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 Continues to Ostracize PPV Providers w/ Recent Battleground Email

It’s no secret that several of the major U.S. pay-per-view providers have been frustrated with the WWE since theWWE Network launched this February. Outside of WrestleMania XXX, which was offered by most providers, it has been up to their digression whether or not to include the monthly WWE events in their paid line-up. 

Despite this, WWE began a hard pitch against traditional PPV at last month’s Money in the Bank event, where you can notice a major difference in how the commentary and production team advertised the show. Statements like “don’t pay for traditional PPV when you can get Money in the Bank for just $9.99″ were made to directly influence the fans away from companies like Comcast, DirecTV, etc. 

Today an email went out to all WWE subscribers – the title read “watch Battleground LIVE, only on WWE Network”. The email previews the main matches for the show, and contains multiple ads for the Network, without a single mention of cable providers. It’s worth noting that this Sunday’s event, at this time, is still be offered by most PPV providers. 

Jim Ross Speaks On Possibly Working In TNA, Working With CM Punk & More

The following are highlights of a new Between The Ropes interview with Jim Ross:

Following up on a recent question asked to him on Twitter if he would be open to broadcasting for TNA Wrestling and him saying 'never say never': "Well, it's kind of far-fetched it the sense that A) those discussions aren't happening. I don't have any desire to get back into the weekly grind of pro wrestling. Or the weekly grind of anything other than this podcast is weekly. I could do it from home if I wanted to. But I enjoy doing it at the radio station and I enjoy having a destination, to go to work, prepare. I enjoy it. I think when you're an independent contract as I am, and you're a freelance talent as I am, by in-large, you don't want to say 'I'm never doing that' because someone can come along and make you an offer that is really better than you dreamer you would ever get. It's not likely at all. I'm not looking at that direction but I don't think it's very smart to say I'll never do that. It would take an extraordinary deal because I don't know why I would be excited about replacing one of two guys that I like. You don't get that many friends in the wrestling business that stick with you through thick and thin. You get a lot fewer calls when you can't help somebody or can't do something for them. And I don't know if I would feel comfortable about of upsetting the team of Mike (Tenay) and Taz. As I sit here, I don't feel right about that."

On possibly working with CM Punk on broadcasts: "I'm not saying I'll never do wrestling again. I did my podcast this week and said you know, crazy idea what if CM Punk and I joined forces and made a broadcast team and did an internet pay-per-view for a New Japan show. Something completely off the tracks. An not do it in a studio but go to Tokyo or go wherever the event was held. Be there as the English speaking crew. We might be the version of the Spanish announce table. And I just threw that out there and know I've got all kinds of people 'oh, when are you and CM Punk. when did you talk to Phil'. Well, I haven't talked to Phil. I made it clear on the podcast this is fantasy booking. I said this will get people talking. Well, here's a good one for you. This will get people talking. Watch how this works. And then I laid it out: New Japan is doing these pay-per-views and they want to air them in the States. They're inexpensive and all this good stuff. CM Punk is going to be available to do some stuff one of these days. And I'd love to work with him as the analyst of a pro wrestling match or a MMA fight."

If he thinks he'll be broadcasting MMA in the near future: "I don't have any idea. I've thrown it out there. That's what you have agents. I got two of them. They're both talking different deals so I don't know. I'm interested the door is open so we'll see who walks through if anybody."

On him starting work on his book: "Just this week, we're starting to do some serious work on my autobiography. And I'm doing it differently than people would say is probably customary. I don't have a book deal. I turned down book deals from a lot of places. I decided I want to write the book I believe to be true and honest, entertaining, eye-opening and more than just wrestling headlocks and screwjobs and stuff like that. So, I'm going to write the book. I've got a writing partner and we're going to write the book the way that we want it. We're figured up an ending place which right now is probably going to be when I came back from my second bout of Bell's Palsy to call the first Rock - Austin WrestleMania main event. I'm thinking that would be the end. That would give us cause to write a second book that would bring in the Attitude Era, the Monday Night Wars, my role in the WWE and the corporate side and then having that third bout of Bell's Palsy and then kind of getting futured and moving off Raw and moved to Smackdown. I think it give us plenty of material for the second book."

