When Bobby Lashley returned to WWE four years ago, he brought a wealth of new experience and renewed confidence. That has resulted in reaching the top of the mountain including reigns as a WWE champion toppling the likes of Brock Lesnar. “The Almighty” currently holds the United States title, taking pride in working with emerging talent. For the superstar, it’s his way of giving back and doing what others did for him. He most recently defended the gold against Theory. Next up is the challenge of Ciampa on Raw. We caught up with Lashley during SummerSlam weekend to chat about his career as he helps play a role in WWE’s future. You’ve been working with newer talent lately including Theory. How is it for you to help elevate others at this stage of your career? Bobby Lashley: That’s what the Hurt Business was about. When I first came in,...
- 8/7/2022
- TV Insider
Foreplays is a column that explores under-known short films by renowned directors. Len Lye's N or Nw (1938) is free to watch below.New Zealander Len Lye is known, above all, for his experimental short films—such as A Colour Box (1935), Colour Cry (1953), or Free Radicals (1958)—where he would work directly by drawing and painting on or manipulating the film strip in a variety of ways. But, throughout his prolific career, he also worked with classical animation, live-action film (including a series of war documentaries), as well as pieces that combined a number of these techniques. Lye’s incessant curiosity drove him to develop his interests in many different artistic fields: beyond drawing and painting, he took photographs and built kinetic sculptures, and he produced a large body of writing that covers different styles, forms, and genres. N or Nw (1937) is one of the four films Lye did for the...
- 2/8/2018
- MUBI
If you’ve been a WWE fan for long enough, you’ll know both the good and the bad side of the Hardcore Title. For the most part though you’ll have fond memories of the title that started as a joke, but slowly gained credibility. Now the The History of the WWE Hardcore Championship 24/7 has been released we get to relive it all.
The best discovery when watching the set is that it is presented by Mick Foley, Raven, and Rvd. Talking candidly about the matches they reveal how the title was seen backstage. For the fans it turned into memorable “hardcore” matches, and for the lower card wrestlers it turned into a division where they could finally be noticed.
Some of the best part of The History of the WWE Hardcore Championship 24/7 is when the three wrestlers are talking about the title and offering their thoughts. In terms...
The best discovery when watching the set is that it is presented by Mick Foley, Raven, and Rvd. Talking candidly about the matches they reveal how the title was seen backstage. For the fans it turned into memorable “hardcore” matches, and for the lower card wrestlers it turned into a division where they could finally be noticed.
Some of the best part of The History of the WWE Hardcore Championship 24/7 is when the three wrestlers are talking about the title and offering their thoughts. In terms...
- 9/26/2016
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
wwe.com
Josh Bredl could debut in WWE at this Sunday’s Royal Rumble. F4wonline reports that all Nxt talent will be there at the event, and people in the company want to see him debut in the Rumble match.
The reason for that, is all the heat he has courted this past week. As we noted earlier, Bredl made a comment about the Social Outcasts being “Social Jobbers”, which caused Stardust and Kevin Owens to hit back at him on Twitter. “Probably going to be a long day for young Josh,” Bryan Alvarez stated in his update about Bredl being backstage at the Rumble.
The wrestlers will want to see him in the Rumble match so that they can chop the hell out of him. That’s what happened with Tough Enough winner Daniel Puder back in 2005, with Chris Benoit and Hardcore Holly legit beating the hell out of the arrogant rookie.
Josh Bredl could debut in WWE at this Sunday’s Royal Rumble. F4wonline reports that all Nxt talent will be there at the event, and people in the company want to see him debut in the Rumble match.
The reason for that, is all the heat he has courted this past week. As we noted earlier, Bredl made a comment about the Social Outcasts being “Social Jobbers”, which caused Stardust and Kevin Owens to hit back at him on Twitter. “Probably going to be a long day for young Josh,” Bryan Alvarez stated in his update about Bredl being backstage at the Rumble.
The wrestlers will want to see him in the Rumble match so that they can chop the hell out of him. That’s what happened with Tough Enough winner Daniel Puder back in 2005, with Chris Benoit and Hardcore Holly legit beating the hell out of the arrogant rookie.
- 1/20/2016
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
WWE appeared to form the 2016 version of The Job Squad on last night’s Raw. Heath Slater fronted a new faction called “Social Outcasts” along with Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas and Adam Rose.
The Showoff and Slater faced off in a singles match, but instead of appearing alone – which Heath has done since 3Mb members Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal were fired in 2014 – The One Man Band was accompanied by Messrs Axel, Rose and Dallas with no explanation.
However, if you look at each of the Superstar’s social media accounts, you’ll notice that they were all tweeting about ‘change’ in the build up to Raw – hinting that a new faction could be on the horizon.
Everything can change in one night. All I need is an opportunity. All you need to do is #HitSlatersMusic! #Raw #WhyNot
— Heath Slater (@HeathSlaterOMRB) January 4, 2016
For those of you that are too young to remember,...
WWE appeared to form the 2016 version of The Job Squad on last night’s Raw. Heath Slater fronted a new faction called “Social Outcasts” along with Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas and Adam Rose.
