Dave Finlay

20-12-2008 om 00:00 geschreven door jefken  

Tomko's future with WWE already in doubt?

Credit: PWInsider.com

Recently signed WWE star Tyson Tomko is currently dealing with a torn pectoral muscle. There are some within WWE who believe he actually worked his dark match at RAW with the injury, trying to keep it quiet.

While Tomko got a good reaction from the crowd, and there was even a chant for his name, one person who wasn’t a fan of his work was said to be Vince McMahon. According to several sources, Vince was unhappy with his dark match which is leading a number of people within the company to believe that Tomko’s return may be a short one.

McMahon was unhappy with Tomko’s appearance, noting that he looked heavier, which would make sense considering he couldn’t really work out with a pectoral tear. He was seen wearing his arm in a sling the day after his RAW dark match. There are rumors that Tomko has already been released, but we can’t confirm those yet. However, more releases from the company are expected shortly as a way to cut spending.

19-12-2008 om 17:43 geschreven door jefken  

Big update on Orton/Mysterio contracts

source: ProWrestling.NET and pwpix.net

WWE has started offering long-term contracts to several big stars with clauses strongly favoring the company. WWE has offered a five-year contract to Rey Mysterio and a ten-year contract to Randy Orton. The WWE contracts barely provide any way out for the wrestler, but are filled with out clauses that would let the company out of the deal.

For example, if there is a three-year contract, WWE could break it at any time with just 90 days notice. Some top stars have enough leverage to broker better deals, but the company is still strict about protecting themselves with out clauses.

WWE would be protected if Mysterio suffered another injury or Orton had a serious meltdown and the company wanted out of the deals. In case of injury, WWE merely pays the downside guarantee, so there is incentive for wrestlers to continue working. WWE put the policy put in place in response to various wrestlers milking WCW's guaranteed contract system. This leaves the wrestlers with very little leverage.

Basically, if the wrestler is locked in for a long-term deal, the company can opt out at any time they please, so it's basically a no-lose situation for World Wrestling Entertainment.

19-12-2008 om 17:39 geschreven door jefken  

New members being added to Orton's stable?

WWE’s website has an interesting note on Sim Snuka, formerly known as Deuce, who debuted his new character on this week’s RAW broadcast. The note teases more additions to Randy Orton’s Legacy group by saying “Possibly even more troublesome, however, is the existence of even more Superstars with squared circle lineage. Who could possibly stand against this already fearsome group if they were to bring WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito and Primo or even the submission technician Natalya into the fold?” The article notes that we will be learning more about the intentions of Randy Orton and Snuka in the coming weeks on RAW.

19-12-2008 om 17:32 geschreven door jefken  

18-12-2008 om 23:11 geschreven door jefken  

New WWE talent Chris Cage gets a name change

18-12-2008 om 20:15 geschreven door jefken  

TNA Re-Signs Former Tag Team Champions

TNA's mobile text messaging service announced today that the company has re-signed LAX members Homicide and Hernandez to 3 year deals. Hernandez's contract was set to expire sometime next month, but now both members will be working with TNA until 2011.

18-12-2008 om 20:08 geschreven door jefken  

Elijah Burke heading to TNA?
sources: WrestlingFigs.com, Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Recently released WWE star Elijah Burke had a long talk with TNA Director of Talent Relations Terry Taylor right after a wrestling convention on 12/6. Burke collaborates this tidbit in a recent blog, noting he enjoyed a long and enjoyable conversation with Taylor. This took place at the same convention in which Burke was seen locking lips with TNA Knockout SoCal Val.

18-12-2008 om 20:02 geschreven door jefken  

World Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz and Jack Swagger def. CM Punk, Kofi Kingston & Ricky Ortiz
ECW Champion Matt Hardy def. Chavo Guerrero
Finlay def. Gavin Spears

BALTIMORE – The fallout from Armageddon carried over into the Land of Extreme, as ECW Champion Matt Hardy found himself not only having to defend the name of his brother and new WWE Champion, Jeff Hardy, but his ECW Championship as well.

WATCH all of the action now in the ECW Quick Cut and check out WWE.com's exclusive ringside PHOTOS.

World Tag Team Champions & Jack Swagger def. CM Punk, Kofi Kingston & Ricky Ortiz (WATCH | PHOTOS)
CM Punk and Kofi Kingston came into the night’s match with an opportunity at avenging their loss of the World Tag Team Championship to John Morrison and The Miz. Despite a valiant effort, it was the cocky youngster, "The All-American American" Jack Swagger, who brought victory to his team by destroying Ricky Ortiz with a brutal gutwrench powerbomb.