Check out the complete interview at BetweenTheRopes.com.

WWE RAW Viewership For Last Night

Monday's episode of WWE RAW averaged 4.153 million viewers, down 5% from the previous week.

Here's the hourly breakdown:

Hour 1: 4.000 million

Hour 2: 4.231 million

Hour 3: 4.229 million

RAW ranked #3 in overall viewers on cable for the night, behind the MLB's annual "Home Run Derby" on ESPN and "Major Crimes" on TNT.

The final rating should be out shortly.

Backstage News On Why Emma Was Rehired by WWE

Earlier today, WWE announced that Emma was released, likely as a result of her being arrested for shoplifting on Monday. Just hours later, the company website posted an article stating that "upon further evaluation," she had been reinstated.

According to a source in WWE, the reason Emma was reinstate was because the company does not want to set a precedent where a violation like shoplifting results in a termination. There have been far worse offenses from WWE Superstars and Divas over the years that did not result in releases. Multiple WWE talents have been arrested for DUI's and kept their jobs, with many fans pointing to WWE Diva Cameron as an example.

Back in 2012, Cameron was arrested for DUI and allegedly tried bribing the arresting police officer with $10,000 to let her of the hook. Making the story even more absurd, Cameron didn't tell WWE about the arrest and the company found out about it by reading the news online.

John Cena To Work Reduced WWE Schedule In July Due To Movie Commitments

John Cena will be working a reduced WWE schedule for the month of July due to some movie work he is slated to do.

Cena is currently filming "Trainwreck," a Judd Apatow directed film that was written by, and stars Saturday Night Live alum Amy Poehler.

As a result of film scheduling, there will be some weekends in July that Cena will not be appearing at, or working on WWE live events. It's believed that he will be working RAW each week and two of the live events this month, as well as the July dates in Japan.

Backstage News On Big Show Taking Some Time Off From WWE TV

Big Show is set to take some time off as a regular television character for a while. He is currently filming the WWE Studios film "Vendetta."

Since he was earmarked for it, the company chose not to use him much as of late, as to not get him involved in any key story lines that they couldn't fully pay off.

Updates On WWE Firing RAW's Head Writer, Additional Budget Cuts

As reported earlier this week, WWE's former RAW head writer Jay Gibson was the latest employee to be let go by the company. According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Gibson's departure was not a result of the company's ongoing budget cuts.

Gibson had only been with the company for about 5 months and didn't actually write the RAW scripts himself. He was basically in charge of managing the writing staff, delegating assignments. There were a lot of people who felt that Gibson did not have a good grasp on the WWE product or the wrestling business in general.

Since Gibson wasn't doing much writing, his release is not as significant as the initial reports indicated.

Despite Gibson's release not being directly related to budget cuts, WWE continues to slash various aspects of the production spending. WWE is no longer flying in NXT talent to play Adam Rose's Rosebuds on television. NXT talent will only be used on Raw or Smackdown if they are within driving distance from Orlando, and can travel to the arenas themselves. Instead, WWE is now using local indy talent to play the Rosebuds. This began at last week's RAW and SmackDown tapings from Green Bay and Minneapolis, were independent wrestlers Dysfunction, Justin Dredd, Chase McCoy, Joey Avalon and Melanie Cruise were used as Rosebuds.

It was reported exclusively by WrestleZone.com on Wednesday that WWE is no longer paying for the TV crew's tour buses.

John Cena Speaks On His Future, Following In The Rock's Footsteps & More

The following are highlights of a new Philly.com interview with John Cena:

On his career and his future: "A lot's happened. Physically, I'm just getting started. There's plenty left to do. Every day is another opportunity. So it's been a long and great ride."

