Credit: F4WOnline.com

With Wrestlemania 26 just around the corner, we’re starting to hear some talk regarding who is being considered for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010.

Names rumored to be included in the Class of 2010 include Ted DiBiase, the Road Warriors, Demolition, Ron Simmons and Slick. Other names that are being mentioned, but are less likely are Ultimate Warrior, Lex Luger and The Honky Tonk Man.

Ted DiBiase is considered to be the most likely.

Labels: 2010 WWE Hall of Fame, wrestlemania 26

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:15 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

WWE’s United States Champion The Miz recently spoke with The Orlando Sentinel. Here are some of the highlights:

You got to interact with him (Ozzy Osbourne) but can you flex your pecs to “Crazy Train” like Chris Masters’ did?

(laughs) I think that actually stole the entire show. It’s what everyone is talking about! A man that can flex his pecs to “Crazy Train”. I mean, did that really happen? Chris Masters isn’t the type of person to go out there and start shaking his boobs but then all of a sudden he just starting doing it. It was absolutely incredible.

What was your first reaction when you heard that Shane McMahon was leaving the company?

My first reaction – I thought maybe he wanted to do something else that wasn’t wrestling-related. Maybe he wanted to venture off on his own which I wish him the best of luck with whatever he does. I’m not sure exactly what he’s going to do but if I was a son growing up with a father as powerful as Vince McMahon, and always kind of doing what my daddy did and that kind of stuff. I think it’s very noble of him to say you know what, I want to venture out. I want to do something different. So, hopefully he’ll do great and I imagine he will.

Next year at WrestleMania, you’ll probably be in your first singles match for that event. Where do you expect to be when it comes to that show?

For WrestleMania 26 – which tickets go on sale this Saturday, November 7th – I plan on doing something very big. WrestleMania is our Superbowl. WrestleMania is the biggest event that we all wait for, that we all look forward to. So when that moment comes, I plan to be ready. I’m hoping to have a singles match. If not, I’ll hopefully be in the Money in the Bank where I can win an opportunity to go up for the World Championship or the WWE Championship. So I look forward to WrestleMania. There’s always something that’s unpredictable, that shocks and awes audiences, that people will talk about for years to come. Last year, if you remember, Mickey Rourke came on who is an Oscar nominated actor and actually knocked out Chris Jericho. You had that amazing, amazing match with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker that was an instant classic. So I’m looking forward to this WrestleMania where I’ll actually get to be into it and hopefully make a classic match and memorable memories for everyone.

Labels: the miz

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:13 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Source: PWInsider.com

Regarding everyone wondering what’s up with Shane McMahon leaving WWE, it has become the new “Randy Savage talk” backstage within WWE. It’s clear that Vince isn’t happy about Shane leaving the company, especially after some of his comments on today’s conference call with investors.

Labels: randy savage, shane mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:12 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Buy Wrestlemania 26 Tickets Now!

Labels: wrestlemania 26

Posted by Matt Loede at 12:51 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Jim Ross is back with another blog on jrsbarbq.com. Here are some of the highlights:

- Yours truly had a great conversation earlier this week with the Big Show who is spending ample time in the New Orleans area working on a WWE Film that he feels is going to be really funny. Show is a big hearted, funny guy and has natural comedic timing from my personal dealings with him over the years. We laughed about one of his “recruiting trips’ to WWE where he came to our home in Norwalk, Connecticut for dinner and ate, let’s say, an ample amount of wife Jan’s apple butter and hot biscuits. Jerry Brisco and myself were the two guys that courted Show when he was thinking of staying in WCW or coming to WWE. I’m happy that we got our man who has the potential to be a huge, box office, wrestling attraction if he is not over exposed. I think the big guy’s movie exposure will provide Show with some unique opportunities over time in the film world.

