Two time WWE Divas champion Paige will be the special guest on the Steve Austin Podcast tonight on the WWE Network, airing immediately right after Monday Night Raw ends.
This will be Austin’s fourth podcast on the Network following those with Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Paul Heyman. According to several sources, Paige was not supposed to be the guest tonight as Hulk Hogan was scheduled to take the hot seat. However Hogan was released from his WWE contract two weeks ago and the company turned to Paige to fill in the seat.
The young British Diva is one of the most popular in the women’s division at the moment and Austin defended her in a recent tweet when someone suggested that she’s not interesting enough to be the subject of the podcast.
Carole Sunka, the wife of WWE Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, announced in an interview with Bill Apter on 1Wrestling.com that her husband is suffering from stomach cancer.
Carole broke the news that Jimmy was not there because he’s going through some rough times as he just returned from hospital on Friday after undergoing cancer surgery. She said that doctors removed a portion of his stomach as well as his lymph nodes and were happy with the outcome. They told her that her husband is an amazingly strong man and Jimmy said he’s ready for the fight and is not done yet with the wrestling business.
She then said it was very hard to tell Jimmy that his wrestling brother Rowdy Roddy Piper passed away last week. She said the two cried together and Snuka told her that Piper would always be in his heart. Snuka and Piper were part of a segment that is still talked about to this day when Piper legit broke a coconut on Snuka’s head decades ago.
Snuka is the father of WWE Diva Tamina who is currently part of Team B.A.D.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard section, former WWE champion Rey Mysterio said that a return to the WWE is possible of there is interest from both parties as he did not leave on bad terms.
“I left on good terms with WWE, so I don’t want to say never. They treated me very well, and I’m nothing but thankful with that company for letting Rey Mysterio be Rey Mysterio and be recognized worldwide,” Mysterio said.
Mysterio said that no one knew how to market him like Vince McMahon and the WWE Chairman had big plans for him despite his size and weight. “He had me run down to the cage, climb up, and do a plancha off the top of the cage. No one knew how to market me like Vince McMahon,” Mysterio said of his WWE debut on Smackdown.
The decision to leave WWE was taken along with his wife after realizing that he wanted to enjoy his kids. “I wanted to rest, I wanted to enjoy my kids. I wasn’t getting any younger, and my kids weren’t getting any younger,” Mysterio added.
In the interview, Mysterio talks about Paul Heyman, ECW, the death of Perro Aguayo, WCW, and much more. You can check out the whole interview at http://on.si.com/1IygUbI.
16 time world heavyweight champion and 2 time WWE Hall of Famer the Nature Boy Ric Flair told UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey that everyone thinks the world of her in professional wrestling following her fight against Bethe Correia yesterday.
Addressing Rousey on Twitter, Flair said, “@R_Roddy_Piper thought the world of you as we all do in our sport! Way to do justice to the Rowdy name! AWESOME! #andSTILL.”
Rousey heads up the 4 Horsewomen of WMMA and is often seen flashing the 4 hand sign when she’s with her girls, an homage to Flair and one of the greatest stables ever.
Rousey was always a big name among WWE Superstars and Divas especially since she loves and respects professional wrestling a lot however the admiration towards her increased after she participated at WrestleMania 31 to create one of the most memorable WrestleMania moments with The Rock, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon.
The war of words between Dana White and wrestling fans went on and on yesterday with some saying that they have canceled their order for UFC 190 on pay-per-view due to White’s disrespectful comments.
TNA’s Jeremy Borash said that he canceled the order, which prompted White to reply that it’s free in the UK, “goofball.” Borash outlined that he lives in Nashville, and not the United Kingdom.
WWE World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins also fired back at White. The fan who started this all had the Twitter username “ROKRollins,” obviously a fan of both Orton and the champ.
“Guys, cut @danawhite some slack. I mean he’s had a million matches, so his opinion is super valid and should be taken as gospel,” Rollins sarcastically said.
