The behind-the-scenes world of professional wrestling was infamously closed off to the public for decades, frustrating fans who craved a glimpse of what their favorite performers were really like
outside the ring.
That all changed with the internet and social media. And now, the industry is peeling back the mystique further via a slew of docuseries about pro wrestling’s biggest stars and aspiring grapplers.
WWE has a slate of four shows with A&e, including “WWE Rivals” and “WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures.” Meanwhile, Vice TV is releasing Season 4 of the series “Dark Side of the Ring” on May 30. Also in the mix, Apple TV+ recently aired the docuseries “Monster Factory,” named after the famed pro wrestling school in New Jersey where it takes place, and TBS began airing the All Elite Wrestling show “Aew: All Access” in March.
Evan Husney, co-creator and executive producer of “Dark Side of the Ring,...
outside the ring.
That all changed with the internet and social media. And now, the industry is peeling back the mystique further via a slew of docuseries about pro wrestling’s biggest stars and aspiring grapplers.
WWE has a slate of four shows with A&e, including “WWE Rivals” and “WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures.” Meanwhile, Vice TV is releasing Season 4 of the series “Dark Side of the Ring” on May 30. Also in the mix, Apple TV+ recently aired the docuseries “Monster Factory,” named after the famed pro wrestling school in New Jersey where it takes place, and TBS began airing the All Elite Wrestling show “Aew: All Access” in March.
Evan Husney, co-creator and executive producer of “Dark Side of the Ring,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The 1990s had a plethora of action films, and movies in general, released direct-to-video. The film rental business was booming, and some video stores even hosted signing events with the stars to promote the films and their business. Direct to video action films were the most popular Dtv genre (next to soft-core erotica) and they were produced by the ton. Every week brought a new bunch of options to your local Blockbuster or Mom & Pop store. For the purpose of this list, the titles selected are fun watches even now, that were released direct-to-video for the majority of the population, and they were decently popular on the video store shelves. Without further ado, here are 5 of our favorites!
Lady Dragon (1992)
Let’s start with the Queen of 90s action in the US, the one, the only, the kickass Cynthia Rothrock. This woman is the real deal, with many martial arts...
Lady Dragon (1992)
Let’s start with the Queen of 90s action in the US, the one, the only, the kickass Cynthia Rothrock. This woman is the real deal, with many martial arts...
- 9/18/2022
- by Emilie Black
- JoBlo.com
Article by Mark Longden
I love regional genre cinema – those movies that existed in the early days of VHS and video rental stores,
when seemingly anything could turn a small profit. There are many of them – 1977’s “The Demon
Lover”, 1987’s “Night Screams”, and the early movies of Donald Farmer, among many many more. It was
with great delight when I read the We Are Movie Geeks article on the St Louis Video Society and their
upcoming showing of a local movie so obscure it doesn’t even have an IMDb page, the amazing “Justice
Ninja Style”.
This gem was filmed in DeSoto, a little drive out of St Louis in what would politely be referred to as rural
Missouri, and is the brainchild of one Ron White, an apparent 10th dan black belt in karate. He’s written a
few books, including one with the excellent title “So You...
I love regional genre cinema – those movies that existed in the early days of VHS and video rental stores,
when seemingly anything could turn a small profit. There are many of them – 1977’s “The Demon
Lover”, 1987’s “Night Screams”, and the early movies of Donald Farmer, among many many more. It was
with great delight when I read the We Are Movie Geeks article on the St Louis Video Society and their
upcoming showing of a local movie so obscure it doesn’t even have an IMDb page, the amazing “Justice
Ninja Style”.
This gem was filmed in DeSoto, a little drive out of St Louis in what would politely be referred to as rural
Missouri, and is the brainchild of one Ron White, an apparent 10th dan black belt in karate. He’s written a
few books, including one with the excellent title “So You...
- 9/18/2017
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The following article contains spoilers.
When a movie is 76 years in the making, we hope for some great moments, and in that regard, Wonder Woman does not disappoint. Based upon the iconic DC comic book character created by William Moulton Marston in 1941, this is the first live-action feature film to focus on the Amazonian Warrior, and is the fourth instalment in the DC Extended Universe. It’s also the first live-action comic book movie to be directed by a woman since 2008’s Punisher: War Zone.
Needless to say, anticipation was high as the release date of June 2nd approached, and fans around the world had very clear ideas about what they wanted from Wonder Woman. It’s now apparent that director Patty Jenkins has hit all the right notes though, delivering a flawless introductory solo movie for this beloved character that’s earning praise from critics across the board.
Wonder Woman...
When a movie is 76 years in the making, we hope for some great moments, and in that regard, Wonder Woman does not disappoint. Based upon the iconic DC comic book character created by William Moulton Marston in 1941, this is the first live-action feature film to focus on the Amazonian Warrior, and is the fourth instalment in the DC Extended Universe. It’s also the first live-action comic book movie to be directed by a woman since 2008’s Punisher: War Zone.
Needless to say, anticipation was high as the release date of June 2nd approached, and fans around the world had very clear ideas about what they wanted from Wonder Woman. It’s now apparent that director Patty Jenkins has hit all the right notes though, delivering a flawless introductory solo movie for this beloved character that’s earning praise from critics across the board.
Wonder Woman...
- 6/3/2017
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
It’s that time of year again. Wrestlemania is soon upon us. This event has become the most important event in professional wrestling, showcasing the best of the best of the sport putting on the show of their lives. With Wrestlemania appearing this Sunday on the WWE Network, I thought I’d take the time to discuss my ten favorite Wrestlemania matches, matches that to me epitomize everything that is great about the event. Like any list, it is purely subjective so if you disagree with anything or feel I left something out, let’s discuss it in the comments below.
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant- Wrestlemania 3
“The irresistible force meeting the immovable object!”
Without Wrestlemania 3, it’s possible that Wrestlemania could have gone the way of Starrcade. The first two Wrestlemania’s, while star studded and showing some glimpses of what the event eventually became, were more events of their time.
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant- Wrestlemania 3
“The irresistible force meeting the immovable object!”
Without Wrestlemania 3, it’s possible that Wrestlemania could have gone the way of Starrcade. The first two Wrestlemania’s, while star studded and showing some glimpses of what the event eventually became, were more events of their time.
- 3/30/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
Back in the day, I used to be all about the warriors and drama of the WWF. While I didn't always pay close attention to the story lines between scharacters, I was known to appreciate an entertaining and sweaty ballet of strength and skill as much as the next 8-year-old growing up in the 80s. If I think back, I can still recall the days when The Ultimate Warrior was an enigmatic beast... Read More...
- 2/13/2017
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Portland, Oregon is a city rich in history when it comes to professional wrestling. Starting with the territory owned by Don Owens, it saw the rise of performers like Billy Jack Haynes, Jimmy Snuka, and the legendary “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Today, the big dog in town of course is the WWE. Tonight at the Moda Center, the WWE held Monday Night Raw and I had the pleasure of attending the show live.
WWE Camera Crew at work
This was not the first Monday Night Raw I’ve ever attended. That distinction belongs to the episode that played on August 27th, 2001 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Time flies when you’re having fun and to think that close to sixteen years have passed since I last attended an episode of Raw blows my mind. (I did attend the WWE Pay per View The Bash in 2009 at Arco Arena in Sacramento,...
WWE Camera Crew at work
This was not the first Monday Night Raw I’ve ever attended. That distinction belongs to the episode that played on August 27th, 2001 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Time flies when you’re having fun and to think that close to sixteen years have passed since I last attended an episode of Raw blows my mind. (I did attend the WWE Pay per View The Bash in 2009 at Arco Arena in Sacramento,...
- 2/7/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
On September 18th, 1989, I attend my first WWE Live Event. It was a House Show at the old Stadium Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Main Event of the show saw The Ultimate Warrior face off against Andre the Giant for the Intercontinental Championship. Other legends that were a part of the show were Shawn Michaels and Marty Janetty, Rick The Model Martel, Barry Windham, The Honky Tonk Man, and Superfly Jimmy Snuka.
I bring this up because word came out today that Jimmy Snuka has passed away at the age of 73 due to stomach cancer. His work in the ring speaks for itself. He was a legend that helped inspire the likes of Mick Foley to lace up the boots and become competitors themselves. He was also the first notch on The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania when The Undertaker defeated him at Wrestlemania 7. He also had a...
