September 2007 News Archive (Page 7)

The father of Chris Benoit says that it might have been the effect of multiple concussions, as opposed Tto steroids, that drove his son to kill family and himself.

Michael Benoit told Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America today that he turned over part of his son’s brain to Julian Bailes, a neurologist at the Sports Legacy Institute.

Tissue analysis, said Bailes, revealed that Benoit’s brain tissue had damage similar to those of Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting that he was suffering from a form of dementia.

Benoit’s dad told Sawyer that his son suffered “multiple concussions,” while Dr. Bailes said that just three could lead to serious consequences.

In any case, said Michael Benoit: “The person that did this is not the man we know and love.”

PWTorch.com reports that Chris Jericho received a large, presumably seven-figure monetary offer to return to WWE.

WWE has expressed interest in bringing Jericho back for a while; the two parties have communicated regularly over the past several months. With Ric Flair quitting, and so many wrestlers suspended, it's easy to see why Jericho is in a prime position now to receive lots of dough.

LordsofPain reports that Jericho, who walked away from professional wrestling in 2005, is now reportedly fully willing to return to wrestling. A source close to the wrestler says that he recognizes that his Hollywood aspirations are not going to provide a short-term monetary reward anywhere near that of WWE's offer.

At this point, Jericho's return merely hinges on the two parties reaching a workable arrangement. Once the two sides agree on terms, and it is unknown how long that will take to happen (it could be as short as a few weeks to as long as many months), Jericho is expected to rejoin the WWE roster.

Ric Flair gave notice to WWE sometime around August 21 that he no longer wished to be part of the company.

This decision to quit is related to Flair's lack of a push; the recent drug scandal apparently had nothing to do with his giving notice.

WWE reportedly offered Flair a "major program" in exchange for his agreement to stay on board. At press time, however, the two sides had not worked out a deal and, as the Wrestling Observer says, "nobody except perhaps Flair knows where things stand at this moment."

Where do you think Flair ranks among the all-time greats?

Here are quick match results from the ECW on Sci-Fi show airing tonight:

- The Boogeyman defeated Matt Striker via DQ. Big Daddy V interfered to cause the DQ.

- The Miz defeated Balls Mahoney.

- Elijah Burke & Kevin Thorn defeated Tommy Dreamer & Stevie Richards.

- CM Punk defeated John Morrison to become the NEW ECW Champion.

Batista issued the following statement via his official website in regards to false media reports:

To my fans and friends:

I categorically deny a report on ESPN.com, and repeated by other media outlets, that I am or ever have been a customer of Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, an on-line pharmacy company that is a target of an investigation by the Albany, New York District Attorney's Office.

I am being tested regularly by the WWE, and I am in full compliance with the WWE Wellness Program.

I regret the inaccurate reporting, and I will do all I can in the future to stop any publication or anyone from making such false accusations.

Thanks to wrestleview.com for the following report...

Jeff Hardy def. Umaga
- Very impressive pop for Jeff Hardy, crowd was very against Umaga from start, quick finish as Hardy knocks Umaga from top rope to score a quick pin.

- Backstage segment featuring Carlito and Mr. McMahon.

- Backstage segment featuring Linda and Stephanie McMahon, ending with Melina getting slapped by Linda.

Santino Marella and Maria enter ring to build heat with Ron Simmons. Crowd was very against Santino, he is becoming a very good heel.

Beth Phoenix def. Maria
- Absolutely ridiculous match, Beth gets the victory in just a few moments.

In-Ring Segment featuring William Regal, John Cena, and Randy Orton.
- Orton was not in attendance (crowd was very unhappy), Orton is granted a rematch at Unforgiven. Cena enters the ring only to get real heat from the crowd and proceed to destroy Regal.

#1 Contenders Match For Tag Titles: London & Kendrick def. World's Greatest Tag Team
- Cade & Murdoch join commentary. Shelton has bleached blonde hair! Big pop for London & Kendrick, great in ring action back and forth from both teams. Many chants for Cryme Tyme, most fans unaware of their release.

