Pro wrestler Kevin Sullivan has died, WWE shared in a statement Friday. The wrestling legend had been known to be in the hospital in the last few months, suffering complications after emergency surgery for a “devastating accident” in May, his family shared last month. He was 74 years old.
The wrestler’s family announced last month that he was in intensive care. Following the surgery that saved his leg, he faced complications including encephalitis and sepsis. A GoFundMe fundraising campaign for his care raised more than $50,000 with other wrestling industry notables donating, including Cody Rhodes, Mick Foley, Chris Jericho, Diamond Dallas Page, Tony Khan, Jim Cornette and others.
“WWE is saddened to learn Kevin Sullivan has passed away at age 74,” the company’s statement began. “A unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history, Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries.
The wrestler’s family announced last month that he was in intensive care. Following the surgery that saved his leg, he faced complications including encephalitis and sepsis. A GoFundMe fundraising campaign for his care raised more than $50,000 with other wrestling industry notables donating, including Cody Rhodes, Mick Foley, Chris Jericho, Diamond Dallas Page, Tony Khan, Jim Cornette and others.
“WWE is saddened to learn Kevin Sullivan has passed away at age 74,” the company’s statement began. “A unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history, Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries.
- 8/9/2024
- by Mike Roe
- The Wrap
Despite returning to WWE, following his DC exit, Dwayne Johnson’s tenure, particularly at the DC Universe, seems to be marred by recent allegations surrounding his Black Adam project. To add to the disgrace of arguably the most controversial movie of the actor’s life, stories are surfacing about the making of the Dceu movie with CGI and stunt double.
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam | Warner Bros. DC Studios
With the latest report about the production of Black Adam arriving from popular wrestling journalist Jim Cornette, it has been revealed that Dwayne Johnson extensively used his stunt double to shoot several scenes. Later on, CGI was employed to replace the stunt double’s face with Johnson’s, in those particular scenes. This revelation comes in the wake of reports shedding light on Johnson’s habit of arriving hours late to movie sets.
Reports Shed Light on The Rock’s Consistent...
Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam | Warner Bros. DC Studios
With the latest report about the production of Black Adam arriving from popular wrestling journalist Jim Cornette, it has been revealed that Dwayne Johnson extensively used his stunt double to shoot several scenes. Later on, CGI was employed to replace the stunt double’s face with Johnson’s, in those particular scenes. This revelation comes in the wake of reports shedding light on Johnson’s habit of arriving hours late to movie sets.
Reports Shed Light on The Rock’s Consistent...
- 6/2/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
It's been a strange couple of years for Dwayne Johnson. There was a time when the Hollywood A-Lister could do no wrong, only for the narrative to shift ever since Black Adam was released.
The movie's poor financial performance called his status as a box office draw into question and comic book fans began turning on the actor once they learned of his supposed Dceu takeover attempt.
Quite a few high-profile failures followed, including a reported $60 million loss on his attempt at rebooting Vince McMahon's failed XFL.
Last month, a damning report from the trades claimed to shed light on the consequences of Johnson's habit of arriving hours late to movie sets and an alleged habit of peeing in water bottles.
Now, legendary pro wrestling manager Jim Cornette has shared information from an anonymous Atlanta-based source who claims to have worked on several of The Rock's movies.
The movie's poor financial performance called his status as a box office draw into question and comic book fans began turning on the actor once they learned of his supposed Dceu takeover attempt.
Quite a few high-profile failures followed, including a reported $60 million loss on his attempt at rebooting Vince McMahon's failed XFL.
Last month, a damning report from the trades claimed to shed light on the consequences of Johnson's habit of arriving hours late to movie sets and an alleged habit of peeing in water bottles.
Now, legendary pro wrestling manager Jim Cornette has shared information from an anonymous Atlanta-based source who claims to have worked on several of The Rock's movies.
- 5/30/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
If you are an avid fan of WWE then you must be aware of the various gimmicks the many wrestlers have had over the years. Wrestlers often turn to popular characters from fantasy to film to seek inspiration for their acts, so that fans can find their gimmicks appealing and battle the high competition.
Glenn Jacobs as Kane (Image via WWE)
This could not have been more true for one WWE Hall of Famer, Glenn Jacobs, whose character Kane was inspired by Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise. Although Jacobs carried the name to fame, it was Jim Cornette who was the mastermind behind the character.
Michael Myers Inspired One of the Most Evil Gimmicks in WWE
Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in Halloween Ends Photo Credit: Ryan Green/Universal Pictures.
There have been countless horror movies and many villains throughout the history of cinema, yet Nick Castle‘s portrayal...
Glenn Jacobs as Kane (Image via WWE)
This could not have been more true for one WWE Hall of Famer, Glenn Jacobs, whose character Kane was inspired by Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise. Although Jacobs carried the name to fame, it was Jim Cornette who was the mastermind behind the character.
Michael Myers Inspired One of the Most Evil Gimmicks in WWE
Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in Halloween Ends Photo Credit: Ryan Green/Universal Pictures.
There have been countless horror movies and many villains throughout the history of cinema, yet Nick Castle‘s portrayal...
- 3/22/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
As seen on a recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes sparked controversy by giving up his WrestleMania 40 main event spot to The Rock, leading to significant backlash. However, the storyline took an unexpected twist during the WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference, adding substantial drama to the situation. Interestingly enough, a real-life Bloodline member predicts a tragic outcome for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
Cody Rhodes
Fans are eager to witness The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at some point, but they certainly didn’t want it to come at the expense of Cody Rhodes’ storyline. Initially, it appeared that way on Friday Night SmackDown, but fortunately, things have taken a positive turn for the better at WrestleMania 40. With that said, fans should temper their expectations as well.
Suggested“He wanted the angle the next Friday a surprise”: Cody Rhodes Finishing His Story Was Almost Derailed Due to The Rock’s...
Cody Rhodes
Fans are eager to witness The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at some point, but they certainly didn’t want it to come at the expense of Cody Rhodes’ storyline. Initially, it appeared that way on Friday Night SmackDown, but fortunately, things have taken a positive turn for the better at WrestleMania 40. With that said, fans should temper their expectations as well.
Suggested“He wanted the angle the next Friday a surprise”: Cody Rhodes Finishing His Story Was Almost Derailed Due to The Rock’s...
- 2/27/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
In a recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes relinquished his WrestleMania 40 main event spot to The Rock, leading to substantial backlash. However, the dynamics shifted during the WrestleMania 40 kickoff press conference, injecting a significant amount of drama into the situation.
Cody Rhodes and The Rock
It was not without issues as The Rock slapped Cody Rhodes and now it appears a former WWE manager believes there is a way The American Nightmare can get revenge on The Great One with an incredible tag team.
Suggested“Greatness sins. Devil disrupts”: The Rock Changes His Signature Dialogue in Vintage Heel Move After Calling Booing WWE Fans Inbred in Explosive Rant The Rock Got Physical With Cody Rhodes During The WrestleMania 40 Press Conference The Rock’s heated confrontation with Cody Rhodes
The entire controversy surrounding the main event of WrestleMania 40 unfolded on the T-Mobile Arena stage at the Kickoff Press Event.
Cody Rhodes and The Rock
It was not without issues as The Rock slapped Cody Rhodes and now it appears a former WWE manager believes there is a way The American Nightmare can get revenge on The Great One with an incredible tag team.
Suggested“Greatness sins. Devil disrupts”: The Rock Changes His Signature Dialogue in Vintage Heel Move After Calling Booing WWE Fans Inbred in Explosive Rant The Rock Got Physical With Cody Rhodes During The WrestleMania 40 Press Conference The Rock’s heated confrontation with Cody Rhodes
The entire controversy surrounding the main event of WrestleMania 40 unfolded on the T-Mobile Arena stage at the Kickoff Press Event.
- 2/20/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Kast Media‘s shady dealings have earned it the ire of creators, and a lawsuit could soon follow. Investigative YouTuber Coffeezilla took a deep dive into Kast’s financials after comedian Theo Von claimed that the podcast network defrauded its partners out of $4 million.
