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Dana White told the Associated Press that Brock Lesnar is recovering from a bacterial infection in his intestinal tract. White is still encouraging Lesnar to check into the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for further treatment.
WCCO-TV, which is the CBS affiliate in Minneapolis, adds that Brock Lesnar is suffering from diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a disease which is usually found in the large intestine. It forms large pouches on the outside of the colon, which then becomes inflamed. Treatment for diverticulitis usually involves no solid food, only being fed through an IV and an aggressive antibiotic treatment. Also, in severe cases, surgery can be required to remove the infected area of the colon. Surgery is usually avoided, unless it is a severe case, which Lesnar's appears to be.
Dana White once again said that he does not know if Lesnar would fight again.
UFC CHAMP BROCK LESNAR RETURNS HOME TO HEAL
Brock Lesnar has returned home after having surgery for an infection in his intestinal tract.
Larry Novotny, a friend of Lesnar, on Tuesday told ABC affiliate KSAX-TV that the UFC heavyweight champion is recuperating after an 11-day stay in a local hospital where he underwent several tests and “a minor surgery.” Lesnar’s primary home is in Alexandria, Minn.
Novotny said Lesnar may need to undergo further surgery, but would see how the healing process went. At that point, a decision would be made whether Lesnar would be able to continue fighting.
Lesnar sent a message to his fans through Novotny, saying, “he is getting better and contrary to some rumors that he had died, he is on the mend."
The pro-wrestler turned MMA fighter collapsed at his home in Canada last week after battling what was thought to be a bad case of mononucleosis. The incident forced the indefinite postponement of his second title defense, against Shane Carwin. Last month, Lesnar withdrew from his headlining bout with Carwin at UFC 106 when the illness first struck.
UFC president Dana White on Tuesday confirmed Lesnar’s surgery and said the champion was recovering, but was unsure of his future.
Jamie Noble's profile has been removed from the Raw Superstars section on WWE.com. You can now find it in the WWE Alumni section. Last week, Noble announced his retirement as an active competitor due to back, neck and shoulder injuries. However, it should be noted that he has not parted ways with WWE as he will continue to work behind the scenes.
WWE's latest DVD release on Hulk Hogan, Hulk Hogan's Unreleased Collector's Series, is officially released on 17th of November. This three-disc set includes more than two dozen matches never before released on DVD from throughout his thirty-year career.
Lilian Garcia made a surprise appearance in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd at last night's RAW as she sang the National Anthem prior to the live broadcast.The former WWE Diva noted the following on her Twitter account: "Just sang the National Anthem at Madison Sq Garden before WWE Raw!! Felt so good 2 c everyone!! Crowd was awesome! Thks for the love!!" Garcia lives in New York City and was backstage visiting her former colleagues.
The UK Sun has posted an excerpt from Rey Mysterio's book Rey Mysterio: Behind The Mask, which discusses how he won the World Title. Check it out.. "It was the Royal Rumble in January and the winner was promised a shot at the heavyweight title. Not only did I win, I set a record for the longest Rumble turn, clocking in at 1:02:12. I raised my hands to the sky, dedicating my match to Eddie (Guerrero). Many things helped me in my run for the belt. The crowd and the push that I'd gotten from Eddie were certainly on my side. And I really have to give credit to Pat Patterson, who played a big role behind the scenes pushing for me, vouching that I would make a good champion. At the time, Pat was a producer and consultant to WWE. Older fans will remember that he was a longtime superstar as a wrestler, then an onscreen personality and commentator. I don't know what Pat saw in me. Maybe it was my professionalism. Maybe it was my love for this business, and the passion inside me. Maybe he liked my style or thought I'd be able to bring something new and unexpected to the company. Whatever it was, he made the case to the top people at WWE, including Vince. I didn't know anything about it until right after the Rumble, when I was called into a meeting with the top execs. 'You're going to be heavyweight champion,' they told me. 'Oh s***,' I answered."
John Morrison's DVD will be released in February. The set with be a 2 DVD set, and be titled John Morrison: Rock Star.
Filming for John Cena's next WWE Film's project, Brother's Keeper, will begin on December 7th in New Orleans.
Jamie Noble will be transitioning full-time into an agent for WWE. This explains the "retirement" angle they did following his attacks by Sheamus on Raw the last few weeks. Were told WWE writer Christopher DeJoseph (aka the Fat Oily Guy) saw an old tape of WCW Saturday Night in the early 1990s of Vader powerbombing someone outside the ring and thought it was impressive so they set that up with Sheamus and Noble on Raw.
Edge was at the Kid's Choice Awards in Australia and at one point, ran a bit on stage. He is still likely months away from returning to the ring though.
Partial Source: PWInsider
Sources say that Michael Cole has some major heat on him right now from within WWE. The feeling is that he isn't taking his job seriously anymore and officials aren't happy with some of his "stupid" comments made on TV lately. They also feel that he is no longer putting the company first.
There may be another shuffling of announcers soon as Jerry Lawler being attacked on RAW Monday night and Matt Striker filling in for him was done so WWE could test the waters to see how the different announcers work together. Vince is said to be very high on Matt Striker at the moment.
Word is that several people who had been trying out for the new WWE announcer spot were contacted this past week and thanked for applying but were told that someone else had been hired.
There are also rumors that Sean Mooney has been re-hired by WWE although I have been unable to confirm that just yet.
Partial Source: PWInsider.com
Several sources are saying WrestleMania 27 could take place at the former Skydome in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If the event takes place at Skydome, it would be the third venue, along with Madison Square Garden and the Rosemont Horizon to host WrestleMania three times. WrestleMania 6 and 18 were both held in Skydome.
Miami, Atlanta and Indianapolis are also in the running, and an official decision should be made soon.
On November 23rd, Beth Phoenix, Tommy Dreamer, Tiffany, and The Hart Dynasty will appear at Tommy K's Reseach Park, accepting donations for Toys for Tots in Stamford, CT.
The following matches are being advertised for the WWE House show on January 10th, 2010 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota:
* The Undertaker vs. Batista for the World Title * Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho * Christian vs. Ezekiel Jackson for the ECW Title * R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler * Cryme Tyme vs. The Hart Dynasty * Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre * Mickie James vs. Michelle McCool for the Women's Title * Yoshi Tatsu & Goldust vs. William Regal & Vladimir Kozlov
Raven was not at the iMPACT! tapings this week, due to a previously scheduled European tour. The tour was signed before TNA had brought him back to the company.
The Undertaker vs. John Cena is one of the planned main-event's for WrestleMania 26. That could easily change though as 'Taker vs. Jericho had also been rumored at one point several weeks ago. The groundwork for the potential Cena-'Taker matchup was set on this past Monday's RAW when Cena received a tombstone after the main-event match had ended.
Chris Jericho has some cool pictures posted on his Twitter, featuring him hanging out with the New York Rangers, Ozzy Osborne and Metallica's James Hetfield You can check those out by going to twitpic.com/photos/IAmJericho
From comedians to politicians to musical performers to professional athletes, Monday Night Raw’s weekly guest hosts are some of past and present’s finest entertainers. The WWE Universe, therefore, can expect this trend to continue as more and more of the most popular celebrities are hopping aboard to serve as Raw special host.
Nov. 23, 2009: Jesse Ventura This week, WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura will take the reins from Hershey, Pa., on a special Thanksgiving three-hour presentation of Raw. The illustrious Superstar’s role comes just more than one week before the debut of Ventura’s new truTV series, Conspiracy Theory, which airs on Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. ET.
Nov. 30, 2009: Verne Troyer Best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers comedy series, Verne Troyer will serve as guest host on Nov. 30 from Baltimore. One of the shortest yet largely recognizable men in the world, the actor has more than 15 years of television experience.
Dec. 7, 2009: Mark Cuban Instead of humoring the NBA Universe with his infinite antics and making authoritative basketball decisions for one night, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban will spend time delegating responsibility to WWE Superstars when he hosts Raw on Dec. 7 from Dallas.
Dec. 14, 2009: Dennis Miller Comedian and radio talk show host Dennis Miller, meanwhile, will serve as the host of the 2009 Slammy Awards during a special three-hour presentation of Raw on Dec. 14 from Corpus Christi, Texas. The five-time Emmy award-winning comic is renowned for his improvisations and acerbic humor about pop culture and politics.
Be sure to tune in every Monday night when the biggest stars from all over the world take over as Raw’s special guest host.
TNA star Mick Foley will be appearing on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart this Thursday night at 11:00 p.m. ET (10:00 p.m. CT). Dixie Carter confirmed this via her Twitter account (twitter.com/TNADixie) with the following 'tweet': "Just heard Mick Foley will appear on The Daily Show tomorrow nite on Comedy Central, right after TNA iMPACT"
Dixie Carter also issued the following 'tweet' on Brock Lesnar: On behalf of everyone at TNA, our thoughts and prayers are with Brock Lesner and we wish him a speedy and full recovery! Ditto to that!
This will be Ric Flair's first match since WrestleMania 24 in 2008. This will be Hulk Hoganis first match since April of 2007, when he faced Paul "Big Show" Wight in Memphis.
Scheduled for the tour are: The Nasty Boys, Brutus Beefcake, Ken Anderson, Eddie Fatu (Umaga), Sean Morley (Val Venis), Jimmy Hart, Black Pearl, Vampire Warrior (Gangrel), Solofa Fatu (Rikishi), Orlando Jordan, Nick Dinsmore (Eugene), The Pimp Fatha (Charles "Godfather" Wright), Heindenreich, Spartan 300 (Matt 'M-Dog 20' Cross), Lacey Von Erich, Stephanie Pietz and Koa Marie Turner.
The tour dates are:
* November 21st: Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena * November 24th: Burwood Dome in Perth * November 26th: Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane * November 28th: Acer Centre in Sydney
WWE announcer Jerry Lawler tells the UK Sun that even if Jim Ross is healthy and able to return to work in the coming months, WWE will probably hold off on bringing him back to the announcer's table until WrestleMania 26 next year. "There's a strong possibility that WrestleMania could be when he makes a return," Lawler said. "Even if it's a situation where he could return a little bit before that, it might be best to just wait and let him come back at Mania — as the comeback of JR would be a big draw." Lawler repeated what JR said in a recent blog, that it will two or three months to become "facially ready" for TV again. Lawler says Ross's voice sounds fine over the phone and someone on the other end wouldn't know he's only able to talk out of one side of his mouth. "I texted him last night, and spoke with him this past week, and he's doing better but says it will probably be a few months before he's facially ready to be back on television," Lawler said. "But when you talk to him, when you just hear his voice, you can't tell. He doesn't have slurred speech any more."
