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Updated throughout the day, the Torch News Ticker delivers a constant stream of news and information from WWE, TNA, ROH, Japan, the independents, and whatever else pops up. Keep it open in a new tab and bookmark it every Monday! Promoters and readers: Send in news, upcoming events, interview highlights, or wrestling-related information to the Torch News email address, Wade Keller, and James Caldwell for inclusion on the constantly-updated Ticker. Contact link.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

- Hillary Clinton was the first to respond to WWE's offer for a confrontation on the April 21 Raw between herself and Barack Obama. A spokesman for Clinton told a reporter: "I would typically use this occasion to reiterate our bowling challenge. But given how well that worked out (for both campaigns), I'm thinking sports challenges might not be the way to go here." CBS News article link.

- We're looking for live reports from WWE's U.K. tour this weekend. If you attended a show this weekend, drop in a report. Also, if you attended TNA's Lockdown Fanfest yesterday in Lowell, Mass., be sure to send in a report. And, if you attended ROH's weekend shows, we're looking for reports from Boston and Edison.

- Jim Ross posted a new blog on jrsbarbq.com discussing potential WWE Hall of Fame 2009 candidates in Houston. It will certainly have a Texas-theme, and there are plenty of candidates to choose from. Ross has at the top of his list: Steve Austin, Freebirds, Von Erichs, Funks, and legendary Houston promoter Paul Boesch, who was one of the most influential men in all of Houston at one time. Ross also commented on the story of WWE testing for concussions. "I have not officially heard if the WWE is making these examinations a part of the wrestler’s annual physicals, but it would not surprise me in the least," he said. Blog link.

- Mike Mooneyham has his Sunday column on the fall-out from Ric Flair's Farewell, including comments from Diamond Dallas Page that he doubts it's the last time we'll see Flair in the ring. Again, stress on DDP as the source of the commentary. Article link.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Evening Update

- WWE Smackdown from last night averaged a 2.6 rating. Exact same story as last week with a 2.4 first hour and 2.7, leaning to a 2.8, rating in the second hour, which was good for fourth place ahead of ABC's offering. Smackdown will apparently be settling into this range going forward after grabbing steady 2.8 ratings prior to the NCAA Tournament.

- FOX News published a curious story on WWE's offer to Clinton and Obama for the March 21 Raw. WWE spokesman Gary Davis played coy about the invitation. "I think the invitation itself is self-explanatory," Davis said. "Get into the ring and resolve their differences." Just like the Mayweather vs. Show hype, WWE isn't explaining what exactly that would entail. Davis added, "What we’re trying to do is provide both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama an opportunity to speak to more than 8 million viewers of our program, which is the night before the Pennsylvania primary." Article link.

- The Times Online in the U.K. published a story on potential WWE wrestlers who have potential to become larger-than-life stars after WWE's current U.K. Tour. Want to guess who they list as the first potential wrestler to become a household name? Iron Sheik. Others in the list: Festus, Super Crazy, Umaga, and Missing Link. Article link.

Afternoon Update

- TMZ published a story on WWE's offer to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to appear on the April 21 Raw. They claimed representatives from both Democratic candidates have not returned calls on whether they'll take WWE up on the offer. TMZ article.

- The Daily Post in Liverpool, U.K. published a story on WWE's tour stop on Friday. They interviewed Cade & Murdoch, as well as Mickie James for the story. "The fans are way more aggressive and excited over here," Murdoch said. "Don’t get me wrong, I love being at home, but in the States, because they have the opportunity to see us, they are kind of spoiled." Cade added that he's been around the world, but he's seen nothing, implying they're too busy on international tours to take in the sights. The story includes photos from the in-ring action. Article link.

- The U.K. Sun is reporting that one of TNA's shows on their U.K. tour in June will be taped for a future episode of Global Impact. A TNA insider who talked to the Sun said the tour isn't about making money, but creating new viewers for their TV timeslot on Bravo. "We are pulling out all the stops to make this tour a huge success," said TNA's insider. "The venues are almost all sold out, but after talent, travel and production costs we’ll be lucky to break even." Article link.

- From earlier in the week, the Sun also published an interview with Bret Hart, who talked about his book and the response he's received from it. Hart said he hasn't heard from his brothers and sisters on whether they've read the book, which isn't surprising. He commented on his last on-screen appearance, which was the Vince McMahon appreciation night last year. "I don’t know why I did it," he said. "I guess I wanted to show that I could bury the hatchet, that I could have some fun with it." Hart also said he wanted to use pictures from WWE for his book, and he figured that his only way to obtain them. Hart said he's open to making more appearances, but only if he can have some fun with it. Article link.