Despite all this, many WWE Superstars and Divas were tweeting their support to Ronda Rousey last night, posing with her t-shirt and wishing her luck in her fight.
Titus O’Neil’s act of kindness is getting him a lot of publicity after he posted on Instagram that he took a group of homeless people to lunch.
The first outing in San Diego at the Yardhouse restaurant didn’t go down so well as the manager “seemed distant” in serving the two homeless with O’Neil. The WWE Superstar eventually gathered more homeless and ate lunch with them in the same restaurant again the next day. “They need to learn how to treat all humans as such,” O’Neil wrote.
A second photo posted shows O’Neil with a large group of homeless people surrounding a table full of food taken the day after. “Completely different response than last night,” O’Neil said. He noted that his mother raised him with the help of many others from all walks of life and there were times he had to go without certain things as a youth because of lack of money. He said he isn’t the richest person in the world but money and fame hasn’t changed him.
“Now I have the opportunity to do the exact thing that others did for me when I had nothing to give them in return,” Titus said. “Thanks to those that accepted help & those that treated my guest at lunch as humans, patrons and God’s people.”
UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey did not disappoint last night and made the WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper proud after finishing off the undefeated Correia in 34 seconds.
In her post-fight interview inside the Octagon, Rousey mentioned Hot Rod after she dedicated the fight to him the day before. “I just wanna say we lost a really close friend, Rowdy Roddy Piper, who gave me permission to use his name as a fighter and so I hope he and my dad had a good time watching this today,” she told Joe Rogan.
Also during her interview on FOX Sports with Ariel Helwani, Rousey revealed that she spoke to Piper for a couple of hours earlier this week talking about this fight and told him that she’s going to beat Bethe Correia and do his name proud.
UFC President Dana White seemingly pissed off the Internet wrestling community today after replying to a WWE fan on Twitter who said he would have liked to see Rousey fight today but “our PPV’s are only $9.99” and “Vince got you beat.”
White replied back to the fan with the Twitter username RKORollins saying, “I hear u bro but fake shit should be 9.99.” That tweet sparked a ton of replies from wrestling fans who seemed to have been offended by White’s response. When the same fan asked White to “try it out some time,” White continued, “Trust me my friend ….. IT’s FAKE.”
One wrestler who didn’t appreciate the comment was former ECW champ Taz. “What’s fake & what’s predetermined? @danawhite my body is busted up from that “fake shit” – u think u train less,” Taz tweeted.
Dana White then went back and said that he wasn’t trying disrespect what wrestlers do. “All the WWE guys I have met are awesome people but yes it’s fake.”
Hulk Hogan is making his first public appearance today since the racist rant scandal broke out last week, leading to his dismissal from WWE.
The Hulkster is in Chicago for the National Sports Collectors Convention being held at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center. Jimmy Hart, who is always by Hogan’s sad through good times and bad, is also making the trip and helping Hogan with the autographs.
Hogan posted a photo on his Facebook getting ready for the event with a bunch of printed WrestleMania VI photos of him and Warrior together in the ring. Ric Flair was also scheduled to appear however he canceled a week ago, with the cancellation having nothing to do with Hogan’s recent problems.
Here are two photos of Hogan backstage at the event. (Photo credit: Joel Alpert)
The latest rumors popping up are that WWE want Tough Enough competitor ZZ eliminated from the competition and a 3 minute video of coach Billy Gunn tearing ZZ a new one during training was uploaded on the Tough Enough website to encourage fans to not vote for him.
ZZ has been in the bottom three multiple times and has always managed to stay alive thanks to the large following from the public who seem to love his charisma. However WWE is looking for someone who can actually wrestle, something that ZZ has not been able to follow so far after six weeks.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer adds that WWE tried to set up ZZ for elimination during the last episode of Tough Enough but fans decided to get rid of Amanda – who was saved by The Miz. Unfortunately Mada was the next one with the lowest votes so he was eliminated. Two potential winners – Patrick and Mada – have been eliminated when going up against the fan favorite ZZ.
