Batista was in attendance at Wednesday night's Strikeforce: Los Angeles event. Dave spoke with a news reporter at the event about leaving WWE. He stated that he left the company because he was unhappy with the direction the company was going, and that it wasn't the wrestling that he enjoyed (mentioning the Rock/Austin era).
Batista also noted that he did not see himself going back anytime soon, but he did not rule it out. Batista said that he was in LA looking for work, and that he was unemployed.
Batista has shown interest in MMA, and has done some training, but at his age, going into an MMA career isn't very likely.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Whatever Happened To Shad Gaspard?
Conspicuous by his absence is that of Shad Gaspard, who last appeared on WWE programming on the May 14th episode of Friday Night SmackDown! in a win over a local competitor. It appears he has since been sent to developmental as he has been appearing on Florida Championship Wrestling shows in recent weeks. We'll keep you posted.
Ziggler Say No To Daniel Bryan.. & WWE's New Movie Project
In response to being asked to sign a petition to bring Daniel Bryan back to WWE, Dolph Ziggler retorted the following on Twitter: "Why would i sign a petition to bring back someone who never even made it to the WWE roster??? Idiots...."
RAW superstar Edge will be starring in a new WWE action-comedy called "Chasing the Hawk." The movie will begin filming this coming August from New Orleans, where WWE has filmed all of its recent movies.
RAW superstar Edge will be starring in a new WWE action-comedy called "Chasing the Hawk." The movie will begin filming this coming August from New Orleans, where WWE has filmed all of its recent movies.
Lay-Cool Took Shot At TNA...
Michelle McCool took part in a rare autograph signing Monday night in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was said to be sporting a huge ring on her ring finger. She's been dating 'Taker for years now.
Apparently in response to accusations of Lay-Cool copying TNA act "The Beautiful People," WWE Women's Champion Layla remarked the following on Twitter: "Cuz all of the tweets about this subject For the Record I do Not watch TNA So copy cat thing... kinda NOT!! This is All I will say Done!!" Meanwhile, Vickie Guerrero made the following remark concerning TNA on her own Twitter account: "TNA - no way will I watch or support it...enough said!"
Apparently in response to accusations of Lay-Cool copying TNA act "The Beautiful People," WWE Women's Champion Layla remarked the following on Twitter: "Cuz all of the tweets about this subject For the Record I do Not watch TNA So copy cat thing... kinda NOT!! This is All I will say Done!!" Meanwhile, Vickie Guerrero made the following remark concerning TNA on her own Twitter account: "TNA - no way will I watch or support it...enough said!"
Thursday, June 17, 2010
TNA Wrestling Is Looking For New Talent & Kozlov's Backstage Reputation
The company has been pushing to get scouts out to look at more independent talent. Washington, DC area independent worker Mia Yim received a tryout at this week's iMPACT! tapings.
A WWE source says Vladimir Kozlov is well in the WWE locker room. While nobody sees him as a top worker in the ring, he is a nice guy who works hard and has a good attitude with the comedy skits WWE creative writes for him.
A WWE source says Vladimir Kozlov is well in the WWE locker room. While nobody sees him as a top worker in the ring, he is a nice guy who works hard and has a good attitude with the comedy skits WWE creative writes for him.
John Cena Speaks Out On Bryan Danielson’s WWE Release
John Cena was on the Busted Open radio show on Sirius XM Radio today...
When Asked About Bryan Danielson: "It stands where it is. I believe Bryan was given his release, and this is just my belief, it's complete speculation so basically you're going off my secondhand knowledge, it's something to do with violating our PG content agreement which is very serious… It was tough for us to get that [TV-PG] logo in the beginning. For us to violate that content agreement, we get in trouble with our TV providers, we get in trouble with our sponsors, it pretty much is not good business. I think that is the reason upon the Bryan Danielson release but on the same token, for a young man such as him to make an impact on the WWE Universe in that short a time, it says something about who he is as a person and where he belongs amongst our group."
When Asked About Bryan Danielson: "It stands where it is. I believe Bryan was given his release, and this is just my belief, it's complete speculation so basically you're going off my secondhand knowledge, it's something to do with violating our PG content agreement which is very serious… It was tough for us to get that [TV-PG] logo in the beginning. For us to violate that content agreement, we get in trouble with our TV providers, we get in trouble with our sponsors, it pretty much is not good business. I think that is the reason upon the Bryan Danielson release but on the same token, for a young man such as him to make an impact on the WWE Universe in that short a time, it says something about who he is as a person and where he belongs amongst our group."
