Post by michaelporter on Aug 3, 2005 12:20:36 GMT -5
Michael Porter's WrestleBeat (8-3-05)
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.
HOWEVER...I NEED to get something off my chest, right off the bat. It is non-wrestling BUT, this is MY column, so I CAN do it!
So...PLEASE BARE WITH ME! ALL I ask of you is to induldge me in my rant...my SANITY depends on me getting this out. NOT only for ME, but for ANYONE else who is considering Wal-Mart as an option for purchasing a new bicycle...for YOURSELF or, more importantly for your CHILDREN! THANK YOU for your understanding! Alright...HERE GOES!
"I'm PISSED as HELL and I'm going to let fly! I'm going to "shoot" here on Wal-Mart and Pacific Cycle (maker of the 'Roadmaster' bicycles! So...HERE GOES:
The PARTICULAR bicycle I received was a Roadmaster Mountain Sport XS 18-Speed Model # R4446WMMT & Item # 000714900, with Linear pull brakes with alloy brake levers, out of Lot # 37. It was purchased on July 6, 2005. About 4 days later, as I was riding home from working at Cuts Fitness for Men in Yuba City, CA., I noticed that the right nut had come off from the front wheel of the bicycle! And, as I later found out, the left nut was ALSO loose! THIS could have come off also and the front wheel could have come TOTALLY off!
So, I went back to the Marysville/Linda, CA. Wal-Mart, where the bicycle was purchased, and told the Manager of the Bicycle (Toys Department) of the situation. He informed me that there HAD been OTHER problems and complaints, and that HE was NOT pleased or happy with the work of the guy in charge of putting the bicycles together. He then went to the back and brought me replacement nuts and bolts. I was fine with THIS.
Then, on July 18, 2005, I was riding home from work when, coming off of the 5th St. Bridge into Marysville, the right pedal fell of of the bicycle. I nearly lost my balance as my foot came off from the bicycle. However, I was able to maintain my balance. Then the brakes failed! I was able to use my feet to skid to a stop. I was UPSET! That was close, I thought. I then had to call my roomate to come pick me up, as I was still too far from home to even ATTEMPT to ride the bicycle without one pedal.
My upper and lower back was sore from the strain of having to hold control of the bicycle due to the pedal and brake failure!
The next day, July 19th, I took the bicycle back to Wal-Mart. I had the choice of getting the money back for the bicycle OR exchanging it for another bike. I chose to get another bike...the EXACT SAME model. I was happy, because I REALLY liked the bicycle.
THEN...THREE days later, on Friday July 22nd, as I was riding to work...I had crossed the HWY 70 Bridge coming from Linda into Marysville, and going down the circular downgrade to ground level, when the BRAKES on THIS bicycle failed! I fought to maintain control of the bike. I had the brake levers COMPLETELY depressed, but the bike continued to gain speed. Then, at one point I finally lost the battle and crashed into the concrete barrier! The front wheel hit first...TOTALLY and COMPLETELY bending the wheel into a twisted mess. I also hit the barrier, which has wrought-iron non-pointed spikes sticking up from the concrete barrier. My right forearm hit the spikes, immediately followed by the right side of my chest! I was in TERRIBLE pain! My forearm was bleeding. And my left and right shins were also bleeding! And I had bruising on the insides of both of my knees! I WAS HURTING!
I'D HAD IT! I had to call my boss from Cuts Fitness for Men, Gavin Henry to let him know what had happened. So, since the front wheel on the bike was completely bent, I had to CARRY the bike from the ramp to the near-by Mervyn's Department Store, where I called Gavin.
After I called him and he was on his way to pick the bicycle and me up at Mervyn's, I went to the Men's Room to check my chest, which was hurting terribly. I looked in the mirror and saw my chest bruised and battered. I was having a little trouble breathing. I think that it was just shock and maybe some hyper-vententilation, but it WAS scarry just the same!
After Gavin picked me up, he drove me home to get the receipt for the bicycle. I said "To HELL with it! I'm getting the money back this time!". Gavin took me and the bike to Wal-Mart, where I met with Assistant Manager, Vince (LAST name, unknown). With Gavin present, I received a FULL refund and told Vince what had happened.
Vince then made the comment that the bicycle was the responsibility of the Manufacturing Company, which is Pacific Cycle of Madison, Wisconson. But, I KNEW and Gavin commented on it later, that Pacific Cycle sends the bicycles in boxes to Wal-Mart, where someone working for Wal-Mart puts the bicycles together.
Now, Vince wanted me to sit down right then and fill out an Incident Report. But, I didn't have the time right there and then. I NEEDED to get to work. There was NO ONE else to be there to cover for me, as Gavin was working at his other job. So, I told Vince that I would come back in to Wal-Mart the next morning and fill out the Incident Report...which I DID, on the morning of Saturday July 23rd. But when I woke up on the morning of July 23rd, I was in pain...from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet! I WAS MISERABLE!
It was sometime during this point (July 22nd) when I realized that I did NOT have my small carrying case that contained my Driver's License, my Bank of America ATM Card, my Medi-Cal card, and a small amount of change...along with my brand-new Digital Camera. I was DEVASTATED! Gavin took me back to Mervyn's to see if my property was still there or if someone had turned it in. However, when I checked by the phone booth and in the Men's Room, it was NOT there. I went to Customer Service to see if anyone might have turned it in, but NO LUCK there either! So, SOMEONE made out like a BANDIT...with my new Digital Camera. I could get a new Driver's License, and Medi-Cal card. And so, I called the bank, and THEY put a STOP on my ATM card, so NO ONE could use it.
