Pro Wrestling News & Updates
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Media Man Australia wrestling news
2007 - 2008 Media Man Australia
2006
The professional wrestling business continues to be dominated by World Wrestling Federation. The WWE plans to work the international market like never before.
Cool Dudes and Hot Babes.com and Media Man Australia are ranked as 2 of the most popular wrestling related websites in the world (reference Google)
2003 Summary
Media Man Australia continued to collaborate with the movers and shakers of the professional wrestling business. They also collaborated with many indy promotions. For more information examine the Media Man Australia website.
October 2003
Ric "The Equalizer" Drasin has released a great new book: So, You want to be a wrestling promoter? Check out our series of interviews with Ric Drasin on Media Man Australia Check out the Ric Drasin official website Ric also has some of his graphic art and creative works on display at Wrestling Cartoons and Media Man Australia cartoons.
Media Man Australia, Greg Tingle, interviews the top figures in the media and wrestling business.
Promote your wrestling company with The Australian Sports and Entertainment Portal and on Media Man Australia
Legends of Wrestling Card Game Greg Tingle interviews Tom Filsinger - 23rd September 2003
WWE
2004
WWE to exploit international market. Will be looking for stronger audiences and PPV buy rates.
July 2003
WWE to tour Australia again. More more details see the wrestling and sports section of Media Man Australia
Wrestling Interviews. More interviews with wrestlers and media figures on Media Man Australia
13th September 2002
WRESTLER'S CONTINUE TO WRITE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES
However unlikely to ever surpass Mick Foley's success in the publishing business, fellow wrestlers continue to write their autobiographies. Apparently wrestling legend, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, former WWF Title holder, is next to have his exploits in the wrestling business available to all by Christmas this year. One would expect his book to sell well, as all that know Roddy, know that he has many a tale to write about, and the fact that he is not affiliated with the WWE should allow more of a "no holds barred" approach. Click here for wrestling books.
7th September 2002
WWE POSTS WARNING TO PARENTS
The WWEParents.com website has a warning to parents regarding the upcoming edition
of WWE Smackdown! The website says that due to a same-sex relationship storyline,
some viewers may find it to be provocative even though the angle will be done
"in an entertaining and humorous fashion." The website urges parents
who watch the show with their children to monitor what goes on when the storyline
will hit TV.
ROSS ON SCOTT STEINER RUMORS
In the latest Ross Report, JR shot down the rumor that the company is in discussions
again with former WCW champion Scott Steiner. Ross added that there are no plans
to talk with Steiner for now. Regarding Goldberg, Ross said that they're planning
for a future without him because they don't know if Goldberg wants to join the
company. He said both Bill and his reps know of the interest WWE has in him
but never called.
NO SMACKDOWN! FOR AUSTRALIA OR HAWAII
Australia fans sent in word that Smackdown! will be stopped from airing on FOXTEL
in Australia after the next three shows due to a contract dispute. Smackdown!
aired there on Saturdays at 8:30PM. A fan from Hawaii added that UPN no longer
airs there as local channel K5 became strictly a Warner Brothers station. The
channel was a combination of WB and UPN before. There is no other station in
Hawaii that airs UPN programming thus leaving fans with no Smackdown!
CORRECTION ABOUT THE HONKY TONK MAN SMACKDOWN! INVITATION
After the 1wrestling.com report about Honky Tonk Man being approached to appear
on Smackdown! next week which was mentioned elsewhere,, the HTM sent word saying
that the report "is not true". In a follow up e-mail he said that
on the 6th of this month at around 3PM AZ time, he received the call from WWE
and was asked to do a cameo appearance in Minneapolis this Tuesday. He said
they made it clear it was a one shot deal and he never asked for a long term
employment. He added that he gracefully declined the offer due to other commitments
with his son who is a golfer in the state of Arizona.
August 2002
The Associated Press ran a story about the effect the impending Major League Baseball strike could have on the advertising market. The article states that if the strike takes place, baseball's advertisers may join many fans in abandoning the sport. Where will the advertising dollars go? The most likely places mentioned are auto racing, extreme sports, and professional wrestling.
Wrestling and Religion
Sting, Ted DiBiase, and The Road Warriors
are working a free outdoor wrestling event at the Liberty Christian Center in
Omaha, Neb. tomorrow, according to an article published in yesterday's Omaha
World-Herald. The wrestlers will speak about their religious beliefs following
the match. DiBiase told the newspaper he that believes wrestling's appeal makes
it
a perfect avenue to draw young people to religion, but added he is not in favor
of the WWE product. "I'm a very outspoken opponent of what wrestling on
television is today," he said. "My children don't like it, and several
people in the industry won't let their kids watch it."