I bring this up because word came out today that Jimmy Snuka has passed away at the age of 73 due to stomach cancer. His work in the ring speaks for itself. He was a legend that helped inspire the likes of Mick Foley to lace up the boots and become competitors themselves. He was also the first notch on The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania when The Undertaker defeated him at Wrestlemania 7. He also had a...
- 1/15/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
This time of year the WWE makes every effort they can to step up their performance. With Wrestlemania around the corner, they want to make sure as many eyes as possible are watching the Granddaddy of Them All. It’s also a time to reflect and honor the past as this is usually the time of year they start announcing the next WWE Hall of Fame class. Thanks to Bryan Alvarez from the Wrestling Observer, we may have some clue as to who will be a part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Let’s discuss the picks now but remember, until they’re confirmed by the WWE, these choices are strictly rumor at this point.
Diamond Dallas Page
A deserving choice if there ever was one. Starting off as a manager, he worked his way up in his late 30’s to become a wrestler and eventual WCW World Champion.
Diamond Dallas Page
A deserving choice if there ever was one. Starting off as a manager, he worked his way up in his late 30’s to become a wrestler and eventual WCW World Champion.
- 1/12/2017
- by Tim Jousma
- LRMonline.com
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4lDwG_vVmw&w=640&h=390]
Nancy Grace feels she had every right to walk out of a SiriusXM interview on Tuesday, after the hosts accused her of “capitalizing on dead kids.”
Appearing on The View Wednesday morning, the 56-year-old Hln host said she had no idea that she was going to be grilled so hard while visiting The Jim Norton and Sam Roberts Show to promote her new Hallmark movie, Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder and Love, and book, Murder in the Courthouse.
“I thought it was just a morning show,” she said. “I had no idea I was going to be interviewed by Beavis and Butt-head.
Nancy Grace feels she had every right to walk out of a SiriusXM interview on Tuesday, after the hosts accused her of “capitalizing on dead kids.”
Appearing on The View Wednesday morning, the 56-year-old Hln host said she had no idea that she was going to be grilled so hard while visiting The Jim Norton and Sam Roberts Show to promote her new Hallmark movie, Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder and Love, and book, Murder in the Courthouse.
“I thought it was just a morning show,” she said. “I had no idea I was going to be interviewed by Beavis and Butt-head.
- 10/12/2016
- by Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
It seems reports that Kelly Ripa was blindsided by co-host Michael Strahan’s departure news were not greatly exaggerated.
VideosRegis and Kathie Lee to Reunite on Today Show
On Wednesday’s Live With Kelly and Michael, the show’s first telecast since Tuesday’s announcement that Strahan was transitioning to a full-time gig on Good Morning America, Ripa was a surprise no-show. As a result, Strahan was forced to awkwardly address his looming exit opposite guest co-host Ana Gasteyer.
“I’m leaving this show and I’m going over to Gma full time, which is going to happen in September,...
VideosRegis and Kathie Lee to Reunite on Today Show
On Wednesday’s Live With Kelly and Michael, the show’s first telecast since Tuesday’s announcement that Strahan was transitioning to a full-time gig on Good Morning America, Ripa was a surprise no-show. As a result, Strahan was forced to awkwardly address his looming exit opposite guest co-host Ana Gasteyer.
“I’m leaving this show and I’m going over to Gma full time, which is going to happen in September,...
- 4/20/2016
- TVLine.com
WWE.com
Since its debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 31, 1985, WWE’s annual WrestleMania extravaganza has brought us some of the greatest pro wrestling matches ever contested.
Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (1987), Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior (1991), Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (1994), Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (1997), Austin vs. The Rock (2001), Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (2005), Edge vs. The Undertaker (2008), Michaels vs. Undertaker (2009 and 2010) and others held at the show of shows are widely regarded as classics.
Along this epic journey, through 31 events on which there have collectively been more than 320 matches, Vince McMahon’s organisation has subjected us to oodles of painfully average and dismal confrontations, which are not remembered fondly — or even remembered at all. Of course it has. And then there are those matches which fall into another category: bouts dismissed by pundits and wrestling devotees as absurd, tedious or dreadful which, upon further evaluation,...
Since its debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 31, 1985, WWE’s annual WrestleMania extravaganza has brought us some of the greatest pro wrestling matches ever contested.
Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (1987), Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior (1991), Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (1994), Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin (1997), Austin vs. The Rock (2001), Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (2005), Edge vs. The Undertaker (2008), Michaels vs. Undertaker (2009 and 2010) and others held at the show of shows are widely regarded as classics.
Along this epic journey, through 31 events on which there have collectively been more than 320 matches, Vince McMahon’s organisation has subjected us to oodles of painfully average and dismal confrontations, which are not remembered fondly — or even remembered at all. Of course it has. And then there are those matches which fall into another category: bouts dismissed by pundits and wrestling devotees as absurd, tedious or dreadful which, upon further evaluation,...
- 4/1/2016
- by Fin Martin
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Recognising that his company needed something different with which to battle the rest of the 1990’s successfully, Vince McMahon decided to try a different direction in 1992.
At least temporarily, emphasis was shifted away from massive men like Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior and , instead, the spotlight shone directly on smaller, more athletic wrestlers such as Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.
Both would go on to become WWF Heavyweight Champions, and ended up having one of the most hotly contested rivalries in wrestling history. Back in ’92, however, the pair were friends, both realising that they had an in-ring kinship which might force management’s perceptions about size to change.
Consistent sterling in-ring performances were key reasons for the success of Hart and Michaels, and even McMahon himself seemed impressed by their work.
For Bret Hart, being regarded as a workhorse was like a badge of honour. When he...
Recognising that his company needed something different with which to battle the rest of the 1990’s successfully, Vince McMahon decided to try a different direction in 1992.
At least temporarily, emphasis was shifted away from massive men like Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior and , instead, the spotlight shone directly on smaller, more athletic wrestlers such as Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.
Both would go on to become WWF Heavyweight Champions, and ended up having one of the most hotly contested rivalries in wrestling history. Back in ’92, however, the pair were friends, both realising that they had an in-ring kinship which might force management’s perceptions about size to change.
Consistent sterling in-ring performances were key reasons for the success of Hart and Michaels, and even McMahon himself seemed impressed by their work.
For Bret Hart, being regarded as a workhorse was like a badge of honour. When he...
- 3/25/2016
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm was released almost 37 years ago and, for almost as long, genre fans have suffered with the subpar treatment of this cult classic in terms of the film’s appearance and inadequate sound mix. Thankfully, that is no longer the case due to J. J. Abrams and the awesome folks at Bad Robot taking on the 4K restoration of Phantasm as a passion project, and the results are beyond stunning. The film has never looked or sounded better than it does in this iteration and, for those of us who have fondly followed the series, it’s a beautiful tribute to both the fans and the work of those involved with Phantasm, including the late, great Angus Scrimm.
Considering the climate of the genre when it was released in the late ’70s, Phantasm has always stood out to me as one of the more uniquely terrifying horror...
Considering the climate of the genre when it was released in the late ’70s, Phantasm has always stood out to me as one of the more uniquely terrifying horror...
- 3/22/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
WWE.com
Face paint is an old and well-known element of the pro-wrestling world. Throughout different generations, there have been several memorable performers who did their best work with their faces painted, including (but in no way limited to) guys like Jim Hellwig (Ultimate Warrior), Steve Borden (Sting), and Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow (Ax and Smash of Demolition).
Just like masks, the paint helps to extend a wrestler’s visual style and personality above the shoulders, and care needs to be taken to pull it off right. A good piece can enhance a character and present more cosmetic options than masks. A bad piece, however, can completely nullify them.
Without a doubt, there have been some ugly face paints, but that doesn’t necessarily make them bad. Aja Kong springs to mind… she will not be on this list.
This is simply a collection of the ten more poorly-conceived,...
Face paint is an old and well-known element of the pro-wrestling world. Throughout different generations, there have been several memorable performers who did their best work with their faces painted, including (but in no way limited to) guys like Jim Hellwig (Ultimate Warrior), Steve Borden (Sting), and Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow (Ax and Smash of Demolition).