The Showoff and Slater faced off in a singles match, but instead of appearing alone – which Heath has done since 3Mb members Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal were fired in 2014 – The One Man Band was accompanied by Messrs Axel, Rose and Dallas with no explanation.
However, if you look at each of the Superstar’s social media accounts, you’ll notice that they were all tweeting about ‘change’ in the build up to Raw – hinting that a new faction could be on the horizon.
Everything can change in one night. All I need is an opportunity. All you need to do is #HitSlatersMusic! #Raw #WhyNot
— Heath Slater (@HeathSlaterOMRB) January 4, 2016
For those of you that are too young to remember,...
- 1/5/2016
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Cody Rhodes has, to date, had a strange old career.
Making his WWE debut back in 2007, many in the company considered Cody a future main event star. As of yet, that hasn’t happened, and it seems unrealistic to suggest that Stardust will be headlining PPVs any time soon. Aside from become World Champion, there isn’t much Rhodes hasn’t done in the promotion, however.
A 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, he has also held the Tag-Team Titles on 6 different occasions. Four of those reigns came with very unique partners in Ted Dibiase Jr, Goldust, Drew McIntyre and Hardcore Holly. When Rhodes formed ‘Legacy’ alongside Randy Orton and Dibiase, it seemed like the sky was the limit for Dusty’s son. Instead of transporting him to the top of the card, however, Cody returned to the mid card pack when the group disbanded.
Various character changes, such as ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes and Stardust,...
Cody Rhodes has, to date, had a strange old career.
Making his WWE debut back in 2007, many in the company considered Cody a future main event star. As of yet, that hasn’t happened, and it seems unrealistic to suggest that Stardust will be headlining PPVs any time soon. Aside from become World Champion, there isn’t much Rhodes hasn’t done in the promotion, however.
A 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, he has also held the Tag-Team Titles on 6 different occasions. Four of those reigns came with very unique partners in Ted Dibiase Jr, Goldust, Drew McIntyre and Hardcore Holly. When Rhodes formed ‘Legacy’ alongside Randy Orton and Dibiase, it seemed like the sky was the limit for Dusty’s son. Instead of transporting him to the top of the card, however, Cody returned to the mid card pack when the group disbanded.
Various character changes, such as ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes and Stardust,...
- 12/2/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
2005 was a great year for WWE, with the company creating a bunch of new stars and really delivering consistently when it came to PPV. 2006 was very different from 2005. Fewer stars were made, although the ones that did break through (such as Edge) managed to cement themselves at the top of the card.
The two major storylines from 2006 were Dx’s long dispute with the McMahons and their associates and the return of Ecw as a fully-fledged brand. Speaking of returns, the ultra popular Jeff Hardy came home to WWE after two years in Tna. Ostensibly over his drug issues, Jeff was given a big push on Raw.
While there were returns, there were also departures. Trish Stratus and Lita, two of the most influential female performers of all-time, left the company within two months of each other. The way they were written out of the storylines was markedly different,...
2005 was a great year for WWE, with the company creating a bunch of new stars and really delivering consistently when it came to PPV. 2006 was very different from 2005. Fewer stars were made, although the ones that did break through (such as Edge) managed to cement themselves at the top of the card.
The two major storylines from 2006 were Dx’s long dispute with the McMahons and their associates and the return of Ecw as a fully-fledged brand. Speaking of returns, the ultra popular Jeff Hardy came home to WWE after two years in Tna. Ostensibly over his drug issues, Jeff was given a big push on Raw.
While there were returns, there were also departures. Trish Stratus and Lita, two of the most influential female performers of all-time, left the company within two months of each other. The way they were written out of the storylines was markedly different,...
- 10/15/2015
- by Lewis Howse
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The full content listing for the upcoming WWE DVD and Blu-ray set on the life and death of Owen Hart has been revealed, courtesy of the Wrestling DVD Network. The list includes all chapter titles for the documentary feature on disc one, as well as all extras, including the full list of matches selected for the package.
Bret Hart recently commented on the documentary portion of the set, sounding very pessimistic about the chances that the documentary will do a good job telling the full story of his brother’s life. Bret believes that WWE is having to walk on egg shells to cater to Owen’s widow, Martha, who is not supporting the DVD release.
Bret told the Fight Network:
“I’m looking forward to it but I’m not really optimistic that it’s going to be a great job. Martha handcuffed them so much. I...
The full content listing for the upcoming WWE DVD and Blu-ray set on the life and death of Owen Hart has been revealed, courtesy of the Wrestling DVD Network. The list includes all chapter titles for the documentary feature on disc one, as well as all extras, including the full list of matches selected for the package.
Bret Hart recently commented on the documentary portion of the set, sounding very pessimistic about the chances that the documentary will do a good job telling the full story of his brother’s life. Bret believes that WWE is having to walk on egg shells to cater to Owen’s widow, Martha, who is not supporting the DVD release.
Bret told the Fight Network:
“I’m looking forward to it but I’m not really optimistic that it’s going to be a great job. Martha handcuffed them so much. I...
- 9/14/2015
- by Ryan Droste
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Live from the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, it’s SummerSlam 2015!
