Graves, Backland, WWE Draft, Raw, more
This was a ridiculously busy week for wrestling news, so let’s not waste any time.
Graves announcing Raw
Pittsburgh native Corey Graves is the new color commentator for Monday Night Raw, and how cool is it for Graves that he gets to debut in his hometown of Pittsburgh this Monday?
Graves, who wrestled as Sterling James Keenan during the early 2000s, is talented and will do a solid job.
I had hoped that he would have been placed on Smackdown with Mauro Ranallo, but Graves will be with Cole and Byron Saxton.
JBL was moved from Raw to Smackdown and will be with Ranallo and David Otunga.
Missing is Jerry Lawler, who has been relieved of his announcing duties.
He is expected to still take part of pre-shows and kickoff panels with Booker T and Lita.
Tickets still remain for Raw at the Consol Energy Center.
I will be backstage and will look to update happenings via Twitter.
Backlund in Uniontown Saturday
Two-time WWE champion Bob Backlund will appear at Bradley’s Book Store in the Uniontown Mall this Saturday.
The event starts at 1 p.m. and he will stay until every personal request has been granted.
“Mr. Backlund has promised to stay until every last fan has had a chance to meet him and this was his personal request,” said Justin Baird, the store’s assistant manager. “It is going to be an exciting time.”
Backlund will begin with a motivational address and then he will take part in a Q and A session.
He will then sign copies of his book, titled “Backlund: From All-American Boy to Professional Wrestling’s World Champion.”
The book will sell for $26.99 and Backlund will sign copies for free.
Additional items will cost $10 each.
Lesnar failed a second drug test
The UFC was informed that Brock Lesnar failed a second test, so it will be interesting to see how the WWE handles this.
Word is that it will not suspend him for 30 days, and considering the WWE has a conference call this Thursday, I am curious to see how the WWE plays its hand.
Thoughts on the WWE Draft
After watching the WWE Draft Tuesday night, the first thing that crossed my mind was the phrase “here we go again.”
When the WWE ran its first brand split in 2002, Raw was built up as the show and Smackdown felt like just another show, and that is how I felt after the draft concluded.
However, will the Smackdown crew step up to the challenge and be the better show like it was in 2002 and 2003?
Placing Daniel Bryan in his role on Smackdown was mentioned in this column, and I was not surprised to see Mick Foley named for Raw.
After all, his son is on the WWE creative team and his daughter will be in the WWE sooner than later.
Kudos to Foley for dropping a lot of weight and looking to be in his best shape in over 20 years.
WWE bringing back former talent
Look for several former WWE talents to return to the company now that it has been split into separate brands.
Rhyno and Curt Hawkins are already confirmed, and they may form a tag team on Smackdown.
MVP and Shelton Benjamin may be right behind them.
Booty-O’s now an official cereal
Fans of The New Day wanted it, and they got it as the WWE announced that it is selling Booty-O’s cereal exclusively at FYE stores.
It costs $12.99 a box or $11.69 if you are a member.
Battleground tonight
The WWE presents Battleground on the WWE Network tonight and the main event is a triple threat match between Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and the returning Roman Reigns for the WWE heavyweight championship.
Reigns returns from his Wellness Policy suspension and don’t be surprised to see Nikki Bella or Bayley as Sasha Banks’ mystery tag team partner.
I will be backstage and if there is a backstage scoop to be had, my Twitter account may be rather busy!
Pittsburgh legend passes away
Bill Cardille, a staple on television in Pittsburgh for over 40 years, passed Thursday after a battle with liver cancer.
He was 87.
Known as Chilly Billy in Pittsburgh wrestling circles, he was the voice of Pittsburgh wrestling in the area from the late-1950s into the 1970s.
Wrestling Mt. Rushmore returns next week
The summer is usually a slow time for wrestling news, but this summer has been completely different.
Due to the amount of breaking news this week, we will return to the Mt. Rushmore columns next week.
In memory
This week’s column is dedicated to the memories of Jason Kolisack and Dave Kurowsky.