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WWE NEWS

John Morrison and Khali were dropped from the advertised scramble match for this week's Smackdown. The winner faces Edge for the title at Judgement Day. The match is now a four-way with Jericho, Mysterio, Hardy and Kane. They are going to push Morrison as a bayface this summer and didn't want to risk him getting a negative reaction at Madison Square Garden. Vince doesn't see Khali as a contender anymore.

There are some rumblings that Tyson Tomko may be brought back. WWE is scouting guys that are both big and athletic which they feel lacks in developmental...Lance Hoyt, 6'5, 260, who was just signed, is confirmed as headed to FCW in Tampa.

Mike Knox worked a dark match over Ricky Ortiz at Madison Square Garden. Knox, with Charlie Haas, are expected to debut soon as The Hard Knox Connection. They debuted as a team in matching outfits during the European tour last week.

U.S. ratings. Smackdown on 4/24 did a 1.6 rating averaging 2.7 million viewers. Way down on last week and a really bad number...Raw on Monday finished as a 3.4 rating, down almost 10 percent from last week's 3.7. The first hour did a 3.46 and the second hour did a 3.37. This is the first times in months that the second hour dropped from the first. Usually more viewers tune in for the final two quarter hours. Overall the show averaged 5 millions viewers down slightly from the original estimate...ECW on Tuesday did a 1.2 rating averaging 1.6 million viewers down from last week's 1.7. The competition from the NBA playoffs and NHL seem to be making a dent in WWE ratings this week.

As noted, John Cena Sr. was at Backlash. Cena was with Dan Mirade, who promotes wrestling in Boston, escorting Shiloh Pepin, 9, known as the mermaid girl due to her deformities, who is a huge WWE fan. She got to meet wrestlers backstage and was given a replica women's title belt. The Learning Channel was shooting footage as they are doing a documentary on her.

In his latest blog, Him Ross said he is riding with Matt Striker and Josh Matthews now that Taz has left the company. Ross reportedly has issues with his eye that makes it difficult for him to drive after dark. Ross also noted that starting with Judgement Day they will be going back to having all three announce teams ringside after all.

A minor spoiler in that Alicia Fox is now a heel.

TNA NEWS

Bobby Lashley is expected to finally sign with TNA. He is booked for the TV tapings on 5/4 and 5/5 where all the loose ends should be tied up. Going forward the deal will be a limited schedule that doesn't preclude him from MMA. A rep from his camp said that there was no real interest from WWE although they don't want him doing business with TNA.

Kurt Angle continues to pick up movie work away from his commitments to TNA. He is playing the role of a werewolf is a zombie movie called Dead of Night which is currently filming in New Orleans. He also has roles in upcoming movies called River of Darkness and Land of the Astronauts. None of the movies are expected to do major business but he's getting the same pay as he would working a TV taping.

Jenna Morasca has a lot of heat right now. It's that weird jealous pro wrestler mentality of being mad at her because the owner brought her in, paid her more than any other women on the roster, paired her with a top star, and she doesn't have to bump. I personally don't see what she adds to the show, and she clearly isn't a star to the level of bringing in new viewers. She got in based on Kurt Angle's recommendation after he shot the movie End Game with her.

OTHER NEWS

The 22-year-old only son of former WCW and TNA wrestler Elix Skipper was shot dead yesterday in Columbus, OH. Very little information is known other than three men came to his apartment before the shooting. He was transported to Grant Medical Center where he later died. Our condolences to the Skipper family.

The Clark County medical examiner's office said the death of Paul Perschmann (Playboy Buddy Rose) was from natural causes. Funeral arrangements are by Davies Cremation and Burial Services in Vancouver, WA. I want to thank everyone for their kind comments after we posted our short piece on Rose. The story is getting play all over Oregan and also in other parts of the country due to an Associated Press article. KPTV in Portland, which was the station that first aired Portland Wrestling in the 1950s, covered the story with an interview with longtime friend Ed Wiskowski at http://tinyurl.com/cnagph.

