TNA performer Davey Richards was interviewed to promote the upcoming TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view event. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On what to anticipate at TNA Slammiversery: “We are going to do what we always do and go out there and deliver the best package of professional wrestling match that we can on the planet today. For this one, I don’t want to spill the beans but we’re going to have something truly special and something that hasn’t been done in a very long time and it takes a very unique blend and a lot of trust from a company to do and they are going to allow us to do it. It’s going to be something that I think we are going to be remembered for a very long time and something I’m very proud to be a part of. So definitely don’t miss it.”

On training under “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and Tony Kozina: “Paul was real old school. When I say old school, people always say what does that mean. He was really just get in there and do the basics over and over and over again I have a lot of respect for what you do where you had to have it perfect because you were taking someone’s life in your hands. I learned all the basics and a real good fundamental grasp of wrestling and Tony really helped me out with getting out there and getting my name known and getting out there and travelling and being recognized and really sacrificed a lot of things for himself to really help me get out there and make my name. I wouldn’t be where I am today without either one of those guys so I’m eternally in debt both are great guys. Paul was a little more scary and a little more stern and Tony is definitely the funniest person I have ever met so it’s very unique blend of guys.”

Check out the complete interview by clicking here.

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard blog to discuss the state of WWE, Daniel Bryan’s future, Roman Reigns and much more. It’s a great read and definitely worth checking out.

Despite Daniel Bryan telling fans that he’s optimistic about returning to the ring one day, Bret Hart says he’s seen this story play out before and thinks Bryan has wrestled his last match.

“Daniel Bryan is finished,” said Hart. “He’ll never wrestle again. I don’t think he knows it yet. I feel terrible about Daniel Bryan. For all intents and purposes, he had the exact same thing happen to him that happened to me after Bill Goldberg kicked me in the head [ending Hart’s career].

“One day, you learn it’s over. Doctors tell you that you can’t wrestle and you’ll never wrestle again. I lost millions of dollars because of that. I pray that it’s not the same for Daniel Bryan.”

Hart also talked about why Roman Reigns didn’t get over the way WWE expected, and sees a strong similarity between Reigns’ character and a former rival of his.

“It was so manufactured that it hurt someone who was naturally getting over on his own,” said Hart. “As soon as the company decided they were going to make him the star, people started to sour on him. Roman Reigns is a really good wrestler and he’ll find his path. He turned the corner at WrestleMania when the fans accepted him on his own merit just ‘cause he had a great match.

“But, in the creation of Roman Reigns, he seems to now be a lot like Triple H’s character. Long hair, indestructible, no facials, he’s always angry, and there’s no softness in his eyes, so it’s very hard to get sympathy. All of that was poorly thought out.

Other topics discussed include the passing of Dusty Rhodes, Dustin and Cody, Seth Rollins and much more.

– Mainstream sports news outlet ESPN paid tribute to the late, great “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes during a SportsCenter segment. The hosts of the show, Jay Harris and Robert Flores, both shared their own personal memories of Rhodes during the segment, which you can watch at ESPN.com.

– The Gawker-Hulk Hogan lawsuit was covered on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Friday. The segment, which featured an interview with Hogan’s attorney, was introduced by Robin Roberts. As previously reported, Hogan is suing Gawker for $100 million over the sex tape, which involved Hogan and Bubba The Love Sponge’s now ex-wife. The trial begins on July 6th.

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

Former wrestling valet Baby Doll (aka Nickla Roberts), who worked during the 1980s alongside the late Dusty Rhodes, recently spoke with the folks at Busted Open Radio for an interview. Below are some highlights.

On hearing the news of Dusty’s death: “It was a shock to me too. It’s one of those things that you always … it hits ya and then you think “Wow, I wish I had just one more time to see him just one more time to do one more Fan Fest or one more autograph show just to see Dusty again. He was such an icon in my life. For a lot of us, he made us stars. He made us household names. He made us legends and I am forever grateful for that.”

On her time with Dusty: “I was so young then too. I was in my early 20s and the guys were a little bit older, they were more established in wrestling, like in their early 30s, you know a little bit later, and for them to take me in and to be a girl, and to be the only girl that was working at that time in that huge area, I couldn’t ask for a better respect that was given to me and how I was treated and just everything that was given to me… it was amazing, it really was.”

On Dusty’s creative genius: “He took what was going on already and just bumped it up. That was one of the things that got me started. I had two showed left with World Class, and that was the two shows in Miami and Tampa that I had against Stella Mae, and it was Christmas Day and the day after that that was in like 1984. So I only had two shows left and I didn’t have any more bookings after that, I was done. I didn’t know quite what I was going to do. I knew that Michael Hayes was promoting Florida so I landed and I got in a rented car and stopped at the first liquor store and got a huge bottle of Jack Daniels and went to go talk to Michael Hayes… and Michael Hayes was like “Oh no honey, I’m getting ready to close down Florida, it’s slowed down a lot. Who you need to talk to is, go talk to Dusty. You know Dusty. He’s over there in the other dressing room. He’s getting ready to do big things in North Carolina. It’s already goin’, but North Carolina is literally about ready to blow up.” And Michael Hayes had put Dusty over and this was in like December of 1984 and Michael Hayes predicted it… that Dusty was getting ready to do something amazing in North Carolina and that’s where I needed to go. And I went over there and Dusty was sitting down and Tully was standing off to the side and I was kind of like “Well, here I am… I’d sure like to work some more… do you think you can use me?” They went out and watched my match and after that it was history because they were looking for the perfect 10 at the time and Dusty just saw that character in me… he just saw a lot that he could work with. But I just thought that it was so cool that back in December of 1984 that Michael Hayes predicted all of that.”

