– Alberto Del Rio appeared at this weekend’s SmackDown live events – but did not wrestle either night. Del Rio called out Sheamus and told the live crowds that he’s not ready to wrestle yet, but challenged the 2012 Royal Rumble winner to an arm wrestling contest – which Sheamus won. This led to a brawl between the two before Del Rio ran off, leaving Ricardo Rodriguez to take a Brogue Kick from Sheamus.

Del Rio is scheduled to return to WWE television tonight on RAW.

– WWE Superstar David Otunga was backstage at the Grammys last night with his fiancee Jennifer Hudson, who sang a moving tribute to Whitney Houston.

– An announcement on the WrestleMania 29 location is expected this week. New York Giants player Jake Ballard was asked on Twitter if he’s excited about WrestleMania coming to the MetLife Stadium next year. He replied, ” yes it’s going to be awesome!”

If these reports turn out to be true, Axxess and other WrestleMania-week events would be held in the New York City area.

It would also be a sign that WWE is breaking with the tradition of holding WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden every 10 years, as it’s unlikely New York City would get the event two years in a row.

Against All Odds 2012

The 2012 TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view opens up with a camera crew greeting Jeff Hardy as he arrived earlier today. Hardy just smiles and enters the building.

– We go to a promo video for tonight’s pay-per-view.

– We’re live from the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash are doing commentary tonight.

#1 Contender’s Match: Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen

Zema Ion makes his way out first followed by Jesse Sorensen with his football.

Sorensen decks Ion to start the match and they go at it. Back and forth action to start. Sorensen hits a bridging suplex for a 2 count. Ion ends up on the floor and fights his way in. Ion flips into the ring but lands on his back. Sorensen with several pin attempts. They end up on the floor and Sorensen gets hit with a bad moonsault and knees to the face. Sorensen looks to be legitimately injured as Ion goes back in the ring. The referee checks on Sorensen and throws up the X and calls for the bell.

Winner and New #1 Contender: Zema Ion

– After the match, everyone looks worried as trainers come out and check on Sorensen. Ion plays it off and heads to the back as the new #1 contender.

– Christy Hemme is backstage with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Roode talks about his opponents tonight and says he will be the better man and walk out World Champ tonight. Roode says Sting will finally know why he is the IT factor of pro wrestling and the most dominant champion ever.

– We go to the ring and out comes TNA Television Champion Robbie E. with Rob Terry. Robbie issues an open challenge and it’s answered by Shannon Moore.

TNA TV Title Match: Robbie E. vs. Shannon Moore

The bell rings and they go at it with Moore sending Robbie out to the floor with a dropkick. Robbie tells Terry to lead the way with the TV Title and they go to walk out. Moore comes up the ramp and attacks Robbie from behind, bringing the fight back to the ringside area. Moore brings it back in the ring and they go at it in the corner. Moore with an atomic drop and a spin kick for a 2 count.

Robbie sends Moore to the apron and eventually knocks him back into the fan barrier. Robbie comes back and keeps Moore grounded on the mat now. Moore fights out but runs into a kick in the corner. Robbie with a back elbow knocking Moore to the mat. Robbie goes to the second rope and comes down with an elbow for another 2 count. Moore makes another comeback and hits a bulldog for 2.

Moore hits a dropkick that sends Robbie to the floor. Moore moonsaults from the apron to Robbie on the floor and takes him out. Moore brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. And another 2 count, and another. Moore misses a moonsault and Robbie clotheslines him for a close 2 count. Robbie goes to the top but Moore knocks him off his feet. Moore climbs up top and brings Robbie to the mat with a hurricanrana for 2. They trade holds and Moore rolls up for 2. Rob Terry gets a big right hand in on Moore. Robbie catches Moore and hits his finisher for the win.

Winner: Robbie E.

TNA Knockouts Title Match: Tara vs. Gail Kim

After a promo video, Tara makes her way out first. Out next is TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim and her Knockouts Tag Team Champion partner Madison Rayne. The match starts with Tara on the offense. Tara tosses Gail around by her hair.

Gail turns things around with a neckbreaker on the apron. Gail comes in with a boot to the face and right hands. Gail slams Tara into the corner face first and splashes her with a clothesline. Gail with a missile dropkick from the top. Madison gets pissed at something, tells Gail to screw herself and walks off.

