Former WWE chief Vince McMahon has come under fire again after the release of former WWE superstar and Mma fighter Ronda Rousey’s memoir Our Fight. The star has reportedly revealed many scandalous details about the promotion’s behind-the-scenes practices, especially McMahon’s way of running the company.
Rousey has called out WWE and McMahon on multiple occasions, with her memoir also revealing many harsh truths about the promotion. Rousey mentioned how the women’s division of the WWE was treated under the former CEO and how much they had to fight to get recognition. She also mentioned how McMahon reacted when she dropped the ‘Women’ in the ‘Women’s title’ while giving a speech.
Ronda Rousey’s Full-Blown Attack On Vince McMahon Ronda Rousey | Credits: WWE
Ronda Rousey began her professional wrestling career with the WWE in 2018 when she made an appearance in WrestleMania 34. The Mma star teamed up...
Rousey has called out WWE and McMahon on multiple occasions, with her memoir also revealing many harsh truths about the promotion. Rousey mentioned how the women’s division of the WWE was treated under the former CEO and how much they had to fight to get recognition. She also mentioned how McMahon reacted when she dropped the ‘Women’ in the ‘Women’s title’ while giving a speech.
Ronda Rousey’s Full-Blown Attack On Vince McMahon Ronda Rousey | Credits: WWE
Ronda Rousey began her professional wrestling career with the WWE in 2018 when she made an appearance in WrestleMania 34. The Mma star teamed up...
- 4/13/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Ronda Rousey has been a dominant figure in both UFC and WWE, amassing numerous accolades throughout her career. Her tenure in the UFC propelled her to become one of the highest-paid athletes on the roster, while also securing her a place in history as the first woman to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.
While her UFC run is legendary, her WWE run is anything but as it was marred by a lot of booking issues as well as the fact that Rousey herself didn’t quite seem to care about professional wrestling as a whole.
Ronda Rousey, source: WWE
That is not all as Ronda Rousey made some startling accusations against WWE Superstar Drew Gulak and now finally, Gulak has responded to the accusations.
Ronda Rousey Accused WWE Star Drew Gulak of Inappropriate Behavior Ronda Rousey cutting a promo, source: WWE
While speaking during her appearance on NewsNation,...
While her UFC run is legendary, her WWE run is anything but as it was marred by a lot of booking issues as well as the fact that Rousey herself didn’t quite seem to care about professional wrestling as a whole.
Ronda Rousey, source: WWE
That is not all as Ronda Rousey made some startling accusations against WWE Superstar Drew Gulak and now finally, Gulak has responded to the accusations.
Ronda Rousey Accused WWE Star Drew Gulak of Inappropriate Behavior Ronda Rousey cutting a promo, source: WWE
While speaking during her appearance on NewsNation,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Woooo! Wrestling legend Ric Flair’s life and career is ripe for the biopic treatment, perhaps more so than even the likes of Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. And the man himself has an idea of who could play him: Bradley Cooper.
In a recent episode of his podcast To Be The Man, Ric Flair discussed an upcoming biopic and how Bradley Cooper has at the very least been approached to play the Nature Boy. “I mean, I’ve heard it officially, but it’s not in place. So, ladies and gentlemen, it’s not true that he’s playing Ric Flair. I’ve heard they’ve talked to him, that’s it. Bradley Cooper is not playing me in a movie, yet. I hope he does.”
While Ric Flair did work to quell any rumors, he and co-host Conrad Thompson (who also co-host the nitty-gritty industry podcast Something...
In a recent episode of his podcast To Be The Man, Ric Flair discussed an upcoming biopic and how Bradley Cooper has at the very least been approached to play the Nature Boy. “I mean, I’ve heard it officially, but it’s not in place. So, ladies and gentlemen, it’s not true that he’s playing Ric Flair. I’ve heard they’ve talked to him, that’s it. Bradley Cooper is not playing me in a movie, yet. I hope he does.”
While Ric Flair did work to quell any rumors, he and co-host Conrad Thompson (who also co-host the nitty-gritty industry podcast Something...
- 9/21/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
WrestleMania 38 has proven to be a stunning success for WWE, with new data indicating the annual event beat out Super Bowl Lvi in terms of social media metrics.
Per the analytics firm Conviva, the two-night WrestleMania weekend drew a combined 2.2 billion impressions across all social platforms, compared to 1.8 billion for the most recent Super Bowl. Likewise, WWE amassed 1.1 billion video views, 13.1 million hours of video watch time, and 87 million engagements over the weekend, compared to 618 million video views, 3.56 million hours of video watch time, and 78 million engagements for the NFL championship game. In fairness, the Super Bowl is a one-night event compared to the two nights of WrestleMania matches.
