Guerrero, we’ve been taught since diapers to get the most out of ppl & matches. It’s our gift, but also our curse. WWE has always used us to make other ppl look good.
“It all comes down to being happy. I was not happy in WWE anymore. I had a smile on my face last night though when I got my release though! now it’s time for me to start being a Guerrero again, and start kicking ass again, be able to tell stories in the ring like u know we can. Win or lose I will never go back to the place WWE put me in. I will never go back to being under utilized and watching ppl who suck get bigger “pushes” than me!
Thank u to all of u who stuck by me and kept reminding me, I was better than that! stay tuned. Big things coming!! Now I will really be able to entertain u! like me or hate me, 1 thing I have always tried to do is entertain u and give u fans your $ worth. Even if my hands were tied most of the time. I love u all and can’t wait for the future!! So happy. ”
He continued, “Hey, u guys have me trending World wide!! Thanks. I should of quit a long time ago! I know it may sound like it, but I’ve got no hard feelings toward the WWE. I’ve just been unhappy there for a long time & if you have watched the show, u will no why. I made a lot of money, but I’m better than just cashing a paycheck. I wish no hard feelings toward the WWE and want to see them and all my friends there succeed! I love wrestling & want nothing but wrestling to get better & bigger. U fans deserve nothing but a great show and great stories& athleticism for staying so true to wrestling. It’s in my blood & always will be.
“People asking what I’m gonna do now..I’m gonna stay home and be a Dad. going to watch my son’s football practice now. Happy!”
Friday, June 24, 2011
ROH Press Confrence 6/24/11, Also Complete List Of Markets For New Show
BALTIMORE, MD - WNUV CW Saturdays at 10 PM and Sundays at 12:00 AM
BIRMINGHAM, AL - WABM MyNetworkTV at Saturdays 9 PM and Sundays at 11 PM
BUFFALO, NY - WNYO MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 9 PM
BUFFALO, NY - WUTV FOX Sundays at 11 PM
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA -KFXA FOX Saturdays at 11:30 PM
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - KGAN CBS Saturdays at 3:30 AM
CHAMPAIGN-SPRINGFIELD, IL WICS/WICD ABC Saturdays at 12:00 AM
CHARLESTON, SC - WMMP MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 10 PM
CHARLESTON, SC - WTAT FOX Sundays at 1 AM.
CHARLESTON-HUNTINGTON, WV - WVAH FOX Sundays at 11 PM.
CHARLESTON, HUNTINGTON, WV - WCHS ABC Sundays at 1:30 AM.
CINCINATTI, OH - WTTE FOX Sundays at 12 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - WTTE FOX Sundays at 12 AM.
DAYTON, OHIO - WRGT FOX Sundays at 10:30 PM and 3:00 AM.
DES MOINES, IOWA - KDSM FOX Sundays 11 PM and Saturdays at 2 AM.
FLINT, MI - WSMH FOX Sundays at 11 PM
GREENSBORO, NC - WMYV MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 8PM and 12 AM.
GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG-ASHEVILLE (CAROLINAS) WMYA CW Network Saturdays at 10 PM.
GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG-ASHEVILLE (CAROLINAS) WLOS ABC Saturdays at 1:30 AM.
LAS VEGAS, NV - KVCW CW Network Saturdays at 10 PM and 1 AM.
LEXINGTON, KY - WDKY FOX Sundays at 12 AM.
MADISON, WI - WMSN FOX Saturdays 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM.
MILWAUKEE, WI - WVTV CW Network Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 12 AM.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL - WUCW CW Network Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 1 AM.
MOBILE-PENSACOLA - WFGX MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 12 AM.
NASHVILLE, TN - WUXP MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 10 PM and Sundays at 1 AM
NORFOLK, VA - WTVZ MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 10 PM and Sundays at 1 AM.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - KOCB CW Network Saturdays at 9 PM and 2 AM.
PADUCAH-CAPE GIRARDEAU - WDKA MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 2 AM,
PEORIA, IL - WYZZ FOX Sundays at 11 PM and Saturdays at 3 AM.
PITTSBURGH, PA - WPMY MyNetworkTV Saturdays 10 PM and Sundays at 12 AM.
PORTLAND-AUBURN, MAINE - WGME CBS Saturdays at 1 AM.
RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC - WRDC MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 10 PM and Sundays at 12 AM.
RICHMOND, VA - WRLH FOX Sundays at 11:30 PM.
ROCHESTER, NY - WUHF FOX Sundays at 1:30 AM.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - KMYS CW Network Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 1 AM.
ST. LOUIS - WDNL ABC Saturdays at 1:30 AM.
SYRACUSE, NY - WNYS MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 10 PM and Sundays at 1 AM.
TALLAHASSEE, FL - WTWC NBC Saturdays at 1 AM.
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG, FL - WTTA MyNetworkTV Saturdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 9 PM.
Update on Bret Hart/HBK DVD
While initial reports on the Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart DVD stated that the DVD would be focused on the Montreal Screwjob, which is not the case.
The DVD interviews that were filmed yesterday were for a DVD that will follow the entire series of matches and feud between the two both backstage and on screen. The Montreal Screwjob will be discussed of course, but it is not the focus of the DVD.
Bret Hart Returning To TV, Stings New Movie, HBK on Raw, And Tons More
- As noted before, Bret Hart is booked for upcoming SmackDown live events. There has been talk of The Hitman returning to WWE TV for some kind of storyline soon.
- Sting stars in a new Christian movie called “The Encounter” that was released earlier this month on DVD. He told The Baltimore Sun the following about the movie:
“It’s about five people traveling down a road, and due to weather they all get stuck. They end up at a diner, which maybe one or two of them saw, and the rest of them never did. They go into the diner and have an encounter with a guy named Jesus, who actually ends up being Jesus Christ. He meets each one of us where we are in our lives. We’re all then forced with a choice to make, to either accept him or not. It really covers pretty much every walk – every person who has that choice.
- Shawn Michaels may be doing the “wheel spinning” at Monday’s RAW Roulette show from Las Vegas
- Here are some recent TNA attendance figures:
* June 16th in London, Ontario drew 1,000 fans
* June 17th in Toronto, Ontario drew 1,000 fans
* June 18th in Buffalo, NY with Hulk Hogan drew 2,000 fans for BaseBrawl
- After the Tough Enough finale part of RAW a few weeks back, WWE’s John Laurinaitis ripped into Andy Leavine for about five minutes about how Leavine shit on everything Vince McMahon and Steve Austin have done for the business, and about how he was a piece of crap who will never amount to anything in the business. Laurinaitis was mad because they felt Andy should have stayed down longer after the slap from Vince and the Stunner from Austin.
- The value of the McMahon family’s WWE stock is currently $163 million. For a comparison against UFC, Lorenzo Fertitta’s stock would be worth $506 million, Frank Fertitta’s would be worth $506 million and Dana White’s stock would be worth $113 million.
- WWE officials now realize that they have dropped the ball twice with Ted DiBiase Jr. and reuniting him with Cody Rhodes on SmackDown is supposed to be a way of reversing things. The idea now is to re-create the dynamic that Alex Riley and The Miz had, with Rhodes and DiBiase. The plan right now is for DiBiase to continue doing Rhodes’ “dirty work” until Ted turns babyface and feuds with Cody.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
New Interview With Sting, Abyss Defending Title, and Matt Hardy Tells You Who He Is, Plus More
- Sting recently spoke with The Baltimore Sun. Here are some highlights:
Do you have any more film projects in the works?
It’s so tough [because of the wrestling schedule]. I’ve had to pass on a couple other projects with some really good people, but I’m looking forward to doing some more. But, yes, I know that I will have time coming up here and I’d like to do a whole bunch more.
There is a lot of adult content on Impact Wrestling. As a man of faith, is it a concern for you to be on that type of show?
Absolutely. There’s no question about it. This is something that many Christians will use as their ace in the hole, and I’ll use it, but I’m not going to use it in a real loose way, and that is that Jesus Christ himself went in amongst the sinners – the murderers, the adulterers, the idolaters, the drunkards, and so on and so forth. And he didn’t come to judge them, he came to save them, be a doctor to them. I’m not putting myself on that level obviously, but at the same time, we are in the world, we are not of the world, if we are believers. I’m not going to put myself in a shell – it’s just not going to work that way. You have to get out there somehow or another and try to be a light or be the salt of the earth, and that’s all I’ve tried to do. As far as the content goes, I will only involve myself in situations that will not jeopardize my walk or my witness. You won’t hear vulgar things coming out of my mouth or sexual innuendos and all that kind of stuff.
