Jeff Hardy gets pulled off an airplane for being too drunk because apparently they thought Hardy was actually going to pilot the thing. Meanwhile rumors are floating that there is an “endangered species list” in regards to WWE talent. I really hope it isn’t like other endangered species where they just take them out back and shoot them before mounting them on a wall.
Opening Witty Banter
I’m back from a ridiculous weekend of wedding debauchery and boy is my liver tired. This week’s edition is brought to you by Pabst Blue Ribbon and “Always Sunny in Philadelphia.†Seriously, if you’ve never watched it, you really are missing out.
The Big Story
There was apparently an incident involving Jeff Hardy on Wednesday morning at the Nashville International Airport. Hardy apparently was removed from his flight to North Carolina by police officers. He was not put in handcuffs and was allowed to walk away peacefully without being touched by the officers. Once he was escorted out he was allowed to use his phone before being taken away. He was on the flight with Matt Hardy and Gregory Helms.
The Tennessean has a story up where a spokesman for Southwest Airlines told the newspaper that Hardy was denied boarding on his flight from Nashville to North Carolina because he appeared intoxicated at the gate inside Nashville International Airport.
He was not arrested, did not cause a scene, and just ended up taking a later flight.
The WWE company line is that the incident is apparently a non-issue and that they will not be taking any action against him.
This really started out as a hot, sensational story when it broke on Wednesday, but as time has gone on it has become more of a non-issue. Jeff Hardy, whether through fault of his own or bad luck, has had just a string of terrible incidents bestowed upon him over the past number of years. In between his firings from WWE and TNA, his apparent drug issues, his house fire and now this, Hardy has racked up quite the resume. Apparently the company is still behind Jeff and this most recent incident won’t affect his standing within the company. I do question whether they will put the WWE Championship on Hardy at this point as he has become part somewhat of a liability, and the last thing the company wants is another Rob Van Dam incident where their flagship champion is caught in a PR nightmare. Personally I would love to see both Hardy brothers as brand Champions and replace the tarnished image of Benoit & Guerrero from WrestleMania XX.
Everything Else Fit For Print
WWE has signed New Japan Pro Wrestling athlete Naofumi Yamamoto to a developmental deal.
I’ve never heard of this guy, but I’m no puro expert. Maybe Buckeldee or Ditch could give me some insight on what to expect from this guy. The last time WWE went out and got a Japanese import we got Kenzo Suzuki, and we know how that all turned out.
The company has announced that the main event for SmackDown!’s debut on MyNetworkTV on October 3 will be a triple threat Champions match between Triple H, Matt Hardy and Chris Jericho.
Hmmm…who’s going over in that one?
In related news, that debut show on MyNetworkTV is apparently going to be filled with just Champions v. Champions matches. In fact that week on MyNetworkTV is really WWE-themed as WrestleMania 24 will be shown on October 2, followed by special Divas themed of “Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed.â€
WWE still knows how to cross-promote and make themselves seem like a huge deal. This is a smart idea to build up the WWE brand on a fledgling network like MyNetworkTV.
Dolph Ziggler, the blonde guy who made random appearances on RAW this past week, is actually Nick Nemeth of Spirit Squad and Kerwin White caddy fame.
Another random, faceless new guy debuting with a ridiculous gimmick name. Is he going to be in the same gimmick heap as guys likes Ryan Braddock and Gavin Spears, or is he actually going to break out into something in what his now his third stint on WWE TV?
Apparently Ryan Braddock was originally going to be brought in as JBL’s cousin. Braddock did a gimmick much like JBL’s when he was down in developmental, but when JBL saw him work on the road, he nixed the idea because he felt that Braddock “projected himself too much like a midcarder.”
Haha…that cracks me up. How long did JBL spend as a mid-carder on the WWE roster before he finally go his big break? Now it looks as if Braddock is being put out there to rot as a faceless, nameless guy before the next round of roster cuts.
Chuck Palumbo is apparently to be on the “endangered species list.” Vince McMahon was high on him during his return and loved the motorcycle gimmick, but then apparently lost interest him. This apparently explains why he hasn’t been on TV since he was drafted to RAW back in June. The agents don’t really care for him either, and it seems as if Johnny Lauranitis is Palumbo’s only supporteras they have been friends since the WCW days. When Palumbo was released from WWE back in 2004 it was Lauranitis who got Palumbo his job with All Japan, and then convinced WWE to bring him back. He claimed he had “reinvented himself” there, but when he came back, he was still the same old Chuck.
Chuck is one of those guys I forgot was still on the roster. It still baffles me that of all the Natural Born Thrillers it is Palumbo who is still gainfully employed on a national stage.
And speaking of the “endangred species list†apparently Paul London is on the list as well. Those close to him in the company say that he is very likeable, talented, bi-lingual (which is seen as a good thing with WWE wanting to expand internationally) and has invested in acting classes on his dime to improve his character. London’s detractors say that he has “no instincts for this,” and he also has no support on the booking team.
