Clique News

7/12: Raw House Show, Charleston, WV

2008-07-13T08:21:17Z

Lance Cade comes out and says that Shawn Michaels hasn't done a thing for him since he came to the WWE even though Michaels trained him. Sexy Boy hits and the crowd goes INSANE (me especially)! Cade works the injured eye, Shawn hits the elbow, Cade hits his finisher twice and HBK kicks out both times. HBK wins with Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere.

Biggest Pops:

1: Cena (biggest heat from me)
2: HBK
3: Batista
4: CM Punk
5: Jamie Noble

Source: http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=217931996

WWE House Show Results (07/11/08) - Lexington, Kentucky

2008-07-12T23:28:50Z

Shawn Michaels beat Lance Cade with Sweet Chin Music, the crowd was really into this match as HBK chants were loud throughout the arena.

Biggest Pops
Batista
Shawn Michaels
John Cena

Source: http://rajah.com/base/node/12986

IC DVD

2008-07-12T23:21:58Z

Since its inception in September 1979, the Intercontinental Championship has been regarded as one of sports-entertainment’s most exalted prizes. Those who have achieved this golden distinction of greatness have also catapulted themselves to levels of WWE Superstardom that are reserved only for a select few.

In celebration of this illustrious title and the legendary ring warriors who have battled over it, WWE Home Entertainment will present THE HISTORY OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP. But not before we receive feedback from YOU, our loyal WWE fans. Simply vote below for your three favorite matches from each decade. Then watch THE HISTORY OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP, scheduled for release on November 25, 2008 to see if your favorite match-ups made the cut.

-> http://survey.wwe.com/intercontinental/

Our Clique boys are also listed, so go vote. :)

Tidbit from JR's blog

2008-07-12T23:14:26Z

We will soon be getting some really cool, authentic DX apparel from HHH and HBK to frame and display in our BBQ places which add even more unique and one of a kind memorabilia to our place.

Source: http://www.jrsbarbq.com/2008/07/11/jr-and-the-king-to-team-againnaitch-on-charlottes-friday-night-smackdown-next-weekuwf-championsdo-internet-message-boards-all-suck/#more-442

I'm SO sorry that I'm not able to keep this place updated as much as I want to these days... :/ I hope that'll change again soonish.

Scott Hall update

2008-07-07T08:26:53Z

We have received several e-mails asking for an update on former WCW and WWE superstar Scott Hall, as many have expressed concern for his well being. Here is what I can tell you. As we previously reported, he did no-show an independent booking last month in Panama, and went on to miss dates for NWE in Spain. Hall has relapsed once again. At last word, he is in Florida with his on again, off again girlfriend, who is also a recovering addict. No one is able to get in touch with Hall, and at this point, all of his previous bookings have been postponed. I honestly wish I had better news to report.

Source: http://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2008/76/scott_hall_330015.shtml

2009 Raw Vs. Smackdown Cover

2008-07-04T23:07:23Z

The video game cover features both Hunter and Shawn this year. Here's the photo:

And here's the explaination of what they were used:

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - July 3, 2008 - THQ Inc. and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. today announced that World Wrestling Entertainment® Superstars Triple H and Shawn Michaels will be featured on the cover of WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009. The accolade marks an unprecedented fifth time that fan-favorite Triple H has appeared on a cover for the leading fighting videogame franchise, while storied veteran Michaels will make his cover debut.

"Triple H and Shawn Michaels have made headlines over the years when they unite as the infamous 'D-Generation X' tag team in WWE programming," said Cory Ledesma, senior creative manager, THQ. "We selected them for the cover as a means to celebrate the unprecedented level of tag team functionality we will deliver in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009. Our tag team matches will allow players to experience the true task of working together, and our new Road to WrestleMania® Mode will feature the franchise's first co-op tag team storyline."

Hall Pulls Another No-Show

2008-07-03T19:41:34Z

-- Scott Hall, fresh out of rehabilitation, no-showed the 6/21 wrestling event in Panama. He was scheduled to wrestle Revolution Xtreme Wrestling champion Savio Vega. The company website, www.rxwpanama.com, heavily promoted his appearance. The show also featured TNA Knockout Christy Hemme as well as TNA also-ran Judas Mesias.

Source: http://rajah.com/base/node/12919

Chris Jericho speaks on HBK feud

2008-06-27T03:41:44Z

WHEN Chris Jericho talks about the wrestling business you need to listen.

He was the WWE’s first ever undisputed champion, has held the intercontinental title more times than any other man and recently became a best selling author to boot.

In an exclusive interview Chris talks about all aspects of the industry from why few stars make convincing bad guys to being in the ring when Ric Flair said goodbye.

Your programme of late with Shawn Michaels and Dave Batista has been the most entertaining thing on WWE TV as of late, how have you enjoyed your role in that?