Bryan Danielson’s First Independent Dates Announced
Bryan Danielson has been added to the July 23rd EVOLVE event in Union City, NJ at the ACW Arena. The venue is a small one that will hold about 300 people.
Danielson will then work the next night for Dragon Gate USA. The show will be their one-year anniversary event, and will be held at the Arena in Philadelphia.
Gabe Sapolsky is heavily involved with both companies, and also worked with Danielson for several years with Ring of Honor.
There has also been talk of Danielson working for ROH again.
Danielson will then work the next night for Dragon Gate USA. The show will be their one-year anniversary event, and will be held at the Arena in Philadelphia.
Gabe Sapolsky is heavily involved with both companies, and also worked with Danielson for several years with Ring of Honor.
There has also been talk of Danielson working for ROH again.
Sting TNA Update...
Sting has been working through a shoulder injury as of late, which is why he has been wearing the t-shirt when he wrestles. He will likely need surgery to repair the damage.
For those wondering why he continues to get a push, even when injured, the reason is because of the name. Dixie Carter has been high on keeping him around year after year due to the fact that Sting's name is the most popular persona within the company with their licensees. His Jakks Pacific action figure is said to be the most anticipated figure from the new line of TNA figures.
It is felt that the aura and popularity of Sting pays high dividends for the company, dividends that mean more than simple in ring performance.
For those wondering why he continues to get a push, even when injured, the reason is because of the name. Dixie Carter has been high on keeping him around year after year due to the fact that Sting's name is the most popular persona within the company with their licensees. His Jakks Pacific action figure is said to be the most anticipated figure from the new line of TNA figures.
It is felt that the aura and popularity of Sting pays high dividends for the company, dividends that mean more than simple in ring performance.
Tommy Dreamer Comments On TNA & Waltman Is Sick ...
Tommy Dreamer made the following comments in regards to his first few days in TNA… "The Impact Zone is really cool Great atmosphere live. A very fan friendly place. This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship."
Sean Waltman will not be back with TNA until he is medically cleared from his bout with Hepatitis C.
Sean Waltman will not be back with TNA until he is medically cleared from his bout with Hepatitis C.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
**SPOILERS** WWE SD! Results For This Friday
WWE Smackdown starts with CM Punk gloating about making Taker tap and his vegetative state. Suddenly the lights flicker and go dark and Undertaker appears in the ring! Punk cowers until he pokes Taker and reveals him as Luke Gallows. They laugh until Kane hits the scene, but Swagger blindsides him. Four-on-one as the masked SES member joins, until Mysterio and Big Show make the save. SES runs and they end up giving Kane a 619 and chokeslam respectively for last week.
Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins def. MVP and Christian. Not much to note. Hawkins with an elbow drop on Christian to win after breaking up a Killswitch. Beatdown on MVP post-match.
Rosa wants in Laycool and they mock her for only winning on Superstars and wearing Joker's makeup. Poor Kaval standing by.
Back on SD!
Vickie has Dolph Ziggler in jean shorts and a toolbelt to hang a picture for her. She checks out his rump and yells at Chavo. Masters walks in and walks right back out.
JTG def. Chavo with his running neckbreaker. Post-match JTG hamms it up with the crowd and brings in three kids to dance with him. Crowd loves it.
Kofi tells Josh Matthews he'll bring McIntyre a fight on Sunday. Drew vs. Kofi for the title Sunday.
Drew McIntyre enters to face Teddy Long. Teddy's music hits but he doesn't show until Drew reminds him of the consequences. Drew brought a personal security force with him. This was really long and drawn out and had Drew's mic die on him, but it was effective. Basically Drew forced Teddy, in full suit, to get on his knees, call Drew the Chosen One, and lie down for the three count. After Drew won the match he stopped Teddy and was about to Scot Drop him until Kofi came out for the save. He got caught by security and Drew pounded him until Matt Hardy ran in from the crowd to attack him. Security got at Matt too and Drew ended up giving them both Scot Drops in the middle of the ring. Doesn't come off on TV well but Drew got a lot of heat.
Kelly Kelly def. Layla with the K2. They actually showed some athleticism.
Vickie came out to massive heat that only got worse. It really gets to a point where you can't hear her introduce Ziggler.
Dolph Ziggler def. Chris Masters after the Zig Zag. Masters dominated until he went for a front slam and Dolph quickly locked the Sleeper. He later broke a Masterlock on the ropes and kicked Masters in the shin to set up the Zig Zag.
Jack Swagger dedicates his win on Sunday, Father's day, to his dad.
