Category: WWE

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019

WWE has announced Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake (Ed Leslie) for the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame class.

Beefcake joins headliners DX (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, Billy Gunn, “Road Dogg” BG James, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman), Torrie Wilson, Harlem Heat, The Honky Tonk Man and The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart) as confirmed inductees for the 2019 class. Veteran WWE employee Sue Aitchison will receive The Warrior Award.

The 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place this Saturday night from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, during WrestleMania 35 weekend.

Below is WWE’s full announcement on Beefcake’s induction:

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019Brutus Beefcake was known for taking a little off the top (and the sides) of his opponents after a win inside the squared circle. Now, “The Barber” will be struttin’ and cuttin’ into sports-entertainment immortality.

Beefcake is the final inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019. He will take his place in the hallowed hall this Saturday, the eve of WrestleMania 35, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The news was first reported by Sports Illustrated. Tickets are available now for the ceremony, which will stream live on the WWE Network at 7 ET/4 PT.

Beefcake first arrived in WWE in late 1984. He was a Superstar who was just as concerned with his looks as he was picking up wins in the ring. Vanity aside, Beefcake was no slouch as a competitor, racking up victories and even appearing in the very first WrestleMania. He found his first major success as a tag team wrestler. He and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, known as The Dream Team, dethroned The British Bulldogs in August 1985 to capture the World Tag Team Titles.

At WrestleMania III in 1987, however, The Dream Team split up, with Valentine and manager Johnny Valiant ditching Beefcake. Just a few minutes later, Brutus re-emerged to help “Rowdy” Roddy Piper even the odds in a Hair vs. Hair Match against Adrian Adonis, who had “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart in his corner. After Piper claimed victory, it was Beefcake who ended up shearing Adonis’ platinum locks off. It was a moment that changed Beefcake’s career forever.

After a little training in the fine art of cutting hair, he rechristened himself Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake. With a wild-eyed glare and a massive pair of hedge clippers in hand, “The Barber” became an immediate fan favorite with the WWE Universe, as well as a feared opponent in the ring. Both were due in part to his trademark Sleeper Hold and for what happened after he put his opponents to sleep.

Leaving his hedge clippers aside in favor of more traditional haircutting tools, Beefcake showed off his unique barbering skills, giving his rivals a haircut that would leave them regretting ever stepping into the ring with “The Barber.”

Beefcake was also a trusted friend of the legendary Hulk Hogan. “The Barber” always had The Hulkster’s back, even if it meant staring down monstrous foes like Zeus. On his own, Beefcake was always a top contender to the Intercontinental Championship, whether it was held by fellow 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee The Honky Tonk Man or Mr. Perfect. In fact, it was Beefcake who handed Mr. Perfect his first-ever loss in WWE at WrestleMania VI.

A parasailing accident in 1990 nearly took Beefcake’s life, and seemingly cut his in-ring career short, just as he was hitting his stride in WWE. Reconstructive surgery with titanium plates, screws and steel wire put his face back together, and allowed him to make a miraculous comeback in 1991. Upon his return, Beefcake opened his “Barber Shop,” his own interview segment where he grilled the biggest Superstars of the era, and gave the more daring ones a trim. Still, Beefcake yearned to get back in the ring and compete.

Against all odds, he did just that in early 1993. Though his reconstructed face made him a target of nefarious Superstars like The Million Dollar Man & IRS, “The Barber” had a protective mask and backup in the form of Hogan. Joining forces as The Mega Maniacs, “The Barber” & The Hulkster defeated Money Inc. at WrestleMania IX.

While Beefcake eventually left WWE to head to WCW, he has remained one of the most enduring characters in WWE history and an all-time fan favorite of the WWE Universe. That’s why there’s no better honor for him then induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Watch Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake enter the WWE Hall of Fame when the 2019 Induction Ceremony streams live this Saturday at 7 ET/4 PT on WWE Network. If you’ll be in New York City for WrestleMania 35 Week, tickets for the ceremony are available now!

Tommaso Ciampa Says He Was Told He’d Be On “Borrowed Time” If He Returns To The Ring

Tommaso Ciampa took to Twitter today and revealed that doctors told him he will be on “borrowed time” if he returns to the ring from his recent neck surgery.

