TNA Genesis 2012

Event: TNA Genesis Pay-Per-View
Airdate: Sunday, January 8th, 2011 (Pay-Per-View)
Location: The iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, FL
Results by TNAWrestlingNews.com

TNA Genesis Opener:

The show opens with Robert Roode being shown arriving to the arena. Roode has his title over his shoulder as he wheels in his suitcase, and Tenay and Taz talk about his match later tonight. Speaking of the match, Jeff Hardy is shown arriving to the arena as well. This takes us right into the pyro, and the first PPV of the year for TNA. They continue to hype the TNA World Championship match, before properly welcoming us to the PPV, and reminding us that there are three other title matches on the card.

The first title match of the night will be the X Division Championship match. Zema Ion is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and the crowd is hot, but he gets a weird reaction, probably because a lot of casual fans are unfamiliar with him. Ion gets a high five from rapper Rick Ross, who is in attendance, but Ross pulls his hands away when Zema goes for the low five, much to the delight of the crowd.

Kid Kash is out next to a fairly good reaction from the Impact Zone crowd.

Jesse Sorenson is the third man to make his way out to the ring in his goofy letterman jacket with a football in hand. He gives the ball to a little girl in the crowd, but seriously, someone needs to tell this kid this is wrestling.

The Champion, Austin Aries, is the last man to make his way out to the ring and he gets a mixed, but very loud reaction.

TNA X Division Championship Match
Austin Aries (c) vs. Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorenson vs. Kid Kash

Aries drops out to the floor and every other guy in the ring immediately goes for roll ups. Ion is able to knock Kash to the floor from the apron before turning his attention to Jesse and hitting a big dropkick. Ion sends Sorensen into the ropes and eats a hurricarana for his troubles. Sorensen back flips over Ion in the corner and hits a nice bridging Northern lights suplex for two. Jesse lays in with a big punch but he’s pulled off his feet from the outside by Aries. Aries slingshots into the ring and goes for a springboard but Jesse gets his knees up. Everyone goes for a roll up on Aries before getting sent from the ring a little more harshly this time. Kash leaps over the top rope, crashing right into Aries.

Jesse goes up to the middle rope, but his legs are dropkicked out from under him by Ion. Ion goes to the top but he’s stopped by Kid Kash. Kash goes for a superplex, and Sorensen gets in a powerbomb on Kash at the same time for good measure. Aries goes for a quick pin on each man before sending Kash and Jesse out to the floor. Aries slams Ion to the mat and heads up to the top rope. Aries is pushed out to the floor by Ion who goes out to the apron and up to the top, hitting a beautiful twisting body press out on top of Kash and Aries.

Jesse comes in from out of nowhere with a springboard somersault press on top of all three of his opponents. Sorensen takes Aries back into the ring and goes for the pin, getting two. Sorensen stomps on Aries in the corner while Ion and Kash trade chops. Ion charges Kash and he ends up eating a low powerslam into the corner. Aries has things turned around and he’s choking Jesse in the corner with his boot while Kash heads up to the top to superplex Ion. Jesse whips Aries into the corner, knocking Kash down to the mat. Ion goes for a 450 and hits it, getting a three count.

Kid Kash is eliminated.

Aries hits a 450 on Jesse, but Jesse kicks out at two!

Aries and Ion trade forearms in the middle of the ring, but Aries is able to hit a chestbreaker/slam combo. Aries teases the pendulum elbow, but he eats a top rope cross body from Sorensen for another near fall. Jesse hits a suplex variation and goes for the pin, but it’s broken up by Ion, who goes for a pin of his own. Jesse tries to toss Ion to the outside and Ion catches himself on the apron. Ion comes back into the ring and finds himself caught in a small package by Jesse for three. The crowd is going nuts for Sorensen.

Zema Ion is eliminated.

Aries catches Sorensen in a small package, but the ref is distracted by Ion, arguing with him. Aries goes for the brainbuster, and Sorensen counters with the game changes. Jesse goes for the pin but Aries is still able to kick out at two. Jesse slams Aries to the mat, and Ion is shown hiding down on the floor. Jesse goes up to the top but he’s cut off by Aries. Aries tries to bring Jesse back into the ring, but Jesse falls on top of Aries for a two count. Aries sends Jesse into the corner, and charges in right after, eating a big boot to the face.

Jesse goes to the top, but Ion grabs on to his foot and crotches him on the top turnbuckle. Aries hits a big dropkick to the top of Jesse’s head, then goes up after him, hitting an avalanche style brainbuster from the second rope, putting Sorensen down for the three count.

Winner and STILL TNA X Division Champion: Austin Aries

Aries celebrates with his title, and tells the cameraman that it’s a great day to be great, before making his way to the back, belt in hand.

Backstage:

JB is backstage, and he’s joined by Devon’s sons. JB says he’s known both of them since he was six years old, and he’s known their dad for over a decade. Pope walks in and one of Devon’s sons says ‘this is the reason why’. Pope says he wants to slap JB, but who would hold the mic? He says Devon’s sons are men. He also says he’s going to do something to Devon that he’ll never forget. He says they aren’t going to have to deal with Devon’s black behind again, because “Pope- Daddy has spoken”.

– We get a quick video package that shows the events the led directly into the Pope/Devon match that looks to be coming up next.

The Pope vs. Devon

Devon takes Pope right into the corner and beats down on him for a bit. Devon misses a splash in the corner, but comes right back with a big clothesline. Pope reverses a whip, but Devon hits a back elbow and sends Pope to the outside with a clothesline over the top rope to the outside. Devon follows and smashes Pope face first into the ring steps and apron before sending him back into the ring. Devon follows and Pope asks for a time out.

Pope tries to beg off, but Devon won’t have it, slamming Pope to the mat, hitting a series of rights and a diving head butt to boot. Devon goes to the top, but Pope is able to shove the ref into the ropes to force Devon to crotch himself. Pope hits Devon with a dropkick from the second rope while Devon is seated on the top, but it’s not as impressive as it sounds. Devon falls to the mat and Pope hits him with rights before laying in with a big kick to the back. Pope picks Devon up to his feet and hits a front suplex, laying Devon out across the top rope, and hitting him with a couple of big kicks to the face before hitting him with a clothesline that sends Devon crashing to the apron. Pope smells blood and hits a baseball slide that sends Devon crashing out to the floor.

Pope heads out to the floor and sends Devon into the ring post before choking Devon on the barricade, and hitting a quick double axe handle from the apron. Pope sends Devon back into the ring and gets a quick near fall before locking in a rear chin lock. Devon is able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold, but he’s caught with a big back elbow from Pope, who stomps away at Devon’s knees, shoulders and elbows.

Pope stands over Devon and yells that he hates him, before Pope pulls Devon to his feet, and slides him under the bottom turnbuckle, shoulder first into the ring post. Pope heads out to the floor and kicks Devon in the side of the head while it’s set against the ring post. Pope backs up and hits Devon with another big running kick to the side of the head. Pope brings things back into the ring, looking over at Devon’s sons constantly, before laying Devon out with a big DDT.

