Bleacher Report - Articles by Tim List

Heyman Defends WWE's Booking, Explains CM Punk-Undertaker S'Slam Moment

Tim List — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:07:11 -0400

Paul Heyman has posted his latest blog on The Heyman Hustle (http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com), writing about CM Punk's victory over Jeff Hardy at SummerSlam, and the puzzling turn the storyline took moments later involving The Undertaker.

Heyman actually explains why WWE chose this way to approach Punk's title win, and defends the business sense Vince McMahon and company showed with the Taker vs. Punk angle at the end of SummerSlam.

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Key excerpt:

As Punk stood over the writhing-in-pain Jeff Hardy, where was the audience's collective focus? It was on Hardy, "selling," letting the crowd both at home and on TV know his sacrifice does not come without a price.

He projected the image of a man in severe pain, both physical and emotional, and the audience felt sympathy for this person, both as a character and as a human being.

Punk, understanding the art of a heel, kept his head down, looking at Hardy, so no one would have even the inclination of looking at Punk for the moment.

Then, in a perfectly timed mannerism that displayed his awesome ability to generate heat on himself, Punk slowly looked up, grabbing the attention of the audience, and saying with his subtle facial expression "I did this to your hero, give me all your hate for victimizing him ... and by the way, notice the fact I have the title in my possession ... hate me even more for the fact I took it away from your precious protagonist."

What happened next violates every principle of "Booking 101" ever taught. Yet, it was the best thing WWE has done in a long time, and it was, as the old expression goes, "right for business."

As the new champion stood over the just-dethroned former title holder, the lights flickered, and then went out. The all-too-familiar Hells Bells gong rang, signaling the entrance music of The Undertaker.

The Phenom, who has been out of sight (and therefore, out of mind) for several months, appeared in Hardy's prone position when the lights came back on, snatched the newly-minted champion by the throat, and leveled him with a resounding chokeslam in a memorable show-closing moment.

So, let's examine this, shall we? Punk did not cheat to win. His only beef has been with Jeff Hardy, whose lifestyle Punk finds offensive.

While Punk's antics on Smackdown are starting to paint him as preachy hypocrite, he has not picked a fight with anyone other than Hardy. He certainly has done nothing to earn the wrath, or deserve a beating from The Undertaker.

The babyface picked a fight with the heel ... beat him up after a grueling match in which the heel did nothing to cheat or deprive another babyface, who happened to be champion, of an outcome that could be deemed "honest and justified."

Justice was not served at the end of SummerSlam, and the Big Dog did not need to protect his yard from this newest top tier performer.

So, why was it right for a babyface to chokeslam a heel, when the heel did nothing in the match to elicit a hostile, disdainful response except win the match in which he was competing against a more popular performer?

Why was it right for this babyface to chokeslam the heel, who has never crossed that babyface's path? Why is this storyline different from all other storylines?

The reason is because World Wrestling Entertainment smartly wanted to shift your attention away from the wounded warrior Jeff Hardy, and place the emphasis on the new direction the championship story on Smackdown will need to take.

If Jeff Hardy was going to stay in WWE, this would be a shortcut to Undertaker challenging Punk, and it would be all wrong for business.

But it's the very fact that Hardy is taking a hiatus from WWE that makes this not only a memorable moment in SummerSlam history, but also the right move at the right time with the right players involved.

When SummerSlam went off the air, the majority of the audience was excited by the possibility of hero-crushing CM Punk getting his comeuppance and facing a heavy dues-paying session from the legendary Demon of Death Valley.

The clean-living champion, who doesn't suffer from facing personal demons, must now face the biggest baddest Demon in the land ... and by his actions in the final moments of the SummerSlam broadcast, that Demon signified he wants to take from Punk what Punk took from Hardy...the World Heavyweight Championship.

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The entire blog can be read here: http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21468-paul-heyman-punks-perilous-path

A classic behind-the-scenes explanation of how the WWE machine operates, and a fascinating look at the way some booking is approached.

Mr. Kennedy Posts Apologetic Blog on WWE Steroid Scandal

Tim List — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:39:39 -0400

WWE Superstar "Mr. Kennedy," Ken Anderson, who received enormous backlash after an interview was posted overseas regarding whether he had ever taken steroids in the past, posted his most controversial video to date, accompanied by an apologetic blog.

While Anderson's blog falls short of actually apologizing, he offers an explanation as to what led to the scandal that occurred after his comments were posted online.

Anderson writes:

When "Mr. Kennedy" exploded on the scene in WWE, I was given the opportunity to do media interviews all over the world which can be extremely intoxicating. You're living out your dream, making serious money, finally achieving all your goals, and you're getting the chance to build on the already-intense fame by talking to the media.

"No comment" or "I do not recall" should have been in my vocabulary (Hey, it worked for Ollie North, right?) I admit that I just wasn't media savvy enough at the time to deal with all that comes with the responsibility of talking to the press. I said some very sophomoric things and that mistake was mine and mine alone, and I have learned from it.

That mistake set in motion a chain of events that allowed my detractors, both inside the company and outside, to jump all over me. I left myself open.

Vince McMahon didn't screw "Mr. Kennedy." WWE didn't screw "Mr. Kennedy." Ken Anderson screwed "Mr. Kennedy."

The entire exclusive blog and video have been posted by Anderson's long-time supporter, former WWE Head Writer, Paul Heyman. Yes, the former ECW owner has the video and blog on his "Heyman Hustle" Web site.

Jeff Jarrett's Out, Online Fans Want Paul Heyman

Tim List — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:21:11 -0400

The news broke hard and fast today that Jeff Jarrett was removed from creative responsibilities at TNA Wrestling following a scandal involving Jarrett, supposedly, living with Kurt Angle's ex-wife Karen.

According to a post on Dave Meltzer's Web site:

At the house show on Saturday night, Angle was telling people that he is going to end up with booking control of the company that Jarrett had and that he won't sign a new contract if Jarrett remains in power. Nobody really know how things transpire from here. Jarrett was booked in segments on last night's show that were either tweaked or removed. The direction of the booking last night was planned before any of this went down as the TVs for the next month were written before the Bubba stuff happened, although everything involving Jarrett obviously has had to be tweaked.

