Your News, My Views 7.31.07

Today in Wrestling History:

Births and Deaths:

Wrestling God Karl Gotch Passes Away…

Karl Charles Istaz; known the world over as Karl Gotch, passed away at 9:45 pm last night just days away from his 83rd birthday. Gotch was a “place-winner” in the 1948 Olympics in London. From there he moved onto the famed Wigan School, where he learned submission wrestling. After migrating to the US, he began to build a reputation as a shooter, and considered by some “the toughest man alive.” While wrestling in the US Kotch captured the WWWF World Tag Team titles with Rene Goulet.

In Japan he was actually referred to the “The God of Professional Wrestling,” later he became a trainer for both New Japan Pro Wrestling and later the original UWF. Gotch’s influence is very apparent in students Akira Maeda and Nobuhiko Takada; he also influenced Inoki to the degree that it was the inspiration for the famous match with Muhammad Ali. Many feel that this is what led to the rise of not only shoot fighting but also eventually MMA in that Japan.

The good news here is that Gotch lived a long and eventful life. So many times we have to write about people dying young and for not the best of reasons. While this is a loss to the world of wrestling, Gotch will be thought of in appositive light for his contributions on the sport of professional wrestling and MMA. RIP Mr. Gotch.

RAW RAMBLINGS~!

-John Cena kicked us off this week. He made a great joke about the “#1 contender’s” book of rules, when he was stopped by Carlito who was debuting the New Cabana. Kennedy came out, Cena laid the bitch smack down on them and we had Kennedy vs. Lashley and Carlito vs. Cena as out highlighted matches for the evening.

-The ladies 6-woman tag was atrocious and someone was almost killed.

-Sargento Mozzarella getting killed by Umaga ruled.

-King Booker continues to be awesome.

-Cody Rhodes continues to impress. Daivari is looking “well” these days.

-Kennedy wining a match was shocking, especially over Lashley. I am wondering if he has a shoulder injury, which requires some time off.

-The Royal Battle was disappointing with the finish.

-Cryme Tyme needed to get the hook pulled on them.

-Orton looked dominant still, but it was rather boring.

-Cena and Carlito had a good match, but it was total horseshit that Carlito won when Cade and Murdoch lost to Cena last week.

Your News: According to ESPN.com, two of the congressmen responsible for conducting steroid hearings into Major League Baseball have requested that Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment provide records pertaining to the WWE’s testing policies.

Rep. Henry Waxman, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Tom Davis, its ranking minority member were the men that requested the records in a three page letter to WWE dated for today. Their goal is to prepare a detailed look at WWE’s drug-testing policy, including information about the results of performance enhancing drug tests on pro wrestlers.

The records requested by Waxman and Davis are wide ranging, but similar to what was asked of Major League Baseball. It requests a list of drugs covered by its policies; information on the entity that conducts its drug testing; the exact number of tests it conducts annually; the protocols followed after a positive test; and the procedures for awarding exemptions.

WWE Statement On Congressional Letter
The media has provided us with a copy of a letter from the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. We are reviewing this letter and will respond accordingly.

-WWE.com has removed the copy of the “Wellness Policy” that was formerly available to the public.

As of now, WWE plans to address the request methodically; upper management is concerned and plans on taking the request seriously, but they aren’t panicking.

My Views: All right, lots to look at here. First of all, and I believe that Byers said this and I will agree. While there are a lot more important things Congress should be looking at, I support them looking at pro wrestling. They have asked for records and want then by late August because they are planning a hearing in September. Now the good news for WWE that even though it is flawed, they do have something on paper. They have a policy. I think the first thing that will happen is that these bullshit loopholes will be closed, either by WWE or by Congress. Also, I want to hear the bullshit excuse WWE will have when Congress asks how guys can have an 8:1 or 10:1 ratio and pass these tests. When they do the “prescription” excuse, I don’t imagine congress being amused.

As far as what Congress wants, they want copied of all the “wellness” plans the company has had and recent testing record. Some will be curious as to past wellness programs, but at various times WWE has had some policies. From about 1987 on they had a very strict cocaine policy as it was becoming a big problem in the business. In 1992 they had a pretty strict steroid policy in light of the whole Federal Indictment thing with Vince. They fired guys like Bulldog and Warrior and went with HBK and Bret for a while. But they dropped that in 1996 because they were losing the war to WCW and needed the jacked up juice monkey’s. I wonder how they will explain to Congress that they had no testing from 1996 – 2005? Sure they had the occasional firing and sending people to rehab (Waltman, Regal, BG James) but they had nothing official on tap.

Also, you know that since Congress is asking them for things, I am just waiting for Vince and McDiviett to ask Congress if they are going after TNA as well. Congress doesn’t even know they exist right now. But as I said, if Congress goes after TNA they are royally FUCKED because they have nothing down on paper and well, look at some of the people they are employing. More on that later.

Here is one other thing to keep in mind here. Baseball was and still is America’s Pastime. Comparatively wrestling is the sticky shit on the bottom of your shoe from the movie theatre. Wrestling could be in trouble because they have no political lobbying, where as baseball did. Baseball has a following and a group of people that love it that are in Congress and such. So it all depends on if Congress wants to lay the screws to wrestling. If they are dead set on making things all legit and doing it quickly, the wrestling would could be turned upside down. Remember back when this all began I said that there could be catastrophic effects on the business?

