The Rock Returns To RAW

((HT: WWE))

The HQ will admit and stipulate that we are as much a mark for the older school wrestlers as much as the next guy

So, when this happened last night on "RAW"- we maarked out completely...

Here's the short version...


And the long version...

Round 2: Pierogies Versus Presidents

((HT: MLB.com))

Yesterday, we showed you just how the presidents took care of the invading pierogie hoard in Washington, DC...

Tonight, the visitors tried their best to get revenge.
But, for another night, the faces took care of the heels...


Roosevelt, at present, has the title belt...

A Special Animal Guest On Animal Day In Charlotte

((HT: Knights TV/MiLB.com))

Charlotte Knights TV reporter Tommy Viola found a special "Animal" to catch up with for "Animal Day" at the ballpark.

"George the Animal" Steele


The HQ shares this because we were just as big a mark as the next guy growing up...

Like in 1987...
((HT: WWE))

Wrestler Wins Hep C Lawsuit Vs. Abdullah The Butcher

((HT: CBC Ottawa))

Devon Nicholson wrestled under the nickname "Hannibal" in Canadian circuits and had even shown enough talent to get himself a tryout with World Wrestling Entertainment. In a match in Alberta in 2007, he was going up against Abdullah The Butcher.

Nicholson was bladed by The Butcher (against Nicholson's consent) and contended that he contracted hepatitis C as a result of the match. The tryout and contract Nicholson had picked up went away and Nicholson took Larry Shreeve to court for C$6.5-million.

Here's the verdict in the Ontario court
Nicholson is looking to be an example for others who have fought hep C and it will be interesting to see if Shreeve will pay up. In April of 2012, on the Global News magazine program, 16x9, Nicholson describes what he's been through before the verdict and Shreeve denies what he did.

RIP, Ultimate Warrior... (UPDATED)

In news alerts that seemed too surreal, it has been released that just days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and making a final television appearance on the franchise "Monday Night Raw" program, James Hellwig- aka The Ultimate Warrior-died at the age of 54.

He had just come full circle with the organization culminating in the Hall of Fame ceremony this past weekend in New Orleans.
((HT: WWE))


And had made the last appearance with more of the same charisma that took him to the top of the wrestling industry in the late 1980's. He beat Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania VI in Toronto for his only title- a reign that lasted nine months.


There are those who will discuss his row with the McMahon family, the political speeches, and the desire to be "Warrior Warrior." But today isn't the day for that from the HQ...

Here's the statement from the complany:

WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.

We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans.

WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans.

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

No cause of death is immediately known...


NOON UPDATE: Arash Markazi over at ESPN has details that warrior was walking with his wife to their car at a Scottsdale, Arizona hotel and collapsed. He was pronounced dead at a Scottsdale hospital.

The Streak Is Dead, Long Live The Streak: Now What...???

It was, and is, one of the more remarkable ways to tip your hat to a wrestler if you're part of a creative team...

To continue a behavioral pattern over more than two decades...

It didn't matter what the incarnation was: Heel, face, tweener, Undertaker, American Bad Ass... it was still the Undertaker and it was still the unbeaten streak at Wrestlemania...

It had gotten to the point of absurdity and wonder at 21 straight years of victories- having practically every big-time wrestler on the roster come up, cut massive promos in the months leading to the be-all-end-all event of Wrestlemania- and then have the opponent concede- usually to the "Tombstone" piledriver...

But not at WM30... it was Brock Lesnar of all people... a part-timer who the fans completely have a competitive dislike for, that got the victory...
((HT: WWE Network))


The build-up by Lesnar's manager, Paul Heyman, was his standard promo-cutting brilliance...
The "Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat" promo was one of the better of the modern era...
But, here's a sample of the handiwork...
((HT: WWE))


The crashing of the fantasy lends us to think: "Now what...?"

Good Ol' JR, makes his always-salient points on FoxSports.com:

I assume the decision to end the Undertaker's 21-0 winning streak is based on two factors:

One, the physical status of the 49-year-old rugged veteran, who has been surgically put back together on multiple occasions and may be in more physical jeopardy than we know. Not even Dr. Frankenstein could reassemble The Deadman.

Secondly, it seems as if WWE is recommitting its marketing machine to better monetize the potential of the amazingly gifted Lesnar, who has never gotten on a roll since returning to WWE after being forced to retire due to issues with diverticulitis.

So, does this set up a rematch and an adieu that Mark is deserving- much like Ric Flair at WM24...???

Or is it more an immediate ending like JR is suggesting...???