On how many young superstars that he took under his wing and got the best out of and Dusty’s lasting legacy: “It was done the right way. It showed a created part of wrestling. It was very cool what he did. He had a magic. It was just something that I will forever be grateful for. And it was the same thing with Big Momma, Jimmy Valiant’s ex-wife… the character that he brought out in her — that was fantastic. Like “Here, I’m giving you my women… I’m giving you my woman off the street to make you feel better man!” (laughs) And I’m like, “Oh my god, how are you doing this?” It was awesome. And if you look at my face in some of the promos, like when I’m standing back behind Dusty, and he’s talking, you can kind of see it on my face like “Oh my god, are you really saying this? I can’t believe you’re saying this”. It just cracks me up because he was just so much more and even with his passing it’s so cool to hear everybody talking great things about him. But even before this, I can’t even think of anybody that said anything bad about Dusty. It was always… Dusty was making a lot of money and made a lot of people money and how creative he was.”

Check out the complete interview at BustedOpenNation.com.

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

Ring Of Honor will be holding their “Best in the World 2015” pay-per-view event on Friday night, June 19th at 9pm EST., headlined by a “Champion vs. Champion” match featuring ROH Champion Jay Briscoe vs. ROH TV Champion Jay Lethal.

Below is the final lineup for tonight’s show, which takes place live from New York City’s Terminal 5:

– C&C Wrestle Factory (Caprice Coleman & Cedric Alexander) vs War Machine (Hanson & Raymond Rowe)

– Silas Young vs. Dalton Castle

– ROH Tag Team Champions The Addiction (Chris Daniels/Frankie Kazarian) vs. reDRagon (Bobby Fish/Kyle O’Reilly): no DQ

– Mark Briscoe (w/ODB) vs. Donovan Dijak (w/Truth Martini)

– Matt Sydal & ACH vs. The Decade (BJ Whitmer/Adam Page)

– The Kingdom (Adam Cole/Michael Bennett/Matt Taven) w/Maria Kannellis vs. Bullet club (AJ Styles/Young Bucks)

– #1 Contender’s Match: Roderick Strong vs. Michael Elgin vs. Moose

– Title vs. Title: ROH Champion Jay Briscoe vs. TV Champion Jay Lethal

Make sure to visit us here at SEScoops.com later this evening for a complete ROH “Best In The World” PPV report.

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

Former WWE personality Vickie Guerrero announced on Facebook that she’s engaged to be married. She posted:

“Kris Benson….YES!! I will marry you!!!!”

Vickie Guerrero is the widow of wrestling legend Eddie Guerrero, who passed away from heart failure back in 2005. She left WWE last year and is now working in the field of medical administration.

– Below are some recent WWE & NXT attendance figures:

June 11th in Pittsburgh for NXT drew a sellout of 1,600 fans
June 12th in Cleveland for NXT drew a sellout of 1,300 fans
June 12th in Springfield, IL drew 3,500 fans (John Cena tour)
June 13th in Columbus for NXT drew a sellout of 1,100 fans
June 13th in Terre Haute, IN drew 3,000 fans (John Cena tour)
June 13th in Dayton drew 5,000 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
June 14th in Columbus for Money In the Bank drew a sellout of 13,000 fans
June 15th in Cleveland for RAW drew a sellout of 13,000 fans

– WWE is working on a Christmas DVD special that will feature WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle hosting. The project was taped last week at the Santa’s Village theme park in New Hampshire.

– The latest edition of WWE’s “5 Things” video, which you can view below, looks at 5 Screwjobs That Shocked Sports Entertainment.

https://youtu.be/nGaY2kSIQdw

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

Mike Hayes, the OVW star and decorated war veteran who took part in the WWE Tough Enough tryouts but was ultimately eliminated before the final cut, is reportedly going to be hired by WWE after all..

WWE released a video on Thursday, which you can view above, of WWE Senior Director of Talent Development, Canyon Ceman, informing Hayes that he will have an opportunity in WWE when he feels he is ready, noting that the company always honors its’ word.

Check out the video released by WWE above.

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

WWE issued a press release today to announce details on where and when fans will be able to tune into the WWE Tough Enough post-show.

Below is the press release with all of the details:

STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE Network will exclusively air Tough Talk, a live recap show hosted by WWE Superstar The Miz, starting Tuesday, June 23 at 9/8 C, immediately following the new hard-hitting reality series, WWE Tough Enough on USA Network. During the half-hour program, The Miz will have exclusive interviews with eliminated competitors, judges, coaches and special guests. Using social media to ask fans for questions and comments, The Miz will get the answers they want most.

A devoted lifelong WWE fan, MTV “Real World” alum Mike “The Miz” Mizanin competed on the fourth season of Tough Enough, where he finished as the runner-up. Determined to make it, The Miz continued to train and earned his spot at WWE, where he is now living out his dream at the top of the roster. The Miz has also been featured in commercials, on television and has starred in 20th Century Fox’s action-thriller films “The Marine 4: Moving Target,” “The Marine 3: Homefront” and ABC Family’s “Christmas Bounty.”

WWE Tough Enough, premieres Tuesday, June 23 at 8/7 C on USA Network. Outside the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world. Host and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be joined by a panel of judges, including WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan and WWE Diva Paige.