WrestleMania 38, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX, broke attendance and revenue records for WWE, with over 156,000 fans in attendance across both nights.
It also set social media records for the company, including a 47 increase in views across Facebook,...
Per the analytics firm Conviva, the two-night WrestleMania weekend drew a combined 2.2 billion impressions across all social platforms, compared to 1.8 billion for the most recent Super Bowl. Likewise, WWE amassed 1.1 billion video views, 13.1 million hours of video watch time, and 87 million engagements over the weekend, compared to 618 million video views, 3.56 million hours of video watch time, and 78 million engagements for the NFL championship game. In fairness, the Super Bowl is a one-night event compared to the two nights of WrestleMania matches.
WrestleMania 38, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX, broke attendance and revenue records for WWE, with over 156,000 fans in attendance across both nights.
It also set social media records for the company, including a 47 increase in views across Facebook,...
- 4/11/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Cody Rhodes made his return to WWE on Saturday night at WrestleMania 38, coming back to the promotion that he famously exited nearly six years ago.
In that time, Rhodes has wrestled all over the world and was integral to the founding of All Elite Wrestling (Aew), the rival wrestling promotion run by Tony Khan. Rhodes was a top star onscreen and an executive vice president offscreen in Aew, but he left the company in February 2022 after failing to come to terms on a new contract.
In an interview with Variety in the days leading up to WrestleMania, Rhodes said his dream is still to do what his father — the legendary Dusty Rhodes — never did. He won’t say it out loud for fear of jinxing it, but Rhodes has his eyes on the WWE Championship. Dusty fought for the title in 1977 at Madison Square Garden against Superstar Billy Graham for...
In that time, Rhodes has wrestled all over the world and was integral to the founding of All Elite Wrestling (Aew), the rival wrestling promotion run by Tony Khan. Rhodes was a top star onscreen and an executive vice president offscreen in Aew, but he left the company in February 2022 after failing to come to terms on a new contract.
In an interview with Variety in the days leading up to WrestleMania, Rhodes said his dream is still to do what his father — the legendary Dusty Rhodes — never did. He won’t say it out loud for fear of jinxing it, but Rhodes has his eyes on the WWE Championship. Dusty fought for the title in 1977 at Madison Square Garden against Superstar Billy Graham for...
- 4/3/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
WWE is set to honor the Undertaker’s 30th anniversary with the company with a documentary lineup throughout the month of November they are calling “30 Days of the Deadman.”
Beginning Oct. 25, WWE Network will air a new documentary about the Undertaker — whose real name is Mark Calaway — every Sunday for five weeks. It will be capped off by the Undertaker’s return to “Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions” on Nov. 22. A first look at “30 Days of the Deadman” will air on WWE Network this Sunday, Oct. 18. With the exception of “Broken Skull Sessions,” all of the programming is produced by WWE Network Documentaries.
Included in the lineup is “Brothers of Destruction” on Nov. 15, which features the Undertaker and Kane (Glenn Jacobs) sitting down to discuss how their careers have intersected ever since Kane was introduced as the Undertaker’s brother in 1997. The film is set to have...
Beginning Oct. 25, WWE Network will air a new documentary about the Undertaker — whose real name is Mark Calaway — every Sunday for five weeks. It will be capped off by the Undertaker’s return to “Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions” on Nov. 22. A first look at “30 Days of the Deadman” will air on WWE Network this Sunday, Oct. 18. With the exception of “Broken Skull Sessions,” all of the programming is produced by WWE Network Documentaries.
Included in the lineup is “Brothers of Destruction” on Nov. 15, which features the Undertaker and Kane (Glenn Jacobs) sitting down to discuss how their careers have intersected ever since Kane was introduced as the Undertaker’s brother in 1997. The film is set to have...
- 10/16/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly one year after appointing Paul Heyman as the executive director of Raw, WWE announced on Thursday that he was being removed from the position, and Bruce Prichard will now oversee WWE creative for both Raw and SmackDown.
Heyman was hired to run Raw in June of 2019 along with Eric Bischoff, who was hired to run SmackDown. Bischoff lasted only a few months before Prichard replaced him and now Prichard will add Raw duties to his plate, with Heyman stepping back into just an on-air role, according to WWE.
“In an effort to streamline our creative writing process for television, we have consolidated both teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group, led by Bruce Prichard,” WWE said in a statement. “Paul Heyman will concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer.”