Main event saw Big Show and Rey Mysterio beat CM Punk and Jack Swagger. Mysterio got double-teamed until he made the hot tag to Show. Chokeslam reversed into a DDT and Show tagged back out. Mysterio reversed a Pump-Handle Slam attempt by Swagger into a sort of Backstabber for the win.
Post-match Kane chokeslammed everyone but gave a Tombstone Piledriver to Rey. He got on the mic and promised Sunday would be "fatal." Then he did Undertaker's kneel and an open casket on the stage was surrounded by plumes of fire. Kane left the open casket and walked out to end the show.
TNA iMPACT Taping Results (6.24) ** SPOILERS **
Xplosion:
* SoCal Val is ring announcer, Jeremy Borash and Taz on commentary.
* Daffney vs. Sarita. Winner via a figure four reversal into a small package, Daffney. After the match Sarita attacked her. Taylor ran down and stopped her. Then Daffney attacked both and sent them packing.
* Homicide vs. Rob Terry. Winner via one handed spinebuster, Rob Terry. Brutus Magnus ran in afterwards and gave Terry a neckbreaker. Magnus posed with the Global title and left. I'm told the match was terrible and Homicide didn't help Terry at all.
TNA Impact (Airing Thursday, June 24th on Spike TV):
* Hulk Hogan is out. He has a lot of business at hand. First, due to the count out in last week's main event, it's now a four-way for the title at the PPV. Hogan is then interrupted by Abyss. He comes to the ring and Hogan says he was about to talk about him. He asks Abyss where he's going with this thing after the sharp left turn? Abyss says he did it because they told me to. They told me to attack Hardy and Anderson. They told him to unleash on them. He said when they come no one will be able to stop them, not Dixie Carter, not Eric Bischoff and not even the immortal Hulk Hogan. Hogan asks who they are and Abyss says he knows who they are and everyone will soon find out. Abyss doesn't need anybody but them and doesn't need the stupid jacket. Hogan says all they need is the fans, Abyss says he doesn't need these sheep and one last thing he doesn't need is this stupid ring! Abyss then chokes Hogan and shoves the ring down his throat. He then empties a bag of glass but RVD makes the save. During their brawl Abyss powerbombs RVD. Mr. Anderson runs down with a chair and whacks Abyss. Abyss punches the chair away and everybody bails.
* Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky are in the bathroom. Madison is mocking Lacey being used to being on her back while Velvet is concerned. Madison tells Velvet to snap out of it because Angelina is coming after them and her title.
* Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky. Angelina Love got DQed for DDTing Velvet on the chair. After the match Madison Rayne came down the ramp and mocked Angelina with the title and said she'd never get it from her.
* Matt Morgan is out. He hates to say it but he told ya so. He told us that he was walking out of Slammiversary victorious. He doesn't sweat Hernandez and to prove it he's calling Hernandez out right now. Hernandez doesn't come out so Morgan continues talking smack. Eventually Homicide runs out and attacks Morgan. Morgan gets the upper hand and gives him the boot against the ringpost that put Hernandez out for months.
* Backstage, Flair and AJ Styles are arguing about Jay Lethal. Flair told AJ to zip it and that he needs to handle it.
* Kazarian vs. Jay Lethal. Winner via Lethal Neckbreaker, Jay Lethal. Flair comes on the big screen and is beating up Jay Lethal's brother and mocks him.
* Jeff Jarrett vs. Sting. Jarrett went after Sting in the rafters but it turned out to be a fake Sting. The real Sting was waiting for Jarrett and used the bat to choke and beat up Jarrett. Sting gets on the mic and tells Jarrett if you're going to walk with them, you're going to go down with them and then leaves.
* Desmond Wolfe w/Chelsea vs. Kurt Angle. Winner via ankle lock, Kurt Angle. Angle afterwards put up eight fingers to signal the #8 contender is next. Chelsea left Desmond in the ring and didn't wait for him.
* Douglas Williams comes out. He says Brian Kendrick probably said he was inspired by his third eye or some other foolishness for why he choked him out. Williams will now have to give the X Division a lesson in professionalism. He challenges Kendrick right now to come out and face him. Kendrick comes out and gets on the mic. He is complimentary of Douglas (which he keeps calling him). Kendrick mocks him by speaking very professionally while throwing in some of his "spiritual claptrap". Williams says to stop with the jokes and he's done here. Kendrick then chokes Williams out again and leaves.
* The Motor City Machine Guns come out and join commentary.
* Backstage, they show Shannon Moore attacking Brother Ray. A knocked out Jesse Neal is nearby. Devon and security break it up. Devon holds Ray back and yells at him about how he embarrassed him already last week and needs to stop this.
