Post by michaelporter on Mar 18, 2005 18:45:32 GMT -5
Michael Porter's WrestleBeat (3-18-05)
Hey again there, Wrestling Fans! And welcome to another edition of WrestleBeat! I've got more interesting news and notes from the World of Professional Wrestling. So, let's get right to business.
First up, I would like to give you a short update on my Friend, Earthquake John Tenta, who I received an e-mail from the other day! The following, is in his own words, and he thanks EVERYONE for their support:
"I just had my last MAJOR chemo on March 4th, and feel fine. As usual thank you all for your support. It has really been helping keep my spirits up. I get all my scans next week, and the results the following week, so I'll keep you posted."
PLEASE continue your prayers and well-wishes for this gentle giant! They REALLY DO help! THANKS!
Next up, the UWA is returning to the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge in Modesto, CA. on Tuesday May the 10th, for another SPECIAL Bar Show! I'll have details in the next edition of WrestleBeat.
Also, the UWA is in negotiations for an EARLIER date at the Fat Cat...possibly in April! More on that later as well!
The Fat Cat Music House and Lounge is located at 930 11th Street Modesto, CA.
For more information on Fat Cat Modesto, go to www.FatCatModesto.com or give them a call at (209) 524-1400.
Now, on to the national news:
Thanks to Dave Meltzer for the following:
Spike TV recently sent out a press release announcing they have closed negotiations with WWE regarding renewing their five-year contract.
It is believed to now be a formality that WWE Raw and the rest of the weekend cable shows, Heat, Velocity and Experience, will be moving to the USA Network in September.
"After several months of negotiations, we have decided to end our discussions about extending our relationship with WWE beyond September 2005," wrote Spike TV in a press release. "Moving forward, Spike TV will expand its investments in original programming and new acquisitions for its core audience."
This is a huge blow to the network, as Raw was, by far, its most popular program and led to it be the No. 4 rated network when it came to the coveted 18-34 and 18-49 demographics.
USA appears to be the only major cable option for Raw,as TNT, TBS and FX have all confirmed no negotiations nor interest in the show.
Thanks to the PWTorch Newsletter:
WWE is positioning Rey Mysterio for a major push after WrestleMania XX. There aren’t any more details on this right now, but as previously reported, WWE management is very confident in Mysterio.
It looks like WWE is going to be signing Psicosis, Super Crazy, and Juventud Guerrera in April to help out their cruiserweight division.
There aren’t any plans to bring back Scott Hall to TNA at this time. The company is still completely willing to work with him, but they are giving him time to sort out his personal life first. Hall has once again split up with his wife. Some friends say that he has hit a lower version of rock bottom than he has ever before, and there is extreme concern for his personal safety.
On the March 14th edition of WWE RAW, while I knew that my old friend, Marty Jannetty would be working the SMACKDOWN tapings on Tuesday the 15th, I was surprised to see him team up with Shawn Michaels in a "one night only" ROCKERS Reunion, defeating La Resisstance in a good Tag Team match!
Speaking of SMACKDOWN, Marty looked GREAT in his nearly-20 minute match with Kurt Angle, before tapping out to Angle's ankle-lock!
Also, going back to RAW, I was COMPLETELY blown away seeing another old compadre of mine, Jake "the Snake" Roberts appear on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel! Jake was brought out by Jericho to confront Randy Orton in a "Legend Killer" angle, to help Orton once again become a full-fledged heel. While Roberts didn't appear in very good physical condition, he used his uncanny talent of ring psycology to work this spot, and the segment worked well, with the fans really popping for Robert's return!
From Matthew Boone comes this INTERESTING bit:
The following are news highlights of a WrestleZone Radio interview with Jake "The Snake" Roberts less than 24 hours after his surprise appearance at WWE RAW this week:
-Jake said he got the call a few days before RAW about possibly coming on. He said he mentioned in the past he would never return to WWE, even for a one-time appearance. He said he could do one of two things - A. not watch the product, or B. try and get in there and shake things up. He chose the latter.
-He discussed the original idea, and how he changed it. He said the skeleton was pretty much the same, but they gave him the freedom to get in there and talk his game. He mentioned respect for Randy Orton's father and grandfather, and said there's no one in WWE right now to guide him, correct him, or help him the way he needs. He felt he could do just that.
-Jake "The Snake" also discussed what went down after RAW ended, when he came back out and got involved in the "bonus" stuff for the live crowd that WWE does every week on RAW. He said it was most fun putting the snake down Edge's pants, as Edge didn't know he'd be doing that and it was kind of funny.
