Ric Flair Calls Out Ronda Rousey Fight My Daughter!
Ric Flair has some WWE matchmaking advice for Vince McMahon -- set Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair, ASAP!!
Ric's daughter is the current "SmackDown" Women's Champion -- and Ric tells TMZ Sports he knows his daughter wants a shot at the newest star on the roster.
Charlotte has previously told TMZ Sports when it comes to Rousey -- "She knows where to find me."
The good news for Rousey ... Ric and his pal Hulk Hogan are big fans. They love the fact she's a TRUE wrestling fan and were impressed with her tribute to Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Speaking of legends ... we also asked Hulk and Ric to name the 4 people who belong on the Mount Rushmore of Pro Wrestling.
Spoiler alert: here are some names that DIDN'T make the cut:
The Rock, Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage, Undertaker, John Cena, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Sting.
Discuss ...
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Gronk's BFF Teases WWE Future for Rob ... Amid Retirement Rumors
If Rob Gronkowski retires from football ... could he have a 2nd career in the WWE ring?!
That's what Gronk's best buddy, WWE superstar Mojo Rawley, hinted at before the Super Bowl ... just 1 day before Rob shocked the NFL universe by saying he might not be back in 2018.
Rob Gronkowski said he was going to reflect on his future when asked if he’s considering retiring.
@McKennAnalysis
He wouldn’t commit to returning in 2018. pic.twitter.com/ApdZKKMqyM
"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of WHEN," Mojo told TMZ Sports, before adding, "I can't speak for him."
Hard to think Gronk -- injury (and concussion) history aside -- would call it quits at age 28 ... especially to get body-slammed in the ring.
That said ... you can't deny he's got the look.
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Hulk Hogan I'm Ready for WWE Comeback!!! ... Ric Flair Approves
Hulk Hogan says he's ready to return to his WWE wrestling family and hopes that Vince McMahon will give him another chance to prove he's a good guy.
Hulk and his good friend Ric Flair spoke to TMZ Sports right before their Q&A event at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa -- set up by their reps at Prince Marketing Group -- and opened up about their friendship and career.
"For me, I'd love to change that last story that was told with the Hulk Hogan career. I'd love to get back in the fold, get back on the inside and correct a lot of stuff."
He adds ... "It has to be the perfect timing for both sides. We're all on good terms. We're all working towards the same goal. So hopefully, I'll be able to be back with my wrestling family some day soon."
Obviously Hulk is referring to the infamous n-word video that surfaced in 2015. McMahon severed ties with the WWE Hall of Famer after that.
One guy who's vouching for Hulk is Naitch -- who tells us Hogan is one of the most caring people he's ever met ... and even flew to Georgia when he was in the hospital last year.
Flair also says Hulk gave him money when he needed it the most several years ago.
You can tell from the videos -- these guys have a bond that goes far beyond wrestling.
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Philadelphia Eagles Get Custom WWE Championship Belt ... from Triple H!!
The Philadelphia Eagles are champions of the NFL ... and now they got the championship bling to match!
On the heels of their huge Super Bowl win, WWE exec Triple H got a custom world heavyweight championship belt done up for the Eagles ... a gold-plated replica of the strap belonging to current WWE champ A.J. Styles.
"To quote Zach Ertz, you’re 'the World Champions' .... so you need a World Title! Congratulations," HHH said.
The belt looks awesome ... but it's worth noting that HHH -- a native of the Boston area -- also got one made for the Patriots last year.
Guess there are no hard feelings.
Congrats!!!
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Brooke Hogan Grease Me Up And Put Me in, Coach!!!
Wanna see Brooke Hogan covered in lube? Well, you're in luck.
Brooke was doused in some sort of slippery fluid Thursday in Santa Monica while trying to climb UP a slide. It wasn't just for giggles -- Brooke, Casper Smart, Drake Bell, Lil Mama, Selita Ebanks and several other celebs are taping a new season of 'Champs vs. Stars' for MTV.
Brooke and co. take on another team of retired athletes and celebs for the competition reality show.
Check out the video ... we can't tell who won this particular event.
Other than the spectators, that is.
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Laila Ali Squashes Beef with Ronda Rousey ... Good Luck in WWE!
Looks like the feud between 2 of the baddest chicks on the planet has fizzled out -- 'cause Laila Ali is wishing Ronda Rousey "all the best" in WWE.
For real.
