FLAIR ATTACKS HOGAN AT AUSTRALIAN PRESS CONFERENCE
During a Tuesday night press conference in Australia to promote the upcoming Hulkamania: Let The Battle Begin tour, a fight broke between Hulk Hogan and his tour opponent,Ric Flair.
I remember the first time Hulk Hogan squared off against Ric Flair. The year was 1991 and I was sitting in the 5th row at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. I was torn who to root for during the match, and found my emotions swinging back and forth from Flair to Hogan (no wonder I did not have a girlfriend). 17 years later and I am still excited over this feud!
1) TNA X Division Championship Match
- The Amazing Red (c) vs. Homicide
Winner and STILL TNA X-Division Champion: Amazing Red
2) TNA Knockouts Tag Match: All Titles on the Line
- Sarita & Taylor Wilde (c) & ODB (c) vs. The Beautiful People
Winners and STILL TNA Knockouts/ Knockouts Tag Team Champions: ODB, and Taylor Wilde and Sarita
3) TNA Tag Team Championship Match
- British Invasion (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (c) vs. Beer Money
Winners and STILL TNA Tag Team Champions:The British Invasion
4) 6 Sides of Steel Match
- Awesome Kong vs. Tara
Winner: Tara
5) Six Man Tag Team Match
- Team 3D & Rhino vs. Matt Morgan, Hernandez & D'Angelo Dinero
Winners: Team 3D and Rhino
6) No Disqualification, Falls Count Anywhere
- Scott Steiner vs. Bobby Lashley
Winner: Scott Steiner
7) Challenge Match
- Desmond Wolfe vs. Kurt Angle
Winner: Kurt Angle
8) TNA Championship Match
- AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe vs. Daniels
Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: AJ Styles --------------------------------------------------------------------------
REBELS! REBELS! REBELS!
The UNLV basketball season is underway!
UNLV starts 1-0 with blowout win!
The Runnin’ Rebels opened the season on Saturday night with a 91-52 win over Pittsburg State. Trailing 19-17 midway through the first half, UNLV exploded to out-score the Gorillas 74-28 over the next 27 minutes… Tre’Von Willis led UNLV with 17 points and Kendall Wallace had 16.
Free Throw Parade!
UNLV set a program mark of 52 free throws in the game on Saturday night (36 of 52 for 69.2%). However, after starting the game 0-for-5, UNLV connected on 36 of 47 (76.6%) of its free throws and finished the game making 18 of its last 21 (85.7%).
Wednesday vs. UNR!
UNLV (1-0) will face in-state rival UNR (1-0) on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tickets start at just $18… The Wolf Pack was picked second in the Western Athletic Conference and is battling to return to the NCAA Tournament this season. TIme to reinforce the bleachers for the UNR student body!
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IT?S NO RAT PACK.... BUT IT WAS STILL PRETTY COOL.
I went to the opening night of Frank Caliendo’s show at the Monte Carlo.
Photo from Harrison Photos.
Frank is hysterical and had the entire crowd laughing start to finish. I thought one of the coolest things was the surprise walk-ons. Like the Las Vegas Strip of the 1960’s when Sinatra would surprise Dean Martin, or Sammy Davis Jr would pop in on Sinatra, Frank Caliendo had some funny walk-ons.
First Terry Fator surprised the crowd....
Followed up by Carrot Top....
And then Louie Anderson rounded up this modern day Las Vegas Comedic Rat Pack...
Frank closed the show by doing something that was very cool... instead exiting stage left he walked out into the crowd and started shaking hands with everyone.
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BRUCE NEEDS A TIDE STICK...
An emotional Bruce Jenner spilled some wine on himself during tonight's episode of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Wedding":
What are you going to do now? “I’m going to party in Las Vegas with a guy that looks like Eric Estrada!”
Photo from Tony Tran.
Damon also partied with his wife at Wasted Space:
Photo from Cody Boor/ Hard Rock Hotel
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OOPS - A LITTLE PREMATURE!!!
A Philadelphia newspaper told their readers they are sorry for accidentally running an ad congratulating the Philadelphia Phillies on winning back-to-back World Series titles. It was very premature but I do like the look of it:
It's was a three-quarter-page Macy's ad that featured a T-shirt with the Phillies logo, the commissioner's trophy and the phrase "Back To Back World Series Champions."
Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne were a hit last night on RAW. The highlight for me was the talent show.... Chris Masters has some skills. As RAW heads to England next week Ricky Hatton will be the guest host.
