Buzz: Mr. Richards, HHH' Ego, Austin and More...

* Former leader of 'Right to Sensor', ECW original and WWE Hardcore Champion Michael Manna, a.k.a. Stevie Richards, will be an instructor at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. You can see the school's official announcement here.

* TNA has announce Kurt Angle and Jeremy Borash will be on the Howard Stern show on Monday...

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST KURT ANGLE ON THE HOWARD STERN SHOW ON MONDAY

Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle and Jeremy Borash will be making the trek direct from the California live events this weekend across the country to appear on the Howard Stern show this Monday morning. TNA cameras will be on hand to document the visit.

We invite all of our TNA fans with Sirius Satellite Radio to tune in and listen to Angle on the Stern show! Look for exclusive footage right here on TNAwrestling.com in the days that follow the appearance!

* So, what's bigger Triple H's nose or his ego?(Rhetorical question) When I previewed the demo of the new Smackdown vs RAW a month ago, I noticed that some superstars looked cheesy and the one that had the most detail put into him(out of the few that were on the demo disc), was HHH. An interesting note regarding the game came when THQ sent out the media game code of conduct, which of course always says the do's and don'ts regarding the games exposure in the media, such as having screen shot approval. These shots cannot show superstars bleeding or weapons being used(WWE's PG rating)... here's the kicker, media is not allowed to use any screenshots of Triple H losing or in a "defenseless or vulnerable position"...really?!

The PS3 demo for the game is now available at the Playstation store.

* According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, during filming "Damage", Steve Austin broke the nose of MMA fighter Paul Lazenby when filming a fight scene last week. Lazenby wasn't mad and said it was a complete accident.

* Umaga is expected to make his return to Smackdown very soon.

Quick Observations on Smackdown vs RAW 2009

Last night I was invited over to a friend's place to play the XBox 360 demo of Smackdown vs RAW 2009 from THQ, which comes out in November. (A little background, my friend plays video games for a living...and I hate him.)

The first thing I had to try was the new Inferno Match that they are introducing this year. The way you win this match is to hit big moves on your opponent to bring the temperature of the flames surrounding the ring up to 500 degrees, then drag your opponent to the ropes to start them on fire. I was the Undertaker and couldn't wait to beat the crap out of the Miz and set him on fire. Once you drag your opponent over to the ropes to go for the win, it will cut scene to show you throwing your opponent over the ropes, then another cut scene to show your opponent's tights on fire. Kind of lackluster.

Next was the new backstage environments, Locker Room and Backstage. Both of which were pretty lame and when you would try to throw your opponent to an area off screen, they would just stop, the view would not pan out to show them still running. The interaction with your environment wasn't that great either, I felt it was better in years past.

I also noticed that some of the balance issues still have not been corrected. For instance, when you are performing a move on the announcer's table and your opponent slides off, he still will go through the motions of the move without being touched. Oh, and the commentary is still very repetitive, annoying and sucks.

BUT, I am not negative on the entire game! On the positive side, the entrances were really good, especially the Undertaker's...druids and everything. The detailing on most of the wrestlers were amazing, right down to the sweat drops and tattoos. The gameplay is similar to last year's engine that they introduced, so it was easy to pick up. You will no longer fall off the top of the cell when performing a move on your opponent during a Hell in a Cell match(yay!). Create a Finisher mode was fun and easy to do, you can even add it to a current superstar (we used it with Jericho). But, if you set up a finisher that is based on all 10 stages available, it takes a while to perform, kind of like a really long combo(unless you adjust the speed) and will be annoying during online play. I also liked the new arena 'Tribute To The Troops', which is an outdoor arena in the Iraqi dessert, based on their yearly visit every year.

All in all, it was another THQ/WWE wrestling game that will no doubt sell as many copies as previous years, if not more. Given, the version that I played was a demo version, so they still have time to work on it. I look forward to playing the full version when it comes out.

Buzz: SvR, Credible, Flair and More...

* There's some new screenshots and videos up on IGN.com of for the upcoming Smackdown vs RAW 2009.