Howard Finkel paid tribute to Rose at http://tinyurl.com/cgs5vb and so did Percy Pringle (Paul Bearer) as he likes to be called at http://tinyurl.com/cm9b3e...On Google.com on Wednesday the term "Playboy Buddy Rose" was in the Top 20 most searched terms of the day.

The Iron Sheik, 66, was on the Opie/Anthony and Howard Stern radio shows this morning. We will have a report in the next newsletter. On one show they fed Sheik several beers and he pissed his pants live on air. Really sad situation.

We have spoken to people close to the Fliehr's over the past few days following Reid's drug bust on 4/26. One source told us: "It's a serious situation, and I think Ric is handling it as well as could be expected. Reid needs help, and hopefully he's going to get it. He really is a good kid, but he's going to have to want to get better." Of late, Ric Flair and his people have been hawking a reality show to different networks. The idea of the show is that Ric shares an apartment with Reid and they get up to all sorts of crazy antics like going on double dates, getting wasted in Charlotte, etc. Reid's latest arrest may throw a spanner in the works.

Jim Cornette has been added to the upcoming NWA Legends fanfest in Charlotte. He will be doing a Q&A. More info at www.nwalegends.com

Mike Brendli, the former Mike Mondo, who was suspended by the Kentucky athletic commission at an OVW show on 3/21 for failing a drug test (marijuana) asked for his board hearing to be held over until June. They take this kind of thing seriously in that neck of the woods.

WWE NEWS

Tommy Dreamer wrote a WWE.com blog today promising to do something special tonight during the Smackdown/ECW tapings at Madison Square Garden. This is likely the last time he will wrestle in the Garden.

Hall of Famer William "The Refrigerator" Perry has been upgraded to fair condition after he was hospitalized last week due to complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

The plan for Jerry Lawler at the 2/6 Smackdown tapings in Memphis is to referee a dark cage match with Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio vs. Edge & Chris Jericho.

Sheamus O'Shaunessy from FCW is booked on house shows in May. With his Irish roots and Hornswoggle gone to Raw an obvious feud/pairing would be with Finlay.

The promotional posted for the 6/7 Extreme Rules PPV features Rey Mysterio at http://tinyurl.com/dfx6xp

WWE CFO dumped some of his free stock yesterday for $31,988.56.

Mickey Rourke on the Jericho punch that supposedly broke his hand at Wrestlemania: "I'm all healed up now. I kept my hand open when I punched so I wouldn't hurt him." He told the New York Daily News that he and Jericho "went out for drinks" after the match. Not a worker after all.

TNA NEWS

Bobby Lashley vs. Bob Sapp is officially signed for 6/27 at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS.

In an interview with fighthype.com, Sapp said: "It says a lot about Bobby ... that he wants to be recognized and he wants to show people that he has power and ability and that he can learn fast.

"I'm really shocked that he chose to fight me. A lot of wrestlers get guys to the ground in an MMA fight and think that's it... Once I hit him with a few shots, he's going to realize this is the real deal."

Danny Bonaduce on his radio show said his CCW deal expires in October so there is a good chance he will do more with TNA.

Taz at http://tinyurl.com/dyle9y answered more questions from fans.

OTHER NEWS

Today the seventh anniversary of the death of Lou Thesz who (depending on your age) is considered the greatest wrestler of all time.

He held the NWA title six times for over 10 years -- 3,749 days total -- longer than anyone in history.

He is also credited with inventing a number of moves including the belly to back waistlock suplex (later known as the German suplex due to it's association with Karl Gotch), and the STF.

Linda Hogan has filed papers in Pinellas County, FL claiming she needs an extra $8,000 a month so she can relocate to California. Apparently she is in "imminent danger of becoming a victim" after Hulk's comments about OJ Simpson in Rolling Stone. She also asked for $24,000 in advanced rent and security deposits.

Torrie Wilson will earn around $70,000 for appearing on NBC's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. The winner of the show gets $100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Brock Lesnar (I've never seem him so happy) like a kid on Christmas morning hunting Bucks at http://tinyurl.com/coqu9m

A correction from yesterday. Kaluka Maiava who was drafted to the Cleveland Browns is not related to Dwayne Johnson.