On if he'd like to follow in The Rock's footsteps after his WWE career: "Oh, no. Dwayne? There's only one Dwayne Johnson. I'd like to be myself, so I'll find a path doing something. I don't know if it's going to be filling his shoes. He's set the bar pretty high."

Check out the complete interview at Philly.com.

Snooki Says She's "Begging" Vince McMahon To Bring Her Back To WWE

Former "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was interviewed by Chris Jericho on this week's Talk Is Jericho podcast and says she's dying to get back with WWE.

Snooki, who hosted WWE RAW back in 2011 and wrestled at WrestleMania 27, says she's literally "begging" WWE CEO Vince McMahon to let her get back in the ring:

"I’m actually begging [Vince McMahon] to go back because I want to wrestle more."

Snooki has slimmed down since her days on Jersey Shore and is currently pregnant:

"Just having more muscle and being more flexible, I feel like can do more moves in the ring. It was such a fun experience that I would definitely go back for more."

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

Update : Trent Barreta Talks WWE Releases; Takes Shot at Kofi Kingston

Today, Thursday, June 12, there is a lot of buzz among professional wrestling fans about WWE’s decision to release 11 members of its talent. The news came as a shock to many, as recent reports suggested that WWE would let its talents’ contracts expire, instead of releasing them.

Former WWE Superstar Trent Barreta is one of many who has taken to Twitter to comment on the matter. Barreta is no stranger to being released by the company. His almost six year tenure with the company came to an end on January 11, 2013, when WWE released him.

Below are Barreta’s (@trentylocks) tweets on the releases. One of them sees Barreta take a shot at Kofi Kingston, who Barreta once clashed with following his release:



Though, afterwards, Barreta did tweet this in regards to his Kofi Kingston tweet:


As mentioned, this is not the first time Barreta has taken a shot at Kofi Kingston. Below are a series of tweets between the two following Barreta’s release in 2013:

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

Mark Henry Responds To Curt Hawkins Calling Him An Idiot

WWE Superstar Mark Henry has responded to a tweet by Curt Hawkins, who called Henry an "idiot" earlier today. Hawkins was among the 11 people released by WWE on Thursday.

As the news of the massive layoffs was making the rounds, Mark Henry, who was celebrating his birthday, tweeted:





Well, it turns out that Mark Henry was unaware that WWE had just gone on a firing spree and was simply making a statement that he's still with WWE after almost two decades.

Brodus Clay Headed To Japan To Protest Dolphin Hunting

After being released from WWE on Thursday as part of an 11-person layoff, Brodus Clay is headed to Japan this summer to protest dolphin hunting.

The Fankasaurus spoke to TMZ.com and said even though he's bummed about losing his job, he' excited to move on to new projects like acting and writing a book.

He's open to the possibility of wrestling in Japan, but his main focus is "bringing awareness to the cause" of saving dolphins.

Brodus Clay, Curt Hawkins To Make Pro Wrestling Syndicate Debut On 9/20

Following their release from WWE today, both Brodus Clay and Curt Hawkins have already signed to work their first post-WWE appearances, as the two will make their Pro Wrestling Syndicate debut in Rahway, New Jersey on September 20th.

The official Twitter account of the independent promotion tweeted the following:

Press Release: Steve Austin's "Broken Skull Challenge" Debuts On CMT On 7/6

CMT issued the following today:

“STEVE AUSTIN’S BROKEN SKULL CHALLENGE” PUTS ELITE ATHLETES TO THE TEST WHEN THE HEART-POUNDING COMPETITION SERIES PREMIERES SUNDAY, JULY 6 ON CMT

NASHVILLE – June 12, 2014 – Just in time for the scorching months of summer, CMT debuts the most badass competition series yet when STEVE AUSTIN’S BROKEN SKULL CHALLENGE premieres Sunday, July 6 at 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The brain-child of wrestling icon Steve Austin, the 10-episode series pits elite athletes against everyday men and women in the ultimate test of strength, stamina and wit. Each episode features eight contestants in head-to-head battles,until the last man or woman standing earns the right to take on the toughest obstacle course in America created by Austin himself, the “Skullbuster,” for a chance to win cash.