The official website for Kast Media describes it as “one of the fastest growing and most exciting podcast networks and publishers in podcasting.” Kast built its library by making deals with comedians (including Von and Whitney Cummings), athletes (Brandon Schaub), and writers (Jim Cornette).
In July, word began to spread about Kast’s financial woes. Cornette revealed that the network owed him payments and was threatening to declare bankruptcy. Von threw fuel on the fire in September by raising his own nonpayment claims. He said that Kast owed its partners “up to $4 million” in total.
Just wanted to warn folks about @colinpthomson. This man defrauded our podcast and others.
The official website for Kast Media describes it as “one of the fastest growing and most exciting podcast networks and publishers in podcasting.” Kast built its library by making deals with comedians (including Von and Whitney Cummings), athletes (Brandon Schaub), and writers (Jim Cornette).
In July, word began to spread about Kast’s financial woes. Cornette revealed that the network owed him payments and was threatening to declare bankruptcy. Von threw fuel on the fire in September by raising his own nonpayment claims. He said that Kast owed its partners “up to $4 million” in total.
Just wanted to warn folks about @colinpthomson. This man defrauded our podcast and others.
- 9/20/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Part of episode 301 of Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru discusses the podcast's relationship with Kast Media, saying they haven't been paid by the company.
Here's a lightly-edited transcript containing the allegations from Jim Cornette and Brian Last. We've added a few links for clarity.
You can also listen to part of this episode on this YouTube link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBlY3zUpBck
You may have noticed a few disruptions in the podcast feed , the podcast schedule.
You may have noticed that the advertisers and the very, very popular conversations we have about them have been out of the show for the last little while.
There have been less commercials in the show the last little while.
And this is because of a situation that emerged between us, Arcadia and Vanguard at Jim Cornette, and a company that was handling our advertising called Kast Media.
And is that a good introduction?...
Here's a lightly-edited transcript containing the allegations from Jim Cornette and Brian Last. We've added a few links for clarity.
You can also listen to part of this episode on this YouTube link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBlY3zUpBck
You may have noticed a few disruptions in the podcast feed , the podcast schedule.
You may have noticed that the advertisers and the very, very popular conversations we have about them have been out of the show for the last little while.
There have been less commercials in the show the last little while.
And this is because of a situation that emerged between us, Arcadia and Vanguard at Jim Cornette, and a company that was handling our advertising called Kast Media.
And is that a good introduction?...
- 7/24/2023
- Podnews.net
To celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release of Survivor Series: War Games 2022, we are giving away a Blu-ray copy.
Survivor Series returns! But this time there’s a twist – the Survivor Series debut of WarGames, one of the most brutal constructions in wrestling history! Teams of five collide in two rings, surrounded by an unforgiving steel cage! And the match doesn’t begin until every member of the team enters! It’s mayhem, carnage, and a fight for survival as Roman Reigns leads the Bloodline against Drew McIntyre’s Brawling Brutes!
Match Listings: Men’s WarGames Match – Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, The Usos, Solo Sikoa vs. Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Brawling Brutes, Kevin Owens Women’s WarGames Match – Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Mia Yim vs. Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Nikki Cross, Rhea Ripley Triple Threat Match for the US Championship – Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin...
Survivor Series returns! But this time there’s a twist – the Survivor Series debut of WarGames, one of the most brutal constructions in wrestling history! Teams of five collide in two rings, surrounded by an unforgiving steel cage! And the match doesn’t begin until every member of the team enters! It’s mayhem, carnage, and a fight for survival as Roman Reigns leads the Bloodline against Drew McIntyre’s Brawling Brutes!
Match Listings: Men’s WarGames Match – Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, The Usos, Solo Sikoa vs. Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Brawling Brutes, Kevin Owens Women’s WarGames Match – Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Mia Yim vs. Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Nikki Cross, Rhea Ripley Triple Threat Match for the US Championship – Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin...
- 1/6/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Don’t count legendary pro wrestling manager and outspoken podcaster Jim Cornette among those gushing about “Glow.” The WWE icon and well-known hothead was asked about the TV series on a recent episode of “The Jim Cornette Experience & Drive-Thru Podcast.” His review wasn’t one for the poster. “Hated it!” he said, referring to the original run. Cornette then got to Netflix’s recent revival: “I didn’t want to see the original s—, I don’t want to see this s—.” Also Read: How Betty Gilpin Found Her Power on 'Glow' Set: 'I Took Up Space' “The...
- 7/5/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
February 10th, 1989 is an important date in professional wrestling history as that is the date that Vince McMahon, in testimony to the New Jersey State Senate, admitted that professional wrestling was not a sport but was in fact sports entertainment. The term they used in the wrestling business, kayfabe, giving the audience the illusion that what you were seeing was real and not staged, was officially dead.
That did not mean the death of the industry. In fact, it opened the flood gates for many other promotions to set up shop. Most importantly, it allowed the superstars themselves to finally tell fans stories of what happened back stage.
With the rise of podcasts, wrestling fans have plenty of shows to choose from, whether it be analysis of the current state of wrestling or stories of life behind the scenes. There is something for everyone. The following are some of my...
That did not mean the death of the industry. In fact, it opened the flood gates for many other promotions to set up shop. Most importantly, it allowed the superstars themselves to finally tell fans stories of what happened back stage.
With the rise of podcasts, wrestling fans have plenty of shows to choose from, whether it be analysis of the current state of wrestling or stories of life behind the scenes. There is something for everyone. The following are some of my...
- 2/3/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
1.Adam Cole came out victorious, as predicted by me last week, at Death Before Dishonor. It’s a well deserved victory for an up and coming star. What that victory, it caps Ring of Honor’s first real attempt at an episodic story line. One legitimate issue I’ve had with Ring of Honor television is the fact that apart from some rudimentary nods to their Pay Per Views, the shows have been random matches that have no real meaning. Wrestling is story telling. If we wanted to see two guys, or ladies, fight, we’d watch Mma. While the story was spotty, the fact they found a way to keep us viewed to the screen every week is a step in the right direction if the company hopes to expand. One bit of advice I have for Ring of Honor. Get Steve Corino back on color commentary! You have...
- 8/26/2016
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
WWE.com
PWInsider is reporting that after months of competing on the Nxt brand, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have finally been signed to full-time WWE contracts.
Gargano and Ciampa are two of the most respected talents on the U.S. independent scene. Gargano, who’s earned the nickname “Johnny Wrestling,” dominated Dragon Gate USA for years as the Open the Freedom Gate Champion, while Ciampa held the Ring of Honor TV Title before losing it to record-setting champion Jay Lethal.
Gargano and Ciampa first debuted in Nxt last summer, working as a team in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Despite not being signed to contracts, they upset Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey in the tournament’s first round, but they were defeated in the second by Baron Corbin and Rhyno.
Since the tournament, both men have continued to make appearances on Nxt TV, usually in singles competition. Ciampa...
PWInsider is reporting that after months of competing on the Nxt brand, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have finally been signed to full-time WWE contracts.
Gargano and Ciampa are two of the most respected talents on the U.S. independent scene. Gargano, who’s earned the nickname “Johnny Wrestling,” dominated Dragon Gate USA for years as the Open the Freedom Gate Champion, while Ciampa held the Ring of Honor TV Title before losing it to record-setting champion Jay Lethal.
Gargano and Ciampa first debuted in Nxt last summer, working as a team in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Despite not being signed to contracts, they upset Tyler Breeze and Bull Dempsey in the tournament’s first round, but they were defeated in the second by Baron Corbin and Rhyno.
Since the tournament, both men have continued to make appearances on Nxt TV, usually in singles competition. Ciampa...
- 4/3/2016
- by Scott Fried
- 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
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
Finally, twelve years after his untimely death, Ray ‘Big Boss Man’ Traylor is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, alongside already announced inductees The Godfather, The Fabulous Freebirds, and Sting. The Boss Man will be honored for his memorable contributions to the wrestling business over a career that spanned three decades.