Photo from Jericho's Twitter page. And why must all wrestling photos involve someone getting choked? See Beefcake photo below:
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CUTTING AND STRUTTING....
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake was seen in town this weekend. Brutus was at the
Dysfunctional Halloween Bash at Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops.
Apparently Brutus had a Beef with Thing 2! I hope Thing 2 does not cut himself on that barbed wire that is wrapped around Beefcakes arm.
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THE KING'S RANSOM...
This is cool! I checked out THE KING’S RANSOM MUSEUM over at Imperial Palace.
This is a multi million dollar display of the largest collection of Elvis Presley’s personal artifacts.
Clothes, cars, guns, jewelry, bed, chapstick, music and more! It’s nuts being that close to some of Presley’s personal stuff. Yes, I said “it’s nuts.” They also have some of Frank Sinatra’s and Sammy Davis Jr’s stuff on display, clothing that they wore while performing with Elvis. Check it out HERE.
I had the privilege of seeing Wayne Newton’s new show at the Tropicana. “Once Before I Go” is an amazing show! No doubt about it Wayne is a living legend and this show is Wayne’s personal account of his legendary life.
During the show Wayne shares some very intimate stories about his rise to become “Mr. Las Vegas.” My personal highlight is the duet he does with Sammy Davis Jr. Yes, he does a duet with Sammy Davis Jr. that is absolutely surreal. By your tickets HERE.
And for all of the diehard Wayne fans - visit the gift shop before the show. Wayne has many of personal memorabilia from his “red room” on display.
Nope - that’s just Chris Jericho’s Halloween costume. The photo is from Jericho's Twitter page.
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RIC FLAIR LIKES LOBSTER POT STICKERS...
Ric Flair dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino on Friday night. WOOO!!! Flair was accompanied by his significant other and sat at the bar where they feasted on lobster pot stickers and wontons for their appetizers. They shared the filet with sides of creamed corn and lobster mashed potatoes for their main course.
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A LITTLE MUCH???
The New York papers are having a field day with the defending World Champions:
Perhaps the Yankees just need to relax, maybe a massage?
Hulk Hogan has signed with TNA Wrestling!!! Reports online say that Eric Bishoff has signed with them as well. As Jim Ross says “business is about to pick up!”
Get all the details HERE.
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CAN YOU NAME THIS ROCK STAR?
Can you guess whose head belongs on this body??
A) Scott Stapp
B) Fred Durst
C) Donny Osmond
D) Criss Angel
If you guessed C) Donny Osmond you are correct!!!
Donny is looking all inked up on the cover of his new single “I Have You To Thank.”
Check out a sample of the song here. It was written by Gavin DeGraw and Richie Sambora is featured on guitar.
Eddie Van Halen was in town and was backstage at Criss Angel’s show.
Thanks to Tom Rutan for the Photo.
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DID RIHANNA RIP OFF ECW???
Paul Heyman says Rihanna copied his idea for her latest photo shoot.
Paul (from Extreme Championship Wrestling) notes the similarity between her latest single cover and an old album of ECW theme songs.
Heyman posted both pictures on his Heyman Hustle website, pointing out his image - featuring ECW star Sandman - was released back in 1998.
And Paul told The Sun: "It's pretty obvious this was copied from, or at least Extremely inspired by the ECW album cover. "From the barbed wire and the right arm up in the air to the blood dripping off the logo. "Hey, I don't blame them. If you're going to copy someone, copy from the best. "By the way, Rihanna... you're welcome!"
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 16, 2009
BALLOON BOY GETS SICK: FRAME BY FRAME...
Balloon Boy rocks! I was really into this story yesterday, the coverage of the chase of the balloon is up there with OJ’s Bronco chase.
And Balloon Boy out did himself this morning. Here are the stills from his appearance on Today:
I got an e-mail today from the guys at Vegas Championship Wrestling. Turns out a local wrestling promotion is alive and well with all local athletes. Click HERE for details on their next show “Wrestle For Hunger 2009” happening on November 22, 2009.
Speaking of wrestling, kudos to Access Hollywood’s Maria Menounos. Maria and Nancy O’Dell were the guest host of RAW this past Monday and Maria laced up the boots and got into the ring. And she did a pretty good job!
Has anyone seen Cook E. Jarr? Does he still have his show here in Vegas? I remember the first time I saw Cook E. perform. This was back when he was still performing with “The Krums” at the Hotel Continental.
