"100,001" Replies (Wrestling Forum)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>brb gonna ask Alexa Bliss to marry me</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I mean...she'll PROBABLY say no, but you never know if you don't try</font>

[SNLfunnyguy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiRrr4CzKJo

GOAT

[Volare]

<font color=goldenrod>I mean...she'll PROBABLY say no, but you never know if you don't try</font>

Why can't we get her on video instead of Sunny?

[Vastardikai]

Rumor going around recently involves Taker not wanting to wrestle Strowman at Mania since he doesn't think Strowman is worthy for that match nor would it be any good.

Although the whole rumor might also be based on another website taking what the Observer said out of context or mishearing what was said.

Hell, as old as Taker is, he shouldn't have to carry barely mobile hosses who can't work.

If only there was a big guy on WWE's roster who can work and make for a great match, and could actually mean something to him. Nah, they're too focused on making him a joke and a flunky.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

It's too bad that schlub Harper can't wrestle his way out of a wet paper bag. Strowman is clearly the choice to run with.

[Black Widow]

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trish-Stratus-busty-gifs-001_002.gif

[BigDaddyCool]

Turns out I went to High school with Rob Schamberger. http://robschamberger.com

[GD]

I grew up on Trish.

[Black Widow]

https://45.media.tumblr.com/c938512656aa081b7590ce25deae3ad4/tumblr_nvlykzoSAE1siiunso1_500.gif
http://i.imgur.com/goIhK8x.png

[Mr. Nerfect]

Superstars spoilers:

Zack Ryder beat Stardust.

[#1-norm-fan]

I read an interesting column on 411Mania.com about Jim Cornette and Vince Russo's opinions on Lucha Underground, and they brought up a good point about Cornette -- he should admire the kayfabe of the LU universe, even if it is ridiculous.

JC is right in everything he says about LU not "being a sport," but it's more entertainment than WWE. I hope they get it onto Netflix.

While I agree with everything Cornette said about it, I don't mind it like he does. Because I DON'T think of it as wrestling. I think about it as a TV show about wrestling. And I don't see anything wrong with that. In a way it does less to "damage the credibility" of pro wrestling than other companies because it clearly presents itself as a scripted show about a pro wrestling company. If wrestling were real, this show would be exactly the same.

[thekrow]

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12717703_1126145320753714_5490308274881858309_n.jpg?oh=4f1673013c552981ba08be086f1efb2d&oe=576B5AA8
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/8248_1126145327420380_2451959335794415613_n.jpg?oh=caf21dd23a0102933bea44f9c2f01fff&oe=573078BD
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12647272_1126145330753713_4238209909602643150_n.jpg?oh=fe12c6fb176cea547c3405b187d0ce16&oe=5723EA83
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12651134_1126145484087031_5485297954045032871_n.jpg?oh=f4f3d622d8e7bb286f747efd2d83ade6&oe=576DD277
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12705239_1126145580753688_5530693298752903609_n.jpg?oh=b6178366bc35f310d6a031002b914389&oe=573B1606
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12705313_1126145600753686_4583337083078768629_n.jpg?oh=5bddb650473bb9f32a3b7339a7841283&oe=576AB6EB
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12654673_1126145697420343_964293873107476926_n.jpg?oh=c2ec00514e284226ec377cdff0543bcc&oe=5728C3AF
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12670041_1126145717420341_4701702469603043083_n.jpg?oh=ba3c42ae79dd3b17290bc5902807983b&oe=57272530
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12728992_1126145750753671_8252333009362409007_n.jpg?oh=a7e9859df0556cab288e897752ef3a72&oe=572DD16F
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12715343_1126145824086997_3479213197702555515_n.jpg?oh=e32be56a6f03a63edf0dec4d9a602b72&oe=5770FB6F
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12705239_1126145580753688_5530693298752903609_n.jpg?oh=b6178366bc35f310d6a031002b914389&oe=573B1606


WHAT A MATCH!


Next week Ric "THE MIC" Roberts will take on Xristo Diavlo in a ladder match but they wont be fighting over a title....they'll be fighting for a bag of WEED!

[drave]

Light tubes cause cancer when smashed like that. Probably should stop using those.

[Simple Fan]

WHAT A MATCH!


Next week Ric "THE MIC" Roberts will take on Xristo Diavlo in a ladder match but they wont be fighting over a title....they'll be fighting for a bag of WEED!

lol

[Lock Jaw]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iB_ieWX-2eE/TvO3wlF977I/AAAAAAAACKk/itDz6FyHcMQ/s1600/championsrollcall.jpg

[GD]

Kofi has managed to hold on to the same belt :)

[Black Widow]

https://giant.gfycat.com/DistinctKlutzyFairyfly.gif

[Emperor Smeat]

http://45.media.tumblr.com/e2a39bf298c41e44a3e7a1f9c424c1ea/tumblr_o29fsgPsWP1saykaxo1_400.gif

Brock really should consider investing in a cup by now.

[road doggy dogg]

It seems really stupid to me that kayfabe-wise wrestlers wouldn't wear cups. What rationale is there for not? Back when I was playing tee-ball we wore cups man

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On way to Germany. My body's ready<br>My heart's on fire......... <a href="https://twitter.com/LanaWWE">@LanaWWE</a> is undercover to get a story. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DuxMyMan?src=hash">#DuxMyMan</a> <a href="https://t.co/2uAaWBfOyb">pic.twitter.com/2uAaWBfOyb</a></p>&mdash; Rusev (@RusevBUL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusevBUL/status/697173821774651392">February 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Emperor Smeat]

It seems really stupid to me that kayfabe-wise wrestlers wouldn't wear cups. What rationale is there for not? Back when I was playing tee-ball we wore cups man

The amount of nut shots during the Attitude Era alone should have been enough to convince wrestlers to wear them.

[Rammsteinmad]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On way to Germany. My body's ready<br>My heart's on fire......... <a href="https://twitter.com/LanaWWE">@LanaWWE</a> is undercover to get a story. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DuxMyMan?src=hash">#DuxMyMan</a> <a href="https://t.co/2uAaWBfOyb">pic.twitter.com/2uAaWBfOyb</a></p>&mdash; Rusev (@RusevBUL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusevBUL/status/697173821774651392">February 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lol brilliant.

[Simple Fan]

It seems really stupid to me that kayfabe-wise wrestlers wouldn't wear cups. What rationale is there for not? Back when I was playing tee-ball we wore cups man


Never wore a cup in baseball, not even as a catcher. Stopped wearing one in football when I got to middle school.

[Jordan]

I think Miz is revving up his game big time. He has been really good in recent weeks. I think he is gonna be pushed up to the main pretty soon. Any thoughts?

[Simple Fan]

I hope, really like the Miz and he is great at everything he's done. He main scented WM and beat Cena, play off that and he's back right there. Kind of miss the shorts he used to wear.

[Mr. Nerfect]

While I agree with everything Cornette said about it, I don't mind it like he does. Because I DON'T think of it as wrestling. I think about it as a TV show about wrestling. And I don't see anything wrong with that. In a way it does less to "damage the credibility" of pro wrestling than other companies because it clearly presents itself as a scripted show about a pro wrestling company. If wrestling were real, this show would be exactly the same.

:y:

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Miz is a great sports entertainer.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hope we get The Miz & Stardust vs. Goldust & R-Truth soon.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Miz going back to his shorts, at this point, would be a good move.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Would love to see a babyface Rusev soon. Him tearing through The League of Nations would be great.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://49.media.tumblr.com/00e738fdc14d840d1ed547d38a2c8cec/tumblr_modmhhWpZq1qamc9eo1_250.gif

[Black Widow]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CayGRYgUEAAD0pw.png

[Volare]

Yeah, no.

[Black Widow]

Yeah, no.??

[Simple Fan]

Would be great if he actually showed up on LU sometime.They're not making enough money to bring him in though.

[Simple Fan]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iB_ieWX-2eE/TvO3wlF977I/AAAAAAAACKk/itDz6FyHcMQ/s1600/championsrollcall.jpg

With the exception of Cody this had to be a bad time for WWE. Might not have been watching because I don't remember Air Boom being tag team champions. Was it during Punks long ass run with the title?

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by the Balor Club's newest member, The Flasher:
http://i.imgur.com/zzzpd1B.gif

Monday's episode of WWE RAW, featuring Daniel Bryan's retirement speech in the main event slot, drew 3.726 million viewers. This is up from last week's 3.383 million viewers but down from the over 4 million they drew for the post-Royal Rumble episode two weeks ago.

For this week's show, the first hour drew 3.907 million viewers, the second hour drew 3.905 million viewers and the final hour drew 3.368 million viewers.
Some confusion going around the net regarding the overrun since it was a lot longer than usual (26 minutes) with some sites saying it was already factored into the ratings/viewership and others saying it wasn't. Either way the biggest surprise is the very low 3rd hour that could have been near the sub-3 range if it wasn't for Bryan's speech. Observer speculated if this was a regular RAW and not one built around Bryan, WWE could have been looking at a new historic non-football/holiday low for RAW.

I mentioned over the weekend that the planned Braun Strowman vs. The Undertaker singles match at WrestleMania 32 may have been nixed already. While several ideas for The Wyatt Family have been tossed around lately, Taker vs. Braun was penciled in as Vince McMahon was a big fan of doing the match and has taken an interest in building Strowman.

The online backlash in the first 24 hours after the Braun vs. Taker news broke may have changed WWE's plans, according to PWInsider. A very well-placed source noted that the bad reaction to the match may have caught on within the company and the match may have been nixed within 24 hours of the news getting out. It should be noted that Vince is always changing plans and they could go back to Taker vs. Braun.

In regards to what the back-up plan for Taker would be, a source noted that those details had not trickled down to other sources yet and likely only a small circle of people were aware of exactly what those plans are. It was noted that Taker's opponent at WrestleMania will likely be someone totally unexpected.
Rumors about Taker not wanting to wrestle Strowman might have been true after all.

No word yet on how Shinsuke Nakamura's WWE Performance Center visit went late last week but he also did WWE medical testing in Pittsburgh. Regarding what might happen if for some reason Nakamura didn't pass the tests and couldn't be signed, which has happened with talents in the past, speculation is that they would just bring him in for the one match that's already announced, against Sami Zayn at NXT "Takeover: Dallas" during WrestleMania 32 weekend.
Potential plans for NXT Dallas at the moment regarding Nakamura Current plans are for Nakamura to lose against Zayn

Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady and Carmella are on the road with WWE this weekend and will be appearing at the WWE live event in San Jose, CA tonight. They are also scheduled for this week's Raw and Smackdown tapings, although whether they are going to appear before the live audience at the shows remains to be seen.

I noted last week an audio update in the PWInsider.com Elite section there has been a lot of talk lately regarding a potential move for the trio to the Raw/Smackdown roster.

On Thursday before Rumble he had more tests. That's where story ends. DB talking stems from these tests. Timing tests.

These are the tests that look at all different parts of brain. Got them back January 28th.
Observer on what played a big role in Bryan's retirement announcement. Hinted the tests might have came back with signs of brain damage and pasts tests only focused on the part of his brain that was unaffected. The recent test Bryan took is called the eVox System test (http://evokeneuroscience.com/evox-system/technology/) which focuses on a lot more areas than regular CTE type tests.

"It will be a long time before people fully understand the contributions he made to this industry, which is a far better place because of his involvement. There were things dating back to 2001 that he was involved with that changed the underground foundation of the industry, and over the past few years, significantly changed talent evaluation at the highest level of the industry.

Change is slow, to be sure, but this is a different industry and he played a huge part in it. When you really look back, from an influence standpoint, he triggered a number of changes and his contributions are actually enormous."

Observer's Dave Meltzer on the impact Daniel Bryan's career and retirement speech will have in the wrestling industry for the future.

"So some guy ended up getting thrown out (and roughed up) by security for trying to start a chant by singing that "na, na, na, na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye" song while Daniel was talking. It was during the moment the whole place went silent while he was going over his gratitude; the guy started screaming the tune at the top of his lungs. Three security guys rushed him and just pulled him out of our row and he was out of there quick. You can tell by the look on his face that he didn't even know what was happening."
From a fan report about yesterday's RAW episode. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/44v0ru/someone_got_kicked_out_of_the_arena_during_the/

It appears that there are problems brewing between AAA and Konnan - and perhaps others. As Kris Zellner noted in his "Lucha Report", Konnan teased on Twitter that he was going to be making "revelations" at a press conference soon. Over the past several weeks, PWInsider.com has heard from a number of people within the lucha libre and California scenes that it appears something will be coming to a head soon regarding frustrations with AAA management.


There has been talk that Rey Mysterio Jr., obviously the biggest star in the company is at an impasse with the promotion due to issues regarding pay ... There has also been a lot of discussion lately that AAA performers who were booked for Lucha Underground's second season were unhappy about being required to pay the promotion a percentage for their LU bookings. According to multiple sources, talents booked for the first season through AAA received their pay directly from AAA after the Mexican promotion was paid by Lucha Underground. By the time wrestlers received their pay, as the story goes, AAA had taken a pretty sizable percentage.

