Post by michaelporter on Jul 13, 2005 11:02:51 GMT -5
Michael Porter's WrestleBeat (7-13-05)
Hey there again, Wrestling Fans! And welcome to another edition of WrestleBeat. I've got a lot of news and notes from the World of Professional Wrestling. So, let's get right to business.
I start out this edition of WrestleBeat with this from Dave Meltzer and WrestlingObserver.com regarding the outcome of a civil lawsuit brought on by the parents of Brian Ong, a student and Pro Wrestling hopeful, who was killed while training, against the (APW) All Pro Wrestling Boot Camp in Hayward, CA. and owner, Roland Alexander:
"The parents of wrestling school student Brian Ong were awarded approximately $1.34 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against the Hayward, California-based Pacific Coast Sports (All Pro Wrestling boot camp) and owner Roland Alexander.
The jury felt the school acted recklessly in its coaching of Ong, who had been injured, before coming back to take what turned out to be a fatal flapjack bump from "Longest Yard" actor Dalip Singh."
The following is a detailed report of the decision. THANKS to the NorCal Uncensored Message Boards and Poster "biljim2":
"Stolen from Barnett's board.
The Jury returns a special verdict as follows: (omitting title of court and cause)
We the jury answer the questions submitted to us as follows:
1) Did Defendant act recklessly in that his or its conduct was entirely outside the range of ordinary
activity involved in teaching or coaching the sport in which Brian Ong was participating?
Yes
2) Was this conduct a substantial factor in causing Brian Ong's death?
Yes
3) What are the Plaintiffs' damages?
a. Past economic loss (as stipulated by the parties) $11,859.66
b. Noneconomic damages to Plaintiff Norman Ong $1,000,000
c. Noneconomic damages to Plaintiff May Oy Ong $1,000,000
Total: $2,011,859.66
4) Was Brian Ong negligent on May 28, 2001?
Yes
5) Was Brian Ong's negligence a substantial factor in causing his death?
Yes
6) What percentage of responsibility for Brian Ong's death do you assign to:
Defendant: 66 2/3%
Plaintiff: 33 1/3%
Total: 100%
Sign, presiding Juror (no. 12)
Dated 7/12/05
At the request of counsel for defendants, the jury is polled.
The verdict as to Questions no. 1,2,4 and 5 is unanimously affirmed
The verdict as to Questions no. 3b and 3c is affirmed 10 to 2, with jurors no. 7 and 10 dissenting.
The verdict as to Questions no. 6: percentage of responsibility as to Defendant, and as to Plaintiff is
affirmed 10 to 2 with jurors no. 3 and 5 dissenting.
The verdict is recorded. Counsel are deemed to have waived the reading of the verdict as recorded.
The jury is thanked and discharged released from the admonition.
Counsel for Plaintiffs is directed to prepare a form of verdict. Action is adjourned.
Document Registered: Jury Verdict (Special)
Minutes of 7/12/2005"
The WCWA will return to the WCWA Arena 2312 Monument Blvd. in Pleasant Hill, CA. THIS Saturday July 16th.
Following are the announced matches for this event (THANKS to http://www.wcwaprowrestling.com):
Eric West -vs- Rik Luxury for the WCWA Heavyweight Championship.
Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. -vs- Steel in a Lumberjack Match for the Pacific Rim Ring of Fire Championship.
Helfyre -vs- D.J. Rizz for the Devil Mountain Heavyweight Championship.
Ultimate Evil Shane Dynasty -vs- U.S. Steele.
PLUS 2 or 3 more big matches, featuring Sir Samurai, Chance Calloway, Apollo Green and more.
For more information, go to www.wcwaprowrestling.com .
The UWA is returning to the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge 930 11th Street Modesto, CA. on Tuesday Night July 19th.
