Random News Thread 2012

[Guest Saz]

Here's your new thread for 2012.

[Guest Jimmy Redman]

I would like to emphasise something as we begin a new thread. Its not the best look for the forum when there a whole lot of general mega threads that everyone posts in and not a lot of individual threads with proper topics.

 

So, to that end, it is my firm suggestion that this thread be used mainly for small news items and minor queries only. For those people who like to grab a bunch of bullet points from the Observer or sites that C+P from the Observer, thats fine and it goes in here. If you want to ask a question about some minor point, or have any other post that cant possibly be stretched to make or become a topic, that can go in here as well.

 

BUT, if you have a more substantial peice of news (like, for instance, the Brock news from this weekend, or Orton's injury, anything that people will discuss) or a random comment that can easily be used to start a thread on a particular subject, please do create a stand-alone thread and discuss it there. This way, its easier to identify topics of conversation, it should foster more discussion and its a much better look for the forum.

 

Thanks.

[Guest Ciaran The King]

Can't wait for Kurt Angle appearing at the Olympics, not long to wait :lol

[ShaolinHandLock 73]

So I was looking up the results of the annual Japanese New Years Indy Summit. These shows usually feature some pretty odd matchups, and this year was no exception.

 

Results, via Cagematch:

 

 

Dark Match

 

Madoka & The Winger defeat Owen Phoenix & Yasu Urano (12:28)

 

Six Man Tag Team Match

 

Hiroshi Fukuda, Kotaro Nasu & Toru Sugiura defeat Daichi Sasaki, Dyna Mido & Masashi Otani (8:23)

 

Eight Man Tag Team Match

 

HAYATA, Hiro Tonai, Takao Soma & Takumi Tsukamoto defeat Akito, Jun Ogawauchi, Kouzy & Masaki Okimoto (9:12)

 

Six Man Tag Team Match

 

GENTARO, HARASHIMA & Yoshihito Sasaki defeat Kamui, Kazuhiro Tamura & Mototsugu Shimizu (10:59)

 

Battle Royal

 

Danshoku Dino defeats Atsushi Ohashi and Guts Ishijima and Kaji Burdock and Kaji Pot-au-feu and Kaji Tomato and Kaori Yoneyama and Karate Brahman and Mame Endo and Mio Shirai and Shinobu and Spark Aoki (22:14)

 

Tag Team Gauntlet Match

 

Antonio Honda & Great Kojika defeat Amigo Suzuki & CHANGO and Atsushi Kotoge & Daisuke Harada and Brahman Kei & Brahman Shu and Chon Shiryu & Dynasty and Daisuke Sasaki & Masashi Takeda and Emi Sakura & Masa Takanashi and Hercules Senga & Tsutomu Oosugi and Hide Kubota & Yasu Kubota and Isami Kodaka & Yuko Miyamoto and Jaki Numazawa & Jun Kasai and Makoto Oishi & Shiori Asahi and Natsuki Taiyo & Yoshiko and Ryuji Yamakawa & Shadow WX and Sanshiro Takagi & TAKA Michinoku (35:00)

 

Fluorescent Light Tubes Death Match

 

Ryuji Ito & Takashi Sasaki defeat Abdullah Kobayashi & Ken Ohka (15:27)

 

Singles Match

 

Naomichi Marufuji defeats Tatsuhiko Yoshino (14:11)

 

Tag Team Match

 

Daisuke Sekimoto & Shuji Ishikawa defeat Kengo Mashimo & Ryuichi Sekine (16:32)

 

74 Man Tag Team Match

 

Abdullah Kobayashi, Amigo Suzuki, Antonio Honda, Atsushi Ohashi, CHANGO, Daichi Sasaki, Daisuke Sasaki, Daisuke Sekimoto, Dyna Mido, GENTARO, Great Kojika, Guts Ishijima, HARASHIMA, HAYATA, Hide Kubota, Hiro Tonai, Jaki Numazawa, Jun Kasai, Kaji Burdock, Kaji Pot-au-feu, Kaji Pot-au-feu 2, Kazuki Hashimoto, Kazuki Hirata, Ken Ohka, Madoka, Makoto Oishi, Masashi Otani, Masashi Takeda, Masked Buddy, Natsuki Taiyo, Seiya Morohashi, Shiori Asahi, Shuji Ishikawa, Spark Aoki, Takao Soma, Takumi Tsukamoto, Yasu Kubota & Yoshiko defeat Akito, Atsushi Kotoge, Carlos, Chon Shiryu, Danshoku Dino, Dynasty , Emi Sakura, Hiroshi Fukuda, Isami Kodaka, Jun Ogawauchi, Kaji Tomato, Kamui, Kaori Yoneyama, Karate Brahman, Kazuhiro Tamura, Kengo Mashimo, Kotaro Nasu, Mame Endo, Masaki Okimoto, Mio Shirai, Mototsugu Shimizu, Mr. PUSSY, Owen Phoenix, Ribbon Takashi, Ryuji Ito, Ryuji Yamakawa, Sanshiro Takagi, Shadow WX, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Sasaki, Tatsuhiko Yoshino, Toru Sugiura, Tsutomu Oosugi, Yasu Urano, Yuji Okabayashi & Yuko Miyamoto (8:17)

 

 

And my questions/comments:

 

 

Firstly, the main event. A 74 Man Tag Team Match, that, according to the results, only lasted just over 8 minutes. How the heck does that work?!?

