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Updated daily, the Torch News Ticker delivers a 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 Ticker. Contact link.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Afternoon Update

- REPORTS WANTED: We're looking for reports from last night's WWE, TNA, and ROH house shows as well as tonight's WWE Super Show in Valparaiso, Ind., TNA in Lawton, Okla., and ROH in Chicago Ridge, Ill.

- Smackdown held up pretty well in the overnight ratings against the Olympics for the second week in a row. NBC pulled in another monster rating for their Olympic coverage, especially for Michael Phelps's seventh gold medal. Smackdown still picked up 4.08 million viewers and tied for second in the adult 18-49 demographic. Ratings info.

- Be sure to read this Mark Henry interview today. It's worth reading. Henry is a very insightful and thoughtful individual, who talks openly about the Michael Hayes incident from WrestleMania weekend in an interview with Kevin Eck of the Baltimore Sun. "I have a good relationship with Michael Hayes," Henry said. "Michael Hayes made a mistake; everybody makes mistakes. I forgave Michael. I’m a Christian and I forgive people. That’s the mature thing to do. But we have to be responsible for our actions, and I think that he learned something. If he regresses, then he’ll know because I’ll say something.

"I’ve always stood up for my rights. I’ve always stood up for myself and I’ve stood up for other people when they didn’t know I stood up for them. Michael Hayes by far is one of the most creative people that ever wrestled and ever been in administration. But he is not above humanity, and anybody else. So, we have to police ourselves and hope for the best." Interview link.

- Jim Ross posted his Summerslam preview blog with high praise for Edge's work on Smackdown that should lead to Edge vs. Undertaker's Hell in a Cell match in the main event. Ross said about the latest WWE roster cuts: "Another tough week for some WWE talents who got news that they were being released. I know that there are some really good human beings who will be soon looking for work and I sincerely hope that none of them stop chasing their dreams. Perhaps the cuts of the past two weeks indicate that several of the young talents from Florida Championship Wrestling are on the verge of being called up." Ross blog link.

- Colin Delaney has quickly found himself on the independent scene. A few hours after being officially released, Colin was on last night's UWA Hardcore show in Bolton, Ontario, Canada. (Thanks to Keith Lipinski.)

- Randy Orton is interviewed by the Daily Record in the U.K. on how he got into the wrestling business after being at a desperate point earlier this decade. "I didn't know what I was gonna do with my life, at first I tried the military, that didn't go too well, so I asked my dad if he could call Vince McMahon and get me a job," Orton said. "It was really just out of desperation but it turned out I loved it and I was a natural at it, I got on TV a year and a half after I started training, took off from there." Orton interview link.

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Friday, August 15, 2008

Afternoon Update

- Randy Orton was interviewed by the U.K. Sun on his career and wrestlers he likes/dislikes a few days prior to the reported motorcycle accident. Orton was "full of praise for Ric Flair, The Undertaker and Triple H," but he expressed dislike for Bubba Ray Dudley, Test, and Hardcore Holly as "being selfish and stiff in the ring." Full podcast of the interview is available on the Sun website. Podcast link.

- Batista says wrestlers are still in shock over the Chris Benoit family tragedy from 14 months ago. "Still to this day, I think people are in shock over it and a lot of people are still in denial," Batista told MSN in Australia. "It's just the hardest thing we've ever done … a nightmare come to life." Random story to promote Summerslam airing on Foxtel in Australia, but the topic is still relevant for many wrestlers over a year removed. Article link.

- Brock Lesnar answered some random questions from New York Times readers and did his best to give a straight answer. On politics in WWE vs. UFC, Lesnar said, "Where there’s money, there’s politics! I do my best to stay out of it all."

Lesnar also commented on Jesse Ventura, who previously said he believes MMA fights were fixed. "I think Jesse was unfamiliar with the sport when he made those comments and probably has a different view after sitting ring-side at U.F.C. 87 last Saturday," said Lesnar. "It’s one thing to see it on the TV, but it’s a completely different experience when you are there live." Q&A article link.

