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Roddy Piper addresses Austin altercation with PodcastOne

By
Colin Vassallo
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In his latest podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper told his version of the story about his “altercation” with Steve Austin that eventually led to his departure from the PodcastOne family.

The back story involves actor Will Sasso, who was on Piper’s show, doing impersonation of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin apparently didn’t like what was said and complained to PodcastOne who in return took down not only that particular podcast, but all of Piper’s archives.

Piper said that he didn’t want to offend anyone and the impersonation was not meant in that way, adding that there “was a lot of love in it.” Rowdy said that when he spoke to the PodcastOne chief, he was told that he could not talk about Steve Austin anymore on his shows and since this was one form of censorship, he decided he didn’t want to partner up with PodcastOne anymore.

“I didn’t mean to offend you in any way, and I still don’t see it,” Roddy said in words directed at fellow Hall of Famer Steve Austin. He apologized if he got offended and said that he still has all the respect in the world for him for all he did in the business.

Austin in his podcast said that Piper lied and it was him who wanted out of the PodcastOne deal and he did nothing to kick Piper off. “I don’t want to deal with it anymore. Okay? So I’m done with it, I didn’t lie about anything, and my heart is in the right place in my life,” Piper concluded.

Piper addressed all this during the beginning of his new podcast which is now hosted on Soundcloud.com. Lanny Poffo is his guest for this week.

Bella Twins nominated for 2015 Teen Choice Award

By
Colin Vassallo
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The Bella Twins have been nominated for a 2015 Teen Choice Award in the Best Female Athlete category. This is their first nomination at the popular awards show.

Nikki and Brie face some very harsh competition though as they are up against Ronda Rousey, Serena Williams, Danica Patrick, Simone Biles, and the whole U.S. Women’s National Soccer team. Winners for each category will be voted by fans across the country.

The 2015 Teen Choice Awards will air Sunday, August 16 on FOX and you can vote for the Bellas at http://vote.teenchoice.com.

Paige and Dean Ambrose at Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh in September

By
Colin Vassallo
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WWE’s Dean Ambrose and Paige will be part of the Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh between September 11 and 13. The WWE Superstar and Diva will join celebrities such as Ian Somerhalder, Nathan Fillion, William Shatner, Lou Ferrigno, Ernie Hudson, Dean Cain, and many others at the inaugural trip to Pittsburgh.

Dean Ambrose will be on hand on Friday, September 11, starting at 5:30PM for photo ops. At 6:30PM he will do an autograph signing and then at 8PM he will participate in a Q&A panel. Paige will be at the event on Saturday, September 12, starting with photo ops at 1PM, then autograph signings at 2PM, and finally a Q&A panel at 3:30PM.

Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For ticket information go to http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pittsburgh.html.

Wrestling-Online comes to Apple News on iOS 9

By
Colin Vassallo
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Wrestling-Online.com’s news updates are now being published on Apple’s newest app, News, which is available in iOS 9 public beta.

News is Apple’s newest pre-installed app that comes with iOS 9, scheduled to be released in the fall. The app collects all the stories you want to read from the top news sources based on topics you’re most interested in.

The Wrestling-Online.com News channel is now live and accessible to those who are using the public beta of iOS 9. The channel contains the WWE, TNA, General, Articles, and TV Reports sections, plus a main section where all the latest news are displayed chronologically.

With the arrival of News in the fall as part of iOS 9, Wrestling-Online.com will remove the native W-O News HD app for the iPad from the store. The apps for iPhone – both paid and free – will remain available to download and/or purchase.

To access the Wrestling-Online.com News channel, click on the News app icon on your iOS home screen, click search and look for Wrestling-Online. Alternatively, you can open https://news.apple.com/T7syfFICrRreSrWfoXtTvhQ from your iOS 9 device to go straight to the channel.

wonewsios9

WWE Performance Center turns two!

By
Colin Vassallo
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Today is the two year anniversary of the opening of the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, which is perhaps one of the most important – along with the WWE Network – launches in the past decade for the company.