Ciampa revealed the bad news when reflecting on how he will be missing the WWE NXT TakeOver: New York” event next Friday night in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. As noted, the plan was for Ciampa to defend his title against Johnny Gargano in the TakeOver main event, but Ciampa was forced to undergo neck surgery and relinquish the title. Gargano will now face Adam Cole in a 2 of 3 Falls match for the vacant NXT Title at TakeOver.

Ciampa said the match at TakeOver meant more to him than anyone will ever understand. “The opportunity was taken away from me,” he added.

There’s still no official word on when Ciampa will return to the ring but it was noted in the recent NXT TV video package, seen above, that it takes most people up to a full year to recover from the operation he had.

You can read Ciampa’s full statement below:

“In May of 2017 they told me that no one has ever had 3 major surgeries in a 12 week span and returned at a competitive level.I returned to the most successful run of my career.

This week I should be preparing to walk into the main event of TakeOver New York on Wrestlemania weekend as the NXT Champion. This match meant more to me than anyone will ever understand.

The opportunity was taken away from me.

In March of 2019 they told me that if I return then I will be on borrowed time.

To be continued…”

https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/1112716777392431104

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Stephanie McMahon To Make WrestleMania 35 Main Event Announcement On Tonight’s WWE RAW

WWE has just confirmed that Stephanie McMahon will be on tonight’s RAW to make an announcement on the WrestleMania 35 main event between new SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

As noted, there’s been talk on Flair also putting her title on the line in the main event, or some sort of “Winner Takes All” stipulation being added. This is likely what Stephanie will be announcing on tonight’s WrestleMania 35 go-home show.

Below is WWE’s announcement on Stephanie’s appearance:

Breaking News: Stephanie McMahon to make an announcement regarding the WrestleMania main event tonight

Stephanie McMahon will appear on the final Raw before WrestleMania 35 with an announcement pertaining to WrestleMania’s first-ever women’s main event, featuring Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending her title against new SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat Match.

The historic match has undergone incredible shifts in recent weeks, with Mr. McMahon inserting The Queen as his hand-picked challenger to The Rowdy One’s throne, The Man having to fight tooth-and-nail to cling to the opportunity she earned in the 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match and, this past Tuesday night, Flair capturing the SmackDown Women’s Title.

What news will Stephanie deliver, and how might it further alter the landscape of one of the most anticipated main events in WrestleMania history? Find out when Raw airs live tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network.

Backstage News On John Cena’s WrestleMania Match Being Kept Secret, Lars Sullivan Involved?

Earlier this week it was reported John Cena signed a deal to work a match at WrestleMania, but it’s not expected to be against Kurt Angle. On this morning’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported Cena’s match is being kept very quiet.

“The Cena match is being kept secret,” Meltzer said. “I mean even people who know everything don’t know that one. I mean people internal, internal do know, but I don’t know who it is. It’s not Kurt, for sure. He’s got nothing to do with the Kurt match. Kurt is wrestling Baron Corbin, unless there’s another guy who’s coming in that we don’t know that’s what it’s gonna be.”

Also on this morning’s show, Meltzer was asked if Cena’s opponent could be Lars Sullivan, who was originally considered to be Cena’s opponent before an anxiety attack kept Sullivan from starting up on the main roster. Earlier this month it was reported he’s currently in a “good place.”

It’s unknown if Sullivan will be a potential opponent, but he could show up post-match.

“I don’t think they’re gonna do a match with Lars, but I wouldn’t be surprised if John Cena beats somebody and Lars shows up and destroys him,” Meltzer said. “I mean, it’s possible. It may be a little early for Lars, but just the way Triple H talked when he was asked about Lars and other things I’ve heard. Lars, I’m thinking is coming back fairly soon. I don’t know that’s 100 percent, but it’s certainly leaning in that direction. I can say for sure it’s leaning that direction and Triple H kinda sorta hinted that, as well.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On WWE SmackDown’s Move To FOX

As previously noted, WWE will begin airing SmackDown Live on the FOX Network each Friday Night starting October 4, 2019. FOX Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier described the move as “short term” back in February, but since then, there have been few details to explain what he exactly meant.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that there is now talk within the WWE to potentially add a third hour to SmackDown once it makes the transition over to Friday nights on FOX. The feeling among higher ups is that since they have to continue filming for 205 Live, a show that never grew as successful as WWE hoped, it may be beneficial to do the expected first two hours from 8 pm – 10 pm on FOX and then continue from 10 pm – 11 pm on FOX’s affiliate, FS1.