Hulk Hogan has reportedly admitted to reporters in Australia that his brawl with Ric Flair at Tuesday's press conference that left Hogan's face covered in blood was all just part of the show. No ****? Just hours after the Flair attack, Hogan showed up at the Sydney Football Stadium for another press conference looking "fit and healthy." Australia's Wentworth Courier newspaper reports that Hogan told reporters, "It took me about half an hour to get freshened up before I ran back out, it got a bit crazy. I didn’t plan on going backwards off the stage, that was a bit of a shock."
UFC President Dana White spoke to Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday and provided yet another update on Brock Lesnar's health status. While it was reported earlier this week that Lesnar was suffering from a bacterial infection in his intestines, it turns out he actually had a hole in his intestine and has not been 100% for an entire year.
"Brock was in big pain, he was hurting.... We don’t know if he’ll ever fight again. He had a hole in his intestine. The (stuff) was leaking into his stomach. That’s what was causing him so much pain. That and he had abscesses. The doctor told him he hasn’t been right for a year. His immune system has been trying to fight this thing and that’s why he was susceptible to getting sick.... We’ll find out more next week. We’re going to send him to the Mayo Clinic for a couple of days. I don’t know what to say. It’s looking better now than last week, but what that means, I don’t know."
Brock Lesnar is scheduled to visit the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN early next week for a battery of tests. His trainer Greg Nelson spoke to the Star Tribune this week and said, "No one can tell, but it seems right now it's something he'll definitely recover from." While this should be considered good news, Nelson stressed that it's too early to tell when Lesnar will fight again. This also could be 'damage control' from Lesnar's camp.
Other notes from Dana White include:
On His Current Status: "The family was worried big time, they were freaking out. We don't know if he'll ever fight again."
On What They Found: "He had a hole in his intestine," White said. "The (stuff) was leaking into his stomach. That's what was causing him so much pain. That and he had abscesses. The doctor told him he hasn't been right for a year. His immune system has been trying to fight this thing and that's why he was susceptible to getting sick."
On Brock's Future: "If he's done what he's done at less than 100 percent, then imagine how he'll be if he is 100 percent."
Dwayne "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson says he's working with WWE on a special television project that would be in addition to guest-hosting a future episode of WWE Raw. During a Thursday morning radio appearance on the syndicated Jack Diamond Morning Show, Johnson was vague on the details but hinted that the project will be significant.
"I love that world and being able to entertain, especially if I could go back whether it's on Smackdown and do a promo or guest-host or we could create this cool show, whatever that may be," Johnson said. "Especially now, I'm at the point where I can go back and give back to the fans and help out the guys in any way I can."
Johnson said he and Vince McMahon have a great relationship and he's looking forward to working with WWE again in the future. "Right now we're trying to put together - there is always something cool and interesting for me to do. I would like to do something more than just host the show," Johnson said. "I'm in the process of creating something really cool for the fans - something very special and unique. It will be something like one big entertaining show."
The Great Khali, who also moonlights as an assistant sub inspector with Punjab Police, was suspended today by the force for going on "unauthorized" leave.
The WWE Superstar had been on an official absence since December after filing for a five year leave of absence from the force under "extraordinary" circumstances.
Arunpal Singh, Commandant of 7th Batallion of Punjab Armed Police, told DNAIndia.com he was not entitled to additional leave. As a result, he was officially suspended for failing to return to duty as scheduled.
Khali is currently healing from an injured knee which required surgery.
In an interview with MTV.com, WWE star Ted Dibiase says Eminem’s music makes him angry. "I'm a fan of all music," DiBiase said. "I'm not just saying that. I like the pop music that comes out. I live in Mississippi, so I do like the country music. I'm a big fan of the Kings of Leon. I really dig their music. I work out to Eminem and stuff. He gets me going in the gym. He's got some good lyrics, and he gets me a little pissed off. That’s what I need to push some weights sometime." The third generation star also revealed what a few others in the WWE locker room listen to. "It depends on if Big Show has his iPod dock or Chris Jericho [has his dock]," DiBiase said. "If it's Chris Jericho, then it'll be Ozzy [Osborne]. It's all rock and roll. Then Big Show, he's got some old country, Hank Williams Jr. It varies."
Paperwork filed by Linda McMahon in Connecticut for her 2010 Senate reveal that her and Vince McMahon have upwards of $500 million in assets. Linda has donated over $3 million of McMahon money to the campaign, making her an "instant player" in the Senate race.
The chairman of the Government & Politics department at Sacred Heart University tells the Connecticut Post, "McMahon has just blown right by them (other Republican candidates) in terms of resources. It's just extraordinary. We've never had anybody that has had wealth like this campaigning."
According to the filing, Linda and Vince have $103.7 million in total assets and $355.13 million in stocks, bank accounts, investments, etc. Together, they received "at least" $8.97 million in salary and investment income from WWE during a period from January 2008 to October 2009.
For more details on the McMahons' assets, visit ConnPost.com
Tara recently wrote on her MySpace about her cage match with Awesome Kong. She considers it one of the best matches of her career.
Psycho Sid Promotions, an entity affiliated with multi-time world champion Sid Vicious, is claiming that he is headed to TNA Wrestling.
The following announcement was issued this past week: The Return of the Master and Ruler of the World "Psycho" Sid Vicious is coming to TNA Wrestling! Spike TV Thursday Nights! We warned WWE that this would Happen. Never say Never! Stay Tuned -Psycho Sid Promotions
Furthermore, the official MySpace account of Psycho Sid Promotions (myspace.com/PsychoSidPromotions) had a large TNA logo displayed with the caption reading "Never Say Never." However, the logo is no longer being displayed due to its bandwidth being exceeded.
Here is the updated TNA Final Resolution card (CONTAINS SPOILERS!):
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla announced late last night that Chris Sabin had to pull out of this weekend's Battle of Los Angeles Tournament.
TNA management stated that Sabin "aggravated a neck injury at our TV tapings and the doctor is recommending that he take a couple of weeks (and maybe longer) off. He had first suffered the injury at our previous tapings and tweaked it at the tapings this week."
Maryse is scheduled to make her return to the ring within the next two episodes of RAW. She was at WWE's developmental camp in Tampa last week working off ring rust. The former Divas Champion has been out of action since July in order to recover from knee surgery.
WWE and THQ finalized a new agreement where THQ would retain the WWE video game license through 2014.
At some point over the last year or two, Shane McMahon cashed in approximately $50 million from the company. Shane currently owns another $30 million in WWE stock, and at present time, he owns a 2.8% stake in the company. As noted yesterday here on the website, Linda and Vince have $103.7 million in total assets and $355.13 million in stocks, bank accounts, investments, etc. Together, they received "at least" $8.97 million in salary and investment income from WWE during a period from January 2008 to October 2009.
Torrie Wilson is on the cover of the next Ms. Fitness magazine.
Former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro said she is suffering with kidney stones.
Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
While nothing has been confirmed yet, the names being heavily considered for the Class of 2010 WWE Hall of Fame next year are Ted DiBiase (who is considered to be a strong possibility), The Road Warriors, Demolition and Slick. There were some rumors that The Ultimate Warrior and Lex Luger are under consideration after they were placed on the WWE Alumni page over on WWE.com. Another name that was considered a possibility was The Honky Tonk Man since he is from the Phoenix area. Bob Armstrong is another name that was thrown out on Smackdown recently and seems to be under consideration as well. The actual voting process is done by some of Vince McMahon's closest advisers, but Vince ultimately picks and chooses on his own.
There is said to be some concern within WWE over Adam "Edge" Copeland and his injury recovery. The hope was that he would make it back before WrestleMania, but as things stand now it doesn't appear to be a lock. Edge stated in a recent interview that this was the worst injury (Achilles heel tendon) he has had to recover from during his career, while others have noted that this is a rare kind of injury where you can't rush back too soon if you are not ready.
Paul and Katie Lea Burchill will be heading to the RAW brand.
CM Punk has taken a lesser role on Friday Night SmackDown since dropping the World Heavyweight Championship to Undertaker at last month's Hell in the Cell pay-per-view, instead being placed in a program with perennial mid-card performer R-Truth after months of top-level feuds. While it would appear that he's been demoted, the company is looking to have him assist R-Truth for the time being by putting him over in hope that he reaches main event level status.
Hulkamania Tour Results 11.21.09
*Nick Dinsmore & The Pimpfather defeated The Rock of Love.
*Brutus Beefcake defeated Heidenreich.
*Spartan 300 defeated Shannon Moore.
*Lacey Von Erich won a bikini contest.
*Ken Anderson defeated Sean Morley (Val Venis).
*Brian Christopher & 'Kishi defeated The former Umaga and Orlando Jordan.
*In their respective returns to the ring, Hulk Hogan pinned Ric Flair. Both men bled. Most of the locker room watched the main event. Flair pulled an object out but Lacey Von Erich ran down, distracting the referee. Hogan got the foreign object and used it on Flair and covered him for the pin.
Jim Ross has a new blog up on his official website (JrsBarBQ.com) addressing his status with WWE and rumors that he intended on returning as late as WrestleMania 26 next year. Here is one of the highlights: "Read on line where I was returning to WWE at Wrestlemania. This info was attributed to my friend and former broadcast partner Jerry Lawler. I don't know if I confused the King when we last spoke or if he was simply misquoted which is more likely but the story is not accurate. When talking with Jerry about when I was going to return, I mentioned that there was NO time table due to not knowing when the facial nerve on the right side of my face was going to kick start. I mentioned that IF it was going to be close to Wrestlemania that it might be good just to wait and return at WM26. The facial nerve could ignite tomorow...or next week...or 2-4 months from now. No one knows. The last time that I had Bells palsy it hit me in December and I returned to Wrestlemania in late March and broadcast one match, Austin vs. The Rock but I had to hold one side of my face up to speak clearly. This attack isn't as severe as that one in my opinion. I do feel better other than the facial paralysis and some lingering issues with my right eye but all in all I truly believe that I am improving. I'm also making several life style changes that I think are timely and career enhancing. My contract negotiations with WWE are still to be finalized but, as I feel in all things regarding my life. I remain confident and positive that those contractual issues will work out to every one's satisfaction. Doing weekly TV is a grind with all my other WWE responsibilities that I execute from my home office. The travel is something that I do not miss. Commercial air travel 50 or so weeks a year can't be enjoyed, only tolerated. I never miss work as it relates to the hassles of travel but I do miss it when it's time for the red light to go on. So only time will tell how every thing will work out on several fronts. Nothing is set in stone. If you want to know exactly what is happening with my career I suggest you check out this site and my blogs because I can pretty much guarantee that I will know first unless one of my doctor's is talking to a wrestling website."
