Featured Post

Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Monday, April 25, 2011

I Have A Small (Large) Request ...

If anyone has any pictures and/or film of former wrestler Roland Kirchmeyer? If so, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

MMA Fighter Pat Barry And TapouT's Punkass And Skyskrape To Chat Live With Fans On MetroPCS' Facebook Page

Popular fighters and TapouT founders also embark on nationwide bus tour to meet fans

DALLAS, April 25, 2011 -- Popular mixed martial arts fighter Pat Barry and TapouT founders Punkass and Skyskrape will join fans in a live interview today, April 25 from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. ET, exclusively on the MetroPCS Facebook page. All MMA fans are invited to submit questions for the fighters via the MetroPCS Facebook TapouT tab prior to today's event, and participate in the live interview by liking the MetroPCS Facebook page.

MetroPCS will also host a live Facebook interview with Pat Barry, the Ruffo Brothers, Punkass and Skyskrape on Friday, May 13 from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. ET.

These and other legendary MMA fighters such as Brian Bowles, Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone, Jake Shields, Leonard 'Bad Boy' Garcia and Stephan Bonnar are touring the country to introduce the new Huawei Ascend Sanctioned by TapouT phone, offered exclusively by MetroPCS for fans of MMA and its most popular brand, TapouT. Along with two interchangeable external covers bearing the iconic TapouT logo, the phone is pre-loaded with 10 virtual training center videos, 12 static wallpapers, five live wallpapers and an Android application exclusive to the handset. Powered by Android 2.2, the Huawei Ascend Sanctioned by TapouT is available on MetroPCS' unlimited, flat rate, no annual contract service plans with Metro USA(SM) nationwide coverage starting at $50 per month.

Meet the Fighters in Person

In addition to the live Facebook interviews, the MMA fighters and TapouT founders are meeting face-to-face with fans on a nationwide bus tour visiting MetroPCS markets. At each event, the MMA legends will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Additionally, customers who purchase the phone will be able to redeem 20 percent off gear and apparel at www.TapouT.com and enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to watch the finale of The Ultimate Fighter™ with Punkass and Skyskrape.

The full schedule of appearances includes:

* April 25 – Boston, MA (Pat Barry, Punkass and Skyskrape)
* April 27 – Detroit, MI (Pat Barry, Punkass and Skyskrape)
* May 6 – San Francisco, CA (Jake Shields and Skyskrape)
* May 7 – Sacramento, CA (Jake Shields and Skyskrape)
* May 13 – Los Angeles, CA (Pat Barry, Ruffo Brothers, Punkass and Skyskrape)
* May 14 – Las Vegas, NV (Stephan Bonnar, Punkass and Skyskrape)

Scheduling is subject to change; locations for each event and the most up-to-date information, along with videos and photos, is available on the TapouT tab on MetroPCS' Facebook page or www.sanctionedmobile.com.

For more information about MetroPCS, please visit:

Follow MetroPCS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/metropcs

Like MetroPCS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/metropcs

View MetroPCS' latest videos: www.YouTube.com/metropcs

Details on rate plans and service features: www.metropcs.com/plans

Press resources: www.metropcs.com/presscenter

About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.

Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. is a provider of unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate with no annual contract. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro USA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their services in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of December 31, 2010, MetroPCS had over 8.1 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.

MetroPCS related brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, images, symbols, copyrighted material, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties of MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. and its subsidiaries, parent companies, and affiliates. Copyright ©2010 MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.

Other brands, product names, company names, trademark and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

About TapouT:

Founded in 1997 by Mask, Punkass and Skyskrape, TapouT is the first brand to represent the sport of MMA. From humble beginnings when the brand was sold at underground events, TapouT has become synonymous with the sport and is the most recognized MMA brand in the world. Athletes and millions of global fans wear TapouT as a badge of honor as it symbolizes the brands fighting spirit and that quitting is never an option. TapouT's worldwide movement is founded on Mask's conviction that anything is possible if one simply believes.

