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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.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Afternoon Update

- WWE announced they are delaying the on-sale date for WrestleMania 25 tickets in Houston. Tickets were originally set to go on-sale Sept. 20, but due to the effects of Hurricane Ike expected to hit the greater Houston area this weekend, tickets will now be on-sale Oct. 11 at 10:00 a.m. Central time. WWE press release.

CALDWELL'S NOTE: It's a smart move on WWE's part, as no one is quite sure how much damage we're going to feel here in Houston this weekend when the hurricane strikes. I doubt we'll still be "feeling the effects," as ROH's announcers love to say, in 8 days, but you never know based on how wide and broad this hurricane is.

- Kevin Nash says it's been difficult transferring from a main eventer to the supporting cast. "It's hard after being featured for so long to not being featured," Nash told Slam Wrestling to promote TNA's PPV in Canada on Sunday. "When you've slowed down and you're not as athletic and as young as you once were, you don't see it. People see it, but you don't see it ... I can't watch myself sometimes."

Nash continued that he has a tough time accepting it. "If you look at things intelligently, you realize what's best for Kevin Nash isn't necessarily what's best for business," he said. "When you're completely blinded and don't see that, then you have a problem. I understand that and I see it - that doesn't mean I have to like it." Nash also comments on Samoa Joe being "the real deal" and an every man's champion. Article link.

- Batista will be making a promotional trip to India this month to meet with fans an do some charity work with Doorstep School. Ten Sports is hosting Batista, who said, "I'm thrilled about this visit, having heard about India from my peers who have visited the country. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and to experience the warmth and charm of India." Press release.

- Former OVW head trainer Danny Davis says WWE's initial goal for the OVW program in 2000 was just one wrestler a year to be called up to the main roster. "Someone who was in (WWE) talent relations said, 'If we get one star a year, we'll be happy,'" Davis told Alex Marvez for his weekly column. OVW easily surpassed that goal with many main event stars going to WWE, especially John Cena. "When he came in, he already had a place to stay by the time I met him," Davis said. "That showed me he was on the ball. I spent a lot of time with him and he never once gave me trouble. He honestly is a genuine guy."

Davis also says it was tough developing a gimmick for certain wrestlers because WWE would often discard the gimmick when a wrestler was called up. Davis points to Batista as one example. "Not knocking anybody in WWE, but people would get called up before they were ready. Dave was no different," Davis said. "He didn't know how to take care of himself in a lot of situations. He hadn't learned to speak. Maybe OVW did drop the ball on him there, but it wasn't a lack of trying." Article link.

- The Monitor newspaper in South Texas is giving away tickets to WWE's Smackdown house show on Oct. 20 in Laredo, Tex. The contest is to come up with a storyline involving Triple H, MVP, The Undertaker, and Great Khali. More power to you for that. Contest details.

- Worthplaying.com published a story at some new features in WWE's 2009 video game series. Article link.

- U.K. Sun published a review of the new TNA video game. Consensus from most reviews is that the game is limited on features and characters, but is strong on gameplay. Overall, they rate it 87 out of 100. Review link.

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Thursday, September 11, 2008

Morning Update

- WWE and Televisa announced a TV agreement to begin broadcasting Raw on Sunday afternoons on Galavision Canal 9 in Mexico. First episode will air Oct. 5. "WWE delivers ratings success to our network partners around the world and we intend to continue to build the same level of success with Televisa in Mexico," said Shane McMahon in a press release. "WWE is very excited to be bringing Raw to Mexican viewers who have a rich lucha libre heritage and who consistently show great enthusiasm for the WWE brand and its Superstars." Press release link.

- Darren Aronofsky, director of the award-winning "The Wrestler" movie, says he became interested in a movie about wrestling because no one has done a serious movie on the genre before. "I thought that the boxing movie is a genre film, and there's been thousands of boxing movies - who knows how many.," Aronofsky told slashfilm.com in a recent interview. "But no one has ever done a serious wrestling film. No one has ever done a serious film about a wrestler."

Aronofsky continues: "The more research I started to do into that world, the more complex, and the more tragic I found it to be. The mortality rate of these guys is just staggering. And the fact that it's not at all really examined is really curious. And the fact that it's so popular. It's like one of the most popular forms of entertainment in America and no one's studied it in any way." He also said Nicholas Cage was considered for the lead role, but his heart was with Mickey Rourke as the lead character. Interview link.

- Roger Ebert says "The Wrestler" is "meat-and-potatoes filmmaking, anchored by a strong story and sharply defined characters." The leading movie reviewer also says Mickey Rourke's performance in the lead role is "arguably his best career performance and could win him an Oscar nomination." Review link.