From Jim Varsallone: "Actually Kaluka Maiava, the kid from USC, is not related to The Rock... Rock's grandfather High Chief Peter Maivia and Kaluka's relative (Neff Maiava) were good friends - like blood brothers - but not really related. Maivia and Maiava were billed as cousins for wrestling circles."

There is a sneak preview of Brooke Hogan's new music video at http://www.youtube.com/brookestartv

2 Cold Scorpio has been aded to Dragon Gate's U.S. debut on 7/25 in Philadelphia.

WWE NEWS

Justin Credible was backstage at Backlash. He was later spotted sitting in the crowd with his son watching the show.

Matt Hardy broke his hand last night during the spot Jeff crashed him through a table. He will be out of the ring for 4-6 weeks.

Some more notes from Backlash. John Cena Sr. was sat ringside opposite the hard camera...

The preshow dark match was Kofi Kingston over Dolph Ziggler...

Before they went live, Lilian Garcia had a slip of the tongue welcoming everyone to "Backslash"...

There was a huge fight in the crowd during the I Quit match with one fan being thrown down a section of seats and haymakers flying all over the place...

The "fans" that caught Edge when Cena gave him the Attitude Adjustment from the announce booth were indie workers from New England...

Triple H left the building in an Ambulance which I assume was shot for Raw/WWE.com.

As far as PPV goes the three man announce team of Ross, Lawler and Cole is here to stay. The next PPV is Judgment Day on 5/17 in Chicago at the Allstate Arena.

Former TNA wrestler Lance Hoyt has been signed. I assume he is headed to developmental.

Mike Knox and Charlie Haas were put together in a tag team on the European tour. They were announced as the Hard Knox Connection. I wonder if Haas will grow a beard?

TMZ at http://tinyurl.com/cwq6al has a video with Mickey Rourke at LAX airport claiming he broke his hand at Wrestlemania punching Jericho.

He did have his hand bandaged up after the show although he attended the Shamrock-Diaz fight a few days later sans bandage. Apparently he is quite the worker.

Global License Magazine named WWE at No. 37 on their list of the Top 100 licensors. Disney topped the list. WWE finished ahead of Playboy, Universal Studios and Coca-Cola amongst others.

TNA NEWS

Lance Cade has been contacted about coming in. He has some commitments in Japan that he needs to finish up first.

Roxxi and Rhaka Khan are serving unofficial 60 day suspensions. Neither were brought to the television tapings last week after the backstage altercation at the last tapings.

Jamie D (who worked briefly as Sirelda) is trying to get back in.

OTHER NEWS

Dory Funk Jr. is training a huge prospect at his school in Ocala, FL. They've called him Jason the Giant and is a legit 7'4" 450 lbs. He currently works as a correctional officer for the State Prison in North Florida.

Dwayne Johnson's nephew, Kaluka, was drafted to the Cleveland Browns as the 104th overall pick.

The Timmons Daily Press at http://tinyurl.com/cbteva has a story on Trish Stratus. She talks about her WWE tenure and the death of Andrew Martin calling his passing "a reality of the business."

New interview with Bret Hart at http://tinyurl.com/czvll4 who was in the UK last week promoting his book.

On the timeless SummerSlam match with Davey Boy Smith at Wembley Statium, he said: "They'll never have that time and period and the way wrestling was loved over here at that moment.

It was just so special. I don't care what anyone says but I was more popular than Bulldog was at the time. I was really over with the people here I think more than anybody else. I could feel it and I knew that."

He said neither of his sons have any interest in wrestling: "Both my boys are big enough. I know my dad would have loved to have trained them and even Vince I'm sure would have loved to have got his hands on them. I'm sure they could do it. They're both pretty athletic.

But they seem to have no interest in wrestling at all." On burying the hatchet with Shawn Michaels: "For me I don't really have much issue with (Survivor Series) anymore.

If you asked me that up until probably about a year ago I'd have probably said something different. But I've cooled off a bit now. I don't want to carry it around anymore.

If he wanted to apologise I would accept it. I'd move on but I wouldn't forget it." On inducting Michaels into the Hall of Fame: "Maybe if he wants to make himself feel better about it he should have the guts to pick up the phone and apologise. Then we'll see after that."