Starting out in wrestling as a bodyguard for James E. Cornette in Jim Crockett Promotions, the Boss Man’s career would go on to reach huge heights in the late 80’s, when he would enjoy main event level feuds with such names as Hulk Hogan and Randy “Macho Man” Savage.
By the time the 90’s arrived, The Big Boss Man was one of the most popular stars on the WWF roster. If you look at merchandise from that time, Boss Man’s likeness sat side by side with Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior and Jake Roberts...
Finally, twelve years after his untimely death, Ray ‘Big Boss Man’ Traylor is being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, alongside already announced inductees The Godfather, The Fabulous Freebirds, and Sting. The Boss Man will be honored for his memorable contributions to the wrestling business over a career that spanned three decades.
Starting out in wrestling as a bodyguard for James E. Cornette in Jim Crockett Promotions, the Boss Man’s career would go on to reach huge heights in the late 80’s, when he would enjoy main event level feuds with such names as Hulk Hogan and Randy “Macho Man” Savage.
By the time the 90’s arrived, The Big Boss Man was one of the most popular stars on the WWF roster. If you look at merchandise from that time, Boss Man’s likeness sat side by side with Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior and Jake Roberts...
- 3/8/2016
- by Daniel Donnelly
- Obsessed with Film
WWE Network
The WWE Network has opened almost endless possibilities for pro wrestling fans around the globe, but what if it has also opened a new path of romance? That may seem like an utterly preposterous statement, but it’s far from uncommon to hear the phrase, ‘Netflix and chill’ in the modern world.
For wrestling enthusiasts, the Network may just provide another option.
Legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette once said that he found it pointless that the then-wwf tried to marry sex with wrestling during the much-heralded ‘Attitude’ Era. In Cornette’s mind, this was a fruitless exercise, because people tuning in to the promotion’s programming didn’t want sex, they wanted wrestling.
Still, Vince McMahon continued to push the envelope for years, before eventually reverting back to a more family-friendly product in 2008.
Like it or not, sex sells. There are still people who enjoy watching the WWE...
The WWE Network has opened almost endless possibilities for pro wrestling fans around the globe, but what if it has also opened a new path of romance? That may seem like an utterly preposterous statement, but it’s far from uncommon to hear the phrase, ‘Netflix and chill’ in the modern world.
For wrestling enthusiasts, the Network may just provide another option.
Legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette once said that he found it pointless that the then-wwf tried to marry sex with wrestling during the much-heralded ‘Attitude’ Era. In Cornette’s mind, this was a fruitless exercise, because people tuning in to the promotion’s programming didn’t want sex, they wanted wrestling.
Still, Vince McMahon continued to push the envelope for years, before eventually reverting back to a more family-friendly product in 2008.
Like it or not, sex sells. There are still people who enjoy watching the WWE...
- 2/11/2016
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
Twitter
Former WWE, WCW and Tna creative mastermind Vince Russo has claimed former colleague Jim Cornette pulled a gun out on him.
Russo appeared on Jim Ross’ Ross Report podcast and claimed that Cornette pulled the firearm out in front of him while they were travelling together. Seemingly as soon as he got wind of the allegations, Cornette responded with a flurry of tweets.
He started off by tweeting: “Apparently noted sh*tstain @THEVinceRusso told @JRsBBQ I pulled a gun in front of him–if this was true, Vr would no longer be telling story.”
A fan then called Russo out, claiming to have heard the tale on Jr’s podcast and not believing what he said, Vince replied:@BsUmcanes @TheJimCornette @JRsBBQ Yeah bro, I made up that story right off the top of my head. Been telling that story since day it happened.”
This then started a direct conversation between the pair for bookers.
Former WWE, WCW and Tna creative mastermind Vince Russo has claimed former colleague Jim Cornette pulled a gun out on him.
Russo appeared on Jim Ross’ Ross Report podcast and claimed that Cornette pulled the firearm out in front of him while they were travelling together. Seemingly as soon as he got wind of the allegations, Cornette responded with a flurry of tweets.
He started off by tweeting: “Apparently noted sh*tstain @THEVinceRusso told @JRsBBQ I pulled a gun in front of him–if this was true, Vr would no longer be telling story.”
A fan then called Russo out, claiming to have heard the tale on Jr’s podcast and not believing what he said, Vince replied:@BsUmcanes @TheJimCornette @JRsBBQ Yeah bro, I made up that story right off the top of my head. Been telling that story since day it happened.”
This then started a direct conversation between the pair for bookers.
- 12/18/2015
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Since the past is always destined to repeat itself (especially in WWE), maybe the annals of history can rescue the show from the slump its labouring through? It’s got to be worth a try, anyway.
You can almost set your watch by WWE at this time of year: with a long, slow build to the Royal Rumble we get TLC, the Slammys and the pre-recorded silliness of Tribute To The Troops. And a hastily cobbled-together Best Of Raw show if you’re in the UK. So maybe this isn’t the best week for learning any lessons: but at least it represents an opportunity to celebrate the odd festive spirit that overcomes WWE every year.
Like children high on too much festive candy, Christmas usually brings out the stupidest in WWE creatives. So maybe expect there to be a lot of Santa getting beaten up mixed in...
Since the past is always destined to repeat itself (especially in WWE), maybe the annals of history can rescue the show from the slump its labouring through? It’s got to be worth a try, anyway.
You can almost set your watch by WWE at this time of year: with a long, slow build to the Royal Rumble we get TLC, the Slammys and the pre-recorded silliness of Tribute To The Troops. And a hastily cobbled-together Best Of Raw show if you’re in the UK. So maybe this isn’t the best week for learning any lessons: but at least it represents an opportunity to celebrate the odd festive spirit that overcomes WWE every year.
Like children high on too much festive candy, Christmas usually brings out the stupidest in WWE creatives. So maybe expect there to be a lot of Santa getting beaten up mixed in...
- 12/16/2015
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The Undertaker is the single most enduring star World Wrestling Entertainment have under contract. At Survivor Series, the iconic character celebrates 25 years in the spotlight. It’s a real testament to the man behind the gimmick, Mark Calaway, that ‘Taker has been around for as long as he has. The gimmick was a product of the cartoon era in the company, so was never guaranteed to be around for such a lengthy period.
This week’s article features a few special facts related to ‘The Deadman’, including both Shawn Michaels and even Savio Vega. Michaels remains one of the best performers The Undertaker has ever worked against, stretching right back to the 1990’s.
On this list, 10 different wrestling-related facts are brought to light. They’re all ones that even the most hardcore of pro wrestling enthusiasts may not have known about last week, which makes them even more magical.
The Undertaker is the single most enduring star World Wrestling Entertainment have under contract. At Survivor Series, the iconic character celebrates 25 years in the spotlight. It’s a real testament to the man behind the gimmick, Mark Calaway, that ‘Taker has been around for as long as he has. The gimmick was a product of the cartoon era in the company, so was never guaranteed to be around for such a lengthy period.
This week’s article features a few special facts related to ‘The Deadman’, including both Shawn Michaels and even Savio Vega. Michaels remains one of the best performers The Undertaker has ever worked against, stretching right back to the 1990’s.
On this list, 10 different wrestling-related facts are brought to light. They’re all ones that even the most hardcore of pro wrestling enthusiasts may not have known about last week, which makes them even more magical.
- 11/20/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
David James Wilson/Insane Championship Wrestling
It’s unusual for things to be written from a purely first person perspective on WhatCulture.com, but I perform as the manager ‘James R. Kennedy’ for Insane Championship Wrestling.
My character – one of a wealthy background who uses that money to hurt others – is influenced by all the greats, from Bobby ‘The Brain Heenan and Jim Cornette, to Paul Heyman and J.J Dillon. Obviously, I have a long way to go before I even deserve to be mentioned alongside those men, but they were the inspiration for causing me to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a wrestling manager.
Throughout my time in Icw, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some unbelievable talents. Many of these men have wrestled across the globe, and their wealth of experience has been eye-opening for me. As any manager knows however, the very position...