It’s great. It was one of those things we just kind of stumbled upon. It was never planned to be such an intricate storyline, with all the ups and downs and ins and outs, but sometimes when you start working on something you realise that it’s really working out and it’s going good, you run with it. That’s what we did.

I just love having a great storyline that you can sink your teeth into. This is definitely one of those.

You say you don’t mind who you work with, Chris, but a couple of months ago you had a fantastic match with Shawn at Judgment Day. You two always seem to have a great match when you meet up.

Yeah, we have great chemistry, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a lot of fun to be in there with him and I enjoy it.

The two PPV matches we have had have both stole the show and both been classics. Not just the one at WrestleMania XIX but the one at Judgment Day was amazing as well.

He’s a good guy to work with, we’re having a good time with the angle we’ve got going. You have a great babyface, two great entertainers and two great wrestlers, you can’t help but have some classics.

You can read the full interview here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article1345875.ece

6/23 RAW results

2008-06-24T05:00:24Z

I underlined the most important and thing i liked the least at the very end.

Triple H vs. Mark Henry

JR and Foley on commentary. Trips tells Mizark to suck it. Side headlock applied by The Game, so Mizark just shoves him off and knocks him down with a shoulder block. He uses his head as a weapon then floors The Game with a right hand. Ridiculously slow pace here as Henry hits another head butt. Henry walks into a boot and The Game tees off with rights but runs into the chocolate wall. Henry drills Triple H with a right to the gut, then a shot to the back of the head. He scoops Triple H up and slams him, and I think Henry is tired. He drops an elbow and gets 2. JR points out that Henry is too tired to hook the leg. Henry pulls The Game back up and hits a… head butt. He goes to the second rope and connects with a VADER BOMB, but The Game gets a foot on the bottom rope. Henry pulls him to the center and gets 2. He tries the pin again and gets 2 more. JR has me worried by saying this is just the early part of the match. Henry applies a chinlock and The Game gets to his feet and tries to fight out, but Henry gets him up, only for Trips to slide out the back door and tee off. FACEBUSTER! Henry staggers and The Game hits the high knee and Henry finally goes down. Pedigree try, countered… WORLD'S STRONGEST SLAM! It gets just 2. BIG SPLASH MISSES. PEDIGREE!

Winner: Triple H *1/2

Chris Jericho is out for some promo time. We are in San Antonio by the way. Hmmm. Jericho doesn't expect anything from us because we've been brain washed into thinking Shawn Michaels is a decent human being and we should be ashamed. He tells the truth and we boo him and throw trash. How dare we. HBK has lied to his friends for years and he has evidence. We get a video package, featuring the Barber Shop incident, Shawn super kick Diesel, Shawn super kicking Hogan, Michaels super kicking Cena and Michaels faking a knee injury against Batista. Yet we still cheer Shawn. Jericho says we can't cheer for him, he refuses to let him. There's only person who is like him; honest. That man is Lance Cade. Jericho says Cade was Shawn's student. Cade says he knew Shawn would turn his back on him like he has everyone else. Unlike Shawn, Jericho is a man and is someone he can trust. Shawn won't get the chance to turn his back on him. Cade says the people may not appreciate Jericho, but he does. Chris thanks him. Jericho says he doesn't have an opponent for Night of Champions. He says he'd love to defend against Michaels, but two weeks ago… we get the video package of Jericho destroying Shawn on the Highlight Reel. Jericho says it's not over, and the worst is yet to come…

Shawn Michaels is here! He's got that angry look on his face and heads for the ring. Spear… brawl! Shawn tackles Jericho and they go to the floor. Jericho sends Michaels face-first into the announce table and Shawn's hurt again. EMTs are down to tend to Michaels. Jericho seems concerned. Now Jericho has a big smirk on his face.

We get replays of what just went down.

CM Punk, Kane, Batista, John Cena and Triple H represent Raw. Representing ECW, Matt Hardy, Miz, Morrison, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin. Mismatch? And for SmackDown, Big Show, Edge, Khali, MVP and Jeff Hardy.

Back from a break and every one is brawling. MVP tries and fails to dump Triple H. 3 ECW guys team up on Show. 4 Raw guys team up on Khali. Everyone teams up to toss Khali now. They all pat each other on the back and Show is the next target. He fights them all off for a long time. Show hits a sidewalk slam on The Game then drills Batista with a clothesline. Punk tosses someone from ECW, I missed it, I think it was Shelton, and indeed it was. Morrison goes to Show's injured eye to defend himself. Kane and Show slug it out. Miz almost gets Edge out, but not quite. The Game saves Cena from elimination and Matt Hardy holds on. Chavo saves Morrison from Kane. Lame tries to toss Chavo as Show chops down Cena. Matt has The Game teetering and Batista hits a spinebuster on someone. Batista tosses Morrison and Miz. ECW are down to two. Jeff nails The Game and Batista and Cena team up on Show. MVP pummels Kane. Edge almost tosses Cena but he holds on. Show dumps Punk with a little help from MVP, but he holds onto the top and stays alive. MVP dominates Cena in the corner. Punk hits Chavo with the knee strike. Show hits Kane with a clothesline. MVP survives, barely, after being dumped on the apron by Cena. Edge spears Batista, then Cena, then Matt Hardy, then Kane, then Triple H. We go to break.

