It was 30 years ago today that Shohei"Giant" Baba won the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Harley Race in Nagoya, Japan.
This would be 2nd of 3 short title reigns for the Giant Baba. He won the first from Jack Brisco in 1974. The next 2 times he would defeat his friend Harley Race, in 1979 and again in 1980. All 3 title reigns were a week in length and he would drop the belt back to the man he won it from before they returned to the United States.
These were the days when winning the World Heavyweight Title meant something and you can tell by the reaction of the fans, how elated they were to see their man become THE World Champion.
Here is the 2nd of those titles wins.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Hulk Hogan interviewed on Larry King Live
If you are interested in see the first 2 parts of Hulk Hogan's interview on Larry King Live from October 27th of 2009 you can check it out at my other blog The Completeist.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Big TNA Signing
From the Wrestling Online Network
HULK HOGAN SIGNS WITH TNA WRESTLING
Dixie Carter announced today during a press conference at Madison Square Garden that TNA Wrestling has signed Hulk Hogan. In a press release sent out literally minutes ago, Carter was quoted as saying: "Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family. Our goal is to become the world’s biggest professional wrestling company. Hulk defines professional wrestling and we look forward to partnering with him in a variety of ways as we continue to grow TNA globally.""I’m thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling," said Hogan. "My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now. TNA Wrestling is a great company with an already excellent fan base, business and broadcast partner. I firmly believe now is the time for some change at TNA as they are positioned to jump to the next level in their development and I’m here to work with Dixie to help make that a reality."
Eric Bischoff is also TNA bound along with at least two other notable names we can't reveal right now. Bischoff has inked a TV developmental deal with TNA with a view to develop new programming extensions of the TNA brand.
Given how Hogan has said he would never do business with TNA while Vince Russo is running creative this should be a very interesting story to follow.
My thoughts : I dont care for Hogan but I see why they are signing him, the name recognition and drawing power. He was one of the greatest ever at drawing a crowd but with the crowds now being older and smarter he doesnt have that same hold that he had on the kids in the 80s. Now after his slow deconstruction of WCW it wont be long before he starts convincing the powers that be at TNA that the younger guys arent good enough or havent paid their dues. He will slowly make sure anyone not on his "team" will be depushed and relagated to crappy matches at the beginning of the show. The clock is running on how long before his old cronies join him and try to recapture their glory days on the backs of the good young talent. How long will it last? no one knows but there will be carnage and it wont be pretty.
HULK HOGAN SIGNS WITH TNA WRESTLING
Dixie Carter announced today during a press conference at Madison Square Garden that TNA Wrestling has signed Hulk Hogan. In a press release sent out literally minutes ago, Carter was quoted as saying: "Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family. Our goal is to become the world’s biggest professional wrestling company. Hulk defines professional wrestling and we look forward to partnering with him in a variety of ways as we continue to grow TNA globally.""I’m thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling," said Hogan. "My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now. TNA Wrestling is a great company with an already excellent fan base, business and broadcast partner. I firmly believe now is the time for some change at TNA as they are positioned to jump to the next level in their development and I’m here to work with Dixie to help make that a reality."
Eric Bischoff is also TNA bound along with at least two other notable names we can't reveal right now. Bischoff has inked a TV developmental deal with TNA with a view to develop new programming extensions of the TNA brand.
Given how Hogan has said he would never do business with TNA while Vince Russo is running creative this should be a very interesting story to follow.
My thoughts : I dont care for Hogan but I see why they are signing him, the name recognition and drawing power. He was one of the greatest ever at drawing a crowd but with the crowds now being older and smarter he doesnt have that same hold that he had on the kids in the 80s. Now after his slow deconstruction of WCW it wont be long before he starts convincing the powers that be at TNA that the younger guys arent good enough or havent paid their dues. He will slowly make sure anyone not on his "team" will be depushed and relagated to crappy matches at the beginning of the show. The clock is running on how long before his old cronies join him and try to recapture their glory days on the backs of the good young talent. How long will it last? no one knows but there will be carnage and it wont be pretty.