Your News:According to documents filed by WWE on Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange commission (SEC), several WWE Executives recently sold off WWE Stock. According to the documents:

– Kevin Dunn, who is the executive VP of TV production, sold 10,698 shares on the open market for a total value of $171,274. Also in the same filing he acquired 50,000 shares of WWE stock that will yield a value depending on “performance, vesting, and forfeiture provisions.”

– WWE COO Michael Sileck sold off 8,364 shares at $16.01 for a total value of $133,907. Last month (June), Sileck also sold 18,811 shares for a total value of $336,528. This was when the stock price was $17.89.

-WWE Films division president Joel Simon sold approximately 14% of his stock for a total of $103,952.

-Shane and Stephanie McMahon sold 224 and 209 shares, respectively.

-Finally, VP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis sold 4,779 shares for a total value of $76,511.

My Views: I would hate to play conspiracy theorist, but…it is very interesting to see the company executives sell off so much stock before a drop in price, and before a potentially damaging Congressional hearing. I mean, Dunn and Sileck sold off and Dunn made an extra $13,700 selling when he did and Sileck made over $40,000 more off the early sale. Basically it is an easy way to cash in on investment since they all own so much of it, but when you think about it, it does look like a conspiracy. FUN~!

Your News: WWE stock was at $15.01 just before closing today, which is a 52-week low. Since the Benoit Family Tragedy, the stock has fallen 8%.

My Views: Some people were asking about this which is why I decided to discuss it. I don’t think that this is directly all from the Benoit fall out. First of all as noted above, the executives sold off stock. When executives sell off stock, other investors tend to follow, hence a small drop. Also the market as a whole is down a bit. Add that into the Benoit and congress fall out and the drop is easily explained. Now if it continues, then there is cause for concern.

Your News: WWE.com is reporting the latest on Edge’s injury and following surgery. Dr. James Andrews noted that the tear was much worse than originally believed, and the surgical team discovered that the tendon had completely torn from the bone once they opened him up for the surgery. The injury was so bad that it could have been career threatening if it wasn’t correctly repaired. As far as a recovery, Dr. Andrews stated, “That has yet to be determined. The first four weeks after the surgery is all about healing; from there, it can take three to four extra months for the recovery.” From that, one could expect Edge back in late 2007.

My Views: Wow. As I said last week, this was the previously injured pec muscle, but this is not good. Just the wrong time as Edge as again he was rolling and hot and now has to go on the shelf. The good news is that they caught things before they became career threatening, and Dr. Andrews got things stitched up and ready to go. Edge has approximately 5-months of total recovery and rehab ahead of him, which the good thing is that he knows all about long recovery, but mentally that has to be draining since not all that long ago he was out with the neck and had the long recovery. I hope he recovers well and quickly, the natural way and is back and as good as ever. Edge vs. Taker at WM anyone?

Your News: More on the Jackass angle being pulled. The idea was to slowly involve the Jackass crew over a few weeks, to build tension with Umaga. Then they would show up at The Great American Bash and cost Umaga the IC Title, all leading to the Summerslam match. But once the Benoit family tragedy happened, Johnny Knoxville got cold feet. He has agreed to a set amount of dates and the PPV, but he started to cut dates from the deal and then finally this weekend he announced that he didn’t want to be involved. While other members of the crew were available and willing to still be involved, WWE decided to nix the angle due to Knoxville pulling out.

-WWE had already spent a considerable amount of money on advertising, with the video that had already been seen and posters with Umaga and the Jackass crew on a beach.

-Shane McMahon was a driving force behind the angle to take place and was the one to save it when “Steve-O” ran around backstage over a month ago and was asking guys to choke him out for his new DVD release.

My Views: Wow, you know that you are involved in some deep shit when Johnny Knoxville gets cold feet and pulls out of it. Seriously, when the Jackass guys think that shit is getting too hot it is amazing. All in all I am happy, because Jeff vs. Umaga was a fun match, and I think that they can do a lot better. Having them rematch is fine by me. I knew they would lose money on advertising, but that happens when you actually try to book ahead. Shane is taking a lot of heat for the whole angle. Some have thought that Shane had a good mind for the business, but this angle has made people question that. While not the best idea, I don’t think it is an indication that he has “lost his touch.” Everyone has a shitty idea from time to time, and this was Shane’s.

Your News: WWE has made Jamie Noble an agent/producer, working with the Cruiserweight.

My Views: I will say that I am glad for Jamie Noble. He has worked very hard in his career and he deserves the extra pay and benefits. But I also I think that this is one of those, “Keep the boys in line” deals. “Hey guys, look, if you behave and are a good sheep, you too can get an agent job with benefits. Now listen to daddy Vince.” I know people will hate to hear that kind of thing and will think I am very cynical, but really, if you totally dismiss that you don’t know nearly as much as you think you do.

Your News: The Steve Austin Life & Legacy DVD has been pushed back to a November release.

My Views: If I had to guess it would be because of these few things. Benoit was on the DVD doing interview stuff and that the great Austin vs. Benoit match from Edmonton as well as the KOTR Three way with Benoit and Jericho could be on the DVD. I really hate that this could be the reason, as I am not down with the whole erasing from history deal. We’ll have to see what happens here.

Your News: WWE has signed Ted DiBiase Jr. to a developmental deal. DiBiase will be heading to Florida Championship Wrestling in Tampa, Florida. DiBiase Jr. is the son of former WWE star “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase as well as the grandson of “Iron” Mike DiBiase. He was trained at Harley Race’s school and just completed a tour of Pro Wrestling NOAH.

