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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 9, 2002 15:15:56 GMT -5
Goldberg Calls Austin A Girl, Speaks On Going To WWE, more
Thanks to Josh aka Richard Rooster for sending in the following:
I went to the Celebrity Softball game in Atlanta, GA with Goldberg. My friend and I asked him a few question here's a recap of the game and the questions.
-Said he will not be at SmackDown in Atlanta this Tuesday.
-Said that J.J. just made him a new bike.
-Goldberg hits a foul ball and a drunk fan says "Stone Cold could hit better" and Bill Goldberg said "well Stone
Cold is also a girl."
-Said he has not met with the WWE yet.
-Said he would love to be in WrestleMania.
-Was walking with a major limp (left leg).
-Went 4 for 6 (4 homeruns).
-His team won .
-Asked him when will we see another 172 wins in a row, said he would love to see it.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 9, 2002 15:18:13 GMT -5
Backstage WWE News: Regal, Nathan Jones, Richards, more
The following news is derived and re-written from the Torch Newsletter.
Several of the boys on the RAW locker room were snickering over the fact that William Regal came down with the same sickness that several others wrestlers had after eating some bad food during the tour of India. While Regal is seemingly one of the least popular wrestlers in the locker room, those who snickered at him were mainly doing it because Regal had mocked some of the other guys who got sick, before getting sick himself. The fact that William Regal was the only one to not show up at the arena due to the illness, was said to be the talk of the locker room.
Many on the RAW side are happy to see Steven Richards getting the push he has been lately. Richards is said to be popular in many circles of the RAW locker room, including some favortism from Vince McMahon. Many are praising Steven Richards for improving his physical condition and further focusing on his career as a wrestler.
Nathan Jones is the subject of some locker room heat for the same reason many WCW wrestlers were when McMahon bought the company, he hasn't gone out of his way to introduce himself and be outgoing in the backstage area. Some are saying Jones is already suffering from signs of developing an ego.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 10, 2002 6:30:32 GMT -5
SmackDown! Cancellation, Heyman/Austin, more
The Paul Heyman/TSN interview that was taped this weekend will air on tomorrow's edition of "Off The Record" at 6 PM EST. Some topics that were discussed during the taping were Steve Austin's walkout, RVD's status, HHH/Stephanie, Hogan's WWE situation, and more. Those who have seen the tape call it a great interview, although it certainly is not among TSN's all-time best.
SaveMyShow.com currently has a "petition" to save SmackDown! from being taken off the air. This poll is simply for entertainment purposes, but interestingly enough, the voting is in favor of canceling the show 58%-42%. WWE's contract to air SmackDown! on UPN expires in August of 2003.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 10, 2002 6:32:21 GMT -5
An Important Message From Percy Pringle
Friends,
My Dad suffered a major heart attack Sunday morning. We were at the hospital all day at his bedside. They had to do a heart catheterization on him in the afternoon. While the procedure was in progress, Dad's heart stopped beating and they had to shock him several times to bring him back.
He is now in intensive care, and the next 48 hours are critical. My Dad is a fairly young man at 66. He had bypass surgery 10 years ago. He may require another heart catheterization to clear another artery and insert a stint to keep it open.
I ask that my extended wrestling family please remember my Dad & Mom in your prayers. They are my biggest fans. One of the first things he told me when I got to visit with him, was that he is sorry that he was going to miss me on TNA Wednesday night.
Thanks! ~Percy & Family
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 10, 2002 6:37:02 GMT -5
Upcoming WWE Roster Cuts: Raven, Credible, More
In the past weeks, the WWE has cut contracts of various wrestlers including Godfather, Perry Saturn, and DDP.
There are several rumors that WWE will continue to cut lower card wrestlers. Some possible upcoming cuts include: Justin Credible, Raven, Shannon Moore and Johnny Stamboli.
Although it is unconfirmed why the WWE is cutting many lower card wrestlers, it is believed the cuts will make room for a few new mid-card or top-card wrestlers.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 10, 2002 13:53:50 GMT -5
Victoria Injured, Albert's Push, TE3 Ratings Increase
-Many in WWE were worried that Victoria seriously injured herself during the 6 person Tag Team Tables match on RAW. They did a spot where Bubba Ray Dudley was set to powerbomb her through a table, only to have it broken up by Steven Richards. Victoria landed on her neck during the spot, but was OK and continued the match which included a concluding table spot for her.
-As we reported earlier, the general plan right now is for Albert to feud with the Undertaker once 'Taker returns.
-The attendance was very low for RAW last night and morale is also very low. The company knows that is has serious problems right now, but many wrestlers and other backstage workers are questioning many of WWE's moves. Albert being pushed over Matt Hardy just because Vince McMahon wants a big man to be pushed has upset many. The general feeling is also that since Shawn Michaels was put so over on RAW last night, Triple H will win the Armageddon match and return to being champion. This means that WWE will continue to have the World Title belt on the most well known guy in the company, rather than use it to build new stars.