ECW Champion Matt Hardy def. Chavo Guerrero (PHOTOS)
Chavo Guerrero got more than he bargained for when he followed orders from SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero to “take care” of ECW Champion Matt Hardy on ECW.

ECW Champion Matt Hardy kicked off ECW by congratulating his brother and new WWE Champion Jeff Hardy. However, Chavo interrupted claiming Matt helped Jeff steal the WWE Championship from Edge. But before more verbal barbs could be thrown at Hardy, ECW General Manager Theodore Long entered the arena to inform Chavo that the two would square off right then and there in a title match. In the end, Chavo couldn’t back up his words as the champion silenced the self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior” with a Twist of Fate, successfully defending his title.

Finlay def. Gavin Spears (PHOTOS)
Fresh off a victory over Mark Henry in a Belfast Brawl at Armageddon, Finlay continued his winning ways by defeating Gavin Spears with a Celtic Cross. And just like at Armageddon, Finlay’s good luck charm proved to be his son, Hornswoggle, who was at ringside. The pint-sized prankster was up to his old tricks, splashing water on ECW announcer Matt Striker at the start of the match, and stealing Striker’s “Announce Team of the Year” Slammy from the announce table.

ECW 16.12.08

18-12-2008 om 14:33 geschreven door jefken  

Recently Released WWE Star Leaving Pro Wrestling

Kara "Cherry" Slice, who was released by World Wrestling Entertainment this past August, is leaving the wrestling business at the end of this year to focus on her education. She will not be taking part in any more independent shows for the time being.

Slice was scheduled to appear at the Women Superstars Uncensored indy show on 1/10, but told the promoter she was leaving the wrestling business and pulling out of the show as a result.

WSU's promoter posted a note on the company's message board explained why she's off the show. He wrote: "As reported earlier, Kara "Cherri" Slice is leaving the wrestling business at the end of the year. She is pursuing her education and won't be doing any indy shows for the foreseeable future. Kara apologized to WSU and the fans about this situation."

17-12-2008 om 22:52 geschreven door jefken  

Cade: "If I Were WWE, I Would Have Fired Me Too"

World Wrestling Insanity interview with Lance Cade
Host: James Guttman
Interview available at WorldWrestlingInsanity.com. via ClubWWI.

Just a short time ago, Trevor Murdoch came to World Wrestling Insanity for his first post-WWE shoot interview. Now, his partner Lance Cade takes it one step further as he joins ClubWWI.com for a 67 minute shoot which, according to Cade himself, is his first shoot interview…ever!

A part of World Wrestling Entertainment for most of this decade, Lance Cade has had many ups and downs within the company. Title reigns to uphill battles, Cade has literally clawed his way to the top. From Mark Jindrak to Chris Jericho, he's done it all. As a student of Shawn Michaels (in the class of Bryan Danielson and Brian Kendrick), Lance was given a strong foundation and shares stories of the early days learning from Shawn, but it doesn't end there.

In his ClubWWI.com shoot, he discusses it all including: The Full Story Behind His WWE Release, Why He Became "Garrison Cade," Why He Hated It, Asking Vince McMahon To Change Back, The Original Plan For Michaels-Jericho at SummerSlam, How HBK Got Brian Kendrick To Do His First Moonsault, His Friendship With Trevor Murdoch, Why TNA is Like WCW…In a Good Way, Why He Hated Working With Cryme Tyme, Memories of Steve Bradley, His Best Match Ever, The Dudleys, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Triple H, Les Thatcher, and Much More.

One subject that James Guttman brought up with Cade on ClubWWI was his release. At the high point of his singles career, Lance was suddenly gone. While no different than many others before him, the thing that made Cade's WWE departure stand out was Jim Ross and his blog. Surprisingly, J.R. went online and told the world that the former Tag Team Champion was released after having a "seizure" while on a flight.

The posting did little more than fan fires and stir rumors. JG asked Lance about the release itself and how he felt when reading Jim's blog. Cade responded: "Well, as far as the release goes, I'm going to flat out admit there's no one else to blame for what happened but Lance Cade. And there's only one person who has to deal with that right now and that's Lance Cade. Even more important than Lance Cade is his family. So, you know, what happened was my mistake.

"I wasn't so much upset that, they could have just released me and not said anything. You know what I mean? But J.R.'s cryptic blog, it surprised me a little bit. I wasn't happy about it. But, J.R.'s got a job. He's gotta do what he's gotta do. I understand there had to be some business reason behind it, so I saw it the next day, I put it in the back of my head, you know?"