For the second season, wrestlers are being paid directly by Lucha Underground but sources claim there has been pressure from AAA that the talents still pay AAA the same percentage. The frustration has been enough that there's been talk of some talents looking to leave the promotion for work elsewhere. There was also a concern that since AAA has ownership points in LU, that if they did, anyone who bolted would find themselves iced out of future Lucha Underground seasons, something none of the AAA/LU talent would want since across the board, they have been very happy with the treatment they've received from LU management. We are told that while AAA has ownership in a percentage of Lucha Underground, they have no creative say in how talents are booked or used on the series, which is set in it's own "universe" so to speak.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MsSkEWHVSug" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Some other sheet news includes:

For those interested, Reddit's Squared Circle compiled a "Best of" Daniel Bryan's WWE matches with links to all matches listed: https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/44t9zt/the_ultimate_daniel_bryan_wwe_match_collection/
Also for those interested, Squared Circle compiled a "Best of" Bryan Danielson's Indie matches with links to all matches listed: https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/44vdo1/the_ultimate_bryan_danielsondaniel_bryan/
A transcript of Daniel Bryan's retirement speech was recently posted online: https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/44y7l2/a_transcript_of_daniel_bryans_retirement/
If anyone feels like donating to the chairty Daniel Bryan mentioned last night, here is the link for financial donations: http://www.wigsforkids.org/financial-donations
ROH announced another match for their upcoming Las Vegas show which will be a 6-man tag match of Omega & Young Bucks vs ACH, Kushida, and Matt Sydal.
The Rock recently showed more of his support for Lucha Underground based on a recent Instagram posting: https://www.instagram.com/p/BBkbY72IhzA/
Florida promotion WXW facing allegations of allowing a real assault to occur during a recent show involving new TNA wrestler Raquel (Gabi from Tough Enough). According to reports, Raquel suffered a fracture to her jaw after the shoot beating she received during a triple threat match. Being alleged she was targeted for being new to wrestling and a possible "paying your dues" as motivation for the attacks. http://wrestlingnews.co/incident-at-recent-wxw-show-involving-current-tna-knockout/
Former WWE wrestler Mordecai/Kevin Thorn recently went public in regards to WWE's poor track record when it comes to roylaties payments involving the WWE Network. Apparently the Network still doesn't factor at all when it comes to payments. http://www.f4wonline.com/news/figure-four-weekly-282016-kevin-thorn-voices-issues-wwe-network-royalties-more-207236



Some TPWW news includes:

Smackdown results for this week will arrive very late tonight due to the tapings happening on the West Coast. For some reference, WWE Main Event only starts taping at 10pm EST.

[Simple Fan]

lol at the goodbye fan. Why throw the guy out though?

[Emperor Smeat]

Supposedly the fan was causing problems all night long. Had two other incidents involving him managing to say something during the Miz-Jericho segment that caused a bleep to occur on tv and another thing that pissed off a lot of people around him.

[Simple Fan]

Yeah, was,watching on the DVR and there was one part during Miz/Jericho segment that cut all audio. Might have been then. I'm sure he pissed a lot of people off with the Daniel Bryan stuff, his fans a very anal if you bash him.

[Droford]

Danirl Bryan retirement loses 600,000 viewers

Deep down Vince probably felt vindicated

[Black Widow]

I usually think fan's can chant whatever but that guy is a douche.

[Simple Fan]

If I was there, I'd probably been right there with him with the na na na chants.

[Black Widow]

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/918209_976294225786414_224296057_n.jpg

[VSG]

I love her too!

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I usually think fan's can chant whatever but that guy is a douche.

They did the right thing for his safety to remove him. What a douche.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

lol at the goodbye fan. Why throw the guy out though?

His safety. The show was over anyways.

[Black Widow]

https://38.media.tumblr.com/51d245c1c47fb266d3620f269a2ac61e/tumblr_inline_o23i75B2eo1td6a19_500.gif

[WorkrateHeel]

If I was there, I'd probably been right there with him with the na na na chants.


you're so fuckin cool dude.

[Heisenberg]

tough break for Titus O'Neill getting suspended

[drave]

Wellness violation?

[GD]

http://i.imgur.com/8v4kQ14.jpg

[Innovator]

Brie probably won't stick around much longer. Bryan is done, Nikki might be done, and there are babies to be made.

[Big Vic]

WWE star Titus O'Neil was sent home from last night's Smackdown taping in Portland, Oregon shortly after he arrived. The word we are getting is that O'Neil has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
During the ending of last night's Raw taping in Seattle, Washington, a number of WWE personalities and staff were assembled on the stage in honor of the retiring Bryan Danielson. At the end of that segment, which aired on Raw before going live on the WWE Network, Danielson returned to the locker room after passing through the center of the assembled WWE personnel.

As WWE talents returned to the back, O'Neill grabbed WWE owner Vince McMahon in what was described to us as in a "playful, physical way." McMahon responded by shoving O'Neil away. McMahon's shove of O'Neill actually made it onto the final seconds of the broadcast. We are told that McMahon was angry at being grabbed and that led to the suspension.

When O'Neil arrived at Smackdown, he was informed he was going sent home. The word making the rounds is that the suspension could be for upwards of 90 days (http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=30862&m=761518900&q=n&rdgt=1455029288&it=1455461288&et=1455634088&priceret=21.03&pg=%7E%7E3&k=be01cbf6ef414fe78f92a083814c2c25&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Frd%2Ebizrate%2Ecom%2Frd%3Ft%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww%2Eamazon%2Ecom%252Fdp%252FB000 JKJWM8%252Fref%253Dasc%5Fdf%5FB000JKJWM84108296%253Fsmid%253DATVPDKIKX0DER%2526tag%253Dshopzilla0d%2 D20%2526ascsubtag%253Dshopzilla%5Frev%5F118%2D20%253BSZ%5FREDIRECT%5FID%2526linkCode%253Ddf0%2526cre ative%253D395093%2526creativeASIN%253DB000JKJWM8%26mid%3D184056%26cat%5Fid%3D150%26atom%3D10006%26pr od%5Fid%3D%26oid%3D5170424217%26pos%3D1%26b%5Fid%3D18%26bid%5Ftype%3D4%26bamt%3Ddc33d25e4dadea0e%26c obrand%3D106%26ppr%3Dad6fcbbb10863331%26mpid%3DB000JKJWM8%26rf%3Dafp%26af%5Fassettype%5Fid%3D12%26af %5Fcreative%5Fid%3D2932%26af%5Fid%3D613705%26af%5Fplacement%5Fid%3D1&st=feed&mt=%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7En%7E%7E%7E). That would put O'Neil out of action through May, which means he would be missing Wrestlemania 32.

O'Neil, 39, signed with WWE in 2009 and is best known as one half of the Prime Time Players, although he's been used most recently in a singles role. He's been very active in local community outreach where he lives in Tampa. O'Neil had lost to Adam Rose earlier during the Raw broadcast.

Last night, the WWE Network exclusive video of Bryan Danielson's farewell was removed from Youtube and WWE.com (http://wwe.com/) as well as the WWE Network. It is likely that WWE is going to edit the snippet at the end out before restoring the videos.

[Big Vic]

I missed the snippet can someone post it?

[GD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QADyISU0ko0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[GD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fa2lUwwTa8U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Evil Vito]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ca28rVsW0AEyMLJ.jpg

[Evil Vito]

WWE star Titus O'Neil was sent home from last night's Smackdown taping in Portland, Oregon shortly after he arrived. The word we are getting is that O'Neil has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.

well...they could have been nice and told him up front to not bother coming to the show in the first place.

[Evil Vito]

The Titus thing sounds similar to the Paul London smiling incident. Nothing offensive or bad...just happened to goof off at the wrong place and wrong time.

[Big Vic]

lol I just saw the video Titus grabbed Vince mad hard.

[#1-norm-fan]

I missed the snippet can someone post it?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did you guys see Titus O'Neil and Vince McMahon get in to a little tickle fight last night? <a href="https://t.co/M2dZDFmNhC">pic.twitter.com/M2dZDFmNhC</a></p>&mdash; Ivan (@pheonixsplash) <a href="https://twitter.com/pheonixsplash/status/697115203792535552">February 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Can't imagine why Titus would think that was a good idea. lol

[Schlomey]

39 years old and still acts and wrestles like a green rookie. Sorry not sorry, Titus.

[Black Widow]

I guess he wasn't ready for Prime Time..

[drave]

You show yourself out now!

Bad AJ lee's.

[Vastardikai]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ca28rVsW0AEyMLJ.jpg

Who farted?

[Nicky Fives]

:y:

I think his point was that the casual fan sees it flipping through channels and thinks, "this is what pro wrestling is now?" and keeps on flipping....

[Volare]

Today is the 13th anniversary of Curt Hennig's death.....damn can't believe it's been that long.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8iK7vRYeY3U?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

http://45.media.tumblr.com/8c8c9dcaa9e99ed18daaf9ed4df96db8/tumblr_o29ad7U0BK1saykaxo3_400.gif

[Black Widow]

http://i.imgur.com/xfJh9aE.gif

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Powerbomb Appreciation Wednesday:
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/522a2049e4b0a0ce717e990c/t/52a59eb5e4b03710f05c40ad/1386585815760/

As noted, Titus O'Neil was suspended for 90 days due to unprofessional conduct this week. The suspension happened because Titus grabbed Vince McMahon at the end of the Daniel Bryan retirement celebration on the WWE Network after Monday's RAW went off the air.

Bryan Alvarez noted on Wrestling Observer Live today that Vince suspended Titus to send a message to the locker room, that they need to stop "messing around" and be professionals. Word is that there have been several talents who have "been riding the line" in terms of following the company rules lately.

Vince wants WWE to be a professional organization and it was explained to Alvarez by a source that while Titus was just messing around with Vince, it was "one messing around too many" and Titus was used to make an example, and was the fall-guy.

WWE officials do like Titus and with John Cena out, he is their number one guy for work in the community. They broke The Prime Time Players up so Titus could be pushed as a singles star. While it wasn't acknowledged on TV, Titus went undefeated for almost three months until the loss to Adam Rose on Monday. No word yet on how the suspension will hurt any future push.
Some details regarding the sudden Tidus suspension. Also it appears the suspension got reduced to 60 days which means it ends the week after Mania.

There’s significant concern within WWE over top Superstars John Cena and Roman Reigns, and their merchandise sales. Cena’s merch sales are said to be way down from one year ago and WWE is worried about that because Roman Reigns isn’t connecting with fans like they want. Reigns’ merchandise numbers are coming nowhere near where they need to be to make up for the loss with Cena.

WWE officials are worried that Cena’s audience is growing older and becoming less interested in his merchandise, and he’s not doing as well with kids as he has in recent years. WWE has always kept Cena as a babyface, mainly because of his strong merchandise numbers, and this wasn’t reported by a source, but it was speculated that maybe this could lead to Cena finally turning heel.

The drop in Cena’s merchandise sales has caused WWE Shop to be overstocked on his designs, which is why they’ve had more sales as of late.

With all that said, Cena is still WWE’s biggest merchandise mover but officials are really hoping the WrestleMania 32 push for Reigns works because the feeling is that there’s no one else on the roster that can help fill the Cena void, at least in terms of merchandise.
Assuming the whole thing is true, WWE is finally starting to feel the real negative effect from years of revolving the whole company around just Cena. http://www.dailywrestlingnews.com/john-cena-finally-turning-heel-wwe-worried-about-roman-reigns-and-cena/

WWE has hired a high powered PR firm to promote Stephanie McMahon in her role as Chief Brand Officer as the nice public face of the company. The “Good Morning America” appearance was the first thing they got for her, but they are pitching her hard for mainstream media everywhere. They basically see Charlotte Jones Anderson (the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the Dallas Cowboys) and her notoriety and public face of philanthropic efforts as how they want the public to view Stephanie

Going into this week, Reigns had been in the main event segment of 14 of the last 16 weeks of Raw, including 11 weeks in a row. The last Raw without Reigns in the headline spot was 10/12
"WWE Did You Know" type fact.

Any talk of Undertaker vs. Strowman now is 99 percent dead. Right now the plan is for Strowman to win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and get a major push from that point on as a monster, to build him for an eventual title program with Reigns as well as a potential PPV match with Lesnar, which right now is on the books for SummerSlam. So at this point there doesn’t appear to be an idea what the situation is with Undertaker unless Cena is going to make it back by then. Owens pitched real hard backstage for the Undertaker match but that also isn’t happening
Update to Taker's Mania plans which now has both Strowman and Owens out as possible matchups. WWE still hoping Cena might return in time for a possible match against Taker but other than that, WWE still undecided on what to do for Taker's match (if it even happens now).