Gail continues and hits a crossbody for 2. Gail with a submission on Tara’s leg now. Gail with another submission but Tara manages to get to the ropes and break the hold. Gail takes Tara to the top and brings her back to the mat with a hurricanrana. Gail turns around to a powerslam from Tara. Tara fights back and clotheslines Gail. Tara with the big sideslam for a 2 count. They end up back on the top and Gail gets backdropped to the mat. Tara hits the moonsault from the top but appears to have injured her knee. Tara crawls over and covers but Gail kicks out at 2. Tara limps to her feet and goes for her finisher but Gail counters. Gail works on the injured leg then hits Eat Defeat for the win.

Winner: Gail Kim

– Christy Hemme is backstage with James Storm. Storm is ready to win the World Heavyweight Title and party.

TNA Tag Team Title Match: Magnus and Samoa Joe vs. Matt Morgan and Crimson

Out first comes the challengers Samoa Joe and Magnus followed by the TNA Tag Team Champions Matt Morgan and Crimson. Joe and Morgan start things off going back and forth. Joe backs Morgan in the corner and tags in Magnus. Morgan works on the arm and tags in Crimson. Crimson keeps in control of Magnus and hits a running knee for a pin attempt. Morgan comes back in and Crimson whips him into Magnus in the corner. Crimson suplexes Magnus and Morgan covers for 2.

Magnus turns it around on Crimson with the help of Joe and clotheslines him for a pin attempt. Joe gets tagged in and hits Crimson with a bunch of rights. Crimson fights back now but Joe runs over him with a forearm. Magnus comes back in and they double team Crimson for another 2 count. More tags and double teaming on Crimson. Magnus comes in but Crimson fights him off. Magnus stops the comeback with a back suplex and another 2 count. Joe comes in and works over Crimson. Joe hits a powerslam and another 2 count. More tags by the challengers. Morgan and Joe come in at the same time. Morgan cleans house and slams Magnus into Joe head first. Magnus leaps but Morgan catches him in mid-air and drops him with the big sideslam for 2 as Joe breaks the pin.

Crimson and Morgan double team Joe now. Magnus makes the sayve and takes out Crimson. The challengers double team Morgan in the corner now. Morgan shoves Joe into Magnus. Crimson comes in to help but accidentally spears Morgan. They send Crimson to the floor and hit the double team move on Morgan for the pinfall, the titles and the win.

Winner and New TNA Tag Team Champions: Samoa Joe and Magnus

– Christy Hemme is backstage with Bully Ray. He puts her down and says no matter what she does she won’t look good. He calls her a feeble woman and tells her to go away. Ray cuts a promo on tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match.

TNA X Division Title Match: Alex Shelley vs. Austin Aries

We go to the ring and out first comes Alex Shelley followed by the TNA X Division Champion Austin Aries. They trade holds to start and Aries goes to the corner to show off. Shelley attacks with chops and a knee to the gut. Shelley with kicks and a dropkick that sends Aries to the floor. Shelley leaps from the corner to the floor and takes Aries down again.

Shelley slingshots in and keeps control until Aries drops his neck over the top. Aries comes in with the ropes but Shelley puts his knees up. Shelley with a dropkick from the top now. Shelley clotheslines Aries to the floor. Aries goes under the ring and comes out from under the other side. Aries sends Shelley to the floor and suicide dives through the ropes, taking Shelley out. Aries brings it back in the ring and works Shelley over in the corners. Aries with a stomp on the face and an elbow to the back for 2.

Aries keeps control and calls for the swinging elbow drop but it’s countered. Aries hits Shelley with a rake to the eyes. Shelley with a kick to the head and chops. Shelley whips Aries hard into the corner and nails a big clothesline. Shelley continues the offense and hits a big knee to the back of the head, sending Aries out to the floor. Aries comes in from behind but Shelley dumps him over the top and back to the floor. Shelley runs the ropes and dives through the ropes, taking out Aries. More offense and another 2 count from Shelley.

The end comes when Aries hits knees to the head followed by the brainbuster. He turns that into Last Chancery and Shelley taps out for the win.

Winner: Austin Aries

– We get a promo video showing events leading up to tonight’s match between AJ Styles and Kazarian with Daniels’ involvement.