Back from the break and Cena hits MVP with the 5KS. Punk got tossed by Show during the break. Show tries to toss Chavo but he hols on. Show takes a facebuster from The Game. Hardy takes one too. Jeff hits Chavo with an enziugiri and that sends him to the floor. The Game takes a Twist of Fate and a splash from Show. MVP tries to take out Jeff Hardy for some reason, misses, and Matt dumps MVP. Matt and Jeff face off and Jeff nails Matt. They slug it out and Jeff almost tosses Matt, but he holds on, only for Jeff to hit the mule kick and Matt is out, ECW are out and Tazz is pissed. Edge and Batista both go for a spear and they crack heads. Batista is busted wide open and that was a dumb spot to work. Kane mounts Show and grounds him with a sleeper. Jeff fights off The Game but misses Whisper in the Wind. Hardy gets tossed but holds on, only for Triple H to run into him and he's gone. 4-on-2 now. Batista spears Edge now. Show tries to chokeslam Batista, but Batista grabs the Benoit-in-the-Rumble esque headlock, but Show shrugs him off and punches Batista to the floor. GOOZLE by Kane, Show breaks the grip and wants his own chokeslam. Kane breaks it, Show tosses him, hangs on, but Kane drops. 2-on-2; Cena and Show vs. Cena and The Game. Show has both goozled, but they fight out and pummel show. He suplexes both because he can. Show hoists The Game into the air but Cena makes the save. They hit flying shoulder tackles to stagger Show, then hoist him over. Edge tosses Cena into The Game, and then tosses Cena and Edge wins!

Winner: Edge ***

SmackDown Draft Picks: Mr. Kennedy and Triple H

Batista comments on Hunter and Shawn

2008-06-24T04:11:58Z

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/22/5953866.html

He is proud of his recent program with Shawn Michaels, noting it contained a lot of the old school flavour he personally loves to see in wrestling. "It felt like we drew a lot of attention with the storyline. I always felt in the pay-per-views for once we weren't the main event but it had a main event feel to it. I think people really just had a lot of emotional investment in the storyline and the matches between. I think the matches that we had were awesome. I think we told an incredible story and to me that's my taste of wrestling. That's what I like about wrestling. A good storyline, a good match that tells the story with a dramatic finish.

"And HBK, I mean, God, he's incredible. Personal differences aside, I'm a huge fan and I really respect him as a wrestler. He's just an awesome person."

He wouldn't mind working with HBK in the future either. "Yes, any day of the week. Anytime," he said immediately at the question. "Anybody who steps in with Shawn is blessed because Shawn could get in the ring with a broomstick and make the broomstick look like the world champion, which is pretty much what he did with me."

[...]

Batista addressed the difference in morale in the respective locker rooms. "The biggest difference I've heard, and I've just heard this from some of the guys. For some reason, some of the boys are really weird around Hunter (Triple H) for some reason," he said. "I think a lot of him think of him as 'office' and he's so not. If they spend 10 minutes to get to know him, they'd realize how down to earth he is, and he's not always judging. I think they're always worried that he's passing judgment on people. But with our locker room, of course the locker room general being 'Taker and 'Taker to me is just this bad ass biker, as cool as can be. I think he makes everybody a bit more laid back. For some reason I think some of the (RAW) guys are really uptight around Hunter and I can't figure out why. He's such a good guy."

Local WWE fan gets slammed with $2 prize

2008-06-20T19:21:09Z

Friday, Jun. 20, 2008
Local WWE fan gets slammed with $2 prize
By BRYCE NIEMAN

(...) Quick trip to NYC

In an attempt to prove that professional wrestling isn’t without a heart, WWE invited the Fuhrmanns to New York City to take part in a press conference promoting the weekly giveaway.

WWE flew the family of three to New York for the two-day trip last Wednesday and at the press conference Sarah met wrestlers John Cena and Triple H, WWE Diva Maria, and McMahon.

"I kind of wanted to slap him," Sarah said. "Everyone there was really nice though."

She said Triple H was especially friendly and made friends with 2-year-old Katelynn, though the 2-year-old was a little frightened of Cena. Triple H also gave Sarah $3 more to increase her winnings to $5.

Sarah shared the stage with the WWE personalities and the June 9 big winner, Steven Rosenzweig of Mount Horeb, Wis. who won $250,000.

About 400 to 500 people were on hand for the event including media members and excited WWE fans.

"It was kind of crazy," Sarah Fuhrmann said.