In your current story line with Hulk Hogan, it almost seems as if there are some religious overtones as far as you trying to save the Hulk Hogan character and get him back on the right path. Is that the case or am I reading too much into it?
You know, there’s probably a thread of that in there for sure. Most of my story lines do have some sort of a redemptive quality to them. Vince Russo is writing a lot of this stuff, and many people may not know this, but he also is a believer. He writes with that kind of flair. The other thing, too, is I really believe that because of the nostalgia of Hulk Hogan – you know, he made an appearance on “American Idol” and got a huge, gigantic reaction – wrestling fans all over the place would love to see the story line for real. I think they want to see him come back and just be Hulk. I’d like to see it.
What was your reaction when WWE began airing the mysterious vignettes early this year that turned out to be for The Undertaker’s return, but initially had a lot of wrestling fans believing that the videos signaled that you were coming to WWE for to face The Undertaker at WrestleMania? And the second part of my question is: Did WWE contact you to come in and do something at that point?
I’ll answer the second part first. Yes, I was contacted by WWE people. The vignettes I can honestly tell you that I do not understand that one even now, unless it was some kind of deal where they were just trying to test the waters, I really don’t know, because so many people were saying, “I hope it’s Sting, I hope it’s Sting.” I thought, “Gosh, I wonder if they’re going to shoot themselves in the foot there by making this choice, because if things do not work out, why did they do it to begin with?” I had all kinds of things going through my head. But, yeah, I was very, very close to going up there, and I believe there probably would have been something with Undertaker. That was the word at least.
What are your thoughts on what went down the night you faced Jeff Hardy at the Victory Road pay-per-view?
I want to be careful with my words here because I really like Jeff Hardy. I’m hoping he can come back because that guy is so talented, but he has personal issues in his life and it just became too much for him, too overwhelming, and he just couldn’t cope and didn’t know how to handle it. So he made some bad choices and he’s having to deal with those choices and the consequences now. I hear he’s doing much, much better. Last I heard, he was riding his bike 10 miles a day and just getting in great shape and his life was getting in some kind of order.
You’ve said in the past that you intended to retire several times, but every year when your contract comes up in TNA, you get talked into staying for another year. At this point, how much longer do you plan to continue wrestling?
You know, you’re right. I think I’ve said every year for at least the last four years that this will be my last year. And I’m speaking the same way again now. I think I’ve smartened up a little bit. When I know it’s done, I’ll know it’s done. I’m going to go as long as I can, but, honestly, whether I want to or not, I cannot see going too much farther.
– Abyss stated Wednesday during a chat session on TNAOnDemand.com that he would be defending the X Division Championship (which he renamed the Extreme Title) against Brian Kendrick next month at Destination X.
– Kazarian is featured in Impact Wrestling’s latest “Why Wrestling Matters” video. The former TNA X Division Champion discusses what drives his passion and dedication for professional wrestling.
“There are a number of people out there, old and young, male and female, that want an alternative, that want a pro wrestling company,” Kazarian says. “They want to be entertained by what happens inside of a wrestling ring. They don’t want to be talked to, they don’t want to be lied to, they want to watch people fight. That’s why Impact Wrestling is important today, more so than it ever has been.
– TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Mickie James will be holding a live concert at Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, July 15. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit JimPorters.com or call 502-452-9531.
James also stated on her Twitter account that she will be doing a VIP meet and greet.
– In Matt Hardy’s latest YouTube blog, he posted a preface for an upcoming entry that will explain ‘Who is Matt Hardy.”
“You will all understand, who the real Matt Hardy is,” Hardy says. “You will all understand, what makes Matt Hardy tick. You will all understand, why Matt Hardy… is Matt Hardy.
“I promise you this, it’s going to be a YouTube entry you do not want to miss. I promise you that. I promise… you that.
“THE GOSPEL! THE GOSPEL! THE GOSPEL! Will be spoken.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Matt Hardy's Suspension, WWE Creative Burnt Out,Scott Hall Senetnce Correction, and More
TNA Wrestling officials suspended Matt Hardy due to continuously arriving late to live events. In an update on this, the suspension was also due in part to the video he posted online of himself urging Jeff Hardy to stun Reby Sky (Matt's girlfriend) with a taser, "among other reasons." Basically, several things had been building up and they suspended him.
