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February 07, 2008

Exclusives with Jim Ross and Ashley

Leading up to WrestleMania 24 in Orlando on March 30, JAWBreaker will have some exclusive questions and answers with WWE announcer Jim Ross. Thanks to WWE's Bob Collins for setting this up. Here is Week 2 with Jim Ross. Enjoy!

Question: Like her or not, Britney Spears is probably the most bankable celebrity right now. Any chance we'll see her at WM 24? If not, any other celebrity rumblings you can let us know about?

Answer: "It's not that other talented albeit 'high-maintenance' females haven't been successful in the past in the WWE, but with Britney's many alleged issues the suggestion of her being a part of WrestleMania 24 might not be wise at this time. She needs to get her life back together, and the WWE would be taking a calculated risk to bring her into such a positive environment like WrestleMania 24. I have not yet heard of any celeb's being a part of 'Mania, and I am of the personal opinion that the WWE Superstars themselves when put into compelling situations is a better use of corporate funds than investing more into the 'sizzle' than the 'steak' of the event. However, one can also predict that WM24 will not be celeb-free either. There will likely be many celeb/fans who will be attending simply to enjoy the biggest event of the year."

Question: In this day of the Internet, John Cena showing up at the Royal Rumble and winning it was a huge surprise. How did this stay a secret?

Answer: "I can only assume that the few people that did know simply did not talk. The old saying, 'telephone, telegraph, tell a wrestler' did not apply here, as apparently only a handful of people knew of John Cena's entry into the Rumble match. I was not informed about Cena's involvement and enjoyed being surprised. Cena apparently did not arrive at Madison Square Garden until well after the event started. I was backstage most of the afternoon, and I never saw John all day."

Question: Each week, I update my predicted WrestleMania 24 card. What do you think of this: January 31, 2008 JAWBreaker match predictions (note, I've updated predictions below): John Cena vs. HHH vs. Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy; The Undertaker vs. Edge; HBK vs. JBL; Batista vs. MVP; Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy; Ric Flair vs. Mr. McMahon; Umaga vs. Finlay; Hulk Hogan vs. The Great Khali; Beth Phoenix vs. Maria; Four on four: (Matt Hardy, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Kane vs. Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, Chavo Guerrero, Big Daddy V). Dark match: Tag-team battle with Lance Cade/Trevor Murdoch, Brian London/Paul Kendrick, The Miz/John Morrison and Cody Rhodes/Hardcore Holly.

Answer: "Booking wrestling cards is extremely subjective, but this would be a marketable card. It really is all in the build and the execution. I have read on the Internet that many matches are already down on paper, but I am a firm believer that the majority of the WM24 card is still a 'work in progress.' I have also seen fantasy cards suggesting a War Games match and a Scaffold match, both of which are intriguing if the right participants are involved and the build is on the money. The problem with multiple-participant matches is talent-depth issues. I am for one-on-one matches to headline the event as opposed to Triple-Threat/Fatal 4-Way affairs."

Question: Have you tried JBL's Mamajuana Energy drink?

Answer: "Not yet, but I have been provided a sample. Some of the 'guys' have tried it and have spoken highly of it. Rumor has it that Mamajuana was 'barred' from Michael Hayes' home by the former Freebird's wife."

Question: Did you watch Brock Lesnar's fight Saturday, and if so, what did you think of it?

Answer: "I watched the UFC PPV and enjoyed their presentation even though I still feel that the WWE blows boxing and MMA away with the WWE's TV production for PPV's. Nonetheless, it was a fun show to watch. Lesnar simply made a fundamental mistake that was a result of inexperience as he allowed his ankle to become exposed, and Frank Mir took advantage for the tap-out victory. Lesnar will improve without question, as he is too proud a guy to not get better. How much better can he get as a MMA competitor remains to be seen, but Brock has all the physical tools and potential to still become the UFC's 'Next Big Thing.' However, I have said many times that potential alone won't buy the groceries over the long haul. How Brock responds to this setback is the key to his future in the UFC. I hope Lesnar learns from the experience and gets on track. It will be interesting to see how the UFC spins this loss and who they match Lesnar with in his next fight, which should be later this year. I talked to the Undertaker who was there in Vegas at the fight, and he hit the nail on the head when he said without question the fans in attendance had come to see Brock's debut. In essence, Lesnar 'drew the house.' I suspect the number of PPV buys to be strong because of the curiosity factor of how Lesnar would fare. That's exactly why I bought the PPV -- out of curiosity."