Reportedly, Vince McMahon has been upset with Raw‘s ratings. Of course, McMahon has a history of micro-managing the company’s creative process,...
Heyman was hired to run Raw in June of 2019 along with Eric Bischoff, who was hired to run SmackDown. Bischoff lasted only a few months before Prichard replaced him and now Prichard will add Raw duties to his plate, with Heyman stepping back into just an on-air role, according to WWE.
“In an effort to streamline our creative writing process for television, we have consolidated both teams from Raw and SmackDown into one group, led by Bruce Prichard,” WWE said in a statement. “Paul Heyman will concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer.”
Reportedly, Vince McMahon has been upset with Raw‘s ratings. Of course, McMahon has a history of micro-managing the company’s creative process,...
- 6/12/2020
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
WWE has consolidated its “Raw” and “SmackDown” writing teams into one group, which will be led by Bruce Prichard, the company said on Thursday.
Paul Heyman, the former executive director of “Monday Night Raw” in addition to his on-screen role as Brock Lesnar’s manager, will “concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer,” the company said.
“In an effort to streamline our creative writing process for television, we have consolidated both teams from ‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown’ into one group, led by Bruce Prichard. Paul Heyman will concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer,” WWE said in a statement.
Also Read: Nxt Champion Adam Cole Has the Best Story About His First WWE Gig (Video)
Heyman was named executive director of “Raw” last June, overseeing creative development on the weekly program and reporting directly to WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Prichard took the reins on “SmackDown” in October,...
Paul Heyman, the former executive director of “Monday Night Raw” in addition to his on-screen role as Brock Lesnar’s manager, will “concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer,” the company said.
“In an effort to streamline our creative writing process for television, we have consolidated both teams from ‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown’ into one group, led by Bruce Prichard. Paul Heyman will concentrate on his role as an in-ring performer,” WWE said in a statement.
Also Read: Nxt Champion Adam Cole Has the Best Story About His First WWE Gig (Video)
Heyman was named executive director of “Raw” last June, overseeing creative development on the weekly program and reporting directly to WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Prichard took the reins on “SmackDown” in October,...
- 6/11/2020
- by Tony Maglio and Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
WWE’s Money in the Bank was unlike any other last night. The majority of the show took place at the WWE Performance Center in Florida, where WWE has been taping all of its shows in front of no audience.
However, the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches took place at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Conn. The match began on the bottom floor of the building and wrestlers had to fight their way up through the building to the roof, where a ring and suspended briefcases were hanging.
The matches featured cameo appearances from someone wearing Doink the Clown makeup, Brother Love (Bruce Prichard) as well as Vince and Stephanie McMahon. Vince, by the way, looks like he’s aged 30 years in the last five years.
The men’s match was won by Otis. I’ll write that again so you know it’s not a typo.
However, the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches took place at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Conn. The match began on the bottom floor of the building and wrestlers had to fight their way up through the building to the roof, where a ring and suspended briefcases were hanging.
The matches featured cameo appearances from someone wearing Doink the Clown makeup, Brother Love (Bruce Prichard) as well as Vince and Stephanie McMahon. Vince, by the way, looks like he’s aged 30 years in the last five years.
The men’s match was won by Otis. I’ll write that again so you know it’s not a typo.
- 5/11/2020
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
So, I’m a wrestling fan, have been for going-on three decades, and so when I’m not watching pro-wrestling on television or on PPV, or when I’m not looking back on old shows, or when I’m not collecting wrestling figures, or when I’m not watching documentaries about the wrestling business, I’m likely listening to a pro-wrestling podcast. Oh, and there’s a whole lot of those. The podcast world is drenched with high-quality wrestling podcasts, and because of this fact I can’t listen to them all, but I do my best to listen to a good selection of them, and so I thought I’d recommend a few here, a few that I personally consider the best wrestling podcasts out there today.
Grilling Jr.
Now, if you’re a wrestling fan, then you will know who Jim Ross is. The voice of many years...
Grilling Jr.
Now, if you’re a wrestling fan, then you will know who Jim Ross is. The voice of many years...
- 3/12/2020
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
The Broken Skull Sessions began with Steve Austin talking to The Undertaker. The second episode saw Austin talk with Bill Goldberg, and now, on the third episode, we see The Texas Rattlesnake sit down and talk wrestling, politics and life with “The Big Red Machine” Kane.
