By Jamie Jones
Here are the news and notes from this week in the wrestling world:
• Joe Laurinaitis is writing a book about his life. Why should you care that Joe Laurinaitis is becoming an author? Because as the muscled-up wrestler Animal, he formed part of one of the most dominant tag teams of his era. “Road Warrior: Life as Animal and Regular Joe” is expected to be released in March 2010 by Medallion Press.
• Three strikes, you’re in. Eugene (Nick Dinsmore) has returned to WWE after being fired for his third violation of the company’s Wellness Policy. The mentally-challenged character Eugene has been placed on the “Smackdown” roster.
• WWE’s run of celebrity “Raw” hosts should come to an end soon. Very soon. So far, WWE guest hosts have been a mixed bag. NBA star Shaquille O’Neal was fantastic during his two hours on the show, displaying his gregarious personality, infectious smile and even mixing it up with The Big Show. The most recent host, actor Jeremy Piven, was not nearly as successful. The plugs for his new movie were seemingly neverending, while his sidekick (an actor from the movie “The Hangover”) was annoying. Next week, WWE legend Sgt. Slaughter will host “Raw.” Expect a heavy dose of the upcoming movie “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” since Sarge was a character on the animated series during the 1980s and 1990s.
The Local Corner: TWA will host the second annual “Big O’s Trailer Park Battle Royal” on Saturday night. The winner gets a date with a Hooters girl.
“Car Wars” is coming to TWA. On August 14 and 15, fans will watch a match involving a car, a ring and wrestlers.
TWA runs Fridays at 8 p.m. in the TWA Arena off Reed Road in north Whitfield County, about three miles north of the bypass. The Action Zone runs Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Kids under 6 are free. Any military member with proper identification will be admitted free.
All-Star Championship Wrestling will hold a television taping on at the DCW Arena off Cavender Road on Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Trivia Teaser: What is Ivan Putski’s nickname?
Check back next week for the answer.
Last week’s question: Diamond Dallas Page managed this tag team when it joined WCW.
The Freebirds.
Jamie Jones had never heard of Jeremy Piven before last Monday. He can be reached at jamiejones-@daltoncitizen.com or at (706) 272-7723.
