Wrestling

HBK Reveals Thoughts On WWE Tag-Team Future During Exclusive 60 Min “Iron Man Interview” One of the most iconic names in the history of pro wrestling, “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels joined up with the Ministry Of Slam wrestling radio show for an exclusive 60-minute talk. Dubbed the “Iron Man Interview” the hour long chat goes in-depth on Shawn's career, specifically focusing on several notable aspects of his lengthy tenure in wrestling. In this snippet, “The Showstopper” tells MOS his thoughts on recent rumours WWE may be about to put more focus on the tag-team division once again. “I really don't know (what the future holds for tag-team wrestling)”, Michaels stated. “When we were doing it, there were a lot of talented and very different tag-teams, but I think it might be fair to say that the business is more individually-oriented now. That's why I don't know if things can go back to the way they were, as phenomenal as it was. I also think that when there was a number of different territories, it wasn't a strange thing for the tag-teams to be the main draw. Obviously that's something, perhaps from a business standpoint, people don't think can be a reasonable expectation now, so it's more focused on individuals.” “Regardless, I think a lot of it comes down to the guys themselves – I think they're more individually focused, and a lot of folks look at being in tags as a stepping stone to get towards an individual career. I know that's something I obviously did, but it was never really the intention at the time. Marty and I of course talked about it, but when he and I got together it was really our first break. That's all we thought about, how we could be the best team possible.” “As for any resurgence of tag-team wrestling? I really can't say, it's impossible for me to get into the minds of individuals, but I don't know if that's a real focus now with the guys. Not a lot of guys seem to go into tags looking to make that team the absolute best it can be. Whether the company standpoint is that guys have to be individuals in order to be successful, or that comes from the wrestlers themselves, there does seem to be more emphasis on single success now than there was back when I started.” The full interview is available on a bumper 3-hour edition of MOS Radio, available via Podbean, iTunes and by visiting www.MinistryOfSlam.com. MOS Radio goes LIVE each and every Monday from 9pm GMT/4pm EST, with a special mid-week podcast, “Rewind” looking at a Pay-Per-View from wrestling history. Special, subscription only premium content is available through MOS Elite. Visit the website for more details! Ministry Of Slam; Right Stories, Right Guests, Right Time.

HBK Reveals Thoughts On WWE Tag-Team Future During Exclusive 60 Min “Iron Man Interview” One of the most iconic names in the history of pro wrestling, “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels joined up with the Ministry Of Slam wrestling radio show for an exclusive 60-minute talk. Dubbed the “Iron Man Interview” the hour long chat goes in-depth on Shawn's career, specifically focusing on several notable aspects of his lengthy tenure in wrestling. In this snippet, “The Showstopper” tells MOS his thoughts on recent rumours WWE may be about to put more focus on the tag-team division once again. “I really don't know (what the future holds for tag-team wrestling)”, Michaels stated. “When we were doing it, there were a lot of talented and very different tag-teams, but I think it might be fair to say that the business is more individually-oriented now. That's why I don't know if things can go back to the way they were, as phenomenal as it was. I also think that when there was a number of different territories, it wasn't a strange thing for the tag-teams to be the main draw. Obviously that's something, perhaps from a business standpoint, people don't think can be a reasonable expectation now, so it's more focused on individuals.” “Regardless, I think a lot of it comes down to the guys themselves – I think they're more individually focused, and a lot of folks look at being in tags as a stepping stone to get towards an individual career. I know that's something I obviously did, but it was never really the intention at the time. Marty and I of course talked about it, but when he and I got together it was really our first break. That's all we thought about, how we could be the best team possible.” “As for any resurgence of tag-team wrestling? I really can't say, it's impossible for me to get into the minds of individuals, but I don't know if that's a real focus now with the guys. Not a lot of guys seem to go into tags looking to make that team the absolute best it can be. Whether the company standpoint is that guys have to be individuals in order to be successful, or that comes from the wrestlers themselves, there does seem to be more emphasis on single success now than there was back when I started.” The full interview is available on a bumper 3-hour edition of MOS Radio, available via Podbean, iTunes and by visiting www.MinistryOfSlam.com. MOS Radio goes LIVE each and every Monday from 9pm GMT/4pm EST, with a special mid-week podcast, “Rewind” looking at a Pay-Per-View from wrestling history. Special, subscription only premium content is available through MOS Elite. Visit the website for more details! Ministry Of Slam; Right Stories, Right Guests, Right Time.

