Goldberg On His Past Issues With Hall & Jericho, A Potential WWE Return, What's Next,

Bill Goldberg recently spoke with The Phoenix New Times to promote his appearance at the Clickjab Wrestling Fan Fest this weekend. Here are some highlights:

Getting advice from Jim Ross before launching his podcast:
"Well, yeah. Absolutely. I've been taking Jim's advice for the past 30 years. He and I go way back to my Oklahoma days. So why reinvent the wheel and why not talk to people who have tread before you? And he obviously knows what he's doing. And I'm not a radio personality by any stretch, but if you stop learning, you die, and I'm firmly a believer in that. So I'll take advice from everybody, doesn't mean that I'm actually going to act on it. But you gotta admit, when you're not an expert at something and are able to hear advice from different people and discern between the good advice and bad advice, you do that and go from there."

His podcast being different from others:
"Yeah. At the end of the day, man, the reason I did the podcast is because I went through my Rolodex and thought, "There has to be a way to take advantage of all the cool people that I know." So, in the beginning, by not [featuring] wrestlers, I wouldn't be able to gain that much traction as the other guys, but I'm not at all like the other guys. I'm different.

I'm not a wrestler. I am a football player who looked at wrestling as a business. I do not live it, I do not breathe it, I do not eat it and s--t it like everybody else does. And I truly believe that there's a lot more interesting content out there that I'm going to try turning these wrestling fans on to that's cool. I've been leading a pretty cool life and have some really cool friends."

Would he have Chris Jericho on as a guest?
"Absolutely. Why not? We'll do a co-promoted podcast where it should be aired on both simultaneously. Yeah. No big deal. I'm 47 years old, man, I don't hold grudges with people. If he's got a problem with me, say it to my face. Other than that, shut up, you know?"

Jericho tweeting Goldberg is his "bro" and that anyone "trying to stir the s--t can piss off":
"Yeah, that's how I feel too, man. And I very much appreciate him saying that. Until I talk to him face-to-face, which I haven't done since the B.S. went down years ago, which...it was ridiculous. It was the furthest thing from a fight that I think I've ever seen. But he knows the truth and I know the truth, and the reality is we're grown men, dude, we've got bigger and better things to do than [dwell] on a ridiculous little subject that people seem to bring up every couple minutes."

Is he a tough guy or a softie at public appearances and Scott Hall:
"Well, they know that I'm the antithesis outside of the ring of the character that I am inside, except for the fact that, you know, you piss me off or do something that's wrong then I'm going to show that other side of Goldberg. I mean, the reality is, I'm multi-dimensional in the person that I can become at the snap of a finger. But the most important aspect of my personality is the one that's caring and the one that tries to give back to people who have put me in a position that I'm already in.

The wrestling convention or the signings are not the place to show that I can punch somebody in the face. It's a place where the people can look at you as an idol, this big strong guy, but yet, at the same time, have a nice conversation with you, so you smile, put your arm around them and make them feel welcome. That's what you do at these autograph sessions. But, if Scott Hall mouths off to me, then they'll see the other side.

This would be a rematch that he'd never book, believe it. He'd never sign it, because this one would be done in the street or at my gym, which I'd rather take it there, you know?"

A possible WWE return:
" I've expressed my desire...well, not my desire, my willingness to maybe consider it again, but I've said it once, I've said it 50,000 times, once they learn how to do business, then I'd consider it.

I'd love to do it too, man. I mean, like I said, I've said it before, I think the WWE and I will never see eye to eye, so I don't think [it] will be very logical, and I think the chances of seeing me elsewhere are between zero and zero, unless it's Japan or unless somebody comes out to be a competitor to [WWE's owner Vince McMahon], because I'm not just gonna do it to do it."

What's next for him:
"I've got a movie [Minkow] coming up in September [and] just got off a conference call with a new TV show. I'm pretty damn busy man. I'm as busy as I want to be. And at this time in my life, at 47 years old, I just want to be able to make my own decisions and live by it. So as long I'm still able to do that, then I'm good, man.

