October 02, 2008

Kevin Nash update

Several reports say Volusia County resident Kevin Nash has signed a new contract with TNA Wrestling.

However, I can tell you those reports are false. At least for the moment.

I spoke with Nash by phone Wednesday afternoon.

Nash is 'still working' on a deal with TNA Wrestling. Nash said his contract runs out Oct. 10, and he confirmed he hasn't and won't be on TNA Wrestling television until the two sides come to an agreement. Nash said merchandise issues are the finer points of making a renewed contract official.

As for whether he talked to WWE, he said 'yes.'

'I talked to Vince (McMahon)," Nash said. 'He offered me a contract, but he wanted me to dye my hair.'

Nash reiterated a TNA Wrestling schedule would be easier on him than a WWE schedule.

JAWBREAKER'S NEW HOME

If you were directed to JAWBreaker from news-journalonline.com to our new sister site three8six.com or found JAWBreaker on three8six.com, welcome aboard. Please check out both of our Web sites, but remind yourself that JAWBreaker's new home is at three8six.com. And remember, you can still find the link to JAWBreaker right here on the entertainment page (under the pop culture tab) of news-journalonline.com

WWE COMING TO ORLANDO!

WWE just announced it will be back in Orlando for a Smackdown/ECW show at Amway Arena on Nov. 4 (6:45 p.m.). Tickets go on sale this Saturday (Oct. 4, 10 a.m.). Triple H, Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, Big Show, Mark Henry and Matt Hardy are among the currently scheduled performers. For information, call 407-839-3900 or visit ticketmaster.com

HISTORY OF THE ECW BELT

Wonder what that is with me in my picture here on three8six.com? It's an ECW World Heavyweight championship belt. It's currently held (and owned) by fellow graphics worker Eric Page, who loaned it to me for the photo shoot.

Eric passes this info along about that championship:

'The Sandman, Shane Douglas, Sabu, Terry Funk, Raven, Tazz, Tommy Dreamer, Justin Credible, Jerry Lynn and Rhino (all held this title). There were more. But those are the most notable.

'Jimmy Snuka was actually the very first person to hold the ECW title back in '92 when it was Eastern Championship Wrestling as a part of NWA. I don't think the belt looked the same back then, but he was the first to hold the ECW title.

'Rhino was the last to hold it when it was actually ECW and not owned by WWE. That was in 2001.

'It was then deactivated by WWE until 2006 when WWE restarted ECW as a WWE brand. Those who have held the title since then are Rob Van Dam, Big Show, CM Punk and Kane. Again, there have been others, but those are the most notable.

'Any self-respecting wrestling fan realizes the ECW championship in WWE hands has basically been its new version of the European Championship.'

Eric, thanks for the history lesson.

WWE NO MERCY PPV -- OCT. 5 PREDICTIONS

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels in a ladder match. PICK: Of course, Michaels would be a great champion. But, I can't see WWE taking the title off Jericho so quickly.

WWE champion Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy. PICK: Yes, Hardy might still be a feel-good story to some, but he had his chance with a title run. Go with the champ.

ECW Champion Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry. PICK: Hardy appeals to a much broader audience, so go with him.

Batista vs. JBL. PICK: At times, I forget JBL is still wrestling. That's not a knock on him -- just the story lines. Go with Batista.

Big Show vs. Undertaker. PICK: Undertaker is way too banged up to win a match like this. Take Big Show.

Women's champion Beth Phoenix vs. Candice Michelle. PICK: Candice has the fan base and the sympathy factor coming back from injury, so go with her.

Rey Mysterio vs. Kane. PICK: This feud should continue, meaning Kane should win. But I'm thinking Mysterio will pull out the victory.

TUNE IN TONIGHT, FLORIDA!

With Smackdown going to MyNetworkTV, that channel will have a special WM XXIV broadcast tonight! Hello, Orlando!

WEEKLY HEADLINES AND MY REACTS

What's better than one dose of this part of the column? How about two weeks worth of news, since I took a break last week. On with it:

Batista reportedly upset with his push. REACT: I think Batista is a tremendous talent who should get a world title run soon.

Gregory Helms returns. REACT: Seventeen months plus was way too long. Good to see him back.

WWE reportedly tells video gaming press (Fighting Spirit) how to portray Smackdown vs. Raw 2009. REACT: Any memo that tells me how to write my column would be ignored.

Randy Orton's story about Umaga when HHH went to Smackdown. REACT: Funny stuff. Even Orton knows the obstacle HHH can be in story lines.

Report of WWE Diva Search not returning. REACT: Surprising since more recent participants have become decent wrestlers, but it's all about company portrayal right now.

Jeff Hardy's airport problem. REACT: I'm glad WWE didn't consider his actions his 'third strike.' However, Hardy should watch himself.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated's male and female rankings. REACT: Randy Orton is a solid choice for No. 1. It's interesting there are a number of veterans (Kurt Angle, Triple H, Edge, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels) in the top 10. It's also good for Samoa Joe to prove his doubters wrong with his No. 4 ranking. Same with Awesome Kong at No. 1 in the female rankings. I wonder if WWE is happy with five of the top 10.

Kurt Angle and a future UFC fight a done deal. REACT: I'll still believe it when I see it.

Randy Orton rips Kenny Dykstra and doesn't think Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase are championship material. REACT: Who exactly does he think are the future of the business, besides him of course?

'MyMoving Company' story line for Jesse and Festus that's really promoting the Smackdown network change. REACT: Brilliant move, WWE!

