Post by michaelporter on Jul 20, 2005 19:28:28 GMT -5
Michael Porter's WrestleBeat (7-20-05)
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.
But BEFORE I get down to the NEWS, I would like to make a couple of announcements:
First up...at this time, I would like to announce to Owners/Promoters/Bookers of ANY and ALL INDY Pro Wrestling organizations OR National Feds...that if YOU would like to have me INCLUDE announcements of YOUR upcoming events AND results of YOUR events, I am willing to do so here in WrestleBeat. And, at THIS time WrestleBeat is NOW on 18 World Wide Websites, including 2 in England! And, I am anticipating on being added to a couple more in the next 2 or 3 weeks. So, if you would like some International exposure for your organization and events, feel FREE to e-mail me with ALL of the details of upcoming events AND results of those events, and I will GLADLY include them here in WrestleBeat...at NO CHARGE! FREE International exposure? You CAN'T lose with THAT! However, it will be up to YOU to provide ME with those details! Do NOT expect me to go to your organization's website for the details. If YOU don't send me the details...I WON'T report them.
And NOW...at THIS time, I am also hereby offering my services as Ring Announcer to YOUR organizations. Terms ARE negotiable, but MUST include REASONABLE compensation AND travel expenses. And, if your venue is a far enough distance from my hometown of Marysville, California, MUST include overnight accomodations at an appropiate hotel or motel. I am NEITHER picky NOR greedy, but the place MUST be clean! lol
If you have read my column in the past, you are aware that I worked for the WWF (now WWE) from December 1988 to June 1993, and BEFORE and SINCE, have worked for several Independent Wrestling organizations. I am VERY Professional and enthusiastic, and WOULD be an asset to your organization! If you require details of my Ring Announcing experience, I will GLADLY provide them. However...ONLY serious Inquiries will be considered. And YOU must be the Owner, Promoter, or Booker of your organization, and should be willing and able to provide proof of this.
And so...if you are interested in either having your Wrestling organization mentioned here in WrestleBeat OR the possibility of using me as your Ring Announcer, or if you would like to have my WrestleBeat column on YOUR website, PLEASE contact me by e-mail at: kmichaelporter@yahoo.com . Thank you for your consideration!
I HOPE to hear from you soon!
Alright...NOW I'll get down to business! lol
WCWA returned to the WCWA Arena on Saturday Night July 16th. Here are the Quick Results from Promoter Brian Elliot and www.wcwaprowrestling.com :
"7 foot, 1 inch monster Paul Isadora made a successful debut beating Mutacionado Uno, who called out Hijo de Chupacabra to assist him in the losing effort.
Apollo Green won a 3 way match against Bad Apple Adam and Risa de Muerte when the latter two took their war to the floor and got counted out.
Eric West successfully defended his WCWA belt against Rik Luxury in an exciting contest.
Chance Calloway & Bonsai Bruce Bukaki beat Sir Samurai and Hot Stuff Hayashi in a fun, fast-paced tag match.
Helfyre took the measure of a very game D.J. Rizz.
In a lumberjack match, a very disoriented Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. (suffered a concussion early in the match) retained his Ring of Fire title against Steel with help from a very unexpected source. While U.S. Steele distracted the ref and Schmirnoff, Chance Calloway blindsided Steel and caused him to lose the fall while the lumberjacks brawled all over the floor.
This was a double-payback from the last show when Steel stole a #1 contender match from U.S. Steele by pulling his tights and later screwed up Calloway's Ring of Fire title match by distracting the ref. What goes around, comes around I guess...
U.S. Steele capped off the evening by helping up, clobbering, then challenging Schmirnoff.
As we announced Saturday night, we have added July 30th to our schedule as our next show. After that, we will come back the following week (August 6th). Plenty of action to be had in the next few weeks. Hope to see you there!!!