Pope drags Devon into the center of the ring before calling his sons into the ring. Pope stands over Devon and tells his sons to look at their father. He tells both of them to start stomping on their father. They refuse and one of the boys actually checks on Devon, so Pope kicks him in the gut and throws him to the outside. The other brother tries to intervene, but he catches a right to the face.

Devon is up and he’s mad, hitting Pope with right hand after right hand before slamming him face first into the mat. Devon hits a big running splash in the corner and a running clothesline. Devon ducks a clothesline attempt from Pope and pulls him back close for a big powerbomb that’s good for a two count. Pope is able to come up with an uppercut out of nowhere, but Devon comes right back with a huge flying shoulder block.

Devon charges into the corner, but Pope moves and Devon crashes into the turnbuckle chest first. Pope swings Devon’s legs through the ropes and lays him out with a big neckbreaker. Pope tries for the DDE, but Devon moves and Pope catches himself on the corner. Devon grabs Pope and pulls him into the middle of the ring, hitting what looked to be the Edge-o-matic. Devon goes for the pin and gets the three count.

Winner: Devon

After the match, Devon’s sons make their way back into the ring looking apologetic. They approach their dad, and Devon is more than happy to offer them a hug, before the brothers hold up their dad’s arms in victory.

Backstage:

Tenay sends it to the back where JB is standing along with Sting. JB talks briefly about Hardy last year in his match against Sting, and his road to redemption. Velvet Sky comes in and says she needs to talk to Sting. She says since Karen Jarrett has been fired, the new Knockouts VP should show loyalty, and she’s the perfect candidate. She wants to talk about Madison Rayne, who’s unofficially made herself the VP, and Sky won’t have that. She asks if Sting has thought about who will replace Jarrett. She talks about the match between Mickie James and Gail Kim and says Rayne needs to be kept away. She whispers an idea in Sting’s ear, but Sting says the crew wouldn’t have time. Velvet says she’s been working on the “Velvet touch” and Sting only needs to pull the trigger. Sting says go for it. Velvet runs off and Sting turns to Hardy. Sting says Hardy has done a lot for himself and he’s in better condition than he’s ever been in. He says any night can be Hardy’s night. Sting says Roode is trying to one-up him at every turn but Sting is in charge, and Hardy will reinforce that tonight.

– Back out in the Impact Zone, Gunner makes his way out to the ring with Ric Flair in tow. He gets a lot of heat from the crowd. Rob Van Dam is out next, and the crowd seems pretty excited to see him.

Rob Van Dam vs. Gunner

Flair makes his way out to the floor and the bell rings. The crowd is 100% behind RVD. Both men lock up and RVD gets pushed off, only to come right back into another lock up and a head lock. Gunner pushes him off again and takes RVD down to the mat where the two trade holds. RVD takes Gunner over to the corner but Gunner is able to turn it around and he ends up burying his shoulder in Van Dam’s stomach. Van Dam ends up flipping over Gunner in the corner and hitting a springboard dropkick in the opposite corner. Gunner is able to catch Van Dam with a couple of strikes, but RVD uses his speed to roll up Gunner in a cradle for two. Van Dam taunts Gunner and hits him with a stiff kick to the face when Gunner charges him.

Gunner bails to the outside and gets some quick advice from Flair before making his way back into the ring. Gunner catches Van Dam with a kick to the gut and he backs him into the corner, continuing to work over the midsection. Gunner whips Van Dam into the corner hard and hits a corner clothesline, going for the pin and getting two. Gunner hits RVD with a side slam and goes for another pin for another two count. Gunner tosses RVD to the outside and he’s quick to follow, slamming RVD down on the arena floor before picking him up and throwing him into the ringside barricade. Gunner rips up the mats off the floor, and Earl Hebner argues with him, allowing Van Dam to recover a bit a drop Gunner with a big kick.

RVD sends Gunner back into the ring, hitting a slingshot leg drop from inside the ring out to the apron. RVD goes up to the top, but he’s stopped cold by Gunner who heads up after him and taunts RVD before trying for a superplex. Van Dam is able to hit Gunner with a front suplex to send Gunner to the mat before hitting a top rope cross body for a near fall. Van Dam goes up in the opposite corner and hits a big single leg missile dropkick before following up with rolling thunder. Van Dam goes for the pin, but he still only gets two. Gunner heads to the outside to consult with Flair. RVD dives to the outside and Flair pulls Gunner out of the way. Flair argues with Hebner, allowing Gunner to DDT Van Dam on the arena floor where the mats were pulled back. Gunner hefts Van Dam back into the ring and goes for the pin, getting the three count.

Winner: Gunner

TNA trainers, including Al Snow and D-Lo Brown, make their way out to the ring quickly after the bell to check on Van Dam, and paramedics are quick to follow with a stretcher. The DDT is to Van Dam is shown again as Gunner screams incoherently and slaps himself, making his way up the ramp to the back. RVD is put in a neck collar and then onto a backboard.

Van Dam doesn’t look to hurt, scratching his face and moving his arms around, trying to pull off the neck brace, but the paramedics keep RVD on the backboard and load him onto the stretcher. The neck collar isn’t really staying on at all. Van Dam is wheeled out to the back.

Backstage:

JB is backstage and he promises that TNA will keep us updated on the RVD situation. JB turns his attention to his next guest, Jeff Hardy, who’s face paint has gone to new levels of goofy. Hardy says he doesn’t brag about what he’s done, or what he will do. He says he’s been resurrected before calling out to his ‘creatures’, telling them to mount up, because he has a World Title to win tonight.

– This leads into a video package detailing the history between Mickie James and Gail Kim that has led to the next title match on the card.

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Mickie James vs. Gail Kim (c)

After the “Tale of the Tape”, a cage is shown ringside. It’s the same “penalty box” used in the King of the Match, although the bars are colors like white and pink, giving it the Velvet touch.

Mickie James makes her way out to the ring first to a huge pop from the crowd. The Champion, Gail Kim, makes her way out to the ring next, and of course she’s got Madison Rayne in tow.

Madison sees the cage, and she absolutely refuses to get into it, but the referee lets her know that Sting needs her to do it. This brings out Velvet Sky, who makes her way out to a big pop and backs Rayne up. Velvet can’t open the cage, but the ref does, and Sky pushes Rayne into the cage where the door is locked behind her. Rayne is screaming as the cage is lifted off of the ground and slightly above the ring.

The bell rings and Kim jumps James, beating on her in the corner and choking her with her boot before hitting her with a big running clothesline in the corner and a huge flying knee to the back.

Mickie is able to roll up Kim for two before she snap mares her over and hits her with a dropkick to the face. James hits Kim with a kick to the gut, but she’s sent out to the apron and Kim catches her with a knee to the gut before bringing her in through the ropes and dropping her down on her face. Kim goes for the three count, but she’s only able to get a two count. Kim brings James back up to her feet and hits her with a couple of forearms, but she misses a spear in the corner and ends up out of the apron. Kim is able to his Mickie with a couple of blows that seats her in the corner. Kim sends Mickie across the ring hard, hitting a running spear the second time around.