WWE will be using less real names for performers. REACT: Always a smart move for marketing purposes.

WWE Magazine says Triple H, CM Punk and Undertaker are the top three (in order) WWE names. REACT: While HHH isn't a surprise, why isn't Cena ranked No. 2?

'WWE Fan Nation' is now 'WWE Universe.' REACT: Poor fans.

Michael Cole saying 'WWF' on Raw. REACT: Cut the guy some slack. It was a mistake, which he immediately corrected.

Charlie Haas. REACT: Along with the new and improved Santino Marella, Haas brings nice comedy to Raw.

Bryan Clark's recent interview bashing HBK and HBK's wife (Whisper), the Nitro Girls, Jim Ross, DDP and Kimberly, Bam Bam Bigelow and others. REACT: Strong comments. While I read them, I think less of Clark for bashing so many class acts.

LATEST ON THE HOGANS

1. Jan. 9, 2009 was supposed to be the date Nick would have served his eight months and got out of the Pinellas County Jail. Now, TMZ.com says Nick will be released from jail Oct. 21. REACT: While I appreciate his good behavior, I'm not a 100 percent supporter of early release.

2. PopEater.com says Brooke got a tattoo on her lower back that reads 'Redemption.' REACT: Is this a tattoo supporting Nick (in some way) or one that is against her mother Linda?

3. Brooke says Hulk has lost 20 pounds, is getting in better shape and could make a comeback (maybe at WM 25). REACT: If true, too bad Stone Cold Steve Austin won't step in the ring with him.

4. HulkHogan.com has a trailer of the upcoming Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling on CMT, which debuts Oct. 18. REACT: Check it out. Good stuff.

5. Rumor of Bill Goldberg joining Hulk for a new wrestling promotion. REACT: Never say never, but we've heard this before. If Eric Bischoff gets something done, it looks like it'll be a mix of wrestling and reality.

6. Linda and Hulk reportedly put down $840,000 as a down payment on a $4.2 million Las Vegas condo. Then, Hulk wanted out when Linda filed for divorce. The seller will reportedly only return $200,000. REACT: Can I be added to the Hogan lawyer team? Please?

7. The season finale of 'Brooke Knows Best' is this Sunday. REACT: It's been a fun season. Will there be a second run?

LATEST ON RANDY SAVAGE

A few columns online the last two weeks on lordsofpain.net asked the 'why' question as it relates to Randy 'Macho Man' Savage and WWE. REACT: All I can say is stay tuned to JAWBreaker for some answers.

OTHER REMINDERS

Memorial funds:

The Nancy and Daniel Benoit Foundation for Battered Women and Abused Children; c/o Decker, Hallman, Barber and Briggs; 260 Peachtree St. Suite 1700; Atlanta, Ga., 30303.

Sports Legacy Institute. Attn: Benoit Family Fund for Brain Injury Research; 230 Third Avenue; Waltham, MA. 02451-7528.

Brian Adams Memorial and Family Fund; Bank of America; 4918 Anniston Circle; Tampa, Fl., 33647.

Lex Luger fundraiser; GT Agency, 1901-B E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fl., 33060 or 954-675-0552.

Dory Funking Conservatory information: In Ocala, 353-895-4658.

Ultimate Championship Wrestling opens school in Tampa on June 24. Call 813-323-7272 for more information.

Randy Savage and WWE Hall of Fame petition. Visit petitiononline.com/randy08/petition.html

Ric Flair contact: Elaine Gillespie of The Gillespie Agency, Inc. at [email protected]

Terri Runnels has extended her house contest date to Oct. 5. For more info, visit theterrirunnels.com/mediaroom/august52008.html

Now open: WZ, The Wrestling Zone is at 819 North A1A in Flagler Beach. In addition to more than 20,000 comics and other collectibles, around a professional wrestling ring, there are action figures and autograph signings with TNA wrestlers and other professional wrestlers.

STATE EVENTS

Schedule is subject to change. For more information on local federations, google their Web sites. This list is compiled from various federation web sites and e-mails to JAWBreaker.

October 4: Wesley Chapel Nisssan, Kelly Kelly (noon-2 p.m.)

October 4: CBS special, Sunrise.

October 4: Coastal Championship Wrestling, Coral Springs.

October 9: FCW Arena, Tampa. Meet Batista, Kelly Kelly and others. 7:30 p.m.

October 11: ACW, Port Richey.

October 14: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

October 25: D1PW, second anniversary show, Davie (Mike Mondo, Savio Vega).

October 27: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

October 28: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

November 3: WWE Monday Night Raw, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., Tampa.

November 4: WWE Smackdown/ECW, 6:45 p.m., Amway Arena in Orlando.

November 10: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

November 11: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

November 15: Florida Championship Wrestling, Lee County Civic Center, Fort Myers.

November 24: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

November 25: TNA Wrestling, Universal Studios in Orlando.

November 29: Pro Wrestling Fusion, Fort Pierce.

December 19: WWE Raw, Bank Atlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale.

December 20: WWE Smackdown/ECW, Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee.

Jeff Wilen is an assistant sports editor. The JAWBreaker columnist can be reached at [email protected]

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I also noted the Kevin Nash's photo has been removed from the TNA Roster Page. 

Kevin told the above writer that He spoke to McMahon, he would want Kevin back but he needed to dye his hair.  Not a bad idea Kev, your white hair makes you look too old.