Ex-WCW Star Speaks On WCW Politics, Drugs, Benoit, Flair & More

-- Andy Steven

3/4/09

Former WCW Superstar, The Stro (The Meastro), who worked for WCW, recently took some time out of his scheduled to speak with www.PWMania.com. He spoke on several topics from how he started his career in WCW, working with Chris Benoit & Sting, politics in WCW, drugs in wrestling, Ric Flair and much more. Here are some highlights from the interview or to read the complete interview, visit http://www.pwmania.com/interviews.php?page=thestro:

On his time in WCW: My time with WCW was one of if not the best of my career. My overseas run along with my time with the USWA was very influential in meeting the higher ups in WCW at the time. Wrestling and working with arguably the best wrestling talent in the world was a real treat and a time in my career I will always cherish and appreciate.

On a WWE tryout with Chris Benoit: We both tried out for the WWE in the mid-90's. But neither of us were taken in the company at the time. Ironically we both ended up in WCW years later.

On being given false promises in WCW: One with Flair for example that I was really looking forward to along with Sting, and a few others. Merchandising was another. Believe I got a spot on a WCW Backstage Assault game. I was promised a lot more though. But like a lot of things, just got mysteriously forgotten. But it is what it is.

On drugs in wrestling: The drug testing today is a lot stricter. Something I have always pride myself on is that I have always trained naturally. Longevity should be the key in anything as well as life.

On working with several stars in WCW: Sting was the first wrestler I faced in WCW in the 90's. Awesome charisma and a great athlete. Jerry Lawler and I have had some great matches in the mid 90's with the USWA. Scott Hall and I had a great tag team match with Sid Vicious and Jerry Lawler during that time as well. Scott Hall was a great guy and wished we could have done more together during my run with WCW. Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan went to bat for me signing a deal with WCW.

To read the interview in its entirety, visit http://www.pwmania.com/interviews.php?page=thestro.

BIG VITO EUROPEAN TOUR UPDATE

-- Vito Bookings

March 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa, FL – After a successful 7-round, 28 minute match in Hamburg, Germany, Big Vito has decided to extend his European Tour.

Fans stood on edge watching the old fashioned German Championship wrestling match with Vito in his Mafia style gimmick against Hamburg’s "Original Northcoast" Karsten Kretschmer. The crowd cheered and jeered – the house was completely sold out! The event was televised on three different stations along with having numerous other press sources present. “I felt like Rocky being up there hearing both national anthems played across the loud speakers,” said Vito. “What an event!”

European fans have insisted that he stay! “They just can’t get enough of his style here in Ireland – he wrestles and entertains all at the same time,” said Simon Rochford of Irish Whip Wrestling, “sometimes, they are laughing and then they are on feet yelling at the top of their voices. We are thrilled to have him here!”

Vito’s tour has been extended until mid April where he will be with All Star, Irish Whip and Nu-Wrestling Evolution as well as other promoters throughout Europe. He is accepting additional bookings both in Europe and in the US.

“The only down point on this tour is that people are out there trying to make money on promoters when times in the business have been hard for everyone!” said Vito. “There are no middle men involved in booking me that can get any promoter a better deal.”

Vito handles all his booking directly and can be contacted through vitobookings@yahoo.com. Fan information as well as his schedule can be found on his MySpace fan site, www.myspace.com/bigvitofansiteno1.

About Big Vito:

Vito LoGrasso (Big Vito) is a professional wrestler best known for his prior work as “The Toughest Man to Ever Wear a Dress” for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and as Big Vito for World Championship Wreslting (WCW). He has also wrestled under the persona of Skull Von Krush and for other companies including ECW and TNA. Vito currently wrestles with various Federations in Europe.

Knee Injury Puts UFC Lightweight Joe Lauzon Into Submission Until 2010

-- Full Court Press

E. BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (March 4, 2009) – UFC lightweight prospect Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon (18-4, 5 KOs, 13 submissions) will undergo knee surgery this Friday, sidelining the 24-year-old Brazilian Jui-Jitsu specialist until next year, at Sullivan Orthopedic Care.