El Generico of ROH got the results of his MRI. He has significant damage to his knee, specifically his MCL, which will keep him out of action for a few weeks.

There were a couple of injuries of note at the ROH shows this past weekend. Roderick Strong received 10 stitches to close the wound on his head he suffered in a match against Jerry Lynn. Jon Davis of the Dark City Fight Club dislocated his wrist and was taken to the hospital in Dayton. Neither are expected to miss any time.

From the 'Where Are They Now' files... Former WCW interviewer Pamela Paulshock was signing at the Hollywood Collectors Show in Burbank, CA over the weekend. She is still modeling and picking up acting work.

The latest Globe tabloid magazine has Hulk Hogan on the cover with quotes inside from Linda talking about how she now "fears for her" after the OJ comments in Rolling Stone.

There is nice story at http://tinyurl.com/cj7enw about Susan Taylor, a longtime wrestling fan who is battling cancer, who lived in Georgia in the 70s and 80s. She recently got to meet her high school crush Wildfire Tommy Rich.

Here is where we can see what is going on all over the world in various poromotions.......

WWE NEWS

There is an interview with Jerry Lawler at pojoslam.blogspot.com/ talking about life as a WWE announcer and his infamous 1982 feud with Andy Kaufman. Good read. On a side note, Lawler beat Bill Dundee on 4/23 in Parsons, TN in what was claimed their 400th match with Lawler winning 199 and Dundee winning 200. Guess who won? The show drew 525 (although paid was a lot higher as local businesses bought tickets for school kids) for what was the biggest wrestling show ever in the town. Koko B. Ware and Grandmaster Sexay were also on the card.

Mickie James is back on the road with WWE this week.

In a creative meeting this week there was an idea pitched to team Festus with Hornswoggle.

TNA NEWS

4/25 house show results from Niles, OH: Suicide over Shark Boy; Madison Rayne over Sojo Bolt; Daniels over Brutus Magnus; Lethal Consequences over Beer Money, Inc.; Rhino over Sheik Abdul Bashir; and Samoa Joe & Jeff Jarrett over Scott Steiner & Kurt Angle. The show drew 817 paid which was a disappointing number as they drew 1800 in the same building last February.

The Matt Morgan auto accident that Jeremy Borash was referring to in Lakewood was the same accident we reported on during Lockdown weekend in Philadelphia. Morgan, with Awesome Kong and Taylor Wilde as passengers, were rear ended in their SUV travelling back to the TNA hotel from a house show in New York. Morgan hit his head on the windshield. He worked Lockdown but is dealing with injuries stemming from the accident.

OTHER NEWS

A funny story (or sad depending on how you look at it) from the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion last weekend in Las Vegas. It took the Iron Sheik two hours to get from the airport to the hotel, which was perhaps a 10 minute ride. He flew in from Atlanta in a wheelchair and was going nuts at airline workers. He was told by security to watch his language as children were around. He kept on ranting and started to wave his cane around until the cops showed up. He then went into kayfabe mode pulling out his fake gold medal telling everyone he was an Olympic champion and deserved some respect. No charges were pressed. There is a video with some footage from the reunion at tinyurl.com/c29fdo ...

Buff Bagwell raised a few eyebrows yesterday at the Signamania event in Philadelphia. He turned up looking jacked and decided to do his meet and great shirtless for some reason.

James Laurinaitis in the NFL draft was the second round pick of the St. Louis Rams, and No. 35 overall. Laurinatis is the son of Road Warrior Animal.

Torrie Wilson on her MySpace wrote about I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here: "Hey guys and gals! In case you haven’t heard I am going to be on a new reality series on NBC entitled I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! I will definitely be testing my survival skills but am feeling confident. I met the cast members this week and have to say I am looking forward to this most likely life changing experience of surviving in the Costa Rican jungle! I really hope you tune in and vote for me in the month of June. It will be airing 4 days per week and parts of each show will be live. I will also be playing for a charity so it’s going to make me even more competitive than I already am! I will keep y’all posted¿." The show debuts with a two-hour special on NBC on 6/1.

G

ood interview with the Necro Butcher at tinyurl.com/c5exgs