Monday, October 26, 2009
CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - Gallery: WWE Bragging Rights 2009 Photo Gallery
CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - Gallery: WWE Bragging Rights 2009 Photo Gallery
lots of pictures from last night's PPV. Didnt watch it but from what I have read it was very entertaining.
lots of pictures from last night's PPV. Didnt watch it but from what I have read it was very entertaining.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Jim Ross update
ROSS UNDERGOES MRI AFTER THIRD BELL'S PALSY ATTACK
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross posted another update regarding his conditionyesterday and was very optimistic about the MRI results that should be outtomorrow. Ross had an MRI done on his brain and inner ear two days ago tosee if there was any permanent damage after his third Bell's palsy attackearlier in the week. Ross still has problems with his right eye with blurredvision and has sensitive hearing on certain tones. "The right side of myface isn't sagging as bad as my two previous bouts of Bells palsy. Still, my"leading man" status is in jeopardy," joked JR. As far as returning to work,JR said that doctors cannot provide a timeline so far but will return soonerthan later.
Halloween Havoc 1992
Today is the 17th anniversary of the end of the wrestling career of Nikita Koloff. The end came at the hands of Big Van Vader at this Halloween Havoc. Unbeknownst to the wrestling public at the time but during his match with Vader this night, Koloff suffered a herniated disk after a Vader clothesline. He later aggravated that injury by trying to powerslam Vader. This injury ended the brief and stellar career of "The Russian Nightmare".
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Halloween Havoc 1994
Today is the 15th anniversary of the Ric Flair vs Hulk Hogan "Retirement Match". The loser had to retire from wrestling (yeah right!).
Mr. T was the special guest referee, he was probably on Hogan's speed dial.
This also is proof of why Bobby Heenan is sorely missed at the announce table.
Here is Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4 (Postmatch) Bobby Heenan is just tremendous in this segment!
Mr. T was the special guest referee, he was probably on Hogan's speed dial.
This also is proof of why Bobby Heenan is sorely missed at the announce table.
Here is Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4 (Postmatch) Bobby Heenan is just tremendous in this segment!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Jim Ross update
From the Online Wrestling Network:
JR SUFFERS BELL'S PALSY ATTACK, NOT AT TONIGHT'S SMACKDOWN- In a blog update, WWE Hall of Famer and Smackdown announcer Jim Rossannounced that he suffered his third Bell's Palsy attack while on the flightfrom Oklahoma to Columbia, the site for tonight's Smackdown tapings. Rosssaid that he still planned to call tonight's Smackdown with his oldbroadcast partner Jerry Lawler who is replacing Todd Grisham howeversomething changed and in another update Ross stated that he was on his wayback to Oklahoma to see a neurologist tomorrow. "Life is about facing thechallenges we encounter so I am going to do all I can to get better and backat the announce desk asap. I wish I had more answers but I simply don't atthis time," JR said. He added that he wants to be part of the BraggingRights pay-per-view but it depends on his physical condition. "WWE has beentremendously supportive of my situation of which I am very grateful," Rosscontinued. RAW announcers Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler will be callingtonight's show as Grisham got married over the weekend and was given theweek off. This is JR's second week off Smackdown as last week he got the dayoff due to his wedding anniversary.
JR SUFFERS BELL'S PALSY ATTACK, NOT AT TONIGHT'S SMACKDOWN- In a blog update, WWE Hall of Famer and Smackdown announcer Jim Rossannounced that he suffered his third Bell's Palsy attack while on the flightfrom Oklahoma to Columbia, the site for tonight's Smackdown tapings. Rosssaid that he still planned to call tonight's Smackdown with his oldbroadcast partner Jerry Lawler who is replacing Todd Grisham howeversomething changed and in another update Ross stated that he was on his wayback to Oklahoma to see a neurologist tomorrow. "Life is about facing thechallenges we encounter so I am going to do all I can to get better and backat the announce desk asap. I wish I had more answers but I simply don't atthis time," JR said. He added that he wants to be part of the BraggingRights pay-per-view but it depends on his physical condition. "WWE has beentremendously supportive of my situation of which I am very grateful," Rosscontinued. RAW announcers Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler will be callingtonight's show as Grisham got married over the weekend and was given theweek off. This is JR's second week off Smackdown as last week he got the dayoff due to his wedding anniversary.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Big WWE News
In case you haven't heard yet, Shane McMahon has submitted his resignation with the WWE.