I'm working on the next show and here's where we're going (if we can sign everyone):
Bad Apples vs. Devil Mountain (Devil Mountain Rules)
Alexis Schmirnoff vs. U.S. Steele (Ring of Fire Title)
Chance Calloway vs. Steel
Sir Samurai vs. Hijo de Chupacabra
Bonsai Bruce Bukaki vs. Rik Luxury
and, for the WCWA Title, Eric West vs. Ultimate Evil Shane Dynasty!!!
Please keep in mind that this is tentative and subject to change. I will keep you informed as more details and signings are confirmed.
And a final note about Devil Mountain member Rage, who has been noticeably absent from the last few shows. He was suspended after a review of his actions in his match with Shawn Gunn by the WCWA Championship Committee. His suspension is indefinite until he meets with the Championship Committee and agrees to a Code of Conduct. Thus far, he has failed to make the effort to contact the committee.
Until he does, we wish him well in his endeavors, but don't look for him in a WCWA ring.
I'm sure Blackie (and his cadre of lawyers) will have a few words to say about this one later on.
Also, we send out best wishes to Virgil Kensington Belmont and hope to see him back in action at the WCWA Arena very soon."
The WCWA Arena is located at 2312 Monument Blvd., next to the Dome Theatre. Take the Monument Blvd.Exit off 680 in Pleasant Hill, CA.
And now...on a personal note, I have received numerous e-mails asking me why I have NOT been at the last two WCWA shows. Now, as I have written in several past WrestleBeat columns, I have worked several WCWA shows as Guest Ring Announcer. And NOW, I am going to respond HERE, with a post from the www.wcwaprowrestling.com Message Boards by WCWA Promoter Brian Elliot, with HIS explaination as to why I have not been in Pleasant Hill for the last two shows. Here is that post by WCWA Promoter, Brian Elliot:
"Whatever happened to Michael Porter??? Thread Started on Jul 13, 2005, 5:11am.
I have not discussed the status of special guest ring announcer Michael Porter on the web site and I apologize for not addressing it earlier.
Awhile back, we heard through the grapevine that veteran WWF wrestling announcer and journalist Michael Porter was willing to come down and work a few shows for us.
We found him to be a terrific guy; very jovial and professional. There was no complaint with his performance whatsover. He was good as gold both in the ring and behind the scenes. This guy is a PRO.
(In fact, a "Fire Blackie - Hire Porter" petition made its way to my desk. Some of WCWA Management signed it.)
Unfortunately, Blackie has an iron-clad contract with enough loopholes to strangle a cat. If we try to mess with him, he'll probably end up OWNING the WCWA. And you think he's impossible now...
And as I have mentioned on more than one occasion, we are a fairly low budget operation. We try to put the money we have between the ropes in the form of the best wrestlers available.
We do not feel at this time that it is financially prudent to pay for two ring announcers when that money can be more wisely spent on wrestling talent.
And, for good or ill, we decided that one announcer keeps things flowing on the live shows. (Please keep up the "Shut Up Blackie!" campaign.)
However, the WCWA is attempting to sign a deal with a local television station to run a weekly show. If that becomes a reality, we will be inviting Mr. Porter to return in some announcing capacity.
We wish Mr. Porter continued success in all his endeavors and hope our paths cross again.
See you at the matches Saturday!!!
Brian Ellliott
WCWA Championship Committee
Well...there you have it...straight from the TOP of WCWA Management. I hope that this answers all of YOU and your questions.
One LAST point here on WCWA. I have decided to let you read my posted response to the Brian Elliot "Whatever Happened to Michael Porter" thread of July 13th. Here was MY response...ALSO dated July 13th:
"Re: Whatever happened to Michael Porter??? Reply #1 on Jul 13, 2005, 12:44pm.
First off...I would like to SINCERELY THANK everyone at WCWA for the opportunity to come down to Pleasant Hill and work for this FIRST-CLASS organization!
I would like to thank ALL of the Fans of WCWA for making me feel wanted and at home with you!
I would like to thank ALL of the WCWA Talent for making me feel like I belonged there with you!
