“Stone Cold” Steve Austin won’t be returning to WWE action for one last cash-grab, and that’s the bottom line, because he said so in an interview with TheWrap. The one-time Stunning Steve’s reasoning for refusing to pull a Goldberg (that’s the other guy pictured above, ironically receiving a devastating Stone Cold Stunner from Austin back in both of their heydays) is pretty respectable advice for any athlete that goes out on top. “It’s just really because I’ve been there and I did it on the very highest level,” the Attitude Era icon, podcaster, Ipa...
- 8/21/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
We're a couple weeks away from the biggest show of the year, Wrestlemania. Traditionally, the WWE has gone all out in trying to build up interest for what they call "The Showcase of the Immortals." This year, we have the WWE once again in a brand split, trying to create two separate shows with two separate identites that never intermingle. Former WWE announcer and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross stated back in July when the brand split first occurred that we as fans would best be able to judge the success of the brand split by Wrestlemania time. So, with Wrestlemania 33 happening on April 2nd and being shown live on the WWE Network, how did Monday Night Raw add up this week?
The show opened with Mick Foley being fired as Raw General Manager. In real life, Foley has hip surgery coming up soon to help aleviate some of...
The show opened with Mick Foley being fired as Raw General Manager. In real life, Foley has hip surgery coming up soon to help aleviate some of...
- 3/22/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
The first Monday Night Raw of the new year brought us some interesting things to talk about. We had a wonderful Last Man Standing match between Sami Zayn vs Braun Strowman which not only made Braun look like a vicious bad ass but gave Sami a much needed boost with the grit and determination he showed in the loss. We had an amazing, yet short, Number One Contender’s match for the Raw Women’s Championship between Nia Jax and Bayley which saw Bayley get the win after Sasha Banks’ music hit causing Nia to become distracted. Yet the end of the show is what really hit me most and not in a good way. It was the debut interview segment of The Kevin Owens Show with his special guest Bill Goldberg.
The WWE showed it’s audience in that segment how much they care about their champion. He was...
The WWE showed it’s audience in that segment how much they care about their champion. He was...
- 1/3/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
If you’ve been a WWE fan for long enough, you’ll know both the good and the bad side of the Hardcore Title. For the most part though you’ll have fond memories of the title that started as a joke, but slowly gained credibility. Now the The History of the WWE Hardcore Championship 24/7 has been released we get to relive it all.
The best discovery when watching the set is that it is presented by Mick Foley, Raven, and Rvd. Talking candidly about the matches they reveal how the title was seen backstage. For the fans it turned into memorable “hardcore” matches, and for the lower card wrestlers it turned into a division where they could finally be noticed.
Some of the best part of The History of the WWE Hardcore Championship 24/7 is when the three wrestlers are talking about the title and offering their thoughts. In terms...
The best discovery when watching the set is that it is presented by Mick Foley, Raven, and Rvd. Talking candidly about the matches they reveal how the title was seen backstage. For the fans it turned into memorable “hardcore” matches, and for the lower card wrestlers it turned into a division where they could finally be noticed.
Some of the best part of The History of the WWE Hardcore Championship 24/7 is when the three wrestlers are talking about the title and offering their thoughts. In terms...
- 9/26/2016
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
In a move as inevitable as The Rock dropping a People’s Elbow on somebody at WrestleMania, WWE have released the third in their Attitude Era series, focusing this time on previously unreleased content. This gives this volume a slightly different feel to the previous two, but is a little hit and miss because of it.
What does work about this volume is drafting Corey Graves in to provide context and comment between each of the fifteen matches in the main feature. Graves brings an enthusiasm and knowledge to this role that others sometimes lack, namely John Bradshaw Layfield on the recent Us Championship release, and his comments are interesting and enlightening.
The choice of matches, too, is inspired with WWE digging deep to present several previously unreleased matches that are historically significant in the company’s history. The jewel in the crown of these has to be the first...
What does work about this volume is drafting Corey Graves in to provide context and comment between each of the fifteen matches in the main feature. Graves brings an enthusiasm and knowledge to this role that others sometimes lack, namely John Bradshaw Layfield on the recent Us Championship release, and his comments are interesting and enlightening.
The choice of matches, too, is inspired with WWE digging deep to present several previously unreleased matches that are historically significant in the company’s history. The jewel in the crown of these has to be the first...
- 8/7/2016
- Shadowlocked
Professional wrestling has had several moments. Moments when it crossed over into the mainstream and became a temporary part of the greater pop culture consciousness. While many folks may recall The Attitude Era, that gave the world stars like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, there was arguably no bigger zeitgeist moment for professional wrestling than the Rock n Wrestling Connection era. That period, which lasted from the mid 1980s to the early 1990s gave us Hulk Hogan, "The Macho Man" Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and- of course- the legendary Andre The Giant.
Andre The Giant (real name Andre Roussimoff) was an integral part of that boom. He was a crossover star and an ambassador for the industry. If you knew nothing about wrestling, you still knew who Andre The Giant was. He even appeared in the beloved 80s cult classic, The Princess Bride, which helped cement...
Andre The Giant (real name Andre Roussimoff) was an integral part of that boom. He was a crossover star and an ambassador for the industry. If you knew nothing about wrestling, you still knew who Andre The Giant was. He even appeared in the beloved 80s cult classic, The Princess Bride, which helped cement...
- 5/10/2016
- by Mario-Francisco Robles
- LRMonline.com
WWE.com
The annual WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony never fails to entertain. With kayfabe being thrown out the window, you never know what you’re going to see.
The event offers an opportunity for professional wrestlers of both yesteryear and present to get together and celebrate the business we all know and love. Just seeing so many legends in one place is worth the price of admission on its own.
While the red carpet offers the glitz and glamour, it’s the speeches that most fans tune in to hear and see. Whether it’s touching tributes, hilarious stories or can’t-miss moments, the ceremony has become a WrestleMania weekend viewing staple.
This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony was no different. Comprised of diverse inductees, the Class of 2016’s speeches touched our hearts and made us cry with laughter.
These are just 13 of the incredible moments from...
The annual WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony never fails to entertain. With kayfabe being thrown out the window, you never know what you’re going to see.
The event offers an opportunity for professional wrestlers of both yesteryear and present to get together and celebrate the business we all know and love. Just seeing so many legends in one place is worth the price of admission on its own.
While the red carpet offers the glitz and glamour, it’s the speeches that most fans tune in to hear and see. Whether it’s touching tributes, hilarious stories or can’t-miss moments, the ceremony has become a WrestleMania weekend viewing staple.
This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony was no different. Comprised of diverse inductees, the Class of 2016’s speeches touched our hearts and made us cry with laughter.
These are just 13 of the incredible moments from...
- 4/3/2016
- by Matt Marsden
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Professional wrestling is, at its heart, a story of winners and losers. For every groundbreaking, era-defining figure such as Steve Austin or John Cena, there lies a trail of victims in their wake. Most admittedly have had their moment in the sun – but what about the losers that never win?
As some of you might be aware, I’ve made quite a habit of losing challenges on our official YouTube channel (WhatCulture Wrestling). I know exactly what it means to be a jobber – it’s in my Twitter handle for goodness’ sake – so who better to guide you through the murky, depressing world of WWE’s most desperate losers?
Jobbers can take many forms, from the classic Hogan-fodder of the golden era to comedic modern-day superstars, none of whom could ever seem to buy a win. Sometimes unremarkable and generic, sometimes silly to the extreme, these wrestlers are...
Professional wrestling is, at its heart, a story of winners and losers. For every groundbreaking, era-defining figure such as Steve Austin or John Cena, there lies a trail of victims in their wake. Most admittedly have had their moment in the sun – but what about the losers that never win?
As some of you might be aware, I’ve made quite a habit of losing challenges on our official YouTube channel (WhatCulture Wrestling). I know exactly what it means to be a jobber – it’s in my Twitter handle for goodness’ sake – so who better to guide you through the murky, depressing world of WWE’s most desperate losers?
Jobbers can take many forms, from the classic Hogan-fodder of the golden era to comedic modern-day superstars, none of whom could ever seem to buy a win. Sometimes unremarkable and generic, sometimes silly to the extreme, these wrestlers are...