I did NOT go to the Emergency Room that day or night because I had to work...PLUS, WITHOUT my Medi-Cal card, NO medical facility would see me, unless I had the card, OR CASH up front...which I didn't have.
So, I went to my usual Medical Facility...the Peach Tree Clinic on Lindhurst Ave. in Marysville/Linda on Monday morning July 25th, which has my Medi-Cal card on file. They sent me to Freemont Hospital that day for x-rays on my right forearm and the right side of my chest. I am currently awaiting the results of those x-rays.
I DO however realize AND know, that this is NOT the rule, but IS an exception as far as Wal-Mart goes! NOT every bicycle put together and sold at Wal-Mart, is defective our put together improperly! And so...in conclusion, I state right here and now, in WrestleBeat that I VERY MUCH like Wal-Mart and I WILL continue to shop there! "
So...there you have it...MY FULL STORY.
Are there ANY of YOU...my WrestleBeat readers...who MAY possibly be an Attorney-at-Law, who could advise me on just WHAT I should do in this case? Should I go after Pacific Cycle or Wal-Mart, who put the bicycle toghther...or BOTH? I WAS injured! And it COULD have been WORSE! If I had gone down a SPLIT-SECOND earlier, my THROAT would have struck the up-right metal rods! Then...GAME OVER! And if I hadn't grabbed the railing, and since I ALMOST flipped over the rail...the drop would have been 10-12 FEET on to the cement side-walk below! That would have or could have resulted in a broken BACK, broken NECK, or WORSE! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED...right then and there! Was I damaged...I THINK SO!
Alright...I've said my piece. And I kid you NOT...I AM considering a HUGE lawsuit against Wal-Mart, who put the bicycle together RECKLESSLY and/or CARELESSLY, or Pacific Cycle, who manufactured the bicycle IMPROPERLY...or BOTH! It's just a matter of securing the RIGHT attorney! Do YOU out there have ANY suggestions or recommendations? If so...let me THANK YOU in advance!
Alright...back to the business of Professional Wrestling!
First up...I received this e-mail from Jarriod Sudderberg with the results of the most recent WCWA Event on Saturday Night July 30th at the WCWA Arena and the next WCWA Event on Saturday Night in Pleasant Hill, CA.:
"Things got underway unexpectedly as U.S. Steele was jumped in the ringside area by Ring of Fire Champ Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. before the show even started! These two were scheduled to meet later in the evening to settle their long-standing feud. Schmirnoff pummeled Steel with his flagpole repeatedly and battered Steele's knee, leaving him for dead in the ring.
Sir Samurai defeats El Hijo De Chupacobra via pinfall
7-Footer, Paul Isadora defeats Steel via DQ (Steel was managed by Sir Samurai)
Bad-Apples defeats Risa De Muerte & Rage via pinfall (who turned on Risa during the Match)
Rik Luxury defeats Bruce Bukakke via pin-fall (Luxury was managed by Sir Samurai)
Jason Vega defeats Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. via pinfall (To win the Pacific Ring Of Fire Wrestling Championship)
Main Event
Eric West (WCWA Champion) and Hell-Fire (DMW Champion) were both counted out.
This coming Saturday August 6th will see the start of the WCWA Tag Team Tournament to crown the champions. Entrants to the tourney include the Bad Apples, Rik Luxury & Steel, Giant Paul Isadora & Hijo de Chupacabra, the Douglas Brothers, Risa de Muerte & Shane Dynasty, D.J. Rizz & Chance Calloway, Lost Hermanos Mutacionados and more.
Risa de Muerte will challange Rage
Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. will challange NEW Pacific-Rim Ring of Fire Champion Jason Vega
And, in the main event, Helfyre and Blackie have screamed to the heights of Devil Mountain for a rematch with WCWA Champion Eric West. Blackie has stressed that the title is meaningless and they are out for blood."
The WCWA Arena is located at 2312 Monument Blvd. next to the Dome Theatre in Pleasant Hill, CA.
Next up...I would like to remind you that starting THIS Thursday August 4th, Michael Porter's WrestleShoot WILL RETURN to the RADIO airwaves in the Northern California area and become a weekly part of The Dave Logasa Morning Show on Country 103.1 FM in the Marysville/Yuba City/Colusa/Sutter/Oroville, CA. area and OTHER surrounding Northern California locations! THAT'S RIGHT...WrestleShoot IS coming back to radio!
On Thursdays, Dave and I will be discussing the goings-on in the World of Professional Wrestling...INCLUDING behind-the-scenes news. My WrestleShoot segment will air at approximately 8:10am, and I am inviting you to listen in...and if you like what you hear, PLEASE let Dave Logasa AND KKCY General Manager/Program Director, Michael Berry know.
So...once again, tune into The Dave Logasa Morning Show at 8:10am THIS Thursday August 4th for the first installment of Michael Porter's WrestleShoot. And be sure to check out The Dave Logasa Morning Show from 5:00am-9:00am on Country 103.1 FM KKCY Marysville/Yuba City/Colusa/Sutter/Oroville areas and MANY other surrounding locations.
Country 103.1 FM KKCY is a POWERFUL, 24 HOUR radio station, located in Yuba City, California. KKCY provides local and national news, GREAT on-air personalities, and the BEST in Country Music! And the KKCY signal can be heard from as far north as Chico to Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin and the surrounding areas to the south and ALL areas in between!