Just like masks, the paint helps to extend a wrestler’s visual style and personality above the shoulders, and care needs to be taken to pull it off right. A good piece can enhance a character and present more cosmetic options than masks. A bad piece, however, can completely nullify them.
Without a doubt, there have been some ugly face paints, but that doesn’t necessarily make them bad. Aja Kong springs to mind… she will not be on this list.
This is simply a collection of the ten more poorly-conceived,...
- 3/22/2016
- by Luke Lafontaine
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Bret “Hitman” Hart began his career in his father’s Stampede Wrestling promotion, before achieving global superstardom in the World Wrestling Federation in the ’80’s and ’90’s. His no-nonsense attitude, and the legitimacy that came with being a Hart Brother from the infamous family Dungeon enabled Bret to bypass the cartoon gimmicks that were handed out to his WWF colleagues.
And so, while his peers on the WWF roster were saddled with ludicrous personas (such as the gifted Terry Taylor being made to cluck and strut as The Red Rooster), Bret was able to sidestep all of the cornball nonsense and continually be presented as a serious athlete.
Forget the multiple championship wins, being presented simply as a wrestler in Vince McMahon’s 80’s universe,was perhaps Bret’s greatest accomplishment.
That being said, even a guy as respected and decorated as ‘the Hitman’ would still occasionally find...
Bret “Hitman” Hart began his career in his father’s Stampede Wrestling promotion, before achieving global superstardom in the World Wrestling Federation in the ’80’s and ’90’s. His no-nonsense attitude, and the legitimacy that came with being a Hart Brother from the infamous family Dungeon enabled Bret to bypass the cartoon gimmicks that were handed out to his WWF colleagues.
And so, while his peers on the WWF roster were saddled with ludicrous personas (such as the gifted Terry Taylor being made to cluck and strut as The Red Rooster), Bret was able to sidestep all of the cornball nonsense and continually be presented as a serious athlete.
Forget the multiple championship wins, being presented simply as a wrestler in Vince McMahon’s 80’s universe,was perhaps Bret’s greatest accomplishment.
That being said, even a guy as respected and decorated as ‘the Hitman’ would still occasionally find...
- 3/16/2016
- by Daniel Donnelly
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The main event of any pro wrestling pay-per-view should be the absolute apex of that show. That’s a given, but when it comes to WrestleMania that sense is heightened even further. There’s no doubt about it: the main event of ‘Mania is the single most important bout on the WWE calendar.
The match has lived up to that billing, on occasion anyway. For example, can anyone name a match which sums up 1990 better than ‘The Ultimate Challenge’ pitting Hulk Hogan against The Ultimate Warrior? Is there a bout that could top Steve Austin vs. The Rock from WrestleMania X-Seven in the drama and excitement stakes?
Those matches were undoubtedly highlights in ‘Mania history, and they shan’t be forgotten any time soon. Whilst the openers on those particular supercards may have been fine, they could never hope to outshine the main event.
That’s not necessarily...
The main event of any pro wrestling pay-per-view should be the absolute apex of that show. That’s a given, but when it comes to WrestleMania that sense is heightened even further. There’s no doubt about it: the main event of ‘Mania is the single most important bout on the WWE calendar.
The match has lived up to that billing, on occasion anyway. For example, can anyone name a match which sums up 1990 better than ‘The Ultimate Challenge’ pitting Hulk Hogan against The Ultimate Warrior? Is there a bout that could top Steve Austin vs. The Rock from WrestleMania X-Seven in the drama and excitement stakes?
Those matches were undoubtedly highlights in ‘Mania history, and they shan’t be forgotten any time soon. Whilst the openers on those particular supercards may have been fine, they could never hope to outshine the main event.
That’s not necessarily...
- 3/14/2016
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Triple H will headline yet another WrestleMania extravaganza on April 3 when he defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of the company’s spring classic. It is not the first time he has set foot in the squared circle in such a high-profile situation. In fact, over the course of his celebrated career he has competed in the last match on the ‘Mania card six times, has been involved in championship bouts nine times, and battled at the Showcase of the Immortals a whopping nineteen times, including eight straight.
There is a sense of importance that comes with all of his championship defenses, his heated grudge matches are often the most anticipated on the card and his victories and defeats are some of the most buzzed about of the year. One of the final remnants of the celebrated Attitude Era, he has...
Triple H will headline yet another WrestleMania extravaganza on April 3 when he defends the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of the company’s spring classic. It is not the first time he has set foot in the squared circle in such a high-profile situation. In fact, over the course of his celebrated career he has competed in the last match on the ‘Mania card six times, has been involved in championship bouts nine times, and battled at the Showcase of the Immortals a whopping nineteen times, including eight straight.
There is a sense of importance that comes with all of his championship defenses, his heated grudge matches are often the most anticipated on the card and his victories and defeats are some of the most buzzed about of the year. One of the final remnants of the celebrated Attitude Era, he has...
- 3/13/2016
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The WWE Hall Of Fame began as a tribute to Andre The Giant just weeks after his passing in 1993 and has grown to become a fairly-respected institution recognizing all of professional wrestling’s greatest contributors. A few of those inductees are no doubt, surefire, “first ballot” (if the WWE had a voting process and ballots to go along with it) Hall Of Famers.
Even fewer of those contributors are marquee names that are capable of headlining the ceremony, drawing thousands of ticket sales. After all, the Hall Of Fame is more of a show now than it ever has been before and, like every other event that WWE puts on throughout the year, the final act must be worth the wait.
Superstars like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and The Ultimate Warrior are examples of those prestigious contributors that have become headlining Hall Of Famers, but as the years go by,...
The WWE Hall Of Fame began as a tribute to Andre The Giant just weeks after his passing in 1993 and has grown to become a fairly-respected institution recognizing all of professional wrestling’s greatest contributors. A few of those inductees are no doubt, surefire, “first ballot” (if the WWE had a voting process and ballots to go along with it) Hall Of Famers.
Even fewer of those contributors are marquee names that are capable of headlining the ceremony, drawing thousands of ticket sales. After all, the Hall Of Fame is more of a show now than it ever has been before and, like every other event that WWE puts on throughout the year, the final act must be worth the wait.
Superstars like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and The Ultimate Warrior are examples of those prestigious contributors that have become headlining Hall Of Famers, but as the years go by,...
- 3/6/2016
- by Matt Davis
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Traditionally, the main event of WrestleMania is the one match that fans should be expected to get excited for. Think back to ‘Mania X-Seven, when The Rock collided with Steve Austin, or even WrestleMania VI, when Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior met in a match dubbed ‘The Ultimate Challenge’. Those were matches to build the entire pay-per-view around.
Then, there’s the other side of the coin. For example, which match from WrestleMania 13 do people remember most fondly, Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart or The Undertaker vs. Sycho Sid? Of course, it was the double turn, blood-soaked battle between Austin and Hart, yet that wasn’t the main event on the show. Instead, ‘Taker and Sid struggled to follow on from the wonderful antics of their peers.
Fast forward to 2016, and it looks like the main event of WrestleMania 32 will similarly struggle to justify its...
Traditionally, the main event of WrestleMania is the one match that fans should be expected to get excited for. Think back to ‘Mania X-Seven, when The Rock collided with Steve Austin, or even WrestleMania VI, when Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior met in a match dubbed ‘The Ultimate Challenge’. Those were matches to build the entire pay-per-view around.
Then, there’s the other side of the coin. For example, which match from WrestleMania 13 do people remember most fondly, Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart or The Undertaker vs. Sycho Sid? Of course, it was the double turn, blood-soaked battle between Austin and Hart, yet that wasn’t the main event on the show. Instead, ‘Taker and Sid struggled to follow on from the wonderful antics of their peers.
Fast forward to 2016, and it looks like the main event of WrestleMania 32 will similarly struggle to justify its...
- 3/2/2016
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
Jakks Pacific
One of the best collector items when you’re a WWE fan are the huge range of action figures.
WWF first started releasing figures with the Ljn range from 1984-1989, which we ought to go easy on given the technology available at the time. Yes, a lot of them looked nothing like the wrestlers they were supposed to represent, but we still wanted to collect them all, right?
