colonial

Some time ago, I recall seeing a wrestler named "Jesse the Latin Freebird" in results for Puerto Rico's WWC. Don't know what he looks like, but I'm imagining he's Michael Hayes' non-union Puerto Rican equivalent, coming down to the ring singing "Badstreet USA" in Spanish.

Netflix now says it is cutting ties with Danny Masterson amid the sexual assault allegations against him. "The Ranch" will continue without him ... http://deadline.com/2017/12/danny-masterson-written-out-fired-the-ranch-netflix-sexual-assault-allegations-1202220262/

Jim Nabors has passed away at age 87 ...

Matt Lauer has been canned at NBC for "inappropriate workplace behavior" ... decision announced before this morning's "Today" show.

I seem to recall Cody mentioning around the time of the WWE Starrcade announcement that he was the executor of Dusty's estate. As mentioned previously, Dusty had some down periods pre-late 80s WWF and following the demise of WCW, and I recall Dustin mentioning having financial issues and struggling to find work outside of the business in the 2000s when he was on the outs with WWE. I can definitely see Cody trying not to make the same mistakes they made and doing whatever it takes to succeed post-WWE.

Earle Hyman has died at 91. The original voice of Panthro on "ThunderCats". Grandpa Huxtable on "The Cosby Show". He was also a popular actor in, of all places, Norway, where he was a regular on a sitcom there ...

Chuck Low, a longtime friend of Robert De Niro who played Morrie the wig salesman in "GoodFellas", has died at 89 ...

Saw this trailer pop up on my FB book this morning. Christian documentary on Ted DiBiase. Fathom Events release November 7 (one night only).

DWTS always throws a trained dancer or two in the mix every season. Stacy Kiebler, Alfonso Ribiero, etc. Viewers generally don't care.

He retired last year due to injuries. Here's an update from him from last year at a fan convention ...

I don't think there was a public reason given as to why Greg Hamilton, and not Finkel, announced the inductees this year. Finkel was in attendance that weekend -- he signed autographs at Axxess (Lilian Garcia has a photo of the two of them at Axxess on her Instagram). And it's believed he's still employed by the WWE in some capacity. To be honest, it would have been cool for Finkel to be the ring announcer for Taker-Reigns if it was indeed Taker's final match. But perhaps Finkel simply wants to fade away without the public fan fare.

My first taste of wrestling came in the 80s at the WWF's syndicated shows. Joe McHugh was the classic, old-school ring announcer, giving the audience a feel that this was a special event, and opening each show "boxing-style", announcing the doctor at ringside, the timekeeper and the referees we'd see during the hour. Then he concluded with "And my name is ... JOOOOOOOOE MCHUGH." Always liked that. May be in the minority, but I think Greg Hamilton of SmackDown has potential. Shows a lot of personality in some introductions, but he doesn't seem to get the same opportunities that the Raw counterparts get.

And the new Doctor appears to have a new companion, and he's old enough to be her dad. UK media reports veteran British actor/entertainer Bradley Walsh has been tapped for the spot. Americans probably best know him as the host of the UK version of the game show "The Chase" ...

Seem to recall Don Kernodle popping up on an early episode of "America's Funniest Home Videos". He and his brother won $10,000 for a video where they washed a very angry dog.

To clarify on Menounos ... http://people.com/celebrity/maria-menounos-diagnosed-brain-tumor-mom-cancer/ She says the tumor was benign and "99.9%" of it was removed in surgery. Doctors say it has a less then 10% chance of recurring. Menounos also announced today she's leaving the E! Network

Cagematch lists one Paul Wight match prior to his WCW debut. From Larry Sharpe's WWA ... December 3, 1994 ... WWA Heavyweight Title: Frank Finnegan (c) defeats Paul Wight by Count Out WWA @ Route 30 Mall in Clementon, New Jersey, USA Finnegan appears to have been a Sharpe "lifer" who was billed as being 6'8" and 450 pounds. Apparently passed away last year at age 50.

I was there as well. It was billed as a "football match" between Luger and Big Cat (Mr. Hughes). Essentially, it was battle royal rules -- throw your opponent over the top rope and you win. The reason Hughes is in the Bears uniform top is that the Chicago Bears were playing the hometown New York Giants in a playoff game at the Meadowlands two days after this show. Lawrence Taylor was in Luger's corner, much to the dismay of the Giants coaching staff, the media, some teammates, fans, etc. (I recall the NYC tabloids had a field day with LT doing this (and the Giants and NFL allowing it), mocking him about his priorities). Before the match, Paul Heyman (who managed Hughes) and LT had a bit of a promo battle. Heyman was talking about his "good friend", Bears head coach Mike Ditka, and how Hughes would do to Luger what the Bears would do to the Giants. LT responded with "Screw Mike Ditka". Match was only about two minutes. Afterward, Luger and LT teamed up to toss Paul E. out of the ring to the roar of the crowd. I believe there was some talk of LT being more physically involved in the match, but the Giants put the kibosh on it, fearing a worst-case scenario.

It's been announced that former WCW ring announcer "Rhubarb" Jones passed away this weekend at age 65 ... http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/former-wcw-ring-announcer-warren-rhubarb-jones-passes-away-233006 Jones had been working at Kennesaw State University outside Atlanta at the time of his passing.

Chuck Barris has died at age 87,

Bumping this up as an Atlanta TV station recently did a feature on Rocky King and what he's up to today ... http://www.11alive.com/mb/news/local/pro-wrestler-turns-into-king-of-the-streets/415426528

Reports also coming in that Barbara Hale has passed away at age 94. Played Della Street on the original "Perry Mason" (as well the 80s and 90s reunion TV movies). Younger fans probably know her more as the mother of actor William Katt -- she even played Katt's mother on "The Greatest American Hero". MST3K fans also remember her as Dr. Langer in "The Giant Spider Invasion"

Tony Rosato, veteran of "SCTV" and "SNL", has died at 62 ...

At least four times in 1991, per Cagematch ... October 4-8, 1991, as part of a European tour. Flair won all four matches.

"The Phoenix" will not rise again. Joseph Mascolo, who played Stefano DiMera on "Days of our Lives" has died at age 87.