Every week, the three judges will each nominate one competitor they believe should be cut, and it will be up to the WWE Universe to vote and determine who they feel is “Tough Enough,” to remain in the competition. The competitor with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Throughout the season, each judge will have the ability to save one competitor from being sent home. Ultimately, one man and one woman will be considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.

• WWE To Sign TOP UFC Fighter?, TV Storylines Already Being Worked On!

WWE taped another 4 weeks of NXT television on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. (Full Results).

Both Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami, who are out of action with shoulder injuries, commented on how long they’ll be out of action.

Hideo Itami said that he’ll be appearing live at WWE’s 4th of July special from Tokyo, Japan, but will be out of action for another 3-4 months. He also issued a challenge to the winner of the Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor NXT Championship match.

Sami Zayn cut a promo later in the show, calling 2014 the best year of his career but letting fans know that he’ll be out of action for the remainder of 2015. Zayn vowed to come back better than ever and says he plans to recapture the NXT Championship and get revenge on Kevin Owens.

Former TNA announcer and beloved pitchman Don West is back and he’s pumped up about Global Force Wrestling.

GFW released a new video of Don West hyping the promotion’s Grand Slam Tour and of course, their extensive line of merchandise, including coozies (!!!) and the must-have Jeff Jarrett special edition guitar.

EVOLVE issued the following statement in response to indy star Johnny Gargano competing against Uhaa Nation at last night’s NXT TV tapings from Full Sail University.

They noted that Gargano is still under contract with WWN and will be returning to Evolve in New York this summer.

“Johnny Gargano wrestled Uhaa Nation at last night’s NXT taping in a dark match. Watch their first ever match at EVOLVE 27 here. We are very happy that WWE gave Gargano this opportunity. We have all traveled the road with Gargano and watched him go from the pre-show FRAY! on the first ever DGUSA event to his historic reigns as DGUSA Champion. If there is ever a WWN Hall Of Fame, Gargano is sure to be on the first ballot. It is only with your support that Gargano has accomplished all these things. Gargano remains under WWN contract. He will return to EVOLVE in New York on August 15th and 16th. We can already announce one of the huge matches he will be involved in that weekend. After what happened at EVOLVE 44, it’ll be Gargano vs. Ethan Page in an Anything Goes Match at EVOLVE 47 in Queens, NY at La Boom.”

CM Punk has once again trashed Hulk Hogan over his alleged love for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.

Punk was doing coverage during yesterday’s Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory parade for CSN Chicago and blasted Hogan for appointing himself as a spokesperson for the Lightning when he doesn’t even know their team captain’s name.

When Hogan’s name came up and Punk was told Hogan is a big Tampa Bay Lightning fan, Punk disagreed.

“No he’s not,” Punk said. “That’s the problem I have with that. If I’m a Lightning fan, I’m embarrassed they hitched their wagon to a guy like that. Doesn’t know Stamkos’s name, the captain’s name. Icing to him is something he eats three times a day.”

“My love for hockey supersedes anything else and I would just like to see people tune in and understand the game and appreciate the game for what it is. You put something on there like that, it kind of lowers it a little… If I’m a Lightning fan, I want someone to better represent my team. They’re a hell of an organization. That paints them in the wrong light.”

WWE has announced that they are partnering with live streaming app Periscope to provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the new season of Tough Enough.

“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”

Tough Enough premieres on the USA Network this coming Tuesday night at 8pm EST. (Meet the Cast)

Here’s the official press release.

USA NETWORK REALITY SERIES WWE® TOUGH ENOUGH® TO FEATURE DAILY PERISCOPE COVERAGE

STAMFORD, CONN – June 19, 2015 – WWE will turn to Periscope, a new live streaming app, to give fans a look through the eyes of the competitors as the drama unfolds each week during training and competitions leading up to the weekly premieres of the new hard hitting reality series to air on USA Network, WWE Tough Enough. The @WWEToughEnough account on Periscope will also include guest appearances from the show’s host WWE Superstar Chris Jericho®, Tough Enough judges WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan®, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan® and WWE Diva Paige™, as well as various other WWE Superstars and Divas.

Starting June 23, WWE Tough Enough will air weekly on Tuesdays at 8/7C on USA Network. Outside of the U.S., WWE Tough Enough airs live on OSN Sports 2 HD across the Middle East and North Africa, Ten Sports in the Indian subcontinent, Cielo in Italy and on YouTube around the rest of the world.

“WWE is already best in class when it comes to utilizing Twitter to engage with their massive global fan base,” said Danny Keens, Head of North American Sports Partnerships at Twitter. “Periscope allows anyone in the world to share and experience live video and now fans of WWE’s Tough Enough can further engage with talent from the show live in real-time. WWE is removing another barrier and allowing fans to have a deeper connection with their favorite WWE stars.”

“This new innovative partnership with Periscope will ensure that WWE Tough Enough never goes off the air,” said Lisa Fox, WWE Executive Vice President, Content. “This daily all-access content will bring our fans closer to the competitors, the action and the drama than in any other reality show.”

WWE Tough Enough combines the can’t-miss excitement of live television with reality-show drama, as WWE hopefuls vie for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Unlike anything on television today, the lightning-fast hour of entertainment and competition will include live results every week, giving fans worldwide the power to decide who stays and who goes the very same night.