My Views: The boy certainly has the pedigree to be a good addition to the roster. I have seen just a little bit of his work and you can see he has the tools and if he develops the right way, you never know, he could be something special. It’s also good to see that daddy Ted’s performance in the media helped his boy out.

Your News: World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Rene Dupree. WWE wishes Rene all the best in his future endeavors.

My Views: Seriously, you’re surprised? Really? Are you, Really? Dude failed like three wellness tests and was sent to rehab. It’s his own fault and he deserves what he gets. TNA, don’t be stupid and bring him in. The last thing I want to see his he and Conway reunited as La Resistencia.

Your News: Matt Cappotelli was visiting at the OVW tapings last night and in good spirits. Just the night before had another minor brain surgery to prepare for him starting chemotherapy treatment.

My Views: Wow, a day after minor brain surgery and he is at the show chilling with friends. God bless that kid. It is good that he is into good spirits as he heads into the chemotherapy phase of his treatment. I hope it all goes well and that he recovers well enough to live a normal life. Good luck Matt.

Your News: Former NWA tag Team Champions The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens) will be receiving a WWE tryout. From Andy Douglas’ MySpace Blog: Well it has finally been confirmed. Monday, September 17th, the Naturals get their shot at the WWE. We just found out that we get our dark match (try out match) on WWE Raw in Nashville on the 17th. So any and all fans that will be in the Nashville area on that day, please feel free to come down to WWE Raw and give us all the support that all of you have continued to give us over the last 5 years. Thank you all for this support, here on Myspace, during our career with TNA, and all the support from our fans at the local Indy shows. Thank you.

My Views: I really cannot see then having any success in WWE. They succeeded in TNA due to being constantly pushed, but in WWE they would be a couple of cruiserweights trying to make a go of it. While WWE could use real tag teams, and they qualify since they have been together around 5-years, if the jacked up Gymini didn’t get a real shot, and with WWE’s history in dealing with guys their size, I just can’t see them being used well, if at all.

Your News: FUN WITH JR’s BLOG~! My comments in BOLD on some of JR’s recent ramblings:

On the ECW Tag Team Titles: I am not a proponent of creating ECW Tag Titles because of the fact that I feel that there are too many titles in the biz already and the lack of depth on the ECW brand would not be conducive to a competitive tag team division.

I will agree that there are way too many titles in WWE. Also ECW doesn’t have any tag teams right now, they did have a chance a while back but they changed the brand. I would say that down the line they could use a TV like title, but for now they have to learn to book the brand with what they have first.

On Paul Heyman: The last time I talked to Paul Heyman, and it has been quite some time, he was happy and busy writing screen plays for potential Hollywood films and enjoying spending time with his two children. I am under the impression that Heyman is no longer under contract to the WWE and hasn’t been for quite some time, but I am not involved in that end of the business any longer and never asked Paul when we had our visit. I did not take from our conversation that Paul missed the wrestling business to any noticeable degree.

If Paul is happy that is a good thing. I would kill for him and Cornette to have a chance to book together in TNA, but overall his happiness is what is important. Under the right circumstances Paul E has done some tremendous booking and I think he still has some magic left.

On Sting: Sting in the WWE? It’s possible I suppose, but highly unlikely. Sting is obviously under contract with TNA as we speak, I would assume, and I don’t know if his future plans include staying in the biz for a long term or not. I wouldn’t hold my breath on this one. If Sting were in his early 30’s I might sing a different song.

Agreed with JR, Sting in his prime in WWE would have been something cool to see, but that ship has sailed. I still think that he may sign a legends deal to go into the hall of fame and get a DVD released on his entire career.

On politics: I think “politics” can be found in any business one wants to name, including sports and entertainment. Everyone has the right to their opinion, but reality is reality and it is simply human nature for “politics” to exist in any subjective field of endeavor.

That was a very political answer.

On how wrestlers are treated: Of course Edge will be paid while he is off healing from his injury. Edge is not a circus animal, so to speak. Also, WWE wrestlers do not wrestle 300 days a year and haven’t in a LONG time…the WWE pays for all medical bills for wrestlers who suffer in ring injuries…and the WWE pays for all wrestler’s expenses when they tour abroad, including travel, food, and lodging. Some of the quotes on selected, ill prepared and poorly produced news shows that I have heard featuring some ill informed ex-wrestlers has been embarrassing, as have the “hosts” who don’t care enough about the product to do their home work and find it easier to simply damn wrestling as a whole and those that are fans of the genre with wide, sweeping brush strokes. Is wrestling a “perfect business”? Absolutely not, but I choose to look for solutions to problems rather than to identify the same problems over and over again. The bias against wrestling by the mainstream media has existed for as long as I can remember and the recent tragedies have only amplified such.

It is nice to hear the record set straight. They do pay for the surgeries and pay the guys when they are off. They aren’t totally treated like animals like some bitter folk have eluded. Also the mainstream media has really painted one picture, the picture they wanted for the best ratings and for what looked sexy. WWE doe shave issues, but aren’t the total problem.

On Goldberg & Hogan returning to WWE: I agree that Goldberg and Hogan returning to the WWE would be most interesting and most likely stimulate ratings but it “ain’t going to happen”. It takes two to tango and they aren’t dancing these days. Not that there is any thing wrong with that.

Good, fuck em both.

On Triple H: HHH is slated to return in August perhaps even at SummerSlam, which would be great. He is missed on Raw.

