October 2007 News Archive (Page 7)

Hulk Hogan has been tapped to host the remake of a 1980s classic: American Gladiators.

Here's the official NBC press release with the announcement:

Wrestling legend and television icon Hulk Hogan will flex his hosting muscle for NBC's latest midseason primetime offering, the return of the competition series "American Gladiators."

The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

"Hulk Hogan is an American icon," said Plestis. "For over twenty years he has been a symbol of strength and toughness in all facets of entertainment. His electrifying personality will no doubt inspire Herculean efforts from our everyday challengers. There is no one more qualified to host this program."

"Hulk Hogan is going to rock the American viewing public as the host of 'American
Gladiators,'" said "American Gladiators" executive producer and Reveille Managing Director Howard T. Owens. "This is the ultimate television vehicle for the ultimate action television star, The Hulk!"

"Gladiator-mania is gonna be running wild, brother," said Hogan.

The following report is courtesy of pwinsider.com...

ECW opened with a very serious looking Vince McMahon made his way to the ring. Joey Styles noted that McMahon is here with a major announcement. The Chairman said that he's come before the fans with bad news and announced John Cena's injury. He said Cena needed immediate surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. McMahon said that the fans might ask who was responsible and the pointed the fans to a video feature on the incident. McMahon claimed Cena would be out somewhere between six months to a year. Some fans cheered that.

McMahon announced that "As of this moment, John Cena is no longer WWE champion." Lots of boos for that. McMahon said that the belt was vacant and would be rectified at the No Mercy PPV. He didn't announce what the match would be.

ECW champion CM Punk came to the ring. He said that he should be focused on No Mercy and who will win tonight's Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke match. He said that for the last week, he hasn't been able to get one thing out of his mind. They showed footage of the finish of CM Punk vs. Matt Striker from last week, followed by Big Daddy V laying Punk out. Striker and V appeared on the Titantron. Striker said that V wants the ECW title, so until he gets a shot he'll pay Punk no mind and wished Punk luck in his next match...right now.

ECW champion CM Punk vs. Mike Knox
They locked up. Punk went right to work on Knox's shoulder. Knox reversed a hammerlock, but Punk turned it into an armdrag and armbar. Knox shoved Punk back into the corner but the referee forced a break. Knox worked over Punk's lower back. Punk came back with a series of chops. Knox whipped Punk into the corner and nailed a dropkick for a two count. Punk took down Knox and nailed several knee strikes before cinching in a front chancery. Knox sat out and applied a hammerlock. Knox controlled Punk on the mat, then slammed him. Punk tossed Knox out of the ring and hit a dive as they went to commercial.

When they returned, Knox was in control back in the ring. He dropped Punk's throat across the top rope, getting a two count. Even though the ECW champion was in the ring, the commentators pushed the WWE title vacancy being filled at the PPV. Knox snapped Punk's head over the ropes and scored a two count. Knox continued to control the champion. He cinched on a side chinlock. Punk rolled through for a near fall but Knox kicked out and clobbered Punk with a clothesline. Knox continued to work over Punk on the mat.

Punk finally fought to his feet with elbows and knees. He nailed a leg lariat. He hit the running knee strike in the corner but was shoved off from the bulldog. Knox missed a bicycle kick and was caught with the GTS for the pin.
Your winner, ECW champion CM Punk!

Balls Mahoney made his way to the ring. They showed a clip of Balls asking Kelly Kelly out and Miz attacking him with the ring mic. Balls took the mic and said that some have claimed he was acting like a lovesick puppy, Mahoney said that he hasn't forgotten the cheap shot Miz gave him last week, but said he'd like an answer from Kelly Kelly. Mahoney asked her to come out and give it to him. Kelly made her way to the ring with the stuffed bear he gave her a few weeks ago. Balls repeated his question from last week, asking her out. Kelly took the mic and milked the moment, then agreed. Mahoney grabbed her in a huge hug.

The Miz came out with the rest of Extreme Expose. He asked Kelly if she was really going to go out with "that fat slob." He joked that Balls might brush his one tooth for her. Miz said that it's been fun, but it's time for Kelly to go. She hesitated and Miz told her to go. Balls struck Miz. Kelly stopped him. Miz retreated to the floor and told her again to leave. Miz said that he took over Extreme Expose's management contract, so what he says goes. Miz says that if Kelly wants to go out with Balls, she'll be gone from Extreme Expose and ECW. Miz demanded that Kelly make a decision and Kelly sadly left the ring, leaving Balls with her bear. She kept looking back all sad and sympathetic.

Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke for No Mercy ECW title shot
They lock up and Dreamer rides Burke to the mat. Dreamer shoulderblocks Burke down and goes for a quick cover. Burke fails at a slam, but Dreamer doesn't. Dreamer clotheslines Burke. Burke whips Dreamer into the corner, then drills him with a back elbow. Dreamer recovers and ties Burke to the tree of woe. He hits the running dropkick in the corner, then nails the Cactus clothesline to the floor. Dreamer dove off the apron onto Burke, who was on the floor, and peppered him with punches. While Dreamer waited for Burke to return to the ring, they went to commercial.