WWE Profits down
The Aug. 29 "Faces in the News" column on Forbes.com featured a story about the McMahons not taking bonuses this year due to a weaker economic performance. "Can you smell what the recession is cooking," the story begins. "Vince McMahon can."
Wrestling Superheros
The "Fantastic Four" get the 'F'
out: PWTorch.com reader David Dennis of Jackson, Miss. reports that the 60th
edition of the comic book strip sees the narrator make mention of how human
the super heroes are. "Johnny fiddles with cars, Sue wrestles with motherhood,
and Ben watches a lot of WWE," the narrator states. The character of Ben
is also known
as "The Thing."
Wrestlers and Baseball Players injuries
Will Carroll's baseball injury newsletter Under the Knife compared the surgery that Ricky Gutierrez faces to the one Steve Austin went through five years ago. "I'll have to venture way outside baseball for a comparable injury to 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin," wrote Carrol. "Whether you consider pro wrestlers to be athletes or not, getting bounced off your head by big sweaty guys does some damage and Austin had a very similar problem to Gutierrez's."
TRISH, REF CHARLES ROBINSON INJURED DURING RAW (22nd August 2002)
TIGER ALI SINGH SUES WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT (22nd August 2002)
STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN ARRESTED (14th August 2002)
TRIPLE H BIDS AND BUYS HOGAN PORTRAIT AT CHARITY DINNER IN MELBOURNE, AUST (9th Aug 2002)
WWE presents good show to Melbourne, Australia, breaking records etc (10th August 2002)
WWE launches World Wrestling Entertainment Films (31st July 2002)
Eric Bischoff interview after entering WWE in 2002!
Edge and Hulk Hogan win the WWE Tag Team Championship (4th July 2002)
LIVE EVENTS TO REACH OVER 300 DATES
WWE announced that the total number of live events will increase to around 339 dates including 12 international events. The international destinations are always strong despite the slow sales in the US. The recent European tour and the upcoming show in Australia sold out in a couple of hours. An attendance of around 2.6 million is estimated for next year with average ticket prices being around $36. (June 2002)
DIVAS SHOW TOO RAUNCHY? TNN pulled the plug on the Divas Undressed show yesterday just hours before the show was scheduled to air at 9PM EST. According to several sources, TNN executives decided not to air the show due to the content which included a lot of sexual innuendo and a lot of nudity (obviously, not full nudity). The show will now air on Saturday at Midnight, rightafter Confidential. (June 2002)
DIVAS GET UNDRESSED The Divas Undressed show that will air this Tuesday on TNN was taped on Friday at The World in New York hosted by The Coach with Cole and Lawler doing commentary. Dawn Marie, Stacy Keibler, Terri, Nidia, Torrie Wilson, TE2 winners Linda & Jackie and Trish Stratus were the participants and they competed in three rounds in lingerie, bra and panties, and a fantasy free for all! The funny show had five judges, including Paul Heyman, Maven, Al Snow, Edge and Jazz! It's certainly a show not to be missed as the two reports we received from the tapings praised the show for being very entertaining. Click here for more women's photos and here for our Sports Babes section. (June 2002)
Steve Austin assaults wife, Debra, and is wanted by police (this is real, not a storyline)! (18th June 2002)
Steve Austin gone from WWF (June 2002)
THE ROCK ADDED TO THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR (May 2002)
WWF to change name to WWE (May 2002)
WWF to tour Australia in August 2002 Click here for full details (April 2002)
The Rock hits the big time in The Scorpion King (April 2002)
WrestleNow.com Awesome website covering WWF and more.
New women
for WWF. Jim Ross reported in his latest Ross Report that two new females signed
developmental contracts with the WWF. These are Dawn Marie and Kim Neilson.
Marie is a former ECW star and is certainly a nice addition
to the 'T&A' team. Neilson on the other hand was crowned Miss Galaxy in
November 2000 and looks both big and impressive. Both will be doing dark matches
with the Smackdown! roster this weekend. (April 2002)
Kane is injured (April 2002)
WWF tours Japan Click here for full details (March 2002)
The NWO is back! Hall and Nash, followed by Hogan (Jan 2002)
WWF now owns WCW (27th March 2001)
New talent in WWF: Peter "Justin Credible" Polaco, Jerry Lynn and Terry "Rhino" Gerin (Feb 2001)
Undertaker to get new music Story from Launch.com (Nov 2001)
Inside.com Always plenty of news on pro wrestling Click here for an article about the WWF's latest exploits (Nov 2000)
Chris Jericho's musical exploits have a website: Fozzy (November 2000)
WWF to buy WCW! check financial websites and WWF.com for the latest (November 2000)
Davey Boy Smith in trouble with the law again (November 2000)
WWF Vote.com (SmackDown your vote)! Already the WWF has helped register 40,000 new voters (posted 10th Sept 00)
WWF naming right issue (Sept 2000)
Britannica.com even covers WWF wrestling!