It’s unusual for things to be written from a purely first person perspective on WhatCulture.com, but I perform as the manager ‘James R. Kennedy’ for Insane Championship Wrestling.
My character – one of a wealthy background who uses that money to hurt others – is influenced by all the greats, from Bobby ‘The Brain Heenan and Jim Cornette, to Paul Heyman and J.J Dillon. Obviously, I have a long way to go before I even deserve to be mentioned alongside those men, but they were the inspiration for causing me to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a wrestling manager.
Throughout my time in Icw, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some unbelievable talents. Many of these men have wrestled across the globe, and their wealth of experience has been eye-opening for me. As any manager knows however, the very position...
- 10/28/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
We’re mere days away from WWE’s Hell In A Cell event on the WWE Network and anticipation is growing for the main event billed as the “Final Battle” between The Undertaker and the man who ended his 21 year winning streak, Brock Lesnar. The WWE product hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders recently but fans are still intrigued and excited about the climax to this feud, especially with it being held inside WWE’s most demonic structure.
Long before Hell In A Cell was an annual pay per view event, it was a match to end the most brutal of rivalries. The concept of structure with a roof to house a wrestling match was created in 1997 by Jim Cornette as a throwback to the old cages in Memphis but with a modern twist, Cornette pitched this as the way to introduce the Kane character at Badd Blood.
We’re mere days away from WWE’s Hell In A Cell event on the WWE Network and anticipation is growing for the main event billed as the “Final Battle” between The Undertaker and the man who ended his 21 year winning streak, Brock Lesnar. The WWE product hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders recently but fans are still intrigued and excited about the climax to this feud, especially with it being held inside WWE’s most demonic structure.
Long before Hell In A Cell was an annual pay per view event, it was a match to end the most brutal of rivalries. The concept of structure with a roof to house a wrestling match was created in 1997 by Jim Cornette as a throwback to the old cages in Memphis but with a modern twist, Cornette pitched this as the way to introduce the Kane character at Badd Blood.
- 10/22/2015
- by Kenny McIntosh
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Commonly known as ‘The Man They Call Vader’, Leon White was once one of pro wrestling’s premier big men. Alongside other monstrous men like Bam Bam Bigelow, Vader was deceptively agile, and amassed a body of work that deserves exploration. Working in Japan and North America, ‘Big Van’ Vader was a revelation inside the ring.
Incredibly, despite his menacing demeanour and overall intimidating personality, Jim Cornette once said that Vader was more akin to a cuddly teddy bear away from the squared circle. It’s that kind of rumour and statement that this article focuses squarely on.
A former 3-time WCW World Champion, Vader also held gold in both All Japan and New Japan Pro Wrestling. A 3-time Iwgp Heavyweight Champion, the man was also a Triple Crown Heavyweight Champ twice in Ajpw. During his main tenure with the then-wwf from 1996-1998, he’d shockingly ever hold a title.
Commonly known as ‘The Man They Call Vader’, Leon White was once one of pro wrestling’s premier big men. Alongside other monstrous men like Bam Bam Bigelow, Vader was deceptively agile, and amassed a body of work that deserves exploration. Working in Japan and North America, ‘Big Van’ Vader was a revelation inside the ring.
Incredibly, despite his menacing demeanour and overall intimidating personality, Jim Cornette once said that Vader was more akin to a cuddly teddy bear away from the squared circle. It’s that kind of rumour and statement that this article focuses squarely on.
A former 3-time WCW World Champion, Vader also held gold in both All Japan and New Japan Pro Wrestling. A 3-time Iwgp Heavyweight Champion, the man was also a Triple Crown Heavyweight Champ twice in Ajpw. During his main tenure with the then-wwf from 1996-1998, he’d shockingly ever hold a title.
- 8/28/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Ronda Rousey is the most dangerous woman alive, and her star continues to rise and burn brighter.
She’s got a new, fledgling movie career on one hand, and she’s posing for bikini shots on the other. Oh, and in her spare time, she beats wholesale ass — her fight with Correia is this Saturday, August 1. Eleven wins. Zero losses. Nine of those by way of submission — an armbar that tears her opponents’ joints out of their sockets.
Aside from Conor McGregor, there’s no one on the Ufc roster who has the mainstream notoriety of Rousey. She’s got the brawn, the skills (she’s an Olympian), the looks, and the big mouth. The woman knows how to stir the pot. Her love for playing the heel is probably rooted in her love for professional wrestling.
She’s a die-hard fan, and she had a spot at this year’s WrestleMania,...
Ronda Rousey is the most dangerous woman alive, and her star continues to rise and burn brighter.
She’s got a new, fledgling movie career on one hand, and she’s posing for bikini shots on the other. Oh, and in her spare time, she beats wholesale ass — her fight with Correia is this Saturday, August 1. Eleven wins. Zero losses. Nine of those by way of submission — an armbar that tears her opponents’ joints out of their sockets.
Aside from Conor McGregor, there’s no one on the Ufc roster who has the mainstream notoriety of Rousey. She’s got the brawn, the skills (she’s an Olympian), the looks, and the big mouth. The woman knows how to stir the pot. Her love for playing the heel is probably rooted in her love for professional wrestling.
She’s a die-hard fan, and she had a spot at this year’s WrestleMania,...
- 7/29/2015
- by Kevin Wong
- Obsessed with Film
tumblr
Bobby Heenan had more wit, and Jimmy Hart was more obnoxious. But Jim Cornette had the whole damn package. With his cheap suits, sharp voice, and ever-present tennis gear, Cornette managed the WWE’s monsters during the early to mid-90’s. Among his charges were Yokozuna and Vader — massive, mostly silent giants who benefitted from having a smarmy motormouth by their side.
But as professional wrestling turned into sports entertainment, and the New Generation transitioned into the Attitude Era, Cornette’s old school wrestling philosophies fell by the wayside. He shifted around the WWE in various roles – as a booker, as a manager, as a talent developer in Ovw – before joining Tna, and then Ring of Honor.
In the midst of all this, Jim Cornette became known for his shoot promos. At first, they were the traditional ‘worked shoots’ that the WWE sometimes partakes in. But in more recent years,...
Bobby Heenan had more wit, and Jimmy Hart was more obnoxious. But Jim Cornette had the whole damn package. With his cheap suits, sharp voice, and ever-present tennis gear, Cornette managed the WWE’s monsters during the early to mid-90’s. Among his charges were Yokozuna and Vader — massive, mostly silent giants who benefitted from having a smarmy motormouth by their side.
But as professional wrestling turned into sports entertainment, and the New Generation transitioned into the Attitude Era, Cornette’s old school wrestling philosophies fell by the wayside. He shifted around the WWE in various roles – as a booker, as a manager, as a talent developer in Ovw – before joining Tna, and then Ring of Honor.
In the midst of all this, Jim Cornette became known for his shoot promos. At first, they were the traditional ‘worked shoots’ that the WWE sometimes partakes in. But in more recent years,...
- 6/14/2015
- by Kevin Wong
- Obsessed with Film
kayfabecommentaries.com
Tune into or read an interview with Jim Cornette, and wrestling fans know exactly the kind of thing they’re going to get. Ever a fascinating guest, Cornette is consistently outspoken regardless of the subject, and that’s why he’s so popular on various podcasts and ‘shoot interview’ releases.
Kayfabe Commentaries have been acclaimed for producing some of the best shoot interview footage of all time. Host Sean Oliver is a likeable character in his own right, routinely building up a degree of camaraderie with his guests and really helping make them feel at ease throughout the interview, something which only leads to them being more open than they might be with others.
In 1989, World Championship Wrestling was on the cusp of something new. Up until that point, the promotion were pretty much known as the Nwa, sitting alongside the more glitzy WWF as a true alternative.
Tune into or read an interview with Jim Cornette, and wrestling fans know exactly the kind of thing they’re going to get. Ever a fascinating guest, Cornette is consistently outspoken regardless of the subject, and that’s why he’s so popular on various podcasts and ‘shoot interview’ releases.