One thing is for sure: For someone who has busted his ass (literally and figuratively) for the last three decades, Undertaker should go out on his own terms... regardless of what they are...

For the record, here's the list...

WrestleMania VII: Jimmy Snuka
WrestleMania VIII: Jake "The Snake" Roberts
WrestleMania IX: Giant Gonzalez
WrestleMania XI: King Kong Bundy
WrestleMania XII: Diesel
WrestleMania XIII: Sycho Sid
WrestleMania XIV: Kane
WrestleMania XV: Big Boss Man
WrestleMania X-Seven: Triple H
WrestleMania X8: Ric Flair
WrestleMania XIX: The Big Show and A-Train
WrestleMania XX: Kane
WrestleMania 21: Randy Orton
WrestleMania 22: Mark Henry
WrestleMania 23: Batista
WrestleMania XXIV: Edge
WrestleMania XXV: Shawn Michaels
WrestleMania XXVI: Shawn Michaels
WrestleMania XXVII: Triple H
WrestleMania XXVIII: Triple H
WrestleMania 29: CM Punk
WrestleMania XXX: Brock Lesnar

Wrestlecast 2013 Is Something To Remember...

((HT: Awful Announcing))

As fans of the sport growing up the HQ can get into a war of words with fellow fans about how the sport has changed, but there are moments of clarity and remembrance.

Like "Wrestlecast 2013" from WHAS-TV anchor Adam Lefkoe


You win, Lefkoe...
For today... although the SD Jones reference was a bit of a reach...

ICYMI: Because They Need Fans: Marlins to Host Legends of Wrestling Night

((ht: bizofbaseball.com))

Haha! Pity the poor Miami Marlins. Okay, well, they aren't exactly poor after Jeffrey Loria fleeced the city and taxpayers of Miami, but that's a separate story.

The attendance starved baseball franchise is leaving no stone unturned in the chase for an ever-elusive fan.

The team has announced "Legends of Wrestling" night for August 24th. Yes, we write this story in the hopes we can get just 1 or 2 readers to go, thereby increasing the teams attendance figures by 10-20%.

The event, chronicled by the website "Bizofbaseball.com" features Brett "The Hitman" Hart, Bill Goldberg, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and a virtual "Who's Who" of the WWE from the 80's and 90's.

Read the full story from bizofbaseball.com RIGHT HERE

Apparently, former WWE and WCW Champ Goldberg gets to throw the 1st pitch and after the game, there are matches scheduled for the Plaza area. Considering the age and probably conditions of some of the guys listed as participating, it should make for an entertaining--albeit a bit slow post-game show.

We wish the Marlins luck with their promotion. Even if nobody new shows up, just having 15-wrestlers in attendance should increase their average by at least 20-percent.

Return of The Snake: Jake "The Snake" Roberts 7th Inning Stretch

((ht: foxsportsouth.com))

We published a story earlier in the week that chronicled the rehabilitation of former Pro Wrestler Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

Roberts is among several current and former wrestlers who make their home in the Atlanta area.

And he was seen in public, Friday night, at the Atlanta Braves/Los Angeles Dodgers game. In fact, Roberts was called on to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch.

Cory McCartney of FoxSportsSouth.com posted this video:

WWE Settles Another Lawsuit With Hart Family Over Owen

((HT: Larry Brown Sports))

The widow of Owen Hart, Martha Hart, has been given another undisclosed settlement over the usage and likeness of Owen in WWE DVD's. She reached an US$18-million settlement in 2000 over the catastrophic fall Hart had at Kemper Arena in Kansas City during the 1999 "Over The Edge" pay-per-view.

Here was the tribute on "Monday Night Raw" after the pay-per-view that continued after Owen Hart was removed from the ring.
((HT: WWE/youtube))


The new lawsuit, according to TWNP Wrestling News, had to do with pictures used in the "Hart and Soul" release. The case was set to go to trial in June had a settlement not been reached...

DEVELOPING: Reid Flair Passes At 25

According to wrestlingobserver.com, Flair was found dead today and there are few details in any cause at present...

According to his Twitter feed, he was looking forward to participating in some matches with his father in Hagerstown, Maryland over the weekend...

Two shows in Maryland this weekend with Pops. Good wrestling and even better times ahead.

But Flair was found dead in a hotel room in Charlotte, North Carolina this morning...

He had spent time recently in All Japan Wrestling getting some experience...
Here's a match from February...


According to the Charlotte Observer, local detectives determined that there didn’t appear to be foul play involved.