Hardy was left off last week's iMPACT! Wrestling tapings in Orlando, Florida due to the aforementioned reasons.
Matt Hardy tweeted the following statement in response to the online reports: "Just checked out the headlines on the 'net.. They make me smile :-) Everything's cool in life-luv it! It's 95 out but I'm not sweating ;)"
TMZ.com reported Tuesday that Scott Hall was sentenced to ten days in Seminole County Jail for resisting arrest last May. The story also notes that his jail time was reduced to two days for time served. According to a source, that the story is incorrect as just two days were cut off his sentence. That means he'll be serving eight days and not two as TMZ reported.
Hall will enter jail on July 5 and be released on July 13.
-- Members of WWE's creative team are said to be "burnt out" following two consecutive three-hour episodes of RAW, the Capitol Punishment pay-per-view event and conceiving plans for next month's Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. The team is currently preparing for double RAW tapings on 6/27 in Las Vegas and the double SmackDown! tapings on 6/28 (Phoenix) and 6/29 (Tucson). The team will be given time off after that, which will include the July 4th holiday weekend while the WWE crew heads overseas for a tour of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Next week will be insanely busy with the double tapings of both RAW and SmackDown!. We've also got another set of iMPACT! tapings. Yikes.
-- Drew McIntyre vs. Justin Gabriel headlines tonight's Florida Championship Wrestling live event at the Orlando Armory in Orlando, Florida. An autograph session will also take place with Kofi Kingston, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mason Ryan, Trent Barreta, Johnny Curtis, Jinder Mahal, Kaitlyn and Bill DeMott.
More From Gail Kim/Melina Twitter/Video Feud
- Gail Kim has wrote more about Melina on Twitter:
“Haha it seems like from ur comments people, u r falling for @realmelina s “nice” side. Trust me I did too! I guess ull just have to experience her “emotional” side to understand…:(
All the negative people out there, its ok I know. Misery loves company. I feel sorry 4 u…but good news, @realmelina would love ur friendship! ”
Jeff Jarrett Talks, Kidd Cuts his Hair, Al Snow Interview, and More
The LAW (FightNetwork.com) recently interviewed Jeff Jarrett. Here are some highlights...
Using his children in the program with Kurt Angle: "That's the part that people have really voiced their opinion very very strongly, and it's their prerogative to voice their opinion, but I've literally lived this. My parents were divorced when I was three-years old because of this business. So I'm very aware of a child's feelings. People can judge all they want, but I know what kind of father I am, I know what kind of mother Karen is, I know what kind of parents we're all are and I understand better than anybody where the kids' heads are at. So it was a very understanding situation and you know I take the criticism but also understand, I take it with a grain of salt because you have to walk in my shoes or Karen's shoes or Kurt's shoes to fully understand the situation.
Discussing those that have been critical of the creative team within TNA: "Keep being as critical as possible because it is absolute proof that you are watching in some shape, form or fashion. We're never gonna please everybody and I know that. When I say that I speak from experience, and I literally mean that, I can remember as a kid going to matches when I broke into the Tennessee territory. Instead of online chats and the internet and that kind of stuff, there used to be a group of anywhere from 50 fans to 150 fans to who knows at times hanging out at the back gate. They would be raising hell b---hing, complaining and saying 'How come this guy didn't do this? How come this guy didn't do that?' Back in that day professional wrestling was perceived on a different level, but there have always been very vocal critics of professional wrestling and one thing that I learned and I learned it from my grandmother was the most vocal critic is the one that never ever missed a Monday night or a Tuesday night in Louisville or a Wednesday - they never missed. Well I know that we're not gonna always bat one thousand not even close but we're gonna keep attempting and keep trying to hit the home run, keep trying to keep the ball in play and know going in that we're always gonna make mistakes. But at the end of the day, we're gonna stay focused and do the very best we can and when you're on the top rated show on your network, which we are at Spike you're doing something right."