Lilian Garcia introduces host Jon Stewart and we’re under way! He drops a Beastie Boys reference and hypes up the show. ‘I’ve spent sixteen years talking about politics, it’s nice to be back in reality’. WWE? Reality? This is clearly a WWE-scripted intro, then. Huge boos for Cena’s name. This crowd is going to eat him alive. Mick Foley is brought out- cheap pops imminent…yup, there it is. They riff with each other for a while and it doesn’t really go anywhere. Still, nice to see Foley and Stewart looks up for this.
After the customary video package, it’s time for our first match…
Sheamus Vs. Randy Orton
Good choice for an opener. Orton went for an Rko early, but Sheamus bailed and cut a ringside promo and fans looking stupid.
Live from the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, it’s SummerSlam 2015!
Lilian Garcia introduces host Jon Stewart and we’re under way! He drops a Beastie Boys reference and hypes up the show. ‘I’ve spent sixteen years talking about politics, it’s nice to be back in reality’. WWE? Reality? This is clearly a WWE-scripted intro, then. Huge boos for Cena’s name. This crowd is going to eat him alive. Mick Foley is brought out- cheap pops imminent…yup, there it is. They riff with each other for a while and it doesn’t really go anywhere. Still, nice to see Foley and Stewart looks up for this.
After the customary video package, it’s time for our first match…
Sheamus Vs. Randy Orton
Good choice for an opener. Orton went for an Rko early, but Sheamus bailed and cut a ringside promo and fans looking stupid.
- 8/23/2015
- by Lewis Howse
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Wrestling and fashion. The two very rarely mix well. Fashion is a surprisingly important part of wrestling, since the industry is very image-conscious, especially at the top in WWE. When you’re being watched by millions of people every week, it is crucial that you look good and choose your gear wisely.
A lot of wrestlers recognise how important this is and spend a lot of time, effort and money on their ring gear. Macho Man Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and Rey Mysterio are prime examples of guys who have spent thousands of dollars on making sure that they looked the part.
Outside of the ring, The Rock, Randy Orton and even Vince McMahon himself are noted snappy dressers. Theoretically, most of the WWE roster should look at least presentable, since the company implemented a dress code back in 2004 which stipulated that they had to dress in...
Wrestling and fashion. The two very rarely mix well. Fashion is a surprisingly important part of wrestling, since the industry is very image-conscious, especially at the top in WWE. When you’re being watched by millions of people every week, it is crucial that you look good and choose your gear wisely.
A lot of wrestlers recognise how important this is and spend a lot of time, effort and money on their ring gear. Macho Man Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and Rey Mysterio are prime examples of guys who have spent thousands of dollars on making sure that they looked the part.
Outside of the ring, The Rock, Randy Orton and even Vince McMahon himself are noted snappy dressers. Theoretically, most of the WWE roster should look at least presentable, since the company implemented a dress code back in 2004 which stipulated that they had to dress in...
- 4/10/2015
- by Lewis Howse
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Bill DeMott has decided that the scrutiny that he has received by former WWE employees in recent weeks is making life difficult for him and the company, so he has decided to step down as WWE’s head coach/trainer at their Performance Center in Orlando.
He made the announcement on Twitter;
I deny the recent allegations made about me, however, to avoid any embarrassment or damage to the (cont) http://t.co/1UpTIE1aXi
— Bill DeMott (@BillDeMott) March 6, 2015
He used the Twitlonger service because he couldn’t fit it all in one tweet: “I deny the recent allegations made about me, however, to avoid any embarrassment or damage to the WWE, I’ve decided to step down from my role effective immediately.”
This is a story that our WWE editor Grahame Herbert has covered throughout the week first with the allegations from former wrestlers, then WWE and...
Bill DeMott has decided that the scrutiny that he has received by former WWE employees in recent weeks is making life difficult for him and the company, so he has decided to step down as WWE’s head coach/trainer at their Performance Center in Orlando.
He made the announcement on Twitter;
I deny the recent allegations made about me, however, to avoid any embarrassment or damage to the (cont) http://t.co/1UpTIE1aXi
— Bill DeMott (@BillDeMott) March 6, 2015
He used the Twitlonger service because he couldn’t fit it all in one tweet: “I deny the recent allegations made about me, however, to avoid any embarrassment or damage to the WWE, I’ve decided to step down from my role effective immediately.”
This is a story that our WWE editor Grahame Herbert has covered throughout the week first with the allegations from former wrestlers, then WWE and...
- 3/6/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The 2004 Royal Rumble match is the one that WWE really doesn’t want its fans to remember. That’s because it was the night where Chris Benoit had what was arguably the greatest performance in the history of the Rumble match. Maybe Ric Flair’s run in 1992 was better, but at the time Benoit’s was right there with him.
Three years after this big victory at the 2004 Rumble, Benoit killed his wife Nancy and son Daniel before he killed himself. It was the saddest thing that’s ever happened in WWE, so the company has done what they can to just ignore it. Benoit’s written out of their history although his matches still remain in full on WWE Network if fans want to check them out.
It’s tough to write about Benoit in a positive light. At the time, it was great to see him...
