WebProNews » WWE http://www.webpronews.com Breaking News in Tech, Search, Social, & Business Sun, 19 May 2013 19:41:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler Cleared to Enter the Ring http://www.webpronews.com/jerry-the-king-lawler-cleared-to-enter-the-ring-2013-05 http://www.webpronews.com/jerry-the-king-lawler-cleared-to-enter-the-ring-2013-05#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 13:07:23 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=229017 In September 2012, Jerry “The King” Lawler, the long-time ring announcer for WWE, collapsed during a taping of Monday Night Raw. Lawler had suffered a gruesome heart attack live on national television. Following surgery, Lawler was able to return to co-hosting WWE events in late October 2012.

Now, Lawler will be returning to the ring himself, in the role that made him famous during the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

According to a Miami Herald report, Lawler has been cleared by doctors to wrestle once again, despite his heart trouble. Lawler will return to the ring for the first time since his heart attack in an Ocala, Florida show titled Support Your Troops 91, Royal Combat.

During the show, Lawler will participate in a tag team match with another former WWE wrestler, Dory Funk, Jr. The 72-year-old Funk told the Herald that he felt “privileged” to fight with Lawler once again.

(Image courtesy Smart Mark Greene at en.wikipedia)

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/jerry-the-king-lawler-cleared-to-enter-the-ring-2013-05/feed 0 Wrestlemania Burns: Dry Ice Was the Culprit, Says Triple H http://www.webpronews.com/wrestlemania-burns-dry-ice-was-the-culprit-says-triple-h-2013-04 http://www.webpronews.com/wrestlemania-burns-dry-ice-was-the-culprit-says-triple-h-2013-04#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:56:07 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=224505 Anyone who watched Wrestlemania 29 this past weekend may have wondered what exactly was stuck to Triple H’s torso during his appearance at the event. It turns out that the stuff was dry ice, which burned the wrestler during his ‘No Holds Barred’ match against Brock Lesnar.

According to a TMZ report, Triple H was hit with dry ice while making his entrance into the MetLife Stadium arena. The special effects that accompanied the wrestler’s bombastic entrance blasted the wrestler with the super-cold carbon dioxide, giving him second-degree burns.

Being a professional wrestler, however, Triple H worked through the pain. He endured a 24-minute match against Lesnar to, as the storyline held, save himself from forced retirement.

Triple H took to Twitter this week to show off the aftermath of the burn:

Triple H also injured his left arm during the Wrestlemania match, leading to a series of X-rays and a bandaged wrist shortly after the fight:

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/wrestlemania-burns-dry-ice-was-the-culprit-says-triple-h-2013-04/feed 1 Trump Booed Off Stage at WWE Hall of Fame Induction http://www.webpronews.com/trump-booed-off-stage-at-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2013-04 http://www.webpronews.com/trump-booed-off-stage-at-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2013-04#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:57:26 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=224298 Donald Trump may have the power to fire celebrities and the money to erect buildings, but all the money in the world can’t buy respect from wrestling fans.

This week, Trump was booed off stage while accepting his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden. According to a report from Wrestling Online, the heckling during Trump’s speech was so bad that the business mogul cut it short and left the stage.

The booing had reportedly started even before Trump took the stage, with WWE CEO Vince McMahon trying to calm the crowd while introducing Trump, stating that he was a “big friend” of the WWE. Trump’s son, Donald Tump, Jr. was also reportedly booed, though his daughter, Ivanka, was cheered by WWE fans.

Trump took to Twitter after the incident, thanking McMahon and answering at a few of his detractors:

(Image courtesy Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/trump-booed-off-stage-at-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2013-04/feed 2 John Cena Wins WWE Title at Wrestlemania 29 http://www.webpronews.com/john-cena-wins-wwe-title-at-wrestlemania-29-2013-04 http://www.webpronews.com/john-cena-wins-wwe-title-at-wrestlemania-29-2013-04#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:58:50 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=224070 John Cena has become the WWE Champion yet again. He won the title during this weekend’s Wrestlemania 29, where the wrestler faced off against The Rock. This is the 11th time Cena has held the WWE Championship belt.

The main event at this year’s Wrestlemania was set when Cena won the 2013 Royal Rumble back in January, earning a shot at the title. The Rock also won the WWE Championship from CM Punk at the same event. Since then, the Rock/Cena rematch was heavily promoted by the WWE.

The Rock and Cena also met during the main event of last year’s Wrestlemania. That match was billed as a “Once in a Lifetime” match, and saw The Rock beat Cena in a surprise victory.

In other Wrestlemania news, WWE wrestler Jack Swagger had his Wrestlemania match against Alberto Del Rio, despite being arrested in February on DUI, speeding, and possession of marijuana charges in Gulfport, Mississippi. Del rio defeated Swagger to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt.

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/john-cena-wins-wwe-title-at-wrestlemania-29-2013-04/feed 16 WWE Lawsuit Over Owen Hart Settled http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-lawsuit-over-owen-hart-settled-2013-04 http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-lawsuit-over-owen-hart-settled-2013-04#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:13:20 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=223709 ]]> The WWE may dominate the world of professional wrestling, but it will soon find itself paying up for using one of its former wrestlers’ images.

According to a report from the Associated Press, the WWE has settled a lawsuit with Owen Hart’s widow, Martha. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2010, alleged that Owen Hart’s estate is owed royalties for the WWE’s use of the wrestler’s image in the years since his death. It also claimed that the WWE had violated a contract restricting the use of Hart’s image, including his name. The details of the settlement have not yet been made public.

Owen Hart died on May 23, 1999 during a WWE (WWF at the time) pay-per-view event billed as Over the Edge. The 34-year-old wrestler was to have entered the ring by being lowered from rafters of the Kansas City, Missouri arena where the event was taking place. During the stunt, Hart’s harness malfunctioned and the wrestler fell over 70 feet to the ring below. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Hart family has already sued the WWE for negligence over Owen’s death, and received an $18 million settlement in 2000.

(Image courtesy Mandy Coombes/Wikimedia Commons)

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-lawsuit-over-owen-hart-settled-2013-04/feed 4 WWE Star Saves Mom From Burning House http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-star-saves-mom-from-burning-house-2013-03 http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-star-saves-mom-from-burning-house-2013-03#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:22:11 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=221798 Wrestling stars are known for their large bodies and intimidating monologues, but one former WWE star demonstrated this week that he is able to come to the rescue outside of the ring as well.

TMZ is reporting that Chris “The Masterpiece” Masters, born Christopher Mordetzky, saved his mother from her burning house this week.

The report states that a “neighbor” had barricaded himself in the house, threatening to burn down the house if anyone came in. Masters called the police, which caused the man to make good on his threat.

As the house began to burn, Masters, according to TMZ, uprooted a “tree” and used it to break one of the house’s windows, from which his mother was able to escape. Police then entered the house and apprehended the arsonist.

Masters Tweeted about the incident in the days following his rescue:

Masters began wrestling for the WWE in 2005, though he returned to the independent circuit in 2007 for violating the organization’s substance abuse policy. He returned to the WWE briefly in 2009, but was released from his contract in 2011.

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-star-saves-mom-from-burning-house-2013-03/feed 1 ‘Paul Bearer’ Dies; Wrestling Star Was 58 http://www.webpronews.com/paul-bearer-dies-wrestling-star-was-58-2013-03 http://www.webpronews.com/paul-bearer-dies-wrestling-star-was-58-2013-03#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:16:07 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=220049 Paul Bearer, born as William Moody, has died at the age of 58. Though the cause of Bearer’s death is unknown, TMZ is reporting that he had suffered from health problems related to his obesity and gallbladder for years.

Bearer made a name for himself in WWE (then WWF) wrestling as the manager of The Undertaker, and sometimes Undertaker’s “brother,” Kane, during the 90s and early 00s. His appearances were accompanied by macabre spectacle, often with coffins, gravestones, his trademark urn, or other death-related props.

The WWE has issued a statement expressing its condolences:

WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of William Moody, aka Paul Bearer. Moody made his WWE debut in 1991 as the manager of The Undertaker and went on to become a memorable part of WWE over the course of the next 20 years.

Our deepest condolences go out to Moody’s family, friends and fans.

Before joining the WWE, Bearer wrestled in the World Class Champion Wrestling (WCCW). Bearer had also earned a degree in mortuary science, as well as certification as a funeral director, in the early 80s.

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/paul-bearer-dies-wrestling-star-was-58-2013-03/feed 1 Jack Swagger, WWE Star, to Appear in Court on DUI Charges http://www.webpronews.com/jack-swagger-wwe-star-to-appear-in-court-on-dui-charges-2013-02 http://www.webpronews.com/jack-swagger-wwe-star-to-appear-in-court-on-dui-charges-2013-02#comments Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:28:44 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=218238 Jack Swagger, the WWE star who’s real name is Jacob Hager, was arrested earlier this week in Gulfport, Mississippi on DUI charges.