 

Also, Ken Ohka. In a lighttubes deathmatch. He's not a deathmatch wrestler at all, and I think this may very well have been his first time doing lighttube stuff.

 

[Guest]

Pretty sure ECW had a mega man tag team match before Wrestlemania(?)

[Omega 354]

As previously noted, WWE hall of famer Abdullah the Butcher was booked for the current All Japan Pro Wrestling tour, despite being in his early 70s. Butcher was booked for the 1/2 show in a trios match with Keiji Muto & Kikutaro against Masa Fuchi & Osamu Nishimura & Black Bushi. Butcher came to the ring with a cane, and said he couldn’t not wrestle and had to retire. He will continue to work the tour doing autograph signings. The current plan is to do a 3/20 Abdullah the Butcher retirement show at Sumo Hall.

 

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

 

Makes you wonder if it's really injury or he's finally had that Hepatitis test and found something he doesn't like....

 

Internally, there is a push to delay the tentative date of April 1st for the launch of the WWE Network. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the potential delay is based on a lack of clearances at this point, and they don’t want to debut it with so few that it comes across like a flop right out of the gate. The only programming locked in is still the Legends House show.

 

According to Dave Meltzer, CM Punk will be in the corner of UFC fighter Chael Sonnen for the 1/28 UFC on FOX 2 event in Chicago. At that event, Chael Sonnen faces Mark Munoz. WWE gave Punk the night off from the scheduled WWE house show in Evansville that night.

 

In 2011, TNA Impact Wrestling finished with a 1.17 cable rating average.

 

Looking back:

 

2010 – 1.06

2009 – 1.14

2008 – 1.06

2007 – 1.04

2006 – 0.89

 

click here for all 2011 wrestling TV ratings.

 

Kevin Nash made the following comments via Twitter:

 

Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down.

 

I’m talking shoot, not sports entertainment. Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f**k up. Day before Mania in Miami area.

 

Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I’ll do the same.

 

I’m tired of this guy talking sh*t about the boys & me. When they stop it or you tap, i’ll quit, or you can apologize like the c*nt you are.

 

Nice...

[Guest John Hancock]

No joke, I'd pay my money to see Nash vs. Warrior in a shoot fight, that would be amazing.

[Guest]

Some news from LOP.net

 

- Regarding Rob Van Dam's contract status with TNA Wrestling, WrestlingNewsWorld.com has confirmed that his current deal expires in March.

 

Power Slam states in their latest issue that RVD is seriously considering returning to WWE once his contract expires.

 

The Rock is scheduled to appear on WWE TV soon. He is expected to start appearing live or on tape almost every week by late February to hype the match with John Cena at WrestleMania 28.

 

- WWE is building to CM Punk hitting John Laurinaitis, and talking that it will be similar to how big it was when Steve Austin finally hit Vince McMahon with the Stunner during the Attitude era.

 

- There is heat on Evan Bourne after Triple H confronted him a few weeks ago, blaming him for the story getting out about R-Truth's suspension being for fake marijuana or spice, as well as how they were smoking it together.

 

It's said that Triple H is not a fan of Bourne but Stephanie McMahon thinks he brings something unique to the table. Even with Stephanie's support, there is whispers within WWE that Bourne is about to be the next Paul London - a guy with talent who is going to be broken mentally by the system.

 

There is also heat on Bourne because of the idea that you are not supposed to publicly show frustration with company and some feel that he has done that through Twitter at times.

 

- Someone in WWE creative recently brought up the idea of having Zack Ryder and The Situation from MTV's Jersey Shore do something at WrestleMania 28 in Miami.

 

- Chris Jericho actually flew to WWE headquarters in Connecticut a while back and met with Vince McMahon to map out his return, all while claiming that he would never work with WWE again.

 

The cryptic videos leading to Jericho's return were WWE's Social Networking Department's idea. Several in the company felt that the campaign as too smart for its own good before they started airing.

 

During Jericho's unique return at Monday's RAW Supershow, people backstage were noting the similarities to the Dynamic Dudes character that John Laurinaitis played years ago.