Every week, the three judges will each nominate one competitor they believe should be cut, and it will be up to the WWE Universe to vote and determine who they feel is “Tough Enough,” to remain in the competition. The competitor with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Throughout the season, each judge will have the ability to save one competitor from being sent home. Ultimately, one man and one woman will be considered “Tough Enough,” with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.

The revolutionary WWE Tough Enough App is now available for download. This app will provide an unprecedented fan experience before, during and after the show by enabling fans to vote for who stays and who goes with results calculated in real-time during the final minutes of each episode. The app will also include competitor bios and video and social updates as the competition unfolds throughout the week.

WWE taped 4 weeks of NXT Tv on Thursday night from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Here are complete results:

– Johnny Gargano vs. Uhaa Nation was the dark match, Uhaa wins with a military press followed by two standing moonsaults.

Episode 1:

– Kevin Owens interrupts a Hideo Itami promo and takes credit for Hideo being injured. Finn Balor stops Hideo from being attacked, brawling with Owens. Rhyno meets them on the stage and destroys Finn

– Enzo Amore and Big Cass defeated Jason Jordan and Sylvester Lefort

– Dana Brooke defeated KC

– Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley defeated two local wrestlers

– Finn defeated Rhyno. Owens tried to attack but Samoa Joe made the save

Episode 2:

– The Vaudevillians defeated The Mechanics

– Baron Corbin defeated a local wrestler

– Emma defeated Carmella

– Tyler Breeze defeated Tye Dillinger

– Joe and Finn defeated Owens and Rhyno when Balor pinned Owens

– Owens challenged Finn to a fight and got one. Finn won the non-title match and celebrated.

Keep reading on Page 2 for results of the next two shows:

Uhaa Nation and Johnny Gargano wrestled in a dark match that took place prior to the tapings. Uhaa won with a military press followed by two standing moonsaults.

Check back later tonight for full spoiler results from the NXT tapings.

The Wednesday, June 17th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling drew 476,000 viewers for the first and second airing of the show combined. Viewership was up from last week, as a combined total of 404,000 viewers tuned into the first and second airing of the show.

The first airing of Impact Wrestling this week delivered 374,000 viewers, and the replay that followed the ROH show drew 102,000 viewers.

This week’s edition of Ring Of Honor TV, which was the “Best in the World” pay-per-view “go-home” show, drew 272,000 combined viewers, down from last week’s show, which drew a combined total of 299,000 viewers.

ROH this week drew 172,000 viewers for the first airing, while the replay drew 100,000 viewers.

• Details On MORE WWE & TNA Stars JUMPING-SHIP To Fight In MMA!

Following his Money in the Bank win this past Sunday, it looks like Sheamus could be in line for a run with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship over the next year.

Sheamus earning the MITB contract was a result of his planned win from last year being derailed as the result of numerous factors, including CM Punk leaving the company and Daniel Bryan’s various injuries.

The plan was for Sheamus to turn heel last year and face Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania XXX, however CM Punk leaving the company, the WWE Universe rejecting Batista and Daniel Bryan’s undeniable popularity led to booking changes.

After WrestleMania, Sheamus was going to win the MITB briefcase, but Bryan’s injury resulted in last year’s MITB match being for the WWE Championship. It was decided that John Cena was the best choice to win the belt and go on to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

“The win means Sheamus is likely to take the title some time over the next year from whatever babyface beats Rollins for the title. Headlining with a new name in the mix is a good idea. But Sheamus, even with the change in look, is far from being a new name. I’m not sure that Sheamus is thought of by fans at the level of a guy who at this point should win the title or even headline a PPV in a singles match.”

WWE Hall Of Famer Terry Funk recently appeared as a guest on Busted Open Radio to talk about one of his biggest career rivals — the late, great Dusty Rhodes. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On Dusty Rhodes and the chemistry he had with the fans: “He just had a great amount of charisma. Why did I love going in the ring with him? Was it because I was his great buddy? I was his friend, was that the reason? No. What the great reason was that why I enjoyed so much going in the ring with him… and believe me, as I loved him too and everything else and I love him for those two other reasons … but I loved going in the ring with him because I made more money with him than I did with anybody else. He was a tremendous attraction. That’s why I enjoyed going with him (laughs) ya make more money with him. The Dream was something special. He was a phenomenal in-ring performer but his greatest attribute was his mind and his ability to interact and talk to the people themselves… to the fans themselves.”

On the last time he spoke to Dusty: “Oh heck, I don’t know when it was. Probably a year or two ago… that’s how we always went. Wrestlers are that way. We say we love each other and we say goodbye then we go onto the next town. We don’t ever really say goodbye … just go to the next town… the next day. And whether you see those guys … you see them again. I talked to him a few times through the years… probably a couple times a year. Telling him … whatever, you know … or just running into him. We always feel like we are going to run into each other again … we never say goodbye… it’s just like, going down the road.”

On Dusty inducting The Funks into the WWE Hall of Fame: “It was [a special moment]. Of course it was. Like I said, he was a special guy. I just had so much compassion for him. You don’t start out with somebody and go up and down the roads with em and learn together like we did. I would say that it was an education traveling with him and he would have told you the same thing about traveling with me … it was an education traveling with me.”