Mick Foley's departure from TNA recently: "You know I've seen this happen countless times. There comes a point when you have employer/employee. When the employee comes to basically a fork in the road in their business life, if they have the ability to move on and don't need the paycheck anymore and feel like they can't work under these conditions anymore such as Mick, he moved on. My hat's off to him, the a guy didn't stick around and be disgruntled. If he wasn't happy, it was time for him to move on. The worst thing a talent can do is stick around and just let things fester. Because they need the paycheck they stay, but they're miserable, which isn't doing anybody good, it's doing everyone a disservice themselves included and life's too short. If you're not happy with the situation, move on. If you're unhappy with it, be constructive about things and try to make a positive change, and realize that you're not the ultimate decision maker and move on. I've got an immense amount of respect for Mick Foley. We go back basically he came to Tennessee in 1988, and I got started in 1986 so we go back man years. I respect his as a performer immensely but more as the person that he is."
The recent passing of Randy Savage and his work in Memphis with the Jarrett family: "The Poffo family and the Jarrett family have a long and storied history. There were some very heated situations back in the early 80's and then Randy came to work for my family's promotion. In the mid 80's when the WWF was plucking all the top stars out of every territory, Randy walked in and said that he was going, but he offered to stay as long as needed to 'do business' on the way out. That's something that my family certainly never forgot. My grandmother spoke very highly of Randy, my Dad and obviously I do. The in-ring performer that Randy was and the 'it' factor and the charisma, everyone knows that side of it. But Randy was a man's man, and you know, obviously tragic news, but I can't say enough good about Randy. I really, really can't - professionally and personally."
- Tyson Kidd debuted a new haircut on last night’s WWE NXT as he has cut off what little bit of hair he had on his head. Regarding the cut, Kidd wrote the following on Twitter: “Getting a lot of ?’s concerning the hair….a wise man once said “enough is enough and it’s time for a change!”
Pro Wrestling Illustrated contributing writer Brady Hicks, DJ and Anthony Sarlo were joined IN THE ROOM by former WWE and ECW star Al Snow. Here are some highlights.
How TNA is Positioned For the Future: "I can tell you this ... I have been impressed with just how hard everybody seems to work there. It's just impressive. From the talent down, everybody really busts their hump and really puts in the time and the effort and the passion when it comes to those TV shows and pay-per-views ... Sitting in those meetings, nobody ever says 'Let's just do this.' Everything is agonized over. Every single person works really hard, I couldn't single one out."
On WWE and Impact Wrestling's Recent Name Changes: "WWE taking it out? I don't care. They can call it whatever they want. They can call it farming. At the end of the day, it's professional wrestling. That's what they're selling. Tell me one completely brand new thing that is now fake that is different or unique from TNA, from Mexico, from All Japan Pro Wrestling, from New Japan Pro Wrestling, wherever."
The Difference Between Setting Up Independent Shows and Doing Similar Work for TNA: "How is [anything] different than TNA? Not really. Different perspectives or ideas, different talent, and that's a BIG thing ... Wrestling as a whole is and should always be entertainment. The reclassification that it's no longer wrestling and that it's entertainment is really just an attempt to say they reinvented the wheel and made something different. But I was there for 13, 14 years ... and when the pyro stops, the music ended, and the bell rings, I'm really curious about what is done different in the one place than in the other."
Why Wrestling Has Become Less Popular: "Everybody has played other sports growing up. You connect to it. That's why hockey has got a bigger following in Canada, more people have played it. That's why soccer is more popular in the rest of the world, everybody has played it. That's why it's going to continue to grow in the US, more kids play it. That's why more men like sports than women. What happens with wrestling is that people are attracted to the characters and to the personalities. The only thing that has changed between 1911 and 2011 is that the crowd has gotten more sophistocated."
On His Mondo Wrestling A Go Go Show: "It's an adult circus, that's the best way to describe it. It's a combination of burlesque, aerial acts, circus acts, fire dancers ... drag queens, drag KINGS - the lesbian equivalent of women that dress up as men - ..., got a guy who has a fire whip ... very intriguing, and then wrestling matches, the way I can best describe it is very old-ECW-like where the referees are just there to count the fall."
- Kofi Kingston will be signing autographs with Bill DeMott, Andy Leavine and other FCW stars at tonight’s FCW Summer Slamarama event in Orlando, Florida at the Orlando Armory. There will also be 8 matches, a Fan Fest and a RAW vs. SmackDown match with Drew McIntyre taking on Justin Gabriel.