- Randy Couture was recently interviewed on NBC's MMA Fight Weekly about a possible exhibition against Kurt Angle. Couture said he verbally said he would be interested, but "Kurt's talking a lot that it's going to be a fight, and all this other stuff, which isn't really true." Couture said Angle is a great athlete and wrestler, but he has no submission skills. "In a straight submission match, he's going to make classic mistakes," Couture said. "I expect to find a hole and I'd like to choke him." Video interview link.

- For the second consecutive week, there's a story on a death linked to watching pro wrestling. IOL in South Africa is reporting that a 14-year-old was allegedly imitating moves he saw on Smackdown when he punched, kicked, and threw down a 2-year-old, eventually killing the toddler. Child rights groups and the parents of the 2-year-old are calling for a ban on violent television. Article link.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Afternoon Update

- Chris Nowinski, of the Sports Legacy Institute, released information today that WWE has begun testing wrestlers for concussions. Nowinski said he's heard from former colleagues in WWE that the company started testing last month and will test again in six months. WWE has not released anything official on the testing.

- Samoa Joe is interviewed in the Miami Herald ahead of his TNA Title match at Lockdown. Joe told Jim Varsallone, "This is an opportunity to show the world we can make a Samoa Joe championship run work in a national company." He said Angle and himself wanted to take the challenge of working a more realistic match at Lockdown. "We are a professional wrestling company and cater to wresting fans. Still, you have to try something new," he said. "Kurt wants to try it. I think I have enough crossover know-how to do it. There can be a careful balance of the two."

Joe maintained that he's at an impasse with TNA on negotiating a new contract. "I'm coming close to the end of my date with TNA," he said. "The contract negotiations are a very long and involved process. We've been on the road a lot. We just have to sit down and get all the parties involved and get it settled." Joe said he's "kind of happy" with TNA as the company expands and tries new things with the current mix of talent. Interview link.

- The Eagle Tribune (Mass.) published an interview with Kurt Angle ahead of the Lockdown PPV in Lowell, Mass. The interview focused mainly on Angle's amateur wrestling background. He reiterated the point about Vince McMahon telling him no to working part-time to heal up his neck, which he claims led to him leaving WWE for TNA. "My life was falling apart, and I felt like they didn't care," he said. "My neck was in tough shape, and they wanted me to keep performing every night. I felt I deserved to at least go part-time, even though I really needed the time off." Article link.

- Chris Jericho will be doing a book signing on Sunday during WWE's current U.K. tour. He'll be appearing in Nottingham at Waterstone's in Bridlesmith Gate. Jericho was interviewed by the Evening Post about taking a break from wrestling to write the book before returning to the ring. Article link.

- ROH posted a list of questions for this weekend's shows in Boston and Edison, N.J. If you attend an ROH show Friday or Saturday, be sure to send in a report. ROH Questions.

Morning Update

- On MSNBC, Keith Olbermann had a segment on WWE's offer to Clinton and Obama to appear on the March 21 Raw. Olbermann was produced to show enough wrestling knowledge in the gag segment to sound credible, but not enough to give any sense that he could possibly be a fan of wrestling (gasp!). It was an entertaining segment (with random Lucha Libre clips mixed in) until Olbermann's guest, Laurie Kilmartin, made the inevitable joke about wrestling fans being dumb. Video link.

- Jason Powell at prowrestling.NET has a recap of Samoa Joe's conference call yesterday discussing his contract situation and TNA Title match against Kurt Angle on Sunday. Article link.

- Media Life Magazine published a story on USA's turnaround from a flagging cable channel in 2005 to the top-rated ad-supported cable channel in 2008. WWE barely gets a mention in the article despite being one of the top catalysts for the turnaround. Article link.

- Paul Heyman is interviewed by Alex Marvex in his weekly syndicated column about how he would book WWE if he were in control today. "I absolutely believe I can out- book anyone in the industry today, but it's a one-brand business right now," Heyman said. "That brand runs differently than the type of writing and mechanisms that I use." He said he's come to peace with the wrestling business not being part of his life anymore, as he lived out his dream. "But it wasn't fun any more," he said. "My time was up." Article link.

- Forbes, one of the top financial news websites, published an article on effeminate wrestlers, specifically Maximo, in Mexico's Lucha Libre scene. Just a completely random article. The article also says effeminate wrestlers are an inspiration for WWE. Apparently Rico is still on the roster. Article link.