For more information on Country 103.1 FM KKCY, go to www.kkcy.com or, you can reach them by phone at (530) 673-2200.
And now...on to the national news:
Thanks to Andy Steven for the following:
The trailer for The Rock's next movie, Doom, based on the popular PC game is now online at IGN's FilmForce website. The teaser is only 1 minute 15 seconds and it shows the first look of the former WWE champ as 'Sarge'. The man leading the Marines stationed at a Martian research facility owned and operated by the Union Aerospace Corporation.
On yesterday’s Stealth show featured a preview for the movie Doom. The Rock was featured in the preview. The movie is released in theaters October 21.
Ryan Clark reports these stories:
The NBC Saturday Night specials planned for next year are scheduled to be "Raw" shows.
Hulk Hogan is claiming he is under contract to WWE through 2010. Hmmm.
We have had two fan reports noting that at the OVW house show in Elizabethtown, KY over the weekend, Matt Cappotelli was injured during a match with Blond Bombers. We're told the injury occurred from a botched attempt at a suplex.
As we understand from inside OVW sources, his lower leg is broken (possibly in two separate places). He had to be helped out of the ring by paramedics and was treated at Hardin Memorial Hospital locally.
More as we get it.
As most of you know, Kane tombstoned Lita onto the steel ramp after the stretcher match. On WWE EXPERIENCE, they showed the tombstone. In fact, they actually replayed it three or four times. Also, they said that "Lita is in critical condition and we they don't know when, if ever, Lita will be back. Also, Kane has been arrested and is in jail. We don't know when he will return either." Just an interesting note.
Of course, this is all just storyline and they will likely follow things up on RAW. Lita will be out awhile.
From WWE.com:
“This sucks,” Matt Capotelli recently told WWE.com. “It’s like I went from my highest peak to my lowest valley in one night. I was getting ready to have a huge impact with WWE, and now this happens.”
Capotelli, who most insiders believed was on the verge of making a big impact with WWE, was on the wrong end of suplex when his ankle gave out on the landing.
“It was just a freak thing,” Capotelli told WWE.com. “It was a combination of where I landed and how the ring gave in. I knew right away, my fibula just snapped.”
Capotelli said doctors have told him it will be close to eight weeks before he can return to the ring.
Still, Capotelli, a winner of Tough Enough III, only expects this injury to slow him down, not stop him.
“Something like this makes you look deep within yourself,” Capotelli said. “I’m not going to dwell on the negative. I’m going to let this adversity fuel my heart and my drive. I have eight weeks to be better than I was before. Nobody is gong to pass me by, and when I come back I’m going to jump in right where I left off. This is jump a bump in the road.”
John Cena was busted the hard way with the camera shot on RAW. We'll have an update tomorrow but you can bet he needed stitches.
Source: PWinsider.com
Matt Stryker has signed a deal with WWE after management was impressed with his work against Kurt Angle. The deal was signed this past week and is a full-fledged deal and not a developmental tryout.
Danny Doring and Roadkill were backstage at RAW last night (Monday). They will likely be at tonight's (Tuesday) SmackDown! tapings as well.
Joey Styles reports this:
"My former employer, Kappa Publishing (owner of Pro Wrestling Illustrated and other magazines) finally launched webistes for their magazines (albeit 10 years after the rest of the world).
Visit www.pwi-online.com "
Dave Meltzer and WrestlingObserver reports this humorous piece:
Minor League baseball player Taft Cable of the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks apparently has an uncanny resemblance to Hulk Hogan. Well, he has the same goatee and they play "Real American" when he comes out to pitch. he's 6-1 with a 2.66 ERA and was named to the Northern League's All-Star team.
It was VERY interesting seeing my old compadre, Tatanka on Monday Night RAW. He has put on some poundage, but it was GREAT seeing him all the same!
Speaking of Tatanka, Ryan Clark reports this:
From his official website Tatanka has posted about being on RAW:
"I'm sitting in my hotel room after my match with Eugene/Kurt Angle, and boy, did it feel good to be in a WWE ring again!
Let's hope Vince gives me another chance, so I can bring Tatanka back to the WWE!"
Also, I'm glad that Vince FINALLY announced that WWE has OFFICIALLY re-signed Matt Hardy and that Matt would face Edge at Summer Slam! And after introducing Hardy, Matt came to the ring, and cut a "shoot" promo on Edge and Lita, using their real names of Adam Copeland and Amy Dumas AND the real-life situation. Hardy even brought up the Lita-Kane "marriage", saying that at the end of each night, after Kane and Lita were being man and wife in public, Amy would come home to him! VERY interesting promo!
Alright...there is a LENGHTY read by none other that the Ultimate Warrior. Granted...I know that the former WWF/E World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion, Jim Helwig, could ramble on in Warrior-ese...saying everything or NOTHING...much or all which was unintelligable. However I DO remember remember the Warrior as a very well-spoken and intelligent person.
In the piece, Warrior discusses the upcoming release of the Ultimate Warrior 2-disc DVD by WWE Home video, AND the Internet posts, which SOMETIMES are far from the truth, regarding the contents of the DVD. Warrior holds NOTHING back...INCLUDING remarks on WWE and WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon. To read the WHOLE story from the prospective of the Ultimate Warrior, go to www.UltimateWarrior.com ! It IS worth the read!