Cody Rhodes & Mickie James def. Davari & Jillian Hall
- Worst match of the evening, most fans made a trip to the bathroom, just an absolutely pointless match.

Triple H vs Carlito & Umaga goes to No Contest
- Match ended quickly...no real winner determined. Triple H got hot and Carlito ran to the back leaving Umaga to get served by Triple H courtesy of a few nasty sledge hammer blows. Carlito has a new hair style, looks more aggressive.

Vince McMahon in Ring Segment
- Mr. McMahon enters ring and does a few minutes on the mic pushing the greediness of his family only to have each family member come out and confront him. Lots of KENNEDY chants during the segment, finally to be rewarded with Kennedy himself. Kennedy claims to be Vince's son and they end up embracing. Kennedy does MISSSSTER KENNNNNNEDY.....MCMAHON! Kennedy goes back and forth with Stephanie. Then, an attorney for the mother of Mr McMahon's son comes out and states Kennedy is not McMahon's son as the show goes off the air.

• The return of Shawn Michaels is reportedly not imminent. Michaels was contacted about returning soon, but the word going around is that he is not planning to come back ahead of schedule.

• Sources say that WWE continues to have interest in a Chris Jericho return. It's unclear how close the two parties are to striking a deal.

Thanks to reader Adam B. for submitting the following column...

Steroid Allegations
Last week, we found out that 10 superstars would be departing for at least 30-60 days. Who are these superstars you might ask? Are they the main eventers or just dark match wrestlers? Rumors are flying, but we may have gotten some hints last week:

On RAW, Randy Orton brutalized John Cena's father: was that so he would get suspended for doing such a heinous act? Also, with Batista not facing the Great Khali at Unforgiven, was that a sign? There are so many questions that will be answered in the following weeks.

RAW Aftermath
Jeff Hardy returned to RAW last Monday, but it wasn't a welcome return. Hardy took on Mr. Kennedy and towards the end of the match, Umaga interrupted and gave Hardy a kick to the jaw and his trademark Samoan Spike. I can definitely see a Umaga/Hardy feud in the future.

With Triple H embarrassing Carlito and Mr. McMahon on Carlito's Cabana, Hunter could be in for a rude awakening this coming Monday night. Or maybe just a Triple H/Carlito singles match. Also, if Orton is not a part of the steroid issue, Cena will definitely be after him for what he did to his father. Lastly, Mr. McMahon's family will be on RAW, so expect some further news on the illegitimate child.

Smackdown Aftermath
Friday Night we saw the return of Rey Mysterio. Teddy Long opened up the show to announce that there would be a series of single matches that would decide who would be the #1 contender for the Great Khali at Unforgiven. The first match was Kane vs. Finlay.

After Kane dominaed most of the match, Finlay was able to nail him with over the head while the ref was distracted. The other semi final match was Rey/Batista. With Batista leading the match, Finlay dashed to the ring with a steel chair only to get thrown off the apron. However, with the ref taking away the chair, Batista in frustration threw the ref to the ground and he immideailty called for the bell, announcing Rey the winner.

In the finals Rey, found a way to win against Finlay and was looking death into the face as the Great Khali made his way down to the ring to intimidate the #1 contender! In other news that night, MVP and Matt Hardy became new tag team champs.

Here are other interesting notes:

• Samoa Joe on his latest blog on MyApace announced that if WWE were to give him a bigger contract then he would take that offer.

• Also, Batista's new book seems to be a must read.

• Finally, with Mark Henry having a tough time re-negotiating his WWE contract, dont be surprised if you see a buried alive match at Unforgiven. Thanks everyone for reading and have a great week.

WWE has come to terms on the release of Raw Superstars Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard and Jayson Paul) earlier today.

The tag team was involved in an incident with Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch at the house show yesterday in Terre Haute, Indiana. Details of the incident have not come to light yet. By all accounts, though, has nothing to do with any drug related issues.

The ECW on Sci-Fi tapings took place last night - and there was a title change!

Probably because John Morrison is rumored to be one of WWE's wrestlers suspended, CM Punk defeated him to capture the ECW title.

You can watch the match Tuesday night.