WWE Magazine names Batista the Superstar of the Year

WWE Magazine names Batista the Superstar of the Year.

Batista talks about months past, the months ahead and why a Punjabi Prison Match may be one of the best contests of 2007.

Looking back at 2007, how do you think it rates in terms of your career?
You know, it’s been such a whirlwind. It’s just really starting to hit me what a great year I’ve had. It’s been incredibly amazing, especially since, with my comeback, I had to start all over. The beginning of the year was rough, as far as being in the ring and in the locker room. I had to earn the guys’ respect back.

We know you have your differences with The Undertaker, but he must be your most satisfying challenge?
For me, wrestling ’Taker was a dream come true. I didn’t think it was going to happen. We were both fan favorites. I don’t mean to sound boastful, but at WrestleMania 23, I still believe we stole the show. I think I really wanted to earn The Deadman’s respect, the fans’ respect and the company’s respect as well.

What was it like taking on that other WWE giant, The Great Khali?
The Great Khali is unlike anybody I’ve ever had to wrestle, so it was very challenging for me. I was proud of the matches we had together. I believe I brought out the best in him. For example, take the Punjabi Prison Match at No Mercy – I think everyone expected it to be a horrible, horrible match. I believe we made it one of the best contests of that pay-per-view.

You also wrote a book, Batista Unleashed, in which you were pretty open about your career and personal life.
That was one of the conditions under which I wrote the book; I really wanted to be honest. Unfortunately, there were some things that were taken out that I really wish hadn’t been.

Like what?
Let’s just say it’s one of those instances where … well, it’s so easy to sue somebody nowadays, so I didn’t want to cause any trouble for the company or the publishers. But overall, I’m very proud of the book. A lot of it was heartbreaking for me to talk about, and I expect to be criticized a little bit, but what can I say?

Do you worry about the repercussions of being so brutally honest?
A little bit, you know, but at the same time I don’t ever want to lie. I don’t want people to have a false perception of me. So, I said, if I’m going to write a book, I want them to know who I am, where I come from, what I stand for and what my life is all about. I’m not just a guy you see on TV once a week. I have a life-story and it’s not a simple rags-to-riches tale; I sacrificed a lot.

So what’s ahead for The Animal in 2008?
Right now my goal is to go into WrestleMania strong and healthy. I haven’t been able to achieve two WrestleManias in a row, so that’s a big goal for me.

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Ultimate Warrior Talks About Wrestling Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 25, TNA & More

Source: Newsday.com

The Ultimate Warrior was interviewed by Newsday recently and discussed a number of topics, including wrestling at WrestleMania 25, rumors of him working for TNA, getting into “ring shape” for his NWE return and more. You can read the entire interview at this link. Some highlights:

Getting motivated for his return match: “That’s the thing that drove me the most – the challenge of it. I was inspired by the challenge. I want to be inspired. I’m not inspired by much, or what going on in culture today. And that directly connected to wrestling. I don’t watch professional wrestling. I don’t watch it at all. When I say that to people. They don’t believe it. I don’t watch any television hardly at all. I’m not really interested or inspired by any programming. I’ve never watched a television serial show, I’ve never watched an episode of Survivor or Lost or the most popular shows – the Sopranos. Never once. I just don’t. I’d rather read or do something, get out, get in sports, or get active myself. I find a lot that I’m always motivating myself. very rarely am I motivated by other people. So this was an opportunity to do that.”

The possibility of a more extended ring return: “Oh, I don’t know. A lot people immediately started talking. All the experts. David Putz-ner started talking that there was a discussions going on (with TNA). There was never a discussion with TNA about anything. There wasn’t any larger plan to try to stir the interest or curiosity of TNA or WWE.

Rumors of him being involved in WrestleMania XXV:
I was doing some media stuff on the radio and some long time fan of wrestling and WrestleMania (and I)… had an exchange about WrestleMania 25. I was basically saying sarcastically, “Yeah, they’ve used all the other bums up. On a silver anniversary WrestleMania, they need to do something special. So how about something between me and McMahon?” I think the better match would be between me and Shane McMahon. That would inspire me more to do some more serious training. I think Shane is a real go-getter. I think he’s a real inspiring kid.”

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WWE Announces Freddy Prinze, Jr. Has Joined The Creative Team

WWE has issued a press release confirming the news that we reported here earlier this week, that Hollywood actor Freddie Prinze, Jr. has joined the company’s creative team.

Prinze, Jr. Joins WWE Creative Team

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Freddie Prinze, Jr., a long-time fan of World Wrestling Entertainment®, joins WWE®’s creative team. Prinze, Jr. will now have a behind the scenes role contributing to WWE’s weekly television and pay-per-view programs.