And finally...this Press Release from WrestleReunion.com reveals all of the latest news and updates on the MASSIVE WrestleReunion 2 coming up next month:
"WRESTLEREUNION 2 PRESENTS THE LARGEST INDY WRESTLING CARD OF THE YEAR ON SATURDAY AUGUST 27, 2005
WRESTLEREUNION 2 PRESENTS A DINNER HONORING BRUNOSAMMARTINO PLUS MICK FOLEY’S ONE MAN SHOW- “MICK AT NIGHT”- ON FRIDAY AUGUST 26, 2005
WRESTLEREUNION 2 BRINGS WHO’S WHO OF PRO WRESTLING STARS TO VALLEY FORGE (PA) CONVENTION CENTER AUG. 26-28
UNPRECEDENTED WEEKEND WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY BRUNO SAMMARTINO, AUTOGRAPH & Q&A SESSIONS, 10-MATCH LIVE CARD, STARS OF YESTERYEAR, TODAY AND TOMORROW; A WRESTLING FAN’S DREAM
WrestleReunion 2, the world’s finest and most comprehensive show featuring the top professional wrestlers of the last 40 years, will set up its ring, autograph and photo booths, and serve up a tribute dinner to honor Bruno Sammartino, “The Living Legend of Wrestling,” on Friday, Aug. 26, Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28 at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA.
Co-presented by wrestling guru Bill Apter and three-time WCW World Champion Diamond Dallas Page, WrestleReunion 2 will give wrestling fans the opportunity to meet one-on-one with some 50 wrestlers, secure autographs, take photographs, enjoy special events and attend Q & A sessions. Many are veterans who thrilled fans for years and appeared regularly at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Madison Square Garden in New York, Capital Center in Landover and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island.
WrestleReunion 2 weekend begins on Friday at 7:00 p.m. with a dinner at the convention center saluting Bruno Sammartino, 70. Speakers will include Jimmy Hart, Bill Apter, Diamond Dallas Page, J.J. Dillon, Mick Foley and Domenic Denucci. A separate ticket is required to attend this event. Tickets at $99 must be purchased in advance at www.WrestleReunion.com.
At 10:30 p.m., spend an evening with Mick Foley aka Mr. Socko, one of the true greats of our era and one of the all-time great storytellers as he performs his entertaining one-man show, “Mick at Night.” Foley recalls episodes and incidents from his incredible career in a unique one man show to be taped for DVD and possible television comedy special release. This unique event will take place in Lily Langtree’s Las Vegas style showroom within the hotel and seating is limited. Tickets are just $25 and are available on line or at the door.
On Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., wrestling fans will get up close and personal with the wrestlers who have brought them so much joy and excitement over the years; meeting, talking and being photographed with the athletes.
At 8 p.m. on Saturday, fans will love the 10-match card that WrestleReunion founder Sal Corrente and promoter Rob Russen have put together to spotlight wrestling greats of the past, present and future.
The line-up is as follows:
The main event could set the stage for the settling of a 25-year grudge between Sammartino and his former protégé, Larry Zbyszko. If Zbyszko (accompanied by Ivan Koloff) defeats Diamond Dallas Page (accompanied by Bruno Sammartino) in the main event, he will get five minutes in the ring with Sammartino.
The co-main event is a 6-Man Tag Match with “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley and The Funk Brothers Dory Jr. and Terry (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) vs. The Midnight Express (with Jim Cornette) “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, “Loverboy” Dennis Condry and “Sweet” Stan Lane.
Another spectacular feature in Matt Hardy and Rhino vs. The Dudleys has just been added.
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine defends the IWA Heavyweight Title vs. long-time rival Tito Santana.
In an Eight Man Elimination Tag Team Match “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, The Missing Link, D-lo Brown and Dr. Tom Prichard face off against “The King of Old School” Steve Corino, Andrew Martin (formerly known as “Test”), The Original Evil Clown and The Masked Superstar.
Also of note there will be a Mixed Tag Team Match with former WWF Ladies Champion Wendi Richter, George South, Jr., and The Patriot vs. Amy Love, DC Drake and Gorgeous Gary Royal.
In a very special legends Russian Chain Match match, Former WWWF Heavyweight Champion “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff (accompanied by Nikolai Volkoff) takes on Domenic DeNucci.
Fathers and sons face each other in a unique encounter as Don and Joe Muraco face Bob and Brad Armstrong.
In a Four Corners Tag Team Match, The Samoan Island Tribe (Samu and Alofa) with Sika The Wild Samoan face The Fantastics, The Backseat Boyz, and The Thunderfoots.
And in the comeback many thought would never happen, Doctor Death Steve Williams takes on wily veteran King Kahlua.
Nick Bockwinkel will serve as commissioner for the matches and Bret “The Hitman” Hart will conduct an in-ring interview as part of a live "Apter’s Alley". The great “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart will join Bret for the interview. Referees for the evening are the legendary penis Whoerle, Tiger Hattori, Billy Caputo and John Finnegan. Tickets to the matches are part of the VIP Package or $75 for matches alone.
Tickets are on sale now at www.WrestleReunion.com. 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. 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."
HOLD ON...BREAKING NEWS...THIS JUST IN! Ryan Clark reports this IMPORTANT developement:
The following statement was just posted on WWE.com:
"Bret "Hitman" Hart is scheduled to arrive at WWE Headquarters at 4:00pm ET today to meet with WWE officials."
As reported last week, Bret Hart has been in negotiations with WWE about a possible return for a while now. Many reports stated WWE was interested in inducting Hart into the Hall of Fame before WrestleMania 22 next year, although that has yet to be confirmed.
THAT'S a GREAT way to close WrestleBeat this week!