Lauzon has had problems in the past including arthroscopic surgery on the meniscectomies of both knees. This time, however, Lauzon needs ACL surgery on his right knee, in addition to having his meniscus repaired.

The ACL caused Joe’s knee to slightly shift, effectively destroying his meniscus. “The doctor could stop operating after repairing the meniscus,” Lauzon explained, “but it would just happen again. ACL surgery should fix it, but I’m in for a very long rehab, and my knee may never be the same again.”

Lauzon, star of The Ultimate Fighter 5 television reality show, will be off of his feet for a month to a month-and-a-half. He will not be allowed to do even the simplest training for 4-5 months, more intense in nine months, and projected back fighting between 12-14 months.

“Every time you fight,” Joe added, “you are taking a gamble with your body. During my fight with Jeremy Stephens, I didn’t notice it so much during my fight, but afterwards I was limping pretty good. I chalked it up to normal soreness and took a week off training because of the stitches in my head. When I tried to go back to training, just warming-up, my knee locked-up and I couldn’t move it at all. An x-ray and MRI later revealed I had a badly torn meniscus and a likely torn ACL. I go this Friday for very serious surgery and then I face a long rehab. I am super confident, though, that I will return better than ever. I’m only 24 and have a lot more to accomplish in this sport. This is just a bump in the road.”

For more information about Joe “J-Lau” Lauzon, who has a Bachelor’s degree in computer networking from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, go online and visit www.joelauzon.com or myspace.com/lauzonrsd.

CONTACT: Bob Trieger, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

Final Ratings Information For Last Week's Edition Of 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown'

-- Ric Gillespie

According to Nielsen Media Research's data, the program drew a 2.3/4, and roughly four-million viewers.

WWE is touting this as a most-watched record, but according to my notes, that honor would still go to the episode on January 23, 2009.

DVD Review: You Shoot With Kevin Sullivan

-- Steven Wilson of MainEventRadio.com

The You Shoot DVD series has become so wildly popular that not only has it become apparent that the producers have trouble getting in all the submissions in the allotted time, but even wrestling stars are stepping in to submit questions. This time around the bookerman Kevin Sullivan is in the hot seat facing the barrage of questions, many out of this world, others more obvious, and of course the Benoit tragedy.

This is the third DVD produced by KC featuring Sullivan, the previous 2 covering the end of WCW and fantasy booking the WWF in 1984. This is also the 5th entry in the You Shoot series which has seen a lot of wackiness, and coming off of insane editions with the likes of Sandman and Jamie Dundee, Sullivan is a welcome toning down.

As with previous editions of You Shoot the submissions come from a wide array of characters. The problem here being that as the series continues to grow in popularity, so does some of the poor submissions. Numerous times in this DVD there are questions that are unintelligible and thus have to be skipped over wasting a minute of time as Sullivan either doesn’t know what the hell the individual is talking about or just cant understand a word they are saying. A tip for those out there submitting videos, speak up and at least try to make some sense! Making a joke is one thing, throwing a character into it is another, but saying things that make absolutely no sense is counterproductive. That being said, this edition of You Shoot still contains some entertaining topics and answers. It’s the first that features submissions from other wrestlers, as Missy Hyatt, Nikolai Volkoff, and the Iron Sheik all submit questions.

It was quite obvious that when Sullivan was announced as the featured participant in this edition of You Shoot that a million questions about the Benoit tragedy were going to be submitted. Host Sean Oliver smartly rolls all the questions up into one big ugly ball and allows Sullivan to speak his piece, and for the most part he like many others have, criticizes how the situation was handled by the media and shares some insight on how it affected the rest of the families.

Other topics covered include the dungeon of doom and everything WCW, including of course the infamous “feud” between Sullivan and Brian Pillman who coined the phrase bookerman while working the boys in the back leading up to the memorable “shoot” on PPV between the pair. Also You Shoot’s trademark games return as Sullivan ranks the best bookers of all time, play’s what in the bag and assumes the role of rumour killer as he distinguishes between what infamous wrestling rumours he believes and thinks is total BS.