The year was 1995 and I was enjoying a couple of after work cocktails. I worked at Value Rent-a-Car during college and Value Rent a Car was just down the street from the Continental. I was ponied up to the bar with some co-workers when I heard the voice of Cook E. Jarr. And boy was I surprised when he brought his act out of the lounge and started performing on top of the bar. Kind of like the girls of Coyote Ugly.
I remember Cook E. Jarr called the show to wish Mercedes a Happy Birthday one year, I will try to find that audio and post it.
At the turn of the century Cook E. took his act over to Harrah’s. But is he still there?
I suppose I could just Google it but that would take the fun out it. So someone please fill me in on the whereabouts of Cook E. Email me HERE. I am in the mood to see a legendary lounge act!
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MONDAY OCTOBER 12, 2009
THE ICON RETURNS....
It is a great day for the Las Vegas Strip. Wayne Newton is back as Las Vegas headliner!! This morning he was on with Mark and Mercedes talking about his new home on Las Vegas Boulevard.
My wife Laura, Wayne, Me.
Wayne’s new show, “Once Before I Go,” will be at the Tropicana till April. I just learned over the weekend that Wayne has an autobiography under the same title that came out in 1990. I am happy to say I just ordered that book today.
The last time we had Wayne on the show was back in December during our “Four Corners Food Drive.”
I was so excited to be interviewing Wayne that I forgot to open my eyes:
The Old Lesbian was pumping some gas and TMZ took advantage of this and got Bruce’s thoughts on some current events.
Bruce - you should NOT wear white pants after Labor Day.
I use the term “old lesbian” as term of endearment. I am HUGE fan of Bruce’s, I just think he looks like an old lesbian. Once I am done reading Wayne’s book I will reread Bruce’s “Finding the Champion Within.”
Peter, Dr Cullen from Twilight, did an autograph signing today at the Galleria Mall. Proceeds from the autograph signing benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Thousands showed up and Mercedes rocked it as the emcee:
My wife was a little shy when it came to meeting Peter, but we did grab this photo:
My wife is the opposite of me, when I see a wrestler I run in for the kill and grab the photo. Just ask ‘Hot Rod’ Rowdy Roddy Piper:
My wife had another celebrity run in this weekend. Dane Cook was at the radio station on Friday. This photo was taken from one of the sales cubicles by way of a laptop:
Thank you to everyone that came out to the Start! Heart Walk on Saturday. Proceeds from the walk benefit the American Heart Association. It was tough to pull off but we got Spider Man to show up. Pretty cool:
My wife is not a big football fan, she will watch from time to time. So when she sat down with me to watch the end of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs game I was very excited. But I did have a tough time explaining why the Kansas City Chiefs had a Texas Logo on their helmet, and why the coach of the Chiefs was wearing Dallas Texans hat:
Things got real confusing when a Game Break came on with highlights from the Houston Texans game.
CLICK HERE for my coverage of the 2009 Mr. Olympia.
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THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL IN LAS VEGAS...
With the arrival of the Las Vegas Locomotives I decided to do a history of pro football in Las Vegas. CLICK HERE for the fun.
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THE HASSELHOFF COLLECTION...
CLICK HERE for my collection of David Hasselhoff photos. A MUST view for any fan of "The Hoff." Photos include "Surprised Hoff," "Photo Bomber Hoff" and many others!!!!
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I have never been a big fan of writing my bio, so I have decided to give you a timeline of my life.
8/10/1974 I was born in Doylestown Pa. My father is Cuban and mother is Irish. I look like my mom, that is why I look like the whitest Fernandez this side of the Mississippi. Actually, I should take that back. My wife, Laura, is the whitest Fernandez this side of the Mississippi.
1974-1989 I grew up in Bucks County, Pa (30 minutes north of Philadelphia). I have an older sister, Jenny, and younger brother, John. It was pretty much your typical, suburban childhood. The only odd thing is that I was raised a Dallas Cowboys fan. Needless to say I took some heat from the Eagles fans.
1989 - 1992 I attended Central Bucks High School East. It was during high school that I discovered my passion for professional wrestling. I have been in love with the sport ever since.
I played football in H.S. and I averaged 35 yards a catch. Pretty impressive stats, huh? Once you look a little deeper into the stats you will see that I only had two catches. The first was for 5 yards. The second was the biggie, it was a 65 yard flea-flicker. I had the safety beat and when I caught the ball it was nothing but end-zone. The only problem was that I was so excited that my knees buckled and I was downed at the 5 yard line. I still got up and celebrated like I was Terrell Owens, if I had some popcorn I would have poured it into my helmet.