Mickie James has released the second single from her second album, Somebody’s Gonna Pay. The track is called “I’m Gone Song”. A lyric video of the song has been released, featuring footage of Mickie’s recent Knockouts Championship win, photoshoot shots and various clips of old school wrestling and NASCAR. Take a listen below: What do you think of the Knockouts Champion’s new track?

The latest episode of Off The Top Rope is here! The Cagesider's Pro Wrestling Podcast - made for you - by fans like you, has been made available for your listening pleasure as of today (June 19, 2013), by none-other-than your fellow Cagesiders, Mike (vfn) & Rex Ivanovic (the author formerly known as Buckeye Brawler). Each episode features the guys discussing the latest news and goings-on of note in the pro wrestling world. Plus, they review a classic professional wrestling event! This week's episode features chatter from Mike & Rex on the mic discussing: 0:00:30-0:24:00 - We talk about Payback and... man, what a Raw. Mark Henry's Oscar, Christian, Money in the Bank predictions, and more! 0:24:00-0:30:00 - It's Impact time, as we talk the Bound for Glory Series and Mike's unique prediction for the TNA World Title picture. 0:32:30-1:19:00 - TNA Unbreakable 2005, with us asking if TNA is racist or incompetent, an amazing three way match, garbage brawls and their place in modern wrestling, and how not to get a wrestler over. 1:19:00-1:26:00 - MVPs, LVPs, What show we're reviewing next week (WrestleMania V), and what we have going on this week. Remember, next week we will reveal which shows are finalists for the next Listener's Choice! You can nominate shows via Twitter or on Facebook! FOLLOW OFF THE TOP ROPE: A PRO WRESTLING PODCAST -- ON TWITTER | ON TUMBLR | ON FACEBOOK | EMAIL THE SHOW SUBSCRIBE VIA RSS or VIA ITUNES | LISTEN ON STITCHER Direct download: Episode_17_-_TNA_Unbreakable_2005.mp3 Mike & Rex of Off the Top Rope would like to add these thoughts ~ "Don't forget to let us know what you thought of this episode, your thoughts on AAA/IWC When Worlds Collide, or just flat out what you think about our show in general, via any of the ways to get in touch with us... "Feel free to email us your thoughts and we might read them on the air! Be sure to follow us on social media:@Mike & @Rex on Twitter, Mike on Tumblr, and subscribe to Rex right here on SBNation. ~ Thanks for listening!" _______________________________________ Editorial Note: This Fan-Podcast has been promoted to the front page and various sections within Cageside Seats for your enjoyment, Cagesiders! It is however, solely a production created by Fans for Fans, please remember, the opinions expressed herein are solely the subjective opinions of "Mike & Rex" and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cageside Seats Management, Editors or Staff.

It looks like Stacy Keibler has definitely made the big time! The former WWE Diva graces the cover of the Summer 2013 edition of New Beauty magazine. Keibler joins the likes of Sofia Vergara, Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Longoria and many more of Hollywood’s elite women as a cover girl for the beauty magazine. The magazine also features an exclusive piece on Keibler and shares some of her beauty regimens. It’s no surprise New Beauty featured her, as after landing a gig as host of Supermarket Superstar, becoming a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and being half of one of Hollywood’s hottest couples, the leggy blonde has been turning more heads than ever before! The article doesn’t focus too much on Keibler’s time in the WWE, but rather how she keeps fit. Being from Baltimore, the magazine asked what it’s like to be on the west coast now. She told New Beauty: “Los Angeles is more conscious of health and wellness, and it’s probably because of the weather. But there’s more of an emphasis on that kind of energy here. It just seems that the best trainers, energy healers and wellness experts gravitate out west.” Keibler also opened up about what “energy healing” she’s tried, saying:”I’ve tried it all. Cupping, acupuncture, Reiki, chakra cleansing. It sounds a bit crazy but it works.” Wondering how Keibler stays so fit? The 33 year-old actress, model and host dished on that too, sharing: “My life changed when I did the 21 day cleanse program. It changed the way I look at food and how I eat it- and it changed all my family and friends’ lives too. There’s so much knowledge out there now that tells us that eliminating certain foods in our diets might be linked to pinpointing an allergy or something more serious – and I’m fascinated with that. I eliminated sugar, fruit, beans, corn and gluten, and I looked at it like an experiment with my body and my mental clarity.” Check out full-sized preview photos below: Stacy’s issue of New Beauty will be on newsstands at the end of the month.