Matches will include Round Two of the UWA Heavyweight Championship Tournament, with THREE matches. The participants in these three matches will be winners of Round One Tournament matches held at Fat Cat's on June 14th. And those winners were The Innovator Vinnie Massaro, Modesto's own, BOTH Rage and Steel (UWA Tag Team Champions, Full Metal Jacket), UWA Hardcore Champion, Ridiculous Mike Rayne, Chris Ward and Flamboyant Rik Luxury. The winners of these three Round Two matches will meet in the FINALS...which will be a Triple Threat Match, with the ultimate victor becoming the NEW UWA Heavyweight Champion.
Now...I have just been informed by the UWA Booking Committee that the SIX participants in Round Two of the Tournament will be involved in a RANDOM LOTTERY DRAW to determine the THREE Round Two Tournament match-ups. This will be a unique way to determine opponents!
Also...one other match is now confirmed. In a match for the B.R.A.W.L. Heavyweight Championship, the current Champion, "The ORIGINAL Bad Apple", Joe Applebaumer will be defending the Title against the challenge of Suburban Commando D.J. Rizz.
Applebaumer demanded this match-up with Rizz after Rizz attacked him at the last Fat Cat show in June.
Also signed for July 19th are:
Big Ugly J.D. Bishop -vs- The Big Kahuna Lance Bermuda.
The BIZARRE Otis and Kered -vs- The Suburban Commandos in a Tag Team Match.
And, the monthly Fat Cat Cup Battle Royal.
And once again, THANKS to the UWA and Fat Cat Modesto, admission will be ABSOLUTELY FREE!
However...due to venue restrictions, you MUST be at least 21 years of age to attend.
(card subject to change)
For more information, go to www.unitedwrestlingalliance.com , www.fatcatmodesto.com , or call Fat Cat's at (209) 524-1400.
And now, on to the national news:
Dave@wrestlingobserver.com reports this on MORE recent WWE Talent releases:
Add Matt Morgan, Jackie Gayda, Charlie Haas and Dawn Marie to the list. The women were locks to be let go, but Haas kind of surprised me. They also confirmed Marty Jannetty (that was a week ago). There are said to be plenty more to come.
Last night's number circulating among the wrestlers of the total cut would indicate something in the neighborhood of eight to ten more to come.
From WrestlingObserver.com:
Brock Lesnar was expected to officially sign his WWE contract last Thursday. This was not a definite, but at this moment he is pegged for the Smackdown side of things.
Now...add Joy Giovanni, Kenzo and Hiroko Suzuki to the massive list of those cut. A funny story is there is one person who is in that category of those who would be considered in grave danger who is simply not picking up his phone all day. The names keep getting added on the wwe.com web site based on the company contacting the people personally first.
From PWTorch.com:
The contracts of D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley will not be renewed.
(THIS reporter's note):
THIS is TRUELY becoming scary for WWE Superstars! With SO many already released, and with apparently more on the way out, WWE Superstars are probably scared to death to answer their phones if their Caller-I.D. indicates "WWE"!
The following is posted on WWE.com:
"WWE has reached an agreement on the release of Jim Cornett from his duties in the developmental system OVW."
Andy Steven reports these stories, including this in the ongoing Matt Hardy-Edge-Lita saga:
In yet another update on his website, Matt Hardy continued his assault on Edge. It definitely seems that WWE failed to patch up relations with Hardy, as his recent columns have been far more vitriolic.
"How many times do you think my FCF, Feces, will be married before he is forty? My guess is 11. At the pace he's going, he's right on track. Be careful if you run into him with your girl present, because he falls in the most incredible love of all time every 10 minutes or so. And then he falls out of the most incredible love of all time every two to three months," Hardy said.
Hardy also noted that of all the happy memories he has of his friendship with Edge, the negative memory - Edge sleeping with Lita and "costing his job" - is the one that stands out.
The former WWE star also virtually confirmed a debut with TNA.
"And if the WWE talent relations department has a problem with me slandering one of their "top" stars, I guess you can just fire me or stop paying me or tell me that creative doesn't have anything for me. Oh yeah, you already did--oh well, they love me in Orlando."
After this weekend, the newly-WWE-signed CM Punk still holds the Ring Of Honor World Title. Punk defeated two midcard ROH workers in Jay Lethal and Roderick Strong at the Long Island and Manhattan shows, respectively.