On Dusty’s relationship with Vince McMahon and the WWE and working deep into the NWA territory: “If going to the WWE was like going to school, he was just in his freshman year. The WWE is a wonderful, wonderful, great place. And Dusty had so much ability and they realized that too, that’s why he was there. Dusty was the best at talking and teaching people to talk. Dusty was an innovator. Dusty wasn’t just a wrestler, he was a manipulator… and that’s very true. He was great at whatever he did. He had such compassion, such love and he instilled that love into his two kids. You watch those kids, and I call them kids now and they aren’t kids anymore, but they are going into their prime now and you watch them in the next 10 years. They are going to be very well known in the business for one reason: they idolize Dusty, both of them. And they should have idolized him because he was one of the very best in the country. I truly believe both of them are just wonderful pieces of talent that are going to be pushed to a different level than what they have been … at least I’m hoping that they will… I think that’s the smart thing.”

Check out the complete interview at BustedOpenNation.com.

• Details On MORE WWE & TNA Stars JUMPING-SHIP To Fight In MMA!

– Paige’s ongoing storyline with the Bella Twins talking about bringing change to the Divas division will likely culminate with one of the NXT Divas being called up to the main roster.

Ric Flair’s daughter Charlotte is a strong possibility, since she’s been considered ‘ready’ for quite some time now.

• Triple H Comments On When Charlotte Will Make Her Main Roster Debut

– Bayley is currently working through a broken arm. She was wearing a cast at this past weekend’s NXT live events.

– Joey Styles confirmed on Twitter that the July 4th WWE live event from Tokyo, Japan will air live on the WWE Network in its entirety. Aside from the Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor NXT Championship match, Brock Lesnar and Chris Jericho will also be in action on the show.  (Full Card)

– The following is Part 1 of WWE’s new in-depth look at Finn Balor as he prepares to face Kevin Owens for the NXT Championship on July 4th.

In the past year, TNA has reportedly made a legitimate attempt to sign multiple top-tier former WWE Superstars, such as Edge, Alberto El Patron and CM Punk. Apparently the promotion is currently focused on trying to sign one major talent that recently officially parted ways with the company.

According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA is in the process of making a big play for former WWE Champion Rey Mysterio.

TNA reportedly tried to sign Mysterio just this past week, as both Dixie Carter and John Gaburick spoke with him about the possibility of signing with the company.

According to one source, both TNA executives tried to push the idea that they could get Mysterio’s merchandise into stores and assist him in getting television and film work.

Additionally, Carter and Gaburick gave Mysterio the impression that they would build TNA around him as the company’s long sought after Hispanic star. They reportedly told him that the deal would be a non-exclusive deal, as he would still be allowed to work for other promotions on days that do not conflict with TNA’s schedule.

For what it’s worth, the belief is that Mysterio will still be signing a contract to officially join Lucha Underground in the near future.

• CM Punk Talks IN-DEPTH About The Passing Of Dusty Rhodes

As noted earlier, Cody Rhodes released the eulogy he read at his father Dusty’s funeral on Wednesday.

Cody’s brother Dustin (Goldust) also posted his own eulogy to Dusty, which you can read below:

NXT TV Results (6/17/15)
Report by ProWrestling.net

A graphic aired dedicating the show to Dusty Rhodes and his tribute video package played. I’ve seen it a dozen times now and it still gets me… The opening music video aired…

In the NXT Arena, Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady, and Carmella made their entrance. Enzo did their usual schtick and the crowd did it along with him as always. Enzo game his team Star Wars nicknames beforee handing the mic off to Carmella who called Blake and Murphy pigs. She said Alexa Bliss was about to get dissed, disfigured, and then dismissed. Carmella inexplicably called Bliss “Felecia.” Cass spelled it out for us to close, but Blake and Murphy’s music interrupted and the tag champs made their entrance along with Alexa Bliss.

1. Enzo Amore, Colin Cassady, and Carmella vs. NXT Tag Champions Blake, Murphy, and Alexa Bliss. The crowd chanted “you look stupid” at the braided-pigtailed Blake, but he got the better of Enzo out of the gate. Enzo was taken down after a second exchange, but moments later he mounted a comeback with a Dusty-esque hip swivel in there somewhere. Things broke down and resulted in the babyface holding the ring and delivering the “S-A-W-F-T” line that they didn’t finish earlier. [C]

Back from break, the heels took control of Enzo and began to work him over in their half of the ring. Blake and Murphy used a Poetry in Motion back elbow in the corner and continued to get the heat on Enzo.Moments later, they went back to the well but Enzo avoided and made the hot tag to Carmella. Carmella ran wild on on Bliss for a short time, but Bliss scurried back to her corner and tagged out.

Blake came in, but so did Cass. Cass went on a roll with Stinger splash, a big boot, and a huge sidewalk slam before Enzo came off the top with a diving splash for the win…

Enzo, Cass, and Carmella beat Blake, Murphy, and Alexa Bliss in about 6:45.

Still-shots recapped John Cena’s win over Kevin Owens at Money in the Bank and Owens’s subsequent attack… Backstage, Devin Taylor asked if Samoa Joe came to NXT to specifically target Kevin Owens. Joe said that its a complicated thing. He said he always tries to be on the cutting edge and at the forefront of the big movements in wrestling. He said that’s NXT right now. He said that as far as Kevin Owens goes, he just doesn’t like him. He said that intimidation is a tactic of the weak and cowardly; of a man who doesn’t want to fight. Joe said that tonight he’s going to beat the NXT Champion unmercifully… A Finn Bálor video package was hyped up next… [C]

A hype video aired for Finn Bálor. It played along to his music and featured cuts of him making his cool entrances before it settled into him doing a sit-down interview. The interviewer asked “Who is Fergal Devitt?” Bálor discussed his family and his upbringing as photos flashed on the screen. They got into how he discovered wrestling – WWE – as a child and set his sights on being a wrestler with no alternatives in mind. Video from Insane Championship Wrestling showed clips from early Devitt matches and he discussed how he helped to build up the UK wrestling scene.