Back on ECW, Burke got a two count on Dreamer and began pounding him in the back. They showed Dreamer getting tossed into the ringside steps during a commercial break. Burke cinched in a reverse chinlock, putting his feet on the ropes for leverage. Someone's been watching his Mike Rotunda Varsity Club era tapes. Burke and Dreamer throw down and Burke gets the better of it, which makes sense due to his boxing background. He hits the 4-Up on Dreamer.

Burke keeps trash talking Dreamer while Dreamer keeps pulling himself up and egging Burke on. Dreamer catches Burke with a neckbreaker. Dreamer came back with some offense and a flapjack. Burke slams Dreamer into the turnbuckles, then goes to the top rope. Dreamer cuts him off and sets up for a superplex. Burke shoves him off. He hits a top rope sunset flip but Dreamer reverses for a two count. Burke hits the Outer Limits elbow, but Dreamer catches him with a DDT and gets the pin clean.
Your winner, Tommy Dreamer

ECW General Manager Armando comes out and congratulates Dreamer saying he earned the victory, but the chase isn't over. Armando says that there's one man left to enter, and introduces Big Daddy V. V comes to the ring. V lays out Dreamer. You know where this is going. V picks up Dreamer and slams him. V drops down with a headbutt and steps on Dreamer's chest. V beats on Dreamer who refuses to back down. V misses a splash. Dreamer nailed a clothesline but V didn't sell it. Dreamer keeps fighting but is laid out. Dreamer pulled himself up in the corner, where he was hit with a running avalanche splash. V scooped up Dreamer and dropped back with a Samoan Splash. V hits a running splash and scores the pin.
Your winner, Big Daddy V!

Might we have seen the last of Shawn Michaels in a WWE ring?

Reports are stating that HBK is enjoying the time off with his family, while also focusing more and more on religion. Triple H thought a trip to OVW last week would rekindle the fire in his friend, but it hasn't appeared to do so yet at least.1

Michaels told Triple H that he is on the fence about returning and doesn’t know how much wrestling he can do. His knees feel bad and he doesn’t feel he can work the full-time schedule once again. If he were to come back, it would be on a lighter schedule.

As of now, there's no return date set.

Here are a few highlights from Jim Ross' latest blog entry...

Jim Ross On Edge's Absence: Edge is greatly missed in the WWE without question. Before Edge was injured he was at the top of his game and was as good as any one in the business. Edge’s return will be a big boost for the WWE and their fans. I only hope that Edge does not try to rush things and that he is able to come back at north of 199%.

Jim Ross On A Bret Hart vs. Kurt Angle Match: If given the chance to call or watch a Bret Hart vs. Kurt Angle match I would definitely say “call it.” That way I am totally immersed and emotionally invested in the presentation and it becomes a true lasting memory. It would be a helluva match to say the least.

Jim Ross On Shelton Benjamin's Potential: Everyone close to Shelton Benjamin has huge expectations for him because he is such a magnificent athlete. I firmly believe in Shelton and feel he could be headlining PPVs some day if he continues to produce.

Jim Ross On Kane: Kane is a big time player and has proved that many times over the years. Kane just needs to have a spotlight shined on him and put in the right position to make an impact and he has the tools to be right where you want him to be. For me, the masked Kane persona was one of the best.

This sucks.

WWE Champion John Cena has suffered a complete tear of his right pectoral tendon and is heading into surgery, according to noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Due to the seriousness of the injury, WWE officials will not allow Cena to compete this Sunday at No Mercy. He will have no choice but to surrender the title.

Dr. Andrews said Cena could miss between six and eight months of action.

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

- Three unknown men are in the ring dressed in wrestling attire, as Vince McMahon makes his way to the ring. He says a main event worth being on WrestleMania will take place tonight: Triple H vs. Mr. McMahon. McMahon says he guarantees victory, he says actions speak louder than words. Vince then shows a video package of every time he has beaten or gotten the best of Triple H. He says the three men represent three different fighting styles; one is an amateur wrestler, one is a karate champion and the other is a sumo champion. Vince says he is going to put on a demonstration. He takes off his jacket and tie; the three men get ready to compete, Vince then backs off and brings out Umaga to take on the guys. Umaga demolishes them all easily. He has a new huge tattoo on his back.

6 Man Tag Team Match " Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy, Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. Shelton Benjamin and World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
The babyfaces have the advantage early, heels soon take control, Hardy tagged in and dominates Cade. London takes out Benjamin on the outside, Kendrick knocks down Murdoch and hits the Sliced Bread #2 on Cade, Hardy then hits the Swanton on Cade for the victory.