Contrary to rumors, there is no plan for an RVD-led ECW "rebel" faction on RAW. While future ECW PPVs are expected, and former ECW talent will be showing up in WWE, the feeling is that WWE is not going with a full-time ECW return.
Rumors are going around that WWE just MIGHT be releasing Jerry "the King" Lawler. The COULD be one of the reasons that "The Coach" may have been brought onboard as RAW Commentator. The main reason could also be the HIGH salary demand of The King, and the fact that Coach's salary is MUCH smaller.
Dave Meltzer reports this:
Shinya Hashimoto passed away at approximately 9:30 a.m. Monday morning in Yokohama, Japan. His death is believed to have been due to a brain aneurism. He collapsed suddenly and was rushed to the hospital and is believed to have been dead on arrival. No other details are available at this moment. He was 40. Hashimoto, a many time IWGP champion and Hall of Famer, had, along with Hulk Hogan, headlined more successful huge live pro wrestling events than any wrestlers in the history of the business. He had been out of action for several months due to a shoulder injury and the collapse of the original Zero-One promotion. He was recovering from surgery in December.
Thanks to John Daly for this:
Actor/Comedian Jack Black is set to portray a masked Lucha Libre wrestler in an upcoming film entitled "Nacho Libre". The movie is said to be inspired by the true life story of a priest who moonlighted as a professional wrestler to help save an orphanage. Production is due to begin this Fall.
You can read more about the movie at: movies.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_9273.php/Jack_Blacks_wrestling_priest_movie_gets_title
Here is a Press Release from Juggalo Championship Wrestling:
"Juggalo Championship Wrestling's "Gathering Of The Juggalos" takes place on July 22, 23, 24 in Garrettsville, Ohio, and matchmakers have inked several more superstars to compete on this highly explosive event. Signed to the list of already contracted talents that include Terry Funk, Jeff Jarrett, Sabu, The Insane Clown Possee, and Abyss, JCW is thrilled to announce the addition of the "BWO's" Blue Meanie, Former WWE amazing wrestler Zach Gowen, and former ECW World champion Rhyno!
"We've got a fabulous lineup and after the wrestling show you can checkout concerts by Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid, 2 Live Crew, Powerman 5000, Mack 10, and Mini Kiss," notes JCW Commissioner The Rude Boy.
To see all the great names signed for this event and more information, go to www.juggalogathering.com. When you get to that page, click on the option at the top of the page "Gathering Events." At that page, scroll down and click the "Wrestling" option.
"Come to the Gathering Of The Juggalos," Rude Boy adds, "'cause you'll have a once in a lifetime INSANE experience you'll never forget!"
On Monday Night RAW, the HUGE surprise WWE return of Matt Hardy to attack Edge on TWO occassions...backstage AND in the ring, plus the return of Rowdy Roddy Piper and Piper's Pit, highlighted a VERY interesting episode of RAW!
I have talked to several people...by phone and through e-mail and I.M., and a MAJORITY of them tell me that they believe NOW that the whole Matt-Lita-Edge situation MAY have been a WORK, right from the start! IF this IS true, it's going to make for a MOST interesting summer AND Summer Slam, and could very well lead to a MASSIVE rise in the ratings for RAW.
What do YOU think? Why don't you e-mail me (to the e-mail address at the botton of this column, or post YOUR response if you are reading this on one of the various Message Boards or Forums where WrestleBeat is posted? THANKS!
And at the Tuesday Night SMACKDOWN tapings, ECW's Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten worked a Dark Match, defeating the Shane Twins and Frankie "the Future" Kazarian worked a Velocity Match vs. Nunzio. And in a SURPRISE return, Road Warrior Animal comes out to make the save for Heidenreich from an attack by MNM. Animal cleans house, and it is announced that at the SMACKDOWN PPV, The Great American Bash, MNM will put the WWE Tag Team Titles on the line against Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal.