* Reportedly, former ECW champion Justin Credible, who has been spotted working at his local Olive Garden, is actually currently going to culinary school. "Hey Credible! Get me more bread sticks!"

* Highspots.com payed Ric Flair a reported $50K to record a shoot interview yesterday that they will sell on DVD. Can't wait for the controversies and mud slinging to begin!

* Rumors are flying that Paul Burchill is once again on the chopping block.

* There's a great interview up with "The Wrestler" writer/director over at slashfilm.com. In it, he talks about coming up with the idea for the movie 15 years ago and what inspired him to do it.

* Rumor is that the WWE has NOT contacted The Honkey Tonk Man(The Greatest Intercontinental Champion of All Time) about coming in to work an angle with Santino Marella, but Honky is aware of Santino's countdown do beat his 64 week title reign.

Buzz: Lawler/Heyman, Wrestling Games, Mickie and More...

* Paul Heyman was recently interviewed by UGO.com. In it, he had some sympathy toward Jerry Lawler and their mutual hatred of each other...kind of.

UGO: On a recent WWE 24/7 roundtable, Jerry Lawler admitted to intentionally breaking your jaw in June of 1987 for refusing to take an unprotected fall off a scaffold in a Scaffold Match. Are you surprised by Lawler's admission? What is your response to Lawler bragging in public that he took advantage of your trust to physically assault you for refusing to perform such a wildly dangerous stunt?

Paul Heyman: Well, he broke my jaw BEFORE the scaffold match. He's always taken liberties with other people, especially those who by the nature of the situation had to place some trust in him. F*** him. I don't spend any time in my life thinking about him. He's in the past where he belongs. And no, I'm not surprised he's still talking about me. If half HIS locker room banged MY wife, I guess I'd hold a grudge, too.

* IGN has updated their latest Smackdown vs RAW 2009 videos with a gameplay clip of Kelly Kelly...holla...


* As TNA and Midway prepare to start the video game wars with WWE and THQ, IGN has also posted a video featuring tag action. The TNA iMPACT game drops next week.


* Mickie James tried dodging questions about her past photos(I'm not posting them, your smart enough to find them) in a recent radio interview with the ITD Morning After in St. Louis. The interview was going good until that point, in which she stumbled over her words and the interview ended shortly after.

As I've stated before, everyone has a past, and not everyone is proud of it. What matters is what you do now. Besides, she'll probably end up in Playboy anyway someday.

* Press Release: Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television announced today that they have signed an overseas distribution deal with ShineReveille International for their new series, Hulk Hogan'S Celebrity Championship Wrestling. ShineReveille International will sell both the format and finished tape for eight one-hour episodes of the competition series set to premiere Saturday nights in October on Country Music Television (CMT).

Buzz: The Snake's Take, The Wrestler, RNC and More

* Jake "The Snake" has posted his review of this weeks RAW show here.

* 'The Wrestler' director Darren Aronofsky explained in his blog why the movie, which is being touted as one of the most anticipated movies on the festival circuit this year, would be showing last at the Venice Film Festival. It turns out that they were waiting for the finished product...from The Boss...

"off to venice on wednesday. but i wanted to just share with you all the other music news i talked about in the past post. bruce springsteen wrote a beautiful original song for the closing the film. called THE WRESTLER it is a wonderful acoustic piece. makes me choke up every time i hear it. he really captured the spirit of the film and mickey's character in the piece.

* The Republican National Convention has invaded Minnesota. This morning Mickie James and Josh Mathews were on the Fox 9 morning show, live from the Xcel Energy Center(Site of the RNC). James and Ken Kennedy were also on ABC News with Sam Donaldson and James and Mathews showed up on Fox's 'On the Record' with Greta.

* IGN has posted video of some gameplay with Santino for the upcoming Smackdown vs RAW 2009. The feet on the ropes for the win is a nice touch...



* Mick Foley is expected to make an official announcement today regarding his status with the WWE and his future.

Weekend Buzz: Kowalski Passes, Brock vs Couture? and More

- The legendary Walter 'Killer' Kowalski ahs passed away at the age of 81. Out thoughts are with the family.

