Pro Wrestling Pipeline: another WWE release, Joe update
Gather round, everyone, for some of the latest and greatest happenings from the world of pro wrestling, as we begin another stellar edition of the Pro Wrestling Pipeline with Mr. Mal Occhio. Please turn all cellphones off and place all luggage in the overhead compartments, as we are about to begin. A Pro Wrestling Pipeline attendant will be by later on with light refreshments for all those seated in first class. Your journey starts . . . now!
ANOTHER WWE RELEASE — The WWE has announced that they have released ECW Superstar Marcus Cor Von, aka TNA’s Monte Brown. Reportedly off television now for some time due to a family emergency — one story indicated he was now in charge of taking care of his nephews full-time following a death — Cor Von was just beginning to establish himself on the ECW brand as part of the New Breed. He was expected to return shortly, however, either World Wrestling Entertainment grew weary of waiting or, perhaps more likely, the situation necessitated Cor Von needing to take even more time-off. Regardless, he becomes the fourth member of WrestleMania 23’s ECW tag match to no longer be affiliated with the company, following Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Sandman — and five, if you include Kevin Thorne’s former valet Ariel, Shelly Martinez (now rumored to be starting up shortly with TNA, as reported here yesterday).
LEAVE NICK HOGAN ALONE! — Elsewhere, former World Wrestling Federation Superstar Brutus Beefcake, Ed Leslie, has come out defending Nick Bollea, the son of good friend Hulk Hogan. Bollea, at the wheel during a horrific car crash a few weeks back that has left his passenger in critical condition with suspected brain damage, has been the subject of much-media scrutiny of late. Reports of his being given free-passes on possible speeding tickets in the past have mixed with alleged tales of his frequent “drifting” or drag racing have painted a non-too rosy picture of the 17-year-old — something to which Leslie has seen fit to defend with these comments, printed in a letter to the Winchester Star, a Massachusetts newspaper: “I am writing this article because I am outraged at the way the media has been handling its reporting on Nick Hogan (Bollea). I am Ed Leslie, a.k.a. Brutus The Barber Beefcake, and I have known Hulk Hogan since grade school . . . I was there when Hulk’s children were born and watched them grow up into young adults . . . Nick is not a party boy. He is not the stereotypical “Hollywood kid” who spends his time at the clubs and expects special treatment wherever he goes. Instead, you would find him in his garage with his buddies working on cars or tricking out their scooters and bicycles. Nick Bollea is just a loving, caring, 17-year-old that had a tragic accident. His broken bones may be healing, but it is the emotional injuries that are causing the most suffering. I want people to know that Nick is a great kid and to remember that not everything you read is always the whole truth.”
STILL NO GO WITH JOE — Finally, in an update to a story of great interest to fans of Total Non-Stop Action, Samoa Joe has once again reportedly turned down another offer for a long-term extension. Although Joe has about a year to go on an existing deal, naturally, TNA brass are anxious to get Joe locked-up for a longer duration of time. Despite the fact that the WWE failed to sign Joe after a tryout some years back (reportedly the main reason given was his “non-WWE physique”) speculation has it that the WWE would be more than interested this time around, if for no other reason than to weaken TNA by taking one of their top-flight main-eventers. TNA, most likely in a move to curry Joe’s favor, has allowed him to work on upcoming Japanese NOAH cards — something they were frowning upon in recent months in an attempt to secure more “TNA-exclusive” deals with their talent.
BONUS TIDDER: For a great article on the legendary Kamala, check out Slam Wrestling’s piece on the latest happenings with Mr. Mal’s favorite Ugandan headhunter. Great stuff. A true Hall-of-Famer in Mr. Mal’s book, by any measure.
- Mr. Mal
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