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, Michae
(contact Michael Porter by e-mail at kmichaelporter@yahoo.com or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)
Hey there again, Wrestling Fans! And welcome to another edition of WrestleBeat. I've got a lot of news and notes from the World of Professional Wrestling. So, let's get right to business.
I start out this edition of WrestleBeat with this from Dave Meltzer and WrestlingObserver.com regarding the outcome of a civil lawsuit brought on by the parents of Brian Ong, a student and Pro Wrestling hopeful, who was killed while training, against the (APW) All Pro Wrestling Boot Camp in Hayward, CA. and owner, Roland Alexander:
"The parents of wrestling school student Brian Ong were awarded approximately $1.34 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against the Hayward, California-based Pacific Coast Sports (All Pro Wrestling boot camp) and owner Roland Alexander.
The jury felt the school acted recklessly in its coaching of Ong, who had been injured, before coming back to take what turned out to be a fatal flapjack bump from "Longest Yard" actor Dalip Singh."
The following is a detailed report of the decision. THANKS to the NorCal Uncensored Message Boards and Poster "biljim2":
"Stolen from Barnett's board.
The Jury returns a special verdict as follows: (omitting title of court and cause)
We the jury answer the questions submitted to us as follows:
1) Did Defendant act recklessly in that his or its conduct was entirely outside the range of ordinary
activity involved in teaching or coaching the sport in which Brian Ong was participating?
Yes
2) Was this conduct a substantial factor in causing Brian Ong's death?
Yes
3) What are the Plaintiffs' damages?
a. Past economic loss (as stipulated by the parties) $11,859.66
b. Noneconomic damages to Plaintiff Norman Ong $1,000,000
c. Noneconomic damages to Plaintiff May Oy Ong $1,000,000
Total: $2,011,859.66
4) Was Brian Ong negligent on May 28, 2001?
Yes
5) Was Brian Ong's negligence a substantial factor in causing his death?
Yes
6) What percentage of responsibility for Brian Ong's death do you assign to:
Defendant: 66 2/3%
Plaintiff: 33 1/3%
Total: 100%
Sign, presiding Juror (no. 12)
Dated 7/12/05
At the request of counsel for defendants, the jury is polled.
The verdict as to Questions no. 1,2,4 and 5 is unanimously affirmed
The verdict as to Questions no. 3b and 3c is affirmed 10 to 2, with jurors no. 7 and 10 dissenting.
The verdict as to Questions no. 6: percentage of responsibility as to Defendant, and as to Plaintiff is
affirmed 10 to 2 with jurors no. 3 and 5 dissenting.
The verdict is recorded. Counsel are deemed to have waived the reading of the verdict as recorded.
The jury is thanked and discharged released from the admonition.
Counsel for Plaintiffs is directed to prepare a form of verdict. Action is adjourned.
Document Registered: Jury Verdict (Special)
Minutes of 7/12/2005"
The WCWA will return to the WCWA Arena 2312 Monument Blvd. in Pleasant Hill, CA. THIS Saturday July 16th.
Following are the announced matches for this event (THANKS to http://www.wcwaprowrestling.com):
Eric West -vs- Rik Luxury for the WCWA Heavyweight Championship.
Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. -vs- Steel in a Lumberjack Match for the Pacific Rim Ring of Fire Championship.
Helfyre -vs- D.J. Rizz for the Devil Mountain Heavyweight Championship.
Ultimate Evil Shane Dynasty -vs- U.S. Steele.
PLUS 2 or 3 more big matches, featuring Sir Samurai, Chance Calloway, Apollo Green and more.
For more information, go to www.wcwaprowrestling.com .
The UWA is returning to the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge 930 11th Street Modesto, CA. on Tuesday Night July 19th.
Matches will include Round Two of the UWA Heavyweight Championship Tournament, with THREE matches. The participants in these three matches will be winners of Round One Tournament matches held at Fat Cat's on June 14th. And those winners were The Innovator Vinnie Massaro, Modesto's own, BOTH Rage and Steel (UWA Tag Team Champions, Full Metal Jacket), UWA Hardcore Champion, Ridiculous Mike Rayne, Chris Ward and Flamboyant Rik Luxury. The winners of these three Round Two matches will meet in the FINALS...which will be a Triple Threat Match, with the ultimate victor becoming the NEW UWA Heavyweight Champion.