I don't need to vindicate anything because of my last match against Brock Lesnar, by no stretch of the imagination. Because I haven't seen anybody press [slam] him over their head yet. When that's a normal occasion, then I won't feel as though I accomplished very much. But I haven't seen anyone jackhammer The Giant [a.k.a. WWE's The Big Show] yet. So, if I'm the "flash in the pan," as a couple people have said I was, so be it. But this "flash in the pan" put asses in seats, money in a lot of people's pockets, and I was able to jackhammer The Giant at will."

The full interview can be read at this link.

WWE Live Event Results From Pensacola (7/18): Reigns & Usos Return Home, Six-Divas, More

Thanks to Marty Thomas for the following report from Friday night's WWE live event in Pensacola, Florida at the Pensacola Bay Civic Center:

* Rusev defeated Jack Swagger by submission in a hot opener. Lana was even hotter and got heat from the crowd. Hopefully it's this good on pay-per-view.

* Damien Sandow faced Adam Rose in a dance off, as voted by the fans. Sandow was dressed as a beach bum. Sandow attacked Rose while he was twerking but Rose fought back. Unfortunately Rose was very over.

* Damien Sandow cried foul and issued an open challenge. The Great Khali came out and squashed him.

* Sheamus defeated Cesaro and Dolph Ziggler in a Triple Threat to retain the US Championship.

* Dean Ambrose defeated Seth Rollins by disqualification when Rollins used his briefcase. Great back and forth match, both got big reactions.

* The Usos defeated Ryback & Curtis Axel and Erick Rowan & Luke Harper to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship. Another awesome match between these teams. The Usos got a huge hometown pop and were on fire during the whole match. This was my match of the night.

* Paige, Summer Rae and Nikki Bella defeated Layla, Rosa Mendes and Alicia Fox when Paige made Alicia submit. Not bad for a Divas match, Nikki and Paige seemed to get good reactions.

* Roman Reigns got a massive hometown pop and defeated Kane in a Last Man Standing match. Reigns and Kane tore it up but the crowd made this one helluva main event. Rollins ran down and nailed Reigns but Ambrose made the save and they brawled away. Reigns got the win after spearing Kane through a table. Reigns cut a post-match promo and called out fellow hometown stars The Usos. They talked about representing Pensacola and the 850 everywhere they go. They did a "850" chant and got a big hometown pop to send the fans home happy.

Great show and the crowd was hot the entire night. I'd say 80% full, a mixed crowd but with several families and kids in attendance.

Biggest Pops: Roman Reigns, The Usos, Dean Ambrose, Adam Rose, Jack Swagger

Biggest Heat: Seth Rollins, Rusev, Damien Sandow, Kane (no reaction at all just about)

Sting Says It's An "Honor" To Be Part Of WWE, Talks RAW Video, Undertaker, More

The following are highlights of a new Grantland interview with "The Icon" Sting:

How does it feel to finally be a part of WWE?

It’s an honor. It’s something I always hoped I could do — to somehow or another be a part of the WWE family in some capacity. And here I am.

You’re going to be in the new WWE2K15 game, but fans are salivating at the idea of you actually being on WWE television. Are there any plans for you to be onscreen?

I’ll just say that I’m all in and very willing to participate. Believe me.

Flair shared an onscreen moment on Monday with John Cena. I imagine they have a relationship similar to the one he had with you. Who are your favorite guys of the current generation?

I’m a strange breed. When I got into the business I really didn’t know anything about wrestling. I never watched wrestling on TV because we didn’t have it in the area of Southern California where I grew up. So it’s amazing that I even ended up wrestling. I still don’t watch a whole lot. Thirty years and I never really watched anything — I never even watched myself. I’m just now at a place where I’m like, “Let me start to learn some of these newer guys coming up.” I always heard that when John Cena started, a lot of people looked at him as the new Sting. That was flattering. As far as some of the new guys, I love the look of Roman Reigns and I think he has all the ability in the world. Daniel Bryan, I’ve seen him perform. Bray Wyatt, I’ve seen him. Unreal what they do.

Fans have been dreaming of a match between you and the Undertaker for the past 10-plus years. I’m sure you hear it all the time. Is that something you’ve thought about?

Absolutely. I would love to have that match. I think for wrestling fans it’s a dream match, but really it’s been a dream match of mine for a long time, as well. I know that the streak was taken away by Brock Lesnar at this last WrestleMania, but I hope [Undertaker]’s not done. I don’t believe he is. And if he is going to be around, I’m hoping for an opportunity.