- Check out this crazy, revolutionary 'Create a Finisher' feature in the upcoming Smackdown vs RAW 2009...(Courtesy of IGN)



- JR had some insider info leaked to him regarding the next opponent for Brock Lesnar in the UFC, and no, it's not Kongo. According to him, it's UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture...

"Sources close to the MMA world indicate that a November fight between Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture could be finalized as early as Tuesday of next week. If a deal can be reached, the fight would likely take place in Portland's Rose Garden. Sources also say that in a perfect world that the legendary Couture would like to have three more fights before he retires and those fights would all be for the UFC. Lesnar vs. Couture would be an extremely intriguing match up if contracts can be worked out. One would assume that getting a deal done quickly after the Labor Day holiday would allow both fighters to officially begin their preparation within a few days. "

...Holy crap!

The Buzz: SvR Update, Kennedy, DNC, FCW and More

- IGN updated us with the latest from Smackdown vs RAW 2009 - The Backstage Brawl function is back!...eh, it looks ok. I'm still not sold on the interaction with the surrounding environment and the braking glass thing that it does after a big impact move, seems very 1960's Batman. I'm hoping that it's just the way the video was produced. Make your own opinion...



- Mr. Kennedy will go under the blade of Dr. James Andrews tomorrow to repair a torn labrum as well as rotator cuff damage. Kennedy has been trying to rehab the injury he sustained in a house show match with Shelton Benjamin earlier this month, but has not been successful. He's expected to be out of action 4 to 6 months.

- Batista and Candice Michelle were interviewed by Greta Van Susteren (Yes, the same person that sat down with family friend Brett Favre in an interview that told us nothing) on FOX News at the Democratic National Convention in Denver yesterday. They give the lowdown on the voting process and how to Smackdown Your Vote.



- Look for the debut of Ron “R-Truth” Killings on this weeks Smackdown. Also look for the new Diva's that have been called up to the bigs from FCW, The Bella Twins(Garcia Twins). They will be pulling the classic switcheroo in matches.

- Here's a behind the scenes look at FCW from the Tampa Bay Fox affiliate, you may recognize some people that have already gotten "the call"...

Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) on WTVT FOX 13

Buzz: S vs R 2009, Shamrock vs Slice and More

- IGN.com has uploaded some new videos for the upcoming Smackdown vs RAW 2009 video game from THQ...



- Former WWE IC Champion and UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock will be the next opponent for Kimbo Slice, per our good friends at Sherdog.com. The Elite XC bout will happen on CBS October 4th. Forty-four year old Shamrock will once again enter the cage as a legitimate opponent for Slice. Problem being, if Shamrock gets caught with a punching onslaught from Slice, he's going down. Shamrock was awesome, almost untouchable back in the day. But since then, the mighty have fallen. If Sharock wins, not only does he snap his 5 match loosing streak, but he'll put an end to Kimbmania and redeem himself by proving he still has what it takes.

- Speaking of MMA and Kimbo Slice, FoxSports posted an article that compares the street fighter to former WWE Champion and UFC heavyweight contender Brock Lesnar.

- As announced on last night's RAW, John Cena is expected to be out for sometime do to a bulged disk that may require surgery. He will be seeing a doctor this morning and more information should be available this afternoon.

Morning Buzz: JR on Adamle, SvR 2K9, Hogan/Slice

- JR posted info on the new RAW GM in his latest blog:

"The naming of Adamle as Ras GM was universally considered a shocker by the Raw superstars. I did not see this one coming and it will be most interesting to see how the former NFL running back and sports broadcaster settles into his new, high profile. Some wrestlers were especially vocal regarding Adamle’s announcement which was kept as a well concealed secret."

- Check out the Live Wire demo of Smackdown vs RAW. It looks fantastic.


- Just when you thought Hollywood couldn't get anymore desperate...

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stereo Vision Entertainment, Inc. (OTCBB: SVSN), a film production company focused exclusively on developing high quality, low cost, polarized 3D feature films, announced today that the undefeated Mixed Martial Arts phenomenon, Kimbo Slice, will be co-starring with Hulk Hogan in Stereo Vision's hilarious kids' comedy "Kung Fu U" in 3D.