WWE can reportedly gain upwards of $50,000,000 a year from FOX if this is the route they ultimately choose to take. It is by no means a done deal at this point, but the momentum backstage apparently has people within the financial community expecting this aspect of the deal to come together.

It was noted how there wasn’t much discussion about doing a three hour show until FS1 lost it’s UFC programming to the multi-year deal between ESPN and UFC. Adding more WWE programming could be one way that FOX can potentially counter that loss.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On John Cena At WrestleMania 35

Although the WrestleMania 35 card has continued filling out throughout the week, one of WWE’s biggest names, John Cena, has yet to be mentioned on WWE TV regarding this year’s “Show of Shows”.

During the past couple of months, there has been speculation on who Cena will ultimately be competing against at this year’s WrestleMania. WWE United States Champion Samoa Joe was an early favorite for one of Cena’s opponents, especially after a series of promos delivered by Joe hinted that it may be the direction WWE creative was taking. Of course, Samoa Joe will be defending his U.S. Title against Rey Mysterio at ‘Mania.

People have also speculated that Cena will eventually take Baron Corbin’s place and become Kurt Angle’s opponent in what is being billed as the Olympic gold medalist’s final match with WWE. Cena continues posting photos on his Instagram account that poke fun at the situation with Corbin, and bring attention to the fact that Angle was Cena’s vert first opponent in WWE.

F4WOnline is now reporting that there is a deal on the table that Cena is expected to sign for WrestleMania; however, they noted that his opponent is not Kurt Angle.

We’ll keep you updated on further developments as we head in to this year’s WrestleMania.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Mickie James To Be Speaker At Childhelp National Day Of Hope

WWE superstar Mickie James just announced on her official Instagram that next week, she will be a speaker at the Childhelp National Day of Hope breakfast in Washington D.C. The first Wednesday in April is National Day of Hope and it was created by the United States House of Representatives in 2000.

James wrote that she was excited to be part of the event and that the organization was near and dear to her heart. She also wrote that after the breakfast, she will be joining the Childhelp team on the Hill to speak to members of Congress about the importance of organizations like Childhelp.

Her full message reads: “I am so excited to announce that next week I will be a speaker at the @childhelp National Day of Hope breakfast in Washington D.C. After the breakfast, I will join the Childhelp team on the Hill speaking to leaders and members of Congress about the importance of helping organizations that help victims and families with their life-changing resources and programs.
As you may know, this organization is so special to me, and near & dear to my heart. Please check out their page Childhelp.org and support them in any way you can. Together we can end child abuse now & forever. If you know of, or suspect a child to be a victim please use the national Child Abuse hotline 1-800-4-A-Child so they may no longer be a victim but a #SURVIVOR thank you!!! Xoxo”

It was also announced today that Mickie James will be a part of the 2nd annual WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 35.

You can read her Instagram post below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Luke Harper Issues Statement Ahead Of WWE TV Return, Says He Was “Ignored And Left Home For Months”

Luke Harper took to Twitter and confirmed that he was cleared to return to action back on February 6th. He also noted that he has not been brought to one WWE TV tapings since going down with an injury last October.

Harper pointed to how he will be facing WWE NXT Superstar Dominik Dijakovic at the WrestleMania 35 Axxess tapings for the WWE Network next Thursday, and said his WWE career has come full circle. Harper also addressed the speculation on his future and said he still has so much to prove to himself, WWE, the industry and his wife. He went on to say being “ignored and left home for months” by WWE brought on a lot of doubt and negative thoughts.

He wrote, I have so much to prove to myself, to WWE, to the industry of professional wrestling, to my wife and it is my responsibility to show my kids how to handle adversity. Next Thursday is the answer. Are the doubts real or is this the first step of the climb? I promise you I will come prepared and you will get my very best that night Mr. Dijak. Just know, be careful thinking of this as just an axxess match because to me, this is Wrestlemania. I’m not throwing away my shot.”