A lot of fans believed your promo commercial was the best segment on Raw this past Monday.

One of the interesting things I read about the promo video was that for anybody who thought the generational gap would be not in Sting’s favor, well, we can put that to rest. The way the crowd reacted was amazing — and even the younger kids who don’t know who I am. The painted face, that video — I’m the sort of guy who’s really hard to please, but when I saw that video, with the violins playing, it was great.

I heard that when WWE bought WCW back in 2001, you were worried about how WWE would position you and that’s why you never came over. Is that true?

Honestly, back then I probably did make rumblings like that. But the truth is that I had a contract with AOL/Time Warner. WWE didn’t assume those. I had 18 months left on that contract, and AOL had to pay me the money they owed me, and they did. I also did an audit for merchandise and got another lump of money there. After 18 months, I had a conversation with Vince. Long story short, when I spoke with Vince it was great, then when the attorneys got involved it wasn’t so great. It never materialized. I let it go at that point.

Now that you have a relationship with WWE, do you regret not signing with the company sooner?

Yeah, you know what they say about hindsight. I can look back now and wonder why I didn’t do this earlier. But it is what it is, and I’m excited right now. It’s like Vince used to say every time I came close to signing but never did: “Don’t forget to cross your t’s and dot your i’s, and someday we’ll do business together.” And here we are. It’s a video game, but that’s for starters, and we’ll see how it develops from here. I’m glad it turned out the way it did.

How much more in-ring action do you have in you?

One more match. That’s what I’m hoping to do, and I’d like it to be Taker, and then I’ll hang it up.

Check out the complete interview at Grantland.com.

Backstage Update On Sting's WWE Contract Status: Has He Signed Yet?, More

Despite the fact that WWE premiered the WWE 2K15 video game commercial that featured Sting on this past Monday's RAW, a commercial that reportedly cost roughly $200,000, it is believed that Sting and WWE have yet to officially sign a contract.

Additional speculation that Sting had signed with WWE came when the company began marketing Sting merchandise via the official WWE Shop. WWE is of the impression that they own the intellectual property to merchandise Sting materials, since they bought the intellectual property as part of the WCW sale in 2001.

Regardless, the fact that Triple H teased Sting possibly coming to WWE one day during his most recent sit-down interview with Michael Cole on WWE.com had led many within the company to believe that he is of the opinion that the deal with Sting is an inevitability.

As noted in the past, Sting himself has expressed desire in working a match at WrestleMania 31, with The Undertaker being the key name that he has mentioned in various interviews.

VIDEO: HHH Talks About Sting Joining WWE, Sunday's Battleground PPV & More

The latest edition of the Triple H and Michael Cole weekly sit-down interview series has been added to the official WWE YouTube channel.

Check out the below video to hear "The Game" talk about the possibility of Sting joining WWE, as well as what his "plan C" for this Sunday's WWE Battleground pay-per-view .

Sting Says He Wants To Wrestle The Undertaker At WrestleMania 31

Wrestling legend Sting spoke to Mirror.co.uk this week to hype his involvement in the upcoming WWE 2K15 video game. Sting spoke about a variety of topics, including why he decided to finally work with WWE after all these years, if he's interested in joining the WWE Hall of Fame, memories of his former tag team partner The Ultimate Warrior and his desire to wrestle The Undertaker at WrestleMania 31.

Here are the highlights of what Sting said about:

Finally Working With WWE: "Why now? It's a now or never thing. I've done so many things in the wrestling business but the one thing I'd never done was wrestle or be a part of the WWE family I didn't want too hang it all up and retire and disappear again without having done that in some capacity."

Joining The WWE Hall Of Fame: "Obviously it would be a great honour to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. It's nothing that I would say no to, that's for sure."

Memories Of The Ultimate Warrior: "Now I can look back and realise just how amazing it all was. It's remarkable really that both of us ended up taking it all as far as we did."

"It would seem like every three, four, five years or so we'd bump into each other. He called me twelve years ago, he needed some help with some stuff and of course I was there to help him out as much as I could. We never really kept in contact, but it was always friendly when we did. With his resurgence with WWE I was really looking forward to reconnecting with him again, and maybe even working with him in some capacity through WWE."