-Tough Enough III scored a solid 1.5 rating with a 2.3 share last week. The repeat, which followed the new episode, did a 0.8 rating with a 1.2 share.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 10, 2002 15:24:22 GMT -5
Hulk Hogan Says Austin Fears Him, Talks About WWE Return
-Paul Heyman will appear on TSN's Off The Record today at 6PM
Thanks to reader Marc Roden for sending in the following:
-I attended the Hulk Hogan signing at Meijers in Auroa, Illinois, and Hogan is in as good of shape as ever. The turnout was at the least 600 people, and luckily Hogan showed up early to sign. Even when the store continually announced over the intercom that there was no time for pictures, Hogan took the time to take a picture with w h*ever wanted one.
When asked about a return to the WWE, Hogan says he wants to be back as soon as possible. When the name of Stone Cold Steve Austin came up, Hogan said Austin is not wrestling because he is afraid of Hogan. He then pretended to call Steve Austin on his cell phone, talking trash, and sending him a message by passing the cell phone beneath his armpit.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 5:45:49 GMT -5
Backstage News On Tonight's SmackDown! Tapings
Jamie Noble's "cousin" Nunzio will be debuting at tonight's show in Atlanta, GA. Nunzio is better known to the old ECW audience as "Little Gudio" real name, James Maritato. Should be interesting to see how they bring him in, as the casual fan wouldn't seem to be pleased with someone of his stature with the build-up he has received the past few weeks.
Expect Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero to be officially added to the Armageddon card at tonight's SmackDown! tapings. The only other match SmackDown! has on the Armageddon thus far is the main-event of Big Show vs. Kurt Angle. With RAW having a total of three matches on the card, SmackDown! having the aforementioned two, only one or two more matches should be announced.
The Dawn Marie/Torrie Wilson lesbian storyline may be further continued on tonight's show, but if it is it will be mild. WWE is either using the footage cut from last week's SmackDown, or filming new footage tonight that will air at Armageddon uncensored.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 6:24:41 GMT -5
Hulk Hogan To Meet With Vince McMahon/WWE Tonight
Special thanks to reader Jeff Brazenas for the following:
I just picked up my son from school and the Hulkster had called in to 790 the Zone, a sports talk show here in Atlanta. He said some interesting things:
The toughest guy he ever faced.......Andre....said he was stronger than anyone he ever knew.
Vince Sr. gave him the last name Hogan because he needed an Irish wrestler in his NY/NJ territory. He wanted him to color his hair red, but Hulk didn't because he was worried about losing the little hair he still had.
He said his current contract is up on the 14th (of when he didn't say, but we believe it's next January) and he's meeting with Vince TONIGHT and he hopes to have things worked out with WWE. If not, he and his "good friend" Bill Goldberg will do some stuff in Japan.
His largest payday.....Wrestlemania 3.......1.7 million!
He said he's signing autographs from 5-7 tonight, but not to worry, he'll stay as late as needed to sign EVERY autograph. He wants to make sure all his "Hulkamaniacs" have a chance to see him.
He said he still loves the business. Also said he'll be back in Atlanta in a few weeks (probably) to finish up some legal stuff he's involved in (the WCW lawsuit perhaps?). He offered to come to the station when he's back in town because he's not allowed in the "mediation" portion of his case and he'll have time to kill.
He was traveling with Jimmy Hart. Hart got on and said hello.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 6:25:34 GMT -5
Dawn Marie Interview, Bill DeMott, WrestleMania Package
The following are updated articles on WWE.com:
Interview with Dawn Marie
Now that Ivory is on RAW, Dawn Marie is probably the most talkative Superstar on SmackDown! So how is it possible that it has been several months since she's done an interview with WWE.com? We tracked her down at a recent event to correct this anomaly, and get her thoughts on international tours, making out with Torrie Wilson's father and more. continue...
Just a few days left to purchase 'Mania travel packages
This Friday (Dec. 13) is the last day to purchase WrestleMania travel packages! Travel packages consist of ringside or lower-tier tickets, hotel accommodations, Superstars session and souvenirs. WrestleMania is Sunday, March 30, 2003, at SAFECO Field in Seattle. For more information on WrestleMania packages, e-mail WrestleMania.Packages@wwe.com.
Interview with Bill DeMott
Bill DeMott could be one of WWE’s most temperamental Superstars. WWE.com found him in a good mood on Sunday and sat down with the veteran to discuss the transition out of his Hugh Morrus character and how Tough Enough revitalized his career. continue...
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 6:26:24 GMT -5
Recap Of Paul Heyman's Revealing Interview On 'Off The Record'
Thanks to readr Matt Robinson for sending in this report:
Show opened with Landsberg giving Heyman the verbal BJ. Then announced that there would be a "HUGE" announcement later on.