- 3/23/2016
- by Jack G King
- Obsessed with Film
Featuring a foreword by wrestling legend Jim Cornette, and exclusive stories from former WWE writers… WhatCulture.com is proud to present its latest book release – Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won’t Believe Almost Happened.
amazon
What if The Undertaker had hatched out of a giant egg? What if Daniel Bryan hadn’t got his WrestleMania XXX push? What if ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin had been named Chilly McFreeze? All of this nearly happened!
In addition to all these tales over the craziest what ifs in wrestling history, the book also delves deep into the psyche of Vince McMahon with an exclusive featured penned by Attitude Era writer Vince Russo, and insight from former WWE Creative Team members of what it’s really like coming up with WWE storylines for a living.
Join us as we take you on a journey into a world of Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won’t Believe Almost Happened.
amazon
What if The Undertaker had hatched out of a giant egg? What if Daniel Bryan hadn’t got his WrestleMania XXX push? What if ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin had been named Chilly McFreeze? All of this nearly happened!
In addition to all these tales over the craziest what ifs in wrestling history, the book also delves deep into the psyche of Vince McMahon with an exclusive featured penned by Attitude Era writer Vince Russo, and insight from former WWE Creative Team members of what it’s really like coming up with WWE storylines for a living.
Join us as we take you on a journey into a world of Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won’t Believe Almost Happened.
- 3/23/2016
- by WhatCulture
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Well, this week’s Raw is in the books, and it sadly must be considered a disappointment. The pressure was always going to be on for WWE, heading into Philadelphia (a notoriously smarky city) just two weeks before WrestleMania 32 – with several storylines still underdeveloped, and Roman Reigns proving as unpopular a babyface as ever.
Sadly, the show didn’t really rise to the occasion. Kevin Owens and Aj Styles but on a great match, but we know that WWE’s roster can deliver in the ring when it matters. Our lack of faith in the product is rather based on storylines and booking, and once again, little thought seemed to be given to WrestleMania’s biggest angles.
It’s a worrying thought, but perhaps WWE are content with Roman Reigns as the undisputed top guy, and with Shane and Undertaker fighting for paper-thin reasons.
All in all, then,...
Well, this week’s Raw is in the books, and it sadly must be considered a disappointment. The pressure was always going to be on for WWE, heading into Philadelphia (a notoriously smarky city) just two weeks before WrestleMania 32 – with several storylines still underdeveloped, and Roman Reigns proving as unpopular a babyface as ever.
Sadly, the show didn’t really rise to the occasion. Kevin Owens and Aj Styles but on a great match, but we know that WWE’s roster can deliver in the ring when it matters. Our lack of faith in the product is rather based on storylines and booking, and once again, little thought seemed to be given to WrestleMania’s biggest angles.
It’s a worrying thought, but perhaps WWE are content with Roman Reigns as the undisputed top guy, and with Shane and Undertaker fighting for paper-thin reasons.
All in all, then,...
- 3/22/2016
- by Jack G King
- Obsessed with Film
shop.whatculture.com
Over the course of wrestling history there have been many bad gimmicks, baffling angles, and confusing storylines that have left fans scratching their heads, wondering how they made it through the company’s quality filter. We know all about those, we have been unfortunate enough to suffer through them.
But what about those plans that never got off the drawing board? What of those ideas that remained unpopped kernels in the minds of the creative team? How different could the landscape of modern professional wrestling be had some of these shocking plans actually made it onto our screens?
WhatCulture.com takes a journey behind the scenes to explore a whole host of what ifs, what might have beens, and what almost was. We look at proposed matches that never were, characters that could have been very different to what they became, booking plans that were changed at the last minute,...
Over the course of wrestling history there have been many bad gimmicks, baffling angles, and confusing storylines that have left fans scratching their heads, wondering how they made it through the company’s quality filter. We know all about those, we have been unfortunate enough to suffer through them.
But what about those plans that never got off the drawing board? What of those ideas that remained unpopped kernels in the minds of the creative team? How different could the landscape of modern professional wrestling be had some of these shocking plans actually made it onto our screens?
WhatCulture.com takes a journey behind the scenes to explore a whole host of what ifs, what might have beens, and what almost was. We look at proposed matches that never were, characters that could have been very different to what they became, booking plans that were changed at the last minute,...
- 3/18/2016
- by WhatCulture WhatCulture
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Triple H will headline yet another WrestleMania extravaganza on April 3 when he defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of the company’s spring classic. It is not the first time he has set foot in the squared circle in such a high-profile situation. In fact, over the course of his celebrated career he has competed in the last match on the ‘Mania card six times, has been involved in championship bouts nine times, and battled at the Showcase of the Immortals a whopping nineteen times, including eight straight.
There is a sense of importance that comes with all of his championship defenses, his heated grudge matches are often the most anticipated on the card and his victories and defeats are some of the most buzzed about of the year. One of the final remnants of the celebrated Attitude Era, he has...
Triple H will headline yet another WrestleMania extravaganza on April 3 when he defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of the company’s spring classic. It is not the first time he has set foot in the squared circle in such a high-profile situation. In fact, over the course of his celebrated career he has competed in the last match on the ‘Mania card six times, has been involved in championship bouts nine times, and battled at the Showcase of the Immortals a whopping nineteen times, including eight straight.
There is a sense of importance that comes with all of his championship defenses, his heated grudge matches are often the most anticipated on the card and his victories and defeats are some of the most buzzed about of the year. One of the final remnants of the celebrated Attitude Era, he has...
- 3/13/2016
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
wwe.com
Jim Ross might be best known for his decades of work as a pro wrestling announcer, most notably during the WWE’s Attitude Era, but make no mistake: he’s a knowledgeable sports fan, and a knowledgeable Mma fan as well – going the next step and taking on broadcasting duties a while back at Battlegrounds Mma, alongside Chael Sonnen.
Ross, who is now working for New Japan, as well as calling boxing events for CBS, recently sat down with Yahoo Sports for a Q&A, and of course, the subject of Cm Punk came up.
When asked if he felt Punk’s move to Mma was the right decision, Ross was straightforward:
Yes, because he was miserable with the WWE. He could have probably went on to do something else in wrestling if he chose to. But he seemed as if when he left it was cathartic for him.
Jim Ross might be best known for his decades of work as a pro wrestling announcer, most notably during the WWE’s Attitude Era, but make no mistake: he’s a knowledgeable sports fan, and a knowledgeable Mma fan as well – going the next step and taking on broadcasting duties a while back at Battlegrounds Mma, alongside Chael Sonnen.
Ross, who is now working for New Japan, as well as calling boxing events for CBS, recently sat down with Yahoo Sports for a Q&A, and of course, the subject of Cm Punk came up.
When asked if he felt Punk’s move to Mma was the right decision, Ross was straightforward:
Yes, because he was miserable with the WWE. He could have probably went on to do something else in wrestling if he chose to. But he seemed as if when he left it was cathartic for him.
- 3/5/2016
- by Jay Anderson
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
It’s the perennial debate every year when WrestleMania rolls around: the rights and wrongs of WWE legends and part-timers returning to slide into the upper reaches of the card over the full time roster, who invariably take a back seat.
Now, the argument ‘for’ is that the involvement of stars from the past boosts the buyrate and the gate, meaning bigger business and more money for the participants. That’s just a one night cash grab, though. Had WWE concentrated on building up their roster, they’d have contemporary stars to fill those roles.
The fact is, when business was booming it was due to contemporary stars. The eighties Golden Era and the nineties Attitude Era didn’t rely on nostalgia acts and middle-aged wrestling legends to sell tickets. They had their own stars: amongst them Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, The Undertaker.
Nowadays we have those stars too…...
It’s the perennial debate every year when WrestleMania rolls around: the rights and wrongs of WWE legends and part-timers returning to slide into the upper reaches of the card over the full time roster, who invariably take a back seat.
Now, the argument ‘for’ is that the involvement of stars from the past boosts the buyrate and the gate, meaning bigger business and more money for the participants. That’s just a one night cash grab, though. Had WWE concentrated on building up their roster, they’d have contemporary stars to fill those roles.
The fact is, when business was booming it was due to contemporary stars. The eighties Golden Era and the nineties Attitude Era didn’t rely on nostalgia acts and middle-aged wrestling legends to sell tickets. They had their own stars: amongst them Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, The Undertaker.
Nowadays we have those stars too…...
- 3/3/2016
- by Ben Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
WWE were on a serious roll in 2000. The inconsistent Vince Russo was out of the picture, WCW were getting weaker as the weeks and months went by, The Rock, Triple H and others were coming into their own as main event stars and the midcard was as exciting as it had ever been.