***

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Evening Update

- TNA Impact preview: In the final Impact before the Lockdown PPV this weekend, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe will have their official contract signing as the main angle. ... Main event is Team 3D vs. Sting & Kevin Nash to preview the Lethal Lockdown match. ... Other action tonight is Scott Steiner & Petey Williams vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley and the debut of Consequences Creed against Jimmy Rave.

- WWE's promotional ad for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to show up on the April 21 Raw for an in-ring confrontation was parodied on Fox and Friends this morning on FOX News. FOX added sound effects of grunting and groaning to add to their "take" on the proposition. Article link.

- CJOB in Canada published a report that Roddy Piper is working on a film called "Clear Lake," which is currently being filmed in Winnipeg. Piper told CJOB that it's not an action movie, but will tug at the heartstrings. Piper said he's trying to get out of the ring by doing movies, yet he has a five-year contract with WWE. He claimed WWE has asked him to participate in an MMA match five days before the Olympics in China. Article link.

- Famous ring announcer Michael Buffer was recently diagnosed with throat cancer. Doghouseboxing.com reports that Buffer "is currently recovering at his home in Los Angeles following surgery to remove cancerous tumors from the throat and neck." Buffer issued a statement: "The cancer was detected at a very early stage in mid-February and three weeks ago I was operated on by one of the best surgeons in the field. I am recovering well and feel stronger every day." Article link.

- MTV.com published a story on Hoyt & Rave's gimmick in TNA where they pretend to be stars from the "Guitar Hero" video game. Blog link.

Afternoon Update

- Videogamer.com published a story on THQ's brand manager for WWE video gamess responding to comments made by Kurt Angle that TNA's video game will blow away any recent WWE video game. Mitchell Cameron said Angle was talking trash and now that's given them extra motivation to create a very competitive Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 video game. "We put it (Angle's talk) on the wall and it's like, let's look at this, this is motivation for us!" Cameron said. "He's a competitor in the field, we're taking notice of what he's got to say and we're going to try to respond in our game." Story link.

- Due to poor ratings, CBS canned the "Secret Talents of the Stars" show after the first episode on Tuesday, which means the Ric Flair segment that was scheduled to air in a future week will not be shown. Who knows, maybe it will end up on the Flair DVD.

- TNA Notes: TNA's "Best of 2007" DVD will be released in Wal-Mart in addition to their shoptna website. The DVD will be out in the U.S. on April 22. ... Remaining tickets for the Lockdown Fan Fest on Saturday will only be available at the door. TNA is no longer selling tickets in advance on their website. ...

- ROH Notes: The final match for Friday night's show in Boston will be the Kevin Steen vs. Necro Butcher brawl. ROH said in their Newswire that they made the call "so fans that don't want to see this kind of spectacle can leave and not miss anything else on the card." ... Kota Ibushi arrives in New Jersey today before traveling to Boston for Friday night's show. Ibushi faces Davey Richards on Friday and Claudio Castagnoli on Saturday in Edison, N.J. ... The next storyline development for Larry Sweeney is that he will sign a new talent to his stable on Friday's show. ...

Morning Update

- Triple H's appearance on American Idol's "Idol Gives Back" show last night on FOX has received positive mentions in mainstream media recapping the show. Well, most recaps have been positive out of fear from Triple H's line that he normally wants to rip people's heads off, but this time, he wants people to give to charity.

"I don’t know about you, but when scary wrestlers tell me to do something, I do it," wrote foxesonidol.com. From TVfodder.com: "Wrestler Triple H made me believe that not only could he see me through my television, but he would also come find me and beat me up if I didn’t donate. Somebody get me my checkbook! That guy’s huge!"

- Miami Herald published a lengthy interview with Santino Marella on his career in WWE and philosophy on the comedy/wrestling balance. "There's more than just the comedy. I love wrestling. I love grappling. I love submissions and smashing people," Santino told Jim Varsallone. "Ultimately, that's going to come out because that's part of me. So there's a part of me in Santino, but there's also a part of me that's a grappler. I think as time goes that will permeate through."

Santino said the famous segment with Steve Austin last year was "really cool" and Austin told him he loves the character and everything he's doing on TV. In the interview, Santino also comments on the Boogeyman incident in OVW, and Jim Cornette claims it was blown out of proportion because WWE was looking for a reason to fire him. Article link.