The return of HHH is needed with HBK, Taker and Edge all out. I just hoe his booking is what is best for business and not what is best for him. Sorry Booker.

On Randy Savage: I will absolutely watch Randy Savage on the Surreal Life. Mrs. J.R. loves that show and I have also enjoyed it on occasion as well. It’s the proverbial car crash one can’t take their eyes off.

Hell yes JR, I’ll be watching too brother. Savage should be tremendous on that show.

On Michael Vick: If the Michael Vick debacle is true then Vick proves beyond a shadow of a doubt he is one dumb, formerly really rich human being. Athletes in every walk of sport and entertainment do some of the dumbest damned things these days that one can imagine, including in the wrestling business. Immaturity and the age of entitlement has not done these big money ball players any favors. Perhaps they won’t realize what they have until they lose it. I hope it is not true but the news media is now hammering the NFL, which gives others a rest at least for the time being.

“Perhaps they won’t realize what they have until they lose it.” My sentiments exactly. Why the hell do people get stupider as they get richer? I will never cease to be amazed by the stupidity of the common man, let alone the rich person. Give me the money and I will show you how to live.

On Orton as a Champion: Absolutely Randy Orton has the skill set to be a champion on any brand at any time. However the pressure of being “the man” is harder to navigate than most folks imagine and one has to be in that pressure cooker over the long haul to really determine how one can handle the mental load. If Orton wins at SummerSlam, then time will tell how he holds up under the microscope.

Orton has the tools, especially since he has shown it lately. But the problem is not in the ring; it is out of the ring. Will he be able to stand up to the pressure if given the ball again? JR is right, only time will tell if Randy has grown up since the last incident he had.

On the Straight Edge Lifestyle: I admire anyone who can or does live a straight edge life style. More people should attempt to live a clean life, which would certainly result in better, personal decisions and less “issues”. Those that cheat to get by or gain an edge should not be provided the opportunities that our society often provides for them.

“Those that cheat to get by or gain an edge should not be provided the opportunities that our society often provides for them.” Really JR? Really? Are you serious? Really? Did you just say that? Wow…just wow…

On Eddie Gilbert: Eddie Gilbert was a very bright student of the game who grew up in the business and wanted to be a part of it since he was a youngster. Eddie’s ability to visualize scenarios may have been his great strength in the business, even though he was a solid in ring performer who seemed to emulate Jerry Lawler a great deal, which isn’t a bad thing. Eddie left us too early but he made some bad choices that cost him his life.

Eddie mad every bad choices, but JR is right here in that Eddie Gilbert was a tremendous performer with an excellent mind for the business. If you are not familiar with his work, you need to seek some of it out, you won’t be disappointed.

On Jeff Hardy’s recent WWE Run: Jeff Hardy’s return to the WWE and his subsequent “breakthrough” as a singles star is one of the great stories of the year. Jeff is arguably as popular as anyone on Raw as is proven by the reaction Jeff receives every time he is introduced. I am genuinely happy for the younger of the two Hardy brothers. Matt is doing great on Smackdown as well and who’s to say that both brothers couldn’t be champions at the same time as individual performers?

Jeff’s return has been amazing. He has had good matches and has not exhibited any of his former demons. If he keeps it up he should get the shot at a PPV main event, as he had proved this year that he deserves it. Matt has also been doing very well and it would be pretty cool to see both of them get a chance to main event a PPV in the same year.

Your News:As reported earlier TNA has announced that Atlanta will host the Bound for Glory PPV event. The PPV was originally slated to run in the Chicago area, but WWE announced a PPV and Monday Night Raw taping for the same time frame in that area, and TNA thought better to run the PPV elsewhere. Bound for Glory is the company’s marquee event and they will run the Gwinnett Civic Center, a 13,000-seat venue. They are also planning a fanfest that weekend as well.

My Views: Well this makes a lot more sense. It would be stupid to try and run a major market right after or before major WWE events are taking place. They are trying to maximize their ticket sales and profit. I will say that this is actually a smart business move as Atlanta is a good wrestling town, and kind of in the middle of Orlando and Nashville, so they should have some loyal fans in for the event as well as newer fans.

Your News: Expect Dustin Rhodes to continue the character transformation into something close to the Goldust character. Obviously TNA cannot use the name Goldust, one name being considered in “Platinum.”

My Views: This sounds very familiar…oh yes, Vince Russo is WCW! This is exactly what he wanted to do there and they backed off in fear of a lawsuit. Fact is though that Dustin is nothing important outside of the Goldust gimmick, which is why they are trying to relive that.

Your News: Early estimates are putting the buy-rate for the Slammiversary PPV at 10,000-15,000 buys.

My Views: I would like to agree with Ryan Byers here on one hand. The build to Slammiversary was rather poor and a lot of people also didn’t realize when the event was, which is bad. But I will also say that June was a PACKED PPV month with K1, UFC and two WWE PPV’s. TNA is already on the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to PPV and that did not help them at all. That didn’t excuse the poor build they did, but it also didn’t help them. Bottom line, it is NOT good for the promotion.

Your News: There is talk of Sabu rejoining the promotion.

My Views: This is a catch 22 for them. On one hand he was great when he was in TNA and worked very hard, so he would be a fun addition. Also signing him could be a help in landing RVD if that is what they want. BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT very bad because not only is the roster stacked, but also last time he refused a contract to bail for WWECW. They really have to question if they want him back after that. Add into this all his noted drug problems and the bad side of things gets an easy win here.