Prior to the trip she said she was excited to be able to visit New York as she had never been there before.

However, the press conference took up most of the Fuhrmanns’ Thursday and Sarah said they weren’t able to see much else of the city spending just two days there.

Although she was happy for the opportunity, she said it still didn’t make up for getting the short end of the sweepstakes. (...)

The whole (pretty whiny *rolls eyes*) article can be found here: http://www.kellercitizen.com/103/story/10099.html

Shawn Michaels update --- Jun 18, 2008

2008-06-20T02:23:22Z

Dot Net Exclusive notes: Shawn Michaels update, Bryan Danielson and WWE
By Jason Powell Jun 18, 2008 - 03:43 PM

Shawn Michaels was not at Raw this week because he is simply selling the angle with Chris Jericho from last week's Raw. His father underwent open heart surgery recently, but is said to be doing better. Michaels has also had some legitimate eye problems of his own, but it's unknown whether he's seeking treatment while he sits out to sell the angle.

Speaking of Michaels, he may hold the key to Bryan Danielson's future with WWE. A well-placed source noted today that Michaels has enough pull that he could get Danielson hired if he put in a good word for him. They spent time together backstage, but no one seems to know how close they actually are even though Danielson trained at Shawn's school.

Source: http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article1001832.shtml

Reading the article, I'm praying for the speedy recovery of HBK's father, as well as his own occuring eye problems.

HHH interview

2008-06-16T22:41:49Z

Thanks to Molly for finding this...

Peter Rosenberg talks to Triple H about Million Dollar Mania, Ric Flair, and responds to Scott Steiner's trash talk.

Carlito rips Triple H

2008-06-14T02:55:38Z

Credit: PWI

WWE STAR TAKES PUBLIC AIM AT TRIPLE H AND HIS MARRIAGE TO STEPHANIE MCMAHON AT PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
by Mike Johnson @ 6:08 PM on 6/13/2008

During a press conference today in Santiago, Chile, promoting a 7/2 Raw house show, Carlito took aim at Triple H's place in World Wrestling Entertainment, specifically his marriage to Stephanie McMahon-Levesque.

When asked about their marriage, Carlito commented, "I may get in trouble, but that's why I'm here. My opinion is that it was a smart move by [HHH]. I think that's why he's champion now and has been champion in the past, it's easier to him. We, the real wrestlers, don't depend on people in the business. We don't have that benefit. We have to deliver the maximum in the ring. Others are given championships in a plate of gold or platinum, I'm happy for him."

Carlito, who claimed he had been discriminated against in WWE because he was Latin (but did not specify any instance), saying his heritage makes it harder for him, but he doesn't regret being Latino. He also commented that he never sees Triple H going overseas to promote the company, stating, "I don't see him coming to Chile or Paraguay, places like that. He's always comfortable."

As mentioned yesterday on PWInsider.com, Carlito is again unhappy with his WWE push and status. In a sign that he wasn't just playing a heel role during the conference, Carlito put over babyface John Cena's work ethic and criticized wrestling fans for not supporting him. The McMahon-Levesque marriage has always been pretty much considered "out of bounds" for anyone to discuss publicly for the obvious political reasons.

Matt Morgan on Kevin Nash

2008-06-14T02:53:33Z

Credit: Wrestling Observer

Between The Ropes
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060
Simulcast online at BetweenTheRopes.com

Matt was then asked about his thoughts on Kevin Nash since they are both large wrestlers who also have a great deal of athleticism and charisma. Matt agreed that Nash was a good guy to compare himself with and credited Nash for helping make wrestling cool again. "The way he would talk was so calm, cool and collected. He wouldn't have to scream or go overboard…he came across as such an intelligent guy. I always wanted to pattern a lot of the way I spoke and carried myself on him, but at the same time do it differently by showing some of my athletic prowess when I could do so."

Another Youtube video.. HHH after the 1st press conference

2008-06-14T00:43:55Z

This was done after the Million Dollar Mania in LA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4fG3-3tTZw

I thought it was cute how he says that Vince is "mental" and gives that little laugh. Makes me want to just hug him.

Also pics and a vid are up on WWE.com from yesterday's press conference and a small video where Hunter gives the $2 winner $3 extra dollars of his money! Heck, I'd love to be the $2 winner and get to meet him! That's not such a bad prize after all!!

Thanks to Rowan for posting up the previous entry, I was at work and didn't want anyone to miss the Hunter goodness I'm finding.

Youtube video link

2008-06-13T19:45:31Z

Beth C passed this on to me and she's at work so she suggested posting it here. It's a video at the NYC press conference, back stage with a hip hop dj. Got a couple of good Hunter bits in it. Anyway, I'm just posting it. Credit goes to Beth C for finding it.