- Got a wonderful text message from HBK that had me tearing on Friday. What a wonderful spirit and heart possessed by HBK who is arguably the greatest in ring performer currently active in the business. He is for my cash. The man Shawn Michaels has evolved into is a credit to his Faith and his family and would be great for young wrestlers to observe closely. Wrestlers, not unlike any other grouping of talented, insecure, and creative types need leadership on a consistent basis. That includes mentoring, hands on handling of issues and the honesty that it takes to build a sound, long term foundation that promotes individual growth which in turn helps build companies. Those that are in a position to manage significant aspects of the biz need to always remember that their most important assets are their talent and how talents are managed, developed and lead is going to determine the long term success of any company, wrestling or other wise.

- Two of my goals in wrestling are to broadcast HBK and the Undertaker’s last bouts which I get the feeling will not be any time soon. There is no reason for either man to contemplate retirement while the money is huge, they can adequately manage their travel schedules and most importantly that they still love what they do. Obviously, their health overrides every thing but both men seem to be holding up well and can do more with less than the vast majority of their peers. As a matter of fact, most wrestlers try to get too much in their bouts which causes a disconnect with many fans because of the break neck pace where maneuvers and situations mean less and less.

Labels: jim ross

Posted by Matt Loede at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

PWInsider reports that Rey Mysterio will get a chance at revenge on Batista, as the two SmackDown superstars will square off at WWE’s Survivor Series pay-per-view on November 22nd. With that match confirmed, here’s the updated announced card:

WWE Title Match
John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

World Heavyweight Title Match
The Undertaker vs. Big Show vs. Chris Jericho

Rey Mysterio vs. Batista

Labels: 2009 Survivor Series

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:30 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

In addition to the ECW Title match between Christian and William Regal on next week’s ECW, The Hurricane will face Paul Burchill in a match. If Burchill loses, he and Katie Lea must leave ECW and if Hurricane loses, he must take his mask off.

Labels: paul burchill

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:27 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Edge, who currently is recovering from a torn achilles tendon, commented on his current status during an interview with Play3-Live.com. “I’m doing stairs on it now,” Edge said. “I started therapy. I’m on the long road to getting back. I’m on the road now. Before I wasn’t even on the road. I had crutches and I was in a cast, but now I can I can actually do some things like walk again and I can wear shoes.”

The former WWE World Champion was also asked whether he will be ready to return to action next year. “It will definitely be next year,” Edge said. “It won’t be anytime before next year. I would love to come back in time for WrestleMania and earlier, but it’s too soon to tell. It’s been four months. They said six months, so who knows.”

Labels: edge

Posted by Matt Loede at 1:27 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The 2009 Survivor Series is right around the corner, and now you can win an official WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PRIZE PACK here on Let's Talk Wrestling!

Simply email the answer to the following question to letswrestlewwe@gmail.com

Name the 10 Wrestlers in the main event of the First Survivor Series in 1987 in Richfield, OH

Don't forget to check out the mega main event at this years Survivor Series - Triple H, Shawn Michaels and John Cena in a triple threat match for the WWE Title!

The prize pack includes:

1 Survivor Series anthology DVD

1 Survivor Series 2009 t-shirt

1 DX Skull Cap


Enter now, and good luck! Winner to be announced on Monday, November 23, 2009!

Labels: 2009 Survivor Series

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Source: F4Wonline.com

The working idea this past week was to have a Team Kofi vs. Team Orton match under traditional Survivor Series rules at the Survivor Series pay-per-view later this month. The teams would be Kofi Kingston, MVP, Mark Henry and a partner vs. Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes and a partner.

A rumor going around was that the SmackDown creative team had been planning a Team Batista vs. Team Mysterio match also.

Labels: 2009 Survivor Series, kofi kingston

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:46 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

There is an article featuring Hulk Hogan on The Chicago Tribune. Below are some highlights:

His WWE Hall of Fame ring (which incidently covers a "Linda" tattoo on his finger): "I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing."

His Musical spirations: "I was in England
presenting an award with Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, and she told me the [Rolling] Stones were looking for a bass player. I sent her a ton of merchandise that she asked for and said ‘Tell Mick I’m a great bass player.’ I never heard a word back."

Wrestling again: "People might say I'm too slow or crippled to get back in the ring. I can't say they're wrong. I heard Stone Cold [Steve Austin] say 'I'm not hanging around and embarrassing myself like some of these old guys.' I wonder who he's talking about, you know?"