I was excited when this episode was announced in the same way I was when I heard about Austin’s episode with The Undertaker. Kane is a character I watched from his debut until, well… right now when he makes the odd appearance on WWE television, and his long and winding career has been something I’ve wanted to hear about for a long while. He was, after all, in a similar way to ‘Taker, very protected by WWE as far as hearing real-life stuff from him during his run. I’ve seen Glenn Jacobs speak more about his career than I have The Undertaker,...
I was excited when this episode was announced in the same way I was when I heard about Austin’s episode with The Undertaker. Kane is a character I watched from his debut until, well… right now when he makes the odd appearance on WWE television, and his long and winding career has been something I’ve wanted to hear about for a long while. He was, after all, in a similar way to ‘Taker, very protected by WWE as far as hearing real-life stuff from him during his run. I’ve seen Glenn Jacobs speak more about his career than I have The Undertaker,...
- 1/28/2020
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
Bruce Prichard has replaced Eric Bischoff as executive director of Fox professional wrestling series “Friday Night SmackDown,” WWE said on Tuesday. Former WCW boss Bischoff has been let go from the company, a person with knowledge of his status told TheWrap. Bischoff served less than four months at the blue brand’s top post.
Prichard will report directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. As executive director of “SmackDown,” Prichard will “oversee the creative development of ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ on Fox and ensure integration across all platforms and lines of business,” in WWE’s words.
Bischoff was promoted to executive director of “SmackDown,” then a USA Network series, in late June. At the same time, WWE upped Paul Heyman to the same role on Monday show “Raw.”
Also Read: Inside WWE's 'SmackDown' and 'Raw' Creative Team Shakeup (Exclusive)
WWE did not elaborate on the reasoning behind Bischoff being fired.
Prichard will report directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. As executive director of “SmackDown,” Prichard will “oversee the creative development of ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ on Fox and ensure integration across all platforms and lines of business,” in WWE’s words.
Bischoff was promoted to executive director of “SmackDown,” then a USA Network series, in late June. At the same time, WWE upped Paul Heyman to the same role on Monday show “Raw.”
Also Read: Inside WWE's 'SmackDown' and 'Raw' Creative Team Shakeup (Exclusive)
WWE did not elaborate on the reasoning behind Bischoff being fired.
- 10/15/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
WWE Untold is a WWE Network original series that I’ve been thoroughly enjoying since it began. Discussing topics such as “The Failed Relaunch of WCW”, “The Second Coming of Ecw”, “How Eddie Guerrero Became a SmackDown Legend” and more, it delves into these subjects in a fun snapshot manner and talks, using clips, backstage footage and talking-head interviews, about them.
The new episode is entitled That’s Gotta Be Kane!. Fans will know this famous line of commentary that was uttered by Vince McMahon when he was the lead play-by-play for WWE back in 1997, and that’s what this is all about. The episode talks about the debut of one of the most successful, popular and fascinating gimmicks in pro-wrestling history, Kane, and the things that surrounded it. It looks at the feud that was happening at that time between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels and the Hell in...
The new episode is entitled That’s Gotta Be Kane!. Fans will know this famous line of commentary that was uttered by Vince McMahon when he was the lead play-by-play for WWE back in 1997, and that’s what this is all about. The episode talks about the debut of one of the most successful, popular and fascinating gimmicks in pro-wrestling history, Kane, and the things that surrounded it. It looks at the feud that was happening at that time between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels and the Hell in...
- 9/30/2019
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
Viceland is exploring the ugly side of the professional wrestling business with new docuseries “Dark Side of the Ring,” which features interviews with WWE alums Bret Hart, Bruce Prichard, Jim Cornette, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and more.
Narrated by legendary booker, wrestler and manager Dutch Mantell, the six-episode series will examine the collision of fantasy and reality in the singular universe of professional wrestling, the only sport whose stars’ larger-than-life characters exist in and often out of the ring, telling some of the dark and untold stories around some of the sport’s all-time greats — stories that obsess hardcore wrestling fans and will compel new viewers alike.
Viceland’s description continues:
From backstage controversies to mysterious deaths and unsolved homicides, this series explores the darkest stories from the golden age of professional wrestling — with each episode centered on a professional wrestling icon, including the tragic love story of Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Miss Elizabeth,...
Narrated by legendary booker, wrestler and manager Dutch Mantell, the six-episode series will examine the collision of fantasy and reality in the singular universe of professional wrestling, the only sport whose stars’ larger-than-life characters exist in and often out of the ring, telling some of the dark and untold stories around some of the sport’s all-time greats — stories that obsess hardcore wrestling fans and will compel new viewers alike.
