Mid-Month round-up, September 18th

A couple of things worth mentioning, plus a quick round-up of Unforgiven

More News On Kurt Angle Release:

- After losing his title at WrestleMania, Kurt Angle adamantly began pushing WWE management to get the title back. While that did not initially play out, he continued pushing hard to make sure he remained a top star.
- He pushed Brian Gewirtz to be added to the Vengeance PPV, and, at one point, was actually scheduled to defeat Randy Orton. But, when news of his drug test failure came out (due to having an expired prescription for a drug he took), WWE quickly jobbed him out and suspended him for thirty days.
- Vince McMahon gave Kurt Angle a stern warning after learning of his drug policy violation; following that, sources say things began getting messy. Kurt Angle would constantly call, email and text message WWE officials and wrestlers. Some say half the messages were senseless, while half were perfectly coherent.
- He was brought back immediately at the end of his suspension only because ECW needed a big star to return. The ECW lockerroom quickly turned on him due to his “impossible” behavior, which included telling an agent that when he accidentally dropped RVD on his head during a match, it was actually RVD’s fault. He would have another confrontation with RVD based on something he said in the ring during one of their matches.
- Angle also petitioned very hard to be added to the Summerslam card. His campaigning worked, as the original plan was to make the ECW Championship bout a four-way. But, following his groin injury at the 8/13 house show, Vince McMahon pulled him from the Summerslam card.
- On August 21, Angle called Johnny Ace and said he was being wheeled through the airport. He said his massage therapist claimed he had a torn abdominal muscle. Vince reportedly made a decision at this time to both set up an MRI and, if necessary, fire Angle.
- Kurt Angle was released from his contract (and given some money) on 8/25. Terms of his release remain unclear.
- Some of the major non-WWE wrestling names (All Japan, NOAH and TNA) expressed immediate interest in Angle upon learning of his release. While he could very well wrestle for another promotion (which would upset WWE, both as a company and as an entity looking out for Angle’s health), a bigger fear on WWE’s part is that he’ll take a job with an MMA promotion and put his health in further danger.

DX vs NWO?

Scott Hall has resumed training and, according to the Wrestling Observer, plans to pursue a pro wrestling comeback.

He and Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman have been talking about pitching the idea of a DX vs. nWo feud to WWE. It was recently reported that there has been informal talk of the angle in some WWE circles, but it is not yet under official consideration.

Although the DX vs. nWo rumors first started when a fan circulated a photoshopped Survivor Series poster around the Internet, there are reports suggesting that there is legitimate talk of running the angle.

WWE sources deny that there are any plans to bring Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in for such a feud, but they are acknowledging that the idea has been informally proposed in some circles.
At this point, the angle remains a longshot, but the Internet discussion of the feud (and the availability of Nash and Hall) could make it a reality.

If WWE rejects the nWo idea, Hall intends to seek a job with TNA. Seemingly tipping the scale in TNA’s favor, outside of WWE’s thoughts of the nWo storyline, is the fact that Hall doesn’t want to travel full-time.

In all honesty, while I could see this stinking up the joint, I would like to see this happen as I always enjoy a good faction feud! In addition, there is no reason it could not work if booked properly.

Unforgiven

Well, this was far better than I expected it to be.

In a quick review of the event:

Johnny Nitro beat Jeff Hardy in a decent opener, with a few close pin-falls making for as exciting viewing as these two could hope for

Kane and Umaga battled to a double-count out in this surprisingly ok big-man match. The end stank, and deservedly got booed, but the match was better than I thought it would be, that's for sure (that is not saying much, though!)

Spirit Squad beat the Highlanders in an average tag bout. This five on two deal is getting old, very quickly. It is not like the match was rubbish, but it just summed up the tag division at the moment.

DX then defeated Big Show and the McMahons in a handicap hell in cell match. I actually enjoyed this, and Vince having his head shoved in Big Shows backside was pretty funny. Shane genuinely looked worried about his own condition at the end of the match, but it may just be that he sold it very well and fair play if that is the case. I hope it is, anyway

Trish then got the fairytale ending to her career that I hoped she would, beating Lita in a decent womens match for the womens title, and going out on top to a great ovation from the crowd. It was as close to a Hulk Hogan style moment as she could ever hope for!

Randy Orton then pinned Carlito after a superb RKO as Carlito flew from the top-rope. This match was good, but there should have been more from these two. For one, comparatively speaking, they did not have loads of time compared to some. Still I doubt it would have done either mans reputation any harm, and theay are definitely two for the future.

Finally in the main event, John Cena regained the WWE title from Edge in a TLC match. I hope this finishes their feud, and if it does it is a good way to go out. The end was nuts, as both men took big bumps from the ladder through a table, but then at the end, Cena gave Edge an FU from the top of a ladder through two tables. It was pretty damn insane!

General round-up, 4th September

Well since the last post, we have had SummerSlam and there are a couple of other things to report on but let's cut to the chase:

The Release of Kurt Angle

Right then first of all, there was this statement on wwe.com:

“Due to personal issues, Kurt Angle has been granted an early release from his contract. WWE looks forward to establishing a new relationship with Kurt in the near future.

The only Olympic gold medalist in WWE history, Kurt Angle arrived in 1999 and quickly became one of the most decorated champions in sports-entertainment history. “The Wrestling Machine” is not only a six-time World Champion, but also held the Intercontinental Championship and WWE Tag Team Championship; he also won the 2000 King of the Ring tournament. Recently joining ECW, Angle’s unmatched intensity was rivaled only by his technical and athletic in-ring prowess.”

Then there was the rumours:

1) There were reports going around that prior to his release, Kurt Angle told friends he wanted off the ECW brand.

Angle reportedly expressed the belief that he only wanted to be on ECW if he could get a championship push. A number of wrestlers actually went to Johnny Ace and Vince McMahon requesting that Angle be moved to another brand.

It is unclear if this, if even true, had anything to do with his release, but it is known that the biggest issues Angle faced at the end of his WWE tenure were family problems and injuries.

2) Just prior to issuing Kurt his release, WWE management met with the wrestler and laid out some goals he would need to meet in order to remain with the company.

Angle apparently rejected to fulfill some of the unclear duties, which resulted in his release.
WWE officials were reportedly very considered with Kurt Angle’s physical and mental issues and felt that the relationship could not continue unless Kurt took major steps to improve his state.

In terms of sympathy, sources say it’s a bit less than it would have been had Angle’s time in ECW not been filled with frequent, transparent politicking.

Then various employees had their say on wwe.com, including the boss, Vince McMahon:

“It’s unfortunate that Kurt was released, and it’s really unfortunate for the WWE fans who, for a while at least, won’t see Angle in action,” the Chairman tells WWE.com.

“(Angle) is a consummate professional; obviously he’s a great athlete, and he’s the only Olympic Gold Medalist in WWE history. Not to have Kurt with us is really unfortunate all the way around…but circumstances were such that Kurt should have been, and was, granted his release.”

The WWE Chairman noted that Angle “only knows 100-percent” and refused to tone down his
in-ring style, even as the injuries began to pile up.

Nonetheless, the door will be open forKurt Angle down the road.

“WWE would certainly welcome Kurt back with open arms,” says McMahon. “I think Kurt has some issues he has to face, as we all do from time to time. We all have our demons, and as human beings, it is important for us to overcome them and become better human beings, athletes and business people.”

However, after treating Kurt Angle’s WWE departure in an optimistic fashion, the company changed its tune in a new message to fans.

According to Keith Lipinski, WWE sent the following via its Mobile Alerts program:

“According to sources, the meeting between WWE Execs & Kurt Angle was heated & confrontational. Angle was an emotional wreck departing WWE Titan Tower.”

To be honest it remains to be seen why WWE is no longer attempting to protect Kurt Angle’s image in its stories about the release.

However, Kurt has now given his own version of events:

Kurt Angle views his WWE release as an opportunity to rest and catch up with family, he tells fans in a letter on his website.

“It’s time to rest! After 6 long years, I looked into my wife’s eyes and finally saw that she, too, was severely stressed and worn out due to my livelihood that she had to endure,” writes the wrestler.

Just prior to his final match at an ECW house show, Angle realized that his priorities were not in check. He explains, “Something happened that made me realize that wrestling wasn’t the most important thing in my life. I sat down with my wife Karen, who had tears in her eyes. I could see in her face how concerned she was for me.”

The wrestler, who suffered from neck trouble throughout his WWE tenure, explains that his diehard effort in the wrestling was taking its toll.

“Week after week, day after day, 250 days a year on the road can be a living hell for anyone, especially when you’re in daily pain for months on end. It was at home when I began to realize how severe the problems were-when a simple task like taking out the garbage is like a full workout and I needed Motrin in order to get up and do it,” says Angle.

Nonetheless, Angle feels he is leaving on good terms with WWE (he referred to Vince McMahon as a great man) and hopes to step back in the ring:

“I, Kurt Angle, will be back! That’s a promise. And that’s damn true!”

On the web: kurtanglewwe.com

And now, for the Sheriffs point of view! To be honest, I think Kurt needs a break. While Stone Cold Steve Austin is my all-time favourite wrestler, I believe that Kurt Angle is the best wrestler I have ever seen. The bloke has been amazing throughout his career and can drag decent matches out of almost anyone.