Then Wade Keller's Web site ran a poll on who should be the next TNA creative head, with including Jim Cornette, Kevin Nash, Terry Taylor, Dutch Mantel, Vince Russo, Paul Heyman, Kurt Angle, Gabe Sapolsky, and "Someone Else."

Heyman was far ahead of anyone else, garnering 60 percent of the votes, with Cornette getting 20 percent in second place.

Torch's sister site, Jason Powell's ProWrestling.Net, then, ran a blog saying TNA owner Dixie Carter needed to bring in Heyman. In the blog, which can be read in its entirety on the Web site. Powell writes:

I've come up with a simple change that will put the company on the right track creatively, save you money, and possibly improve the television ratings right from the start.

Hire Paul Heyman.

Sure, Dixie, you've probably heard he's the anti-Christ from some of your employees. Keep in mind that most of those people would be out of a job if you gave Heyman the type of power and control he would presumably require before even considering the gig.

Heyman won't come cheap, but I guarantee you could save a ton of money by paying his asking price and turning him loose. Let Heyman clean house of all the Jarrett cronies on the payroll, all the overpaid veterans who care about nothing more than cashing their paychecks, and, of course, the useless creative staff. In the end, you'd save a ton of money and would ultimately have a better product.

In the process, your company would become Internet darlings. The same fans that scoff at the mere mention of TNA would suddenly see you and the company in a new light. Not only would you attract the same group of fans who tune in for TNA Impact every week (because I'm convinced that most of these people are the same hardcore wrestling fans who watch ECW on Syfy every week), but you'd also get an entire new audience of passionate Internet wrestling fans who have faith in Heyman's creative ability and won't give the time of day to a product booked by your current regime.

Heyman couldn't turn things around overnight, but I have much more confidence in him than the vision-less creative staff you currently employ. Your current product focuses on old guys who promise you they'll pass the torch to all the young guys when the time is right. In some cases, these guys have been making that promise since WCW was still around. When push comes to shove, they never do the type of meaningful jobs that create stars. And in many cases, the wrestlers who will do jobs don't mean enough anymore to make younger wrestlers.

Focus on the business end, Dixie, and let Heyman control the creative end of the business and play the hatchet man role that you're company so desperately needs. It might not be as comfortable as the status quo, but sometimes you have to make the tough decisions to make your business stronger. Make this one decision and let Heyman do the rest in terms of creative and personnel decisions.

I know, Dixie, you're company has shown growth in several areas. That's great. As I've said before, though, you have to stop and ask yourself how much more growth there would have been by now if you had the right people in place all along. You can't change the past, but you can rectify the situation by making the one simple move that can save you money, score goodwill amongst the fans, and get people truly excited about your product.

UPDATE: Heyman's webmaster posted on his Facebook page: "Paul says never, but this is an interesting editorial" with a link to Powell's blog. Heyman has yet to issue a public comment on the suggestion, which he's probably saving for a blog on his revamped "Heyman Hustle" site, which has been a centerpiece of CraveOnline in the past ten days.

Surely, more to come.

Will UFC Do A Celebrity Stunt Like Brock vs Shaq?

Tim List — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:15:00 -0400

MMA NEWS DESK reporter Arturo Collozo Jr. reported that UFC president Dana White was on "Into The Night with Tony Bruno" and talked about UFC 100, the possibilities of ever seeing a Brock-Fedor showdown, and Brock vs Shaq. Seriously. Here are the words of the Ultimate Fight prexy:

"Shaq texts and Twitters me all the time saying he wants to fight Brock Lesnar. He's been training for 10 years; Shaq's probably the only dude in the NBA that can actually fight...I told Shaq, I said listen, 'Win another NBA championship this year and then we'll talk next year.'"

A celebrity freak show would be rejected in a big way by tourists, but would bring an awful lot of attention to UFC. As for Brock vs Shaq, it woulnd never happen; and if it did:

"Shaq would be demolished and injured badly," Collozo told Bleacher Report. "Brock has been on defense for so little time in the Octagon against top level fighters Randy Couture, Frank Mir, and Heath Herring. Shaq would be demolished in record time, and suffer permanent damage."

Mr. Kennedy Opens Up About Being Fired by WWE

Tim List — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:48:02 -0400

Ken Anderson has spoken out for the very first time since being released by World Wrestling Entertainment.

In a story written by the former WWE superstar "Mr. Kennedy" and posted on the Heyman Hustle website this evening, Anderson tells the story behind the popular online videos he's been starring in while his 90-day non-compete clause with WWE is still in effect.

Key excerpt:

This is not a bitching session, where I complain about how WWE held me down on purpose, took away my dreams, shoved my career up my ass, or singled me out and screwed me over.

This is an explanation about the purpose of these videos, which is to show everyone what I have to offer.

I'm a home run hitter being told to be satisfied with landing on first base. I love being part of a team, and if we need runners on first base, I'll lead off.

But when you have a lack of entertainment in the industry of sports entertainment, and you can hit the ball out of the park, it's the worst feeling in the world being told to draw a walk.

I want to entertain people. It's what I've always wanted to do. And I think I have the ability to do it, and in more ways than just the payoff of the matches we use that entertainment factor to build towards.

These videos are my way of letting everyone know I have a lot to offer, and not just in the ring. I have a deep-seated desire to entertain the audience.

The reaction to the videos has been fantastic. If I can do this on my own with a crappy little handheld camera, imagine what I can do with a staff, infrastructure and marketing plan behind me.

It doesn't matter what last name I use. It doesn't matter if I'm a Kennedy, an Anderson, a Smith, Doe, or Jones (...Jones).

What matters is that I want to put it all on the line and see how far I can go both in the ring and behind the mic.

These videos are not only my way of telling WWE that I had so much more for them to exploit, but my audition to the rest of the world at the same time.

The entire story, which includes Anderson's reflections on his road to WWE; Jim Cornette not using him in OVW; how Paul Heyman saved his career; and what's next for the charismatic superstar can be found here: http://heymanhustle.craveonline.com/blogs/21088-a-personal-message-from-ken-anderson-anderson

An excellent story that shows even someone with Anderson/Kennedy's enormous talent can get lost in the WWE system.