AJ Styles vs. Kazarian

We go to the ring and out first comes Kazarian with Daniels leading the way. Out next comes AJ Styles.

They lock up and have words. AJ rips off the Daniels t-shirt that Kazarian was wearing. They go to the mat and trade holds as Daniels looks on. The crowd chants Daniels sucks as AJ takes Kaz to the mat with a headlock.

A good solid match with lots of back and forth action and pin attempts. AJ hit the pele kick out of nowhere after several pin attempts by both men. AJ looked to springboard in the ring on Kaz but moonsaulted out onto Daniels and the floor. AJ came back in the ring but Kaz caught him with Fade to Black for the win.

Winner: Kazarian

– Christy Hemme is backstage with Eric Bischoff and Gunner. Bischoff talks about Hulk Hogan putting his nose in Bischoff’s family business. Bischoff says Hogan understands how dangerous this situation is and says Gunner is going to destroy Garett. Bischoff acts like he’s getting emotional. Gunner says he is going to finish what he started tonight. We go to a promo video for the match.

Gunner vs. Garett Bischoff

We go to the ring and out first comes Gunner with Eric Bischoff. Garett Bischoff is out next and he’s accompanied to the ring by Hulk Hogan.

The bell rings and they trade shoves and words. Garett takes Gunner down with arm drags and a dropkick. They lock up again and Gunner goes behind and gets the offense this time. Garett takes Gunner to the corner but Gunner turns it around. Garett goes to work on the arm now. More back and forth action as Hogan cheers Garett on. Garett keeps coming back until Eric grabs his leg. Hogan comes over and the ref gets between he and Eric. Gunner takes control in the ring now until Garett slides out of a slam. Garett with a backslide for 2. Garrett drops Gunner on his face and goes back to a submission.

The match goes on with more of the same. Gunner beats Garett down in front of Hogan and stomps on him. Garett tries to come back again but Gunner stops him and puts a knee to the back of his neck. Eric gets a cheap shot in on Garett while the referee is distracted. Hogan comes over and lays Eric out with a right. In the ring, Garett rolls Gunner up but he kicks out at 2. Gunner hits another neckbreaker and Hogan tells the referee to check on Garett’s neck. Gunner continues the assault on Garett’s neck as Hogan tells Earl Hebner to check Garett’s neck again. Garett blocks another neckbreaker and this brings Hogan to the apron with the white towel. Garett tells Hogan not to throw it in but turns around to a big DDT from Gunner for the win.

Winner: Gunner

– Christy Hemme is backstage with Sting. He says he’s the special enforcer for tonight’s main event so we get a clear cut winner. Sting says it’s showtime and walks off.

– We get a video package for tonight’s main event.

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match: Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm vs. Bobby Roode

We go to the ring ad out comes Sting, the special enforcer for tonight’s main event. Bully Ray is out first followed by James Storm, Jeff Hardy and then the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode.

Hemme does formal ring introductions and introduces Sting first. Bully Ray cuts her off next and does her own introductions. Roode tells Ray that they can work together like old times. The bell rings and Ray goes to the floor, allowing Roode to get double teamed by Hardy and Storm. Storm with a big neckbreaker on Roode. They beat up Roode in the corner as Ray looks on from the floor.

Ray finally comes in the ring and clotheslines Hardy and Storm at the same time. Roode cheers Ray on. Ray grabs him with a big slam for a 2 count as Storm breaks the pin up. Ray knocks Hardy off the apron and goes at it with Storm. Storm fights off Roode and Ray. Storm hits the backstabber on Roode for 2. Storm and Roode work together now to double team suplex Ray. They do the Beer Money taunt but Roode decks Storm. They trade right hands in the ring but Storm hit sa forearm and Roode goes down. Storm with a big back drop on Roode. Hardy comes back in and takes out Roode for 2. Ray also comes back in and takes out Hardy with a big boot.