The 2004 Royal Rumble match is the one that WWE really doesn’t want its fans to remember. That’s because it was the night where Chris Benoit had what was arguably the greatest performance in the history of the Rumble match. Maybe Ric Flair’s run in 1992 was better, but at the time Benoit’s was right there with him.
Three years after this big victory at the 2004 Rumble, Benoit killed his wife Nancy and son Daniel before he killed himself. It was the saddest thing that’s ever happened in WWE, so the company has done what they can to just ignore it. Benoit’s written out of their history although his matches still remain in full on WWE Network if fans want to check them out.
It’s tough to write about Benoit in a positive light. At the time, it was great to see him...
- 1/22/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The 2000 Royal Rumble was a big event because the biggest draw in the company, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, was on the shelf with neck surgery. Austin was out from November 1999 to October 2000, so other people had to step up. Thankfully for WWE, they had guys like The Rock and Triple H waiting in the wings. In many ways, the 2000 Rumble was their coming out party.
This is the first Royal Rumble that took place in the “World’s Most Famous Arena” Madison Square Garden in New York City. That’s actually surprising just because WWE held so many events in Msg including some of their other PPVs, so it took them 13 Rumble events before they went to their favorite arena.
It was a time in WWE history where things were going well. They were making a lot of new money, they had a lot of new stars that...
The 2000 Royal Rumble was a big event because the biggest draw in the company, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, was on the shelf with neck surgery. Austin was out from November 1999 to October 2000, so other people had to step up. Thankfully for WWE, they had guys like The Rock and Triple H waiting in the wings. In many ways, the 2000 Rumble was their coming out party.
This is the first Royal Rumble that took place in the “World’s Most Famous Arena” Madison Square Garden in New York City. That’s actually surprising just because WWE held so many events in Msg including some of their other PPVs, so it took them 13 Rumble events before they went to their favorite arena.
It was a time in WWE history where things were going well. They were making a lot of new money, they had a lot of new stars that...
- 1/20/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
It wasn’t the best of times for WWE as they headed to the 1995 Royal Rumble. Business was down and there was a lack of excitement towards the product. Sound familiar?
Diesel became the next man up because he won the WWE Title a few months prior to this. It was one year earlier at the Royal Rumble where he really got a chance to shine by eliminating seven guys within a few minutes. This was his first PPV title defense and it came against one of the best in the business in Bret Hart.
Another factor hurting WWE was that WCW had a lot of momentum. They signed Hulk Hogan in the summer of 1994 and then Randy Savage left too. They were doing good numbers on PPVs. Later that year they launched WCW Monday Nitro, which was another blow to WWE.
Due to everything that was going on,...
It wasn’t the best of times for WWE as they headed to the 1995 Royal Rumble. Business was down and there was a lack of excitement towards the product. Sound familiar?
Diesel became the next man up because he won the WWE Title a few months prior to this. It was one year earlier at the Royal Rumble where he really got a chance to shine by eliminating seven guys within a few minutes. This was his first PPV title defense and it came against one of the best in the business in Bret Hart.
Another factor hurting WWE was that WCW had a lot of momentum. They signed Hulk Hogan in the summer of 1994 and then Randy Savage left too. They were doing good numbers on PPVs. Later that year they launched WCW Monday Nitro, which was another blow to WWE.
Due to everything that was going on,...
- 1/12/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
You could fill a book with stories about the most universally reviled people in the business of professional wrestling – and people frequently have. The autobiographies of luminaries like Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Chris Jericho, Bob ‘Hardcore’ Holly – even nice guys like Edge and Mick Foley – are littered with stories of the kind of people you meet in the industry that you really wish you hadn’t. It’s part of what makes books like theirs so much fun to read – we all love being party to a little scuttlebutt (it’s like gossip with the bass turned up).
Of course, practically everyone’s been disliked by someone at some point. In the artificial touring company that is professional wrestling – especially with that additional ‘boys club’ element to its make-up – it’s just like everywhere else, only much worse. There are obnoxious people everywhere – but what really defines truly obnoxious?...
You could fill a book with stories about the most universally reviled people in the business of professional wrestling – and people frequently have. The autobiographies of luminaries like Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Chris Jericho, Bob ‘Hardcore’ Holly – even nice guys like Edge and Mick Foley – are littered with stories of the kind of people you meet in the industry that you really wish you hadn’t. It’s part of what makes books like theirs so much fun to read – we all love being party to a little scuttlebutt (it’s like gossip with the bass turned up).
Of course, practically everyone’s been disliked by someone at some point. In the artificial touring company that is professional wrestling – especially with that additional ‘boys club’ element to its make-up – it’s just like everywhere else, only much worse. There are obnoxious people everywhere – but what really defines truly obnoxious?...
- 9/9/2014
- by Ben Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer had a news item about how WWE has soured on Bo Dallas. According to the report, Vince McMahon and WWE officials have “given up” on the push for Dallas, which is why he lost to R-Truth on Raw a few weeks ago in a move that surprised a lot of us. The character had a lot of momentum and then all of a sudden he lost to a guy like Truth that was barely on television. It was reported weeks ago that Vince McMahon was losing interest in some of the newer gimmicks like Adam Rose and Dallas, so this is a result of that.