However, his body has clearly suffered too much wear and tear and, quite frankly, his health was beginning to become a major point of concern.

That said, hopefully with some rest, a new ring style that will protect him, and a revised contract that will see him spend a minimal amount of time in the ring - similar to the Undertaker - then hopefully we will see him return.

Sometimes, less is more. Kurt needs to realise that.

Anyway, on with the rest of the news

SummerSlam

As one of the big four I was looking forward to this and, although there was no stand out matches like Wrestlemania - or even One Night Stand - it was generally a decent event, with one horrible exception!

In results from the card:

Chavo Guerrero beat Rey Mysterio in a match that was better than I expected it to be. No reason why that SHOULD be the case as they are both decent wrestlers at cruiserweight level. But I am so sick of Eddie Guerrero being dragged into storylines that I was not looking forward to it. The end still involved Eddies widow Vickie, but hopefully this story is coming close to an end.

The Big Show then defeated Sabu to keep his ECW title in another decent bout, though that is mainly due to Sabu and the extreme rules rather than the giant champion. It makes me sad that he is even in ECW, let alone the champ. Vince really should give creative control to Paul Heyman. Wont happen though.

Randy Orton then lost to Hulk Hogan in a predictable - but to be fair, passable - bout. A win for Orton would have done a lot for his career - and a defeat would have been irrelevant to the career of Hogan - but we all know the score here. Still Hogan got the biggest pop of the night and I guess that meant the short-term goal of him featuring was achieved. Incidentally, Hogan remains undefeated at SummerSlam.

Mick Foley then quit against Ric Flair in the 'I Quit' match when it looked like Flair was going to clatter Melina with a barbwire bat. Strangely, in the build-up both men expressed an interest in LOSING the match. Anyway it was decent enough, obviously Foley is an expert at these kind of matches but did not have the young blokes he has had to work with in recent times like Edge and Randy Orton, so instead this was a bit more like watching him brawl with Terry Funk. In a way it makes for even more uncomfotable viewing!

Batista beat King Booker via disqualification (meaning Booker held the title) in a horrible match.

Then DX defeated the McMahons in a reasonable tag bout which had tons of outside interference at the beginning, including the Spirit Squad, Finlay, Regal, Kennedy, Big Show and Umaga (the latter was distracted away via a brawl with Kane). While I hope DX hang around for a bit, I hope their feud moves away from Vince & Shane.

Finally Edge beat Cena in another decent enough match between these two. Again, I hope their feud ends as soon as possible though!

Other News

Monday’s “Kiss My Ass Club” angle involving Vince McMahon and Mick Foley should lead to a match between the two at WrestleMania, reports are suggesting. Foley has recently been requesting a feud with Vince McMahon, and Monday’s angle plants the seeds for a confrontation between the two early next year. Sources believe Foley’s interest in the angle comes from a desire to work a less-intense match, while still remaining high-profile in WWE.

Carlito is reportedly unhappy with his current status on the WWE roster. Allegedly, the wrestler feels that while he should be nearing a main-event push, he’s stuck in the middle of the card and in a romance storyline that does not play to his strengths. According to one source, additional frustration comes from the fact that WWE officials actually tell the wrestler to “act like The Rock.” Carlito feels that such an instruction will prevent him from breaking out as a top star.

While the story around Trish and her retirement obviously has kayfabe aspects, it is the case that she will be retiring very soon.

Is it just me or did Chris Masters look like he has lost a bit of muscle? SURELY that can't be a coincidence...!

Former WWE superstar Sean O’Haire has been calling WWE for a job. Although O’Haire has a reputation for being a legitimate tough guy, he’s struggled in mixed martial arts competition since departing WWE. Interest on WWE’s end does not appear too great, however, as he never received a callback from WWE after working a tryout in the spring.

Vince McMahon is reportedly not a fan of ECW Vixen Francine, and she could be an early casualty when WWE stops using some of the “ECW originals.” In fact, upon seeing Francine backstage at the most recent One Night Stand PPV, McMahon asked Johnny Ace who hired someone that 'looked like that'!

There have been reports that there were no drug test failures among WWE RAW and ECW wrestlers. The clean test results came as little surprise to those within the industry, as news of the SmackDown! testing allowed members of the other brands to be sure their bodies were ready for testing. Nonetheless, by now, the general belief is that nearly everyone within WWE has gotten off steroids and other drugs that would yield positive test results. Marijuana is the only illegal substance used somewhat frequently.

Expect some of the Diva 2006 Search contestants to be hired in various roles soon.

Referee Robert Brisko and trainer Eric Langley both quit WWE developmental territory Ohio Valley wrestling recently. Reports suggst that the territory is in chaos right now.