Then we got Hasbro figures from 1990-1995 which were a little better, at least for the most part. In 1996 Jakks Pacific got the license and did some of the best and Worst figures that I’ve personally ever seen, some of which you’ll see in this article.
For the last eight years, Mattel have had the WWE license and produced some excellent figures ranging from current roster members like John Cena to legends and Hall of Famers like The Ultimate Warrior.
One of the best collector items when you’re a WWE fan are the huge range of action figures.
WWF first started releasing figures with the Ljn range from 1984-1989, which we ought to go easy on given the technology available at the time. Yes, a lot of them looked nothing like the wrestlers they were supposed to represent, but we still wanted to collect them all, right?
Then we got Hasbro figures from 1990-1995 which were a little better, at least for the most part. In 1996 Jakks Pacific got the license and did some of the best and Worst figures that I’ve personally ever seen, some of which you’ll see in this article.
For the last eight years, Mattel have had the WWE license and produced some excellent figures ranging from current roster members like John Cena to legends and Hall of Famers like The Ultimate Warrior.
- 2/23/2016
- by Kenny McIntosh
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
1996 was an interesting and notable year for wrestling. It was the first full year of the Monday Night Wars, it witnessed the birth of Austin 3:16, Hulk Hogan turning heel, the formation of the nWo, the infamous Brian Pillman gun angle, the Curtain Call, the defection of top stars between WCW and the WWF, Vince McMahon offering guaranteed contracts to his roster for the first time, and monthly pay-per-view events from both of the big two.
So much happened in such a short space of time, but what was the real story behind some of those events? What are the misconceptions that are commonly parroted and what are the real facts? And what are those bits and pieces of information that have not been widely reported?
From grandstand matches that never happened, defections that didn’t pan out, significant changes to booking, and originally proposed gimmick ideas, we have it all covered.
1996 was an interesting and notable year for wrestling. It was the first full year of the Monday Night Wars, it witnessed the birth of Austin 3:16, Hulk Hogan turning heel, the formation of the nWo, the infamous Brian Pillman gun angle, the Curtain Call, the defection of top stars between WCW and the WWF, Vince McMahon offering guaranteed contracts to his roster for the first time, and monthly pay-per-view events from both of the big two.
So much happened in such a short space of time, but what was the real story behind some of those events? What are the misconceptions that are commonly parroted and what are the real facts? And what are those bits and pieces of information that have not been widely reported?
From grandstand matches that never happened, defections that didn’t pan out, significant changes to booking, and originally proposed gimmick ideas, we have it all covered.
- 2/21/2016
- by James Dixon
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Had Dean Ambrose remained Intercontinental Champion headed into Fastlane on Sunday, you could almost count on him eating the pinfall, likely from ‘brother’ Roman Reigns. It’s a rare proposition (though not impossible) that a secondary titleholder would head into WrestleMania and face the WWE Champion, and Ambrose dropping the belt on Raw in a five-way match actually adds a bit of intrigue for Sunday. For some, it lays that seed that maybe, just maybe, Ambrose could garner the title match at WrestleMania after all.
While Reigns is still the most likely victor in Sunday’s triple threat, this wouldn’t be the first time a secondary champion has dropped the gold en route to his first WWE World Championship. The modern era of WWE is littered with examples of soon-to-be marquee talents ditching a lesser belt in eventual exchange for the grand prize, and it usually doesn’t take long.
Had Dean Ambrose remained Intercontinental Champion headed into Fastlane on Sunday, you could almost count on him eating the pinfall, likely from ‘brother’ Roman Reigns. It’s a rare proposition (though not impossible) that a secondary titleholder would head into WrestleMania and face the WWE Champion, and Ambrose dropping the belt on Raw in a five-way match actually adds a bit of intrigue for Sunday. For some, it lays that seed that maybe, just maybe, Ambrose could garner the title match at WrestleMania after all.
While Reigns is still the most likely victor in Sunday’s triple threat, this wouldn’t be the first time a secondary champion has dropped the gold en route to his first WWE World Championship. The modern era of WWE is littered with examples of soon-to-be marquee talents ditching a lesser belt in eventual exchange for the grand prize, and it usually doesn’t take long.
- 2/16/2016
- by Justin Henry
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Triple H has a reputation for being a manipulator, with accusations of selfish backstage politics cropping up at various times throughout his illustrious career. Main eventing WrestleMania 32 as WWE Champion, when he’s forty six years old and has only wrestled one match in the last year, is a perfect example – people suspect why he’s in that spot, and whether family connections might have something to do with it…
However, The Game is actually something of a glorified jobber when it comes to the Grandaddy of Them All. Sure, he gets his name in lights at the top of the bill, and he collects the big payoff, but he’s actually been a bit of a loser at the event. The same story is likely to be true this year, since’s he’s probably going to drop the belt to Roman Reigns on April 3.
At WrestleMania,...
Triple H has a reputation for being a manipulator, with accusations of selfish backstage politics cropping up at various times throughout his illustrious career. Main eventing WrestleMania 32 as WWE Champion, when he’s forty six years old and has only wrestled one match in the last year, is a perfect example – people suspect why he’s in that spot, and whether family connections might have something to do with it…
However, The Game is actually something of a glorified jobber when it comes to the Grandaddy of Them All. Sure, he gets his name in lights at the top of the bill, and he collects the big payoff, but he’s actually been a bit of a loser at the event. The same story is likely to be true this year, since’s he’s probably going to drop the belt to Roman Reigns on April 3.
At WrestleMania,...
- 1/29/2016
- by Grahame Herbert
- Obsessed with Film
Matt Davis
The night before WrestleMania XXX, at the 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony, the Ultimate Warrior voiced his desire for a future award that would recognize the hard-working, unsung heroes of WWE whose efforts made a lasting impression on those around them, suggesting it should be named the ‘Jimmy Miranda Award’ in memory of the late WWE merchandise guru.
Two days later, Warrior suddenly passed away and the very next year, WWE created the Warrior Award.
The wording that WWE used to describe their intended use of the Warrior Award makes the identity of future inductees unclear. The company’s explanation for the award is that it is meant to honor “individuals that live with courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior”. Whereas that is not exactly the same thing that Warrior had proposed in 2014, it very easily could be used in that manner...
The night before WrestleMania XXX, at the 2014 WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony, the Ultimate Warrior voiced his desire for a future award that would recognize the hard-working, unsung heroes of WWE whose efforts made a lasting impression on those around them, suggesting it should be named the ‘Jimmy Miranda Award’ in memory of the late WWE merchandise guru.
Two days later, Warrior suddenly passed away and the very next year, WWE created the Warrior Award.
The wording that WWE used to describe their intended use of the Warrior Award makes the identity of future inductees unclear. The company’s explanation for the award is that it is meant to honor “individuals that live with courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior”. Whereas that is not exactly the same thing that Warrior had proposed in 2014, it very easily could be used in that manner...
- 1/21/2016
- by Matt Davis
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
To a new generation of fans, the name Jake Roberts has unfortunately become synonymous with words like drugs, alcohol, addiction, rehab and…erm, yoga.
All of this can be seen in the recently released “The Resurrection of Jake The Snake”, the critically acclaimed documentary that was released on iTunes last week after a well-received theatrical run. But, before all of Jake’s personal problems became public and threatened to define him, he was one of the greatest talents in the history of WWE.
And for a very short time, he was also one of the company’s most hated and despicable heels.
In just nine months, while performing as one the most vile and truly evil villains in wrestling history, Jake racked up one disturbing moment after another as he antagonized legends such as The Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and The Undertaker. Jake helped redefine what a wrestling heel could be,...
To a new generation of fans, the name Jake Roberts has unfortunately become synonymous with words like drugs, alcohol, addiction, rehab and…erm, yoga.
All of this can be seen in the recently released “The Resurrection of Jake The Snake”, the critically acclaimed documentary that was released on iTunes last week after a well-received theatrical run. But, before all of Jake’s personal problems became public and threatened to define him, he was one of the greatest talents in the history of WWE.
And for a very short time, he was also one of the company’s most hated and despicable heels.
In just nine months, while performing as one the most vile and truly evil villains in wrestling history, Jake racked up one disturbing moment after another as he antagonized legends such as The Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and The Undertaker. Jake helped redefine what a wrestling heel could be,...