Kim picks James up to her knees and hits her with repeated kicks to the back. Kim goes for a springboard cross body from the corner but she’s met with a dropkick to the face. Kim locks in a modified dragon sleeper, but Mickie is able to fight out of it. Mickie hits Kim with forearms, then clotheslines, then a back elbow and a flap jack driving Kim face first into the mat. Kim kicks away at Mickie and gets up to her feet, wrapping herself around James and locking in the octopus hold. James heads into the corner and bashes Kim into the turnbuckles before slamming her to the mat.

Kim goes for a DDT, but James is able to send her out to the floor instead where she crashes down hard. Kim argues with Velvet for a second, before she’s caught with a hurricarana to the floor by Mickie. Mickie sends Kim back into the ring and heads to the top, hitting a big flying Thesz press that’s good for another two count. Rayne drops some knucks down from her cage, but it’s just a distraction as the ref finds them and Rayne tosses her another pair. Mickie is able to grab the knucks, and she uses the to blast Kim, but the ref sees it and Mickie ends up DQ’ed.

Winner by DQ and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Gail Kim

Backstage:

JB is standing backstage alongside Bully Ray. Ray shoves and intimidates JB. Ray says this is Monster’s Ball. He says when Abyss challenged him to the match, he was a tiny bit nervous for one second, but he’s the intimidator and he does what he does, why would he be intimidated by a match like this. Ray says he’s the king of these kinds of matches. Mick Foley and Terry Funk bow down to him because he’s the king of hardcore. He says he’ll do whatever he needs to to destroy Abyss, then he’s crawling back to Immortal where he’ll kiss Ray’s feet, Bischoff’s feet, Steiner’s feet, and Gunner’s feet. He says after tonight, Abyss will be Immortal’s b**** again.

This segues directly into a video package showing the events that led up to Abyss challenging Ray to this Monster’s Ball match.

Monster’s Ball
Bully Ray vs. Abyss

Bully Ray is the first man to make his way out to the ring to a lot of heat from the Impact Zone crowd. Ray grabs a kendo stick out of a trash can that’s full of weapons ringside, and he uses it to intimidate So Cal Val before heading into the ring. Abyss is the next man to make his way out to the ring, and he gets a big pop from the crowd.

The bell rings, and Abyss gets himself pumped up, to the crowds delight. Ray and Abyss begin circling each other, but instead of locking up, Ray casually makes his way out to the floor where he surveys the weapons and looks angrily at members of the crowd. Ray makes his way back into the ring and Abyss charges, but Ray bails out to the floor again.

Ray makes his way back up to the ring apron, and slowly back into the ring. Ray ducks out between the ropes and grabs a chair, asking Abyss what he’s going to do now. Abyss heads out to the floor, where he grabs a chair of his own, blowing Ray’s mind.

Abyss heads back into the ring and gets the crowd pumped up by banging on the chair. The two swing chairs at each other for a bit, and Abyss drops his, so Ray lays in with a big shot to the back. Abyss is quick to come back, choke slamming Ray to the canvas. Ray is up right away and hits a big boot, but Abyss in turn, is up right away as well.

Ray grabs a chain out of his pocket at he begins swinging it around, so Abyss grabs a chair. Ray swings the chain into the chair, and Abyss comes right back, hitting Ray with a big shot to the back. Abyss heads to the outside and tosses a cheese grater, stapler, kendo stick, cookie sheet and a couple of trash cans into the ring. When Abyss heads back into the ring, Ray catches him with a chain shot to the back, and a trash can shot to the face, but Abyss punches the trash can back into Ray’s face.

Ray is able to come back and put Abyss down on the mat for a two count. Ray grabs a kendo stick and points at the top of the ramp, saying ‘You!’. Abyss bails to the outside where he grabs Janice. Abyss swings Janice at Ray and Ray bails to the floor, saying he’s out of here. Ray walks fast up the ramp and to the back. Abyss follows and Ray comes right back up the ramp and out to the ringside area, followed by Abyss the whole way.

Back by the ring, Abyss is able to catch Abyss with a thumb to the eye before he blasts him with a cookie sheet to the back. Ray hits Abyss with a couple of right hands before he’s able to whip Abyss face and shoulder first into the barbed wire board propped up on the ring post. Ray picks up the board and throws it into Abyss’ face and Abyss’ arm is cut open. Abyss comes right back, slamming Ray into the ring steps face first.

Abyss takes a walk around the ring and Ray follows, but Abyss sends Ray back into the ring. Abyss goes under the ring and grabs not one, but two black bags.

Abyss heads back into the ring and grabs the cheese grater, hitting Ray in the crotch and pulling it out in one swift movement. Ray drops down to his knees and Abyss turns his attention back to the two black bags. Abyss opens up one of the bags and pours out hundreds of tacks. Ray turns around and Abyss grabs him around the neck, but Ray drops to his knees and hits Abyss with a low blow.

Ray is still selling the cheese grater, but he’s way over the top with it. Ray goes to the outside and grabs a table, bringing it back into the ring and setting it up in the middle of the ring. Ray goes over to Abyss and drags him up to his feet, but Abyss comes right back, chokeslamming Ray through the table and down to the mat. Abyss goes for the pin, but Ray is able to kick out at two.

Abyss heads back to the outside where he grabs another of the barbed wire boards and tosses it over the top rope into the ring. Abyss grabs another barbed wire board and tosses that one into the ring as well. Abyss makes his way back into the ring and takes one of the board, propping it up into the corner right on the other side of the spilled thumbtacks. Ray grabs a piece of table, but he’s cut off by Abyss who drags him to his feet. Ray is able to hit a urunage, sending Abyss crashing into the barbed wire board. Ray goes for the pin but only gets two. Ray grabs the other board and lays it on top of Abyss before heading to the top rope and splashing down hard, sandwiching Abyss between the boards, but he still can’t get a three count.

Ray moves the boards out of the way and grabs Janice, but when he goes to swing at Abyss, Abyss catches him with a chokeslam, putting him down hard into the pile of tacks. The crowd is loving the match. Abyss goes for the pin, but Ray is able to kick out at two.

Ray is able to catch Abyss with a boot, then a trash can lid shot. Ray grabs a kendo stick and hits Abyss in the thigh, then the ribs, then repeatedly across the back. Ray pulls one of the barbed wire boards back out into the middle of the ring before continuing to wear out Abyss with more and more kendo stick shots. Ray taunts the crowd, who is not happy. When Ray turns around though, he walks right into a big black hole slam from Abyss right on top of the barbed wire board. Abyss goes for the pin and he’s able to get the three count.

Winner: Abyss

Abyss celebrates to the delight of the crowd as Ray continues to lay stuck in the barbed wire. Tenay reiterates that this result means that Abyss won’t have to rejoin Immortal, and thus, he is a free man from here on out.

Backstage:

Tenay sends it backstage to JB who is standing alongside Crimson and Matt Morgan. He says they’re defending their belts against an even more unlikely tag team than themselves. Crimson says he’ll give credit where it’s due, Joe and Magnus have been impressive. But they haven’t beaten anyone like the champs. Crimson says destroyed lives is what he does, and tonight is no different. Morgan says they’re the most dominant tag team titles, then he points out that Crimson is still undefeated, and tonight will be no different. Then he turns to himself, calling himself 7 feet of unadulterated terror, and tonight they’ll find out why he’s the most genetically stacked giant walking today.