Following Billy Gunn’s rant on ZZ for his lack of cardio and slowing everyone else down, it’s safe to say that ZZ will once again be in the bottom 3 next week.
WWE has so far followed the fans’ real votes when it comes to eliminations.
This article has been written by Tony Mirabella, co-host of SNS UnPlugged. You can reach him on Twitter at @SNS_BronxZilla.
I haven’t written one of these in a long time. I’m a night person, and as I sit here in the wee hours of the night, I can collect my thoughts. I’ve often found that these late hours are wonderful to reflect, to think, to simply be peaceful in silence and express my feelings. Today I read about the death of Rowdy Roddy Piper, one of the true greats in the wrestling business. Piper’s death has caused me to think back to a simpler time.
When I was a kid, I became a wrestling fan at a very young age. My uncles, mom and grandmother told me stories about Bruno and Madison Square Garden. My Uncle Duane is a huge wrestling fan, and even wrestled a bit in his youth. So, I guess you could say we were a wrestling family. I had wrestling figures, huge rubber monstrosities that were forever stuck in one pose, forcing you to use your imagination. I sat in front of the TV loyally on Saturday mornings, and watched my favorite wrestlers do their thing. My uncle Richard, who sadly is no longer with us, used to sneak me out of bed on Saturday nights to watch Saturday Night Main Event. Just thinking about that brings a smile to my face.
Wrestling was larger than life. Human cartoon characters on my television engaging in battles with their enemies. Macho Man Randy Savage in his colorful outfits, seeming to set the television on fire with his personality. The Ultimate Warrior, crazy, shaking, sputtering, talking about parts unknown. Hulk Hogan being my hero, a guy who a child could feel good looking up to. All the complaining IWC members, all the adults, need to remember what it was like watching wrestling through a child’s eyes.
Was wrestling simply better back then, or does it just seem that way because we always tend to look upon good childhood memories with joy? I would say it is the former. Why? Because of guys like Savage, Warrior, Piper and Dusty. Their passion, their charisma, their charm, their strength. They OWNED your TV set. They stared at you through the camera while they talked about their upcoming battles. Who hasn’t raised their hand to the TV screen when Dusty Rhodes cut his famous promo, and told us to take his hand? Who didn’t get psyched when Warrior cut one of his insane, illegible promos? We had no idea what the Warrior was talking about, but damnit, it got me excited! Macho Man could NOT be ignored. No way. A human nuclear bomb in bright colors just radiating passion! And Piper. A crazy, shaking Scotsman in a damn kilt abusing people on his show, or selling his ass off in the ring.
Why don’t I feel this way about wrestling anymore? Have I outgrown it, or has it outgrown me? I’m not sure. When I became a teenager, I longed for characters that were “cool.” Prayers and vitamins weren’t my thing anymore. My beloved wrestling delivered. I got the NWO, the Hogan heel turn, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, the Attitude Era, and the Monday Night Wars. I had NO problem sitting in front of my TV for 4 or 5 hours on a Monday night. NO PROBLEM AT ALL. The stories were so captivating and the characters were so real! Granted, there was some stupidity, like Katie Vick and the finger poke of doom. But still. There was something about it that kept me coming back.
Even up until a few years ago, I could sit and enjoy wrestling. TNA even held my interest for several years. Say what you want about them, but in their early years TNA was pretty good. Now, I find that I can miss Raw for several weeks and not care. There are alternatives out there, like NXT, Lucha Underground and ROH, but it’s still not the same. I don’t feel that passion anymore. I’m no longer excited.