Now...I have just been informed by the UWA Booking Committee that the SIX participants in Round Two of the Tournament will be involved in a RANDOM LOTTERY DRAW to determine the THREE Round Two Tournament match-ups. This will be a unique way to determine opponents!
Also...one other match is now confirmed. In a match for the B.R.A.W.L. Heavyweight Championship, the current Champion, "The ORIGINAL Bad Apple", Joe Applebaumer will be defending the Title against the challenge of Suburban Commando D.J. Rizz.
Applebaumer demanded this match-up with Rizz after Rizz attacked him at the last Fat Cat show in June.
Also signed for July 19th are:
Big Ugly J.D. Bishop -vs- The Big Kahuna Lance Bermuda.
The BIZARRE Otis and Kered -vs- The Suburban Commandos in a Tag Team Match.
And, the monthly Fat Cat Cup Battle Royal.
And once again, THANKS to the UWA and Fat Cat Modesto, admission will be ABSOLUTELY FREE!
However...due to venue restrictions, you MUST be at least 21 years of age to attend.
(card subject to change)
For more information, go to www.unitedwrestlingalliance.com , www.fatcatmodesto.com , or call Fat Cat's at (209) 524-1400.
And now, on to the national news:
Dave@wrestlingobserver.com reports this on MORE recent WWE Talent releases:
Add Matt Morgan, Jackie Gayda, Charlie Haas and Dawn Marie to the list. The women were locks to be let go, but Haas kind of surprised me. They also confirmed Marty Jannetty (that was a week ago). There are said to be plenty more to come.
Last night's number circulating among the wrestlers of the total cut would indicate something in the neighborhood of eight to ten more to come.
From WrestlingObserver.com:
Brock Lesnar was expected to officially sign his WWE contract last Thursday. This was not a definite, but at this moment he is pegged for the Smackdown side of things.
Now...add Joy Giovanni, Kenzo and Hiroko Suzuki to the massive list of those cut. A funny story is there is one person who is in that category of those who would be considered in grave danger who is simply not picking up his phone all day. The names keep getting added on the wwe.com web site based on the company contacting the people personally first.
From PWTorch.com:
The contracts of D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley will not be renewed.
(THIS reporter's note):
THIS is TRUELY becoming scary for WWE Superstars! With SO many already released, and with apparently more on the way out, WWE Superstars are probably scared to death to answer their phones if their Caller-I.D. indicates "WWE"!
The following is posted on WWE.com:
"WWE has reached an agreement on the release of Jim Cornett from his duties in the developmental system OVW."
Andy Steven reports these stories, including this in the ongoing Matt Hardy-Edge-Lita saga:
In yet another update on his website, Matt Hardy continued his assault on Edge. It definitely seems that WWE failed to patch up relations with Hardy, as his recent columns have been far more vitriolic.
"How many times do you think my FCF, Feces, will be married before he is forty? My guess is 11. At the pace he's going, he's right on track. Be careful if you run into him with your girl present, because he falls in the most incredible love of all time every 10 minutes or so. And then he falls out of the most incredible love of all time every two to three months," Hardy said.
Hardy also noted that of all the happy memories he has of his friendship with Edge, the negative memory - Edge sleeping with Lita and "costing his job" - is the one that stands out.
The former WWE star also virtually confirmed a debut with TNA.
"And if the WWE talent relations department has a problem with me slandering one of their "top" stars, I guess you can just fire me or stop paying me or tell me that creative doesn't have anything for me. Oh yeah, you already did--oh well, they love me in Orlando."
After this weekend, the newly-WWE-signed CM Punk still holds the Ring Of Honor World Title. Punk defeated two midcard ROH workers in Jay Lethal and Roderick Strong at the Long Island and Manhattan shows, respectively.