- In his latest blog, Jim Ross expresses concern over the direction of Ric Flair's personal life following a mysterious incident last weekend that left Flair with a few bruises and a black eye. "What Ric Flair needs is full time management on a on going basis and not just some one to negotiate a fee and book Ric to go somewhere and sign his name," Ross said on jrsbarbq.com. "I just want the Nature Boy story to have a happy ending." Ross also comments on Evan Bourne, the debuting Jack Swagger from Oklahoma, and Chris Jericho's work on Raw. Ross blog link.

- Streetinsider.com published an article with concern over WWE's current dividend policy of paying out a dividend to shareholders that is above earnings coming into the company. They speculate WWE will have to dip into its $138 million pile of cash if expenses continue to rise, as was the case during the last quarter. WWE remains committed to not cutting its dividend, however. Article link.

- Robert Roode says the TNA tag division is heads and shoulders above WWE on a comparison of tag teams currently in TNA. "We have Team 3D -- one of the all-time great teams, us, LAX, the Motorcity Machine Guns -- we have a real solid division," Roode told the Peterborough Examiner to promote Sunday's PPV in Ontario. "Compared to the WWE, we're head and shoulders over them." Roode says his contract with TNA expires in spring 2009, but he's looking to stay put even with the busier schedule that will keep him on the road every weekend until Christmas. "I'm really happy with TNA, it's a great wrestling company and I'm proud to be a part of it," he said. "Hopefully I can be around a lot longer." Interview link.

- Jackie Gayda Haas is expecting her second child any day now. Celebritybabyblog.com published a story that Jackie is due by Sept. 17 or else her doctor is going to "break my water" to get the second child out. Story link.

***

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Afternoon Update

- TNA issued a press release that Midway Games began shipping the TNA Impact video game this week and should be in all retail stores by the end of the week, except for the Wii version, which will be available next week. We're looking for any notes on whether people are able to find the game in retailers or whether there is a delay, as TNA indirectly implied in the press release. Press release.

- Hollywood buzz continues to follow The Wrestler after the strong showing in Toronto we reported on yesterday. After an all-night negotiation session on Sunday night/Monday morning, Fox Searchlight bought the rights to distribute the movie in the U.S. to the tune of $4-5 million. Movie insiders believe that means the movie will eventually turn a profit on its limited budget of $7 million, which will please investors. No word yet on when the movie will hit theaters.

- Rory McAllister, one-half of the Highlanders tag team, says Robbie's decision to be in the stands at Impact during WrestleMania weekend was a "dumb move" that probably contributed to their release last week. "Of course there was heat for it, and rightfully so," Rory told Slam Wrestling of Robbie's decision. "Robbie and I have a lot of good friends on TNA and we enjoy their show a lot but what he did was a dumb move and he knows it. TNA took advantage of it, can't blame them, and WWE was pissed, can't blame them either."

Rory maintains a positive attitude on his WWE experience, though, as he was able to travel the world, find his wife, and have a child. "The future looks great, actually," he said. "An hour after getting released I had seven bookings and I'm on the phone and computer constantly talking to and negotiating with promoters." Rory also discusses TNA, the wrestling business, and his personal life. Good interview. Slam Wrestling interview link.

- Sky Box Office in the U.K. has an offer for customers to order the No Mercy, Survivor Series, and Armageddon PPVs for the price of two PPVs. Customers who buy all three in advance will only pay $29.90 for the price of two PPVs. Deadline to order is October 11. Sky Sports offer.

- ROH Notes: ROH officials are preparing to depart for Japan for this weekend's two shows in Tokyo featuring Jacobs & Black vs. the Briscoes for the ROH Tag Titles on Saturday and Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Jacobs for the ROH Title on Sunday. ... FIP champion Go Shiozaki's first title defense will be against Kevin Steen at Glory By Honor VII on Sept. 20 in Philadelphia. ROH Newswire.

***

Monday, September 8, 2008

Evening Update

- Raw Preview: Only match confirmed right now is Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James for the Women's Title. ... Obviously, former World Hvt. champion C.M. Punk will be looking for revenge on Randy Orton's crew and/or Chris Jericho.

- Jim Ross published his thoughts on last night's PPV, which he gave a 7.0 rating. Ross said looking at where Brian Kendrick was two months ago compared to last night is encouraging for the younger wrestlers. On the Michaels vs. Jericho match, Ross said, "HBK vs. Jericho was 'money' and the best thing on the show. Sitting at ringside it was amazing how physically stiff the bout was. I would have LOVED to have broadcast that one." Ross blog link.

- Connecticut Law Tribune published an important story on the lawsuit by Raven and Kanyon against WWE, which plans to counter the suit with a motion to dismiss later this month in New Haven court. WWE lead attorney Jerry McDevitt has softened his stance slightly from a week ago when he vehemently denied the suit. He acknowledged that the private contractor/employee question is being raised more frequently in courtrooms throughout the country. "My sense is that it's been a kind of en vogue lawsuit for the class-action bar," McDevitt said.