Davey Richards suffered a serious ACL injury. It wasn’t made clear to me it was a tear although hinted, and it was said he will be out of action for a significant length of time. The good thing is that he legitimately had just signed his guaranteed contract because if he hadn’t, it would have meant a significant loss of income. But this pretty much forces them to use Eddie Edwards as a single, or get a new tag team partner, and the long-term plans for the Wolves vs. Beer Money have to be put on hold
Update to the recent Richards injury news for TNA. Turns out it was a lot worse than expected.

John Cena will have competition that he may not have anticipated for eyeballs on his new reality series: WWE. FOX announced new details for their midseason schedule today and it included the Cena-fronted reality competition series American Grit, which will run ten episodes and feature people with military backgrounds competing in challenges.

American Grit will premiere on April 14th, running Thursdays at 9 PM ET/PT. That will of course put it up against Smackdown, which airs Thursdays from 8 PM to 10 PM on the USA Network. American Grit will have the spring run of Bones as a lead-in

Bob Backlund was named as the latest inductee into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame this July, joining WO founder Dave Meltzer, Chael Sonnen, JJ Dillon, Lex Luger, and Joe Blanchard.


Some other sheet news includes:

According to Daniel Bryan during yesterday's SportsCenter interview, the recent medical test was able to document 10 concussions Bryan suffered during his career. Bryan hinted the real number is way higher and testing wouldn't be able to catch due to baselines missing. Also admitting he's been suffering seizures because of his concussions and purposely hid it so nobody could find out. Video links of the interview: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:14750304 , http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:14750322 , http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:14750339
Someone posted a video syncing Mankind's historic title victory with Austin's commentary from a recent Stone Cold podcast episode. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3r85b7_steve-austin-commentary-on-mankind-vs-the-rock-1-4-1999_fun
According to the recent issue of the Lucha Underground comic, the kayfabe reason Mil Muertes throne exists is because the Disciples of Death murdered a lot of people to build it including a random Roddy Piper fan and the musicians from Season 1. https://imgur.com/gallery/DSsb5
Observer announced their year ending Best Technical Wrestler will be officially renamed the Bryan Danielson Award starting with this year's voting. Bryan has the most wins with 9 since the award's debut in 1980.
According to the Observer, ROH recently fired one of their refs (Kevin Keenan) due to a sexual harassment incident involving a female wrestler.
Nakamura revealed during a recent interview with Tokyo Sports that he feels sadness over Daniel Bryan's retirement since Bryan was one of the big reasons why he wanted to go to the WWE. https://twitter.com/STRIGGA/status/697318346170175488
Kurt Angle recently gave his opinion on Daniel Bryan's retirement and said personally he ranks up there with HBK and Benoit in terms of all-time greats. https://twitter.com/RealKurtAngle/status/697126335257268225
Live episode of the Stone Cold podcast with Big Show as the guest will occur after next week's RAW ends. http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork/stone-cold-podcast-live-big-show-28578055
For those interested, ESPN had a recent article by the Masked Man (David Shoemaker) in regards to Daniel Bryan's career, retirement, and legacy: http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/14749702/wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-leaves-lasting-legacy
In a more somber note, today is the 13th anniversary of Mr Perfect/Curt Hennig's passing.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Batista told Titus to quit.

[Mr. Nerfect]

lolwwe when it comes to the merchandise stuff.

[Droford]

No Taker match at all in Texas guven the lack of star power already and i think they might be on the way to the worst WM ever

[Black Widow]

If WM don't have a Taker match then it wont feel right.

[mitch_h]

Taker vs Sheamus might be the match that I could see happening at this point. Bleh

[Lock Jaw]

TPWW Poster "AJ lee's", would you ever consider a "rebranding"?

[Black Widow]

TPWW Poster "AJ lee's", would you ever consider a "rebranding"?

Like how?

[Big Vic]

TPWW Poster "AJ lee's", would you ever consider a "rebranding"?
Lock Jaw is using a euphemism for a sexual act.

[Lock Jaw]

I mean changing your name/brand on the forums... Think it could bring you to the next level if you didn't have a weird user name....

[#1-norm-fan]

No, I think Big Vic is onto something. Lock Jaw definitely wants to fuck AJ lee's.

[Heisenberg]

Just in time for Valentine's Day, designate a thread for their conception and let's get it on

[Big Vic]

No, I think Big Vic is onto something. Lock Jaw definitely wants to fuck AJ lee's tits and brand her face.
:shifty:

[drave]

Not true. Lock Jaw only has eyes for one braud and that is HMB.

[Volare]

BECKY VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J0_CDMvHKf4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Big Vic]

Sorry to see someone already came up with "Meme Street Posse"

[Black Widow]

I mean changing your name/brand on the forums... Think it could bring you to the next level if you didn't have a weird user name....I have tried to change it a couple times but didn't work.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i1.wp.com/www.thecubsfan.com/cmll/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160210luchaunderground_4.gif

[drave]

Damn.... he took that like a fuckin champ.

[Lock Jaw]

I have tried to change it a couple times but didn't work.

You need to request a name change in the name change request thread in the "forum questions and suggestions" section....

[Mr. Nerfect]

Who do you think will be signed by the WWE first -- Cody Hall or Matt Riddle?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Listening to Jim Cornette talk about burying the hatchet with Mark Jindrak. The dude is still wrestling and is probably in awesome shape. Do you think there's a chance he got noticeably better? Maybe the WWE should have another look?

[Evil Vito]

I had sex with Becky Lynch today.....

[Evil Vito]

..........is what I would say if my life weren't one big cruel, sick joke.

[Bad News Gertner]

Listening to Jim Cornette talk about burying the hatchet with Mark Jindrak. The dude is still wrestling and is probably in awesome shape. Do you think there's a chance he got noticeably better? Maybe the WWE should have another look?

He didn't really have a lot of charisma and was pretty piss poor on the mic. Maybe he's gotten better?

[Mr. Nerfect]

That's what I would hope. If there was any shred of potential, it would have surely been unlocked by working in front of crowds where body language is more important due to language barriers. His work would be at its peak too.

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBOerZhUIAAUUDn.jpg

[Black Widow]

https://41.media.tumblr.com/f487eb8c41500cbfdbc053675d1cb7c1/tumblr_n774pd7HLq1szrdrso1_400.png

[Lock Jaw]

Who do you think will be signed by the WWE first -- Cody Hall or Matt Riddle?

Who the hell is Matt Riddle?

Any relation to Tom?

[Mr. Nerfect]

God I wish they would do something worthwhile with Cody Rhodes.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Who the hell is Matt Riddle?

Any relation to Tom?

Former MMA fighter that has started work in EVOLVE and has been taken to it like a duck to water.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Giving him an evil wizard entrance would be tremendous.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Holdemort.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Finnbacca:
http://i.imgur.com/Jh7LgON.gif

First couple of sheet news is from the recent fiscal report by the WWE with some good and some bad:
During today's WWE Fourth Quarter 2015 earnings call with investors, Vince McMahon was asked about the current string of injuries in WWE and how they will still have a good WrestleMania 32. Vince responded:
"By being creative. We'll have an awesome WrestleMania. It'll be very attractive to our audience, just as attractive as last year."

Vince McMahon noted during today's Fourth Quarter 2015 earnings call that the company isn't as worried about TV ratings like they once were.

An investor asked about WWE TV ratings being down for several quarters now and Vince said the ratings are down but not as much as other programming on the networks they work with. Vince talked about how people aren't watching TV as much as they used to. Vince said TV is still extremely important to WWE but when you add in their digital and social content, their audience is consuming content when they want to and how they want to. Vince said that is important to WWE.

Vince added that WWE is not just about TV ratings anymore. He acknowledged that the company used to "live and die by" ratings but that was before the era of new media.
On the flip side, very unlikely their next tv deal will be any better if the ratings and viewership keeps declining. Also USA Network probably not going to be happy the more WWE's Youtube clips and Hulu keep pulling viewers away since they get no cut of the ad revenue WWE makes.

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) _ World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) on Thursday reported a loss of $1.2 million in its fourth quarter.

The Stamford, Connecticut-based company said it had a loss of 2 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to 4 cents per share.

The producer of professional wrestling events and television shows posted revenue of $166.2 million in the period.

For the year, the company reported net income of $24.1 million, or 32 cents per share, swinging to a profit in the period. Revenue was reported as $658.8 million.

WWE shares have declined 12 percent since the beginning of the year. The stock has climbed 20 percent in the last 12 months.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/wwe-reports-4q-loss-134928384.html
Stocks dropped by around 8% from the fiscal report announcement. In terms of overall stocks, still haven't reached early Network launch levels. While the quarter itself was a net loss, in terms of revenues it was one of their highest ever in company history.

WWE Network had 1.22 million ending paid subscribers, representing a 49% increase from the fourth quarter 2014; WWE Network hit an all-time high of 1.24 million average paid subscribers for the quarter

WWE Network was recognized as the fifth largest direct-to-consumer (“OTT”) subscription service in the U.S. according to Parks Associates, ranking alongside Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu and MLB.TV

WWE Network subscribers watched an estimated total of 256 million hours of content, representing an average of 188 hours per household placing it among the top cable and broadcast networks

WWE content garnered more than 8 billion views on YouTube; WWE was the most followed sports channel on YouTube and the second most followed sports brand on Facebook

WWE generated 790 million social media fan engagements in 20152; Sprinklr’s Social Business Index ranked WWE as the 6th most social brand worldwide, alongside Disney, Time Warner and Google
Some good news/bad news in regards to the Network with the good being the amount of content has made it a strong service and the bad being outside of some expected bumps (Mania and Summerslam), its been leveling out at around 1.2-1.4 million for paid subs. Going to fall well short of the original expectations which was meant to be in the 3-4 million range for paid subs and that's counting the worldwide expansions.

Observer has a more detailed breakdown of the key parts of today's fiscal report: http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/key-takeaways-wwes-2015-q4-full-15-financial-results-207441


And now your regularly scheduled sheet programing:
Week 3 of Lucha Underground on El Rey Network rebounded from a dip in Week 2 to match the season premiere.

February 10: Lucha Underground drew a combined audience of 217,000 viewers, improving on 201k last week and matching 216k for the season premiere.

The first airing drew 136,000 viewers, the most through three weeks. The replay then drew 81,000 viewers.
In terms of comparisons with Season 1, Season 2 is currently on track to top Season 1's viewership average.

Daniel Bryan wanted to quit WWE and wrestle for another company, Dave Meltzer is reporting in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

He had been studying CMLL heavily, and had actually grown his hair with the idea of going there and doing a hair versus mask match.

The fact he was putting so much thought into his post-WWE career shows how serious he was about leaving. He was also looking at Ring Of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling.

"He was watching those promotions and it was something he was genuinely excited about doing, thinking he could help the industry as a whole to use his stardom to help build a larger following for the other companies,” Meltzer states.

He actually asked Vince McMahon for the release. Unsurprisingly, McMahon denied it. Contractually, WWE could keep him tied down to the deal they had, due to injuries allowing the company to freeze time left on contracts. He would have been paid to basically not leave, as his appearance elsewhere could have hurt WWE.

However, with Bryan’s latest medical testing showing a problem with his brain, he has now made the decision to retire. He won’t be wrestling elsewhere. His retirement speech on Raw this week was a shoot, he really is done in the industry.

He’ll remain on a WWE contract and fans should expect further character appearances.
Update to the Bryan retirement story and what he was planning prior to the results of the last tests. Technically even with the retirement, his contract is likely still frozen with the WWE.

“Living on a Razor’s Edge – The Scott Hall Story” is coming to DVD and Blu-ray on July 4th, 2016 in the United Kingdom, and follows on July 5th, 2016 in the United States.

As we’ve previously noted the format of this one will be the classic Superstar-themed 3 disc DVD and 2 disc Blu-ray. On there you can expect to see a documentary on the WWE Hall of Famer, and of course a collection of his best matches and moments to go along with it.

The first synopsis for the set reads as follows:
A biography on the life and times of WWE Hall of Famer, Scott Hall.

Hear from the man himself, Scott Hall, as he candidly discusses his rise to wrestling fame, his decline with personal demons, and his attempt to get his life back while training his son to carry on his wrestling legacy.

As noted, Titus O’Neil was suspended by WWE on Tuesday morning for 60 days (originally reported to be 90 days, but later confirmed at the reduced number) for an incident with Vince McMahon during the Daniel Bryan retirement celebration after WWE RAW on Monday. Titus was reportedly joking with Vince in a playful manner, and multiple sources told Satin that O’Neil was just trying to allow Stephanie McMahon to leave the stage first.

Looking at video of the incident, Stephanie and Vince look to be walking side-by-side, and sources told Satin that Titus said he was only saying “ladies first” when he grabbed Vince’s arm to be polite. Titus later spoke with management and explained himself, but also understood how his actions could have been perceived by others.
Update of the Titus incident from his side of the story.