Becky Lynch was sitting down and discussed how Feral Devitt was the one person who changed her life more than anybody else had. She broke down and said that if Feral hadn’t taken her under the wing, she wouldn’t have gotten into the business let alone make it to WWE. Becky and Feral were shown chatting on the ring at the WWEPC and Becky continued to tell her story of training with Devitt. Dewitt admitted that he had no business training anybody at the time and he doesn’t even want to take credit; he said she deserves the credit. Becky said he’s the most down-to-Earth and humble guy she’s ever met and yet this is what he was born to do.

More ICW footage aired with more intensity and now including clips of latter-day painted Devitt. Devitt discussed being scouted for NJPW and they aired footage of him giving his goodbye speech when he was leaving for WWE and played it up like that was his goodbye speech for going to Japan. It ended and Part 2 was hyped for next week… Charlotte was hyped to be in action next… [C]

Back in the arena, Charlotte made her entrance. Her opponent, the former KC Cassidy, was already in the ring. She was not introduced.

2. Charlotte vs. Cassie. Before long, Tom Phillips on commentry began referring to her as “Cassie.” Charlotte was in control through most of the match, grounding Cassie early and continuing her assault with some new, dirtier tactics including bootlaces across the face while distracting the ref. Charlotte hit a big boot settled into a cravat before Cassie made a brief comeback with a running cross body. Before long, Charlotte hit her spinning neckbreaker, killed Cassie with a spear, and then locked in the Figure-Eight for the tap-out win.

Charlotte over Cassie in about 3:50.

The commentators reminded viewers that Charlotte still has her sights set on Dana Brooke and Emma, before throwing backstage to Devin Taylor who was with Dana Brooke. Brooke cut Devin off and bragged about competing in the Arnold Classic in Brazil. She said she’s back and that’s great for fans but bad for Charlotte. She said Charlotte is being replaced by “The Total Diva.” She said some people earn their way to the top rather then using their family name. She promised to shove Charlotte right through the door she came in through and then patted Devin on the head before taking off… The main event was hyped up next… A Finn Bálor Demon vignette aired…

Back in the arena, NXT Champion Kevin Owen made his entrance. Samoa Joe was out next to his goofy music.

4. NXT Champion Kevin Owens vs. Samoa Joe in a non-title match. Owens ducked out of the ring as always, but Joe didn’t let him breathe as he followed right after him and got face-to-face which seemingly convinced Owens to get in the ring and do this thing. Joe backed Owens into the corner but Owens yelled that he’s the champ, which led to Joe firing off rapid jabs to the face of Owens. Joe dropped him with a hard back-elbow, but Owens stunned Joe with a jawbreaker. Owens hit a hard clothesline in the corner, but Joe followed him across the ring with a receipt back elbow and the twisting enziguri.

Joe washed his boot across Owens’s face in the corner and then his a running face wash to cap it off. Owens slipped out to ringside as the show went into a break. [C] Back in the ring, Owens had somehow taken control and began to work Joe over. Owens connected with the corner cannonball and a jumping senton, but Joe kicked out at one. Owens settled into a lengthy chinlock and quelled a comeback attempt before going right back to the hold. The crowd chanted “headlock city.”

Joe began to fade, but the crowd rallied and Joe finally broke free with shots to the mid-section. Owens got cocky and Joe began to roll with a big jumping senton of his own. Joe fired off shots and landed a big running kick to the head. Joe hoisted Owens to the top turnbuckle looking for his finish, but Owens fought out. Owens charged across the ring, but Joe spiked him to the mat with the STJoe. Owens ducked out to ringside and Joe followed, but Owens sent him head-first into the ringpost. Owens yelled “get the stretcher” before setting up the apron powerbomb. Joe broke free and the two just began to trade blows at ringside. The ref couldn’t break it up so he called for the bell.

Kevin Owens fought Samoa Joe to a no-contest in about 10:00.

The two continued to brawl and the referee locker room emptied and they tried to contain the fight. They were briefly separated before Joe charged back down the ramp into the ring and sparked things off again. Geeks in NXT shirts ran out from backstage and also tried to keep the two separated to little success. They broke free and continued brawling multiple times before Owens finally left the ring to retrieve his title belt. Owens dropped a few of the geeks for good measure on his way out of the ringside area. The show closed with Owens clutching the NXT Championship at the top of the ramp.

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WWE is currently discussing the possibility of bringing in additional part-time talent, such as Samoa Joe and Rhyno, for their NXT brand.

Internally, WWE is looking at their plans for 2016 lately and the feeling is most of their current top stars in NXT, such as Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, Hideo Itami, Tyler Breeze, Sasha Banks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch, by all rights should be on the main roster by then, meaning they will need to replace those top spots on NXT shows.

WWE is looking to secure enough high-profile independent talent to fill what is expected to be several open top spots to carry a full NXT card, which will be tough to do if the aforementioned talent move up to the main roster and the current trainees aren’t ready to move up within the developmental system.

According to one source, this is the reason that WWE has been negotiating with Evolve about a “feeder system” or a “farm league” system that would include merchandise deals and other business agreements that would help them avoid the situation they recently found themselves in with Kevin Owens’ recent Ring Of Honor merchandise.