I would also like to thank Paul Brown, Brian Elliot and everybody else behind-the-scenes...from Management to Production People to Security to Merchandise and Concession Personell and...OF COURSE...the Pledge of Allegiance Girls!
I HOPE to see you ALL somewhere down the road again soon...hopefully, when the WCWA TV show gets into production!
I WILL MISS YOU ALL!
I will, hopefully...WITH the permission of WCWA Management, continue to post my WrestleBeat columns here on www.wcwaprowrestling.com !
And so, in closing...I will say GOOD-BYE for now, with my Trademark WrestleBeat closing..."And so until next time...KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT!"
AND...GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Later,
Michael Porter"
For more information on WCWA, go to www.wcwaprowrestling.com .
Next up...the UWA returned to the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge in Modesto, CA. on Tuesday night July 19th. Unfortunately, I was NOT able to attend and work this event, due to transportation problems. However, here are the results of the show...with thanks to Ric Micheals:
"Show opening, Tommy Tsunami special guest ring announcer filling in for Michael Porter. Commissioner Wilds comes out and gets crowd pumped up. He then thanks the promoter at Fat Cat who helped bring UWA there. Then Ric Micheals (yours truly) came out. I was supposed to interview Vega who no showed, so Wilds STRIPPED him of his UWA Cruiserweight Title. I then offerred Wilds some UWA DVDs at $29.99 each or, since we have a past together, all of them for $30. The cheapskate then gave me a Wilds-Driver and threw the DVDs into the crowd. So much for trying to make a buck I guess.
Anyway...now onto the matches:
1. Joe Applebaumer def. D-Unit.
2. UWA Title semi-final match: Steel def. Rage. (It should be noted that Wilds used a Random Lottery Draw to determine the pairings).
3. UWA Title semi-final match: Rik Luxury def. Mike Rayne.
4. UWA Title semi-final match: Chris Ward def. Vinny Massaro.
5. Big Ugly/Trent Hemridge/Otis def. Rage/Nick Rage/D-Unit.
6. Chris Ward def. Rik Luxury and Steel in a 3 way dance to win the UWA Title.
7.Rik Luxury won the Fat Cat Cup Battle Royal. Afterwards, while new UWA Champion Chris Ward presented the cup to Luxury, he was attacked by former UWA Champion, the returning HUSTLER!
The attendance was estimated at 100-120."
THANK YOU Ric Micheals for the Quick Results! And a BIG THANK YOU to Tommy Tsunami for filling in for me at Fat Cat's for the show! I REALLY wish that I could have been there!
And now...on to the national news:
Ryan Clark reports these stories:
WWE will be releasing a 2-DVD set for The Ultimate Warrior's career on September 24th.
Winston Brands is currently in charge of booking for The Dudley Boyz and can be contacted at DudleyBoyzECW@aol.com. Such an email is not for fan-mail or other correspondence; it should only be used for serious inquiries related to booking the tag team. The Dudleys will make their first appearance at the WrestleReunion 2 event.
Roddy Piper has a part in USA Network's "Three Wise Guys," a Christmas movie due out in November.
From Dave Meltzer and WrestlingObserver.com:
We're sad to report the death earlier this morning (Saturday) of Jose Miguel Perez Sr., who was half of the best drawing tag team in McMahon promotions history with Argentina Rocca. Perez, 68, died of a massive heart attack while taking a morning shower. Rocca & Perez teamed throughout the world, but headlined most of the shows in MSG in the late 50s, during the strongest tag team era in the history of the building. They never lost a match in the building, and were always the main event, probably working more main events than anyone in history except Bruno and Backlund.
Earl Hebner, the most well known referee in U.S. pro wrestling, was fired earlier today (Monday) by WWE, allegedly for selling merchandise without authorization.
Reports that Dave Hebner was fired are said to be incorrect at the moment, although he was alleged to be involved and has been disciplined.