AskMen.com even covers WWF wrestling!
Time Magazine "Lords of the Ring" republished via Britannica.com (29th June 1998)
Forbes.com also covers the business of pro wrestling. I know, I can't believe it either! "Live Action Figures"
Wired.com Illegal locker room tapings
Time.com (29th June 1998) what's the world coming to, I hear you ask!
Steve Austin is in action (posted 10th Sept 00)
Bobcat has signed with the WWF. WWF will be signing even more women to restart the Women's Division. I see key plays as being Bobcat, Ivory, Jacki, The Kat, Trish Stratus, Caryn Mower and Lita. Perhaps Chyna, however Chyna has now won the I/C Title, so anything less is probably a step down. Look for big things out of Bobcat in the future. She already has a great reputation from the indi circuit.
WWF just signed the following wrestlers from TWA: Shooter Shultz, Spanky, Lance Cadd and American Dragon
BB has been go, partially due to relationship with Bob Holly. Holly was suggesting ideas to Management for her to stay.
Luna fired from WWF again! (apparently practical joke gone wrong)!
Billy Gunn may be out of action until the end of 2000 with his injury
Still doing huge business; attendance, merchandise and PPV buy rates
Mick Foley has retired (well at least for now) - he makes a great commissioner
The Rock's book, The Rock Says, is apparently a great read, and a bestseller
Chyna is also about to release a book
The Fabulous Moolah is also about to release a book
Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross are both in the Movie, Man On The Moon
Eddy Guerrero is looking good with his new valet
Raven (Scott Levy) may be in WWF by the time you read this!
TexNews.com (article about adult concepts in pro wrestling) 9th Dec 1999
Click here for Sports Illustrated article on XFL (March 2000)
WCW is taken over by Vince McMahon! Shane McMahon will run it as a separate entity (27th March 2001)
Women wrestlers and performers released from WCW: Paisley,Tygress, Major Gunns, Leia Meow and Daffney (Feb 2001)
WCW is sold! (11th Jan 2001)
Marcus Bagwell is brawl with WCW employee click here for an article from the State Journal Register (Dec 2000)
Mike Awesome chats on Yahoo / WCW.com (Dec 2000)
Lash Leroux doing movie deals with Marvel (Dec 2000)
Scott Steiner doing promotional gigs for WCW Click here for a story from the Star Tribune (Dec 2000)
Bret Hart has official retired Click here to go to his official website (Nov 2000)
Former WCW & WWF Ring Announcer, Gary Michael, has released a book and website on pro wrestling, BodySlams.com
Juvi press release from his website
WCW puts on decent shows for Australia! Pro wrestler goes berserk outside the ring in Brisbane, Queensland! (10th Oct)
WCW are finally coming to Australia in October 2000
Headline wrestler Hulk Hogan has apparently left WCW. Time will tell if it is a "work" or not
Headline wrestler Bret Hart still battling his concussion (courtesy of Goldberg's kick to the head)
Roddy Piper looks to have retired from pro wrestling for good. Piper is largely responsible for Rock N Roll wrestling (1999)
WCW is really improving under Eric Biscoff and Vince Russo
WCW now has ECW's World Heavyweight Champion, Mike Awesome (who scored a win over Hogan)
Pending lawsuit against WCW from former minority groups (Mexican and Japanese employee's, wrestlers etc)
Click here for news on WCW Movie "Ready To Rumble"
Click here for official website www.accessatlanta.com (covering WCW lawsuits)
Click here for CNN.com wrestling articles
Click here for CNN.com wrestling article (Wrestling has TV viewers pinned 15th Feb 1999)
Click here for CNN.com wrestling article (Wrestling class: School of hard knocks)
Click here for CNN.com "Larry King Live" interview with Hogan, Foley, Piper and Blaustein
Click here for Sports Illustrated "Goldberg" article (June 2000)
Click here for Sport Illustrated "Where's Ric Flair When You Really Need Him"? (Sept 1998)
Davey Boy Smith retiring from professional wrestling, to teach it (Dec 2000) - Courtesy of Calgary Sun
Yokozunna passes away while in Europe
Click here for Video Report of WWF Rebellion (England 2nd Oct 1999) - Courtesy of Slam Wrestling
Dynamite Kid's autobiography, Pure Dynamite is a great read!