Labels: hulk hogan, linda hogan, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:45 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Via his Twitter recently, Cryme Tyme member Shad Gaspard said he had recovered from Swine Flu, and implied this is why he missed the recent SmackDown match and the Bragging Rights PPV - Gaspard is now dispelling this claim:

"Thanks all for the support! I was just sick no swine flu...Cryme Tyme has the dopest fans!"

"Ok people...how we doin out there? But seriously I was just feeling a lil sick...any one have good pig flu jokes? I will post the best ones"

Labels: shad gaspard

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

WWE announced on their website today that principle photography will wrap this week in New Orleans on their next movie, Knucklehead. The movie stars
Big Show, Mark Feuerstein from Royal Pains and Melora Hardin from The Office. The movie is a comedy adventure which also stars Dennis Farina from Law & Order and others. The movie is currently scheduled for a theatrical release in the Spring of 2010.

Labels: Knucklehead, the big show

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Partial source: PWInsider

Warrior's lawsuit against WWE will be officially dismissed with prejudice on November 27th. Judge Rosyln O. Silver is giving Warrior's team until the 27th so they have a chance to file anything that may put the case back in motion but it appears that the case will be done this month.

Labels: utlimate warrior

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Source: Wrestling Observer

At a recent WWE creative meeting, Michael Hayes brought up the idea of doing something to “write Shane McMahon out of the promotion.” Hayes brought this up only as an idea in front of other writers and to the best of anyone’s knowledge, has not mentioned it in front of the McMahons yet.

Besides that, the creative team is taking Shane’s departure as something that is a taboo subject to talk about, especially in public. Triple H has been asked by wrestlers what’s the story with Shane leaving and he’s been saying he knows as much as everyone else does, which nobody believes.

Labels: shane mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The UK Sun is reporting that boxer Ricky Hatton will be the guest host for WWE Raw on November 9 in Sheffield, England. According to the Sun, Vince McMahon was looking for an English star with a big profile in the United States. With Hatton’s fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao generating huge pay-per-view numbers in the United States in recent years, Hatton was a great fit.

Other names in considered were Ricky Gervais and Lennox Lewis. Vince went with Ricky Hatton because he feels Hatton is a name who will increase ticket sales for WWE’s house show in Europe, as well as increase the ratings in the UK and US.

Labels: Ricky Hatton, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have been removed from the Alumni section of WWE’s official website. That is a sign that there is a bit of bad blood between the two sides. However, for some reason, Eric Bischoff is still listed on the site.

Labels: hulk hogan, ric flair

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

WWE sent out the following press release, hyping Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne hosting RAW this coming Monday night:

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne Host Monday Night Raw

Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and international television personality Sharon Osbourne will rule the ring as the latest celebrity guest hosts of Monday Night Raw at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, live November 2nd at 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT on USA Network.STAMFORD, Conn., October 28, 2009 – Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne and international television personality Sharon Osbourne will rule the ring as the latest celebrity guest hosts of Monday Night Raw at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, live November 2nd at 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT on USA Network.

The Prince of Darkness has released his autobiography, I am Ozzy, which details his childhood and his years in entertainment. The working-class kid from Aston, England, has sold more than a hundred million records with Black Sabbath and as an award-winning solo artist combined. His autobiography, I am Ozzy, is currently in stores in the U.K., Germany, Ireland and Australia and it will be available in the United States on January 25, 2010 from Grand Central Publishing.

When it comes to Raw, what rules will the patriarch and matriarch of “The First Family of Darkness” dare to make for the WWE® Superstars and Divas? Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne join the prestigious list of past Raw celebrity guest hosts, including NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal, Emmy-winning actor Jeremy Piven, music icon Snoop Dogg and boxing champ Floyd Mayweather.

Labels: RAW

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

WWE’s website may have spoiled the World Heavyweight Title match at the Survivor Series pay-per-view. As noted before, it was mentioned on RAW last night that Big Show is the new #1 contender to The Undertaker’s World Title. In a new Halloween section on the WWE website, they have a page looking at Undertaker’s Survivor Series matches with the following caption saying that Big Show has challenged Undertaker to a casket match:

“Very few Superstars have the unique connection with Survivor Series like Undertaker does. Now that Big Show has challenged The Phenom to a casket match, WWE.com examines The Deadman’s Survivor Series bouts.”