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(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA Impact Wrestling Results
Taped at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Aired on June 17, 2015 on Destination America
Report by ProWrestling.net

[Q1] Impact opened with a brief tribute to Dusty Rhodes… A video package focussed on Kurt Angle and EC3… Josh Mathews and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero checked in on commentary from the studio… Mike Tenay hosted the contract signing for the Kurt Angle vs. EC3 match for the TNA Title. EC3 and Tyrus came out first, then Angle made his entrance. EC3 ran through the nicknames of the WWE and TNA stars that Angle has defeated and said the thing they all have in common is that they have been beaten, whereas he has not.

“Kurt Angle, you can’t beat me,” EC3 said. He labeled the TNA Title a big red torch that will be passed to him. EC3 signed the contract. Angle asked Tenay how many of the contract signings he’s been involved with. He said it’s important because it shows he has been there before. He said EC3 is a spoiled brat who thinks he should be champion because he’s undefeated. “You have no idea, kid,” Angle said. EC3 pointed out that he’s defeated Angle before. Angle said it’s different because he’s healthy now and is the greatest wrestler alive.

Angle said EC3 will have to look at himself in the mirror once he loses and it will haunt him for the rest of his life. Angle signed the contract. Tenay said that make the match official. He said they have mutually agreed to have “tuneup matches where you will pick each other’s opponent.” Angle said EC3’s opponent will be Lashley. Mathews questioned how it was fair even though they agreed to it. Lashley walked onto the stage…

In the studio, Mathews said he supposes it’s fair since EC3 will get to pick Angle’s opponent next week. Mathews and Pope hyped The Dollhouse appearing after the break… [C]

The broadcast team hyped the Ultimate X three-way match to crown the new X Division Champion for next week…

[Q2] A video package recapped the best of five series featuring The Wolves vs. Bobby Roode and Austin Aries… The Wolves headed to the ring. Mathews said he thought it was telling that the Dirty Heels (Roode and Aries) had to go to the lengths they did last week to avoid being swept. He questioned whether they were just avoiding the inevitable. He noted that The Wolves are a win away from becoming TNA Tag Team Champions for the fourth time.

Davey Richards recalled how Roode and Aries won last week. He said he and Eddie Edwards were fooled once and it won’t happen a second time. Edwards took the mic and challenged Roode and Aries to have the fourth match of the series now. Roode came out and mocked The Wolves for thinking they are calling the shots. He said Aries wasn’t medically cleared to wrestle following his TNA Title match with Angle last week. He said Aries was home resting for the fourth match.

Edwards didn’t buy the sob story. He said that Roode could face one of them in a singles match. Roode worked up the crowd with “right here right now” teases before saying no. He asked how badly they wanted him in the ring. He said they could up the ante by having the winner of the singles match pick the stipulation for match four. Richards said he just wanted to kick the crap out of Roode and said that was fine. Edwards took the mic and said he wanted the match and said he would kick Roode’s ass. “You’re on,” Roode responded. Mathews said the match was coming up after the break… [C]

1. Eddie Edwards (w/Davey Richards) vs. Bobby Roode. The TNA Tag Titles were at ringside. Edwards went on an offensive run and got a near fall.

[Q3] Roode came back with a spinebuster for a two count. Roode spat in the face of Richards, which led to Davey standing on the ring apron and being held back by the referee. Roode motioned to the back. Aries ran out and slid a chair inside the ring. Rodoe swung and Edwards ducked. Roode wound up again, but Richards took the chair from him. Edwards rolled up Roode and pinned him…

Eddie Edwards pinned Bobby Roode in 8:15 to earn the right to pick the stipulation for the fourth match of the best of five series for the vacant TNA Tag Titles.

After the match, Richards took the mic and announced that the fourth match in the best of five series will be a Full Metal Mayhem match…

A Lashley video package… Mathews hyped EC3 vs. Lashley for later in the show…

Backstage, Jeremy Borash said he was scheduled to interview Bram’s opponent, but there was no one around. Joseph Mark entered the picture and said he’d gone through hard times. He said he stumbled onto his new nickname. Park said he lost his law firm and his teeth. He said he’s in between jobs. He said a match with Bram is his chance to be a guy on top. Borash corrected him and said a top guy… A shot of Bram watching backstage. He charged the camera… [C]

A Drew Galloway vignette aired. He spoke about living in a world of negativity and said that it affects pro wrestling, which is his passion. He encouraged the fans to show their Impact..

[Q4] 2. Bram vs. Joseph Park. Park cut a brief promo before the match that Bram interrupted by attacking him to start the match. Bram grabbed a chair and tried to use it, but Park cut him off. Park tried to use it, but Bram cut him off. Bram pulled a kendo stick and a table out from underneath the ring. In the end, Bram speared Park through the table once it was set up in the corner and then pinned him…

Bram defeated Joseph Park in 3:45.