For more with Jim Ross, visit his blog at jrsbarbq.com/blog/

Q&A WITH ASHLEY

On Saturday, JAWBreaker talked by phone with WWE Diva Ashley, who was in Orlando promoting WM 24 and was planning to see one of her favorites, Bret Michaels of Poison, in concert Saturday night. Thanks to WWE's Adam Hopkins and Jason Maderer of the Central Florida Sports Commission for setting this up. Thanks to Ashley for her time. Here are portions of the interview:

On WM 24 in Orlando: "I think it's going to be awesome. Last year was so cold in Detroit. I'm more excited for this one. I just have high hopes. Who cares if it's raining."

On the women's division and Beth Phoenix's domination: "A lot can happen (up until WM 24). Hopefully, someone can figure her out. I can't wait to get a crack at her. I'm anxious."

On her fan base: "They are awesome and really supportive."

On her critics: "I look at wrestling like a fan. (Maybe) you're right, but it can get better."

On what's happened to past divas like Sable and Chyna: "I have no intentions of leaving WWE anytime soon. This is where I want to be. There's progress (being made)."

On getting back with Paul London and Brian Kendrick: "I hope so." (A good opportunity was lost on Raw for that).

On her future aspirations: "I love acting. I've done a couple of things. It's fun. I could talk music (all day)."

On what makes "Survivor" so difficult: "You just can't plan it. You have to wing it. You think you could survive in the wilderness no problem. Other twists -- you just never know" (how that will play a role). She said "Survivor" was a joint decision, that she likes to try everything and is "very spontaneous."

On the Super Bowl: Ashley was rooting for the New York Giants and had a big Super Bowl party. And she got an upset win out of it.

WRESTLEMANIA 24 REMINDERS

Each week, leading up to WM 24 in 2008 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, I'll post any new information here. You can count on this being your only weekly source for WM 24/Orlando news.

When: March 30, 2008.

What: Five-day celebration of the biggest annual event in sports entertainment.

Where: Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Outside?: Yes. WWE has had only one other completely outdoor WM (WM 9 in 1993 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas).

Vince McMahon, commenting to me March 21 about the weather factor: "We have little concern about the weather. It's worth the risk. WrestleMania will go on, regardless of the weather."

March 30 weather: From my research, from 1997 to present, the average daily precipitation is 0.04 with a historical range of 0.00 to 0.21. Average temperatures from 60 degrees to 81 degrees. Rain in 1997 and 2001, but not after 7 p.m. That means WM 24 is safe, right?

March 28-April 1 weather: From my research, from 1997 to present, the average daily precipitation is 0.13 with a historical range of 0.00 to 2.25. There is an 18 percent chance of a precipitation day -- which is nine days out of 50 in historical record. Rain in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2007 (all odd years). And next year is 2008, so that's good pattern-wise.

Expected crowd: 65,000, with an outside shot at 70,000.

Number of tickets sold: As of Jan. 28, we're at 56,721, according to WWE officials.

Tickets: Still available. Go to the Amway Arena box office in Orlando, Florida Ticketmaster ticket centers and FYE stores, charge by phone at 407-839-3900 and online at ticketmaster.com. For groups of 20 or more, order at 407-849-2014. Tickets are not on sale at the site, the Florida Citrus Bowl. Tickets are $250, $150, $95, $55 and $40. Prices include $5 per ticket facility fee.

WWE ticket deal: Orlando vacation package is available at wwe.com

Ticket offers: A JAWBreaker reader has seats in Section 118, Row R, Seats 21 and 22. He wants $300. Another JAWBreaker reader has three tickets in F39, Row K, Seats 13/14/15. She wants $799.50. If interested, kindly e-mail me, and I'll let them know.