Viceland’s description continues:
From backstage controversies to mysterious deaths and unsolved homicides, this series explores the darkest stories from the golden age of professional wrestling — with each episode centered on a professional wrestling icon, including the tragic love story of Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Miss Elizabeth,...
- 3/29/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Mike McMahon Feb 27, 2019
Kingston was pulled from his Fastlane championship match by Vince McMahon on SmackDown ...
WWE chairman Vince McMahon made an appearance on last night's episode of SmackDown Live to announce that Kofi Kingston, who was scheduled to face WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at Fastlane in two weeks for the championship, was being pulled from the match and will be replaced by the returning Kevin Owens.
On the face, this seems like a blow for Kingston, who has been receiving a groundswell of support in recent weeks, stemming from his one-hour performance in a gauntlet match on SmackDown and then his showing at WWE's Elimination Chamber special earlier this month.
But this is likely an indication that Kingston's push is about to get much larger.
First, getting pulled by McMahon in the manner he did gives sympathy to the Kingston character. He had the rug pulled out from under...
Kingston was pulled from his Fastlane championship match by Vince McMahon on SmackDown ...
WWE chairman Vince McMahon made an appearance on last night's episode of SmackDown Live to announce that Kofi Kingston, who was scheduled to face WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at Fastlane in two weeks for the championship, was being pulled from the match and will be replaced by the returning Kevin Owens.
On the face, this seems like a blow for Kingston, who has been receiving a groundswell of support in recent weeks, stemming from his one-hour performance in a gauntlet match on SmackDown and then his showing at WWE's Elimination Chamber special earlier this month.
But this is likely an indication that Kingston's push is about to get much larger.
First, getting pulled by McMahon in the manner he did gives sympathy to the Kingston character. He had the rug pulled out from under...
- 2/27/2019
- Den of Geek
WWE has been accused of struggling with the creative part of their storytelling in recent years and it sounds like they are going back to the past to try to fix that. PWInsider reported that WWE has re-hired Bruce Prichard to return to the company in what they deem a “top” creative role that is considered “important.” Who is Bruce Prichard? Bruce Prichard has been in the wrestling business since the ’70s, starting out as a kid selling posters for Paul Boesch in his Nwa promotion in Houston. By the time he was 12, he was working as a ring […]
The post WWE bringing back huge name to work in ‘top’ creative role appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post WWE bringing back huge name to work in ‘top’ creative role appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 2/23/2019
- by Shawn S. Lealos
- Monsters and Critics
Diddy -- aka the man of a thousand names -- is gonna run into some issues if he wants to go slapping his new Brother Love alter ego on music and merch because there's already another Bl in the game. [[tmz:video id="0_bkk2xujf"]] Rocker Larry Florman has been using the Brother Love alias since 2000 and has released 2 albums under the name. Florman told us he's shocked that he's the first to go after the trademark, considering he only...
- 11/19/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_v1qqw8qf"]] Sean Combs gets a little drunk, talks a little smack and next thing ya know he's got a full-blown name change -- and that's the real deal ... according to the former Brother Love himself. We got Sean -- aka Diddy, Puffy, P. Diddy, etc. -- chilling in NYC, where he broke down how his birthday celebration sent him down the Brother Love path. He says the booze has worn off, but the love-in' is far from over.
- 11/10/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_2wlsu0yu"]] Diddy tapped out on his "Brother Love" shtick Quick ... but the original Brother Love -- pro wrestling legend Bruce Prichard -- says he still wants to kick his ass!! Here's the deal -- Puff announced his latest name change over the weekend ... not realizing it was already taken by The Undertaker's famous ex-manager. After wrestling fans Destroyed the hip-hop mogul on social media -- Diddy decided to give it back. [[tmz:video id="0_jdvfvy1b"]] But Prichard ain't taking Diddy's...
- 11/7/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
February 10th, 1989 is an important date in professional wrestling history as that is the date that Vince McMahon, in testimony to the New Jersey State Senate, admitted that professional wrestling was not a sport but was in fact sports entertainment. The term they used in the wrestling business, kayfabe, giving the audience the illusion that what you were seeing was real and not staged, was officially dead.
That did not mean the death of the industry. In fact, it opened the flood gates for many other promotions to set up shop. Most importantly, it allowed the superstars themselves to finally tell fans stories of what happened back stage.
With the rise of podcasts, wrestling fans have plenty of shows to choose from, whether it be analysis of the current state of wrestling or stories of life behind the scenes. There is something for everyone. The following are some of my...