Everything was clicking and it seemed as though the product offered the best of both worlds: you still had the outlandish, Ott characters and storylines from the Attitude Era, but mixed in with that was some damn fine wrestling courtesy of the likes of The Radicalz, Chris Jericho, The Hardy Boys, Edge & Christian, Kurt Angle and so on.
Looking back, it’s really no surprise that the company were doing such good business, with critically well-received shows doing huge ratings and PPVs doing very healthy buyrates. You’d think that, given the momentum the company had at the time,...
WWE were on a serious roll in 2000. The inconsistent Vince Russo was out of the picture, WCW were getting weaker as the weeks and months went by, The Rock, Triple H and others were coming into their own as main event stars and the midcard was as exciting as it had ever been.
Everything was clicking and it seemed as though the product offered the best of both worlds: you still had the outlandish, Ott characters and storylines from the Attitude Era, but mixed in with that was some damn fine wrestling courtesy of the likes of The Radicalz, Chris Jericho, The Hardy Boys, Edge & Christian, Kurt Angle and so on.
Looking back, it’s really no surprise that the company were doing such good business, with critically well-received shows doing huge ratings and PPVs doing very healthy buyrates. You’d think that, given the momentum the company had at the time,...
- 3/2/2016
- by Lewis Howse
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The Attitude Era was a magical period for WWE. It bred some of the most captivating angles, memorable stories and unforgettable characters in the history of professional wrestling. It was also home to some of the truly great Superstars to ever compete in a Vince McMahon-owned ring.
The February 22 episode of Monday Night Raw brought with it the announcement that The Godfather would enter the company’s Hall of Fame during WrestleMania weekend. A massively popular star whose penchant for pimping hos and rolling fatties fit in perfectly with the tone of that era’s programming. He was a great opening match character in that he energized crowds and had them looking forward to the rest of the night’s action.
Never anything more than a midcard talent, he is still fondly remembered as an iconic persona.
What the Attitude Era did so well was give every...
The Attitude Era was a magical period for WWE. It bred some of the most captivating angles, memorable stories and unforgettable characters in the history of professional wrestling. It was also home to some of the truly great Superstars to ever compete in a Vince McMahon-owned ring.
The February 22 episode of Monday Night Raw brought with it the announcement that The Godfather would enter the company’s Hall of Fame during WrestleMania weekend. A massively popular star whose penchant for pimping hos and rolling fatties fit in perfectly with the tone of that era’s programming. He was a great opening match character in that he energized crowds and had them looking forward to the rest of the night’s action.
Never anything more than a midcard talent, he is still fondly remembered as an iconic persona.
What the Attitude Era did so well was give every...
- 2/27/2016
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The rumour of the past week, if you’re a fan of giant, gruff northern wrestlers with broken noses, is that King Wade ‘Bad News’ Barrett of the Barrage, hero of the Battle Of Buda – to give him his full name and title – may not be on WWE television that much longer.
Scuttlebutt (like gossip with a totally, 100% legit bare knuckle boxing background) says that Stuart Alexander ‘Stu’ Bennett, BSc CertRP DipRM DipRL (to give him his full name and title) is probably not going to re-sign with the company when his contract comes up for renewal in a few months.
Although these stories are nothing but hot air half the time, Bennett seemed to tacitly admit to the truth of them in recent tweets, clarifying that he’ll go into more detail when it’s appropriate, but that “for now I’m 100% focused on doing my job for @WWE.
The rumour of the past week, if you’re a fan of giant, gruff northern wrestlers with broken noses, is that King Wade ‘Bad News’ Barrett of the Barrage, hero of the Battle Of Buda – to give him his full name and title – may not be on WWE television that much longer.
Scuttlebutt (like gossip with a totally, 100% legit bare knuckle boxing background) says that Stuart Alexander ‘Stu’ Bennett, BSc CertRP DipRM DipRL (to give him his full name and title) is probably not going to re-sign with the company when his contract comes up for renewal in a few months.
Although these stories are nothing but hot air half the time, Bennett seemed to tacitly admit to the truth of them in recent tweets, clarifying that he’ll go into more detail when it’s appropriate, but that “for now I’m 100% focused on doing my job for @WWE.
- 2/25/2016
- by Ben Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
In the long ago late ‘90’s, in the faraway land of Stamford, Connecticut, Vince McMahon, his awful kids and Vince Russo, created some of wrestling’s most bizarre and flat-out insane storylines. Since that Attitude Era heyday, the company has made a ruthlessly aggressive effort to clean up its act.
Whether the change came because of Linda McMahon’s Senatorial run or just a natural evolution to attract new audiences, WWE is now solidly PG programming. Turn on Raw and you’ll see superstars blowing up at each other over things like… popcorn. Hey, at least they stopped making those “Marine” movies, right?
But, adult WWE fans were raised on Mae Young giving birth to a hand and Hhh screwing a mannequin in a coffin, they miss insanity. Kooky, crazy or even controversial storylines would raise the emotional stakes and keep things unpredictable.
And in some cases, the...
In the long ago late ‘90’s, in the faraway land of Stamford, Connecticut, Vince McMahon, his awful kids and Vince Russo, created some of wrestling’s most bizarre and flat-out insane storylines. Since that Attitude Era heyday, the company has made a ruthlessly aggressive effort to clean up its act.
Whether the change came because of Linda McMahon’s Senatorial run or just a natural evolution to attract new audiences, WWE is now solidly PG programming. Turn on Raw and you’ll see superstars blowing up at each other over things like… popcorn. Hey, at least they stopped making those “Marine” movies, right?
But, adult WWE fans were raised on Mae Young giving birth to a hand and Hhh screwing a mannequin in a coffin, they miss insanity. Kooky, crazy or even controversial storylines would raise the emotional stakes and keep things unpredictable.
And in some cases, the...
- 2/24/2016
- by Laura Crawford
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
It was the news that fans have been dreading for almost two years now, but the in-ring career of Daniel Bryan is officially over. The man who stole the hearts of the WWE Universe in a way that no other had in recent memory is done, the news conveyed by the man himself in the most heartfelt of ways live on Raw.
He spoke of gratitude, he spoke of loving the business and his sadness at having to leave it behind. It was emotional, for performer and audience alike.
Daniel Bryan was unlike any performer of this or any other generation. Ever since the success of the Attitude Era, World Wrestling Entertainment has almost obsessively been trying to create stars who could reach the popularity of wrestlers such as ‘StoneCold’ Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley and The Undertaker.
They achieved this with Daniel Bryan, albeit seemingly against their own desires.
It was the news that fans have been dreading for almost two years now, but the in-ring career of Daniel Bryan is officially over. The man who stole the hearts of the WWE Universe in a way that no other had in recent memory is done, the news conveyed by the man himself in the most heartfelt of ways live on Raw.
He spoke of gratitude, he spoke of loving the business and his sadness at having to leave it behind. It was emotional, for performer and audience alike.
Daniel Bryan was unlike any performer of this or any other generation. Ever since the success of the Attitude Era, World Wrestling Entertainment has almost obsessively been trying to create stars who could reach the popularity of wrestlers such as ‘StoneCold’ Steve Austin, The Rock, Mick Foley and The Undertaker.
They achieved this with Daniel Bryan, albeit seemingly against their own desires.
- 2/18/2016
- by John Bills
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Winning the coveted WWE Championship is often the ultimate goal for any professional wrestler. Despite the existence of numerous other World Championships in the global grappling network that is sports entertainment, the WWE’s version of the strap is the definitive title belt and proves, without doubt, that the man wearing the gold belongs among the elite of the sport.
Even in the post-kayfabe era of the “smart mark”, the title of WWE Champion is still regarded as the “Holy Grail” of the wrestling business. The list of former WWE Champions is a veritable who’s who of wrestling and the victories that line that list have become almost mythical over time.
…At least for the most part, that is.
With over five decades of history literally under its belt, the storied canvas of the WWE ring has seen a myriad of title changes over the years; so many,...
Winning the coveted WWE Championship is often the ultimate goal for any professional wrestler. Despite the existence of numerous other World Championships in the global grappling network that is sports entertainment, the WWE’s version of the strap is the definitive title belt and proves, without doubt, that the man wearing the gold belongs among the elite of the sport.
