Your News, My Views 5.13.08

Posted by Larry Csonka on 05.13.2008

In this week’s edition of Your News, My Views we discuss WWE financials, Angle down and out with another severe injury, Nick Hogan going to jail, the latest Podcast, Today in Wrestling History and more!

Welcome to the Tuesday news adventure, the one stop shop for all of the wrestling news, scuttlebutt, tidbits and rumors that you crave…Your News, My Views! I am your host Larry Csonka and it is time again to do what I do best, so sit back and relax.

Randy Orton's new theme music: YAY or NAY?

I predict that Moose Fucker will have record hits for his column next week. You're welcome.

It is now starting to be a North Carolina summer already with tons of days in the 80's, and my golf game is happy to hear that.

Get ready for the Independent Draft Spectacular II. My roster is EPIC.

Another preview of sorts for you kids, get ready for a new series of features here in the 411 wrestling zone. The first part of it will run in June!

How about those Penguins? Sup Ken Schmidt…

SANTINO TROMBINO~!

Why do they let people like Tony Romo sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame?" Seriously, is it just to entertain me? Dude was horrible. And look at him singing it, he looks like he thinks he is good.

That never gets old.

And since Lita's Biggest Fan asked so nicely…

Today in Wrestling History:

1940 - French Angel defeated Steve Casey for the AWA World Heavyweight title

1975 - Victor Rivera & Dominic DeNucci defeated Jimmy & Johnny Valiant for the WWWF Tag Team title

1983 - Harley Race defeated Crusher Blackwell for the Missouri State Heavyweight title

1984 - Rick Martel defeated Jumbo Tsuruta for the AWA Heavyweight title

1984 - Magnum T.A. defeated Mr. Wrestling II for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight title

1988 - Barry Windham defeated Nikita Koloff in a tournament final for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title

1991 - Bill Dundee defeated Eric Embry for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title

1991 - Jeff Jarrett & Robert Fuller defeated the Texas Hangmen for the USWA Tag Team title

1994 - Mikey Whipwreck defeated Pit Bull for the ECW Television title

1995 - Boston Gardens hosted its last wrestling card, the WWF's "A Night to Remember"

1995 - Doug Gilbert defeated Brian Lee for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title

1998 - Nick Dinsmore & Rob Conway defeated Rip Rogers & Dave the Rave for the Ohio Valley Southern Heavyweight Tag Title

2002 - Trish Stratus defeated Jazz for the WWE Women's title

Births and Deaths:

2000 - Died - Jumbo Tsuruto of cancer at 49


Is it hot in here, or is it just Csonka?

WWE/ECW news, notes and happenings to the EXTREME:

Contrary to Lansdell and the new kids trying to hijack my catchphrases and make them their own, we are here to discuss the first quarter results that WWE released this last week. In short, it translates to MANY BUYS! For those of us that are stockholders, we got good news as the company declared the Company's regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on its Class A shares of common stock. That means a big old dividend check in the amount of $10.80 for yours truly. Hell yes son. More importantly they announced that members of the McMahon family have waived $0.12 per share of the dividends. As a result, all Class A and Class B shares owned by the McMahon family will instead receive dividends in the amount of $0.24 per share. They will likely put the extra back into the company, which won't hurt them one bit.

WWE also announced the Wrestlemania 24 buyrate. I had predicted that they would do 800,000 domestic and 1.2-million total. I admit, I was wrong. The event pulled in 1,058,000 buys worldwide for the company, meaning roughly 352,314 of those buys were international, making the domestic number roughly 705,686. They expect no more than 35,000 more domestic buys when late replays are added in, which would make the domestic number 740,000 tops. I was wrong kids! I know that everyone has been waiting for that and so they can rub my face in it, but I went out on a limb, I made the prediction and I placed it out there every week. The good news is that I wasn't THAT off. But yes, I was wrong, enjoy that one, taste it, chew it 34-times and swallow slowly. Then choke on it!