Seating chart: ticketmaster.com/seatingchart/278605/20876

Parking: More information will be available at a later date.

Expected profit: $25 million in new direct spending for Central Florida. WWE sources say Detroit made $30 million in revenue on this year's event.

Theme Song: "Snow (Hey Oh)" from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Hall of Fame: The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be March 29, 2008. The location is the Amway Arena in Orlando. Possible entrants could be Ric Flair, Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. Other rumored names are the Von Erichs, Ted DiBiase, Mae Young, Gordon Solie, Brisco Brothers, Rick Rude, Bob Uecker and Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia (with a likely induction from The Rock).

"Bacon, Bagels & Biceps Brunch:" 10 a.m. on March 30 at Rosen Centre Hotel (9840 International Drive in Orlando). Expected to accommodate 1,500-2,000 WWE fans and about 12 WWE superstars. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster. All seats are $125. Not an autograph session, but superstars will answer questions from fans and interact with one another.

Pre-WM 24 fan cruise: Ted DiBiase is the main attraction for the cruise "Wrestlevessel" from March 27-March 31 to the Bahamas, followed by a WM 24 ticket. This is not a WWE event. For more information, call Northeastern indy manager Bobby Riedel at 1-888-813-SHIP or visit wrestlingfancruise.com

February 7, 2008 JAWBreaker match predictions (more changes): John Cena vs. HHH vs. Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy; The Undertaker vs. Edge; Umaga vs. JBL; Batista vs. MVP; Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy; Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels; The Big Show and Mr. McMahon vs. Finlay and Hornswoggle (with a Mick Foley run-in); Hulk Hogan vs. The Great Khali; Beth Phoenix vs. Maria; Four on four: (Matt Hardy, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Kane vs. Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, Chavo Guerrero, Big Daddy V). Dark match: Tag-team battle with Lance Cade/Trevor Murdoch, Brian London/Paul Kendrick, The Miz/John Morrison and Cody Rhodes/Hardcore Holly.

Most likely promo: Ric Flair will cut a promo about having ridden Space Mountain (at Disney World) all night long.

GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA 24?

If you are from Volusia or Flagler County and successfully get tickets for WM 24 in Orlando, please let me know at [email protected]

I might need to talk to you for future stories.

WWE'S NO WAY OUT PPV -- FEBRUARY 17

John Cena vs. Randy Orton: The seeds are planted for Cena to defend his title against HHH at WrestleMania. That's assuming Cena wins here. I don't think WWE had Cena win the Royal Rumble for nothing. Pick: Cena.

Elimination chamber (Umaga, HBK, Y2J, JBL, Jeff Hardy, HHH): In order of most likely to win, I'd go HHH, Jeff Hardy, HBK, Y2J, Umaga and JBL. HHH won't miss out on main-eventing WM 24. Go with the boss' son-in-law, even though he'll have missed two straight RAWs.

Mr. Kennedy vs. Ric Flair: Flair will make it to WM 24. Thus, Kennedy is a good opponent, but he won't end Flair's career.

Undertaker vs. Batista vs. MVP vs. Finlay vs. Great Khali vs. Big Daddy V: In order of most likely to win, I'd go Undertaker, Batista, Finlay, Great Khali, MVP and Big Daddy V. I think it's safe to say Undertaker or Batista will face Edge at WM 24, assuming Edge wins.

Edge vs. Rey Mysterio: Again? Filler match. Edge will defend his title at WM 24.

Chavo Guerrero vs. CM Punk: As much as it pains me to say this, and as much as I don't understand Punk's recent loss to the title to Chavo, I don't see Punk regaining it. The only bright side to me being right here is we might get Punk to move on to better things, like a feud with Edge. But I question that possibility also.

WEEKLY HEADLINES AND MY REACTS

Bussey Bunch canned. REACT: I'm not surprised, but to can a show after one week? Wow!

Michelle McCool reportedly dating powerful member of the WWE empire. REACT: Anybody have any guesses? I've seen names, but I won't list them.

CM Punk in the doghouse. REACT: Everyone is speculating why he lost the belt. If he wins it back quickly, all will be forgotten. If he doesn't, Punk will be much like Jeff Hardy. Simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Due to John Cena's return, HHH reportedly wants the WM 24 main-event spot. REACT: Who can blame HHH, who along with Cena is one of the two biggest names in WWE.

Bobby Heenan. REACT: Please keep his health and recovery in your thoughts.

Ernest Miller gets lead villain role in "The Wrestler." REACT: I've always been a fan of "The Cat." Here's hoping his acting career is as entertaining as his wrestling

Hornswoggle angle gets "The Gooker Award." REACT: Rosie vs. Donald would have gotten my vote. At least the Hornswoggle angle is still going and still has potential.

ECW writer Dave Lagana's firing reportedly due to wrestling news leaks. REACT: Bottom line, you shouldn't leak out information from your employer.

Super Bowl predictions. REACT: Count John Cena (34-14) and Stacy Keibler (32-17) as those who predicted New England would win the Super Bowl. And, they were both wrong.

TNA Wrestling to have an hour just for women's wrestling. REACT: That would be a first for one of the two major promotions.

Report of TNA Wrestling going to live broadcasts every other Thursday, starting March 27 (WM 24 week). REACT: Great, if it happens. Live is better, which would make TNA Wrestling better than WWE Smackdown every two weeks (as far as the live factor goes).

Are you a Torrie Wilson fan? REACT: Visit OfficiallyJaded.com, where you can buy a shirt (for charity) and try to win a night on the town with Torrie and her friends.

Is Stephanie McMahon pregnant? REACT: That rumor, and I do stress rumor, is currently making the rounds. As with rumors of a more serious nature, don't believe it until someone from WWE confirms it. And, if she is, an early congratulations.

Recent Paul Heyman interview. REACT: Heyman makes sense, but there are two sides to every story.

Dan Severn says the then-WWF wanted him to have "666" on his forehead. REACT: Wow!

Bobby Lashley officially released by WWE. REACT: If WM 24 wasn't in Florida, this would easily be a JAWBreaker column topic. As it is, it's unfortunate a guy who was such a big part of WWE this time last year is now gone from WWE.

Nathan Jones back in WWE? REACT: I sure hope not. His final days didn't end very well. MVP. REACT: With armed robbery and kidnapping charges in his past, he sure has done well with WWE. That's a good story. AnchorWeb.org's report of Owen Hart's 'ghost' haunting the Kemper Arena. REACT: While I don't discount it, I'd have to see it to believe it.

HULK HOGAN UPDATE

1. Court update: Feb. 28 date for dispute over Hogan's assets. Also, Linda Hogan wants custody of Nick Hogan and doesn't want Hulk to be allowed to set foot on either residence. REACT: Guess we have to wait until Feb. 28 for the judge to sort out this mess. Hello, Court TV!

2. Hulk Hogan was at the Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans this past weekend. REACT: Shame on TMZ.com for criticizing his participation.

3. Hulk Hogan signs with FLW Fantasy Fishing game to be a spokesperson. REACT: Hulkamania is going fishing!

4. In Monday's "American Gladiators," I was 7-4 with numerous no-decisions. That makes me 53-50 on the season. I loved the Jimmy Snuka mention by Hogan, and WWE got some promotion with two commercials.

SHOW REVIEWS

WWE Smackdown: Parts of this show dragged, specifically the long microphone time given to Chuck Palumbo-Michelle McCool and even Batista. Palumbo-Jamie Noble needs to be advanced. Why was Eve Torres clapping for Batista? That was strange. It was good for Theodore Long to set up No Way Out, but what's next for that Vickie Guerrero-Edge angle? You have to appreciate Ric Flair, knowing he's on his last run. His match with MVP had a very strong finish, as MVP wouldn't break the hold and was DQ'd. The Rey Mysterio-CM Punk vs. Chavo Guerrero-Edge match advanced two feuds. Was WWE testing a Punk-Edge run? While I hope so, I see Punk-Chavo being resumed. Chavo Guerrero is indeed more interesting with a world title belt. Was he given the belt for that reason, or was it to give ECW a different flavor? I really hope to see something interesting happen with Finlay-Mr. McMahon-Hornswoggle. That angle still interests me (I liked the loyalty-friendship-stupid angle), even if it came at the expense of Deuce and Domino this week. Festus is cured? From what? I'm glad to see Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore don't win every week. Undertaker/Kane vs. Umaga/Big Daddy V was surprisingly good, and the right guy (Henry) tapped out.

WWE Raw: Despite not being a live show and having some lengthy segments, this was a strong show. I usually despise contract signings, but the Randy Orton-John Cena contract pushed No Way Out. Shouldn't Cena have read the contract? The RKO on Cena gives Orton some lost momentum. Mark Henry works well as Orton's sidekick. The women's feud (Mickie James-Beth Phoenix) advanced some, and Kelly Kelly-Victoria actually wrestled better. I understood HBK, Y2J, Jeff Hardy, JBL and Umaga pushing the PPV, but HHH being out and replaced by Snitsky was unfortunate. The match setup took forever, and it was then pushed to the back of the show. While I wasn't high on Mr. Kennedy facing Super Crazy, Kennedy's work on Crazy's legs was well done. Kennedy shouldn't have said "last night's Smackdown." Kennedy did a great job mocking Ric Flair. Those two are gold on the microphone. I was glad to see Santino-Maria-Carlito pushed, but disappointed it was at the expense of Paul London/Brian Kendrick. What a squash match with Carlito pinning Kendrick. That was a disturbing Mr. McMahon teaser, but he had some classic lines with, "If you don't discipline your children, say 'what' " and calling kids "spoiled brats." It was funny seeing the cameras in the first few rows. There was even a strong payoff with Hornswoggle biting McMahon, and a match was set for next week between the two where Finlay can't interfere or he's fired. Bob Holly's dropkick remains a pleasure to watch. Cody Rhodes got the hometown pin vs. Lance Cade/Trevor Murdoch, and we have new No. 1 contenders in Carlito/Holly. Yay, the tag-team division was advanced. When we finally got the main event, it delivered with triple plunges and Hardy getting the pin on Snitsky. Was that done to appease the Hardy fans? Cena-Henry was surprisingly good, with Henry being put in Cena's finisher. Candice is supposed to return soon, but I can't see her helping the women's division.

WWE ECW: The women's match was respectable. Victoria and Layla make a formidable team with Lena Yada, and Kelly Kelly and Michelle McCool are improving. I'm glad the Colin Delaney angle is advancing, even if it is with Tommy Dreamer. John Morrison and The Miz deserve a better feud. Kofi Kingston was decent in his match. I thought the Stevie Richards interview was very well done. Richards has been through hell and deserves a strong angle and push. If you don't respect Richards for what he's been through, something is wrong with you. I can't say I've ever see a wrestler being tossed into the Gulf of Mexico, but CM Punk tossing Chavo Guerrero into the waters was entertaining. The match was great, and the car in the road was a fantastic touch.

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 Bl., Pompano Beach, Fl., 33060 or 954-675-0552.

STATE NEWS

Please remember to send in local news! 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. Finally, visit wwe.com for more updates in the Central Florida area the next few months:

Weekly event: Florida Championship Wrestling, a WWE developmental territory, will hold a show every Tuesday at Bourbon Street Night Club in New Port Richey.

February 9: FPWA Wrestling and XWE, Pinellas Park, 8 p.m.

February 11: TNA Impact tapings, Universal Studios in Orlando.

February 12: TNA Impact tapings, Universal Studios in Orlando.

February 15: FIP, Inverness.

February 15: FCW, Florida State Fair (John Morrison, The Miz and Dusty Rhodes).

February 16: FIP, Crystal River.

February 23: D1PW, Miami.

February 25: TNA Impact tapings, Universal Studios in Orlando.

February 26: TNA Impact tapings, Universal Studios in Orlando.

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