- Tito Santana says he's been able to make the transition from pro wrestling to the work force as an educator because he doesn't live his character like many of his colleagues have. "I'm lucky I have a degree teaching physical education and Spanish. A lot of guys become their character and have a really hard time when wrestling starts to end," Santana told Alex Marvez for his weekly syndicated column. "I see guys like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Ric Flair. They have bought into their gimmicks and live them 24 hours a day. They think they really are stars when those characters are just creations of the business." Santana also comments on WWE trying to clean up the wrestling business, Hispanic wrestling stars, and his recent autobiography. Article link.

- Today's daily dose of Khali involves a "special challenge" made by Pakistani wrestler Bashir Bhola for a wrestling contest. Khali reportedly accepted said challenge and told Pakistan Daily: "I would first advise the Pakistani wrestler to go and first fight my brothers in India and then think about me. But if he is so keen he can come anytime and fight me in the states or anywhere in the world." Triple H might have something to say about that. Article link.

Morning Update

- REPORTS WANTED: We're looking for a report from tonight's WWE Super Show featuring all three brands in Rockford, Ill. TNA returns to the House of Blues in Dallas for what should be a significant show that we're a looking for a report from the site of. ROH makes its return to Cleveland tonight featuring Nigel McGuinness vs. El Generico for the ROH Title. We're looking for a report from ROH tonight as well.

- WWE Notes: John Cena will be co-hosting the Australian version of Nickelodeon's Kids Choice awards to be held Oct. 11 in Melbourne. Cena has been nominated for the Fave Sports Star category. ... Interestingly, WWE is promoting the sequel to the "Scorpion King" movie series that stars Randy Couture with a DVD giveaway sweepstakes. Contest details.

- TNA announced a new long-term TV deal with ESPN Star Sports to broadcast Impact and Xplosion across Asia. This will also set up TNA for a yearly tour of South Asia to bring a live product to the people. In the press release, TNA president Dixie Carter laid down the challenge to WWE with the company's focus specifically on India. "TNA has a great partner with ESPN STAR Sports, and we are determined to build the biggest wrestling brand in India," Carter said. "TNA is committed to growing the brand worldwide, and this agreement is an important step forward for TNA within the international marketplace."

- Based on TNA's countdown graphic on their website, the official release date for the TNA Impact video game is Tuesday, Sept. 9. The game is currently available for pre-order at most video game outlets. Pre-order info.

- Marc Mero is back in the news for joining the National Coalition for the Advancement of Drug-Free Athletics, Inc. (NCADFA) as a celebrity spokesman for their campaign to fight against the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs amongst teenage athletes. In the press release, Mero calls for legislation of pro wrestling based on the history of drug and steroid abuse. Press release link.

- Candice Michelle is interviewed by askmen.com on her wrestling career, Playboy, and her broken nose. Interview link.

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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Afternoon Update

- Jim Ross addressed Mick Foley rumors on his latest blog, saying he hasn't talked to Foley in over a week, and he's not sure Foley will be at Summerslam on Sunday. "There sure are lots of conspiracy theories about Mick on the 'net these days and it seems that the vast majority of them appear to be uninformed and speculative," Ross said. "I hope to talk to Mick this week and see how things are going." Ross blog link.

- C.M. Punk says he's not allowed to wear street clothes on TV because he doesn't fit the character when not in his wrestling gear. "I’m not allowed to wear my street clothes on TV because Vince McMahon says I don’t look like CM Punk when I’m not in my gear," Punk said in an interview with TimeOut Chicago. Article link.

- Chris Jericho will be hosting a new reality show on Fuse called "Shame 2 Fame." The series premieres Wednesday, Oct. 29 in an 11:00 p.m. timeslot. The series follows ten women trying to compete for a shot at musical stardom. Fuse press release.

- Petey Williams obviously hasn't been paying attention to TNA storylines that contain a very clear message not to marry a woman. Plano Star (Tex.) published a story on Petey, who began a hectic 10-day schedule by getting married in Las Vegas on Aug. 6. "We booked the date about a year ago and last year our pay-per-view in August wasn’t until a week later,” Williams said. “Then we got our schedule in January and all I could think was 'uh-oh.'"