It’s a shame that it happened because the “Bolieve” gimmick was fun to watch. You could tell the crowds were reacting well to it. The undefeated streak was really getting over and it...
This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer had a news item about how WWE has soured on Bo Dallas. According to the report, Vince McMahon and WWE officials have “given up” on the push for Dallas, which is why he lost to R-Truth on Raw a few weeks ago in a move that surprised a lot of us. The character had a lot of momentum and then all of a sudden he lost to a guy like Truth that was barely on television. It was reported weeks ago that Vince McMahon was losing interest in some of the newer gimmicks like Adam Rose and Dallas, so this is a result of that.
It’s a shame that it happened because the “Bolieve” gimmick was fun to watch. You could tell the crowds were reacting well to it. The undefeated streak was really getting over and it...
- 8/15/2014
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The Great American Bash was a show concept created by WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. He was a key figure in the Nwa in the 1980s as a top babyface as well as a booker. He came up with a lot of concepts in those days in addition to Gab, including WarGames and Starrcade. In the beginning, Gab was something the Nwa did as a live event before they were doing PPVs. Then they taped it. Then in 1988 it became a regular PPV. When the Nwa became WCW in 1991, the Gab name came along with it.
For the list, we’re looking at Great American Bash PPV matches. The Gab name actually started before the 1988 PPV since they did live events and released matches on tapes people could get, but technically they weren’t PPV releases.
Thanks to the always handy WWE Network, that means the shows...
The Great American Bash was a show concept created by WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. He was a key figure in the Nwa in the 1980s as a top babyface as well as a booker. He came up with a lot of concepts in those days in addition to Gab, including WarGames and Starrcade. In the beginning, Gab was something the Nwa did as a live event before they were doing PPVs. Then they taped it. Then in 1988 it became a regular PPV. When the Nwa became WCW in 1991, the Gab name came along with it.
For the list, we’re looking at Great American Bash PPV matches. The Gab name actually started before the 1988 PPV since they did live events and released matches on tapes people could get, but technically they weren’t PPV releases.
Thanks to the always handy WWE Network, that means the shows...
- 7/4/2014
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The health of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan continues to be a hot topic within WWE because there’s no indication of when he might return. New details have emerged from Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter with a look at what WWE management is contemplating regarding Bryan’s status.
Prior to Bryan’s neck surgery last Thursday, the feeling was that Bryan would be able to return to action at the Money in the Bank PPV on June 29th. If that was the case then they would have likely kept the WWE Title on him with the feeling that he would have only missed one major PPV, Payback. Meltzer notes that the latest word within WWE is that Bryan may not be ready for June 29. If that’s the case then they might have to think about other plans regarding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
There...
The health of WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan continues to be a hot topic within WWE because there’s no indication of when he might return. New details have emerged from Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter with a look at what WWE management is contemplating regarding Bryan’s status.
Prior to Bryan’s neck surgery last Thursday, the feeling was that Bryan would be able to return to action at the Money in the Bank PPV on June 29th. If that was the case then they would have likely kept the WWE Title on him with the feeling that he would have only missed one major PPV, Payback. Meltzer notes that the latest word within WWE is that Bryan may not be ready for June 29. If that’s the case then they might have to think about other plans regarding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
There...
- 5/22/2014
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
wwe
The Undertaker character is the stuff of legend in WWE, a twenty year veteran who has left a legacy of some of the greatest wrestling matches of all times.
He’s also proved to be a legend ‘behind the scenes’ too. Undertaker is the resident WWE locker room leader, a union figure of sorts who functions as the bridge between Vince McMahon and the wrestling crew. Whenever you hear former talent talk about the WWE, they always reference The Undertaker in tones of respect and appreciation.
Not to say he was always a good guy by any means… he was one of the key men in the backstage ‘wrestler court’ which hazed newer talent and dished out ‘punishment’ to those who betrayed the code of the locker room. Despite this, while the likes of ‘wrestling court’ veterans like Jbl and Bob Holly caused resentment in younger wrestlers, Undertaker always...
The Undertaker character is the stuff of legend in WWE, a twenty year veteran who has left a legacy of some of the greatest wrestling matches of all times.
He’s also proved to be a legend ‘behind the scenes’ too. Undertaker is the resident WWE locker room leader, a union figure of sorts who functions as the bridge between Vince McMahon and the wrestling crew. Whenever you hear former talent talk about the WWE, they always reference The Undertaker in tones of respect and appreciation.
Not to say he was always a good guy by any means… he was one of the key men in the backstage ‘wrestler court’ which hazed newer talent and dished out ‘punishment’ to those who betrayed the code of the locker room. Despite this, while the likes of ‘wrestling court’ veterans like Jbl and Bob Holly caused resentment in younger wrestlers, Undertaker always...
- 5/17/2014
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
A lot of people have been talking about Benjamin Morris’ 538 piece, “Are Pro Wrestlers Dying at an Unusual Rate?”
Like Morris, I am neither an actuarial scientist nor a demographer. So, our interpretations of the data should be taken with a grain of salt. My results were somewhat different from Morris’ due to a difference data set and changes in how we calculated actuarial predictions.
