Several WWE stars in danger of being released Posted by Sushi X on 04/22/2009 at 05:42 PM
Zack Ryder, who was sent to ECW in the Supplemental Draft last week, is not expected to get much a chance to shine on his new brand, reports the Wrestling Observer. You can add the former WWE Tag Team Champion to the list of those who are likely in danger of being let go in the near future.
Here is our report from last week detailing those expected to be let go:
Expect some talent cuts to be made in the near future now that everyone has been sorted following this week's drafts not to mention a likely lackluster company earnings report on the horizon. Following the aftermath of the two drafts, three wrestlers in particular appear to very much in danger of being "future endeavored" in the near future.
As noted in an earlier report, ECW wrestler DJ Gabriel's future is said to be very much in doubt following the departure of his manager Alicia Fox to SmackDown in the Supplemental Draft. Fox's move to SmackDown may have been the death knell on his character as he was having enough trouble finding television time as it is when he was partnered with her. His push was nixed a while ago after he failed to generate any semblance of a connection with the audience following numerous television matches. Gabriel has not competed in a singles match on ECW on Sci Fi since March 10, 2009.
Another wrestler on the endangered species list comes in the form of SmackDown star Curt Hawkins following his tag partner Zack Ryder's departure to ECW in the Supplemental Draft. Ryder is more regarded by company officials, which is why he got the nod for a fresh new start and possible singles push on ECW. Hawkins is now left to fend for himself on SmackDown and things don't look good for him to say the least.
A third wrestler to watch out for is SmackDown wrestler Jesse following the departure of his trusty tag partner Festus to the Raw brand in the Supplemental Draft. Jesse has yet to even garner a singles win on WWE television, which should be a good indication of his future prospects in the company or lack thereof. Of course, Jesse is the son of legendary wrestler Terry Gordy of the Fabulous Freebirds, who head SmackDown creative team writer and fellow Freebird Michael Hayes fondly remembers. Hayes is perhaps the second generation wrestler's lone saving grace as he has a lot of pull in the company and can put a good word in for him. However, in these trying times when the company is looking to cut costs wherever, Hayes probably won't have enough pull to ultimately save his job. On another note, he was the main person behind Jesse and Festus getting called up to the SmackDown roster in the summer of 2007.
The time frame to look for talent cuts is mid-May as that is when WWE will be releasing their next financial quarterly report. By all indications, this will likely wind up as their worst report in quite some time as pay-per-view buys the company's biggest revenue source have declined at a frightening pace in recent months. The decline was capped off by the worst figure for the Royal Rumble in twelve years, and this year's WrestleMania appears in line to underperform as well as the company opted not to release the direct numbers for the show. This would be the first year WWE has done a post-Wrestlemania business report, bringing up pay-per-view, without mentioning a buys number, which should be a good indication that the number was low enough that they didn't want it out. WWE's cost-cutting measures are at their highest immediately following a financial quarterly report especially when a lackluster report comes into play and it's pretty much a lock that the company will not have much to crow about in the report coming out in a few weeks.
In a cost-cutting measure, World Wrestling Entertainment released "Superstar" Billy Graham, 65, from his $2,000 per month level consulting contract this past week saving $24,000 annually.
The WWE Hall of Famer was given 90 days notice that the company was canceling the contract with one year remaining on it.
The move is said to be similar to what they did with fellow Hall of Famer Afa Anoa'i, Sr. a few weeks ago. The father of former WWE wrestler Manu was told that the company was re-evaluating all deals of that type as a result of the waning economy.
Hornswoggle def. Natalya Evan Bourne def. Paul Burchill Vladimir Kozlov def. local competitor
LONDON The official contract signing for the ECW Championship Match at Backlash turned into a brawl in Great Britain on this weeks ECW on Sci Fi. After Christian and ECW Champion Jack Swagger inked their contract for this Sundays match, The All-American American Gutwrench Powerbombed Captain Charisma, sending a strong statement just days before Backlash. But the Extreme action didnt end there ECW kicked off with an unexpected battle between a Diva and a leprechaun!