Ray drops a series of elbows on Hardy for a 2 count. Ray keeps the attack on Hardy going and hits him with chops in the corner. Storm and Roode come in. All four men go down after a Tower of Doom in the corner. Ray with a 2 count on Roode, then Hardy. Ray with a sideslam for 2 on Storm now. Hardy hits Twist of Fate on Ray. Hardy turns around to a fight with Roode. Roode slams Hardy on his face. Roode charges Hardy but Ray knocks him out of stride. Ray accidentally splashes the referee in the corner and he goes down. Ray hits the Bubba Bomb on Hardy but the referee is down. Sting tries to revive the referee. Hardy lays out Ray and gets the pin but the referee is still down. Roode spears Hardy as the referee comes to. Storm hits the knees to the face on Roode. Storm hits the Last Call superkick on Roode but Ray pulls the referee out of the ring. This brings Stung over. Storm splashes over the top rope but takes out the referee instead of Ray. In the ring, Roode hits a spinebuster on Ray but Hardy hits Twist of Fate on Roode. Hardy goes up top but misses the Swanton as Roode rolls out of the ring. Roode grabs the World Title belt and brings it in the ring. Sting sees him and grabs it. Roode and Sting have words. Roode shoves Sting and spits on him. Roode dares him to hit back. Sting swings the title belt but Roode ducks and Sting nails Hardy with it. Roode covers Hardy and tells Sting to make the count. Sting hesitates but counts the pin.

Winner: Bobby Roode

– After the match, Roode tells Sting to pick up the World Title belt and give it to him, then raise his hand. After relays, Against All Odds goes off the air with Roode walking to the back with the World Title as Sting and Hardy are in the ring.

To update our earlier report about Vince Russo being removed as the head booker of TNA Wrestling, Dave Lagana is not taking over Russo’s role. Lagana was at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view helping out with backstage segments.

Russo is not at the pay-per-view tonight and while many believe he is gone, nothing has been announced to the TNA crew yet.

Bruce Prichard remains the head of TNA creative. Russo and Matt Conway have been writing the scripts for Impact in recent month,s with those scripts going to Prichard for edits and then Eric Bischoff for his own feedback in production meetings at TV tapings or pay-per-views.

TNA star Jesse Sorensen was injured during his match with Zema Ion at Sunda’s TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view. TNAPresident Dixie Carter posted the following on her Twitter:

“Jesse Sorensen was injured in the opening match of tonight’s PPV. He is currently being transported to the hospital. I will keep you updated”

The injury took place when Ion hit Sorensen with an asai moonsault from the middle rope, hitting Sorensen in the face with his knees. A referee checked on Sorensen, who at first appeared to be alright. When he did not get up or move much shortly after the spot, the referee checked on him again and then threw up the “X” – indicating an injury. The match ended in a countout, with officials running to the ring to help Sorensen to the back.

Update: TNA president Dixie Carter has tweeted the following about Sorensen’s injury:

“Jesse has sustained a neck injury and is currently undergoing tests at the hospital  Will keep you updated.”

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Legit Heat Between John Cena & The Rock: “Was I BS’ing or putting the hype machine in motion when I recently wrote that @TheRock and @JohnCena did not particularly like each other? Absolutely not. Let’s just say that the two stars have philosophical differences, to say the least. It’s the classic confrontation of a former offensive lineman (Cena) vs. a former defensive lineman (Rock) who will both bust a gut trying to one up the other at WM28 in a match that I expect to be stiffly physical.”

FCW Talent Ready To Be Called Up: “I’m working on my 2012 travel schedule now to begin returning regularly to FCW for the record but I do think that there are several talents who are in ring ready to be called up. Bottom line is that it matters not if there isn’t a viable roster spot for the new talent and a long term gameplan established for them. It would be like a NFL team drafting a college star and not having any idea as to what position the draftee was going to play.”

Will We Ever See Kurt Angle Or Sting In A WWE Ring? “Interesting question that only the talents themselves and WWE management can answer. Just a guess but I’d say not likely. Could I see both going into the WWE HOF? Without question. Could I see WWE doing a comprehensive DVD on both? Seems like a layup. Is it impossible that they ‘could’ have a final bout in WWE at a future Wrestlemania? Any thing is possible and WrestleMania is the only place to stage such an attraction in my view but that seems like a long shot. “

Vince Russo has reportedly been removed as the head writer of TNA Wrestling.

Former WWE creative team member Dave Lagana will be taking over some Russo’s duties at tonight’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. We are hearing conflicting reports as to whether Lagana will be taking over as the head of TNA creative or if he’s just helping out until a new creative structure is put in place – but Russo’s out.

Lagana tweeted the following messages on Sunday afternoon:

“And we are off and running.”

“The calm before the storm.”

