Pipeline tells of Starr’s suspension, plus, Santino who?
Buzz, buzz, buzz . . . lots of WWE news, TNA Wrestling happenings and other notes from the world of professional wrestling . . . psst . . . as we put our ear up to hear the latest . . . whisper, whisper . . . in another exciting edition of Pro Wrestling Pipeline . . . . hey, have you heard that . . .
STARR DIMMED - TNA has reportedly suspended Austin Starr for 90-days following his being sent home from television tapings Tuesday. While no specifics have been released, reportedly the decision was based on a series of events centering around Austin’s attitude. Allegedly a frank personality not afraid to speak his mind, Austin’s behavior has supposedly left him with few friends backstage willing to be sympathetic to his plight. If Mr. Mal could speak frankly for a second, TNA has a good dozen better wrestlers than Austin, who should feel fortunate with whatever the company gives him. He has no future outside of TNA, other than the independants.
ALL FIRED UP - WWE Superstars and crew had a major scare following Monday’s RAW taping in Milan, Italy when one of their aircraft engines blew – thankfully while still on the runway. No word as to whether or not Kane was the actual culprit (it is well-known that the WWE normally shackles the Big Red Machine’s arms at his sides in order to prevent such happening - you know, what with his little hocus-pocus fire-thang he likes to do upon entering the ring and all). WWE producer and former referee Tim White told WWE.com about the experience first-hand: “Everyone is okay. Thankfully, the engine blew on the ground and not over the Atlantic.” No kiddin’. Of note, the WWE European Tour continued this week in Germany.
SANTINO WHO? - For those not in the know, the “guy from the crowd” announced as Santino Marella that won the Intercontintel Championship by beating Umaga (with a big helping hand from Bobby Lashley) on RAW this past week is actually WWE-product Anthony Carelli. He had previously worked a shoot-fighter gimmick in Ohio Valley Wrestling as Boris Alexiev. Of note, he was also the worker who ended up causing current TNA commish Jim Cornette’s dismissal from the WWE. During a similar plant angle, Carelli ended up laughing at the Boogeyman, prompting Cornette to slap him backstage for breaking character. In a related note, Marella was the real-life last name of former WWE announcer (the late, great) Gorilla Monsoon. Nice to see the tribute, says Mal. If only I could hear Gorilla exclaim once more that, “This crowd is literally going bananas!” He was a great one.
X-PAC/SYXX/SYXX-PAC SIGHTING - Sean Waltman was once again backstage at the TNA tapings this past week. How much longer until he turns up in either the WWE or TNA? Seems a natural DX addition to Mr. Mal’s eyes, which would then allow him to team with either Shawn Michaels or Hunter Hearst Helmsley (whichever one turns heel to feud with the other). Always an underrated worker, here’s hoping he gets another chance to shine at a national level. He’s a heat-seeker.
WWE DROPS DEVELOPMENTAL TERRITORY - World Wrestling Entertainment is down to just one minor league, as the company announced this week that they are dropping their deal with Deep South Wrestling. The move leaves Ohio Valley Wrestling as their only developmental territory. No reason cited for the surprising move.
MIZ IN A TIZZ - Reportedly, The Miz has been sweatin’ his termination as of late, given that someone backstage convinced him to pull a major rib on JBL (an untouchable in WWE circles) that ended up backfiring. JBL is considered a backstage bully to boot, and to make matters worse, isn’t a big fan of the former Tough Enough worker for starters. Stay tuned.
AND THE WINNER IS - Elijah Burke is the new video game champion of the WWE locker room, beating Carlito to claim the title and $2000.00 prize. Former four-time champ Shelton Benjamin retired from the competition this year.
TRISH STILL DELISH - Former WWE diva Trish Stratus will reportedly open a yoga/fitness gym in her hometown of Toronto sometime in 2008. It will be designed by HGTV Canada’s “Designing Guys”.
WWE BY THE NUMBERS - The post-Wrestlemania 23 slide continued for the WWE, as RAW dipped to a 3.7 cable rating on USA . . . John Cena’s movie “The Marine” has pulled in a reported $29.42 million on DVD rentals, so says Home Media Retailing . . . finally, The Rock . . . has come back . . . to host the Taurus World Stunt Awards - two years removed from his last time at the hosting helm. The show will air May 25th on AMC, featuring a lifetime achievment for Burt Reynolds.
- Mr. Mal