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=oK7Who90XLI

HHH Interview/WWE Press Conference Recap

2008-06-09T20:52:28Z

First off, I'm sorry I haven't been around recently 'cause I haven't been home much. Thanks to everyone who helped to keep the place alive despite that.

HHH Interview/WWE Press Conference Recap

US, June 9, 2008 - The scene: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. The event: Vince McMahon's "Million Dollar Mania" Press Conference. Me? Front row with recorder in hand. Behind me... a big crowd of rowdy WWE fans. Most of them staunch John Cena haters.

This past Tuesday, the WWE invited press and fans alike to behold the site of one million dollars in cash – a million dollars of Vince McMahon's own money. Transferred from hard plastic case to another, the money was given a grand entrance complete with it's own theme music. I could tell that some of the more mainstream affiliate press sitting next to me were a bit uncomfortable with the loud chants and cheers from the fan section. Chants like "Cena Sucks," "We Want Ratings" and "Vince for President" often jarred those who were not used to the kind of noise and fanfare that accompanies the WWE. John Cena, who came out first to speak about the growth of the WWE brand, addressed those members of the press that had never been to a WWE event before that what they were hearing was "the sound of passion."

And what a guy, that Cena. Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of his in-ring work, but he can certainly hold his own in a room of people who vocally hate his guts. And these chants and outbursts that I mentioned - they never stopped. There might be a couple reasons why the conference is only presented in "highlight" form on WWE.com, but one of them has to be that it was very hard for any of the speakers to manage a sentence or two without someone screaming out "we love you Maria," or "draft John Cena." Although, I must admit, the chants of "Who are you?" during the presentations from Gabe Karp, Executive Vice President of E-Prize Plus, and Chris McCumber, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the USA Network, were amusing.

Triple H and John Cena both shook hands and cordially sat next to one another. Soon to be opponents, these two men, along with the bubbly and radiant WWE Diva Maria, took turns speaking to the crowd about the broad appeal and global reach of the WWE. Vince McMahon was the last to address us, running down the usual checklist describing of the enormity of the WWE. The amount of countries it's viewed in. The amount of traffic to their website. And of course, the fact that starting this Monday night, he will be giving away a total of one million dollars to those viewers who have pre-registered on WWE.com and then watch the live broadcast of RAW on the USA network.

The initial intent of this giant giveaway is to gain viewership, both new and old. New folks who might have never seen the WWE, or have always wanted check out wrestling but were embarrassed to do so; the old viewers being those who used to watch wrestling as a child, or even in college, but have since strayed from regular viewing due perhaps to more pressing adult responsibilities. But I'd also be remiss if I left out the true benevolent notion of this contest. Vince truly does appreciate the WWE fans. Many media reports are calling this a form of "stimulus" program, with the notion being that this money is being put to good use and will possibly be given to someone who, during these stressful economic times, definitely needs it.

After being asked "why are you doing this now instead of trying to combine it with [TV] Sweeps Period when, you know where you could really rake in the people?" Mr. McMahon had this to say:

"This is an idea, quite frankly, that works very well because it's not sweeps. Aside from that, it was an idea that came to my brain very recently as a matter of fact..."

Triple H then added "He's a very impatient man. When he has an idea, it has to happen that day."

After a couple more questions, I got to put my lips to the mic and let loose the question of the ages to Mr. McMahon. "Are you afraid that Donald Trump is going to start offering two million dollars to people to watch The Apprentice?" I know, move over Mike Wallace. I was told that the room did chuckle a bit, but I was in an "I'm actually talking to Vince McMahon, and I think I might have taken a dig at him" snowblind state. To his credit, Vince answered with the following.

"[Donald Trump] certainly is a extraordinary promoter, but I can't see him giving away his money."

True that. Once again we were reminded that this money is coming from Vince's own pocket.

Later, after the rambunctious fans had left, Vince McMahon and Triple H were kind enough to take turns sitting down with the press. One question poised to Mr. McMahon was whether or not he thought that it hurt RAW to not have another wrestling show to compete with on Monday nights. Someone to match up against. Vince's response:

"No I don't. In terms of a wrestling competition, no I don't. Our competition is every other sport, every other form of entertainment. That's really who are competition is. And I think had the Monday Night Wars continued someone would have absolutely died. And I think both our products suffered greatly because we while we were approaching burnout, they were already there. You can only do so much in terms of giving the audience everything you have. And after you give them everything you have, then there's nothing else to give."

Another reporter asked Mr. McMahon what a new viewer to RAW could expect to see.

"I think they would be blown away by the production value. The pyro. The enthusiasm...and you can feel that back at home. The enthusiasm. That kind of excitement. And then, of course, there's the athleticism. And unquestionably we have the most attractive men and women on any television show. There's a lot provided."

Next to sit with us was Triple H. Uber-friendly and modest, Hunter was asked right off the bat who his pick was: Celtics or Lakers? Hunter picked the Celtics since he now lives in New Hampshire, but then added this:

"You know I don't follow sports. I'm so busy. I'm like the only guy in our entire locker room that doesn't. I have no idea what everyone's talking about when they talk about these games. But just out of hometown loyalty, you gotta go with the Celtics, right?"