The event was sold for an average of $54.95 and made the company a cool $23.8 million dollars in revenue. Wrestlemania 23 has an average price of $49.95, and pulled in an estimated 1.2 million buys, earning the company $24.6 million in revenue. With the $5 price increase, the company as of today is down roughly 142,000 buys from last year as well as roughly $1-million dollars. The number is likely to grow over the next month or two, taking into account replays of the event, but the fact is that while they were down from last year's record event, they still did damn well. WrestleMania isn't a show, it is an event. That's why it can sell 50,000 tickets with no card announced.

WWE also held a conference call to discuss first quarter results. WWE Chief Executive Officer Linda McMahon, Chief Operating Officer Michael Sileck and Chief Financial Officer George Barrios were all a part of the call, and they discusses many topics. My thought son them will be in bold.

-Linda put over the success of the quarter and credited much of the success to WrestleMania XXIV. She put over the upcoming Smackdown move to MyNetworkTV, saying it would be better for WWE financially. She also put over WWE's attempts to reach kids, mentioning the new WWE Kids Magazine.

Obviously WM is why the quarter did really well. It was in quarter two last year, so moving it to the first makes a big deal. Also they had a big increase in buys for the Rumble and No Way Out, and dropped the cost of running New Years Resolution.

As for the move to MyNetworkTV, I am sure that they will do well because they are making more per episode, but they won't be making any advertising like with the deal for Raw and ECW. That's one stream of revenue that looks to be lost for some time as long as ratings are slow and stagnant.

-Michael put over WWE's success during a down economic time. Mentioned how both the Royal Rumble and No Way Out increased buys this year compared to last year. He put over their international growth and also mentioned how traffic to WWE.com had dropped and that they are refocusing efforts on their web brand.

Those PPV's did do very week, but the increased international travels and new TV deals are what is making the difference, for example the $14-million Juggernaut that was their last tour.

-Drops in TV ratings were basically attributed to the natural cycle of business and added that USA Network is very happy with WWE ratings.

I have to admit, while there is some validity to it, I am SO SICK of hearing about "the natural cycle of business" at every call. Is it really a natural cycle if it becomes the norm? Also, USA isn't that happy with the ratings, as has been seen by them wanting to have WWE bring back older stars and such. They like having the solid 3.0-3.5, but they want to be back up in the 4.0's for complete cable dominance.

-Vince McMahon is happy with the company's creative direction and talent roster.



-WWE did not pay Floyd Mayweather $20 million to appear at WrestleMania.



-Jakks-Pacific lawsuit is moving along slowly.

I would be shocked, if they didn't say the same exact thing every quarter.

-They are doing 80 international events this year compared to 75 last year.

I know that they are making a killing with these international tours, but they really need to draw the line on what is too much. They are going to start burning people out more than they already are.

-New WrestleMania, Ric Flair, and Rock DVD collections are expected to be big hits.

The Flair DVD should do very well. The match listing that is out is a good one, especially considering that they have already released a Flair DVD and the Horsemen DVD, which was essentially Flair part II. This one will have the long documentary and Raw celebration, which many have wanted. The Rock DVD will sell big because it's the Rock, and the same with WM. I want that one because of the Hall of Fame.


Your News: WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event will return on Saturday August 2nd. It will air on NBC, but this time at 9PM ET as a one-hour special.

This year's Tribute To The Troops special will air on NBC, likely in prime time.

MyNetworkTV will air a 1-hour recap of WrestleMania 24 as part of Smackdown's premiere on the network. The recap special features clips of WrestleMania 24 set to music.

Umaga will be switching brands shortly.

My Views: I like the idea of SNME being a one-hour show. The newest editions of the event have proven that they are basically throwaway shows, mainly due to the fact that they already run so much TV each week. Dropping it back to an hour can allow them 2-3 matches that will get time, and can be made to appear important along with a big interview segment. If done right this can be a nice deal to kick off the Summerslam hype.

Tribute to the Troops on NBC should be a cool thing. Maybe more people will get to see it and realize that RASSLIN isn't all that bad. Unfortunately people will again argue that Vince is doing it as a political statement.

I like that MyNetworkTV appears to be making a big deal out of the Smackdown launch, and they should because it will be the flagship of that network.