TNA Tag Team Title Match
Samoa Joe & Magnus vs. Matt Morgan & Crimson (c)

The bell rings and Morgan and Joe look to kick things off for their respective teams. Joe pie faces Morgan and hits him with two shoulder blocks, but Morgan doesn’t move. Both men trade rights, but Joe takes Morgan down with a Pele style kick, only to be taken right down with a big clothesline from Morgan. Crimson tags in, as does Magnus. Magnus catches Crimson with a boot to the gut and a couple of right hands, taking him into the corner for a bit, but Crimson turns it around, hitting him with a couple of rights in the corner. Crimson is able to blast Magnus with repeated knees to the face for a near fall.

Morgan tags in, ripping off his elbow pads and hitting rapid fire elbows in the corner before tagging in Crimson and launching himself into Magnus into the corner. Crimson suplexes Magnus hard and Magnus is able to score a kick to the chest and the tag to Joe. Joe comes in and he’s quick to take Crimson down to the mat hard. Joe peppers Crimson with repeated right hands before tagging back out to Magnus who comes in with a nice elbow drop for another near fall. Magnus clamps on a rear chin lock.

Crimson is able to fight out of the hold, but Magnus responds with a flying elbow for another near fall. Magnus takes Crimson into the corner and tags out to Joe. Joe comes in and hits Crimson with a couple of stiff kicks to the back and a big knee drop, but he still can’t keep the champ down for three. Joe tags back out to Magnus who comes in and hits Crimson with a big European uppercut, but then eats a kick to the chest. Magnus comes back with a big clothesline which puts Crimson down for another two count. Magnus tags back out to Joe.

Backstage footage is shown of Bully Ray beating down Abyss while Joe and Magnus double team Crimson in the ring. Joe wrenches away at Crimson’s neck, putting pressure on him before taking him to the corner, slamming him face first into the turnbuckle, and hitting him with another series of right. Crimson falls to a seated position so Joe brushes his boot across the champs face. Joe hits the ropes and Crimson comes up with a big spear out of nowhere.

Both men make the tag and Morgan comes in with a couple of big clothesline to Magnus. Magnus goes for a cross body but Morgan catches him and launches him with a fall away slam. Morgan takes Joe down with a big clothesline before splashing Magnus in the corner and hitting him with a big suplex that plants Magnus on the mat. Morgan goes for the pin but it’s broken up by Joe. Crimson is in but he’s tossed to the outside by Joe. Joe and Magnus double team Morgan, hitting the slam/elbow drop combo that got them this match, but the pin is broken up by Crimson. Magnus and Crimson fight to the outside, but Joe breaks it up with an elbow suicida dive to the outside, taking out Crimson.

Crimson is able to slam Joe face first into the ring steps, and in the ring, Magnus avoids a chokeslam from Morgan, but when he turns around, Crimson is in the ring as well and the champs hit a double chokeslam. Morgan pins Magnus and this one is over.

Winners and STILL TNA World Tag Team Champions: Crimson and Matt Morgan

Backstage:

Tenay sends it backstage to JB who is standing along with James Storm. He asks Storm if he’s ready for Angle tonight. Storm asks how long JB has known him? In 10-15 years he’s only ever seen JB interview people and he wants to know how he looks on the other side. Storm puts his sunglasses and hat on JB and begins to interview him. He says that he believes that he can beat Angle for the third time tonight. He tells JB that he has to believe. He says when Angle heads out there tonight he’ll hear the crowd chanting ‘You Suck’, but at the end of the match, he’ll be sucking his foot down Angle’s throat. Before Storm leaves, he apologizes to Angle about his luck.

– This leads into a video package highlighting the last couple of matches between these two men, and the events leading up to this match.

James Storm vs. Kurt Angle

The bell rings, and we’re ready to go on what’s sure to be the best pure wrestling match on the card tonight. Storm and Angle circle each other, but Angle is quick to bail to the floor, where he walks around for a bit before making his way back up to the apron and into the ring.

We get a lock up and Storm is able to transition into a head lock. Angle fights him off but falls to a shoulderblock, then a hip toss. Storm goes for the Last Call, but Angle bails to the outside before he’s able to connect.

Angle slowly heads back up to the apron and into the ring again. Angle and Storm begin circling each other again and Angle catches Storm with a boot to the gut and a stiff forearm. Storm is able to drive Angle’s face into his knee and hit a nice neckbreaker. Storm teases the Last Call again and again Angle bails out to the arena floor.

Angle makes his way back into the ring and finds himself tossed back out to the apron. Storm dropkicks Angle’s face and sends him crashing out to the floor. Storm follows with a slingshot plancha over the top out on top of Angle. Storm picks Angle up to his feet and hits him with a wicked chop before sending him back into the ring. Storm follows and he immediately goes to work on Angle in the corner, hitting him with repeated rights. Storm continues to wear out Angle, climbing up to the second rope and hitting him with right hand after right hand, laying in with ten total. When Storm heads back to Angle though, he’s dropped neck first across the top rope, then hit with a release belly to belly suplex, sending Storm flying across the ring.

Angle heads into the corner and stomps away at Storm repeatedly before choking him with his boot. Angle heads to the outside and hits Storm with a clubbing blow across the throat while Storm’s head is sticking out under the bottom rope. Angle makes his way back into the ring and hits a snap suplex that puts Storm down for a two count. Angle locks in a tight rear chin lock, trying to grind Storm down.

The referee checks on Storm, lifting his arm up once, twice, but not a third time, as Storm is able to hang on and make his way up to his feet. Storm hits Angle with a couple of elbows to the stomach, but Angle comes right back with a running forearm, putting Storm right back down to the mat. Angle attacks Storm with a big kick to the back before hitting Storm with a leg drop to the back of the head.

Angle picks Storm up to his feet and hits him with a big short arm clothesline that’s good for yet another two count. Angle locks in another rear chin lock, grinding his arms across Storm’s face. Storm is able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold, but Angle hits him with a big clubbing blow to the back, knocking him to the mat. Angle sends Storm into the ropes and Storm blocks a clothesline before following up with a nice Russian leg sweep.

Storm hits Angle with a series of rights, then a couple of clotheslines and a nice running forearm. Storm goes for a slam but Angle avoids it. Angle goes for a slam but Storm avoids it and hits Angle with the backstabber, putting him down for a two count. Angle is able to respond hitting a German suplex. Angle holds on and hits a second suplex, and finally a third.

Angle heads up to the top rope and connects with a beautiful moonsault, but when Angle goes for the cover, Storm is still able to kick out at two. Angle locks in the ankle lock, but Storm is able to kick him away. Storm catches Angle with a quick kick to the midsection and a nice DDT, but he still can’t keep Angle down. Storm tries for the superkick again but Angle blocks. Angle tries for the Angle slam but Storm counters with an arm drag then hits a big kick to the back. Storm heads back over to Angle, and Angle is able to connect with the Angle slam the second time. Angle pulls down his singlet strap and Angle tries for the superkick but Storm hits the codebreaker and a cutter, but Angle still won’t stay down for three.