Earl Hebner has been with the company since 1988 when he played the role of heel Dave Hebner in the Andre the Giant title win over Hulk Hogan in Indianapolis. He's easily the most famous referee in pro wrestling history, stemming from his officiating the 1997 Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels match in Montreal where he ordered the bell rung on Hart. He was believed to have been the highest paid referee in the history of pro wrestling since that time as a reward for choosing to do what the company asked of him after promising not to do so to Hart, one of his best friends in the company.
He had refereed most main events on PPV for the past decade.
The Spike TV deal for TNA is said to be signed, sealed and delivered, and there is a legal issue, which will be expiring imminently, that has delayed the announcement. As soon as the issue expires, which I'm told is "moments away," the announcement would be made, so very possibly tomorrow. TNA in its videos teased the deal was already done in cryptic fashion on last night's (Sunday) PPV show.
And now, Ryan Clarke has this update on Earl Hebner:
TNA is already interested in Earl Hebner although it is not known if Hebner would be willing to work for TNA due to his long tenure he had with WWE. For those who missed it, Earl was fired prior to RAW after he was cut selling WWE merchandise without authorization. His twin brother Dave is still being 'investigated' and his son Brian is still a referee for the SmackDown! crew.
But now, Matthew Boone reports this on Dave Hebner:
Credit: PWInsider:
We have it confirmed that Dave Hebner, twin brother of Earl Hebner and WWE referee, has been released from the company. We believe we was finally informed of this yesterday (Tuesday).
Thanks to Amish Patel for the following:
Credit: PWInsider.com
VH1.com notes that the Rock will be starring in upcoming Disney movie, "Daddy's Girl." The Rock had the following to say about the movie:
"It's an inspirational sports-type of movie. I play basically Terrell Owens of the NFL, only more obnoxious, if you can imagine. I talk more trash, and I'm better, and I'm everything that I am."
The following Press Release comes from www.WrestleReunion.com :
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAG TEAM MATCH WITH THE DUDLEYS VS. MATT HARDY & RHINO ADDED TO WRESTLEREUNION 2 CARD ON AUG. 27
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, July 18, 2005
WrestleReunion 2, the world's finest and most comprehensive professional wrestling fan convention featuring over 50 wrestling stars, has added a new tag team match that pits the very popular Matt Hardy and Rhino vs. The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray and D-Von, to its 10-match wrestling card on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 First Ave. in King of Prussia, PA.
In addition to the live match, WrestleReunion 2, which runs from Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28, will give fans the opportunity to meet and talk with their favorite wrestlers of yesterday, today and tomorrow at Q & A sessions, autograph sessions and photo sessions. The three-day expo will also feature a tribute dinner to Bruno Sammartino, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and the one-man performance debut of wrestler Mick Foley's one-man show, "Mick at Night."
Hardy, Rhino, Bubba Ray and D-Von are popular with millions of wrestling fans who watch them on TV. All four recently left the WWE to pursue their careers with independent wrestling organizations. Hardy and Rhino are teaming up for their Aug. 27 match because they have been friends for some time. The unpredictable Dudleys honed their unique wrestling techniques when they were featured in the ECW in South Philadelphia.
The co-main event of the night is a six-man tag team match featuring Mick Foley and the Funk Brothers (Terry and Dory, Jr.) with Bobby " The Brain" Heenan vs. Jim Cornette and The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton and "Lover Boy" Dennis Condrey) and "Sweet" Stan Lane. The main event is Larry Zbyszko vs. Diamond Dallas Page with Bruno Sammartino in Page's corner. If Zbyszko wins, he gets five minutes in the ring with Sammartino to settle a 25-year grudge between the two.
Tickets are on sale now at www.WrestleReunion.com. A limited number of Weekend VIP tickets are $149.99 for all autograph sessions, all Q&A sessions and the 10-match card. Single day passes are $75 per day and include all autograph and Q&A sessions on the day of purchase. Sammartino dinner tickets are available only in advance through the website. Tickets for the convention, matches and Foley performance will be on sale at the door. To purchase by mail: WrestleReunion, P.O. Box 1259, Boynton Beach, FL, 33425. For additional information call 941-358- 6825.