ECW looses more talent to WWF. See WWF news (Feb 2001)
Rob Van Damme in negotiations with WWF (Dec 2000)
New Jack retires
The News and Observer Newspaper article on ECW
ECW is now resigning their wrestlers to more secure contracts
New Jack hospitalized with serious concussion after fall from scaffold onto cement (14th March 2000)
Mike Awesome gone to WCW (April 2000)
Lance Storm may leave ECW before June 2000
Sabu has left ECW (April 2000)
Candito and Tammy to WCW (April 2000)
Gaining more mainstream recognition and following
ECW may require a new station to broadcast soon, as TNN is in negotiation with other Pro Wrestling Federations (WWF)
Stan Hansen retiring (Canoe Sports - Jan 2000)
Gary Albright's death gained more attention in Japan, than the USA
Massive defection from All Japan to "start up" NOAH
AWF Pro Wrestlinks inks a deal with Media Man Australia
Wrestling with promotions down under: Greg Tingle breaks the REAL story on the latest Aussie Wrestling Scandal (29th Sept 02)
Australia to loose WWE Smackdown! from FOX8 (September 2002)
NEW AUSTRALIAN PROMOTION TO DEBUT IN SYDNEY
Sat 24th August - Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC - Belltime 8pm
A new promotion featuring the best in Australian sports entertainment.
Talent includes: Amy Action, Dean Draven, Rockabilly Rebel and many more
Greg Tingle can't stay out of the action! Last month Greg was attacked by Amy Action and Storm. On the 6th August at CTV1 Sydney studios, Greg got in a verbal and physical confrontation with the IWA's Vaughn Buckland! What will happen next? Speculation that this is leading to a cross promotional feud, or is it just personal? Ego vs Ego?! Stay tuned to the Australian Sports and Entertainment Portal for updates.
AWE Details for upcoming shows:
Sat 24th August - Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC
- Belltime 8pm
Sun 1st September - Campbelltown PCYC - Belltime 3pm
Sat 21st September - Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC - Belltime 8pm
Sun 22nd September - Bexley RSL - Belltime 3pm
Sun 29th September - St Marys Leagues Club. Belltime TBA.
PRO WRESTLING IN AUSTRALIA NEVER MORE POPULAR!
Australia is seeing a new resurgence in pro wrestling. Thanks in part to the recent World Wrestling Entertainment tour "Global Warning", that took place at Melbourne' Colonial Stadium, to a packed house of 55,700+ fans, on the 10th August 2000. Click here fore details More Australian wrestling websites can be viewed here
August 8th 2002
WWE CHANGES AND HULK HOGAN NOT COMING!
We are very very disappointed to report that Hulk Hogan will not be coming to Australia. This journalist happens to think that is the worst thing that WWE's CEO's Vince and Linda McMahon could do to this great market for them. If they expect to sell more 50,000 arenas in Australia, ever, ever again, they have another thing coming. What the heck is going on here, for Hogan to not even be on the plane, let alone step into the ring. The "angle" is that Brock Lesnar injured Hogan. More here...
July 2002
Greg Tingle can't stay out of the action! Last month Greg was attacked by Amy Action and Storm. On the 6th August at CTV1 Sydney studios, Greg got in a verbal and physical confrontation with the IWA's Vaughn Buckland! What will happen next? Speculation that this is leading to a cross promotional feud, or is it just personal? Ego vs Ego?! Stay tuned to the Australian Sports and Entertainment Portal for updates.
June 2002
AMY & THUNDERSTORM ATTACK CHANNEL 31 PRESENTER AND MAKE ENTERTAINMENT SYDNEY PROMO
Just when TV presenter Greg Tingle thought it was safe to get back into the presenters seat, Amy has struck again. This time assisted by fellow female wrestler Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm (on the set of "Around the World with Joy") viciously let fly with one of her thunderous chops that sent Mr Tingle reeling Amy then proceeded to lift Greg off the ground and bring him down with a cracking backbreaker much to Amy and Thunderstorm's amusement. The production crew of Mr Tingle's latest venture "Entertainment Sydney" (also on channel 31) were so impressed with the hammering that they picked up on the story and the video footage of the incident. Much to Mr. Tingles dismay channel 31 have decided to use the footage as a part of the Entertainment Sydney promo. So amongst the Hollywood stars like Jodie Foster & Australian modeling icon Elle McPherson channel 31 viewers can now regularly help relive the moment Thunderstorm & Amy decided to give Mr Tingle a lesson in Women's Professional Wrestling. Credit Amy Action official website
The Backyard , directed by Paul Hough, will be shown in Melbourne, Australia from 4th August 2002. More on Backyard Wrestling can be found at Backyard Wrestling on our portal.
