Torch Today CALDWELL'S DAILY BLOG 1/19: TNA pulls "cast member" video, Analysis of WWE Studios change, Jerry Springer on Raw, L.A. Times covers Kiffin Raw reference
Jan 19, 2010 - 2:35:08 PM
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By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2010
-- Today's edition of the PWTorch Livecast should be hopping with talk about last night's Raw, Bubba and Kong mixing it up, and TNA instructing their audience not go into business for themselves. TNA has since pulled the video posted by a TNA fan, citing a copyright claim, but we have the quotes on record here. Be sure to join the Livecast chat or phone discussion at 5:30 p.m. EST today.
-- Several entertainment news websites picked up on WWE's business news of the day with Vince McMahon taking control of the WWE Studios division. It remains to be seen if WWE can find the right formula for movies and scripts that uses WWE talent to grab wrestling fans, but also grabs casual fans who aren't turned away by the WWE logo or "WWE pretend actors." Shifting to wrestlers in supporting roles and aiming for kids and families sounds like the right strategy for the times. We'll get our first results later this year when WWE has a theatrical release in the summer and fall.
-- Tonight's ECW show is a mystery right now, as WWE doesn't have five straight weeks of ECW Homecoming hype to stretch out a long-form storyline. Now, WWE turns its attention to building up Christian vs. Ezekiel Jackson for the Royal Rumble.
-- The Los Angeles Times has a brief note on Jon Heder mentioning new USC head football coach Lane Kiffin at last night's Raw, which took place at the Univ. of Tennesse, which is where Kiffin bolted from after one year. L.A. Times story.
-- Brock Lesnar's health update press conference has been moved to an ESPN news cut-in during SportsCenter tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. EST. The former WWE champ will update his health and future as a UFC fighter.
-- A wrestling fan who attended a Jerry Springer taping today says Springer was a bit confused on his WWE Raw guest-hosting gig on February 15. Springer said he accepted "because WWE asked" and he didn't seem sure of the date he would actually be hosting. [Report by PWInsider.com]
-- Wrestling agent Bill Behrens posted a tribute to "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and NWA promoter Ed Chuman. The tribute video is below.
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