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 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.
But BEFORE I get down to the NEWS, I would like to make a couple of announcements:
First up...at this time, I would like to announce to Owners/Promoters/Bookers of ANY and ALL INDY Pro Wrestling organizations OR National Feds...that if YOU would like to have me INCLUDE announcements of YOUR upcoming events AND results of YOUR events, I am willing to do so here in WrestleBeat. And, at THIS time WrestleBeat is NOW on 18 World Wide Websites, including 2 in England! And, I am anticipating on being added to a couple more in the next 2 or 3 weeks. So, if you would like some International exposure for your organization and events, feel FREE to e-mail me with ALL of the details of upcoming events AND results of those events, and I will GLADLY include them here in WrestleBeat...at NO CHARGE! FREE International exposure? You CAN'T lose with THAT! However, it will be up to YOU to provide ME with those details! Do NOT expect me to go to your organization's website for the details. If YOU don't send me the details...I WON'T report them.
And NOW...at THIS time, I am also hereby offering my services as Ring Announcer to YOUR organizations. Terms ARE negotiable, but MUST include REASONABLE compensation AND travel expenses. And, if your venue is a far enough distance from my hometown of Marysville, California, MUST include overnight accomodations at an appropiate hotel or motel. I am NEITHER picky NOR greedy, but the place MUST be clean! lol
If you have read my column in the past, you are aware that I worked for the WWF (now WWE) from December 1988 to June 1993, and BEFORE and SINCE, have worked for several Independent Wrestling organizations. I am VERY Professional and enthusiastic, and WOULD be an asset to your organization! If you require details of my Ring Announcing experience, I will GLADLY provide them. However...ONLY serious Inquiries will be considered. And YOU must be the Owner, Promoter, or Booker of your organization, and should be willing and able to provide proof of this.
And so...if you are interested in either having your Wrestling organization mentioned here in WrestleBeat OR the possibility of using me as your Ring Announcer, or if you would like to have my WrestleBeat column on YOUR website, PLEASE contact me by e-mail at: kmichaelporter@yahoo.com . Thank you for your consideration!
I HOPE to hear from you soon!
Alright...NOW I'll get down to business! lol
WCWA returned to the WCWA Arena on Saturday Night July 16th. Here are the Quick Results from Promoter Brian Elliot and www.wcwaprowrestling.com :
"7 foot, 1 inch monster Paul Isadora made a successful debut beating Mutacionado Uno, who called out Hijo de Chupacabra to assist him in the losing effort.
Apollo Green won a 3 way match against Bad Apple Adam and Risa de Muerte when the latter two took their war to the floor and got counted out.
Eric West successfully defended his WCWA belt against Rik Luxury in an exciting contest.
Chance Calloway & Bonsai Bruce Bukaki beat Sir Samurai and Hot Stuff Hayashi in a fun, fast-paced tag match.
Helfyre took the measure of a very game D.J. Rizz.
In a lumberjack match, a very disoriented Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. (suffered a concussion early in the match) retained his Ring of Fire title against Steel with help from a very unexpected source. While U.S. Steele distracted the ref and Schmirnoff, Chance Calloway blindsided Steel and caused him to lose the fall while the lumberjacks brawled all over the floor.
This was a double-payback from the last show when Steel stole a #1 contender match from U.S. Steele by pulling his tights and later screwed up Calloway's Ring of Fire title match by distracting the ref. What goes around, comes around I guess...
U.S. Steele capped off the evening by helping up, clobbering, then challenging Schmirnoff.
As we announced Saturday night, we have added July 30th to our schedule as our next show. After that, we will come back the following week (August 6th). Plenty of action to be had in the next few weeks. Hope to see you there!!!
I'm working on the next show and here's where we're going (if we can sign everyone):
Bad Apples vs. Devil Mountain (Devil Mountain Rules)
Alexis Schmirnoff vs. U.S. Steele (Ring of Fire Title)
Chance Calloway vs. Steel
Sir Samurai vs. Hijo de Chupacabra
Bonsai Bruce Bukaki vs. Rik Luxury
and, for the WCWA Title, Eric West vs. Ultimate Evil Shane Dynasty!!!