TNA has apparently signed British women's wrestler The Sweet Saraya Knight.
While meeting with UFC Fight Club members yesterday in Las Vegas, UFC President Dana White again declined to discuss in detail the meeting he had with Shane McMahon two weeks ago.
The only thing White said was that Shane was a good friend and "you never know."
WWE performers were told last week they could continue using Twitter, but were strongly advised against using it too much — especially after midnight for obvious reasons. Are you listening Matt Hardy?
It's interesting to note that Chris Jericho sent out a tweet just after midnight one day last week wondering if he was going to get in trouble.
MANCHESTER - UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar is seriously ill in hospital after collapsing in Canada, UFC president Dana White said Saturday.
"He's in rough shape, he's in really bad shape," White said Saturday after UFC 105.
"He is not well and he is not getting any better. . . . He's very, very sick and he's going to be out for a while. He's got a lot of problems."
Citing mononucleosis, the 32-year-old Lesnar was forced to postpone a title fight against Shane Carwin scheduled for UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas. The fight was pushed back to UFC 108 on Jan. 2, but that too has been postponed.
"He's got mono and he's got something else wrong with him. I know what's wrong with him, he just doesn't want me talking about it," White said.
"He doesn't have cancer or AIDS or anything like this, (but) he's got some problems, man."
White said Lesnar was currently in a hospital in North Dakota. The six-foot-three, 265-pounder owns property in Canada, White added.
"He dropped up there and had to go to hospital," White said.
He said Lesnar may have to go to the Mayo Clinic or another top hospital "to figure out what's wrong with this guy."
"He's not going to be getting well any time soon," White said.
The UFC has other concerns with fighters. White said the newly announced UFC 108 main event between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez is off because Nogueira has a serious staph infection.
"(It's) bad, to the point now that it's in his bloodstream," White said. "He's probably going to have to be hospitalized and intravenously given antibiotics."
Carwin is also out after undergoing knee surgery.
"It's crazy," White said of the injuries and illness.
Source: The Wrestling Observer
Shane McMahon had a meeting at the UFC/Zuffa offices around a week ago.
When asked about this, UFC President Dana White said "no comment."
The dark match before the Turning Point PPV saw Hamada defeat Alissa Flash.
Dixie Carter announced on her Twitter tonight that she has signed Pope D'Angelo Dinero to a new, long term contract. "Right before I walked in to watch the PPV just now, The Pope and I signed his new long term deal. He IS the real deal."
The UK Sun has posted Part 2 of their interview with former WWE & ECW Champion, Rob Van Dam. Van Dam talks about why he left WWE in June 2007, what he's been doing since then, what sets him apart from other wrestlers and more. You can read the entire part 2 at TheSun.co.uk. Here are some highlights:
When asked whether he would return to World Wrestling Entertainment or perhaps make a run with TNA Wrestling, Van Dam said, "It's possible. Never say never." He went into detail about how the lighter TNA schedule is very attractive to him, but would consider returning to WWE if they could offer him the same reduced schedule." The talk of Van Dam wrestling for TNA led interviewer Simon Rothstein to ask what Van Dam thinks about what many fans would consider a dream match against AJ Styles. "I can tell you this — I don't sit at home and fantasise about matches with AJ Styles," he said. " I am a professional when I get in the ring . But as far as personal matches that go through my mind, and working with this guy or that guy, I don't give a f--- about that."
RVD spoke about his relationship with Paul Heyman and whether he would work with Paul should he return to the national wrestling scene with WWE/TNA or start his own company. "I do talk to Paul a lot and we do chat about hypothetical situations and what's going on in our minds," Van Dam said. "I will always be a soldier for Paul and always have interest in hearing anything that he's got to say. If he asked me to do him a favour then of course I would. But Paul also knows, if he wants to take me away from home, then just like the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase everybody has their price."
The Great Khali is still recovering from knee surgery, but had some time to congratulate cricket star Sachin Tendulkar.
Both Shane McMahon and former WWE Canada President Carl DeMarco recently met with the UFC. There are no other details known at this time.
Dana White is trying to get Brock Lesnar into the world famous May Clinic and tells TMZ that Lesnar has some sort of intestinal disorder that will require "major surgery."
White described Lesnar as "very, very sick" and that he had collapsed in Canada a week ago after going there to rest up after being diagnosed with mono.
White also added the following: "There's a possibility Lesnar will never fight again."
Dixie Carter made the following comments on her Twitter page, regarding injuries at the Turning Point PPV...
"Kurt threw his back out early in the match last night & gutted out the next 15+ mins as he & Desmond delivered one of the best of the year"
"No other injuries to report from the PPV. Kurt pushed thru last night and will not miss any action."
Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Rey Mysterio has a knee injury right now, and is expected to take time off soon. This may cause the program with Batista to be rushed.
Mickie James may have injured her leg on Saturday night in Dublin, but it likely isn't serious.
It should be announced tomorrow that The Great Khali will be a special ambassador for the Special Olympics in India.
Here is the updated WWE Survivor Series card:
* Traditional Survivor Series Match: TEAM MORRISON: John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin and Finlay vs. TEAM MIZ: The Miz, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger
* Traditional Survivor Series Match: TEAM MICKIE: Mickie James, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Melina, and Gail Kim vs. TEAM MCCOOL: Michelle McCool, Jillian Hall, Beth Phoenix, Layla and Alicia Fox.
* Traditional Survivor Series Match: TEAM KOFI: Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, MVP, R-Truth and Christian vs. TEAM ORTON: Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, William Regal and CM Punk
According to WWE.com, Jamie Noble announced his 'retirement' this morning. The article claims that Noble is retiring due to nagging injuries, as well as the recent beating that he took from Sheamus on RAW.
Drew Hankinson (a.k.a. Festus) is still under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment, but sitting at home because creative has nothing for him. He has not appeared on television since June. There had been discussions of pairing him with CM Punk on SmackDown as a bodyguard, with the storyline being that he behaves the way he does because he's always heavily medicated. It would have then been revealed that Punk got him off drugs and made him Straight edge.
There were talks of doing a Sting retirement tour over the next year, but nothing has been confirmed at this point.
Credit: The Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter
Regarding Vince Russo’s future in TNA, everyone close to the situation is saying that nothing has been decided yet by the company. Russo is under the impression that nothing has changed regarding his status since he feels he’s been doing his job, but there are a number of people who feel his position is in jeopardy. Those same people also feel the Hogan and Bischoff team will establish their own infrastructure and put their own creative people in place, and the duo will be in TNA for the long haul.
If Russo goes, the assumption is that Ed Ferarra will also be out of a job. The only remaining member of the current creative staff would be Matt Conway, who is the youngest member of the staff and is someone Dixie Carter sees as a bright young mind.
Kevin Sullivan has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Vince Russo, as well as Kevin Nash although Nash says he has no interest in the role. Nash is currently working to solidify his acting career for once he finishes wrestling.
Rumors that Hogan and Bischoff negotiated directly with Dixie’s father, Bob Carter, who owns TNA’s parent company Panda Energy, are false. Multiple sources closes to the situation say Dixie was in charge of negotiations, which lasted approximately five months.
Credit: TNAWrestlingNews.com & The Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter
TNAWrestlingNews.com is reporting that the news of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff is being greeted with a “wait and see” attitude from within TNA. The expectations from those within the industry is ranging from a short-term deal all the way to an ownership stake of TNA.
At one point Hogan and Bischoff were seeking a stake in ownership during a previous negotiating stint with the company, however TNA turned that idea down.
There is a wide range of emotions amongst the wrestlers in the company about the news. More than one wrestler has expressed fear that TNA would become all about Hogan and friends, such as Brutus Beefcake and The Nasty Boys. However, others have expressed optimism that the duo of Hogan and Bischoff could open new doors in the business world for the company. Some wrestlers were excited by the possibility of working with Hogan in the ring, even if it means putting him over.
The biggest fear with most of the wrestlers in TNA is that the company will become like WCW, in that older wrestlers receive almost all of the spotlight. It’s been described as a “roller coaster” for the TNA roster by one source, since it felt like they were finally getting their chance to shine when Vince Russo was put in charge of creative and he made it clear he was going through with his youth movement. So far the movement is being labeled a success within the company according to a TNAWrestlingNews.com source, as Russo has pushed the three names Dixie Carter gave him (AJ Styles, Matt Morgan and Hernandez) to create into new marquee names.
The Ultimate Warrior could be a surprise inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame next year as the often troubled relationship between the former WWE Champion and Vince McMahon has apparently been thawed out.
On top of that, Warrior lives in Phoenix — the site of WrestleMania XXVI — and it's interesting to note that the event will be the 20th anniversary of his epic victory over Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI. Furthermore, he has been featured on the company website much more frequently in recent months.
The Sun posted the following article today examining the possibility of Warrior being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next year.
All remaining charges against Kurt Angle were dismissed after a Pennsylvania judge dismissed the charges of assault and harassment stemming from an alleged incident on August 6 involving Angle’s ex-girlfriend Trenesha Biggers.
The assault and harassment charges against Kurt Angle were dropped by judge Mary Murray due to Angle’s ex-girlfriend continuing to stay at his house for nine days after the alleged incident took place. Both parties signed a document acknowledging an incident took place.
The judge reportedly dismissed the charges without enough evidence that bruises and scratches were brought on her by Angle. “She’s a professional wrestler. She left the state, went to Florida for a period of time. We don’t know how she got those bruises, but we can tell you, they were not at the hands of my client,” said Michelle Santicola, Angle’s lawyer.
Angle broke down crying when the charges were dropped. “I’ve never hit a woman and never would,” Angle told reporters. “I was brought up by my mother that way, and I had to go through this.”
Biggers claims Angle abused her “a few times” and she feared for her life. “The first few times that it happened, I believed that, ‘Maybe this won’t happen any more.’ But at this point in time, I was like, the next time that this happens, I could die.” Biggers said. She added that she felt “terrified” of Angle when they were living together in Angle’s home outside of Pittsburgh.
KDKA out of Pittsburgh spoke with Trenesha Biggers, who stated that she will push to re-file the case. Here are some highlights: Trenesha Biggers:"We are going to push to re-file this again with the DA, which we are going to do. We will be able to submit the confessions and voicemails and all the other evidence that we have."