Overall another strong entry from the Kayfabe Commentaries crew who are promising to continue to revolutionize the wrestling dvd market this year with new series featuring big name wrestling stars heading back to ringside to watch and relive some of their biggest matches of their careers, as well as starting a lengthy year by year review of the history of the WWE hosted by a big name star of the time.

You Shoot with Kevin Sullivan is now available on DVD. For more information or to order your own copy check out kayfabecommentaries.com To read my previous DVD reviews check out www.wrestlingdvdreviews.vze.com or add the myspace via myspace.com/wrestlingdvdreviews

Card Update* - Bellator Fighting Championships' Debut

-- Ric Gillespie

Friday, April 3, 2009
Hollywood, Florida's Hard Rock Live
Delayed broadcast - Saturday, April 4 @ 10 PM ET - ESPN Deportes

FEATHERWEIGHT TOURNAMENT
Nick Gonzalez vs. Yahir Reyes
Luis Palomino vs. Estevan Payan
Ben Greer vs. Joe Soto

LIGHTWEIGHT TOURNAMENT
Eddie Alvarez vs. Daniel Morales
Diego Garijo vs. Jorge Masvidal
Israel Giron vs. Toby Imada

NON TOURNAMENT
Jessica Aguilar vs. ??? - flyweights

*Card not necessarily in order and subject to change.

Kmart(R) Partners With WWE(R) To Promote 25th Anniversary Of WrestleMania(R)

-- Kmart

"WrestleMania Madness" and WWE Superstars Come to Kmart Stores This Spring

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 3 -- Kmart(R) has partnered with World Wrestling Entertainment(R) (WWE) for a multi-channel entertainment marketing promotion supporting the biggest WWE event of the year - the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. The exclusive "WrestleMania Madness" is only at Kmart.

Kmart stores across the country will feature a front-end product boutique from March 8 - 21 showcasing the best in WWE licensed products including apparel, toys, bedding, entertainment and gaming accessories. In addition, Kmart will offer true value to customers with a Cash Cable promotion launching March 8 and running through April 5. Consumers who purchase $50 or more in WWE merchandise available in Kmart stores will receive $10 off their 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania pay-per-view buy.

"Kmart has been a fantastic retail partner for WWE. This partnership offers WWE fans one more way to purchase merchandise commemorating this historical WWE event," stated Michelle D. Wilson, EVP, Marketing, World Wrestling Entertainment. "Kmart is a valued partner whose participation will help make the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania an even bigger success."

Keeping their promise to bring the best in entertainment, Kmart is establishing a strong online presence with this promotion. Kmart will have extensive online exposure via a microsite at www.kmart.com/wwe, Web banners and e-mail blasts. And, for the first time ever, Kmart will host Live Chats on March 9 and March 16 at 8:30 p.m. EDT with WWE Superstars. In addition, Kmart is supporting the promotion with a designated 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania circular spread, in-store radio and TV broadcasts, extensive in-store point-of-sale, including WWE Superstar hanging signs, security shrouds and shelf talkers.

To further engage consumers, WWE Superstars will participate in several autograph sessions at Kmart locations throughout the nation. Be on the look out for WWE Superstars and the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania in your neighborhood.

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass-merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Martha Stewart Everyday and Route 66. For more information visit the company's Web site at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation Web site at www.searsholdings.com.

About World Wrestling Entertainment

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Ian Freeman And Wife Spared From Prison

-- Ric Gillespie

Earlier today, Ian and Angela Freeman were sentenced for their admitted roles in tax evasion and fraud charges, but neither will serve jail time.

While the former UFC competitor received the stiffer punishment, it was his witnesses, telling tales of (among other things) Ian's volunteer work, who were mostly responsible for the judge's leniency.

Ian (who, at points in the trail, openly wept) received a suspended sentence of nine-months, was ordered to do one-hundred-twenty-hours of community service, and will have to electronically maintain a six-week curfew (of 8:30 PM - 5 AM, on weekdays).

Angela, on the other hand, was only forced to abide by the same curfew, although both Freemans are also looking at eventually having to pay court charges and restitution.