While The Undertaker defeated Big Show in a casket match at last year’s Survivor Series and that same match is featured in this section on the website, this caption that says Big Show has challenged Undertaker to a casket match appears to be new.

Labels: 2009 Survivor Series, big show, undertaker

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:04 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

"Hulkamania” is back! The biggest name in professional wrestling history, Hulk Hogan, is joining Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA), the fastest rising wrestling organization in the world and home to one of cable television’s highest rated shows for young men, TNA iMPACT! The announcement was made today by TNA Wrestling in conjunction with Spike TV at a press conference held in New York City.

“Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family,” said Dixie Carter, President of TNA Wrestling. “Our goal is to become the world’s biggest professional wrestling company. Hulk defines professional wrestling and we look forward to partnering with him in a variety of ways as we continue to grow TNA globally.”

“I’m thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling,” said Hogan. “My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now. TNA Wrestling is a great company with an already excellent fan base, business and broadcast partner. I firmly believe now is the time for some change at TNA as they are positioned to jump to the next level in their development and I’m here to work with Dixie to help make that a reality.”

Through Hogan’s partnership with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television, the deal with TNA was negotiated by longtime Hogan colleague Eric Bischoff. Additionally, BHE TV has inked a first-look deal with TNA and will be working with the organization to develop new programming extensions of the TNA brand.

“Hulk Hogan adds yet another level of star power that positions TNA iMPACT as Spike TV’s version of ‘Must-See TV’ on Thursday nights,” said Kevin Kay, president of Spike.

Hogan most recently penned an autobiography with Mark Dagostino, “My Life Outside The Ring” with St. Martin’s Press.

Labels: hulk hogan, tna

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:02 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The latest on Hulk Hogan signing with TNA is that he will be a major on-screen character, but will not wrestle on a regular basis. With Hogan and Eric Bischoff joining TNA, it allows Spike TV to get first opportunity at signing a deal for the Hogan/Ric Flair reality series.

The Hogan signing is said to be the first of many major announcements from TNA and Spike TV. A speculated announcement is a timeslot change for Impact to go head-to-head with Raw and additional programming.

Labels: eric bishoff, hulk hogan

Posted by Matt Loede at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Nowadays, Stephanie McMahon only goes on the road during weeks when there are pay-per-views. As WWE’s Executive Vice President of Creative Development & Operations (and a mother of two), she primarily works at the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

Labels: stephanie McMahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: 2009 bragging rights

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The change in the Bragging Rights main event with Team SmackDown was a decision made by Vince McMahon at an October 20th production meeting. Vince saw the two original teams together in the ring on RAW last Monday and felt that the SmackDown team looked too weak.

The changing of that match was all the big talk after this week’s SmackDown tapings. A lot of people were wondering why officials went with the original team in the first place and some were joking about the way the change went down. When everyone arrived at the tapings on Tuesday, they were told about the match between the old team and the new team with the planned finish being Matt Hardy hitting Shad Gaspard with a Twist of Fate to get the win. Shad was backstage and appeared to be fine but after finding out the match change, he became very sick and went back to his hotel room. Some were speculating that Shad got “sick” because he didn’t want to lose clean to Hardy on TV.

Labels: 2009 bragging rights, matt hardy, vince mcmahon

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Matt Hardy posted messages on Twitter yesterday regarding his brother Jeff that have since been deleted. Here are some of what he wrote with the first two being the ones that he deleted:

“A year or so from now, Jeff will be a bigger star and celebrity than he’s ever been-we locked him into a major project this week.”

“Nothing is gonna happen to Jeff, he’s a victim of a corrupt scam-the truth is coming out, and will come out in it’s entirety in the future.”

“I believe in keeping my true peeps on the pulse of what’s going on with myself & Jeff-you deserve it because you’ve made us who we are, thx.”

Labels: jeff hardy, matt hardy

Posted by Matt Loede at 2:07 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post