Lance went on to speak about his history with WWE. While he takes responsibility for what happened that lead to his release, he lets fans know that he never once received a Wellness Violation �" even for marijuana - which he finds to be silly reason for a violation anyway. Cade's record was clean until the day he was let go.

Lance Cade then goes on to give the full details on what lead to that day and how it all began last Christmas. He talks about the injury he suffered, the bad choices he made, the advice Randy Orton gave him, and other wrestlers who had been in his position. In an extremely open discussion, Cade puts up no walls and explains his side of the story for the first time…without making any excuses for the major mistake he made. In fact, in the ClubWWI.com shoot, he freely admits:

"If I were WWE, I would have fired me too."

17-12-2008 om 22:49 geschreven door jefken  

HHH One Step Closer To Major Movie Role

In recent months there has been speculation on who will play the lead role for the upcoming "Thor" movie, which is scheduled to be released in 2010. Speculation has centered on Daniel Craig, who plays James Bond in the latest "Bond" series of movies, and Triple H. This past week, Craig said he's not interested in taking the role, saying "it doesn't interest me at all." The other potential candidate to take the lead role of Thor is Kevin McKidd, who was in the 2005 "Kingdom of Heaven
" movie. Director Kenneth Branagh said today, "There's been lots of talk [about casting] -- I sound like a politician -- but we are too early at this stage. We're getting the story and the visual effects together and all of that is very exciting. Someone sensational is going to play the part but it is early days." It should be interesting to see if Vince McMahon allows Triple H to take time off from the road for several months to work on a non-WWE Studios film.

17-12-2008 om 22:34 geschreven door jefken  

News on Deuce's new gimmick from RAW

Credit: PWPix.net

Infrequently seen RAW Superstar Deuce has a new gimmick to go along with a new ring name. Prior to his match with Rey Mysterio on tonight's edition of RAW, Deuce got on the mic and revealed his father as Jimmy Snuka, and that he wants to be known by his "real name" of Sim Snuka from this day forward (his real name is James William Reiher, Jr. for anyone wondering). Snuka is the adopted son of the WWE Hall of Famer. The match ended in disqualification after Cody Rhodes and Manu, who were sitting ringside, interfered and attacked Mysterio. Officials had been thinking about repackaging Reiher in a gimmick acknowledging his relation to Jimmy Snuka ever since he was drafted to the Raw brand as a part of the 2008 Supplemental Draft. As you can see, they didn't get to it until nearly six months later.

17-12-2008 om 22:29 geschreven door jefken  

Cena Defeats Jericho In Street Fight Dark Match

PWMania.com correspondent Jason Fleming sent the following notes live from this week's WWE Raw at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, PA:

After this week’s edition of WWE Raw went off the air, John Cena beat Chris Jericho in a Pittsburgh Street Fight dark main event to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.

There were lots of anti-Jericho chants during the fight with Jericho controlling most of the bout. John Cena won with the F-U after ducking a chair shot from Jericho.

17-12-2008 om 22:24 geschreven door jefken  

Find out who Maria is currently dating

SmackDown Diva Maria Kanellis appeared on XM's The Opie and Anthony Show this morning promoting this Saturday's Tribute to the Troops telecast on NBC. She plugged the show, talked about being a wrestler, and of course, there was the usual potty talk, which she took in stride. During the interview, Maria said she's currently dating a WWE cameraman.

17-12-2008 om 22:18 geschreven door jefken  

WWE Officials Sour On A SmackDown Star

SmackDown Superstar R-Truth returned to World Wrestling Entertainment with a series of vignettes and a lot of hype, but company officials have soured on his performances in the ring, reports ProWrestling.NET. R-Truth was getting a pretty big push as recently as October, but it suddenly stalled for no apparent reason. Officials feel he can hit his flashy trademark spots, but he really needs to work on the basics of wrestling in order for his push to resume.

17-12-2008 om 22:14 geschreven door jefken  

 Several names at RAW including ex-TNA star

source: PWInsider.com

-- The recently re-signed Tyson Tomko is backstage at today's Raw in Pittsburgh, PA. Tomko signed a contract to return to the company a few weeks ago.

-- WWE Hall of Famer "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka is also backstage at the show.

-- Kevin Thorn, who hasn't appeared on WWE programming in over a year, is backstage at today's show. He recently returned to developmental Florida Championship Wrestling in his trademark vampire gimmick.