Your News: Late last week TNA Wrestling signed suspended Tennessee Titan cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones to a contract that will see the NFL star perform as a wrestler. Jones is currently suspended for the entire 2007 NFL season, without pay, for personal conduct problems off of the field. Under his suspension, Jones is not allowed to attend the Tennessee Titans’ training camp. He is currently trying to get his suspension reduced to 10-games. Reportedly the Titans has no issue with Jones getting involved in professional wrestling.

The deal was Jeff Jarrett’s idea and he has full approval of the Titans. Jarrett is well known by those involved in the team since they are all in the same area. They are fine with the deal because it gives Jones something to do during his suspension.

My Views: All right, I am going to take off the “man of God” hat for a moment…lord close your ears, thank God next week is communion….

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JESUS TITTY-FUCKING CHRIST this promotion is stupid! Apparently TNA was upset because they weren’t invited to the congressional cluster fuck and decided to draw more negative attention to themselves by bringing in a guy with possibly the worst reputation in the NFL, maybe Michael Vick will be next! I usually don’t go to Wikipedia, but for those living under a rock, let’s have a look at what Pacman brings to the table:

As of March 2007, Jones has been arrested five times and questioned by police ten times since he was drafted by the Titans in 2005. Many NFL commentators are quick to point out that Jones has more arrests than interceptions since being in the NFL.[5] Nearly all of his troubles happen at night/strip clubs.

* On July 13, 2005 Jones was arrested on charges of assault and felony vandalism stemming from a nightclub altercation.

* On September 5, 2005 Jones was a guest at the annual Nashville Sports Council Kickoff Luncheon. After a loud verbal tantrum when he was told to wait in line for his vehicle later that evening, Jones was counseled by the police. He also refused to pay for any valet services used that evening.

* In October 2005, in a petition filed by the State of West Virginia, it was alleged that Jones had not made regular and sufficient contact with his probation officer and that he did not report his July arrest in Nashville in a timely fashion. The court ordered the probation extended for a period of 90 days, although the state requested it to be extended one year.

* On August 25, 2006, Jones was arrested in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after claiming that a woman stole his wallet. She claimed that she did not steal anything and Jones spat on her. Police officers said they ordered Jones to leave several times, but he refused, continuing to shout profanities at the woman. A judge granted him six months probation on the conditions that he stays out of further trouble and away from the nightclub.[6]

* On October 26, 2006. Jones was cited for misdemeanor assault for allegedly spitting in the face of a female student from Tennessee State University during a private party at Club Mystic, a Nashville nightclub. He was suspended by the Titans for one game and was scheduled to be booked on the charge on November 17, 2006.

* On the morning of February 19, 2007 during the 2007 NBA All-Star Game weekend in Las Vegas, Jones is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with an exotic dancer at a local strip club. Cornelius Haynes Jr., better known as the rapper Nelly, and Jones patronized the club on the evening in question. Haynes began to shower the stage with hundreds of one-dollar bills, an act known as “making it rain”. Jones then joined Haynes by throwing his own money for “visual effect”. Club promoter Chris Mitchell then directed his dancers to collect the money. According to the club’s co-owner, Jones become enraged when one of the dancers began taking the money without his permission. He allegedly grabbed her by her hair and slammed her head on the stage. A security guard intervened and scuffled with members of Jones’ entourage of half a dozen people. Jones then allegedly threatened the guard’s life.[7] During this time Mitchell and a male associate left the club with a garbage bag filled with $81,020 of Jones’ money and two Breitling watches, which police later recovered.[8] After club patrons exited following the original confrontation, the club owner says a person in Jones’ entourage returned with a gun and fired into a crowd, hitting three people, including the security guard involved in the earlier skirmish. The guard was shot twice, and one of the people hit, former professional wrestler Tommy Urbanski, was paralyzed from the waist down. Jones maintains that he did not know the shooter, although the club’s owner insists that Jones did. On March 26, 2007 the Las Vegas Police recommended to the city’s district attorney that Jones be charged with one count of felony coercion and also a misdemeanor count of battery and a misdemeanor count of threat to life.[9]

* More trouble followed Jones after the altercation, when drug dealer Darryl Moore reported to the police after being busted during a deal about his phone conversations with Jones. “We gotta slow down, man. We gotta get him focused on football, man. He’s focused on too much other shit,” Moore is alleged to have said. Wiretapped phone conversations between Moore and his friends revealed Moore talking about how Jones bet on college games to earn quick money. “You know, I was talkin’ to him the other day about smokin’, and he was like ‘man, if I didn’t smoke I couldn’t take all the stress that I’m dealing with right now,'” Moore said.[10]

* Jones also is set to appear in a Fayetteville, Georgia court in 2007 for his February 2006 incident on subpoenas for felony and misdemeanor obstruction of justice charges for an incident outside a home. The charges of marijuana in the same state were dismissed.[11]

* Jones has not been connected to the Moore drug arrests or convicted for the Vegas stripper incident. But Titans management have said they will talk to Jones about his future with the Titans, and that there is always a possibility of letting him go. The NFL has issued an investigation into the situation, which is looking into setting up stricter penalties for off-field conduct.[12]

* On April 3, 2007 Jones met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on to discuss his future and the future of fellow-former West Virginia Mountaineer and Cincinnati Bengals’ receiver Chris Henry.