- Randy Orton is with us via satellite. He says he opted not to be at Raw tonight due to Cena’s current state of mind. We are shown the footage of Randy attacking Mr. Cena. Orton says “like father, like son.” He finishes by telling the fans the next time they see him on Raw, he will be WWE Champion.

- A video package of the WWE Diva hopefuls competing in an Obstacle Course is shown.

- Backstage William Regal is looking for Hornswoggle. He runs into The Highlanders and asks them why they turned down a match against London & Kendrick tonight. They said the only match they are interested in is a match for the World Tag Team Championships. Rory says they came to the WWE to become Tag Champs, and that’s what they are going to do whether Regal likes it or not.

Cody Rhodes vs. Hardcore Holly
Holly sneaks in an Alabama Slam for the victory, Holly stares at Cody for a while before shaking his head and walking away.

- Beth Phoenix makes her way to the ring, Lilian goes to leave but Beth stops and asks her to have a practice at announcing Beth as the new Women’s Champio., Lilian does but adds “assuming you can beat Candice” on the end of it. Beth grabs Lilian by the throat, Candice Michelle makes the save and knocks Beth from the ring, both women stare each other down.

Mr. McMahon vs. Triple H
Before Triple H comes out, McMahon shows the video of Triple H taking out Umaga with the sledgehammer last month. McMahon cuts H’s entrance short and yells to get on with fighting, McMahon realizes there is no referee so he yells for one, out comes Carlito with a referee shirt on, he will be the official. McMahon slaps H before the bell rings. The match officially starts and Vince keeps running from the ring, H eventually catches Vince and pummels him on the outside, Carlito gets in H’s face and shoves him, H shoves him back and puts McMahon in the ring, he goes for the Pedigree but Carlito hits the Backstabber on HHH, he puts Vince on top and tries to fast count H down but he manages to kick out. Triple H then low blows Vince and attacks Carlito, Carlito disqualifies HHH giving Vince the win for the 2nd week in a row.

Umaga makes his way to the ring and he and HHH go at it, Umaga eventually gets the advantage hitting HHH with his running turnbuckle move, Umaga seta up H for the Samoan Spike but Carlito decides to knock H from the ring, Umaga is angry with Carlito and yells at him, Carlito backs up the ramp allowing H time to recover, he has his sledgehammer in hand, Umaga looks to not be backing down but Vince persuades him to leave it until No Mercy. Triple H is stood in the ring yelling at Vince and Umaga.

- Todd Grisham interviews John Cena backstage, he acknowledges what some fans say about him (We’ve Cena Nuff and Cena Sucks) Cena says “they” can say what they like. At No Mercy he will not stay down, no matter what Orton hits him with he will keep getting up and at No Mercy he will give them something “they” won’t forget.

Melina vs. Mickie James
Melina has the advantage, she sets up Mickie for a reverse-DDT but starts screaming, we then see it’s because Hornswoggle has popped his head up through the ring skirt, this distraction allows Mickie to roll up Melina for the win. After the match Melina chases Hornswoggle under the ring, they are under there for a few seconds until Hornswoggle comes out the other side with Melina’s top in his hands! He then goes back under and Melina can be heard screaming from under the ring, he then comes back out with Melina’s wrestling tights! Hornswoggle skips away up the ramp as Melina has her head popped out the side of the ring skirt screaming at Hornswoggle to give her her clothes back!

WWE Champion John Cena vs. Mr. Kennedy
Cena wins with the STFU. After the match Randy Orton appears behind Cena and RKO’s him, he then takes Cena to the outside and hits him with the steel steps. He then puts Cena on the announce table and RKO’s him on it, Cena rolls onto the floor, Orton gets in Cena’s face and yells 1 to 10, Cena fails to respond. Orton gets in the ring and stares down at Cena with a sadistic look.

Here's the official WWE RAW preview for tonight, courtesy of WWE.com...

After teaming with Carlito to defeat Triple H in a Handicap Steel Cage Match last week, Mr. McMahon felt a little cocky… maybe a little too cocky. He said he had The Game’s number. Fans will find out whether the Chairman really has game when he takes on The Cerebral Assassin one-on-one.

Also, in other Raw news, Randy Orton continues to indulge in mind games with John Cena and his family. In an ominous taped message to the WWE Champion, the conniving challenger implored Cena to bring his father to next week’s Raw so that Mr. Cena might see a preview of what will happen to his son at their upcoming Last Man Standing Match at No Mercy on Oct. 7.

What insidious psychological trap is Orton laying this time?

In tag team action last week, The Highlanders showed that their patience has worn incredibly thin over their lack of championship opportunities. The unpredictable Scottish cousins assailed Paul London & Brian Kendrick just as the duo were positioned to score the pinfall over World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch.

The surprise attack was an effort to torpedo their chances at another title match. Will The Highlanders naked ambition continue to make trouble for London & Kendrick on their quest for the gold? Can the high-flyers handle any other surprises the Scots have hidden up their kilts?