17-12-2008 om 22:11 geschreven door jefken  

Backstage news on Snitsky's release from WWE

Credit: PWPix.net

WWE's latest talent roster cut was announced this past Thursday as Gene Snitsky was let go by the Stamford, CT-based company following a four-year plus stint with the organization. Snitsky's departure from the company was as a result of three reasons.

The biggest reason for Snitsky's departure from the company was the arrival of Mike Knox on the Raw brand as they really didn't need two people for one role. Knox fills the mid-level monster role much better than Snitsky not to mention that he still has a sense of credibility. WWE didn't release Snitsky earlier because the company wanted to see if Knox would fit in on Raw, and thus far, he's done a great job. Knox's performances in recent weeks on Raw was pretty much the nail in the coffin for Snitsky's tenure in WWE.

Secondly, after numerous attempts to get Snitsky over, the company pretty much up gave up on trying to push him as a money player over a year ago due to the audience's general apathy towards him, He's been dead weight ever since, being used off and on through his departure last week, and never in anything major.

Thirdly, this was also a cost-cutting measure as the company is looking to cut costs anywhere they can. Snitsky was the latest firing in a lengthy stream of talent cuts and even more are expected within the next few weeks.

17-12-2008 om 22:05 geschreven door jefken  

TNA Announces New One-Hour Television Show

Source: TNAwrestling.com

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION WRESTLING ANNOUNCES NEW ONE-HOUR "TNA EPIX" PROGRAM TO BEGIN BROADCASTING IN 2009

Ongoing series to join "iMPACT!" and "Xplosion" as TNA's leading broadcasts

TNA Wrestling is announcing the creation of a new one-hour television series, set to debut in early 2009.

"TNA Epix" will feature the most awe-inspiring and monumental moments, matches and superstars that shaped the face of TNA from its 2002 inception until today!

From the first TNA event in 2002 and the early Wednesday night Pay-Per-Views, to the Fox Sports Net era and the evolution of TNA on SpikeTV as well as the most recent wars inside the six-sided ring, the new program will include rare matches, archived footage, fresh historical commentary from the TNA superstars and so much more

"We are extremely excited about ‘Epix' joining the TNA broadcasting universe," said Kevin Sullivan, Director of TNA Television. "While ‘iMPACT!' is undoubtedly the crown-jewel of our worldwide presence, ‘Epix' will chronicle the amazing history of TNA and allow our fans to re-live some of their favorite moments."

"Epix" will be produced by Bill Banks at TNA's new state-of-the-art television headquarters in Nashville.

Check back to TNAwrestling.com in the coming weeks for more exclusive news on "TNA Epix".

TNA Television currently produces over 350 hours of programming annually, including "iMPACT!", Xplosion, International broadcasts, DVDs, SpikeTV specials, online videos and much more. In addition to "Epix", TNA is already exploring additional broadcasting opportunities in 2009.

17-12-2008 om 21:54 geschreven door jefken  

Kelly Kelly & Melina def. Women's Champion Beth Phoenix & Jillian Hall
Rey Mysterio def. Sim Snuka (disqualification)
World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison def. CM Punk & Kofi Kingston
Dolph Ziggler def. Santa Claas
World Heavyweight Champion John Cena & Batista def. Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Manu (disqualification)

PITTSBURGH – In Pennsylvania’s city of steel, the sturdy metal that gives the metropolis its nickname is forged in the searing flames of a sweltering mill. When Raw rolled into town just one day after Armageddon, the WWE Universe saw that the confines of a ring can prove to be just as much of a crucible – and the mettle forged inside just as unbreakable.

WATCH all of the action now in the Raw Quick Cut and check out WWE.com's exclusive ringside PHOTOS.

World Heavyweight Champion John Cena & Batista def. Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Manu by disqualification; Orton punts Batista in head (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Randy Orton was determined to make a statement. In a 2-on-3 Handicap Match, in which he teamed with Cody Rhodes & Manu against Batista & World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, he made his statement loud and clear. As Cena tangled with Rhodes and Manu outside the ring, Orton took aim at a dazed Batista as if he were sizing up a Super Bowl-winning field goal. Then, in a matter of seconds, the Legend Killer punted Batista in the head, dropping The Animal into a lifeless puddle.

Stephanie McMahon announces Fatal Four Way Elimination Match to determine who will face John Cena
While disciplining Chris Jericho for not facing off against “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Stephanie McMahon told the cocky former World Heavyweight Champion that next week there will be four matches, all involving former champions. The winners of those matches will then go on to a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match the following week to determine who will face current World Heavyweight Champion John Cena for his title.

Later, it was revealed that the following matches would take place on the very next Raw: Shawn Michaels vs. Kane, Rey Mysterio vs. JBL, CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho, and Randy Orton vs. Batista, whose condition is still  questionable following the RKO and punt he received.