Ex-WWE Star Mr. Kennedy Teaches Summer School

Tim List — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:36:50 -0400

In one of the funniest one-minute videos on the web right now, former WWE Superstar Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson is seen riding out his 90-day non-compete clause with World Wrestling Entertainment by trying his hand at teaching summer school.

Just as he is about to introduce himself "Mr. Kennedy style," a mysterious "suit" walks in the room and shakes his head to show his displeasure with the attempt at using the WWE-copyrighted routine.

Ken(nedy) then just lowers his head like a whipped dog and underlines his name with great humility on the chalkboard.

A very funny video from an obviously very entertaining performer. It's online right now, causing all sorts of conversation.

In a brilliant move, Anderson (Kennedy) is airing his video on Paul Heyman's "Hustle" site, which is now on the CraveOnline Network. Heyman worked with Anderson in WWE Developmental system OVW and has been credited by Anderson for the creation of the ring introduction routine where Anderson (Kennedy) introduces himself by saying his last name twice.

Oh, and he has credited Heyman with coming up with the last name "Kennedy," not as a political reference, but because it's Vince McMahon's middle name.

You know, Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

Anderson is fantastic in this video, which gets our highest recommendation.

Brock Lesnar Apologizes For UFC 100 Outburst

Tim List — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:58:26 -0400

Brock Lesnar's appearance at the UFC 100 post-fight press conference saw him offer an apology to and through the media.

Lesnar, drinking a Bud Light after getting an earful backstage from UFC head honcho Dana White, stated, "First and foremost, I want to apologize. I acted unprofessionally. I'll leave it at that. I'm a sore loser. Frank and I in the first fight, I felt I gave it to him."

As reported on MMA News Desk, Lesnar also added, "I have nothing against Frank. The only thing I have against him is that he beat me. In the end, this stuff comes out because I'm just amped up."

UFC President Dana White stated, "Any fighter will tell you, you get emotional out there at times. You say stupid things you don't mean. What he did was so far over the top, I can't even describe it and put it into words... He apologized like a real man would. He said, 'I'm embarrassed.' "

UFC 100: Dana White Chews Out Brock Lesnar Backstage

Tim List — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:55:29 -0400

Dana White ripped into Brock Lesnar backstage following Lesnar's explosion in the Octagon after crushing Frank Mir and winning the UFC Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.

MMA NEWS DESK is reporting that during the post-fight press conference, White stated, "I was blown away. I don't think in the history of the UFC we've ever had someone do something like that. It's not who we are and it's not who he is. I've spent time with the guy. He gets in there and the adrenaline starts kicking and the mouth starts moving, but the brain isn't sending anything to his mouth. If he was a [bad guy], I would tell you, but he's not. He's a smart guy. He's been in the WWE so long that he thinks he has to jump in there and be the heel."

Lesnar, who came to the post fight conference with a Bud Light in his hand, stated, "I was in the entertainment business for a while and I guess there's still a little bit of that in me. I get asked if there's anything I could drag over from the WWE and I guess you saw a little bit tonight. I'm used to selling pay-per-views and tickets."

Brock Lesnar Is The Ultimate Heel

Tim List — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:47:24 -0400

The media has gone wild, praising Brock Lesnar's masterful annihilation of Frank Mir to become the Undisputed UFC World Heavyweight Champion, but condemning Lesnar's antics after the fight.

It seems as though the mainstream media never saw what a natural villain Lesnar was when he was paired with Paul Heyman in Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment.

Yahoo!Sports Steve Cofield, in an article entitled Lesnar Smashes Mir, But Loses His Mind In Postfight wrote:

Boo all you want, Brock Lesnar doesn't give a damn. And even though he's moved over the world of fake wrestling, this isn't an act, he is one scary and surly man. Lesnar brutalized Frank Mir for seven minutes before unleashing 14 unanswered punches to Mir's face while he had him pinned on the ground against the Octagon cage.

Referee Herb Dean had to jump in to save Mir before he suffered serious head trauma at 1:48 of the second round.

But the story of the fight came in the moments just after the finish.

Lesnar walked across the cage and got in the dazed face of Mir, "Talk all the [expletive] you want now," he said. The 11,000-plus booed loudly as Lesnar walked away from Mir. Lesnar responded by flipping off the crowd.

There was a lot of trash talk on both sides leading up to the fight. But it seemed to rub Lesnar the wrong way. Mir is a little more eloquent and often described Lesnar as a moron and an oaf who only won because of his size.

Lesnar didn't shy away from utilizing that size. He quickly got the fight to the mat in the opening round and mauled Mir. The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder buried punches into Mir's face as he controlled his left arm. By the end of the first, Mir's face looked like it had already been through five rounds.

The anger didn't subdied with the comment to Mir. Lesnar really turned it on in the cage with UFC color voice Joe Rogan saying he loved the booing.

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his [expletive]. I told him a year ago," Lesnar commenting on his loss in their first fight at UFC 81. Mir submitted Lesnar with a knee bar in the fight. "I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it."

Lesnar went into overdrive: "I'm going to drink a Coors Light. That's right a Coors," Lesnar then looked down at the Bud Light logo on the mat. "Bud Light don't pay me nothing."

Lesnar closed by remarking that he's going to celebrate with friends tonight and that he may even "get on top of his wife tonight."

UFC 100 News: Was the Brock Lesnar Walkout Staged?

Tim List — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:14:34 -0400

The Los Angeles Times posted a most interesting look at UFC Heavyweight Champion

Brock Lesnar, who insinuates he was putting on a show when he walked out of the press conference and was subsequently stopped by UFC President Dana White.

Two days to go until the place rocks with testosterone, which leaves time for more hype. Lesnar tells a press group he's going to exit the building, though, rather than talk any more.

"I was never going to do that," he admits later with a grin, and yes, he grins.

He also listens to UFC President Dana White, who gets into his cauliflower ear after Lesnar threatens to leave, Lesnar retaking his place at the table.

"I just had to humor myself somehow," the brute says.