Hornswoggle def. Natalya (PHOTOS) While Hornswoggle was offering his thanks to the WWE Universe for supporting him on ECW on Sci Fi before being drafted to Raw, Tyson Kidd and Natalya interrupted. The mischievous leprechaun bit the Diva on the derriere, prompting her to challenge him to a match immediately. Once interim General Manager Tiffany made the match official, Natalya taunted Hornswoggle in the ring. Then, Finlay knocked Kidd off the ring apron, causing a distraction, leading to Hornswoggles victory over the Diva with a schoolboy roll-up.
The lucky leprechaun left the Land of the Extreme with a smile on his face, defeating one of WWEs toughest Divas during his last match before moving to Monday nights. But Natalya & Kidd werent too happy about the matchs result, and demanded Tiffany take action. The interim GM announced Finlay & Hornswoggle vs. Tyson Kidd & Natalya on WWE Superstars Thursday at 8/5 PT.
Evan Bourne def. Paul Burchill (PHOTOS | WATCH) Since returning from injury, Evan Air Bourne has been soaring to new heights on ECW on Sci Fi, this week defeating Paul Burchill. Despite having his devious sister, Katie Lea, at ringside, and dominating the majority of the match, Burchill succumbed to another perfect Shooting Star Press by Bourne. With the WWE Universe behind Bourne, will anyone be able to stop this high-flying Superstar?
Vladimir Kozlov def. local competitor (PHOTOS | WATCH KOZLOV) The Moscow Mauler has arrived in the Land of the Extreme in search of new competition. Since the WWE Draft, Vladimir Kozlov has been steamrolling opponents, quickly and easily defeating another local competitor this week. The Moscow Mauler has been unleashed on Tuesday nights. Who will dare to step up and face Kozlov next?
Official contract signing for the ECW Championship Match at Backlash (PHOTOS | WATCH) Under the watchful eye of interim ECW General Manager Tiffany, No. 1 contender Christian and ECW Champion Jack Swagger signed the contract to face each other this Sunday at Backlash. Swagger taunted a quiet Captain Charisma, saying that while he won the Elimination Chase to Backlash, The All-American American leads a pack of bigger, stronger and faster new Superstars on ECW. But Christian pointed out that while he didnt have much to say to Swagger, he plans to make The All-American American the biggest, strongest, fastest ex-ECW Champion in history this Sunday at Backlash. Then, an angry Swagger threw his ECW Championship at Christian, knocking him over, and Gutwrench Powerbombed him through the table in the ring, turning the Official Contract Signing into an all-out brawl at the close of ECW on Sci Fi.
Jason Powell of Prowrestling.net is reporting that current WWE Women's Champion Melina is gaining quite a bit of heat with backstage officials for displaying what's been reported as an open distaste coming from her recent draft from the Raw brand to Smackdown. The general feeling amongst the other wrestlers in the locker room is that she shouldn't be complaining as everyone in the company is subject to the draft, and more major names than her have moved in past WWE drafts.
It should be noted that Melina has had a history in the WWE locker room of taking her role as a Diva quite literally, and that she has since worked hard to clear her name and past reputation. This recent development obviously does not help her cause.
Jeff Hardy posted the following on his Facebook page:
"Jeffrey Itchweed Nero Hardy says that new contract signing are RUMORS, which means it may not be true, I might sign a new contract soon but the contract doesn't expire till July, so I'll play it day-by-day."
Regarding TNAs usage of the name Cactus Jack, even though WWE has a trademark for the name, Foley can continue to use it because he had used the name prior to WWE and ECW. The Cactus Jack name dates back to working the indies. The reason that doesnt work for the Dudleys, for example, is because that name was given to them by Paul Heyman in ECW, and thus WWE owns it. There are other aspects of the Dudley story, but evidently Team 3D decided against fighting that case in court.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Jeff Hardy's future with WWE could be in doubt.
Hardy's contract is set to expire in the next three months. WWE has been trying to get Hardy to sign a contract extension. Hardy has not signed a deal yet and word going around is that he is burned out from wrestling and might want to move on to other projects.