Alan Wojcik Reviews WSU January 10, 2009 Event DVD’s

-- Alan Wojcik

The northeast based promotion Women Superstars Uncensored took their shows to new heights on January 20, 2009 when they locked their champion Angel Orsini and challenger Mercedes Martinez inside a steel cage. That match highlights the Poetic Injustice Caged DVD. Also filmed that day was an event called the White Album. Both were filmed in Boonton, New Jersey and had some interesting matches.

Let’s talk White Album first with commentary by the 1st Lady of Wrestling Missy Hyatt & Alicia:
WSU Tag Team championship match
The Beatdown Betties vs. Amy Lee & Taylor Wilde

The Soul Sisters vs. Brooke Carter & Reyna Fire

Rain vs. Rachel Summerlyn

Kylie Pierce & Lea Morrison vs. Team Wigwam

Melissa Coates vs. Miss April

Plus Cindy Rogers who talks about her current health status, Sean Hanson, Missy’s Manor w/ Mercedes Martinez as well as the Soul Sisters who seem to be dealing with personal issues. Also we witness the presentation of the new WSU championship belt by Alicia to champion Angel Orsini.

The White Album DVD is good thanks to the commentary by Hyatt and Alicia who are funny and entertaining. They may not be Gordon Solie or Jim Ross but they are better than Michael Cole or Mike Adamle. There is also an improvement since the last WSU DVD’s I reviewed with new graphics and better camera work. During their commentary Hyatt and Alicia point out some of the ladies on this card were making their WSU DVD’s and they hold their own with the main roster.

On the Poetic Injustice Caged DVD you will see:

WSU Champion Angel Orsini vs. Mercedes Martinez inside a steel cage

WSU Tag Team championship match
Beatdown Betties vs. Amy Lee & Taylor Wilde vs. Team Wigwam vs. Kylie Pierce & Lea Morrison

Jana vs. Brooke Carter w/Reyna Fire

Rain vs. Rachel Summerlyn

Melissa Coates vs. Reyna Fire w/Brooke Carter

Hyatt & Alicia return for commentary duties on this DVD too. I was lucky to see Mercedes Martinez work MsChif on a recent FIP event and she is as talented as anyone working on TV. This cage match showed her and Ms. Orsini are ready for the big time despite the controversial ending. The other WSU talent matches up well against rival women promotions out there and some of these matches equal or are better than what you see on the current Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday night TV shows. For information on WSU’s next event on March 7th; according to Hyatt & Alicia is their 2nd anniversary event, log onto www.wsuwrestling.com and for more DVD titles log onto www.doivideo.com

USWO/ATL/NWA Top Rope Television Taping Results 2/28/2009 – Stadium Inn, Nashville, Tennessee

-- Lekisha Oliver

Kliff Hanger def. “Impressive” Anthony Waye; “The Real Deal” Derrick Neal def. Bad Boy Dixon; AM Vision def. Mike Rapada Jr.; Kliff Hanger def. Calypso; Drew Haskins def. Mason Conrad; Arrick Andrews & Gary Valiant (w/Miss Boogie) def. AM Vision & Ashton Viton; Kliff Hanger def. LT Falk; Harold Knight & Lightning Bolt Kid def. Kevin Dunn & Bad Boy Dixon; Steven Green & Cody Weatherby & TJ Weatherby & Chris Bomb def. Damien Payne & Saint & Kevin James & Bad Boy Dixon.

No Fear Energy Launches Two National Promotions With Mixed Martial Arts Superstar Urijah Faber

-- Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages

'Earn Some Cred' Under-the-Tab Promotion

'Roll with Urijah' Sweepstakes

PURCHASE, N.Y., March 3 -- No Fear Energy, the official energy drink of World Extreme Cagefighting(R) (WEC)(R), announced the launch of two major national promotions in conjunction with WEC Featherweight Superstar Urijah Faber. "The California Kid," as Faber is known to fans, is entering into his second year of endorsement with No Fear Energy and is now lending his name and likeness to an under the tab promotion called, "Earn Some Cred" as well as a national sweepstakes called, "Roll with Urijah."

"No Fear Energy is proud to be the official energy drink of World Extreme Cagefighting," said Lauren Hobart, VP of marketing, No Fear Energy. "With 'The California Kid' partnering with us as we launch two major national promotions, we hope that No Fear Energy and WEC reach a wider audience than ever before."