I will believe it when I see it, it was rumored to happen after WM, but didn't. I do think he should switch brands, he has started and stopped so many time son Raw he needs some new scenery.


Your News: In his first blog for the new WWE Fan Nation site, Joey Styles says he is done with play-by-play announcing.

To answer the question that everyone is asking me...I am retired from play by play and I am thrilled with my new position as Director of Digital Media Content for WWE.

My Views: Retirement is wrestling?

But seriously, I hope Joey is happy with his new job.


Your News: Vince McMahon himself made the call to strip the Undertaker of the World Title. The feeling is that Edge makes for a better champion than challenger, and that the Undertaker as champion needs great challengers. Taker vs. Batista has been done a lot, and the feeling is that Edge vs. Taker isn't a "money PPV match."

My Views: All right, let's see if I can follow this. Edge is seen as a better champion than challenger, ok got it. Taker is only seen as a good champion if he has proper challengers. So instead of trying to build up new challengers or rebuilding Edge to try and make him a more convincing challenger, they strip Taker of the title, tease another Batista match only to make ANOTHER Edge vs. Taker match. Right. I assume that Edge wins the title back via shenanigans and that we're back to the drawing board.


Your News: Mick Foley is trying to work similar to Jim Cornette and Kevin Sullivan in the color commentator's role. Foley feels that both men were underrated, due to the fact that they made their character secondary and did everything they could to get the matches and angles over.

My Views: Those are good people to model after I think. I don't remember much of Sullivan's commentary work, but I always enjoyed Cornette's. Foley, in my opinion, is doing well thus far and I am glad to see him succeed and for Smackdown's commentary team to get some stability.


Your News: Bret Hart's speech to developmental was not a scheduled event. He was in Florida, visiting a friend that works for TNA (which started rumors that he was going to talk with them) and Nattie Neidhart asked him to drop by and speak to the trainees. He did and reportedly had a very good time doing so.

My Views: As I said last week, Hart has a wealth of experience and really should be sharing it with the next generation whenever possible and I hope that Hart can make this a habit and visit a few times a year. He reportedly had a great time, and that may get him to make more visits. Plus if he enjoys it so much, maybe some of the negativity he has for the business can be put aside and make him an overall happier person.

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Intermission kids, let's party!

…Intermission…

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PODCAST~!

411's back with another huge podcast broadcast! Larry and the Wife return from hiatus to discuss the TNA SACRIFICE PPV, a PPV with 10-matches that felt like it lasted 8-hours. We'll discuss the good (we found some), the bad, the tedious and everything regarding the show. Lots of talk about what went wrong, what should have been changed heading into the PPV and how those changes could have made this a great PPV. Come on and listen, we missed you!

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TNA stories, scuttlebutt and rumors:

One of the major concerns when Kurt Angle was fired/asked to leave/released/quit and signed with TNA was his health. Word was that Angle had to have "handlers" with him at all times because he was looped up on so many meds. Handlers to help get him around from place to place, and to make sure he didn't OD or choke on his own vomit. But he left/was fired for TNA, and when he signed he said that Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett were going to take care of him. If he was too banged up to go, they wouldn't let him.

Angle has been on a crusade as of late to drop weight and get off of the enhancements, the vitamins, allegedly the steroids as it were. His goal was to get healthy, get lean, gain power and lose the bulk that was actually hurting him. Outside of some bumps and bruises, and perhaps a concussion he has been injury free, or as injury free as Kurt Angle can be during his TNA run. Unfortunately Angle injured himself after being dropped on his head during a match in Korea, this was early last week. The injury was said to be similar to how Bruno Sammartino broke his neck, a slam gone wrong that could have happened to anyone. Angle appeared at TNA house shows to apologize for not being able to wrestle due to his injuries, which are fractured vertebrae and herniated discs. But here is the kicker, he announced to the crowd that he BROKE HIS NECK AGAIN. And not only BROKE the neck, but did so for the SIXTH TIME. How is this man functioning?

