• OLD SCHOOL VIDEO HISTORY (January 19, 1985) – Bob Backlund on AWA/NWA TV
On this day in 1985, Bob Backlund wrestled on a pre-taped episode of ‘Pro Wrestling USA’, a regular TV Show (1984-1985) run by both, Verne Gagne’s AWA & Jim Crockett Promotions (representing the NWA).
This was Backlund’s first major wrestling match in the United States since leaving the World Wrestling Federation in the summer of 1984.
• Big Show Says Undertaker At 30% Is Better Than Most Others – The Phenom Ain’t Done
During an interview with With Spandex Podcast, former WWF Champion The Big Show talked about Braun Strowman, The Undertaker, not facing Shaquille O’Neal at WrestleMania & more.
Below are the highlights provided by Uproxx:
On his match with Shaquille O’Neal not happening at WrestleMania:
“Well, that’s business. There’s no one really to get mad at in that situation. You try to create a hype, you try to create an interest, you try to create an angle, then it comes down to … I’m working with entities that are outside of WWE.
Shaq had a fantastic attitude with everything and really wanted to do it, at the same time he has a lot of commitments that he’s committed to. When it comes down to getting availability and time, and trying to schedule the right thing all the way around, it was just a conflict of interest and timing. That doesn’t mean the door’s shut on that at all.
I think Shaq will always have an open door with WWE, we always had a great time working with him, and he’s such an incredible charismatic dude, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t do something again with us in the future. Did we miss the opportunity a Big Show/Shaq feud at WrestleMania?
Yeah. If I was being honest about it, we probably should have had that feud 10 years ago, you know what I mean? We tried to pull something off maybe a little bit too late, and the timing didn’t work out. But that’s okay, one door shuts, another door opens. I never look in the past or believe in should’ve, could’ve, would’ve … It’s always today and tomorrow, and onward and upward.”
On if Braun Strowman can become one of the all time greats down the line:
“I think so. As long as he stays healthy, he’s just got too much to offer. He’s got the right attitude, he’s got the right intensity and hunger for it, and he understands there’s times to be a monster, and there’s also times to make other guys look good.
You can run out there and make yourself look good all day that’s not what our business is about. Our business is about making … I’ve always had a standard philosophy it’s: Get the match over, get your opponent over, then get yourself over, if you can do those three things in that order you’ll have a long career. That’s what you’re here for.
You’re here to entertain our fans, give our fans the best competition, the best product possible. And also keep yourself in this business for as long as possible where you’re dependable, you bring something unique to the table in any situation you’re in, whether you’re wrestling a guy that’s 5’2″ or you’re wrestling another guy seven feet tall. Versatility and dependability is the key. I think Braun’s definitely one of those guys that can take that and go forward with it.”
On if The Undertaker is done:
“No, man, I’m telling you: the Undertaker, they don’t call him ‘The Phenom’ for nothing bro, I’m telling you. An Undertaker at 30 percent is better than most everybody else at 90 percent, I’ll tell you that much. If that makes any sense at all. He’s just that damn good.”
• SmackDown Live Star Says It’s His Time To Main Event WrestleMania
SmackDown Live Superstar “The Lone Wolf” Baron Corbin cut a promo for the Men’s Royal Rumble 2018 match and announced that it’s his time to main event WrestleMania.
You can watch it below:
The #LoneWolf @BaronCorbinWWE claims to be BUILT for the #RoyalRumble match…#RumbleForAll #SDLive pic.twitter.com/0gHMVDjF31
— WWE (@WWE) January 16, 2018
