Wrestling News July 22, 2005

The latest WWE release is Ivory: Ivory’s World Wrestling Entertainment television contract will not be renewed. She will make her final appearance on The WWE Experience this weekend. WWE wishes Ivory well and hopes to work with her again in the near future.
SD: We all saw this coming. She’s been on the E-show and almost nowhere else since WWE Experience started. With the upcoming move to USA they will only have 1 broadcast hour of weekend programming. No way the fifth most watched weekend show makes the cut. No reason to keep the host then either. Funny it says “television contract” though — even funnier that everybody seems to gloss over that word. Will she be a trainer in the Deep South Wrestling territory opening soon?

WWE.com put out a release about the Muhammed Hassan/UPN situation. Due to the unfortunate terrorist attacks in London on Thursday, July 7, which coincided with our pre-produced WWE SmackDown! program, UPN has asked us to be sensitive to the usage of the Arab-American character, Muhammad Hassan. We have agreed with UPN, and have not had the character on SmackDown! since that date. It is uncertain as to whether or not the WWE will continue with this character beyond this Sunday’s Pay-Per-View, The Great American Bash.

SD: I hope creative can think of something better to do than “killing” him. Such as my suggestion to have him use his real name and calling out everybody because he exposed their racism. The dirtsheets are seem to agree that he’ll be sent back to OVW but I think it would be a mistake not to capitalize on the situation. We’ll see.

WWE says: Gunsmoke jobs to Raw. World Wrestling Entertainment will celebrate the milestone of producing the most original episodes of any weekly fictional entertainment program ever on television when Monday Night RAW airs on August 1 on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

RAW celebrates original episode No. 636 on August 1, surpassing the previous record-holder, Gunsmoke, which produced 635 original episodes during its 20-year run on television, according to several sources, including the book Gunsmoke: A Complete History and Analysis of the Legendary Broadcast Series with a Comprehensive Episode-by-Episode Guide to Both the Radio and Television Programs by Suzanne and Gabor Barabas. With a production schedule that calls for 52 original episodes a year, RAW surpassed the mark set by Gunsmoke in less than 13 years.

SD: Definitely a milestone. Now where’s the Raw is War Season 1 DVD box set already…?

RIP Lord Alfred Hayes & Miguel Perez

Wrestling legend "Lord" Alfred Hayes died yesterday at the age of 77. Slam Magazine has an article about him.

Miguel Perez died this week as well at the age of 68. Check WWE.com for an article about him as well.

Wrestling News July 21, 2005

Bob Ryder dropped this bombshell concerning Muhammed Hassan: UPN executives have reportedly made it clear to WWE that they don't want the Muhammed Hassan character on their network anymore.

Hassan has been held off Smackdown the last two shows after the controversy that erupted when Hassan was involved in a segment that simulated terrorist activity. The segment aired the same night as the London Subway attacks two weeks ago, and prompted a flood of negative press.

SD: If true, WWE has only themselves to blame. Where do they go from there? Easy: have Hassan come out, use his real name and deliver the exact same promo that he cut for WWE.com. That will free him up from the very negative connotations with his character but allow him to still be the same asshole which will get him just as much heel heat.

Spike TV and TNA officially announced that Impact! is coming to the network. TNA Entertainment, LLC has signed a deal with Spike TV to telecast TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling’s weekly action athletic entertainment series “iMPACT!” The weekly one-hour show will join Spike TV’s popular “Slammin’ Saturday Night” programming block starting this Fall, taping at Soundstage 21 at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL.

SD: All signs point to TNA taking over the Velocity timeslot, Saturday nights 11pm. If WWE really wanted to embarrass TNA then they would use their extra one hour on USA and keep Velocity. Imapct and Velocity at the same time would give a little bit of that Monday Night War feeling (on Saturdays) but it would also be a can’t lose situation for WWE. If Velocity gets higher ratings that establishes TNA as being inferior. If Impact gets higher ratings, big deal! They beat the WWE’s low-to-mid card show.

In other SpikeTV news, UFC Unleashed debuts this Monday following Raw. From the site: In the first episode of UFC Unleashed, we look back at The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Live Finale. Catch the epic battle between Bonnar and Griffin that made history! The full schedule:

Stephan Bonnar vs. Forrest Griffin
Diego Sanchez vs. Kenny Florian
Alex Karalexis vs. Josh Rafferty
Mike Swick vs. Alex Schoenauer

SD: If you haven’t seen the Bonnar/Griffin fight then you need to stay up to watch it. It’s simply amazing.