Kayfabe Commentaries have been acclaimed for producing some of the best shoot interview footage of all time. Host Sean Oliver is a likeable character in his own right, routinely building up a degree of camaraderie with his guests and really helping make them feel at ease throughout the interview, something which only leads to them being more open than they might be with others.
In 1989, World Championship Wrestling was on the cusp of something new. Up until that point, the promotion were pretty much known as the Nwa, sitting alongside the more glitzy WWF as a true alternative.
- 6/5/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
These days in the WWE, a wrestler (sorry, entertainer) is expected to do everything: not only having to grapple and sell, but also to deliver lines. It’s why we see painful backstage sketches, with stilted dialogue and poor delivery, and it’s why we see Roman Reigns struggle to cut a promo on the mic, night after night.
Of course, there are a few standout, modern superstars who can do it all — Seth Rollins comes to mind — but the majority of wrestlers cannot do everything with equal aplomb. And back in the day, when a wrestler couldn’t talk, there was a simple, elegant solution. It’s a shame that the modern WWE doesn’t employ this solution more often (Paul Heyman is a notable exception).
The bookers gave the wrestler a manager.
A manager solved so many problems: if the wrestler couldn’t cut a promo,...
These days in the WWE, a wrestler (sorry, entertainer) is expected to do everything: not only having to grapple and sell, but also to deliver lines. It’s why we see painful backstage sketches, with stilted dialogue and poor delivery, and it’s why we see Roman Reigns struggle to cut a promo on the mic, night after night.
Of course, there are a few standout, modern superstars who can do it all — Seth Rollins comes to mind — but the majority of wrestlers cannot do everything with equal aplomb. And back in the day, when a wrestler couldn’t talk, there was a simple, elegant solution. It’s a shame that the modern WWE doesn’t employ this solution more often (Paul Heyman is a notable exception).
The bookers gave the wrestler a manager.
A manager solved so many problems: if the wrestler couldn’t cut a promo,...
- 3/19/2015
- by Kevin Wong
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
For years, President Jack Tunney ruled over WWE storylines with an iron fist, not always making decisions that were met with open arms by fans, but decisions that were made in the best interest of the promotion. When Gorilla Monsoon replaced Tunney, he became the first real authority figure to experience increased television exposure. He stood up in the face of defiant villains such as Jim Cornette and Vader and even found himself on the receiving end of a vicious assault at the hands of the massive Coloradan.
It was not until Roddy Piper was named interim president and waged war with Goldust at WrestleMania 12 that the authority figure became an integral part of WWE television. Sgt. Slaughter followed suit, becoming commissioner in the summer of 1997 and engaging a relatively young Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a war that quickly became personal. Their Boot Camp match at the December pay-per-view,...
For years, President Jack Tunney ruled over WWE storylines with an iron fist, not always making decisions that were met with open arms by fans, but decisions that were made in the best interest of the promotion. When Gorilla Monsoon replaced Tunney, he became the first real authority figure to experience increased television exposure. He stood up in the face of defiant villains such as Jim Cornette and Vader and even found himself on the receiving end of a vicious assault at the hands of the massive Coloradan.
It was not until Roddy Piper was named interim president and waged war with Goldust at WrestleMania 12 that the authority figure became an integral part of WWE television. Sgt. Slaughter followed suit, becoming commissioner in the summer of 1997 and engaging a relatively young Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a war that quickly became personal. Their Boot Camp match at the December pay-per-view,...
- 12/20/2014
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
“E-c-Dub! E-c-Dub! E-c-Dub!”
Even though the promotion has been dead for 13 years, those chants still are heard in arenas around the country. Ecw was more than just a wrestling promotion for some people, it was a way of life and an attitude. Forget, the WWF’s “Attitude Era”, Ecw blew that completely out of the water.
The man at the helm of the hardcore revolution was Paul Heyman. One of the most innovative and creative bookers of all-time, Heyman created an environment where wrestlers weren’t judged by their physiques or scripted promos, they were measured by their ability to wrestle and take a beating.
However, for as many fond memories that we have of Ecw, there has to be a downside to the promotion. If the promotion was perfect, then it wouldn’t have went out of business.
As Lance Storm said on Jim Cornette’s podcast,...
“E-c-Dub! E-c-Dub! E-c-Dub!”
Even though the promotion has been dead for 13 years, those chants still are heard in arenas around the country. Ecw was more than just a wrestling promotion for some people, it was a way of life and an attitude. Forget, the WWF’s “Attitude Era”, Ecw blew that completely out of the water.
The man at the helm of the hardcore revolution was Paul Heyman. One of the most innovative and creative bookers of all-time, Heyman created an environment where wrestlers weren’t judged by their physiques or scripted promos, they were measured by their ability to wrestle and take a beating.
However, for as many fond memories that we have of Ecw, there has to be a downside to the promotion. If the promotion was perfect, then it wouldn’t have went out of business.
As Lance Storm said on Jim Cornette’s podcast,...
- 10/27/2014
- by Mike Shannon
- Obsessed with Film
wwe
WWE’s next Pay-Per-View is just around the corner, and as has become an October tradition, it is built around the infamous Hell in a Cell match. The first Hell in a Cell match was way back in 1997, but since then there have been twenty-eight matches in the demonic structure and over thirty men have stepped foot inside the cell and tasted the unforgiving steel.
The Hell in a Cell concept was created by Jim Cornette who has said to have been influenced by Memphis-style steel cage matches where the cage extended beyond the ring, as well as WCW’s War Games match where the cage has a roof on it. The cell also bears some resemblance to WCW’s Thunderdome/Chamber of Horrors cage. While the original Cell was 16ft and just over two tons, the current incarnation is 20ft tall and weighs a whopiing five tons.
When...
WWE’s next Pay-Per-View is just around the corner, and as has become an October tradition, it is built around the infamous Hell in a Cell match. The first Hell in a Cell match was way back in 1997, but since then there have been twenty-eight matches in the demonic structure and over thirty men have stepped foot inside the cell and tasted the unforgiving steel.
The Hell in a Cell concept was created by Jim Cornette who has said to have been influenced by Memphis-style steel cage matches where the cage extended beyond the ring, as well as WCW’s War Games match where the cage has a roof on it. The cell also bears some resemblance to WCW’s Thunderdome/Chamber of Horrors cage. While the original Cell was 16ft and just over two tons, the current incarnation is 20ft tall and weighs a whopiing five tons.
When...
- 10/13/2014
- by Kieran Shiach
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
You could fill a book with stories about the most universally reviled people in the business of professional wrestling – and people frequently have. The autobiographies of luminaries like Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Chris Jericho, Bob ‘Hardcore’ Holly – even nice guys like Edge and Mick Foley – are littered with stories of the kind of people you meet in the industry that you really wish you hadn’t. It’s part of what makes books like theirs so much fun to read – we all love being party to a little scuttlebutt (it’s like gossip with the bass turned up).
Of course, practically everyone’s been disliked by someone at some point. In the artificial touring company that is professional wrestling – especially with that additional ‘boys club’ element to its make-up – it’s just like everywhere else, only much worse. There are obnoxious people everywhere – but what really defines truly obnoxious?...
You could fill a book with stories about the most universally reviled people in the business of professional wrestling – and people frequently have. The autobiographies of luminaries like Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Chris Jericho, Bob ‘Hardcore’ Holly – even nice guys like Edge and Mick Foley – are littered with stories of the kind of people you meet in the industry that you really wish you hadn’t. It’s part of what makes books like theirs so much fun to read – we all love being party to a little scuttlebutt (it’s like gossip with the bass turned up).
Of course, practically everyone’s been disliked by someone at some point. In the artificial touring company that is professional wrestling – especially with that additional ‘boys club’ element to its make-up – it’s just like everywhere else, only much worse. There are obnoxious people everywhere – but what really defines truly obnoxious?...
- 9/9/2014
- by Ben Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
When the biggest superstar of his era finally hung up his boots a decade ago, no one would have predicted that “talk show host” would become a job he would hold down. However, the proliferation of iPods and podcasts opened that door, and 49-year-old “Stone Cold” Steve Austin busted right through it, launching a new career hosting two regular podcasts (one family-friendly, one with a bit more “attitude”). Austin has found something he handles with ease, and something that entertains both wrestling fans and non-fans.