Here is the story from WrestlingOnline:
> SHANE MCMAHON ANNOUNCES SHOCKING RESIGNATION FROM WWE- In a blockbuster announcement that came out of nowhere, Shane McMahon, theExecutive Vice President of Global Media for World Wrestling Entertainmenthas announced that he tendered his resignation effective January 1, 2010.The announcement was made via a press release which was sent today. "It hasbeen an incredible experience to help build WWE into a global phenomenon.However, having been associated with this organization for the majority ofmy life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outsideventures," Shane said. Throughout his WWE tenure, Shane held severalresponsibilities within the company, starting in his teenage years includingstocking the company's warehouse and then eventually becoming a member ofthe ring crew, a referee and a ring announcer. After Shane graduated in1993, he worked for the WWE TV production, sales, marketing, andinternational business development divisions, before he helped form thecompany's digital media department in 1998. Since July 2003, Shane hasserved as Executive Vice President of WWE Global Media overseeing WWE'sinternational offices and TV distribution. "Even though I am personallysaddened by Shane's decision to leave the company, I am proud of theenormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion,commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues,"said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO
Here is the followup letter Shane wrote on WWE.com
Shane McMahon's departure along with his mother Linda's resignation to runfor Senate has left a big hole inside the WWE, leaving just Vince and hisdaughter Stephanie as the only two McMahons running the ship. After theresignation was made public, Shane wrote a letter to the WWE Universe whichwas posted on WWE.COM. The 39 year old McMahon said that his resignationcomes with great sadness and he never thought he would consider a futureoutside WWE. "However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and while itis the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to moveon," he said. McMahon then proceeded to thank his father for giving him theopportunity, the Superstars for their passion, pride and dedication and toall WWE fans for their support. "I will always love this business and willremain a fan forever." The letter was signed with just Shane. You can readthe full letter at http://www.wwe. com/inside/ news/shanemcmaho nresigns
All in all, HUGE news out of the McMahon family. Now comes the interesting part, what will he do now? rumors have him promoting MMA or starting a new MMA promotion to challenge the UFC. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Here is the story from WrestlingOnline:
> SHANE MCMAHON ANNOUNCES SHOCKING RESIGNATION FROM WWE- In a blockbuster announcement that came out of nowhere, Shane McMahon, theExecutive Vice President of Global Media for World Wrestling Entertainmenthas announced that he tendered his resignation effective January 1, 2010.The announcement was made via a press release which was sent today. "It hasbeen an incredible experience to help build WWE into a global phenomenon.However, having been associated with this organization for the majority ofmy life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outsideventures," Shane said. Throughout his WWE tenure, Shane held severalresponsibilities within the company, starting in his teenage years includingstocking the company's warehouse and then eventually becoming a member ofthe ring crew, a referee and a ring announcer. After Shane graduated in1993, he worked for the WWE TV production, sales, marketing, andinternational business development divisions, before he helped form thecompany's digital media department in 1998. Since July 2003, Shane hasserved as Executive Vice President of WWE Global Media overseeing WWE'sinternational offices and TV distribution. "Even though I am personallysaddened by Shane's decision to leave the company, I am proud of theenormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion,commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues,"said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO
Here is the followup letter Shane wrote on WWE.com
Shane McMahon's departure along with his mother Linda's resignation to runfor Senate has left a big hole inside the WWE, leaving just Vince and hisdaughter Stephanie as the only two McMahons running the ship. After theresignation was made public, Shane wrote a letter to the WWE Universe whichwas posted on WWE.COM. The 39 year old McMahon said that his resignationcomes with great sadness and he never thought he would consider a futureoutside WWE. "However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and while itis the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to moveon," he said. McMahon then proceeded to thank his father for giving him theopportunity, the Superstars for their passion, pride and dedication and toall WWE fans for their support. "I will always love this business and willremain a fan forever." The letter was signed with just Shane. You can readthe full letter at http://www.wwe. com/inside/ news/shanemcmaho nresigns
All in all, HUGE news out of the McMahon family. Now comes the interesting part, what will he do now? rumors have him promoting MMA or starting a new MMA promotion to challenge the UFC. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Remembering Captain Lou Albano
Here are some great pictures of Captain Lou Albano from SlamSports Wrestling.