 

Most expect Jericho to begin feuding with WWE Champion CM Punk, leading to a WrestleMania match. There is no word yet on exactly how long Jericho is back for but there was speculation going around that he will be involved in a major program after WrestleMania 28 with a match at SummerSlam.

 

- Recent online reports have suggested that WWE is interested in signing several talents from TNA once their contracts with the company expire. Courtesy of PWTorch, here is a breakdown of the rumored names and if WWE is interested:

 

* Rob Van Dam - WWE is interested in bringing him back.

 

* Matt Morgan - WWE was interested in Morgan last year but he chose to stick with TNA.

 

* Bully Ray - WWE has shown some interest in the former Tag Team Champion. No word yet if they're interested in bringing Ray back with Devon as Team 3D.

 

* The Pope - Officials were interested early last year when he was being pushed but not so much anymore.

 

* Samoa Joe - There is no interest from WWE.

 

* Ink Inc. - There may be some interest in bringing back Shannon Moore down the road but Jesse Neal is viewed as a developmental prospect at best.

 

* James Storm and Robert Roode - WWE had interest last year in bringing Beer Money in as a tag team but word is that they're not interested in bringing the former TNA Tag Team Champions in as singles wrestlers.

 

and JR sporting a funking goatee!

[video=youtube;pCWfN6qJZ9Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCWfN6qJZ9Q

[Guest Will O the Wisp]

[video=youtube;pCWfN6qJZ9Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCWfN6qJZ9Q

 

@ 6:38

 

J.R. - The black...the bad guys get all the girls.

T.B.G. - Awkward laugh.

 

:lol

[Omega 354]

I think this is massively interesting given how quick a lot of poeple have been to slam Punk over his ratings drops:

 

Believe it or not, the quarter hour featuring the return of Chris Jericho on Raw Monday night lost about 80,000 viewers, according to Dave Meltzer. The highest rated quarter was the opening featuring John Cena’s promo to start the show. Overall viewership for the episode was down slightly, even though the rating was a 3.1, up from last week’s 2.9

[Guest Magic]

Overall viewership for the episode was down slightly, even though the rating was a 3.1, up from last week’s 2.9

 

That right there, is why I pay no attention to ratings.

[Guest the HiTman]

Is anyone watching Sky Sport's coverage of WWE Vintage? I saw it for the first time today. Flair vs Bret Hart on WCW/nWo 'Souled Out' (see what they did there?) from 1998.

 

Great that they're showing wcw stuff too.

 

Really enjoyed it.

[Guest]

Some more news from LOP.net

 

- Nash has posted the following on Twitter:

 

"@UltimateWarrior You should watch your mouth,You know your a bitch .You want nothing to do with me.You ran out of your gym to avoid me."

 

"@UltimateWarrior You want to go pussy name the place and time. If not shut your dick sucker and forget my name. Bitch make me 100k richer"

 

"I knew i would get no response because i know Jim Helwig, in the future when my name comes up pass Jim, puss"

 

- The Ultimate Warrior has posted the following video in response to Kevin Nash's challenge for a MMA fight:

 

[video=youtube;yw2_JC1Hu5M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw2_JC1Hu5M

 

 

Nash replied on Twitter:

 

"Helwig goes Dr. evil on me. What does he want, 1 billion dollars? How about this Jim, you pick the time and place for free and fun."

 

"i thought i was listening to the vagina monologues"

 

Regarding the challenge, RF Video has offered Nash a venue in Miami during WrestleMania weekend if they want to fight. The Dragon Gate USA promotion has also offered Nash and Warrior a venue.

 

Hulk Hogan, who recently had an online feud with Warrior, threw his two cents in on Twitter:

"in a real fight Nash will destroy the Underdog Worrier. HH"

 

 

- Former WWE star Chyna is filming a new adult movie called "Ring Queen" that will be a pro wrestling parody. The movie, produced by Vivid Video, will feature a wrestling ring, a Titantron and many stars parodied including Stephanie McMahon. The movie is scheduled for a March release.

 

- UK women's wrestler Britani Knight, a second generation talent, made her WWE developmental debut at last night's show in Tampa. She competed in a battle royal under the name Saraya, a play off her mother's name Sweet Saraya. Britani actually signed with WWE months ago but was told to keep it quiet. Britani is 19 years old.

 

The New York Post has published an interview with TNA Wrestling star Kurt Angle discussing his Olympic aspirations. The interview includes discussion of his professional wrestling career, and he explains how he made the transition between the professional and amateur ranks.

 

"It was a complete career adaptation. It wasn't a step above, going from amateur wrestling to pro wrestling, it was going from real wrestling to sports entertainment," Angle said. "A lot of people put me up there as far as saying he's one of the best ever. And I've only been wrestling for 11 and a half years. I think that Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, guys who have put 30 years into it deserve it. Me getting that praise after only 11 years—it's not fair.”