"Earn Some Cred" is currently in market and is the brand's first-ever "under the tab" code-based promotion. Consumers can crack open specially marked packages of No Fear Energy, register online at NoFearEnergy.com and enter the code under the tab to "Earn Some Cred." Every can helps consumers get their hands on more No Fear gear and prizes. Plus, eight lucky No Fear Energy drinkers will instantly win all-inclusive credentials for once-in-a-lifetime experiences including trips to live WEC events, motocross excursions with the No Fear Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross team, surfing lessons in Hawaii or backstage passes to concerts on the No Fear Energy Music Tour featuring Lamb of God. "Earn Some Cred" will be supported by life-size standees of Faber in retail outlets. The program ends August 9th.

On March 1, No Fear Energy launched its national "Roll with Urijah" sweepstakes, which gives consumers the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas to join Faber and his entourage at a WEC event. No purchase is necessary -- participants can register for free online at versus.com. The grand prize winner will be announced live on Versus on April 5 during the WEC event in Chicago, IL.

"I am really happy to continue my relationship with No Fear Energy. They make a great product and I am glad and honored to represent them," said Faber, who is coming off a first-round submission victory over Jens Pulver at the WEC event on January 25 in San Diego, CA. "The new flavor, No Fear Bloodshot with blood orange and dragonfruit juice is my favorite, I love that stuff."

"We look forward to our continued partnership with Pepsi," said Jeff Meyer of MMA Incorporated, the agency that manages Faber. "This is a world-class company and a world-class athlete coming together to promote a great product. No Fear Energy, Urijah Faber, and the WEC accomplished some great things in 2008 and 2009 will be even better. I am very happy that Urijah has such great partners who promote him extensively and who benefit from Urijah's unique marketability."

For more information, visit www.NoFearEnergy.com

About No Fear Energy

No Fear Energy is produced and marketed by Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages. Purchase, N.Y.-based Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages (www.pepsi.com) is the refreshment beverage unit of PepsiCo, Inc., in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.pepsiproductfacts.com.

About MMA

MMA Incorporated is a full-service management and marketing firm, representing some of the most popular athletes in the sport today, including Urijah Faber, Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen, James Irvin, Joseph Benavidez, Scott Smith, Tim McKenzie, Mark Munoz, Krzysztof Soszynski, Charlie Valencia and many other talented fighters.

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® HITS GERMANY

-- Ultimate Fighting Championship

For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2009

UFC 99: THE COMEBACK LANDS IN COLOGNE, SATURDAY, JUNE 13

WITH RICH FRANKLIN vs. WANDERLEI SILVA AT 195LBS

Tickets on Sale Friday, March 13

Cologne, Germany - The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization announced today that, this summer, it will bring the world's fastest growing sport to Germany for the first time.

At a packed press conference in Cologne, UFC® President Dana White, UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta and MLK CEO Marek Lieberberg confirmed UFC 99: THE COMEBACK will take place at the LANXESS Arena, Cologne, on Saturday, June 13.

The main event will be a unique catchweight showdown between elite former world champions Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva. The former UFC middleweight champion and Pride 205lbs champion collide at 195lbs, a catchweight between the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

UFC President Dana White said: "June 13, 2009, is a huge day in the history of the UFC. It has been a long time coming, but the best fighters on the planet are finally heading to Germany for our first event ever in mainland Europe.

“We are coming with a stacked card and a unique main event. Rich Franklin v Wanderlei Silva is another of those dream fights fans never thought they’d get to see - but we are making it happen in Germany.

White continued, “Everyone knows Rich moved up to light heavyweight a couple of fights ago while Wanderlei is planning on fighting at 185lbs from now on, but this fight is too exciting a match not to happen and both these guys deserve a ton of credit for taking this fight at 195lbs.”

Tickets for UFC 99: THE COMEBACK are priced at 250 Euro, 150 Euro, 85 Euro, 70 Euro, 55 Euro and 45 Euro and go on sale for UFC® Fight Club™ members Monday, March 9 and for UFC Newsletter subscribers and MLK Newsletter subscribers on Wednesday, March 11.