Meanwhile, Raven and Kanyon's attorney, David Golub, said it doesn't matter what WWE calls its wrestlers when the evidence points to them being treated as employees. "An employer can't avoid its obligation to employees by calling the employee something else," Golub said. "No matter what you call people in the contract, these guys were employees." The article also cites prior cases involving Microsoft and FedEx for how courts have ruled in employee vs. independent contractor cases. Good read. Law Tribune article link.

- Mickey Rourke, fresh off the strong buzz coming from Toronto for last night's award-winning showing of "The Wrestler," is being considered a comeback star in Hollywood. National Post story. Meanwhile, Ernest "The Cat" Miller wants everyone to know what a great heel he played in the movie. "Ernest Miller has natural acting talent and was a pleasure working with him," said Mickey Rourke in a press release from Miller's camp.

- Ric Flair's separation from his wife, Tiffany, was the subject on unholymatrimonyshow.com. Jason Powell at prowrestling.net has a report on Tiffany acknowledging their separation so Ric could be Ric. She claims Ric already has a couple of girlfriends and they would already be divorced, but the state law requires a full year. DotNet article link.

- IGN.com has a negative review of the TNA Impact video game that comes out tomorrow. Surprising to see the negative review, but IGN makes some points about the limited Create-a-Wrestler features and offers a critique that could be applied to the actual wrestling product on TV. "TNA Impact had a lot of potential, but it didn't follow through on most of it," says IGN. "Beyond the limited/repetitive moves, lackluster CAW, and scaled back online, my main problem is that Impact doesn't feel like real wrestling." Review link.

Morning Update

- RESULTS WANTED: We're looking for off-air notes live from Cleveland at last night's Unforgiven PPV, as well as a TNA house show report from their show in Albany, N.Y. last night. Tonight, we're looking for off-air notes from Raw in Fort Wayne, Ind.

- TNA's first video game finally goes on-sale tomorrow. TNA recommends calling ahead to retailers to ensure they have the game in stock. The list of retailers selling the game includes GameStop, EBGames, Best Buy, Toys R Us, Amazon.com, Sears, K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart, and Circuit City. Video game details.

- AP published a story on WWE's renewed focus on the Japanese wrestling market. WWE recently hosted a Summerslam Festival where they charged $30 for fans to watch previous WWE PPVs on giant video screens. WWE opened an office in Japan last year to focus on marketing to the teens and families, and not just the traditional 20-to-40-year old audience.

The focus of the story is on WWE trying to sell the idea that Japanese wrestling fans are changing to appreciate WWE's sports entertainment brand over the traditional pro wrestling in Japan. "Japanese fans are changing," Funaki told the AP. "The key is to give them more opportunities to watch WWE. If they see it, they'll get it." AP article.

- WWE has a new line of fitted baseball caps featuring the logos of various WWE wrestlers. WWE has teamed up with New Era, so this is a significant deal for WWE. The product line attempts to make it "acceptable" to sport WWE merchandise in public, which holds to Triple H's philosophy that you want to sell WWE merchandise that people can wear in the mall without embarrassing themselves. The caps are selling for $35 on WWE's website. Full product line images.

- From earlier in the weekend, Jim Ross commented on Mick Foley's departure from WWE in his latest blog. "As I see it, and remember this is merely one man's opinion, it would appear that Mick did not burn any bridges with the WWE and a return engagement with the WWE isn't beyond the realm of possibilities for Mick Foley in the future," Ross said on jrsbarbq.com.

"Mick has many diverse, creative interests and my sense is that he is looking to explore TV opportunities that might come his way. ... Obviously, Mick cannot and will not be a full time wrestler for any organization but one can easily see Mick wrestling sporadically meaning once or twice a year if everyone involved in this scenario is of sound mind." Ross blog link.

- Montreal Gazette published a review of Trish Stratus's new "Stratusphere" show that airs on the Travel + Escape channel in Canada. In the first episode from last week, Trish traveled to India to learn the art of sword-fighting and visit a temple. From the review: "With so much dark drama and crime and spy shenanigans on the TV schedule this fall, it's a nice vacation to watch a show that is all sweetness and light. And I suspect a few of you might also enjoy Stratus sweating in a tank top." Article link.

- "The Wrestler" movie, starring Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei, hasn't been picked up by a U.S. studio for national distribution, but the movie is receiving Oscar awards attention after receiving high honors at the Venice Film Festival. The international award was handed out yesterday, which led to IMDB.com reporting this morning that a U.S. distributor might have signed last night to pick up the movie. Stay tuned.

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