We got Laila at an event for her new 'Food for Life' book out in NYC ... and the former unified boxing champ did the unthinkable -- she gave her UFC rival PROPS for pursuing a new career.
"I think it's cool ... she can wrestle!" Ali told TMZ Sports.
Remember ... Laila famously criticized Ronda after she lost to Holly Holm -- and that's after they went back and forth for months, saying they'd smash each other in boxing.
Guess the feud's officially dead now ... unless Laila wants to get inside a pro-wrestling ring!
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UFC's Derrick Lewis Still Shooting His Shot for Rousey ... Wifey No Likey
It's been almost a year since Derrick Lewis hollered at Ronda Rousey after KO'ing her BF, Travis Browne ... and he ain't ready to let go of his #WomanCrushEveryday.
Remember -- Derrick famously asked where Ronda's "fine ass" was at last February ... after sending poor Trav to the shadow realm.
Since then, both Lewis and Rousey have both gotten hitched to their SOs ... but Lewis says that hasn't changed how he feels about her.
"My wife doesn't like me still searching for Ronda ... but she'll get over it sooner or later," Black Beast told TMZ Sports.
Derrick also told us why he's happy Rousey joined WWE ... and why the hell he's been TRAINING WITH A RATTLESNAKE just weeks away from his scrap at UFC Fight Night: Austin.
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Roddy Piper Would Be 'Damn Proud' of Rousey ... Wrestler's Kids Say
Roddy Piper's kids were downright emotional when talking about how much Ronda Rousey means to their family ... and what a special moment it was to see her wearing the WWE legend's jacket.
TMZ Sports spoke with Colt Toombs and Ariel Teal Toombs about the plan to let Ronda wear Roddy's trademark fashion accessory at the Royal Rumble ... and the backstory might make you cry.
Of course, Roddy passed away in 2015 ... and both Colt and Ariel tell us Ronda personally vowed to them that she would do everything in her power to keep his legacy alive.
FYI, Ronda has always said Piper was her inspiration ... and she had personally asked him for permission to use his nickname back in the day. He obliged.
Now, Roddy's kids say she's doing a damn fine job keeping his spirit alive and they support her 100% moving forward.
Get your Kleenex ready ...
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Desiigner Hyped A.F. at the Royal Rumble ... Hollas at Torrie Wilson!
Move over, Wale -- there's a new WWE superfan rapper, and his name is Desiigner!
Want proof? Check out the "Panda" M.C. at the Royal Rumble in Philly Sunday night ... losing his damn mind with pretty much every Rumble entrant.
The highlights ...
-- Hollerin' at "sexy ass" Torrie Wilson (can't blame him)
-- EXPLODING when Rey Mysterio hit his signature "619"
-- Imitating his friend, Paul Heyman, introducing Brock Lesnar
Fun fact: Desiigner performed at Heyman's son's bar mitzvah a few months back.
Dude clearly loves him some wrestling. Let's get him ringside next time, Vince!!
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Ronda Rousey Should Be a WWE Villain ... Says Cedric the Entertainer
Forget the "good guy" stuff ... Ronda Rousey should be a HEEL when she opens her WWE storyline, so says big-time wrestling fan, Cedric the Entertainer.
We broke the news to Ced in L.A. on Sunday night after Rousey crashed the Royal Rumble and confirmed she's now a full-time WWE superstar ... you can tell he's pumped about it!
Not only did Ced warn Ronda about the Bella Twins, he also pitched Ronda on why she should start her WWE career as a VILLAIN.
We also got "Shark Tank" star Daymond John and broke the news to him as well ... and the super-rich investor explained why the move is MONEY, BABY!
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Ronda Rousey Shocks Stepkids with WWE Debut ... 'WHAT?!'
File under: Awww.
If you think you were pumped on Ronda Rousey's surprise Royal Rumble appearance ... peep this video of Travis Browne and her two stepchildren -- who had ZERO clue she had joined the company!!
Travis was PUMPED as soon as he heard Rousey's music hit ... but it took the boys, Kaleo and Keawe, a few seconds to figure out what was up.
Once they do ... their reaction is priceless.
"So hard not telling these boys what was going on!!" Browne captioned the video. "Your boys are very proud of you!!!"
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Diamond Dallas Page Rousey Will Be Like Goldberg, Tyson ... WWE's Next Big Thing!
How huge will Ronda Rousey be for WWE??