* On April 10, 2007 the NFL announced that Jones would be suspended for the entire 2007 season, a suspension not assessed a player in 44 years (for reasons other than substance abuse) since Paul Hornung and Alex Karras were each suspended for one season for gambling. This suspension also stated that Jones will not receive pay during this suspension and that it is subject to additional review after the tenth regular season game, pending disposition of pending charges. In anticipation, Nick Harper was signed as an unrestricted free agent. What effect the suspension will have on the salary cap is not yet known, although the Titans could seek repayment of the approximately $1.9 million in signing bonus money due Jones in 2007. The suspension carries no guarantee of reinstatement after it has been completed.

* On April 14, 2007, Jones announced that he would appeal the suspension set by Goodell.[13] However, since Goodell also hears appeals, the chances of winning any reduction in the suspension are extremely slim.

* On May 7, 2007, Jones was stopped at 12:45 a.m. on Interstate 65 heading into downtown after an officer clocked him on radar at 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. Jones was driving his red 2004 Cadillac XLT he bought at police auction last fall. Police seized the Cadillac last spring in a drug bust. The car was not registered to Jones then, but he told a local TV reporter he had loaned the Cadillac to someone for a music video. Police called the man who had the car the main target of their investigation.

* June 12, 2007, Jones drops his appeal to the season-long suspension.[14]

* On June 18, 2007 Jones was sought by police for questioning after a shooting at an Atlanta strip club allegedly involving members of his entourage. According to police at the scene, Jones was not present during the shooting, and is not being charged.[15]

* On June 20, 2007, the Las Vegas Police and Clark County District Attorney’s office announced that Jones will face two felony charges stemming from the strip club melee that occurred on February 19, 2007.[16]

* On June 25, 2007, a bouncer at the Las Vegas strip club sued Jones, claiming that he shot him and had bitten his left ankle.[17]

With all of the backstage drama, drug addicts, lack of time for people under contract, losing money and everything else that they though that this was a good idea? No, this is beyond stupid. This is no buys, no extra ratings. It MIGHT get some mention on Sportscenter, but they have had mentions on there before and it did NOTHING for them. By the way, I saw it mentioned on ESPN for about 5-seconds and they all but blew it off so ESPN doesn’t even really care. I’m done right now. This company is the new WCW right now. Put the title on him, continue to hire other problem children, fuck anyone with talent and your chances of growing. Some will say that this is going to be like Tyson and WWE, but Pacman is nowhere near the star level that Tyson was. Piss it all away TNA, that’s the only thing that you are good at right now. Jeff, you’re an idiot. You’re supposed to be the one smart for the business, but you’re the one making the stupidest decisions. Let’s get Chris Henry and Tank Johnson along with Vick and form a stable of rich assholes that will take TV time from the deserving people. Maybe they can get Michael Vick to come in and be the manager for Pitbull Gary Wolfe. Good day to you. I SAID GOOD DAY~!

Your News: It is being reported that former WWE star Andrew “Test” Martin has been offered and or has signed a deal with TNA wrestling.

My Views: Wow, so you’ve just hired a dude who is constantly walking around with a needle in his ass as well as an NFL criminal. GENIUSES THE LOT OF YOU! I think I am getting stupider as this column goes on as I write about this news. Doesn’t even get me started on the whole he’s a WWE reject that will take a place of someone who has been busting their ass for 5-years and the fact that they have no time for the people that they do have under contract. Also he will deliver no buys.

Dear AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Chris Harris, James Storm and anyone else who has been busting their asses for the entire TNA run. I am writing to inform you that between Pac-Man and Test coming in, you have just been…

BERRIED~!

The good news is that they can have the “Shiny pants on a pole” match with Nash and Hoyt.

Your News: The trailer for the upcoming Christian Cage movie, entitled “Dark Rising” can he seen here. It will have a limited theatrical release in September.

My Views: While this will probably be a colossal failure, Cage looks hilarious in his part because he is being him. That alone will be enough for me to rent this movie. LONG LIVE CHRISTIAN CAGE!

Your News: TNA still has no “official” drug policy.

My Views: They need one and need one soon, because they look even worse than WWE does in their crisis mode right now. I think that I will leave this hear every week until they do have some kind of policy in place and on paper, as well as made available to the public. WWE is being asked for information, and when they are being brought in front of a congressional hearing, you don’t think they will mention you guys? Fair is fair, you want to be a big boy and the #2 company, so you may get your wish. The ball is in your court TNA. Will you take steps to help better the business and save lives, or will you stay the same and bring in anyone that had failed a drug test or been fired for drug related issues?

Your News: On last night’s episode of the WWE 24/7 Legends Roundtable, they discussed backstage heat in the business. Jerry Lawler was on the panel and they brought up his breaking Paul Heyman’s jaw with a punch in the 1980’s. When asked if he did it on purpose, he said yes, and went onto say that he waited two nights to do it so it wouldn’t be obvious. This is bad timing due to Lawler’s current legal issues with Sal Corente.

My Views: Wow, this is bad timing. Lawler is scheduled to go to court really soon and one thing that his defense was based off of is that he never purposely did anything to hurt anyone in the business. Many people have told the story for Corente’s lawyer, but there was no video evidence to prove that Lawler intentionally shot on him. Well, now there is!

Your News: Stampede Wrestling Legend Killer Tor Kamata (McRonald Kamaka), passed away at the age of 70. He is considered to be one of the legendary heels of Stampede Wrestling.