Austin is not the only former WWE superstar who has found success hosting a podcast. Semi-retired wrestler and rockstar Chris Jericho, former announcer “God Ol’ J.R.” Jim Ross and Jim Cornette are among those who take to the internet waves. Even the Honky Tonk Man has a podcast.
So, if Stone Cold can do it, who else would excel at taking a spin behind the mic?...
When the biggest superstar of his era finally hung up his boots a decade ago, no one would have predicted that “talk show host” would become a job he would hold down. However, the proliferation of iPods and podcasts opened that door, and 49-year-old “Stone Cold” Steve Austin busted right through it, launching a new career hosting two regular podcasts (one family-friendly, one with a bit more “attitude”). Austin has found something he handles with ease, and something that entertains both wrestling fans and non-fans.
Austin is not the only former WWE superstar who has found success hosting a podcast. Semi-retired wrestler and rockstar Chris Jericho, former announcer “God Ol’ J.R.” Jim Ross and Jim Cornette are among those who take to the internet waves. Even the Honky Tonk Man has a podcast.
So, if Stone Cold can do it, who else would excel at taking a spin behind the mic?...
- 8/21/2014
- by Scott Carlson
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Those on the outside can write about the wrestling business all they want, however, if you’ve never been on the inside . . . you just don’t know . . . nor will you ever.
In order to have a run in wrestling whether it be in front of the camera, or behind, early on you have to keep your mouth shut and just Listen. The last thing you want to do is be too eager and overstep your boundaries, because if you do—from that moment on you will be known as Mickity Mark and Never, Ever gain the respect of anybody.
But, that simple rule is just the beginning. In order to have staying power, you have to be aware of “wrestling’s little secrets” that will enable you to survive in the long run.
10. Learn From Everybody
WWE.com
One of the secrets I’ve learned in professional wrestling...
Those on the outside can write about the wrestling business all they want, however, if you’ve never been on the inside . . . you just don’t know . . . nor will you ever.
In order to have a run in wrestling whether it be in front of the camera, or behind, early on you have to keep your mouth shut and just Listen. The last thing you want to do is be too eager and overstep your boundaries, because if you do—from that moment on you will be known as Mickity Mark and Never, Ever gain the respect of anybody.
But, that simple rule is just the beginning. In order to have staying power, you have to be aware of “wrestling’s little secrets” that will enable you to survive in the long run.
10. Learn From Everybody
WWE.com
One of the secrets I’ve learned in professional wrestling...
- 8/4/2014
- by Vince Russo
- Obsessed with Film
For quite some time now, there have been rumors abound that once Kevin Steen wrapped up his run with Ring of Honor, he would be heading to WWE. Well, on Saturday, July 19th, that chapter of Steen’s career came to a close, as he competed in his final Roh contest.
In Dearborn, Mi, Ring of Honor’s Summer Heat Tour reached its conclusion with an event that featured Roh’s signature hard-hitting contests. However, it was the main event that most fans came to see, as Kevin Steen battled his longtime friend — and sometimes rival — Steve Corino.
Before the match began, fans showered Steen with streamers — a Ring of Honor tradition adopted from Japanese audiences. Then, as ring announcer Bobby Cruise began the introductions, he was suddenly stopped by Corino. “The King of Old School” handed Cruise a sheet of paper which the announcer then read. In a throwback...
In Dearborn, Mi, Ring of Honor’s Summer Heat Tour reached its conclusion with an event that featured Roh’s signature hard-hitting contests. However, it was the main event that most fans came to see, as Kevin Steen battled his longtime friend — and sometimes rival — Steve Corino.
Before the match began, fans showered Steen with streamers — a Ring of Honor tradition adopted from Japanese audiences. Then, as ring announcer Bobby Cruise began the introductions, he was suddenly stopped by Corino. “The King of Old School” handed Cruise a sheet of paper which the announcer then read. In a throwback...
- 7/22/2014
- by Douglas Scarpa
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
During Sunday afternoon’s WWE live event in Toronto, long time WWE Superstar Santino Marella announced that he was retiring due to a serious neck injury. It’s his third major neck injury. No word on if he will require surgery soon, but it’s bad enough that he is not going to wrestle anymore. Santino, real name Anthony Carelli, is 35 years old.
Santino was signed by WWE in 2005 and he was in Ovw. There was a famous moment while there when he didn’t act scared of the Boogeyman, so booker Jim Cornette slapped him in front of other wrestlers and it ended up leading to Cornette being fired by WWE. When Paul Heyman took over in Ovw, he named him Boris Aleiev although that didn’t carry over when he was on the main roster.
His WWE debut was on the April 16, 2007 edition of Raw in...
During Sunday afternoon’s WWE live event in Toronto, long time WWE Superstar Santino Marella announced that he was retiring due to a serious neck injury. It’s his third major neck injury. No word on if he will require surgery soon, but it’s bad enough that he is not going to wrestle anymore. Santino, real name Anthony Carelli, is 35 years old.
Santino was signed by WWE in 2005 and he was in Ovw. There was a famous moment while there when he didn’t act scared of the Boogeyman, so booker Jim Cornette slapped him in front of other wrestlers and it ended up leading to Cornette being fired by WWE. When Paul Heyman took over in Ovw, he named him Boris Aleiev although that didn’t carry over when he was on the main roster.
His WWE debut was on the April 16, 2007 edition of Raw in...
- 7/7/2014
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.co
Outside of the rare example of Kurt Angle or Brock Lesnar, most pro wrestlers require a few years of seasoning and some good luck insofar as the creative process in order to truly catch on as top-flight professionals. In some cases, certain wrestlers are hamstrung in both their in-ring development and the execution of the creative ideas being used in their development, and take even longer than most to truly become established star grapplers.
Regarding wrestlers who have improved over time in WWE, there is a list of these performers that is quite long. However, of that lot, there are 12 who truly have distinguished themselves.
12. Batista
WWE.com
There are certainly people who would happily make the argument that Batista is “Boo-tista” and terrible at everything he does both as a grappler and character. However, it’s also possible that insofar as the classic model of what it...
Outside of the rare example of Kurt Angle or Brock Lesnar, most pro wrestlers require a few years of seasoning and some good luck insofar as the creative process in order to truly catch on as top-flight professionals. In some cases, certain wrestlers are hamstrung in both their in-ring development and the execution of the creative ideas being used in their development, and take even longer than most to truly become established star grapplers.
Regarding wrestlers who have improved over time in WWE, there is a list of these performers that is quite long. However, of that lot, there are 12 who truly have distinguished themselves.
12. Batista
WWE.com
There are certainly people who would happily make the argument that Batista is “Boo-tista” and terrible at everything he does both as a grappler and character. However, it’s also possible that insofar as the classic model of what it...
- 5/27/2014
- by Marcus K. Dowling
- Obsessed with Film
Normal 0 false false false En-gb X-none X-none
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will need no introduction to many, if any, of you reading this column but something you might not be aware of is that around the same time I kicked off Pinfall, he launched a weekly podcast called The Ross Report and it’s a great listen. (catch it here)
Over the last twelve weeks he’s had an impressive roster of guests on his show including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley, Amy ‘Lita’ Dumas, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and Shawn Michaels, but it was the guest he had on a couple of weeks ago that has given me food for thought for this time’s column, the incomparable Jim Cornette.
Cornette has been around the wrestling business forever and has a million interesting stories about a million different things and people, but it wasn’t so...
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will need no introduction to many, if any, of you reading this column but something you might not be aware of is that around the same time I kicked off Pinfall, he launched a weekly podcast called The Ross Report and it’s a great listen. (catch it here)
Over the last twelve weeks he’s had an impressive roster of guests on his show including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley, Amy ‘Lita’ Dumas, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and Shawn Michaels, but it was the guest he had on a couple of weeks ago that has given me food for thought for this time’s column, the incomparable Jim Cornette.
