TNA
– TNA star Hulk Hogan turns 58 years old today. One man who doesn’t share the same warm and fuzzy sentiments is the Ultimate Warrior, whose heated rivalry with Hulk Hogan is well documented right here. Warrior posted the following message on Facebook today – taking several cheap shots at Hogan on his birthday, including one about his daughter Brooke’s recent nude photo shoot.
Hey, Terry. If you want some good creative ideas (we all know you sure as hell need them) be man enough to call and offer to pay instead of trolling around my web presence and stealing them.
When you try to copy my Warrior attiude it doesn’t work for you. The size of it is too big. When you try to pull it off you look like a x-small boy drowning in his daddy’s XXXL. What’s your “purist Christian wife” going to say when you start dropping F’ bombs like the Warriorman? Probably soemthing like, “Well, honey, it would be kinda nice if some of that was going on around here.”
Just be you. Number One rule of O.W.N.
The fraud you already are is the one we love. All these years you keep going back and forth and all over the map trying to find yourself. Please, no more “new” phony faces.
You’ve finally done it. Your mind is empty and your balls are all shriveled up. You’ve officially turned yourself into a Vagina Man, a real pussy. And now, your daughter has to show hers to get any attention at all.
– Orlando Jordan appeared on World Wrestling Insanity, which is available at ClubWWI.com. Highlights from his interview are as follows: The one man shock-and-awe of TNA, Orlando Jordan turned heads with each move he made. Debuting with an outrageous entrance, OJ seemed destined for spectacular things. However, as time went on, the spectacle died down and the gimmick followed suit. As Jordan explains to James Guttman, the idea was never to be another version of Goldust. There were many plans he had for his character, but sometimes you have to compromise and, as he tells ClubWWI.com members, sometimes too much compromise can knock a solid idea off course…
“I enjoyed my time there. I was a little bit disappointed with the progression of the character because we started out where I wanted to go – and I laid out how I wanted this character to start and develop – because I believe a character should grow. Every character evolves and I wanted this character to evolve. That was the understanding…When you work for a company, you can’t get everything you want. You have to compromise. And I compromised with the character on what they wanted and that was part of the deal. That was a hard thing. That was a challenge. Trying to do what I wanted and trying to give what I wanted the way I knew it could be delivered and then also what the company wanted to present – that was a challenge there. In the end, I was a little bit disappointed in that area and stuff.”
Orlando goes into detail on the character’s original intention and how it would have helped shatter stereotypes. He also speaks about the shocking nature of it all, the goal TNA had for it, and why it might have been better suited for WWE. In the end, though, there were no hard feelings and OJ had to do what was right for him, as the ClubWWI.com audio show continues, he tells JG the circumstances surrounding his release…
“I’m a professional and I’m a performer. So I’m always willing to do something different and that was the attempt. Like I said, you have to compromise and stuff like that. But when you compromise, you start to lose the direction. That’s where it headed. Eventually, I had to make decisions and if it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted, I had to make decisions…I know they said I was released, but I had made a series of inquires to TNA about things and – I got released on a Monday – that Friday (before), I had actually called the TNA office and said, “Look. I need something to happen and I’m not happy and I need to be able to do more things.” The person I talked to wasn’t really in the position, I don’t think, to do anything. So I left my piece of mind and then I was granted my release on Monday. So that’s what happened. Was I upset? No. Not at all. I was very content with how things went out and we parted on good terms and everything. ”
Although a return to WWE or TNA is always a possibility, don’t worry about Orlando Jordan in the meantime. He’s keeping busy with his brand new training facility, Wildkats Sports Dojo. With a resume that includes top spots in WWE, TNA, and overseas tours, Jordan knows how to get noticed. Now, he’s sharing his secret with wrestling’s future stars and giving back to the business he loves. He tells ClubWWI.com listeners all about it and directs them to Twitter.com/Wildkatsports for all the latest info:
“The new dojo! WildKat Sports Dojo out in New Orleans – particularly Kenner, Louisiana. That is the new training facility that I have opened up along with my partner Luke Hawx, who has been a very successful independent worker in his own right. He’s also a stunt actor and done a lot. Probably done just as much and more known in that area than wrestling, which is crazy because he’s busted his ass in both. So, we have the Wildkat Sports Dojo in Kenner, Louisiana. And it’s going great man. We’ve only been open for a few months but we have some strong, good looking, talented, hard-working guys. We have about ten students training for professional wrestling. Also, the other thing we’re doing in the local area is mixed martial arts, grappling – I have a background in grappling, boxing, bringing specialists from specific martial arts backgrounds by the end of the year. It’s good. Going good. I’m excited, man. I live for training. I’ve done it my whole life.”