Even in the post-kayfabe era of the “smart mark”, the title of WWE Champion is still regarded as the “Holy Grail” of the wrestling business. The list of former WWE Champions is a veritable who’s who of wrestling and the victories that line that list have become almost mythical over time.
…At least for the most part, that is.
With over five decades of history literally under its belt, the storied canvas of the WWE ring has seen a myriad of title changes over the years; so many,...
- 2/13/2016
- by Martyn Grant
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Wrestling is in a weird place right now. With WWE being the biggest wrestling promotion on a global scale, it pretty much has a monopoly on the business.
Throughout the eights the then-wwf was really beginning to pick up steam, with Hulk Hogan the face of the company. Despite a decrease in interest and the steroid trial, the WWF was in a rough patch. However, with the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, the late nineties remain the WWE’s most successful period.
It was during the attitude era when Raw was attracting around six to seven million viewers on average, with matches such as The Rock v Mankind for the WWF title drawing in between seven and eight million people. Compared to today’s figures, the difference is massive.
One key issue between then and now isn’t the Attitude Era – WWE could easily...
Wrestling is in a weird place right now. With WWE being the biggest wrestling promotion on a global scale, it pretty much has a monopoly on the business.
Throughout the eights the then-wwf was really beginning to pick up steam, with Hulk Hogan the face of the company. Despite a decrease in interest and the steroid trial, the WWF was in a rough patch. However, with the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, the late nineties remain the WWE’s most successful period.
It was during the attitude era when Raw was attracting around six to seven million viewers on average, with matches such as The Rock v Mankind for the WWF title drawing in between seven and eight million people. Compared to today’s figures, the difference is massive.
One key issue between then and now isn’t the Attitude Era – WWE could easily...
- 2/11/2016
- by Louis Evans
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The February 9th, 1998 episode of Raw was the go-home show for the upcoming No Way Out (of Texas) pay-per-view, due to be headlined by an unsanctioned 8-man tag featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin, Owen Hart, Cactus Jack, and Chainsaw Charlie taking on D-Generation X.
As it turned out, Hbk’s nagging back injuries prevented him from wrestling on the show, and he was replaced by…Savio Vega. Yeah. Even so, Raw slid the chess pieces firmly in place ahead of WrestleMania, further heightening the feud between Austin and Dx, while the show’s remainder was comprised of the usual mix of hilarious, weird and lame that defines just about any Attitude Era episode of Raw.
And with the release of Sunny’s porno, Sunny Side Up, this week, what better time to consider all the sad difference that 18 years can make?
Here are 29 Wtf moments from the February 9th,...
The February 9th, 1998 episode of Raw was the go-home show for the upcoming No Way Out (of Texas) pay-per-view, due to be headlined by an unsanctioned 8-man tag featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin, Owen Hart, Cactus Jack, and Chainsaw Charlie taking on D-Generation X.
As it turned out, Hbk’s nagging back injuries prevented him from wrestling on the show, and he was replaced by…Savio Vega. Yeah. Even so, Raw slid the chess pieces firmly in place ahead of WrestleMania, further heightening the feud between Austin and Dx, while the show’s remainder was comprised of the usual mix of hilarious, weird and lame that defines just about any Attitude Era episode of Raw.
And with the release of Sunny’s porno, Sunny Side Up, this week, what better time to consider all the sad difference that 18 years can make?
Here are 29 Wtf moments from the February 9th,...
- 2/9/2016
- by Jack Pooley
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
In the Rock ‘n Wrestling Era, it was Andre the Giant, Big John Studd, and King Kong Bundy. Into the nineties, The Undertaker, Psycho Sid, Yokozuna, and Diesel dominated main events. Undertaker held over well into the Attitude Era and beyond, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Kane and The Big Show. Undoubtedly, the Vincent K. McMahon-era of WWF/E has been haven to a number of memorable goliaths, colossal immortals presented on the merit of immensity and intimidation factor.
Since the closing of the Attitude Era, however, WWE has failed to yield many brand new monsters with lasting power. Brock Lesnar and Batista qualify to an extent, but they’re also promoted with human qualities. If you’re talking ‘larger than life’ in the sense of going beyond human qualities, you can add Umaga to the list of successes, as well as to a very small degree,...
In the Rock ‘n Wrestling Era, it was Andre the Giant, Big John Studd, and King Kong Bundy. Into the nineties, The Undertaker, Psycho Sid, Yokozuna, and Diesel dominated main events. Undertaker held over well into the Attitude Era and beyond, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Kane and The Big Show. Undoubtedly, the Vincent K. McMahon-era of WWF/E has been haven to a number of memorable goliaths, colossal immortals presented on the merit of immensity and intimidation factor.
Since the closing of the Attitude Era, however, WWE has failed to yield many brand new monsters with lasting power. Brock Lesnar and Batista qualify to an extent, but they’re also promoted with human qualities. If you’re talking ‘larger than life’ in the sense of going beyond human qualities, you can add Umaga to the list of successes, as well as to a very small degree,...
- 2/7/2016
- by Justin Henry
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
For 20 years, sandwiched between the two biggest Pay Per Views of the year, Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania, stands the February Pay Per View. From 2000 until 2009 (plus 1998), it was called No Way Out. From 2010 until 2014, it was called the Elimination Chamber. Last year and this year, it’s now called Fastlane.
The February Pay Per View is a lot more interesting than the September Pay Per View because the writing team is still in its creative peak as they build the Road to Wrestlemania. Stakes are pretty high for a non-big four Pay Per View. A major theme involves the Royal Rumble winner putting his Wrestlemania title shot on the line, which happened at the 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2015 editions of the February Pay Per View (the Rumble winner was actually going for the championship at the 1997 and 2008 editions). Interestingly enough, only Shawn Michaels in 1996 and Roman Reigns in 2015 successfully defended their title shots,...
For 20 years, sandwiched between the two biggest Pay Per Views of the year, Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania, stands the February Pay Per View. From 2000 until 2009 (plus 1998), it was called No Way Out. From 2010 until 2014, it was called the Elimination Chamber. Last year and this year, it’s now called Fastlane.
The February Pay Per View is a lot more interesting than the September Pay Per View because the writing team is still in its creative peak as they build the Road to Wrestlemania. Stakes are pretty high for a non-big four Pay Per View. A major theme involves the Royal Rumble winner putting his Wrestlemania title shot on the line, which happened at the 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2015 editions of the February Pay Per View (the Rumble winner was actually going for the championship at the 1997 and 2008 editions). Interestingly enough, only Shawn Michaels in 1996 and Roman Reigns in 2015 successfully defended their title shots,...
- 2/4/2016
- by Justin Seagull
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Going into 1990, the then-World Wrestling Federation was running on the fumes of the last vestiges of the Rock ‘n Wrestling Era, the days of Hulkamania slowly coming to an end. Faced with a number of damaging scandals, the WWF limped into the ill-conceived ‘New Generation’, in which Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Diesel led a motley crew of technicolor cartoon characters through watered-down programming. With the breakout of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s defiant act, the Attitude Era lay just beyond the muck, and would bring Vince McMahon’s empire back to global prominence.
It’s sometimes hard to fathom that these three eras could have possibly run concurrently, where Hulk Hogan’s fifth WWF Championship reign took place a mere four years before Austin bled out all over the Rosemont Horizon in an astonishing showcase. The 1990s saw the World Wrestling Federation take many forms, and...
Going into 1990, the then-World Wrestling Federation was running on the fumes of the last vestiges of the Rock ‘n Wrestling Era, the days of Hulkamania slowly coming to an end. Faced with a number of damaging scandals, the WWF limped into the ill-conceived ‘New Generation’, in which Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Diesel led a motley crew of technicolor cartoon characters through watered-down programming. With the breakout of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s defiant act, the Attitude Era lay just beyond the muck, and would bring Vince McMahon’s empire back to global prominence.
It’s sometimes hard to fathom that these three eras could have possibly run concurrently, where Hulk Hogan’s fifth WWF Championship reign took place a mere four years before Austin bled out all over the Rosemont Horizon in an astonishing showcase. The 1990s saw the World Wrestling Federation take many forms, and...
- 2/2/2016
- by Justin Henry
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Welcome to the first Wtf moments article on WCW pay per-view events! Since we’re covering the Nitros from early 1998 onwards, it only makes sense to delve into the WCW pay-per-view events and see what WCW was offering while the WWF was on a meteoric rise thanks to the ushering in of the Attitude Era.