Wanting To Wrestle The Undertaker: "I've made it clear I'd love to have one last hurrah, one last big match hopefully. And of course I've been outspoken about Undertaker being the opponent. I know what happened at Wrestlemania where Brock Lesnar broke his streak. I think, or at least I'm hoping, that Taker's still going to come back and that he's not done. If he's not done, and he would consider doing it, I'd love to work with him one time.

"I'd love to wrestle him one time before I call it quits. Undertaker maintained a status in wrestling and the WWE that is second to none. He's a phenomenon,"

"How about San Francisco, 2015, in April?"

Sting Comments On His Involvement With WWE 2K15

It’s Showtime – Sting to Debut in WWE® 2K15

Iconic competitor makes first appearance as two playable characters through exclusive pre-order offer

NEW YORK, Jul 15, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 2K today announced the long-awaited debut of Sting in WWE® 2K15, the forthcoming release in the flagship WWE video game franchise. Sting will be available for those who pre-order the game at any participating retailer for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems. WWE 2K15 is currently scheduled for release on October 28, 2014 in North America and October 31, 2014 internationally.

One of the most popular and revered competitors in WCW® history, Sting will be featured in WWE 2K15 through two unique playable characters: the mysterious, ghost-like persona with trademark black and white face paint who was the face of WCW during the “Monday Night War” era, as well as his earlier look, sporting bright colors and a blond, flattop hairstyle. In celebration, a unique promotional trailer highlighting Sting’s WWE 2K15inclusion may be viewed at http://youtu.be/diOtZg4mJRU .

"The only thing for sure about Sting is nothing's for sure, except my debut in WWE 2K15," said Sting. "I'm honored to have my legacy immortalized in a video game. It's showtime!"

Making his WCW debut in 1991, Sting generated worldwide recognition for his unique presence and in-ring prowess. Across more than a decade, he amassed eight WCW championships and competed against many notable rivals, including “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, the New World Order (nWo), Vader, Rick Rude, The Four Horsemen and Ric Flair.

"We're eager to introduce fans to Sting in a compelling new way, while debuting the next-generation of gaming in the WWE 2K franchise," said Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing at 2K. "Pre-ordering WWE 2K15 is the ultimate way to embrace the history and individuality of Sting’s impressive career."

Developed collaboratively by Yukes and Visual Concepts, a 2K studio, WWE 2K15is not yet rated by the ESRB. WWE 2K15 is currently scheduled for release on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4™ and PS3™ on October 28, 2014 in North America and October 31, 2014 internationally.

For more information on WWE 2K15 and 2K, visit wwe.2k.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter using the hashtags #WWE2K15 and #FEELIT or subscribe on YouTube .

Sting Is Coming To WWE 2K15

It was announced on Monday's WWE RAW that wrestling legend Sting will be a playable character in WWE 2K15.

The only way to get Sting as a playable character is by pre-ordering the game, which you can do now at Amazon.com. There will be "2 Generations" of Sting in the game, both Surfer Sting and Crow Sting. A video package aired featuring an orchestra, all painted their faces painted like Sting. As they played, Sting came down from the rafters, baseball bat in hand. This was the video promo that WWE filmed last month when they posted an open casting call. This will be Sting's first appearance in a WWE video game.

WWE To Cancel Plans For Tough Enough On The WWE Network?

At last word, shooting of the new season of Tough Enough for the WWE Network was scheduled to begin this week, however due to recent budget-cutting, it's said to be up in the air.

Apparently people involved got the directive to reduce productions costs on the project, and at last word it was not 100 percent as to whether or not they would even start filming as scheduled.

WWE Surveys Fans About Week-Long Network Programming (Savage, Punk & Sting)

Sponsored Links WWE sent out another Fan Council survey on Thursday, asking fans which 
Superstars they want to see have week-long programming on the WWE Network and what type of WWE fan watches certain WWE Network shows:

You will see a list of Superstars that may be featured in special week-long programming on the WWE Network. The week would include programming that highlights the Superstar's favorite matches, promos, rivalries, catch-phrases and greatest WrestleMania moments. Please rate your interested in watching week-long special programming featuring each of the following Superstars.