Pro wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page says she'll be a bonafide mega-star ... and he's comparing her to a couple heavyweight titans to make his point.
The first -- Mike Tyson ... who famously crossed over to WWE to briefly feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania.
And if Rousey wants to make it a permanent gig ... DDP says she could be the female equivalent of future WWE Hall of Famer, Bill Goldberg!
"He had that incredible charisma and personality and that 'it' factor, and Rousey's got that same thing," DDP told TMZ Sports at his yoga performance center in Georgia.
DDP would know -- he and Goldberg were big-time rivals in WCW ... and he's also locked up with pro athletes with Tyson's clout.
So, if and when Rousey makes the jump -- expect it to be MASSIVE.
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David Otunga Jennifer Hudson's Lying ... I Have a Job
David Otunga says Jennifer Hudson is simply a liar when she grouses to the judge in their custody war that he needs to get a job, because he says she knows he already has one.
Otunga just fired back in legal docs, responding to Hudson's claim he essentially sits on the sofa and needs gainful employment so she doesn't have to pay support.
He says her claim is ironic because 5 years ago, she gave him an ultimatum ... telling him he had to either choose wrestling or his family. Translation ... she was the person who stopped him from wrestling full-time.
Otunga says he IS employed ... with the WWE, in addition to working on other entertainment projects.
He also says it's nervy for Hudson to grouse about money when she makes between $8 million and $13 million per season just for "The Voice."
He takes a shot, saying she's focused on money while he's focusing on taking care of their 8-year-old son.
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Vince McMahon XFL IS BACK!!
It's official ... Vince McMahon is bringing back the XFL -- and Tim Tebow already has an invite to play.
The WWE honcho made the announcement Thursday afternoon ... saying the new XFL will launch in 2020 and will focus on more exciting football with zero political distractions.
That means players will be required to stand for the National Anthem.
Vince says the league will launch with 8 teams -- 40-man rosters -- and nobody with a criminal background will be eligible to play. Vince says the quality of the individual matters as much as the quality of the play.
When asked specifically about 3 players -- Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, and Colin Kaepernick -- Vince danced around Johnny and Colin ... but extended a casual invitation to Tebow.
McMahon insists there will be no crossover between the WWE and the XFL -- which means completely different announcers.
Vince also says he will not be the face of the league and will hire an accomplished people to run the XFL.
As far as the length of the game, Vince says he's gunning for 2-hour games.
Vince says he's confident the league will succeed this time around, 'cause the team has a 2-year runway ... and will be listening closely to what the fans want.
He even asked fans to submit ideas to the league office.
As we previously reported, Vince says he's been thinking about this for years ... and vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success this time around.
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Ronda Rousey No Royal Rumble For Me ... No Deal Yet!
Ronda Rousey is slamming the door on rumors she'll make her official WWE debut at the Royal Rumble on Jan 28 -- telling TMZ Sports it'll be physically impossible ... 'cause she'll be out of the country!
"I'm actually leaving to Colombia right now to finish shooting 'Mile 22' and won't be back until mid February," Rousey says.
"Mile 22" is an action flick starring Mark Wahlberg and John Malkovich.
But the bigger issue ... Ronda says there is no official contract in place between her and WWE, despite a recent dinner meeting with high-ranking WWE exec Triple H.
Don't rule it out though ... Rousey seemed flattered by some recent smack talk from WWE Raw womens' champ Alexa Bliss.
So, what's Ronda's long-term career plans? She talked about that, too!
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Diamond Dallas Page Let Hulk Hogan Back in WWE ... He's Not Racist!
Diamond Dallas Page says enough is enough when it comes to the WWE's Hulk Hogan ban ... telling TMZ Sports the Hulkster's done his time and deserves a chance to rejoin the company.
"Hulk has to come back. I'm hoping that that gets seen on the WWE side," the pro wrestling legend told us at his yoga performance center in Georgia.
Of course, WWE cut ties with Hogan after his sex-tape scandal in 2015 ... when he went on a racially offensive N-word rant.
But DDP -- much like Roddy Piper (RIP), Virgil and Dennis Rodman -- says there isn't "any racist bone in his body" ... and is calling for the McMahon family to welcome Hulk back inside the ring.
FYI, Hogan has repeatedly expressed interest in a WWE comeback ... but the company released a statement before its 'Raw 25' anniversary show saying it "remains committed to its decision."