Tickets go on general public release on Friday, March 13. Tickets will be available via www.eventim.de, telephone +49 (0)1805-570 000 or from the LANXESS Arena from March 13.

UFC 99 will be available on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell TV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available); UFC fans also have the option to watch UFC 99 pay-per-view live from Cologne, Germany at 3pm EST/12 Noon PST.

Cincinnati, Ohio native Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin, 26-4 in mixed martial arts, is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the biggest names in the sport. His intelligent, yet aggressive style has resulted in victories over the likes of Evan Tanner, Jorge Rivera, Ken Shamrock, Nate Quarry, Yushin Okami, Travis Lutter and Matt Hamill.

Born in Brazil, but now based in Las Vegas, the 32-9-1 Wanderlei Silva is one of the true icons of mixed martial arts. Famed throughout the world for his all out attacking style, ‘the Axe Murderer’ has defeated a who’s who of MMA during his 13 year career, including Ricardo Arona, Kazushi Sakuraba, Dan Henderson, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Keith Jardine.

Commenting on the UFC’s first ever event in mainland Europe, UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta said: "Our vision for the UFC has always been global. Following on from our successes in the United Kingdom and Ireland, our first card in mainland Europe is another significant step towards making the UFC's brand of mixed martial arts the biggest sport in the world."

Featuring competitive bouts throughout the card and in-house production values to rival any live event or concert, the UFC holds over two dozen box office and merchandise records in arenas across the USA, Canada, as well as setting 10 arena records in the United Kingdom and Ireland since April 2007.

The world's largest provider of pay-per-view television, in the eight years since Zuffa bought the organization the UFC has become one of the most successful brands in the history of world sport.

Now this hugely exciting sport comes to Germany for the first time. Partnering with leading German entertainment impresario Marek Lieberberg, UFC 99 is the latest step in the UFC cementing its position amongst the world sports elite.

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com; germany.ufc.com; uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVU, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® ANNOUNCES UFC 98: LESNAR VS. MIR 2

-- Ultimate Fighting Championship

For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2009

For the World Heavyweight Championship

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009

Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena – Tickets on Sale Saturday, March 7 at 10am PT

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – Long considered the most prestigious title in mixed martial arts, the UFC® Heavyweight Championship currently rests in the hands of two men – Champion Brock Lesnar and interim belt holder Frank Mir. On Saturday, May 23rd, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lesnar and Mir will meet to not only determine an Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, but to settle some very personal business they began in this same arena over a year ago.

“Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir put on one of the most intense one round fights I’ve ever seen at UFC 81,” said UFC President Dana White, referring to Mir’s submission victory over Lesnar in February of 2008. “But when it was over, both guys saw things very differently. Lesnar blamed his loss on inexperience and being too aggressive, while Mir saw his win as a triumph of his technique, something he says will happen every time they fight. On May 23rd, each fighter has his chance to prove his point, and while a lot has happened for these two since that first fight, I know the rematch is going to be just as intense as the first one, especially considering that the winner walks away as the UFC Heavyweight Champion.”

Tickets for UFC 98: LESNAR VS. MIR 2 priced at $800, $600, $400, $250, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.ufc.com, www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m. PT via the website ufc.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Friday, March 6 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through ufc.com.

UFC 98: LESNAR vs. MIR 2 will be available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Bell ExpressVu, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).

A gifted athlete with the size, speed, and power to impose his will on any opponent, 6-3 ½, 265 pound Brock Lesnar (3-1) made an immediate impact in the UFC when he debuted in February of 2008. A four-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Champion, and 2000 NCAA Division I National Champion in wrestling, Lesnar made a name for himself internationally after college as a professional wrestler, but he soon found his calling in mixed martial arts in 2006. After a 69 second win in his pro debut a year later, Lesnar entered the UFC in 2008 and was seconds away from victory against former heavyweight champ before a stoppage in the action for a point deduction allowed Mir to come back and submit the newcomer moments afterwards. But at UFC 87 in August of 2008, Lesnar showed why he was a force to be reckoned with by dominating Heath Herring, and by November 15, the ever improving Minnesotan shocked the world when he TKOd one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Randy “The Natural” Couture. Now firmly entrenched on the top of the heavyweight division, Lesnar wants to even the score with Mir.