The following matches have been taped for this week's WWE Smackdown: Intercontinental Title Match: -Curtis Axel (c) vs. Wade Barrett -Chris Jericho vs. Alberto Del Rio -Sheamus vs. Cody Rhodes -Natalya vs. AJ Lee -Christian vs. Drew McIntyre -Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan

In a recent interview with Sam Roberts, WWE star Randy Orton went in depth on his entire career, with topics ranging from the couple times he's been suspended by the company, to his failed first run with the world heavyweight championship, to his playing a babyface now when he's so eager to turn heel. Here's the video: The folks at PWTorch.com translated some key quotes. On suspensions: "I think I was just a little impulsive with my decision-making and I wouldn't really think how it would affect me or the people around me. There were probably half-a-dozen times where I thought, 'This is it.' Like Triple H would always tell me, 'You're your own worst enemy.' Because everyone there was in my corner." On his failed first run with the world heavyweight title: "At that point in my career, I'm not very confident in my abilities at this point. Nothing like I am. I was like, 'Are you shi------ me? You're going to give me the World Hvt. Title?' Holy crap. I s--- my pants. I had the thing for a month before they took it off me, yeah, I wasn't ready. But, I'm still the youngest World Hvt. champion (laughs)." On turning heel and playing a babyface: "I wouldn't say happy, but I'm enjoying it the best I can. I'd much rather be a bad guy. I think everyone knows that." He added, "I try not to be that type of (Cena) babyface. I just try to be my own good guy and keep a couple of those characteristics I had as a heel. I know eventually I'll turn back." Head on over to the Torch to see more quotes.

On Easter Sunday morning a massive hail storm struck our home and destroyed our roof and gutters. Because we have had so much bad weather including a great deal of rain, the roofers are here today and started hammering incessantly at 6:30 this morning. Nails and shingles particles are everywhere. I’m essentially under “house arrest.” Sadly, I can’t even access my grill but “one can’t grieve forever” as the King used to espouse so, here we go.. The more I peruse the WWE Payback PPV card slated for this Sunday in the All State Arena in Chicago the more intrigued I am. Several matches have the opportunity to be really good or better and several talents have the opportunity to stamp their own mark on the PPV. Competition amongst talents is healthy. No one should be ‘grandfathered in’ as it relates to being a main eventer but should be required to earn it in an ongoing basis. At least, that’s my opinion. We had great locker room competition among the talents during the Attitude Era because the roster was so deep with experienced, main event level talents who all wanted a taste of the big money. No one rested on their laurels. The advantage then over now is that WWE had more top hands who could carry a main event than they currently do. The good news in that assessment is that the roster today is getting younger and I can see very soon down the road where the competition component is going to return in earnest because everyone can’t go on last and everyone can’t earn the top money on a given show. I spoke with WWE HOFer Dusty Rhodes Tuesday night and I’m happy to report that ‘The Dream’ is feeling much better and is looking forward to attending the NXT TV taping next Thursday at Full Sail University near Orlando. Big Dust is already back at work down in Tampa and was in great spirits when we spoke. Take solace in this Miami heat fans…the way the San Antonio Spurs shot the ball Tuesday night the Eastern Division All Star NBA team would have lost too. Now the big storyline will be how resilient the Heat have been all season after losing a game. The two teams play again in San Antonio Thursday night with the Spurs up two games to one. I’ve discovered that the Steve Austin Podcasts are great traveling companions on fights. I’ve downloaded them to my IPad and listen while flying. You can follow @steveaustinBSR on Twitter. Steve’s interview skills are unique and fun to listen to. Yes, it was the old promoter in me that suggested that Tim Tebow would be able to earn his keep quickly if he ever came to WWE if for nothing else a one off PPV shot. Think of the outside the box publicity that Tebow would garner if he were to ever step in a WWE ring as a performer which is, granted, a long shot at best. Realizing how much some talents want to make the NXT roster and to subsequently ‘graduate’ to the next level of WWE, it’s not so hard to understand the dismay some talents have when they are either released or not signed following a tryout. I only suggest that they all take the high road and continue to work toward their dreams. The selection process is a subjective one and no one ever said it was infallible. Enjoying working with the young broadcasters in NXT including veteran William Regal who is actually highly skilled at this aspect of the business. It is my opinion that every announce desk should have a degree of contrasting opinions all traveling in the same direction that should be entertainingly expressed but never at the expense of telling an accurate story of what is being displayed on the monitor. Brad Maddox has an opportunity to evolve into an entertaining albeit abrasive color commentator if his early work in NXT is any indication. Both NXT broadcast teams are doing really well as of late. I’ve updated the Q&A section of the site as of Wednesday morning and invite you to check them out. Tickets fo