-When it came to talking about returning permanently, Jake accidentally "let the cat (or snake) out of the bag", and said it's definitely in the works. Right now he's waiting to get his hip fixed with surgery, but that while "the deal isn't officially done yet, he agreed to the one time shot at RAW" while recovering from injury.
-Roberts talked about being backstage at the show, saying the talent roster is pretty thin "believe me, it's thin. I was in the lockerroom, and yeah, their talent roster isn't that deep." He did say a few guys got something going, but whether or not it's handled right remains to be seen.
All in all it was a good interview, but a short one due to him being sick. He was originally coming on the show to let everyone know he couldn't do the interview this week and would come back next week for an interview when he's healthy. He wound up talking about the RAW appearance with us for a good 10-15 minutes though, as well as his plans on returning to wrestling again.
According to Wade Keller and PWTorch, Bret Hart is scheduled to take part in an autograph signing at Rob Van Dam's comic book store near Los Angeles the day before WrestleMania and just hours before the Hall of Fame Ceremony. It's unlikely if Bret were going to make a surprise appearance at the HOF Ceremony that he'd also take part in a publicly announced autograph session the same day, since that would "ruin the surprise." It is possible he's going to be visit with some people behind the scenes, but not appear on camera. With a Raw PPV taking place in Calgary on May 30, perhaps he has meeting scheduled with Vince McMahon regarding potentially being on that event.
Thanks to Ryan Clark for the following fairly shocking report:
Jeff Jarrett and TNA have sent out feelers to The Rock about him appearing for TNA in the future. Believe it or not, word is that the Rock has been "receptive to the idea" but didn't want to start serious talks until his promotional tour for "Be Cool" ended.
Obviously this looks to be a serious longshot for TNA, but one that could have a dramatic impact on the entire business if they could somehow land the Rock for a few appearances.
Another obvious thing to keep in mind is that the Rock is no longer under WWE contract but has already made it known that he would like to sign a new deal. With that being said, he could be using TNA as leverage to get WWE's attention (something they haven't been giving him much of lately).
Well, that does it for another edition of WrestleBeat. I'll be back next time with more news and notes from the Wonderful World of Professional Wrestling.
So, until next time, KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT! Later, Michael.
(Contact Michael Porter by e-mail at kmichaelporter@yahoo.com or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)
Hey again there, Wrestling Fans! And welcome to another edition of WrestleBeat! I've got more interesting news and notes from the World of Professional Wrestling. So, let's get right to business.
First up, I would like to give you a short update on my Friend, Earthquake John Tenta, who I received an e-mail from the other day! The following, is in his own words, and he thanks EVERYONE for their support:
"I just had my last MAJOR chemo on March 4th, and feel fine. As usual thank you all for your support. It has really been helping keep my spirits up. I get all my scans next week, and the results the following week, so I'll keep you posted."
PLEASE continue your prayers and well-wishes for this gentle giant! They REALLY DO help! THANKS!
Next up, the UWA is returning to the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge in Modesto, CA. on Tuesday May the 10th, for another SPECIAL Bar Show! I'll have details in the next edition of WrestleBeat.
Also, the UWA is in negotiations for an EARLIER date at the Fat Cat...possibly in April! More on that later as well!
The Fat Cat Music House and Lounge is located at 930 11th Street Modesto, CA.
For more information on Fat Cat Modesto, go to www.FatCatModesto.com or give them a call at (209) 524-1400.
Now, on to the national news:
Thanks to Dave Meltzer for the following:
Spike TV recently sent out a press release announcing they have closed negotiations with WWE regarding renewing their five-year contract.
It is believed to now be a formality that WWE Raw and the rest of the weekend cable shows, Heat, Velocity and Experience, will be moving to the USA Network in September.
"After several months of negotiations, we have decided to end our discussions about extending our relationship with WWE beyond September 2005," wrote Spike TV in a press release. "Moving forward, Spike TV will expand its investments in original programming and new acquisitions for its core audience."
This is a huge blow to the network, as Raw was, by far, its most popular program and led to it be the No. 4 rated network when it came to the coveted 18-34 and 18-49 demographics.
USA appears to be the only major cable option for Raw,as TNT, TBS and FX have all confirmed no negotiations nor interest in the show.
Thanks to the PWTorch Newsletter:
WWE is positioning Rey Mysterio for a major push after WrestleMania XX. There aren’t any more details on this right now, but as previously reported, WWE management is very confident in Mysterio.