Souled Out began as a PPV in 1997, originally as an nWo event where the announcers, referees and crew were all paid for by the New World Order and the WCW wrestlers were only there to fight the nWo stars. The event tanked on pay per-view and it was at that point that Eric Bischoff began to re-consider original idea – separate branded PPV events for both WCW and the nWo.
Fast forward a year to 1998 and the show was a regular WCW PPV event on a Saturday night. The 1998 show emanated from Dayton, Ohio...
Welcome to the first Wtf moments article on WCW pay per-view events! Since we’re covering the Nitros from early 1998 onwards, it only makes sense to delve into the WCW pay-per-view events and see what WCW was offering while the WWF was on a meteoric rise thanks to the ushering in of the Attitude Era.
Souled Out began as a PPV in 1997, originally as an nWo event where the announcers, referees and crew were all paid for by the New World Order and the WCW wrestlers were only there to fight the nWo stars. The event tanked on pay per-view and it was at that point that Eric Bischoff began to re-consider original idea – separate branded PPV events for both WCW and the nWo.
Fast forward a year to 1998 and the show was a regular WCW PPV event on a Saturday night. The 1998 show emanated from Dayton, Ohio...
- 1/29/2016
- by Kenny McIntosh
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Molly Holly was one of the most influential women to ever wrestle in WWE. Shrugging off the long-kept stereotype that female performers were only truly useful in scantily-clad outfits or as managers to their male counterparts and turning the women’s division into a vibrant, electric battleground, Molly was a well trained competitor with technical nous far outweighing her often more popular opponents.
Whether playing the sweet, innocent babyface or the aggressive, spiteful heel, Molly went about her job like a true pro and, despite winning two Women’s titles during her time with the company, most never saw her as equal to Trish Status and Lita (both of whom have been inducted into the Hall of Fame).
During a time when it was all about bloodshed and risqué storytelling, Molly Holly’s character was the light in the darkness. While Stone Cold Steve Austin was offering up beer baths and middle fingers,...
Molly Holly was one of the most influential women to ever wrestle in WWE. Shrugging off the long-kept stereotype that female performers were only truly useful in scantily-clad outfits or as managers to their male counterparts and turning the women’s division into a vibrant, electric battleground, Molly was a well trained competitor with technical nous far outweighing her often more popular opponents.
Whether playing the sweet, innocent babyface or the aggressive, spiteful heel, Molly went about her job like a true pro and, despite winning two Women’s titles during her time with the company, most never saw her as equal to Trish Status and Lita (both of whom have been inducted into the Hall of Fame).
During a time when it was all about bloodshed and risqué storytelling, Molly Holly’s character was the light in the darkness. While Stone Cold Steve Austin was offering up beer baths and middle fingers,...
- 1/28/2016
- by Christopher Powers
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The Attitude Era was the most magical period in World Wrestling Entertainment history, a time where characters were vivid and well-defined, stories were compelling and content was as over-the-top as imaginable. Sex, violence and anti-authority sentiment dominated Monday Night Raw, garnering record television ratings and spawning a new broadcast known as SmackDown. Superstars such as The Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Mankind, The Undertaker, Sable, Chyna and Kane became household names while personalities like Val Venis, Goldust, D’Lo Brown and “Sexual Chocolate” Mark Henry became fan favorites of the die-hard audience.
As excellent as the television was, as intriguing as the stories were and as entertaining as the characters proved to be, the matches they crafted helped set the era apart from others.
Those matches were exercises in emotion, in drama and in non-stop action. They were not always the prettiest technical bouts but what they did...
The Attitude Era was the most magical period in World Wrestling Entertainment history, a time where characters were vivid and well-defined, stories were compelling and content was as over-the-top as imaginable. Sex, violence and anti-authority sentiment dominated Monday Night Raw, garnering record television ratings and spawning a new broadcast known as SmackDown. Superstars such as The Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Mankind, The Undertaker, Sable, Chyna and Kane became household names while personalities like Val Venis, Goldust, D’Lo Brown and “Sexual Chocolate” Mark Henry became fan favorites of the die-hard audience.
As excellent as the television was, as intriguing as the stories were and as entertaining as the characters proved to be, the matches they crafted helped set the era apart from others.
Those matches were exercises in emotion, in drama and in non-stop action. They were not always the prettiest technical bouts but what they did...
- 1/21/2016
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
WhatCulture.com has learned that a source high-up inside WWE recently let slip the names of five candidates who have been discussed for this year’s Hall of Fame.
While these can only be treated as rumour until confirmed by WWE – and with anything in wrestling able to change at any time – our understanding is that all of the names below are virtually a lock for a spot to join the already announced Sting in this year’s class.
A couple are a surprise, while others were expected and long overdue. Some are relevant to the state of Texas – the host state of WrestleMania – be it for their history competing in the area or having been raised there.
But it is our understanding the following names will be inducted this year…
WWE.com
The Fabulous Freebirds are considered one of the most important tag teams of their generation for good reason,...
While these can only be treated as rumour until confirmed by WWE – and with anything in wrestling able to change at any time – our understanding is that all of the names below are virtually a lock for a spot to join the already announced Sting in this year’s class.
A couple are a surprise, while others were expected and long overdue. Some are relevant to the state of Texas – the host state of WrestleMania – be it for their history competing in the area or having been raised there.
But it is our understanding the following names will be inducted this year…
WWE.com
The Fabulous Freebirds are considered one of the most important tag teams of their generation for good reason,...
- 1/21/2016
- by James Dixon
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com / Twitter.com/Sheltyb803
Attitude Era aficionados will be particularly interested in the internet response to Raw this week. Not only did the show itself feature a war of wards between old foes Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon, Twitter saw Taka Michinoku and Sunny grab the social media spotlight.
As per usual, the online wrestling community also couldn’t help tearing apart WWE for every little mistake or perceived weakness. It goes with the territory around this time of year (who could forget the overwhelmingly negative response to both the 2014 and 2015 Royal Rumbles?), but this week’s criticism took the cake – especially with even poor old WWEShop.com in the firing line.
It only makes sense that, as we near the most highly-pressurised period of the WWE calendar, the internet’s reaction to a disappointing Raw is particularly vitriolic. Everything matters a little more now. We’ll suffer bad Raw after bad Raw,...
Attitude Era aficionados will be particularly interested in the internet response to Raw this week. Not only did the show itself feature a war of wards between old foes Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon, Twitter saw Taka Michinoku and Sunny grab the social media spotlight.
As per usual, the online wrestling community also couldn’t help tearing apart WWE for every little mistake or perceived weakness. It goes with the territory around this time of year (who could forget the overwhelmingly negative response to both the 2014 and 2015 Royal Rumbles?), but this week’s criticism took the cake – especially with even poor old WWEShop.com in the firing line.
It only makes sense that, as we near the most highly-pressurised period of the WWE calendar, the internet’s reaction to a disappointing Raw is particularly vitriolic. Everything matters a little more now. We’ll suffer bad Raw after bad Raw,...
- 1/19/2016
- by Jack G King
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The ‘Attitude’ Era was something which proved incredibly fruitful for Vince McMahon and the then-World Wrestling Federation. In fact, that particular era was the most financially successful (not to mention creatively exciting) period in WWE history. For that very reason, it’s still talked about fondly today, because fans often reflect that so many things that made the era enthralling are missing from the current product.
When looking back over events during that time, it’s sometimes striking to find out that pretty much everybody on the roster had some sense of purpose. Almost to a man and woman, everyone was over with the core fan base, which is really quite extraordinary. Vince Russo, a chief writer during the height of the era, later noted that he and his team aimed to give every wrestler some kind of character to aid their efforts and get them over.
The ‘Attitude’ Era was something which proved incredibly fruitful for Vince McMahon and the then-World Wrestling Federation. In fact, that particular era was the most financially successful (not to mention creatively exciting) period in WWE history. For that very reason, it’s still talked about fondly today, because fans often reflect that so many things that made the era enthralling are missing from the current product.
When looking back over events during that time, it’s sometimes striking to find out that pretty much everybody on the roster had some sense of purpose. Almost to a man and woman, everyone was over with the core fan base, which is really quite extraordinary. Vince Russo, a chief writer during the height of the era, later noted that he and his team aimed to give every wrestler some kind of character to aid their efforts and get them over.