Well, that does it for another edition of WrestleBeat. I'll be back next time with more news and notes from the 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.
HOWEVER...I NEED to get something off my chest, right off the bat. It is non-wrestling BUT, this is MY column, so I CAN do it!
So...PLEASE BARE WITH ME! ALL I ask of you is to induldge me in my rant...my SANITY depends on me getting this out. NOT only for ME, but for ANYONE else who is considering Wal-Mart as an option for purchasing a new bicycle...for YOURSELF or, more importantly for your CHILDREN! THANK YOU for your understanding! Alright...HERE GOES!
"I'm PISSED as HELL and I'm going to let fly! I'm going to "shoot" here on Wal-Mart and Pacific Cycle (maker of the 'Roadmaster' bicycles! So...HERE GOES:
The PARTICULAR bicycle I received was a Roadmaster Mountain Sport XS 18-Speed Model # R4446WMMT & Item # 000714900, with Linear pull brakes with alloy brake levers, out of Lot # 37. It was purchased on July 6, 2005. About 4 days later, as I was riding home from working at Cuts Fitness for Men in Yuba City, CA., I noticed that the right nut had come off from the front wheel of the bicycle! And, as I later found out, the left nut was ALSO loose! THIS could have come off also and the front wheel could have come TOTALLY off!
So, I went back to the Marysville/Linda, CA. Wal-Mart, where the bicycle was purchased, and told the Manager of the Bicycle (Toys Department) of the situation. He informed me that there HAD been OTHER problems and complaints, and that HE was NOT pleased or happy with the work of the guy in charge of putting the bicycles together. He then went to the back and brought me replacement nuts and bolts. I was fine with THIS.
Then, on July 18, 2005, I was riding home from work when, coming off of the 5th St. Bridge into Marysville, the right pedal fell of of the bicycle. I nearly lost my balance as my foot came off from the bicycle. However, I was able to maintain my balance. Then the brakes failed! I was able to use my feet to skid to a stop. I was UPSET! That was close, I thought. I then had to call my roomate to come pick me up, as I was still too far from home to even ATTEMPT to ride the bicycle without one pedal.
My upper and lower back was sore from the strain of having to hold control of the bicycle due to the pedal and brake failure!
The next day, July 19th, I took the bicycle back to Wal-Mart. I had the choice of getting the money back for the bicycle OR exchanging it for another bike. I chose to get another bike...the EXACT SAME model. I was happy, because I REALLY liked the bicycle.
THEN...THREE days later, on Friday July 22nd, as I was riding to work...I had crossed the HWY 70 Bridge coming from Linda into Marysville, and going down the circular downgrade to ground level, when the BRAKES on THIS bicycle failed! I fought to maintain control of the bike. I had the brake levers COMPLETELY depressed, but the bike continued to gain speed. Then, at one point I finally lost the battle and crashed into the concrete barrier! The front wheel hit first...TOTALLY and COMPLETELY bending the wheel into a twisted mess. I also hit the barrier, which has wrought-iron non-pointed spikes sticking up from the concrete barrier. My right forearm hit the spikes, immediately followed by the right side of my chest! I was in TERRIBLE pain! My forearm was bleeding. And my left and right shins were also bleeding! And I had bruising on the insides of both of my knees! I WAS HURTING!
I'D HAD IT! I had to call my boss from Cuts Fitness for Men, Gavin Henry to let him know what had happened. So, since the front wheel on the bike was completely bent, I had to CARRY the bike from the ramp to the near-by Mervyn's Department Store, where I called Gavin.
After I called him and he was on his way to pick the bicycle and me up at Mervyn's, I went to the Men's Room to check my chest, which was hurting terribly. I looked in the mirror and saw my chest bruised and battered. I was having a little trouble breathing. I think that it was just shock and maybe some hyper-vententilation, but it WAS scarry just the same!
After Gavin picked me up, he drove me home to get the receipt for the bicycle. I said "To HELL with it! I'm getting the money back this time!". Gavin took me and the bike to Wal-Mart, where I met with Assistant Manager, Vince (LAST name, unknown). With Gavin present, I received a FULL refund and told Vince what had happened.
Vince then made the comment that the bicycle was the responsibility of the Manufacturing Company, which is Pacific Cycle of Madison, Wisconson. But, I KNEW and Gavin commented on it later, that Pacific Cycle sends the bicycles in boxes to Wal-Mart, where someone working for Wal-Mart puts the bicycles together.
Now, Vince wanted me to sit down right then and fill out an Incident Report. But, I didn't have the time right there and then. I NEEDED to get to work. There was NO ONE else to be there to cover for me, as Gavin was working at his other job. So, I told Vince that I would come back in to Wal-Mart the next morning and fill out the Incident Report...which I DID, on the morning of Saturday July 23rd. But when I woke up on the morning of July 23rd, I was in pain...from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet! I WAS MISERABLE!
It was sometime during this point (July 22nd) when I realized that I did NOT have my small carrying case that contained my Driver's License, my Bank of America ATM Card, my Medi-Cal card, and a small amount of change...along with my brand-new Digital Camera. I was DEVASTATED! Gavin took me back to Mervyn's to see if my property was still there or if someone had turned it in. However, when I checked by the phone booth and in the Men's Room, it was NOT there. I went to Customer Service to see if anyone might have turned it in, but NO LUCK there either! So, SOMEONE made out like a BANDIT...with my new Digital Camera. I could get a new Driver's License, and Medi-Cal card. And so, I called the bank, and THEY put a STOP on my ATM card, so NO ONE could use it.