Storm heads out to the apron and up to the top turnbuckle, but Angle runs up the ropes. Storm pushes Angle off and leaps off the top rope, connecting with a huge elbow drop. Angle still won’t stay down though, kicking out of a pin at two. Storm goes for the Last Call, but Angle pulls the referee in the way. Angle shoves the ref, low blows Storm, and hits Storm with a superkick. Angle goes for the pin and he’s able to score the three count.

Winner: Kurt Angle

Following the match, Angle makes his way to the back, beaming the whole way, while Storm is shown in the ring grabbing his jaw and shaking his head. Storm calls for one more match with Angle while Angle continues to celebrate at the top of the ramp.

– Tenay and Taz turn their attention to the World Championship match, talking about it for a bit. They cut to the backstage area where Bully Ray is shown cleaning up his bloody knuckles. The cameraman asks where Abyss is, and Ray asks how he’s supposed to know. He says maybe Abyss took the rest of the night off.

– A video package airs, showing clips of both Champion Bobby Roode and challenger Jeff Hardy talking about each other. Roode makes some points asking how many chances someone should be given.

Backstage:

JB is standing backstage and he’s joined by Bobby Roode. Roode says this is pathetic, and disgusting. Not only does he have to stand with JB, but he also has to listen to these creatures of the night chant Hardy’s name over and over again. The crowd obliges by chanting Hardy’s name. Roode says Hardy is an embarrassment to the profession, the company, and Roode himself, and Roode doesn’t like to be embarrassed. He says in life, there is no redemption. You only get one chance in life. Look what he did with his one chance, he won the World Championship. He says he’s the Champion, and he’s the most selfish man in the world, and that means he’ll do whatever it takes night in and night out to stay the World Champion. Whatever it takes. Roode heads out.

– Taz and Tenay run down the Tale of the Tape, filling us in on brief stats for both men. We then get even more facts about what led up to this match, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were trying to kill time.

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Roode (c)

Jeff Hardy is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and he gets a huge pop from the crowd on his way down to the ring. Hardy makes his way up and down both sides of the ramp and all the way around the ring, stopping to shake hands with Rick Ross on his way, before continuing into the ring and posing on the turnbuckles to even more screams and applause from the crowd.

The Champion, Bobby Roode makes his way out to the arena next, and the crowd is giving Roode a bit of heat, but next to Hardy’s reception they sound like they’re sitting on their hands. They even begin chanting Hardy when Roode makes his way down to the ring.

Before the main event can begin, and to kill a little bit more time, we get formal ring introductions for both men. The crowd is still absolutely red hot for Hardy.

The bell rings and we’re finally ready to begin the match. We get a lock up from both men and Roode backs Hardy into the corner. Roode breaks clean and backs away into the middle of the ring. Another lock up and Roode clamps on a head lock. Hardy is able to push him off, but falls to a shoulder block. Hardy heads into the corner while Roode cockily struts around in the ring.

Another lock up from the two and Roode turns his attention to Hardy’s arm, wrenching and yanking at it. Roode takes Hardy down to the mat, but Hardy pops right back up and locks in a head lock. When Roode pushes Hardy off, Hardy knocks the champ down with a shoulderblock and locks in an arm bar. Roode pushes Hardy into the corner to force a break before driving his shoulder into Hardy and hitting him with a couple of right hands. Hardy comes back at Roode, hitting a headscissors to send Roode to the mat and following up with an atomic drop, double leg drop to the midsection, and low dropkick to the chest. Roode comes right back, kicking at Hardy before sending him into the ropes. Hardy kicks Roode in the chest before clotheslining him over the top rope and to the outside. Hardy hits Roode with a dropkick through the ropes before heading to the apron and leaping out with a big clothesline to Roode.

Roode is able to shove Hardy back first into the ring apron and scores with a big right hand, but Hardy reverses a whip and Roode ends up crashing into the steel ring stairs. Hardy positions the ring steps and uses them to launch himself into Bobby Roode who’s trapped against the barricade. Hardy sends things back into the ring and goes for the cover but he’s only able to get a two count. Hardy keeps the pressure on Roode, hitting him with an elbow to the back of the head and a back elbow, but when Hardy goes to the top, Roode pushes his feet out from under him and Hardy crotches himself on the top turnbuckle. Roode pulls Hardy back into a tree of woe and stomps away at him repeatedly.

Roode continues to stomp away at Hardy after he falls out of the corner. Roode hits Hardy with a backbreaker and goes for another pin but he only gets two. Roode continues on the offensive, stomping at Hardy before burying his shoulder in Hardy’s midsection in the corner, and whipping him across the ring hard. Roode goes for the pin but he still can’t come up with three, so he continues on with a big suplex, planting Hardy on the mat. Roode heads up to the middle rope and launches himself off with a big knee drop to Hardy’s face, but it’s still only good enough for a two count. Roode locks in a rear chin lock on a seated Hardy to continue to wear him down.

Hardy is able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold but Roode slams him right back down to the mat. Roode grabs Hardy and launches him under the bottom rope where he falls to the floor, crashing down shoulder first. Roode goes to the outside and grabs a fan’s sign, tearing it up before heading over to Hardy and stomping away at him while he sits against the guard rail. Roode picks Hardy up to his feet and drops him down throat first against the guard rail before sending him back into the ring and trying for a quick pin, only getting two.

Roode locks in another rear chin lock, wearing the challenger down and grinding away at him. Roode has a nasty bruise right on his shoulder blade. Hardy tries for the ropes, but Roode continues to drag him back into the middle of the ring to maintain the hold. Hardy fights up to his feet again, but when he tries for an enzugiri, Roode ducks it and immediately goes right into the crossface.

Hardy struggles, but he refuses to tap as he slowly inches his way toward the ropes. Hardy makes it to the ropes to force Roode to break the hold, but Roode holds on for four seconds before he breaks. Roode picks Hardy up to his feet and slams him right back down to the mat before heading over to the corner. Roode goes back up to the middle rope and mocks Hardy, but when he jumps off Hardy gets his feet up and Roode crashes into them face first and both men are down.

Roode struggles up to his feet first, using the ropes to help him get to his feet. Hardy is able to get up and he hits Roode with a series of rights, then a flying forearm, big clothesline and back elbow. Hardy takes Roode down to the mat with a big back body drop, then a nice kick. Roode sends Hardy into the corner and catches him on his shoulder, but Hardy fights out and hits a Russian leg sweep before putting Roode in a crazy pinning predicament. Both men struggle and Hardy puts Roode down to the mat, only for Roode to respond with a big spinebuster, but it’s still not enough to keep Hardy down for three.

Roode takes Hardy over into the corner and seats him on the top turnbuckle. Roode attempts a superplex, but Hardy holds on to the top rope and he’s able to push Roode down to the mat. Hardy teases the swanton, but Roode rolls to the outside and Jeff jumps down to the mat. Roode grabs his title and begins walking up the ramp to the back. Hardy doesn’t allow this to happen, attacking Roode from behind and bringing him back down and into the ring. When Hardy tries to get back into the ring, Roode catches him with a kick, then a fisherman’s suplex, holding on for a pin, but Hardy kicks out at two.