But, still admittedly, Hunter is no sports fanatic.

"It's a little embarrassing sometimes, like I went to the Red Sox one time and they had me throw out the first pitch of the game, and I had to bring my nephew because he's a huge baseball fan. I had to have him stand next to me and then everyone who came over I was like whispering to him, 'who's this guy?'"

Talk then turned to the "Million Dollar Mania" giveaway.

"This is one of those things were people are going to say that (Vince) is either crazy or a genius. But Vince's level of commitment... Vince will do anything to make sure that his brand continues to grow. And I think this is part of two things. Part of it is creating a really cool segment of the show where he gets to give back to fans. I mean, let's face it, there's nothing cooler than some guy who hard on his luck or whatever winning fifty grand. And part of this also continuing to make this brand grow, and that growth comes from getting more fans. You know one of the things that always frustrates us in this business is that we're always getting just blasted by the media. For just dumb stuff. You know the presidential candidates come on our show and the next day it's all over the media that, 'oh my god now they've stooped to the lowest common denominator to try to get votes.' So you're telling me that all these (fans), their votes somehow count less? I don't understand. And yet if you go to our shows and look all around, there's business men, there's politicians. There's people from every walk of life."

Lastly, when all was partially said and partially done, I got a couple of minutes with Triple H one on one. We had been speaking about how Hunter actually felt bad for wrestling fans since he felt that a lot of them were ashamed to admit to liking wrestling.

IGN: You know I've always thought that the people who come up to you and say that wrestling's fake are actually closet wrestling fans. But they don't want to admit it to themselves.

Triple H: You ow what's funny that I always find is the people will come up to you and... Well not now... Now they just accuse you of being fake. But they used to come up to you and say, "Hey dude, is that stuff real, or is it fake?" But no matter what answer you gave them... Like if you said, "Oh man, it's all real," they'd say, "No it's not, I know you guys fake that stuff." Like they have the argument ready. But if you say "Oh yeah, it's completely scripted. It's a total show and none of us get hurt. It's a total farce. " Then they'd say "Yeah, but I know this one time I saw it, I saw a guy hit another guy and I know that was real."

IGN: It seems like they're not satisfied with anything you tell them.

Triple H: You know what, if you're a fan of our business, a fan of what we do, you tune in and you watch our product and you're entertained by it, [then] there's no explanation for what we do. You know what I mean? It doesn't matter if it's real or fake - There's no explanation necessary. But if you're not a fan, you're just not going to see it.

IGN: I'm someone who's grown up watching it since 1987 at least. I'm married with kids, but I haven't stopped watching. But I have friends who used to watch it who don't any more. Do you think there are people out there who do enjoy it, did enjoy it, and will come back and enjoy it again?

Triple H: Oh sure. I get so many fans that will come up to me and say that "I used to watch as a teenager. I went to college and got out of it. Now I've got kids and my kids started watching it and now I'm hooked." And they're back to being fans. What you found entertaining about it in the first place is still entertaining. The characters have changed, the players have changed, but it's still entertainment. People just need to get off their pedestal. You know, everybody in the world takes us so seriously, except for us. To them, it's the be all end all -- deathly consequences -- when they talk about everything we do in the wrestling industry and we're just laughing about it. We're just trying to put a smile on the kids faces that are sitting there, just trying to get a smile on these guys faces over there. We're trying to get a rise out of people so that they have a good time. So that when they come to our show and take three hours out of their week, they drop their fifty bucks and they forget about everything they got going on in their life. They yell and they scream and they get all their frustrations out and they have a blast.

Source: http://uk.sports.ign.com/articles/880/880200p1.html

Scott Hall news

2008-06-06T04:51:54Z

Credit: Rajah

-- Scott Hall now has an official website at TheScottHall.com. The site features his upcoming wrestling schedule and he is now taking bookings through it as well. Hall also has a MySpace page, which you can see at www.myspace.com/scotthallwolfpack4life. According to his webmaster, Hall is back home and in great spirit and shape.

Press Conference Photos are up!

2008-06-04T10:59:45Z

June 3, 2008 at the Staples Center -

http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/mania/pressconference/

Some yummy Hunter goodess there... go look and see!!! They also have a small video clip too!

http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/raw/2008/june1-7/7239496?zone=_index

Enjoy!!!

5/26 RAW Results

2008-05-27T04:59:35Z

Here are the details that involved Shawn and Hunter from tonights RAW.

Todd Grisham stood in the middle of the ring, which was decked out with a red mat and podiums for the segment. He introduced Triple H first, who came out to his full entrance. King said the last time H faced Orton was in a Last Man Standing match where Orton won the title. Did I hear that correctly? Has the King’s stunt double been announcing for the last several months?

