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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.

 

 

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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.

 

 

Here is the updated WWE Bragging Rights card:

* Non-Title IC Title vs. US Title Match: The Miz © vs. John Morrison ©

* World Title Match: The Undertaker © vs. CM Punk vs. Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

* 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.