In an interview with Steve Gerweck, Charlie Haas continues to talk about his release and the company. He believes that Smackdown writer Dave Laganza had it out for him. He said John Lauranitis wasn’t the person who released everybody but was responsible for making the calls and is helping Charlie secure bookings in Japan. He also notes that he “can compete anywhere for 90 days, but TNA” since he worked out an early release.

ROH has finished negotiations with Japan's Dragon's Gate promotion. An announcement is coming soon. They also said that their website will soon feature video clips. Now if they can just get a roster up there for the casual wrestling fan…

WWE News & Notes:
In addition to Earl, Dave Hebner has also been fired due to his involvement in the merchandising scam. It appears that the store Earl co-owned was selling bootleg WWE merchandising. Why Dave was also fired remains unclear to the public. If I were to hazard a guess I’d say it was because he knew and didn’t tell the company.

At WWE.com, you can check out photos from John Cena’s first concert. I’m particularly fond of this pic:

Wrestling News July 19, 2005

Fightsport.com is reporting that PrideFC now has television clearance. Sources in Japan are saying that DSE/PRIDE has signed an American TV deal with the Fox Sports Network.

The deal will see Fox Sports air a 1-hour PRIDE highlight show on a weekly basis. The time slot for the show will most likely be on Sunday night.

SD: Finally! Those of you who have never seen a Pride event are in for a treat. I haven't seen nearly enough for some reason or another but I have enjoyed every show I've seen. It will be interesting to see who they spotlight in the debut episode. This past weekend's Bushido 8 spoilers are at the end of this report if you can't wait for the American airing of the event.

TNAwrestling.com has released the list of competitors for the Super X Cup Tournament. The finals will take place at the August 14th pay per view "Sacrifice". Winner will also recieve a TNA X Division title shot against Christopher Daniels. The participants are:

AJ Styles
Alex Shelley
Chris Sabin
Petey Williams
Samoa Joe
(Michael) Shane
Shocker
Sonjay Dutt

SD: There should be some great matches in this. I expect to see AJ vs Joe in the finals.

WWE News/Notes
- Matt Striker claims to have gotten injured last night according to Meltzer.
- The CAPW website says that Chris Hamrick is scheduled to work for WWE at the Great American Bash, Raw and Smackdown next week.
- Lance Storm's duties with OVW are now completed.

In ROH News/Notes:
- Dixie suffered an injured neck as a result of Homicide's Cop Killa last Saturday. Dixie is expected to miss a few months of action in ROH.
- CM Punk will finally face off against Christopher Daniels this Saturday in Philadelphia. Could this match possibly be more entertaining than the Diva Search segment from Raw in Philly last night? It'll be rough but I think it could.

Here are this weekend's Pride Bushido 8 results for you.
Takanori Gomi defeats Jean Silva by unanimous decision.
Phil Baroni defeats Ryo Chonan by KO at 1:40, RD 1.
Ikuhisa Minowa defeats Kimo Leopoldo by heel hook at 3:11, RD 1.
Tatsuya Kawajiri defeats Luiz 'Buscape' Firminho by unanimous decision.
Daniel Acacio defeats Kazuo Misaki by unanimous decision.
Joachim Hansen defeats Masakazu Imanari by KO at 3:34, RD 1.
James Thompson defeats Henry Miller by KO at 1:31, RD 1.
Kazuki Okubo defeats Ryuichi Murata by armbar at 9:30, RD 1.
Marcus Aurelio defeats Jutaro Nakao by unanimous decision.
Denis Kang defeats Andrei Semenov by unanimous decision.
Josh Thomson defeats Daisuke Sugie by kneebar at 2:30, RD 1.

Earl Hebner fired by WWE

Dave Meltzer is reporting that Earl Hebner has been fired by WWE: Earl Hebner, the most well known referee in U.S. pro wrestling, was fired earlier today by WWE, allegedly for selling merchandise without authorization.

Reports that Dave Hebner was fired are said to be incorrect at the moment, although he was alleged to be involved and has been disciplined.