How can you say London has no instincts for the pro wrestling business? London apparently has just become disliked within the company and is paying for it now. He had a ready-made angle for him working with Shawn Michaels against Chris Jericho and Lance Cade. I wonder what he thinks about his buddy Brian Kendrick getting the absolute promotion of a lifetime? London might actually be better off away from the company and trying his hand back with either TNA or Ring of Honor where he can reinvente himself and get himself noticed once again.
WWE sent out a press release this past week touting their new cable television deal down in Mexico:
MEXICO CITY, Mexico, September 17, 2008 – At a press conference in Mexico City today, World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) and TV Azteca announced a new agreement which will see WWE SmackDown® available on Azteca 7.
Beginning October 3, WWE SmackDown will be broadcast to millions of TV households in Mexico on Azteca 7 on Friday evenings at 10:00 p.m. CT.
Exclusive to TV Azteca, SmackDown features a star-studded roster of WWE’s globally renowned Superstars, including Triple H®, Undertaker®, Edge®, Jeff Hardy®, Big Show®, Mr. Kennedyâ„¢ and Carlito®. SmackDown is consistently one of the highest rated shows amongst the male demographic in the United States, showcasing all of the action, excitement, drama and great athleticism that have made WWE the most popular sports entertainment property in the world.
“WWE is excited to be bringing WWE SmackDown to millions of TV households in Mexico,” says Shane McMahon, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Media. “This exclusive agreement demonstrates the strength of our business relationship with TV Azteca as a key global network partner”.
“We at TV Azteca are really excited to be the first to bring the successful global spectacle that is WWE SmackDown to Mexican open TV beginning October 3 at 10:00 pm on Azteca 7”, said Rodrigo Fernández Capdevielle, Programming General Manager, TV Azteca. “Offering this type of programming allows us to fulfil our commitment to provide the best on worldwide television to our Azteca 7 audience. We are convinced that the amazing product that WWE brings to the table each week on its program will hook Mexican fans and turn them into huge followers of SmackDown. Azteca Deportes announcers and wresting experts Carlos Aguilar, Francisco González and Rafael Ayala, will add their own distinctive style, as they do with great success for several other sporting events.”
Hey good for WWE to continue to expand their presence across the globe.
Charlie Haas and his wife, Jackie Gayda, are the new proud parents of a new baby girl. Taylor Suzanne Haas, weighing 7lbs 1oz was born yesterday afternoon. Both Jackie and the new baby are doing well.
This couldn’t come at a better time for Haas, who is in the midst of getting the biggest push he’s ever experienced during his time in WWE. Congrats to the young family.
Hardcore Bob Holly has reportedly checked into a rehab facility to help get over his longstanding battle prescription painkiller medication addiction.
I was wondering what happened to Holly. He had a ready-made revenge feud with Cody Rhodes built in after they dropped the Tag Championships, but apparently he’s on that same list as London and Palumbo, and this stint in rehab could be his make-or-break moment within the company. He’s been on the company’s roster longer than any active wrestler other than Undertaker, so it seem as if he has built himself up some leeway within the company. I personally never would have guessed that Holly of all people would have lasted this long within the company. Hopefully he can get through this addiction and get himself back on track in the company and in life.
WWE has once again delayed ticket sales for WrestleMania XXV. The new on-sale date is 11/8. The reason for the delay is due to the impact of Hurricane Ike in the Houston area.
That works out even better for me, as now I have more time to get things lined up before tix go on sale.
Wrestler of the Week
I’m trying to think of new ways to change up/improve this column so each week I will highlight who I think was WWE’s Wrestler of the Week, kind of like what JR does on wwe.com. As this is still in its early stages I don’t really have any criteria, but I’m sure my choice will come from a combination of kayfabe and real-life factors.
Week of September 15 – 21: Chris Jericho
Jericho has been absolutely on fire in his new heel role, especially since he picked up the World Championship a couple weeks back. He really has stepped into the slimy uber-heel role that Edge previously occupied, and has absolutely thrived in it. I really thought that once Jericho didn’t pick up the World Championship upon his return in December his ship had sailed in regards to picking up another World Championship, so I’m glad Jericho is getting at least one more top card run. His feud with Shawn Michaels is the best thing going on WWE TV, so it’s great that its now the main event program.
RAW’s On Tonight!
It’s RAW’s 800th episode, and I’m sure the company has something awesome cooked up. The company hasn’t announced anything substantial but expect some more Shawn Michaels-Chris Jericho goodness, build-up to JBL-Batista and Candice-Beth Phoenix. I’m also really hoping for the return of the Honk-a-Meter. Plus the official preview actually name-dropped Charlie Haas. Could we actually be seeing an honest-to-goodness push for Haas? God I hope so.
On Last Week’s Episode…
SmackDown!
How They Rated
A.M. RAW (9.14.08) – .4
RAW (9.15.08) – 2.7
ECW (9.16.08) – 1.2
SmackDown! (9.19.08) – 2.6
This is Boring, What Else is There to Read?
Wiswell talks all about Matt Sydal and Evan Bourne.
Glazer continues to be one of the net’s premier expert on Ring of Honor.
Buckeldee talks about Japan, including a great write-up on some of Japan’s top gaijins.