Going into Sacrifice I fully expected Angle to talk his way into working the match still, because that's what he does. He suffered a rib cartilage injury at Lockdown and still wrestled on Impact, because that's what he does. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and he was pulled from the main event and did not wrestle. What I didn't like is that they waited until people ordered the show, and THEN told people he would not be appearing. That's not cool. They could have at the very least posted on the website that he wouldn't be appearing. In my opinion that was pretty cheap and a way to trick people into buying the show.

It was reported yesterday that Kurt Angle will be out for one month with this injury. How that is possible I do not know, maybe another voodoo operation from Dr. Jho. He was slated to take on AJ Styles at Slammiversary, which is in June 8th. At the tapings he appeared to cut a promo, and as of now it is on. I am again concerned with the health of Kurt Angle. This isn't a knee or shoulder injury, this is another severe injury to the neck. Many have joked, but Angle may be falling apart before our eyes and I for one don't want to see that. The good news is that I think we can officially put his MMA rumors to rest, as if they weren't already, because no athletic commission in the US will sanction him to fight. And I doubt anyone in Japan will pay what he wants as a payday for a fight. Be smart and get well Kurt.


Your News: The deal struck between TNA and NBC is one that allows TNA and American Gladiators to "share" Matt Morgan. Morgan will have to miss some NBC dates for Gladiators, as well as some TNA dates, but both sides will be able to choose their important dates, the agreement is done and everyone seems happy. Morgan's gimmick will be "The Beast," and he will come down from the ceiling in a cage, then being released. It is also designed for him to play a heel role on the show.

My Views: It seems as if this is a good agreement. Both sides get Morgan when they need him the most, Morgan makes out with more exposure and money and TNA can possibly gain more exposure through Morgan appearing on the show. It's a win/win situation really.


Your News: Hector Guerrero went to CMLL and inquired about using Mistico for the World X-Cup, but he is booked through August and won't be able to be a part of the July event. CMLL also doesn't want to send Perro Aguayo Jr to be used, but are open to anyone else it seems. TNA would love to bring back hector Garza for this, but with his steroid bust a few years back, he cannot travel into the US for 7-8 more years.

My Views: Hector Guerrero is officially their go between for CMLL now, which is a smart choice. While I would love to see Perro Aguayo Jr and Mistico in the X-Cup, I understand CMLL not wanting two of their main guys working for TNA. I am not sure who TNA will get, but I hope that they can get some quality people and put on some great matches. One of my favorite ever weekly PPV's was the World X-Cup show from May of 2004, my first 411 recap, two hours of awesome it was. TNA will not be working with AAA, due to Konnan being heavily involved there and the fact that Konnan has a lawsuit filed against the company. I understand this, because I am sure Konnan would refuse to work with them as well. As of now the plans are for a Team USA, Team Japan and a Team "International" for the tournament. Team "International" seems very generic as they could easily have a Team Canada and likely a Team Japan. Hopefully they are streamlining so that they can devote more time to the matches and event as a whole.


Your News: Jeff Jarrett has not retired, but recently tuned 41. Jarrett is not opposed to a return, but is waiting for the right time to do so, so that he can make a major impact.

My Views: I do think Jarrett has the right idea to not come back until he can make an impact. They shouldn't just waste his return on nothing, because he will be a huge face upon return. Right now they don't need him, as they have a ton of talent. Plus he has a ton on his plate; being a single father, work with the company, so there is really no rush for a JJ return.


Your News: There was talk of bringing in Tammy Synch into the company in a major role. Some TNA talent recently worked a convention with her and came back with negative reports, so she is not under consideration any longer.

My Views: That's a shame really, she has been great with the stuff she has done in ROH and I really think there is a place for her in a national promotion. She already had heat with TNA over the death of Chris Candido, because legally TNA couldn't give her his final check, since they weren't married. True that TNA could have just made a check out to here though, and I understand her frustrations there. I do wonder what happened for her to get negative reports though, we need more dirt on this one.


Your News: Dark Angel Sara Stock should be getting a look from the company soon.

My Views: It is about time. She is insanely talented and is someone else that can add to the greatness of the division. She is a good worker, she has a great personality and she is different from the other ladies, something that TNA is doing well thus far. PLEASE TNA, bring this chick in!

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~The HOTTNESS of Rebecca Knox~

I love this woman!

Independent Insights~!

It came out last week that Nick Hogan/Bollea was going to agree to a plea, and be sentenced for the accident that left John Graziano in a condition that will probably require he spend the remainder of his life in a nursing home. There had been lots of mud throwing, the Graziano family is obviously upset. They have claimed that the Hogan's have abandoned them, were only visiting John for publicity purposes and that they never showed any remorse. Now I am not there, I have never met them, but that surely paints the Hogan family as a bunch of assholes, doesn't it?

On May 9th Judge Philip Federico of the Pinellas County Court sentenced Nick Bollea. Nick was immediately to start his prison sentence, which was set at 8-months in the county jail, with one day served being credited. The Graziano family was hoping that he would get 5-years, or at least a minimum of 1-year. Right away people made the prison jokes, don't drop the soap but Nick isn't going to OZ, he is going to county. Bad shit still happens in county, but not as bad as some are making it out to be. I am glad to see that he got some jail time, not because of any personal hate, but I expected a "suspended sentence" probation and community service. But they actually gave him jail time, I thought celebrity would help him out here, but it didn't. You know if it was you or I we would be serving hard time.

Nick will also be on 5-years probation, where he will have to complete 500-hours of community service, none of which can be performed by public speaking. Which is a good thing, because really, do you want Nick Hogan coming to your school and talking to your kids about the lessons he learned? Um, no. No alcohol consumption for five-years was also included in this, which considering that he is still under 18, it SHOULDN'T be that hard. He'll be getting random piss tests under his probation to check for that. His drivers license revoked for three-years. I was also glad to see this, but think it may be too light. In the end this will not go down as a felony on his record, which I understand because he is under 18 and they want to give him a chance, without this being a black mark, well, more than it already is. Nick was apparently "very accepting" of the sentence as he left the courtroom. Of course e was, he had no choice, he was cuffed, stuffed and on his way to a luxurious community shower.

Nick did the crime and is doing the time, but here is where the unpopular opinion comes in. People are saying, "Fuck Nick Hogan, he got off easy, they should have thrown the book at him." Now if this was a different situation, say he hit and killed someone in another vehicle, then sure, I could agree with this. But what many people are forgetting is that John Graziano, a MAN, a 23-year old man that spent time in the military and should know better not only got into a vehicle with someone that drank, but someone who loves to race and already had several tickets and warnings for speeding. He made the choice to get into the car, and then he made the choice NOT to wear his seatbelt. I think that this is part of the reason that Nick didn't get the book thrown at him, because while he did do wrong, Graziano's condition likely wouldn't have been as bad if he wore his seatbelt. I feel bad for Graziano and his family, but he has some responsibility in this, he made a bad decision but no one wants to discuss that.

Unfortunately this isn't over for anyone involved. Nick has to deal with what he did to someone that was a friend and has eight months to think about it. Hulk and Linda have to deal with their child going to jail. The Graziano family has to deal with their son being in the state he is in, likely for the rest of his life. The Graziano family has already filed suit again the Bollea family, they did this in March and medical bills for John had already reached $1-million dollars. It is two months later and those costs are rising, and reports are that the Graziano family may sue for MORE THAN THE BOLLEA FAMILY IS WORTH. This is going to get even uglier than it already has.


Your News: The Warrior has training sessions scheduled in California this week, in an effort to get in shape for his return to the ring. It was thought that he would be visiting Rick Bassman's UPW, but that is not the case. Warrior will be going to California, but will be training with former ECW and WWE star Rob Van Dam.

My Views: Some people in the comment section had the same exact idea I had, and that is that this would make for an excellent sitcom/buddy flick. I need to see footage of these two great minds getting together to discuss ring psychology and politics. Hell, if this actually makes RVD TV I will buy a subscription just to see it. I still don't care about his return, but this news makes me want to see their interaction. Maybe Rob's wife cam make Warrior some of those special brownies.

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And I'm out of here!