vince mcmahon vs ultimate warrior

According to PWInsider.com and WWE.com, the Ultimate Warrior recently appeared on The BJ Shea Morning Experience radio show in Seattle and spoke about WrestleMania XXV. He suggested to have a match between himself and Vince McMahon headline the pay-per-view. This could certainly explain why Ultimate Warrior is maknig a comeback, as previously reported on this blog.

backlash results

Here are the short results to WWE's Backlash pay-per-view.

Triple H won the WWE championship, last eliminating Randy Orton.

Matt Hardy won the United States championship from MVP.

The Undertaker retained the World championship against Edge.

Kane retained the ECW championship against Chavo Guerrero.

Big Show defeated the Great Khali.

Shawn Michaels defeated Batista, and may or may not have been legitimately injured during the match.

Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian Hall, Layla, Victoria and Natalya Neidhart defeated Mickie James, Maria, Ashley, Michelle McCool, Cherry and Kelly Kelly.

speaking of weird Japan matches...

Not since the days of the Black Scorpion have we seen a wrestler use such powerful magic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c5kgRjqrPY

gay Japanese match

Here's a very...interesting match from Japan between Danshoku Dino and Akira Tozawamasaaki. They do some spots even Goldust never thought of trying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxHuRtHicX0

The Ultimate Warrior returns to wrestling

Bernie J. Gernay, agent for the Ultimate Warrior, released the following statement today.

"The Ultimate Warrior Announces His Return To Pro Wrestling

Staggering news resounded in the NWE Arena during the Madrid show on April 19th. More than 15,000 fans had the chance to see the award presentation which celebrated the career of professional wrestling icon, The Ultimate Warrior; who was in attendance to accept his award. However, controversy erupted during the presentation when NWE Champion Orlando Jordan mocked a young fan of Warrior's at the event. Warrior was quick to come to the defense of this fan which led to a heated conflict between Warrior and Jordan.

On June 25th 2008 in Barcelona, after a 12 year absence from the ring, The Ultimate Warrior will officially make his wrestling comeback in a match against Jordan. The news was confirmed this morning by Warrior's agent, Bernie Gernay in a statement.

'For over 10 years this is what the entire wrestling world has been waiting for, the return of the Warrior. We are excited to bring back the greatest character and energy to ever get into the ring. Ultimate Warrior is an incredible marketing machine and has kept a tremendous value to his name which is why the NWE has stepped up with a substantial deal that worked very well for both sides. There is no disputing that Warrior left a mark on professional wrestling that no other talent did and the reason why still today he is often imitated, but never duplicated.'

Over the next few days the NWE will inform fans of the preparations for one of the biggest and most important wrestling events ever to be held in Europe. As the news progresses it is sure to be the headlines of wrestling news and forums throughout the internet and will most certainly have all in the wrestling industry and fans alike in great anticipation to see what the Warrior will deliver on June 25th, and perhaps beyond."

Here are a few YouTube videos from the NWE show that set up the storyline for this match:

The Warrior's entrance
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=xz_ODU2Lv-I

The Warrior in action
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kt8DuZ0-QE
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=3h1Q3QUPGaY&NR=1

Official video of a cable news pundit assaulting Orlando Jordan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZYIPfcbXfA

A longer version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FGIWgGoKo

The Warrior/Orlando Jordan match will take place in Spain on June 25th. It should be noted that Jordan is a long-time rumored bisexual, while the Warrior has publically stated that "queering don't make the world work."

hardy boyz news

I've gathered some news today for a quick update on the Hardy Boyz. The hardyz are another group of wrestlers who have quite the gay fan following, so I consider them an appropriate subject for regular discussion on this blog. I have news on Jeff Hardy's return from suspension as well as an update on the Hardy Boyz In Space comic strip.

According to John Byrne, writer of the Hardy Boyz comic strip for WWE's new kids magazine "Got a call from Paul Kupperberg yesterday. Apparently the WWE has decided that kids don't read comics (is Joe Quesada working for them as a consultant?) so all the strips are being dropped from the magazine. And Paul has been fired."

You can still read the unpublished completed strips at: http://byrnerobotics.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=24919&PN=1&totPosts=32

Also, from Prowrestling.net:

"Jeff Hardy is being advertised for the June 20 house show in Las Cruces, N.M. He is scheduled to face Lance Cade in a singles match. [Thanks to Devin Cutting of ProwrestlingEvents.tk.]
Powell's POV: This is the first time I've seen Hardy advertised for a show since he was suspended for 60 days back on March 10, but it's possible he'll return before this date. This is a new listing because Chris Jericho is advertised as the Intercontinental Champion. Jericho beat Hardy for that title on the night that WWE issued the suspension."