- 1/12/2016
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The Monday Night Wars was one of the most exciting periods in wrestling history, a time in which competition elevated the flagship shows of WWF and WCW to new levels. We all miss such an era, but hopefully this new series of articles can help ease the pain. We’ll be taking a look back at every Raw and Nitro of 1998 – digging out the best, worst, and most bizarre incidents of each episode – while moving from week to week as 2016 progresses.
When watching an old Raw, particularly one from the Attitude Era, the most obvious difference from the current product surely has to be tone. This episode is gritty, anarchic, and (at times) ridiculous – a far cry from the ultra-polished show we’re used to these days. We all miss it, but hopefully this series of articles will help ease the pain.
A quick history lesson to get...
The Monday Night Wars was one of the most exciting periods in wrestling history, a time in which competition elevated the flagship shows of WWF and WCW to new levels. We all miss such an era, but hopefully this new series of articles can help ease the pain. We’ll be taking a look back at every Raw and Nitro of 1998 – digging out the best, worst, and most bizarre incidents of each episode – while moving from week to week as 2016 progresses.
When watching an old Raw, particularly one from the Attitude Era, the most obvious difference from the current product surely has to be tone. This episode is gritty, anarchic, and (at times) ridiculous – a far cry from the ultra-polished show we’re used to these days. We all miss it, but hopefully this series of articles will help ease the pain.
A quick history lesson to get...
- 1/8/2016
- by Jack G King
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The first WWE Raw of 2016 looked set to be a bumper edition.
First of all, we were set for another few hours of Vince McMahon. Who doesn’t want that, right?
The Chairman of the Board returned last week to call out Roman Reigns, but ended up getting himself arrested after putting his hands on an officer. Then we saw some terrible acting from Stephanie McMahon that I haven’t yet recovered from, before the Vin man secured his bail from jail.
He returned to the arena at the end of the night to announce that Sheamus would be challenging for Reigns’ WWE World Heavyweight Championship on this week’s episode – with McMahon himself stepping in as guest referee.
I’m praying he turns up in sleeveless Attitude Era referee McMahon used to…
On top of that we had the threat of another United States Championship match between...
The first WWE Raw of 2016 looked set to be a bumper edition.
First of all, we were set for another few hours of Vince McMahon. Who doesn’t want that, right?
The Chairman of the Board returned last week to call out Roman Reigns, but ended up getting himself arrested after putting his hands on an officer. Then we saw some terrible acting from Stephanie McMahon that I haven’t yet recovered from, before the Vin man secured his bail from jail.
He returned to the arena at the end of the night to announce that Sheamus would be challenging for Reigns’ WWE World Heavyweight Championship on this week’s episode – with McMahon himself stepping in as guest referee.
I’m praying he turns up in sleeveless Attitude Era referee McMahon used to…
On top of that we had the threat of another United States Championship match between...
- 1/5/2016
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
For many of those who experienced it, the Attitude Era of World Wrestling Entertainment was the greatest in professional wrestling history. It was a time of great excitement, of anti-authority sentiment. Sexuality and vulgarity were celebrated on a weekly basis. Monday Night Raw was destination programming, attracting even the most casual of fans and harshest of critics to check out what Vince McMahon and his circus of larger-than-life characters were up to next.
It is not hard to see why. With headliners such as Steve Austin, The Undertaker and The Rock, wildly entertaining main events and compelling characters, it was the perfect mix of sports and entertainment.
But history has been much kinder to the Attitude Era than it perhaps should be.
Not every match made for splendid viewing. In fact, there were far more dreadfully boring matches that failed to follow up on the dynamic booking and storytelling that preceded them.
For many of those who experienced it, the Attitude Era of World Wrestling Entertainment was the greatest in professional wrestling history. It was a time of great excitement, of anti-authority sentiment. Sexuality and vulgarity were celebrated on a weekly basis. Monday Night Raw was destination programming, attracting even the most casual of fans and harshest of critics to check out what Vince McMahon and his circus of larger-than-life characters were up to next.
It is not hard to see why. With headliners such as Steve Austin, The Undertaker and The Rock, wildly entertaining main events and compelling characters, it was the perfect mix of sports and entertainment.
But history has been much kinder to the Attitude Era than it perhaps should be.
Not every match made for splendid viewing. In fact, there were far more dreadfully boring matches that failed to follow up on the dynamic booking and storytelling that preceded them.
- 1/4/2016
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
Hell In A Cell has become synonymous with The Undertaker over the years, and so it was fitting that 2015’s annual event was the place to finally bring his feud with Brock Lesnar, who lest we forget ended the Phenom’s legendary 21-0 streak at WrestleMania XXX, to a conclusion after their previous rematch at SummerSlam.
Whereas Lesnar arguably defeated a sub-par Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX, their SummerSlam rematch, which saw the Dead Man take the equalising victory by way of a low blow, was a much better affair, and their third and (allegedly) final and deciding bout in Hell In A Cell was entertaining but won’t make any future top ten Hiac match round ups.
Much better was the second Hell in a Cell bout between current WWE golden boy Roman Reigns and big bad in waiting Bray Wyatt, with both men bringing their A-game and delivering a...
Whereas Lesnar arguably defeated a sub-par Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX, their SummerSlam rematch, which saw the Dead Man take the equalising victory by way of a low blow, was a much better affair, and their third and (allegedly) final and deciding bout in Hell In A Cell was entertaining but won’t make any future top ten Hiac match round ups.
Much better was the second Hell in a Cell bout between current WWE golden boy Roman Reigns and big bad in waiting Bray Wyatt, with both men bringing their A-game and delivering a...
- 1/4/2016
- Shadowlocked
WWE.com
This past week, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson revealed on his Instagram account that he will be appearing live at WrestleMania 32 at At&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This has started rumours on whether Rock will be wrestling at the show, or if it’ll just be a guest appearance. Fans are desperate to know in what capacity they’ll be seeing The Great One on April 3rd, 2016.
What we do know so far is that Rock is filming a movie around that time, so he likely won’t be appearing on a lot of TV leading up to the big show. Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer also reported several months ago that the studio for his next movie has an insurance policy that would prohibit Rock from having a wrestling match that could impact his shooting schedule.
While it’s too early to tell what’s changed...
This past week, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson revealed on his Instagram account that he will be appearing live at WrestleMania 32 at At&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This has started rumours on whether Rock will be wrestling at the show, or if it’ll just be a guest appearance. Fans are desperate to know in what capacity they’ll be seeing The Great One on April 3rd, 2016.
What we do know so far is that Rock is filming a movie around that time, so he likely won’t be appearing on a lot of TV leading up to the big show. Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer also reported several months ago that the studio for his next movie has an insurance policy that would prohibit Rock from having a wrestling match that could impact his shooting schedule.
While it’s too early to tell what’s changed...
- 12/31/2015
- by Kenny McIntosh
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
With so much praise constantly heaped onto the relatively short-lived period of the WWE known affectionately as the Attitude Era, it’s difficult to consider anything about it “underrated.” And yet, despite the legions of fans (yours truly included) that won’t shut up about how wonderful this time period was, there are still a few elements that remain under-appreciated by the masses.
For instances, the matches. For some weird reason, the actual wrestling that happened in the Attitude Era has been largely forgotten, save for a few key, epic in-ring duels. The focus tends to shift to the outrageous characters, entertaining promos, and ridiculous(ly delightful) storylines.
And that’s a real shame, because although it may not have been the peak of technical wrestling in the WWE, the Attitude Era served up what should have been some truly career-defining matches. For whatever reason, though, they were...
With so much praise constantly heaped onto the relatively short-lived period of the WWE known affectionately as the Attitude Era, it’s difficult to consider anything about it “underrated.” And yet, despite the legions of fans (yours truly included) that won’t shut up about how wonderful this time period was, there are still a few elements that remain under-appreciated by the masses.
For instances, the matches. For some weird reason, the actual wrestling that happened in the Attitude Era has been largely forgotten, save for a few key, epic in-ring duels. The focus tends to shift to the outrageous characters, entertaining promos, and ridiculous(ly delightful) storylines.
And that’s a real shame, because although it may not have been the peak of technical wrestling in the WWE, the Attitude Era served up what should have been some truly career-defining matches. For whatever reason, though, they were...