Dolph Ziggler def. Santa Claas (PHOTOS)
Donning a Santa Claus costume, Charlie Haas (Santa Claas) hoped to find a win over Dolph Ziggler under his Christmas tree. Unfortunately for Haas, the match only served up lumps of coal for him when the exciting newcomer laid him out.

JBL presents exclusive footage from Armageddon in which Shawn Michaels confesses working for the Longhorn Loudmouth
JBL was all too happy to unspool footage of a tortured confession by Shawn Michaels at Armageddon, in which HBK admits that not only is he financially bust, but, perhaps worse, he is working for JBL to pull himself out of the hole. Having lost his fortune in the spiraling stock market, The Showstopper told the rapt audience that he had turned to the investment guru. Read more about HBK’s confession here.

World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison def. CM Punk & Kofi Kingston; Kane attacks Miz (PHOTOS)
Defending their newly acquired waist wear, World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison defeated former champions CM Punk & Kofi Kingston. The punishment didn’t stop there, though. Just minutes before, a crazed Kane had intimidated Kelly Kelly into confessing the identity of her secret Superstar love. The encounter left the Diva a nervous wreck as she begged the Big Red Monster not to hurt her paramour. After the match, the defiant giant barged into the ring, ominously sizing up Punk and Morrison before quickly turning and Tombstoned Miz. Later in the night, Kelly Kelly hastily packed up her possessions and was comforted by fellow Divas Mickie James and Candice. The flustered Diva seemed repulsed by the suggestion that her secret Superstar lover is The Miz. Did Kane have the right man?

Chris Jericho refuses to compete against “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan (PHOTOS)
Chris Jericho is just brimming with sorry excuses. This week proved no exception. The Slammy Award-winning Superstar of the Year refused to compete against “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan by saying the bout was beneath him. Jericho then went on to state that he should be the No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship and will not compete again until he’s handed an opportunity to battle John Cena. Later in the night, Duggan met with Shad & JTG, who seem determined to help the veteran. The Cryme Tyme duo told the veteran that "it's time" before the trio walked off together.

Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Manu jump Batista; John Cena runs in to help
After suffering a humiliating loss to Batista at Armageddon, Randy Orton challenged The Animal to a rematch. When confronted by Batista, however, Orton instead slapped his rival and scurried off. Unfortunately for Batista, the whole ploy proved to be a trap. As he tracked down his nimble nemesis, Batista was jumped by Rhodes and Manu. As all three men bombarded The Animal, John Cena, who suffered a similar fate two weeks prior, charged into the fray and unleashed fury, freeing Batista and sending the trio scurrying for an exit.

Kane stalks Kelly Kelly
The strange drama between Kane and Kelly Kelly continues to unfold. The Big Red Monster appeared to have the young Diva trapped in a squalid room as he sat across from her and confessed that he felt a romantic chemistry between the two last week when they presented the Slammy Award for Couple of the Year. When Kelly Kelly tried to end the uncomfortable encounter, Kane became enraged, preventing the Diva from leaving.

Rey Mysterio def. Sim Snuka by disqualification; Cody Rhodes and Manu interfere; Mike Knox attacks Mysterio after match (PHOTOS)
Deuce appears to have gotten in touch with his roots. As the son of WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, the former '50s throwback told the WWE Universe that moving forward he’d like to be called by his real name, Sim Snuka. With Cody Rhodes and Manu looking on from ringside, the younger Snuka went on to tangle with the Master of the 619. But the two second-generation Superstars just couldn’t help themselves, interfering in the bout, ensuring Mysterio the win by disqualification.

Just as Mysterio escaped his first three tormentors, however, Mike Knox appeared and brutally attacked him, leaving his battered body strewn on the entrance ramp.

Kelly Kelly & Melina def. Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix & Jillian Hall; Kane stalks Kelly Kelly (PHOTOS)
Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix may have beaten out fellow nominee Kelly Kelly for Diva of the Year honors during last week’s Slammy Awards, but tonight proved much more of a winner for the quick-learning Diva. Teaming up with Melina, Kelly Kelly avenged herself in a tag team match against The Glamazon & Jillian Hall. The spunky Diva, however, had little time to celebrate. After the match, a maniacal-looking Kane chased off Kelly Kelly’s adversaries and then proceeded to corner the nervous Diva, eventually stalking her out of the ring and up the entrance ramp.

Monday Night Raw 15.12.08

17-12-2008 om 21:32 geschreven door jefken