It looks like WWE is going to be signing Psicosis, Super Crazy, and Juventud Guerrera in April to help out their cruiserweight division.
There aren’t any plans to bring back Scott Hall to TNA at this time. The company is still completely willing to work with him, but they are giving him time to sort out his personal life first. Hall has once again split up with his wife. Some friends say that he has hit a lower version of rock bottom than he has ever before, and there is extreme concern for his personal safety.
On the March 14th edition of WWE RAW, while I knew that my old friend, Marty Jannetty would be working the SMACKDOWN tapings on Tuesday the 15th, I was surprised to see him team up with Shawn Michaels in a "one night only" ROCKERS Reunion, defeating La Resisstance in a good Tag Team match!
Speaking of SMACKDOWN, Marty looked GREAT in his nearly-20 minute match with Kurt Angle, before tapping out to Angle's ankle-lock!
Also, going back to RAW, I was COMPLETELY blown away seeing another old compadre of mine, Jake "the Snake" Roberts appear on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel! Jake was brought out by Jericho to confront Randy Orton in a "Legend Killer" angle, to help Orton once again become a full-fledged heel. While Roberts didn't appear in very good physical condition, he used his uncanny talent of ring psycology to work this spot, and the segment worked well, with the fans really popping for Robert's return!
From Matthew Boone comes this INTERESTING bit:
The following are news highlights of a WrestleZone Radio interview with Jake "The Snake" Roberts less than 24 hours after his surprise appearance at WWE RAW this week:
-Jake said he got the call a few days before RAW about possibly coming on. He said he mentioned in the past he would never return to WWE, even for a one-time appearance. He said he could do one of two things - A. not watch the product, or B. try and get in there and shake things up. He chose the latter.
-He discussed the original idea, and how he changed it. He said the skeleton was pretty much the same, but they gave him the freedom to get in there and talk his game. He mentioned respect for Randy Orton's father and grandfather, and said there's no one in WWE right now to guide him, correct him, or help him the way he needs. He felt he could do just that.
-Jake "The Snake" also discussed what went down after RAW ended, when he came back out and got involved in the "bonus" stuff for the live crowd that WWE does every week on RAW. He said it was most fun putting the snake down Edge's pants, as Edge didn't know he'd be doing that and it was kind of funny.
-When it came to talking about returning permanently, Jake accidentally "let the cat (or snake) out of the bag", and said it's definitely in the works. Right now he's waiting to get his hip fixed with surgery, but that while "the deal isn't officially done yet, he agreed to the one time shot at RAW" while recovering from injury.
-Roberts talked about being backstage at the show, saying the talent roster is pretty thin "believe me, it's thin. I was in the lockerroom, and yeah, their talent roster isn't that deep." He did say a few guys got something going, but whether or not it's handled right remains to be seen.
All in all it was a good interview, but a short one due to him being sick. He was originally coming on the show to let everyone know he couldn't do the interview this week and would come back next week for an interview when he's healthy. He wound up talking about the RAW appearance with us for a good 10-15 minutes though, as well as his plans on returning to wrestling again.
According to Wade Keller and PWTorch, Bret Hart is scheduled to take part in an autograph signing at Rob Van Dam's comic book store near Los Angeles the day before WrestleMania and just hours before the Hall of Fame Ceremony. It's unlikely if Bret were going to make a surprise appearance at the HOF Ceremony that he'd also take part in a publicly announced autograph session the same day, since that would "ruin the surprise." It is possible he's going to be visit with some people behind the scenes, but not appear on camera. With a Raw PPV taking place in Calgary on May 30, perhaps he has meeting scheduled with Vince McMahon regarding potentially being on that event.
Thanks to Ryan Clark for the following fairly shocking report:
Jeff Jarrett and TNA have sent out feelers to The Rock about him appearing for TNA in the future. Believe it or not, word is that the Rock has been "receptive to the idea" but didn't want to start serious talks until his promotional tour for "Be Cool" ended.
Obviously this looks to be a serious longshot for TNA, but one that could have a dramatic impact on the entire business if they could somehow land the Rock for a few appearances.
Another obvious thing to keep in mind is that the Rock is no longer under WWE contract but has already made it known that he would like to sign a new deal. With that being said, he could be using TNA as leverage to get WWE's attention (something they haven't been giving him much of lately).
Well, that does it for another edition of WrestleBeat. I'll be back next time with more news and notes from the Wonderful World of Professional Wrestling.
So, until next time, KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT! Later, Michael.
(Contact Michael Porter by e-mail at kmichaelporter@yahoo.com or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)