We will keep you updated as this story progresses.
In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Finlay discusses how long he'll continue to wrestle.
"Every morning I get up I have aches and pains but thats all part of the job," Finlay said. "I'm going to wrestle until my bones turn to powder... I may be turning 50 next year but my enthusiasm is as strong as it has ever been."
In an interview with the latest issue of WWE Magazine, Randy Orton reveals why he kicked Manu out of Legacy.
"Respect, that's something that Manu, who had a chance to be part of Legacy, didn't have," Orton told WWE Magazine. "He grew up in the business, and you would've thought he'd have that ingrained in his mind. He had been wrestling since his early teens, and he thought that he was already a veteran in his early 20s. That's what got him fired from Legacy. But I think we're looking to include another part man in the stable to make it all the more powerful. I'll say no more.
While Orton's comments appear to be in-character, it is apparently not as the interview was a non-gimmicked interview with the members of Legacy talking about the group, their families' lineage, what makes the group different than other groups of the past, and more.
Behind the scenes, it is known that Orton legitimately pushed for Manu to be kicked out of the group, feeling he wasn't in the same league as the other members, and didn't fit in as a result. WWE officials apparently agreed as he was booted from the group in an angle on the January 12, 2009 edition of RAW. His departure from the group ultimately led to his release from World Wrestling Entertainment as the company didn't have anything else for him.
According to Bill Behrens, who handles bookings for Lance Cade, TNA officials have contacted the former WWE star about coming in. However, Cade is currently in Japan and unavailable, so it doesn't look like he's coming in anytime soon.
The three-time WWE World Tag Team Champion is primarily focusing on working as a singles wrestler in Japan.
- In an update on Paul London, he has pulled out of some previously scheduled independent bookings for this weekend, saying he has a back injury. TNA was not aware of any injury when he pulled out of the Impact tapings last night.
Taz is in fact heading to TNA and is expected to begin working as Samoa Joes advisor. Sources have confirmed that Taz does in fact haave a non-compete clause with WWE, and once it expires he will be able to appear on camera. Theres no word on the length of his non-compete agreement, but he is clearly being teased for a TNA debut.
ProWrestling.net reports that he will enter the company as an advisor or manager for Joe, and will likely make a transition to the broadcast booth as a color commentator at some point.
It remains to be seen where Don West fits into the long-term picture of the broadcast team. Multiple sources claim that Jeff Jarrett and Mike Tenay have spoken out against the idea of using a three-man broadcast team in the past. West may have more value as a backstage pitch man than a color commentator, but Jeff Jarrett has resisted past pushes from others within the company to shake up the broadcast team.
More than one source has stated that while Dixie Carter likes West personally, she is not a fan of his performance as a color commentator. There also may be a chance that Jarrett and Tenay would change their tune regarding a three-man team if it meant keeping West onboard.
Randy Orton def. WWE Champion Triple H in a No Disqualification Match Big Show def. Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Chris Jericho ended in a No Contest Women's Champion Melina def. Beth Phoenix CM Punk def. Kane Batista def. Chavo Guerrero
LONDON One week after the 2009 WWE Draft its effects were still being felt as Raw took place in London. There were numerous interpromotional matches, with Superstars attempting to make their presence on Raw known one last time before heading to their new brand. The main event also showcased two ring warriors eager to make an impact: WWE Champion Triple H and his Backlash opponent, Randy Orton. The Game planned to get all the anger out of his system by decimating The Legend Killer in a No Disqualification Match, but shocking the WWE Universe, Orton pulled out a win courtesy of a lightning-quick RKO.
Randy Orton def. WWE Champion Triple H in a No Disqualification Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) In a WrestleMania rematch, WWE Champion Triple H had a chance to take out all his frustrations prior to Backlash as he competed in a No Disqualification Match against Randy Orton. Both Superstars set out to use every tool and weapon at their disposal and eventually the match turned in The Games favor as he repeatedly worked on his opponents knee. As he prepared to deliver the coup de grace to Ortons wounded limb, he was distracted by The Legacy, with Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase rushing to the ring and attacking The King of Kings. The match turned into a massive brawl as Batista & Shane McMahon also entered the fray, but The Viper, Orton thrived on the chaos and Triple Hs allies lack of cohesion, picking his moment to level The Game with a victory-sealing RKO.