- Deadbolt.com published an interview with Maria from USA Network's recent "up front" event in Chicago. Maria commented on the situation at WrestleMania when the lights went out during the BunnyMania match. "I can remember me and the girl that were in there were like, 'What is going on!' And I'm beating her up and she's like, 'Where are the lights? Where are the lights?' We can't even see each other." After all that, Maria concluded: "That was very cool."

Maria said she has aspirations for movies, as she's always wanted to be part of the entertainment industry, and WWE has given her that first opportunity. Interview link.

- WWE issued a press release on helping boost sales for the bands performing songs for WrestleMania 24. They claimed a 999 percent jump for sales of Fuel's "Leave the Memories Alone" song and Rev Theory's "Light It Up". Press release link.

***

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Top Stories of the Day

- Atlanta Journal Constitution published a full-length story on the Mike Knox situation related to his former house in Locust Grove, Ga. where HGH, testosterone, and steroids were found by the current homeowner. The police captain in Henry County would not corroborate the names of four wrestlers, including Knox, who previously lived in the house, but the documents linked to Knox include the dress code memo, medical prescriptions, bills, and airline tickets in his name. Knox did not reply to the AJC's inquiries, but through WWE, he denied that the drugs were his. Article link.

- Marc Mero is teaming up with The National Coalition for the Advancement of Drug-Free Athletics to promote drug-free sports among student athletes. Mero is using the platform to call for changes in the wrestling industry, which was part of his commentary during the Chris Benoit coverage last summer. “A sport that was dominated by steroids, prescription medication, alcohol, and illegal drugs. I am asking for legislation and regulation before another wrestler or innocent person dies,” said Mero. Press release link.

- Jim Ross posted a new blog on jrsbarbq.com discussing current events. Ross said he's doing much better in the health department following the colon procedure last weekend. Ross said Ken Shamrock was backstage at Raw in New York visiting old colleagues. Shamrock was in the area doing promotional work, and Shamrock said he's working on a reality show idea. Blog link.

- The soundtrack to Ric Flair's final farewell on the March 31 Raw has boosted sales of the track dramatically. Sales of Fuel's "Leave the Memories Alone" jumped 1,000 percent the week of Flair's farewell, then 409 percent last week. Sony Records and Fuel are in talks about re-releasing the song as a single due to the resurgence in popularity. WWE article on the song.

- WWE posted information on appearances by John Cena, Triple H, and Chris Jericho on FOX's "Idol Gives Back" show that airs tonight at 7:30 p.m. EST. "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson is also scheduled to appear, but WWE did not promote him appearing. Article link.


- NBC Universal issued a press release on their record-setting cable numbers for the first quarter of 2008. They claimed 49 of the top 100-rated cable TV shows with adults 18-49 amongst ad-supported cable channels, with Viacom coming in second with 27. USA Network, on the strength of Raw, finished first on cable amongst adults 18-49 and 25-54, as well as most viewership and households. USA is claiming their seventh consecutive quarter as the leading cable channel among adults 18-49, which is the first time that's happened in basic cable history. Press release.

- USA Network recently held their "up front" social gathering in Chicago to showcase the next season of programming for advertisers. WWE Raw was represented by divas, but the focus was on "Monk," "Psych," and "Burn Notice" as the top ad-friendly programming on USA. Deadbolt article link.

- The Tribune in Canada published a story on WWE programming no longer having a significant presence in Canada after Raw was moved off TSN. Article link.

- Sky Sports in the U.K. published an article previewing WWE's Backlash PPV that will air live on Sky Sports 1. WWE kicks off its European tour today with Raw in Belfast, Ireland and Smackdown/ECW in Valencia, Spain. Sky article.

- TheStreet.com published an article on top entertainment stocks. WWE - described as a "small entertainment conglomerate" - topped the list with its solid Price-to-Earnings ratio and growth rate. Article link.

- James Storm is interviewed in the Miami Herald about his journey to TNA, what his character is based on, and his current singles push. Storm said everyone thought Chris Harris would be the breakout singles star from the AMW tag team because no one had seen him as a singles wrestler. ''I'm glad I can say I proved everybody wrong,'' Storm told Jim Varsallone. "I wish [Chris] luck in whatever he does, but I'm here in TNA, and I'm glad I'm making a mark as a singles wrestler now."

Storm said he watched old and current Western movies to get ideas for his TNA character. "In real life, I'm kind of that character," he said. "I love to drink beer, but I'm a laid back guy. I like to just hang out and do whatever. There are all kinds of things I can do with the character. I'm just gonna continue drinking beer and beating people up." Article link.

***

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Top Stories of the Day

- The Raw brand has a rare Tuesday night house show in Trenton, N.J. tonight. We're looking for a report from tonight's show, as well as a Smackdown spoiler report from Boston tonight.

- Austin Aries will be missing this weekend's ROH shows in Boston and Edison, N.J. due to a head injury. Aries hopes to return for the April 18 and 19 shows in Detroit and Chicago, respectively. Aries was scheduled to be a major part of this weekend's shows, so the line-ups have been reshuffled.

The main event of Friday night's show in Boston will be ROH champ Nigel McGuinness defending against the winner of Strong vs. Romero vs. Stevens vs. El Generico. Saturday night's show will feature the ROH champion against Kevin Steen for the title.

- Tomorrow night on American Idol's annual "Idol Gives Back" special, John Cena, Triple H, and Chris Jericho are scheduled to appear. That's a significant opportunity for WWE exposure.

- Ric Flair is one of 16 celebrities on CBS's "Secret Talent of the Stars" that premiers tonight. He's in a bracket with Danny Bonaduche, Cindy Margolis, and Malcom-Jamal Warner. Show details.

- For last week's cable ratings, USA Network won yet again. The Flair Farewell Raw took first and second position for the week, with an average viewership of 5.2 million in the first hour and 5.7 million in the second hour. Top 20 ratings.

- Tampa Tribune published more details on Andrew "Test" Martin's DUI in Florida this past weekend. Martin was pulled over at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning when troopers spotted a "reckless vehicle" near a subdivision in Tampa. The police report stated Martin was "unsteady and shaking" when he stepped out of the vehicle and he agreed to a field sobriety test, which he failed.

The police report also indicates Martin was falling asleep in the police vehicle on the way to being booked in jail. "Considering I don't drink alcohol or do drugs I don't know how the DUI is going to stand," Martin told the Tribune on Monday. Article link.

- There might be a physical WWE Hall of Fame in the future, according to Shane McMahon. Jim Varsallone in the Miami Herald has the story, with McMahon saying, "We've been close a number of times. We actually looked at a place in Orlando a few years ago. We don't know where it's going to settle, yet. I think it's probably still a couple of years away, but we're really anxious to do it." McMahon said they've been collecting and storing every little piece of memorabilia in a warehouse, so "it will be really cool" when it opens. Article link.

***

Monday, April 7, 2008

Top Stories of the Day

- Mike Knox was linked to the story on a stash of HGH and steroids being found in his former home in Georgia. WWE responded to the allegations that there were four wrestlers living at the address at one time, with one of the wrestlers currently under contract. WWE did not mention Knox by name in their response to the story. Story link.

- On Monday morning, USA Today published the basic information on FOX 5's story on steroids and HGH being found in the former home of a WWE wrestler. USA Today article.

- Mark Madden published his thoughts on Ric Flair's retirement in the Beaver County (Pa.) Times, including a look at whether Flair is the best of all-time. Article link.

- From Sunday, Paul Heyman published his thoughts on Flair's retirement, calling Monday's Farewell a bit too weepy for his taste when there should have been elbows dropped, a jacket torn off, and a few more Woos. Article link.

- In Sunday's newspaper, the Houston Chronicle's Ken Hoffman published reader feedback on Flair's retirement, with stories from readers on Flair stripping down to his underwear after a few too many drinks. Hoffman wrote: "Ric Flair 'retired' from pro wrestling last week. I am stunned the WWE hasn't announced a special 'return revenge' match for him yet. There are wrestlers who have been dead for 20 years who still manage to climb through the rope for one last match." Article link.

- TNA published a nice story on Sara Lee, who died this past week. Lee was a top women's wrestler in the '50s and '60s in the Mid-South region, and she became famous for taking tickets and greeting fans at the Nashville Fairgrounds, where TNA held their Wednesday night PPVs. Article link.

- PWG announced the tag teams participating in their annual DDT4 tag tournament, to be held May 17 and 18 in Burbank, Calif. Teams scheduled are Kota Ibushi & KAGETORA, The Briscoes, Evans & Strong, Davey Richards & Super Dragon, El Generico & Kevin Steen, Scott Lost & Joey Ryan, Ronin & Scorpio Sky, and Los Luchas. Tickets for the shows go on-sale April 8 at 8:00 a.m. PST. Show details.

***

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