It's a public act, all right, and a good one—the flat top and line of "Death Clutch" clothes he's selling are nice menacing touches—with reporter after reporter buying it and saying how they dislike him. They don't know him, and his choice, they never will.

Read the piece. It's really good.

UFC 100 Preview: Dana White Predicts over a Million PPV Buys

Tim List — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:11:39 -0400

UFC President Dana White was interviewed by Darren Rovell of CNBC.

The controversial Ultimate Fight prexy was, as always, quite confident, and public interest in this weekend's UFC 100 seems to back his bravado up.

Darren: Last time we talked, you said business was up 20 percent in the first quarter. The tickets sold out (to UFC 100) before it hit the general public. What’s your confidence as to the number of pay-per-view buys?

White: Well, not only did we sell out in an hour and a half before we had a public sale, but we’ve sold out closed circuit at the Mandalay Bay and we’ve opened up another one over at the MGM now for closed circuit. All of our polling right now is showing we’re going to do well over a million buys for this fight.

Darren: We know you scored nice blue chip sponsors -- Bud Light, Harley-Davidson, Burger King -- We saw a report that UFC was going to charge sponsors $100,000 every six months to sponsor UFC fighters. Is this legit and if it is what is this about?

White: We have this sport right now where guys, fighters, can actually get different sponsors. I have the ability to tell them no. So rather than tell these guys no because we have a sponsor that would be the same, we’re working this thing out where guys (companies) end up just paying us a certain percentage and then they can sponsor whoever they want.

Darren: The last champion that everyone was introduced to was Chuck Liddell -– I think it was UFC 71 –- when he hit mainstream, all over the place, and then he lost. Your current champ is Brock Lesner, fighting tomorrow. He came from the WWE, and he’s a huge part of UFC right now. How important is it for Lesnar to win tomorrow for the UFC?

White: That was one of the things that I was really worried in the beginning when I first started with this thing. Chuck Liddell was really our only big, legitimate star in the beginning. We have so many stars now from Brock to George St. Pierre to Forrest Griffin, I could go on for ten minutes telling you about huge pay-per-view stars that we have. We fixed that and built the business and created a lot of stars here on the UFC.

Darren: Unlike many sports, you still have a great growth story to tell. I know you’ve been pushing out that you think that UFC is going to be bigger than soccer in 10 to 15 years in worldwide popularity. What’s your greatest fear in the business?

White: Well, I can tell you right now, for this coming event Saturday, we’re going to be in 75 different countries in 17 different languages. We’ll have it on free TV down in Mexico. Over 300 million people can watch this even this weekend. My biggest fear is time. As fast as this thing is growing, we don’t have – there isn’t enough time in the day. You have to sleep. Other businesses have to shut down and go to sleep at night. If it wasn’t for, you know, time, we would grow a lot faster.

Exclusive backstage photos from the UFC 100 weigh-ins, including pictures of Frank Mir's blackened eye being examined by the doctor; Brock Lesnar not hiding his desire to leave and eat something (or someone); Quinton Jackson getting on his Rampage; and the UFC President himself, Dana White are available HERE.

Playboy's Holly Madison Comments on UFC 100

Tim List — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:16:31 -0400

Playboy's Holly Madison Comments on UFC 100

The gorgeous, busty, blond bombshell who shot to fame as the "first choice" of three Playboy Playmates living with publishing icon Hugh Hefner will serve as special Octagon Girl, like a WWE Diva, for UFC 100 this Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Holly, who has been starring in "Peep Show" at Planet Hollywood, will join current Octagon girls Arianny Celeste, Edith Labelle, and Logan Stanton.

Also, the soon-to-be-named winner of the first-ever UFC-Maxim magazine Octagon girl contest that will be named Saturday afternoon at the UFC Fan Expo.

"UFC 100 marks the biggest event in the history of our company, so it's the perfect time to bring in the Ultimate Octagon Girl, Holly Madison,” UFC president Dana White said.

“Not only is Holly one of the world's most beautiful women, but she is a huge fan and supporter of the UFC, and we're looking forward to having her with us on July 11th."

A hot video of Holly is available HERE.

When asked if she would predict the winner of the UFC Heavyweight Title Unification Fight between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir, Madison wouldn't pick a winner, although odds-makers have Lesnar favored to win.

Lesnar, who was coined "The Next Big Thing" by sports entertainment writer-producer Paul Heyman, who also played his on-air agent, while working for Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment, beat Randy Couture for the vacant championship, but is looking for revenge against Mir, who defeated him with an intricate leg lock last February during Lesnar's UFC debut.

The Complete Story Behind WWE's 15 Person Roster Shift

Tim List — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:04:16 -0400

The Complete Story Behind WWE's 15 Person Roster Shift

They're crediting it to Donald Trump, but in reality WWE Chairman of the Board Vince McMahon has let his brand priorities be known in a very public way.

Monday Night Raw now gains Mark Henry, who pinned WWE Champion Randy Orton on Raw tonight; Evan Bourne, who was inexplicably pinned by Orton in the gauntlet match; Jack Swagger; Gail Kim; and Alicia Fox.

Friday Night Smackdown completes the raping of the ECW roster by gaining Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith, and Natalya; plus Finlay and Matt Hardy.

The depleted ECW gains Shelton Benjamin, who has been around forever but has never become a draw; Goldust; William Regal, and The Bella Twins.

ECW loses Jack Swagger, Evan Bourne, Finlay, Mark Henry, and The Harts.

When Vince McMahon expressed his contempt to Rob Van Dam about the legacy of Paul Heyman's original legendary ECW, did anyone ever think McMahon would sacrifice his own Tuesday night show to rape and deplete a brand he finally started giving just a little bit of quality to?

Now ECW is back to being a developmental brand, and maybe even the last stop on the way out of WWE for talents that the public just doesn't care about.

UFC Champ Brock Lesnar Comes Under Fire for "Black Man" Comment

Tim List — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:25:50 -0400

The Ultimate Fighting Championship World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar has come under fire for his comments that he's built like a black man.

In a recent interview, Lesnar told a reporter "God gave me this body. I got the genetics of—not to get into racism or anything— but I'm built like a black man. Would you say so?"