"Kung Fu U" in 3D is a Disney-type comedy about of a bunch of nerds and misfits that are sent away by their wealthy parents to the Brentwood Academy (a.k.a. Kung Fu U) to learn the finer arts of self-defense. It's a heart-warming romp where the rather weathered warriors come to the rescue for the kids, and in turn, the kids rescue the warriors’ seemingly lost souls from what had been their eternal apathy. It's a feel-good story that reminds us that we're all the same, no matter what our age, or where we came from, and that we should all stick together.

Stereo Vision's Chairman, "Baywatch" creator Doug Schwartz, stated, "We're very happy to have Kimbo Slice co-starring in 'Kung Fu U.' He has an enormous media presence, and he'll fit right in with our star Hulk Hogan, and the other cast members in our made for kids 3D movie. We hope to have 'Kung Fu U' in 3D in theatres by the fall of '09."

Morning Buzz: FCW Debuts Tonight, Jake's Take, and More

- Check out FCW's new website(to left under our Links section) as they get ready to breathe new life into the struggling developmental territory for WWE and get ready for their big TV taping tonight.

"On hand to join in on the festivities will be WWE Superstars John Cena® and Chris Jericho®. Plus, WWE Diva Kelly KellyTM will be in attendance. Last, but definitely not least, WWE Hall-of-Famers "Nature BoyTM" Ric Flair®, "The American Dream" Dusty RhodesTM, Rocky JohnsonTM and Gerry BriscoTM and are also scheduled to participate in this very special evening. "

- If you haven't already read Jake "The Snake's" new blog where he reviews this week RAW, I suggest you do so. He pulls no punches, is entertaining and full of incite. I also agree with him on most of it. Of course, I'm a cynic(adjective: a person who shows or expresses a bitterly or sneeringly cynical attitude.).

- Happy birthday to the Warrior. Speaking of, it's been awfully quiet on the crazy front lately.

- THQ just launched the official website for Smackdown vs RAW 2009. Although not much is on there yet.

Weekend Buzz: SvR Inferno Match, Ventura, Sandman

IGN just posted these pics of the Inferno Match that you'll be able to wrestle in when Smackdown vs RAW 2009 hits shelves this fall.

- According CNN, Jesse Ventura will be making a statement on Monday's edition of Larry King Live:

"Jesse Ventura: Will he run for U.S. Senate... or not? He's made his decision and announces it FIRST and ONLY on Larry King Live."

- The Sandman, according to his MySpace, will be on a show next weekend(July 20th) at the old ECW Arena(Alhambra Arena) in Philadelphia. If anyone get's video of him passed out before his match, please send it to me!

Afternoon Buzz: Ashley, Brooke, Brock and More

- Some outlets started posting that Ashley Massaro has asked for her release and she supposedly blogged about it on her MySpace...I call bullsh*t, because nowhere on her MySpace does it say anything about such a thing, matter of fact all blogs have been removed and there are no bulletin's sent out from her in the last couple of days.

...More as it's released

- Minnesota Daily has an interview with Brock Lesnar. In it, they talk about amateur wrestling, pro wrestling and his upcoming fight versus Heath Herring.

- THQ just confirmed 6 new wrestlers added to Smackdown vs RAW 2009. I don't know how to break it to you, so I'll just say it...the Miz is one of them. Hopefully it comes at a decreased price point.

- A preview of 'Brooke Knows Best'...


I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to not watching this.

Boomer Sooner on....Well, Everything

Highlights from JR's latest:

- Owen Hart would have been 43 this week.

- He received a "signed poster from Dwayne Johnson, the Rock, this week to frame and hang in J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q #2 when it opens in June in Moore, Oklahoma. We will also have an outfit Dwayne wore in 'The Rundown' on our walls."

- "I will spend two long nights this week doing voice overs for the next THQ/WWE video game, which will be out this fall. Wrestlers who make the video game roster are provided an opportunity to earn significant dollars via royalties. Those that don’t make the video game roster have a problem."