As noted, Harper has worked recent live events, including shows for the RAW brand, but he has been off TV since losing the SmackDown Tag Team Titles when Rowan suffered an injury last summer.

You can see his full statement below:

I’m 39 years old.I’ve been cleared since February 6th. I haven’t been brought to one television taping since I left to have double ligament reconstruction surgery on October 2nd, 2018.

6 years ago, I wrestled multiple matches at Axxess as part of FCW and was involved in Undertakers entrance. 5 years ago, I had a front row seat to watch Bray Wyatt wrestle John Cena. 4 years ago, I competed for the Intercontinental Championship in my first Wrestlemania singles match. 3 years ago, I wrestled Brock Lesnar in Toronto on a network special. 2 years ago, I came within inches of competing for the WWE Championship in the very math AJ Styles won his first and within inches of being part of the WWE championship match at Wrestlemania with Bray and Randy. 1 year ago, I won the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championships with Rowan while my wife and 2 sons watched from the front row.

Next Thursday I will be wrestling Donovan Dijak at Axxess.

Full circle.

I read all the texts I got that said, “you’re back on axxess???” I was kind to all the people at the gym asking if I’m retired. I swallowed my pride when agents and writers asked me if I was still hurt when completely healthy. And now here we are. April 4th, 2019 “When Worlds Collide” at Axxess. Luke Harper vs. Donovan Dijak. How will I respond? How will I change things? Well to all of you this may just be a throwaway Axxess match, but I can assure you to me it is much, much more. This is test. No one has to be happy with the results except me. That’s the true test. Do I still have it? Can I compete with a young, up and coming, incredibly talented, nxt prospect? Am I too old? Has the game passed me by? Am I as good as I really think I am? It brings me near tears to write this because I truly believe I have so f–king much to offer this industry. I believe I will be a World Heavyweight Champion someday. I believe that, but these are the doubts I live with daily. These are the doubts that creep in your head during rehab. These are the thoughts you think when you watch your left side atrophy. Being ignored and left home for months exasperated these thoughts and it sucked.

I have so much to prove to myself, to WWE, to the industry of professional wrestling, to my wife and it is my responsibility to show my kids how to handle adversity. Next Thursday is the answer. Are the doubts real or is this the first step of the climb?

I promise you I will come prepared and you will get my very best that night Mr. Dijak. Just know, be careful thinking of this as just an axxess match because to me, this is Wrestlemania. I’m not throwing away my shot.

Good luck.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Undertaker Shows His Recent Weight Loss

The Undertaker took to Instagram today and said the reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Taker noted that he’s made some lifestyle changes in an attempt to offset the years of physical abuse his body has endured while wrestling for WWE. He noted that he has lost 25 pounds and gave credit to Nutrition Solutions for helping.

Taker wrote, “The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!! I’ve made some serious lifestyle changes in an attempt to offset the years of physical abuse my body has endured. One of the major changes was losing 25lbs. Goal reached! I wanted to thank @nutritionsolutions for the meal prep! I really appreciate the help getting my diet dialed in. #iaintdoneyet #neverstopworking #rentsdue #restinpeace #goals #wwe #deathvalley #makeithappen #goodfood”

There’s still no word yet on if Taker will be appearing at WrestleMania 35. We know that he and wife Michelle McCool were teaching at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando last week.

You can see Taker’s full post below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvmMC6qgFYL/?utm_source=ig_embed

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Linda McMahon To Step Down From Small Business Administration, Reportedly Raising Funds For Trump

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon is expected to announce later today that she is stepping down as the head of the Small Business Administration.

Linda is expected to rejoin the private sector, according to Politico. Her exact plans are unclear, but a source close to Linda said she plans on playing a fundraising role for President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. Linda was expected to join Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida this weekend.

Trump named McMahon as the head of his SBA back in December 2016. Trump administration officials have long seen Linda as a leading contender to replace Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross when he eventually steps down, but that won’t be happening.

Source: Wrestling Inc.