THE ROCK ADDED TO THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR
The Rock has been added to the already star studded line up for the 'Global Warming' tour in Australia. Rocky joins other WWE stars such as Hulk Hogan, Y2J, Triple H, Kurt Angle and more for the Melbourne show inside the Colonial Stadium on August 10th. The highest priced ticket costs $750 AU which is equivalent to around $415 US. Those ringside seats also include a special souvenir ticket pass and a commemorative folding chair of the event just like the monthly US PPVs. Tickets for Internet users go on sale on May 16th at 9AM while tickets to the general public go on sale on Monday May 20th at 9AM as well.
Andy Raymond (FOX Sports) participating in wrestling angles at Australian club wrestling. Also see Australian Sports Icons
WWA World Wrestling Allstars (touring Australia in October 2001)
"Aussie Biffo" Phil Picasso wins Australian title
Superstars of Wrestling 2 tour is announced. See Australian Pro Wrestling Directory for details (Feb 2001)
Australian Pro Wrestling Directory wins Golden Web Award (Nov 2000)
Australians will be able to watch all WWF PPV's live on Main Event TV(Dec 2000)
Sam Greco martial artist joins WCW (Oct 2000)
Nathan Jones, a 6-10 and 350 pounder from Australia who used to compete in World's Strongest Man competitions, has signed a developmental deal with the WWF through Ultimate Pro-Wrestling, which has been training him. Jones did a worked shoot fight match the first or second Pride show, losing to Koji Kitao. (Dec 2000)
Pro wrestler goes berserk outside the ring in Brisbane, Queensland! (10th Oct)
Beyond The Mat will be showing in an Australian cinema near you in (Oct 2000)
Australia is getting WWF Smackdown! in Sept 2000
WCW are finally coming to Australia in October 2000
Superstars of Wrestling (Rodman, Henning, Road Warriors, Orndorff, Tatanka, Public Enemy, Beefcake, Natural Disasters, Valentine, One Man Gang, The Maestro, Sweet Destiny, Brandi Wine etc) are in Australia from 28th July for 1 week approx. The Sydney show is at the Sydney SuperDome on Sunday 30th July, starting at 5pm. Tickets are ranging from $15 to $100.
AWF are bringing in Scorpio, Psicosis and Blitzkreig for Psychoticslam 2000 (3rd and 4th September)
FOX studios (Sports Central) at Moore Park will be having more WWF wrestling nights at this stage
WWF Wrestlemania 2000 will be available on pay TV
If you haven't noticed already, Pro Wrestling Websites have really taken off "Down Under". Approx. 40 Aussie sites to date
AWF to bring more big names wrestlers "down under" (Aug 2000)
World Wrestling Superstars (many former WWF stars from the 80's) set to also come to Australia (Aug 2000)
WCW set to come to Australia whilst the Olympics are occurring. Actually a fantastic idea! (Oct 2000)
Independent Wrestling Promotions
July 2003
Wrestling Schools are all the rage in the United States. The latest school is Elite Pro Wrestling Training Trainers include wrestling legends like Les Thatcher, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Harley Race, Al Snow, Leilani Kai and more.
September 2002
Slyk Wagner Brown and his manager, April Hunter are ripping up the indy scene. SWB had a great WWE "dark match", and April Hunter is getting rave reviews
The Eastern Wrestling Alliance recently taken over by new ownership, was the subject of a large article in the Portland Press Herald out of Portland, Maine on Monday. You'll best remember the EWA as the organization that fired Tony Atlas as booker in that MTV special under its previous ownership (October 2000)
Pro Wrestling Media
There are countless resources to get you wrestling news online. Examine the Wrestling Portal for some of the best sites.
Australian sports and entertainment industry journalist, Greg Tingle, is publishing much of his work in the Media section on this website, and has many exclusives.
Some of the other most respected sites covering the wrestling industry include:
New Era Of Wrestling (Chris Yandek) has some of the best interviews with wrestlers, of all time. Chris also covers mainstream sports and the entertainment industry. For Greg Tingle's interview with Chris Yandek click here.
The Miami Herald (Wrestling Articles)
Irvin Muchnick's Wrestling Journalism Archive (Penthouse etc)
Pro Wrestling Intelligence (Links to articles on pro wrestling from traditional media)
*from time to time, the Australian Sports and Entertainment Portal uses articles written by above mentioned websites.
Promote your wrestling company with The Australian Sports and Entertainment Portal and on Media Man Australia