Cornette has been around the wrestling business forever and has a million interesting stories about a million different things and people, but it wasn’t so...
- 5/13/2014
- Shadowlocked
WWE.com
World Wrestling Entertainment has seen its fair-share of foreign objects used in its 50 years of existence. There was a time when foreign objects were limited to objects found around ringside- folding chairs, the time keeper’s bell, ring steps. Foreign object brought to the ring by a manager- a manager’s cane, megaphone, or loaded purse- have always been in vogue, as have items smuggled into the ring in a wrestler’s tights- brass knuckles, a roll of quarters, a pencil- or boots. But with the popularity boom of the WWF’s Attitude Era in the late-90s to today, more and more outlandish weapons have been used to the entertainment (and sometimes embarrassment) of wrestling fans. While bodyslams through tables, Con-Chair-Tos, and leaps off of ladders still garner greater reactions, WWE Superstars seem bent on one-upping each other in terms of creativity and originality; some objects work,...
World Wrestling Entertainment has seen its fair-share of foreign objects used in its 50 years of existence. There was a time when foreign objects were limited to objects found around ringside- folding chairs, the time keeper’s bell, ring steps. Foreign object brought to the ring by a manager- a manager’s cane, megaphone, or loaded purse- have always been in vogue, as have items smuggled into the ring in a wrestler’s tights- brass knuckles, a roll of quarters, a pencil- or boots. But with the popularity boom of the WWF’s Attitude Era in the late-90s to today, more and more outlandish weapons have been used to the entertainment (and sometimes embarrassment) of wrestling fans. While bodyslams through tables, Con-Chair-Tos, and leaps off of ladders still garner greater reactions, WWE Superstars seem bent on one-upping each other in terms of creativity and originality; some objects work,...
- 5/2/2014
- by The 'House
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Jim Cornette’s history in the wrestling business is pretty incredible when you consider that he’s worked for every major professional wrestling company in America and did so under a variety of roles.
Cornette was a force in the wrestling business in his early 20s as a manger most notably for the Midnight Express tag team. He also worked for WCW and WWE while running his Smoky Mountain Wrestling promotion in the early 1990s as well. He’s also roles in both Tna Wrestling and Ring of Honor as part of the creative process as well as an on screen figurehead.
There are few people in the business smarter than Jim Cornette. He’s most known for his work as an on screen manager, but it’s his creative mind that kept opening doors for him. Even though he wasn’t a wrestler, he even took part...
Jim Cornette’s history in the wrestling business is pretty incredible when you consider that he’s worked for every major professional wrestling company in America and did so under a variety of roles.
Cornette was a force in the wrestling business in his early 20s as a manger most notably for the Midnight Express tag team. He also worked for WCW and WWE while running his Smoky Mountain Wrestling promotion in the early 1990s as well. He’s also roles in both Tna Wrestling and Ring of Honor as part of the creative process as well as an on screen figurehead.
There are few people in the business smarter than Jim Cornette. He’s most known for his work as an on screen manager, but it’s his creative mind that kept opening doors for him. Even though he wasn’t a wrestler, he even took part...
- 4/23/2014
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
wwe.com
Wrestling as an industry is ostensibly all about the talent performing in the ring, but in truth, without the influential members of the industry behind the scenes, it would never be where it is today. A great deal of people who aren’t involved with in-ring action help make the industry what it is, and they deserve a moment in the spotlight as much as any wrestler.
With that in mind, and to give them the attention they deserve, this article will explore fifteen powerful non-wrestlers in the industry throughout its history and the effect they had on it. It should be noted that by no means is this a comprehensive list of people who have influenced the industry, but the point here is to indulge the status of some of the names who have shaped the industry in major ways since its inception.
Agree with the rankings?...
Wrestling as an industry is ostensibly all about the talent performing in the ring, but in truth, without the influential members of the industry behind the scenes, it would never be where it is today. A great deal of people who aren’t involved with in-ring action help make the industry what it is, and they deserve a moment in the spotlight as much as any wrestler.
With that in mind, and to give them the attention they deserve, this article will explore fifteen powerful non-wrestlers in the industry throughout its history and the effect they had on it. It should be noted that by no means is this a comprehensive list of people who have influenced the industry, but the point here is to indulge the status of some of the names who have shaped the industry in major ways since its inception.
Agree with the rankings?...
- 3/15/2014
- by Dane Mamula
- Obsessed with Film
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As wrestling fans, we always deal with people who rip on the wrestling business for different reasons. They may call it fake, stupid or a waste of time because it’s seen as a children’s form of entertainment from those that don’t really understand it.
If you’re a wrestling fan lifer, you’ve been dealing with those kinds of people all your life. They could be a spouse, a boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, siblings, other family members or close friends. We all likely have friends that we grew up watching wrestling with that ended up quitting it got too stupid for them or they simply lost their interest in the “sport” that we all grew up loving.
As a fan of wrestling, often times you may feel like defending it to the people in your life that question why you still watch.
A few different people have...
As wrestling fans, we always deal with people who rip on the wrestling business for different reasons. They may call it fake, stupid or a waste of time because it’s seen as a children’s form of entertainment from those that don’t really understand it.
If you’re a wrestling fan lifer, you’ve been dealing with those kinds of people all your life. They could be a spouse, a boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, siblings, other family members or close friends. We all likely have friends that we grew up watching wrestling with that ended up quitting it got too stupid for them or they simply lost their interest in the “sport” that we all grew up loving.
As a fan of wrestling, often times you may feel like defending it to the people in your life that question why you still watch.
A few different people have...
- 2/26/2014
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
flickr
became a household name both in and out of the WWE in 2004/2005. He was one of the most controversial villains in wrestling history, whose actions and words touched a raw nerve in the beleaguered, post 9/11 America.
Then, as quickly as he burst onto the wrestling scene and onto international headlines, he vanished — not to be seen or even mentioned on television again. Marks story of timing and luck, both good and bad tells of a young superstar who dreamed of stardom but got “too much, too quickly,” and made a few enemies in high places along the way.
Was it irresponsible management from WWE Executives? A young man that had gotten everything too quickly in WWE. He was absolutely not ready. Was he too immature? ”I wasn’t mentally equipped to handle such a quick ascent. Looking back now, I can see that I was just a kid back then.
became a household name both in and out of the WWE in 2004/2005. He was one of the most controversial villains in wrestling history, whose actions and words touched a raw nerve in the beleaguered, post 9/11 America.
Then, as quickly as he burst onto the wrestling scene and onto international headlines, he vanished — not to be seen or even mentioned on television again. Marks story of timing and luck, both good and bad tells of a young superstar who dreamed of stardom but got “too much, too quickly,” and made a few enemies in high places along the way.
Was it irresponsible management from WWE Executives? A young man that had gotten everything too quickly in WWE. He was absolutely not ready. Was he too immature? ”I wasn’t mentally equipped to handle such a quick ascent. Looking back now, I can see that I was just a kid back then.
- 2/23/2014
- by Stuart Farrimond
- Obsessed with Film
Triple H is now head of the WWE Creative Team. As we speak, several members of the internet wrestling community are lighting torches and grabbing pitchforks in order to see that this Frankenstein’s monster is not able to wreak havoc on the greater wrestling world.
In all seriousness, there is no doubt that Triple H has sometimes made decisions in the WWE that at best were…narrow-minded. At worst he was a wrestler who at times seemed to be a little too focused on keeping or obtaining the gold rather than trying to further angles or other wrestlers. Having said that, Triple H boasts a sound wrestling mind – personally I think he will be a smart creative director of the WWE.
However, if Triple H was not connected to the McMahon legacy, could another superstar- either past or present – step up to the plate and be a good choice...
In all seriousness, there is no doubt that Triple H has sometimes made decisions in the WWE that at best were…narrow-minded. At worst he was a wrestler who at times seemed to be a little too focused on keeping or obtaining the gold rather than trying to further angles or other wrestlers. Having said that, Triple H boasts a sound wrestling mind – personally I think he will be a smart creative director of the WWE.