SD: Wow. Now this is a shock. After Howard Finkel (and of course any McMahons), Earl and Dave are the two people I never would have thought to ever be fired from the company. Suspended without pay, maybe. But fired? That is a major shock. Given his loyalty and name recognition there has to be a lot of money involved. I just can't see it being for a small amount given his tenure.

TNA No Surrender 2005 Results

Pre-Show, Jarrett confronts Mike Tenay and Don West. He mentions all the recent WWE releases and said that if they get hired then those who helped build TNA, with himself at the top of the list, will be cut to make room. He makes fun of the fans for thinking the Matt Hardy stuff is real and think that he's going to show up tonight. He then asks the announcers if Rhino is there. He walks off without an answer.

Shocker def Jerelle Clark

PPV Starts

1) America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) def Michael Shane & Alex Shelley (w/ Traci). Post match Shane superkicks Storm.

Shane Douglas interview with Team Canada . Jarrett interrupts saying he needs their help with the "Johnny come latelies". Petey says TC will. Bobby Roode isn't convinced they should.

2) Sonjay Dutt def Shark Boy, Prime Time Elix Skipper, and Mikey Batts to qualify for the Super X Cup.

Douglas interview with 3 Live Krew members Ron Killings (fka K-Kwik) & Konnan. They haven't seen BG James (fka Road Dogg) for a month.

Simon Diamond promo. He is bringing back David Young and will be his mentor so that he can start winning.

3) Sonny Siaki & Apolo defeated Simon Diamond & David Young

Tenay and West announce TNA Bound for Glory on October 23.

4) Samoa Joe defeated Chris Sabin in what I am told was an excellent match

Shane Douglas interviewed the Naturals, Lance Hoyt and Jimmy Hart.

5) Team Canada (Bobby Roode, Eric Young & A-1 Ralphz) defeated Lance Hoyt & The Naturals (Andy Doublas & Chase Stevens w/Jimmy Hart)

In a promo with Shane Douglas The Outlaw (fka Billy Gunn) announced his name is now Kip James.

6) Kip James & Monty Brown defeated 3 Live Kru (Ron Killings & Konnan) in a No DQ, Street Fight. Post match BG James (member of 3LK) came to ringside to tall Kip he can't believe what he changed his name to. He refused to hit Killings with a chair extending this storyline to month 6 or so.

Douglas interviewed the returning Jerry Lynn who promised to call the match down the middle even though he's had hate-filled feuds with both AJ Styles and Sean Waltman.

7) AJ Styles def Sean Waltman (fka X-Pac) with Jerry Lynn as special guest referee. Waltman tried using the ropes in a pin at the end of the match. Lynn kicked his feet leading to AJ hitting Waltman with the Styles Clash for the win.


Jarrett confronted TNA Director of Authority Larry Zbysko backstage and demanded a title shot. Larry said he had to wait in line. Jarrett asked where Rhino was. Larry said he's in the building somewhere. Jarrett said he's looking for him and raised his guitar in the air as if to hit somebody.

8) Christopher Daniels def Petey Williams (w/A-1 Ralphz) to retain the X Division Title

Tenay and West announced that the Super X Cup will begin this Friday on Impact with the finals at August's ppv Survival.

9) Raven defeated Abyss (w/James Mitchell) in a Dog Collar Match to retain the NWA Title. Post match Jarrett came to ringside to tell Raven that the belt is his because the fed is all about him. He told Raven to turn around. Rhino was standing behind him. Rhino gored Raven. Jarrett held the title in the air and celebrated his swerve.

TNA Says "No Matt"

TNA.com put out a note on their website today saying Matt Hardy will not be on No Surrender tonight.

On Sunday morning, it was reported across the internet that WWE star Matt Hardy would be appearing at tonight's "No Surrender" Pay-Per-View.

TNA Wrestling would like to officially address this rumor as totally false.

In an effort to further his own agenda, Hardy told several people last night he would be traveling to Orlando for "No Surrender"

TNA Wrestling would like to let our fans know this is not the case and he will not be appearing.


SD: There you have it. Maybe.

Wrestling News July 17, 2005

New WWE wrestler the Boogeyman (Marty Wright) made the greatest debut in wrestling history. Taking place in an outdoor venue in Frederick, MD, the Boogeyman proved to be a real show stealer. Here is a copy/paste from the Observer:

Then in came The Boogeyman! He ranted some but at the rant's climax where he exclaimed "I am The Boogeyman!" a huge clap of thunder pealed and lightning flashed in the distance. And when he then yelled "And I am your worst nightmare!" the heavens opened up and it poured. He obliterated Doug Basham in about 15 seconds in the rain.