A current WWE star is fairly strongly considering MMA when his contract expires. To me, once you get past about 27, even if you are a top level athlete (and Brock Lesnar’s don’t grow on trees), MMA isn’t the way to go as a career if you can still do WWE. It’s one thing if you’re already rich and it’s a bucket list thing like with Dave Bautista or Punk, but not for a regular guy looking to switch careers. If it’s one of the Gerald Brisco developmental guys, and there are a lot of them, who aren’t making money in NXT, then the equation is different than for a main roster regular

A special show on the very first WrestleMania in 1985 will air at 10:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night on the MSG Network. Among those interviewed were Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan. Hogan's quotes were a nice work of fiction saying that when he went in the ring, he was afraid Piper and Paul Orndorff would break Mr. T's leg.
Figured that might be useful for those who get that channel.

Mark Nulty, who was a former wrestling announcer and ring announcer who was in charge of the Wrestling Classics web site and message board passed away last night after a long battle with lung cancer.
Observer had a lengthy obituary about Nulty and his career in wrestling. http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/mark-nulty-wrestling-classics-passes-away-207411

“Never give up. Back in 2003, 2002, when I was just wearing boots and tights and I was supposed to be the ruthless aggression young good guy, nobody in the company liked me. I know Vince McMahon won’t admit this, but he wanted me fired, Triple H wanted me fired, everybody hated me. They just wouldn’t give me a forum to showcase my talents. I’ve always been able to connect with the audience if given the ability to speak.

“I got that ability and I was off to the races. I was up against all odds. I wasn’t born into this business. I’m not a third generation guy or a second generation guy. I’m just a dude who grew up a fan like all you guys and I wanted to do this my whole life. And I never gave up. That’s the advice I give to all the young cats, all the guys who have been trying and trying, trying to make it, attempt after attempt. I’ve failed many times, but you never ever give up.”
Story from Cena about how close he got to being fired prior to the Thuganomics gimmick. Several stories usually point to the Halloween show in 2002 and Stephanie accidentally hearing him rap backstage one time as the main reasons he kept his job in the end.

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Some other sheet news includes:

For those interested, the Observer is currently having a sale with one month of Observer content available at a $3.99 discount. http://www.f4wonline.com/news/f4wonlinecom-sale-one-full-month-unlimited-access-only-399-202426
Rumors of Mike Knox recently signing a WWE were revealed to be fake and just someone trolling on Twitter using a fake Knox account.
WWE announced another season of Swerved is currently being planned for the WWE Network.
Some confusion regarding the recent Bryan seizure news with the main source being the interview with Sportscenter. A report or two revealed while Bryan purposely hid them so fans and WWE wouldn't know, he didn't when it came to his doctors for tests and medical checkups.
Kurt Angle revealed he will be inducted to the Arnold Sports Hall of Fame as part of this year's class. https://twitter.com/RealKurtAngle/status/697885211363667970
Recently fired ROH ref gave his side of the story regarding the sexual harassment claims and basically confirmed it was true. Also confirmed being dumb enough to do it, joking or not, right in front of the head booker. http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/673311-released-roh-employee-kevin-keenan-issues-statement-responding-to-alleged-sexual-advances-made-towards-another-employee
For those interested, WWE currently selling AJ Style hoodie merchandise at their online store. http://shop.wwe.com/AJ-Styles-%22I-am-Phenomenal%22-Lightweight-Hoodie-Sweatshirt/W10888,default,pd.html
Observer teased the WWE might be working on a new DVD or Network special for Daniel Bryan since they were filming a lot of extra stuff backstage at RAW.

[Vastardikai]

Who the hell is Matt Riddle?

Any relation to Tom?

He was on a season of the Ultimate Fighter. Rampage gave him the nickname "Chipper."

[Nicky Fives]

Who do you think will be signed by the WWE first -- Cody Hall or Matt Riddle?

If Hall could be half of the talent his father was, then they would be stupid not to give him a shot....

[Sepholio]

Had an interesting idea earlier. Since WWE seems really keen on forming up new teams and stables right now, I was trying to figure out where to fit some people they aren't using right now that need attention because they rock. And then it hit me. Why not have Damien Sandow join up with Goldust and R-Truth to from the New Oddities? They are obviously going with the latter 2 as a team anyways and they easily fit the bill, and you could have Sandow return with his gimmick thief shtick based off of him also just being plain cuckoo. Would at least give him something to do to get him back on TV and I think he would bring the most amount of attention to the group out of the 3. I mean he was pretty damn over when he was with The Miz.

[Sepholio]

Goldust is the 'freak' of the group, R-Truth has imaginary friends, and Damien Sandow thinks he is everyone else except for himself. Start them off against the Social Outcasts.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/mKBFAQD.gif

[Volare]

Sit yo ass down sista!

[Poit]

Like a boss.

[Shisen Kopf]

Here's a rasslin LIST ONLY

1) Lex Luger
2) Scott Steiner
3) Batista
4) Rob Conway
5) Doug Basham
6) Danny Basham
7) Jerry Lynn
8) Renee Dupree
9) La Parka
10) Rick Steiner

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Bryan-Bears feud Appreciation:
https://media.giphy.com/media/IOJRACSdeU9IQ/giphy.gif

Kurt Angle may have finished up his pro wrestling dates with TNA, but he's not retiring, as he's said many times. As it turns out, he'll be in the ring rather soon, and against an old foe in Rey Mysterio

A promotion called UR Fight is putting on a pro wrestling/boxing/grappling/ MMA card that features several former WWE names. Ken Shamrock is advertised to take on Dan Severn in an MMA fight, while Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen are set to grapple. Roy Jones Jr will also box on the show...against a fan.

The show takes place March 20 from the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The show will be broadcast on IPPV.
To be fair a bit, Angle said several times in the past he was only wrestling one match after his TNA deal was done and this match was the one he agreed to do.

On episode 104 of The Ross Report with Jim Ross, the legendary broadcaster welcomed professional wrestling veteran Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman to the show. Among other things, Waltman talked about Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was mercilessly booed for winning the Royal Rumble match the year before. Waltman disclosed that Triple H had to fight very hard to get the green light to get beaten up by Reigns.

"[WWE] did wonders in a two-day period between the last pay-per-view and I was here in Philly when Roman won the title in the exact building in Royal Rumble that they booed him out of the building," Waltman said. "And I might get heat for this, but him beating the hell out of Hunter, that almost didn't happen. Hunter had to fight really hard to get that to happen and they tried to put an edge on Roman. And it did work."

Thursday’s WWE Smackdown averaged 2.414 million viewers for USA Network, according to Showbuzzdaily.com. The number was down from the 2.664 million count from last week.
3rd week in a row for a drop and starting to get to the usual range the show was getting prior to the move.

The Edge & Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness debuts after Fast Lane on 2/21 on the WWE Network

Other new WWE Network shows include Daniel Bryan's Greatest Moments, Brock Lesnar's Road to the Undisputed title and The Best of Stone Cole vs. Mr. McMahon.

Stock continued to decline, closing at $14.65 per share, the lowest in a long time. Besides the decline in the market as a whole, this stems from yesterday's report where the company lost money for the quarter and there was a slight decline in network subscriptions.

There are major cash flow and pay issues with many AAA luchadores in Mexico, with the highest profile talent being Rey Mysterio. Mysterio is apparently done with AAA due to the late pay and corporate disorganization. He last appeared for the promotion last December.

Mysterio isn't the only talent to be frustrated with the company, as there is a lot of disenchantment in AAA right now and several talent have complained about late pay. Many luchadores and office staff have contacted CMLL and ELITE about jumping, and some have reached out to WWE intermediaries. Chris Master also recently took to Twitter and posted a message about not receiving "a cent of help" from AAA after suffering an injury while wrestling for them, but deleted the tweet.

According to sources, the only way Mysterio would return to AAA is if they paid up and offered him guaranteed creative control.
Update to the current mess going on in Mexican promotion AAA.

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Some other sheet news includes:

According to recent reports from Japan, NJPW is currently investing around $1.7 million in top star Kazuchika Okada both as a way to increase his market value as a star and make any potential future raiding by the WWE a lot more expensive for them.
ROH announced Kenny Omega vs Dalton Castle is set to occur during next month's ppv show. https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/698221347017777152
Kevin Von Erich recently teased on Twitter he will be making an appearance at this year's Mania. https://twitter.com/KevinVonErich/status/696034853406441472
Stephen Amell teased Stardust will be making an appearance during this weekend's Dallas Comic Con and likely to help set up their rumored Mania feud. https://twitter.com/amellywood/status/698251898155958273
For those interested, the BBC had a recent interview with Drew Galloway. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/35554946
Also for those interested, Rolling Stones had a recent article about ROH. https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/ring-of-honors-declaration-of-independence-20160211?page=2
Fox Sports had a recent article involving the careers of Daniel Bryan and CM Punk with how both paid a big toll for trying to constantly prove they were the best in wrestling and/or WWE. http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-ufc-cm-punk-daniel-bryan-fought-to-be-the-best-but-their-bodies-paid-the-toll-021016
Bret Hart recently gave an update from his prostate cancer surgery saying it was a success. https://twitter.com/brethart/status/697937535083933696
During a recent NXT house show, Riddick Moss ended up getting knocked unconscious after a triple suplex spot. Match itself ended in a no contest due to the injury. https://twitter.com/Mar10Du/status/697982061131538432



Some TPWW news includes:

Newest episode of TPWW's TLP podcast was recently released: http://tablesladderspodcast.podbean.com/e/tables-ladders-podcast-142-021016/

[Innovator]

Fuck yeah, RAINMAKAAAAA

[CSL]

really 'fear' for New Japan if Nakamura is a hit in WWE, they'd definitely go back for Okada, possibly Tanahashi despite his age, Kota etc. Maybe the best thing for them would be some kind of working relationship where those guys could do the odd shot for NXT, the way Liger did in Brooklyn. And mayyybe WWE could send guys to do tours for New Japan. Or maybe it's wishful thinking. Definitely was a few years ago but now, I almost wouldn't be surprised.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

A yearly NXT/New Japan talent exchange would be great. Could even start an invasion angle over the summer that eventually leads to a world cup type of tournament. Gets NXT huge exposure in Japan and vice versa over here.

I for one would love such a thing

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

There will be no talent exchange. It's WWE signing them out from under them.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Bryan-Bears feud Appreciation:
https://media.giphy.com/media/IOJRACSdeU9IQ/giphy.gif


To be fair a bit, Angle said several times in the past he was only wrestling one match after his TNA deal was done and this match was the one he agreed to do.




3rd week in a row for a drop and starting to get to the usual range the show was getting prior to the move.






Update to the current mess going on in Mexican promotion AAA.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yzMDOSlsmpI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Some other sheet news includes:

According to recent reports from Japan, NJPW is currently investing around $1.7 million in top star Kazuchika Okada both as a way to increase his market value as a star and make any potential future raiding by the WWE a lot more expensive for them.
ROH announced Kenny Omega vs Dalton Castle is set to occur during next month's ppv show. https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/698221347017777152
Kevin Von Erich recently teased on Twitter he will be making an appearance at this year's Mania. https://twitter.com/KevinVonErich/status/696034853406441472
Stephen Amell teased Stardust will be making an appearance during this weekend's Dallas Comic Con and likely to help set up their rumored Mania feud. https://twitter.com/amellywood/status/698251898155958273
For those interested, the BBC had a recent interview with Drew Galloway. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/35554946
Also for those interested, Rolling Stones had a recent article about ROH. https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/ring-of-honors-declaration-of-independence-20160211?page=2
Fox Sports had a recent article involving the careers of Daniel Bryan and CM Punk with how both paid a big toll for trying to constantly prove they were the best in wrestling and/or WWE. http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-ufc-cm-punk-daniel-bryan-fought-to-be-the-best-but-their-bodies-paid-the-toll-021016
Bret Hart recently gave an update from his prostate cancer surgery saying it was a success. https://twitter.com/brethart/status/697937535083933696
During a recent NXT house show, Riddick Moss ended up getting knocked unconscious after a triple suplex spot. Match itself ended in a no contest due to the injury. https://twitter.com/Mar10Du/status/697982061131538432



Some TPWW news includes:

Newest episode of TPWW's TLP podcast was recently released: http://tablesladderspodcast.podbean.com/e/tables-ladders-podcast-142-021016/


Daniel Bryan: The Revenant

[Black Widow]

https://youtu.be/gezpgMN0Vks

The match that can save WM 32 lol

[Volare]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_B9RM4AuZcE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[thekrow]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_B9RM4AuZcE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Somehow I doubt Matt Hardy is as rich as he says here so its not very convincing, obv its a gimmick but he don't even look the part. And I really doubt his yard is 120 acres.