Lagana signed with TNA back in October and most recently has been booking TNA’s Ring Ka King promotion.

(Source: WrestleZone.com)

Check out this candid behind-the-scenes look of John Cena and an unmasked Kane together at Thursday’s WWE press conference from Dubai.

• Video: John Cena & Kane Brawl At Dubai Press Conference

WWE’s Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon recently appeared on the “Heavy Muscle Radio” at RXMuscle.com. Stephanie spoke to Dave Palumbo about her marriage to WWE superstar Triple H.

– Episode 52 of Zack Ryder’s Z! True Long Island Story is now online. This week, Ryder (who is still selling Kane’s attack from RAW) defends himself and explains why he’s not a sellout. Plus, Ryder reveals why he was at Lucas Films studios a few weeks ago:

– The WWE YouTube channel’s latest “Backstage Fallout” video is also online, featuring post-SmackDown interviews with WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, Ted DiBiase and Hunico:

WOO WOO WOO (Photoshop credit: The Daily Beast)

– TheDailyBeast.com has published an article on Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s strong connection to WWE. The article, titled “Rick Santorum, Family Values Candidate and Pro Wrestling Advocate?” examines Santorum’s role as a WWE lawyer back in the late 1980’s and his role helping WWE transition from “maybe it’s a sport?” to “sports entertainment.”

WWE’s formal acknowledgement that their product is “sports entertainment” has saved the company millions of dollars in taxes and state athletic commission fees. It also deregulated the pro wrestling industry and eliminated government oversight – which many have argued led to the proliferation of drug abuse among performers and premature deaths.

– The Rock was at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday night for the Knicks vs. Lakers NBA basketball game. On the opening day of his new movie Journey 2, The Rock was shown on television sitting courtside with his girlfriend.  You can see a picture of The Rock and his girlfriend at Friday night’s Knicks-Lakers game here.

– Here’s a first look at Mattel’s new “Apptivity” gaming technology, which allows for gamers to use Mattel toys to interact with Apple’s iPad in a whole new way. The WWE iPad game will be released in July:

– Monday’s RAW will feature a rare appearance from WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. In a sign that WWE really is going all-out to jumpstart the road to WrestleMania, HBK is now being advertised for the already-loaded March 12th RAW from Cleveland, Ohio.

The official website of Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena is advertising John Cena, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Triple H for 3/12.

– WWE has released an updated schedule for the relaunched YouTube channel:

• Tuesdays – RAW “Backstage Fallout” & Dolph Ziggler’s “WWE Download”
• Wednesdays – “WWE Inbox”
• Thursdays – “Outside the Ring”
• Fridays – Zack Ryder’s YouTube show & Smackdown “Backstage Fallout”
• Saturdays – “Santino’s Foreign Exchange”
• Sundays – “Are You Serious?” with Josh Mathews & Road Dogg

The “Superstar Toyz” show does not yet have a regular air date.

WWE superstar Alberto Del Rio appeared on San Francisco’s 95.7 radio station to promote his return to the ring this weekend against Sheamus. Here are some highlights of what Del Rio said about:

His Groin Injury: Del Rio said he “completely tore” his groin. He called it the worst injury a man can suffer and said they had to reattach a muscle from his leg to his hip. “Now I’m running, jumping, and ready to roll into the ring.”

Not Liking Other WWE Wrestlers: Del Rio said he doesn’t hang out with many wrestlers outside of the ring. “To be honest, I don’t like most of the guys,” Del Rio said with a laugh.

Legitimately Not Liking The Miz In Particular: Del Rio was asked which wrestlers don’t get along or that he doesn’t like. “The Miz,” Del Rio said. “I hate The Miz. This is not part of the show. I really dislike like that guy. I’ve tried to punch him in the face several times, not in the ring, I mean outside the ring. He’s like a little girl. He’s always running away from me … There’s a big difference between The Miz and I,” Del Rio said. “I’m a real athlete. He’s just a loud, stupid little kid. He’s one of those guys who was probably bullied when he was in school and that’s the reason now that he’s so loud and he wants to get attention from everybody.”

Del Rio also had some interesting comments about wrestling groupies. “They’re interesting,” he said. “That’s all I’m going to say .. There are some ladies who really enjoy wrestling and they enjoy wrestlers.”