 

Though Kurt Angle has not competed inside a WWE ring in over five years, his impact is still seen today. The Olympic Gold Medalist, however, does not appreciate his moves and style being replicated.

 

"When Jack Swagger copies my ankle lock and Randy Orton does my Angle Slam, it's disrespectful," Angle said. "I didn't come up with the Ankle Lock, Ken Shamrock came up with the Ankle Lock but I waited until he retired to do the Ankle Lock. That company has no respect for me."

 

Despite his displeasure with WWE grapplers using his moves, Angle is grateful that he has been able to parlay Vince McMahon's vision for him into a successful career in both WWE and TNA Wrerstling.

 

"I love Vince McMahon. He came up with the Kurt Angle character,” Angle said. "He ran with it and then I was able to run with it. I thank him for the opportunity he gave me. Vince McMahon was one of my best friends, period. Now I'm loyal to Dixie Carter."

 

Jim Ross was asked on Twitter about the possibility of a match pitting Brock Lesnar against Bill Goldberg at next year's WrestleMania.

 

"@Goldberg vs Lesnar at WM29 would be miraculous ie HIGHLY UNLIKELY," he tweeted.

 

Goldberg, despite his displeasure for WWE and company head Vince McMahon over the years, says he's interested in the bout. He wrote Friday, "......I'd do it."

 

Goldberg last competed for WWE at WrestleMania XX in a match against Lesnar with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin serving as special guest referee. The match garnered a hostile reaction from the audience due to knowledge that both competitors were leaving the promotion. After Goldberg defeated Lesnar, both wrestlers were met with a Stone Cold Stunner.

 

Meanwhile, Goldberg still apparently views Chris Jericho in a negative light nine years after the two last worked together. A fan wrote to the former wrestling champion Monday, "Y2J sucks u should have came out there & speared him." He responded, "Would have been my pleasure."

[ViciousPrism 177]

- UK women's wrestler Britani Knight, a second generation talent, made her WWE developmental debut at last night's show in Tampa. She competed in a battle royal under the name Saraya, a play off her mother's name Sweet Saraya. Britani actually signed with WWE months ago but was told to keep it quiet. Britani is 19 years old.

 

Good for her. (Also, Saraya is play off of her real name which is Saraya-Jade. Trust a dirt sheet to not check shit out, amirite?)

[Paul 584]

Shes also ****ing great! The Knights are a great set of talents.

[Guest The Bisch]

from 411mania.com

 

PotTheCrowd reports that Triple H was at the New York Giants practice yesterday because he and other WWE officials were in town meeting with people regarding possibly having a future WrestleMania at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

 

Dallas, TX has been the location getting the most buzz for WrestleMania 29, but that isn't official yet.

 

As for WrestleMania 30, WWE has traditionally held the 10 year anniversary 'Manias at Madison Square Garden in New York, so holding WrestleMania 30 in New Jersey would change that tradition.

 

It's also worth noting that Met Life Stadium is open air with no roof, so WWE would risk potentially cold temperatures if they do hold a WrestleMania there.

 

If they are considering Dallas for WrestleMania 29, could they be looking at Cowboy's Stadium? When the NBA All Star Game was held there in 2010, they goit drew a crowd of 108,713. Conciviebly a wrestling event could beat that, but it would be quite an achievement

[Guest Jimmy Redman]

Yeah I've heard the Cowboys Stadium rumour. Maybe NJ is the back up plan.

 

As much as they like running stadiums I really do want WMXXX to be in MSG.

[Guest John Hancock]

Yeah, you've got to do all the multiples of ten in the Garden, having a big Wrestlemania in MetLife is kinda meaningless. It's MSG or nothing. I mean, MetLife isn't even in New York City, hell, it isn't even in New York STATE. Just because New York's football teams player there doesn't magically make it a New York arena. The Garden is an all-purpose indoor-sports arena New York, the MetLife is an open-air football stadium in New Jersey, they aren't interchangeable.

 

Are they maybe just trying to avoid the famous shark New York City fans? We know how WWE's nonsense went down at Wrestlemania 20, and I think we can all that things have got a HELL of a lot worse since then. WWE know that, going into New York, every heel is going to get cheered, Cena will probably get booed, Trips might even get booed and Zack Ryder is going to get one of the biggest pops of the night.

[Guest Jimmy Redman]

Well, its more than two years away, I doubt the crowd reaction for Zack Ryder is really a factor at this stage.

[Guest John Hancock]

Very true actually. Sometimes, I actually think they're trying their hardest to ruin him, just to spite people for liking something Vince didn't tell them to.