[CSL]

true

[CSL]

I doubt The Undertaker is really dead either

[CSL]

you know what, now that I think about it, I don't remember Psycho Sid ruling the world, never saw anything about him on the news or in the papers :?:

[CSL]

oh christ, what if Finn Balor isn't actually a demon when he comes out in that makeup?

[CSL]

for a millionaire, Ted DiBiase wears an awful lot of tracksuits nowadays

[CSL]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Crotalus_cerastes_mesquite_springs_CA.JPG

apparently this is what a rattlesnake looks like?! I thought they were all 250lb bald men with a Texas accent?!

[CSL]

and I bet you any money that The Rock hasn't used an oven in like 20 years

[Evil Vito]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cy21uQPzsAo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Was watching the segment where Cena picks Bryan to face him at SummerSlam 2013. Funny seeing it from this angle, Bryan blatantly hides behind Cesaro the whole time to avoid being picked up by the regular camera.

Also :lol: @ the Brooklyn Brawler being there

[Evil Vito]

Actually even the subtle stuff is kinda cool, like seeing where all the camera guys are positioned. And Jericho apparently being the one in charge of telling everyone when to head backstage. Kinda helps you see how the whole "production" comes together.

[Droford]

I watched the Daniel Bryan tryout match, wax surprised that Shooter Shultz didnt make it anywhere

[Damian Rey 2.0]

He had decent looking suplexes. For guys who were less than a half year of training they put on an entertaining match.

[The Destroyer]

I watched the Daniel Bryan tryout match, wax surprised that Shooter Shultz didnt make it anywhere
He apparently retired not too long after he got let go from WWE, so I guess he didn't really have much of a chance.

[Droford]

http://prowrestling.wikia.com/wiki/February_10,_2000_Smackdown_results

Funny thing is i thinl that match was probably better than all the other matches they had that night on smackdown.

Side note..10 matches..granted they were all short but still..

[CSL]

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGjCqhMJZJc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

http://h9.abload.de/img/untitled-4145yem.gif

[Volare]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kMCC3blHhJM?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Volare]

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGjCqhMJZJc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Jesus that got me more pumped than watching RAW itself!

[Bad News Gertner]

Latest Mr.Dufour's Wayback Machine covering a Philly Spectrum show from 1982.

http://411mania.com/wrestling/mr-dufours-wayback-machine-nov-25th-1982-philly-spectrum/

[Mr. Nerfect]

really 'fear' for New Japan if Nakamura is a hit in WWE, they'd definitely go back for Okada, possibly Tanahashi despite his age, Kota etc. Maybe the best thing for them would be some kind of working relationship where those guys could do the odd shot for NXT, the way Liger did in Brooklyn. And mayyybe WWE could send guys to do tours for New Japan. Or maybe it's wishful thinking. Definitely was a few years ago but now, I almost wouldn't be surprised.

I think Nakamura is somewhat of a special case. His charisma is really off the charts. I think they'd like Okada, but I also feel that his place in Japan is pretty set, and he can grow into as big a national hero as a Japanese wrestler can. The talent raided by WWE have all been American guys with the exception of Nakamura who has probably had the inkling he'd be going for years.

WWE are probably seeing New Japan as a bit of a feeder right now, but I think they've probably plucked everybody they want. Give Kenny Omega a couple of years and see how Will Ospreay does. Cody Hall and Tama Tonga will probably eventually go too. So will The Young Bucks and maybe Matt Sydal for another run once he proves to be reliable and if he can eventually develop a more rounded personality. The value of the New Japan guys is that they actually make a name for themselves in New Japan before they get snatched up, so it'll keep New Japan on their toes, but they'll probably get a lot of juice out of guys before they lose them.

A New Japan/WWE talent exchange would be great. For both companies. New Japan would benefit by getting more star power, some of the WWE's audience that follows that stuff and having a more diverse presentation with some of the talent on offer to them. WWE would benefit by its talent getting more shine, building their ring skills and overall work, and getting cred for some of their talent that seem a bit "floppy" (largely because of booking or because they've only worked for WWE developmental companies).

I was thinking about what guys like Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler miss, and I realize that I don't really see them as "heavy impact" guys. They're both beautiful workers with an amateur background, but they don't really scream "bad-ass" to me. Send Jack Swagger to Japan and let him be promoted with the over the top pro-American patriot gimmick. Let him work matches with the heavyweights there, look more "snug," actually have some potentially classic matches, then bring him back once he's conquered Japan.

Tyler Breeze is not doing anything on the main roster. It's way too early to send him back to NXT for a repackaging. Why not send him to New Japan as a junior heavyweight and play off his history with Jushin Liger. Breeze could beat Liger in their rematch and easily be established as a contender for the Junior Heavyweight Title. KUSHIDA vs. Tyler Breeze? Yes please. Do updates on RAW and SmackDown promoting that Breeze is staying at his holiday home in Tokyo and competing for New Japan. Show some matches on the WWE Network (In fact, why not try and work out a deal with New Japan stuff being shown on the WWE Network in general? It might get me to jump onto it), and then bring back Breeze with a more "legit" style. Hell, bring him back with a slightly warped gimmick, where he claims to have found enlightenment in a Japanese temple, and he does a trendy mock zen type thing. Tyler Breeze -- Buddhist monk.

You're doing nothing with Damien Sandow, Zack Ryder, Fandango, Los Matadores and The Prime Time Players right now. Let them go out in the world, with the same paychecks, and get them to learn, become overall better workers, have their TV presence recharged and bring them back better and more over.

[Volare]

Just gonna leave this here....

http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/photos/becky-lynch/wwe-divas-fight-club-photoshoot/Becky-Lynch:-WWE-Divas-Fight-Club-Photoshoot--12.jpg

[drave]

synw5 eargdfgndk7iu35y4er


That's what happens when Becky Lunch is on screen

[Mr. Nerfect]

Amazing woman.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.giphy.com/d4bm0RhKe7zWF0hG.gif

http://i.giphy.com/l4Ki4GyUKcPfqtSY8.gif

[Shadrick]

and I bet you any money that The Rock hasn't used an oven in like 20 years

lol wha?

[Mercenary]

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/12728791_10153532487631443_4444989959284958586_n.jpg?oh=02733afa5e9a41706e338b3a67a60965&oe=576FF027

[Emperor Smeat]

For those collecting POP WWE figurines, next set is going to include Bret Hart, Reigns, Eva Marie, and Kevin Owens based on a recent catalog.
http://popvinyls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12745553_10100861089167480_6246645603173692208_n.jpg

Also the next series of WWE Blind Box characters were also revealed in the same catalog.
http://popvinyls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12717574_10100861089122570_8352213003044230319_n.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://i.giphy.com/d4bm0RhKe7zWF0hG.gif

http://i.giphy.com/l4Ki4GyUKcPfqtSY8.gif

I'm hoping that Becky gets a chance to wow on the main stage at WrestleMania 32. I know there are some clamoring for a straight-up one-on-one match between Charlotte and Sasha Banks, but I think a strong case can be made for Becky being in the match:

* She's a pure babyface right now. Unlike Sasha Banks, she has shown herself to be moral and to fight with a code. Banks is fucking cool and all, but she's the cool heel that's been turned by the fans. Becky and Banks challenging for the title at the same time gives things a "Light Side/Dark Side" element. They're not too similar as to be considered redundant as far as opponents for Charlotte goes.

* There's unfinished business between Becky Lynch and Charlotte. And Lynch and Flair for that matter. When Flair kissed Becky at the Rumble, I thought it might have led to Becky immediately knocking the shit out of Ric, but that didn't happen. Flair would go on to cost Becky the match. If the WWE are trying to send the message these girls can't be pushed around, then Flair has a beat-down coming his way...

* Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch all came in to the WWE on the same night. Yes, they have history going back to NXT, but on the main roster, their history extends to that fateful night in June. This is what it has all been leading up to. To have one of these girls out of the picture is giving the fans two-thirds of the story of this revolution.

* The WWE loves tag lines. A Triple Threat between these girls could be billed as being for the Divas Championship and to decide the "Queen of the Revolution."

[Mr. Pierre]

I know WWE has other issues that hinder the product, but I just quickly wanted to state that the commentary on RAW is fucking brutal. It's been said a million times, but it amazes me that Cole still holds that top spot. So fucking bad.

[CSL]

I think Nakamura is somewhat of a special case. His charisma is really off the charts. I think they'd like Okada, but I also feel that his place in Japan is pretty set, and he can grow into as big a national hero as a Japanese wrestler can. The talent raided by WWE have all been American guys with the exception of Nakamura who has probably had the inkling he'd be going for years.

if Nakamura is a success, what he brings to the table won't really matter, WWE aren't going to see it as a one-off thing because of Nakamura's personality, they're going to see that these guys can come in and get over. It's a becoming a vastly different company to what it was even 2 years ago, this isn't a guy they'd really have taken back then, NXT and guys like Bryan and Punk have changed the entire industry. Okada has never hit quite that Tanahashi level of popularity despite how talented he is and he's certainly not going to hit the heights/popularity that Misawa, Kobashi and co did (not to mention guys further back when everything was red hot and promotions were doing 40,000 people multiple times a year) especially with business declining.

The usual typical New Japan contracts are yearly/rolling deals, if these guys see Nakamura make an impact and more importantly making some real money and WWE come calling, that could spell trouble for New Japan. "Rumour has it" they're trying to sort a long term deal for Okada but even if it was 4-5 years he'll still be younger than Nakamura when it's up. They need to make stars because if Nakamura takes off, they'd be silly not to go back for more and they don't really have many headliners as it is, without anybody to potentially replace even just Okada & Tanahashi they'd be in trouble. It's quite similar to how WWE haven't really made many legit main event guys over the last however many years. Difference being New Japan isn't a billion dollar entertainment empire whose brand identity itself is the draw, it's still just a pro wrestling company that relies on star power to put asses in seats.

[VSG]

Virgil is amazing


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i56JdC-yI7c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

For those collecting POP WWE figurines, next set is going to include Bret Hart, Reigns, Eva Marie, and Kevin Owens based on a recent catalog.
http://popvinyls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12745553_10100861089167480_6246645603173692208_n.jpg

Also the next series of WWE Blind Box characters were also revealed in the same catalog.
http://popvinyls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12717574_10100861089122570_8352213003044230319_n.jpg

Found a Ric Flair and Roddy Piper at Target.

WTF is Eva Marie doing with likes of these?

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyValentinesDay?src=hash">#HappyValentinesDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/DFwK2HrQek">pic.twitter.com/DFwK2HrQek</a></p>&mdash; Becky Lynch (@BeckyLynchWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/698984013281697792">February 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Volare]

Really wanna marry that girl.

[Mr. Nerfect]

This is going to sound a little crazy, but I think she recorded that for me.

[Mr. Nerfect]

if Nakamura is a success, what he brings to the table won't really matter, WWE aren't going to see it as a one-off thing because of Nakamura's personality, they're going to see that these guys can come in and get over. It's a becoming a vastly different company to what it was even 2 years ago, this isn't a guy they'd really have taken back then, NXT and guys like Bryan and Punk have changed the entire industry. Okada has never hit quite that Tanahashi level of popularity despite how talented he is and he's certainly not going to hit the heights/popularity that Misawa, Kobashi and co did (not to mention guys further back when everything was red hot and promotions were doing 40,000 people multiple times a year) especially with business declining.

The usual typical New Japan contracts are yearly/rolling deals, if these guys see Nakamura make an impact and more importantly making some real money and WWE come calling, that could spell trouble for New Japan. "Rumour has it" they're trying to sort a long term deal for Okada but even if it was 4-5 years he'll still be younger than Nakamura when it's up. They need to make stars because if Nakamura takes off, they'd be silly not to go back for more and they don't really have many headliners as it is, without anybody to potentially replace even just Okada & Tanahashi they'd be in trouble. It's quite similar to how WWE haven't really made many legit main event guys over the last however many years. Difference being New Japan isn't a billion dollar entertainment empire whose brand identity itself is the draw, it's still just a pro wrestling company that relies on star power to put asses in seats.

Fair points. I hope the talent will at least understand why it is that Nakamura got over and not get overly ambition, especially if it puts a stain on their potential to draw in Japan once they are fucked up in the WWE. For every Shinsuke Nakamura (getting ahead of myself a bit, but I'm confident he'll do at least fine) there is a Yoshi Tatsu or a Hideo Itami (again getting ahead of myself, but there isn't much buzz for him at the moment).

Much like the lucha guys, I can't see them having too many "Japanese guys," and sadly I think the WWE sees being Japanese as part of their gimmick. It's something that they might suspect works with one or two guys, but after that you're "saturating" things.

I agree with you on New Japan needing to build talent though. If Okada got hurt and Tanahashi had to call it a day, I don't know what they'd do. Feel good Honma IWGP Heavyweight Title reign?

[Asmo]

Finally listened to Talk Is Jericho with Becky Lynch. Definitely has a very cute personality, but also gives off a slight blonde / airhead / hippie vibe. It takes bravado and a hint of stupidity to travel to a city without a plan, but then again, it worked for her. I'm guessing she's also optimistic, and tends to trust people easily.

