The Weekly Informer – 27th October 2009
Welcome to The Weekly Informer
Happy Tuesday everyone, and welcome to this spooktacular Halloween instalment of the Weekly Informer, coming to you directly from the WWEBlog rumour mill.
Nothing to Brag About
Bragging Rights is just a few days behind us and as good as it was, it wasn’t without its problems.
The first issue that caused a bit of controversy in the build up to the PPV was the Smackdown team.
The line-up was drastically re-jigged at the Smackdown tapings. The reason? Creative were scared the original line up didn’t look strong enough.
Added to this is the rumour that there is growing concern surrounding Eric Escobar, with the general consensus being that he not yet reliable enough to hold main event status.
However, the controversy didn’t stop there.
Sick, Trick or Treat?
Just prior to Smackdown being recorded, Cryme Tyme member Shad withdrew complaining of sickness, making that nights main event 5 on 4.
Many sources within WWE claim that it was upon realising he was scheduled to lose cleanly to Matt Hardy, that he suddenly discovered his illness.
Shad was then spotted hanging out in the bar downstairs after the event had finished.
Shad has since posted his own version of events on his MySpace page (yes, I was shocked too but apparently people still use MySpace), the following being taken directly from the horse’s mouth:
I’ve never let being sick ever keep me from performing, I’ve worked sick, hurt, and injured before on live events, TV tapings, and Pay Per Views, I just never let no one excluding my partner know how I felt or what I was going through. I apologies to my tag team partner, the participants in my match and the WWE universe, I should have found out all the information about what was given to me before I took it, and prevented my self from getting sick in the first place.
I take full responsibility for what happened and I’m sorry. In our industry there is a tradition that the show must go on no mater what, and I feel I have betrayed that tradition bye not performing last Tuesday. The greatest joy in my life is performing in the WWE (Win, Lose or Draw), I love what I do, and I will never let something like this happen agene.
Sincerely
Shad Gaspard’
A ‘Bloody’ Health & Safety Nightmare
The only other notable nightmare (at least for the people behind the scenes) at Bragging Rights came about during the Iron Man Match.
The combination of TV monitor and microphone Orton used to inflict damage on Cena actually did more damage than planned, busting the now WWE champion wide open.
The medics that came down to ringside to repair Cena were actually legitimate, hence why the clock was stopped after the next pinfall to allow for this him to be attended to.
With the WWE now on a PG rating, blood has been strictly forbidden by the powers that be.
Another reason we saw such a swift clean up by the medics was that the two wrestlers were later planning on fighting amongst the crowd, making an open wound a veritable health and safety nightmare.
Check out the Bragging Rights section if you want to know more about what went on in front of the cameras.
JR ‘Masks’ Illness
I recently brought you the scoop that good ol’ JR has been debating whether or not to continue with his WWE career.
Now it seems that the decision has partly been made for him as the more serious issue of ill health has reared it’s ugly head again, most notably in the reoccurence of his Bell’s Palsy.
JR is said to be in high spirits and has received numerous get well messages from the likes of Steve Austin, although the most recent piece of news from his website (JRsBarBQ.com) reveals that his most recent MRI scan did not deliver news as good as he had hoped for.
Comings and G-’Oooooh’-ings
Along with the rumours of an Umaga return, another wrestler tipped to be reappearing in WWE some time soon is Lance Cade.
He is currently working in WWE’s development territory, but the former protégé of Shawn Michaels will no doubt be back sooner rather than later.
As they prepare to make a grand come back, reports are that Carlito could be on the other end of the spectrum.
The afro’d apple muncher hasn’t featured in a storyline for quite some time, and the rumour is that neither creative or Carlito himself seem to be bothered by this fact.
Now that’s not cool.
‘Skeletons’ out of the Closet
Speaking of Shawn Michaels, someone who has been expressing his recent distaste of the Heartbreak Kid is, unsurprisingly, Bret Hart.
When asked of his current involvement with WWE, Bret was somewhat guarded over speculation he could be returning to the squared circle, adopting the Vince McMahon cliché of ‘never say never in the wrestling business’.
It seems quite clear that Hart would like to make a return in some capacity, but the creative power of DX duo HHH and HBK could prove to be a massive stumbling block, as he described them as a ‘Cancer’ in the wrestling industry in a recent interview.
Speaking about his autobiography release, Bret claims that he made sure copies were sent to both Steve Austin and Mark Callaway (The Undertaker), although to the Hitman’s disappointment neither have got back in touch with any feedback.
Bret Hart also spoke out on the current WWE Crop, saying Randy Orton is a special talent, Cena is the WWE golden boy and the Hart Dynasty have a great future.
Although, somewhat controversially, his pick for the best pound for pound wrestler in the world today? TNA star AJ Styles!
To find out how John Cena became the WWE Golden Boy check out Frank Leal’s Spotlight On John Cena article!
Late Breaking News
Reports are coming in that Hulk Hogan could well have struck up a deal with TNA.
The Hulkster is set to hold a Q & A session later today with regards to promoting his new book, however speculation has been rife that both TNA big wigs and Spike TV cameras are also in attendance.
Eric Bischoff’s name is also being banded around as being close to coming to terms with WWE’s biggest rival, although a nWo reunion seems unlikely purely for the fact that WWE owns the rights to the name and logo.
TnAwO perhaps?
More Breaking News
Well it looks like the deal has been done. Speaking at a press conference to announce the signing TNA President Dixie Carter said:
Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family.
Eric Bischoff’s company (and indeed Bisch himself) are being credited with bringing the deal to a happy conclusion.
Looks like TNA will be getting a ratings boost next week.
The End Bit
Enjoy the rest of your Halloween week, try not to eat too many sweets and prepare yourself for next week’s Informer issue, where I will no doubt have more news on the Hulk Hogan situation!
I promise.
After all, Would I lie to you?
The Informant
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