Differences in methodology from Morris
I also used Social Security Actuarial Life Tables, but my “expected mortality rates” for the age groups were not the same as Morris’. For each wrestler, I calculated what their age would have been as of today. Then, based on gender, I looked up the number of lives (out of 100,000) that were expected to still be alive and converted that to a percentage. His analysis looked at wrestlers who were on 20+ WWF PPVs through 2002. I went with a...
A lot of people have been talking about Benjamin Morris’ 538 piece, “Are Pro Wrestlers Dying at an Unusual Rate?”
Like Morris, I am neither an actuarial scientist nor a demographer. So, our interpretations of the data should be taken with a grain of salt. My results were somewhat different from Morris’ due to a difference data set and changes in how we calculated actuarial predictions.
Differences in methodology from Morris
I also used Social Security Actuarial Life Tables, but my “expected mortality rates” for the age groups were not the same as Morris’. For each wrestler, I calculated what their age would have been as of today. Then, based on gender, I looked up the number of lives (out of 100,000) that were expected to still be alive and converted that to a percentage. His analysis looked at wrestlers who were on 20+ WWF PPVs through 2002. I went with a...
- 4/22/2014
- by Chris Harrington
- Obsessed with Film
The host of Wrestlemania 30- the Immortal Hulk Hogan- announced on the March 10th Raw that he would be promoting a 30 man, over-the-top-rope Battle Royal in honor of the memory of his greatest foe, Andre the Giant, at WrestleMania 30.
It won’t be the first Battle Royal in WrestleMania history; it will be (un)lucky number 13 on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Nearly half of the WrestleManias in history have featured a Battle Royal of some kind; after all, what better way to get wrestlers who might not be on the biggest card of the year a spot and a payday? Of the previous dozen: some have been on the main card; some have been on the pre-show; some have been for a future title shot; and at least one put an actual championship on the line!
Where do they each rank compared with the others? Inside are...
It won’t be the first Battle Royal in WrestleMania history; it will be (un)lucky number 13 on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Nearly half of the WrestleManias in history have featured a Battle Royal of some kind; after all, what better way to get wrestlers who might not be on the biggest card of the year a spot and a payday? Of the previous dozen: some have been on the main card; some have been on the pre-show; some have been for a future title shot; and at least one put an actual championship on the line!
Where do they each rank compared with the others? Inside are...
- 3/19/2014
- by The 'House
- Obsessed with Film
In the early 90s in the then-wwf, it seemed if you weren’t a main-event player, money was kind of tight, and a second job was required. Bob Holly was a racecar driver, Tl Hopper was a plumber and Duke Droese was a garbage man. Things must have picked up on the business end around 1995, as the last of the evil taxmen and corrupt college deans and the like left, leaving the ring to superstars like Steve Austin, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels.
But, unless a superstar was at that main-event level- like the three aforementioned big names- it’s a possibility that retirement from the squared-circle is not treating them particularly well money-wise. And like most Americans- or former evil Russians now living in America, as we’ll find out- a second “career” can suck, or it can be a blessing. Who has made a successful switch from professional...
But, unless a superstar was at that main-event level- like the three aforementioned big names- it’s a possibility that retirement from the squared-circle is not treating them particularly well money-wise. And like most Americans- or former evil Russians now living in America, as we’ll find out- a second “career” can suck, or it can be a blessing. Who has made a successful switch from professional...
- 3/8/2014
- by The 'House
- Obsessed with Film
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Undertaker_2012.jpg
The Undertaker’s 21-0 Wrestlemania undefeated streak is the last great record in professional wrestling. No male superstar will ever again match Bruno Sammartino’s combined 4,040 days as Wwwf champion. No wrestler regardless of gender will ever touch the Fabulous Moolah’s legendary 27-year reign as Women’s Champion. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever see the “Honky-Meter” again during an Intercontinental Championship reign. And no other wrestler it seems will be able to come close to the Phenom’s streak of wins at the “grandest stage of all.”
But he isn’t the only undefeated superstar at Wrestlemania. Sure, he’s undefeated with the most matches, but 16 other superstars have at least a 2-0 record (one victory does not a streak make) or better (not counting pre-show losses or Battle Royal eliminations.) Who are the others who can claim to...
The Undertaker’s 21-0 Wrestlemania undefeated streak is the last great record in professional wrestling. No male superstar will ever again match Bruno Sammartino’s combined 4,040 days as Wwwf champion. No wrestler regardless of gender will ever touch the Fabulous Moolah’s legendary 27-year reign as Women’s Champion. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever see the “Honky-Meter” again during an Intercontinental Championship reign. And no other wrestler it seems will be able to come close to the Phenom’s streak of wins at the “grandest stage of all.”
But he isn’t the only undefeated superstar at Wrestlemania. Sure, he’s undefeated with the most matches, but 16 other superstars have at least a 2-0 record (one victory does not a streak make) or better (not counting pre-show losses or Battle Royal eliminations.) Who are the others who can claim to...