- 1/21/2016
- by Daniel Donnelly
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Last night, Roman Reigns successfully defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Sheamus in a live event from Winnipeg, Mb. Immediately after the bell, the referee threw up the dreaded X sign, perhaps signalling a legit injury for the Celtic Warrior.
As Reigns celebrated post-match, a limping Sheamus had to get help from WWE’s medical staff to walk to the backstage area.
With tonight’s Slammy Awards taking place on Raw from Minneapolis, Minnesota, it’ll be interesting to see if the former WWE Champion is able to appear. More information should become clear later today but with Sheamus seemingly being Reigns’ top opponent in live events for the next month, a decision on whether he is cleared to wrestle should be made shortly.
After holding the WWE title for three weeks from Survivor Series until the night after TLC, Sheamus did a solid job in presenting...
Last night, Roman Reigns successfully defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Sheamus in a live event from Winnipeg, Mb. Immediately after the bell, the referee threw up the dreaded X sign, perhaps signalling a legit injury for the Celtic Warrior.
As Reigns celebrated post-match, a limping Sheamus had to get help from WWE’s medical staff to walk to the backstage area.
With tonight’s Slammy Awards taking place on Raw from Minneapolis, Minnesota, it’ll be interesting to see if the former WWE Champion is able to appear. More information should become clear later today but with Sheamus seemingly being Reigns’ top opponent in live events for the next month, a decision on whether he is cleared to wrestle should be made shortly.
After holding the WWE title for three weeks from Survivor Series until the night after TLC, Sheamus did a solid job in presenting...
- 12/21/2015
- by Kenny McIntosh
- Obsessed with Film
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50/50 booking. It’s the term for WWE’s booking style in which talents win as often as they lose; winning 50% of the time, losing 50% of the time. The strategy is among the most foolish ways to present talents as it prevents them from getting over, and more often than not, does credible, long-term damage to the talents that are booked in this manner.
In show-business, being special is what draws money, not being average. Mike Tyson, Ronda Rousey, and Muhammad Ali are just a few examples of some of the biggest individual attractions in the history of combat sports. They were special. Professional sports clubs like the New York Yankees, Manchester United, and the New England Patriots are among the most popular teams on the planet because they win more than they lose.
Similarly, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker, and John Cena became WWE superstars by winning...
50/50 booking. It’s the term for WWE’s booking style in which talents win as often as they lose; winning 50% of the time, losing 50% of the time. The strategy is among the most foolish ways to present talents as it prevents them from getting over, and more often than not, does credible, long-term damage to the talents that are booked in this manner.
In show-business, being special is what draws money, not being average. Mike Tyson, Ronda Rousey, and Muhammad Ali are just a few examples of some of the biggest individual attractions in the history of combat sports. They were special. Professional sports clubs like the New York Yankees, Manchester United, and the New England Patriots are among the most popular teams on the planet because they win more than they lose.
Similarly, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker, and John Cena became WWE superstars by winning...
- 12/16/2015
- by Matt Davis
- Obsessed with Film
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So many spoilers: Peter Capaldi gives another masterclass in Doctor Who series 9's penultimate episode...
This review contains spoilers. Our spoiler-free review is here.
9.11 Heaven Sent
“The Doctor will see you now. Show me what you’ve got”
Doctor Who’s not done this before.
It’s the penultimate episode of the series. The stakes have been shot through the roof by the demise of Clara in Face The Raven. It’s the big lead into the final episode of the run. And, for virtually all of its runtime, there’s only one person in the episode.
Even this close to the end, Doctor Who series 9 is rolling the dice. And more often than not, as it does this week, it's winning.
”Get up off your arse and win”
Heaven Sent picks up, then, in the aftermath of last week’s episode, as the Doctor finds himself...
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So many spoilers: Peter Capaldi gives another masterclass in Doctor Who series 9's penultimate episode...
This review contains spoilers. Our spoiler-free review is here.
9.11 Heaven Sent
“The Doctor will see you now. Show me what you’ve got”
Doctor Who’s not done this before.
It’s the penultimate episode of the series. The stakes have been shot through the roof by the demise of Clara in Face The Raven. It’s the big lead into the final episode of the run. And, for virtually all of its runtime, there’s only one person in the episode.
Even this close to the end, Doctor Who series 9 is rolling the dice. And more often than not, as it does this week, it's winning.
”Get up off your arse and win”
Heaven Sent picks up, then, in the aftermath of last week’s episode, as the Doctor finds himself...
- 11/28/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
WWE.com
When Roman Reigns was crowned WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Survivor Series and it was only 10:35pm Eastern Time, we all knew shenanigans were imminent in some shape or form.
After Triple H came out to shake Roman’s hand and ate a spear for his troubles, there was a familiar Irishman waiting behind Reigns to hit a Brogue Kick, cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase and become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Initially, Reigns managed to kick out but after a second Brogue Kick, The Celtic Warrior had lifted the WWE World Heavyweight title for a fourth time.
Since the cash in, there has been an extremely negative reaction to Sheamus as not only the new top heel in the company but also the man who is now the odds on favourite to carry the WWE title into 2016.
Before we go any further, it...
When Roman Reigns was crowned WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Survivor Series and it was only 10:35pm Eastern Time, we all knew shenanigans were imminent in some shape or form.
After Triple H came out to shake Roman’s hand and ate a spear for his troubles, there was a familiar Irishman waiting behind Reigns to hit a Brogue Kick, cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase and become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Initially, Reigns managed to kick out but after a second Brogue Kick, The Celtic Warrior had lifted the WWE World Heavyweight title for a fourth time.
Since the cash in, there has been an extremely negative reaction to Sheamus as not only the new top heel in the company but also the man who is now the odds on favourite to carry the WWE title into 2016.
Before we go any further, it...
- 11/25/2015
- by Kenny McIntosh
- Obsessed with Film
Sheamus felt like a caged animal waiting in the wings to enact his Money in the Bank contract for a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. After more than five months the “Celtic Warrior” finally cashed in and struck gold in the final minutes of Survivor Series. Roman Reigns had just won a tournament to crown a new title holder before the superstar ruined his victory party with a Brogue Kick to the face. This was the fourth time at the top of the WWE mountain for Sheamus, who was able to celebrate the occasion in the ring with … Continue reading →
The post New WWE World Heavyweight Champ Sheamus on striking gold at Survivor Series appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post New WWE World Heavyweight Champ Sheamus on striking gold at Survivor Series appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 11/23/2015
- by Scott Fishman
- ChannelGuideMag
WWE.com
The 1990 Survivor Series event was a unique show that featured a main event match where the winners of the undercard tag team elimination matches teamed up in the main event.
The babyface side consisted of Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior and Tito Santana going against the heel team of Ted Dibiase, Rick Martel, The Warlord, Hercules and Paul Roma. You might think that the heels would be favored to win since they had the numbers advantage 5 to 3, but to nobody’s surprise it was Hogan and Warrior that emerged as the winners.
Even though it was a great idea, WWE never went back to the “Ultimate Survivors” in a grand finale match like they did in 1990. It was likely a time issue, because it’s hard to fit in another match on a three hour show, but it would definitely have made future events more exciting.
Today’s...
The 1990 Survivor Series event was a unique show that featured a main event match where the winners of the undercard tag team elimination matches teamed up in the main event.
The babyface side consisted of Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior and Tito Santana going against the heel team of Ted Dibiase, Rick Martel, The Warlord, Hercules and Paul Roma. You might think that the heels would be favored to win since they had the numbers advantage 5 to 3, but to nobody’s surprise it was Hogan and Warrior that emerged as the winners.
Even though it was a great idea, WWE never went back to the “Ultimate Survivors” in a grand finale match like they did in 1990. It was likely a time issue, because it’s hard to fit in another match on a three hour show, but it would definitely have made future events more exciting.
Today’s...
- 11/20/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
This week, WWE celebrates a major milestone – it’s the 25th anniversary of the debut of one of the greatest superstars in company history, The Undertaker. The talent, perseverance, fortitude, and outright grit it takes to spend a quarter of a century as a top star in the same promotion is simply astounding, and being able to boast that kind of longevity in an ever-changing business helps make an argument for The Undertaker being the greatest wrestler of all time.