Reporter Spencer Hall of The Sporting News fired back at Lesnar's comment in an article earlier this week, writing:

"Brock Lesnar must live in a different neighborhood than I do. I live in Atlanta, a half black, half white Southern city where everyone is, for the most part, fatter than the average person. Regardless of color, this is a city of mostly out-of-shape people, including black guys, who look just as busted up as anyone else with half a gut hanging over the belt of their pants on an Atlanta street."

MMA reporter Arturo Collozo (Wrestling News Desk's MMA Section) stated "Are we really having this discussion in this day and age, where Barack Obama is President of the United States?

"An insensitive comment at best," Collozo continued, "and a major bad PR issue for UFC at worst."

Lesnar fights the only man to beat him in the Octagon, Frank Mir, to unify the UFC heavyweight titles in the main event of UFC 100 on July 11 in Las Vegas.

NBC Reality Star Torrie Wilson's Hot Lesbian Past

Tim List — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:23:10 -0400

NBC Reality Star Torrie Wilson's Hot Lesbian Past

Torrie Wilson, the fitness model champion turned WWE Diva turned NBC reality show superstar of "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here" has a lesbian past, and it played out right before viewers' eyes on national television!

The bodacious busty blonde bombshell from Boise was working for WWE at the time, and involved in a wild storyline on the Smackdown television show, which was being written by The Mad Scientist himself, Paul Heyman.

Heyman scripted Wilson, as a popular heroine, to be victimized by the evil Dawn Marie, who was found to be sleeping with Wilson's father (played by her real life father on TV).

Wilson, of course, challenged Dawn Marie to a series of bikini contests and fashion showdowns and even wrestling matches as part of Heyman's plan to make Smackdown not only competitive with Raw, but place the show above Raw as WWE's most watched television show.

It worked.

On one episode, Dawn Marie even blackmailed Torrie into meeting her in a hotel room, and they had a passionate kiss as both had stripped down to their bras, revealing their wonderfully enhanced cleavage on the show, which was then airing on UPN.

Many more pics of Torrie available HERE

Wilson has no plans to return to professional wrestling, and appears to be trying to break into show business in a big way, in addition to her "Jaded" clothing line, which she operates with current boyfriend, former WWE performer (and current MMA fighter) Nick Mitchell. Yes, "Mitch" from The Spirit Squad.

Was WWE Diva Candice Michelle Fired Because She "Got Fat"?

Tim List — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:14:48 -0400

It's an amazing story, one that may have serious ramifications for World Wrestling Entertainment—not the storyline-driven, "Donald Trump-owned" Monday Night Raw, but the real-life Vince McMahon-owned corporate conglomerate WWE.

Both www.wrestlingobserver.com and www.pwinsider.com have issued reports that WWE Diva/Playboy Cover Girl/Go Daddy Super Bowl Sex Kitten Candice Michelle was on borrowed time when she showed up at a television taping in LA and didn't look "Diva-like."

She told officials she was just about ready to return from her latest injury, but they gave very little leeway because she is a woman and there is a weight issue.

The impression on her was always that she wasn't someone with a naturally thin body, and that she had to work very hard to look the way she did, and when you get older, fighting those genetics gets much harder.

In a company where the women are primarily there for their looks, some felt she didn't have that look anymore, so they decided to let her go.

Candice still has a huge following, but the question then becomes what the criteria are to stay a WWE Diva. This is something that may have some legal ramifications should a lawsuit be filed.

There have been no reports that that is even something Candice is considering, but if the reports are true that she was fired for being too heavy, then she may just be thinking about a lawsuit.

Stunning pics of Candice at her absolute hottest are available HERE.

Why Vince McMahon Made CM Punk the World Champion

Tim List — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:37:55 -0400

So, why did WWE Chairman Vince McMahon make CM Punk the Smackdown version of the World Heavyweight Champion?

Former Smackdown Head Writer Paul Heyman, who groomed Punk for the main WWE roster in OVW and drafted him to WWE's resurrection of the ECW brand, has posted a really interesting blog as part of the Heyman Hustle series on The Sun (UK).

In addition to explaining in layman's terms why the pushes for MVP, John Morrison, and The Colons have all stalled, Heyman offers his opinion of the Smackdown brand's intriguing World Title picture. You can read the entire blog here:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/2491439/Paul-Heyman-reveals-why-the-WWE-put-CM-Punk-in-play.html

KEY EXCERPT

In the coming weeks, I am sure Punk will display personality traits of both hero and villain. Fan favorite and subtle rulebreaker. Babyface and heel.

His character, based on his real life discipline of abstaining from drugs and alcohol, can be presented as both a man of principles, and a champion who, with the exception of the drugs and alcohol he is above, will do anything to remain the World Heavyweight Title holder.

As Smackdown looks to hold onto its audience in the post-Jeff Hardy Fall Season 2009, the audience has a lot to be interested in.

What will Hardy's send-off be like? He surely has to be given time off. A man with two strikes in the Wellness Policy who speaks up publicly of his desire to go home for a while should not be pushed to stay on the road. That's a recipe for disaster.

Where does Edge's character go? Are there enough heroes to stand up in the face of adversity personified by heels Edge, Jericho, and Punk?

Is it time for the Vickie Guerrero-less Edge to become Smackdown's Last Hope?

And what becomes of CM Punk? Each week, as a new clue emerges for both sides of the heel vs. babyface debate, an uber-talented performer gets the chance to tease the audience, get them to care, make you wonder what's next for a champion you absolutely know is "the character in play" on Smackdown.

When the audience knows the WWE Universe revolves around a pivotal superstar, it gives fans a reason to discuss the latest twists and turns with their friends, to watch the television shows and to purchase tickets to the live events as well as the monthly PPV's.

Paul Heyman Stuns with Blog on Dreamer, McMahon, WWE

Tim List — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:08:43 -0400

The Mad Scientist behind the global phenomenon that was the original ECW, Paul Heyman, has posted a new blog exclusively on The Sun in the UK and revealed inside details on Tommy Dreamer's trials and tribulations within Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment.