Hulk Hogan Without His Signature Mustache

Well lemme tell you somethin’, DUDE  …

Hulk Hogan made headlines last month when he told TMZ that he was getting ready to shave his mustache and his head prior to auditioning for some movie roles.

The Hulkster’s announcement sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy and prompted Dr. Aaron Perlut  (Chairman of the American Mustache Institute — seriously) to plead with Hogan to keep his “lower nose foliage.”

Hogan complied – but now says he’d shave off the ‘stache, for a price. During an interview with BANG Showbiz: ”

“When I talked about it (shaving off the mustache) everyone went crazy. Loads of people began jumping on it and the next thing I knew people were like, ‘Oh my god he’s shaving his mustache off!’

“The next thing I know is I had one of my sports agents calling me saying, ‘Don’t shave it off!’ I’ve heard from Gillette, Right Guard. They said we may have a deal, so I said I’d wait for a while.”

When asked if he really would lose the mustache – which Hulk has rarely been seen without over the last 40 years – he added:

“If you pay me a couple million bucks, hell yeah I’d shave it off! It grows back.”

Against All Odds 2012 Poster (Click to Enlarge)

Below is the final card for Sunday’s TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Bobby Roode vs. James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy

TNA Tag Team Title Match
Matt Morgan & Crimson Samoa Joe & Magnus

TNA X Division Title Match
Austin Aries vs. Alex Sheley

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Gail Kim vs. Tara

#1 Contender’s Match
Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen

Garret Bischoff (with Hulk Hogan) vs. Gunner (with Eric Bischoff)

AJ Styles vs. Kazarian

TNA star Samoa Joe participated in a conference call this week to promote Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. Here are some highlights, courtesy of Wrestling Voice Radio:

The Importance of Restoring Prestige to the Tag Team Championships: “I think it’s absolutely key. Some of the greatest matches that have been ever been wrestled have been Tag Team matches, some of the greatest wrestlers have been Tag Team wrestlers, I think Tag Team wrestling, I don’t know where it fell out of favor, if I’m part of the resurgence and part of making it relevant again then I’m all for that.”

If his Partnership with Magnus Go Further than their Tag Team Title Shot This Sunday: “I think that remains to be seen, I’d like that to continue, I think there’s a nice symbiosis between myself and Magnus, I think the Championship Committee put us together because they thought we’d self destruct and kill two birds with one stone because I’m a problem. I’ve always been a problem and I think TNA are trying to figure out how to contain this problem and their best bet was put oil with vinegar and watch it not mix, and watch it not work out and watch them work themselves into oblivion but obviously we’ve totally ruined that planned and we plan to continue on and rampage on.”

TNA Needing To Move Out of the IMPACT Zone: “I feel it is of dire importance if you want to see the product as well as the fan base continue to grow, people want to see wrestling in their hometown, they wanna go to live events and they want to be part of the experience and forgive me for using the same adjective again but its a very symbiotic experience where the crowd very much powers the performance in the ring and its almost subconscious, when you are out there in front of thousands of screaming fans it amps up your game a little bit, whether you like it or not, it puts you on point, it puts you on focus and makes you want to go out there and put something on fantastically. I think what you saw last week (TV taping from England) was very much evident of that.”

His Proudest Moment in the Company thus far: “Winning the Heavyweight Champions, for a bevy of reasons, first and foremost because it was from an athlete like Kurt Angle, is world renowned and world class and one of the top players in the game and I look forward to replicating that experience here in the near future.”

Hardcore wrestling legend Mick Foley recently spoke with the UK’s Daily Star to promote his upcoming comedy tour. Here are some highlights of what Foley said about:

Competing At The Royal Rumble: “I had to sit back afterwards and think about all the things that had transpired in the five or six minutes I was out there. I realised just how much fun it was at that point. I had some great reactions from the other wrestlers and my children.”

His Status with WWE: “I’m on a need to know basis going forward, I’d like to get involved in some way. I can’t wrestle very often any more. Apart from the run-in, the Rumble was the perfect way to play to my remaining strengths and not expose my many weaknesses!”

The Attitude Era vs. Today: “Are you saying thumbtacks aren’t fun?! Look, as a dad the thing I enjoy the most about the current product is not having to tell my kids to change the channel when sexual chocolate comes on.”