My Views: First of all I do not want to slight Kamata. Some will see the Gotch stuff at the beginning and think that, but it isn’t the case. Gotch simply has meant more to the business of pro wrestling AND MMA, so he gets a little more headline. Secondly, while death sucks period, again I am happy to see someone not around the age of 50. Kamata lived a pretty ling life and is revered as a legend as far as Stampede goes. I hope he went peacefully and not painfully. RIP and thanks.

Your News: The trademark infringement lawsuit between former WCW and WWE Wrestler Diamond Dallas Page and rapper Jay-Z has been officially settled. The settlement includes Jay-Z having to pay a monetary fee to Page. Page in return has now dropped all claims in regard to the situation. Each side is also responsible for paying their own legal fees.

-The original lawsuit was being contested over the “diamond cutter” hand signal that was a trademark of Diamond Dallas Page throughout his wrestling career.

My Views: As I said last week this is basically what was offered at the beginning by DDP over a year ago. Jay-Z was trying to be a little bitch about it and in the end he still had to pay the fee, and then an ass load of legal fees. I think that this is a totally fair settlement, and honestly I am glad to see DDP succeeding outside of the business. I wish more people could succeed like he has so they weren’t drug back into it.

Your News:In the state of South Carolina there is a bill in play that would change professional wrestling classification from sport to entertainment. The lawmakers will vote next year on this new bill, which if passed, would remove a lot of the power the local State Athletic Commission has over events promoted in the State.

My Views: Well, in a way it makes sense. Pro wrestling is more entertainment and commissions like this are around to take blood pressures and to collect huge fees when it comes to wrestling. Although with all of the congress discussion, states may be forced to take pro wrestling as a sport and test when they come to the state, which is a whole different cluster fuck right there.

Your News:Dr. Claire Godfrey plead guilty yesterday in Albany County District court to 10 counts of criminal diversion of prescription medicines. Godfrey’s plea deal will keep her from going to prison, although she could still lose her medical license. She has offered to testify against the Orlando, Florida-based Signature Compounding Pharmacy, who themselves face a number charges stemming from being the center of an alleged steroid distribution ring. Godfrey was working with Signature. Signature would charge “clients” $10,000 for access to Godfrey to write prescriptions for patients she never met or examined and would then be paid $50 per prescription and she reportedly earned close to $200,000 over a several month period. Two unnamed WWE performers are linked to the investigation, but it has been stated that Chris Benoit was not one of them. When asked for comment, WWE’s Gary Davis was quoted as saying, “We applaud the efforts of government officials to shut down the illegal use of steroids and those doctors who illegally prescribe them.”

My Views: GOOD. Down with dirty doctors. This is another reason healthcare costs are so out of control in this damn country. Your job is to take care of people and keep them and or make them well. Not to abuse your power and to make hundreds of thousands of dollars being a crooked asshole. Rot in hell.

Your News: Joe Raich, who is the former co-owner of a Florida’s Palm Beach Rejuvenation, plead guilty to fourth-degree conspiracy today. This is in regards to the ongoing steroid distribution case against the company. He has agreed to a deal, which sees him receiving five-years probation and he will pay $200,000. The deal also requires him to testify against the other four defendants caught by Albany, New York investigators. A number of pro wrestlers and pro athletes were named in the story for obtaining steroids and HGH in the Sports Illustrated story.

My Views: As expected, someone cut a deal and is turning evidence. This was the story from months ago where Edge and Shane helms were named in the bust, along with I believe Evander Holyfield. With all of the Congressional interest, and WWE wrestlers named, this again is doing no favors for the business as a whole.

Your News: Konnan’s kidney replacement surgery yesterday was a success. He is now resting in Tijuana.

My Views: This is great to hear. Konnan has been through a lot in the last year, and through it all he has maintained a position as a top tier mic guy and booker in AAA. I hope he recovers well and quickly. I know that he is in the top heel group in AAA and wants to aim for a December return to the ring. Good luck dude.

Your News: Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart were on QVC yesterday selling the Hulk Hogan Grill. They sold 13,000 Hulk Hogan Grills during the special at $99 a piece, which made approximately $1,287,000 million gross.

My Views: Holy shit. It is a tremendous looking grill I have to say. Just take a look:

The good news is that it couldn’t have possibly done worse than say:

Or…

Or even…

Now that you are raking in the grill money Hulk, stay away from wrestling and keep working on the “reality” show, which I love because of its fakeness.

Your News: UWF’s Capital Punishment II show on September 21st in Richmond, VA is a charity show at the Siegel Center. All proceeds will be going to the Commonwealth Autism Service. Hermie Sadler’s daughter is autistic and he does a lot of work in raising money for the cause. WWE is sending Ricky Steamboat, JBL, Ron Simmons and Sgt. Slaughter to make guest appearances.

My Views: For as many stupid and douchebag like things Vince and the WWE do, they do man up and do cool things like this. Sadler has done a lot for local and national Autism groups for along while now, and I think it is nice that he continues it. Not only that but WWE letting guys like Steamboat, Sarge, Simmons and JBL, who are all names the people like to see but are not active is a good thing. They usually get a stick up their ass for shows that have TNA guys on it, but it is nice to see that they are putting it aside for a much better and important cause. Good on you WWE.

Your News: Deer Park was a one-time show there for ROH. ROH had to run there as the Lake Grove, Long Island venue Sportplus had shut down. They are having trouble finding places to run in Long Island due to building damage from the original ECW and other independent groups skipping out without paying rent. There is a lot of bad blood between venue owners and potential promoters.