- The WWE creative team is said to be burnt out right now, after the recent string of three-hour RAW shows, the Capitol Punishment pay-per-view and the upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Ultimate Warrior vs Macho Man Randy Savage
This is a really quik match Kind of a Squash, which is weird considering the combatants.
New Shawn Michaels Video Interview, Also Interview From Busted Wide Open
Here are highlights from the interview on Busted Open:
His feud with Jericho and inadvertently causing the PG era: "Me and Chris (Jericho) would bury ourselves in the writer's room... We didn't have any direction and I guess that my point, and I guess we just sort of said it ourselves and went from there. The process was phenomenal , thought the angle was phenomenal and the truthfully we were the reason the PG thing came down and I bled like a stuck pig, there where people wanted to sponsor something and they saw me bleed like a stuck pig they left and there was no more of that stuff."
His reconciliation with Bret Hart: "It was very genuine. He and I, we had been texting each other. I can't give you a time frame. Some time before that you know me and Tyson Kidd were talking...Holy Cow! This whole thing needs to end. Tyson had passed his number along to me. And he and I had been texting, but not getting in to any detail, but we were testing the waters, like 'Hey, we can do this, it's been a long time and it sucks and its time to end to end it.' We saw each other at RAW, we asked each other, but we didn't talk about what we were going to do out there. But we did get to have a very long chat about everything and look the man in the eye and tell him I was sorry, for being a pain in his back side and it was very genuine. We have since texted one another, I think we will see each other again next week up in Stanford doing something. It's been very nice and its been a great weight lifted off our shoulders....it was important to us and it was important to the people that saw it."
John Cena as the face of the WWE: "I think John does a great job.....it's gonna be impossible not to be partial to John. Because I like him and I like him because he is a good guy. He is the hardest working guy in that company. There isn't anyone who puts in more time then John Cena. The only thing that works against John, and I tell you this with love.....you hardcore guys just decided to dislike him."
Issues with Ric Flair and his comeback after the sendoff WWE gave him: "You know what, he called me and asked me about, and Ric is happy when he is in the ring. I don't think there is any of us that know Ric, there wasn't one thought that he would be back in the ring again. It will still never take away that moment from me. That is the guy I watched growing up. I got to have his last match in the WWE....in the stage, it was a awesome moment, it was emotional, he was nice enough to ask and I know he the happiest in the ring. I only want the best for Ric, It's a totally different subject and that Ric is still wrestling and things like that, my buddy the guy that I know and whatever it takes for him to get there that what I want for him."
Staying loyal to the McMahon's and the WWE: "There where times when I was going threw my very tough times, just let me go, just let me go. He would say 'No, look you would be miserable, they wouldn't do with you what needs to be done. They wouldn't know what to do with you, and that fact that they put that kind of time in to me.' That was really the end of it, that's why I always sound like a company man....its genuine, and I know the real guy, the real guy has cared for me a great deal, and no one is more committed to this business then he is. It was easy to stay loyal. When it comes to the rubber meeting the road, he is gonna still be in the game."
On the Kliq ending the 'kayfabe era': "That would be a fair statement, I think I guess we sort of think, we would prefer to really felt that tradition way of doing things, was no longer working, was silly to do. As opposed to do as we felt it was insulating the intelligence to the viewer, we felt that was keep us limited as of, I think it would be better off being more open and honest with people and we can get more of them to come with you, no, no, no.....it's this."
JR's Newest Blog, CM Punk's Status, Sin Cara/Evan Bourne, and More
Jim Ross is back with a new blog over on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights:
- Big news out of MNR is that CM Punk is apparently leaving WWE after his MITB PPV main event in July in his hometown of Chicago with John Cena for the WWE Title. This quickly has become the talk of the business as Punk is arguably the best antagonist in the ring right now as his work Monday night in Baltimore indicated. Who knows what’s going to happen in Chicago? I certainly don’t. Would a Punk win change MANY things within WWE? Absolutely. Could Punk become a ‘lame duck’ WWE Champion? With question. Would John Cena have to carry the burden of being the guy who lost the WWE Title to a man who has nothing to lose and has publicly stated that he’s leaving WWE? Yes sir. Is Punk leaving the WWE forever? I don’t know as only @cmpunk can answer that one.
This I do know…the storyline between CM Punk and John Cena/WWE between now and Money in the Bank PPV should be excellent TV and I’m excited and anxious to see how it all plays out as I’m sure are many other fans. I choose not to over examine the matter and simply enjoy MNR for what it is and what this matter means within the body of the program.