"I'm delighted to have a rematch against Frank Mir,” said Lesnar. “I can't wait to get my revenge and finish this fight on the ground the way it should have been finished last time.”

Many believe that 29-year old Las Vegan Frank Mir (12-3) was destined for stardom the moment he stepped in the UFC Octagon™, and he lived up to all expectations when he submitted Tim Sylvia in 50 seconds in 2004 to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, Mir’s career ground to a halt when a serious motorcycle accident later that year forced him to the sidelines for almost two years. His eagerness to return forced him into some spotty performances when he stepped back into the Octagon in 2006, but at UFC 74 in August of 2007, Mir was back in top notch form as he submitted Antoni Hardonk in just 77 seconds. He followed that pivotal win with a come-from-behind victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 81 in February of 2008, but it wasn’t until UFC 92 on December 27, 2008 that Mir came all the way back, as he became the first man to stop the legendary Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira at UFC 92, en route to regaining the interim portion of the championship he never lost in the Octagon. On May 23rd, the 6-3, 240 pound Mir has the opportunity to once again reign as the undisputed title holder.

“Brock Lesnar has been calling for a rematch with me ever since I beat him the first time,” said Mir. “All I can say to Brock is be careful what you wish for because I’m a better, smarter, stronger, and faster fighter than I was the last time. He won’t be able to push me around like he’s done smaller opponents, and I’m looking forward to becoming undisputed champion again.”

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Bell ExpressVU, SaskTel Max™, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Viewers Choice, and WOWOW in Japan, and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world. For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.

Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.

!BANG! TV Results From The Funking Conservatory - Jimmy Hart To Appear On The Next !BANG! TV Taping

-- Dory Funk Jr.

Results From March 1st, "Cold War"

Dory Funk Jr. on his Induction into the WWE Hall of Fame
(Dusty Rhodes to Introduce "The Funk's"
Special Interview by Will Power
Dory Funk Jr. Publicly Asks Dusty Rhodes Forgiveness for all the times The Funks beat up on Rhodes in Florida

U.S. Championship Match
Johnny Magnum (Champion) vs Shane Chung
Johnny Magnum Wins - Chancery and Cradle

Three Way Hard-Core Championship Match
Wahoo McDaniel Jr. vs Blain Rage vs Johnny Romano
Blain Rage Winner - Face Buster on Romano

Women's Championship
Claudia "The Claw" Reiff (Champion) vs Awesome Kong
Double Disqualification - The Claw Remains Champion

Inter-Gender Tag Team Championship Match
Jumbo Elvis & Miss Charlotte vs Diamond Derek & Miss Rachael
Winner Jumbo Elvis with the Jumbo Tsuruta Suplex

Battle of the Giants
Hack Meyers (6' 5" - 260) vs Jason "The Giant" (7' 4" - 450)
Winner Jason The Giant - Giant Choke Slam

Next !BANG! TV Taping, Sunday March 29th Featuring the "Mouth of the South and WWE Hall of Famer, Jimmy Hart.

Advance Tickets are now on sale at http://www.dory-funk.com.

If you would like to become a professional wrestler and appear on !BANG! TV, Call Now - 352-895-4658.

The Funking Conservatory is the Official American Training Center for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Robert Bruce Passes Away

-- Ric Gillespie

Earlier today, New Zealander Robert Bruce, most famous for his runs with Steve Rickard's Commonwealth title and his appearances on Rickard's 'On The Mat' television program (when that promotion was on fire in the 1970s), has died in Auckland.

Bruce wrestled for about ten-years (1967-1977), before leaving the sport because injuries began to take their toll, then moved into acting and eventually became an agent.

Bruce, originally born in Scotland, to the end, was so protective of his private life, cause of death, real name, and age are unknown.

FCW WRESTLING PICS: 2/26-28

-- Robert Beukema

http://flrankings.proboards80.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=12319

NEW FCW PHOTOS FROM THE LAST 3 NIGHTS

ENJOY!

RB
www.ROBERTLBEUKEMA.com