The brainchild of WWE’s Triple H, the Performance Center is the state of the art training and medical facility for all current and up and coming WWE Superstars and Divas. The 26,000 square foot property includes seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program, cutting-edge edit and production facilities, and a voice-over room that performers and on-air announcers can use to practice. Currently it also holds the Tough Enough “barracks” where filming is held every week.

Opening the facility in Orlando also strengthened the relationship between WWE, the city, and Full Sail University, where NXT holds its live shows and where the live portion of Tough Enough is also filmed. Ken Goldstone, Chief Operating Officer of Full Sail University and Rick Scott, Governor of Florida, were both presented for the official opening of the Performance Center on July 12, 2013.

Brie Bella talks Daniel Bryan’s injury and new Total Divas season

By
Colin Vassallo
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While doing media rounds with the United Kingdom press to promote the new season of Total Divas, Brie Bella said that it’s been very hard for her husband Daniel Bryan to deal with his latest injury.

“This injury unlike any other has just been the hardest because in the past we at least knew ‘okay it’s surgery, this long to recover’, he unfortunately had a relapse, but then we knew how long it would be to recover after the relapse. But with this one it’s so unclear and that’s the hard thing,” she told tabloid newspaper The Mirror.

She said as his wife it breaks her heart seeing his dreams crashing down and said she wishes it was her in his position because she hates seeing him like that. Brie however said that Bryan is confident he will go back to the squared circle.

“He tells me every day ‘I’m getting back in that ring, just you watch’ and I’m like ‘oh I bet you will’. I have his support 100% and I really think he will get back in there, I really do. He doesn’t see it any other way.”

You can read the full interview where she also talks about all the drama for the new Total Divas at http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/wwes-brie-bella-as-wife-6042776.

WWE Night of Champions 2015 tickets now on sale

By
Colin Vassallo
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Tickets for WWE’s September pay-per-view Night Of Champions have gone on sale through HoustonToyotaCenter.com.

Tickets are priced $25, $50, $75, $350, and $400 for ringside which also include a commemorative chair. You can also buy tickets by calling 866-4HOUTIX (866-446-8849).

The show – where every WWE title will be on the line – takes place on September 20 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

163 backers complete the funding of Chyna’s new documentary

By
Colin Vassallo
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The Kickstarter campaign to fund the Chyna documentary “The Reconstruction of Chyna” ended with a total of $12,777, surpassing the $10,000 goal by $2,777. A total of 163 people backed this project which will enable filmmakers to finish the documentary.

“We are overjoyed here at #teamchyna that the fans have spoken! This film will be made thanks to all of you! We can’t wait to show you what we are doing,” the team wrote on the Kickstarter page.

Erik Angra will be directing the documentary which will follow Chyna across the country, as she chronicles her history, rediscovers herself with media, critics and fans and as she tries to begin her life again, navigating her celebrity and staying healthy.

CM Punk targeting December or January UFC debut

By
Colin Vassallo
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Former WWE Heavyweight champion CM Punk said that he’s targeting a December 2015 or January 2016 debut in the Octagon. Punk announced this during a media session at the MGM Grand as part of International Fight Week.

He said he’d love to fight “tomorrow” but he wants to be as prepared as he can be and when it will be time for him to step inside the cage, he will be ready to fight. Punk noted that he has moved from Chicago to Milwaukee to be closer to the Roufusport gym and since he’s training three times a day that would have been impossible with the commute. Funny enough, wrestling in training is the hardest he said because he has no high school wrestling background and everyone else in the gym has experience.

“I don’t ask my coaches, ‘How did I do today? Am I ready?’ ” he said. “They say, ‘Come back at 7’ and I come back at 7. They tell me to mop, I mop. They tell me to sweep, I sweep. If they tell me to work the mitts or come in and work extra, I do it.

The weight class is still an issue for Punk and doesn’t know where he will be heading, admitting that fighting at 185 would be a bad idea.

“I woke up at 190 this morning, so I could make 185 in a couple of hours if I needed to,” he said. “But I think fighting at 185 would probably be a bad idea. Those guys are a lot bigger than me. I think 170 is doable.”

WWE sends replica title to U.S. Women’s National Soccer team

By
Colin Vassallo
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WWE sent a World Heavyweight title replica to the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team following their FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.

The world champs were honored in New York City yesterday with a ticker tape parade and before the festivities started, midfielder player and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe posed for photos with the title wrapped around her waist. It’s become a common ritual so to speak when a U.S. team wins a major tournament, WWE sends replicas of their titles to team.

WWE recently did this with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer team won their third FIFA World Cup last week against Japan with a 5-2 score in Canada.

Tough Enough competitors going to Monday Night Raw

By
Colin Vassallo
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The Tough Enough contestants are heading to Monday Night Raw in Atlanta this coming Monday to get their first look at what goes on to produce a three hour live WWE show.

The three trainers – Lita, Billy Gunn, and Booker T – announced this to the remaining contestants in a video posted on the Tough Enough website. Gunn did most of the talking, telling them that they will dress themselves and conduct themselves like a WWE Superstar. He told them they will see all the kinds of chaos backstage and some of the most awesome stuff so it will be fun and cool for them.

Gunn added that they should enjoy it and take in everything that’s going on and be conscious of who’s doing what and where. But most importantly, they should be very respectful and keep in mind that those people backstage have lots on their plate and it’s not just about the TE competitors.

Tanner asked Billy if he is going with them and if they should “share a van,” to which Billy immediately replied with a double no.

HBO picks up second season of Dwayne Johnson’s Ballers

By
Colin Vassallo
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HBO has picked up a second season of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s television show Ballers. The announcement came via Michael Lombardo, President of HBO Programming.

“The charismatic and hugely talented Dwayne Johnson, along with the rest of the Ballers cast, has truly struck a chord with the HBO audience,” said Lombardo. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response the series has received and look forward to another exciting season.”

The first season of Ballers has 10 episodes and three have aired so far, getting 2.16 million viewers, 1.85 million viewers, and 1.7 million viewers respectively.

The show looks at the lives of current and former football players and follows Spencer Strasmore, played by Johnson, who is trying to reinvent himself as a financial manager for current players in Miami. It airs on Sundays at 10PM.

The Rock thanked his fans on Twitter for watching the show.

WWE reportedly fires top executive Lisa Fox after 20 year stint

By
Colin Vassallo
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WWE has reportedly fired Lisa Fox, its Executive Vice President of Content, for reasons still unknown. The news was broken by the official Twitter account of Major League Wrestling.

Fox has been working for the WWE since 1995, spending the first six years of her career with the company in television and sponsorship sales. In 2001 she was promoted to Vice President of TV Programming and the two years later was once again promoted to Senior Vice President, Global TV Business Strategy. With the addition of the WWE Network, Fox Lee was given the role of Senior Vice President, Network Programming, in 2014 and this past January she climbed up to Executive Vice President, Content. She reported directly to Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

She was a key member of the company’s senior management team and oversaw the strategic development and distribution of WWE programming and content across all platforms, including TV, WWE Network, WWE.com, WWE App and social media.

Fox was one of the most powerful women inside WWE Headquarters and was considered to be pretty close with Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon. Her name last appeared in a press release in on June 19 when WWE announced the use of Periscope during the Tough Enough season.

Rousey says she “lost her mind” when Hogan walked out at WrestleMania 31

By
Colin Vassallo
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In an interview in the current edition of Sport Magazine in the United Kingdom, UFC champ “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey said that she “lost her mind” when she saw Hulk Hogan walking out at WrestleMania 31 for his segment with the nWo vs DX.

“I saw him walk out at WrestleMania – and I flipped out! I lost my mind. I knew that I was about to be a part of the show later, but nobody else knew. So I didn’t get to meet him.” To this day, Rousey hasn’t met one of her favorite WWE Superstars of all time. Rousey said that when she was three years old, she was inseparable from the two-foot Hulk Hogan wrestling buddy and always slept with it.

Talking about her experience at WrestleMania 31, Rousey said, “I enjoyed it way too much to never go back – I just don’t know how soon that is. Scheduling is the number one challenge in my life.”