* For the shot against The Motor City Machine Guns at Victory Road, Beer Money, Inc. vs. Ink Inc. Shannon Moore comes to the ring by himself because of what just happened backstage. During the match, Tommy Dreamer, Stevie Richard and Raven come out in the crowd and sit in the bleachers. Also during the match, Jesse Neal comes out but is obviously still hurt. Winner via Keg Tap on Jesse Neal, Beer Money, Inc. The ECW guys left after the match.
* Falls Count Anywhere Match, Abyss vs. Mr. Anderson. The ECW guys came back at some point and are in the bleachers. Winner after being thrown into a chair and the torture rack backbreaker, Abyss. After the match, Abyss chokeslammed Anderson off the stage through a table Hogan comes out with a chair and hits Abyss with it but Abyss no sells it. Security gets in between them and stops it from escalating. Abyss threw a couple security guys in the process.
Dark Matches:
* Okada vs. Eric Young. Winner via piledriver, Eric Young.
* Mia Yim vs. Taylor Wilde. Winner via northern lights suplex with a bridge, Taylor Wilde.
* SoCal Val is ring announcer, Jeremy Borash and Taz on commentary.
* Daffney vs. Sarita. Winner via a figure four reversal into a small package, Daffney. After the match Sarita attacked her. Taylor ran down and stopped her. Then Daffney attacked both and sent them packing.
* Homicide vs. Rob Terry. Winner via one handed spinebuster, Rob Terry. Brutus Magnus ran in afterwards and gave Terry a neckbreaker. Magnus posed with the Global title and left. I'm told the match was terrible and Homicide didn't help Terry at all.
TNA Impact (Airing Thursday, June 24th on Spike TV):
* Hulk Hogan is out. He has a lot of business at hand. First, due to the count out in last week's main event, it's now a four-way for the title at the PPV. Hogan is then interrupted by Abyss. He comes to the ring and Hogan says he was about to talk about him. He asks Abyss where he's going with this thing after the sharp left turn? Abyss says he did it because they told me to. They told me to attack Hardy and Anderson. They told him to unleash on them. He said when they come no one will be able to stop them, not Dixie Carter, not Eric Bischoff and not even the immortal Hulk Hogan. Hogan asks who they are and Abyss says he knows who they are and everyone will soon find out. Abyss doesn't need anybody but them and doesn't need the stupid jacket. Hogan says all they need is the fans, Abyss says he doesn't need these sheep and one last thing he doesn't need is this stupid ring! Abyss then chokes Hogan and shoves the ring down his throat. He then empties a bag of glass but RVD makes the save. During their brawl Abyss powerbombs RVD. Mr. Anderson runs down with a chair and whacks Abyss. Abyss punches the chair away and everybody bails.
* Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky are in the bathroom. Madison is mocking Lacey being used to being on her back while Velvet is concerned. Madison tells Velvet to snap out of it because Angelina is coming after them and her title.
* Angelina Love vs. Velvet Sky. Angelina Love got DQed for DDTing Velvet on the chair. After the match Madison Rayne came down the ramp and mocked Angelina with the title and said she'd never get it from her.
* Matt Morgan is out. He hates to say it but he told ya so. He told us that he was walking out of Slammiversary victorious. He doesn't sweat Hernandez and to prove it he's calling Hernandez out right now. Hernandez doesn't come out so Morgan continues talking smack. Eventually Homicide runs out and attacks Morgan. Morgan gets the upper hand and gives him the boot against the ringpost that put Hernandez out for months.
* Backstage, Flair and AJ Styles are arguing about Jay Lethal. Flair told AJ to zip it and that he needs to handle it.
* Kazarian vs. Jay Lethal. Winner via Lethal Neckbreaker, Jay Lethal. Flair comes on the big screen and is beating up Jay Lethal's brother and mocks him.
* Jeff Jarrett vs. Sting. Jarrett went after Sting in the rafters but it turned out to be a fake Sting. The real Sting was waiting for Jarrett and used the bat to choke and beat up Jarrett. Sting gets on the mic and tells Jarrett if you're going to walk with them, you're going to go down with them and then leaves.
* Desmond Wolfe w/Chelsea vs. Kurt Angle. Winner via ankle lock, Kurt Angle. Angle afterwards put up eight fingers to signal the #8 contender is next. Chelsea left Desmond in the ring and didn't wait for him.