“Freddie Prinze, Jr.’s passion, energy and creativity make him an excellent fit for WWE,” said Chairman Vince McMahon.

“Bringing on board an experienced Hollywood writer, actor and producer like Freddie Prinze, Jr. will only increase the level of entertainment to millions of viewers and passionate WWE fans every Monday on USA,” said Chris McCumber, Executive Vice President Marketing Digital & Brand Strategy, USA Network.
WWE’s programming is seen weekly by nearly 15 million viewers in the United States alone, and in 130 countries around the world (Monday Night RAW®, ECW® and Friday Night SmackDown®).

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ECW is a trademark of WWE Libraries, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Breaking News: Top TNA Star Parting Ways With The Company

Tomko is through with TNA.

He was saying goodbye to everyone backstage after last night’s Impact taping. He’ll be working full time in Japan.

Tomko joined TNA in November 2006.

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WWE News: Elijah Burke’s Website Hacked, Not Involved In A Car Accident, Strange SNME Listing, Todd Grisham

– The official website of ECW star Elijah Burke, TheElijahBurkeExpress.com, was hacked last night. Burke posts blogs on the website, and a blog supposedly written by him claimed he was sideswiped by a car and hospitalized as a result. That is in fact a hoax as Burke is perfectly fine. The hacker then posted a number of racial epithets against Burke. The website was then shut down/put offline to prevent any future issues.

– The TV listing for the upcoming WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event show doesn’t list any wrestlers, only celebrities. Here is the on-screen cable guide preview for the show: “Jenny McCarthy and other celebrities host an hour of wrestling to raise awareness for children with Autism. Featured: Toby Keith, Jewel, Piers Morgan, Carmen Electra, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the cast of Nashville Star.” Video messages from Cyrus and Jewel didn’t appear before the crowd at Monday’s taping, but they can splice them into the show I suppose. Also, WWE has yet to advertise a single match for Saturday Night’s Main Event on the company website or on television.

– Last night, Todd Grisham jumped into the open ECW announcer seat next to Tazz, left by new Raw General Manager Mike Adamle. He is now a member of the ECW roster. You can see his bio in the ECW section at this link. And now that Mike Adamle is the General Manager of Raw, he is no longer a commentator on ECW. His profile has been moved to the Raw section.

Have We Not Seen The Last Of Ashley Massaro?, Latest On Lashley, Goldberg On ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?’

– Former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro posted a blog on her MySpace page this morning saying that she will be back on our television screens “in no time.” She seems very excited. Here is what she posted:

NEW NEWS!

The meds are working! FINALLY!! So happy what a hug weight off my shoulders. I cant tell you how rough it was for awhile butt hings are looking up punkers!! I shoud be back o your television screens in no time! I miss you terribly and want to thank everyone ho showed support and love during this hard time. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I OVE YA!!!!
So much to tell you but its a surprize!!!!!!!
Drop a line again super soon promise
xoxoxoxooox
post song
mia – paper planes

She also posted another blog two weekends ago thanking the fans for their support. You can read it at this link.

– Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley has relaunched the website of his online supplement company. He is also blogging on the website, but has yet to write a blog. You can find the relaunched website at LashleyNutrition.com Lashley is currently training for MMA and will be fighting for the American Fight League later this year. Thanks to Angel Aramboles for passing on the note.

– Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg as well as former boxer Sugar Ray Leonard are the celebrity contestants for tonight’s taping of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. The episode should be airing soon. An e-mail was sent out saying that it’s the last taping of the season and that all tickets are free. The e-mail also said that the show tapes in Hollywood and the minimum age to attend is 12.

WWE News: Backstage Reacton To Prinze, Jr., Interest In Sarah Michelle Gellar, Punk’s Injury, WWE Returning To D.C.

source: www.f4wonline.com

– As reported earlier, actor and life-long WWE fan Freddie Prinze, Jr. of I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scooby-Doo and She’s All That fame is now a member of the WWE creative team. Vince and Stephanie McMahon are hoping that the addition of Prinze, Jr. to the company will open up more doors to Hollywood. Also, they’re interested in using wife Sarah Michelle Geller for an angle at some point. Prinze, Jr. was introduced to everyone backstage at last night’s show in Washington D.C. He impressed people with how excited he was and willingness to contribute to WWE. Some entertainment news outlets are working on brief pieces about the story.

– As reported earlier, WWE will be making their long-awaited return to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. for a Raw/ECW taping on Monday, December 1. Tickets for the event actually go on sale this Saturday at Ticketmaster.com, instead of two or three months ahead.

– CM Punk’s nose was bleeding profusely from his match with William Regal last night on Raw. WWE.com has posted some photos of Punk tending to his bleeding nose backstage, which you can see at this link.