Source: MetroPCS

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Georges St. Pierre Before He Became ‘GSP’ On ‘Rush To The Top’ PPV Special

Watch superstar ‘GSP’ before April 30 showdown vs. Shields

HOBOKEN, N.J. (April 14, 2011) – Long before Georges “Rush: St. Pierre became a living legend and achieved rock star status in the mixed-martial-arts world, he learned how to fight in his native Canada prior to him joining the UFC, and now MMA fans in the United States have an opportunity to watch the 2-time Canadian Athlete of the Year before he became “GSP.”

His first five pro MMA fights, plus one other non-UFC match, are available for viewing through a special one-hour special, “George St. Pierre: Rush To The Top,” exclusively distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media), the undisputed distribution champion of mixed martial arts and boxing fights in North America.

The special includes St. Pierre’s six non-UFC fights, including his rarely seen 2002 debut, now available on cable and satellite pay-per-view via DISH Network, DirecTV, Avail-TVN and iN DEMAND, as well as via Video On Demand, for only $9.95. Check listings for replays through the entire month of April and into May.

St. Pierre, who sports an amazing 21-2-0 professional MMA career record (8 KOs, 5 submissions), studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), wrestling as well as boxing, and today he holds a third-degree black belt in Kyokushin, as well as black belts in BJJ and Gaidojutsu.

“GSP” made his MMA pro debut January 25, 2002, defeating previously unbeaten (4-0) Ivan Menjivar, in Montreal, by first-round technical knockout (punches) in UCC 7: Bad Boyz. Five months later in Gatineau, Canada, Georges captured the UCC (Canadian) Welterweight Championship, forcing Justin Bruckmann (4-1) to submit (arm-bar) in the opening round in UCC 10: Battle for the Belts 2002. His first and only UCC title defense came October 11, 2002 in Montreal, when St. Pierre stopped Travis Galbraith (5-1) in the first round at UCC11: The Next Level.

In his next fight, Georges took on Thomas Denny, who was riding a three-fight win streak January 25, 2003 into UCC12: Adrenaline in Montreal. It took St. Pierre two rounds to win for the first time as Denny was defeated by technical knockout on cuts. Denny was a US citizen so the fight wasn’t for St. Pierre’s UCC title belt.

In his fifth and last pro match before joining UFC fight, “Rush” took on UFC veteran Pete Spratt, who was coming off of a victory by submission in UFC 42 against Robbie Lawler, who went on to capture the Elite XC middleweight title. St. Pierre locked-in a rear naked choke against Spratt (12-6), who tapped-out at 3:40 of the first round in their November 29, 2003 fight in Victoriaville, Canada on the TKO 14: Road Warriors card.

Three fights after making his UFC debut, GSP bounced back from his first pro MMA loss (Matt Hughes, 1st round submission – arm-bar) in his last non-UFC fight at TKO 19: Rage, in which he defeated Dave Strasser by first-round submission (Kimura) in Montreal.

GSP’s most notable victims include B.J. Penn (twice), Matt Serra, Matt Hughes, Dan Hardy, John Fitch, Thiago Alves, and Josh Koscheck. Georges is scheduled to next defend his title belt April 30 headlining UFC 129 against Jake Shields in Toronto.

For more information about the “George St. Pierre: Rush To The Top” PPV special go to www.integratedsportsnet.com. Follow Integrated Sports Media on Twitter @IntegratedPPV.

Integrated Sports Media (ISM): North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sporting events has presented World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson; World Championship and world-class boxing matches showcasing Vitali Klitschko, David Haye, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Amir Khan, Tomasz Adamek, Ricky Hatton, Giovani Segura, Cristian Mijares, Zab Judah, Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Arthur Abraham, John Ruiz, Nicolai Valuev, Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, ISM has distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Real Madrid, Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and USA. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports Media events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Source: Integrated Sports Media

Thursday, April 7, 2011

TWO TITLES ARE ON THE LINE AS MAXIMUM FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP MAKES ITS ONTARIO DEBUT LIVE ON HDNET