Contrary to rumors, there is no plan for an RVD-led ECW "rebel" faction on RAW. While future ECW PPVs are expected, and former ECW talent will be showing up in WWE, the feeling is that WWE is not going with a full-time ECW return.
Rumors are going around that WWE just MIGHT be releasing Jerry "the King" Lawler. The COULD be one of the reasons that "The Coach" may have been brought onboard as RAW Commentator. The main reason could also be the HIGH salary demand of The King, and the fact that Coach's salary is MUCH smaller.
Dave Meltzer reports this:
Shinya Hashimoto passed away at approximately 9:30 a.m. Monday morning in Yokohama, Japan. His death is believed to have been due to a brain aneurism. He collapsed suddenly and was rushed to the hospital and is believed to have been dead on arrival. No other details are available at this moment. He was 40. Hashimoto, a many time IWGP champion and Hall of Famer, had, along with Hulk Hogan, headlined more successful huge live pro wrestling events than any wrestlers in the history of the business. He had been out of action for several months due to a shoulder injury and the collapse of the original Zero-One promotion. He was recovering from surgery in December.
Thanks to John Daly for this:
Actor/Comedian Jack Black is set to portray a masked Lucha Libre wrestler in an upcoming film entitled "Nacho Libre". The movie is said to be inspired by the true life story of a priest who moonlighted as a professional wrestler to help save an orphanage. Production is due to begin this Fall.
You can read more about the movie at: movies.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_9273.php/Jack_Blacks_wrestling_priest_movie_gets_title
Here is a Press Release from Juggalo Championship Wrestling:
"Juggalo Championship Wrestling's "Gathering Of The Juggalos" takes place on July 22, 23, 24 in Garrettsville, Ohio, and matchmakers have inked several more superstars to compete on this highly explosive event. Signed to the list of already contracted talents that include Terry Funk, Jeff Jarrett, Sabu, The Insane Clown Possee, and Abyss, JCW is thrilled to announce the addition of the "BWO's" Blue Meanie, Former WWE amazing wrestler Zach Gowen, and former ECW World champion Rhyno!
"We've got a fabulous lineup and after the wrestling show you can checkout concerts by Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid, 2 Live Crew, Powerman 5000, Mack 10, and Mini Kiss," notes JCW Commissioner The Rude Boy.
To see all the great names signed for this event and more information, go to www.juggalogathering.com. When you get to that page, click on the option at the top of the page "Gathering Events." At that page, scroll down and click the "Wrestling" option.
"Come to the Gathering Of The Juggalos," Rude Boy adds, "'cause you'll have a once in a lifetime INSANE experience you'll never forget!"
On Monday Night RAW, the HUGE surprise WWE return of Matt Hardy to attack Edge on TWO occassions...backstage AND in the ring, plus the return of Rowdy Roddy Piper and Piper's Pit, highlighted a VERY interesting episode of RAW!
I have talked to several people...by phone and through e-mail and I.M., and a MAJORITY of them tell me that they believe NOW that the whole Matt-Lita-Edge situation MAY have been a WORK, right from the start! IF this IS true, it's going to make for a MOST interesting summer AND Summer Slam, and could very well lead to a MASSIVE rise in the ratings for RAW.
What do YOU think? Why don't you e-mail me (to the e-mail address at the botton of this column, or post YOUR response if you are reading this on one of the various Message Boards or Forums where WrestleBeat is posted? THANKS!
And at the Tuesday Night SMACKDOWN tapings, ECW's Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten worked a Dark Match, defeating the Shane Twins and Frankie "the Future" Kazarian worked a Velocity Match vs. Nunzio. And in a SURPRISE return, Road Warrior Animal comes out to make the save for Heidenreich from an attack by MNM. Animal cleans house, and it is announced that at the SMACKDOWN PPV, The Great American Bash, MNM will put the WWE Tag Team Titles on the line against Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal.
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, Michae
(contact Michael Porter by e-mail at kmichaelporter@yahoo.com or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)