[GD]

The Miz has been pretty good as of late.

[GD]

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGjCqhMJZJc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Holy shit, CSL. That was dope as hell.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

lol wha?

So you can't smell what the rock is cookin'

[Mr. Nerfect]

Finally listened to Talk Is Jericho with Becky Lynch. Definitely has a very cute personality, but also gives off a slight blonde / airhead / hippie vibe. It takes bravado and a hint of stupidity to travel to a city without a plan, but then again, it worked for her. I'm guessing she's also optimistic, and tends to trust people easily.

:naughty:

[Mr. Nerfect]

Becky Lynch is probably so lovely, but brings out the absolute worst in me.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Brooke Adams is now pregnant. Let's pay tribute to one of the best asses in wrestling history.

http://i.imgur.com/6dgvzSY.gif

[Volare]

http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/brooke_adams/brooke_adams_great_ass_shot_pOUYWUI.sized.jpg

https://scrublife.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/tessmacher-booty-002.gif

http://i.imgur.com/vyVGqiv.gif

[Evil Vito]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUCLMrG-fwM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Stardust crashing Comic Con was actually pretty awesome. Probably the biggest pop Cody has gotten in a long while.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Becky is the only woman on the roster that actually gives me a boner. Well Natalya as well.

[#1-norm-fan]

Fucking love Stardust. Cody is so good at playing a gimmick. Give that man a push already.

[GD]

I can see an evil Stardust getting a push. He can still be salvaged.

[Evil Vito]

He's obviously gonna do the job to Arrow at Mania, such is the nature of celebrities being booked in matches in WWE. But Cody is talented enough to take the Stardust gimmick to another demented level after Mania. Evil wrestler who thinks he's Mr. Sinister is great.

[Evil Vito]

Also, Stardust somehow appearing on Arrow through the multiverse would be fucking incredible.

[CSL]

I agree with you on New Japan needing to build talent though. If Okada got hurt and Tanahashi had to call it a day, I don't know what they'd do. Feel good Honma IWGP Heavyweight Title reign?

nah but I do like the idea/have been banging on about Honma having a run in G1, getting down to his final group match where he needs to win to advance to the final but in true Honma fashion, loses right at the final hurdle

as for new stars, Kota I think is the obvious choice but he has the injury and the dual contract thing, Naito is more interesting as a heel than he's ever been, I think Sho Tanaka could do big things depending how his time in Mexico goes, I think Tama Tonga is hugely underrated, bring Minoru Suzuki back from NOAH and I'm sure there are a few guys around the world they could maybe look at in Mexico, America etc.

[Fignuts]

As long as Gedo is booking, I don't think they'll have that much trouble.

[CSL]

maybe, he booked the "upturn" in business with Jado but Jado has "gone" (basically) and the gates are down. Maybe it's a blip or maybe it's something bigger, who knows. Love New Japan but it's obvious they're struggling a little bit for headline matches atm. It'll be interesting to see now that their hand is being forced a little bit so to speak

[CSL]

just fucking book Tananhashi/Okada as the main event for every show from here until one of them retires, I don't know if I'd be tired of seeing them wrestle after like their 100th main event

[Emperor Smeat]

WWE might know within 2 weeks if Cena can make it to Mania or not. Cena recently teased on Twitter he's going to risk speeding up his recovery to see if its even possible for him.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gamble: take risky action in hope of a desired result. Time to gamble I think. It's gonna be a risky next two weeks <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaceUp?src=hash">#LaceUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nevergiveup?src=hash">#nevergiveup</a></p>&mdash; John Cena (@JohnCena) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/699194494768586752">February 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[#1-norm-fan]

No exaggeration... the prospect of Cena vs Taker is the one thing that would save WrestleMania for me. Right now they sorely need a genuine WM headlining-worthy match. Cena-Taker could be it.

... If only the streak was on the line as well. Goddammit.

[Maluco]

I think Cena is actually a cyborg. If he manages to come back yet again at his age, so far ahead of schedule...you can't help but respect him and his work ethic. He is actually unbelievable, love him or hate him.

[Emperor Smeat]

https://49.media.tumblr.com/99ff78d53275e61561c383edf030636e/tumblr_o2lvbySRp61ryzvxro1_400.gif

[GD]

WWE might know within 2 weeks if Cena can make it to Mania or not. Cena recently teased on Twitter he's going to risk speeding up his recovery to see if its even possible for him.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gamble: take risky action in hope of a desired result. Time to gamble I think. It's gonna be a risky next two weeks <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaceUp?src=hash">#LaceUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nevergiveup?src=hash">#nevergiveup</a></p>&mdash; John Cena (@JohnCena) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/699194494768586752">February 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jesus, Cena. It's not worth it :nono:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Just watched this while on a youtube wormhole trip.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dFLuGQrC48M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

RIP Bobby Jaggers

[Tom Guycott]

Is it sad I'm more aware of what is going on in ROH than WWE right now?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Cena is superhuman, but he should not be rushing back. For God sake, build up some other guys.

[#1-norm-fan]

Cena is superhuman, but he should not be rushing back. For God sake, build up some other guys.

The fact that they haven't built up other guys is why he probably needs to speed up the process if he can. WrestleMania card is looking closer to a B level PPV at the moment.

[Big Vic]

Was Triple H on raw last night?

[Evil Vito]

The fact that they haven't built up other guys is why he probably needs to speed up the process if he can. WrestleMania card is looking closer to a B level PPV at the moment.

The Road to WrestleMania:

http://blog.cochran.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Baldwin-Street-New-Zealand-Dunedin-Steep.jpg

[Gerard]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8E14s0lidA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



:wtf:

Starting to wonder about Virgil he obviously has no clue that people are taking the piss. Must be all the blood rushing to that 14.5 inch cock.

[Evil Vito]

https://fbcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-0/s526x395/12717245_10208885610202179_7944256528828447781_n.jpg?oh=268d6640f6d638111d66ad54243a7422&oe=5769FFBA&__gda__=1462147500_41994baf696ecdeb99711416943f04aa

Brace yourself for It's Always Sunny in Chyna

[Evil Vito]

Speculation is that King Barrett has refused to sign an extension and he will be leaving when his current deal is up in the summer.

[Fignuts]

What a waste.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/DJhQbaC.gif

[Droford]

Big Berg

[Droford]

Finally listened to Talk Is Jericho with Becky Lynch. Definitely has a very cute personality, but also gives off a slight blonde / airhead / hippie vibe. It takes bravado and a hint of stupidity to travel to a city without a plan, but then again, it worked for her. I'm guessing she's also optimistic, and tends to trust people easily.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB3MHXDi_dG/

Becky Lynch just stabbed you all in the heart

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by the <s>Vincent J. McMahon</s> TPWW Legacy of <s>Excellence</s> Dirtsheets Award:
http://i.imgur.com/APR9cDD.png

Esquire Middle East recently conducted an interview with injured WWE star Cesaro, and the interview will be released in a future issue of the magazine. The publication has released a preview for the interview, which reveals Cesaro will not be ready to compete in time for WrestleMania 32, and his next ‘Mania goal is 33 in 2017.
http://www.esquireme.com/brief/news/cesaro-things-weve-learnt/

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett will not be signing a new contract with the company when his current deal expires in a few months … Pro Wrestling Sheet has learned.

Sources close to the situation tell us Barrett recently informed WWE officials of his decision — and we’re told it was due to the wrestler no longer enjoying what he was doing in the company ...

Our sources say his contract expires in June, but it’s unclear what he’ll be doing post-WWE.

Brianna Danielson, who wrestles as Brie Bella, may be the next WWE performer to retire.

The wife of Bryan Danielson, who announced his retirement last week on Raw, expects to retire this summer, confirming a report in last week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The couple was on ABC's Good Morning America today to discuss his retirement, when she said that her days were limited in wrestling.

WWE officials have had talks about reducing the number of pay-per-views and increasing the numberof WWE Network specials like the “Beast In The East” and “Live from MSG” events.

No plans have been finalized but there was talk of running 6-7 WWE Network specials, not including the NXT Takeover specials. This would lead to just 10 or 11 pay-per-views.

"The controversial suspension of Titus O’Neil by WWE last week for ‘unprofessional conduct’ still hs many folks scratching their head," Ross wrote. "I can’t render a clear cut opinion based on the brief video clip that was floating around for a while plus I’ve talked to no one about the matter that would know any substantive information. I’ve never known Titus to be a problem and actually he’s one of WWE’s most willing participants when it comes to volunteer and charity work. I only wonder, in hindsight, how this matter would have been adjudicated if the decision regarding punishment was delayed until the next day when all parties had a night to sleep on this matter. I have heard that Titus was fined in the neighborhood of 5K for his conduct plus a 60 day suspension. One has to wonder if this punishment was also utilized to get the attention of the entire roster especially if some talents were thought to be becoming to lax in their approach to their job.

"Could this have been a matter where too many talents are relaxing in their comfort zones which is the proverbial ‘kiss of death’ in any organization? That’s 100% speculation on my behalf by the way. At the end of the day, I hope that Titus O’Neil is able to find his way back into the good graces with the powers that be and can resume his WWE career."
Recent blog posting by Jim Ross about the Titus situation. Apparently Titus also got fined around the range of $5,000 to go on top of the suspension. Also recently fan footage from another angle of the incident was recently uploaded online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c16-R5U-6uQ

The King of Memphis wrestling is receiving death threats over his tweet about Donald Trump.

Jerry "The King" Lawler sent a tweet February 9 announcing his support for the Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Supporting @realDonaldTrump like I do is great. Getting out to vote for him even better! Vote today NH! #FITN #TrumpTrain— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) February 9, 2016

The tweet encouraged people in New Hampshire to get out and vote for the billionaire businessman.

While some tweeted their support or disappointment, others sent threats or tweeted that they wanted the wrestling king to die.

Lawler said sending out the tweet was probably not the best idea, and said that he is now going to stay out of politics.
Assuming its just from the actual comments from the tweet above, only one person actually wished death on Lawler.

During last week’s WWE conference call, Vince McMahon blew off concerns about declining Raw ratings, citing the fact that many fans catch up with the show on YouTube. He also claimed that television viewership is down across the networks.

He wasn’t necessarily wrong, and Raw does remain the crown jewel of USA network, but his dismissal of concerns has been called into question by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. “Streaming doesn’t impact other big brands on television,” Meltzer stated, “UFC is up, football is the same.”

It as if WWE are forgetting that television is their bread and butter. For half a decade now the company has obsessed over social media, and now they appear to see YouTube as the next big thing. But whether it is Twitter or YouTube, neither are really going to make WWE big money.

“They make more money from television rights fees than anything else right now,” Meltzer said, “I think Vince is maybe getting bad advice, or maybe he actually believes it, I don’t know which.”

The Chairman seems to think that Raw can exist as a USA show and YouTube entity in equal measure, but he’s badly misjudging his brand potential. Meltzer described it as “completely illogical” for McMahon to think Raw ratings drops don’t really matter. YouTube as a platform will only ever be worth so much money, relative to television it just isn’t worth it for WWE. An investor on the conference call last week even highlighted that the videos WWE upload to the internet would be better used on their own platforms. Content should be on the WWE App or WWE Network, not a third party platform.

“They still may be able to get good rights fees,” Meltzer says, but clearly Raw ratings declines could still impact WWE in the future.

Observer on last week's WWE investors meeting that involved Vince saying the WWE doesn't care about ratings.


Some other sheet news includes:

Mark Henry confirmed he got injured last night with him suffering a rib injury from the match against Big E. https://twitter.com/TheMarkHenry/status/699695171236032512?s=09
Stephen Amell announced he will be auctioning off his Stardust autographed Slammy Award with the proceeds to go towards helping an 8 year old child's cancer treatment. https://www.facebook.com/stephenamell/videos/1000030236748910/
During a recent interview, Kenny Omega revealed he recieved 3 seperate offers by the WWE to sign with them last year and rejected all of them. Still resents how bad he was treated in developmental during the Bill Demott and Johnny Ace period of the WWE. https://twitter.com/enuhito_eng/status/699588612011085824
WWE recently released a highlight from yesterday's Stone Cold podcast with Big Show dealing with how Big Show handles the "Please Retire" chants and why he switches between heel and face a lot. https://www.facebook.com/wwe/videos/10153535311101443/
The ratings and viewership for this week's RAW got delayed till tomorrow. Currently speculation from the Observer is to expect a low number mainly due to the Grammy Awards last night. Early numbers for the Grammys has it in the NFL range for viewers.
Some bad news for those that use Hulu to watch replays of RAW as reports state Time Warner is trying to buy a 25% ownership stake of the company. Time Warner's rumored goal is to eventually lengtehn the amount of time new episodes are allowed to appear on the service. Part of their plan to hit back at cable cutters who don't want to pay for cable but still want to watch cable tv shows. Could affect future WWE tv episodes depending on how far Time Warner goes with their plans. http://www.syracuse.com/tv/index.ssf/2016/02/time_warner_cable_hulu_cord_cutters_new_tv_shows.html

[Wishbone]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB3MHXDi_dG/

Becky Lynch just stabbed you all in the heart

I... am not sure how to feel about this. :|

[Fignuts]

Bòoooooooooourns

[Mr. Nerfect]

I was worried that it was going to be a picture revealing Becky Lynch to be married or something. She can do whatever the fuck she wants to her hair. Don't scare me like that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Daniel Bryan's retirement would give plenty of fuel to Sheamus, Charlotte and Triple H for heat heading into potential WrestleMania matches. Well, Charlotte sort of has used it. I think the women's stuff is booked by Triple H and Stephanie now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Triple H should win the Vincent J. McMahon Award on RAW next week.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Wade Barrett leaving the WWE? Good for him. Obviously the WWE is the biggest game in town, but more talent should say "Fuck you" to the WWE and go to places where they get to cut their own promos, develop their own gimmicks and wrestle their own matches. Barrett could very easily be any company's top babyface or heel.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder should have given the finger to the company a long time ago. Well, I guess they want their financial security. You can't blame them for that. I'm simply talking selfishly as a fan.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Technically Kurt Angle, Wade Barrett, Dave Bautista, Rey Mysterio and Bill Goldberg could all be free agents by the middle of the year.

[GD]

Slightly NSFW link

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daily bedtime ritual. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theELITE?src=hash">#theELITE</a> <a href="https://t.co/UzOmpqN6Pa">pic.twitter.com/UzOmpqN6Pa</a></p>&mdash; Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) <a href="https://twitter.com/KennyOmegamanX/status/699887711604207616">February 17, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Volare]

Rofl!!

[Innovator]

I... am not sure how to feel about this. :|

She's a brunette naturally. You have to dye your hair blonde first in order to get it a certain color.

[Heisenberg]

Next you'll tell us she's an actual human and not assembled by Steampunk assembly parts

[Lock Jaw]

Pretty sure she is just wearing a blonde wig in that photo....

[Emperor Smeat]

https://giant.gfycat.com/ThirstyPopularDavidstiger.gif

[CSL]

Pretty sure she is just wearing a blonde wig in that photo....

definitely. Looks better tee bee h...aitch

[VSG]

Yeah dunno.. I like Blonde Becky. Also, Brunette and Orange Becky.

[Bad News Gertner]

If only she had a wig to cover that horrible nose

[The CyNick]

Wade Barrett leaving the WWE? Good for him. Obviously the WWE is the biggest game in town, but more talent should say "Fuck you" to the WWE and go to places where they get to cut their own promos, develop their own gimmicks and wrestle their own matches. Barrett could very easily be any company's top babyface or heel.

Yeah big "fuck you" to WWE. A middling guy, who is injured every other month. How will they go on?

[The CyNick]

Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder should have given the finger to the company a long time ago. Well, I guess they want their financial security. You can't blame them for that. I'm simply talking selfishly as a fan.

Zack Ryder. Jesus.

Dolph should try to carve out his own personality instead of being an HBK replica. Maybe it would help him get to the next level.

[The CyNick]

Technically Kurt Angle, Wade Barrett, Dave Bautista, Rey Mysterio and Bill Goldberg could all be free agents by the middle of the year.

If only we could get Jim Cornette to book them.

[The CyNick]

The Miz has been pretty good as of late.

Loving The Miz. You can see why he was pushed as hard as he was at one point.

[The CyNick]

WWE might know within 2 weeks if Cena can make it to Mania or not. Cena recently teased on Twitter he's going to risk speeding up his recovery to see if its even possible for him.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gamble: take risky action in hope of a desired result. Time to gamble I think. It's gonna be a risky next two weeks <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaceUp?src=hash">#LaceUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nevergiveup?src=hash">#nevergiveup</a></p>&mdash; John Cena (@JohnCena) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/699194494768586752">February 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I never once doubted he would be on the show.

[The CyNick]

Jesus, Cena. It's not worth it :nono:

He's not going to die.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Evil Bliss:
https://49.media.tumblr.com/e785490680f870c03405c5c77f7d3aec/tumblr_o2eisjBVzr1rmv1vdo1_400.gif

It hasn't been two months and already, Mauro Ranallo has become a fan favorite for those tuning to WWE Smackdown every week. That's why there was a lot of concern at Tuesday night's Smackdown tapings in Ontario, California, when Michael Cole came out to announce with Jerry Lawler and Byron Saxton instead of everyone's favorite Canadian wrestling personality (outside Lance Storm of course.)

Fear not: the actual story is that the 46-year-old Ranallo came to the building, but was sick with the flu and the company made the decision to send him home rather than work the show. He's still with the company, still on Smackdown, and all is still right with the world.
Supposedly he's dealing with pneumonia. Joe Rogan confirmed the illness and him having to drop out as today's guest for Rogan's podcast show. https://twitter.com/joerogan/status/700076365702299649

Raw on Monday night going against the Grammy Awards did not set a record seasonal low, as it did 3.46 million viewers, up from the 3.37 million record low of two weeks ago.

It was still the second lowest number of the last 18 years that wasn't a holiday or going against football ...

The three hours were:

8 p.m. 3.66 million viewers
9 p.m. 3.54 million viewers
10 p.m. 3.23 million viewers
The good news being the drop could have been a lot worse due to the Grammys pulling in huge numbers but still around a 266k drop in viewers compared to last week. For some comparison, same show last year did around 400k to 500k more overall in viewers.

Axl Rotten, a Baltimore-born professional wrestler who rose to prominence in the 1990s with Extreme Championship Wrestling, died from an accidental overdose earlier this month, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore announced.

Police said in a report that Rotten, 44, was found unconscious and not breathing Feb. 4 on the bathroom floor of a McDonald's in Linthicum. Rotten, who was on the floor inside a bathroom stall, had pulled down the infant changing table and placed on it drug paraphernalia and a broken burnt tablespoon with a "crystalline residue," according to the report. An unlabeled pill bottle with capsules of a "brownish substance," which police suspected was heroin, was atop the paper-towel dispenser, the report said.

Rotten, who was born Brian Knighton and took the name Axl Rotten professionally, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:09 p.m. It was unclear how long he had been in the bathroom before he was found.
Update surrounding the circumstances of Axl Rotten's death.

Steve Austin shared his thoughts on the Titus O’Neil suspension. Here is what he had to say…

On His Feeling That The Suspension Has Nothing to Do With Race :
“The whole racist thing really irritated me because any time you hear about anything these days it’s racist, and, man, it’s 2016. I’m not saying racism doesn’t exist, but, I mean, to play that card in this situation was total B.S. from my perspective.” Austin continued, “racism and that? Absolutely not. It was a reprimand for something that didn’t need to happen at that time. End of story.”

On The Length of The Suspension:
“If you’re going to suspend somebody, I think 30 [days should suffice]. I think 60 [days] is still a little overreacting. Did something need to happen, a come to Jesus meeting or a stern talking to backstage? Something [needed] to happen because I do believe it was inappropriate. It was the wrong person, at the wrong time.”

On O’Neil Doing The Wrong Thing During a Serious Moment:
Vince is 70 [years old] right now and that was a serious moment for him. He was totally in character. He cares about Daniel Bryan. He gets jerked pretty forcibly over there to Titus O’Neil and it was completely inappropriate.” Austin added, “this may be pro wrestling/sports entertainment, whatever you want to call it, but that was a serious moment. It’s not a time to be shucking and jiving out there, so lay some type of punishment down. Fine him, this, that, or whatever. I don’t know. Something was appropriate, but when I started hearing the racism things, I was like, ‘I’ve got to roll my eyes and I’ve got to call complete and utter bulls–t in this one.'”
From a recent Steve Austin podcast episode.

In case you missed the news, Jim Ross continues to get work everywhere and will do some boxing commentary for CBS Sports Network, likely for Premier Boxing Champions. No start date was announced.

Voices of Wrestling analyst Brandon Howard did some additional must-read analysis of the WWE Q4 financial call. Especially of note from Brandon:

"The infograph WWE released on Thursday along with their press release seemed to claim their YouTube channel had received 8 billion views for the full year of 2015. Just by looking at their YouTube channel's "About" page, which publicly lists all-time video views, you can see that's not the case as the channel has accumulated about 7.5 billion video views all-time (since May 2007). Based on archived instances of that web page that I found, I estimate YouTube video views for WWE in 2015 at about 3.5 billion. I'm guessing they're including in that total the views of all WWE videos on YouTube that are uploaded by other users, which WWE has made copyright claims on."


Some other sheet news includes:

2K Games announced a PC port of WWE 2k16 will arrive on March 11th. Will be priced at $50 but will include all the currently available DLC packs.
Recent article by the Rolling Stones involved NXT, Lucha Underground, and the growing popularity of wrestling on Wensdays. http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/lucha-underground-nxt-and-wrestlings-wednesday-night-revival-20160217
Rolling Stones had a recent interview with Billy Corgin regarding his role in TNA and his wrestling fandom. http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/videos/billy-corgan-on-loving-pro-wrestling-turning-heel-and-joining-tna-20160217
WWE currently has a poll on their website finding out who is the strongest wrestler in the company. At the moment Lesnar is currently leading at 45% with Cesaro at #2 with 14% of the vote. http://www.wwe.com/inside/polls/which-current-wwe-superstar-is-the-strongest
This week's wrestling segment on ESPN had Brock Lesnar as the guest and him admitting he lost track of how many concussions he's sustained over his career (both wrestling and MMA). http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14789062
Turns out Becky showing off her new blonde hair look was likely due to the upcoming season of Swerved on the WWE Network. Recent Instagram post by Becky hinted at her and R-Truth pulling a prank. https://www.instagram.com/p/BB55OWUi_ZP/?taken-by=beckylynchwwe
In a "WWE Did You Know" type fact, the official reason for Pentagon Jr's existence is due to AAA originally planned for him to be the arch-nemesis of Kalisto prior to his departure to the WWE. Lucha Undgeround's Pentagon Jr is actually the 2nd version of the gimmick since WWE's La Sombra was the original Pentagon. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/46aofb/til_pentagon_jr_was_created_to_be_the_archnemesis/
In another "WWE Did You Know" type fact, only 4 wrestlers in WWF/WWE history who wrestled in the show opening match at Mania managed to wrestle in the main event the following year. The 4 guys are Jericho (opened Mania 17, main event 18), Edge (opened Mania 23, main event 24), Miz (opened Mania 26, main event 27), and Orton (opened Mania 29, main event 30). Making things more interesting, all four guys were also the WWE champions for their main event match. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/46bhqp/only_four_people_have_had_the_first_match_at/
In a completly unreleated wrestling news story but somehow managed to tie right back into wrestling, UK's Daily Mail revealed they will be launching a new newspaper called "New Day" with the general reaction to the announcement involving a lot of wrestling jokes made at their expense.

[Evil Vito]

-says there is no racism involved
-tells Titus it isn't the time to be shuckin' and jivin'

lolllllll :'(

[Evil Vito]

also, Alexa is such a goddess

[Emperor Smeat]

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/522a2049e4b0a0ce717e990c/t/5425b449e4b08f7343c4f58a/1411757131845/?format=300w

[owenbrown]

Regal :y:

[drave]

owenbrown :shifty: lol

[owenbrown]

drave82 :shifty:

[Blonde Moment]

Pretty awesome 404 page
http://www.wwe.com/404/
http://i.imgur.com/rjjoucP.jpg

[Locost]

Zack Ryder. Jesus.

Dolph should try to carve out his own personality instead of being an HBK replica. Maybe it would help him get to the next level.
Maybe that is the personality they see for him rather than the personality he wishes to portray

[Mercenary]

Yeah big "fuck you" to WWE. A middling guy, who is injured every other month. How will they go on?


Cynick is right on the money here. Wade seems to get hurt in some way every time they give him a push.

[Blonde Moment]

Cynick is right on the money here. Wade seems to get hurt in some way every time they give him a push.

Same issue with Ziggler as well, Christian at the end of his Career was another example

[Lock Jaw]

https://45.media.tumblr.com/6775cced717b82066b106cc3c0f03d4f/tumblr_n4ez3swCLI1tsy7juo1_250.gif

[#BROKEN Hasney]

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/522a2049e4b0a0ce717e990c/t/5425b449e4b08f7343c4f58a/1411757131845/?format=300w

It isn't the time to be shuckin' and jivin'

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://45.media.tumblr.com/6775cced717b82066b106cc3c0f03d4f/tumblr_n4ez3swCLI1tsy7juo1_250.gif

I would let Paige beat me up as foreplay.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Listened to a Kevin Sullivan & MSL podcast recently where Sullivan revealed that his original idea for Starrcade '97 was actually to have Bret Hart turn heel and cost Sting the WCW World Title match against Hogan.