Also from the Observer staff reports:

Ric Flair's agent, Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment, issued a statement on Facebook: "We are heartbroken to confirm that Ric's son, Reid Fliehr, has passed away today March 29, 2013 in Charlotte, NC.

“The investigation into the cause of death is ongoing. Reid was 25 and an incredible son, brother, friend, and professional wrestler. No words can describe the grief that Ric and his family are experiencing and they do request privacy during this devastating time."

More when we know more...

Here's the early returns from WBTV in Charlotte...
WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC

Pro Wrestling legend Mike Graham passes away

((pwinsider.com))

A truly "Old School" professional wrestling legend was found dead today in Daytona, Florida.

Mike Graham was a well known wrestler who competed and help run his father Eddie's business Championship Wrestling from Florida was 61-years old. There are several reports saying he took his own life, those have yet (as of 1:50pm Friday) to be confirmed.

For me, I can remember as a kid seeing Graham, a popular face on the Championship Wrestling TV show for many, many years. He was never the biggest guy, but as announcer Gordon Solie said, he was a great "Scientific Wrestler".

His path eventually took him to World Championship Wrestling in the early 90's where he briefly wrestled before moving to a behind the scenes role.

Many of the older wrestlers, or at least those with some experience behind them have already expressed their sadness. As for those of us old enough to remember him as a wrestler in Florida, where we grew up, it makes you feel a little bit older.

Condolences to the family and the pro wrestling community.

Check out this old, old school match featuring Graham and Brian Blair vs. Hiro Matsuda and The Super Destroyer:

Hulk Hogan and Shaquille O'Neal: This is comedy? Or Pathetic

Wow, guess we missed the announcement that Shaquille O'Neal started his own YouTube Alleged Comedy Channel.

And we promise you this will be the ONE and only time we are going to mention it.

In today's episode, our hero gets pushed around by 97-year old wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Whom Shaq has about a half foot and a hundred pounds on.

Shaq allegedly had committed some sort of affront to someone named Godfrey. And no, we apparently are NOT hip, because we have no idea whom Mr. Godfrey is.

Hulk comes in for the save, appears to go for a "ChokeSlam"...or at least that's what the YouTube title says.

The (do the finger quote thing) "Choke Slam" is more like the 112-year old Hogan pushing O'Neal sort of...and O'Neal flopping onto a couch.

**Note**--This year in the NBA, it would cost O'Neal some money for flopping like this.

**Note #2**--This isn't going to distract any celebrity sex tape watchers who seem fascinated by a Hulk Hogan sex tape making the rounds. (No, we aren't posting that here--and NEVER WILL)

**Note #3**--Maybe it is our lack of sleep, but we don't think so...this isn't even the SLIGHTEST BIT FUNNY.

At all.

And yet this exists. Though we promise to never share anything like it....ever again.

ICYMI: Pro Wrestler CM Punk slugs fan in crowd

Well, the WWE is known for occasionally trying to put one over on their fans...but we are pretty sure this isn't one of those times.

Monday night, one of their headline wrestlers, CM Punk appears to have slugged a fan who was leaning/pushing on him while Punk was finishing a live segment on Monday Night Raw.

You can see in the video, Punk makes his way into the crowd and the crowd pushes him off balance on more than one occasion.

Watch what the larger bald guy behind him does, shoves him, more than once. Punk gets angry, turns and pops the guy, then pushes him away.



The incident happened in Sacramento and though the guy who was hit, wasn't hurt, he apparently later decided he should file charges.

For their part, the WWE released a statement blaming the incident on security not keeping the fans far enough away from one of their wrestlers. Sacramento Police appear to be investigating the incident, but thus far haven't filed charges.

Wrestling News Source.com has a full screen version:

Former pro wrestler wrestles oxycodone from store and is arrested

Tomko/Courtesy: 1st Coast News-St.Johns County Sheriff's

((ht:firstcoastnews.com))

This isn't necessarily a good story. For those who wonder what sometimes happen to former professional wrestlers; there is this.

Former WWE and TNA wrestler Tomko (real name: Travis David Tomko), was arrested Monday afternoon near St. Augustine, Florida.

Tomko is accused of stealing 3 bottles of Oxycodone from a CVS store. According to First Coast News in Jacksonville, the former wrestler had been trying for days to get the drug from the store, he finally walked in, made a threat with his "Hand Under His Shirt" pointing towards what the pharmacist believed was a possible gun.

He denied making any threats, but is still facing robbery charges.

Here's video of Tomko in better days, wrestling in TNA versus Kurt Angle: