WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has updated his JRSBarBq.com, you can read it here at this link. Here are a few highlights:
- Yours truly spent Tuesday night in the home of Steve Austin in Southern California and had a great time catching up with one of my best, old friends. If you follow either Steve, steveaustinBSR, or me, JRsBBQ, on Twitter you already knew that info. We had a great dinner, likely drank a little too much and stayed up later than either of us should have but we both enjoyed the much overdue visit. We destroyed ample amounts of grilled salmon. Steve is working OT in promoting his film “Damage” which is out on DVD on March 23. I know that I plan on supporting Steve’s efforts and hope that you do as well.
- Steve continues to train about 5 days a week and is in great shape. Before anyone goes nuts and starts emailing me, “NO” I don’t see Stone Cold ever wrestling again as he is devoting the majority of his waking hours to building his film career and is well on his way to amassing an impressive body of work. “Damage” is a damn good, action adventure, kick your ass film.
- Nice to see WWE focus on eliminating chair shots to the heat of their athletes. I blogged about this several weeks ago which I am sure means nothing in regard to this decision being made. Some asked if I thought this mandate was “politically motivated” to which I emphatically say hell, no. It simply makes common sense and the overall health of the competitors has to be any companies utmost priority.
- One emailer told me that TNA was going to “beat” WWE because TNA had “stronger tag teams.” What?! TNA will never “beat” WWE but that doesn’t mean that TNA can’t be a viable brand that is profitable if they provide an alternative product to what WWE produces. Now watch the emails flow about how I am biased, which is true, and that I hope that TNA fails, which is very wrong.
- It seems that many within the wrestling media know more about my Wrestlemania assignment that do I. I still don’t know what I’m specifically and officially doing in Phoenix but as I mentioned I am just happy to be attending the event. So for those of you that may read what my role is going to be in conjunction with WM26, and insiders might be correct at the end of the day, just for the record and as of today I don’t know. However, if you get any more inside info please share it. I need to know what to pack.
- I’ve also I read where I signed a new contract with WWE, I hope to BTW, however that is also wrong as what I signed was a contract extensition to take us through the end of April. Re-signing with WWE is my top priority and I hope that we can get another, long term deal done sooner than later.
-Diva-Dirt has got an exclusive interview with WWE’s Decade diva Lilian Garcia.
Lilian discusses her retirement, what she’s been up to since — including details on her sophomore record, her ‘Mania plans for this year, which Divas she was closest to, how she felt when Trish left, her thoughts on The Rock’s strudel angle and whether she ever thought about stepping into the ring herself.
-Media TakeOut.com has an photo of Booker T and his pregnant wife Sharmell at this link.
-This press release was issued today:
NEW YORK, March 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Gaiam, Inc., a leading distributor of lifestyle media, today announced the release of Little Hercules in 3D on DVD on April 27, 2010. Starring renowned WWE wrestler Terry “Hulk” Hogan as the King of the Gods, Zeus, this action-packed movie about a boy with big challenges and even bigger dreams comes to life with 3D imaging.
Little Hercules in 3D tells the story of the mighty Greek warrior before his twelve labors led him to battle the most fearsome creatures in mythology. As a 12-year-old demigod, Hercules leaves his father Zeus on Mount Olympus in order to experience life on Earth as a “real” boy— landing in modern-day Burbank, California. Using his superhuman strength and time-leaping abilities, “Little” Hercules engages in misadventures of epic proportions that will have the entire family laughing and cheering.
“If you like an action-adventure comedy that you can watch with your kids, then you will love Little Hercules,” said Terry “Hulk” Hogan. “I had fun making it with my family and I know you will enjoy watching it with yours. And once you see it in 3D you won’t want to watch a film in 2D again!”
Featuring Mohamed Khashoggi in his directorial debut, the film also stars Richard Sandrak (”Hogan Knows Best,” The World’s Strongest Boy) as the title character, Elliot Gould (Oceans 12, Oceans 13), Robin Givens (Boomerang, The Family that Preys), Judd Nelson (The Day the Earth Stopped, The Breakfast Club), and John Heard (The Great Debaters).
With a run time of 96 minutes, Little Hercules in 3D has an SRP of $14.98 and an order date of March 15, 2010. The DVD will be available exclusively at Walmart and on Walmart.com.
About GAIAM
Gaiam, Inc. (Nasdaq: GAIA) is a leading producer and marketer of lifestyle media and fitness accessories, with a 70,000 door retail distribution network, over 11,000 store within stores, a digital distribution platform and more than 8 million direct customers. With dominant share of the fitness and wellness market, Gaiam is dedicated to providing solutions for the many facets of healthy, eco-conscious living. The company’s commitment to quality, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to merchandising and distribution, has allowed it to dominate the health and wellness category with celebrity talent Marisa Tomei, Valerie Bertinelli and Trudie Styler and fitness sensations Bob Greene, Rodney Yee, Mari Winsor and The Firm. In addition, the company releases non-theatrical programming focused on family entertainment under its exclusive licensing agreement with Discovery Communications and other licensing partners. For more information about Gaiam, please visit www.gaiam.com or call 1.800.869.3603.
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling announces “An Evening with the Legends,” an autograph signing event featuring the three biggest names in the modern era of professional wrestling; Hulk Hogan, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and “The Icon” Sting. “An Evening with the Legends” caps an exciting day of fan activities that begins with “TNA Fan InterAction” starting at 10am on Saturday, April 17, at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Missouri. The main event of the evening will be the two-hour “Legends” event, beginning at 6pm.
Hogan, Flair and Sting will be on their best behavior, TNA officials said, though TNA is certain there will be plenty of banter, and bickering, about who is the greatest of all time, Hogan, Flair or Sting. Joining Hogan, Flair and Sting will be wrestling legend’s Dory Funk Jr, Bobby Heenan, Baron Von Raschke, and Jimmy Hart who will be honored by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in recognition of their historic careers.
This once in a lifetime opportunity is available for only $299 and includes:
Includes:
- Admission to “An Evening With The Legends” event (6pm – 8pm)
- VIP admission to Lockdown Fan Interaction (10am – 5pm), including front of the line opportunity for autographs and photos.
- Exclusive early entry to the building on Sunday (must have purchased ticket to PPV separately). Fans will be personally escorted into the arena by The Beautiful People at 5pm (30 minutes before doors open.) Fans will have an exclusive opportunity at a special discounted merchandise offer from Don West at the merchandise table before doors open.
Also includes:
- Upon entry into the Legends event, each fan will recieve a free photo taken with Funk, Heenan, Von Raschke, and Hart.
- All Legends will be available to sign up to two items each. Fans can use their own camera to get pictures taken.
- Each fan in attendance will be given a 16”x 20” poster size photo, suitable for framing, of Hogan, Flair, and Sting that can be signed. Poster can be signed in addition to the two item signing limit.
- 8×10 photos of all TNA talent on the roster.
- Special commemorative T-Shirt.
- Special surprise gift from Don West.
“An Evening with the Legends” is part of TNA Wrestling’s “Lockdown Weekend” which culminates with the annual pay-per-view extravaganza “Lockdown 2010” on Sunday night, April 18, at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. “Lockdown 2010” will feature every match inside a steel cage.
“Lockdown Fan InterAction” on Saturday, April 17, will be held at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and more than 40 stars will gather to sign autographs, take pictures, and get up-close-and-personal with the most loyal wrestling fans in the world. “Fan InterAction” will feature appearances by Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, TNA Founder Jeff Jarrett, Mr. Anderson, Matt Morgan, “The Monster” Abyss, “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero, and, of course, the reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles. In addition, Fan InterAction will feature appearances by Eric Bischoff, Beer Money, Inc., Eric Young, The Beautiful People and many more.
Funk’s Corner – NWA World Championship in St. Louis Dory Funk Jr. vs Dick The Bruiser
Information credit Larry Matysik – From the Golden Era, St. Louis Wrestling Record Book.
On December 5th 1969, Dick The Bruiser was a huge babyface as He won a Texas Death Match over Black Jack Lanza with Bobby Heenan in Lanza’s corner.
January 9, 1970 Kiel Auditorium, (att. 11,434 Sellout) Dory Funk Jr, NWA World Champion won over Dick The Bruiser. Bruiser took the first fall and appeared to have a three count on Funk for a second straight fall before referee Joe Schoenberger saw Bruiser using the ropes. The referee reversed the decision and disqualified Bruiser for the second fall. Bruiser went berserk, punched Shoengerger, hit Funk with a chair and was then disqualified for the third fall and the match. Afterward, Athletic Commissioner Eddie Davidson suspended Bruiser indefinitely.
(Larry Matysik’s thoughts – Fans in 2007 and 2008 talk about the mixed reaction to John Cena, but this one was completely unique. Dory Funk Jr. was a favorite, and The Bruiser definitely was the “People’s Choice,” especially after his fued against Lanza and Heenan. The crowd was totally split, in a constant uproar, and completely beside themselves when Dick’s outburst led to his disqualification).
Next NWA World Championship Match in St. Louis, Dory Funk Jr. vs Baron Von Raschke.
*********************
Now on !BANG! TV Headliners, Studio Sarah with the “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart and Jimmy Hart’s last appearance on !BANG! TV in Johnny Magnum and The Funk’s corner in the Debut Match of Dory Funk IV. http://www.dory-funk.com.
Also on the Official Home Page of Dory Funk Jr. – Archives of the History of the NWA World Championship Matches from the Golden Era of St. Louis. (Information Credit Larry Matysik)
Dory Funk Jr. is the coach of the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School and Trainer of WWE, TNA and Japanese Wrestling Talent.
For training schedules and tickets to !BANG! TV, Call 352-895-4658 or visit http://www.dory-funk.com