Austin, who previously helmed three seasons of REDNECK ISLAND on CMT, is known for being one of the toughest competitors in the wrestling arena. BROKEN SKULL CHALLENGE combines his fierce love for physical competition with extreme challenges using the core tenants from such current fitness trends as CrossFit and Spartan Race. Austin’s half-mile “Skullbuster” features 10 obstacles designed to stop even the most hardcore athletes, built to progressively break the body down. Everyone’s equal at the ranch, as women find themselves subject to the same punishment as men.

In the first episode, there is no shortage of adrenaline as eight men battle for the win in Trench Warfare, The Pulverizer and The Junkyard. If they lose, they leave. Steve Austin’s rules are fair, and competitors are quick to learn that even those with the most physical power may not be a match against pure determination. In the end, only one athlete will make it to the Skullbuster and even then, there are no guarantees he will complete it.

One of the most popular pro-wrestling superstars of all time, Steve Austin has been busy since retiring from the ring in 2003. The hugely popular WWE Hall of Fame inductee hit the big screen in 2010 in Sylvester Stallone’s action thriller, The Expendables, co-starring alongside a who’s who in action films. Since then, he amassed a number of movie credits including Damage, one of Fox Home Video’s best-selling releases; The Stranger and Hunt To Kill, both released by Anchor Bay; The Package opposite Dolph Lungdren; and, Maximum Conviction opposite Steven Segal. TV roles include hosting CMT’s Redneck Island, along with USA’s hit series Tough Enough. In 2012, Austin launched his podcast The Steve Austin Show, where he lets loose with his no-holds-barred interview style. During his down time, Austin likes to spend time at his 2,100-acre Broken Skull Ranch in South Texas with his wife Kristin and their three Labradors. Follow @steveaustinBSR on Twitter.

for more information and exclusive BROKEN SKULL CHALLENGE content, visit CMT.com and download the CMT App. Fans can also join the conversation on the series’ official Facebook page and follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #BrokenSkullChallenge.

STEVE AUSTIN’S BROKEN SKULL CHALLENGE is produced by 51 Minds Entertainment with executive producers Christian Sarabia, Rabih Gholam, Steve Austin and co-executive producer Vincent Cariati. Julia Silverton, Jayson Dinsmore and Joe Livecchi executive produce for CMT.

Jinder Mahal Comments On His Release From WWE

Former WWE Superstar Jinder Mahal, who was officially let go from the company earlier today, posted the following comments on his official Twitter account regarding his release:

VIDEO: Mick Foley Reveals Two Conditions He Has For Signing WWE Legends Deal

Mick Foley released his latest "Toy Time" video from Ringside Collectibles, which features the WWE Hall Of Famer revealing that he would sign a new WWE Legends contract if WWE agreed to two conditions.

The first, is that WWE release a Mick Foley "Santa Claus" action figure, while the second is they give him a spot on Adam Rose's "Exotic Express."

You can check out the video below......

Backstage News On Many Of Today's WWE Talent Releases

Some details have come to light on today's WWE releases, which included Brodus Clay, Drew McIntyre, Evan Bourne, Aksana, Curt Hawkins, Jinder Mahal, Yoshi Tatsu, Theodore Long, JTG, Camacho and referee Marc Harris.

Regarding Tatsu's release, it's being said that there's been a feeling for some time within the company that he had really regressed in the ring.

As far as Clay is concerned, there are reports that claim he "fell out of favor" with WWE creative.

In terms of the Teddy Long release, his contract actually expired, and it was well known within WWE that he would be leaving the company as an active performer soon.

Out of all of the releases, the general consensus within those actually in WWE is that Camacho and Hawkins were the two most surprising releases, as Camacho was very popular within NXT circles and Hawkins still had several years remaining on his existing deal.