I did NOT go to the Emergency Room that day or night because I had to work...PLUS, WITHOUT my Medi-Cal card, NO medical facility would see me, unless I had the card, OR CASH up front...which I didn't have.
So, I went to my usual Medical Facility...the Peach Tree Clinic on Lindhurst Ave. in Marysville/Linda on Monday morning July 25th, which has my Medi-Cal card on file. They sent me to Freemont Hospital that day for x-rays on my right forearm and the right side of my chest. I am currently awaiting the results of those x-rays.
I DO however realize AND know, that this is NOT the rule, but IS an exception as far as Wal-Mart goes! NOT every bicycle put together and sold at Wal-Mart, is defective our put together improperly! And so...in conclusion, I state right here and now, in WrestleBeat that I VERY MUCH like Wal-Mart and I WILL continue to shop there! "
So...there you have it...MY FULL STORY.
Are there ANY of YOU...my WrestleBeat readers...who MAY possibly be an Attorney-at-Law, who could advise me on just WHAT I should do in this case? Should I go after Pacific Cycle or Wal-Mart, who put the bicycle toghther...or BOTH? I WAS injured! And it COULD have been WORSE! If I had gone down a SPLIT-SECOND earlier, my THROAT would have struck the up-right metal rods! Then...GAME OVER! And if I hadn't grabbed the railing, and since I ALMOST flipped over the rail...the drop would have been 10-12 FEET on to the cement side-walk below! That would have or could have resulted in a broken BACK, broken NECK, or WORSE! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED...right then and there! Was I damaged...I THINK SO!
Alright...I've said my piece. And I kid you NOT...I AM considering a HUGE lawsuit against Wal-Mart, who put the bicycle together RECKLESSLY and/or CARELESSLY, or Pacific Cycle, who manufactured the bicycle IMPROPERLY...or BOTH! It's just a matter of securing the RIGHT attorney! Do YOU out there have ANY suggestions or recommendations? If so...let me THANK YOU in advance!
Alright...back to the business of Professional Wrestling!
First up...I received this e-mail from Jarriod Sudderberg with the results of the most recent WCWA Event on Saturday Night July 30th at the WCWA Arena and the next WCWA Event on Saturday Night in Pleasant Hill, CA.:
"Things got underway unexpectedly as U.S. Steele was jumped in the ringside area by Ring of Fire Champ Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. before the show even started! These two were scheduled to meet later in the evening to settle their long-standing feud. Schmirnoff pummeled Steel with his flagpole repeatedly and battered Steele's knee, leaving him for dead in the ring.
Sir Samurai defeats El Hijo De Chupacobra via pinfall
7-Footer, Paul Isadora defeats Steel via DQ (Steel was managed by Sir Samurai)
Bad-Apples defeats Risa De Muerte & Rage via pinfall (who turned on Risa during the Match)
Rik Luxury defeats Bruce Bukakke via pin-fall (Luxury was managed by Sir Samurai)
Jason Vega defeats Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. via pinfall (To win the Pacific Ring Of Fire Wrestling Championship)
Main Event
Eric West (WCWA Champion) and Hell-Fire (DMW Champion) were both counted out.
This coming Saturday August 6th will see the start of the WCWA Tag Team Tournament to crown the champions. Entrants to the tourney include the Bad Apples, Rik Luxury & Steel, Giant Paul Isadora & Hijo de Chupacabra, the Douglas Brothers, Risa de Muerte & Shane Dynasty, D.J. Rizz & Chance Calloway, Lost Hermanos Mutacionados and more.
Risa de Muerte will challange Rage
Alexis Schmirnoff Jr. will challange NEW Pacific-Rim Ring of Fire Champion Jason Vega
And, in the main event, Helfyre and Blackie have screamed to the heights of Devil Mountain for a rematch with WCWA Champion Eric West. Blackie has stressed that the title is meaningless and they are out for blood."
The WCWA Arena is located at 2312 Monument Blvd. next to the Dome Theatre in Pleasant Hill, CA.
Next up...I would like to remind you that starting THIS Thursday August 4th, Michael Porter's WrestleShoot WILL RETURN to the RADIO airwaves in the Northern California area and become a weekly part of The Dave Logasa Morning Show on Country 103.1 FM in the Marysville/Yuba City/Colusa/Sutter/Oroville, CA. area and OTHER surrounding Northern California locations! THAT'S RIGHT...WrestleShoot IS coming back to radio!
On Thursdays, Dave and I will be discussing the goings-on in the World of Professional Wrestling...INCLUDING behind-the-scenes news. My WrestleShoot segment will air at approximately 8:10am, and I am inviting you to listen in...and if you like what you hear, PLEASE let Dave Logasa AND KKCY General Manager/Program Director, Michael Berry know.
So...once again, tune into The Dave Logasa Morning Show at 8:10am THIS Thursday August 4th for the first installment of Michael Porter's WrestleShoot. And be sure to check out The Dave Logasa Morning Show from 5:00am-9:00am on Country 103.1 FM KKCY Marysville/Yuba City/Colusa/Sutter/Oroville areas and MANY other surrounding locations.
Country 103.1 FM KKCY is a POWERFUL, 24 HOUR radio station, located in Yuba City, California. KKCY provides local and national news, GREAT on-air personalities, and the BEST in Country Music! And the KKCY signal can be heard from as far north as Chico to Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin and the surrounding areas to the south and ALL areas in between!
For more information on Country 103.1 FM KKCY, go to www.kkcy.com or, you can reach them by phone at (530) 673-2200.
