Vince McMahon copies TNA’s video narration concept:
WWE consciously stole TNA’s video production technique of having a narrator recap the action, according to a report from the Wrestling Observer.

At the beginning of its weekly programming WWE have now employed a voice-over artist to sell the latest stroylines to the fans. This technique has been utilized by TNA for years. According to the report a production worker showed Vince McMahon a tape of a recent Impact Wrestling show and McMahon vowed to use the concept and do it better.

TNA producer Eric Bischoff recently gloated on Twitter when he spotted the technique on WWE programming:

“Saw #WWE using your backstage camera angles along with the voiceover in the opening video. #EricWins.”

TNA are often praised for using a more realistic backstage style, where TMZ style roaming reporters capture the action, rather than the all-seeing all-knowing camera style of WWE. TNA also utilize MMA-Style sit-down interviews to give and added dimension, that WWE do not use on a regular basis.

Rather than gloating though, perhaps Bischoff should continue to focus on making Impact unique.
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Cody Rhodes Injury Update:
WWE tag team star Cody Rhodes suffered a concussion and a strained shoulder during his match on this week’s WWE Main Event, according to an update posted on the WWE website.

As was seen on TV during Rhodes Scholars vs Team Hell No, Rhodes took a bad backdrop from Kane and landed on his shoulder and head. After trying to fight through it, he rolled to the outside where EMTs checked him over. He then remained on the apron for the rest of the match.

Dr. Michael Sampson says more tests are to be undertaken.

As part of the WWE Wellness Policy stars who suffer concussions must now take time off to heal. Although they never officially admit it (because that would be admitting fault), the findings that Chris Benoit’s brain was severely damaged following years of untreated concussions is the reason why the company now take concussions extremely seriously.

More details on the extent of Cody’s injuries and time off will be known tomorrow.
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Gawker allowed to keep Hulk Hogan sex tape clips online:
U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore, ruled that portions of Hulk Hogan’s sex tape put online by Gawker.com can stay there, during a hearing yesterday in Florida.

The Federal Judge denied the Hulkster’s motion to get the clips featuring Heather Love Sponge removed, siding with Gawker who claimed Hogan had already ruined his reputation and aired his own dirty laundry long before the sex tape was leaked.

TampaBayOnline reports:

“The Plaintiff’s public persona,” the judge wrote, “including the publicity he and his family derived from a television reality show detailing their personal life, his own book describing an affair he had during his marriage, prior reports by other parties of the existence and content of the Video, and Plaintiff s own public discussion of issues relating to his marriage, sex life, and the Video all demonstrate that the Video is a subject of general interest and concern to the community.”

If you don’t want to be in the limelight don’t put yourself there, appears to be the Judge’s argument.
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Despite new movie The Rock will be at Wrestlemania:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will still be available to take part in and build up Wrestlemania despite signing on for the new Hercules movie, which begins filming around Mania time. Johnson has already agreed to the wrestling gig so the film will have to work around the prior commitment.

The Rock was officially announced as the starring actor last week. The film is being directed by Brett Ratner of “Rush Hour” fame and is based on the Radical Comics version of the tale. Like the Graphic novel, the movie aims to play down many of the character’s mythological traits to present a more human figure and they believe Johnson is the man to pull it off.

At this stage it’s not clear who The Rock will be facing at Wrestlemania 29, which takes place on April 7, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and the Undertaker have all been discussed as possibilities. As well as a rematch with John Cena.

Whoever the company go with, this year’s card is going to be stacked!