However, if Triple H was not connected to the McMahon legacy, could another superstar- either past or present – step up to the plate and be a good choice...
- 1/8/2014
- by Vectron44
- Obsessed with Film
It’s no longer a secret that Tna is up for sale and ever since the announcement was made, we’ve all been asking ourselves the same question.
“Who is going to buy Tna from the Carter Family?”
Throughout this article, we’ll take a look at 5 candidates we hope buy the company from the Carter Family and bring it back to better standards in the eyes of the fans.
5. Jim Cornette
I understand that this one is likely to never happen, but the title does say “Hope”.
Jim Cornette understands the wrestling business just as much as guys like Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman. All three men are genius’ in their own right and I feel that Jim Cornette has been somewhat forgotten about when people speak of wrestling’s genius’.
Jim Cornette currently works for Ring Of Honor but has previously worked for companies such as the Nwa,...
“Who is going to buy Tna from the Carter Family?”
Throughout this article, we’ll take a look at 5 candidates we hope buy the company from the Carter Family and bring it back to better standards in the eyes of the fans.
5. Jim Cornette
I understand that this one is likely to never happen, but the title does say “Hope”.
Jim Cornette understands the wrestling business just as much as guys like Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman. All three men are genius’ in their own right and I feel that Jim Cornette has been somewhat forgotten about when people speak of wrestling’s genius’.
Jim Cornette currently works for Ring Of Honor but has previously worked for companies such as the Nwa,...
- 11/4/2013
- by Martin Foxx
- Obsessed with Film
Back in 1995, the WWF was offering five PPVs – Rumble, WrestleMania, Kotr, Summerslam and Survivor Series – at $30 apiece. The idea behind the concept was that a shorter (2 hours compared to 3) and cheaper ($15 to start with) PPVs in months without a major event would give them an edge over the increasing WCW threat.
You may notice that the earliest PPV included was in February ’97, despite the first event being held almost two years prior. The problem was that, although some of the main events were exceptional, the overall cards were poor because the WWF didn’t have a brilliant roster. The fact that the WWF seemed obsessed with stipulations at the time didn’t help – Razor Ramon vs. 1-2-3 Kid in a Cry-baby Match comes to mind.
Iyh: Mind Games is a perfect example. Shawn Michaels defended the WWF Championship against Mankind, in a brilliant thirty minute bout. While the main event was excellent,...
You may notice that the earliest PPV included was in February ’97, despite the first event being held almost two years prior. The problem was that, although some of the main events were exceptional, the overall cards were poor because the WWF didn’t have a brilliant roster. The fact that the WWF seemed obsessed with stipulations at the time didn’t help – Razor Ramon vs. 1-2-3 Kid in a Cry-baby Match comes to mind.
Iyh: Mind Games is a perfect example. Shawn Michaels defended the WWF Championship against Mankind, in a brilliant thirty minute bout. While the main event was excellent,...
- 5/9/2013
- by Jamie Callaghan
- Obsessed with Film
The Attitude Era. An era in wrestling with even more forlorn fans than those that made up the Ecw bingo hall. And it just so happens to be the main selling point for WWE ‘13, which just goes to show how much faith the WWE has in its current product. Yet, for as much as the Attitude Era has been heralded in the annals of pro wrestling, one has to acknowledge the good with the bad. And there was a lot of bad in the Attitude Era.
For every Stone Cold Steve Austin there was a Prince Albert. For every great Rock promo there was a 24/7 Hardcore Championship segment. Not a match, but a segment. This notion isn’t anything new to wrestling fans. In fact, being a wrestling fan means having a thick skin in order to endure the cringe-worthy four or five pieces of crap for every one great wrestling moment.
For every Stone Cold Steve Austin there was a Prince Albert. For every great Rock promo there was a 24/7 Hardcore Championship segment. Not a match, but a segment. This notion isn’t anything new to wrestling fans. In fact, being a wrestling fan means having a thick skin in order to endure the cringe-worthy four or five pieces of crap for every one great wrestling moment.
- 12/6/2012
- by James Martinez
- Obsessed with Film
WWE Extreme Rules is the time of year where stipulation matches take centre stage, so what better time to look back at some of the strangest gimmick matches in wrestling history.
Kennel from Hell
Watch It Here
So a retired prison guard steals your dog, invites you over and tricks you into eating him. How do you get revenge? Challenge them to a, “Kennel from Hell” that’s how! On paper it sounded intimidating. A cage surrounding the ring, a hell in the cell surrounding that and in between those rabid dogs. The only way to win was to escape both cages and outrun those angry dogs. Sounds exciting. Unfortunately it wasn’t.
The first (and last) “Kennel from Hell,“ took place at WWF Unforgiven 1999, between Al Snow and the Big Bossman. Unforgiven was already an odd event before the Kennel even came out. The first match of the evening...
Kennel from Hell
Watch It Here
So a retired prison guard steals your dog, invites you over and tricks you into eating him. How do you get revenge? Challenge them to a, “Kennel from Hell” that’s how! On paper it sounded intimidating. A cage surrounding the ring, a hell in the cell surrounding that and in between those rabid dogs. The only way to win was to escape both cages and outrun those angry dogs. Sounds exciting. Unfortunately it wasn’t.
The first (and last) “Kennel from Hell,“ took place at WWF Unforgiven 1999, between Al Snow and the Big Bossman. Unforgiven was already an odd event before the Kennel even came out. The first match of the evening...
- 4/29/2012
- by Patrick Farren
- Obsessed with Film
It is Friday. In fact it is a Good Friday, and you know what that means ... it's time for the Wtf Friday Video of the Week! This one stretches back a bit to a time when behemoths grappled and men were men!
Ever wonder what it would have been like if our two favorite giant beasts King Kong and Godzilla were to have had wrestling managers hyping up their epic battle? While I don't think anyone is crazy enough to try blindsiding either of these beloved creatures via tennis racket or salt toss to the eyes, it sure would have made for interesting TV.
Much more interesting, in fact, than either WWE's new PG13 attitude or Tna's soon to be sponsored by Aarp fogey fest! I'm sorry, but really, how in the world are The Nasty Boys still wrestling!?! Talk about being in need of a pit stop!
Get ready...
Ever wonder what it would have been like if our two favorite giant beasts King Kong and Godzilla were to have had wrestling managers hyping up their epic battle? While I don't think anyone is crazy enough to try blindsiding either of these beloved creatures via tennis racket or salt toss to the eyes, it sure would have made for interesting TV.
Much more interesting, in fact, than either WWE's new PG13 attitude or Tna's soon to be sponsored by Aarp fogey fest! I'm sorry, but really, how in the world are The Nasty Boys still wrestling!?! Talk about being in need of a pit stop!
Get ready...
- 4/2/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
One week after WWE’s headline Pay-Per-View WrestleMania 26, Ring of Honor will put on a pro-wrestling first. On Saturday April 3rd, Roh (as it is affectionately referred to as) will put on the first ever internet only Pay-Per-View event. Entitled “The Big Bang”, the event will emanate live from the Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, Nc for a live audience and be streamed live over Roh’s partners at Gofightlive.TV.
It is actually a surprise that Roh is the first company to try this. WWE has been streaming Pay-Per-View events simultaneously with on-air broadcasts for years and had internet interactivity for years but has never dedicated itself to an online only Pay-Per-View.
Total Nonstop Action tried a Pay-Per-View only format for the company in its infancy but eventually made their way to Spike TV where their show Impact competes weekly now against WWE’s Monday Night Raw. Ring of...
It is actually a surprise that Roh is the first company to try this. WWE has been streaming Pay-Per-View events simultaneously with on-air broadcasts for years and had internet interactivity for years but has never dedicated itself to an online only Pay-Per-View.
Total Nonstop Action tried a Pay-Per-View only format for the company in its infancy but eventually made their way to Spike TV where their show Impact competes weekly now against WWE’s Monday Night Raw. Ring of...
- 4/2/2010
- by John Carle
- The Flickcast
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