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Updated throughout the day, the Torch News Ticker delivers a constant stream of news and information from WWE, TNA, ROH, Japan, the independents, and whatever else pops up. Keep it open in a new tab and bookmark it every Monday! Promoters and readers: Send in news, upcoming events, interview highlights, or wrestling-related information to the Torch News email address, Wade Keller, and James Caldwell for inclusion on the constantly-updated Ticker. Contact link.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Evening Update

- REPORTS WANTED: We're looking for reports from this weekend's WWE house shows in Mexico from the Raw brand. We're also looking for reports from the SD/ECW brand shows in Cheyenne, Wyo. on Saturday night and Loveland, Colo. tonight.

- The big story of the weekend not involving the Hogan family is WWE shifting the taping of ECW from Tuesday nights with the Smackdown brand to Monday nights with the Raw brand, which means the elimination of Heat. There isn't an official "start date" for the change, but it will be soon. Obviously, this is ratings-influenced, as WWE figures having Raw stars rather than Smackdown stars make special appearances on ECW will make the show more relevant for viewers. Of course, this calls into question the all-important status of WWE Tag Titles, which are a Smackdown-brand title currently held by ECW wrestlers if you're keeping track at home.

- New York Times published a lengthy piece on the winners and losers in this season's cable TV ratings, with many cable channels reporting increased viewership. They're attributing this to the writer's strike that affected broadcast networks more than cable channels. Of course, USA was a big winner with victories the first 16 weeks of 2008. WWE Raw and High School Musical are listed as two of the outstanding shows of the season for drawing ratings comparable to shows on broadcast television. Article link.

- XPW's reunion show last night was an interesting event with an announced attendance of 700. As with most attempted reunion/all-star shows in Southern California, there were no-shows, injuries, card subject to change, and plenty of weapons/stunt matches. Sabu could not wrestle because of a cracked vertebra, so he was replaced in what scheduled to be the main event. Main event turned out to be Necro Butcher vs. Supreme in a Death match that featured all the stunts you could ever ask for. Sean Waltman made his return as a surprise partner in a six-man tag match won by Disco Machine. Results listing.

- Bobby Lashley returned to wrestling on Friday night in Pasadena, Tex. for Booker T's PWA promotion. He defeated Jared Steele in the semi-main event. PWA's next show is June 27 featuring LAX vs. Sabin & Shelley. Folks who buy their tickets online will be entered in a drawing for tickets to the TNA Victory Road PPV in July. All the details.

- Wyoming Tribune posted an article on last night's Smackdown/ECW house show in Cheyenne. WWE ran in the 2,100-seat Taco John's Events Center and drew a sell-out with a turn-away crowd. WWE's VP of live event marketing said it was a spot show in between shows in Colorado, and they could have drawn another 2,000 in a larger venue. Article link.

***

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Afternoon Update

- WWE Smackdown from last night averaged a 2.3 rating in the fast national ratings. The show averaged a 2.2 first hour and 2.4 second hour to finish fifth across the board. The rating was slightly down from last week with the usual batch of pre-emptions affecting the overall rating.

- Tonight is the XPW reunion show in Redondo Beach, Calif. featuring a double main event of Sabu & Homeless Jimmy vs. Raven & Johnny Webb with Terry Funk as special referee and Necro Butcher vs. Supreme in a weapons death match. Also on the card are New Jack, Vampiro, Jack Evans, and The Sandman. Plus, Joey Ryan hosts the Miss Extreme 2008 contest. Fan Fest at 5:30 p.m., Miss Extreme contest at 7:30, and bell time at 8:00. Card details.

- Kane is on the campaign trail for the Libertarian party convention in Denver this weekend. Atlanta Journal Constitution and Third Party Watch posted articles on Kane's political position on government spending, eminent domain, and free market.

- Jim Ross posted a new blog on jrsbarbq.com discussing miscellaneous topics. He equates Jason Taylor's no-win situation trying to go mainstream beyond the NFL to The Rock being criticized for not being more involved in the wrestling business. Ross also looks at WWE settling a lawsuit with Cory Maclin in Memphis over last year's debacle with Hulk Hogan, Jerry Lawler, and Big Show. "This lawsuit, in my opinion, was a joke from the get go and apparently the WWE settled to simply move on," Ross said.

Ross also provides some business numbers from the Mexico tour. WWE claimed 12,000 fans in Monterrey on Wednesday and 8,500 fans in Queretaro on Thursday. WWE expects to gross over $1.0 million for last night and tonight's shows in Mexico City. Blog link.

- Batista is interviewed in the Herald Sun (Australia) to promote the June tour of Australia and New Zealand. The article focuses on Batista overcoming personal struggles growing up in Washington, D.C. His autobiography dives into those issues extensively. Article isn't exactly a great way to promote the tour, with Batista talking about his womanizing on the road prior to settling down with his family. Article link.