- 12/11/2015
- by Jacob Trowbridge
- Obsessed with Film
The name Hart has always been synonymous with the world of wrestling, and while no discussion of the business in the 1990s would be complete without including Bret Hart, his brother Owen was every bit as good as he was, and arguably the better wrestler of the two. It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly two decades since Owen fell to his death during May 1999’s Over The Egde Pay Per View, and so this latest WWE release, Owen Hart - Hart of Gold is a long overdue look back at his lie and career.
While not as in depth as last year’s Randy Savage Story or this year’s Ultimate Warrior Always Believe release, due largely to the legal issues between Owen’s widow Martha Hart and the WWE, the seventy-one minute documentary includes heartfelt tributes and stories from much of the Hart clan, notably Bret himself,...
While not as in depth as last year’s Randy Savage Story or this year’s Ultimate Warrior Always Believe release, due largely to the legal issues between Owen’s widow Martha Hart and the WWE, the seventy-one minute documentary includes heartfelt tributes and stories from much of the Hart clan, notably Bret himself,...
- 12/11/2015
- Shadowlocked
Historically, the handful of big, era-defining moments in WWE have come from the company being the legitimate bad guy. The Montreal Screwjob and subsequent rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin, the pipe bomb from Cm Punk and the “Yes!” movement all stem from fans going against the system. What’s wrong with the current “Authority” storyline is that it’s too fabricated. Fans know The Authority is just a kayfabe (“fake” in wrestling talk) representation of “the system” and that Roman Reigns is only a kayfabe underdog. Dedicated fans and smarks (wrestling fans in the know of the behind the scenes) are too wise to this and that’s why they go against it. Where the hardcore fans are, the TV bad guys get more cheers than the TV good guys, because they Love to go against the system. But maybe these people aren’t the hardcorest of the hardcore anymore.
- 12/9/2015
- by Francois Chang
- BuzzFocus.com
WWE.com
The Attitude Era is one of the most fondly-remembered periods in WWE history, and the wrestlers who were stars during that time are venerated as legends today. Men like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, Triple H, Mick Foley, and Kane will always be guaranteed a warm reception from WWE audiences, with their presence a reminder of a time when so many fans first became acquainted with the sport.
Though he was never WWE Champion – and he was just below the level of the six aforementioned men – Ken Shamrock was a huge part of the Attitude Era as well. The former Ufc star’s tenure with WWE wasn’t that long – he joined WWE in the winter of 1997 and left in autumn of 1999 – but he was part of a number of the exciting moments and feuds that have become synonymous with late 1990s WWE.
Still, for...
The Attitude Era is one of the most fondly-remembered periods in WWE history, and the wrestlers who were stars during that time are venerated as legends today. Men like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, Triple H, Mick Foley, and Kane will always be guaranteed a warm reception from WWE audiences, with their presence a reminder of a time when so many fans first became acquainted with the sport.
Though he was never WWE Champion – and he was just below the level of the six aforementioned men – Ken Shamrock was a huge part of the Attitude Era as well. The former Ufc star’s tenure with WWE wasn’t that long – he joined WWE in the winter of 1997 and left in autumn of 1999 – but he was part of a number of the exciting moments and feuds that have become synonymous with late 1990s WWE.
Still, for...
- 11/21/2015
- by Scott Fried
- Obsessed with Film
If you’re a wrestling fan you’ll know just how much the WWE loves Christmas. Seasonal shows have been a staple of their television output for as long as I can remember going as far back as Captain Lou Albano reading Christmas stories on WWE programming; through the Attitude era, where the fun of Xmas was juxaposed with the more hardcore on-screen action; to more recent episodes of Raw and the likes of the “Good Santa vs. Bad Santa” match between Mark Henry and Damien Sandow in 2013.
The WWE Christmas Collection sees Christmas come early to the WWE universe as “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle (side note: I’m sure Foley’s daughter takes after her mothers side of ther family…) as they go on a quest to find Santa Claus, all the while reminiscing about classic WWE moments and matches from Christmas’ past. Yes...
The WWE Christmas Collection sees Christmas come early to the WWE universe as “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle (side note: I’m sure Foley’s daughter takes after her mothers side of ther family…) as they go on a quest to find Santa Claus, all the while reminiscing about classic WWE moments and matches from Christmas’ past. Yes...
- 11/16/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
WWE.com
The latest reading from the book of Austin has been released, with chapter 3:12 showing Superstars past and present building a bonfire.
Stone Cold Steve Austin, Sting, Seth Rollins, Paige, Rusev, and Kane create the blaze to burn property of their most famous opponents, while the likes Dean Ambrose and a number of others are also on the scene. For example, Kane throws The Undertaker’s hat on the fire while Rollins adds a pair of Brock Lesnar’s gloves to the blaze. Austin has a whole bag of stuff which, presumably belongs to all of his opponents in the featured 3:16 mode.
New clips from the game is intertwined with the footage of the blaze, with a number of huge moments from WWE’s past covered. We see numerous shots from matches between Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins, Triple H and Sting, and… Paige vs. Brie Bella…...
The latest reading from the book of Austin has been released, with chapter 3:12 showing Superstars past and present building a bonfire.
Stone Cold Steve Austin, Sting, Seth Rollins, Paige, Rusev, and Kane create the blaze to burn property of their most famous opponents, while the likes Dean Ambrose and a number of others are also on the scene. For example, Kane throws The Undertaker’s hat on the fire while Rollins adds a pair of Brock Lesnar’s gloves to the blaze. Austin has a whole bag of stuff which, presumably belongs to all of his opponents in the featured 3:16 mode.
New clips from the game is intertwined with the footage of the blaze, with a number of huge moments from WWE’s past covered. We see numerous shots from matches between Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins, Triple H and Sting, and… Paige vs. Brie Bella…...
- 10/21/2015
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
wwe.com
Stone Cold Steve Austin is the most celebrated WWE wrestler of all time. He was the ultimate all-rounder, being fantastic on the mic and proficient in the ring. But what really set him ahead of his peers was his ability to get fans to part with their money. His merchandise sold like crazy, particularly his range of t-shirts. As for arena attendances and pay per view buys, the Austin name was generating record business for Vince McMahon. Arenas were full and Austin was the draw, everyone else in the WWF was just going along for the ride.
But power corrupts. The success Austin experienced ended up turning him into one of the biggest egotists of the Attitude Era. Maybe it was because he came up in a time when Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels ruled the roost, making it look as if backstage politics was the only way to keep ahead in WWE.
Stone Cold Steve Austin is the most celebrated WWE wrestler of all time. He was the ultimate all-rounder, being fantastic on the mic and proficient in the ring. But what really set him ahead of his peers was his ability to get fans to part with their money. His merchandise sold like crazy, particularly his range of t-shirts. As for arena attendances and pay per view buys, the Austin name was generating record business for Vince McMahon. Arenas were full and Austin was the draw, everyone else in the WWF was just going along for the ride.
But power corrupts. The success Austin experienced ended up turning him into one of the biggest egotists of the Attitude Era. Maybe it was because he came up in a time when Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels ruled the roost, making it look as if backstage politics was the only way to keep ahead in WWE.
- 10/13/2015
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Vince McMahon has a wild imagination that is just as creative as it is frighteningly worrying.
Throughout the history of WWE, McMahon has overseen the genesis of many different genres of character in the ring – needless to say some have been hits while others have been severe misses. For every Stone Cold Steve Austin there’s been a Mantaur; for every Rock there’s been several Beaver Cleavage; and for every… well, Mr McMahon – we can’t forget how great he was in his role back in the Attitude Era and beyond – there’s been a few dozen Kerwin Whites.
However, there’s one particular niche that Vince, and his creative staff for that matter, have excelled at down the years; and that’s the darker characters that kept us all up at night as youngsters. The source of this power to create the downright unnerving has to...
Vince McMahon has a wild imagination that is just as creative as it is frighteningly worrying.
Throughout the history of WWE, McMahon has overseen the genesis of many different genres of character in the ring – needless to say some have been hits while others have been severe misses. For every Stone Cold Steve Austin there’s been a Mantaur; for every Rock there’s been several Beaver Cleavage; and for every… well, Mr McMahon – we can’t forget how great he was in his role back in the Attitude Era and beyond – there’s been a few dozen Kerwin Whites.
However, there’s one particular niche that Vince, and his creative staff for that matter, have excelled at down the years; and that’s the darker characters that kept us all up at night as youngsters. The source of this power to create the downright unnerving has to...