Brian Blair opposes "Day of Silence."

The state of Florida has a very rich history when it comes to professional wrestling. From the days of Dusty Rhodes to a Heyman-run ECW on the Sunshine Network to the modern-day Impact television tapings at Universal Studios, Florida has always been a hotbed for the pseudo-sport. Less than a month ago Orlando wrestling fans were treated to a live WrestleMania pay-per-view broadcast. World Wrestling Entertainment has even established a developmental territory in the Sunshine state-Florida Championship Wrestling. Brian Blair, a member of the WWF's "Killer Bees" tag team in the 1980's and the current Commissioner of Hillsborough County, Florida, referred to the WWE's new territory as "great for the economy."


One thing Commissioner Blair doesn't find great is the "Day of Silence"-an April 25th event intended to bring attention and awareness to the bullying and harassment of homosexual students in schools. In an e-mail excerpt warning parents about the proceeding, Blair wrote "I have always believed that all citizens are equal and should be treated accordingly. On the other hand, no group of citizens should be given government sanction and support to promote their social and sexual agenda upon the rest of us and especially, on our children. Considering the fact that the same school system does not want to allow just one Minute of Silence in the classroom for God, this is preposterous. Can you imagine asking for a 'Day of Cheer for Heterosexuality?' If no action is taken to change this policy, then perhaps it is time for another surgical strike from the majority; 'A Day of Abstention' from school participation might be considered."

When Brian Blair won political office, it's quite possible that wrestling fans helped vote him in. It's also possible that a percentage of those same wrestling fans were gay, lesbian or bisexual, or at least knew of someone that was. Maybe non-fans called those people "queers" for enjoying a Killer Bees/Hart Foundation match. Maybe those fans grew up and contributed to Florida's economy by buying tickets to WrestleMania this year. Maybe they were just as disappointed as I was when I found out one of my childhood wrestling heroes, the Ultimate Warrior, was a homophobe in real-life. Maybe those wrestling fans-young or old, gay or straight, Florida residents or non-oppose Commissioner Blair's opinion on the "Day of Silence" issue. Maybe they wish they could give Brian Blair a piece of their minds.

They can.


I am calling on my fellow wrestling fans worldwide who support the "Day of Silence" to voice their opinions. I have provided verified contact information for Brian Blair below this blog entry. Now you can tell Jim Brunzell's lesser-half personally what you think of his idea to discontinue a day which symbolizes that hate crimes will not be tolerated and that education about those different than yourself doesn't matter.


After expressing your displeasure, why not take it a step further? Tell Florida's other Commissioners and other representatives of Congress that you won't vote for them if they side with Brian Blair on political matters. Then inform any and all wrestling organizations, including WWE's Florida Championship Wrestling, that we fans won't support a wrestling company that in any way books, helps to promote or supports the endorsement of Brian Blair. Contact bookstores and Web sites (including wrestlingclassics.com) with requests to stop carrying Brian Blair's 2000 book Smarten Up! Say It Right, an insider's view of professional wrestling (ISBN 0-9707490-0-7). Most importantly, if you aren't already, register to vote and vote against Brian Blair whenever possible.


After all, I don't think Commissioner Blair should force his agenda upon the rest of us and especially, on our children. Ironically, Hillsborough County where Blair commissions promotes itself as "an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer."


Before you take action, you must please remember and be aware of a few things.


1. We do not want the false idea that pro wrestling fans are comprised of uneducated rednecks to continue. You must remain coherent, diplomatic and tactful if you want someone to listen to your opinion. Please take the time to spell check your message(s) and remember to be courteous.


2. Do not threaten Brian Blair in any way. Not even in your best Iron Sheik voice. That type of silliness is what the "post a comment" button on this blog is for. You can even post Lance Storm-like serious replies if you want. The point is, don't do it with Blair. We may disagree with Mister Blair on this matter, but the man is still a powerful member of the United States government-one of the most hated in the world. If you threaten him, even jokingly, he won't find it so funny and you'll likely get into serious trouble.


3. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail through the automated form I will supply you with at the bottom of this post. Instead, contact the offices by phone or in writing.

4. If you're going to call instead of write, you'll probably have to leave a message. Remember to be concise, to the point and still to be considerate.