***

Friday, May 23, 2008

Morning Update

- MEXICO TOUR: WWE Raw continues its four-night tour of Mexico in Mexico City tonight. We're looking for reports from the previous two nights in Monterrey and Queretaro.

- TNA Notes: TNA announced the top matches for Impact next week. TNA tapes the show on Monday afternoon in Orlando, so it will be a busy holiday for the TNA crew. Qualifying matches for King of the Mountain will be Christian Cage vs. Tomko and James Storm vs. Rhino. ... Main storylines will be fall-out from Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash, and A.J. Styles seeking revenge for the end of last night's show. ... Other match announced is Roxxi vs. Angelina Love.

- Bobby Lashley returns to pro wrestling at Booker T's PWA show tonight in Pasadena, Tex. Lashley is not scheduled for a match; only an appearance at this time. Bell time is 7:30 tonight at the Pasadena Convention Center, just a few miles outside of Houston. Card details.

- Jim Ross posted a review of Ted DiBiase's forthcoming book on jrsbarbq.com. Ross praises the book as required reading "that any true fan can’t afford not to read." Ross adds, "I hope that the entire roster of the WWE developmental program are required to read this publication as it not only talks in detail about the heritage of the business but also talks about life on the road, the challenges of being a pro wrestler, and the importance of God and family in one’s life." DiBiase's WWE-published book is due out June 10. Ross review link.

- Victoria is interviewed in the Louisville Courier-Journal about her new body shop that opened yesterday. Victoria said she started the shop because she loves cars and has a passion for working on cars. "I have a lot on my plate," she said, referring to WWE's hectic travel schedule, "but I have a great crew. I really trust my crew." Story link.

***

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Evening Update

- TNA Impact preview: Tonight's show will focus on Samoa Joe picking three other participants in the King of the Mountain match at the Slammiversary PPV, following qualifying matches throughout tonight's show. ... Also, Part 2 of Kurt Angle "apologizing" to Karen Angle in hopes she'll return and part 2 of Sting's interview with Mike Tenay. ... Other matches: Homicide vs. Brother Ray and ODB vs. Angelina Love.

- ROH Notes: Lance Storm returns to ROH when they travel to Toronto for their debut in Canada on July 25. He'll also be on the July 26 show in Detroit (PPV taping). ... Larry Sweeney and Adam Pearce will reveal the contents of the "briefcase" on the June 7 show in Philadelphia (PPV taping). That show is up against the NWA show in Atlanta. ...

- Terry Funk is interviewed by Alex Marvez for his weekly syndicated column. Funk discusses the XPW reunion show taking place this weekend in California. "We were guys who would give 100 percent toward having a very physical match," Funk said about his time in XPW. "We were trying to go beyond the limit."

Asked about why he believes Vince McMahon gave Ric Flair a major send-off at WrestleMania 24, Funk said it was about business. ""Vince McMahon knew there was money there for his company," Funk said. "McMahon does an exceptionally good job of cashing in on the product he's created and utilizing people to the fullest extent he can." Funk said he would be honored to be invited into the Hall of Fame next year in Houston, but he won't lose sleep if he's overlooked. Article link.

- Earl Hebner is interviewed in the Miami Herald about his current run as senior referee in TNA. Hebner told Jim Varsallone that he has more opportunities to work independent shows now that he's in TNA and not part of WWE. "I would never go back to WWE," he said. "The reason I wouldn't go back to WWE is because I wouldn't be happy there. Even though it is more money than TNA pays me, TNA makes me happier. It's not a money factor for me now. It's being happy doing what you're doing and enjoying it." Article link.

- Biz Journals posted a story on Victoria's new body shop in Louisville. If anyone attended the grand opening tonight, be sure to drop an email with some notes. The Biz Journal article says Victoria's shop will sell and install wheels, audio/video equipment, alarms, body kits, and truck accessories. Article link.

***

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Afternoon Update

- Louisville Courier-Journal has added more information on the grand opening of Victoria's body shop in Louisville. The debut tomorrow from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. will feature appearances by Elijah Burke, JTG, Domino, Jesse & Festus, Jimmy Wang Yang, Melina, Jillian, and Lena Yada. Sounds like a hopping event. Article link.

- Great Khali is returning home to his native village to a big reception. He'll be given an award and ceremony for his "exploits at WWE bouts." Article link.

- TNA Notes: TNA added a house show in Tyler, Tex. on July 18 to their live events schedule. ... TNA is heavily pushing their Street Team marketing for the Victory Road PPV in Houston. Dedicated members are entitled to upgraded VIP passes for the PPV and a chance to meet-and-greet with TNA wrestlers. Details on Street Team.

