Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Friday, September 9, 2005 at 12:40 PM EST

World Wrestling Entertainment's legal department contacted several venues that are scheduled to hold a series of "Hardcore Homecoming" events next weekend in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. WWE contacted the venues via telephone and asked for background information on those promoting the events. According to reports, WWE is claiming that the shows are infringing on the company's current trademarks and intellectual properties. Ventura Distribution, which is releasing the retail DVD version of the first Hardcore Homecoming event in June of 2005, were contacted by WWE's legal department as well.

As you can probably guess, many Hardcore Homecoming officials are very upset about this move by WWE. One source involved with the promotion stated that WWE's only reason for doing this was so they could undermine the success of the previous event and even prevent "27-30 wrestlers from getting three decent paydays for their family." For those unaware, the talent listing for Hardcore Homecoming events features former ECW stars, with some that appeared in the WWF/WWE for a brief period shortly after ECW's demise.

Those talent committed to the events include NWA World Heavyweight Champion Raven, Sabu, Shane Douglas, the former Dudley Boyz (who now go by Team 3D), Rhino, Jerry Lynn, The Sandman, New Jack, Mikey Whipwreck, Pitbull Gary Wolfe, Tod Gordon, Justin Credible, Francine, Balls Mahoney, CW Anderson, Chris Chetti, Johnny Grunge, The Blue Meanie, Bill Alfonso, Danny Doring, Roadkill and Tracy Smothers. Not all talent will appear at all three events however.

Credit: Mike Johnson @ PWInsider.com