In a career that’s spanned WWE Champions from The Ultimate Warrior to Seth Rollins, The Undertaker has had his share of ups and downs – notably, in recent years, fans have begun to doubt his future, especially given the state of his body and his loss to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. Still, The Undertaker has shocked the WWE Universe before, and should never be counted out – WrestleMania...
This week, WWE celebrates a major milestone – it’s the 25th anniversary of the debut of one of the greatest superstars in company history, The Undertaker. The talent, perseverance, fortitude, and outright grit it takes to spend a quarter of a century as a top star in the same promotion is simply astounding, and being able to boast that kind of longevity in an ever-changing business helps make an argument for The Undertaker being the greatest wrestler of all time.
In a career that’s spanned WWE Champions from The Ultimate Warrior to Seth Rollins, The Undertaker has had his share of ups and downs – notably, in recent years, fans have begun to doubt his future, especially given the state of his body and his loss to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. Still, The Undertaker has shocked the WWE Universe before, and should never be counted out – WrestleMania...
- 11/20/2015
- by Scott Fried
- Obsessed with Film
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The birth and evolution of the British games industry is perfectly captured in Britsoft: An Oral History. Ryan reviews a great book...
Pick a page, any page, and you'll find something funny, strange or informative. Ah, here we go: page 258, which talks about the time Palace Software hired glamour model Maria Whittaker to pose for the cover of its 1987 game, Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior.
"Steve made little breastplates out of ashtrays," recalls Palace Software's Richard Leinfellner, "which apparently kept pinging off for some reason."
It's an anecdote which aptly captures the 80s era of British software development: the wild, sometimes crazy marketing ideas and gimmicks, the hype, the great mountainous piles of cash for the lucky few, the financial disaster for the less fortunate. Britsoft: An Oral History, a two-inch-thick slab of a book, is a time capsule from a bygone era of innovation and eccentricity, as...
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The birth and evolution of the British games industry is perfectly captured in Britsoft: An Oral History. Ryan reviews a great book...
Pick a page, any page, and you'll find something funny, strange or informative. Ah, here we go: page 258, which talks about the time Palace Software hired glamour model Maria Whittaker to pose for the cover of its 1987 game, Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior.
"Steve made little breastplates out of ashtrays," recalls Palace Software's Richard Leinfellner, "which apparently kept pinging off for some reason."
It's an anecdote which aptly captures the 80s era of British software development: the wild, sometimes crazy marketing ideas and gimmicks, the hype, the great mountainous piles of cash for the lucky few, the financial disaster for the less fortunate. Britsoft: An Oral History, a two-inch-thick slab of a book, is a time capsule from a bygone era of innovation and eccentricity, as...
- 11/10/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
WWE
To celebrate the release of the forthcoming DVD set Sting: Into the Light, we’ve teamed up with WWE to offer you the chance to win one of five DVD copies.
Sting has only been in WWE for just shy of one year, but he’s already created many memorable moments, including his monumental WWE debut at the 2014 Survivor Series, his historic WrestleMania 31 battle with Triple H and his recent WWE World Heavyweight Championship match with Seth Rollins, which could turn out to be his last.
The Icon’s legendary career is profiled in Into the Light, which features a brand new career retrospective documentary. The documentary covers everything from Sting’s early days teaming with The Ultimate Warrior in Memphis, his beginnings in WCW as ‘surfer’ Sting, becoming the ‘franchise’ of WCW, the change to ‘Crow’ Sting, the end of WCW, his debut with the WWE and much more.
To celebrate the release of the forthcoming DVD set Sting: Into the Light, we’ve teamed up with WWE to offer you the chance to win one of five DVD copies.
Sting has only been in WWE for just shy of one year, but he’s already created many memorable moments, including his monumental WWE debut at the 2014 Survivor Series, his historic WrestleMania 31 battle with Triple H and his recent WWE World Heavyweight Championship match with Seth Rollins, which could turn out to be his last.
The Icon’s legendary career is profiled in Into the Light, which features a brand new career retrospective documentary. The documentary covers everything from Sting’s early days teaming with The Ultimate Warrior in Memphis, his beginnings in WCW as ‘surfer’ Sting, becoming the ‘franchise’ of WCW, the change to ‘Crow’ Sting, the end of WCW, his debut with the WWE and much more.
- 10/14/2015
- by Lewis Howse
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
It’s been a rough couple of years for old school wrestling fans. Three of the most iconic stars in the history of the industry all passed away less than 18 months apart. Most recently we said goodbye to legends Dusty Rhodes and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, but 15 months prior to “The American Dream” leaving us the wrestling world was rocked by the loss of The Ultimate Warrior and the shocking timing of his death.
Throughout the entire ordeal, his wife Dana Warrior exhibited grace and strength while struggling with the loss of her husband and father to their two daughters. Outside of a few brief media appearances and some work with WWE, including introducing the Warrior Award at this year’s Hall of Fame she has remained mostly out of the public spotlight.
Dana sat down with Chris Jericho to share memories of her one-of-a-kind husband, including her side...
It’s been a rough couple of years for old school wrestling fans. Three of the most iconic stars in the history of the industry all passed away less than 18 months apart. Most recently we said goodbye to legends Dusty Rhodes and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, but 15 months prior to “The American Dream” leaving us the wrestling world was rocked by the loss of The Ultimate Warrior and the shocking timing of his death.
Throughout the entire ordeal, his wife Dana Warrior exhibited grace and strength while struggling with the loss of her husband and father to their two daughters. Outside of a few brief media appearances and some work with WWE, including introducing the Warrior Award at this year’s Hall of Fame she has remained mostly out of the public spotlight.
Dana sat down with Chris Jericho to share memories of her one-of-a-kind husband, including her side...
- 9/23/2015
- by Brad Hamilton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Hulk Hogan has one of the most impressive win/loss records in all of professional wrestling. Between 1984 and 2000, when the guy’s political power was at its zenith, a Hulk Hogan match was more likely to end via interference from a shoot unicorn than the Hulkster allowing his sacred shoulders to touch canvas for three consecutive seconds.
That’s not to say that it didn’t happen. It did, exactly 26 times, by my reckoning. I’m not counting disqualifications or count-outs or handicap matches or battle royal eliminations, either; this select number of times, Hogan was pinned or submitted according to the rules of the match.
Thanks to Hogan’s infamous creative control, however, these losses often threaten to destroy the tenuous suspension of disbelief that pro wrestling depends upon. For example, a Hulk Hogan loss may require fans to accept the existence of supernatural powers, vast international conspiracies,...
Hulk Hogan has one of the most impressive win/loss records in all of professional wrestling. Between 1984 and 2000, when the guy’s political power was at its zenith, a Hulk Hogan match was more likely to end via interference from a shoot unicorn than the Hulkster allowing his sacred shoulders to touch canvas for three consecutive seconds.
That’s not to say that it didn’t happen. It did, exactly 26 times, by my reckoning. I’m not counting disqualifications or count-outs or handicap matches or battle royal eliminations, either; this select number of times, Hogan was pinned or submitted according to the rules of the match.
Thanks to Hogan’s infamous creative control, however, these losses often threaten to destroy the tenuous suspension of disbelief that pro wrestling depends upon. For example, a Hulk Hogan loss may require fans to accept the existence of supernatural powers, vast international conspiracies,...
- 9/17/2015
- by Matt O'Connell
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The advent of WWE Network has allowed World Wrestling Entertainment to put a greater emphasis on former titans of the squared circle. The company has gone to great lengths to pay homage to those memorable masters of the mat who have kept the sports entertainment industry strong and profitable for the last 40 years.
Video games, books, magazines and action figure lines have been devoted to immortalizing the likes of Hulk Hogan (until recently), Bruno Sammartino, The Ultimate Warrior and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. A “Legends” clothing line has resulted in Randy Savage, The Iron Sheik and Rick Rude being emblazoned on WWE t-shirts for the first time in decades.
As much focus as WWE has put on the continued respect and admiration for those who laid the groundwork for today’s generation of wrestling stars, they have continually demonstrated poor use of some of the legendary stars they bring back into the fold.