The real crime is that there were no TV cameras. There are probably few special effects masters who could have provided that eerie thunderstorm atmosphere and timed the thunder and lightning and rain so perfectly. The heck with the match, this guy had perhaps the greatest ring entrance ever! I don't think I'll ever be caught in a storm again without "I am The Boogeyman!" bouncing around in my head.

The hard rain created a delay, and persistent lightning forced the show to halt.

This was the last match on the show because of the weather.

SD: What are the odds of that ever happening again? I wish there were cameras there as well. That would make for a hell of a DVD extra when the Best of the Boogeyman DVD boxed set inevitably comes out!

Tonight's TNA pay per view card, No Surrender, looks to be pretty good. Here's the official match listing from their websit:

STEEL CHAIN DOG COLLAR MATCH - NO SURRENDER
FOR THE NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Raven (c) Vs. "The Monster" Abyss

X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
"The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels (c) Vs. Petey Williams
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles Vs. Sean Waltman

SPECIAL REFEREE: JERRY LYNN
America's Most Wanted Vs. Michael Shane and Alex Shelley

SUPER X CUP QUALIFIER
Primetime Elix Skipper vs. Shark Boy vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Mikey Batts

NO DISQUALIFICATION STREET FIGHT
Konnan and The Truth vs. The Alpha Male and The Outlaw

SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
NWA World Tag Team Champions The Naturals & Lance Hoyt
vs. Team Canada

Samoa Joe Vs. Chris Sabin

TNA is also reporting that Rhino is in Orlando to finalize his contract negotiations. Don't be surprised if he makes an appearance on the show.

It was also reported yesterday that WWE approved Matt Hardy to work the show at TNA although at the time TNA wasn't sure if they were going to anymore.

SD: I think that this could be the perfect opportunity for TNA. Let Matt Hardy come out to cut an anti-WWE promo live on their pay per view. Have Rhino come out and agree with him and say that nothing is going to stop him from getting the NWA World title. Then have Rhino gore Hardy and work the crowd a bit.

Um — sorry for the fantasy booking. Won't happen again this post.

ROH's show featuring the debut of Matt Hardy seems to be getting mostly positive reviews. Here are the results.

1. Nigel McGinness defeated Claudio Castignoli
2. Austin Aries defeated El Generico after a Brainbuster/450 Splash
3. Homicide won the four corner survival by pinning Dixie following a Cop Killa.
CM Punk comes out to cut a promo. James Gibson confronts him but gets busted open by a shot with a chain covered fist by Punk.
4. The Carnage Crew defeated Dunn & Marcos, Lacey's Angels and Fast Eddie and Killer Kruel of the Embassy in an Ultimate Endurance tag match.
5. AJ Styles pinned Roderick Strong following a Styles Clash.
6. Samoa Joe pinned Jimmy Rave following a muscle buster to retain the ROH Pure Title.
POSTMATCH: Jade Chung was about to turn on Prince Nana, when the lights went out and Matt Hardy appeared in the ring. He got a huge pop. The Embassy ran out of the ring. Matt cut a promo solely against WWE.
7. Matt Hardy defeated Christopher Daniels after interferance by CM Punk, 3 Twists of Fate and made him tap out to a guillotine choke.
8. CM Punk defeated James Gibson to retain the ROH Title.
POST MATCH: Christopher Daniels came back down to ringside, KOed Punk with the ROH title belt and cut a promo on Punk. He said since Punk won't give him a title shot he'll just have to take the title. If Punk wants it back, he'll have to wrestle for it. After Daniels leaves a fan threw a bottle at Punk so Punk chased him through the crowd and out of the building.

Stevie Richards was also in attendance at the show. He and Gabe have been friends sicne their ECW days so I wouldn't read too much more into it — yet.

SD: As I said, most reviews are generally positive. Looking at the line-up and results I can see why. Hardy's promo didn't focus on the love triangle at all which was a very smart move. After WWE dropped the ball twice in one week after his fantastic return, this gives me a little more hope that the angle can work. Outside of that, this looks like a DVD to buy when it is released.