Petey will be on Friday night's TNA house show in Dallas after missing the first TNA show at the House of Blues earlier this year. "I didn’t wrestle the last time we were in Dallas, but some of the guys were describing the setup for me and it sounds pretty interesting,” Williams said. "We go to lots of different venues, but I would love to do a tour where we made stops at places just like the House of Blues." Petey also comments on his match against Consequences Creed at Hard Justice and the live event experience. Good interview. Article link.

- Matt Morgan has decided to send his DNA into space to be stored for research purposes. The International Space Station is apparently doing an "Immortality Drive" to study genetics and they chose Morgan because of his size and build. "I've done a lot of interesting things in my life, but this certainly ranks up there as the most unique," Morgan said. "I'm honored to be included on the Immortality Drive and look forward to being part of Richard Garriott's fascinating trip to the ISS." Article link.

- To promote Summerslam on Sunday, WWE is giving away a Wii system on moviesonline.ca. Runner-ups will receive a Summerslam prize pack. Contest details.

- You can't make this up. In India, Great Khali is being awarded the "Super Achiever Wrestler par Excellence Trophy" for this year's Gandhi Awards that are focused on achievement in Bollywood movies. Article link.

***

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Morning Update

- Mick Foley will reportedly jump to TNA when his WWE contact expires at the end of the month, according to a report by the U.K. Sun. The report includes a statement from a Foley friend, who reportedly said, "Mick's body cannot handle a full time schedule, even in TNA. But he's hell bent on doing everything he can to further his legacy and put them on the map. So Mick's plan is to wrestle select dates, like Sting currently does." Based on the report, Foley wants to be a part-time wrestler for TNA, and not just limited to an announcing or non-wrestling role. Sun article link.

- USA Network won the cable ratings for last week on the strength of Raw with its 5.2 million total viewers and 1.9 million viewers in the 18-49 adults demographic. The final hour of the Aug. 4 Raw was the second-most viewed TV show on cable behind The Closer on TNT. AP story.

- TNA Notes: TNA taped this week's Impact last night in Orlando and they have a second taping tonight for next week's episode. We're looking for reports or notes from Universal Studios. ... Main event for Impact this week is Samoa Joe & Kevin Nash vs. Team 3D. Other action will include a "special challenge" by Kurt Angle for A.J. Styles, Hernandez vs. James Storm, Christian & Rhino vs. Rock 'n Rave, Taylor Wilde vs. Christy Hemme, Jay Lethal vs. Daivari, and Matt Morgan in squash match action. And another installment of Karen's Angle with the Beautiful People as special guests.

***

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Morning Update

- Reports Wanted: We're looking for a report from tonight's SD/ECW taping in Norfolk, Va., featuring the final hype to Summerslam and Matt Hardy & Mark Henry vs. Miz & Morrison on ECW.

- WWE's website has an update on Randy Orton, who says he would have been dead if he was not wearing a helmet when he was thrown from his bike. "When I came to, I knew I had rebroken my collarbone," said Orton, who reportedly ended up 300 feet from the site of the accident. "When the police and fireman got there, they asked me 'Where's the guy who was in the wreck?' and I said 'It was me.'" It's not expected that Orton will require surgery, but he will reportedly still need an additional three months of recovery. WWE article link.

- PWG has announced line-ups for All-Star Weekend 7 in Reseda, Calif. on August 30 and 31. The main event for Aug. 30 is a four-way PWG Title match with Chris Hero defending against Low-Ki, Eddie Kingston, and Necro Butcher. If Hero is still champion, he will defend against PAC on Aug. 31. The rest of the card is absolutely stacked. Weekend line-up.

- NWA Notes: NWA's next major show is August 24 in San Antonio, Tex. at the Freeman Coliseum. The headline match is NWA champion Brent Albright defending against former WWE wrestler Trevor Murdock. Sid Vicious, Sean Waltman, Adam Pearce, and Rob Conway are also signed. ... NWA has booked Albright vs. Pearce II for Aug. 30 in Mexico City.

- Midway Games is closing down its Austin, Tex. studio in a cost-cutting measure following a lackluster earnings report last week. The company is trying to clear room ahead of the TNA Impact launch next month. CBS Marketwatch article link.

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