Landsberg asked Heyman about the Austin situation. He said if the fans would pay to see him, Vince would bring him back in a heartbeat. Said that Steve was frustrated about his character, the nWo, and the use of his wife. He did the one thing that would piss Vince off and did not give him a confrontation, just didn't show up. Vince loves confrontation and Austin wouldn't give him that. Says if its good for business, Vince will bring him back.
They discuss Heyman as the lead SmackDown writer and how that differs from the Head Writer (Vince). They talk about the process of how the stories get put together. Being the lead writer is just being the go to guy for all the other writers. Then they pitch to Vince who will say yes or no. Vince, even if he disagrees initially, can be swayed if it will be good for business. Interesting note: Said Vince would bring back Bret Hart in an instant if the fans wanted it.
Talked about some names. Said he didn't know if Jericho got a fair crack at champion because there was a lot going on. nWo was coming in, Austin was pissed, and Triple H was returning. Says Rob Van Dam has definite strengths that are sometimes not utilized in the WWE. If he had Rob on SmackDown would build his character around his matches. Says the 2 guys that are ready to break out and be huge are Booker and RVD.
Heyman says that Stephanie is burdened by being Vince's daughter because he expects more from her. She is a McMahon. Doesn't really seem to wanna comment on Triple H having influence but does say nothing gets on tv without Vince's blessing.
Landsberg's big announcement is that Hulk Hogan will be on the show in the near future, but they're still working on the dates. WOW. If this is anything like his book we can miss it.
They do some word association. Did not catch it all but the main points were:
Jim Cornette: "who wrote these?"
Ric Flair: is a legend who at the tale end of his career still enjoys and loves being in the ring.
Jerry Lawler: of coarse Jerry doesnt like Paul. Paul took his job and did a better job at it. "nuff said"
Bret Hart: a tragic story.
Paul seemed pretty open on most topics but didn't seem to want to get in to some of the political stuff. Was a great interview though. Probably one of the smartest guys in the business. Hogan won't be interesting though.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 13:30:24 GMT -5
Angle/Lesnar Match, RAW Notes, Hogan Surprise
The heavily rumored Angle/Lesnar match for Wrestlemania is apparently still on. WWE sees lots of money in that match, especially with the recent popularity growth of Brock Lesnar. However, WWE also has many other plans that they are considering, so they are not currently preparing any writing for such an angle.
For those who do not know yet, the "big surprise announcement" on last night's TSN "Off The Record" with Paul Heyman was that TSN would be interviewing Hulk Hogan in a two-part series. Many involved with "Off The Record" are extremely excited about the opportunity for the Hogan interview.
As a reminder, the scheduled date for the tenth anniversary RAW special is January 14th.
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 13:34:43 GMT -5
WWE Superstars Play Rib On Booker T, Hurricane Injury, more
The following tidbits come from the latest commentary of Shane "The Hurricane" Helms.
During the India tour, the RAW faces pulled a rib on Booker T. At one specific point in the show, several of the faces came out and drove the heels out of the ring. Then, the faces (Helms, Goldust, RVD) tried to get Booker T to do a spinneroonie. However, Booker T did not want to do one until his match later in the night, so he left. The superstars attempted the same stunt the next night, however, this time Hurricane grabbed onto Booker and wouldn't let him leave the ring. Goldust then challenged Booker T to do a spinneroonie. Booker T pulled an "escape act" by saying he'd do a spinneroonie, after his match later in the night; before leaving the ring.
In Hurricane's recent RAW match against Batista, he did suffer a legitimate arm injury. He already has 2 plates and 13 screws in his arm, from an injury he suffered in his Grecco-Roman days, so the condition was aggravated in the match with Batista. As of his commentary, he is almost fully recovered
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 13:39:07 GMT -5
Royal Rumble Stipulations, Poster, HHH/Ratings, more
Confidential for this past Saturday scored a 0.7 rating. Velocity, which precedes Confidential, did the same number.
As of now, there have been no decisions made for the Royal Rumble match. Obviously, with the roster split and two heavyweight titles, the traditional rule of having the single winner face the WWE champion at WrestleMania would not fully work without new stipulations. We will keep you posted on any decisions, as soon as they are made and available.
The Royal Rumble promotional poster, as seen in the holiday issue of RAW Magazine, features a large picture of HHH with a ring at the bottom
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Post by Stephanie McMahon's sidekick! on Dec 11, 2002 15:34:49 GMT -5
Hulk Hogan Backstage On SmackDown, Vince
Hulk Hogan was spotted backstage last night at the SmackDown tapings in Atlanta. He was said to arrive with Jimmy Hart and was spotted later that night talking with Eric Bischoff, Big Show, and Paul Heyman. He also met with Vince McMahon very briefly during the show.
Hogan confirmed the appearance this morning on the “Bubba the Love Sponge” radio show. On the show he commented that Vince McMahon is still interested in promoting Hogan’s book and having Hogan back on the air.
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