Spring 1992 - I entered my first year of community college. I was pursuing a degree in hotel management but in the back of my mind I kept telling myself to try radio.
During this time I was working at the front desk at “The Inn at Lambertville Station.”
Spring 1994 - I wrapped up two years at Bucks County Community College. The only thing I can tell you from this was that my grades were horrific!
Summer 1994 - I realized that I wanted to finish my hotel degree and I was also itching to get out of Bucks County. UNLV has the # 1 hotel college in the country so I applied and sure enough I was accepted.
January 1995 - I arrived in the greatest city in the US, Las Vegas.
My time at UNLV was a blast. I joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and enjoyed every minute of my experience. I am still a big fan of the Rebels and every so often I will go off on a little on-air tangent about UNR, and UNR students.
During my time at UNLV the radio bug started to take over me. I ended up doing a couple of shifts at the college station - 91.5 KUNV.
Spring 1997 - I graduated from UNLV with a degree in Hotel Administration.
Summer 1997 - I leased some air time on a local am station - 1230 AM KLAV. I paid $75 a week for 30 minutes of air time. This was my time and I could do whatever I wanted with it.... so I did a 30 minute talk show on professional wrestling. I still have the tapes, I should post some for your listening pleasure.
September 1997 - I got a job at Mix 94.1 as the remote engineer. I was the guy that would drive the radio station van around town. I would also set up the remote broadcast. It paid peanuts but I was happy to have my foot in the door at the # 1 station in Las Vegas.
This is when I first met Mark and Mercedes and told them that if they ever needed someone to help them out on air to just let me know.
October 1997 - I did my first on air bit for Mark and Mercedes. It was a Halloween themed segment. I stood on a golf course with a pumpkin on my head. Listeners drove golf balls at me and whoever hit the pumpkin won! Dangerous? YES! But I didn’t care.... I was on the radio.
May 1998 - Mark and Mercedes realize that they need a producer and offer me the chance to “audition” for the job. My audition began on May 1, 1998. I worked my first full shift with M&M and little did I know I would still be with these guys 11 years later - and I love every minute of it!
August 1998 - Mark and Mercedes officially offer me the producer position. I said YES!
December 1, 2000 - I got a call from WWZZ radio in Washington D.C. - they were looking for a producer.
January 1, 2001 I met with the crew at WWZZ and was offered the producer position. I was going to be working with Billy Bush. Yes, Billy Bush from Access Hollywood. Yes, Presidents Bush’s cousin.
I was going to be working in a top ten market close to home with a cool morning show. The offer looked appealing so I accepted.
January 5, 2001 I told Mark and Mercedes I was heading to D.C. I regretted making this move for a few years after. Looking back now at my time in D.C. I can see it was a great career opportunity, and gave me time to grow as individual.
January 10, 2001: Billy Bush leaves WWZZ.
January 20, 2001: I arrive in Washington DC with no morning show to produce.
2001 -2005 My time in DC saw a revolving door of morning shows. I was like the guy in “Quantum Leap.” I hoped that my next leap to a morning show would be a leap back to Mark and Mercedes.
The cavalcade of shows that I worked for in Washington D.C. include:
“Rick Dee’s in The Morning”
“The Morning Drive with Dylan and Erin”
“The Morning Drive with Haber and Erin”
“The Morning Drive with Haber, Erin, and Erica”
“The Morning Drive with Haber, Jenni and Erica”
“Brett Haber in the Morning”
“The Ralph Renzi Show.” This one lasted one day!
“The Morning Show with JV and Erica.” That’s JV, not me JC.
“The Matthew Blades Radio Program.”
It was during my time in Washington D.C. that I met my wife, Laura. She was my intern, as they say... “when in Rome.” Wacka! Wacka!
September 2005: I finally get to come back home to Las Vegas, and home to “Mark and Mercedes in the Morning.”
September 2007: Laura and I got married and the rest is history.
That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. I could go into more detail and include the time I ruined the ending of “The Sixth Sense” (live on-air), or how I was in LA standing outside the courtroom the day the OJ Simpson verdict was read, or the night pro-wrestler Scott Hall threaten to beat me up inside Studio 54. But I will save all of those for my next life outline
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