Please keep in mind that this is tentative and subject to change. I will keep you informed as more details and signings are confirmed.
And a final note about Devil Mountain member Rage, who has been noticeably absent from the last few shows. He was suspended after a review of his actions in his match with Shawn Gunn by the WCWA Championship Committee. His suspension is indefinite until he meets with the Championship Committee and agrees to a Code of Conduct. Thus far, he has failed to make the effort to contact the committee.
Until he does, we wish him well in his endeavors, but don't look for him in a WCWA ring.
I'm sure Blackie (and his cadre of lawyers) will have a few words to say about this one later on.
Also, we send out best wishes to Virgil Kensington Belmont and hope to see him back in action at the WCWA Arena very soon."
The WCWA Arena is located at 2312 Monument Blvd., next to the Dome Theatre. Take the Monument Blvd.Exit off 680 in Pleasant Hill, CA.
And now...on a personal note, I have received numerous e-mails asking me why I have NOT been at the last two WCWA shows. Now, as I have written in several past WrestleBeat columns, I have worked several WCWA shows as Guest Ring Announcer. And NOW, I am going to respond HERE, with a post from the www.wcwaprowrestling.com Message Boards by WCWA Promoter Brian Elliot, with HIS explaination as to why I have not been in Pleasant Hill for the last two shows. Here is that post by WCWA Promoter, Brian Elliot:
"Whatever happened to Michael Porter??? Thread Started on Jul 13, 2005, 5:11am.
I have not discussed the status of special guest ring announcer Michael Porter on the web site and I apologize for not addressing it earlier.
Awhile back, we heard through the grapevine that veteran WWF wrestling announcer and journalist Michael Porter was willing to come down and work a few shows for us.
We found him to be a terrific guy; very jovial and professional. There was no complaint with his performance whatsover. He was good as gold both in the ring and behind the scenes. This guy is a PRO.
(In fact, a "Fire Blackie - Hire Porter" petition made its way to my desk. Some of WCWA Management signed it.)
Unfortunately, Blackie has an iron-clad contract with enough loopholes to strangle a cat. If we try to mess with him, he'll probably end up OWNING the WCWA. And you think he's impossible now...
And as I have mentioned on more than one occasion, we are a fairly low budget operation. We try to put the money we have between the ropes in the form of the best wrestlers available.
We do not feel at this time that it is financially prudent to pay for two ring announcers when that money can be more wisely spent on wrestling talent.
And, for good or ill, we decided that one announcer keeps things flowing on the live shows. (Please keep up the "Shut Up Blackie!" campaign.)
However, the WCWA is attempting to sign a deal with a local television station to run a weekly show. If that becomes a reality, we will be inviting Mr. Porter to return in some announcing capacity.
We wish Mr. Porter continued success in all his endeavors and hope our paths cross again.
See you at the matches Saturday!!!
Brian Ellliott
WCWA Championship Committee
Well...there you have it...straight from the TOP of WCWA Management. I hope that this answers all of YOU and your questions.
One LAST point here on WCWA. I have decided to let you read my posted response to the Brian Elliot "Whatever Happened to Michael Porter" thread of July 13th. Here was MY response...ALSO dated July 13th:
"Re: Whatever happened to Michael Porter??? Reply #1 on Jul 13, 2005, 12:44pm.
First off...I would like to SINCERELY THANK everyone at WCWA for the opportunity to come down to Pleasant Hill and work for this FIRST-CLASS organization!
I would like to thank ALL of the Fans of WCWA for making me feel wanted and at home with you!
I would like to thank ALL of the WCWA Talent for making me feel like I belonged there with you!
I would also like to thank Paul Brown, Brian Elliot and everybody else behind-the-scenes...from Management to Production People to Security to Merchandise and Concession Personell and...OF COURSE...the Pledge of Allegiance Girls!