- NWA announced the addition of Tommy Rich and Iron Sheik to their NWA Hall of Fame 2008 ceremony taking place June 7 in Atlanta. Rich vs. Abdullah the Butcher has been signed as one of the top matches of the show.

- ROH Notes: ROH is strongly pushing the May 30 debut of their sixth PPV, "Take No Prisoners," which features Tyler Black in a star-making match. ROH's replay schedule is going to be impacted this time around because of the WWE PPV schedule on InDemand. Premiere of the PPV is at 10:00 p.m. on May 30. ... ROH released the bracket for the eight-team tag tournament on June 6 to determine new tag champs. Notable first round match-up is Nigel & Shiozaki vs. Steen & Generico. ...

Morning Update

- WWE starts a four-day tour of Mexico tonight in Monterrey. Tour continues Thursday night in Queretaro before Friday and Saturday night shows at Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. If you attend a show in Mexico, we're looking for live reports.

- Jim Ross posted a new blog on jrsbarbq.com discussing the William Regal suspension. Ross says he does not believe Regal "fell of the wagon" into his previous drug problems from a decade ago. "My gut wants to say that William Regal was not intentionally trying to beat the system, but nonetheless the blood work doesn’t lie," he said. "I know that Regal has many peers who are pulling for him to return better than ever in 60 days and I count myself among them." Ross also comments on Mick Foley's commentary work on Smackdown, visiting the FCW developmental promotion, and the Owen Hart link to Raw being in Kansas City. Ross blog link.

- Yahoo posted a front-page story on the rumors of CW being off the air after the next season due to financial trouble, based on a report in Wall Street Journal earlier this week. The irony of the story is that CW might swing a strong fall season to stay on the air because of the sudden publicity they're receiving. Without Smackdown on the network, ratings will slide, but no one would have paid attention to the re-make of "Beverly Hills 90210" until CW became the most-talked about network on TV this week. No such thing as bad publicity.

- Blogcritics.org published a review of the WrestleMania 24 release in high-definition on the blu-ray format. They give WWE three out of five stars on the HD presentation, with notable critiques. "For their first ever Blu-ray, the WWE has released a decent, if flawed, HD presentation," says the author. "Compression artifacts are evident throughout, especially when smoke fills the stage. Detail is mostly flat and dull. Color is excellent. Long shots of the ring have a muddy, bland quality to them." Review link.

- Well-known financial analyst Jim Cramer remains high on WWE stock. On his "Mad Money" show last night, Cramer recommended picking up shares of WWE. "They're going a good job and it's a great opportunity," he said. "I watch the company's dividend and I like it." WWE stock closed at $16.46 on Tuesday. Stock is up slightly from last week's bottoming out at $15.88 per share.

- WWE COO Michael Sileck will be participating in Wedbush Morgan’s Management Access Conference on Thursday, May 22 in New York City. Sileck's comments will air on WWE's corporate website beginning at 11:15 a.m. EST. Press release.

- Great Khali's mega-superstar tour continues with him addressing the exhibition challenge from Olympic wrestling hopeful Singh Cheema. Khali responded that Cheema should challenge "the monopoly of America in WWE" in the form of Undertaker or Batista. He said they are like brothers as natives of India, so they couldn't accomplish anything fighting each other. Story link.

- Khali's arrival at Amristar International Airport on Tuesday morning caused a stir with onlookers and supporters trying to get close to Khali. Apparently there was a security breach with too many people getting past security checkpoints. India Times story.

- To promote the U.K. airing of Big Brother 9, TV executives from Ch. 4 are trying to get William Regal to emcee a staged wrestling match between contestants. Well, Regal should have plenty of time on his hands to participate now. Article link.

***

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Morning Update

- For some reason, Teri Byrne is third on Yahoo's list of top searches for today. The name might ring some bells for former WCW fans, as she is the former Nitro Girl, Fyre.

- WWE's WrestleMania 24 DVD comes out in DVD and Blu-Ray format today. It's the first blu-ray release for any product in the sports category. Interesting how WWE and MyNet timed the announcement that parts of WrestleMania will air on MyNet one day before the DVD/blu-ray release of WrestleMania.

- Paul Heyman's latest column on the U.K. Sun looks at the Top 5 most underutilized talents in pro wrestling. His most underutilized is Randy Orton for the reason that Orton hasn't been scripted to get real heat in his last three programs - against Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, and now Triple H. Beth Phoenix and the entire TNA roster are also on his list. Column link.