Young Stars and Proven Veterans Highlight Stacked MFC 29 Card This Friday– 10:00 p.m. ET exclusively on HDNet

DALLAS, April 7, 2011 -- The Maximum Fighting Championship makes its long awaited debut in Ontario, Canada this Friday with a stacked card presented by SLFA at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor. Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (17-4) and Ryan “The Big Deal” Jimmo (14-1), two of the promotion’s brightest young stars, headline the event - each man making his first title defense. “HDNet Fights: Maximum Fighting Championship 29 - Conquer” debuts LIVE this Friday, April 8 at 10:00 p.m. ET exclusively on HDNet.

In the main event of the evening, Lima (17-4) puts his MFC Welterweight Title on the line against veteran Terry Martin (21-8). Lima is riding a five fight win streak, including three submission victories, while Martin enters the fight on a three fight win streak of his own.

The MFC Light Heavyweight Title will also be on the line as Jimmo (14-1) defends his title against Zak Cummings (13-2). After losing his pro debut, Jimmo reeled off 14 straight victories en route to the MFC title. Cummings took the fight on late notice, but shouldn’t be underestimated as he is riding a three fight win streak with two submissions and a TKO.

"MFC is an incredible growth story," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "Mark Pavelich and MFC have been working for years for the opportunity to showcase LIVE MFC action in Ontario. We are excited to broadcast this historic event to HDNet fans everywhere!"

In other action, the always exciting Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (17-8) makes his MFC debut against Curtis “The Demon” Demarce (10-8), Hermes Franca (20-11) meets Robert Washington (9-2), Pete Spratt (21-19) takes on Demi Deeds (15-8), and Andreas Spang (5-0) squares off with Ali Mokdad (3-0).

The action gets underway LIVE at 10:00 p.m. ET this Friday exclusively on HDNet!

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and thought-provoking content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including the network’s Emmy Award winning HD news feature programs, "HDNet World Report," and "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries, airing as part of the “HDNet ‘Round The World” series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2011.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). HDNet works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while "Fighting Words with Mike Straka," goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features live coverage of regular season games from the United Football League.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Girls Gone Wild®," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Gosling, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, and Verizon FiOS and in Canada via Access Communications, Cogeco, Rogers, Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct.

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

Source: HDNet

Friday, April 1, 2011

LOW KI/KAVAL INTERVIEW

The Wrestling Press recently spoke to Low Ki about his time in FCW & WWE, winning NXT, what led to his release and much more.

With regard to how he was utilized in WWE, he believes they could have done a lot more:

"If you don’t fill that particular prototype or idea then you are going to have a more challenging time in regards to a push. I feel that the company could have been behind me a lot more but not just me, they could be behind a lot of guys more."

When asked about his reputation outside of WWE, he had the following to say:

"I think because I made a name for myself outside of the company I can’t be recognised as a WWE guy. I was never made by the company and I do think that was an issue... they don’t have that stamp on me because I made a name for myself all around the world before entering."

He also revealed his stance on wrestling politics, acknowledging its existence but refusing to get involved:

"If you play that political game you stand a much better chance of succeeding in a particular role or position. I'm not a politician, I am part of a different generation. I don’t see the need in playing these games, especially when the business is suffering."

Surprisingly he claims being paired with Lay-cool had a positive effect on him:

"I think the biggest effect they had on me was relaxing me, up until that point I had been more of a fighter, more sports orientated less entertainment based. If I had been more of a fighter in WWE then I probably wouldn’t have lasted very long at all."

When asked about crossing over to MMA he gave a refreshingly honest and sensible reply:

"I am a professional wrestler, it’s what I’ve spent the last 13 years crafting. Of course I have a lot of respect for MMA fighters but a lot of pro wrestlers go into MMA, get their butt kicked and then their reputation for wrestling is harmed, I wouldn’t want that to happen."

Read the full interview only in The Wrestling Press - a free monthly magazine available online at http://thewrestlingpress.com/?p=3281

Source: The Wrestling Press