The advent of WWE Network has allowed World Wrestling Entertainment to put a greater emphasis on former titans of the squared circle. The company has gone to great lengths to pay homage to those memorable masters of the mat who have kept the sports entertainment industry strong and profitable for the last 40 years.
Video games, books, magazines and action figure lines have been devoted to immortalizing the likes of Hulk Hogan (until recently), Bruno Sammartino, The Ultimate Warrior and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. A “Legends” clothing line has resulted in Randy Savage, The Iron Sheik and Rick Rude being emblazoned on WWE t-shirts for the first time in decades.
As much focus as WWE has put on the continued respect and admiration for those who laid the groundwork for today’s generation of wrestling stars, they have continually demonstrated poor use of some of the legendary stars they bring back into the fold.
- 9/11/2015
- by Erik Beaston
- Obsessed with Film
2K Games/IGN
In the latest weekly WWE 2K16 update from IGN.com, 22 more names have been announced as part of the game, set to be released this October:
Aiden English, Andre the Giant, Batista, Chris Jericho, Curtis Axel, Dean Ambrose, Edge, Erick Rowan, Fandango, Jbl, Luke Harper, Randy Savage, Natalya, Rick Rude, R-Truth, Ryback, Santino Marella, Sgt. Slaughter, Simon Gotch, Stephanie McMahon, The Rock and The Undertaker.
It’s an interesting mix of talent with English & Gotch recently winning the Nxt Tag Team Titles. There are also Hall of Famers in this group like Edge, Randy Savage and Sgt. Slaughter. The late Rick Rude isn’t in the WWE Hall of Fame yet, but he certainly should be considered in the future.
WWE diva Natalya commented on Twitter on how she was blown away by the details of her ring attire.
Meow Time in #WWE2K16!
In the latest weekly WWE 2K16 update from IGN.com, 22 more names have been announced as part of the game, set to be released this October:
Aiden English, Andre the Giant, Batista, Chris Jericho, Curtis Axel, Dean Ambrose, Edge, Erick Rowan, Fandango, Jbl, Luke Harper, Randy Savage, Natalya, Rick Rude, R-Truth, Ryback, Santino Marella, Sgt. Slaughter, Simon Gotch, Stephanie McMahon, The Rock and The Undertaker.
It’s an interesting mix of talent with English & Gotch recently winning the Nxt Tag Team Titles. There are also Hall of Famers in this group like Edge, Randy Savage and Sgt. Slaughter. The late Rick Rude isn’t in the WWE Hall of Fame yet, but he certainly should be considered in the future.
WWE diva Natalya commented on Twitter on how she was blown away by the details of her ring attire.
Meow Time in #WWE2K16!
- 8/31/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
IGN/2K Games
There were more names announced today for the WWE2K16 video game that launches in October.
Here are the names that were announced by IGN.com: Diamond Dallas Page, Alicia Fox, Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, Cameron, Big Show, Bam Bam Bigelow, Dolph Ziggler, Finlay, Layla, Kevin Nash, Lex Luger, The Miz, Naomi, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.
There aren’t that many surprises in that grouping since a lot of them are current stars. Legends like Diamond Dallas Page, Bam Bam Bigelow and Lex Luger are all welcome additions to the new game and Finlay has worked backstage in WWE for over a decade, so even though he’s not currently on television, he’s a long time employee and his inclusion isn’t too surprising.
Here’s a video of Kidd and Cesaro’s entrance.
In addition to the names above, here’s...
There were more names announced today for the WWE2K16 video game that launches in October.
Here are the names that were announced by IGN.com: Diamond Dallas Page, Alicia Fox, Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, Cameron, Big Show, Bam Bam Bigelow, Dolph Ziggler, Finlay, Layla, Kevin Nash, Lex Luger, The Miz, Naomi, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.
There aren’t that many surprises in that grouping since a lot of them are current stars. Legends like Diamond Dallas Page, Bam Bam Bigelow and Lex Luger are all welcome additions to the new game and Finlay has worked backstage in WWE for over a decade, so even though he’s not currently on television, he’s a long time employee and his inclusion isn’t too surprising.
Here’s a video of Kidd and Cesaro’s entrance.
In addition to the names above, here’s...
- 8/24/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is a tremendous honour for any wrestler or wrestling personality. While there’s no physical Hall of Fame at this time, the ceremony that takes place on the Saturday night before WrestleMania is always one of the best days of the year for WWE performers and legends.
What’s interesting about the Hall of Fame is that there are several former WWE Heavyweight Champions and World Champions (aka the World Title that WWE had from 2002 to 2013) that aren’t in the Hall of Fame right now. You would think that all former World Champions would be in just because they reached the top of the mountain, so to speak, but that’s not the case here.
If you only looked at their credentials, almost all of these men should absolutely be in the Hall of Fame one day. However, the...
Being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is a tremendous honour for any wrestler or wrestling personality. While there’s no physical Hall of Fame at this time, the ceremony that takes place on the Saturday night before WrestleMania is always one of the best days of the year for WWE performers and legends.
What’s interesting about the Hall of Fame is that there are several former WWE Heavyweight Champions and World Champions (aka the World Title that WWE had from 2002 to 2013) that aren’t in the Hall of Fame right now. You would think that all former World Champions would be in just because they reached the top of the mountain, so to speak, but that’s not the case here.
If you only looked at their credentials, almost all of these men should absolutely be in the Hall of Fame one day. However, the...
- 8/6/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
ImpactWrestling.om
World Wrestling Entertainment is – still to this day – considered the highest platform on which a performer in the industry can reach. Vince McMahon has largely monopolised the business of professional wrestling, or “sports entertainment” as he would prefer everyone calls it. There are loads of smaller, independent promotions around, as well as companies like Tna, Ring Of Honor and (lately) Global Force Wrestling. Nonetheless, WWE is for many performers still the only viable full time organisation with which to make a good living.
It’s quite clear that the more wrestling promotions there are, the better it is for the men and women plying their trade in the industry. The main reason is quite simple, there are then more places for these performers to earn a living working in wrestling, and that’s where the people listed in this article come into play. For a variety of reasons,...
World Wrestling Entertainment is – still to this day – considered the highest platform on which a performer in the industry can reach. Vince McMahon has largely monopolised the business of professional wrestling, or “sports entertainment” as he would prefer everyone calls it. There are loads of smaller, independent promotions around, as well as companies like Tna, Ring Of Honor and (lately) Global Force Wrestling. Nonetheless, WWE is for many performers still the only viable full time organisation with which to make a good living.
It’s quite clear that the more wrestling promotions there are, the better it is for the men and women plying their trade in the industry. The main reason is quite simple, there are then more places for these performers to earn a living working in wrestling, and that’s where the people listed in this article come into play. For a variety of reasons,...
- 7/28/2015
- by Jamie Kennedy
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
This week’s SmackDown took us to New York, where Sheamus emerged to finally admit that he looks stupid. Well, except he didn’t – he acknowledged the ‘You look stupid’ chants and asked the Buffalo crowd how stupid he looks now that he is Mr. Money In The Bank.
Sheamus went on to boast that no one would stop him cashing in and becoming WWE Champion – cue Dean Ambrose, who claimed he had already stopped the Celtic Warrior by beating him on Monday Night Raw. Sheamus countered by pointing out that Dopey Dean completely forgot to steal his briefcase. Worst. Kleptomaniac. Ever. Fella.
Eventually, Kane emerged. Triple H and Stephanie have better things to do on a Tuesday (sorry, Thursday) night apparently, so The Big Red Corporate Sellout has free reign on SmackDown.
Kane made a 2-on-1 handicap match, with himself and Sheamus ganging up on the Lunatic...
This week’s SmackDown took us to New York, where Sheamus emerged to finally admit that he looks stupid. Well, except he didn’t – he acknowledged the ‘You look stupid’ chants and asked the Buffalo crowd how stupid he looks now that he is Mr. Money In The Bank.
Sheamus went on to boast that no one would stop him cashing in and becoming WWE Champion – cue Dean Ambrose, who claimed he had already stopped the Celtic Warrior by beating him on Monday Night Raw. Sheamus countered by pointing out that Dopey Dean completely forgot to steal his briefcase. Worst. Kleptomaniac. Ever. Fella.