That did not mean the death of the industry. In fact, it opened the flood gates for many other promotions to set up shop. Most importantly, it allowed the superstars themselves to finally tell fans stories of what happened back stage.
With the rise of podcasts, wrestling fans have plenty of shows to choose from, whether it be analysis of the current state of wrestling or stories of life behind the scenes. There is something for everyone. The following are some of my...
- 2/3/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
Monday Night Raw is in the books for another week. One day after the aftermath of the Royal Rumble, the Raw brand finds itself on the Road to Wrestlemania. How did the show fare this week?
One big development is the official challenge from Brock Lesnar to Goldberg for one last match at Wrestlemania. Brock’s advocate, the legendary Paul Heyman, once again did the talking for him which, even on Paul’s worst night, is always a treat to watch.
Heyman’s promo on Raw was the textbook reason why some people need managers. Brock Lesnar, unless he’s in an interview setting, is about as interesting on the mic as watching paint dry. (I say this with confidence because he’s not in the room with me as I write this. If he were to walk into the room right now, I would say ‘Yes Mr. Lesnar, you...
One big development is the official challenge from Brock Lesnar to Goldberg for one last match at Wrestlemania. Brock’s advocate, the legendary Paul Heyman, once again did the talking for him which, even on Paul’s worst night, is always a treat to watch.
Heyman’s promo on Raw was the textbook reason why some people need managers. Brock Lesnar, unless he’s in an interview setting, is about as interesting on the mic as watching paint dry. (I say this with confidence because he’s not in the room with me as I write this. If he were to walk into the room right now, I would say ‘Yes Mr. Lesnar, you...
- 1/31/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
Smackdown Live is in the books. The Blue Brand of the WWE builds toward the Royal Rumble on January 29th, 2017. What is the current state of Smackdown?
In a bad, bad state. This episode saw the WWE bringing Renee Young being brought into a WWE storyline thanks to her off screen romance with Dean Ambrose. While some of the best stories from wrestling’s past have had elements of truth mixed in, I hate the fact they go to that well whenever they want to make something feel edgy. Renee Young is great in her role. I enjoy her role as host of the big event pre shows as well as the host of Talking Smack on the WWE Network. To inject her into a story smacks of desperation. Let Dean Ambrose and The Miz find anything to squabble over anything else. Their love interests should be left out of it,...
In a bad, bad state. This episode saw the WWE bringing Renee Young being brought into a WWE storyline thanks to her off screen romance with Dean Ambrose. While some of the best stories from wrestling’s past have had elements of truth mixed in, I hate the fact they go to that well whenever they want to make something feel edgy. Renee Young is great in her role. I enjoy her role as host of the big event pre shows as well as the host of Talking Smack on the WWE Network. To inject her into a story smacks of desperation. Let Dean Ambrose and The Miz find anything to squabble over anything else. Their love interests should be left out of it,...
- 12/21/2016
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
WWE.com
2015 was the worst year, creatively speaking, in WWE history. While there is stark competition from previous years of poor quality programming (e.g. 1993, 1995), nothing has ever been as bad as what WWE fans were forced to witness in the past twelve months.
From miscast superstars to forced pushes, the writing team followed up a relatively promising 2014 with an absolutely abysmal effort that has even left some wrestling pundits legitimately questioning the effort of the man in charge. To think that Vince McMahon is intentionally sabotaging his company over pride is a scary thought that, especially after the last year’s worth of programming, cannot be immediately dispelled.
Fans have often wondered what it would take to get the ship turned around in the right direction. USA Network’s involvement? Plummetting stock prices? Significant loss of WWE Network subscribers? These would definitely put more pressure on the company, but...
2015 was the worst year, creatively speaking, in WWE history. While there is stark competition from previous years of poor quality programming (e.g. 1993, 1995), nothing has ever been as bad as what WWE fans were forced to witness in the past twelve months.
From miscast superstars to forced pushes, the writing team followed up a relatively promising 2014 with an absolutely abysmal effort that has even left some wrestling pundits legitimately questioning the effort of the man in charge. To think that Vince McMahon is intentionally sabotaging his company over pride is a scary thought that, especially after the last year’s worth of programming, cannot be immediately dispelled.
Fans have often wondered what it would take to get the ship turned around in the right direction. USA Network’s involvement? Plummetting stock prices? Significant loss of WWE Network subscribers? These would definitely put more pressure on the company, but...