- AP reported on WWE and MyNetworkTV's announcement of the Oct. 3 debut of Smackdown on MyNet, and the Oct. 2 airing of highlights from WrestleMania 24. The story was picked up by major news outlets, including New York Times and Variety, which is exactly what WWE wanted.

- Washington Post published a story on Great Khali based on his "favorite son" status in India right now. Post writes: "In India, public adulation and hysteria like this is usually reserved for stars of cricket or the film industry known as Bollywood. But Khali has earned his frenzied fame by becoming the Indian icon of American TV wrestling." A tabloid in India, Mail Today, has labeled Khali "both a religion and a god" rolled into one. Apparently Khali's victories over the white men in WWE are viewed as payback for colonial rule from England 50-plus years ago.

Khali also continues to be asked whether his fights are on the up-and-up. ""I am a little tired of this question," Khali told reporters in Mumbai, visibly irritated. "We get injured quite often. Is the injury fake? Is the surgery fake? There is no other sport where people suffer this much injury." Article link.

- Brand Week published a story on the tone set by the major broadcasting networks during last week's "upfront" sales pitches for advertisers on the new and returning programming for the fall season. One representative of ad buyers said they're glad CW "dumped WWE Smackdown and are focusing exclusively on young women Monday through Friday." However, CW taking one step back by dropping the highly-rated Smackdown means CW cannot command as many advertising dollars. Article link.

- Last week's Raw continues to be one of the top shows viewed on DVRs. An average of 300,000 viewers watched the two hours of Raw after-the-fact, with WWE picking up an additional 7 percent of its total audience of 4.8 million viewers from "time-shifted" viewing. Top 20 time-shifted ratings.

- John Cena's hometown newspaper, the Newbury Port News, posted a story on John Cena's 100 wishes granted for Make-a-wish. He joins Jeff Gordon and Kobe Bryant in the category of elite wish-givers. "It's not about the people who grant the wishes," Cena recently said on WWE's website. "It's about the people who get the wishes." Article link.

- WWE's Raw brand will be touring South America the first week of July. LivinginPeru.com posted a story that tickets go on sale May 26 at Ripley department stores for the July 3 show in Lima. Top Raw stars are scheduled to appear. Article link.

***

Monday, May 19, 2008

Morning Update

- Daily Star in the U.K. published an interview with Bobby Lashley for his comments on everything that led to his release from WWE several months ago. Lashley said certain circumstances were out of his control, specifically his treatment from Michael Hayes. "Sometimes people want to halt you, no matter how hard you work, sometimes people wanna keep you down, and sometimes they win," he said.

Asked his opinion on Vince McMahon as a businessman, Lashley praised Vince's work for WWE. "I really appreciate the things he done for me," Lashley said. "Vince himself treated me with respect, he's a formidable business man and I learned a lot from him. I wouldn't try to put myself in his shoes and try to micromanage everyone in WWE. You can't do it." Lashley said he wants to be "an MMA guy" and is looking to debut in the fall. He didn't rule out TNA for a future pro wrestling career and complemented Booker T. Lashley returns to wrestling this Friday for Booker's PWA promotion in Pasadena, Tex. Interview link.

- Daily Star also published an interview with Kevin Nash, who talked about TNA's growth plan over the last few years. "I think the thing is they had a plan and they didn't want to grow too fast," he said. That must explain TNA losing money hand over fist with poor business decisions early on. Nash continued, "They set modest goals along the way. Now they're in a position where they are going to make a profit, which is huge." The interview includes Nash's ideal U.K. tour for TNA, following WWE's model of a 12-city stop. Interview link.

- Hollywood Reporter posted a report that WWE is scheduling a screening of last year's "Tribute to the Troops" show for a possible Emmy nomination. The screening for voters is May 28 with a Q&A session to follow. Article link.

- NWA Notes: Jim Cornette will be hosting the 2008 NWA Hall of Fame ceremony at the June 7 show at Phillips Arena in Atlanta. Inductees will be named in the coming weeks prior to the show. ... NWA has a big summer tour of the South with four dates in Texas and Louisiana. July 26 will be Houston at the Arena Theatre. July 27 is Hidalgo, Tex. at Dodge Arena. August 22 is Baton Rouge, La. at the River Center and August 23 is Beaumont, Tex. at the Beaumont Civic Center. Shows will be headlined by NWA Hvt. champion Adam Pearce, Sid Vicious, Sean Waltman, Rob Conway, and top names in Lucha.

- PWG Notes: In the finals of the DDT4 tournament in Burbank, Calif. last night, Jack Evans & Roderick Strong won the PWG Tag Titles over the former champions El Generico & Kevin Steen. ... Also on the card, they did an injury angle for still-PWG champion Human Tornado. ... In singles action, Davey Richards beat Austin Aries in what said to be a stiff, but very good match.

***

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