Roode pulls Hardy up to his feet and eats a boot to the gut and a twist of fate from Hardy. Hardy goes up into the corner and hits the whisper in the wind, but when he goes for the cover, Roode is able to kick out at two.

Hardy tries for another twist of fate, but Roode pushes him away and bails to the outside, grabbing the title and heading up the ramp a second time. Hardy attacks Roode from behind again and Roode smashes face first into his belt on the ramp. Roode is holding on to the title and he tries to use it against Hardy, but Hardy catches him with a boot and Roode drops the title. Hardy tries for the twist of fate but the ref breaks it up to get the title out of the ring. Roode rolls up Hardy with his feet on the ropes but Hardy kicks out at two. Hardy rolls up Roode, but Roode kicks out at two. Roode backs into the corner and begs off before kicking the ref in the crotch. Hardy hits the twist of fate, but it’s too late as the ref is already calling for the bell.

Winner by DQ: Jeff Hardy – STILL TNA World Champion: Bobby Roode

After the match… The crowd is extremely unhappy with the result, as is Hardy, who strips off his shirt, heads to the top rope, and hits a big swanton. Hardy grabs the championship and holds it up, before dropping it down across the body of the champion.

Hardy makes his way to the back while Roode hugs his title to his face in the ring. The PPV ends with Hardy and Roode staring each other down while Roode grasps and kisses the belt.

– FCW star Antonio Cesaro (formerly Claudio Castagnoli in ROH) wrestled his first WWE match at Friday night’s RAW live event from Jackson, Mississippi. Cesaro teamed with Michael McGillicutty and lost a squash to Mason Ryan and Alex Riley. The same match happened at Saturday’s live event in Tyler, Texas.

Cesaro is likely being evaluated to be called up to the main roster, similar to Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins working live WWE events last month.

– Chris Jericho appeared at Saturday night’s WWE RAW live event in Tyler, Texas. He came to the ring but was quickly interrupted by David Otunga before he could even say a word on the microphone.

Otunga demanded that Jericho take off his jacket because it was causing seizures. Otunga got into Jericho’s face and the segment ended with Jericho putting Otunga in the Walls of Jericho before making his exit.

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

Chris Jericho On RAW: “What do I expect from Chris Jericho live on Raw this Monday night? I have no way of knowing but w/o saying a word he made an impact and created ample discussion last week in Memphis. What if Jericho decided to disrespect the live audience and the TV viewers again by NOT addressing them again this week? Would there be outrage, disgust or smiles?”

His Goatee: “Is my mostly gray goatee permanent? TBD. We’re still getting to know each other. It’s an experiment as a result of a lazy guy not shaving during the holidays. I’m not becoming a TV villain as best that I know and if I was I could do so w/o facial hair.”

Legends House: “Would I like to see the Iron Sheik in the WWE Legends House? That would be a hoot. Lots of beeps and perhaps a need for closed captioning. As best that I know, the cast has NOT been finalized for this WWE Network reality show.”

Ultimate Warrior vs. Kevin Nash: “What’s my take on @RealKevinNash and Warrior’s verbal issues? Not sure what prompted it but they will likely NEVER have an official, physical confrontation. It did provide some entertaining exchanges during a slow news week.”

Jack Swagger spoke with Caller.com this week to promote Monday’s RAW from Corpus Christi, Texas. Here are some highlights of what Swagger said about:

2012 Being “The Year Of Swag”: “You’re definitely going to see an evolution of the All-American American. I’m not going to be satisfied until Jack Swagger is back at the top of the mountain.”

Wanting The United States Title: “The All-American American was born to be the United States Champion. (Ryder’s) really molded himself into championship material to cool off his momentum is going to be kind of tough. I’m going to get in there and throw my weight around a little bit and show him how to wrestle.”

• Pictures of Jack Swagger’s Hot Wife Catalina (Former Adult Film Star)

VIDEO: Ultimate Warrior Responds To Kevin Nash

Nash has responded to the Ultimate Warrior’s video message. Nash tweeted early Saturday morning:

“Helwig goes Dr. evil on me. What does he want, 1 billion dollars? How about this Jim, you pick the time and place for free and fun.”

“i thought i was listening to the vagina monologues”

Hulk Hogan, who had a very heated online feud with Warrior last year, gave his pick on who would win between Warrior and Nash:

in a real fight Nash will destroy the Underdog Worrier. HH”

Regarding the challenge, RF Video has offered Nash a venue in Miami during WrestleMania weekend if both men agree to a fight. Dragon Gate USA has also offered Nash and Warrior a venue.

WWE Legend The Ultimate Warrior responds to Kevin Nash’s challenge:

UK women’s wrestler Britani Knight (real name Saraya-Jade Bevis) made her WWE developmental debut at Thursday night’s FCW show in Tampa. Knight competed in a battle royal under the name Saraya, a play off her mother’s ring name, Sweet Saraya. Knight signed a WWE developmental contract in the fall of 2011 after receiving two tryout matches. She now wrestles at NXT as the “Anti-Diva” Paige. Check out these pictures of NXT Diva Paige:

– Many MMA fans are reacting very negatively towards the news of WWE champion CM Punk escorting UFC fighter Chael Sonnen to the Octagon later this month for his fight at UFC on FOX.

As previously reported, Punk accompanying Sonnen to the cage was a deal struck between Punk and Sonnen, not WWE and UFC

– The WWE website’s latest “Bring It Back” campaign is for Women’s Tag Team Titles.

– Tickets for this year’s WrestleMania 28 Axxess event go on sale January 28th via Ticketmaster. Axxess takes place from March 29th until April 1st at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida.

Tickets for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame go on sale Saturday, January 14th through Ticketmaster and the American Airlines Arena Box Office. The 2012 ceremony takes place on March 31st at the American Airlines Arena.

— WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is currently filming the movie “Snitch” in New Orleans, is negotiating to star in the upcoming film “Empire State.”

Deadline.com reports that The Rock would join Liam Hemsworth in the movie based on a real event in 1982 where $11 million was stolen from an armored car in New York. Production is scheduled to begin in April, immediately after The Rock’s match with John Cena at WrestleMania 28.

• The Rock Returning To WWE TV Soon

– Early buyrate numbers are in for last Friday’s UFC 141 pay-per-view featuring Brock Lesnar’s loss to Alistair Overeem – and once again, Brock has shown to be a blockbuster pay-per-view draw.

Early estimates for the show that featured what turned out to be Lesnar’s final MMA fight drew between 750,000 and 810,000 North American PPV buys, which is even higher than original expectations.

Lesnar is one of only 3 people to ever draw over 1 million pay-per-view buys twice in a year. The other two are Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson.

– FOX affiliate KDVR based out of Denver has a review up of The Sorpion King 3, the straight-to-DVD movie co-starring former WWE star Batista and MMA fighter Kimbo Slice. The review mentioned some positives and negatives, but the closing summary stated:

“The Scorpion King 3 may not feel like it belongs in the world of the original films, but it is a very fun, light hearted romp. Definitely worth a rental.”

WWE SmackDown on Syfy

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy:

– World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show.

– Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T.