WTAE.com out of Pittsburgh has a video interview up with Biggers.
WWE has issued a filing with the SEC, formally announcing that Linda McMahon has resigned from WWE. The statement reads…
On November 6, 2009, Linda E. McMahon resigned as a Director of the Company due to the continuing demands on her time resulting from her campaign for the United States Senate, representing the State of Connecticut.
Source: PWTorch.com
There’s no definitive word on when Hogan will show up in-person on TNA television. There is talk that TNA will film something in a private studio to keep the details of his first appearance on iMPACT from leaking to the internet. For what it’s worth, there’s speculation that he may not make his first real appearance for the company until January.
The decision to hold the Hogan press conference at Madison Square Garden was meant by the Hogan camp as a shot at Vince McMahon, due to the McMahon family’s long history with the building. A source claims Hogan did not inform MSG management that he would announce anything related to TNA, and simple told them there would be a press conference with television cameras.
There are mixed reports of Vince’s reaction to Hogan’s signing. Some witnesses say Vince was in a lousy mood at the Smackdown tapings following the news, while others say Vince was still the same old Vince with his “poker face on.” One source says that there was initially some curiosity within WWE regarding the signing, but that went away when TNA iMPACT drew a 1.3 rating with Hogan’s segment being the lowest-rated.
Rey Mysterio's explosive new autobiography, Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask, is officially released today. Rey reveals in an interview with WWE.com that getting the book written was a challenge in itself. "When WWE came to me and said they wanted me to write the book, I said, 'Oh no, I'm not ready for that,'" explained Mysterio, shaking his head in disbelief. "It was more of a shock to me - I wasn't expecting it. I always planned to write something closer to the end of my career. But they kept persisting. "Once I began working on it, it immediately became very interesting for me," he recalled. "Everything just started flowing. It was really cool to reminisce, looking back at stories from day one all the way to the present, even stories from the age of 8 years old."
Stacy Keibler recently spoke to Kevin Eck of BaltimoreSun.com and was asked whether she'd be the special guest host of WWE Raw when the show comes to her hometown of Baltimore, MD on 11/30.
The former WWE Diva said she reached out to WWE about hosting, but never heard back. "No one has contacted me. I actually had my management contact them, and nobody ever got back to us [laughs]. So I guess they're not interested," she said.
Keibler recently won a contest to determine Baltimore, Maryland's biggest celebrity - beating out baseball great Cal Ripken, Jr. and Olympic hero Michael Phelps.
Keibler was also asked about whether she's heard anything from TNA Wrestling about working for them. "[TNA] hasn't [contacted me], but Mick and I talk regularly," she said. "They haven’t contacted me to do anything, plus I still have my deal with ABC, so I wouldn’t be able to do anything like that."
Reigning TNA Women's Knockout Champion ODB recently inked a multi-year deal with the organization. Her contract renewal with the organization actually came as a surprise to friends as she had been discussing jumping to World Wrestling Entertainment when her previous contract expired in mid-November. She had been telling people the past two months that she didn't think management even realized her contract was coming due because no one had mentioned it to her.
"Cowboy" James Storm has donated some ring-worn items, including tights and boots, to Dawn Marie's Wrestler's Rescue. To view the items, which are up for auction, go to www.wrestlersrescue.org/ Speaking of James Storm, several 'adult' photos of him leaked online last week.
WWE has begun promoting its three-disc DVD set on Hulk Hogan, Hulk Hogan's Unreleased Collectors Series. It's interesting to note that the commercial's narrator specifically referenced the DVD's contents as Hogan "in his prime." Once Hogan signed on with TNA, WWE made the decision to treat the title as a nostalgia product.
Partial Source: PWInsider.com
It was reported last week that Sojournor Bolt's future with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling appeared to be in doubt. According to sources, she was released by the organization this past week as they opted against renewing her contract.
Further confirming her departure from the organization, her photo gallery was removed from the company website's Knockouts section last night. However, her profile remains on the roster page. The reason for this is because the company may opt to continue using Sojo on a pay-per-appearance basis, so there is a good chance we haven't the last of her in the six-sided ring.
The veteran women's wrestler had been sparingly used since Dutch Mantel's departure from TNA this past summer and the feeling was her days in the company were numbered.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is getting ready to walk that aisle once again - the aisle that leads straight to the alter. The recently-unretired legend is getting married once again this afternoon in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will be Flair's fourth time getting married.
Flair and his fiance Jackie held a big party last night in Charlotte to celebrate the occasion. Flair will be bringing his new bride to Australia with him later this month for the "Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin" tour, where he'll wrestle against Hulk Hogan in his first matches since retiring at WrestleMania 24.
Given Flair's public financial woes and his hefty monthly alimony payments to three ex-wives, it's interesting to see him giving the married life another shot. Best of luck to Ric & Jackie.
Source: The Figure Four Newsletter
A number of people from World Wrestling Entertainment watched Dixie Carter's speech on iMPACT! last week on YouTube, with many laughing at it. One person within WWE made the following statement to the Figure Four Newsletter regarding the TNA President's speech:
"After investing the previous two hours of Impact on hyping how Hulk Hogan and TNA are ushering in this new era of euphoria with this huge game changer move and perhaps making their fan base feel like this is finally the place to be right here and right now, they kick off this week's show with THAT video. A video that comes across totally out of context even if it's not a 'shoot, brutha', where a sea of sleepy, droopy-faced and indifferent talent sit in bleachers and are lectured to by a woman that has about 2% conviction in the speech she's giving.
"For the talent, it's a big old 'F*** you, it's my way or the highway'. For the viewer it comes across as 'Hey, you know that whole big Hulk Hogan hype we sold you on last week? Yeah, buyer beware - it's not as cool or as euphorically kick ass as we kind of suggested it was last week.' I don't think it served any purpose other than to further amp up Dixie's ego. It was like a bad public speaking class."
The latest issue of WWE Magazine has Mickie James giving advise on a male reader's query to convince his girlfriend to e-mail him nude photos of herself. Here is her response: Q: This is gonna sound pervy, but how do I convince my girlfriend to e-mail me nude photos of herself?Mickie: "There are probably many reasons why a woman wouldn't want to e-mail nude photos of herself. Is she shy? Can you be trusted? Try introducing her to the artistic side of nudity. Wait two weeks and then shoot her a text reading, "You should send me a nude photo of yourself." Who knows, she might be receptive to it!"
The following is scheduled for Monday night's edition of RAW:
* Roddy Piper Hosts * Melina vs. Alicia Fox * The Undertaker and John Cena vs. DX vs. Chris Jericho and The Big Show
Carlito is off WWE TV at the moment as creative has nothing for him. While this tends to be the last straw with some talent before they are released, Carlito has a history of being used, not used and then brought back suddenly again. One WWE source seemed to indicate that Carlito didn't really seem to care all that much and that creative was more interested in spending time with people who are actually contributing ideas.
Here is the updated card for the November 21st Hulkamania show in Melbourne, Australia:
* Tag Team Match: Nick Dinsmore (formerly known as Ugene) and "Pimp Fatha" Charles Wright (formerly known as Godfather) vs. Rock of Love
* Spartan 3000 Matt Cross vs. Shannon Moore
* Tag Team Match: Vampire Warrior & Black Pearl "The Count of California vs. The Nasty Boys w/Jimmy Hart
* Brutus Beefcake w/Jimmy Hart vs. Heidenreich
* Bikini Challenge: Lacey Von Erich vs. Koa Marie Turner vs. Kiara Dillon vs. Stephanie Pietz
* Sean Morley (formerly known as Val Venis) vs. Ken Anderson (formerly known as Mr Kennedy)
* Tag Team Match: Orlando Jordan & Edward Smith Fatu (formerly known as Umaga) vs. Solofa Fatu Jnr (formerly known as Rikishi) & Brian Christopher
* MAIN EVENT: Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan
Here is a breakdown for the latest WWE and TNA television ratings courtesy of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
TNA iMPACT! on 11/5 drew a final 1.1 cable rating (rounded up from a 1.08) with 1.5 million viewers. The show did a 0.73 in males 18-34 and 0.97 in males 35-49. This was considered a disappointing rating within TNA coming a week off the Hulk Hogan announcement and having no competition fromt eh World Series.
WWE Superstars on 11/5 drew a final 0.8 cable rating.
ECW on SyFy on 11/3 drew a final 1.0 cable rating with 1.32 million viewers.
WWE Monday Night Raw on 11/2 drew a final 3.5 cable rating with 4.95 million viewers. The show did a 2.58 in males 18-49. 66% of the audience was male and the average viewer was 37.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown on 10/30 drew a final 2.1 broadcast rating. No word on total viewership.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown on 10/23 drew a final 2.0 broadcast rating with 3.49 million viewers.
Matt Morgan posted the following on his Twitter page: Im now an official member of Chris Nowinski's Sports Legacy Institute! I have signed on to donate my brain to this very earnest, admirable cause. Concussions is a very serious topic that desperately needs more addressing so im proud to be part of something that will def help future wrestlers and other atheletes for yrs to come. Ive noticed more & more, that wrestlers are starting to see the ramifications that concussions can cause. Its leading to more guys to take more self-preventative measures when in the ring. I know it has for me! I encourage any and all atheletes to please look into the Sports Legacy Institute to see how u may be able to help, and most importantly, learn more!
Slam! Wrestling has a story on former TNA and current ROH wrestler Petey Williams. He is still dumbfounded as to why TNA released him. He said: "My contract was up for renewal in January 2009 and everything seemed to be going well... Out of the blue, I received a call from head of talent relations for TNA, Terry Taylor, saying my contract was not going to be renewed. I still don’t understand why the contract was not renewed. It may have been a money issue since I was the highest paid guy in the X Division. They also mentioned freshening up the roster but I am one of the youngest guys so that doesn’t make sense. I guess more than anything, I would like an explanation why I was released." He said he had offers from WWE, but didn't want to go to developmental in Tampa as he has mouths to feed and bills to pay. "If I had the same offer five years ago I would have agreed," he said. "Now that I am married with a mortgage, it changes things."
Maryse is working off ring rust this week in Tampa at FCW. Expect a return very soon.
According to Reuters, boxer Mike Tyson was arrested on Wednesday after brawling with a celebrity photographer at Los Angeles International Airport. The photographer, who was also arrested, suffered a cut to his forehead and was taken to a hospital. Tyson told police the photographer struck him in an attempt to provoke him, and the photographer claimed Tyson punched him in the face and tried to take film from his camera. Tyson made several appearances for the WWE back in 1998, which culminated in an appearance at WrestleMania 14.
According to Destructoid.com, SouthPeak Interactive will be publishing a new TNA video game, titled "Cross the Line" for Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable/PSPgo. SouthPeak announced that they acquired "certain assets" from Midway relating to the TNA iMPACT! wrestling brand. As of now, there is no word on if they also received the rights to the second video game that was in production when Midway filed for bankruptcy.
Rob Van Dam tells Simon Rothstein of the UK Sun that Vince McMahon ripped his heart out and stomped on it with the way he handled the resurrection of ECW back in 2006. The former WWE & ECW champion goes in depth about how poorly he feels Vince McMahon handled ECW, the various steps McMahon took to make his version ECW completely different while burying the ECW legacy, Paul Heyman's reaction to the whole fiasco and more.
Winning the WWE Title & Vince's ECW: "RVD wasn't going to be WWE champ, but I brought ECW back because that was my spirit and the spirit of the fans. I knew they wanted to see it and I was feeding off that energy. Winning the world title meant a lot. It gave creditability to ECW. At least for the moment...so we thought! But very shortly afterwards Vince McMahon's long-term plans started to unfold.
"We were faced with the fact that he would give ECW no credit for anything up until that point and wanted to create this new brand of wrestling that would be a global product and mainstream in every way, with Extreme Rules only as a stipulation every once in a while. Our hearts were ripped out of our chests and stomped on. Vince said: "Nobody remembers the old ECW anyway, Rob. This is something new." So it was a fun moment, it was short-lived and it's definitely gone now.
Paul Heyman's Feelings About the new ECW: He would come to work and just tell me how much disdain and loathing he had for Vince. I remember him saying it was like Vince had raped his wife, because ECW was so close to his heart and Vince f***ed it. He felt Vince enjoyed watching him suffer, while ripping apart the fabric of ECW week by week. But Paul has no resentment now and no desire to get back at Vince. He has made balance and is in a peaceful stage, like I am. It's just something we laugh about.
On talking with Vince McMahon: I had some great matches with Test, Bob Holly and Big Show. But almost right away they added "credibility" — as Vince put it — to the show, by adding rules. So then it became that Extreme Rules would be one match out of the night, like a lottery drawing. It watered down the rest of the card. I lost faith at a very precise moment, when I lost an argument with Vince over it. I told him: "In ECW you have a product that is different, you should capitalise on that difference. That's why the fans like it and are attracted to it." That's when Vince told me that nobody remembered the old ECW and he created this enthusiasm for this new ECW. I said: "Wait a second, didn't we bring it back because of the success of the DVD and One Night Stand. Didn't that tell us there's a lot of support still." He said: "Well Rob, there's a lot of support because they're watching WWE promote ECW. They weren't around back then. People grow up, have kids, things change." I replied: "That doesn't make sense. Come on Vince, why do you think they chant 'ECW' when we're doing something out there." He said: "Well, because I spent the last five years training them to chant 'ECW'. We've got to have credibility Rob and that means we have to listen to the referees." I realised I can't tell Vince McMahon what is best for a global product. You have to dumb things down to hit the mainstream, and if you only target the hardcore then you're going to have a much smaller cult following. That wasn't what he wanted. I even put it like that, and he agreed! That was the moment I thought: "OK, bye bye old ECW. At least we still have the DVDs and the memories."
In an interview with Sherdog.com, TNA Wrestling star and MMA fighter says he'd strongly consider walking away from pro wrestling if he was offered an exclusive deal with Strikeforce.
"If it does come to a point where you have to choose, then I'll have to sit back and talk with my family. I want to fight," Lashley said. "TNA is at the understanding where they know my dedication with fighting. If (Strikeforce CEO Scott) Coker comes back and says you have to quit wrestling, then we'll have to cross that bridge."
TNA offered Lashley great money to work a reduced schedule and they understand that fighting is his top priority.
Lashley professional MMA record is 4-0, most recently defeating Bob Sapp on June 27th. There were reports over the summer that Strikeforce was negotiating with Bobby Lashley to fight Fedor Emelianenko at last weekend's CBS event. Lashley declined the high profile fight because he didn't think he'd have enough time to train properly, but Strikeforce is interested and can certainly use another rising star with name value in their heavyweight division.
During last night's WWE show in London, England, Chris Jericho was struck in the face by a DX glow stick. Following the incident, Jericho started provoking the crowd which resulted in more fans throwing glow sticks at him.
Jericho later left a comment on his Twitter page saying "Got hit in the face with a glowstick in London tonight...what a way for a grown man to make a living..."
Jeff Hardy has a brand new look with much shorter hair. The photos have leaked online. Click here to view them.
TNAWrestlingNews.com is reporting that Mick Foley will appear on the new Super Dave SpikeTV series next month. No word on the date just yet.
Alex Marvez recently interviewed Samoa Joe, which you can read at www.scrippsnews.com/ Joe talks about TNA, changes happening, Hogan coming into the company and his spot. Here is an excerpt… "Anybody who knows me knows I'm not worried at all. You can look at this as a challenge as far as my spot in the company. Call it arrogance or whatever, but I'm confident enough in my ability. I'm the only person who could stop me from being successful in this business. No matter who comes in, I'm going to do what I do to entertain and push forward."
Kevin Nash is scheduled to work those house shows. Having to work some house shows is part of his recent suspension.
AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Beer Money Inc., Desmond Wolfe, The Beautiful People, Amazing Red, D'Angelo Dinero, Daniels, Eric Young, Taylor Wilde & Sarita, Rhino, and Homicide are all scheduled to work those shows as well.
WWE unified tag champion the Big Show was interviewed by the UK's Daily Star this week and commented on Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair returning to the ring later this month in Australia.
Show, a longtime friend of Hulk Hogan, "I just think it was a situation where two guys who love the industry wanted to go again," he told the Star. "That’s the thing, no matter how long you do this for, or how old you are, you still have a love and a passion for the business. I wish them all the best."
When asked whether his own career is winding down, he said, “I get sore and a little lame and I have a bad attitude generally – but I still love coming to work. I’m the kind of guy who can’t sit still for longer than two or three days in a row anyway! If there comes a time where I can’t go out and entertain the fans then I’ll call it a day but that’s not here yet. I’m enjoying the moment."
Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
There are said to be no plans as far as a confirmed date to do a match between Tara and Kim Couture in TNA. Couture has a fight coming up on November 20 leaving her unavailable for a match at the Turning Point PPV this Sunday night in Orlando, FL. We're told there is no word at this time how they plan to follow it up other than the original "shoot" idea. There is said to be some realization in the company that it didn't create the buzz they had hoped for (with the exception of a small mention on ESPN.com). Both Couture and Tara told MMA websites that it was a shoot and not planned. Vince Russo was at the scene directing it when TNA was filming.
TNA wants to use Krystal Lashley as an on air character, but have no clue what to do with her. They currently have an angle with Scott Steiner 'stalking' her but who knows where it'll go from here.
Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
TNA officials have approached former WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield about joining the organization, but he's said to not be interested.
Bobby Lashley is close to signing a long-term contract with the MMA organization Strikeforce. Should the deal come to fruition, it would make it impossible for Lashley to join the UFC until he's well past his athletic prime — and one of his goals was to face Brock Lesnar. The upside of the deal is that it will likely allow him to continue wrestling, whereas if he went to UFC, he would be prohibited from doing so.
Here is the updated TNA Turning Point card for this Sunday:
A few weeks ago on iMPACT!, "The Beautiful People" said they were filming a movie called The Meanest Girls. Their first segment saw them get into a food fight with Sarita and Taylor, resulting in the Knockout Tag Team Champions being laid out. Well, Sarita's official website has posted an image of the Knockout Tag Team Champions posing with their "bitter enemies" following the food fight, stained clothes and all. Click here to see the photo of all the Knockouts in their tight jeans.
The New York Daily News has published comments that Hulk Hogan made to a fan at a recent book signing regarding his vision for TNA Wrestling. Hogan said that he hopes to bring in Steve Austin, Randy Savage, Rob Van Dam, and the Nasty Boys tag team to TNA. He also wants to start a new Monday Night War against WWE.
"I wish to talk to Rob Van Dam, who is considering returning to the ring, and convince him to join TNA," Hogan said. "Plus I'm also wishing to contact ex-Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Macho Man Randy Savage."
The newspaper reports that Hogan is pushing for TNA programming on Monday nights, which was one rumored around the time it was announced Hogan and Eric Bischoff are partnering with TNA.
Hogan says he "considered for months" guest-hosting Monday's Raw from Madison Square Garden before he "sealed the deal" with TNA.
In addition to former Knockout Sojo Bolt being released by TNA, Jethro Holliday (former WWE star Trevor Murdoch) has also been removed from the "Roster" page over on TNAwrestling.com. As is the case with Sojo Bolt, he may be used on a pay-per-appearance deal.
Linda McMahon is currently second in the race for the Republican nomination for the Connecticut Senate election. She is currently polling at 17% of the vote, behind Rob Simmons who is at 28%.
TNA iMPACT! did a 1.1 cable rating on Thursday night.
Here is the updated WWE Survivor Series card:
* Traditional Survivor Series Match: TEAM MORRISON: John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin and Finlay vs. TEAM MIZ: The Miz, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger
* Traditional Survivor Series Match: TEAM MICKIE: Mickie James, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Melina, and Gail Kim vs. TEAM MCCOOL: Michelle McCool, Jillian Hall, Beth Phoenix, Layla and Alicia Fox.
* Traditional Survivor Series Match: TEAM KOFI: Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, MVP, R-Truth and Christian vs. TEAM ORTON: Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, William Regal and CM Punk
Frankie Kazarian asked for his release from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling at the last set of iMPACT! tapings in Orlando. The former X Division champion is reportedly unhappy playing the character known as Suicide and many say he's been complaining a lot in the locker room as of late about the way he's being used. Management initially accepted his request for his release from the company, but AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels talked him out of leaving, so no paperwork was drawn up.
Many felt Kazarian was making a big mistake by asking for his release since he's already burned a bridge with World Wrestling Entertainment by refusing to cut his hair when he was under contract to them in 2005. He subsequently asked for his release a few days later.
CM Punk is featured on the December TLC PPV poster.
There is backstage talk that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will host the first WWE RAW of 2010 from Dayton, Ohio on January 4. Johnson’s next feature film "Tooth Fairy" hits theaters on January 22.
It is being reported that Gail Kim busted one of her breast implants at a recent RAW live event. She now joins WWE Divas Champion Mickie James, who was recently on the sidelines recovering from the same injury.
Regarding Lacey Von Erich's disparaging remarks towards former TNA performer Angelina Love in an interview with the Miami Herald last week, she is claiming they were done in-character. She has contacted the newspaper asking if they could retract her statements considering they were misconstrued. However, it should be noted that the rest of the interview was done out of character.
The word going around is that a certain top TNA star who is a former WWE main eventer is not high on re-signing with the company when his contract comes due this coming summer.
On WWE Shop's top sellers list, Jeff Hardy or "The Hardy's" controls five of the top 10 spots, taking #1, #5, #7, #8 and #8. John Cena takes spots #2, #3, and #6, while DX takes the last two spots, #4 and #10. it should be noted that the Hardy merchandise is not being sold at a discounted price.
Mick Foley is setting up a stand-up comedy tour where he will perform the routine he did in Los Angeles at the Improv during Summerslam weekend. Most of his routine was based on stories from his wrestling career. Dates should be announced soon.
A blog post former WWE performer Rob Van Dam posted yesterday on the WWE Universe social networking site asking fans whether he should go to WWE or TNA has since been removed by WWE staff. He then posted a blog originally posted on his website, which has a small note asking fans whether he should go to WWE or TNA.
Nick Hogan has begun training to wrestle in hopes of working his father's upcoming wrestling tour of Australia, Hulkamania - Let the Battle Begin. The 19-year-old is training alongside Rikishi, Orlando Jordan, Gangrel and Black Pearl at KnokX Pro Academy in Burbank, California.
Kurt Angle will be starring in another independent movie, titled "River of Darkness." The tagline for the film says, "You Can't Arrest the Dead." Set to be released some time next year on DVD, the synopsis at DreadCentral.com reads: Unspeakable evil has fallen on a quiet river town. Sheriff Logan [Angle] is thrust into a chilling nightmare of death and mayhem that paralyzes the town. He then learns of the community's seedy past and the evil that has risen from purgatory to exact revenge on the town. He is confronted by the spirits of old river squatters, "The Jacobs Boys," who possess the very essence of evil. The zombie Jacobs boys will be played by Kevin Nash and Psycho Sid Vicious. The movie will also feature an appearance by Ray Lloyd, better known to WCW fans as Glacier. You can see the poster for the movie at this link.
In an interview with The Sun, WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin discusses leaving World Wrestling Entertainment, starting his movie career and turning down a Raw guest host spot. He also gives his take on his Hall of Fame induction, Jeff Hardy's personal problems, and TNA's 'bad booking'. To listen to the interview, go to www.thesun.co.uk/ Regarding turning down approaches from WWE to guest host on Raw and appear on last week's Smackdown 10th anniversary show, Austin said watching the Hall of Fame video package the company put together on his career helped him understand his impact on the wrestling industry. "That hit me so hard. It was five or six minutes long and finally helped me understand and really accept my impact. After seeing that I really want to be judicious with my returns to the WWE as I want them to be really impactful and well-written - everyone knows how critical I am of creative!"
Source: PW.net
According to sources, current TNA World Tag Team Champion Booker T is not expected to stay with TNA once his contract expires with the company. Booker, whose deal with TNA is rumored to expire in November (he signed with TNA in November 2007), reportedly refused to put over Matt Morgan at last night's TNA Impact TV tapings in Orlando and the general feeling among those in the company is that this could have been the "last straw" in his rocky relationship with TNA management as of late.
Were told Booker made it clear to various wrestlers during last week's overseas tour and again in the locker room at the TV tapings this week in Orlando that he has options in WWE and intends to return once he is contractually able to do so. While nothing is official of course, TNA sources are indicating that his days with the company could be numbered. The buzz right now is that he will appear at Bound For Glory and drop the TNA tag titles with Scott Steiner at that show or at the tapings that will follow and not be booked again by the company. What this means for the Main Event Mafia group from a TV perspective is anyone's guess at this point.
This isn't the first time something negative backstage has taken place with Booker as he has been described as having a negative attitude in the locker room for months now. In regards to the situation with Matt Morgan, he reportedly made it clear he wasn't happy about this decision when he found out on the overseas tour. While there is said to be no heat between Booker or Morgan, Booker reportedly felt it was a mistake for him to lose the match on TV instead of PPV. Booker was said to have cooled down about it during the tour and had a lengthy conversation with TNA President Dixie Carter on Monday only to turn around the next day and refuse to put Morgan over around 45 minutes before the actual taping. He also created quite the situation during the overseas tour in refusing to wrestle in a main event in Switzerland when fans threw chairs and other objects into the ring. Booker and his wife Sharmell walked out on the match. Sheik Abdul Bashir later came out to replace Booker to conclude the show.
In regards to our earlier report that Roddy Piper had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, one of Piper's representatives contacted us to say that Piper has taken time off for health-related issues after wrapping his most recent film, but that he has not been diagnosed with a terminal illness or terminal cancer. Piper has been advised by doctors to rest and take a break from his work schedule. Piper's representatives may be releasing an official statement soon. Please do keep Roddy in your thoughts and prayers as he's not all that well these days. There is said to be more behind the time off.
World Wrestling Entertainment has plans to release a DVD set on John Morrison on February 16, 2010. The WWE home video team is asking fans on the WWE Universe website to submit questions for Morrison, some of which will be answered on the DVD.
There was drama backstage at the TNA iMPACT! tapings Monday night as Booker T refused to do a job for Matt Morgan. According to sources, Booker has been telling people for weeks that he will be going back to WWE when his TNA deal expires, which is apparently soon (November). All of this comes after the recent Zurich, Switzerland show where Booker left the ring and refused to go back out and wrestle due to Scott Steiner sparking fans to throw things into the ring. The backstage reaction to that was "good riddance." Word is that Booker feels just like Christian did at the end of his TNA stint, but that Christian handled things more professionally. Some in WWE are already talking about having Booker T back soon.
Former WWE performer Edward "Eddie" Fatu (a.k.a. Umaga) was scheduled to film a "shoot" interview this week, but canceled. Apparently, he feels may be returning to World Wrestling Entertainment. The two-time Intercontinental Champion was released by the company on June 8, 2009 as a result of his refusal to Enter a rehabilitation facility.
According to the latest issue of Power Slam, SmackDown commentator Jim Ross' contract with World Wrestling Entertainment is set to expire in November. As of last word, he has not signed a new deal.
After suffering a knee injury at a live event last month, Kelly Kelly noted on her Twitter account that she returned to the gym this week. She returned to action this past Monday on Raw after a four-week hiatus.
Former WWE superstar Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson is the new World Champion for the Nu Wrestling Evolution promotion. He won the title at a live event in Malta on October 2nd, after defeating former WWE superstar Chuck Palumbo & Tiny Iron in a three way match.
Silicon Valley's MercuryNews.com has an article that looks at WWE's transition from TV-14 programming to TV-PG, with quotes from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
McMahon explains that despite the success WWE saw during the edgy Attitude era, the time was right to shift towards more family friendly programming. "We just followed our audience and tried to listen to them," McMahon said. "It's a more sophisticated product. It's just the right move business-wise, but more specifically the right move in terms of reaching our audience."
Since going PG, WWE has picked up a number of new sponsorships, including Pepsi, 7-Eleven stores, Mattel toys and the Army National Guard.
Vince also said by toning down WWE's programming, they are moving farther away from being in direct competition with mixed martial arts. "You really can't compete with that," he said. "Why not deliver a more sophisticated product and not go to those extremes? If the audience wants those extremes, they know where to go and how to get it."
Booker T's reputation among those in the TNA locker room isn't particularly good at the moment. According to reports, the Main Event Mafia member is widely regarded as the most selfish wrestler in the TNA locker room — a sharp contrast from his wife Sharmell. Many are observing closely to see if TNA president Dixie Carter follows through on what she's been saying about cutting ties with individuals who don't support the company's newfound youth movement.
There is something of a youth movement going on in TNA. Company president Dixie Carter is very high on pushing the younger talent and has made it clear that anyone who objects won't last long. Carter has identified AJ Styles, Matt Morgan and Hernandez as the three men in line for big pushes in the organization. Bobby Lashley had been on that list, but company officials have cooled on investing heavily in him as a result of his other career in MMA. While he'll be featured prominently when his schedule allows him to work, Carter has determined that she can't build her company around a wrestler who won't be there on a full-time basis. Hence, Lashley is no longer mentioned as one of the stars Carter is banking on to lead TNA in the future and his stock in the company is down.
It's been said that a follow-up on the Shaquille O'Neal vs. Big Show angle has been put on ice for the time being. NBA pre-season started two weeks ago, so a potential match is definitely out of the question until at least the summer.
Third generation wrestler Lacey Von Erich was hired to replace Angelina Love in "The Beautiful People" faction. The move is considered to be puzzling in a sense that Von Erich isn't known for her in-ring capabilities, whereas Love was considered the best worker of the group. During her brief time under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment, Von Erich developed a reputation in developmental for "being lazy." She was sacked within four months. Of the three present members of "The Beautiful People" — Von Erich, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne — many feel Rayne is the best worker of the trio. However, they also feel she needs to overcome some confidence issues before she can reach her true potential in the wrestling industry.
During a recent appearance on the "Busted Open" radio show on Sirius satellite radio, Shannon Moore was asked how Jeff Hardy was doing and said he is doing well and keeping his head up. Moore said everything the media ran with regarding Hardy was "blown out of proportion" and that once the smoke clears everyone will see how everything was completely exaggerated.
Lilian Garcia posted a pic of her with a new look Trish Stratus as they party in NYC for her wedding. Check out the pic here.
Jeff Jarrett's future involvement as an on air character with TNA is said to be unknown at this time. TNA President Dixie Carter will ultimately make the call if and when he will be brought back. In the mean time, Jarrett has stayed involved with some TNA business dealings and was recently overseas in Australia promoting TNA's upcoming tour of the country in 2010. The general feeling is that it is inevitable that Jarrett will come back to TV and his issues with Kurt Angle look to be much better. Jarrett and Karen Angle were supportive of Kurt in his situation with Trenesha Biggers.
Kurt Angle was working injured during TNA's tour of Europe last week. He took it easy on the tour, working trios matches and taking few bumps.
In an interview with Alex Marvez of Scrippsnews.com, Jim Cornette says working for TNA Wrestling under Vince Russo was embarrassing and the television shows are "depressing" to watch. "The matches are made meaningless so Russo can see his comedic lines and dramatic scripting spring to life," he said. "There's a bunch of great athletes, but they're not very good actors. They're even worse comedians." To read more, visit Scrippsnews.com.
Ozzy Osbourne is set to host an upcoming episode of Monday Night Raw. The word going around is that he will appear with his wife Sharon at the November 2nd show in Worcester, Massachusetts.
In an interview with The Herald-Dispatch, Dolph Ziggler finally breaks his silence on his 30-day suspension last year for his first violation of WWE's drug testing policy. "That was a worse case scenario," Ziggler admitted. "Be careful what you get into and who you are associated with. It can easily be taken away. I had month to think it over. I said I won't make that mistake again." Ziggler says getting a championship belt around his waist is one of many goals he has. "I get a tryout, a contract, a callup, a win," he said. "The Intercontinental Championship is the goal now. I want to become the best IC champion ever and move on." Considering he's only 29 years old, he feels he has a bright future ahead of him. "A lot of guys are in their mid-30s," he said. "I need to get more solid. In the future I look to be one of the leaders in the locker room."
Former WWE superstar Jeff Hardy has apparently cut his long hair off, according to his brother Matt on Twitter. Matt posted pictures of Jeff's short hair at this link.
Jim Ross has updated the questions & answers section of his JRsBarBQ.com website with a number of items talking about TNA Wrestling.
There have been Internet reports for months that Jim Ross is considering jumping to TNA Wrestling when his WWE contract expires at the end of the year. According to the man himself, a run in TNA is highly unlikely. "Firstly, my contract expires sometime in December. Secondly, there have been no serious negotiations but WWE seems to want me to stick around and I prefer to do so as well. We'll see how the negotiations proceed. I am fortunate that I have many options that have nothing to do with wrestling. time will tell but don't believe every thing you read about matters such as this."
On the topic of whether TNA will ever reach the level of WWE and become a legitimate competitor, Ross doesn't think that will happen either. He said, "there will be no WWE/TNA "war" in my view, unless a powerful TV network buys TNA and I haven't heard that they are for sale."
When asked about TNA's Global iMPACT! show from the Tokyo Dome and why WWE doesn't do joint-shows with Japanese promotions overseas, Ross said, "WWE's global branding is pretty amazing as it is. I'm not 100% sure what TNA got out of the Japanese deal but it did not blow me away and simply came off as a TV show from a unique locale."
Maryse, who has been out of action since the Night of Champions pay-per-view, is scheduled to return to television imminently. The former WWE Divas Champion took a hiatus from the ring in late July in order to recover from knee surgery. She may return as early as tonight.
* John Cena vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Title in a 60-Minute Iron Man Match - No DQs or Countouts; If Cena loses, he must leave RAW; If Orton loses, he gets no more rematches against Cena.
* Seven vs. Seven Match: TEAM RAW DX (Co-Captains), The Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston and the winner of Chris Masters vs. Mark Henry vs. TEAM SMACKDOWN Chris Jericho (Captain) and ???
As noted during Raw, Access Hollywood host Nancy O'Dell met with SmackDown and ECW General Managers Theodore Long and Tiffany over the weekend, and they agreed for Divas from all three brands to be traded.
Two trades were announced during Monday night's broadcast: Melina has been traded from SmackDown to Raw, while Beth Phoenix will move from Raw to SmackDown.
In addition to the two announced trades, the following Diva brand exchanges were revealed tonight on WWE.com:
* Mickie James traded from Raw to SmackDown * Rosa Mendes traded from Raw to ECW * Brie & Nikki Bella traded from ECW to Raw * Eve traded from SmackDown to Raw
It appears from RAW that they are going with a Ted DiBiase Jr. face turn. This has been planned for quite some time now.
Ric Flair is said to be engaged to be married once again. Flair has been seen around with his girlfriend, who is sporting a new ring on his finger. This would be Flair's fourth time down the aisle.
In the latest twist in the Lacey Von Erich/Angelina Love controversy, the TNA newcomer is apparently backpedaling on some comments she made regarding the founding member of "The Beautiful People" in an interview published today in the Miami Herald. Von Erich has taken the situation to Twitter, writing the following on her account:
"I hope everyone enjoyed the show last night! Angelina Love was amazing in the beautiful people and I hope I do it justice! P.S. Don't believe rumors! I think Angelina will be missed in TNA and hope we can work together someday!"
It is unclear how her comments regarding Love can be considered "rumors" considering they were direct quotes from her for an article in a respected newspaper. If she is to be believed, the quotes made about Love were fabricated by the author of the Miami Herald article, Scott Fishman. Although it should be noted that there are several other quotes from Von Erich in the piece which definitely don't appear to be fabricated.
TNA officials are said to very upset with the comments Lacey Von Erich made regarding former performer Angelina Love in an interview published today in the Miami Herald. The word going around is that Von Erich was ordered by management to personally contact Love and apologize for the comments she made about her, reports prowrestling.NET.
The TNA newcomer had several negative things to say about Love - based on what she heard about her from the TNA locker room. She said, "[Angelina] wasn't a good fit for it in my opinion. I thought that everybody was going to be, 'Oh no. Angelina is gone,' but not one person said that. Nobody really missed her that much. I feel like I can fill the shoes that I'm supposed to. TNA told me this role was made for me, and I feel the same way. I've never met Angelina before in my life. After what some people have said, I don't know if I want to."
It's also been indicated that Von Erich did not make a good first impression in her debut at last week's television taping in Orlando, which aired last night on Spike. The broadcast saw Von Erich align herself with "The Beautiful People," effectively replacing Love in the group. While it's been noted that Love herself wasn't particularly popular among those in the TNA locker room, many feel the comments made by Von Erich were completely unnecessary considering she just debuted for the company.
WWE's John Laurinaitis had a meeting with Big Show and The Great Khali at the WWE Smackdown/ECW TV tapings in Rockford, IL on September 8th regarding the incident the two had backstage while in Puerto Rico. There was said to be a decent amount of talk backstage about the fight the two had and how neither had any real damage or marks on them. As reported on earlier, Big Show got in Khali's face, tripped and Khali mounted him throwing some punches. The entire incident was said to have been started because Big Show was mad at Khali for stealing his hard chop and then got in his face. This led to Big Show throwing the first punch that Khali blocked and both ended up on the ground where it was broken up shortly afterwards.
Regarding John Morrison, he is well liked among his peers in the locker room and many feel it's only a matter of time before he becomes a top star. For the record, he is still dating Melina, who is not quite so popular in the locker room. While many feel she has improved her reputation from where it was during her previous stint on the SmackDown brand, multiple wrestlers still accuse her of being phony.
Sting is not expected to retire following this month's Bound for Glory pay-per-view. As things stand now, TNA has no plans on adding a "retire or win the title" stipulation to his match with AJ Styles at Bound for Glory - which was initially planned. On television, Sting's match has not been pushed as his final anything as he is expected to remain with the company at least a little while longer.
Although it is believed Sting has signed a new deal, the word going around is that it was for six months rather than another year, once again indicating he's thinking about retiring in the near future. Although, it's been "one more year" since 2006 as every year since then they have convinced him to stay. However, he has suggested doing a farewell tour in 2010. Company officials really want Ric Flair to be involved in his former rival's farewell, but out of loyalty to Vince McMahon, has told people that he's not even listening to TNA.
Booker T and Sharmell walked out and refused to wrestle at last night's TNA show in Zurich due to the amount of bottles and other garbage being thrown into the ring after Scott Steiner tore up a Swiss flag.
WWE.com has an article up talking about the new Smackdown theme and how "Let It Roll" is now the official theme song for Friday Night Smackdown.
Jim Ross got very emotional while watching the Eddie Guerrero video during Smackdown. He was seen wiping tears from his eyes.
AJ Styles, Sarita and Taylor Wilde are on the cover of Super Luchas magazine holding their newly won TNA championship belts. You can see the cover at www.superluchas.net.
On many major cable systems, such as Charter, Comcast and Time Warner, the TNA Bound For Glory PPV is being advertised as costing $39.99. This is $10 more than the usual TNA PPV. Here is the card thus far:
Various changes were made to the booking of Sunday's Hell in a Cell PPV according to The Wrestling Observer. One match that WWE spent a lot of time crafting was the SmackDown IC title match between John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler. WWE views both men as future stars on the verge of moving to the next level, so its understandable that the WWE producers gave the booking of this one extra attention.
In addition the match order itself was also changed around several times before WWE settled on what we saw last night on PPV. At one point, there was talk of putting Randy Orton vs. John Cena on as the main event, which didn't happen. Additionally, most do not believe Undertaker vs. CM Punk was initially scheduled to open the show.
Based on how the match order played out, its clear WWE tried to space out the three Hell in a Cell matches. This is similar to what WWE has done at WrestleManias in the past, spacing out the title matches with undercard matches. This is why we saw Drew McIntire vs. Ron Killings in the second to last match of the night.
Partial Source: Prowrestling.net
TNA Wrestling has signed two of their top young stars to new long-term contracts. A.J. Styles and Matt Morgan, who both still had some time remaining on their previous TNA deals, recently signed new five-year contracts that will keep them with the company through 2014.
Partial Source: PWInsider.com
Matt Morgan announced on his Twitter that he has signed a new deal with TNA, making the following post: but yes thats true. Signed it last week and am looking forward to 5more improving yrs!
The New York Times has an article up on Linda McMahon running for US Senate, which can be read at NYTimes.com. The article mentions that Linda has spent $1 million thus far, and has a reserve of $30 million set aside for her campaign. The story also mentions that some members are leery of her coming into the election, as they feel they could lose the chance to beat incumbent Democrat Christopher Dodd if she wins the chance to run against him. State Representative Sean Williams of Watertown, a Republican who is backing another candidate, had the following to say: "I'm not a prude. There are going to be people who will make a clear case against her - that she has built her business by objectifying women and promoting violence. That will significantly weaken her ability to win against Dodd."
John Cena's third film for WWE films will be named Oxley's Road, and will be filmed in December. Cena will play Cal Oxley, the youngest son of a wrestling family who decides to join his High School's wrestling team. He does this against his mother's wishes in an effort to get her and his oldest brother to reconnect as they have been estranged for a decade following a car accident where Cal's father died. They are casting for a 15-year old to play "young Cal", and it appears as if the younger Cal will be the center of the film, while Cena will have a smaller role as older Cal. Patricia Clarkson (Six Feet Under) will play the mother, Sharon. The film will have a $10 million budget, and will be a straight to DVD project.
Source: The Wrestling Observer
Word going around the WWE locker room is that the reason CM Punk lost the World Heavyweight Title last night is because of heat on him stemming from an incident on the recent European tour.
The story goes that there was in issue with how Punk was dressed and The Undertaker tried to nicely tell Punk that he was the World Champion and was representing WWE overseas so he should dress better. Punk said something to the effect of "what about John Cena?"
This got back to WWE management and they took it as Punk thinking he was a bigger star than John Cena. The decision was then made to take the belt off Punk at Hell in a Cell and put the match as the opener. This may not be exactly how the story went down but it's how it was told to a source. Please take this as a RUMOR for now.
The problems with Punk and losing the title have been the talk of the SmackDown locker room for the past two days. As noted last night before the show, several on the SmackDown brand were under the impression that Undertaker was winning and he did. There are some who are wondering why 'Taker was given the title considering his limited schedule and health problems with the feeling that it was too soon to take the title off Punk.
Word is that WWE is planning on going with a Batista vs. Undertaker feud for the World Heavyweight Title.
Jeff Hardy is reportedly in good spirits, according to one source that spoke with him over the weekend. Jeff feels that when his case goes to court in November, that everything will work out for him.
Matt Hardy will be a guest on the October 13th episode of Scare Tactics, which airs on the SyFy Network. Here is the description from channelguidemag.coma: "The October 13 episode is highlighted by a guest appearance from RAW wrestler Matt Hardy, who plays a violent criminal who breaks out of his physical and mental restraints to go after an innocent doctor's assistant."
Jeff Hardy's legal issues may not be doing any favors to his brother Matt Hardy. On 9/16, there was reportedly a discussion within WWE about what they wanted to do with Matt going forward. He was at the Smackdown taping on 9/15 in Hamilton, but wasn't used and didn't even work a dark match. Hardy did end up working house show events later that week headlining against CM Punk at Smackdown/ECW events. While he wasn't used on Smackdown this past week, Hardy did work the Superstars taping against Kane. As for Jeff, we reported earlier that he pulled his personal Twitter and MySpace accounts and nobody is being allowed to say anything else on advice from legal.
Paul London, U-Gene (Nick Dinsmore), referee Anthony Rosas and ring announcer Todd Keneley have been added to the Hulkamania Tour of Australia. Rosas and Keneley worked on the Celebrity Championship Wrestling show.
Eddie Fatu, the former Umaga, will go under the name "Aumanga" on the tour
Even though Lilian Garcia has left World Wrestling Entertainment, she is not disappearing. Now that Lilian's no longer busy with WWE, she plans on furthering her music career as she is looking to get her band back together. Additionally, fans will still have the opportunity to see the "Decade Diva" as she plans on appearing at various wrestling conventions in the Northeast over the next few months. Fans can also keep up with her on Twitter. This week, Lilian will be marrying her longtime fiancée Chris. They will be spending their honeymoon in Mexico.
Lisa Marie Varon (TNA's Tara) has a new Ebay site, under the name "LisaMarieVaronDirect". Fans can get personally autographed photos and wardrobe items direct from Lisa.
The Boston Herald has an article up on the WWE coming to Boston, and the special requirements that Vince has when he is in town, like having a special room-service order upon (McMahon's) arrival between 11:45 p.m. and midnight . . . WWE will pay the chef to stay late. You can check that out at www.bostonherald.com/
The only update on Jeff Hardy is that he is scheduled to return to court on November 4th.
Bobby Lashley is currently under contract to Prize Fight Promotions, but they have continually delayed the proposed fight with Ron Waterman. Prize Fight Promotions are currently negotiating to transfer his contract to Strikeforce. It is not a done deal, but is expected to go through and there are reports that Strikeforce wants him to fight on the November 7th CBS show.
MMAScoops.com is reporting that Strikeforce has previously had interest in Lashley, but throwing him onto CBS is the opposite of what they had planned. The company had originally wanted to bring in Lashley, and debut him on the Strikeforce Challengers events, where he would face progressively tougher opponents. The feeling with debuting him on CBS is that from a curiosity and ratings standpoint, it would mean more.
TNA wants to promote Lashley's fights on their TV show to make him a huge cross over star. Srikeforce, unlike UFC, would work with TNA, due to the fact that TNA can promote the Lashley fights to roughly 1.5 million fans weekly. They would also not have a problem with Lashley wrestling.
The WWE's Unauthorized History Of DX book gets released on October 6th.
Evan Bourne will be part of the pre-Hell in a Cell PPV chat on WWE.com.
John Morrison, Melina, Kofi Kingston and other WWE performers will be at the 2009 Ringside Fest on November 21st. The event will take place at Carolines in New York City.
Here is the latest on the Jeff Hardy legal situation. Hardy will return to court on November 14th for a probable cause hearing. The hearing will he held in the Moore County Criminal District Court in Carthage, North Carolina. The hearing will be to determine if a crime was committed, and if Jeff Hardy did indeed commit those crimes.
If there is probable cause that Hardy committed these crimes, the case will then proceed to the grand jury. They would review the case evidence, and decide whether or not to indict Hardy on the drug related charges he faces.
From there, if Hardy is indicted, the case would move to superior court, where he would be tried on the charges. That is unless there is some plea bargain agreement if or when they get to this stage.
Matt Hardy claimed that he was not pissed about WWE's creative plans for him with a tweet in the early AM hours on Wednesday. He said the tweet was to fool reporters on the Internet and in fact, what he meant was that he was mad because at dinner after the show some of the guys shorted the server on the tip. According to two different sources, there are many people who are not happy with him right now, with one outright saying they were extremely skeptical of his side of the story. The other source noted that they didn't believe his story and thought it was a cover up. Nonetheless, there are people within WWE who are not happy with him right now. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and not say anything. That's never been the case with Hardy though.
Lacey Von Erich, the newest member of the TNA roster, feels Angelina Love wasn't a good fit in "The Beautiful People" group. The third generation wrestle replaced Love as a member of the group on last night's episode of iMPACT!.
"I feel like it was made for me, and she [Angelina] wasn't a good fit for it in my opinion," Von Erich told the Miami Herald. "I thought that everybody was going to be, 'Oh no. Angelina is gone,' but not one person said that. Nobody really missed her that much. I feel like I can fill the shoes that I'm supposed to."
People in TNA have been telling her that the role in the group was made for her. "TNA told me this role was made for me, and I feel the same way," she said. So when I met the other members, Velvet and Madison ... we all just felt like we were one group, and the band was completed."
Von Erich aslso added that she had not heard good things about Love before joining the organization. "I've never met Angelina before in my life," she said. "After what some people have said, I don't know if I want to."
Elsewhere in the interview, Von Erich talks candidly about her tragic family, saying she blocked wrestling out of her mind after two of her uncles, Michael and Chris, as well as her dad, committed suicide working in the industry. However, a phone call from her uncle Kevin, the only living Von Erich brother, changed her thinking in 2007.
"He told me Vince McMahon was trying to contact me," she said. "I asked for what, and he said, 'He wants you to be a wrestler. He wants you to be a diva.' I said, 'What the heck is a diva?"
"I start watching the show, and I call Vince. I told him I'd check it out. He flew me out, and I went backstage at one of their Monday Night Raw events. I smelt the Bengay, and I saw the guys putting tape on like daddy did. I was just like, 'Wow. This is where I want to be. It just feels right. It just feels like home."
Von Erich also feels people should cut her some slack for walking into the business considering she's gone through so much.
"I know it seems like, 'Oh my god. This girl is just walking into the business and some girls just work their @#% off.' I've sacrificed so much just to get a little bit of happiness in my life," she said. "With my dad dieing, my uncles and my granddad, the tragedy I had to go through, I feel like I deserve a break, and that's where I stand on that."
The Miami Herald recently conducted a lengthy interview with Velvet Sky. Candidly, the TNA Knockout gives her thoughts on Angelina Love's shocking departure from TNA, how her former partner is doing these days, the future of "The Beautiful People" going forward, and much more. Here are a few highlights from the interview:
Her initial reaction to Angelina Love's departure from TNA: "It came out of the blue," Sky said. "We did three TV tapings. She was supposed to go to [TNA's] Germany tour. The travel was booked, and the pay-per-view match was booked. It was supposed to be her and I against Sarita and Taylor Wilde.
"A week and a half after we finished the TV tapings is when I got the phone call, saying this is what happened. 'Oh my God.' TNA reassured me that Madison and I were going to keep the group going. They weren't going to let the group die. They said we all worked so hard, and we were so good in that group. So we were excited about that.
"Angelina told both of us to keep it going strong. She said, 'Don't let anyone or anything ruin what we built.' We won't let anyone or anything ruin what we've work so hard to build. It's not going to happen. Not on my time. That's real. I mean that."
How Angelina is doing nowadays: "I keep in contact with [Angelina]. She is doing OK, and she is going to be just fine," Sky said. "There was a lot of negative stuff that was said about her on the Internet like why she got fired, what's going to happen. You can't always believe what you read on the Internet."
Whether "The Beautiful People" will have a new leader as a result of Angelina's departure from the group: "I don't think there is a need for a leadership role in The Beautiful People. Who's to say I'm better than her, or she's better than me," Sky said. "I don't think The Beautiful People ever needed a leadership role. I view us as equals, 50/50. I think we should have the same amount of promo time, ring time, whatever the case may be. It's a team."
The founding member of "The Beautiful People" also discusses her start in the professional wrestling industry, her family's tremendous support of her when she was struggling on the indy scene, how "The Beautiful People" came about, the Knockouts division, her ring outfits, and much more. To read the interview in its entirety, head on over to www.miamiherald.com/
D-X is featured on the cover of the November 2009 issue of WWE Magazine, which is on newsstands now. WWE.com has joined forces with the magazine in order to showcase the 25 greatest Superstar catchphrases in WWE history. The full catchphrase feature is featured in the magazine.
In an interview with The Sun, Ted DiBiase says he would like to headline a future WrestleMania against Randy Orton. However, DiBiase said he "couldn't predict the future" on whether his dream come true. The two third generation grapplers had a match back in July when "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase hosted an episode of Raw and booked his son in a match against Orton. DiBiase hinted he wouldn't mind facing Orton again. "When Randy and I had the match, that was a really good reaction. I think people wanted to see Randy get his butt whipped," DiBiase said. "Headlining a WrestleMania with Randy Orton would not a bad deal. Whether we love or hate each other, are with each other or against each other, that would be a dream come true."