I HOPE to see you ALL somewhere down the road again soon...hopefully, when the WCWA TV show gets into production!
I WILL MISS YOU ALL!
I will, hopefully...WITH the permission of WCWA Management, continue to post my WrestleBeat columns here on www.wcwaprowrestling.com !
And so, in closing...I will say GOOD-BYE for now, with my Trademark WrestleBeat closing..."And so until next time...KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT!"
AND...GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Later,
Michael Porter"
For more information on WCWA, go to www.wcwaprowrestling.com .
Next up...the UWA returned to the Fat Cat Music House and Lounge in Modesto, CA. on Tuesday night July 19th. Unfortunately, I was NOT able to attend and work this event, due to transportation problems. However, here are the results of the show...with thanks to Ric Micheals:
"Show opening, Tommy Tsunami special guest ring announcer filling in for Michael Porter. Commissioner Wilds comes out and gets crowd pumped up. He then thanks the promoter at Fat Cat who helped bring UWA there. Then Ric Micheals (yours truly) came out. I was supposed to interview Vega who no showed, so Wilds STRIPPED him of his UWA Cruiserweight Title. I then offerred Wilds some UWA DVDs at $29.99 each or, since we have a past together, all of them for $30. The cheapskate then gave me a Wilds-Driver and threw the DVDs into the crowd. So much for trying to make a buck I guess.
Anyway...now onto the matches:
1. Joe Applebaumer def. D-Unit.
2. UWA Title semi-final match: Steel def. Rage. (It should be noted that Wilds used a Random Lottery Draw to determine the pairings).
3. UWA Title semi-final match: Rik Luxury def. Mike Rayne.
4. UWA Title semi-final match: Chris Ward def. Vinny Massaro.
5. Big Ugly/Trent Hemridge/Otis def. Rage/Nick Rage/D-Unit.
6. Chris Ward def. Rik Luxury and Steel in a 3 way dance to win the UWA Title.
7.Rik Luxury won the Fat Cat Cup Battle Royal. Afterwards, while new UWA Champion Chris Ward presented the cup to Luxury, he was attacked by former UWA Champion, the returning HUSTLER!
The attendance was estimated at 100-120."
THANK YOU Ric Micheals for the Quick Results! And a BIG THANK YOU to Tommy Tsunami for filling in for me at Fat Cat's for the show! I REALLY wish that I could have been there!
And now...on to the national news:
Ryan Clark reports these stories:
WWE will be releasing a 2-DVD set for The Ultimate Warrior's career on September 24th.
Winston Brands is currently in charge of booking for The Dudley Boyz and can be contacted at DudleyBoyzECW@aol.com. Such an email is not for fan-mail or other correspondence; it should only be used for serious inquiries related to booking the tag team. The Dudleys will make their first appearance at the WrestleReunion 2 event.
Roddy Piper has a part in USA Network's "Three Wise Guys," a Christmas movie due out in November.
From Dave Meltzer and WrestlingObserver.com:
We're sad to report the death earlier this morning (Saturday) of Jose Miguel Perez Sr., who was half of the best drawing tag team in McMahon promotions history with Argentina Rocca. Perez, 68, died of a massive heart attack while taking a morning shower. Rocca & Perez teamed throughout the world, but headlined most of the shows in MSG in the late 50s, during the strongest tag team era in the history of the building. They never lost a match in the building, and were always the main event, probably working more main events than anyone in history except Bruno and Backlund.
Earl Hebner, the most well known referee in U.S. pro wrestling, was fired earlier today (Monday) by WWE, allegedly for selling merchandise without authorization.
Reports that Dave Hebner was fired are said to be incorrect at the moment, although he was alleged to be involved and has been disciplined.