Randy Orton came out next. His music sounds different again. Maybe they just amped up the new song. H is in street clothes; Orton is in his wrestling gear and a t-shirt. Grisham asked Orton if he thought he could beat H on Sunday? Orton was upset that his accomplishments have been overlooked and he has beaten everyone there is to beat. He said the joke is over and the laughing will stop on Sunday.

Triple H said the people are not laughing at Orton because he is funny, but because he is an ass. H said he is not laughing at Orton because he knows how good he is. Orton backs his way out of every challenge. He says how great he is but he is just trying to convince himself. H called Orton a scared little boy in a man’s world.

H started to scream at Orton. He said if Orton wanted to be the best in the business, he needed to thrive on competition. Orton interrupted loudly. Orton said H sees threats and brings them in close, or eliminates them. He used Shawn Michaels as an example. He said Shawn was too dumb to see what was really going on.

[Q2] Orton brought up Evolution and how he became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion and thus, a threat to Triple H. H said he and Ric Flair took a little fish from a small pond and threw him into the ocean. Orton said H would no longer be able to call himself the best because he will be the hell out of him on Sunday.

He went face to face with him. “I will beat you, Hunter, and I will be the last man standing.” He walked away, but Triple H had the last word. He said the last word would take place this Sunday. He said The Age of Orton will continue, or Triple H will beat Orton within an inch of his life. Orton turned his back on Triple H; H approached and said not only would he kill The Age of Orton, it would be like it never even existed. H held the belt up in Orton’s face before he left to the back…

-Backstage, Shawn Michaels stood face to face with McMahon. Michaels said he just cannot see Vince doing anything decent. Vince said Shawn would give the devil his due tonight. Shawn said Vince should know about that…

-. Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels in a non-title match ended in a double countout in 9:58. Jericho remembered his belt even though creative forgot about it a long time ago. They showed a great photograph from Wrestlemania of Michaels in mid-air while performing a moonsault vs. Ric Flair at Wrestlemania.

A very nice exchange of headlock takeovers took place at the start of the match. Jericho hit a hard running elbow on Michaels, who fell to the apron. Jericho tried his springboard dropkick but missed and fell to the floor… [C]

[Q8] Jericho had a reverse chin lock on Michaels coming back from commercial. Michaels hit a backslide for a nearfall. Jericho hit an ensiguiri and worked on Jericho in the corner. The referee was overdoing trying to get Jericho off of Michaels in the corner.

Jericho tried the bulldog off the irish whip, but Michaels pushed him and Jericho was crotched in the corner. Michaels hit an inverted atomic drop followed by a flying forearm. Michaels nipped up. Jericho was not far behind.

Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho but Michaels reversed it into a small package for a nearfall. Jericho missed a Lionsault. Michaels missed a top rope elbow. Jericho tried the Codebreaker, but Michaels held onto the corner. Michaels missed Sweet Chin Music and Jericho locked in the Walls.

Michaels almost tapped as both announcers sold his stretcher match vs. Batista on Sunday. Michaels held the rope as if he was going to hit Sweet Chin Music and Jericho recognized it. Cool spot. Jericho kicked Michaels to the outside. He locked in the Walls on the floor and both men were counted out.

After the match, Jericho continued the attack, elbowing Michaels’ lower back and reapplying the Walls. He grabbed a chair and considered using it, but Michaels looked up at him as if he were asking for mercy. Jericho looked conflicted. Jericho helped Michaels up and threw the chair down. He walked off, disgusted in himself. He was crying as he retreated up the ramp…

Mexico House Shows 5/21-5/24

2008-05-27T04:52:50Z

Here are the results by the day.

5/21- Monterrey, Mexico
Next DX (awesome pop) beat Umaga and Snitsky, usual DX with funny references and great crowd interaction (probably best match of the night)

Source: http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/wwe-house-show-results/wwe-raw-house-show-results-05-21-2008.php

5/22- Queretaro, Mexico
Shawn Michaels b Chris Jericho in the best match of the night
Triple H b Umaga in a non-title match

5/23- Mexico City
Then back to action, HBK and Y2J fought in a non title match.
Both had great receptions, but i think that the one for Shawn Michaels was better.
It was a good match, HBK won by pinfall after sweet chin music.
In the main event Triple H defeated Umaga for the WWE championship with the pedigree.
Source: http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/wwe-house-show-results/wwe-raw-house-show-results-05-23-2008---mexico-city-mexico.php

5/24- Mexico City
Main event: DX Vs Umaga and Snitsky.

Of course, the biggest pop from the crowd as these guys are out just for fun. I mean seriously, the match was like 50% wrestling and 50% entertainment, not that I am complaining, I got a great laugh out of it all.