– WWE Tag Team champions Air Boom vs. Epico and Primo.

– Tamina vs. Natalya.

– Hornswoggle vs. Heath Slater (Over The Top Rope Challenge).

– Hunico vs. Ted DiBiase.

Also scheduled to appear are Wade Barrett, Sheamus Zack Ryder, Drew McIntyre, Teddy Long and more.

*SPOILERS* for Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

WWE’s United States champion Zack Ryder is back with his latest Z! True Long Island Story video. This week’s episode includes Ryder’s reaction to Kane trying to drag him under the ring on RAW, a musical tribute to Eve Torres, a cameo from his former tag team partner Curt Hawkins and more:

Warrior To Respond To Kevin Nash

The ongoing saga between Kevin Nash and the Ultimate Warrior continues.

To recap .. Earlier this week, Warrior responded to a tweet from one of his fans asking why he doesn’t dye his hair like Nash and come back for one more run. Warrior said that he’s “not a dickhead who thrives on stealing the limelight from young guys.”

Nash fired back with a scathing rant on Twitter, calling Warrior a clown and a “c–t” and challenging him to an MMA-rules shoot fight with $100,000 on the line.  After a day or so went by with nothing back from Warrior, Nash tweeted:

“I knew i would get no response because i know Jim Helwig, in the future when my name comes up pass Jim, puss”

Warrior’s camp has responded to Kevin Nash’s challenge, tweeting the following Friday morning:

“Mr Warrior has filmed a video response to Kevin Nash. Stay tuned. #TeamWarrior”

Oh boy ..  We’ll have Warrior’s video message on the site as soon as it gets posted online.

In case you forgot what happened the last time Warrior unleashed a video response to a fellow colleague talking trash about him,  check out Warrior’s video rant on Hulk Hogan from last year:

• VIDEOS: Ultimate Warrior Blasts Hulk Hogan (“Karma Collects”)

— WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross was asked by a fan on Twitter when he’ll return to full-time announcing in WWE. Ross replied, “most likely never,” because “WWE likes what they hear” with the current announce teams on RAW and SmackDown.

– Presidential candidate Rick Santorum, regarded as one of the most conservative Republicans in the United States senate, once worked as a lawyer for WWE and has been described as “a former lobbyist for WWE” by various media outlets this week.

– After going on a very colorful rant against the Ultimate Warrior Wednesday night and challenging him to an MMA fight with $100,000 on the line, Kevin Nash has some more nice words for his former co-worker in WWE and WCW.

• Original Story: Kevin Nash Blasts Ultimate Warrior On Twitter (Must Read)

Nash apparently didn’t get his point across the first time around – and wrote the following early Thursday morning:

“@UltimateWarrior You should watch your mouth,You know your a bitch .You want nothing to do with me.You ran out of your gym to avoid me.”

“@UltimateWarrior You want to go pussy name the place and time. If not shut your d*ck sucker and forget my name. Bitch make me 100k richer”

With the contracts of many top TNA superstars set to expire in the next year or so, there have been various reports about WWE’s interest in these talents. Courtesy of PWTorch.com, here is a breakdown of the rumored names and WWE’s interest level:

Rob Van Dam: WWE is interested in bringing him back.

James Storm and Robert Roode: WWE was interested in bringing in Beer Money together as a tag team, but there’s not much interest bringing them in as singles wrestlers.

Samoa Joe: Despite Steve Austin’s strong endorsement of Joe last year and Joe’s longtime friendships with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, there is unfortunately little-to-no interest from WWE.

Matt Morgan: The general feeling is that Morgan will jump to WWE when his TNA contract expires next year.

Bully Ray: WWE is interested. No word on Devon.

The Pope: Officials were interested early last year when he was being pushed but not so much anymore.

Ink Inc.: There may be some interest in bringing back Shannon Moore down the road but Jesse Neal is viewed as a developmental prospect at best.

WWE tag team champion Evan Bourne is in hot water after he revealed that R-Truth’s recent Wellness policy violation and suspension were a result of them smoking synthetic marijuana (“spice”) together. Even though Bourne and Truth are believed to have “partied” together, Bourne was suspended back on November 1st, while R-Truth’s suspension was not announced until after he main evented Survivor Series with The Rock, John Cena and the Miz.

Triple H, who is not a fan of Bourne, confronted him several weeks ago and blamed him for the news getting out. There is a company policy that WWE talent is not supposed to express frustration with the company publicly – and Bourne has done so several times on Twitter in recent months.

Triple H’s wife Stephanie McMahon is said to be a backer of Bourne’s, feeling that he is a unique act and brings something different to the WWE roster. However, eEven with Stephanie’s support, there is fear within WWE that Bourne could be “the next Paul London” – a guy with tremendous talent who is going to have his spirit broken and will be chewed up by the system.

With Bourne’s Wellness violation and the heat on him related to R-Truth’s situation, it’s somewhat surprising that the tag titles have not been taken off Air Boom already.

(Credit to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for some of the information used in this report)

The Situation

In case you haven’t seen enough of MTV’s Jersey Shore on WWE and TNA programming in recent years, it appears Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino could be headed to Miami this April.

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, someone in WWE creative recently brought up the idea of bringing in The Situation to do something with Zack Ryder at WrestleMania 28.

At this point, we don’t know if WWE has reached out Sorrentino, whether there’s any interest on his part or what his role at WrestleMania would be. He could appear in a backstage segment, he could be in Zack Ryder’s corner or even work some sort of tag team match like his Jersey Shore co-star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi did at last year’s show.

We’ve reached out to The Situation for his reaction to this story and will post an update when it becomes available.

Either way, we want to know – what you think about The Situation appearing at WrestleMania?

Pictures & Video from Chris Jericho's Return

In the days following Chris Jericho’s “surprise” return to WWE this past Monday on RAW, new details are emerging surrounding Jericho’s negotiations with Vince McMahon, his segment on RAW and what’s planned for the former Undisputed champion in the months ahead.

• Jim Ross Blogs About Jericho’s RAW Return

Jericho flew to WWE headquarters in Stanford, CT several weeks ago and met with Vince McMahon to plot his return, all while claiming that he would never work with WWE again.

The cryptic videos hyping Jericho’s return were the idea of WWE’s Social Networking Department. Internally, several people felt the videos were a little too “out there” – but they still went with the “It Begins” campaign.

• Watch Here: All 6 “It Begins” Videos

While Jericho’s unique segment on RAW left many fans wondering what Jericho was going for, longtime students of the business saw that Jericho is a master at working the crowds and was able to manipulate the fans without saying a word.

Jericho will be feuding with WWE Champion CM Punk in the coming weeks, leading up to a match at  WrestleMania 28.

• CM Punk Talks Trash About Chris Jericho (Video)

There is no word yet on exactly how long Jericho is back for but there was speculation going around that he will be involved in a major program after WrestleMania 28 with a match at SummerSlam.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Earlier this week, Randy Orton updated fans on the status of his back injury. He tweeted:

“… I herniated a disc (leaked disc fluid) between my L4-L5 in my lower back. Had som estrength loss in my left lower leg. Time off is to let the inflammation go down, and try and strengthen the muscles int lower back”

The injury is legitimate and is believed to have happened on the 12/19 RAW when Wade Barrett put him through a table. Orton’s rehab is said to be going well. The WWE website has an article up  with quotes from Orton’s doctor, Chris Amann, who says the pain and weakness in Orton’s leg is subsiding and a full recovery is expected.