WWE News: WWE Changes Raw Plans, Latest On Shawn Michaels’ Return, Raw Scores A Big Rating

sources: www.f4wonline.com, www.pwtorch.com

– When it comes to plans for SummerSlam, things seem to be changing on a near daily basis. Last week, WWE took Shawn Michaels off all house shows because they wanted to hold off his match with Chris Jericho until after SummerSlam. Also, Jericho was also originally scheduled to do Highlight Reel segments at a number of house shows, but at last night’s show, he said he was never going to do one again. Later, it was announced that Michaels would be back on Raw next Monday, so you’d have to think that their match will be taking place at SummerSlam.

– WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young was originally scheduled to be involved in a television segment on Raw last night, but it ended up getting scrapped at the last minute. WWE definitely had plans for Mae, otherwise they wouldn’t have flown her all the way from her home in Columbia, South Carolina. Young ended up doing the “Kiss Cam” segment during a commercial break in the second hour.

– Last night’s Raw in Washington D.C. scored the show’s biggest rating in quite some time with a 3.6 cable rating. The number is way up from the 3.3 last week and 3.2 the week before. The show drew hours of 3.4 and 3.7.

WWE News: J.R. Spoils Who The New ECW Announcer Will Likely Be, Michael Cole Update, Raw/ECW Tapings Update

– Jim Ross has posted a blog on his website talking about last night’s Raw/Saturday Night’s Main Event taping in Washington D.C. He talks about Mike Adamle being named the General Manager of Raw, saying that it was a shocker. Ross wrote, “The naming of Adamle as Ras GM was universally considered a shocker by the Raw superstars. I did not see this one coming and it will be most interesting to see how the former NFL running back and sports broadcaster settles into his new, high profile. Some wrestlers were especially vocal regarding Adamle’s announcement which was kept as a well concealed secret.” He also said Michael Cole will be back on Raw next week. Now that Adamle is going to be busy on Raw, it looks there’s going to be a new ECW announcer. Apparently, Ross gave the name away. Ross wrote, “With Adamle focusing on Raw, rumor has it that Todd Grisham will join Tazz on ECW TV show going forward.” You can read his blog in its entirety at this link.

– Regarding the supposed Raw/ECW taping on 12/1 in Washington D.C., the ECW taping is still on, reports PWInsider.com. The deal is that WWE will be taping ECW prior to Raw on weeks in which SmackDown is being taped on a Sunday for some reason. SmackDown’s occasionally taped on Sundays to accommodate international tours. At the moment, it doesn’t look like ECW will be with Raw full-time.

– Victoria is the latest Diva to be featured in WWE.com’s “Summer Skin” feature. You can see her material at this link. She lists Sensational Sherri as her favorite WWE Superstar.

WWE News: WWE Giving Away Free Money/Stuff To Subscribers, Raw/ECW Merger Still On?, Adamle Pulls An Adamle

– I forgot to point out, but when Shane McMahon’s music hit on Raw last night, he pretty much gave away who the new General Manager of Raw was going to be to the live audience. When the music hit, he strangely left the commentary position and grabbed a ring mic, only to be told to go back to the booth.

– WWE is apparently giving away a Limited Edition WrestleMania XXIV Chopper Die-Cast as a gift to subscribers of WWE 24/7. They sent out a letter saying, “Dear Valued Customer & WWE Fan, In connection with your purchase of WWE 24/7 On Demand, you have qualified to receive a Limited Edition WrestleMania XXIV Chopper Die-Cast (the “Chopper Die-Cast”) as a gift.” However, there is a problem. They then wrote, “As a result of several factors, including the earthquake in China that led to an initial manufacturing delay, followed by unforeseen tooling problems, we are unable to ship the Chopper Die-Cast gift by the original stated delivery date. Unfortunately, we cannot yet predict when we will be able to ship your Chopper Die-Cast. Please accept the enclosed limited edition t-shirt created by WWE and Orange County Choppers, which is available only to those affected by this delay, as our way way of apologizing to you for the delay and thanking you for you patience.” The shirt features a WrestleMania 24 logo as well as an image of a Chopper. Anyway, the letter then gives you two options. You can either maintain your order for the little Chopper Die-Cast and wait for it become available, or cancel your order for the Chopper Die-Cast and a receive a check in the amount of $24.99, the value of the toy.

– WWE will be returning to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. four months from now on Monday, December 1, 2008 for another Raw taping. Flyers were handed out after the show saying so. It’s interesting to note that show is being advertised as a Raw/ECW show, so perhaps it’s still on after all. WWE makes their annual trip to the Middle East during the first week of December, and last year, everyone that went on the trip went to an army base in South Carolina directly after Raw for the flight. Last year, WWE held their SmackDown/ECW tapings that week on a Sunday due to an international tour later in the week.

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