- @steveaustinBSR is spending some down time on his south Texas Ranch, the Broken Skull Ranch hence BSR, after driving his RV from LA to Texas. The Texas Rattlesnake is still a ‘road warrior’ at heart and loves to make that hellacious drive.
- Nice seeing Shane McMahon on TV Sunday at the US Open Golf Championship. Shane is involved in a company the represents Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Charles Swartzal, and Ernie Ells, among other top international golfers.
- I need to get back to doing my homework on the WWE project that I will soon be starting that I honestly feel will be one of the most ground breaking projects that the WWE or I have personally have ever done. It’s a fascinating DVD project that will be released later this year. More info as it can be made available.
- In an update to the story from earlier on the voting at RAW, WWE’s website now reports that Sin Cara actually received 90% of the vote for the Evan Bourne match and should have been the opponent, not Mason Ryan.
- Sources report that John Cena continues to work hurt and is currently dealing with some hip and back issues.
- After last night’s big storyline with CM Punk on RAW, some believe that Punk will be staying with WWE since they’re working his contract into a storyline. Word at RAW is that Punk still plans on leaving WWE after the Money in the Bank pay-per-view, despite the storyline.
THQ & WWE Reveal New Details On WWE '12
- WWE ’12 creative director Cory Ledesma spoke with Jon Robinson of ESPN.com last week about WWE’s new video game. Here are some highlights:
Jon Robinson: What is it about the new animation system that makes such a huge difference?
Cory Ledesma: The whole goal of gameplay is that we want to be as fluid, as smooth, and with as high-quality animation as possible. The knock on the franchise in the past has been that it’s clunky, it’s a little slow, and not as responsive as gamers wanted. With the new system, it gives us capabilities to do stuff like interrupt an animation. So for the first time, if two characters are involved in a suplex, a third character can come in and breakup that motion. We’ve never had that capability in the past, but now we allow you to do that. That boosts the multiplayer dynamic quite a bit. Then with our new renderer, we have depth of field working, and we also have higher-res models with more textures so they look more like their real-life counterparts. We actually have animated sweat and blood now, so you see everything drip on the body where before we had a clever swap when you weren’t looking kind of deal. Now it actually animates. And in terms of cameras, we now mimic the cameras WWE uses on television. They have like 24 cameras and we set them up exactly like they do for television and capture all of the big spots like you’d see on Raw with the different camera angles.
Jon Robinson: One of the things I noticed about the game the past few years is it’s actually really easy, maybe too easy. Any chance we’re going to see the difficulty increased?
Cory Ledesma: It’s funny, that’s something the hardcore fans have wanted for a while now. People like you know all the tricks of the trade now and it’s too easy. So this year, Normal is almost like Legendary difficulty now. Hopefully it’s a lot more competitive for our die-hard fans.
Jon Robinson: I see adrenaline is now tracked on the screen. What does that do?
Cory Ledesma: In years past, we let you free run and what happened is everyone used running attacks non-stop. This is something that is a huge pain online. So now we limit how long and how much you can run. We don’t do anything where you fall down or anything like that, you simply just can’t run anymore. But this doesn’t affect the Irish whip as what would happen before is you would setup the Irish whip, then your opponent who is tired would trip. That’s not very fun. So we turned adrenaline off for Irish whips.
Another thing we added is limb targeting. Say you want to go after the leg, simply hit the A button. Or if I get you in a lockup and want to target the head, I hit Y. If I want to target the arms, that’s X and B. What’s cool about this is you can work the same body part to setup submissions. We also have this working so it affects your opponent’s attributes. If you keep pounding on his legs, you can limit the amount he runs. Pound on his arms and he won’t be as strong. Keep wearing on his head and he’ll stay groggier longer. This adds a whole new element of strategy to the gameply. Like I said, our focus this year is gameplay. I know a lot of our fans have been fretting that since we added all this new technology, we must be eliminating modes., but we’ll still have all the same match types, we’ll still have a huge roster and all of the other create modes are still in here. We didn’t make any big cuts or anything like that, but when the hardcore fans finally get the chance to pickup this game, the new animation system and flow really make everything feel like a whole new game and I think they’re really going to like what they see.
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