This brings me to my main point. We’ve lost so many people that once made wrestling great. In the last few years, the deaths of Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, Dusty Rhodes and now Piper, have really driven home to me the sad fact that I’m just not the same wrestling fan I used to be. It seems like now it’s all about social media, merchandise, publicity and stock prices. It’s ridiculous, nonsensical writing that is quite frankly boring. It’s characters fumbling through scripted promos with no passion, no feeling. I feel like I’m an old man when I watch wrestling nowadays. I guess I’m just not good at adapting. I want to feel the way I used to feel, but I just can’t anymore. It’s just….it’s just not the same.
Thank you to all those who are no longer with us for making my childhood fun. Thank you Randy, Warrior, Dusty and Piper for all you did. Rest in peace. The business will never be the same without you. I can’t think of too many people in wrestling today who deserve to lace your boots. All of us must feel the brutal effects of time. I’m feeling them right now. RIP to all those gone. You are, truly, irreplaceable.
The family of Rowdy Roddy Piper posted a small statement on Piper’s Facebook page which has been flooded with condolences from fans around the world.
“Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our father and beloved husband, Roderick Toombs aka Rowdy Roddy Piper. Please respect our family’s privacy during this difficult period,” the statement read.
The WWE Hall of Famer passed away during his sleep on Thursday night after suffering a heart attack.
United States champion John Cena has been taken off from the weekend live events and the upcoming tour of Australia due to his broken nose.
Cena, who suffered his broken nose at the hands (or knee for that matter) of Seth Rollins last week, has also been taken off from Monday’s Raw in San Jose. Brock Lesnar is scheduled to be on the show. The champ was taken out from all advertising for Raw on August 10 at the Xfinity Arena in Everett, Washington, as well. His next advertised date is the Raw on August 17 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
On the Australian tour, Cena was replaced by Cesaro who will now be taking on Kevin Owens at the three non-televised live events.
As expected, all major media outlets and those who don’t usually cover professional wrestling, covered the untimely death of WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper, including MMA websites due to the connection of his nickname with Ronda Rousey.
CNN, Washington Post, Esquire, ESPN, Entertainment Weekly, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, Yahoo! News, The Associated Press, BBC, The Guardian, and more.
In many of these websites, the Piper story was one of the most read stories for the day.
Bret “Hitman” Hart wrote a very touching tribute to his dear friend Roddy Piper on his Instagram following the news of his death.
“I can’t find the words to describe the sorrow in my heart upon learning the news of my dear friend, Roddy Piper, passing away. He was my closest friend in the business, a man that schooled me and guided me throughout my career,” Hart said.
Bret credited Piper for helping him and preventing him from being just a “mere footnote” in wrestling as he was always there for him.
“He was family to me, a brother who loved me and was there for me through my darkest days. He was the only wrestler to come visit me when I suffered a stroke in 2002,” the Hall of Famer added.
Bret recounted how Piper “totally made him” at WrestleMania VIII during their classic match for the Intercontinental title, passing the torch that many others in that era couldn’t conceive of doing.
“I loved you Roddy, and I’ll miss you and your laugh for the rest of my days. I’m stunned and the hole in my heart will widen as it sinks in that I lost a brother of such great worth. What a tragic loss to all that knew him.”
On Saturday, August 22, as part of the SummerSlam weekend, an event will be held at The POWERHOUSE Arena celebrating the Ultimate Warrior whilst promoting the new Insight Editions’ book Ultimate Warrior: A Life Lived “Forever.” Warrior’s widow Dana will also be in attendance.
To be released on Tuesday, September 15, this biography showcases the WWE Hall of Famer through stories and photographs of his historic matches, as well as rare candid, behind-the-scenes images and personal ephemera from his family.
This in-depth memento delivers firsthand details of all the events and drama that shaped Warrior’s career, with rare excerpts from Warrior’s exclusive interviews conducted with WWE upon his return to the company. Learn the inspiring story behind Warrior’s reconciliation with WWE and how the ultimate career came full circle with his rightful enshrinement in the WWE Hall of Fame. Exclusive, removable artifacts, include a special WrestleMania VI ticket, an “Ultimate pose down” promotional card, the guitar score for his iconic entrance song, “Unstable,” and never-before-seen WrestleMania VI meeting notes.