Big Show def. Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio (PHOTOS | WATCH) It was The Worlds Largest Athlete versus WWEs Littlest Big-Man as Big Show took on Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio in this non-title match only his second contest since being drafted to Raw. In spite of The Ultimate Underdogs amazing speed and agility, he wasnt able to overcome his opponents massive strength advantage, and was pinned following a knockout punch during his last appearance on Raw before moving back to SmackDown.
World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Chris Jericho ended in a No Contest due to interference from Edge (PHOTOS | WATCH) Chris Jericho had a final opportunity to make an impression on Raw by facing off against World Heavyweight Champion John Cena as his last act on the brand before moving to SmackDown. Having faced one another numerous times in the past, the ring warriors appeared evenly matched, countering one anothers moves and coming back time and time again. As the Superstars continued to do battle back and forth, the match ended due to interference from Cenas Backlash opponent, Edge. The Rated-R Superstar mercilessly pummeled Cena and proceeded to batter him with a Con-Chair-To. The Ultimate Opportunist then gloated over his injured opponent, issuing a symbolic 10-count just days before their Last Man Standing Match at Backlash.
Womens Champion Melina def. Beth Phoenix (PHOTOS | WATCH) After revealing Backlash news to Santino Marella and his twin sister Santina, Beth Phoenix had one last chance to get her hands on Melinas Womens Title before the recently drafted Diva leaves Raw for SmackDown. As the two competed, The Glamazons intern, Rosa Mendes, looked on eagerly from ringside. But when Mendes attempted to become involved, she inadvertently took a rough shoulder from Beth, giving Melina all the time she needed to strike, putting The Glamazon down and retaining her championship gold.
Miss WrestleMania Santina Marella will appear on Khalis Kiss Cam at Backlash (WATCH) Santino Marella appeared in the U.K. to speak with his twin sister, Santina. Expressing his regret that he couldnt keep his sibling from having to appear on Khalis Kiss Cam, the Italian Superstar learned from Miss WrestleMania that she wouldnt be able to appear with The Punjabi Playboy on SmackDown. Santina revealed that she has a nasty blister on her lip that will keep anyone from smooching her on Friday. As the Y-chromosome bearing half of the Marella twins started to recite a poem, he was interrupted by Beth Phoenix. A grinning Glamazon revealed that though Santina might not play tonsil hockey on SmackDown, shell need to make some time for The Punjabi Playboy this Sunday at Backlash, where General Manager Vickie Guerrero has cleared time for the pair to pucker up.
Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk def. Kane (PHOTOS) At the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, CM Punk became a two-time Mr. Money in the Bank after knocking Kane off a dangerously high ladder. When Raw emanated from London, The Big Red Monster had an opportunity to exact some manner of retribution before he and The Straightedge Superstar move to SmackDown permanently. Kanes vengeance will continue to wait for Friday nights, however, as CM Punk rolled-up the 7-footer after countering a chokeslam.
Batista def. Chavo Guerrero, Batista Bombing him a second time after the match (PHOTOS | WATCH) Newly drafted Raw Superstar Chavo Guerrero took to the ring wanting to prove his worth to his aunt and Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero, and further assuring that he could take care of anyone on the Monday night roster. But the self-proclaimed Mexican Warrior probably wasnt expecting the Superstar who came down the ramp: Batista. The Animal made clear to Chavo and the WWE Universe that he had no signs of ring-rust following his recent return, quickly steamrolling over his opponent. As Batista left victorious, Chavo claimed that he wasnt ready for the match to begin. Serving as an exclamation point to his already impressive win, The Animal returned to the ring, where he crushed the new Raw Superstar with yet another Batista Bomb.