- 10/13/2015
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
To many longtime wrestling fans, it’s obvious that WWE and, therefore, the wrestling business is at one of the lowest points in history. Attendance is down all over the country for all events, TV ratings have gone down to their lowest point in nearly 20 years, and mainstream acceptance of wrestling and wrestlers is non-existent.
Since WWE is a monopoly, they reflect the wrestling industry in North America. Fans of Tna and Roh can pretend that their promotions matter but they are essentially independent companies with television exposure. For better or worse, WWE is the reflection of the wrestling business and their business is in the toilet.
Wrestling fans, almost exclusively under the age of 25, defend the product to the bitter end because, quite honestly, they have never seen great wrestling. Their only exposure to the product is the WWE monopoly and all the problems that come with that.
To many longtime wrestling fans, it’s obvious that WWE and, therefore, the wrestling business is at one of the lowest points in history. Attendance is down all over the country for all events, TV ratings have gone down to their lowest point in nearly 20 years, and mainstream acceptance of wrestling and wrestlers is non-existent.
Since WWE is a monopoly, they reflect the wrestling industry in North America. Fans of Tna and Roh can pretend that their promotions matter but they are essentially independent companies with television exposure. For better or worse, WWE is the reflection of the wrestling business and their business is in the toilet.
Wrestling fans, almost exclusively under the age of 25, defend the product to the bitter end because, quite honestly, they have never seen great wrestling. Their only exposure to the product is the WWE monopoly and all the problems that come with that.
- 10/8/2015
- by Mike Shannon
- Obsessed with Film
2K Games
Wrestling video games should thrive on the idea of fantasy. Over the years, WWE’s various titles have allowed fans to create their own wrestlers, entrances, storylines and much more. In addition, modes such as the ’30 Years Of WrestleMania’ (2K14), ‘Attitude Era’ (’13) and upcoming feature dedicated to Steve Austin’s career (2K16) have enabled people to relive magical moments.
The last standalone video game dedicated to World Championship Wrestling was released in November, 2000. Unfortunately, the horrible ‘Backstage Assault’ was not a fitting parting shot for the company in digital form. For years, wrestling fans have wanted to see more WCW content in WWE video games. There have been Dlc packs and subtle nods towards the promotion, but nothing with any real substance.
That’s what this article is all about, arguing the reasons why a WCW video game would work in 2016. Obviously, the title would appeal to a more select market,...
Wrestling video games should thrive on the idea of fantasy. Over the years, WWE’s various titles have allowed fans to create their own wrestlers, entrances, storylines and much more. In addition, modes such as the ’30 Years Of WrestleMania’ (2K14), ‘Attitude Era’ (’13) and upcoming feature dedicated to Steve Austin’s career (2K16) have enabled people to relive magical moments.
The last standalone video game dedicated to World Championship Wrestling was released in November, 2000. Unfortunately, the horrible ‘Backstage Assault’ was not a fitting parting shot for the company in digital form. For years, wrestling fans have wanted to see more WCW content in WWE video games. There have been Dlc packs and subtle nods towards the promotion, but nothing with any real substance.
That’s what this article is all about, arguing the reasons why a WCW video game would work in 2016. Obviously, the title would appeal to a more select market,...
- 10/6/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
wwe.com
The legit tough guys in WWE have always been able to command respect, and were traditionally the most powerful people in any wrestling locker room. It goes back to the early twentieth century, when top-tier wrestlers needed to “shoot” in addition to “working” matches.
That need for shoot ability in the early days of pro wrestling was down to the real dangers of the sport. Fans thought pro wrestling was real, and tensions often boiled over. A heel needed to be prepared to fight back any attack that could come from the crowd. The wrestlers also needed to be legit tough in case their opponent tried to screw or shoot with them.
By the late twentieth century, legit toughness was on the way out. Guys like Hulk Hogan had turned wrestling into a circus show, and fans knew it was all pre-determined entertainment.
But internally, the respect for legit tough guys remained.
The legit tough guys in WWE have always been able to command respect, and were traditionally the most powerful people in any wrestling locker room. It goes back to the early twentieth century, when top-tier wrestlers needed to “shoot” in addition to “working” matches.
That need for shoot ability in the early days of pro wrestling was down to the real dangers of the sport. Fans thought pro wrestling was real, and tensions often boiled over. A heel needed to be prepared to fight back any attack that could come from the crowd. The wrestlers also needed to be legit tough in case their opponent tried to screw or shoot with them.
By the late twentieth century, legit toughness was on the way out. Guys like Hulk Hogan had turned wrestling into a circus show, and fans knew it was all pre-determined entertainment.
But internally, the respect for legit tough guys remained.
- 10/1/2015
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
To quote the signature opening of Bill Maher's monologue, I know why you're excited. It's because this recap marks one year since we started offering our weekly take on pro wrestling's premiere episodic series. Unless I'm mistaken, and you simply can't curb your enthusiasm for the glorified Msg house show that's airing live on the WWE Network this coming Saturday. In which case, all I can say is: weirdo.
Nevertheless, last night's broadcast was much less concerned with lighting the fiery path to Hell in a Cell than imploring...
Nevertheless, last night's broadcast was much less concerned with lighting the fiery path to Hell in a Cell than imploring...
- 9/29/2015
- Rollingstone.com
wwe.com
The Rock versus Triple H is still pencilled in as the main event of WWE WrestleMania 32, Dave Meltzer has stated on Wrestling Observer Radio.
There had been speculation that WWE were thinking about Rock going one on one with Brock Lesnar, as ‘The Beast’ is no longer scheduled to face The Undertaker on the April 3rd 2016 show. A match between Lesnar and Stone Cold Steve Austin is also ruled out.
But as of last week, Hunter and Rock is still the main event. If Ronda Rousey had been available, it may have been Rock and Rousey versus Triple H and Stephanie. However, Rousey has been ruled out due to a movie shoot she’s working in Indonesia next spring.
The plan for The Rock and Triple H goes all the way back to a segment they did on a Smackdown last October. They then went even further in...
The Rock versus Triple H is still pencilled in as the main event of WWE WrestleMania 32, Dave Meltzer has stated on Wrestling Observer Radio.
There had been speculation that WWE were thinking about Rock going one on one with Brock Lesnar, as ‘The Beast’ is no longer scheduled to face The Undertaker on the April 3rd 2016 show. A match between Lesnar and Stone Cold Steve Austin is also ruled out.
But as of last week, Hunter and Rock is still the main event. If Ronda Rousey had been available, it may have been Rock and Rousey versus Triple H and Stephanie. However, Rousey has been ruled out due to a movie shoot she’s working in Indonesia next spring.
The plan for The Rock and Triple H goes all the way back to a segment they did on a Smackdown last October. They then went even further in...
- 9/28/2015
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
Tna.com
For the most part, the story of professional wrestling in the United States in the last twenty years is the story of the abandonment of almost every single scintilla of traditional pro wrestling storytelling logic in favour of empty spectacle, ridiculous gimmicks, controversial antics and ‘crash TV’ theatrics.
When it worked, it saw the formation of the Nwo and rang in the Attitude Era; witnessed the second summer of Punk and the formation of the ‘Yes’ movement. When it didn’t… well, there was pretty much everything else, the stuff that’s made WCW, the WWF/E and more recently Tna a laughing stock amongst wrestling fans.
Wrestling legend Larry Zybysko once said of Tna president Dixie Carter that she “knows nothing about the wrestling psychology part and at the same time she doesn’t know who to trust. She doesn’t know if Jeff Jarrett knows what he’s doing,...
For the most part, the story of professional wrestling in the United States in the last twenty years is the story of the abandonment of almost every single scintilla of traditional pro wrestling storytelling logic in favour of empty spectacle, ridiculous gimmicks, controversial antics and ‘crash TV’ theatrics.
When it worked, it saw the formation of the Nwo and rang in the Attitude Era; witnessed the second summer of Punk and the formation of the ‘Yes’ movement. When it didn’t… well, there was pretty much everything else, the stuff that’s made WCW, the WWF/E and more recently Tna a laughing stock amongst wrestling fans.
Wrestling legend Larry Zybysko once said of Tna president Dixie Carter that she “knows nothing about the wrestling psychology part and at the same time she doesn’t know who to trust. She doesn’t know if Jeff Jarrett knows what he’s doing,...
- 9/27/2015
- by Ben Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
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