Sad news to report for fans of classic WCW and AWA wrestling. A former ring announcer passed away over the weekend.
In the rumors and news for today — the wrestling community is dealing with another loss to the family, WWE pushing wrestlers to name finishers, a Hall of Famer is angry about a recent WWE.com list and details emerge about the upcoming Paul Heyman DVD release.
Legendary ring announcer Lee Marshall passes away
Multiple news outlets in Los Angeles reported that former WCW, AWA and WWF announcer Lee Marshall passed away.
A longtime ring and announcing voice in Verne Gagne’s AWA, “Stagger” Lee Marshall was a key figure for WCW for many years. Besides being a ring announcer, Lee spent time behind the announcer’s desk, on shows like WCW Saturday Night and the Power Hour. Marshall was also the ring announcer for the Los Angeles portion of WWE’s WrestleMania 2 event.
Non-wrestling fans will know Lee’s distinctive voice for his time as “Tony the Tiger” in Frosted Flakes commercials. Lee took over the gig in 2005 when he replaced voiceover legend Thurl Ravenscroft.
WWE pushing wrestlers to name finishers
In an effort to brand all of their superstars, WWE officials are encouraging all wrestlers to name their finishing moves.
According to a report from Ewrestlingnews: “There is a big push right now within WWE for main roster and developmental talents to come up with names for their finishers. Curtis Axel recently asked fans to come up with a name for his and several others Superstars and Divas have taken to social media to ask fans what they think their finishers should be called.”
Hall of Famer pissed about recent WWE.com list
Last week, WWE.com released a list of the 50 best talkers in wrestling history. Former WWF and WCW star Dusty Rhodes didn’t take to kindly to only being ranked number five on the list.
He voiced his frustration on Twitter: “Dusty Rhodes not #1 on promo list is unadulterated bull sh*t! No respect, #set up by @WWE DOT COM! from the Dream”
Sorry Dusty, recent antics won’t get you father up the list. Also, it’s an internet list. Calm down.
Official Preview for Paul Heyman DVD
WrestlingDVDNews.com released a synopsis of WWE’s Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Paul Heyman DVD that hits shelves August 5th. Here’s the official preview.
“One of the most controversial managers and figures in WCW, ECW and WWE History! For the first time ever, fans get the full story of the life and career of Paul Heyman. From his beginnings as a ringside photographer at MSG, to becoming a manager at WCW, then heading up the infamous ECW, Paul has his own unique brand of over-the-top, in your face entertainment that has developed him a cult-like following. Unfortunately his financial savvy didn’t match his creative genius, and ECW was eventually purchased by WWE.
Since joining WWE, Paul has gone on to great heights, including managing Brock Lesnar, when he finally broke Undertakers WrestleMania Streak this year.
This collection includes great behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, with past and present talent talking about Paul’s contribution to the world of sports-entertainment. Featuring interviews with Raven, Tommy Dreamer, Joey Styles, Mick Foley, Rob Van Dam, Stephanie McMahon and of course the man himself.”
That’s a DVD not to be missed.
WWE superstar trains with NFL star
WWE superstar Titus O’Neil worked out with James Laurinaitis and other members of the St. Louis Rams at the Rams training center last week. Laurinaitis is the son of legendary wrestler Road Warrior Animal.
NXT Diva working with main roster
According to rumors, NXT Diva Brandi “Eden” Rhodes is working out with the WWE’s main roster all this week. No word yet on whether Rhodes will get any TV time.
Check out more WWE news and rumors here.