First Shawn was trying to convince HHH to start up the match because he was the smallest of them all, then Shawn, after been took down by Snitsky, tricked HHH on the tag. HHH locked horns with Snitsky and got out of the ring. He asked Snitsky to brush his teeth and got the crowd going, got some tick tacks from the crowd and offered them to Snitsky, He rejected it, the ref tried to the same result, then Umaga got it and tried himself, with Snitsky almost taking them. The end was also very funny, The lights went out and when they came back, HHH and HBK had DX Masks and started a nice combination that you can see a lot in Mexican Wrestling, They got Umaga and Snitsky out of the ring and called for a dive. Hunter went for it, only to stop at the edge of the ring, cautiously got out and jump over Umaga. Snitsky was pinned after the "Sweet Chin Music" & Pedigree combo.

Winners by Pinfall: DX.

After the match the unmasked and acted like they didn't knew who was behind each mask.
Source: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2008/articles/1211815689.php

Kevin Nash issues charity free-throw challenge

2008-05-23T05:48:51Z

Credit: http://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/7145640

As reported in an article posted on TNAWrestling.com May 21, TNA wrestler Kevin Nash recently extended a challenge to the entire city of Memphis, Tenn., for a free-throw contest at TNA’s Slammiversary. While a guest on 98.1 FM’s “Chris Jarman Midday Show,” Nash made the challenge as an insult to the University of Memphis’ poor free-throw percentage that is attributed to their loss in the NCAA Championship game. The wager of the challenge is that whoever loses the contest — Nash or his opponent — will make a large donation to the military charity “Project Package.”

Circle of Champions: Triple H meets Make-A-Wish's Justin Branch in Motown

2008-05-17T16:49:19Z

DETROIT – Monday night, in the locker room area of Motown’s Joe Louis Arena, Make-A-Wish’s Justin Branch was acting like, well, a 10-year-old. The Bowie, Md., native was playing with his best friend, Julian Walters. The “True Champ” was in good spirits; only hours away from seeing Raw live for the first time and minutes from meeting his favorite Superstar, WWE Champion Triple H.

“I’ve been waiting years for this moment,” the fourth grade honor roll student said with an ear-to-ear grin. “I was in shock when I heard that Triple H would be granting my wish. I’ve liked Triple H ever since I was five years old because he’s nice to people, he has a lot of fun and he breaks the rules, too.”

The boy informed his father, Robert Higgins, that he had all his questions for the WWE Champion ready, and was very excited for their meeting, just as The Game strutted into the room. The 10-year-old was nearly speechless when the 12-time World Champion signed photos and presented him with a brand-new “Triple H Hammer” T-shirt. Branch suddenly became shy when Triple H asked him what he would like for him to write on his new T-shirt.

“You have to speak up, Justin,” joked Triple H. “Do you have any questions for me?”

After some hesitation, Branch asked the 12-time Champion about his friendship with his former DX partner Shawn Michaels, who was also scheduled to meet with Branch before Raw, and then posed for several pictures with The Game.

“Kids sometimes talk up a tough game before you go in there. Then, when they get in front of you, the moment takes over and they don’t say much,” Triple H explained. “Then when you leave, you know they say, ‘Man, I should’ve said this. I should’ve said that.’ You want them to get the experience while you’re there, but sometimes they get so nervous and you almost have to beat it out of them.”

The Game acknowledged the significance with meeting the “True Champ” in the arena named after Joe Louis, arguably the greatest boxing champion of all-time.

“Anytime you can come into an arena like this, where so many big things have happened over the years, it just makes it a completely different feeling and adds a special quality to it,” Triple H said. “I think meeting Justin here and knowing how hard he’s just makes it that much more special. Justin’s a great kid. Hopefully tonight’s show puts a smile on his face.”

“Meeting Triple H was da bomb! He took the time out to meet me, his No. 1 fan,” an excited Branch responded. “Everybody thinks he’s a bad guy, because he uses a sledgehammer as his best weapon, but I know for sure that he’s not a bad guy at all.”

Source: http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/circleofchampions/triplehmakeawishdetroit

Pics of HHH & HBK: http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/circleofchampions/articlephotos/triplehdetroit/

"X-Pac" Waltman checking out of treatment facility today

2008-05-16T17:29:35Z

Sean Waltman is checking out of a treatment facility in Houston today after staying more than three months. During a phone conversation on Thursday night, Waltman said he was in a great place mentally and feels it's time to take the next step. He was originally scheduled to get out of the facility last month, but he chose to stay longer to get additional care. He will continue to take part in an outpatient program and WWE is covering all expenses.

Although it sounded like the talks have been informal, Waltman stated that he has spoken with Triple H about the possibility of working for WWE in a behind the scenes capacity. He also expressed gratitude to Vince McMahon and the company for their help, and spoke highly of longtime friend Kevin Nash, who went out of his way to pick up Waltman in Mexico and escort him to the treatment facility.

Source: http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article1001434.shtml