- 12/14/2015
- by Matt Davis
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The full content listing for the upcoming WWE DVD and Blu-ray set on the life and death of Owen Hart has been revealed, courtesy of the Wrestling DVD Network. The list includes all chapter titles for the documentary feature on disc one, as well as all extras, including the full list of matches selected for the package.
Bret Hart recently commented on the documentary portion of the set, sounding very pessimistic about the chances that the documentary will do a good job telling the full story of his brother’s life. Bret believes that WWE is having to walk on egg shells to cater to Owen’s widow, Martha, who is not supporting the DVD release.
Bret told the Fight Network:
“I’m looking forward to it but I’m not really optimistic that it’s going to be a great job. Martha handcuffed them so much. I...
The full content listing for the upcoming WWE DVD and Blu-ray set on the life and death of Owen Hart has been revealed, courtesy of the Wrestling DVD Network. The list includes all chapter titles for the documentary feature on disc one, as well as all extras, including the full list of matches selected for the package.
Bret Hart recently commented on the documentary portion of the set, sounding very pessimistic about the chances that the documentary will do a good job telling the full story of his brother’s life. Bret believes that WWE is having to walk on egg shells to cater to Owen’s widow, Martha, who is not supporting the DVD release.
Bret told the Fight Network:
“I’m looking forward to it but I’m not really optimistic that it’s going to be a great job. Martha handcuffed them so much. I...
- 9/14/2015
- by Ryan Droste
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Former long time WWE employee Bruce Prichard appeared on Ric Flair’s Wooooo! Nation podcast this week and shared some interesting stories about The Undertaker’s debut in the company, some 25 years ago.
Prichard revealed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wasn’t very interested in Mark Calway at first because he looked too much like a basketball player.
The story goes that Paul Heyman told Prichard that Calway was available and was set to meet with McMahon the night after WCW’s Great American Bash PPV in 1990 when Calway wrestled Lex Luger. Heyman was actually the manager for “Mean” Mark Callous (The Undertaker’s name in WCW) that night.
According to Prichard, Undertaker had a dislocated hip and still worked the match because he knew he had to meet with WWE the next day. The match was bad, so apparently Vince didn’t want to meet with him.
Former long time WWE employee Bruce Prichard appeared on Ric Flair’s Wooooo! Nation podcast this week and shared some interesting stories about The Undertaker’s debut in the company, some 25 years ago.
Prichard revealed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wasn’t very interested in Mark Calway at first because he looked too much like a basketball player.
The story goes that Paul Heyman told Prichard that Calway was available and was set to meet with McMahon the night after WCW’s Great American Bash PPV in 1990 when Calway wrestled Lex Luger. Heyman was actually the manager for “Mean” Mark Callous (The Undertaker’s name in WCW) that night.
According to Prichard, Undertaker had a dislocated hip and still worked the match because he knew he had to meet with WWE the next day. The match was bad, so apparently Vince didn’t want to meet with him.
- 8/21/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Those on the outside can write about the wrestling business all they want, however, if you’ve never been on the inside . . . you just don’t know . . . nor will you ever.
In order to have a run in wrestling whether it be in front of the camera, or behind, early on you have to keep your mouth shut and just Listen. The last thing you want to do is be too eager and overstep your boundaries, because if you do—from that moment on you will be known as Mickity Mark and Never, Ever gain the respect of anybody.
But, that simple rule is just the beginning. In order to have staying power, you have to be aware of “wrestling’s little secrets” that will enable you to survive in the long run.
10. Learn From Everybody
WWE.com
One of the secrets I’ve learned in professional wrestling...
Those on the outside can write about the wrestling business all they want, however, if you’ve never been on the inside . . . you just don’t know . . . nor will you ever.
In order to have a run in wrestling whether it be in front of the camera, or behind, early on you have to keep your mouth shut and just Listen. The last thing you want to do is be too eager and overstep your boundaries, because if you do—from that moment on you will be known as Mickity Mark and Never, Ever gain the respect of anybody.
But, that simple rule is just the beginning. In order to have staying power, you have to be aware of “wrestling’s little secrets” that will enable you to survive in the long run.
10. Learn From Everybody
WWE.com
One of the secrets I’ve learned in professional wrestling...
- 8/4/2014
- by Vince Russo
- Obsessed with Film
wwe.com
Before I begin this piece, let me first clarify that this is indeed designed to be a “tribute” to my former boss, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Now, even if he catches wind of this, by being “smartened up” by some stooge in his office, and he views my insights in a different light, then that will simply just be his ego talking.