- 3/6/2014
- by The 'House
- Obsessed with Film
WWE presents Elimination Chamber on Sunday and has a more intriguing than usual card on deck. The event’s signature match will be the focal point, with all eyes on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and whether or not the WWE might pull a swerve and change up the rumored WrestleMania plans that have, thus far, underwhelmed in creating substantial buzz on the internet. The main-event this weekend should surely be a great edition of the gimmick, no matter the outcome. It is full of elite workers; arguably as impressive a line-up of in-ring ability as we have seen since the stipulation debuted in November 2002.
Where will the 2014 Chamber rank amongst its peers? Time will tell. Before we get to Sunday’s event, though, let us look back at the Elimination Chamber, match by match, and see what Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Christian, Sheamus, and Randy Orton are up against,...
Where will the 2014 Chamber rank amongst its peers? Time will tell. Before we get to Sunday’s event, though, let us look back at the Elimination Chamber, match by match, and see what Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Christian, Sheamus, and Randy Orton are up against,...
- 2/19/2014
- by "The Doc" Chad Matthews
- Obsessed with Film
Wrestling is a tough business. What other form of entertainment asks its performers to be bodyslammed, Tombstone piledriven and thrown through a table? Nothing, that’s what! For the performers, there’s no quit. They can’t just give up mid-match if they’re hurt. They have to keep going no matter how much blood they’ve lost or how much pain they’re in.
Someone has to get pinned.
Here, we take a look at the worst injuries in a WWE ring where the stars were somehow able to finish the match. Horrifying injuries like Joey Mercury breaking his nose on a ladder shot to the face, and Bob Holly breaking his neck from a powerbomb won’t be found here, since those incidents happened at the end of a match, or they were unable to continue.
It takes an incredible amount of guts and fortitude to keep working through extreme pain.
Someone has to get pinned.
Here, we take a look at the worst injuries in a WWE ring where the stars were somehow able to finish the match. Horrifying injuries like Joey Mercury breaking his nose on a ladder shot to the face, and Bob Holly breaking his neck from a powerbomb won’t be found here, since those incidents happened at the end of a match, or they were unable to continue.
It takes an incredible amount of guts and fortitude to keep working through extreme pain.
- 12/22/2013
- by Andrew Soucek
- Obsessed with Film
In a year where the WWE’s other spiritual home, Madison Square Garden has learned that it will be soon be moving locations, I’ve been thinking a lot about the arenas that have housed the biggest moments in wrestling history. Since Madison Square Garden is getting its own WWE DVD, I decided to take a closer look at the WWE’s official home for the biggest party of the summer, the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Opened in 1999, the Staples Center has always been a hotbed of WWE activity, despite also being the home of the La Lakers, La Clippers and the La Kings.
15. Raw: April 3rd 2000 - The Beginning of a Beautiful Relationship
The first big WWE event in the Staples Center was an episode of Raw broadcast the night after Wrestlemania 2000, which according to Jr sold out in 11 minutes. This Raw would host the fallout from the night before,...
Opened in 1999, the Staples Center has always been a hotbed of WWE activity, despite also being the home of the La Lakers, La Clippers and the La Kings.
15. Raw: April 3rd 2000 - The Beginning of a Beautiful Relationship
The first big WWE event in the Staples Center was an episode of Raw broadcast the night after Wrestlemania 2000, which according to Jr sold out in 11 minutes. This Raw would host the fallout from the night before,...
- 8/14/2013
- by Patrick Farren
- Obsessed with Film
Recently in WWE we have seen many superstars change their image and name. Joe Hennig went from Michael McGillicutty to Curtis Axel in order to save his career, Ryan Reeves went from Skip Sheffield to Ryback and has gained more recognition since even main eventing Extreme Rules against John Cena for the WWE Championship.
More recently we have seen Windham Rotunda change his name from Husky Harris to Bray Wyatt, although this has been a huge positive and lift for Wyatt’s career there has been chants of ‘Husky Harris’ through the arena most notably on his debut.
In this article I’m going to look at the history of name changing in the WWE and bring to you the superstars who have altered their persona for success.
5. Isaac Yankem Dds Became Kane
Kane’s real name is Glen Jacobs and when he came to the WWE Vince Mcmahon originally...
More recently we have seen Windham Rotunda change his name from Husky Harris to Bray Wyatt, although this has been a huge positive and lift for Wyatt’s career there has been chants of ‘Husky Harris’ through the arena most notably on his debut.
In this article I’m going to look at the history of name changing in the WWE and bring to you the superstars who have altered their persona for success.
5. Isaac Yankem Dds Became Kane
Kane’s real name is Glen Jacobs and when he came to the WWE Vince Mcmahon originally...
- 8/4/2013
- by Nathan Ritchie
- Obsessed with Film
I’ve followed WWE off and on since around 1991, when I was but an 8 year old. The business now, nearly 22 years later, is totally different, and yet exactly the same as it always was. Whilst the look and feel of the product has evolved over time, WWE has always had the ability to enthral, captivate and frustrate in equal measure, and in that regard some things never change.