How does that make everyone feel?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Sting vs. Bret Hart would have been a hot program I never considered. I always thought the logical booking would have been to put Sting over Hogan, have Hogan take time off, Sting to keep the belt against Nash and Hall, etc. The idea of Hogan keeping the belt thanks to Hart actually adds a really intriguing note that I never considered a possibility.

[Hanso Amore]

That sounds horrible. It just keeps the title on a stale hogan after building over a year to sting beating him, and then shuffles sting back down the card to hart. And it makes hart look stupid, he comes to wcw only to be a hogan lacky?

The only outcome of that match that makes any sense is sting winning clean.

[Innovator]

NJPW/ROH Joint Show Spoilers



Ishii just beat Roderick Strong for the ROH TV Title

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by random NXT gif:
https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Sgq-oLV9SdyEow4uqzBwLp5FmK8=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6065605/tumblr_o2q3gndb6W1sj4xr4o1_500.0.gif

A few more notes regarding Bryan Danielson and some of the things going around and misconceptions. Regarding the convulsions, the story going around that he hid convulsions from doctors in an attempt to get cleared to wrestle is absolutely not true. I believe he had four convulsions after concussions, the last being about four years ago. Every doctor involved was aware, and he was given full clearance to do anything, and he was actively training hard very recently. It is logical, and probable, that one of the reasons, if not the main reason, Dr. Joseph Maroon wouldn’t clear him is because Danielson made him aware of that. But the other doctors were also made aware of that and because they were so many years ago, did not see it as a concern. Danielson’s remarks about hiding the convulsions stems from years ago, as when he did get them originally, he told nobody, not even his then-girlfriend Brie (this was before they were married, as they became a couple around early 2011), for fear they wouldn’t let him wrestle. Brie was there when he had one later. It should be noted that no doctor, with the exception of Maroon, and I don’t know what words Maroon told him past he wasn’t going to clear him, told him to retire. Doctors who were highly regarded, and the UCLA doctors were among the best concussion doctors in the country, told him he was fine to do anything he wants. The doctor who conducted the test that led to him deciding to retire never told him to retire, only pointed out that he did have an existing problem that he was previously unaware of. But he made a decision that if there was something wrong he wouldn’t continue. He did never publicly talked about having convulsions until the ESPN interview on 2/9
Update on the Bryan retirement story and details that led to it.

While the primary objective of the Global Cruiserweight Series is to try out the idea of a cruiserweight show, doing a “Tough Enough” type thing with undiscovered talent that are actually already good wrestlers as opposed to untrained people with good looks, a secondary objective is to send word to talent that may have thought size would hinder them in WWE to not sign with New Japan, ROH, TNA or Lucha Underground. A few months ago, when we were first told about this concept, we were outright told to get the word out for wrestlers who if are under 205 pounds and feel they are talented, not to sign anywhere.

Lucha Underground is once again going to have to raise money or sign deals bringing in more money for a fourth season, but they’ve got about a year to do it since they are said to have the money for the next season of tapings through mid-May. When that is done, will have all their television taped through the summer of 2017. The company is trying to get a Lucha Underground movie produced for 2018 but people are skeptical that a brand on television with barely 130,000 viewers per week (the general feeling is that the replay show is mostly people watching originally staying to watch it a second time) would be strong enough to springboard a successful movie. According to one company source, the amount of money lost thus far is, after two seasons, slightly less than half of what TNA had lost after ten years in business
Still having a big problem finding a better network to sign a deal with them in Mexico.

In expected but still exciting news, the WWE Network has began adding “ECW Wrestling” to their video on demand library! For those curious, this ECW Wrestling is ECW on TNN which many have been asking for and waiting for.

It is worth noting that for now these episodes are still being added to the ECW Hardcore TV section, but hopefully the company intends to make things less messy in the future.
List of the episodes currently on the Network: http://wwenetworkchronicle.com/2016/02/19/ecw-wrestling-aka-ecw-on-tnn-officially-being-added-to-the-wwe-network/

The new English language TV show called “AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide,” will be similar to New Japan World Pro Wrestling Returns on AXS. The show, which is being put together for distribution outside of Mexico, has announcers Chris Cruise and Hugo Savinovich doing taped commentary in studio on the AAA television show from Mexico. It’s a really tricky deal because the show can’t air in the U.S. because AAA signed exclusivity with Lucha Underground, but that deal doesn’t include other English speaking countries which is where the show will be marketed. There is also some question right now regarding the talent under contract with Lucha Underground and their ability to be on the show.

The profit margin couldn’t cover the dividend payout for the year of $36,334,408, so the company’s actual cash on its balance sheets decreased from $115,413,000 at the end of 2014 to $102,476,000 at the end of 2015.
Update regarding last week's fiscal report by the WWE. Opted to not lower the dividend in order to keep the investors happy which is how they ended up losing money in the end.

The company’s business at this point is built around rights fees and network revenues. Rights fees, based on current contracts, will continue to increase over the next few years. They are a fixed total not dependent upon how creative or interest levels are doing currently. Obviously when current contracts are up, at that point interest levels and ratings will be key factors in new negotiations, as will the big picture state of the television industry. Network revenues are also growing, although at a far slower pace than the company projected and Wall Street expected. After the annual figures were released on 2/11, even though the news was far more positive than negative, it was the decline in WWE Network subscribers that offset most of the positive news and stock dropped below $15 per share within a few days.
Profit-wise, still below pre-Network era levels and the next tv contract could be a big problem if ratings continue to struggle in the mean time.

Television ratings declined significantly, which has become a hotly debated topic between those who believe the ratings are down due to a less interesting product and those who believe all television has declined and WWE’s decline just mirrors the television industry, and that with Hulu and YouTube viewership that it offsets the ratings decline.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Raw hasn’t declined as much as other programming on the USA Network, but that’s because the network has declined significantly as compared with other networks. Raw’s year-to-year decline is greater than any of the major sports, some of which, like baseball, hockey and MMA, showed significant increases over the past year. Another negative on the Raw rating is the third hour decline, when historically the 10-11:05 p.m. hour had always been the highest rated. That can’t be blamed on people consuming it in other fashions, because the decline is of people who were watching the show and then tuned out as the show went on.
Biggest take-away is that both the Network and Youtube/social media has done nothing to help improve the ratings or viewership for RAW. If anything it might be leeching away too much which could really hurt the WWE with the next tv contract talks.

Super Luchas reported that Mysterio had only signed a one season deal, although we had been told it was a two season deal, and have gotten confirmation of that both with someone with the company and someone close to Mysterio. Unless there is a contract breach, he will be back for the next season of Lucha Underground. There are options in place in the deal where it can be extended to four seasons. Whether they’ll be able to afford him after season two, or they’ll even be around, and given his situation and what he would want to do at the time, will all play into whether it goes forward. Everyone on both sides are working with the idea he’ll be back for the next season. The notable thing is that the Lucha Underground deals in most cases prohibit the talent from appearing on television with a rival promotion until after the season airs, not until after the tapings end. Based on that, if Mysterio is back for the next season, the earliest he could go to WWE or TNA (not that he would) could be the summer of 2017.

Owner Takaaki Kidani said they are going to offer Kazuchika Okada a five-year contract, from April 2016 to April 2021, unheard of historically, because they want to build around him and make sure he doesn’t go to WWE. He also said the company has earmarked a $2 million marketing budget to make Okada a mainstream star. Kidani said that they are going to have to offer longer contracts to the top stars because they don’t want to turn into WWE’s minor league feeder system.
Prior to the WWE raid, 1-year deals were usually the standard of NJPW contracts with the assumption that talent would rarely just bolt for other companies.

Raquel (Gabi Castrovinci) and her injuries in one of her first matches made TMZ where she said she suffered a cracked tooth and had to get a root canal and a crown on her tooth and had a hairline fracture of her jaw working an independent show in Miami when her opponent gave her a beating. She claimed she was attacked during a match on an indie show because there was jealousy of her having gotten a “huge contract” with TNA. Melissa Anderson of Lucha Underground wrote about this, “Real pro wrestlers don’t go to TMZ when they get a boo boo.”

They had a tryout camp this past week. The most notable names were Tony Nese and ROH’s Cedric Alexander, who is not under contract. Most of the names, including those two, were brought in were people being tried out for the cruiserweight television series. There were also several guys who aren’t well known from indies, with the only other names we heard being Alex Hammerstone of Paragon Pro Wrestling and Northeast independent wrestlers Chris Payne and David MacIntosh. There were also a lot of women getting tryouts, the most notable name being Deonna Purrazzo, who of late has worked NXT, TNA and ROH

Another interesting name was Roy Sims, only because he doesn’t look anything like someone I’d think WWE would be interested in, as he’s 6-foot-5 and 375 pounds, built like if Tank Abbott was six inches taller and at his most out of shape. Sims is from Hollister, CA, not far from here, and is a sumo who has competed in Japan. He was a 6-foot-5 300 pound high school defensive lineman who briefly played at Fresno State and some other colleges. He played some arena football, including a failed tryout with the San Jose Sabrecats. He then tried MMA and went 2-0 in amateur fights as a super heavyweight. He was working as a technology technician at San Benito High School when he started sumo a year ago, placing third in the U.S. Sumo open and then first at the U.S. Sumo Nationals in his first year in the sport


Some other sheet news includes:

WWE recently updated their website to be more mobile friendly similar to most websites and their upgrade designs these days.
WWE had some fun recently on their website with the idea of re-imagining certain wrestlers with different looks: http://www.wwe.com/gallery/ring-gear-color-change-photos#fid-40003054
In a "WWE Did You Know" type fact, Sami Zayn's name translated from Arabic and then back to English on Google Translate will end up with "El Generico" as the result. Only works on Google Translate though. Also another small tidbit is Zayn's logo is actually El Generico's mask. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/46im4h/repost_if_you_translate_sami_zayns_name_from
This week's episode of Lucha Underground managed to have a 20k increase in viewers compared to last week with 152k overall. In terms of ratings, it cracked the Top 150 shows at #140 for Wednesdays.


Some TPWW related news includes:

Newest episode of TPWW TLP podcast was recently released: http://tablesladderspodcast.podbean.com/e/tables-ladders-podcast-143-021716/

[Heisenberg]

that NXT gif is from a great match this week

[GD]

Can't wait for Chad Gable to be promoted to the main roster where he wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and becoming exclusive to Smackdown forcing RAW to have a new championship. Initiating the return of the brand split era.

[GD]

WWE.com looks weird

[GD]

http://www.wwe.com/superstars

WWE.com's superstar page is a colossal mess.

[GD]

http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight

Steve Austin or Macho Man Randy Savage were never World Heavyweight Champions :nono:

[Disturbed316]

Good god WWE.com is horrible

[Anybody Thrilla]

Kevin Owens is awesome on commentary:

KING: Kevin, you seem to have a lot of disdain for Michael Cole. Where does that stem from?

KO: I have disdain for idiots. I'm not saying that Michael Cole is an idiot, but what I AM saying is that if I had my phone on me right now, I would block him on Twitter.

:lol:

[Savio]

http://www.wwe.com/superstars

WWE.com's superstar page is a colossal mess.
Yes very ugly

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/6RMAinM.jpg

[Shadrick]

Paiges theme is sooooo dope

[Mr. Nerfect]

That sounds horrible. It just keeps the title on a stale hogan after building over a year to sting beating him, and then shuffles sting back down the card to hart. And it makes hart look stupid, he comes to wcw only to be a hogan lacky?

The only outcome of that match that makes any sense is sting winning clean.

Hart wouldn't have joined Hogan apparently. Actually Sullivan didn't use the term "heel," I fucked up there. Hart would have screwed Sting to take control over his own destiny, because it was taken away from him in WWF. He would have screwed Sting so that the fans' WCW golden boy would know what it was like. They'd presumably have fought to get another crack at Hogan.

Sting beating Hogan is the obvious choice and the way it was executed seems like one of the biggest missed boats in professional wrestling history -- but I love the idea of the guy behind the book at the time having a completely different idea to everybody else.

[Mr. Nerfect]

WWE.com should go back to being run by Michael Cole, and Joey Styles can take over RAW commentary alongside the man he knocked out, JBL.

[Mr. Nerfect]

RAW: Joey Styles & JBL
SmackDown: Mauro Ranallo & Jerry Lawler
Main Event: Mauro Ranallo & Rotating Guest (eg. Road Dogg, Christian, JBL, William Regal, Zeb Colter, Byron Saxton)
Superstars: Rich Brennan & Heel Byron Saxton

[Mr. Nerfect]

Former WWE writer and widely accepted genius, Andrew Goldstein, recently wrote a piece for the PWTorch where he talked about why wrestling never cracks it into the "cool." Most telling of this man's brilliance is that he points out Fandango getting over a massively missed opportunity.