You see, Vince McMahon was one of the most unique and eccentric human beings that I’ve ever had the pleasure to both know and work with. The truth is, even though he’s responsible for a roster of over a hundred “characters”, let the truth now be known, that He perhaps is the greatest “gimmick” of them all!
Everything I’m about to share with you–sides of the boss that many have Never seen before–are the qualities and uniqueness that simply make Vince . . . Vince.
Before I begin this piece, let me first clarify that this is indeed designed to be a “tribute” to my former boss, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Now, even if he catches wind of this, by being “smartened up” by some stooge in his office, and he views my insights in a different light, then that will simply just be his ego talking.
You see, Vince McMahon was one of the most unique and eccentric human beings that I’ve ever had the pleasure to both know and work with. The truth is, even though he’s responsible for a roster of over a hundred “characters”, let the truth now be known, that He perhaps is the greatest “gimmick” of them all!
Everything I’m about to share with you–sides of the boss that many have Never seen before–are the qualities and uniqueness that simply make Vince . . . Vince.
- 7/3/2014
- by Vince Russo
- Obsessed with Film
Another Thursday, another episode of Impact Wrestling passes us by, and tonight had all the makings of an excellent outing for the second largest wrestling organisation. Both the X-Division Championship and the World Tag Team Championships would be defended, there would be a tag team tables match featuring Bully Ray and Sting against members of Aces & Eights, and hopefully we will be treated to some explanations as to why Garrett Bischoff and Wes Brisco turned on their mentor Kurt Angle to join the nefarious biker gang.
Once again, the Impact Zone was emanating from Manchester in the United Kingdom, so expect some raucous crowd interaction and a great deal of low-key racism from the heel superstars tonight. The UK love it when either Tna or WWE come to their neck of the woods, and they will certainly try and make the most of the extended stay of the Impact wrestlers on their shores.
Once again, the Impact Zone was emanating from Manchester in the United Kingdom, so expect some raucous crowd interaction and a great deal of low-key racism from the heel superstars tonight. The UK love it when either Tna or WWE come to their neck of the woods, and they will certainly try and make the most of the extended stay of the Impact wrestlers on their shores.
- 2/8/2013
- by Callum Wiggins
- Obsessed with Film
On Friday, WWE announced the release of former Divas Champion Kelly Kelly. There have been reports that Kelly had been rather disinterested with touring with the WWE, wanting to spend more time with her ice hockey boyfriend, and had been modelling under her real name, Barbie Blank. Kelly spent the last 6 years in the employment of the WWE, having started as a exhibitionist in the revamp Ecw. Much of her in-ring career was spent as a bit part player in a then much stronger women’s division. Despite this, she would become one of the more popular divas in during this time and would eventually become the face of the Diva division by 2011.
Kelly was by no means a brilliant in-ring worker, but Kelly had been the one of the few remaining ‘over’ divas in the WWE, and her release makes her the 5th female to be release from the...
Kelly was by no means a brilliant in-ring worker, but Kelly had been the one of the few remaining ‘over’ divas in the WWE, and her release makes her the 5th female to be release from the...
- 9/29/2012
- by Patrick Thornton
- Obsessed with Film
Vince Russo has been removed as the head writer of Tna Wrestling and replaced by former WWE member of creative Dave Lagana, according to an exclusive report at WrestleZone.com.
Russo’s demotion/firing is effective immediately. No official comment has been made by Tna yet, however Lagana has tweeted several interesting messages this afternoon that seem to be related.
“And we are off and running.”
“The calm before the storm.”
Lagana had signed with the company back in October and had most recently found himself acting as booker for Tna’s Ring Ka King Promotion in India.
Bruce Prichard remains as Senior Vice President of Programming and Talent Relations and we don’t yet know what role Russo will take with the company from now on, if any.
Vince Russo is said not to be present backstage at tonight’s Tna Against All Odds pay-per-view but Lagana is backstage.
Russo’s demotion/firing is effective immediately. No official comment has been made by Tna yet, however Lagana has tweeted several interesting messages this afternoon that seem to be related.
“And we are off and running.”
“The calm before the storm.”
Lagana had signed with the company back in October and had most recently found himself acting as booker for Tna’s Ring Ka King Promotion in India.
Bruce Prichard remains as Senior Vice President of Programming and Talent Relations and we don’t yet know what role Russo will take with the company from now on, if any.
Vince Russo is said not to be present backstage at tonight’s Tna Against All Odds pay-per-view but Lagana is backstage.
- 2/12/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
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