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.

IWGP United States Champion Juice Robinson Accepts Bully Ray’s Open Challenge For The ROH/NJPW G-1 Supercard

IWGP United States Champion Juice Robinson was featured in a video posted to ROH’s Twitter page. In it, Robinson accepts WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray Dudley’s open challenge to a New York City Street Fight at the G-1 Supercard in Madison Square Garden on April 6.

In the video, featured below, Robinson can be seen saying, “Up until a couple of minutes ago, I didn’t have a match at MSG. No way that ROH and NJPW are going to put on the biggest show in the world’s most famous arena and me not have a match! So Bully [Ray], you issued an open challenge? New York City Street Fight – I don’t really care what it is. Sign me up, I’m there. It just so happens I’m sick and tired of your bull crap, too. So, two birds one stone.”

Bully responded to Robinson’s video, he can be seen below saying, “Madison Square Garden is my back yard; Madison Square Garden is where I made my legacy in this business. I’ve stolen the show at Madison Square Garden, I’ve main evented Madison Square Garden, my name has been on the marquee at Madison Square Garden, and I wrestled a little show called Wrestle-freaking-Mania at Madison Square Garden. What do you think is going to happen to Juice Robinson in Madison Square Garden?”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Photos And Videos From World Wrestling Alliance (W.W.A.) Event In Evansville, In. 3/30/19 – James Storm, Ace Austin, Corey Storm And More

Saturday night former TNA/Impact Wrestling World Champion “Cowboy” James Storm and Impact Wrestling & MLW star Ace Austin appeared at World Wrestling Alliance event in Evansville, In.

Storm had also competed briefly for WWE NXT.

Also W.W.A. had their version of a War Games match and young independent star Corey Storm (who turns 18 years old on Friday) was in action and more.

Below are photos and videos from the event.

Wrestling News Blog Podcast Episode 5 – WrestleMania Week, Michael PS Hayes and More

Wrestling News Blog Podcast Episode 5

WrestleMania Week & Happy Birthday Michael PS Hayes! 

Segment One – Wrestling News

Segment Two – Look at Michael PS Hayes

Segment Three – WrestleMania Week – WWE, ROH, NJPW, Impact Wrestling, MLW

Wrestling News Blog Podcast is available on all major podcast apps such as Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.

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.

ROH Women Of Honor Star Tenille Dashwood Is Now A Free Agent

On her social media accounts, Tenille Dashwood announced she is now a free agent, writing “Free agent. Happy, healthy, & healed.” Dashwood’s ROH contract ended this month and it’s unclear at the moment if she’ll be re-signing with the promotion. Dashwood was initially placed in the Lifeblood stable, so it remains to be seen if that connection will continue or not.

Dashwood has been out of action for the past six months after undergoing shoulder surgery for dislocated and torn labrum. The former WWE Star also dealt with a full body flare up from the autoimmune disease, psoriasis.

Back in January, Dashwood commented about her health.

“Sometimes you really do have to take a step backwards (or many) to move forwards! I’ve spent the past few months focusing on being happy and healthy! I spent time with my family and friends and traveled. These things make me happy! I’ve rehabbed my shoulder diligently & implemented new eating habits (with a few exceptions over the holidays) to get my skin condition (psoriasis) & health better. Now look at me! Almost fully healed through diet!”

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.

Gail Kim Coming Out Of Retirement At Impact Wrestling’s “Rebellion” PPV

Back in January at Impact Homecoming, Blanchard lost the Knockouts Championship to Taya Valkyrie with former Impact Knockouts Champion Gail Kim as the guest referee. Towards the end of that match, Blanchard attacked Kim out of frustration and would get hit with Kim’s finisher, eat defeat, allowing Valkyrie to win the title.

The long rivalry between Tessa Blanchard and Gail Kim reached a boiling point on last night’s Impact after Blanchard demanded an apology from Kim. In the video above, Kim apologized for what happened with them and would resign from her position in Impact management. Blanchard continued to taunt the Impact Hall of Famer until she was informed Kim has come out of retirement for a match.

The two will now meet at Impact Rebellion on April 28 at the Rebel Complex in Toronto. Below is the updated PPV card:

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1111842989171707906

Impact World Championship
Johnny Impact (c) vs. Brian Cage

Tessa Blanchard vs. Gail Kim