CANOE -- SLAM: Remembering Captain Lou Albano
Shared via AddThis
CANOE -- SLAM: Remembering Captain Lou Albano
Shared via AddThis
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Happy Birthday American Dream and the Lariat
Today's birthday wishes are shared by Stan "The Lariat" Hansen and "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.
Dusty turns 64 and Stan hits the big 60.
Here is one of those matches that in the States would have done huge business if they could have had the promoters agree to it. We see Dusty Rhodes and Antonio Inoki taking on the team of Stan Hansen and Hulk Hogan! this would have been Starrcade main event worthy or now Wrestlemania in a large Dome setting would be a sell out just for this match.
Dusty turns 64 and Stan hits the big 60.
Here is one of those matches that in the States would have done huge business if they could have had the promoters agree to it. We see Dusty Rhodes and Antonio Inoki taking on the team of Stan Hansen and Hulk Hogan! this would have been Starrcade main event worthy or now Wrestlemania in a large Dome setting would be a sell out just for this match.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
New Book on Gordon Solie
Mike Mooneyham give a nice long story on the new book about legendary announcer Gordon Solie. The book is The Solie Chronicles.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
PPV Name Change (again)
from the Wrestling Globe Newsletter
After 11 years the No Way Out PPV in February has been renamed as Elimination Chamber. The show is usually built around Elimination Chamber matches. No venue or city has been announced at press time.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Hell in a Cell 2009 CM Punk vs The Undertaker
here (set to crappy music) are the highlights of the World Championship Match between CM Punk and The Undertaker for the most recent WWE PPV.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Brian Pillman
It was 12 years ago today that Brian Pillman was found dead in his hotel room in Minnesota, the same day as the WWF ppv Badd Blood, which featured the first "Hell in a Cell" match.
I was traveling for work and I heard of his death on the radio and that truly was a surreal experience thanks to the cold rain that night it made it seem just creepy. I guess because he was so young and really the first of the active big names to die during the big boom era of pro wrestling it made for a weird evening. Watching the PPV later I noticed that things were just a tad off for the whole crew, I am sure they were all just numb or dazed from hearing the news just a few hours before the show.
However, Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker put on a tremendous main event that night.
Here is a very good tribute video to the "Loose Cannon" Brian Pillman.
I was traveling for work and I heard of his death on the radio and that truly was a surreal experience thanks to the cold rain that night it made it seem just creepy. I guess because he was so young and really the first of the active big names to die during the big boom era of pro wrestling it made for a weird evening. Watching the PPV later I noticed that things were just a tad off for the whole crew, I am sure they were all just numb or dazed from hearing the news just a few hours before the show.
However, Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker put on a tremendous main event that night.
Here is a very good tribute video to the "Loose Cannon" Brian Pillman.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
New Movie
Here is the trailer for the new movie due out in January 2010 starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Its called "The Tooth Fairy" It does look funny
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Eddie Guerrero
Last night on Smackdown!, it was the celebration of A Decade of Smackdown! and among the clips and videos was a tribute to the late Eddie Guerrero.
Friday, October 2, 2009
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