And now...on to the national news:
Thanks to Andy Steven for the following:
The trailer for The Rock's next movie, Doom, based on the popular PC game is now online at IGN's FilmForce website. The teaser is only 1 minute 15 seconds and it shows the first look of the former WWE champ as 'Sarge'. The man leading the Marines stationed at a Martian research facility owned and operated by the Union Aerospace Corporation.
On yesterday’s Stealth show featured a preview for the movie Doom. The Rock was featured in the preview. The movie is released in theaters October 21.
Ryan Clark reports these stories:
The NBC Saturday Night specials planned for next year are scheduled to be "Raw" shows.
Hulk Hogan is claiming he is under contract to WWE through 2010. Hmmm.
We have had two fan reports noting that at the OVW house show in Elizabethtown, KY over the weekend, Matt Cappotelli was injured during a match with Blond Bombers. We're told the injury occurred from a botched attempt at a suplex.
As we understand from inside OVW sources, his lower leg is broken (possibly in two separate places). He had to be helped out of the ring by paramedics and was treated at Hardin Memorial Hospital locally.
More as we get it.
As most of you know, Kane tombstoned Lita onto the steel ramp after the stretcher match. On WWE EXPERIENCE, they showed the tombstone. In fact, they actually replayed it three or four times. Also, they said that "Lita is in critical condition and we they don't know when, if ever, Lita will be back. Also, Kane has been arrested and is in jail. We don't know when he will return either." Just an interesting note.
Of course, this is all just storyline and they will likely follow things up on RAW. Lita will be out awhile.
From WWE.com:
“This sucks,” Matt Capotelli recently told WWE.com. “It’s like I went from my highest peak to my lowest valley in one night. I was getting ready to have a huge impact with WWE, and now this happens.”
Capotelli, who most insiders believed was on the verge of making a big impact with WWE, was on the wrong end of suplex when his ankle gave out on the landing.
“It was just a freak thing,” Capotelli told WWE.com. “It was a combination of where I landed and how the ring gave in. I knew right away, my fibula just snapped.”
Capotelli said doctors have told him it will be close to eight weeks before he can return to the ring.
Still, Capotelli, a winner of Tough Enough III, only expects this injury to slow him down, not stop him.
“Something like this makes you look deep within yourself,” Capotelli said. “I’m not going to dwell on the negative. I’m going to let this adversity fuel my heart and my drive. I have eight weeks to be better than I was before. Nobody is gong to pass me by, and when I come back I’m going to jump in right where I left off. This is jump a bump in the road.”
John Cena was busted the hard way with the camera shot on RAW. We'll have an update tomorrow but you can bet he needed stitches.
Source: PWinsider.com
Matt Stryker has signed a deal with WWE after management was impressed with his work against Kurt Angle. The deal was signed this past week and is a full-fledged deal and not a developmental tryout.
Danny Doring and Roadkill were backstage at RAW last night (Monday). They will likely be at tonight's (Tuesday) SmackDown! tapings as well.
Joey Styles reports this:
"My former employer, Kappa Publishing (owner of Pro Wrestling Illustrated and other magazines) finally launched webistes for their magazines (albeit 10 years after the rest of the world).
Visit www.pwi-online.com "
Dave Meltzer and WrestlingObserver reports this humorous piece:
Minor League baseball player Taft Cable of the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks apparently has an uncanny resemblance to Hulk Hogan. Well, he has the same goatee and they play "Real American" when he comes out to pitch. he's 6-1 with a 2.66 ERA and was named to the Northern League's All-Star team.
It was VERY interesting seeing my old compadre, Tatanka on Monday Night RAW. He has put on some poundage, but it was GREAT seeing him all the same!
Speaking of Tatanka, Ryan Clark reports this:
From his official website Tatanka has posted about being on RAW:
"I'm sitting in my hotel room after my match with Eugene/Kurt Angle, and boy, did it feel good to be in a WWE ring again!
Let's hope Vince gives me another chance, so I can bring Tatanka back to the WWE!"
Also, I'm glad that Vince FINALLY announced that WWE has OFFICIALLY re-signed Matt Hardy and that Matt would face Edge at Summer Slam! And after introducing Hardy, Matt came to the ring, and cut a "shoot" promo on Edge and Lita, using their real names of Adam Copeland and Amy Dumas AND the real-life situation. Hardy even brought up the Lita-Kane "marriage", saying that at the end of each night, after Kane and Lita were being man and wife in public, Amy would come home to him! VERY interesting promo!
Alright...there is a LENGHTY read by none other that the Ultimate Warrior. Granted...I know that the former WWF/E World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion, Jim Helwig, could ramble on in Warrior-ese...saying everything or NOTHING...much or all which was unintelligable. However I DO remember remember the Warrior as a very well-spoken and intelligent person.
In the piece, Warrior discusses the upcoming release of the Ultimate Warrior 2-disc DVD by WWE Home video, AND the Internet posts, which SOMETIMES are far from the truth, regarding the contents of the DVD. Warrior holds NOTHING back...INCLUDING remarks on WWE and WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon. To read the WHOLE story from the prospective of the Ultimate Warrior, go to www.UltimateWarrior.com ! It IS worth the read!