Ricky The Dragon Steamboat to face Chris Jericho at Backlash; Chris Jericho to face World Heavyweight Champion John Cena on Raw (PHOTOS) Though he was drafted to SmackDown the week before, Chris Jericho appeared on Raw, as snide and condescending as ever toward the WWE Universe. Though the fans in attendance in London didnt show the first-ever Undisputed Champion the appreciation he desired, WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat did emerge to show the arrogant Superstar his gratitude. The Dragon thanked Jericho for giving him the chance to compete once again, and at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania no less. The nefarious Superstar had a hard time accepting this, however, and accusing the Hall of Famer of stealing his spotlight, challenged Steamboat to a match at Backlash.
Before The Dragon could react, the two Superstars were joined by World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, who took Jericho to task for denigrating Steamboats name with his insults. As the new SmackDown Superstar was leaving the Raw ring, he received two pieces of news: First, Steamboat accepted the Backlash challenge and second, Cena announced that though General Manager Vickie Guerrero was absent, she had nonetheless informed him that he would be facing Jericho in the ring on Raw.
Bobby Lashley talks about why he joined TNA Credit: PWTorch.com
"With the WWE, I was on the road nonstop; it was my entire life," Bobby Lashley said in a press release for this weekend's XFC show where he will be appearing. "With TNA, Im only working four days a month. And with the extra income from wrestling, I can take care of my family and afford to fully dedicate myself to my MMA training."
Lashley defended his decision to join TNA on the merit that that he's a young MMA fighter who needs to be making money while he's developing his skills to become a top fighter.
"I'm no different than so many young fighters: I still need a day job, because MMA training is expensive especially when you want to travel to different camps and learn from the top minds in the game," Lashley said. "And TNA has been great to work with."
As reported earlier, Angelina Love suffered a concussion following an errant blow on the part of Taylor Wilde during her match at the Lockdown pay-per-view. The newly crowned TNA Women's Knockout Champion has posted a blog on her MySpace account (www.myspace.com/angel_williams14) thanking fans who wrote to see if she was okay, not to mention those congratulating her for her championship win at Lockdown. Love also posted an update regarding the ordeal:
"In an update, I did receive a concussion from Taylor Wilde's top rope crossbody. Guess thats her payback for us cutting her hair! I caught her hip bone in my jaw and it knocked me clean out. Unfortunately, I dont even remember winning! When I watch it back, I'll be able to try and put the pieces of my scrambled brains back together! and my jaw!"
Former WWE Tag Team champion Paul London was backstage at the Impact tapings on Tuesday. He was slated to debut with TNA as part of a team with The Amazing Red, who is a former X-Division champion, but it was canceled and London is no longer expected to work for TNA. After tonights taping, one TNA source felt London had probably lost his spot in the company, but things can always change. TNA management was not happy with the way the situation went down, although there arent many details on what exactly did go down.
Theres no word on where this may leave Red in regards to his future in TNA.
Three-time WWE World Tag Team Champion Trevor Murdoch debuted at tonight's Impact taping in Orlando, which is currently ongoing.
This is actually his return to the company as he appeared on the initial TNA pay-per-views in 2002 as part of a tag team called The Dupps.
As part of last year's WWE Supplemental Draft, Murdoch was drafted to the SmackDown brand. However, he was released on July 3, 2008 before he could make his debut on the blue brand. Since his departure from the company, he's been competing on the independent circuit as well as overseas.
You will be able to catch Murdoch's return to TNA on Thursday's episode of Impact.
In addition, former TNA talent Amazing Red is rumored to be returning to the company. Sources close to Red have stated that he too has spoken with the company, and a deal is being worked out to bring him back.
The word going around is that former WWE Tag Team Champion Paul London may be debuting with TNA in the very near future. Sources are claiming that the two sides have spoken and that a deal is expected to be reached.
Ik ben Boon Kenneth, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Sting.
Ik ben een man en woon in Dworp (Belgie) en mijn beroep is .
Ik ben geboren op 05/06/1989 en ben nu dus 34 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
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