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PWINSIDER Q&A: WWE OVERSEAS, HOGAN, PUNK, ATLAS AND MORE

Answered on 3/1

Has there been any interest by the WWE to put on wrestling shows in the former Soviet Union and what are the prospects of such an event happening?

WWE has stated that they are looking into new markets for live shows, and I have heard that they have been putting a lot of research into having events in China.  The former Soviet countries are another area that WWE would like to run shows in, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.  As a lot of music acts have found out, touring in those countries can often be a money-losing proposition, and I can't see WWE bringing their crew on a tour that won't be profitable, especially when there are so many foreign countries where WWE can rake in money.

Not for nothing but I am extremely happy to see Vince play hardball with Hogan. I mean the guy is selfish and still thinks he can wrestle. I mean I respect everything that he has done for wrestling but its horrible to see him say that he deserves the same money. With Vince saying there isn’t just 1 number 1 guy but several. How do you feel?

I have mixed feelings on the situation.  One the one hand, it is Wrestlemania 23, the 20th anniversary of arguably the biggest match in wrestling history, and Hogan should be there.  On the other hand, there is no way Hogan deserves to be the highest paid performer on the show, which is what he demands.  WWE has definitely moved away from the Hogan-era idea that there is one top star, as evidenced by the brand extension and the fact that there are two "top champions" now.  Should Hogan get a hefty payday for a Wrestlemania appearance?  Yes.  Should he get more than John Cena, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker or Batista?  Just my opinion, but I say no.

I am very familiar with the story of how the late Bruiser Brody was murdered in Puerto Rico many years ago. It was reported that wrestler Tony Atlas was a witness to the murder, that he actually saw who did it.  Atlas never reported seeing it. Why? Was he in fear for his life? That he might be killed if he told the authorities of what he saw? Was it because he feared for the safety of his family? Could Tony Atlas come forward today and tell what he witnessed even though it happened a very long time ago? After all, there is no statute of limitations on murder. Does he still get asked about what happened to Bruiser Brody?

First of all, Atlas did report seeing it.  He went to the police and reported what he saw.  Other wrestlers, none of whom were eyewitnesses to the murder, also told the police what they knew.  When the trial took place, Atlas did not come to Puerto Rico to testify.  The belief at the time was that threats had been made against Atlas and his family, so Atlas didn't go.  Others who were supposed to appear at the trial didn't receive subpoenas until after the trial was over.  There's a famous story that Dutch Mantel actually received his in the mail after he had already heard the verdict. Without making any accusations, the feeling was that Jose Gonzalez was never going to be convicted of murder for the incident in Puerto Rico.  As for Atlas, I don't know if anyone still asks him about Brody, but he's moved on with his life, going through some tough times before getting back on his feet as a personal trainer. 

I have just read Jim Ross's blog on your website. In it, he mentions CM Punk and says that he shows great potential and just needs to mature as a wrestler. I have kept track of CM Punk's career. I am from Chicago and have seen him on the indies since 1996. So he has been wrestling for over 11 years, at the least. I think he has 'matured' into a great wrestler already. He is a legit wrestling success story! This guy has grinded his way to the top on what he has built. He is over now because of his development. What is WWE's problem with him? What is your opinion on CM Punk and do you think he needs more development?

I agree, it does seem strange to say that a 28 year old man, who has been wrestling for over a decade, needs to "mature".  I have a feeling Ross means that Punk has to learn to work within the WWE parameters, both in the ring and behind the scenes, but that is just me thinking out loud.  I don't think Punk needs any further development.  He just needs to be given the chance to get over on his merits, and not be held back because of his size or because certain people don't like the fact that he is "over with the smart fans". 

I'm trying to remember a match but I just can't seem to. It was a match in WCW in the early 90's. All I remember was that it was a sort of "street fight" or "hardcore" tag team match and it ended up with one of the Road Warriors being handcuffed to a table in the back. Do you remember this match? If so, who did LOD fight, who won, and when did it occur? Thanks a lot guys!

I believe you're thinking of WCW Uncensored on March 24, 1996, where Sting and Booker T defeated The Road Warriors in a streetfight. Animal fought Booker to the back, where he was ambushed by Stevie Ray and handcuffed, allowing Booker to get the pin on Hawk in the ring when he returned.  All of this was done without Sting knowing about the ambush, as he wanted it to be a two-on-two fight. 

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