Balor vs Owens to headline NXT Takeover: Brooklyn

By
Colin Vassallo
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The main event for the NXT Takeover: Brooklyn live show on the WWE Network on the eve of SummerSlam will feature NXT champion Finn Balor defending the title against former champion Kevin Owens.

The announcement was made by William Regal, the on-screen NXT general manager during the WWE/Mattel panel at the San Diego Comic Con yesterday. NXT was represented at the Comic Con yesterday as Balor, Owens, Sami Zayn, and Charlotte were available for the panel which was hosted by Regal. Joining them for the panel were Elisa George, Global Brand Marketing for Mattel and Bill Miekina, the designer for WWE at Mattel.

NXT Takeover: Brooklyn takes place on Saturday, August 22, at 8PM EST live on the WWE Network from the Barclays Center. Tickets for the show go on sale on Saturday, July 18 at Noon EST on Ticketmaster.com. You can see the full one hour Mattel/WWE panel from the SDCC below.

Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling names its television show

By
Colin Vassallo
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Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling announced that their proposed television show will be titled Amped and that’s the name they will be using for the upcoming television tapings.

GFW has three dates booked at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas – July 24, August 21, and October 31 – where they will tape their television shows which will be used to sell to potential networks. The Orleans Arena is located inside The Orleans Hotel & Casino.

Global Force Wrestling will film a full season of weekly episodic programming during these three dates and the Orleans Arena website says that 4 GFW championships will be decided. Jarrett will take the King of the Mountain TNA title to the show as well.

Tickets start at just $30 and can be purchased at OrleansArena.com.

Tough Enough rating for episode 3

By
Colin Vassallo
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The third episode of Tough Enough drew a total of 1,221,000 viewers with a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

This week the show fared better than last week, getting 174,000 viewers more than episode two. It even beat the premiere of the new season by around 12,000 viewers. (Ratings credit: TV By The Numbers)

Vince McMahon hints at WrestleMania announcement soon

By
Colin Vassallo
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Muscle & Fitness Magazine has an interview with WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon on their website at muscleandfitness.com.

In the interview, McMahon discusses the time he whooped Mark Henry’s ass in the gym, stepping into the ring and wrestling, the evolution of the Mr. McMahon character, his fitness and nutrition regimen, and much more.

He mentioned that the Undertaker is his favorite WWE Superstar because of his loyalty and extraordinary commitment to his character and said that Hogan slamming Andre at WrestleMania III is his favorite WrestleMania moment thus far.

Asked if he’ll ever surpass that, he said, “I think there’s a good opportunity with an announcement we’ll make soon.”

You can read the interview at muscleandfitness.com.

Kurt Angle undergoes successful neck surgery

By
Colin Vassallo
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Kurt Angle’s neck surgery was successful and the TNA Hall of Famer and former TNA champion is now in recovery.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Jho, the director of the Jho Institute for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at  Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is not the first time Dr. Jho performed surgery on Angle.

“Dr Jho, thank you for your continued assistance in keeping me healthy and strong. I’m very grateful,” Angle wrote on an Instagram post along with a photo of himself with Dr. Jho and the rest of the team who performed the surgery.

Angle had a benign tumor in his neck and decided to remove it after it started giving him trouble. He will be out of action for at least a month and will be missing the upcoming TNA Impact television tapings scheduled for later this month at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Total Divas season 4 gets lowest season premiere rating

By
Colin Vassallo
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Total Divas season 4 premiered to just 975,000 viewers, down from the 1.2 million the show did in the season 3 premiere.

E! switched days for Total Divas, this season airing on Tuesdays rather than on Sundays as it have been in the past. The show did benefit from a good lead in from the Kardashian show on Sunday nights. The season 3 finale did 1.28 million viewers.

The new season started with the Bella Twins forcing to choose whether to stay or not in the WWE and Eva Marie opting for a personal coach rather than the WWE Performance Center which creates a big rift among the Divas division. (Ratings credit: TV By The Numbers)

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