WWE
– During an interview with Brian Fritz of Between the ropes, SmackDown’s Money in the Bank briefcase holder Daniel Bryan spoke about his first year and a half with WWE, CM Punk’s now infamous shoot promo on RAW from a few weeks back and what he and CM Punk’s success means for other stars getting a chance. Here are some highlights of what Daniel Bryan said about:
How he would describe the first year and a half with the company: “It’s been a roller coaster ride. I’ve been hired, called a rookie, fired, brought back, brought back, main eventide Summerslam last year, won the U.S. Championship, wasn’t on TV much for a while, got drafted to Smackdown and now I’m Mr. Money in the Bank. (laughs) So, it’s had a lot of ups and downs.”
CM Punk’s infamous promo from a few weeks back: “I thought it was awesome. And more so what I thought was awesome about it is that he just went out there and he just spoke his mind. That’s the great thing about CM Punk is he doesn’t care if I like his promo, he doesn’t care if the fans like what he says, he does’t care if the WWE office likes what he says. He’s just going to go out there and say what he thinks. And I think that’s what’s made this thing so captivating. That and now there’s two WWE Champions for the first time and they’re facing off in the main event of Summerslam. I think it’s going to be really exciting.”
He and CM Punk’s success and WWE and what it means for other young talent: “What I think it says is that there are a lot of guys out there that you wouldn’t necessarily look at and say “hey, this guy would be a great WWE superstar”. But they’ve put in their hard work and they’ve gotten really good at what they do and if you give them an opportunity, they would do really well in the WWE. That’s what it says about both of us. There are a lot of guys out there who maybe because of the way they look or because people don’t think they would be very marketable that WWE may not hire them. But, I think with CM Punk … he’s not the most marketable looking guy out there but he captivates crowds. I’m not to the point where CM Punk is as far as captivating WWE crowds yet but I do a fairly good job considering how little time I’ve been in WWE.”
– WWE Superstar Heath Slater has been accused of choking an Atlanta security guard. Corinne Oliver, who was working for Allied Barton Security Services at the time, said she had to wrestle her way out of Heath Slater’s grip, and the April 4 encounter with Slater has left her with back pains. Atlanta police spokesman John Chafee said Thursday the alleged incident is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.
According to a police report, the alleged assault against Oliver occurred between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. April 4 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Peachtree Street. The day before, an estimated 70,000 fans attended WrestleMania 27 at the Georgia Dome. Oliver’s attorney, Jackie Patterson, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday that his client was working security at the hotel during an “after-party,” trying to keep fans from wrestlers. Oliver said she had to “twist her body to get loose, leaving her with back pains.” The report describes the incident as a possible “simple assault/battery.” Oliver didn’t call 911, her attorney said, but instead immediately contacted her Allied Barton supervisor, who was on duty at the hotel at the time of the incident. But after months of inaction, the attorney said Oliver decided to file a police report on June 22, nearly three months after the incident.
– Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon has hired Corey Bliss a campaign manager – a strong indication that she’ll be running once again for United States Senate next year. Bliss told GreenwichTime.com:
“I am a political consultant who has talked to he. She has not made up her mind.”
– WWE issued the following press release on Thursday. Starting this Sunday at SummerSlam, fans who attend WWE broadcasts can pay $15 to purchase a radio that will allow them hear live commentary during the show from the ringside commentary booth.
Here’s the official announcement:
If you’re heading to Summerslam this weekend at Los Angeles’s STAPLES Center, there’s a new way to take part in the excitement. This Sunday, WWE introduces a revolutionary new radio that allows attendees of the Biggest Party of the Summer – and all pay-per-view events – to listen in on ringside commentary live with the WWE Live Commentary Radio.
If you’ve ever been to a WWE live event or any live sporting event, one major difference from watching the event on television is the lack of play-by-play commentary. The WWE Live Commentary Radio is going to change that, allowing fans in attendance to listen to the SummerSlam television broadcast featuring the likes of WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jim Ross, as well as Michael Cole, Booker T and Josh Mathews.