- WFTV 9 in Florida reports that the Central Florida Sports Commission is hoping to bring major sporting events like WWE’s WrestleMania and Royal Rumble to the area between now and 2019. The CFSC is asking Orange County officials for money to help bring in the events. - As seen on Monday’s RAW, Stephanie McMahon confronted Kaitlyn and the other Divas on the stage and told them to never interrupt her again. This was apparently a play off a real-life situation that happened backstage recently where someone interrupted Stephanie and caused a bit of a scene. - Brock Lesnar reportedly did not arrive in the arena for Monday’s RAW until around 9:30pm. Lesnar returning to take out CM Punk was not in the final RAW script and few people knew he was returning. Big Backstage News on the McMahon Family Storyline, Big RVD & Christian Plans for MITB, Vince Changing Several Storylines, The Wyatts, More… Partial source: F4Wonline.com

M.V.D. – Most Valuable Diva” is a weekly column where a WWE Diva or TNA Knockout is named the Most Valuable Diva of the Week based on their overall performance. The divas/knockouts that compete in matches and/or take part in segments automatically get nominated for Most Valuable Diva. This week’s nominees for M.V.D. are: AJ: On RAW, AJ shocked Kaitlyn and the WWE Universe when she revealed to them that she set up the “secret admirer” thing. AJ went on to explain why she did it: Kaitlyn was busy chasing the Divas Championship, while AJ was busy getting her heart broken. The resident Crazy Chick got into Kaitlyn’s mind, causing Kaitlyn to break down. Kaitlyn: On RAW, Kaitlyn’s secret admirer was finally revealed. Unfortuntately, it was revealed that AJ had set up the “secret admirer” thing. AJ went on to explain why she did it: Kaitlyn was busy chasing the Divas Championship, while AJ was busy getting her heart broken. The resident Crazy Chick got into Kaitlyn’s mind, causing Kaitlyn to break down. Kaitlyn continued to show signs of being upset and letting AJ get to her on Smackdown. When Aksana laughed at the footage from RAW of AJ revealing that she was the secret admirer, Kaitlyn snapped and attacked Aksana. She even slapped the referee in his face. AJ makes people go crazy! Bayley: On NXT, Bayley was shown to have FINALLY been given a character of being the awkward girl that just wants to be everyone’s friend, or at least I think that’s what her gimmick is. Anyways, we got to see Bayley’s gimmick come into play during her match against Alicia Fox to determine who would advance to the semi-final round of the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament. Bayley tried to make friends with Alicia, but Alicia was not having it. This sparked a fire in Bayley and pushed her to wanting to win the match. In the end unfortunately, Alicia Fox got the win after a sick axe kick and advanced to the semi-finals. Alicia Fox: Did I really see Alicia Fox compete in a WWE match? Are my eyes deceiving me? Nope, it’s true! Alicia Fox was in a match this week on NXT, where she competed against Bayley to determine who would advance to the semi-final round of the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament. Alicia Fox had a great showing in this match and won after nailing Bayley with her signature axe kick. I just hope that Alicia doesn’t disappear on me again after winning this match. Aksana: On Smackdown, Aksana was set to compete against Divas Champion Kaitlyn. However, before the match could even begin, Aksana was attacked by Kaitlyn after she laughed at the footage from RAW of AJ revealing that she was the secret admirer. Velvet Sky: On Impact, Velvet Sky revealed to Mickie James a doctor’s note that stated that she was clear to compete. Velvet declared that she wants her rematch for her Knockouts Championship. That didn’t set too well with Mickie James, and Mickie went after her knee with a painful submission hold. Velvet might want to get the date on that note changed since her knee is pretty banged up now. Mickie James: On Impact, Velvet Sky revealed to Mickie James a doctor’s note that stated that she was clear to compete. Velvet declared that she wants her rematch for her Knockouts Championship. That didn’t set too well with Mickie James, and Mickie went after her knee with a painful submission hold. Mickie James has officially turned heel and has forced Velvet to extend the date of her knee clearance to a later date. This week, we have TWO MVDs! This week’s MVDs are… AJ & Mickie James! AJ cut a great promo on RAW when she revealed that the secret admirer thing was all a set up by her to play mind games with Kaitlyn. Not only did she cut a great promo, but she also got some major heat from the crowd. AJ’s a crazy chick, and she’s a damn good one. Speaking of crazy chicks, Mickie James has officially turned heel! When she attacked Velvet