• The Kaliq
• Sting
• Stone Cold Steve Austin
• The Rock
• John Cena 
• Christian
• Cm Punk
• Andre the Giant
• The Hardy Boys
• The Big Show
• Hulk Hogan
• Lex Luger
• The Authority 
• Randy "Macho man" Savage
• Alberto Del Rio

For each of the following WWE Network shows, please rate who watches the show in your household

• Old School Raw
• WWE , WCW , ECW , PPV'S and Classic Matches
• Legends House
• WWE Countdown
• Replays of Recent Raw and Smack Down
• Wrestle Mania Rewind
• Legends of Wrestling
• Replays of Total Divas
• Raw Pre-shows
• Current 2014 live pay-per-view
• Beyond the Ring

For each of the following WWE Network shows, please rate the type of fan who watches the show in your household (Hard-core, passionate fans, Moderate fans, casual fans, Occasional, less interested fans, No one watches this show in my household)

• WWE Countdown
• Legends' House
• Replays of Total Divas
• Legends of Wrestling
• Raw Pre shows
• Current 2014 live pay-per-views
• WWE, WCW, ECW pay-per-views and classic matches
• WrestleMania Rewind
• Beyond The Ring
• Old School Raw
• Replays of recent Raw and SmackDown shows

WWE SmackDown Preview (6/13): Ambrose vs. Wyatt MITB Qualifier

Sponsored Links The following is a preview for tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown, taped Tuesday night from Green Bay, Wisconsin:

• Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt in a MITB qualifying match
• US hampion Sheamus vs. Cesaro (Non-title match)
• IC champion Wade Barrett vs. Roman Reigns
• Erick Rowan vs. Jey Uso
• Big E. vs. Jack Swagger
• Fandango vs. Adam Rose
• Bo Dallas vs. R-Truth
• Alicia Fox vs. Aksana

match

WWE Takes Another Jab At CM Punk, Notes On WWE Tryout Camp This Week

- WWE is holding a tryout camp for potential future Divas at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week. The word going around is that most of the women trying out are models that have been specifically recruited, and are not experienced female wrestlers.

- WWE recently pinned an article regarding Superstars who quit to the official Facebook page of CM Punk. In the latest subtle social media jab, WWE has used Punk's Facebook page to promote an article regarding Superstars who "sold out." The title of the post reads, "SUPERSTARS WHO SOLD OUT and broke our hearts in the process!!!!"

Popularity Of The Rock's "Hercules" Film, Trailer For Jim Cornette Shoot Interview

- The Rock recently noted on Twitter that the trailer for his upcoming "Hercules" film was the number one most popular trailer on all of YouTube. "The Brahma Bull" tweeted the following:



The following is the trailer for HERCULES

- Speaking of trailers, here's a look at the upcoming RF Video shoot interview with legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette:

Update: Four More High-Profile WWE Stars, Referee Released

In addition to the five names that we reported WWE released earlier today, which included Brodus Clay, Evan Bourne, Yoshi Tatsu, Theodore Long and Camacho, the company has released four more high-profile Superstars and Divas.

WWE.com has confirmed the releases of Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, Aksana and Curt Hawkins as well.

If any additional names are released, we will update you here on the website.

UPDATE: WWE has confirmed the release of referee Marc Harris.

WWE Releases Brodus Clay, Evan Bourne, Yoshi Tatsu & 2 More

WWE.com has announced the release of five talents:

- Theodore Long
- Camacho
- Brodus Clay
- Evan Bourne
- Yoshi Tatsu

Update On Recent Sting/WWE Rumors, Latest On His Contract Status

WWE was reportedly unhappy that the news leaked about the project that related to Sting, with the orchestra, etc., which we wrote about earlier this week.

While the deal isn't a WWE project specifically, it is for a company that has a business relationship with the company and would be in some form-or-fashion related to WWE.

Apparently this project would be happening whether or not Sting signs with WWE, although it would clearly be more advantageous if he were to sign

Regarding Sting's status with WWE, the general consensus seems to be that the two sides are close enough to a deal that the feeling is it will inevitably happen.