Earl Hebner has been with the company since 1988 when he played the role of heel Dave Hebner in the Andre the Giant title win over Hulk Hogan in Indianapolis. He's easily the most famous referee in pro wrestling history, stemming from his officiating the 1997 Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels match in Montreal where he ordered the bell rung on Hart. He was believed to have been the highest paid referee in the history of pro wrestling since that time as a reward for choosing to do what the company asked of him after promising not to do so to Hart, one of his best friends in the company.
He had refereed most main events on PPV for the past decade.
The Spike TV deal for TNA is said to be signed, sealed and delivered, and there is a legal issue, which will be expiring imminently, that has delayed the announcement. As soon as the issue expires, which I'm told is "moments away," the announcement would be made, so very possibly tomorrow. TNA in its videos teased the deal was already done in cryptic fashion on last night's (Sunday) PPV show.
And now, Ryan Clarke has this update on Earl Hebner:
TNA is already interested in Earl Hebner although it is not known if Hebner would be willing to work for TNA due to his long tenure he had with WWE. For those who missed it, Earl was fired prior to RAW after he was cut selling WWE merchandise without authorization. His twin brother Dave is still being 'investigated' and his son Brian is still a referee for the SmackDown! crew.
But now, Matthew Boone reports this on Dave Hebner:
Credit: PWInsider:
We have it confirmed that Dave Hebner, twin brother of Earl Hebner and WWE referee, has been released from the company. We believe we was finally informed of this yesterday (Tuesday).
Thanks to Amish Patel for the following:
Credit: PWInsider.com
VH1.com notes that the Rock will be starring in upcoming Disney movie, "Daddy's Girl." The Rock had the following to say about the movie:
"It's an inspirational sports-type of movie. I play basically Terrell Owens of the NFL, only more obnoxious, if you can imagine. I talk more trash, and I'm better, and I'm everything that I am."
The following Press Release comes from www.WrestleReunion.com :
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAG TEAM MATCH WITH THE DUDLEYS VS. MATT HARDY & RHINO ADDED TO WRESTLEREUNION 2 CARD ON AUG. 27
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, July 18, 2005
WrestleReunion 2, the world's finest and most comprehensive professional wrestling fan convention featuring over 50 wrestling stars, has added a new tag team match that pits the very popular Matt Hardy and Rhino vs. The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray and D-Von, to its 10-match wrestling card on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 First Ave. in King of Prussia, PA.
In addition to the live match, WrestleReunion 2, which runs from Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28, will give fans the opportunity to meet and talk with their favorite wrestlers of yesterday, today and tomorrow at Q & A sessions, autograph sessions and photo sessions. The three-day expo will also feature a tribute dinner to Bruno Sammartino, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and the one-man performance debut of wrestler Mick Foley's one-man show, "Mick at Night."
Hardy, Rhino, Bubba Ray and D-Von are popular with millions of wrestling fans who watch them on TV. All four recently left the WWE to pursue their careers with independent wrestling organizations. Hardy and Rhino are teaming up for their Aug. 27 match because they have been friends for some time. The unpredictable Dudleys honed their unique wrestling techniques when they were featured in the ECW in South Philadelphia.
The co-main event of the night is a six-man tag team match featuring Mick Foley and the Funk Brothers (Terry and Dory, Jr.) with Bobby " The Brain" Heenan vs. Jim Cornette and The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton and "Lover Boy" Dennis Condrey) and "Sweet" Stan Lane. The main event is Larry Zbyszko vs. Diamond Dallas Page with Bruno Sammartino in Page's corner. If Zbyszko wins, he gets five minutes in the ring with Sammartino to settle a 25-year grudge between the two.
Tickets are on sale now at www.WrestleReunion.com. A limited number of Weekend VIP tickets are $149.99 for all autograph sessions, all Q&A sessions and the 10-match card. Single day passes are $75 per day and include all autograph and Q&A sessions on the day of purchase. Sammartino dinner tickets are available only in advance through the website. Tickets for the convention, matches and Foley performance will be on sale at the door. To purchase by mail: WrestleReunion, P.O. Box 1259, Boynton Beach, FL, 33425. For additional information call 941-358- 6825.
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)