This book launch will feature an autograph table, Warrior statue, museum displays, a face paint artist, and more! Ultimate Warrior Day, on Saturday, August 22, 2015, begins at 3PM, and is open to the first 300 fans at The POWERHOUSE Arena, which is located at 37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11210 and is exclusive to Ultimate Warrior book purchases made at POWERHOUSE.
You can see the awesome artwork for the cover of this hardcover book below. For more information about the book, go to Insight Editions’ Warrior book section.
UFC’s Ronda Rousey, who took the name Rowdy from Piper since she was a huge fan of the Hall of Famer is dedicating tonight’s fight at UFC 90 for him.
“Thank you for the name…. And so much more…. Will do it justice and do you proud,” she wrote on a post on Instagram. “This one’s for you Roddy….” Rousey will battle Bethe Correia in Brazil for the UFC Bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 190.
Former WWE champion and now UFC fighter CM Punk also expressed his condolences on Twitter. “When things were simple, he lit my way and gave me purpose. Meeting him was a thrill. His friendship was cherished. His death, heartbreaking. Thanks Hotrod. Rest in Power,” he wrote.
Variety is now reporting that WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper died on Thursday night and not around Noon on Friday as TMZ reported earlier today.
Piper’s agent Jay Schacter told Variety in an e-mail that Piper “passed peacefully in his sleep last night” in his home in Hollywood, California. Piper suffered a cardiac arrest. His family thought he was sleeping profoundly because he had taken sleeping medication from https://www.ukmeds.co.uk/general-health/sleeping-tablets but unfortunately it wasn’t the case.
John Carpenter, the director of the famous movie They Live which Piper was part of, wrote on his Facebook, “Devastated to hear the news of my friend Roddy Piper’s passing today. He was a great wrestler, a masterful entertainer and a good friend.”
More tributes for Rowdy Roddy Piper were posted on Twitter from friends and colleagues during the evening yesterday just hours after TMZ broke the news that Piper passed away at the age of 61.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roddy Piper’s passing. He was one of a kind and one of the all time greats,” wrote Steve Austin. Austin was involved in an altercation with Piper over a podcast broadcast on PodcastOne where Piper said Austin forced him out of the company, an allegation that Austin denied.
“Saddened about the passing of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He was truly a legend and icon, and will never be forgotten… #ThankYouRoddy #RIP,” wrote Triple H.
Jesse Ventura, who spent several years with Roddy Piper in WWE wrote, “Sad to hear about Roddy Piper. He once worked 91 nights w/out a day off. WWE wouldn’t be what it is today w/out him. Wonderful athlete & friend.”
Eric Bischoff, the man who brought Piper to WCW after his WWE run added, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Roddy Piper. He was a friend, a legend. May God bless him and his family.”
Fellow Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels said that Piper was always wonderful to him and he would miss him greatly.
Former WWE Diva AJ Brooks (Lee) hasn’t tweeted about anything pro wrestling since her departure a few months ago but dropped a note about Hot Rod. “The original rebel. One of my greatest inspirations. Thank you for your guidance. RIP Piper.”
Jake “The Snake” Roberts noted how devastated he is after having to go through the death of Dusty Rhodes, and now Piper. “Devastated. Period.”
Hulk Hogan told TMZ that he’s devastated over the passing of his friend Rowdy Roddy Piper.
“I will forever miss him. He was my best friend. He is a legend,” Hogan said.
The two were pretty much responsible for making WrestleMania I a huge success, ensuring that the then WWF stays alive after Vince McMahon banked everything on the show. The feud between Piper and Hogan leading up to WrestleMania and the involvement of MTV and Mr T was one of the most important moments in WWE’s history.
“God’s gain is our loss. May his family in this time of need, find peace. Much love forever,” Hogan added.