Taryn Terrell cut a promo from the porn set, er, bedroom set. She said that if Brooke and Awesome Kong beat The Dolls then they both get title shots, but if they lose they never get title shots again… Mathews hyped the Knockouts tag match for after the break… A vignette with a female narrator said the world is burning, seconds are ticking by, injustice must be extinguished, and playtime is over for the wicked… [C]

Footage aired from of the Kurt Angle and EC3 contract signing from earlier in the show… Mathews and Pope spoke about Angle and EC3 picking opponents for one another… The Knockouts video aired… Ring entrances for the Knockouts tag match took place. The Dollhouse attacked Brooke before Kong made her entrance. Kong came out and helped Brooke and then referee Earl Hebner started the match…

[Q5] 3. Awesome Kong and Brooke vs. Marti and Jade (w/Taryn Terrell). Mathews noted that Taryn would tie Gail Kim for the longest running Knockouts Title reign at 211 days at midnight. Marti and Jade worked over Brooke and isolated her in their corner. Brooke dodged a moonsault by Jade and then both women tagged out.

Kong threw clotheslines at Marti and bodyslammed her. Kong set up for her finisher, but Jade ran in and broke it up. Kong suplexed both opponents. Brooke speared Jade. Kong ran into a boot from Marti, who then jumped into a chokeslam from Kong. Kong tagged Brooke and had her stand on her shoulders. Brooke dove off and performed an elbow drop on Marti and got the pin…

Awesome Kong and Brooke defeated Marti and Jade in 6:30.

A video package on the Eric Young and Chris Melendez feud aired… Mathews hyped that Melendez is declaring war on Young and would be inside the ring after the break… [C] Mathews recapped the Edwards vs. Roode match and hyped the Full Metal Mayhem match…

Ring announcer Christy Hemme introduced Chris Melendez, who came to the ring for a promo. Melendez called out Eric Young, who made his entrance.

[Q6] Young said he’s trying to do Melendez a favor. He said Melendez is a hero who paid the price for his country. Young said he doesn’t care. He recalled removing Melendez’s prosthetic leg and said he did that on the fly, so imagine what he would do if had time to think about it. Young said he’s at the top of the industry and Melandez is a nobody. He asked if he really wanted this. Melandez said he would see him in the ring next week… [C]

4. Jessie Godderz vs. DJ Z. Z attacked Godderz to start the match. Godderz cut him off and then used a nice power move by lifting him up by one arm and throwing him into the corner. Godderz applied a Boston crab for the win.

After the match, Godderz dubbed himself the man and said the only time he’s ever felt like the fans and “this loser” is when he was part of BroMans. He said he’s the reason BroMans won the tag titles twice. He pressed Z, but Robbie E ran out and attacked Godderz and eventually ran him off…

Jessie Godderz defeated DJ Z in 1:45.

[Q7] A video recapped James Storm shoving Mickie James in front of a train. Mathews said Magnus demanded mic time and would be up next… [C]

A Slammiversary commercial aired for the June 28 event…

Magnus came to the ring without entrance music. He said he was going to start cracking heads until James Storm came out to face him. He said he wasn’t leaving the ring, building, or state until Storm showed his face. Three security guards headed to the ring. Magnus said he would break them all in half if they put their hands on him.

Magnus called out to TNA executives. He said he would not forget what Storm did. James Storm’s music played and he walked onto the stage. He said Magnus tried to tell Mickie and the people that he was the bad guy when it was actually Magnus who was jealous and looked like the bad guy.

Storm said it was Magnus who hired a television camera to follow his fiancee around. “What do you think she was doing when those cameras were not there?” Storm asked. Magnus tried to escape security. Storm rolled a stroller onto the stage and said Magnus should be careful about who he lets watch his son.

Storm said he would never lay a hand on a child, but it was an insurance policy to make sure Magnus didn’t do anything crazy. Storm said he gave Mickie a chance, but he now sees why she and Magnus are together since they are both sorry excuses. Magnus fought through security and attacked Storm on the ramp. Storm kicked the stroller off the stage. Magnus rushed over and found a doll rather than his child…

In the studio, Mathews and Pope hyped next week’s show… Ring entrances for the main event took place… [C]

[Q8] 5. Lashley vs. EC3 (w/Tyrus). Late in the match, Lashley scored a near fall and followed up with a spinebuster. He played to the crowd and a handful of women cheered. Ouch. Tough crowd. Lashley went for a spear, but he ran into a chair that was placed between the ropes in the corner. EC3 covered him for a two count.

EC3 went for his finisher, but Lashley shoved him off and it led to a ref bump. Lashley speared EC3 and went for a cover, but the referee was at ringside. Tyrus hit the ring and dropped an elbow on Tyrus. A second referee ran out and counted (apparently not caring that Tyrus interfered), but Lashley kicked out.

The second referee was knocked out. Tyrus performed another power move on Lashley and called for another ref. Sure enough, a third referee ran out and counted, but Lashley kicked out. Tyrus attacked the third referee. Lashley speared Tyrus. EC3 ran in and hit Lashley with a chair and then put him down with the One Percenter finisher. EC3 covered Tyrus and the first referee woke up and counted the pin…

EC3 defeated Lashley in 9:20.

A video for next week’s show questioned who EC3 would select as Angle’s opponent and hyped the fourth match of the best of five series between The Wolves and The Dirty Heels…

It would have been nice to hear from Rockstar Spud this week given that he cashed in his X Division Title for a failed shot at the TNA Title. Sure, they could play it up like he’s been away because he’s distraught or something, but it would have been better to hear from him last week or this week when the match is fresher in the minds of viewers. Meanwhile, TNA seems to have thrown in the towel on Slammiversary. I believe there was one spot that aired tonight and that’s it. I know they were saddled with an awkward taping schedule due to Impact changing nights, but I can’t remember a pay-per-view that felt so meaningless with only the go-home show remaining.

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