- "The Legends Video game that will be out in 2009 is an idea I love (we all love our own ideas) and I can’t wait to see how that one materializes. I am anxious to see it come together and be able to match the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, the Honkytonk Man, versus his cousin, Jerry "the King" Lawler…..two of the best in ring performers of any era." True that J.R., true that.

- "Larry Zbyszko has a book out that I hope to read. Larry was one of the most underrated TV color commentators around at one point in time. I tried to help Larry get work several years ago in the WWE, but I couldn’t close the deal. Larry even had the idea at one point to challenge Mr. McMahon to a wrestling match. I thought Larry would make a strong TV personality with his gift of gab and intellect. Hopefully, Larry’s book will be a success and will be as entertaining as some of the conversations I have had with Bruno Sammartino’s protege and the man who married Verne Gagne’s daughter.

- He, "will be heading to Tampa next week after the Detroit Raw to visit the WWE Developmental Training Facility."

THQ's SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Update

WWE.com is reporting an update on the upcoming video game, "As featured in an article in the June 2008 edition of PlayStation Magazine, WWE’s SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will be improved drastically through many new tweaks and additions. Next year’s version of the game will feature decreased load time, smarter computer opponents, additions to the games commentary track, additions to the animation scheme and improved hit detection. Other additions include a new create a finisher mode, a new tag team mode and Superstar specific storyline’s in “The Road to WrestleMania” career mode. The game is sure to excite fans anticipating its release."

Better Late Than Never on a Friday

I came down with the sickness last night, was in bed all day, woke up and checked my mail - WTF! Of course it's a big news day - here's what I missed...

- JThe Monday Night Wars(Video game style): The Miami Herald has an article with the people involved in both the THQ Smackdown vs Raw and the Midway TNA games that will be competing against one another for market share this fall and how both are feeling the pressure to put out a top notch product.

I predict the winner will be us fans!

- JR's superstar of the week is Mickie James

- Speaking of the man in the hat. In his latest blog, he talks about:

- How "ECW passed away a long time ago."

- "Tazz is no longer "The Human Suplex Machine," but a sports entertainment broadcaster."

- Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, and Pat Patterson will all be receiving awards at the annual Cauliflower Alley Club convention this June in Las Vegas.

- In regards to the Bret Hart biography: "...one of the best biographies I have ever read…period."

- "WWE is looking for more ethnic Divas, specifically Brazilian and Latino Divas."

- The Bengals should trade Chad Johnson for draft picks to avoid any locker room problems this season.(duh)

- The atmosphere for UFC 83 in Montreal is off the hizzy this weekend(ok, I added the hizzy), when Matt Siera steps on George St. Pierre's turf and they throwdown for the UFC welterweight title.

- "I mentioned Lance Cade, who was merely a suggestion, and is on a personal list of several athletes who would be well served to leave Greenville, S.C. as the 2008 King of the Ring. I never expected to be "gut and quartered" for such a seemingly general observation." (I accept you apology for a stupid suggestion - King Cade?!)

- WWE.com has an article promoting the new Mick Foley movie "Anamorph" with comments from Foley and producer Marissa McMahon.

- Staying with WWE.com, they talk about Chuck Palumbo, who built custom make motorcycles for Rey Misterio and Batista, and is going to make one for Chavo Guerrero. Chuck was also featured in American Iron magazine last year with one of his custom shovelheads(I think, dammit, now I have to dig it up and look at the bike again).

- Bobby Lashley opened up his own online supplement store.

- The Daytona Beach Journal posted Part 1 of a Kevin Nash interview.

WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2009

- In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, they talk about the latest WWE Smackdown vs Raw and how WWE has been using several former WWE superstars to help develop their upcoming "SmackDown vs. RAW 2009" video game. Mighty Mike (Spirit Squad member Mikey), Nick Nemeth (Spirit Squad member Nicky), Billy Kidman and Al Snow have been doing motion captures for the game. The four former WWE superstars wrestlers have been performing the moves, ring entrances, trademark mannerisms and taunts for all the WWE superstars. The ten-hour work days have left the guys pretty banged up.(I'd love to see Al Snow's impression of Melena's entrance)

IF you haven't seen the screenshots and vids from the upcoming game, check them out here.