In a sign of how much WWE values Orton’s services and views him as one of their franchise talents, his current contract has him locked in with WWE through 2019.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– As noted before, The Rock will be appearing on WWE television again in the near future.  The Great One is currently New Orleans filming his new movie “Snitch” and will be appearing on an upcoming episode of RAW to kickstart WrestleMania season. Once he returns, The Rock is expected to appear on most episodes of RAW (either in person or via satellite) leading up to his match with John Cena on April 1st.

– The latest on a possible Cody Rhodes vs. Goldust match is that an angle between the two could be taking place at the Royal Rumble.

–  Steve Austin’s new DVD/Blu-Ray movie “Recoil” hits will be on sale in North America no March 6th. Austin plays a cop turned vigilante after his family is murdered. Austin and actor Danny Trejo are featured on the cover of the DVD.

• Pictures of Steve Austin & Steven Seagal On The Set of Their New Movie

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, f4wonline.com)

WWE Network

With the scheduled launch date for the WWE Network less than 3 months away, there is a great deal of concern in WWE as to whether the company will be ready in time. Getting clearances from cable and satellite providers is the number one issue, as well as whether they can line up sufficient quality programming. Many are fearing the Network will be perceived as a flop right out of the gate.

There are plans mapped out for the first day of programming to focus on WrestleMania, but there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done by April 1st.

As for WWE 24/7 Classics On Demand, that service is set to end on March 31st. WWE first notified providers that it would end on January 1st, but there are existing contracts in place that will keep the on demand channel on the air until the end of March.

For much more on the upcoming WWE Network, head over to our WWE Network news page.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Kevin Nash Shoots On Warrior

Kevin Nash has challenged Ultimate Warrior to a fight.

Ultimate took a shot at Kevin Nash this week on his Twitter. When asked by a fan why Warrior doesn’t dye his hair and have another run in WWE like Kevin Nash, Warrior replied:

“I’m not a dickhead who thrives on stealing the limelight from young guys.”

Nash tweeted the following on Wednesday night, issuing a challenge to a 3-round MMA fight with $100,000 on the line:

“Never realized I had a problem with Jim (Warrior). Seemed to get along fine in Scottsdale. Come on my clown, turn that frown upside down. A true warrior never turns down a challenge. Put up a 100K. I’ll do the same. 3 rounds. mma rules. winner take all. I’m talking shoot, not sports entertainment.”

“Jim Hellwig needs to put up or shut the f**k up. Day before Mania in Miami area. Warrior will have to pass all hiv and hep a b and c tests. I’ll do the same. I’m tired of this guy talking sh** about the boys & me. When they stop it or you tap, i’ll quit, or you can apologize like the c**t you are.”

• UPDATE: Kevin Nash Continues His Rant Against Ultimate Warrior

Gabe Spolsky has posted the following on Twitter:

“@UltimateWarrior @RealKevinNash if you guys want to beat each other up we’ll gladly let you do it in DGUSA. We have show in Miami on 3/31”

Yikes. Who do YOU think would win if Nash and Warrior fought? Comment Below and vote.

— Ring of Honor’s official site made the following “breaking news” announcement Wednesday evening:

“We have received breaking news that Chris Hero has signed and is officially confirmed for “The Homecoming 2012″ on January 20th in Philadelphia, PA.  More details soon!”

Hero was close to signing with WWE several weeks ago but the situation fell apart after issues with Hero’s medical physicals.

– UFC President Dana White says Brock Lesnar is free to work for WWE after announcing his retirement from MMA last week. PopCandiesTV caught White leaving a Hollywood club Tuesday night.

Jim Ross Comments On Brock Lesnar Returning To WWE

Here’s video of Dana White from Tuesday night talking about Lesnar/WWE:

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

Chris Jericho’s Return on RAW: “For the record, I liked it. Also, to be honest, about half way through the presentation, I was having my doubts. Then I saw what I perceived that Jericho was attempting to accomplish and thought that his presentation was unique and certainly unpredictable …

“By saying absolutely nothing and by using facial expressions and body English, Jericho actually said volumes. At least that’s how I felt after the segment ended. The fans in Memphis seemed to be getting peeved at Jericho who they had just cheered moments earlier. Was that the intent? Stay tuned.”

His New Look Goatee: “I showed up on Fox Sports Oklahoma’s TV broadcast of the @okcthunder game Tuesday night sporting a new, gray goatee. Why? Well, the gray aspect is easy…I’m a ‘mature gentleman.’ (No jokes please.) The reason I grew the goatee was simply because I hadn’t shaved in about a week or so during the holidays and when I decided to shave I thought, what the hell, let’s see what a goatee would look like as I have never displayed any facial hair to speak of in my life.”

• VIEW HERE: 2 Pictures of Jim Ross’ New Look

Alex Rodriguez & Torrie Wilson Together (Click To Enlarge)

– Former WWE diva Torrie Wilson and her new boyfriend, New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez were courtside at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for Tuesday night’s Lakers basketball game.

– ESPN announcer and former WWE personality Todd Grisham re-tweeted a message on Wednesday that UFC fighter Chael Sonnen will be accompanied to the cage by WWE Champion CM Punk for his upcoming fight against Mark Munoz on 1/28 at UFC On FOX: Evans vs. Davis.

– As reported earlier, rapper 50 Cent gave WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels a shout out on the new song “Up! (Remix).” HBK wrote the following on twitter:

“Thank you very much to @50cent for the shout out, if it is indeed for me…does that give this country boy official street cred?:-)”

• LISTEN HERE: 50 Cent Gives HBK A Shout Out On His New Song

Listen To 50 Cent's New Song Here

– In a new rap song featuring 50 Cent, Young Jeezy and T.I., 50 cent is the latest hip hop star to reference pro wrestling in his rhymes. 50 gives WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels a shoutout with the line, “I be on that elite sh*t, that HBK Heartbreak Kid freak sh*t.”

You can listen to the song at DefSounds.com, the HBK line comes when there’s 2:35 left in the song, about 40 seconds in.

– The Miz and Eve Torres will be appearing at tonight’s Anaheim Ducks NHL game at the Honda Center. They will be promoting the 1/16 RAW from the same venue and will be signing autographs during the second intermission.

– Beth Phoenix has responded to E! television host Chelsea Handler’s negative comments about women’s wrestling on her Tuesday night “Chelsea Lately” show. Beth tweeted:

“@chelseahandler made some off color comments about Women’s Wrestling last night…Being WWE’s Diva’s Champ I can tell you with confidence that if @chelseahandler has any question about what a “women’s wrestler” can do or how well we entertain, Id be happy to show her…”

“@chelseahandler please allow me to invite you to see a WWE event, live first hand 2/24 at the Staples Center. Of course, the invitation to @chelseahandler extends to the ring…any time …any place…if you would like to see what the Champ is made of.”