And finally...this Press Release from WrestleReunion.com reveals all of the latest news and updates on the MASSIVE WrestleReunion 2 coming up next month:
"WRESTLEREUNION 2 PRESENTS THE LARGEST INDY WRESTLING CARD OF THE YEAR ON SATURDAY AUGUST 27, 2005
WRESTLEREUNION 2 PRESENTS A DINNER HONORING BRUNOSAMMARTINO PLUS MICK FOLEY’S ONE MAN SHOW- “MICK AT NIGHT”- ON FRIDAY AUGUST 26, 2005
WRESTLEREUNION 2 BRINGS WHO’S WHO OF PRO WRESTLING STARS TO VALLEY FORGE (PA) CONVENTION CENTER AUG. 26-28
UNPRECEDENTED WEEKEND WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY BRUNO SAMMARTINO, AUTOGRAPH & Q&A SESSIONS, 10-MATCH LIVE CARD, STARS OF YESTERYEAR, TODAY AND TOMORROW; A WRESTLING FAN’S DREAM
WrestleReunion 2, the world’s finest and most comprehensive show featuring the top professional wrestlers of the last 40 years, will set up its ring, autograph and photo booths, and serve up a tribute dinner to honor Bruno Sammartino, “The Living Legend of Wrestling,” on Friday, Aug. 26, Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28 at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA.
Co-presented by wrestling guru Bill Apter and three-time WCW World Champion Diamond Dallas Page, WrestleReunion 2 will give wrestling fans the opportunity to meet one-on-one with some 50 wrestlers, secure autographs, take photographs, enjoy special events and attend Q & A sessions. Many are veterans who thrilled fans for years and appeared regularly at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Madison Square Garden in New York, Capital Center in Landover and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island.
WrestleReunion 2 weekend begins on Friday at 7:00 p.m. with a dinner at the convention center saluting Bruno Sammartino, 70. Speakers will include Jimmy Hart, Bill Apter, Diamond Dallas Page, J.J. Dillon, Mick Foley and Domenic Denucci. A separate ticket is required to attend this event. Tickets at $99 must be purchased in advance at www.WrestleReunion.com.
At 10:30 p.m., spend an evening with Mick Foley aka Mr. Socko, one of the true greats of our era and one of the all-time great storytellers as he performs his entertaining one-man show, “Mick at Night.” Foley recalls episodes and incidents from his incredible career in a unique one man show to be taped for DVD and possible television comedy special release. This unique event will take place in Lily Langtree’s Las Vegas style showroom within the hotel and seating is limited. Tickets are just $25 and are available on line or at the door.
On Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., wrestling fans will get up close and personal with the wrestlers who have brought them so much joy and excitement over the years; meeting, talking and being photographed with the athletes.
At 8 p.m. on Saturday, fans will love the 10-match card that WrestleReunion founder Sal Corrente and promoter Rob Russen have put together to spotlight wrestling greats of the past, present and future.
The line-up is as follows:
The main event could set the stage for the settling of a 25-year grudge between Sammartino and his former protégé, Larry Zbyszko. If Zbyszko (accompanied by Ivan Koloff) defeats Diamond Dallas Page (accompanied by Bruno Sammartino) in the main event, he will get five minutes in the ring with Sammartino.
The co-main event is a 6-Man Tag Match with “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley and The Funk Brothers Dory Jr. and Terry (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) vs. The Midnight Express (with Jim Cornette) “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, “Loverboy” Dennis Condry and “Sweet” Stan Lane.
Another spectacular feature in Matt Hardy and Rhino vs. The Dudleys has just been added.
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine defends the IWA Heavyweight Title vs. long-time rival Tito Santana.
In an Eight Man Elimination Tag Team Match “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, The Missing Link, D-lo Brown and Dr. Tom Prichard face off against “The King of Old School” Steve Corino, Andrew Martin (formerly known as “Test”), The Original Evil Clown and The Masked Superstar.
Also of note there will be a Mixed Tag Team Match with former WWF Ladies Champion Wendi Richter, George South, Jr., and The Patriot vs. Amy Love, DC Drake and Gorgeous Gary Royal.
In a very special legends Russian Chain Match match, Former WWWF Heavyweight Champion “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff (accompanied by Nikolai Volkoff) takes on Domenic DeNucci.
Fathers and sons face each other in a unique encounter as Don and Joe Muraco face Bob and Brad Armstrong.
In a Four Corners Tag Team Match, The Samoan Island Tribe (Samu and Alofa) with Sika The Wild Samoan face The Fantastics, The Backseat Boyz, and The Thunderfoots.
And in the comeback many thought would never happen, Doctor Death Steve Williams takes on wily veteran King Kahlua.
Nick Bockwinkel will serve as commissioner for the matches and Bret “The Hitman” Hart will conduct an in-ring interview as part of a live "Apter’s Alley". The great “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart will join Bret for the interview. Referees for the evening are the legendary penis Whoerle, Tiger Hattori, Billy Caputo and John Finnegan. Tickets to the matches are part of the VIP Package or $75 for matches alone.
Tickets are on sale now at www.WrestleReunion.com. 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. 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."
HOLD ON...BREAKING NEWS...THIS JUST IN! Ryan Clark reports this IMPORTANT developement:
The following statement was just posted on WWE.com:
"Bret "Hitman" Hart is scheduled to arrive at WWE Headquarters at 4:00pm ET today to meet with WWE officials."
As reported last week, Bret Hart has been in negotiations with WWE about a possible return for a while now. Many reports stated WWE was interested in inducting Hart into the Hall of Fame before WrestleMania 22 next year, although that has yet to be confirmed.
THAT'S a GREAT way to close WrestleBeat this week!
Well, that does it for another edition of WrestleBeat. I'll be back next time with more news and notes from the 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)