The WWE Live Commentary Radio will be available at merchandise stands on the concourse for $15 each. The radios are yours to keep and can be used as a traditional FM radio once the event has ended, and they can be used at future live events where WWE Commentary Radio is available.
NBA
– Despite the players cancelling a meeting scheduled with the league on Thursday, commissioner David Stern told the Boston Globe he still expects a deal to be reached. ”I expect that we’ll make a deal because the alternative is very destructive.” Many believe most, if not all, of the season will be lost, as the owners appear to generally be unwilling to soften their stance. Stay tuned.
– Since the Chesire Jets aren’t going to be able to pay F Ron Artest as much as he needs, the team is hoping to help launch a media career for him in England. ”Our commitment is to help raise Ron’s profile in the UK in order to help him develop his music and movie career over here while playing basketball,” said Jets director Peter Hawkins. The team will reportedly try to get Artest a TV role in a British soap opera. Stay tuned.
NFL
– Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt said Thursday that he’s ready to make RB Chris Johnson the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Johnson’s agent was the first person Reinfeldt called when the lockout was lifted, and the sides have already discussed the parameters of a new deal. Reinfeldt reiterated, however, that CJ2K must show up to training camp to finalize the extension. The Titans want him in as soon as possible to pick up Chris Palmer’s new offense. It remains to be seen if the Titans’ offer meets Johnson’s “history-making” expectations.
– ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Bills are close to trading WR Lee Evans to an undisclosed team. Schefter confirmed that the Bills have indeed decided to move on from their 30-year-old deep threat, probably in exchange for a late-round pick. “It looks like a trade could be consummated within the next 48 hours.” The Cardinals are known to have interest in Evans, and the Ravens would be silly not to look. Evans, 30, is no longer the No. 1 wideout option. His contract comes with a $3.275M base salary through the 2012 season plus a $1.5M roster bonus.
– The Steelers have signed WR Jerricho Cotchery to a 1-year contract. It’s a good add, but Cotchery won’t have a major role.
– Bears’ WR Johnny Knox emphasized Thursday that he has no plans to seek a trade after being demoted to the second team. ”I’m a Bear, and I want to stay a Bear for life,” Knox said. Asked about a Chicago Tribune report that he could push for a trade, Knox responded, “I could see where people were coming from, but it was basically people trying to stir something up.”
– According to ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas, “the real hope throughout the organization” is that Panthers’ QB Cam Newton will be ready to take the offensive reins by Week 1. Newton doesn’t have to “light it up in preseason,” explains Yasinskas, which certainly bodes well for his chances of beating out QBs Jimmy Clausen and Derek Anderson. Coaches have tinkered with Newton’s mechanics, but he’s “handled everything well throughout camp.” The Panthers have surrounded Newton with a strong rushing attack, so he won’t be asked to carry the offense as a rookie.
– Seahawks’ coach Pete Carroll hinted that LT Russell Okung (left ankle) indeed has another high ankle sprain. Okung suffered one on each leg last season, the more serious to Okung’s left side. These can be 4-6 week injuries.
– Panthers WR David Gettis (left knee) was diagnosed with a torn ACL. Gettis got his foot stuck in the turf while jammed at the line in Wednesday’s practice. The second-year receiver was running as the starter opposite Steve Smith early in camp.
MLB
– Yankees’ 3B Alex Rodriguez (knee) has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment Friday with Single-A Tampa. A-Rod is expected to play DH in his debut before moving to third on Saturday. The 36-year-old is on track to return the Yankees’ starting lineup by the middle of next week. He’s been out since early July with a knee injury that eventually required surgery.
– According to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, the Blue Jays are not expected to reach an agreement with 1st-round pick RHP Tyler Beede before the August 15 deadline. Beede was selected with the No. 21 overall pick in June’s first-year player draft, but he’s gave a commitment to Vanderbilt University and now apparently plans to honor it. The 18-year-old won’t be eligible for the draft again until 2014.
– The Cardinals have signed LHP Arthur Rhodes. Rhodes was released by the Rangers a few days ago after opening the season with a 4.81 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over his first 32 relief appearances. He’s still effective against left-handed hitters. The 41-year-old will join the Redbirds on Friday.