NOTES & NEWS FROM GEORGIE IN ATLANTIC CITY
- 01/25/2006 (8:33:57 pm)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
Thanks to everyone for keeping me updated on the news….
Thanks to everyone who helped me update while I'm still away... We aren't breaking the bank, but we are holding our own...Triple H announced at the Royal Rumble Press Conference that he and Stephanie will be having a baby boy...
The first Saturday Night's Main Event show will air on March 18th and it will be on a 3 hour tape delay....
From RVD...
Well, if the New Year isn’t treating you right yet, it’s about to get a whole lot better. RVD is returning to your television, returning to your town, and he’s flying higher than ever!
I bet you wish you were famous enough to refer to yourself in third person.
Sunday’s the big day. I return to the ring 12 months since my last match on January 7th, 2005. I’m rested. I’m strong. I’m focused. I’m…kinda hungry. I should hurry this along.
Continued at http://www.robvandam.com/
I recevied an email from Bambi Weavil letting me know she did an exclusive interview with Jim Cornette. In case you want to read it, click on the link: http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/articles/46103
Mike Informer sent this link: USA DOMINATES THE WEEK IN BASIC CABLE AGAIN...
From http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060124/ap_en_tv/tv_network
UPN, WB to Combine to Form New Network
By SETH SUTEL, AP Business Writer 21 minutes ago
Two small, struggling television networks, UPN and WB, will merge to form a new network called The CW, executives from the companies that own them said Tuesday.
The announcement was made by executives from CBS Corp., which owns UPN, and Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc., which owns WB.
Both UPN and WB had struggled to compete against larger rivals in the broadcast TV business, including Walt Disney Co.'s ABC, News Corp.'s Fox and CBS Corp.'s CBS.
The new network will launch in the fall, the executives said, and both UPN and WB will shut down. It will be a 50-50 partnership between Warner Bros. and CBS, and the network will be carried on stations owned by the Tribune Co., which is a minority owner of the WB network.
Leslie Moonves, chief executive of CBS Corp., said the new network will air 30 hours of programming seven days a week aimed in part at young audiences.
Barry Meyer, the head of Warner Bros., said the network would be run by the current executives of UPN and WB.
UPN, WB to Combine to Form New Network
By SETH SUTEL, AP Business Writer 21 minutes ago
Two small, struggling television networks, UPN and WB, will merge to form a new network called The CW, executives from the companies that own them said Tuesday.
The announcement was made by executives from CBS Corp., which owns UPN, and Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc., which owns WB.
Both UPN and WB had struggled to compete against larger rivals in the broadcast TV business, including Walt Disney Co.'s ABC, News Corp.'s Fox and CBS Corp.'s CBS.
The new network will launch in the fall, the executives said, and both UPN and WB will shut down. It will be a 50-50 partnership between Warner Bros. and CBS, and the network will be carried on stations owned by the Tribune Co., which is a minority owner of the WB network.
Leslie Moonves, chief executive of CBS Corp., said the new network will air 30 hours of programming seven days a week aimed in part at young audiences.
Barry Meyer, the head of Warner Bros., said the network would be run by the current executives of UPN and WB.
Mixed views on WB, UPN merger
Some exex left jilted
By JOSEF ADALIAN, DENISE MARTIN
Dozens of programming and development execs will soon be looking for jobs. Pilots that last week looked like sure things are now long shots. And scribes looking to land a spot on a broadcast net now have one less buyer.
"There are always casualties in these kinds of mergers," said one top agent. "A lot of (writers) will lose their development. Needs will change. Something that's hot is now not."
That same agent, however, describes the changes as "short-term discomfort." And in fact, Hollywood's initial take on the marriage is surprisingly positive.
"Big picture, you're creating a better asset for everyone to make money with," Endeavor partner Paul HaasPaul Haas said.
Gary Newman and Dana WaldenDana Walden, prexies of 20th Century Fox TV, said their studio will be better off with one strong fifth net.
"This is great news for suppliers (because) it's another viable network, another place to bring our shows," Walden said, noting 20th and some other studios often found it tough to set up shows at the WB and UPN.
"Both of these networks had difficulty helping shows create the appropriate perception of long-term value," Newman added. "If this is a stronger network, and it's indisputable that it is, that's great for us."
Lionsgate TV prexyprexy Kevin BeggsKevin Beggs, who has a pair of projects set up at UPN for fall consideration, agreed.
"I would rather take my chances on a strong fifth network than risk the uncertainty associated with a sixth network whose future is in doubt," he said.
Peter JohnsonPeter Johnson, president of Wonderland Sound & Vision, said he's not worried about how the merger impacts the chances that his WB skeinskein "Supernatural" will be back next season, noting the press release for the new CW pointed to the show as one of its assets. He also thinks new entertainment prexy Dawn Ostroff won't view WB skeins less favorably than UPN product.
"I have to trust that there will be a pretty coherent and single vision applied to this new place," he said.
Still, the CW will need fewer pilots this development season than the old combo of the WB and UPN.
It doesn't help that, per CBS ParPar Group toppertopper Nancy Tellem, UPN has quietly worked out a deal to keep WWE's "Friday Night Smackdown" on the air for at least two more seasons.
CBS Corp. supremo Leslie Moonves said he wanted to get the merger deal done before most pilots were ordered so there wouldn't be as much waste.
Expect plenty of lobbying from producers, agents and studio chiefs who will woo Ostroff into thinking their projects merit a greenlightgreenlight. Ostroff said she'll show no bias.
"There's no ego involved here," she said. "A good project is a good project. There's going to be a lot less new product, but we will have some needs."
Observers note Ostroff greenlit "Everybody Hates Chris," even though the show was originally developed by 20th for Fox Broadcasting.
Somewhat minimizing the pain is the fact that the new net will program around 30 hours in total (including daytime, syndiesyndie fare and Sunday repeats). Frog was already keeping a tight lid on its development, dramatically scaling back on the number of projects it had in the works.
"Fox developed about 110 comedy scripts; the WB did maybe 15," said UTAUTA partner Sue NaegleSue Naegle, who said she thinks "the strength of this combined network could give the other nets a run for their money."
Other industry insiders aren't so sure.
One rival exec noted the WB and UPN both had only a couple of major hits, and that even shows like "America's Next Top Model" or "Gilmore Girls""Gilmore Girls" don't pose a major threat to the Big Four.
"They'll be lucky if they get 85% of the ad revenue the two networks would have earned separately," one said. Moonves responded by noting operating costs for the CW will be much lower and that the new net will be better off financially than the old UPN.
Asked whether the CW will turn a profit its first year, Moonves answered with one word: "Yes."
Not so lucky will be the programmers and developers who will soon lose their jobs. WB already laid off some key staffers last year, while NBC recently lost some bodies as well.
"It's raining execs out there," one wag said.
Speculation on who will stay and who will go is just that.
WB marketing chiefs Bob Bibb and Lou Goldstein have been asked to stay, insiders said, but they haven't yet agreed to do so.
The Frog's David JanollariDavid Janollari has already left the network. Boss Garth Ancier, who's opted not to stay with the new company, will oversee the dismantling of the WB and help with the transition to the CW. Ancier, who helped build the WB and Fox, said he's planning to get more involved in the new-media world.
"I've done this for 20 years," he said, referring to the business of building networks. "I don't think there's much in it for me emotionally anymore. I need some fresh challenges."
All development from both UPN and the WB will now report to Ostroff, per Ancier.
One big challenge for Ostroff will be finding a coherent identity for the CW. Despite spin to the contrary, most industry insiders believe the Frog and UPN no longer had clear brands.
Lifetime chief Susanne DanielsSusanne Daniels, a WB alum, thinks Ostroff has a chance to finally create a solid fifth network.
"Rebranding for CW would be a good opportunity for both networks to make a strong choice about what the new network can do to position (itself) effectively," she said.
RING OF HONOR FORCED TO MOVE ITS MARCH 11th SHOW
Ring Of Honor has been forced to move its March 11th show as the building in Connecticut is no longer available. We will announce a return to CT soon. All tickets for 3/11 in Connecticut will be honored at the new Connecticut date. After we announce the new date, if you cannot make the show we will give you a refund. Please wait until the new date and location is announced before asking for refunds.
ROH and CZW officials sat down after the success of the January 14th double header and decided that it was a great day for the fans and both companies. CZW has offered ROH the use of the New Alhambra Arena on March 11th. ROH has agreed so there will be another huge day for the Philadelphia fans. The ROH event will start at 4pm on 3/11 and the CZW show will begin roughly 45-60 minutes after the ROH show.
While both companies are working together, there are wrestlers in each locker room that are unhappy with this arrangement. There is no telling what will happen when the CZW and ROH locker rooms come together in one building.
Tickets for 3/11 in Philadelphia are now available at www.ROHwrestling.com or by calling 215-781-2500.
Already signed to appear on the ROH show are: ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson; ROH Tag Team Champions Austin Aries & Roderick Strong; Samoa Joe; Christopher Daniels; The Embassy featuring Alex Shelley with Prince Nana; Colt Cabana; Jay Lethal; The Rottweilers of Low Ki, Homicide & Ricky Reyes with Julius Smokes; BJ Whitmer with Lacey; Jimmy Yang and more to be signed.
This is going to be a huge day for Philadelphia as ROH makes its debut in the former ECW Arena!!! www.ROHwrestling.com will have many more details in the upcoming weeks!!!
ROH and CZW officials sat down after the success of the January 14th double header and decided that it was a great day for the fans and both companies. CZW has offered ROH the use of the New Alhambra Arena on March 11th. ROH has agreed so there will be another huge day for the Philadelphia fans. The ROH event will start at 4pm on 3/11 and the CZW show will begin roughly 45-60 minutes after the ROH show.
While both companies are working together, there are wrestlers in each locker room that are unhappy with this arrangement. There is no telling what will happen when the CZW and ROH locker rooms come together in one building.
Tickets for 3/11 in Philadelphia are now available at www.ROHwrestling.com or by calling 215-781-2500.
Already signed to appear on the ROH show are: ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson; ROH Tag Team Champions Austin Aries & Roderick Strong; Samoa Joe; Christopher Daniels; The Embassy featuring Alex Shelley with Prince Nana; Colt Cabana; Jay Lethal; The Rottweilers of Low Ki, Homicide & Ricky Reyes with Julius Smokes; BJ Whitmer with Lacey; Jimmy Yang and more to be signed.
This is going to be a huge day for Philadelphia as ROH makes its debut in the former ECW Arena!!! www.ROHwrestling.com will have many more details in the upcoming weeks!!!
AL SNOW COMING TO COLORADO "LOCATION CHANGE"
Fusion Pro Wrestling in conjunction with APWA is bringing Al Snow to Colorado on Saturday February 4th.
Al Snow will be hosting a 1 day training seminar for Altitude Pro Wrestling Academy and Guest appearing at Fusion Pro Wrestling's ShowBrawl at the Hall
Saturday February 4th, 2006
Location The VFW Hall 2190 S. Platte River Dr. Denver, CO
Training times 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Show time doors 6:30 p.m.
Tickets $8.00 presale $10.00 day of show.
go to www.fusionprowrestling.for more details..
Al Snow will be hosting a 1 day training seminar for Altitude Pro Wrestling Academy and Guest appearing at Fusion Pro Wrestling's ShowBrawl at the Hall
Saturday February 4th, 2006
Location The VFW Hall 2190 S. Platte River Dr. Denver, CO
Training times 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Show time doors 6:30 p.m.
Tickets $8.00 presale $10.00 day of show.
go to www.fusionprowrestling.for more details..
Health Update FOR SAMOA JOE http://blog.myspace.com/joeism
Just to let everyone know what is going on.
After my last show in detroit I noticed a small cut underneath my right arm right near the armpit. It was a little red and irritated so I cleaned it and paid it no mind.
Over the next few days it had swollen (to about the size of a large marble) and I decided to head to the doctor right away.
As I susupected the doctor diagnsed it as a pretty severe Staph infection and I am now on antibiotics. Next week I will be looking into getting it drained.
If anything my non participation this weekend is not only for my safety but the safety of my co-workers in ROH. The last thing anyone needs is a epidemic and for something like this to spread.
A note to indy promoters out there.
WASH your CANVASES!!!
I am suprsed I have actually gone this long unaffected.
It takes nothing more than some diluted bleach and a handtowel wipedown to prevent this type of stuff from afflicting your wrestlers.
I apologize to the fans of the midwest this weekend and I promise I will do my best to make it up to you all next time ROH swings through the midwest.
My special thanks to Gabe Sapolski and the Ring of Honor office for being VERY understanding. Regardless Low Ki has been added to the shows so rest assured I should not be missed too much.
I just wanted to get word out as quickly as possible. Samoa Joe has been forced to cancel this weekend due to a severe staph infection. We are very fortunate in that we have secured Low Ki as his replacement. We'll have word on the new matches for this weekend by tomorrow morning.
Samoa Joe wants to send his apologies to all the ROH fans. It is unsafe for him and the entire roster to wrestle with a severe staph infection. This could lead to the entire roster getting staph infections since it can be spread on the canvas. I actually recently saw something on HBO about staph infections and they can spread very easily and can cause some very serious health problems.
Check back by morning for the revised lineups.
Sorry and thank you, Gabe
Mike Johnson has informed me that pwi's second site is up and running if you want to check it out. http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com
THE MONSTER FACTORY & OTW NEWS UPDATE
“Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe, The Monster Factory, and Old Time Wrestling are very pleased to announce That Cliff Compton has signed a WWE developmental contract. Cliff is a former Monster Factory student and a former Old Time Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. Cliff is teaming with Deuce Shade currently in Ohio Valley Wrestling and they are expected to join the RAW or SMACKDOWN roster very shortly. Cliff joins John Toland who has recently been added to WWE’s SMACKDOWN roster under the name James Dick.
In OLD TIME WRESTLING news, the OTW staff are working very hard to scedule our long awaited to return to live events. The events will take place at The Monster Factory’s training facility. Also, these events will be a part of a new and very interesting DVD project that will bring back an old flavor of classic Saturday afternoon wrestling.
Keep an eye on our website, http://www.monsterfactory.com/ for more news and updates.
OTW OPENS THE MONSTER FACTORY VIDEO VAULT
Old Time Wrestling and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory are proud to announce a working agreement to bring to back to life some great wrestling memories from the past. With one of the largest libraries of video of many wrestlers form The Monster Factory who went on to be legends of the ring, and with the help of the OTW Staff, we will be bringing you some great wrestling action. From these tapes you can see such stars as Chris Candido, The Bushwackers, Dick Murdoch, and The Big Show.
First Release: RUMBLE II - WRESTLERS VS. HUNGER. 6 excellent matches from 1991. Matches include a Battle Royal, Misty Blue vs. Kat LaRue, and Jerry ”The King” Lawler and Dr. Mark Curtis vs. Jim Cornette and “Sweet” Stan Lane. Chi Chi Gomez vs. Jungle Jim McPhearson, Boy Gone Bad vs. The Golden Phoenix, The Lords Of Darkness & Bubba Monroe vs. Ray Odyssey, Chris Evans, & The Spider. Play by play announcing by former WCW announcer, Chris Cruise and a special appearance by Chris Candido . Great audio and video quality. This is available on both VHS & DVD. Only $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE MONSTER FACTORY & OLD TIME WRESTLING
Monster Factory Golf Shirts available in sizes S, M, L, XL and 2XL and is a Mid-weight Golf Shirt, 7.1 oz preshrunk 100% Jersey Cotton, Knit collar with banded sleeves and Three woodtone buttons. Your cost is $21.99 plus shipping
Old Time Wrestling Trucker Hats come in color combination Black/White or Blue/White and are Up for the long haul, our standard Trucker Hat features a resilient polyester foam front, and adjustable headband for the perfect fit. Your cost is $13.99 plus shipping
Keep an eye on our website, http://www.monsterfactory.com/ for more news and updates.
OTW OPENS THE MONSTER FACTORY VIDEO VAULT
Old Time Wrestling and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory are proud to announce a working agreement to bring to back to life some great wrestling memories from the past. With one of the largest libraries of video of many wrestlers form The Monster Factory who went on to be legends of the ring, and with the help of the OTW Staff, we will be bringing you some great wrestling action. From these tapes you can see such stars as Chris Candido, The Bushwackers, Dick Murdoch, and The Big Show.
First Release: RUMBLE II - WRESTLERS VS. HUNGER. 6 excellent matches from 1991. Matches include a Battle Royal, Misty Blue vs. Kat LaRue, and Jerry ”The King” Lawler and Dr. Mark Curtis vs. Jim Cornette and “Sweet” Stan Lane. Chi Chi Gomez vs. Jungle Jim McPhearson, Boy Gone Bad vs. The Golden Phoenix, The Lords Of Darkness & Bubba Monroe vs. Ray Odyssey, Chris Evans, & The Spider. Play by play announcing by former WCW announcer, Chris Cruise and a special appearance by Chris Candido . Great audio and video quality. This is available on both VHS & DVD. Only $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE MONSTER FACTORY & OLD TIME WRESTLING
Monster Factory Golf Shirts available in sizes S, M, L, XL and 2XL and is a Mid-weight Golf Shirt, 7.1 oz preshrunk 100% Jersey Cotton, Knit collar with banded sleeves and Three woodtone buttons. Your cost is $21.99 plus shipping
Old Time Wrestling Trucker Hats come in color combination Black/White or Blue/White and are Up for the long haul, our standard Trucker Hat features a resilient polyester foam front, and adjustable headband for the perfect fit. Your cost is $13.99 plus shipping
AUTHENTIC MONSTER FACTORY T-SHIRTS with the Monster Factory logo on the front and "Dedication + Pride = Respect" on the back. The t-shirt is black with silver lettering. A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY PRO WRESTLING FAN!
Only $25.00 (including shipping/handling).
Only $25.00 (including shipping/handling).
All of these items are available through our website http://www.monsterfactory.com/
Friday January 27th
VFW Post 2184
6327 Lemay Ferry Rd.
Mehlville, MO(on the south side of St. Louis, just north of Arnold)
Doors open at 7 PM, belltime at 8 PM
GCW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jerry Lynn's first title defense!
"The New F'N Show" Jerry Lynn(C) vs. Cameron Cage (w/ Sindy)
Dingo vs. Kevin X
GCW LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jackal(C) vs. "European Legend" Pierre Abernathy
GCW TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Sean Vincent & Rebecca Raze(C) vs. Spoiled Steven Kennedy & K.C. Karrington
Grudge Match - Shorty's Return To The Ring!
Shorty Biggs
vs. Jimmy Charisma of D.N.S.
Trent Stone vs. Nightmare Nick Tyson
OuTtKaSt vs. Michael Serious
Directions:
-Take I-55 South from St. Louis.
-Take Exit 193(Meramec Bottom Road).
-Turn left on Meramec Bottom Rd.
-Turn right on US-67/Lemay Ferry Rd./US-61.
-Patrick Brandmeyer
http://www.gatewaywrestling.com/
http://www.tnaw.com/
VFW Post 2184
6327 Lemay Ferry Rd.
Mehlville, MO(on the south side of St. Louis, just north of Arnold)
Doors open at 7 PM, belltime at 8 PM
GCW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jerry Lynn's first title defense!
"The New F'N Show" Jerry Lynn(C) vs. Cameron Cage (w/ Sindy)
Dingo vs. Kevin X
GCW LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jackal(C) vs. "European Legend" Pierre Abernathy
GCW TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Sean Vincent & Rebecca Raze(C) vs. Spoiled Steven Kennedy & K.C. Karrington
Grudge Match - Shorty's Return To The Ring!
Shorty Biggs
vs. Jimmy Charisma of D.N.S.
Trent Stone vs. Nightmare Nick Tyson
OuTtKaSt vs. Michael Serious
Directions:
-Take I-55 South from St. Louis.
-Take Exit 193(Meramec Bottom Road).
-Turn left on Meramec Bottom Rd.
-Turn right on US-67/Lemay Ferry Rd./US-61.
-Patrick Brandmeyer
http://www.gatewaywrestling.com/
http://www.tnaw.com/
Hall of Famer Lance Russell returns to the lead announcing booth at the age of 79 for the World Wrestling Legends live PPV on 3/5 in Orlando. He'll be joined by Jim Cornette and Ron Nieimi. Cornette will also be managing the Midnight Express on this show.
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