Heyman reveals a never-before-disclosed fact that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wanted to legitimately fire Dreamer and the rest of the ECW Originals, except for Sabu and Rob Van Dam in 2006.

In his latest blog, which is part of the Heyman Hustle series in The Sun, the controversial New York-based sports entertainment icon writes:

While many members of the creative team, like Ed Koskey and David Lagana, actually grew into wrestling fanatics cheering in the bleacher section of the ECW Arena during the 1990s, Vince McMahon just didn't understand the character.

"Paul," the Chairman of the entire industry would say, "what exactly IS a Tommy Dreamer? I don't get it!"

This was never more apparent than a few weeks into the re-birth of ECW as a television property in 2006, when Vince had an epiphany.

Kill off the originals. All of 'em. Well, we'll keep Sabu and Rob Van Dam, but the first week after Big Show won the ECW title, Vince wanted the newly-minted "Heel Heyman" to come out on television and publicly fire Sandman, Balls Mahoney, Little Guido, Francine, Al Snow and especially Tommy Dreamer.

Vince declared: "Time to let people know that concept is dead, and so are those guys, one and all."

With help from Talent Exec John Laurinaitis, and even a surprisingly impassioned endorsement from Stephanie McMahon-LeVesque, I was able to persuade Vince to keep the originals on board, and not because the brand needed the Bingo Hall alumnae, but because there was actual value in those talented performers.

While the firings, which were going to include the real life behind the scenes "best wishes in all you future endeavors" notice given to Dreamer and company were averted, Vince's lack of belief in Dreamer continued.

Heyman also reveals that the character of Tommy Dreamer was based on Bruce Willis' portrayal of John McClain in John McTiernan's original Die Hard movie.

Heyman, who worked with McTiernan in 2002, playing the English-speaking announcer in McTiernan's remake of Rollerball, writes:

I always explained to Tommy the inspiration for his character was Bruce Willis as John McClane in the John McTiernan movie Die Hard. An ordinary man, pushed to extraordinary circumstances, who has no option left but to resort to extreme means just to survive. The formula worked.

A fascinating read, exclusively here.

Heyman Hustle Remembers a Gorgeous Night at Studio 54

Tim List — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:25:25 -0400

Heyman Hustle Remembers A Gorgeous Night At Studio 54

The Heyman Hustle website, which is being re-launched with new content later this month, has been teasing fans with some great pictures from extreme genius Paul Heyman's early days as not only a manager of Austin Idol, Tommy Rich, The Original Midnight Express, Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert, and Mean Mark "The Undertaker" Callous, but also of Heyman's days as a photographer and producer at New York City's famed hot spot, Studio 54.

Heyman worked at Studio 54 in the 1985-86 era, and debuted as a wrestling manager ("Paul E. Dangerously") in 1987.

The 1985 Studio staff included "Law and Order" and "Oz" star Christopher Meloni and soap opera sex symbol Charles Alvarez as bartenders; famous guests on a nightly basis included the likes of Cher, Boy George, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Liza Minelli, Andy Warhol, Diane Keaton, and many others.

If Studio 54 was open today, it would be where Barack Obama would take his wife when they come into NY for a Broadway show, and Rush Limbaugh would decry how terrible it is.

Maybe it's where Bill Clinton would be found chasing women!

A very cool look back at what The Mad Scientist of Extreme was doing outside of the wrestling biz almost 25 years ago

To see the pics, check out http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heyman-Hustle/69415994887

Or try www.heymanhustle.com

We're trying to get a comment from Heyman himself on Tommy Dreamer winning the WWE version of the ECW Title. More updates as they happen.

Does Pro Wrestling Have a Future?

Tim List — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:59:12 -0400

A powerful blogger on UPPER DECK's hot sports blog has asked the question "Does Pro Wrestling Have A Future?"

Toby Wachter notes, "Without getting into all the messy details (if you think the politics in your office are bad, you should see what goes on behind the scenes at a pro wrestling company), somehow this plan got derailed a bit. While TNA prides itself on being an alternative (its company motto is “Cross the Line”), the talented roster has been weighed down by a less-than-creative creative team (redundancy intentional). Fans are generally intrigued by their roster but frustrated with the storylines and characters. Though admittedly, there is some loyalty there due to lack of any other alternative to McMahon’s product."

Wachter also takes aim at a blog posted by legendary professional wrestling manager and script writer Jim Cornette, in which the Louisville legend posted a look at the history of hardcore wrestling.

Wachter writes, "Formats always need to evolve or die, and Cornette has attached himself to a romanticized “old school” mentality towards the business, with its roots firmly placed in the “carny” culture of years gone by. When the carnival came to town, wrestlers would put on matches and “work” the “marks”, convincing them it was real while maximizing profits. He mentions this mentality often in the piece, thinking old carny strategies are the way to go to keep profits up today.

"But look, it’s 2009. And in the age of instant communication, online “tribes”, Twitter, Facebook and blogging, everyone has a platform (coming from me, the irony here is staggering), and almost all information is open and available. And like many businesses in this era, in this economy, you evolve or become extinct. So for all his accomplishments, Mr. Cornette does not understand that his audience has become smarter, and demands something that professional wrestling simply isn’t giving them in this day and age. That’s why they’re leaving: not because they got burned out on the violence in the matches, but because they got burned out on the same old, stale ideas. If you insist on still “working” the audience like an old school carny who gives them no credit (futile as it may be), you should at least start by understanding who your audience is."

Don’t believe me? Check out this excerpt, “Additionally, just who is it that ENJOYS this sideshow garbage? The same type of people who go to rock concerts to punch and bash each other in the face and beat each other up in the “mosh pit”–lower class, mentally challenged college-age (but not attending) guys who piss and moan about their depression and lot in life because they have neither the drive and determination nor mental acumen to change it. Any normal fans who see this type of show or attend one with these type of fans NEVER want to go to wrestling again.”

Wachter brings up many of Cornette's rather insulting comments about the hardcore fans themselves, which is surprising on Cornette's part because the hardcore fan base seems to be a big proponent of Cornette's work. Wachter also brings up the cultural significance of Paul Heyman's original ECW product, which was responsible for the cultural shift in pro wrestling in the 1990s. Heyman's concepts took wrestling from the Doink The Clown and rather teen-oriented story lines to a harder edge, more mature, contemporary version of the presentation of professional wrestling.

Wachter's must-read blog is available here.

Dana White Signs Limp Bizkit for UFC 100 Weekend

Tim List — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:04:50 -0400

DANA WHITE SIGNS LIMP BIZKIT FOR UFC 100 WEEKEND

UFC 100 weekend just got bigger.

UFC 100, which features the UFC Title Unification Match between former WWE Champion and current UFC Champion Brock Lesnar, against UFC Interim Champion Frank Mir, takes place July 11.

The night before, Limp Bizkit will do a concert at Mandalay Bay Beach as part of its "Unicorns N' Rainbows" tour. Tickets for the concert will go on sale May 29, and the show will also air live on UFC.com.

UFC President Dana White noted on UFC's website, "Music is one of the things that makes the UFC experience so exciting, and I've always been a big fan of Limp Bizkit, so we are excited to have the group perform at UFC 100 event weekend."

Members of Limp Bizkit, reportedly including lead singer Fred Durst, will also sign autographs at the UFC Fan Expo, which is slated for July 10-11 at Mandalay Bay. The expo includes everything from a trade and exhibition show to UFC Hall of Fame inductions, to an official Grapplers Quest event. Limp Bizkit will sign autographs from 2-3 p.m. on the day of the concert.

UFC 100 is already sold out.

Ric Flair Was the Main Attraction at a Bingo Hall, Who's "The Wrestler?"

Tim List — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:05:12 -0400

You have to feel sorry for Nature Boy Ric Flair. This week, after being the final set-up legend for Chris Jericho to beat up before Mickey Rourke got the glory at Wrestlemania XXV, Flair will venture to a place he's never been before: The world famous ECW Arena in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Only it's not the ECW Arena anymore. It's The Alahambra, and he's appearing as a guest television celebrity for the ROH promotion, which is taping television for Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban's HDNet cable network.

HDNet just lost Time Warner Cable in New York.

Flair is the main attraction at a bingo hall that is a decade past its glory, for a promotion that many think is on its last legs after booker/lead writer Gabe Sapolsky was removed from his position by ROH Owner Cary Silken.

Sapolsky, of course, is a protege of the best booker/lead writer in sports entertainment, the legendary (almost mythical) Paul Heyman, whose Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion was the tenant for the ECW Arena during the 1990's, and who broke so much ground in terms of how wrestling was televised, character development, contemporary characters, and even broke barriers on the closed door policies of the pay per view industry.

Ring of Honor has launched the careers of modern day stars like CM Punk and Samoa Joe, but the current product resembles only a little of the original vision, and the fan base appears to have reached its apex a few years ago.

Flair's appearance at the bingo hall past its prime, for the promotion past its prime, is exactly what the Mickey Rourke movie "The Wrestler" was about.

Maybe Chris Jericho has been right all along!

Former WWE Creative Team Member Reflects On A Great Wrestlemania Past

Tim List — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:25:11 -0400

Former WWE creative team member Seth Mates, who also used to work on the World Wrestling Entertainment website, blogged about one of the true classic Wrestlemania's, the 2001 version, which (much like this year's Wrestlemania) took place in Houston.

This was the Wrestlemania where Stone Cold Steve Austin sold his soul to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and won the title from Dwayne Johnson aka "The Rock."

This was the Wrestlemania with arguably the greatest TLC of all time, with The Dudleys vs Edge and Christian vs The Hardy Boys.

This was the Wrestlemania with WWE Owner Vince McMahon vs his own son, the storyline owner of WCW, Shane McMahon, with outside interference from Linda McMahon and the gorgeous Trish Stratus.

This was the Wrestlemania with HHH doing a clean job to The Undertaker in one of the wildest brawls in WWE history.

This was the Wrestlemania with one of the greatest pure wrestling matches ever broadcast, Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit, with perhaps the finest announcing ever on a sports entertainment, with Jim "JR" Ross and Paul Heyman both at the absolute top of their game.

This was the Wrestlemania where WWE had just purchased WCW, ECW had just ended, and both Rhyno and Spike Dudley debuted. This was a classic Wrestlemania, one that set the stage for the rest of 2001.

Seth Mates' blog on the event can be found here: http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/specialevent/wrestling/2009/04/seths_wrestlemania_25_journal.html

Stone Cold Steve Austin gets inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame tonight, highlights of which will be broadcast on the USA Network at 11 p.m. eastern/pacific.

Paul Heyman Calls Out WWE Hall of Fame Inductee, Major Expose in Canada

Tim List — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:01:20 -0400

If you look at the photo that accompanies this story, it's funny to think that two Jewish wrestling personalities changed the face of sports entertainment forever from a little bingo hall in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tod Gordon, a 2nd generation pawn shop owner in Philadelphia ("Carver W. Reed" a very famous store) and Paul Heyman, the son of a New York attorney and Holocaust survivor, teamed up to take the wrestling world to the extreme.

In an article posted on Canada's "Slam Wrestling" website, former WWE writer Dr. Ranjan Chibberr wrote about anti-semetism in pro wrestling, a story he was inspired to write after accompanying Heyman to the United Nations for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Heyman talks for the first time about his mother, Sulamita Heyman, who recently passed away. She was a survivor of Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen, and his father Richard who was in the US Navy in World War II.

The story even published a photo that Heyman allowed to go public of his mother Sulamita teaching his daughter (Sulamita's granddaughter) Azalea Heyman to read when Paul's daughter was 2 years old. That story was actually published by Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (www.wrestlingobserver.com) a few weeks ago.

Heyman's mother passed away February 27.

The article includes Heyman recalling a brutal encounter with Cowboy Bill Watts. When Watts was in charge of, the Ted Turner owned, WCW, and was angry that the Heyman and Madusa's segment drew the highest rating of the show in the early 1990's.

Watts's comments, now part of pro wrestling folklore, are astonishing to read even today.

Highest recommendation.

Read the story here: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/31/8956556.html

Former WWE Wrestlemania Headliner Bobby Lashley Wins His MMA Debut in Miami

Tim List — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:03:52 -0500

According to www.mmanewsdesk.com, former WWE Wrestlemania Headliner Bobby Lashley destroyed Josh Franklin in his MMA debut.

MMA News Desk editor Arturo Collozo reported.

Lashley took down Franklin, bloodied him up with a vicious and powerful assault, leading to the fight being stopped at 41 seconds. Dominant to say the least.

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Former ECW Announcer Joey Styles Knocks Out JBL on Airplane Back from Iraq

Tim List — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:04:07 -0500

JBL was in full hazing mode during WWE's latest trip to Iraq.

First dumping a bucket of ice on ring announcer Lilian Garcia while she was asleep, JBL went after former ECW play-by-play announcer Joe "Joey Styles" Bonsigore.

All week long, Styles was viciously hazed by JBL, who reportedly spent his entire time in Irag severely intoxicated.

Styles apparently couldn't stand it anymore, and when other people got in between the two, Styles blasted JBL with a punch that saw JBL end up with a cut and blackened eye, which was somewhat visible under heavy makeup on Monday Night Raw.

All reports say JBL spent most of Monday night by himself in the locker room, being very quiet and spending most of the time emailing on his Blackberry. Styles has not commented publicly on the incident.

According to a report in The UK Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article2021005.ece), Styles is WWE.com's Director of Digital Media Content.

Paul Heyman Reveals The Secrets Of UFC Champ Brock Lesnar's Success

Tim List — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:21:59 -0500

Former ECW "Extreme" owner and WWE Creative Team Key Member Paul Heyman has posted an exclusive blog on the The UK Sun regarding the secret of UFC World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar's success in the Octagon.

Heyman's blog appears as part of the "The Heyman Hustle" series in the Sun.

Heyman, who worked with Lesnar in World Wrestling Entertainment as Lesnar's on-air "Agent" and then as his arch-nemesis during Lesnar's short but spectacular tenure in WWE, also reveals that he was scheduled to be not Lesnar's mouthpiece, but actually the on-air "Agent" for Chris Benoit!

Heyman also reveals that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon hated the nickname "The Next Big Thing" for Lesnar.

Key Excerpt:

There he was. Brock Lesnar.

Jeeeesh, he was just so big, so massive, so huge. And he moved like a cat. There's no way a man that size should be able to move so quickly and with such agility.

The man who would one day become the first individual to win both the WWE and UFC world heavyweight championships was working out his non-televised match with Funaki.

He was also getting some really bad advice from veterans who were obviously threatened by what Lesnar could potentially bring to the table.

"Nikita Koloff got over just being big," one old school NWA vet told Lesnar. "Be more like Goldberg," another person suggested. "Someone your size shouldn't move too much. Look at tapes of Sid when he first started," advised a third.

Some of the bad advice was clearly intentional. Some of it was based on the fact a lot of people have a hard time accepting change.

Tazz pulled Lesnar aside and advised him to talk with me. Lesnar listened intently, thanked me profusely, and said: "You know, I'm very coachable."

Truer words were never spoken.

Brock Lesnar's greatest strength is not physical.

It's a great athlete's mentality and acceptance of instruction. Brock understands that no man can simply use his size and strength and bull-headedly (is that a word?) take over a sport.

The amazing physical gifts that Lesnar possesses need to be channelled, directed, produced, refined, and implemented in a smart game plan.

Does anyone believe Muhammed Ali would have achieved his success without Angelo Dundee or Bundini Brown?

Would Mike Tyson have made it out of his teenage years without Cus D'Amato? And what happened to Tyson without D'Amato's guidance?

How great would legendary teams have been without Vince Lombardi, or Pat Riley, or Billy Martin, or Mike Ditka, or Al Arbour?

Brock Lesnar brings the tools, but the trainers and advisors on the best team in UFC that comprise "Team Lesnar", and Brock's willingness to listen to their sage wisdom, is what led Brock to his victory over Randy Couture for the UFC title on Saturday night.

Here is the link to read the excellent blog in its entirety:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article1949276.ece

WTF Has Happened to WWE Hall of Famer Nature Boy Ric Flair?

Tim List — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:15:38 -0500

Remember the brilliant blog Paul Heyman posted in The UK Sun(http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/heyman/article1596414.ece) about how 16 time World Heavyweight Champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair leaving WWE was a mistake because Flair should be on the big stage and not in some rinky-dink places doing appearances?

Well, check out this press release sent out by the NWA about an autograph appearance Flair is doing soon in Philadelphia:

The National Wrestling Alliance®, Harding Road Entertainment and HK Entertainment and Big Vision Entertainment presents the 10 Times NWA™ Worlds Heavyweight Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair at Chickie’s & Pete’s 1526 Packer Ave. in South Philly on Friday November 28. 2008 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. Limited tickets for this autograph event are on sale now at all Chickie’s & Pete’s locations.

Chickie & Pete's? This is what Flair is reduced to? As the man many fans call "the greatest in-ring performer of all-time" continues to charge those very fans for his autograph and the privilege of taking a picture with him, his post-WWE career seems sadder and sadder by the day.

Big Net Value Loss For Vince McMahon as WWE Stock Continues To Drop

Tim List — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:06:17 -0500

I bet it's a fun time to be around WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Monday Night Raw drew a 2.9 rating, and the WWE stock fell again yesterday 3.38 percent to a closing price of $11.73 after plummeting as low as $11.50 for a new 52-week low. No longer a billionaire, the World Wrestling Entertainment head honcho is losing a lot of his net worth with the stock being so down.

EXCLUSIVE: You Won't Believe What Macho Man Randy Savage Looks Like Now!

Tim List — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:59:33 -0500

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!

The Macho Man has re-appeared, and he's looking like...um...well, how do you describe what he looks like?

Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Macho Man Randy Savage, one of the biggest names in pro wrestling history, made a rare public appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of "Bolt," the Disney movie in which Savage's voice was used for one of the characters. John Travolta and Miley Cyrus also lent their voices to the film.

For more pics on Savage, go here: www.wrestlingnewsdesk.com