A good example of this is the way in which matches and storylines are booked. Every once in a while an event transpires that genuinely surprises – like Edge cashing in his Money In The Bank contract in 2006 against a broken John Cena, who had seemingly once again demonstrated his invulnerability – until Mr. Copeland cashed in with ruthlessness and opportunistic timing. Likewise, Eddie Guerrero snatching the WWE title at No Way Out 2004 took me by surprise. Marty Jannetty answering Shawn Michaels’ challenge to...
A good example of this is the way in which matches and storylines are booked. Every once in a while an event transpires that genuinely surprises – like Edge cashing in his Money In The Bank contract in 2006 against a broken John Cena, who had seemingly once again demonstrated his invulnerability – until Mr. Copeland cashed in with ruthlessness and opportunistic timing. Likewise, Eddie Guerrero snatching the WWE title at No Way Out 2004 took me by surprise. Marty Jannetty answering Shawn Michaels’ challenge to...
- 12/23/2012
- by Adam Marsden
- Obsessed with Film
Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page is expected to be tonight’s mystery “former Raw main eventer” making a comeback appearance.
Tonight’s WWE Raw SuperShow takes place from Laredo, Texas and the appearance was hyped/rumoured on DDPYoga Facebook today;
“I just talked to Ddp and he said that he was on his way to Texas but wouldn’t say why..”
We would guess he’ll be the latest former main eventer to put Heath Slater out of his misery in another squash match. If you know what’s good for you Heath don’t turn up tonight as you will almost certainly be getting the Diamond Cutter if you do!
After the recent returns of Vader (huge pop, biggest of the night), Rowdy Roddy Piper (great pop, though didn’t wrestle) and Psycho Sid (little reaction), I imagine Ddp will probably eclipse all of the above.
Tonight’s WWE Raw SuperShow takes place from Laredo, Texas and the appearance was hyped/rumoured on DDPYoga Facebook today;
“I just talked to Ddp and he said that he was on his way to Texas but wouldn’t say why..”
We would guess he’ll be the latest former main eventer to put Heath Slater out of his misery in another squash match. If you know what’s good for you Heath don’t turn up tonight as you will almost certainly be getting the Diamond Cutter if you do!
After the recent returns of Vader (huge pop, biggest of the night), Rowdy Roddy Piper (great pop, though didn’t wrestle) and Psycho Sid (little reaction), I imagine Ddp will probably eclipse all of the above.
- 7/2/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
We are less than a month away from WrestleMania 28, and as always there is huge hype surrounding the top few matches on the card. But spare a thought for the match that takes place first on the card, whose job is to get the show off to a good start and psyche up the crowd.
What follows is a collection of the best of those opening matches, and what’s interesting is how many participants went on from opening the show, to main eventing it a few years later.
10. WrestleMania 15
Hardcore Title Match: Billy Gunn vs. Al Snow vs. Hardcore Holly
This match marked the first time that the Hardcore Title was defended at a Wrestlemania event. Prior to this match, Gunn was part of the Intercontinental Title programme, while his partner Road Dogg was the one known for Hardcore. For some reason, they switched divisions and Gunn defended here.
What follows is a collection of the best of those opening matches, and what’s interesting is how many participants went on from opening the show, to main eventing it a few years later.
10. WrestleMania 15
Hardcore Title Match: Billy Gunn vs. Al Snow vs. Hardcore Holly
This match marked the first time that the Hardcore Title was defended at a Wrestlemania event. Prior to this match, Gunn was part of the Intercontinental Title programme, while his partner Road Dogg was the one known for Hardcore. For some reason, they switched divisions and Gunn defended here.
- 3/12/2012
- by Patrick Farren
- Obsessed with Film
There is a famous quote in Woody Allen’s Hannah and Her Sisters in which Max Von Sydow’s character Frederick ponders aloud:
“You see the whole culture. Nazis, deodorant salesmen, wrestlers, beauty contests, a talk show. Can you imagine the level of a mind that watches wrestling?”
To Frederick it is baffling anyone would waste their time watching men in spandex engage in an orgy of pre-planned fake violence. Yet to Roland Barthes, the famous academic and acclaimed thinker, wrestling transcends the primitive notion that it consists solely of pretend fights; to him wrestling was one of the grand spectacles – part ballet, part Greek morality play, theatre and athletics combined, storytelling through physicality. Andy Kaufman, renowned for his eccentric humour, alternatively saw wrestling as a sublime medium for performing arts – blending fact and fantasy to invoke very real emotion from audiences.
To say professional wrestling is a subject that...
“You see the whole culture. Nazis, deodorant salesmen, wrestlers, beauty contests, a talk show. Can you imagine the level of a mind that watches wrestling?”
To Frederick it is baffling anyone would waste their time watching men in spandex engage in an orgy of pre-planned fake violence. Yet to Roland Barthes, the famous academic and acclaimed thinker, wrestling transcends the primitive notion that it consists solely of pretend fights; to him wrestling was one of the grand spectacles – part ballet, part Greek morality play, theatre and athletics combined, storytelling through physicality. Andy Kaufman, renowned for his eccentric humour, alternatively saw wrestling as a sublime medium for performing arts – blending fact and fantasy to invoke very real emotion from audiences.
To say professional wrestling is a subject that...
- 12/15/2009
- by Kieron Casey
- ReelLoop.com
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