TO WRITE, PHONE OR E-MAIL COMMISSIONER BRIAN BLAIR:
Commissioner Brian Blair (District 6)
C/O Hillsborough County Commissioners
P.O. Box 111o
Tampa, FL 33601
Phone: (813) 272-5660 AND/OR (813) 272-5730
TTY: (813) 301-7173
Fax: (813) 272-7053
Automated E-mail Form where you can contact ALL of Florida's Commisioners: http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/about/contactus.cfm


Sources for this entry:

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/about/contactusblair.cfm

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/commissioners/blair.cfm

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?s=rss&storyid=77748

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/22/Citytimes/Learning_the_ropes.shtml

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/districts/distmap.cfm

http://www.bbrianblair.com/

Review of Changing Perceptions: Profile of an openly gay pro wrestler

Today I'll be reviewing the ground-breaking documentary Changing Perceptions by Rook Communications Studios. This Telly Award-winning piece is a first both in the gay community and the wrestling business. In it, a camera crew follows the pro wrestling career of real-life homosexual Simon Sermon, the first competitor in the history of the business to come out of the closet while still actively performing. Since the start of his career in 2001 Sermon has gained notoriety by keeping homosexual stereotypes out of his openly gay wrestling persona-a first for the profession to be sure.

The documentary begins with footage of legendary wrestler and real-life heterosexual "Exotic" Adrian Street prancing around the ring and scaring a homophobic male opponent. Street, who portrayed a flamboyant homosexual stereotype during pro wrestling's early televised years, would be interviewed later in the film.


From there the DVD smoothly transitions to both in and out of ring footage of Simon Sermon. The action footage is plentiful considering the documentary's length, and out of the ring events are just as enjoyable. Sermon's no-holds-barred discussion of controversial subjects ranges from religion to homophobia, giving the viewer not only plenty of laughs from sarcastic one-liners but food for thought long after the DVD is over. During the drive to an AWN show in Georgia Sermon talks about the few but subtle differences between himself and his character, the reason for the existance of gay characters in wrestling, the lack of openly gay role models in sports and entertainment, and so much more that I found myself wishing he'd gotten lost on the road and had to keep talking.

Adrian Street's opinionated interview is just as fascinating and equally uncensored. Wrestling history buffs should snatch this DVD up for the Exotic One's footage alone. Besides revealing that his now infamous heel character wasn't originally meant to be gay, the DVD also includes a match between Street and Terry Taylor. As if being "the Red Rooster" wasn't bad enough, Taylor comes up short due to a hilarious same-sex kiss. Street goes on to express opinions about homosexuals that are likely to ruffle a few feathers and make him a top heel in San Francisco. The documentary closes with Simon Sermon winning his six-man tag team match that night in Georgia and talking over the film's credits. Even Sermon's failed attempt to cut a promo on the camera is hilarious.

In my opinion Changing Perceptions is thirty minutes of pure entertainment and pro wrestling history that goes by way too fast. Victor Rook paid great respect to the wrestling business and the homosexual community with this rare documentary. With a low retail price of $12.95 USD plus bonus features such as a Simon Sermon photo gallery, you can't go wrong picking up this DVD. View the trailer and order your copy today on the official Changing Perceptions Web site: gayprowrestler.com.

time for a gay face

Ever since its television inception, pro wrestling has been filled with effeminate characters. Very few of them were openly gay (either on-screen or off), but their behavior in the squared circle was always enough to rile up a crowd. Wrestling, after all, is supposed to be a very macho event filled with many rugged men doing battle. As a result most "gay" wrestlers have always been heels. As I've discussed previously in this blog, it's hard enough to watch wrestling and not get labeled gay without a literal example of gay wrestling prancing around on your TV screen. However, I believe the tide may be about to turn for one of wrestling's classic villains.

Muhammad Hassan (and to a similar extent Bret Hart) added another dimension to the previously cliche foreign heel. Gay wrestling characters may be due for a similar evolution (insert your own joke about the WWE stable here). These days, the world has changed. We aren't living in the same Gorgeous George post-war era. Gays and bisexuals, perhaps more than ever before, are tolerated in society (not to mention fully accepted in some parts of the world). Plenty of people will still boo a wrestler simply for being light in the loafers, but many people will also cheer that wrestler on for being one of their own. Or at least for having the strength to "come out" in such a heterosexual business. Slash, yaoi, Queer As Folk, Ellen, that stripper guy on American Idol, Mickie James during the Trish Stratus angle, etc. All have had very loyal followings. Virgil Runnels has even been a babyface Goldust a few times in his career. Usually after portraying something else that made people long for the return of his most famous persona.

Depending on how he or she was booked, I'd say the odds of a gay wrestling character in 2008 getting at least a mixed reaction-or "Cena heat" as I call it-are pretty darn good. Unless of course the gay character were portrayed by John Cena himself. He always manages to overcome the odds.

Despite a successful track record of girly-man heels, I think the wrestling business is soon going to be forced to adapt when it comes to homosexuality.

Hmm. Maybe that naked dancing guy from DX could come back.

In HD!!!!!!!