My Views: That sucks for ROH. They have a very clean reputation for running events, as I have never herd of venues complaining. They are professional, they keep the place clean and more importantly they pay the bill. Unfortunately for them all the good will they have earned means nothing as these venue owners are very jaded on wrestling due to the old ECW and the very unprofessional Independent scene. Hopefully the professionalism of ROH will win through and they can find a permanent Long Island home.

READER FEEDBACK~!

From Matt –

Wassup Larry. I am a big fan of your 4 R’s column and
I like the tributes you do for the wrestlers when they pass away. I heard your radio appearance and think u did very well. I would however like your opinion on a couple of things. It is commonly accepted that a heel wrestler is supposed to work a slower pace than a face so why is Orton vilified for his constant use of chin locks and various other moves? Is that not him simply working a slow pace? I do understand the point you made in the R’s this week about the beat the clock match but he has been criticized for his use of chin locks for a while now.

I would also like to know your opinion on why the WWE put the ECW Title on Nitro. Why wouldn’t they simply placate the fans and put the belt on the most popular guy (even tho I hate him) in ECW CM Punk?

Thanks for the compliments Matt and sorry it took me so long to get to this email. The chin lock thing with Orton has become more of a joke in actuality, but the thing is when he decides to shoot to a rest hold, it is 99% of the time a chin lock. More than anything, I personally joke about it because it is funny. I will compliment you on saying that the heel wrestler is supposed to work a slower pace and non-flashy pace, and that is dead on. As for the ECW title, here is the best explanation as I put it in the R’s of that PPV: For those wondering why Nitro won the title tonight, I will explain. It is like when Rhino won the NWA Title when Nash no showed. Promoters feel that they need to deliver when they change the card like that, so they gave us Nitro and a title win. Thanks for the email!

From Alan –

I think Chavo is saying old, as in not his generation. Meaning anyone who started in the late 90’s and on. So that leaves maybe, Mike Awesome, Jerry “The Wall/Malice” Tuite , and Russ Haas.

Well, I think he was staying on the company line and trying to keep his job. We’ll agree to disagree. Thanks for the email!

From Chuck –

Hey Larry, how goes it? Nice column, as usual. But I must ask this bro. How is Booker T able to use TNA talent on his PWA shows without Vince McMahon saying anything or doing anything? Sure, it’s Booker’s fed, and Vince and others have no control over it, but it’s just weird, and cool. First, Booker has Christian Cage on his radio show, then Team 3D goes against Booker T and Dawg Cheatum in a match. Then BG James was scheduled for the most recent show, but had to cancel. And their next show on August 31, AJ Styles will wrestle for PWA. Oh, and on the same show that had Team 3D, don’t forget that Umaga was on the show, and the close-up shot of Umaga with a TNA tag title over his right shoulder (it’s not a fake. you can see an edge of the belt sticking in Umaga’s neck). I know Umaga was in TNA some years ago as Ekmo (I have been a TNA fan since July of 2002. Just a month after they started) but still. Well, don’t be surprised to see Booker T in TNA sometime in the future. **fingers crossed**

I think that WWE has enough good will inside WWE that he is able to get away with it. Booker is preparing for retirement and the school and shows he runs is a big part of that. He probably asked for permission and as long as no one else from WWE is working with TNA guys, they seem to be ok with it. Thanks for the email!

Some instant feedback on PACMAN to TNA, first from Jason –

So…. Wrestling is still under the assumption that any publicity is good publicity. They should realize by now that because of the Benoit thing, people watch less wrestling. Now TNA wants to bring in a complete thug. Way to try and clean up wrestling’s image TNA. It’s good to bring in a guy who is pretty much an accomplice in an attempted murder when the industry is still trying to deal with the actions of an ACTUAL murderer. It will probably work for TNA though. Pacman will walk out to BOOOOOOOOs and TNA will be happy as they are getting fan reaction. Little do they realize it will probably be “BOOOOOO, get off the stage,” like the “X-Pac Sucks” era. Time will tell I guess.

And then from Brenden –

TNA definitely has no standards or morals. They can’t afford to. They need to out-disgust, out-degenerate, and out-sensationalize the WWE and that’s not easy to do. They have very little in the way of standards so it doesn’t leave much room to beat them. Sadly some people will watch it. Especially football fans and that’s a huge fan base. I don’t think TNA is all that worried about pissing off their core fan base – they don’t have much of one.

Finally Jason has a response to the mother from last week –

I was reading the letter from the mom and couldn’t help but feel moved but I did have a response for her and her son. I think certain things have been lost in this Benoit tragedy, mainly regarding the use of steroids, HGH and testosterone. I understand the public outcry regarding these drugs, particularly with competitive sports such baseball, football etc.. They do enhance your performance considerably and add an unfair advantage and taint the legacy and history of competitive professional sports. But this country cannot demonize steroids and testosterone as a demon drugs that are inherently evil. They are actually wonder drugs in many cases, helping in recovery time for muscle tears and injuries, and aiding in many other areas of medicine (like asthmatics). Steroids, like many other drugs, are totally safe and OK when taken properly, but will do serious damage to you if you abuse them. Also, I don’t believe steroids alone killed all the wrestlers with heart issues so young, as it was probably popping uppers like candy to make it through the touring schedule that did most of the damage. So Carol, you can be OK in telling your son that Rey Mysterio most likely was prescribed those drugs to aid in his recovery from surgery, and hopefully your son can get back to loving wrestling… It is one of the saddest things, the Benoit tragedy, but I don’t believe steroids caused this.