“The Attitude era was fun for different reasons, it was risque, but a lot was not appropriate for kids. The new style forces wrestlers to be creative and not rely on chair shots to get a pop.”

According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz tested positive for marijuana metabolites following his controversial loss to Carlos Condit at this past weekend’s UFC 143 event.

This is Diaz’s second offense with the NSAC and he will ultimately have to appear before them to address the issue. Last time he tested positive for marijuana it was following his win over Takanori Gomi in 2007 at PRIDE 33. He was suspended for six months and the result of the bout was changed to a no-contest.

* DANA WHITE Comments On NICK DIAZ Failing Another Drug Test

RIP Curt Hennig

WWE wrestler Michael McGillicutty (Joe Hennig), son of legendary wrestler “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, Tweeted the following message on Friday, the 9 year anniversary of his father’s death:

“February 10th. A day I just can’t forget… My dad, my best friend… He past away 9 years ago… I miss u dad. I miss u so much! I love you,”

“Dear Dad. Hey man. I’m doin the bst I can. I doin everything you told me to do. I’m not supposed to cry but I can’t help it. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. My name is Joe Hennig. And I’m the past, present and future.”

“Today, I dont give a damn what u call me. Michael McGillicutty. I am Joe Hennig and I am apart of the greatest wrestling legacy of all time. I miss u Dad. And from here on out, I’m taking over! I love u daddy. RIP Curt Hennig. Let’s get this Goin. #Hennig.”

The third generation wrestler has long been considered a potential breakout star, despite his awful, goofy ring name. Just this week, Jim Ross blogged about being impressed with McGillicutty’s rccent match on Superstars. Ross wrote, “Keep Curt Hennig’s son in mind as I feel that he can be a viable asset to WWE but the last name has got to go, IMO.”

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are highlights of what JR said regarding the following questions from fans on Twitter:

“Is the Rock taking Cena and WM28 seriously?”

“Be assured of one thing about @TheRock…he wants…he needs to steal the show in Miami. There’s no way that Dwayne comes back to the bright lights and big stage to perform against @JohnCena, who is WWE’s biggest star, just for the hell of it. Wrestling is in Rock’s DNA and he has the motor and mind set to electrify…if you will. I’m intrigued by this match and it seems to be boiling down to a simple matter of respect and appears to be getting more personal by the Tweet.”

“Ironically, Rock and Cena were both products of organized athletic programs at the collegiate level plus they were both life long fans of sports entertainment which, in my opinion, are great places to start when one’s recruiting potential stars.”

“What is one thing that is missing w/ some of today’s young wrestlers?”

“They aren’t hungry enough or willing to challenge a top star for their spot on the roster. Too many talents are content to not make ‘waves’ and to live quietly and somewhat financially comfortable within their comfort zones. I can assure you that the comfort zone complex is the kiss of death in most organizations and businesses and is not exclusive to sports entertainment. “

The National Newspaper posted these video of John Cena, R-Truth and CM Punk at Thursday’s WWE press conference from Abu Dhabi, UAE, including footage of Cena giving Kane an Attitude Adjustment:.

• WWE Live Event Results From Thursday (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

John Cena, CM Punk & R-Truth talk about wrestling’s global appeal:

Cena nails Kane with an Attitude Adjustment:

WWE SmackDown on Syfy

WWE taped this week’s Smackdown on Tuesday night from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here are the results from Brooks Oglesby of WrestlingNewsWorld.com:

* Sheamus opens the show with a promo to remind the crowd that he is waiting until after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view to decide which title he will challenge for at WrestleMania XXVIII. He is then interrupted by Wade Barrett, who boasts about his future victory in the Elimination Chamber. Cody Rhodes interrupts Barrett shortly after and says the same thing, and Big Show comes out to do the same. This ended up turning into a four-man brawl with Sheamus and Big Show clearing the ring of the heels. A tag match between the teams of Big Show & Sheamus and Wade Barrett & Cody Rhodes is announced for tonight.

* The Great Khali b. Jinder Mahal with the Punjabi Plunge.

* Teddy Long is backstage discussing the ongoing suspension of Mark Henry before being interrupted by Daniel Bryan, who implores Long and the audience to become vegans.

* Beth Phoenix b. Alicia Fox with the Glam Slam. Phoenix continued to assault Fox after the match, but Tamina ran down to make the save for Fox. Tamina then stared Phoenix down.

