Top SD! Referee Taking Leave Of Absence, Heyman Lashes Out On WWE/TNA
? Paul Heyman has a new column up at the UK Sun. This week, Heyman talks about the wrestling industry needing a major overhaul from top to bottom. Paul examines the current WWE & TNA products and picks them apart piece by piece. Heyman vents, "Let's be clear on one thing. I'm not talking about the good ol' days. I don't want wrestling to look back on old concepts. I'm begging the industry to realise the present style of writing, producing, and presenting wrestling television has simply run its course. Don't be afraid to attempt a new concept, and alter it along the way according to public tastes and reactions. Get the audience involved in your search for a new manner in which to present the world's second oldest profession"
? SmackDown referee Mickie Henson has taken a medical leave of absence and isn't expected back anytime soon. Scott Armstrong has replaced Henson as head referee on Smackdown.
? I got the following press release today: On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 12 noon, Hulk Hogan will be honored by National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. in conjunction with the Global Gaming Expo 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. He will receive the "Humanitarian Award" for his work on behalf of the "Dreamseekers" Foundation. Hulk and Dreamseekers have committed to building the non-profit organization in partnership with Indian Country to provide needed assistance to Native American youth and their families. The Hulkamania Experience, a multilevel progressive video-slot series based on the adventures of the iconic superstar, is expected to debut at the 2008 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. As a part of the foundation's fundraising initiative, a portion of the proceeds from The Hulkamania Experience(TM) will go towards the various health and education initiatives yet to be determined by the foundation. The game, developed in conjunction with Rainmaker Gaming Technology and ID Interactive, LLC, represents a fundamentally new approach towards community involvement in Indian Country. "We're thrilled to work with such a worthy cause, and such an incredible superstar," said ID's Director of Marketing, Ike Mcfadden. "American Indian children are more likely to live in poverty than any other racial or ethnic group in this country," Hogan noted, citing recent U.S. Census Bureau data. "It's time to change that, and I'm proud to be associated with that effort," said Hulk Hogan.