According to a TMZ report on the incident, the wrestler was arrested after leaving a taping of WWE Smackdown that was filmed at the Missippi Coast Coliseum. Hager was caught speeding (55 in a 45 mph zone) and was determined by an officer to be impaired. A search of the car allegedly turned up marijuana, and Hager has now been charged with DUI, marijuana possession, and speeding. The DUI charge is not alcohol-related.

The local Biloxi/Gulfport newspaper, the Sun Herald, is now reporting that Hager will have to appear in court to face the DUI charge, though the possession and speeding charges can be paid by mail. Though the charges are misdemeanors, Hager could have to pay fines and could lose his driving license for 90 days.

Hager, as Jack Swagger, is scheduled to face wrestler Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania 29 for the World Heavyweight Championship belt on April 7. This arrest and probable court appearance put that match into question.

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/jack-swagger-wwe-star-to-appear-in-court-on-dui-charges-2013-02/feed 34 WWE Announces Partnership With Hire Heroes USA http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-announces-partnership-with-hire-heroes-usa-2012-12 http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-announces-partnership-with-hire-heroes-usa-2012-12#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:15:17 +0000 Sean Patterson http://www.webpronews.com/?p=207826 WWE announced today that it will be partnering with Hire Heroes USA, an organization dedicated to customized job search training and assistants for U.S. military veterans. WWE will be making a donation to the organization and using its media presence to raise funds for the group. A new veterans hiring initiative will also be implemented, with the WWE changing its military hiring practices.

The partnership will be heavily promoted during the WWE’s 10th annual Tribute to the Troops. The television special is a holiday tradition for the WWE, and will air this weekend.

“WWE has a long history of supporting our armed forces because we are extremely grateful for the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes,” said Vince McMahon, chairman and CEO of WWE. “It is an honor for us to partner with Hire Heroes USA and support programs that will help our veterans.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 160,000 active military members, and 110,000 reserve and national guard members are discharged each year. Nearly 1 million military veterans are estimated to be unemployed. Hire Heroes USA claims to have helped over 600 military veterans find jobs in the past two years.

“WWE has a clear commitment to supporting the US military and the top organizations that help military veterans and their families,” said Brian Stann, president and CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “Like us, WWE follows verbal support with action, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much in defense of this nation. We are proud to partner with WWE so that together we can help reduce veteran unemployment.”

(Image courtesy WWE)

]]> http://www.webpronews.com/wwe-announces-partnership-with-hire-heroes-usa-2012-12/feed 1 Linda McMahon Opens Up About Huge Campaign Loss http://www.webpronews.com/linda-mcmahon-opens-up-about-huge-campaign-loss-2012-11 http://www.webpronews.com/linda-mcmahon-opens-up-about-huge-campaign-loss-2012-11#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:06:00 +0000 Amanda Crum http://www.webpronews.com/?p=201934 The McMahon family are no strangers to controversy; patriarch Vince has been the CEO–among other things–for drama-riddled WWE for many years, building his fame along with a good-sized fortune. When word got around that his wife, Linda, wanted to run for Senate, people weren’t quite sure how to take it…until it was revealed that she spent around $97 million on two Connecticut campaigns. That got people talking.

McMahon opened up a bit recently about her latest bid for office, which she lost by a wide margin to Democrat Chris Murphy despite the overwhelmingly large Republican population in the state. She says she understands why everyone has fixated on the money she threw into her campaign, but wants people to understand that it wasn’t about trying to buy her way into the election.

“What would be my personal gain? I’m not looking for a new career,” she said. “I’ve had a wonderful career. I was hoping to bring a different voice and perspective and use my skills that have been honed as a CEO in bringing people together. I’ve had a little bit of fame and fortune. I’ve been in the public eye. I wasn’t looking for a hobby. If I were looking for a hobby, it wouldn’t be the United States Senate. That’s one of the toughest jobs I’d probably ever do.”

McMahon also says that one big thing she learned from her first loss was that women weren’t identifying with her because of her ties to WWE; she later made that a talking point while she was running against Murphy, saying she’s proud to have become a role model for girls and young women.

“So many people have said, “You’ve made me think that I can do something. You’ve made me look at things a new way.” I think people were more thoroughly convinced the second time around that I was passionate about these issues. I found that I had a special following among 12- to 14-year-old girls. I was incredibly flattered. When I asked a mother about it, she said, “You have become a role model for these girls.”

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