* Natalya is backstage with Tyson Kidd. Kidd ends up farting and Hornswoggle blames it on Natalya.

* Big Show & Sheamus b. Wade Barrett & Cody Rhodes. Sheamus got the pin after hitting a Brogue Kick.

* Michael Cole interviews AJ in the ring about her condition following her injury caused by The Big Show. Cole says that everyone thinks that Daniel Bryan set her up to get injured, which causes Bryan to interrupt. Bryan yells at Cole, saying he’s had enough of those accusations and threatens to break Cole’s arms. He then goes on a tirade about being vegan, saying he’s better because he didn’t partake in the meat-eating while watching the Super Bowl last weekend. He says that he’s taking AJ home right now. Teddy Long interrupts and tells Bryan that if he leaves the arena now, he’ll automatically forfeit his World Heavyweight Championship.

* Ted DiBiase b. Hunico

* Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton is the main event, and The Big Show is on commentary. During the match, Bryan grabs his title and attempts to leave, but Big Show grabs him and throws him back into the ring. Orton then hits an RKO and pins Bryan, but the referee calls for the bell before the pin is counted. Since Big Show interfered, Daniel Bryan wins by disqualification. Orton gets mad at Show and they start arguing, which ends in Show knocking Orton out. Orton is helped to the back by officials as the show ends.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan appeared on Wendy Williams’ daytime television show on Thursday. Hogan was asked about his ex-wife Linda’s allegations that he and longtime friend Brutus Beefcake had a homosexual relationship. Hogan handled the question well, stating that he is not gay, but would be proud of it if he was. Hogan said Linda’s accusation hurt others, including Brutus Beefcake and his daughter.

He was also denied Linda’s claims that he was physically abusive towards her and spoke about his kids, his financial situation and more.

Check out this video of Hulk Hogan on Wendy:

As reported earlier this week, WWE is expected to hold off until after Elimination Chamber before announcing the final members of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012.

WrestleZone.com broke the news last month that former WWE champion Yokozuna will be inducted this year.

Ron “DAMN!” Simmons, recognized as the first African American World champion (WCW), is also scheduled to join the Hall this year.

With those names set, here is the updated roster for this year’s class, including the inductors:

– The Four Horsemen (To be inducted by Triple H & Shawn Michaels)

– Edge (To be inducted by Christian)

– Mike Tyson (To be inducted by Steve Austin)

– Mil Mascaras (To be inducted by his nephew, Alberto Del Rio)

– Ron Simmons (To be inducted by JBL)

– Yokozuna (To be inducted by The Rock)

The 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place the night before WrestleMania on Saturday, March 31st from Miami, FL.

(Partial credit: PWinsider.com)

SEScoops.com reader Mahmood Ebrahim sent in the following live report from WWE’s live event from Abu Dhabi, UAE:

1- Alex Riley def. Drew Mcintyre

2- Tag Team Match : Primo & Epico def. Mason Ryan & Santino

3- Michael Mcgillicutty def. David Otunga

4- Kofi Kingstone def. Chris Jericho , after the match Y2J attacked Kofi

5- Triple Threat Match for US Title :  Jack Swagger def. The Miz and R-Truth

6- John Cena def. Kane by DQ after Kane used a chair, then AA on Kane.

7- WWE Title Match : CM Punk def. Dolph Ziggler. The match end with double count out , but John John Laurinaitis
came out and help Ziggler to enter the ring and restart the match while Punk is out. The refree count up to 9 before Punk
enter the ring and beat Ziggler with GTS.

* They Announce that tomorrow’s match between Cena anf Kane will be No DQ.

* Best pops : CM Punk , John Cena

WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper told MiamiHerald.com this week that he’ll be at WrestleMania 28 on April 1st.

“I’ll be at WrestleMania.” he said. “Let’s just put it that way.”

Piper has been campaigning for months to host a special edition of Piper’s Pit with John Cena and The Rock as his guests. Piper tells the Herald that “Piper’s Pit with Cena and The Rock would get huge ratings” and “It would help WrestleMania 28 itself, but more than that, with the exception of me who started 14 years before the WWE, everyone in that ring has been made by wrestling.”

Piper says he wants to feature The Rock and John Cena on Piper’s Pit because it’s a chance to showcase to the world what WWE is all about: