Update on WWE and Superstar Billy Graham Dispute
Posted by Larry Csonka on 05.04.2009
Good news for the Superstar…
According to Wrestlingobserver.com, WWE has stated that Wayne Coleman does own the name of Superstar Billy Graham. With one year remaining on his consultant deal, WWE released Coleman from his contact, which was for $500 a week. In the letter sent to Coleman, WWE claimed ownership to his name and gimmick and that he could not use it any longer.
Coleman was contacted by WWE today and informed Coleman that he owns all rights to his three wrestling names, Wayne Coleman, Billy Graham and Superstar Billy Graham.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 03:08 PM
wat?
Posted By: canis582 (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 03:15 PM
WWE are f*cking assholes for trying to claim things like that. Just what are they trying to do to some of these guys?
Posted By: DVR (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 04:15 PM
"Update on WWE and Superstar Billy Graham Dispute"
I thought they had finally resolved whether he's really sweeter than a german chocolate cake.
Posted By: Shockmaster (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 04:18 PM
i dunno Billy Graham strike me as a big pain in the ass
Posted By: Guest#0878 (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Cool. That first letter was probably a form letter that is sent to all released talent, with an (insert talent's name here) type deal. Good to see WWE show some class
Posted By: Ben S (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 05:06 PM
I'm surprised Graham didn't email Vince McMahon calling him Hitler or telling him to mark 666 on his forehead.
Posted By: Zolph Diggler (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I don't care what anyone says about Vince. Just the fact that he's paying Graham AGAIN is charity. He brought Graham back in what, 87, he couldn't work so he made him a manager. he stunk at that so he put him in the booth. That didn't work so Graham had a vendetta against the WWF, badmouthing them and even testified against McMahon at the steroid trial. Yet, Vince brings him back again. I'm not saying Vince is a saint but he gets crapped on way too much.
Posted By: Mike G (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Before all the marks get all snippy about this, keep in mind that the legal clerk who sent Graham the letter probably used a standard form letter they send to all of the terminated talent. It's likely the clerk did this without the realization that the phrasing regarding the rights to the "Superstar Billy Graham" name did not apply in this situation.
So before anyone starts a lynch mob, keep in mind this is small time shit that happens in corporate America often and there's no harm no foul. The WWE corrected the issue (a rare occasion for them to publicly correct anything, storylines, talent, etc)) and the Superstar will be OK!
Posted By: JayHawkEvans (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 05:51 PM
vince is a prick.
Posted By: el duce (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Good job, guys. Let's fire an old man with a failing body from a relatively cheap consulting contract and then claim ownership over the only avenue he has to make a living for himself.
It's really like they want negative PR.
Posted By: Guest#7883 (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Technically, wouldn't the name "Billy Graham" belong to the famous evangelist?
Posted By: Good Robot Cena (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Wow letting a guy go who is only making $500.00/week....must be really breaking the bank there
Posted By: Jeff (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Well it looks like "Superstar" wants to be the next Damien Demento!
Posted By: Chuddy Mongreenis (Guest) on May 04, 2009 at 09:48 PM
After all of the backstabbing Billy Graham did of WWF/E, he should be fortunate that he was getting anything from Vince at all.
Posted By: Snabbit (Guest) on May 05, 2009 at 02:54 AM
reading some of the comments from the "know nothings" I have some advice. When you don't know what you are talking about ask questions or shut the hell up.
Graham, long before Hogan, took wrestling from a cigar chomping audience and enticed a family audience. HE created sports entertainment.
When we discuss legends and hall of famers, he gets his own room. Not only was he way ahead of his time, with his look and the way he spoke, but he is one of the most copied performers over the years.
There would be no Hulk Hogan if not for Billy Graham. Hogan even stole his lines! The difference is Hogan came around at the right time and Superstar was the one that got the ball rolling.
VINCE has ALWAYS understood and appreciated what Billy did for the business and also realizes that he was short changed because of his time in history. If Bruno or Backlund were wrestling in their primes in the 80's and 90's their acts would never have gotten them past mid card. GRAHAM WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CHAMP! So while guys were making 6 figure salaries, Vince realized that Billy should have, and he has always tried to do what he can do to help him out.
While there was a time where they were not speaking for obvious reasons, they have since made ammends. Graham manned up and apologized for what he did and Vince, understanding where he was at mentally at that time, forgave him. That makes Vince a better man than I would ever be if I were in that situation.
Anyone stupid enough to call Billy's recent position with the company "charity work" should be ashamed of themselves. When a person makes the sacfrifices for his business that Graham did, making his boss the money he did, is not taking or being given charity. He paid for this position with he blood, sweat and tears. Show some respect.
Posted By: The Coach (Guest) on May 05, 2009 at 09:22 AM
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