Eventually, Kane emerged. Triple H and Stephanie have better things to do on a Tuesday (sorry, Thursday) night apparently, so The Big Red Corporate Sellout has free reign on SmackDown.
Kane made a 2-on-1 handicap match, with himself and Sheamus ganging up on the Lunatic...
- 6/20/2015
- by Chris Collins
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
Times are a’changin’ in WWE.
Seth Rollins brought the future into the present at WrestleMania and with Shield brethren Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, alongside the Kevin Owens’ and Rusev’s of the wrestling world knocking on the thick, black door of the main event, the establishment of the recent past is starting to fade.
The establishment of the WWE has been identified by the WWE Championship since 1963 and will continue to be until the end of its days. In the 52 years since inception, only 44 individuals have been recognised as the WWE Champion. The vast majority of these are either retired, in new pastures or dead.
For those that remain, it’s far easier to list the men more likely to once again be the WWE Champion than it is unlikely. It’s a list of exactly three and one of those is the reigning champion. As for the rest,...
Times are a’changin’ in WWE.
Seth Rollins brought the future into the present at WrestleMania and with Shield brethren Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, alongside the Kevin Owens’ and Rusev’s of the wrestling world knocking on the thick, black door of the main event, the establishment of the recent past is starting to fade.
The establishment of the WWE has been identified by the WWE Championship since 1963 and will continue to be until the end of its days. In the 52 years since inception, only 44 individuals have been recognised as the WWE Champion. The vast majority of these are either retired, in new pastures or dead.
For those that remain, it’s far easier to list the men more likely to once again be the WWE Champion than it is unlikely. It’s a list of exactly three and one of those is the reigning champion. As for the rest,...
- 6/8/2015
- by Liam Johnson
- Obsessed with Film
Whether you’re a wrestling fan or not, it’s likely you have heard of a few names from the world of professional wrestling. Hulk Hogan. The Rock. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Oh, and The Ultimate Warrior. A household name, and a massive wrestling superstar in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Warrior (Formerly Jim Hellwig) had a career of ups and downs, and it was a wonderful thing to see bridges fixed and the legacy of The Ultimate Warrior saved from extinction when WWE inducted Warrior into their 2014 Hall of Fame class. This, followed by an appearance on the stage with fellow-inductees at WrestleMania 30, and his return to Raw the night after in which he delivered a poignant speech to fans, reminded many people why The Ultimate Warrior was the big star he was in his prime. Sadly, two days after his Raw appearance, on April 8th 2014, Warrior, born James Brian Hellwig,...
- 4/15/2015
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
WWE.com
Following the conclusion of Monday Night Raw from London, England, WWE aired their 25 minute fallout show. The show began with the announcers recapping the end of Raw and Randy Orton’s Rko to J&J security, also highlighting Seth Rollins’ scarce escape. Orton posed for the fans a while before taking his leave.
The announcers then transitioned into a remembrance for The Ultimate Warrior.
Warrior passed away on April 8th 2014, a single day after his now famous promo on Monday Night Raw. The first Raw a year since that day, Vince McMahon made a special appearance in a pre-taped interview in which he made praise to the Warrior’s spirit and passion for the business.
WWE then proceeded to show an exclusive first look at the upcoming Warrior DVD release documenting his career and the days up until his death, including his Hall of Fame induction and appearance at Wrestlemania XXX.
Following the conclusion of Monday Night Raw from London, England, WWE aired their 25 minute fallout show. The show began with the announcers recapping the end of Raw and Randy Orton’s Rko to J&J security, also highlighting Seth Rollins’ scarce escape. Orton posed for the fans a while before taking his leave.
The announcers then transitioned into a remembrance for The Ultimate Warrior.
Warrior passed away on April 8th 2014, a single day after his now famous promo on Monday Night Raw. The first Raw a year since that day, Vince McMahon made a special appearance in a pre-taped interview in which he made praise to the Warrior’s spirit and passion for the business.
WWE then proceeded to show an exclusive first look at the upcoming Warrior DVD release documenting his career and the days up until his death, including his Hall of Fame induction and appearance at Wrestlemania XXX.
- 4/14/2015
- by Liam Johnson
- 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
The wrestling business is full of a lot of colorful characters. Some of them are legendary great performers like The Undertaker or Goldust. The ideas of those characters my Then there are the crappy characters that make us wonder what WWE’s creative force were thinking.
With April Fool’s taking place just a day ago, it’s a good time to look at some of the more foolish ideas for characters in WWE and WCW history with a focus on where they were billed from. A lot of times you’ll see a wrestler billed from their actual hometown or a made up one like how Cactus Jack was from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico (that’s a real place) even though he’s from New York or The Undertaker was from Death Valley even though he’s really from Texas. If it fit the character it was fine.
The wrestling business is full of a lot of colorful characters. Some of them are legendary great performers like The Undertaker or Goldust. The ideas of those characters my Then there are the crappy characters that make us wonder what WWE’s creative force were thinking.
With April Fool’s taking place just a day ago, it’s a good time to look at some of the more foolish ideas for characters in WWE and WCW history with a focus on where they were billed from. A lot of times you’ll see a wrestler billed from their actual hometown or a made up one like how Cactus Jack was from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico (that’s a real place) even though he’s from New York or The Undertaker was from Death Valley even though he’s really from Texas. If it fit the character it was fine.
- 4/3/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
WWE announced on Monday that former WWE, WCW and Awa superstar “The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in San Jose on Saturday March 28.
Zbyszko joins a class that already includes Randy Savage, Rikishi, Alundra Blayze, The Bushwhackers, Arnold Schwarzenegger in the celebrity wing and the inaugural “Warrior Award” inductee Connor “The Crusher” Michalek. It’s expected that Kevin Nash will also be added next week, which will be the last episode of Raw before WrestleMania.
These days Zbyszko is 63 years old and helps out WWE’s developmental talent by heading to the Performance Center on a regular basis. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Larry Z said that he had a feeling he’d get in one day: “My gut feeling over the years was that probably someday, sooner or later, I’d be getting in – and not just because...
WWE announced on Monday that former WWE, WCW and Awa superstar “The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in San Jose on Saturday March 28.
Zbyszko joins a class that already includes Randy Savage, Rikishi, Alundra Blayze, The Bushwhackers, Arnold Schwarzenegger in the celebrity wing and the inaugural “Warrior Award” inductee Connor “The Crusher” Michalek. It’s expected that Kevin Nash will also be added next week, which will be the last episode of Raw before WrestleMania.
These days Zbyszko is 63 years old and helps out WWE’s developmental talent by heading to the Performance Center on a regular basis. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Larry Z said that he had a feeling he’d get in one day: “My gut feeling over the years was that probably someday, sooner or later, I’d be getting in – and not just because...
- 3/16/2015
- by John Canton
- Obsessed with Film
amazon
The WWE Network may be going strong with over one million subscribers, but there are still plenty of great DVD and Blu-ray releases on the way in the first half of 2015. You might thing that these would be unnecessary with so many hours of content online to stream for just $9.99, but most of what is released on disc hasn’t reached the Network…yet!
Some of it never will either, at least not for a number of years. Most Blu-ray sets come packed with 8+ hours of content, making them well worth every penny, especially as some retail for the same price as a two hour feature film with only 15 minutes of featurettes.
2014 saw the release of some really amazing WWE Home Video releases, with a documentary focusing on the incredible life and career of Paul Heyman an obvious highlight. John Cena fans were also rewarded with a set covering his greatest rivalries,...
The WWE Network may be going strong with over one million subscribers, but there are still plenty of great DVD and Blu-ray releases on the way in the first half of 2015. You might thing that these would be unnecessary with so many hours of content online to stream for just $9.99, but most of what is released on disc hasn’t reached the Network…yet!
Some of it never will either, at least not for a number of years. Most Blu-ray sets come packed with 8+ hours of content, making them well worth every penny, especially as some retail for the same price as a two hour feature film with only 15 minutes of featurettes.
2014 saw the release of some really amazing WWE Home Video releases, with a documentary focusing on the incredible life and career of Paul Heyman an obvious highlight. John Cena fans were also rewarded with a set covering his greatest rivalries,...
- 2/2/2015
- by Josh Wilding
- Obsessed with Film
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