* Douglas Williams comes out. He says Brian Kendrick probably said he was inspired by his third eye or some other foolishness for why he choked him out. Williams will now have to give the X Division a lesson in professionalism. He challenges Kendrick right now to come out and face him. Kendrick comes out and gets on the mic. He is complimentary of Douglas (which he keeps calling him). Kendrick mocks him by speaking very professionally while throwing in some of his "spiritual claptrap". Williams says to stop with the jokes and he's done here. Kendrick then chokes Williams out again and leaves.
* The Motor City Machine Guns come out and join commentary.
* Backstage, they show Shannon Moore attacking Brother Ray. A knocked out Jesse Neal is nearby. Devon and security break it up. Devon holds Ray back and yells at him about how he embarrassed him already last week and needs to stop this.
* For the shot against The Motor City Machine Guns at Victory Road, Beer Money, Inc. vs. Ink Inc. Shannon Moore comes to the ring by himself because of what just happened backstage. During the match, Tommy Dreamer, Stevie Richard and Raven come out in the crowd and sit in the bleachers. Also during the match, Jesse Neal comes out but is obviously still hurt. Winner via Keg Tap on Jesse Neal, Beer Money, Inc. The ECW guys left after the match.
* Falls Count Anywhere Match, Abyss vs. Mr. Anderson. The ECW guys came back at some point and are in the bleachers. Winner after being thrown into a chair and the torture rack backbreaker, Abyss. After the match, Abyss chokeslammed Anderson off the stage through a table Hogan comes out with a chair and hits Abyss with it but Abyss no sells it. Security gets in between them and stops it from escalating. Abyss threw a couple security guys in the process.
Dark Matches:
* Okada vs. Eric Young. Winner via piledriver, Eric Young.
* Mia Yim vs. Taylor Wilde. Winner via northern lights suplex with a bridge, Taylor Wilde.
OBD & Scott Hall's Release...
ODB's TNA departure didn't come as a surprise to hardly anyone in the company. ODB has had heat on her for a few months after comments against TNA on her Twitter and in media interviews.
TNA made the decision to send Scott Hall home at last night's iMPACT tapings and word is that he has been fired from the company. We will have more on Hall's release later.
TNA made the decision to send Scott Hall home at last night's iMPACT tapings and word is that he has been fired from the company. We will have more on Hall's release later.
The RAW Ending, Zack Ryder Injured On RAW, Austin/Danielson
Beth Phoenix has been doing light leg presses in the gym following her recent knee surgery.
-- During the end of last night's RAW where the NXT Rookies attacked Bret Hart backstage, the RAW Superstars just stood on the stage watching what was happening on the big screen. Much of that backstage stuff was shot earlier in the day.
-- Zack Ryder suffered a concussion last night in the four way match on RAW for the United States Title. Ryder's injury came when John Morrison powerbombed The Miz off the apron and onto Ryder on the floor. Ryder wrestled another five or six minutes with the concussion.
-- Steve Austin made the following comment on Twitter, regarding the firing of Bryan Danielson… yes im watching RAW..no idea why Danielson was fired
-- During the end of last night's RAW where the NXT Rookies attacked Bret Hart backstage, the RAW Superstars just stood on the stage watching what was happening on the big screen. Much of that backstage stuff was shot earlier in the day.
-- Zack Ryder suffered a concussion last night in the four way match on RAW for the United States Title. Ryder's injury came when John Morrison powerbombed The Miz off the apron and onto Ryder on the floor. Ryder wrestled another five or six minutes with the concussion.
-- Steve Austin made the following comment on Twitter, regarding the firing of Bryan Danielson… yes im watching RAW..no idea why Danielson was fired
The Undertaker's Storyline Plans...
There was talk last week of doing a Money in the Bank ladder match at the upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view with all-NXT Rookies, likely from Season 2, with the winner getting a WWE contract.
There was at least some discussion this past week about having the NXT Rookies be the ones responsible for The Undertaker being in a vegetative state.
However, word this weekend was that they are planning a Kane vs. Undertaker casket match for SummerSlam, instead of 'Taker vs. Jack Swagger for the World Heavyweight Title.
If WWE goes with the idea that Kane attacked Undertaker and they stick with the casket match at SummerSlam, Taker will work that feud before moving on to the World Heavyweight Title picture.
There was at least some discussion this past week about having the NXT Rookies be the ones responsible for The Undertaker being in a vegetative state.
However, word this weekend was that they are planning a Kane vs. Undertaker casket match for SummerSlam, instead of 'Taker vs. Jack Swagger for the World Heavyweight Title.
If WWE goes with the idea that Kane attacked Undertaker and they stick with the casket match at SummerSlam, Taker will work that feud before moving on to the World Heavyweight Title picture.
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